The Regressed Mercenary's Machinations-Chapter 268: Things Will Soon Speed Up (1)

"A bow that can be fired from horseback? Isn't mounted archery an obsolete form of warfare?"

Galbaric asked, looking skeptical.

The idea of shooting arrows from a moving horse was one that had existed since ancient times. There were indeed times when mounted archers had dominated the battlefield as a terrifying force. However, as strategies, tactics, and weaponry like the longbow and crossbow advanced, the unique advantages of mounted archers significantly diminished.

The biggest issue was that it was difficult to train mounted archers effectively.

"For starters, there are almost no people who can shoot accurately from horseback. Even if we start training them now, it would take years to develop such skills."

Mounted archers had to be proficient in both archery and horsemanship. Even if one mastered both, shooting from a moving horse was no easy feat. Unlike shooting on solid ground, where a firm stance could be maintained, one had to stabilize their body with just their legs on a moving horse, which made it incredibly challenging.

"Hasn't it been proven in countless wars that mounted archers struggle to make an impact?"

Typically, mounted archers were restricted to close-range shooting due to limitations in range and accuracy. While the advantage of launching a preemptive strike before engaging with infantry was significant, no commander would simply stand by and allow such an attack.

Galbaric pointed this out directly.

"Before they can even get close, opposing archers can retaliate from a much longer range. Even if they get close, they can't break through a line of heavy infantry, and they’re easily countered by enemy cavalry. Isn't that why the entire mounted archer unit has fallen out of use?"

"Oh, so you know your tactics?"

"Isn't it obvious? We've manufactured so many weapons; I know exactly how they’re used in war."

"But when the enemy fails to respond properly, mounted archers are perfect for hit-and-run attacks."

"It's tough to train them, and even if we do, we only end up with a handful. They might work for small skirmishes, but they’re not viable for large-scale battles. There's a reason others have given up on them."

Not just in Ruthania but across many nations, traditional military strategies centered around knights and infantry due to the prevailing culture of knighthood. Consequently, military structure and training focused primarily on knights and foot soldiers.

Training and equipping mounted archers required separate, costly resources, and their performance in combat was hindered by numerous constraints.

Despite Galbaric's concerns, Ghislain responded casually.

"If the enemy charges, we’ll shoot. If they stay put, we charge. Don't you see we're all becoming cavalry anyway?"

"...If it were that easy, nothing would be difficult in this world."

"That's why we need a new kind of bow. One smaller than traditional bows for easier use on horseback, but with no sacrifice in range. I want it to match the range and power of a longbow as closely as possible."

"How on earth would you make something like that...?"

Galbaric almost cursed but stopped himself, placing a hand on his forehead. Did this guy think things would just materialize at his word?

If it were that easy, who would bother making long, heavy bows to increase range? Such designs were required for the necessary elasticity and tension.

"No matter how skilled we dwarves are, it’s hard to overcome the limits of technology. We might be better craftsmen than most, but still... Modifying an existing longbow to increase power and range might be more achievable."

Ghislain pulled out a blueprint and held it out in front of the sighing Galvaric.

"And this is?"

"A bow made with galvanium."

"Galvanium might be lightweight, but it’s still essentially metal. It can't provide proper elasticity. Relying on the string's tension alone would mean losing power."

"Look at the blueprint. Both ends of the galvanium bow limbs are fitted with levers to adjust string tension. The more you tighten it, the greater the power. The galvanium makes the limbs durable enough to handle that tension."

“Whoa.”

Galbaric inspected the blueprint closely. The concept was there, and with a bit of research, it seemed feasible to manufacture.

"But what material would you use for the bowstring? To withstand that kind of tension, typical materials would snap. Ordinary ones can’t bear that strain."

"Use tendons from monsters like trolls or ogres. They’re extremely durable and elastic. I collected a lot on my recent hunt, and I’ll keep bringing more."

“Oh... oh...”

Galbaric nodded. With those materials, he could achieve the adjustable power and range Ghislain wanted. Ghislain had evidently anticipated this, gathering not just hides but even specific materials for bowstrings.

"But if the string is too taut, it’d be difficult to draw with normal strength..."

Galbaric trailed off. At each end of the bow, where the string was attached, small pulleys allowed for easier drawing with less force.

And that wasn’t all. The bow limbs could be folded into three parts for easy carrying, thanks to the minimized elasticity of the limbs.

"How... How did you come up with this...?"

This was no ordinary bow. It was a masterpiece of engineering, crafted from the finest materials.

Galbaric was amazed. Just how vast was Ghislain’s knowledge? Such a bow had never been seen or heard of across the continent.

Even though the blueprint only provided a concept, it was enough. The rest could be worked out by the dwarves themselves.

"Lord! Did you think of this yourself? What on earth is going on in that head of yours?"

Galbaric asked frantically, but Ghislain merely glanced away, muttering.

"...A legendary blacksmith once crafted this."

"Ahh! Why did the heavens bring me, Galbaric, into the world alongside such a legendary smith?!"

Galbaric clenched his fist in frustration. But he wasn’t easily deterred.

'The legendary blacksmith’s designs are mostly just concepts! They’re not finished products!'

He thought to himself that he had always been the one to bring those concepts to reality, meaning that even if that legendary blacksmith was brilliant, his own skills were just as exceptional.

“One day, I will surpass him and become the greatest blacksmith on the continent!”

Ghislain scratched his chin and looked away as Galbaric shouted in determination.

'Is that what they call a struggle with oneself? Though I’m not sure this is the right context for it.'

The official name of the bow was the "Violentus Hunter."

In his past life, Ghislain and the dwarves had crafted this weapon to counter a looming calamity. It was a weapon that combined portability and destructive power, one that elite units in each kingdom had equipped as standard.

Ghislain had gathered monster tendons specifically to create this bow.

“Well, that should do it. Now, make me two thousand of them as soon as possible. Just that many for now, since we're in a hurry. We’ll keep making them continuously.”

"Understood! So, you’re saying the elves will be the primary users? I believe there are about 200 elves. With all the materials here, I’ll match that number as quickly as possible!"

"No, I said two thousand."

"...Two thousand?"

"Yes."

Galbaric calmed down and questioned, carefully picking his words.

"As I mentioned, training mounted archers is as challenging as training knights. Are you sure you’ll actually use all two thousand? The elves still need to train in archery; it could take years."

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

"Don’t worry. Our soldiers are already on horseback, aren’t they? All they need to learn now is how to shoot accurately. And the elves? They’ll pick up archery quickly. Haven't you seen how they communicate with nature?"

"...Taming horses and shooting from horseback are two very different things, don’t you think?"

"Elves and bows go hand in hand, don’t you know?"

"...That’s something you only read in storybooks. It takes years to master archery."

"That may be true, but these elves have already harmonized with nature. Come, let’s go see them."

With a confident smile, Ghislain led Galbaric to the elves.

The elves had already domesticated over ten thousand horses, which were distributed across the territory for transportation and mounted training.

As a result, they now had spare time to undergo basic drill training and physical conditioning, led by Gillian.

Ghislain had purposefully delayed archery training. Physical conditioning was prioritized, followed by horse-taming.

"Alright, elves, today we start archery training."

"Ack!"

The elves, having succeeded in communicating with nature, no longer appeared lazy. Instead, they seemed to possess an air of elegance, though their speech remained unchanged due to the regimentation of military life.

Only one elf, Ascon, who communicated with nature through profanity, continued to grumble.

"Damn it, more archery training? This blasted territory doesn’t give us a break. I swear, one of these days, Mother Nature is going to lash out at this place."

The first to step forward was Lumina, chosen by Ghislain as she had succeeded in bonding with her horse earlier than the others.

"Just watch my posture and get a general feel for it. Focus solely on hitting the target."

Thanks to their training, Lumina could draw the bowstring without much difficulty. With Ghislain adjusting her stance a few times, she quickly took on a skillful appearance.

Creak.

She drew the string back and aimed at the wooden target.

Thinking it was merely practice, she didn't expect to hit it. However, as she focused, she began to sense something—an unusual awareness.

‘This feeling...’

Already attuned to nature, she could sense the wind’s movement.

Raising the bow slightly higher, she released the string, letting the arrow follow the flow of the wind.

Thwack.

The arrow flew with a sharp sound, striking the target. Though not dead center, it was a remarkable feat for a beginner.

"Whoa... How’d she do that?"

"Has she been secretly practicing archery?"

The other elves stared at Lumina in astonishment. She, equally surprised, looked down at her own hand in disbelief.

Ghislain smiled in satisfaction.

"See? Elves and archery are a natural fit."

Galbaric could only stare speechlessly. Communing with nature? Was that all it took to shoot so well?

Elves truly were a broken race, he thought bitterly. They’d probably master summoning spirits next. He felt a pang of envy over his dwarven origins.

‘I just forge things all day... get worked to the bone... and elves are even handsome and beautiful... Ah, life is unfair.’

Oblivious to Galbaric’s thoughts, Ghislain cried out excitedly.

“Alright, now let’s see if you can shoot from horseback!”

Lumina mounted a horse and took off. Despite the jostling, she instinctively adapted, releasing the arrow amidst the motion.

Thwack.

The arrow struck the target again. Shooting from horseback posed no issue.

“Whoa!”

The elves’ cheers echoed, though Lumina herself gasped in amazement at her own shot.

"I want to try too!"

"Bet I’ll hit the target better than anyone!"

"I’m the wind’s true master!"

The elves eagerly took turns shooting. Some missed the target, but most managed to hit at least the edge.

Even on horseback, they achieved results comparable to mounted archers with years of training.

Ascon, watching quietly, signaled to his horse.

“Hey, come here.”

Snorting, Ascon’s horse, named *Shibari*, approached with a fierce look. Though Ascon hadn’t named it himself, he’d overheard someone call it that and found it amusing.

“Let’s give it a shot too.”

He shouted and drew the bowstring while galloping. Suddenly, he felt he could do it. It was as if nature itself was speaking to him.

‘I feel the wind.’

The sensations guided him, telling him the right moment to release the string.

‘Ride the wind.’

Whoosh.

The arrow sailed high into the sky and vanished.

"Damn it. Guess it didn’t work for me."

Ascon’s horse snorted, seemingly amused.

Meanwhile, most of the elves, despite their inexperience, displayed remarkable skill in archery.

Ghislain looked at Galbaric and said, “What do you think? With just a bit of practice, they’ll get the hang of it, don’t you think?”

"...Only the elves could manage this. Ordinary soldiers would struggle, wouldn’t they?"

“Of course, they’ll need some training. But if we have the elves train alongside them, they’ll improve quickly. For now, it’s enough if they can just shoot while mounted. The key is that two thousand of them will fire at once.”

"..."

When two thousand archers aimed at a single target, precision wasn’t necessary. Simply aiming in the general direction would unleash a rain of arrows.

Galbaric, realizing he had no option but to proceed, grumbled.

“Fine, I’ll start production. But with only about four thousand soldiers in the territory, you’re turning over half of them into mounted archers?”

This time, his question was out of curiosity, not objection.

“No. We’re continuously recruiting new soldiers, aren’t we? Increasing the numbers will prevent any issues.”

“I heard recruitment was slower than expected.”

Ghislain shook his head, flashing a sly grin.

"Things will soon speed up."