The Lonely Earth - Earth ISOT into Magitek fantasy

Chapter 12: Light Metal

National University of Science and Technology (MISiS), Moscow, 163 hours after Worldshift

Putin's gaze was intense as he addressed the metallurgist, who nodded in response. "You said you had interesting finds for us?"

Her face lit up with excitement. "Indeed, sir. The metals used in the construction of these biplanes are truly fascinating. We've identified an aluminum alloy, unlike any known to Earth science, and it's combined with a substance hitherto unknown to us. Thanks to our new partners, we now have information about this mysterious element called Mithril or Ythmar."

"Mithril?" Putin echoed, intrigued.

"Yes, Mithril, sir. It possesses remarkable properties. It's fifty thousand times stronger than steel, yet half the density. This makes it an ideal material for constructing airplanes, enabling their aircraft to withstand multiple missile impacts before succumbing to damage."

His interest peaked, Putin inquired further, "Can we source this material ourselves? It would be challenging to create a substantial amount of the metal by melting down these biplanes alone."

"But we do have some, Mr. President," she said with a hint of excitement. "You see, these pirates unknowingly stumbled upon Mithril deposits while seeking resources to mine them for the refineries of their airship. Their intention was to raid our territories what they believed were unestablished settlements, but it seems that the Worldshift had caused certain materials to emerge upwards from the abyssal plains and move closer to the surface."

She displayed a hastily crafted computer imaging of the phenomenon, showcasing the upswell of various materials, including Mithril, ascending towards the surface. The screen depicted other metals and minerals previously unheard of in their universe, each marked with distinct colors. Putin couldn't help but feel a rush of fascination as he realized the potential significance of this discovery.

Putin's mind raced with excitement and wonder. He could already envision an entire new epoch of industries taking shape in Russia, an age of technological marvels built upon the foundation of these extraordinary materials.

"Interesting," Putin remarked with a knowing smirk, acknowledging the enigmatic forces at play. He couldn't help but entertain the idea that the Worldspirit's gift to Russia might hold a more profound purpose, orchestrated with a grander design in mind.

"Considering the scale of this phenomenon, I assume its reach extends beyond our borders," he inquired.

"Yes, Mr. President," the metallurgist confirmed.

"In that case, we maintain the advantage of us being the first to know where to initiate our exploration," Putin affirmed confidently. "I'll immediately set the miners in motion and make the necessary arrangements for the refining equipment. However, it is paramount that you share all the data you can salvage with me. We need to be fully equipped with the knowledge to leverage this incredible opportunity."

Putin's eyes narrowed in curiosity as he asked, "But How did they manage to carry such an astonishing amount of ammunition in those biplanes anyway?"

The metallurgist shrugged, not entirely certain of the specifics. "Well, from what I've heard, they utilized some form of shrinking spells or similar mystical techniques. Honestly, it's not exactly within my area of expertise," she admitted.

Putin pondered the implications of planes capable of withstanding multiple hits and armed with an overwhelming arsenal. It was an intriguing concept—one that sparked his imagination.

"And how, precisely, did they manage to construct a colossal craft of four hundred and eighty-six thousand tonnes, stretching an astonishing five hundred and sixty-seven meters in length?" Putin inquired, his mind grappling with the magnitude of the enigma before them. Reports had indeed surfaced regarding the Arctic sea fleet's fierce battle with a single airship, but the numbers now presented on the table were staggering, belied the fact that the airship outpassed the entire fleet by a good margin.