The Five Stages of Verification (Revised Latter Half)
Hiss. Chug. Hiiiiss...
"...It works?"
"Why does it?"
The magitech academic community plunged into chaos. The steam engine they'd dismissed and ridiculed as impossible was actually running.
"What power does steam even have to make this work?"
"Unbelievable."
"I predicted it from the rumors. You know, like how a pot lid lifts from steam..."
"You laughed harder than anyone, insisting it wouldn't work."
"Ahem..."
"A steam engine... Never thought I'd live to see the day."
But they'd only just proven that the steam engine could operate. Magitech scholars still viewed it with skepticism. And so, the five stages of verification began.
First stage: Denial.
"It's just an expensive toy. How could this crude thing replace magic stones?"
"Thinking this machine that just spews steam can power the intricate devices of magitech? The height of ignorance."
"Replace magic stones with this? I can't believe it!"
"Haha, you're all falling for a con artist's wordplay. Think rationally. There's no way."
"It's nothing special, sure, it's a new approach, I admit, but it can't replace magic stones, I guarantee it, anyone who believes this works is the kind of idiot who'd buy that humans can fly, anyway this won't work, it just won't..."
Second stage: Anger.
"Idiots! Thinking this junk could replace magic stones!"
"Do you think we're morons who would believe this crap? Pathetic!"
"This is polluting academia, we can't let it stand, we need to verify it fast, are they looking down on us? If this really works, how do we explain magitech's lost century..."
"Haha. Let's test it ourselves. If it fails, I'll make sure they never set foot in academia again."
Around this point, they began researching ways to integrate the steam engine with magitech.
"This part needs replacing."
"No magic stone means we don't need this either."
"To transmit power, we should modify this section like so."
"Why not redesign from scratch?"
"Hmph, we'll experiment, but the result's obvious. How could it replace magic stones?"
"Haha. If it works, I'd believe he could fly to the heavens."
As time passed, the scholars confirmed results one by one.
"It works?"
"It does?"
"Ha... ha..."
Third stage: Bargaining.
"...It works."
"...Yes. It's clearly a power source that can replace magic stones. We can substitute basic magitech with steam engines."
"Exactly. We've confirmed the steam engine as a breakthrough replacement for magic stones, but advanced magitech will still require them."
"Magitech remains strong. But steam engines have enough value to research and develop alongside it."
"I agree. Steam engines are sufficient as auxiliary power sources for magitech."
The scholars acknowledged the steam engine as a partial replacement for magitech power. Still, they believed core magitech technologies were irreplaceable. But one voice dissented.
"Wrong. Steam engines can integrate with all magitech technologies."
"Ridiculous! It's only partial... Minister?"
The dissenter was the Minister of Magitech.
"Verified across multiple labs. It's done."
His glasses glinted as he spoke calmly.
"Magitech... is finished...!"
"Ahh..."
Fourth stage: Depression.
"Magic stones could be replaced this easily...?"
"Why didn't we think of this method...?"
"Our days fixated on magitech seem so foolish now..."
Fifth stage: Acceptance.
"I accept it. Revolutionary."
"Let's research it. This steam engine thing."
"Magitech will be reborn through steam engines."
"Yes. We may not revive magitech as dreamed, but advancing technology is the essence, isn't it?"
"I'll trust them. Even if it's nonsense like humans flying."
"Ah, doesn't it reignite the passion of our youth? Exciting, this changing world through new tech."
The magitech community pressed on with steam engine research. It cost a fortune, of course. But the empire—playing on cheat-mode maps—had unlimited resources and funds. It spared no support.
Eventually, as research matured, steam engines spread to the private sector.
The first beneficiaries were the mining industry.
"Steam engines cut mine drainage time."
"Output's way up too. Better pay. Mmm."
Previously, water pooled after digging so deep, slowing work as they bailed it out. Now, steam pumps drained it fast, boosting yields.
Coal and iron ore flooded markets.
"Coal prices dropped—worth using over charcoal now, right?"
"Still not using it? We switched ages ago. Production soared."
Stronger-burning coal displaced charcoal, ramping up smelters' iron output.
"With more heat, why not separate ore and fuel, melt them apart?"
"Fewer impurities. But how?"
"I pondered it. Using a steam engine..."
Some even researched efficient iron smelting.
Meanwhile, private workshops adopted steam engines.
"Output exploded since installing the machine."
"Oh, maybe I should too."
Steam engine open beta begins. The Industrial Revolution dawns in this world.
"John Brown and McCallson. In recognition of inventing the steam engine—a power source replacing magitech's magic stones... the empire hereby..."
A messenger from the palace arrived, bearing hefty rewards. His red nose and ears suggested Rudolph from the palace had sent him. Indeed, he delivered gifts.
"Congratulations."
After the messenger left, Karen offered her congratulations. White breath puffed from her mouth.
"Thanks. But the director..."
"She had urgent business and left this morning."
"Ah..."
Brown pondered briefly.
Once steam engines take hold...
Conditions for bolt-action rifles and ammo production would align. But it would take time.
Hm... When does the war start?
Brown recalled a war breaking out. Yet despite time passing, no sign or omen appeared.
He scratched his head after a moment's thought.
For now... what to do?
Weapons research and production needed tech advances. The bolt-action rifle prototype he'd commissioned from the master smith was in poor shape, so he'd shelved it. What could he do now?
After pondering, Brown called McCallson.
"What is it?"
"Ever thought about steam-powered vehicles? Interested?"
The empire's territory was vast. Steam locomotives would revolutionize transport and logistics.
"Spit it out!"
Brown sketched on paper.
"See? My steam locomotive idea: connect the engine to wheels for forward motion."
"Hm..."
"Attach cars behind for passengers or cargo. Run it on rails—how's that sound?"
"...I'll think on it."
McCallson jotted notes, then left the lab. Brown watched him go.
Eh, he'll handle it. Annoying at times, but he always polished Brown's ideas into reality.
"Good work today."
"Hehe, you too, Brown."
In the end, neither the director nor McCallson returned. He bid Karen farewell and headed home.
"Um, wait..."
Her voice from behind made him turn.
"Yes?"
Karen hesitated, then beamed.
"...Never mind. See you tomorrow!"
?
Brown watched her go, clueless why she'd called.
Probably nothing.
He walked on.
"...?"
A cold tickle at his nose. He looked up. Ice crystals sparkled in the glow from nearby buildings, drifting down.
"Winter already."
"Winter."
The director murmured, gazing at snowflakes swirling from the darkening sky.
"Not cold?"
"I'm fine. Here?"
"Yes."
Inside the building, burly men rose and bowed.
"You've arrived."
"Rise. Are they inside?"
"Yes. This way."
Entering the room, she saw one man kneeling bound on the floor. She approached, leaned down, and asked,
"So. What reason brings you to this distant land? Care to tell me?"
It was one of the director's hobbies—and professions.