Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One

Rewari kingdom, Canon factory , morning of 25th march 1557.

The open grounds of the cannon factory hummed with a flurry of activity. Workers scurried about, arranging dummies and carts, while others maneuvered additional carts, their contents concealed under white cloths.

Elite soldiers clad in chain mail armour, stood vigil around the perimeter, ensuring strict security as they monitored every movement.

A small team of workers grunted with effort, heaving a falconet cannon on its wheeled carriage toward the designated weapon testing area.

The cannon, with its slender, elongated barrel, seemed almost out of place against its modestly-sized iron wheels. The contrast between the cannon’s imposing length and its small wheels gave it a unique, top-heavy appearance, emphasizing its formidable presence despite its compact form.

At the centre of testing ground, Aditya, Meenakshi, and Mathew in their usual attires observed with keen interest. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation for the impending test.

Aditya approached the cannon, running his hand along the smooth, bronze barrel. Its gleaming surface reminded him of 17th-century designs, where the midsection was reinforced with heavier metal and smaller, sturdier wheels to manage recoil. He glanced at Mathew and remarked, "This is made of pure bronze. Elder, didn’t you consider using steel?"

Mathew, hands on his waist, explained with pride, "I would have, but given the other weapons you tasked me with, I didn’t want to risk the first shot. This bronze barrel is capable of firing both light cannonballs and grapeshot with minimal recoil. Thanks to your idea of small wheels, we’ve managed to stabilize it effectively."

Aditya eyed the iron wheels critically. Despite their small size, they were remarkably sturdy. The wheels, though modest, balanced the cannon’s length and weight, allowing for better mobility.

Impressed, Aditya complimented, "It amazing, elder. I can’t fathom the labour you must have endured to achieve this perilous task in such a short time..."

Mathew waved off the compliment with a grin, "Save your eloquence for others. I didn’t spend much time on this modification. Besides, you left something quite interesting last time."

Curious, Aditya watched as Mathew produced a grenade prototype from his custom made pocket and tossed it to Aditya, who caught it with a look of astonishment.