Mushoku Tensei: Reincarnated as a Beast Race

Rygar felt the cold wind on his face as he rode atop Skoll. The scenery around him had changed drastically. Trees still spread out on one side of the landscape, but on the other, immense mountain ranges began to dominate the horizon. He knew he was nearing the Blue Dragon Mountain Range, a legendary formation that harbored tales of ancient glories and Blue Dragons. At the foot of those mountains lived the Coal Mine Tribe, renowned for their exceptional skills in mining and forging. Rygar's destination was close, and he couldn't wait to reach the dwarves to finally strengthen his sword.

Skoll advanced with steady strides, his sharp eyes scanning the terrain. It was then that Rygar noticed something peculiar in the distance. A small camp of about 20 people stood out among the trees, near a trail leading to the mountains. Rustic tents made of hides reinforced with wood surrounded an extinguished campfire. Curious to find out who they were, Rygar decided to approach.

However, before he could get close, a metallic glint caught his attention. It was fast, almost imperceptible, but instinct and training acted faster. An axe hurtled toward him at high speed, slicing through the air with a menacing sound.

Rygar raised his hand in an automatic gesture and conjured a physical barrier in front of himself and Skoll. The impact was loud, echoing through the area. The axe ricocheted off the barrier, flying to the side and embedding itself in a nearby tree. Skoll halted his run with an agile leap, landing on a boulder as if preparing for the next move.

Rygar, still mounted on the wolf, looked toward the camp with a firm gaze. His voice rang out clear and commanding:

"Is this the Coal Mine Tribe's welcome?" He wasn't certain, but the odds were high.

The impact of his words was immediate. The dwarves, who had been grabbing weapons and shielding their women and children, froze, confused. Murmurs spread among them, and then, from the trees, a dwarf emerged.

He was short, as expected, but of sturdy build. His skin was marked by the harsh life of mining, and his reddish hair was tied back with leather strips, while a thick beard adorned with metallic beads hung down to his chest. A runic axe, heavy and lethal, rested on his back.

"A Doldia!" the dwarf shouted, raising his hands in a gesture of apology. "Forgive me. I saw an Ebony Wolf charging toward the camp and attacked without thinking! Is it yours?"

Rygar nodded, maintaining his composure atop Skoll. "Yes, he is."

The dwarf scratched his head, visibly uncomfortable. His eyes shifted between Rygar and Skoll, clearly impressed by the wolf's imposing presence. "Well… you don't see a Doldia around here often, let alone one commanding a beast like that. Come in, lad! Let's make up for this misunderstanding."

Despite the welcoming words, Rygar noticed the camp was still on edge. The dwarves' eyes remained alert and suspicious as he and Skoll approached.

Rygar dismounted when they reached the camp's center. The weight of wary stares still lingered, but the tension began to ease as the dwarf, who had introduced himself as Rainfall, walked ahead.

"Youth from the Doldia Tribe, I am Rainfall of the Coal Mine Tribe," he said, extending a calloused hand. "Apologies for the incident. It's not every day we see an Ebony Wolf in these parts... especially one tamed."

Rygar shook the dwarf's hand, feeling the strength in his grip. It was clear Rainfall wasn't just a miner or blacksmith but a seasoned warrior.

"Rygar Adoldia," he replied simply. "And this is Skoll. I thought the dwarves lived deeper in the mountains. What brings you here?"

The wolf sniffed the air, watching the dwarves cautiously. Some still hesitated, but others looked at Skoll with curiosity and admiration.

Rainfall gestured for Rygar to follow him. "We're just a caravan. Our mission is to deliver a shipment of weapons to a group that ordered them from our clan. We're not used to unexpected visitors, but since you're here, have a seat and rest."

Rygar followed Rainfall to the center of the camp, where weapons were neatly organized in reinforced crates. Swords, axes, and spears, all of exceptional quality, gleamed under the sunlight filtering through the trees.

As they talked, Rygar couldn't help but study Rainfall. The way he moved, the muscles in his arms, and the runic axe on his back all spoke of his experience in combat. An idea began to take shape in his mind.

"You seem strong, Rainfall," Rygar said suddenly. "How about a sparring match?"

The dwarf blinked, surprised, but then broke into a wide, enthusiastic grin. "A spar?" he laughed, stroking his beard. "You want to test your luck against a dwarven warrior, boy?"

"I want to test your strength," Rygar replied seriously, crossing his arms. "I want to see what you're capable of."

The dwarves around them, already attentive, began to buzz with excitement. Murmurs spread, and soon the small crowd gathered to watch the challenge.

"Very well!" Rainfall bellowed, pulling the axe from his back. "But let me warn you, I don't go easy—not even on guests or kids."

They moved to a more open area, with other dwarves eagerly following to watch, forming a circle around them.

The match began, and Rygar immediately realized Rainfall was a formidable opponent. The dwarf attacked with brute force, swinging his axes in powerful arcs and using earth magic to create obstacles and project attacks. Though he still required chanting, limiting his efficiency, the mere fact he could use magic was a testament to his skill. His abilities were those of a well-trained advanced warrior, perhaps even close to a Saint-level fighter.

Rygar retreated and observed, studying Rainfall's every move. Despite the dwarf's strength, Rygar felt confident Taes could probably defeat him. But that didn't mean this fight would be easy.

Finally, after understanding the patterns in Rainfall's attacks, Rygar decided to end the match. He used the Longsword of Light, the ultimate technique of the Sword God Style. The sword's brilliance illuminated the battlefield as he disarmed Rainfall and stopped the blade just a centimeter from the dwarf's throat.

Silence fell.

The dwarves, who had been cheering moments before, were now stunned, their faces frozen in disbelief.

"He beat Rainfall..." one of them murmured, incredulous.

"Not just anyone defeats one of the strongest warriors of the Coal Mine Tribe. And isn't he just a kid?"

Rainfall raised his hands in surrender, smiling despite his exhaustion. "I'll admit, boy, you're far more than you seem. It was an honor to cross blades with you."

Rygar lowered his sword and sheathed it, nodding. "Thank you. It was a good fight."

The dwarves seemed less suspicious of him after the victory, and many approached to congratulate him. Some even tried to get close to Skoll, but the wolf growled softly, making them retreat with nervous laughter.

As night fell, the camp transformed into a festive place. Without any apparent reason, the dwarves decided to celebrate. Barrels of beer were opened, and abundant food was distributed. Rygar joined in the celebration, impressed by the hospitality of these people who, just hours before, barely trusted him.

Skoll seemed to be enjoying himself too. Some bolder dwarves played and pretended to fight him, laughing as the wolf growled playfully or pushed them away.

Between sips of beer and hearty laughter, Rygar felt the dwarves were far better than he had imagined. He had formed a great first impression of the Coal Mine Tribe and was beginning to better understand the dwarven society. They were gruff and distrustful but also knew how to welcome someone who proved their worth.

Dawn brought a frantic rhythm to the dwarven camp. They were preparing to move on, loading their weapons and supplies into large carts pulled by sturdy oxen. Rainfall, as the caravan leader, was organizing the final details when he approached Rygar.

"Young Rygar, before you go..." Rainfall extended a small object to Rygar. It was a piece of ore carved into the shape of a shield, with three crossed swords engraved on its surface. "Show this to the guards at the main city of the Coal Mine Tribe and tell them you're my friend. This should reduce their initial suspicion. Also, if you show them this sword and say you're here to modify it, they should let you in more easily as well."

Rygar accepted the gift and examined it, admiring the craftsmanship in the details of the carving.

"Thank you. This will be useful."

Rainfall smiled. "If you're truly looking for a blacksmith capable of working on your sword, seek Gogbard. He is the current God of Ore, the best we have. He prefers forging weapons from scratch, but if anyone can embed a magic stone into one of the 49 blades of Dragon King Kajakut, it's him."

Rygar nodded respectfully. "I will seek him out."

Before leaving, Rygar handed the dwarf some magical scrolls, carefully drawn with advanced-level attack and healing circles.

"In case you're attacked on the road, these scrolls might save lives. Good luck on your journey."

Rainfall was surprised by the gesture but thanked him with a firm nod.

"You're more than a skilled warrior. If we encounter anyone from the Iron Legion you mentioned, we'll be friendly. May your journey be safe."

With that, Rygar stepped back a few paces and leaped high into the air. In perfect synchronization, Skoll dashed beneath him and caught him midair with ease before speeding off toward the horizon. The dwarves watched the scene, impressed by the bond between the young man and the wolf.

After a few more days of running, Rygar began noticing changes in the environment. The dense vegetation gave way to rockier terrain and majestic mountains rising in the distance. He knew he was nearing the main city of the Coal Mine Tribe.

When he spotted the first dwarves, they were on guard, weapons in hand. Clearly, the sight of Skoll, large and intimidating, had alarmed them. Rygar decided to proceed cautiously.

He dismounted Skoll and walked alone toward the guards.

"Stop right there!" one of the dwarves shouted firmly. "Who are you, and why have you come here?"

Rygar raised his hands in a gesture of peace.

"My name is Rygar. I was told to seek a dwarven blacksmith for a special weapon. They say only you can handle something of this level."

He slowly unsheathed Tsukikage, the blue blade gleaming in the daylight. The dwarves approached, fascinated by the weapon.

"A sword like this..." one of the guards murmured. "You're right, lad. Only a dwarf could work on something like this." The dwarf declared proudly. Rygar felt like saying it wasn't a dwarf who forged it but kept the thought to himself.

The guard hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"Alright, you can enter... but the wolf stays."

Rygar frowned. "Skoll comes with me. He's domesticated."

The guards exchanged uneasy glances. Before they could insist, Rygar whistled and called Skoll.

"Sit." The wolf immediately obeyed.

"Roll over." Skoll spun on the ground without hesitation.

"Play dead." Skoll dropped to the ground, motionless.

"Also, Rainfall is my friend. He told me to show this to you so I could be allowed entry." He showed them the emblem.

The dwarves were astonished, murmuring among themselves. It was rare to see an ebony wolf, and even rarer to see one so well-trained.

After more discussions and hesitations, the guards finally relented.

"Very well, he can enter, but if he causes any trouble, it's on you, and we won't go easy."

"Don't worry. He's more disciplined than he looks," Rygar replied with a slight smile, calling Skoll to follow.

With that, he and the wolf passed through the gates that marked the beginning of the Coal Mine Tribe's territory, ready to discover what the legendary dwarven city had in store.