28. Displaying Force

“Lord, did you really design these weapons yourself? They are simply ingenious!” Off exclaimed in awe as he held the blueprints for the repeating crossbow that Mo Fei had given him.

“I’ve named this weapon the repeating crossbow. Unlike a regular bow, it doesn’t require manually drawing the string; it fires faster, shoots farther, and is perfect for legion warfare. Elder, do you think you can craft it based on these blueprints?” The repeating crossbow’s components were exceedingly intricate, and Mo Fei was unsure whether the dwarven craftsmen could manage the task.

“Don’t worry, Lord. Although we’ve never made such a thing before, with such detailed blueprints from you, I’m confident we can produce a prototype within two days,” Elder Off assured him, patting his chest.

“I’ll leave it in your capable hands then, Elder. These repeating crossbows are vital for our Minotaur warriors—they’re our best weapon against mages and ranged attackers. Once we’re on the battlefield, they’ll reduce countless threats!” Mo Fei was deeply invested in the production of these crossbows.

With the support of imperial military funds, the finest warriors, and the best craftsmen on the continent, Mist City managed to arm an entire force of twenty thousand Minotaur berserkers within a single week.

They wore armor custom-designed by the dwarven craftsmen to suit their physique. The armor enveloped the entire body, with even the gaps at the neck and joints protected by chainmail, minimizing the chances of the warriors being wounded.

“Lord, we’ve managed to produce five thousand sets of repeating crossbows, all of which have already been distributed to the army. We’re working hard on the rest as well. Based on your design, we made some improvements—we’ve equipped each crossbow with four arrow magazines, each holding fifty bolts. This way, we avoid the need to reload individual bolts,” Off explained.

“Excellent! I’m no expert after all, so I’ll rely on your expertise for any refinements in the equipment. As for other matters, you need not worry,” Mo Fei said, satisfied with the progress of the past few days.

“Your words put my mind at ease, Lord. We’ve tested the crossbow’s range—it’s about two hundred meters, twice as far as an ordinary bow, more than sufficient for dealing with enemy archers. However, it still falls short against the long-range attacks of mages. Therefore, I propose we make a batch of reinforced ballistae, specifically to counter professions like mages. But as for the funding…” Elder Off looked at Mo Fei, somewhat embarrassed.

Mo Fei wanted to give himself a slap. Why did he have to make trouble for himself? Still, he only grumbled inwardly. Any suggestion truly beneficial to Mist City and its army, he would support without hesitation.

Take the berserker armor, for example—each set cost three thousand gold coins to produce, and that was with their own craftsmen. If sold outside, it would fetch at least five thousand gold per set, not to mention the cost of weapons and crossbows. Truly, maintaining an army was like burning money.

Mo Fei’s original one hundred and fifty million gold coins had been spent on acquiring territory, building the city, and supporting the population of over a hundred thousand. The expenses for the berserker legion were already stretching him thin. Even with the fifty million in military funds allocated by the Empire, it was still not enough. It seemed he would have to go to his father-in-law to squeeze out a bit more. Mo Fei thought to himself mischievously.

“Kane, select a hundred elite warriors and equip them with our newest gear. You’ll accompany me to the imperial capital tomorrow,” Mo Fei ordered.

The next day, Mo Fei led a hundred of the most elite Minotaur berserkers, setting out in impressive formation for the imperial capital. They chose to ride Windrunners, not stopping once along the way. After a full day’s journey, they arrived at Dragonrock City early the next morning.

When the guards atop the city gate saw Mo Fei approaching with a group of fierce, fully-armed Minotaur berserkers—clearly recognizable as Minotaurs—they immediately treated them as a formidable threat.

“Who are you? What business brings you to Dragonrock City? Unless you state your purpose, we cannot let you through these gates,” the captain of the gate guards shouted down to Mo Fei and his party.

Normally, berserkers were forbidden from entering the capital. But faced with a hundred fully-armed Minotaur berserkers, the guard captain did not dare be overly forceful.

In the end, only after Vivian presented her princess’s insignia did the city guards allow them entry.

Mo Fei and his company, mounted on imposing steeds, rode through the streets of the capital, drawing countless gazes along the way. When had the capital ever seen such a sight? One hundred Minotaur berserkers, all in berserk form, marched in four neat columns behind Mo Fei and Vivian, heading toward the royal palace.

Their formidable procession naturally caught the attention of the city’s patrols.

Sure enough, before long, a patrol squad of over twenty men intercepted them.

“Halt! Who allowed you to appear in the capital?” From the rear of the patrol, a young man in his early twenties strode up to Mo Fei and his group, speaking harshly.

“Victor, don’t you recognize who I am? You even dare to stop me?” Vivian, annoyed at being blocked, snapped at the patrol’s captain.

“Your Highness, I wouldn’t dare impede your passage. But until the identities of the others are verified, they must submit to an inspection,” Victor replied, all business.

Victor, as the son of the Empire’s Minister of Finance, had already become the captain of the capital’s patrol at a young age. Among the younger generation of the capital, he was considered highly accomplished. Like many of the capital’s young elite, Victor harbored deep affection for Princess Vivian. But recently he’d heard that the princess’s heart had been captured by some upstart nobody, which infuriated him.

Today, upon hearing that the princess and a young man had returned to the capital leading a unit of Minotaur berserkers, Victor decided to bring his men and put Mo Fei in his place. He doubted Mo Fei would dare cause trouble within the capital walls.

Mo Fei, who had remained silent until now, could tell from Victor’s attitude toward Vivian that the man’s true target was himself and the Minotaur warriors.

“And how does the captain intend to inspect us?” Mo Fei asked coolly.

“These lowly Minotaurs will, of course, leave the capital immediately. As for you, leading a group of fully armed Minotaurs into the city and disturbing the peace—you’ll come with us for questioning,” Victor said, emboldened by his status and confident that Mo Fei wouldn’t dare act out in the capital.

“What did you just say? Lowly Minotaurs?” Mo Fei’s expression darkened. Since allying with the Minotaurs, he had felt their respect and loyalty, and he had come to regard them as his own family. He had silently vowed never to allow his people to be looked down upon again. Victor’s words had crossed a line.

“Kane, cut them down,” Mo Fei said calmly to Kane, who had been restraining himself, waiting for Mo Fei’s command.

“You dare—do you know who I am? I am—” Victor’s words were cut short as Kane, enraged, swung his axe and struck him down. Victor had never imagined Mo Fei would actually dare to act within the city.

Mo Fei didn’t care who Victor was or where this was. Anyone who dared insult his brothers would have to face his wrath.

The patrol squad Victor had brought, seeing Kane and the others a