Garrett was thrust into the selection team, clueless about mining, smelting, or forging. His only skills were in healing and magic, which meant he wouldn’t be of much use unless a teammate got injured. And to ensure his safety, Bernard had to take up an extra slot.

Due to these factors, Garrett felt he might not be too welcome in the selection team. However, to his surprise, as soon as he and Bernard stepped into the hall, they were greeted with enthusiastic applause.

"Mr. Nordmark!"

The Firehammer clan’s candidate, the Dwarf King’s third prince, Rosgar, approached first. He greeted Garrett with a sunny smile, and though only reaching up to Garrett’s chest, his handshake was firm yet considerate:

"Thank you in advance for your help in the coming month!"

Garrett shook his hand vigorously. Prince Rosgar’s grip was strong, yet he was careful not to hurt him. Turning to Bernard, he welcomed him:

"Welcome!"

Garrett resisted the urge to look away. The sight was somewhat pitiful: the Dwarf Prince, barely half as tall as the barbarian Bernard. Their handshake was an awkward affair, with Rosgar having to reach up and Bernard having to stoop down.

While they were greeting, Gavyn excitedly introduced Garrett to the others:

"This is Felay, the strongest shield warrior of the royal guard, capable of lifting a tower shield with one hand!"

Felay, with his face buried in his beard, laughed heartily, welcoming Garrett:

"Mr. Mage, it’s an honor! I’ve heard about your deeds from Gavyn. Being his friend makes you a friend of us all!"

"This is Hanna, son of Master Flor. The warriors of the royal city vie for the weapons he forges!"

Hanna, craning his neck and straining his ears to listen, turned towards Garrett and extended his hand after a brief pause. His eyes, perhaps used to the glare of the forge, squinted slightly as he looked at Garrett.

Garrett shook hands with him, speaking louder for clarity. Gavyn, amused, then introduced him to another member:

"This is Genna, my fiancée!"

"Fiancée?!"

Garrett was taken aback, viewing Gavyn in a new light. "How old are you, buddy?" Considering Master Talbert was 352, and Gavyn his grandson, he must be over a hundred years old!

Well, long-lived races have their privileges...

Genna stepped forward, proud and defiant:

"Surprised?"

"Just didn’t know he had a fiancée," Garrett replied, shaking her hand. Genna matched the men in strength:

"Don’t underestimate me because I’m a woman. I can outdo them all in designing and inventing! Mr. Mage, I’ve seen your steam engine and it’s fascinating. May I discuss it with you sometime?"

Dwarven women typically engage in textile, cooking, furniture making, and livestock breeding. But Genna refused to be outdone, aspiring to mine and forge like her brothers. Though lacking their physical strength, she had a knack for mechanics. It was this talent that made Prince Rosgar include her in his team.

"Of course!" Garrett enthusiastically agreed:

"I’m not skilled in mechanics, just have some ideas. Don’t laugh at me, okay?"

The team decided to stay at the royal court overnight and set off from there early the next morning. The selection ceremony, a grand event in the Dwarf Kingdom occurring only once every few centuries, saw the seven teams lined up at the palace entrance.

The candidates took turns drawing lots from a golden casket held by the king. By the time it was Rosgar’s turn, only one lot was left. Standing in the second-to-last row, Garrett couldn’t see what they were drawing, only noticing Gavyn eagerly poking the person in front:

"Where? Which one?"

"Wait till we’re out!"

The procession began moving, with the king and elders pouring wine for everyone.

Garrett, observing his surroundings, spotted barbarians, the golden-haired orc he’d previously interacted with, and a somewhat familiar priest. Cloaked in black, with curly brown hair and eyes focused on a holy symbol, he seemed lost in divine conversation.

If Garrett’s memory served right, he had seen this priest at an inn while treating a child with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Accepting a bowl of wine from the old king, Garrett was relieved it wasn’t strong. Drinking it down, he followed the procession, surrounded by cheering crowds.

As they marched through the royal avenue towards the central forge, the route lined with spectators, many recognized Garrett:

"Mr. Priest, my son’s fever broke last night!"

"Mr. Priest, my father did as you said, and he’s much better!"

"Mr. Priest…"

Finally, reaching the destination and emerging

into daylight, the dwarves huddled together. Gavyn was the first to inquire:

"Where? Which mine?"

"Where are we headed?"

Rosgar then explained the method of selecting different mines for each team, ensuring fair competition. Upon reaching their assigned mine, Rosgar, without hesitation, dove into scouting for the best mining spots.

"Let him go alone?"

Garrett was stunned by Rosgar’s initiative. Gavyn shrugged:

"He’s the best at selecting ores. Let him find the right spot, and we’ll follow. It’s the fastest way."

As they settled in and prepared for a long day’s work, Garrett, unused to the dwarves’ robust mining traditions, offered:

"What if we try something other than pickaxes for mining?"

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay