Steel torrents pioneering a different world.

Chapter 311 Magical Dragon Steel! Sending 100 elves as unspeakable slaves? (Seeking votes)

Zhong Shichang led her past several computers to an observation room with an excellent view, separated by special explosion-proof glass.

You can see the forging room from there.

Inside, a uniquely shaped, rather miniature furnace was emitting a deep rumble. The furnace walls were not bare metal, but engraved with countless complex and unfamiliar patterns.

A close look at the patterns reveals that these energy patterns are very similar to those of dwarves.

The patterns, after being exposed to high temperatures, appear and disappear, as if they were alive, slowly flowing with some peculiar rhythm.

"We discovered that dwarven forging techniques are actually chemical reactions between otherworldly energy particles and microscopic physics. Unfortunately, we haven't found the corresponding laws in the blood. We only know that the blood of intelligent races can stimulate this special energy and chemical synthesis reaction."

Zhong Shichang pointed to the patterns on the furnace wall with a fanatical expression.

"This is a special rune that I learned to imitate from the dwarves. Don't let its strange appearance fool you; this thing is similar to an otherworldly switch circuit for semiconductors! It can guide and filter free-floating magical energy particles in the air, and under specific temperature and pressure, after being mixed with blood, it can be kneaded into molten steel!"

"Adding blood at this time?" Su Mingjin exclaimed in astonishment, looking at Zhong Shichang with suspicion. "Blood is mostly water; aren't you afraid it will explode if you put this in?"

As is well known, adding water molecules to a steel furnace can easily cause some violent chemical reactions in the furnace.

A boiler that doesn't explode isn't a good boiler.

Why were workplace injuries so high among steelworkers during the industrial era? And why were there so many regulations and rules governing steel mills?

It's all based on experience gained at the cost of countless lives!

"Hehe, don't worry!" Zhong Shichang replied with a smile, "Life safety is of paramount importance! We summarized our experience before we started this. We used a small experimental furnace for testing before, and the explosions and damage were much greater back then!"

Upon hearing this, Su Mingjin stood on tiptoe, wanting to back away, but she ultimately forced herself to stand up straight and resisted the urge to speak.

"I hope it's safe and sound!" After saying that, Su Mingjin fixed her gaze on the orange-red molten steel inside the furnace, and then looked to the other side.

The scene being simulated on the electronic screen simulation software was only complex to her, as a novice.

Countless tiny specks of light are trying to integrate into the metal's crystalline structure, but most are repelled the moment they make contact and annihilate into nothingness.

"This is the energy particle catalytic reaction that we have been trying to completely crack and understand from its root! Unfortunately, after many attempts, there are always subtle differences!"

Chung Shih-chang sighed.

"President Su, we've gotten pretty good at the material proportions using exhaustive methods and supercomputing simulations, but controlling the energy injection rhythm is too difficult. If it's too fast, the energy particles will overload and cause the materials to disintegrate! If it's too slow, we won't be able to form a stable magically compatible structure."

"During the experiment, we blew up over a thousand times. Even when we tried small-scale production later, we still destroyed nine furnaces! If it weren't for the valuable clues we obtained from the artisan slaves we rescued from the dwarves these past few days, and the valuable data we compared and tested, it might have taken us a long time to barely find a relatively stable frequency."

"Dr. Zhong, your research spirit is truly admirable." Su Mingjin rarely joked, but her eyes were unusually focused. "However, you've already achieved small-scale production, and you call this barely acceptable?"

"Hey, compared to the original dwarven version, it's barely passable! We've heard from some dwarves that during their heyday, they could mass-produce this steel. Even though their civilization has declined, we're still much stronger than them, right?"

Su Mingjin: "————"

"Dr. Zhong, in the future, don't say that dwarven technology is weak. Spend more time reading the pioneering team's technology and development reports!"

"what?"

Su Mingjin's assistant whispered, "Just today, we discovered that the dwarves have not only mastered space survival and repair technology and nanorobotics, but may also possess sub-molecular level manufacturing processes!"

When these words were spoken, Zhong Shichang and his group of people, who were still somewhat smug, immediately felt endless malice.

Zhong Shichang scratched his already meager head sheepishly: "Sorry, I'm a bit narrow-minded!"

"It's okay, tell me about it. Ignorance is bliss, right?"

Chung Shih-chang's face was flushed: "These past two days, after we overcame the key parameters, we found that steel production has become stable. The moment of truth is about to arrive."

Su Mingjin: "————"

She was about to speak when the warning lights in the laboratory came on.

"The smelting of the magical dragon steel material is complete. Energy particle absorption preparation is initiated—frequency is stable, ready for re-sintering."

The small furnace in front began to pour in various metal elements that had been smelted once again.

Then, the flexible, high-temperature resistant robotic arm took out a fist-sized, blackened metal ingot from the side, which had already been cooled, and then put it into the ingot!

Su Mingjin watched the experimental blast furnace from dozens of meters away. She saw with her own eyes bags of bright red blood being injected into the boiling molten steel through special pipes. The orange-red molten steel instantly churned with eerie dark red bubbles, as if it had come to life.

Immediately afterwards, several dwarven craftsmen, dressed in special protective suits and rescued by humans, began to chant prayers to the gods in a strange tone around the blast furnace.

This peculiar sound wave is sharp and eerie, making it very uncomfortable to listen to.

Not far away, sound wave recording instruments are recording these sound signatures.

Meanwhile, the magic particle detector began to detect a dense level of magic particle activity.

Su Mingjin is a low-to-medium level magic energy sensitizer. At this moment, she could clearly feel that the surrounding air was as if it had been ignited, and an invisible, scorching energy that could not be seen by the human eye was frantically converging towards the blast furnace.

Everyone in the observation room held their breath, staring intently at the monitor screen.

On the screen, the color of the molten steel kept changing, eventually stabilizing into a strange color.

"Is it going to work?" someone couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

"No, this is the most dangerous stage."

Zhong Shichang's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, and his eyes were fixed on the ground.

"Those people's unique sound waves resonate with energy particles at the microscopic level of another world. When combined with blood, this resonance reaches an extremely absurd level."

"Once a special resonance occurs, the activity of energy particles increases dramatically! Before activation is complete, the molten steel will be extremely active."

"This is also the most dangerous stage."

"Only when this stage is under control can the magic dragon steel be considered successfully forged."

Su Mingjin stared at the pot of crimson liquid and calmly asked the question that had everyone on edge: "What if something goes wrong? What kind of problem could it be?"

The voice just fell.

"Buzz—!"

A deafening shriek suddenly erupted from inside the blast furnace, as if something had reached its critical point.

The runes and energy patterns engraved on the furnace wall began to flash wildly, their light flickering.

"Quickly reduce the frequency of energy delivery!"

The laboratory was thrown into chaos. The assistant immediately signaled Su Mingjin to retreat and hide behind the solid wall next to her.

Although there was bulletproof glass separating them, the assistant felt that this thing was not safe.

As the input energy decreased significantly, the molten steel, which had started to bubble, began to quiet down again.

"Are you alright now?" Su Mingjin asked.

"Phew—that should be it!" Chung Shih-chang wiped his sweat.

Everyone else present breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Zhong Shichang's actions.

"Did the problems always occur around this time?" Su Mingjin asked, sounding puzzled.

"Yes, we've learned from our experience with explosions now!" Chung Shih-chang pursed his lips. "I thought it was going to explode just now, but thankfully the energy input devices of the research team at the rear are more flexible."

Su Mingjin nodded.

The pioneering teams are now large and powerful. In the military, not to mention combat personnel, there are nearly 30,000 non-combat personnel, including scientists who are specifically responsible for scientific research.

These people worked together to promote progress in all subjects across the other world.

In just over six months, they have made tremendous progress.

The inscribed energy absorption device, previously used to enhance warriors, known as the [Dragon Scale Device], has now been upgraded to its fifth generation. Its performance is significantly improved compared to before.

The much more stable dragon scale energy absorption enhancement device has begun mass production.

Warriors can absorb magical particles from the other world more quickly, stimulating their bodies and strengthening them in all aspects.

In other words, warriors who use the fifth-generation Dragon Scale Energy Absorption Device can increase their physical fitness and overall physical quality by at least 10% after training to their limits on Earth and then undergoing a month of training in another world.

After about three months, the average rises to 15%.

Of course, this is an average.

Because some strong and robust warriors were able to easily surpass the previous gap of 30% or even 50%.

Those warriors are the real geniuses.

Most of the human pioneers from the modern world maintained a survival rate of around 15% every three months.

Back to the main topic!

After this anomaly, the robotic arm began to directly drop metal into the interior.

"Zi"

A piercing sound rang out, and a small amount of steam instantly rose upwards, making the previously unresponsive boiler start to become active.

However, as the energy patterns around the boiler activated, the fluctuations quickly subsided.

After a series of intensive and tedious operations, the small boiler used for testing soon began to pour out molten steel. About half an hour later, pieces of matte black metal, with a smooth surface, but much lighter than steel of the same volume, appeared before Su Mingjin's eyes.

"It looks quite ordinary!"

Zhong Shichang nodded: "President Su, we can't judge a book by its cover! You'll see soon enough! The steel materials we produce using this method have an extremely high affinity for energy particles, making it very easy to inscribe otherworldly energy patterns with them."

As the steel was forged, the final test began.

"Test begins!"

Only after Su Mingjin spoke did Zhong Shichang press a button.

A laser beam shot out from one side of the test stand and hit the metal block precisely, lasting for about five seconds!

However, the expected scene of the steel turning red, sparks flying, and metal melting through did not occur.

The laser made no unusual contact with the metal plate, but a special change began to occur on the matte black surface. The infrared detector showed that the metal was actually dissipating heat.

"Wait, this doesn't make sense, does it?"

"President Su is truly amazing! The high-energy laser we released has a very strong power; it can penetrate a 5-millimeter-thick steel plate within 30 seconds of irradiation."

"However—this steel plate only disperses heat across the entire plate. It only begins to melt after being rapidly heated to over 2000 degrees Celsius! This is very similar to the material of the dwarven armor we obtained before, and some of its properties are even superior!"

Su Mingjin continued to ask, "Why does the steel plate dissipate heat so quickly? Where can this thing be used?"

"At the microscopic level, it exhibits a similar effect to the carbon nanotube forest light trapping effect, which can significantly reduce photon radiation and particle bombardment. It is virtually unbeatable in terms of energy absorption and transfer."

Chung Shih-chang blushed with excitement and explained.

"President Su, the dwarf slaves we rescued told us that the magic dragon steel alloy we made is more advanced than the dwarfs' in many ways, and some of its properties even exceed their understanding."

"This proves that we were on the right track! I even feel that what we've been researching has surpassed dwarven rune steel in some areas! The potential of this magical dragon steel material is absolutely enormous."

Su Mingjin nodded: "But its production process and special production methods are too—strange!"

Human blood contains a large number of water molecules, but it is necessary to use human blood to improve the properties of steel.

Ideally, this should be carried out by intelligent life forms such as humans.

Who the hell can I complain to?

A fanatical light gleamed in Zhong Shichang's eyes as he pointed at the unremarkable piece of metal, his voice trembling with excitement.

"President Su, think about it! This is just a rough draft that's only been fired a short while ago! It hasn't even undergone any more refined processing yet! If we engrave those dwarven runes on it and spray it with our own cloaking paint—we can make the armor those dwarves can withstand heavy machine guns with! No, we can make it even better!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, and couldn't help but wave his hand.

"Think about our main battle tanks. If we covered them with a few centimeters of this, they could withstand bullets with a one-meter penetration depth. If light tanks like the Jagdpanther were equipped with this, they could withstand enemy artillery fire and engage in close-quarters combat!"

"Besides this, if our warships use composite steel plates a few centimeters thick, even Eagle's anti-ship missiles won't be able to destroy them!"

Those few words made Su Mingjin's heart skip a beat.

Her gaze was fixed on the metal plate, and her breathing became heavy involuntarily.

Su Mingjin forcibly suppressed her turbulent emotions and asked the most crucial question: "Will the performance degrade if we bring it back to Earth?"

"No!" Zhong Shichang answered decisively. "President Su, please rest assured, the Earth has only isolated energy particles, not rewritten the laws of physics! The basic properties of matter after it takes shape will not change."

"The first batch of samples we sent back were practically worn out at the Materials Science department—the hardness, yield strength, tensile strength, and high-temperature resistance of the new steel—every single metric completely outclasses our current top-tier special steel! I'll send you the report later; the data doesn't lie! Although its manufacturing cost is slightly higher, requiring adamantite and mithril, the amount needed isn't large. Overall, it's estimated to cost three times more than the steel itself. But the improvement in its performance and combat effectiveness is simply too great!"

Su Mingjin nodded, quite satisfied.

The creations of another world's civilization are truly full of surprises!

Steel, electricity, energy, computing power!

These four things are the four pillars that support modern civilization and even the future information industry era.

The importance of steel needs no further explanation.

From nail clippers that everyone has, to magnificent bridges spanning rivers and seas, to airplanes soaring in the blue sky, and even spaceships that may be built in the future, nothing can do without it.

If a country does not have a strong basic steel industry, then its people will have a luxury of even using cheap industrial products.

Just like at Dongda University, you can get a pair of shoes for 9.9 yuan with free shipping, and the quality is decent.

However, the same product, when it arrives in some industrially underdeveloped regions of Africa, not only doubles in price but also suffers from appalling quality.

This is the overwhelming advantage brought about by the industrial generation gap.

And now, what they hold in their hands may be the key to completely transforming the entire industrial system!

Warships, armored vehicles, tanks, airplanes—everything will experience an incredible leap in performance.

Thinking of these things, Su Mingjin's eyes burned even more intensely.

Countless images were already flashing through her mind.

This is far more complex than simply making a few suits of armor or a few tanks.

This means higher precision industrial machine tools, more heat-resistant aircraft engine blades, and even the cables for future space elevators.

The foundation of human civilization will be deepened once again as a result.

The key point is that its cost is only a few times higher than some steel materials.

Unfortunately, human blood is required as a catalyst!

The bizarre production process flashed through Su Mingjin's mind involuntarily, and a strange feeling arose in her heart.

This thing—it's a bit of an unconventional way of eating.

She took a deep breath, as if to confirm something for the last time.

"Xiao Zhong, I'll ask again, this—is this just the most basic model?"

Upon hearing this, Chung Shih-chang grinned, smiling like a child.

"President Su, this isn't even beginner level! It's at most the initial stage of our trial and error! The materials used in some of the dwarves' heavy-duty canned goods are much better than this."

"good!"

Su Mingjin clapped her hands loudly, "Then let's continue the research! No matter the cost, I want to see all the brothers in the pioneering team equipped with new gear made from this stuff as soon as possible! Safety is always the top priority!"

"Just you wait and see, Mr. Su!" Zhong Shichang patted his chest and assured him, "We already have an idea. We can use a multi-layered composite structure and try to incorporate rune arrays inside. Then, our individual soldiers won't just be able to withstand heavy machine gun fire, I think they can even deflect small-caliber artillery shells! But this requires the soldiers to be physically strong enough! Otherwise, the impact could kill them!"

Su Mingjin nodded with satisfaction, smiled and encouraged the research team a few more times, then asked Zhong Shichang to immediately organize all the test data and information.

She needed to send the information she had compiled today to Li Weiguo on Earth as soon as possible.

As the data transfer to the secure hard drive gradually completed, Su Mingjin tapped lightly on the communicator with her fingertips. Finally, she added her own suggestions to the end of the file.

[During our sorting of the dwarven spoils, we discovered a large number of technologies that could enhance our overall scientific capabilities. Some of these technologies are deeply integrated with rune technology, while others are based on mechanical principles, providing scientists with numerous research and development ideas.]

—The dwarves and elves occupy only a small corner of the world, their power is extremely weak, and sometimes they even have to barely survive. The frail bodies of our frontline warriors have seriously affected our combat effectiveness.—

[After the celestial convergence issue arose, chaos broke out on the borders of our territory and within the borders of the other world, accompanied by attacks from some strange and unusual creatures.]

We've found more clues, confirming that the celestial alignment issue won't be resolved anytime soon. If possible, please consult with that mysterious person.

[Mr. Li, the communication with the dwarves has now reached a critical juncture! Although the elves are willing to negotiate, their racial structure is different from ours—war—]

The pioneering team is now expanding rapidly, and the pioneers have more and more responsibilities. However, the pioneers are under immense pressure due to the mental and emotional impact of magic. We need to ensure the mental well-being of both pioneers and combat personnel—please provide more detailed work arrangements—

[P: Mr. Li, we have now confirmed a great deal of intelligence from the Elf side! The information is very well organized now. If the Elf doesn't allow it, we request to proceed with targeted, in-depth investigations.]

Su Mingjin examined it carefully and then wrote it down in detail.

The dwarves have many internal problems, but they have a rich history. It won't be easy to assimilate them, but it's definitely possible to build a strong alliance based on shared interests.

While elves resemble humans in appearance and conform to human aesthetics, they are far too resilient.

Even if we can achieve friendly cooperation in the future, there will likely be many problems.

Now, humanity needs time!

It will take a very, very long time.

Whether it's new operational preparations, specific military operation plans, or other plans.

They all need time!

The cooldown period for the Time Cube is thirty days, but it is calculated from the moment it is activated.

So from now on, as long as we delay for another twenty-one days until the Time Cube has completely cooled down, then humanity can launch another super dragon rush tactic against the dwarves or elves.

Su Mingjin had just finished getting everything sorted out and was preparing to have it brought back to Earth for Li Weiguo to see.

There's no urgent military intelligence, so we can just wait for the scheduled delivery time.

She took a sip of her slightly chilled Luckin Coffee butter Americano, looked at the intelligence summary, and a relaxed expression appeared on her face.

The research and development by the scientists behind the pioneering team is progressing smoothly, and various scientific research results are once again entering a period of rapid digestion.

The operation went incredibly smoothly, and the enemy was swept away like tofu dregs.

After the mysterious Gezur appeared, the aftermath proceeded smoothly. Their pre-selected Plans Two and Three were not implemented.

Now, humanity only needs to stabilize Tranquil Harbor and ensure the safety of the dwarves. "President Su, we've received breaking news: the elves' envoys want to negotiate with us!"

Su Mingjin, who had wanted to rest, suddenly perked up.

"How is it? Which envoy wants to negotiate with us?"

"It's over in Tranquil Harbor!"

"From Tranquil Harbor?" Su Mingjin frowned slightly. "Aren't those people just observers or something?"

"Uh, report, the front lines are unclear! But Commander Bi Shengli and his assistant Wang Kaixuan have arrived. You—?"

"I'll go check it out remotely!" Su Mingjin stood up, checked the time, and realized it was already afternoon in the other world. She rubbed her stomach. "Let's go!"

Before we knew it, it was lunchtime.

I wonder if the elves can provide any good news.

Hopefully it's good news!

Another world, a tranquil harbor, a human settlement.

The newly renovated meeting room for foreign guests is spotless.

On the pristine white tablecloth, a variety of fruits, drinks, and wines were arranged in a pleasing and orderly fashion, resembling a work of art.

The elf messengers responsible for communicating with humans sat there, patiently waiting.

Ethan Caldwell's pointed ears twitched very slightly, and his dark green hair flashed with a faint green light before disappearing.

She forcibly suppressed the instinctive urge to use her magic to explore her surroundings.

This is human territory.

The territory of those monsters.

Any unnecessary action could be interpreted as provocation.

If her actions incite hostility from these northern humans towards the Elf Forest Kingdom, Ethan Caldwell will become a sinner for the kingdom for all time.

The thought sent a chill down her spine as she picked up the oddly shaped drink in front of her.

Humans call it "milk tea".

It was smooth and warm on the palate, with a sweet and mellow flavor she had never experienced before. The wonderful taste instantly soothed her tense nerves.

It suited her taste perfectly, and she even found herself somewhat addicted to it.

"The tribespeople that humans released earlier said that the humans in the north treated them well, and that these things were what humans were supposed to provide. It seems that the information from those unfortunate souls was accurate."

Her gaze swept across the table.

The table was covered not only with sweet fruits common in the Forest Kingdom, but also with fruits of even better quality than those supplied within the kingdom itself.

What caught her attention even more were the exotic fruits from other countries whose names she didn't know, with their vibrant colors and unheard-of fragrances.

This is much more than just hospitality.

This is a subtle display of their agricultural technology and logistical capabilities, which far surpass those of the world's indigenous peoples.

Similarly, it also demonstrates the declaration that these humans do not come from this continent, and may not even belong to this world.

Ethan Caldwell thought to himself, maintaining the demeanor of an elven nobleman, not touching the food, but his opinion of humans rose even higher.

"They've done a very good job on this superficial project; they've certainly put in the effort."

Such a grand arrangement at least indicates that humanity is willing to maintain a semblance of peace and even treat the elves with considerable respect.

These mysterious humans from the north are a completely different species from those cave-dwelling halflings whose minds are only occupied with the Grumon's buttocks.

Ethan Caldwell had already made up his mind that after the negotiations and exchanges, he would also take the lead in showing sufficient goodwill.

Hmm, the value of the gifts I prepared earlier needs to be increased.

Although doing so would cause considerable losses to the low-level elves responsible for gathering the resources.

But for the long-term peace and stability of the forest kingdom, and to solve that damned problem of the celestial convergence, any sacrifice is worthwhile.

Necessary sacrifices are made for a greater continuation.

Just as she was pondering this, there was a knock on the glass door of the conference room.

Then, with a slight sound, the door opened.

Bi Shengli, Wang Kaixuan, and Yu Qiwen, who was in charge of translation and communication, entered in turn with the two symbolic soldiers.

"Dear Ethan Caldwell, hello, my name is Bi Shengli, and I am in charge of this exchange."

"Mudstalks, Mr. Bi Shengli!" Ethan communicated with them using a human language he had only recently learned. "I am not very proficient in your language, so I can only communicate using the language of my tribe and the dwarves."

"It's alright!" Bi Shengli smiled and gestured to the staff to pour water and tea.

Before he could speak, the elf Ethan Caldwell said directly, "Thank you, humans, for helping the dwarves solve the problem of the time-space seal."

"To express our gratitude to humanity, we will be gifting you 100 young and beautiful female elves within the next few days as a token of our appreciation!"

Yu Qiwen blinked, his expression one of astonishment. He then relayed the elf's words to the others.

Bi Shengli was stunned for a moment, then regained his composure.

Wang Kaixuan frowned slightly after hearing the language transmitted through the translator.

"Ms. Ethan, thank you for your kindness, but our human kingdom has no shortage of people!"

"No, no—" Ethan smiled, "Those children are wonderful companions. They can help you with your problems!"

For a moment, the meeting room fell silent.

Also silent were Su Mingjin and her group, hundreds of kilometers away, hoping to hear some good news.

Commander Man lit a cigarette: "Judging from what they're saying, these elves have done this more than once or twice, giving away people as gifts."

Su Mingjin rubbed her temples and remained silent.

But those who know her well know that she is probably in a state of extreme rage.

"In a feudal theocratic state, and with superhumans possessing the means to spiritually purify dwarves, some things are quite normal," Deng Dakang said with a sneer from a distance.

"Theocracy! Feudalism! Superhumans! Heh heh—I reckon if we took down nine out of ten of the elven high-ranking officials, there wouldn't be any innocent ones!" Commander Man said with a laugh.

"Yes, divine authority! The mind magic and memory-altering magic of the Sacred Tree Network! And those extraordinary beings—heh heh, I thought the dwarves were ridiculous enough, but the elves are even more pathetic!"

Everyone in the command room stared silently at Su Mingjin.

Su Mingjin suddenly raised her head and said coldly, "The Elf Kingdom doesn't have as many people as the Dwarves. Sending us a hundred people as a gift is like feeding beggars!"

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