New Mission for the Intelligence Department

Powell shook his head. "It's already amazing, like magic. I initially thought this project was to produce a weapon that was even more terrifying than Bed Crossbow and Catapult, but I never expected it to be such a magical creation."

"It's a pity that it can only be used to haul ore, and it requires a track to be used."

Victor and Veronica exchanged a smile.

Veronica said, "That's not the case, Mr. Powell. The Internal Combustion Engine Number One was just installed on a chassis to facilitate power output; it doesn't mean it can only be used on the track."

"It can also be used on boats. As long as it is equipped with a device that is suitable for propelling the boat forward in the water, it can provide power to the boat so that it can move forward even without wind, towing, or oars."

"But this is too big. I feel that apart from the flat-bottomed sand barges of the inland river fleet, no other ship can fit it," Weber questioned.

"We can adjust the parameters and change the size of this engine. Even if we don't adjust these, we can still install it on a seagoing vessel. Seagoing vessels are much larger than inland river vessels and need this kind of power unit more, since you can't tow ropes on the open sea," Veronica added.

"I see, sir. You said before that not only the keel could be made of steel, but the hull could also be made of steel. I was wondering how such a ship would move at sea. It turns out you had already thought of this kind of machinery back then. You are truly farsighted," Powell exclaimed.

"Yes, even the design blueprints for this machine were drawn by Victor. Our team was only responsible for manufacturing it. Victor is the father of this Internal Combustion Engine Number One."

"Veronica, I did provide the ideas and blueprints, but without you and your team, it wouldn't exist. You did an excellent job!"

"Weber, this is the result of the 5,000 gold coins I asked you to withdraw from the Finance Department. Do you think it was worth it?"

"My lord, I was indeed shallow. Your wisdom is as unfathomable as a god. It is my honor to work for you."

"Weber, you're quite the flatterer. I underestimated you."

"Alright, Veronica, there should still be some parts to show, let's not waste any more time."

"Of course, the moment of truth is yet to come." Veronica waved to an engineer next to the machine.

The engineer pulled down a lever on the side of the machine, and slowly, the machine began to vibrate. Then, the piston on the cylinder began to move slowly.

Just a few seconds later, the vibrations grew louder and louder, and the pistons pushed the connecting rods and flywheels to move faster and faster. The entire machine emitted a huge roar, and everyone in the room felt the ground shaking.

Victor noticed what Powell was saying, but he couldn't hear it due to the roar of the engine.

Victor walked up to Powell and shouted, "Powell, what are you saying?"

Powell blushed and exclaimed, "This is incredible! It's like a dragon roaring!"

"Yes, this is godlike power. You will witness even more powerful things in the future," Victor murmured to himself.

The exhaust pipes on the side of the fuselage also began to emit hot air, which made the entire factory building hot.

Victor gestured to Veronica to stop the machine, and Veronica understood and sent Victor to shut it down.

As the fuel injection stopped, the steel behemoth slowly quieted down.

Powell, Weber, and Orlando were flushed and filled with excitement.

Orlando remained silent throughout, Victor knew it was just his personality, but seeing Orlando's expression, he was curious about Orlando's thoughts.

"Orlando, what are your thoughts after seeing Internal Combustion Engine Number One?"

"My lord, with this, I feel that the viscount title is merely a stepping stone for you to climb higher, Count, no, even the Marquis, is nothing. You will surely achieve something comparable to the grand duke. As long as you give the order, Orlando will not be afraid even if he is shattered to pieces."

"Me too Powell (Weber)."

"Thank you for your contributions; you have also played a part in my career."

"Veronica, thank you for your hard work today. We'll head over now. Remember to go home early after you've finished your work."

"Yes, my viscount."

Victor led a few people out of the factory.

"Don't tell anyone about what happened today. Everyone will see it when it's officially running."

"Yes!" ×3

"Powell, Weber, you two can go ahead. Orlando and I have some things to attend to and need to return to the official residence."

"Yes, sir." ×2

Victor led Orlando into a carriage and headed towards the mansion.

"Orlando, I need you to continue to strengthen the protection of the research lab, especially the key technical personnel. You need to assign special personnel to guard them. You understand what I mean?"

"Sir, rest assured, I will send another action team over. They will take over the surveillance. However, if Ms. Veronica takes the machine to the Steelworks for trial operation, I think the garrison regiment should also be involved. The Intelligence Department's strength is still too weak."

Victor stroked his chin and thought for a while.

"Orlando, you're right. I'll give you a warrant later. Just go find Marvin, and he'll take care of everything."

Orlando nodded. "Yes, sir."

"How's the mission assigned to the Intelligence Department going?"

"The mapping mission you assigned across the entire duchy is progressing smoothly. We have dispatched six action teams to accompany the caravans, and all teams are reporting back that the missions are going well. Except for some independent noble territories with restricted areas where outsiders are strictly prohibited from entering, which prevents us from conducting mapping, we have completed the mapping of Bria County in the Three Counties of the Northern Frontier. Durham County and North York County are too large, and we have only completed one-third of them so far."

"The progress is fast, don't rush it, try to keep it accurate. How's Dane from the Blood Scorpion Tribe doing?"

"As you instructed, we are training him. After he completes the training program, we will release him back to the Blood Scorpion Tribe. However, although he is behaving obediently now, I am worried that he will change his mind after returning to the tribe."

"He won't go back on his word. With us around, he still has a chance to compete for the chieftain's succession. Once he loses our help, he will be completely out of hope."

"I understand, sir."

"Orlando, I have a new mission for you. The Intelligence Department has ten action teams now, and you have two that you can deploy. I need you to send one of these teams to accompany the Gorn Trading Company to Silver Maple City. I don't want them to gather any important intelligence; they just need to promptly summarize any changes in Silver Maple City and report them back to the territory. Do you understand?"

"I will arrange it, please rest assured, sir."

Victor nodded.