Make Azeroth breathtaking

When do we set off?

"Is it okay now?"

"Um...okay..."

"Then, let's go!!"

Groll grabbed Tannis's arm and rushed out of the Gnomeregan embassy.

————————————Hall of Craftsmen————————————————

The office of the master craftsman Mekkatorque was very simple.

A table, a few chairs, several cabinets crammed with various files, and a neatly arranged toolbox in the corner make up the entirety of this office, making it look more like a workshop than an office.

In this small office, Mekkatorque received Tennys.

"To be honest, when Ed Fitz told me that he had become a senior engineer at the age of ten, my first thought was that he was seeing things. But now, I have to admit that there are geniuses in this world."

Mekkatorque wiped his glasses as he chatted with Tannis like an elder. Tannis didn't dare to underestimate the kind and amiable dwarf in front of her—after all, the title of Master Craftsman was reserved for the most skilled dwarf in engineering!

“No, no, no, Mr. Mekkatorque, I am far from being a true engineering genius.”

"Haha, young people don't need to be so modest—not to mention that you're not even young by human standards—alright, let's get down to business. You've come to visit me hoping to participate in the mine tunnel subway project, right?"

Tennys nodded.

"Then I'll be frank. You can participate in this project, but since we've already completed the design drawings for the tracks and the train models, and the first batch of products has rolled off the production line, I'm sorry I can't let you get involved in the tracks and the train models. Everything else—including lighting, ventilation, etc.—can be left to you. Are you satisfied with this arrangement?"

Mekkatorque gently toyed with a screw in his hand, looking at Tennys.

"Is it finished? If the blueprints aren't top secret, could I take a look?"

"Yes, but only basic blueprints are available."

Mekkatorque turned around and pulled out a bunch of blueprints from the cabinet, handing them to Tannis. Tannis thanked him and borrowed Mekkatorque's measuring tools, then began to measure on the blueprints.

A few minutes later, Tennys raised her head.

"What do you mainly use this mine tunnel subway for?"

"Transporting Ironforge's minerals, our weapons, and food back from Stormwind—I thought you knew that."

"Of course I know, uh... are you sure you're building such a massive mine tunnel subway project just to transport goods? And nothing else?"

"We will consider opening passenger trains after the train operation is stable, but that's a matter for later."

"Alright... So, aside from the construction of the railway tracks and trains, Ratchet can interfere in everything else?"

Tannis, realizing she had virtually no chance of getting involved in passenger transport, inwardly sighed with regret and continued to ask questions.

"Yes."

"Could we entrust the subway's paint job to Ratchet? That shouldn't significantly hinder you from showcasing your engineering advancements, right?"

"Of course, but I need some things to convince the Craftsmen's Association."

Mekkatorque pushed up his glasses, his tone meaningful. Tannis, too lazy to waste words, released the mechanical assistant.

The moment Mekkatorque saw the mechanical assistant, he realized that McNeil's guess was probably true, because even with his eyes observing it up close, he couldn't see any overlap between the mechanical assistant and the two mainstream engineering disciplines of gnomes and goblins—it seemed to be using a completely different set of technologies!

"Truly...a beautiful creation."

Mekkatorque's words made Tannis squint her eyes happily.

"Of course, this is a mechanical assistant that I painstakingly restored."

Tanis's words made Mekkatorque even more certain that the goblins had just gotten lucky and unearthed some ruins and found some things, so he felt much more at ease.

"Then, I will discuss the painting with the Craftsmen's Guild. During this time, you are free to visit any non-classified area in Gnomeregan."

After finishing his speech, the master craftsman hurriedly left, and Tanis also left his office, taking a car back to her residence at the Gnomeregan embassy. She closed the door, shut the windows, activated the shielding, and turned on the projection communication system—all in one smooth motion.

Soon, Gazlowe's projection appeared in front of Tannis.

"How are you, daughter? Those dwarfs didn't do anything to you, did they?"

"Things are going well, Dad. Those dwarfs are so focused on showing off their engineering achievements that they're ignoring where to make money."

As she spoke, Tannis told Gazlowe what Mekkatorque had allowed Ratchet to participate in, and Gazlowe quickly understood what Tannis meant by 'a place to make money'.

"Gnomeregan... gave us all the space available for billboards?"

Gazlowe's voice trembled slightly as he said those words.

"If they don't change their minds, all the advertising spaces along the mine tunnel and subway line will belong to us."

"Can we talk about something else? I'm sure those dwarfs have missed some business opportunities."

“Sorry, Dad... I want to leave Gnomeregan as soon as possible. I’ll go back to Stormwind after this deal is done.”

"Are you unhappy in Gnomeregan?"

"Not getting enough rest, plus those dwarfs are making a huge mess of things—I suspect they'll soon turn their city into hell."

12. Another deal in Ironforge

Ironforge.

This massive fortress, perched atop the highest peak of Dun Morogh, is, as its name suggests, a colossal forge buried deep underground. The snow-capped mountains provide Ironforge with the best protection, and the single, treacherous mountain path leading to a single gate makes Ironforge easy to defend and difficult to attack.

During the Second War, the orcish Horde once reached the gates of Ironforge. However, despite their best efforts, the orcish Horde failed to breach the gates of Ironforge. In the end, even the capital of the Kingdom of Lordaeron was surrounded by the orcish Horde, but Ironforge remained standing.

After the war, Ironforge, with its unique geographical environment and abundant mineral resources, once became the central city of the Alliance in the south. However, with the gradual disintegration of the Alliance and the reconstruction of Stormwind, its status was weakened again.

Of course, most dwarves don't care about this at all. For them, digging, polishing rocks and gems, forging metals, drinking and bragging are the most important parts of life. As long as the molten steel in the Great Forge is still flowing, the dwarves of Ironforge will spend every day with full enthusiasm.

However, Magni Bronzebeard, the current king of Ironforge, believed that it was an extremely valuable option to strengthen the ties between Ironforge and the Alliance—especially Stormwind—in the aftermath of the Second War. Therefore, he not only sent people to help with the reconstruction of Stormwind, but also discussed with the gnome high artillery Mekkatorque the possibility of using the wide underground mine tunnels of Ironforge as a foundation to carve an underground passage to Stormwind, bypassing the Searing Gorge.

High Tinker Mekkatorque was happy to participate in this matter and suggested upgrading the underground passages into the Mineway Underground. Varian Wrynn, the current King of Stormwind, who had learned of Magni's plan, was also interested in the Mineway Underground, which could make trade between Ironforge and Stormwind more cost-effective.

Thus, under the joint efforts of the three leaders, the Minecastle Underground project commenced at an astonishing pace. The dwarves dug tunnels and reinforced the rock walls, while the gnomes measured data and designed machinery. Although Stormwind was still in a state of disarray, it did its utmost to provide logistical support. Clearly, in the foreseeable future, the Minecastle Underground would not only become a vital trade route connecting Ironforge and Stormwind, but also a testament to the friendship between humans, gnomes, and dwarves…

Well, before Tennys interfered.

————————————————Ironforge, Throne Hall————————————————

Upon learning that the gnomes had not only agreed to cooperate with Ratchet, but also outsourced some seemingly 'insignificant' aspects of the mine tunnels and subway to Ratchet, the Ironforge ambassador quickly contacted Tannis, hoping to discuss some additional details with her in Ironforge.

'That's strange. Given the dwarves' nature, shouldn't they have at least offered a token protest?'

Upon learning this news, Tanis was filled with question marks, which reached their peak after she discovered that the person she had met in Ironforge was none other than Magni Bronzebeard, the current king of Ironforge.

"I heard that Ratchet won the contract from Gnomeregan for the painting, lighting, ventilation, and aesthetic finishing of the mine tunnels and subways?"

As a dwarf, Magellan Bronzebeard's personality was also quite straightforward.

"Yes, King Magni."

"Hey."

King Magni suddenly sighed.

"Although some lands in Khaz Modan have a suitable climate for farming, dwarves are not a race skilled in agriculture. Therefore, we have to import large quantities of grain, salted fish, and fruit from humans every year. However, due to the disaster in the Redridge Mountains, we were previously limited to trading with the human kingdoms to the north. Apart from metal products, the only other goods we could offer were roughly processed gemstone ore..."

When he said those words, McGonagall's expression turned helpless.

“As a member of the Hot Sands Consortium, you naturally know that the result of this one-way trade is that the party without alternatives suffers. Since the goods we sell to the northern kingdoms of humanity are not their essential needs, and the amount of grain, fruit, and other necessities that Ironforge needs is simply too enormous, Ironforge has been at a disadvantage in trade for a long time. Our leadership is well aware of this, but there is nothing we can do about it.”

"The Second Orc War... shattered the structure of human kingdoms and reshaped trade routes, right?"

"Yes, thanks to our perseverance during the Second Orc War, the people of Stormwind had more time to retreat. In addition, we and the gnomes spared no effort in supporting the front lines. As a result, the people of Stormwind, who had suffered a true national annihilation, had a significantly higher opinion of us dwarves. In the past, even when we were helping with the construction, it was unimaginable that the human capital would specifically set aside an area for dwarves to live in."

Magni Bronzebeard paused after saying this.

"Then, Ironforge intends to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to further strengthen its diplomatic relations with Stormwind Kingdom. Naturally, what relationship is stronger than a vow, rather than a close trading partnership?"

“Well, I think it’s very necessary for Ratchet and Ironforge to establish a trade route. So, what does King Magni want Ratchet to do?”

"Cooperation in the refining of raw gemstones, advertising space in the mine tunnels and subways, and a small but reliable food trade route not controlled by human nobles—these are the three things Ironforge currently needs. Of course, we won't default on payments where they're due."

Magni Bronzebeard's straight shot made Tanis's lips twitch.

'Well, as expected, he's a seasoned veteran. This guy easily figured out the biggest deal Ratchet was planning in the Mine Tunnel!'

Despite her inner turmoil, Tennys quickly weighed the pros and cons and made her decision a few seconds later.

“I am personally very willing to reach an agreement with Ironforge, but because this business is too large, I cannot make decisions on behalf of Ratchet alone. Therefore, I hope that Your Majesty Magni can have a detailed discussion with my father, Baron Gazlowe, about Ironforge’s needs.”

"I would certainly be happy to discuss this further with Mr. Gazlowe. Could a specific time be arranged?"

"No need, it will be ready soon."

As Tennys spoke, she patted the mechanical assistant.

"Dad! A big business deal has come knocking!!!"

13. Return to Stormwind

The negotiations between Gazlowe and McGuinty went smoothly.

In less than half a day, Ratchet and Ironforge reached a comprehensive, mutually beneficial agreement. Ironforge got what it wanted, and Ratchet was very satisfied to have Ironforge as a partner in the Eastern Kingdoms. Tanis was also delighted that the two sides reached an agreement so quickly. As a mechanic, the quality of the raw materials directly affected the performance of the finished product. Although goblins and celestials possessed very effective metalworking techniques, who could deny that the dwarves' metalworking skills on Azeroth were unparalleled?

"By the way, King Magni, I have something to remind you about Gnomeregan."

"Ok?"

Seeing Tanis's serious expression, King Magni nodded, signaling her to speak.

"The dwarves are researching an extremely risky energy source that, if it gets out of control, could destroy the entire Gnomeregan or even affect the entire Dun Morogh."

"Is it that serious?"

Magni Bronzebeard's expression darkened slightly upon realizing that Tanis was not lying.

"Well, but because of my awkward position, the dwarfs will absolutely not listen to my advice, therefore..."

After saying this, Tanya bowed and took her leave, leaving Magni Bronzebeard with an uncertain expression.

A few seconds later, he turned and sat back on his throne, looking at the guards.