Imperial VI-11

"Have you finished your story?"

"Sorry. Daniel, did I keep you waiting?"

"Not at all. I actually have time today, so it's no problem. Still, Mr. Taro really can't be ignored..."

"You're finally saying it. How's the investigation going?"

"Going smoothly. In fact, how did you come up with something like this? The thermal efficiency has improved significantly, and the vibrations have been greatly reduced."

The parts I've modified on the magic-powered tricycle are based on physical principles derived from knowledge and craftsmanship experience I acquired in my original world.

As for the magic stones, I've left them completely untouched.

Honestly, there aren't many things I could actually do, so from my own perspective, I don't feel like I've made much of a modification.

But to Daniel, it feels just like a complete overhaul.

I gently, yet clearly, guided Daniel by showing him the actual object, making sure he noticed the details.

"Amazing. It's astonishing how many everyday phenomena in the world can be harnessed for the Four-Element Magic Wheels when examined closely."

"Surprised?"

"Yes, I truly feel the fundamental importance of studying physical phenomena. At the same time, perhaps we know far less than we think."

I was surprised by Daniel. People in this world, especially those involved in research, tend to think in terms of magic stones.

But Daniel isn't focused on magic stones—he's genuinely interested in natural phenomena themselves. He's free from the usual obsession with magic stones, in a good way.

Daniel's barrage of questions continued. It felt familiar, like something I hadn't experienced in ages.

Just as I felt completely drained, the sun began to set.

"It's about time the sun started setting, so let's wrap this up. I'll drop you off."

"Ah, well, I guess that's unavoidable."

Why are you acting so superior?

On the way back to town.

I borrowed Daniel's magical four-wheeler to practice driving.

"Mr. Taro, I've heard a lot about you. What exactly is this lightning magic you're known for?"

"Look, magic is basically a secretive art. It's not something you can just explain easily."

"Yes, I fully understand that. That's precisely why I'm asking. You can't learn much just by watching in silence. So, the only way is to ask the person directly. I believed you, Mr. Taro, would be willing to teach me."

You're awfully confident, aren't you?

"Why do you think that?"

"Because you're the same kind of person as me—someone who's only interested in science."

Saying it so clearly it might as well have come with a dramatic sound effect.

"In the end, it's all about intellectual curiosity toward science—you don't show interest in anything else, just pretense. That's why I thought you'd be willing to talk about debates that satisfy your intellectual curiosity."

It was a harsh thing to say.

I wanted to be furious, but Daniel’s refreshing honesty and a certain guilty conscience made me speechless.

Since Daniel didn't seem willing to back down at all, I decided to keep things simple.

Ah... The lightning magic is using a stone of light.

In my mind, lightning is like countless particles of light connected in a chain... Is that what you're hearing?

Listening to what Taro said, it sounds like you see light as something like a ball. But to me, light feels more like water. Just a moment—please wait.

Saying this, Daniel began rummaging through his belongings.

Suddenly, he pulled out a thin plate with two cuts made into it.

"Please look. When sunlight passes through the two slits, it interferes like waves on a water surface. I used to believe light was more like a wave, not a particle."

...Sharp.

At the same time, he realized part of his own thinking had been wrong.

He faintly recalled the relationship between light and electrons, the fundamental particles involved in electricity.

I had thought that light and electrons were similar in nature, simply transferring energy within a gemstone through a basic mechanism. That was wrong.

I'm from the engineering department and never studied the detailed aspects of physics. It was Daniel's comment that brought this gap to light.

I'd pictured a light gemstone as being similar to an electric bulb.

I used to think that using magic required detailed knowledge of physics, but my past experiences have shown me that what's most important is a clear image.

For magic, an image might be closer to software than knowledge.

I delved deep into the recesses of memory, trying to recall the detailed physics I usually wouldn't pay attention to.

"Hey! Taro! Look ahead! Look forward!"

Hearing Daniel's shout, I slammed on the brakes with all my might. I felt the rear wheel lift slightly from the sudden force.

Ahead of me was a sharp curve, with a wall rising straight up.

"Are you not very good at driving, Taro?"

"S-sorry, I was lost in thought. I'll focus on driving properly now."

After that, despite Daniel's concern, I delivered him safely to his destination.