Chapter 165: You can Copy It?
Chapter 165: You can Copy It?
"What do you mean by those words?" Vincent asked curiously. Does she meant that the dwarves could replicate their technology completely or is it a different thing?
"Because I now know the materials and the manufacturing processes involved," Velara replied confidently. Her gaze remained fixed on Vincent, her calm demeanor still radiating an air of authority, but now it carried a hint of something more-an unmistakable certainty. Vincent stared at her, his brow furrowing. "You mean to tell me you can build a pistol like the one I just showed you? With all its complex mechanics and materials?"
Velara's expression didn't waver. "Yes. I now understand the intricate workings of the firearm, and we have the machines capable of crafting such items in our forges. Perhaps not the same way humans do, but through our methods, we can create it."
Vincent crossed his arms, still doubtful. He'd heard many boasts in his time, but the idea that the dwarves, a people who had isolated themselves for centuries, could suddenly replicate advanced human technology was hard to believe. "Prove it," he said. "I want to see you make one of those pistols. If you can, I'll be convinced."
Velara smiled faintly, her pale features softening slightly. "Very well, Sir Vincent. Follow me."
She gestured for him to follow, and together they moved deeper into the dwarven kingdom, down winding stone corridors that led away from the grand halls and into the heart of the industrial quarter. The walls became more utilitarian, and the air grew warmer as they neared the forges. The distant sound of hammers and clanking machinery grew louder with every step.
As they reached the manufacturing area, Vincent was taken aback. The dwarven machines were unlike anything he had seen. Massive, rune-etched contraptions dominated the space, their intricate gears and levers powered by a combination of mechanical engineering and dwarven magic. Some machines operated with steam, hissing as they released pressure, while others seemed to be powered by glowing crystals embedded into their frames, humming with energy.
Velara led him to a large assembly station in the center of the workshop. It was flanked by several dwarven workers, all of whom stopped their tasks as their queen approached. She gestured toward a massive machine with multiple arms, each fitted with a different tool- molding, cutting, drilling, and assembling.
"This is our multi-functional forge. It is powered by elemental runes and fueled by materials we mine from deep within the mountains. It can reshape and combine metals with remarkable speed," Velara explained, running her hand over the smooth metallic surface of the machine.
Vincent watched in amazement as the machine came to life. Velara gave a quick series of commands in Dwarvish to one of the workers, who placed a block of raw metal into a compartment at the base of the machine.
First, the block of metal was heated to an intense glow. One of the mechanical arms brought down a powerful press, shaping the metal into the form of a pistol's frame. Another arm swiftly cut the excess material away, refining the shape with remarkable efficiency. Sparks flew as the machine continued to mold the components-carving out the chamber, shaping the barrel, and carefully crafting each piece needed for the internal mechanisms.
Vincent stood transfixed as the arms moved with swift, calculated motions. It was clear that while the methods were different from human factories, the dwarves had perfected their craft. The use of both magic and engineering allowed them to achieve feats that would take hours, if not days, in a human workshop.
Velara spoke as the machine worked. "We do not replicate your technology exactly. Our methods are different. You see the material that we used is different from the material that was used to construct your weapons. Here, it's an alloy called Vorithium. "It's a metal native to our deepest mines, found only in the heart of the Kazdar Mountains. It's incredibly strong, yet lighter than steel. It can withstand extreme heat and cold without expanding or contracting-perfect for weapons designed to endure harsh conditions."
Vincent raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Vorithium?"
If he is hearing that right, then this is an important discovery for Vincent. There are raw materials located in their kingdom with metals with unique properties that are far superior to the metals used in conventional manufacturing. Like there are limitations for conventional materials.
For example the steel used in manufacturing can be brittle in extremely cold environments, and some alloys don't hold up well under intense heat. But if Vorithium truly avoids expansion or contraction under those conditions... that changes everything.
Vincent watched as the machine completed the final assembly. The mechanical arms hummed as they fitted together the remaining components, each piece falling perfectly into place. The end result was a pistol, nearly identical to the Sig Sauer M17 he had shown Velara earlier, but with a slight dwarven touch-sleeker, with runes subtly etched along its frame.
The dwarf worker carefully removed the completed weapon from the machine and handed it
to Velara. She inspected it briefly, her fingers tracing the runes that adorned its surface, before offering it to Vincent.
"Here," she said. "Your pistol, but improved with our methods."
Vincent took the weapon, feeling its balance and weight-or rather, lack of excessive weight compared to its steel counterpart. It was lighter, sturdier in his grip, and had a faint shimmer from the Vorithium alloy. He examined the barrel, the trigger mechanism, and the craftsmanship of the internal components. Everything seemed seamless.
"This is remarkable," Vincent admitted, impressed. "It's not just a copy. You've refined it, made it... better."
Velara gave a modest nod, though the pride in her eyes was undeniable. "We dwarves do not merely imitate. We innovate. We are a race who pride themselves for being the most technologically advanced nation in the world."
"I can see that, which is why our partnership is beneficial. For that, I have another proposal." "Ohh...what is it?" Velara's eyes sparkled.
"The unique raw materials like this one, I want to know if there are others, and if there are, we are interested in it," Vincent said.
Velara was surprised from the bold proposal of Vincent but she composed herself promptly.
"I see where this is going. You want us dwarves to trade, something like that?"
"Something like that," Vincent confirmed.
Velara was silent for a moment and then nodded. "Let's discuss it in my office."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om