Chapter 207

Chapter 207 - Vertigo

Let's talk about the past for a moment.

Dwarves have mountain-like pride in their sturdiness, dexterity, and beards, but they had one inferiority complex.

"Commander. It's an overwhelming victory, so why do you have a sullen expression? We captured as many as 8 military flags, you know? We are 1st place in this Britannia expedition."

"But the ones who pursued and captured the noble bastards are the pointy-ears, aren't they?"

"That's because those guys ride horses."

"..."

It's precisely the point that riding horses is impossible. With Dwarves' short legs, they cannot mount not only horses but also second-best options like camels or donkeys.

A field that famous Dwarven engineers always research at least once is harnesses that make riding possible for them.

There are quite a few Dwarves who died or got injured falling off horses while experimenting with what they personally developed. Despite such efforts, the results are always failure.

In horseback riding, it is important to commune with the horse through the feet, ankles, and legs. Since that is a stimulus that must be directly exchanged muscle to muscle, there was a clear limit with tools.

Mounting the horse was also difficult, and there were many mountains to overcome such as spraining ankles while dismounting.

The weakness of horse riding being impossible has a profound impact beyond the military domain and onto social aspects as well.

"I didn't know that Dwarves living based in mountain ranges was also influenced by whether they could ride horses or not."

Sometime in the past when Eugene and Valda took a walk, they conversed about a related topic.

"What did you think was the reason they live in mountain ranges?"

"I just thought they did so because they like mining and minerals."

"Hehe. That is also a big reason, but not being able to ride horses cannot be ignored either. Because they were pushed back in the hegemony competition with kingdoms that began operating cavalry in earnest."

In the early days when horses were domesticated, they were mainly operated centered on chariots. During this period, Dwarves also established large and small kingdoms at various bases on the plains.

However, as horse breeds were improved, their endurance and strength became stronger, and horsemanship and harnesses also developed, causing a cataclysm.

Light cavalry played an enormously active role in various fields such as diplomacy, administration, and scouting through fast mobility.

Heavy cavalry birthed the decisive battle weapons represented by knights.

As Dwarves who could only operate charioteers, they began to fall behind in the race with competitors.

It was also a tragedy that their major kingdoms happened to be in the eastern part of the continent. Because they received a fatal blow from the invasion of nomadic empires that crossed over from further east.

As a result, today's Dwarves do not have large-scale nations like Roman or Gord.

Forming clan-centered mountain cities or minor kingdoms in mountain ranges embracing high-quality mineral veins is all there is.

"Despite being a 3rd-rate race."

"Fucking hell! What did you just say?!"

This is the reason why '3rd-rate race' is an insult that frequently comes out when the native enemies, Fairy folk and Dwarves, fight.

Because unlike Humans or Elves, Dwarves have never grasped the hegemony of the continent. In some aspects, they share the same pain as Centaurs.

Therefore, when the expedition to the new continent was announced, there were also many among the Dwarves who harbored desires other than gold.

'Livestock arranged by the gods for us must be somewhere in the world!'

It is the dream of finding a mount for Dwarves in the new continent.

"Grandpa. Then do we have to live in the mountains forever?"

"How could that be? The earth has never abandoned the Dwarves. Just as the rocks protected us and the metals gave us strength, right. Surely a friend who will become our feet will also appear from the earth."

An existence that always appears in the stories grandpas and grandmas tell to young Dwarves.

A friend possessing a soul similar to a Dwarf who will run in a Dwarf's way.

The messenger of the earth that materializes their wish.

* * *

"Eliminate those bastards!"

At Eugene's command, a gruesome charge putting arrows and spears at the forefront surged in like a tsunami.

The Rakshas who were tormenting the giant pangolin were swept away in an instant, unable to boldly resist that surprise attack.

"Certainly, getting closer to the Rakshas' stronghold, what they are wearing is also luxurious, huh?"

The Blackhand Tribe warriors chuckled beamishly and collected spoils.

Since the equipment was at a primitive level, they threw everything away except for obsidian edged tools.

However, fitting for a matriarchal race with distinct sexual dimorphism, they are extravagantly decorated with various ornaments meant to seduce males.

"Is there a pearl cluster nearby?"

"It's my first time seeing amber of this color."

Rakshas appearing to be lower-class warriors wore pearl necklaces or bracelets made of amber and coral.

Veteran warriors possessed gems like amethysts or sapphires, and warriors of leader status possessed obsidian hand mirrors.

It is opposite to the common sense of the old continent where equipment is more lucrative than the valuables the enemies possess.

Meanwhile, the Dwarves surrounded the giant pangolin as if they had no interest in things like spoils. It was a cautious attitude to prevent it from running away, yet not to frighten it.

"Look here, Priest. What do you call this pretty fellow?"

"You stupid bastard! It's a lady just by looking at it, so what do you mean 'fellow'?"

In front of the making-a-fuss Dwarves, Yakson said.

"The name the Cat-folk call it will be difficult to pronounce. Translated into our way, it is called Vertigo."

"Dizziness? That's a unique name."

"It's good because it feels special instead."

The Dwarves, who were completely blinded by love, cheered saying it's good.

"They are herbivorous, but when grown to adults, they have no natural enemies. They are stronger and faster than wild boars, and their shells are also hard. Even their digging ability is outstanding, so when raising young, they make a hideout underground."

Whether it felt wary because of the battle and smell of blood, Vertigo crouched. Doing that with a size larger than a wild boar, it felt as if three Dwarves had unfolded a turtle formation.

Since it was holding out firmly without moving hastily because of its baby, it was also good for the Dwarves to observe.

"As expected of the messenger of the earth."

The creature before their eyes had a figure perfect for resolving the long-standing racial grievance. The more they looked at it, the more admiration came out.

"I can tell what's in the minds of the Brotherhood members without even looking. You want to ride it, don't you?"

"No, how did you know?!"

"It is all written on your faces."

Yakson smirked.

"Even if it's not you all, there are many who attempted to ride Vertigos. Because when they first arrived 30 years ago, the sailors pounced on anything that could make money. Vertigos marked as candidates for new livestock are no exception either."

"C-Can they be ridden?"

Rampage gulped his saliva and asked.

"Why would the name be Dizziness?"

"Seems everyone who climbed on top was thrown off vomiting."

"That is correct, Excellency."

Yakson nodded at Eugene's answer.

"The Cat-folk or the now-extinct original humans here, even Rakshas attempted it, but all failed."

Trying to domesticate beasts is a common matter for all intelligent races. That alone is difficult, but to use them as mounts, one must satisfy even more demanding conditions.

Body type, endurance, a temper that can be tamed, proper lower body structure, generous dietary habits, etc.

Regretfully, in the new continent, there were no beasts satisfying those conditions, including horses, donkeys, camels, and such.

The only one close to those conditions is precisely Vertigo. Therefore, countless warriors and hunters after history began attempted to mount Vertigos.

And all of them had to hold a rodeo of the highest difficulty.

"The moment you mount their back, they go crazy wildly so there is no talent to hold on."

"Hmph!"

The Dwarves were unyielding and burned their eyes with fighting spirit.

"Excellency! After this expedition ends, could you draft tribal healers for us?"

"We will tame Vertigons without fail!"

Eugene wasn't very keen. Because forcefully trying to ride a bastard larger and stronger than an average wild boar seemed too dangerous.

"If it failed for a history of thousands of years, wouldn't there be a reason for it? I'm afraid it might only produce casualties needlessly."

"We will challenge it until the bastard collapses from exhaustion. If we can ride on its back even for a moment, we will die smiling even if we fall and get crushed."

'These bastards, did they envy mounts that much?'

When the Blackhand Tribe cavalry performed actively in various fields from scouting to all-out wars and pursuits, there were indeed times they looked dispirited.

Still, since it's a life solidified over thousands of years, he just let it pass thinking it is what it is. Since their stamina, defense, and talent as engineers more than made up for it.

However, with what they so desired appearing smack right in front of them, it seems their eyes rolled back.

"Here! It's a sweet potato tastier than cassava. Want to try a bite?"

When Rampage, who stepped forward as a representative, offered a baked and dried sweet potato, the crouched Vertigo reacted.

"Sniff sniff-! Sniff sniff sniff-!"

At the sight of it sticking its dignified nose out, the Dwarves clenched their fists and swallowed their cheers with their hands.

"Wow... Kuuk!"

"Shut up. It might get startled and run away."

"Shh! Shh!"

Thwack thwack thwack!

The Dwarf who inadvertently shouted collapsed from pureings flying in from all directions.

Whether it was because the Dwarves had no intention to harm it, were empty-handed without weapons, and liked the smell of the sweet potato?

Chomp!

Vertigo bit into it carefully. Most of the large sweet potato disappeared in one mouthful full of healthy teeth. It is different from pangolins that have no teeth and lick up bugs with a tiny snout.

Rampage, who almost got his hand chewed as well, hastily dropped the sweet potato, and it darted and picked up what fell and ate it.

"It is strange. It's a beast that is not this docile in front of people just because it exudes a delicious smell. Let alone a female raising a child."

Unlike the puzzled Yakson, Homi had an expression saying she somewhat understands.

"This kid. She holds curiosity. Towards the strangers returning a smell similar to herself."

Homi looked alternately at the Dwarves and Vertigo.

"The smell of the earth permeating the flesh and soul. The commonality between Dwarves and this kid."

Homi swallowed the words 'They also look similar because their legs are short' internally.

"I will help you."

"Thank you! Miss Homi!"

Beast Dominator.

Drum of the Soul.

War Commander.

These are nicknames pointing to Homi with respect in Eugene's army.

She is the one who subdues direwolves raised by slave traders with her gaze, and uniformly commands tens and hundreds of reserve horses on the battlefield with a whistle.

In beast taming, Homi's assistance is equivalent to gaining a thousand troops and ten thousand horses.

* * *

About 10 minutes from then.

Rampage, who really succeeded in dropping its guard and approaching, mounted Vertigo's back.

"Uaaak!"

And was blown away just like that by Vertigo thrashing about like crazy.

Splat!

At the sight of him tumbling on the ground ungracefully, Rex laughed.

"How can someone who hasn't even ridden a donkey say someone who has eaten meat eats well!"

He stood in front of Vertigo as if to show an example himself.

"Look! The potential of a nomadic people with a thousand years of history... Uwaaat!"

And he flew away equally. To a further distance since his body is light.

Since he twisted his body nimbly like a cat in mid-air and landed, he could avoid the disgraceful behavior of rolling over and over.

Though his face flushing from taking a hit to his pride was exactly the same even so.

Unlike the Dwarves who were passably docile until jumping on, when the Dark Elf merely tried to touch it, Vertigo thrashed about wildly.

"Keureureuk-!"

It even tried to outright ram Rex as if it got angry, unlike during the Dwarf's turn.

"Stop!"

The one who stopped the charge was Homi.

"..."

"..."

A staring contest with the beautiful snow leopard lady. Vertigo averted its gaze unable to last even 1 second.

"Shiiik!"

As Homi let out a short breath as if suppressing its spirit, the belligerence dwelling in Vertigo's eyes was washed away at once.

When Homi reached out her hand and stroked its cheek, Vertigo's rough breathing stabilized.

The wildness Homi originally possessed.

The authority gained from the absorbed Heart of the Forest.

There are not many beasts that can resist in front of those two things.

"Good girl. You're a good girl."

Homi knelt neatly. Her fluffy tail caressed Vertigo's neck like tickling, and her hands stroked the hard scales.

Rampage, who ran breathlessly without even brushing off the dirt, held his breath and watched that sight.

"Found them. These naughty things."

Homi's eyes, examining between the scales, shine sharply.

"I promise. I'll save you from the bad bugs. The guys burrowed between the gaps in your armor. The naughty guys biting and sucking your blood."

Keureuk-!

"Going into the water and rolling in the sand is useless, right? The itchiness and stinginess don't disappear, right? You need a person's medicine and fingers."

Purreureung-!

The mother Vertigo let out an excited breath.

The words Homi spoke were human language, but both sides could exchange each other's wills.

Unlike Yakson who can only communicate with ducks and wolves, there is no restriction for Homi. It is an authority obtained by defeating the forest spirit and absorbing its essence.

"A life here where everything you eat is tasteless and full of poison. A life that is always hungry. You must hate it. You, and your child too."

Vertigo shivering its body and agreeing vehemently.

"The place we are at is a place where fullness blows like a breeze."

Beside her, Homi is standing at some point.

"Good girl. Good girl."

Homi slowly climbed on top of Vertigo, who was trying to step back with wary eyes.

"Oh my god!"

Yakson drew the sign of the cross he had forgotten for a long time. It was the moment Vertigo voluntarily permitted its back for the first time since history began.

Thus, a new member joined Eugene's army. A great encounter that will change the history of Dwarves was realized.

* * *

"Bring the brushes and the jeweler's tweezers, all of it!"

Rampage badgered his subordinates. He wanted to somehow win the favor of this treasure-like four-legged friend.

"Right here! There's a tick right here!"

"Whoa, this bastard! Trying to show off strength despite being a bug?"

The external parasites that had constantly tormented Vertigo since birth are dragged out one by one. Pressed and popped with tweezers, drops of blood splattered noisily.

"Tsk tsk. That's why the bugs are even more rampant."

In pity, Rampage clicked his tongue.

The mighty scale armor resembling a pangolin is certainly a powerful survival means and a charm that makes Vertigo special.

However, there was a drawback of becoming vulnerable to various ticks hiding between the scales.

Because even if it rolls diligently in the sand, the scales also protect the bugs hiding inside.

The Dwarves meticulously examined with the magnifying glasses used for equipment repair and mineral appraisal, leaving not a single bastard behind.

"Miss Homi. Could you ask if it feels refreshing?"

"Is it refreshing?"

Thump! Thump!

Vertigo's long tail lightly struck the ground in a positive meaning. The sturdy tail reminiscent of scale armor contained a dignity and sense of weight that no beast could follow.

At that time, the tribal witches brought bowls containing white mucus.

"It is a mild disinfectant and ointment."

"Thank you! Give it here!"

Rampage, who received it breathlessly, looked at her with pleading eyes.

He wants to disinfect the wounds caused by bugs and apply medicine, but this induces pain.

Beasts usually misunderstand such healing acts as harassment. However, he didn't want to ruin the relationship they had built up with much effort.

"We chased the bugs away. We'll lick those places carefully so it doesn't hurt more. Shush-. So new flesh sprouts softly. We're not trying to harm you."

To Homi whispering while stroking its cheek, Vertigo closed its eyes gently.

Eugene, watching that sight, nodded his head.

"The greatest harvest obtained in this expedition isn't something like gold."

Livestock that will turn Dwarves into cavalry in the future.

The increasingly solid loyalty of the Dwarves.

New crops including corn.

Homi's Beast Warrior ability and voice.

They were able to obtain an enormous amount of intangible values that cannot be converted into money.

"E, eucha!"

Rampage once again mounted the mother Vertigo's back.

Kkueoeong-!

This time, Vertigo doesn't thrash about either. Instead, it let out a vigorous roar like a burp. Just like a long-standing indigestion going down.

It seems it is extremely happy that the bugs crawling between its armor, biting its skin, and sucking its blood were cleaned out neatly.

"Commander! H-How is the ride comfort?"

"Fuck, at this moment right now, I am the king of the mountain range! Euahahaha!"

Even though Rampage raised both hands high and spoke profane words, no one restrained him.

There was also the fact that everyone was overflowing with joy, but that figure truly was to the point of being compared to a king.

The figure of a Dwarven warrior mounted on a giant pangolin larger than a wild boar exuded an intensity as if it would smash all blocking enemies and square formations.

"Does it feel like you'll fall?"

"Not at all!"

Rampage folded his arms while sitting on Vertigo and shook his body left and right, but his balance was not lost.

Vertigo has a much lower center of gravity than a horse and a back perfectly fitting the broad lower body of a Dwarf.

"Feel the heart pulsating beneath the armor."

Homi took Rampage's thick hand and led it to the vicinity of Vertigo's chest.

"Shaka-ha. Tale. Shaka-ha."

Homi whispered in Vertigo's ear in an unknown language like chanting a spell.

Rustle.

Then, the large scales protecting its chest area opened, exposing bare flesh. Homi placed Rampage's hand inside there.

A stimulus touching a precious part never permitted to others.

Keuheong-!

"Shaka-ha."

Vertigo shook its body for an instant, but quickly calmed down when Homi kissed its neck and patted it.

Thump thump.

"I can feel it. Miss Homi. I can feel it."

Rampage trembled his beard exquisitely with an ecstatic face.

Purreureureu-!

As Vertigo forcefully spewed breath from its nose, that vibration was also transmitted exactly to Rampage's palm.

Thump! Thump!

Even the vibration of the 4 short yet incomparably sturdy legs, when compared to a horse, kicking off the ground.

Rampage looked at the Dark Elves having sullen expressions from a distance. They are the ones who take great pride in being masters of horsemanship.

Vertigo wearing armor flawlessly over its entire body to the extent that even wealthy knights would go away. It intensely stimulated the desire for possession not only of Dwarves but also of the Blackhand Tribe.

- Kkueoeoeok!

- W-Why is this bastard thrashing about like this?

However, even receiving Homi's mediation, Vertigo permitted only the touch of Dwarves.

'Let's try.'

Intoxicated by the feeling of looking down on Dark Elves as cavalry, Rampage decided to go one step further.

"H-Hiyah!"

When he kicked its flank with his short legs, Vertigo charged exactly as it was.

"Euuwaaaaat?!"

"Commander! Stop! Stop it!"

"How do I stop it?"

Rampage, who immediately lost control, flailed, but he didn't fall off(?). Because Vertigo's body doesn't run drawing a parabola like a horse.

Its center of gravity is low and its running form is like a hippo, so it feels like dog-paddling around on land.

Since the ride comfort is so comfortable, Rampage didn't fall off even in a state of having lost control.

"Ppiik-!"

Only after Homi's sharp whistle rang did Vertigo stop in its tracks.

"Uwaak!"

Due to the recoil of the sudden stop, Rampage flew forward and rolled over and over. However, standing up right away, his face was full of smiles even covered in dust.

Eugene also saw the possibility of a new tactic in Rampage's figure.

'This will definitely work.'

Slower than a horse, but much sturdier and an intense weight class. And a sense of stability.

The combination of a giant pangolin and a Dwarf harbored an outrageous intensity despite very clumsy driving.

"If it's like this, will Rampage be recorded as the first Dwarf Rider?"

"!!!"

Did he feel extremely touched by Eugene's words, he even shed thick teardrops rolling down.

"Excellency! I will serve you with my utmost loyalty for the rest of my life!"

'Are there no more?'

'Damn it. Only the Commander rides.'

The other centurions also looked around the jungle to find a Vertigo for themselves to mount.

He naturally imagines the sight of returning to the Dwarf kingdom in the mountain range when this expedition ends.

The sight of everyone mounting Vertigos and returning majestically as cavalry.

Gulp.

Just imagining how families and neighbors in their hometown will look at them was thrilling.