Raising all of humanity: Starting with a backyard pool world

Chapter 97 [Custom-Made for Dwarves]

The Armory of Heroes is located at the deepest part of the fortress.

After Brenner led his four-man team through three heavy iron gates that required rune keys to activate, an ancient and majestic stone portal appeared before them.

This door has no fancy patterns, only the mottled marks left by time.

It seems to have stood here since the very beginning of the mountain's formation.

"According to the fortress's oldest law," Brenner said solemnly, "this place may only be opened when facing a crisis for the survival of civilization, or when welcoming a messenger of God."

He dismissed all the guards and went to the door alone.

Brenner took a crafted key from his pocket, inserted it into an inconspicuous groove in the center of the stone door, and then placed his palm on the end of the key.

He began to softly sing an ancient dwarf song.

As the chanting continued, the runes on the stone gate, which had been silent for a thousand years, were relit.

"Rumble..." The huge stone gate slowly rose, behind which was a faint light shrouded in mist.

Quiet and solemn.

The four followed Brenner into the legendary armory.

The armory's interior is extremely spacious, with a dome so high that the top is invisible.

Rows of weapon racks were neatly arranged.

Various weapons and armors are displayed on it.

Some of the battle axes still had dried black bloodstains on their blades.

Some of the armor had huge holes in the chest area, seemingly silently telling the story of the master's final, tragic battle.

Each weapon exudes a somber aura, hardened by the ravages of war.

They were all once part of the body of a dwarf hero.

"These..." Wang Xuan looked at everything in front of him, somewhat shocked.

He had expected this place to be a treasure trove of dazzling treasures, but it turned out to be more like a memorial hall.

"You may choose any one of these weapons."

Brenner's next words, however, left all four of them stunned.

"However, we have prepared something even better for you." He led the four men through the weapon racks displaying ancient divine weapons and to the forging base at the very center of the armory.

Four brand-new sets of weapons, each with a distinct style, were quietly displayed there.

The light they emitted was not as restrained as that of the ancient weapons around them, but rather full of the sharpness of new life.

"The wisdom of the divine messengers has greatly benefited all of us craftsmen." Brenner's face showed sincere admiration.

"To express the dwarven race's respect for this wisdom, all the rune masters stayed up all night last night."

"Based on the descriptions of each of your fighting styles provided by Mason, they have tailored this exclusive set of equipment for each of you."

Wang Xuan, Ai Jia, and Chen Kai were all surprised.

Custom-made?

This reward is far too generous.

"First, this is prepared for His Excellency Chen Kai." Brenner pointed to a set of equipment that exuded power.

"We've noticed that you seem to have been struggling to find a suitable weapon." Chen Kai was immediately drawn to the spear.

The spearhead is crafted from a mixture of permanent mithril and black ironwood, combining unparalleled toughness with lightness.

The spearhead is made from a single piece of crystal-clear dragon tooth, naturally possessing armor-piercing properties.

Most importantly, only two of the purest and most exquisite runes are engraved on the entire spear shaft.

【Sharpness】

[Resilience]

Chen Kai stepped forward and reached out to grasp it.

"Buzz—!"

As he gripped the spear shaft, a sense of resonance, a feeling of blood connection, surged from his palm.

The weight, feel, and balance all seem to have been made for him.

No need to get used to it, just hold it and you'll feel your arm being extended infinitely.

Every bit of force can be transmitted perfectly through the spear shaft to the deadly spear tip without any hindrance.

He finally found what he had been searching for.

The most perfect extension of a warrior.

Brenner smiled and nodded.

"We named it 'Wind Fang'."

"Next, it is prepared for His Excellency Wang Xuan."

He pointed to the heavy plate armor next to him.

It was a complete set of rune plate armor, with smooth lines and full of the dwarven's unique pragmatic aesthetics.

Wang Xuan stepped forward and knocked on it curiously.

"【Scholar's Barrier】," Brenner explained. "It not only boasts top-tier physical defense, but the miniature rune chains at the joints also ensure your agility."

"The most important thing is this." Brenner pointed to the circular rune carved from moonstone on the chest of the plate armor.

"Our strongest [Stability] rune is inscribed here; it can greatly resist the conceptual pollution and mental shock brought about by your... power that we cannot understand."

"Now you can unleash your wisdom on the battlefield with greater peace of mind."

Wang Xuan touched his chin.

"Okay, this officially recognizes my status as a mage."

Aija's outfit was a set of gold-plated leather armor made from the skin of a two-legged wyvern.

The leather armor is dark brown in color and has many functional pockets and loops attached to it.

"The Prospector," Brenner said. "Its resistance to cutting is not as good as plate armor, but it has extremely high resistance to elemental damage such as fire, frost, and acid."

"We also added multiple layers of insulation material, as well as some basic detoxification and filtering runes."

"We know that you are both a life-saving physician and a scholar exploring the unknown; this equipment will allow you to stay focused in any extreme environment."

Aijia nodded in satisfaction.

This outfit was perfectly tailored to her "battlefield scholar" role.

Finally, everyone's attention fell on the last and smallest gift.

That was neither a weapon nor armor.

It is an amulet strung together with a fine mithril chain.

The amulet's pendant is carved from a palm-sized piece of ancient tree fossil that still exudes vitality and feels warm to the touch.

"This is... for me?" Li Yao asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Yes." Brenner's tone softened considerably.

"【The Heart of Guardians】".

"It was carved from the fossil core of the oldest Tree of Life in Blackrock Fortress, and it has no powerful offensive or defensive capabilities."

"Its sole function is to continuously emanate the purest life energy, soothing and purifying the wearer's spirit."

Brenner looked at Li Yao.

"Although we do not understand the pain you have endured, we can see your powerful soul that struggles against suffering."

"This gift is the highest tribute from all the dwarf masters to your perseverance."

Li Yao's eyes immediately reddened.

She trembled as she reached out and cradled the warm, smooth amulet in her palm.

She put on the [Guardian Heart].

A warm current of life force spread from my chest throughout my body.

Li Yao had never felt so relaxed, so free.

The team's equipment has been completely revamped.

Both their strength and temperament have undergone a qualitative leap.

"Alright." Chen Kai hoisted the [Fang of Wind] onto his shoulder, feeling the perfect power transmission, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Now, we are truly ready."

"plz follow me."

Brenner turned around and led his newly equipped four-person squad out of the Armory of Heroes.

Instead of taking them to guest rooms, he went directly into the highest council hall of Blackrock Fortress.

On a large stone table carved from a single boulder, a huge animal skin map marked with unknown dangers and terrifying monsters has been laid out.

The expedition is about to begin.