"This thing of yours is new! Without a doubt, brand-new!"
In a large Dwarf settlement—or rather, a Dwarf town—an elderly Dwarf spoke while holding a pitch-black ore.
This was one of the Eight Dwarf Clans, and the first city Rhode's group had encountered.
It could only be said that, in the Mythical era, most races were scattered across the world in the form of settlements. Towns like this were far too rare.
"Could you be a little clearer? This isn't some antique appraisal show."
Rhode was somewhat speechless. What was this Dwarf even talking about? He was starting to picture himself on some appraisal program.
The item in the other party's hands was the black stone Rhode had picked up from the Dragon's lair. Thinking that Dwarves, as Forging Masters, should be able to identify its origins, he had sought out this Dwarf for an appraisal.
This old Dwarf seemed to be quite famous throughout the town.
At the very least, when Rhode had asked, "Who's the best blacksmith here?" every Dwarf had pointed him toward this workshop.
"Eternal Ore!" The Dwarf's voice was filled with excitement. "I don't even know how many years it's been since I last saw this stuff. And it's been preserved so perfectly—it's as fresh as if it had just been mined!"
"What is it used for?"
"Weapons or armor forged primarily from Eternal Ore will not be eroded by time. Even after a thousand years, they will remain the same."
Perfect. They had found the material for the Holy Sword meant for the Hero.
Rhode had never expected that what had originally been just a casual thought would actually lead him to the material.
"Seriously?" Erik could hardly believe it.
That pitch-black stone actually possessed such miraculous power.
"Of course it's true!" The Dwarf