Lord: Stripped of My Inheritance from the Start

Chapter 444 - 417: Exposed

A steam engine converts the energy from steam into mechanical power.

Simply put, you boil water and use the expanding steam to push a piston.

Once you understand the principles and structure, the most crucial part of building one is precision.

In the past, the blacksmiths of this world would have been incapable of such a task. But things were different now. With Ronin and Sophia, two Magic Masters who possessed the Fire Attribute, it was possible to use Spiritual Power and Magic to create high-precision components. Combined with Simon’s casting abilities, the project was completely feasible.

"It can propel a ship’s paddles, just like Magic Energy Power. But by comparison, Magic Energy Power consumes far too many resources and is much less convenient."

Simon held the blueprints, his expression one of disbelief. "But your steam engine consumes common fuel. Even charcoal will work."

He looked at Ronin in admiration. "You’ve opened up a whole new world! This device is bound to become widespread, and you will be known as the father of the steam engine!"

Sophia also looked at Ronin with surprise and respect. ’It’s such a common phenomenon,’ she thought, ’yet he was able to use it to create a steam engine. How come we never thought of that?’

Ronin couldn’t stop grinning at this suddenly bestowed grand title. "Still, this will require all of us to work together."

The group then discussed the specifics of their collaboration. They ultimately decided that Simon, with Carlos, would be in charge of the main structure, while Ronin would handle the more delicate components requiring higher precision, like the piston and cylinder.

That night, a grand banquet was held in Swamp Castle. All the knights and officials were invited to attend.

It served as a welcome for Sophia and her companions, as well as a rare occasion to build camaraderie within Wubei Territory. After all, the future development of the territory depended on them.

Early the next morning, Ronin mounted Carlos, carrying Sophia, Anilu, Petro, and Harmon, and flew toward Shore City.

When the little Dragon was thirteen meters long, carrying five people at once had been a bit of a squeeze. Now, Carlos’s torso alone was twelve meters long; he could carry not just five people, but five more on top of that.

"Sophia, do you have Dragons on your Crescent Continent too?"

"We do!"

Sophia said, "There are irritable, treasure-hoarding Black Dragons; gem-loving Blue Dragons; and competitive Elemental Dragons, among others."

"That’s quite a variety!"

Ronin was a little stunned. Now he understood why they hadn’t looked particularly surprised when he’d first told them he had a Dragon.

Sophia smiled. "In truth, there are just many different kinds; the number of Dragons is still extremely small. Especially after the great war a thousand years ago, nearly all the High Tier Dragons were wiped out, and the young Dragons that remain grow very slowly."

She looked at Carlos. "If your Dragon were on the Crescent Continent, his power would probably place him in the upper-middle ranks."

Although Giant Dragons have long lifespans, their growth is indeed very slow.

If Carlos hadn’t received Ronin’s help, this Giant Dragon with Legendary Talent might never have reached the Legendary realm, even at the very end of its long life.

Carlos’s speed was very fast. In less than an hour, they arrived at Shore City and landed at Shore Fort.

Since they hadn’t concealed their approach, the Giant Dragon was seen by many people. This included Ridder, who was arranging defenses to the south. He mounted his Griffin and arrived at the castle moments later.

Ridder placed a hand over his chest in a salute. "My Lord, it’s been a while!"

Ronin smiled and greeted him, then prepared to start the introductions.

But Sophia was the first to ask, "Ronin, is this the Proud Sun Knight you mentioned?"

As she spoke, she sized Ridder up, a look of confusion in her eyes.

Ridder nodded politely. "Welcome, my lady. I am a follower of my Lord, the Commander of Wubei Territory, and the Leader of the Fifth Knight Order of Wushan Castle. My name is Ridder Main!"

As he spoke, he extended his hand.

Sophia’s eyes went wide. Her slender fingers flew to her slightly parted lips, but they couldn’t conceal her shock.

Anilu and the other two beside her were also stunned.

"Ridder Main, Commander-in-Chief of the Flame Expedition Army?"

"By the heavens, what is going on!" Petro exclaimed in disbelief.

If it were just the same name, Sophia and the others wouldn’t have connected him to the Flame Expedition Army.

But the Ridder before them was more than just a namesake. He had the same power, the same fiery red hair, even the same face...

With so many similarities, it was difficult for them not to think of the Commander-in-Chief who had fallen in battle.

"Er..."

Ridder was at a loss.

He had received a letter from Ronin and knew the gist of where Sophia and her companions came from, which is why he hadn’t shown any surprise at their origin when he introduced himself.

But he never expected a situation like this.

Ridder looked helplessly at Ronin, his gaze seeming to ask, ’My Lord, what should I do?’

Ronin scratched his head awkwardly. Now it was his turn to be shocked.

’In his view, the Crescent Continent had many powerful figures back in the day. Ridder was just a Proud Sun Knight. He was strong, sure, but not the kind of person who would be remembered in records a thousand years later. So Ronin hadn’t thought Sophia and her group would recognize Ridder. After all, they hadn’t shown any sign of recognition when they met Elron.’

"Ronin, please tell me what’s going on?"

Sophia pointed at Ridder and said, "How did Commander-in-Chief Ridder, who led the Flame Expedition Army to kill Shadow Lord Elliott, become your subordinate?"

In that moment, Ronin seemed to understand why they were able to recognize Ridder.

’Slaying the Shadow Lord... a feat like that would definitely be recorded in history.’

His mind raced. ’How can I explain this?’

"Do you believe in the Seven Gods?"

Unable to reveal his own ability, Ronin had no choice but to attribute the matter to the gods.

Sophia shook her head. "I don’t."

Ronin was speechless. ’Everyone always says, "May the Seven Gods protect you," so why doesn’t Sophia believe in them?’

"The Seven Gods are just humanity’s personification of the seven Elemental Powers. It would be more accurate to call them the heart of the world."

Ronin threw up his hands. "Fine. In any case, it’s difficult to explain."

He changed tack and began spinning a new tale. "In short, a space-time rift suddenly appeared before me, and Ridder stepped out of it. I saved him, and he pledged his loyalty to me."

’A space-time rift?’

’A hero from over a thousand years ago didn’t die in battle, but was instead swept into a space-time rift, only to reappear more than a thousand years later?’

Sophia was skeptical of this explanation, but it seemed there was no better alternative.

Spatial Magic was a field one could only begin to comprehend after reaching a level beyond Legendary, and it was indeed filled with many mysteries.

Sophia and the others looked at Ridder, as if seeking confirmation.

"What my Lord says is true."

Ridder said truthfully, "I did indeed arrive here by accident, after a journey through time and space."

To be more convincing, he added, "At first, my memories were incomplete. It was only as my strength gradually returned that I began to remember my past."

"The battle in Flame Canyon... although we slew Eliot, the entire Expeditionary Army was annihilated. It was a brutal battle!"

The mention of Flame Canyon completely convinced them.

"Your sacrifice bought us precious time!"

Sophia’s eyes filled with respect. "You are all heroes!"