Chapter 43: Twin Rifles

2,000 words.

Using the base design of Castor & Pollux as a foundation for these rifles is simply not feasible—the frame is entirely unsuitable and must be discarded immediately.

The internal systems also require significant expansion. First, the M.T.M. (Magical Transmission Matrix) must be scaled up considerably, with additional circles integrated into its design. Next, the barrier rails need the most substantial upgrade. Instead of the original two diamond-shaped rails, the new design will feature six, forming a hexagonal barrel configuration.

These rails will be interconnected by barrier magic, as before. However, concerns about heat buildup are now irrelevant due to the updated frame. Unlike its predecessor, the frame is magical in nature, meaning it doesn't generate or retain heat. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, it's likely due to the altered molecular composition inherent to its magical construction.

With the frame now larger and more versatile, I can incorporate additional components.

I instructed my AI assistant:

"Aurora, access the relevant Balance Breaker data and simplify it for synthesis."

[Understood.]

A notification appeared on my screen, which I brushed aside as I returned to my design work.

This time, I would integrate Balance Breaker functionality into the rifles. To achieve this, a core would be required. I opted for a small diamond fragment as the core material, augmented by a miniature computer embedded within the weapon.

The core would be placed just above the trigger, directly below the M.M.B.R.S. (Mass Magic Barrier Rail System)—the hexagonal barrel. The revolver mechanism remains mostly unchanged, with minor improvements to the cartridge-switching speed.

The final component is the Diamond Core, situated centrally within the rifle. Since the frame mirrors the structure of sacred gears, magical energy will flow seamlessly through it, greatly enhancing the weapon's durability. Moreover, the onboard programming ensures the weapon can self-repair unless the core itself is destroyed—a highly efficient way to bolster durability.

"Hm..."

I shifted my attention from the design table to the screen, where Aurora had neatly summarized the Balance Breaker data:

High emotional states generate excess magic. Due to poor maintenance, the magical energy overwhelms the gear's core, weakening its stability. This causes a reactive mutation in the frame to accommodate the energy surplus, resulting in a performance boost—a phenomenon known as the Balance Breaker.

Reading the report, I realized the solution was straightforward.

The rifles' Diamond Core would generate a perpetual energy supply, while the trigger mechanism would be powered by the M.T.M. Unlike traditional sacred gears, these rifles wouldn't require an energy surplus to trigger mutations.

In other words, I could bypass the typical limitations of achieving Balance Breaker. No need for rigorous training or reaching arbitrary thresholds of strength. The core's programming would allow the Balance Breaker transformation to activate on command.

The blueprint and design were completed within a single day, leaving me with enough time to draft the foundational programming for the rifles' cores. All that remained was to send the design to the assembly line.

Before I could proceed, a pair of arms wrapped around me from behind.

"You've been sitting here all day~ You need to rest, Master~" Serafall's warm voice whispered into my ear.

After the test flight, my little devil lady had shifted her tactics. Typical of a devil, if one strategy fails, she simply tries another.

In truth, I didn't mind. As long as she dropped the reincarnation schemes, I was content with her natural, uncalculated affection.

"Perfect timing. I just finished," I replied, turning to face her. She stepped back momentarily, waiting for me to pull her into my arms.

Moments later, she was back in my lap, snuggling contentedly.

"Is this it?" she asked, her curious gaze fixed on the rifle schematic displayed on the table. At this stage, the weapon was still in its conceptual design phase, so there was no need for detailed 3D modeling—rifles, after all, are not a new concept, and the mathematics behind them was straightforward.

"The first-ever Sacred Gear built by humans. A flawless Longinus, capable of killing gods every two seconds," I said with a satisfied smile. I clicked a button to reveal the Balance Breaker design: a weapon reminiscent of the positron cannon wielded by Gundam Destiny.

Not only does the Balance Breaker amplify the power of the rifle's cartridges, but I also designed the rifle to accommodate three distinct cartridge types for greater versatility.

"So, you've done it! The first Sacred Gear created since the Biblical God!" Serafall exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Indeed. And unlike traditional gears, this one has a built-in Balance Breaker. All it needs is a voice command to activate," I explained.

"I see... but can anyone even wield such a weapon?" she asked hesitantly.

"No. Ordinary beings are out of the question. Even a high-class devil would suffer a shattered spine from the recoil, regardless of enchantments," I replied, saving the design and pulling up another schematic.

"With this, however, it'll be possible," I added, showing her the new Freedom Mark II arm system.

"You're already working on Mark II? You just completed your test flight a few days ago!" she said, disbelief tinged with amusement.

"You're not planning to take a break, are you?" she teased, pouting slightly.

"I'm taking one now," I said, smiling.

"Heh... very well, then! Let's go to the kitchen. I'll cook something for you!" she said suddenly, hopping off my lap and tugging me to my feet.

I chuckled and followed her lead, leaving the schematics behind.

I didn't get the chance to explain my solution to the recoil problem properly. Essentially, the suit's material doesn't require excessive thickness, as its durability isn't dependent on mass. This allows for spaces between the armor layers, which are filled with magical barriers. These barriers can withstand extreme conditions, such as the vacuum of space or deep underwater environments.

More importantly, I can inscribe M.T.M. runes onto these layers. Specifically, I developed a system I call Recoil to Magic (R.T.M.). The system converts the recoil energy from firing the rifles into magic, channeling it to the Energy Wings. This energy can then enhance flight capabilities or increase the effective area of Solomon's most powerful technique.

In short, by simply firing the rifles, I can expand the area-of-effect of Solomon's most devastating ability.

For now, though, I'll enjoy dinner—courtesy of one of the strongest beings in existence.

Serafall wore a satisfied smile. She was deeply grateful that Marcus, not some reckless brat like the current Red Dragon Emperor, had inherited Solomon's legacy.

Whenever she wasn't spending time with Marcus or Sona, she found herself watching the Red Dragon Emperor. He was third on her list of curiosities—not because she was particularly interested in him, but because she wanted to see to whom he would ultimately belong. It could be her sister, though she doubted it, or perhaps Sir-chan's baby sister, which seemed more likely.

Had she not met Marcus, Serafall might have been inclined to recruit the brat into So-tan's peerage. She was confident that So-tan could "re-educate" him. But now? The Red Dragon Emperor had lost any real appeal beyond her passing curiosity. Even if his gear had been properly maintained, it didn't compare to what her beloved Master was capable of.

In just one day, Marcus had designed a weapon at the super-devil level. While it was true that some of the necessary technology had taken time to develop, the weapon itself had been completed in mere hours.

Impressive? Yes. Terrifying? Definitely. But what truly delighted her about her current situation was the way Marcus, despite being a teen and despite her offering herself as a "snack," had merely pulled her into bed, held her as a hug pillow, and called it a day. It was the greatest "loss" of her life—not in terms of battle or power, but in her devilish charm and seductiveness. Yet, even after such a humbling experience, she found herself desiring his company even more. She had most likely fallen even deeper in love with him.

Her new approach toward Marcus had, indeed, worked. Despite having to answer a series of probing questions—his keen observation had instantly detected her change in demeanor—Serafall understood that if she wanted Marcus's help, she had to prioritize his needs. By doing so, she had gained his favor. It was a reminder that her Master was not easily swayed by her charms.

It was strange that this advice came from Grayfia of all people—once a figure Serafall had dismissed as little more than a cold, emotionless cube of ice.

When Marcus finished his new rifles, he was eager to test them at full capacity. The problem? The sheer power of their blasts made it impossible to test them anywhere near his garage—or even within his home country.

Each shot was powerful enough to generate a blast akin to a hydrogen bomb.

This meant he needed a remote location where he could test the rifles without attracting the attention of outsiders.

Initially, Marcus had planned to go to the South Pole, but Serafall proposed a better solution: creating a dimension. While the rating games often created dimensions for devils to observe, in this case, Marcus had two of the strongest female devils at his side. So, crafting a testing space was no longer an issue. The real concern was whether the dimension could withstand the explosions.

After considering the problem, Marcus devised a solution: the Diamond Core Heart. Several of them, in fact. One to stabilize the dimension, another for the ground, and a third for the barriers.

"You know..." Serafall gulped nervously as she saw the three Diamond Core Hearts Marcus pulled from his inventory ring. "One can protect a Pantheon... and you've pulled out three. Do you realize that's like using a hammer to kill an ant?" The Leviathan's forehead glistened with sweat. She knew all too well that Marcus could create these cores as easily as printing a sheet of paper.

"Hmm?" Marcus replied casually, "This is to ensure we have a comfortable time testing the rifles." He began setting up the cores.

Serafall exchanged a disbelieving glance with Grayfia and Venelana. The more she witnessed Marcus's inventions, the more her sense of reality seemed to warp. One core could hold off an army of powerful beings. Two could create a fortress worthy of the greatest pantheons. But three? She couldn't even fathom.

Within moments, the dimension shimmered with magical energy. Magic flowed through the very fabric of the space, saturating the ground and air.

If this were a cultivation reality, this place would be the ultimate destination for cultivation. But instead, it would serve as a shooting range for Marcus's rifles.

As Marcus laid down the barriers in a precise configuration to contain the blast, Serafall could only watch in awe. The teen inventor was ready.

Dressed in his Mark I armor with upgraded hand armor and energy wings, Marcus was prepared for the test.

He lifted his right hand and examined the silver rifle in his grasp. The weapon was sleek and futuristic, with a hexagonal barrel. Inside, a magic circle slowly spun, and it would continue to spin for a very long time. The rifle looked like something straight out of a science fiction movie, blending magic and technology seamlessly.

"Let's start with the P.O.D beam," Marcus announced, casually lifting the rifle and aiming.

The way he held it was effortlessly confident, almost as though he were showing off. He pulled the trigger.

Serafall watched in awe as his boots barely budged, even as the force of the blast pushed against him. The recoil seemed to be absorbed and redirected through his body, dissipating harmlessly into the ground.

Though the beam wasn't destructively powerful, it easily erased several powerful barriers, each sustained by the Diamond Core Hearts.

Instinctively, Serafall realized that if that beam had hit her, there would have been nothing left—not even a trace. It would have been a clean, pure erasure.

A horrifying weapon. All of her years of training seemed utterly insignificant in the face of something that Marcus had created in just one day.

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