Chương 45: Celebration Hall

Shane and Frilian brought an end to the bloodstained war god, Livale.

This bloodthirsty monster who killed countless people has finally received the punishment he deserved.

He reached out unwillingly, trying to grab the battle axe that had fallen to the ground, but his arm quickly turned into magical particles and disappeared. All his struggles were in vain.

Finally, he vanished completely, carrying with him endless resentment.

Xia En breathed a sigh of relief. He staggered a few steps and sat down heavily on the ground, panting heavily.

He had no time to regret the broken sword in his hand; he was only grateful that he had lived another day.

Just at this time.

The entire Black Rock Mountain began to tremble, and a thunderous roar came from beneath our feet.

Immediately afterwards, the earth cracked.

The rocks beneath their feet began to shake violently, and a deep abyss tore through the earth, appearing abruptly, with countless pebbles tumbling down the ripped cliff face.

The deafening roar was awe-inspiring.

Black Stone Mountain was divided in two.

Dark mist seeped out from the cracks, carrying the damp and rusty smell unique to the depths of the earth.

A moment later, the tremors subsided, and the sight before him caused Shane's pupils to shrink: a huge arched entrance appeared at the bottom of the abyss.

Above the archway is a line of distorted text, exactly the same as the text on the "Dwarfs' Special Spring Play Picture".

Xia En recognized the contents above— Ironforge This is the lost capital mentioned in the dwarven cipher, the ruins of the dwarven's most glorious civilization.

Shane and Frilian exchanged a glance, both with mixed feelings, because the crack that opened the door extended from the spot where Rivale had died.

In other words, the key to opening the gate to the ruins is to slay a demon...

Dwarves really do hold grudges.

Frillie infused magic into the gem at the top of her staff, and a soft light illuminated the path beneath the abyss. The two entered this mysterious underground city, one after the other.

As soon as you step through the archway, two rows of broken dwarf statues appear on either side of the entrance.

The stone statue stands atop a tall pillar, clad in armor and wielding a battle axe. Though covered in cracks and with a blurred face, its former majesty is still evident.

Above the dwarven battle axe, a strange crystal hangs suspended by chains. Due to its age, the crystal has lost its magical power and has become dull and lifeless.

Shane and Frilian walked among the enormous stone statues.

I suddenly felt my own insignificance.

"No matter what kind of film or television work it is, the ruins of the dwarves are always tall, deep, and magnificent."

Xia En couldn't help but sigh.

Frilian didn't understand, looked at him with a puzzled expression, and said, "Dwarves worship strength, and their architectural style is rather rugged, precisely to demonstrate their primal worship of power."

Xia En smiled but didn't reply.

That's not what he meant, of course; he just wanted to complain that all dwarves seem to like tall people.

After passing through a long passage, a staircase with hundreds of steps comes into view, at the end of which is a large door carved with wine glasses.

Celebration Hall The entire hall was so spacious that it seemed to stretch to the horizon, with a towering dome and huge murals covering the walls on both sides. Although the colors of the murals were faded, the diverse content was still clearly visible. Some depicted dwarves forging divine weapons by a blazing furnace; others simply portrayed a huge steel machine; and many more showed dwarves sitting together, raising their glasses in celebration.

The murals are connected and vivid, and Shane can imagine how lively this hall used to be.

In the center of the hall stood a dilapidated mechanical puppet, several meters tall, made of thick steel. Its once smooth metal surface was now covered with moss and rust.

Xia En wasn't sure what it was for, but since it was in the [Celebration Hall], it was probably either for service or for performing folk dances.

Shaun stepped forward and gently touched the puppet's body. The cold, metallic touch sent a shiver through him, and as fine powder fell off, he instantly felt the passage of time.

Frillie stopped in front of the mural, her gaze intently studying the giant mechanical pattern on it, a hint of inquiry flashing in her eyes.

"This machine looks familiar..."

Ok?

Xia En followed and took a closer look.

!!!

He rubbed his eyes in disbelief. The mural in front of him depicted a machine version of "Goddess" that looked like Iron Man.

Thousands of years ago, had the dwarves' technology tree already reached this level?!

Magic + Technology?

No wonder the Demon King wanted to slaughter the dwarves. If this were left unchecked, humanity would unleash a massive armored onslaught, leaving no room for the demons.

but.

"Looks familiar? Where have I seen you before?"

Frillie frowned, deep in thought.

"It seems to be... it is... the Demon King's Castle."

The words "Demon King's Castle" were uttered.

Before Xia En could say anything, a piercing "kabakab" sound suddenly rang out behind the two of them.

Frilian summoned her staff and immediately became alert, while Shane also drew his broken longsword and held it in front of him.

Just now, the steel puppet that had been standing quietly in the center of the hall suddenly "came to life." It stiffly and slowly twisted its joints, and a long iron chain arm stretched out from its right side.

At the same time, a magnetic male voice emanated from the puppet's head: "Welcome, my dear guest. Would you like to play rock-paper-scissors?"

After saying this, the puppet stopped moving, maintaining a polite posture with one hand outstretched, waiting for Shane and Frillie's response.

The two were a little confused by the sudden situation, but relaxed a bit after determining that the puppet was not aggressive.

"The machines from thousands of years ago can still function today. Dwarven technology is truly amazing."

"It must have been the sound of our voices that triggered it. Perhaps the dwarven sages designed a magical spell to capture its voice," Frilian guessed.

Xia En nodded.

After observing their surroundings and confirming that there was nothing of value, the two continued forward, preparing to leave the Hall of Celebration and head to the next location.

Bang!

The stone dwarf statues that were originally standing on the pillars suddenly changed their posture, and the battle axes on both sides cleaved down, crossing together and blocking the exit.

Fortunately, Xia En reacted quickly and retreated in time; otherwise, he would have been knocked down.

Behind me, the mechanical puppet's voice rang out again: "Welcome, my dear guest. Would you like to play rock-paper-scissors?"

Damn it.

This is actually a level-based dungeon.

If you don't pass the inspection, you won't be allowed to leave?

"Looks like I'll have to play rock-paper-scissors with the puppet."

Frillie smiled, put away her staff, returned to the puppet, and confidently rolled up her sleeves.

"Then let me play. I'm a master of rock-paper-scissors."

The puppet was delighted and immediately let out a magnetic laugh.

Then, Shane saw a scene that left him speechless: an elven girl and a mechanical puppet playing rock-paper-scissors, their hands moving with lightning speed...

5 seconds later.

The Elf Girl has a record of 0 wins and 20 losses.

Puppet: "It seems you need to stay and continue practicing."