Magic, steel, heavy industry

Chapter 64 Praise and Garlands

Sylvia's magic had an immediate effect; the two wounded soldiers recovered more than halfway and only needed a few more days of rest to fully recover.

Upon witnessing this scene, Vilan was once again amazed by the wonder of magic.

This thing is absolutely outrageous!

It completely overturned his common sense about medicine. As long as the green magic was applied, the external injury could be healed immediately. No medical means could achieve this.

Fortunately, Vilan was mentally prepared and didn't show his surprise on his face.

Of course, he still didn't agree to the magic powder crossbow, and instead chose to pay for the treatment with gold coins.

The reason is simple: the Magic Powder Crossbow is a strategic weapon and must never be allowed to leave the country.

He could certainly sell magic powder daggers or magic powder machetes, because no matter how powerful those weapons were, they wouldn't pose a threat to Vilan's soldiers unless they got close.

As long as the enemy doesn't have ranged magic powder weapons, the Guardian Force will have an absolute advantage. Conversely, if the enemy gets their hands on magic powder crossbows and launches a surprise attack from an extremely long distance, the Guardian Force will be doomed.

Selling long-range weapons is irresponsible to Vilan himself, and even more so to his soldiers.

This principle will not change even after he develops firearms and cannons; the magic powder crossbow will only be phased out, not sold.

Therefore, Vilan would not hand over the Magic Powder Crossbow to an outsider from the Anvil Territory.

Of course, if this adventure team becomes one of their own, things will be different. Putting everything else aside, at least Vilan is very interested in Sylvia.

This healer possesses healing abilities that he cannot comprehend; if he were to become a doctor, the entire Anvil Territory would benefit.

Not only Sylvia, but Vilan has also become interested in all healing mages.

So what if there's no medicine? As long as we recruit enough healing mages, isn't it no different from a hospital?

To this end, Vilan specifically asked Sylvia a few questions and obtained some information about the healer.

First of all, this kind of magical talent is very rare, and every healer is someone that adventurers are eager to recruit.

Secondly, even among therapists, each person's talents will have different focuses.

For example, Sylvia's magic is specifically designed to treat external injuries. Except for limb regeneration and resurrection, she can deal with other common external injuries.

But she couldn't even cure the most common cold.

Her magic was completely useless against diseases and infections, and she was helpless if external injuries were not treated in time and serious infections developed.

Some therapists specialize in treating diseases or infections, but are unable to stop bleeding from external injuries.

This is the difference between different magical talents.

Vilan found it amazing, and it strengthened his resolve to build a hospital.

"Medicine certainly needs to develop, but before that, I should focus on having a sufficient number of therapists."

After the adventurers left, Vilan sighed.

Igris, standing nearby, astutely grasped the deeper meaning of those words. "Let me guess, you want Sylvia to pledge her allegiance to you?"

"No, not just Sylvia. I need more healers, any type, I'll take them all. Of course, magic cores are also key." Vilan looked at Igris. "I need your help to keep those adventurers here, whether it's with gold coins or magic powder weapons, to attract them to stay in Anvil Territory."

Only by retaining adventurers can Vilan obtain a continuous supply of magic cores, and also ask Sylvia for help in case of unexpected events.

Iglesias nodded. "I understand, but I can't guarantee they'll stay."

"It's alright, let's give it a try. More important than this is letting my soldiers receive the cheers of the people. Judging by the time, they should be back soon."

Vilan looked into the distance. It was already noon, and news should be coming from those who had gone to the bandits' stronghold.

Sure enough, a group of people appeared on the plain ahead a short while later.

Steel Chain and Saka rode at the front, followed by a group of ragged prisoners. Among them, those with their hands bound were the bandits who stayed behind, and the rest were unfortunate souls who had been kidnapped by the bandits.

The stronger ones even carried or carried back supplies from the bandit camp.

Soon, the group arrived in front of Vilan. Steel Cable and Saka immediately dismounted and said, "It's all settled. Those bandits resisted for a while and then surrendered. We brought back everything usable, as well as dozens of people who were robbed."

"Well done. Keep the prisoners together, but keep the kidnapped people separate. They can't be released yet."

After speaking, Vilan glanced at Bear Eyes and Mad Cat. These two refugee leaders were the strongest and bravest than the others. Their volunteering this time was a way of securing an opportunity for themselves.

Another hour later, after finishing all the remaining work, Vilan led his guards into the town.

This is a necessary procedure; victorious soldiers need the cheers and praise of the crowd, even if the victory came easily.

Sure enough, the people had already spontaneously lined up on both sides of the street, and everyone cheered as soon as they saw the guards.

"Hero! The hero has returned!"

"Thank you for killing the robbers!"

"Long live Lord Vilan!"

"..."

Cheers erupted in the soldiers' ears, and those who had just relaxed immediately tensed up again.

But unlike the nervousness in the morning, this time I felt more shy.

Karl strode forward with measured steps, his eyes involuntarily glancing to both sides. There were many people he recognized, as well as many unfamiliar refugees, all cheering for him.

"I am a hero..."

Can I be a hero too?

Upon hearing this title, Karl felt a mix of trepidation and excitement.

He never imagined that he would one day receive so much recognition, and becoming a hero was something he dared not even dream of.

He had always thought that only those who were strong enough to fight monsters and protect the town could be called great heroes, but now he realized he was wrong.

So it turns out that being a soldier can make you a hero—no, it's only by being Lord Vilan's soldier that you can become a hero!

Karl stood tall and proud, experiencing for the first time in his life what glory truly meant.

Suddenly, his gaze shifted to the left, and two women, one older and one younger, rushed to his side with flower garlands and placed the flowers around his neck.

"My child, I was so worried about you, but you did it!"

"Brother, you're a great hero! You're amazing!"

Those were Carl's mother and sister. At that moment, Carl's eyes welled up with tears.

Not only him, but more and more children took out flower wreaths and put flowers on each member of the guard team, with praise and admiration ringing out continuously.

Many of the teenagers clenched their fists silently.

"Someday... I'll join the Guard!"