Chapter 1186: 371. Technical Challenge
Returning to Island 33 on Day Two, Noland Lee immersed himself in work.
One of his tasks was to create Mechanos with Nolin and Denise Green.
Considering the Capacitor Package Mechanos emphasized too much on Thunder and Lightning Energy damage, Noland decided to develop several combat Mechanos with strong offensive capabilities, which also complemented the damage types of the existing Capacitor Package Mechanos.
The power of the Capacitor Package Mechanos stemmed from the high-capacity Thunder and Lightning Energy stored within them, an attack model of “massive energy storage + concentrated energy release.”
Following this pattern, Noland just needed to find magic containers to store specific energies and add arrays for rapid energy release to create combat Mechanos of the same type but with different attributes.
After discussing the research path with Nolin, the two of them concluded:
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First, Nolin would develop other “Capacitor Packs” based on the prototype—Gavabo Capacitor Pack—that stored fire, wind, rock, and Death Energy, then Noland would use Deconstruction to convert these new “Capacitor Pack” technical blueprints into Alchemy Blueprints to create new Mechanos.
It sounded complicated, but in practice, it was actually quite feasible.
After passing off the R&D to Nolin, Noland was left with just one problem to face.
That was, how to convert the copious Soul Energy into the magic energy he needed.
His Elemental Energy Reactor could transform Soul Energy into Thunder and Lightning Energy.
His magic electric arc furnace could convert Soul Energy and Thunder and Lightning Energy into Flame Energy.
This had already solved the acquisition issues for two types of magic energy. So, how to obtain large amounts of the other kinds of magic energy such as rock, wind, death, natural energy, and Deep Sea Magic Power in a stable manner?
The first solution that came to Noland’s mind was to purchase arrays for energy conversion in bulk from outside sources.
But after making inquiries, Selena quickly brought back some disheartening news.
“Here’s the situation, Jarvis. Ulnas Circle has categorized energy conversion efficiency into six levels,” Selena reported as she handed over the data she had gathered while in Noland’s study room and continued:
“Level 1 energy conversion efficiency must not exceed 1:10, which means 1 point of Soul Energy converts to 10 points of Mana. Level 2 has a maximum ratio of up to 1:100, and by that logic, Level 5 can convert at most 1:100,000 per second. Level 6 refers to arrays exceeding the conversion of 100,000 points. Each level of array operates in cycles of 1 hour, and the Soul Energy consumed per cycle is 1000 points.
“The energy conversion arrays available on the market are all either Level 1 or Level 2.
“Level 3 energy conversion arrays are not easily sold to the public due to wizard forces being bound by certain laws, though we could still obtain them through contracts with these forces.
“However, we have no access to buy Level 4, Level 5, and Level 6 energy conversion arrays. The magic materials used in these, such as Enchanted Mithril, are regulated by the Department of Magic.”
After taking a sip from her tea cup, Selena continued:
“Blueprints for arrays capable of Level 4 or higher conversions are also closely monitored magical items. With neither the finished arrays available for purchase, nor access to the necessary blueprints and magic materials, our only option might be soliciting the help of wizards. Having wizards from various factions continuously cast, converting Soul Energy into specific types of magic energy that we then store is what the vast majority of wizards choose to do when preparing magic energy. However, going about it that way is far too risky…” noveldrama
Selena’s voice betrayed a hint of worry.
The regulations of Ulnas Circle on the circulation of energy conversion arrays were incredibly strict.
By controlling the source of specific magic materials, it was possible to dominate an entire supply chain of wizard forces and wizards.
As the Deputy Dean of the Deep Sea Branch, Selena could try to bring Noland Level 3, even Level 4, Deep Sea Magic Conversion Arrays.
But when it came to other types of magic energy, she was powerless to assist.
If they couldn’t acquire the highly-efficient Level 4 or higher arrays, it meant the progression of owning Sub-Dimensional Planes would be significantly delayed.
After reviewing the information Selena had gathered, Noland reflected for a moment and said:
“We can’t get other wizards involved. I’ll figure out a way to convert Soul Energy in bulk. For now, bring me the Level 3 Deep Sea Magic Conversion Array.”
Selena nodded:
“Okay, no problem. If it’s just the Level 3 array, I can make the decision on my own. Lonco won’t find out about it.”
The two discussed more details before Selena stood up to leave.
Noland looked out at the clear sea surface from the window and decided to ask for the aid of his mentor.
In the previous confrontation with the Pomida Family and Laron Rockbone, Noland had secured Professor Erica’s cooperation to his cause using Thunder and Lightning Magic Stones and non-metallic ores.
With this foundation of trust, Noland believed she would be a good candidate for collaboration.
Furthermore, private ownership of a Sub-Dimensional Plane didn’t mean he would split off from the “Silent Maiden.”
Noland would ensure that those outside of the Core Circle wouldn’t know about his possession of the Sub-Dimensional Plane.
In the eyes of Professor Erica, he would always be a mystifying Wizard junior, not an entity owning a Sub-Dimensional Plane.
In such circumstances, Noland could still continue to advance, taking on the role as mentor to the “Silent Maiden” and easing the burden on Professor Erica.