Chapter 39: The Mainland War – Chapter 4

Succubus Homeland, The Dwarven underground city

 

Rex was lead through a passage past the statue of himself, he could feel the expectations of the dwarves. It put a strange pressure on him as he was lead to a large metal door coated in rust color paint. Guffrey Ironblood was written on the center of the door, below the insignia of the dwarven clan. This was stenciled over the rust paint using black-colored paint. The paint had a natural shine to it, this showed it was an acrylic-based paint.

 

This had just started seeing production in the oil refinery, it was only made by the succubi. Most paints were based on plastics, usually acrylic resin. They were divided into 2 general types, acrylic-based using chemicals, or latex using water. The pigments used were mostly the same between the two. Rex was now certain that Kira and the succubi had done all kinds of trading with the dwarves. He could see their products everywhere, the dyed cloth, paints, and stained glass.

 

The dwarf who was guiding them stepped off to the side and signaled the two guards, who pushed open the metal door. Borscht began padding his way through the door with Rex on his back as soon as it was open wide enough to allow his bulk. All of the doors had been large metal squares that were reinforced. Rex had to admit that this “Guffrey” had very good taste.

 

The bear and the boy walked into a large warehouse, which was not what Rex was expecting. Looking around he could see large amounts of metal being maneuvered around onto steel shelving. Large steel pillars were welded together and sheets held up the high ceiling. The space was larger than most gymnasiums and held various shapes of metal stock. Rex felt like he was suddenly transported to a modern construction warehouse.

 

Looking around he saw 20 dwarves who were hauling around carts loaded with various steel products and carrying them up and down step ladders. Each dwarf was able to comfortably carry 200-300 pounds up and down the steps. He suddenly came to a sharp realization, he knew why the dwarves had seen such explosive growth over the 6 years they had been here. It had to do with the starting line they had compared to a human.

 

With all of Rex's knowledge providing a path, even without an engine, they could compensate for that. This was because of the unity that the dwarves as a species had to have. The deeper underground you went, the higher the mana concentration you would find. This meant that all of the best magical ores were extracted from deep underground. This was also where all of the nastiest monsters could be found. They would sometimes creep towards the surface and were a constant threat to the underground races.

 

One of the main reasons that Rex was here was to try to learn more about the dwarves. Rex wanted to know more specifics about their customs and culture. Rex was looking at the various workers as he was trying to figure out which was Guffrey. Most of these dwarves had bright red hair and beards, Dora said she had bought them in lots.

 

“Oh, you have come!” An excited voice called that caused Rex to be stunned.

 

Looking over Rex saw the last thing he expected to be walking towards him. The first thing that Rex noticed was the shiny bald patch on top of his pale head. This was framed with long red hair pulled back into a ponytail. He had a ruddy complexion and a pair of glasses, and a clean-shaven face to show off his bright smile. His red hair was just showing the first signs of gray hair.

 

Looking over his dress it was a pair of black denim pants held together by a drawstring, he also wore a white cotton shirt that was held together by buttons. The aura he gave off was scholarly, and he had a natural charisma to him.

 

He is just like me before I died!

 

Rex realized this is why he felt close to the dwarf as soon as he saw him.

 

“Are you Guffrey?” Rex asked the dwarf, still in shock.

 

The dwarf turned slightly redder, as he laughed in embarrassed nervousness, rubbing the back of his head.

 

“That's right, they like to put my name everywhere.” He muttered.

 

Rex instantly felt a connection forming between himself and the dwarf when he saw this.

 

“I like to mutter too,” Rex muttered to himself.

 

“Sorry to make you come all the way here, I was actually in the middle of work.” Guffrey said slightly embarrassed. “Why don't we go to my office?”

 

Borscht turned his big fuzzy head and looked at Rex with some confusion.

 

“We follow wimp dwarf?” The bear asked him seriously.

 

Looking at Guffrey he saw that he was kind of overweight, and sweat could be seen on his clothes. He wasn't as comfortable as the other workers.

 

Rex felt his sympathy meter slowly being filled at the sight of someone so similar to him.

 

“Yeah, let's go find a place you can sit down,” Rex said with a refreshed smile on his face, sitting comfortably on the back of the bear.

 

Rex had found that none of the beastmen was anywhere near as comfortable as the giant white bear. It was 50% his sheer bulk and 50% the pure white fluff. This is what made Borscht the best beastman to ride. They did this because Rex had fairly poor stamina. Otherwise, he would be sweaty like Guffrey was right now. Living on an island near the equator, it was very hot most of the time. Rex had never seen snow before on the island.

 

Rex was lead back into the lobby past the statue towards a door off to the side. It was a much smaller metal door, and Rex instantly saw a problem. Looking down at the large white bear, he realized it was slightly too wide. Guffrey at first was just embarrassed about his name and insignia on the door, but now he realized he made a mistake suggesting his office. Guffrey was about to suggest a different room when Borscht spoke up.

 

“I squeeze through the gap!” Borscht announced as Rex felt his muscles flex under his bulk.

 

Rex looked at the low door frame in horror as the bear sprung forward, He barely had time to lay against the bulk. This didn't save him though, as the bear soon wedged himself into the door frame. As the bear was forced to thin itself, Rex felt showed into the door frame. Rex realized he was being used as a wedge, to reduce the friction on the bear.

 

Rex soon felt himself slide over Borscht's sweat pants wearing rump, and fell heavily onto the stone floor. Rex laid face down for a few moments, as he caught his breath, the door frame had squeezed the air out of him. Blue was currently vibrating at his wrists, it hadn't had time to catch him.

 

Borscht looked quite proud of himself, his fur deeply tussled from the door frame.

 

“See! Easy fit for bear!” He announced as he began fixing his fur.

 

“Are you alright?!” A panicked Guffrey called, as he scuttled over and began helping up Rex.

 

Rex was impressed with this kind dwarf, as he was pulled to his feet. Looking around he saw a much simpler room than he expected. The office could easily be walked across in 10 steps. A few dwarven chairs sat around a low desk. Blueprints that Rex had thrown carelessly in his books were meticulously copied and expanded upon. What once filled small sheets of paper were now large posters. Tools of all shapes and sizes could be seen on workbenches, and toolboxes were collected in the corners.

 

Rex saw ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and a couple of welders. Rex decided to completely ignore the various sets of chisels and the half-finished statue of himself in the corner. Since he had come to this world, he had constantly seen things that were beyond his comprehension. It all started with Kira's obsession with making monster figurines, so many little nightmares. Rex liked to call this innate ability his “Bullshit Filter,” or “Shit-colored lenses.”

 

Since he had met Guffrey, he had gotten a similar vibe to a certain beaver. Bob was also around when Rex had made the glasses for Welch. Rex suddenly realized that Bob had friends outside of work, people tolerated that crazy bastard?! Then he suddenly realized Borscht went drinking with the dogmen after work, the bear seemed to know his way around this place quite well. Even Kira must have come down here a few times...

 

What lazy bastards, the lot of them!

 

Rex got back from the refinery and immediately began researching! Some nights, he didn't even allow himself to sleep in his sheer excitement of new discoveries. Rex had to reach up and slowly wipe the tears from his eyes, these were the masochistic tears of a public worker. He was always building or designing some kind of machine, then researching mana so that he could make them better. The refinery sickened him to look at, that was because it could have been so much better if he knew back then what he does currently.

 

“I'm fine, sorry.” Rex put on his confident smile and wiped away his tears.

 

Guffrey was looking at the boy in deep sympathy.

 

Rex just smiled at him sadly, as he bent over and picked up the plastic container he had been holding.

 

“How about you take a seat, I have been excited to meet you!” The dwarf said trying to change the mood as he led Rex to a chair.

 

Rex was lead over to one of the chairs in front of the large desk and took a seat with his container in his lap. While the chair felt a little short, it was pretty comfortable. Guffrey walked over to a cabinet and began taking out a kettle and a glass jug of water. Moving back to the desk, he placed the items on the table and pulled out an enchanted hot plate that Rex normally used for mixing chemicals.

 

Rex watched the dwarf reach into his desk and pull out a box of tea leaves, he began to skillfully brew tea on his desk. Rex had done something similar before, using coffee with his co-workers. The normality of the situation was making Rex feel very nostalgic.

 

“I always think that the best conversations are had over a drink.” The dwarf said with a smile on his face as he waited for the water to boil.

 

“I don't know a lot about the dwarves.” Rex said in probing.

 

Guffrey smiled at him sadly, as he waited for the water to boil.

 

“I am not exactly the best example of my race.” Guffrey began to explain. “I have had all kinds of problems for as long as I can remember. I am the 4^th son of the clan head of the Ironbloods. It is something I can say that I never wanted.”

 

Guffrey began to load tea leaves into a type of mesh holder.

 

“I was born with problems breathing, the constant dust from the tunnels would irritate me. I was also born with exceedingly poor vision.” The dwarf calmly explained, as he lifted the lid of the kettle and placed the leaves in. “I was born as the weakest of my two brothers and two sisters. Later, I was commanded to lead a counterattack against some elves who had invaded the mountains that we lived in, and we were all captured.”

 

Guffrey stood back up and grabbed a set of glasses from his cabinet, before walking back to his desk and sitting down. Placing the glasses on the desk, he continued his story.

 

“I don't have the spine to want to take revenge, but I didn't want my fellow clansmen to suffer due to my incompetence. I wanted to thank you for freeing some of my clansmen.” Guffrey told him sincerely. “Living underground presents a whole series of problems, I am sure you can imagine some of them. Food is just one of them, I am sure I don't even need to go into the list of commodities you can't get normally.”

 

Guffrey began to slowly swish the tea around, as it began to release a really strong smell. Rex immediately knew this was an elven tea that Welch had begged Dora to get for her. Rex could often smell it coming from her house when she wasn't training.

 

“Each clan leader is the equivalent of a king, it is also a hereditary position. To the dwarves, this is considered proper. I have never been fit to fill this position.” Guffrey said with an embarrassed smile. “This is because I am too weak to be able to defend a proper dwarven settlement. I would be powerless against a high-tier monster. I would have no idea what to do about it, I could only use explosives in hopes of burying and deterring it.”

 

Guffrey reached into a drawer in his metal desk, and removed a small flask, pouring a half shot of liquor into the tea.

 

“As an island, there aren't many connections to the deep. This had made this a very safe region to mine in. We're also able to trade for any food or commodities that we need here.” Guffrey said as he grabbed the kettle full of tea and handed it to the white bear sitting in the corner.

 

Rex could only watch this with a touching expression.

 

He is so considerate!

 

Rex could only think this as he was handed a glass of tea, it was very well brewed.

 

“When I was captured by the elves, I was used as a butler for their children. Children aren't as intimidated by someone who isn't much taller than them. This isn't a long-term role though.” Guffrey said with a look of self-depreciation.

 

Rex took a sip of his tea sadly as he thought of his second childhood with Kira. He never thought he would have a gun-totting amazon as a childhood friend. She was so cute when she was younger. Rex found this tea matched his mood perfectly, it tasted somber.

 

“How did the gnomes and goblins come about?” Rex had been curious about this for a while.

 

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“Inbreeding as you call it, they were originally a mistake.” Guffrey explained as he took a sip of his tea calmly. “It is more common in the more isolated clans.”

 

Rex almost spilled the tea he was holding after that admission, but it got worse.

 

“Originally we treated them as a lower species, but they kept revolting. That is what lead to us treating them as relatives after so many generations.” Guffrey finished. “How did you come up with the refinery? It is way too big for one person to imagine, did you come from another continent?”

 

No good conversation can be one-sided, fortunately, Rex was prepared for this question. Kira had helped him prepare for situations just like this.

 

“I can build the entire refinery to fit on this desk, using just plastic and glass. Too often do we only think of making things smaller, that we ignore the idea of making it bigger.” Rex explained. “Take a piece of clay, for example, it is quite easy to shape it by poking it with your finger. Why can't we just make the finger bigger, and out of steel? Then we can use machines to simulate each of those movements. Now we are forming metal, as simply, as a piece of clay.”

 

Rex said this and took a sip of his tea. Guffrey smiled as if this was an excellent answer, his eyes shining behind his glasses.

 

“Bob was how I first learned about you, he pulled me out of the ocean when the boat crashed. He is quite a character, but he is a good friend.” Guffrey said. “After making so many sculptures, and hearing so many stories, I became curious about you.”

 

Guffrey pointed at a sculpture that had yet to be carved.

 

“The succubi wanted to make a commemorative statue celebrating the new weapons they have acquired. The whole island knows you are planning to fight against the elves.” Guffrey explained. “ They are not exactly quiet about anything.”

 

Guffrey put a sad smile on his face.

 

“I lead tens of thousands of my brethren into the elf's hands. I don't want revenge, but I also feel responsible for it.” Guffrey said sadly. “You probably don't realize how incredible it is that you can remove their collars so easily. I have never seen such a strange place before, nor have I heard of such strange concepts.”

 

Rex found the dwarf had an incredible ability to draw one into his pace, it felt like a natural charisma.

 

“If my brothers died, I would be forced to lead my people in the clans. No one knows better than me, just how incompetent I am.” Guffrey continued. “In the system that you envision though, the people get a choice in their leader. I often wonder if my clansmen would choose me to lead them if they knew what was going to happen to them?”

 

The dwarf took a drink of his tea and watched the steam rising off of it.

 

“I have lived long enough to see beliefs I once held be proven false. It is why I never discount anything I am told.” Guffrey took on a serious expression here. “If my ancestor Trogard Ironblood would be remembered for his dominance, then I would want to be remembered for my humility. Do you know why I wanted to meet you?”

 

“ I am honestly so surprised at how reasonable you are, I am still trying to process everything.” Rex said in honest admiration. “I also don't want to assume anything of your people.”

 

Rex felt like he had finally met a kindred spirit after so long!

 

“While I am a coward, the Ironblood name means something to the dwarves. We were one of the 13 great clans once upon a time.” Guffrey began to explain. “I want to free my clansmen, I also think this is beneficial to you. Have you thought of starting a slave rebellion in the elven lands?”

 

Rex had considered this idea, but it was harder to achieve in principle. It required infiltration and creating leaders, it was a lot harder of an approach. You had to have people on the inside and the outside.

 

“My little sister was captured with me, as an older brother, I need to do everything I can to free her. I even know where she was last being held, it has been 6 years though.” Guffrey had taken on a sad look when he talked about her. “I regret bringing her with me every day. I can't even begin to imagine what she has been through. If you can help me, then I can more than return the favor.”

 

Rex sighed out as he heard the dwarf's request, his personality made much more sense to him. The people who oftentimes seek out humility were the ones who lost everything due to arrogance. Few people know that the truly humble people are the ones who feel crushed by deep regret. It's only when you wake up from nightmares of past mistakes. You either fall endlessly, or you resolve to change. Very rarely is there another outcome, repeating a failing strategy and expecting different results is just insanity.

 

Looking at the dwarf, a sad smile crossed over Rex's face. What engineer didn't spend every single moment making mistakes? The only way to find the correct path was making mistakes, Rex would never fault anyone for the mistakes they made. He would fault them for not learning from them.

 

“Of course, I was also a brother once too. I can understand the feelings of a worried brother. I often wonder if my family is doing okay without me around.” Rex began “Why don't we spend some time talking about cooperation? I am also interested in learning more about the dwarves.”

 

Rex smiled as he sat back in his chair to get comfortable. Looking over his shoulder, he could see Borscht pouring tea from the spout into the air and lapping it up with his tongue. The bear beastman had a happy look on his face as he drank up the tea from the kettle.

 

“While Kira may not agree, I do think you should talk to Simbad about your idea of forming a nation.” Guffrey took on a very serious expression. “Simbad can no longer return to the beastmen with his newfound... “interests.” He also has quite a way with words.”

 

Rex just smiled and took a sip of his tea.

 

“So I found this incredible fungus, it is quite amazing. Would you like to take a look at it?” Rex immediately changed the topic to the container in his lap.

 

-

Several hours later...

 

Rex sighed as he rode the bear out of the mines, he had ended up there much later than he expected. Looking at the sky from the back of the bear, it was just getting dark. This meant Rex would need to hurry to the exchange if he didn't want to get left on the island, Kira wasn't here right now.

 

Guffrey had listened to the characteristics of the fungus and agreed to try to grow it. Those mushrooms had been nothing but a failure in Rex's hands. He wasted so much time for such small yields of the mushrooms, it had ended up costing him mana to grow them. This was not a winning strategy in the long run.

 

“Alright Borscht, take me to the new exchange.” Rex told the bear he was riding.

 

Suddenly a voice called out to him.

 

“Excuse me, Sir Rex. Can I get a few moments of your time?” A gruff but suave voice called out.

 

Rex felt a chill run down his spine and carefully massage his buttocks. It was a feeling that made Rex want to run and hide, as far away as possible. Turning to the source of the voice, revealed a tall and rugged figure.

 

A lion stood with a rugged appearance, this was due to the long golden mane dyed with streaks of gray. He had a smile that seemed able to reveal all of his perfect teeth. Scars dotted his body, but they did not detract from his image. He wore a white frilled shirt that revealed his chest, and black polyester pants that were tight and shiny. Golden details and embroidery were added onto the fabric that matched the lion's mane.

 

“Greetings, from The Pride of Men.” Simbad announced with a proud smile. “I hope you didn't forget about us.”

 

I wish I could forget...

 

Looking at the aging lion with a confident smile on his face, Rex felt incredibly uncomfortable inside.

 

“Was there something you wanted?” Rex asked from the back of the white bear.

 

“How cold, Charlice-Chan. You should come out here too.” Simbad called out behind him.

 

From the stairs behind Simbad, he could hear footsteps, they weren't dainty at all.

 

An elf began walking up the steps, his white hair was very striking. Followed by light blue eyes, and an ear-to-ear grin. The elf was also wearing a light blue lipstick that matched his eyes. He was wearing a corset, that had nothing to support, except his bulging pectoral muscles. Instead of a smooth stomach, he had washboard abs. A skirt worked to cover his hairy legs, with a pair of sandals covering his feet but exposing his hairy toes.

 

Gag! Cough! Cough!

 

“Another victim, whose breath I have taken away.”Charlice responded with a proud smile, flexing his large arms over his chest, his long white hair dancing in the wind.

 

What the hell is going on?! Kira, I need you!

 

-

Meanwhile...

Acid Island, Succubus HQ

 

Inside of a large natural cave structure formed on an island-dotted in deep green and blue pools. The succubi had converted it into a warehouse and rest station for any succubi traveling through the area. It had many amenities like natural hot springs, a spa, and manicures. This was also the training ground for Kira's personal guard.

 

It was all of the succubi who felt just like she did, a succubus was a warrior surrounded by enemies! They must be fierce in dealing with all enemies, lest they grow to become formidable threats. They were trained in firearms, explosives, and sabotage. Inside of a long hallway was a row of wooden doors, each one belonged to one of Kira's succubus warriors.

 

Boom! Crash!

 

A wooden door was kicked off its hinges and crashed into the stone wall. A leather-booted female foot quickly stepped on the ground. Kira stepped through the doorway on this foot with bags under her eyes, an enraged expression on her face. In her hands was a loaded rifle, that she quickly actuated the lever on, loading a round into the chamber.

 

“Leader Kira, What's wrong?” One of the succubi called through her open door.

 

“I have an uneasy feeling, I had it once before, and I didn't act in time.” Kira said with a serious expression, a scene running through her head.

 

A young Kira had just completed her first gun from her own design, she was so happy about it. Running towards Rex's lab with her prized gun held carefully over her head, she used her tail to open the door.

 

“Look! Look at my new gun!” Kira announced happily, but what she saw was an elf.

 

This elf was holding a gun of her own, it was one that Rex had originally designed, it looked like a tonfa.

 

“I will take a look in just a moment, I was just finishing explaining something.” Rex told her with a patient smile on his face, as he lightly patted Kira's head, then he turned his attention back to the elf.

 

“I should've just used my new gun and blown her head off back then! Only a fool doesn't act before it is too late!” Kira said in self-mockery.

 

“Leader Kira, what are you talking about?!” The succubus asked her in alarm.

 

“I will not make the same mistakes again! I have that exact same feeling as back then, Come Sisters! We go back to the island at once!” Kira called with determination.

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