It must be said, that is indeed a good question.
Regardless of whether such a "mechanized cavalry unit" actually existed, just looking at the two temporary workers in front of Ed, one could tell that this matter was not so simple.
Gray knew about mechanization but not much about cavalry; Xilǐ'er knew about cavalry but knew nothing about machinery.
Ed has now combined their respective areas of expertise, and no one knows exactly what he means by that.
Gray then cast a puzzled glance at Ed, and below Xilǐ'er's observation window... he could also see a hint of confusion.
The boy sat in the chair and began to explain:
"Cavalry has a significant advantage when facing Blood Corpse, monsters that only charge, but they are also at risk of infection. So I plan to combine the strengths of both of you."
He looked at Gray:
"The enhanced bio-armor should not only be equipped on humans, but ideally also on Hoofed Beast, to assist them while also defending against attacks from Blood Corpse."
Gray understood what Ed meant, but still felt a little awkward:
"I'm just a traveling merchant; my skills in modifying standard armor are far inferior to..."
Ed raised an eyebrow:
"Far inferior to whom?"
"Not nearly as good as my wife."
"Ah?"
Ed looked at the merchant with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a full beard. Although it was perfectly reasonable for the man to be married given his age, Ed was still somewhat surprised that he had said it so suddenly.
Thinking about it carefully, perhaps it's because of the disaster brought by the Demonic Tide? Since I came to this world, apart from the couples in White Wax Town, I have rarely seen any native couples, just like the average person is sexually frigid.
However... as the range of intelligent beings expands, conventional reproductive behaviors do seem to become less practical.
For example, there are three living intelligent beings in the study right now, but only Gray still has the precious asset of "family".
As for Xilǐ'er, does anyone know how Living Metal armor should produce offspring?
"Alright, but it's okay. That Soul Returner can draw will help you. Just do your best."
Even someone as eloquent as Ed didn't know how to express "I'm somewhat interested in your wife's (abilities)" without causing any misunderstanding, so he simply pretended not to hear it and skipped the topic.
Gray nodded, Ed looked at Xilǐ'er again:
"Regarding the next stage of [ Gungnir ], you can teach them proper cavalry combat tactics. Hoofed Beast equipped with enhanced armor should be different from normal Hoofed Beast. Helping them tune their mounts is something you'll have to do."
Xilǐ'er nodded in agreement, but then immediately asked:
"My lord, your plan is flawless, but from what I've observed, there seem to be... not many Hoofed Beast in the territory."
Xilǐ'er's words were already a great concession to Ed; in a remote area like the White Wax Town Parish of the Tree Worship Church, Hoofed Beast were a rare resource.
Most Hoofed Beast are only used for collecting taxes and delivering messages, but last time, an unnamed half-dragon killed five of them in one go...
What a waste!
Although Ed extracted the genes of the Many-Footed Hoofed Beast, his current Creation abilities can only create plant-type Aberration, and he cannot create a large number of Hoofed Beast at once.
Of course, this doesn't mean he can create a giant tree that bears fruit from living Hoofed Beast; that's too bizarre, Ed can't do that yet.
Therefore, the Second Holy See is indeed currently short of horses. Even the inferior Hoofed Beast used to pull the cart for deliveries was pieced together by Ed from the still-unrotted parts of the five Hoofed Beast he had at the time. It was so rubbish that its bones would stick out from its rear end when it walked...
Ed could only reply helplessly:
"Alright, I'll figure out a way to deal with the Hoofed Beast. I remember there are a few trained Hoofed Beast near the White Wax Town Church, but they might not be willing to undergo modifications. There should also be a slightly disabled Hoofed Beast near the castle that could..."
"Ding~"
A notification suddenly appeared in Ed's field of vision:
The item [ Many-Footed Hoofed Beast) ] in the [ Guide Shop ] has been purchased.
"Ah?"
"Damn, you really bet on a horse?"
Seeing the [ Shit Appraisal Master ] sitting on the back of the Hoofed Beast, towering over him, [ Zhongde ], who was nearby dusting off the dust, was immediately shocked.
Although this creature is called Many-Footed Hoofed Beast in the encyclopedia, because it happens to have four legs, people still usually refer to it as a "horse".
"Isn't that obvious?"
[ The Shit Appraisal Master ] was clearly quite satisfied with his mount, while [ Zhongde ] examined it for a moment before asking:
"That's awesome! How much down payment did you negotiate? What's the interest rate?"
[ The Shit Appraisal Master ] had clearly anticipated others' possible guesses, and thus was prepared for this question, immediately giving a prepared answer with great enthusiasm:
"Who do you think you are? I'll take it all in cash."
It has to be said that he's been quite lucky lately. Ever since he opened that [ Bright Future Studio ] in the real world, his financial luck seems to have really improved.
Not only can the daily in-game currency earned by leading the team to grind for gold be directly converted into cash, but there's even a surplus within the game.
With the money he had saved up, this wealthy man in real life finally fulfilled his dream from some time ago and bought this steed worth five gold pieces.
Although this Hoofed Beast, which resembled a horse in some ways, looked somewhat weak, the [ Shit Appraisal Master ], who had driven a cart a few times, knew it wouldn't fall down so easily.
Since the game launched, the cart has changed several times, but the Hoofed Beast pulling it has always been this seemingly dying creature.
This cool vibe is truly enviable; [ Zhongde ] even shed tears of jealousy.
"666, that's amazing! It's true, there's no future in just playing around. Hey, the fact that you can ride this means you have some special attributes..."
"That's right."
[ Shit Appraisal Master ] nodded. Although leading the team to carry bricks during this period was a bit tedious, he also leveled up himself by training a group of workers who obeyed him.
His current special attributes fully meet the requirements for using the Hoofed Beast under his buttocks.
Now that we have the car, maintaining it every day is an expense. I wonder what this guy eats? Would using used Deadwood Vine work?
"I admire your skill."
[ Zhongde ] gave a "you win" look:
"But buddy, you should still be careful. I think the horse's leg bones are sticking out of its rump."
[ The Shit Appraisal Master ] did not speak, but responded with the sound of the Hoofed Beast accelerating its stomping.
After strolling around the open fields near the castle, [ Shit Appraisal Master ] met his good buddy [ Good Times Don't Last ].