At that time, the Dwarf Race was led by the great King of the High Mountains, Modimus, laying the foundation for the Dwarves to lead in Rune Forging Technology.

In these tens of thousands of years, there have not been major breakthroughs in these ancient technologies, and some of the exquisite techniques have even been lost or are on the brink of extinction.

One has to admit that this is somewhat strange, as even the Magic Energy Science of the Human Race and goblins and Alchemy Technology haven't made significant progress over the years, as if everything is paused. To Zong Shen, this seems abnormal.

Perhaps the stagnation of development is waiting for the lords to carry on the past and forge into the future.

Zong Shen thought far ahead, and couldn't help but shake his head.

"Dwarf Uncle."

"How's the research going?"

"How much longer will it take to repair this puppet?"

Dwarf Uncle was too focused, so Zong Shen had to speak up himself.

"Oh, sir, you are here."

"This combat puppet is truly amazing. If only it were a complete puppet."

Dwarf Uncle was lying on the plate armor.

He turned his head and greeted Zong Shen briefly, then continued studying with a look of amazement.

His interest had been thoroughly piqued.

"I see that the damage is only a fist-sized through-hole."

"It shouldn't affect the research too much."

Zong Shen glanced and casually remarked, the complex runes making his head spin, akin to rows of complex formulas.

Hearing this, Dwarf Uncle stood up with a bit of melancholy and began to explain to Zong Shen.

"Sir, you may not know."

"The ingenuity of this puppet lies not in its material, but in these intricate combinations of runes and the engraving of formations. The power of the runes can multiply many of the material's traits."

"Missing this small part requires a long time to fully comprehend and supplement."

"This is the highest artistic achievement of Rune Forging Technology."

"Unfortunately, the clan's ancient books were destroyed or lost in successive great wars."

Dwarf Uncle lamented, for a High-level Blacksmith, Rune Forging Technology is undeniably a treasure.

However, after reminiscing, he patted his chest.

"But don't worry, sir, if it's simple repairs, that's still no problem."

"It can be modified and have a certain combat capability within two or three days."

"It's just that the issue of not distinguishing between friend or foe cannot be resolved temporarily."

Zong Shen nodded slightly and suddenly spoke.

"Uncle, don't you want to retrieve the Storm Warhammer?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Dwarf Uncle was instantly taken aback.

"Sir... how do you know?"

Zong Shen did not answer, still wearing a faint smile.

"If there is an opportunity, I will definitely help you retrieve the extracted strength."

"And then go to Thunder Valley to retrieve the Storm Warhammer."

"How can the future King of Hills spend his life smithing?"

Zong Shen's words touched Dwarf Uncle, memories of the past surged into his heart.

His face started to turn red, and he silently clenched his fists in excitement.

After a while, he seemed to deflate, shaking his head in resignation.

"Sir, I am the clan's sinner. Being exiled is my deserved punishment..."

"The Storm Hammer is a true Divine Artifact, from the ancient first-generation King of Hills."

"It is of great significance to the clan. The Storm Hammer's deterrent is enough to ensure the Copperbeard Race's survival."

"But I lost it, and I lost it in the most dangerous Thunder Valley."

"There, thunder falls all year round. Only the Thunder Giant Lizard tribe can barely survive on the outskirts, as the thunder's power is enormous, even the Giant Dragon doesn't dare to venture deep into it."

"Back then, I was also mistakenly drunk and accidentally wandered into the outskirts of Thunder Valley. The Storm Hammer suddenly activated, connecting the power of Thunder, and a violent thunder struck me, knocking me out as the Storm Hammer flew into the depths of Thunder Valley, losing trace."

"Later, the clan sent people to bravely enter the valley to investigate, but none survived."

"As punishment, my strength was extracted, and I was banished from the tribe."

"And my strength would eventually be left for the outstanding young people in the clan to inherit."

"The Storm Hammer was crafted by the first King of Hills from a piece of Storm Essence Stone in the center of the Sea of Storms, extremely heavy and hard, and could summon the power of storms when wielded."

"Only the most talented warrior in the clan could lift it, and with my father being the previous Clan Leader, I was given the privilege to carry the Storm Hammer."

Dwarf Uncle sat dejectedly on the chest plate armor of the combat puppet, recounting the past.

As Zong Shen listened, he also sighed deeply, as Dwarf Uncle's story was truly full of ups and downs, with the rise and fall of life being nothing more than this.

Dwarf Uncle could have become the King of Hills smoothly within the clan and succeeded as the tribe's leader, but due to his love for alcohol and privilege, which allowed him the qualification to carry the clan's Divine Artifact, he eventually lost it, making one lament the vicissitudes of fate.

Zong Shen stirred up his sad past, making the atmosphere a bit sorrowful.

Losing the clan's Divine Artifact and also losing his strength, Dwarf Uncle still feels quite regretful and remorseful thinking back now.

"Dwarf Uncle, don't be discouraged, and don't lose heart."

"In the future, we will go to Thunder Valley together to retrieve the Storm Warhammer, then return openly to the clan and reclaim your strength."

Zong Shen walked over, patting his shoulder, comforting him.

"Sir, I believe in you!"

"Your speed of progress is truly amazing, even comparable to the most gifted King of Hills back then."

Dwarf Uncle raised his head, looking at Zong Shen, able to sense the changes in Zong Shen's strength, thus deeply admiring him.

At this rate of progress, there really is a chance to truly touch the edge of the strongest.

"Dwarf Uncle, you're too kind, I just want to develop the territory prosperously and live well."

"The goals are modest and simple, as for becoming the strongest, I'll do my best."

"By the way, Uncle, I recently got a batch of fine wine, want some?"

Zong Shen said with a beaming smile, voluntarily changing the subject.

He flipped his hand, taking out a bottle of [Cellared Merlot Wine (Blue)] from the Storage Grid, and popped the cork, instantly releasing a fragrant aroma. This was an excellent quality wine, better by one or two levels than the [Crafted Rum] and [Mellow Green Forest Fruit Wine] Dwarf Uncle drank before.

This stuff could increase combat attributes, and if not for comforting Dwarf Uncle, Zong Shen would be reluctant to take it out.

Unexpectedly, Dwarf Uncle's eyes first lit up at the sight of the fine wine, but then he lowered his head again.

He waved his hand at Zong Shen, saying in a complex tone.

"Sir, I will never drink again."

"Previously, being exiled by the clan and losing hope, I drank to drown my days."

"But since joining your territory, I have found new motivation."

"Step by step, I witnessed the territory's continuous development, it will eventually grow from weak and dilapidated to an unparalleled Giant City."

"I firmly believe this, and I will put forth my efforts for it."

Dwarf Uncle said with determination, and Zong Shen also nodded solemnly, putting away the wine.

"Having this fighting spirit is enough."

"In the future, your name will also be on the glorious monument recorded in epic literature."

"Alright, I won't disturb you any further. If you need materials, you can talk to Marie or Wenresa."

Zong Shen, also encouraged, concluded with a word of encouragement, extending his hand to shake Dwarf Uncle's. The two powerful hands clasped together tightly.

This is the best way for two men to express determination and encouragement!

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