It hadnt been two weeks since the dwarves settled in Macline Town when hundreds of crossbows were produced each day. Consequently, the training of the voluntary patrol, as advocated by Logan, commenced in earnest.
But looking at all this training, arent we going to be mobilized for war?
Ah, what are you talking about? Our domain is neutral, remember? Neutral! Dont you know what that means?
Still, I cant help feeling a bit uneasy.
Its a voluntary patrol.
Whats the big deal? The important thing is that they pay us even for just practicing archery.
Indeed, theres nothing much to do in winter anyway. Its a good thing.
The gathered men huddled together here and there, sheltering from the biting wind as they chatted away.
Before them appeared a knight with five soldiers, dragging a wagon behind them.
Are you the men from Tanli Village?
Yes!
Good. Then well begin the training now.
It was a day when the cold wind cut to the skin. The knight didnt seem to have much to say and quickly brought out crossbows from the wagon.
This is the rapid-fire crossbow used by the soldiers of our Macline. There are five training crossbows allocated to Tanli Village. From today, we will train with these.
For all the men gathered for training, it was their first time seeing a rapid-fire crossbow in person. However, the story that the soldiers crossbows greatly contributed to Maclines explosive growth was already well-known among the domains inhabitants.
Eyes filled with wonder converged on the crossbows all at once.
And even if they break down, which seldom happens, replacements will be provided right away, so theres no need to be overly cautious with them. Thorough training is prioritized over the well-being of the equipment, according to orders from above. So follow the training faithfully. Understood?
Yes!
While most of the men agreed without much thought, one particular persons eyes sparkled unusually at the statement that replacements would be promptly provided if they broke down.
* * *
Reports indicate that both the patrol training and the soldiers exercises are progressing smoothly. However, there have been some issues in certain areas.
Problems?
The training crossbows supplied to Tanli Village near Teslon Castle were reported broken and attempts to smuggle and sell them were uncovered.
They tried to sell rapid-fire crossbows? For how much?
Sir? Is the price the issue here?
Logan chuckled lightly at Dwaynes reaction.
Why? If the price is high, maybe we could consider selling them too Just kidding, just kidding! Sigh!
The knight who suspected the third resupply, he apprehended both the sellers and the potential buyers. How should we proceed?
Capital punishment.
What?
Make sure theres an example set, so nothing like this ever happens again.
But surely times have changed? Crossbows are now spread even among the factions in the civil war. It wont be long before they appear on the battlefield
We need to make an example on this occasion. Its not just about one crossbow. Its about the act of attempting to smuggle out the weapon of the house thats the problem.
.
Dwayne fell silent at Logans firm and stern words.
Dwayne. Were going to start developing a new weapon soon. Its more important than the crossbow, and it absolutely must not be leaked. Think of this as a warning punishment for that purpose.
A new weapon?
Yes, a new weapon. The rapid-fire crossbows structure is actually quite simple. Its a miracle it hasnt been replicated elsewhere so far. Someone will inevitably copy it someday.
The Empire was likely already in the process of making it.
So, well have to create a new weapon.
One that the Empire doesnt know about, our own secret weapon.
Dwayne wanted to say it wasnt an easy task, but he swallowed the words down.
Above all, the great heir before him had already accomplished the seemingly impossible once.
There was nothing strange about him doing it again.
Logans baseless confidence stirred Dwaynes imagination.
Soon, he began wondering about the details of the new weapon.
However, since then, Logan no longer mentioned the new weapon to anyone other than the responsible parties.
For the crime of trying to smuggle out the secrets of the domain, Peterson of Tanli Village shall be executed.
The news of the execution for simply attempting to smuggle out one item caused a stir throughout the domain for a while.
It was the first harsh response shown by the Archduke who had revitalized the domain.
Some whispered cautiously that the temperamental nature of the Archduke, who had expanded his domain by fighting four battles in three years, was finally being revealed.
But the rumors that arose in the recently conquered territory of Bifrost were quickly quashed and didnt spread beyond that region.
There were more residents relieved by Maclines reduced tax rates following its declaration of neutrality and escaping the chaos of the civil war than there were those angry about being conquered.
Thanks to this, Logans intention to instill the notion that leaking domain secrets would lead to execution became more naturally ingrained in the minds of the domain inhabitants than expected.
In times like these, where else is safer and better to live than our domain?
As various wild rumors about the civil war began to spread, the external threat quietly united the domain inhabitants, who had spent their whole lives under different affiliations.
The Archduke, supported by the majority, was busy in the Golem Tower situated in the heart of the town, developing war machines without pause.
No, no, thats not what it felt like. It should react to a certain level of impact with vibration, and after a certain time has passed, boom! Is that so difficult?!
Extremely difficult. You lunatic.
Hammar forcefully swallowed the curse that almost instantly leaped out of his mouth.
Who knows what sort of absurd fantasy had taken hold of his master, demanding the creation of such an impossible weapon.
The one silver lining was that he wasnt bearing the brunt of this task alone this time.
Youre saying it should have an effect exceeding a second-circle spell while costing only one-tenth of a first-circle scroll? How is that even
Clayton looked at Logan with an expression that suggested, Are you talking nonsense?
Thats everything Ive told you about the ingredients going into it. Is it still difficult?
Didnt you say even that isnt 100% certain? Additionally, the properties of a compound can vary dramatically depending on the mixing ratio, and thats without any magical intervention.
Clayton held back his thoughts, considering Logans pride: Was there really a need to explain this?
But Logans unreasonable demands showed no signs of receding.
Ive tried it myself. Its definitely possible!
Hammar shuddered upon hearing that.
Ah, I feel like Ive heard this before.
This does not feel good.
As Hammars uneasiness grew stronger.
Im sure of it. I saw it. We absolutely can make it happen! freeweɓnovel.cѳm
Logan gave the exact response Hammar had an inkling he would.
Ah really
What the
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