Mountain Copper was virtually indestructible, so none of the problems that plagued traditional Magic Muskets applied. A Mountain Copper Matchlock's power depended entirely on the user's limits: the stronger their wrists and arms, the more gunpowder they could load and the harder it hit. That was why only Professionals could apply for one.
And if the barrel burst? That was buckshot too!
Loading gunpowder was a nuisance, though. There was no time on a battlefield to pour it in at your leisure, so the Mushroom House and the Blacksmith Shop were working together to develop ammunition for the various models of Mountain Copper Matchlocks.
"How was that?" Peterson lowered his hand and came over.
"Not bad. If it hit me, I'd probably get a bruise or two," the War Envoy said stubbornly.
Gema said nothing. He stared at the Mountain Copper Matchlock in the War Envoy's hand.
The War Envoy handed the matchlock back. He wasn't about to steal someone else's property. Outside Free City, he cultivated the image of an untouchable, exalted "imperial angel." By comparison, he was already remarkably approachable here.
He noticed the badge on Gema's chest. "You're from the Diatra Family?"
"Yes. I'm the current head of the Diatra Family and a Sergeant Major in the Deepwinter Legion." Gema lifted his chin slightly, a hint of pride in his voice.
The War Envoy cared little about Gema's background, but his rank intrigued him. "What sort of post is Sergeant Major?"
Peterson explained, "It isn't a post. It's a military rank. The Military Rank System is a way of recognizing service that Lord Annan invented. The longer you serve, the more battles you fight and the greater your achievements, the higher your rank. Right now, the ranks are divided into Noncommissioned Officers, junior officers, field officers, and