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The two kingdoms, now with their populations reduced, no longer needed to wage war to further decrease their populations. However, the long-standing conflicts between them had become irreconcilable.

Although no direct war broke out, a cold war ensued as both sides sought to determine the victor in other areas. Influenced by some unknown factors, both sides began to emphasize education, establishing schools and recruiting talent.

In this environment, the Rat-folk's technological level improved dramatically, with a large number of novel theories being proposed and steam engines, trains, and airplanes being invented one after another.

Perhaps the legend of the "gods" still silently influences the Rat-folk Rat-folk, who have an extraordinary longing for the two moons in the sky.

One day, a Rat-folk proposed the "Moon Landing Project," and the situation quickly spiraled out of control. The word seemed to ignite something, unleashing unprecedented enthusiasm among the Rat-folk.

The public's call for a "moon landing" grew louder day by day, and the royal families of the kingdoms did not go against the will of the people. The two royal families, especially the Kerrigan family, were even more eager to explore the moon because of the legends left by their ancestors.

Consequently, with the rulers readily facilitating this process, relevant research institutions were quickly established, and resources began to be allocated accordingly. A large number of students chose related majors to begin their studies.

The moon landing has also become a new competitive goal for the two kingdoms.

On the vast plains, patches of farmland dot the landscape. In the center of the plains stands a great city, its tall walls bearing the marks of time, testifying to its ancient history.

This city is the capital of House Kerrigan. It was their family's residence during their tribal era. Over the generations, the family members expanded it to its current size. The city is called City of Glory, covering 4,500 acres. Including the surrounding satellite cities and villages, a total of over a million Rat-folk live in this area.

There is an ancient castle in the city, and elite soldiers are stationed outside the castle all day long. They are dressed in gorgeous and stylish battle uniforms, carrying various weapons, and patrolling the area. The defense is very strict.

This is Kerrigan Palace. Three years ago, the previous King of Kerrigan passed away, and the eldest princess succeeded him to the throne.

Kerrigan to power because of her unique white fur, for which she was even given a name by a "god," so she places great importance on bloodlines. Only those with the purest bloodline in the family can take over powerful positions, hoping to continue receiving the "god's" favor.

Ironically, although the Kerrigan family never saw the so-called "god" again, and even most family members suspected that it was a deliberate fabrication by their ancestors, over the years, by adopting this method of inheritance, whenever the family encountered danger, they would always inexplicably find a way out and turn the crisis into safety.

So, whether you believe it or not, this system has been passed down to this day. Over the years, constant intermarriage has made Kerrigan's bloodline increasingly diluted. There are fewer and fewer pure white family members, and in this generation, only the eldest princess is without any other color.

Therefore, without any struggle for the throne, the eldest princess gained everyone's support and ascended to the throne.

In a large room of the palace, there were many tall, dark wooden bookshelves. Two ladders leaned against the bookshelves, which were filled with all kinds of books, many of which, judging from their different materials, were original.

In one corner of the room, there was a plate of incense, filling the room with a pleasant fragrance that calmed the mind. Against another wall, there was a huge skeleton of a creature on display.

An antique long table sits between bookshelves, upon which rests a huge stone slab, engraved with some intricate patterns. An elderly Rat-folk, wearing a monocle, is carefully examining the slab with a magnifying glass.

Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and a female Rat-folk stepped in. She wore a magnificent red and gold robe, and although young, she possessed a certain majesty. Her pure white fur and bright red eyes made her appear quite pretty.

"Mr. Morgan, what good finds have you found this time?" The female Rat-folk entered the room, glanced around, and when she saw that only the old man was there, her serious face relaxed. She hopped over to the old man and asked happily.

"Your Majesty, you should be mindful of your appearance." The Rat-folk elder looked up, adjusted his monocle, and bowed slightly.

"Teacher, didn't I tell you to call me by my name when Terra isn't around? Since I inherited the throne, we've grown increasingly distant." The female Rat-folk didn't care about her image and pulled out a chair to sit down.

Morgan shook his head helplessly, then said indulgently, "Alright, alright, Sarah, where have you sent Terra now?"

"She was at the door. I told her I needed to ask the teacher some private questions, so I didn't let her in." The female Rat-folk's full Sarah Kerrigan, the former eldest daughter and the current queen.

The Kerrigan family's naming convention was unprecedented. After their ancestor received a name bestowed by the gods, their descendants all called themselves Kerrigan. The Rat-folk were incredibly prolific at the time, and soon hundreds of Kerrigan appeared, making it impossible to distinguish one from another.

So, one of the Kerrigan, in order to distinguish herself from her kind, gave herself a name. Subsequently, the others followed suit, and Kerrigan gradually became a surname.

Although many people followed suit later, most Rat-folk still chose to use simple names.

Morgan shrugged helplessly upon hearing the Queen's words and buried himself in studying the stone tablet. Terra was the Queen's chief guard, a very rigid female Rat-folk. The Queen's visit to him was probably nothing more than a chance to relax. This kind of thing had happened many times before.

"Teacher, you haven't answered my question yet." Seeing that the old man ignored her, the queen stood up, moved to his side, and looked at the stone slab as she asked.

Morgan frowned and thought for a moment before recalling the Queen's question. Looking at the stone tablet, he said, "This is a record tablet from the Great Extinction. Back then, it was pitch black, and everyone ate whatever they could find. Our ancestors could only record things on stone tablets. Moreover, writing wasn't yet Mature Form, so very little has survived. This tablet is a treasure."

"The royal treasury contains many such items. Didn't you see them all before, Teacher? I didn't see you figure anything out." The Kerrigan Kingdom occupies half of the continent, so its treasury naturally contains many valuable items. However, the Queen wasn't particularly interested in these.

Morgan was taken aback. He was, after all, a renowned scholar, and no one had ever dared to slap him in the face like that. Of course, the white-haired rat beside him was an exception. Not only could he not get angry, but he also had to explain himself properly. He twitched his mustache and finally argued helplessly:

"This one is different; it's older than any other stone slab I've ever seen."

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, a prosperous and auspicious Year of the Ox, and happiness and good health.

Thank you all for your support during this time. Thank you for your subscriptions, donations, and votes. Thank you again to all the big shots.

On the first day of the new year, this book also welcomes its second chapter with dialogue. It's been quite an achievement, haha.

Six chapters today.