In the camp, Layton tried out the heavy machine gun that had appeared in the snowy ground.
Although this heavy machine gun required two people to operate, it was undoubtedly stronger than any weapon the resistance forces had at the moment.
Many people gulped as they looked at this heavy machine gun.
Due to the formal declaration of war by Graythorn Territory, Doug began to take the initiative to attack and eliminate the resistance forces, increasing the pressure on them.
Layton had only come to request more firearms, but did not expect to receive such a big item instead.
This made Layton’s smile gradually fade as firepower took over; if this heavy machine gun could be set up at a critical location, it truly would be an insurmountable barrier.
If it could be understood that there were firearms sprouting in the snowy field, now it could be said that the snowy fields of the Northern Border had truly been blessed by the Goddess.
All sorts of incredible artifacts and rare resources could be directly excavated from the snow.
This included, but was not limited to, automatic rifles, light machine guns, ammunition supplies, special potions, enhancement potions, standard coats used as currency in exchange for sugar, and even guerrilla warfare tips.
This also made Isha and the Bard responsible for the supply check repeatedly confirm that Lena was indeed not injured. Isha could sense from this supply that Lind was genuinely angry.
Knowing some of the technological development levels of Graythorn Territory, Isha could imagine what would happen if Lind cast everything aside and attacked. However, Isha was also concerned, as it appeared that, despite Lind’s anger, he was still maintaining a basic level of rationality.
On the side, after trying out the heavy weapon, Layton remarked that the Northern Border was indeed rich in resources, with weaponry and equipment being abundantly available. He thanked the Goddess and the Lord Governor.
The resistance forces no longer had to pull the bolt out to create a phantom.
Thinking of this, Layton remembered the first soldier in the camp who had pulled the bolt out for a phantom.
“Oh right, Sam.”
At that moment, Sam was looking enviously at the machine gun in the camp, and upon hearing Layton call him, he instinctively saluted.
“Yes, sir.”
Sam was the most diligent soldier in training amongst everyone, even more so than the Lars soldiers who had been under Layton’s command before.
“This time, apart from the weapons and equipment that sprouted from the snowy ground, there are also two letters for you.”
Sam froze for a moment and took the two letters from Layton’s hand. The first letter was signed by his mother.
Since joining the resistance, Sam had written to his mother in Graythorn Territory, but it had only been to report his safety.
Feeling anxious, Sam opened the envelope.
The letter started with a safety report; Sam’s mother had been doing well in Graythorn Territory, as she had optimized a special potion algorithm and was now living off the government’s provisions.
Sam’s mother hoped that he would come to Graythorn Territory to live with family, believing that the school being built there had much more potential than any Royal Academy, and with Sam’s talent, he would definitely stand out.
The rest talked about marriage, having children, inheriting his father’s craftsmanship and the potion shop.
Although most people were now going to the church to seek the help of priests and sisters for medical treatment and to buy medicine, the church was simply too far from some areas, and there were always times when they couldn’t handle everything. Thus, Graythorn Territory also had small potion shops in residential areas, one of which was opened by Sam’s family.
Though there weren’t many customers usually, Sam’s family always said that having no customers was still better than having customers.
Moreover, with his knowledge of herbal medicine and a foundation in alchemy, Sam could directly inherit the family potion shop as long as he passed the assessments.
As for the remaining part written by his family, Sam could only say that this old man was as unreliable as ever.
Sam’s family treated his decisions with great respect, just as they had when they had left him alone in Doug’s territory.
The only constant was that Sam’s family mentioned how the Lord Governor had praised Sam during a meeting and had given his family a large sum of money, which allowed them to reopen the potion shop.
This also brought pride to Sam’s family, who hoped that Sam would continue to strive forward in the resistance and create even more achievements.
As Sam read on, he began to smile. Although his mother had said many times that he was their pride, Sam knew this time the old man truly meant it; the bit of arrogance practically oozed from the letter.
To be honest, Sam was also somewhat hesitating. Life in the resistance was tough; although Sam had achieved numerous military feats, no one wanted to continue living this hard life if they could enjoy better days.
Most of the current members of the resistance were ordinary citizens who couldn’t make ends meet, and the resistance was an extraordinarily favorable option for them. But Sam was different; he had a much better opportunity.
His family said in the letter that as long as Sam was willing, the Lord Governor allowed him to follow the merchants from the Shining Gold Trade Alliance to Graywhite Territory.
However, soon Sam saw the next envelope.
This was a letter from the Lord Governor who had met with him secretly.
As he held the envelope, Sam sensed something was off; this letter felt unusually heavy.
When he opened it, he realized that inside the envelope was also a bronze medal.
The Governor’s letter was very long. It began with the most basic greetings and stated that he had heard about Sam’s achievements, enumerated his military accomplishments, and finally commended him.
The letter also introduced the marksman medal included in the envelope and the benefits that came with it. Since Sam wasn’t in Graywhite Territory, these benefits and rewards would subsequently be given to Sam’s mother.
In the end, the Governor also said that if Sam did not want to stay on the front lines anymore, he could follow the merchants of the Shining Gold Trade Alliance to Graywhite Territory. The Lord Governor expressed a warm welcome, and as long as Sam came along, he could directly become an officer and no longer have to go to the front lines to instruct others in weaponry. Of course, he could also inherit his father’s potion shop.
Moreover, if Sam was still unwilling, the Governor had the means to present Sam’s written work “The Theory of Freedom” to the Demon Clan’s commander for careful examination, and if he was interested, he could also discuss it with the Governor himself.
Sam’s face turned red instantly. After having fought alongside the resistance and witnessed the true nature of the Northern Border and the Demon Clan, Sam had already realized that his “Theory of Freedom” was nothing but rubbish—calling it rubbish was probably even an overestimation.
If possible, Sam even wished he could take a shot at his past self who had written “The Theory of Freedom.”
But as he read to the end, Sam secretly wiped his tears.
Governor Lind stated that if Sam were to fall on the front lines, Graywhite Territory would spare no effort to retrieve his body, wrapping him in the Northern Wind Bear’s flag and burying him alongside his fellow comrades in the martyrs’ cemetery.
There were also many preferential treatment policies for the families of the soldiers, hoping Sam could relay them to his companions in the resistance. However, his blurred vision made it difficult for Sam to see the following contents.
Recalling how he once struggled to integrate into the circles of the Royal Capital, and remembering his encounters in Doug’s territory and the Demon Clan’s concessions, Sam couldn’t help but break down in tears, taking a while to calm down.
“The Bard and merchants outside asked me to ask you if you’ve made your decision?”
Layton patted Sam’s shoulder from behind.
To be honest, Layton envied Sam. Though the resistance often sent people to Graywhite Territory, it was mostly the relatives of warriors, while Layton’s force was too entrenched to find a channel to send someone to Graywhite Territory. This time, Graywhite Territory had given Sam a chance to escape his suffering.
“I’ve made my decision.”
Sam nodded, the bronze medal already hanging on his chest.
