Date: Unspecified Time: Unspecified Location: Myriad Realms, Lil. Red Storm, Seed World, Trophy Section, Duel Realm, Crafting Sector, Venue: Chaos Dwarven Forge.
"Holy shit! This started out a little slow, but it turned into the best crafting duel I've seen all year."
"Right? We're lucky we got to see an Elder Chaos Dwarf in action. Even though it was just a corpse puppet duel, it made these overpriced tickets totally worth it."
"Forget the tickets! A Demon Emperor beat an Armixian devil corpse puppeteer and then drew against an Elder Chaos Dwarf in a corpse puppet duel. This duel is definitely going to blow up on the Duel Realm Network."
"Yeah, but you've got to admit, the odds weren't exactly in their favor—thanks to the dumb Chaos Dwarf they chose to represent. However, it makes their lose more deserving."
"Hey, why's everyone crowding around that unknown demon merchant's section?"
"Isn't it obvious? He introduced a whole new way to craft a Frosling corpse puppet. And judging by how flawlessly it performed in the duel, people want to learn everything they can about it."
"You're thinking too small, my friend. It's not just about learning the technique—they want to own that crafting print. It's priceless."
"Priceless? Come on, I know it's impressive and all, but you're blowing it out of proportion."
"That's why I said you're short-sighted. Do you even realize that Froslings and Snow Elves are practically the same species, just from different native worlds? Do you see where I'm going with this?"
"Wait, hold up—holy shit. You're saying that demon merchant just figured out how to craft a Snow Elf corpse puppet without messing up their soft and supple physique? Damn, that's every necrophiliac's dream!"
"…Buddy, are you a necrophiliac?"
"Ahem—no! Of course not!"
"Anyway, it's not just necrophiliacs. Every corpse puppeteer out there is going to want that version of a Snow Elf puppet. There's so much money in this that the unknown demon merchant could be in the top 20 percent of the wealthiest across the myriad realms within a few decades."
"Assuming he lives that long and doesn't get killed for the crafting print."
"Thanks, brother. I was starting to feel jealous of that demon merchant, but now I feel this weird sense of satisfaction."
"Still, I don't think he's in too much danger. The Elder Chaos Dwarf is heading his way. If he's smart, he'll turn this into an opportunity and make a deal."
"Damn it, that should've been me!"
"We won! Master Crafter, we won!" Dulas shouted, her voice full of excitement as the judges officially declared the unknown demon merchant the victor of the duel.
Biore's lips twitched into a reluctant smile. Though he wasn't thrilled that Moon had stolen his spotlight, he couldn't deny the satisfaction of the win. It wasn't every day he got to stick it to his family, after all.
Wyatt gave a small nod, his eyes following Moon as she returned to his side, bowing her head in apology. "Sorry, Master Crafter," she said quietly, her voice tinged with genuine regret.
Wyatt gave her a reassuring look and waved off the apology. "It's alright. You did well," he said, his tone calm and approving. She'd done everything she could to secure the win for him, after all. Plus, it was Bigold who had paid for it all.
He turned his gaze to Biore, who was watching them closely, and said, "Hand over the authority of the corpse puppet to Moon."
Biore clenched his fist, his fingers curling in reluctance. The corpse puppet wasn't just a tool of combat for him; it was a chance to expand his craft. There was so much he could learn from it, and the idea of giving it up was a bitter pill to swallow. He knew it wasn't right to covet something that wasn't his, but the temptation gnawed at him.
Dulas, noticing her uncle's internal struggle, stepped in with a soft smile. "Uncle, it's okay. You can borrow mine."
Biore looked at her, grateful for her understanding, his features softening. With a sigh, he relented and passed the authority of the corpse puppet to Moon.
Wyatt nodded in approval, then spoke, his voice firm but appreciative. "I've transferred the master key of the corpse puppet to you two as a thank-you," he said, handing the puppet over to Dulas and Moon. It was a gesture of gratitude for their help, and also a subtle reminder to Biore: he wouldn't hesitate to reward merit. While Dulas was naive and easy to manage, Biore was another matter—scheming and calculating. Subduing someone like him wouldn't be as simple as it had been with Dulas.
"Thank you, Master Crafter," both Dulas and Moon said, their voices full of gratitude. They bowed their heads, their respect for Wyatt clear in their expressions.
"Alright, let's get out of here. If you guys are free, feel free to join me to check out the workshop I just won," Wyatt said, extending the invitation to all three of them while glancing at the growing crowd swarming around his section of the colosseum, eager for his attention.
Biore and Moon exchanged a quick look before nodding almost immediately. They both had their own reasons for wanting to get to know the unknown demon merchant better. "Yes, we'll come. Thank you, Master Crafter," they responded in unison, their voices polite but eager.
Dulas hesitated, her expression shifting with a hint of reluctance. "I'm sorry, Master Crafter," she said softly, her gaze dropping. "My shift isn't over yet."
Biore, sensing her hesitation, quickly stepped in with a warm smile. "Dulas, I'll help you take a half day off. Just come with us," he offered, his tone persuasive. He needed her by his side as knew that unknown master crafter had a soft spot for her, something he could use to his advantage.
But before Dulas could respond, a familiar voice rang out, sharp and cold. "You don't need to worry about taking a day off. As of today, you both are disowned by the family."
The words hung in the air, freezing the both they young chaos dwarfs in their tracks.