In an open field a bit away from the city streets of Noeina in the Earlkvist domain, a test firing of a new weapon was about to take place. This site, cleared of forest but lacking any buildings or farmland, was ready for the demonstration.
Set up there was a single ballista. Attached to the tip of its bolt was a round ceramic jar, decorated with magical symbols.
The soldier manning the ballista was Rick, known among the Earlkvist domain’s soldiers for his exceptional skill with bows and crossbows. Standing slightly behind him was Pence, his superior, and further back were the lord Noein, his maid Mathilda, the head retainer Yuri, the blacksmith Damian, the magic-tool craftsman Daphne, and several other soldiers who had gathered as spectators.
Noein and his group were present to observe the test and assess its results, but the other soldiers were mere onlookers.
“Alright, the mound behind the target area is secure, nothing nearby that could catch fire, and no one is in front of the ballista… All safety checks are good. Lord Noein, may we fire?”
“Go ahead, whenever you’re ready.”
“Then, aim at the target… Fire!”
After receiving Noein’s approval, Pence gave a sharp command, and Rick pulled the trigger of the ballista.
A loud “whoosh” pierced the air as the thick bolt launched straight toward the target — a row of dummies set up to simulate an enemy. The bolt struck its mark without fail among the dozen or so dummies, shattering the jar with a “crash.” In the next instant, a deafening roar erupted, and flames surged.
“Wow, that’s spectacular.”
“Incredible! It’s just like an advanced fire spell! Amazing!”
Noein muttered his impression as he watched the explosive display of flames from the ballista’s bolt, while Damian beside him was as thrilled as a child.
Everyone present — Yuri, Daphne, Pence, Rick who had fired the shot, and the gathered soldiers — wore expressions of surprise.
This newly developed weapon was a special magic tool designed for offensive use with a ballista. Noein had come up with the concept, Daphne crafted it, and Damian designed the bolt to accommodate it.
The ceramic container was filled with oil, carved with magic symbols that triggered a “fire magic: ignition” spell upon breaking. Finally, a magic stone was attached as the source of power. Once fired from the ballista, the container would shatter in the enemy lines, setting the oil ablaze and spreading flames — a straightforward yet devastating mechanism.
“When Lord Noein first requested a ceramic magic tool that would ignite upon breaking, I wondered what it would be used for… It seems I’ve created something quite fierce.”
Despite her words, Daphne seemed to enjoy the outcome.
“Honestly, this is amazing! I never imagined my ballista could be modified in such a way! Lord Noein, how did you come up with this idea?”
“A book I read as a child described a weapon that involved filling a ceramic jar with oil, attaching a cloth fuse, lighting it, and throwing it at enemies. I believe it was a weapon recorded from an eastern country…”
To the excited Damian, Noein explained the inspiration behind this warhead.
“That weapon had a limited range, since it was thrown by hand, and often accidentally ignited nearby, which led to its decline. But by extending the range with a ballista and incorporating a magical ignition mechanism, I thought it could become practical. Seems I was right.”
While Noein spoke cheerfully, Daphne and Damian nodded in agreement, sharing his enthusiasm. Yuri, however, looked on with some unease at the trio.
“You three… you talk so eagerly about such a ruthless and cruel weapon. Don’t you feel any ethical qualms?”
“Well… not particularly.”
“Damian and I are craftsmen. Our personal ethics are separate from our curiosity and satisfaction as creators.”
“This thing is incredibly brutal… If you fire it into a crowd of enemies, it’d be devastating. With the right wind, it could incinerate an entire battalion in one strike.”
“It’s unfortunate for the enemy… but as a defensive weapon, it’s very reassuring for us,” Noein responded in a nonchalant manner to Yuri’s horrified remark.
“This goes well beyond self-defense.”
“If it ever comes to a large-scale conflict, I want to avoid losing even a single life from our domain if I can help it. Even for soldiers like our domain’s troops. For that, we need weapons that can overwhelm the enemy. So, this is indeed for defense.”
As a lord, Noein had no qualms about sacrificing those outside his domain to protect his own people. If an enemy posed a threat to his territory, he would stop at nothing, no matter how terrible the consequences for his foes.
“…First it was the ‘Angel’s Nectar,’ and now this. Lord Noein hasn’t changed a bit. Good thing he’s on our side; I’d never want to face him as an enemy, even in death.”
“I’m honored by your praise,” Noein replied, clearly enjoying himself, though Yuri hadn’t intended it as a compliment.
“With this level of power, we should be able to deploy this weapon—the Explosive Flame Arrow—into actual combat soon. Great work, Damian, Daphne.”
“I really didn’t do all that much this time!”
“I agree—the mechanism for the magic tool I made was quite simple.”
It had been less than a month since Noein conceived the Explosive Flame Arrow, and already it was successfully tested. The quick results were due not only to the simplicity of the weapon’s design but also to the exceptional craftsmanship of Damian and Daphne.
“I’d like to stockpile a good quantity of these. Can we prepare a significant number in advance and keep them stored?”
“Of course. As long as the power source magic stones are removed, there’s no risk of accidental ignition, so they can be stored safely.”
“I see; that’ll make transport easier too. With war likely on the horizon, could I ask you to make a hundred of these by the end of the year? I’ll handle the production of the containers, but I’ll need you to inscribe the magic patterns.”
Nearly all magic tool artisans possess “enchantment magic”—in fact, people with this talent often become artisans to put it to use. Daphne was one such artisan.
To create magic tools, artisans draw patterns with magical paint, imbuing them with their own magical power to activate circuits for spells.
So, while Noein could provide the ceramic containers, the essential task of inscribing the patterns could only be done by Daphne.
“Understood. With that timeframe, I can finish the work with no problem.”
“Great. I’m counting on you.”
Now, with the powerful Ballista paired with the even more powerful Explosive Flame Arrows, the defenses of the Earlkvist domain were stronger than ever. Noein was deeply satisfied with this progress.
