Chapter 217 - Chapter 217: Ricardo Bell
An outcast of the scientific world, Dr. Ricardo Bell had once studied under Cyril Airheart. He displayed remarkable achievements in engineering and obtained a doctorate at the youngest age in the history of the Kingdom of Cascade.
Afterwards, he conducted research on cannons within the military, but various restrictions annoyed him, so he resigned and started his own company to continue his research. Those restrictions were limits on developing weapons that posed a threat to other nations.
This was a regulation imposed by the king upon his own country because the Kingdom of Cascade, where Steve resided, needed to demonstrate its intent not to invade neighboring countries.
"If only there were no such restrictions, we could launch things as far as we wanted..."
Those were Bell's parting words.
Going against national policy to conduct the research he wanted to do is something not seen in other researchers, which is why he is called an outcast.
So where did such a Bell get his research funds? From foreign military-related organizations. Most importantly, it was difficult to have Bell, who was inside the Kingdom of Cascade, develop weapons for his own country, so they purchased his papers and blueprints at high prices.
Among those countries was the Big Bear Empire. The Big Bear Empire succeeded in firing a shell 88 kilometers away using a cannon created based on Bell's blueprints. Furthermore, they approached Bell with a negotiation to create a cannon with a long-range firing distance exceeding this.
Sitting in a chair, Bell laughed.
"If what the Big Bear Empire says is true, we can use a huge budget. If so, even a cannon that reaches the universe can be realized. There is no reason to refuse."
Bell had decided to go to the Big Bear Empire. Due to technological development, war had changed from battles fought by mages and knights to overwhelming the enemy by equipping excellent weapons. That said, since Steve was keeping a watchful eye, direct clashes of arms had not occurred. However, every nation was developing weapons while eyeing the time after Steve's passing.
The Big Bear Empire had not advanced into the western front, but they had invaded the eastern and southern parts of the Empire, expanding their territory. And that continued. That was precisely why they were seeking even more excellent weapons.
Just then, a visitor arrived. It was an agent of the Big Bear Empire.
"Doctor, it is time for you to make your decision."
"Oh, in that case, I have decided to go to your country."
Saying that, he glanced at the computer monitor on the desk.
What was there was a formula.
H = ＼frac{{v_{0y}}^2}}{{2g}} = ＼frac{{v_0}^2 ＼sin^2 ＼theta}}{{2g}}
v0y=vOsinθ
It was a formula regarding oblique projection.
It calculated the maximum reaching point H from the initial velocity vO and the projection angle, and it was something Bell had pursued throughout his life.
"However, there is something necessary before leaving the country. This country's industrial power is the best in the world. I do not think you can obtain the same things in your country. Please obtain these for me. If I move, the country will take notice of me."
Saying that, Bell took out blueprints from the desk. The man received them and looked them over.
"Mechanical parts. Understood, I will do something about it. However, carrying such drawings around would be troublesome if something happened."
"Oh, the same things are on this floppy disk."
Saying that, he presented the floppy disk this time.
The man received it and returned the blueprints.
"Then, Doctor, prepare for your long journey."
"Oh."
Thus, the man returned.
"Well, I must summarize the research results..."
Bell stared at the cannon model on the shelf and smiled broadly.