Chapter 161: The Trial and Error Continues
Next, it was time to create the bullets.
To match the specifications with the barrel that Rio was crafting, it would be wise to standardize the dimensions. After all, these bullets would be fired at the massive Sea Emperor Turtle, so they needed to be of a considerable size. A caliber of around fifty centimeters should suffice. I also needed to decide on the width and depth of the rifling grooves…
“I understand. Let’s adjust it as we go along,” Rio replied.
Ideally, it would be great to create bullets in various sizes, but for now, our priority was to prepare for the Sea Emperor Turtle. I began crafting the fifty-centimeter caliber bullets, ensuring the grooves were evenly spaced and smooth. With just a few attempts, the design gradually evolved into its optimal form.
“Well then, I should be on my way. I’ve received a summons from the Imperial Army,” Linford said.
“Oh, okay. Thank you very much,” I replied.
It seemed Linford had other matters to attend to, and by the time evening rolled around, he was gone. Given his connection to the Imperial Army, it might have been related to some noble duty. Meanwhile, Nil had nothing to do, so he was frolicking just above the water’s surface, fishing for giant fish. He would leap out of the water, striking the fish with a swift blow before bringing them back to us.
“Alright, I think this shape for the bullet is good for now.”
“Got it. I’ll start crafting a barrel that fits this shape,” Rio responded.
“I leave it to you.”
“Consider it done.”
Setting aside the complexities of the railgun’s mechanics for now, I figured it was best to at least create a shape that could be fired.
“If you notice anything off about the bullet’s shape, let me know right away.”
“Sure.”
Next came the bullet’s enhancements. Ideally, it would be great if I could add the Impact Penetration Effect. How did I manage to do that when I was striking with my fists?
I retrieved my gauntlet and fitted it onto my hand. Since the tips of my fists were also covered, the Impact Penetration Effect should be transmitted through the gauntlet to the target. I decided to test it by striking the ground, and a thirty-centimeter area shattered into pieces. So, it seemed I could indeed apply the Impact Penetration Effect through the gauntlet.
Removing the gauntlet, I picked up one of the bullets I had crafted. Now, to apply the Impact Penetration Effect to this bullet.
“Hmm…”
Was there a skill for attribute or skill enhancement? If there was, I wanted to learn it now. Oh, mighty skill, do your work!
I experimented by striking the ground with my bare fists, slamming my palm down, and even hitting the bullet itself, going through a cycle of trial and error. If the bullet broke, I would simply make another.
“…Oh?”
I felt a promising response. Perhaps I was onto something. Should I give it a test shot?
Using Earth Magic, I created two targets about thirty centimeters thick at a distance. I infused them with Magic Power to make them relatively sturdy. Since this was just a test, I decided to try with a caliber of about thirty millimeters.
I prepared two bullets: one with the Impact Penetration Effect and one without. There was no rifling this time. The barrel was about fifty centimeters long. I compressed the air with the same amount of Magic Power and set the bullet in place. Moving about ten meters away, I aimed my gun. Upon activation, a light sound echoed as the bullet was fired, striking the target. It appeared to have made a small hole, but otherwise, there was no significant change.
I fired the second bullet in the same manner, and a loud impact resonated, but the target showed no signs of change. It seemed to have made just another hole.
“Wow!”
As I approached the targets, the difference became glaringly obvious. The second target had been completely blown apart from the back. What was once thirty centimeters thick now had only about five centimeters remaining at the front. This was fascinating. I think I’ll call it the Impact Bullet.
Just as I was feeling satisfied, a deep rumble came from beside me. It seemed Rio had fired one of the fifty-centimeter caliber bullets toward the sea.
“For now, it can fly!” she exclaimed, her smile bright.
The next day, we continued practicing Sniping Magic from the morning. Now that I had finally managed to create the Impact Bullet, it was time for Rio to take a shot.
On the deserted coastline, I conjured a sturdy rectangular target measuring ten meters on each side.
“I’m going in!” Rio announced.
“Alright, I leave it to you.”
After moving about a kilometer away from the target, Rio crafted a barrel that exceeded ten meters in length. I set the Impact Bullet I had made into place.
“Okay… Fire!”
With a thunderous explosion, the Impact Bullet was launched, but the target did not shatter into pieces as I had hoped.
“Huh…?”
“That’s strange,” Rio said, puzzled.
It seemed the bullet had exploded due to the force of the launch.
“I guess we need to increase the bullet’s strength,” I suggested.
“Perhaps. The rifling might be uneven,” she replied.
“Let’s first boost the strength. If that causes damage to the rifling, we can rethink our approach then.”
We nodded in agreement, and I set about creating another Impact Bullet. This time, I increased its strength significantly. Rio also remade the barrel and continued her test shots.
We still hadn’t incorporated the electromagnetic force of the railgun. There was also the idea of enhancing the bullet’s weight with Gravity Magic. As we neared the completion of the magic, we would likely conduct test shots with real combat in mind. Since we would need to infuse the maximum amount of Magic Power, it wouldn’t be something we could do multiple times in a day.
“It seems like the road ahead is longer than I thought… but we have no choice but to keep going.”
I muttered to myself as I gazed at the gradually approaching figure of the Sea Emperor Turtle from the shoreline.