Reborn as an Extra Chapter 527: Dharheim, The City of Treasures. Part-2.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
After disembarking from the vessel, Rio traversed the harbor until he reached the perimeter.
The exit presented itself as a colossal tunnel dipping further into the subterranean depths.
’It’s enormous, and the sheer amount of high-priced ore used for decoration is staggering... it makes sense why this country has such a massive demand for minerals... they use them to embellish every corner...’
Just as diamonds and jewelry captivate humans, dwarves harbor a deep affection for precious metals and rare ores, utilizing them to adorn their surroundings.
Rio noticed several dwarves sporting bracelets and lockets crafted from rare materials that Awakeners typically reserve for forging high-tier weaponry.
’Interesting... those accessories... they function similarly to artifacts; it looks like a specialized alloy blending mithril with other metals...’
’It’s enhancing their vitality and physical condition by accelerating recovery and life force...’
As he moved through the throng of people, Rio instinctively ’liberated’ one, a lingering habit from his days as a professional thief.
Using his sword intent, he meticulously analyzed the properties of the jewelry before surreptitiously returning it to the elderly dwarf who owned it.
The old dwarf remained completely oblivious to the fact that someone had walked beside him, let alone stolen and returned his property.
He didn't have the slightest clue that his belongings had even left his person.
’Wait... I think I’ve moved beyond the rank of a "professional thief"... perhaps "legendary thief" is a more fitting title now?’
Entertaining these peculiar thoughts, Rio continued his journey into the heart of the city, nestled deep within the earth.
Upon emerging from the broad tunnel, he encountered a massive pedestal near the city’s primary gate, topped with a heavy slab of pure mithril.
The inscription etched into the slab read: "WELCOME TO DHARHEIM, THE CITY OF TREASURES AND CRAFTSMANSHIP!"
Directly beneath that cheerful greeting, another message was carved in even more prominent, bolder lettering. "IF ANYONE SEES THE HUMAN NAMED LINK, KILL HIM ON SIGHT! REWARD: 100 BARRELS OF THE FINEST AGED DWARVEN WINE!"
Rio felt a sudden urge to burst into laughter at the sight, but to avoid drawing attention, he clamped a hand over his mouth to stifle the sound.
"Pffft... they truly despise him here; they’ve even put up their most prized spirits as a bounty! That is absolutely wild..."
Dwarves are legendary for their heavy drinking, yet they remain incredibly fit and muscular; a common global jest suggests that a dwarf's body is ninety percent wine and the rest is pure testosterone!
Even a dwarven infant possesses more testosterone than a fully grown man; they are practically born with a muscular physique!
’It’s a blessing I didn't bring Link along, or we would have been in a world of trouble the moment we touched the docks...’
Shaking his head to clear the giggles, Rio slipped into the city, his presence completely undetected by the guards.
Dharheim was famously known as the city of treasures, a reputation Rio verified the instant he stepped inside.
’They are actually using rare ore as goddamn street lamps!? This is madness! Just how much wealth does this city possess!’
’Fleisten’ is an uncommon glowing ore usually harvested from S-rank or higher dungeons.
It is also occasionally discovered in regions with a high concentration of light elementals.
Due to the hundreds of active volcanoes and abundant light elemental deposits on the dwarven continent, the ore known as ’Fleisten’ is produced in plenty.
However, it is notoriously difficult and dangerous to mine because it is highly radioactive, causing mental instability and emitting constant psychic attacks.
Usually, it’s a primary material for high-level mental-attack artifacts, yet here, it served as mere street lighting!
To achieve this, one would need a sophisticated containment vessel to neutralize the harmful radiation and mental effects.
This implied that even rarer materials were used just to build the lamp housings.
’A person could literally snatch one street lamp, sell it in the human empire, and walk away with enough gold to purchase a private mansion!’
Rio finally understood why two S-rankers were stationed here; the city was a literal gold mine where even the public lighting was a fortune.
It was highly likely that thieves targeted this place frequently.
’Ahem... I need to suppress my inner burglar! I can’t take this, or I’ll be too embarrassed to ever face Lia again!’
Rio utilized his sword intent to steady his mind, pulling his hand back into his pocket just as it was about to reach for a lamp.
’Phew... old habits die hard; I nearly swiped it without thinking...’
Wiping beads of cold sweat from his brow, Rio headed toward the fascinating structures in the distance.
Small storefronts were carved directly into the cavern walls at the city's perimeter, where many dwarves were either enjoying a meal or shopping.
Rio located a shop at the highest elevation and took a seat.
"The view of the entire city from here is perfect... what a great spot..."
Rio produced his tea set and began brewing a cup; the shopkeeper didn't even realize Rio was occupying a seat and enjoying the scenery for free.
While the owner was occupied with other patrons, Rio pulled out the confidential files Ashtel had provided and began reviewing them over his tea.
’Hmm, I see. This city is a vital trade hub for the entire dwarven nation; it’s no wonder the defenses are so formidable that even ten S-rankers would struggle to breach it...’
’There are active space-stabilizing artifacts, two S-rankers on site, advanced energy weaponry, and hundreds of A-rankers on constant patrol...’
’This place is less of a city and more of an unbreakable fortress...’
Taking another sip, Rio turned the page. The report mentioned several concealed underwater outposts near the harbor, ensuring that reinforcements could arrive within minutes of an alert.
Furthermore, a massive military installation sat just above ground.
To leave Dharheim, one had to traverse a steep upward tunnel, and the military base was positioned only a few kilometers from that exit.
In short, the city was so well-guarded that any S-ranker attempting an invasion would likely meet their end.
’It’s more daunting than a fortress; I doubt anyone could actually conquer this place...’
Rio shook his head and moved to the next section.
There, he found details on local specialties and intelligence regarding the resident S-rankers.
’Why on earth is this so specific!? How do they even know that one of the S-rankers is having an affair behind his wife’s back!?’
’Where does this bizarre intel even come from!?’
Rio couldn't help but roll his eyes as he scanned the document.
It seemed as though Ashtel held a personal grudge against every influential dwarf in the kingdom, having appended a strange, snarky note to the end of every profile.
One note regarding an elderly member of the dwarven parliament read: "P.S. This old man is a pervert who likes to touch young boys’ butts! Be careful!"
’Wait... what the hell...’
The comment left Rio feeling deeply unsettled.
’It seems even men aren't safe these days. What is wrong with this world... maybe I should have brought my wife along for protection...’
Rio sighed while flipping through the pages; the further he read, the weirder the entries became.
Fortunately, he used his abilities to keep both himself and the sensitive documents hidden from prying eyes.
After spending half an hour absorbing the information, Rio used his sword intent to disintegrate the papers, leaving nothing behind.
He stood up and admired the breathtaking vista.
The city glowed under the light of the ’Fleisten’ lamps, and the sounds of hundreds of forges echoed through the underground expanse.
Luckily, modern tech kept the smoke and fumes in check; otherwise, the air pollution would have made the cavern uninhabitable.
Rio spotted numerous taverns, most of which were packed to capacity.
’The atmosphere is great... but man, this city is incredibly crowded...’