Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Catapult

"Your Majesty, the synthesis diagram I obtained is for a mechanical weapon!"
Guiding Mo Fangyuan and Yali to the office of Lu Qi's squad at the lumber processing site, Lu Qi spoke with pride.
During this period, Lu Qi had personally crafted the mechanical weapon depicted in the synthesis diagram.
"It can hurl blocks over great distances to attack enemies far away!"
"Not only is its offensive power tremendous, it can also shatter blocks from afar!"
Every block person took great pride in their synthesis diagrams, and Lu Qi was no exception.
As for that war machine...
It was nothing short of astonishing—a glance was enough to shock anyone.
Mo Fangyuan stared at the massive wooden structure of the device, utterly dumbfounded.
"Isn't this just a catapult?"
Running his hands over the wooden frame, Mo Fangyuan found himself in doubt once more.
"Wasn't it said that the Block World doesn't abide by science?"
"How did they manage to create a catapult based on the principle of leverage?"
In his previous life, the catapult was a formidable siege engine, used across both East and West in countless battles.
As Mo Fangyuan recalled, the 'cannon' in Chinese chess referred precisely to the catapult.
Of course, it was not only for sieges; in defense, it was a troublesome weapon, and a well-aimed throw could inflict devastating losses on attackers.
"Remarkable! Truly remarkable!"
Mo Fangyuan ran his hands over the ropes wrapped around the wooden planks, repeating his exclamation twice to express his delight.
With this contraption, even those thick-skinned zombie giants encountered earlier could be blasted from afar.
"Lu Qi, from now on you needn't do carpentry... I’ll assign you elsewhere. Devote yourself to studying these devices; they’re crucial for the kingdom’s development!"
"You won’t have to work so hard every day..."
Mo Fangyuan planned to transfer Lu Qi to the research department. Although currently only Fang Zhi and Zhu Youxiao staffed it, the department had a bright future ahead—a perfect place!
After all, any leader with brains would prioritize scientific research.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Lu Qi, moved by the prospect, had no idea what intensity his new work might bring.
Leaving the site, Mo Fangyuan felt he needed to revise the kingdom’s defensive arrangements that evening.
Thanks to their tireless efforts, the block people had greatly strengthened the kingdom’s defensive structures.
But apart from the city walls—seven blocks high, four blocks thick, built of stone bricks—there were only seven archer towers for counterattacks.
Even so, Mo Fangyuan knew the defenses were insufficient!
Of those seven towers, many lacked archers to man them, with five often standing empty.
"If only... hm?!"

"If... it really might work!"
In the midst of contemplation, a thought struck Mo Fangyuan, his surprised face instantly twisting into one of wild joy.
"Catapult, long range, defense, freeman warriors!"
These four words together illuminated everything.
The catapult was a long-range offensive weapon, but could also be deployed inside the city walls to defend against monsters.
After nearly a year of training, most of the twenty freeman warriors had developed some immunity to the monsters’ terror.
Attacking monsters from afar was entirely feasible—Mo Fangyuan could train these freemen to operate catapults to strike distant monsters, protecting the Block Kingdom!
"I truly am a genius!"
The plan was entirely workable!
Moreover, in combat, the freemen would better overcome their fear, evolving into true warriors capable of melee combat with monsters.
"Oh ho ho ho!"
With his mind made up, Mo Fangyuan decided to meet the next promoted individual before returning to arrange new defenses and training plans for the freemen.
"There’s also the catapult tower..."
He vaguely recalled a device that combined catapults and defensive towers—the catapult tower.
But that seemed to exist only in games, unscientific.
Yet... the Block World cared little for science! If it could be built, it was valid!
"This is truly excellent—twenty freemen, with two to operate each catapult, could outfit ten catapult towers atop the city walls..."
With ten catapult towers in place, the kingdom's city defenses would become nearly impenetrable.
Unless invaded by powerful foes like the Zombie King or Skeleton King, they could withstand almost any attack.
"No time to waste, let’s see the next advanced professional!"
Seeing Yali’s even more excited gaze, Mo Fangyuan concluded that the next synthesis diagram might unveil an even more formidable weapon.
"This is truly a double blessing—two offensive tools at once!"
Humming "Fortune Comes," Mo Fangyuan followed Yali to their next destination.
"Tap tap tap!"
Once again, they jogged along the Royal Avenue to their goal.
Knowing well that "prosperity begins with building roads," Mo Fangyuan pushed forward with road construction across the Block Kingdom.
After more than a year’s effort, epoch-making roads were laid throughout the kingdom, wherever needed; if not, four-block-wide stone avenues were built for residential areas.
In a world where block people could dig and place blocks, infrastructure was practically divinely aided.
"This, this?"
Standing before the textile and clothing factory, Mo Fangyuan was full of questions.
But seeing Yali’s flushed, excited cheeks, he immediately understood.
"Oh, so that’s it!"
"I suppose this invention is an excellent piece of armor!"

Mo Fangyuan looked at Yali to show he understood.
The textile and garment factory operated much like the lumber mill and processing plant, all using a ranking system.
"Hm? Lin Ye? Why are you here?"
After a few days apart, Mo Fangyuan saw Lin Ye’s long, flawless legs and felt a wicked flame stir within.
"Ah, thankfully I’m not obsessed with legs, or I’d be done for at this sight!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty... I came to check if my black knee-high socks are ready yet..."
Lin Ye clearly hadn’t expected Mo Fangyuan to come at this moment.
"Well, that makes sense..."
Noting Lin Ye was not wearing those black stockings today, Mo Fangyuan felt relieved.
"Wait! That’s odd!"
His mind faltered.
"In the Block Kingdom, such attire as stockings hasn’t even been discussed, let alone made!"
"Could it be...?"
Mo Fangyuan sensed something was off.
"Hahaha! The black stockings synthesis succeeded!"
A petite, short-haired girl burst out from a nearby wooden door.
Thanks to their racial traits, every freeman in the Block World was attractive—none were ugly.
"Sister Lin Ye, my mother’s synthesis diagram for black stockings succeeded... Your Majesty?!"
The girl, rushing out to share the good news with Lin Ye, suddenly spotted the golden figure not far away.
That golden figure seemed to radiate boundless light, every movement inspiring trust.
There was no need to see his face—his silhouette alone marked him as their Block Kingdom’s great king, Mo Fangyuan!
"Ah! Your Majesty, greetings! I am your subject!"
The little girl exclaimed in surprise.
At their school, not one student failed to idolize this great king!
Especially the girls—their admiration for Mo Fangyuan reached frightening heights.
Their parents, too, respected and encouraged them to idolize him.
In such an environment, everything the king said was regarded as truth, and they followed it with fervor.
"Hello, little one!"
Barely restraining his unruly emotions, Mo Fangyuan forced a smile and greeted the girl.