Building a Modern Nation in a Fantasy World-Chapter 54: What is the use of Black Powder

Arthur stood tall at the front of the grand hall, eyes sharp and calculating as he observed the gathered workers.

"You will now receive your assignments," Arthur announced, his voice steady and authoritative. "Listen carefully and follow instructions without delay."

One by one, names were called and duties assigned. Arthur watched with a discerning eye, placing each individual where they would be most useful according to the information written when the recruiter had recorded them during the interview.

"Elric Thorn," Arthur called out.

The man stepped forward, shoulders squared despite the nerves that clearly gripped him.

"You will be assigned to the black powder division, where you will be responsible for the making of black powder and its ingredients," Arthur declared. "Follow the overseer’s instructions to the letter, they will explain what you need to do. Mistakes will not be tolerated—this task requires precision and discipline."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Elric replied, bowing deeply before moving to join his assigned group.

Arthur continued to delegate, splitting the workers into two main groups: one for black powder production, the other to assist blacksmiths and other in making his personally designed weapons. Each man was placed where their skills—or sheer physical endurance—would best serve the kingdom’s needs.

When the final assignment was given, Arthur stepped forward once more.

"You are now part of something greater than yourselves," he said, voice carrying through the hall with unwavering authority. "What you build here will determine the future of Keldoria. I expect nothing less than excellence."

With that, the workers were dismissed to their tasks.

Arthur watched silently as the recruits filed out, each one stepping into a future they could not yet comprehend. His gaze lingered on them until he noticed Klein approaching.

"Your Majesty," Klein greeted with a respectful nod.

Arthur acknowledged him with a nod of his own. "What is it?"

"I wanted to inform you that I’ve invited the guests and selected the knights and mages for the tournament on Accession Day, which is in four days," Klein reported. "All that remains is to prepare the tournament grounds and the banquet hall. However, I also heard that you intend to add a fireworks display at the end of the celebrations."

Arthur hadn’t originally planned on including a fireworks show at the end of Accession day since creating black powder was impossible without sulfur. However, the sulfur shipment had arrived ahead of schedule, giving him enough time to produce the necessary amount for the firework show.

"Yes, I do," Arthur confirmed.

Klein furrowed his brows. "Fireworks? What are they? How does it work? And is there anything I should prepare for this show?"

Arthur hesitated for a moment. He knew what fireworks looked like, but explaining them was another matter. More importantly, he wasn’t entirely sure how to explain how fireworks work to someone who has never seen or heard of black powder and its combustion.

"It’s difficult to explain," Arthur admitted. "It’s better if I show you how black power works and its destructiveness before I explain how fireworks work."

With that, he gestured for Klein to follow him. Together, they made their way to the site where workers were grinding and mixing ingredients under Arthur’s instructions. Since the sulfur had arrived two days ago, production was already underway. Workers milled the components into a fine powder, carefully maintaining the correct proportions. Some batches were already complete.

As they arrived, the workers paused to acknowledge their presence, but Arthur motioned for them to continue. He then scooped up a handful of black powder and held it up.

"You recognize this, don’t you?" he asked.

Klein nodded. "Yes, I know it’s black powder."

"Good." Arthur returned the powder to its container. "Now, do you want to see how it works, or would you rather see how destructive it can be when properly used?"

Klein hesitated before responding, "If possible, I’d like to see both. But if I had to choose, I’d prefer to see its destructive power."

Arthur chuckled. "Then I’ll show you both."

He instructed Klein to fetch a stick to make a torch. As Klein prepared it, Arthur arranged a small line of black powder on the ground, placing it at a safe distance from the stored barrels. When Klein returned with the lit torch, Arthur took it and lowered the flame to one end of the powder trail.

A sudden ’whoomp’ erupted as the powder ignited, sending a brief burst of fire skimming across the ground. The flames flared brightly for a moment, casting flickering shadows and smoke, before dying out, leaving only a scorched trail behind.

Arthur turned to Klein, whose expression was one of mild disappointment.

Klein frowned. "Your Majesty, not to offend you, but how is this useful? Even a low-ranked mage can produce stronger fire."

Arthur chuckled. "That was just a demonstration of how it burns. When ignited, sulfur burns first, which then ignites the charcoal and potassium nitrate. The nitrate releases oxygen, accelerating combustion—"

He paused, then attempted a simplified explanation for Klein to understand since he won’t know what is oxygen or how it speeds up combustion. "What makes black powder powerful isn’t just fire—it’s the combination of ingredients and how they react together."

Klein still looked skeptical. "And how does that make it a weapon?"

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Arthur’s smile widened. "The key is confinement. Loose powder burns. But when trapped in a barrel, or even a small casing, the gases have nowhere to go—until they explode."

Klein’s eyes narrowed slightly, still confused. "So, how does it make it useful and as you said would strengthen the Kledoria military?"

"Now," Arthur said, "we take a barrel to the training grounds and I will show you exactly how destructive black powder can be."

Klein glanced around. "Why not just demonstrate it here? This place is huge."

Arthur shook his head. "This is not huge enough, beside we’re surrounded by black powder. One stray spark, and this entire site could go up in flames. Do you want to destroy this site? Also the training ground is safer—and I want the soldiers to witness its power firsthand."

Klein glanced around again. The site stretched as far as two football fields, with workers spread across one half, diligently grinding, mixing, and preparing the powder. The other half remained relatively open. How could this possibly be too small? he wondered. Even if something did go wrong, surely the explosion wouldn’t be large enough to consume everything.

Yet he kept his doubts to himself and followed Arthur while carrying a barrel full of black powder.

As they walked, his thoughts churned. So far, all Klein had seen was a quick flash of fire and a chunk of smoke. Hardly impressive. Hardly dangerous. The way Arthur spoke, it was as if this powder could level fortresses. But how? How could something that had just flickered and burned for mere seconds possess such destructive power?

Klein remained skeptical but seeing how confident Arthur was, Klein remained silent and followed Arthur.

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Not part of the story,

The Privilege chapter will remain unchanged since I can’t cancel it. Sry