Chapter 165

Chapter 165
## Chapter 165

Meanwhile, in the West (1)

Clang—! Clang—! Clang—!

A crisp, metallic ringing reverberated steadily through the suffocating atmosphere.

Sizzle—!

The repetitive rhythm, which seemed as though it would carry on indefinitely, paused briefly as a sudden burst of vapor hissed into the air…

“Stay focused! Clear your mind! Listen to the flames, connect with the core of the iron, and execute!”

Suddenly, Zaonic’s booming voice tore through the room.

His loud, intense instruction had remained unchanged since their very first training session, continuing without a hint of exhaustion even now, nearly four weeks later.

Howard believed he had prepared himself sufficiently to possess a legitimate skill, but through the lens of Zaonic, a master Dwarf artisan, his abilities were merely those of an infant trying to stand.

In truth, the actual hours he had dedicated to the craft were severely lacking, making it entirely reasonable that he faced constant reprimands during their time together.

‘Still, this ruthless conditioning is undeniably accelerating my growth. It is a completely different reality compared to when I was trying to figure it out on my own.’

Glancing at the glowing metal gripped tightly in his pincers, he slid it back into the roaring forge and swiped the sweat from his brow.

The methods Zaonic passed down… or rather, the unique way of the Dwarf, clashed entirely with the fundamental rules of smithing he had absorbed until now.

Prior to starting his formal education, Howard had flawlessly executed his existing knowledge during an evaluation meant to gauge his proficiency.

It was an orderly, logical approach to shaping metal, deeply rooted in the precise measurements of modern science.

Yet, his self-assured presentation had received a rather detached reaction.

Simply put, it was deemed ‘unnecessary vanity,’ or to be more exact, ‘a human approach entirely unsuited for a Dwarf.’

* “Do not mistake my words, I am not dismissing the craft you have practiced. It is undeniably a solid framework. That is, assuming you were not a Dwarf!”

As Howard had already come to understand, the innate senses of the Dwarves operated on an entirely different plane than those of mankind.

They possessed the ability to deliver far superior outcomes while completely bypassing numerous stages that human blacksmiths found indispensable.

‘It resembles a situation where if you can calculate the answer mentally while tackling a mathematical problem, you have no need for a lengthy string of equations.’

Furthermore, Dwarves were not just capable of these mental computations; they were an incredible species that practically functioned with internal processing engines hardwired into their consciousness.

This intrinsic trait was precisely why they held the reputation of a supreme creator race, and why they maintained that copying the habits of other species was a waste of potential.

Consequently, the core of what Zaonic drove into him was not some hidden, legendary formula.

* “Reviewing the basics is a waste of our time. Your primary requirement at this moment is a single objective! You must fully awaken the ‘Dwarf’s way’! Every other lesson must wait until that happens!”

The goal was to unlock his capacity to fully harness the natural traits of a Dwarf artisan.

To put it plainly, it meant operating purely on raw intuition rather than carefully calculating every motion and following a rigid, analytical sequence as he once did.

‘The logic is hard to grasp, yet the final products are vastly superior, leaving me with no room to argue. When you think about it, this embodies the true essence of an artisan… ’

Ultimately, scientific data and set variables only accounted for standard outcomes.

The specific iron being shaped, the timber fueling the blaze, and even the water utilized for chilling varied minutely with every single attempt, just as the physical state of the smith themselves fluctuated constantly.

While standard measurements were useful for avoiding basic errors, ascending to the rank of a true ‘artisan’ who forged legendary creations required an entirely different element.

‘Right now, I must dedicate myself to elevating my innate capabilities instead of relying on shortcuts. Only after I establish a firm foundation can I properly integrate the sophisticated concepts I brought over from Earth. It feels a bit frustrating, though… ’

Clang—! Clang—!

While Howard quietly pondered these thoughts while dedicating himself to the task, Zaonic, observing closely from behind, found himself holding back waves of astonishment time and time again.

‘…His performance never ceases to amaze me. The rate at which he adapts is staggering. His foundational skills were quite solid from the start, barring those redundant practices he clung to.’

The young smith had already outstripped the benchmarks Zaonic had initially set for him, despite the short duration of their dedicated mentorship.

Howard was integrating every piece of advice instantaneously, showing daily advancement, which in turn fueled Zaonic’s enthusiasm to push him even harder.

‘Moreover, there is an odd sense of familiarity when I look at him. Could there be some shared lineage between us?’

A subtle sentimental bond also drove the intensity of his lessons.

He felt an involuntary urge to guide the youth, as Howard did not feel like a complete stranger to him.

Of course, the true origin of that feeling would remain a mystery to him.

Clang—!

‘Wait?’

Following nearly a month of relentless instruction,

Howard, driving his mallet down in a state of absolute absorption, suddenly perceived that he had crossed a monumental boundary.

‘I understand now. This sensation is… ’

On the surface, nothing outward had altered.

His perception remained incredibly sharp, and his hands retained their usual precision.

Yet, a profound shift had occurred.

The roaring inferno seemed to be communicating with him.

Inquiring whether he wished to elevate the intensity of the blaze.

He resonated deeply with the reverberations traveling from the iron into his body.

He knew, without a shred of doubt, precisely where and with what degree of power to strike the surface to achieve absolute flawlessness.

‘This is extraordinary. To think I am truly experiencing this firsthand.’

With that, his wandering thoughts vanished entirely.

Captivated by this overwhelming perception, Howard drifted into a state of total focus, surrendering to the guidance of the flame and the iron…

And at the exact moment he brought a ‘masterpiece’ to life—.

《Through unyielding practice, the consciousness achieves higher understanding. You have unlocked the unique trait “Dwarven Creation Logic”.》

He had finally taken his foundational step as a genuine Dwarf craftsman.

Furthermore, as if acknowledging this milestone, the notifications flashing before his eyes continued to appear.

《Titan casts his gaze upon you.》

《The consciousness satisfies the required criteria and achieves higher understanding. You have unlocked the unique trait “Song of Fire and Metal”.》

Instantly, the embers that had been burning steadily within the forge flared up fiercely, and a lone ribbon of fire leapt outward, encircling his form with a gentle warmth before dissipating into nothingness.

Dazed by the abrupt occurrence, Howard blinked in confusion before searching through his knowledge.

‘Titan corresponds to… ’

That was the formal designation for the ‘God of Fire and Metal,’ the primary deity revered by the Dwarven people.

It was a title held in such immense reverence across their civilization that the sovereign state of the Dwarves on the Enamel Continent was named ‘Titania,’ though they generally utilized alternative descriptions because speaking the Creator’s direct name aloud was viewed as a sacrilegious act.

‘Did the display I just put on fulfill the necessary standards to draw his divine focus?’

There was simply no other explanation for such an entity to make its presence known at this precise moment.

Regardless, gaining an additional divine backer was undeniably a positive development.

Clap, clap, clap—

“Excellent work, Howard! I never anticipated you would unlock that power so rapidly! And witnessing the benediction of the forge—it is clear the Creator himself acknowledges your exceptional capability.”

Clapping loudly, Zaonic stepped toward him, bringing a heavy, approving hand down on his shoulder while wearing a proud expression.

According to what he gathered, this was a phenomenon that highly capable Dwarves encountered on several occasions during their journeys.

It served as a manifestation of divine favor, typically occurring when a blacksmith shaped an item of profound significance before the forge, or when a creator who earned the Creator’s approval shattered a limiting barrier to achieve greater heights.

Experiencing a fresh wave of awe, Howard stared down at his hands, squeezing them into fists and relaxing them repeatedly.

The ambient warmth permeating the smithy seemed to shift in accordance with his physical motions, and the fiery energy he drew into his lungs felt far more integrated.

He could instantly detect the exact position and quality of any iron in his vicinity, even without turning his eyes toward it.

‘“Song of Fire and Metal” fundamentally upgrades my connection to both specific elements. It appears further traits will unlock as my mastery grows, but this represents the current boundary.’

Ultimately, expanding his arsenal of abilities was always a welcome progression.

Yet, just as he was basking in the rewards of his grueling labor and nodding contentedly…

“Marvelous! Now that you possess the core fundamentals, I can finally begin your true education! The leniency ends today, so brace yourself to maintain this pace! Hahaha!”

Hearing Zaonic burst into boisterous laughter, Howard could only offer a strained, hesitant grin.

‘As if he had been showing any leniency to begin with… ’

Nevertheless, it was of little consequence to him, as he possessed the fortitude to withstand any grueling environment.

In fact, it was precisely the path he desired.

The art of creation relied heavily on practical application, meaning it was far more bound by the passage of time compared to alternative disciplines—.

To shatter that natural restriction and ascend to the absolute peak, he understood he had to apply himself with many times the dedication of an ordinary person.

“In that case, shall we proceed immediately?”

“Yes! Master!”

Thus, deep within an isolated smithy on the fringes of the land, a young Dwarf artisan expanded his capabilities at a breathtaking pace under his mentor’s watch.

Armed with an unyielding resolve that remained unshaken even when staring into the void, and a physical form as unyielding as iron, fortified by the enhancement of Karma.

—

Deep within the secluded chambers of the Bright ducal estate located in the Talia Kingdom.

Knock, knock—

“Master, Theodore has arrived.”

“Enter.”

Heinz, who had been analyzing Mulo’s comprehensive briefing regarding the shifting dynamics across the continent, slightly shifted his gaze to observe the individual walking into the chamber.

The newcomer offered a low, respectful bow upon entering before exchanging a stiff, formal greeting with Mulo, who remained positioned nearby.

Though they had previously belonged to warring factions, they were currently aligned under the singular organization known as ‘Hybrid,’ yet a sense of discomfort lingered between them given how little time had passed since their factions were engaged in bloody conflict.

Furthermore, because their individual power levels and organizational ranks were highly comparable, they naturally viewed each other as direct competitors.

Of course, Heinz remained entirely indifferent to their underlying friction.

“Report, Theodore. Has the operation concluded?”

“Yes, my Lord. The groups arriving shortly represent the final remnants from each territory. Barring those we lost contact with due to unforeseen circumstances, the entirety of the surviving Ufersh forces will imminently be concentrated within the Talia Kingdom.”

The massive migration of the Ufersh Clan had been underway for an extended duration.

The process had dragged on beyond their initial estimates simply because they constituted the most expansive vampire faction, with operations reaching into every corner of the mainland.

“You have done exceptionally well, Theodore. Your efforts are appreciated.”

“It pales in comparison to the grand path you have laid before us, my Lord. Furthermore, this endeavor ultimately serves the preservation of our entire race, does it not?”

Theodore seized the moment to offer immediate praise.

In contrast to Mulo, whose demeanor remained somewhat rigid due to his past status as an independent Clan Lord, Theodore’s background as a seasoned second-in-command allowed him to navigate the conversation with natural diplomacy.

Leaning back against his seat, Heinz closed his eyes, completely paying no mind to the quiet jockeying for influence occurring before him.

The critical initiative to fortify Hybrid’s military capabilities utilizing “Refined Blood Essence” while anchoring their administrative grip was finally drawing to a close.

He had expended a monumental volume of Blood Essence to see the project through, but fortunately, his extensive reserves of dragon blood ensured they suffered no true shortage.

‘Once I administer the “Refined Blood Essence” to the contingents arriving in this final wave, the foundational phase will be complete. From that point, I can initiate the subsequent phase.’

The ultimate ambition of Heinz the Second.

In the beginning, his focus centered entirely on weaving a pervasive intelligence web across the mainland, but as time advanced, a grander purpose took root.

‘The preparations required to step out from the shadows are finally absolute.’

His objective was to steer the vampire species out of obscurity, granting them the capability to operate without concealment.

They belonged to a species that fundamentally required a parasitic relationship with other populations to survive, particularly mankind, who held the dominant numbers across the world.

Predictably, the continental view of their kind was radically different from the tolerance shown to other non-human species like the Elves and Dwarves.

‘In truth, classifying them as a conventional race is a stretch. While their reliance on blood consumption is understandable, the reality that they lack the capacity for biological reproduction and can only expand their population through transformation poses an existential crisis.’

This reality made vampires the intrinsic foes of human civilization.

Heinz understood this deeply from personal experience; the biological craving for blood was not an impulse that could be suppressed by sheer willpower alone, and mankind remained eternally vigilant against their ancient predators.

It was a dynamic where violent opposition was guaranteed upon discovery, forcing even the most formidable vampires to perpetually conceal their presence while preying on humanity.

Naturally, carving out a path toward peaceful coexistence was not an absolute impossibility.

‘Provided that I am the one leading them.’

Achieving this required unwavering discipline and absolute authority internally, balanced with sophisticated continental statecraft and diplomacy externally.

It represented a monumental feat that only Heinz the Second possessed the unique capacity to execute in this current era.

“Cease your posturing, both of you, and take your seats. We shall commence the strategy session the moment Briki arrives.”

“Yes! Right away, Lord.”

“I shall prepare the refreshments.”

“………”

Consequently, the vampires who had endured centuries of hidden existence within the furthest borders of the western Ion Continent silently began to organize.

Consolidated under the banner of ‘Hybrid,’ the unified Vampire Clan Alliance.

And without question…

This movement stood as a pivotal turning point that would fundamentally reshape the historical trajectory of the entire continent.