Shimuin was the country with the largest population of dwarves on the continent. The expert artisans of the race were skilled and meticulous in their craft, and they despised living in bustling human cities like any other race.

Thus, the Shimuin royal family gifted an entire island to the dwarves as a dominion. In reality, it was to prevent other countries from snatching away the dwarves and to ensure the dwarves stayed in Shimuin. Whatever the reasons, the decision ended up satisfying both parties.

The Hammer Island, a paradise exclusively developed for dwarves, was an island chosen by the dwarves themselves and had been tailored to their preferences for centuries.

Every month, vast amounts of resources, such as beer, minerals, and blueprints for commissioned equipment, were transported to Hammer Island. The skilled dwarves on the island crafted the requested equipment to perfection and sent them back on the transport ships.

Normally, trade with dwarves happened in such a fashion. However, in rare, truly important cases, dwarves themselves boarded the ships and came to the mainland.

A fortnight ago, the finest dwarven artisans, those who could be considered master craftsmen, boarded a ship departing from Hammer Island to Shedor Island.

The Violent Tide Knights, representing Shimuin, led by Ortus Hyman, were all equipped with top-grade Exids. Exids boasted excellent performance and abilities, but they also required regular maintenance.

"Ten dwarven artisans and ten apprentices were aboard the transport ship. Only a total of twenty, but they could be considered the...