chapter 55 Preparing the Explosive Core
Kaelith carefully unwrapped the Magic Crystal, its faint glow illuminating the dimly lit workbench. Unlike standard mana-infused crystals used in enchantments, this one possessed a volatile nature, making it a crucial yet dangerous component in explosive engineering.
> "Too much force, and this thing will blow up in my face."
He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. Precision was everything.
1. Grinding the Magic Crystal
From his Engineering Kit, Kaelith retrieved a small grinding tool—a finely crafted instrument with a diamond-coated edge designed for handling delicate materials. He positioned the crystal over a stone mortar, ensuring its surface was stable and wouldn't shift unexpectedly.
With controlled pressure, he began grinding the crystal. Unlike mundane minerals, Magic Crystals contained condensed mana, making their structure both delicate and volatile. Any excessive force could release an uncontrolled burst of energy.
The grinding process was slow and meticulous. As the crystal broke down into fine particles, tiny sparks of residual mana flickered before dissipating. Kaelith focused on keeping the dust uniform in consistency—uneven particles could cause unstable reactions later.
After several minutes of careful work, he finally had a shimmering fine powder, its surface reflecting light in a mesmerizing way. He tapped the mortar gently to loosen any residue before carefully pouring the powder into a small glass vial, sealing it immediately with a cork stopper to prevent airborne mana exposure.
> [You have obtained: Magic Crystal Powder (x1)]
---
2. Mixing the Explosive Powder
Now came the second critical component: Explosive Powder. Unlike the Magic Crystal, this substance was pre-refined and stable under normal conditions. However, proper ratios were key—a miscalculation could mean a bomb that was either too weak or dangerously volatile.
Kaelith reached for his measuring scales, adjusting the weights to ensure exact proportions. He carefully measured a 4:1 ratio—four parts Explosive Powder to one part Magic Crystal Powder.
Why the 4:1 Ratio?
Too much Magic Crystal Powder → Unstable explosion (high risk of premature detonation).
Too little Magic Crystal Powder → Weak detonation (reduced effectiveness).
He placed the measured powders into a small metal dish, grabbing a wooden stirrer to begin mixing.
The moment the Magic Crystal Powder made contact with the Explosive Powder, a faint bluish tint spread through the mixture—a sign of successful stabilization. The reaction had begun, binding the mana-infused dust with the explosive compound.
> "Perfect. This will create a small but reliable blast."
Kaelith continued stirring for a few more moments to ensure complete integration. Then, using a reinforced leather pouch, he transferred the stabilized mixture, pressing out any trapped air before sealing it tightly.
> [You have obtained: Stabilized Explosive Core]
With the Stabilized Explosive Core prepared, Kaelith moved on to constructing the outer casing. This step was crucial—a poorly made shell could lead to premature detonation, a dud, or an ineffective explosion.
> "If the shell is too strong, it'll suppress the blast. Too weak, and it might go off before reaching the target. Gotta get this just right."
He spread out his materials on the workbench, ensuring he had everything needed for a sturdy yet effective bomb casing.
---
1. Selecting the Shell Material
The first step was choosing the right material for the outer shell. The bomb needed a balance between durability and fragility—it had to hold together until impact but break apart at just the right moment to maximize the explosion's effectiveness.
Material Choices Kaelith Considered:
Verdict: Kaelith chose a pre-molded reinforced ceramic sphere—a lightweight, impact-sensitive material designed for explosive devices. This type of shell was commonly used for small-scale bombs, ensuring:
✔️ Sufficient durability to prevent premature detonation.
✔️ Brittleness to shatter upon impact, creating deadly shrapnel.
✔️ Lightweight build for easy throwing or placement.
> "This ceramic shell should work. Strong enough to handle minor knocks but weak enough to shatter when it counts."
---
2. Designing the Detonation Mechanism
The bomb needed a reliable trigger system to ensure it exploded at the right moment. There were two main detonation options:
A. Impact-Based Trigger (Chosen Method)
Triggers upon direct impact.
No need for external ignition.
Best for thrown or placed explosives.
💡 Kaelith's Choice: He selected an Impact-Based Trigger for this Mini Bomb—the shell would break upon impact, igniting the explosive core instantly.
B. Fuse-Based Trigger (Alternative Option)
Uses a timed fuse.
Delayed explosion.
Better for planned demolitions.
> "No need for a fuse this time. It has to explode the moment it hits."
Embedding the Ignition Crystal
To create the impact trigger, Kaelith embedded a small ignition crystal inside the shell's inner lining. This specialized crystal was infused with mana and released a burst of energy upon sudden force.
Steps to embed the Ignition Crystal:
1. Kaelith selected a small but potent Ignition Crystal, checking its integrity for any cracks or instability.
2. He used a thin layer of adhesive alchemical paste to secure the crystal inside the ceramic shell. This paste would hold the crystal firmly while ensuring it activated upon impact.
3. He positioned the crystal precisely at the core to guarantee the explosion's chain reaction.
> "The moment the shell breaks, this crystal will ignite the explosive core. Simple but deadly."
---
3. Filling the Shell with Explosive Material
Now came the most delicate part: inserting the Stabilized Explosive Core.
Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Measuring the Explosive Core
Kaelith carefully measured the amount of Stabilized Explosive Powder he would use—too much could make the bomb unstable, while too little could weaken the blast.
He ensured the explosive powder filled the core evenly to avoid imbalance.
2️⃣ Enhancing the Blast (Adding Additional Materials)
To maximize the bomb's effectiveness, Kaelith added:
✔️ Small metal shards – These would act as shrapnel, increasing damage upon detonation.
✔️ Powdered Firestone – A volatile material that generated additional heat and fire upon explosion.
> "A little extra fire never hurts. This should burn anything near the blast radius."
3️⃣ Sealing the Explosive Core into the Shell
Using a specialized funnel, Kaelith carefully poured the explosive mixture into the hollow ceramic sphere, ensuring an even distribution.
He used a reinforced sealing resin to close the shell completely, making it airtight to prevent premature detonation due to moisture or pressure changes.
> [You have obtained: Sealed Mini Bomb Shell]
---
4. Final Checks and Quality Testing
Before declaring the Mini Bomb complete, Kaelith conducted a series of safety checks:
✔️ Weight Balance Test – He rolled the bomb in his palm, ensuring even weight distribution for a stable flight path when thrown.
✔️ Durability Tap Test – He gently tapped the shell against a wooden surface to confirm it wouldn't break too easily.
✔️ Seal Integrity Check – He inspected the resin seal to ensure no air or powder leakage.
> "That should do it. Now for the final step—arming the bomb."