Diaries of a nanodroid in Therabilia

9. The axis

Guest Building

Nano: firedust?

Elise: it is the powder used to fire the musket.

Nano: I thought you also called it gunpowder.

Thorin: it's the first time I've heard gunpowder, maybe that's what your creator used to call fire dust.

Nano: yeah, maybe...

Axis main hall courtroom

King Proetos: can we study this technology to implement it in our own firearms?

Duke Arlen: of course, my king, the paper cartridge will not be a problem, however, it could take some time to find a way to produce muskets in great quantities and to train our troops to properly use them.

After some discussion, the council reaches a decision.

Judge: Now for the final verdict, we will study these new types of firearm along with their ammunition to find a way to implement it in our military, all the countries part of the Axis will provide resources to study this technology while also sending any type of aid to the duchy of Calumia to stop the Valardian empire long enough to fight back.

The judge touches the session bell announcing the end of it and the firefly drone ends its transmission to return to nano, leaving him and the group looking at the screen that says [CONNECTION TERMINATED].

Mogens: I knew firearms were deadly but this, this can change history, and all Therabilia will be affected.

Thanh: and now Valardia is advancing east, and if they reach the fox route, they'll be able to-

Nano: make a mass production of firearms.

Thanh: mass production?

Nano: making a product by hundreds in a short time.

Thanh: well, yes, exactly what nano said!

Durin: for now, let's keep this as a secret because, ah, it's supposed to be a secret.

Elise: sounds good for me.

As they journeyed through the bazaar for the final time, Thanh's eyes alighted upon a gorgeously adorned dagger, its intricate craftsmanship captivating her. However, her heart sank at the exorbitant price tag attached to it, a cost she couldn't readily afford. Yet, just when her hopes seemed dashed, Nano stepped in, offering to cover the expense without hesitation. Despite her initial reluctance, Thanh gratefully accepted Nano's generous offer, her gratitude mingled with a solemn vow to repay him in due time.

As they escorted Duke Arlen back to his chambers within King Orpheus Castle, their path intersected with a disturbance emanating from the nearby bazaar. Rushing to the scene, Nano and the group were met with a harrowing sight: a band of unruly travelers laying siege to the marketplace, brandishing firedust barrels and wielding hand muskets with reckless abandon. Amidst the chaos, one of the assailants seized a goblin woman, using her as a human shield with a knife pressed threateningly against her throat.

Attacked: WE, THE HUMAN RACE, ARE INTENDED TO BE THE SOVEREIGNS OVER THERABILIA. NOR THE AXIS OR ANY OTHER SCUM WILL BE ABLE TO STOP THE WRATH OF THE VALARDIAN EMPIRE AGAINST THOSE WHO DARE TO BLOCK OUR PATH. AND NOW, TO EVERY HUMAN IN THIS PLACE, SHOW REVERENCE TOWARDS THE VALARDIAN CROWN AND YOU SHALL BE SPARED, OR SUFFER ALONG WITH THESE, THESE THINGS!

He immediately cuts the woman's throat in front of everyone, with Aurora making Nano walk towards the attackers until Elise stops him.

Elise: Nano!, what the hell do you think you're doing? They have muskets!