CHAPTER 533: TRAVEL AND NON-TRAVEL TRAVEL CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE THE LAST SLEEP

The Dwarves are not content with merely living in caves made of crystal. Though those are wondrous creations of nature, they cannot showcase the Dwarves’ own genius craftsmanship. They labor tirelessly within the peaks of Ice Furnace Peak, taming the hard rock into the clay that forms their great kingdom.

Initially, the houses Lynch passed by were all built with rocks, each stone tightly fitted with the others, leaving not a single gap. "These houses were all built when the crystal egg was first discovered," Morgan said, knocking on the walls with his fist, producing a sharp sound. "They are very sturdy and could stand here for over ten thousand years. Would you believe it?"

If you only notice the sturdiness of the houses, the Dwarves would laugh at your lack of perception. On the stone, on the cliff face, everywhere displays the exquisite craftsmanship of artisans. Rugged lines depict the stories of Dwarves battling against rivers, mountains, and nature, illustrating how they found a foothold in this harsh world, rooting, sprouting, and flourishing. Robust lizards are frequent figures here, as they are the most powerful creatures of the Underworld. But on the back of each lizard usually rides a Dwarf Rider, guiding their mounts to patrol and traverse the cave world.

Zilvra observed the sculptures on the walls and couldn’t help but recall the art of the Drow World. Regardless of race, they habitually use images of conquering strong figures to prove their greatness. Elves stand atop towering trees, humans sit on thrones symbolizing royal power, Dwarves ride lizards burrowing through rock, and Drow Elves tread upon Celestial creatures. She smirked, let out a soft hum, and followed the Mage.

Morgan passionately recounted the stories behind the sculptures on the walls, with his compatriots occasionally adding amendments and corrections, making the legends even more thrilling. The Mage nodded, remembering the words spoken, as those pieces of information essentially formed the history of the Dwarf Kingdom.

After those rock-built houses, the Dwarves began carving new boundaries into the cliffs. They didn’t dig tunnels first then consider decoration; even before cutting the first piece of rock, they had already planned how to organize the land. According to legend, Dwarves only need to place a hand on the rock and smell it with their nose to know the hidden structure beneath the surface. Each strike of metal on rock was a moment of discovering a new artwork. When the passage was finally completed, houses, streets, arches, and corridors were all done, with decorative sculptures standing in the newly developed mine as well.

Initially, gaps between rocks could still be found, but now, none were detectable. The Dwarves used hollow crystal gemstone techniques to carve into the ground, creating their entire city as one cohesive unit. Wandering on this stairway, the continuous residences stretch into the distance, clearly portraying the fruits of these hard-working craftsmen’s labor.

"Oh! My home! Sweet stones!" Morgan suddenly darted several steps forward, pointing at a two-story house: "This is where I was born, and it was in this yard where I took my first steps. Oh heavens, I’m back!"

Tears of excitement welled in Morgan’s eyes as he stood stiffly at the doorstep, not reaching out to push open the stone door. The house seemed very dark inside, unlike other dwellings that lit fires for illumination. This house’s windows exuded a sense of loneliness and desolation. Wislin once mentioned that all of Dwarf Morgan’s family perished in battles with Beastmen, and no one remains to keep the home now.

Lynch walked up to the Dwarf, resting a hand on his shoulder. Pointing his Magic Wand at the house, he said, "Morgan, I think your friends will make this house lively. Why not push open the door to welcome me?"

"Oh! Yes, yes! I got a bit dazed just now!" Morgan took a deep breath through his nose, then shook his head vigorously: "Come, come on in, everyone! I’ve treasured a lot of good stuff inside!"

He gesture for everyone to enter and then enthusiastically brought out tables and chairs. Neighbors who lived nearby glanced into the yard, then spontaneously brought some food and drink to help Morgan entertain the guests from afar.