My Alter Ego’s Path to Greatness

Zaonic’s prized possession, the pickaxe “Elinor,” was the catalyst for the avatar Howard.

As he dedicated himself to crafting in this new dwarven body, he realized something.

‘It’s no wonder other races feel a sense of deprivation.’

It was the sheer unfair advantage of being a dwarf.

Technology was the culmination of generations of artisans, craftsmen, and engineers pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into their work. It was a monument built upon their tireless efforts, research, and accumulated knowledge.

Naturally, there were limits to how quickly one could master or develop it.

‘That's common sense.’

But dwarves were an exception to that rule.

Their way of thinking, their senses, everything was different.

They possessed an innate creative logic that transcended mere ingenuity, an instinctive understanding of intricate processes that rivaled precision machinery, and an intuitive grasp of complex calculations that defied explanation.

They were born to create.

‘If it weren’t for their other shortcomings, dwarves would have ruled the world.’

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, their unreasonable talent for crafting was offset by a lack of aptitude in other areas.

If they hadn't been so deficient, they would have either gone extinct or been enslaved long ago.

“Oh! This is… incredible!”

And that overwhelming dwarven talent was fully inherited by the avatar Howard.

A secret hideout near Incheon, South Korea.

Howard, summoned there remotely, stared at the various magical tools he had gathered with wide, sparkling eyes.

‘Seeing them in person is different! Their functions are all intact!’

The vivid sensations overwhelmed his senses, a stark contrast to his previous experiences.

It was completely different from receiving information through sensory sharing or examining deactivated otherworldly artifacts in Auterica.

“Huh, this is fascinating. What is this made of?”

He picked up a beast’s fang-shaped metal ornament, examining it closely, then brought it to his nose and sniffed.

Lick—

He even stuck out his tongue and gave it a lick.

“Hmm, calcium phosphate? It seems more like bone than tooth. Fascinating, a combination of organic and inorganic materials. And it’s imbued with magic? The heat treatment is crude, but they’ve managed to preserve the material’s unique properties. Not bad.”

Howard, a studious dwarf who had diligently absorbed Earth’s scientific knowledge through systematic education, nodded seriously.

He adjusted his glasses, their lenses gleaming, and the oversized white lab coat he wore further enhanced his intellectual appearance.

‘I might look like this, but even Zaonic acknowledges me as a craftsman.’

To him, these artifacts from other worlds, each with its unique system and design, were a feast for the senses.

Like Hans discovering new spells.

Or when he finally unlocked 「Path of Magic」.

And that feeling reached its peak when he examined the cybernetic eye and exoskeleton he had acquired from Yulryeongja.

“Ha!”

A volcanic eruption of inspiration, shattering the confines of his mind.

‘This…’

He examined it meticulously, his senses heightened.

He looked, listened, touched, hammered, smelled, and even bit it.

And after that thorough investigation, he reached a single, undeniable conclusion.

‘…This was definitely made by a dwarf.’

A dwarf from another dimension.

Of course, they wouldn’t be identical to the dwarves of Auterica.

Their name, appearance, and other characteristics might be completely different.

‘But…’

The fundamental principles, the core logic behind their creation, were undeniably dwarven.

Howard’s deeply ingrained 「Dwarven Creation Logic」 screamed that truth.

‘Strange. Is there some kind of open-source code for creating intelligent lifeforms that’s shared between gods?’

It was a question he had pondered before, after encountering vampires from various dimensions.

But that wasn’t his priority right now.

Howard, his excitement bubbling over, eagerly examined the technological marvels before him.

“Oh! Magnificent! Truly magnificent!”

Dwarves possessed an absolute advantage when it came to technology.

But despite their existence, Auterica’s technological level wasn’t particularly advanced.

There were many reasons for that, but the most significant one…

‘Is the environment. Or to be more precise… the nature of their civilization.’

In a world where individuals could single-handedly fight armies and a single spell could destroy castles…

Where a walking disaster like the Immortal King could devastate half a continent…

Dwarves’ ultimate goal was naturally influenced by their surroundings.

To create legendary weapons capable of cutting through anything, impenetrable armor that could withstand any attack, and magical tools imbued with miraculous powers.

And to place those creations in the hands of worthy individuals, to aid them in their fight against evil.

‘There’s also the difference in their foundational scientific knowledge. And perhaps the dimension’s inherent worldview also plays a role.’

But Howard, now in this world where countless dimensions intersected, was different.

The bespectacled dwarf in a lab coat smiled, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

He was unbound by the limitations of a single world.

No one could hinder his growth, not even the world itself could restrict his creative endeavors.

“Hahaha! My hands are itching!”

Howard eagerly awaited the activation of the time-acceleration barrier, the “Room of Time and Space”, that Hans had meticulously set up in the hideout.

Space-time magic was incredibly complex, and the need for secrecy further restricted its use. Even Hans could only maintain it for a little over a day at a time.

‘But a tenfold time acceleration isn’t bad. It’s about the same as in Auterica.’

He had already made all the necessary preparations through Heterosis.

Now, all he had to do was dedicate himself to his research.

And he even had the “Growth Elixir” to further enhance his progress.

[“Hmm, shall we begin?”]

As Hans, who had been waiting outside, activated the barrier, time within the hideout began to flow at a different pace.

“Oh! This eye is truly fascinating!”

“Hmm, this exoskeleton was also made by that Doctor, for Yulryeongja. It’s definitely different. Handmade using materials from another world?”

“If someone else can do it, so can I! Let’s give it a try!”

Howard muttered to himself, his excitement palpable as he worked tirelessly.

And so, time passed.

After about a day,

《The individual gains enlightenment through repeated training. You have acquired the skill “Magical Engineering”.》

Perhaps thanks to the Growth Elixir and his diligent training, Howard quickly grasped the essence of magical engineering.

And by the time the barrier reached its limit, after just five days inside, which was barely a day outside…

‘…I see. I think I understand.’

《The individual meets the conditions and unlocks its potential. You have acquired the special skill “Technological Revolution”.》

…He had finally achieved his goal.

Much sooner than expected.

<Individual Information>

-Individual Name: Howard

-Race: Dwarf

-Common Traits: "Mind Hub", "Persona", "Super Recovery", "Clear Mind", "Super Strength", "Hypersensitivity", "Insight", "Xenoglossy"

-Individual Traits: "Artisan Spirit", "Dwarven Creation Logic", "Song of Fire and Metal", "Artisan's Soul", "Technological Revolution", "Metallurgy", "Precision Crafting", "Magical Engineering"

-Special Notes: Currently receiving additional growth bonuses from the "Growth Elixir". Has mastered the fundamentals of magical engineering through diligent research. Can now modify and partially replicate items created using technology from other worlds thanks to “Technological Revolution”.

‘…Wait, if I use this properly…’

This might be even more significant than he initially thought.

____________________

Azerion Imperial Hospital, located within the imperial palace.

After the attack by Staub and the masked figures, Hesperon found himself hospitalized once again.

“Are you sure I can’t leave?”

“Absolutely not. You need complete bed rest. Don't worry, we’ve set up a divine barrier for your mental well-being, along with aromatherapy, massages, and even bards from the palace. We also have a wide selection of books and mages available to assist with your training, so please relax and focus on your recovery.”

Even though he had completed his treatment for the curse’s aftereffects, he was still confined to his room, despite his protests. He couldn't disobey the direct order from the Crown Princess.

-Riley, I’m really fine now.

-…I’m sorry. It’s almost over, so please bear with it a little longer. I’ll take care of everything as soon as I return.

Riley’s apologetic voice reached him through their mental link, 「Chains of the Oath」.

He understood why she was being so cautious.

The atmosphere within the imperial palace was tense, even from within his hospital room.

After the attempted assassination of Riley.

And the subsequent incident where Hesperon was attacked.

Security in the capital had been tightened significantly.

‘But it still happened.’

Even if the ambush had been carefully planned, using a remote slum and a disguised coachman… it was still a failure on their part.

The results were undeniable.

Someone in a high position had deliberately created a security breach, and the culprit had been apprehended at the scene.

The former Captain of the Imperial Guard, Staub, corrupted by dark magic.

‘The imperial family must be furious.’

Even though the target wasn’t a member of the royal family, but a mere guest…

The fact that the Emperor, who had been taking a backseat and letting Riley handle the situation, was now personally involved, meant that their pride had been deeply wounded.

They had tolerated the Hermanheart family because they were his in-laws, but this was a step too far.

-You’re safe there. They made a reckless move, and now they’re cornered. Even if they try something else, the hospital is the safest place. The head doctor is completely neutral, but he won’t tolerate any disturbances in his hospital. He’s also the strongest within the palace, aside from the Captain of the Royal Knights.

-He’s that strong?

-He’s Marquis Lawrence’s senior, I heard. He changed his career path due to personal reasons.

-I see…

He nodded, accepting her explanation, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration.

She was worried about his safety, which he appreciated… but he had been planning to use this opportunity to briefly visit Earth.

He could use Dismissal to escape, but that would cause a huge commotion.

‘They’re monitoring all life signs within the palace.’

And the head doctor was a powerful Archmage, even stronger than Marquis Lawrence.

He would detect Hesperon’s disappearance immediately, and if he reappeared within the palace after that… it wouldn’t end well.

‘Should I just postpone it… No, wait. I don’t need to go to Earth.’

A thought suddenly struck him, and his eyes lit up. He jumped out of bed.

He grabbed a small, milky white orb from his bedside table.

It emanated no energy, looking like a simple ornament.

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