Shining Heads, Shining Technology
Deep in the western mountains lay the dwarven city of Cardum. Thanks to the Moderator's goods, the place had fewer coughs these days. Bald-headed dwarves gathered, their scalps gleaming as they held a meeting.
"I'm against it, brother. The strength-to-weight ratio is excellent, but I don't think it's suitable for armor."
The meeting had dragged on since yesterday with zero progress. A dwarf with M-shaped baldness scowled, clutching a silver ingot that clearly didn't sit right with him. Then, a round-baldness dwarf countered.
"You have a point, brother. But wouldn't it work for rear-line troops? Like archers or mages."
This was the culmination of research that countless dwarves had poured themselves into lately: a lightweight iron-copper alloy. They'd completed it, but they couldn't celebrate purely.
It was undoubtedly a great material. But its flaws were just as clear.
"The weight difference from steel is nearly three times. Too light for weapons, not strong enough for armor. And for mages... it's still heavy in the end. Everyone's opinions have merit, brothers."
The fully bald dwarf summed up their thoughts, cutting off what could have escalated. The debate had raged nonstop since the research wrapped up. Every view was convincing, so no one dared force a conclusion.
"Hrmm..."
Having a great material but not knowing how to use it? For dwarves who'd devoted their lives to forging, this frustration was unbearable.
Eventually, someone high up would have to decide. The three shining heads turned to the master smith guildmaster at the head seat.
The barcode-bald dwarf looked decisive under their gazes. Guildmaster Brunndin Ironforge addressed the three.
"We won't use it for weapons. Make armor for mages and archers instead. But pursue extreme lightness. Like the cloth or leather they wear."
Extreme lightness. At the guildmaster's words, the bald one versed in rune magic broke into a bright smile. Maintaining decent defense while going light meant lightweight runes were essential.
But the other two couldn't buy it.
"Brother, that would skyrocket costs. Who'd buy it?"
"I agree, brother. How about armored wagons instead? Once trade routes open, all races could use our goods."
Rune magic demanded too much labor. Citing the high cost, the two suggested alternatives. Amused, perhaps, the bald one laughed heartily, easing their worries.
"Hahaha! Cost's no issue! I perfected the technique our ancestors hammered out!"
Stunned, the two aimed their shining heads at him.
"W-wait, didn't you get excommunicated for tinkering with that? You touched it again and actually finished it?"
"Hah... you sure that's okay? Rune magic's rarity will vanish."
Proud of his achievement, the bald one grinned wide.
"That damn rarity is dooming rune magic to obscurity. My master was great, but on this, I'm right! Rune magic won't be rare anymore—it'll be everyday magic for all! Hahaha!"
The barcode dwarf watched warmly. Guildmaster Brunndin added,
"Last month, he brought me the completed rune stamp technique. Took time testing for issues, but it's safe. Now we'll mass-produce magic armor with it."
Rune stamp technology. The dream of stamping runes like seals had overcome long persecution. At the great news, M and round-bald started mentally listing items to stamp.
Pleased, perhaps, the barcode addressed the three shining heads.
"Hahaha! You three look deep in thought already! But we can't start work right away on a good day like this, right?"
He mimed drinking. For booze-loving dwarves, the invitation was irresistible. Gulping throats bobbed. Confirming, the barcode stood. Three bulbs followed.
Four sparkling heads—like their complicated minds—bobbed lightly as the dwarves headed to the tavern, postponing today's work till tomorrow.
Clink clink clink clink. Clink clink clink clink clink clink.
The soy sauce chicken was also excellent. Might you know if there are other varieties?
"Uh... there's too many. Should we try one at a time from now on?"
Very well, Rain. Our meals shall be all the more enjoyable.
The bunker looked the same as a week ago. A peaceful scene unchanged. Against that backdrop, I scrolled the gallery. Huge news had hit the concept post.
Dwarven Master Smith Guildmaster Brunndin Ironforge here, brothers.
Our recent lightweight iron alloy research is done.
Thanks to the Moderator's help in making it, we named it accordingly: Arjudin, alloy of light iron and copper.
The image below shows the result. (Shiny ingot image)
Great strength-to-weight, but softer than steel.
So we've been deep in talks on how to use this fine material.
Conclusion: lightweight armor production.
About 30% the weight of steel, still not light enough. So we're applying rune magic to the armor.
Image below is the prototype. (Shiny armor image)
Look close: lightweight and strength-boost runes engraved.
Asked hunter brothers—our frontline users—to test. Great reviews.
Needs mana to activate, so only mana users. Future magic stone research might change that.
No worries on rune magic price hike. New rune stamp tech makes the magic easy.
Alloy production's a hassle, so not cheap. But hey, brothers? Now mages and archers get real armor too.
The day we reclaim our homes draws near. We'll do our part—let's push together.
Brothers.
Recommends: +9999 | Disrecommends: 511
Aluminum-copper alloy research complete—aluminum-copper alloy, that is. Great news. Makes blocking magic beasts and undead easier.
Good stuff, but...
"What's Arjudin mean, Sora..."
Arjudin means "metal united by the Moderator."
Didn't ask Sora. They'd have made it without me, yet they named it after me anyway. Sighing, I shifted to the gallery ablaze with Arjudin.
Gallery folks thrilled at new material, scrambling for info. Subjugation army mentions too, but nothing big—ignored. First real blaze since subjugation started. Counterattack aid gets different reactions. Enjoying it, I eyed updating post titles. Desperately hunting any negativity on the metal name, just in case.