The atmosphere within the Summit Hall was charged with expectation, a palpable buzz that seemed to thrum with magic and curiosity in equal measure. Sharath, two years older and wiser from having guided the deployment of the initial magical computer, strode among the gathered leaders of allied empires. Today, he was presenting not only the new generation of the magical computer but also a plethora of new inventions that would redefine the skyline of technology and magic.
In the center of the hall, a fresh crystalline interface shimmered softly—smaller than the previous one, but obviously improved. This was the BTS (Beta Transcendent System) Computer, the first upgrade to the original magical computer. Sharath moved his hand gracefully, and the device roared to life. Holographic images hovered above the lattice of runes, showing swifter calculations, more accurate spell merging, and increased network connectivity.
This model," Sharath started, voice steady but carrying, "can support more complicated simulations, can combine several magical energy sources at once, and can interface with devices outside our former capabilities. It is quicker, it is more efficient, and it is able to support experiments formerly impossible.
Gasps of amazement ran through the summit participants. Children craned their necks, awed by the hovering runes, and scholars murmured enthusiastically about the possible implications for study, governance, and inter-empire cooperation.
Sharath then unveiled a sequence of innocuous laser technologies. Bolts of colored light spanned the hall in measured patterns, drawing out shapes and symbols in the air. "These are stable, safe, and controllable," he said. "Good for communication, building, and even recreation. The blueprints are yours to copy." Avoes of approbation circulated as emissaries requested feverishly to purchase both the lasers and stereoscopes already constructed. Shrath smiled and approved, consenting to their dissemination throughout empires.
Marcel, beside his family, leaned forward, a flare of excitement dancing in his eyes. "The flying machines have increased range. They can now reach the stratosphere, maybe even further, but they are still unstable at great heights and come down unpredictably." His hands swept the air in imaginary arcs. "Still, it is an improvement.
Serphnia of the elves then replied, her tone soothing but detached. "Our magical trees, with the special bean growth, strive to achieve the height of the moon, but past the stratosphere, the growth levels out. They spread in width more than in height. We need a system to project them into space.
Sharath's eyes sparkled with inspiration. "A pulley system," he exclaimed, voice growing excited. "We can launch these trees and other experimental structures into space with a combination of magical energy and mechanical advantage." The assembled leaders looked at one another, recognizing the boldness—and genius—of the suggestion.
A council was hastily called. Representatives decided to construct a new empire-wide project location, where resources, magic, and engineering could be brought together to the undertaking. The project officially started on the first day of the month, with all empires contributing their skills: the Darsha engineers designed catapults, the elves maximized magical growth and stability of the tree structures, Beastmen craftsmen fortified structural elements, and Sharath organized the networked magical computers to model trajectories and ensure safety.
Seven months of non-stop work ensued. Every day, runes were carved, pulleys tested, simulations tested. Every prototype was examined, rectified, and enhanced. The integrated application of mechanical leverage, magical thrust, and rune-led control was revolutionary. Children in neighboring schools were mesmerized, watching their school lessons on magic and mechanics fulfilled on a grand scale.
At last, the day came. The initial prototype of the space catapult loomed on the launch site, enormous and resplendent in the morning light. Shrath, with representatives from every allied empire, approached the structure. "Today," he declared, voice ringing out over the site, "we try something no civilization has ever done: sending a living construct into space through human innovation, magic, and cooperation."
As the enchanted computer systems went on line, calculations and projections flashed in holographic displays. The pulley system groaned under stress, charged crystals radiating stored power. The trees,cultivated and stabilized, were placed in the cradle of the catapult. Engineers, mages, and scholars stood in breathless suspense all around.
Sharath lifted his hand. "Now."
The launch process started. Runes burst into flame, mechanical limbs turned, and the catapult vibrated with energy. Slower than a blink, the construct went up, controlled by runes of magic and finely timed mechanical movements. Onlookers witnessed it pierce the stratosphere, going higher than any attempt before. The trees shook, dilated, but never wavered—magical supports and carefully planned courses maintained stability far beyond what anyone had thought possible.
A cheer went up as the initial prototype entered orbit, briefly suspended before landing safely back down under masterful magical control. Shrath grinned, his eyes filled with the light of victory and potential for unending innovation. The Summit Hall broke out in applause, laughter, and cheers as empires saw in mind's eye the next phases: tests on the moon, orbital reconnaissance, and a day when magic and engineering blended together to look beyond Eldora itself.
The initial catapult launch was not only a technical success, but a sign: when empires were united, trading knowledge, magic, and intelligence, even the impossible became possible. And Shrath, his eyes fixed on the throbbing glow of the magical computer, knew that this was only the start of humanity's—and magic's—grand voyage out into the galaxy.