Chapter 28: The Recruitment of the Angrund Clan

Because Sinuoli is too young, in the eyes of many Dwarfs he is merely a lucky child favored by the Goddess, not yet worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as the two experienced Rune Masters, Iron Chisel Master and the Molten Master.

Also, because he has not yet established his own power base and is not the eldest son in his family, many high-ranking Clan Leaders and experienced Masters did not take the initiative to approach him.

As for Sinuoli himself, because he possesses memories of a past life, his perspective is not limited to the Dwarf Kingdom or even a single fortress; he has little interest in those around him who lack strength and influence.

While socializing with the clansmen before him, Sinuoli kept an eye on the situation in the hall. Aside from an old Dwarf who was whispering to his father, Thorgrim Grudgebearer, a young Dwarf caught Sinuoli's attention.

This fellow looked to be about the same age as Brother Grom, dressed in ornate clothing, wearing several rings on his hands, and his not-so-long beard was covered in accessories.

Unlike the traditionally reticent clansmen, this Dwarf seemed very sociable. Sinuoli watched him go from table to table to toast, not even missing the Humans who were almost ignored and formed their own small circle.

The other guests' attitudes toward him were strange; some were very enthusiastic while others were quite cold, not even offering the basic courtesy of drinking the wine he toasted with.

The Dwarf circled halfway around and finally arrived in front of Sinuoli's position.

"Good evening! Respected Master Sinuoli, I am a descendant of King Luen, Duomujia-Tiechui of the Angrund Clan. May I have the honor of sharing a drink with you?"

Sinuoli clinked glasses with him, "Duomujia? Shouldn't it be Belegar?"

"Oh ho! The chosen one of the Ancestor Goddess has actually heard of my brother's name!" The Dwarf exclaimed.

"Hey! Belegar! The Master is calling you!" Watching a young Dwarf run over from the corner at the sound, Sinuoli realized that it was still early, and the bitter, deep-seated Belegar from the game was still just a young Little Beard.

Duomujia draped his arm over his brother Belegar's shoulder and asked:

"My brother just passed his coming-of-age trial and doesn't even have a formal nickname yet! Where did you hear of him?"

Before Sinuoli could answer, he said to Belegar, "Haven't you been saying these past few days that you want to learn from Master Sinuoli to strengthen your power and reclaim our homeland early to restore the Clan's glory? Could it be that the vow you made has received a response from the Ancestor Goddess?"

"Hahaha, hearsay, just hearsay!" Sinuoli laughed it off, trying to get past it.

"Master, in order to reclaim our homeland, I am assembling a new Expeditionary Force, and quite a few clans that originally belonged to Karak Eight Peaks have already announced their participation. I have also gained the support of several lords; Lord Panuosi of Barak Varr has promised to provide logistics for my army. Currently, my team lacks a powerhouse capable of wielding Rune Magic. Are you interested in joining us?"

Sinuoli frowned upon hearing this; he did not believe that this historically failed expedition would change in any way because of his participation:

"Thank you for your trust, Prince Duomujia. As you can see, I have only just become a Rune Master and am at a time when I need to settle down. You see, I haven't even prepared a decent set of equipment for myself yet!" Sinuoli declined.

"Isn't that a coincidence!" Prince Duomujia did not intend to give up.

"During the last expedition, our clan opened a secret passage leading to our clan treasury. Although we didn't have time to open the treasury doors, we successfully cleared out the Greenskins along the way, blew up that section of the tunnel, and completely sealed it with several powerful Runes!

The main force of the Greenskins in the Badlands has followed the Great Belly King all the way to the Empire of Man, and those left to guard the Eight Peaks are all the old, weak, sick, and disabled. Opening the treasury this time will be a matter of course!"

Prince Duomujia took a sip of wine; his voice was a bit hoarse, and it was clear he had already said this many times.

"You know, before the Dark Age, Karak Eight Peaks, the Queen of the Silver Abyss, was a majestic city whose prosperity and wealth could rival Everpeak. Our Angrund Clan ruled the Eight Peaks for generations. Although the clan's treasury is not as rich as the fortress's treasury,

according to the records from when our ancestors evacuated, there is at least one legendary Shield—the Shield of Resistance—and a powerful Oath Stone passed down from the Ancestor Gods, which is no less precious than a legendary weapon. There are no fewer than ten pieces of Exquisite Quality equipment, and enough standard-issue gear to arm half a legion! Of course, there is also plenty of Oath Gold and gold coins." He clinked glasses with Sinuoli again.

"I promise that if you join my team, after the deed is done, I will give you no less than 500 pieces of Oath Gold, and you can choose one piece of the recovered Exquisite Quality equipment first!

All data related to Runes can be shared with you. You must know that the Eight Peaks is where the Ancestor Goddess created Rune Magic! Of course, this is the base offer. If you make outstanding contributions in battle, both the equipment and the Oath Gold can be increased!" Duomujia's sincerity was very evident.

Hearing such an offer, Sinuoli struggled to suppress the restless flames in his heart. He knew that the greater the return, the greater the risk. If this trip were truly as easy as Prince Duomujia said, why would he offer such generous rewards?

"I am truly sorry! I wholeheartedly support your expedition, but I was struck by an axe by that damned Greenskin Gulu in battle. Although the Ancestor Goddess saved my life, my injuries still need time to recover. Right now, it's no problem for me to tap out some Runes at the forge, but to go to the Badlands and fight the Greenskins, I am still a bit powerless!"

Sinuoli's mind turned, and he thought of a good excuse. The fact that Sinuoli received divine grace on the battlefield was already well-known under the clan's publicity, and Prince Duomujia did not doubt him. After saying a few more words of blessing, he carried his cup and turned to other tables.

The banquet was nearing its end, but there were still many Dwarfs Prince Duomujia needed to contact! After the Duomujia brothers walked away, the Iron Chisel Master squeezed out from the crowd and pulled Sinuoli to the side.

"You are very good! I have been nearby the whole time and didn't dare go too far; I heard everything you said! It is a good thing not to be blinded by profit! I was afraid you would agree on a whim; it would not be a good thing to be forced to break an Oath later!"

The Master looked around and whispered in Sinuoli's ear, "The clan does not look favorably upon this expedition of his! Duomujia is still too young! Pride and complacency might destroy him."

The moon gradually climbed into the night sky, and the banquet entered its final stages. The guests belched, patted their round bellies, and set off on the road back. Sinuoli also returned to his residence in the clan under the protection of guards.

The next day, Sinuoli was awakened by a commotion. "This is Master Sinuoli's residence! You cannot trespass!"

Thanks to ArtoriasW for the monthly ticket, there will be an extra update tonight. I got a better recommendation spot this week, continuing to ask for votes and collections.

Everyone can continue to give suggestions for the system's upgrade.