For months, Lance conducted various experiments to integrate the magic staff materials into the mech's frame. The thickness should be minimal to maintain the frame's size. But it also can't be too small or it won't be able to conduct magic.
Numerous other factors exist. For example, the adhesive for the material to the frame, the type of material itself, and so on.
"We will begin the 69th experiment." Lance wore torso armor. Eve had written the inscription of movement magic on the inside. "Let's go."
They only connected the armor to one metal frame of the arms. Despite multiple attempts, they couldn't assemble a full mech set.
"You are ready?" Eve makes her magic staff light up.
Taking a deep breath, Lance nodded.
The witch attached her magic staff to the armor's chest. The light from that thing flowed onto the tiny wooden patches attached to the frame.
Lance moved his hand, then smiled a second later. Both his hands and the frame were in motion. He could feel it. The frame detected Lance's hand movement, then followed it.
"It looks like we are getting some actual progress." The young man moved his hands again. A little higher this time, causing a creaking sound from the armor frame.
Eve moved closer to observe it. "Good."
Cecil glanced at the corner of the room. Piles of materials for making magic staffs cluttered the area, along with frames that didn't meet the requirements because of their size or material type.
To achieve one move like that, they had tried many times. Cecil understood why this success could make Lance excited.
"I will move my hand with more force." Lance's excitement grew stronger. He waved his hand to the side. But the framework's output is too big. Lance's hand moved uncontrollably, then hit the witch's head.
"Eve!!!" Cecil approached that girl.
Not wanting the same incident to happen again, Lance took off his armor and kneeled beside the witch.
"Are you okay?" The young man tried to remain calm, even though blood covered Eve's face. Panicking won't help.
Before Lance or Cecil said anything else, Eve used a spell to heal the wound. "I'm fine. Wounds like this are common in experiments. It was my fault for being too close to that framework."
She must be in pain. But her expression still didn't change.
"Excuse me, Miss Evelyn." The maid entered the workshop, widening her eyes at what was happening. "Miss Evelyn!? What happened to you?"
"There's no problem, just a slight mistake. I've healed myself with my spell." The witch stood up with the help of Cecil and Lance. "What is it?"
The maid gulped hard, then explained. "Your father's messenger is here, Miss. He said it was important."
"Help me clean this up, and I'll go see him." Eve then turned to her comrades. "Wait a minute, Lance, Cecil."
"Sure." Lance answered.
While Eve was away, Cecil and Lance cleaned up the workshop.
"Don't worry. You saw it, right? Eve can heal herself." Cecil assured his friend.
"Yeah." Lance sat in a chair. "There's no point thinking about it too much."
The young man thought about more safety. In his past, another team handled that responsibility. Meanwhile, his team is still small here. He had to pay attention to everything.
"I'm happy we can make progress." Cecil patted Lance on the shoulder.
The young man couldn't help but smile. "We still have a long way to go. Next, maybe we need someone in charge of conducting tests with the armor."
"So, our team will be bigger, huh?" Cecil smiled too and sat in another chair. "What kind of person do you want, Lance? Is it one of the bodyguards?"
"I don't think the bodyguards' skills are appropriate for testing. I want a fighter who can perform a variety of maneuvers. We need to test the limits of our armor."
Cecil continued to stare at her friend's face. "You realize it, right? If the palace noticed this project, they might use it as a tool of war. Our kingdom's relationship with the Zarnesh kingdom is getting worse due to border issues. Who knows who will attack first?"
"The armor could also have uses in mining and other heavy labor. But I realized that they most likely used this powered armor for war." Lance remembered the first time he saw his mech at a military parade years ago. "But I try not to think about that. What matters most to me is fulfilling my dream of building this.
Focusing on the casualties of war will hinder Lance from reaching his full potential.
"I see… That's your view, huh?" Cecil widened his smile, but his eyes radiated sadness. "I know nothing about war. Since childhood, I have always lived in this village, without knowing the outside world... Well, if that's your wish, I will continue to follow you, Lance."
"Thanks." Lance looked into his childhood friend's eyes. "But if you can't take this burden anymore, you can leave."
Cecil shook his head. "No, I will follow you, no matter what."
Lance doesn't know why Cecil is so loyal to him. The young man sensed her conflicted heart. Despite this, Lance saw no grounds for rejecting her.
Eve entered the workshop again and walked over to her friends.
"It was a short meeting, Eve." Cecil raised an eyebrow.
"I felt like I had to tell you." The witch spoke in a rapid tone. "I sent a brief regarding this project to my father."
"Does he not agree with this?" Lance squinted his eyes.
"He advised me to stop this project because he felt it wouldn't work. But if I continue, he has one condition." Eve stopped near Lance's chair. "He is worried that many parties will be interested in this. So, he will send more guards."
"Wouldn't that just attract attention?" Cecil chimed in.
"Maybe the guards will watch us in plain clothes." Lance got up from his seat. "Is the messenger still there?"
"I'm still here." A man with red hair and luxurious clothes entered the workshop. He looked around, showing no interest. "You shouldn't be in this filthy place, Miss Evelyn."
"Julian, I never gave you permission to enter." Eve replied.
"Sir Julian, huh? You're Sir Arthur's messenger?" Lance came up to the man with a smile. But his gaze was sharp.
"What do you want?" Julian frowned. "If you weren't Miss Evelyn's friend, I would have arrested you for disrespecting a kingdom's official."
Lance broadens his smile. "Sir Arthur doesn't believe this project will be successful? Tell him, then. I will finish this project. When that occurs, I assure you the world will be forever changed. His mouth will continue to be agape because of what is about to happen."
Lance turned around and walked away before Julian could respond. The young man had a reputation for being a promising engineer in the past. He had outstanding achievements at school. Being treated this way was a new experience for him.
Instead of whining, Lance will make it fuel for him to work harder.
Julian clicked his tongue, then bowed to Eve. "I'll take my leave, Miss Evelyn. Please, take care of yourself."
He then went in the opposite direction.