Mechanical Fields Are Boring Without You

To prevent the two competitors from interfering with each other's work and from having similar creative ideas (or borrowing from each other), there is a partition in the center of the arena to block their view.

Mark was still diligently polishing his gun, completely unaware of what was happening on the other side.

The traditional three-barreled shotgun manufacturing process is not complicated. He also added some pressure boosting devices, which made the barrel able to withstand greater pressure, and the final shooting power would be greatly improved.

This firearm is decent but not particularly special; its main advantage is that it's a sure-fire weapon.

Although the competition wasn't over yet, Mark was confident that his musket skills were on par with any of the senior apprentices in the academy.

Then, when he finished wielding the gun and looked up to signal to the host, he noticed that everyone in the audience had strange expressions.

Somber, complex, envious, shocked.

However, everyone's attention was not on him, but on the person opposite him.

Mark felt something was off when he saw this: Could it be that the kid on the other side had made some strange gun?

At that moment, the partition was removed, and he finally saw the gun that Karl was holding on the other side.

A hideous gun that looks like a hammer?

Hehe, is that a musket?

Mark sneered inwardly, still unaware of what was happening.

According to the competition procedure, after the firearms are completed, the next step is a test firing demonstration.

Ultimately, the mentors on stage will judge the winner based on factors such as range, accuracy, power, and creativity.

But!

The musket in Karl's hand was manufactured right under everyone's noses, and from the moment he made his move, the outcome of the contest was already decided.

The gap between the two sides is so large that there is simply no comparison.

Meanwhile, Mark, the only person in the room unaware of the situation, was proudly displaying his three-barreled musket.

The host glanced at the college executives in the audience, looking somewhat embarrassed, as if wondering whether the "exchange" should continue.

But the mentors couldn't really speak up.

In this situation, their faces are swollen from being slapped. What are they supposed to say now?

Should we continue the competition?

Is there even a need to compare the results?

They sat there expressionless, not restless.

The host, having received no answer, glanced at the group from Black Dragon City.

Rein, on the other hand, was quite relaxed, smiling and gesturing, "Continue, follow the procedure."

Upon hearing this, the host's eyes twitched, and he could only grit his teeth and announce, "Now, please let the trainees from both sides demonstrate their firearms."

Upon hearing this, the exchange moved on to the next step.

Putting aside the issue of appearances, the mechanics were also eager to see just how impressive the power of this strange firearm Karl had created would be. With so many advanced techniques and enchantments applied, it shouldn't disappoint.

This is Oma Academy's home turf. Mark first showcased his musket, explaining, "I named this musket the 'Three-Barrel Bear Hunter Cannon.' It's made of... I also incorporated an ammunition booster; the thick barrel walls ensure the weapon's stability and accuracy."

After the introduction, there was an awkward silence in the room.

Mark was puzzled; why wasn't there any applause?

Such excellent firearms, shouldn't everyone say a few words of praise? Even a polite round of applause is appropriate, right?

But the fact is, there was no applause.

Mark, with a hint of doubt, fired a test shot at the target with his musket.

"Bang!"

Vaillant is good.

Three fist-sized craters appeared on the target. This kind of large-caliber musket can pose a certain threat even to Second Tier Transcendent.

Mark completed the test shot with a bewildered look on his face, then stepped aside.

His mind was full of questions: Wait a minute, even though my musket isn't very creative, it still has its merits. Surely it shouldn't be that no one is applauding it?

He had no idea that the students in the audience were even more embarrassed.

Mark's skill with a musket surpasses that of 99% of the trainees; under normal circumstances, this would definitely earn him a thunderous applause.

But now, knowing there's something even better coming up, if we applaud now, what will we do later?

The harder you clap now, the harder you'll fall later.

At this point, the host continued the program, and it was Karl's turn to introduce his firearms.

Karl, no longer tense, calmly introduced, "I named this musket the 'Explosion Hammer.' It's inspired by the traditional 'Popper Classic Cannon Series,' but I made some adaptations to turn it into a musket; the barrels are equipped with 'Fourth-Tier Rune of Fortitude' to stabilize the simultaneous firing of all nine barrels."

This time, no one interrupted Karl.

Everyone in the room listened patiently as he introduced the musket, from its inspiration, materials, and principles to various details.

Mark, standing to the side, was completely dumbfounded.

He understood what was being introduced, but all he was talking about was advanced firearms knowledge. Are you sure you're not just bragging?

How could such a simple "lump of iron" as yours, which may or may not even qualify as a musket, contain such complex technology?

Mark wasn't stupid either. When he saw the mentors in the audience listening intently, he knew things were getting serious.

The previous "bubble gun" was a finished product; you could blow bubbles however you wanted, since nobody knew who made it.

But this [Explosion Hammer] was made in front of everyone; if there were any problems, there would have been a commotion long ago.

But, to everyone's surprise, the scene was completely silent.

Almost everyone in the audience wore a solemn expression.

After Karl gave a brief and concise introduction to his musket, the host's voice sounded slightly off as he announced, "Then please have Mr. Karl test fire it."

Without further ado, Karl raised his musket, which resembled a hammer, and pulled the trigger towards the target.

Transcendent with keen hearing could clearly hear the crisp "click" of the firing pin, and then almost simultaneously, the nine gun barrels spewed out dazzling flashes of light.

The noise was terrifying.

"BOOM!"

Another sound, like the firing of a cannon, rang out, and the huge meeting hall trembled.

Even Rein's pupils constricted slightly upon seeing the power of the musket, and he couldn't help but secretly admire, "Such powerful force!"

An astonishing amount of energy erupted from the narrow barrel, feeling somewhat like High-tier Extraordinary punching a stone target and then exploding with a deafening roar.

With just one shot, the stone target was blasted into pieces, exploding into various fragments that flew everywhere.

It looked as if it had been cracked open by a hammer.

Tap, tap, tap

The sound of gravel hitting the ground was incessant, as dense as raindrops.

In front of everyone, Karl once again demonstrated what true technological superiority looks like.

In the High-tier Extraordinary realms of Third Tier and above, firearms become somewhat less effective at killing due to limitations in caliber and ammunition capacity.

This [Explosion Hammer] is as powerful as a cannon!

This is a super gun with pinnacle craftsmanship in the field of gunpowder firearms!

On stage, Mark stared dumbfounded at the scene before him, completely unable to believe his eyes, muttering to himself, "No way... he... he cheated, didn't he?"

This time, no one agreed with him.

The audience gasped in shock at what they saw.

Although the trainees couldn't understand the advanced mechanical technology involved in the production process, they could understand its intuitive power.

Such a musket, crafted with the pinnacle of skill, is undoubtedly the lifelong dream of every gun-making apprentice present!

What's even more shocking is that the mid-to-high-level instructors, while they generally understand the technology, simply cannot build it.

Such an ingenious design—that's true "mechanical genius."

Just then, someone suddenly started clapping.

One of the instructors stepped forward and shouted, "Excellent! This musket designed by student Karl is worthy of being recorded in the 'Hall of Famous Guns'!"

It was after these sporadic applause that there was finally some scattered applause.

But the vast majority of the noble boys did not applaud.

Although they acknowledged Karl's musket was formidable, they were unwilling to admit that their Oma Royal Academy of Sciences was inferior. Those who had previously mocked Black Dragon City, in particular, were now pale and flushed, their faces turning quite unsightly.

At this moment, no one questioned Karl's strength anymore.

No one dared to speak up and mock them.

Ultimately, a mechanic's skill is what matters.

Karl used his absolute strength to overwhelm almost everyone present, leaving them breathless.

Even the Grandmaster Oliver felt immense pressure.

After all, Karl is still so young, with unlimited potential. His future is definitely on track to reach the level of "Mechanical Grandmaster," or even higher.

This marks the first time that the Oma Royal has been technically defeated by an "outsider."

At the same time, a question popped into everyone's mind.

Where did this Karl come from?

Inspiration can be considered a talent, but where did he learn all his mechanical knowledge?

Mechanical technology is not a rootless duckweed.

With such outstanding students, there must be outstanding teachers who can teach them.

Originally, any mechanic in the world who could be called a "mechanical genius" invariably came from the Oma Royal Academy of Sciences. Only in this birthplace of Steam Machinery could the most complete and advanced mechanical technology be passed down. And only here could the conditions for cultivating "geniuses" be found.

But now, out of nowhere, a young mechanic from "Black Dragon Academy" has appeared, slapping everyone at the Oma Academy in the face.

Just by looking at this musket, everyone realized that the boy named "Karl" was at least at the level of Senior Mechanic!

Even within the Aoma Academy of Sciences, a "senior mechanic" is considered a top talent.

But why is there no record of this person's performance evaluation in the Mechanist Guild? It's as if he appeared out of thin air.

The exchange between the two colleges suddenly stalled again due to Karl's appearance.

It was supposed to be an exchange between students, but now someone even more capable than the senior instructor has arrived. How can this continue?

Even if the best student from the Oma Academy went on stage, it would only be a disgrace to himself.

At this age, no mechanic is better than Karl!

Even the three Grand Mechanical Master couldn't do it in their youth!

Before he knew it, his forehead was covered in cold sweat; he had never hosted such an agonizing exchange meeting.

He glanced at the senior trainees below the stage; everyone fell silent, and no one spoke.

What should we do now?

According to the procedure, it's now time for the mentors to give their feedback.

But now, everyone is pretending to be dead.

It's fair to say that, aside from master-level mechanics, who else would dare to offer a critique of Karl's skill level?

Who has the qualifications and expertise to provide feedback?

"Cough cough cough"

The host cleared his throat, trying to hide his embarrassment, and then awkwardly laughed, "Haha, this exchange between the two academies has been truly wonderful. Our Mr. Karl from 'Black Dragon Academy' has created a very powerful musket, clearly superior. However, our student Mark is equally impressive; his design fundamentals are solid."

The professional host spoke tactfully and skillfully defused the awkward situation for Omar's side.

Listening to the host's words from below the stage, Rein could tell that Omar's side seemed to want to end this awkward exchange in the ring.

But they came to Black Dragon City today, and they don't want to leave just like that.

Since Dean Breidan, the "real deal," is pretending to be dead and refusing to show himself, we have to force him to reveal himself!

Host: "Alright, that concludes our exciting competition. Students, you can now come down and challenge Black Dragon Academy again."

"Etc!"

At this point, Rein interrupted the host's attempt to end the ring exchange.

He turned to Karl and said in a lecturing tone, "Karl, although your musket is luckily superior, don't be arrogant. The field of mechanics is vast and profound; you must always maintain a humble learning attitude to make progress."

Karl nodded obediently and said, "Yes, Lord City Lord."

Rein's words sounded very "humble," and just when everyone thought that Black Dragon City was going to give Oma Academy some face and let it go, he suddenly changed the subject.

"But!"

Rein added, "After all, firearms are just a small branch of the mechanical field. Now that you're in the 'Mechanical Holy Land,' Karl, why don't you exchange some combat mech information with your classmates? After all, the mechs at the Oma Academy are top-notch. You should learn from your seniors, exchange mech experiences, and bring back some excellent technology for Black Dragon City."

Karl was initially puzzled upon hearing this.

If muskets can't compare to him, then the people who fight in mechs like Omar are even less of a match.

But then his eyes lit up, and he immediately understood, nodding and saying, "Yes!"

At that moment, he pulled out his "Little Raccoon" combat suit and said to the crowd below, "This is a combat suit I designed myself, and I hope to share it with everyone."

Although Karl's tone was still somewhat immature, his words struck everyone at the Oma Academy like a blow to the head.

Holy crap, they have absolutely no sense of martial ethics!

Those students who didn't understand the feud between Tuster and Breidan showed humiliated anger on their faces.

Even our Oma Academy admits we've lost this round, why aren't you giving up?

Where is your aristocratic demeanor?

I may curse in my heart, but there's absolutely nothing I can do about it.

After all, "combat mechs" belong to the most advanced field of mechanics.

This is a complex and comprehensive mechanical product involving firearms, ammunition, Mechanical Arm, power systems, exoskeletons, enchantments, operating systems, and a series of other components.

Being able to independently complete mecha design is one of the most important assessment criteria for advancing to the level of Senior Mechanic!

This is no longer a field that mechanical apprentices can get involved in.

But the other party has already made it clear that they want to exchange Mechanical Armor, so shouldn't your Oma Academy send someone out?

If you can't beat a student of equal status, are you suggesting sending a mentor instead?

But even the most experienced mentors can't beat them!

No one questioned whether Karl had designed the armor himself anymore. Although the raccoon design was a bit unusual, anyone who truly understood mecha design could tell from the details of the armor that it was definitely not simple.

Winning by a landslide is not easy.

Could it be that the other side sent a trainee, and we have to send a "Mechanical Grandmaster" instead?

Otherwise, if they lose again, where will the Oma Royal Academy of Sciences put its face?

They've already said that your Oma Academy is supposedly a holy land with the highest level of mecha technology in the world, and this is it?

Karl single-handedly dominated the entire arena.

It's like they've grabbed the "giant" Oma Academy by the neck.

Those below the neck can't compare to him, and those above the neck don't even have the face to compare.

The huge academic exchange hall fell completely silent.

While the group from Black Dragon City were exchanging ideas in the academic hall and at the Oma Academy...

In the small house by the "Listen to Rain Lake".

Madam Garcia sent her daughter Fia away and sat quietly in the house, seemingly waiting for something.

Just then, a semi-transparent figure suddenly appeared in the air, and a cold dagger was pressed against her neck.

The middle-aged woman seemed to have expected this, and remained completely calm throughout.

She calmly sipped her coffee and asked casually, "Enock, Breidan still planning to kill me?"

The tone was not questioning; it was more like stating a fact.

The assassin seemed to be an acquaintance as well.

Hearing this, he slowly appeared. "I'm sorry, Madam. Since you've guessed as much, I hope you won't put me in a difficult position. Only if you are gone will your family be spared. Do you have any last words? I can convey them for you."

"."

Garcia raised an eyebrow, as if he had expected this outcome.

The Garcia Family should have been wiped out back then; they've only managed to survive thanks to her. They thought they'd integrated into high society, but looking back, they were just pawns in the hands of the most powerful and influential, ready to be discarded at any moment.

Moreover, at this crucial moment of the transition of imperial power, the Empress's Faction would absolutely not allow any scandal to occur at the Royal Academy of Sciences, which supports her.

"You want to kill me and Tuster?"

As she said this, a desolate smile appeared on Madam Garcia's lips, clearly indicating that she had seen through everything.

The murder wasn't to prevent her from testifying, but because those above had designs on Tuster's technology. They would never allow technology surpassing that of the Royal Academy to exist.

No, to be precise, it means that the technology that could crush Breidan is not allowed to exist.

Just like back then.

Upon hearing this, the assassin remained silent, which was tantamount to acquiescence.

Madam Garcia sighed softly and shook her head, "You don't understand him at all."

Even though she knew she was doomed, her expression remained calm.

It seems like it would be better to end one's life like this.

The dagger pierced his chest, and blood stained his purple robes.

In her final moments, Madam Garcia saw the patch of violets in front of her door, and it seemed as if she was recalling something from her youth, a happy smile spreading across her face.

She lay on the sofa, her arms hanging limply at her sides, her voice growing weaker and weaker. "The mechanical field is so boring without you, Tuster."

You are still alive.

That's interesting.

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