The American In Another World
Chapter 68: Magic Weapon

February 25, 1640

Helheim Islands

Clumps of black smoke gushed out from the dormant volcano, darkening the sky above. An ominous atmosphere of foreboding surrounds a mysterious chain of islands as mysterious energies materialize in a concrete facility. A bolt of lightning flashed overhead, pulled towards a pair of silver rods sticking out from the top of the volcano.

Built on the side of a volcano, the Gra Valkan research facility performs secret experiments using magic gems. Amidst the maze of passageways and rooms, one viewing platform stood out. Placed under a lightning rod, it was possible to see the rocky exterior and the ground beyond it, as well as the view of the interior of the smoldering volcano.

Tracking the results of the current experiment, the team of scientists operated a recording device while a tall Aryan and his lab coat were watching. Armed with striking features and a keen intellect, he represents the head of the magical research operations of the Gra Valkas Empire. After completing his work on their atomic bombs, he was transferred to the Helheim Islands to work on a new magical weapon: the lightning weapon.

Standing by his side, a cloaked mage from the Magikareich Community stared at the magnificent display of strength with his mouth open. "For the sake of heaven, Lord Braun, you are certainly not kidding when you claim to have a greater understanding of philosophy than the Muan people."

The principal scientist ignores that praise, his priorities set elsewhere. “So, is this demonstration enough to convince you?”

“Of course, Mr. Braun. I hope you will be satisfied knowing that I will return to the Magikareich Community with stellar recommendations, provided you share some of this research and all the prerequisite materials necessary to understand it.

Lord Braun held back a frown. Although he and his superiors wanted Magikareich's knowledge of magic technology, they didn't want to exchange Gra Valkan technology that was too sensitive for it. Braun nodded reluctantly. The Magikareich proposal is not ideal, but it is acceptable. "Very good. Kindly send my greetings to the High Council and the Dean.”

The cloaked mage left without a word, leaving only the crackling of electricity and the monotonous hum of machinery to fill the silence. Satisfied with the deal they made, Braun returned his attention to the ongoing experiment. Reflecting on the project itself, he saw the document placed on the table before him: Project Mjolnir.

The lightning gun is a new magic weapon designed to fire a lightning strike aimed at a target. Ever considered impossible, new discoveries in the field of magic — especially the ability to control the basic properties of — allows the development of this new magic weapon. Using magic to create electromagnetic tunnels, lightning can be directed at a target much like how a rifle barrel directs a bullet. The practical application of the weapon itself is questionable, with its primary use as a possible opponent for American electronic equipment. Despite shaky incentives to build these weapons, the project still represents a scientific foundation for the study of magic. Even if the lightning weapon proves ineffective,

——

27 February

Avest, Magikareich Community

The capital city of Magikareich, like other Elysian capitals, is a consolidation of the wealth and power of government. Combining the practical functions of Muan city and the beautiful aesthetics of Mirishial city, Avest is the culmination of a combination of magic and scientific technology. They crave knowledge, so much so that their form of government is a council made up of intellectuals: professors who each manage the state.

Together, these councils make decisions for the entire community, such as the decision to ally with the Valkan Gra and share their knowledge. After finalizing the agreement for Gra Valkan research, the board met once again to discuss the contents of the enormous data package they received. Boxes of textbooks and reports relating to Project Mjolnir are stacked on the ceiling while the board members debate the consequences of an ongoing friendship with the Gra Valkans.

Concerned over the deterioration of relations with Mu, some of the council protested against exclusivity. “We already have what we asked for! No more excuses to pursue closer ties with these strangers!” A woman in blue confirmed her position.

"No further reason, you say?" A man in a red suit asked with a luxurious accent. “Doctor Halberd, reality shows otherwise. This technology is just a small part of the magic in their library. Why stop here when we can secure more?”

“Doctor Neumann,” sigh Halberd, “I beg you to see why. This greed can only be satisfied with a high price,” he said wide. “Should we entertain your fantasy, we will give up most of our secrets! Not only that, we will miss the opportunity with Muans, Mirishials, and maybe even Americans!”

The head turned, the mouth remained silent. The board members looked at each other, digesting Halberd's concerns. It is no secret that the Elysian Defense Initiative and the Gra Valkas Empire are beginning to show a different kind of rivalry. Both sides had already begun carving out the country and dragging them into their own sphere of influence, with Gra Valkans taking over Leifor, its subsidiaries, and the Conshal Islands. In response, Muan began to consolidate their allied factions and the Mirishials ended up using the power of their reputation. Even Americans are not ashamed of such imperialism, regardless of their democratic ways. After the Parpaldian-American War, they basically brought the entire Third Civilization Region into their group.

While everyone agrees that getting help from the Valkan Gra Empire rather than Muan and Mirishial is preferable, not everyone thinks it is a good idea to sacrifice relations with America. Realizing this, Neumann countered before his argument lost favor. “Exchanging our secrets with the secrets of the Valkan Gra itself is a profitable exchange, given the level of the technology. Doing so will improve our own understanding of magic and science, freeing us from our dependence on the pieces of Muan and Mirishial!” He boldly declared. He enjoyed the quality of his words, confident that he could dispel any worries about losing Muan and Mirishial's belongings.

Halberd stopped Neumann from speaking further, “Wait, that assumption completely ignores the diplomatic deal! This ban — only applies to civilian travelers. We've heard Muan and Mirishial officials find access to American libraries and textbooks. Ask yourself, why are Mu and the Holy Mirishial Kingdom engaged in such close trade with Americans?

"Well," Neumann scoffed. “What you are talking about is mere rumors! You have no conclusive proof for such a transaction!”

“You just have to ask Oracles! Their agent has seen a sight that corroborates my claim.”

“Interesting stalling tactics, Doctor Halberd,” Neumann shots.

Before he could tear down the credibility of Halberd's claims, the Dean himself intervened. “Claim Halberd did find the truth with Oracles' findings overseas. However, we should not assume that Americans would be kind enough to just give us their best technology. They would most likely ask for something in return, just like they had done with the Mirishials. Doctor Halberd, what can we offer them, and what can we expect in return?”

Doctor Halberd calmed down, brushing a strand of brown hair off his face before replying, “Master Dean, I believe that we can offer the same ingredients to the Americans we have traded in Gra Valkans. They are also interested in learning magic, as evidenced by their activities with neighbors and Mirishial. While competing with Mirishial technology is a daunting task, we still maintain one advantage: we know best how to integrate magic with science. If they haven't established basic principles, we can guide them instead of technology. If they prefer us to support them rather than the Gra Valkans, then we can take calculated risks in diplomacy; we can ask for more concessions. If they want the support of the Magikareich Community,

The board members exuded a series of nods, excited over the prospect of accepting American technology. Like the law of gravity, it is clear that Americans have a greater scientific understanding than the Muan and Gra Valkans. If Magikareich could secure a mutually beneficial relationship with America, then they would not need the help of the Gra Valkans.

Neumann's eyes twitched at the thought of losing their relationship with the Gra Valkans - and furthermore, his lucrative and highly profitable project. Desperately gripping the straw, he finally found one that could save his position, or at least delay the inevitable until he milked as much as he could from the Gra Valkans. “This prospect, Doctor Halberd, is indeed interesting. I find myself inclined to agree with you on this, but there are still valid concerns.

Halberd raised an eyebrow, crossed his arms. "And what is it?"

“Our relationship with Gra Valkan is already established. We cannot leave what we have for misguided optimism. What if Americans don't accept our proposal? We then do not have Gra Valkan or American technology. Or Muan technology, or Mirishial.” technology

The spear was speechless, unable to make a reply to Neumann's attention. Already, he saw more and more board members starting to agree with his concerns. Without saying anything, he simply nodded and sat down in his chair.

Neumann looked at the dean, a white-haired man wearing a golden suit. "Mr Dean?"

The Dean closed the debate. “I have arrived at the completion. Both parties make a very good point, and if any of you consider my proposal inadequate, you can submit your own new proposal. He raised a finger. “Now, what I propose is a compromise between Halberd's view and Neumann's view. We cannot ignore the potential to acquire American knowledge, but we cannot ignore the real boon afforded by our current engagement with the Gra Valkans. We need more information before making a decision, so I propose that we maintain the current relationship with the Valkan Gra while also getting closer to America. We will implement this strategy immediately, to be stopped and revisited only if one of the parties gives us an ultimatum. Any other suggestions?”

Everyone shakes their heads.

"Very good. We will now vote on this proposal. Doctor Halberd agrees?”

Halberd stood up from his chair, proudly saying his position. "Yes." Yeah."

The Dean recorded the vote on a piece of paper. "Doctor Neumann agrees?"

Neumann disliked the condition of the proposal, but acknowledged it as a victory. That's better than nothing. Reluctantly, he gave up his voice. "Yes." Yeah."

The dean continued the voting process along with ten other council members. “It looks like we have a unanimous consensus. It is now official: The Magikareich Community will seek to maintain its current relationship with the Valkan Gra Empire. While doing so, we will build a relationship with America until we issue an ultimatum, or reach a final decision. Board members, we will convene monthly to review our position. At any time, you can confirm or cancel your vote. Once there are twelve confirmed votes, we will proceed with the elected plan. If there's a series, we'll revisit the sound, if anyone wants to change it. If there is still a series, then I will mediate and decide.” The dean then uses a hammer, signifying the end of their meeting. “This convention is now delayed. You're all fired.”