Chapter 268
Chapter 268: Things Will Accelerate Soon. (1)
“Isn’t the archer cavalry an obsolete troop type? A bow that can be shot from atop a horse?”
Galbarik asked, looking puzzled.
The concept of shooting a bow while mounted has existed since ancient times, and there were times when archer cavalry ruled the battlefield with fear.
However, as time passed, strategies and tactics evolved, along with longbows and crossbows, greatly diminishing the unique advantages of the archer cavalry.
The main problem was the difficulty in training them.
“First of all, there are hardly any people who can shoot a bow properly from horseback. Even if we start training now, it would take years, wouldn’t it?”
Archer cavalry must master both archery and horsemanship. Even if one is skilled in both, shooting a bow while on a horse isn’t easy.
This is because you can’t stabilize your footing like you can on the ground. It’s quite challenging to shoot a bow while maintaining balance with just your legs on a swaying horse.
“Hasn’t it already been proven through numerous wars that archer cavalry find it hard to exert significant power?”
Normally, due to limitations in range and accuracy, archer cavalry must resort to close-range archery.
The fact that archer cavalry can launch a preemptive attack before engaging infantry is a strong advantage, but no commander would simply allow that.
Galbarik pointed out that fact.
“Even before the archer cavalry approaches, the opposing archers can restrain them with much longer ranges. Even if the distance closes a bit, they can’t penetrate the heavy infantry’s ranks easily, and they are also likely to be blocked by the opposing cavalry. Isn’t that why the troop type of archer cavalry itself has become obsolete?”
“Oh, you seem to know quite well about the problem?”
“Isn’t it obvious? We create the most weapons, so we know well how they perform in war.”
“However, if the enemy fails to respond properly, it’s excellent for hit-and-run tactics, right?”
“Training is tough, and even if we manage to create a few, they would just be flailing about and playing around. They wouldn’t reach the level suitable for a rotation. There’s a reason why no one else is doing this.”
Not only Ruthania but most countries based their military strategy on traditional knight culture, focusing on knights and infantry. Accordingly, the organization and training of the army primarily revolved around knights and infantry.
Training and equipment needed to nurture and maintain archer cavalry would require considerable cost and time, making it difficult for them to perform well in combat.
Despite Galbarik’s concerns, Ghislaine responded nonchalantly.
“If the enemy charges, we shoot; if they stand still, we charge, right? Don’t you see us all becoming mounted troops?”
“……If that were as easy as you say, then what difficult things exist in the world?”
“That’s why we need a new bow. Make it smaller to shoot easier from horseback than the existing bows. However, the range shouldn’t drop. It should match the power and distance similar to that of experienced longbowmen.”
“How do you expect to create something like that…?”
Galbarik nearly cursed but stopped himself and rubbed his forehead. This kid seems to think everything just comes out of thin air.
If it were that easy, who would go through the trouble of making long, heavy longbows to increase their range? Such elasticity and tension are necessary, and that’s why they must be made that way.
“No matter how much of a dwarf we are, exceeding the limits of technology is tough. We may create things better than others, but modifying an existing longbow to enhance its power and range would be a better option.”
With a sigh, Galbarik looked at the blueprint Ghislaine pulled out.
“What is this?”
“A bow made of Galbarium.”
“Even if Galbarium is light, its essence is still iron. It can’t provide the needed elasticity. It would have to rely solely on the tension of the bowstring, which would drop the power.”
“Take a good look at the blueprint. Create levers at both ends of the Galbarium bow to adjust the bowstring. The tighter it is, the more powerful it becomes. To withstand that, the bow must be made strong, which is why we’re using Galbarium.”
“Whoa.”
Galbarik examined the blueprint closely. Although it only had conceptual elements, it seemed feasible to manufacture with a little research.
“Well then, what material should we use for the bowstring? Using ordinary materials won’t produce strong tension. Any average materials would likely snap under strain.”
“For that, we can use tendons from monsters like trolls and ogres. They are incredibly tough and have excellent elasticity. I’ve brought a ton of them this time, haven’t I? And I’ll keep bringing more.”
“Oh, oh….”
Galbarik nodded. If they used these, they could control the strength and range just as Ghislaine wanted.
It was clear he had thought ahead and brought not just leather from monster hunting but also materials for the bowstring.
“However, if we adjust the bowstring too tightly, it’ll be hard to draw with regular strength…”
Galbarik started to speak but paused. The ends of the bow had small pulleys to allow for minimal effort in pulling.
That wasn’t all. For convenience, the bow could be divided into three parts and folded easily. This was possible because they minimized the elasticity of the bow.
“W-where did this idea come from…?”
This was no ordinary bow. It was a bow infused with intricate engineering and top-tier materials.
It was astonishing. How far does the technological prowess of a lord extend? He had never seen or heard of such a bow anywhere on the continent.
It was a conceptual blueprint, but it was good enough. The dwarves could work together to solve the rest.
“My lord! Is this something you thought of too? What on earth is in your head!”
In response to Galbarik’s urgent question, Ghislaine casually turned his head and muttered.
“……This was also crafted by the legendary blacksmith.”
“Ahhhhh! Why has the heavens given me Galbarik and the legendary blacksmith!”
The legendary blacksmith was truly impressive. Galbarik clenched his fists in a despairing cry. Yet, he didn’t break easily.
‘Most of what the legendary blacksmith left behind is merely conceptual! It’s not a finished product!’
He was the one who concretized the concepts and brought them to life. So he believed that the legendary blacksmith’s crafting skills couldn’t surpass his.
Someday, he would surpass the legendary blacksmith with even greater ideas.
“I will surely surpass him and become the greatest blacksmith of the continent!”
Upon Galbarik’s shout, Ghislaine scratched his chin and glanced elsewhere out of habit.
‘Isn’t he fighting against himself? Ah, this isn’t the right time for those kind of words…’
The official name of this bow was “Violentus Hunter.”
It was a weapon that Galbarik and the dwarves created to confront calamities in their past life.
A weapon designed to incorporate both portability and destructive power, it was essential for elite units of each kingdom.
Ghislaine had gathered the monster tendons specifically to create this bow.
“Alright, this should be sufficient, right? So, make 2,000 of them as quickly as possible. Just that for now since we’re busy. We’ll continue production in the future.”
“Understood! You said the elves are the main users, right? About 200 elves, if I remember correctly? We have all the materials, so I’ll whip them up quickly to match that number!”
“No, I meant 2,000.”
“……2,000?”
“Yep.”
Galbarik, calming down his excitement, began to question in earnest.
“As I said earlier, archer cavalry are a troop type that is just as difficult to train as knights. Are you really sure all 2,000 will be used? The elves still need to practice archery, so it could take years.”
“That’s okay. Our soldiers can already ride horses, right? So they just need to be taught to use bows well. Especially elves will pick up archery quickly. Haven’t you seen how they communicate with nature?”
“……Training horses and shooting bows while riding them are different, aren’t they?”
“Elf means bow, and bow means elf. Don’t you know?”
“……That’s something out of a storybook. Archery requires long-term training.”
“That’s true. But for the elves who’ve now communicated with nature, it won’t be hard. Let’s go see for ourselves.”
Ghislaine, exuding confidence, took Galbarik to meet the elves.
The elves had already trained over 10,000 horses. The horses were being deployed throughout the territory for transportation and to train cavalry.
Thanks to that, the elves had spare time to receive basic training in etiquette and physical fitness from Gillian.
Ghislaine deliberately didn’t start with archery training. Physical training was the top priority, followed by breaking in the horses.
“Alright, starting today, the elves will begin archery training.”
“Ugh!”
The elves, who successfully connected with nature to a certain degree, no longer exhibited their previous lethargy. They even seemed to have a certain elegance about them.
Only one person, Ascon, who had communicated with nature through cursing, grumbled alone.
“Damn, what’s with more archery training? This lousy territory doesn’t give us a moment’s rest. The wrath of Mother Nature needs to be experienced once properly.”
The first to step forward was Lumina. She was selected as the representative since she had succeeded in connecting with her horse first.
Ghislaine spoke to her.
“Just focus on my stance, and you’ll get the hang of it. Just think about hitting the target.”
Thanks to her training, Lumina could easily draw the bowstring. After Ghislaine helped her refine her stance a few times, she had already developed a credible form.
Creak.
She drew back the bowstring and aimed at the wooden target.
At first, she thought of it as practice, so she didn’t expect to hit. However, as she concentrated, a subtle sensation began to emerge.
‘This is…’
She had already succeeded in connecting with nature. She felt how the wind was moving.
Her bow lifted higher than it had at the beginning. Following the instinctive feeling, she let go, following the flow of the wind.
Buzz.
With a sharp sound, the arrow flew like an arrow. Those watching wondered if she had aimed a bit high, but since it was practice, they nodded in agreement.
Thud!
However, the arrow struck the target squarely. While it wasn’t exactly smack in the center, it was no feat of a first-time archer.
“Wow……. What’s that?”
“Did she practice archery without telling us?”
All the elves looked astonished at Lumina. Even she seemed surprised, staring dumbfounded at her own hand.
Ghislaine smiled contentedly and said.
“As expected, elves and bows go hand in hand.”
“…….”
Galbarik couldn’t utter a word. Connecting with nature? If that means becoming friends with animals and shooting bows so well, then—
The elf race was truly a cheat species. At this rate, they might end up controlling spirits as well.
He suddenly felt regret for being born a dwarf.
‘Every day is just building things… Being used like a tool… While elves are all beautiful and pretty… Ah, what a filthy world.’
Oblivious to Galbarik’s turmoil, Ghislaine cheerily shouted.
“Alright! This time, let’s shoot while riding!”
Neigh!
Lumina galloped on her horse. Despite the speedy pace, her body swayed wildly.
Even so, she naturally accepted everything. Amidst that swaying, she found a path, letting the bowstring slip free.
Buzz!
Thud!
The arrow embedded itself in the target without issue while riding. There were no problems at all with hitting it.
“Wow!”
The amazement of those watching was palpable. Lumina herself couldn’t believe it and exclaimed in wonder.
The others just stood in shock with expressions of disbelief.
“I want to try too!”
“I think I can shoot better!”
“I’m the ruler of the winds!”
The elves eagerly began firing arrows one after another. Some missed the target, but most managed to hit at least its edge.
Shooting while mounted increased the failure rate slightly, but they got very close to the target. This level of proficiency was comparable to that of archer cavalry with over ten years of training.
Ascon, who had been quietly watching, gestured to his horse.
“Hey, come here.”
The horse, “Shibari,” approached with a fierce glare.
The name wasn’t one Ascon had invented himself; he had overheard someone say it and found it fitting.
It was a name suited perfectly for a horse that was incredibly ferocious, just like its master.
“Let’s give it a try too.”
Neigh!
The horse bellowed mightily. It displayed an air of arrogance, as if it wasn’t a big deal.
“Let’s go! Shibari!”
Creak.
Ascon drew back his bowstring while galloping on his horse. Suddenly, he felt like he could accomplish something. This wasn’t just the sound of nature.
‘I can feel the wind.’
All the senses in his body guided him on the right path. Now was the moment; the wind told him he could pierce that target.
‘Ride the wind.’
Buzz!
Whoosh!
The arrow soared high, riding the wind, disappearing into the sky.
“Ugh, Shibari, I can’t do this.”
Squeal!
Shibari let out a laugh, revealing its teeth.
Regardless, the elves demonstrated unbelievable skill even in their first attempts at archery.
Ghislaine looked at Galbarik and said.
“What do you think? Doesn’t it feel like they’ll get the hang of it soon with just a little practice?”
“……That may be true for elves, but for regular soldiers, it would be difficult, wouldn’t it?”
“Of course, they’ll need some training, but if they train alongside the elves, they’ll improve quickly. For now, they just need to learn to shoot while riding. The key point is that 2,000 will shoot all at once.”
“…….”
When 2,000 archer cavalry shoot at a target, they won’t necessarily need to hit precisely. As long as they can orient themselves, a rain of arrows will pour down.
Galbarik had tried to reduce the numbers as much as possible, but at this rate, there was no way around it.
With a gloomy expression, Galbarik said.
“I will start the production then. But considering the soldiers in the territory number just over 4,000, are you really thinking of making more than half of them archer cavalry?”
This time, he was genuinely curious and not opposing.
“No, we are still recruiting new soldiers, aren’t we? If the troop number increases, there will be no problem.”
“I’ve heard that troop reinforcements are coming along more slowly than expected.”
Ghislaine shook his head a few times and smiled.
“It will accelerate soon.”
