Finally, Caelum held up the frame of the revolver, its basic shape now recognizable. It was rough, lacking the finesse of a finished weapon, but it was a start. He set it down, his gaze lingering on it for a moment.
"We should rest," Elara suggested softly, her voice breaking the silence of the forge.
Returning to the inn they were staying at, Caelum and Elara climbed to the suite on the top floor. The room, with its single bed, served as a quiet reminder of their first night there.
Elara glanced around the room, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush as memories of that first night flickered in her mind. "I will take a bath first," she said, her voice carrying a hint of shyness.
Caelum nodded, his mind still partly in the forge, piecing together the remaining steps of his weapon crafting. "Sure, go ahead," he replied. As she disappeared into the adjoining room, he retrieved the prototype of his revolver from his inventory. It was a rough assembly of parts, far from the polished weapon he envisioned, but it was a start.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he turned the prototype over in his hands, examining it under the dim light of the room. His fingers traced the contours and joints, assessing the balance and feel of it. Deciding to use his Observe skill, he focused on the prototype.
[System Message: Observing Prototype Revolver...]
[Status: Incomplete. Rough Assembly. Requires fine-tuning and additional components. Potential for significant improvement.]
Looking at the chamber, handle, and trigger of the rough prototype revolver in his hands, Caelum called upon the Gunslinger System in his mind. "Analyze each part and suggest improvements. Compare it to the closest handgun in my memory," he thought, guessing on a Pepperbox revolver he recalled from his past life as Eclipse.
[System Message: Analyzing Prototype Revolver...]
[Comparison: Pepperbox Revolver - Current Prototype lacks the refined engineering and precision of the Pepperbox. Suggested Improvements: Enhanced barrel for better accuracy, refined trigger mechanism for smoother operation, ergonomic handle for improved grip and balance.]
Caelum absorbed the system's feedback, his mind working through the technicalities. The improvements were clear, but executing them with the tools and materials at hand was going to be a challenge. He set the prototype aside and leaned back on the bed, his thoughts deep in planning.
A while later, Elara emerged from the bath, her hair damp and her cheeks flushed from the steam. She noticed Caelum lost in thought and approached him quietly. "What's on your mind?" she asked, sitting beside him on the bed.
Caelum turned to her, a faint smile on his lips. "Just thinking about the revolver. It's far from perfect, but I've got some ideas on how to improve it."
Elara looked at the prototype revolver curiously. "It looks complicated. Is it a weapon from your... class?" she inquired, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Caelum nodded, his gaze returning to the rough prototype of the revolver in his hands. "Yes, this weapon will enhance my capabilities significantly," he explained. "Unlike the makeshift gun I used before, this one will allow me to load multiple bullets, making reloads faster and more efficient." He paused, weighing the prototype in his hand. "The bullets are consumable, a necessary adaptation in this world. It's a step forward from relying on a single shot from a hairpin."
Elara, sitting close to him, repeated the unfamiliar term under her breath, "Bullet..." Her expression was one of intrigue mixed with a trace of confusion. The concept of a firearm was foreign to her, a stark contrast to the magic and melee combat she was accustomed to. "It sounds powerful," she commented, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and curiosity.
"It is, but it's also a challenge to perfect," Caelum replied, his eyes still fixed on the revolver. "Crafting a reliable firearm in a world where they don't exist... it's a process of trial and error."
Elara leaned in closer, her blue eyes studying the firearm. "And these improvements you're thinking of, what are they exactly?"
Caelum set the prototype aside and faced Elara, his expression serious yet open. "I need to enhance the barrel for better accuracy, refine the trigger for smoother firing, and adjust the handle for a better grip. Each component plays a crucial role in the weapon's effectiveness."
Elara's gaze lingered on Caelum's face, noting the determination etched in his features. "I may not understand all of this, but I trust you, Caelum. You've always found a way," she said, her voice laced with confidence.
Caelum offered her a grateful smile. "Thank you, Elara. Your trust means a lot."
The room was quiet for a moment, the only sound being the distant chatter from the streets below. Caelum's mind was still occupied with plans for the revolver, while Elara seemed lost in her thoughts.
Caelum rose to his feet, his thoughts still lingering on the intricacies of his revolver project. "Dress up. We will have dinner, then head to the Adventurers' Guild for quests. Let's get our rewards," he said, his voice carrying a blend of anticipation and determination.
Elara's eyes brightened at his suggestion, her smile reflecting a blend of excitement and relief. "That sounds perfect," she replied, her enthusiasm evident. As Caelum disappeared into the bathroom to freshen up, she began to dress, choosing her attire with care, a blend of practicality and the desire to look presentable.
In the bathroom, Caelum splashed cold water on his face, washing away the soot and sweat from the day's toil. His reflection in the mirror showed a man who had undergone a transformation, not just in skills and knowledge, but in spirit. The farmer boy who had once tended to fields was now a gunslinger, crafting weapons and facing threats that once would have seemed like mere fantasy.
As they walked to the inn's diner, the bustling atmosphere of the place enveloped them. The regular patrons were engaged in lively conversations, their voices a melodic backdrop to the clink of cutlery and glasses. Lily, the maid and the owner's daughter, moved gracefully among the tables, her eyes momentarily catching Caelum's gaze before swiftly looking away.
Caelum and Elara found a table, settling into their seats as the owner himself approached with a sigh, his eyes briefly glancing towards his daughter who seemed slightly embarrassed. "Good evening, you two. What can I get for you tonight?" he asked, his tone friendly yet tinged with a hint of concern.
"We'll have whatever's special tonight," Caelum replied, his tone casual. "And some information if you have any."
The owner nodded, understanding the request. "The special's a hearty stew, I'll have it brought out. As for information, there's been talk of increased bandit activity near the eastern trade routes. Be careful if you're heading that way."
"Thanks for the heads-up," Caelum said, his mind already assessing the potential threat and opportunity such information presented.
As the owner walked away, Elara leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "Do you think we should investigate the bandit activity?"
Caelum pondered for a moment, his eyes narrowing in thought. "It could be dangerous, but it might also lead us to some valuable insights. We'll need to be cautious."
Elara nodded, her expression serious yet determined. "I trust your judgment. We've faced worse."