Chapter 442: Poaching and Patching the Pot

What does it mean to be "too clean"? Through the system, Sinuoli discovered that the Skaven infestation in Jiliuguan was zero; for a large fortress in such a geographical location, this was contrary to common sense. Jiliuguan is the gateway to the World's Edge Mountains, the largest arms distribution center in the Old World, and even during the most conservative eras of the Mountain Kingdom, there was no lack of alien presence here.

The existence of rats in a Dwarf fortress is not a great secret; every lord has made attempts, but even the most elite Ironbreakers find it difficult to eradicate them—they are hard to find, hard to track once found, not necessarily wiped out even if caught, and new ones will arrive in a couple of days after being wiped out.

Sinuoli quickly made an inference close to the actual situation—Clan Eshin murdered Guild Master Buluoke. However, they cleaned up the loose ends too well—this actually played a role, preventing the lurkers from revealing their rat feet during the high-level martial law in the following days.

"It's troublesome once the rats start moving. I can't spare the hands to conquer Skavenblight right now, and the intelligence regarding what's inside is almost zero."

In Sinuoli's eyes, the threat of the ratmen is several levels higher than the Greenskins. Besides having extremely strong innovative capabilities, they also have relatively powerful power organs. The equipment of the Greenskins hasn't been updated much in thousands of years, and even if the warbosses are fierce, they are basically fighting their own battles.

Although several powerful clans far from Skavenblight, such as Pestilens, Eshin, and Moulder, absolutely refuse to obey the Grey Claw High Priest and only occasionally listen to the summons, most small and medium-sized clans are still unable to resist the control of the Grey Seers.

"There isn't much I can do, but I can't do nothing either. Release the news, promise heavy rewards, and let the adventurers who value money over their lives go and cause them some trouble; perhaps it can reignite the human forces' attention toward the rats."

"Thump, thump!"

The sudden knocking on the door interrupted his thoughts on how to counter the ratmen. Opening the door, he saw that the visitor was Buluokesen. After a few pleasantries and inquiries, the Engineering Master clarified his intent.

"Your Majesty, I have a matter I wish to discuss with you. My father met an unexpected end and did not have time to recommend a successor. Several vice-masters of the guild and King Thorgin have all signed off on me temporarily succeeding my father's position."

"Poaching right in front of me, the old comrade isn't playing fair! Giving away the position of Guild Master so readily!"

Sinuoli secretly slandered in his heart. Cultivating talent requires costs; talent is certainly important, but what is more important is sufficient resources and tolerance for repeated failed attempts.

"This is a good thing! Thinking back to when we first met, I didn't even have a place to stand, and you almost suffered the Trousers Ritual. Being able to have today, besides the protection of the Ancestor Gods, is also inseparable from our mutual support! However, it is a pity; I will have to find someone else to entrust this Focusing Lens to!"

With a slight smile, Sinuoli first expressed his support for Buluokesen, but used the memory of their previous struggles to prod him. The Longbeards couldn't accept your wild ideas back then; have they really changed their thinking after only twenty years? It is inevitable that you will be constrained after the initial honeymoon period passes.

"That, that is an Artifact left behind by the god Mogelimu!"

Buluokesen has always been the most core member of Sinuoli's team. He knows why Haimenguan gave the green light for the Dreadnought; in terms of practicality, this lens is likely even above the War Gear.

"So what if it is? As the Vice-Master of the Rune Smith Guild, wouldn't it be a waste to keep that treasure in my hands? But let's be clear: you may use it freely while in office, but you cannot take it with you when you leave."

After clarifying the pros and cons, it was naturally necessary to improve his treatment. He still needed someone to help him localize the Chaos Dwarf war machine blueprints he just got from Ironhand. Activating the Focusing Lens can significantly improve the accuracy and power of surrounding War Machines, but his own positioning is clearly to charge into battle as a living statue rather than commanding artillery crews.

"I knew it, following you to realize the revelations of the Ancestor Gods is the right path!"

Buluokesen stood up and bowed again. Sinuoli needs him, and he naturally has deep feelings for Sinuoli and the cause in the Southlands. Moreover, if he can fully grasp the knowledge in the Artifact left by the God of Engineers, he will still have a chance to become Guild Master even while in the Southlands.

After lingering in the Old World for a few more days, and after the Colossus body and repair materials shared by the kings arrived at Haimenguan, Sinuoli embarked on the journey back to the Southlands. The cracks on the "pot" were already big enough; it was time to go back and "patch the pot."

"The news of your return has been released, and those brats in the Southlands are all panicking! Hmph, at their worst, they even dared to storm Lord Balin's office. They really forgot their roots as soon as they stood firm."

Because of the need to transport the Colossus, Prince Panuosen of Haimenguan personally commanded the fleet. On the bridge, he muttered to Sinuoli while holding a beer. As the main link between the Southlands and the Old World, they knew exactly how serious the situation was.

"To cure it, one must endure this temporary pain! Balin has indeed done a good job."

Landing at Quata, Sinuoli summoned all the leaders of the Southlands for an audience and announced his strong return.

"With me gone, you all have been quite lively. Ande, read them out one by one! If those whose names are called have any objections, raise them on the spot; don't blame me for not giving you a chance to speak!"

"Francis of Hejiancun: Organized private soldiers to beat up tax officials, smuggled forest specialties worth over one thousand gold coins!"

"Strip him of all positions, and confiscate double the amount of his illegal gains!"

"Knight Nuoman, leader of the Kakasong Brotherhood, you organized a demonstration in the central square of Tumobao, openly provoking the City Council, and during it, smashed and looted shops legally operated by believers."

"Thirty lashes, confiscate all property, and expel from the Southlands!"

"High Priest of the Red Cloud Mountain of the Lanodejiaopai, organized theft, fraud, and smuggling, involving a huge amount of money, and armed resistance against law enforcement!"

"Fifty lashes, confiscate all property, and expel from the Southlands!"

The deeds of one human after another were reported, and Sinuoli made quick judgments based on the circumstances and the reference opinions of the Western Depot. After all, it was directed at aliens, so the punishments were concentrated on fines, corporal punishment, and exile; there were no death sentences or imprisonment restricting personal freedom.

"Broadcast to the entire Southlands: those who did not show up must go to the nearest fortress to surrender within a time limit; otherwise, the crime will be compounded!"

The guys who were sentenced first looked at the leaders of various sects with hopeful eyes, but as they looked at their noses and hearts, the leaders of the humans who took the lead in making trouble felt as if their spines had been pulled out.

Sinuoli certainly did not let the sects off. He branded Nightwalker Ranod and another minor god who caused the most trouble as illicit cults and banned them directly. Subsequently, he exiled the most radical clergy, including the followers of the Lady of the Lake and Sigmar.

In terms of the lifespan of a Dwarf Demigod, Sinuoli is young enough, and at the same time, he is not restricted by external factors and can freely move and exert his power. Even true gods would not want to fall out with the strongest combat power in the Mortal World who has the backing of an ancient race.

(End of chapter)