CHAPTER 253: CHAPTER 180: TO THE "SUN

Yue ultimately couldn’t receive a score.

By the time the craftsmen tallying the results realized, the Dawn had already reached the finish line—virtually in the manner of teleportation!

Ophira gives birth to a few geniuses each era, with the examination records set by predecessors constantly being broken, much like the highly anticipated Gray-Lid. When he surpassed the current leader of the Brotherhood, the craftsmen became uniformly excited, as if this emotion sprang from their very blood, sharing the same source as the inspiration and knowledge that unfathomably guided them.

They couldn’t help but imagine what astonishing technology Gray-Lid would create as the new Brotherhood leader.

Yet at this moment, no one celebrated Yue.

His record might have been one second or even shorter; they only saw that blue tail trace.

A wild horse that had broken free, yet peculiarly... so stable. According to the craftsmen’s instinctive thinking, such speed defying logic should lead to destruction and chaos, but it peacefully parked at the endpoint.

Gray-Lid was a genius.

Whereas Yue’s "project" was something cloaked in a steam car’s appearance but inexplicable and incomprehensible.

Flor, watching from the rostrum, glanced over the silent crowd, a strange color flashing through his eyes, then fixed his gaze on Ethan within the crowd.

Master Craftsman Mr. Gelb concluded the examination, inviting Yue to the Artisan Hall to meet him, and assembled all the Master Craftsmen.

Evidently, this was not Yue’s independent work; he had received some "extracurricular guidance."

This marked the first time in recent days Yue was accorded such ceremonious attention, although this kind of treatment was commonplace for his peer, Gray-Lid. In the hall illuminated by the forge, all Ophira’s illustrious craftsmen gathered there, scrutinizing him with various expressions, as well as... his attending physician, Ethan.

"So, your main occupation is Yue’s psychiatrist?"

Ethan’s self-introduction once again cast a heavy atmosphere over the hall. Translated roughly, his statement was a claim to be an amateur, and one from the Empire at that.

They were not unfamiliar with the Empire’s Artisan Association. During the Empire’s early establishment, the two used to have close exchanges. The Empire’s craftsmen of the Golden Era always managed to surprise them, but since Henry III elevated clerical authority and stopped valuing craftsmen and technology, interactions dwindled, and nowadays, imperial craftsmen were synonymous with backwardness and rigidity, unable to grasp even the basics of steam technology.

Not to mention an amateur from the Empire; even an expert from the Artisan Association could only do apprentice work in Ophira.

"Yue has been experiencing some problems with his eyes, and I’m actively seeking treatment options, hence the need to accompany him," Ethan said. "Research and invention count as my hobby. When discussing steam technology with Yue, I received some inspiration and couldn’t help but implement it."

To be accurate, it should be termed a forcibly developed hobby.

In his past life, he had never ventured into the field of technological development; his ideal living state was lazily lying in an air-conditioned room watching videos or reading novels. For modern people who have experienced the conveniences provided by countless high-tech amenities, the living standards of this era were nothing short of torture.

Ethan had only one wish.

He wanted to propel the technological development of this era, to let more and more geniuses stand out. He didn’t care if magic, steam technology, or other energy sources were used; his hope was to someday lie at home and enjoy the fruits of others’ labor.

These words immediately stirred discussion among the Master Craftsmen.

Everyone showed expressions of astonishment and confusion.

Until, Master Craftsman Mr. Gelb confirmed with Ethan, "You mean, during discussions with Yue, you gained ’inspiration’?"

He deliberately emphasized his tone. Though it sounded incredible, it was precisely because this amateur from afar mentioned something inherently theirs that it all seemed more real.

The only puzzling aspect was why the great Master of Tides would favor an outsider?

Even to the extent of giving him more?

The craftsmen were baffled, albeit a bit disappointed.

Sharing the secrets of steam technology with someone from the Empire was not a wise move.

"Gentlemen, I have an idea."

Ethan’s words quieted the hall, "I learned from my chats with Yue that the steam car examination is a traditional project corresponding to the most fundamental knowledge. It results from innumerable evolutions, and almost every Master Craftsman has been selected through such methods. It’s never disappointed."

In the evolutionary process, the only unchanged aspect is the method of using "time" as a dimension for statistics.

For apprentices, regardless of the era, the final result of this examination is recorded in terms of time. Yet, this seemingly simple and crude but full of loopholes examination statistics rarely make errors.

The Western Continent doesn’t believe in the adage of honed skills making up for natural lack.

Once deemed talentless in the examination by the craftsmen, their lifetime’s labor merely confirms the assessment’s accuracy.

The very few exceptions are mostly cases like today’s exam, being sabotaged by others.