Chapter 44: Deep in the Tunnel

Soon, Grom returned, followed by a group of Ironbreakers.

"Nearly thirty of these brothers have returned to the embrace of the Ancestor Gods! They were all true warriors! Excluding those wounded and in need of treatment, there are sixty warriors here who can accompany you!"

Grom's tone was quite heavy; for a race with a sparse population like the Dwarfs, every clansman was a precious treasure, let alone the elite Ironbreakers.

Looking at these clansmen whose armor was covered in scratches and bloodstains, Sinuoli nodded heavily.

"Take all the Irondrakes with you as well!" Grom continued.

"No, Brother, taking half is enough. The environment in the underground tunnels is narrow, and a large number won't be able to maneuver! Besides, their high-temperature flames will be much more convenient for you to clear out the Greenskins on the surface!" Sinuoli declined his brother's good intentions.

For the Greenskin tribes, one cannot entirely examine this group from the perspective of animals; the reproductive method of the Greenskin race is the best proof.

There is no distinction between male and female among Greenskins. A special spore exists in their blood vessels, and a mutualistic symbiotic mechanism exists between the Greenskins and the spores. The spores absorb nutrients from the Greenskin's blood to obtain the energy needed for survival. When a Greenskin is severely injured, for example, if a limb is severed, the spores will secrete a special hormone to stimulate the Greenskin's regenerative ability.

When a Greenskin enters the reproductive period, the spores begin to secrete a hormone that causes the host's consciousness to enter a state of confusion. The Greenskins will move away from their tribe and wander alone in the wild. At this time, the spores will be released from the body and lodge in the soil.

After the Greenskin returns to the tribe, the spores in the soil begin to germinate slowly. They will spread underground, forming countless plant ovaries. Under conditions of sufficient nutrients and water, the first batch of creatures born are Snotlings and Squigs.

After the first batch of creatures, Goblins are the second species to be born, and finally, Orcs.

The entire ecosystem does not require extra nutrients from external sources, ensuring that no matter where the Orcs' Waaagh! marches, they will never lack manpower or food resources.

Besides natural reproduction, Greenskins also reproduce in another situation, which is when a Greenskin is forced to release the spores within its body—injury or death.

Also, because Greenskins perform the work of procreation directly upon the death of the host, in fact, the spores will secrete a hormone. Under the influence of this hormone, every Greenskin will enter a state of intense excitement when they begin to bleed.

This instinct existing within the organism prompts the Greenskins to have only two thoughts in their minds: beating others and being beaten. This instinct perfectly explains why Greenskin tribes are keen on brawling.

Because of this characteristic of sowing spores upon death, if the released spores are not eliminated by fire or other means after defeating and killing a batch of Greenskins, a new batch of Greenskins will be produced the following year. This is the experience the Dwarfs have summarized over countless years of confrontation.

Grom nodded; the Iron-drake Handguns were exactly what he needed.

"Brothers, rest and eat something! We set off in half an hour!" Sinuoli shouted.

While the Dwarfs on the pursuit mission chewed their dry rations, Gold Seeker collected the food and water carried by the other Dwarfs, and the unused Thunder Tubes of the Miners were also gathered and given to Sinuoli's subordinates.

Soon, it was time to set off, and Sinuoli took stock of the troops with him:

10 Eternal Hammer Guards

40 Anvil Guards

60 Ironbreakers

30 Miners (Thunder Tubes)

10 Irondrakes

Since the Quarrellers and Thunderers had almost run out of ammunition, Sinuoli did not bring them either; a total of 150 Dwarfs charged into the dim tunnels.

Although the Skaven were a step ahead and faster, in terms of endurance, they were definitely no match for the tough Dwarfs.

Not long after walking, Sinuoli saw some Clanrats lying sprawled by the roadside. Before he could open his mouth to stop them, the Ironbreakers at the very front of the team sent these rats to meet their Rat God, one axe blow each.

"Leave one alive! Ask what's going on," Sinuoli said.

"Why are these Skaven lying by the roadside?"

"Respected Chosen of the Goddess, this is because their food has run out! These rats are already so hungry they can't walk!" Qiangsen explained to Sinuoli.

"Under normal circumstances, these guys would be killed by their own kin who still have strength and used as dry rations, but it seems that the leading rat was in such a hurry to escape this time that it didn't bother!"

Compared to ordinary races, Skaven are very fast. This speed is comprehensive, from movement speed to growth speed to the speed of thought changes.

Such traits make their development and progress speed extremely fast, but their overly rapid metabolism also makes their appetites frighteningly large.

And because Skaven do not have much fat storage on their bodies, they always feel hungry. If this situation is not resolved, it will lead to serious consequences.

This section of the Earth Vein Network had been abandoned for a long time, so the signposts along the way had long been lost.

Sinuoli judged that they had advanced about ten kilometers based on the average speed of the Dwarfs and arranged for the team to take a short rest.

The Dwarfs sat down and drank some beer to replenish their strength; everyone knew that the moment they caught up with the enemy, a life-and-death struggle would erupt!

After a short rest, the team continued to advance. Soon, the Dwarfs discovered that among the rats lying on the ground, besides Slave Rats and Clanrats, there even appeared sporadic Stormvermin!

These strong black-furred rats were now just as much at the mercy of the Dwarfs as their weak kin.

Seeing this scene, the Dwarfs knew that this chase was nearing its end. There was a deathly silence in the dim Earth Vein Network; every Dwarf gripped their weapon tightly and strode forward quickly.

Suddenly, the Dwarfs in the front heard shouting and killing! One side was squeaking and screeching, sharp and ear-piercing, presumably the fleeing Skaven, but who were they fighting? It couldn't possibly be the Skaven infighting, could it?

Out of caution, Sinuoli adjusted the formation; he took the Eternal Hammer Guards and Irondrakes to the very front.

Feeling the Rune energy refilling in the ring on his middle finger, Sinuoli believed that no matter what they faced, he and the elites around him could withstand the first wave of strikes!

"The Ancestor Goddess protects us!" Sinuoli took a deep breath and let out a roar, charging around the corner of the tunnel first!

With a "Boom!"

A furry thing crashed into Sinuoli's arms. There was no time to look closely in the dim tunnel; he raised his hammer and struck hard!

With a "Puff!" sound, red and white splattered all over Sinuoli!

"Fire suppression!"

Sinuoli said, triggering the Rune on his ring. A huge fireball and ten tongues of fire illuminated the entire Earth Vein Network!

Thanks to the Knight lord who occasionally collects the tithe for the reward, book friend, and the monthly ticket from the Black Bear Stronghold's Bear Fatty; there will be an extra update tonight.

Continuing to ask for tickets, collections, and rewards!