Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 569 - 36 Klarke?Gold_1

Chapter 569: Chapter 36 Klarke?Gold_1

The Hammer Family of the Mountain Dwarves, the Gold Family of the Hill Dwarves, and the Dark Family of the Cavern Dwarves are the three great families of Mountain Country Kulan. These three families, each being the greatest in their respective tribes, have a history stretching thousands of years. Over these few millennia, in terms of both talent and technology, the three families have always been at the forefront of the Dwarven tribes, propelling them through peak after peak of development.

Klarke Gold, a demigod weapon master, is an elder of the Gold Family. As a member of a previous generation of heroes who saved the world, Klarke holds an especially revered status in both his tribe and Mountain Country. His attention is something all the young Dwarves take pride in. Even a single guiding action or a simple comment by the hero can unleash immense envy amongst the youngsters. That said, most are quite courteous and understand not to intrude on the hero’s life for no reason, thus ensuring Klarke’s last hundred or so years have been rather tranquil.

Today, at over four hundred and twenty years old, Klarke has already passed the halfway mark of a Dwarfs’ five hundred-year lifespan. But the old Dwarf’s vitality remains robust, his strength still significant, inspiring a sense of wonder as if time has a special affection for him, refusing to leave even a trace of aging on him. Following the address given by Councilor Cella, Pannis wandered around Grand Highland City, eventually arriving at a modest residence. The house was rather unremarkable, with nothing particularly unique about it aside from its owner. Walking into the secluded house, Pannis was greeted by a small courtyard enclosed by walls, where flowers and plants randomly grew. Under the intermittent care of the owner, these plants still held firm their vigorous vitality.

As Pannis entered the courtyard, the old dwarf Klarke was sitting there, surrounded by a group of Dwarven children of sixteen or seventeen years old. Given a Dwarf’s lifespan, this age would be considered not quite beyond infancy. However, age doesn’t directly correlate across races. Judging by physical and mental development, these Dwarven children would be roughly equivalent to seven- or eight-year-old humans, instead of the straight comparison giving toddlers aged two or three.

The old dwarf sat amidst this group of children, grinning happily as he was surrounded by them. With one hand, he brandished a large two-handed battle ax, and held a block of wood with the other, carrying out a wood carving in his unique style. No matter how many times they had seen it, the children remained endlessly amazed by the gradually taking shape wood under the ax blows that carried the sound of the wind. Each strike was followed by a well-placed mark on the wood, though it sounded as if a great deal of force was employed.

As if sensing something, the old dwarf lifted his head from the circle of children. His gaze met Pannis’ eyes, and Pannis saw the surprise and joy reflected in his eyes. After whispering a few words to the children, they obediently left, although they seemed regretful. They left the courtyard to the old dwarf and the strange human in their eyes.

"Long time, no see, my friend." The old dwarf sprung to his feet, striding over with vigor. Despite his age, his beard was dark, his steps firm and robust. He energetically embraced Pannis with a force so strong that both of their muscles creaked in protest. Eventually, after their embrace, the old dwarf released Pannis, thumped him vigorously on his shoulder as he laughed heartily: "Kyle, what brings you here? I thought I’d never have a chance to see you again in my life, especially after Maya and Tiya told me they didn’t contact you."

"That’s exactly what I was wondering too." Pannis reciprocated the hearty pound on the old dwarf’s back, laughing: "Why did those dimwits solicit your help, but not mine? Do you have any idea why?"

"They said Christo had an important job for you and you were really busy." Klarke replied: "That goblin always has some oddball tasks to fulfill. It’s not unusual for him to have you run errands."

"Indeed," Pannis responded, "that’s why I came here with my squad. After all, I have my private mail to look after. Some teammates might need things from mission locations, a fair trade for both sides."

"Haha," Klarke chuckled, "So, you just came here to pay me a visit?"

"No, quite the contrary, I specifically came to find you," Pannis said seriously, "I want to understand what exactly happened over at Maya and Tiya’s place that left them desperately seeking help."

"Me specifically?" Klarke asked in surprise: "Right, did not even ask how did you know I am here?"

"Saved Cella on the road," Pannis replied, "She told me, that’s why I rushed over here in a hurry."

"Safe Cella?" Klarke repeated, before abruptly sounding agitated, "Someone has designs on Cella?"

"Just Shadow Hand assassins," Pannis waved nonchalantly, "As for details, I’ll let your sister tell you herself, what I am waiting for is you telling me what exactly happened with Maya and Tiya."

"Recently, Demigod magical beasts have been running out from the forest," explained Klarke. "The pair of them scouted from high above and found that the disturbance is likely coming from deep within the Forest of Death. Of course, that in itself is not the important part. The important thing is, if this continues, in little more than a month, the disturbance will reach the edge of the Forest of Death. By then, more than forty Demigod magical beasts could possibly break into the Winged People Mountain Range — a disaster that the Winged People alone could barely cope with. That’s why we thought of our old friends and decided to ask for help. It’s rumoured even Aske is going, isn’t he one of the leaders of Shadow Hand now? I need to have a good talk with him about Cella’s situation this time."

"In a little more than a month, you said?" Pannis paced in place and pondered for a while before saying, "Let’s do this: wait for me a little longer here in Grand Highland City. If I can make it back in time, I’ll go there with you."

"That would be fair enough," Klarke assured, "but where exactly are you going? Can you make it back in just over a month?"

"Felias Mountain," Pannis replied. "I’m going to the Wound of the Earth there in search of a goblin’s relics. Cella said you’ve been to the Wound of the Earth before; do you have any clues?"

Klarke’s complexion changed slightly, and he said with a bitter smile, "To the Wound of the Earth. Kyle, you remain as brave as ever."

"No choice, I have reasons why I must go. Regardless of the dangers, I have to risk it," said Pannis. "I’ve heard that even for Demigods that place is dangerous. Is it true? Where is the danger?"

Klarke suddenly shouted, and a guard appeared at the door. After a few words from the dwarf, the guard rushed off. Then Klarke began to explain, "There’s a young fellow among the Cavern Dwarves who loves to go all over the place underground. He’s ventured deep inside the Wound of the Earth, let him explain the specifics to you guys. When I intruded into the Wound of the Earth, I only lurked around its periphery and never ventured deep inside, so I don’t know much about the inside. However, compared to the outside world, it’s like a different world altogether, every single creature there, whether animals or plants, is extremely peculiar. You won’t see them in the outside world, and you don’t have anything comparable to understand the characteristics and habits of those creatures there, you just have to blindly fumble around."

"That’s it?" Pannis asked wonderingly. "That seems very ordinary compared to my imagination."

"Wait till you get there," Klarke replied with a strained laugh, "It’s hard to describe in words alone. But the need to wait here for you is questionable because I doubt you can return from the Wound of the Earth in just over a month."

"Anyway, you need to reforge the axe," Pannis shrugged and replied indifferently. "Let’s just think of the crafting time as being extended a bit more, there’s no harm done. Nevertheless, speaking of which, I’m really sorry. During our last fight in the alternate space, the axe you treasured was shattered. I’ve always felt bad for that."

"Not really something to apologize for, it needed replacing anyway," Klarke chuckled and shook his head. "Actually, those two-handed axes I wielded were pieces I crafted when I was young, far from being the best so that’s why they shattered during the fight. I’ve taken that loss as a lesson and will use the finest materials this time. I repose my utmost efforts into forging twin two-handed axes, which should be fitting as my proudest work."

"So that’s why you sent Cella on a gathering spree," Pannis nodded. "Hearing you say that, my curiosity is increasing. Can’t wait to see your new axes. By the way, do you need any help? I still remember that the skills I have in forging were thanks to your teachings. It’s about time for me to assist you at the forge, isn’t it?"

"You feel you’re not busy enough?" Klarke glared at Pannis and shook his head. "Your task is to quickly go and take care of Christo’s affairs, returning as soon as possible. I miss the old days when we used to fight together - such a thrilling experience. If you return in time, the good old days might come again soon."

"Alright, alright," Pannis shrugged. "I will come back as soon as possible. I’ve actually made some preliminary plans about the mission already; it might progress faster than you expect."

"That would be wonderful if it’s true," Klarke dreamily cupped his hands over his beard. His expression slightly hardened, though, as he forced a smile. "Everyone is looking forward to fighting side by side and immediately accepted the call for aid when they called. But I know, and I think everyone else does too, that without you, we can’t recapture the old feelings. If I can bring you along next time, I bet everyone will be over the moon." (To be continued... If you like this novel, please go to qidian.com and vote for our story, vote for the monthly vote, your support is our biggest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)