LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 102: The Dwarven Craft
The slender rod of magic iron prepared by Dubil Ganon, the dwarven blacksmith, had small protrusions at regular intervals, giving it a knobby appearance.
The thickness was about the size of an adult man's thumb, maybe a bit thicker. The length varied, but the model Dubil prepared ranged from four to five meters.
Using thin, flexible iron wires, the rods were tied together to form a lattice. Typically, this would be a three-dimensional grid, but for now, it look like chinese-inspired architectural pattern.
Wooden boards were then placed around this lattice to form a rectangular shape. The boards needed reinforcement to withstand pressure, but that detail was temporarily set aside.
Ash and other materials were dissolved in water, mixed with crushed stones, and poured into the wooden formwork surrounding the lattice.
Once hardened and the wooden boards removed, the reinforced concrete was complete.
Although the mortar, the main component of the concrete, was hastily prepared and expected to be weak, it turned out to be harder than anticipated.
"Fascinating, absolutely fascinating! This is truly remarkable! Oh, how marvelous! Hahaha! How delightfully incredible!"
The first and most enthusiastic reaction to the completed reinforced concrete sample came from Kairine, the nine-tailed fox.
The previous night, Euphemia Grimwood and her merry band had gathered in the rocky area to discuss the fate of the Beast King Randall, followed by a feast. Although there was no alcohol, they managed. During the festivities, they enlisted the help of orcs and kobolds to create prototypes of the reinforcing rods, wires, and formwork, mixing the concrete carelessly.
The following day, the reinforced concrete was unveiled. The scene of a considerable crowd gathered to witness the demonstration might have looked slightly absurd, but that was beside the point.
Most of the onlookers, except Kairine, wore puzzled expressions, not understanding the significance. Only one person seemed to grasp it somewhat - Regalo, a former mage from the Spade Territory. He stared thoughtfully at the rectangular structure.
"Well, this is what we’ve got. We can scale this up to build fortress walls. We’ll place archers and catapults on these walls and launch attacks on the upcoming humans. The primary use will be for the walls, though we can use it for the main structure too," Euphemia explained.
The history of concrete dates back to ancient Rome. There was a famous structure, built without reinforcing bars, which was considered the oldest concrete building. However, reinforced concrete only emerged around the nineteenth century.
"Why are you all so perplexed? This is a brilliant invention! Indeed, Lady Euphemia, I’m so glad I chose to follow you! Absolutely marvelous! Should I lick your feet again in gratitude?" Kairine exclaimed.
"No need. Katarina, Kirina, each of you kick her once," Euphemia ordered.
Kairine’s excitement was abruptly cut off as sharp kicks landed on her rear and face, executed swiftly by Katarina and Kirina. Euphemia wasn’t sure whether to praise their promptness or be exasperated.
"I don’t get it. Euphemia, explain more," demanded Junos, arms crossed. The rest of Grimoire’s crew also seemed confused, so Euphemia turned to Regalo.
"What do you think, Regalo? You’re familiar with human culture. Any thoughts?"
"Ah... yes. This is amazing. Stone masonry or earth magic constructions are common for walls, but this requires no magic and offers flexibility in shape and speed," Regalo replied.
"Flexibility?" questioned Serena, the fox spirit, tilting her head.
Regalo nodded confidently, pointing to the surplus magic iron rods and wires.
"With these, you can roughly shape the structure, enclose it with boards, and pour in the mixture to complete it," he explained, emphasizing the speed.
"Moreover, those iron rods are an alloy with magic minerals, right? Crossing many rods inside the wall means it’s packed with magical iron. It would be impervious to mage attacks."
"Hmm," Junos muttered, nodding slightly. He retrieved a practice wooden sword from his waist belt and tossed it to Katarina, who was listening intently.
"Huh!? What is it, Junos?"
"Try breaking it. You can probably break rocks now."
"But… this is Lady Euphemia's creation," Katarina hesitated, glancing at Euphemia.
Euphemia smiled and nodded reassuringly. "It’s better to test it. Don’t hold back."
Katarina nodded, gripping the wooden sword tightly, and prepared to test the strength of the new invention.
In the end, despite Katarina’s effort, she could not destroy the structure of the concrete. She managed to crack the concrete itself, but the reinforced rectangular prism held its shape.
Serena then tried her hand with a small foxfire, but this too failed to damage the structure. Even Regalo’s explosive magic, ‘Blast Pressure,’ couldn’t achieve the desired effect, although by then, the concrete was quite battered.
Finally, Junos struck with his blade.
The structure split in half.
Euphemia Grimwood’s triumphant expression shattered alongside it.
“Not bad. The inner... rebar, was it? If it's running through the structure multiple times, I probably couldn't cut it. Not even Randall’s claws would manage,” Junos remarked, sheathing his sword with a calm demeanor. It wasn’t really meant as a consolation.
After all, fortress walls aren’t meant to defend against individuals. If an enemy possessed strength surpassing even Randall, no defense would likely hold.
“So, we’re building the fortress walls with this, right? Where exactly?” Biante asked, half-reluctantly.
“South-east of Sutin Village. A bit away from the boundary of the demon lands separating human and beast territories,” Euphemia answered.
“What about water sources?” Biante continued.
“Best case, we tap into groundwater. If not, we’ll divert a river or transport it. We could also use water magic for storage,” Euphemia explained.
“Given it’s a fortress, we need suitable terrain for defense. We’ll need to survey the area. You choose the final spot, Euphemia,” Biante concluded.
“I will, but I’m not a tyrant who ignores others’ opinions. Remember, effective organizations run on reporting, liaison, and consultation. Keep consesus-based decisions in mind,” Euphemia said with a wry smile.
“I’m not familiar with many well-structured organizations,” Euphemia thought to herself. “Anyway, now that we’ve set our goal, let’s make a ‘to-do’ list.”
First, Regalo was assigned to assist Biante with construction training, gathering volunteers to practice building with reinforced concrete near Dubil’s workshop. Dubil himself would join, offering ideas to improve the process.
Simultaneously, they would procure materials from the dungeon. During the spectacle of the Beast King’s demise, Jainos and his axe-wielders had been hauling iron ingots and magic stones from the dungeon. Additional manpower would now focus on this task.
Next, the transportation plan. Until now, the Bernard tribe had been using horse-drawn carts for various deliveries. However, moving large quantities of rebar and other materials required a larger scale. Horses would be overburdened, so it would be done manually.
The task fell to the physically and magically strong, led by Zonda and his boar beastmen. Although they'd handle both transport and construction, Zonda's subordinates had pledged their loyalty, so there was no objection.
“Hauling, huh? We’ll do it if you say so, Euphemia. But we’re not replacements for horses or cows. With a war coming, shouldn’t we be training?” Zonda questioned but didn’t refuse.
“I understand, but it’s not just hauling. You’ll also work at the site—digging trenches, leveling ground, transporting materials. There's plenty to do,” Euphemia replied.
“Will that really help us win against the humans?” Zonda asked.
“Tell me, Zonda, why do you think Randall lost?” Euphemia countered.
Zonda furrowed his brows deeply, exuding an intimidating aura.
“... It was the strategy. In sheer power, King Randall would never have lost,” Zonda replied.
“Exactly. Now think further. What did Lex Asuka and Kairine’s strategy, along with the wolves’ sacrifices, deplete from Randall?” Euphemia pressed.
“... His stamina and magic,” Zonda answered after a moment’s thought.
“Correct,” Euphemia confirmed. “Randall was so powerful he never learned to pace himself. He fought until exhaustion and never took breaks. But even Randall had limits.”
Which is why they were able to kill him. Which is why he died. If he had been weaker, he would have enjoyed life more. That was Randall’s final message.
“Zonda Pauga. Get stronger. Know your limits. I’m not fond of making others do this, but you all love it, don’t you? Pull those heavy carts with your magic. Use your magic more than your strength. Initially, you’ll exhaust your magic quickly. But it’s fine. Even if the walls aren’t completed, I’ll just think you were less useful than I hoped. But we won’t lose to the humans. Not with one battle. Understand, Zonda Pauga?”
Become stronger.
Stronger than the lion.
Zonda gazed into Euphemia’s eyes as if peering into an abyss and nodded.
“So... this is training. Work us to the bone to build our strength. That’s what you mean, right, Euphemia Grimwood?”
