The legendary Moonlight Sculptor

This chapter is brought to you by AnmesicCat, B4DDI3Z, BDark, Masadeer, Sunny, and Thunderhamster.

Weed decided to purchase the statue of Shaspin Cave's Vampire Bat.

The shop owner sold it over for next to nothing. However, the price did not even cover the value of the rubies.

"It's only 3 gold, I hope you'll help Gudolph achieve his dreams."

As a result of Weed's spun up tale about the sculpture, the shop owner began to favor him even more.

"I didn't know that your sculptures would be this good. I'll gladly purchase the sculptures you make at double the price, in this shop."

Twice the normal price was extravagant.

If this were to happen, he would still make significant profit, even after deducting the cost of the materials used.

He might be able to live off creating sculptures.

"Are you sure you can afford to buy them at such a price?"

Weed asked courteously.

Gudolph's arrogant attitude quickly disappeared the moment the shop owner offered to pay twice the original amount.

"It's twice as cheap as the average price. Art Hand, if you make cheap works like this, I will not forgive you!"

"I'm not much of an sculptor; I still have many things to learn. Thank you, but you need not praise me."

Weed said with modesty.

Humility is always a virtue. Even if that was the case, the store owner really wanted to stop the conversation, but he would be chastised for at least three days.

"How could I not understand an artist's feelings."

"..."

"Artist have a habit of underestimating themselves. I have the conviction and the pride as a shopkeeper to buy your sculptors at the right price. I appreciate it. You'd be glad to sell your sculptures in my store."

"..."

Weed bought the Shaspin Vampire Bat sculpture. Subsequently, he received a new quest.

*Ttiring!*

Weed was startled by the commission.

At that moment, all the Dwarves present in Kurueso received message window containing information about the quest.

Dwarves have an enormous amount of pride in their race. In case you do not swear to avenge him, the Dwarves will not treat you as one of their own.

"I want to participate."

"We will conquer the Vampires Bats of Shapsin cave."

Dwarven Warriors swore and accepted the quest as quickly as possible. They exclaimed.

"Locate the successor of Gudolph's sculpture quest!"

"Who is the successor?"

"We are a party of Dwarven Warriors. Please lead the way."

The Kingdom of Kurueso became restless.

Everyone were scattered, shouting, and looking for Weed.

***

Conquest of Shaspin Cave!

Dwarven Warriors ran amuck trying gather supplies and get things done.

Dwarven blacksmiths lent out their surplus weapons and armour.

"Use it well and return it."

"May your quest be successful."

The Dwarves in Kurueso showed a favorable response.

Unlike the other Cities, Kurueso had a lower number of users. Dwarven Blacksmiths or Warriors do not have high regards for another person's work.

"Racial Quests.... Compared to Humans and other species there are many possibilities, it's a marvelous thing, don't you think?"

"A quest for Dwarven Sculptors, what a surprise!"

Herman had also arrived.

He came running while holding a bunch of weapons.

"I made weapons. Most are abominations, but you may borrow as many as you require."

In his mind they were abominations, but they were actually superior to what the other dwarven craftsmen made.

"Even though we met each other in Kurueso like this again, I guess you don't have some time to spare for me."

"Nevermind, maybe another time."

"That sounds good, in any case something great happened. This is a quest from a sculptor."

Weed met with the other Dwarven Artisans.

Exper and Bambi were regarded as Kurueso's 5 famous craftsmen. Herman was also one of them.

Through a representative, Fabio also gave away some of the armor he created.

The armour that was brought out was limited to level 200, it was low enough level for Weed to wear and there was no class limitations.

"I will stick to the things I normally use."

Special protective equipment for battle and was not made purely for defense!

Although the level cap is low and it is possible to wear without high amount of strength, it was extremely heavy and reduces agility. This frustrated him, and it also made him look like a fat hippo.

He believed that strong armour and magic resistance were essential to survive.

Weed shook his head.

"This will not be necessary."

"Huh?"

"I will not die."

The truth was, dying would be a huge catastrophe.

Of course, his Sculpture Transformation would be released, and he would be revived through the power to reject death!

At the sight of him, the Dwarven Warriors would be in an uproar.

Because he was none other than Weed.

'The old Dwarf Gudolph had left things behind.'

But thanks to Gudolph, he had learned the locations and attack patterns of the Vampire Bats in Shaspin caves.

He was not willing to take any risks.

***

"Let's march."

Upon entering the cave, Weed walked with long strides as if he were out on a stroll. The Dwarven Warriors were astonished.

"Art Hand, have you gone insane?"

"Did you drink a dozen cups of some high-class beer?"

The Dwarves became concerned.

In order for the commission to succeed, Weed must survive.

Their mission was to fight under the leadership of Weed!

However, since their leader was inexperienced, their confidence wavered.

But Weed knew exactly where the Vampire Bats were located.

Inside the empty cave the Dwarves wondered around.

When he was about 500 meters away from the Vampire Bats' nest, Weed raised his hand.

"It is here."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

A Dwarven Warrior named Bindel asked.

Since he had experience in more than four different types of weapons and had mastered various combative skills, he was the best Warrior out of the Dwarves assembled here.

"The battle will take place here."

"What do you mean. Where are the monsters?"

Weed answered clearly.

"Of course I will be bringing the fight here."

At that moment, the faces of all the Dwarven Warriors started to frown.

"That's foolish, we are all battle experts, let me take the lead from here."

"You can just find a safe place and rest there."

"You not know anything about the vampire bats fast movement, tsk tsk! Furthermore we Warriors did not bring any bows."

From then on, the Dwarves did not show any respect to Weed. The trust between him and the Dwarves had been broken.

I'll lure all the monsters back, and we'll see how well all of you will fight!

Hunting Vampire Bats was a lot more difficult than common monsters, therefore the hunt was not simple. It was important to have experience in at least a dozen different kinds of hunting, with various monsters.

However, all the Dwarves tried to ignore Weed.

Weed took out Zahab's Engraving Knife and slashed his arm.

"What are you doing!"

Bindel shouted.

All the Dwarves who had not listened to him thought he was trying to commit suicide!

If Weed were to die, the commission would fail, if the quest were to fail, the Dwarves would experience a great loss for all the equipments they bought.

The Dwarves were surprised when Weed silently said.

"Dwarven Troops prepare for battle!"

"Huh?"

"You, what are you saying?"

Feeling frustrated, Weed quickly explained.

"The nest of Shaspin Vampire Bats is about 200 meters away. However any blood they smell within 600 meters radius, they perceive it as food."

"..."

"The cave length varies due to the winding paths, but from here on, it is a straight path to them. They are not able to use their speed because of the low ceiling and stalactites. Dwarven Warriors prepare for battle!"

Weed assertiveness caused the Dwarves to draw their weapons once again and prepare for battle.

'What the hell are the sounds I just heard?'

'The Vampire Bats seem to be approaching...'

Chwalalalalalag!

A flock of vampires flew through the darkness.

"They really came."

"It's the Enemy!"

The Dwarven Warriors who were prepared for battle, violently hit the bats with axes and hammers, while the bats resisted.

However, because of their specialized wings and utilizing the darkness of the cave, the Vampire Bats were able to surprise them. The Vampire Bats that were not deflected, clung to their enemies.

Although the Priest's holy magic did do some damage, but sadly they did not have the health, strength, or enough defensive equipment to provide much support.

Because Warriors have high physical strength and vitality, together with high defensive armor, they believed that they were safe from the Vampire Bats who attacked in flocks.

Then Weed bursted out yelling.

"Formation change, Five column concept!"

*Kwakwakwakwakwang!*

The Lion's Roar echoed inside the cave!

Each Dwarven established a party and fought, and at the same time the message appeared.

Morale in a party was important. When morale is low, it affects damages and magical attacks.

Due to morale being doubled, the state of confusion from the bats attack were gone, and their Luck had also increased!

"Five Column Formation!"

Weed was yelling the same words frequently.

Although the effects of the skill did not overlap, it created a tremendous noise.

The same words echoed throughout the narrow cave.

"Five Column Formation!"

"Stand in groups of five, hurry!"

Although they were in the midst of battle, the Dwarves stood together in groups of five.

The reason they followed Weed's commands was because they did not know what was going to happen.

Experienced Senior Dwarven Warriors were surprised at these developments.

"He is using a skill for commanding a group of Knights, is he not?"

"The effect of that skill... I've never heard of a skill that increases the morale of a party."

While standing in groups of five fighting in the narrow cave, the Dwarven Warriors soon realised.

'There is big a difference.'

Although it was not easy to form a groups of five in the middle of battle, because they lacked the experience of doing so in battle. However when they rally together, and fight as one, their attacking prowess, the battle goes by smoothly as opposed to fighting individually

The size of the groups would be changed based on the size of the area they fight in. Sometimes there would be four people, and sometimes there would be six.

Every time they got into their battle formation, Weed would used Lion's Roar.

"Third column lead forward, second column stay in your position!"

The leading column knew that the Vampire Bats were three steps ahead of them. Then the space between the columns emerged.

The Vampire bats targeted the Dwarf furthest from the front of the leading column.

"The second column, cover the leading column!"

The Dwarves from the second column brandished their weapons at the Vampire Bats who came in flocks.

During battles, the highest priorities of Warriors is to assure the safety of their allies!

The commands were easy to follow all thanks of the kinship of the Dwarves.

"Three people from the leading column, move forward and close the open gaps, second column move forward, and third column maintain your current position!"

The Dwarves soon realised that the situation had a repetitive nature and knew how to deal with it.

It was important to maintain their formation and remain united while fighting the Vampire Bats.

The Dwarves were able to fight properly because of their helpful allies who supported them, and they were able to maintain their formation and remain calm.

Those who were wounded, fled from Vampire Bats to get healed, and once they were healed, they went back to battle.

With the formation Weed came up with, it was easier to fight Vampire Bats.

However, they weren't able to guard against the Vampire Bats who flew above them passed column 6, and defeated column 7.

The darkness of the cave does not have any disadvantages to Vampire Bats, and because of their nature, it allows them to clings on people's body really well. And by doing so, it created anxiety through the remaining Dwarven Warriors.

'We can win, fight harder.'

'Fight to win.'

The Dwarves' eyes shone like lanterns, as they pushed forward with newfound energy.

"Advance Forward. Breakthrough!"

The Dwarves hastily moved their feet.

*Ttadadadadag!*

The column formation fought the Vampire Bats at a steady speed.

A shiver ran down the spines of the Dwarves.

This was a battle they had never experienced before!

It was common for five or six people to unite as one party. However, it was difficult to form a party while there were over hundreds of Dwarves fighting together in unison.

Taking a collective stand and fighting swarms of Vampire Bats, they felt a huge sense of pride in themselves.

The excitement rose in their bodies, and they found the battles exciting and fun.

Weed gave commands skillfully.

"Hurry up!"

He told them to increase the pace.

Hurry, hurry, hurry!

The Dwarves repeated these words to themselves to keep up their pace while wielding their weapons.

The Vampire Bats who ran into the leading group were defeated, however some flew past them and headed for the third and fifth column, they were lucky that the bats died in one hit. Despite all that they experienced some losses.

Weed used Lion's Roar again to boosts the parties' morale, and with the increase in morale, the Dwarves attacked the bats.

"Make haste!"

"Hurry!"

"Hurry!"

"Hurry! Hurry!"

The Dwarves spoke in unison as they ran.

This was the most exciting battle that they've ever had!

They did not know they had to fight in a dark and narrow cave. They had never fought like this before.

"From the first to the third column, stick to the left and right side of the cave. Fourth column, ignore everything else and advance. The current leading group, go together with the main force and stick around the rear!"

The Dwarves were initially worried about how their formation will be.

Since they were fighting swarms of Vampire Bats head-on, they experienced a large loss of stamina, and their vitality decreased immensely. However, because they did not want to voice their discomforts, they decided to tough it out as much as they could in order to continue with the exciting battles.

They moved dutifully because the entire battle formation could be destroyed if the front of the column formation were to collapse.

However, as if Weed could read the minds of the Dwarves who were at the head, replaced their ever building feelings of worry.

The Dwarves who, after fighting in the frontlines, were moved, clinging to the sides of the cave, exchanged glances with the Dwarves who were passing by.

'Well done.'

'Good work.'

Their eyes were filled with confidence!

The hearts of all the Dwarves were becoming united as one.

"Power through!"

As the frontline units were changed, so did Weed's commands.

After that, the Dwarves ran through the swarm of Vampire Bats and wiped them out.

The size of the community of the Vampire Bats of the Shaspin Cave was enormous.

'If we had fought normally, we would've struggled.'

'Even altering just the battle formation could let us, groups comprised of only soldiers and warriors, fight like this.'

The truth that the Dwarves had learned came across as shocking.

By the fifth time they had swapped the front line units, they had broken through the swarm of Vampire Bats.

The Dwarves still had more than enough strength.

That was because the Dwarves who were in the frontline still had strength in reserve due to the early swapping.

"Everyone, about face."

The Dwarves turned around without hesitation.

Of course, Weed was currently in complete control.

Since they were able to witness the effects of Weed's commands, their readiness to defend themselves naturally increased.

"Charge!"

Just like before, they charged towards the Vampire Bats slaying every single one.

After the battle, the party would pick up the japtem that dropped along their way and would repeatedly do so after every battle. Right then, the Dwarf named Bindel asked Weed.

"How should we distribute the japtem?"

Originally, the party who received the most experience would take care of the japtem. However, during the battle, they had to continuously split into different party and get into formation, which made things complicated.

Furthermore, when it comes to the Dwarven race, there are many characteristics that can't be overlooked.

Dwarves were greedy by nature, therefore Weed had to come up with an idea and told them.

"You can pick up japtem on your own. However, in case you pick up more than you can manage yourself and your movement speed slows down or if combat ability suffers, I will take measures to forcefully remove you on the spot."

"..."

"The battles in this cave will be fought in the same manner as before, and will continue until you are sick of fighting. That's why it is proper for you to loot with moderation so that your combat ability and your movement speed does not suffer."

With this, the Dwarves nodded their heads.

It was better to loot japtem moderately than be uselessly greedy and become mobbed by your own team. It was because they were going to fight an innumerable amount of battles such as these unceasingly and there would be more opportunities to loot later on.

***

The hunting of the Vampire Bats of the Shaspin Cave!

As the Dwarven Soldiers and Warriors built up more and more combat experience, they became more efficient.

"Faster! Faster! Faster!"

"Forward, charge!"

"Crush them all!"

The Dwarves swept through the inside of the cave with a crazed fervor.

The main habitat of the Vampire Bats!

The dark and narrow caves that, Humans obviously, and even Dwarves would cowered from. There were rampant noises and such coming from the land as if it was a completely different cave.

Until now no one had ever experienced nor imagined such a battle.

Some of the Dwarves openly shared their delight.

"If all of this is put up on the Royal Road forums, there will probably be a lot of excitement."

"It would probably turn things upside down."

The highly-skilled Dwarven Soldiers and Warriors of Kurueso; there were some users who were able to get into the Hall of Fame.

Those users were also waiting for their chance to upload the video.

Weed was unconcerned with it.

He could not monopolize the video commission since they were all doing the quest. Furthermore, Weed was in a situation where he could not make his account public.

If he made it known that he was leading these people in a Dwarf form, then the secret of his job and his Sculpture Transformation skill would be leaked to the public!

Weed decided to loot only important items.

"Hm, these Vampire Bat Tears... I think they can be an important reagent for magicians."

In order to not become encumbered, he only selected and looted lightweight and valuable japtem.

To others, if japtem distribution was a problem, they usually resorted to threats of discarding the items completely.

Weed's words constantly increases his control and authority.

The Dwarves had to be wary of Weed.

However, since he was a Sculptor, he did not have to participate in the battles, and the other Dwarves thought well of him.

'How much can a Sculptor be able to pick up even if he tries?'

'He largely distinguished himself in battle, and it's true that we're all on this quest thanks to him... I feel kind of sorry for him since his profit would be too small.'

He even received some sympathy.

Shyashyashyashyashyashyak!

However, all this this time they didn't know that Weed was stuffing an enormous amount of japtem into his secret pockets; more than the amount that could fit into his backpack!

The difference between Weed's perspective and theirs was enormous.

Watching Dwarves, who usually looted a lot, and gather japtem a few times made it seem like they were extremely greedy.

Meanwhile, Weed barely glanced over all of the japtem.

*Ttoleuleug.*

While naturally rolling his eyes, he didn't spare another glance at the areas where the cheap japtem were.

While seeming to considerately giving the other Dwarves adequate time to loot, he selected and packed a lot of expensive loot when their concentrations were dull.

Even in that chaos, the speed of the battle did not drop, and, inside, the end of the Shaspin Cave was in sight.

"Here it is!"

A Dwarf who was in the lead shouted after discovering a Dwarven corpse.

Weed found a corpse that was dried up like a mummy after getting drained of its blood by the Vampire Bats, and the last ruby brooch that Gudolph had made.

Ttiring!

-You have discovered Gudolph's ruby brooch.

Weed turned around and spoke.

"It's complete. Let's return to Kurueso now!"

The Dwarven soldiers and Warriors had successfully completed the mission.

***

They found a Dwarf by the name of Jenna in Kurueso, and gave her the ruby brooch.

Since Weed was the leader responsible for this, other Dwarves gathered around him and watched him.

"This has ended quite unfortunately. Gudolph... He loved you the most, and, at the very end, he left this for you."

"Heu-heuk!"

The female Dwarf Jenna received the ruby brooch and sobbed.

"Gudolph, to think that you died this way..."

Ttiring!

A window popped up to other Dwarves to let them know of the success of the request. Weed paid it no mind and looked upon Jenna with a regrettable gaze.

'No one knew how painful it is to the one who's left behind... Until they experience it for themselves.'

The sorrow he experienced after his parents' death.

His parents could not have rested in peace after departing while leaving their children behind.

Jenna got up while wiping her tears.

"I shouldn't be here like this. Gudolph wouldn't have wanted me to be simply crying like this."

"Then?"

"This jewel brooch is the proof that he proposed to me. And for as long as I will live, I will be known as Gudolph's wife."

The Dwarven women had a tough side to them.

Jenna spoke with a smile.

"The Ruby Mine of Shaspin Cave that Gudolph discovered was probably meant as a gift to you. I will pray for you to be able to dug up some beautiful rubies while developing the mine."

- You have acquired the development rights of the Ruby Mine of Shaspin Cave.

He acquired the development rights of the Ruby Mine!

***

Weed registered the mine at the Administrative Office.

Art Hand's Ruby Mine of the Shaspin Cave!

He recruited orphans and soldiers at Kurueso Administrative Office, and planned to start digging up rubies from the Shaspin Cave.

While he had to pay 60% of the rubies' worth to employ mercenaries and to compensate for personal expenses and safety fees, he would still make an enormous profit.

He was slowly starting from establishing public order. He was going to lower the employment of mercenaries, so the net profit would get larger as time went on.

"Good work."

"This will be remembered as the fastest completion of a quest in recent times. If there are any more jobs in the future, call us any time even if the pay is lower."

Amazingly, the Dwarves who took part in the battles were satisfied and dispersed.