Chapter 52: The Rotting Monarch

Raft Camp.

Kana was explaining the three methods he had proposed to the three dwarves.

"The first is simple: find a fragment of a Genesis Stone, and you can solve the problem directly."

The three dwarves looked at Kana with expressions that seemed to say: *Are you joking?*

Unlike most people in the Kingdom of Safro, these three dwarves were well aware of the existence of the Genesis Stones and did not view them as mere myths. However, they also knew perfectly well that obtaining a fragment of a Genesis Stone was entirely a matter of luck. It wasn't something you could just find whenever you wanted.

The dwarf named Toric reached a certain level of agitation at this moment. Just as he was about to erupt, Kana said with a smile, "While it sounds absurd, you have to admit it is indeed a method, isn't it? The simplest and most direct one."

One shouldn't dismiss this method as ridiculous; in reality, there were many unsolvable problems that people simply dealt with by finding a fragment of a Genesis Stone to clear them. It could be said to be 100% effective, unless the problem was being caused by another fragment of a Genesis Stone.

"Fortunately, your problem clearly doesn't require a Genesis Stone. Let's talk about the second method: performing a purification ritual."

"A purification ritual?" The dwarven sage frowned in thought and asked, "Do you know the direction in which this problem is leaning?"

Clearly, the Gray Mountain dwarven tribe possessed the capability to perform purification rituals. A purification ritual was a versatile rite, and its execution was extremely flexible, ranging from small-scale to massive. A giant purification ritual could even purify an entire continent. However, one had to identify the nature of the problem and conduct targeted research to purify exactly what they intended to purify.

Kana nodded. "Of course. Otherwise, why would I even suggest such a method?"

"That's wonderful, then we shall..." the dwarven prophet said excitedly.

Before he could finish, Kana interrupted him: "Don't rush. I haven't mentioned the last method yet."

Lurik realized he was getting a bit ahead of himself and nodded, waiting for the explanation of the final method.

"Find the source of the problem and sever it."

After saying this, Kana began a brief explanation: "I don't know if you are familiar with creatures like goblins, but they are highly favored by various powerful, evil beings. This is because they can easily accept evil power and undergo various forms of transformation, becoming the most numerous minions of their masters. If I'm not mistaken, your problem was definitely caused by these goblins."

Hearing this, the dwarven prophet, who was not very familiar with this so-called "Rotting Lord," frowned; he couldn't provide much information. However, he said, "But those suffering from the disease haven't encountered any goblins."

"Why would they encounter goblins? The Rotting Lord seeks corruption, not slaughter. If possible, he doesn't even want to engage in killing; he simply wants you to embrace his 'life'."

After a brief explanation, Kana continued, "Your dwarven resistance to various curses and magic is higher than most other races. This so-called disease is actually the incubation process. This is an act that requires a continuous supply of energy. Even if you purify it, if the source of the problem isn't resolved, the curse will continue to corrupt you in secret."

The dwarven prophet roughly understood. "In other words, we need to find the source of the problem, and it is very likely the goblins?"

Kana nodded. After a moment of thought, he said, "I'll go with you to check the situation. Only after seeing the specifics can I give concrete advice."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Getari said loudly, appearing very happy.

The dwarven prophet opened his mouth but said nothing; he simply looked at Kana and nodded in gratitude.

Alis was somewhat surprised and gave Kana's sleeve a slight tug from the side. Kana merely patted her arm and smiled, letting her feel at ease.

"However, I have one condition. If the few of us leave, there will be no strong protectors left for our camp. You must assign two Sons of the Mountain to help guard the camp while I am away."

Hearing Kana's request, the dwarven prophet nodded without hesitation.

"No problem." He was about to order Getari and the other one to stay, but after thinking for a moment, he added, "We will head back and immediately dispatch a few warriors."

"That would be best."

"Then please wait a moment; I must arrange the affairs within the camp." With that, he walked back.

On the way, Alis couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, we still have so many problems of our own. Do we really need to help these dwarves?"

Kana nodded. The reason he was helping was that since it had been confirmed as the work of the "Rotting Lord," it was certain that there were monsters capable of providing experience points. This was an opportunity to increase his strength, especially with the upcoming confrontation with the Blood Clan. The stronger one's strength, the higher the level of security.

Furthermore, although the Gray Mountain dwarves were not numerous, their strength was not weak. It would be perfect to gain some experience by traveling with them. Based on his past experience in the game, this matter was relatively easy to resolve, and he already had a general outline in his mind.

"Dwarves are a very loyal race. If we help them this time, they will certainly not hesitate to help us when we need it next time," Kana explained.

Beside him, Bobot couldn't help but nod upon hearing this, as it was indeed true. However, she threw cold water on the idea: "That's most dwarves. Just like humans, there are always good and bad people. Dwarves have the same distinctions." She was reminding Kana that not all dwarves were like that.

"Don't worry, I won't misjudge them."

How could he misjudge them? After all, in the game, the Gray Mountain dwarves were the starting location for dwarven players. Whether it was their future potential or the hidden strength of the clan, they were not to be underestimated. They were an existence entirely worth helping.

Seeing that Kana had already made up his mind, Alis nodded and said no more. After all, Kana surely understood better than she did.

Upon returning to the camp, Kana summoned the two shipwrights, the soldier captain, and George.

"I will be away for a while. During this time, continue with the previous arrangements, but you need to remain more vigilant. Some dwarves will come to help guard the camp; be careful not to mention their height. It should be easy to get along with them otherwise. Also..."

After mentioning several precautions, Kana turned to George and asked, "Are you willing to come with us to take a look?"

"Really? May I?" George was somewhat overwhelmed by the honor.

Kana smiled and nodded. "Of course you can. What's the harm? Let's go."

Anyone with eyes could see that the Prince seemed to favor George, an ordinary hunter. The reason Kana did this was, naturally, because he knew the subsequent plot. He felt a sense of familiarity with George. Kana could roughly guess that perhaps, during the game's launch, he had completed some errand-related quests involving George in the novice village.

Those who could survive leaving this place and build a novice village were people who had fought their way through the wilderness. Furthermore, Kana had already deduced that George was likely related to some quest, probably a hunting-related tutorial quest. That was enough to prove that George possessed sufficient ability in hunting. It was also possible that George was a skill instructor for ranged player characters during the game's launch. Primarily, because Kana hadn't played a ranged character during the launch, he wasn't familiar with that aspect and didn't need to learn skills in the novice village later on.

But regardless, George was definitely among the group with potential.

The group returned to the edge of the forest.

"The camp arrangements are settled. Let's go."

The dwarven prophet nodded. He was also somewhat anxious and led Kana and the others into the forest.