Deep in the imperial capital, a massive workshop stood proudly in the heart of the industrial zone, established by the prestigious and esteemed Dwarf Guild. Within its walls, skilled craftsmen and workers, most of whom were dignified dwarves with lifespans surpassing a hundred years, dedicated their lives to the art of craftsmanship.
Their pride and skill in weapon-making were renowned far and wide, with many famous and powerful weapons crafted within the confines of this very workshop. Among them, Aldas Turner, the eldest and most skilled of the dwarven workers, held a position of great respect.
On a typical day, the clang of anvils and the roaring of the workshop echoed throughout the air. The intense heat and fire from the furnace caused the hardworking dwarves to sweat profusely, but their muscular bodies and unwavering determination propelled them forward.
"We're almost done here! Don't you dare rest just yet!" Aldas Turner's commanding voice echoed across the workshop, urging his crew to continue striking the steel to craft an exquisite sword ordered by a high-ranking noble. This sword was no ordinary blade; it was to be a mana sword, embedded with mana stones, allowing the user to enhance its power effortlessly.
After hours of arduous labor, they finally completed the steel for the sword. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and the steel exuded an aura of unparalleled strength. Exhausted, the workers took a moment to rest on their chairs, seeking relief from the taxing labor they had endured.
As Aldas Turner rested and sipped water to quench his thirst, a commotion from another room drew his attention.
"Why is the other room so loud?" he inquired, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"I heard they received some letter and order request today, but I wonder why they are being so boisterous," one of his crew members responded, equally curious.
Suddenly, the door to the neighboring room swung open, and a young dwarf emerged, brimming with excitement.
"Boss, you must come and see this! We've received a special request today!" the young dwarf exclaimed, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"This behavior is quite unusual for you. What has been the cause of your excitement?" Aldas Turner asked as he walked towards the room full of workers, his expression filled with curiosity as he moved towards the table where the blueprint lay.
The clamor of the workshop gradually subsided as Aldas Turner, the respected elder dwarf, approached the boisterous group of workers. His keen eyes scanned the table, searching for the cause of such an unusual reaction.
"What makes everyone so excited?" Aldas asked with genuine curiosity, intrigued by the unusual enthusiasm displayed by his usually composed crew.
The young dwarf who had brought the letter stepped forward and eagerly presented the blueprint from the Marquis Ornstein family. It depicted a never-before-seen weapon, a modern shotgun, unlike anything the dwarven craftsmen had encountered. The mechanics of this firearm were intricate and complex, yet the blueprint was painstakingly detailed, allowing Aldas to grasp the basic concept.
"It looks like a crossbow, but without a string and with a tube?" Aldas mused, his fascination growing as he carefully examined the blueprint.
The young dwarf continued, "The blueprint indicates that this weapon requires ammunition, unlike traditional arrows. However, the process of crafting the shotgun shells is quite challenging and confusing for us." While the shotgun shell is not the primary concern, the dwarves have no knowledge or understanding of gunpowder and have not specialized in it.
Aldas' eyes gleamed with excitement. He understood the significance of this discovery - crafting both the innovative weapon and its ammunition would be a true test of their skill and ingenuity. The workshop had long been accustomed to crafting swords, axes, and spears, but this newfound project offered an exhilarating and welcomed change.
"It seems we not only have to craft the weapon but also manufacture its ammunition. Truly, this is a fascinating and challenging task!" Aldas exclaimed, his voice full of enthusiasm. The prospect of delving into such a novel project thrilled him, rekindling a spark of excitement that had been fading due to the monotony of crafting repetitive weapons.
"Go contact the alchemist guild and send a request to ask them about gunpowder for the ammunition. None of us have any knowledge or expertise in handling this mysterious power," Aldas ordered, recognizing the need for collaboration with the alchemist guild to tackle this unfamiliar challenge.
The crew nodded in agreement, acknowledging their lack of expertise in this new realm of crafting. Collaborating with the alchemist guild would be the most prudent course of action.
"Are you really going to take up this request yourself, boss?" one of the crew members asked, still in disbelief over Aldas's decision.
"Hmm, do you think I'd reject such an intriguing request? Not only will I accept it, but I also plan to visit the creator of this blueprint personally," Aldas responded with a glint of excitement in his eyes.
Aldas Turner's unexpected decision left his crew in awe and bewilderment. They had never seen their boss show such enthusiasm for a project or agree to personally visit a customer before. The prospect of crafting the enigmatic shotgun and its ammunition had clearly ignited a passionate spark within him.
Aldas had always been the pillar of their workshop, and his sudden decision to venture outside to meet the customer was an unprecedented event.
"But boss, what about the swords we have to craft?" another crew member inquired, voicing concerns about the pending work in Aldas's absence.
"Just leave that to Elias; he's the vice-leader, after all," Aldas replied, directing his gaze toward Elias, a longstanding friend and co-founder of the workshop.
Elias crossed his arms and teased, "So you only acknowledge me when you decide to go out on an adventure like this? You're so damn selfish."
A playful smirk curved Aldas's lips as he retorted, "If you want to accompany me on such an adventure, just challenge me and take over the leadership position yourself."
Aldas's physical prowess was unmatched among the dwarves, and their leadership disputes were often settled through arm wrestling contests. Elias had always been a close second but could never defeat Aldas. Nonetheless, their friendship and camaraderie remained strong, even in the face of such playful banter.
With his mind set and excitement brimming, Aldas Turner was ready to embark on an unprecedented journey. He was excited to meet the creator of the blueprint and uncover the fascinating mechanics and technology they had invented.
However, in their eagerness to depart, they overlooked one significant detail: They failed to send a letter in response to the request, which speaks to the dwarfs' impatient nature.
It will definitely be a surprise for Damian and Seraphine when they receive an unexpected guest at their mansion.