The Freed Slaves Are Obsessed

A miner’s worst enemy is heat.

Swinging pickaxes shoulder-to-shoulder in an underground pit turns it into a hellish furnace.

Sweat-soaked clothes grow unbearably sticky, and in the stagnant air of the mines, evaporating sweat only adds to the misery.

It’s common to see apprentice miners collapse from heatstroke after letting their guard down.

Freezing to death? That’s a problem for another world entirely.

Down here, they always crave the cold.

The cold.

A stronger cold.

A cold that chills to the bone!

For the dwarf miners, Ashies’ arrival was nothing short of divine intervention—her visit, a procession fit for a goddess.

In the middle of ongoing construction in the dwarves’ underground cavern, a crowd of dwarves gathered, each one wearing a helmet and carrying a pickaxe.

Karami stood in front of them.

“Everyone! Do you want to cool down?”

“Yes!”

“Your voices are too soft! Do you want to cool down?!”

“YESSS!!”

The cave erupted in cheers loud enough to shake the walls.

It was like watching uncles at a fan meeting for their favorite idol.

Pickaxes were raised high like glow sticks, and someone had already grabbed two, spreading their legs wide to dance.

“Now, Ashies! The people are desperate for you. Free them from the heat!”

Encouraged by the cheers, Ashies cast her magic. Snow fell, blanketing the heat of the underground, and she conjured massive blocks of ice, distributing them to the dwarves.

Some used the ice as makeshift beds, some as chairs, and others as pillows.

Ice cups were fashioned, and freshly procured ale was poured into them, completing the feast. The dwarves gulped down the perfectly chilled, slushy ale.

For dwarves, ale was as essential as water. Having a drink during work wasn’t an issue at all.

“Ahh! This is the life!”

Cries of bliss echoed through the cave as dwarves reveled in their icy paradise.

It was a sweet break—a luxury made possible thanks to Ashies.

“How are we supposed to work without the princess now?”

“Exactly! Who else would give us a break like this?”

“Should we bring in some wizard from outside?”

“Don’t even joke about that. Those bastards have the worst temper. Expecting anyone else to be like the princess would only make our heads explode.”

The dwarves had to admit it.

They were completely dependent on Ashies now.

The mere thought of a future without her left them in despair.

‘Perfect.’

And it was all part of Karami’s plan.

Skadia’s invasion was inevitable.

Defeating Skadia was the final hurdle to securing Ashies’ freedom.

The problem was that Ashies couldn’t take on Skadia alone. She was stronger than she had been in the game thanks to her soul-bound shackles, but their compatibility was poor.

Ashies excelled with her sword, but her ice magic—while powerful—was enhanced by Skadia’s blessing. Overcoming Skadia, the source of that blessing, wouldn’t be easy.

It was like trying to defeat a parent who gave birth to you.

The key to Ashies overcoming Skadia lay with the dwarves.

Like seven dwarves protecting a princess from her evil stepmother.

But not just seven. She would need the entire dwarven city of Doomheim.

Winning their favor now was a strategic move to prepare for the battle ahead.

‘We’re not there yet....’

He needed to deepen their loyalty further.

At least 90%.

What would be the best approach?

Karami was still scheming when—

Boom...!

A heavy tremor rumbled through the underground.

Ashies flinched and looked up.

“What was that? An earthquake?”

“I don’t know. It sounded like it came from the surface.”

“A surface tremor reaching this deep? What, did a dragon come down or something?”

“Haha! A dragon? Don’t be ridiculous. Why would a dragon come to Doomheim?”

“Right?”

While the dwarves brushed it off as a joke, Ashies’ expression darkened.

Her pupils darted side to side.

The aura was stronger than the Orc King’s.

Something that shouldn’t be here had arrived.

*****

Doomheim was an underground city, but its entrance was above ground.

True to the dwarves’ reputation as a race of master craftsmen, the fortress was built to be impenetrable, boasting magical turrets and fearless dwarven warriors. It was one of the greatest fortresses on the continent.

They had always laughed heartily at any invaders, confident they could fend off any assault. But this time, even the dwarves couldn’t help but tense.

Because it wasn’t just anyone—they were facing Skadia, the primordial dragon of frost. It was the most dangerous moment in Doomheim’s history.

And ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) standing in Skadia’s way was a single, tiny dwarf.

While dwarves didn’t officially rank their master craftsmen, it was tacitly acknowledged that this dwarf—Ulbram, also known as the Small Giant—was the strongest among them.

Though his small body appeared even more diminutive before the dragon, Ulbram’s aura carried a weight that demanded attention. He raised his head confidently and locked eyes with Skadia.

“What brings the Frost Dragon to Doomheim?”

“I have an item that needs repairing, descendants of Vargan.”

“Ho... For the great Frost Dragon to entrust us with repairs. I’m curious to see what it is you’ve brought.”

Skadia retrieved the enchanted mirror from between her scales. It was no bigger than a dragon’s claw but nearly as tall as a dwarf.

“This artifact radiates extraordinary power. What is its purpose?”

“It answers questions with the truth.”

“I see. We have a craftsman skilled in restoring magical artifacts. I’ll entrust it to him. Is there any other task you require of us?”

“Another task...”

Skadia paused for a moment, narrowing her icy-blue eyes.

“Do you know the princess of Frisean? The most beautiful woman in the world.”

“The princess of Frisean...”

Ulbram gazed at the ground, as if in deep thought, before answering.

“I’m afraid I don’t. If she’s as remarkable as you say, I would surely remember her. But since nothing comes to mind, I believe I have yet to meet her.”

“...Is that so? Or perhaps she’s hidden underground.”

Ulbram and Skadia locked eyes once more.

Neither flinched nor looked away.

It was Ulbram who broke the silence.

“How could I lie to the Frost Dragon? If you’re uncertain, you’re welcome to verify it yourself.”

“No need. If I enter, the ceilings will collapse. I’ll wait here. Bring me the mirror once it’s repaired.”

“I’m afraid it will take time to analyze its magical properties and gather the materials for repair. It won’t be ready today.”

“How long will it take?”

Ulbram stroked his beard thoughtfully before speaking.

“As a smith, I’d estimate at least a month.”

“That’s too long. Finish it within a week.”

“For a dragon who has lived through eternity to call a single month ‘too long’—I can’t begin to understand. But patience is necessary for quality work. Rushing could lead to failure. Please allow us the full month.”

Rather than groveling, Ulbram dared to negotiate. The other dwarves looked at him as if he’d lost his mind, but Ulbram stood firm.

“Fine. Since you beg, I’ll give you a month. However—”

Skadia lowered her head until her face loomed right in front of Ulbram. She exhaled, and frost settled onto his beard.

“If you’re plotting anything foolish, it would be wise to abandon it now. Otherwise, the dwarves will be erased from history.”

“I’ll take that to heart.”

Ulbram smiled gently, his face betraying no fear. Skadia snorted, seemingly deflated, and straightened her posture.

“To think the smiths who amazed even the gods are trembling over a mere mirror. Vargan would weep if he saw what you’ve become.”

“We’ll strive to improve.”

“Hmph.”

Skadia flapped her wings and soared into the sky, disappearing beyond the horizon in an instant.

It was as if a storm had passed.

Ulbram let out a long, heavy sigh.

*****

The roundtable chamber, located above Magmar’s Heart, was the site of an emergency meeting.

Gathered there were seven Meisters, regular dwarf citizens, and the ones at the center of this crisis—Ashies and Karami.

Ulbram relayed his entire conversation with Skadia, from the Frost Dragon entrusting them with the mirror’s repair to her search for Ashies.

Only the Meisters and Ferca had known the truth until now.

Upon learning the reality, the dwarves naturally erupted into chaos.

“What are we supposed to do about this?”

“What else? As sorry as I feel for the princess, we need to hand her over to the dragon. Do you want us all turned into ice statues?”

“But what about the ale slushies? The ice chairs?”

“Are you insane? We’re about to die, and you’re worried about ale?”

“What? ‘Just ale’? You elf-loving bastard disguised as a dwarf!”

The chamber descended into loud, chaotic bickering.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

“Order! Settle down!” 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Urugdarr slammed his metal gavel against the table, quieting the uproar. Though the shouting ceased, the tension lingered in the air like smoldering embers.

And it was no wonder.

Their kingdom—and their lives—hung in the balance.

It was like walking a tightrope that could snap at any moment.

Surveying the uneasy crowd, Ulbram spoke calmly, setting forth a proposal.

“Let’s see where everyone stands. Those who want to protect the princess from the Frost Dragon, raise your hands. Don’t worry about anyone else—be honest.”

Hands slowly began to rise.

Among the Meisters, Harglan and Urugdarr raised theirs.

As for the rest—about sixty attendees—only around ten raised their hands, most of whom were miners Ashies had previously helped.

“Next. Those who believe we should hand the princess over to the Frost Dragon, raise your hands. Again, no need to worry about appearances.”

This time, hands shot up all across the room.

Even Meister Hergen the Immortal Blacksmith and Turntu the Guardian of Steel—who had no personal ties to Ashies—raised their hands.

A miner who had treated Ashies like an idol mere hours ago now sat with his hand raised among them.

While Ashies had improved their working conditions, it simply wasn’t enough to make them risk their lives for her.

“No matter how you look at it, we can’t stand up to a dragon.”

“A dragon would swallow us whole in one bite!”

Though dwarves were bold, most were also cowards.

You could see it in their choice to live hidden in underground tunnels.

“Those who didn’t raise their hands will be considered neutral.”

The result was clear without even needing to count.

It wasn’t surprising. All Ashies had done was make their work environment more bearable—it was hardly enough to demand their lives in return.

All eyes turned to Ashies.

Only hours ago, those eyes had been filled with admiration. Now, they held fear and avoidance.

It was the same story as heroes who were celebrated one day and branded traitors the next.

Feeling the weight of those stares, Ashies unconsciously dropped her gaze.

“Then we’ll finalize the decision. It’s unfortunate, but an agreement is an agreement. Following the principles of the Ironblood Assembly, by majority vote, we will surrender the princess to the Frost Dragon—”

“Wait! Wait a moment!”

Just as Urugdarr prepared to bring down his gavel, Karami interrupted—no surprise there.

“I’m not disregarding your opinions. If I were in your position, I’d probably feel the same way. It’s a reasonable decision, and I respect it.”

The attention that had been focused on Ashies now shifted to Karami.

“But isn’t it a bit premature? From what I understand, we still have a whole month left. Isn’t that right, Ulbram?”

“That’s correct.”

Ulbram answered with a faint smile, as if he’d been waiting for Karami to step in.

“Give us a chance. One month. In that time, we’ll try to change your minds. If nothing changes after a month, we’ll go to Skadia ourselves.”

*****

The dwarves dispersed after the meeting.

Even as they left the chamber, heated debates continued, their voices echoing down the halls.

The roundtable room was soon empty.

Only Karami’s group and a handful of Meisters remained.

Karami gave a slight bow toward Ulbram.

“Thank you for helping us.”

“For what, exactly?”

“For the month. You deliberately bought us time, didn’t you?”

Karami was right.

Fixing a mirror like that wouldn’t take more than a few days if Ulbram truly wanted to.

And yet, he had lied to Skadia and extended the timeline as far as possible. Ulbram had also predicted how the dwarves would react.

“It wasn’t for you. It was my personal curiosity.”

Ulbram had simply wanted to see what Karami would do.

In a life-or-death situation, he wondered what kind of absurd method Karami would come up with to win over the dwarves.

“You seem pretty confident. Got a plan already?”

“I’ve got something. No idea how well it’ll work, though.”

“Care to share a hint? I’m dying to know.”

“Sure. But you’ll have to cooperate with my plan.”

Ulbram let out a dry laugh, shaking his head as if Karami was hopeless, but he still nodded in agreement.

Karami then revealed his one-shot strategy to captivate the dwarves.

“I’m going to create a fairy tale. A story so compelling that they won’t be able to resist helping a poor princess.”

The operation’s name—

“Plagiarist Fairy Tale Author in a Game World.”