The dwarvesâ underground bunker.
Its vast interior was spacious enough to accommodate every dwarf and then some.
While the outside world was in chaos, the bunker was almost eerily peaceful, disturbed only by faint tremors and muffled sounds.
But as the air grew colder and frost began to form on the walls, the dwarves started to realize something was very wrong.
It was in this uneasy atmosphere that Wulbram arrived.
He explained the situation outside to Urgdar, the dwarf in charge of the bunker, and the sharp-minded dwarf quickly grasped the gravity of it.
Wulbram and Urgdar stood before the gathered dwarves. Their usually kind expressions were uncharacteristically tense, further fueling the crowdâs growing anxiety.
One dwarf raised a hand to ask, "Lord Wulbram, whatâs happening?"
"The dragonâs attacks are extinguishing the Heartâs flame."
"What?"
The bunker erupted into murmurs.@@novelbin@@
Though it was crafted by mortal hands, Magmarâs Heart was a spiritual cornerstone for the dwarvesâakin to the World Tree for elves.
The news that the Heartâs ember was fading sent shockwaves through the crowd.
"So thatâs why itâs been getting colder."
"Whatâs going to happen to us now?"
"The dragon will pick us off one by one, of course."
The bunker descended into chaos. Fear blanketed the dwarves, paralyzing them.
"Calm yourselves," Wulbram urged. "The fight is not over, and the ember has weakened, not gone out."
"Butâ"
"The reason Iâve come here," Wulbram continued, "is because we need to rekindle the ember. I need your help."
Wulbram explained Torvarâs method in detail.
"Hmmâ¦"
The dwarves listened silently, digesting the plan.