Following the System's suggestions, there is a lot to do.
Vadász won the competition for the crossbow hands down. In the end, he scored five bullseyes in a row. The second-best only managed three in total. It wasn't even close.
It didn't stop the losers from grumbling.
They demanded a rematch and further competitions, but they had to set out for hunting before it was too late.
Whatever void lived in Alex's belly, I was already starving, as usual.
This body could consume endless supplies without showing any signs of being full.
But the hunters had to catch some prey first, and the crossbow and the new spears should help them in this task.
I'm glad I went with the most simple design.
The poor thing took a beating, going through everyone's hands in the tribe, including the kids.
It happened in a single morning and with only two minor malfunctions.
The training bolts were thicker than the ones I sized the groove for, so they got stuck a few times.
The trigger also wasn't sturdy enough to survive a thousand shots, but that was another easy fix.
The prod and the string held up and didn't lose strength until they settled the score.
Thanks to the detachable lever, even Mabel could operate it without issues.
Still, as the crossbow was a hefty twelve pounds, I'll have to look for lighter or sturdier wood for the next batch.
Other upgrades can follow later.
A pump-action lever and a magazine could multiply the firepower but add complexity.
A thicker prod can increase penetration but limit the usage to strong adults.
It's not like anyone in the tribe lacked the strength.
If the System rated mine at 12, which counted as average for humans, these muscleheads must have had at least 14 or 16. A lighter crossbow was still faster to operate.
For hunting, this draw weight should be more than enough.
To counter knights? I've yet to see one, and you'd need a ballista to fight a gargoyle anyway.
Could a heavy crossbow penetrate those barriers the First Bride used?
I had a hunch that magic trumped even modern firearms from my world.
It was almost lunchtime when the archery competition ended.
It gave me ample time to plan for the future before reminding myself I'll be home tomorrow.
Well, that was the plan. Another one that might not come to fruition.
I suspected Hana would give the hunter a run for his money, but they were more interested in the spears. Taking the one they used, I reshaped it into a throwing one.
I have limited options without adding new materials, but no iron remains.
Shortening the shaft and elongating the tip at least helps with the balance.
Not to mention, touching it is enough to increase the quality of the old thing thanks to the System's cheats.
Seeing the weapon change without swapping out parts or using tools gives the Orcs a show of my powers as a deity.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
If they still have suspicions about me, this silly crafting skill will put them to rest.
Charlotte takes the refurbished weapon, and this reminds me of the broken tip she should have.
"Let me know if you still have some old broken pieces around. I'm out of materials." While the System asked for ores, I can also recycle the iron they already have.
The main goal is to bolster the village's defenses.
It's faster to reshape something they already have than to start mining.
If I only have one day to do my best, I better make it count.
Besides, I refuse to take up that skill, even if there's nothing else to choose from.
And with this many hunters, I won't have to bother with farming either.
"Any tools or decrepit weapons will do if it's no longer useful." It's easy to get the word out while everyone crowds the courtyard.
The kids take this as the highest importance and dash to collect the tribe's junk.
Of course, Mabel is the first among them. She can't help not being the MVP for a single day.
The adults finally accept the huntsman's leader's win and go to do their daily tasks.
They split the spearmen into five small groups and set out to hunt.
A sixth group with nine men and Hana stays behind to guard the camp, and Vadász goes alone.
That's the next competition since there's only one ranged weapon.
Each group races to bring back the most prey before lunchtime to ensure the best hunters have it.
If not for the new mission, I could also aid them by catching some rabbits, as I did during our little trip with Mabel.
Yes, it was a fun way of exploring the area. It's not like I kidnapped a child.
Let's hope her mother will also see it my way.
She hasn't said anything so far. Still, to ensure she won't stab me to death in my sleep, I'll use the last morsels of iron to make her something.
It would be a shame to drench that nice new bad in blood, wouldn't it? A nice sturdy needle should make her happy as the tribe's tailor. She could use that, right?
It doesn't take more than a second, but Mabel is already off. Since I'm not brave enough to give it to Varró, it'll have to wait. I can make some traps to boost the hunters' efficiency instead.
The spearman who stayed behind trains with the Standard Bearer. They could also use some shields. There is no shortage of things I could use this crafting skill for once I put my mind to it.
[Dissatisfied reminder: And you said it was useless.]
Sigh. I know. I apologize. The System won't stop reminding me of this. Well, I better get to work and whip something up before lunch. After that, I'll figure out where to get ores.
Getting this much done will ensure a good night's sleep, even if I'm excited to see Alexandra tomorrow. I will see her. There is a chance. There has to be.
So why is it so hard to believe in it?