Chapter 15
“Hey, let's talk for a sec.”
McCallson called out to Brown, who had just returned from the forge.
Why's he calling me?
Brown had no idea McCallson had already verified the steam engine's operation. He couldn't guess the reason and simply watched as McCallson started walking ahead, then followed behind.
Once they were outside the lab, McCallson turned and spoke.
“Right, you remember that thing we talked about before—converting steam into motive power?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“To cut to the chase, your hypothesis checked out.”
“Already?”
“Yep. Just tested it on my way back.”
Brown was impressed by his initiative. How had he confirmed it so quickly after bringing it up?
Guess he's more capable than I thought.
Brown's evaluation of McCallson ticked up a notch.
“How the hell did you even come up with that method?”
But he had no good answer for McCallson's question. He couldn't exactly say he'd learned it in school in his previous life. After a moment's silence, Brown opened his mouth.
“Just... a hunch, I guess.”
“Hah... figures.”
McCallson pondered Brown's response for a bit.
How'd he think of that? On a hunch? Might be more impressive than I realized.
McCallson's opinion of Brown rose slightly. Shaking off the stray thought, he said to Brown,
“Anyway, we've confirmed it can generate power. Needs some tweaking, but my conclusion is it can replace magic stones. That...”
“Steam engine.”
“Right. Steam engine. This is a revolution for engineering. No more relying on magic stones.”
“That's... fortunate, yeah.”
“Thanks to your idea, magitech—stagnant for over a century—can advance again. You should be proud.”
“Uh... thanks...”
Brown was caught off guard by the sudden praise.
This guy's not usually like this.
Regardless, McCallson continued.
“Mind if I refine it and present it to the academic society?”
“Go for it. Oh, one thing—about what I asked last time, is that feasible?”
They'd confirmed the steam engine could replace magic stones as a power source. Next up: whether magitech could produce bolt-action rifles and ammo.
“Hmm... oh, that. Yeah.”
McCallson thought for a moment before replying.
“Needs more research, but once steam engines replace magic stones, it'll be quick. Probably... around five years?”
Bolt-action rifles just five years after matchlocks. In original history, that had taken centuries.
Five years? Fine by me.
It was a letdown, but still incredibly fast. Brown nodded.
“Alright then. Do whatever.”
“Thanks.”
He paused.
Wait, is he gonna hog the research solo?
Brown grabbed McCallson.
“Hold on—is the authorship...”
“I'll include your name... You didn't think I'd claim it all myself, did you?”
“Ah. Sorry.”
More conscientious than I figured.
Brown adjusted his view of McCallson again.
“Well, things are about to get busy. See you.”
“Yeah.”
Brown watched McCallson head back into the lab.
So... what do I do for five years?
Serious weapons development would have to wait until engineering advanced in five years.
He scratched his head, glancing around in thought. The lab's back yard looked perfect—flat ground, soft grass, and shady spots from the saplings.
It reminded him of his old “designated nap spot” from the (former) weapons R&D department.
“Ah...”
It felt like divine inspiration. Drawn like a moth to flame, Brown walked to the shade and lay down.
A cool breeze, plush grass, and perfect cover from the lab windows if he tucked behind a tree.
Great for new ideas... or at least, perfect for a nap.
The Empire's magitech academia, long dormant, began to stir.
Rumors spread of a power source that could replace magic stones.
But it was just talk—no details.
The academia split down the middle.
Some anticipated it eagerly; others dismissed it as nonsense. But as time passed, opinion leaned toward skepticism.
By the time most had dismissed the rumor, the regular conference arrived.
The scholars settled in, chatting idly.
They soon focused on the presentations.
They shared their results in turn. Then one man stood.
“Researcher from the Weapons Lab, Kyle McCallson.”
Murmurs rippled.
McCallson paused briefly before continuing.
“Due to magic stone shortages, magitech has faded from most industries, surviving only in theory for the elite few.”
“Attempts to find alternatives failed repeatedly. But today, I can confidently say it's different. Magitech will be reborn and lead the Empire's tech once more.”
The room grew rowdier.
“Based on an idea from my lab colleague John Brown, I, Kyle McCallson, designed it. Allow me to introduce...”
The steam engine made its debut.
“How'd the presentation go?”
“Ha. Perfect.”
“How so?”
“Simple—I just explained the theory.”
“?”
Brown didn't follow.
“No prototype?”
“Theory's enough.”
“Why? They won't believe without seeing it.”
“Trust me, this works better.”
“What do you mean?”
McCallson answered Brown's question.
“They won't believe it outright.”
“Exactly. So... I don't get it.”
“Scholars will verify it themselves.”
“Then...”
“They'll build steam engines based on the theory I presented. Then they'll have to accept it.”
Like I did.
McCallson swallowed the rest. He'd ignored it as impossible until it succeeded—he wanted the other scholars to feel that too. His petty little hobby.
Most conference scholars rejected and ridiculed his presentation.
Hiss... sssss...
“It... works?”