Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 469 Rare Rune Armor - Blazing Flame Armor Forging Blueprint

“By the ancestors…” Gerson’s voice was almost a groan, “This is… the Butcher King’s wrath… the core imprint of his fighting spirit… a legendary… berserk rune!”

While berserk runes are relatively common, legendary berserk runes are almost unheard of! This is because their energy is volatile, and the higher the rank, the more difficult it is to control stably.

Su Li stared at the suspended berserk rune, clearly sensing the destructive power it contained. This was no ordinary buff rune; it represented Agrim Ironfist's peak, most reckless, berserk fighting state! A destructive will that completely transformed his defense into ultimate attack, like a volcanic eruption!
"Keep it safe, big guy." Gerson's voice was more serious than ever before, even tinged with apprehension. "This rune... is extremely powerful, but also extremely dangerous. It carries the 'Wrath of the End,' a battle intent of mutual destruction. To use it, one must have the matching will and... the awareness to pay the price."

Su Li nodded solemnly and used the rune box to contain the violent rune, which resembled the core of a solidified volcano. Inside the container, the rune still emitted a scorching crimson-gold light, pulsating slightly, like a sleeping heart of destruction.

The clamor of battle finally subsided completely. The desecrated altar ruins silently testified to Mhawa's defeat. Agrim Ironfist's remains were carefully preserved, and the Oath Gold and Berserker Runes he left behind became the most precious spoils of war in Blackforest, and a link connecting a heavy chapter of history.

If he can take the remains of these legendary dwarves out and return them to the sacred tomb of the dwarves' ancestors, he will gain the unparalleled friendship of all the Grey Mountain dwarves!

Su Li held the "Kardrin Blaze" in his hand, its crimson-gold light illuminating the now silent battlefield. He looked into the depths of the remaining two paths; one remained picturesque, while the other was shrouded in gray mist, presenting a completely different scene.

"Reorganize the troops and treat the wounded." Su Li decisively ordered, "Go to the path on the left that broke the illusion and retrieve Baldek's remains."

After a short rest and treating the wounded, the group, illuminated by the crimson-gold light of the "Kadrin's Blazing Fire," turned to the path on the left that had dispelled the illusion. The serene beauty could no longer be maintained, and was now shrouded in an eerie and ominous shadow.

Previously, the scenery here was breathtaking, with winding paths leading deep into the landscape, flanked by lush, exotic plants and babbling brooks, the air thick with the scent of life—a hallmark of high elf magic. However, deep within this supposedly vibrant dreamscape lay the tormented remains of a dwarf's soul, imprisoned for millennia.

“Be careful,” Ariria had already transformed into human form and was following Su Li. As a green dragon, her sense of life wind was exceptionally sharp. At this moment, she frowned and said, “The life wind here… is too dense, even with a kind of… distorted viscosity. It’s like aged honey, sweet but spoiled.”

As she said, the deeper one ventured into the path, the more "unnatural" the surroundings seemed. The green of the plants was too vibrant, the sound of the flowing stream too monotonous, like a recording on repeat. The air, thick with the life force of the wind, almost solidified into a pale green mist, instilled a strange sense of oppression and unease. All of this shrouded the area in a grayish-blue haze. It was only when viewed from outside the path that the illusion was shattered, revealing the deep, mysterious nature of the path.

Finally, at the end of the path, in a small forest clearing surrounded by huge clusters of crystals, they saw their target.

The remains of Baldek Anvil.

It wasn't the complete body, but rather his left arm and part of the shoulder armor attached to it.

This arm was enormous, resembling the limb of a giant even after detaching from the body. The runic vibranium armor covering it still shone, but its once crimson glow, like that of a furnace core, had become dim and mottled. The armor's surface was covered with deep scratches and huge dents, telling the story of the final blow in that brutal battle. Most chillingly, this arm was not lying quietly on the ground.

It was tightly bound and entwined by countless thick, pale green magical vines, their roots deeply embedded in the rocks and soil below, as if drawing life force from the land to maintain some kind of seal. Elven runes flowed on the vines, clearly a method used by the high elves to imprison and suppress this powerful dwarven remains.

However, the millennia of confinement and the dense, almost viscous, elven magical winds of this place did not completely silence the remains. On the contrary, it underwent a terrifying transformation!

The rock-like muscles and metallic bones that made up the arm, under the long-term influence of elven magical winds, exhibited an eerie hue, like a mixture of jade and rusted iron. No blood flowed from the severed arm; instead, tiny, whistling vortexes of pale green magical wind constantly emanated from the break. These vortexes, like living things, hovered and collided around the remains, radiating chaotic energy fluctuations.

Even more terrifying, as Su Li and the others approached, the bound arm suddenly trembled! From the gaps in the heavy armor covering it, countless tiny, pale green specks of light, like the compound eyes of insects, suddenly lit up! A chaotic force, a mixture of an unchanging will to protect, a twisted rage, and the corruption of elven magic, swept over everyone like a tangible shockwave!
"Roar—!" A deep, inhuman roar erupted from the severed arm, not through the air, but exploding directly in everyone's minds! The magical vines wrapped around it shook violently from the force of this raging power, their light flickering erratically! The entire arm began to struggle violently, trying to break free of its restraints! Each struggle brought with it a shrill whistling sound that tore through the air and chaotic streams of green energy, distorting the surrounding air!

“By the ancestors…” Gerson Grayrock’s face was deathly pale, his eyes filled with pain and disbelief, “Lord Baldek… his remains… have been corrupted and distorted by elven magic!”

This was an obvious occurrence. In this world steeped in magical winds, anything, even a stone, could be weathered into a skeleton under sufficiently powerful and persistent death magic. How much more so the remains of a legendary dwarven warrior, imbued with battle spirit and resentment? Millennia of elven magic, coupled with the unwavering will of its guardian, had transformed it into a hostile, corrupted energy aggregate!

"It was trapped by the magic of the elves and its own obsession, and turned into a... monster!" Hilde gripped "Echoes of the Mountains" tightly, the power of the blazing sun ready to be unleashed.

"It must rest in peace!" Su Li's eyes were solemn as he raised the "Kardrin Blaze" high! The crimson-gold battle banner shone brightly, piercing the chaotic pale green magical wind like a burning sword! "Suppress the pollution! Dispel the chaos! Durmst, Dietrich, prepare to purify! Everyone else, stabilize the vine seal! Don't let it break free completely!"

The battle breaks out instantly!

Sensing the oppressive power of the battle banner and the hostility of the crowd, the corrupted remains of Baldek struggled even more violently! With a sudden burst of strength, several binding magical vines snapped! The severed arm rose like a battering ram, and a massive metal fist covered in chaotic green light slammed down with immense force towards Hilder, who was closest to it! Wherever the fist passed, a pale green magical wind emitted a piercing shriek!

“Dang—Boom!!!”

Hilder slammed "Echoes of the Mountains" into the ground, unleashing the full power of [Forge Barrier]! The crimson runic field collided violently with the giant fist, which was wreathed in corrupted energy! Blinding turbulent energy rippled outwards! The ground beneath Hilder's feet cracked inch by inch, but she steadily withstood the blow! The runes on her shield flickered wildly, forcibly deflecting and annihilating the chaotic magical energy!
"Suppress it!" Orstein and the chosen knights launched an attack from both sides, their divine light striking the wrecked arms and shoulder armor in an attempt to disrupt its balance, while simultaneously using their immense power to hold down the collapsing magical vines.

Gerson and his dwarf warriors used runic tools and battle axes to frantically chop down the new vines that were trying to re-enter the seal, reinforcing the crumbling seal.

"Order returns to death!" Demst once again summoned his shroud, the azure power of death's judgment transforming into cold chains that coiled around the ghastly green compound eye points and the dissipating chaotic energy vortexes on the wreckage, forcibly suppressing and annihilating the elven magical pollution within.

"Life soothes the pain, compassion purifies the distortion!" Dietrich's emerald light of life flowed like a warm spring, continuously rushing towards the contaminated remains, attempting to dispel the rusty iron-like patina, soothe the violent and chaotic will within, and guide it back to peace.

This was a difficult tug-of-war. Baldek's remains contained terrifying power and millennia of obsession, and the corrosive influence of elven magic was deeply entrenched. Every attack and purification was accompanied by the remains' frantic struggle and energy backlash. The Chosen Knights were overwhelmed by the chaotic energy flow, their blood churning, and sweat beaded on the foreheads of Durmst and Dietrich.

However, the crimson-gold light of "Kadrin's Blazing Fire" continuously illuminated the battlefield, greatly suppressing the ongoing contamination and power supply of the elven magical winds to the wreckage. Su Li himself infused the battle banner with the bloodline of the red dragon, making its light even more intense, like a beacon guiding the heroic souls home.

After more than an hour of fierce fighting, thanks to everyone's tireless efforts, the wreckage's struggles finally weakened. Its eerie, emerald-rust-iron hue gradually faded under Dietrich's life force, revealing its original rock-like muscles and metallic bone structure. The pale green compound eye spots were extinguished one by one by Durmst's eerie blue chains. The dissipating chaotic energy vortex was also dispersed by the battle banner's radiance and the combined efforts of everyone.

As the last wisp of pale green polluting energy was purified by Dietrich's emerald light, and the last trace of frenzied will was soothed by Durmst's death sentence, the enormous arm suddenly stiffened, then completely lost all power, hanging heavily at its sides. The magical vines binding it also lost their luster, becoming withered and fragile.

The wreckage returned to calm, transforming back into a scarred but normal-sized ancient skeleton. Only the battle-worn heavy armor silently testified to past glories and sacrifices. Su Li stepped forward and solemnly wrapped the left arm that belonged to Baldek Anvil once more with the shroud of Mor's divine power.

Where the arm had been removed, a small pile of metal shimmering with a dark red, molten gold luster remained—precious dwarven oath gold, slightly less than what Agrim had left behind, but still more than 2000 pieces.

Beside the Oath Gold lay a quiet ancient scroll made of some kind of tough animal hide. The scroll's surface was inscribed with a title in dark gold dwarven runes, accompanied by intricate and precise diagrams of its forging structure.

Okay, this is a continuation of the discussion on the strategic significance of the "Mountain Barriers: Blazing Plate Armor Forging Manual" for the Blacksem Territory:

Gerson Grayrock clutched the ancient animal hide scroll tightly, his rough fingers almost reverently stroking the dark gold dwarven runes on it, his eyes gleaming with unbridled ecstasy. "The 'Mountain Walls: Blazing Plate Armor Forging Manual'! No need for Aether! This means... this means..."

He was so excited he was almost incoherent. Turning to Su Li, his voice trembled with extreme excitement: "Big guy! Do you understand what this means?!"

Su Li's gaze was also fixed on the scroll, his heart pounding wildly at its immense strategic value. He understood, of course!

“This means,” Su Li’s voice was deep and powerful, as if he were stating a cornerstone that would change his destiny, “that our Black Forest Territory will have the ability to mass-produce rare-grade rune vibranium plate armor!”

Without needing much explanation from Ge Sen, Su Li's military and political mind was already racing, outlining the earth-shattering impact of this blueprint:
First and foremost, there will be a qualitative leap in military power. This will become the steel bulwark of the Black Forest Territory's forces, its core strength. Chosen Knights, Half-Griffin Knights, Su Li's personal guard, and even ordinary champion knights can all be equipped with this powerful armor. Imagine dozens, even hundreds, of warriors clad in rare-grade runic vibranium plate armor! This will no longer be scattered rare equipment, but a well-organized, mobile steel fortress! Their defensive capabilities will leap to a terrifying level, enough to withstand heavy cavalry charges, the trampling of giant beasts, and even powerful magical bombardments. Their survivability and sustained combat capability will increase exponentially.

This would also possess strategic deterrence; a heavily armed infantry or cavalry force with such superior equipment and formidable defenses would be a powerful strategic deterrent in itself. Any enemy facing such an impenetrable steel torrent would suffer a severe blow to morale, and their tactical options would be greatly limited. This would fundamentally alter the offensive and defensive posture of the Hessian Territory in regional conflicts and even larger-scale wars.

Of course, the most important military significance lies in reducing casualties and preserving the core strength. On the battlefield, experienced veterans and elite troops are the most valuable assets. Strong defense means a lower casualty rate, effectively protecting the army's core forces and allowing the military potential of the Hessian Territory to snowball.

Beyond its unparalleled military significance, the fundamental improvement in the financial situation was also a tremendous effect.

With this blueprint, our side can finally break free from the shackles of Aether, which is crucial! "No need for Aether!" Aether is the core material for rare-grade and higher equipment, extremely rare and costly to obtain, requiring either a natural wonder gem pool or the construction of an expensive Aether refinery. Freeing ourselves from dependence on Aether means the cost of manufacturing this rare-grade plate armor will drastically decrease! The main materials will become relatively easier-to-obtain high-quality steel, refined vibranium (though also precious, it's much easier to acquire than Aether), and the craftsmanship of dwarven runesmiths.

Then, the Blacksin Territory could reap enormous profits through trade monopoly! Having mastered this unique, powerful, and relatively cost-controllable armor manufacturing technology, the Blacksin Territory instantly possessed a monopolistic flagship product! Just imagine, throughout the Old World, and even further afield, how many kingdoms, electors, and mercenary leaders longed to equip their elite troops with this level of protection? The Blacksin Territory could export this armor in limited quantities; its price would far exceed its cost, bringing unimaginable trade surpluses and fiscal revenue! This would completely solve the territory's financial bottleneck, supporting larger-scale military construction, territorial expansion, and technological research and development.

At the same time, it can attract a large number of talents and investments. Wealth and powerful military equipment are magnets in themselves. The substantial profits and stable supply of armor will attract more dwarven artisans, human technicians, and even exiled nobles and caravans seeking refuge and opportunity to Blackwood, further boosting the territory's economy.

“Gerson,” Su Li took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and looked intently at the dwarven engineer, “the value of this blueprint is immeasurable! It will be the cornerstone of the rise of Blackwood Territory, and the starting point for consolidating our friendship with the dwarves and jointly reviving our glory! I need you, I need all the best rune blacksmiths under your command, to master it as quickly as possible and start production! Resources, manpower, facilities, whatever you need, I will give you!”

Gerson nodded emphatically, clutching the scroll to his chest like a priceless treasure. His weathered face was filled with an unprecedented determination and sense of mission: "Rest assured, big man! For the legacy of Lord Baldek, for the friendship of Blackforest, and for the lost glory of the dwarves! I, Gerson Grayrock, swear by the hammer of my ancestors, I will lead my people in your forge and restore the 'Mountain Walls' to its former glory! The first batch of prototypes will be ready soon!"

Hilder, Orstein, and the surrounding chosen knights and dwarven warriors all felt the immense weight and surging hope brought by the blueprints. Mass production of rare-grade plate armor! This not only meant a surge in survival rates on the battlefield, but also represented that Blackforest Territory possessed a ticket to a broader stage and to compete for higher levels of power!
Su Li withdrew her gaze from the scroll that carried the future and returned it to the polluted open space. The air still held the pungent smell of elven magic mixed with dwarven resentment.

“My lord,” Hilder’s voice broke the brief silence, her shield still gripped in her hand as she warily scanned her surroundings, “what do we do next? Return to the illusionary battlefield?”

Su Li pondered for a moment, then turned his gaze to the still picturesque path, where the remains of the third legendary dwarf were buried.

"No rush," Su Li said calmly. "It's trapped in the illusion and won't be able to break free without external intervention. There are more pressing 'rats' to catch now."

His gaze sharpened, like a drawn blade, sweeping across the altar ruins and the surrounding shadows.

“Mhawa! His final Nagash Path is already very unstable, he definitely won't go far. Now that two paths in the Valley of Memories have been destroyed, there aren't many places he can continue to travel. Let's find it first.”

He gripped the flagpole of "Kadrin's Blazing Fire" tightly, its crimson light steadily dispelling the surrounding gray-blue mist.

Orstein approached, his sturdy plate armor stained with dirt and burn marks from magic. His voice carried an undeniable weight: "Lord, we've lingered too long in the Valley of Memories. Corruption seeps in relentlessly." He turned to the side, gesturing for Su Li to look towards the rear of the group.

Several warriors leaned against the rock wall, their eyes unfocused, their lips moving silently as they uttered incoherent murmurs. One of the dwarf warriors nervously dug into the runes on the edge of his shield, muttering broken words that no one could understand. The air seemed to thicken, an invisible pressure squeezing the nerves of everyone present.

Su Li's brows furrowed tightly. Time was indeed running out. The corruption of the Valley of Memories was seeping in silently; the longer it dragged on, the more manpower would be lost, and it might even trigger internal chaos.

“Gerson,” Su Li turned to the dwarf engineer, “take the blueprints and Baldek’s remains, immediately organize your forces, and take the wounded and those affected back to the safe zone at the entrance. Hold that position and clear a solid defensive position. Make sure the retreat route is unobstructed.”

Gerson's stubby fingers gripped the animal hide map tightly. He nodded vigorously, his eyes gleaming with both fervor for the map and a clear understanding of the current situation: "Leave it to me, big guy! We'll hold the entrance here!" He immediately turned and shouted in Dwarven language, directing the Dwarven warriors who were still able to move and the human soldiers who were in relatively good condition to begin gathering the wounded and those of his companions who were showing signs of getting lost.

“Ariria,” Su Li looked at the stunningly beautiful female courtier beside him, “can you still track the scent of that rat? Or… the stench of chaos he left behind?”

Arielia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, the air thick with the polluted life force and lingering chaotic energy. After a moment, she opened her eyes, a glint of light flashing in her emerald pupils as she pointed to the still beautiful path.

“There,” her voice tinged with disgust, “there was intense fear, and… the embers of death magic. He burrowed in like a wounded caveman, desperate and reckless. The smell was still fresh, and the stench was a stark contrast to the picturesque path, easily detectable.”

Su Li looked in the direction she pointed, a smile appearing on her lips, and said, "Just as I expected."

(End of this chapter)