Meeting with a Craftsmen (full)

(A/N: Sorry for the long gap between each chapter, I am actually writing the story in big chunks rather than small chapters to prevent plot changes from one chapter to another.

If you have any suggestions or thoughts about my story feel free to comment.)

1.

"An army marches on its stomach" these were the words famously spoken by Napoleon which held especially true for the army that invaded Baron Markus's barony, the soldiers of Duke Anarus Pine. It took General Ishtar only 1500 men and 20 mages to defeat the enemy's army who were already struggling to fight because their forces responsible for handling supplies were attacked preemptively. This forced Duke Ararus's army to direct their plans into capturing the wheat valley town.

Against an army whose whole plan was based around capturing the wheat valley town Ishtar's victory was certain but even after winning flawlessly, there was a lingering displeasing feeling in Ishtar's heart and the reason for his unhappiness was because of a small mistake, a fatal mistake. In the council before the battle his employer's third son, Liam had pointed out a mistake in his plan and the rumor of which was spreading all around the barony.

The reason for this quick spread of information was due to the maids who worked in the baron's mansion. The rumor was very believable but at the same time, it was highly exaggerated. It didn't take Ishtar long to figure out the origin of these rumors but all his efforts of his censorship failed once the news reached the public.

He held two letters in his hand while sitting at his office located at the fort city of Weizen. The first letter was from Markus congratulating him on his swift victory while the second letter that came simultaneously after the first was asking for confirmation of the news about the rumor.

"The news has reached the ears of our lord Markus," He said as he threw the second letter to his companion.

His companion, a knight under his commands namely Sir Simon S. Silk, second in command of General Ishtar. The knight lifted the letter and read it thoroughly; he was confused about why General Ishtar was annoyed by it. The letter only asked whether Liam's suggestion helped in the progress of battle did or not.

Simon was confused about whether should he tell his commander not to think about it or should he go along with him. "There is so much we can do." He decided to take the safe route.

"Did you figure out who was the one to spread it to the locals?"

"We asked around and it seems the first the public heard it, it came from a maid that works in the Baron's mansion."

Ishtar clenched his fist and his face twisted. "Her maids I assume."

"It is as you say," Simon confirmed.

"What about the boy? Do you think they were working together?" Ishtar was hostile but refused to name the person in question.

Simon understanding Ishtar's emotions decided to follow the conversation, "I want to say yes, but his mother brought him to the room right after his classes. It appears the boy was not aware of the meeting."

Ishtar did not believe his companion's words, "That does not prove that they aren't working together."

"I beg to differ."

"What do you mean?"

"According to our informants, the boy had no idea of the attack from the enemy until he was brought to the room," Simon explained.

"I don't believe that." Ishtar shook his head rejecting Simon's explanation.

"Apparently, it's true, they said that the boy was confused when his mother decided to bring him to the meeting."

"Then how can you explain what happened?" He shouted in frustration.

"He got lucky I guess." Simon calmly replied.

"Lucky! My foot! There is no way that a boy like him can get lucky like that." He cursed, "He was smirking at me when I was leaving the room. He knew what he was doing when he started asking those stupid questions."

Simon had heard about what had happened inside the meeting room and he too believed that Liam was targeting to humiliate Ishtar but after reading the reports from his informants he started having doubts but he also knew his informants would never lie to him.

"If you can't believe that he was Lucky then the only other reason is that the boy is actually a genius. Sir let me tell you this, the fact that the boy was unaware of the topic for that day's meeting is 100% true."

His mind went blank but Ishtar could not believe that a 12-year-old child was intelligent enough to understand military tactics or ever will be in the hundred years have the capacity to see a flaw in a general's plan.

"He must have been lucky that's what happened right?" Ishtar tried to convince himself at which his companion simply nodded. "Let's see how long luck will stay by his sides. Simon." He commanded.

"Yes!" the knight jolted when Ishtar called his name. He shuddered when he saw the creeping smile in Ishtar's face. The only time he saw this face was when Ishtar decided to massacre a village just because they were hiding an enemy spy.

"Did we already clear the beasts that were attacking the woodcutters?"

"No, we didn't?" He answered hesitatingly.

"Good. His mother wants me to educate him, doesn't she? I will gladly educate him. Write a letter to the Baron explaining to him that we would like to invite the boy for the extermination of beasts that are attacking the woodcutters. Write it under the pretense of us wanting to educate the boy in noble duties of protecting the citizen."

"I can do that but will the Lord Listen to our request? Won't the lord assume something is wrong if you request taking the boy into a dangerous mission right after the rumor? I think you should calmly think before making a rash decision."

"I am calm," Ishtar replied, "That boy needs to know that luck won't save him all the time. Besides I won't be leading the exposition." He stared at Simon.

"Then who will?" He asked nervously.

"You will, who else can I appoint to that boy without raising Baron's suspicions."

"How could I? I can't babysit and focus on the task at the same time."

"Just provide a bodyguard for him and you can focus on the job. Once he sees the danger that we face on a daily basis he will run back to his mother crying."

"I understand your plan but why me?"

"Because we both know that the boy had a fluke, the others truly believe that he is a genius." He slammed his fist on the table, "As soon as we can clear their misconception and stop this rumor from spreading the better."

It was now clear to Simon that Ishtar hated Liam. He would often hear soldiers talking about them when he took his stroll. He could understand Ishtar's feeling but was still dejected.

"Once they know how much of a mother's boy that child is the soldiers will start giving me the respect I deserve," Ishtar announced triumphantly while his companion silently gave him concern looks.

2.

Catherine sat near the window of her room as she read the letter that came from her spy inside Ishtar's army. She could not help but smile at his successful triumph over the invading army Duke Anarus. Normally she wouldn't have any opinion about General Ishtar's victory but this time it was different because this time her son Liam had a great part in the planning phase of the battle.

Ishtar had tried his best to outshine Liam by winning the battle in 5 days but his actions only made Liam's insight that much more important.

It was truly a huge mistake that General Ishtar made because he was rushing his plans. In his hurry, Ishtar had missed the enemy's true intention which was later identified by Liam. Apparently it turned out somewhat true. Catherine celebrated her son's achievement by drinking her favorite wine with salted snacks.

All while she was enjoying her time a maid knocked on her door,

"Milady, your son, Liam, and his retainer Master Portus wants to have an audience with you." Her waiting-maid announced.

She hurriedly began to pat her thighs removing any crumbs that might have fallen on her lap. After checking her hair and teeth in the mirror that her maid carried she announced, "Let them in."

The door opened and then came a boy whose face closely resembled the blonde woman.

"Thank you for seeing us today, mother." Liam thanked her mother with a gentle bow and entered with his bodyguard/caretaker.

"Good afternoon Milady." Portus greeted with a soft bow.

"Good afternoon indeed, master Portus." She greeted him back and then turned to Liam, "So? What do you want to talk with me today?"

"I was about to visit the craftsmen in the town and I was hoping to know whether do you want me to bring you something."

"That is so thoughtful of you." She praised him. "I guess I am running out of my medication, can you fetch me a few vile while you are there." She said with a smile.

"Absolutely." He agreed, "Is there anything else."

"There's nothing else." She said after thinking for a while.

"In that case, we will be leaving," Liam announced so the maids can hear him.

"Have a wonderful day." Catherine waved his son goodbye.

The maids opened the door for Liam and Portus. Catherine locked her eyes against Portus for few seconds before Portus turned back and followed Liam.

Soon after they stopped hearing footsteps one of the maids spoke, "Milady, haven't you already bought the medicines this morning?"

"I did but how can I say no to him." she said cheerfully, "My son wants to be helpful, I can't tell him that I don't need anything."

"I think you are spoiling him too much." the maid said while clearing out the table.

"Do you have a son Mary?" she confronted the maid.

"I don't milady."

"Then you won't understand." She cutely puffed her chest.

At which the maid giggled softly.

.

.

For a child of a noble, their busiest days are when it is decided that they will be joining the academy. Once it was decided that a child has to join the academy their whole routine until he is registered for the academy is being planned out.

From the moment they wake up to their bedtime their daily routine is planned by their teachers. However, all is not that bad for Liam. Since Liam was the third child of a baron his father has spent only an appropriate amount of money for his education. This meant that Liam had two days off at the end of every second and last week.

Liam bounced up and down every time his horse moved forwards on the uneven ground which his companion and caretaker Portus found funny. Their horse galloped through the dirt roads that were made by the travelers over a long period by killing every grass beneath them. Portus sat straight on his horse while Liam remained stiff and constantly adjusted his positions on the saddle.

"Where are we going today?" Asked Portus.

"Didn't you hear what I said to my mother?"

"I did but it's not like you can't lie to her."

"It was only once in the past and might I remind you that it was you who screwed up," Liam had once lied to his mother and went to the town on his own. Catherine was heartbroken and to please her Liam promised her that he will meet his mother every time he leaves the mansion and tell her where he will go. Even though it all turned out to be an act to make him confess but Liam still respected his promise.

"I didn't know a maid from the mansion will be in the town and you should have told me the truth." He laughed recalling the past.

"Save your excuses we both know she didn't come there to buy flour." Liam hated that maid since then. He somehow knew that she was sent there to spy on him.

Portus covered his mouth trying his best to control his laughter, "I still don't know why we are going to the town." He said after he had his fill.

"We will be checking on the weapon that I asked the craftsmen to build."

"Oh? That shaft bow thingy." Portus tried to recall the image of the weapon in question.

"It's called crossbow, you should at least know its name considering you were the one who introduced me to the craftsmen."

"Really? When did I do that?" He joked.

"Forget it old man, your age is making you senile."

Portus laughed between his teeth, he was reminded of how easy it was to tease Liam.

As their horses ran over the grass fields the image of rows of houses started to appear over the horizon. Liam's accelerated his horse towards the direction of the village.

"Quickly Portus, We don't have all day." He called while charging his horse.

"You know for an old man like me horse riding is like a hammer to my back." He exaggeratingly grabbed his back.

"Quit stalling." Liam scolded the old man, he knew it was all an act but still reduced his speed.

It took them thirty minutes but they safely managed to reach the town without any back injury. At the entrance of the village stood three children two boys and a girl.

"Lord Liam." The children shouted when they saw Liam and impatiently ran towards him.

"John, Amanda, Kevin," Liam called out their names. "Thanks for receiving me."

"It is not a problem." John bowed.

"Lord does not need to thank us." Said Amanda.

"It is as my elder sister says." Said Kevin.

"Neighhhh...." The horse neighed as Liam pulled its reins to make it halt.

He jumped off his horse and handed the reins to Amanda while Kevin and John helped Portus.

"Thank you, kids." Portus thanked the boys.

"No problem Master Portus," Kevin replied.

Portus smiled at the kids and took the lead back in his hand.

"Let's go to the craftsman's house," Liam stated.

"Let me lead you there." Kevin happily announced. He acted as if he was a guide and enthusiastically led them towards the craftsman home, "This way everyone."

"We all know the way Kevin you don't need to rush." Amanda scolded him.

"You're no fun." He pouted at which Liam giggled.

"It's nice to have siblings," Liam spoke between his laughs.

"Doesn't Lord already have sib-" Before Kevin could finish his sentence Amanda placed her hands over his mouth and continued.

"Lord Liam, do you know John's father had bought him a sword and bow?"

"Is that so John?" Liam addressed John while Amanda glared Kevin.

"Yes my lord, it is all thanks to you teaching me the basics of combats."

"You don't have to thank me but instead thank master Portus here. He is the one who taught me everything I know."

John turned to Portus at which he spoke, "No need to thank me either, even though you learned my techniques it was still Young master who taught you."

"I guess that's true." John confusingly agreed.

From his young age, John wanted to become a knight and he decided to learn basic martial arts but since there wasn't anyone to teach him he practice alone in the woods. That was where he met Liam and they became friends. Liam being taught from a young age decided to help John which led to his father acknowledging his strength and buying him the sword and bow.

"Don't act humble you old man." Liam criticized the old man.

"I can say the same to you."

The children laughed at the tsundere nature of Liam's at which he was confused. They talked about John's parents for a while before Kevin announced their destination.

"It's here, Craftsman Gale's studio." He also did jazz hands to exaggerate his words.

Liam saw a house that was made out of wood and had wattle and daub walls plastered with lime. The roof of the house was made from wooden shingles and had a rain channel that ended into a container carved out of wood.

While Liam was examining the house Kevin hurried, "What are we waiting for let's get in." He pushed the door but it refused to move. Normally the door would be open at this time.

"It appears the door is locked," Liam said.

"I guess he went outside," Amanda suggested. "Should we wait?"

"We should leave and come back later I still need to buy some medicine for my mother."

"Let's come back later."

While others were preparing to leave the shop, Kevin forcefully knocked on the door and started shouting.

"Gale there are people here to see you, are you listening to you old man, open the door, if you don't open this door I will break it down, I will count to three. One, Two, Th—" Before he could say three Amanda punched his head.

"Oww oww oww." Kevin turned back and saw his sister furiously glaring at him. "What are you doing?"

"I should be the one asking you? Why are you knocking on a locked door and threatening to break it?"

"It's because—," before he could finish Amanda again punched his head. "Oww, stop it."

"I will when you start acting sane." Before she could hit him again the doors started to unshackle and it opened.

The person who opened the door was Gale, the craftsman that Liam came to see.

"It appears he is home," Liam stated.

"I told you he was inside." Everyone blankly stares at him.

"I guess you were right," Amanda stated and punched Kevin's head again.

"Oww." Kevin cried while covering his head.

"Master Liam and Master Portus come on in." Gale invited them into his home.

3.

Gale's house was the same as something you would expect from a craftsman's house, it had countless tools and many unfinished works lying all around the floor. The place was a mess but it was surprisingly clean. Nothing that lied on the floor was garbage but instead, they were a tool or one of Gale's unfinished orders.

"Sorry that my house is not that tidy." He apologized.

"I don't mind." Liam didn't show any concern for the unorganized lifestyle of Gale but it could not be said for the other children.

They were unhappy by the scattered things that lied in the ground. This was not something their parents will ever allow them to have.

"This way," Gale led them towards his surprisingly spacious living room. Apart from a table and two chairs he did not own anything that could be called furniture which was weird considering he was a craftsman.

"I don't have much stuff, but please feel free to sit anywhere" Gale offered them seats but except for the old man Portus others decided to remain standing.

"Can you bring the thing that I asked you to make?"

"Yes! Absolutely." Said gale and went inside his room.

While Gale was inside Kevin started to look around his house.

"Look at this." Kevin held a wooden box in his hand.

"Kevin!" Amanda scolded his brother, "Put that down, you don't know what it is."

"I just want to look." Kevin slowly opened the box but before he could see what was inside he felt a person stabbing him from behind.

He shuddered and looked back but found no one. Before he could repeat his actions they heard Gale coming back from his room.

Kevin hurriedly placed the box in its original location and stood next to his friends.

"Here is that thing." Gale came out of his room with a large wooden trunk in his hands. He looked around and stared at the box that Kevin just picked he then turned to Kevin before placing the Large wooden trunk on the table.

The trunk was of dimensions 160x80x50 and had one large handle on its center and two smaller handles on its sides all of which were made out of iron. The trunk also had brass hinges and two brass lock that did not have a key instead used a metal pin to lock and unlock. Also, the corners of the trunk were decorated with metal corners.

He placed the trunk on the table and removed the pins from the lock which hung from the lock with a string. With two sharp clicks, he unclamped the locks and opened its lid back.

Liam walked closer to the box and saw the unassembled crossbow and all its parts were placed inside its own compartment. He then took out the wooden body of the crossbow and started examining it.

"How is it?" Gale asked worriedly.

Liam held the body of the crossbow in his hand and stared at the smooth edges. At the front of the body was the stirrup used for cocking the crossbow and few inches away from the front was the string stopper that was carved into the wood. Some inches between the string stopper and trigger were two pulleys that were leveled close to the groove this was something that was supposed to be used as string guide and create more tension into the bow and lastly an arrow retention clip which is there to prevent the arrow from flying off in wrong directions.

His hand rested perfectly on the trigger grip and the foregrip that were specially designed to fit his hands. He checked its center of weight and then placed its stock on his shoulder; he held the crossbow's body like a modern rifle and performed a mock shooting.

"It feels nice," He mumbled to himself and then shifted his attention to the bow.

The bow was a recurve bow made from steel and had a beautiful wavy shape. It had beautiful curves on its limbs which smoothly transitioned into its recurve.

"Assemble it," Liam commanded and handed everything to Gale.

Gale took the bow and passed it through the hole made in front of the crossbow's body and then took out two wooden triangles from the box. Using a wooden mallet that was inside the box he hammered the two wooden triangles into the hole that was used to hold the bow.

After securing the bow in its place he strung the bow behind the string stopper that was made into the crossbow's body. After checking it for the last time Gale handed the fully assembled crossbow to Liam.

Just as previous Liam placed the stock of the crossbow at his chest and using both hands he tried to pull its string but failed. All while others looked at him with impressed eyes.

"What is that?" Kevin was the first to inquire but it was apparent to Liam that Amanda and John also had the same questions in their mind.

"This is a Liam's bow." Liam proudly announced at which Portus and Gale gave him questioning stares. "Eeheem," He cleared his throat, "it is a crossbow that uses a design that is unique to me and which makes it 5 times more powerful than regular crossbows." He explained to the questioning stares.

"Can I try?" Kevin eagerly asked all while trying to steal the crossbow from his hands.

"Me too." Amanda hurriedly joined.

"Me as well." John hurriedly joined the two.

Liam watched as his friends begged him to use his crossbow. He wanted to gloat but decided against it. "Okay, okay, you can use it but only after I have done some testing and each one of you will get three shots and no more. Do you all agree?"

"Yes." They happily agreed.

"And you also have to follow my directions. I don't want you to shoot it in the wrong way and damage it."

"Okay." They announced.

"Gale, hand me the magic item."

At his statement, Portus's eyes widened. Liam was the third son of a baron and hence he had an allowance similar to a daily wage worker. For Liam to buy the cheapest magic item would require a year of his allowance.

"Here you go." Gale handed Liam what can be only called was a bronze hook.

Unlike regular hooks this magic item had two prongs that are shorter than normal hooks and also their tips were dulled. It wasn't apparent to Portus at first but after seeing Liam hold the magic item between his fingers he had somewhat an idea of what it was.

Liam placed the hook over the string and using the stirrup of the crossbow he easily pulled the string into the trigger where it locked itself. The string went out from the ends of the bow and then through the pulleys in the middle that directed the string into the trigger. Doing that made the bow flex further which meant that now the bow held more power.

The crossbow was designed in such a way that the latch which is supposed to hold the string was three inches behind the trigger and the grip.

While aiming at the door Liam shot an empty shot which produced a loud sound. Even with that much power, Liam felt that his hands were stable and the sturdy body of the crossbow was able to hold its power.

His lips thinned out and stretched from his cheek to cheek, He grinned at the thought of having a powerful weapon that only he possessed, like a young boy who was the only one with a limited edition toy in his school.

"Wow!" Kevin exclaimed and eagerly started requesting the crossbow, soon others followed.

"Stop all of you," Liam shouted at the three overly eager children. "Do you remember what I said?"

"Yes." They replied apologetically.

"Then go to the shooting range and wait for us there, Portus and I will meet you there, after doing some personal business"

"You promise you will come there?"

"I promise." At Liam's promise, they controlled their emotions.

"Understood," John replied and pulled the other two with him.

…

…

The kids left Gale's home leaving the three of them behind.

"Are you happy with the results?" Gale asked nervously.

"Yes, I guess I am happy with it for now."

Gale secretly took a breath of relief. He has been working on this for a few months and each time Liam visited him he would point out a defect in the design which made him revise his work. He didn't want to admit it but it was also the reason why so many of his work was still unfinished.

"In that case, I'll bring out the arrows I made for it." He hurriedly went into his room.

"Is that the thingy you wanted?" Portus asked Liam.

"It's called a crossbow, and yes." Liam corrected Portus.

"You look a little unsatisfied." He said with judging eyes.

Liam remained silent for a while but decided to tell Portus, "This might be the closest anyone can get to my desires and I am satisfied with how it turned out. I am not saying it is bad and it is a very good weapon, but…"

"It could have been better." Portus completed his sentence for Liam.

"It could have been better." He said softly.

"Then why don't you tell him to improve it? He has been working on it for a few months now I bet he can still work some more on it or are you conflicted about breaking your promise with those kids."

"My promise has nothing to do with this crossbow."

"Then why?"

Liam stared the crossbow with saddened eyes, "I can't ask him to waste more of Gale's time on a weapon designed by a twelve-year-old, he has already spent this last few months working on my silly request, and it appears he started neglecting his regular job to work on it."

"Is that so?" Portus felt proud looking at a boy who can separate his selfish desires from well being of others.

"Yes."

"That's very considerate of you."

"I am only doing this because I don't want a great craftsman like him to reject my future orders just because it takes him too much time." He fought back Portus's statement.

"Tsundere." Portus muttered.

"What was that?" Liam glared at him.

"Your eardrums are ringing."

…

"Here are the arrows." Gale handed Liam a bunch of arrows tied together with a string.

"Thanks." He replied and took the bunch of the arrows tied together.

He took one out of the bunch and examined it. The arrows that Gale brought had different heads and unlike regular arrows, it was screwed into the shaft rather than capped. These arrows were also fletched with wooden wings instead of the regular feather fletches.

"Here is your payment." Liam placed a pouch of coins on the table.

The sharp clink that the pouch produced was something the trained ears of Portus cannot forget.

"Gold," Portus said under his breath which could not be heard by others.

"Thank you?" Gale said and took the leather pouch filled with coins.

"Let's go to the shooting range." Liam addressed the old man who was discreetly examining his actions. Gale packed everything into the wooden box and lastly held the assembled crossbow which did not fit inside the box.

"Thank you for your work." Liam thanked Gale for the last time before leaving with Portus.

Before Portus left Gale's shop he was handed a small piece of paper. It was an action performed so discreetly that Liam who was walking side by side with Portus was unaware of it.

4.

It has been 20 years since the late Baron Aragus made it mandatory for every young man to learn archery however this law was short-lived and only stayed for a few years. It was revoked before Liam was born but people around the Barony did not destroy the shooting ranges. The first reason for that was because they respected Aragus decision to train young men and since these ranges were made in un-arable lands it never became a necessity to remove it.

Liam saw an open field that had many targets standing on the edge of the flatlands. Many of the targets that stood in the fields were made when Aragus introduced the law while the rest were remade by the villages.

"They're here," Kevin shouted as soon as he noticed Liam and Portus walking towards them. They held the reins of the horses. Following Kevin's cue, his sister and friend stood up and confirmed his statement. From the looks of it, Kevin has already fooled them once.

"Lord Liam this way quick." Amanda eagerly shouted after confirming Liam's arrival.

Liam watched as Amanda came running towards him from the range. He found that the archery range was well maintained and even in this season did not have overgrown weeds, which showed the respect of villagers for Aragus.

"Let's shoot," Liam announced lifting the crossbow in his hand while his other hand grabbed the reins of the horse.

"Yeah," Kevin and Amanda shouted in excitement.

"Let me help you with that." John offered to help Portus who was holding the box that is used to keep the crossbow.

"Thank you." Portus gladly accepted John's help.

It took them some time to unpack all the arrows and after finalizing the setup Liam went forward with the crossbow in his left hand while he grabbed a hook in his right hand. Using the magical hook he pulled its string and locked it into the trigger, he then took a bolt from the top of the box, which is now used as a table, and then nocked it into the string.

He placed the stock of the crossbow into his shoulder like a rifle and then aiming through the back of the trigger to the tip of the arrow he pressed the trigger.

"Clungg…" The string was released with a loud sound and it hit the stopper where the arrow left the crossbow, "Wiinnngggg…" With a sharp whistle, the arrow flew through the air and, "Swuuup…" The arrow tore through the target mat and sunk deeply into the hay block behind at which everyone including Liam stared at blankly towards the direction of the arrow.

"That was amazing." Kevin excitedly jumped up and down.

"Wow, you've outdone yourself." Amanda praised Liam.

"Congratulations Lord Liam."

Liam mindlessly received their praise while his all focus was on the target. From the distance of 15 meters, Liam was able to tear through the target mat which was something that he has never witnessed, and from the looks on the children they didn't either.

Portus's eyes widen as he was trying to grasp reality. He was Liam's combat teacher and he knew that never in a million years will Liam ever be able to perform what he just did with a regular bow, not even an enchanted bow would help Liam. The only thing that used was a magic item he bought from a baron's third son's allowance and a crossbow that uses a metal bow on a wooden frame.

'If he were to enchant that Crossbow how much power will it get?' Portus said to himself. He was afraid of a twelve-year-old child who has managed to create a weapon that can easily kill someone with a movement of a finger. He wondered whether the monster who created this destructive weapon had any idea of his creation.

"Let's take a look at where the arrow went." Liam Announced. At which Portus hurriedly followed him. For a moment it looked as if Portus became a child again, his expression was the same as everyone who was following the person who shot the arrow.

"Let's go." Kevin hurriedly ran past Liam.

"You little troglodyte," Amanda shouted at her brother and ran after him.

"Don't pull out the arrow I want to examine the hit," shouted Liam who was now walking slower after noticing Portus.

"Understood" Kevin shouted without turning back.

It didn't take the two long before they reached the target and as they have seen before there was a hole in the mat. Archery mats are woven with strong fibers so being able to pierce one was something that can only be done by the Knights or an elite warrior.

"Wow!" Kevin excitedly put his fingers through the whole which was slightly larger than his thumb.

"I found the arrow," Amanda shouted from the back of the target. "It is stuck on the ground behind the hay."

"We are coming," answered Liam all while John helped Portus.

Once they were behind a wall of the hay bales they saw the arrow stuck to the ground just as Amanda said. The arrow had pierced the archery mat, cut through the pile of tightly packed hay, and dug itself into the ground.

Liam grabbed the arrow from the part that was just above the ground and pulled the arrow out. In doing so he has also broken the tip. He dug out the arrowhead and then placed the broken arrow tip onto the rest by arranging the splinters of the break.

The length of the arrow that was under the ground was 15cm from the tip. Everyone was excited at the results but one of them tried his best to not let it show in his face.

"Let's increase the distance of shooting, I don't want to break all the arrows on the first day," Liam said.

"I can't wait to shoot it." Kevin excitedly announced, ever since Liam pulled out the arrow his attention was focused on the bow.

"No, I will shoot it first." Amanda overpowered her brother.

"A girl should not play with such things," Kevin argued.

"Lord doesn't care if you are a boy or a girl and for your information, he likes me more than he like you. I mean everyone does who would want a loudmouth like you near them."

"Stop both of you." Liam scolded the siblings. "I still have many tests to do before I let you shoot it, don't make me go back to the mansion after I am finished with my tests."

Both Kevin and Amanda meekly lowered their heads. They both knew the Liam who wasn't nice so they quickly apologized.

"We are sorry." Both Kevin and Amanda apologized in unison at which Liam began to calm down.

"For now let's go back farther and shoot it so that we don't damage the arrow," Liam said in his regular tone that made the two shivering children calm down.

"Okay." They happily replied and followed Liam to their original place.

It took them some time to find the right distance where the arrow would not blast through the target and stick to the ground. After firing 5 consecutively close shots at the target without piercing through the mat Liam decided it was time to end the test.

The distance that they found effective was around 75 meters from the target. At this distance, the crossbow was powerful enough to reach the target and stick to it but this distance also meant that their accuracy was highly reduced. Liam had a hard time hitting the center of the target but after a few accurate shots, he was able to maintain his aim.

"Okay, the test ends here," Liam stated as he placed the crossbow to his sides.

Kevin and Amanda excitedly jumped and cheered as if they were waiting for those exact words which startled Liam.

"Remember each one of you will get three shots and no more." Liam reminded the overly-eager kids.

"Yes." The siblings spoke in unison.

"John, can you pull out a bunch of grass?" Liam asked.

"Yes," John bent over and pulled a lock of grass and handed it to Liam.

Liam separated the dried grasses from the bunch and picked three similar-looking grass blades. He tore the end from the two grass and put his hands behind his back. He then raised his fist holding the three grass blades. "Choose one, the person with the tallest blade will be the one who goes first."

At his statement, Kevin aggressively stared at the grasses but before Kevin could come into his conclusion Amanda swiftly grabbed one of the grass blades that led Kevin to mindlessly pick one too.

"I guess this one is for you." Liam handed the remainder grass to John.

The kids compared their grasses,

"Yeah, I am first." Amanda jumped she then turned to her brother and stuck her tongue out, Kevin was not happy with these results.

Amanda was first, John was second and Kevin placed last.

"Swap me, John." Kevin requested but it was opposed by Liam.

"No swapping," Liam warned, He then picked the crossbow in his hand and began to cock it.

"Stand there," Liam instructed Amanda and she happily obliged. "Hold it as I did." At his command, Amanda held the crossbow like a rifle but Liam still had to fix her posture.

"Now using your one eye look through the gap of the latch that is holding the bowstring and align it with the head of the arrow."

Amanda adjusted the crossbow until she could see the gap in the latch and the arrowhead in the same line, "Done." She announced.

"Now aim slightly above the red area in the target."

She did that.

"Shoot when you are ready." Liam gave his final command.

"Clung." With a loud sound, the string moved forward pushing the arrow into the target.

"Thuk." The arrow stuck into the target right in the red region.

"Wow!" Amanda shouted excitedly after shooting her first shot. His eyes locked itself to the arrow that was stuck on the target. She was brought back to reality only when Liam tapped her shoulder. "Right," She handed the crossbow back to Liam who cocked it again and loaded the arrow into its shaft.

"John, come here," Liam called for John who came immediately.

"What about my other two shots?" Amanda complained.

"We will do a rotation so that others won't have to wait until you finish," Liam explained

"That sucks." She complained but obliged, she still ground her teeth in frustration.

"Clung…" Same as Amanda, John followed Liam's instruction, and the arrow was stuck closer to the center 10cm below Amanda's shot.

John looked at the crossbow and then towards the target that was 75m away. He could not believe that he was able to accurately shoot at this distance. When practicing with a bow John found that his comfortable range was 20m anything farther than that he was sure to miss many times but Liam's crossbow had to remove that restriction of his.

"Kevin," Liam called at which Kevin hastily ran next to him.

Kevin did the same and followed Liam's instruction and lo and behold he also shot inside the red area of the target close to his friend's arrows.

Liam let the kids do the rest and went closer to Portus who silently sat there looking at the children playing with a weapon whose strength they cannot grasp.

"How is it?" Liam asked the old man.

"I don't know what you are talking about?" Portus acted immaturely refusing to talk to Liam.

"You can shoot after they are done," Liam comforted the Old Child, "You still have to wait for them to gather the arrows."

"I don't want to play with your glorious toy." Portus pouted.

"Yeah yeah old man, start acting out your age and answer truthfully. What do you think about that weapon of mine?" He asked in a serious tone.

"I think it will revolutionize war," Portus answered in all seriousness.

"Don't joke around."

"I am not joking, if you can mass produce it and manage to enchant it, it will surely change the way war is fought."

Liam released a scoff, hearing the true opinions of a well-known warrior was something that boosted his confidence. "Let go buy some medicines and head home after your turn is over."

4.5 (Extra)

Being an apprentice of a craftsman is something that can be very tiring but once you've mastered the skills it was something you can show off to others. Gale being an orphan from the capital orphanage was more than delighted to be an apprentice. Being an apprentice to Gale meant that he could earn some money for himself and he won't have to eat leftovers from the church's dinner.

It took him some time to grasp his skills as a craftsman but soon he was reminded of the truth that he wasn't gifted. It was the time of war and baron Aragus the head of Ursanideas requested that a group of craftsmen and blacksmiths be sent into the region.

The guild knowing that many of the people that they send might die decided to only send the craftsmen who have completed their apprenticeship but were people whose absence would not affect the guilds' income. With the grace of the evil god who else but Gale was chosen from his workshop.

Gale protested against his master and owner of the Workshop Haus but he refused to listen to him and was determined to send Gale but no one else. On his way to the Ursanideas domain, Gale was acquainted with then Commander of Baron's personal Guard, Portus.

"You the boy that was sent by Haus?" young Portus asked the 13-year-old Gale.

"Yes." Gale meekly replied. Gale found it weird that a person whose etiquette was more or less comparable to adventurers to be the commander of an elite group.

"I heard you make very beautiful chairs."

"I am only average."

"Horse-piss," Portus cursed, "Haus had told me personally that he will be sending the best craftsman from his workshop and here you are."

"I think you are mistaken." Gale looked at his feet.

"Learn to take a compliment, you sick kid." Portus scolded the meek boy at which Gale stiffened his body preparing himself to be killed. Portus scratched his chin, he was sorry to scare the little boy, "Anyway I want a set of six chairs and a long table since I became the commander I am starting to have guests in my home. I would like to have something other than my forest crafts as furniture."

"I think I can help you with that."

"If I like what you made I will also recommend you to the Baron's family and high positioned officers."

"You don't have to go that far."

"Nonsense, if you provide good services you should also reap good rewards."

"In that case, it would be a pleasure doing business with you."

"You bet."

25 years later, one day Gale heard a knock on his door, he assumed it would the butcher's son who always disturbs him and slammed the door wide open but before he could see the person behind the door he shouted, "What do you want today?"

His eyes widened and his skin turned pale the person who stood before him was not the meddling child of a villager but instead, he saw a well dressed old man who he has never seen before. Something about that old man seemed familiar to Gale.

Behind the Old man was a child whose gender was something he was conflicted upon, but he assumed the child is a boy who has yet to reach puberty. "Sorry about that," Gale apologized to the old man, "I assumed you were the kid who always troubles me. Please come inside."

"It's alright," The old man politely replied, "I know how rowdy the kids can be, it's no problem."

"How can I help you with?" Gale asked after inviting the two strangers into his house.

"I came back to fulfill on my promise I made years ago."

"Promise?" Gale gave a confusing look to the old man.

"I brought you a baron's family member as your customer."