Volume 6 Chapter 32: Compromised
Volume 6 Chapter 32: Compromised
As the Ore God Festival approached, the atmosphere in [Dying Steel Citadel] began to fill with excitement.
Dwarves on the streets discussed the merits of various technologies, and in the bars, betting shops had already set the odds for this year's big competition. Various [Steam Motion Armor]s were displayed on the streets for everyone to admire. Some even paraded their armors down the main roads, attracting attention and gaining support.
Everything appeared so prosperous and carefree.
"If we can win this time, that would be great."
In the office of the sixth mountain range, the law enforcement center of [Dying Steel Citadel], Leica looked out the window at the bustling scene under the purple sunlight, murmuring to herself.
If they won this time, not only would Chuck gain his father's recognition, but her sister's wishes could also be fulfilled.
Closing her eyes, Leica recalled an old story.
The story revolved around a dwarven technical academy, a boy, and a pair of sisters.
The elder sister was exceptionally talented, gifted with innate ice magic and superb crafting skills. She was proud and highly competitive.
The younger sister was less talented, lacking magical abilities but very hardworking, cheerful, and had grand dreams.
The sisters met the boy, discovering that due to a family marriage pact made in their childhood, both were engaged to him.
The elder sister resented this restriction and disliked the boy. However, the boy showcased astonishing talent upon entering the academy. Their initial rivalry evolved into a bond of both competition and friendship.
As for the younger sister, she got along well with the boy from the start. Their ideas and dreams were quite similar. However, at some point, the relationship between the boy and the younger sister began to irritate the elder sister.
‘Maybe I already liked Prince Chuck back then,’ Leica thought, smiling a sincere yet wistful smile.
If only time could continue like this, Leica mused.
Unfortunately, it ended differently.
The dreams the younger sister and the boy harbored were considered heretical in [Dying Steel Citadel].
In the politically unstable environment of that time, those with ulterior motives used their dreams against them to bring down the ruling family.
In the end, to protect the family, the younger sister was punished severely and left to die in a small courtyard, unable to see the boy one last time.
After that, the boy went mad. One day, using his royal status and family crest, he violated the ban and escaped from [Dying Steel Citadel]. He was gone for many years.
Years long enough for the elder sister to graduate effortlessly from the academy, to win a Ore God Festival championship, to join the military, and finally, to become a law enforcement officer.
Time seemed to have stopped for a long while until recently, when it began to flow again.
Prince Chuck returned with the children of Prince John—a mysterious brother and sister pair.
They were dwarves who could manipulate [Orichalcum Steel], also known as Mountain Copper.
Leica had a feeling that she was witnessing the birth of a legend.
"This year's Ore God Festival will be very different from previous ones," Leica remarked.
But what actions would His Majesty the King take?
"Chief! Chief!"
At that moment, the office door burst open, and a dwarf in a pilot's uniform ran in, flustered.
"What is it? Didn't I say not to disturb me for now?"
"No, but this is really important!"
"Speak up, what's going on?"
"The autopsy report is out! The cause of those rampage incidents is the [Thermodynamic Core]—" The soldier hadn't finished speaking when Leica snatched the parchment from his hands with a swift movement.
Leica quickly read through the parchment, and the events that had transpired recently all came together in an instant. Her expression turned grim.
The [Thermodynamic Core] had issues! The reason these armored individuals had gone berserk and attacked was due to reverse magical corrosion!
How could such incidents suddenly occur one after another? This usually happens only when there's an issue with the [Thermodynamic Core], typically due to excess magic mixed in during manufacturing. But even then, reverse magical corrosion usually only causes temporary malfunction of the armor, not violent outbreaks like this!
"All the deceased perpetrators had purchased basic materials for [Thermodynamic Cores] a few days before the incidents. So, we analyzed the cores from the berserk armors and found a strange type of magic—one not recorded anywhere!"
"A strange type of magic?"
"Yes! I've seen it myself, though only a little. That magic felt very unsettling, and the surrounding plants withered. It seems to have a direct impact on living beings..."
"So, you're suggesting that the source of [Sacred Mountain Soil] is compromised?"
"Yes... that's what I think."
"..." Leica fell silent at the words.
[Steam Motion Armor] operations require [Thermodynamic Cores]. Without them, new ones must be manufactured, which inevitably requires [Sacred Mountain Soil]. But there's only one source of this soil—beneath the mountain of Tuvok, the sacred mountain of the dwarves!
If the raw material [Sacred Mountain Soil] is indeed compromised... then that would be bad!
Tomorrow is the Ore God Festival! It's an event where a large number of [Steam Motion Armor] operate simultaneously, consuming and replenishing vast amounts of [Thermodynamic Cores]!
"Chief! Where are you going?"
"I'm going to the Royal Fortress. I need to see His Majesty, right now!"