Chapter 426 - 237: I Want to Take a Good Look at This World

Regarding the powerful race of giants on the Valzeg Continent, Raine, due to his previous battles with frost giants, had looked through related materials and had a certain understanding of fire giants as well.

’According to the ranking of giant races: cloud, fire, frost, and stone, the average individual strength of fire giants, along with the strength of their race, is above that of frost giants.’

’And the Fire Giant King, being given the title of "King," indicates that their group numbers must not be small, at least, much larger than the Frostblade tribe in the Lankote Snowfield.’

’After all, one leader is called the Frost Giant Chief, and the other is called the Fire Giant King.’

’Further reasonable inference is that the opponent is very likely a legendary strong being.’

’Of course, it’s not about trying to steal their ancient flame furnace, but the problem is, without any connection, directly going to borrow it might not be much easier than stealing it.’

His gaze lowered.

The second line of graceful handwriting came into view.

"The second, somewhat closer ancient flame furnace is in the Iron Hills, owned by the Mountain Dwarf Kingdom, but it is not open to the public, only for use by master craftsmen within the kingdom."

’Iron Hills?’

In Raine’s mind instantly appeared the image of a dwarf holding a warhammer—Master Humbert.

’Since parting ways in Mill Town, I have not seen Master Humbert and don’t know how he is doing.’

’However, the flame furnace is not open to the outside?’

’That’s quite troublesome.’

’I wonder if finding Master Humbert can persuade the Mountain Dwarf Kingdom to make an exception.’

Thinking this, Raine looked at the third line of text:

"... The third is within the royal capital of the Urein Empire, belonging to the royal treasury, currently open only to royal affiliates or master craftsmen of the imperial craftsmen department..."

’Urein Empire.’

Raine appeared contemplative.

’As the strongest nation among humans on the Valzeg Continent, its reputation has always been more on the strong and domineering side.’

’I can imagine that if I went there with the Counterattacker, I’m afraid I might never return.’

’No wonder Liya placed this option at the end.’

’However...’

’Liya should know Master Humbert is from the Iron Hills, so why did she put Iron Hills as the second option?’

’Logically, in terms of difficulty, communicating with dwarves should be much easier than with fire giants, right?’

Noticing Raine’s slightly furrowed brows, without waiting for him to ask, Liya softly began to explain:

"Mr. Rein, if the association gets involved, they could reach out to the Fire Giant territory through certain intermediaries, and the success rate wouldn’t be small. You wouldn’t need to go in person, just provide the blueprints and materials for the items you wish to forge to the association."

Since Raine had not revealed the existence of the Counterattacker, Liya always thought Raine was collecting star iron to make equipment.

"And regarding the Mountain Dwarf Kingdom, because of the kingdom’s strict regulations, it might be difficult for Master Humbert to help much over there."

"As for the Urein Empire, even if the association gets involved, the cost that needs to be paid might..."

After listening to Liya’s explanation, Raine nodded.

’No wonder the Fire Giant territory is the first choice.’

’But the issue is, I am not forging something new but repairing, and what’s being repaired is one of the more famous epic weapons.’

’It’s not that I don’t trust the association, nor the fiery craftsmanship of the fire giants, but dealing with intermediaries and involving the fire giants directly, if anything unexpected happens...’

’In contrast, although the Mountain Dwarf Kingdom prohibits lending the flame furnace, by going through Master Humbert, it’s worth a try. At least I don’t have to worry about the warhammer being embezzled.’

’Even if it doesn’t work out, it will be a chance to visit my mentor.’

With emotions surging, Raine soon made a decision.

"I plan to visit Master Humbert in the Iron Hills."

Raine’s choice seemed to slightly surprise Liya, but soon, a smile of recollection appeared on her face, and she said:

"Yes, I miss Master Humbert a lot too, Mr. Rein, if you go, please relay my regards."

"Of course." Raine smiled and nodded.

At this moment, a knock sounded at the door again.

"Come in."

A male attendant walked in, holding a spiky armor, which was the Power Chest Armor Raine needed to change into.

"Mr. Rein, the chest armor has arrived, would you like to change now?"

"Yes."

Raine nodded and took off the dented armor he was wearing. Though still in his underclothes, his well-defined chest muscles were subtly revealed, causing Liya’s face to blush slightly.

Her eyes initially dropped slightly, appearing a bit embarrassed, but quickly glanced a couple of times, her face flushed with red.

"Then... then you can change, I’ll go check if the star iron has arrived." However, Liya felt somewhat embarrassed to stay any longer.

"Alright." Raine glanced at the legs beneath the black pencil skirt as she walked out quickly, slightly retracting his wandering thoughts.

’The association’s female attendant’s uniform, I remember, used to be trousers, now it’s black stockings paired with a pencil skirt?’

’Is this anticipating something to happen between adventurers and female attendants?’

A few minutes later.

After checking the star iron and mithril Liya brought over, Raine asked:

"By the way, are there any demon-related tasks along the way to the Iron Hills?"

For Raine, the tasks ahead were quite clear.