Chapter 254: News from the Everpeak

Lizardmen have a clear division of labor when created: the Slann oversee the big picture; Saurus, or Lizardmen, serve as the main combat force; Skinks handle logistics such as farming and craftsmanship; and Kroxigor, being the strongest, take on most of the heavy lifting.

Judging by what Outelakesi said, it is perhaps precisely the lack of Kroxigor that has hindered him and the other Slann in the Southlands from rebuilding the Geomantic Web. In the game, Master Mazdamundi sending Chakax to the Southlands was also for this matter.

Currently, Sinuoli does not have enough manpower to do things for the Lizardmen, but for immortal beings like the Slann, a few months or even years might just be the equivalent of a nap.

After leaving Balin to coordinate with a Skink leader wearing a noticeably more ornate headdress, Sinuoli led his men back to Kalake-Zuen. He began another long wait, as his follow-up development plans had to be determined based on the support obtained from the Old World.

Sinuoli ordered his subordinates not to go into the rainforest to the west; the Wood Elf there currently seemed to be hunkered down in their treehouses just like their compatriots in the Old World, unwilling to move, and had not yet realized they had new neighbors.

"What does my uncle say?"

South of Gaoyuanbao, a pristine High Elf fortress stood on an island shrouded in mist. Prince Afazeer of the Kingdom of Yvresse paced in his council chamber.

"His Majesty Finubar's meaning is to observe first and not take the initiative to engage them. He believes your previous approach was too reckless, and we have more important opponents."

A High Elf wearing robes, holding a magic staff, and with a sharp sword hanging at his waist responded to him. If Sinuoli were present, he would quickly recognize this as an Archmage from the Tower of Hoeth; they possess spells for long-distance communication.

High Elf have a natural affinity for the Winds of Magic; it is easier for spellcasters to be born among them, and likewise easier for them to master more powerful magic. There are enough mages willing to serve as advisors to provide lords with their wisdom and mana.

"Am I just to watch those short-arses jump around under my nose? How would the nobles of other kingdoms view it then..."

"Your duty is to guard the Southern Seas, is it not?"

The Archmage understood the young Prince's thoughts; because he is the nephew of the Phoenix King, his abilities are highly questioned, and he is eager to find an opportunity to prove himself.

"Lord Teclis senses that the power of the Great Vortex is weakening, and Her Majesty the Everqueen has also warned that dark forces are on the rise. The previous Daemon army of Nurgle is proof of this; to put it bluntly, when facing Daemons, the Dwarf might be more trustworthy than our own kin."

The Archmage persuaded him; the affinity for the Winds of Magic also brings more opportunities for corruption and temptation, and the Dark Elf are undoubtedly the best proof of this. The Tower of Hoeth first came to prominence during the civil war against the Cult of Pleasure.

Prince Afazeer's lips twitched twice, but in the end, he did not continue the argument. The High Elf had sensed the great battle between Sinuoli and Ku'gath, and he was not confident he could defeat a Great Unclean One.

Panuosen had left one ship behind for delivering messages when he returned; without baggage, and traveling downstream, the speed was faster. A month had passed since departing from Andemuge when Sinuoli's Doom Anvil suddenly lit up.

"Someone, come!"

He shouted, and a young man named Noli rushed in; he was Balin's assistant and also a descendant of a noble who could read and write. With the promotion of the Rune telegraph, telegraph operators had become an emerging profession among the Dwarf.

"Who can send a telegram this far?"

Sinuoli muttered while watching Noli write and draw. With his ability, to contact Tiefengbao, he would need to set up another base station at Red Cloud Mountain; now that Thorek Ironbrow had only recently become a Rune Master, he shouldn't be that much stronger than himself.

"It's sent from the Everpeak! Asking if it's true, sir!"

Noli turned his head and reported to Sinuoli.

"Of course!" Sinuoli signaled him to reply directly; the Master-class Communication Rune on the Doom Anvil was powered by the energy gathered by the anvil, and it only needed to be activated.

"It says to ask you to send a Rune Guardian back to him."

"Just that?"

Sinuoli jumped up from his chair.

"The sender is Krag Master! My god, I am talking to that legend!" Noli's next sentence made him sit right back down.

"His Majesty the High King does not dare to rashly take the sea route himself; he has entrusted Lord Panuosi of Haimenguan to act on behalf of the kings of all nations to verify your battle results. The fleet will set sail immediately, carrying the urgently needed supplies you mentioned and the relevant letters of appointment."

It seemed that after sending his private goods first, Krag Master began to send official business; according to Sinuoli's memory, this was indeed his master's style.

"Good!" Sinuoli slapped the table hard.

"Following this, Krag Master will contact you once every three days. He has sent your senior fellow apprentice, Master Nathan, who will be stationed at Red Cloud Mountain Fortress to facilitate contact between us and Karak-Azul."

"Master Nathan!"

Sinuoli muttered; he had some impression of this senior fellow apprentice. He was the eldest of the disciples Krag Master still had in the world, and should also be the most powerful. Over the years, he had lived in seclusion, not accepting employment from lords, and devoted himself to studying Rune knowledge.

In the days that followed, Sinuoli felt time passed much faster; the contact every three days made him feel his life had something to look forward to. Finally, the person sending him telegrams changed; Lord Panuosi's fleet arrived at the Great Mortis River delta, and Master Nathan made contact with Sinuoli.

The scale of this fleet was twice as large as the last time; except for the necessary garrison troops, Lord Panuosi had brought almost everyone out. Sinuoli was clear about their worries; since the Dark Age, it was not that no one had recaptured lost fortresses, but what was harder than recapturing them was holding them.

There were always Expeditionary Forces that attacked through secret passages discovered by stupid races that had not yet occupied the fortresses, and retook key halls. But their numbers were small, and once subsequent reinforcements arrived late, failure would beat them to it.

With the previous route map, Lord Panuosi's fleet advanced rapidly to Quata; some ships returned after unloading, while others remained to reinforce the port.

On the subsequent journey, Sinuoli kept in touch with them; apart from being harassed by some wandering Undead in Coffin Canyon, no other creatures dared to disturb this larger Dwarf force.

Master Nathan did not stay directly at Red Cloud Mountain Fortress but followed the troops to Gaoyuanbao first to take a look. Like Sinuoli before them, they and the High Elf discovered each other. Fortunately, Lord Panuosi, who led the team, had dealt with Elf for many years, allowing the troops to maintain restraint.