It was widely known that you should never tell a dwarf that they were short.
Even the twelve council members never called any dwarf short, because it could lead to a civil war — something the kingdom didn't need right now.
Dwarves were very sentimental about their height, and many humans, elves, dragons, and other races had experienced their anger when it came to this point.
They weren't the strongest, of course, but other races relied on them for weapons. Most dwarves left their marks on those weapons, making them unusable for anyone they deemed unfit — even the owners.
In his case, right now, the dwarf was stronger than him, so of course, he was getting beaten up.
Adam flew back, blood spewing out of his nose. Crashing against the wood, he heard a sharp crack and knew some of his ribs had fractured.
'At least my head didn't explode. It's obvious he held back.'
But why?
He knew there was a rule that forbade Awakeners to hit mortals — people who hadn't awakened —, but they could also sense those who had. It was like a homing signal.
And yes, he had awakened.
But he was currently too weak to fight this guy.
To be honest, he was weaker than most Awakeners.
So his head should have been squashed right now.
But all he got was a mild concussion, a nosebleed, and some broken ribs.
Sure, it hurt like hell, but it was better than death.
Adam really wanted to fake his death and get this shrimp away from his shop.
But all Awakeners had senses above mortal levels — except for him.
'Damn this fool. Not only will I have to pay for a cleric to heal me, but he's increasing the money I'll need to fix this place.'
This was a crime punishable by death.
Increasing his expenses was a serious crime.
Only he didn't have the power to bring him to justice.
Though seemingly lost in thought, Adam's eyes continued to watch Maden's short but imposing figure.
Some dust got in his eye, and he blinked to steady his gaze.
The moment his eyelids reopened, the air in the shop suddenly shifted, growing hotter.
The dwarf who had been a considerable distance away was now right in front of him.
His hand clamped down on Adam's while an evil-looking grin crossed his face.
"I should really just kill you now, but you are still useful."
Though he said that, a deep sense of foreboding settled in Adam's heart.
His instincts proved to be right as the grin on Maden's face grew wider.
"Your arm, though? It can go."
The dwarf's grip tightened, and for a brief moment, Adam's senses went blank.
Then, with a rush of pain and disbelief, everything changed — and the world seemed to tilt sideways around him.
"Surprised you didn't scream."
Maden's voice sounded distant.
He didn't understand. Ever since he was a kid, he hadn't been able to feel pain.
So why now?
'Is this what she felt?'
[Found successor]
[Installing remnants of power]
[Shutting all unnatural body constitutions]
[Taken on desired form by maker]
[Duality system awakening…..]
[Creating a dual personality]
[Warning!!]
[Host already has dual personalities]
[Awakening second personality]
[Welcome host]