Yin Zidian

Is Magic really just a wish machine?
No! In a universe where Magic truly exists, the ultimate nature of Magic must be as simple and aesthetically pleasing as the laws of physics.
This is the story of a mass-produced magical war tool who learned the ultimate nature of Magic.
But what of it?
Just as birds can fly without understanding aerodynamics, magicians can use Magic without grasping its ultimate nature.
Learning the ultimate nature of Magic doesn't mean the tool can instantly transform into a great magician.
But yearning for knowledge is a human instinct, and curiosity is the primary driving force of human civilization. Even for Magic, which should seemingly defy explanation, humans hope to understand its inherent operational laws.
The pursuit of Magic's ultimate nature requires no reason!
The story in this book takes place in an era where steel and gunpowder dance together.
Here, firearms are on the rise; armor remains the main character; military theory is changing rapidly, with endless innovations in systems and techniques. And this world has something more than ours: Magic.
The world is undergoing a profound transformation, and no one can remain detached from it...

Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

The inability to ensure the security of the trade route is the Achilles' heel of the Iron Peak County Rebels. Skylark was convinced: seize this, and it's like grasping hold of their ball.


"Ultimately, it still comes down to force. No tribute, then bloodshed." Skylark thought to himself, admiring yet regretting as he looked at the young man before him: "No matter how many advantages you secure upfront, in the end, you can't escape the 'blood tribute.'"


Winters pondered: "Tribute... really sounds rather unpleasant."


"Compensation, security deposit, all are acceptable." Skylark said magnanimously: "If you don't mind, even calling it a tax is fine—safety tax."


Winters: "But what if, after paying this compensation, safety still can't be guaranteed?"


Skylark: "Any caravan that pays the safety tax and gets plundered, the Red River Tribe will be responsible for retrieving it. If we can't retrieve it, we'll compensate at full value."


Chapter 43: Trading (Middle)_3