Chapter 69: Obtaining the friendship of the dwarves (1/2)

Chapter 69: Obtaining the friendship of the dwarves

When his mental strength was depleted, the replenishment he received from meditating came at a noticeably faster pace compared to his normal training conditions. When Han Shuo returned to the cemetery of death and meditated for a night, his mental strength was once again filled to the brim. Thus, Han Shuo deduced such a conclusion.

However, for necromancers, they would be unable to release any sort of magic if they had no mental strength. This would undoubtedly place them in a very precarious position. Therefore, no mage would expend all of their mental strength in one shot under normal circumstances.

Since the dwarves were willing to share the mining cave, Han Shuo couldn’t help but form other plans. There seemed to be high amounts of metal and copper ore inside the cave. Therefore, it would take quite a while for the dwarves to excavate the entire cave.

For Han Shuo, he could absolutely leverage summoning creatures to increase the speed of mining. If these copper and iron ores were shipped to the Empire, they were sure to fetch rich rewards for Han Shuo, particularly the black iron ore inside. According to Han Shuo’s understanding and the dwarves’ expressions today, Han Shuo understood that these black metal ores were very precious resources, and perhaps could be sold for whopping prices.

There should be quite a few dwarf villages in the Dark Forest, and there weren’t too many dwarves in this group. All of them combined probably didn’t need this much metal and copper ore. Since this was the case, Han Shuo made some other plans in his heart.

After infusing fresh blood and magical yuan into the “Original Demon Cave”, Han Shuo left the cemetery of death early in the morning and rushed in the direction of the mining cave.

Han Shuo had thought that he had arrived early enough, but he discovered that the dwarves had already arrived by the time he arrived at the entrance of the cave. There was double the usual amount of dwarves today, and it seemed like they had been up all night long due to their excitement. Their eyes were all bloodshot, but their spirits were still highly stimulated.

One of them had a grizzled beard and was leaning on a staff, in the middle of solemnly relaying instructions to the other dwarves. All the other dwarves, which included Bennett, all listened respectfully to his admonishments.

Purposefully letting the sound of his steps attract the attention of the dwarves, Bennett immediately raised the iron hammer in his hand and called out when he saw Han Shuo appear, “Hi, dear friend, we’ve waited for you for a long time!”

When Han Shuo had walked close, the old dwarf with the grizzled beard bowed in the manner of humans to express his thanks to Han Shuo. He said benevolently, “Brave and strong friend, thank you for your repeated help. I am Chief Calvin of the dwarf village, and am very pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“I’m called Han Shuo and am very honored to obtain your trust!” This place was far from the Academy and no one knew of his identity. Han Shuo therefore used his true name to interact with the dwarves.

“Brave Han, your name is quite marvelous. I’ve never heard of anyone using such a name. Heh heh, the children say that you’re a man worth trusting. Our village is willing to share the secrets of this mining cave with you. I just hope that we can coexist in harmony in the future!” Calvin first looked at Han Shuo oddly, seemingly befuddled by his name, but his face then became wreathed in smiles and continued to talk.

“Then, I think we can begin working.” Although Calvin was neither in a rush nor too leisurely, the gazes of the other dwarves all flitted towards the cave behind them, obviously exposing their eager thoughts. Han Shuo did not speak further and directly proposed to start working.

“No rush.” Calvin thought and stared at Han Shuo. “Han, why are you helping us like this? We are willing to share the mining cave with you, but why didn’t you take half of the iron and copper cores yesterday?”

The elderly indeed thought more, and it seemed that the dwarves weren’t an exception. Han Shuo looked at Calvin, was silent for a moment and explained. “First, I also had a bone to pick with the forest trolls. Not to mention I was conquered by the death-defying battle spirit displayed by Bennett and the others. That’s the reason as to why I helped them the first time.

In addition to this, they actually helped me fight off the Windblade Wolves. Those two Windblade Wolves were actually my prey, and helping you mine ore in the cave is just a small matter. I don’t know how to forge weapons, and I don’t think I’ll have any use if I take the iron and copper ores. That’s why I didn’t take any when I left. Elder Calvin, you must believe me, I really don’t have any other dubious motives.”

“Yes chief, Han is a great friend and he’s not like the other humans.” Bennett suddenly spoke up and said to the old dwarf.

Nodding, Calvin bowed towards Han Shuo, saying humbly, “My apologies Han, I’m older and have seen too many wily humans. That’s why I questioned you.I hope you don’t mind.”