A fireball tore through the air.
“What the heck is this now?”
Suho hurriedly swung his Claw hammer.
Kwaang-!
The Fire Orb struck the Claw hammer and exploded midair.
Suho looked toward where the Fire Orb had come from.
‘Magic? Did that guy use it?’
Far in the distance, at the very rear of the Orc camp.
He could see an Orc holding a Staff.
‘Must be an Orc Shaman or something.’
In the meantime, another Fire Orb was fired.
Suho swung his Claw hammer again, bursting the Fire Orb.
“This is troublesome.”
Because he had to pay attention to the Fire Orbs, he was neglecting the other Orcs.
But if he tried to take down Orcs and a Fire Orb ended up hitting a Dwarf… it’d be a disaster.
‘I need to take that guy out first.’
Determined, Suho stretched out his hand.
The Claw hammer passed through the Freezer wall, reaching out far away.
‘Not enough range’
The Orc Shaman’s position was too far.
Even if he shoved his entire body into the Freezer, he couldn’t reach.
Fwoooosh—
A new Fire Orb floated up in front of the Orc Shaman.
‘I need to find a way.’
The Claw hammer’s reach was too short, and the Dwarves were being pushed back.
He needed to deal with the Shaman quickly.
As Suho agonized over it, his gaze swept around the Room.
There it is!
An old Old Rice Straw Broom.
Suho grabbed the battered Broom and flipped it upside down.
He pushed the handle side into the Freezer.
“It reaches!”
Now the range was enough.
Suho swung the Broom at the Shaman.
Thunk—
He felt resistance as the Broom collided and bounced off.
Did the Shaman cast a defensive Magic?
Or was it just that the Broom wasn’t an Item, so its destructive power was lacking?
Didn’t matter.
He’d just keep hitting.
Clang—
On the second hit, he felt something crack.
Crunch!
On the third hit, the Shaman was smashed.
“That’s it! Time to finish this.”
Suho set the Broom down and resumed swinging his Claw hammer.
Papapapapapak!
With blows raining down like a sudden shower, the Orcs fell one after another.
Then, at some point—
“It’s over, it’s really over!”
Finally, the last Orc collapsed.
“We did it—!”
“Wahaha, we survived!”
“We did it! We stopped the Orcs!”
“Thank you, Giant-nim!”
As the Dwarves cheered, a message appeared.
[You have completed the Emergency Dimensional Mission [Village Defense].]
[Red Hammer Clan Dwarf Satisfaction increases by 50.]
[You have acquired the Unique Skill [???].]
***
Suho opened the Dimensional Panel and checked the mysterious Skill.
[???]
-Cannot be activated due to low Exchange Rank.
“What the heck is this?”
All he knew for sure was one thing.
He didn’t know what this Skill was, but he couldn’t use it right now.
“To check that, I probably need to raise my Exchange Rank.”
Suho’s Exchange Rank was Low.
It had been that way ever since his Awakening.
“To raise my Rank, I have to increase my Exchange Count and expand the number of Exchange Dimensions, right?”
It’d be great if an Elf just popped up in the Freezer… but….
He couldn’t just sit around hoping for that.
‘For now, all I can do is work hard at exchanges with the Dwarves.’
Now that things had settled down, Suho was curious about the state of the Red Hammer Clan.
He opened the Dimensional Panel.
[Red Hammer Clan Dwarves]
- Affiliated Dimension: ESKHJ-0702L
- Number of members: 257
- Satisfaction: 55/100
‘Satisfaction dropped drastically because of the Orcs.’
Even after the 50-point boost from the mission reward, it was only 55, meaning it had dropped to rock bottom.
‘Still, the population increased a lot.’
The burden of feeding them at night would be heavier, but there’d be more hands to help.
In the long run, it was a positive development.
‘First, I should talk with Tarunga-nim.’
As Suho thought that, Tarunga happened to approach.
“Giant-nim, are you here?”
“Yes, I’m here, Tarunga-nim.”
Tarunga, hearing Suho’s voice, hurriedly bowed his head.
“Thank you so much. If you hadn’t helped us, we surely would’ve been wiped out.”
“Not at all. We have to help each other to live.”
“Still, I feel so indebted to you every time, I truly don’t know what to say.”
Tarunga sincerely expressed his gratitude.
After Suho exchanged some modest words, he asked what he was curious about.
“But how did the Orc horde show up? Does this happen often?”
“It’s not very common, but…”
Tarunga trailed off with a worried expression.
After a moment’s pause, Tarunga continued.
“Actually, these Balanca Mountains are so dangerous they’re called the Forbidden Zone. The whole mountain range is the territory of the Mad Dragon Balangkaar.”
“Mad Dragon?”
A Mad Dragon—wasn’t that just a crazy dragon?
But they settled in the territory of a Mad Dragon?
“Yes, about two hundred years ago, it was a young dragon that roamed the continent causing all sorts of insane trouble.”
“Then why on earth did you migrate to such a dangerous place?”
Well, it was nice to meet them, but still.
“A while ago, chaos broke out across the entire continent. Monsters are going mad, rampaging under the influence of Magic.”
“Magic? What’s that?”
“It’s the demonic energy held by the Demon Tribe.”
The Demon Tribe were residents of the Demon Realm, and there were lunatics trying to summon them. However, it wasn’t certain if this incident was their doing.
Tarunga added that explanation.
“…I see.”
“We couldn’t hold out any longer and decided to evacuate. While searching for a refuge, the Hammer and Anvil God gave us an Oracle.”
That was similar to what he’d heard when he first discovered the Dwarves.
“An Oracle… that’s like hearing the words of a god, right?”
“Yes, I heard His words. The other clan chiefs received the same Oracle.”
So in that world, gods really did speak to people.
Well, if there were dragons, why not gods…
“So the Oracle told you to migrate here.”
“That’s right. He said only in the Balanca Mountains could we escape annihilation.”
“Then other Dwarf clans will probably come here too?”
“I’m not sure. After exchanging the contents of the Oracle with the other clans, we didn’t have time to contact each other again. The migration was urgent.”
He understood the situation, but still had one more question.
“But is there any connection between this place being a dragon’s territory and the Orc attack?”
“Balangkaar hasn’t been active for about a hundred years. In that time, monsters may have settled here.”
“So the dragon doesn’t attack monsters?”
“No. It’s possible Balangkaar died, or maybe he’s just too lazy to care. Or perhaps… well…”
Tarunga’s expression turned grave.
“Or perhaps?”
“Balangkaar may have sent the Orcs to attack us. If that’s really the case… all we can do is hope the Hammer and Anvil God watches over us.”
Tarunga’s face was clouded with worry.
If it was the dragon’s doing, this wouldn’t be the end, so it was only natural to worry.
“Since you received an Oracle, I’m sure nothing bad will happen. Stay strong.”
“Thank you, Giant-nim.”
Tarunga bowed his head once more.
Trying to dispel the heavy mood, Suho changed the subject.
“By the way, your population’s increased a lot. I even saw children.”
“Yes, the later groups are arriving one after another. At this rate, everyone should be here within a month. Oh!”
With a look as if he’d remembered something, Tarunga quickly continued.
“Giant-nim, you said you were interested in the goods we make, right?”
“Yes. Your craftsmanship is truly impressive.”
“When the last groups arrive, we should be able to start producing various goods, little by little.”
‘Oh! Finally!’
“That’s great news.”
Suho replied joyfully.
But for some reason, Tarunga’s expression looked troubled.
After hesitating for a while, he finally spoke.
“I’m sorry to ask, but could we get some more Ramyeon? We’ve run out of food, and I need to feed the children… I’m so sorry to ask again.”
Ah, because of the Orcs, he hadn’t been able to give them Ramyeon yet.
He should deliver it right away, and complete the ongoing mission too.
“It’s fine. I brought Ramyeon just for you.”
With a smile, Suho went to fetch a box of Ramyeon.
***
The Freezer was bustling with noise.
“So this is that Ramyeon?”
“What’s this Flour? How does it smell like this?”
“Looks like you just arrived yesterday since you don’t know about Ramyeon yet. Just wait until you taste it.”
“It’s ready! Let’s eat before the noodles get soggy!”
“Wow, this is spicy and delicious.”
“Let’s all thank Giant-nim before we eat.”
“That’s right. Thank you, Giant-nim! We’ll eat well.”
“Thank you, Giant-nim!”
While the Dwarves were enjoying the Ramyeon—
“This is a new product! Giant-nim called this Jjajang Ramyeon.”
Bold came running with a bowl.
“Huh, it’s black… Is it safe to eat?”
“I boiled it, so I’ll try it first. Hehe.”
Nom nom.
“Bold, how does it taste?”
“Hmm, I need to eat some more. Hold on.”
Bold stuffed his mouth with noodles.
“Hey! That guy’s eating it all by himself. Grab him!”
“Haha, it’s delicious. Seriously, this is amazing!”
Suho looked at the Dwarves with satisfaction.
Then he turned his head to the side.
His face was reflected in a mirror hanging on the wall.
“Hah, look at this…”
He let out a laugh.
It was because of the oddly shaped item perched on his head.
[Travel Helmet]
- A simple helmet made for traveling. Though it was hastily crafted, the artisan’s touch makes it sturdy and light. Shaped to fit a Dwarf’s head perfectly.
- Item Grade: High
- Physical Defense 250
- [Intermediate Shock Absorption]
- Agility +10
- Durability 400
A helmet brought by the later group of Dwarves.
It was a gift Suho received from Tarunga as thanks for stopping the Orcs and giving them Ramyeon.
But there was one problem.
“The specs are great.”
With [Intermediate Shock Absorption], it protected his head well.
Plus, it gave a bonus to Agility, which he’d always lacked. However—
“It looks just like an upside-down aluminum pot on my head.”
The width was fine, but the depth was off.
Because it was made to fit a Dwarf’s head.
To make matters worse, the color was yellowish, so at a glance, it looked exactly like an aluminum pot.
“At least it’s got a strap under the chin so it stays on.”
At least he didn’t have to worry about it falling off.
As Suho awkwardly stared at the mirror—
Bzzz—
His phone vibrated.
It was Jung Hyunsu.
Suho answered the call.
“Hyung, how’ve you been?”
“Hey, it hasn’t even been that long since we parted.”
“Haha, I called because the Contract is ready.”
“Already?”
“You’ve got to handle these things quickly. It’s too late today, but are you free tomorrow morning?”
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
“Then I’ll come by your shop around 11. You said it’s near the Association, right?”
“Yeah, call me when you’re nearby.”
“Alright, see you tomorrow, hyung.”
“Okay.”
Looks like the Dwarves’ night wages would be coming in tomorrow.
***
“Yes! I’m signing with Suho hyung!”
Jung Hyunsu cheered as he hung up the phone.
The Contract with Suho was the first step toward his dream.
He hadn’t realized it during negotiations, but now that the Contract was about to be signed, it felt real.
“Contract? Who’s this Suho hyung?”
A voice called out from right next to him.
“Whoa! Noona, why are you here?”
“I can come into my little brother’s room if I want. Anyway, what was that about a contract? Did you go and stamp your seal somewhere without thinking?”
“No, it’s not like that. You don’t need to know, noona. Ack—! Don’t look!”
While Jung Hyunsu was talking, his sister Jeong Hyeona snatched up the Contract lying on the desk.
That was a mistake.
He should have put the Contract away first.
But it was already too late.
Jeong Hyeona frowned as she examined the Contract.
“Hey! This is basically an unfair contract! You’re really going to sign this? With this Suho guy?”
“…Yeah.”
“Are you crazy? Are you out of your mind?”
“Noona, you just haven’t met him. He’s the real deal.”
“Hah! You’re not making any sense. What, is he Kang Minjae or something? Even if young Kang Minjae reappeared, you wouldn’t get a deal like this.”
“I know, but Suho hyung really is the real deal. This’ll be a huge win in the future.”
Jeong Hyeona glared at him.
“Nonsense. Where is this Suho guy now? Trying to trick an innocent kid like you—”
“No, I barely managed to recruit him while the Three Major Guilds’ Scouts were all trying to get him. Noona, please just listen to me.”
“Three Major Guilds?”
“Yeah, even the Five-Star Scout left him a business card after failing to sign him. Told me to call if things fell through. Anyway, if I don’t sign with Suho hyung now, I’ll miss my chance. So please, just let it go.”
Jeong Hyeona sat on the bed.
She frowned deeply, lost in thought for a few minutes before finally speaking.
“Dad doesn’t know about this, does he?”
“…No.”
“If Dad found out, he wouldn’t just let it go. Fine, I won’t say anything to him.”
“Really? Thanks, noona.”
“But I can’t just watch you sign this Contract as is. If the Scouts are fighting over him, he must be decent, but this is too much. At the very least, I need to see for myself.”
“Tomorrow morning, you’re going to meet him, right? I’m coming too. Just so you know.”
“Noona!”
“If you try to go alone, I’ll tell Dad.”
Jeong Hyeona left the room, Contract in hand.