The Northern Kingdom thus became a fertile ground for adventurers.

In the permafrost area and the northern forest area, there are many resources from the outside world.

One part of the Desperate Great Wall pass opens once a week for adventurers to venture northward.

Every adventurer is charged a certain fee per person.

It's generally 5 or 10 dinars, and there are also numerous mercenaries in the north.

If you can pay up, you can even hire the Black Wing Cavalry Squad guarding the Desperate Great Wall.

Although the terror of the Others is known to all, they have not appeared in large numbers for thousands of years.

Fortunate events lack memory, perfectly concealing scars.

Now, entering and exiting the Desperate Great Wall has become a thriving adventurer industry.

However, the upper echelon of the Vigia Kingdom retains some reverence and caution, temporarily not allowing large-scale construction and development north of the Desperate Great Wall.

Even this sole conservative policy is being shaken, with Minister of Finance Finn List striving to persuade King Yarogluke, the guardian of the realm.

Trying to get him to agree to the development plan for the permafrost area, intending to build dense circular bunkers there and gradually bring that desolate land under the kingdom's control.

Unfortunately, King Yarogluke remains unmoved, like a mature snow leopard, full of energy and vigilant against anything that might threaten the kingdom.

Should the Others revive and erupt again, Vigia Kingdom would be the first to bear the brunt.

Yarogluke is extremely averse to such profit-driven public conduct; if not stopped, the last reverence for the Desolate land will vanish completely.

Perhaps even the towering Desperate Great Wall could be dismantled and sold.

Unfortunately, the Liszt Clan is the wealthiest family in the Vigia Kingdom, even surpassing the royal family, due to unique historical reasons.

Therefore, the Liszt Clan is gradually inclined towards politics.

Fortunately, the conflict did not erupt, and the kingdom remains peaceful.

Moreover, the north was once the dwelling place of the Dwarf Race; after the end of the last era, they moved south of the Divine Stronghold to establish a new home.

Since the new era began, the Three Castles Dwarves and the various Dwarf clans, though not harmonious, no longer experience large-scale wars and conflicts.

Except for the fallen Black Dwarves, most of the Dwarf tribes can barely coexist now.

Of course, due to their nature, these small and belligerent straightforward beings inevitably erupt in a brawl over disagreements.

Regarding the origins of the Others, the Dwarf tribes do have records, though they are rarely passed down now.

These are situations recounted by the Dwarf Uncle.

It is rare for Zong Shen to be willing to chat with him, as he spits saliva while speaking excitedly.

If he hadn't already firmly quit drinking, he would surely be hugging a jug and drinking heartily.

"Lord, if you are looking to find a blacksmith, you can't miss the Black Iron Dwarves."

"Though somewhat discontent, this is the truth."

"Their Black Iron Melting Furnaces are the best forging workshops on the continent."

"It's said that even divine artifacts can be forged there."

"Of course, the Dwarves of our Copperbeard Tribe are also skilled in smithing."

"Our forging skills are even more ancient than those of the Black Iron Tribe."

"Most importantly, the Dwarves of the Copperbeard Tribe are very balanced!"

The Dwarf Uncle said with enthusiasm, looking forward to Zong Shen heading to the Dwarf Three Fortresses.

Seeing him so excited, Zong Shen showed a playful smile.

"Oh? Very balanced?"

"How so?"

"Hehe, we're more courageous in battle than the Black Iron Tribe, and more adept at forging than the Wildhammer Tribe."

The Dwarf Uncle chuckled and started boasting.

Zong Shen smiled silently after hearing him out.

Isn't this just saying that the Copperbeard Tribe is neither as skilled in forging as the Black Iron Tribe nor as good in combat as the Wildhammer Tribe?

Yet he managed to twist it into sounding like they were the top among the Three Castles.

"Dwarf Uncle, I'm afraid it might not be possible to go to the Dwarf Three Fortresses in the short term."

"Our current Strength is limited, and the Territory's development is at a crucial turning point."

"When the time is right, I will accompany you back to the Copperbeard Tribe to regain your Strength."

"Then, go to Thunder Valley to search for the Storm Warhammer."

"Being a blacksmith is not your destiny; I need you to become the King of Hills!"

Zong Shen said softly, his expression growing increasingly serious.

When he uttered the words "King of Hills," the Dwarf Uncle was shaken to his core.

It was a tremor from the soul, the longing of the Dwarf Warriors of all tribes for the King of Hills.

The Dwarf Uncle straightened his body, clenching his fist over his heart.

"I swear by the great Moradin!"

"Copperbeard·Wine Fire will offer you my bones and blood!"

This time, the Dwarf Uncle's oath was particularly solemn and formal.

Back then, Zong Shen had coaxed and tricked the Dwarf Uncle into the Territory.

At that time, his oath was perfunctory, just going through the motions.

The current pledge signifies genuine inner submission.

"Brave Copperbeard Tribe Warrior, Copperbeard·Wine Fire."

"We shall share honor under the oath!"

Zong Shen adjusted his posture to respond to the pledge.

"Well then, the stories of the north are finished."

"Next time, tell me about the Three Castles."

"The future King of Hills must first shoulder the responsibilities of a blacksmith."