Shadow Author

Looking down at the small creature next to me I couldn't help but become awed by their existence.

Within Eminence, a dwarf is a short and stocky humanoid-type monster.

They are known for their incredible strength, skill in mining, high intelligence, and expert craftsmanship.

On average they stand just over four feet tall. Their builds are extremely muscular and rugged compared to that of a bodybuilder mixed with a hillbilly.

Their skin is rough and calloused, a result of years spent working in the mines and forging weapons and armor.

They each grow thick beards to cover their face as a way to flex their achievements.

Being that they are all men it means they are unique creatures that can produce asexually without ever needing a partner.

Although they had many impressive qualities, I didn't really care about them because there were two separate reasons why I couldn't take my eyes off them.

The first was they were the first fictional creature I came across since transmigrating into my own novel.

Any doubt I once had was completely wiped away as next to me was a living breathing creature that existed within my imagination.

Something that I printed on a piece of paper was now an entity that existed in this new world, and I was still coming to grasp that conclusion.

But the second and biggest reason why their appearance startled me was because of where they originated.

Knowing they were a monster not as an adjective to describe them but literally made it all that much more unbelievable.

Every monster that now existed on this version of the earth came from either a dungeon or tower; it wasn't like they just showed up one day.

This meant that the two dwarfs before me were actual monsters that broke free from a dungeon that overflowed and acclimated into human society.

That was the most impressive thing about them.

Sure other monsters existed, reproduced, set up civilizations, and became powerhouses like the elves, fairies, pixies, spirits, and others but they weren't like the dwarfs.

Unlike the others who kept to themselves and created their own worlds, the dwarfs didn't.

The dwarfs joined humanity on equal footing as the two mutually assisted each other to more than double their overall prowess.

Of course, there were always exceptions. The dwarfs were monsters after all and there were times they needed to be treated that way. The same could be said for humans, however.

More often than not though the two got along and made up for each other's flaws.

Had the other monsters had the same mindset as the dwarfs then maybe just maybe we would have a chance in the future.

"Stop staring at me boy, I know I'm the pinnacle of attractiveness but even I get tired of being ogled."

Another thing about the dwarfs, they are a prideful, mischievous, and fierce species.

Falling in line with their characteristics, I compliment the creature in hopes of getting a better look at him… for research purposes.

"I'm sorry, it's just I've never seen such a handsome dwarf as yourself and I can't keep my eyes off you, but I understand if you don't want that."

Taking the bait Noznuil cleared his throat:

"Ehm, well in that case I suppose I could allow you to take a daze at my dazing figure."

Smiling brightly I acted as if the monster had given me his most precious treasure.

"Really?! You are too kind!"

He started to blush.

"Well, of course, I am the kindest dwarf you will ever meet!"

Standing proudly at his four-foot height the dwarf turned to face me and raised his head to the sky allowing me to get a closer look.

The first thing I noticed was his eyes which were a deep brown, within them, I could make out a hint of mischief.

The next thing I took note of was how wrinkled his face was, one could have easily mistaken him for being over a hundred years old but the truth about the species was that their lifespans were shorter than those of humans.

If I had to guess, Noznuil was no more than thirty.

Moving past that though I studied his beard which was the most important thing to a dwarf, well second to that of their creations.

The beard of a dwarf told a lot about them. They would only be allowed to start growing one after they made their first functioning creation.

After that, the way of identifying one's standing came from how many strands deviated from the main beard through bands.

Many dwarfs rarely ever got to tie a band on their beards because doing so meant that they created an invention that benefited the entirety of their species.

Noznuil was one of these such dwarfs but the one behind me who was still chatting with Miss Smith was something if not a god to the dwarfs because he had seven bands!

Seven! Had I not been in an unfamiliar place, unknowing of the relationship they have with Miss Smith I might have been sucking up the creature trying to get him to join me.

But I held myself back… for now.

Keeping my attention on Noznuil I continued making out all I could as I didn't know the next time I would come face to face with such a magical creature.

Looking over the sturdy leather and metal armor, I couldn't help but become surprised at how many runes covered it.

It was clear that I was ignorant as to how powerful the dwarfs were because from what was only visible I counted thirteen different runes each unique in their own way.

'Damn, and I thought Nightfall had a lot, with only five.'

On the belt of the monster, was a large hammer that's head was almost as large as mine.

But I knew their skill in smithing was legendary, and they had to have bodies suited to support their lifestyle so although they didn't look all that dangerous I was sure that the two of them were strong… very strong.