"So, how do we find this so-called dwarf?" (Fairy)

Let me think, the exact place where they were hiding, I don't remember at all. But what about the general area? If I remember correctly my acidic friend said something about the area being called…, what was it again? Ah! Mount Eregor!

[It's easy, we just need to find a place called Mount Eregor! Then we'll find them! I don't exactly remember how to find their exact base but worst case we can dig.]

"We can dig, you say? Do you understand how suicidal it would be to just dig inside a dwarf mountain?! There is no way they wouldn't have any defensive measures! If we are unlucky, we could fall in lava directly!"

Eh…that's literally how I entered last time. It's already a proven method. What's that about the lava? Should I mention that I took a bath in it? I'm pretty sure they could do the same with their water magic.

After all, I remember people putting their hands in a stream of molten metal and be fine. You know, the Leidenfrost effect. Now, sure lava is way hotter and just the air right next to it is clearly sufficient to reduce asunder a human whole, but that's only without factoring magic.

I'm pretty sure that they can somehow manage it. I mean, they literally just made an entire palace out of water in seconds.

"Actually, there is another issue. Anyone has ever heard of a place called Mount Eregor? I sure haven't" (Queen)

"Me neither" (Fairy)

"Well, it's possible it's a local name. It wouldn't be the first time there are many titles for the same region." (Princess)

They soon all shake their heads. Why can't it ever be simple, eh? That is when I take a solemn tone.

[Actually, I may have another lead. Have you guys ever heard of the Village of the End?]

"What?! The Village of the End?!" (Empress)

[You've heard of it?]

For some reason, she's the only one that has reacted at all. She now looks a bit shy for some reason while twirling her fingers.

"Ah, no…It's just the way you said it sounded like it was a big deal. Did I overreact?" (Empress)

"*Sigh* Anyway, what is it exactly and why is it important?" (Anon)

[We can either find the dwarves or the villagers there. Any of the two will know how to find the other. This village is one where a portal leading to an Abyss Devourers realm exists. They stay there guarding it using a special barrier made by the dwarves themselves.]

"So, your suggestion is that we get the same kind of magical barrier? What about the one we currently have?" (Fairy)

[Well, can you really have too many defenses. I'm thinking we could perhaps try and get many layers of protection. With enough of them, we would literally be invincible. At that point we wouldn't even have to worry about the war going on.]

"Being safe is good and all but if we simply sit on our asses nothing good will happen at all. We need to go on the offensive sometimes, believe me." (Anon)

[You say that, but how are you so sure? Have you tried my method? I guarantee it can work! It's just a matter of taking the right measures and staying out of trouble.]

"There is no way that-"

That's when I get up gesturing to our surroundings, all of it. The water palace, the lake, the city, and even the water barrier in the distance.

[Just look around you! You guys are water mages! You can use water magic to protect yourselves, you can use water magic to quench your thirst, you can use water magic to accelerate food production! There is literally no reason for any of you to want to leave this place whatsoever.]

I stare at them all one after the other.

[Why would you want to give up on the small paradise you have here to go warring in the outside world?! This isn't logical at all! For power? For wealth? For influence? What for?! You guys have all that you need right here and now!]

They share looks, most of them seem perplexed. They are not sure about my point, let me hammer it right in.

[Stop trying to copy all the other dumbasses out there. You guys have an awesome-looking city! Especially if I compare it to a place like Eaglevein! I still remember how much of a mess it all was! The buildings lacked harmony, the sects lacked harmony, it had its charm but also so many issues! You guys don't have such problems so…]

They seem to be wanting to say something. They are all looking uncomfortably at me. Was I too intense with that speech?

[What is it?]

"You do know that Eaglevein fell, right? It is no more." (Queen)

[What?! How?!]

"It was taken down by a necromancer." (Queen)

[Oh, my fucking god!]

"What is it?" (Princess)

[It's just, back when I was there, it was a known problem. They said everything was under control. Guess that turned out to be a fucking lie. *Sigh*]

"Did you know people there?" (Princess)

She seems concerned about me. Right now, I do feel a bit down, but it will be alright.

[Of course, I did. I used to run the most successful bakery in the city. There were the people I knew personally, there were the familiar faces of my customers that I saw whenever I went out of the kitchen and also the friends of friends.]

I can't help but feel a bit melancholic. The list of people I interacted with there would actually be pretty long. It's crazy how much the world changes. I was ready to go back to Eaglevein one day. I was ready to make a triumphant return and clear up all the misunderstandings.

I was ready to perhaps reopen my bakery once more. I was ready for many things. I took the presence of the city for granted and it suddenly disappeared.

"Many people actually escaped alive. Hopefully, the people you knew are fine." (Princess)

[Yes, you are right. Perfectly right. I need to remain hopeful. I won't believe in their demise before I see their corpses myself!]

It is only when one gives up that it is over. For now, I should concentrate on the present. I'll simply add finding my Eaglevein acquaintances to the list. Yes, that shall do.

"Water Princess, how about you accompany our friend somewhere tranquil where he can rest? That news must be quite shocking. What about you Water Empress, I know you dislike meetings, do you want to tag along?"

They both nod before guiding me away slowly.

In the back, I can hear the one I ignore the name of telling me not to worry. She says that they'll figure out a solution according to my suggestions.

I'm glad, everything will be alright. I feel like I managed to get my point across perfectly! This place will be our new home! This time everything will work out…