Chapter 79: Town Of DwarvesWith nothing left to do in the mines, I left. Before I decided to head to the next location, I informed the villagers of what transpired in the mines. They seemed to be shocked by the news, so I let them be and went on my way.

    ("Now that''s all done with, where do I go next?") [Solace]

    Checking the map, I settled on going to Armdale mines. It was a bit far compared to the distance traveled for Camerina, but I didn''t really have much of a choice.

    ("Dispel |Mimic|.") [Solace]

    Turning back to spirit form, I flew in Armdale''s direction.

    ("It''s kinda chilly.") [Solace]

    At this time, I could see the sun setting. As someone who is kinda afraid of the dark, I thought it best for me to hurry. Also, having |Night Vision| doesn''t make it better.

    ("Oh, I think I see it.") [Solace]

    The village, or rather, town came into view. It was much larger than Camerina village, which interested me by how lively it seemed.

    ("|Mimic|. |Wardrobe|.") [Solace]

    I landed a decent distance away, then turned into human form. I then walked the rest of the way to the town.

    ("Woah...") [Solace]

    I was in awe of what I saw. The town''s roads were built with perfectly arranged bricks, and the streets were lined with lights that made it seem like day.

    ("This place is actually kind of technologically advanced.") [Solace]

    As I passed through, I felt a bit excited by the atmosphere. I found it strange that a large majority of the buildings were taverns or alcohol stores, but I soon realized the reason why.

    "Get him!" [???]

    I heard shouting, and cheering from one of the taverns. Within moments, a man flew out the door. He then hit the ground before tumbling a few yards.

    "Get up, Thungrid!" [???]

    Another man walked out of the tavern. The man I assumed was Thungrid picked himself up groggily and swayed as he stood.

    "Hwat? Whudya want, Oled?" [Thungrid]

    He slurred his words pretty hard. Judging by the look on his face, he was more than just drunk. It was also then that I realized the two''s height.

    ("Dwarves?") [Solace]

    The two were built like an ox. Bulging muscles that were... not really comparable to Fina''s magic combat teacher, but they were pretty jacked.

    "Thungrid! Yer drunk!" [Oled]

    "Nah... I''m not!" [Thungrid]

    Thungrid suddenly charged at Oled, tackling him back into the tavern. Cheers erupted in the tavern as the two duked it out.

    ("The hell was that?") [Solace]

    It kind of piqued my interest there, so I took a peek. Unfortunately for me, Oled was sent my way and slammed into me the moment I entered.

    "Ugh!" [Solace]

    "Oof!" [Oled]

    Oled stood up, shaking his head as if to shrug off a concussion.

    "Who the hell bumped into me?!" [Oled]

    He turned to me, a surprised expression appearing on his face as he saw me.

    "A... human?" [Oled] sea??h thё N?velFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The room fell silent.

    "...Yeah?" [Solace]

    Seeing his surprised face had me scan the room. It was then that I realized that every person in the tavern was a dwarf.

    "Whaddya think yer doing here, hooman?" [Thungrid]

    The dwarf pointed a finger at me, his arm wavering as if he was too tired to even hold his arm up.

    "Uh... I was looking to ask where the Armsdale mine is." [Solace]

    Thungrid and Oled glanced at each other for a moment. After some more silence, everyone in the room burst out laughing.

    "...Why''s everyone laughing?" [Solace]

    "Bring the drinks!" [Oled]

    He called for drinks, but a few dwarfs came over with large wooden barrels. They dropped the barrels next to a table with a loud thud, which made me somewhat anxious.

    ("What''s going on?") [Solace]

    "Come! Take a seat!" [Thungrid]

    Thungrid took a seat at the table, all while extending a hand towards an empty stool.

    ("Well crap. I guess I have to do it.") [Solace]

    I''m weak to peer pressure, I know. I took a seat across from Thungrid, heart pounding from nervousness.

    "Now listen here, lad. Ya want ta go ta Armsdale mines, ye?" [Thungrid

    The accent was heavy, almost as much as the alcohol on his breath. Thankfully, I was able to grasp what he was trying to say.

    "Yes." [Solace]

    Thungrid laughed heartily.

    "Ya can''t go! Ya gotta beat a dwarf at drinkin'' ta get a pass!" [Thungrid]

    ("Oh. Oh no.") [Solace]

    Just from hearing that, I knew I was kinda screwed. I''ve never drunk alcohol before, but I felt like I couldn''t win considering all the stories written about how dwarfs can''t be beaten at drinking.

    "Luckily fer ya, ya got a dwarf an'' drinks right here!" [Thungrid]

    He took hold of one of the barrels with one arm, and casually poured alcohol into his mouth out of it.

    "Ya in?" [Thungrid]

    I sighed. If I wanted to get into armsdale mines, I could simply sneak in. But there was one problem.

    ("Gentleman''s rules number 7: A gentleman never backs down from a challenge. They may refuse if it conflicts with other rules.") [Solace]

    Unfortunately, it didn''t conflict.

    "I''m in." [Solace]