Chapter 110: Probing

At Wushan Fortress, Ronin gave a detailed introduction to the weapons and equipment made from Black Iron Wood.

The Shield and Long Spear were both common designs, with the only difference being that they were made entirely of Black Iron Wood, so Ronin didn’t need to describe them in much detail.

His focus was on the Ironwood Chest Guard and the Ironwood Armor.

"The Ironwood Chest Guard is made by wrapping shaped Black Iron Wood in multiple layers of compressed linen. It’s lightweight and easy to wear. With the dual protection of the Black Iron Wood and the layered linen, it can defend against a longsword slash or an arrow aimed at the chest."

"The Ironwood Armor is made by processing Black Iron Tree wood into rectangular plates, which are then laced together with high-quality leather strips to form a tight structure."

As Ronin spoke, he took the Ironwood Armor from Macken and gave it a shake. The plates clacked against each other with a crisp sound.

"The plates overlap horizontally and vertically, making it difficult for an enemy’s weapon to penetrate. It can defend against slashes as well as piercing attacks from arrows and long spears. Furthermore, even if a few of the lacing cords are cut, the armor’s structural integrity will not be compromised."

He handed the Ironwood Armor back to Macken and said to the crowd, "You can all come see its effectiveness for yourselves. I believe that equipping the Knight Order with these will provide a significant boost to its combat power."

After his presentation, everyone present was not only interested in the equipment but also saw the Baron of Mountain Forest Town in a new light.

This was especially true for Lurans, who was seated in a high position. He was just now discovering that, beyond his disgraceful reputation, Ronin had his own merits. At the very least, he had a solid understanding of weapons and equipment.

He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. ’How did the boy never show any of these talents before?’

"I’ll test the effectiveness of this shield."

The leader of a Knight Squad, Galier, stepped forward. "Ronning Baron, who will be testing its effectiveness with me?"

"Your strength is considerable, Your Excellency. Let my Guard Officer, Macken, test it with you."

Ronin looked at Macken and reminded him, "Galier is at the Bronze Level. Be careful."

"Don’t worry, my lord."

Macken gripped the shield in his left hand, ready for battle. "Come on, Galier!"

Galier gave a Knight’s salute, then drew his longsword and charged.

Since they were testing the shield’s quality, the two didn’t display any body techniques, merely engaging in simple strikes and blocks.

Of course, Galier wasn’t using his full power. A full-force blow from a Bronze Level warrior would be difficult for even an Iron Shield to withstand, let alone an Ironwood Shield.

With a loud BANG, the longsword struck the shield, leaving a clear gash. However, because he had controlled his power, the mark wasn’t deep.

"It can block a slash from a Basic Level Knight."

Galier took a step back and delivered a second strike, this time increasing his power to the level of an Intermediate Knight.

Macken calmly met the attack, flawlessly blocking the second blow.

This time, a deeper notch was left on the shield, but because of the shield’s slight curve, the blade didn’t cut through, and it was still usable.

Just when everyone thought Galier had finished his attack, the corner of his mouth curled up, and he lunged forward, launching a real attack on Macken.

The crowd was stunned. Ronin’s brow furrowed, and he was about to call a halt, but then he noticed that Lurans showed no sign of surprise. ’Is he testing Macken’s strength?’

While Ronin was frowning in thought, the two had already begun to fight.

Macken had noticed something was off the moment the attack began. By the time Galier’s longsword thrust at him, he had already sidestepped it smoothly while simultaneously drawing the longsword from his back.

In an instant, the two men who were supposed to be testing a shield were locked in combat.

At first, neither used Fighting Qi, purely competing in body technique and power, but they found themselves to be evenly matched.

Then, their Fighting Qi erupted.

The fierce battle and their clashes stirred up gusts of air within Wushan Fortress. Even after erupting with Fighting Qi, which greatly increased his explosive power, Galier could only gain a slight advantage.

Galier circulated his Fighting Qi, preparing to use a Combat Skill.

But just then, Lurans, who was seated above, spoke up. "That’s enough."

Captain Toru also chimed in, "Galier, I told you to test the shield. What do you think you’re doing?"

Galier disengaged with a single strike and smiled. "I heard that the recent conquest of the Wilderness Tribe was largely due to the valiant efforts of Knight Macken. I couldn’t resist testing his skills."

He nodded toward Macken. "Seeing you in action today, you’re as strong as they say!"

Macken returned the salute, then stood by Ronin’s side, shield in hand.

Ronin chuckled. "Now that the test is over, Galier, what do you think of this shield?"

"It’s good!"

Galier nodded seriously. "It might not withstand many attacks from an Intermediate Knight, but for combat between ordinary soldiers, or even Basic Level Knights, it’s more than enough."

Toru nodded. "In that case, we can equip some."

As he spoke, he pointed to the Ironwood Armor that Ronin had just highlighted. "Compared to the shield, I’m more interested in this armor."

Toru walked over and took the Ironwood Armor. He squeezed one of the plates to test its hardness, then repeatedly examined its craftsmanship and hefted its weight.

"Dawson, come take a look at this armor."

The Quartermaster stepped forward. After nodding to Ronin, he took the Ironwood Armor and began to test it, which included stabbing and slashing at it with a dagger he carried.

Ronin also had Wodun and George assist by performing chopping attacks.

"My lords, the defensive capability of the Ironwood Armor is sufficient."

The Quartermaster, Dawson, gave his assessment. "The Knight Order is currently equipped with Plate Armor, Chain Armor, and Cloth Armor. While we have seen Zha Armor of this type of craftsmanship before, we have never equipped it."

"Chain Armor and Plate Armor offer strong protection, but they are too heavy, and their high production cost makes them very expensive. We haven’t prepared such armor for all our soldiers."

"Ordinary soldiers are generally equipped with Cloth Armor, but its protection is relatively weak and can’t be compared to this Ironwood Armor provided by Ronning Baron."

Listening to the Quartermaster’s introduction, Ronin nodded to himself.

’Chain Armor, Plate Armor, and Cloth Armor are all common types of armor. On Earth, Cloth Armor eventually evolved into Composite Armor, with defensive capabilities that were not inferior to Zha Armor.’

’But in this world, Cloth Armor is really just multiple layers of linen pressed together, so its defensive power isn’t very strong.’

"So, your recommendation is?" Knight Order Leader Toru inquired.

Dawson answered without hesitation, "We could equip one Knight Squad with it first. If it proves effective, we can then roll it out to the entire Knight Order, and even to other Knight Orders."

Toru nodded. "Galier, your Knight Squad will be the one to test it. Afterwards, you should discuss with Galier how many of each item would be appropriate to purchase."

"Oh, right. And please have Finance Officer Curry discuss the price with Ronning Baron."

In truth, the discussion of price should have come before confirming the order. This sequence of events could only mean that no matter the quality or price of the products Ronin offered, they were going to make a "goodwill" purchase today.

Ronin smiled and said, "The Ironwood Shields are 6 Silver Coins each, the Long Spears are 3 Silver Coins each, the Chest Guards are 1 Gold Coin each, and because the materials and craftsmanship for the Ironwood Armor are time-consuming, I’ve set the price at 3 Gold Coins per set."

Curry’s eyes lit up. "That’s a very reasonable price!"

He wasn’t just saying that to give face to Lurans or Ronin; Curry genuinely felt the price was very reasonable.

On the market, an ordinary set of Chain Armor costs 10 Gold Coins. While the overall defensive effect of the Ironwood Armor was considerably weaker than Chain Armor, each had its own pros and cons.

Despite being made of a special type of wood, it still had definite value, making the 3 Gold Coin price tag quite reasonable.

Curry had subconsciously assumed that Ronin would ask for a much higher price.

This price was acceptable.

"In that case, let’s proceed as you just said, Toru."

Lurans said, "Ronin, don’t you also have a Curved Plow for tilling? I’ve called over Civil Servant Albert. He will take you to test it in the fields of a manor now."

"Alright!"

Ronin looked at the last person in the fortress, Civil Servant Albert. "I’ll be troubling you, Your Excellency."

"It is my honor to be of service, Baron!"

Albert bowed slightly, then made a welcoming gesture, leading Ronin out of Wushan Fortress.

After everyone had left Wushan Fortress, Lurans looked at Galier. "What do you think of that man Macken’s strength?"

Galier bowed and replied, "His combat techniques and body technique are no inferior to mine. Without using Combat Skills, it would be highly unlikely for me to defeat him in a short amount of time."

Lurans let out a short laugh. "And that kid actually told me Macken only recently broke through from Intermediate Knight to Advanced Level."

Hearing this, Galier shook his head. "I wouldn’t say Macken has reached the Bronze Level, but he is definitely at the peak of the Advanced Level."

Toru asked, "My lord, then what you’re saying is...?"