The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

"Uwaaaaah!"
"Amazing!"
"I can’t believe such a weapon exists!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, raising their hands in excitement.

That massive tower had been obliterated in a single strike. To unleash that level of destruction, one would normally need to be at least a high-ranking mage.

Yet a mere soldier had demonstrated such power with just a simple operation. It was truly an incredible weapon.

Rumors of an impending war had already spread, unsettling the atmosphere of the territory. But after witnessing the weapon’s power, all worries vanished.

If they fired that thing a few more times, the enemy would be wiped out completely.

Even Count Boneto was left stunned, murmuring in astonishment,
"A-Amazing… truly amazing. I never imagined the empire could create such a terrifying weapon…"

"It was made for the war against the Demonic Realm. They are powerful, after all."

"Indeed. But with a weapon like this, even the Demonic Realm won’t stand a chance. Perhaps this long war may finally come to an end."

"It certainly will."

Julien’s voice was resolute. It wasn’t just an act—he genuinely meant it.

Count Boneto nodded repeatedly before asking,
"Hmm, do you have more of these, or is this the only one?"

"Unfortunately, we only brought one. Our goal was merely to test its capabilities and spread the word. However, the empire is continuously producing more."

"I-I see. But even a single one is more than enough… more than enough."

With that kind of firepower, even one could change the entire battlefield. Having just one was already something to be grateful for.

The local mages, filled with admiration, approached.

"The surge of mana just now was immense!"
"How in the world was this created? What’s the mechanism behind it?"
"Would it be alright if we took a closer look?"

Their eyes sparkled with curiosity, hoping to uncover at least a fraction of the weapon’s secrets.

Among them, the territory’s chief mage was the most excited.

He was a 5th-Circle mage, and yet the power emanating from that weapon had far surpassed what he could muster.

His curiosity was unbearable.

However, Julien and the mercenaries firmly blocked their approach.

"No."

"C-Couldn’t we just take a quick look?"

"No. This is the empire’s secret weapon. We cannot risk leaking its technology."

"But we’re on the same side… surely just a small glance wouldn’t—"

"We were sent here to demonstrate the weapon’s power and spread awareness. Nothing more. We do not have permission from His Holiness to share any details. If you insist, we will have no choice but to leave."

Count Boneto, alarmed, quickly stepped in to stop the mages.

"Haha! This is the empire’s secret weapon, after all! Of course, they must be careful about leaks! Stay back, all of you! No one is to approach the weapon!"

Losing their goodwill would be a disaster. Count Boneto issued firm orders and sided with Julien.