Chương 209: 209 - Knowledge
"Such terrifying power..."
Gazing at the spreading sea of fire before him, Dennis's expression turned gravely serious. Although such an attack wasn't much of a threat to grand wizards, it spelt near-certain doom for ordinary formal wizards.
The alchemists from the Society of Mystical Arts couldn't help but show traces of horror on their faces. Their initially aggressive stance, aiming to confront Lynn, considerably softened in an instant.
Raphael recalled encountering a type of alchemical powder that exploded upon contact with fire, but its destructive force paled in comparison.
"This is black powder. I've used it to destroy half of the Harbor Town," Lynn introduced proactively before anyone could inquire, shaking his head afterwards. "But it's a pity..."
"A pity? How so?" Raphael hurriedly inquired. "Is it because the production costs are too high?"
"No, the production of black powder isn't complicated," Lynn explained. "I mean, its power falls short."
The explosive power of black powder, if devoid of fillers like white phosphorus, was actually quite limited, far inferior to TNT or black cyclonite.
"This falls short?" The expressions of those present turned rather peculiar. Was Lynn planning to set traps using this against the archbishop and the others?
Meanwhile, Theodore and the rest eagerly discussed how to utilize the formidable destructive power of black powder in warfare.
"I know, I know." Lydia waved her longbow, diverting everyone's attention, brimming with confidence in her new idea. "We can fill alchemical carts with these black 'stones' and charge them into the crowds."
Raphael and the others nodded in agreement; it was indeed a good way to unleash its power.
"A self-destructive cart, huh? You're not aiming for terrorism, at least?" Lynn chuckled wryly. "Actually, it's meant for mining."
This revelation left Raphael and the others astounded.
They had just witnessed the power of the powder; it wasn't weak, even compared to magical crystal cannons. Yet Lynn intended to use it for mining?
Lynn felt equally helpless. The primary issue plaguing the development of Iyeta Harbor was the insufficient output of various ores, especially steel—the foundation of all industries.
Though there was an iron mine nearby Iyeta, the extraction efficiency was dismal. Relying solely on manpower wasn't sufficient.
Using wizardry to bombard the ores with flame magic wasn't a viable solution. Formal wizards were too precious; none would take up such a task. As for the wizard apprentices? That was out of the question.
Thus, black powder became the best choice. Moreover, consider the possibility of forming a gunpowder team or even a cannon team later on.
The testing of black powder's power, except for Lynn's slight dissatisfaction, undeniably achieved resounding success. Dennis soon witnessed the latest model—alchemical four-wheeled carts fitted with internal combustion engines.
The creators, led by Phillip, epitomized Lynn's teachings, emphasizing saving materials to an extreme, and adhering strictly to minimalism and pragmatism. If it could haul ores, it was good enough. This resulted in its rather crude appearance—a steel-framed structure, starkly contrasting the adjacent splendid steam carriage.
At first glance, the alchemists from the Society of Mystical Arts couldn't help but show some disdain.
"Is that it...? Just this?" However, after riding the four-wheeled cart around Iyeta's roads for a week, feeling its extraordinary speed, everyone fell silent. Dennis, in particular, was despondent, realizing that his painstakingly researched achievements had become worthless. Decades of effort might have been in vain...
"Lynn, could I take a look at the internal combustion engine's blueprint?" an alchemist from the alchemy association asked with reluctance.
He understood that such core technology wouldn't be readily revealed.
Lynn, who intended to involve people in the research, was generous, sending Theodore to fetch the design blueprint directly.
As the blueprint was handed over, the alchemist's hands trembled, unable to believe Lynn had easily handed over such a precious item.
Dennis and the others couldn't help but gather around.
The blueprint was intricately detailed, delineating the internal components and structure.
Without Lynn's explanation, the alchemists swiftly grasped the construction and function of each part of the internal combustion engine after a brief discussion.
"This should be the piston, providing power just like a steam engine."
"The operating principle resembles a steam engine; the difference lies in the internal combustion process of this apparatus. Is that what 'internal combustion' means?"
The initial steam engines could also be termed external combustion engines because the combustion process occurred externally, using steam expansion to drive the piston, resulting in significant energy loss.
However, an internal combustion engine was different. It restricted the entire combustion process inside the cylinder, exchanging air through an alchemical array and an exhaust port, naturally producing much more powerful propulsion than steam.
"What a brilliant concept." Dennis exclaimed with admiration. He pondered numerous improvements to steam engines but understood that no matter the enhancement, it would hardly match the efficiency of an internal combustion engine.
"I'm curious, though. This alchemical internal combustion engine is a creation of your Iyeta school. Why are you willing to let us see the blueprints?" Dennis asked, puzzled.
"I've always believed that knowledge and truth fear no barriers in spreading and exchanging." Lynn calmly replied. "An individual's power and wisdom are too minuscule. Even if one specializes in a field, they may never witness its limits throughout their lifetime..."
"Magic theory requires innovation. If everyone clings to their schools' views, I doubt the wizarding world would have the vibrant magic systems we see today."
There was another aspect Lynn didn't mention—after all, the internal combustion engine was just outdated technology in his eyes, something to be shared openly.
Hearing Lynn's words, the alchemists from the association were deeply moved.
As researchers and inventors of steam engines, they fiercely guarded this unique alchemical technology. They never allowed wizards from other schools to dismantle or study related devices, considering it blatant theft.
However, they couldn't completely stop the leakage of technology in the end.
Yet Lynn disregarded the barriers between schools, directly sharing the core blueprints with them. What a broad-minded approach.
At this point, Dennis felt a tinge of shame.
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