Reincarnate as the Villainess's Husband-Chapter 122: New ones

Neonidas paused for a moment. His gaze drifted toward the metallic cylinder on the table before a faint smile touched his lips. Clasping his hands behind his back, he turned to meet Zalira's gaze in the dim light of the room.

"I've always been a results-oriented man," he said calmly. "Theories, diagrams, long technical explanations… those are for scholars. I am a ruler"

With that, he pulled away the cloth with a single motion. The design beneath shimmered faintly under the dim light—a weapon, a relic from his modern world, yet seamlessly fused with this world's magic technology.

Zalira's eyes fixated on the drawing before her. A sleek, silver-black frame, etched with mystical runes, familiar yet undeniably foreign to this world. Neonidas ran his fingers along the weapons side.

"This," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride, "is the future of warfare."

Zalira examined the craftsmanship with care before turning her sharp gaze back to him, her brow slightly raised. "A type of magical weapon?

Neonidas gave a small nod at her question. As his fingers traced the cold metal surface, his eyes gleamed with determination.

"A weapon synchronized with the wielder's mana," he explained. "The trigger mechanism is linked to magical formulas, meaning instead of relying purely on physical force, it activates through the user's mana flow."

Zalira studied the intricate details on the design, her fingers lightly brushing over the placement of the runes, which were structured to regulate energy flow. Magic and engineering working in perfect harmony.

Her gaze returned to Neonidas. "A mana-powered weapon... What about its range? How destructive is it?"

Neonidas smirked. The right questions. "For a handgun or a rifle, mana transmission depends on the user's strength. However, there is a limit to range. That's why…" He trailed off, moving to the other side of the table, where another blueprint lay. He picked it up and spread it before Zalira.

This design was different. It depicted a massive, heavy cannon in cross-section. Its wide barrel and internal engravings were designed not for gunpowder, but for the raw energy of mana stones. Zalira leaned in, inspecting the intricate rune system embedded within.

"What makes this one different?" she asked.

Neonidas tapped a section of the blueprint. "It eliminates the limitations of magic users. Small firearms depend on the wielder's mana. But these cannons…" He struck the table firmly. "Pure mana stone's power directly these cannons? They do not rely on the individual strength of the user. No matter who fires them, the impact remains the same."

Zalira's gaze flickered with a hint of admiration, but her expression soon turned serious. "The power of mana stones is limited. How long will these orbs last?"

Neonidas leaned against the edge of the table as he replied. "Each orb's duration depends on the capacity of the mana stone inside. Standard stones can sustain only a few shots, but specially refined stones can hold up to ten times more energy. This isn't just a weapon—it's a shift in strategy."

Zalira brought her fingers to her chin, her eyes still fixed on the schematic. "I can imagine this on the battlefield. But Neonidas, producing these requires serious infrastructure. Mana stones are rare and expensive. I don't know if you're aware, but the stones from our newly opened mana stone mine are so pure, so valuable, that you could easily amass a fortune. Are you planning to use the mine for this?"

Neonidas gave a slight nod, as if he had anticipated the question. The dim light in the room deepened the shadows on his face, his eyes unwavering and resolute.

"This mine is the key to my imperial plans," he said calmly. "Up until now, mana stones have only been used as an energy source for mages or for items. But if I turn them into ammunition, not just mages, but even ordinary soldiers will be able to change the nature of war."

Zalira took a deep breath, absorbing the weight of his words. If the technology Neonidas envisioned became a reality, war would no longer be a game for noble mages and elite warriors alone. An entire army could wield weapons imbued with magic.

"This would upend the balance of power across the continent," Zalira remarked, her gaze still locked on the weapon designs. "But even so, we need to consider the production process. Establishing a large-scale ammunition system like this could take years."

Neonidas exhaled deeply, leaning further onto the table.

"You're right about time," he admitted. "But I've already set the process in motion. I've formed teams to ensure the mine operates at full capacity. I'm gathering the most skilled artisans and arcane engineers for research and development. The reason I want to establish a magic center—and the reason I want you to lead it—is precisely this."

As Neonidas finished speaking, a heavy silence filled the room. Zalira lifted her gaze from the schematics and looked at him. In his eyes, she didn't see mere ambition or a hunger for conquest—she saw the gaze of a visionary leader, someone determined to reshape history. This wasn't just a war plan; it was a revolution that would redefine the continent's future.

She clasped her fingers together, resting her arms on the table. "If I take on this project, what exactly do you expect from me?" she asked, her voice now sharper and more focused.

Neonidas had been waiting for this question. He allowed a faint smile before walking toward the corner of the room. Opening a wooden cabinet, he retrieved a thick bundle of papers and placed them on the table. As Zalira carefully examined the parchments, she saw detailed schematics, arcane formulas, and production plans.

"Your expertise in magical engineering is unquestionable," Neonidas said. "But this project requires more than just technical knowledge. It demands discipline, secrecy, and absolute loyalty. If these weapons fall into the wrong hands, everything we've built could crumble."

Zalira tilted her head slightly, scrutinizing him. "You want me to oversee this entire project? To manage the mine's resources, dedicate arcane engineers and artisans to this cause, and conduct the entire operation in complete secrecy?"

Neonidas nodded. "Exactly. I've already gathered some of the best arcane engineers on the continent, but you are the one who must lead this project. Without your expertise and intellect, this plan will remain nothing more than ink on parchment."

For a moment, Zalira studied the details on the scrolls before lifting her gaze to Neonidas with a challenging expression. "This gives me immense power, Neonidas. Why entrust me with such authority?"

Neonidas leaned against the table, crossing his arms as he met her gaze directly. "Because I trust you, Zalira. And because you, like me, refuse to be bound by the ordinary. You can't deny it."

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Zalira let out a quiet sigh. He was right. She had always longed for something greater, had always wanted to push the limits of power. This offer wasn't just Neonidas's ambition—it reflected her own.

After a brief silence, she folded her arms and inclined her head slightly. "Alright, Neonidas," she said. "I'll take on this project. But I have a few conditions."

Neonidas raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly with a smirk. "I'm listening."

Placing her hand on one of the schematics, Zalira continued, "First, I want full authority. No one joins this project without my approval. The arcane engineers, artisans, and researchers will report directly to me."

Neonidas nodded. "Agreed. But on the condition that you consult me before making any major decisions."

Zalira extended her hand for a handshake. "Then we have a deal."