Witnessing the destruction caused by the shot, Foster naturally could estimate the damage it would inflict if aimed at a person.
"This power and range are already close to a four-pound infantry cannon." Foster estimated, although what he held was a gun, the damage it caused was equivalent to a small-caliber cannon used by the military.
This made him want to study this powerful firearm more closely.
However, Perfikot suggested he continue shooting to conduct further testing of the gun.
Seeing this, Foster did not hesitate to continue firing, experiencing the power of an automatic weapon’s burst fire.
Watching three bullets simultaneously hit the intended spot, kicking up a large amount of dirt, even Foster, who had followed old Baron Brandelis to war and witnessed the power of artillery volleys, was shocked.
"Miss, if such a powerful weapon could equip the army, they would be invincible!" Although old Foster was not a military man, he had considerable military acumen.
As the steward of the Brandelis Clan, he clearly remembered the old Baron’s lifelong obsession.
If this weapon could be equipped by the army, the Brandelis Clan could regain its influence in the military.
However, in response to Foster’s excitement, Perfikot just shook her head and said, "Every part of this gun is handcrafted by me, even the bullets. The Empire cannot afford to mass-produce it.
Each bullet costs a gold pound, and that’s just the base price. Grandpa Fu, the bullets you just fired, along with the magazine, cost twenty gold pounds."
The high price quoted by Perfikot made old Foster gulp, but he was not surprised by it.
Having personally used the gun, he knew the powerful weapon was worth the price, and the cost Perfikot mentioned was just the start.
Even so, Foster still advised Perfikot, "Miss, I think you could sell this weapon to the military; they surely would be interested in it!"
"Of course, they’d be interested, but they can’t afford it." Perfikot knew the weapon’s power but had no plans to hand it over to the military: "Crafting this gun requires a specialized Alchemist to spend three months, with a cost of 1,200 gold pounds.
Its creation involves seventy-four unique inventions and techniques. The military would need to pay me a significant sum, whether for usage rights or to buy out my patents.
Additionally, there’s a critical point—the recoil of this gun is extremely powerful. If ordinary people aren’t careful when firing, they could shatter their shoulder.
That’s why I designed the steam armor, using greater strength and sturdier defense to wield it. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel·fıre·net
But the steam armor is also costly and requires at least the strength of a grand knight to fully utilize its capabilities, making it impossible to mass-produce.
Moreover, the current situation isn’t suitable for large-scale production of this equipment—the Empire’s resources must be allocated to more important areas."
Perfikot had never considered mass production when designing this equipment, so while she understood Foster’s point, she remained unmoved.
Furthermore, with the impending apocalypse, strengthening military equipment, while meaningful, isn’t highly significant at this juncture.
With the money for steam armor, it would be better to build two more Flying Airships for her.
Foster understood Perfikot’s reasoning, but he still advised her, "Miss, I think you should present the armor and weapon designs to Her Highness the Eldest Princess.
Through her, the military could produce a batch of such equipment, yielding more benefits for you.
Moreover, per your specifications, the Imperial Guard Knight Order would be the most suited to equip such gear.
You could have them protect you, increasing your safety assurance."
To Foster, despite his newly acquired knighthood and powerful gear, he lacked confidence in protecting Perfikot alone.
He knew the chaos a nation would be in when disasters hit.
His strength alone wouldn’t suffice to protect Perfikot, necessitating a more secure plan for her safety.
Foster’s words seemed to have struck a chord with Perfikot. She thought it over and said, "If so, Grandpa Fu, please go for me tomorrow! The simplified blueprints for the armor and weapon are on the bookshelf in my lab, labeled ’Steam Knight.’"
Upon hearing this, Foster quickly saluted her, but the steam armor restricted him from bending over.
This made Perfikot raise an eyebrow, shaking her head, "It seems it still needs improvement; the waist mobility is lacking."
"This is already adequate; a knight rarely bends when in armor," Foster said nonchalantly, jesting, "Back in the day, when your grandpa was on the battlefield in armor, I’d help scratch his back. Forget bending, he needed help picking up things at times.
Armor is inconvenient , so you needn’t worry, Miss."
"I don’t permit flaws in my work," Perfikot replied, using the Eye of Omniscience to recheck the steam armor on Foster.
After scrutinizing it, she agreed, saying, "But Grandpa Fu, you have a point. I should focus on more pressing matters; this isn’t worth my dedicated time."
With that, Perfikot didn’t continue the topic, only conducting further tests on the steam armor with Foster.
As a newly knighted figure, Foster possessed substantial battlefield experience, having fought in armor, giving him significant insights.
Thus, Foster provided Perfikot with ample inspiration, leaving her having an enlightening moment.
Though a Transmigrator and possessing the Eye of Omniscience, shut-in creation differed greatly from listening to expert firsthand experiences.
Foster’s suggestions were valuable reference points for her, prompting Perfikot to swiftly conceive the design for Steam Armor 2.0 in her mind.