Different Paths, Same Destination

"There was no essential difference. Different paths, same destination."

Viscount Rost said with a chuckle, "Don't you think alchemists' creations and Magitech Devices have remarkably similar principles?"

"No."

Nidhogg, the Destruction Black Dragon, answered decisively without the slightest hesitation, as though hesitating for even a second would have been irresponsible toward his own understanding.

Viscount Rost casually pulled two items from his pocket. "Good thing I have a Magitech Device and an alchemical magic item here. Don't you think they look quite alike?"

"Do they? One requires you to channel magic power into it before it can operate, and its greatest effect is adding certain properties to your spells. The other comes with magic power of its own and doesn't require any input..."

As Nidhogg, the Destruction Black Dragon, spoke, his expression suddenly froze. "Wait. Now that you put it that way, they really do seem somewhat similar."

"A Magitech Device is merely a magic item upgraded to the point where it no longer requires a mage to use it."

Viscount Rost spoke in an even tone. "Of course, over the course of its development, Magitech Devices have acquired some characteristics of their own."

"For example, even a Legendary Mage would be exhausted after driving a Magitech Train for several dozen kilometers. But with some other types of magic arrays added, the Magitech Train can run on its own."

"But fundamentally, they started out as the same thing."

"An outstanding alchemist only needs some simple training to become an outstanding magitech specialist."

"Since that's the case, why shouldn't we participate in an event like this?"

"This is a good opportunity. If we happen to discover some promising candidates, the benefits to the Technology God Church would be enormous."

This time, Viscount Rost intended to achieve three wins at once.

Through