Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 344: Chapter 343: The Road to the Peak of Ice and Snow (IV)

Chapter 344: Chapter 343: The Road to the Peak of Ice and Snow (IV)

Perhaps it was because the rumors of dragons excited the maidens even more, Fang Zheng had no choice but to continue leading them on their journey.

Of course, before that, Fang Zheng hadn’t forgotten to ask Molly to notify the Elf Village at the base of the mountain to be on guard. After all, elves’ defenses were not as strong as the dwarves’, and if even the dwarves were instantly defeated, the elves would fare even worse.

Next, Fang Zheng’s choice was still — to chicken out!

Although his mission stated he needed to investigate the Peak of Ice and Snow by himself, it didn’t say he had to go alone. In other words, even if the Peak of Ice and Snow really faced a crisis, the unlucky ones would be the dwarves, not him. Besides, even if some Demon King at the Peak of Ice and Snow wanted to destroy the world, the Sanctuary and the Goddess of Order would hold it up. Why should he foolishly charge in alone and face death?

Therefore, adhering to the principle of “never make a move without involving the victims,” Fang Zheng decided to… contact the dwarves first, then act according to the situation.

Fang Zheng was not like the heroes in many stories who, upon discovering something amiss, throw themselves into action first before seeking relevant parties. His attitude had always been that it was fine to do good deeds and to do them anonymously, but it had to be with the consent and recognition of the victims. Without their request or approval, he would not make a move. This was the case in the Dark Marsh, and his stance would not change in the Peak of Ice and Snow.

He planned to first ask the dwarves if they needed help. If the dwarves did not require assistance, Fang Zheng, along with the maidens, would complete their mission and simply leave. However, if the dwarves needed their help, then Fang Zheng would not mind staying to resolve this peculiar issue.

After all, if the party themselves didn’t want help, why bother imposing and making things awkward?

It was unclear whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, but just as everyone was ready to move forward, suddenly, a roar as loud as thunder erupted.

“Which damned bastard broke through our city gate and killed our brethren? I’ll smash you into meat sauce and feed you to the Frost Giant’s dogs!!”

Upon hearing this furious roar, Fang Zheng looked up to see several armored dwarves riding subterranean lizards rushing towards them. They were furious, swinging their axes as they charged at Fang Zheng and the others. Then, the leading dwarf abruptly waved his hand and the other dwarves promptly controlled their mounts to block their path.

“By the stone above, you damned fools, I’m going to stuff you all into a lizard’s ass, and then…”

“Wait a minute, what the hell are you talking about, Big Beard!”

Before the leading dwarf could finish his sentence, Molly had already jumped up.

“Use that stone-like brain of yours for a moment. Look at us, do we look like the people who destroyed this place?”

“What? You’ve got long ears.”

After a glance at Molly, who had stepped forward, the leading dwarf muttered to himself and then took a good look at Fang Zheng and the other maidens. Perhaps he too felt that this group didn’t seem threatening, which made him lower his axe.

“What’s the matter? Why aren’t you staying in the forest and bringing these humans here?”

“So what if I come? Is the Peak of Ice and Snow yours? Will it answer if you call it?”

It seems the relationship between dwarves and elves really isn’t that great.

Watching this scene unfold, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but reflect. In his eyes, Molly was considered to be a relatively gentle and introverted elf maiden, but when she encountered a dwarf, she argued as fiercely as a little tiger. It seemed the “karma” between these two races was indeed profound…

However, Fang Zheng naturally wouldn’t let the two continue to argue further, especially since it wasn’t the time to discuss racial disputes between elves and dwarves. So, Fang Zheng quickly stepped between them, intending to end their unproductive dialogue.

“Here’s the situation. We are a team from the Order Alliance. A few days ago, we arrived at the Forest of Life…”

Standing in front of the dwarf, Fang Zheng quickly recounted the events of the past days, and after hearing Fang Zheng’s narration, the expressions of the dwarves, originally filled with anger, gradually began to change.

“So you are saying… those with long ears also encountered the same trouble as us?”

“Yes, initially we thought this might just be targeted at the elves, but now it seems the situation might not be so simple…”

“Hmm… if that’s really the case, that’s quite strange…”

Upon hearing this, the Dwarf also fell into thought but soon seemed to give up thinking.

“Let’s not worry about this for now. Let me first send someone to take care of the bodies of my kin.”

“I say, Big Beard.”

Observing the Dwarf, Molly now curiously started asking.

“You guys came from Goldstone City, right? Didn’t you encounter any creatures along the way? We just saw many creature footprints heading towards the Peak of Ice and Snow.”

“No, we didn’t see even a mouse on our journey here!”

“Then they must have gone to the Peak of Ice and Snow.”

After hearing the Dwarf’s response, Molly immediately looked at Fang Zheng.

“There are only two paths to the Peak of Ice and Snow, one leads to Dwarf City, and the other goes straight to the summit. If those creatures didn’t go to Goldstone City, they must have headed for the summit!”

“Are you planning to go to the summit?”

The Dwarf, who was about to turn around and leave, came back upon hearing this and glanced at Molly then looked at Fang Zheng.

“Human, are you saying you intend to find the mastermind behind these tragedies?”

“Pretty much.”

Faced with the Dwarf’s question, Fang Zheng shrugged his shoulders. What could he do? It was a system quest, could he just not do it? Unless he wanted to lose a random Skill-1 — which, of course, was out of the question.

“I’ll come with you all too!”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s response, the Dwarf tapped on his own breastplate armor and then looked proudly at Magic Power.

“When it comes to climbing trees in the woods, that’s the Elves’ specialty. But if you talk about moving forward in caves, then that’s really a Dwarf’s skill! Since you’re going to look for the murderers who killed our kin, I’ll join you. If those scoundrels really went to the summit of the Peak of Ice and Snow, I can show you a shortcut that will definitely be faster than following those with long ears!”

“You—!”

Hearing the Dwarf’s words, Molly clenched her Longbow, her cheeks puffed up in dissatisfaction as she glared at the Dwarf. She looked as if she was about to drill a hole in the Dwarf’s head, as hard as stone. But, just as the Dwarf said, Elves take on tasks in the forest, while the underground caves are better suited for Dwarves.

True to his fiery nature, the Dwarf, after making his suggestion, didn’t wait for Fang Zheng and the others to answer but started making decisions on his own. He grabbed a nearby Dwarf Soldier and began issuing orders loudly.

“Hey, you lot stay here. You, go back to Goldstone City, report what happened here to the Dwarf King, and have him send people to rotate the guard. We can’t let those Frost Giant bastards take advantage of the situation! I’m going to see what dared mess with the Dwarves, my battle axe certainly won’t spare it!”

This Dwarf seemed to be a high-ranking officer, as he quickly issued his orders and then abruptly waved towards Fang Zheng and the others.

“Alright, humans, long ears, let’s go! Follow me, I know a shortcut nearby!”

After saying this, the Dwarf started directing his underground lizard back the way they came, quickly running off while Fang Zheng helplessly exchanged glances with the others.

What choice did they have? They just had to follow, right?