Were in a dungeon! I protested as Garnet continued to walk.

What about it? She asked.

You cant continue to live here!

Why not? She asked, seemingly curious.

Wh-why not? I shook my head, completely floored that shed even ask that question. Because it isnt real?

Do you think it isnt real? Then is the treasure it produces not real? Are the people here not real? Hey, are you real? She looked at a portly male walking by.

Huh? What are you saying? Crazy Dwarf. The male snorted and then quickened his step.

Garnet, this place is filled with miasma. Over time, it will start to affect you, change who you are. This dungeon will turn you into part of itself. I tried a different approach to convince her.

It doesnt bother me so much

She turned, entering an open hut. The feel of heat emanating from it immediately told me that this place was a forge. A man in a thick apron and the sounds of hammering only confirmed it. I stopped at the entrance, watching as Garnet casually tossed on her apron.

Youre back again, little miss? The Blacksmith said. You work almost as hard as I do, I feel bad Im not paying you.

Youre letting me use your items and supplies? Garnet responded, Thats enough for me.

Garnet I protested.

Out there, I was a slave, or I was ignored. In here, there is a war and need for Blacksmiths. Old man Smith here has orders backed up for months. I can keep working in peace without the risk of being arrested or enslaved. A slave mark is meaningless when your Master exists in another world. Garnet shrugged.

Is this guy bothering you? The Blacksmith asked, making sure to glare at me and show the girth of his arms, which were almost wider than my waist.

Its okay, hes an old friend, Garnet responded. You are a friend, right?

That question seemed to have more meaning than that. It seemed to imply that a true friend wouldnt press her or make her leave.

Ill be trying to defeat this dungeon. If I complete the terms, Im not sure what happens when this place is destroyed. Normally, youd just be expelled, but since this place is in a bubble not connected with our world, you may end up somewhere else.

I was going to say that she might end up dead, but I didnt know what happened if you fell between worlds. Despite having once traveled across dimensions, I knew nothing about them.

If that happens, it happens. Garnet shrugged. Besides, I have a once in a lifetime opportunity. In two weeks, there will be a shipment of Silvthril.

I blinked. Whats Silvthril?

its a magical metal like Mithril, but this one is imbued with divine strength. If Orichalcum is a metal created by dungeons, having properties of darkness and miasma, then Silvthril is the exact opposite.

Hes a Magic Blacksmith? I asked in surprise.

Hmph! He snorted.

He is! Isnt that lucky? Garnet grinned. When Master shoved me in here, I had no clue where Id end up. However, I was found by the blacksmith here, and hes been helping me learn magic blacksmithing. Im already a level four Magic Blacksmith. It took a few years, but I figured it out!

I thought you were twenty-two years old! Wait, youve been in here a few years?

I felt stupid as soon as I said that. One day equaled one month, and she was in here before I was. No wonder she didnt want to leave this place. She had already been here for around 30 months, or over two years. Me telling her this place would be gone in two months probably didnt seem real.

Why, Deek, I am twenty-two! She responded, grinning as she picked up the hammer. Just because time moves differently in here doesnt mean you age faster. Interestingly, it would have taken me years to be a Magic Blacksmith, but now Ive achieved it in less than a month. Imagine how far I can go if I stay here? So, I hope you understand why I need to stay?

Yeah, its funny how things work out.

I ended the conversation with her and walked away, but I had a frown on my face. The Demon Lord didnt do anything on accident. What if Garnet was dropped in this world exactly to become a Magic Blacksmith? Just what was that guy planning?

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