261 God Meets Demigod (Part 2)
Exile’s eyes narrowed at the question as he studied Bargrux. ‘What’s he getting at with this?’ Exile hummed as he wondered how to respond. “If you’re asking if I know about them, then I do,” Exile replied with an aloof expression. ‘Don’t tell me he knows where I can find one! That’d make sense with what Thovok said!’
Exile struggled to keep his excitement in check as he studied the dwarf king. Bargrux heartily laughed as he rubbed his rotund belly. Exile could only wait for his mirth to die down before fixing him with a curious gaze.
“Forgive me. Of course, you know about them.” Bargrux chuckled as he wiped a tear from his eye. “I was saving this for when you came to talk about th heavens. The greatest gift my people can offer.”
Bargrux took an intricate gold and silver box from a pouch on his belt. He cradled the box gently between his palms as he walked toward the throne and handed it to Exile.
“Inside this box is the legacy of my great grandfather, the dwarven god Vors.” Bargrux sighed. “It’s the reason my grandfather was so successful in his war against the gods.”
Exile cocked an eyebrow in curiosity as he opened the lid. As soon as he did, he felt an immense amount of divine power wash over him. He studied the black stone as it shone with a dark light. When he touched it with his right hand, a surprising message appeared.
[Fragment of The First Ore: You are incompatible with this divine artefact. Requirements: Earth Element]
Exile had suspected as much since he had only claimed the Fragment of the First Flame due to his affinity with fire. ‘What should I do with you?’ Exile frowned before he realised a problem. “This was hidden here in the mortal lands?” Exile asked as he carefully closed the lid of the box and stored it. “To be precise, my grandfather was in possession of it. His life was cut short upon its removal.”
‘I see. This is what he was after during the war. He’s taken his grandfather’s divinity for himself somehow and reclaimed a piece of The First Ore.’ Exile chuckled to himself. ‘I’ve really been worrying too much.’
“This is indeed a splendid gift, Bargrux,” Exile replied as he nodded solemnly. “I can assure you that I appreciate it.”
“Thank you, Lord Exile,” King Bargrux said while bowing as low as his belly would allow. “I felt it appropriate to gift it to the god who took my people in. Besides, we would never have recovered it or my grandfather’s divinity without you giving us access to Skardia.”
“There are a few other matters I would like to discuss with you,” Exile said as he clasped his hands. “I have come in contact with another Pantheon. One that wishes to be my ally. However, the Queen of that Pantheon has requested the right to purchase dwarven goods. Specifically dwarven arms and armour.”
“Hm,” Bargrux mumbled as he considered Exile’s words. “I don’t mind filling my coffers. However, I have two conditions.”
“Please, speak your mind.”
“First, we will sell directly to the Skardians. They will then sell them at an inflated price. Half of the profits must go to King Harik. The other half must be donated to Ragnarok as a tribute on our behalf.”
“Very well,” Exile replied with a smile on his face. “What’s your other condition?”
“We will not sell them our best crafts. Anything of Royal Steel is off the table. Our best goods can only be used by those who directly worship Ragnarok.” Bargrux replied in a tone that suggested he would not argue on the matter.
Exile chuckled as he digested King Bargrux’s words. ‘This is perfect. It means we’ll always have the superior military equipment while making money from lesser goods. Bargrux certainly knows what he is doing.’
“I agree to these terms,” Exile replied with a smile. “Now, I have a gift for you.”
Exile removed two small black leather books from his inventory as he eyed Bargrux with a grin. He offered the books to the dwarven king, who gratefully accepted them. Exile studied Bargrux’s expression as he scanned a few pages of the first book.
“This, is it really?” Bargrux asked with wide eyes as he fanatically glanced at Exile.
“Yes, this is a complete record of my existence. Everything I’ve been through, both here and in the divine realm. I had Mikari organise this for you.” Exile smiled as he looked at the ecstatic dwarf. “It’s the best I can do for now. I promised to share tales and talk with you when we first came to our agreement. Since I’ve been unable to give you my time, I thought this would make up for it.”
“Thank you, Lord Exile,” Bargrux mumbled with tears in his eyes. “You have no idea what this means to my people.”
“Now, you should take a look at the other book,” Exile said as he made a note of Bargrux’s last statement.
Bargrux nodded as he closed the Book of Exile. When he opened the second one, a deep frown appeared on his face. Bargrux traced the pages with his fingers as he seemed lost in thought. Eventually, Exile coughed to get the dwarf king’s attention.
“Well?” Exile asked with a low chuckle.
“These are runes. There’s some dwarven influence in them, but also elven, human, and elden. What is this language?” Bargrux asked in amazement.
“These are Divine Runes. The first language. There are some instructions on how to use them during your crafting process to produce greater results.” Exile replied with a kind smile to Bargrux’s astonished expression.
“Lord Exile, this is a treasure beyond anything that can be found in this mountain. You’ve given my people something that can never be replaced. How can I repay you?” Bargrux stammered as he stared at the small book in awe.
“I would like for you to allow the worship of other members of my Pantheon among your people,” Exile replied with a slight smile. “There’s one god, in particular, I believe your people would like to get to know. MidasTouch, God of Fortune.”
“Hm, I promised that you would be the only god we would worship. Are you sure you want to give that up?” Bargrux grumbled, but Exile could see the greed in his eyes.
“Yes, but we can keep the condition that every dwarf must also worship me,” Exile replied with a nod. “Also, sometime soon I would like to discuss the forging of a new weapon for me. Once you master how to use runes during the initial stages.”
“Hm, I gladly accept,” Bargrux said as he nodded his head. “Perhaps we should rethink your armour. You’ll want it to represent the Eagles as well.”
“Aren’t the wings on my helm sufficient for that?” Exile asked with a frown.
“Of course, they aren’t! That’s a Skardian design! No, I’ll need to get a good look at you when we’re ready to design something worthy.” Bargrux clicked his tongue as he stared at the god sitting on the throne. “I’ve got a feeling you’re hiding something. Maybe a trait of this new race, eh?”
‘Oh, my wings.’ Exile chuckled as a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. “You’ll find out once you solve the runecrafting method. I’m afraid I’m running out of time. Harik and his army will be here soon to give you whatever aid you require. My wolves, Skovi and Skalla will also join in the defence of your home. Goodbye, for now, Bargrux.”
“Thank you, Lord Exile. The Mountain always welcomes you.” Exile cancelled his Avatar spell as soon as those words left Bargrux’s mouth. When he opened his eyes inside his room, Exile’s thoughts ran wild. ‘What should I do with The First Ore?’ Exile hummed as he paced around his room.
‘There are a few options. One would be to give it to Midas.’ Exile considered what outcome that would lead to before considering his other options. ‘Of course, I could always hold on to it.’ Exile suddenly thought with a frown. ‘When I reach the next Tier I can choose another element. If I choose Earth…’
‘But that doesn’t guarantee I’ll be able to use it since I already hold The First Flame.’ Exile sighed. ‘Maybe I should hold a meeting with the officers to discuss this. After all, it affects the entire Pantheon. We need more power now to deal with Nar’Kozz when he comes. If Noslin succeeds and returns to us, then there’ll be three first element holders in our army.’
He briefly recalled how Vors fought during Allevia’s Inheritance. Exile could only see benefits to nurturing someone to become like that. ‘Maybe I should look for someone who’s interested in crafting with the potential to create divine weaponry later.’
That seemed like a solid plan to Exile. However, he would definitely run it by the officers first since none of them came to mind as a potential blacksmith. ‘Crap! I forgot about the time! I better hurry before Bjorn or Ania exposes Skalr!’
Exile cursed loudly before throwing himself on the bed. A moment later, he felt his consciousness descending to the mortal realms yet again.
Bjorn cursed loudly, as he stumbled through the forest. ‘How can I lose that old goat in the middle of the day!’ He felt frustrated by Skalr, who would often disappear in the middle of the night. However, this was one of only two times he had vanished into the woods during their march. ‘He’s got to be around here somewhere!’
My apologies. I fell sick and became unable to do the Mass Release Marathon. On the bright side, that’s two months of stable releases since I returned! As always, thank you for your support. It means so much to me.
Antihero