I'm a demi-human. It's been about 20 years since I've felt anything like this. And now, for someone I've just met, I feel it again. Love.

Cynthia's face burned crimson as she looked down at her hands, embarrassed at how quickly her heart had betrayed her composure. She glanced at the watch on her wrist. Not long now, and he's already back inside, leaving her standing there, caught in the rush of emotions she thought she had long forgotten.

As Nolan reached the dining hall and stepped inside, he moved to the table, glanced around, and then returned to his seat. The sunlight spilled across the polished wood, illuminating the scattered remnants of their breakfast.

"Master," Celia began cautiously, "what did you want to sit here and talk about?"

Nolan's eyes scanned the table with mock seriousness. "Well, nothing much, though. Someone ate out of my meal."

Lyra, without hesitation, pointed at Linda.

"Why are you all pointing at Lyra? What's the meaning of this?" Nolan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lyra tried to hide a small smile, but the mischievous glint in her eyes betrayed her.

"I know it's you, Lyra," Nolan said, his voice calm but tinged with faux accusation. "I ate my meal after eighteen years, and I'm certain you ate most of it and left only this tiny portion for me?"

"No, Master," Lyra protested. "I just, I couldn't resist. It's been so long since I've tasted this."

Nolan picked up the remaining food and stared at it. "This is barely enough for three more spoonfuls. I actually need a sword, and this sword with me, it's going back to Luthar after I reach Sindra tomorrow."

He held the blade in his hands, turning it slowly. "This sword isn't powerful enough to contain my full strength. If I tried to channel my power into it, it would shatter. And right now, I don't know of any sword, even the Holy Sword, capable of holding me."

Lyra's voice was calm but tinged with admiration. "Yes, Master. You're right, it won't be enough."

"I know," Nolan said simply. Then, after a pause, he looked at her.

"But," Lyra interjected.

"What do you mean, but?" Nolan asked, leaning forward slightly.

"The Dwarves," Lyra said, her tone carrying weight, "are the ones who helped craft some of the Holy Swords. They can forge something incredible, but it depends on the strength of the wielder. Someone like you, you've reached the pinnacle of power. Some of them even carry the title of God Blacksmith. They can create a sword worthy of your strength, Master."

Nolan leaned back, nodding slowly. "Ah, perhaps you're right. Someone mentioned it to me before. Was that you or Luthar?"

Lyra shook her head. "It wasn't me. But yes, it was mentioned. The problem is, Dwarves don't like humans. Even if you go there, they might refuse to craft it for you, no matter how long you wait."

Nolan's gaze grew distant as he considered this. "And if they refuse, then my journey will be wasted before it even begins. What am I to do?"

Lyra's eyes gleamed with determination. "Master, if you want their respect, you must earn it. Do something extraordinary. Show them your power, your resolve, your honor. Only then, they might consider forging a blade worthy of you."

Nolan's lips curved into a faint smile, a mix of resolve and amusement. "I suppose it's time to show them why humans and demi-humans can reach greatness. If they're hesitant, I'll give them a reason to remember me."

The three of them sat in brief silence, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air, but also a quiet excitement. The path ahead was dangerous, filled with challenges and unknowns, yet Nolan's mind was already racing with possibilities. The day would come when a sword worthy of him would be forged, and nothing, not even the Dwarves' distrust, could stop him.

Lyra glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Master, we'll be there with you, every step of the way."

Nolan's eyes softened just slightly. "I know, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Lyra folded her arms, her eyes narrowing as if she were carefully choosing every word.

"Master, let me tell you something important. There's something going on in the Dwarf Kingdom right now."

Nolan turned toward her, his gaze sharpening instantly. "Something going on? What do you mean?"

Lyra nodded slowly. "It is said that the current Dwarf Leader, the King of the Dwarves, has already been killed, and his body is being controlled. Controlled by something sinister, possibly a demon."

Nolan's eyes widened, disbelief flashing across his face. "A demon? Are you sure? The demon I fought yesterday, wasn't that the demon currently roaming this world, the only one active?"

Lyra shook her head firmly. "No, Master. There are more, too many. Some demons stay low-key, hiding beneath the surface, manipulating from the shadows. They don't all reveal themselves through brute force."

Nolan leaned forward, elbows on the table, expression turning serious and thoughtful. "So what exactly do you think is happening? And how do you know all this, Lyra?"

Lyra exhaled slowly, her eyes glowing faintly with a divine, ancient aura.

"Well, Master, I'm a behemoth. A divine behemoth from Heaven. I know most things that happen in this world, everything that concerns the balance of power. If it's something I need to know, I know it instinctively."

Nolan blinked. Even Celia and Linda stared at her, surprised.

Lyra continued, voice lowering. "And I can tell you for sure, the rumors are true. Some dwarves have been disappearing. Others have been found dead, quietly, secretly. The dwarves are trying to hide it from the outside world, but the truth is leaking through the cracks."

Nolan's eyebrows drew together. "Killed by demons?"

Lyra nodded. "Yes. They've suspected it for a while now. Because of that, no dwarf is allowed to enter the main royal castle anymore. The huge king's castle, the heart of their kingdom, is completely sealed off."

Nolan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "And no one knows if the one inside is still the Dwarf King or a demon wearing his skin."

"It could be either," Lyra said. "Or worse, something controlling his corpse."

The room grew silent. Even the air felt heavier.

Celia stepped closer, her expression tense. "A demon strong enough to manipulate an entire kingdom from within, that's terrifying."

Linda added softly, "Master, if you go there, it might not just be dwarves who dislike humans. You might be walking into a demon's nest."

Nolan's gaze slowly shifted downward, then back at Lyra. "So that's the situation."

He clenched his fist.

"First the cult, then the demons, and now the Dwarf Kingdom is being corrupted too."

Lyra nodded once more. "Yes, Master. And if you want a sword strong enough for you, a sword capable of wielding your full power, then the Dwarves are the only ones who can forge it. But right now, they're unstable, scared, defensive. Approaching them won't be easy."

Nolan smirked slightly, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "That's fine. Whether they welcome me or not, I'll still go."

Celia looked at him. "Master…"

Nolan stood up slowly. "If demons are hiding in the Dwarf Kingdom, I'll drag them out myself."

Lyra leaned forward, speaking with a seriousness that made even the air tense around her.

"Yes, Master, that would be the wise approach. If you go into the Dwarf Kingdom and handle the situation correctly, you won't just help them, you will earn their trust, their respect, and even their loyalty."

Nolan raised an eyebrow. "How?"

Lyra continued, her tone steady.

"The dwarves are terrified right now. Their people are disappearing every single day. Families wake up not knowing if their loved ones will survive the night. And the worst part, they're kept in the dark. No one knows which dwarf is real and which one is a demon in disguise."

Nolan's expression sharpened. "So if I show up and the killings stop…"

"They will know it's because of you." Lyra nodded. "They will see you as the one who brought peace back to their kingdom. But don't just go in and instantly kill the demon. If you do that, the dwarves won't truly understand how strong the threat was or how strong you are."

Nolan tilted his head. "What should I do then?"

Lyra smiled slightly. "Make them see it. Show them with their own eyes that you are fighting a demon. Let them witness your strength. Let them see the truth."

Nona stepped forward, adding her own advice.

"You can even gather a group of trusted dwarves, those still loyal to their true leader. Tell them to follow you into the castle. Before entering, cast a protection barrier around them, a strong barrier that can block demonic corruption."

Nolan's eyes glowed faintly. "A barrier, hm."

"Yes," Nona said. "Walk into the castle with them behind you. Let them see the demon who killed their leader, the demon who has been puppeteering the kingdom, pretending all is well."

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