Bear School Astartes

After understanding the kinds of challenges they would face and the consequences of failing to resolve them, the members of the investigation team sprang into action with astounding efficiency.

The overall plan devised by the Commander-in-Chief followed Lann’s tactical approach.

It didn’t aim to build a wall to block the Molten Mountain Dragon on its path.

Instead, it laid out continuous attack points along the way, causing the already aged Molten Mountain Dragon to feel fatigue and pain.

According to the Hunter Guy of the Dragon-man Race, the Molten Mountain Dragon originally had its own path, with a final destination where its energy could safely return to nature upon death.

Now it’s just confused by some ’thing,’ like a moth flying into a flame, heading in the wrong direction.

In general, its progress is merely governed by a weak and unsteady biological instinct.

As long as the investigation team inflicts enough strikes along this path, it will naturally abandon this route as it grows uncomfortable.

By that time, it wouldn’t matter if it chooses to die in the ocean or simply on land.

Even if its energy explodes upon death, it’s better than blowing up in the Earth Vein Corridor.

Dying in a normal environment is akin to igniting a pile of loose gunpowder in an open space; it could be seen as fireworks.

But if the Molten Mountain Dragon dies in the Earth Vein Corridor, it’s like pressing that pile of loose gunpowder into a confined space; it becomes a bomb.

After clarifying the battle plan, the convoy of the investigation team set up camp in the Great Ant Mound Wasteland, commencing work in full swing.

The technology in this world relies heavily on natural resources.

For instance, gunpowder and explosives are more conveniently made from powder herbs growing on the land than artificial gunpowder.

In this world, intertwining spider webs with ivy leaves easily produces a robust net.

The ammunition for hunters’ light and heavy crossbows consists of various natural plants, simply processed into different functions.

For example, using the unique shape of spiral fruits to make piercing bullets, and poisonous mushrooms for poison bullets.

This time, the investigation team had already brought all their resources.

Hunters are now dispatched everywhere, gathering supplies for future operations.

Collecting powder herbs, making healing potions, secret potions, rope ladders, nets, crafting crossbow beds from monster materials, transporting and assembling cannons...

There’s a need for people everywhere, and various materials are in constant demand.

The second group’s technicians are so busy they couldn’t leave the temporary forge.

They must produce crossbow bed ammunition, cannon ammunition, and various steel components.

But despite the busy situation, Lann went to the temporary forge to place an order.

The performance of [Murk] increasingly fails to match its original purpose of dealing strong blows to large monsters as Lann grows.

Although its current shape suits hunters’ longsword techniques, during battles with the Barbaric Jaws Dragon known as Fierce Claw and the Extinct Dragon, Lann twice couldn’t inflict the expected damage due to the sword’s inadequate weight and size.

If it wasn’t for his solid technique and extraordinary physique, the two tactical miscalculations would have led someone else to meet their maker.

Thus, with the upcoming battle against several Elder Dragons, he had to upgrade [Murk] to a reliable level.

And though expectedly busy, the second group’s leader personally took his commission due to an interest in Valerian Steel.

This was a week ago.

And today, Lann came to collect his item.

Surprisingly, he didn’t see the one-eyed uncle when arriving at the busy temporary forge; instead, his senior disciple managed the entire operation.

”If you’re here for that item, the master has opened a small workshop for himself to the west. He said if you arrive, go find him there.”

The senior disciple from the Forging District said this, but his expression was very complex.

Lann could understand the passion and dedication of high-level, demanding artisans when faced with a challenging task.

But this senior disciple now wore an expression of unwillingness and trepidation, as if yearning to complete the commission but unable to do so.

Lann originally planned to ask if he was unwell, but he impatiently waved his hands, urging Lann to leave promptly.

Making Lann think he had upset his stomach from a previous drinking session.

Following the senior disciple’s directions, Lann easily found the small solo workshop.

The small workshop starkly contrasted the nearby temporary forge’s rugged, wild style.

The second group’s leader, a one-eyed, bald man with skin reddened and blackened by the forge, and a large bristly beard, sat on a small stool by the workshop door.

Unlike previous impressions, this always energetic and bold uncle now showed clear signs of fatigue.

”Is my commission that hard?”

Lann walked up to him, not rushing to look inside the workshop but teasingly stood with hands on hips before the second group’s leader.

”You look as if you’re about to collapse.”

”Collapse?” The bristly beard twitched, showing a bitter smile. ”If you put it that way... perhaps.”

”Hmm?”

Lann raised an eyebrow, surprised.

He was casually teasing but didn’t think his commission would truly stump this great artisan.

And even if it did, with his generous yet stubborn nature, he wouldn’t admit it.

But right now...

Before Lann could ask further, the second group’s leader wearily raised his hand, pointing his thumb behind him.

The small, extinguished workshop inside was dim, but a few beams of light shone through cracks in the walls.

Dust danced in those beams.

And under the scant light, a large object leaned in the shadow of the workshop corner.

A dust-covered felt cloth draped over it, barely revealing its hard contours.

”If it’s solely about technical factors, after you explained Valerian Steel’s techniques to me, no hurdle could stop me. This alloy, in itself, has an extraordinary biological fusion, requiring no special treatment on my part. But...”

”But?”

The bold uncle, unusually hesitant, intrigued Lann further.

But the second group leader’s next words made Lann’s face suddenly stiffen.

This master smith, who had spent a lifetime around the forge, raised his bloodshot eyes, staring directly at Lann.

”Previously... you... with this sword’s predecessor... cut into something extraordinary...”

”Didn’t you?”