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Vol 3 Chapter 86

In the workshop warmed by the furnace in the back, Benjamin, the young and talented son of Arthur, was focused on the sketches scattered across the rustic wooden table. The flames danced gently in the forge, casting shadows that moved with him as he studied the intricate drawings made by Miguel. The silence was filled only by the sound of the crackling fire and the occasional clinking of tools echoing through the workshop.

Benjamin scanned Miguel's sketches, impressed by the complexity and precision of the ideas. The drawings detailed a revolutionary concept: a metallic capsule that housed a projectile, something never before seen in that medieval world. He couldn't help but wonder how Miguel, a seemingly ordinary man, had come up with something so advanced and innovative.

He picked up the sketch of the pistol that Miguel had drawn and held it up to eye level, studying every line and annotation. The concept was simple yet brilliant: a weapon that could fire a single shot before being reloaded. The projectile was housed in a capsule, something Miguel had described as essential to the weapon's functionality. Benjamin knew this was what made the project so different and powerful.

"Brass and lead..." he murmured to himself, recalling the materials Miguel had mentioned. The problem was that these materials were rare and not available in the workshop at that moment. Benjamin frowned, thoughtful. He could try another approach. Instead of using brass and lead, he could attempt to fabricate the capsules using the metal alloy that Miguel had helped develop—a mixture of iron ore and coal that, although not ideal, might work as a temporary substitute.

He wasn't naive enough to believe it would be easy, but he was determined to at least try. Benjamin knew that if he could create a functional capsule, he would be taking a significant step toward the future of weaponry in Drakmoor. It was a challenge he was willing to accept, both to prove himself and to contribute to the kingdom that he and his father were helping to build.

With determination, Benjamin began organizing the workbench, carefully separating the tools and materials needed for the task. He knew that before attempting to mold any metal capsule, he needed to create specific molds for both the cartridge and the projectile. It was a delicate process, but fundamental to ensuring everything fit together precisely.

First, he took a piece of dense clay and began sculpting the cartridge mold. With a small spatula, he smoothed the surface and carved the cavities where the molten metal would be poured. He worked meticulously, checking the measurements several times, ensuring that the mold reflected exactly the proportions indicated in Miguel's sketches. The walls of the mold needed to be thick enough to withstand the pressure of the molten metal, but thin enough to allow the formation of a lightweight capsule.

After finishing the cartridge mold, Benjamin moved on to the projectile mold. This was simpler in terms of shape, but required even greater precision. Using a precision tool, he carved out the cylindrical shape of the projectile, leaving space for the projectile's nose and the hollow base where the gunpowder propellant would be housed. Every detail was sculpted with care, ensuring the projectile would be aerodynamic and lethal.

Upon completing the molds, Benjamin felt a wave of satisfaction. The molds were ready, and now the next step would be to heat the furnace, melt the metal, and see if everything would work as expected. But for now, he paused for a moment, observing his work with pride.

With the molds prepared and the challenge of melting the metal ahead, Benjamin knew that the real test would come soon. He wiped his hands, brushing away the remaining clay, and stored the molds in a safe place. Tomorrow, he would face the challenge of creating the first projectile capsules. For today, he was satisfied with the meticulous work he had done.

---

Benjamin was standing in his workshop, Miguel's sketches carefully laid out on the workbench. He glanced over the intricate notes and drawings of the project once more, absorbing every detail. The projectile capsule, something he had never seen before, was an engineering marvel. The idea of converting mechanical energy into an explosive shot seemed almost magical, and he couldn't help but wonder how Miguel had conceived of something so advanced.

The capsule was small, with a 9 mm caliber, something that made Benjamin frown in confusion. "Nine millimeters?" He murmured to himself, trying to understand what this measurement meant in the context of the project. But Miguel's notes were clear: this was the exact diameter of the projectile. The projectile itself was short and compact, designed to be deadly efficient.

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Benjamin focused his attention on the internal structure of the capsule. The bottom of the capsule, as the sketches showed, contained a small circle of gravel. This circle, when struck by the hammer of the firing mechanism, would move forward, creating a spark. This spark, although tiny, would be enough to ignite the compacted gunpowder inside the capsule, firing the projectile with great force.

Benjamin was impressed. The level of detail and precision required to make something like this work was astounding. He had never worked with something so delicate and, at the same time, so potentially dangerous. However, he felt a wave of excitement at the thought of being the first to manufacture something so innovative.

Determined, Benjamin lit the furnace and began heating the steel. The metal started to melt, turning into a shiny liquid mass. He took the molds he had made and carefully positioned them, checking once more that everything was perfect. With steady hands, he poured the molten steel into the molds, watching as the metal filled each cavity with precision.

The process was slow and meticulous. He knew that any mistake could compromise the entire project, so he double-checked everything, ensuring that the metal was flowing into every corner of the molds. Then, he let the metal cool and solidify, and began the demolding process, revealing the steel capsules.

Over the next three days, Benjamin repeated the process, adjusting small imperfections and refining his technique. Each capsule he produced was a work of patience and precision. By the end of those days, he held in his hands ten complete capsules, the result of his hard work.

He turned one of the capsules in his hand, observing the smooth and perfect surface. It was a small miracle of engineering, and he could hardly believe he had managed to create it. Each capsule was a promise of something new, a weapon that could change the course of the battles to come.

Benjamin felt deep satisfaction as he contemplated his work. He knew that these capsules represented only the beginning of something much bigger. Looking at the stack of capsules in his hand, he wondered what Miguel would think of his work when he saw the final result. With a proud smile, he stored the capsules in a safe place, eager to show Miguel what he had created.

---

Benjamin was anxious as he approached his father in the forge. Arthur, as usual, was deeply focused, adjusting one of the components of the cannon he had been working on tirelessly. The large block of metal rested on a reinforced workbench, and the room was filled with the intense heat of the furnaces and the sound of hammers shaping steel.

“Father,” Benjamin called, his voice carrying a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness. Arthur lifted his eyes from his work, his face sweaty and marked by exhaustion, but with an expression of curiosity.

“Yes, Benjamin?” Arthur replied, wiping his hands on a dirty rag and turning to his son.

Benjamin extended his hand, revealing one of the capsules he had spent the last few days fabricating. The small metallic projectile gleamed under the light of the forge, its smooth curves and impeccably smooth surface reflecting Benjamin's meticulous work.

Arthur took the capsule carefully, examining it with experienced eyes. He turned the object in his hands, observing every detail, from the base to the tip. His expression changed from curiosity to surprise, and then to silent admiration.

“You made this... on your own?” Arthur asked, finally breaking the silence. His voice carried a mixture of incredulity and pride. He knew his son was talented, but what he had in his hands was a sophisticated creation, something that required a level of skill and understanding far beyond what was expected.

Benjamin nodded, a smile of satisfaction forming on his lips. "Yes, I followed Miguel's sketches. It was challenging, but I managed to make it exactly as he drew."

Arthur returned the capsule to Benjamin, still impressed. "This is extraordinary, son," he said, sincerity in his voice. "Miguel really has an innovative vision, but you brought that vision to life with your own hands. You should be very proud."

Benjamin felt the warmth of his father's praise, a rare moment of recognition amid the hard work that permeated their lives. He pocketed the capsule, feeling more confident than ever.

Arthur placed a hand on Benjamin's shoulder, the pride visible in his eyes. "Keep up the good work, but be careful. This is new territory for all of us. But I know you can do great things."

Benjamin nodded, grateful for his father's support. Arthur then turned his attention back to the cannon he was working on, but not before casting a final proud glance at his son. Revitalized by his father's acknowledgment, Benjamin walked away, determined to continue his work with even more determination.

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