While Colonel Ludwick on Magit Island was planning an offensive, the new army forces on the west bank of the River Shijian were also racing against time to prepare for the enemy's next counterattack.
On the river dike, Demon Ongs was lying under the carriage of a Thirty-Two Pound Cannon, holding a candle, inspecting the breech inch by inch.
The bronze cannon, reflected in the candlelight, shone with a luster similar to gold. Melted wax occasionally dripped on Ongs' hand, yet the "Demon" didn't even blink.
Even with a tin canister casing, grapeshot damage to the artillery was still shocking, so Major Mason stipulated that after each shot, the cannon barrel—especially the breech—must be inspected to ensure no deformation or cracks.
And due to previous incidents of cannon explosions, when using these old fellows, the artillerymen had to be extra cautious.
After visually inspecting, Demon Ongs patted the carriage, and the artillery beside him pulled him out from underneath it.
