Explosive Thoughts (1)
As I practiced my swordplay, repeatedly executing downward slashes reminiscent of scenes from anime and television, an abrupt, resonant beeping reverberated through the sky.
In an instant, I ceased my training, swiping away beads of sweat before shifting my gaze upwards.
"It's finally near..."
[00M : 00D : 02H : 59M : 59S]
The sky transformed into a vivid hue of crimson-red, the dwindling timer counting down to the impending arrival of the Waves of Calamities. A grin materialized on my face, my anticipation palpable.
"It appears I'm about to witness the fruits of my two-week training," I mused, excitement coursing through me.
***
Somewhere.
[00M : 00D : 02H : 59M : 36S]
The digital countdown projected against the sky held Maximus and his steadfast companions spellbound. Time's relentless march towards the impending event pushed them into action, a frenzy of preparations for the trials ahead. Their arsenal expanded with each passing second, an array of extra swords, meticulously crafted arrows, an assortment of potent potions, and various tools that could potentially tip the scales in favor of their survival.
Tension hung thick in the air, and a sense of urgency permeated their every move. The magnitude of the approaching challenge forced them to synchronize their efforts like a well-practiced duet. The clinking of armor, the rustling of supplies, and the whispered exchange of strategies filled the brief moments leading up to the imminent calamity.
Amidst the fervent preparations, Maximus couldn't quell his impatience. "Damn it! Hurry up already!" he barked at Aria, his voice laden with a mix of frustration and urgency, his eyes locking onto hers with an intense glare.
Across the distance, Sylvia could only watch her friend in silent as she helped the other members of their party with the soldiers accompanying them from the side.
...
..
.
Within the Rose Kingdom.
"Everyone, gear up. Prepare to defend this city!"
Eveline's voice resounded with unwavering authority as she surveyed the soldiers assembled before her. Perched atop the protective walls, her gaze swept over the determined faces of the troops she had mustered, their numbers swelling to an impressive twenty thousand. These valiant warriors had been summoned through a teleportation method situated below the city. However, the recent assault by the colossal squid-like monster, a mere fortnight past, had taken its toll on their ranks, leaving only a fraction of the original forces unscathed.
The lingering echoes of the creature's onslaught had only fortified the determination of these soldiers. Eager to uphold their duty, they donned their armor with practiced efficiency, their movements purposeful. Swords, bows, and a range of weapons found their way into capable hands, a silent testament to their commitment to safeguarding their realm. Meanwhile, a select few were tasked with inspecting and replenishing their supplies, ensuring an arsenal of potions and other essentials was within easy reach.
With a shrewd awareness of the dire situation, Eveline had devised a strategic plan. Given the teleportation's limitations, allowing only the hero and their party of sixteen to venture to the heart of the impending Calamity, she had rallied her most trusted and formidable comrades to form an auxiliary party. This group, bolstered by experience and unbreakable bonds, would aid the hero in the crucial mission, while the remaining soldiers held the fort, protecting their city from potential threats.
As Eveline's command echoed through the air, her soldiers set to work. The clash of metal and the rustle of fabric intermingled, armor being secured and weapons drawn. A palpable air of focus enveloped them as they collectively assumed their roles, each soldier conscious of the pivotal role they would play in the impending confrontation. Some meticulously checked their equipment, verifying the readiness of potions and supplemental gear.
In the face of impending catastrophe, the Rose Kingdom's defenders stood united, their preparation and determination unwavering.
Their determination was unwavering, their resolve unbreakable. As the seconds ticked away, they stood poised to confront the unforgiving challenges ahead, facing the unknown with an indomitable spirit.
...
..
.
In the realm of Lastborn Kingdom,
Hero Julius issued a resolute order, his voice carrying the weight of impending events. The command ricocheted through the air, sparking immediate action among his loyal men. With unwavering dedication, they set about fulfilling his directive, rallying their efforts to prepare for the oncoming Wave.
In synchronized harmony, the soldiers and guards sprang into action, laying the groundwork for the impending trials. As a tangible symbol of their support, they readied an array of provisions, including extra potions and various supplies. Their meticulous attention to detail bore witness to their dedication not only to their prince but to his valiant cause.
Amidst the orchestrated preparations, Seraphina, her presence akin to a serene aura, approached Julius. He caught sight of her without delay, his lips curving into a warm smile aimed in her direction.
"What is it, Saintess?" His inquiry carried a gentleness that sought to ease any concerns she might hold.
Meeting his gaze briefly, Seraphina's gaze shifted as she lightly shook her head. "It's nothing... I'm just worried about the well-being of my former companions... and my ex-party leader."
Julius responded with a soft chuckle, recognizing her attempt to lighten the mood. He extended a comforting hand, the gesture gentle as he placed it on her shoulder. His words sought to offer reassurance, "There's no need to worry about him. Vallen remains a hero chosen by a goddess, much like me and the other champions. I'm confident he'll navigate this impending wave without issue."
"Julius..."
Just as Seraphina prepared to express her gratitude, their conversation was interrupted by Princess Juliette, a fellow member of their party and Julius' younger sister.
"Brother, His Majesty requests your presence at the Grand Hall of the Palace," Juliette's tone carried an air of formality, her expression impassive.
Turning her attention towards Seraphina, Juliette extended an invitation, "Saintess, the city's Bishop wishes to gift you a special staff. He's requested my company as you meet him at the Cathedral."
For a brief moment, Seraphina remained silent, her eyes finding Julius once more. A reassuring smile from him spurred her on.
"We'll reconvene in 40 minutes," Julius announced, pivoting to begin his departure.
With a nod, Seraphina fell into step behind Juliette as they embarked towards the Cathedral, the resonance of their shared mission echoing through the kingdom.
***
As the countdown to the impending Wave of Calamity drew nearer, heroes from every corner of the continent engaged in relentless preparation.
Markets bustled with activity as heroes gathered, purchasing a stockpile of potions to bolster their endurance. They invested in extra weapons, wary of the potential for their primary gear to succumb to the onslaught. Archers were not forgotten, as quivers brimming with arrows were procured to ensure their ranged prowess remained undeterred.
Yet, a shroud of uncertainty hung over the valiant warriors. Anticipation mingled with anxiety as they meticulously readied themselves for the trials ahead. The singular certainty they clung to was the formidable prowess of the impending adversary. A lurking awareness underscored their efforts—the Boss Monster eclipsed its predecessors in sheer might.
However, what form this monstrous entity would take remained an enigma. Was it a fearsome dragon, its scales reflecting its untamed power? Or a sinister demon, its malevolent aura casting a foreboding shadow? Perhaps an elusive octopus, its tentacles embodying a threat that could reach from all angles? The possibilities stretched as far and wide as the imagination allowed, leaving every hero on edge, preparing to confront the unknown with unwavering courage.
After I finished my bath, a much-needed respite to cool my nerves after intense training, I slipped into my clothes and fastened the scabbard to my waist. The events of the day had left me both exhilarated and on edge.
A quick glance at my bag confirmed that I had all the essentials I needed. The bag was filled with items I had purchased a few hours earlier, just before my training session. Among them were five health potions to mend my wounds, ten mana potions to replenish my magical energy, and a vial of oil strategically chosen to light monsters ablaze without overly draining my mana reserves.
Exhaling deeply, I stretched my arms overhead, feeling the satisfying pull in my muscles. Amidst the preparations and the sense of anticipation, my hand found its way to the small bottle of oil. It fit perfectly in my palm, a symbol of strategic advantage.
A wry smile crept across my face as I contemplated my limited arsenal. While my imagination often drifted toward grandiose ideas like creating bombs akin to hydrogen bombs, the reality was that I lacked the necessary resources and components to craft such destructive tools.
A hydrogen bomb, also known as a thermonuclear bomb or H-bomb, is a type of nuclear weapon that releases energy through both nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reactions. It is significantly more powerful than a traditional atomic bomb. The key components of a hydrogen bomb include:
1. Primary Stage (Fission Bomb): The primary stage of a hydrogen bomb functions similarly to an atomic bomb. It initiates the nuclear fission process, where the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller fragments, releasing a large amount of energy. This energy serves as the trigger for the secondary stage, which involves nuclear fusion.
2. Secondary Stage (Fusion Fuel): The secondary stage of the hydrogen bomb contains fusion fuel, typically isotopes of hydrogen, such as deuterium and tritium. These isotopes undergo nuclear fusion, where atomic nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing even more energy than fission reactions. This is the stage that distinguishes a hydrogen bomb from a traditional atomic bomb.
3. Detonator: The detonator is a device in the primary stage that triggers the explosion by initiating a conventional chemical explosion. This explosion compresses the core of the primary stage, leading to the initiation of the fission reactions.
4. Reflector and Tamper: These components surround the primary stage to help increase the pressure and temperature of the fission reactions, thereby enhancing their efficiency. The reflector reflects escaping radiation back into the core, while the tamper physically compresses the core.
5. Fusion Fuel Enclosure: In the secondary stage, the fusion fuel (deuterium and tritium) is enclosed in a casing. This casing helps maintain the high pressure and temperature required for nuclear fusion to occur.
6. Lithium Deuteride Blanket: Surrounding the fusion fuel is a layer of lithium deuteride, which serves as a source of tritium through a neutron-induced reaction. Tritium is essential for the fusion process.
7. Uranium-238 or Depleted Uranium Jacket: In some designs, an outer layer of uranium-238 or depleted uranium serves as a "blanket" around the secondary stage. When this uranium absorbs neutrons produced during the fusion reactions, it undergoes fission, releasing additional energy.
8. Polystyrene Foam Casing: Surrounding the entire device, there may be a polystyrene foam casing that reflects radiation back toward the secondary stage, further enhancing its efficiency.
Pity... If only I have these parts I mentioned, I could have created it after a month or so. Right now, though normal bombs like grenades are possible, I don't have time to create any gunpowder.
And so, I contented myself with what I had—a collection of potions, a vial of oil, and my skills honed through rigorous training. With a final glance at my reflection, I adjusted the scabbard at my waist and shouldered my bag. The countdown to the impending battle had begun, and I was as prepared as I could be.
"At the very least, I can still use fire magic and leverage an element like oxygen to amplify its effects... Amplify?"
The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. As I contemplated my options, a plan began to take shape in my mind.
While oxygen itself is not combustible or explosive on its own, it is a vital component that supports combustion and accelerates the burning process of other flammable materials. When combined with a fuel source and an ignition point, oxygen can contribute to the creation of explosive reactions.
The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, and excitement coursed through me.
"With my enhanced abilities and mastery over magic, why don't I merge these two strengths? I could take those three bottles of oil I've stored in my bag, infuse them with magic to enhance their properties, and then introduce oxygen into the mix."
The idea seemed almost too perfect. By combining my fire magic, enhanced skills, and the volatile potential of the oil, along with the catalytic presence of oxygen, I could potentially create controlled explosions of immense power. The thought was both exhilarating and daunting.
As the countdown to the impending confrontation continued, my mind raced with possibilities. I envisioned the impact of my strategy, the surprise it might bring to the battlefield, and the potential to tip the scales in our favor.
With renewed determination, I moved with purpose. The time had come to refine my plan, gather my resources, and channel my magic in ways I had never attempted before. The impending battle was no longer a mere challenge; it was an opportunity to showcase my ingenuity and prowess in the face of adversity.
In a burst of unexpected gratitude and excitement, I couldn't contain the rush of emotions that overcame me.
"Thank you, Master, for forcing me to learn science! I love you!"