"So even your people have never seen this creature?" Aiden asked. "That's right," Thor replied. "But I'm warning you, don't go. When our ancestors tried, they barely survived." Aiden's gaze dropped to the compass, his fingers brushing against its cold metal. "What if it's not there anymore? It's been centuries since then." Thor's tone turned firm. "No. The records say that creature was sealed inside the temple by the great Hephaestus himself. The power of the old divine doesn't fade in a few hundred years. But according to our ancestors, that thing's dying. Once it's gone, the temple will be safe again." He leaned back with a sigh. "You can wait until then." Aiden's voice was sharp now. "How long until that happens?" He must go to the temple. Getting one obstacle out of the way was fine with him. Thor scratched his beard, thinking. "Soon. Maybe ten years." Aiden's jaw tightened. Ten years? To the Dwarves, that might sound short.But for him, it was an eternity. That was not soon. It was for Dwarves, who usually lived for hundreds of years, but not for Aiden. He did not have that much time. He exhaled slowly. "Any other clues your ancestors left behind? Anything from Hephaestus himself?" He wanted to extract more useful information. Thor shook his head, his tone heavy. "No. If there had been, we would've gone back ages ago. Every bit of knowledge we have cost lives. Hephaestus never spoke to us directly. He only appeared as a shadow during our offerings." Aiden frowned. "So that's all? He sealed the creature, yet he never told you to return? He never even tried to guide you?" He added, "And why'd you even leave the temple in the first place." The story did not add up. The old divine had enough power to seal the terrifying monster. It should be child's play to help out the Dwarves. Thor let out a deep breath. "Nothing else. That's all we know. And to be clear, our ancestors didn't just walk out of the Temple of Hephaestus. They left because Hephaestus told them to." Aiden's eyes glinted. "So Hephaestus forced your people to leave, and then that creature appeared later and got sealed inside?" The pieces fell together in his mind like gears locking into place. Hephaestus hadn't been saving the Dwarves. He'd been moving them out of the way. He could not care less about the Dwarves' fate. The thought sat cold in his chest, but he didn't say it aloud. Faith like theirs was fragile. One wrong word could turn an ally into an enemy. "You're clever," Thor said, nodding slowly. "That's exactly what happened. Hephaestus created a land of blazing fire near the temple. The heat was so brutal that even our ancestors couldn't stand it. So they left. After that, the creature showed up." "I see," Aiden murmured, rubbing his chin. He wondered if this whole thing was really just a coincidence.Thor shrugged. "Anyway, that's all I've got. I wish I could help more, but that's everything we know. Are you still planning to go?" "I am," Aiden said without hesitation. There was no trace of doubt in his voice. This was tied to his advancement. He couldn't turn back now. The temple might be dangerous, but finding the Dwarves had already been a miracle. Who knew how long it would take to find another ancient race? And even if he did, there was no guarantee their temples would be safer. Thor studied him for a moment. "You're out of your mind," he said quietly, though his eyes carried respect. "But I admire it." Even though Aiden knew it was dangerous, he still went ahead anyway. He reached into his pack and pulled out a fiery red orb, cradling it in both hands. "Take this. It's called the King Flamecrystal. Consider it our gift for what you did for us tonight."Aiden accepted it, the orb warm and pulsing like living fire. King Flamecrystal' Description: A glowing crimson crystal that radiates an inner light. Forged by the Dwarves over centuries to reclaim the Temple of Hephaestus. Out of thousands of Flamecrystals, only one evolved into the King Flamecrystal. Its power lasts longer and burns stronger than all the rest. Effect: Grants the Flame Dance buff. Flame Dance: Fire resistance +90%. Duration three hours. Cannot stack or combine with similar items. Multiple King Flamecrystals can extend the duration.' Aiden stared at it, stunned. "Ninety percent fire resistance?"