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

Chapter 313 Return to the Rhine! The Beast Tide Arrives!
In the blink of an eye, several days have passed.

During these days of [dive], Shane has been diligently working on the [Forge Realm] dungeon.

After much effort, Shane successfully located the territory of the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] and conquered it with overwhelming force.

In fact, when Burst followed Xia En to the chieftain of the [Barbarian Axe Tribe], the chieftain had completely lost any desire to resist.

Since the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] could surrender to the [Sunflame Tribe], they could naturally also offer their loyalty to the [Warhammer Tribe].

Meanwhile, because the Warhammer Tribe's original caves were in grave danger of destruction in the explosion, their people temporarily moved into the territory of the Wild Axe Tribe.

Although it sounds cruel, intertribal wars are inherently cruel!
If the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] attack succeeds, the [Warhammer Tribe] people will be in no better shape.

During this process, Explosive's performance surprised Shane quite a bit.

Xia En had assumed that he would seize the opportunity to escape or betray him outright.

Surprisingly, Burst remained obedient throughout, showing no signs of wanting to defect or even leave.

Moreover, when facing the [Barbarian Axe Tribe], Burst also proactively revealed its formidable aura.

It was as if... he had become a member of the Warhammer Horde.

Xia En was initially puzzled by this, but after briefly questioning Burst and the prisoners of the [Sunflame Tribe], he suddenly realized what was going on.

It turns out that Burst wasn't actually a true member of the [Sunflame Tribe].

Burst was a boy found in the nest of several Fire Seeds after the Sunflame Tribe hunted them out.

No one knows which tribe he was an abandoned child from.

If we had to pinpoint a specific reason, the Yangyan Tribe harbors a deep-seated hatred towards Burst, as they are believed to have killed both the "father" and the "mother".

The reason why Burst obeys the orders of the Yangyan Tribe chief is simply because the chief is more powerful.

It can be said that this was a desperate measure taken to survive.

Similarly, just as Burst can fight for the Sunfire Tribe to survive, it can also fight for the Warhammer Tribe.

Realizing this, Shane relaxed his guard against Burst quite a bit.

For someone who fights based on primal instincts, as long as you are always stronger than him, you can steadily suppress and drive him.

Another thing worth mentioning is—

After defeating the Barbarian Axe Tribe, Shane rightfully received the Ancestral Totem from the Barbarian Axe Tribe.

Since the two tribes were once one family, these two ancestral totems were actually one entity.

When Shane touched the Ancestral Totem of the Barbarian Axe Tribe with the War God's Hammer, a strange change occurred.

That mysterious and ancient totem instantly transformed into molten iron, merging into the massive hammer body of the [War God's Hammer].

This makes the patterns on the [War God's Hammer] even more beautiful and complete.

The secret power it contained visibly became richer and more abundant.

Upon first touch, Xia En's skin had an indescribable smooth and lustrous texture, as if it had undergone a mysterious transformation.

At the same time, the description of the [War God's Hammer] has also changed slightly.

[War God's Hammer (Fragmented)]

[Quality: Legend]

[Type: Weapon]

[Description: The warhammer forged by the dwarves in imitation of the legendary weapon of the god of war is now bound to your soul.]

[It bears the ancestral totem of the "Warhammer Tribe," which became more complete through absorbing similar totems.]

[Effect 1: War God Suppression - This warhammer has a natural suppression effect on the descendants of the War God, causing a moderate decrease in their combat power.]

The stronger one's War God bloodline, the more intense the suppression they experience.

[Effect 2: Fragmented Totem - The ancestral totems of the dwarves are scattered throughout the "Forge Realm" for some special reason.]

Perhaps restoring the missing totem will grant this weapon a newfound power?

[Effect 3: Savage Transformation - A special combat skill of the "Savage Axe Tribe," which can temporarily enhance one's combat power, at the cost of reduced intelligence.]

"This……"

After reading these descriptions, Shane couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

"It... swallowed the totem of the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] directly? And unlocked a new ability?"

Although Shane had previously heard Hope say that the Ancestral Totems would become more powerful when pieced together.

However, the way the [War God's Hammer] was enhanced was still somewhat beyond his expectations.

Moreover, it's probably because this weapon is bound to Shane's soul.

In the process of merging with the [Barbarian Axe Tribe] totem, Shane's body also received a unique kind of feedback.

My whole body felt warm, and a warm current flowed through every cell, every muscle, and even the depths of my soul.

It's indescribably pleasant and comfortable.

To be honest, it felt quite similar to the feeling of bathing in the Dragon Blood Pool back then.

[Overall aptitude +0.5!]

Upon seeing this notification, Shane's eyes lit up.

A comprehensive quality score of 0.5 may not seem like much, but it's certainly not insignificant either.

—As Shane's overall qualities continue to improve, the difficulty of improving this stat also gradually increases.

This is similar to how in some games, in the late game, the amount of experience required to level up is enormous; it's the same principle.

Moreover, there is more than one Ancestral Totem Fragment in the [Forge Realm].

Acquiring more Ancestral Totems not only improves overall stats but also makes the War God's Hammer more complete.

why not?

Perhaps... as it absorbs enough Ancestral Totems, the Hammer of War can be upgraded from Legendary to Mythical quality!
Xia En was really looking forward to it.

……

……

In addition to his operations in the [Furnace Realm], Shane also did not forget to arm the people of the [Rhine Realm] with Federation weapons and equipment.

After all, based on the intelligence gathered by the Moonlit Clan scouts...

A terrifying beast tide could sweep through the newly established Rhine City at any moment.

Whether for the sake of the residents of Rhine City or to preserve this stable rear area, Shane must withstand this beast tide.

Coincidentally, during these days, the Federation's salvage ship had located the "Ember Treasure" in "Coral City" that Shane had handed over, and began the salvage operation.

According to the previously agreed contract, for every seed of an ancient organism discovered, Shane would be awarded a certain amount of merit as a reward.

To put it simply, it is——

The final payment has arrived!

With the help of this achievement and another deal with Daisy, Shane purchased another batch of key weapons and transported them to the [Rhine Secret Realm].

Because of the strange and close connection between Shane and the [Rhine Secret Realm], he could actually vaguely sense the changes in the aura within the secret realm.

In other words.

Xia En was able to roughly estimate when the beast tide would arrive.

—This is probably one of the privileges of the [Lord of the Rhine], right?
On this day, when his ominous premonition reached its peak, Shane and his crew arrived at the [Rhine Secret Realm].

Xia En originally intended to bring all the crew members except for the still-sleeping Xiaolong Xiange.

Unexpectedly, Vivian's spirit was unable to leave the crystal coffin on its own.

However, for some unknown reason, the crystal coffin could not pass through the light gate formed by the [Empty Beast Heart Seal].

Left with no other choice, Shane had to leave the lazy ghost on the Black Swan, as a kind of watchdog. He stepped through the gate formed of silver light.

The world before the crew members suddenly changed.

"call……"

Joey couldn't help but take a deep breath and exclaimed with a smile, "The air in the [Rhine Secret Realm] is indeed much fresher!"

The fairy Tracy also felt a fondness for the vibrant environment of the [Rhine Secret Realm], curiously looking around and exclaiming softly.

"It's changed so much since the last time I came. The city has been built so well!"

Shane had already informed his crew about the existence of the [Rhine Secret Realm], and had even brought them there more than once.

【Rhineland Secret Realm】 can serve as an excellent training ground and also help crew members alleviate the boredom of sailing.

It works well in every sense.

However, thanks to the construction efforts of the Moonlit Clan and the Treants, and the fact that Shane invested a large amount of money in equipment for the Rhine Secret Realm, the project has been successful.

The entire [Secret Realm], especially the area near [Rhine City], is changing rapidly.

It's like a region on Earth that has experienced rapid development in certain periods, changing almost every day.

So every time they come, the crew members are always amazed and intrigued by the changes in [Rhine City].

"Your Holiness!"

Upon seeing Xia En and his group appear, Sha Jingjing, who had been waiting there, quickly went to greet them.

In her bright, sparkling eyes, there was almost only Xia En.

Sha Jingjing certainly knew Joey and the other crew members, but her attitude carried a subtle sense of distance.

He also harbored a slight hostility towards Joey.

It was probably because she vaguely guessed that the reason why Xia En hadn't had a child with her yet was related to this beautiful white-haired girl.

However, at this moment, in addition to her usual joy and excitement, Sha Jingjing's eyes also carried a hint of solemnity and unease.

In fact, Rhine City has been on high alert these days.

The area that scouts could explore was greatly reduced.

Because the pack of wild beasts had already arrived at a place not too far from [Rhine City].

An earth-shattering beast tide is about to sweep in.

Under these circumstances, Shane didn't waste any more words and led his crew directly to the city wall of [Rhine City].

“Your Holiness, as you instructed, we have constructed five lines of defense.”

"It's basically all finished now."

At this moment, Sha Jingjing once again displayed her capable and organized side, reporting their achievements over the past few days to Xia En.

Clearly, this former tribal saintess proved to be quite reliable in crucial moments.

Standing on the city wall, Xia En was able to take in the entire layout below.

The outermost line of defense consisted of detonating devices he purchased from the [Merchant Alliance].

It can be roughly regarded as a minefield, which will undoubtedly cause great damage when the beast tide arrives.

The second line of defense consisted of a ring of special thorny plants.

This is also a good thing that Shane bought from the Federation.

To be precise, this is an alchemical creation called [Bloodthirsty Thorns].

It can be activated by secret power, and will actively intercept and slash charging creatures, and will enter a berserk state after absorbing blood.

It's not very lethal, but it can greatly slow down the speed of the beasts' charge.

Speed ​​is the most important factor in intercepting the beast tide.

In addition, Shane also purchased similar items such as [Swamp Potion], [Ice Rose], and [Mudstone Soil].

At that time, it will surely give the beasts attacking [Rhine City] a surprise.

As for the third, fourth, and fifth lines of defense, they were all designed by Shane and painstakingly built by the Moonlit Clan and the Tree People.

Looking at the completed defensive line below, Xia En felt more confident and whispered to Sha Jingjing.

"Thank you for your hard work these past few days."

Sha Jingjing quickly shook her head and said, "It's not hard work, it's not hard work."

She scratched her cheek and said, "If it weren't for the things that the Holy Son brought, how could we have built five lines of defense in such a short time?"

"It's all thanks to His Holiness the Holy Son."

"You can't say that."

Xia En shook his head: "The resources I provided are certainly important, but without your efforts, I couldn't have done this by myself."

"hey-hey……"

Sha Jingjing chuckled twice, her tail swishing rapidly behind her.

Clearly, she was very happy to receive Xia En's praise.

Just then, Sha Jingjing thought of something else and said.

"By the way, Your Majesty, don't you have anything to say to the members of the Moonlit Clan and the Treant Clan?"

"Say something?"

Upon hearing this, Xia En was taken aback; he hadn't expected this.

But think about it carefully.

With the beast tide approaching, it's time to conduct a pre-battle mobilization to boost the morale and confidence of the soldiers.

In fact, there was no need for Shane to actively rally the people of both groups.

As Xia En ascended the walls of Rhine City, the Moonlit Clan and Treants gathered around him, looking at him with awe, respect, and gratitude.

Feeling the gazes of everyone, Xia En also felt some special emotions.

So he looked around at everyone and began to speak.

"Gentlemen, I am Shaen, and also the lord of this Rhine City!"

"During this time, I have personally witnessed this place transform from a grassland into a city."

“I feel both proud and gratified about this – this is the city you built, and your new home!”

“I think...you can feel proud too.”

Upon hearing this, both the Moon Wanderers and the Treants couldn't help but smile.

Being able to build your own new home is an exciting thing in itself.

"But……"

Xia En abruptly changed the subject, pointing seriously to the distant forest.

"Now, those wild beasts want to destroy our home and drive us out of here!"

"I will absolutely not allow this to happen!"

"This battle has nothing to do with right or wrong, it's all about survival!"

"For our homeland, for our loved ones behind us, this battle... we will win!"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone shouted in unison, "Victory! Victory!"

"Must win!!!"

(End of this chapter)