The underground workshop of Omega Zero had changed radically in the past few weeks. The constant sound of hammers, saws, and the vibrations of machines had become a daily routine. The first Mauser parts, now forged from a new alloy of black iron and steel, were already finished, and Ethan couldn't be prouder of the progress.
This new black steel, a refined fusion of high-carbon steel and the mysterious black iron, offered exceptional durability and heat resistance. Unlike conventional steel, it was significantly harder while maintaining a level of flexibility that prevented brittleness. The barrels, reinforced with this alloy, reduced wear and improved ballistic performance, allowing for more consistent accuracy over prolonged use. Even after intense firing sequences, the metal barely showed signs of stress.
Despite the difficulties, the rifles had been successfully manufactured, adjusted, and improved after each failed test. Now, they were ready to be put to the test.
Ethan ensured that the ammunition was as reliable as possible. Although it had not yet reached industrial standards, its quality was beyond question. There was no room for error. Every soldier knew that their survival depended on the weapons they now held.
Beside him, Zhao Ren had called everyone to test the new weapon: the Mauser 98, a rifle designed to be lethal in the right hands. Zhao Ren had insisted that they should test it in the field in front of everyone as soon as possible.
Ethan headed to the shooting range. As he walked, he heard the crunch of leaves beneath his feet and the sound of heavy footsteps beside him. It was Eclipse, his wolf, walking next to him, always alert.
The wolf had grown immensely since Ethan had rescued him from the market cages. In the days that followed, Ethan had trained him during every free moment, using modern military tactics adapted to the animal's instincts. Eclipse was not only his trusted companion but also a valuable asset for future missions. He had learned basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "attack," and "return," and his sharpness and ferocity increased over time. The bond between them was strong, and Eclipse had proven to be much more than just a war dog.
"Ready, Eclipse?" Ethan asked as he stroked the wolf's head. Eclipse responded with a soft bark, showing his excitement.
The Vesper Special Forces team was gathered at the field, eagerly awaiting the first round of tests with the Mauser Ethan had designed.
Currently, their numbers had increased slightly, but they still did not exceed 200 members. Ethan's idea was to create a lethal group that stood out from the rest.
Despite the crowd of armed and trained soldiers, all eyes were fixed on Ethan. His skill and past achievements had earned him deep respect within Astralis. The Vespers knew that Ethan was not only their leader but also the mastermind behind the development of the most advanced weapons—and most importantly, a brilliant strategist on the battlefield. His analytical mind, combined with exceptional skill, had granted him a position of authority that went beyond mere hierarchy.
Zhao Ren watched closely as Ethan prepared. The Mauser rifle rested in his hands, adjusted and ready. Ethan needed no instructions or reminders about the tests. He was a man of action—confident and precise.
"We'll start the test at 50 meters. Aim for the center of the target," Zhao Ren said, addressing the soldiers in a firm voice.
The others quickly lined up, but it was evident that everyone expected to see Ethan in action first. No one questioned his ability, much less his judgment regarding the Mauser. Although the rifle had already been tested in the workshop, the real test would be its performance in the field, where conditions were unpredictable.
Ethan positioned himself carefully, raising the Mauser with one hand. The rifle seemed like an extension of himself. Every movement he made was precise and calculated. With a quick glance at the target, he prepared to fire. There was no hesitation. His breathing was deep, his body completely relaxed, as if everything was under his control.
The soldiers watched in silence, some even holding their breath. When Ethan aimed, the world around him seemed to fade away. Only he, the rifle, and the target existed. In the blink of an eye, the shot was fired. A resounding bang echoed in the air, and the bullet struck the exact center of the target with deadly precision.
Ethan repeated the action over and over, each shot more accurate than the last. The other soldiers, though competent in their own skills, couldn't help but watch Ethan with respect and a silent sense of admiration. Every time the Mauser fired, the result was the same—a perfect shot, a bullet embedded in the center of the target.
"This rifle has unwavering accuracy," one of the soldiers said, looking at the impact of the last bullet.
Ethan nodded, securing the rifle in position, his gaze fixed on the targets.
The Vespers, accustomed to following orders and maintaining discipline in every mission, now better understood why Ethan was not only the leader in manufacturing but also on the testing grounds. His skill with the Mauser was merely a reflection of his technical and tactical knowledge—a man who could understand the theory and put it into practice with unparalleled performance.
Zhao Ren stepped forward, observing Ethan's last shot, which had pierced the center of the target with such precision that even the wind seemed to pause for a moment.
The Mauser was just the beginning. But for now, he enjoyed the approval of the Vespers, knowing the rifle was ready to be used in real missions.
As the group continued with the tests, the respect for Ethan became increasingly evident. As the sun began to set and the shadows of the clearing stretched longer, the Vespers withdrew, grateful for the Mauser's outstanding performance and the display of skill Ethan had shown. For all of them, it was clear that he was not just the inventor behind the technology, but also the man who knew how to use it better than anyone else.
As the last of the Vespers finished their test shots with the Mauser, Ethan stood observing their progress. Some adapted quickly, adjusting their stance and grip with each shot, while others struggled slightly, unused to the rifle's weight and precision. He took note of their reactions, already considering ways to refine both the weapon and the training process.
"Titan," Ethan called, addressing Zhao Ren. "We need to start working on tactical drills. Marksmanship alone won't be enough."
Zhao Ren nodded. "We should integrate movement-based shooting and target transitions."
Ethan turned back to the soldiers. "Alright, enough with static shooting. We're moving to live drills." His voice was calm but commanding, and the Vespers immediately straightened, awaiting orders.
They moved to a secondary range where wooden dummies, some reinforced with straw and crude armor, had been arranged at various distances. Ethan had designed the course to simulate battlefield conditions—irregular terrain, shifting targets, and environmental distractions.
"I want two-man fire teams. One provides cover, the other advances. Communicate. Reload efficiently. If you hesitate, you die." His gaze swept across them. "Understood?"
A chorus of affirmations followed, and the first team stepped forward. Zhao Ren observed alongside Ethan, his arms crossed. "Some of them are too reliant on single-shot accuracy," he murmured. "That's good for precision, but in a fight, they need to react faster."
Ethan agreed. "We'll push them past their comfort zone. Today's a test run. Tomorrow, we increase the difficulty."
As the drills commenced, the crack of gunfire filled the air. The first team hesitated slightly in their movement but quickly adjusted. One soldier suppressed the targets ahead while his partner advanced, ducking behind cover before taking his own shots. Ethan nodded approvingly. It wasn't perfect, but they were learning.
Eclipse sat beside him, ears perked, tail flicking slightly as he watched the action with keen interest. The wolf had already begun to associate gunfire with action, his instincts sharpened from training. Ethan absentmindedly ran a hand through his fur. "We'll need to start integrating animal tactics soon," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
They continued the exercises for another hour, adjusting tactics and correcting mistakes. By the time they wrapped up, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the training field. The soldiers were exhausted but invigorated, their confidence in the Mauser growing with each successful maneuver.
After dismissing the teams, Ethan walked toward the lab, Zhao Ren falling into step beside him. "The rifles performed well," Zhao Ren commented. "No malfunctions, good stability."
Ethan nodded. "We still need to refine the ammunition. I want better consistency before we scale production."
As they reached the lab, a young soldier approached hesitantly. "Sir, if I may ask… will we be developing pistols as well?"
Ethan studied him for a moment. It was a valid question. Rifles were excellent for engagements at range, but close-quarters combat would require something else. "Eventually," he admitted. "But for now, focus on mastering the rifle."
As they entered, Eclipse padded in behind them, settling into his usual spot near Ethan's workbench. Zhao Ren watched as Ethan retrieved his notes, already sketching ideas for refinements. The war had not yet begun in full force, but Astralis was preparing.
And when the time came, they would be ready.