Chapter 109: 110 Probing

Chapter 109: 110. Testing

At the Wushan Fortress, Luo Ning gave a detailed account of the weapons and armor crafted from Black Iron Wood.

Shields and spears were common enough in design, but every component had been replaced with Black Iron Wood—Luo Ning needed no lengthy explanation for these.

His focus lay on the Iron Wood Breastplate and the Iron Wood Lamellar Armor.

“The Iron Wood Breastplate is constructed from multiple layers of compressed linen wrapped around repaired Black Iron Wood. It is lightweight and easy to don; under the dual protection of Black Iron Wood and layered linen, it can withstand slashes from swords and arrows aimed at the chest.”

“The Iron Wood Lamellar Armor is made by shaping Black Iron Wood into rectangular plates, then lacing them together with high-quality leather thongs to form a tightly interlocked structure.”

As he spoke, Luo Ning took the lamellar armor from Macken’s hands, shook it gently, and the plates clattered with a crisp, metallic chime.

“These plates overlap both horizontally and vertically, making it nearly impossible for an enemy’s weapon to pierce through. It defends against slashes, arrows, and spear thrusts alike. And even if several of the lacing cords are severed, the armor’s structural integrity remains untouched.”

He returned the armor to Macken and addressed the gathered assembly: “Please, come and examine its effectiveness. I believe equipping the Knightly Order with these will significantly enhance its combat power.”

After his exposition, those present not only grew interested in the gear, but also reevaluated the Baron of Mountain Village.

Especially Lord Rulans, seated in the high seat—he had never suspected that beneath Luo Ning’s previously perceived inadequacies lay genuine insight, at least in matters of weaponry.

He could not help but sigh inwardly: Why had this boy’s talent never shown itself before?

“I’ll test the shield’s effectiveness,” said Galil, captain of the knightly squad, stepping forward. “Baron Luo Ning, who might accompany me in this trial?”

“Your prowess is renowned. Let my guard officer, Macken, be your partner.”

Luo Ning glanced at Macken and warned, “Galil is Bronze Rank. Be cautious.”

“Rest easy, my lord,” Macken replied, gripping the shield firmly in his left hand. “Come, Galil!”

Galil bowed in knightly fashion, then drew his longsword and charged.

Since this was merely a test of the shield’s durability, neither man employed footwork or finesse—only raw strikes and parries.

Of course, Galil held back his full strength; a full-power Bronze Rank strike could shatter an iron shield, let alone one of Black Iron Wood.

CRASH! The sword struck the shield, leaving a clear gouge—but because Galil restrained his force, the mark was shallow.

“It can withstand the strike of a junior knight,” Galil declared, stepping back and delivering a second blow—this time at the power level of a mid-rank knight.

Macken met it calmly, intercepting the blow with perfect precision.

This time, the shield bore a deeper notch—but due to its slight curvature, the blade did not cleave through. It remained fully functional.

Just as the onlookers assumed the test was over, Galil’s lips curled faintly. He lunged forward with a sudden step—launching a full assault upon Macken.

The crowd gasped. Luo Ning frowned, instinctively ready to call a halt—until he noticed Rulans showed no sign of surprise.

Was this… a test of Macken’s true strength?

Luo Ning’s brow remained furrowed as the two men clashed.

From the outset, Macken sensed something amiss. When Galil’s blade thrust toward him, he sidestepped effortlessly, drawing his own longsword from his back in one fluid motion.

In an instant, the shield test had become a full-blown duel.

At first, neither used aura—only speed and strength were matched. But soon, they found themselves evenly matched.

Then, aura erupted.

The fierce clash sent ripples of air surging through the Wushan Fortress. Even with aura unleashed, amplifying their power, Galil gained only the slightest advantage.

Galil channeled his aura, preparing to unleash a combat technique—

But at that moment, Rulans from above spoke: “Enough.”

Captain Toru followed: “Galil, I asked you to test the shield—what are you doing?”

Galil withdrew instantly, grinning. “I heard the conquest of the barbarian tribes was largely due to Knight Macken’s valor. I couldn’t resist testing him.”

He nodded to Macken. “Today, I see it’s true—you’re formidable.”

Macken returned the nod, then stepped back beside Luo Ning, shield in hand.

Luo Ning chuckled. “Now that the test is done, Galil—what do you think of this shield?”

“Acceptable,” Galil nodded solemnly. “It may not survive many mid-rank knight strikes, but it’s more than sufficient against common soldiers—or even junior knights in combat.”

Toru nodded. “Then we could equip some.”

He pointed to the Iron Wood Lamellar Armor Luo Ning had emphasized. “But compared to the shield, I value this armor more.”

Toru stepped forward, took the lamellar armor, pinched one plate between his fingers to test its hardness, scrutinized its craftsmanship, and weighed it in his palm.

“Dawson, take a look at this armor.”

The quartermaster stepped forward, bowed to Luo Ning, then took the armor and began testing it—stabbing and slashing at it with his own dagger.

Luo Ning also had Woton and George perform chopping strikes.

“Your Excellencies,” Dawson declared, “the defense of the Iron Wood Lamellar Armor is sufficient. The Order currently fields plate armor, chainmail, and cloth armor. We’ve seen lamellar before, but never issued it.”

“Chainmail and plate offer superior protection, but they’re heavy and prohibitively expensive to produce. We cannot afford to equip every soldier with them.”

“Common soldiers wear cloth armor, but its defense is weak—nowhere near the quality of Baron Luo Ning’s Iron Wood Lamellar Armor.”

As Dawson spoke, Luo Ning nodded silently.

Chainmail, plate, cloth armor—these were standard. On Earth, cloth armor had eventually evolved into composite armor, matching lamellar in defense.

But in this world, cloth armor was merely layers of compressed linen—its protection was minimal.

“So what is your recommendation?” Captain Toru asked.

Dawson did not hesitate. “Equip one knight squad first. If the results prove effective, expand to the entire Order—and eventually, to other knightly orders.”

Toru nodded. “Galil, assign your squad for trial. Afterwards, discuss with him how many of each item to procure.”

“Oh, and please, Financial Officer Kuri—discuss pricing with Baron Luo Ning.”

Technically, price negotiations should precede any order. This sequence could only mean one thing: no matter the quality or cost of Luo Ning’s goods, they would purchase some today out of goodwill.

Luo Ning smiled. “Each Black Iron Wood shield: six silver coins. Each spear: three silver coins. Each breastplate: one gold coin. As for the lamellar armor—due to material cost and labor-intensive craftsmanship—I’ve priced it at three gold coins per piece.”

Kuri’s eyes lit up. “That’s a fair price!”

It wasn’t flattery toward Rulans or Luo Ning—he genuinely believed it.

On the open market, a plain chainmail suit cost ten gold coins. The Iron Wood Lamellar offered less overall protection, but had its own advantages.

Though made of unusual wood, it still held value. Three gold coins was reasonable.

Kuri had half expected Luo Ning to demand double—or triple.

This price was acceptable.

“Then let’s proceed as Toru suggested,” Rulans said. “Luo Ning—you mentioned a curved plow for farming? I’ve summoned the Chancellor Albert. He’ll accompany you now to test it on a lord’s estate field.”

“Understood!”

Luo Ning turned to the last man inside the fortress—Chief Administrator Albert. “I’m in your hands, Your Excellency.”

“It is my honor to serve you, Baron!”

Albert bowed slightly, then gestured with an open hand, leading Luo Ning out of Wushan Fortress.

Once all had exited Wushan Fortress, Lu Lan turned to Jia Er. “How strong is Makken?”

Jia Er bowed low in reply. “His combat skills and mobility are equal to mine. Without using Battle Techniques, I have little chance of defeating him in a short time.”

Lu Lan let out a sharp laugh. “This kid just told me Makken only recently broke through from Intermediate Knight to Advanced.”

Jia Er shook his head. “Makken’s strength may not yet reach Bronze Rank, but he has certainly hit the peak of Advanced.”

Tuo Lu asked, “My Lord, what do you suggest?”

(End of Chapter)