Chapter 116: Male and Female Dwarves

Late at night, red eyes flickered throughout the forest like lanterns.

"Hurry up and dig! Master wants the traps ready before dawn!"

The werewolves dug swiftly. Gifted with natural night vision, the pitch-black surroundings did not hinder their movements in the slightest.

Though the task was immense, thousands of werewolves working together completed it remarkably fast.

At daybreak, the werewolves, covered in dirt, returned to the ancient castle.

"Master, the traps are all set," they reported to Lin Lei, who was brushing his teeth.

"So soon..." Lin Lei spat out a mouthful of water. "Any injuries?"

"No," the werewolves replied excitedly. "The dwarves have retreated. No one interfered last night."

"Naturally. All dwarves love the 'Adventurer’s Guide.' Why would they disturb you?" A cheerful female voice came from behind Lin Lei. "Our clan treasures three things above all: fine wine, treasure hunting, and adventure."

Lin Lei turned around. "Lady Iluvita, thank you for your cooperation."

Behind him stood the lord’s wife, who had proactively suggested testing the dwarves through the 'Adventurer’s Guide' method.

He knew well that treasure hunting was a dwarven passion. Years ago, his brotherhood had even dared to raid the elven royal palace—proof of their fanaticism.

What surprised him was the dwarves’ interest in the adventure gameplay of a mere book. Had Lady Iluvita not reminded him, he might have missed out on such an excellent game.

"But, Lady Iluvita, why are you so cooperative with me?" Lin Lei asked, somewhat puzzled by her unexpected willingness.

Iluvita laughed boldly. "I want to change men."

Unlike many other races, dwarves were not bound by strict notions of fidelity. In fact, they were remarkably carefree; the average dwarf divorced twice in a lifetime.

This was rooted in their nature: female dwarves favored strong partners for adventures, often testing prospective mates through daring expeditions.

"My husband used to be the strongest and most skilled treasure hunter nearby when young, but ever since he became the lord, his charm vanished," Iluvita said with dissatisfaction. She craved a man with an adventurous spirit, someone to explore the world with, sharing passionate exploits. Yet the chosen husband had betrayed her.

She saw this as an opportunity to select a new man she truly desired.

"Are you sure there will be stronger dwarves to challenge for you?" Lin Lei asked curiously, unable to see what made Iluvita more attractive than other dwarven women.

Still, Iluvita was indeed considered a great beauty in dwarven society, and more than that.

Female dwarves enjoyed choosing male dwarves, and vice versa.

"I am strong, and now I’ve been kidnapped by the Demon King," Lady Iluvita shot Lin Lei a seductive glance. "Those dwarves are going to be thrilled."

Male dwarves loved a challenge; conquering such a woman earned immense respect among their peers.

As the lord’s wife and now abductee of the Demon King, Iluvita was like a rare alpine flower, and by actively tossing out the ball, no dwarf could resist her temptation.

In the dwarven town.

"Got it! Got it!" An eagle swooped from the sky, clutching a book in its talons before transforming back into an elf. "I’ve been to several towns, but I finally bought this book."

Other elves gathered around to see a thin booklet.

"The Adventurer’s and Demon King’s Code of Conduct."

"Yes, this is the one."

"Why is it so small?"

"Fools! It contains only the rules, of course it’s small!"

The elves discussed the 'Adventurer’s Guide.' They had resolved to follow its rules to rescue the lord’s wife. The dwarves seemed to hold this book in high esteem. If the elves could save her using the methods within, they would earn the dwarves’ respect.

"Open it, let’s see!" The eager elves could hardly wait to begin the challenge. Skipping the preface and table of contents, they dove into the main text.

Rule 1 of the Adventurer’s Guide: The great Demon King cannot be challenged by just anyone; adventurers must pay a price to face him.

Below the rule were images of gold coins, gems, and various items.

These depicted the costs adventurers must bear; only those who pay the price may engage in a fair challenge.

"Wait, we have to pay money too?"

"This is outrageous!"

The elves clamored, while Sylvie, sitting nearby and cleaning her ear, said, "What’s the big deal? If adventurers don’t pay, which Demon King would bother to play fair with you?"

The elves considered this and found it reasonable: a Demon King willing to compete fairly would expect adventurers to share the costs.

"But we have almost no money left..."

"Yeah, we’ve spent it all."

The elves frowned. The outside world was too enticing; they had bought many items and specialties to show off back on the Sky Continent—now their funds were nearly depleted.

All eyes turned to Sylvie, who still had plenty of money.

"Don’t even think about it!" Sylvie refused immediately. These young druids had no idea how formidable their opponent was. She had no desire to participate—after all, the 'Adventurer’s Guide' was written by their young master.

Heaven help them; for adventurers to challenge the author of the guide was a death trap! The book contained countless snares and conspiracies only Lin Lei could wield. Sylvie didn’t believe anyone could clear it.

The elves looked disappointed, but not for long.

That very morning, news arrived from the Wolf Castle: the Demon King’s demanded price was food.

"What? Food? That’s easy!"

The elves’ eyes lit up. Each adventurer had to provide enough food for one person for a day—a decent amount. But the druids had many ways to procure food; this was far simpler than paying money.

They immediately began preparing food.

Meanwhile, the dwarven adventurers had already gathered provisions from home and paid their fees.

By noon, two large carts of food arrived at the castle. Werewolves in tattered hemp clothes surrounded the carts, eyes gleaming as they looked at the food, but no one dared touch it.

Lin Lei approached, took a piece of bread, then waved his hand. "My friends, the rest is yours."

"Yes, Master! Thank you, Master!"

The werewolves surged forward, eagerly dividing the food. Several female werewolves wept with joy.

They had been starving for days and were near collapse. Unexpectedly, their master had returned and immediately found a way to secure food.

Their master was truly extraordinary—resolving the war and providing sustenance.

The werewolves ate gratefully, but despite two full carts of provisions, with so many of them, each wolf only managed a few bites before the food was gone.

It was not enough to satisfy their hunger.