At this moment, the mage had to use the influence of Vit to persuade the Dwarf King, so naturally, he needed to describe the scene in detail. His eyes were fixed on Barrend, with a hint of tears. Learning how to control his facial expressions to reflect his emotions is a necessary skill for any mage wishing to master charm spells.

"Did he, did he suffer when he left?" The Dwarf King's body leaned forward, his voice slightly trembling: "What were you discussing with him before he died?"

"He went very peacefully, honorable King. To him, it was like entering a serene slumber." Lynch said, "Before that, I was asking the old gentleman a few questions. Only by drawing from his wisdom could I resolve my doubts."

"Did he, did he have any last words?" Barrend raised his head, his deep black eyes staring at the mage, trying to see through Lynch. He said, "Did he... say anything?"

Lynch replied, "He didn't leave much, but kept pondering the questions I posed to him. I'm sorry, it may be that my questions exhausted the last flames of his life. The old Dwarf Vit's final words were, 'That's wrong, don't go!' And that was it."

The Dwarf King's topic naturally shifted to that question. He said, "Mage, what was that answer about?"

"I told the elder about some strange phenomena I encountered. For example, what differences are there between caves excavated with digging tools and those dug by Purple Worms? I asked about the history of all species in the Ridge Mountains. I inquired why cold-blooded creatures need to survive in winter, and when greedy souls would become magnanimous."

Lynch gazed at Barrend, his sharp look making even the dwarf feel a bit troubled. Barrend had conquered mountains, tamed the ice plains, and led dwarves to protect their homeland through many dangerous battles. But under the mage's gaze, Barrend felt oppressed. He couldn't look away; there seemed to be a deep attraction in those eyes. Yet he also wanted to avoid them desperately, feeling as if he sat naked in this glorious hall.

'Gunt, give me strength!' Barrend thought in his mind, 'If this mage is casting a spell on me, then let the spell backfire upon him. If he harbors evil, let the evil consume him first!' The Dwarf King tightened his grip on the amulet on his chest, feeling a rush of cold sensation that gradually relaxed him.

"Mage, I think I understand what you're saying." Barrend straightened his body, pride returning to his face: "You're echoing what Dwarf Morgan wanted to express, 'Those Snake-men are evil, like a plague contaminating this place.' Mage, I thank you for the warning, but I cannot accept your slander. If you wish to accompany me on a journey, I'll show you the heads of the Drow. If you still don't believe, then the gemstones they've mined will reveal the truth to you."

Lynch smiled, as if the words of the Dwarf King were mere childish fantasies to him, having no persuasive effect at all. The mage simply said, "Dwarf King, your insight far surpasses mine. I wouldn't dare demand you to believe me immediately; that would be an insult to your wisdom. I just ask you to remember my words, so that you can recall them when necessary." The mage stood up and walked to the foot of Barrend's throne: "Honorable Dwarf King, I have dealt with Snake-men before. They once conducted mining operations in the Underdark. Any race near them was inevitably drawn into war. Gray Dwarves were like this, and so were the Dark Elves. I merely hope the dwarves can avoid this calamity, even if only for safety's sake, not to easily trust the words of serpents and scorpions."

The Dwarf King remained silent, quietly waiting for the mage to finish speaking. The bloodline of the Dwarf King gave him strength, which now began to manifest under Lynch's pressure. He turned his gaze to the mage, seemingly inputting all his willpower into it. Vaguely, it seemed as if there were sparks flying between their eyes, ready to explode at any moment. One fire from the forge could melt all materials; one fire from the magic source could obliterate any existence.

The mage already sensed the pressure, inwardly admiring the legendary Refined Gold bloodline. Some individuals were born with special gifts, only the question remains whether they are aware of such talents and can utilize these abilities.

Lynch didn't come here to display power and incite conflict; he came to persuade the Dwarf King. The mage withdrew his gaze, letting Barrend take the upper hand.

"Alright, Mage, I've heard your words, and the meaning of the wise Vit has been clearly conveyed." Barrend also withdrew the gleam in his eyes, now feeling full of confidence—if the mage knew this, he might regret showing weakness earlier. "I will be very cautious. But regarding another matter, about your friend Morgan. Law is law, and I cannot break it. He can only be released after five days. But he will be fine, I can assure you that."

Lynch thought for a moment and replied, "If you don't mind, Your Majesty, I wish to stay with Dwarf Morgan for these five days. While I'm watching him, Morgan won't lose his temper. Trust me, if you leave him alone, it's very likely he'll enter a berserk state, break things, and continually cause trouble, ultimately extending the time of detention. I plead you to grant my request."

Barrend stood up, trying to find a reason in the mage's eyes for such a request. But Lynch's eyes appeared very pure, without any ulterior motives. He simply stood quietly at the foot of the throne, like a loyal servant waiting for the king's orders.

"If you don't find the dwarves' cells too low and narrow, then I won't stop you." He called a guard and instructed, "Take him to Morgan's current place and allow unlimited visitations."

Lynch bowed to the Dwarf King and then followed the guard out.

Once everyone had left the empty hall, Barrend returned to his room to continue his interrupted sleep. In his dreams, initially, there was a painful funeral, with old Vit's tombstone standing next to his father's gravesite. The sky was filled with dark clouds, everything tinged with sorrow. But with a heavy rainfall, a gem-like rainbow spanned the sky, illuminating everyone's face with a kaleidoscope of colors, cheering Barrend's name and calling him the "Gem King."

However, he never pondered why a dwarf living underground for so long frequently dreams of rain and rainbows.

After leaving the palace, Lynch felt at ease. The pressure from the Dwarf King indeed left him fatigued, especially since he had just struggled free from Pate's gaze. Norton's mental link brought back some information, very briefly, but clearly illustrating those people's situations. Along the way, they encountered no obstacles and should soon reach the secret entrance to the All-Knowing Tower.

Zilvra, Soka, and Norton all had the ability to fly or hover in the air, so entering the Storm Barrier wasn't a concern for them. Lynch touched the ring finger of his right hand, where an invisible ring was. This was the mage's tool for casting instantaneous item summoning spells, containing all his equipment and supplies.

"Once in the cell, there'll be enough fine wine to keep Morgan calm." Lynch thought, "After old Vit is buried, the dwarves will open the final passage. No matter what, there's still time to get Morgan out of the cell."

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