Chapter 257 - 114: The "Arrogant and Domineering" Lynch Blackwood

Chapter 257: Chapter 114: The "Arrogant and Domineering" Lynch Blackwood

The tea leaves his mentor had picked from a tributary of the Nether River had been a massive help.

However, the more he drank and the higher his rank became, the less effective the tea was. His mentor had also told him it would have little effect on him if he continued. She planned to give the remaining leaves to a junior sister he had never met, so she wouldn’t be sending him any more.

「His thoughts drifted for a moment.」

Lynch pinched the bridge of his nose and forced himself to refocus.

Lakefront Town’s biggest weakness in its fight against the gnolls was the combat effectiveness of its regular Soldiers, especially the militia.

The power gap between an individual militiaman and a Gnoll was immense, and the humans were far slower. If they scattered, they were easily defeated. But if they grouped up, they couldn’t even land a scratch on the enemy.

Lynch had used Plague Zombies against the gnolls before with decent results, but that was only because he had them cornered in a mine. That was why the zombies were so effective then.

In an open field or a sprawling forest, the effects of plague and poison Magic would be drastically reduced.

’So, if I could find a way to boost the militia’s lethality, this whole problem would become much simpler...’

Suddenly, an idea flashed through Lynch’s mind, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

’Perhaps... I’ve found a permanent solution.’

"Let’s go. Get Ginko Wrench. We’re going to the Dwarf Workshop," Lynch called to Aus.

Although Aus didn’t understand, he respectfully accepted the order and went to find the goblin, Jinke.

Previously, Lynch’s good brother, Muradin Bronzebeard, had helped him recruit a group of dwarf artisans from his homeland. They had since established themselves in Lakefront Town and were now primarily engaged in crafting equipment like metal Armor and weapons, serving as a cornerstone of the town’s military-industrial complex.

Soon, the group arrived at the lakeside section of town, where a large area had been designated as the Artisan District.

The moment they stepped into the Artisan District, the constant CLANGING of hammers on anvils filled their ears.

Looking around, they saw blazing forges under large awnings. Bare-chested, burly dwarves rhythmically swung massive hammers, striking red-hot iron billets.

Sweat dripped from their taut muscles.

When one grew tired, he would simply grab a nearby flagon, take a few deep GLUGS of the "Water of Life," let out a satisfied sigh, and get right back to the CLANG CLANG of his hammer.

’An endless supply of strong liquor and an endless supply of good iron to forge!’

’For a dwarf, what more could one ask for?’

Because of this, every last one of them loved Lakefront Town.

Lynch and his party, meanwhile, went straight to find Balen Copperbeard, a kinsman of Muradin.

The dwarf artisan leader, much like his famous kinsman, had a signature large nose, a thick red beard, and a stout, powerful build like a stone pillar.

"Brother Balen," Lynch said, walking over with a wide smile. He smoothly retrieved a large cask of the Water of Life from his Storage Ring and offered it to the dwarf. "This is a special brew I’ve been saving just for you."

Balen Copperbeard’s eyes lit up instantly.

He took the cask, uncorked it, and took a deep whiff of the rich, potent aroma. A wide grin immediately spread across his face. "Hahaha! Brother Lynch, you’ve come at the perfect time! I was just thinkin’ that this new batch of quenched blades would go down real smooth with your ’Water of Life’!"

After a few swigs of the strong liquor, Balen’s face grew even redder, and he spoke with even greater gusto.

He praised Lynch endlessly for the brilliant idea of inventing such a potent "Water of Life."

Lynch, having experience with dwarves, knew just how to play to his audience. He praised the artisan leader’s skills and contributions to the high heavens, flattering him until the dwarf was practically floating.

Seeing the mood was right, Lynch seized the moment and made his request. "Brother Balen, I came here today because I was hoping to see for myself the treasure your people are famous for all across the continent—the firearm."

"Firearms?" Balen let out a boozy burp, his purplish-red face beaming with pride. "Heh, Brother Lynch, you’ve come to the right dwarf! The firearms forged by our Copperbeard Clan are the best back home! Top-notch!"

He stuck up a short, thick thumb.

Dwarves are extremely protective of their firearms, but if a good brother wanted a look, then of course it was no problem.

With that, he immediately led Lynch to the firing range behind the workshop.

In truth, Lynch had long considered equipping the militia with firearms, effectively "upgrading" them to musketeers. However, the idea had been shelved until now because the conditions weren’t right—for instance, their ore smelting techniques weren’t up to snuff.

Now, with this group of dwarves, Lynch felt the time was finally right.

Balen produced a long wooden case wrapped in thick fur. From within, he reverently lifted out a firearm and handed it to Lynch.

Lynch reached out to take it, and his arm immediately sank under the weight.

’Whoa!’ he thought, quickly putting more strength into his arm to keep it steady and prevent the weapon from dropping.

’This thing is heavy.’

He examined the firearm in his hand, and the corner of his mouth couldn’t help but twitch.

The weapon was forged entirely from refined iron. Its barrel was thicker than his arm, it had a flared, bell-shaped muzzle, and the heavy, solid wooden stock was inlaid with a brass family crest.

Lynch estimated its total weight was at least thirty pounds.

It was less a firearm and more a small-caliber hand-cannon.