Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Episode 19: A Month and a Half of Persistence

One and a half months after tirelessly pushing the elderly dwarf, Hamar completed the work two weeks ahead of schedule, producing not only the ordered crossbows but even a surplus of a hundred extra pieces. Exhausted by his effort, he lay sprawled out, declaring a temporary strike. Of course, Logan received this news with satisfaction.

The very next day, Logan immediately went to find the mercenary troop. The mercenaries, initially perplexed by the sight of the small crossbows, were left speechless after witnessing a demonstration.

Wow, thats amazing!

They shoot surprisingly far.

And they can shoot rapidly. What an intriguing crossbow.

But the general sentiment among the mercenaries was just thatcasual appreciation.

However, there was someone who recognized the weapons true value at once.

Whoa

Kai shuddered at the thought of his 300-strong cavalry armed with these rapid-fire crossbows, envisioning the devastation they could bring upon the battlefield. This was a weapon that could endanger even those at a knights level if not adequately prepared for.

With that realization, Kai couldnt help but applaud. Impressive. This must be what you had in mind when you spoke of a crossbow-armed cavalry unit. The incongruity he had felt when he was asked to demand rigorous training for a unit that seemed to lack practical efficiency had now completely dissipated.

And dont even think about trying to pry open the crossbows cartridge or magazine; theyre designed to break if forced, Logan instructed, ensuring their design remained secure.

Of course, a weapon capable of such power must have complicated mechanics.

Ironically, it was quite the opposite. The crossbow was surprisingly simple, hence the additional security measures.

Sooner or later, the design will spread, but leaks cant be tolerated yet. At least, not until they overcame the upcoming domain wars and expanded their power.

To this end, even the craftsmen enlisted to aid Hamar were only assigned to create parts in their own workshops, and there were no plans to produce more crossbows than the mercenary reserve.

Just the mercenaries alone would suffice to overcome the domain wars.

Even if more weapons were to be supplied, they would only extend to the level of the knight order.

Of course, whether the knights will choose to use the crossbow is another matter, Logan mused with a half-smile, as he set limitations on who would receive the weapons.

While providing all regular soldiers with the new weapons was impractical due to time and budget constraints, even if possible, the risk of information leakage was a greater concern.

Once the mercenary training is complete

Logans material preparations for the domain war would be nearly finished.

Yes, nearly

Only the final phase remained.

Well need to verify its effectiveness.

Pardon?

Prepare the mercenaries, arm them with the crossbows, and prepare to march out. Well clean out every monster we encounter up to the foot of the southern mountains.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

What? But thats

Does it seem impossible, even after what youve seen?

Hmm

While most monsters lurking below the mountain were low-tier and not worth mentioning,

Perhaps it might be possible.

Its not about possibility; we have to do it. Otherwise, theres no point.

Kai, who didnt grasp Logans intent, was met with silence instead of an explanation. Shortly after,

Lets go!

Heeeeein!

The mercenaries, armed with the new weapons, left through the gates to test their firepower.

* * * Doo-doo-doo-doo.

As the mercenary troop charged across the plains with the rough sound of horse hooves, a horde of about a hundred crawlers spotted them and scattered in fright.

Just a few months prior, it took ages to clear out such a group of low-tier monsters. Kai, spotting the horde, shone with excitement, raised his fist high and then spread his palm wide.

Simultaneously, the mercenaries, previously in three rows, dispersed horizontally.

Fire!

* * * As the chill of winter came to a close, warm breezes heralded the arrival of a new season. The tales of the mad heir and the genius second son, which stirred controversy throughout the household, had quieted down, especially since the heir had stopped creating new issues.

However, the opinion that the talented second son would eventually take over the domain started circulating publicly, though it was unclear where the rumors originated.

Yet there was an exception.

Within the knights circle, a different story unfolded.

Wow, seriously, his stamina is unmatched.

No kidding. Such unreal physical abilities must be hereditary.

Its a pity that with such monstrous stamina he isnt more proficient with the sword.

Then again, considering Domins case

Thats hardly a reference; the old mans skills

But still

Arthur, even you lost to the second son before his awakening, and you saw it with your own eyes.

Its truly strange How can he be perfectly fit in just that one aspect?

Wouldve been something had he spent the time he uses for mischief on practicing the sword instead.

There was still skepticism, but at least within the inner circle of the knights, no one spoke of the heir as mad anymore. For months, he joined their training, displaying nothing but consistency.

Furthermore, the punishing excise he initially crafted to dispel the heir, sprinting on horseback through the mountains, had now become a new symbol of the knight order. At first, it was a matter of pride that pushed them through this grueling exercise, but they found unexpected benefits beyond motivation for the junior knights.

Flapping softly, Right, right. Ray, grow a bit more. Itll be over soon.

Knight Henderson gently comforted his drowsy steed, a similar scene unfolding all around. Initially, the forced tranquilization led to chaos as horses woke amid training. But as they adapted, they grew more bonded with their riders, the knights.

Knightwhich in another sense means cavalryman. A horse is but another weapon that enhances a knights combat prowess.

Indeed, as the bond grew and communication flowed more freely, the knights abilities improvednot just sentimentally. The higher-ranked knights employed Force to empower their horses, increasing speed and endurance with mounted combat skills.

The closer the bond with their horse, the more efficient the skills.

Post-exercise, even the junior knights seemed to imitate this unconsciously through their strengthened connections, unwittingly training for higher proficiency.

Its not all thanks to the heir

Heinkel gazed upon Logan with a newfound warmthlike observing an unexpected blessing. It wasnt precisely the recognition Logan desired, but it was undoubtedly a positive shift.

* * * It may just work this time.

Under the bright moon, seated cross-legged on his bed, anticipation gleamed in Logans eyes. The hard regiment of the knight order combined with the mental provocation of meditation bolstered each other, pushing him steadily forward.

Every introspection brought a sensed growth in his Force core. And recently, he felt stirrings of change whenever his core throbbed.

Logan calmed his mind, recollecting the knowledge inscribed within, reminding himself, Especially now, dont rush, dont fret

Nevertheless, the anticipation of advancing another step occasionally unsettled him, an unavoidable reaction given the circumstances.

From the outset, this was natural since elevating personal strength was as crucial as the fate of the house itself, should he fulfill his aspirations.

Assuming everything progressed as hoped, his newfound might would be the critical variable to sway an otherwise perilous future.

Those monsters

Logan recalled the superhumans of his former lifeAura Masters and Archmageswho alone could turn the tide of battle.

Among those he eventually had to overcome, such fiends were included.

I must become stronger, surpass even the limits of my talent and efforts.

Fortunately, he had knowledge of an arcane method, the Sword of the Spirit, and there remained time.

With my next step in growth, even the odds of the domain war could shift.

It was a pivotal moment even concerning the impending crisis.

Contemplating the daunting future allowed him to regain his composure momentarily. Whispering the meditation incantation, Logans mind focused inwards toward the Force core within his heart.

Wuuuung.

Physically, it might be invisible to the bare eye, but in Logans consciousness, the Force core felt larger than his body, especially today. Instinctively, he sensed the right moment had come.

Flash!

With his consciousness merging, a brilliant light burst from near his heart. A golden Force core expelled a tiny secondary core.