Chapter 9 — The Iron Vanguard
A thunderstorm rumbled over London.Lightning flashed against the towers of the Cathedral of Innovation, where Edward's new laboratories were alive with the sounds of hammer and flame.
Inside, hundreds of engineers worked under his supervision.Brass casings. Black powder. Rifled barrels. Steam-assisted reloading mechanisms.
And at the center stood the prince himself, hands stained with oil, eyes burning with vision.
[Project Initiated: Steam-Integrated Firearms Program]Objective: Develop a modern infantry corps capable of defeating magic-based armies.
Annabelle adjusted a scope onto the weapon. "Recoil control works, but heat dispersion's unstable."
Edward nodded. "Then we'll use water-cooled chambers. Steam itself will keep the barrel from warping."
Charlotte frowned from across the table. "Firearms are one thing. But war? Are you truly ready to turn your revolution into conquest?"
Edward's tone was calm. "Reformation without force is just philosophy. Philosophy doesn't build empires."
One Month Later — Windsor Testing Grounds.
A long line of soldiers stood at attention — men and women in new steel-gray uniforms, marked by the sigil of a gear within a crown.
Edward stood before them, holding the first completed rifle.The crowd of nobles, officers, and engineers watched in anticipation.
He raised the weapon, aimed at a distant target — a marble statue of a fallen angel.The rifle hissed softly as pressure built within.
BANG!
The shot thundered across the field.The statue shattered.
Gasps echoed through the assembly.
Edward lowered the rifle and turned to his soldiers.
"This is not just a weapon. It is freedom — from fear, from magic, from divine tyranny. You are the Iron Vanguard, the sword of the new age. You will not kneel before gods. You will march beside them."
The soldiers roared in unison.
[System Alert]New Military Unit Unlocked: Iron Vanguard Infantry Corps.Weapon Technology: Steam Rifle (Tier II).National Power Rating: +45%.
Naval Command — Portsmouth Dockyards.
Under gray skies, massive hulls of iron and brass floated in drydock — the beginnings of the Steam Navy.
Annabelle supervised the construction of engines larger than any seen before.Charlotte reviewed political reports: the Holy League was mobilizing, branding Edward's movement "The Apostate Empire."
Edward observed from the deck of the first completed ship — the HMS Innovator.
"The Church of Mana wields fire from the heavens," he murmured. "We'll answer with thunder from the sea."
Annabelle smiled. "Then we'll need a fleet worthy of your faith."
[System Notification]New Project: "Royal Steam Navy (Fleet I)" — Construction 23% Complete.Blueprint Unlocked: Ironclad Battleship (Tier II).
Council of War — Cathedral of Innovation.
Candles burned low as Edward, Charlotte, Annabelle, and Éléonore gathered around a vast map of Europe.Pins marked key locations — London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Berlin.
Charlotte spoke first. "The Holy League will strike soon. Their armies are larger, and their priests still control much of the populace."
Éléonore traced a line along the map. "But their logistics are medieval. They march on horses and faith. We move on rails and engines."
Edward's hand clenched into a fist.
"Then we'll burn their faith in the fires of our forges."
He looked at them — his three most trusted allies.
"Charlotte, begin the propaganda campaign. The Church of Innovation will be declared the protector of reason and progress.""Annabelle, oversee the production lines. I want every rifle, cannon, and ship operational within six months.""Éléonore, coordinate with the French and Prussian reformists. Europe will not fall to superstition again."
They each nodded — loyal, determined, and bound by his vision.
[System Quest: "The War of Innovation" — Active]Objectives:
Build the Iron Vanguard (Status: 60%)
Complete Royal Steam Navy (Status: 25%)
Form the Continental Alliance (Status: 40%)
Defeat the Holy League (Pending)*
As thunder rolled above the cathedral, Edward looked up at the great flame-shaped window and whispered:
"Let the old gods tremble.For this time, mankind will write its own gospel — in steel, steam, and fire."
The bells of the Cathedral of Innovation rang across London.And somewhere beyond the sea, the armies of the Holy League began to move.
End of Chapter 9.