(Third-person perspective)
Upon arriving at Moat Cailin, Aermir found himself immersed in the various issues that arose as the lord of this land. His attention was drawn not only to major diplomatic and administrative matters, but also to the minor squabbles and daily problems of his subjects. However, he approached each challenge with a sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment.
Under his meticulous management, the land began to thrive. The introduction of innovative systems such as irrigation canals, ecological aquaculture ponds, and various irrigation methods sparked an agricultural revolution throughout the North. Among these crops, the unassuming potato was a true blessing, especially in the face of the region's relentless weather. Even in the so-called summer, temperatures hovered between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. The slow, gradual rise in temperature brought hope for improved agricultural prospects in the coming years.
As time passed and the land became increasingly fertile, Aermir felt a sense of accomplishment. His efforts were truly changing the lives of the people, increasing food production, and improving the overall well-being of the North. However, he remained keenly aware that greater challenges lay ahead, and as the steadfast ruler of this land, he was prepared to meet them.
Despite the steady income from soap, grains, and various other products, Aermir remained meticulous in his resource allocation. The majority of his funds were continuously invested in the Immortal Channeling Project and his extensive research, including both magical and non-magical studies.
Aermir, in collaboration with skilled the Smith such as Tobho Mott, embarked on a new adventure—producing and selling weapons to the North lords. These weapons, though lacking magical enhancements, possessed an undeniable allure due to their exquisite craftsmanship and the use of Damascus steel. Aermir's masterful the Smith allowed him to forge weapons that not only resembled Valyrian steel in appearance but were also of superior quality. Of course, they couldn't even compare to their magical weapons, let alone those of the Valyrians, but they were certainly far superior to existing steel weapons.
Aermir understood that Damascus steel wasn't some extraordinary, all-powerful material, but rather the culmination of a unique and complex blade-forging technique. Aermir's extensive knowledge of chemistry acquired during his high school and university years was the true secret to creating more powerful weapons. Of course, compared to the modern world, this was nothing special, but in this world, it was groundbreaking.
His mastery of chemical processes enabled him to experiment with metallurgical and alloy compositions, striving to unlock their potential and create blades that surpass the best weapons made through non-magical means.
Finally, after two years of tireless effort, he successfully created the composite bow. Although these bows were not magical in nature, they drastically changed the game for mounted archers. They combined the range of a longbow with the mobility of a horse, significantly altering the course of warfare.
Before the development of this composite bow, mounted archers did not use it widely because longbows were almost impossible to use on horseback, while shortbows were less powerful and posed a significant challenge in terms of range. However, with this innovation, Aermir had the potential to completely change the battlefield.
Meanwhile, while carrying out other work, Aermir tirelessly conducted numerous experiments on imprisoned murderers. His goals were ambitious: to replicate the creation of the Magic Heart, or to apply other permanent magic to the human body, just as he had done to himself. However, these experiments brought only pain and torment to the unfortunate subjects, ultimately leading to their painful deaths.
Aermir was not discouraged by these failures. He continued to refine his research and expand his understanding of the intricate relationship between magic and mortals. He knew that breakthroughs often arise in the crucible of relentless effort, and that the path to true innovation is fraught with setbacks, sacrifices, and failures. With each experiment, he was getting closer to unlocking the secret he sought, even at the cost of human suffering.
He didn't consider murderers and rapists as human beings because, in his eyes, when they killed an innocent soul, they lost all sense of self-worth. He saw them as worthless trash, even lower than the lives of rats. At least in this way, their worthless lives gained meaning.
Despite his expertise in various fields, Aermir faces a peculiar challenge in one of his non-magical pursuits: making vodka. After two years of relentless experimentation and substantial investment, he has yet to produce a single bottle of mouthwatering vodka. While he has grasped the fundamental chemical science behind distillation and fermentation, the precise know-how and meticulous measurement methods required for success remain key elements he lacks.
Of course, he knew how to brew wine, but just like his efforts in glassmaking, he knew that heating sand and adding it created glass, but that didn't mean he knew how to make durable, transparent glass. When it came to glass, his artisans could only produce cloudy, fragile glassware, and as for alcohol, he couldn't make anything better than horse urine.
His efforts not only failed to produce the fine wine he desired, but instead yielded only some unpalatable, foul-smelling, and potentially dangerous spirits. During this time, Aermir invested a staggering 110,000 gold coins in these two projects, and he issued an ultimatum: if he couldn't produce even a low-quality product by the time his expenditure reached 150,000 gold coins, he would be forced to abandon the alcohol project; as for glassmaking, if they could at least produce transparent glass, they could at least sell it as low-quality glassware. Aermir might have to accept the painful reality that some of his efforts were even beyond his capabilities.
Leveraging his substantial exports of grain, potatoes, weapons, soap, and charcoal, Aermir embarked on an ambitious plan six months ago: to build a port city. Today marks the completion of this endeavor, with Moon drift port now a tangible reality. The port, situated on the coastline, takes on a distinctive crescent shape, hence its name, Moon drift port, evoking images of a tranquil seaside village. Currently, it comprises a few warehouses, various buildings, and a bustling harbor. However, Aermir harbors grander visions for its future, envisioning it as a thriving trading city, much like the renowned Oldtown and White Harbor.
Regarding White Harbor, the House Manderly held a distinctly different attitude towards Aermir's cause. Their discontent was palpable, and the Manderly lord frequently seized every opportunity to express his opposition to the port's construction, pouring out his grievances to anyone willing to listen. As the House Manderly continued to express their dissatisfaction with the situation, this discord undeniably fueled tensions in the region.
Of all Aermir's many failed magical experiments, one particularly successful work proved his patience and exquisite skill: the coveted 50 Crow Guard Cloaks. These cloaks possessed a unique and sinister charm, adorned with meticulously collected feathers from Bo and Erebus, the two Crow who had become his constant companions. It was a laborious and arduous task, requiring dexterous hands, unwavering focus, and near-surgical precision. Each feather was delicate and intricate, etched with complex, tiny runes.
This arduous process is torture for the timid. Each quill is engraved with tiny runes, and if completed flawlessly, the cloak will be imbued with a series of minor spells. These spells, in turn, grant the wearer greater speed, strength, and a subtle yet effective ability to remain invisible under the cover of Nightfall.
As Aermir painstakingly crafted these cloaks, he knew his creation would elevate the Crow Guard, making them more efficient scouts and assassins. They might not reach the level of the mysterious and fearsome Faceless Men or the Sorrowful Men, but there was no doubt they would surpass any assassin under the king's command.
Today marks a significant milestone for Aermir. Through patience and effort, he has gathered enough feathers to craft himself a Crow Guard Cloak. He carefully inscribes intricate runes onto the feathers. With each rune, he imbues the feather with his own magic and intent, weaving complex spells to enhance his abilities.
Having completed the arduous task, Aermir donned the newly crafted cloak. As he draped it over his shoulders, he immediately felt a subtle yet unmistakable boost to his abilities. He cast a series of enhancement buffs and observed that his speed and strength had reached astonishing levels—speed 19, strength 18, comparable to the mighty Harrick. This newly discovered power would undoubtedly prove invaluable in his future endeavors, whether in heavily armed combat or more covert and dangerous adventures.