After hearing the dukes' explanations, Murphy nodded in hearty agreement. "You're absolutely right. In such dire circumstances, preserving your forces is indeed the wisest course of action."

Seeing that Murphy bore no trace of mockery, both dukes visibly relaxed. In this more congenial atmosphere, Arwin broached the subject again, "So, how do you propose to aid us?"

Sensing their mixture of doubt and urgency, Murphy replied with a smile, "I have two new magical devices at my disposal. One can shatter the sturdiest of walls, while the other allows ordinary soldiers to gain approximately five levels of strength after a short period of training. Would either of you gentlemen be interested?"

"Impossible! Utterly impossible!" Raventa, known for his blunt demeanor, frowned slightly at the first half, but upon hearing the purported effects of the second device, he slammed his hand on the table, "Boy, do you take pleasure in making fools of us old men?"

Arwin, although cooler-tempered than Raventa, displayed a tinge of disappointment in his eyes. How could this promising young man, favored by him, have strayed so far into boasting after just over a month apart?

Murphy observed both reactions, maintaining a serene exterior while his internal glee multiplied. "Question, doubt, get angry. The more you do so, the more astonished you'll be when you see the effects of gunpowder. Later on, I won't have to worry about sales."

For now, the joyous facade must remain hidden. The young mage maintained his grin and addressed their concerns, "Truth be told, I misspoke somewhat. To be precise, these magical devices, if employed undetected, could destroy walls, and if mastered, they would empower soldiers below level ten to increase their strength by approximately five levels. Now, does that pique your interest?"

The two senior men exchanged a look, perceiving perhaps that Murphy wasn't bluffing. Raventa pressed on, "What about magical disruption? Will it interfere with these magical devices?"

"Not in the least," Murphy declared with certainty. "These items don't even require preparation; simply cast a fireball from a safe distance, and it will explode."

Though still harboring a hint of skepticism, Raventa was gradually leaning towards Murphy's claims, especially considering his... lack of expertise in magical theory.

"It sounds fascinating. When can we witness a demonstration?"

"Anytime, my dear Duke," Murphy said, nodding deferentially and patting the seemingly plain satchel at his waist.

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"Then let's proceed now. Any requirements for the setup?" Arwin asked gravely, knowing the siege's prospects would brighten if the walls could indeed be breached.

"We'll need an open area to avoid friendly fire, and the explosion will be loud. I suggest informing your soldiers beforehand to prevent panic."

---

A quarter of an hour later, Murphy accompanied the two dukes and a small escort of personal guards to a spot just outside the city walls.

For the dukes, guards were more ornamental than practical when it came to their protection.

But today was different. The guards would soon be eyewitnesses to the formidable power of "magic," thereafter, spreading the word throughout the troops to boost morale.

With the stage set and all eyes on Murphy, the youthful mage casually approached the base of the city wall and called back, "May I dig a hole, Dukes?"

"Yes, go ahead." Arwin’s voice came measured from behind.

Murphy fashioned a modest pit with a Mage's Hand, then flipped his satchel upside down and gave it a vigorous shake. Out fell several cubic objects landing silently against the dirt and wall, seemingly soft on impact.

Once a dozen cuboids had piled up at the base of the wall, Murphy slung his satchel back around his waist. He pulled out several fuse strings, twisted them together, and strolled back to join the watching crowd.

"Just like that?" inquired Raventa.

"Just like that, Duke," Murphy assured with a smile. "And, to demonstrate I'm not full of hot air, do you mind if you ignite it yourself?"

"Why not?" grinned the Northland Duke, rolling up his sleeves eagerly. "Just tell me how."

"Simply cast a fireball and light the fused strings together."

"That's it?"

"That's it. That's why I say, these are handy magical devices." Murphy emphasized 'magical devices' before stepping back into the crowd to watch the setup by the wall with everyone else.

Fireball was child's play for an eighty-five-level battle mage like Raventa, no more difficult than sending Murphy against a Slime. The standard fireball swiftly formed in his hand and glided smoothly toward the fuse, burning gently.

"Ladies and gents, cover your ears, please," Murphy advised politely. Despite some guards scoffing at the advice, they all covered their ears when they saw their head honcho do so.

"Boom!"

The thunderous crack echoed like a lightning strike. Not as deafening as Arwin breaking walls, but the sheer noise of shattering stone and hurtling debris was proof enough for Murphy of the explosive’s efficacy.

These charges had been rushed by a squad of bio-mimetic skeletons in the armory, for Murphy knew convincing the dukes required more than standard grenades. Hand grenades wouldn't suffice against walls, so these explosives were crucial bait to catch ducal eyes.

As anticipated, the impatient Raventa couldn't stand waiting for the dust to settle. With a flick of his wand, a gust ripped across the wall, carrying away the airborne dust. What was revealed was truly the work of magic.

The simple hole Murphy had made was now a vast, deep pit with perfectly curved edges—a testament to the ferocity of the detonation. The once stalwart wall now sported a gaping breach, though not entirely collapsed, the falling debris told the story loud and clear.

While Arwin considered the hole big enough to crouch through, Raventa suddenly seized Murphy's shoulder. "Good lad, I knew you had something up your sleeve."

Before Murphy could respond, Raventa was already leading him back to the guards, shouting, "Spread the word, everyone! The trial of the new weapon is a resounding success! All company leaders and above are to convene at the manor house and await our orders!"