novelraw Chapter 480: Unite (3)
Chapter 480: Unite (3)
SchemeDefaultSolarized LightSolarized DarkLightDarkSepiaHigh ContrastFont TypeDefaultTimes New RomanGeorgiaPalatino LinotypeOpen SansFont SizeSmallMediumLargeVery Large RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress If we were to list the differences between Earth and this world one by one, there would be too many to count.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress But the biggest difference is the existence of monsters.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Ferocious beasts are sometimes classified as monsters, but the biggest difference between the two is that monsters do not obey the words of the goddess of nature, Hirt.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress No one knows who created them, but monsters have broken free from Hirt’s influence and established their own independent domain.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Some scholars suggest that monsters might have emerged through a process similar to the birth of demons 3000 years ago.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress The very fact that monsters are beyond Hirt’s influence lends credibility to this hypothesis.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress [The only good monster is a dead monster.]
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress The rampages of monsters can be considered humanity’s, and especially humans’, greatest enemies.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Other races each possess exceptional traits, allowing them to handle monsters — unless they’re giant ones like dragons, krakens, or behemoths — without too much difficulty.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress But humans are so frail that even goblins pose a significant threat to their everyday lives. RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Even now, villages with little human traffic are exposed to constant danger from monsters.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Furthermore, while beasts can be driven off with swords and spears through sheer effort, monsters often walk on two legs and wield weapons themselves.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress When that happens, it’s not just a simple battle — it becomes a full-blown war, and losing that war means the complete destruction of the village.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress It was in this harsh reality that humans, through sheer tenacity and unity, managed to build civilizations.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress They founded civilizations and learned various techniques, including the use of mana, to fight back against monsters.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Moreover, because monsters provided valuable byproducts, professions like adventurers began to emerge.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress However, for humans, the threat of monsters remains ever-present.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress For ordinary people to defeat monsters more easily, they need high-quality weapons.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Even without using mana, a good weapon can pierce through the tough hide of an ogre.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress And the only race capable of mass-producing such high-quality weapons is the dwarves.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “If we stop producing weapons, the Minerva Empire will immediately pressure us, demanding why we aren’t supplying them.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Then where would that leave us? And it’s not just the Empire. We also sell our goods to Alvenheim. Helium could become a good customer, too.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “And what about our kin who suffer making these weapons? Are you saying you don’t even care about them?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “We’re paying them, aren’t we? Money. The thing we love most.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress King Bourge V let out a greedy chuckle, rubbing his index finger and thumb together — a gesture everyone knew all too well.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Ains gave a look of utter disbelief at Bourge V’s shameless words, then closed his eyes tightly.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress To think that his great invention was being used to create bigger factories.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress The bigger problem was that nothing Bourge V said was wrong.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress The amount of weaponry the Minerva Empire consumes is unparalleled by any other nation.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Even the current stack of backorders was enough to make one’s jaw drop.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress To make matters worse, the northern barbarian beastkin and the eastern Stavirk were stirring ominously.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress And most crucially, the Minerva Empire’s territory is insanely vast.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress To protect that vast territory, the number of weapons needed had to increase exponentially.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress If the Machina side stopped production, the Minerva Empire would surely erupt in fury.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Faced with such demands, the factories would have no choice but to continue laboring through tears.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress What infuriated Ains the most was the matter of wages that Bourge V mentioned.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress With his anger bubbling to the top of his head, Ains spoke quietly.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…Money? Did you just say money?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Yeah, money. You can enjoy a nice cold beer and some rest with it, right?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Ains closed his eyes again.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress He wanted to punch that annoying face so badly.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress The wages Bourge V spoke of were severely inadequate compared to the dwarves’ labor.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress They hammered and toiled at the forge for over twelve hours without proper rest.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress In front of a blazing furnace, drenched in sweat, who even has time for a cold beer?
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Even if they injured their fingers while hammering, proper treatment was rare.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Worse yet, even the meager wages they received were unfairly deducted for absurd reasons.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress If someone arrived late or nodded off at work, 10% of their wages would be docked.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress They used every petty excuse to cut wages and pressure the factory workers.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Women and children were not exempt.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Again, dwarves were a race naturally inclined to create things.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress They entered the factories with dreams of one day crafting their own masterpieces — only to find themselves trapped in a living hell.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress ‘When did it all go so wrong?’
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Ains opened his eyes and glared at the king before him — Bourge V, adorned in all sorts of gaudy jewelry.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Dwarves live slightly longer than humans — around 300 years.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Bourge V was the son of Bourge IV, who had survived the racial wars.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress But whereas Bourge IV had allowed dwarves to pursue their own creations, Bourge V suppressed creativity and demanded only labor.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Only a few factory owners grew obscenely wealthy, while the suffering of the workers was completely ignored.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress ‘If only my invention had been born into the hands of a true craftsman, not these factory lords…!’
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress The reason Ains could focus on developing his magic engine was simple:
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress He was a blacksmith — a craftsman, not a factory worker.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Most products were handmade, but that didn’t mean machinery was nonexistent.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress How to control the temperature of a furnace, how to measure the heat of fire, and so forth — Ains was a craftsman who invented such machines.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Not that his work was easy either; he also doubled as a miner.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress But thinking back on it, mining was no easier.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Even when tunnel collapses caused numerous deaths, the typical response was nothing more than a tongue click — never proper compensation.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Wages were poor too, but they had long accepted it as just the way things are.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress ‘They have no idea what factory workers’ lives are really like. They’ve been blinded by greed.’
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Suddenly, the image of the Greed King from the Chronicles of Zenon surfaced in his mind — a dwarf who, in his obsession to create the greatest masterpiece, made a pact with demons, ultimately consumed by his own greed.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress But at least that king had been pure in his ambition.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress He had created the best masterpiece he could and left satisfied.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Look now at the king before him.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress A pig that only seeks money, with no trace of dwarven spirit left.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Not a dwarf — just a demon wearing a dwarf’s skin.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Could he even still be called a dwarf?
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress ‘This isn’t right.’
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Even now, the elderly and children are being used in factories. What would happen if steam engines fell into their hands?
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress It could lead to an even more horrifying situation. In that case, the very meaning of being born a dwarf would be completely lost.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Still, Ains held a sliver of hope. If the steam engines could replace that dreadful labor, wouldn’t the quality of life in the factories improve?
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…Your Majesty.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress For once, Ains spoke politely. As he opened his mouth, the greedy expression of King Bourges V changed slightly.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Slowly opening his eyes, Ains looked at the king in front of him. His gaze still burned with passion, but there was one major difference:
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress It was not the look of an eccentric ‘engineer,’ but the earnest gaze of a ‘man’ representing the hearts of many.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “If my magic engine can replace the labor in factories, could you tell me what benefits you would grant them?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “I don’t understand. Say that again.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “I’m asking if you would be willing to use my invention for the factories.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress For some reason, Ains had calmed down, and Bourges V raised one eyebrow at him. The official next to him also looked at Ains as if wondering what he was thinking.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress But intentions aside, what mattered most was Ains’s magic engine. Regardless of what Bourges V was thinking, he nodded with a satisfied look.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Then he clasped his hands together, emphasizing the many rings on his fingers. In contrast, Ains’s hands were rough and thick from hard labor.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Of course. With your magic engine, the factories will be able to work more easily. However, since efficiency will increase, we’ll extend working hours as well.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Why? Why extend the working hours? If efficiency increases, couldn’t orders be completed earlier instead?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “The amount of goods the Empire demands is simply too large. It can’t be helped.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…I see.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Swoosh—
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Without waiting for the king’s command, Ains stood up, as if he had nothing more to say.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress An official tried to scold him for his rudeness, but Ains opened his mouth first, stopping him.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “I’ll take my leave now. Do as you please with the magic engine.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Thank you. Your devotion will not be forgotten.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “I wish you good health in the meantime.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Ains left the room with heavy steps. Behind him, he could hear Bourges V chuckling, but he forced himself to ignore it.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress He wandered aimlessly with his short legs and eventually found himself outside. Lifting his head, he looked ahead.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress The royal palace where the king lived was built on a mountainside — a dangerous terrain, yet made possible by the dwarves’ unparalleled construction skills.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress In front of the palace, despite it being nighttime, the “forges” were still brightly lit.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress ‘Machina is known for its beautiful nightscape.’
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress But amidst that night view, countless factories were still hammering away. The pounding sounds echoed through the night.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Meanwhile, the palace? Ains looked back at the screams buried under beautiful lights.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Most of the lights in the palace were off. Aside from a few guards carrying lamps for patrol, the palace was already asleep.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Some could not even sleep and had to keep hammering, while others slept comfortably.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress The factories worked through the night, but it was the factory owners who pocketed the money.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress When did dwarves start being despised as a money-crazed race rather than being praised as artisans?
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress From the perspective of the other dwarves working in the factories, it was an unbearable, infuriating prejudice — a prejudice created by the factory owners themselves.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress ‘All for money… But I — no, we just wanted…’
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress They just wanted to create ‘works’ like the magic engine.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Strange or not, they simply wanted to make fun and interesting creations.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress And now, not only were their works being taken away, but they were also being made to suffer even more than before.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Ains felt like he could tear off his own hands out of frustration.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress He walked on, feeling the rage and cold reason battling inside his heart.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Though he wanted to drown this wretched feeling with a refreshing beer, he doubted even that would be possible.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Hey! Ains!”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…Huh?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Just then, a familiar voice pierced his ears. Lifting his head, he saw his friend and colleague, Handai, who had worked with him on the magic engine, waving at him.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Handa…”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Ains was about to feel happy at seeing his friend after a long time when he noticed something odd.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Handai’s waving hand looked strange. Narrowing his eyes, Ains examined his hand more closely.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Hey. Your hand…”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Oh, this? I messed up hammering and shattered all the bones. So I just cut it off.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…What?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Handai showed off his hand casually, as if it were no big deal. Two knuckles of his ring finger were missing.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Despite this, Handai laughed heartily, showcasing the dwarves’ typical cheerfulness — but not to Ains.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “What about money? Did you get any compensation?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “How could I? They just patched me up quickly, and I went back to hammering.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “… …”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Anyway, where have you been? Why the long face?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Was this supposed to be normal? No doubt they pressured him with money until he had no choice but to return to work.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Ains felt the fading flames of his passion reignite — but it wasn’t a passion for invention anymore.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress It was something higher, something stronger:
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress A blazing passion to rebuild the entire nation.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…You’re quiet. Why?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…Handai.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Yeah?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “If I make something crazy… do you have the guts to follow me?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Handai looked puzzled by the sudden question. But Ains’s expression was deadly serious.
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress Perhaps sensing something in that expression, Handai rolled his eyes around before quietly responding:
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “…What are you planning to make?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Something big. By the way, do you know where Gias is?”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Gias? Probably hammering away somewhere.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “Go get him. Right now.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress If you leave even a small ember alone…
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress “I’m going to create something huge and beautiful.”
RandomContentGeneratorForWordPress …it inevitably turns into a massive, raging fire.
★★★★★