NOVEL NEXT Volume 6 Chapter 19: Design Issue
Volume 6 Chapter 19: Design Issue
(Walson)
Making a [Steam Motion Armor] that functions properly without using [Thermodynamic Core] is no ordinary challenge. When those noble dwarves operate the [Steam Motion Armor], they do so by directly controlling the [Thermodynamic Core] installed in various parts of the armor's limbs using [Metalforge Manipulation].
In other words, while they may appear similar to mechs, these contraptions aren't as intricately constructed as the ones often seen in past films. Instead, because this is a world steeped in magical concepts, the internal workings of these machines are actually much simpler.
The blueprints Chuck provided me with confirmed my suspicions. Many of the complex mechanical functions from my past life are handled by the [Thermodynamic Core]. What the dwarves design are various output devices, weapons, or structures.
But all of this hinges on the [Thermodynamic Core], a unique substance crafted by the dwarves.
So far, I've pondered several methods to circumvent using [Thermodynamic Core]. Some, theoretically, with the inclusion of [Redstone], could create a mech capable of walking, but combat would still be a stretch.
Moreover, my supply of [Redstone] is dwindling. It's best to use it sparingly. Investing a large amount of [Redstone] into making mechs would be counterproductive, something I'd rather avoid.
Beyond that, abandoning [Thermodynamic Core] poses another problem: whether the operator's body can withstand the strenuous burden of piloting the mech in combat. This brings us to the additional effects of [Thermodynamic Core].
When elves equip their [Elf Weapon], their physical abilities receive a boost; similarly, dwarves operating [Steam Motion Armor] equipped with [Thermodynamic Core] also receive some beneficial effects to protect them.
Yes, this is limited to "[Thermodynamic Core] made by oneself", meaning everyone capable of fighting in this city is also a formidable mech engineer. Should I say it's unsurprising, given the dwarves' expertise in crafting?
So here's the problem: If we abandon [Thermodynamic Core], not only does power and control become an issue, but worst of all, even if I manage to create a mech capable of winning in competition, the person inside might end up as a pile of minced meat after the match.
I must say, Chuck, you've truly presented me with a very difficult puzzle. Do you really trust me to be able to make something like this?
In the small room beside the workshop, I sit alone at the corner table, staring at the design blueprints, lost in thought. The deadline is less than a month, if possible, I still want to finish it before then, without resorting to the last resort of using Grace teleport to run away with everyone.
"Walson, come see what I've made!" Just then, the door of the small room suddenly opens, and Tanaya's voice pulls me out of my ethereal musings.
"What's going on?"
Seeing Tanaya not responding, just happily turned and ran out, I couldn't help but smile and shake my head.
Oh well, I've been sitting around long enough, it's time to take a walk and see what's going on.
I followed Tanaya's footsteps out of the small room and into the workshop. As I entered, swirling dust greeted me, catching me off guard.
Huh? What's going on here?
Tanaya stood proudly next to a massive contraption, her eyes sparkling as if to say, "Praise me!"
It was a large and rudimentary mechanical wrist, suspended off the ground by two iron chains. The mechanical arm was clenched into a fist, and in front of it was the source of the dust - the huge ore I brought back from the stone gambling area, or rather, what used to be a huge ore, it now has become nothing but a pile of broken fragments.
"Walson, look what I've made! I read books about [Mana Reactors] and tried combining them with [Redstone], then I imitated Melon-nee [Tyrant's Arm]. It's suuuuper strong now! it can smash through boulders!!" Tanaya exclaimed excitedly, her hands raised high.
I approached to inspect the mechanical wrist Tanaya had crafted, its construction easily discernible without an outer casing.
Hmm?
Utilizing the unlimited power of [Redstone] in conjunction with pistons, repeatedly applying pressure to the replica reactor's groove... to generate high-pressure air for propulsion and close-range air cannon use!?
Such power! No wonder it can punch through ore! Based on this principle, as long as the reactor can withstand it and given enough time, there's no limit to its power!
Wow!? Although it looks rudimentary and has a lot of room for improvement, this is undoubtedly a cutting-edge technology!? I never even thought of using it like this myself!!!
"Tanaya, did you make this yourself?" I turned to Tanaya.
"Yes! I made it myself!" Tanaya still had that look of wanting praise, and I couldn't help but smile and ruffle her hair.
"Tanaya, you're amazing. How did you come up with this?"
"Ohh~ So, when Derisha-nee was training with Belle-nee before, she used wind compression magic. After thinking about it for a while, I felt like I could recreate it using that method," Tanaya explained.
I see~ So she got the idea from wind element magic?
Just relying on that impression to create something like this... Could it be that Tanaya unexpectedly has a talent for playing with [Redstone]? After all, in the original Minecraft, the use of [Redstone] was highly dependent on one's aptitude.
Not to mention simple mechanisms, sometimes you'd see some geniuses in videos using [Redstone] contraptions to build functional computers or create amazing machinery...
Tanaya might not be at that level yet, but she might have that potential!? After all, I've never taught her how to build machines! Giving her [Redstone] was just supposed to be like giving her LEGO blocks as an introduction to engineering. I never expected her to make something with such considerable power.
"Tanaya, what would you do if your user couldn't handle the power of this thing?" I asked.
"Mm, I don't really understand what you're asking, Walson, but if they couldn't handle it, couldn't we just find someone else to use it?" Tanaya replied.
Find someone else to use it? That's quite a nonsensical and humorous response.
But... hmm? If the driver isn't a dwarf...
"Perverted Goblin!" Just as I was about to have a revelation, Belle's shout abruptly halted my train of thought.
"What's going on?" I patted Tanaya's head, signaling for her to go play by herself for a while.
"I want you to meet someone," Belle said. "Let's go somewhere else; it's better to keep the conversation private."