Chapter 439: Exposed

The steam engine converts the energy of steam into mechanical work.

Simply put, it boils water and uses expanding steam to push pistons to perform work.

Given the knowledge of its principle and structure, the most critical aspect of manufacturing it is precision.

Previously, the craftsmanship of blacksmiths in this world could not achieve this, but now it is different. With two fire-affinity mages, Ronin and Sophia, they can use mental power combined with magic to create highly precise structural components, and with Simon's forging ability, it is entirely feasible.

“Although both it and magic power can drive the ship's paddles, compared to magic power, it consumes far too many resources and is inconvenient.”

Simon held the blueprint, looking incredulous, “But your steam engine consumes common fuels, even charcoal can be used.”

He looked at Ronin and praised, “You have opened a new door! This thing will surely be widely adopted in the future, and you will be the father of the steam engine!”

Sophia's gaze at Ronin was also filled with surprise and respect. Similarly observing common phenomena in life, others could effectively utilize them to create a steam engine—why didn't they have such ideas?

Ronin was so delighted by the sudden prestigious title that he couldn't close his mouth, “All of this requires our collective effort.”

Next, the group discussed specific cooperation methods, ultimately deciding that Simon, along with Carlos, would handle the main structure, while Ronin would be responsible for components requiring higher precision, such as pistons and cylinders.

That night, a grand banquet was held in Swamp Castle, with knights and officials all invited to attend.

This was both a welcome for Sophia and others, and also a long-awaited team-building event for the Wubei Territory, as the future construction and affairs of the territory would rely on them.

Early the next morning, Ronin rode Carlos, carrying Sophia, Annilu, Petrolo, and Harmon, flying to Shore City.

Previously, the thirteen-meter-long young dragon carrying five people was somewhat cramped, but now Carlos's torso alone was twelve meters—not only could it carry five, but even five more could sit comfortably.

“Sophia, do you also have dragons in your Crescent Continent?”

“Yes!”

Sophia said, “Treasure-loving black dragons, gem-loving blue dragons, competitive elemental dragons, and so on.”

“So many!”

Ronin was somewhat surprised, and he understood why, when he previously mentioned having a dragon, they didn’t show particular astonishment.

Sophia smiled, “Actually, it's just the variety that's plentiful; the number of dragons is still very scarce. Especially after that great war a thousand years ago, high-level dragons were almost all killed or injured, and the remaining young dragons grow slowly.”

She looked at Carlos, “If your dragon were in the Crescent Continent, its strength would likely rank in the upper-middle tier.”

Although dragons have long lifespans, their growth is indeed slow.

If Carlos hadn't received Ronin's help, this legendary-quality dragon probably wouldn’t have reached legend even at the end of its life.

Carlos's speed was extremely fast, arriving at Shore City within an hour and landing at Shore Castle.

Since there was no concealment, the dragon's appearance was seen by many, including Redar, who was deploying defenses in the south. He rode his gryphon and arrived at the castle shortly afterward.

Redar performed a chest salute, “Master, long time no see!”

Ronin greeted with a smile and then prepared to introduce them.

But Sophia spoke first, “Ronin, is this the Sun Knight you mentioned?”

While speaking, she examined Redar thoroughly, showing puzzled eyes.

Redar nodded politely, “Welcome, ladies. I am the master’s follower, commander of the Wubei Territory, and also the captain of the Fifth Knights of Wushan Castle, Redar Main!”

As he spoke, he extended his hand.

Sophia widened her eyes, her slender fingers covering her slightly open mouth, still unable to conceal her shock.

Annilu, Petrolo, and Harmon beside her were also shocked.

“Redar Main, commander of the Flame Expeditionary Force?”

Petrolo spoke in a tone of disbelief, “Heaven, what kind of encounter is this!”

If it were just a shared name, Sophia and others wouldn’t have linked it to the Flame Expeditionary Force.

But the Redar before them wasn’t simply a shared name—the same strength, the same fiery red hair, even the same appearance…

With so many identical pieces of information intertwining, they couldn’t help but associate him with the fallen commander.

“Uh…”

Redar was somewhat bewildered.

He had received Ronin's letter earlier and roughly knew about Sophia and others' origins, so he didn’t show any peculiarity when introducing himself.

But he never expected such a situation.

Redar helplessly looked at Ronin, his eyes seeming to ask, “Master, what should I do?”

Ronin awkwardly scratched his head; now it was his turn to be shocked.

In his view, there were many powerful individuals in the Crescent Continent back then. Redar was just a Sun Knight, somewhat formidable but not someone recorded for millennia.

So Ronin didn’t think Sophia and others could recognize Redar, especially since they didn’t show any familiarity when meeting Elron.

“Ronin, please tell me what this is about?”

Sophia pointed at Redar and said, “How did Commander Redar, who led the Flame Expeditionary Force to kill the Shadow Lord Eliot, become your subordinate?”

At that moment, Ronin seemed to understand why they recognized Redar.

Achievements like slaying the Shadow Lord could indeed be recorded.

He brainstormed rapidly; how could he explain this situation?

“Do you believe in the Seven Gods?”

Unable to reveal his own abilities, Ronin had to attribute it to gods.

Sophia shook her head, “I don’t believe.”

Ronin was speechless; how could everyone say the Seven Gods bless, but Sophia didn’t believe?

“The Seven Gods are merely reverence for the seven elemental forces; rather than calling them the Seven Gods, it's more like the World Heart.”

Ronin shrugged, “Alright, anyway, it's hard to explain.”

He changed his approach, fabricating anew, “Briefly, a temporal rift suddenly appeared before me, and Redar emerged from it. I saved him, and then he followed me.”

Temporal rift?

A hero from over a thousand years ago didn’t die in battle but instead was swept into a temporal rift and appeared over a millennium later?

Although Sophia doubted this explanation, there seemed no better alternative.

Space magic is a realm accessible only beyond legend, indeed filled with many mysteries.

Sophia and others looked at Redar, as if seeking verification.

“The master's words are true.”

Redar honestly said, “I indeed arrived here unexpectedly through a temporal journey.”

To be convincing, he added, “Initially, my memories were incomplete; as my strength gradually recovered, I slowly recalled past events.”

“The battle at Flame Valley, although Eliot was slain, the expeditionary force was completely annihilated—it was a brutal battle!”

With Flame Valley mentioned, they were fully convinced.

“Your sacrifices bought us precious time!”

Sophia's gaze was full of respect, “You are heroes!” (End of chapter.)