Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 94 I have a plan
Unexpectedly, while the direct damage from the missile was blocked, the blast wave from the explosion could not be stopped. This effect, similar to a dragon wing flap, is really impossible to counter unless there is a targeted spell shield or something like the Orthilk Protector Orb.

I myself wasn't hurt, but Bantley, who was suddenly thrown off balance by the gust of wind, got up covered in dirt and had black engine oil stuck in his hair.

Bantley, who was jumping up and down cursing, was actually quite helpless. Despite his best efforts to prevent it, he still couldn't stop it. Who knew that while the explosive power of this guy was only so-so, the impact force of the airflow was quite impressive.

For the second test, Old Bentley was much more cautious. He simply put on an Ottiluca ball, pulled out a bunch of wrenches, screwdrivers and other tools from who-knows-where, and patiently disassembled the second missile.

This time, he was much more cautious and meticulous. After carefully separating the missile warhead from the missile body, he discovered that the cylindrical missile body was filled with red crystalline powder in addition to the engraved magic circuits inside.

Finally, a discovery was made! Overjoyed, the old mage quickly turned around and grabbed a sealed glass jar, pouring all the powder into it. He didn't discard the disassembled projectile either, as the circuit array on it still had research value.

Not satisfied, Old Bentley turned his gaze back to the warhead.

However, this thing looks like a single piece, without even a rivet or screw, so he didn't know where to start and was at a loss.

Huh? Is that red, pointed part the power button?
PONG~~~
Fortunately, thanks to the thorough protective measures, the old master, unharmed amidst the billowing smoke, even had the composure to consider the next disassembly method.

The person was unharmed, but the research materials they had just collected, the jar of crystal powder, were completely destroyed in the explosion.

Having learned his lesson, Old Bentley put aside his research on the warhead and directly disassembled the last missile, removing the warhead and placing it separately in an all-steel enchanted safe to analyze the crystal powder and the missile body.

To be fair, Old Bentley does have some real skills. Over the years, he has tinkered with a number of things in his magic lab on and off, and he hasn't completely given up on experimental research.

For the past three days, he has done nothing but focus on analyzing the composition, properties, and effects of this red crystal.

The properties and effects are easy to explain; based on the role these powders play in missiles, it's not hard to deduce their combustion and propulsion functions.

After conducting a series of experiments, including combustion, corrosion, and pressure tests, Bentley has gained a fairly good understanding of the powder's properties.

However, the component analysis stumped him. He tried mixing the powder with various other alchemical agents, raw materials, and powders, and even recorded their flame reactions. But when he applied the alchemical equations to these various reactions, they did not conform to any of the laws governing the reaction of any substance.

Even with subsequent use of spell radiation analysis and spell aura spectral analysis (i.e., irradiating the material with specific detection arcane spells and then analyzing and identifying the spell residual fluctuations and auras produced by the reaction between the spell and the raw material), the only conclusion that the powder contained sunstone and fire agate could be drawn, while the other component remained unknown.

Just when Old Bentley, unwilling to give up, wanted to continue, the raw materials ran out, and that brat's time was up.

“Look, I’m just a tiny bit away from success, just a tiny bit. I’m about to discover a completely new alchemical ingredient. Do you know what that means?” Old Banterley gesticulated wildly in front of Zhang Yuan, spitting as he spoke.

Zhang Yuan took a step back in time and silently put on a mask, but even with the mask on, Lao Ban Te Li could still see two big words written on the other person's face - disgust.

I'll endure it. The other side has already gotten hold of my old classmate's weakness, so I can only put up with this for now and pretend I didn't see it.

“Of course I’d be happy to cooperate with your experiment, teacher,” Zhang Yuan seemed to agree. Old Ban Teli was overjoyed to hear this, not even bothering to correct the way he addressed him as “teacher.” “However, this missile is part of the summoned creature; it’s not a product of our plane. Who can be sure that its components definitely exist in the prime material plane?”

Zhang Yuan's casual remark sent a chill down Lao Bante's spine, from his throat to his anus.

The old mage, who had been so focused on his research, suddenly remembered that while the construct he was researching was a type of puppet, it was also a product of a non-native plane. Just as the other party had said, even if he managed to develop it, it would be difficult to put it into practical use, unless he could open a portal in that place, which might be the Mechanical Realm, to engage in smuggling.

But if I have that ability, why do I have to tinker with this stuff?
Not wanting the old master to be so disappointed, and even less wanting the angry other party to kick him out, Zhang Yuan quickly offered his opinion:
"Instead of analyzing those raw materials, we should study the laser gun in the repairman's hand. Technology isn't unique to any one dimension, is it?"

"I'd like to, but your summon is a physical entity, not a projection. If you take the laser gun off, you'll never have that weapon again. Are you willing to part with it?"

Old Ban Teli glanced at Zhang Yuan sideways.

"It's alright, go ahead and dismantle it. It's on me; consider it tuition." Zhang Yuan was unusually generous for once.

The old master looked at the young man opposite him with some surprise. After these past few days, didn't he have a good idea of ​​what kind of person the other guy was? He wouldn't call him a miser or a cheapskate, but it would be appropriate to describe this guy as cunning and full of tricks and schemes. Why was he suddenly so generous now?
However, Zhang Yuan also had his own plans. The weapons that the Tinker lost could not be automatically replenished like ammunition when the magic power was full, nor could they be self-repaired in the chessboard space after being damaged. Therefore, without this laser gun, the Tinker's combat power was indeed greatly reduced.

The problem is, does Zhang Yuan really need this piece right now? With over sixty energy points, he could easily buy another Tinker, and he could even recover the missing piece to mitigate the loss.

If Old Bentley could research something and replicate a laser gun, that would be the best outcome. Not only could I rightfully ask him for one as a ranged weapon to make up for my weakness, but if the thing sold well, I might even be considered an early shareholder and get a share of the profits.

Even if this daydream doesn't come true and the investment goes down the drain, it's not a big deal. Those few energy points are still a huge profit as tuition.

Zhang Yuan, who was meticulously calculating his options, felt he couldn't possibly lose out.

Since the host had agreed, Old Bentley wouldn't play any pretentious polite tricks of declining. As for the other party's request to continue learning, this time the old master didn't mention anything about being kicked out after ten days.

"You can stay as long as you want until this laser gun is fully understood."

"I don't want to spend my whole life doing this stupid research with an old man like you."

Bang! The old mage's pipe was always more direct and swift than his words, and it always hit someone on the back of the head. Its accuracy made Zhang Yuan think that the pipe was permanently enchanted with the ability to defeat enemies.

Summoning the goblin tinkerer, Zhang Yuan suggested that instead of disassembling the weapons, they go to the spell practice room for a target practice session.

Someone wanted to show off the power of this laser gun to the old mage.

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(End of this chapter)