The next day, Miguel was once again determined to find the correct composition for gunpowder. After the first failed attempt, he reviewed his notes and decided to try a new combination. This time, he adjusted the proportions to 60% powdered charcoal, 20% sulfur, and 20% potassium nitrate, hoping that this balance would produce a more effective reaction.

Miguel prepared the new mixture in his office, carefully measuring each ingredient. He mixed the components precisely, feeling a bit more confident after the previous experience. The new composition seemed promising, and he was eager to test it.

Once again, Miguel, accompanied by some soldiers and the young servant João, headed to the vacant lot outside the city walls. The location was deserted and safe, providing the ideal environment for the experiment.

Upon arrival, Miguel repeated the process from the previous day. He placed the new gunpowder mixture inside a folded piece of paper and compacted it well. He left a fuse sticking out of the paper and prepared to light it.

"Let's see if it works this time," said Miguel, lighting the fuse with an improvised match. He quickly ran to the safety position beside the soldiers and João, all watching attentively.

The fuse burned slowly, releasing sparks as it approached the gunpowder. When it finally reached the paper, there was a slight hiss followed by a small explosion of sparks and smoke, but without the desired force. The smell of burning was strong, and a small amount of smoke rose into the air.

Although the reaction was more intense than the first attempt, it was still far from what Miguel expected. He felt a mixture of frustration and determination. The gunpowder almost worked, but it still wasn't enough.

Miguel took a deep breath and pulled out his notebook again. "We're close," he said, writing down his observations. "The reaction was stronger this time, but we need to adjust the proportions further."

João, intrigued, asked, "Sir, what is the desired reaction we are looking for?"

Miguel looked at him and replied with a determined smile. "We want a controlled explosion, João. Something that can be used as a weapon and has the necessary power to cause an impact. We're almost there; we just need to adjust the proportions."

The soldiers watched in silence, understanding the gravity and importance of Miguel's experiments. They knew they were close to something significant and eagerly awaited the next test.

Determined to continue, Miguel knew he was on the right track and that, with patience and perseverance, he would find the correct formula. "Let's go back and prepare another mixture," he said, addressing the group. "The next attempt will be better."

As they returned to the city, Miguel reflected on the adjustments he would make. He was determined to create an effective gunpowder, knowing that each step brought him closer to the final goal.

---

The next day, Miguel was ready for another test. This time, he adjusted the mixture to 75% potassium nitrate, 15% powdered charcoal, and 10% sulfur. He felt that this proportion might finally produce the desired result. Carefully, he prepared the new mixture in his office, concentrating on every detail.

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After completing the mixture, Miguel called the soldiers and João to accompany him once again to the testing field. Carrying the paper with the compacted gunpowder, he headed to the vacant lot outside the city walls, where he had previously conducted the tests.

In the field, Miguel repeated the usual procedure. He prepared the fuse, lit it, and ran to the safe position beside the soldiers and João. Everyone watched attentively, with a mixture of expectation and apprehension.

The fuse burned slowly, releasing sparks as it approached the gunpowder. When it finally reached the paper, there was a loud bang and an explosion of sparks and smoke that illuminated the field. The explosion was strong and controlled, exactly as Miguel had imagined.

Miguel jumped for joy. "It worked! It finally worked!" he shouted, unable to contain his excitement. The soldiers and João, initially frightened by the explosion, quickly realized that it was exactly what Miguel desired.

"Don't worry," said Miguel with a broad smile on his face. "That's what I wanted. We did it!"

One of the soldiers, still incredulous, asked, "Sir, did you learn fire magic?"

Miguel laughed and shook his head. "No, this is not fire magic. It's something much more powerful and scientific. I can't reveal everything now, but it's something that will revolutionize and perhaps save our kingdom."

The soldiers, still impressed, began to calm down, realizing the importance of what they had just witnessed. They knew Miguel was working on something big, something that could change the course of Drakmoor's history.

Still excited by the success of the test, Miguel thanked the soldiers and João for accompanying him. "Thank you for trusting me and being here. Let's go back and start working on the next steps. We're about to do something grand."

As they returned to the city, Miguel felt more determined than ever. He knew he had taken a big step toward the protection and future of the kingdom. Each test, each adjustment, brought him closer to his goal. And now, with the correct formula, he was ready to move on to the next phase of his plan.

With the gunpowder stabilized, Miguel knew he could create explosive projectiles for the catapults and other weapons that would give his kingdom a crucial strategic advantage. "We're on the right track," he thought as he looked at the horizon, determined to keep fighting for the freedom and security of Drakmoor.

---

Miguel spent an entire day guiding some workers on how to collect and prepare the necessary materials for gunpowder manufacturing. He ensured that each of them understood the importance of strictly following the instructions to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the production. With patience, he explained the process of obtaining potassium nitrate from decomposed organic matter, grinding the charcoal into fine powder, and purifying the sulfur.

The workers, initially skeptical and surprised by the complexity of the task, began to understand the importance of what they were doing. Miguel meticulously demonstrated each step, from collection to mixing the ingredients in precise proportions. He repeated the procedures several times, ensuring all the men were confident in their abilities.

After ensuring the workers were well-instructed, Miguel returned to his office to work on a new project. Sitting at his desk, he unrolled a large piece of papyrus and began sketching a spherical projectile intended for use in catapults. He needed to create something that would not only explode on impact but also release deadly shrapnel to increase the effectiveness of the attack.

Miguel began the sketch with a diagram of the sphere, dividing it into sections. He drew an outer shell made of thin ceramic, strong enough to contain the gunpowder until the moment of impact but would fragment upon explosion. Inside the sphere, he outlined compartments for the gunpowder and small pieces of anything like bits of iron, ceramic, or sharp stones that would become the shrapnel.

To ensure the projectile exploded on impact, Miguel planned a simple but effective detonation system. He drew an impact pin at the base of the sphere, connected to a small needle that would, in turn, be linked to a stone with flammable material like sulfur. When the sphere hit the ground, the pin would be pushed in, triggering the needle to generate sparks and causing the explosion of the gunpowder stored inside.

Miguel carefully reviewed the sketch, adjusting details and ensuring the design was practical and feasible with the available resources. He made detailed notes about the materials needed for each part of the projectile and the assembly steps.

As he finished the sketch, Miguel felt optimistic. The idea of an explosive projectile loaded with shrapnel could change the course of the impending war. He knew that, if successful, this weapon could provide his new kingdom with a decisive advantage against the invading forces of his brothers.

Miguel rose from his chair, satisfied with his progress. He looked out the window, observing the city he strove so hard to protect and improve. He felt a mix of anxiety and determination. The future of Drakmoor depended on these innovations, and he was ready to face any challenge to ensure the safety of his people.

Leaving the office, Miguel called his most trusted assistants to review the sketch and plan the construction of the first prototypes. He knew time was against them, but he was determined to turn his vision into reality.