Chapter 37: The Miner’s Instinct
The city of Greystone buzzed with activity. With the looming threat of war and the promise of prosperity from the newly discovered ore deposits, every citizen played a part. The forges burned bright, soldiers trained day and night, and the streets echoed with purpose. Among them, Malrick walked with intent, his merchant’s eye scanning the crowds.
Lucas had entrusted him with a critical mission: to gather willing workers to mine the labyrinth and the iron-rich mountains beyond. As a man who valued people as much as gold, Malrick knew this wasn’t a task to take lightly.
He set up a recruitment booth in Greystone’s central square. A large parchment detailed the job requirements and rewards:
"Miners Wanted: Strong, Enduring, and Brave. High Wages. Guaranteed Protection. Housing Provided."
Dozens came forward. Former laborers, wandering adventurers without a calling, displaced farmers—people desperate for stability. Malrick evaluated each one carefully. He asked questions, observed their build, their calluses, and their posture. He didn’t want just any workforce. He wanted a foundation for a mining empire.
But after the first few hours, disappointment began to settle in.
The applicants were either too weak, too inexperienced, or lacked the stamina required for deep-earth mining. One man claimed to have mined a dragon’s lair but couldn’t even lift a pickaxe. Another swore he could smell ore through stone, but the only thing he found was a half-eaten potato in his coat.
Malrick sighed heavily as another unfit applicant slinked away.
"Isn’t there anyone with real talent left in this city?" he muttered, frustration mounting. "I need someone who breathes stone, not stories."
Just as he was about to close the booth for the day, a quiet rustle caught his attention. A large shadow fell across the booth.
A young man, no older than Lucas himself, stepped forward. He was large—muscular but not bulky, with tanned skin and calm, observant eyes. What caught Malrick’s attention, however, wasn’t just his build.