Noda's persuasion was just a formality. Dwarves were known for their stubbornness. Just like how Daugen insisted on developing a new weapon, Daugen said he wanted to go to Rockhammer Castle. No one on the continent could stop him.
Sylner and Flora followed Dodo. Originally, they didn't need to follow him, but after the assassination, Dodo was worried about them. He was even worried about Carolina and Becky. But this time, it didn't mean that he didn't have to worry about the consequences. Oditore was facing another wave of attack from the Abyss Race. He had to leave a top master here to hold the fort.
In the end, Carolina and Becky were ordered to stay here, while he brought Sylvia and Flora to the teleportation portal to the dwarven territory in the north.
"I will protect them forever."
Many murmured in his heart as he turned to look at the two girls behind him. He calmed himself down and signaled the mages to activate the portal.
Five hundred people was not a lot. They all disappeared from the portal in a few minutes.
"His era has just begun …" Becky turned around and informed her clergy.
Becky turned around and informed her clergymen. What the Patriarch was going to do next was to lay the foundation for many of them to embark on the path of true power.
* * *
The Dwarven Mountain Range was complex. There were dwarves of unknown bloodlines here, but most of them lived in the forest, living in seclusion and cherishing their treasures. To put it bluntly, the pride in the hearts of these prideful fellows couldn't compare to that of the Superior Elves who were famous for their arrogance.
"If Sandilan knew what I was thinking, she would probably hit me with a mahjong tile."
Many smiled at Flora and Sylner, who were standing in front of them. "The old woman always has a strange temper. I always feel that she is like a child one minute, and a weirdo who should be ringing the bell in the bell tower the next."
"Why is she the one who rings the bell?"
"Err … It's a story from my hometown. I'll tell you when I have time."
Many lifted his head and looked at the scene outside the portal. It was his second time coming to this great dwarf city, but the atmosphere here was not as tense as he imagined.
The portal was built outside the huge stone gate of the mountain. This proved that the dwarves were still wary of humans. The dwarves who were not proficient in magic were worried that the portal would one day become a threat to them. So when Many's army came out, everyone could see the huge stone gate that pierced through the clouds. The full view of Rockhammer Castle was just as shocking to Many as before.
Noda lifted his head. His mind was filled with the emotions he had when he came here the last time. His sister was now living in Oditore safely, but to him, it wasn't just sadness and nostalgia that he came here again. There was also hope.
In the face of a great enemy, his power could finally be put to use. To Noda, it was something worth celebrating. Although no one would think that he could play a crucial role in the war, with the blessing of the Goddess, he knew that he would definitely be more useful than a normal soldier …
As for the actual situation, Noda's fingers gently stroked the hilt of his sword and turned to look at the figure in the distance.
Many understood and turned back to look at Noda's expression. They nodded slightly and walked up to him.
"Welcome, Count from the Empire of Saint Reims."
The dwarven leader received him warmly as before, but he never thought that Many would change so much. Strength was an important criterion among the dwarves. For those who were powerful, even their enemies would receive their respect.
But now, Many's body had changed unbeknownst to anyone. To the dwarf leader, he felt that Many was no different from the most ordinary human. But when his somewhat dull senses scanned Many's body, he felt that there was an indescribable power in Many's body. This power was obscure and reserved, like a lurking beast that would not easily come out of its ambush.
"I've brought my army to support. Although there aren't many of us, I think it's enough to help the dwarves repel the enemy."
Many bowed. This was a necessary understanding, and it also showed that he was not arrogant. Humans did not have a good reputation among the dwarves. Treachery, cunning, and cold-blooded were the labels that the dwarves usually attached to humans. That was why he had to show a good attitude from the very beginning. Many did not want to create any friction between the two groups that were supposed to be allies.
"Army, listen up."
Many turned to look at the troll army behind them. Among them, the Caucasian troll's suffocating figure and iron can like armor made them look like mountain giants in the dwarven territory. And the wyvern cavalry had already shrouded the surrounding dwarves in his shadow.
As soon as Many's voice fell, the entire army of five hundred stood at attention. The sound of metal clashing seemed to be made by a single person. The empty valley was completely filled with the echo of this sound for the next few seconds. The aura that came surging over made the dwarves' faces turn solemn.
To be able to make them show such an expression, it was enough to show how terrifying this powerful army was. Especially the eyes hidden behind the metal helmets of these troll soldiers. The cold and emotionless gaze of war machines made the enthusiastic dwarves feel that they were not facing soldiers, but metal puppets made by legendary alchemists!
"In this place, you are the commander."
Many lifted his head and spoke softly to the dwarven leader who was already a little stunned. However, many of the following actions surprised him even more. The Count in front of him took a step back, giving way to the slightly shorter girl behind him. The latter was wearing a platinum robe that he had never seen before, and the crown on her head was unusually eye-catching.
"In order to show my respect to the dwarves, I, the only Empress of the Empire of Saint Reims, the owner of the Empire's territory, Flora, have led my subjects and army to help you."
Flora's manner was very impressive. The majesty of an empress in this situation could not be described with too many adjectives. Although Flora was just a commoner and did not have the tyrannical strength of a professional, the crown on her head was an existence that was more important to the dwarves than many powerful people.
"It is my honor."
Finally, the King of the Dwarves, the fellow wearing the mithril armor, bowed to show his attitude of welcome to Many.
"The war is coming, and it seems that there is not much time left for us."
Many did not exchange any more pleasantries with him. They looked over Sylvia's shoulder and turned to look at the black figure in the distant mountains. The Army of the Abyss had entered the dwarven territory and was advancing here.
* * *
While the dwarven territory was preparing for battle, a strange message spread throughout the Empire of Saint Reims.
"Lord Klimt has obtained the position of bishop in the Lambas Empire. From today onwards, all believers in the Empire should understand that this is a symbol of the God of Light's glory shining on the Empire."
This message from the Patriarch was a little strange. Usually, the Patriarch would not announce any national news, because she was only responsible for guiding the lost sheep to the right path. But from another perspective, this angel had never said much, nor did she issue any important orders throughout the country. When Flora left the Empire, the Patriarch suddenly announced such a message, and at the same time, carried an edict personally signed by Her Majesty. The meaning behind it seemed a little unfathomable.