Chapter 57
Lirael Schafer became the talk of the settlement near the gate exit; many guilds heard of her humiliating situation toward the war forge. The Brilliance Guild was known for its reputation of being straightforward. But underneath all that bravado, they were secretly envious of other guilds. Especially the top three guilds on the first floor , they had significant members, but most of them were ill-mannered and arrogant, as they were members of privileged families. Most official members would hire bodyguards and register them as guild members to increase their number and notoriety among the other guilds.
But these spoiled rich kids were lacking the basic fundamentals of being a player, like Lirael Schafer, the only daughter of a hotel conglomerate, and are surrounded by his family's hotel security force. She never actually hunted a monster nor earned experience points, but her level is significantly high because his family hires mercenaries to finish the quest, and she will obtain experience points by dealing the fatal blow on any monster hunt.
The current members who were with her were also family members of rich families. These people always project a fake persona in front of the others to gain fame because even if human equipment can't function inside the tower, many freelance reporters still roam the first floor, sometimes accompanying guilds and gathering news that will be broadcast as soon as they leave the first floor and head toward the largest and most highly advanced communication device outside the tower.
Like the settlement inside the gate, the small settlement outside the tower has been getting major structural changes. As the swirling plasma vortex protecting and isolating the huge tower was now stable and the erratic energy powering the vortex had significantly decreased, allowing for more permanent construction and technological advancements within the growing settlement. The residents are excited for the future possibilities that come with this newfound stability and are eager to continue expanding their knowledge and resources.
The news about the cleared quest of the evolved drake has finally been achieve , the vortex somewhat became stable, signaling the change within the scenario. the player association saw this as a huge opportunity to increase their hold on the tower continent, and with the help of other large corporations, they pushed forward as the retired older players and newly awakened players heard the mental announcement that the quest for the clearing of the Empire of Graves had been activated. The three guilds that were given access to this quest have two months to prepare.
Hoping that day the fog that covers the gores will disperse and lower its visibility, making it easier for the guilds to navigate and strategize as they enter the first of the five quest zones.
Even the dwarven race that was inside the war forge heard the announcement. Olmar Bouldergrove was walking beside Dane as he was constantly looking at him, while his father, Siglorr Bouldergrove, continued to talk about the significant changes he made; he explained briefly what happened .
The twenty-acre land was created to be self-sufficient, and the structures created were built downward. The entrance toward the underground facility had high-tier illusion artifacts and has a three-layer magical barrier. Siglorr Bouldergrove gave all of his clan and human workers contracts to remain loyal. Dane, listen to what Siglorr shared as he further explained his grandfather and father were proud forgers; they were so stubborn, believing this was the reason why their clan became famous, as they never easily trusted another person.
But he saw what happened to their clan; that same attitude and personality that made them well-known also became a poison as those that gained their grandfathers' trust were slowly eating away at their resources and reputation. Siglorr realized that blind loyalty and stubbornness can sometimes lead to downfall, and he vowed to approach relationships with a more cautious and discerning mindset in order to protect his family's legacy.
It might be a crude and inhumane act to serve all of his clan members and workers loyalty contracts. But he saw this act to be logical and necessary in order to ensure that those who benefited from his family's resources were truly committed to upholding their values and contributing positively to the clan's success. By implementing loyalty contracts, Siglorr believed he could weed out those who were only interested in personal gain and protect his family's legacy for future generations.
Dane understood Siglorr's mindset as he understood the concept very clearly. He saw the loyalty contracts as a way to maintain order and loyalty within the clan, ensuring that everyone was working towards a common goal and protecting the family's interests. Additionally, Dane recognized that by setting this precedent, Siglorr was establishing a strong foundation for future generations to build upon.
At it just informs the contract holder that this particular person had created a situation that could potentially harm the clan, allowing for appropriate action to be taken. This system of accountability and protection was crucial in maintaining the clan's integrity and reputation within the community.
The contract will automatically notify the head of the clan if an individual violates the terms, allowing for swift action to be taken to maintain the integrity of the family. Dane admired Siglorr's foresight and dedication to preserving their legacy, knowing that these loyalty contracts would ensure the clan's continued success for years to come.
Ward also took this idea into consideration , as loyalty is the hardest thing to come by in their line of work. However,. Despite Dane's reservations, he understood the importance of loyalty and recognized the potential benefits of adopting a similar approach in the future. No harm comes to those who sign the loyalty contracts.
Siglorr's action wasn't his normal persona; his clan sees him to be serious and hot-tempered, but when the player named Dane came, he was happy and talkative. Even his younger brother and son were a bit shocked by the sudden change in demeanor. This unexpected display of warmth and friendliness from Siglorr left a lasting impression on Dane, making him reconsider his initial perceptions of the clan leader.
Siglorr explained all the details concerning the war forge. Every part of the twenty-acre plot of land was bought with the gold his clan earned just within the week. As they walked toward the main castle, the members of his clan were just going about their daily tasks. As the material they got from the transfer bag was so large, they could not carry it all at once. This demonstration of hard work and dedication by Siglorr's clan members further solidified Dane's newfound respect for their leader and his people. The sense of community and unity within the clan was palpable, leaving Dane with a sense of admiration for their resilience and resourcefulness.
The entire fifteen-acre east sector of the warforge was set aside for all infrastructure, and it had a straightforward structural layout. The remaining five, however, were devoted to cattle and farming. The major capital recruited a magician to build the three-story underground structure, and because the sum was so large, the mage agreed to Siglorr's offer of a confidentiality clause. The magicians received enough supplies to sustain them for a full year.
Flags of Siglorr's clan symbol were used to decorate the castle, which was intended to emphasize their clan's ascent. As the four entered the main hall, Dane saw that only half of the castle side was flagged; the other half was bare, a glaring sign that the Siglorr had planned something. The long corridor featured two-foot-diameter large support column beams, and the walls that supported the twenty-foot-tall ceiling had doors on either side. The passageway measured 30 meters in length and 10 meters in breadth.
Cragmir Bouldergrove pointed toward one of the four doors on the left side.. He explained that the area was for internal matters like finances, audits, and employee meetings. The other doors led to various administrative offices and conference rooms, all designed for efficiency and productivity within the bustling main hall. While Olmar added his father made sure to correct his grandfather's mistake and created a war forge that would function like a merchant guild where each person is skilled in different areas of business operations. The war forge would serve as a hub for trade, negotiations, and strategic planning, ensuring the success and growth of the guild.
Olmar even added they even hired an elf that was cast out by her clan for creating potions that were too unconventional. And she met Olmar'sr when they were forging in tforagingest, and they took her in when his father was desperatelt trying to revive thei fallen clan, she was a fhundredead year older than Olmar, and he considered her to her older sister, as she was adopted by Siglorr and WrenlaBouldergrove after a few years .
She was the only elven race that openly accepted change that is why her clan exiled her as she refuse to remain secluded from the ever changing world they live in, the sudden appearance of the gate was the sign she was waiting for as new race entered their realm.
The little conversation ended as the four reached the last door at the end of the 40 meter long and wide corridor, the tall dwarven statue stood guard on the main gate, Siglorr Bouldergrove smiled and pushed the gate like door, the main chamber was finally revealed. It was the mead hall , the place was created to be the main gathering mead hall the design and décor of the room reflected the grandeur and strength of the dwarven kingdom.
The walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of battle and victory, while the long wooden tables were set with tankards of ale and plates of hearty food, ready for a feast to celebrate the arrival of their very important guests.
The place was filled with the main members of the Siglorr Bouldergrove clan the four generations of the Bouldergrove clan greeted their benefactor and leading them as WrenlaBouldergrove. as a long and large table was seen it could seat fifty person in one seating. Dane greeted everybody as the grand festivities finally started ,
The hall was large, and there were two large staircases on each side leading up toward the second floor. Those locations were used for weapons and living quarters for the main clan, while the rest of the rooms were for weapons and all their clans' personal items. The music filled the hall as food and alcohol filled the place , WrenlaBouldergrove. Made sure to cook the best food for their benefactor's return.
Olmar Bouldergrove gave Dane a mug of their special mead and gestured for him to sit at the head of the table, a position reserved for their most honored guests. The Bouldergrove clan was known for their hospitality, and Dane felt grateful to be welcomed so warmly into their home. Siglorr also grabbed a mead and toasted with Dane as they both drank to the health and prosperity of their benefactor. The camaraderie and warmth of the Bouldergrove clan made Dane feel like he was among family, despite only recently meeting them.
Dane saw the only elf in a Dwarven clan. She was a bit shy and only peeked at him from behind the furthest column connected to the main chamber wall. Siglorr was having a great time, and Dane was also interacting with Siglorr clan members, as many were intrigued with his identity and took this as an opportunity to know more about him. The night had finally settled, and the festivities were still going on. More staff members and personnel finally joined as they had ended their work shifts. Dane saw how the human worker interacted with the Dwarven race; they were exchanging stories and laughter, breaking down barriers between the two groups. Dane felt a sense of unity and camaraderie in the air as everyone came together to celebrate the end of a successful day.
The head dwarf forger realized that Dane's request must be significant for him to break their celebration, so he sipped his drink, placed it on the great wooden table, excused himself, and asked Siglorr for a private meeting. With a solemn nod, Siglorr followed him to the second floor, where they took the left staircase because they were closer to it. Siglorr got up and waved his hand casually to let them go, walking toward the left staircase and following Dane to a more private and quiet area of the hall where he was prepared to listen to whatever urgent issue Dane needed to discuss.
The second floor above the hall was open and had a few chairs near the glass window frame. The light coming from these large windows illuminated the mead hall. The noise from the lower floor was muffled, creating a sense of seclusion and privacy. Siglorr settled into one of the chairs, ready to hear Dane's concerns in peace. The open railing was created so those who wish to watch the meeting can sit around like an auditorium.
Dane took a seat on the chair by the window that faced the staircase, and Siglorr opened the huge window to let in fresh air. Siglorr then sat down and waited for Dane to say something. Siglorr grinned as Dane spoke, and at last the two were able to communicate in a way that they both felt at ease. Knowing that Siglorr was also interested in how he managed to send so manny raw materials in the transfer sack bag, Dane disclosed his strategy and chose to share the specifics of what transpired. When Dane brought up a specific name, the discussion turned serious.
Siglorr nearly fell from his seat as he swallowed his saliva and gasped out a shocking response. He grabbed Dane's hand, and tears came out of his eyes as he swore his everlasting loyalty and support to Dane, promising to keep his secret safe no matter what. The bond between them grew stronger as they both realized the gravity of the situation and the importance of their alliance.
Dane took out a parchment paper and told Siglorr he knew why he left the other side of the castle insignia wall vacant. Dane gave Siglorr his own insignia and shared his plan to establish his own dominion. Siglorr's expression changed, and he started to tremble in delight as Dane showed him the formless armor. Dane added further that the forless armor is still imcompleate but the scenario related to it has already been set in motion. The two friends knew they were embarking on a dangerous yet thrilling journey together.
Siglorr could only smile and laugh. "We need more manpower."
"How many do you need, Master Dane?"
"enough to fill a medium-sized city."
"I can't wait to get started. My hands are getting dull from counting all the gold."
"Siglorr, what do you need ?"
"We need metal, and a vast amount of it."
"I know a location where we could get that metal master, Dane."
"It's where the Evolved Drake ancestor originally came from and is filled with vast amounts of mithril, adamantine, mana crystals, and gold."
"My grandfather showed me an ancient map where this place was located."
Siglorr stood up and ran toward the second-floor staircase and called for Cragmir. The head guard came up and gave his older brother a serious look, Siglorr asked for the map under Cragmir safekeeping.
Olmar saw the two talking above the second-floor staircase and knew that they were discussing something important. As he watched them, Olmar couldn't help but wonder what secrets his father and uncle were talking about. As he saw an old map his uncle was hiding, he gave it to Siglorr. The two walked toward their guest and continued their private meeting.
Siglorr opened the map showing where the mine was located. Cragmir Bouldergrove was silent as he was holding his consciousness as Dane's mana was slightly leaking. It wasn't noticeable from afar, but his current position made him feel the chaos energy that made his skin tingle. As they studied the map, Siglorr pointed out key landmarks that would lead them to the mine entrance. Cragmir's mind raced with excitement at the thought of uncovering the hidden treasure.
The location was so secluded and dangerous no player or living being would dare go into it. Dane thought that the mine was in a mountain; he was wrong, it was under the ground. The information was highly detailed. Dane knew this because his team created the area, but sadly he had no recollection about the mine under the Demon Mouth Gorge.
Dane thought, Was this mine, an accidental discovery, or did Daniel Simmons, the landscape designer, hide this feature? As he gave his entire team the freedom to do so in the past , that is why the virtual game was a huge success; the constant change and hidden location was the fundamental reason for its popularity. The mystery of the hidden mine added an unexpected element to the game, that many didn't knew, adding this to the long list of undiscovered area, thus keeping players in the past engaged and excited to explore even further.
Dane was actually excited; he did beta test most of the main elements of the virtual game in the past. He even created a highly secured place where the overpowered creatures were temporarily placed for safekeeping until the main story got activated. The only place where we had access to enter was as he created a firewall and encrypted it with multiple layers of security. And his own genetic passcode.
Dane knew much of the information inside the tower had changed, Dane asked to prepare to execute the plan and go coordinate this to all members of his war forge and reach out to the Lazarus clan, but Dane insisted on keeping his connection to a bare minimum, as he would introduce his other persona. Siglorr agreed. While his younger brother was still confused about what the two were talking about, the expressions on the two faces were filled with mischievousness.
The talk was long, but soon Cragmir Bouldergrove's stance also changed as the tree laughed and gave out a very eerie smile among each other. Dane assured the two that mine would be under their protection. As the conversation continued, Dane revealed more about his plan in clearing a certain task, leaving both Siglorr and his brother intrigued and eager to learn more. Despite their initial confusion, the brothers couldn't help but be drawn in by Dane's unusual plan to get ownership of the land of Lúthien,
He wasn't going to do something that was vile or wicked; he knew clearing the missing son of Duchess Elleena Rothchester was the key. The two dwarves could only listen to Dane's plan. Suddenly Wrenla Bouldergrove appeared beside the tree carrying a tray of food and drinks and overheard their plan.
Wrenla Bouldergrove didn't react in a negative manner but gave her input on how they could improve and execute the plan more effectively. She offered her assistance and knowledge of the land to help them succeed in their mission. And mention that the duchess deserves to have proper respect, as she was a caring and kind person. Breaking her heart just to clear a quest will have serious implications.
Dane smiled and assured her that his plan wasn't meant to harm the duchess more; he would just clear the quest in the safest way. Dane knew triggering the second story line for the Duchess was to be avoided at all costs. He promised to handle the situation with care and respect for her well-being.
Siglorr Bouldergrove explained they were just acting manly and were caught in the moment, as they were happy knowing Dane's plan would grant them enormous rewards without putting the Duchess in any danger. He emphasized that their intentions were pure and that they would do everything in their power to ensure her safety throughout the quest.
Wrenla slightly punched her husband's shoulder and smiled , knowing that his loyalty to their benefactor was unwavering. She trusted Siglorr as they continued the small meeting. Dane asked Wrenla if she could be able to buy a wide-range healing skill scroll discreetly. Dane plans to integrate this spell into his library and fuse it to the low-healing spell language he has.
Dane knew that skill scrolls were expensive and could only be bought at the magic cathedral tower. If he could ask his cousin Sebastian Lazarus about purchasing one, as he was deeply connected with Lady Riad-dûm Laenaria, who is known to have a relationship with a high priest serving and managing a cathedral tower at her dominion, the City of Arockar. It is extremely difficult to obtain a skill scroll, and the language they use is known to have been composed and signed by apostles in secret, out of public view.
Wrenla Bouldergrove smiled and promised that Dane's request would be granted and told Dane that as soon as she got one, the skill scroll would be transferred via the same way he sent the raw material. Dane thanked Wrenla Bouldergrove and asked to be excused as he was getting tired and wished to rest.
Meanwhile, Lirael Schafer finally was able to inform the Brilliance Guild member of her plan to attack the war forge and claim all the items inside. All the guild members agreed, as they were filled with so many hired mercenary players. These rich, spoiled, and arrogant players truly lacked understanding of what they were about to do. Many of their hired servants could only scratch their heads, knowing it was a foolish decision. However, Lirael was confident in her strategy and believed that their numbers would ultimately lead them to victory. She knew that the guild members' arrogance would be their downfall, and she was determined to prove them wrong.
All 120 members were comprised of a hundred hired players; these were loyal only toward the gold they received as payment, as the Brilliance Guild elders were all wealthy families supporting their sons and daughters in their so-called lavish endeavors inside the tower. Lirael knew that their opponents underestimated the power of their wealth , thinking these are qualities of a true survivalist.
Dane was led toward his room. He wasn't really that tired; it was just an excuse to take a breather. Wrenla Bouldergrove's words resonated with him. His plan to clear the missing son quest can be accomplished, as he already knew a way to do it, but he decided to ponder his plan more. The two outcomes in the quest were relatively so linear and lacked depth. He needed to strategize carefully to ensure success and avoid any unforeseen obstacles that may arise along the way. Dane sat down at the foot of the bed and was determined to mentally map out a detailed plan of action before embarking on this task.
Dane entered a meditative trance and went inside his mind to secure vital information from his subconscious mind. Ward greeted him in his normal representation as Dane emerged inside his private library. He saw Ward actively studying the spell language and trying to master it. He plans to fully incorporate it on the weapons in Dane's dimensional storage. Ward saw Dane casually looking for the book Memory about the scenario Derick Collins and his team created for the quest..
Like the mine and so many other different variables and changes in the tower, this particular quest was new to him, and he could only recall a few details surrounding it. The main fact was that Dane didn't know that the missing son of the Duchess looked like him, and his corresponding age is coincidentally aligned with his current age.
The information Dane got was not a book just just a few letters or scribbled footnotes and the information he was searching for was not there, the only written words were Solnara academy, fallen family , and death in the Rothchester family , the scenario on all the quest has two outcome and based on the players choices it will be the determining factor of which the the situation will come out.
Either good or bad is a choice never than the less , it is up to the player to navigate through the challenges and make decisions that will ultimately shape the outcome of the story. The fate of the characters and their world rests in the hands of those accepted the mission freely. But Dane notice the people and individuals in the tower were somewhat creating free choice on their own, just like with what Bouldergrove Dwarven can if doing now, are the sentient beings in this realm slowly removing their pre determined program ad are starting to go beyond what they were created for.
The changes were small and hardly noticeable at first but, Dane notice it, but he didn't see it as a hug issue , considering they made sure to add these autonomus features in order to adapt and evolve over time. As Dane observed the subtle shifts in behavior, he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises the sentient beings in the tower had in store for him.
Was he just overthinking it, or were they truly becoming something more than just a pre determined program? Only time would tell if Dane's suspicions were correct. Emotions and personality were written and created based on a script , the system they created was a combination of algorithm or computational procedure learning, allowing the beings to continuously learn and grow. Dane was both fascinated and slightly unnerved by the thought of what these sentient beings could potentially become in the future.
But these beings are no longer numbers and codes; they are living and breathing. Dane was looking at them through the eyes of a game designer, so he knew answers would be found in the intricate details of their behavior and interactions. As he knows the only way to get real answers was to delved deeper into their world, he and his team created,
The old gods might have given everything they created life. But Dane believed that true understanding would only come from observing and analyzing their every move. A few pages and sentences from Duchess Elleena Rothchester's scenario wasn't enough to cement the outcome, he knew too well , he created the system to a free flowing stream of a never ending evolution .
Dane planned to eventually change and decided to let the Duchess Elleena Rothchester scenario play out to benefit her and all those who are connected with her, and not just to his own, and breaking the scenario might be the first step in opening a third outcome. And change the narrative to ensure everybody will benefit from the new possibilities that could arise. This was Dane's ultimate goal - to revolutionize the system and create a more equitable future for all involved.