Due to the disappearance of the Warden, the people who controlled Flamewaker Island did not close the Spatial Rift, but remained there. The mages summoned a large army of Fire Elementals to expand the search area in all directions of the sea of fire.
They discovered that this was not a sea, but a wide underground lava river. The environment on both banks had become highly Firelands. The further upstream they searched, the more types of Fire Elemental creatures they found. The mages speculated that the source of the lava river might be the Molten Core.
Downstream, traces of the Dark Iron Dwarves were discovered. Du'an used the Fire Elemental to locate them and teleported them to a riverbank downstream, where they found a tunnel leading to the Dwarf underground city.
Led by Nightmoon, a group of scouts entered the city of the Dark Iron Dwarves to search, but the city was heavily guarded and they found no useful clues.
The disappearance of the Warden naturally attracted the attention of the Argent Dawn, but the date for the Monastery alliance's departure had been set long ago. After preparing for so long, it was impossible to change it for one person. After leading his men to check Flamewaker Island, Tyrosus had no choice but to return and lead the expedition. However, Erigor, Angela Archmage, and the long-unseen Darian insisted on staying behind to help with the search.
In the end, it was Natasha, through a faint connection with the Shadowfiend growing in Unas's left hand, sensed his location and sent people to search for him. Only then did they gradually confirm that the Warden had been thrown into the Black Furnace.
The Mining District where Black Furnace is located has a large number of slaves and has always been the most heavily guarded place by the Dark Iron Dwarves. Moreover, the journey from the riverbank to the Mining District almost crosses most of the city. Even if all the troops in the stronghold were brought over regardless of cost, it would be impossible to fight against an entire city of Dwarves.
Therefore, only small-scale raids were possible. Someone suggested that an elite squad disguise themselves as a slave-hunting team, infiltrate the city under the pretense of trading with the Dark Iron Dwarves, and strike when the opportunity arose. Moreover, this had another advantage: releasing people into the Black Furnace to inform the Warden and provide support.
But someone had to play the role of the captured slave, so the most detestable Gnolls in the stronghold were chosen. However, Gnolls are inherently rebellious and not very intelligent, so they were worried that they would not be able to explain themselves after being put into the Black Furnace. Therefore, two Orcs Warriors who were loyal to the Warden were added. Gelasi was one of them, and the other one was not put into the Black Furnace for some reason.
The plan was a success. The fake slave-hunting team successfully infiltrated the slave market in Shadowforge City. They targeted several owners in Black Furnace and quickly sold off the Gnolls and Orcs at low prices.
The mine owners, having acquired a large number of new slaves, naturally released them, and that's how Unas witnessed what happened at the hot spring today.
The two Gnolls spoke haltingly and incoherently, while Gelasi spoke clearly and logically; bringing the Orcs Warriors along was indeed the right decision.
So many people had gone deep into enemy territory for him; it was impossible for Unas not to be moved. But his first thought was still of Gordon's family heirloom, "Where's my sword? Is there any news from outside?"
"Yes, I heard it's in the hands of a big arms dealer. He's a weapons collector who often shows off all sorts of amazing weapons. Someone secretly sold the Master's Firekiss to him, Dugal Redbrow is trying to buy it back from him."
"Redbrow are here too?"
"Yes, he and several Bronzebeard Dwarves were transformed into Dark Iron Dwarves by Angela Archmage's illusion magic, and he now serves as the captain of the 'slave-catching team.'"
So that's how it is. No wonder he was able to infiltrate the Dark Iron Dwarves' city so easily. Firekiss has appeared. As long as there are clues, Fire Ring can definitely be found as well. Unas regained some confidence.
"So, when do they plan to launch a surprise attack on Black Furnace?"
"Master, please wait a moment." Gelasi suddenly stuck his fingers into his throat and forcefully pulled them out. Then he bent over and coughed violently. His body began to convulse, and the shaking became more and more intense. Finally, with a painful roar, accompanied by splattering blood and foam, he coughed up a piece of blue crystal that was almost half the size of his palm.
"I have no idea how he swallowed such a huge, hard rock," the Orcs Warrior knelt on the ground, his voice weak and hoarse as he stammered, "This is... a communication... crystal..."
Unas cast several Holy Light on him and helped him onto the stone bed. "You've had a long day. Get some rest."
He picked up the crystal and rinsed it clean with hot spring water. The deep blue oval crystal emitted a beautiful, soft light. He channeled a little Holy Power into it, and there was an immediate reaction. A distorted human figure appeared on the crystal, and at the same time, intermittent static came from it.
Is it... a bad signal?
Turning to the Orcs Warrior, Gelasi immediately explained, "The mage said that the spatial interference around here is very strong, and teleportation spells are... not very effective. We need to find a place closer to the ground..."
It seemed they needed to find a place with a good signal. Unas walked around the cave with the crystal in his hand, but to no avail. He simply ordered, "You all stay here and rest. Don't wander around. I'll go find a signal."
Armed with the Communication Crystal, Unas searched all of humanity's territory, always heading towards higher ground, but the situation didn't improve. He had no choice but to head towards the central area, which was closest to the passage entrance; perhaps that would work.
Only when they reached the edge of the hot spring pool could they barely make out the image on the crystal. It was Angela. Unas tentatively asked, "Angela, can you hear me?"
The woman's voice, now clearer despite the static, finally rang out. "I am Angela, are you Lord Unas?!"
"Shh, keep your voice down, I'm in a public place," Unas quickly lowered his voice, glancing around to make sure there was no one around after the passage was closed. "I am Unas."
"Great, I've finally found you!" The other person still couldn't control their voice.
The image immediately changed to a vibrant young face— Erigor, whose voice also sounded excited, "Finally found you, kid! All that effort wasn't in vain. Tell me, how much ore did we dig up underground to offer to your Dwarf master?"
"To tell you the truth, I haven't dug a single hole," Unas said, and for some reason, he felt a warmth from his joke. "I've killed quite a few Trolls, though."
"That's true, a noble Warden like you is not suited for such lowly work as mining," Erigor teased. "You seem to be having a good time there, why don't you stay a few more months?"
"Don't even mention a few months; I just became a high-ranking official, I could stay for several years without any problem."
"Lord Unas certainly has a successful career wherever he goes!"
Just as Unas was about to retaliate, the image suddenly changed to Angela, "Stop joking around, let's get serious and talk business."
Her words seemed to be a simultaneous rebuke to both of them. Unas composed himself and asked, "Where are you now? When can you come to rescue me?"
"Darian's at an inn in Shadowforge City. Would you like to speak to him?"
"No need, don't make it like a family reunion, why are you all coming to say hello?" Unas quickly refused, "Tell me about your rescue plan."