Chapter 77: Karak-Dumar

"Manticore, you are truly fierce!" Sinuoli praised upon hearing this.

The Manticore is a massive lion-like beast with tough wings that allow it to fly in the sky. Among all the carnivores living in the northern mountains, they are the most powerful.

The mutating power of Chaos gives them various forms; some Manticores have manes like snakes, others have skin like iron scales, and many Manticores have poisonous stingers on their tails, making the blood of those stung feel as if it were boiling.

However, all Manticores are savage killers filled with primal rage. They are extremely fierce, which is why they are also tamed by the Dark Elf to become incarnations of Khaine, the god of murder.

To the Dwarf, such monsters, possessing both agility and cruelty, are more threatening than clumsy giants.

"I originally heard that a group of Greenskin was entrenched in Karak-Varn and wanted to wipe them out first, but you brothers have already beaten me to it." The Dwarf Slayer's voice was very low.

"Then someone told me that Prince Duomujia of the Angrund Clan was assembling a great army to retake Karak Eight Peaks, so I planned to head south to join his ranks and seek a death filled with honor."

"Are you not saying you came for me?" Sinuoli asked.

"Yes, when my companions and I had replenished our supplies and were preparing to head south, Prince Grom said that you, the Chosen of the Goddess, would soon pass through here on your way to Karak-Breeze Fort. We all agreed that washing away our Grudges under the gaze of the Mother Goddess would be more meaningful!"

Having spoken such a long passage, the Slayer, who had lived in the wilderness for a long time, felt a bit uncomfortable, "Therefore, I hope you can be a witness for us!"

Sinuoli naturally had no objections; he knew the combat effectiveness of the Slayers, and although there were not many of them, they were definitely a significant reinforcement for his caravan.

Two days later, in the early morning, the caravan set off again. With the addition of merchants from Jiliuguan, the number of people in the caravan approached one thousand.

Sinuoli, walking at the very front of the procession, sat atop a brown-and-gold Rock Sheep. This sturdy ram puffed white air from its nostrils from time to time, and its sharp horns were fitted with an extra pair of meteorite iron horn covers, adding a bit of murderous aura.

For these Dwarfs, who had more or less witnessed divine grace, Sinuoli's reputation was at its zenith, and no one raised any objections to his act of riding a sheep.

Sinuoli sat in the sheep saddle, resting his feet, which were wearing legendary combat boots, in the sheep stirrups, swaying while secretly sizing up the Dwarfs from Jiliuguan.

"This bunch of guys are all my competitors; how can I beat them to selling the munitions?"

Ever since he had a mount for transportation, Sinuoli felt that time passed much faster. The road from Karak-Varn to Kalake-Duomaer also belonged to the hinterland of the Mountain Kingdom, with Ironbreakers patrolling along the way, so no petty villains dared to stir up trouble.

After a night of rest, the caravan arrived at Kalake-Duomaer on the morning of the second day.

For Sinuoli, the Chosen of the Goddess, Lord Lauren the Punctual, who had once gone to Mountain Lake Fortress to observe the ceremony, showed the highest respect.

He personally led the Hammer Guard to the gate of the fortress to welcome Sinuoli and his caravan.

Sizing up Kalake-Duomaer, Sinuoli found that it was very different from the several fortresses he had seen before.

First, the walls of the fortress were covered with traces of war; although they had been repaired, there were still a large number of scratches and dents.

Second was the configuration of the fortress; it was not like most Dwarf fortresses where the main body was located underground, but rather somewhat similar to a Human castle.

This was because the original intention of establishing Kalake-Duomaer was to control Black Fire Pass, a strategic location connecting the Badlands and the Empire of Man.

Once Black Fire Pass fell, the Greenskin of the Badlands could rush into the Empire of Man and do whatever they wanted. Whether out of an ancient covenant or for the protection of their most important trading partner, the Dwarfs of the World's Edge Mountains were unwilling to sit by and watch this happen.

Of course, defending against the Greenskin of the Badlands mainly relied on the Humans themselves; Kalake-Duomaer could at most serve as a fulcrum to play a role in containment and early warning.

Lord Lauren, who guarded this place, was famous for being good at commanding defensive operations; he had defended isolated outposts many times against the attacks of enemies surging like ocean waves until reinforcements arrived.

At the welcoming banquet, Lord Lauren did not live up to Sinuoli's expectations and brought out quite a few high-quality fine wines.

For Dwarfs, top-grade alcohol could even be considered a strategic resource. Dwarf Ale was so rich in nutrients that one could survive alone for several weeks after drinking it. Many warriors also felt their combat ability improved after drinking Dwarf Ale.

The most famous ale was brewed by the family brewery of Joseph-Bergman. This wine was a hot seller in the Old World and the major cities of the Dwarf mountains.

Drinking a cup of this foamy ale could strengthen a person's will, making them immune to fear for ten hours. However, Bergman's Ale had a very high concentration; one cup was worth four cups of ordinary liquor.

"I heard at Everpeak that Bergman's brewery is near Kalake-Duomaer. You must be enjoying a great feast while guarding this place, right?"

Sinuoli was gradually getting used to the potency of Dwarf brewing; he drank two cups in a row and felt a bit tipsy.

"Valaya above, I wish that were the case!" Lord Lauren sighed. This resolute Dwarf, whose face looked like it had been chiseled out of rock, now also had a slightly flushed face.

"But that old guy, humph, relying on his good wine, he listens to the call but not the command!"

"There is such a thing?"

"Yes, let alone me, he doesn't even sell face to your father, His Majesty Thorgrim. Not to mention there's no discount, if you want aged fine brews like No. 1 or No. 2, you have to wait in line!" Lord Lauren's bit of resentment toward Bergman was ignited by the alcohol.

"Well, capable people often have some arrogance; many of my peers are like this too," Sinuoli excused Bergman.

"Speaking of which, why did he build the brewery here? Not that I mean to offend, but I feel that Kalake-Duomaer is a place that is easily attacked."

In Sinuoli's view, such a top-tier brewery should be built in the largest Dwarf fortress to be appropriate.

"As far as I know, there are at least two reasons. First is the water quality; I heard from his Apprentice that the water of Heishui Hu is quite helpful for brewing." Lauren the Punctual drank another cup of ale.

"Second is the geographical location. Kalake-Duomaer is the westernmost point of the World's Edge Mountains. Whether going west to the Black Mountains and the Grey Mountains, or walking south along the World's Edge Mountains to Tiefengbao and north to Slayer Keep, it is very convenient. Through Black Fire Pass, one can also quickly send wine to the various Dwarf taverns in the Empire of Man."

Lord Lauren analyzed the geography of the Dwarfs clearly in a few words.

Thanks to Grand Marshal Skard for the tip, ok2001, the scenery here is not good, Heart of the Other Side, and the Mine Mule Sect for unifying the world with monthly tickets.

Seeking votes, seeking collections, seeking tips, ha.