#114
Howard
“Ahem, ahem. Ah—!”
A deep, low voice echoed in the cave.
With shoulders as broad as a mountain and muscles packed tightly, his eyes were fierce and his beard shined with a glossy sheen.
“Sigh— I just can’t get used to this low height!”
Adding to that, his diminutive stature barely reached his chest, he was a perfect dwarf standing here.
No need to say it was the avatar I had just created.
‘I stretched my height as much as possible with “Customization,” but it’s still like this. I had a rough idea, but actually experiencing it feels different.’
It seemed there was a limit to height growth due to the inherent constraints of the race, so even the increased height didn’t amount to much.
I lightly stroked my chin and examined the dwarf in front of me.
[Data Information]
– Entity Name: Howard
– Race: Dwarf
– Common Traits: “Mind Hub,” “Persona,” “Super Recovery,” “Clear Mind”
– Entity Trait: “Craftsmanship Spirit”
– Special Notes: The eighth avatar of Seong-hyun Han. He was born as a dwarf using the Artisan’s cherished pickaxe as a medium. Due to the influence of “Craftsmanship Spirit,” additional benefits are applied to crafting-related actions.
The undead king Hans, vampire Heinz II, saint Heinrich, dragon knight Harley, merchant Hubert, elf Harris, and now dwarf Howard!
Excluding the deceased original Heinz, he was practically the seventh avatar.
“Alright, just as I thought. The initial skills assigned are exactly what I wanted.”
It seemed that entities created through “Customization” gained traits related to their race.
‘Since I had no intention of using Howard for combat, he can custom-make necessary items as needed, and he’s a skilled craftsman that’s hard to come by.’
Whether it’s weapons or not, the act of making something will yield vastly different results depending on the skill level of the artisan.
Not only does the avatar Howard possess “Craftsmanship Spirit,” but he also receives buffs for growth speed and learning ability, so his proficiency would develop rapidly.
Merchant Hubert could provide necessary items on the spot, so the best environment was set up.
However, there was one obstacle remaining…
‘As with elf Harris, the lack of foundational knowledge is a problem.’
In fact, it could be said to be even worse than before.
Skills are inherently passed down and evolved through generations.
No matter how skilled or talented, there was a limit to how much one could learn through self-study.
‘Guess there’s no choice but to rely on Harley’s network again, huh?’
Since Harley and Zhaonik had been through thick and thin together, surely, they would indulge such a request, right?
Besides, unbeknownst to him, he and Howard weren’t exactly strangers!
If we’re really going to get into it, they could even be considered father and son.
‘No, thinking about it that way, I should rather call him a grandson.’
Due to some circumstances, his estranged daughter (Elinne) had left behind her last son (Howard) in a faraway land.
Accidentally, a tragic narrative had been neatly crafted.
‘Of course, I can’t share this with Zhaonik, so it’s just meaningless chatter.’
Still, in the Ion Continent, hybrids aren’t easy to come by, so they tend to help each other out whenever challenging situations arise.
Pretending to be a young wandering dwarf who hasn’t properly learned his craft probably wouldn’t get him dismissed too easily.
‘Though it might be tough for now.’
Given the chaotic situation, it seemed best to wait until the northern turmoil settled down a bit before approaching.
In the meantime…
“Ahh— Then, let’s start by learning Earth’s technology?”
Howard stroked his beard and smiled widely.
Instead of butting heads against nothingness in ignorance, it would be quite beneficial to acquire scientifically-proven theories.
‘This isn’t like spirit magic. Blacksmithing techniques can definitely be learned on Earth.’
Of course, as the laws in the two worlds differ, there might be minor discrepancies when getting into in-depth techniques, but the fundamentals shouldn’t be too different.
Most Earth technology involves machines, but understanding the principles applied would be a huge help.
‘Perhaps in the process of studying the differences between worlds, I might gain some insights. Earth shouldn’t be too difficult for me to gather related information, so I should prep this first.’
He decided to start with material science, specifically metallurgy.
Of course, the one researching the necessary materials wouldn’t be him.
How long would it take for him to sort through the data and organize the techniques that Howard could actually use in practice, divided into stages?
“Yeah, Jin So-Ran. Long time no see. How have you been? There’s something urgent I need to handle…”
After finishing the security work in the garden, Heinz pulled out a bulky phone and called the admin of Heterosis, Jin So-Ran.
‘If there’s a time to use subordinates, it’s now!’
The blood alliance was not comprised only of bloodsuckers suited for battle.
Many engaged in clerical or specialized professions, and as the organization grew, so did the number of ordinary people employed.
“Sure, as long as it costs whatever it must, just do it quickly. Reach out to university professors, specialized technicians, everyone…”
Whether it’s papers, video materials, or someone’s know-how…
I only had to issue the orders and wait for the results as my subordinates hurried around tirelessly gathering everything.
‘Gotta prepare a workshop in Tarak. If I want to save time, practice must be done in Auterica.’
The only work for me on Earth was looking at the materials.
Understanding and internalizing it would be Howard’s job, who bore “Craftsmanship Spirit.”
‘With all the buffs, he should be able to achieve a certain level through self-study. Beyond that, he’d have to invite artisans from Earth to learn directly. …If possible, artisans from other worlds too.’
Artisans from other dimensions hadn’t made a significant impact on Earth, but the experiences they gained weren’t simply lost.
Technologies that developed through entirely different systems likely had their own lessons.
And the blood alliance, which had grown into the largest power in the shadows of Seoul, the heart of the Republic of Korea, had the capability to gather information on suitable individuals and negotiate for their cooperation.
*
Rosellia Temple.
“Ugh… I feel like I’m going to die from fatigue…”
Saint Liesta, who came to discuss work matters with Heinrich, slumped over the table and groaned, showing no composure.
Contrary to the fatigue she expressed, her smooth skin and flowing hair boasted no sign of exhaustion, but that was merely the effect of her immense holy power and blessing.
She was spending all her time handling tasks, except for minimum requirements like sleep and meals.
Her responsible and meticulous demeanor in contrast to her usual carefree behavior made me see the saint in a new light.
“Aah—! I miss Tion, Mu, and Sally! I want to see the other kids too! It’s been a week since I last saw them! I hope they’re all doing well!”
…Of course, her fleeting moments of sentiment would not last long due to her frequent childish antics.
By the way, Tion and Mu were an earthworm, and Sally was a ladybug.
How on Earth she managed to identify each one of those tiny creatures among the vast flowerbed was still a mystery.
‘And she holds such affection to even give them names, while she doesn’t seem particularly devastated when any of them die by natural predation.’
She poured her blessings and holy power into the bugs to ensure they lived in the best condition, but…
Even if one were to be devoured by a predator right before her eyes, she only looked on sadly without intervening.
As if she were a deity looking down on this world.
“Why not take a moment to visit the flowerbed? It won’t take much time.”
“Uh… No. Once I go, I feel like I won’t be able to pull myself away for hours. I promised myself not to go until a certain amount of work is done! And there’s not much left now…”
The task at hand for the saint was to coordinate the preliminary arrangements for a continental summit.
It wouldn’t be that simple to gather individuals who had been delegated full authority from each faction in one place.
‘The Duke Bright from the Talia Kingdom is apparently coming personally. The crown prince from the Empire is supposed to be moving too. It definitely has its complexities.’
She had been handling such external affairs since she had been famous for a long time as a saint.
Although Heinrich was acknowledged as a saint, he hadn’t been in the congregation for long, so stepping forward now might diminish his reputation.
Thus, he was in charge of tasks related to the military aspects, dealing with the Paladin Order and the Holy Knights, and passing his days busy with learning while working.
Of course, given the necessity of military power to counter the Undead King, the workload was quite demanding and not lesser than that of the saint.
While they discussed the interrelated tasks during this busy period…
“Ah, Heinrich, have you heard the news?”
The saint’s expression suddenly became serious, and her voice calmed, deviating from her previous train of thought.
There was only one topic that could prompt such a change in her demeanor, so it was clear what she meant to say.
“…You’re referring to the issue regarding the Northern Mountain Range in the northwest of the Tulka Kingdom?”
“Yes. There has been a strong magical disturbance detected in the mountains where monsters are currently rampaging. Of course, the Undead King’s dark magic was identified as well.”
That had been information Heinrich had received beforehand.
Hans had also been on his toes, setting up barriers, but intense battles with the Bone Dragon overwhelmed his hastily constructed defenses.
Moreover, the saint’s perceptiveness was distinctly heightened.
“…I can imagine what’s happening. It’s likely just getting started.”
She said quietly to Heinrich, her golden eyes glimmering.
“Dragon hunting.”
Historically, the Undead Kings had deemed dragons as the greatest hindrance to continental conquest and devoted all efforts to exterminate them.
Thanks to that, dragons had been pushed to the brink of extinction, with the remaining few hiding away quietly and avoiding exposure to the world.
“By stirring up the monsters to create chaos in the world while simultaneously driving the dragons out… Time is running short, and it’s astounding how many individuals remain complacent during such times!”
The saint gritted her teeth, anxiety evident on her face.
It seemed the stress received from her work had taken a toll on her.
‘Hmm, it’s true that dragon hunting is happening.’
While Heinrich comforted her with a solemn expression, he felt a lingering sense of bewilderment.
‘No, it’s natural for her to think that way. After all, the past speaks for itself.’
Who could be blamed? The evidence from the past clearly supported her interpretations.
As if she were a child who had just gone to tell on her parents, her grievances continued for a while, starting with those who were not cooperating appropriately, and eventually extending to the Undead King himself, pouring out her resentment and anger in refined language.
To express it in her words.
What was the Undead King Hans, the absolute evil of this continent, the parasite that gnawed away at the world, the root of all wrongdoings, and the symbol of betrayal, doing right now…?
He was, in fact…
Cheerfully unwrapping a gift sent by Saint Heinrich.
*
[Truly, this is incredibly useful. Who would’ve thought it would come to me so easily?]
Hans looked at the pure white crystal in his hand with a sinister smile.
Wrapped in solidified holy power, it was the origin of the Archlich Dwell McKane that Heinrich sent through “Avatar Cloud.”
‘In truth, he’s not one whose name resonates widely like Karam or Olivia, but he’s still quite a useful guy.’
Although he lacked in pure power, ranking within the top 50 of the undead legion, he was, in essence, one of the highly capable advisors.
With the Elder Arch-Lich, the second Undead King’s intellect, having perished in the last battle, one could argue that he was now the most intelligent among them.
‘Looking back at his actions, there are reservations about reliability.’
However, the only concrete reference was the appearance during the trials set forth by the holy sword.
No matter how formidable the holy sword may be, it didn’t fully reproduce his nature or mindset.
‘Well, I don’t have any qualms. The more capable the one I’m going to work with, the better.’
Hans poured his dark magic into the crystal he was holding.
Splatch—!
In an instant, rifts formed, and the rippled holy power flashed brilliantly before being gradually swallowed and consumed by the dark aura…
Wuuuu—!
Soon after, the previously quiet essence of the Archlich began to vibrate slowly.
Hahh! Now arise. We have much to do ahead of us.
And for Hans, who possessed vast dark magic, the energy required for Dwell to revive was nothing at all.
