Chapter 2
How do you make gunpowder?
"Brown. Aren't you getting ready to clock out? What are you still writing?"
"Oh, uh... I was working on a proposal."
Was it quitting time already? I'd been so absorbed in the proposal that I hadn't noticed the hours slipping by.
"What is it? Let me see."
"Just a moment..."
I finished jotting down my notes, gathered the papers, and handed them to my senior.
"Whoa, you're really putting in the effort."
"What's that?"
The team leader, who had been packing up beside me, and Arwin both showed interest.
"Matchlock... gun...?"
"That's a method I've never seen before."
"Hmm... hmmm..."
As my teammates reviewed my proposal, a wave of tension started to build in my chest.
"Can you explain it?"
"Of course. First, you load the propellant and a lead ball into the muzzle, then ignite the propellant with a lit fuse to fire it."
This world had no concept of gunpowder yet. So I referred to it as the "propellant" and continued my explanation.
"The reload speed will be slower than a bow. But if we divide soldiers into three shifts—one loading, one preparing, one firing—we can compensate for that."
"You've even thought about operational tactics? You really went all out. So, what are you using for the propellant?"
"That's... still..."
That was my dilemma too. My memories from my past life gave me detailed knowledge of gun designs and history, but I was blank on the most crucial part: gunpowder. It was the heart of any firearm... and without knowing how to make it, I was going insane.
"Hmm. We'll figure that out tomorrow. Let's head out for now."
With the team leader's words, we set off for home.
How do you make gunpowder?
Even if I gathered information, it was useless without gunpowder—the single most important element. How was I supposed to solve this? As I pondered, something suddenly flashed in my mind.
[Right now, there's a mad alchemist obsessed with explosions trying to burn down the capital...]
A line from someone in my memories. If I could just find that alchemist, maybe I'd get my hands on gunpowder.
But where do I find that alchemist?
I had to track them down fast. To save the department from being shut down. ...At the very least, to stay in the honey department.
It'd be a shame to get kicked out to somewhere else in under a year.
***
The next morning, I arrived at the department. Perhaps due to the aftermath of yesterday's meeting, the place was more chaotic than usual.
"The agriculture department wouldn't be so bad..."
"Better than health and welfare, at least..."
"I hear the magic records management department is great..."
"There you'd be dealing with mages all day and couldn't even clock out..."
Some were debating which department they'd prefer to be reassigned to.
"Let's just enjoy it while it lasts. Once we're moved, we won't have this kind of free time."
"True. Maybe go fishing at the lake nearby..."
Others were trying to make the most of their remaining days. As I made my way through the chatter, I noticed the other team members were already there—unusual for them.
"Ah, Brown. You're here."
"Yes, team leader. Good morning."
"Right. Have you given any thought to that propellant?"
"Not yet... I was planning to consult some alchemists."
"Makes sense. Let me know if you need any help."
"...Speaking of which, do you know where I could find alchemists?"
"..."
Even the team leader didn't know. Damn. I rubbed my face with both hands, hiding my frustration, when Arwin spoke up.
"I know! Head to the academy and ask at the alchemy department."
"Oh, thank you. Team leader? Could I get permission for some field work?"
"But Brown, have you ever been to the academy?"
"No."
"Then I'll go with you."
I got the field work approval from the team leader and left the department.
"Ha... The atmosphere was so tense it was uncomfortable staying there. Feels good to be out."
Arwin was right. The weather was nice too. Escaping the disorganized office brought a sense of calm.
"...You seem to know a lot about the academy, Arwin."
"Of course. I'm an academy graduate, after all."
Arwin said she'd graduated from the administrative department.
"Have you heard any rumors about the alchemy department?"
"It's always been a quiet one. We'll find out when we get there!"
As we headed to the Boern National Academy, I thought to myself.
I wonder what the protagonist is up to somewhere.
All I knew from the original story was a rough explanation from a friend and the early parts.
Probably slacking off somewhere.
I recalled that in the beginning, he joined a mercenary band. I shook my head to clear the thought.
Focus on the urgent stuff first.
Priority one: find that alchemist who tried to burn down the empire.
***
"Luna. You still haven't given up?"
"...Yes."
Her senior frowned in disapproval. Luna shrank back at his expression.
"The professor's calling you. Go."
"...Okay..."
Luna Karen bowed her head and headed to the professor. Whispers from her seniors trailed behind her.
"She still hasn't given up."
"Exactly. She should just do what she's told instead of wasting time on useless stuff..."
Ignoring their mockery as best she could, she kept walking.
But soon... they'll have to acknowledge it!
The professor had surely called her after reviewing her research data. Hoping he'd changed his mind, she knocked on the office door.
"It's Luna Karen."
—Come in.
Hearing the professor's voice, she opened the door and entered. He was reading her papers.
"Sit."
"...Yes."
Karen waited quietly, gauging his mood. After some time, he looked up from the documents and spoke.
"So, Karen."
"Yes, professor."
"I read your report."
"Thank you..."
—Thud.
Before her gratitude could finish, the professor tossed the research papers into the trash.
"Ah..."
"Fine. I'll grant that the substance you researched is something new."
Karen just stared silently at the papers in the bin. Ignoring her, the professor continued.
"But that's it. What's the use of something that just burns fast? This isn't even worth research funding from the start."
"..."
"I know you're smart, but you'd better snap out of your delusions soon. I hope your next report is actually productive. You're dismissed."
"...Yes..."
Karen rose quietly, retrieved her research from the trash, and left the office.
"Ha..."
Tossing her hard work into the garbage right in front of her was blatant disdain, no matter how you looked at it.
I worked so hard...
She'd hoped for even a scrap of recognition. But it was all for nothing. Swallowing her rising tears, she walked on.
Then, she remembered a letter she'd received a few days ago. It had a strange emblem and claimed interest in her research. She'd ignored it at the time because it felt suspicious, but now it came back to mind.
If I go there... will they acknowledge me?
It even specified a meeting place and time.
Tomorrow night... Should I go?
As she hesitated, someone appeared before her.
"Excuse me. Do you know where the alchemy department is?"
"I'm a TA there..."
Karen composed herself and asked.
"Oh, perfect. We're from the Weapons Research and Development Department."
Has she been crying?
Brown thought as he looked at her. Her red, moist eyes made him worry if they were bothering her.
"Ah... yes..."
Karen still looked puzzled about why they were there.
"Sorry if we're interrupting. We're seeking advice on alchemy. Wondered if you could help."
Arwin, standing beside him, answered her.
"Sniff. No, it's fine. What kind of advice?"
"Information on a substance that ignites on small impact or burns very quickly."
Karen's eyes widened slightly at Brown's words. It sounded just like what she'd been researching.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. It's urgent, so... I'm John Brown from Weapons R&D."
"Mera Arwin."
"Luna Karen. Follow me. Not sure if it's what you're looking for, but I'll show you."
Under Luna's guidance, the three headed to the lab.
"Wait here a moment."
Karen left them outside the building and went into the lab.
***
"Think this is it?"
Arwin asked after Karen entered the building.
"We can hope."
Brown replied, waiting for her to return. After a while, she came back carrying something.
"Not sure if this is what you're after."
With those words, Karen poured the contents of a potion bottle into a sand-filled box she was holding. Black powder scattered onto the sand. After sprinkling a suitable amount, she began chanting a spell.
Brown and Arwin watched breathlessly.
"...Fire."
—Fwoosh.
A small flame flickered over the black powder.
—Whoosh!
Soon, the black powder ignited fiercely. Brown smiled as he watched.
Found it. Gunpowder.
Now he could start on the firearms.