Chapter 819: Chapter 158: The Trust of the Master of High Mountains
“Father, your… your body… how is this possible?” Zeen stood frozen in place, his face filled with shock as he stared at his father—the protector of Aivendel and Master of High Mountains for a century.
Ed had undone his armor and outer garnts, baring his chest—yet what was revealed was not firm, rock-like muscle, but actual stone: rock mixed with tal ores, mica, and quartz!
“We Shield Dwarves are born of solid stone, so dying in this way isn’t so bad,” Ed said, looking down at his own body, speaking with a wry self-mockery.
“Father, why? Haven’t you recovered already?” Zeen’s expression grew tense, his voice urgent.
Ed, however, answered calmly: “Months ago, in that battle, I sacrificed my life to wield the Rock Hamr to slay the Beastman Chief. What you see now is rely being sustained by it…”
He glanced down at the warhamr in his hand and continued: “Once I part with this hamr, I will slowly transform into a statue and continue to guard Black Stone Mountain and Aivendel.
And you, my child,” Ed lifted his head, fixing his gaze on Zeen’s eyes as he spoke with resolute power, “You will beco the new Master of High Mountains—the new Dwarf King of the Shield Dwarves. You shall inherit our thousands of years of illustrious history and lead our people toward a new future.”
With that, Ed strode forward and solemnly placed the Rock Hamr into Zeen’s hands.
“Father, you…”
Zeen’s hands trembled as he grasped the heavy, ancient warhamr, etched with intricate patterns. Its weight felt heavier than the entire Black Stone Mountain itself.
——Because this was the symbol of the Master of High Mountains’ authority, carrying the glory of the High Mountain Kingdom spanning thousands of years, as well as the civilization passed down by the Shield Dwarves through countless generations.
At the mont the hamr left his hand, Ed revealed a contented smile, and in Zeen’s eyes, his father’s body seed to resemble stone even more, the aura of “life” upon him growing fainter.
Zeen extended the hamr back and said heavily: “No, Father, I cannot accept this—it will cost you your life!”
Ed firmly shook his head, forcibly pushing the hamr back into his son’s hands as he slowly began to speak: “This is my choice. From the mont I offered my life to the Rock Hamr, I was already dead.
Zeen Klein, the future of the High Mountain Kingdom is yours. Carry the hopes of our ancestors and myself forward, and besides… I might not lose just yet.”
The Dwarf King grinned broadly, pounding his stone-like chest with boundless boldness: “That evil dragon may not even be my match. Though I’ve handed the Rock Hamr to you, don’t forget—I am still the mightiest warrior of the High Mountain Kingdom!”
“Father…”
Zeen lowered his head and remained silent, having already recognized his father’s determination.
He knew his father well. Once Ed made up his mind, he would never easily change course—his will was as unyielding and hard as diamond.
After a long pause, Zeen half-knelt in Ed’s direction. Then, raising his head, his eyes t Ed’s with unwavering resolve.
He clenched the warhamr tightly, held it to his chest, and announced with a voice like thunder: “Father, in the na of the High Mountain Kingdom, in the na of Father God Moradin, I vow to fulfill everything you have entrusted to , to my dying breath.”
Dwarves are a race known for honoring promises, admired for their courage and loyalty. When they vow in the na of their Father God, it signifies that the promise carries a weight greater than their own lives.
“Hahaha, excellent, this is my son! This is what the Master of High Mountains should be like!” Ed laughed heartily, stepping forward to slap Zeen’s back with force.
Zeen replied gravely: “Father, if you die and Aivendel is taken, I will dedicate my life to avenging you.”
Ed, however, shook his head. “I am already a man marked by death. To perish on the battlefield alongside my comrades would be sothing I’d even hope for.
Zeen, your most important duty is to pass on the royal bloodline, to uphold the kingdom’s civilization. You must never act recklessly.”
Still seeing Zeen quietly lowered his head, Ed had no choice but to add: “Lead our people to the Lonely Mountain. Lord Titus awaits you there.”
“Yes, Father.”
Watching Zeen’s retreating figure, Ed let out a long, deep sigh.
He knew that although his son appeared dispassionate and reserved, in certain ways, he was strikingly similar to himself—especially when it ca to never altering decisions once made, with a stubbornness harder than stone.
If the day ever truly arrived, Ed could only hope that Lord Titus would be able to rein them in, preserving the lives of the dwarves. That was his thought.
“Your Majesty, have you finished speaking with Prince Zeen?” Bjorn asked, leaning on his staff as he walked over from the far end of the corridor.
Ed nodded faintly: “Hm, though that boy might not necessarily listen to , he may well do sothing foolish.”
Bjorn coughed twice, then smiled and said: “Why worry about these things, your Majesty?
Prince Zeen was raised under my watchful eye. At his age, he’s far more asured than you were back then. After all, didn’t you charge solo into a green dragon’s lair at his age to retrieve the kingdom’s treasures?”
“Of course! Back then, I was known as the High Mountain Kingdom’s greatest warrior!” Ed laughed heartily, instinctively reaching for his waist, only to grasp at air—a sensation that left him hollow inside, for the Rock Hamr was now carried away by Zeen.
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