27: A battle of wits, forming alliances and building a coalition (Part 2)

Before the ink on the draft of the Alliance treaty could dry, everyone in the council chamber turned their gaze toward the next key target—the Underground Gnomes.

"Underground Gnomes are suspicious by nature and live deep within caves year-round; dealing with them is even more troublesome than negotiating with the Gray Dwarves," Clan Chief Brook said, stroking his beard with a troubled look. "We don't even know where their main settlements are or who their leader is."

The Elf Scribe, Sera, smiled slightly and said calmly, "Clan Chief, there is no need to worry. My lord had already foreseen this." She turned to Bronzebeard, "Clan Chief Bronzebeard, among the Underground Gnome slaves we brought back, are there any who look like leaders or are relatively calm and capable of communication?"

Bronzebeard thought for a moment and said in a booming voice, "There's an old Gnome, I think his name is 'Squeak' or something. When he was captured, he wasn't as panicked as the others and even tried to protect the little Gnomes around him. The Lightforged Gnomes seemed to have chatted with him for a bit, saying he was some kind of... artisan?"

"That's the one!" Lorthemar's eyes lit up. "Artisans hold a high status in Underground Gnome society and are usually wiser. Please bring him here immediately. And remember, treat him with courtesy."

Soon, an old Underground Gnome wearing a tattered leather apron, his face covered in wrinkles but his eyes still sharp, was "invited" to the council chamber by the Law Fishmen. He appeared somewhat nervous, his hands rubbing together anxiously, but a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes when he saw the seated Clan Chief Brook, Bronzebeard, and the others.

"Respected Elder," Lorthemar began in soft Underground Common (a language mixing gestures and simple syllables), gesturing for him to sit. "Please do not be afraid. We have invited you here to understand some things, and perhaps to bring your tribe an opportunity to escape slavery and regain freedom and a new life."

The old Gnome was stunned for a moment, looking suspiciously at Lorthemar, then at Brook and Bronzebeard. His voice was shrill and cautious: "You... you aren't the black-skins from Furnace Fortress? What do you want with us?"

"We are mortal enemies with Furnace Fortress," Bronzebeard said bluntly. "We just took down their Quenching Forge Mine and rescued you!"

The old Gnome's pupils constricted. He had heard vague rumors about the attack on the Quenching Forge Mine, but he never expected it to be the work of this group!

Sera took over, her tone sincere: "Elder, we know of the blood feud between the Underground Gnomes and the Gray Dwarves, and we are well aware of the suffering you've endured under the oppression of Furnace Fortress. Now, we have formed an Alliance with the Blackrock Clan, vowing to overthrow the tyranny of Furnace Fortress." She pointed to Brook.

Although Brook still had reservations about cooperating with Gnomes, he prioritized the bigger picture and gave a gruff nod.

An expression of disbelief appeared on the old Gnome's face. The Blackrock Clan had actually allied with outsiders and wanted to deal with Furnace Fortress? This completely overturned his understanding!

Lorthemar continued, "Furnace Fortress is powerful, and cannot be defeated by a single clan. We sincerely invite the Underground Gnomes to join our Alliance and face the enemy together. In return, after the war, the Underground Gnomes will receive legal living territory, trading rights, and... some of the technologies held by Furnace Fortress on how to safely and efficiently utilize geothermal energy and deep-layer minerals."

The final condition was like a bombshell, making the old Gnome snap his head up, his eyes bursting with unprecedented light! Technology! Especially the technology for safely utilizing geothermal energy; this was of immense significance to Gnomes who lived underground year-round and often faced the threat of subterranean fires! This was far beyond what simple food or wealth could compare to!

"You... are you telling the truth?" the old Gnome's voice trembled with excitement.

"I swear it in the name of my lord, Lin Zhou," Lorthemar said solemnly. "The draft of the Alliance treaty is here, which clearly stipulates the distribution of rights and obligations after the war. The Underground Gnomes will be equal allies with us and the Blackrock Clan, not vassals."

The old Gnome stared intently at Lorthemar and Sera, trying to find a hint of deception in their eyes, but he saw only calmness and sincerity. He looked at Brook again; although his old rival's expression wasn't very pleasant, he didn't speak out in opposition.

With such a massive temptation before him, coupled with the recent high pressure and suspicion from Furnace Fortress (they had indeed been used as scapegoats for the mine attack), the scales in the old Gnome's heart tipped rapidly.

"I... my name is Glick, an Artisan Elder of the 'Deep Moss Tribe'." The old Gnome finally revealed his identity and took a deep breath. "I can try to contact the tribal chief and convey your proposal. But... I need a guarantee of safety for myself and my people during this time, and I need a token of trust."

"Of course," Elwin's voice rang out through the communication runestone on Bronzebeard. "Elder Glick, you and your people will be free here; we will provide food and shelter. As for the token..." She paused. "You may take a fragment of molten core ore as proof of our sincerity and strength."

A fragment of molten core ore! Glick's heart raced; he knew the value of this item all too well! If the other party was willing to offer even this as a token, their sincerity was beyond doubt!

"Fine! I, Glick, swear by the skills of my ancestors that I will do my utmost to make this happen!" the old Gnome promised solemnly.

The negotiations had made a Breakthrough. Glick was respectfully sent back to reassure the other Gnome slaves and prepare to return to the Deep Moss Tribe as an envoy.

Everything was progressing unexpectedly smoothly. However, shortly after Glick left, an Elf Ranger rushed into the council chamber with urgent intelligence.

"Report! There is unusual movement from the direction of Furnace Fortress! They have dispatched multiple squads and are frantically capturing scattered Underground Gnomes from various locations! It seems they are interrogating them for details about the attack on the mine, and their methods are extremely cruel!"

Everyone's expressions changed.

Furnace Fortress had indeed vented its rage on the Underground Gnomes! While this intensified the conflict between the Underground Gnomes and Furnace Fortress, it might also cause the Deep Moss Tribe to shrink back in fear, or even make irrational decisions for self-preservation!

"We must quicken our pace!" Brook said in a heavy voice. "We need to deliver our goodwill and the Alliance plan before Furnace Fortress's reign of terror causes the Deep Moss Tribe to shut themselves off completely!"

"Have Glick set out immediately!" Bronzebeard roared. "I'll send a squad of rangers to escort him to a safe area!"

Lin Zhou's consciousness enveloped everything. The rapidly changing situation made him realize more clearly the essence of Diplomacy—not only to be skilled at creating and utilizing conflicts but also to be able to handle the variables brought about by the enemy's counterattacks.

"Elwin." His Divine Thought traversed through space.

"my god!" Elwin responded immediately.

"Lead an elite squad yourself and secretly follow Glick. Ensure he arrives safely near the Deep Moss Tribe and provide support from the periphery. If things don't go well, you may display force or apply pressure to help him succeed."

"Additionally, notify the base to accelerate research on molten core ore and Gray Dwarf forging techniques. We need more bargaining chips and greater strength to face the upcoming final battle."

"As you command!"

The web of Diplomacy has been cast, and the prey, Furnace Fortress, has been startled and has begun to struggle. Now, what is needed is more speed, more power, and the wisdom and determination to handle any unexpected changes.

The prototype of the allied army has appeared, but whether it can be successfully formed and exert its proper strength depends on the next steps, which are all crucial.