"Ahem, ahem. Ah—!"
A low baritone voice echoed through the cave.
Broad shoulders packed with tightly-knit muscles, fierce eyes, and a shiny beard.
"Tsk— It's hard to get used to this short height!"
With the addition of a small stature that barely reached his chest, a perfect Dwarf stood there.
Needless to say, it was my newly created avatar.
'I maximized his height with "Customization", but this is the limit. I roughly guessed it, but it feels different when I'm actually experiencing it.'
Perhaps because of the limitations of the race, there was a limit to the maximum height, so even the increased height wasn't that much different.
I lightly stroked my chin and examined the Dwarf in front of me.
<Individual Information>
- Individual Name: Howard
- Race: Dwarf
- Common Traits: "Mind Hub", "Persona", "Super Recovery", "Clear Mind"
- Individual Traits: "Craftsmanship"
- Special Notes: Han Seong-hyeon's eighth avatar. Born as a Dwarf using a craftsman's cherished pickaxe as a medium. Receives additional bonuses to crafting-related activities due to the influence of "Craftsmanship".
Following Immortal King Hans, Vampire Heinz the Second, Saint Heinrich, Dragonborn Harley, Merchant Hubert, and Elf Harris, it was Dwarf Howard!
He was practically the seventh avatar, excluding the deceased original Heinz.
"Good, it's exactly as I planned. The first skill is also the type I wanted."
As expected, individuals created with "Customization" seemed to have racial characteristics related to it.
'I wasn't planning to use Howard for combat. It's hard to find a skilled craftsman who can custom-make the items I need right away.'
Even if it wasn't limited to weapons, the result of crafting varied greatly depending on the craftsman's skill.
The avatar Howard was receiving not only "Craftsmanship" but also buffs that increased his growth rate and learning ability, so his level would also improve quickly.
And with Merchant Hubert able to immediately procure the necessary items, it was the perfect environment.
But there was one obstacle…
'The problem is that he has no basic knowledge, just like Elf Harris.'
It was actually even worse than back then.
After all, techniques were passed down through generations, developed and improved.
No matter how dexterous and talented you were, there was a limit to what you could do through self-study.
'I guess I have to use Harley's connections again.'
Harley and Zaonic had been through life and death together, so wouldn't he at least grant that much of a favor?
And even though he wouldn't know, he and Howard weren't strangers!
Strictly speaking, they could even be considered father and son.
'No, thinking about it that way, he would be his grandson.'
He was the son (Howard) left behind by his daughter (Elinne) in a distant land.
A tragic story was created.
'It's a meaningless story because I can't tell Zaonic.'
Still, since it wasn't easy to find non-human races in the Ion Continent, they tended to help each other out in times of need.
He probably wouldn't turn away a young, wandering Dwarf who hadn't learned any proper skills.
'Of course, it seems difficult right now.'
Since the situation was still chaotic, it would be better to visit him after the chaos in the north subsided.
Until then…
"Uhuhut— Then, shall we learn Earth's technology first?"
Howard grinned, stroking his beard.
It would be helpful to first learn the scientifically proven theories, rather than just jumping in blindly.
'It's different from spirit summoning. I can learn blacksmithing on Earth.'
Of course, there would be differences in the details as they went deeper because the laws of the two worlds were different, but the basics wouldn't be that different.
Most of Earth's technology used machines, but even understanding the principles behind them would be a great help.
'And maybe there will be some gains in the process of researching the differences between each world later. It's not difficult to obtain related information on Earth, so I should prepare this side first.'
He decided to start with metallurgy, the study of metal processing, which was part of materials science.
Of course, it wasn't me who would be researching the necessary materials.
How long would it take to research the materials, classify the techniques that Howard could use in practice, and organize them by level?
"Yes, Jin So-ran. It's been a while. How have you been? I have something urgent to take care of."
Heinz, who had finished reinforcing the security in the garden, took out his burner phone and called Jin So-ran, the manager of Heterosis.
'This is when I use my subordinates.'
Not all vampires in the Blood Alliance were combat types.
There were many who worked in office jobs or specialized professions, and as the organization grew, there were also quite a few ordinary people hired from the outside.
"Yes, money is no object, so as soon as possible. Recruit university professors, professional technicians, everyone…"
Whether it was academic papers, video materials, or someone's know-how…
I just had to give the order, and then I could just sit back and receive the results that my subordinates worked hard to compile.
'I need to set up a workshop in Tarak. To save time, I have to have him practice in Auterica.'
All I had to do on Earth was look at the materials.
Understanding and mastering them was the Dwarf Howard's job, who had "Craftsmanship".
'He should be able to achieve a certain level even through self-study, considering all the buffs he receives. But to go beyond that, I'll have to invite artisans from Earth and have him learn directly. …And if possible, even artisans from other worlds.'
Artisans from other dimensions weren't very active on Earth, but the experience they had accumulated wasn't going anywhere.
The techniques developed in completely different systems would have something to learn from.
And the 'Blood Alliance', which had become the largest force in the shadows of Seoul, the heart of Korea,
Had enough ability to obtain information about suitable individuals and ask for their cooperation by paying a price.
____________________
Roselia Cathedral.
"Haa… I'm so tired…"
Saintess Liesta, who had come to discuss work with Heinrich, collapsed on the table, groaning.
Her appearance, boasting smooth skin and flowing hair, didn't show any signs of fatigue, but that was just the effect of her powerful holy power and blessings.
She was spending all her time except for the bare minimum for sleep and meals on handling her work.
He was impressed by her responsible and meticulous attitude, which contrasted with her usual careless behavior.
"Ugh—! I miss Tion, Myu, and Seli! And the other kids! It's already been a week since I last saw them, I wonder if they're doing well?"
…Of course, that impression didn't last long because of her actions whenever she had free time.
For your information, Tion and Myu were earthworms, and Seli was a ladybug.
It was still a mystery how she distinguished each individual and how she found and observed those tiny creatures in the vast flower bed.
'And she even gives them names and is so attached to them, but she doesn't seem too sad when they die according to the laws of nature.'
She blessed the bugs and poured holy power into them to help them live in the best condition…
But even if they were eaten by predators right in front of her, she would just watch with a sympathetic gaze and not intervene directly.
Like a god looking down at the world.
"How about taking some time to visit the flower bed? It won't take long."
"Ugh… no. I think I'll be stuck there for hours if I go. I promised myself not to go to the flower bed until I finish my work! And it's almost done…"
The Saintess's task was to coordinate for the continental summit.
It wasn't an easy task to have representatives from each force, entrusted with full authority, gather in one place.
'Duke Bright will be coming directly from the Talia Kingdom. And the Crown Prince will be coming from the Empire? It's bound to be complicated.'
She was in charge of such external affairs because she was well-known after being the Saintess for a long time.
Even though Heinrich had been recognized as a Saint, he had only recently joined the Church, so his reputation wasn't enough for him to be at the forefront.
So he was busy learning and handling the tasks of the military, including the holy knight orders and holy warrior units.
Of course, the workload was no less than the Saintess's because military power was very important in fighting the Immortal King.
As they were discussing their work,
"Ah, you heard the news too, right, Sir Heinrich?"
The Saintess's expression, which had been casual, suddenly became serious, and her voice calmed down.
There was only one topic she brought up with this attitude, so he could immediately tell what she was going to say.
"…You're talking about the northwestern mountains in the Tulk Kingdom."
"Yes. A massive energy clash was detected in the mountains, where there's currently chaos because of the monsters moving south. And of course, the Immortal King's dark magic power was also involved."
It was information he had also heard about beforehand.
Hans had also put in some effort, setting up a barrier, but it couldn't be helped that the fierce battle with the Mad Dragon couldn't be contained by a hastily constructed barrier.
And the Saintess's detection ability was particularly exceptional.
"…I can guess what happened. It's probably begun in earnest."
She quietly spoke to Heinrich, her golden eyes gleaming.
"The dragon hunt."
The previous Immortal Kings had judged that dragons were the biggest obstacle to their conquest of the continent and devoted all their efforts to eliminating them.
Thanks to that, dragons were now on the verge of extinction, and those who remained were hiding, not revealing themselves to the world.
"He's instigating chaos by manipulating monsters and also moving to eliminate dragons. Time is running out, and there are still so many who are complacent…"
The Saintess gritted her teeth, frowning.
It seemed like she had been under a lot of stress while working.
'Well, it's true that he hunted a dragon.'
And Heinrich inwardly suppressed his bewilderment as he comforted her with a serious expression.
'Well, it's only natural for her to think that way. After all, that's what he's been doing.'
Who could blame her? Everything he had shown so far was like that.
Her complaints continued for a while, starting with those who weren't cooperating properly and then spreading to the Immortal King, the cause of all this, expressing her resentment and anger in elegant language.
And to express it in the Saintess's words,
What was Immortal King Hans, the absolute evil of this continent, the parasite that was eating away at the world, the source of all negativity, and the symbol of wickedness, doing right now…?
He was…
Happily opening the gift Saint Heinrich had sent him.
____________________
[Indeed, very useful. To think it would fall into my hands so easily.]
Hans looked at the pure white crystal in his hand with a sinister smile.
It was the essence of Arch-Lich Dwell McCain, which Heinrich had sent through "Avatar Cloud", enveloped in solidified holy power.
'He's not as famous as Karam or Olivia, but he's still quite useful.'
His combat power was lacking, so he was ranked around 50th in the immortal army, but he was one of the more capable members of the staff.
Now that Elder Arch-Lich, the second Immortal King's strategist, had perished in the last battle, he could be considered the smartest one.
'But his actions weren't very trustworthy.'
Well, the only thing he had seen of him was his appearance in the trial created by the holy sword.
No matter how powerful the holy sword was, it wouldn't have been able to perfectly reproduce his personality and way of thinking, only his power.
'Well, it's better for me if the guy I'm using is capable.'
Hans poured his dark magic power into the crystal in his hand.
Crack—!
The holy power, which cracked and split, glowed brightly one last time and then slowly disappeared, devoured by the black energy…
Wooong—!
Immediately after, the Arch-Lich's essence, which had been dormant, started to vibrate.
[Hehehe! Now, wake up. There's a lot to do.]
And for Hans, who possessed immense dark magic power,
The energy needed to resurrect Dwell was nothing.