Chapter 112
Nille and Lin Yue continued walking at a relaxed pace until the familiar silhouette of the Rune Forge Merchant Guild came into view again.
Even from the outside, the building was impossible to miss.
The structure rose like a fortified industrial palace across the academy district, part merchant hall, part research hub, part controlled trade fortress. Its outer walls were forged from layered enchanted stone reinforced with interlocking metal ribs that shimmered faintly with rune circuits whenever sunlight struck them. Tall banners bearing the Rune Forge insignia hung from the upper levels, shifting slightly as if reacting to unseen currents of mana flowing through the structure itself.
But what made Rune Forge distinctive wasn't just its size, it was its design.
The interior was built around a massive open central atrium, similar to a multi-level shopping complex, but far more structured and controlled. Wide circular walkways wrapped around the hollow core of the building, connecting elevated merchant stalls, transaction halls, and specialized trade offices. Floating rune-signs hovered in midair to guide visitors, shifting direction depending on the flow of authorized access routes.
Below the upper walkways, the lower floors were arranged like segmented trade districts—each dedicated to different categories: alchemy supplies, artifact trading, enchanted equipment, contract services, and expedition logistics. Every section was separated not by walls alone, but by shimmering barrier fields that subtly controlled movement and restricted unauthorized wandering.
At the very center of the structure stood the open atrium void, a vast vertical space extending through multiple floors, like a hollowed-out cathedral of commerce. Hanging bridges, suspended platforms, and rotating transport rings allowed movement between levels, while enchanted lighting stones embedded in the architecture kept the entire space illuminated with a steady, daylight-like glow.
Normally, the Rune Forge Guild was alive with constant motion, merchants negotiating, adventurers browsing, students rushing between stalls, and hired guides directing traffic through crowded corridors.
But today felt different.
The atmosphere had shifted.
As Nille and Lin approached the entrance and looked inside, they immediately noticed the change.
The open floors were unusually controlled.
Merchant personnel from the Rune Forge Group stood at key intersections, subtly redirecting foot traffic and limiting free movement across certain sections. Some pathways that were usually open were now partially sealed with temporary rune barriers, forcing customers to follow designated routes rather than explore freely.
Even the central atrium, typically bustling with unrestricted circulation, had a more regulated flow than usual.
It wasn't locked down.
But it was disciplined.
Structured.
Controlled in a way that suggested heightened internal security or special operational protocols.
Lin tilted her head slightly as she observed the scene.
"That's new," she murmured.
Nille nodded once, taking in the layout with quiet focus.
The Rune Forge building was still the same in structure, vast, layered, and heavily enchanted, but its behavior had changed. Where there was once open merchant freedom, there was now guided restriction. Where there was once casual browsing, there was now quiet enforcement.
It wasn't chaos.
It was preparation.
And whatever Rune Forge was preparing for it, or was clearly already in the process , that is serious enough to alter the flow of one of the most active trade hubs in Yamatai Island.
As Nille and Lin continued deeper into the Rune Forge district, a staff member stepped into their path along one of the side corridors.
He was a Dwarf, short, broad-shouldered, dressed in reinforced Rune Forge work attire marked with the insignia of Nhulla Loresong's division. Beside him walked a Drow, slightly taller, lean-built, and visibly more composed than most of his kind seen in the city.
The moment the Drow's eyes landed on Nille, he stopped.
For a brief second, recognition replaced caution.
Nille also paused.
He remembered him.
The same dark elven man from the swamp castle operation in Sector 12.
The one who had desperately offered a clump of gold ore, begging for his wife and unborn child to be saved as their condition deteriorated under miasma exposure. The memory returned clearly, chaos, collapsing defenses, and the urgency of a life hanging by a thread.
Nille had intervened then without hesitation, using a low-tier purification and restoration sequence, carefully stabilizing both mother and child when others had already written them off.
Now, the outcome stood before him.
Alive.
Stable.
Recovered.
The Drow immediately placed a hand over his chest and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, benefactor."
His voice carried quiet sincerity, the kind that did not require repetition or explanation.
The Dwarf beside him also straightened, quickly recognizing the importance of the moment and following suit with a respectful nod.
"Master Nille," the staff member added formally, "the restoration results on the swamp casualties are still being documented. Your intervention stabilized more cases than initially projected."
Several passing Rune Forge workers slowed their steps, observing the exchange.
To them, it was another reminder.
Nille wasn't just a student walking through the guild's halls with unusual access.
He was someone whose actions had already changed outcomes in places most of them had never even reached.
And as Nille gave a small nod in return, acknowledging both the Drow and the staff member without ceremony, but the Dwarf casually asked the Drow to proceed toward the end of the hall in front of them and wait for him as the last door,
The Drow excused himself shortly afterward and continued down the corridor, leaving the Dwarf staff member behind. After making sure nobody else was close enough to overhear, the Dwarf lowered his voice and stepped slightly closer to Nille.
"Actually, Master Nille, there's a reason he's here."
Nille raised an eyebrow.
The Dwarf glanced around once more before continuing.
"His wife was among those selected to receive advanced treatment. The medical staff wanted to transfer her into a recovery capsule brought in from the mainland facility. It significantly increases recovery speed for both mother and child."
Lin listened quietly beside Nille.
"The problem," the Dwarf continued, "was that the fellow became anxious after hearing the transfer plans. He wanted to help move supplies and unconsciously followed the medical team."
The Dwarf rubbed the back of his neck.
"Truthfully... nobody noticed until he had already crossed over."
Nille immediately understood the implication.
The Drow had left Sector 12.
The Dwarf nodded.
"Head Merchant Ironbark only approved the transfer moments later, but by then it was already too late. The Dark Elf had already stepped through."
"What happened?" Nille asked.
The Dwarf's expression became slightly more serious.
"Nothing."
That answer surprised even Lin.
"No alarms."
"No containment warnings."
"No barrier response."
"Nothing at all."
The Dwarf lowered his voice even further.
"The island security enchantments should have reacted immediately."
Normally, unauthorized races, foreign entities, unknown creatures, and certain restricted beings would trigger multiple layers of Academy and Yamatai Island security systems the moment they crossed designated boundaries.
But the Drow had walked through without issue.
As though the system had already accepted him.
Or perhaps never recognized him as an intruder at all.
"The Head Merchant noticed that immediately," the Dwarf said.
"And?"
"He ordered the matter contained."
Nille wasn't surprised.
The Dwarf nodded.
"Master Ironbark doesn't want rumors spreading. As far as official records are concerned, the transfer was approved and properly documented."
Meaning the truth would remain buried.
At least for now.
The Dwarf hesitated briefly before glancing toward Lin.
"Forgive me, Master Nille, but should I really be discussing this in front of your companion?"
His tone wasn't hostile.
Only cautious.
After everything that had happened in Sector 12, information had become a valuable commodity.
Nille looked toward Lin for a moment before answering without hesitation.
"It's fine."
The Dwarf waited.
Nille smiled slightly.
"She's special to me."
Lin froze for a brief second.
The Dwarf immediately understood.
"Ah."
His expression became noticeably more relaxed.
"In that case, please disregard my concern."
Meanwhile, Lin remained unusually quiet.
A faint blush appeared across her cheeks as she looked away and pretended to examine a nearby display case.
The Dwarf wisely chose not to comment further.
Some things were obvious enough already.
The Dwarf seemed satisfied with Nille's answer, but he still glanced around the corridor one final time before lowering his voice further.
"Fortunately, none of the Academy professors have returned to inspect the site yet," he said. "Head Merchant Ironbark anticipated that possibility."
Nille listened quietly.
"We were given very specific instructions," the Dwarf continued. "Until further notice, only you, Master Nille, are to be granted unrestricted access regarding matters connected to Sector 12."
His expression became slightly awkward as he glanced toward Lin.
"No offense intended, young lady."
Lin smiled politely.
"None taken."
The Dwarf nodded appreciatively.
"It's simply that the Head Merchant wishes to keep the situation controlled. Too many people asking questions could create problems before proper agreements are finalized."
That much was understandable.
Between the Dark Elves, the mithril deposits, the castle settlement, the mining rights, and the unusual portal connections Nille had established, there were already enough secrets to attract unwanted attention.
The Dwarf shifted his weight.
"So we are hoping the young lady understands the sensitivity of the matter."
Lin immediately placed a hand over her chest before making an exaggerated motion as though locking her lips shut and throwing away the key.
"My lips are sealed."
The Dwarf blinked.
Then chuckled.
"That is reassuring."
Lin grinned.
"I know how to keep a secret."
"Better than most adults, I hope."
"Much better."
The Dwarf laughed again before relaxing noticeably.
"Good. Because if Head Merchant Ironbark discovers I was careless with confidential information, he'll work me twice as hard for the next month."
"Only a month?" Lin asked innocently.
The Dwarf groaned dramatically.
"You're right. Knowing him, probably three."
Even Nille found himself smiling slightly at that.
The tension surrounding the conversation eased, and after exchanging a few more words, the Dwarf gave them a respectful nod before continuing down the corridor to resume his duties.
As he departed, Lin glanced toward Nille with amusement still lingering in her eyes.
"Special to you, huh?"
Nille immediately realized what she was referring to.
Unfortunately for him, her smile only widened.
And judging from the look on her face, she had no intention of letting him forget it anytime soon.
The Dwarf gave them a final nod before casually continuing on his way. From the sound of his conversation with the Drow, they were heading toward the medical transport section to retrieve one of the recovery capsules before returning to Sector 12.
Nille watched them leave before turning toward the direction they had originally come from.
Lin followed.
A few moments later, they arrived at a large reinforced elevator situated near the rear section of the merchant complex.
The moment the nearby guards spotted Nille, they immediately stepped aside.
"Master Nille."
The guards saluted respectfully.
Neither of them asked for identification.
Neither requested authorization.
One of them simply activated the elevator and opened the security gate.
Lin couldn't help noticing the difference.
Most visitors were required to register before entering the lower levels.
Yet Nille was passing through without even being questioned.
Again.
She wanted to ask.
Very badly.
But another thought remained stubbornly lodged in her mind.
She's special to me.
Her cheeks warmed slightly.
Nille either didn't notice or pretended not to.
The elevator doors closed.
Then slowly began descending.
First basement.
Second basement.
Third basement.
The deeper they traveled, the more Lin noticed something unusual.
There were fewer staff on the upper floors.
Much fewer.
As though a significant portion of Rune Forge's workforce had been relocated somewhere else.
The question was already forming on her lips.
Then the elevator doors opened.
And she forgot what she was about to ask.
Lin stared.
The entire underground level was in organized chaos.
Workers moved everywhere.
Massive carts loaded with gold ore rolled across reinforced pathways.
Crates filled with supplies were being transported in every direction.
Stacks of lumber.
Construction materials.
Food supplies.
Mining equipment.
Medical resources.
Mana batteries.
Barrier components.
Portable housing kits.
Everything seemed to be moving at once.
And at the center of it all—
a large stabilized gateway shimmered with blue-white light.
People continuously entered and exited through it.
Lin's eyes widened.
"That's..."
A portal.
A real portal.
Not a short-range transportation spell.
Not an illusion.
An actual stable gateway.
Dozens of workers emerged carrying freshly mined ore.
Others pushed empty carts through the opening.
Entire teams of Dwarven laborers moved with energetic efficiency.
The atmosphere felt less like a merchant warehouse and more like a frontier settlement being established in real time.
Nearby, several workers were openly talking while loading supplies.
"I still can't believe it."
"Believe what?"
"The size of that vein."
The older Dwarf shook his head.
"I've worked mines for forty years. Forty years. I've never seen anything like it."
His companion laughed.
"Head Merchant nearly passed out when the first samples came back."
"Can you blame him?"
The Dwarf pointed toward a nearby container.
"Look at that."
Inside were chunks of ore glittering with silver-white traces.
"Mithril."
"Not traces."
"Actual veins."
The second worker grinned.
"Master Nille handed Rune Forge a fortune."
"A fortune?"
The first Dwarf snorted.
"Lad, if the deeper scans are accurate, that mine could keep producing for decades."
Another group nearby joined the conversation.
"And that's not even the best part."
"What is?"
"The vein doesn't end near the castle."
Several workers exchanged excited looks.
"The survey teams tracked it further."
"Way further."
One of the engineers lowered his voice dramatically.
"Toward the mountain range."
That immediately attracted attention.
"The deep mountains?"
"The same ones."
A younger worker whistled.
"That's Sector 12 dragon territory."
The engineer nodded.
"The isolated domain."
"The place nobody wanted to touch."
"The place everyone thought was nothing but death and Malignants."
Another Dwarf laughed loudly.
"Turns out there was a mountain-sized fortune hiding underneath it."
The group erupted into cheerful laughter.
Elsewhere, construction teams continued moving materials through the gateway.
Lin watched as an entire prefabricated building section was carried through.
Then a water purification system.
Then agricultural equipment.
Then more barrier generators, and weapons and security to stop a army.
It looked less like an expedition and more like the foundation of a future settlement.
One passing Dwarf carried a clipboard while speaking excitedly to another.
"Castle perimeter expansion starts tomorrow."
"Already?"
"Master Ironbark wants permanent infrastructure."
"That fast?"
"Why wait?"
The Dwarf pointed toward a nearby crate.
"We're already receiving mining returns."
"Every hour we delay is lost profit."
His partner laughed.
"Spoken like a true Rune Forge employee."
Lin slowly turned toward Nille.
Then toward the portal.
Then back toward Nille.
Suddenly, the missing staff on the upper floors made perfect sense.
And so did the unusual treatment he kept receiving.
Whatever had happened during the last few days, it was clearly far bigger than ordinary Academy business.
Far bigger than a student expedition.
Far bigger than a simple resource discovery.
And judging by the smiles on the faces of nearly every Rune Forge worker present, Master Rume Ironbark might very well be having the best days of his entire career.
Nille and Lin were only a few steps away from the stabilized gateway when a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind them.
"Oi! Nille!"
Both turned.
A grin immediately appeared on Nille's face.
Walking through the busy underground facility was none other than Jose Cruz.
Several animals followed closely behind him—a pair of large forest hounds, a long-tailed mountain fox, several brightly colored birds perched on a portable frame, and a collection of smaller creatures that seemed completely comfortable moving through the crowded warehouse.
But what caught Nille's attention first was a blur of fur racing toward him.
"Mrow!"
The Lakivot cat launched itself through the air.
Nille barely had time to react before the oversized feline landed squarely against his chest and began rubbing its head against him aggressively.
"Easy."
The cat ignored him entirely.
Lin laughed as she watched the creature immediately claim Nille as its property.
Jose finally caught up a few moments later.
"You spoiled the thing."
"I barely did anything."
"That's what everyone says."
Jose shook his head before extending a hand.
The two exchanged a quick handshake.
Unlike many people Nille had met on Yamatai Island, Jose carried himself with an easy confidence that felt natural.
More importantly, Nille somewhat knew why he was here.
Jose wasn't merely visiting.
He had been recruited.
Specifically by Rune Forge.
And the reason stood quietly behind his eyes.
Lampong.
The Guardian Anito residing within him.
A spiritual entity deeply connected to wild animals, forests, natural ecosystems, and living environments.
When Head Merchant Rume Ironbark learned about the condition of Sector 12's swamp ecosystem, Jose had immediately become valuable.
Extremely valuable.
The goal was no longer simply mining.
Rune Forge intended to rebuild.
Restore.
Stabilize.
And eventually establish a permanent trading outpost within the region.
That required healthy land.
Healthy water.
Healthy wildlife.
Something Jose and Lampong were uniquely suited to help achieve.
Jose nodded toward the gateway.
"Heading back?"
Nille was no longer surprised by any of it.
If there was one thing he had learned about Head Merchant Rume Ironbark, it was that the Dwarf moved quickly whenever opportunity presented itself.
Jose casually adjusted the straps of his equipment bag as they walked toward the gateway.
"Nhulla already explained everything I needed to know."
He tapped the rune-marked contract tube attached to his belt.
"Signed the enchanted non-disclosure agreement too."
Nille nodded.
That sounded exactly like Rune Forge.
Jose grinned.
"So you've got nothing to worry about."
His expression softened slightly afterward.
"Honestly, I'm just grateful for the opportunity."
Nille looked at him.
Jose shrugged.
"You know how rare it is for someone like me."
"Lampong's abilities aren't exactly useful in cities."
His eyes briefly followed several crates of medicinal plants being transported through the portal.
"But here?"
A smile appeared on his face.
"Animals."
"Forests."
"Wetlands."
"Sick creatures."
"Damaged ecosystems."
"This is exactly the kind of work I wanted to do when I first awakened."
For the first time in a long while, Jose genuinely looked excited.
Not because of money.
Not because of fame.
But because his abilities could finally be used for something meaningful.
Then Jose looked between Nille and Lin.
"Anyway, I already know why you're both here."
Nille remained silent.
"They hired you too, right?"
Nille didn't correct him.
There wasn't much point.
As far as most Rune Forge personnel were concerned, he was simply another contracted collaborator helping with the Sector 12 operation.
The details surrounding the mine.
The Dark Elves.
The Hydra.
The portal.
And the fact that much of this had started because of him—
those details remained carefully buried beneath layers of confidentiality.
And honestly?
That was probably for the best.
Nille glanced briefly toward Lin.
He hoped she understood why he wasn't saying anything.
Lin immediately caught the look.
Then smiled.
"Don't worry."
"I get it."
Jose blinked.
"Get what?"
Lin answered without missing a beat.
"That we're all working for Rune Forge now."
Jose immediately nodded.
"Exactly!"
Nille silently thanked her.
Lin merely looked amused.
Fortunately, Jose didn't seem interested in digging any deeper.
A few moments later, one of the Rune Forge supervisors approached.
"Jose."
The young man turned.
"We need you near the eastern restoration zone."
"The wildlife survey teams are waiting."
Jose nodded.
"On my way."
The supervisor left.
Jose gave the two a quick wave.
"Looks like work is calling."
"Try not to get eaten."
"I'll do my best."
Before leaving, he crouched beside a familiar feline.
"Luna."
The Lakivot cat looked at him.
Jose pointed toward Nille.
"You stay with him."
The large cat immediately ignored Jose and rubbed against Nille's leg.
"Traitor."
The cat remained completely unapologetic.
Jose laughed.
"See? This is why I don't trust her."
With that, he headed toward a waiting transport team moving deeper into the swamp restoration zone.
The moment he disappeared into the crowd, Luna immediately claimed her preferred position beside Nille.
Lin gently crouched and brushed a hand through the feline's fur.
Luna purred happily.
"She's been waiting patiently for you."
The cat's tail swished proudly.
Nille reached down and scratched behind her ears.
The purring became louder.
Lin smiled.
"I guess Jose couldn't leave her alone."
"Probably."
"Or maybe she refused to stay behind."
That seemed equally likely.
Luna looked entirely too pleased with herself.
The large cat leaned against Nille's leg as though confirming exactly where she intended to spend the rest of the day.
Lin continued stroking the animal's fur.
"She's gotten bigger."
"She has."
"And spoiled."
"Definitely."
Luna responded by flopping onto the ground dramatically and exposing her stomach.
Lin laughed.
"See?"
Nille couldn't argue with that.
Around them, workers continued moving through the portal carrying supplies, construction materials, and medical equipment.
The organized activity never seemed to stop.
Yet for a brief moment amidst all the movement, the two students and one very spoiled Lakivot cat simply stood together, enjoying a rare moment of calm before whatever came next.