Chapter 819: Important, but Not Essential!

Henwell turns to the others. "Can we reproduce this machine?"

Jax gives a bitter smile. "My lord, we do not even understand its principles or know what caused it to form. We have no idea where to begin."

"This is the only one we have. We do not even dare take it apart, so our only option is to gather the finest minds from every department and study it here in secret."

Henwell thinks for a moment. "I have a rough understanding of its principle."

"It converts kinetic energy into another form of energy. That involves knowledge at the level of laws, which I do not understand very well either."

"Continue studying it for now. When a friend of mine arrives someday, I will ask him to examine it. He may know something."

"Put simply, it is a converter wrapped in a remarkable power of law."

After saying this, Henwell asks, "How many people know about it?"

Jax replies, "Not many. The researchers here have all been officially removed from Peace Haven's records and declared dead through various means."

"Aside from Dean Gallagher and several senior scholars close to him, everyone else who knows the truth is here."

Henwell studies the underground chamber. "Secrecy is necessary, but there is no reason to bury yourselves this deep."

"I will sign an order transferring the laboratory to the Great Pyramid where I entered seclusion."

"It has far more space and is much more durable."

"When I advanced in rank, the extraordinary energy leakage reinforced the structure again. It is practically half an extraordinary building now."

"I will also station a company of Lord Iron Guards around it, so security will not be a problem."

"I left my extraordinary aura inside the building as well. The moment an outsider enters, I will receive an immediate warning."

Henwell looks across the underground laboratory and bows slightly. "Everyone, this work is important, but not important enough for all of you to hide underground and never see the sun."

"This machine is a dead thing. You scholars can create limitless possibilities. You are Peace Haven's true treasures."

"You will remain under assumed identities for no more than three years. I will ensure that your families have everything they need during that time."

"After three years, whether or not you have produced results, you will return home."

"On behalf of everyone in Peace Haven, I salute you."

The researchers are left flustered by Henwell's bow. They hurriedly insist that they chose this duty themselves.

Henwell approaches them one by one, greeting each researcher and asking what they need. He promises to satisfy every request within his power.

The researchers then guide Henwell through a careful inspection of the apparatus.

Once the inspection is complete, Henwell offers a solution. "We are moving it anyway, so take the machine apart."

"Label every component, then reassemble it inside the Great Pyramid."

"I also have an idea. Tell me what you think."

"If the machine still works after being reassembled, replace its parts one at a time."

"Start with every screw. Keep replacing parts until the machine cannot operate, then examine what makes the last part different."

"Use that method to determine exactly how the machine produces its law-based conversion power."

"Do not discard the replaced components. Reassemble them into a second machine and see whether they produce the same effect."

"If we cannot grasp the principle, we will study it piece by piece and use this clumsy method to rule out every possibility."

Jax cannot hide his concern. "What if the machine never works again? This sample is priceless. We should be cautious."

Henwell chuckles. "Heh... Then we will know it was an extraordinary accident, something we are not yet capable of controlling."

"If that is the case, we should not devote too much effort to it."

"A power beyond our understanding is a power we cannot master. It could escape our control and turn on us at any moment."

The researchers look discouraged, so Henwell smiles. "Do not lose heart. This is only one possibility."

"We are all moving forward through exploration. When everything ahead is dark, we must be even more careful."

"We must watch for traps and wrong turns, but we must also ask whether the road itself leads anywhere."

"Every fresh attempt after a failure contributes to those who explore the future."

"Even if this system is only an accidental creation, studying and analyzing it will still teach us a great deal."

"At the very least, we now know there is a path ahead by which energy can be converted."

"We may not be able to see or touch that path yet, but the theories and experience you gather will become a map for those who eventually walk it."

Does that mean Henwell does not care about the Cubic Crystal?

Of course he cares.

He cares far more than anyone here could imagine.

Once Henwell realized that controllable electricity could not be produced in this world, the road to the next Industrial Revolution closed before him.

At least, he could go no farther by relying on the experience of his previous life.

The Cubic Crystal before him is the key to beginning the next Industrial Revolution in this world.

How could Henwell possibly consider it unimportant?

Yet he understands that Peace Haven is not ready and lacks the capacity to begin its next period of great industrial development.

His duty as a leader is to handle the present well and guide Peace Haven through each step on solid ground.

As Henwell said, the machine exists for a reason. If they cannot understand it now, they can study it slowly.

They cannot pour more effort into it than reason allows. Scientific progress is linear; it does not advance through unsupported leaps.

Every technology rests on supporting foundations. None appears from thin air.

To Henwell, the apparatus's greatest value is simple: it proves that such a path exists.

There is no need to rush when deciding how to walk that path or how to discover it.

As long as they continue moving forward, they will reach it one day.

What the machine gives Henwell above all else is confidence in the road ahead.

It is more than a wondrous machine. It is a beacon in the darkness.

After several days of inspections, Henwell prepares to return to Blood Hill Manor.

Before leaving, he holds a banquet attended by most of the researchers from every department.

At the banquet, Henwell personally awards decorations to researchers who have made outstanding contributions.

Naturally, an encouraging speech is indispensable as well.

Henwell once dismissed speeches like these as empty words. Material rewards had always seemed more practical.

As Peace Haven has grown stronger, however, these researchers no longer lack food or comfort, and their salaries and benefits are extremely generous.

At this point, spiritual fulfillment becomes very important.

Encouragement delivered in person by a leader can now mean as much to an individual as any material reward.

Henwell also meets Akta's squad, the group that previously demonstrated the Light of Civilization.

Despite his excitement, Akta gathers his courage and asks about Ronan, the young boy they rescued.

Henwell tells him that Ronan is doing very well at Blood Hill Manor and that he will personally guide the boy as he grows.

Only then are Akta and the others reassured. They hope they will be able to visit Ronan in the future.

Henwell readily agrees, though he will need to speak with the boy again once he returns home.