[You begin considering how to apply rifling to the magic void rifle.]
Rifling can be said to be the soul of the gun barrel. Its purpose is to impart a rotational force to the bullet, allowing it to maintain a stable direction after leaving the barrel. This improves both the range and accuracy, while also increasing the damage caused when the bullet hits its target.
Although Guinevere isn't well-versed in the history of firearms, even he understands how complex the manufacturing process of rifling is. This technology, which appeared in the 15th century, was so difficult to produce that it wasn't until the 19th century, with advancements in manufacturing techniques, that it became widespread.
However, this complicated manufacturing technology might not be so difficult for the fairies who wield magical wonders.
[You use your authority as the chief designer of the magic void rifle to call upon the best fairy artisans in the factory.]
[Due to your sudden appointment, some artisans who previously held significant power in the factory are not pleased with your position as the chief designer. When they learned you were recently hired by Nocknalay, their dissatisfaction grew even more.]
[However, since you were directly appointed by Nocknalay, no fairy has yet dared to openly disregard your orders. The artisans quickly gathered before you.]
Upon reading the system's prompt, Guinevere frowned but didn't dwell on it. He immediately got to the point and asked,
"Previously, you carved simple wind-element acceleration magic circles into the magic void rifle, correct?"
"Yes, my lord,"
Although the head fairy craftsman didn't understand why Guinevere asked this, he nodded and replied,
"Currently, we carve thirteen wind-element acceleration magic circles into each magic void rifle barrel. After much trial and error, this number was found to be the most stable, with a balance of production efficiency and product quality, while also considering the potential for mass production."
Thirteen? Quite capable, it seems Nocknalay has been putting in considerable effort, and these fairy artisans are indeed skilled.
After all, Guinevere remembered that during the simulation with the Blood King, the magic void rifles used by his subordinates had at most ten acceleration circles.
Seeing Guinevere silent, the artisan asked,
"My lord, are you planning to add new acceleration magic circles to this setup?"
"Not new acceleration circles, but I do want to add a new magic circle to the current setup," Guinevere stroked his chin and replied.
"My lord, with all due respect, that might be problematic."
The seasoned fairy furrowed his brows and said,
"The current number of magic circles is the optimal solution we arrived at after countless trials. Adding more will significantly increase production costs. While we can manage fine engravings, most of the factory workers cannot, and production efficiency will drop considerably."
"Additionally, if we engrave fourteen or more magic circles, the barrel material might not withstand the flow of magic. The rifle's lifespan will be greatly reduced, and it will be prone to damage during combat."
"Is that so?" Guinevere blinked, not knowing this, "In that case, let's stick with thirteen magic circles and change one of the wind-element acceleration circles to one that makes the bullet rotate."
After hearing this, the artisans exchanged glances before the initial artisan spoke up,
"My lord, that would be a bit tricky."
"How so?"
"If you want to add a rotating magic circle, we'll need to adjust more than just one circle."
"First, a rotation magic circle requires two—one to rotate the bullet and another to determine the direction of rotation. Moreover, since the magic circle types will shift from a single acceleration type to multiple types, we'll need to add an extra stabilizing circle to ensure everything remains balanced. This will require reducing the number of acceleration circles to ten."
"I see," Guinevere nodded thoughtfully, "In that case, engrave all these magic circles, but reduce the number of acceleration circles to ten."
At this point, the fairy artisans looked at each other, and they now had a clear impression of Guinevere.
From their conversation, they could tell that Guinevere's understanding of the magic void rifle's manufacturing process was limited, and they couldn't help but feel a bit condescending, even disdainful.
The thought that someone so ignorant about the magic void rifle was now their superior only fueled their frustration.
"My lord, but if we do that, the rifle's power and range will be greatly reduced..."
Before the craftsman from the Earth Clan could finish his sentence, a younger fairy artisan couldn't hold back and spoke first,
"My lord, with all due respect, you... know nothing about the magic void rifle, do you?"
"Oh?" Guinevere raised an eyebrow, "And you are?"
"I'm the chief craftsman here at the magic void factory. I was recruited by Nocknalay from Norwich," the fairy craftsman said arrogantly, "I was involved in the original development of the magic void rifle."
"I'm not sure how someone so ignorant of the magic void rifle like you became chief designer... but as an outsider, you shouldn't be directing our work. Wouldn't it be better for you to just take your salary quietly every month?"
Hearing this, Guinevere sighed, his expression a little helpless.
Here it comes—the classic situation where a newly appointed leader is met with resistance from subordinates who don't respect him.
When he had seen the system's prompt earlier indicating that these artisans were dissatisfied with him, he had a hunch this would happen.
It was obvious now that he had to deal with these artisans, perhaps even putting on a little show to demonstrate his abilities and earn their respect. Maybe he could solve a problem they had long struggled with, or even challenge someone to a skill contest. It was a typical scenario in stories like this.
However, Guinevere had no interest in such theatrics.
Not that he couldn't do it. With his memories from the London simulation and his "Heaven's Gift" talent that allowed him to quickly master anything, he could easily become an excellent craftsman if he wanted to, even if he had to start learning on the spot.
But why bother? Nocknalay had already given him that authority, so why waste time trying to win these artisans over?
He didn't need to prove anything to them—they weren't qualified to challenge him.
"Here's the deal," Guinevere raised a finger and pointed at the young fairy craftsman, "You have two choices: Either immediately follow my orders and process the rifle barrel."
He then pointed at the door,
"Or pack your things and get out. Remember, I'm not saying you should leave the factory, but I can make sure you never enter the gates of Edinburgh again. Trust me, a single word from me to Nocknalay, and your career here is over. If you refuse, I'll make sure you can't even leave Edinburgh."
"Take your pick. You have three seconds. After that, I'll call the guards and throw you out."
"One."
The young craftsman was stunned.
He had intended to give the new leader a little power trip, hoping Guinevere wouldn't make ridiculous demands. But now this person was threatening to banish him from the entire city of Edinburgh?
"Two."
Before he could recover from his shock, Guinevere raised another finger.
"Three."
[Under the pressure, the young fairy craftsman lowered his head and obediently followed Guinevere's orders to process the rifle barrel.]
[After several days of testing and adjustments, the new barrel was created as per Guinevere's design. The updated rifle was now named Magic Void Type II.]
[Guinevere also had the fairies replace the bullets used in the Magic Void Type I with conical ones specifically for the new rifle.]
[The test results showed that the range of the new rifle was twice as far as the old model, with improved penetration and accuracy.]
[The artisans who had worked on the Magic Void Type II were more surprised than anyone else by the results. As a result, the artisans at the magic void factory were now fully convinced by Guinevere's abilities, and they would no longer resist his future orders.]
[The craftsman who had opposed him previously even visited to apologize, hoping for forgiveness for his earlier disrespect. Guinevere did not make things difficult for him, simply offering a few encouraging words before showing him out.]
[The results of the test were soon reported to Nocknalay, who was extremely pleased with the outcome and instructed the magic void factory to begin full production of the new Magic Void Type II.]
[During these days, Guinevere also made efforts to learn about the situation with Artoria and the others.]
[Finally, Guinevere learned from the demon Karien, who brought him Pocky, that Artoria and the others had been well taken care of and were housed on the other side of the palace.]
[As Nocknalay's friends, Artoria and the others were provided with excellent accommodations, and no restrictions were placed on their movements. They were allowed to meet with Guinevere, although they would be supervised by guards to prevent them from kidnapping him and escaping.]
[Guinevere quickly went to see Artoria and the others. Upon meeting them, he was relieved to find that they seemed to be doing well and were not under any significant restrictions.]
[During their conversation, Guinevere noticed that Artoria and the others seemed to be hiding something from their guards. Artoria repeatedly assured him that soon, he would no longer be under Nocknalay's control.]
[After bidding farewell to Artoria, Guinevere returned to his quarters, still pondering how to further improve the Magic Void Rifle. But Nocknalay had invited him to go hunting.]
[According to a message from Aiken, the first batch of Palu spheres from the Palu assembly line factory brought by Mewrion had been successfully manufactured. To test these new spheres, Nocknalay decided to lead a hunting party out of the city to capture some four-legged magical beasts for the new cavalry's mounts.]
[Guinevere happily agreed to join.]