Scientific Wizard

"Perfect, truly a perfect creation!" 

In the square before the Alchemy Association in Greenville, Grand Alchemist Dennis gazed at the steam-powered vehicle darting around, continuously emitting puffs of smoke, his expression utterly captivated.

After years of relentless effort, he finally refined the sixth-generation alchemical steam engine, reducing its size by half while significantly enhancing its performance.

"Have you tested its speed and load capacity?" Dennis turned to his apprentice standing nearby, inquiring.

"Yes, Master Dennis! The average speed is approximately forty-five kilometers per hour! Alternatively, it can maintain half its speed while carrying a ten-ton load!" The witch who responded was thrilled, finding it hard to contain her excitement. This was undoubtedly a breakthrough!

"Very good, exceptionally good!" Dennis nodded in satisfaction, though he held a hint of frustration within.

Twenty years ago, when they initially created the steam engine, they faced considerable ridicule. The efficiency of the first version was terribly low, and the alchemical steam-powered vehicles they produced could only travel three to five kilometers per hour.

According to some, even a tortoise with a blade of grass in front could outrun their alchemical vehicle!

Compared to horses and camels, its only advantage was not needing food, drink, or rest, enabling it to work tirelessly all day. But compared to the creatures summoned by adept sorcerers or the golems they crafted, it fell severely short!

Despite the lack of recognition for their research, Dennis never gave up. Through generations of refinement, he finally gained the Council's acknowledgement, making the steam engine the primary propulsion for all modern ships.

The next goal naturally aimed to replace land transportation. His new steam-powered vehicles could tow up to ten tons of cargo, operating continuously, consuming only as much magical energy as an apprentice wizard per hundred kilometers!

Dennis foresaw a magical revolution he would initiate, where billowing steam would permeate every corner of the wizarding world.

It was a marvel created by alchemy and magic—a new magical era was on the horizon!

As Dennis indulged in his fantasies, a flurry of panicked shouts echoed from the entrance.

"Something's wrong, Master Dennis!"

"What's happened?" Dennis, pulled from his reverie, looked annoyed at the jittery wizard.

"Is the Council planning to shorten our deadline?"

Dennis frowned. In preparation for a potential war, several councillors intended to purchase a hundred steam vehicles and refit all steamships, replacing their internal power with the latest alchemical steam engines. Everything needed to be completed within three months!

This was an immensely challenging task, possibly unachievable even with a tight schedule. Surely, the war wasn't advancing earlier than anticipated?

"No, it's not that, Master Dennis..." The wizard hesitated, struggling to convey the news. "The entire Greenville is abuzz about something. The Iyeta Academy has created something called an 'internal combustion engine.' They've installed it in vehicles, reaching ninety kilometers per hour, and they can even launch wizards like alchemical cannons."

"Nonsense!" Dennis exclaimed.

Ninety kilometers per hour? What concept was that?

Even a fire lion's maximum speed wasn't much faster, and those beasts had to eat, drink, rest, and couldn't maintain top speed indefinitely. Their development cycle also spanned decades, which gave Dennis confidence he could replace them.

After all, the greatest advantage of alchemical instruments was their mass production capability!

"But the newspapers say it's Lord Lynn's invention. Over a thousand people have witnessed it, claiming it's as fast as a gust of wind! And its thermal efficiency is ten times higher than the steam engine..." The wizard cautiously continued. "Rumors suggest the council is considering cancelling the steam engine procurement."

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Dennis asserted firmly.

Ten times the efficiency of a steam engine?

Dennis refused to believe such a thing!

Although he hadn't reached the limit of steam power, through generations of improvements, the steam engines produced were already quite perfect, reaching speeds of around forty kilometers per hour.

Of course, if not considering factors like endurance and load capacity, the maximum speed could still be increased significantly. But it couldn't possibly reach the terrifying speed of ninety kilometers per hour.

That was beyond magic!

It must be false propaganda!

Not only Dennis but also the members of the Alchemy Association found this rumor highly dubious.

Most crucially, after investing so much effort in refining the steam engine, they were about to showcase its prowess, only to face potential obsolescence? How could they accept that?

"I'm going to Iyeta right now! Immediately!" Dennis erupted, then shifted his gaze to the newly completed steam vehicle.

He not only intended to go but also to drive his hard-earned creation there. Dennis wanted to see for himself what this 'internal combustion engine' was. Claiming to be ten times more efficient than the steam engine!

***

Five days later, at Iyeta Harbor...

A peculiar-looking alchemical contraption slowly traversed the city's thoroughfares, featuring a massive alchemical boiler at its rear, puffing steam rhythmically, attracting the attention of passersby. Many whispered, speculating whether it was a new creation from the alchemical workshop.

Seated in the vehicle, Dennis and his companions wore somewhat grim expressions. Not because of the townsfolk's discussions, but because after driving for some time, Dennis noticed another flaw in the vehicle—its excessive jolting. Partly due to rough roads and partly inherent to the steam vehicle itself.

"Welcome to Iyeta Harbor, everyone!"

As they entered Iyeta, Theodore, having received the news, hurried over.

In recent days, due to the rampant sales of the Daily Bugle, numerous alchemists visited Iyeta to investigate. Without exception, all were diverted by Lynn.

However, seeing Dennis arrive, Theodore felt a tad uneasy. He was aware that this alchemical master was the inventor of the steam engine. He was somewhat concerned if Dennis had come looking for trouble.

Fortunately, Theodore soon noticed Master Raphael, who had a good relationship with Lynn, among those in the steam vehicle, which alleviated his worry.

"Come on in, my steam vehicle has just enough space for one more. You can guide us!" Dennis patted the empty seat beside him, deliberately vacating to let the Iyeta scholars experience the comfort and convenience of his alchemical steam vehicle!