Chapter 373: Thotmudo and the Riddler, the Godslayer

Crossbow and the Solar Furnace (2)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Watching the two of them in this manner, Ji Chen knew that there had probably been some misunderstanding between them, so he took the initiative to explain to Yasen.

“Sir Thotmudo is a powerful dwarf 1 met by chance. He came all this way to find me only because he was afraid 1 would be ambushed by the Deceivers, there is no ill intent.”

Then he turned to Thotmudo and said, “This is Sir Yasen, the commander of the Fifth Fleet of the Elven Navy, and the leader of this operation to besiege and attack the Deceiver base.”

“Oh— I see,” Thotmudo said with a strange tone, “So you’re a fleet commander, no wonder you carry such authority.”

“You!” Yasen almost burst into anger again but managed to restrain himself, glaring fiercely at Thotmudo.

If it weren’t for Lord Ji Chen here, I would definitely teach you a lesson in the elven ways that you won’t forget.

Thotmudo, on the other hand, remained calm with his Warhammer on his shoulder.

Observing this situation, Ji Chen also felt a bit relieved. If a conflict erupted between the two of them, it would put him in an awkward position, stuck in the middle.

Moreover, the two were not on the same level. Yasen was only level 50, while Thotmudo was a level 78 epic-tier powerhouse. If they really fought, the latter could easily defeat the former with one hand.

If Yasen accidentally got killed, it would be a big problem.

At this moment, Yasen noticed a stranger standing beside Ji Chen, a human woman.

“Lord Ji Chen, who is this?”

Ji Chen replied, “This is Verena, she’s the one who was imprisoned by the Deceivers here, and she has become my subordinate.”

Yasen looked at the silent Verena, his eyes filled with some wariness.

Although she looked somewhat weak, he could sense a strong power within this human woman. Her strength was gradually recovering. If she were in her prime, she would undoubtedly be a formidable powerhouse.

While feeling wary, he was also surprised by Ji Chen. How had he managed to recruit such a powerful subordinate in such a short time?

It seemed almost too quick.

However, Yasen didn’t express any displeasure about Ji Chen opening the cage by himself or inquire about Verena’s identity.

The relationship between them and Ji Chen was good enough to overlook these matters.

“Well, in that case, we should head back out now.”

Ji Chen nodded and led Thotmudo and Verena back to the camp.

Many elven warriors had a sudden change in their expressions when they saw Thotmudo, looking somewhat angered. Seeing this, Ji Chen couldn’t help but ask.

“Sir Thotmudo, what did you do to make the elves dislike you so much?”

Thotmudo replied indifferently, “I just beat up over a hundred elves and cursed at them a bit, nothing too serious.”

Ji Chen could not utter a reply.

He felt that he couldn’t leave Thotmudo here; trouble would inevitably arise sooner or later.

After some thought, he immediately said to Yasen, “Your Excellency Yasen, I’ll return to Maple Harbor to handle some matters first, and then come back to collect the spoils.”

Transporting the supplies would take some time, and he didn’t want to waste time waiting here.

It had been some time since he left the Crown of the Ocean, and Ji Chen planned to finish everything quickly and return as soon as possible.

Yasen nodded in agreement. He also didn’t want to see the annoying dwarf anymore, so he bid farewell. “I will quickly transport the goods out and deliver the agreed-upon share of the spoils directly to your manor, Your Lordship. You don’t need to trouble yourself with going back and forth.”

Ji Chen didn’t reject his goodwill and replied, “Then, thank you, Your Excellency Yasen.”

They boarded the carriage prepared by Yasen, and the group returned to the estate in Maple Harbor.

The butler and maids welcomed them at the entrance, looking somewhat surprised when they saw the addition of a dwarf and a woman to the group.

Setting aside Verena, who was dressed in ill-fitting clothing, Thotmudo looked disheveled, and his clothes were ragged, making him look like a beggar.

However, following behind Ji Chen, they dared not show any disrespect or negligence and greeted both newcomers politely.

Ji Chen casually said, “Butler, prepare rooms for Thotmudo and Verena, suitable clothing, and food.”

The butler immediately nodded and replied, “Yes, I will do it right away.”

Soon, Verena and Thotmudo changed into fresh clothes and joined the group in the dining hall. The table was already filled with a variety of food.

Thotmudo, in his usual laid-back manner, helped himself to the dishes, picking up a few pastries and stuffing them into his mouth. It was clear he hadn’t had a proper meal on the road.

However, Verena seemed a bit unsure.

Centuries of imprisonment had seemingly worn away her social skills, leaving her feeling unfamiliar and lost in the outside world.

During the journey, she had often remained silent.

Ji Chen didn’t pressure her and allowed her to return to her room to continue recuperating after eating.

Only when her strength reached above level 30 would there be a use for her.

After finishing their meal, Ji Chen and Thotmudo headed to a tea room within the estate.

“Sir Thotmudo, I’m deeply grateful and relieved that you rushed all the way from the Western Continent to warn me about the Deceivers.

But have you forgotten something important?”

Not long after taking their seats, he spoke in a somewhat sly manner.

Thotmudo’s expression tensed, and he replied somewhat nervously, “Of course, I will fulfill the promise I made to you.”

He definitely wouldn’t admit that had he not discovered the cause of the Black Iron Fortress’ downfall and the necessity of Ji Chen’s assistance, he might not have come back to the Crown of the Ocean.

“Knight, besides coming to remind you, there’s actually something else I’d like to ask for your assistance with.”

“Oh?” Seeing Thotmudo’s serious demeanor, Ji Chen sipped his tea nonchalantly. “What could be so important that it made you cross the ocean to find me?”

Upon hearing the sarcasm in Ji Chen’s words, Thotmudo could only smile awkwardly. After all, he was in the wrong, and he felt quite guilty at this point.

With a much humbler attitude, he proceeded to share all the information he had learned at Black Iron Fortress.

As Ji Chen listened to this long-forgotten history, his expression gradually turned more serious.

Dwarves, Black Iron Fortress, Deceivers, Inferno Fiends, Solar Furnace…

“So, are you saying that the Deceivers managed to summon an Inferno Fiend, which had even greater power than epic-level beings, by using a sacrificial ritual? They used this powerful creature to kill two epic-level dwarf warriors and breach the Black Iron Fortress?”

Thotmudo nodded repeatedly.

“That’s right. According to the information left behind, this appears to be the case. They also took the dwarves’ prized possession, the ‘Solar Furnace’.”

The Solar Furnace.

“No wonder the Deceivers’ equipment is nearly on par with the armies of the Kingdoms and the Empire, approaching an Imperial-level standard.”

“In that case, the Godslayer Crossbow should also have been created using the ‘Solar Furnace’, right?”

Thotmudo was taken aback. “Godslayer Crossbow? Can you show it to me?”

Ji Chen nodded and took out the Godslayer Crossbow and its bolts.

Thotmudo jumped out of his chair and began to examine it closely, muttering angrily as he did so.

“The Godslayer Crossbow was developed by our dwarves over generations as a weapon of destruction. However, the Deceivers took away the data and samples during that battle.

But those bastards’ version of the Godslayer Crossbow is not even half as powerful as the original design. The complete Godslayer Crossbow is a 7-star treasure, and what they’ve made is a pale imitation! They’re just copying it blindly, ruining a masterpiece!”

Ji Chen’s expression changed.

Not even half the power?

With only half the power, it already possessed such incredible destructive capability. What would the complete version be like, then?

Having powerful killing potential and long-range tracking capabilities, it was enough to tempt anyone.

With a hint of anticipation, Ji Chen asked, “Do you know how to create the complete version of the Godslayer Crossbow?”

Thotmudo immediately stood tall and proudly declared, “Of course! I participated in its design, research, and the entire process of creating the samples. It’s as if all the details are etched into my mind.”

“Can you make it?”

Thotmudo deflated instantly, “The Godslayer Crossbow requires the ‘Solar Furnace’ to be crafted.”

Well, now you’re talking shit!

Where am 1 supposed to find the ‘Solar Furnace’, which the Deceivers have stolen and kept hidden for thousands of years?

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