Mary Geoise, Chamber of Authority.
With Senior Manager Addison reporting the progress in the Kabane World, the Five Elders gathered once again to discuss the next steps.
"Let's start with the special resources discovered in this world so far," Topman Warcury Saint, head of the Government Affairs Office, spoke first.
Marcus Mars Saint, overseeing the Academy of Science, nodded.
"First and foremost, there's the Kabane's Heart Membrane."
"According to reports from the Materials Research Institute, its thickness ranges from six to twelve millimeters depending on the infected individual's physique. However, its strength is equivalent to steel plates three to ten centimeters thick. It possesses properties such as light transmission, adhesion, blood absorption, and heat resistance."
"Light transmission means most of the membrane is transparent, though it has vascular patterns attached. They attempted to remove these blood vessels, only to find that doing so caused the membrane to rapidly degrade into ordinary transparent flesh, losing all strength and unique properties. This suggests the Kabane Virus plays a crucial role."
"Adhesion refers to its ability to bond with any surface. After about two hours, it becomes inseparable from the object. However, this also means it cannot be reused."
"Blood absorption indicates it requires regular 'feeding' with blood—animal blood suffices—to maintain its vitality. Otherwise, it 'starves' and rots."
"Heat resistance is self-explanatory. The Kabane Virus thrives in high-temperature liquid environments, and the membrane itself is a product of such conditions."
After listening, Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro glanced at the First Generation Kitetsu in his arms and adjusted his round glasses. "It sounds like an excellent material for reinforcing blades."
"Exactly!" Marcus Mars Saint smiled in agreement. "The Materials Research Institute mentioned this as well."
"Based on the prototype in Amatori Biba's possession, they found that simply layering a blade with the 'Kabane Heart Membrane'—even one of crude craftsmanship—could elevate its strength to rival that of a 'Ryo Wazamono' grade sword, capable of piercing through two to three stacked membranes with ease."
"The most astonishing part is that even if the surface is damaged, applying some blood allows it to slowly regenerate!"
Hearing this, not only Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro but the other three Elders raised their brows, their interest piqued.
"So, with enough 'Kabane Heart Membrane,' every ordinary weapon could essentially become a self-healing, blood-absorbing Ryo Wazamono?" Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro remarked in amazement.
Marcus Mars Saint affirmed, "Precisely. In fact, layering multiple membranes could produce weapons comparable to 'Supreme Grade Swords,' given its mere millimeter thickness."
"Moreover, the Materials Research Institute believes it isn't limited to blades. Our warships, vehicles, buildings—even clothing and armor—could utilize it. Since it's fundamentally a biological membrane, it boasts remarkable malleability."
"..."
At this point, even Marcus Mars Saint himself grew visibly excited. The other four exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with greed and anticipation.
They had initially thought the World of the Kabane lacked any advanced combat capabilities, given even the total cell count in human bodies was significantly lower. Thus, they assumed the people of this world could only engage in farming and livestock rearing.
But now, it seemed the inhabitants of the Kabane World held immense intrinsic value!
"The most crucial point is that this highly convenient enhancement material can be considered both a renewable and non-renewable resource—it all depends on how we choose to view it."
Marcus Mars Saint's meaningful remark was naturally understood by the other Five Elders present.
From a humanitarian perspective, deliberately treating it as a renewable resource would be utterly evil, a heinous crime, nothing short of an act against humanity.
Yet, from a profit-driven standpoint, abandoning the use of Kabane Heart Membranes would be a tremendous waste. How could they ignore such a superb supernatural material right before their eyes?
Impossible!
Ahem, let's not dwell on that for now. Is there anything else?"
Topman Warcury Saint swiftly changed the subject. Some matters were best left unspoken for the time being, to be addressed when the moment was ripe.
"There's another unique resource—a technology they refer to as the 'McRucky Engine.'"
"Reportedly, it's a high-pressure steam boiler invented by a British scientist named McRucky from the Europa Continent, utilizing 'Steam Compression' technology. Not only can it provide high-output kinetic energy for heavy Armored Trains, but it can also be miniaturized for personal use, powering Steam Rifles."
"According to inspection reports from Yatsushiro Station, they even use it to operate massive cranes, efficiently loading mined iron ore onto trains for transport to the Shogunate's capital, Diamond Citadel. From there, it's distributed to various 'Stations' across the Land of the Rising Sun."
Topman Warcury Saint's eyes gleamed as he eagerly asked, "Has Dr. Vegapunk seen this yet?"
"We've already sent the 'small high-pressure boilers' carried by their soldiers to Punk Hazard, but the large ones on the Armored Trains haven't been dismantled yet."
"As for the design blueprints of these boilers, they haven't been found. According to the overseer captured by Crocodile, both the production of 'Station Towns' and 'Steam Rifles' are centrally managed by the Shogunate. Thus, the relevant blueprints—including the 'world map' we need—should be inside Diamond Citadel!"
Marcus Mars Saint paused, sipping his steaming hot tea to moisten his throat before continuing.
"Though we lack the blueprints, Dr. Vegapunk still took an hour to disassemble one and deduce the principles behind this high-pressure steam boiler."
"What did he say?" Shepherd Ju Peter Saint pressed.
"Dr. Vegapunk believes that by constructing sufficiently large and numerous high-compression steam factories, paired with an appropriate seawater impurity filtration system, we could produce an endless supply of 'high-compression steam.'"
"Then, by installing 'McRucky Engines' on warships or Sea Trains, we could use easily replaceable gas canisters to provide them with long-term, clean energy."
"Furthermore, the impurities filtered out from highly compressed seawater can undergo an additional screening process to extract Seastone crystals."
"This technology is perfectly suited for a world where ninety percent is ocean!"
At this point, Marcus Mars Saint visibly grew excited, his body trembling slightly. As part of the world's ruling class, he understood all too well what abundant clean energy represented—and what an ample supply of Seastone meant!
"Then what are we waiting for?!"
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro straightened his posture, his gaze sharpening as he declared firmly, "I shall immediately order the Army headquarters to have Bullet and Crocodile suppress that so-called Shogunate capital, Diamond Citadel!"
"Regarding our stance toward this Shogunate and the Amatori family, that is actually one of the matters to be discussed in this meeting," Topman Warcury Saint said solemnly, interlacing his fingers.
"First, should we continue allowing the Amatori family to serve as the Shogunate's General, or replace them by propping up a new General?"
"Second, after subjugating this nation, should we grant it the status of an affiliated country?"
"And third, should we approve Dr. Shoei's application to join the Biochemical Research Institute, and how should we handle the abandoned son of the former Shogunate General, Amatori Biba?"