Chapter 86: Mage-Driven Steam Turbine
The air in Hope Lane was particularly refreshing after the rain, with small puddles of water still remaining on the bluestone streets, reflecting the deep blue sky. The autumn wind, carrying moisture and a chill, came face-to-face, bringing with it a sensation akin to mist.
Lolan Hill was at this moment on the rooftop of a restaurant’s third floor. The roof was open-air, and since it had just rained, there weren’t many customers. Scattered parasols provided shade over white tables and chairs. She wore her black robe, sitting quietly on a chair, watching the pedestrians below.
“Sorry for making you wait,” a woman in a gold-trimmed white robe walked up to the rooftop and sat down in front of the young lady.
“No, I’ve only just arrived myself,” Lolan replied.
Lolan Hill looked curiously at the woman before her. Though she wasn’t much older, she possessed Sequence 6 mastery. Her figure was likely what men found attractive—ample and graceful, with a soft and beautiful face complemented by waist-length black hair, exuding a perfect housewife aura.
“I didn’t expect you to dress like this, Lacy,” she said.
Sitting across from her was the female alchemist she had previously discussed with the group, Tirela. She hadn’t gone with the delegation to the Dyas family but instead left the team and stayed behind alone. After a few days, she contacted Lolan to meet.
“Yes, it’s hard to blend in otherwise,” Lolan explained.
“That’s true.”
Tirela recalled Lacy’s appearance; even among the geniuses and top nobles gathered at Emanas, she had never seen anyone like her.
“I apologize for Master Brolanton’s behavior earlier, but I also hope you understand that Rourna isn’t solely represented by them.”
Tirela began explaining, noting that unlike many mages from Rourna, she was a graduate of Emanas, having seen much more than locals could imagine. Ideas and geniuses from around the Ivar world collided there, far beyond the imagination of local mages. This broadened knowledge sometimes bred arrogance, making one reluctant to acknowledge the truth.
She apologized first, then started introducing her school of thought.
“The school I belong to specializes in researching the core of steam power. Most alchemists use extraordinary mage conductors as power sources, engraving magical arrays inside to generate torque and make them turn. However, such processes are often complex and require alchemists to both create and drive them. My research focuses on being able to engrave effective magical arrays without relying on extraordinary beings, thus creating a steam power system. Only then can it benefit most ordinary people.”
In simpler terms, what was currently popular were electric motors, while this genius alchemist specialized in researching
The steam engine.
Not only does the mado electric motor require alchemists for its creation, but it also necessitates constant recharging by extraordinary beings to function; otherwise, it would require precious magic crystals, whereas a steam engine can run on ordinary fuel.
Looking at the young lady before her, with her dreamlike visage and eyes full of anticipation, Tirela found herself getting more and more engrossed in her explanation, inadvertently using many technical terms.
“I apologize for delving into so many obscure details. I’m not sure if you understand them. If you don’t, it’s fine; I will explain everything in detail later.”
“I understand,” Loran Hill nodded, her blue transparent eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement.
“That’s good to hear. I was worried I might have confused everyone with my explanations,” Tirela said, feeling slightly relieved.
“Why do you think so highly of our Carites?” Loran asked.
“It’s not that. I just think highly of you,” Tirela replied with a smile.
“You’re very beautiful, Lacy, and you have your own opinions. Your strength is also remarkable for someone your age. It’s rare to see such qualities. Instead of following those old men to other families, it would be better to stay here and discuss things with you.”
“Only one heart can beat in a person, and the same goes for ships. There is only one propulsion system. Most delegations are in favor of the mado furnaces, and going there would likely result in being sidelined.” Tirela mentioned another reason.
“Our faction is newly established, with few members, so we must seek allies through different means. At the same time, I hope to see my theories put into practice and spread across the continent.”
Loran Hill nodded, developing a favorable impression of this elder sister who had graduated from Emanas. Her theories were aimed at the majority of ordinary people. Although the alchemical creations of Rourna were excellent, they often felt out of reach, unable to benefit the masses. As a result, the gap between the upper and lower classes in this world was vast.
The comforts enjoyed by the upper echelons might even surpass those of modern people in her previous life, while the lower class was often teetering on the brink of survival. She often thought that without raising the baseline of ordinary people, the world would always remain in a state of division. The environments in which people grew up and lived were so different that discontent and misunderstanding abounded. This resentment turned into deep-seated barriers, hindering the progress of civilization.
“I also like your philosophy, Tirela. Even technology, if it cannot be widely adopted and used by ordinary people, remains merely a toy for a select few and cannot change the world.”
“If you want to cooperate with our guild, I would be honored.”
“No, it should be me who is grateful. After all, even the best ideas require significant resources and manpower to implement, and you are taking on more risks.”
Tirela and Loran had a pleasant conversation, both feeling very content.
The views of people often align easily, and although Loran Hill claimed she had only learned from a reclusive teacher, many of her perspectives sounded particularly novel to Tirela, even inspiring her greatly.
The two of them discussed everything from reactors to ships, airships, alchemy, nations, and ideologies. Their similar worldviews made both increasingly satisfied, until the sky grew dark.
“I apologize, I didn’t realize we’ve been talking for so long. Little Lacy still has business with the商会, right? I’ve kept you for too long.”
“No, most of the商会’s matters have already been handled.” Loran Hill shook her head; her efficiency was quite high.
“This gem contains some of our school’s techniques, blueprints, and design concepts. Because it needs to be usable by ordinary people, the crafting process is designed to be achievable without relying on extraordinary abilities. I hope it can provide you some assistance.” With that, Tirela took out a gem.
“As for payment, there’s no need for anything. This technology is still immature, but I hope it can spread and gradually be improved upon by everyone.”
The deep blue gem faintly sparkled with particles of light, quite beautiful.
“If you have any questions, you can ask Lanlir. She is a third-year student at Emanas and is currently on holiday in Hope Lane, staying on Daffodil Street. I’ll write down the address for you later.”
“Thank you.” Loran Hill examined the gem slightly.
[Steam Engine Prototype] (Bronze Rank): A relatively primitive power source, inscribed with basic magic arrays, even non-extraordinary beings can craft it.
Although rated only as Bronze Rank, in the eyes of the young lady, this was like a beacon of a new era. Even though it was still somewhat immature, according to the sealed memories of history, this was the true power that could change the world. The industrial age would be replayed on the Ivar World, just as remembered.
“Perhaps Sister Tirela hasn’t fully grasped the significance, but on behalf of Callites, I sincerely thank you.” Loran Hill stood up and bowed.
—
Two weeks later, after thoroughly understanding the technology, Loran Hill integrated the excellent steam turbine designs from her past life, and with continuous system assistance in analysis, she modified and reconstructed the prototype significantly. It had changed so much that even Tirela herself might not recognize it, and the results were satisfactory.
[Magic-Infused Steam Turbine] (Gold Rank): An extremely powerful and efficient power source, combining the best ideas and technologies from two civilizations, its extraordinary construction and effects are the crystallization of wisdom, a miracle achieved through mortal means.
And the era of great battleships and cannons was about to dawn.
—
Thank you for recommending~
Thank you to Miaorong sos for celebrating, and to the one under the moonlight with a wisp of smoke, for your generous gifts. Thank you, this is the second time.
(End of Chapter)