"Take Good Care of Norpa."
"Take good care of Norpa."
"Don't worry."
"And contact someone quick in Obela. Have them deliver the item I entrusted to Phlia for safekeeping."
"Got it."
Having wrapped up the duchy's affairs for now, I parted ways with Norpa and Red Sickle, then prepared for the journey to Muhama Plateau.
"Oh, and could you hold onto this for a while?"
After finishing my conversation with Red Sickle, I showed the materials I'd obtained from Muhar Castle to Bil-sang and Norpa, who stood beside him.
"Where did you get your hands on these...?"
"As you know, Muhar used to house a golem research lab from the days of the dwarf kingdom."
The two dwarf artisans gazed at the ancient magitech components with a surge of nostalgia, their eyes turning to me.
Normally, you'd need to grab one more part from the lord's castle to activate Muhar's secret facility...
That part had remained in the crumbling lord's castle after I unexpectedly clashed with the White Knight, defeated him, and let the place collapse.
Better to keep it under wraps for now. Activating it without securing private territory rights would paint a target on our backs for players, no questions asked.
To keep it perfectly secret, I'd be better off holding onto it myself. But since I'd taken the quest to raise Muhar's city rank, preparing for potential risks seemed wise.
"You two probably know better than anyone what these mean."
"Ahem..."
[Norpa Jeran wears a troubled expression.]
I understood his mood well enough, so I didn't press further.
The six-barreled siege cannon, activated by gathering those three materials, serves as the ultimate defense and a brand-new battle fortress to announce Muhar's rise.
But Norpa's bitter look stemmed from its ties to the dwarf kingdom's downfall.
Well... I don't know the ancient details myself.
I could only infer from ancient texts in the palace reports that it had been fired during a war against a calamity.
"We probably won't need to use it. I'll send reinforcements to Muhar soon enough."
"Mm, alright."
Norpa's face was still troubled, but he nodded as if resolving himself.
"Then."
With Red Sickle's farewell, I set off.
Guess I'll have to meet with Kwak Yeon.
After the clash with the eight great clans, Muhar was bound to become a target.
And the plateau's not far from the Deus Union either... Time to call in those three soon.
After buying an extra map in Lisal, I glanced toward Muhama Plateau marked on my minimap and pondered.
Hmm. Using Kuntaka would get me there fast, but it'd draw too much attention.
Besides, with my dominance still incomplete, the ancient monster of the White Swamp might break free and rampage at any moment.
To properly use the summons from devouring kin, I need to boost my dominance...
Being able to wield Kuntaka was a massive asset, but the real push for higher dominance was the White Knight.
Right now it's just the swamp's ancient monster, but to tackle world quests, I need to dominate the White Knight too.
Unlike devouring kin, summon skills were for the familiar's master—me—so raising dominance involved not just Black Eye, but my own abilities too.
"Hoo."
So much to do.
But the mountain of tasks didn't weigh me down. If anything, it brought a thrilling high.
"Still not enough."
It felt like the burning desire to grow stronger faster.
[Don't rush it.]
Black Eye sensed my mood and spoke calmly.
[You're already far ahead.]
"Yeah, right. Not content with a Flame Spirit, you're dragging around stuff like that and still whining about not enough? Greed, pure greed. You were a monster in Dimension World 1, but now you've surpassed even that."
Baek Yiheon, standing beside me, shook his head with a look of exasperation.
"You ready?"
"Done and dusted. Who do you think I am?"
Unlike his usual nonchalance, Baek Yiheon pouted slightly as he handed me a thick overcoat and a bundle of frozen round orbs.
"Magitech coolant. Meant for the Sword Demon Soldier's attribute armor, but... as you asked, I had Norpa make it."
He glanced around like it was top secret and whispered.
"That old man's got some secrets, huh? Even Bil-sang can't craft Sword Demon Soldier gear. That's why each of the three artisans specializes in different items."
He pointed at the coolant.
"But that dwarf can make anything they can? Honestly, aren't the three artisans redundant then?"
"Who said that? Cut the nonsense. They're all vital. Can't afford to waste a single one. I've put out feelers to Geom-san of the Muak Clan, but pass the word to the Yuldo Clan master too. I'm asking them to protect the dwarves."
As he said, compared to Tur Mah or Norpa, the three artisans fell short.
But Baek Yiheon didn't know one key thing: Completing the unfinished golem giant in Sandorim Forest—Tur Mah's masterpiece—required the combined skills of multiple dwarf artisans.
"Fine."
He still sulked, lips twitching, but inwardly he couldn't help admiring how the plans interlocked.
Lucky bastard... or just that smart?
Or both. Baek Yiheon felt his decision to leave Yuldo Clan and join Kim Do-hyun was the best he'd made since starting the game.
As long as nothing like that happens again...
He clicked his tongue and eyed Kim Do-hyun.
"What?"
"Nah, nothing."
I asked at his lingering stare, but he just shook his head hastily, holding back his words.
"This should do it."
Muhama Plateau was one of the continent's unique terrains—high altitude meant freezing cold, but the summit bizarrely scorched with extreme heat. Cold and heat resistance gear was essential.
"And this—Silver Sword ticket. Jahal Duke said to pass it to you."
"Good."
Without the rails, the trip would've doubled in time. Lucky break.
"Oh, and the adventurer guild mentioned a mage tower near the plateau with a teleport circle. Might as well register the spot while we're there."
"Hm, you mean Buma Shrine?"
"Huh? What? You know it?"
I muttered unwittingly in response to Baek Yiheon, and he shot back with a surprised look.
"Nah, just heard the name."
He wasn't buying my dodge—sharp as ever—but didn't pry further.
"That make any sense? You let Kim Do-hyun run wild alone and just sat there?"
"Watch your mouth, Shummel Chernov. We avoided friction with him for the quests."
"Excuses... Fine, Kingdom Clan aside—what about Owner Clan? Even the mighty Egyptian emperor got cold feet facing Kim Do-hyun? Figures. You always got wrecked by him in Dimension World 1. Your ass on the arena floor's still meme'd on the community forums, lol."
"......"
Ra-shad just stared stonily at Shummel's jab.
The gathering of the eight great clans' masters hummed with the usual tense silence, but Shummel's barbs were cracking it into something uglier.
"You wouldn't let him slide, right?"
"Obviously. You've got an eye."
Shummel smirked at one man, but it was more sneer than thanks.
"Mr. Do. Same country and all—can't you rein in his rampage a bit?"
The man he eyed was none other than SL Clan's Do Ji-wan.
"Eh. If Kim Do-hyun goes all out, it's a headache no matter what."
Despite the prod, Do Ji-wan replied coolly.
"You all know what he's like. Sure, throw the whole clan at him and we'd catch him... but you're all holding back not outta fear, right?"
Do Ji-wan turned to Kingdom Clan's Daiena.
"You're all hunting for one more hidden quest."
No one answered.
Since rumors spread on the community that Los Clan's Rerto Karen had fled a fight with Kim Do-hyun, the other seven masters' minds churned with complications.
Not rage at the dent to the world's top alliance's rep.
Legendary class, huh...
Rerto Karen ain't all that...
This is our chance...
Everyone craved the top spot—especially the masters of powerhouses like the eight clans.
"Kim Do-hyun has a special summon called Flame Spirit."
Silent Rerto Karen finally spoke.
"Weak compared to players for now, but they seem growth-type. And he's got Baek Yiheon, the Mad Dog from his original crew."
Daiena picked up.
"Mystic Transporter?"
China's ANA Clan's Lushin frowned slightly.
"If that guy's in, we pass. No cure for Mad Dog bites."
Lushin shook his head at Baek Yiheon's name—some bad history there.
"Those two just left Lisal. Train route heads near Deus Union. Do Ji-wan, I'd like to entrust Kim Do-hyun to you."
"Entrust? Hilarious. You're just dumping your dirty work on me."
Do Ji-wan scoffed at Daiena.
"Los Clan recently found a quest. Reward: Legendary-grade weapon."
"...?!"
Not just Do Ji-wan—all masters' eyes locked on Rerto Karen.
"Shame it's a bow, though. Los has archers, but none like you. A fine weapon belongs in worthy hands."
"What're you saying? Giving me a Legendary bow?"
"Exactly."
Rerto Karen met Do Ji-wan's gaze.
"Process him for good. And the Legendary weapon's yours, Do Ji-wan."
"Whew, so far. Kid's bossing around us old folks."
"Haha, you came?"
The cafe door swung open, admitting a kindly middle-aged man with a bushy beard, grumbling as he entered. Nam Hyun-woo followed.
"Heard from Hyun-woo."
"Really?"
The burly man slumping into a chair was none other than Yuldo Clan's Kwak Yeon.
During the train ride, a message from Nam Hyun-woo had set up this meeting of three.
"You poached Baek Yiheon?"
"...You heard that part?"
I squinted at Nam Hyun-woo, but he innocently looked away—though his lips twitched with a smirk.
"Whatever. Mad Dog can go where he wants. So, what's your angle? Hyun-woo said you've got some cheeky scheme brewing."
"I want friendly ties with Yuldo and Muak Clans."
"A solo player allying with clans? Sure, Kim Do-hyun's skilled, but eyes are watching. Gotta think of our face too, yeah?"
"No worries. I'll form a clan soon. Including Yuldo and Muak."
Kwak Yeon stared at me like I'd lost my mind.
"Hear that? Acts like we're naturally joining him."
Nam Hyun-woo grinned sheepishly.
"He's the real deal. Heh, been wanting to meet you. Now I get why Baek Yiheon followed you first."
Kwak Yeon talked tough, but he'd clearly come open to alliance.
"And for now, it's amity, not full alliance. Think of it as a contract."
"Contract... So you're commissioning us?"
"Yes. First, team with Muak to take down SL Clan in Deus Union. Claim domestic #1 spot."
Kwak Yeon frowned slightly.
"Raid SL? Their master Do Ji-wan's no joke. Might seem mid among the eight, but he's Korea's top archer."
"That was Dimension World 1."
"...What?"
"Hyun-woo hyung said you always griped about it: Do Ji-wan's strength comes from weapons the eight clans hooked him up with."
"Ahem..."
Kwak Yeon coughed awkwardly.
"Was I wrong? Without gear crutches, Do Ji-wan's nothing special."
I pressed him.
"Check the goods first. Left 'em in Obela. If they're decent, send Yuldo's Ran Ming-ming to the duchy's Muhar."
"Ran Ming-ming?"
"Yeah. As an alchemist, she'll love it. Muhar's new workshops need her. And move her Alchemical Council followers there too."
"Hm... To counter Kingdom and Owner Clans?"
"Exactly."
"Use me and Muak to check SL, block Kingdom and Owner with Ran Ming-ming's crew? Heh, you've already punked Los Clan—community's buzzing. Eight clans'll look like clowns."
Kwak Yeon eyed me with intrigued wonder.
"How far you planning to go?"
I shot back.
"Curious? Follow along."
Chiiiik-!!
As the train slowed, I slowly opened my eyes inside the car.
"Where'd you wander off to during the ride?"
The train from Lisal had reached the southeastern continent's last station.
"Met Kwak Yeon briefly."
"Ex...?!"
Baek Yiheon tensed at the mention of his old clan master.
"Bait's laid."
"You're really going up against the eight clans? You sure? Too soon?"
"If it was just us, yeah."
"...Huh?"
"Continent's not just players."
Baek Yiheon tilted his head, puzzled.
"Finally here."
I turned from our plateau destination, fiddling with the ring on my finger, recalling someone from memory.
"On arrival, hit the shrine with the teleport circle first?"
"Yeah."
I nodded to Baek Yiheon.
But not just for saving the spot—another reason.
I can meet her.
The Yul Witch. Wielder of the Tomb Heaven Magic Brush from the Spider Lord's Tomb. One of Glory's 9, who should've claimed this ring's power—yet now just a lowly shrine keeper at the continent's edge. Who'd guess?
That's why I'd flinched when Baek Yiheon first mentioned Buma Shrine.
Her Yul magic piled corpses sky-high—witch indeed. The thrill lingered.
The Yul Witch will be key against the eight clans.
The coming war wouldn't just be players—my NPC allies would join too.
Thud-clang-chiiiik-
The train halted at a small platform station.
Here, where two of Glory's 9 followed me.
I stepped slowly out of the train.