Miguel was determined to turn his vision into reality. For two intense days, he worked tirelessly on the prototype of the spherical projectile. The project required precision and attention to detail, as every component needed to function perfectly to ensure the explosion on impact.

He began by selecting the necessary materials. He chose ceramics for the outer casing of the projectile due to its resistance and ease of molding. Additionally, ceramics would fragment into dangerous shrapnel upon exploding. Miguel gathered small pieces of iron, broken ceramics, and stones to create the internal shrapnel.

Miguel went to the town's pottery workshop, where the potters were dedicated to creating the spherical ceramic casings. He explained that the spheres needed to have an internal cavity to store the gunpowder and shrapnel. With precision, the potters molded hollow spheres, each with a small opening to fill with the necessary components. After molding, the spheres were taken to the kiln to be hardened.

While the ceramic spheres were being prepared, Miguel turned his attention to the gunpowder. He carefully mixed the ingredients: 15% charcoal powder, 10% sulfur, and 75% potassium nitrate. He made several small mixtures, ensuring that the ratio was correct for an effective explosion.

With the ceramic spheres ready and cooled, Miguel began filling the interior. He placed a layer of shrapnel—sharp pieces of iron, ceramics, and small stones—inside each sphere. These shrapnel pieces would ensure that the explosion was lethal, scattering dangerous fragments in all directions.

Miguel then filled the remaining cavity of the spheres with the carefully prepared gunpowder. He made sure to compact the gunpowder properly, ensuring uniform density to maximize the explosion. The final step was the installation of the detonator. He inserted the impact pin, needle, and spark stone into the cavity, exactly as he had planned. He did this with precision, making sure each component was firmly in place. Then, he sealed the sphere's opening with a ceramic cap, secured with small screws.

After two days of intense work, Miguel finally had a prototype ready for testing. He was exhausted but determined. With the prototype in hand, he headed to the testing field outside the town, where soldiers and young João awaited.

At the field, Miguel explained the process to the soldiers, who watched with curiosity and a bit of apprehension. He placed the prototype on the ground, stepped back, and lit the fuse. Everyone retreated to a safe distance and waited. After a few seconds of tension, a deafening explosion echoed across the field. Fragments of ceramics, iron, and stones flew in all directions. Miguel, João, and the soldiers watched the result with surprise and admiration.

“This is what I wanted,” said Miguel, satisfied. “With these projectiles, we will be able to defend our town from any invader.” The soldiers were impressed, and one of them incredulously asked, “My lord, how did you manage this? Did you learn fire magic?”

Miguel smiled and replied, “No, this is not magic. It’s science and engineering. Something that can revolutionize and perhaps save our kingdom.”

With the success of the prototype, Miguel knew he was on the right track to protect Drakmoor. The next step would be the mass production of these projectiles, preparing for the imminent battle.

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The next day, Miguel decided to check on the progress of the catapult construction. He headed to a large yard in the town, where the work was in full swing. Upon arrival, he was impressed by what he saw. Hundreds of workers were on site, commanded by Marcus and Arthur, each supervising part of the process.

Miguel was even more impressed to see three catapults already visibly ready in the yard. The robust and imposing structures showed the effort and skill of the workers. Marcus noticed Miguel’s approach and came over, a satisfied smile on his face.

“Impressive work, Marcus!” exclaimed Miguel, genuinely admiring. “How did you manage to produce these catapults so quickly?”

Marcus began to explain, detailing the process he had undertaken in recent weeks. “First, we used oak wood for the main structure due to its strength and durability. The catapult arms were made with a special type of flexible wood, allowing for a more powerful launch. We worked in shifts, without stopping, to cut, shape, and assemble all the pieces.”

He continued, “For the base, we used an adjustable counterweight system, which allows the catapult to launch projectiles up to a maximum distance of 500 meters. This was possible thanks to precise calculations of balance and force, something we discussed with the carpenters and blacksmiths. Every detail was meticulously planned and executed.”

Marcus pointed to the ready catapults. “We used the base of the carts you designed for our catapults. The reinforced iron structure and wooden wheels allow the catapults to be easily moved to the desired position. The wheels are sturdy, and the base is stable, which was crucial to ensure that the catapult functioned properly.”

Miguel listened attentively, absorbing every detail. He knew that these catapults could be the key to Drakmoor’s defense. “You did a magnificent job, Marcus,” said Miguel, recognizing his commander’s effort and skill. “These catapults will be vital to our defense.”

Marcus smiled modestly. “The fourth catapult is now in production. Initially, I thought we could only make two, even with everyone working together. But the workers’ dedication was surprising. We managed to speed up the process without compromising quality.”

Miguel nodded, satisfied. He knew that each catapult built increased their chances of defending the kingdom. He thanked Marcus and all the workers present again, making it clear that their effort was vital to Drakmoor’s survival. With the catapults in production and the explosive projectiles being developed, Miguel felt that he was preparing in the best possible way for the approaching battle.

Lysandra, the fox, was hidden among the bushes, observing the march of soldiers advancing towards Miguel’s new kingdom. The dense foliage and low branches provided perfect camouflage for her, allowing her to see without being seen. Her sharp eyes analyzed every detail, from the soldiers’ armor to the supplies they carried.

In front of her, a massive column of soldiers moved in an organized formation. Some were equipped with full metal armor, gleaming in the sun, while most wore only chain mail and a few iron plates. The chain mail swayed with movement, emitting a rhythmic sound of clashing metal. Iron helmets covered their faces, leaving only their eyes visible, giving them an impersonal and threatening appearance.

In the center of the column, she noticed the pack animals. They were large, furry bovines with huge tusks resembling those of an elephant. The creatures seemed robust and perfectly adapted to carrying the heavy supplies and weapons needed for the military campaign. The tusks curved dangerously forward, a natural weapon that, fortunately, was not being used against her.

Further ahead, Lysandra spotted a large group of mounted soldiers, all armed with large spears. The spears, long and sharp, were designed to pierce and destroy, and the horsemen, in their shiny armor, seemed ready for any battle that might arise. The horses, trained for war, marched with firm and determined steps, the sound of hooves resonating on the ground in an implacable cadence.

She quickly grabbed a piece of paper and noted all her observations. The information about the number of soldiers, their armor, the pack animals, and the horsemen. Every detail could be crucial for the defense of Miguel’s kingdom. She knew her time was short, so once she finished, she attached the message to a trained pigeon and sent it to Ruidahr, hoping the information would arrive in time.

Lysandra took one last look at the column of soldiers. Her gaze fixed on the horses and the soldiers with their spears, a sight that, in some ways, seemed unreal in its grandeur. She knew she wouldn’t have time to return and warn personally, so she decided to stay. Her presence here, hidden and observant, could provide more valuable information.

The soldiers marched incessantly, the sound of their heavy boots echoing through the trees. The wind blew lightly, carrying the smell of sweat and metal. Lysandra, feeling the urgency of the situation, remained at her post, her senses on high alert. She knew that the fate of Miguel’s new kingdom was now, in part, in her hands.