Cero crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing as he considered the request. "How much time will you need to produce something significant?"
Charles smiled confidently. "One month. That's if we upgrade the laboratory facilities with the latest equipment and increase the number of researchers. In that time, we can create a prototype weapon that will change the way we fight."
Cero nodded slowly. "So, you already have ideas for how this element will be utilized?"
Charles nodded and pulled out additional documents. "Correct. These concepts were developed by my colleague, Viktor Tesla. He has drafted a complete proposal for Aetherial-91-based weaponry. Unfortunately, he's currently tied up with another project, so I'll explain the details."
Cero took the proposal, opened it, and read it carefully. Diagrams and technical descriptions filled the pages. He remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Aetherial bullets? Aetherial-powered tanks? Even long-range energy artillery? All of this sounds intriguing."
Charles explained enthusiastically. "These are the key developments we've planned:"
- Aetherial Bullets Description: Ammunition utilizing Aetherial-91 cores as an energy source. Each bullet can release enough energy to penetrate the strongest metals in Althera, even magical barriers.
- Advantages: Greater range than conventional bullets. High destructive power, effective against large creatures like dragons.
- Challenges: Mass production requires consistent energy stability. New weapon designs will be needed to fire these bullets. Aetherial-Powered Tanks Description: Tanks powered by small Aetherial-91-based generators capable of delivering greater power and longer endurance than conventional fuel.
- Advantages: High mobility across difficult terrain. Main weaponry can utilize Aetherial-based energy bullets.
- Challenges: Tank designs need to be adapted to accommodate the new generator. Long-Range Artillery Description: Large cannons using Aetherial-91 as fuel to generate massive energy blasts.
-Advantages: More than double the range of conventional artillery. Effective for destroying fortresses or enemy formations from a safe distance. Challenges: Ensuring energy stability during firing.
Cero held the proposal in both hands, his gaze sharp as he read every detail. The technical diagrams, material descriptions, and the proposed impact of these weapons set his mind racing. He knew this world was full of creatures with capabilities far beyond what their conventional weapons could handle.
"Monsters that deflect bullets," he murmured. "With this technology, we won't just survive. We'll dominate."
In his mind, he called upon the System, the mechanism he had relied on since his arrival in this world. System, analysis. How much gold will be required to fund this project?
[The Aetherial-91 Weaponry Project requires a total of 125,000 G for the initial phase. This includes building additional infrastructure, procuring rare materials, and upgrading laboratory equipment.]
Cero tapped the desk with his fingers, his thoughts racing. The sum of 125,000 G was no small amount. It was more than just a significant investment—it was a gamble. But he also knew that without bold steps like this, Arcana would remain on the edge of uncertainty in a world they had yet to fully master.
System, he thought again, his internal voice steady, can you analyze the likelihood of this project's success?
[Analyzing…]
The room fell silent, with only the faint ticking of a clock in the corner breaking the stillness. Staff outside his office busied themselves preparing reports or communicating through the internal system. In the quiet, Cero remained seated, his gaze distant as if envisioning the future of Arcana.
After a moment, the system's monotone voice echoed in his mind.
[The "Aetherial Weaponry" project is projected to have a 78% success rate during the initial development phase and a 64% success rate for full-scale military implementation. Primary obstacles include: Aetherial-91 energy stability, logistical demands for rare materials, and personnel training.]
[If successful, potential benefits include:
Firepower exceeding current military technology in Althera. Complete dominance over conflict zones. Diplomatic leverage through unmatched technological threats.]
[However, risks include: Gold consumption that could weaken economic stability. Attracting attention from other continental powers, potentially sparking large-scale conflict. The possibility of catastrophic failure leading to uncontrolled energy explosions.]
Cero exhaled deeply. The probabilities presented by the system were far from reassuring. While the chance of success existed, it wasn't enough to provide full confidence. Yet, he knew that significant decisions required equally significant risks.
"Charles," he said calmly, his sharp eyes fixed on the man before him. "Are you prepared to stake your life on the success of this project?"
Charles Volta, usually brimming with confidence, suddenly looked slightly nervous. Though Cero was younger, his resolute and commanding aura could crush anyone in his presence. Charles took a deep breath, masking his unease with a small cough.
"Ahem… Director," he finally replied, squaring his shoulders. "If I have to put my head on the line for this project, I'm willing. I believe in this development, in my team, and in my friend, Viktor Tesla. We won't fail."
Cero regarded him impassively for several seconds before nodding slowly. "Good. I don't need empty promises. I need results."
After the meeting, Charles returned to his laboratory with a mind full of determination. While he had spoken confidently to Cero, he knew the stakes were monumental. It wasn't just his reputation or his life—it was the future of Arcana that hung in the balance.
Inside the lab, Charles called an emergency meeting with his team.
"Listen," he said firmly. "The Director has placed his full trust in us. That means failure is not an option, no matter what. We'll work day and night if we have to. This is no longer just research. It's about honor."
The scientists around him nodded. They understood the gravity of their responsibility, knowing this project far surpassed any they had worked on back on Earth.
Meanwhile, in his office, Cero summoned Sarah to discuss the economic implications of the project. Sarah entered, carrying a stack of documents, her expression serious.
"Director," she said, handing over a report, "our expenditure for this project will consume around 35% of the annual budget. It will affect other sectors, including infrastructure and education."
Cero tapped his fingers on the desk—a habit of his when deep in thought. "Do we have enough reserves to balance this?"
"For now, yes," Sarah replied. "But if the project fails, the impact will be severe. We won't just lose gold but also the trust of the local populace."
Cero nodded, fully aware of the risks. "Then ensure the project succeeds. Coordinate with Charles. If he needs anything, make sure he gets it."
---
Winter had gripped the entire region of Dralven. White snow blanketed the streets, and the biting cold discouraged anyone from leaving the comfort of a warm room. Yet, amidst the frigid season, the small town of Dralven—once home to simple farmers—had transformed into a bustling hub of activity, much to the amazement of adventurers who had recently been freed from captivity.
Captain Garran, the leader of the adventurer group, stood in the middle of the town square. His eyes swept across the newly erected buildings, their designs unlike anything he had ever seen before. The once-muddy streets were now paved with smooth, neatly arranged stones, and glowing lamps illuminated the roads even after the sun had set.
"You said this was an ordinary town?" Clara, one of the party members, asked, her voice filled with wonder. "Garran, look around. This doesn't look like the same place."
Garran took a deep breath, struggling to process the scene before him. "I know, Clara. It's like this town has turned into something… from another world."
Dralven had once been a quiet, modest settlement where locals lived simple lives. But the arrival of Cero and the Arcana group had changed everything. In a short time, the technology from Cero's world had begun to reshape the town.
Clara strolled down the main street, marveling at the shops displaying strange and unfamiliar items. "They're selling those odd tools. Look, Garran, what's that?"
Garran followed her gaze to a stall selling clothing. Standing at the front of the stall was a mannequin adorned with an elegant gown, its modern design exuding a beauty that was both simple and striking. To Clara, it was extraordinary; to Garran, it was peculiar, sparking his curiosity.
Clara stopped in her tracks, her eyes shining like a child seeing a new toy. "Garran! Look at that! That gown… it's absolutely stunning!"
Garran raised an eyebrow, feeling slightly awkward about Clara's enthusiastic reaction. "It's just a piece of cloth, Clara. Why are you making such a big deal about it?"
Clara spun around, fixing Garran with a sharp glare. "Just a piece of cloth? You don't understand anything! Look at how the fabric drapes, the details… and that thing holding it up! That's not an ordinary statue, is it?"
Garran eyed the mannequin skeptically. "I don't know what that is. Looks like a big doll that isn't creepy. I also don't see why it's caught your attention."
Ignoring Garran's comment, Clara approached the stall, her hand nearly touching the delicate fabric on the mannequin. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, stepped out from behind the counter.
"Ah, miss. Are you interested in this gown?" the shopkeeper asked in the local language, her voice gentle yet clear enough to catch Garran's attention.
Though Clara didn't fully understand the words, she guessed the shopkeeper's meaning from her gestures and tone. She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, it's amazing!"
Garran approached, folding his arms across his chest. "How much for that thing?" he asked flatly, trying to mask his discomfort with Clara's sudden fascination for the gown.
The shopkeeper's smile widened. "This gown is made with the finest materials brought from the main island. Its price is… three silver coins."