Chapter 68: Black iron ore bestowed from the gods (2/2)
At this moment, the cave opening in front of Han Shuo was already filled with dozens of large and small pieces of ore. The dwarves cheered as they fell over each other to free the ore from the surrounding rocks, placing the ore into the packs behind their backs.
“Oh, dear friend, because of your help, our haul today is greater than the amount of ore we’ve obtained in a week. These adorable iron and copper ores can be used to forge beautiful weapons after they’ve been refined. What a joyful happening.” Although Bennett was very tired due to his injuries, he was in extraordinarily fine spirits now as he gazed upon his companions jubilantly knocking off the excess rock and picking up the ores. He excitedly expressed his gratitude to Han Shuo.
The other dwarves picked up the ores with great delight, laughing heartily as they took out the wineskins that they always carried with them, happily pouring beer down their throats, emitting hearty “glugging” sounds.
“Oh, goodness, what’s this, what’s this?” A dwarf suddenly screamed shrilly, attracting the attention of all the other dwarves as they all surged up to this dwarf.
Han Shuo was also similarly surprised and glanced involuntarily at this dwarf, but he had already been surrounded by the other dwarves, completely blocking Han Shuo’s vision. He speculated to himself, was something the matter?
Just as Han Shuo’s mind was rife was suspicion, Bennett suddenly lost his composure and laughed wildly, even throwing the wineskin of beer into the air as he cut a caper. Exceedingly elated, charged yells came out of his mouth, “Black iron. Damn, black iron. I am sure this is black iron. Oh my gosh, there’s black iron inside. The chief will go crazy when he finds out about our find!”
The other dwarves also flushed thoroughly red upon hearing Bennett’s words as they too danced wildly, raising their hammers to crazily hammer at the walls on all sides. The loud sounds they raised rather gave Han Shuo a fright.
Han Shuo heaved a private sigh of relief upon hearing Bennett’s words, understanding that the dwarves must have obtained a marvelous metal to be so crazy with excitement. He too was happy on the inside.
After a while, Han Shuo asked after the dwarves, who were finally began to calm down, “Bennett, what kind of ore is this black iron? Is it very precious?”
Bennett nodded repeatedly like a little chick pecking at rice, saying excitedly, “Of course, exceedingly precious. Precious to the utmost! The density and hardness of black iron is the highest amongst all ores, but its weight is the least amongst all metal. It also never rusts, and can change color through adding other materials. It’s the most supreme material in crafting weapons, and a gift bestowed upon us from the gods!”
Han Shuo was about to congratulate them when something suddenly flashed through his mind and a patch of memories flooded in. He suddenly realized that according to the properties of this black iron, the black iron, according to Chu Cang Lan’s memories, was actually a precious material used to forge magical treasures — Mystical Metal.
“What a pity there’s only a small piece. Looks like there’s only enough to forge a small dagger.” After expressing his excitement, Bennett looked at the black iron in the dwarf’s hand and said with a bit of regret.
“Bennett, don’t be dejected, there’s bound to be more black iron inside. Perhaps we’ll be able to mine a larger piece next time, that way we can forge the sharpest weapon!” The dwarf Benson said.
“Dear friend, thank you so much for your help. We are willing to share our mining cave with you. Can you continue to help us? We are willing to share the ore that is mined.” Bennett turned a face full of desire towards Han Shuo and pleaded after hearing Benson’s words.
“I’m very happy that you trust me so, and am also quite willing to help you, but I’m too weary today and need to rest a night. I’ll come back tomorrow and continue helping you mine, alright?” Han Shuo chuckled privately to himself and said humbly to Bennett.
“Of course, of course. We’ll be here early tomorrow morning with the village chief. I hope you can stop by again!” Bennett hastened to reply.
Nodding, Han Shuo smiled, “Then I’ll see you tomorrow!”
Han Shuo didn’t leave with a single piece of ore after saying this and walked in a natural and unrestrained manner to the mouth of the mining cave, leaving behind a few widely excited dwarves continuously taking large gulps of beer.