Chapter 40

The bones began to twitch and assemble.

“...?”

Clack. Clack.

Thud. Thud. Thud!

The large rib bone that Rune had initially cast the resurrection incantation on was drawn into the pile of bones like a magnet and found its place.

Thud!

The bones formed the structure of a living skeleton and began to stand and move on their own.

‘Huh?’

The skeleton, resembling a four-legged beast, straightened its body with the skull facing directly toward Rune.

“Are you looking at me?”

As if in response to Rune’s words, the beast’s skull clacked.

It seemed to be trying to make a sound, but with only bones, it could only clack its jaw.

“Could it be?”

A window with information about the moving skeleton appeared.

- Species: Cliff Goat (Undead)

A goat that lived on rocky mountains.

Descendant of the goats the dwarves brought when they fled to the red dragon’s territory long ago.

One of the livestock raised by dwarves, its milk and meat are used as food, and its hide for clothing and accessories.

The population has significantly decreased.

※ Special Note:

The skeleton of a goat that sacrificed its flesh and died has been revived by the call of the black dragon.

- Belongs to: Rune Eclipse

- Servant transformation complete.

- Disposition: Loyal, Energetic

<You have unlocked a new talent!>

- Necromancer: One who revives the dead.

“...”

All he had imagined was fresh ingredients.

Not a skeleton of a goat that wagged its tailbone like a dog.

‘Did I become a shaman or something?’

Rune involuntarily slapped his forehead.

Meanwhile, the skeleton goat, with only bones left, was hopping around energetically, trampling potatoes.

‘I can’t just leave this thing as it is. How do I get rid of it?’

Just then,

The skeleton goat clacked and suddenly collapsed with a thud.

The bones, having lost the power of the incantation, turned back into a pile of bones.

Rune decided to experiment further by casting the resurrection incantation on the dead beast’s bones a few more times to understand his ability.

‘I get it now.’

First, his rank in using the resurrection incantation had improved, allowing him to infuse life into dead bones.

The downside was the short duration.

Even worse, when the resurrection incantation was cast again on a corpse that had already been revived, the duration and effect were significantly reduced.

The magic could be canceled at any time if Rune wished.

He fell into thought, looking at the air.

‘But how can I make this useful?’

Information about it immediately appeared.

* Necromancer: One who revives the dead.

- Growth Condition: Improved understanding and proficiency in the resurrection incantation.

‘It means repeated and in-depth practice.’

The resurrection incantation he had used to keep fruits and meat fresh and to sprout seeds.

After seeing the information, he had a rough idea of why it had grown this way.

‘This must be because I successfully revived the black rice with the incantation magic.’

The succubus soul embedded in the Hell Rose and the fox bead that belonged to him.

The result of refining the soul through the dreams of his master, Rune.

‘I was lucky.’

It was a growth brought about by a rare probability and a series of coincidences.

‘The ability to control the dead as servants.’

At its core, it was a pretty decent ability.

However, it was hard to imagine a good outcome if he revealed this to others.

‘If I raise the proficiency and solve the duration issue, it might become useful.’

The problem was that it looked as evil as the power of a demon.

No one would want to be allies with someone who could control the dead as servants.

Even if they didn’t think he would kill his allies to use them as undead materials, it was still a good reason to avoid him.

‘I wouldn’t trust myself either. Who would want to be around someone who gives them the creeps?’

A deep sigh escaped him.

“Still, I need to practice this ability. Damn.”

Rune firmly decided to keep this ability a secret for now.

***

That evening.

Four dwarves, who had been given prior notice, headed to the palace reception room.

“An invitation to Lord Ferdikion’s banquet.”

“I wonder if he’s trying to erase the history of suppressing dwarves by just having a meal.”

A dwarf with a brown beard clicked his tongue, clearly displeased.

“Just a craft competition and he acts like he’s settled the past. How shallow.”

“Shh, let it be. His basic nature hasn’t changed. If we say the wrong thing, he might start his tyranny again.”

“Cough! I hear this banquet is prepared by the hatchling who changed Lord Ferdikion’s mind.”

“Oh! You mean the dark clan hatchling.”

The atmosphere, which had been filled with criticism, suddenly changed.

“The same dragon, but he’s an exception. He’s the one who considered our situation even though we’ve never met him.”

“It’s thanks to him, the red dragons have been relatively quiet.”

“Yes. If it weren’t for him, we might not have survived as blacksmiths.”

The dwarf at the center stroked his thick beard.

“The red dragons need to reflect on their actions, but we can’t treat this meal with the benefactor who solved our problems poorly, can we?”

“Yes. The population of stone mountain goats has decreased, and the meat rations have been reduced recently.”

Pretending to be convinced, they decided to show proper etiquette at the meal. Even before the door opened, they sniffed the rich aroma of meat.

“What’s that smell?”

“It’s different from the usual spices. The meat smells fresher and richer.”

The dwarves, who usually ate dried meat, licked their lips.

Soon, Berdin came out to greet them and opened the door.

“!”

“Wow. What a luxurious banquet!”

The first thing they saw was a pile of juicy, meaty dishes.

Rough but deliciously grilled tomahawk steaks and barbecues.

Even the beer was not the usual murky black but a honey-colored cream ale, filling an entire oak barrel.

A dwarf with black hair and beard swallowed hard at the sight of a plate piled high with tender meat slices.

“I feel like I’m in heaven.”

Swallow.

The dwarves, who had already feasted with their eyes, moved their Adam’s apples.

“Have you arrived?”

Ferdikion, seated at the head of the table, greeted them.

“Ahem! It’s been a while, my lord.”

The dwarves at the door greeted Ferdikion, avoiding his gaze.

Just as they were about to head to their seats,

“Brother, who are these people? Introduce me.”

A small boy with black hair asked Ferdikion.

Thanks to this, before they could sit down, Ferdikion naturally introduced them.

“These are the palace mine manager, Humphrey Fisher; the mana stone and dungeon reward manager, Buck Markin; the combat dwarf trainer and manager, Wood Fellon; and Gorban Bob.”

“I see. Nice to meet you.”

As the dwarves looked at Rune, who was waving his hand innocently, Ferdikion continued.

“This is the black dragon hatchling, Rune. The only member of the dark clan, who came up with the idea of the craft competition... and my sworn brother.”

“!”

Hearing that Rune was Ferdikion’s sworn brother, the gathered dwarves looked at him intently.

“Really? This clear aura of fire!”

Berdin, who had glanced at the astonished dwarves, cleared his throat awkwardly and, as Rune had instructed, said,

“Ahem. Congratulations on becoming sworn brothers.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Although Berdin’s words sounded forced, no dwarf in the room could miss the powerful aura of fire emanating from Rune.

Even the dwarves who had been skeptical would accept this as a fact by tomorrow.

Amidst their surprise, they managed to offer appropriate congratulations thanks to Berdin’s timely intervention.

Chapter 43: What’s Wrong with My Age?

Seeing the dwarves exchange surprised glances, Ferdikion spoke.

“Alright, everyone, take your seats.”

‘Good. This is how a host should act. Ferdikion, you’re doing well.’

Rune felt proud of Ferdikion internally and watched contentedly as the dwarves took their seats.

Unlike humans, dwarves didn’t have formal balls or social parties.

The only condition that mattered was how much they recognized each other.

‘Even the fact that they’re using respectful language to Ferdikion is an improvement from before.’

Originally, he had planned to gather the dwarves involved in the dungeon to get what he needed.

But after visiting the forge and observing the situation, his thoughts changed.

With a little effort, he could improve the relationship between the dwarves and Ferdikion significantly.

‘Ferdikion did have a history of tyranny. But now he’s recognizing his mistakes and trying to change.’

Rune’s red eyes shone brightly.

‘But the dwarves’ gaze was harsher than he thought. If things continue like this, no matter how hard he tries, it will be increasingly difficult for him to receive fair evaluation and support.’

The higher the power of his sworn brother Ferdikion, the more beneficial it was for Rune.

‘All I need to do is help him. I’ll get the entrance ticket to the <Abandoned Mine Dungeon> and the information I need.’

Rune mentally reviewed his goals.

‘I’ll pave the way for Ferdikion’s new rule to be accepted by the dwarves.’

This banquet was also the first time to announce that Ferdikion and Rune had become sworn brothers.

The dwarves, instead of fear, were filled with curiosity.

Thus, the banquet began.

***

“Ah! So this wine and meat were all prepared by Lord Ferdikion and Lord Rune!”

“So tender, it melts in your mouth!”

Rune nodded, hearing the dwarves’ praise.

“Brother wanted to treat the craftsmen first. I’m glad you like it.”

Rune subtly passed the credit to Ferdikion.

“Ahem! Thank you, Lord Ferdikion.”

‘The atmosphere is good.’

It was always more effective for achievements to be known through others’ mouths rather than boasting oneself.

After all, it was a celebration, and they were in a good mood from the feast, so they didn’t hesitate to thank Ferdikion.

“This meat was cooked in a hearth imbued with the magic of fire. It definitely tastes better with the touch of the craftsmen.”

“Really? You can tell! The process of embedding mana stones requires delicate work!”

Rune interjected to keep the atmosphere from getting awkward.

As the dwarves emptied their cups and got tipsy, they burst into hearty laughter.

Rune gauged the right moment to bring up his topic and naturally picked up a beer mug.

Just then,

“You can’t.”

Thud.

Rune’s hand, which had been reaching for the mug, stopped awkwardly in mid-air.

Rune, who had been looking forward to a drink, glared at Ferdikion in frustration.

“Why? You’re drinking too.”

‘Even if he’s a hatchling, he can drink, right?’

Moreover, his actual age was such that he could drink a whole barrel without any issues.

But that was wishful thinking.

“I’m fine, but a kid who’s only been alive for 10 years can’t. Wait 500 years.”

“500 years...? That’s ridiculous. Humans drink at a much younger age!”

Ferdikion, in response to Rune’s bewildered retort, poured a cup of tea for him.

“Just drink tea.”

“...”

Rune couldn’t hide his disappointment.