Chapter 166: Dwarven's Ores
Vincent followed Velara through the winding corridors of the dwarven kingdom, his thoughts already racing ahead to the conversation that lay before them. This meeting had begun with weapons, but now it was turning into something much bigger-an opportunity to reshape not only their military capabilities but also how they approached technology itself.
Velara led him to a large wooden door adorned with intricate carvings of mountain ranges and hammers crossed over anvils. With a subtle push, she opened it, revealing her office-a room that was surprisingly modest for a queen. The walls were lined with shelves holding tomes and scrolls, while a large table made of dark stone dominated the center of the room. On the walls hung ancient maps of the dwarven mines, showing the vast network of tunnels that stretched beneath the mountains.
She gestured for him to sit across from her at the table, and Vincent took the seat, still holding the Vorithium pistol in his hand. Velara settled into her chair, her gaze fixed on him, waiting for him to speak first.
"So," she began, her voice calm yet curious. "You want more than just a weapon. Tell me, Sir Vincent, what exactly are you after?"
Vincent leaned forward slightly, placing the pistol on the table between them. "What I'm proposing isn't just about trade, Your Majesty. I want to learn about your ores-everything about them. Their properties, their strengths, how they're mined and forged. We've seen what Vorithium can do, and I can only imagine there are other metals in your kingdom with equally unique properties."
Velara tilted her head slightly, considering his words. "You're asking us to reveal secrets we've guarded for generations. The ores we mine are what set us apart from the rest of the world."
Vincent nodded, fully aware of the magnitude of his request. "I understand that this knowledge is highly valuable. But what I'm offering in return is more than just a simple exchange of materials. Imagine your ores being used to power machines and craft equipment that no one has ever seen before. We can take what we already know about advanced human technology and enhance it beyond anything we thought possible."
Velara gave a brief nod and moved her finger to the next ore on the scroll. "This is Ferosium. It's a highly magnetic metal, incredibly dense, and nearly indestructible. We use it sparingly because it's difficult to work with, but its durability is unmatched."
Vincent leaned closer, intrigued. "That would be perfect for heavy armor or reinforced structures—maybe even tank plating. If it's as dense as you say, it could also have uses in fortifications or naval ships."
The queen continued, her finger gliding over the scroll to another metal. "This one is called Aetherium. It's a curious metal, extremely light and flexible, but it possesses natural magical properties. We use it for artifacts, weapons that require an element of enchantment. It's not as strong as Vorithium or Ferosium, but its ability to conduct magic makes it invaluable." Vincent considered the possibilities. "Aetherium could be used in communications equipment, or anything that requires a blend of magic and technology. If we integrated it into our aircraft systems, we could develop enhanced targeting systems or advanced sensors." Velara's eyes flickered with interest as she saw Vincent mentally piecing together the uses of her kingdom's resources. She pointed to one final ore. "This is Gravinium. It's rare, and its unique property is its ability to reduce the weight of whatever it's combined with. We use it in our deepest mines to make our equipment easier to carry and move."
Vincent's mind raced with ideas. "Gravinium... if we could use that in our aircraft construction, we could significantly reduce the weight, allowing for larger payloads and longer flight times. Even for vehicles or heavy equipment, this could be revolutionary."
Velara watched him quietly for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "You truly see the potential in our materials."
Vincent nodded. "These ores could change everything. If we combine your resources with our technology, we'd be able to create machines and weapons that no one could stand against. But more than that, we could reshape how we approach industry and innovation."
Velara finally smiled, her earlier reserve melting away slightly. "You speak with great ambition, Sir Vincent. Perhaps this alliance will be more fruitful than I originally thought." "I'm certain of it," Vincent replied, already imagining the possibilities that lay ahead.
Velara rolled up the scroll and handed it to Vincent. "Then it's settled. We will begin our partnership here."