Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33 - Ruins
Chapter 34 - Discovery
Chapter 35 - Dancing With A Python
Chapter 36 - The Perfect Excuse
Chapter 37 - Shaliun Gold Coins
Chapter 38 - Return Trip
Chapter 39 - Shocking The Town
Chapter 40 - Splitting The Spoils
Chapter 41 - Treating In The Tavern
Chapter 42 - Bookstore
Chapter 43 - Household Turmoil
Chapter 44 - Making Noodles
Chapter 45 - Disappointment And Gift
Chapter 46 - Choice For The Future
Chapter 47 - Father'S Plans
Chapter 48 - Buying Bullets And Gunpowder
Chapter 49 - Flipper
Chapter 50 - Eriksson'S Little Fishing Boat Dream
Chapter 51 - Shooting Practice
Chapter 52 - Target And Sight
Chapter 53 - Pointless Trivia
Chapter 54 - Three-Dot Sight
Chapter 55 - A Disappointing Hunt
Chapter 56 - Hare Hunting
Chapter 57 - Chain Snare Catches
Chapter 58 - Secret Concoction
Chapter 59 - Lardor Snowhound
Chapter 60 - Claude The Confused
Chapter 61 - Magus Landes'S Diary (1)
Chapter 62 - Magus Landes'S Diary (2)
Chapter 63 - Magus Landes'S Diary (3)
Chapter 64 - Surprise In The Diary
Chapter 65 - The Decision To Learn Magic
Chapter 66 - Claude On The Roof
Chapter 67 - Repercussions
Chapter 68 - Preparatory Work
Chapter 69 - Nighttime Cruise And Fishing Net
Chapter 70 - Night Fishing
Chapter 71 - Hunting Water Birds
Chapter 72 - Crocodile Struggle
Chapter 73 - Limping Home
Chapter 74 - At The Jetty
Chapter 75 - Father'S Decision
Chapter 76 - Two Pieces Of Bad News
Chapter 77 - The Second Diary
Chapter 78 - Basic Spells
Chapter 79 - Claude'S Dilemma
Chapter 80 - Throughout The Year-End Vacation
Chapter 81 - Whale Meat And Tradition
Chapter 82 - New Year'S Eve
Chapter 83 - Half A Cup Of Milk Tea
Chapter 84 - Becoming A One-Ring Rune Magus
Chapter 85 - Mental Shock And Animal Trials
Chapter 86 - The Lady'S Spell
Chapter 87 - Lady Maria
Chapter 88 - I'Ve Been Learning Forbidden Spells?
Chapter 89 - Harmless Spells
Chapter 90 - Black Magic Market
Chapter 91 - Claude'S Request
Chapter 92 - Hunting Wild Boars
Chapter 93 - Magic Tomes And Scrolls
Chapter 94 - Visit From An Honoured Guest
Chapter 95 - You Should Be A Chef
Chapter 96 - Difference
Chapter 97 - Wood Supervisor
Chapter 98 - The Small Hut
Chapter 99 - The Old Street At Night
Chapter 100 - Hurian The Fat Old Man
Chapter 101 - High Prices
Chapter 102 - Magic Crossbow
Chapter 103 - Confrontation On The Road
Chapter 104 - Taking Action
Chapter 105 - Weapons And Spells
Chapter 106 - Wrapped Up And Dealth With
Chapter 107 - Discussion
Chapter 108 - Excuse For Lateness
Chapter 109 - Two Spell Scrolls
Chapter 110 - Ambush And Pursuit
Chapter 111 - Spellbane Dagger
Chapter 112 - Imposter
Chapter 113 - Featherfall
Chapter 114 - Preparation Before Setup
Chapter 115 - Success!
Chapter 116 - Asking For Money
Chapter 117 - Familial Conflict
Chapter 118 - Going Out To Sea
Chapter 119 - Search
Chapter 120 - Discovery
Chapter 121 - Burning Coal
Chapter 122 - Time To Make Some Money
Chapter 123 - Graduation
Chapter 124 - Martial Law
Chapter 125 - Crime
Chapter 126 - Garrison
Chapter 127 - Mayor Robert'S Plan
Chapter 128 - Tricked Veterans
Chapter 129 - Arbeit The Fraud
Chapter 130 - Arbeit'S Whereabouts
Chapter 131 - Search
Chapter 132 - Den
Chapter 133 - Taking Action
Chapter 134 - Encounter
Chapter 135 - Bidlir Blanche
Chapter 136 - Lady Maria'S Reply
Chapter 137 - Turmoil In Court
Chapter 138 - Two Matters
Chapter 139 - Arbeit'S Intent
Chapter 140 - Filling Pockets
Chapter 141 - Wasted Trip
Chapter 142 - The Magus That Robs
Chapter 143 - Battle In The Yard
Chapter 144 - Robbery Complete
Chapter 145 - Jerad'S Thoughts
Chapter 146 - Auction
Chapter 147 - Father-And-Son Talk
Chapter 148 - The Nightmare Comes
Chapter 149 - Modification And Rumours
Chapter 150 - In Debt
Chapter 151 - Despair
Chapter 152 - Turmoil
Chapter 153 - Act Of Creditors
Chapter 154 - Guarantee
Chapter 155 - Move
Chapter 156 - Kefnie'S Confession
Chapter 157 - Lady Maria'S Gift
Chapter 158 - Property Development
Chapter 159 - Angelina'S Secret
Chapter 160 - Angelina Wants To Learn Magic
Chapter 161 - Whitestag In The Fifth Month
Chapter 162 - Confusion And Change
Chapter 163 - Mayor Felidos
Chapter 164 - Doing Wrong With Good Intentions
Chapter 165 - Conscription Order
Chapter 166 - Have Some Whiskey
Chapter 167 - Explanation
Chapter 168 - Urgent Document
Chapter 169 - Execution
Chapter 170 - Detective
Chapter 171 - Suspicion
Chapter 172 - Dispelling Doubt
Chapter 173 - Repurcussions
Chapter 174 - Eve Of Departure
Chapter 175 - En Route
Chapter 176 - Doghunt Tavern
Chapter 177 - City Of Whitewood
Chapter 178 - Whiteroot Powder
Chapter 179 - Shocking Turn
Chapter 180 - Misunderstanding
Chapter 181 - City Lockdown
Chapter 182 - Blunder
Chapter 183 - Reporting For Duty
Chapter 184 - The Four Of Noble Blood
Chapter 185 - Beatdown
Chapter 186 - Infirmary
Chapter 187 - The Whole Story
Chapter 188 - Punishment
Chapter 189 - Confinement
Chapter 190 - Training
Chapter 191 - Training Ongoing
Chapter 192 - Three Day Break
Chapter 193 - Surprising Tentsman Pick
Chapter 194 - Combat Training
Chapter 195 - The Final Counterattack
Chapter 196 - Causing Trouble
Chapter 197 - Settlement
Chapter 198 - Worry And Puzzlement
Chapter 199 - Wonderful News
Chapter 200 - Letters
Chapter 201 - New Recruits
Chapter 202 - Kink-Necks
Chapter 203 - Marksmanship Training
Chapter 204 - Combat Simulation
Chapter 205 - Glory Or Embarrassment
Chapter 206 - The Breakout Of War
Chapter 207 - Arrival Of The Prince
Chapter 208 - The Prince'S Summons
Chapter 209 - Refusal
Chapter 210 - In The Heat Of The Matter
Chapter 211 - Initial Signs Of Danger
Chapter 212 - Nosedive
Chapter 213 - Conclusion Of Battle
Chapter 214 - The Keeper Band Worth Two Bottles Of Wine
Chapter 215 - Prince Hansbach
Chapter 216 - Rangers
Chapter 217 - Lieutenant-Colonel Rosley
Chapter 218 - Ambush
Chapter 219 - Casualties
Chapter 220 - The Battle Reignites
Chapter 221 - On The Frontlines
Chapter 222 - Wilf Stronghold
Chapter 223 - Marching In Line
Chapter 224 - Suppressive Attack
Chapter 225 - Visit
Chapter 226 - Returning For Duty
Chapter 227 - Blackmaple Castle
Chapter 228 - Deployment Strategy
Chapter 229 - Squirrel Village
Chapter 230 - Questioning
Chapter 231 - The Baroness’ Complaint
Chapter 232 - Charm
Chapter 233 - Discussion And Inspiration
Chapter 234 - Major Lederfanc’S Inspection
Chapter 235 - Secret
Chapter 236 - Black Wolf
Chapter 237 - Wolf And The Maiden
Chapter 238 - The Shack Beneath The Rubber Tree
Chapter 239 - With In The Forest
Chapter 240 - Finally Speaking
Chapter 241 - Howling Wolf
Chapter 242 - Rainy Night
Chapter 243 - Skinning
Chapter 244 - Sheila
Chapter 245 - Nature Spells
Chapter 246 - Kindle And Fireball
Chapter 247 - Martial God Asur247
Chapter 248 - Nineteen Magic Scrolls
Chapter 249 - Spell Study
Chapter 250 - Construction Of The Wooden House
Chapter 251 - Enemy Movements
Chapter 252 - Preparations
Chapter 253 - The Battle Begins
Chapter 254 - Night Attack
Chapter 255 - Armies Gathering
Chapter 256 - Pursuing Soldiers
Chapter 257 - Attack And Defence
Chapter 258 - Cannon Bombardment
Chapter 259 - The Camp As Tough As A Fortress
Chapter 260 - Strategy
Chapter 261 - Splendid Victory
Chapter 262 - Triumphant Report
Chapter 263 - Background
Chapter 264 - Leisurely Time
Chapter 265 - Joint Investigation Committee
Chapter 266 - Knighthood
Chapter 267 - Role Reassignment
Chapter 268 - Grand Gathering
Chapter 269 - Coincidental Reunion
Chapter 270 - News From Welikro
Chapter 271 - Explosive Shot
Chapter 272 - Mission
Chapter 273 - Dominion Of Death
Chapter 274 - Castle Landes
Chapter 275 - Remaining A Deadbeat
Chapter 276 - Supply Difficulties
Chapter 277 - Fall Of Rimodra
Chapter 278 - Mistake
Chapter 279 - Withdrawal
Chapter 280 - Siege
Chapter 281 - Shootout
Chapter 282 - Grassland Goldeagle
Chapter 283 - Siege Tower
Chapter 284 - Clash On The Walls
Chapter 285 - Siege Towers Destroyed
Chapter 286 - Escape Route
Chapter 287 - Withdrawal
Chapter 288 - Noble And Peasant Officers
Chapter 289 - The Brash First Prince
Chapter 290 - No Limit To Imbecility
Chapter 291 - Imposters
Chapter 292 - First Lieutenant Perengue
Chapter 293 - A Life Lost
Chapter 294 - Countermeasures
Chapter 295 - Judiciary Investigation Committee
Chapter 296 - Investigation Ongoing
Chapter 297 - Investigation Concluded
Chapter 298 - Train Of Thought
Chapter 299 - The Dust Has Settled
Chapter 300 - Family Visit Break
Chapter 301 - Efenasburg'S Black Market
Chapter 302 - Bandits
Chapter 303 - Bandit Encounter
Chapter 304 - Return Home
Chapter 305 - Mother, Sister, Brother, And Pluto
Chapter 306 - Sister And Spells
Chapter 307 - Lady Maria'S Deliberations
Chapter 308 - Buying Woodland
Chapter 309 - Myriad Changes
Chapter 310 - Kills And Magic Accessories
Chapter 311 - Visits
Chapter 312
Chapter 313 - Peddler Donoby
Chapter 314 - Lieutenant Manrique
Chapter 315
Chapter 316 - Home Stay And Eloping
Chapter 317 - The Sounds Upstairs
Chapter 318 - Laundry Chaos
Chapter 319 - Trash Novel
Chapter 320 - Arrival In The Royal Capital
Chapter 321 - Visit
Chapter 322 - Village Chief Chenova
Chapter 323 - Advanced Strategy Class
Chapter 324 - Rainy Season
Chapter 325 - The Hole Under The Bed
Chapter 326 - Inadequacies
Chapter 327 - Family Correspondence
Chapter 328 - Special Independent Tribe
Chapter 329 - Personnel And Organisation
Chapter 330 - Military Discipline And Healer Transfer
Chapter 331 - Long Distance Training
Chapter 332 - Two New Developments
Chapter 333 - Training Exercise
Chapter 334 - Another War
Chapter 335 - Arrival On Nubissia
Chapter 336 - Port Cobius
Chapter 337 - The High-Commissioner’S Problem
Chapter 338 - Planning
Chapter 339 - Encounter
Chapter 340 - Claude Defence Line
Chapter 341 - Night Attack! Night Attack!
Chapter 342 - Operation Burn
Chapter 343 - Push And Pull
Chapter 344 - Burning Mordo
Chapter 345 - Siblings' Arrival
Chapter 346 - Angelina'S Marriage Matters
Chapter 347 - Victory And Expansion
Chapter 348 - Theatre Of War
Chapter 349 - Great Battle’S Eve
Chapter 350 - Bait And Massacre
Chapter 351 - Battle Of Balingana (1)
Chapter 352 - Battle Of Balingana (2)
Chapter 353 - Battle Of Balingana (3)
Chapter 354 - The General'S Mistake
Chapter 355 - State Of Turmoil
Chapter 356 - Military Budget Debacle
Chapter 357 - Changes In The Corps
Chapter 358 - Truth And Excavation
Chapter 359 - General Fansnik
Chapter 360 - Field Marshal Of The Theatre
Chapter 361 - Problem Solved
Chapter 362 - Spending And Promotion
Chapter 363 - Mister Weyblon
Chapter 364 - Drivick
Chapter 365 - Explosives And Ignition Powder
Chapter 366 - New Theatre Preparation Meeting
Chapter 367 - Sudden Incident
Chapter 368 - Reuniting With An Old Friend
Chapter 369 - Matters Settled
Chapter 370 - Work Horses, Donkeys, Mine, And Factory
Chapter 371 - Monster And Power
Chapter 372 - Hot Air Engine
Chapter 373 - Borkal'S Mission
Chapter 374 - Bull Hunting
Chapter 375 - Dawn Attack
Chapter 376 - The Second Encampment
Chapter 377 - Battle Back And Forth
Chapter 378 - Trade
Chapter 379 - Third Victory
Chapter 380 - General Eiblont
Chapter 381 - Conquest Of Wickhamsburg
Chapter 382 - Strike
Chapter 383 - The Nikancha Call For Help
Chapter 384 - Great Deal For The Nikancha
Chapter 385 - Position Shift
Chapter 386
Chapter 387 - Majid Iii'S Plans
Chapter 388 - Word Of Mouth
Chapter 389 - Sixty Percent
Chapter 390 - Reunion After A Long Parting
Chapter 391 - Father-Daughter Magi
Chapter 392 - Revolver Test: Success!
Chapter 393 - Recruitment
Chapter 394 - General Aljess
Chapter 395 - Attack Drill
Chapter 396 - Gunshots At Midnight
Chapter 397 - Ambushed
Chapter 398 - Assassination
Chapter 399 - Loss
Chapter 400 - Greytower Magi And Countermeasures
Chapter 401 - Thoughts And Self-Preservation
Chapter 402 - The Royal Capital'S Response
Chapter 403
Chapter 404 - Humbling Oneself
Chapter 405 - Discharge Problem
Chapter 406 - Problem Solved
Chapter 407 - Rapidly Changing World
Chapter 408 - War Orphans
Chapter 409 - Civil War And Waves Of Immigrants
Chapter 410 - Conclusive Year-End Report
Chapter 411
Chapter 412 - Downsizing And Shocking News
Chapter 413 - Restructuring And Huge Bombshell
Chapter 414 - Reasoning
Chapter 415 - Rubbish Defence
Chapter 416 - Absorbed Into The Theatre
Chapter 417 - Viscount Godic
Chapter 418 - Averting Trouble
Chapter 419
Chapter 420 - Borkal’S Legendary Exploits
Chapter 421 - Military Industrial Equipment
Chapter 422 - The Purge
Chapter 423 - New Rifle
Chapter 424 - News From Smugglers
Chapter 425 - Western Coast
Chapter 426 - Loan
Chapter 427 - Fundraising
Chapter 428 - Lease
Chapter 429
Chapter 430
Chapter 431 - Claude’S Countermeasures
Chapter 432 - Operation Leak
Chapter 433 - Opinion
Chapter 434
Chapter 435 - Negotiations (1)
Chapter 436 - Negotiations (2)
Chapter 437 - Shiksan Arrival
Chapter 438 - Pre-War Business
Chapter 439 - Defence Line
Chapter 440 - Reason For Loss
Chapter 441 - Night Attack And Ambush
Chapter 442 - Solving The Root Of The Problem
Chapter 443 - Wolffang Band
Chapter 444
Chapter 445
Chapter 446 - Unexpected Developments
Chapter 447 - Attack Mishap
Chapter 448 - Heated Battle At Camp
Chapter 449 - Bloody Clash
Chapter 450 - Merit, Lesson, And The Foolish Nikancha
Chapter 451 - The Wondrous Nikancha
Chapter 452 - Conclusions
Chapter 453 - Meeting And Decisions
Chapter 454 - New Research
Chapter 455 - Tobacco Business
Chapter 456 - Rumours And Going Off-Topic
Chapter 457 - The Nikancha’S Offer
Chapter 458 - Suggestions Laced With Threats
Chapter 459 - Idle Chat And Arrival
Chapter 460 - Nikancha Camp-Flight Incident
Chapter 461
Chapter 462
Chapter 463 - Tricks And Countermeasures
Chapter 464 - Crossing The Floating Bridge
Chapter 465 - Meeting And Surprise Attack
Chapter 466 - Thundercrash’S Assault
Chapter 467 - Surprise Attack Planning
Chapter 468 - At Sea
Chapter 469 - The Grand Push
Chapter 470 - Cleanup After The Great Battle
Chapter 471 - Borkal’S Experiences
Chapter 472 - Private Conversation
Chapter 473 - Blacksail And Eriksson
Chapter 474 - Rebuke
Chapter 475 - Ambassador’S Arrival
Chapter 476 - Piglet Capture Conflict
Chapter 477 - Shock At The Banquet
Chapter 478 - Ambassadors’ Night Meeting
Chapter 479 - Blinded By Greed
Chapter 480 - Aftermath And Self-Governance
Chapter 481 - Deploying On The Mainland
Chapter 482 - Sacred Light Era Year 595
Chapter 483 - The Union Rises
Chapter 484 - Request And Reply
Chapter 485 - Troubling Household Matters
Chapter 486 - The Hunt
Chapter 487 - Tracking
Chapter 488 - Train
Chapter 489 - Blackwind, Stop Licking!
Chapter 490 - Sheila’S Experiences
Chapter 491 - Catching Up
Chapter 492 - Busywork And Misfortune
Chapter 493 - Family Troubles
Chapter 494 - Splitting Family Assets
Chapter 495 - Aid
Chapter 496 - Ironclad And Stahlhelm
Chapter 497 - Declaration Of War
Chapter 498 - Chasing Ambassador’S Away And Maria’S Arrival
Chapter 499 - Conversation On The Train
Chapter 500 - Deciding To Deploy
Chapter 501 - Goals
Chapter 502 - Operation Crescent Moon
Chapter 503 - Arrival And Impersonation
Chapter 504 - War On Two Fronts
Chapter 505 - Triumph Of Ambruiz
Chapter 506 - Station And Choice
Chapter 507 - En Route To Polyvisia
Chapter 508 - Butcher Of Polyvisia
Chapter 509 - Saint Lusk Naval Battle
Chapter 510 - Severe Circumstances
Chapter 511 - Choosing To Fight Or Leave
Chapter 512 - Prelude To Battle
Chapter 513 - Clash In Polyvisia (1)
Chapter 514 - Clash In Polyvisia (2)
Chapter 515 - Clash In Polyvisia (3)
Chapter 516 - Clash In Polyvisia (4)
Chapter 517 - Good News And Lies
Chapter 518 - Appointment And Delegation
Chapter 519 - Captives And Expansion
Chapter 520 - Disassembly And Diversion
Chapter 521 - Prime Minister’S Two Proposals
Chapter 522 - The King'S Scheme
Chapter 523 - Elevation Fee
Chapter 524 - Choice And Solidarity
Chapter 525 - The Council'S Three Demands
Chapter 526 - Solidarity Of Victors
Chapter 527 - Fief Picks
Chapter 528 - Bandit Extermination
Chapter 529 - Really A Misunderstanding?
Chapter 530 - Deploying Troops
Chapter 531 - Prime Minister’S Reception
Chapter 532 - Sharp Negotiations
Chapter 533 - Reparations Negotiations And Arms Deal
Chapter 534 - Two Bits Of Bad News
Chapter 535 - Analysis And Response
Chapter 536 - Ironclad Deal
Chapter 537 - Operation Wildfire
Chapter 538 - Shiksan Captives
Chapter 539 - Tesoray'S Future
Chapter 540 - Family Matters
Chapter 541 - Reorganisation And Voluntary Folk
Chapter 542 - Escort And Transport
Chapter 543 - Court Case Of The Wood
Chapter 544 - Pamigar Revolt
Chapter 545 - Battle Report
Chapter 546 - Looming Threat
Chapter 547 - General Skri'S Secret Message
Chapter 548 - Western Coast Incident Of 603
Chapter 549 - Death Of The Great Chieftain
Chapter 550 - Return Of General Birkin
Chapter 551 - Cape Lodocus'S Handover
Chapter 552 - Homecoming Shiksans
Chapter 553 - To The Mainland
Chapter 554 - Blancarte'S Intentions
Chapter 555 - Worrying Household Matters
Chapter 556 - Clueless Mother
Chapter 557 - Avitelli I Of Bleyotte
Chapter 558 - Fate Of Mambamark
Chapter 559 - Strategic Lies
Chapter 560 - 9Th Month Of Year 604
Chapter 561 - Attacking First
Chapter 562 - The Great Demise
Chapter 563 - Strategic Analysis And Delegation
Chapter 564 - Blancarte'S Suggestion
Chapter 565 - Change Of The Homecoming Shiksans
Chapter 566 - Claude’S Headache
Chapter 567 - National Defence Force And Useless Allies
Chapter 568 - Wolves Abroad, Hyenas At Home
Chapter 569 - Middle Of The 9Th Month
Chapter 570 - Lease And The Court’S Three Requests
Chapter 571 - Refused Requests
Chapter 572 - Arbeit’S Past
Chapter 573 - Two Letters And The National Preservation Fund
Chapter 574 - Reply And Captives
Chapter 575 - General Siegfeld’S Development Plan
Chapter 576 - Official Notice And Lawsuit
Chapter 577 - Awkward Court Case
Chapter 578 - Meanwhile, On The Western Coast
Chapter 579 - Potential For Sheila To Advance
Chapter 580 - Borkal And Eriksson
Chapter 581 - Myjack Joins The Household
Chapter 582 - Borkal’S Failure
Chapter 583 - Visitation
Chapter 584 - The Royal Family’S Ironclads
Chapter 585 - Three Main Intelligence Agencies
Chapter 586 - Royal Navy Scandal
Chapter 587 - Trivialities
Chapter 588 - Attack On Port Wades
Chapter 589 - Battle Of Nubari Islands
Chapter 590 - Dawn Of The Age Of The Ironclad
Chapter 591 - The Western Coast Of Rapid Change
Chapter 592 - Intervention
Categories Genre: Action, Adventure, All, Drama, Fantasy, Ongoing, School Life, Slice of Life, Tragedy Status: Ongoing Alternative names: BIG, 重生之黑铁的荣耀, ______
Total Chapters in book: 593
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 593 Page No. 592 Page No. 591 Page No. 590 Page No. 589 Page No. 588 Page No. 587 Page No. 586 Page No. 585 Page No. 584 Page No. 583 Chapter 590 - Dawn Of The Age Of The Ironclad
Chapter 590
Dawn of the Age of the Ironclad
Nobody expected Port Vebator’s first commission would come from Carmenleon instead. Claude recalled that they were one of the nations that purchased one ironclad ship from the Aueran royal navy. Apparently, they had also run into fabrication problems from not having heat-resistant alloy and propeller technology. Even after obtaining the designs of the first-generation ships, they weren’t able to recreate them.
Carmenleon’s ambassador had come as a travelling merchant to order six ironclad warships, namely, one destroyer, four patrollers and one transporter. They were just enough to form a patrol-and-combat flotilla. The six ships cost 900 thousand crowns in total and would be finished half a year later. However, it seemed that the ambassador didn’t want word of it to get out. Naturally, the region was happy to oblige and get rich in secret.
Borkal believed that Carmenleon’s ambassador probably faced the same problem the Aueran royal navy did: they were instructed to forge the ships by the royal family but failed to do so and had no choice but to buy them off the region directly. Fortunately, the new shipyards at Port Vebator managed to fill that demand.
Claude was willing to let the shipyards produce first and second-generation ironclad warships for sale because he wanted to boost the other nations’ research speed. They were already able to forge similar armoured shells for their ships with alternative alloys. The only difficulty was the making of steam engines and propellers, but even that could be solved with time and investment. One day, some nation would crack the secrets to making them.
The sale of those ships, on the other hand, was positioned perfectly to disrupt those nations that stubbornly wanted to make their own engines. To them, buying the ships would be far better than making their own. The kind of money they had invested would’ve been enough to make 20 direct purchases from the region to form their own fleet and immediately heighten the defences of their coasts.
Even if they were insistent on continuing research into ironclad warships, they still required some at hand to defend their coasts. Perhaps, they would have to spend two to three times the price of one ironclad warship to make a shabby copy that couldn’t even compete with the ones the region put up for sale.
Not to mention, there was no saying how much more they would have to invest to finally achieve results. Claude hoped that the majority of nations would switch from researching the technology to purchasing them directly from the region. As long as they were willing to pay, the region wouldn’t discriminate. Even if the region was about to face their patrons in war, they guaranteed they would hand the ships over if they were already paid for.
Selling the first-generation warships would bring vast amounts of wealth to the region. Even Liboyd felt embarrassed at selling them for those prices when he looked at the simple designs of the obsolete ships. So, he modified the first-generation engines to improve their fuel efficiency slightly to make the ships last longer and sail faster.
The region was selling first-generation ironclad destroyers for 150 thousand crowns, but the shipyards would only get paid 50 thousand. That made the region a profit of 100 thousand crowns easily. Even then, the actual cost to build the ship was 20 thousand crowns. The shipyards still doubled their profit.
The destroyers were merely covered in a water-tight metal shell and their most sophisticated parts were the steam engines and propellers. Additionally, there were bronze pipes used for communication on board and cannons on deck. They could also add a ram at the front if they wanted.
The amount the region spent to research them was about a million crowns. While it seemed like a loss for the region to sell them at those prices, it was a great deal for the other nations trying to acquire their own ironclad warships.
After the precedent set by Carmenleon’s purchase, other nations soon came knocking. The region’s old first-generation warships, however, ran out. The six Carmenleon ordered had to be completely built from scratch.
Claude felt that it was a shame that the Fochsian ambassador hadn’t replied yet after he offered to sell them second-generation warships. If they came back to order them, they would definitely be given priority over Carmenleon. The worst case would be refurbishing one of the current second-generation warships in service in Ironclad to be sold to Fochs. The money earned could then be used to build fourth-generation warships for Moriad.
The twelve first-generation ships of Blacksail had undergone an overhaul at Port Vebator. Another 16 speedy sail warships had also been covered in metal armour and fitted with steam engines and propellers. Eriksson then left during a foggy night and disappeared into the seas.
Claude currently busied himself with the reserve troops and recruits. It was the biggest change in the region’s military to date. Aueras had always had standing corps and irregular corps that were recruited during wartime. Their main corps included the royal guard corps, Reddragon and Griffon. Soldiers were discharged after serving 15 years as dignitarians. If they chose to remain in service, they were given a much better salary, a good motivation to keep them in service.
Wartime recruits were, as their name suggested, implemented only during wartime. Local prefectures conscripted people of fitting age to form irregular corps to send to reinforce the core troops. Most of these conscripted recruits had bad luck and were killed as cannon fodder. Even if they won, there was nothing to be happy about. After being discharged, they would go back to their normal lives. Military service wouldn’t change their fates at all. Only a few lucky ones were transferred to the standing corps and became official servicemen.
The region now had four standing corps, a navy and twelve local garrison lines, totalling up to nearly 550 thousand troops. The majority of troops were in the standing corps, so funding them put a huge burden on the region. The bonuses and salaries the troops enjoyed already overshot budget, leaving little left for the research and improvement of gear and tactics.
Claude was planning to fuse the systems of compulsory national service and voluntary service together into a new system of regulars and reserves. Not all regulars were willing to serve for 15 years in the force. Some of them were uninterested in dignitarian status and would be more willing to spend more time with their family. The requirement for troops to serve 15 years was to make sure the nations had enough experienced soldiers to defend them in the first place.
In the region, an adult of 18 years of age was the perfect candidate for recruitment. However, they had to train for five years to become a qualified soldier. If they earned promotions during wartime, they would have a bright military career.
However, if there wasn’t a war after the five-year training, they would have two choices. They could either remain in the force as a master-sergeant and enjoy the benefits of their rank and be discharged after serving a full 15 years to be trained into a local official.
The other option was for them to return home if they didn’t want to continue serving. They could marry and start a business without being disturbed, as they already had a record of serving for five years. If that soldier wanted dignitarian status before turning 40, they could apply to continue serving in a local defence force until the 15 year term was up.
That was a huge change to many within that age range. Any adult 18 and above could start a military career and reforge themselves. Even if they chose to stop serving, they were already primed for good discipline and could become reserve troops in preparation for wartime conscription.
Claude’s revamp of the system broke the tradition of most men having to serve at least 15 years. From then on, there would no longer be any soldier that couldn’t master what they ought to and be forced to remain in the force. The shorter compulsory service term brought much needed vitality to the forces.
The greatest benefit of the reformation was the decreased amount of salary the region had to pay out. Birkin mentioned that back then, as long as one joined the force, they would find a lifetime career. As long as they didn’t die young on the battlefield, they could take a stable salary until they were discharged. That was the case as well with Claude when he joined Bluefeather. Almost right away, he already got to enjoy the good salary and all the other benefits.
However, joining Bluefeather right before the first great war was filled with risk. Claude managed to luck out and avoid the fate of dying on the battlefield before being transferred by the first prince to the experimental ranger tribe, kicking off his career for good. There were few who had the kind of luck Claude did, as Birkin had put it.
However, after the reform, even lucky fellows like Claude would no longer rise to the top. Claude had sadistically cut the huge salary the troops got during compulsory service, giving only a bit of allowance. They were only serving for five years doing their obligation, not work, so what would they need a salary for when the force had their basic necessities covered?
To get a good salary, one would have to serve the compulsory term and master key skills before they would be retained as master-sergeants and given a good salary. The salary also grew with the time one served or with battlefield achievements.
However, Borkal frankly told Claude that what he basically did was cutting five years of salary from the original 15, with the first five years of compulsory service being a form of filter for those who merely wanted to slack off in the force. Only an idiot would stay in the force with five years of salary missing. Those more capable would’ve gone off to do business or something to earn much more.
Year 607 was a rather calm time for the region. Apart from the alliance formed with the pamigar republic, the rest of the region’s efforts were turned to internal management, mainly the purge. Then came the settling of the Shiksan immigrants, downsizing of the homecoming Shiksan folks and the formation of the Shiksan Voluntary Corps.
During the latter half of the year, the region was kept busy with military reform and changed the compulsory service term to five years. In the middle of the 10th month, word came from the western coast once more about Blacksail engaging the Fochsian navy.
This time around, Blacksail took the initiative to fight Fochs. They attacked the ships docked at the second Fochsian colony, managing to crush the fleet there and occupy the port before leaving after three days of raiding.
Fochs really got gobsmacked this time around. Despite their reputation as a mighty naval power, they no longer posed any threat. All they had remaining were two seemingly strong fleets of sail ships. However, it became obvious to anyone concerned that the curtains were closing on the age of sail. The pirates came with twelve ironclad warships as the vanguard and another 16 metal-armoured, steam-powered sail ships trailing behind to crush the tight defensive formation of the Fochsian fleet and scattering their ships.
The results of the battle caused Carmenleon to ignore the threat of Fochs locking them down at sea and immediately sent their troops to conquer the last remaining Lesnian colony, kicking them out of Nubissia for good.
Reliaro, the other nation that had a colony neighbouring Lesnia’s, was half a step slower. As they cursed Carmenleon for taking the dive before them, they didn’t hesitate to take over Fochs’ second colony.
The defensive troops of the Fochsian colony had a huge bad luck streak. They suffered a pirate attack at the port right after their nation’s navy lost. The pirate raids took most of their wealth, and some of their wives and daughters. Yet, before they were even able to assess their losses, another conqueror came from a neighbouring colony, causing them to lose it all.
Angered beyond belief, Fochs immediately declared a blockade against Carmenleon and Reliaro. They vented the rage they had for the pirates on those nations instead. Fortunately, Fochs knew that its army was pathetic and didn’t embarrass itself by bringing it out. Instead, they would seal off their ocean routes completely to sink or capture all ships coming from their nations or colonies.
Carmenleon and Reliaro declared the formation of a naval alliance to break the Fochsian blockade. By then, the six ironclad warships Carmenleon had ordered was complete.
The moment the six ironclad warships showed up between the allied navy’s ships, the Fochsian fleet suddenly stopped its charge and maintained a perimeter without daring to approach. The blockade was undone just like that.
The region then received an order of 24 first-generation ironclad warships from Carmenleon and Reliaro, which had to be fulfilled in a year. Right after the region sent off the two nations’ ambassadors after receiving their payment, the Fochsian ambassador came.
“We want to purchase 48 ironclad warships,” the ambassador said.
Total Chapters in book: 593
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
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