I Pioneered Scientific Magic

"I knew it would be like this."

Theodore breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the flying contraption descend from the sky. Then, he quietly muttered, "Master Herlram should not have indulged her so much..."

Lynn gazed at the sky, the massive flying machine swaying in mid-air, heading straight for the square. However, the crowd gathered in the square didn't appear alarmed. Lynn abandoned the idea of intervening; it seemed there were specialists on hand to handle this situation.

As expected, just as the flying machine was about to crash, several wizards in the square acted swiftly, casting levitation spells simultaneously, guiding the contraption to land gently in the center of the square. However, the battered wings had already fallen apart, and the camel leather covering them had been blown away by the wind.

"It seems like it can only fly a little bit..."

Jonny watched the ascent and descent of the flying machine and then turned to Lynn, quite curious about how he knew so much.

"Relying solely on steam for power is insufficient to sustain flight, and the design of the entire apparatus doesn't quite adhere to aerodynamics...a crash was inevitable," Lynn explained with a shake of his head. He could easily spot the problems with this flying contraption.

But Lydia, the young half-human girl responsible for creating this flying machine from such basic materials and getting it to function, was undoubtedly an engineering genius.

Imitating the wing flaps of birds to generate lift was a good idea, but it was too simplistic, lacking a deep understanding of the underlying principles.

In summary, history had proven that steam-powered aircraft had no future – they lacked the power to fly high or far.

"So, are you suggesting that with a different power source and a redesign, this... um... flying machine could soar in the sky without relying on magical energy?" Jonny asked as they discussed it.

As they spoke, a gentle voice sounded behind them.

Lynn turned to see an elderly man in a black robe with a round-topped hat, appearing to be around sixty or seventy years old. His neatly trimmed beard and the mysterious gleam in his eyes gave him an air of wisdom.

Theodore quickly bowed. "Master Herlram!"

The newcomer was Herlram, the figure who controlled the port of Iyeta. As a highly respected Grand Wizard, his attire was surprisingly plain, to the point that the townsfolk of the port couldn't recognize him immediately.

"It's an honor to meet you, Your Excellency Herlram," Lynn said, bowing in accordance with the local customs to show respect for the Grand Wizard. He then didn't directly answer Herlram's question but instead replied with a question of his own.

"Alchemy ships that use steam as their power source and don't rely on magic can sail on the sea, right? Why can't the same principle apply to flying?"

Herlram raised an eyebrow, finding the question intriguing, while Theodore couldn't wait to interject.

"Who told you those alchemy ships have nothing to do with magic? It seems your knowledge of alchemy is quite lacking..."

As he spoke, Theodore explained the two methods of operating alchemy ships. Either a trained wizard controlled the alchemical machinery, or magic stones were used as a power source to activate the corresponding alchemical array.

So, they used magic to produce steam, Lynn thought with embarrassment. He hadn't realized that these alchemy ships weren't coal-powered. Was this what they called the legendary one-hundred-kilometer journey consuming one wizard's... magic power?

Herlram cast an unexpected glance at Lynn. Over twenty years ago, when steam engines were first invented, they indeed didn't require any magic. It was only later that magic stones were used as a more convenient power source.

In fact, the steam engine installed on the flying machine by Lydia didn't use any magic. However, within the port of Iyeta, few of the younger generation of wizards were willing to delve into the fundamental principles of these alchemical formulas.

"Master Herlram!" Lydia, with the help of some halflings, had managed to free herself from the cramped cockpit. Her robe's sleeve had torn open, but the girl didn't seem to mind. She hurriedly ran up to Herlram, excitedly inquiring.

"Did I succeed? I really flew just now, didn't you see?"

"Can't really call that a success; it was more like..." Herlram paused for a moment and playfully repeated Lynn's words, "a little flight!"

Lydia's face immediately fell, like a defeated ostrich, but she quickly pointed out that she had made significant progress this time. With a few more adjustments, she was confident that the contraption would fly successfully.

Herlram patiently listened to Lydia's account and complaints before turning to Lynn and the others.

"It seems like you have something to discuss with me. How about this, Theodore, take the guests to the academy for now, and I'll join you shortly."

Theodore nodded; this wasn't the right place for a conversation. However, before he could leave, Herlram's voice rang out once more.

"Furthermore, Theodore, if you have any grievances against me, don't hesitate to speak to me directly."

Evidently, Herlram had not only heard Lynn's evaluation of the flying machine but also his complaints.

"No, Master. What I meant was that Lydia conducting flying experiments in the square is quite dangerous. In case of an accident, it might harm the townsfolk, and... and..." Theodore's expression suddenly froze, and he hurriedly explained. Herlram, however, waved a hand and cut him off.

"Alright, I understand your point. Next time, I'll set up a magical barrier. Your concerns are not entirely without merit."

With the flying machine crashing to the ground, the "spectacle" on the square came to an end, and the townsfolk, having satisfied their curiosity, gradually dispersed amidst chatter and gossip.

Theodore, looking somewhat dejected, led the group to the nearby Iyeta School of Magic.

It was a massive complex towering in the city's center, with tall spires, thick black walls, and the most prominent feature, even visible from outside the port – the Tower of Whispers.

"In Iyeta Port, is it this difficult for everyone to become an apprentice wizard?" Lynn couldn't help but ask as they entered the school.

He had heard that a girl named Lydia needed to complete this experiment to qualify for admission to the Magic Academy, and it seemed exceedingly challenging.

Could it be that everyone had to go through such trouble to enroll?

"No, that's just a test designed specifically for Lydia," Theodore explained. "In truth, Master Herlram means well. These halflings don't possess any magical talents, and letting her into the academy would be a complete waste of time..."

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