Last Gun Alchemist

The next morning arrived quietly.

Unlike the excitement surrounding the presentations from the previous day, today’s work began almost immediately.

Once Ezra woke up, he freshened himself up without wasting much time before getting dressed and leaving for the Ashcraft Research and Development Facility located deep within the Ashenlocke Estate.

Lucy couldn’t accompany him.

The research facility was one of the Family’s most restricted locations, and entry required an official invitation approved by Ashcraft itself.

Besides...

She had her own responsibilities waiting for her.

Because of all the traveling and preparations surrounding Ezra’s inventions, Lucy had missed several of the Maid Academy lessons she was required to attend.

After collecting a temporary pass from the servants’ office...

She now had to retake every class she had missed.

The two separated early that morning.

One headed toward research.

The other returned to training.

The journey toward the Ashcraft Research and Development Base was surprisingly long.

However...

Ezra wasn’t surprised.

After spending more time inside the Estate, he had gradually realized just how enormous the Ashenlocke Family truly was.

If someone ignored the surrounding forests, mountains, lakes, and hunting grounds...

The Estate alone could easily be mistaken for a town.

If those natural lands were included...

It was already approaching the scale of a small city.

Several hours quietly passed.

Ezra remained seated inside the mini Steam Carriage, silently watching the scenery beyond the window.

Large training grounds occasionally appeared.

Weapon warehouses.

Blacksmith workshops.

Guard patrols.

Small residential districts belonging to Family workers.

Everything passed by one after another before disappearing into the distance.

Finally...

The carriage slowly came to a stop.

Ezra stepped outside.

His eyes immediately swept across the enormous parking area before him.

Numerous military Steam Carriages had been neatly arranged in organized rows.

Most were heavy utility models designed for transporting ore, equipment, and materials.

Among them...

Several weaponized Steam Carriages stood parked separately, their reinforced armor and mounted weapon platforms giving them an intimidating appearance.

Unlike ordinary production facilities...

The surroundings felt strangely quiet.

There was no roaring machinery.

No rhythmic hammering.

No deafening sounds of metal being forged.

The silence almost made the place resemble an expensive hotel rather than one of Britannia’s greatest research facilities.

Even the exterior architecture supported that illusion.

The building stretched several stories into the air.

Its polished stone walls, elegant crystal windows, and carefully designed entrance looked more suitable for hosting nobles than craftsmen.

The reception hall inside only strengthened that impression.

Luxurious decorations.

Crystal chandeliers.

Marble floors polished until they reflected light.

Comfortable waiting lounges.

Everything radiated nobility.

Very little immediately suggested craftsmanship.

Before Ezra could enter...

Two Guards of Ash stationed at the entrance respectfully stopped him.

Although both clearly recognized him...

Protocol remained protocol.

His invitation letter was carefully examined.

His identity was confirmed.

Only then did they step aside.

”Please proceed.”

One guard respectfully bowed.

Ezra nodded politely before entering.

The reception hall remained remarkably quiet.

Only a handful of attendants quietly moved between reception desks.

There weren’t many visitors.

Ezra calmly walked forward.

His hands rested inside the pockets of his black cardigan.

A white scarf hung loosely around his neck.

The Space Bag at his side gently swayed with every step.

His footsteps echoed softly across the polished marble floor.

Upon reaching the reception desk...

Another confirmation was made regarding his appointment.

Only after everything had been verified did one of the female attendants step forward.

”This way, Mr. Ezra.”

She smiled professionally.

Ezra bowed politely before following her.

The two walked toward an enormous lift positioned near the far end of the reception hall.

The attendant placed her thumb against the identification panel.

A blue light scanned her fingerprint.

Immediately...

Several mechanical gears shifted inside the wall.

The doors of the lift opened up with faint steam flowing out, then the two entered.

She selected the lowest floor.

The lift quietly began descending.

Soft mechanical sounds echoed beneath their feet.

Thin streams of steam escaped from hidden vents along the floor before quickly disappearing.

Blue strips of light illuminated the edges of the lift cabin.

Unlike the ordinary lifts used throughout Britannia...

This one moved incredibly smoothly.

Even so...

Ezra could still faintly feel the movement beneath his feet.

That sensation reminded him of something.

In his previous life memories.

The underground heavy artillery research department.

The elevators there had felt remarkably similar, although not as elegant as this.

Technology really does evolve toward the same destination.

He quietly thought.

Ding.

A soft bell echoed through the cabin.

”We’ve arrived.”

The attendant smiled before bowing.

”I hope you have a productive day.”

Ezra returned the bow.

”Thank you.”

The attendant once again placed her thumb against the scanner.

Steam flowed outward as the doors slowly opened.

The peaceful atmosphere disappeared instantly.

CLANG!

CLANG!

SHHHHH!

Heavy machinery roared.

Steam hissed.

Metal collided against metal.

The enormous workspace beyond the doors came alive before Ezra’s eyes.

Craftsmen hurried across different sections carrying crates filled with rare ores alongside ordinary metals.

Several high-grade Steam Furnaces burned continuously.

Bright sparks scattered through the air every few seconds as heated steel met forging hammers.

Large mechanical arms slowly transported heavy components between different production stations.

Some researchers stood around massive worktables covered with blueprints.

Others adjusted complicated Alchemy Circles suspended above crystal projectors.

The entire floor felt alive.

This...Was truly a research and development facility.

Ezra slowly stepped out of the lift.

His calm black eyes quietly observed everything happening around him.

Several craftsmen immediately recognized him.

”Morning, Ezra!”

One waved enthusiastically.

Others also greeted him with friendly smiles.

Ezra politely nodded toward each of them.

”Good morning.”

He calmly replied.

Then...

”Ezra Ashenlocke.”

A young noble dressed in Ashcraft’s black-and-white craftsman uniform approached him.

The man appeared to be in his mid-twenties.

A pair of protective goggles rested around his neck.

His hands showed clear signs of long hours spent working with metal despite belonging to a noble family.

”It’s nice finally meeting a genius craftsman in person.”

He smiled before extending his hand.

Ezra accepted the handshake.

”The pleasure is mine.”

He answered plainly.

The young noble laughed softly.

”Elder Ivanhoe and Lady Vera have already arrived. They’re waiting for you inside the research conference room.”

He pointed toward a corridor stretching deep into the facility.

”This way.”

Without wasting time...

He led the way.

Ezra quietly followed behind him.

As they approached the conference room...

A lively discussion could already be heard through the closed doors.

”...The feeding mechanism is brilliant!”

”...No, look at this locking section!”

”...We should test another alloy!”

Ivanhoe’s excited voice stood out among everyone else’s.

The young noble smiled before pushing open the door.

”Our final guest has arrived.”

Everyone inside immediately looked toward the entrance.

”Ezra-boy!”

Ivanhoe stood up almost instantly.

His face carried an excitement that made him look years younger.

”Greetings, Elder.”

Ezra bowed politely.

His gaze quietly swept across the room.

Five Ashcraft craftsmen sat around the large conference table.

Each carried themselves with the confidence expected of veteran craftsmen.

The flow of Cognis surrounding them told Ezra they were all powerful Craft-Based Alchemists.

Then...

His eyes moved toward the head seat.

Vera lazily sat there while reading through several documents.

She wore Ashcraft’s official craftsman uniform.

Her long black hair had been completely tucked beneath a black cap.

A pair of glasses rested upon her nose.

She looked less like a noble lady...

And more like a researcher who hadn’t slept while studying new inventions.

Ezra politely bowed toward everyone present.

”Greetings.”

Ivanhoe waved dismissively.

”Forget all the greetings.”

He laughed.

”In this facility...We only care about work.”

He returned to the long table covered with blueprints, documents, schematics, and research notes.

Picking up one particular sheet...

He proudly showed it to Ezra.

”After carefully studying the Colt’s magazine design...”

He tapped the blueprint.

”I realized this...is actually the greatest innovation.”

His finger traced the feeding system.

”The way you integrated the ammunition feed path with the cartridge arrangement...”

He shook his head in admiration.

”It’s truly inspiring.”

Ezra quietly examined the drawing.

The other craftsmen nodded together.

”I’ve already started getting ideas.”

The young noble who had guided Ezra inside rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

”A completely new Novice-rank firearm...focused purely on increasing ammunition capacity.”

”I was thinking something similar.”

Another craftsman spoke excitedly.

”What if we reduce the size of the ammunition itself? We already manufacture different bullet types. So, if we redesign the dimensions...we could fit significantly more rounds.”

Several others nodded.

The suggestion made perfect sense.

Another member quickly joined the discussion.

”I’ve actually been wondering...What if we use spherical ammunition with this box magazine?I wonder how many rounds we could fit.”

The room gradually filled with discussion.

Everyone enthusiastically exchanged one idea after another.

”Hmph.”

Ivanhoe folded both arms proudly.

”I’ve already designed a new magazine.”

He smirked.

”I based it entirely on Ezra’s Colt magazine layout, but I added a new detail.”

He pointed toward another blueprint.

”What about extending the magazine itself?”

The instant those words left his mouth...

Both Ezra and Vera quietly glanced at each other.

He’s talking about an extended magazine.

The exact same thought appeared in both of their minds.

”What do you two think?”

Ivanhoe asked with obvious anticipation.

The six craftsmen immediately gathered around the blueprint.

”That’s actually brilliant.”

”As expected of Elder Ivanhoe.”

”Why didn’t I think of that?”

The room filled with praise.

Vera quietly ignored all the noise.

She simply looked toward Ezra.

”We thought the same thing, didn’t we?”

She tilted her head slightly.

Ezra didn’t answer.

Instead...

He calmly walked toward one of the empty chairs.

”Elder Ivanhoe.”

He called.

Ivanhoe immediately blinked.

”...Ah. My manners.”

He awkwardly coughed.

”Let’s focus on today’s work first.”

He laughed.

”We can leave the improved versions and future firearm designs for later. This time...Our priority is completing these two weapons.”

He sat down.

His cheerful expression gradually became more serious.

”Ezra. Since today is your first day here...I’ll explain exactly what this facility does.”

He leaned back slightly.

”This place is where every invention and idea created by Ashcraft is tested, improved, and developed.”

He spread both hands.

”Every firearm. Every innovation. Every production method that leaves Ashcraft...begins right here.”

Ezra quietly listened.

”At the moment...”

Ivanhoe continued.

”The Craft-Based Alchemists specializing in Alchemy Circle Conversion are simplifying the Alchemy Circles used to create the Colt 1911, the E-V 26MK.II, and the Colt’s magazine.”

He rested both hands upon the table.

”The goal is reducing Cognis consumption while maintaining performance.”

He pointed toward another stack of documents.

”At the same time, they are also working on making some of the more complicated components mold castings with Alchemy for the manually produced for both the Colt 1911 and the E-V 26MK.II.”

Ivanhoe placed both of his hands together, resting them comfortably on the table as he spoke. His voice remained calm, but the excitement in his eyes couldn’t be hidden. Every time he mentioned the two firearms, his enthusiasm naturally surfaced.

Vera and Ezra quietly listened.

Their expressions remained as plain as ever, making it difficult for anyone unfamiliar with them to know what they were thinking.

They want to reduce the Cognis consumption...

Ezra silently organized the information in his mind.

That’s actually a good direction for improving the two firearms.

If the Cognis cost can be reduced while maintaining the same performance, it would increase the two guns’ battle efficiency.

His thoughts continued.

It also makes me realize...

I really need to learn more about Alchemy Circle Conversion.

Until now, he had focused mainly on designing efficient Alchemy Circles based on his own understanding from the alchemy circle conversation books he had read in the trial base library and previous life’s engineering knowledge.

However...

The specialists here weren’t trying to create entirely new circles.

They were refining existing ones.

Making them consume less Cognis.

Making them easier to construct and making them more practical for large-scale production.

That alone was already a field worth studying more.

Ezra lowered his eyes toward the documents spread across the table.

His gaze lingered there for barely half a second before he looked back at Ivanhoe.

”The remaining components that require mold castings are already being produced manually.”

Ivanhoe continued his explanation while opening another document.

Several sketches of firearm components appeared on the paper.

”At the same time...”

He tapped one section of the blueprint.

”We’re experimenting with different combinations of metals.”

His finger moved across several material names written beside the firearm schematic.

”We want to determine which materials will raise the overall grade of the firearm without increasing production difficulty too much.”

One of the veteran craftsmen beside him nodded.

”Some alloys increase durability. Others improve pressure resistance, but they also increase Cognis consumption during creation.”

Another craftsman crossed his arms thoughtfully.

”We also have to consider compatibility with the Alchemy Circle. A stronger metal isn’t always the better choice. It depends on how stable the Alchemy responds to that material.”

The discussion naturally continued for a few moments.

Ezra quietly listened to every opinion.

Some of the ideas matched the conclusions he had already reached while designing the Colt.

Others gave him entirely new ways of thinking about future improvements.

The atmosphere inside the room gradually became more serious.

The excitement from earlier discussions shifted toward focused research.

Seeing everyone’s attention settle...

Ivanhoe smiled with satisfaction.

”So...”

He pointed toward both Ezra and Vera with both hands.

”This is where the two of you come in.”

His smile widened.

”You’ll both be assisting every Ashcraft member involved in this production process.”

He looked directly at Ezra.

”After all...You understand these two firearms better than anyone else.”

His gaze then shifted toward Vera.

”And Vera has already spent yesterday night helping organize the presentation, studying the schematics, and reviewing every detail.”

He chuckled.

”Having both inventors present means we can solve problems immediately instead of wasting days making guesses.”

Several craftsmen nodded in agreement.

The young noble who had guided Ezra into the room smiled brightly.

”Honestly...This is probably the first time Ashcraft has ever had the original inventor working side by side with the production team.”

Another older craftsman laughed.

”It’ll save us countless headaches.”

Ivanhoe rubbed his hands together eagerly.

”Good. Then let’s stop talking.”

He stood up from his chair with renewed energy.

”We’ve got a month’s worth of work waiting for us. And I intend to make every single day count.”

The craftsmen immediately began organizing the blueprints across the table.

Documents were separated into different stacks.

Research notes were handed around.

Several members stood and headed toward different workshops inside the massive facility.

The quiet meeting room quickly transformed into the command center of an enormous production project.

Ezra watched the organized movements around him.

Without saying another word...

He silently stood up as well.

The real work...Was finally about to begin.