Chapter 10

"Wintermorne, how did Gil convince them this was a good idea, not that I hate it?" he thought to himself as he was entered the village, though this time guided by an excited Elyssara who brought him to the town hall where he sat with the returned village chief and the current chieftain.

After thanking him for his efforts he interrupts him and expresses that while he's here to help, he was not planning on forcing any change upon them.

Wanting those who operated in the leadership roles to continue as they had while advising and informing from time to time.

Surprising himself with how his words sounded, he even offered them a chance to choose a different leader now that the rest of their people could return home, though they were happy to have things as they were.

"The mayor, Mr Kord and the mayoral advisor, Ms Neya were surprised to find that it was a human that came to help us. They had the entire village in a frenzy as if we were holding a festival" Elyssara, answered Winter who had worn a somewhat distracted look through the entire meeting.

"Ahh...I really hope they don't go that far for me"

"How would you welcome someone who was done you a great service into your home?"

"..."

"Exactly. Now I hope you find this space quite comfortable. I had Julia prepare it as warm as possible, she seemed eager to ensure that you don't end up freezing through the night"

"I'm glad to hear she was okay"

"A little rattled after almost being killed by the Ashen Serpent, but all things considered she is in good health. And to my dismay, she cannot help herself but recount the tale of her 'hero' coming to her aid to any ears willing to listen." she said with a disappointed sigh as she walked over to the door.

"Hold on, if you have a second, you mind if I ask you a few things?"

"Ohh?"

The town of Wintermorne is inhabited by WhiteWolfs, beast-men who also appear quite similar to humans aside from their canines like fangs, ears, fluffy tails and claws.

Winter asked her more about the town, as he had very little knowledge of the lands outside the Configuration, as far as he knew the city he found himself in was known as Yutiern.

Elyssara explained that Wintermorne was greatly coveted as it was the only known place where one could mine Sky ore.

An incredibly rare, lightweight, nearly indestructible and desired metal found in abundance within the caves around the town.

When it became infested with the Plague Walkers due to the Ash serpent lair being disturbed by excessive mining efforts, all interest was abandoned, and the town was largely ignored, leaving the citizens to fend for themselves by sending their men's and children to work below the mountain.

However, since the plague began, the infected inhabitants were quarantined out of fear by the Kingdom, while those that were still unaffected left to find work.

Since it would be sometime before all of those who had left would return, he knew that it would be important for the town to start supporting its citizens as soon as possible.

Making his first request, despite initially avoiding his duties as a ruler, for the people to restart the mining of Sky ore as soon as possible while he travelled down to the Antikytheorem Configuration.

"What do you plan on doing while you're there?"

"Finding a way to rebuild the town. The Configuration will most definitely have jobs available. Once we can afford to pay for additional workers and equipment, the amount of ore we can sell will go up the town will be able to use the money coming in for better infrastructure."

"Is there anything I need to be doing, specifically I mean?" she felt a little confused with how quickly he changed his tune.

"...Hmm, until I return you might have to help out the mayor and anyone else that might need assistance."

"Great then I'll let them know that we're heading out"

"Sure, that works. We can head out tomorrow...hang on, we—" the door shut behind as she left, presumably to begin preparations for their trip