I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 369 The Real Use of Molotov Cocktails

……

……

Zero's voice brought a look of joy to everyone's faces.

Although I didn't make it myself, witnessing the birth of such an extraordinary creation is exciting in itself.

"Great!"

Senda shouted excitedly, "Quick, move!"

"who are you?"

Zero asked in confusion.

“I am Senda, His Majesty the Emperor’s chief blacksmith,” Senda introduced himself.

Zero listened in silence for a moment, then said calmly, "I don't know you, so I can't do as you say."

"And what about me?" Zhuo Ya stepped forward and asked, "I created you, do you still remember me?"

Before Zero could answer, Rhodes spoke up, "Alright, Zero, you can listen to their orders."

"Now move around a bit and see if you can control your body," Rhodes instructed.

"Yes, Master."

Zero responded with a sound and then fell silent.

The warehouse fell silent once again.

With a metallic scraping sound, the construct guard slowly raised its arm.

"It's a bit difficult, Master."

Zero calmly replied, "I need more time to get used to my new body."

As he spoke, Zero slowly raised his other arm.

"Yes, you can gradually get used to your body."

Rhodes casually remarked, "You not only need to be familiar with your body, but also control it flexibly. In the future, you'll also need to learn how to fight."

“Yes, Master, I will get familiar with it as soon as possible,” Zero replied.

Rhodes nodded slightly. "You don't need to call me master. Just call me the same way they do."

“Okay,” Zero replied again.

It seemed a bit dull, and Rod wasn't sure if all his ideas could be realized through it.

Thinking of this, Rhodes took out another Soul-Binding Pearl.

"There's another construct guard. Would you like to try it out for now?"

Rhodes looked at the Soul-Binding Pearl and asked.

The figure of the Stone Dragon flew out of the pearl, flapping its wings and scrutinizing the construct guard standing to the side.

"I don't like this lump of metal."

"But I don't want to stay inside that bead and be unable to move," said Xiaolong, his voice tinged with helplessness.

"Put me inside that metal lump."

After saying that, the Stone Dragon burrowed back into the Soul-Binding Pearl.

Rhodes looked at Zoya and Sainda and nodded.

The two understood each other and quickly dismantled the other construct guard's chest.

Zhuoya then took the Soul-Binding Pearl handed to her by Luo De and carefully inserted it into the groove.

This time the wait was even shorter, and the construct guard's helmet lit up with a green light.

"Hmm... I feel a little constrained."

The little dragon's voice grew even deeper, and then it stretched out its arms.

Perhaps it's because the Rockbreaker Dragon has a stronger will, making its movements smoother and more natural to control.

Before Rhodes could speak, the Stonebreaker Dragon had already started walking.

“Stone, I’ll call you that from now on, until you remember your own name.”

Rhodes said to the Stone Dragon, "You can walk around here as you please, but you can't hurt anyone."

The gravel tried to move its head, nodding it up and down. "Of course, I won't hurt anyone."

Shattered Stone turned to Zero beside him, "You can come with me."

Zero was stunned for a moment, until Rhodes nodded.

Then, Gravel strode out of the warehouse, while Zero followed somewhat awkwardly behind.

Rhodes was worried that the two guys would cause some trouble, so he waved for the Winter Guards to follow.

Heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor, and the guard at the door immediately realized something was wrong.

When he turned to look back, his hand was already on the hilt of his sword, but after seeing the gesture of the Winter Guard, he gradually loosened his grip, leaving only shock on his face.

"What... what kind of monster is this?" the guard couldn't help but ask.

Before the Winter Iron Guard could speak, Shattered Stone spoke first: "We are construct guards, little guy."

"It can talk?!"

The guards were even more surprised.

"Heh, I know more than you think."

Shattered Stone snorted and said arrogantly, "I don't have time right now, but I'll teach you real swordsmanship when I have the chance."

The commotion caused by the gravel and Zero quickly attracted the attention of the other wizard apprentices.

Everyone unconsciously gathered around, staring curiously at the two walking lumps of iron.

"Is this a magic guardian?"

"Oh my god! Am I dreaming?"

"I'd heard there were magical guardians here, and it's true!"

"I've seen incomplete versions of these in ruins before, but I never thought I'd see the real thing today!"

……

The wizard apprentices discussed among themselves, some even trying to reach out and touch it, only to have their hands slapped away by a pebble, causing them to grimace in pain.

"Where is the library?" Stone asked the wizard apprentice beside him.

"Next door."

The onlookers, including the wizard apprentices, instinctively pointed the way for the rubble.

"Thank you, little one."

The stone stalks strode forward, making a "thump-thump-thump" sound as they walked towards the library.

The wizard apprentices made way for them, and the Winter's Iron Guards hurriedly followed, entering the adjacent library together.

"They actually want to go to the library first."

Rhodes asked with some curiosity, "Does it want to learn about history, about its own origins?"

Rhodes didn't chase after them, but looked at Zoya and Senda.

"They will stay here for the time being. You can talk to them and teach them knowledge."

"While you're at it, could you also assess their combat strength and intelligence?"

Rhodes thought for a moment and added, "In addition, we can continue to create evil spirits to fill up the remaining Soul-Binding Orbs."

"If we have the manpower and time, we should also make some Soul-Binding Pearls."

Zero has verified the feasibility of this plan, and it will inevitably be mass-produced in the future.

However, since there's no immediate need for it, there's no rush.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Zhuoya replied respectfully, "Don't worry, we will take good care of them."

"Ah."

Rhodes nodded, said nothing more, turned and walked into the hall, then teleported back to the other side.

Upon returning to the palace in Riftrock City—now known as Flame Dragon City—Rhode went straight back to his training room.

Now, Rhodes doesn't need to do most things personally; he just needs to give orders to others to carry them out.

This wasn't because Rhodes had become lazy, but because his imperial authority wouldn't allow him to do such things.

Aside from processing documents, Rhodes spent the rest of his time meditating.

The training room has been renovated by Celinesa, who has drawn a magic circle similar to the Sea Abyss Wizard Tower to enhance meditation efficiency, making it easier for Rhodes to meditate.

Rhodes now has four Star Swirls and six additional Star Rings, for a total of thirty-four zero-ring spell slots.

Fire Arrow, Spellcaster's Hand, Fire Protection, Fire Blast, Light, Sword Protection, Paralysis, and Slow, among others.

Almost all zero-ring spells are inscribed in the star ring and can be cast at will.

This is also the source of confidence for a mid-level wizard apprentice.

However, as the star ring continued to condense, Rhodes' mental strength gradually lost its advantage, and the effect of meditation also decreased.

If Rhode wanted to reach fifty points of mental power faster, he had no choice but to use the Mental Gem to absorb it.

However, as mental strength continues to increase, each point of improvement requires five or six mental gems.

The key point is that, given the current trend, the demand for spirit gems will only increase in the future.

Spirit Gems are important materials, and Rhodes is now reluctant to waste them.

"Resources are still too scarce."

Rhodes held the now grayish-white spirit gem in his hand, and couldn't help but think to himself.

If you want to improve quickly, you'll need more extraordinary resources.

Waiting for the empire to grow on its own is too slow; the only way is to concentrate all the world's resources in one's own hands.

That way, I can use it freely.

……

……

The next morning.

After finishing his breakfast, Rhodes was preparing to go to his study to handle official business.

Severus quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed his head to report: "Your Majesty, all the materials you previously instructed us to prepare have been completed."

"very good."

Rhodes' voice was calm, with a hint of anticipation in his smile.

The materials needed to manufacture Molotov cocktails are not actually scarce.

Tar had already appeared in this era, and people called it wood tar.

The production method is not complicated.

The craftsmen put materials such as wood and resin into the earthen kiln and dry distilled them at high temperatures.

After a long heating process, these materials will decompose and eventually release a black, viscous liquid.

That's wood tar.

In some ancient lakes and swamps, natural tar pits can also be found.

Over thousands of years, tar deposits naturally form underground in those areas.

Although digging is laborious, the yield is often considerable, and they are frequently used for defending cities.

Previously, when attacking the eastern provinces, Thunder and Black Flame would specifically look for tar barrels on the city walls.

A breath swept quickly across it, and the city wall turned into a sea of ​​fire.

As for kerosene, it is even easier to obtain.

The oil from wild animals can be used.

Oils extracted from various plants can also be put to good use.

Basically, any flammable oil or grease meets the requirements.

The only troublesome thing is the sulfur powder.

This material can only be collected near volcanoes.

The slaves had to brave the high temperatures and poisonous gases to search for sulfur crystals near the crater.

Then bring these yellow crystals back and grind them into a fine powder.

The whole process is time-consuming and quite dangerous.

Overall, however, collecting these materials is not difficult. As long as you are willing to spend time and effort, you can find a sufficient quantity.

"Have all the materials transported to the training ground in the suburbs."

Rhodes instructed the guards, "Prepare some wooden basins and water ladles."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Joseph respectfully responded and rose to relay the order.

……

……

The training ground is a large, open area.

The ground was covered with yellow soil, and there were no trees or buildings around.

Even if an accident occurs, the fire is unlikely to spread easily.

Rhodes also specifically ordered people to clear a cordon around the training ground.

The slaves cut down the nearby weeds and bushes and dug a wide ditch.

In this way, even if a fire breaks out accidentally during the experiment, the flames will not spread to other places.

It will not harm innocent people.

As His Majesty the Emperor, Rhodes' current status no longer allows him to personally create these things.

He needs to maintain his authority at all times.

Rod could only stand by and direct, ensuring the process went according to his plan.

The Winter Guards personally carried buckets of materials to the open space.

A huge wooden basin was placed in the center of the area, with ladles, funnels and rows of empty bottles placed next to it.

"Five parts wood tar, three parts kerosene, one part resin, and a small amount of sulfur powder."

Rhodes instructed the Winter Guard, "Stir well."

The “portion” that Rod refers to is the capacity of an ordinary water ladle.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Winter Guardian respectfully responded and began adding materials as Rhodes instructed.

The pale yellow grease mixed with black tar, along with resin and sulfur powder, was vigorously stirred by the Winter's Iron Guard with a peeled wooden stick, eventually turning into a pungent, dark brown, viscous liquid.

Those standing nearby unconsciously took a few steps back and covered their mouths and noses with their hands.

"almost."

Rod held his breath as he observed the liquid in the basin, then nodded in satisfaction.

"Now put them in bottles."

Rhodes took a few steps back, looked at the Winter Guard, and reminded him, "Be careful, don't get it on your body."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Winter Iron Guard responded.

Following Rhodes's instructions, the Winter Guard took a funnel and began filling the bottle with liquid.

The bottle was custom-made to Rod's specifications, with a pear-shaped body and a long, slender neck that is easier to grip.

Rod had originally intended to use glass bottles, but when he actually gave the order, he thought that earthenware bottles might be more suitable.

After all, earthenware vases are cheaper to make, not only because of the materials, but also because potters are everywhere.

However, Rhodes still wanted to try it out before making a decision on whether it was feasible.

Once the bottle is about 70% full, simply apply a layer of pine resin to the bottle opening, then stuff the oil-soaked hemp rope into the bottle, and finally seal it simply. The Molotov cocktail is now complete.

"It looks quite decent."

Rod looked at the finished product and nodded slightly.

Rhodes originally wanted to try it himself, but after thinking about it, he eventually had Serf find five of the more clever soldiers.

This Molotov cocktail was made for these ordinary soldiers.

Only when they learn how to actually use it can it be effective.

Moreover, their experiences and thoughts are even more important as users.

The weapon can only be considered a success if they can use it successfully.

These five soldiers were all javelin throwers; upon seeing Rhodes, they immediately knelt down.
"Your Majesty, may you live forever."

The soldiers' voices trembled, and they were clearly somewhat reserved.

"Get up, all of you,"

Rhodes waved his hand slightly, "Don't be nervous. I called you here today to test this new type of projectile weapon."

Rod pointed to the earthenware pot on the table next to him.

"In a moment, pick it up and light the fuse on it with a torch."

"Then slowly count three numbers: one, two, three."

Rod pointed to the wooden stakes 25 meters away, "Then throw them at those targets."

A distance of 25 meters is very easy for these spear throwers.

After giving a brief explanation, Rod asked, "Who wants to try first?"

“Your Majesty, I am willing.”

The voices of the five soldiers rang out in unison, their tones firm.

Although we do not know what is inside, it is an honor to serve the Lord.

"Since you all want to try, then let's do it one by one."

Rhodes casually pointed to someone and said, "Let's start with you."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The tall, strong soldier responded respectfully, quickly stepped forward, picked up a pottery jar, and took a few steps forward.

Then the Winter Guard handed him the lit torch.

Without hesitation, the soldier lit the hemp rope on the clay pot, counted to three as Rhodes had instructed, and hurled it forcefully at the wooden stake ahead.

The earthenware pot, trailing a burning flame, traced an arc in the air.

"Oh!"

With a crisp sound, the earthenware pot struck the wooden stake precisely and shattered instantly.

Flames exploded like flowers, scattering in all directions.

Not only the wooden stakes that were hit, but also the wooden stakes next to them caught fire.

The flames, accompanied by black smoke, quickly engulfed all three wooden stakes in flames.

"Isn't this too awesome?"

Everyone was stunned, especially the Winter's Iron Guard.

Although they were not commanders, Rhodes would arrange some military training for them.

The Winter Guardians knew very well that if this thing were thrown into the enemy's battle formation and exploded, everyone around would be in danger if they got splashed with it.

Especially when thrown behind the enemy's shield wall, the battle formation will fall into chaos.

Rhodes had anticipated this scenario and calmly commanded, "Continue."

The second soldier reacted quickly, picked up the earthenware pot, and carefully lit it.

"one two three!"

As the sound faded, another soft thud was heard, and the flames erupted once more.

Then the third, fourth, and fifth soldiers all threw the objects successfully.

Even if it doesn't hit the stake, the flames will spread around it when it hits the ground.

The entire front of the training ground was engulfed in flames, billowing thick black smoke.

"Try smashing the water bottle in there."

"Rod commanded."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Winter Guards threw pre-prepared earthenware jars filled with water into the fire and smashed them, but the water flowing out did not extinguish the fire; instead, it made the fire burn even more fiercely.

This didn't surprise anyone.

The soldiers had some common sense: flames of kerosene cannot be extinguished with water; they can only be smothered.

However, there is nothing flammable ahead, so the flames will go out on their own soon.

Rhodes didn't interfere much, simply instructing the Winter Guards to keep an eye on things.

"Tell me how you feel."

He turned to the soldiers, "Is there anything we can adjust when throwing?"

The soldiers were somewhat nervous, exchanging glances, and none of them spoke.

He showed none of the heroic demeanor he had displayed just moments before.

"Say whatever you want, whether it's right or wrong, it doesn't matter, I won't blame anyone."

Luo De's tone turned serious. "But if you have no opinions, it will make me very unhappy."

"Your Majesty the Great Lord".

The first soldier to throw it stepped forward and said respectfully, "This weapon is very powerful, but..."

He paused, "The earthenware pot is a bit heavy, so it doesn't throw very far."

"If the enemy has archers, we might be shot dead before we even get close."

"very good."

Rhodes said to his bodyguard, Cerf, "Write it all down."

Once someone takes the lead, others follow suit.

The second soldier nodded and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"And once lit, there are only three counts of time left."

The soldier rubbed his hands together with a smile, "If my hands slip or I get nervous, I might blow myself up. Could you give me a little more time...?"

"I think the lead wire could be a little longer."

The third soldier continued, "This gives us more time to aim and throw."

"The bottle is also a bit slippery."

"The shape is not very suitable for gripping."

……

The soldiers began to discuss the matter, one after another.

They all shared their opinions, and Rod was very happy.

The key to brainstorming is to come up with ideas and suggestions; whether they are right or wrong is a matter for later discussion.

"very good."

Rhodes nodded slightly. "Your suggestions are all very valuable. I will have them improved and then let you experiment with them."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The soldiers responded excitedly in unison.

Being recognized by His Majesty the Holy Lord is a joyful thing.

Rhodes had the Winter Guards take the man away and gave him some rewards.

Then he picked up the questions that Cerf had written down and began to think about them on his own.

"Weight, range..."

Rod looked at the still-burning wooden stakes.

Distance is indeed a problem.

Ordinary soldiers can throw a maximum of thirty meters, and even spear throwers with enhanced abilities can only manage forty or fifty meters.

This distance is too close for the battlefield.

If manual throwing is not feasible, could the stones on the catapult be replaced with these incendiary canisters?
After the thunderous and frost breaths, it seems they can also be thrown from high above...

and many more.

Rod's eyes lit up as he suddenly thought of something.

Why not build your own aerial bombardment army?
(End of this chapter)