Regarding Stopping the Future Terrorist
"Did you develop this with anyone else?"
"No... I worked on it alone..."
"You developed this all by yourself? That's impressive."
"Haha... thank you."
"Could we run a few tests on it?"
Karen's eyes lit up as Brown began asking questions upon seeing her research. She felt a mix of embarrassment and joy at his interest in her work—none of her other colleagues had ever shown such curiosity.
"I'll help. What do you want to check?"
"Does this substance ignite from friction or impact?"
"It used to in the early stages, but I've desensitized it for safety now. It won't catch fire unless directly exposed to flame."
"Could you make it sensitive again, like before?"
"I've documented the formula, so yes, I can recreate it."
"I'm also curious about that powder... What happens if it ignites in an enclosed space?"
"It exploded during my last test. If you want to see it now..."
"No need to trouble yourself. This is enough for now."
As Brown chatted with Karen, excitement bubbled up inside him. At first, he'd hoped it was merely similar to gunpowder. But seeing her results and hearing her answers made it clear.
I should verify a few more things hands-on, but that's definitely gunpowder.
To build guns, he needed her expertise. So Brown made his pitch.
"...Would you consider working with us?"
"Pardon?"
"We absolutely need you for what we're trying to build."
Karen paused, pondering his words.
Did I jump the gun?
He regretted the sudden offer. But Karen's thoughts were the opposite.
Finally...
How lonely it had been, toiling away on research no one acknowledged. Mocked by colleagues and scolded by her professor, she'd even doubted herself—wondered if she was wasting her time on something useless. She'd considered quitting, nearly falling for a shady letter's temptation. But talking with Brown had restored her confidence.
This is the first time.
Someone had looked at her research without scorn, engaged in real discussion about her data. No one had ever shown such interest.
And now, an invitation to join him. Karen was about to say yes.
But her hesitation stretched a beat too long, and Brown couldn't wait.
"Karen! We need you!"
"Eh?"
"Your research! I'm really interested too!"
"Ah, uh..."
Brown grabbed her hand amid her fluster and pressed on.
"You're the talent I've been looking for!"
"Ah, your hand..."
"You've got real skill!"
"Th-thank you... but your hand..."
Karen felt overwhelmed by his sudden intensity but couldn't muster a proper response under his momentum. The more she faltered, the harder he pushed.
"Let's change the world together! We have to team up! I can't do this without you!"
Unable to withstand his increasingly embarrassed fervor, Karen broke.
"Fine! Let go of my hand!"
She yelled to hide her own blush, then mumbled softly.
"Ah, sorry. But I meant every word."
"Haha..."
"I really want to work together."
"...Looking forward to it."
In the end, Karen agreed to share her research. Brown smiled at her response.
Got her.
With gunpowder secured, he could finally start on firearms. What a relief.
To accelerate production, he'd be running around nonstop. But if things went well, he could prevent the department's dissolution—and stay on.
Just hold out until we clear this hurdle.
He was also curious about the ripple effects firearms would have.
"We'll head out then. I'll bring a detailed plan later."
"No, I'll come to your department."
"Great, drop by tomorrow or the day after. See you."
After parting with Luna Karen, Brown and Arwin left the academy.
"That went well."
"Yeah."
One major obstacle down with gunpowder in hand. Next: the prototype.
"I'm heading to the department, then the forge."
"Whoa, you're on fire."
"Gotta hustle to save the department."
"Hehe, I'll cheer you on."
En route to the department, a thought flashed through Brown's mind.
Wait, doesn't this mean I stopped that alchemist who tried to burn the capital? A future terrorist, thwarted.
John Brown briefly reflected on his unintended heroism. Upon arrival, he sought his team leader.
"Team leader, I've secured the propellant. We're ready to build the firearm prototype—could I get approval for budget use?"
"Nice work. One sec."
The team leader rummaged in a drawer and handed over a sheet.
"This is a promissory note. Should cover the prototype costs."
"Thank you."
"Heading out right away?"
As Brown pocketed the note, the leader asked.
"Yes, commissioning the forge immediately."
"Always so diligent. Can't hold back a busy guy like you. Go on."
"Yes, sir."
Thud.
Staring at the closed door, the team leader muttered.
"You're our hope..."
He didn't want to transfer either. Before this posting, he'd slaved away in finance. This had seemed cushy by comparison—but it was nothing next to this department. Now fully acclimated, dissolution or reassignment was a hard pass.
Stepping into the forge, waves of heat enveloped Brown.
"Whoa."
He'd been here before, but the swelter never got easier. Add the clang of hammers on metal and the acrid stench—he pinched his nose with his sleeve, seeking the master smith.
"Hi!"
Voice drowned by noise as usual, Brown shouted upon spotting him.
"...Weapons department, right?"
The man squinted at him.
"Yes, we've met a few times."
"What brings you today?"
"I have a commission!"
Brown pulled out the blueprint he'd drafted with his proposal.
"Hand it over."
The master smith removed his gloves.
"Here."
Examining it, he scratched his graying head.
"Never seen anything like this."
"Figured. Can you do it?"
"Hold on. Barrel-shaped... needs wood stock too. Hmm..."
"Yes, the barrel must be sturdy—handle heavy impacts. And drill holes here."
"Hmm..."
The senior smith pondered, then pocketed the paper.
"Budget?"
"Here..."
Checking the note, he nodded.
"Plenty. Come back afternoon after tomorrow."
"Got it. Thanks."
Leaving the forge, Brown thought.
Done.
Gunpowder acquired, prototype soon in hand. His job ended with showing it to the department head—then pray for success.
But I'm confident.
These had reshaped history in his past life. No knights or mages there, sure—but he'd bet they'd work here too.
He wondered: what changes would firearms bring to warfare?
Fortunately or not, war loomed per his memories. The original protagonist would shine there too.
"Ah."
Walking along, another idea struck.
Cannons.
Too fixated on guns, he'd overlooked them—another history-changer.
Brown turned back toward the forge.
"Hm-hm~"
Luna Karen was in high spirits, heading to the Weapons Research Lab to meet Brown from two days ago. What would they discuss? What was he building with her research? Questions piled up, and she'd brought samples just in case.
"Hehe."
That chat had boosted her confidence. She'd spoken boldly to seniors, colleagues—even met her professor's eyes. Bedtime brought smiles: My research isn't wasted.
And now, this place.
The Weapons Research Lab—where she'd leap forward as an alchemist.
Brimming with anticipation, Luna Karen entered. What she saw was...
"The department's done for anyway! Party hard before we get kicked out!"
"Kuhihit! Yeah, let it crash! Quit and inherit the manor~"
"I wanna stay here I wanna stay here I wanna stay here I wanna stay here I wanna stay here I wanna stay..."
Chaos.
Yup. Time to bail.
Back to academy, grind assignments, aim for professorship. That glimpse two days ago? A mirage. From today, diligent TA life.
Karen turned to leave—but someone spotted her.
"Freeze, everyone! Outsider!"
"To what do we owe this visit to our humble abode..."
"Newbie?"
"Kehehe! No way a newbie shows up when we're about to fold."
"I... must have the wrong place. Excuse me..."
She spun to flee, only to bump into someone behind her.
"Ah, Karen, right?"
"Brown?"
"Was just about to look for you."
Trapped.
"Perfect timing—we're heading to check the prototype. Want to come?"
"Sure..."
Cursing her bad luck, she listlessly trailed him...