Siegel scrutinized the shards of the golem in front of him, impressed by the whimsy of the designer. Many spells were broken up, and the pieces of them were put back together to create new effects that supported each of the Golem's functions. This requires the maker to be proficient in all kinds of spells and to be able to comprehend them.

This is still a long way to go for Siegel, but his purpose is not to create a high-end warrior like the Elemental Golem. He needed an easy-to-make, inexpensive construct golem to guard the Heim Territory.

He removed the core of the Elemental Golem and then began to modify the Golem's shell by his own means, simplifying its function as much as possible. Siegel focused his attention on both the resistance of magic and the ability to fight hand-to-hand, and then reduced the size of the golem as much as possible. This is not an easy job, and it takes a lot of effort to conduct experiments even if you stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before you.

The Lion Cliff was not a good testing ground, so Siegel commissioned the dwarves to transport the loot to Heim Territory. He hadn't forgotten what had been in the cave either. Since all the golems at the entrance have been killed, everyone can safely enter the cave to explore other treasures. The dwarves rejoiced, for Elint, on behalf of the Gem Family, had promised that half of the treasure would belong to the members of the expedition.

Siegel took the two Golem Cores with him, and then continued his journey north. He was joined by Leah, Kerry, and Moore, who were still aiming for the Golem, but not for the fight.

During the day they never stopped, pushing as far north as they could. The ramparted mountains were always on their left, and when they looked up, they could see the mountain passage that connected the castle. In this season. I often don't see a pedestrian for half a day. Only on those hill posts and fortresses. There are also soldiers on patrol. They saw passers-by on horseback at the foot of the hill and waved their hands to greet them.

The ore road gradually narrowed, and then disappeared into the wilderness, and now there was no road in front of everyone, and everything was ruled by the wilderness. It's getting colder, and the ground is already covered in snow unless it doesn't melt until the next spring. Only the fast-flowing river does not thaw and continues to flow down the mountain. By these rivers. Several people sat down to rest and replenish the water bladder on their bodies.

"This river originally flowed to the Jackdaw tribe, and it was the river where my brother and I used to drink horses. "Kerry has obviously been to this place and is deeply impressed. "We call it the Silver River because it doesn't freeze completely in winter, and there are some slender silver fish in the river, which are rich in fat and fat, which is our favorite food in winter. ”

After saying that, he rolled up his pants and stepped on the water and walked down. "Don't come down. It's so cold!"

Kerry has the ancient bloodline of the Frost Giants inspired, so these icy rivers can't really hurt him. He cautiously swung up the river with the Ice Spear. That way his scent doesn't scare away the swimming fish. As the artifact spear stretches and shrinks, there is always a harvest. Most of the fish are only as long as the palm of your hand, but it's enough to improve your diet.

More was busy making a fire and then fetching water for cooking. There are no trees here, so you can't find dead branches, but a few dry mosses and dead grass are enough to start a small fire and heat food. Siegel sat on a sheepskin blanket and read a book, occasionally raising his eyes to watch Moore busy. This young man was very hardworking and clever, and he was very fond of him.

Everyone's lunch consisted of grilled fish and sticky noodle soup, and a few fairy biscuits were distributed for dessert. Moore is very fond of this elven food, and only takes a small bite at a time, and collects the rest. Seeing this, Siegel gave him all his elven biscuits, "I have enough food in my space bag," Siegel said, "Since you like it, take them all." ”

When the giant had finished catching the fish, he sat down by the fire and looked at the river in front of him without saying a word. Seeing that he was so silent, Siegel walked over, leaned over to his side and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I thought about the past," said Giant Kerry, "and it would be nice if my father and brother were still alive." I was able to concentrate on raising my children, fighting when the tribe needed war, and helping my brother when he needed help. There is no need to worry about how to organize grazing, how to coordinate the relationship between the tribes, and there is no need to guess the thoughts of the generals. I'm not as smart as you to figure out these complicated things. ”

Siegel laughed until Kerry's face turned angry. "You think I can figure these things out, then you're completely wrong!" said the mage to the giant, unabashedly, "in my domain, the farming is given to Fezak, the market and the caravan are to Janis, the army is to Manna and Hum, and almost all the internal affairs are managed by Janet - just as the Messiah is helping you." ”

"Really?" Kerry looked at him suspiciously, "You don't care about anything?"

Siegel shook his head and said to the giant, "If I am allowed to farm, I will be lucky to grow something." I don't know much about these things, so why bother pointing fingers. My main purpose in the territory is to judge right and wrong, to give the people a place where they can settle disputes, and then to try to protect them. The rest of the time, I can study magic with peace of mind and improve my knowledge and strength. ”

"That looks like I'm better than you. Kerry's gloom subsided a little, and he said to Siegel: "At least I can raise horses, and I know how to sow grain and harvest." It's not as good as my father and brother, but it's better than you. ”

"Not necessarily in a few years. Siegel smiled and said to him, "Don't look at the fact that Heim Territory is small now, but it will definitely grow much better than your Jackdaw tribe in the future." I don't know anything about anything, but one thing I can do well is to get everyone to go the extra mile in what they do best. The new products I designed led to commerce, the mines I dug gave me a steady stream of wealth, and I could attach dwarven runes to the weapons and armor of my realm. ”

Kerry clapped his hands lightly: "Well said, but there is one thing you are definitely not as good as me." I will take the warriors of the Raven tribe to conquer the entire grassland, and any tribe that does not obey discipline will be exterminated. Can you do that?"

Siegel shook his head. Although he possesses the power of magic, and it grows stronger with the passage of time. He was very confident in himself that he would be able to go far and stand tall on the path of mage in the future. But will he be as combative as Kerry – or aggressive?

It's hard, I'm afraid.

"I've heard your territory has been attacked, haven't I?" Kerry raised an eyebrow, "A Day of War is a good song, but I don't like that ending." Why do you want to make peace with the nobles of the South? Why don't you kill them all? Those who dare to attack you, if they are not afraid of you, will one day come back to trouble you - because they will never believe that you will forgive them!"

"That's not the case," Siegel waved his hand, "You don't know the process, the Southern Lord and I faced a common enemy, and only then did we temporarily reach a reconciliation." ”

"You had another group of enemies left when they appeared?" Kerry was dumbfounded, "Aren't you worried that they'll join forces against you?"

"I didn't think about that. Siegel admitted.

Kerry scratched his head and snorted twice: "Siegel, you are a good brother and very smart, but wars are never fought like this. My father once taught me and my brother that the Jackdaw tribe farms quietly on weekdays, but if someone doesn't even want us to plant the land, it's a never-ending hatred. Until we cut down the grass and root out and peck at the corpses of the enemy, there will be no peace. ”

Siegel smiled at him, "Okay, you're a master tactician now." Brother Kerry, don't worry, I know it. ”

The giant nodded, and said to Siegel, "If you need help, just say it." Our cavalry can go south to your aid at any time. ”

"Kerry, you know, I've started learning teleportation spells. When you need help, maybe I can swoop up in front of you. ”

"I believe that. Kerry stood up, patted the snow and ice off his body, and then said to Siegel, "Let's separate here, I'm going to follow the river east from here, and then turn back to the tribe, and I won't send you anymore." ”

Siegel hugged him hard, and then said, "Thank you for helping me get the core information of the Elemental Golem this time. ”

"There's nothing to thank for that. Kerry said, "I'm afraid the next time we meet, it's time for war, right?"

Siegel's face was resolute and solemn, and he nodded: "Prepare more, and see you when you fight." ”

Kerry then rode away. He first went to the ruins of the former Jackdaw tribe, where no new grass had grown in the grassland that had been burned by dragon fire. The snow in the sky fell, melted by the residual heat emitted from the ground, and flowed down the charred earth. The curse inflicted by the red dragon's flame and blood will last for a long time, but it will one day sprout again and grow new grass.

After Kerry left, Siegel packed his things and prepared to continue on his way. They extinguished the fire, covered all traces of it, and then crossed the steppe north, continuing their previous journey. After the sun sets over the walled mountains in the west, when the shadows cover the earth, they light torches to light the way forward.

Siegel kept thinking about what Kerry had told him, about war and enemies, about cutting grass and roots.

He was a little unsure of what was the right thing to do. This point is not taught in the book, whether it is accepting the surrender of the opponent or fighting to the death to the end, there are successful examples, and there are also counterexamples of failure. He thought about it all the way, knowing that he had to figure it out before anything else happened, or he would be troubled by a lot of problems.

The mage's reticence lasted for several days, and the mood of the entire team was not very high. However, when everyone rushed to the nameless village and town at the foot of the Black Blood Castle Mountain in the City Wall Mountain Range, Siegel finally figured out the problem.

As long as you can make sure that you are always stronger than the enemy, it doesn't matter what kind of attitude you take. Those who fail do not lie in the fact that they accept or do not accept the repentance of the enemy, but simply because they have become weaker.

He fully understood Janet's words, only the strong are the winners. (To be continued......)

PS: This article only represents Siegel's thoughts, and the author is just paraphrasing, hehe.