Factory

"That's the Istaria Grand Arena, where gladiatorial matches are held regularly."

"This is the Red Scale Garrison, the headquarters of the Red Scale Conqueror."

"You mean that group of people? They're from the Imperial Guard. They've heard that demons have been appearing recently, so they're cracking down hard in the city."

Joseph and his party continued along the main road, listening to Hera describe the things they saw along the way.

"Mr. Joseph, that's the headquarters building of the Klaubo Wu Military Industrial Group up ahead. This must be your destination." "What a tall building."

Joseph looked up and saw a tall building of more than ten stories in the distance, with the words "Klaubo Wu Military Industrial Group" on its top.

The entire building appears to be made of special bricks and stones, with little additional decoration, exuding a distinctive imperial style. It is said that it is supported by steel bars.

At the entrance of the building, in addition to the emblem of the Embers of the Burned Empire, there is also the group's symbol of intersecting firearms, cannons, and Dragon Wing.

People came and went in a hurry, including merchants from all over the country, Tax Officer carrying documents, and many soldiers in uniform with pistols at their waists.

Joseph walked into the building with curiosity, while Hera came up and whispered something to the receptionist with practiced ease.

Soon, a man dressed in a suit and walking with a steady gait greeted them with a smile and extended his right hand warmly.

"You must be Mr. Joseph, one of the leaders of the Pearson Merchant Guild. I've heard so much about you."

My name is Ruwen Craig, a senior salesman for the group, specializing in serving distinguished guests like yourself.

Joseph, being a eloquent businessman, immediately understood and greeted her with a polite smile, extending his hand to shake hers.

"You flatter me. I am just an ordinary member of the Pearson Merchant Guild. I am only temporarily representing the Chamber because I have the trust of the members."

"Not at all, the Pearson Merchant Guild is the most powerful chamber of commerce in Thrace, and also one of our major clients."

"In that case, I'll trouble you, Mr. Luwen."

Luwen led Joseph and his group into the building for a tour, and took the opportunity to promote the group's new product—the "Wyvern Flame" series rifles.

"This is an important milestone, as it represents a further optimization of materials and structure, resulting in a significant improvement in shooting accuracy and reliability."

The second generation, while retaining the original advantages, improved soldiers' mobility and flexibility in combat by shortening the gun barrel and reducing weight, enabling it to quickly respond to various tactical needs in complex environments.

"That sounds great."

Joseph nodded slightly.

"Our Pearson Merchant Guild is still worried about the quality of these firearms. Money is a minor matter; the lives of our soldiers are the most important thing."

"You're right."

Joseph stroked his beard and said calmly, "Therefore, seeing is believing, hearing is deceiving."

Some things you can only know by seeing them for yourself.

That was his real purpose.

Steal the Empire's firearms technology, learn about their military situation, and make the necessary preparations.

After this period of communication, he had roughly determined that this Luwen was a greedy guy who was only interested in making money.

If enough money is spent, perhaps something can be unearthed. As for that fanatical believer, Hera, he has already given up on trying to find out.

"Mr. Joseph, would you like to visit the group's firearms production process?"

"No problem, I'll take you there right away."

Before Joseph could respond, Luwen spoke up decisively.

"Okay, then."

Joseph was somewhat taken aback, but then he realized what was happening and nodded gently.

He had assumed that it would involve some entanglement, negotiation, and then using benefits to sway the other party, which was perfectly normal for him as a "white glove" moving between the powerful and wealthy.

Joseph never expected that the other party would agree so readily, as if it were a trivial matter.

Could this be a trap? Despite his apprehension, Joseph was determined to continue with the task assigned to him by the prince.

Try to obtain the blueprints for the firearms, and ideally, recruit some skilled artisans from the Empire so that the Thrace Kingdom can also produce such weapons.

Luwen led Joseph and the others onto a small Steam Engine Car in the city and arrived at the south side of the city.

He explained, "This is the Southern Industrial Zone of Istaria. Today I will take you to visit the Eleventh Military Factory."

Looking at the massive complex of buildings in the distance, and the tall chimneys constantly belching out gray smoke, Joseph couldn't help but exclaim, "It's truly magnificent."

"Were those guns sold to the South made here?"

"Of course, please follow me."

Luwen walked ahead, spoke with the security guard at the entrance, and then led them through smoothly.

Upon entering the factory, Joseph was once again shocked by what he saw.

"Clang! Clang!"

Inside the spacious workshop, machines roared, voices rang out, and dust flew everywhere. Rows of machines, several meters tall, were neatly arranged.

The workers were busy on the assembly line, their expressions blank, their hands moving as if by reflex. Each person was responsible for a specific step, whether it was checking gun barrels, assembling parts, or installing components. "Listen up, all of you! As long as you meet today's targets, you'll get a bonus!"

If I find anyone slacking off...

Meanwhile, the Hobgoblin overseer moved between the workshops, occasionally approaching a worker and angrily berating them.

Joseph stared wide-eyed, his mouth agape, and thought to himself:

machine.

A massive machine.

Not only the equipment in the factory, but even the living workers are just parts that make this huge machine work.

Only now did he understand why Luwen had agreed so readily—there were no skilled craftsmen at all; the gun manufacturers were not individuals, but the entire factory.

Luwen said casually, "The group's firearms undergo multiple inspection processes to ensure quality. You don't need to worry at all."

Joseph couldn't help but ask, "If there were a skilled blacksmith, could he forge these guns on his own?"

Luwen replied, "Perhaps it is possible, but purely by human effort, there will inevitably be some errors. It would probably require an extremely skilled blacksmith to do it."

Besides, even if you're incredibly skilled, you can only make a few a day. The Empire's factories produce tens of thousands of guns every day.

As he spoke, a sense of pride began to emerge in his voice.

At this time, the Embers of the Burned Empire could be described as the "world's arms factory," as their rifles were exported overseas and even changed the course of the war to some extent.

Joseph, on the other hand, felt somewhat desperate. If the Thrace Kingdom wanted to produce firearms independently, it would probably have to move the entire factory to the south.

Moreover, according to Luwen, a supporting industrial system is also needed to provide materials for the production of firearms—which means they need to move the entire Imperial Industrial Zone.

Joseph thought to himself, "I have traveled across the Feanso Continent, but I have never seen a country like this."

This is almost like...

He pondered for a moment before finding the most suitable metaphor.

"A massive machine built for war and the plunder of money, His Majesty the Emperor turned living people into tools."

Joseph's feelings were extremely complicated.

After visiting the military factory, he told Luwen that he needed to consider it further before deciding whether to order the weapons.

Joseph and his companions were then arranged to stay at VIP Guesthouse in the heart of the capital, and Hera, their guide, took her leave.

But before leaving, she said to Joseph meaningfully, "Don't take any chances. His Your Majesty Keosius can see everything in the empire."

However, Joseph did not take the other party's words seriously. After all, in his eyes, this guide was a pitiful person who had been brainwashed by the Dragon Emperor.

It was midnight, and the sky was dark.

A barely perceptible noise came from the room in the VIP Guesthouse.

"Click".

What is that?

Joseph was suddenly awakened from his sleep. He sensed danger and his heart pounded. It seemed as if a dark shadow had swept past the window.

The guards at the door did not notice anything unusual.

"How is that possible?"

He lowered his head and his expression immediately turned horrified— the Image Recording Stone, disguised as a medal, had been shattered by a tiny silver needle.

Beside him lay a crumpled, blood-stained note, on which was written the very sentence he had overheard during the day:

"His Your Majesty Keosius's eyes can see everything in the empire."

Joseph's face turned pale, and cold sweat seeped from his forehead. "How... how did they know?"