"Elder Thompson." Nathan smiled. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes. The sniper rifle has been adjusted slightly, and the rifle is usable. The problem is the shotgun. It still needs some adjustment. And although I have made the scope, the one you requested still needs some time to finish. For now, I only put something as a replacement. The effect is only 10% of your original request, but it should be usable."
"I see. In that case, I'll take the rifle and the sniper for the time being." Nathan nodded. "Thank you for your hard work."
"No. It's fine. I'm having fun with the project as well."
Nathan couldn't help but glance to the side. "Hmm? Is there another visitor?"
"Ah. The girl you mentioned previously has come to visit. She has been playing around with the sniper for a while."
"Oh?" Nathan looked curious. This was the first time someone else in this world used a gun, so he wanted to know how they used it.
"Do you want to see her?" Elder Thompson politely pointed at the backyard.
Both of them sneakily walked to the backyard, finding Iris fully focused on her weapon.
She was on one knee, using a barrel to help her hold the weapon stable.
There was another target about 200 meters (656 feet) away. The target already had several holes in it.
She adjusted her aim slightly and pressed the trigger.
"!!!" Nathan couldn't help but widen his eyes. The bullet hit the target, and more importantly, it hit the chest. Whether it was luck or not, to think she was able to hit that far was already impressive, considering Iris turned 14 in two months.
The next shot was fired and hit the target one more time. The third shot didn't miss as well.
It was so impressive that Nathan couldn't contain his surprised face.
"She has a talent…" said Elder Thompson after noticing Nathan's face.
"!!!" Iris seemed to have heard his voice as well. She turned her head around, startled to find Elder Thompson and Nathan standing not far from her.
"Ah!" Iris hurriedly stood up and dashed to Nathan. "My lord. Elder Thompson."
Nathan hurriedly grabbed the gun's barrel and slightly pointed it to the side. "Hey. It's not good to bring it that way. Don't point it at someone else. We're summoners, so we'll be fine, but it's bad for normal people."
"Ah!" Iris panicked. She was so shocked to find Nathan that she didn't think about it. Her face turned pale. "I'm sorry."
Nathan glanced at Elder Thompson. "I think I forgot this one thing. Safety. Do you think you can create an additional feature that can block both the ena from us and the bullet from being fired, even if you press the trigger?"
"Oh! Why did I not think of that?" Elder Thompson facepalmed. This weapon was different from the sword, spear, and other weapons. They didn't have any safety features other than their scabbard. But this one could be used that way. "I will add it in the future. This way, you can bring it and not be afraid that a toddler will press the trigger and shoot someone unintentionally."
"Yes. Sorry. I forgot about it."
"No. It's fine. Isn't that why we are experimenting with guns? We keep improving it and making it perfect." Elder Thompson puffed his chest.
Nathan then turned to Iris, who hung her head low because of the mistake. Looking at her expression and the talent, it reminded him of Mae's suggestion. But should he really follow her suggestion and make her his disciple?
Nathan asked, "Do you like guns?"
"Yes." She nodded furiously. "I one the most. Not only does it have a long range, but its firepower can't be underestimated either. It will be extremely useful if we use it on the wall. We can shoot the aliens from above.
"Besides, I have the inheritance from my family, which allows me to create a sturdier barrier. Unlike my family, who are using a sword or a spear coupled with a shield, I believe this one will make me more versatile. I can shoot anyone from afar and have the power to protect myself.
"Well, I have considered other weapons, but I believe this is the best. Aris and other kids don't have the ability to fight. But if the situation gets worse, they have no other choice but to take up arms as well. When that happens, it's better to use guns because it's more practical and you can contribute more on a battlefield. And teaching them to use it is easier than any other weapon.
"Besides, my ena hasn't fully developed as well, so I have to train myself with a weapon and learn some knowledge so that when I officially become a summoner, I can get ahead of the others."
Nathan closed his eyes for a few seconds. "Getting ahead of the others, huh? Won't you be lonely? You won't have a friend that way."
"It's completely inconsequential. If it's any other time, I might have to consider making a connection, but with the current situation, what you need the most is strength. Even after this crisis passes, if one has an established strength, they will be famous and can make connections as much as they like."
Iris was reasonable. She might be similar to Selena in this regard. It was a talent too high to not be developed.
After some thought, Nathan asked, "In that case, do you want to be my disciple?"
"!!!" Both Iris and Elder Thompson looked shocked, not expecting such an offer.
"Of course. I might not have much time to teach you. I'm a student myself, so I don't have extensive knowledge. However, I can teach you a thing or two. If you have a question, you can ask me. If I don't know, I will help you find the answer.
"Even with all that, do you still wish to be my disciple?"
The biggest benefit from becoming his disciple was actually the access to his connection and resources. It was something that couldn't be compared to his time or teaching.
For Nathan, Iris might be able to modernize the fighting style for the soldiers. Meanwhile, gaining Nathan's protection would allow her to remain safe from any threats.
Iris hurriedly fell to her knees. "I might be unworthy to be your disciple, but please… make me your disciple."