Chapter 1120

Isaac watched as everyone's eyes widened in shock. To him, it was unremarkable. He'd seen plenty of such devices in Meadow Ridge, and they'd been broken more times than he cared to remember. So, when Adrian suggested it might be useful to Rafael and Carissa, Isaac didn't give it much thought. He simply reasoned that if it could enhance their safety, it was worth bringing along.

Rafael wanted to try it himself, and Isaac readily agreed to instruct him. Instead of aiming at the target, Rafael aimed at a rock at least 200 feet beyond the 300-foot mark. He possessed excellent vision and archery skills, so he forwent the sight and fired the matchlock directly.

Under everyone's watchful gaze, he missed, the shot landing about ten feet from the rock. This didn't dampen Rafael's enthusiasm, however—the shot had traveled 500 feet! The implication was clear: an enemy commander over 500 feet away could be eliminated with a single headshot.

Once the initial excitement subsided, a practical problem emerged: what to do when the gunpowder pellets ran out? Isaac, ever observant, produced a small book. "Everything you need is in here," he said. "Just follow the instructions, and you can make more."

Rafael eagerly accepted the book and began flipping through it. The symbols and instructions proved initially difficult to decipher, but he wasn't discouraged. The Ministry of Defense employed numerous weaponsmiths who could assist. He planned to show the six-barrel matchlock to Davis and let the old man assess its capabilities.

Without a word, Rafael mounted his horse and galloped away, leaving the others behind. Jacob, knowing Rafael's destination, didn't pursue him. Instead, he accompanied Isaac to examine the scorched reeds where the matchlock had been fired, marveling at their condition.

At the Ministry of Defense, Rafael's arrival was sudden and dramatic. He appeared before Davis so swiftly that the older man nearly stumbled, momentarily believing himself to be under attack. Before Davis could react, Rafael practically dragged him into the back courtyard, overflowing with excitement.

"Look at this, Mr. Lloyd! Take a look at this!"

Davis, disoriented by the abrupt handling, was still trying to regain his balance when a metal rod was pressed against his chest. "Calm down, Your Highness!" he gasped, "What's going on?"

Upon finally examining the matchlock, initial puzzlement gave way to astonishment. He quickly disassembled it, his movements swift and practiced—a testament to his expertise as Minister of Defense. His confusion, however, quickly returned. He held the matchlock, inspecting every part with growing bewilderment.

"What is this? Why are there three gunpowder pellets? Does it use gunpowder? No steel pellets? This is a matchlock, right? But it doesn't look like one. How far can it shoot? Who made this? A three-barrel matchlock? Oh my god, a three-barrel matchlock has been made!"

Overwhelmed by disbelief, Davis jumped to his feet, his eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears. He stared at Rafael as if he had seen a ghost.

"The three-barrel matchlock is real? Who made it? Tell me quickly—bring them to the ministry! Money is no object—bring them here!"

Rafael calmly corrected him. "First, this isn't a three-barrel matchlock; it's a six-barrel matchlock. Second, you can't hire this person. They won't come to the capital unless there's a compelling reason."

"Six-barrel...?" Davis froze, his excitement replaced by utter disbelief. He crouched down, covering his face with his hands and letting out a mournful cry. "Is this a dream? If it is, I'll wake up and kill myself."

Rafael nodded slowly, his voice low but firm. "It's not a dream. It's real. I've tested it. It can shoot 500 feet. Five hundred!"

Davis gasped, then slapped his legs in triumph. He sprang up, gripping Rafael's shoulders, his face contorted with excitement.

"Your Highness, do you know what this means? Do you understand?!"

Rafael smiled. "I do." He knew that this weapon could spare countless soldiers' lives and potentially be the key to victory in war.

It took Davis nearly an hour to compose himself. Finally, he declared, "We're going to the palace. Immediately! We need to see His Majesty!"