The workshop hummed softly in the lingering quiet as Rion examined the blueprint for the retractable dagger. Its design was deceptively simple: a blade that extended and retracted smoothly with the flick of a switch. But simplicity often masked complexity, and Rion knew this dagger demanded precision down to the smallest detail.
He began with the most critical component: the pre-crafted blade itself. Forged from high-carbon steel alloyed with a hint of titanium, the blade was designed for enhanced sharpness and durability.
However, the blade still needed to be tempered in order to achieve its optimal hardness and flexibility. He heated the blade in a small furnace until it glowed a vivid orange, then plunged it into a vat of cryogenic fluid. The resulting hiss filled the workshop, and a plume of frost briefly obscured his view.
Satisfied with the blade's temper, Rion moved to polish it. He worked meticulously, applying progressively finer grades of abrasive until the steel reflected his face like a mirror. A smile tugged at his lips as he held it up, tilting it to catch the light. The edge gleamed with deadly intent.
The retractable mechanism was the next thing he worked on as it was the heart of the dagger. He had already 3D-printed most of its components during earlier fabrication runs, using reinforced polymer for the casing and a tungsten alloy for the internal gears and springs. Now came the delicate task of assembly.
He took a deep breath and activated his Resonance. A soft blue glow enveloped his body, the arcs of electricity flickering faintly. The familiar rush of insight flooded his mind, the components of the dagger breaking down into intricate patterns. He could see where tension might build, where the mechanism could falter under stress.
Some of the materials and parts were manufactured to high standards, exhibiting the expected rigidity and solidity. Others, however, showed signs of deterioration due to factors such as temperature fluctuations, exposure to elements, impurities, or mishandling during transportation.
Whatever the case, Rion was able to use the impressions he gained to make slight changes to how he planned to process the different materials and assemble the components.
Another person without his gifts would have needed to perform meticulous calculations or simulations in order to know whether he made a good fabrication choice. But since he already had an inherent understanding of the ideal product according to the blueprint, all he had to do was work directly towards that optimal outcome, thereby making his work faster and subtly increasing its quality.
He laid out the parts on a microfiber cloth, arranging them in the order they would be installed. First, he secured the central spring—a marvel of engineering capable of storing immense energy in a compact space—into its housing. The spring had to be calibrated perfectly to ensure smooth deployment and retraction of the blade.
Next, he installed the tungsten gears, aligning them with the precision of a watchmaker. These gears would translate the tension from the spring into controlled motion, allowing the blade to snap into place or withdraw at the press of a button. He tested each gear, rotating them manually to ensure they meshed seamlessly.
Finally, he attached the blade to the mechanism, securing it with a titanium pivot pin. The blade glided smoothly along its track, the faint click of the gears confirming its perfect alignment. Rion pressed the activation button on the handle, and the blade shot forward with a satisfying snick, locking into place. A second press retracted it just as smoothly.
The dagger's handle was as important as its blade. Rion selected a block of lightweight, high-density polymer reinforced with carbon fibers. It needed to be strong enough to withstand the force of the blade's deployment while remaining light and ergonomic.
Using a precision router, he carved the polymer into shape, creating a grip that conformed perfectly to the contours of a human hand. He then wrapped it in textured leather for added comfort and grip. The leather was stitched tightly, the seams almost invisible.
Rion added subtle embellishments, engraving the handle with intricate geometric patterns that served both as decoration and additional grip. He also coated the leather using a thin layer of a non-slip polymer, ensuring the dagger wouldn't slip from his grasp, even in adverse conditions.
Finally, he added a small, discreet dial on the side of the handle. This innovation allowed for manual adjustment of the blade's length—an option that could prove invaluable in tight quarters or precision tasks.
After a final inspection, he retrieved the core mechanism and attached the handle to it. The fit was snug, almost seamless, and he secured it with 3D printed custom screws.
The retractable dagger was complete.
Satisfied with his work, he picked up the assembled blade and gave it a few vigorous shakes, simulating the rough handling it might endure in the field. The mechanism held firm, the blade staying securely in its retracted position until he intentionally extended it.
The clock on the wall ticked past midnight, a quiet reminder that the deadline was fast approaching. Fatigue weighed heavily on him, his muscles aching from the relentless pace he'd maintained. But his mind was sharp, his focus unwavering.
Next, Rion popped another vial of nicata before turning his attention to the magnetic gun, arguably the most ambitious piece of this run. The weapon's design was a hybrid of traditional firearm mechanics and his proprietary magnetic technology.
His hands moved with purpose as he gathered the materials, his mind already constructing the weapon in layers.
He started with the polymer grip, attaching it to the metal frame with precision. The screws slid into place, and he tightened them just enough to ensure a snug fit. The frame itself was forged from a specialized alloy that balanced toughness and weight, giving the gun a solid but manageable heft.
With the grip in place, Rion turned to the slide. Crafted from a reinforced alloy, it was designed to withstand the immense magnetic forces the gun would generate during firing. He slid it onto the frame rails, the parts fitting together with an almost mechanical harmony.
The barrel followed—a sleek, dark tube forged from a material similar to the springs but with enhanced toughness. He twisted it into place, the mechanism locking with a satisfying click. He installed the recoil spring and guide rod into the slide, their placement critical for ensuring the weapon's stability during operation.
Once the basic structure was complete, Rion focused on the magnetic chamber. This was the centerpiece of the gun, where ferromagnetic projectiles would be propelled with incredible speed and precision.
The chamber's design incorporated trace amounts of Magnetonium, an artificial primer known for its high magnetic amplification properties. Rion carefully embedded the Magnetonium into the Mu-metal-lined chamber, the faint shimmer of the material catching the light. The alignment had to be flawless—any deviation could destabilize the magnetic field, turning the gun into a dangerously unpredictable weapon.
With the chamber assembled, he powered it up for the first time. A soft hum filled the air, and a faint magnetic pull caused nearby metal shavings to twitch. He tested the chamber's output, adjusting the magnetic field until it reached the optimal balance of strength and stability.
Next, he turned to the projectile system. He walked over to the duffel bag, pulled out a single brass-plated bullet and slid it into the magazine, feeling the faint pull of the magnetic field as the bullet locked into place.
This bullet was one of the ferromagnetic bullets he had prepared earlier which designed to work seamlessly with the magnetic gun.
These ferromagnetic bullets were crucial as they were accelerated within the gun's barrel through magnetic force. The brass plating acted as a protective layer, reducing friction and abrasion between the bullet and the barrel walls.
This not only increased the lifespan of the magnetic gun by minimizing wear and tear on the barrel during the rapid acceleration of these high-velocity projectiles, but also ensured consistent and accurate projectile launch.
He slid the magazine into the gun, chambered the first round, and aimed at a makeshift target on the far wall. Pulling the trigger, he felt the faint recoil as the magnetic chamber discharged, the bullet silently zipping through the air.
«Whizz!»
The projectile struck the target dead center, embedding itself in the reinforced wood.
Perfect, he nodded in satisfaction.
Rion took another short rest in order to regain his bearings. After waking up, he uncorked his fourth vial of Nicata and downed its contents. He knew he couldn't rely on this stimulant often. The more he used it, the less effective it would become over time while making the sequelae much more brutal.
However, with the time he had left rapidly dwindling, he had no other choice.
Finally, Rion moved on to the bulletproof vest, a project of equal importance but different complexity. He laid out the lightweight fibers he had selected, their textures soft yet deceptively strong. The base material was a woven composite designed to disperse impact energy, layered meticulously for maximum effectiveness.
He began by cutting the fibers into the required shapes, using a precision cutter to ensure clean, uniform edges. The layers were then assembled in a specific pattern, each one contributing to the vest's overall strength and flexibility.
Next came the ceramic composite plates. These were designed to provide additional protection against high-caliber rounds and blunt force trauma. Rion fitted the plates into specially designed pockets within the vest, ensuring they were securely anchored without compromising the wearer's mobility.
To enhance comfort, he added adjustable straps and ergonomic padding, distributing the vest's weight evenly across the body. Breathable mesh panels were integrated into the design, ensuring ventilation and temperature regulation during prolonged use.
Once the vest was fully assembled, Rion conducted a series of tests. He bent and twisted the vest, simulating the movements of a wearer in combat. The material flexed and stretched as intended, the ceramic plates staying firmly in place.
As the clock ticked down the final hours, the workshop came alive with a final burst of activity. Rion moved between his creations, making last-minute adjustments and ensuring every component functioned flawlessly.
His body ached, and his mind was a blur of fatigue and adrenaline. He reached for the gray paint, applying it carefully to each item. The uniform color tied the pieces together, giving them a cohesive, professional look.
His Resonance, though drained from constant use, provided invaluable insights during these final hours. Whenever his origin energy reserves were sufficient, he activated his ability, using the brief bursts of heightened intuition to identify and resolve issues with unparalleled efficiency.
By the time the clock showed that nearly 48 hours had passed, Rion's work was complete. On the table before him lay the fruits of his labor: a pair of magnetic gloves, a magnetic gun, a retractable dagger, and a bulletproof vest.
He leaned back, exhaustion finally catching up with him. He wiped the sweat from his brow and surveyed his workspace, the sense of accomplishment outweighing the physical toll.
After carefully packing his creations into his duffel bag, Rion cleaned the workshop, leaving no trace of his work behind. The tools were stowed, the workbench wiped clean, and the blueprints safely tucked away.
As he stepped outside, the crisp early morning air washed over him, carrying away the heat and noise of the workshop. The city streets bathed in the golden glow of sunrise, and he felt a sense of peace wash over him.
The same figure from the other day awaited him at the entrance, and Rion handed over the key card.
With a nod of acknowledgment, he stepped into the night, his steps weighed by both physical and mental fatigue.
The trip back home was calm, with the usual bustling sounds of the city seeming distant as he walked through the streets. The duffel bag, now holding the fruits of his labor, hung effortlessly over his shoulder, making him feel a mixture of pride and satisfaction.
The early morning air was refreshing, cooling down his tired body after two days of hard work. Feeling hungry, he made a mental note to grab a bite to eat on the way.
Stopping at a street vendor, he grabbed a quick bite to invigorate himself. The aroma of street food wafted through the air as he devoured the meal, the flavors fueling his tired body. With each bite, a renewed sense of energy surged through him.
By the time he reached his apartment, fatigue threatened to overwhelm him, but a deep sense of satisfaction carried him through. He cast a quick glance around, checking for any lurking onlookers. Content that the coast was clear, he unlocked the door and entered, before locking it once more and setting the duffel bag down.
He still needed to perform an intensive testing session for all his gear, but for now, all he wanted to do was sleep.