Chapter 443: The Fire Dwarves
At the top of the grand Isthalia altar, Langpu held a scroll, nodded respectfully to Cassius, and spoke reverently.
"Your Majesty, the interdimensional portal to the Fire Elemental Plane has been successfully constructed."
"You will be transported to the outskirts of the 'City of Iron,' where the Empire's pioneers have already established a foothold—the Ember Empire's Fire Elemental Plane Bureau."
Interdimensional teleportation is a seventh-circle spell, capable of transporting up to eight beings to another plane, with a margin of error ranging from 5 to 500 miles.
The Ember Empire initially lacked the capability for cross-planar teleportation spells. However, the "Empire's Southern Continent Company" negotiated with the royal court mages of the Therese Kingdom and acquired the spell scroll for a mere 17,000 gold naal.
Currently embroiled in widespread warfare and desperate for military funds, Therese was an eager seller, while the Ember Empire—a nation born in a magical desert—desperately needed high-tier magical resources.
The deal was a perfect match.
Such are the benefits of wealth.
After months of study, Langpu and the mages of the Department of Magic were able to replicate the spell—albeit with a slight inaccuracy that could reach up to a thousand miles.
"Master, your power is so immense that I have no doubt of your triumphant return."
"However, to spare you unnecessary troubles, I have arranged for a native guide from the Fire Elemental Plane to assist you."
"The Empire's army repelled the Fire Salamander raiders sent by the Efreet, earning their gratitude."
"Grin Cardoso!"
"It is time to fulfill your contract!"
Langpu produced a magical contract and called out the name.
The contract emitted a fierce fiery glow.
"Langpu, the benefactor of the Fire Dwarves."
"Grin Cardoso, smith of the City of Iron, answers the call as promised."
Immediately, a humanoid figure with flaming hair and beard, skin radiating a bronze metallic sheen, appeared.
Standing no more than four feet tall, this stocky figure wore a skirt forged of brass, wielded a finely crafted iron warhammer, and carried pouches made of red copper on his back.
"A Fire Dwarf?"
Cassius gazed down at the diminutive creature, instantly recognizing its identity.
Born of the Fire Elemental Plane, Fire Dwarves are humanoids renowned for their unparalleled forging skills and their peculiar method of reproduction.
The birth of a Fire Dwarf requires another Fire Dwarf to craft a bronze shell, into which the Flame of Life is infused by the forger.
It is said that the first Fire Dwarf was created when the Dwarven God accidentally infused a bronze statue with the Flame of Life, giving rise to this elemental dwarf-like race. Hence, they are aptly named "Bronze-forged Flame Spirits."
Due to the intricate forging process, the Fire Dwarf population is exceedingly small.
The Fire Dwarf known as "Grin Cardoso" had just acclimated to the Material Plane. As he opened his eyes and beheld the colossal red dragon coiled atop the altar, he collapsed in shock.
"By Moradin's forge..."
"This can't be..."
"It's not an illusion! There's a dragon in the Material Plane—a red dragon larger than any ancient wyrm!"
He trembled as he gazed up at the enormous dragon, muttering incoherently.
"Insolence!"
Langpu's voice thundered in rebuke.
"Is this how you Fire Dwarves behave? To stand here is the greatest honor of your life!"
"Before you stands the sole ruler of the Anzeta Wasteland, the Breaker of Silver Wings, the Destroyer of Frost Giants, the Bane of Abyssal Demons, the supreme Ember Emperor—Cassius!"
"Fire Dwarf! Is this how you repay your benefactor?"
Langpu's words reverberated like a thunderclap, jolting Grin from his stupor.
He could scarcely believe it.
This Material Plane empire's ruler was a red dragon larger than any ancient wyrm!
Fire Dwarves, who dwell among volcanoes and magma, rarely hear of events beyond their domain. Hence, Grin had no knowledge of the Ember Empire, a fledgling power.
But the Empire's military might was undeniable.
And its ruler—unparalleled.
Realizing this, Grin swiftly turned around, prostrating himself deeply, first paying homage and then repeatedly apologizing.
"Grin Cardoso greets the great Ember Emperor!"
"Forgive me, Cassius, for I was overwhelmed by your..."
Struggling for words, Grin's bronze-crafted mind churned until he finally muttered,
"your immense presence."
Prostrate, the Fire Dwarf looked like a glowing bronze ember.
"Amusing little creature," Cassius remarked, exhaling a sulfurous breath with mild interest.
To him, these Fire Dwarves were valuable forging masters—walking treasures in humanoid form.
"In my past life, these Fire Dwarves forged many legendary artifacts. Perhaps they could be put to work for the Empire."
"But for now, dealing with the Efreet takes precedence."
A year ago, Cassius dispatched Misha and a vanguard team to the Fire Elemental Plane.
Their primary mission was to negotiate with the Efreet Kingdom for rare, fire-rich metals and minerals—supplies essential for Cassius' next hibernation.
Yes, hibernation sustenance.
[Original content available at Chapter #9.]
As a dragon of near-progenitor bloodline, Cassius required massive energy reserves for his growth cycles.
Typical meat was insufficient for his colossal body, necessitating extraordinary resources.
With these thoughts, Cassius nonchalantly said,
"Very well."
"Since everything is ready, let the teleportation commence."
"Yes, Master."
Langpu immediately responded, raising his staff. The twelve skulls adorning his neck emitted faint glows.
"Attention, all magical teams! Prepare to construct a large-scale interdimensional teleportation model for His Majesty!"
Langpu issued his command with a booming voice.
"Team One, ready!"
"Team Two, ready!"
"Team Three, ready!"
The mages on each level of the altar raised their staffs, unleashing dazzling magical light.
The air resonated with spell chants, mana surges, and spatial compression as the Isthalia altar buzzed with activity.
"Whoosh—"
A massive, intricate spell model took shape. A towering interdimensional portal materialized at the altar's apex.
Ordinary interdimensional teleportation was insufficient for beings of Cassius' magnitude, whose essence exceeded standard spell limits.
Led by the archmage Langpu, boasting an Intelligence of 22, and supported by dozens of imperial court mages, the spell's rank approached the ninth circle.
"Boom—"
The interdimensional portal slowly opened.
Despite its unprecedented size, the portal barely accommodated Cassius' thirty-six-meter frame.
"This is..."
"By Moradin's forge, is His Majesty personally entering the Fire Elemental Plane?"
Grin gawked at the towering portal.
Suddenly, a colossal claw enveloped him, plunging him into darkness and immobilizing him.
"Let's go, my guide," Cassius' deep voice rumbled like thunder.
"No, no, Cassius! Wait—"
Grin protested.
Ignoring him, Cassius folded his wings and lunged into the portal, clutching the Fire Dwarf.
Cursed by a demon, Cassius had long suppressed his true nature. But now, the thought of powerful beings in the Fire Elemental Plane—Efreet of the Brass City, primordial fire elementals—invigorated him.