Chapter 251: Full of Spirit

Henwell had already, following tips shared by members in the cheat group, painstakingly crafted a steam engine by hand.

But there was one big problem, the cylinder’s seal just wouldn’t hold!

After a long struggle, Henwell finally discovered a rubber-like material.

With proper measurements, he made a micrometer and focused on crafting a set of machine parts with decent precision.

Now, it’s time to start assembling!

This small steam engine’s parts are just precise enough for now, and the materials are tough as nails.

Everything uses high-level metal, heavily relying on improved Greensteel—renamed Inksteel here in Peace Haven.

Fortunately, only the cylinder body uses Inksteel; otherwise, the cost would be astronomical.

The reason for using this expensive steel is simple, just avoiding the cylinder blows.

Henwell isn’t worried about damaging the cylinder itself, he’s mainly concerned about the safety of his precious master craftsmen.

In the secret workshop area, now renamed the Advanced Research Institute, Henwell and the others watch from a distance as the boiler slowly heats up.

High-pressure steam flows through pipes into the engine, and the big iron wheel begins to turn steadily.

Henwell stands there, stunned, then unconsciously steps closer.

The others follow, puzzled why this noisy, strange contraption holds such importance for Henwell.

Watching the wheel spin faster, driven by the crankshaft, Henwell’s eyes suddenly glisten with tears.

Since being reborn in this world, he never imagined he’d one day witness these machines come to life.

He waves the others away and quietly sits beside the steam engine, listening to the rhythmic roar of pistons moving back and forth.

Finally, he raises a hand to his eyes, and tears slip through his fingers, tracing down his cheeks.

He never expected that after his twenty-third birthday, he’d receive such a precious gift.

What echoes around him isn’t just the machine’s roar—it’s the footsteps and cries of the Industrial Revolution.

Henwell never thought hearing the sound of machinery running would stir such deep emotion in his heart.

No one knows how much time passes before the pressure relief valve lifts, releasing a burst of scalding steam.

Only then does Henwell slowly rise, eyeing the modestly powered machine.

Steam hisses, steel wheels spin, pistons pump……

Henwell whispers softly, “Ten years. Give me ten years, and I’ll make this entire continent tremble for your existence!”

“Why didn’t I notice this before? This thing is truly beautiful! The grandeur of industrial power!”

Without looking back, Henwell lunges forward, rolling out and drawing his longsword from his waist.

At the same time, the hidden crossbow on his arm clicks taut, firing a bolt toward the source of the sound behind him.

As Henwell pivots, his foot kicks up a cloud of dirt, flinging it at the person who spoke.

Just as he charges with his sword raised, he suddenly halts.

The figure opposite lowers the researcher’s robe that shielded them from the dirt and spits out the bolt clenched between their teeth.

“Ugh! What’s with you? You’re a noble now, yet you still use these dirty tricks? Throwing dirt, poisoning arrows—no noble class at all! But hey, that poison’s got a kick—spicy and numbing! Got more? Share some with me!”

Henwell sizes up the man before him—Newwood.

After a long moment, he asks in somewhat rusty English, “Why are you here? What do you want from me?”

Newwood shrugs. “Buddy! Saying it like that hurts this ‘earth’ man’s feelings! In this strange world, finally meeting another ‘earth’ man, and instead of inviting me for a meal, you question why I’m here? That’s a bit cold, don’t you think? You should at least invite me over for tea! And if you had a few pretty maids to give me a foot rub, that’d be even better!”

Seeing Henwell still wary, Newwood rolls up his sleeve, revealing a strange tattoo on his left forearm—a fierce hound’s head, now glowing faintly.

“See that? Verification passed, right?”

Henwell looks at him, puzzled.

Just then, a private message pings in his chat group: ‘Target ally identity confirmed!’

Still skeptical, Henwell asks, “You’re like me? A selector? Why aren’t you in the chat group?”

Newwood doesn’t answer. “You planning to talk here all day?”

Henwell thinks for a moment. “Name a place. I’ll meet you.”

Newwood waves dismissively. “Keep your door unlocked tonight. I’ll come find you.”

With that, he vanishes into thin air.

Henwell lingers in place for a long moment before picking up the crossbow bolt from the ground.

He pulls out a piece of paper to carefully wipe it clean, then cautiously slips it back onto the arm crossbow.

The paper itself goes into his pocket, he plans to toss it into the boiler later.

This is a potent poison he developed while researching various healing potions.

Henwell has tested it; it’s a neurotoxin-like poison, incredibly lethal.

Just a tiny amount can kill a knight.

He doesn’t even have an antidote, so it demands extreme caution.

After tidying up, Henwell returns to testing the steam engine’s components.

He keeps at it until afternoon, then heads toward the Blood Hill manor.

Though Newwood’s sudden appearance caught him off guard, Henwell feels mostly helpless.

A Glory Knight……

Forget capturing or expelling him—Henwell doesn’t even know how to defend against someone like that.

That night, Henwell instructs his servants to rest early and cancels the night patrol.

He waits quietly in his study for Newwood’s arrival.

But deep into the night, Newwood never shows up.

Frowning, Henwell thinks maybe the guy won’t come after all, so he retires to his room.

No sooner does he shed his armor and lie down than a head pops out from under the bed.

“Surprised? Shocked?!” Newwood grins mischievously.

Henwell springs up like a startled fish, lunging for his weapons rack.

Newwood crawls out from under the bed like some sleazy, creepy suitor.

Veins bulging on his forehead, Henwell snaps, “What the hell are you doing hiding under my bed?!”

Newwood dusts off imaginary dirt and pouts, “Didn’t I tell you during the day? I said keep your door unlocked! Why didn’t you come in?”

Henwell feels his blood pressure rising and finally snaps, “Are you crazy or something?!”

“Eh? How’d you know? Did you check my medical records?” Newwood beams, hands on hips. “Pretty impressive, huh? Look at me! Isn't it really impressive?”

Henwell starts to believe this guy might actually be nuts.

Damn it!

He meets an “earth” man—

And he turns out to be a certified lunatic!

What’s worse, this lunatic’s got a ton of powerful enemies and serious skills.

This could get dangerous real fast.

Newwood tilts his head, eyeing Henwell: “You thinking something rude right now?”