From Blade To Spell

"Edrin, my dear friend. Forgive me for not saying goodbye to you, Elwood, and Garric. Everything changed so quickly, I had no chance to contact you. And if I had tried, your life might've been in danger once I left the city."

"Let's not dwell on the sad things. By the time you read this, seven days or more may have already passed. I don't know what awaits me, but I'm certain it will be dangerous."

"I truly enjoyed our time fishing together with you and Torvald. Though I didn't get to see Garric and Elwood again, I hope they're doing well. Since I couldn't say goodbye, please say it for me."

"I don't know how long it will take to establish my own city. I'll only know once I reach Green Fort. But when I do, my convoy will return to Starfall City. If you're willing, you can visit me then."

"Also, Edrin, I know you don't have a fixed job right now. So I've sent you a recipe for dried fruit. Follow the instructions carefully. You can start your own business. But never mention my name again."

"After reading this letter, burn it. The walls have ears. Be careful with your words."

-----

Edrin was stunned. He quickly checked the package and found several leaf papers. Upon closer inspection, he saw a rough diagram made clear by the detailed instructions beside it.

Tears welled in his eyes as he looked at the letter one last time. Then, with trembling hands, he burned it.

"Aaron… I'll pray to the Goddess of Light to keep you safe, my friend.

And I'll be waiting for your convoy to pick me up."

He wiped his tears and turned his attention to the recipe.

It described simple steps:

Cut the fruits, dry them in the sun for one to two weeks, then seal them in wooden jars. They could be stored for over three months.

Edrin realized he could sell these dried fruits during winter and earn a good profit.

He sighed and whispered, "Thank you, Aaron. But Elwood and Garric… after what happened today, I don't think I can deliver your message."

-----

Blue Sea.

On the ship, Aaron was fishing when he suddenly heard Torvald's excited voice echoing from the vessel behind them.

"Aaron, we made it! We did it! We created the Ballastia! Hurry, stop the ship. Let's check it!"

Hearing the excitement, Aaron glanced at the sundial, it was already past eleven.

He turned to Captain Monga and said, "Captain Monga, please prepare to land on the shore."

Captain Monga nodded, "Understood, Lord Aaron. I'll find a suitable landing spot."

Aaron stood up and handed the fishing rod to Kelly, "Keep fishing. If you catch anything, don't kill it. Just place it in the barrel, I'll handle that part."

Kelly took the rod with a bright smile, "Don't worry, Lord Aaron. Leave it to me!"

Aaron nodded and walked to the edge of the ship, calling out, "Torvald, we'll be landing soon. Until then, try firing an arrow into the water."

Torvald responded sharply, "No way! That would be a waste of resources!"

Aaron shrugged, "Alright then, keep quiet. I'm going back to fishing."

Torvald pointed at Aaron and muttered under his breath,

"Damn Aaron… all he knows is how to fish all day."

Kelly, seeing Aaron return so quickly, handed the rod back with a disappointed look. Aaron resumed fishing without missing a beat.

-----

Two hours later, they finally found a suitable place to dock.

As soon as the ship touched land, Torvald shouted, "Aaron, come quickly! I'm going to fire the Ballastia!"

Aaron leapt onto the ship behind them, "Go ahead. Let's see it in action."

Torvald looked around, everyone was watching. They knew this weapon could be their answer against monsters.

Without hesitation, Torvald pulled the trigger. With a sharp woosh, the massive arrow tore through the air and embedded itself deep into a tree on the shore, 300 meters away.

Everyone was stunned.

Aaron, impressed by the power, clapped his hands and declared, "Everyone, cheer for Torvald and his team! They've created a siege weapon that can be used not only against monsters, but also against future enemies!"

The crowd snapped out of their shock. For the first time, their worldview shifted. They had never imagined that such a weapon could be crafted by mortal hands.

The carpenters, especially, felt a surge of pride. With proper aim, this weapon could even take down a Knight Apprentice, or perhaps even a Knight, in a surprise attack.

The shock was overwhelming for Kelly.

As a Knight Apprentice herself, she understood the terrifying implications.

If that arrow had been aimed at her from within 300 steps, she might not have been able to dodge it. And the weapon's range, nearly 600 steps, meant it could be wielded by ordinary people to devastating effect.

She finally realized: If they survived Green Fort, there might be no power in the Verdia Kingdom capable of stopping Lord Aaron's rise.

Captain Monga, watching from the side, felt a wave of relief. With this weapon, he no longer had to worry about monsters at the Knight Apprentice level. As for threats from full-fledged Knights, he trusted Lord Aaron would find a way to handle them.

Toro, standing nearby, muttered to himself, "If I can forge iron arrowheads, the power might increase even more. I need to speak with Lord Aaron."

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and said, "Lord Aaron, may I join the team in crafting the arrows?"

Aaron nodded, "Of course. But you'll work only at night after we dock."

Toro nodded in agreement. Torvald added, "Indeed. If the arrowhead is made of iron, its power will increase significantly."

Aaron turned to the crowd and added, "Since the Ballastia has been successfully completed, I'll reward everyone involved, 2 silver coins per person."

His words sparked a wave of excitement. But he wasn't done.

"And once we reach Green Fort, Captain Monga will receive 5 silver coins. Jake and Blake will each get 3 silver coins. All sailors will be paid 1 silver coin."

The crew's spirits soared. Now, everyone was looking forward to reaching Green Fort even more.