I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy

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Clendor Kingdom.

The island nation of Clendor Kingdom achieved a decisive victory against the Empire in the Great War seven years ago.

While their homeland suffered no damage at all, the Empire had to sign a truce due to their guerrilla warfare.

So, what was the secret to their victory against the Empire?

It was ‘deficiency.’

As the Empire became the hegemonic power occupying the center of the continent, it ironically led to the development of navigation skills to open up new trade routes.

In other words, while the Empire was the hub of overland trade, Clendor Kingdom became the center of maritime trade.

Having developed triangular sails that counter the headwinds, they expanded numerous sea routes, advancing their navigation skills and allowing them to reach across the entire continent.

Thus, the difference between the Empire’s ships and Clendor’s ships is as vast as heaven and earth.

While the Empire is stuck with mere galleys, Clendor Kingdom has reached the battleship level, which could be seen as the ultimate tech tree of the wooden sailing ship era.

In maritime warfare, they are unbeatable.

Moreover, the Empire is ignorant of ‘sea monsters.’

They’ve never ventured into the sea routes where sea monsters appear, so there’s been no establishment of weapons or defense systems for this.

“But Clendor Kingdom is not like that.”

Clendor Kingdom is fully prepared for it.

The combat personnel on the ships are expert hunters capturing sea monsters, and they earn financial profits by hunting these monsters and utilizing their byproducts.

Of course, the navigators and sailors are also well-trained veterans.

While the technology of the ships is significant, the human resources simply cannot compare to those of the Empire.

“Given this, it’s understandable why they wouldn’t use me.”

Therefore, relying solely on technology has its limitations.

Judging by the princess’s reasoning, if she were to build Clendor Kingdom’s battleship using my skills, she would likely think it was useless since the most critical navigator couldn’t be procured.

Because navigating the Magentani strait, with its Sea Wall, requires skilled sailors and navigators.

“Well, if I can build ‘this,’ I won’t have to worry about anything else.”

However, at this moment, I am looking at ‘this.’

That is, a 3D hologram representation of it.

In other words, a Dreadnought-class battleship.

‘A warship that marks a turning point in the history of world naval power.’

Dreadnought-class battleship.

This class of battleship became mainstream in the early 20th century, showcasing innovative concepts and performance in speed and firepower, effectively rendering all the previous battleships obsolete.

To put it simply, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the image of a “battleship” began with the Dreadnought class.

In other words, a Dreadnought-class battleship can be considered the standard model for battleships.

“If I can just build this battleship…”

Clendor’s battleship.

Their unique navigation techniques.

Their defensive systems against sea monsters.

All of that wouldn’t matter.

The battleship I create would be relatively unaffected by weather factors like wind and waves.

When comparing a steam-powered battleship that moves at high speed to a sailing ship that uses wind and oars, there’s no comparison.

‘Is the technological disparity between modern times and this other world also a product of deficiency?’

Deficiency.

In the world I lived in, there was no mana or magic.

Thus, natural sciences and mechanics developed naturally, leading to a radiant civilization today.

In contrast, the technology here is bizarre.

There are mana-powered magic carriages instead of cars, and they row using magic and mana instead of oars, resulting in a technological and cultural mishmash.

While architectural styles and living customs are clearly medieval, some technologies rival modern ones.

And some technologies are like Japan in the digital age, pursuing an analog existence with a Galapagos effect.

“Anyway…”

What’s important is that, thanks to their underdevelopment in natural sciences, I can fully enjoy that gap.

What would happen if I introduced my Dreadnought battleship to Clendor’s pride in their technologically advanced battleship?

“Hmm. Right now, it’s just wishful thinking.”

But it’s just speculation.

Having a blueprint doesn’t mean I can make it.

Because the technological capacity to construct this battleship must first be in place.

In other words, it means there are no factories.

Only after factories capable of building such a massive battleship are established can attempts to build a battleship take place.

‘There’s also a lack of workforce.’

And the second issue is the lack of labor.

Specifically, skilled labor that understands its responsibilities clearly.

Finding such high-level personnel means training them from ground zero, which requires an extraordinary amount of money.

Building a factory alone is an astronomical expense.

Even in the early 20th century, after constructing a few warships, rumors of national bankruptcy arose, indicating that astronomical support is necessary.

“What if I poured all my assets into this?”

However, the financial issue can somewhat be covered.

Currently, I’m amassing large amounts of wealth selling air conditioners and mosquito nets nationwide, making me one of the wealthiest in the Empire.

“And what if I receive help from the dwarves?”

Also, I’m a hero of the Dwarf Alliance Kingdom and a savior blacksmith.

If I can hire Dwarf engineers capable of building an advanced underground city, I could likely establish a factory to produce battleships.

“What if I put the little shit members to work?”

Additionally, aren’t there the little shit members to supervise the factory construction on my behalf?

Currently, they are studying physics and mechanical engineering day and night, so it’s somewhat possible to understand and interpret the blueprints.

If I allow them to stick to studying the factory blueprints while sleeping only three hours a day, they might manage to direct the workers to some extent.

“Speaking of which, I can also get the workforce for free, right?”

Why hadn’t I thought of that?

Currently, I’m a Count who has been granted a nobility title.

I haven’t chosen any territory from the three candidates yet, but I do have rights to conscript the serfs living on that vast land.

My land and my people are indeed present.

“…”

Considering all of this, I thought about it once more.

Is it possible to construct Dreadnought-class vessels?

“No, it’s still impossible.”

In the end, it’s still difficult.

The entire shipbuilding industry is far too underdeveloped.

The Dreadnought-class could emerge because technological advancements occurred in increments.

Steamships – Ironclads – Pre-dreadnoughts – Dreadnoughts.

This means that they gradually progressed through these tech trees.

‘It would take an extremely long time.’

Above all, the time consumption is significant.

Meaning the longer the delay, the more astronomical costs will accumulate.

At least hundreds or thousands of workers would need to be hired, and if I had to pay them wages over several months, even a Count like me would be at a loss.

“It would be a case where the belly is bigger than the ship.”

More than anything, my time and energy would be wasted.

I’m already busy enough just developing the suit.

My top priority is to prepare for the invasion of demons, not to uncover the mysteries of this world.

“The technology is in place, but the conditions aren’t met.”

Of course, if I request from the royal family, I could receive overwhelming support.

Having done things until now, if I assertively claim my position, they’ll likely gather the nobility to offer their support.

But I’m not keen on that.

If I accept their support to build the vessels, it won’t fully belong to me, and I value my time and energy.

“Let’s forget it. Just put it aside.”

After all, neither the princess nor Elena has drawn me in.

The Empire will have to suffer losses in negotiations with Clendor, but there’s no need for me to expend all my efforts on that.

What’s important is to enhance my strength and that of the surrounding NPCs in preparation for a doomsday scenario; everything else is just an ancillary consideration.

Let’s set aside the battleship construction for now.

***

The next day.

The second draft event, where Group B designates Group A, began.

While the first assessment match involved Group A targeting Group B in a 1:1 contest, the second match was the opposite, with Group B choosing Group A for a 1:1 showdown.

That day, I once again chose Lucas.

To confirm whether my newly upgraded suit perfectly counters his attacks.

“That’s brutal. Are you planning to drop me, Ed?”

“Last time, you conceded that we could fight again at any time. But don’t worry. In assessments, the process is deemed more important than the result.”

“Then take it easy on me.”

“Might depend on that.”

“I’ll shoot some Macbeth pork.”

“Cool.”

Since our last match, Lucas and I have become friends.

Now we comfortably call each other by our names and share a light beer together.

He used to be somewhat artificial, trying too hard to appear perfect like a fairy tale prince, but now he feels more human.

Perhaps it’s because he has accepted that he is not perfect.

“…”

However, after having a light conversation with Lucas, my mind quickly returned to yesterday’s matters.

The thought of putting aside the Dreadnought-class battleship still lingered in my mind.

Is there truly no way to make it somehow?

If exploring the world’s three major magical special zones is a key event in the game, it might be essential to master this.

“…Hmm.”

Such concerns persisted throughout my walk along the Academy grounds.

Trudging about aimlessly, without a specific destination, I pondered while circling the expansive academy campus.

– Whoosh!

As I drifted without purpose, the sound of a sword slicing through the air caught my ear.

It was Enya.

She was practicing relentlessly, unaware of my presence nearby.

“…”

Her sword was beautiful.

Her blade flowed gracefully under the sunset.

However, Enya’s expression was dark.

No, it was beyond dark; it resembled an intense desperation, as if she were being pursued by something.

‘…No wonder.’

And I understood the reason well.

The shocking defeat in the first assessment match.

She lost without being able to do much.

That, too, against a peer with whom she had been closely matched in class assessments.

This indicated that their skill levels had diverged significantly.

While Enya remained in place, her opponent had leveled up enough to rival her.

‘She’s probably in the process of developing her drawing technique.’

This was mainly because Enya was developing her drawing technique.

Trying to confront her opponent with incomplete and insufficient swordsmanship left her at a loss.

– Whoosh!

Perhaps because of this, emotions began to surface in Enya’s sword.

Frustration, anger, resentment, desperation.

All those negative emotions manifested in her posture and expression.

And ultimately—

“Damn it!”

She drove her sword into the ground.

The more she swung, the more her defeat replayed in her mind, only accumulating grievances.

As someone who had explored the Enya route several times during the early stages of the game, I felt I somewhat understood her feelings.

“…!”

In that moment, my eyes met with Enya’s.

As she saw me, she bowed her head and clenched her fists tightly.

Then, a complex expression crossed her face as she gave a sad smile and muttered, “Aren’t I just looking stupid?”

“Want to talk for a bit?”

After all, I was feeling quite unsettled myself.

I took Enya to my laboratory and offered her a drink.

After a refreshing gulp of cold water, Enya was the first to speak.

“To be honest, I’m just wondering if this is the right path for me.”

“…”

Enya launched into serious discussion without any preamble.

It seemed she was having doubts regarding her drawing technique after all.

Given that she jumped straight to the main subject without an introduction.

“Ed, everyone except you says that. They claim I’m lost in some absurd swordsmanship. They say I’m just stagnant, making no progress. Eventually, I’ll end up as an ordinary swordsman. That’s what everyone says—even my family.”

Well, for now, their advice is somewhat correct.

The only reason I can support her drawing technique is that I have prior knowledge of future timelines.

“…Ed, what do you think? Do you think I’m still on the right path? I genuinely don’t know anymore.”

Her gaze wavered like a candle flickering in the wind.

What could I do to help her?

I can’t tell her that I came from the future.

Nor can I casually recommend her training methods.

It’s essential for her to go through countless failures and disappointments on her journey to future success.

My role is to encourage her to endure through all these setbacks—not to haphazardly reveal any shortcuts.

Taking a shortcut would ultimately prevent her drawing technique from ever reaching completion.

She must experience and navigate through the process of failure and despair entirely.

As I pondered about Enya, I unintentionally blurted out, “…Perhaps you’re trying to make a quantum leap.”

Suddenly, I unconsciously threw out a science joke.

Why in the world did I bring up quantum mechanics?

Enya looked surprised, “What? A quantum leap? What does that mean?”

“…”

Why did that come to mind out of nowhere?

Since it has come to this, I decided to explain what popped into my head.

“Well… there’s something called quantum mechanics, right? It’s a study that explains the microscopic world…”

I began to outline the basics of quantum mechanics.

Eventually, Enya responded with a look of curiosity.

“…How did you come to know all this? So, everything in this world is made up of atoms?”

“That’s right.”

“Me too? My body also consists of countless atoms?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… then what does this have to do with quantum leaps?”

Quantum jumps.

The term, which can be translated to ‘quantum leap,’ describes an electron moving from one defined orbit to another—not continuously, but rather appearing to “pop” in and out of the associated orbits, which denotes a discontinuous motion.

Thus, I explained the principle of the discontinuous movement of energy to Enya.

Eventually, after understanding my explanation, Enya nodded and replied.

“Quantum leap… so that electron doesn’t move continuously, but jumps to the next orbit.”

“Yes.”

Fortunately, Enya grasped the concept.

Then, I explained why I used quantum jumps as a metaphor.

“Basically, you’re getting ready to leap. To achieve a quantum jump, you need to maintain a certain level of energy.”

“…”

“Many people struggle to endure through this phase. Since it’s not continuous, they don’t see results quickly. But the moment of the quantum jump will inevitably come if you can continuously pour out energy without despair.”

When I reflect on it, it seems that everything in life is like that.

I might feel like I’ve done everything I could, yet often perceive it’s for nothing.

However, if you keep at it, you find yourself at a different level altogether.

Only, in Enya’s case with her drawing technique, it simply requires much more energy.

“I guarantee it. I firmly believe it will happen. No matter how many defeats you face, no matter what others say, don’t worry. Quantum jumps are a universal truth.”

Enya looked at me.

Her aura and expression shifted dramatically.

The disbelief and anger that had graced her face faded away.

“Thank you. You’ve never been wrong. I will trust you trusting me.”

With that, Enya smiled gently.

It seemed as though she had completely washed away any lingering worries.

“Right. You look good with that smile.”

Thus, we shed our worries and drank beer while chatting about various topics.

In the midst of that, I subtly shared my own concerns.

I didn’t exactly expect a solution, but more so just a casual vent.

Eventually, while sipping her drink, Enya replied.

“Time constraints, huh… I can see you’re going through a lot. I wish the workers you need could have a quantum jump too.”

Upon hearing Enya’s words, I felt as though I had received a blow to the back of my head with a hammer.

Why hadn’t I thought of that?

If I could… cause the serfs to make a quantum leap?

“Enya, you’re a genius!”

Let’s modify the serfs.