Gray Mountain Range

Although Duanmu Huai was deeply annoyed, the facts proved that his face really could ward off evil—at least after that, the group never encountered any similar evil spirit incidents again. Even the wails of female ghosts that had previously appeared at every turn had completely vanished.

Thus, when the group successfully crossed the Land of Silent Death and arrived beneath the Gray Mountain Range, everyone except Duanmu Huai was beaming with relief.

After all, having reached this point meant they had already succeeded halfway.

"Alright, what do we do next?"

Duanmu Huai put his helmet back on and looked toward the Elf Scout. Although his Core Cabin could now serve as a satellite map, they still needed a local to find the route from here. And as one of the Royal Spies, he hoped the Elf Scout would not disappoint him.

Sensing Duanmu Huai's unfriendly gaze, the Elf Scout finally restrained her smile. She looked at the map before them and thought for a moment.

"We have two routes to choose from. We can either head south directly and cross the Gray Mountain Range, or take the Dwarfs' mountain tunnel. But... the Vampire Earl attacked the Dwarfs before as well. Back then, the Dwarfs and the Empire joined forces to repel the Vampire Earl's army."

"What's the relationship between the Dwarfs and the Empire like?"

"Average. Not especially good, but not especially bad either. The Dwarfs trade with the Empire to some extent, but they don't particularly like getting involved in outside affairs."

"Do you think they would agree if we asked to pass through their territory on our way to Bartonia?"

"That's hard to say. I don't have any ties with those shorties, and Dwarfs can be quite stubborn sometimes. It won't be easy to win them over with money alone."

After discussing it for a while, they ultimately decided to try their luck at Graystone Mountain Path first. Crossing the mountains was not impossible, but Elisa and her mother, Christine, were ordinary people. It was far too dangerous for them, and their supplies had been nearly exhausted along the way. Not to mention that the carriage was battered beyond use. They had to buy supplies from the Dwarfs first, as well as a new carriage before continuing their journey.

Thus, led by the Elf Scout, the group abandoned their wrecked carriage and began making their way toward the Gray Mountain Range.

However, just as they entered Graystone Mountain Path, gunfire suddenly rang out.

Bang!!

Duanmu Huai stopped in his tracks. A stone in front of him had been blasted to pieces. He looked up to see several Dwarfs on either side of the mountain path poking their heads out, muskets raised and aimed at him and the others.

"Hey, big guy! Who are you people? What are you doing in the Gray Mountain Range?!"

Soon, one of the Dwarfs shouted his question. Duanmu Huai did not answer. Instead, he signaled to the Old Knight, who nodded, stepped forward, and called out to the Dwarfs.

"We are refugees fleeing the war. We are not suspicious people. We merely wish to cross the Gray Mountain Range and travel to Bartonia!"

Upon hearing the Old Knight's words, the Dwarfs whispered among themselves for a while. Then the same Dwarf spoke again.

"Alright, come over. But don't make any sudden moves. Especially you, big guy. If you dare try anything, I'll smash your head in!"

Hearing the Dwarfs' reply, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and continued onward. Soon, along one side of the narrow mountain path, they saw an enormous stone-carved wall and iron gate. Well, in a fantasy world, Dwarfs' construction skills were never lacking, and this place appeared to be no exception.

"Clank, clank, clank..."

Soon, the iron gate opened. Led by Duanmu Huai, the group entered. Before long, a large crowd of Dwarfs armed with heavy axes and muskets approached and surrounded them. The Dwarf from earlier stepped out from the crowd, frowned as he carefully examined them, and asked,

"You're refugees? Has the Empire started another Civil War?"

That "another" was quite telling.

"Yes, brave Dwarf warrior."

The Old Knight nodded, then said in a low voice,

"As you can see, I am a Knight serving these two beautiful ladies. We traveled all this way to escape disaster and the threat of Chaos, hoping to pass through this place..."

"Hmm... then what's with this big guy?"

The Dwarf nodded at the Old Knight's explanation, but his gaze remained wary as he stared at Duanmu Huai and questioned him. In response, Duanmu Huai spread his hands.

"I'm merely a hired warrior, mainly responsible for keeping them safe on the road."

"I don't think so... Take off your helmet!"

The Dwarf's voice suddenly rose. At the same time, the Dwarf soldiers behind him raised their muskets and pulled out detonators, aiming them at Duanmu Huai. He sighed helplessly, then reached up and removed his helmet.

"—!!"

At the sight of Duanmu Huai's face, the Dwarfs were all shocked and hurriedly backed away. The leading Dwarf gripped his great axe tightly and stared at him with caution.

"You bastard, you aren't an Ork, are you?"

"Where do I look like an Ork?"

Duanmu Huai rolled his eyes helplessly.

"At least I'm human!"

"This is the first time I've ever seen a human as tall as you... Take off your armor!"

"Sorry, that's impossible."

Duanmu Huai's expression darkened at the Dwarf's demand.

"I am a warrior. A warrior never lays down his weapons. If you keep pushing your luck, don't blame me for getting rough!"

"What? You want to fight?"

The Dwarf's eyes widened as he glared furiously at Duanmu Huai, who tightened his grip on his Warhammer.

"You're welcome to try."

"..."

For a moment, the atmosphere turned tense. Elisa and Christine huddled uneasily behind the Old Knight, watching the fierce and imposing Dwarfs around them. The elf merely wrapped herself in her cloak, saying nothing and remaining motionless in the shadows. Okegis appeared not to move, but the fingers of her lowered right hand trembled faintly—a glimmer of thread flashed between them before disappearing into the darkness.

"Wait here!"

After the two glared at each other for a while, the Dwarf threw out those words and turned to leave. Only then did the others finally relax—they had truly thought Duanmu Huai was about to fight the Dwarfs.

After some time, the Dwarf returned.

"You can pass through the Gray Mountain Range, but on one condition!"

As he spoke, the Dwarf pointed at Duanmu Huai.

"We've got a job for you. Do it well, and you can pass. Fail, and get lost!"

"No problem."

Upon hearing that, Duanmu Huai immediately calmed down.

After all, wasn't this how nine out of ten player quests went?