Chapter 18: S(c-3)-16

In the northwest corner of the entire library, behind the books related to human physiology, there was a space dedicated to history books. The upper shelves held countless war-related volumes, their bindings worn from years of countless hand’s touch. While not much is known about all epochs, thanks to the contributions of UG and rare visitors from other continents, the Freya Continent does have access to knowledge that would otherwise be impossible to obtain due to the almost impossible sea travel and long history of this world.

"The old man said he doesn't have many books on weaponry, but still, this is a pretty decent collection," Conrad said while examining the towering shelves.

The scent of old papers and some dust that was yet to be cleaned remind Conrad of his previous life when he was studying engineering.

"Let's see..." Conrad was going through the limited books one by one.

My primary goal for coming here is to find out how far combat technologies have advanced and evolved in this world. So I can figure out how people normally fight to apply my first principle of combat - uncertainty and surprise.

Although I know in a fight between Essentia it will probably not help much, I wonder what the limit of supernatural powers is. For example, if I were to use a nuke, could an Essentia fight against that? I find that hard to believe. Even though this world—no, this country—seems to have some modern technology here and there, most things are pretty Victorian era compared to our world. Steam-powered carriages share roads with horse-drawn ones, and electric lights illuminate streets where gas lamps still burn, LED and Candles are being used side by side in this fascinating world.

I need Anira's help and training to become stronger, so I can always ask her, but as her master, asking everything of her just doesn't suit me. Besides, some knowledge is better acquired firsthand.

"Let's see..."

Conrad started to go through each book's title, his fingers crossing along the spines:

'History of Aurelius'...

'Aurelius as a part of UG'...

'Geo-'...

These are good books, but I need some—

"What's this? 'Research on New Strategies of War by T. Scott.' This sounds interesting."

The book was not as thick as compared to others and its style of paper revealed it's a recent publication perhaps.

From Conrad's memories, I know swords are seen as prominent weapons along with arrows for long range and other things, but why this world doesn't use firearms—that was puzzling to me. It seems like most people don't care about that stuff, especially the original Conrad, who was more interested in gambling than military history.

As Conrad was thinking, he flipped through various chapters describing the art of war and strategies. The pages rustled softly in the quiet library, occasional footsteps from others filled the silence of the glowing library.

This is some good research. The author seems to be from Sternfall; he has described in great detail how he personally led a battle against some Tempa kingdom which was having illegal activities. This is good but irrelevant to me... Wait, what is this...

Conrad's hands stopped at a particular chapter named "New Weapons and Possibilities." Conrad's eyes narrowed a bit as he started to read:

[......]

Firearms or guns are a special type of long-range weapon capable of piercing through any armor if fired correctly, but controlling one is very hard. These techniques are relatively old and had been used in various battles recorded by UG, but the main problem with these weapons was always delay in firing or, in the worst case, not being able to fire at all while others could easily take you out. Almost in all battles where firearms were used, they lost that battle. Even though there are myths and legends about these weapons being used by many great leaders in history, historical and archaeological records contradict that heavily.

Intellx's Research team has recently suggested reusing these weapons, but for improved combustion speed and much wider range firing, a theoretical element named S(C-3)-16 has been suggested. According to their research, this element has a vital role in the field of biochemistry but usually can be found in nature inside a hard crystal which can't be separated from the elements with current knowledge in this field. Due to UG's lack of interest, the research has limited funding, but it is highly speculated that in one year we might find a solution.

[.....]

Conrad read the entire thing with great focus, his engineering mind already working through the implications.

From what I understand, firearms have been invented in this world but are very inefficient in wars due to range and speed of firing, but why? The answer has to be in the basic chemistry.

I have studied chemistry as part of the engineering curriculum. I was not very good at it, but I can at least recall all the basics. If I remember correctly, gunpowders are mainly made out of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. Does potassium not exist in this world? No, that can't be—there are many things I have already come across that use potassium... charcoal I have seen before...

Firearms... speed... combustion...

Suddenly Conrad's mind clicked with a solution, the puzzle started to complete in his mind.

Oh yes, the speed of combustion is dependent on the sulfur. Even if potassium nitrate can ignite, the 10% sulfur is highly required to actually acquire the speed of firing. Yes, that makes a lot of sense. So this S(C-3)-16 is basically sulfur. But I can't be sure—I need to verify that. The problem is how...

Should I take a visit to Intellex? But what reason is there for me to go there? I need to convince my sisters, and there are financial problems. I don't have much money on me. This fucking Conrad is so fucking broke. I can't do this all alone.

I need a partner who I can be open with... wait, don't I have a partner? In fact, an immortal partner for life. My memories really are all over the place.

Conrad lampooned himself for his scattered thoughts, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

After spending the entire morning, Conrad was pretty satisfied with all the knowledge he was able to gather about this new world. He leaned back in his chair, processing everything he'd learned.

This world is amazing. It has almost twice as much history as my previous world but is still a little behind in technology due to all the continents being unknown to everyone to this day. What I find fascinating is that almost everywhere, the role of UG is vital for this world as sea travel is impossible. There is a book called 'The Mystery of Comere,' but I am not sure how many things are true. Scholars in this world talked about the sea and ocean as if it is infinite and beyond logic. I am confused about how this planet works actually. People seemed to know about stars, moons, and planets but not the sea. I need to figure out this world slowly, or my mind will get overwhelmed.

Conrad stood up and bid his farewell to the old man, who was still reading a brown-covered book. Conrad was curious, and before he left, he asked, "Sir, what are you reading?"

The old man looked up and gave him a smile, his weathered face creasing with genuine warmth. "It's Qubile, the holy text of Aaka. It is written in Polyphant, so it's a bit hard to read, but according to the holy text, the almighty did create everything that we are seeing."

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Oh sir, you are preaching these things to the wrong person, but okay, sure—'the supposed almighty' you believe in must be a good person to create everything and still let us live with our greed and selfish desires without just erasing us.

Conrad laughed inwardly at his own remark, though he kept his face respectfully neutral.

As Conrad stepped out of the library, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets. Horse-drawn carriages shared the road with occasional steam-powered vehicles—a testament to Aurelius's unique blend of old and new. The thought of Clara waiting made him quicken his pace. Despite the original Conrad's negligence, he felt a deep responsibility to protect his sister.

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At the front gate of Church school, 2:30 PM.

The prestigious Church school stood at the intersection of two worlds—the sanctified grounds of religious education and the grey territory controlled by local gangs. Its old architecture, complete with towering spires and stained glass windows, offered little protection against the harsh realities of Prismara's underbelly.

"Maya, when will your sister come? Or are you planning to return by yourself?" Clara asked her best friend, on her hand, a book about literature.

"Oh come on, Clara, we are adults now. You actually treat us like little girls all the time. I can go by myself now." Maya's confident tone couldn't completely hide her appreciation for her friend's concern.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, Ms. All Grown Up." Clara's voice carried a hint of playful mockery.

"Hey, take me seriously now!" Maya pulled Clara's arms, causing both girls to laugh.

"By the way, you usually go home alone. Why are you waiting today?" Maya asked, her eyes anticipating something from her best friend.

"N-nothing," Clara hesitated while looking around, her gaze scanning the street hopefully.

"Is your brother coming?" Maya asked with barely contained enthusiasm.

"Maybe..." Clara wasn't sure, given all the previous records of her brother and his gambling habits. Though lately, something about him had changed—something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

Where are you, idiot? I am waiting.

She was getting worried herself, unconsciously tightening her grip on her books.

"Hey, look at him. He actually studied with us, but doesn't he look like some prince from other places?"

Clara looked in the direction her friend was pointing. A boy of their age with short hair, neatly styled with modern elements and a touch of some chestnut patterns, was walking alone.

He was wearing a typical middle-class outfit—a pressed white shirt under a navy vest, matched with well-fitted trousers. In his arms were two books related to theology: "Church Principles" and "Interpretations of Aaka."

He looks kind of like my brother but less handsome, of course.

The thought brought a mix of pride and worry—pride in her brother's natural good looks, worry about his recent strange behavior. Ever since that day, Conrad seemed... different. More focused, less reckless, but somehow more easy to rely on.

Sensing two girls' gaze, the boy looked at Clara.

Ah shit, he looked this way. He must be thinking we are some kind of perverts ogling him. It's all Maya's fault.

Clara looked at her best friend, who was still looking at the boy with a mischievous smile. Clara facepalmed herself. Seeing Maya's wide smile, the boy quickened his pace to walk past the two girls, but while passing, he stole a glance at Clara. Clara was busy observing her friend, so she didn't notice.

"Maya, I told yo—"

"Sister, you're here finally! I was waiting!" Before Clara finished, Maya called out to someone who had just arrived in a small car.

A dark-eyed, medium-stature girl with hair neatly tied behind her back was standing before the two girls. Nadeko Kazuma, top scorer of National Aurelius university’s history department and her rather obvious infatuation with the historical figure Alexander Gustavo.

"Yes, the class was too long, so it took some time to reach here. Oh, Clara, how are you?" Nadeko asked after bidding a good bye to some boy in the car.

Clara looked at the beautiful girl in front of her and replied, "Sister Nadeko, are you going to leave right now?"

"I told you to just call me Nadeko..."

"Yes, Nadeko."

"No, not now. Actually, I was planning to visit the museum. I heard there was some new stuff related to Alexander Gustavo, and you know I want to see it. Maybe it has his diary or something. I might find out what kind of girl he liked," Nadeko said without stopping, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

The corner of Clara's mouth twitched a little.

I can see the similarity in the two sisters. Their passionate focus on their interests is almost identical.

"Why don't you join us, Clara?" Maya asked, seeing an opportunity to include her friend.

"Who? Me? But..." Clara looked at the street where a few carriages passed by, still hoping to catch a glimpse of her brother.

Maya saw her friend's struggle and suggested, "Nadeko, let's wait a couple of minutes. One more person will join us."

"Huh? Who?" Nadeko asked, curiosity piqued.

"Well..." Maya was about to say something when Clara interrupted.

"My big brother."

Nadeko was taken aback by the revelation, her scholarly composure momentarily broken.

"You never mentioned you have a brother. I know you have big sisters, but now a brother?"

Clara didn't say much, her silence speaking volumes about the complicated relationship with her sibling.

Nadeko felt a pinch in her side. It was from Maya. Maya gave Nadeko a look not to ask any further, understanding the sensitivity of the topic.

Nadeko looked at Clara and added, trying to lighten the mood, "Well, I don't have any problem. More the merrier."

As the three girls were talking, Nadeko felt someone behind her. The acrid smell of cheap liquor could be smelled in his words.

"Excuse me, miss. Why don't we get a coffee or something?" The man's weathered face and expensive but poorly maintained clothes marked him as one of the gang members that controlled this area.

"Not interested," Nadeko replied firmly, her academic confidence showing through.

"Oh, acting hard to get?" A man in his thirties gave a mocking remark with a smirk that had intimidated many before.

"This is a church. Please don't disturb the peace here—" As Nadeko spoke, she felt her hands being grabbed by the man in front of her.

"Oh, the church. Do you even know who I am? This place is controlled by our boss. What would these bunch of devotees do to me? Come closer so I can show you—" The man was about to pull Nadeko in his arms when he felt a kick to his groin. It was from Clara, who was infuriated, acting on instinct before her fear could paralyze her.

She didn't like men to begin with, so she couldn't bear to see such things happen to anyone.

"How dare you, you filthy pig! Take your hands off Sister Nadeko!"

"You little bitch," the man growled, his face contorted with rage.

Slap!

Clara felt a hard slap across her face. The sound echoed in the suddenly silent street. It instantly reddened her white cheeks, the pain bringing back her fear of men. She had seen countless men harassing her sisters when she was little while her brother hid himself somewhere until Leona became a national Guard, it was that way for a while. It had a deep impact on her mind while her hatred grew for her brother.

Even through countless fights with her brother, he had never lifted a finger against her. Deep down, Clara was afraid of men. Violence made her feel small, helpless, like that terrified ten-year-old girl again.

"What happened, bitch? You were saying something? Where did all that energy go?" The man's voice carried the same mocking tone.

"Clara!" Nadeko and Maya shouted, their voices seeming to come from far away.

People started to gather around, forming a circle of passive observers. The church school was in a place where many gangs ran their business. National guards or local Prismara police usually avoided this area, knowing better than to interfere with gang politics.

I am afraid. I don't like it. Please, someone...

Clara's body felt cold, her legs trembling beneath her uniform skirt. All she wanted was to run away as far as possible. She felt the world closing in, unsafe and threatening. Then, cutting through her panic like a blade through silk, she heard a familiar voice—a young man's voice that carried both warmth and steel.

"Clara?"

The gathered crowd parted, revealing Conrad standing there. But something was different about him. His usual carefree demeanor was gone, replaced by something else—something dangerous. His blue eyes, normally warm and playful, now held a coldness like an uncertain ocean.

The air itself seemed to change, growing heavy with tension. In that moment, Clara realized that while this was definitely her brother, something fundamental had shifted. The gambling good-for-nothing was gone, replaced by someone who radiated quiet, lethal competence.

This wasn't just Conrad anymore—this was someone who understood violence more than anyone.