On the podium, Professor Hazel wielded a pointer, directing it at the images of a dwarven army projected by a crystal orb. He explained:

"These formidable warriors excel in defensive combat. Their mountain fortresses are among the most impregnable in existence. Their capital, Karak-Karak, is reputedly the most difficult city to conquer in the Old World. Their military structure is also defensive in nature.

Thanks to their exceptional blacksmithing and alchemical skills, along with vast reserves of precious metal ore, dwarven weaponry is considered unparalleled in the Old World. The heavily armored dwarven infantry, clad in full plate armor and wielding round shields and double-headed axes, form the backbone of their military. This setup is ideal for mountain and defensive warfare.

For combat on open plains, the dwarves have adopted the long-pike phalanx tactics from their allies, the humans of the Sigmar Empire. These formations are complemented by the Thunderers, dwarves armed with firearms, and heavily armed dwarven crossbowmen. Although not highly mobile, these units offer considerable combat capabilities.

Beyond these basic units, the dwarves possess the Old World's most advanced artillery technology. Many believe their artillery surpasses even that of the Sigmar Empire. Thousands of years ago, dwarves crafted terrifying war machines enveloped in thick steel plates and flying metal contraptions capable of flight. These formidable machines once allowed the dwarves to dominate the Old World completely.

Their fully armed forces, comprising indestructible steel battle wagons, massive cannons, and fast-moving aerial vehicles, once swept across the landscape. No enemy could withstand them. In that era, the dwarves were undoubtedly the Old World's mightiest martial race. Not to mention their terrifying rune magic and various war machines, epitomized by the Doom Anvil, whose destructive power rivals dragons and demons."

At this point, Professor Hazel lightly coughed, quelling any murmurs from the students, before continuing, "Of course, due to various reasons, much of the dwarven technology has been lost. Today's steam technology products, besides a few warships, include nothing more. You can rest easy."

And so the lesson continued. Norton absorbed the information and posed a question: "Given the power of firearms and their relatively low technological demand, why doesn't Sylvania replicate these weapons to arm skeleton soldiers, enhancing their combat effectiveness?"

"That’s a good question," Professor Hazel nodded, elaborating, "Indeed, there have been attempts by some kin, but they failed due to significant issues. Regular skeleton soldiers can't handle the recoil from firearms; after a few shots, their bones dislocate. For higher-ranked undead, they have better combat methods, making firearms unnecessary. These reasons are why there are no firearm units in the Sylvanian army."

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Norton nodded in understanding but pondered the idea of developing a gunpowder unit. While spellcasters and magical devices were superior to gunpowder weapons in many ways, spellcasting required innate talent and significant resources, whereas gunpowder weapons merely needed technology and training.

Musing, Norton asked another question, "I've heard that the Chaos Dwarves in the far north invented a device that combines demonic bodies with gunpowder weapons, creating the terrifying hybrid Chaos Hellcannon. Its power supposedly surpasses standard cannons and magical devices. Is this true?"

Professor Hazel paused before confirming, "Indeed, I've heard such rumors... Under chaos influences, those infected dwarves became extreme and fanatical. Their civilization, in some ways, has progressed beyond that of the dwarf kingdom. Hybrid mechanical and demonic weapons are possible. In fact, Sylvania possesses creations combining mechanical force and magic; for example, the Screaming Skull Catapult is one such example..."

Norton remained silent at the mention of the Screaming Skull Catapult. Comparing that wooden contraption to massive cannons was absurd...

The day ended, and Norton found Annie waiting outside the academy. Together, they boarded a carriage to head home. With the recent annihilation of the Strigoi rebel forces, the Kastan Estate had no enemies left, negating the need for military escorts.

They shared a carriage, surrounded by endless fields, golden farmlands, and forests. The sun dipped low, and its fading light filtered through the leaves, casting patterns on their faces. The sounds of trickling streams and the creaking of wheels were the only noises, leaving them feeling like the only two people in the world.

The atmosphere was serene. Annie pretended to doze, resting her head on Norton's shoulder, basking in contentment. She wished the journey would never end.

Norton's fingers gently traced Annie's face, noticing her slight shiver, a sign she wasn't truly asleep. He chose not to mention it, letting her rest on his shoulder—it felt nice to him as well.

However, this pleasant scene soon faded as their carriage approached the outer walls of Dekenhof Castle. The towering walls blocked the sunlight, leaving behind only the gray wasteland. A melodious, slightly melancholic song reached their ears, the enchantment evident from its clarity.

The captivating sound drew a whisper of admiration from Norton, "Truly a heavenly voice." But Annie, feigning sleep, found the interruption unwelcome, silently cursing the singer for ruining her moment.

With these differing emotions, the carriage halted at the castle gates. Holding Annie's hand, Norton helped her alight. Simultaneously, a small girl on the balcony of Lady Windsor's second-floor room spotted Norton and called out in surprise.

Norton’s acute hearing recognized the voice as the singer’s. Looking up, he saw a girl by his mother, Lady Windsor, who bore a striking resemblance in appearance and demeanor—sharing the graceful air, the same golden curls, and blue eyes. Their familial connection was unmistakable.

The girl blushed upon meeting Norton’s gaze and smiled sweetly at him.