Apprentice of Grand Architect, Trosty City's Decision

Inside Thoren's home, Thoren brow arched in surprise at the unexpected question again by Arthur. "My disciple? Why? you're interested in meeting him?"

Arthur's response was quick and unhesitating. "I believe in the potential for collaboration and exchange of knowledge. I have a keen interest in skilled craftsmen, and I would like the opportunity to speak with your disciples."

Just as he thought that he would receive a bad response from Thoren, but instead, he was suddenly laughed at by Thoren, Thoren's laughter echoed in the room, as he said. "Ah, Lord Arthur, you certainly have a way of speaking your mind. You wish to recruit my disciples for your village, don't you?"

Arthur's lips curled into a sheepish grin, not denying Thoren's assumption. "I won't deny it. If they possess the skills and the will to contribute to Dawn Light Village's growth, I would like to extend an invitation."

Thoren's laughter subsided into an amused smile. "You are bold, Lord Arthur, not only have you shamelessly proposed to make an alliance on equal footing with our city while your territory was still at the village level, you also even trying poach my only disciple right in front of me."

Arthur chuckled softly. "It may seem that way, but I believe in honest intentions. If they're content where they are, I won't press further."

Thoren's amusement persisted as he nodded his head. "Very well, Lord Arthur. If you can persuade him to your cause, I will grant my permission. Let's see if you can persuade that rascal. Hahaha"

As the conversation continued, Thoren then told Arthur that he might still be able to meet his apprentice at his current construction site if he left now. Arthur on the other hand couldn't help but wonder about Thoren's unexpectedly positive reaction. Was it the effect of his [Persuasion] Talent?

With the conversation's conclusion, Arthur stood up, "I'll await Trosty City's response at Dawn Light Village by tomorrow. Please send word of your city's choice."

Thoren nodded, and with a mutual understanding, Arthur and Eamon turned to leave the Thoren's home. But before they leave, Eamon used his [Visage Transformation] again, to transformed Arthur's appearance.

With the transformation complete, Arthur and Eamon left Thoren's house and made their way to the construction site, where Thoren's disciple was hard at work.

...

~clank, clank, clank

As they arrived at the site, the surroundings were filled with the sounds of hammering, clinking metal, and focused voices, showing the dwarves' craftsmanship. Arthur found himself immersed in a world of skillful artistry. Dwarves, engrossed in their tasks, worked diligently on intricate projects.

Soon, amidst the clatter of tools and the energetic hum of labor, they spotted a young dwarf engrossed in his work drawing a blueprint.

Arthur cleared his throat lightly, catching that dwarf's attention. "Excuse me, young man. are you Kroos Copper?"

Kroos glanced up from his work, surprise and curiosity flitting across his features as he saw Arthur and Eamon. "Yes, can I help you, dwarf?" he asked.

Arthur offered a friendly smile, taking a step forward. "Greetings. My name is Arthur," Arthur's voice was composed, and his gaze met Kroos's with an intensity. "Thoren and I had a conversation."

Kroos's brow furrowed slightly, "My teacher? you know him, dwarf?"

Arthur nodded affirmatively. "Indeed, I have some agreement with your teacher."

Arthur's smile remained warm and genuine. "I'm here to explore the talents of this city, and to seek individuals whose skills and abilities could contribute to my village's growth."

Then, Arthur took a moment to inspect Kroos' personal information.

[Name: Kroos Copper]

[(Demi)Epic-Class: Apprentice of Grand Architect]

[Strength: Blue-Low Tier]

`Good!` Arthur was relief as he saw Kroos' personal information.

Later in that moment, Kroos who looked confused then gave a response to reject. "I'm sorry, dwarf, but I'm not interested in--"

~Swossh

[Prompt: Individual Persuasion has been activated]

[Target: Kroos Copper(Blue-Low Tier), 100% Base Chance to instigate]

Before he could finish his rejection, Arthur smiled as he activated his talent and then said, his voice in persuading tone. "We need talents like you, please consider carefully, because it determines your future."

Kroos's expression underwent a remarkable transformation. The uncertainty that had clouded his features seemed to dissipate, replaced by a newfound clarity. His shoulders relaxed, and he met Arthur's gaze with a sense of renewed purpose.

"Of course, my Lord," Kroos's voice held a note of conviction, "I pledge my allegiance to you, dwarf."

~ding

[Kroos Copper has become your subject.]

[Name: Kroos Copper]

[Race: Dwarf]

[(Demi)Epic-Class: Apprentice of Grand Architect]

[Strength: Blue-Low Tier]

[Skill: Masterful Blueprinting(Blue-Low Tier), Materials Expertise(White-High Tier), Aesthetic Design(White-High Tier), Infrastructure Planning(Blue-Low Tier), Spatial Optimization(White-High Tier), Legacy Design(Blue-Low Tier)]

[Loyalty: 100(Temporary)]

[Background: Kroos Copper, a determined and skilled artisan, had forged his path under the mentorship of the renowned architect Thoren. As Thoren's disciple, Kroos harbored aspirations of surpassing his master's legacy, aspiring to become the foremost architect across the vast expanse of the Main Plane.]

As Arthur had achieved his goal, without waiting any longer, Arthur, Eamon, and their new architect, Kroos prepared to leave the construction site.

However, ...

their movements were abruptly interrupted by a sudden hush that rippled through the construction site like a wave, leaving only an eerie silence in its wake. The dwarven workers, engrossed in their tasks, froze in place. The clatter of tools ceased, and all eyes turned to the entrance of the construction site. Arthur, Eamon, and Kroos followed their gaze, their expressions turning tense as they saw a contingent of city guards marching toward them.

The guards, clad in polished armor adorned with the emblem of Trosty City, moved. Their stern expressions and coordinated steps conveyed authority and a sense of urgency. As they approached, a senior-looking guard stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"By order of the City Lord," the guard's voice boomed, carrying over the stunned silence, "all construction activities in this site are to cease immediately. We are searching for an individual who has been reported to be in this vicinity."

~Swooshh

`Thoren what have you done?!` Arthur eyebrows knitted together as he thought why the city guards were suddenly looking for him.

...

Few moments ago, In the opulent Lord Manor of Trosty City.

The atmosphere was tense with urgency. Thoren, his expression marked by determination, stood before his lord, making a fervent plea. "My lord, please understand the gravity of the situation! We're facing an imminent threat from Moon Frost City. In just two days, they'll be upon us, and without preparation and an alliance, we won't stand a chance."

Thoren's words hung in the air, his eyes pleading for his lord's comprehension. But his lord's response was far from what he had expected. The lord's expression remained impassive, as if Thoren's words were mere trivialities. "Thoren, you always exaggerate matters. There's no need for your panic."

Thoren's frustration was palpable as he tried to reason. "But my lord, this is not a matter of mere panic. Our city is on the brink of destruction, and we must act swiftly to protect our people."

His lord's eyes narrowed, and a thin smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Ah, Thoren, always the worrywart. You might still haven't known this yet, but earlier, a representative from Moon Frost City graced our halls with a proposition."

Thoren's heart sank at the mention of Moon Frost City's emissary. His voice strained, he asked, "And what was that proposition, my lord?"

The lord's smile grew, a mixture of arrogance and amusement. "They've offered us a simple choice, Thoren. Submit to their rule, and Trosty City will be spared."

Thoren's eyes widened in disbelief, his disappointment palpable. "My lord, you can't be serious! To surrender our city and lose our freedom?"

The lord's laugh rang out, a hollow sound that sent shivers down Thoren's spine. "Oh, Thoren, you're too naive. Think about it. If we submit, our city remains intact, our people unharmed. What more could we ask for?"

Thoren's heart pounded, his frustration boiling over. "By then we will be enslaved, my lord! Submission is not a choice, it's surrender, behavior that only cowards do!"

Just as Thoren's pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears, a sudden shadow materialized beside the lord's seat. A woman of snow-white beauty emerged, her aura playful yet dangerously enchanting. Her voice was like a melodic whisper as she spoke, addressing Thoren. "Oh, how entertaining. Trosty City's finest architect displaying such passion. Tell me, dear Thoren, where can I find these people who have given you such high hopes to think that your city can win against us?"

Thoren's blood ran cold as he looked at the woman, recognizing her race as one from the Frost Moon City. But his face still had a stern look, as he said, "I-I won't tell you anything."

With a playful smile on her face, she then said, "Oh, are you sure? even if all your family will be killed?" The threat was clear in her gaze.

Thoren knew he had little choice. He swallowing hard, he stammered out the information, his voice laden with defeat. "No, please don't! They... they were at my construction site."

The lady's playful smile deepened into something far more sinister. "Very good, Thoren. You've been quite helpful. Now, I suggest you return to your home. We'll handle the rest."

Thoren's shoulders slumped, a sense of resignation settling over him. He had taken a stand for his city, but it seemed that fate had other plans.