Musing such, Urist got to work on making the Kiln. They had gotten the materials ready and now it was time to mix up some concrete to form the base. Then he and Qrtia used magic to quicken the process. Using the materials at hand Urist decided on mixing up M10 ratio for concrete which is one part cement, four parts sand and six parts gravel.

Urist poured the mixture inside a big bucket and allowed others to mix it up before pouring it into a leveled hole. Using their magic in tandem the cement quickly began to set, allowing them to make the kiln on the foundation. The next step was to mix up the mortar to be three parts sand and one part cement. Urist allowed the others to mix as he laid bricks, towel in hand while slathering the mortar.

He went for a square design that had two openings on opposite sides to save on bricks. Combined with an air intake coming from the bottom instead of a top-down design. The size wasn’t that large as this was more of a prototype design, its purpose to be for practical usage of small batches of metal refinement or used to fire bricks as needed.

We should make a few more as our needs will be growing. For now, this should be fine for our current needs.

Feeling good about how successful the construction went Urist almost didn’t notice everyone staring at him.

Giving a quick cough Urist turned to Qrtia, “We’re almost done, Qrtia suck out some of the water from the mortar and I’ll finish it by giving it heat.”

“Got it, boss.” Giving a nod Qrtia focused on the mortar and started chanting.

Blue swirls surrounded her as a spell symbol broke down into lines falling over the mortar lines. The Water was then slowly drawn away into the lines before it started to separate and merge again producing a sphere of floating water. With some quick hand movements, the water was drawn to a bamboo bottle and stored.

When she was finished, Urist closed his eyes for a moment and pulled out the flames from within himself. Opening his eyes he saw a small flame dance around his palm. With a quick motion, he threw the flame onto the furnace watching the flame slowly engulfing the furnace as it slowly grew into ablaze. The flame then stuck to the surface like gum and with a thought, Urist let the temperature slowly rise.

Watching this display Qrtia muttered under her breath, “Wasteful monster. What does he think magic is? Something without laws? He should be struck by heavenly lightning.”

Only Urist was too entranced in the feeling of having control over the flames. After playing with it for a bit he found out that he could instinctively control the temperature and the movement. He pushed back the thought of testing how hot the flames could go and focused on heat treating the kiln for the next hour.

When finished, besides mental exhaustion Urist noticed that the flames covering the kiln were smaller.

Was it because of the extended use of high heat that I feel so worn or because I had the flame so long outside my body? Also, why did the flames get lower? Was it because it’s stored energy was used up or something else. Hmmm. This needs more testing for later.

While pondering over his magic Urist opened the market. Afterall even if he was exhausted, the feeling of accomplishment had to be celebrated.

Booze. Booze sounds good right about now. Let’s see what they have. Oh? 5 points for a bottle of wine? Although it’s low-grade it’s enough for now. Ten should be enough for us.

With a few quick presses, boxes of wines appeared making the surrounding dwarfs bewildered.

“Rat go fetch the bamboo cups we’re drinking!”

“Got it, boss. But um, what are we drinking?”

“Wine!”

As the dwarfs whispered to themselves wondering what this wine was, Urist pulled the bottles out of the boxes and as he pulled the last one Rat came back with cups.

“We’re drinking nine of these with the last one left to Elrish when he wakes up. I’m sure everyone is fine with that right?”

“Sounds good boss. But what is wine?”

Hearing the question Urist only smiled and shook his head as he began pouring into the glasses.

Urist didn't even know if they were at a legal age to drink, but then he thought again about the subject.

Screw that, this isn’t earth I don’t need to follow alcohol restrictions as long as I follow my golden rule. Never drink with you are in sorrow, always drink for a celebration!

Sitting around the fire the dwarfs started talking excitedly. After all the work they put into this, from this day forth they could now create their own weapons filling them with pride.

Seeing them quite happy made Urist smile warmly.

"My fellow brothers and sisters this kiln signify our first step in calling this piece of land as our own! We've worked hard to get to this point!

"All the blood, sweat and tears will lead us now to having the ability to forge metal and take our fate into our own hands! And so I join you in this drink full of joy to light the forge!"

"OHHHHHH!!!"

At this time Urist motioned to the dwarfs that it was time to drink. They all gingerly placed the cup on their lips and took a sip. Their eyes widened in shock at the smooth and mellow taste of the wine and start chugging.

Urist joined them in drinking bottles one by one. It wasn't clear how it began but soon the group of dwarfs started dancing around the fire.

Then they all joined into song and kept drinking. By now everyone was suitability buzzed with a few exceptions who decided to keep a clear head.

Namely, Urist and Uria who stopped after a few cups. They talked about it and figured they would take first watch for the night. The two sat side by side and watched the other party to their heart's content.

Seeing the sight warmed Urist's heart, even in his hazy memories he couldn't quite remember having such fun with his family. Not having the memory of his past family he didn't know if they were alive or dead but for now, this was his family.

Being bold Urist grabbed Uria's hand which made her jump and look at Urist with curiosity in her eyes. Her stare caused him to blush and pulled his hand away.

Urist scratched his cheek and looked away thinking to himself, "The wine must have gotten to me what am I thinking."

As he was trying to explain his actions a warm hand landed upon his shoulders. Urist turned just as Uria leaned on his arm and wrapped her arms around his.

"It's incredible what we managed to do Urist. At first, I thought we wouldn't be able to survive. Then you showed us the way to live, working your hardest to keep people doing things to survive. You are one incredible boss and family member you know that Urist?"

Hearing Uria's words made his heart feel a warmth he had never felt before. Remembering all his useless days this was the first thing he didn't screw up royally.

It made tears fall from his eyes at how far he and the dwarfs had come. To get to the point that they were farming, going to be able to forge and have a wall to protect themselves.

Just the thought of them making everything work to get this far. To reflect on this filled him with a deep accomplishment. But he knew that this was only the beginning their peace was fragile.

Everything could go up in smoke in a single day if they weren't preparing for the rat tide and beast swarm. They needed more weapons, better defenses, a stable source of food and shelter.

Although they had accomplished so much they were still lacking in so many areas namely living space. He knew they needed to get those oxygen light crystals tomorrow.

With them, they could expand the cave safely without fear of suffocation to death if his thoughts were correct. Still, that was for tomorrow, for now, he would enjoy the night.

Leaning back against Uria he replied.

"I couldn't have done it without everyone's support. You don't know this but I was a screw up in my last life, everything I touched turned to shit. If I didn't have you guys none of this would have happened, I should really be thanking you Uria."

Urist couldn't see that Uria was blushing intensely using her hair to cover her face. She didn't know what was coming over her. What was this feeling in her chest of her heart beating fast enough she could hear it?

The two didn't move, they listened to the drunken singing of the dwarfs and the sound of the others breathing.

The night passed in such a manner.

Bamboo Seeding timer activated 3 Days 13 Hours 23 Mins

Rat Tide timer activated 10 Days 13 Hours 23 Mins

Beast Swarm timer activated 18 Days 13 Hours 23 Mins

Point Amount: 2247