Chapter 20
A while ago,
Yujin had received a declaration of a “competitive bid” from the siblings Cassian and Laisha, managers of Magnus Workshop 35.
A competitive bid was a system where multiple workshops competed over a single commission that had come into the Magnus family. Depending on the conditions, the stakes varied—but this time, the competition between Magnus Workshop 43 and Workshop 35 was practically a battle that could determine the fate of Workshop 43.
Due to the difference in scale between the two workshops, Magnus Workshop 43 had to stake all of its shares, while Workshop 35 only risked 25%.
And now, to face that battle, Yujin was riding in a carriage back to the main house with Edgar.
“…I’m nervous, Young Master,” Edgar said, sitting beside him. It was a battle with the workshop’s fate on the line. No matter how much they had prepared, it was impossible not to feel tense.
Well, that’s understandable, Yujin thought.
He knew that what they were bringing was 316 stainless steel—something used even in marine plants, and essentially considered “non-corrosive in seawater” even on Earth. But Edgar didn’t know that.
Sure, they had tested it in water and saltwater, but the test period had only been a few weeks. It was natural to worry about unknown variables.
So Yujin spoke to ease his tension.
“There’s no need to be nervous, Edgar. We’re going to win.”
“…Win?”
“Yes. Even if we were facing not Workshop 35, but the head of the family himself—we wouldn’t lose this.”
“…!”
Edgar was shocked.
Such confidence…!
This battle could decide not only the workshop’s fate, but possibly even Yujin’s life. He was in a position where he could be eliminated at any time.
And yet, instead of being nervous, Yujin spoke as if he could defeat even the Empire’s greatest alchemist.
Incredible… No matter how talented he is, it’s not easy to have that level of confidence…
Meanwhile, Yujin thought:
No matter how great they are, there’s no way they can beat the culmination of science developed by countless geniuses on Earth.
He stood on the shoulders of giants.
No matter how skilled the Empire’s greatest alchemist was, Yujin couldn’t imagine losing to a single individual.
At the center of the Empire lay the capital, and at its heart ruled the Emperor.
But a single Emperor couldn’t govern such a vast land alone.
Thus, the Empire was divided into territories ruled by numerous nobles.
The Magnus family’s domain bordered the capital itself, and it was among the largest territories in the Empire.
Naturally, the Magnus stronghold—the family’s main residence—was enormous, with many different sections inside.
There was Magnus Workshop No. 1, directly managed by Isaac Magnus. There were training areas for workshop members, and various administrative sections handling the affairs of the family.
And today’s competitive bid was being held in a special testing area designed for evaluating various products.
“…It’s my first time entering here, Young Master,” Edgar said.
“Same here.”
Perhaps because they had arrived early, the testing area was still empty.
It resembled a vast laboratory. Various reagents and materials were laid out, along with numerous testing instruments.
At the center stood a large water tank, likely prepared because today’s test involved metal pipes that must not corrode in seawater.
Looks like they’ll put the pipes in there to test corrosion, Yujin thought.
But one thing puzzled him.
If they want a proper test, it should take months…
Ordinary steel might corrode within hours, but this test was about materials that resist corrosion. To verify that properly, it should take a long time.
Yet there was no mention of the test lasting months.
How are they planning to test this?
As time passed, people began to enter.
Most were older and well-dressed—likely nobles or individuals of similar status.
“…Do you know who they are, Young Master?” Edgar asked.
“I’m not sure…”
Yujin hadn’t built many connections in his childhood, so he didn’t recognize them.
“…This time, the request from the Belmore family…”
“I heard Cassian is participating…”
“His opponent… someone named Yujin…”
From their conversations, it was clear they were related to the competition.
This is unsettling…
At that moment—
“You’ve arrived early, Young Master Yujin.”
It was Jeffrey, the Magnus family’s butler.
“Hello, Uncle Jeffrey. I just felt better arriving early.”
“That speaks well of your diligence.”
“It’s not that impressive. I just came early because I could.”
“Well said.”
Jeffrey smiled.
“By the way, who are those people?”
“Oh, I forgot to explain. They are Imperial alchemists from the palace.”
“Imperial alchemists…?”
Yujin was surprised.
Imperial alchemists were elite individuals serving the Emperor directly—among the most skilled in the Empire.
“They came to observe this competition.”
“To observe?”
“Yes. Competitive bids often produce new techniques. Watching them can be beneficial.”
Like professors attending a conference, Yujin thought.
“And actually, there are fewer than usual today.”
“…Fewer?”
“Yes. Larger-scale competitions attract far more alchemists. It seems expectations for today aren’t very high.”
“…I see.”
Yujin knew Workshop 43 was small, and even Workshop 35 was mid-tier.
It made sense people didn’t expect much.
Still—
…That’s annoying.
It hurt his pride.
Later, Cassian and Laisha entered.
They greeted Imperial alchemists warmly.
“…So they learned from them,” Yujin thought.
Then, they approached him.
“…What now?”
“I was just worried our half-commoner little brother might be trembling.”
“What a useless concern.”
They exchanged sharp words.
Then Cassian looked at the pipe.
“…Is that what you prepared?”
“Yes.”
“It looks shiny… but it’s just a steel pipe. You do know the topic of this competition, right?”
“I do.”
Cassian scoffed.
“I thought you at least knew steel rusts in seawater within hours.”
Yujin didn’t respond.
Cassian continued:
“If you understand how this family works, you should know the weak must serve the strong. Why not submit to me now?”
“Wouldn’t it make more sense for you to submit to me?”
“What?”
“I’m going to win.”
“….”
Cassian paused, then laughed.
“Then let’s make a bet. The loser works as a servant in the winner’s workshop for a month.”
“Deal.”
Soon after, Isaac Magnus entered, and the competition began.
Jeffrey explained the rules.
First: Magnus Workshop 35’s anti-corrosion bronze pipe.
It was covered in intricate enchantments.
“Impressive…”
“It’s beautifully constructed…”
The Imperial alchemists were amazed.
The pipe was placed into seawater.
Then Isaac raised his hand.
The pipe floated into the tank.
He inserted his hand into the water—
Suddenly, bubbles surged violently.
Yujin’s eyes widened.
He’s accelerating oxidation reactions…
It was as if time itself had been sped up locally.
Five minutes later—
Green corrosion appeared.
“About five years of durability,” Jeffrey explained.
Applause followed.
Cassian and Laisha smiled confidently.
Next: Magnus Workshop 43’s steel pipe.
“Steel?”
“It’ll rust in hours…”
“And there are no enchantments?”
Skepticism filled the room.
Cassian smirked.
“Looks like you’ll embarrass yourself.”
The pipe was placed into the tank.
Time passed.
A few seconds.
Nothing.
One minute.
Still nothing.
“…What?”
Murmurs spread.
Two minutes.
Three.
Five.
Ten.
Fifteen.
Twenty.
Shock filled the room.
Steel… surviving decades in seawater?
Not a single trace of rust appeared on the pipe.
