Chapter 219: He’s Everywhere (1)
"Are you here with the item?"
The dwarf asked, his deep voice carrying the rough edge of someone used to giving orders. His sharp gaze stayed fixed on Ash, who was scanning the surroundings with clear vigilance, his body poised as if ready to fight an invisible enemy lurking nearby.
Hearing his question, Ash turned to meet the dwarf’s eyes and answered plainly, "Yes, I have it."
Ash was not in the mood for formalities right now. His body was already on edge, every sense straining under the weight of the oppressive air. Even if someone hurled insults at him, he doubted he would care enough to respond. Right now, his focus was on staying alert.
"I’m one o’ the captains o’ the security team. I’ll be guidin’ ye to Saint Kolin. Ye won’t be havin’ a problem with that, aye?" The dwarf’s tone was steady, but there was a faint challenge hidden beneath the politeness, as if daring Ash to disagree.
Hearing the words, Ash replied without hesitation, "None."
"Follow me then."
Without another word, Ash fell in step behind the dwarf captain. The sound of their boots against stone echoed in the enclosed space as they moved deeper into the mountain. The tunnels twisted and split into different paths, the walls rough with natural rock but reinforced in places with solid metal supports.
They passed multiple smaller checkpoints, each manned by heavily armed dwarves standing with rigid discipline.
With every step, the weight in the air seemed to grow heavier, pressing down on Ash’s chest until breathing felt slightly harder. The unease that had been gnawing at him since entering the Land of Forge was now almost suffocating.
His skin felt unnatural, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead, sliding slowly down his temple.
Noticing his state, the captain glanced over his shoulder with a faint smirk and said, "Hah... our land’s full o’ heat an’ sweat. Best get used to it, lad."