God Ash: Remnants of the fallen.

As the {Black-Hearth Dwarves} chattered away, Cain couldn't help but frown.

'Beorstone has mentioned Fuji multiple times. Could it be the same Fuji I know?'

He thought about it for a momentz then recalled what the system had told him.

'The {Black-Hearth Dwarves} aligned themselves with the Black Stone Turtle and the Vermillion Flame Eagle. In other words, their ancestors used to worship those Suns of Aether. Could it still be...'

His thoughts began to spiral out of control.

Meanwhile, the Dwarves were still mumbling to themselves.

Beorstone grunted and scratched his beard, eyes drifting back to the Rift,

"Either way, we're stuck here for now."

Bilfur's grip tightened on his pickaxe. "Boss, I don't like this place. The stones feel… wrong. Not at all like home."

Gungir adjusted his goggles, tilting his head toward the cavern ceiling. "Aye. Something's moving up there as well."

Cain frowned and looked up. Up there, was a patch of Pudding's squirming flesh tightly blocking the entrance to the hole he had used to come to this place.

He pursed his lips,

"Don't worry about that. It's friendly."

Gungir hummed, "I see."

Then he cleared his throat,

"Human, we need more information. This world— Urbus, you call it. We need more information about your world. What Celestial Domain does it fall under? I believe most humans are aligned with the current heavenly emperor, no? Are you also one of Tian's worshipers?"

Cain raised a brow,

"I do not worship any celestials, neither does this planet fall under any celestial's domain. Yet."

Gungir paused for a moment and adjusted his goggles,

"I see. Then that must mean this world is still in the time of inception."

He turned to Beorstone and signaled with a slight nod.

Beorstone's expression changed as a strangely sinister look settled in his eyes.

Cain frowned, noticing the subtle, yet concerning shift in atmosphere.

Beorstone cleared his throat and turned to face him,

"Human. Now that we have arrived, we are taking claim of this cave for ourselves. Of course, you are free to fight for it, but then we'll have to settle it the old way."

Cain grimaced,

'Ah. I see...'

What he had sensed earlier... was the disgusting stench of greed.

'How didn't I notice it earlier?' Cain lamented to himself.

While the {Black-Hearth Dwarves} were discussing amongst themselves in hushed tones, he had failed to notice their eyes darting around greedily.

The system had warned him earlier.

Not only were these creatures very aggressive and violent, they were also greedy little shits.

Cain felt the ambient temperature begin to rise.

He had a feeling that if he didn't agree to back off, they would all jump at him and pummel him to death.

Luckily, he wasn't scared of something like that happening.

After all, if they came to blows, he was confident he could stand his ground.

His blade was still sheathed, but that didn't mean it wasn't dangerous.

He calmed himself.

'No. Not yet.'

His lips stretched into a thin smile,

"But I found this place first, no? Wouldn't the just thing be for me to keep the treasures here?"

The Dwarves were silent for a moment.

Then they all exploded into fits of snorting laughter.

Beorstone guffawed,

"It seems your kind are naturally gifted with a jester's foolishness, Cain, the Human!"

Gungir chuckled as ran his stumpy fingers over his rat-like mustache,

"Don't take it personally, kid. I'd anything, you should be glad we are letting you walk away with your life. We, the Dwarves of Lent, aren't usually so kind."

Beorstone patted Gungir on his shoulder as he aggressively roared in laughter,

"That's right, boy! You should be greatful!"

Cain pursed his lips,

'Aren't these guys a little too overconfident? It's like they don't see me as a threat at all. Are they just arrogant, or...'

Cain paused.

And then his eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I see. You've set up an array already." Cain muttered coldly.

Gungir grinned menacingly, showing off his surprisingly white teeth through his bushy facial hair,

"Our kind have battled with the beings of the Aether for eons. Despite being born with lesser affinity for the mystical, we have found ways to harness both Aether and Mana by utilizing all manners of runes, glyphs and arrays. If you want to blame anyone, blame yourself for your negligence."

'These little bastards are really trying to one up me.' His eyes twitched.

At some point, the dastardly Dwarf had set up a sealing rune that completely froze the flow of mana in their surroundings.

That meant he couldn't use any of his skills or spells at the moment.

Beorstone pointed his weapon at him,

"It is a shame, but you should have taken up the offer quickly. Grimdor!"

The largest of the Dwarves rushed towards him, its muscles bulging and its eyes radiating ill will,

With the large hammer now aimed at his head, Cain let out a sigh,

'Seems like I no longer have a choice.'

He calmly drew {Eidwyrm} from its sheath mounted on his back.

The eyes of all the Dwarves widened.

He swung at the war hammer of Grimdor with all his might.

There was a moment of brief silence.

Then the sound of metal clashing against metal rank throughout the underground chamber, followed by an incredibly loud bang that traveled right into the depths of Urbus.

Grimdor's eyes widened,

'This Hooman... is strong.'

The Dwarf skillfully brandished his hammer as he landed back on the ground with a loud bang, the ground cracking.

A frenzied light of battle intent burned like embers in the eyes of the {Black-Hearth Dwarf} as he growled,

"Again!"

"Hold it right there, yer grimy bastard!" Beorstone barked as he tightly held Grimdor down.

Grimdor turned with wide eyes,

"Boss! What are you—!"

"That's enough for now, Grimdor. Stand down."

"By the great Fuji..." Gungir muttered as he slowly walked towards Cain, his eyes fixed on the sword in his hand.

Cain's eyes narrowed as he brandished his sword,

"Don't come any closer."

Of course, the damned Dwarf completely ignored him,

"Human, tell me; where did you find such a fine weapon?"