I Pioneered Scientific Magic - Chapter 242 (Patreon)

Chapter 242: Lynn's Superior Firepower Theory!

On the training ground, the deafening roar echoed repeatedly.

Clearing the chamber, loading lead bullets, filling in powder, aiming, pulling the trigger...

The guards strictly followed the procedure under Rowen's command, firing the lead bullets one by one. Soon, they scattered the targets in front of them.

Eventually, Rowen had to replace all the targets with steel ones; otherwise, they couldn't withstand the turmoil.

An afternoon of this left their hands and shoulders a bit sore from the recoil of the firearms, but the novelty they experienced made Old York completely overlook their physical discomfort. He wished they could spend all day shooting here.

Even when they heard Rowen announce the end of the shooting practice and the opportunity to rest, the new recruits seemed somewhat reluctant.

During the break, Old York took a glance at the steel targets and couldn't help but inhale sharply. The copper shields, nearly two fingers thick, were pockmarked and had caved in from the lead bullets.

It was evident that even steel couldn't fully withstand the firepower of firearms; armor would be shattered instantly if hit... Old York shuddered at the thought, not daring to imagine more.

After a brief rest, it was time for the customary running exercise. Three thousand people, each carrying the new-style firearms, jogged in long queues around the entire city. The townsfolk on the streets cast envious glances.

Everyone knew the best treatment in the entire Iyeta Harbor was reserved for the firearms team. Not only were they paid twenty silver coins a month, but they also received free food and accommodation.

Unfortunately, the team was incredibly strict in recruiting; too fat, too thin, too short, too old—none were accepted.

Basking in the envy and jealousy of the people, Old York hugged his flintlock rifle tightly. If only these folks knew that the Lord had issued each of them a powerful alchemical weapon capable of piercing steel armor, they'd be even more envious.

"Lord Lynn, is it really useful to keep them doing these basic formation drills?" Watching the distant figures of the new recruits, Rowen asked in puzzlement. He felt that rather than spending so much time perfecting parade formations and maintaining order while running, it would be more critical to focus on improving shooting accuracy, especially on the battlefield.

"Of course! I've always believed that one of the most crucial standards for a qualified army is discipline!" Lynn asserted firmly. "Especially for the firearms team, maintaining strict formations is necessary to unleash their maximum power!"

In the era dominated by flintlock rifles, the most famous tactic was mockingly dubbed the "queue-and-shoot," a linear infantry tactic.

Early firearms had limited accuracy and range. Firing in formations ensured ammunition retained sufficient accuracy at long distances.

However, Lynn didn't plan to adopt that. His opponents didn't equip firearms or cannons; they were prepared to compensate for the poor rate of fire of flintlock rifles with the renowned Three-Stage Shooting method!

The Three-Stage Shooting involved dividing the firearm unit into three rows. They would take turns firing; after the first row shot, they'd retreat to the third row to reload while the prepared second row could start firing, creating a continuous barrage against the enemy.

Discipline was crucial here; otherwise, chaos would reign in battle!

Lynn explained the firearms team's combat methods to Rowen, then curiously asked, "What's your impression of war? What factors decide the outcome of a battle?"

Rowen, also from the Misty Sea, was said to have been a knight in a certain earl's territory, leading a few small-scale wars. Later, due to self-study in sorcery, he was reported and fled all the way to the land of wizards.

It was because of his experience leading troops that Lynn appointed him to lead the firearms team.

As Rowen pondered the so-called Three-Stage Shooting, he spoke, "Usually, armies consist of two types: temporarily conscripted peasants wielding farming tools like pitchforks and hoes, numerous in number but limited in combat capability. The other type comprises well-equipped, trained elite guards, usually saved for crucial moments."

During battles, they'd typically form their ranks, fire a few rounds of arrows, then engage in melee combat with swords. The side that broke first in close combat would lose.

Usually, the decisive factors were the number of troops, armor quality, quantity of bows and crossbows, and the number of knights.

Of course, these were conflicts between nobles for land, and usually, the church wouldn't intervene. Otherwise, when priests or even bishops acted, it would be a different situation.

"Is it really that primitive?" Lynn paused, then remembered—setting aside magic and sorcery, it was essentially a medieval empire; battles between nobles usually involved just a few thousand people, hardly allowing for innovative tactics.

After Rowen explained the wars between nobles, he discussed his own understanding and application of firearms.

For instance, when facing a smaller enemy force, they could surround them with a circular formation, crossfire, creating a mesh of firepower to enhance accuracy.

Compared to bows and crossbows, the strength of flintlock rifles lay in their armor-piercing ability and the quick training of personnel. However, their drawbacks were slow reloading and weak close combat capabilities.

Bayonets couldn't match up to greatswords or long spears, so perhaps training a force of around a thousand sword-and-shield infantry might assist the firearms team in close combat.

"No need for that; resorting to bayonet fighting only happens in the direst circumstances. If close combat is our weakness, the aim should be to prevent enemies from getting close, shouldn't it?" Lynn interjected.

"Lord Lynn, war is no joke. Any imperial army set against us will likely outnumber us tenfold or more. Relying solely on several rounds of rifle shots won't be enough to defeat them," Rowen furrowed his brows, feeling Lynn's confidence in the firearms was a bit excessive.

"No, precisely because our numbers are scarce, we mustn't waste resources on close combat, which would lead to massive casualties!" Lynn shook his head. "With superior firepower, this is how we should fight!"

"Utilize the aerial advantage brought by the airships. When the enemy is between three kilometers and three hundred meters away, bombard them with cannons! From three hundred to seventy meters, magical bombardment. Within seventy meters to ten meters, the rifles fire in succession, aiming to eliminate the enemy beyond their line of sight!"

"As for within ten meters, depending on the enemy's resistance, decide whether to use the 'Flame Deluge' or use earth wall spells to assist in retreat..."

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