He looked at the empty paper and decided on the bullet types he would attempt to craft. His choices were influenced by the capabilities of his newly crafted smoothbore revolver and his current situation. After some contemplation, Caelum selected the Scatter Shot for its effectiveness in close combat, the Canister Shot for its shrapnel burst, the Flare Shot for signaling and diversion, the Incendiary Shot for fires if needed and the Dart Shot for its targeted strikes. These choices balanced offensive capability with tactical utility, fitting well with his Gunslinger instincts.
With his decision made, Caelum sketched the designs for these specific bullets, each drawing detailed and precise. Once satisfied, he took the paper to Master Ironhand, who was still busy at the forge. Ironhand looked up as Caelum approached, wiping sweat from his brow.
"What are these?" Ironhand asked, eyeing the sketches with a mix of curiosity and confusion.
Caelum pondered how to explain without revealing too much. "Types of projectiles," he finally said, keeping his tone neutral.
Ironhand scrutinized the designs, his expression a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. "Never seen anything like these before," he muttered, handing back the sketches. "You planning on making these yourself?"
"Partly," Caelum replied. "I'll need your help with some of the more complex designs, but I'll handle the simpler ones."
Ironhand nodded, a gruff sound of assent escaping him. "Fine. I'll see what I can do. You've got a knack for the unusual, I'll give you that."
As they discussed the specifics, Elara arrived at the forge, carrying a small basket. "I thought you would be here," she said, her voice warm. "Good morning."
Caelum turned, his face softening slightly at her presence. "Good morning," he replied, accepting the basket. Inside were freshly baked bread and some fruits, a modest yet thoughtful breakfast.
They ate together at the forge, the warmth from the fire a comforting contrast to the cool morning air. After breakfast, Caelum returned to the task at hand, his mind once again focused on his firearms project. He began crafting the simpler bullets, his movements precise and practiced. The Scatter Shots were first, followed by the Canister Shots. Each bullet was a testament to his meticulous nature and his adaptability to the challenges of this new world.
Elara watched from a distance, her curiosity piqued by Caelum's craftsmanship. Despite her lack of understanding regarding firearms, she couldn't help but be impressed by his skill and dedication.
While he crafted 30 Scatter Shots and 20 Canister Shots, Master Ironhand, with his unparalleled blacksmithing skills, had already completed the more complex Flare, Incendiary, and Dart Shots. The collection of ammunition laid before them was a testament to their collaborative effort.
By the time the afternoon sun began to cast longer shadows across the forge, Ironhand approached them with a certain hesitancy in his stride.
"Lad, do you remember the wood and ore I asked you to retrieve?" Ironhand inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and earnestness.
Caelum, setting aside the bullet he was working on, nodded. "Yes, I remember," he replied, his tone neutral.
Ironhand cleared his throat, an unusual awkwardness to his demeanor. "To be honest, those were for a project of mine. There's an Artisan Competition coming up, and I thought you two were sent by my rivals to sabotage my forge. That's why I sent you on that impossible mission. But you actually came back with the Luminescent wood and Lodestarite Ore, which I wasn't expecting. With those, I can craft the magic staff I've been planning for a while. But these materials... they're difficult to work with. I need your help. And after the competition, I want to gift it to you as a token of my gratitude."
Caelum exchanged a surprised look with Elara, who seemed equally taken aback by the revelation. "You want us to help you craft a magic staff?" Caelum asked, his interest piqued.
Ironhand nodded, his usual gruff demeanor softened by a rare show of vulnerability. "Yes. Your ability to think outside of the box with those tubes of yours... they're impressive. I could use a hand with the delicate work. And it's only fair you get something in return for your trouble."
Caelum realized Ironhand wanted his innovative ideas rather than his smithing skills, and smiled. He wasn't innovative, he just lived in another world and another time, but maybe that could shed some light on Ironhand's troubles. In his time, magic was a fantasy, and he saw his fair share to have some "innovative" ideas. He would first listen to Master Ironhand's ideas about his magic staff, then give his advice.
"Tell me about your plans for this staff," Caelum said, his curiosity evident.
Ironhand's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, a rare sight. "Well, the Lodestarite Ore is known for its unique magical conductivity. It's ideal for the core of the staff, channeling and focusing magical energy with precision. And the Luminescent wood," he continued, "is famed for its ability to store and amplify magical energy. It's perfect for the staff's body, enhancing the wielder's magical abilities."
Caelum nodded, absorbing the information. "I see. And how do you plan to combine them?"
Ironhand returned with a stack of papers, his eyes shining with the fervor of a true craftsman. He spread them out on a workbench, revealing detailed sketches and notes of the magic staff he envisioned.
"The core of the staff will be made from the Lodestarite Ore," Ironhand began, pointing to a detailed cross-section drawing. "It has a natural spiral pattern that I believe can enhance the flow of magical energy. I want to mold it into a helix shape, which should theoretically amplify its conductive properties."
Caelum leaned in, examining the sketches with interest. "A helix core... that's an intriguing idea. It reminds me of a double helix, a concept from... a story I once heard," he said.
Ironhand looked up, his curiosity piqued. "A story, eh? Well, whatever it is, this design could be revolutionary in magical conductivity. Now, for the body of the staff," he continued, moving to another sketch, "the Luminescent wood. I plan to carve it into intricate patterns, not just for aesthetics, but to create channels for the Myst energy to flow through."
Elara, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "That sounds beautiful, Master Ironhand. But how will you ensure the energy flows smoothly between the core and the body?"
Ironhand nodded at her question. "That's where I'm stuck. The connection between the two needs to be seamless, but I'm not sure how to achieve that."
Caelum considered for a moment, then said, "What if you create a lattice structure at the point where the core and the body meet? It could act as a bridge for the energy transfer."
Ironhand's eyes widened. "A lattice structure... Yes, that could work! It would provide a large surface area for the energy to diffuse through. Brilliant!" His excitement was palpable.
Caelum smiled, pleased to contribute an idea that resonated with Ironhand's craftsmanship. "Glad I could help. When do you plan to start working on it?"
"Right away," Ironhand declared, his enthusiasm undiminished. "But I'll need your help, especially with the lattice structure."
Caelum nodded. "Of course. Let's get started."