Star Forge Titan

If he hadn't known some top-secret information, he would never have understood why a barbarian from the northern ice fields would have such a good understanding of the basic principles of magic, and would even occasionally say a few words that made a formal magician like himself think deeply.

Ignoring Khayang's increasingly silent self, Alvin completed the initial design sketch by referring to the operating principles of the internal combustion engine.

Then, he began to use the power of [Reshaping the World] to make various parts with his bare hands.

Although he had never been a scientist, even high school textbooks taught him laboratory rules. In addition, he had read some content related to the history of science. These made Alvin relatively cautious. At least he did not directly make a proportional physical engine, but first made a set of proportionally scaled metal models using existing materials.

The structure of this model is much simpler than the official engine. It consists of only two major components. The metal parts serving as the combustion chamber are fixed to the ground. Its appearance is similar to a cylindrical metal sleeve, and then there is a movable piston combined with it.

At this time, cheap fuel for generating magic power has been placed in the cylindrical metal sleeve-shaped combustion chamber, and a burning device and a matching magic circle are also installed on the bottom layer to stimulate the magic power inside the fuel.

As long as this device is activated, the interior of the cylindrical combustion chamber will act like the incinerator of an ordinary magic engine, stimulating the magic power contained in the fuel in a way that is similar to combustion but essentially different.

Afterwards, because there was no extraordinary person to exert external control, these magical powers would quickly mix with each other and eventually cause an unbalanced explosion. The thrust generated by the explosion would push the piston above the sleeve outward to perform work, and then the crank-connecting rod mechanism or other mechanical structure connected to the piston would convert this force into the power to drive other machines.

To use an analogy, it's like detonating a bomb in a cylindrical metal barrel and then plugging it with a piston.

Theoretically, after the explosion occurs, the sufficiently strong side walls and bottom of the combustion chamber will direct all the impact force of the explosion in one direction, thereby pushing the upper piston to move outward.

As for other mechanical devices externally connected to the piston, they are like a transfer station, responsible for converting the unidirectional thrust generated by the movement of the piston into other types of mechanical forces.

Considering the strong impact of the magic explosion, the materials used in this experimental device come from the abandoned combustion chamber of the old "Hope".

Although this high-hardness, high-temperature resistant metal has deteriorated due to the accident and is no longer suitable for making a real calcining furnace, it is more than enough to serve as an experimental material for a scaled-down model. At most, the thickness of the side walls can be slightly increased.

Since this was just a preliminary test, the piston installed above the sleeve-shaped combustion chamber was not connected to other external components. This time, Alvin only wanted to test whether the most critical step of using magic blast to push the piston was feasible.

"Are you sure there's nothing wrong?" Kayang, who had walked to the door of the workshop at some point, asked hesitantly.

"You'll know after trying it." As he said that, Alvin took out a beaker with about 50 milliliters of alchemical potion in it with shining eyes.

This is a liquid fuel made by mixing various cheap magic materials into alchemical potions. It is a very cheap fuel among the commonly used fuels for magic engines.

While the cost is reduced, the total amount of magic power that can be generated per unit of fuel is also very limited, so that when using this fuel, the power of the magic engine can only reach a relatively low level.

But the advantage of this fuel is that it is cheap, so it is popular among most magic taxi drivers. Anyway, they cannot drive too fast in the city, otherwise they will get into trouble with the sheriff and patrol knights.

"Are you starting the experiment right now? Wait a minute! At least let me make some protective preparations first. Also, are you sure you want to do this experiment indoors?"

Ka Yang's face turned dark, and he didn't continue to dissuade Ivan. Just looking at the excited expression on that guy's face, you can tell that he probably won't listen to any advice.

Then, the necromancer with messy straw-colored hair immediately dragged out a large tower shield painted with magic-averse metal from the warehouse with great effort.

Due to the uncertainty of alchemical experiments, this kind of protective equipment is standard even in the most ordinary alchemy workshops.

After fixing the tower shield to the ground, Khayon gestured to Ivan, indicating that he could begin.

"Is it that serious?" Alvin looked at the other party speechlessly as he continuously released several defensive spells with his hands.

However, after calming down for a moment, he moved the device to the courtyard outside the workshop.

There was nothing here except weeds. The device used to prepare the Light of Heavenly Fire had been properly stored in the warehouse. Even if something went wrong, it would not cause much loss.

Then, while Khayon turned the tower shield towards the courtyard, Ivan also came behind the tower shield, dragging a wire made of pro-magic metal.

Then, he connected the wire to the push-type excitation device, and the other end of the wire was connected to the prototype of the new magic engine that he had just made by hand - the initial experimental device.

"Are you ready?" Alvin raised his hand and pressed the T-shaped handle above the push-type trigger device.

As long as you press this thing hard, the magic power stored inside will be conducted outward along the wires, which can be used as a fuse to activate other magic devices connected to the wires.

"...Should I open another shield?" Ka Yang asked tentatively.

"..." Alvin shrugged helplessly and told him to do as he pleased.

So, after applying another layer of protective spell, Alvin finally pressed the T-shaped handle down hard.

The moment the circuits were connected to each other, a small amount of magic power stored in the excitation device was quickly transmitted outward along the wires, and then a burning reaction began to occur in the experimental device.

The magic power of the alchemical potion was stimulated, and because there was no external control, the reaction speed was extremely fast. Multiple magic powers mixed with each other and quickly produced another chaotic and disordered magic power.

The two held their breath. As excellent transcendents, they could feel the extremely chaotic magical reaction inside the metal sleeve even from a distance.

"Is it going to explode?" Ka Yang's eyelids twitched and he asked subconsciously:

"It's going to explode!" Alvin nodded very affirmatively.

Then, without hesitation, the two of them simultaneously retracted their heads behind the tower shield.

Immediately afterwards...

Boom!

With a dull sound like rolling thunder, the moving piston above the sleeve shot up into the sky, with a sharp whistling sound that tore through the air.

Looking up at the piston that had turned into a small black dot, and then at the metal sleeve that exploded like a morning glory, the corners of Khayang's mouth began to twitch.

"Are you sure this thing is an engine, and not... a weapon?"

"Did I miscalculate the magic power? Or is the combustion chamber not thick enough? It's not just a miscalculation, right?" Ivan's face darkened as he began to think about which link was wrong.

Before he could come to a conclusion, the piston, which had become a strange shape, fell heavily back into the courtyard, smashing a deep hole in the ground, and emitting wisps of smoke caused by the high temperature on its surface.

Pah! Ivan slapped him on the forehead.

"Tsk, considering the current situation, it can be considered half successful." The black-haired boy said very reluctantly.

"Indeed, the power of the magic explosion was absolutely successful. If the purpose of this engine was to blow the pilot into the sky, then it was simply too successful." Khayang nodded vigorously. His words made Ivan's face darken, and his hands subconsciously clenched into fists.

"Come again!" the black-haired boy shouted through gritted teeth.

"...Wait until I find another shield."

Khayang's face suddenly turned ugly because he found that the outward side of the shield was embedded with a lot of metal fragments. Judging from the traces they left, these things were probably no less powerful than the lead bullets fired from the steam gun.

Therefore, no one slept tonight in this alchemy workshop located in the suburbs of Lutetia.

Various explosions were heard in the courtyard throughout the night.

Chapter 76: Shadow Under the Lamp

"So, you didn't get anything?"

In the bustling tavern, Baron Henry Madayne Lincoln, dressed in casual clothes, sat on a chair with his face covered.

At this moment, he was silently looking at Bryant, who was sitting in the chair opposite with a grimace and a painful expression on his face, with an unfriendly look.

This tavern in the lower town is called "Bull's Horn". It is a rather cheap and low-end tavern. Usually only adventurers and civilians in the lower town come here to drink.

As the name suggests, a huge wooden bull head covered with black oil is fixed on the sign at the entrance of the store, and the curved horns on both sides of the bull head are real bull horns inlaid on it, and a large beer cup is hung on each of the left and right horns.

Because it is close to the Adventurer's Guild, adventurers dressed in various styles can be seen everywhere in the tavern. Most of them have special skills, and there are also some low-level extraordinary people among them.

However, the noise in the pub did not affect the two people who were talking in the corner.

"Oh, come on, Mr. Harry." Bryant curled his lips and looked at the client who called himself Harry with a strange smile.

When he pronounced that rather common name, his tone was very strange, full of teasing and sarcasm.

Hearing the deep meaning in the other party's words, Baron Lincoln raised his eyebrows but said nothing more.

Although he always wore a hooded cloak and covered his face with a mask when he met the other party, he did not expect the experienced adventurer in front of him to be so naive as to believe that the pseudonym was his real name.

After all, it was very common for the client not to use his real name when entrusting adventurers to carry out some gray area work.

These jobs will not even be recorded in the Adventurer's Guild because they are all private transactions. Only through intermediaries who also stand in the gray area can adventurers willing to take the jobs be found.

"You tell me, there was only one alchemist in that workshop, and what happened?" Bryant snorted in dissatisfaction and pointed indignantly at the bandages wrapped around his chest.

"That guy beat me up like this with just one punch. If I hadn't saved myself a trick and managed to escape, I'd probably be meeting you in the Sheriff's cell right now."

As he spoke, the hairy druid's face turned even paler.

"Or I have already gone to see the respectable lady's maid."

'That lady' naturally refers to Hela, the keeper of secrets, the goddess of tranquility and night, the lady of death, and the ruler of the underworld.

According to legend, the messenger who first went to welcome the souls of the dead was her pale maid.

Although belief in this goddess is not common, all living things share the same fear of death. Even those who do not believe in her will retain a minimum of awe and respect.

This was especially true for adventurers, who carried out high-risk jobs and took on various risks. Adventurers were even hesitant to mention her name directly, usually referring to her as "the goddess" or "the respected lady."

After hearing Bryant's words, Baron Lincoln didn't say much on the surface, but a hint of doubt arose in his heart.

This adventurer nicknamed "Northern Wolf" is no third-rate mediocre person. Even in the large adventurer association of the perfect city - Lutetia, he is considered to be relatively capable. Especially in terms of investigation and searching for information, he is not much worse than those professional intelligence personnel. His strength has reached the level of a second-level extraordinary person.

But such a good player was knocked down in one encounter and even almost lost his life, which made him suspicious.

How could the Downtown gangs have the good of recruiting someone like that? Or was it some outsider supernatural being who wanted to use the Downtown gang members to do something shady?

All kinds of thoughts popped up in Baron Lincoln's mind. As someone who did some shady work for a big shot, he was particularly suspicious in this regard.

However, Baron Lincoln remained calm on the surface.

"In that case, let me give you the deposit as compensation." After saying that, he looked at Bryant's face again.

"I suppose you are unwilling to continue to accept this job?"

"Of course." Bryant said immediately.

"Well, this should be the last time we meet." After saying that, Baron Lincoln stood up and left the tavern. He did not reveal any unnecessary information during the whole process.

Looking at the figure disappearing into the night, 'Northern Wolf' Bryant breathed a sigh of relief, and the ugly and angry expression on his face gradually faded, replaced by a thoughtful look.

After staying for a while and finishing the remaining wine in the glass, he stood up and walked out of the tavern.

The lower town was very dark at night. Unlike the city of Lutetia, where gas lamps had been installed as street lights for nighttime illumination, only a few scattered gas lamps were installed at intersections and main roads.

By this time, the lamplighter had already opened the gas valve, and the combustible gas flowed out of the area along the underground pipes. Then, the lamplighter would use a long pole with a half candle fixed at the end to light the gas lamp, causing it to emit an orange-yellow flame.

Although the metal lampposts were tall, the brightness of the gas lamps was relatively limited, so they could only illuminate a small area around them.

As a result, in downtown areas with limited street lights, most streets remain as dark as they were decades ago, and the crime rate has only dropped by a few percentage points compared to decades ago when there were no street lights.

However, the interior of Lutetia, where streetlights are now widely used, is much safer than before. The bright streetlights, along with the lantern bearers patrolling at night and the security knights on horseback, make the originally dangerous nights relatively safe.

Those who enjoy a nightlife are no longer just the nobles who can keep their villas brightly lit. Even ordinary people have begun to take to the streets at night, selling goods or chatting with each other, and engaging in various nightlife activities of their own.

All of this is separated by a gate of heaven, but people in the lower city still have to worry about whether there will be robbers with sharp blades in the dark alleys who will cut the throats of passers-by.

Bryant left the pub and walked towards his residence, keeping close to the wall.

Although Baron Lincoln, who did not want to reveal his name, gave up readily, he did not let down his guard because he had dealt with aristocrats before.

You have to know that, besides being a baron, that man was also a captain of the Lutetia City Guard. He commanded a team of about thirty people, all of whom were recruited by Baron Lincoln himself.

In a sense, they can almost be said to be the Lincoln family's private army.

This is also the influence left by the old system in the past. Now the newly established Linde Security Bureau has gradually replaced the functions of these old organizations and is responsible for various tasks including public security management in the urban area.

However, the organization inherited from the old times has not been cancelled. They even retained the glorious title of the past - Sons of Lind, although the qualities and abilities of those people are different from those of their predecessors.

Not long after walking, Bryant heard undisguised footsteps coming from behind him.

He hurried a few steps to the lonely gas lamp at the intersection and immediately turned his head to look in the direction of the footsteps.

Six members of the City Guard, wearing royal blue cloaks and half-breastplates, walked into the light with disdainful expressions. They didn't mind at all that their clothes exposed their identities, nor did they mind that the light allowed others to see their clothes clearly.

"Bryant Oak?" Although their tone was questioning, their expressions were very firm.

"You're under arrest!"

Chapter 77: Running on Four Legs

"Hmph, noble."

Looking at the city guards who surrounded him, Bryant snorted in disdain.

The hairy druid wasn't even interested in asking about his own crime. Since he had already found out the true identity of his client, he naturally wouldn't be surprised by what was happening before his eyes.

A powerful noble like Baron Lincoln who controls the city guards, although his title is low and he is a lower-level noble who can hit two people if he throws a brick in the capital Lutetia, he can mobilize the guards under his command quickly and effectively.

As for the charges required for arrest, if the other party wants them, they can get as many as they want.

The half-armored guard looked at the adventurer with disdain. Seeing that he stood still, he immediately shouted, "What are you doing?"

"What? Are you resisting arrest?!"

As soldiers under the baron, they were already very familiar with similar work. As representatives of the official power of the Linde Empire, most of them did not dare to resist easily and would just run away at most.

Therefore, these soldiers did not feel nervous at all, and were even a little excited like the young nobles who were about to go out hunting.

Because the Public Security Bureau has taken over most of the daily work, these city guards have basically nothing to do and spend most of their time idly performing meaningless garrison duties.