LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 166
After following the submerged tracks beneath the sea for a while, the darkness that had covered the sky began to lift, and the day started to break. Just as the starlight floating above the ocean started to fade, something enormous began to appear over the distant horizon, creating waves as it rushed toward me.
Whoosh—!
The heavy metallic clinks were occasionally heard, prickling my ears. As the distance decreased, the clear outline of the object became visible. Emerging amidst the splashing water was a long train glimmering in a dark hue.
I swallowed hard. Just a few days ago, I had witnessed primitive cars roaming around the city of Trevel. So, the appearance of a train running over the sea didn’t really surprise me.
A ship flying through the sky and navigating a desert. It was a world I had to accept as it was. I pushed away the common sense that lingered in the back of my mind and began to run toward the train.
As I got closer, more details of the train became apparent. The wheels that were allowing it to run along the tracks and the powerful mechanisms pushing those wheels came into view. Also, as I drew nearer, the hot heat and the sound of boiling water reached my ears.
While I was running alongside the train and observing it closely, I suddenly felt a strange gaze coming from inside the train. I turned my head to follow the gaze, and in that instant, I locked eyes with a man whose face was covered in a stiff beard.
“Hello?”
“Nice to meet you.”
When I greeted him, he responded far better than I expected. I pulled on the reins of my Nightmare and tried to get as close to the train as possible.
If it were up to me, I would have wanted to ride right next to it, but the white spray of water kept me from getting any closer.
The hot air, the bubbling water sound, and the occasional rattle felt like the heartbeat of this train. The man, who seemed to be peeking out from what appeared to be the driver’s seat, gazed at me silently.
“What do you call that thing you’re riding right now?”
“They call it a train because it runs on a series of mine cars, and since it’s running on the sea, it’s called a maritime train.”
“A maritime train… Where does this go?”
“To the birthplace of the stars!”
The man answered that and stroked his beard. At that moment, a loud horn erupted from inside the train, and it began to accelerate even more.
Like a scene from a movie, the train started to move away, puffing thick steam. Behind it, multiple freight cars were filled to the brim with numerous minerals.
The birthplace of the stars, huh…
I didn’t hesitate for long. I yanked on the reins of my Nightmare. It immediately picked up speed and leaped toward the train.
Nightmare’s hooves splashed through the clear sea water, sending rough sprays everywhere. As if soaring through the sky, Nightmare gently landed atop the freight car.
I dismounted from Nightmare and comfortably perched on the roof of the freight car. The refreshing breeze tossed my blonde hair and cloak about. Nightmare, having shrunk its size, hopped onto my lap and lay down.
The train didn’t stop and kept running. After carving through the shallow, clear waters for a while, the sea started to deepen.
The clear water unveiled a new world beneath. Coral forests glimmered in vibrant colors, reflecting sunlight, and fish with wings swam gracefully as if flying through the sky, not to mention the small marine monsters occasionally surfacing above the water.
Though the water had become deeper than before, it was still only up to my waist at most. The marine creatures living here weren’t very large.
I wondered how far we had traveled aboard the maritime train when, starting to grow tired of the beautiful underwater scenery, a gigantic castle revealed itself beyond the horizon.
Towering mountains and rock walls, along with immense columns tinted with a dark hue, extended endlessly. The vast shape that resembled the castle’s roof looked like the anvil of a blacksmith.
A faint smell of smoke began wafting with the wind.
As expected, the maritime train was headed toward a grand castle resembling an anvil. I couldn’t afford to be caught smuggling in again. I jumped off before the train could enter the castle.
Splash—!
Before I fell into the water, I naturally activated the Sea God’s blessing, preventing me from sinking. Of course, even if I did fall, it would only be up to my waist.
-Phew, phew!
The small Nightmare chased after a large fish, hopping around here and there. Every time its little hooves splashed in the water, hazy sprays erupted.
The underwater marine creatures showed deep interest in Nightmare and me. Fish of all sizes approached, gently nudging Nightmare’s hooves, and occasionally bouncing out of the water to play.
After walking on the water for a while, I finally reached the gigantic castle.
Shifting my gaze along the tracks, I noticed there was a separate entrance for the train. Rails extended in all directions from the castle, swaying in the blue waves.
“Stop.”
As expected, guards stood at the castle’s entrance. They were short but stoutly built. Their arms and legs were short but didn’t possess the stature of children.
The guards were dwarves.
“Are you one of us?”
“No, I’m human. My arms and legs are longer than yours.”
“Considering their height, they must be children.”
“That horse they’re carrying is peculiar… or is it not a horse?”
The guards whispered amongst themselves while looking at me. I cleared my throat and stepped forward.
“Hello. Is this the birthplace of the stars?”
The guards’ eyebrows perked up at my question, and they seemed amused by my answer, bursting into small laughter.
“The birthplace of the stars… That’s something I haven’t heard in quite a while.”
“Now that I see, you’re wielding quite the impressive sword… A fine piece crafted by a master artisan.”
The guards’ attention focused on the sword I carried— the Fire Dragon Sword and Ice Dragon Sword strapped to my waist, and the Golden Sword on my back.
The guards approached but only observed with their eyes. They didn’t ask to see or touch them. I carefully opened my mouth, gauging their reactions.
“Is it fine for me to enter?”
“Enter?”
“Hmm…”
“Is it the time for outsiders to be permitted?”
“I feel the touch of kin from this golden sword. If you possess an item of your kin, you cannot be considered an outsider.”
At the last guard’s words, everyone else nodded in agreement. It seems that the golden sword was indeed crafted by a skilled dwarf artisan.
“The birthplace of the stars. Welcome to the Star Forge.”
“Star Forge…?”
Star Forge. It was a place I had heard of before. How could I forget? The legendary city of dwarves spoken of in the desert was also called Star Forge.
The unforgettable memory of that day came rushing back, the intense sandstorm, and the shimmering Milky Way that painted the night sky clearly in my mind.
Just as I was about to step into the castle, I halted and posed a question to the guard.
“Is there another city called Star Forge aside from this one?”
“Hmm. Well, as far as I know, there isn’t…”
The guard shook his head, unsure. The other guards nearby seemed equally clueless. Ultimately, I had to pass through the grand castle gates without receiving a proper answer.
The moment I entered the city, the first impression I got was that it was clean and beautiful. The wide, paved roads and the delicately adorned decorations along the streets, accompanied by the sound of metal clanging and the strong smell of smoke in the air.
Not just that, everything felt small. From the size of the shop shelves to the doors used for opening and closing. Clearly, everything was crafted to dwarven standards.
And that was comfortable for me.
There was no need to look up unnecessarily. It had been a long time since everything felt perfectly suited to my eye level. Excluding memories from my previous life, such a situation probably had a low chance of ever happening.
In this inn, I wouldn’t have to tiptoe to place my luggage on the shelf. When I sat on a chair, my legs wouldn’t dangle as though they were supposed to.
I felt an inexplicable emotion looking at the small chairs scattered around the street.
“Are you a traveler?”
“Oh, yes.”
At that moment, a male dwarf walking down the street spoke to me. He was carrying a small basket that was packed full of fresh vegetables.
“Have you secured a room?”
“Not yet.”
“In that case, follow me. I run an inn.”
The dwarf said that and walked ahead, his short legs making it clear he had a short stride. I could easily keep up with his pace.
The dwarf’s claim of running an inn turned out to be true. He stopped before a place named “Resting Flames.”
Both the exterior and interior were impeccably clean. Moreover, seeing the ingredients the male dwarf brought along, it was evident that they paid considerable attention to the food. Without hesitation, I decided to rent a room at this inn.
Just as I received the key and was about to head to the second-floor room, the innkeeper asked me.
“Have you eaten?”
I shook my head. It dawned on me that I hadn’t had breakfast.
“Unpack and come down. I’ll have it ready in no time.”
I nodded at his suggestion and headed to my room. One of the benefits of Nightmare wearing the relic was that I didn’t need to rent a stable. Nightmare also seemed happy to share a room with me, bouncing around the room.
After unpacking, I went downstairs with Nightmare to the dining area. The decor of the dining room was naturally filled with items fitted for dwarves.
Though there were tables for humans and elves, I did not sit there.
Naturally, I headed to the table meant for dwarves. Even sitting down, my legs did not dangle. I moved them around, feeling the soles of my feet firmly placed on the ground once again.
This was a place I truly liked.