A New World, an immersive game experience

'The amount of mana used however...' Eldrian realized that while the spell had been highly effective, it seemed that the mana usage was more compared to normal spells. Especially given the damage he had seen, though, then again his only other AOE spell was Incinerate.

'It is certainly less effective than single target spells in the damage portion. Though, that is to be expected.'

Turning to the approaching dwarves, Eldrian smiled at the stunned Viggo who was stumbling over his words. It took the poor dwarven steward a few seconds to recover.

While the situation had been handled, Eldrian stepping in had saved many dwarven lives. It was now even possible to resurrect some who had died, as long as their bodies were in decent condition.

Naturally, due to the ongoing war, most of the veteran soldiers were at the frontlines. The strongest soldiers left in the city were also stationed at the Taurian gate-- the gate where Eldrian and co had entered from and met Ingvar.

As such, the soldiers stationed throughout the rest of the city were those considered too weak, still in training, or in retirement. Yet, even with their forces being so weak they were able to handle the threat effectively; but at a cost.

"We-we're you the one- to..."

Nodding, Eldrian wasn't sure what to do as Viggo continued to stumble over his words.

"Thank you very much for your help..." Pausing Viggo wondered what he could offer Eldrian as a show of thanks. "Do you wish to claim your spoils?" Viggo asked, feeling that this would be the best place to start regarding compensation.

"Sure, is there anything particularly good on these reavers?"

"Their eyes, especially the eyes of those who have reached Tier 5 or higher are highly prized. Depending on how pure the reaver's bloodline is, it might just be possible to extract and make use of their bloodline ability."

"What do you mean?"

Quickly realizing that Eldrian might have misunderstood, Viggo explained properly. "You can consider their eyes similar to crystals, and like crystals they have an attunement. Normal crystals have an attunement with the elements, but their's will be with their bloodline."

"Ah, that abyssal gaze ability?"

"Precisely. Using that, it is possible to make an item that would send out a form of mental attack. Depending on the creator's skills and the eye's quality, you might even gain access to the true ability."

"Then let's see if we are lucky," Eldrian said with a smile. The reavers killed by him, whether he simply helped or killed them entirely with his flames were easy to find. Unfortunately, it seemed that while none had turned to ash, most of their eyes had been ruined by the flames.

The strongest reavers had retreated at the first sign of the fight being lost, thus Viggo couldn't search for an eye to gift Eldrian. There might be one, but the chances were low.

Realizing this, Viggo wracked his brain on what else to offer. While the reaver's exoskeleton was strong, it wasn't comparable to mithril. It was more partway between celestial ores and mithril. Useful and valuable for sure, but it didn't seem like Eldrian was lacking armor.

Though, his breastplate did have a deep scar. Viggo thought maybe he should offer Eldrian a dwarven-made breastplate.

Eldrian realized what was going on. Smiling internally, he decided that it was time to strike. There wasn't actually a need for him to meet with the dwarven lords directly. He could leave the delegations to Sanja and come back on his own via teleportation or even with an agima in just a few hours when needed. In minutes if Ceph wasn't busy.

A few players could also be sent here to keep communication going. Eldrian was sure there would be many who would want to explore a true dwarven kingdom. And considering what just happened there was certainly to be enough quests for them too.

A part of Eldrian actually wanted to stay to go on a quest or two. Unfortunately, he knew that doing so would do more damage than good. He had to focus on what was priorities, this was after all no longer a game for him.

"Actually, there is one thing that you might be able to help me with. Sanja mentioned it before; we came hoping to establish trade of basic materials."

Viggo nodded, feeling backed into a corner. He had hoped to stall the talks so they could get the upper hand in the deals. What Eldrian said next however left him quite shocked and without words.

"The reason we require more basic materials is because we've been mass manufacturing a new type of siege equipment. Each time it fires it is comparable to the first spell I cast."

Viggo stared at Eldrian, trying to determine if the elf was joking. Seeing no hint of this, Viggo was simply left in disbelief.

"I'm sure that the kingdom might want to keep this to themselves, at least some nobles will surely push for it. But doing so in times as dire as this would be beyond dumb. So I want to propose an exchange."

'This elf, he isn't as simple as he appeared.' Viggo sighed, realizing that Eldrian had him.

In return for the help he had delivered, Eldrian was asking for something that would be mutually beneficial. There was no way Viggo could say no, he also couldn't push too hard on the conditions lest he appears ungrateful.

"I actually have one of the simpler cannons -that is what they are called- on me. In exchange for the cannon and an explanation on how to make and use them, I would like to organize two deals."

"The first would be allowing us to buy the cannons at cost; until the invasion ends. However, I understand that you will want cannons of your own. Thus, we will only ask to have access to buy every third cannon you make."

Viggo frowned, it was too much. Especially since he did not yet know how effective it truly was. Eldrian's showcase made him inclined to believe the elf, but Eldrian was still a stranger.

"I'm afraid I can't accept every third-- cannon. We would have a hard time reinforcing our own lines if we only keep two out of three we produce."

"Then why don't we make it every fifth?" Eldrian asked, the jump to fifth catching Viggo slightly of guard. Eldrian seceding so far made him feel bad about bargaining further, he was actually willing to settle for every fourth.

"Depending on your following condition, I might be able to accept this." Viggo replied, trying to keep some sort of advantage.

"That would be for raw materials. I'm not sure what a good price would be, but I want Sanja to work with you to organize a deal that both sides can be happy with."

Nodding, Viggo readily agreed, actually feeling slightly bad that he was so focused on winning out when Eldrian clearly did not mind losing out. He was confident he wouldn't lose against Sanja, but now he felt bad about it.

With that, the two left the charred battlefield and returned to the keep where they found a worried centaurette waiting in the entrance hall.

"What happened?" Sanja asked as soon as she saw the two and Eldrian simply smiled as he said that he was no longer needed here.

AN: Thank you, everyone, for continuing to read and support the story on Web.