A cool breeze was blowing, carrying the fragrant scent of blooming flowers that heralded the arrival of spring. The week since Zain and his group had left Vermillion City had been a journey through ever-changing landscapes and climates. They were now at the border of the Gremory Dukedom. Beyond these borders lay the formidable mountain range that marked the beginning of the Holy Moon Alliance.

  The mountain range was home not only to the dwarven kingdom but also to various other creatures dwelling in the deep recesses beneath the mountains. This, indeed, was Zain's destination. With the dawn breaking over the jagged peaks, they began their arduous ascent into the mountain range, the path ahead both challenging and perilous.

  Zain traveled with a grand caravan of one hundred and fifty large carriages, each laden with food, supplies, and a squad of elite soldiers. The opulence of his own carriage stood in stark contrast to the rugged terrain, its interior adorned with plush seating and ornate furnishings. Zain rode alongside Draig and Raina, the two providing a steadying presence.

  "We have reached the border of the Bourbon kingdom. According to the map, we should soon arrive at their outer outpost." Raina said, her eyes scanning the detailed map spread out before her. Zain and Draig, sitting opposite her, leaned in to scrutinize the intricate details, the flickering lamplight casting shadows on their faces. After traveling a bit longer, they finally reached the imposing entrance of the Bourbon kingdom, marked by a massive black iron gate embedded into the mountain itself.

  A contingent of dwarves guarded the entrance. Though only a meter tall, each was a formidable force, their stature belying their strength as they all stood in the Saint Realm. For a small kingdom like Bourbon, this was considerable. However, compared to Izark's vast Dukedom, which was at least fifty times larger, their power seemed modest. Even the squad of fifty soldiers accompanying Zain were formidable, boasting forty Sage Realm experts and ten Mythic Realm warriors, not to mention Raina, who was in the Apex Realm.

  The group underwent a thorough inspection before being allowed inside the mountain. The dwarven guards, upon seeing the vast supplies the caravan carried, treated them with respect and a hint of curiosity. One of the guards swiftly went to notify the king. This was Zain's first time seeing a dwarven kingdom, and he was utterly mesmerized by the sight before him. The city carved inside the mountain was a marvel of engineering and artistry, illuminated by countless magical lights that bathed the stone in a warm, ethereal glow. The sky was replaced by the towering mountain ceiling, and every house and shop was intricately carved out of rock, exuding both strength and elegance.

  Despite the impressive architecture, the residents' plight was all too evident. The faces of the dwarves bore marks of exhaustion and depression, the toll of the ongoing war with the gnomes. Casualties were a grim daily occurrence, and their food supplies were constantly dwindling, adding to their woes.

  Noticing Zain's group arriving with food supplies, the dwarves quickly gathered around them, their eyes wide with a mix of hope and desperation. Sensing an opportunity to earn goodwill, Zain ordered the distribution of supplies to the crowd. The dwarves were deeply touched by this gesture; some even wept openly, their gratitude palpable as they thanked Zain repeatedly.

  The situation was far worse than Zain had imagined. The food shortage was severe, and without his intervention, many of these dwarves would likely have faced starvation. His arrival was nothing short of a miracle for many of them.

  Shortly after Zain began distributing food, the King of Bourbon, Durin, arrived with his private guards. Every dwarf in the street kneeled in respect. King Durin, slightly taller than the average dwarf and exuding a majestic presence, approached Zain. He wore black armor that was dented and scarred from countless battles, a testament to his active participation in the war. His guards were similarly attired, their armor equally battle-worn.

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  King Durin observed Zain for a moment, his eyes sharp and assessing, before inquiring about his identity. "I am Zain Gremory, son of Duke Izark Gremory." Zain formally greeted him, his voice steady and respectful.

  "I am King Durin Welmoth the Seventh. It's a pleasure meeting you. I don't know why you came here, but I am truly thankful for your help. However, I also know that nothing comes free, especially from you humans." the King said, his tone wary but polite.

  "I understand it would be against your honor to accept something you didn't earn. I respect your majesty's morals." Zain replied, his words carefully chosen.

  "You have a good command of your words, young man. I didn't expect it from someone your age. Go on then, tell me the real reason you came here." King Durin said, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

  "Thank you for the compliment, King Durin. I believe it was wise for me to come here. Let's not waste time. I will tell you what my father, Duke Izark, sent me here for. His intention is to seek your friendship." Zain said, causing the King's expression to change to one of surprise and cautious interest.

  "Care to elaborate on what you mean, young Duke?" the King asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

  "I am not an heir to the Duke yet. Please, just call me Zain." Zain objected, a small smile playing on his lips.

  "Very well, Zain. Tell me why your father sent you here." the King prompted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he waited.

  "It has come to our attention that your majesty's kingdom is currently facing a difficult situation." Zain said, his tone serious.

  The King glanced at his guards' battered armor before responding, "Yes, Zain. We are at war with the gnomes, but it's nothing to worry about. Their assaults usually end by the end of winter, after which they retreat to the inner mountains."

  "But King Durin, isn't the situation supposed to have calmed down by now? The gnomes are still continuing their assault with full force, aren't they?" Zain asked, his voice tinged with concern.

  King Durin's expression grew tense. He had suspected something unusual about this war. The gnomes had never been this desperate in previous conflicts. They were sacrificing two or three of their own just to kill one of the dwarves, sometimes even resorting to suicidal attacks. Although the dwarves' losses were fewer than the gnomes', the prolonged conflict threatened to shatter their foundations, even if they emerged victorious.

  "What are you implying?" the King asked, his voice low and troubled.

  "I want to have a conversation with the gnomes and try to stop the war." Zain said, surprising King Durin.

  "And I suppose you want something in return, right?" the King asked, his tone turning wary again.

  "As you've seen, our land produces surplus food, and we want to trade it for your weapons. We've already brought tons of rations." Zain explained, his tone diplomatic.

  "So you want our weapons." the King stated, his eyes narrowing slightly.

  "Let me correct you, King Durin. Look at the state of your people. I think it's you who desperately needs our food resources more than we need your weapons." Zain said, his voice gentle but firm.

  King Durin looked at his people: tattered clothes, empty stomachs, and sorrow-filled eyes. They resembled beggars more than citizens. Durin was reluctant to produce weapons for the Duke, but he couldn't let his people starve. Ultimately, he agreed to Zain's request, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he made the decision.

  The dwarven kingdom, once a bastion of strength and resilience, now lay vulnerable and weary. Zain's proposal, though opportunistic, was a lifeline they desperately needed. As the king's agreement settled over them, a sense of cautious hope began to take root among the dwarves, a glimmer of light in their otherwise dark circumstances.

  As Zain and his group settled in for the night, the flickering lights of the city casting long shadows on the walls, he couldn't help but reflect on the gravity of the situation. The journey ahead was fraught with challenges, but he was determined to see it through. For the sake of his people and the dwarves, he would ensure that his mission succeeded.

  The night was quiet, the usual sounds of bustling life replaced by the soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of armor. Zain lay awake, his mind racing with plans and contingencies.