Chapter 138 - Underground 4 (2/2)

“It’ll be fine to think about that later on.Look over there.That place is where you guys will reside.”

“How kind.”

“I’ll take it from here, Casibo.I want to hear some news about the human realm from them.”

“All right, Elrick.Let’s have some ale later on at the pub!”

“Of course!”

The Dwarves left Elrick to guide Artpe’s party, then they immediately dispersed into the city.From various parts of the city, the sounds of hammers banging on metal was heard.When the Dwarves weren’t in battle, it seemed they were busy making preparations for future battles.

“Humans would probably faint from surprise at this sight.”

“I think so too, Artpe.Don’t you think it’ll be really fun if they are able to come above ground?”

It was a question posed by Elrick.This was obvious, but Elrick’s helmet prevent Artpe from ascertaining his expresssion.

“You can tell by looking at their equipments, but their blacksmithing technique has risen to a staggering level.The more shocking fact is the fact they are all well over level 200 on average.”

“Their number looks small, but yes, it is quite surprising.”

Instead of an era of prosperity, the Dwarves were continuously in a state of decline.This was why there were less than 100 thousand Dwarves left.On the other hand, around 70 thousand of the Dwarves were capable of fighting.Most of them exceeded level 200.No country above ground could boast such a force.Elves, who were the most well known race other than humans, couldn’t even come close to the Dwarves.

“So you want to send them above ground, Elrick?”

“No.It is because of the question you asked before.You asked them what they would like to do after solving the problem of the Abyss.Your question suddenly made me think about it.Their ability to reproduce and their battle capability is amazing.What would happen if they went above ground?If the human realm is at peace right now, would it bring unnecessary chaos to the world…..”

As if he didn’t believe his own word, Elrick shook his head.

“It won’t be too long before the Demon King’s army will invade the human realm.If such a dependable army decides to join humanity’s side, it would naturally bring stability back to the human realm.”

“······.”

He never expected such words from Elrick, so Atpe couldn’t reply.It seemed Elrick realized that the human realm was in trouble.This was surprising in itself, but a bigger blow arrived immediately afterwards.

“Don’t you agree, hero?”

“Huh.”

It seemed this guy knew everything.In his previous life, the warrior was the main member that Artpe couldn’t decipher in the hero’s party.He was a charismatic warrior in a can, and he had the ability to catch a person off base.When Artpe laughed without giving a reply, Elrick let out a light laugh as he asked another question.

“If you told everyone that you are the hero, everyone would have followed your words.So why didn’t you tell them?”

“Instead of suddenly showing up and declaring myself as the hero, I thought it would be better to tell them after we successfully finish the Quest.”

In truth, the situation had progress too rapidly that it would have felt awkward to reveal the fact that they were the heroes.However, he didn’t tell Elrick this fact.It also seemed Elrick liked his explanation.

“You are saying actions speak louder than words.Very good.”

“In that sense, I would like to ask….How did you know I was the hero?”

“Of course, I know.You are unbelievably strong compared to your young age.Your name is Artpe, and above all else, it is your appearance.From the time you left Diaz, you grew a little bit, but you look almost exactly the same.That means the girl behind you is named Maetel?I’ve seen you guys not too long ago, so it would be strange if I didn’t remember you guys.”

“You are referring to the announcement made by Diaz!?”

Artpe was getting a feel for when Erick had entered the territory of the Dwarves!Elrick nodded his head in an indifferent matter.

“Of course, it was an announcement about the heroes, so I remember it.However, I never expected you guys to be so powerful so soon…....”

“It has been 3 years since we were designated heroes.”

“It has only been 3 years!?You guys got this strong in just 3 years!?”

“Ha······.”

Artpe looked at the shocked Elrick, and he wanted to say, ‘I should be saying that to you.’ Artpe remembered the formation of the hero’s party in his past life.

[Elrick Beltopata]

[Human Male]

[Shield Master]

[Level : 287]

The party had begun with just Maetel and Silpennon.It didn’t take them too long to bring in the warrior as a comrade.At the time, the warrior had been struggling to get past level 200.For some reason, the current warrior was similar in level and skill compared to Artpe’s party when they entered into Paladia!

This was why Artpe had been surprised when he met the warrior.

There was only one possibility.In his past life, the warrior had joined the hero’s party without meeting the Dwarves.The heroes had run away in this life, and the warrior’s future had changed.That meant the warrior had fought incredibly strong monsters in the territory of the Dwarves, and his growth had been accelerated.

‘In terms of being a genius, this guys is a monster that far outstrips Silpennon..’

Somehow, he always used Silpennon as the measuring stick, so he felt a bit sorry about that.However, this only happened, because Silpennon was enough of a genius to be compared to other geniuses.Silpennon was a rare genius, yet a more extraordinary genius had appeared.The only thing Artpe could do was to blame the gods now.

“Anyways, let’s get back to the main topic….From the perspective of a hero, it wouldn’t be bad to co-opt the Dwarves to the side of humanity.That is why I want you to concern yourself with what happens here.That is all I wanted to say to you.These guys are really kind.”

“You dont’ have to worry about it.We’ll end this soon.”

“Soon?”

Elrick repeated Artpe’s words when he realized something.The small and cute black cat in Artpe’s pocket was gone.At some point in time, she had disappeared.

“Can it be?The cat can do it on its own?”

“Hue.You are sharp.”

The fact that Roa could or couldn’t solve this on her own wasn’t the problem.As soon as Artpe established a Quest with the Dwarves, Roa had been afraid someone would steal some of the energy from her.She had run straight towards the hole.

“That means we can leisurely tour the city, and we can leave after receiving the reward.Aside from that, I have a proposal for you, Elrick.”

“Koohk.You are quite good.”

When the fact that he was the hero was revealed by Elrick, Artpe had lost the upper-hand.Artpe had easily regained the upperhand right now.

He grinned as he asked Elrick a question.

“What if I said I can help you be freed from your armor?What would you be willing to do?”