Chapter 197: Resolves

Tyler moved his new arm around while trying to gauge the level of his new arms motor movements in comparison to his last as though he had expected to feel limited after not having his arm for only a day, but that didn't happen as his arm movements felt quite natural, as though it had never been missing.

He then sincerely thanked Erin for her help which made her fluster a bit but he didn't notice that. Making a mental note of learning a regeneration spell or skill, he casually used several skills in an instant. Using Universal Barrier to protect the lake, he simply waved an arm and their view changed yet again. This was something they found difficult to get used to as they never knew when to expect it and the sudden change in environment was unnerving but they all steeled themselves to endure it.

Arriving back in his office, Tyler asked the three of them to stand up as they were still prostrating before him after blaming themselves for everything that happen. Even when Tyler told them not to worry about it, it seems he was only making things worse as they kept feeling bound to their mistakes during Mammon's attack.

Rain also seemed to be blaming herself for Liz's current situation and although she was not in any danger of dying, nor would she even suffer any mental trauma thanks to Snow, she still held herself responsible for her capture especially since she hadn't been the one to save Liz herself.

Perhaps it was wrong for Tyler to go alone but he hadn't considered that at the time and didn't think the ones that captured her would run away without a fight. It was obvious that scientist wasn't the one Rain had told him about and he hadn't sensed any high power signatures in the research center or around it.

Since she held a grudge against the girls that captured Liz, it was a good motivation for her growth. She was someone that had received extensive training since birth from the Alcars but had little real-world fighting experience. 

The loss she had against him hadn't bothered her much since she felt it was only natural. But a loss against another girl at the same level as her was infuriating. The use of the suppression barrier aside. It had been a two-on-one fight in their favor so she had underestimated her opponent and had got infected with the disintegration aura.

Thanks to that, she now understood her own strengths and limitations and would strive to improve so she would defeat those girls even in a disadvantageous situation. Perhaps those girls' escape was a good thing for Rain as she would've lost her targets if Tyler had encountered them.

Either way was fine for Tyler but he wouldn't say that. She should be able to get her chance pretty soon as he planned to focus on the Brimstone family as soon as he was done with the undead and successfully get rid of the negative corruption that plagued him. If the attack that took his arm had been laced with light or holy magic, it would've completely destroyed him and he wasn't sure if he would be able to reincarnate again.

Truly that was a terrifying thought, but as luck would have it, Mammon had been enraged at the time and hadn't capitalized on his opportunity. It made Tyler wonder how someone like him was able to survive in this world, to begin with.

Well, there was still one of his generals left alive so perhaps he would ask her that. The dude was a reincarnate so it was a shame he had been such an idiot otherwise they might've gotten along quite well.

Shaking such a naive thought out of his head, he decided to face his troubles one at a time so for now, he would address the stubbornness of the people before him.

"As I said, everyone makes mistakes. There's nothing wrong with that, but one should always learn from their mistakes and grow. Those who do not admit to making mistakes will always make the same mistakes and that is just the epitome of foolishness."

From his pirated quote, it seemed as though he had spoken a divine gospel as everyone's eyes sparkled with admiration that would stifle any ordinary man but Tyler just steeled himself and push forward with his thoughts.

"With that said, now that you have acknowledged your mistakes, you must work harder to learn from them and grow. None of you are weak. But if you truly desire it, all you need do is trust me and you shall attain strength beyond your wildest dreams."

Saying those words, there was no longer any hesitation in their gaze as they all deeply bowed to him and solemnly pledged something that Tyler was too tired to hear. He just asked them to stand up and issued orders as his stomach was growling at him even though more than 10% of his mana was recovered by that mid-grade potion.

"Z!"

"Yes my lord."

"I'll need you to investigate the cavern we were just in and map it out for me. Report whatever it is you find there."

"As you wish."

"Do you need anytime to prepare? You can also take anyone you want along."

"That will not be necessary, I'll be done in an instant."

"Impressive... Alright then, off you go."

Saying that Tyler waved his hand again and Z disappeared from his office in the amazement of everyone here. His waving motion was completely unnecessary for the skill but he still did it as he felt it was cool. 

After that, he asked Erin to go check up on Liz and see if she could help her as well as describe the condition of Rain to her. It would be hard for her to examine Rain while his barrier was still active inside of her so Tyler had to disable it which had caused her some pain and discomfort.

After Albert was done helping Rain to the north wing, he returned to Tyler's office. Apparently, Jarret had left to retrieve the Raven settlement and the other ogres and beastmen that were left in the castle were preparing a feast for his return which had been planned beforehand but Mammon's attack had put a damper on that.

However, they had only survived the attack thanks to Tyler and a lot of their loved ones were resurrected so this was also a celebration of that. If Tyler had known about this, he wouldn't have sent Jarret and Nadine out so soon and would've allowed them to enjoy the feast as well.

He didn't want to be seen as an overworking boss even though that would never even cross anyone's mind. He didn't have a choice in the matter and just had to send someone down to call back Z so he could participate in the feast.

Without physically seeing someone, he could not teleport them as he pleased. However, Z had declined to come, saying he would be done before the appointed time for the feast.

Apparently, when the barrier was still down, Albert had led some men towards the forest to hunt for what they would be feasting on today. They still had some food stored in the castle but for today, they wanted everything to be fresh.

Tyler was starving right now so he agreed to whatever they wanted. As they weren't used to the way of nobles, they were hoping for a sort of outdoor feast like a Barbecue of sorts even though it was the middle of winter. 

However, all that was music to Tyler's ears as he didn't really have the energy to compose himself in any sort of fancy dinner so a BBQ was perfect. It seems anytime his mana reserve expands he would need to eat or maybe there were other ways to gain vitality that he wasn't aware of. Although this time was more manageable than the last so maybe it was just a temporary thing. 

There was still some time before everything would be ready so Tyler thought he would go and introduce the dwarves to everyone especially Bungo the blacksmith so order for them to work together in fixing the castle up with the materials he bought. Well, at least do what they could until they were able to mine more valuable metals from Darkin.

He also needed to take a bath before Erin was done with Rain as she didn't seem like she was willing to let go of him the entire time. Although that was cute and all, he still wouldn't feel comfortable going to the bathroom with such a world-class beauty as he would be unable to relax.

Walking out of his office, Albert trailed behind him. He seemed to have delegated all the work to the maid that came in before but Tyler didn't tell him that he wished the cute maid had stayed instead of an old man.

'Sigh... I'm really exhausted.'

He walked semi lazily but still maintained a straight posture as he felt anything less would be considered a disappointment for his adoring followers so he had to somehow act like their ruler all the time.

This was a kind of pressure he hadn't felt when he had only considered them as nothing but hindrances that were keeping him from his precious Magic library and freedom. However, that all seemed to have changed over time and somehow he had found himself in such a position.

Just like that, the two of them made it to the room that had been assigned to the five dwarves. It was located on the east wing's fourth floor. This wing unlike the west had a room that was only designated for guests so naturally, they had placed them here as they weren't sure what Tyler's relationship with them was and even Nadine had been of little help as she just shrugged and called them weaklings that Tyler picked because of his benevolent heart.

Of course, they were treated well and regularly given food and drinks. Even going as far as to provide them with more than enough booze which was what they really needed so the dwarves had no complaints. As a matter of fact, they would probably agree to live there forever if they were promised a constant supply of booze.

Seeing the five lazing about in the large fancy room doing nothing, Tyler sighed deeply. He felt tired just looking at them and they hadn't even noticed him come in until he called out to them. 

Frightened for an unknown reason, they all jumped up and stared at Tyler before sighing in relief as they greeted him with smiles. Even Ragdek who was usually the voice of reason in the group had joined the fray.

"Well, you lot are having a good time."

"Fwahahahaha... Ahh... what's there to do but drink in this place. We were dying of boredom here. Didn't think things would progress this way when we agreed to come ya know." Hulnyl spoke as he bounced off the bed to greet Tyler.

"Boredom? From the looks on your faces, one would think you were all having fun."

"A minor break in our busy lives. One must seize the opportunity whenever it arises. Words of wisdom from the king of dwarves."

"Is that so, how inspirational for lazy dwarves."

"Nay, dwarves are never lazy. Besides. We didn't even know where we were when we woke up so this is only fair."

"I guess you're right. Well, this is my castle, you're all welcome. This one here is Albert, I'll be introducing you to everyone later on."

"Fufu... Honored to meet ya. Thanks for treating us well so far." They all bowed to Albert who they had probably met before so that introduction was probably a waste but whatever. Tyler just smiled and moved on to the next topic.

"Since you say you're all bored. It's time to work all that boredom out of you then. Let's head out, there's someone I'd like you all to meet."