CHAPTER 251: CHAPTER 179: THE LEGACY OF STEAM_2

Truly talented individuals never stick to conventions; they stand on the shoulders of giants to advance further.

Yue soon got covered in grease again as he tinkered with the steam car up and down, gradually reinforcing components meaninglessly.

As the exam time approached, Yue still had no ideas and had to turn to Ethan for help, "Old Sen, do you have any ideas? How can we make this steam car move faster? It’s called ’Dawn,’ a name Lily came up with."

"If it were me, I would change the efficiency of energy use."

Ethan observed for a long time and gradually understood a bit.

The part above 60 points seemed to be similar to the enchanted field on a bullet, where a craftsman’s talent and the Empire’s path of faith were fundamentally the same. Here, the "High-tier Transcendents" could imbue their creations with capabilities beyond the scope of science.

"The efficiency of energy use..."

Yue pondered, but unfortunately, it touched his blind spot of knowledge since he was just a beginner who had only learned steam technology for a few days.

But for Ethan, it was significant, making him realize the limitations of his thinking.

As a modern person, he was overly reliant on science, subconsciously believing that every creation in this world needed a scientific explanation, which led him around in circles with the energy crystal problem.

However, in this most science-reverent Western Continent, the Master of Tides used His creations and knowledge to tell Ethan that this is magic.

The structure most resembling it is miracle creations and cursed objects. Their existence itself is synonymous with the unscientific, merely infused with magic power to produce extraordinary effects.

So, what if he put "miracle" or "curse" aside and simply used "move faster" as a base to empower this steam car?

Thinking of this, Ethan spoke, "Yue, I have an idea."

.........

Today, many people came to the exam, including Mr. Gelb, the current leader of the Artisan Brotherhood.

This short-statured man sat at the chairman’s seat, his left eye replaced with a prosthetic eye, and both his arms turned into mechanical ones, reportedly due to a severe accident in his youth that not only blinded one of his eyes but also nearly cost him his life.

However, no one came for Yue.

To the craftsmen, sending this noble young master to Nanport for learning was just a gesture to the Deep Sea Council. His future path was singular—to earn the title of technician and return to the council to take his father’s place.

And the focus of this exam was on those promising young apprentices.

The exam sounded simple, with only one requirement: to get their steam car moving.

But the craftsmen knew that the measure of talent was decided when the apprentices made their first creations, an indescribable "inspiration" that descended on them as they worked, seemingly guiding their hands to complete the task.

Even in the simplest craft, these supremely inspired geniuses could forge something awe-inspiringly new.

"Look, Flor is here too."

Yue pointed to the high platform, whispering, "He should be here to see Gray-Lid."

The craftsmen had prepared a seat for Flor, who sat beside Gelb.

He saw the pitch-black shadow again, like dark clouds shrouding the competition arena’s sky.

This venue was specially set up for apprentices and remained the most traditional exam project of the Brotherhood. All present craftsmen took their first steps here.

"Who is Gray?"

Ethan asked.

He was like an outsider sneaking into the competition, surrounded by unfamiliar craftsmen. Non-Brotherhood members could usually only watch from outside the arena, while Lily stayed far away with the onlookers, watching with anxious anticipation.

As for why he could get into the inner arena...

Ethan thought it might be because he was relatively polite, and the Brotherhood craftsmen took a liking to him, so they didn’t bother with these matters.

"Gray is the heir to the Liddell Clan. His father is a council member, and many famous craftsmen have come from their family. It’s said they’ve always had good relations with the Lofic Consortium, with Flor always being hosted by them. Gray is said to have been exceptionally gifted since childhood, and many believe he might surpass Mr. Gelb in the future."

The first to take the exam was Gray-Lid.

A boy of about thirteen, his appearance somewhat gloomy.

His steam car spewed black smoke, causing a stir among the craftsmen. The steam car raced along the exam track, and as it crossed the finish line, the examiner excitedly announced Gray’s result.

seconds!

This number echoed among the crowd for some time, exciting the craftsmen as they discussed this incredible number.

Ethan quietly listened to people’s talks.

The current leader of the Brotherhood, Mr. Gelb, initially had a time of 39 seconds, and he was already deemed one of the greatest masters in the Brotherhood’s history.

This made him frown, his mood plummeting.

Yue was equally solemn, seeing more clearly than others.

He saw a shadow spreading beneath Gray’s steam car, transforming into a hand that grabbed the car, pulling it towards the finish line.