I Became a Witch and Started an Industrial Revolution

The reason Mitia was able to notice something so quickly was because goblin engineering—or rather, goblin technology—seemed, in some respects, quite similar to the technology from her previous life.

The similarity lay in their shared philosophy: the pursuit of exploration, understanding, and application of the world.

The difference, however, was in their respective approaches to energy utilization and in their distinct needs, which led them down two entirely divergent paths.

The goblins faced numerous threats—by land, by sea, and by air—all potentially fatal.

Magic was unreliable, their physical bodies were frail, and their survival pressures forced them to develop versatile mechanical units that emphasized individual combat capability.

Yet individual units, being small in size, consumed enormous amounts of energy during battle.

To compensate, goblins researched magic inscriptions and developed a core system capable of independently absorbing external magical energy.

Humans in her previous life were different.

Their greatest threat had always been other humans.

Any creature that could be killed simply died; there was no overwhelming survival pressure.

After all, anyone hit by an artillery shell would be equally dead—thus, they pursued overwhelming firepower.

Equality among all beings, as it were.

Following this ideal of “equality among all beings,” Mitia had never paid much attention to the magic continent’s inscription technology, nor deeply considered its unique advantages.

Now, seeing the way the goblin power-core pack integrated its inscriptions, she thought—if she could somehow integrate an additional magical energy core into the power system…

Wouldn’t that allow her to equip her armored units with a layer of magical shielding to enhance their survivability?

In other words, the natural laws of the world were the fundamental rules governing the universe.

Since magic was simply another form of natural energy in this world, she could certainly treat it as part of a technological system.

By reverse-engineering the traditional systems of these mechanical bodies, she could build her own mechanical army—one that could carry an ammunition box on its back, hold a Maxim gun in one hand, and brace a recoilless cannon on its shoulder.

Wouldn’t that be the very embodiment of an “iron man”?

As for why she said “reverse-engineer” instead of “buy,” it was because the only ones who had obtained goblin technology in the first place were imperial-level powers.

All other nations merely imported the finished machines; no one would ever sell the underlying technology.

What a foolish dream that would be.

‘What are you thinking about?’

Sherria suddenly appeared beside her out of nowhere.

Mitia was long accustomed to such ghostlike entrances.

She grabbed Sherria and gave her a good roughing up as punishment for the scare.

After knowing each other for so long, the two had become very familiar.

Sherria no longer resisted as she used to; instead, she would stretch out her little hands to compare the difference between their chests.

‘Mechanical data? Of course we have it!’

Hearing Mitia’s explanation, Sherria responded without hesitation.

Mitia was stunned.

“Huh? Why do you have it? Weren’t those imperial powers the only ones who participated back then? They’re still monopolizing the market now.”

Sherria rolled her eyes dramatically.

‘Who said we ever joined that stupid conference? Actually, we were probably the very first to obtain the full set of technical data—and ours is the most complete version.’

‘At the start, the goblins wanted to cooperate with us, to seek our support.

But honestly, they looked so...

well, let’s just say not many agreed.

Those few who did suggested letting them set up a station—but when it came time, none of them said a word.’

‘Later, the goblins sent us this set of data on the condition that we help them once, should they ever need it.

We were curious about their big toy anyway, so we agreed.’

‘If they ever really need help, we’ll just send those Saint Witches who agreed in the first place, right?’

“Then why didn’t you think to give it to me earlier~”

‘You never asked! Besides, that thing isn’t much use on the subcontinent.

Its endurance is pathetic—breaks down halfway through any trip.’

Mitia thought about it.

“That’s true.

I only want to reference the technical data—especially the magic power core.

I’m not that interested in the machines themselves.”

‘No problem. If you want to see it, I’ll have one of the sisters bring it over. She’s been meaning to visit you anyway. She’s a little beast-girl—you can guess who~’

“...For real or fake?”

Whatever the case, she would have to wait until she received the data before doing anything concrete.

Unfortunately, aircraft were impossible to produce in the short term.

She had hoped to equip two for high-altitude reconnaissance, but that now seemed hopeless.

Still, there was no need to rush.

She would continue with the wind-tunnel testing, and calculate this world’s optimal lift coefficient before making further plans.

After half a month of preparation, the Seris Front Army’s vanguard officially began its march toward Torines.

Once they crossed the border between the two sides, they entered a pathless region, guided only by the paper maps in their hands.

Fortunately, Mitia had been generous with her investments in intelligence work.

Their maps were frequently updated, allowing their advance to proceed relatively smoothly.

What delighted them most was the Cat-type All-terrain Vehicle.

At this time of year, the thaw had not yet fully passed, and the rainy season had begun—the roads were practically ruined.

Yet the Cat-type vehicle could still maneuver quickly over such terrain, clearing the way for the army, barely affected by the geography.

It could flexibly transport personnel and mechanical components alike.

It could even serve as a tow truck to rescue trapped armored vehicles.

Though small and unimpressive in appearance, it had proven to be an incredible boon to the army.

However, before the Seris reconnaissance unit had even reached its designated position, they encountered another unidentified military force along the way.

Through their newly issued binoculars, they spotted the flag of the Kingdom of Alesia among the troops.

They immediately pulled back and reported the situation via high-power radio to the corps headquarters.

The legion commander froze for a moment upon hearing it was Alesian troops.

Then, realizing their intent, he sneered: “Tell the artillery to get ready—fire the damn cannon at them!”

The staff major hesitated.

“Starting a war without a declaration… is that appropriate?”

“It’s appropriate! Why wouldn’t it be? Have you forgotten what the Empress said? The Kingdom of Ovinia is an inseparable part of our nation! Any foreign army that crosses the border without formal notice is to be treated as an enemy!”

“Now move! Fire the damn cannon! If they spot us first, it won’t be nearly as fun.”

Hearing that, the chief of staff stopped hesitating and barked, “Yes, sir!”

Meanwhile, the Alesian army had already detected the Seris scouts.

Even though they lacked technology, they had mages with detection magic.

Veteran mages’ detection spells were frighteningly effective—within range, they could see the enemy’s exact appearance and attire.

Realizing that their presence was likely discovered, the Alesian corps commander grew anxious.

“Can we confirm they’ve spotted us? Have you seen where their main force is?”

He knew that the Seris Federation possessed corps-level long-range firepower, and that both its range and rate of fire far exceeded what their mage battalions could achieve.

The chief mage shook his head.

“No... I only saw a few people. I suggest we retreat immediately.”

“Damn it! You think I don’t want to? How the hell are we supposed to move on this cursed road? I can barely lift my legs!” the commander roared furiously, kicking up his iron boots that were half-submerged in muddy water.

Anyone wearing full armor was heavy enough, and many of them were in the same predicament.

The unlucky ones sank halfway into the muck; even their horses could barely move.

“I’ll start setting up a barrier, but we can only shield part of the formation...”

Shaking his head, the chief mage left the commander’s side, and soon a faintly translucent barrier enveloped part of the formation.

And then, the Seris artillery fire came raining down from the sky.