Chapter 35: Chapter 35
The sincere efforts to repair the wall had reached their fifth day.
Two days remained until the stage was set.
"Fantastic work, everyone!"
I shouted as I ascended to the site of the wall repair.
"Take a breather and grab some food."
Trailing me, the Lord's Mansion servants climbed onto the wall, distributing refreshments and snacks.
The folks who had been laboring over the wall repair erupted in cheers.
"Hooray, grub time~!"
"Classic Your Highness! You've got perfect timing!"
"But, Your Highness, where's the liquor?"
"Quiet down, you rascals, eat and get back to work!"
I hollered, which caused everyone to chuckle and snag their share.
They all chatted animatedly, quenching their thirst and munching their snacks. I observed the scene from a distance.
Though time was pressing, humans aren't machines. Without suitable rest, efficiency takes a dive.
"How are the repairs progressing?"
I queried the Mason Guildmaster as I offered him a beverage. Accepting the cup with gratitude, the Guildmaster beamed.
"Thanks to Your Highness's generous supply of manpower, we'll luckily meet the deadline. The wall repair should be wrapped up in two days."
Indeed, I had exhausted all the manpower I could amass.
I had rallied all the laborers I could hire, even employing all the soldiers in the city.
"As you can see, the foundation has been fully restored, and we've installed new steel frames. Now we just need to lay bricks and attach steel plates, and the repair will be done."
"Excellent work."
The toughest part of the task was behind us.
I once again lauded the Mason Guildmaster and swiveled around. Among those tailing me was the Alchemist Guildmaster.
"You've been patient enough. Let's get it installed today."
At my words, the Alchemist Guildmaster's eyes lit up as he drew a blue magic scroll from his pouch.
"At last, we can use this!"
A summoning magic scroll.
A valuable artifact capable of setting up a defense tower, which I procured from the previous dungeon exploration.
I intended to install it as soon as the foundation repair was done. Now that it was nearly finished, it was time to try setting it up.
I received the deciphered scroll. Then, a system window popped up before me.
['Summon Scroll: Automatic Defense Turret' Do you wish to use it?]
- Yes/No
Naturally, Yes.
Whoosh!
As I chose Yes, the scroll in front of me ignited, leaving behind blue flames. Blue particles surged from the remaining flames and permeated my body.
[Ash(EX) has acquired a player skill!]
> Summon Magic: Automatic Defense Turret
"Score!"
The Automatic Defense Turret is mine!
With a contented grin, I beckoned the Mason Guildmaster standing behind me.
"Mason Guildmaster!"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Could you collect the materials I'm about to list? They're all in the vicinity."
"No problem at all, Your Highness. Just give me the command."
Shortly after, the materials I requested were stacked atop the wall.
Stone and fragments of steel frame. Various bits and pieces leftover from construction scattered about.
'This should suffice.'
Since I only needed to meet the exact quantity of the ingredients, there was no need to fuss over quality.
'The final ingredient is a magic core of R grade or higher.'
I drew out a 'Standard Advanced Magic Core (R)' from my bag, an item I had won from a previous reward box. With this, all the ingredients were assembled.
'The location... maybe right here will do.'
[Summoning Magic: Automatic Defense Turret]
- All necessary materials have been prepared.
- The level of the summon is the same as the level of the character who summoned it. Moreover, you can only maintain one summon at a time.
- Please specify the location to install.
The system window exhibited the entire wall like a 3D blueprint, pinpointing locations where the turret could be installed.
From these, I selected the nearest location. Perfect spot!
Ku-ku-gung-!
All the stacked materials in front of me levitated at once.
Not only the craftsmen who had been observing, but also the laborers and soldiers, were taken aback and stepped back.
Clang! Bang! Thud!
The lifted stones and steel rods shattered into tiny pieces and then rained down onto the wall, coalescing into a single structure.
'It's like a game of Tetris.'
I mused to myself while observing the process of the small pieces fitting together to form a large mass. It was truly captivating.
In just a few minutes, the construction of the automatic defense turret was finalized.
Gazing up at the completed gigantic turret, I wore a gratified grin.
Everyone gathered around gasped in awe, marveling in unison.
The design evoked images of a naval gun mounted on a World War II battleship, from the absurdly massive gun barrel to the sturdy gun mount.
"Magnificent."
I found myself clapping. Even without dining, I savored a fulfilling sense of satisfaction.
"This... is the lost magic architectural technology from hundreds of years ago..."
The Alchemists' guildmaster standing behind me uttered in a stupor. I nodded in agreement.
"I'll fetch more scrolls in the future, so please research them."
At my remark, the Alchemists' guildmaster bobbed his head enthusiastically.
Ha, if you enjoy being directed like this, you might end up shedding some tears later.
"Everyone, thanks to you, our defenses are becoming more robust!"
I gently tapped the automatic turret in front of the onlookers and flashed a playful smile.
"I'm counting on your continued dedication!"
Ohh-!
Everyone cheered in unison, lifting their drinks and snacks.
The atmosphere was quite lively. I hope it remains this way moving forward.
***
The blacksmith's shop.
The heat billowing from the furnace was intense. Wiping the sweat accumulating on my forehead, I ventured in.
"Is it ready?"
As I inquired directly, the Blacksmiths' guildmaster bowed in my direction.
"I was simply awaiting your arrival, Your Highness."
The guildmaster showcased a set of armor perched on an armor stand.
"Here it is."
It was a suit of metallic armor emanating a translucent blue glow.
I gulped and painstakingly assessed the intricate details of the armor.
[Phantom Armor (SR) Lv.30]
- Category: Armor
- Defense: 50-55
- Durability: 12/12
- The wearer's physical resistance is boosted by 33%.
- The wearer gains the [Wraithform] ability.
This armor was forged from the 'Mana Core of the Phantom Knight', a reward I garnered from the previous stage.
The defense was decent, and the options were well adapted. It boasted substantial physical resistance and even the [Wraithform] ability.
[Wraithform Lv.1]
- For 5 seconds, you become impervious to interference. All attacks become ineffective, but the user also can't attack any other targets.
In essence, you transform into a ghost for 5 seconds. You're immune to any damage, but conversely, you can't strike either.
This proved to be more advantageous than I initially assumed.
'I'm not fond of the durability being as fragile as a glass bead.'
Despite its respectable stats, the armor's durability was critically low. If not maintained meticulously, it could shatter in the heat of combat.
"Lucas."
After thoroughly inspecting all the options, I signaled Lucas.
Lucas, brimming with excitement at the sight of the completed armor, promptly scurried over to my side.
I smirked and presented the armor to him.
"Try it on."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Lucas eagerly accepted the armor and proceeded to don it, reappearing a few minutes later fully kitted.
"Whew~!"
I caught myself whistling instinctively.
The armor, when displayed on a stand, differed greatly from when worn by a knight. The moment Lucas adorned it, the armor's magnificent design became remarkably pronounced.
"How is it, is it comfortable?"
"There's nothing better."
Lucas, clenching his gauntlet-clad fist, beamed.
"I will use it to the fullest, Your Highness."
"That's the spirit. I specifically ordered it for you. Ensure it's well-utilized."
I added a dash of grandeur. Ahem.
I nodded appreciatively at the blacksmith guild master.
"Thank you for crafting such exceptional armor."
"I'm honored to have worked with such high-quality material after a long hiatus."
The guild master bowed deeply. The pride radiating from his eyes as he gazed at the armor was palpable.
"Please entrust us again, and we'll strive to exceed your expectations. Your frequent orders are most welcome, Your Highness."
"I will certainly do so."
The blacksmith's crafting tools are instrumental for conquering the game. Naturally, I'd be a frequent visitor.
Having already settled the costs and charges for the armor, Lucas and I exited the blacksmith's.
The blacksmiths bid us farewell with respectful bows.
"Let's head west of the fortress."
As I perused the final agenda of the day, I beckoned my valet.
"We have a crucial event to attend."
***
That evening.
On the western plains of the Fortress.
Boom! Rumble!
A sorrowful cry resonating in honor of the fallen filled the air.
A funeral was underway. A memorial for the soldiers who had fallen in the last stage.
Newly crafted coffins were blanketed with earth beneath orderly arranged tombstones.
The casualty count from the last stage hadn't been exorbitant. I found myself conflicted, unsure whether to deem this stroke of luck as a blessing or a curse.
Hymns reverberated through the air, and priests blessed each grave with holy water.
I inclined my head in respect at each freshly dug grave.
Events had unfolded in quick succession. Post-funeral, I found myself atop a hill, the cemetery sprawling beneath me.
Rows of graves, marking the final resting places of those who fell under my command, formed a grim tableau.
"Phew..."
A sharp, biting wind whipped past. I wasn't a smoker, but for a fleeting moment, I thought I grasped why some might seek solace in the habit.
"Allocating a significant chunk of the city's budget to funerals..."
An elderly voice echoed from behind me. Surprised, I swiveled around.
"Moreover, setting up post-death grants. Quite the princely magnanimity."
"Margrave?"
Margrave Cross was slowly making his way towards me.
I'd expected him to be holed up in his dilapidated villa all day, yet here he was, traversing the distance on his own.
Cross clucked his tongue at me, a twinkle of surprise in his eyes.
"But this place is a monster front line, young lord. Lives are swept away as effortlessly as debris in the rainy season. There will come a time when such benevolence won't suffice."
"..."
Momentarily at a loss for words at the former lord's sage advice, I deftly changed the topic.
"Did you trek all the way here to impart that wisdom? Or have you run out of booze?"
"There's never enough booze. Sometimes I even come to buy it myself. But today I bear another reason."
Standing beside me, Margrave Cross observed the graves with a detached gaze.
"I sought out my former soldiers, old comrades, asking if they'd rally in defense of the city."
"...!"
He was referring to the veteran members of the Cross lineage. Without thinking, I swallowed.
"And? What was their response?"
"They all agreed. They would once again stand guard over the city."
Unconsciously, I raised both my hands in victory. Hooray!
"This is the most heartening news I've heard in a week, Margrave!"
With this, our troop shortage issue was swiftly resolved.
Margrave Cross gave a slight nod, observing my celebration with a detached air.
"I don't know how much assistance those old friends can offer... but they're currently gearing up. I'll transfer command to you. Handle it wisely. They're all as old as I am."
"Thank you very much, Margrave. Truly."
When Margrave Cross obstinately refused to lend aid, I thought I was cornered. But he extended his support voluntarily.
Truth be told, I was taken aback, but deeply appreciative.
"There's nothing to thank me for. Extend your gratitude to your new allies."
"Still, Margrave, your words kindled this flame. Thank you."
I seized Margrave's hand and shook it with vigor. Margrave gently extricated his hand, appearing slightly awkward.
"That appears to be the extent of my assistance."
Margrave Cross stared at the city with a distant gaze in his eyes.
"Preserve the city well, young lord. I wish you fortuity."
"Thanks for your support, Margrave. I'll strive to do my utmost."
I responded with a mischievous grin.
"I'll be seeking your sage advice periodically."
"Advice... Just keep me flush with alcohol."
"Out of concern for your health, I'll make sure to send an abundance of medicinal herbs instead."
"Blast it, if you're planning on sending me things of that sort, don't bother at all!"
With a grin, Margrave Cross tossed a casual wave my way and began his journey southward.
He was likely returning to his orchard.
Part of me yearned to keep him here.
Despite his advanced years, Margrave Cross was a seasoned commander who'd spent his life safeguarding this front line. His expertise would undoubtedly be invaluable in our defense efforts.
But he had already sacrificed too much in this city.
Therefore, I found myself unable to hold him back, choosing instead to silently observe his dwindling silhouette.
I comforted myself with the thought that I'd have more opportunities to engage in discourse and garner counsel as a lord in future.
Little did I anticipate then, that 'next time' would never arrive.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone