Graybeard's Secret

A faint smell of sulfur appeared in the air.

The Underdark is a harsh environment, with some areas even harboring underground volcanoes that could erupt at any moment. The faint smell of sulfur becomes even more pronounced near the cities of the Duergar. The Duergar, inheriting the Dwarf race's characteristic reckless attitude, like to build their cities near volcanoes or even dig tunnels underground to bring out the Magma. In terms of forging skills, the Duergar far surpass the surface Dwarf, as master blacksmiths capable of forging +3 and +4 weapons are frequently encountered here.

Unfortunately, the weapons in the Underdark are made of special materials, and many of them would turn into scrap metal if brought to the Surface World.

Duergar are the best source of Slave in the Underdark, having been ruled by Mind Flayer for a considerable period. Although they have now broken free from Mind Flayer control, a large number of captured Duergar Slave still reside within Drow cities. Servility is deeply ingrained in this race; even after escaping Mind Flayer control, they are still seen as a source of Slave by many creatures. In a single Drow city, Duergar Slave can comprise one or two-tenths of the total population.

The light dimmed again.

Soren heard the sound of flowing spring water, and after passing through a towering stone forest, they came into view a white mist.

Soren remembers this place.

Although the Underdark an extremely harsh environment, it also has one good thing!

spa.

In fact, the Underdark has many hot springs that can be developed, and the one in front of us is the largest open-air sulfur hot spring in the vicinity. The Drow are fond of Intrigue and the Duergar are full of iron lumps in their heads; the mainstream races of the Underdark do not seem to realize the value of the hot spring. In the end, it was an Adventurer team from the Surface World that carried out some simple development, turning it into a gathering place for rest and entertainment while exploring the Underdark.

"The water here seems nice!"

The Loli Dragon closed her eyes and sniffed the air. She seemed to like the smell of sulfur. The spring water was actually quite hot, probably over fifty degrees Celsius, but that was negligible for a Dragon. The little girl scooped up some water and took a sip, then turned around and stared wide-eyed at Soren, pleadingly asking, "Soren! Can I take a bath here?"

There is no sun in the Underdark.

Therefore, it's easy to lose track of time. Many cities in the Underdark have a light source, which is actually some kind of luminous obelisk. Soren roughly calculated the travel time, then nodded slightly and said, "We'll rest here for an hour. I'll go prepare some food."

After saying that, he kicked the Duergar next to him.

The Duergar followed fearfully, and once they found an open space, Soren turned to him and said in a deep voice, "Is the hearth fire in Gracklstugh still burning?"

fire?

The Duergar looked somewhat bewildered, but quickly nodded and said, "The fire in the hearth of Gracklstugh has never gone out."

Is it still lit up?

Soren fell into deep thought upon hearing this, then nodded and said, "Go and build a campfire and prepare food yourself. I don't think you'd be foolish enough to try to run away, would you?"

The Duergar nodded quickly.

Soren glanced at him, casually tossed him a Fire Tinder, and had him retrieve some dried meat and rations.

"The fire in Gracklstugh hasn't gone out yet!"

Soren sat down as if deep in thought, muttering, "That means the Artifact isn't finished yet! I wonder how long it will take these Duergar to create it. But it should be before the Time of Troubles begins, right?"

Soren was lost in his own thoughts.

After a while, the Loli Dragon's graceful figure walked over from behind.

"Ah, this feels so good!..."

The Loli Dragon used her delicate white hands to arrange her long, light golden hair, tying it into two pretty pigtails. Then, she blinked her big eyes at Soren and said, "Aren't you going to take a shower? The water down there is so comfortable! Soaking in it makes me feel so lazy."

Soren gently shook his head.

The group paused for a moment before continuing their journey toward their destination.

Before leaving, Soren couldn't help but look back at Gracklstugh once more. Within this city of Duergar lay a Artifact.

Or rather, Artifact that is currently being crafted.

About a decade or so ago, the Duergar of this city discovered a sizable Mithril vein while mining. This was an astonishing fortune, and its discovery could potentially provoke a fierce attack from the Drow. Therefore, the ruler of Gracklstugh, Graybeard, immediately suppressed the information and confined all Duergar craftsmen who knew the Truth to prevent them from leaving. From that moment on, the fires of Gracklstugh's furnaces have never been extinguished. Graybeard is using this Mithril to forge a powerful piece of equipment.

Because they were once enslaved by Mind Flayer, many Duergar have passively acquired certain Psionics.

Graybeard is the best of all the Duergar!

He is not only a Legendary Psion (class level 21), but also a level 5 Berserker and a level 5 Wizard.

Graybeard crafted a Mithril Chain Mail.

A Artifact- grade piece of armor that wouldn't hinder his spellcasting or combat in the slightest, with Rune engraved on every clasp, all of which he had personally burned onto it.

Soren wasn't entirely clear on the specific attributes of this Artifact.

However, he knew that this Artifact- grade Mithril Chain Mail's protective capabilities were equivalent to Full Plate Armor plus 3. The entire Mithril Chain Mail's clasps were engraved with Rune, and besides its incredibly powerful protective abilities, it was also imbued with numerous powerful Spell. Most importantly, this Mithril Chain Mail was as light as a feather, not interfering with the Spellcaster's combat at all; even Wizard could easily wear it. This was why, despite not being forged by Deity, it reached the level of Artifact.

Graybeard is not easy to deal with.

What's more troublesome is that he is also the ruler of Gracklstugh and a powerful Legendary Professional himself, so even though Soren covets this Artifact- level defensive item, he doesn't have a clear plan.

However, it will probably be some time before the Artifact is completed.

Soren felt that if he could enter the realm of the Deity, he might have a chance to obtain this Artifact -level armor. As Rogue and part-time Wizard, finding armor that he could actually use wouldn't be easy for Soren. Graybeard might not be one of the strongest figures in the Underdark, but currently, he seemed to be the only one in the entire Underdark who could simultaneously achieve over 400 points in both crafting Magic and Alchemy.

As they drew closer to their destination, and after resolving some minor troubles, Soren finally saw the outline of an altar.

It was already very dilapidated.

However, powerful energy fluctuations still lingered around it.

The last Elemental Crystal!

Soren's expression became slightly excited, and he turned to look at the Loli Dragon beside him.

...(To be continued~^~)