After the gunshots rang out, Merslin and his party took a moment to collect themselves inside the mountain lodge. They contemplated what the dwarves might be hunting and how close they were. Suddenly, the heavy sound of footsteps and the low growl of a snow leopard echoed from outside.
Aria (in a tense voice): "What is that? Someone's coming… That doesn't sound like just an animal."
Lisa (gripping her sword): "Whoever it is, we need to be prepared. Stay alert for anything."
The party took defensive positions, eyes locked on the entrance. As the growls drew nearer, their grip on their weapons tightened. Moments later, a dwarf appeared, carrying a freshly hunted beast and accompanied by a snow leopard. He was a sturdy figure, short but broad-shouldered with a muscular frame. A thick beard covered most of his face, and he wore a luxurious fur coat. Frost clung to his weathered face, evidence of the harsh winds he had braved.
Serena (whispering): "So that's a dwarf… His weapons look incredibly refined. But how will he react to finding us here?"
The dwarf stopped before the lodge, then pushed open the door. A gust of cold wind rushed in as he stepped inside. The moment he spotted the travelers, his expression stiffened.
Dwarf (startled): "Humans… in my lodge?"
The atmosphere grew thick with silence. He exhaled heavily, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. The snow leopard by his side remained poised, ready to act at a moment's notice.
Merslin (calmly): "We are travelers passing through. The weather turned harsh, so we took shelter here to warm up. We didn't know this place was in use. If we've caused any trouble, we apologize."
The dwarf narrowed his eyes, clearly weighing Merslin's words. He hadn't expected humans to be in his lodge, but Merslin's composed demeanor prevented immediate hostility.
Dwarf (after a pause): "Hmm… This lodge is normally used by me and my hunting companions. But on a day like this, it makes sense for anyone to seek shelter. I won't hold it against you."
He set down his game and gave his snow leopard a silent command to sit. Though still watchful, his posture relaxed slightly.
Dwarf (cautiously): "But understand that I have reason to be wary. This is dwarven territory, and humans rarely venture this deep into our lands—especially not when relations between our races have been… strained."
Merslin (nodding): "I see. We've come here seeking an alliance with the dwarves. We have no intention of waging war but rather wish to stand together against the looming threat of the Ancient Gods."
The dwarf listened carefully but did not immediately lower his guard. His eyes flicked toward Merslin's waist, where a weapon was holstered, but his attention quickly shifted to something else—Merslin's gaze lingering on his gun.
Merslin (curiously): "That firearm… It looks just as Baldorak described. Intricate craftsmanship combining black powder and precision engineering. It reminds me of the muskets from my world. May I take a closer look?"
The dwarf hesitated. He wasn't keen on letting an outsider inspect his weapon, but he doubted a human could fully comprehend its mechanics. After a moment of consideration, he nodded.
Dwarf (smirking slightly): "Hmph… You may look. But don't think you can handle it. These weapons are crafted for dwarves, and only we know how to wield them properly."
He handed the musket to Merslin, who carefully took it, feeling its weight and balance. The design was both familiar and foreign to him—similar to early firearms from Earth but with uniquely refined craftsmanship. He quickly grasped the mechanics behind it.
Merslin (analyzing it carefully): "This musket… It's exceptionally well-balanced, and the trigger placement is well thought out. May I fire a shot?"
The dwarf arched a skeptical brow, intrigued by Merslin's confidence.
Dwarf (watching closely): "Go ahead. But don't be too embarrassed if you miss. Dwarven firearms aren't meant for just anyone."
Merslin raised the musket, adjusting his stance naturally. He took aim and fired. The gunshot echoed sharply within the lodge, and the bullet struck its mark with pinpoint accuracy.
Dwarf (stunned): "What…? You actually hit it!?"
His disbelief was palpable. He had assumed no human could properly use a dwarven firearm, let alone land a precise shot.
Dwarf (genuinely impressed): "You… actually know how to handle a gun. That's not something I expected from a human."
Merslin smiled modestly and returned the musket.
Merslin (modestly): "I had some training in the military back in my world. But this weapon is remarkable—it's clear how much skill went into crafting it. I'm genuinely impressed."
The dwarf rubbed his beard, his earlier suspicion beginning to wane.
Dwarf (more relaxed): "A human who can shoot like that… Well, that's something new. Maybe you're worth talking to after all."
With that, the air of hostility dissolved, replaced by a growing sense of mutual respect.
Merslin (grateful): "Thank you. We're honored to have earned even a fraction of your trust. I hope we can talk further about what lies ahead."
Though still somewhat wary, the dwarf seemed open to listening. With their initial encounter smoothed over, Merslin and his party prepared to discuss their purpose in greater detail. Meanwhile, the snow leopard lay curled beside the fire, its golden eyes still watchful, as if aware that this conversation would determine the fate of what was to come.
******
Crisis at the Mountain Lodge – The Snow Beasts' Assault
Merslin and his party were gradually earning the dwarf's trust as they conversed inside the mountain lodge. The warmth of the fire softened the tension, allowing the atmosphere to grow more relaxed. However, this peace did not last long. Suddenly, heavy footsteps resounded outside, their weight shaking the very walls of the lodge as they drew closer.
Lisa (tense): "That sound… Something's coming. And it's not small."
Dwarf (grimly): "If something dares to approach in this kind of weather, it must be a dangerous creature. We should be ready."
The party quickly armed themselves and kept their eyes on the lodge's entrance. The approaching footsteps grew louder, and soon, massive shadows loomed against the windows. Then, a silhouette of towering figures covered in thick fur became visible through the frosted glass. Merslin's eyes widened as he recognized their shape.
Merslin (in shock): "Those things… They look like Bigfoot! On Earth, we call creatures like them 'Bigfoot.'"
Serena (confused): "Bigfoot? What's that?"
Merslin (explaining): "Bigfoot is a legendary creature back on Earth. Most people think it's just a myth, but those things outside… they resemble the descriptions exactly."
Dwarf (serious): "We call them the 'Snow Beasts.' They inhabit these mountains and hunt anything they see—humans, animals, even monsters. They have high resistance to cold and electricity, but they're weak against fire. If we want to survive, we need to exploit that weakness."
Just then, one of the massive Snow Beasts pounded on the lodge's door with a massive fist, rattling the entire structure. The force of the blow sent shockwaves through the wooden walls. The creature then lifted a massive chunk of ice and hurled it against the building, causing the outer walls to crack.
Lisa (gripping her sword): "They're not going to leave us alone! Everyone, get ready! We have to defend the lodge!"
Merslin picked up the dwarf's firearm once more, preparing for battle.
Merslin (determined): "This gun will be useful. I'll go outside and draw their attention."
Dwarf (nodding): "Alright. If you can handle my weapon, I'll trust you. I'll cover your back."
Merslin swung the door open and rushed outside, immediately taking aim at the Snow Beasts. He pulled the trigger, and the bullet struck one of them in the shoulder. However, the beast barely flinched and instead let out a deafening roar before charging at him.
Merslin (calmly analyzing): "They're tougher than I expected… but they must have weak points."
The Snow Beast exhaled a freezing breath, attempting to encase Merslin in ice, but he swiftly dodged the attack.
Serena (shouting): "Aim for their legs! If we can break their balance, they'll be easier to take down!"
Serena drew her bow and nocked an explosive arrow. Taking careful aim, she loosed the arrow at one of the creature's knees. Upon impact, a small explosion sent the beast staggering.
Serena (commanding): "Lisa, now's your chance! Attack!"
Lisa dashed forward, raising her sword high before bringing it down onto the beast's knee. However, the creature's thick hide resisted the attack, and despite the strike, it managed to counter with a powerful swipe of its claws. Just as Lisa braced for impact, Elena unleashed an ice spell.
Elena (casting a spell): "Freeze where you stand!"
However, the Snow Beast barely reacted to the ice magic and continued its assault.
Elena (shocked): "It's not working! These things are immune to ice magic!"
Merslin (quickly strategizing): "Elena, use fire! The dwarf said they're weak against it!"
Elena immediately changed her spell, summoning flames instead. She hurled a fireball at the beast, and as soon as the flames engulfed it, the creature let out a pained roar, stumbling backward.
Elena (determined): "Fire! That's their weakness! Everyone, attack with fire!"
With Elena's fire spell leading the assault, the party coordinated their attacks. Serena launched fire-tipped arrows, while Merslin continued to fire shots aimed at their weak spots. The Snow Beasts' formidable resistance proved useless against the relentless blaze.
Aria (casting healing magic): "Stay strong, everyone! I'll heal you if you get injured!"
As the battle raged on, Merslin took careful aim at the last remaining Snow Beast and fired a precise shot to its throat. The bullet struck true, and the massive creature collapsed with a final, guttural growl.
Dwarf (astonished): "By the forge… I never thought I'd see outsiders take down these monsters."
Merslin and the others stood amidst the fallen creatures, catching their breath. Though victorious, they realized how deadly these beasts were—and how much stronger they needed to become.
Merslin (resolute): "We protected the lodge this time… but this won't be the last time we face threats like these. We need to be stronger."
Dwarf (nodding in agreement): "You're right. And I've seen enough to know you're worth trusting. If we fight together, we can take down even greater threats."
With the battle over, a new sense of trust was forged between Merslin's party and the dwarves. The lodge, once shaken by the beasts' attack, now stood as a symbol of their newfound alliance.