As the trio cruised along the tracks, they slowly descended deeper into the mountain. Dwarven Holds were rarely close to the surface, and that went doubly so for their Capital, which went many miles below ground. Despite such crushing depths, it was clear that the Dwarves knew how to build, and not for a second did Akagi think the highway was in danger of collapse, figuring that it was even more durable than even the most sturdy constructions on Earth. As they twisted along the winding corridor they caught sight of countless patrols, many of which contained interesting machinery that the Demon recognized despite their unique appearances.

"You know, I'd been told the Dwarves had more advanced technology than the rest of the planet, but..." Akagi's words paused as she examined the engine pushing the cart. “I don't think I really appreciated just how advanced they were.”

{For example, this engine. It's using a combination of magical power and raw steam to drive pistons up and down much like a standard steam engine from Earth. I suppose it represents something like a merger of tech and magic you see in certain magic punk settings. Alice did mention primitive tanks and the Ninja's reports talked of many Earth like items in their Cities... But how do the Dwarves have such knowledge, and why hasn't it spread? Containing useful technology is almost impossible and Dwarves an industrial and commerce focused people. Not to mention that just about everything here begs for adaptation into military technology.} (Akagi)

"The Dwarves from Altus didn't have things like this." Yumi said as she stood next to Akagi as the Demon continued to observe the engine. "They were good craftsmen, but I don't think they made things this out of the ordinary."

"No, they didn't." Akagi shook her head as she watched Imp pester the poor driver. "FWO's setting didn't allow for Dwarves to advance into a proto-steampunk civilization, so it's not a good comparison, but what we're seeing here is still unusual..."

"You think they had help?" Yumi asked quietly.

"Maybe. Both Halifax and Elariel have mentioned an Eridal Empire on multiple occasions. The records about them that we were able to find told of advanced technology that put them about on par with what Humanity has reached on Earth in certain respects and more advanced in others." Akagi paused as she thought for a moment. "Elariel stated that they were destroyed due to getting a bit too powerful for the Gods' comfort... But she never really said what bothered them enough to wipe out an advanced civilization like them."

{It's obviously not basic military or civilian tech like this. Otherwise, the Dwarves would've been wiped out too. No, whatever that ancient civilization was pushing toward must've been a fundamental threat to the Gods' position at the top of the pecking order. Something that could've unseated them from their lofty perch, but what?} (Akagi)

*THUNK*

Akagi's internal thoughts came to a pause as they switched tracks and started down a set of long and narrow tunnels that opened up to the impressive sight of the Dwarven Capital below. Thin Ledhar was a massive underground city, easily hosting a million residents, and was filled to the brim with structures both old and new. Compared to even the Imperial Capital the Dwarven City wouldn't come up short in both size and scope and was awash with beautiful carved stone architecture that, in some places, was actually molded into the very bedrock of the mountain itself. At the center of the massive cavern that housed the City was a massive glowing sphere that provided 'sunlight' and ensured the residents would experience something akin to a day and night cycle. Currently it was at a 'midday' setting, and Akagi could see a series of complex pipes and other structures that seemed to feed magic to the device.

"Okay, I'm officially impressed." Akagi said as Imp continued to pester the driver with an unending barrage of questions. "Constructing something this large this far underground is no mean feat, and while I suppose it could

be done on Earth it would be a monumental undertaking far more costly than even the richest governments could stomach." She said as they swapped tracks again to a join main thoroughfare that circled the Capital from above.

Thin Ledhar was surrounded with a series of concentric circles that formed an outer ring around the City. Each had dozens of stations and off ramps that went into the various districts and wards of the Capital, and there was no shortage of both passenger and rail traffic. Akagi instantly thought it similar to Tokyo or Shanghai's interconnected metro, though it also included cargo lines rather than being used solely for public transportation.

"It's definitely a unique view, one that I'm glad I get to see with you." Yumi smiled as she leaned against Akagi.

"Oh yeah, romantic. A stone city miles underground while we have Imp rambling about the logistics of building all this in the background." Akagi rolled her eyes as she pat Yumi on the head. “Truly the greatest of date spots.”

"Hey, compared to the places you usually take me for our outings, I'd say its not bad." Yumi giggled.

"Aren't you too busy hugging all over me most times to care about the location? And what? Do you want me to take you to dinner and a movie?" Akagi retorted.

"Nah, I'll take cuddles at home every time." Yumi laughed as they continued along the tracks before eventually stopping at a rather mundane station that was clearly not intended for public use.

"Alright Imp, please stop bothering the poor man." Akagi said as she picked Imp up by the scruff of her neck, which caused the tiny Devil to wiggle about in protest.

"No! Have more questions-queries!" Imp hissed, demanding to be given more time to talk the poor man's ear off.

"You can ask them later." Akagi sighed as a group of well-dressed Dwarves escorted by armed soldiers entered the small station. What Akagi assumed were the three diplomats in the group had well-groomed beards laced with various weaves that Akagi figured had something to do with their clan based on the shape and metal decorations strewn throughout.

"Please forgive this less than extravagant welcome." The diplomat in the center of the group said, stepping forward while the others stayed at his sides. "But I'm sure you can understand why a formal meeting between our governments would be problematic at this juncture." The Dwarf said as he ran his hand through his red beard. He was an older man, likely a Dwarf with decades of foreign policy experience. Akagi knew from the Ninja's reports that this man was Hezmal Marbleback, the Minister of State for the Dwarven nation and their head diplomat.

{Strange he wasn't supposed to be here, was he? I thought this would be a meeting with only low-level diplomats as a precursor meeting to something more formal. Why is someone of his status coming to greet what they thought was a mere envoy?} (Yumi)

{Word likely got back to their leadership that the BBEG herself was showing up instead of a minion, so this guy probably had the sense to show up in person if that report turned out to be true.} (Akagi)

{I didn't even detect anyone watching us.} (Yumi)

{Dwarves are a crafty bunch. Its likely they've got something akin to our radios to transmit information over long distances quickly.} (Akagi)

"I expected as much. After all, you can't have it known just yet that the Dwarves are meeting with the Demon Lord." Akagi chuckled as the two shook hands. "My name is Akagi Dumetor, the aforementioned Demon Lord if you didn't already know. This here is Yumi, and over here we have..." She paused as she went to point to Imp, who'd vanished. "...Well, we had

my engineer/friend but I suppose she bolted into the city to go check out your people's work... I'm going to apologize in advance for any trouble she gives you..." She said while pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.

{When you get back I'm going to tickle you silly, Imp.} (Akagi)

{She just couldn't wait, huh?} (Yumi)

"Hezmal Marbleback." The diplomat said, not missing a beat. "But I'm sure you knew who I was already. I must say your sudden appearance caught us off guard, but it's an honor to meet you, Lady Akagi."

{That's gotta be the first time someone outside the clan has said that.} (Yumi)

{Diplomatic fluff, but still amusing nonetheless.} (Akagi)

"Shall we? I've prepared transportation back to the Palace. We can discuss things in more detail there." Hezmal said, gesturing for her to follow him outside, which she did.

Exiting the station Akagi was immediately brought to a large 'carriage' that was really more akin to a car as it had no horse. It had space for a driver at the front and reminded Akagi more of a Model A than some kind of magic punk vehicle, though it was nowhere near as sleek. Inside it had more than enough room to accommodate Akagi and Yumi sitting side by side and Hezmal took a seat across from them while the others from his group did not join him.

"Is the rest of your entourage not coming along?" Akagi asked as the 'car' started and began its journey down the stone road.

"Everything that I know tells me that guards have little meaning with you around, and my junior colleagues quite frankly have no place at something like ." Hezmal said succinctly. "If I may speak plainly negotiations with a Demon Lord could mean the difference between life and death for our people, so I'd like to handle this myself. You know what they say about wanting something done right." He chuckled as he pulled out a cigar and offered one to Akagi, who accepted.

{Holy shit! A rarity! A guy with fucking common sense?!?} (Akagi)

"I appreciate you taking things seriously, that should bode well for our relationship going forward." Akagi said as she lit the cigar with a flick of her fingers. "I only desire peace with the Dwarves, and I h ope we can work together amicably from now on."

"Well that's good to hear, if you'd come here seeking to destroy us then I'm not sure what I'd do." Hezmal chuckled as he lit his own cigar. "Though at the rate things are going there may not be much of Dwarven nation left under these mountains for you to work with." He said as he let took a hit.

"You speak of the monsters that I've been sacking your cities?" Akagi asked, holding the cigar off to the side.

{Odd how he just opened with that information.} (Yumi)

{He's smart.} (Akagi)

"I'm going to assume your intelligence network was good enough to understand just how dire the situation is?" Hezmal said as he folded his hands in front of his mouth. He knew that Akagi had infiltrated their government and bought off enough bureaucrats to arrange this meeting, hence why he figured it best not to dance around any issues and speak plainly. In his mind, he guesstimated that Akagi already knew everything there was to know about the Dwarf's situation and saw no reason to put on his usual opaque front. "We've lost several Holds already and though we've recently gotten some aid there's much unease about the future. As you can imagine those of us in the Capital is filled with anxiety."

"That would be most unfortunate. After all, I came here with the intention of forming an alliance." Akagi shook her head as she took a hit from the cigar. "Can't well have my future friends get wiped out by monsters."

"I'm sure you understand that there will be some... Hesitation in the government when dealing with you." Hezmal said bluntly. "No offense, but even though our people don't exactly have the same relationship with the Gods as the surface dwellers do, we're still mindful of their presence. Not to mention you have a reputation."

"I completely understand, so how about we discuss exactly what I can do to assuage those fears and improve the completely unfounded image you have of me." Akagi said, briefly smirking before putting on her best business smile.