CHAPTER 1159: SECTION 713: SAGE (1)_2

Sage Duanmu seemed very happy, but Sage Yu poured cold water: "Sage Duanmu, the idea of decisive weaponry is not good."

"But this is a chariot, and our most effective vehicle now is the ninety-millimeter artillery vehicle," Sage Duanmu replied.

The mention of "artillery vehicle" piqued Malin’s curiosity. He asked Sage Yu what it was, and Sage Yu shared a photo on Malin’s tablet.

Hmm... It’s like a chassis similar to a Panzer IV, with a small semi-protective (full protection in front) platform mounted on top, equipped with a 90L56 short-barreled cannon.

It bears a striking resemblance to the six-legged machine gun platform Malin had made. Of course, their purpose differs; Malin’s platform is a fire support vehicle accompanying infantry in urban combat, while this vehicle is the Thanan’s main chariot for attacking Chaos, with infantry intercepting any bold Chaos attempting to rush in.

"How did you manufacture this cannon?" Honestly, Malin was a bit curious, because it looked a bit like a weasel.

"We found this chariot in a pre-Great Destruction Era building that seemed to store many old chariots. It was the only one with a real model. Our craftsmen spent considerable time modifying it, adding better artillery and a better gun shield. We even replaced the initial transmission system, which was truly junk," Sage Qian answered swiftly.

This almost made Malin laugh - good heavens, the Sages must have uncovered a World War II museum, yet they managed to replicate the model and put it into battle.

"Frankly, although this thing looks like a toy compared to what we have now, thanks to these ’toys,’ the death rate of our Thainan Army has decreased by forty percent. It’s quite a remarkable invention," Sage Yu said while putting his hands on his hips. "We can’t complete the replication recently, but the cannon is interesting; it uses electromagnetic acceleration to shoot solid shells at a much greater distance, almost twice the range of the 88 gun on our current chariot. If placed at a higher elevation, its range could even increase, reaching projectile distances."

"Twice the range, that’s like a catapult; we must use it. How difficult is replication?" Sage Duanmu was energized and ran up to the chariot, climbing on the front with Malin’s assistance, and caressed the cannon body: "It’s so beautiful, but damn these coils, our craftsmen might not be able to handle them."

"Indeed, replicating this chariot’s cannon is the toughest part; replacing the transmission system is easier," Sage Yu said while patting the vehicle. "However, we can take out the fire control system and make a new model of our chariot using the same fully enclosed turret, a 130mm fifty-caliber heavy cannon, and a better engine."

"Where do we get the technology?" Sage Duanmu asked curiously.

"Of course, from Malin," Sage Yu pointed to Malin after speaking.

Malin nodded, "The Academy in Regensburg started testing a 130mm fifty-caliber cannon last year, and the engine too. Regarding the fully enclosed turret, I personally think it’s necessary because I feel a chariot crew is different from infantry. You can’t just hand them a gun; a chariot crew is a technical unit, with extensive combat experience and a proven track record, far more daunting than their rookie peers."

Malin’s theory was agreed upon by the Sages, so Sage Duanmu and Sage Yu prepared to start drafting in the afternoon, stating they would involve Sage Li since she was also a craftsman-wise Sage.

"I’ll go to the Academy to bring you a cannon; see if there’s anything that can be improved," Malin said, then opened a portal leading directly to the Academy.

"Thank you," Sage Duanmu bowed, expressing gratitude.

"I’m just doing what I can," Malin smiled, dismissing any need for thanks, then entered the portal.

......

"Sir Malin is really selfless," watching Malin enter the portal, Sage Yu turned to Sage Duanmu, "By the way, what’s Sage Li’s thoughts? Since our last meeting, I’m not sure what she thinks about our collaboration with Sir Malin."

"She mentioned to me that she doesn’t oppose it, but insists we watch over Sir Malin, preventing him from transforming into an Evil God," Sage Duanmu, feeling odd, added, "Did she only tell me, or what about you, Sage Qian?"

"I haven’t encountered her, and you know, I’m busy here. I haven’t logged onto the internal forum; my remote network component seems broken, and I’m planning to fix it," Sage Qian shook his head, indicating he hadn’t heard the news.

"Perhaps that’s your issue; you couldn’t access the network. Sage Li mentioned sending you emails asking to notify Sage Yu and Sage Sima."

"I see, but that’s good; it seems Sage Li is moving forward," Sage Yu sighed, "Great, Sage Li is coming out."

"Indeed, I actually wanted to advise her to let go of the past, but... You know, compared to elves like me, humans have short lives; Sage Li may never forget that person," Sage Qian, arms crossed, sighed at his companions.

"That’s the difference between humans and elves, Sage Qian," a voice from outside the door turned all the Sages around.

Sage Yu sighed at Sage Wang approaching, "Sage Wang, please don’t say that; I’m not human either."

"I’m just expressing my feelings; human emotions differ completely from elven emotions, so don’t make choices for Sage Li. Let her think carefully, after all, letting go of hatred isn’t easy, right?"

Sage Wang’s reply left the companions in silence, the elderly lady smiling and shaking her head.

Without saying more, she moved beside Sage Yu, sharing the chariot’s data before helplessly lamenting: "I always thought such chariots had long been eroded by time."

"Luck is on our side, Sage Wang," Sage Yu said while taking a glutinous rice snack from the box in his hand.

"Where are the glutinous rice snacks from?" Sage Qian approached, took a snack from the box, surprised: "This looks like a New Hangzhou snack, but the box doesn’t."

"No, these are Eastland-style snacks from Malin’s shop in Westland. Honestly, except for being a bit too sweet, they are quite delicious."

"...As expected of a hero who traveled through time, even resembling a Westlander," after tasting, Sage Qian exclaimed, "Really tasty."

"If an elf brat like you says it’s good, I must try it." Hearing Sage Qian’s and Sage Yu’s recommendations, Sage Duanmu approached Sage Yu with a smile.

Sage Yu opened the box lid, Sage Duanmu took a snack, bit into it, then nodded with pleasure: "Indeed, very tasty."

"Yes, it’s a taste of home," Sage Yu said, finishing the snack in his hand, while watching Malin reemerge from the portal carrying a cannon, smiling: "Sir Malin, everyone says your snacks are delicious."

"If they’re good, then tomorrow a batch of logistics personnel will arrive. I’ll teach the cooks how to make them, and they can serve you then."

Finishing his statement, Sir Malin placed down the cannon, then reached to catch a messenger flying toward him: "Ah, my kids are getting mischievous again; I have to manage them."

"Every household has its difficult book, as they say," Sage Qian remarked, laughing with Sage Wang.