Chapter 477: Golden Goblin (5) - How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World - NovelsTime

How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World

Chapter 477: Golden Goblin (5)

Author: Tofu Tofu
updatedAt: 2025-08-06

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    Count Callas—no, Marshal—looked extraordinary at first glance.

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    His thick lips were striking, but what truly captivated was his blue eyes, burning with such intensity that they seemed ready to ignite.

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    There’s a saying that eyes are connected to the heart, and thinking of Cherry’s dark, gloomy eyes, I couldn’t agree more.

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    However, I had no idea where Marshal’s passion was directed.

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    Maybe he was just naturally lively by nature.

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    “Bombardment? Did you just say bombardment?”

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    Not anymore.

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    I think I’m starting to get a sense of what he’s after.

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    When I absentmindedly murmured about artillery shells, Marshal’s eyes gleamed even brighter.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789 While I was making a grimace, not understanding the situation at all, Marquess Mathius hastily intervened. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    “Count Callas, please restrain yourself. You know where we are, don’t you?”

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    “But Sir Marshal definitely said ‘bombardment’!”

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    “You must have misheard. Just keep that thought to yourself.”

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    In the midst of his urgent interference, Marquess Mathius glanced at me, signaling me silently to step aside.

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    But I had no intention of doing so.

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    Marshal’s mention of “bombardment” kept nagging at me.

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    Wouldn’t it be interesting to hear him out, at least once?

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    I was curious why he even knew the word “bombardment” in the first place.

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    “Marquess Mathius? I’m sorry, but would it be alright if I spoke with Count Callas?”

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    “But...”

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    “It’s fine. I think this could be a rather interesting conversation.”

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    “Haa...”

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    Frustrated by the worsening situation, Marquess Mathius let out a deep sigh and shut his eyes tightly.

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    He then quietly withdrew the hand that had been holding back Count Callas.

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    There was nothing stopping him now.

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    ‘He must be someone Mathius really treasures.’

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    Bringing him to a place like this, and his panicked attempts to restrain him despite the rudeness—it showed they had quite a close relationship.

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    Military families are typically very sensitive to hierarchy.

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    Seeing how he acted, Count Callas must be exceptional enough to overlook such things.

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    But I couldn’t help wondering why someone so capable was so obsessed with bombardment.

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    In this world, interest in magic far outweighed that in gunpowder.

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    “Thank you very much for your consideration!”

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    “No need for thanks. Anyway, about that ‘bombardment’—could you explain it to me?”

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    “Yes. Whew...”

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    Marshal took a deep breath, seemingly nervous at the thought of explaining in front of me.

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    Meanwhile, Marquess Mathius wore a half-dazed expression.

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    Others didn’t look much different: Marquess Gots chuckled awkwardly, and Kay gave a bitter smile.

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    Everyone seemed to treat Marshal like an eccentric.

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    “Let’s go back to the beginning: what are your thoughts on cannons, Sir Marshal?”

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    “They are weapons of great destructive power. But we have magic.

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    The mere manufacturing process of cannons demands a tremendous amount of effort.

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    While they can be used by those without mana, they also come with massive costs.”

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    In this world, cannons only existed at the level of basic field artillery.

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    Gunpowder weapons hadn’t advanced enough for high-explosive shells to even be imagined.

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    People thought it was better to train mages to rain down magic than to develop cannons.

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    Still, the development of even basic artillery was impressive—enough to mark a turning point in history, especially during the Racial Wars.

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    Before those wars, magic had been a privilege accessible only to the chosen few among humans.

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    Thus, cannon development had been thriving.

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    But once humans acquired magic, they distanced themselves from cannon development.

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    Magic contributed to enormous advancements, but it also brought a peculiar imbalance.

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    “Yes, you’re right. As you say, the manufacturing cost of cannons is enormous. The same goes for cannonballs.

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    Most people would think it’s more efficient to invest that money in training mages.”

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    Marshal didn’t deny that cannons were expensive.

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    Frankly, considering the existence of dwarves—known for their metallurgy—it wasn’t even that costly.

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    The dwarves’ metalworking technology was at the level of an industrial revolution.

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    Iron, essential for cannons, was easily obtainable if you had the money.

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    Still, the overall cost was massive.

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    “But if you think about it carefully, it’s not that expensive. Do you know how much it costs to train a single mage?”

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    “I’m not sure.”

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    “It varies, but it takes about 10,000 gold. And even then, success isn’t guaranteed.”

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    10,000 gold was roughly equivalent to 1 billion Korean won—about the cost of training a fighter pilot.

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    The bigger problem was that while a pilot simply needed “education,” magic depended heavily on innate talent.

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    Even manipulating mana freely was a challenge; magic was purely a matter of giftedness.

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    Moreover, not every mage joined the military.

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    There’s a saying: not all scholars are mages, but all mages are scholars.

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    Rather than enlisting to cast mass-destruction spells, many preferred the leisurely life of academic research.

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    “But cannons are different. The more they’re developed, the more powerful they become; they’ll never weaken. And mass production is possible—that’s their greatest advantage.”

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    “Mass production...”

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    “Imagine it! Multiple cannons firing at once, devastating the enemy forces! When mages need time to chant their spells, cannons just need to be loaded and fired.

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    Firepower! Bombardment will become the core of true firepower!”

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    Here stood not a magic enthusiast, but a true firepower fanatic.

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    I chuckled watching Marshal rave about the glory of cannons.

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    Marquess Mathius, misinterpreting my chuckle, covered his face with his hand in embarrassment.

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    Others looked at Marshal the same way—as if watching a hopeless eccentric.

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    Even Adelia, who had just met him, wore a “what the hell is he saying?” expression.

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    Marquess Gots was the only one who seemed sympathetic, nodding slightly in agreement.

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    ‘If not for magic, this would actually be normal.’

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    In truth, Marshal was a firepower enthusiast tragically born into a fantasy world.

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    On Earth, cannons—and artillery bombardment—were the backbone of military firepower.

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    Infantry conquered land, but it was artillery that broke the enemy first.

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    In this world, large-scale magic explosions served the same purpose.

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    “What do you think? Aren’t you interested?”

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    “Uh... Count Callas, I think it’s time we leave.”

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    Just as Marshal eagerly sought my opinion, Marquess Mathius quickly dragged him away.

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    Marshal didn’t resist, letting himself be pulled along as if satisfied.

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    At this rate, everyone would just dismiss it as an eccentric’s rant.

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    But not me.

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    I smiled and spoke.

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    “Count Callas? May I ask you a few questions?”

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    “Eh?”

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    “Huh?”

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    Both Marquess Mathius and Marshal looked surprised, clearly not expecting that.

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    Marshal himself probably realized how absurd he had sounded and was halfway resigned to being ignored.

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    I looked into their wide, startled eyes and began my questions.

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    “If we continue developing cannons, they could certainly reach a level of power comparable to magic. But instead of focusing only on firepower, shouldn’t we pay attention to other aspects as well?”

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    “Other aspects...?”

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    “For example, range. No matter how powerful the cannon is, if its range is too short, the enemy will easily prepare for it.”

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    One of the reasons muzzle-loading cannons became obsolete in this world was exactly because of their limited range.

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    Who would willingly stand in front of a cannon within direct fire range?

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    Of course, cannons are devastatingly powerful, so preparation might not matter much — but the goal should be to make it impossible for the enemy to even attempt to prepare.

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    “Adjustable firing angles depending on terrain will also be essential. Then there are factors like loading speed and shell functionality.

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    There’s a lot to think about. As I mentioned earlier, the greatest advantage of bombardment is ‘firepower’, but achieving its full potential requires a lot of development.”

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    “...”

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    “The most important thing here is probably the angle. Depending on the angle, the way cannons are used will differ. I hope you’ll consider more than just maximizing firepower.”

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    As the great commander of steel once said, artillery is the god of the battlefield.

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    But I’m not an artilleryman — I’m just an infantry grunt who rolled around the frontlines. Naturally, my knowledge is almost nonexistent.

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    Still, I at least know that the way artillery is used changes depending on the firing angle. History says the same.

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    “Also, please consider breech-loading rather than muzzle-loading. You understand?

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    I’d like to explain more, but it would touch too closely on my own personal projects, so I can’t say too much.”

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    “...Young lord Michelle.”

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    “Huh?”

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    It wasn’t the stunned Marshal who called my name, but Marquis Mathius, his voice stiff with tension.

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    He no longer had the sheepish look from earlier; instead, his eyes were wide open in pure shock.

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    “Do you... truly believe that cannons could replace magic?”

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    “No. Cannons can’t replace magic.”

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    Humans, no matter how hard they try, will never beat elves or demons with magic. From the start, the difference between species is just too overwhelming.

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    However, we can match the destructive power of magic. That’s where science needs to advance — and I’m someone who has seen the future of ‘firepower.’

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    Like the proverb “all streams eventually flow into the sea,” even if there are many different approaches, the destination is the same.

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    Not the mystical powers of magic, but the raw might of firepower — in that regard, developing cannons is a far better path.

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    “But in terms of pure destructive power, I can confidently say cannons could rival magic. After all, what are cannons made for? War. Expecting ‘magical effects’ in war is unrealistic.”

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    “...”

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    “Of course, the process will be difficult. I won’t deny that there are things only mages can do. But remember: the bombardment mentioned by Baron Callas is an attack meant purely for firepower.”

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    As science advanced, the military diversified its branches. The only major branch that truly disappeared was cavalry.

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    And even cavalry disappeared only because other branches could replace it — otherwise, no military branch simply vanishes.

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    Thus, while artillery would be added as a branch, mages would not disappear.

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    “Alright. That’s all I have to say. Are there any more questions?”

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    “Uh, could I ask just one more thing?!”

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    Marshal asked hurriedly, his voice flustered. His usually bright eyes were now clouded with confusion.

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    It was the face of someone who never imagined that someone else would support his ‘dream.’

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    I lifted my hand lightly, signaling he could continue. Stammering slightly, Marshal opened his mouth:

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    “How... how did Young lord Michelle come up with such ideas?”

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    Because I used to be in the artillery unit. Even though I was infantry.

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    The words almost slipped out, but I barely held them back. I couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if this guy had been born in South Korea.

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    A country famous for its intense focus on firepower — during the Korean War, it had practically no tanks and was known as the weakest nation, yet somehow it developed overwhelming artillery power.

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    Maybe that trauma left a deep imprint.

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    Smiling gently, I answered:

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    “It just occurred to me. I thought it would be nice if things like that existed.”

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    “Uh... I see...”

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    Anyone could tell that was a blatant lie. Marshal, hearing my smooth excuse, seemed to realize that further questioning was pointless.

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    Now it was my turn to ask a question — because I was genuinely curious about something after hearing him out.

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    Why was Marshal so obsessed with firepower, when such an incredible thing as magic already existed?

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    “This time, let me ask. Why did you become so fascinated with cannons, Baron Callas? Even though there’s magic?”

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    “Ah, well...”

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    Unlike his earlier enthusiasm, Baron Callas now hesitated to answer. I frowned slightly at that.

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    Then, glancing nervously at me, he scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile.

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    “My mother told me once. That my conception dream had something to do with it.”

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    “Conception dream?”

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    “Yes.”

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    At first, it sounds like nonsense. But in this world, where gods undeniably exist, even something like a conception dream can’t be taken lightly.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    Heroic figures often had extraordinary conception dreams. It’s superstition, sure, but in a fantasy world, it’s quite important.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    “What kind of dream was it? Was it the bombardment you mentioned earlier?”

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    “No. It was a dream where an entire city was wiped out by a single cannon shell.”

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    “...Excuse me?”

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    Wait, hold on.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    “The explosion was so powerful that a mushroom-shaped cloud rose into the sky. Since even magic can’t achieve that, I decided to focus on firepower instead.”

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    “...”

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    That’s... really dangerous.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    ★★★

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    Just to be sure, I ran to the temple and asked Luminous:

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    ‘There aren’t other reincarnators besides me, right?’

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    [There aren’t.]

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    ‘Then why did Baron Callas’s mother dream something like that?’

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    [It was a coincidence. Really. I swear it on my divinity.]

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    Thanks to that, I had the rare experience of seeing a god look genuinely offended.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    Anyway, a few days passed after that strange encounter.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    [“Blood and Steel” Volume 6 released! Hitler seizes power!]

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    The story of Hitler taking control of the Weimar Republic through the Enabling Act appeared.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    [America’s new president: Franklin D. Roosevelt? Who is this man?]

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    The strongest figure in the world also made his appearance.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    [The Empire of Japan invades Manchuria.]

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789

    The presence of East Asia’s so-called ‘champion (or fool)’ was also mentioned.

Novel