Chapter 357 - 302: Level the Guns

Chapter 357: Chapter 302: Level the Guns

"Is that really what she said?" Shire paused, then turned to Little John, who was standing beside him.

"Mm." Little John nodded calmly. "That’s exactly what Sofia said."

"It seems the common folk in Torch City are living in terrible conditions as well." Shire sighed, clasping his hands behind his back. He watched Agatha in the distance, who was calibrating a new Rune Mortar with a few goblins. "Back when my father was still alive, he said something similar. He said that for the Merlot Clan to rise, relying on nobles, the Church, or merchants would be useless. Only by relying on farmers, laborers, artisans, and soldiers could we truly achieve our goal."

He remembered Baron Merlot saying just that. Shire had often admired his father’s foresight, but the outcome had been such a shame. ’And so, Father strictly forbade officials from oppressing the commoners and passed edicts to restrict the merchants. After he did that, things gradually improved. When I walked through Torch City, I could see genuine smiles on people’s faces. But it’s a shame... it seemed everything was on our side, except for time.’

He glanced up at the sky. A few small birds took flight, startled by the goblins’ clamor. ’If the family had just a few more years to run things, no one would have dared to plot against us.’

After the thought, Shire shook his head. ’That’s just wishful thinking,’ he knew. Every failure says the same thing: ’Why wasn’t time on my side? If you’d just given me a little more time, I could have accomplished so much.’ In the end, it all came down to a lack of strength.

After composing himself, he rummaged in a pouch at his waist and pulled out a small, jingling bag. He counted out ten Gold Coins and handed them to Little John. "Here."

"Chief?" Little John looked taken aback. "We still have enough money. That Magic Artisan, Marshall, promised we could pay him after the work is finished."

"Take them. They’re not for you," Shire said, looking at him calmly. "I have a big appetite, too."

Hearing his chief’s reply, Little John chuckled. He took the Gold Coins and put them in his pouch. "I haven’t told Sofia who you are. But perhaps now..."

"No, don’t tell her yet," Shire said, waving a hand. "My family really didn’t govern Torch City well. To be honest, I’m a bit ashamed to face Sofia."

Having heard Little John describe the Druid girl’s gaze as being like a mother lion’s, Shire knew she must feel a deep sense of injustice about the Merlot Clan being framed. If he revealed his identity now, it might prove counterproductive. After all, for Shire, caution was paramount.

"But, Little John," Shire said slowly, once again clasping his hands behind his back and gazing up at the sky. "One day, I will return to Torch City. No matter what it’s called by then, no matter who controls it, I will walk right through the main gate and take it back, openly and honorably."

"Boss, I have no doubt that day will come," Little John said, standing at Shire’s side with a nod. The two looked at each other for a few seconds, then both broke into laughter.

BOOM! An explosion echoed in the distance. The goblins immediately started jabbering again. Shire glanced over. "Sounds like the Rune Mortar is a success. Let’s go take a look."

The two of them hurried over. Just as they were getting close, a cannonball shot out with a WHOOSH.

The explosion followed a moment later. It was clearly louder, the blast much closer than before.

"Looks like the test was a success," Shire said with a smile as he reached Agatha’s side. He looked over the fully assembled Rune Mortar. Compared to the first prototype, this new version had a longer barrel, the rune-based firing mechanism at the base was more securely encased, and the sights looked much more "idiot-proof." "They seem pretty excited."

"They’re treating it like a giant toy," Agatha said, shaking her head and shrugging. "This design can’t make precise strikes; it’s only capable of area-of-effect attacks. It’ll have limited effect against targets in Heavy Armor, but against regular soldiers or unarmored targets, it should be quite useful."

"Mm, I know," Shire nodded. Agatha had told him as much several times already. But for the goblins, a weapon like this was more than enough for now.

They could use the Rune Mortar for a preemptive strike against charging enemies. While it couldn’t compare to a Blast Fireball Skill cast by a Great Mage, its advantages were low cost and ease of mass production. In the forest, it was a game-changer.

"It has three range settings," Agatha said, pointing to the mortar surrounded by goblins. "Have them practice with it for a while. Once they’re familiar with it, they should get the hang of it quickly."

"Thank you," Shire said with a sincere smile. He had only come up with the concept for the weapon; Agatha had handled almost everything else. He owed her his thanks.

"Don’t mention it. It was nothing," Agatha said, waving her hand with a hint of embarrassment. She turned and walked away, calling over her shoulder, "I’m going to research new Rune Speech. Don’t disturb me for the next few days unless it’s important."

Watching her leave, Shire exhaled softly. He had gathered quite a few people around him now. They were the support he needed to keep going. If he had to rely only on himself, he knew he’d never be able to achieve his goal of returning to Torch City.