Chapter 13: Forging the Unstoppable Force

The completion of Wynthall's fortifications had brought a temporary sense of security to the dukedom, but Leoric knew the work was far from over. The events with Cassian Elmridge had revealed just how precarious their position was in the larger political landscape. Enemies surrounded them, and Wynthall needed more than strong walls to secure its future—it needed an indomitable force.

Leoric sat alone in his study, the system interface glowing faintly before him. He had been poring over the gunpowder recipe for hours, refining his understanding of its potential uses.

"System Notification: Advanced Gunpowder Applications Available."

The new unlocks in the system shop caught his attention:

Blueprint: Cannon – 600 PointsBlueprint: Shotgun – 450 Points

Leoric's eyes gleamed with determination. "This is what we need," he muttered. He immediately allocated his accumulated points to purchase both blueprints.

"Cannon Blueprint Unlocked."

"Shotgun Blueprint Unlocked."

The system displayed detailed schematics for each weapon, along with the materials required for their construction.

The Birth of a New Arsenal

Leoric wasted no time. He summoned his most trusted engineers, blacksmiths, and craftsmen to the underground workshop he had constructed beneath the castle—a hidden facility known only to a select few.

"We're going to change the way battles are fought," Leoric announced, laying out the blueprints for the cannon and shotgun.

The cannon was a massive iron tube mounted on sturdy wooden wheels, capable of firing heavy iron balls over long distances. The shotgun, on the other hand, was a more personal weapon—a compact firearm designed to fire a spread of small metal pellets.

The engineers were initially skeptical, but as Leoric explained the principles behind the designs, their doubts turned into awe. Under his guidance, they began forging the first prototypes.

Nyx, Leoric's dragon, and Terra Pup assisted in the process. Nyx's fiery breath was used to heat the iron to the required temperatures, while Terra Pup dug out veins of high-quality minerals to supply the workshop.

After weeks of relentless work, the first cannon was ready. Leoric and his team tested it on the training grounds. The deafening boom of the cannon firing its iron projectile sent a shockwave through the air, leaving a massive crater in its wake.

The onlookers were stunned. Evelyn, who had come to observe the test, turned to Leoric with wide eyes. "This... this isn't magic, is it?"

"No," Leoric replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's the power of science and innovation."

Training the Elite Battalion

With the weapons ready, Leoric turned his attention to creating a force that could wield them effectively. He handpicked 150 of Wynthall's most capable soldiers and began their training.

The battalion, dubbed the "Steel Fangs," was unlike any force the kingdom had ever seen. Leoric personally oversaw their training, teaching them how to load and fire the shotguns, handle the cannons, and maintain discipline under fire.

The soldiers trained tirelessly, learning to reload their weapons quickly and aim with precision. They practiced formations that would maximize the devastating power of their firearms. Leoric also introduced a system of signal flares and drummers to coordinate their movements during battle.

Evelyn often joined him on the training grounds, offering advice and boosting the soldiers' morale. Her presence was a constant reminder of what they were fighting to protect.

Fortress Reinforcements

Leoric wasn't content to rely solely on his battalion. He ordered the cannons to be mounted on the fortress walls, their barrels pointed toward potential invasion routes. He ensured that the fortress had enough ammunition stockpiled to withstand a prolonged siege.

The sight of the cannons on the walls struck fear into the hearts of Wynthall's enemies. Rumors began to spread throughout the kingdom about Wynthall's "magical weapons." Some dismissed the stories as exaggerations, while others began to see Leoric as a force to be reckoned with.

Enemies in the Shadows

Despite Wynthall's growing strength, Cassian was not idle. He had been gathering his forces, hiring mercenaries, and forming alliances with other rival dukedoms. The humiliation he had suffered at Leoric's hands had made him desperate for revenge.

Leoric's spies reported that Cassian was amassing an army near the border. It was only a matter of time before he struck.

Planning the Offensive

Leoric called a council meeting to discuss the growing threat. Seated around the table were Duke Roderic, Evelyn, Seraphina Caldwell, and his trusted advisors.

"We can't wait for them to attack us," Leoric said. "If we do, we'll be fighting on our own land, risking the lives of our people. We need to take the fight to them."

Roderic frowned. "Are you suggesting we invade Elmridge?"

"Yes," Leoric replied firmly. "We have the advantage. They don't know about our cannons or shotguns. We can end this quickly if we strike first."

Evelyn looked at him with concern. "It's a bold plan, Leoric. But are you sure we're ready?"

Leoric nodded. "The Steel Fangs are ready. The cannons are ready. And I've already started drafting the strategy."

He unrolled a map of the region, pointing to key locations in Elmridge. "We'll target their supply lines and fortresses. The goal is to cripple their ability to fight before they can retaliate."

Seraphina leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "And what about the royal court? An invasion could be seen as a provocation."

Leoric met her gaze. "We'll frame it as a defensive maneuver. Edmund has already violated our borders and threatened our people. We're simply ensuring our safety."

The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in. Finally, Roderic spoke. "Very well. Wynthall stands with you, Leoric."

The Calm Before the Storm

In the days that followed, Leoric finalized his plans with his advisors. The Steel Fangs were briefed on their mission, and supplies were prepared for the campaign.

Evelyn approached Leoric one evening as he stood on the fortress walls, gazing out at the horizon.

"You're taking on a great burden, Leoric," she said softly. "But I believe in you."

Leoric turned to her, his expression determined. "I won't let Wynthall fall, Evelyn. Not while I have the power to protect it."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the land in a golden glow, Leoric knew that the days ahead would define not just his legacy, but the future of Wynthall itself.

The chapter ends with the Steel Fangs standing ready, their weapons gleaming in the fading light. The stage was set for a conflict that would shake the kingdom to its core.