Chapter 87

For the second week now, renovations have been underway in the Iris clan fortress to convert its chambers into production workshops. Leon is pouring enormous funds into Chrysalis to create a squad of constructs capable of opposing an enemy of such strength. The undead are besieging cities and fortresses, positioning themselves just beyond the maximum range of urban artillery.

Yesterday, an envoy from the dwarven royal court arrived through a portal. They, too, are under siege and are pleading for aid. A similar mission was assigned to the alliance of three young gods on Kongul—only there, the clients are the elves of the Spring Forest. Leon received a top-tier, nation-scale mission of the highest difficulty. His own forces were insufficient, so he hired contractors from the Hunters' League—if they can’t do it, no one can.

The objective: Eliminate the entire undead leadership in the foothills of the Dwarven Mountains, within the No Man’s Lands.

The reward: Permission to build temples of Leon in dwarven cities and the unlocking of the dwarven race for Travelers.

The most crucial part? The temple rights—dwarves worship only the old gods of the Greater Pantheon. Completing this mission is the key to ascending to the highest divine rank, and Leon is willing to pay any price for access to such a vast source of faith energy.

The mission details and rewards were made public. Players rejoiced at finally gaining access to the dwarven race—their bonuses to heavy armor, endurance, and strength made them some of the best melee fighters in the world. In contrast, elves leaned toward magic. Humans, lacking innate talents or predispositions, weren’t even part of the conversation. The real world buzzed with hype and anticipation for new adventures.

But now, Leon’s instincts screamed that this mission had a hidden agenda. Why would dwarves ask for help? Their average troop level was around 500—120 levels above the world’s average. Why were the mission terms so vague? Who—or what—else might be lurking there?