Chapter 46: Ritual System

Before Sinuoli and the Dwarfs he brought could speak, the Dwarfs of Jiliuguan under the command of Balunding called out first.

"As expected of the Chosen of the Goddess! To be so generous!"

"We cannot bring shame to Zhufuba!"

"Could it be that just because the Everpeak has money, we in Jiliuguan do not?"

"It is settled then, we shall split the spoils fifty-fifty!" Listening to the shouts of his subordinates, Balunding made the decision.

"I leave that Dimension Stone Halberd to you! Only a powerhouse like you who has mastered Rune Power can handle the corruption caused by the Dimension Stone."

Dwarfs call Dimension Stone 'Moshi'; it is a material crystallization of Chaos Magic, powerful but highly uncontrollable, corrupting everything around it—we can think of it as nuclear fuel.

However, Skaven show a strong immunity to Dimension Stone radiation; not only can they use Dark Magic powered by Dimension Stone, but they even have various methods to ingest or apply it to gain benefits like extended life and enhanced magic power.

Generally, only Grey Seers and the Engineer-Sorcerers of Clan Skryre can use Ciyuan Moha; the former are more like traditional mages, while the latter use more "scientific" methods to utilize magical energy, with specific techniques somewhat similar to Dwarf Rune Smiths.

Compared to Dwarf technology, Skaven technology powered by Dimension Stone uses magical nuclear fuel to solve all energy problems directly, leaving only the task of how to channel this power.

For other races, dealing with the pollution caused by Dimension Stone radiation is already troublesome, and the Dimension Stone itself is a hot potato; Dwarfs usually have Rune Smiths engrave Runes to seal it away.

After resting, the Dwarfs from both sides searched the Skaven corpses on the ground together. They dug out about four thousand gold coins; other equipment not worth collecting and useless debris were burned along with the Skaven corpses.

Skaven carry all sorts of strange bacteria; if not incinerated at high temperatures, they could pollute water sources or even trigger a plague.

In the firelight of the burning Skaven corpses, the Dwarfs from both sides bid a reluctant farewell. "The one currently governing Karak-Varn is my elder brother Genuomu-Suiluozhe," Sinuoli began,

"He plans to rebuild the Shanbao and recruit immigrants to mine the deposits. Perhaps your lands could establish trade with us?" Sinuoli deployed diplomatic rhetoric.

In his view, the advanced technological level of Jiliuguan would certainly be able to accelerate the progress of his brother's reconstruction work.

"That is only natural!" Balunding said, "Our control over Mountain Lake Fortress has been intermittent over these years; the lack of a stable and sufficient supply of meteorite iron has greatly limited our development!" He also appeared very excited.

"Once I return to report this good news, the merchant caravans should arrive very soon!" Balunding continued.

"Are you returning to Mountain Lake Fortress now? Perhaps you could come visit us in a few days; the elders in the clan have been talking about you!" Balunding issued a warm invitation.

"That is only natural; I have long heard of the prosperity and advanced technology of Jiliuguan, and it would be best to come and broaden my horizons!"

Balunding spoke Sinuoli's inner thoughts; he had always believed that technology was the primary productive force.

"Oh? Really?" Hearing Sinuoli's reply, Balunding was quite surprised.

"Your willingness to come is truly beyond my expectations! As inheritors of traditional crafts, Rune Smiths have always been at odds with the Engineers who represent emerging technologies! It has been a long time since a Rune Master was willing to visit Zhufuba!" His tone was very agitated.

"In my view," Sinuoli said, weighing his words,

"Whether it is new technology or old tradition, as long as it can strengthen our Dwarf race and help us revitalize the Mountain Kingdom, it is a good thing worth learning!"

He deliberately kept his voice low so that only Balunding opposite him could hear. After hearing these words, Balunding nodded; as a native-born Dwarf, even living in a relatively open citadel, he needed some time to digest this statement.

"Um, if I may be so bold, is this your own intention or...?" Balunding also asked quietly,

"For now, it is my intention!" Sinuoli replied.

"Very well, Master Sinuoli, my father King Selending will surely be happy about your visit!" Balunding raised his voice so that all the Dwarfs in the tunnel could hear him clearly.

The Dwarfs on both sides were in a hurry to return and report; after bidding each other take care, they walked in the directions they had come from.

On the way back, the Dwarfs under Sinuoli's command changed from the solemnity they had upon arriving, and every face was filled with the joy of victory.

As Sinuoli walked, he toyed with the Dimension Stone Halberd in his hand; just as he was bored and suffering from the soreness of his soles, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind:

"System upgrade complete. Detected that the host has led an army to victory for the first time. Now unlocking brand-new functions to assist you in reclaiming lost Shanbao, recovering lost Artifacts, and restoring the glory of the Mountain Kingdom!"

Hearing this, Sinuoli became instantly energized.

He did not delay for a second and decisively opened the system. He discovered that the system's original functions of Oath Gold forging for weapons, equipment, and Runes had been replaced by a series of ritual options.

The skill panel did not change much, except for an extra allocatable skill point gained from winning in battle; other parts remained as they were.

As Sinuoli walked, he studied the contents of the rituals. The main objects of the rituals were the Ancestor Gods of the Dwarfs and a small number of the most famous heroes, such as the High King Gotrek Star-Slayer mentioned earlier, who slew the Elf Phoenix King Kaleduo Ershi.

Rituals are divided into three tiers based on the status of the ritual object. The lowest level is the great ancestors; there is only one choice for rituals to them, which is to summon their spirits to descend upon the Mortal World. These spirits can offer advice to Sinuoli or fight for him in all directions.

The objects of the second tier are the lesser Ancestor Gods; rituals performed for them are divided into three levels.

The lowest level is to enhance the strength of troops under the influence of that Ancestor God's Authority during battles over a period of time; for example, performing a ritual to the God of Engineers Mogelimu can increase the loading speed and firing accuracy of War Machines.

The second level is to enhance Sinuoli's own abilities within the scope of that Ancestor God's Authority; likewise, Mogelimu can allow Sinuoli to master the production method of a certain piece of equipment.

The highest level of ritual can directly enhance the capabilities of Sinuoli's faction in a certain aspect, such as research speed, personnel proficiency, etc.

The rituals for the three main gods are more detailed and produce stronger effects; the duration and scope of influence can be controlled based on the amount of sacrifice.

Taking the Mother Goddess Valaya as an example, from the lowest level of filling a unit with courage in battle to gain psychological immunity, to clearing Chaos from a region, and even increasing the fertility of a single Dwarf, a city, a faction, or even the entire Dwarf race, all can be achieved.

Thanks to sturbanus for the tip and to the book friends for the monthly tickets.

Continuing to ask for votes, collections, and tips!