Gun of Ashes

Perpetual Motion Pump.

The Purification Mechanism, along with the entire technological hub of Ingwig, are the most cutting-edge research institutions. Their research spans from Alchemy and steam technology to Demons, significantly advancing the world's technological progress. The first steam prototype in history was built right here.

This institution is highly classified, and to ensure secrecy, they mostly operate under the guise of the Mechanical Institute on the surface. Most technologies are pioneered by them, then handed over to the mature industrial line of the Mechanical Institute on the surface for extended research.

The emblem of a serpent biting its tail symbolizes "perpetual motion" and "infinity."

"The security level here is the highest, comparable only to the Broken Dome and the Platinum Palace within Old Dunling."

Red Falcon continued his role as a guide, but at this moment, he was even more excited than Lorenzo.

Even as an Upper-Rank Knight, he does not have the privilege to casually enter the Perpetual Motion Pump. It is as mysterious as a myth; typically, all you see is a series of ominous carriages stopping before you with dazzling sparks. Then a few white coats drag out weapons capable of slaying Gods and Dragons, hand you a thick instruction manual that could double as a brick, and vanish... sometimes, they would even have a scholar from the Mechanical Institute deliver the weapons.

Now, Red Falcon's feeling is just as intriguing, like a swordmaster stepping into the forge of a legendary sword. Though he didn't scream out loud like his idol, just the thought that the power to combat Demons originates from this mysterious place invokes a strange sense of pilgrimage.

Whether it's the Armor of Original Sin, the Ranger program, or the world-changing steam engine, they all originate from here, this mysterious Perpetual Motion Pump.

"Can I take some souvenirs?"

A ghostly voice suddenly echoed, yet it wasn't from Red Falcon, but the usually silent Joey.

Usually meticulous, he was now staring dazedly at the experimental field beside the passage. Through the glass partition, one could clearly see a group of researchers testing weapons.

They wore asbestos-made fireproof suits, standing at a distance. It seemed they had activated something, as the mechanical arm in the center of the experimental field gently pulled the trigger, and the armor's firearm instantly fired.

The bright indoor space was suddenly covered in a blood-red hue, ammunition ejecting instantly under the high temperature. But, due to the excessive heat, at this moment the entire firearm also burst, half-melted metal fanning outwards, followed by the burning bullet in the center piercing through several layers of test steel plates, and the remaining molten metal fragments embedding into them.

The alarm blared loudly within the experimental field, and then a surge of cold gas rushed in, cooling the boiling steel plates.

The researchers remained calm, earnestly recording data beside the molten wreckage.

"The Dragon's Breath Armor Firearm, due to its excessive power, explodes upon use, rendering it a disposable item. The current experiment aims to optimize the materials to lower costs; after all, this weapon is truly used and discarded without even changing bullets."

Tesla commented on the side, showcasing the peculiar thinking of these researchers: rather than ensuring it doesn't explode, they prefer turning it into a consumable. Finishing his words, Tesla glanced at Joey.

"That thing is meant for the Armor of Original Sin, you can't use it, better pick another souvenir."

Tesla led the group forward, traversing the long corridor, passing by several experimental fields, where consecutive explosions subtly shook the entire passage.

Red Falcon's expression was nuanced; he knew well that if the Furnace Pillar is likened to an inverted tree, then the Mechanical Institute is the root, and the Perpetual Motion Pump is the trunk. If someday this group of lunatics decides to blast the Perpetual Motion Pump to the heavens, none present would escape.

Finally, Tesla led everyone to a large experimental field, the interior entirely covered with fine steel plates. The entire venue was circular, and looking up, it resembled a gigantic deep well, reaching all the way to the dome at the top.

Above the dome, an array of lights illuminated the entire experimental field like a day in the sky.

Along the rim of this well wall were several large lifts, slowly moving up and down as the engines powered up. There were gigantic gates along the well wall, with iron guide rails extending out, spanning the well, suspending unrecognizable machinery. They hovered above everyone's heads, following the rails and disappearing into the gates on the other side.

Gears and cables lay bare, occasionally sparking with electricity, as light steam seeped out, quickly being drawn away by fans. Different projected commands echoed, and everyone seemed like small gears on the machinery, precisely meshing together.

"Welcome to 'The Workshop,'" Tesla said with a smile.

"Our next experiments will be held here. But first, let us make some preparations."

He took the communicator from his pocket, saying something unclear, and soon the entire Workshop sprang to life.

Machines hidden behind the steel began to operate slowly, the initially level ground rising slightly, one metal platform after another emerging from the center of the venue. Simultaneously, the lifts on the well wall started ascending, the heavy gates descending one by one, sealing off all exits, including the door Lorenzo entered through, which shut tightly as well.