Developing II

Artys looked at the musketeer on the proving ground. In his hands was a small spherical steel device with a fuse sticking out of its top. In the other hand was a slow match on which the soldier lit the fuse. Upon successful ignition, the man threw the ball device to a safe distance and quickly sought refuge behind the provided cover. Within seconds, a thunderous explosion occurred, and shrapnel was sent in all directions, destroying the packed straw dolls they had landed on.

After such a shocking scene, the sound of slow clapping could be heard from afar as Artys showed his sign of approval for the new weapon. What was just tested by this brave man was the prototype of a hand grenade. It wouldn't be long before he could send these to his troops in large numbers and establish grenadiers in his ranks. However, this revolutionary warfare weapon was not the most exciting innovation tested to date. Ser Julius was filled with anticipation when the artillery team loaded a strange-looking device into the barrel of the 1417 Pattern 12 lb cannon. The old knight prayed to the seven that this device would work smoothly.

After a relatively smooth loading of the cannon, the powder was exhaled and the gunner used the butt to light the fuse. After a few moments, the familiar roar of the 12-pounder echoed through the air. However, what really surprised those lucky enough to witness this secret test was that when the projectile landed, it exploded on impact into many shards, sending shards of steel in all directions. The result was much more destructive than the hand grenade, which was previously tested.

This time, a thunder of applause rose from the spectators as they watched a new era of artillery dawn before their eyes. Artys had a mischievous smile on his face. He finally got it; he had created the first explosive projectile. Although the solid ball still had its uses; against infantry, nothing was more devastating than explosive shells. In its earlier life, the explosive projectile was not invented until the 16th century. However, the projectile he was currently using was modeled after those used by the 12 lb Napoleon cannon by Union forces in the American Civil War; it was a much more efficient shell than previous designs.

Ser Julius greeted Artys and congratulated him on his newest innovation; with that, his army became even more fearsome.

"My lord, let me be the first to congratulate you on the success of this truly revolutionary project! With these shells, our artillery will dominate the battlefields."

Artys smiled and returned the salute to his second-in-command. This was truly a monumental occasion; with shells and canisters being fired from his 12-pounder guns, he could engage forces far greater than his own on the battlefield.

As his soldiers completed their training and equipped themselves with better equipment, Artys believed that it wouldn't be long before he could have his entire army ready for future battles.

After testing the new weapons, Artys wanted them to be mass-produced as quickly as possible; as such, he placed them in order of priority, he would have his artillery trained to use the new projectiles effectively, and he would establish the strongest and most elite of his infantry forces in grenadiers. Of course, all weapons operations were strictly confidential; as such, they would have to continue using the barracks Artys had built, out of sight of unwanted eyes.

After successfully testing the weapons and giving his new orders, Artys returned to the Castle.