Since there were no signs during the process of developing, or rather, re-creating, the arquebus, Manuel decisively ruled out some ideas.
"No clinking or clanking, so no system then. And during this process, besides still remembering the knowledge from my previous life, there were no anomalies. It seems the so-called golden finger is probably just this."
After Manuel successfully developed the arquebus, Alexius immediately sealed off the information and planned to establish a small military factory in the Circassian-Kerman Estate of the Theodoro Principality to produce these arquebuses.
As for the money, of course, they added some taxes that the Principality could still afford.
Manuel knew that the arquebus he made that day still had many flaws, so he specifically holed up in his residence for three days to improve and perfect it before handing the sample over to the factory for production.
This model he developed was named the Mangup Arquebus by Alexius, Mangup being the capital of the Theodoro Principality.
Under the tireless efforts of the craftsmen, approximately 500 finished arquebuses were produced a month later and were preferentially distributed to the Philaka Legion and other private soldiers of the Gavras Family.
Regarding raw materials, just like the gunpowder raw materials and other military supplies before, if there wasn't enough, they would buy some from Venetian merchants, though it was a bit expensive…
Now, in March, as the snow began to melt, Manuel was leading the Philaka Legion's soldiers in practicing the use of the arquebus.
"Prepare your powder flasks, matchlocks, and arquebuses.
Remember, the powder flask must be full of gunpowder, and the matchlock is a hemp rope soaked in nitrates, specifically saltpeter water.
The soaking time should preferably be more than one day, unlike the first one I made.
Before starting combat, also remember to clean the barrel and the powder pan."
"Now I will explain the use of the arquebus:
Step one, open the powder flask and pour the priming powder into the powder pan.
Be careful not to pour too much to avoid a burst barrel or accidental discharge later.
Step two, pour the firing powder from the powder flask into the muzzle.
Step three, at this point, the bullet can be loaded into the muzzle.
Step four, use a long object—it can be hard paper, a long wooden board, or an iron rod—as long as it can tamp down the bullet and firing powder.
Step five, light the matchlock.
Remember, at this point, you must start shooting, because the matchlock is flammable.
If it is not lit just before shooting, various accidents will occur.
As for what they are, those who are not afraid of death may try it at their own risk!"
At this point, a burst of laughter erupted in the barracks.
"Ahem, listen carefully, step six, you must quickly, accurately, and firmly fix the matchlock to the outer end of the serpentine, that part is called the matchlock clamp.
Be careful of accidental discharge."
"Step seven, aim at the target, pull the trigger, the primer ignites, and the bullet fires! When aiming, don't get too close to avoid sparks hurting your eyes."
"Have you all understood?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Manuel thought with a bit of worry, hoping they had truly learned.
Fortunately, the overall quality of the Philaka Legion was indeed high.
About half a month later, after a handful of soldiers paid for their carelessness with a few scorched patches of skin, everyone else quickly mastered the use of the arquebus, which brought Manuel considerable relief and satisfaction.
It seems they can proceed to the next stage of practice.
Thinking of this, Manuel summoned Aidian and Vladimir, asking them to help him gather the members of the legion.
It was now afternoon, and the sun would set in less than three hours.
Manuel looked sternly at his soldiers and said, "I am very satisfied with your mastery of the arquebus, and the power of the firearm has been evident to all these past days.
However, various situations can occur on the battlefield.
To cope with this, I have decided to try a formation I designed."
At this, Manuel sat down and had the soldiers gather around, demonstrating with pebbles he had prepared beforehand.
"This formation is somewhat similar to the phalanx we practiced before, but with some slight differences…"
Under Manuel's command, the Philaka Legion had practiced hollow mixed formations similar to a "gate" shape, not aiming for head-on confrontation but for ambush attacks.
They also had formations similar to classical period combined phalanxes, overwhelming the enemy with quality.
And there were flexible skirmishing formations, harassing enemy forces under the premise of strict discipline.
As for why there were no battle formations primarily composed of a single type of soldier, which was still popular at the time—what nonsense, Theodoro had neither money nor manpower, so they could only focus on tactics, couldn't they?
Getting back to the main point, what Manuel brought this time was a "beggar's version" of the Spanish Tercio from the previous world line.
Don't ask why it's a beggar's version; the answer is no money and no people…
The phalanx was centered around arquebusiers, with 50 men forming a small squad, 125 men a company, and 250 men a large company.
Taking a small squad as an example, 20 men served as armored, shield-bearing pikemen, and 30 men operated arquebuses, with arquebusiers in rows of 10.
When encountering the enemy, the entire squad would maintain a safe distance as appropriate.
The armored shield-bearers with pikes would block the enemy's crossbowmen and archers in front, gaining time for the arquebusiers.
Once a row of arquebusiers had finished reloading, they would quickly spread out to the sides and begin firing.
After the front row finished firing, they would yield their positions to the next row, firing in turns.
When the arquebusiers began firing, the task of the shield-bearing pikemen in the center would reverse; they would provide cover and fire support for the arquebusiers.
Once the enemy crossed the safe distance, the arquebusiers would retreat behind the armored, shield-bearing pikemen for protection, and the pikemen would have to start charging at the enemy with their long pikes.
If the enemy was too fierce, the phalanx would have to retreat in an orderly fashion.
Even though this phalanx could be considered quite rigorous, Manuel still had a headache.
After all, if they encountered extremely fast light cavalry and agile horse archers, especially on open grassland terrain, this simple phalanx would likely face a grim fate.
"Let's make do with it for now.
If we can capture Kaffa and get more soldiers, then we can improve and strengthen it.
If we can capture it, that is," Manuel thought with a bitter smile.
This is the story of the birth of the first arquebus infantry legion in this world line.