Chapter 161: Convincing Part

Chapter 161: Convincing Part



Vincent stood tall as the heavy stone doors sealed shut behind him, the sound echoing through the cavernous hall. His men held their ground just inside the threshold, their eyes warily watching the dwarf who had emerged from the shadows. The air was thick with unspoken challenges, the tension between them palpable as the dwarf stood unmoved, his gaze fixed on Vincent.

Vincent raised a hand, signaling his soldiers to lower their weapons. This wasn't a fight they could afford to escalate. He took a step forward, his boots echoing off the stone floor, and cleared his throat before speaking.

"We came here seeking peace," Vincent said, his voice calm but firm. "Our intent was never to provoke your defenses. The sentinels outside... they moved aggressively. We acted in self- defense."

The dwarf remained silent, his glowing eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Vincent. The warhammer across his back gleamed under the soft glow of the runes lining the walls. Behind him, several other dwarves had appeared, their faces hidden in shadow, though their weapons were visible-hammers, axes, and blades ready for combat.

Vincent pressed on, choosing his words carefully. "We're not here as invaders. We're here because we need your help. There's a war coming, and if we don't work together, none of us will survive it."

The dwarf stepped closer, his boots making a slow, deliberate sound on the stone floor. "You destroyed our sentinels," he repeated, his voice low and gravelly. "Our most sacred protectors. And now you speak of peace?"

Vincent squared his shoulders, feeling the weight of the moment. "We didn't want to destroy them," he said. "But they were about to attack. We had no choice. If we had stood still, my men would be dead."

The dwarf's eyes scanned Vincent's team, taking in their armored forms and the weapons slung over their shoulders. He studied each soldier with a critical eye, as if weighing their worth. Then his gaze shifted back to Vincent, and for the first time, his expression softened slightly—not in understanding, but in recognition of the truth.

"So, you come to the dwarves seeking refuge?" the dwarf asked, his voice still laden with distrust. "Or do you seek to take from us, like so many before?"

Vincent shook his head. "We seek neither. We've come because we know what's at stake. The demons are on the move. They've stolen human technology-our weapons. They're adapting, and they'll be back stronger than ever. If they succeed in combining their magic with our technology, none of us will stand a chance. That includes you, and the entire dwarven kingdom."

The room fell silent once more, the dwarves watching Vincent intently. The weight of his words hung between them, and even the ever-watchful dwarves seemed to consider the implications.

The dwarf leader narrowed his eyes further, stepping even closer until he was only a few paces from Vincent.

"You speak of the demon threat as if it concerns us. Yet we have lived in these mountains, protected by our own means, for centuries. What makes you think we need the aid of humans to defend our kingdom?"

Vincent met the dwarf's gaze, unflinching. "Because they're no longer just using magic. They're evolving. Adapting. You may have lived in isolation, but that won't save you from what's coming. The demons have grown bold. Their plans go beyond conquering land—they want domination. Of all races. That includes your people, whether you like it or not."

short."

Vincent nodded, turning to his team. "Stay alert, but keep your weapons lowered. We need to tread carefully."

As they moved deeper into the dwarven kingdom, the grand architecture of the underground city began to unfold before them. Massive stone pillars, intricately carved with runes and images of dwarven history, lined the pathways. The hallways were lit by glowing crystals embedded in the walls, casting a soft, otherworldly light over everything. Dwarves watched them from the shadows, their eyes filled with suspicion and curiosity.

Vincent's mind raced. He knew they had just crossed the first hurdle, but there was still much to overcome. Dargun's words had made it clear-they were on thin ice. One misstep, and the alliance they desperately needed could slip through their fingers.

As they walked, Marcus moved closer to Vincent, keeping his voice low. "Do you think they'll

really help us, sir?"

Vincent's eyes stayed forward, scanning the path ahead. "They don't have a choice, Marcus. The demons are a threat to all of us. They'll realize that soon enough."

Eamon, walking slightly ahead, glanced over his shoulder. "Dwarves are proud and stubborn, but they're not fools. If we can show them that the threat is real, they'll come around." Vincent nodded, hoping Eamon was right. The weight of the mission hung heavy on his shoulders, but there was no turning back now. The fate of their world depended on forging alliances, no matter how difficult the process.

As they approached the grand council chamber, a massive door carved from solid stone loomed before them. Dargun stopped in front of it, turning back to face Vincent and his team.

"Beyond these doors," Dargun said, his voice solemn, "are the leaders of our kingdom. They will hear your case, but be warned-words alone will not win them over." Vincent met Dargun's gaze, his expression resolute. "I'm not relying on words alone. I'm

relying on the truth."

With a grunt of acknowledgment, Dargun pushed open the heavy doors, revealing the dwarven council chamber. Vincent stepped forward, his heart pounding as he prepared to

make his case.

Just as he crossed the threshold, a deafening roar echoed through the halls, shaking the very foundations of the dwarven kingdom.

Marcus turned to Vincent, eyes wide with alarm. "Sir, that came from outside." Vincent's jaw tightened as he turned back toward the door. "Looks like the demons aren't

waiting for us to make our case."