Chapter 124
Chapter 124
"This is fundamentally different from the repeating crossbows. Its simple structure makes it impossible to replicate without knowing the manufacturing method—a weapon that cannot be copied unless its secrets are revealed. I trust you both understand which aspect holds greater importance."
Logan wanted the development of Liberatio to remain an absolute secret.
Both Clayton and Hamar readily agreed.
"Only Hamar and I know the complete manufacturing process. The disciples and dwarves involved are only aware of their specific tasks."
"Without knowing the material ratios and mana-tuning methods, even if someone were to see it, they couldn't replicate it, Master."
"Good. Maintain this level of secrecy. And..."
Merely stating its importance wouldn't make them truly grasp it.
Logan made an offer that would make their eyes widen.
"You've worked hard. I'll increase your funding by 30%. However! If the manufacturing method is leaked—even to your disciples—the funding will be cut off immediately."
For Clayton, it was money.
"You've done well. I'll reduce your contract term by three years. But if other dwarves or craftsmen learn the method, there will be no rest days until the contract expires."
For Hamar, it was freedom.
He gave each what they desired most and used it as leverage.
Fortunately, both focused more on the reward than the penalty.
"Of course, Lord Logan."
"Naturally! I swear to keep it secret, Master!"
Their faces brightened as they firmly shook Logan's hand.
The results returned as yet another reward not long after.
"...An improved version of the repeating crossbow?"
"That's right, Master."
"And it was this easy?"
"It's not easy! Mass production is impossible, and its utility is limited, but Hamar and I agree that small-scale production for commanders is feasible."
"...Let me see it first."
Upon arriving at the Magic Tower, Logan held what appeared to be a standard repeating crossbow at first glance.
The only noticeable differences were the bluish hue of the bowstring and arrowheads—and the fact that the magazine, the most crucial part of the repeating crossbow, was integrated into the weapon itself rather than being detachable.
"Due to mana resonance, we couldn't make it detachable. If that were possible, we could've aimed for mass production despite the higher cost..."
"If the magazine is like this, does that mean it's disposable, Elder Clayton?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, after firing two arrows at once five times—ten arrows total—it must be discarded."
"Production cost?"
"Well... It's slightly over 3,000 gold."
"Per unit?"
"...Yes."
Logan's expression twisted.
Liberatio, in comparison, was far cheaper—almost 1/40th the cost—while delivering power comparable to a 2nd-Circle combat scroll.
But if a disposable item cost over 3,000 gold, was it truly worth it?
"It's already 50% more expensive than a 2nd-Circle scroll, and judging by its seamless, integrated design, it seems both of you must work together to produce it..."
"Correct. Beyond the cost, the bigger issue is that Hamar and I must invest our time simultaneously."
"Tying up the territory's finest mage and craftsman at once... That's a major problem in both cost and efficiency. Yet you both look confident."
"Try it first."
Despite listing only drawbacks, Clayton's rough face bore a smirk. Hamar, too, chuckled softly, stirring anticipation.
And then—
KWA-BOOM!
The artifact version of the repeating crossbow exceeded all expectations.
The quarrels struck their target and detonated with thunderous force, unleashing shockwaves and flames that obliterated everything within a 5-meter radius.
The two arrows fired simultaneously amplified each other's explosions, creating an even more intense blaze and deafening noise.
Each arrow carried Liberatio's destructive power—ten in total.
That alone was astonishing, but the range was...
"Over double? It retains full power up to 500 or even 600 meters...?"
Clayton grinned at Logan's stunned expression.
"Yes. Applying mana resonance to the bowstring drastically increased the range. At the very least, as a disposable weapon for commanders, elite knights, or high-ranking officers..."
"Produce as many as you can! This is perfect for—!"
"But each one requires Hamar and me to focus an entire day's work."
"...Ah."
A frustrated sigh escaped him.
Even working 365 days a year would yield only 365 units—and they were disposable.
The cost was one thing, but the time investment was the real bottleneck.
Hamar and Clayton had other projects to attend to.
"...Produce as many as possible within two months. Just enough to distribute as emergency weapons for commanders."
A weapon that could reliably take down knights even in the hands of ordinary soldiers.
Even in limited numbers, it would serve as an excellent trump card.
"Understood. But... two months?"
"I'll need them by then."
Clayton's face stiffened at Logan's chilling smile.
As spring faded and summer's heat intensified, the second town constructed between Tomodo and Silvan—on the former MacLaine Plains—began accepting residents.
But the response differed from when MacLaine Town was first established.
"Why move when we're already living well...?"
"Exactly. No one's driving me out of my village."
Relocation was encouraged, not enforced.
Thus, most of Vifros's subjects, who had lived comfortably under his rule, chose to stay.
For them, uprooting their lives was too great a risk.
Promises of new homes and guaranteed farming rights couldn't sway them.
Silvan's residents, too, saw no reason to move after Lord Soto Silvan's death—taxes had become fairer, and food distribution policies had improved.
Unlike the barren lands of MacLaine's past, they could sustain themselves as long as taxes weren't oppressive.
A bad harvest would hurt regardless of where they lived.
Rumors of fertile lands along the dissolved borders between Silvan and Vifros remained just that—rumors.
Only a handful of newly independent young families chose to relocate.
However, refugees from minor territories displaced by the civil war began filling MacLaine's new town.
"Free houses?!"
"Farmland too...?!"
"What kind of luck is this? Thank the gods!"
"Thank you, Lord! Truly, thank you!"
The refugees praised their new lord—whose name they barely knew—as they settled in. Only then did Logan relax.
"Why the relief? You said it would fill up eventually, my lord."
Logan smirked at Dwain's remark.
"The town between Silvan and Tomodo is a kind of barrier."
"Huh?"
"The MacLaine Plains are shielded by hills to the north, MacLaine Castle to the east, and Tesron Castle blocking the western pass. Defending is manageable if those two castles hold."
"My lord, why suddenly...?"
Defense. The ominous word made Dwain's expression harden.
"But the former MacLaine Plains border Vifros Castle, Tomodo, and three other castles—adjacent to Silvan and Pereta's lands."
"So why bring this up now...?"
"Vifros's northern castles are close enough to support each other in emergencies—just as we struggled against them. But the southern gap between Tomodo and Silvan spans over three days on foot. If enemies strike there first, defending becomes a nightmare."
"That's only if someone attacks us from the south..."
Dwain forced a laugh, then paled as realization struck.
"Are you anticipating an invasion? From within the kingdom?"
"Yes. That's why I built the town between Silvan and Tomodo. It's within a day's reach of both castles—a perfect shield for the plains."
"Come on, that's absurd..."
"Make militia training mandatory for New MacLaine Town's residents. No one will protest—they've been given homes and land. It'll also bolster security."
Dwain could no longer dismiss the orders.
"Understood. But... what exactly..."
He couldn't fathom Logan's reasoning.
Why does he think we'll be attacked? We're neutral! Unless...
Logan didn't elaborate, but Dwain's grim suspicions soon became reality.
As the scorching summer sun blazed overhead, Logan made an announcement no one expected during a council meeting.
"We must join the civil war."
The grand hall, bustling with discussions, fell silent instantly.
"My ears must be failing me..."
"Did the Grand Prince just say...?"
"I think he mentioned the civil war..."
As the retainers exchanged bewildered glances, one voice cut through the murmurs.
"I suspected as much, but—seriously?! Why?!"
The highest-ranking, burly administrator's outcry ignited chaos in the hall.
"...What?!"
"We're thriving right now—why?!"
"My lord! What possible reason—?!"
"Silence! Silence!"
BANG! BANG!
"Everyone, quiet! Listen to the Grand Prince!"
Though his father's expression was stiff, he maintained order as promised.
Logan stepped forward and declared firmly:
"We will participate in the civil war. No—we must."
"But why...?"
"Our territory is prospering! The towns, the businesses...?"
"If we stay neutral, prosperity is guaranteed..."
Amid the clamor, Logan smiled bitterly.
They're not wrong. If we only seek to protect this land.
But he couldn't settle for that.
No—he mustn't.
"As the civil war escalates, refugee numbers grow. The central factions' elites avoid direct conflict, leaving minor nobles crushed in their wake. Bandits and peasant revolts run rampant—yet the capital ignores them!"
So what?
What does that have to do with us?
Nobles of this era rarely cared about affairs beyond their borders—unless they sought to seize something.
Especially now, with the war's outcome uncertain.
The retainers' silent objections burned in their eyes, but Logan calmly pressed on.
"Ending the civil war swiftly is the only way to secure this kingdom's future."
What's gotten into him?
As the retainers exchanged glances, Logan smirked and continued.
"...But lofty ideals aside, there's a simpler reason."
Blank stares met him.
"If we remain neutral, MacLaine will fall—no matter which side wins."
The hall erupted again.
"What nonsense...?"
"That's too extreme."
"We've done nothing to antagonize the First Prince's faction."
"They're already winning anyway."
"Silence!"
BANG. BANG.
Patriarch Padrick restored order.
"Logan, explain."
Victors in war demand rewards.
They wouldn't be satisfied with just the defeated faction's spoils.
After devouring their enemies, they'd turn on those who remained neutral.
That was exactly what First Prince Rohiter and Juan Douglas had done in Logan's past life.
But he didn't need to cite such specifics.
There's an easier reason to accept.
Humans claim to be rational, but decisions are rarely made on logic alone.
Emotions drive actions—desires, wants, needs.
"Reason" is just the veneer over those impulses.
Thus, the most effective persuasion targets emotions.
"The First Prince's faction includes Kairos and Ulvs—their two largest financial backers. If the war ends like this, do you truly believe they'll leave us be?"
In truth, MacLaine held grudges against them.
Only Kairos and Ulvs knew their true feelings toward MacLaine.
The logic was flimsy, the evidence scant.
Yet Logan's words transformed the retainers' expressions.
"Then..."
"Should we join the First Prince's faction now...?"
"To eliminate future threats. A sound plan..."
As the hall's mood shifted—
"We will side with the Second Prince's faction."
Logan overturned everything once more.