Starting as the Baron of the Lonely Island

Louis’s objection was not without reason.

Building a thirty-meter-long iron ship would require at least 600,000 pounds of iron. Take Black Forest Island, for example—its current annual iron production is only around 30,000 pounds.

In other words, one ship would consume twenty years of Black Forest Island’s steel production!

Even on the Silent Shore, where they had more mines and miners, the mining methods were no different. They were still stuck with traditional open-pit shallow mining and manual tunneling, which were extremely inefficient.

"You’re right. Our current steel production is indeed insufficient to support the construction of iron ships."

Duane nodded. "So, our first step must be to increase our steel production."

Louis looked thoughtful. "That would require more manpower and tools. I think this is a matter better discussed with Count Kais."

Clearly, she was only interested in magic research and had little interest in things like mining iron ore and smelting iron.

With a mysterious smile, Duane retrieved a small Fel Energy Ore from his Void Space. "Natalia, cover me with a Magic Shield."

"Oh, okay."

Though Natalia was confused, she did as he asked, and a Magic Shield soon enveloped Duane.

Louis and Delilah grew curious, wondering what Duane was about to do.

"This is a special ore from the Secret Realm on Black Forest Island. When you use Extraction Magic on it, it triggers a special effect."

He used a Wind-Held Spell to levitate the Fel Energy Ore, then cast an Extraction Spell on it.

With a BANG, the Fel Energy Ore instantly exploded. A huge shockwave of energy burst forth, causing the Magic Shield to ripple violently, almost collapsing.

Inside the shield, Duane formed armor from his Fighting Qi to protect himself from the shrapnel.

"I call it the Fel Energy Bomb!"

The three women watched this scene in shock. When the Magic Shield dissipated, the air filled with a faint, pungent smell, and the wave of heat that washed over them made them feel as if they were standing before a bonfire.

"A Fel Energy Bomb?"

Natalia exclaimed in amazement, "I can’t believe an ore the size of an egg can release so much energy."

Delilah used their research findings to explain, "Elemental Ore stores Extraordinary Energy. Theoretically, if you could disrupt the energy within the gem and make it explode, it is indeed possible to produce such an effect."

Louis added, "The energy inside Magic Crystal Stones and Elemental Ore is inert and very difficult to disrupt. It’s just that your ore is a bit special, that it can be detonated with an Extraction Spell."

She recalled Duane’s earlier intention to increase iron ore production and realized what he was getting at.

"You want to use it for mining?"

Delilah and Natalia realized this as well.

Using the power of an explosion to blast open a mine was indeed much more convenient than manual excavation.

The result was so obvious it didn’t even need to be tested.

"That’s right. If that egg-sized bomb had been placed on the ground, it would have created a shallow crater about thirty centimeters deep."

Duane said, "And the power of a Fel Energy Bomb is related to the volume of the ore. If we use a slightly larger one, it can definitely be used in the mining industry!"

He paused for a moment, then added, "And if this thing were used in a war... you can just imagine the effect."

At Duane’s reminder, the three women’s thoughts immediately jumped to that possibility, and they were even more shocked by his idea.

"An egg-sized ore nearly shattered my Magic Shield. If one two or three times larger exploded at close range, I’m afraid it would even heavily injure a Middle Level Warrior!"

In truth, there was something else Duane hadn’t mentioned.

For example, wrapping the Fel Energy Ore with things like iron nails and then detonating it would make it even more lethal.

But his purpose today wasn’t to create lethal weapons, so he didn’t elaborate further.

Louis’s interest was piqued. "This is an astonishing discovery and concept, Duane. What do you need me to do for you?"

Delilah, for her part, stated, "The Magic Research Institute will support you with all its resources."

Duane expressed his gratitude.

He had revealed the Fel Energy Bomb to them, firstly because he trusted them, and secondly because he knew his own time and energy were limited. He couldn’t possibly do everything himself.

Besides, even if he managed to create everything, he would still need help with production.

The Kennedy Magic Research Institute was clearly the most suitable partner.

"You just saw it. The moment Extraction Magic touches the Fel Energy Ore, it explodes. This can’t be used in production."

Duane explained, "We can’t have Mages working as miners. Of course, even if we did send some poor Mage to be a miner, he wouldn’t be fast enough to get away from the explosion."

Louis understood. "You want me to help you design a device for a delayed explosion, one that can also be used by ordinary people?"

’Talking to smart people saved so much trouble.’

Duane smiled and nodded. "Yes, Vice-Dean. Your mind is incredibly sharp! I need a device that an ordinary person can activate, which will then trigger the extraction effect after a certain period of time, detonating the Fel Energy Bomb."

Louis frowned. "I have some ideas on how to trigger the Extraction Spell. The key is the delayed trigger."

Hearing this, Duane couldn’t help but give a wry smile.

He had a solution for the delayed trigger, but no idea how to trigger the Extraction Spell. The two of them complemented each other perfectly.

"I have an idea for the delayed trigger. Just leave that part to me."

A delayed trigger could be achieved with a mainspring and gears. Since Duane only needed a one-time effect, the material requirements wouldn’t be high, making it completely feasible.

Louis’s eyes lit up. "I’m very curious. I wonder, could you tell me your idea?"

"No problem."

Next, Duane began to explain how to build a timer using a mainspring and gears.

Although this was something that had never appeared in this world, it was relatively easy to understand by comparing it to a Crossbow String storing energy.

Half an hour later, Louis personally saw Duane out of her laboratory. Through their conversation, she was once again astonished by Duane’s strange and wonderful ideas.

In her own words, she wanted to build a laboratory on Black Forest Island just to make it easier to exchange ideas with Duane.

"Come on, Duane. I’ll take you to the warehouse."

Delilah said, "You need Mithril, don’t you? As it happens, I have some in stock. I can spare a little for you."

This was Duane’s other reason for coming to the Magic Research Institute.

With Mithril, he could create the Mithril alloy plates engraved with Magic Patterns needed to construct the Black Soil Purification Magic Array. This would purify the Black Soil from the Secret Realm, turning it into Filthy Blood Spiritual Soil, which was comparable to Fertile Soil.

It was already mid-February, and the spring planting would begin at the end of March.

If Duane set up the Black Soil Purification Magic Array in advance, he could still manage to fertilize this year’s first rice crop.

With the clouds of war gathering both within and without the Kingdom, stockpiling more food was a necessity.

Duane said gratefully, "Mithril is an expensive and rare material. I’ll buy it at the normal price. You don’t have to give me special treatment."

"That won’t be necessary."

As she said this, Lady Delilah glanced at Natalia.

She had already discussed it with Count Kais. Duane’s relationship with their daughter was very good, and it was already public knowledge.

Although it was considered improper for an unmarried woman to live in a man’s territory, it wasn’t an absolute rule.

Moreover, many factions were currently targeting the Kennedy Clan, so there was no guarantee someone wouldn’t try to make another move against Natalia in secret.

To ensure their daughter’s safety and maintain their relationship with Duane, they had agreed to let Natalia go to Black Forest Island.

But before that, they just needed to add a simple engagement ceremony to the celebration banquet. That would make things more official and proper.

"After Lloyd’s wedding, Natalia will be going with you to Black Forest Island. So if you feel any gratitude toward me, just make sure you take good care of her."

Natalia, blushing slightly, linked her arm with Delilah’s. "Don’t worry, Mother. Duane treats me very well."

"He treats you well now, but what about the future? Men’s hearts are fickle."

"Then what about Father? He’s been very loyal to you!" Natalia retorted.

"Heh, that’s because he doesn’t dare!"

Delilah said, glancing at Duane, "Your fiancé is one of the top powerhouses in the Kingdom. With your level of strength, you won’t be able to control him."

Duane scratched his head and said innocently, "You can rest assured, my lady. I won’t let Natalia down."

"Then you’d better remember those words."

Delilah added as a reminder, "Also, you two aren’t married yet. Don’t tell me you’ve given me a grandchild the next time we meet."

Duane never expected such words to come from the mouth of the Countess, a woman so deeply engrossed in research. For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond.

’Telling her that he and Natalia had only ever kissed seemed far too blunt.’

"Mother, what are you talking about?"

Natalia squeezed her mother’s arm tighter and protested in a low voice, "Duane and I are innocent!"

Delilah said with a smile, "I’m just reminding you to take precautions. A pregnancy before marriage would ultimately reflect poorly on you."

"Alright, alright, I get it!"

Natalia quickly cut her off. If she let her mother keep talking, there was no telling what she would say next.