I think it would be best to wait and study the spell first before I decide what to do. The changes I make to the enchants have to be worth it for the merchant group. I also can't make the spell itself too complicated or that could have the same effect.
Once I have studied the spell I will ask Lin for her opinion, she knows the human mages better. She might even know some tricks for hiding how a spell or enchantment works. If not, maybe I can come up with something that would work, but it isn't something I've tried before.
I am sure that between us, Lin and I will be able to figure something out. It probably won't make too big of a difference if I give the humans some knowledge, I just have to be careful. As I am thinking, Zachariah returns carrying a stone tablet about the size of a laptop.
When he hands it to me it has a complicated diagram of the weapon on it. I quickly figure out that there are more pages that I can access by swiping my hand across the tablet. It basically works like a computer tablet, it just doesn't have any other functions.
Instead of looking at what information is on it, I am far more interested in the enchantments. It is enchanted in the same style as the weapons, but the enchantments are far more intricate. They use several spells that I am not familiar with, probably for storing and displaying the information.
Once I am done looking at the enchantments, I turn my attention to the designs on the tablet. The first page shows the completed weapon, the other pages show each individual piece and how they are made. The last couple of pages show how all the pieces are assembled together.
All in all, it kind of reminds me of the instructions that used to come with a set of Legos. With this, as long as someone has the skills to make the pieces, basically anyone can assemble the weapon. It is really well thought out and it will make what I need to do even easier.
"How do I modify this?"
Zachariah hands me another smaller piece of stone which attaches to the top of the tablet. Once it is attached I am able to modify the existing pages and add new ones. I play around with it until I know all the functions and then I get to work.
My plan is to change the design into a rapid firing crossbow with an ammo clip. The mount for the weapon doesn't need to change, only the weapon portion does. Since humans already have crossbows I am not really giving them much new technology.
The only thing that I am giving them is the technology for the ammo clips and rapid firing. While that can be adapted to other things, it won't make much difference. It is something that the humans could easily come up with on their own given some time.
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It isn't a technology that would lead to anything really dangerous. The worst it would lead to would be rapid fire ballistae and crossbows. It isn't like I am giving them gunpowder or electricity. I don't think I have to worry too much about it.
All told, it takes me about an hour to modify the designs for the new weapon. It will have a shorter range, but it is meant to cover the other weapons so that isn't a problem. It should be able to fire about five shots every two seconds, with a clip of fifty bolts.
That means that it can fire non-stop for around twenty seconds before it needs to be reloaded. That rate of fire should be enough that even someone with poor aim can hit a target. Thanks to the clip design it can also be reloaded really fast and the clips are reusable.
"Alright, it's done. Take a look. A couple of these on each roof should be able to cover the current weapon's biggest weakness."
Zachariah says "I will have to let my people take a look at it, I don't understand these designs at all."
Gathering a tiny bit of mana, I create an illusion of the weapon and show him how it works. Then I recreate the situation with the Shrikes and show him how the crossbows would have helped. I can tell from the smile on his face that he is happy with the result, as long as it works as promised.
Zachariah says "It looks like the enchantments are the same? You didn't make any changes?"
"Nope. I left that alone since it is your people who will need to do the enchantments. I am certainly not going to stick around to enchant them for you. Besides, I didn't want to make too many changes, your people can always make more improvements later."
Zachariah says "That's true. I would much rather you focus on the enchantments for normal weapons anyway."
"You can take the weapons back, I have learned what I needed from them. Now I just need to study the spell and then I should be able to make an improved enchantment."
Zachariah says "That's great! I will get these designs to my people. Once we have a working prototype I will set up a demonstration for the council. If we are lucky, they will order enough for the entire city."
"And if they don't?"
Zachariah says "No worries, as long as it works there will always be a market for weapons. From what you showed me, I am sure ship captains would love these things."
"That's true. I plan to build several for my ship as well."
Zachariah says "I really hope that I get a chance to see your ship. From the way you have described it, it sounds amazing."
"It is still a work in progress, but it is impressive. I am not sure yet if I am going to let it come to the city, the council hasn't impressed me so far. But, once it is close, I can take you to see it."
Zachariah says "Thank you, I will be looking forward to it. So, is there anything else you need right now?"
"Nope. I just need to go find Lin in the library. By now she should have found the books about the spells that I need to read."
Zachariah says "Alright, let me know when the enchantments are ready. I have already started stockpiling weapons for you to enchant. I will also start searching for a suitable plot of land."
"Will do."
We say our farewells, then I leave the building and head back to the association. When I reach the library I have to stop and stare, I have never seen so many books. This is the biggest library I have ever seen and it is going to be impossible to drag Lin out of here.
At least, it is bigger than any library I have seen in real life, I can think of a few in animes that would match it. Almort wasn't kidding when he said that it took up the entire fourth floor. What he failed to mention was that the fourth floor is tall enough to count as two floors.