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Chapter 144: A Reunion After Forty Years
The appearance of Kurtz and Serie clearly attracted the attention of some Dwarves, who walked over with curious expressions.
"Who are you?" They vigilantly scrutinized the two extraordinary visitors, an elf and a human, who were an unusual pairing in the forge halls.
"We're looking for Somo. Please inform him."
"Alright, but you'll have to state your names first."
Kurtz and Serie exchanged glances, and the latter nodded slightly.
"This is Serie, and the holy sword at her waist is the legendary Elf Holy Sword Athos."
Athos had been carried by Serie all this time, but Elf Miss apparently only treated it as an accessory and had never drawn it for use. The blade remained sheathed, yet its presence was unmistakable.
But even without being drawn, the aura Athos exuded was enough to earn it the title of one of the Elves' holy swords.
The Dwarves naturally noticed this, and their vigilance instantly transformed into an unbelievable mix of ecstasy and reverence.
"It's the Elf Saint Series! By the Gods above, I can actually see the legendary saint authority sword Athos with my own eyes!"
"Saint Serie! Please, let me see the true appearance of Atos!"
Looking at the fanatical Dwarves surrounding them, Kurtz was glad he had wrapped Auerge in cloth; otherwise, these Dwarves would probably be even more excited.
And their Elf Miss clearly hadn't encountered such a scene before, sending a pitiful and helpless look of distress to Kurtz. Her usual composure had cracked under the overwhelming enthusiasm.
So Kurtz took a step forward, blocking Serie from the eager crowd.
"Everyone, can you go inform Somo now?"
Unfortunately, no one answered him. Clearly, the Dwarves in front of him were completely focused on the legendary saint authority sword Athos.
"Human boy, can you persuade Saint Serie to draw Athos and let us see it! I want one look, just one, please!"
Kurtz just smiled and didn't respond. If these Dwarves got mesmerized by the blade's true form, it wouldn't be something that could end with just one look.
"Speaking of which, the human man beside Serie is only God-Slayer Kurtz, right? Could it be that you are Kurtz?!" One of the Dwarves noticed something and exclaimed, his eyes widening.
"I'm not! I didn't! You've got the wrong person." Kurtz quickly denied, waving his hands defensively.
He didn't want to be surrounded by a group of muscular, overly enthusiastic craftsmen.
But luckily, other Dwarves voluntarily spoke up to help him out: "Are you an idiot? Kurtz is a human! Now that over forty years have passed, how could he still be so young?!"
"What if Kurtz knows eternal youth magic?"
Watching these Dwarves begin to chatter like neighborhood gossips, Kurtz and Serie felt a headache coming on. The forge hall had somehow transformed into a debate society.
But fortunately, the commotion here also attracted the attention of more Dwarves, including the person they were looking for.
"What are you all doing? Hurry up and check the furnace!"
A stout Dwarf approached, his voice carrying the authority of leadership. His face still showed traces of youth from back then, but now completely matured, with broader shoulders, a confident stride, and the bearing of someone accustomed to command.
He wore shining mithril armor, a complex golden emblem hung on his chest, and what Kurtz found most amusing was the thick red beard on his face.
That beard was so perfect, it could be called a model for Dwarf beards. Full, lustrous, and braided with small metal rings that caught the forge light.
"Somo?!" Kurtz's eyes widened in recognition.
Although he was mentally prepared, seeing the Dwarf youth who was ostracized for not growing a beard back then now looking so imposing, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for his old friend.
Kurtz's voice should have been drowned out in the noisy crowd, but Somo seemed to sense something and looked his way. Their eyes met across the busy hall.
When his gaze fell on Kurtz and Serie at the entrance, his eyes also widened in disbelief.
"K-Kurtz?! And Serie?!"
Somo's voice trembled, his body frozen in place for a long moment without reacting. The confident prince seemed to dissolve back into the uncertain young dwarf of forty years past.
The entire hall instantly fell silent, all the Dwarves looking at their usually composed Crown Prince, with only a few continuing to stare at Kurtz with even more fervent gazes.
Then Somo finally reacted, pushing through the crowd and jogging to stand before the two, his armor clanking with each hurried step.
"It really is you!"
Somo embraced Kurtz with such force that Kurtz winced slightly. Somo had definitely gotten stronger over the years.
"I knew it! I knew you wouldn't die so easily!"
"Cough cough! I can't breathe!" Kurtz protested with a strained laugh.
Kurtz pretended to be in great discomfort, which scared Somo into immediately releasing him, then turning to Serie with a more respectful bow. "Serie, long time no see."
"Mm, you too. You've certainly matured a lot." Serie's approval was genuine; the transformation was remarkable.
Seeing their Crown Prince reveal the identities of the two before them, the surrounding Dwarves' gazes grew even more fervent, and some even began looking at Orger, which Kurtz had wrapped in cloth.
Earlier, because their attention had been drawn to Athos, many Dwarves had overlooked its presence. Now, hearing that this young human man was the legendary God-Slayer Kurtz, the Dwarves also began to notice the wrapped weapon.
"Prince Somo! Talk to your friend and let us see Orger!"
"Exactly! That's the legendary most outstanding work of the Dwarves! Even if I get one look, it would be worth dying for!"
"Hahaha! I can't decide that. You'd best not think about it." Somo laughed and, without further ado, led the two away from the Forge Hall toward his palace. "Besides, some things are better left wrapped."
Along the way, he excitedly introduced them to the Dwarves they passed: "This is Kurtz! The wielder of Orger! And Serie! The Elf Saint!"
This made it impossible for Kurtz to conceal his identity any longer, so he could only accept the attention with as much grace as he could muster.
Upon returning to the palace, Somo personally poured fruit juice for everyone, a sweet, amber liquid that tasted of mountain berries, and eagerly recounted his experiences over the years.
It turned out that after the decisive battle, he returned to the Dwarf Kingdom, as their clan had already moved there following the modern Dwarf King's summons.
And by virtue of his achievements during that time, plus the long beard magic left by Kurtz, he gradually earned the respect of his clansmen. The magic had worked perfectly, perhaps too perfectly, as his beard was now the envy of every dwarf in the kingdom.
The Old Dwarf King's child had unfortunately died at the hands of demons in a war many years ago, so he held a combat ritual to select the bravest Dwarf warrior as his successor, and Somo was the victor of this competition.
"The succession ceremony is next month!" Somo slapped his thigh, his magnificent beard trembling with excitement. "You can't miss it, you get it, you must attend it!"
Kurtz was silent for a moment, then spoke softly: "Somo, actually, we just came from meeting Norn. Norn has already... left."
The atmosphere in the room instantly froze.
Somo's smile stiffened on his face, and he slowly put down his cup. The joy drained from his features like water from a broken vessel.
"Norn left?" His previously excited voice also deepened, becoming quiet and careful.
Kurtz nodded gravely: "Yes, before he left, he even asked me if he was qualified as a king."
Tears welled up in Somo's eyes: "That fool... Of course, he was qualified. There's no better king than him."
[End of Chapter]