Chapter 134 – Modernization of Weaponry
That morning, the air of Eisenwald was filled with the clash of metal. The sound of hammers striking iron echoed from every forge. Black smoke curled upward, mixing with the scent of burning charcoal.
Fenrir walked through the narrow streets toward the new foundry built near the river. From afar, he could see the gleam of steel laid out on long tables, filled with swords, spears, and shields.
"Report," he commanded curtly as he entered.
Roland Ironarm, head of the artillery division and overseer of the foundries, saluted with his soot-stained, muscular arm. "My Lord, the results of the lightweight steel trials are ready. Strength is equal to standard steel, but the weight is reduced by nearly a third."
Fenrir picked up a longsword from the table. Its blade shimmered with a faint bluish sheen, slimmer than the usual model, yet when swung it felt balanced and swift.
"With this," Fenrir murmured, "our soldiers can move faster, fight longer."
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On the training grounds, dozens of soldiers stood in formation. They wore the new armor: breastplates forged from lightweight steel, simple helmets without excessive decoration, and round shields framed with thin steel.
"Engage the formation!" shouted Darius Holt.
The clash began. Lightweight spears thrust forward more quickly, shields blocked without losing stability. Dust rose as the soldiers pushed against each other.
Kael Morgenstern, watching from the sidelines, folded his arms. "Their movement is sharper. With the old weight, the formation would have broken within five minutes. Now they can hold twice as long."
Fenrir nodded. "This is what I need. Mobility without sacrificing defense."
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Roland explained, pointing to the racks of weapons:
Eisenwald Longsword → thinner, designed for swift cuts and precise thrusts.
Lightweight Steel Spear → oak shaft reinforced with thin steel, granting range without heavy drag.
Round Shield → smaller than before, but with a steel frame strong enough to deflect axes while allowing freer movement.
A young soldier hefted his new shield, then grinned in relief. "It's so light, my lord! I can run with this."
"Don't run," Roland growled. "The shield is still for defense. But yes, now you can defend while moving."
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Each commander offered their evaluation:
Darius Holt: "The infantry will be steadier. With this equipment, they can hold formation longer, even in marshy ground."
Selene Aestra: "Archers can climb ridges faster. The lighter shields will protect them during retreat."
Garrik Stormhoof: "Cavalry can carry longer lances without overburdening the horses. Our charges will strike harder."
Kael Morgenstern: "The Crimson Knights will be terrifying. With these new blades, we can carve through enemy lines before they even react."
Fenrir listened in silence, his eyes sharp. "Good. But remember—steel itself wins no battles. Discipline and tactics will decide victory."
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Fenrir stepped into the arena. He donned the lightweight steel armor and drew one of the new swords. The soldiers stiffened, realizing their lord would test the gear himself.
Two veterans stepped forward, one with a spear, the other with a shield.
"Attack me," Fenrir ordered.
The clash rang out. Fenrir parried the spear, his sword flashing as it struck the shield's edge. Sparks burst as steel ground against steel. He stepped back, then lunged forward, his blade driving into the narrow gap between the shield and breastplate.
The veteran stumbled, eyes wide. "So fast…"
Fenrir lowered his sword, staring across the ranks. "Remember this—the steel won't fight for you. You must give it life with blood and resolve."
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That evening, a war council gathered. Fenrir stood before a vast map.
"These weapons will be distributed in stages. First priority: the Crimson Knights and frontline infantry. Then cavalry and archers. Within six months, every soldier in Eisenwald must be armed with the new steel."
An administrator hesitated. "But, my lord, lightweight steel is harder to forge. The cost will be…"
Fenrir cut him off coldly. "Cost? It's cheaper than burying a thousand men because their armor was too heavy. Do not speak of coin—speak of results."
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That night, Fenrir climbed the hill overlooking the half-finished Eisenwald Citadel. In the distance, the hammering of smiths still echoed into the dark.
His hand rested on the new sword at his hip. Light, swift, yet unyielding.
He smiled faintly. "Today, steel. Tomorrow, something greater. Eisenwald will always be one step ahead."
The fires of the forges glowed in the distance, heralding a new age of warfare for Eisenwald—an age of modernization that would change the battlefield forever.
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