Let’s Play Minecraft in a World of Swords and Spells
Volume 6 Chapter 1: Entrance to the New World

(Walson)

Dwarven Empire — amidst the mountains of Mount Mahamatara.

North of the Labyrinth city of Chesaatla, about a hundred kilometers away, two rugged peaks rise above the horizon, then dip down into deep valleys beyond the mountain ridges.

There lay a narrow and deep crevice, it’s being used as an external passage into the mysterious dwarf world from the east.

At dusk, we entered the Gorge Pass Town.

In such a crevice, there exists a peculiar little town, more resembling a market than a town in appearance.

Nestled between towering mountain walls, haphazard wooden structures sprawled along the walls in all directions. And when I say "all directions," I mean it literally; even dozens of kilometers above the ground, one could see buildings constructed by driving wooden stakes deep into the rock face as foundations.

— It's like the miraculous hanging temples of ancient Chinese architecture on Earth, like the Hanging Monastery, but here, it's even more remarkable; the entire town is built this way.

In the dark valley, amidst two cliffs illuminated by lanterns, the singing of dwarves and the clanging of iron resounded, giving the small town a strange and mesmerizing charm.

The majority of the residents living here are dwarves, with a few minority races also present. This should be the last opportunity to see other foreign races in this town.

The significance of the Gorge Pass town is not just as a stopover town along the road, but also the last checkpoint leading to cities within Level 3.

As mentioned before, the Dwarven Empire is a very closed-off country, with a grading system for cities. Towns within Level 3 are completely off-limits to any foreign races, so there are heavily guarded checkpoints to keep all external forces out.

And that's where we're headed next, although we're being led by Chuck, the heir to the dwarf throne, I have serious doubts about whether we can pass through there.

After all, our group consists of humans, elves, Lamias, Lizardkin... and what's Grace considered? After all, the highest-tier [Stone Tablet of Identification] can show both [Human] and [Endermen] at once— so does that mean Krista is both a [Rabbit Person] and a [Skeleton Archer]?

Ah, I’m getting off track. Anyway, our group is like a mishmash of races. Can we really smoothly pass through the security checkpoint?

Three days after leaving Chesaatla, we approached Gorge Pass Town and, under Chuck's lead, checked into an inn— Well, if it were just that, it wouldn't be a big deal.

It's a thirty-meter-high inn that hangs in the air! A hotel built on the mountainside, looking decrepit and on the verge of collapse at any moment!

The whole place is super rundown and ancient. Not only is there no signboard, but the owner is also a hunched, patchy-clothed old dwarf man! And what's with the exorbitant accommodation fee!? Six gold coins for one night in this rundown building!? No wonder there's not a single person in the whole place!

Originally a bit worried that my companions would be unhappy about staying here, surprisingly, no one complained. Everyone even did some simple cleaning up.

Belle, Chuck, and I were now standing in an empty room without even a chair, finally having a space where we could talk.

Belle had been very tense these past few days, rushing along the northern road with us without stopping for three days and nights, as if trying to escape from something— I asked her about the sudden snowstorm that occurred when we left.

Chuck naturally stood by, listening. I felt that he had the right to know the truth.

"These things have nothing to do with you. I think it's better for you not to get involved," Belle said after a few seconds of silence.

"Huh? Not get involved? This is my country. Don't use such words to fob us off," Chuck said, sounding a bit displeased.

Earlier, I had already told him about the [Mutual Aid Society], the [Mutants], and the seven [Elemental Guardians], giving him a basic understanding of the situation— Despite this, neither he nor I could understand why there was such an earth-shattering showdown in the Labyrinth city when we left.

As a [Vassal of The Flame], Krista was fully engaged in a battle against someone that I couldn't see clearly, but from what I can see, the other party wore a military uniform and a skull mask, along with a large group of shadows, which seemed like an army.

"That's the [Dawn Hunters]— Anyway, you won't encounter them again for a while," Belle sighed and was about to leave the room, "I'm tired."

The [Dawn Hunters]? What's that? I have no clue.

"Oh, right, Goblin," Belle remembered something, paused for a moment, then said as she left, "It's wise of you not to join the Guild. Trust me, it's better not to get involved in their disputes."

"...I thought that after coming out of the labyrinth, we could share more information, but it seems like that was just an illusion," Chuck said somewhat displeased, watching her downstairs.

"Hey, don't say that. I didn't mean to hide anything from you," I shrugged, "So what now? Do you have something else you want to tell me? Shouldn't you tell me what you want me to do?"

"I want to ask you, Walson, to help me build something," Chuck said.

"Build something? What kind of thing?" I asked.

"As for that, it's a very powerful machine, but I can't complete it on my own," Chuck laughed, "I'll tell you when we get to Ironburg."

"..." I raised an eyebrow. What's with this guy's abstract way of asking for a favor? Isn't he afraid I'll just walk away?

Anyway, since there's a chance to visit the dwarf city where outsiders can't go, why not take a look? As for whether we can get out, I believe with Grace's cheating space jumps, there should be no problem.

My main purpose in coming here is to find materials or techniques that can replace [Redstone]! The Dwarven Empire, famous for its technology, is undoubtedly my first choice!

"Once it's completed, Walson, I'll assist you with any problems you encounter in the future," Chuck clenched his fists, making a crossed motion in front of his chest. "This is a promise as a Gawaha— Sorry, I accidentally slipped into dialect. This is a promise as a member of the royal family."

"Being able to make such a promise as a member of the royal family must hold extraordinary significance for you, right?"

"...Extraordinary?" Chuck fell silent for a few seconds, and behind his iron mask, his eyes flashed with a hint of melancholy. "...Yeah, it’s extraordinary."

"Well then, since we're heading to Ironburg, we should rest early. I hope you can lead us through those security checkpoints tomorrow." I said.

At my words, Chuck suddenly burst into laughter.

"Haha, who said I'm going to lead you through that fake gate?"

"Fake gate?" Now it was my turn to be puzzled.

You see, it's common knowledge that the only route into the Dwarven Empire from the Eastern countries is through this canyon. This information is known everywhere, including from the adventurers' guild.

At this moment, Chuck's volume suddenly decreased, and he spoke at a volume only we could hear.

"Passing through that fake gate indeed takes you to Ironburg," Chuck said softly, "but Ironburg is not the empire real Capital, that place is used to deceive outsiders. As for the real capital city..."

Chuck turned around, fumbling on the wall for a few moments. Suddenly, there was a clicking sound, followed by the sound of gears turning. The wall behind me suddenly opened up, revealing the rock behind it— Huh?

There were strange drawings on the rock, seemingly telling some ancient story, with a strangely shaped circular groove in the center.

"Who told you it's on the ground?" Chuck said as he took out a badge and inserted it into the groove.

From the center of the groove, a circle of light spread outwards, and the ground began to shake. The next moment, the relief wall lowered, and unknown illumination tools lit up one after another, revealing a wide and deep cave in front of me!

There was a path hidden here! I never expected that the badge with the royal totem would be the key! And he even gave me one!

"Welcome to the entrance of the underground world," Chuck chuckled at my astonished reaction. "But don't get too excited. It'll take several days to reach the Dying Steel Citadel—the true capital of the Dwarven Empire—along this path."