"All right, this is what I came up with, let me show you its features."
Saying the line gives me a strange satisfaction. It's done, a crossbow made with my hands. Showing it around triggers a few annoyed messages from the System though.
[Notice: You used Advanced Crafting and its many benefits.]
Sure, you helped to determine the right materials and speed up the process.
Still, unlike with the stupid spears using gamey schematics, I had to make this from scratch. I wish I didn't waste so much iron on those, I could make more of these babies instead.
[Reminder: You said the skills I offered were useless.]
Okay, shut up. I'm busy showing off my prowess to make the life of this tribe easier.
And it was useless in the situation when you offered them. I was in a pitched battle and blinded. What were you thinking?
What use does it have for a warrior? It's not a skill I can use in a fight, but it does make things easier in the right circumstances.
It's useful when preparing for a battle if I can make handy weapons like this. Still, I would prefer magic or a cool fighting skill instead.
[Notice: Your serotonin levels are through the roof.]
What?
[You're having fun. Why would you try to hide it?]
Okay, she's correct. Copying stuff I've seen on YouCube was fun. But surviving might be more important than playing around.
[Notice: The Auto Battle function kept you alive regardless of your skills.]
Until it froze up, I had to take over and create a spell from scratch.
The System has no comeback for this, and the Orcs are still staring wide-eyed at the strange new weapon. How much time did I waste on arguing inside my head?
"This is a crossbow." I attempt to pick up where I trailed off in the demonstration. They've been staring holes at the weapon in the meantime.
It's too bad I only have enough leftover metal to cast a few boltheads. I went with the bodkin design for armor piercing, but they're overkill for target practice.
I'm still eager to test the thing in the crossfire of curious Orc gazes. The way they look at it, it's clear that they never saw a crossbow before.
I make a few bolts without the tip using heavier wood to simulate the weight of the iron in front. They are shorter than regular arrows, but their weight is similar.
Considering the forces it has to withstand, the shaft is thicker and the fletching is also made of wood. This raises a few eyebrows in the audience.
They don't have any archers left, and a regular bow takes years to make the right way. It also takes a while for someone to train them. It requires muscles, precision, and special techniques to shoot a bow.
This contraption took me ten minutes to whip up thanks to the System. And even a child can learn how to use it in a few hours.
[Notice: I'm glad you admit you benefited from me, rather than claiming all the credit.]
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
She's even more of a tsundere than usual today. Does it mean the Thirteenth Bride is on her way to pick me up and our adventure will be soon over? Ah, crap, the demonstration.
I used animal sinews for the string the Orcs had lying around. They couldn't use it for anything else without a proper fletcher, but they knew it better than to throw it away.
That's the only part I'm willing to admit where the System was invaluable.
I have only ever seen modern reproductions using synthetic materials. What people used in the medieval era was beyond me.
[Notice: It means I was useful again.]
Yeah, sure, you deserve virtual head pats.
It takes quite the strength to cock the weapon, but it's because of how big of a punch it can deliver. A detachable lever makes the process easier.
If these Orcs excel at something, it's their raw strength, but it only takes a second to make one such lever. That way even Mabel could play with the crossbow, though I'm not sure it's appropriate for children.
It helps me in the demonstration though. I don't want to embarrass myself with the average STR stat. In theory, the Goddess should be much stronger than these guys.
The reason why I'm weak is because the System dumbed down Alexandra's body. This way it can simulate the benefits of leveling up later, by unleashing more of her power over time.
'These are training bolts since we're short on iron." I note as I hold up the wooden sticks without a proper tip.
"Imagine this as a bow you can pull up ahead of time, and keep it ready to fire. It's also easier to aim."
They seem skeptical before I put the first bolt into the notch. I aim for the wooden log ten yards away and pull the trigger before I get nervous.
The string lets out a loud twang and the bolt smashes into the target. It penetrates even without the tip before snapping in half, and I sigh in relief.
Despite the theory and hours of watching videos about crossbows, this was the first time I held one. And it was one I made, so until the last second, I wasn't sure it would work.
Now that it did, and even my aim was on point, a smug grin spread across my face, worthy of a confident Goddess.
Since the thick bolt smashed itself apart, it's easy to tell how much force it delivered on impact. The Orcs are dead silent for a moment before they burst into applause.
A second later they form a line and everyone wants to try my new invention.
[Notice: You were successful in plagiarising a crossbow into existence. You gained some Exp.]
Ugh. Phrasing. Aren't you jealous?
But thanks for the heads up, I got used to not getting any rewards for my exploits. You didn't give me anything for gathering info or convincing Gitaut to keep my secret.
[Congratulations, you reached Level 4!]
Oh, now we're talking. Would this make Alexandra proud? I could brag about the crossbow to my sister for sure.
What time is it in my world? Would I be late for our meeting by now?