Behind the black, metal throne stood a gigantic, stone statue that was as tall as the chamber. The dwarf that sat on the throne placed his right elbow on the golden armrest and rested his chin on his right hand. His sturdy body was covered in red silk, and his forehead was creased by a frown. His face was majestic, but his eyes had a hint of frustration and lethargy.

The dwarves in white who were beside him whispered, “Elder Brovar, the people you requested are here.”

Kaerwen bowed to Brovar when he went up to him.

“Letho, a witcher of the Viper School and his disciple, Roy. It’s rare my nephew would praise someone so much, so I guess you’re the real deal. I hope you won’t disappoint me.” The elder’s voice echoed in the corridor. It was a husky voice, as if a boulder and stone were scratching against each other. There was an inexplicably ancient element to his voice that left a deep impression.

Brovar was a muscular dwarf, but it couldn’t hide his age. Dwarves had a long life expectancy, but even so, Brovar was old among them.

‘Brovar Hoger

Age: A hundred and ninety-eight years old

Gender: Male

HP: 120 (Racial trait: Resilience. +20 HP)

Status: Great Elder of Mount Carbon (An overwhelming majority of the dwarves acknowledge him. He is the ruler of Mount Carbon and oversees all business pertaining to the Mahakams.)

Strength: 10 (Strong Body. +1)

Dexterity: 6 (Stout. -1)

Constitution: 10 (Strong Body. +1)

Perception: 7

Will: 8

Spirit: 6

Charisma: 6 (Stout. -1)

Skills:

Ancient Crafting Level 10: Brovar Hoger has trained his skills for a century. He can create any weapon or armor. Masterful is understating his skills. He can create powerful armor out of scrap metal. Even though it has been years since he has made his last piece of work, his skill is still among the best in the world. Any armor he makes is tantamount to a legacy item usable by any knight, soldier, mercenary, or witcher. He can even create divine items from the ancient era as long as he has the blueprint and materials.

Two-handed Mastery Level 10: Years of training and battle granted him perfect mastery of giant axes, lances, polearms, and great hammers. Using two-handed weapons grants him a 50% damage increase.

Resilience (Passive): Dwarves live long lives and possess powerful life forces. An adult dwarf has twenty more HP than humans.

Strong body (Passive): Dwarves are known for their proficiency with two-handed weapons and great stamina. An adult dwarf has one point more in Strength and Constitution than humans.

Stout (Passive): Their stout, fat bodies make them move slower than normal humans. Their looks are undesirable by every other race. Some even despise dwarves for their looks. Their Dexterity and Charisma are deducted by one point.

Danger Sensing Level 5: Years of combat experience has granted him a sharp sense toward impending danger.’

Brovar had higher stats than most people, but Roy had seen better, so he wasn’t fazed. Ancient Crafting caught his attention, though. Letho needs a good silver sword. This dwarf here could be the key to getting it.

Letho looked at Kaerwen, who was still kneeling, and he announced, “Elder Brovar, we have come here as you have wished, but pardon my frankness. You’re an influential figure in the Mahakams, and we’d have come to meet you as long as you’d have called for us. There was no need to bring us in like criminals.”

“What did I tell you, Kaerwen?” Brovar said, and the arrogant Kaerwen stared down quietly, admitting his mistake. “Forget it. I know you hate dealing with humans, but handling business with your personal bias is unacceptable. Apologize to our guests right away.”

Kaerwen took a deep breath, clenching his fists, and he bowed to them reluctantly.

“My nephew has been an arrogant one, but he’s not even sixty yet. If we go by human standards, he’s just grown up. I hope you’ll let it slide.”

Heh. He sounds like he’s criticizing his nephew, but he obviously spoils him. Roy looked at them both and realized they looked alike. Their beard and hair were white, and their features were similar, especially the arrogance in their eyes.

Letho stopped pushing his luck. “Let’s talk business then, Elder Brovar. Why did you summon us in such a hurry? You should know that witchers deal with monsters. Mount Carbon is an impregnable fortress that’s under your supervision. Not even a single monster can get through. I don’t see where the problem is.”

“Incorrect, witcher. Yes, monsters aren’t any trouble, but only if you’re in the fortress,” he said solemnly. “Miners have been dying in the mines, outside the fortress. The reason you’re here today is to get the murderer, dead or alive.”

Letho and Roy looked at each other in surprise. That’s the same request Casillas asked us to take. Well, looks like we can’t escape this. Roy wondered why the seemingly superior dwarves were doing everything to ask for a witcher’s help so they could aid the humans at the mountain base.

Brovar knew what they were thinking, and he showed anger. “The murderer crossed the line. Not only did it kill the human miners, it also started killing my brethren too. That’s a declaration of war on me and the whole of the Mahakam mountains. It must die.”

“I see.” Roy realized what was happening. So the villagers knew nothing about this. The humans weren’t the only ones who died. Their boss died too.

“Witcher, you shall be duly rewarded if you can arrest the murderer.”

“What if I can’t?”

“Then you shall go back the same way you came. And the Mahakams shall forever be closed to the both of you.” Roy gritted his teeth, and Letho’s face fell. Brovar suddenly pushed himself up and bellowed, “You ought to know that a treasure can only be gifted to someone worthy. I’ve made countless weapons, and some of them still have no owner. If you manage to finish the request, I’ll give you one of the swords I made. Don’t worry about the quality. I shall not insult a witcher.”

Letho looked interested. Any sword wielder must have heard of the quality of Mahakaman weapons, and the weapons made by Brovar were the best of the best. Having one would be of great help in future battles.

“Elder, I might only be a disciple, but I can work perfectly with Letho. I can help too.” Roy was tempted by the offer, but Brovar didn’t share his opinion.

“You?” He shook his head cryptically. “I think you should stay here, boy. You’ll be well fed.”

Roy sighed. So even the dwarves think I’m weak. He could be of use too, though. Even though close quarter combat was out of his league, he could shoot some bolts and throw a few bombs. Roy winked at Letho, but Letho ignored him.

“I’ll take the request, Elder Brovar. The boy will be staying here. Please take care of him.”

Brovar nodded, then he told Kaerwen, “Kaerwen, from today onward, you shall listen to Letho’s every order and help him track down the murderer. Any objections shall be punished severely.”

“Yes, sir!” the silent Kaerwen finally replied.

“Letho, your investigation starts tomorrow, and it shall last for two weeks. If you fail to complete the request by December, I am afraid you must leave the Mahakams.”