Elden Ring: Atai vows to have a perfect ending

Chapter 150 Blacksmith Iggy

When I heard someone greeting me, I turned around quickly.

I saw another giant mountain monster sitting on the side of the road, with a sledgehammer beside him and a forging table in front of him, which seemed to be used as a desk with a few books on it.

Unlike Bols, this mountain demon wore a helmet that seemed to be made entirely of mirrors, and a huge black cloak on his back, with the runes of the Kalia royal family printed on it.

——This is Iji, the current military advisor of the Kalia royal family.

And Bols, who had run away just now, knelt on one knee opposite him to rest.

I also breathed a sigh of relief, performed a knight's salute, and responded, "Hello, my name is Zero, you are the old man Iggy that Wolf Brother Blaze mentioned, right?"

"I am Iggy, the Fader named Zero. You actually know Blaze?" There was a hint of surprise in Iggy's voice. "It's really strange that a loner would do this... Maybe he saw something in you."

And Bols suddenly said, "Zero, good man."

Iggy nodded slightly, then leaned over to me and said, "That's right, you saved Bols, and my question just now was a bit aggressive. Please allow me to apologize and thank you, Zero."

"Don't worry about it." I explained with a smile, "I helped Bols so that I could get through the cuckoo camp. After all, I had to come here for Lani."

After hearing this, Iggy couldn't help but look at me for a few more seconds, then sighed: "Ah... Although I'm very sorry, Zero, but Lady Ranee has already burned herself to atone for her sins. I'm afraid your trip will be in vain."

——Old Iggy is so alert. Don’t I know what Lani’s condition is?

So, I coughed lightly, took out the Soul Summoning Bell, and asked, "Well, let me put it another way. Excuse me, is the witch Reina still in Kalia's castle?"

"..." Seeing the summoning bell, Iggy was silent for a moment. Finally, he asked solemnly: "Zero, please forgive me if I offend you. I want to confirm again, what is your purpose in coming to the Kalia royal family?"

——Hey, hey, hey, this is no longer aggressive.

——Why do I always feel that if I say something wrong, the boss battle will start again in the next second.

So, I adjusted my attitude and said frankly, "Master Iggy, you know that a big part of the reason why we, the Faded Ones, returned to the Junction is to repair the Elden Ring and become the king of the Junction. So, in this respect, I need Lani's power... In addition, there is one more thing."

"Yeah, I'm listening."

Iggy didn't show any disgust, so I continued, "Malika, the 'Eternal Queen' who originally blessed all people, smashed the Elden Ring. This abnormal behavior naturally contains her deep meaning. I want to find out clearly, and the starting point is the 'Night of the Black Knife Conspiracy' that led to the death of Prince Godwin. It is almost common knowledge that Lani was one of the masterminds that night. So, I have something to ask Lani about that matter... Of course, I am not your enemy, but an ally who came to seek peace. Lani's fate has been restricted, and I will work with you to find a way to break the current deadlock."

I told him everything that was on my mind.

"Did the adult tell you all this?" Iggy nodded, seemingly satisfied.

——Well, actually, Lanique didn’t reveal anything, but who calls me the “King of Stars”~

"Thank you very much, Zero, for telling me the truth. I also appreciate your willingness to help Lady Ranie."

"Then..." I was just about to make my request, which was whether I could tell Lani about this first, and ask her to relax the difficulty of Kalia Fortress. At least, could the laser rain on the way leading to the fortress be withdrawn or something like that.

But Iggy continued, "If that's the case, and even Blaze is willing to believe you, I shouldn't stop you. The matter between you and Lady Lani is up to you to decide... But, Zero, I have to tell you something."

I stuttered and asked, "Could it be those monsters in the fortress?"

"Oh? You already know that?" Iggy once again made a slightly surprised sound.

——Of course, I know your city so well that it's like home! I know where the treasures are hidden, where the traps are, and even how many hand monsters there are!

——Ah, you can’t be too sure. After all, there is still some difference between the real fortress and the one in the game.

Moreover, if you say too much at one time, it will make the other person suspicious or even feel scared.

Like who is this guy? Since he knows so much, does that mean he has figured out everything about us? If he betrays us, the entire Kalia royal family will be doomed... It's better to silence him now, etc.

After all, as the saying goes - knowing too much is not necessarily a good thing.

So, I quickly turned a blind eye and said, "I heard those cuckoos complaining yesterday, saying that the fortress is easy to defend but difficult to attack, and there are pyroxenoid dragons hidden inside."

Iggy nodded involuntarily. "Ever since the Rhea Lukalia Academy betrayed our Kalia royal family, those stupid cuckoos have swarmed in to attack. After destroying this place, they are pressing towards the royal castle step by step... However, even under the unexpected attack, Kalia is still able to repel them. It's just that the terrifying magic traps used at that time have remained in their original state... Oh, blame me for being nosy. I'm sure you already know this, Zero."

Indeed, and I have felt it deeply in the ruins next to you.

but······

"First, I can handle ordinary magic traps or monsters." I rubbed my hands and raised some suggestions carefully. "That is, can you please help Iggy and talk to Lani first to reduce the difficulty a little bit... For example, the magic rain that Dujuan said fell from the sky, at least let me enter the city first and then start!"

"This... I'm afraid I can't help you with this." Iggy shook his head helplessly.

"Hey, why?"

"Unless Lady Lani summons us, we will not be able to contact her. This is for her safety. Please understand, Zero." Iggy's words did make sense.

But that means I can only go to the Walled City alone?!

——······No, there is also Bols. If this Knight Kalia goes with me, won’t the difficulty be reduced a lot? This is a good idea!

I was just about to turn around and extend an invitation to Bols.

But Iggy took the lead and said, "Boers, you guys caused a big disturbance in the Dujuan camp today. I'm worried that those stupid knights will attack again. You should stay here for a few days and return to the fortress after things are settled."

Boers nodded immediately: "Yes."

——Ugh! You did this on purpose!

"Huh? Zero, what's wrong?" As if hearing the low growl in my throat, Iggy turned his head and asked me.

"Nothing!" I held my forehead helplessly and comforted myself, "Forget it, forget it, Zero, just treat it as a test. After all, Lani is also a princess. If you want to pursue her, you must show some strength."

"I'm glad you understand." Is it possible that Iggy, this old guy, has such good ears? I must have kept my voice very low just now!

Forget it, it’s better to just shut up.

Suddenly, Iggy pointed at the hound fang in my hand and asked, "Zero, is this weapon..."

"Hmm? Oh, this is what I found when I helped Brother Wolf. He gave it to me after he defeated Darriwell. He said he couldn't use this big curved sword well."

"If you don't mind, I have a few forging stones here that can help you strengthen yourself a little." Iggy said with a smile, "After all, you are also an important visitor of Lady Ranie, and you saved Bors... Let me express my gratitude in this way."

"That's troublesome." I obediently handed over the hound Longfang. It happened that I had caused a big disturbance in the Cuckoo camp this morning and collected a lot of runes.

Although the defense of the fortress has not been weakened at all, Iggy's fading forging stone was used to strengthen the weapons for free. Relatively speaking, this has reduced the difficulty.

Well, tomorrow, let’s start the strategy for Kalia Castle!