We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 307 Calling for the Name of [Rhine]!
"The Barbarian Axe Tribe? War?"

Upon hearing this, Xia En couldn't help but frown slightly.

From his experiences entering the [Forge Realm] several times, he gained some understanding of the situation near the [Warhammer Tribe].

It is known that there are three tribes of different sizes scattered around the Warhammer Tribe.

These are the [Barbarian Axe Tribe], [Ancient Mountain Tribe], and [Sunflame Tribe].

Among them, the first two are not much different from the Warhammer Tribe in terms of overall strength, and are both small "Bronze-level tribes".

The Sunflame Tribe is extremely large, with a total population almost three times that of the Warhammer Tribe, making it a "Silver-level Tribe" in the Forge Realm.

As for the conflict between the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] and the [Warhammer Tribe], it is not something that has only been going on for a day or two, but has existed for decades.

A hundred years ago, these two tribes were one family, and the chiefs of the two tribes were even brothers.

However, due to some conflict that is now impossible to verify, the two chieftains became enemies and eventually split into two tribes: the Barbarian Axe and the Warhammer.

After that, there were constant frictions and struggles between the two sides, both large and small.

However, what puzzled Xia En was...

The combat strength of the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] was similar to that of the [Warhammer Tribe], and the [Warhammer Tribe] even had a powerful member like himself who had defeated the [Fierce Lizard King].

If war were to break out, even if they were to defeat the Warhammer Tribe, they would undoubtedly suffer heavy casualties.

Why did the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] suddenly decide to start a war?
Seemingly noticing Shane's confusion, Hope explained, "The [Barbarian Axe Tribe] alone naturally doesn't have the courage to start a war directly."

"But it is said that... this time they received support from the [Sunflame Tribe]."

"Even the first warrior of the [Sunflame Tribe], Explosive Sunflame, will join the battle as reinforcements."

Xia En frowned slightly and murmured, "Support from the [Sunflame Tribe]..."

By this time, he had also gained some understanding of the various names used in the dwarf tribe.

The term "First Warrior" is both a title and a position, referring specifically to the strongest member of the tribe.

The participation of the First Warrior demonstrates the importance that the Yangyan Tribe attaches to this battle.

However, Xia En couldn't help but feel a little curious.

The war between the Wild Axe Tribe and the Warhammer Tribe stemmed from their past grievances.

Why did the Yangyan Tribe choose to intervene?
Is it simply for the purpose of expanding power and accommodating a larger population?
Shane directly voiced his question to Hope.

Upon hearing this, Hope suddenly realized, "That's right, you've lost part of your memory, no wonder you forgot about this."

He led Xia En out of the cave and pointed to the huge furnace in the center of the underground space.

“Every tribe has its own sacred furnace. If you look closely at the top of the furnace, what can you see?”

Following Hope's finger, Shane observed carefully and soon saw—

Above the massive furnace, there are some strange patterns, which look like both carved murals and totems used in the primitive era, revealing an ancient and mysterious aura.

However, whatever it is, it has very obvious defects.

Or rather, it is merely a small component of a huge whole.

"That is our ancestral totem."

Looking at the patterns, Hope said with reverence, "Legend has it that we dwarves are not actually native to this world, but migrated here from another world."

"And the totems of our ancestors are the key to our ability to stand in this world."

"The way it previously defended against the [Fierce Lizard King]'s attacks was the effect of the ancestral totem. In addition, it has many other amazing abilities."

At this point, Hope couldn't help but sigh softly.

"However, because it has existed for so long, its power is gradually fading away."

"Is this precisely why the Yangyan Tribe has decided to take action against us?"

Xia En stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face.

After hearing these words, he finally understood the origins of the dwarves in the [Forge Realm], as well as some deeper secrets.

Moreover, Shane quickly realized something and asked.

"You mean... the reason the [Sunflame Tribe] took action was because of our ancestral totem?"

"Yes."

Hope nodded and said, "In the oral history passed down in the tribe, the original ancestral totem should be complete."

"But due to an unknown event, the ancestral totem was shattered and eventually became part of the life-origination furnace of each dwarf tribe."

"In that case, of course some people will want to make the totem complete and make the dwarf race great again."

"At the same time, it is also to strengthen our own tribe."

"It is said that in those more remote places, tribes have already collected more than a dozen ancestral totems and developed several new uses for the ancestral totems."

Hope smiled bitterly: "Actually, even I've had that thought, but unfortunately, my talent is just too limited."

Then, he looked at Xia En with anticipation, his eyes shining with excitement, and murmured.

"However, if you have the blood of the God of War flowing through your veins, perhaps you could..."

"The blood of the God of War?"

Xia En raised an eyebrow: "What's that?"

This was the first time he had heard this claim.

“These secrets were supposed to be told to you after you became the clan leader, but now, we don’t have much time left.”

Hope said earnestly, "Among the first dwarves to migrate to this world, they all had the powerful bloodline of the God of War flowing through their veins, which gave them immense strength, strong regenerative abilities, and innate talent for combat."

"However, as time went on, there were fewer and fewer dwarves who possessed this blood of the god of war."

"Or rather, the bloodline within us has fallen into slumber, and its power cannot manifest."

"The reason you were able to defeat the [Fierce Lizard King] must be because you awakened the power of the God of War's blood at the critical moment of life and death."

"Perhaps your amnesia is also due to the impact of this force."

Upon hearing this, Shane immediately realized that Hope had misunderstood!
He doesn't have any War God blood at all. The reason he can unleash such strong combat power is entirely due to the numerical values ​​and mechanisms brought about by the [Projected Body]—oh no, it's sweat and effort!

However, Shane was also happy to see Hope have this misunderstanding.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain his leap in strength using common sense.

Meanwhile, Kur, who was standing nearby, also heard Hope's story.

Upon hearing phrases like "after becoming the clan leader" and "blood of the God of War," the bearded dwarf's face visibly paled even further.

His whole demeanor became somewhat listless.

Even when faced with a casual glance from Xia En, his eyes would dart away.

Shane, on the other hand, vaguely guessed the meaning behind Hope letting Kur hear these words.

The old clan chief may have guessed some of Kur's thoughts, so he wanted to use these words to make him give up completely.

At the same time, it is also a relatively gentle way to resolve the conflict between the two.

Although Kur will be sad in the short term, it is a good thing in the long run.

After all, Kur was a member of the Warhammer tribe and a very skilled craftsman.

From Hope's perspective, this approach was undoubtedly a wise choice—you could say it was the "wisdom of an old man."

Shane saw through Hope's thoughts, but didn't say anything more about the topic, and continued speaking.

"Leaving aside the matter of the Blood of the God of War, I still find it a bit strange." "Why would the [Sunflame Tribe] happen to be assisting the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] at this particular time?"

"With their strength, they should have been able to wipe us out by now, right?"

Unlike the Barbarian Axe Tribe, which is on equal footing with the others, the Sunflame Tribe is a Silver-level dwarf tribe, far stronger than the Warhammer Tribe.

In Xia En's view, the timing of their decision to start the war was too coincidental.

Hope nodded: "That's right."

There are actually quite a few reasons behind this.

"First of all, the terrain of our world makes it difficult to carry out large-scale long-distance marches and military operations. No matter how strong the [Sunflame Tribe] is, its influence range is actually limited."

Xia En understood: "That's right."

There are no flat plains in the [Furnace Realm], only tunnels and caves of all sizes and rugged terrain.

It's not that it's impossible to muster a large army to start a war, but it's extremely difficult.

This is also why the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] and the [Warhammer Tribe] were able to coexist peacefully before.

Hope continued, "Secondly, I suspect... the [Sunflame Tribe] may have obtained another totem fragment related to our totem, which is why they chose to take action."

Shane: "Related totem fragments? What does that mean?"

Hope explained, "A single totem fragment has limited power."

"But if you find the matching pieces and piece them together to form a more complete shape, its power will increase exponentially."

Upon hearing this, Xia En immediately understood.

So the ancestral totems of the dwarves were pieced together!
The totem of the Sunflame Tribe may have been a puzzle piece completely unrelated to the Warhammer Tribe.

Now that a suitable piece of the puzzle has been found, why not include the piece from the Warhammer Tribe to create an even larger totem?

"The last reason is..."

Hope gave a wry smile: "Recently, for some reason, the frequency of [Fire Seeds] appearing in our vicinity has increased a lot, and there are also occasional rumbling sounds from the ground."

"Perhaps the Yangyan Tribe has also felt a sense of crisis and wants to increase its strength as soon as possible?"

"..."

Xia En's lips twitched slightly.

If I had to pinpoint the reason, it would be inextricably linked to his arrival.

Suddenly, Xia En thought of another question: "Chief Hope, where did you get your information about the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] and the [Sunflame Tribe]?"

The transportation to the [Forge Realm] is so inconvenient that news travels very slowly.

The fact that one could know this information in advance is itself incredible.

Upon hearing this question, Hope's face showed a complicated expression as she answered.

"Actually, we found out this after we intercepted a secret letter addressed to Kur's wife."

"Kur's wife?"

Shane looked at Kur beside him and suddenly remembered that his wife Mary was originally a member of the [Barbarian Axe Tribe].

Now, the meaning of this secret letter seems quite clear.

"No, that's not it!"

At this point, Kurt finally couldn't help but retort, "Mary absolutely didn't mean that; this is definitely an attempt to sow discord!"

“Mary isn’t the only woman from the Barbarian Axe tribe in our tribe.”

Hope shook her head in disappointment: "You've been with Mary for so long, and you still haven't seen through her true nature?"

"No matter what, she has to be kept in solitary confinement for the time being, and no one is allowed to visit her!"

"Mary can only be released after the war is over."

Kur opened his eyes wide and murmured, "How could this be..."

"Kull."

Xia En walked over to him, patted him on the shoulder, and said.

"War is cruel, you need to be mentally prepared in advance."

Startled by Shane's slap, Kur quickly took two or three steps back, completely like a frightened bird.

Xia En looked at him with a half-smile and asked, "What's wrong? Am I that scary?"

"Or is it even more terrifying than facing the [Fire Lizard] alone?"

Seemingly sensing the deeper meaning in Shane's words, Kur's face turned even paler, and his body began to tremble slightly.

He swallowed hard and said with difficulty, "I'm not feeling well, so I'll be leaving now."

After saying that, Kur quickly left as if fleeing in panic.

Seeing Kur's performance, Hope completely abandoned the idea of ​​including him as a candidate for the next successor.

A weak, cowardly, and indecisive person is not fit to be the chieftain of the Warhammer Horde.

However, after all, Hope had watched Kur grow up, and he sighed softly.

"Hopefully, Kur can overcome this hurdle and recover as soon as possible."

Xia En said meaningfully, "I believe he will."

……

……

After leaving the cave.

Kur staggered toward his little home, his back view showing utter disarray.

Kur's eyes were filled with intense fear as he wondered, "That last sentence...did Copperbeard remember it?"

"He discovered my previous plot?"

"This, this is impossible!"

Kur instinctively didn't want to believe it.

After all, this means that Bronzebeard will inevitably retaliate against him.

At present, Bronzebeard is not only the first warrior of the Warhammer Horde, but also the undisputed next chieftain.

If he wanted revenge, how could I possibly survive?

Not to mention, his wife Mary is currently imprisoned.

The Warhammer Tribe and the Wild Axe Tribe are about to go to war!
Thinking of this, Kuer felt his life was bleak and he was filled with despair.

How is he supposed to live like this?!

But just as Kur returned to his cave in utter despair, he discovered an extra table on the stone table...

Paper made from an unknown type of leather.

"This is?"

Kuer, puzzled, carefully unfolded the scroll, which was written in an ancient script.

[Calling upon the name of the Rhine...]

(End of this chapter)