Chapter 303

Chapter 303 - Gold Rush (2)

"We are now on the opposite side of the world. Just to find this."

Eugene held up a piece of quartz the size of a washboard in front of the Dwarf chiefs.

It was a solid slab of stone without a single hole, but its appearance was reminiscent of the cross-section of a honeycomb. Gold fragments were embedded throughout the quartz, as if the God of Gold had sneezed on it.

"An ore flowing with veins of gold foil."

"At this rate, the content will easily be over 0.1%, won't it?"

Typically, the gold contained in gold ore is 0.001%. It was extremely rare for gold to clump togAAether in a visible form. Unless it was a case of panning for placer gold in a river.

"Don't get too excited. This is the best sample we collected from the site."

"Of course."

"Those who act hastily don't last long in this industry. We all have decades of experience, so you don't have to worry."

When he handed over the gold ore, the Dwarves took out magnifying glasses and inspected it from all angles. The custom-made magnifying glasses tailored to their individual tastes hinted at their expertise and experience.

"Ooh!"

Contrary to what they had said, the corners of their mouths curled up in anticipation. The condition of the sample was just that good.

"This land we have arrived at has never been plundered. There is no civilization that has reached the Bronze Age, let alone the Iron Age, and their greatest weapons are merely obsidian daggers. No matter how great the mine, there was no one to recognize its value."

What the Rakshas had gathered was only placer gold panned from the river.

The Dwarves clenched their fists. Their hands itched with the desire to run to the mine and swing their pickaxes right this instant. An untouched gold mine was like a room buried with thousands of treasure chests.

"But be careful. The jungle is a more terrible environment than any you have ever experienced."

"Still, things like Trolls or Cockatrices won't appear, right?"

"Right. The ecosystem is so fierce that large land creatures cannot survive."

"Then that's enough."

The Dwarf chiefs stroked their beards with proud faces.

"We have quite the knack for setting traps, not just digging up the ground."

"In terms of the number of medium-sized monsters killed, we are probably second only to the Shadow Legion."

The Dwarf miners also roamed actively outside the Elysium Mountains. It was common for them to receive commissions from foreigners to work in areas with monster threats.

The mechanical devices they installed were on a whole different level of destructive power compared to the traps used by Cassandra's special task fOrce.

"Truly reliable."

Rumble.

As the main gate of the Moving Castle opened, Eugene stepped aside and gestured like a waiter.

"Welcome to the new world. Taste the refreshing air to your heart's content."

The Dwarf chiefs groaned at the wave of green that filled their entire field of vision.

"It feels like the blades of grass are fighting each other because it's so dense."

"I heard it was like a prison built of green, but I didn't expect it to be this much."

The vegetation of the Elysium Mountains grew evenly towards the sky. However, the vegetation here was constricting, pulling, and coiling in all directions like a spider web.

"All plants and insects, reptiles and mammals. It is a place where they compete fiercely for even a single small nutrient. Keep in mind that it only looks beautiful; the inside is hell."

They were already firmly prepared for that.

"They look even bigger than sequoia trees."

The giant trees soaring as if supporting the sky and the vines woven between them like sky bridges were a spectacular sight.

"I-Is that a nest?"

The Dwarves were horrified to see a monstrous bird, looking capable of snatching up a bull, land on top of a giant tree.

"We call it Argentavis."

"Is it a dangerous creature?"

"No. It's a thorough scavenger. Befitting its size, it's too slow, making hunting impossible. Energy consumption is high, so it shouldn't engage in a chase and end up empty-handed. It survives by relying on its size to snatch prey hunted by other predators."

"Hah! It's just a creature with a good physique."

"To fly, its bones are hollow and its hide is thin. You can easily drive it away just by pouring arrows on it."

The Dwarf chiefs realized they had truly come to a new world as they stepped outside the castle. Only one person remained beside Eugene.

His name was Theodore. The representative of the Dwarf pioneers. He wasn't the best at mining, but in refining the mined ore, he was second to none.

The new crushers and washers he developed more than doubled refining efficiency, and he was also famous for developing various small tools and safety gear for miners.

However, the reason Theodore was chosen as the representative was something else. It was because he was Rampage's uncle. When entrusting one's fate to uncertainty, relying on personal connections is the best way.

"It is an honor to work with you."

Theodore bowed politely.

"I am also honored to be in the same boat. I've heard a lot about you from Rampage."

"I'm worried that guy might have exaggerated pointlessly."

"While there might be exaggeration regarding the performance of the devices, he couldn't have fabricated a system out of lies. There is no factor more important in industry than the automation of processes. How many joints and bones, lungs and teeth have you saved?"

"You overpraise me! I merely... hoped my friends could retire safely."

Although Dwarves are inherently sturdy, mining work is arduous and dangerous. It was a painful task to deliver the news of a husband's death to the wives they had enjoyed the village festival with.

'A person whose beard has never been plucked is not a veteran miner.'

There was a reason such a joke existed among the Dwarves.

"I have no intention of undervaluing the dedication of those who roll around with their bodies, but those who truly change the industry are people like you. I will cover all the development costs, so please pour out your ideas to your heart's content."

While Theodore worried that his nephew might have introduced him with exaggerations, conversely, he also suspected that what he was told about Eugene contained exaggerations.

Even if he was verified as a terrifying knight on the battlefield, it was hard to believe he was also a competent administrator in administration and practical affairs.

But now he was convinced his nephew had spoken the truth.

"Have you perhaps studied engineering?"

"No way."

Theodore made a comical expression, seemingly realizing it was a foolish question himself.

"I am merely a knight and ignorant about devices. However, I always keep my ears open to the difficulties or suggestions experienced by laborers in the field. I would appreciate it if you could speak without burden."

"If so, there is something I dare to ask. It is regarding the refining method of the mined gold ore."

Theodore gauged Eugene's reaction with a tense face.

-That refining method is too dangerous!

-It can't be helped, can it? First impressions last a lifetime. The Count will only be satisfied if we offer as much gold as possible in the early stages.

Having abandoned their home, they had to prove their abilities by producing high results early on. Therefore, the Dwarf chiefs had agreed to use the high-efficiency refining method even if it meant risking the miners.

However, Theodore wanted to negotiate directly with the Lord before him on his own accord. In order to use a safer method.

"Speak comfortably. Ah, I forgot to mention it beforehand, but refining methods using mercury are prohibited. I don't want to see my subordinates turning into living corpses."

"That was what I was going to tell you. How in the world do you know such things..."

It was exactly as Rampage had said. This young monarch had a knack for surprising people in a good way.

'Leaving aside lung diseases, even those hammerheads wouldn't know about mercury poisoning.'

An aristocratic appearance that looked like he hadn't swung a pickaxe once in his life. Yet, he was well-versed in information that one wouldn't know unless they were a Dwarf miner.

* * *

The large map depicted a part of the southeastern New Continent. Unlike the poor scribbles used during their first visit in the past, it was detailed on the level of a military map.

Eugene's baton pointed to a large base somewhat distant from the eastern sea.

"This is Divide, the base of the Cat Beastmen. Like its name, rivers interact in all directions."

The Lantzheim warrior band listened intently.

"Originally, countless Cat Beastmen lived scattered about, but most of their villages were destroyed by the Rakshas' invasion. Currently, it is the only base we can interact with."

Eugene's baton moved along the river and stopped at places marked with yellow dots. Needless to say, they were unopened mines.

"Your mission is to escort the Dwarf miners while they explore these places. Any questions?"

Hermann, the captain of the Lantzheim mercenaries, requested the floor.

"What is marked in orange a little further away?"

"It's a large-scale open-air hot spring. The river in this area itself flows with warm water. If you go deeper up, there are even places where it boils and bubbles. We call it the River of Anger."

"The river boils?"

The soldiers, who usually only showed stern expressions, marveled like children.

"Come to think of it, I heard the snow in Lantzheim doesn't completely melt even in summer?"

At Eugene's words, the warriors nodded with bitter faces.

"It is a cold and barren place. Firewood is also scarce, so warm water is a luxury."

"It is common for people to freeze to death even in spring. But to think there is a place on the other side of the world where hot water flows for free."

Everyone felt an indescribable emotion. It was a mixture of the mystery provided by nature and an unknown sense of deprivation.

"We will build an outpost for exploration nearby. For this mission, you will probably be able to use warm water every day even in the field."

"I will tighten up my subordinates so they don't become too relaxed."

Hermann said.

The Moving Castle and Haven were famous as some of the best places to live. It was satisfying that the wives and younger sisters who had followed as seamstresses were happy. However, it would be troublesome if the warriors lost their edge.

"I leave it to you. The jungle is the domain of humans."

Dwarves are short and heavy. It was difficult for them to fight in a jungle lurking with venomous insects, swamps, and tough thickets.

Dark Elves suffered severe stress from the noise of nocturnal beasts and insects due to their sensitive hearing. They also had fewer pores, so they couldn't endure the humid heat unique to the jungle.

On the other hand, humans have an appropriate height, their senses aren't too sensitive, and they are strong against humidity and heat. Environmental adaptability was by far the best among all intelligent races.

* * *

Divide, which they visited after a long time, had broken away from its appearance reminiscent of a refugee camp in the past. It was organized here and there, and the faces of the Cat Beastmen were brimming with vitality.

"Kyahahaha!"

"Ihihi!"

The sight of young Cat Beastmen running around, laughing, and chatting symbolized the regained peace.

"Ooh?!"

"Homi! Homi!"

The little kids who discovered Homi cheered and ran towards her.

Homi flicked her tail like an earthworm on a fishing line, dodging the hands trying to grab it. Then, she rolled on the grass with the children who pounced on her from all sides.

"It's been a while. Count."

Yakson, the former missionary of the old central religion, greeted Eugene. He was wearing a camouflage suit woven from grass leaves, seemingly returning from scouting with the Cat Beastmen warriors.

"I'm glad the situation doesn't seem bad."

"After Your Excellency's subjugation, the Rakshas have completely disappeared. It is a grace we cannot repay in our lifetimes. If there is anything you need during your stay, please say the word."

Eugene handed over carts full of gifts. Various metal tools, mirrors, horn flutes, gloves, shoes for rough terrain, and more.

Yakson and the Cat Beastmen's faces lit up. Even though the Rakshas were gone, life in the jungle was arduous. To the natives stuck in the Stone Age, these were all useful treasures.

"How should we express our gratitude for this? All we have is..."

"We didn't come for a trade, so you don't need to worry about it. We will leave immediately to do our work. More importantly, I see something interesting?"

Eugene's gaze turned to the plaza of Divide. A wooden statue of a woman stood tall. Needless to say, it was a holy statue of the Goddess Banas.

However, for some reason, its ears were like a cat's, and it also had a tail.

"Well, after the Count and the priestesses left, the tribe members interpreted the faith arbitrarily..."

Unlike the proud-faced Cat Beastmen warriors, Yakson had a tense face. If he had known Eugene was coming, he would have hidden it away even if he had to push himself.

"It seems they empathized with it because they are Cat Beastmen themselves. They definitely didn't intend any blasphemy. It's all because they are ignorant and naive, so please forgive..."

"What's important is faith rather than form."

When believers were born on the New Continent, Banas was so happy she didn't know what to do.

She appeared in Eugene's dream and boasted about the first tribute, which was a pillow. Woven from hemp stalks and filled with cacao seeds and acorns, it was a precious luxury item for the Cat Beastmen.

-You want me to sleep on this? I'm already in a dream?

For Eugene, the Goddess urging him to lay his head on a pillow atop pure white feather bedding was just baffling.

Since then, heterogeneous mysteries could be seen joining the altar of the sanctuary. An amount equivalent to a few flakes of silver dust dropped in a basin full of water. However, faith was continuously being supplied from the New Continent.

"Still heartwarming tributes."

At the feet of the wooden Goddess statue were fresh fish, tree fruits, small bird eggs, and decorations woven from flowers and grass.

"How is the condition of the jungle? Compared to the peaceful atmosphere, there aren't many people."

"We succeeded in restoring two villages. Thanks to establishing a triangular exchange, there are no longer those who starve."

The jungle was still dangerous, and the prosperity of the natives was slow. It would take more than several hundred years to recover their past prosperity.

Oink-!

The pigs and chickens Eugene had left behind in the previous expedition had already given birth to many offspring. The sight of them roaming around Divide and mingling with the natives was heartwarming.

"If it weren't for the livestock Your Excellency left behind, we wouldn't have been able to overcome the food shortage."

It was exactly as Yakson said. The natives driving the pigs found Eugene, knelt on the spot, and offered reverence.

Having defeated the Rakshas and gifted the concept of livestock farming, Eugene was regarded as a proxy of God by the Cat Beastmen. Which wasn't exactly wrong.

"What happened to the Akran Temple?"

"From small folk, Goblins, Orcs, Gnolls, to Lizardmen. It has become a colosseum where all sorts of things compete over ownership."

"That's rather fortunate. Since they won't pay attention this way."

"Even if they invade, we can sufficiently repel them. They were also smashed by the Rakshas, just like us."

The natives treated Eugene's group to food in return for the gifts. It was grilled Pirarucu and boiled quinoa, which they hadn't seen in a long time.

"So this is that monster fish."

The Lantzheim warriors looked fed up with the monster fish that were the same size as them.

But they had to get used to it. To wander the whole world following their new lord, they had to be able to eat unfamiliar ingredients well.

* * *

Fully armed Dwarves lined up in front of the mine.

"It's a bigger cave than expected. There's a river nearby, so it seems perfect as the first exploration site."

The foreman who would lead the exploration reported to Eugene and Theodore. Nearby, the Lantzheim warrior band, having successfully completed their escort, set up a temporary camp.

The Dwarf pioneers came as investment immigrants under the qualification of a private enterprise. Since they didn't know the scale of the mine yet, negotiations for remuneration were also postponed for now.

"Will there be no danger of monsters inside?"

"I don't see any footprints or feces, so I think it will be fine."

"Keep in mind that this is a world where different common sense applies."

"Of course."

The miners smiled, holding their respective tools.

"Tools used to split minerals are also useful for splitting monsters. We may be guys who live off digging stones, but we can fight as well as most mercenaries."

"If you think it's even slightly dangerous, retreat immediately. I won't use that as a weakness in remuneration negotiations."

"Hahaha! We will deeply engrave your gracious words."

Contrary to their words, the Dwarves' eyes were sharp.

Having received help from Eugene, they had to repay him in some form. If it was to gain even 1% more share, they were ready to sacrifice their old lives at any time.