The Rosington firearms were always custom-made for high-ranking nobles, and their single-barrel shotgun was no different. It was a smoothbore pump-action shotgun enchanted with magic glyphs that were carved onto its stock.Ezra marveled at the shotgun’s polished steel muzzle and the specially designed silver trigger with runic engravings on its surface. Unlike the basic 12-gauge shotguns available in the market, this one had ivory ribs jutting out like pine needles from the top of its barrel, and its movable forestock was made of varnished mahogany wood.Just by looking at the gun Ezra could tell it had cost Count Gressil a few thousand Sovereigns at least, and the silver slugs which came with it had probably set him back by another hundred. As Ezra reached for the shotgun, Marlin’s cursed eye re-opened, but his mouth no longer appeared under it.“You’re finally back. I guess you could not contain your excitement upon sensing a new weapon?” Ezra’s question remained unanswered, but h
The following morning, the people of Aranor gathered in the town square to cast their votes and elect the new mayor.It was a diverse multitude consisting of humans, merfolk, dwarves, elves, and even a few woodland nymphs. Apart from the commoners, the four noble houses were also present there.Lord Cornelius and his wife were joined by the Du Vaine household whose head, Lord Arnold Du Vaine still held power over the mayor’s office for now.Lord Wilhelm and his son Jasenki arrived shortly, accompanied by the other members of their house consisting of his second wife, Lady Mariana, and her younger son, Kyson Morelis. The Romanovs were the last to arrive, but they were missing one member. Although the other nobles did not mind Ramel’s absence, the commoners were eagerly waiting for their favored knight to make an appearance.“Where’s Sir Ramel?” one of the young lads asked.“Maybe he is still busy with his training,” another piped.“He never trains alone and I haven’t seen him in a whi
Lord Wilhelm’s family looked utterly disappointed by the outcome of the first phase of the elections, but Lord Sebastian knew the tables could turn quickly after the second phase.The five guild leaders had already cast their votes, but the common folk were yet to declare their support. Currently, Lord Sebastian was in the lead with sixty votes while Lord Wilhelm trailed with forty. However, Aranor’s commoners consisting of both humans and non-humans could alter the results due to their superior numbers. The town had a modest population of ninety adult humans and forty adult non-humans, including the hybrids. This brought the total number of voters to one hundred and thirty, keeping the elections fair and balanced. After the first phase of the voting came to an end, the commoners dispersed to grab refreshments and discuss things with their favored political groups before making their minds up.Aurelia and Ezra seemed confident about a smooth victory since Lord Sebastian had the over
As the three noble families met in the middle of the town square, things quickly became tense, and the townsfolk started chattering among themselves.“We don’t remember inviting you. Surely, as residents of Stonewell City, you have no role to play in today’s election,” Aurelia said.Lord Lucius smiled at her words and straightened his tie. “But my Lady, you forget that I am a businessman, and this town presents quite an attractive business opportunity. I am not here to make friends. I am here to support Lord Wilhelm and his family.”“You have no business interfering in this election,” Aurelia retorted. “You may be a Vice Patriarch of Dragon Claw, but you are still not welcome to influence the results of the general election.”Lord Lucius ignored Aurelia’s remarks and turned to look at Ezra. “I am not here to interfere in the elections. I am here to ensure that your dear brother keeps his promise.”“What promise?” Aurelia asked.“Lord Ezra Romanov promised to duel with Lord Jasenki More
When the people of Aranor had gathered in the town square they had never expected a quarrel to break out among such powerful noble families. On any other occasion, the townsfolk would have never allowed an outsider to drag Lord Sebastian’s name through the dirt, but things were different here since Lord Wilhelm chose to support the Rodels.Although the people of Aranor would have liked the election to reach a peaceful conclusion, the prospect of a duel between the two young rivals made them excited. A few months ago, no one would have bothered to support Ezra due to his disastrous training performance. However, a lot had changed over the past few weeks.Ezra had impressed the miners by slaying the Heragore hiding in the Kasari mines and earned the respect of the dwarves. And this was only the beginning of his heroic endeavors.By slaying the undead Behemoth and rescuing Count Gressil’s only daughter, Lady Tanya, Ezra had caught the attention of not only the commoners but the most aff
Lord Cornelius put his finger on the trigger and started counting aloud so that everyone standing there could hear the timer.“Five….four….three….two….one!”On the count of one, he pulled the trigger, firing a magic round into the sky.Bang!As soon as they heard the gunshot, Ezra and Jasenki spun around and turned to face each other. Jasenki was a little slow to react, allowing Ezra to score the first shot. Ezra fired his enchanted six-shot revolver, greeting his rival with a hail of normal bullets.“Is that the best you got?” Jasenki mocked as he activated his Bulletproof Armor skill to block the bullets. “Come on, Ezra! Try again! Surely you can do better!”Ezra reloaded his revolver with magic rounds and unleashed six quick shots in Jasenki’s direction. The pale blue barrier erected in front of Jasenki buzzed and distorted as the magic rounds struck its mid-section. But Jasenki clenched his fist, pooling all his magic energy into his arm to fortify the shield.Once more, Ezra’s s
Jasenki pooled all his magic power into his right hand and transferred it into the gun, gradually charging the blunderbuss rifle. Its muzzle flashed as it reached its magic threshold, and he fired without a second thought.A massive fireball the size of a melon was launched in Ezra’s direction. “Get down!” Lord Cornelius shouted before ducking like a timid hare. The rest of the crowd shrieked and scampered to safety.Swoosh!As the magic fireball struck Ezra, it erupted into flames, spewing embers in every direction and engulfing him in dense black smoke.“Ezra!” Lord Sebastian shouted.Aurelia could not hold back any longer and rushed to her brother’s aid, but Lord Cornelius got in her way, stopping her in her tracks.“Let me go! Get out of my way!” she yelled at the top of her lungs.Lord Cornelius spread his arms apart and shook his head. “I am sorry, but I cannot let you do that. No one is allowed to interrupt the duel. It is against the rules.”“Screw your rules! If you don’t get
The crowd erupted into cheers, with Ivan shouting at the top of his lungs and pumping his fist in the air.“I told you Lord Ezra was going to win! He is going to become the best Gunner in all of Valaria someday!” the dwarf cried out ecstatically.“He is truly a force to be reckoned with,” another lauded.“We should have never doubted Lord Ezra after he won the hunt,” another added.Even with all the cheers and shouts of support around him, Ezra’s uncle did not seem too pleased by the outcome of the duel. “I swear that cripple could not even hit a sack of grains before. How did he become so powerful so suddenly?”Lord Sebastian and Aurelia applauded the loudest, their faces colored with proud smiles.Aurelia walked up to Ezra and shook him by his shoulders. “You did it. You really showed that proud dog where he belongs. It was a stunning performance, brother. Your powers are really at their peak.”“But it’s not over yet. Jasenki and his family still have a lot to pay for,” Ezra replied.