Chapter 135 – Eisenwald's New Weapon
The morning sky above Eisenwald was veiled in thin clouds. From afar, the sound of hammers striking steel echoed through the city, mingled with the hiss of blazing forges. The air was thick with the scent of molten iron and charcoal. It was a day that would be remembered in Eisenwald's history.
Fenrir walked slowly through the main street of the growing citadel. His gaze swept across the newly built workshops around the city. Since his elevation to Viscount, one of his first priorities had been to expand Eisenwald's arsenal. The light steel armor, refined swords, and reinforced shields were already changing the way his soldiers fought—lighter, stronger, and faster.
But today, something different awaited him. In the largest workshop, Master Gunther—the old blacksmith who had served the Eisenwald line since the days of Fenrir's father, Celdric—stood with his apprentices. Covered by a heavy leather sheet was the product of months of sleepless nights and experimentation.
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"My Lord," Gunther croaked, bowing as Fenrir entered the forge. "Today, with your permission, we reveal our newest creation."
"Show me," Fenrir ordered.
The leather cover was pulled away, revealing a strange wooden frame with a steel bow attached across its arms. A simple trigger of iron gleamed at its rear.
The commanders gathered around muttered in surprise. Selene Aestra, commander of the archers, leaned forward, eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"What is this? A bow nailed onto wood?" Garrik Stormhoof, the cavalry commander, frowned.
Gunther's lips curled into a faint smile. "Not just any bow, Lord Garrik. This is a crossbow. Anyone, even a farmer, can wield it. The draw of the bow is stored within the steel arms, and with this small trigger, the string is released—launching a bolt at deadly speed."
Fenrir stepped closer, his crimson eyes studying every joint, every lever. "And you claim this outperforms Selene's longbows?"
Gunther motioned toward a steel breastplate mounted on a wooden dummy. "Allow us to prove it."
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A young soldier stepped forward, nervous but determined. He placed the short bolt into the groove, then pulled the cocking lever until the string locked into place with a loud krek.
Everyone fell silent as the soldier raised the crossbow, aimed, and squeezed the trigger.
Thwang!
The snap of steel echoed. The bolt shot forth in an instant—
CRACK!
The steel plate, meant to withstand a knight's sword, split open. The bolt embedded itself halfway through.
Gasps filled the workshop.
Selene's eyes widened. "Impossible… Even a longbow drawn by a master couldn't pierce steel like that."
Garrik shook his head in disbelief. "If common soldiers can do this… armored knights will fall like wheat."
Kael Morgenstern stood silently, arms folded, his dark gaze never leaving the shattered steel. Finally, he muttered, "This weapon can shift the balance of wars."
Fenrir traced the hole in the armor with his fingertip. Then he turned to Gunther. "How long to produce one thousand of these?"
Gunther's weathered hands clenched with pride. "With new workshops and more smiths, six months. Faster, if you allow me to recruit from other towns."
"You'll have them," Fenrir said firmly.
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The hall erupted into discussion:
Selene Aestra: "Longbows are faster to fire, but this… Even a farmer could slay a knight with a single shot."
Garrik Stormhoof: "Mounted soldiers with crossbows… Cavalry crossbowmen could break enemy lines while galloping."
Roland Ironarm: "Combine them with siege engines—crossbows to tear the front ranks, ballistae to smash the center."
Kael Morgenstern: "Used properly, Crimson Knights can strike while crossbows shred their flanks. A devastating combination."
Fenrir let them speak, his silence commanding more attention than words. When the room quieted, he spoke.
"I do not need a weapon that surprises the enemy once," he said coldly. "I need a weapon that guarantees victory. From this day forth, Eisenwald will raise a new division—the Crossbowmen."
The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the commanders.
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Before Fenrir's eyes, the system panel appeared.
New Quest – Forge the Future
Quest: Develop the Eisenwald Crossbow Division.
Train and arm at least 500 crossbowmen within six months.
Ensure they pass a live battlefield test.
Progress: 0/500
Reward:
EXP +5,000
New Skill: [Crossbow Tactics Lv.1] – Units under Fenrir's command gain +10% accuracy & +10% reload speed when using crossbows.
Fenrir narrowed his eyes. So the system pushes me further down this path… Every step deeper into war.
His voice was low but resolute. "This quest will be completed."
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By evening, Fenrir stood atop the unfinished balcony of the rising Eisenwald Citadel. Below, masons struck stone, and in the yard, soldiers drilled in new formations.
In his hand, Fenrir held the prototype crossbow. Its weight was steady, its steel cold. He raised it to the fading sun, watching the light glint on the bolt.
"This weapon…" his voice carried softly, "…will carve Eisenwald's name into history."
Kael Morgenstern stood silently behind him, head bowed in respect.
Fenrir gripped the crossbow tightly, crimson eyes unwavering.
> "The world will remember… Eisenwald's innovation begins today."
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