Note: The Novel Will Be Corrected Until Chapter 105, After That Chapter It Will Be All MTL
C16 - 17 - 18
Chapter 16: “As Expected…”
The situation unfolded exactly as Logan had predicted. There were two surefire ways to handle mercenaries: money and power. Mercenaries sold their martial abilities in exchange for money, and such work was a gamble with their lives. Therefore, they instinctively sought the favor of the strong. By being allies, they could increase their odds of survival, and even as enemies, they hoped for a modicum of respect. For veterans, this survival instinct was deeply ingrained in their souls. Logan, having lived for decades as a mercenary in his past life, knew this better than anyone.
“I’ll ask the lord’s physician to use potions on him, and after a few days of being bedridden, he’ll recover. Everyone knows that punishment for noble impiety isn’t severe, right?”
With a casual kick to the fallen mercenary, the mercenary’s body quivered. Even with this, no one dared to mention the truth—that a noble’s son is not a formal noble, and the crime of noble impiety usually warrants nothing more than a few lashes. Now wasn’t the time to worry about such trivialities.
“A force user?!”
“At his age?”
“Insane, is this even possible?”
Murmurs of astonishment were clear, and those who had sneered now quickly turned their heads away, avoiding Logan’s gaze. The brilliant golden radiance emanating from Logan’s hand had quieted the onlookers.
“Hmm.”
Even Kaizo, who had suspected something, let out a sigh. However, he knew he had to speak up.
“Was it necessary to go this far, my employer?”
“These are not A-rank mercenaries like you. They might not outright breach the contract, but they could fulfill it half-heartedly.”
“What’s that to do with it? If I control them well…”
Kaizo appeared confused, but Logan didn’t bother to convince him. It was a necessary process because of the weapons that would eventually be doled out to them.
“Eventually, I’ll have to lead these men. If I press them with power now, they won’t disregard my orders in the future. That’ll make it easier for you to conduct their training, right?”
Faced with Logan’s resolve, Kaizo’s thoughts took a new direction.
‘Perhaps this isn’t just a mere game of soldiers.’
As the absurd term “crossbow cavalry” had been heard, tension once again gripped Kaizo’s heart. Logan internally smiled at this effect. This second effect was precisely what Logan had targeted with his performance.
“I am Logan McClain, the one who has assembled you.”
Only after the tumult had calmed did Logan offer a formal introduction. Climbing onto the prepared stage, he began his introduction—though his recent display of force ensured that silence reigned over the training ground. He enjoyed the silence before continuing.
“I imagine many of you are curious about the reason I gathered you all by offering money.”
Logan paused, scanning the eager eyes of the mercenaries, before continuing with a smirk.
“For the record, the wait you’ve endured will be appropriately paid. Don’t worry, I’m not a madman who’s eaten monster flesh intent on deceiving you with empty promises.”
Soft snickers erupted from the group. Logan didn’t miss a beat and got straight to the point.
“I intend to train you into cavalry. Naturally, a long-term contract of at least a year will be the basis.”
“Wow!”
“Really?!”
For mercenaries accustomed to fighting for their lives in exchange for money, a long-term contract was a sweet deal. Clients don’t offer long-term contracts when battles are imminent. With every battle, a mercenary’s life expectancy drops, so long-term contracts generally don’t make sense right before a fight. Thus, long-term contracts implied no immediate battles and guaranteed a steady income.
“However, it is mandatory for everyone to undergo training under this A-rank mercenary, Kaizo. The training period will be at least three months.”
The excitement among the mercenaries died down at this nuance.
“This is a bit…”
“Even so, look at the pay.”
“Why at our age?”
“Oh, this is vexing.”
The mercenaries became noisy for different reasons, but Logan’s next words brought silence once more.
“The contract is for one year, the monthly salary is 400 gold, and the horses provided to you will belong to you at the end of the contract.”
The mercenaries stared at each other, dumbstruck at first, then comprehension set in.
“Wow!”
“Definitely doing it!”
The training ground was filled with cheers once more. It was an irresistible offer—C-rank mercenaries usually earned 400 gold during times of war, their price dropping drastically in peacetime. To guarantee them 400 gold unabated was akin to handing them three months’ wages as a bonus. It was a condition no mercenary could refuse.
“However, I intend to train you as crossbow cavalry. I have no use for those who can’t fit in.”
At this condition, some mercenaries’ faces darkened. The absurd crossbow cavalry class aside, to shoot while riding required agility and flexibility, skills that exceeded merely knowing how to ride a horse.
“We’ll start with a simple qualifying test.”
The murmuring amongst the mercenaries grew louder, but none dared to object. In the end, Logan signed contracts with 312 mercenaries, excluding 38—13 refused training, and 25 failed the test—and training commenced the following day.
* * *
– Become my knight.
Viktor was prepared to do anything to achieve the objective set by his new master. But on his first day at the domain, the orders given by his master were most perplexing.
“First, eat well and sleep well.”
“Sir?”
“What you have to do is just that.”
Despite his confusion, the new master vanished after leaving those words. Moreover, from that day, the meals and lodging provided were luxuries Viktor and his sister Lia had never experienced—soft bread, meat, and a soft bed put Viktor ill at ease.
‘Why? Why is this?’
Determined to endure harsh treatment, he was bewildered. However, after three days, Viktor’s curiosity was quenched.
“Come out, Viktor. Training begins.”
The day began very early at dawn, and the new master started the day with Viktor.
“You sure recover quickly for a young age. A few days of good food and sleep and look at you change.”
Logan observed Viktor in the training field after bringing the boy there.
Feeling a bad premonition, Viktor instinctively braced himself.
“Now, let’s run.”
His premonition became a reality shortly after.
“Haek. Haek.”
“If you slow down again! You can do more, run!”
As the barked commands echoed across the field, Viktor gritted his teeth and ran again. Though his exhausted body didn’t magically speed up, Logan was already impressed with his current performance.
‘Just a bit of good food and he’s like this…’
Logan checked on Viktor closely while demonstrating the kingdom’s swordsmanship, ensuring not to push the boy beyond his limits.
“Take a break!”
“Woah.”
Viktor practically collapsed as soon as the word was given.
“Brother!”
Viktor’s anxious sister, Victoria, called out to him. And with pitiful eyes, she looked towards Logan who gave her a nod and a smile. With that, Victoria rushed to her brother with a water bottle and towel prepared.
Logan watched their interaction with satisfaction.
‘Indeed, he has talent. And…’
At just fourteen years old, Viktor was much smaller than his peers due to poor nutrition, but he only reached his limit after nearly running 20 kilometers—a clear indication of potential far exceeding ordinary humans.
More than that, Logan admired the boy’s tenacity to keep running despite being on the brink of collapse. Viktor’s perseverance slowly dispelled one of Logan’s concerns.
‘At least he’s not naturally a noble mass murderer.’
Victor in Logan’s previous life symbolized violence, but what Logan observed did not indicate this was the boy’s innate nature.
‘There must have been a reason he turned out that way before. Probably…’
Logan’s eyes drifted to the little girl waving a fan towards her brother. After watching the siblings for a moment, Logan turned firm once again.
“Enough! Get up! Next training.”
It had been barely 15 minutes since Viktor fell. Logan started the training with the kingdom’s swordsmanship.
“The position of the feet is crucial when switching from this stance to the after movement…”
Although Viktor’s body was still trembling, and he struggled to catch his breath, his eyes did not waver from the sight of Logan’s demonstration.
‘Concentrate. Focus!’
Viktor tried to clear his mind, which was clouded with the desire to collapse and sleep, or doubt that he could even get up again. One fact kept him standing.
‘If good food and comfortable lodgings are the price for all this, it’s worth it…’
He chewed on his lower lip until he could taste blood, which seemed to clear his mind momentaneously. With eyes now a bit sharper, Viktor focused intently on Logan’s sword technique demonstration.
“Hmm…”
Logan had to try not to show his astonishment.
‘He follows along after just one demonstration?’
Even the most basic sword technique isn’t something a novice can mimic perfectly after a single demonstration, especially after an exhaustive workout that pushed him to his limits. But Viktor, despite being at the brink of physical exhaustion, managed the movements with only a few minor errors.
‘How long did it take me to get this right?’
Faced with such natural skill, Logan couldn’t help but compare Viktor to the greatest prodigy he had known.
‘…Even Ronian didn’t catch on this fast. Did he watch it twice?’
The more he thought, the more astonished he became, and then suddenly another fact struck him.
‘This kid is… of the same age as Ronian.’
In a past life, Viktor became a notorious noble slayer, while Ronian earned fame as the youngest aura user. Therefore, Logan had never thought to compare them before. But now…
‘Maybe this kid could even surpass Ronian…’
On just the first day of training, it was perhaps too soon for such predictions. Still, Logan couldn’t suppress the broad smile of pride spreading across his face, and he announced with that proud tone.
“Again! Your footwork is slightly off. Today’s goal is to perform a perfect 100 repetitions. No food until then!”
The sword training ended three hours later.
“Haak. Haak.”
“You’ve done well. What you did today will be your daily fundamental training from now.”
“Heak. Huah.”
While Viktor lay there gasping for air, Logan looked down at him fondly.
“If you can execute the kingdom’s swordsmanship over 1000 times continuously, you can consider yourself a knight.”
Instead of using the vague notion of ‘force’, Logan provided a specific number. Achieving such would require the level not of an ordinary person, but a force user. Viktor’s expression transformed at these words.
“A knight…”
He neither knew the difficulty of the task nor if it truly possible, but it did not matter. The word ‘knight’ symbolized freedom, success, and hope to Viktor. And…
‘Lia, my sister.’
Watching him from afar, his sister’s safety was implied in that promise.
“Can you do it?”
“Yes!”
It was the most determined response he had given since the training began.
“Good. If there’s anything else you need for your training, tell Rick. He’ll arrange almost anything for you.”
“…No, there isn’t.”
Viktor hesitated for a moment then shook his head. It was a brief hesitation, but not one Logan would miss.
“Hmm. Really nothing?”
“Just… Please, just as now,” Viktor struggled before completing his sentence. “Just ensure my sister is taken care of as you have been. That’s all I need.”
It was an expected reply, but it was enough to bring a smile to Logan’s face.
-----------------------
Chaper 17
It had been a week since Logan returned to the domain. He had been focusing on his training, occasionally inspecting the mercenaries along with Lonian and Viktor. The first shipment of Karok meat from Kail and ironwood and parts from Tristan’s domain had arrived in the Macline territory. With that, Logan called for Hamar and handed him a blueprint.
“What is this?”
Hamar frowned at the blueprint spread before him.
“I’ve tried to draw it as detailed as I could within the limits of my knowledge.”
Logan was not a professional technician, but he could produce plans of an amateur technician’s level because he had used such weapons for decades. Of course, by Hamar’s standards, the blueprint was nothing but rough sketches.
“A cartridge that stores bolts at the rear of the crossbow and loads them automatically? And the string must be triple-layered to shoot three bolts consecutively?”
Hamar looked back and forth between the blueprint and Logan’s face, his expression incredulous.
“Even if I could make such a structure, the string wouldn’t withstand rapid-firing. Are you planning to make a weapon that’s used once and discarded?”
“Uh…”
“And if you attach such a wooden box right behind it, it would be cumbersome for the person shooting the crossbow. Who the hell came up with this… nonsense?”
“It was me.”
“Cough. Hm, hm. On second thought, the idea is quite ingenious.”
‘And that nonsense will later become a disaster for our kingdom, you fool.’
Fortunately, the problems Hamar posed were within Logan’s ability to solve.
“Reduce the size of the bolts to decrease the overall size of the cartridge. Yes, it’s meant to be used once. Instead, make the cartridge modular so it can be reloaded after each shot.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Let’s just call it a magazine for convenience.”
It wasn’t an advanced technological solution, but rather a shift in perspective that offered the answer, which shook Hamar’s gaze intensely.
“Impossible! I’ve heard that recently a tool resembling a goat’s foot has been invented that can load four to five bolts per minute, but this is far superior…”
By current common knowledge, a crossbow was a single-shot weapon difficult even for a skilled archer to fire twice in a minute.
The crossbow Logan described surpassed his knowledge, a weapon that exceeded the times.
He would have believed it if he were told it was an artifact enchanted with magic.
“Are you saying that you can make such a thing with just one cartridge?”
“It will definitely work. Just try to make it.”
Logan’s assertive promise left Hamar without further objections.
To Hamar, Logan’s explanation was not just an idea, but it reeked of experience.
“Hmm. To add only one cartridge to such a revolutionary weapon, and the parts consist only of a mainspring and glue for the bowstring… I feel inspired to take on the challenge. Alright, I’ll make it.”
“When do you think it will be possible?”
“You ask me to make something unheard of and set a deadline?”
“It’s still a weapon made by humans.”
“…Excuse me? That’s nonsense! Who, where?!”
“There’s no need for you to know. If you think it’s impossible, give up.”
“Hmm. Really now. Alright, fine. One month. Within that time, I will make you something far superior.”
Hamar declared assertively, his dwarven pride tickled by Logan’s words.
Only then could Logan smile at the response.
The crossbow was powerful enough to penetrate armor, but it had been overlooked in times of war due to its slow reloading time — a hunter’s weapon. In the modern warfare of the day, where the efficiency of archers releasing many arrows in a short timeframe against massed troops was far superior.
However, 10 years later when the Empire started a war, they created a repeating crossbow and used it to deploy massive crossbow units.
This repeating crossbow unit demonstrated destructive power that could counter knight orders without requiring mages, depending on positioning.
A single soldier with such a weapon could halt a knight given the right conditions of battle. It was one of the two reasons the Empire had overwhelming superiority in the early Imperial invasion wars.
Of course, by the late stages of the Empire’s wars, most countries had started to manufacture and utilize similar items.
As a result, after the war ended, the initial version, although somewhat expensive, became a common weapon for lower mercenaries.
But at this time…
‘With just my mercenaries, I could deal a critical blow to the Teslon baronet family in the domain war.’
With his past life’s knowledge, such a thought was not far-fetched.
‘No, it’s still problematic to be overly optimistic.’
It was possible that Hamar might not succeed in creating the repeating crossbow, or even if he did, the mercenaries might not be able to use it properly, or it might take time.
Still, since he had already entrusted the task to Hamar and Kai, there was nothing more he could do.
‘So, I need to prepare another contingency plan.’
In anticipation of the worst-case scenario, where the mercenaries fail to fulfill their roles, he needed another plan of action.
For that, Logan sought out his father once more.
“Do you wish to participate in the knight order’s training?”
“Yes, I do.”
Logan’s expression was firm, his gaze unwavering.
However, his father, Padric, who looked at his son with an expressionless gaze, gave an unexpected response.
“I heard rumors that the abandoned south manor has become the crown prince’s playground.”
“Excuse me?”
“You’ve renovated the lodging, filled the storage with all kinds of strange things, and even placed mercenaries there. I understand you are living there now. Why not train there instead?”
“…It’s just that those mercenaries are merely low-level, and the real power of our family and kingdom lies in the knight order, doesn’t it? I would like to experience what it truly means to be a genuine knight by training with the order.”
He was embarrassed to say it himself, but he had carefully chosen words that would please his father.
“…I recognize your strength, but joining the knight order might inconvenience the knights. Hence, you won’t receive any special treatment. Are you prepared to be treated like a new recruit?”
It was only natural that he received a positive response.
“Of course.”
Logan nodded readily.
* * *
“Your lordship has been informed. However, are you sure you’ll be fine without special treatment?”
“Absolutely.”
“Hmm.”
Hainkel, the captain of the Macline knight order, didn’t look pleased despite the prompt response and the unexpected formal address from such a truant.
‘Still, how can I not be mindful, even if told not to give special treatment?’
After all, he was the master’s son, and recent events had not fostered goodwill among the knights.
‘If only he’d said to treat him kindly, my heart would have been more at ease.’
The middle-aged knight with sprinkles of gray amid his brown hair felt as if those grays were multiplying in real-time as he clenched his head.
But as if reading his mind, the lump of trouble before him said something that appealed to him.
“One week. If I fall behind even once in the knight order’s training over the week, I will consider it as if it never happened and leave on my own accord.”
“…Agreed.”
Hainkel inwardly pledged at that moment.
‘The intensity of the knight order’s training will triple for the next week.’
His fists clenched naturally.
‘If this is simply a performance to look good, you will regret it, crown prince.’
He could almost hear the screams of the regular knights, but Hainkel was already burning with enthusiasm.
However, Logan was not joining the training simply to improve his reputation.
‘Either way, the main force of the family is the knight order. I need to win their hearts, whatever it takes.’
In the worst-case scenario—if the weapon he was preparing did not meet the timelines or the desired level—Logan was prepared to join the knight order and actively head to the frontline himself.
Even if his force was not up to his father’s standards, he was confident that he was better than most knights.
‘So now, I must build rapport by rolling with them.’
This was also crucial for Logan’s personal training.
‘I will now focus on improving my martial prowess.’
The Poscore learned through the Divine Sword Vision could grow through mere meditation and not just physical training.
But at its core, it was about the Force. Physical training was the most important study.
Therefore, formal training with the knight order would also greatly benefit him.
Logan hoped this would become another variant in his plans.
However, his resolve brought a tempest upon the unfortunate knights.
* * *
“Starting today, Crown Prince Logan will join our knight order’s training.”
“Excuse me?”
“What, what did you say?”
“Did I hear that right? The crown prince is training?”
Murmurs rose.
In the early morning, Hainkel’s words set off a tremendous ripple among the gathered Macline knights.
As Padric feared, it was not in a good direction.
“That fool?”
“He beat Dominen and now looks down on knighthood?”
“There’s a rumor that the crown prince has lost his mind. Is it true?”
“So what? Our training will become easier.”
“Don’t be silly. You know the captain, right? It will only get worse.”
As if confirming their words, Hainkel added with a sinister smile,
“So I’ve added a new training regimen for today.”
“Oh no!”
“Captain, that’s too much!”
“Ah, I knew it would be like this. Damn it.”
Despite the intense opposition, Hainkel cleanly ignored everyone.
“I trust that you, gentlemen, will take pride in being knights. Surely, no one wishes to embarrass me in front of the crown prince?”
Understanding the hidden meaning of his words, the knights all shared a grin.
“Let’s suffer together. How long will the crown prince last?”
“I bet on three days.”
“I give him two days.”
“Then, one day for me?”
“Half a day… is that too harsh?”
“Nah, he might turn back immediately.”
They chuckled and scoffed, but the sound of their laughter didn’t last even half a day.
* * *
The beginning of the unimaginable training was horse-lifting—not horse-riding, but literally lifting horses while running. This insane exercise, unfamiliar even to the knights, soon erupted with screams from all around.
“Aargh!”
The horses, drugged to be unconscious, weighed at least five times the knights’ weight. The ordeal of carrying such a beast on their shoulders while running through the woods was an ordeal worthy of screams, even for Force users.
Even more infuriating to the knights starting this improbable feat was the sight of the instigator of this training.
‘How is he so fast?!’
‘Isn’t that weird? He’s that fool, right?’
‘Just a madman, huh?’
The one who initiated this grueling training was running ahead of them all.
Their teeth gritted in the attempt to catch up, but the gap only widened.
Even the mid-level Force users, the sergeants acting as instructors, were gaping at Logan.
Among them, the one most flabbergasted was Hainkel, the captain who concocted this training.
‘Does this make any sense? What the…’
He had designed the training to expedite the crown prince’s failure, yet there was Logan—sweating, yes, but smiling, while the following knights grimaced.
It looked as though the ones falling behind would be the regular knights if this continued.
Anxious, he watched until a knight began to stagger with a groan.
‘Such a disgrace!’
Forgetting the unreasonable nature of the training he devised, Hainkel glared at the knight about to fall.
However, he couldn’t just stop now that he had started.
Elevating his Force, Hainkel bellowed loud enough to echo through the mountains.
“Everyone, halt!”
At his command, the knights all breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed where they stood.
“We’ll take a ten-minute break.”
“Argh!”
As the knights groaned, Hainkel casually asked Logan,
“Your Highness, how are you holding up? It must be tough, right?”
Expecting an answer implying difficulty, Hainkel planned to use it as an excuse to lower the intensity before the knights showed too much strain.
“Oh, I can manage.”
“Of course, considering the inten— What?”
“Fantastic training. Indeed, training with the knight order is quite stimulating.”
“…What?”
The very person who thought up this absurd training could not hide his shock. The knights listening nearby looked at Logan with the expression reserved for the completely insane.
But Logan was serious.
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Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 18
“It stirs me. It becomes a stimulus. Clearly, meditation training alone was not the answer.”
Amid the resentful gazes of the knights, Logan was completely focused on the vibrating core of his heart instead. Following the broken engagement incident, Logan had replaced sleep with meditation training every night, believing it to be more efficient than forcibly training his body, which had already surpassed the level of a Force user. Indeed, it was effective, and he had become so accustomed to it that even the slightest fatigue no longer remained. However, in moments of intense hardship like the present, the Force core rapidly released and recuperated energy, becoming significantly clearer than during meditation training. Physically tired though he was, Logan could only spread a content smile at the sight of his Force core developing in realtime.
It was with sincerity that Logan was able to say, “Knights who train like this regularly can only be formidable. I truly admire you.”
Logan’s words, though mixed with a bit of flattery, completely blocked off any avenue of retort for Heinckel and the knights. “Ha, haha, of course. Ah, thank you for your recognition,” Heinckel replied with an awkward laugh, and the knights looked as if they wanted to vomit blood at the sight.
‘Damn it, that crazy…’
‘Ugh, that spiteful jerk. How exactly does he plan to screw us over?’
‘Why the hell did he come here?’
‘That madman!’
‘Please just go away!’
Conversely, the knights’ resentment towards Logan only deepened due to his unintended effect.
The second training of the day was cliff climbing, and as half of the knights collapsed, the day’s training for the Maclaine Knights Order ended prematurely amidst disappointment. While the exhausted knights lay sprawling, emitting silent screams, Logan continually patted Heinckel’s shoulder with a look of regret. “I’ll be looking forward to more, Commander.”
Though it was meant as a genuine compliment, Heinckel’s expression only grew gloomier.
It wasn’t until the sun had set that Logan returned to the southern villa, and instead of going to his room, he headed to the mountain. Thanks to the Force core, his physical strength had quickly recovered, but mental fatigue was a different matter. Despite this, Logan felt unusually untired, even to himself.
‘This must also be because of…’
Vroom.
Logan smiled, sensing the Force core boasting its presence, and upon reaching a secluded ridgeline, he summoned his strength to its peak. A faint golden light then shrouded the longsword in his hand. Looking down contentedly at the light, Logan swung his sword into the air.
Swish.
Although it was just a light swing, the sword cleaved through the air, creating a powerful shockwave. A mere 1-star Force core, yet it displayed strength nearing that of an intermediate knight. It was approaching the Force user’s intermediate level, where one could infuse objects with that power. Having succeeded in directing a faint energy flow into the sword, it seemed a matter of time before naturally reaching the intermediate level.
The evolved Force power was exhilarating, its amplified strength and overflowing healing beyond any simple Force Logan had mastered in a past life. He felt confident that even a lower knight could face a single thug alone.
‘If I am this powerful now, once I reach 2-stars…’
He may even reach the power level of a superior knight like his father, Patrick Maclaine. Just imagining that domination made his hands tremble with excitement.
If he could advance just one more step before the territory war, his own martial power could become a variable in the conflict. A powerful variable, not unlike a crossbow cavalry.
“So, I must strive.”
After swinging his sword fiercely for a while, Logan finally descended from the mountain as the night deepened.
* * *
From that day on, Logan’s routine became almost regular. He diligently participated in the knights’ training, and in the evenings, tirelessly devoted himself to solitary practice, despite fatigue. Every few days, he checked on the progress of Hamar and the training situation of the mercenary troop. Casually observing Lonian’s swordsmanship training and Viktor’s condition were bonuses.
Though content with his progress in training, that didn’t mean other matters were free from conflict.
“Is this the best you can do? Is this really your best effort? Then, forget this nonsense! Would you rather just make swords?!”
Thrown crossbows and cartridges clattered against the wall. Watching them roll away, Hamar’s face trembled with rage.
“Ma, Master. This crossbow has a rate of fire and range that cannot be compared to standard ones…”
“Where’s the rapid fire I ordered? Only this much comes out? And the cartridge? Who said I needed an integrated model?”
“Hmm, but…”
“Oh, I apologize. My words were too harsh.”
“That’s right! Even if you’re the master, you can’t just insult an artisan’s pride…”
“If this is truly your best effort, then so be it. Sigh, to think I spent all that money just for this…”
Hamar’s face crumpled like paper, hearing Logan’s lament, which seemed intended for his ears.
“Grr… Give me one week. I’ll remake it and return within a week.”
Crack!
Eventually, the dwarf smashed his own creation and stormed out of Logan’s room, cursing.
After the door closed, Logan wore a satisfied smile.
“A bit more pressure, and something incredible will come out. Dwarves are truly remarkable.”
* * * Two weeks later.
Tatatatata.
Hundreds of cavalry horses thundered across the field, and in the hands of the riders, each held a crossbow commonly used by hunters.
“Load!”
The riders aimed in unison as they rode on.
“Fire!”
Shashaak.
The bolts launched by the 312 riders pierced through a pack of crawling Krols across the field, penetrating the low-tier monsters, similar to hyenas, with hardly a crawl making it through.
Kyaaaak!
As half of the presumably hundred-strong Krol pack perished in one volley, the remaining monsters charged furiously. Yet, despite the close approach of the Krols, the cavalry did not engage, strategically circling the battlefield to outmaneuver them.
After a while, as the monsters’ onslaught tired, the riders realigned for another volley, resulting in an annihilation. However, looking down upon this scene from a hill, Logan’s expression wasn’t exactly bright.
“Is it still too challenging with this? The remaining stragglers are taking so much time.”
“Logan, sir. This is the limit of crossbows. If you want serious combat readiness, perhaps the bow cavalry instead…”
“That’s enough. It’s sufficient.”
“Sir?”
“It’s fine. The movements are synchronized well enough, and the marksmanship is decent considering the training time. Good job. And keep up the effort.”
“Ah, yes. Well, it is my job and all.”
Despite Logan’s complement, Kai’s face showed dissatisfaction. It would be difficult for anyone, not just him, to be satisfied with the performance of the mercenary troupe.
‘Is this really just a sham? I’m confused.’
His curiosity would require much more time to be satisfied.
Days flowed by again, and then:
“Master! It’s complete! I’ve finished it!”
From his corner workshop in the villa, Hamar cheered, holding up a short, arm-length crossbow, as he greeted Logan.
“Alright, I came because I heard. Let’s check it out.”
However, Logan’s expression was far from pleased. He had rushed over at the news of the crossbow’s completion, but the size of Hamar’s crossbow was not what he had anticipated.
‘Why is it so small?’
Size mattered for all weapons, and the smaller the weapon, the more limited its application. This was particularly true for projectile weapons like bows and crossbows that utilized the tension of the bowstring, where a smaller size usually meant less power.
Thus, Logan’s frown was understandable.
“Ha-ha. Is it the size you’re worried about? Don’t fret. I assure you this, it might even perform better than what you asked for,” Hamar sensed Logan’s mood and reassured him enthusiastically, guiding his hand.
And there, on a mountain clearing, half-worried, half-excited Logan soon realized that the ‘sincere dwarf’ had crafted something truly formidable.
Ping!
Swoosh.
Pop-pop.
With a single twang as the string was released, two bolts cleaved the air. The bolts left the crossbow and hurtled over 300 meters, burying themselves so deeply into the target that not even the tail of the projectiles could be seen.
Logan was astounded by the power, which far surpassed the effective range of a usual crossbow, about 150 meters at most.
Ping!
Swoosh.
Pop-pop.
Moreover, within less than 5 seconds, the same scene unfolded again. It wasn’t two crossbows that had shot.
Hamar pulled a small trigger on the side of the crossbow, which automatically loaded the bolts in just about 5 seconds.
“Well, what do you think? It fires one less bolt than initially requested, but it’s easy to hold in one hand, so replacing the cartridge…”
As Hamar nonchalantly explained various points, Logan wasn’t hearing a single word.
‘Even though its range is less than the empire’s final version I remember, it’s certainly better suited for the cavalry.’
One of the weapons Logan had prepared was completed with far superior performance than he expected, and there was still half a year left before the territory war of his previous life.
Suddenly, the stout figure of Hamar seemed more beautiful than any gem.
Thus, Logan was able to unabashedly embrace the old dwarf, who was enthusiastically explaining the merits of the weapon, and cheer loudly.
“Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Well done! Excellent, Hamar! Long live the dwarves! No, long live Hamar!”
For that moment, all lingering worries seemed to vanish.
However, Hamar himself could not entirely share in the joy.
* * *
“How many do we need?”
“Enough for 400 men.”
“Four hundred… This damn…”
Despite the gloomy dwarf, Logan inquired without concern, “When can they be ready?”
If completed, this would be a significant boon for his envisioned future.
“Within a generous period of 6 months…”
“Prepare it all in 2 months. Can you do that?”
Hamar was floored by the tyrannical demand that slashed the requested time by two-thirds.
“No! I mean, it’s impossible! That’s absolutely not happening.”
“Even if you do your best, it won’t work?”
“Impossible! Have you even considered the manufacturing process? Just shortening the purchased bolt prototypes takes so much effort…”
“So, what do you need?”
“I’d need at least five more technicians to help me.”
Logan’s face hardened at that response.
“The secrecy of this weapon could be compromised. That won’t do.”
“Then, we have no choice. Well, just wait 6 months.”
Logan grunted in frustration.
It was a reversal of the usual situation, and Hamar sported a rare smile on his face.
“If I find you five technicians, can you finish it in two months?”
“That too is tough. It would require at least three or four months…”
“So, difficult means it’s possible, right?”
“…Ugh.”
“So, it’s doable?”
“You… Damn…”
The dwarf made a reluctant commitment, and Logan had shown no mercy in his interrogation.
“Aagh! Yes! It’s doable, darn it! I can do it. Why did I agree to such terms…”
After hearing Hamar’s near-whimpering reply, Logan finally left the workshop satisfied.