It has been 2 weeks, and FINALLY, we get the permits. There was a short toast, then immediate work.

  We had the permits to experiment with black powder. This came along with government oversight, meaning we just got on their radar. Where this will lead? I've no clue.

  The last 2 weeks I have switched class, nothing special. I got the books for the class, and that's enough for me for now.

  I have made excellent progress on my body project. I have moved some of the early machines to my house after securing it better. Work would continue there.

  But I digress, we work now on initial experiments. We had a design for the gun, but proper results were needed. The powder was somewhat different after all.

  We got the design of the propellant, and it was hotter then black powder. If used in a regular 17th century gun, the gun would detonate.

  The reasoning is due to some of the ingredients in the powder. This was... good, I decided. More efficient was better... probably.

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  Anyhow, now with an idea of the powders power, we could begin prototype building. Orders were sent to our carpenters. A master Smith was called to the fore. The first model would be the best possible.

  With the blueprint made, the Smith began to hammer steel like butter. The carpenter shaped the stock and the bits under the barrel.

  It took a day to finish, then assembly began. The barrel was seated, the rings emplaced on the barrel and wood. The cocking bits were emplaced. The striker and pan were added. In the end, we were left with a gun that would look at home in a 17th century English nobles collection.

  The steel shone, the wood was smooth. The cock worked smoothly. It was time for a test. We gathered the powder and some lead balls, then went to a pre-prepared warehouse.

  When we entered, the brothers and I gathered around. "I will test the weapon. In the off chance of catastrophic failure, I will survive best." I say. The brothers nod, and I line up with my first target.

  I plant the stock, and pour the powder down the barrel. It was half load for safety. Then I put in a patch and ball. Then I drew my ramrod and packed the ball and powder. When ready, I put away the ram rod, and put powder on the pan.

  I drew the gun up, and shouldered it. With a crack, the gun fired at the wooden target. At a range of 25 meters, I hit the center bit of the target.

  First test, success.