Our Family Has Fallen

”That’s right. It’s not just the musket and cannon powder that has improved; the bomb powder formula has also been changed. The true effect can probably only be understood by seeing it with one’s own eyes,” Eugene said. He raised his hand to point toward the target range, signaling Barton to go ahead.

It must be said that his words also piqued Reynard’s curiosity. Unlike Lance, who enjoyed showing off, Barton lit the fuse and threw the bomb outright.

The bomb flew accurately and landed within the targeted area. This technique had only recently appeared, and it was clear that Barton had been practicing his throwing ability in private.

After about ten seconds, the bomb exploded with a roar. The force of the blast flipped the ground and pierced through the surrounding targets, leaving countless holes. Those closer were knocked down directly.

”How can the power be so great!”

The two of them had studied this. The bomb’s lethal radius was now one-third greater than ordinary ones—a terrifying improvement.

”The recipe was improved by adding sugar at the Lord’s request.”

”Sugar?”

”Yes, we’re not clear about the exact principle right now, but after adding powdered sugar to the bomb’s explosive formula, the power was greatly enhanced.”

”So these are two different technologies? Then why don’t muskets use sugar? Wouldn’t their power be greater?” Reynard noticed a problem.

Eugene smiled upon hearing this and began to explain.

”I actually had similar thoughts at first. But after discussing this issue with the Lord, I understood the difference between a propellant and an explosive. First, we need to grasp the principles of muskets and cannons, and the concept of chamber pressure.

Simply put, a musket fires when the energy released by gunpowder creates chamber pressure in a relatively sealed barrel. This pressure continuously pushes the shell through the tube, accelerating it.

Given this characteristic, what’s needed is more stable gunpowder, not one that seeks an instantaneous outburst. Otherwise, the immediate explosive force would be too great, exceed chamber pressure, and cause the barrel to burst.

Bombs, on the other hand, pursue the opposite effect: the stronger the instantaneous explosive force, the better. Hence, the improvements for these two types of gunpowder recipes also differ.”

”If soldiers could be equipped with these bombs, I fear they wouldn’t be afraid even when facing a large Legion.” Reynard might not have understood all the technicalities, but he saw the military potential of this explosive.

”Actually, you’re forgetting an issue, and that’s the cost of sugar—just now you’ve blown up one Gold Coin, the equivalent of seven ordinary bombs.”

His words instantly doused the two with cold water. Sugar was currently a very expensive commodity, even treated as a medicinal drug.

”The Lord said this technology is only prepared in small amounts to deal with special enemies, and it’s impossible to equip the army on a large scale.”

The two seemed to understand what the Lord meant by ’special enemies’ and fell silent for a moment.

Eugene, however, wore a smile. After all, the money wasn’t his.

Technological innovation was undoubtedly a surprise for someone like Eugene, who enjoyed research. He now felt more than ever that his decision to give up Totnes and come here was the right one.

”These two technologies are still top secret, and few people know about them. I hope you two can keep this confidential.”

”Understood.”

The two nodded seriously. They had participated many times in the Lord’s seminars on military development.

They understood that gunpowder weapons were the future of warfare, and the importance of such innovative technology was clear.