Chapter 41: Get Fired Up!
The factory expanded thanks to Kazuma’s magic, and the space that had felt cramped suddenly became spacious. Shouzo, following instructions, gathered everyone in one place.
As the workers and the development team assembled, murmuring about what was about to happen, Kazuma climbed onto a raised platform to draw their attention and shouted from the depths of his stomach.
“Everyone, attention!!!”
At the booming voice that seemed to make the air itself tremble, everyone in the factory turned their faces to Kazuma.
“Thank you all for gathering today. I apologize for dragging you into the whims of a novice like myself, but I’d like to ask for your time. You’ve probably heard about this matter, but let me reiterate. You will all be involved in the development of a new Powered Suit. I’m thinking of creating something completely different from existing models.”
Kazuma exhaled once, then inhaled, looking at the faces of those below him before resuming his speech.
“Perhaps we’ll be reviled as the biggest fools of the century. We might be pointed at and become objects of ridicule by the public. But even so, I want to make this new Powered Suit project a success, no matter what. Some of you might be underestimating what a novice like me can do.”
Kazuma looked around at everyone’s faces once more, smiled defiantly, took a deep breath, and let out a roar.
“I’m serious!!! I’m more serious than any of you can imagine about creating a new Powered Suit! We’ll create something that far surpasses existing models, something that will even spark a technological revolution! However, I have neither the wisdom nor the technical skills! But, I pride myself on having more motivation and guts than anyone here! It might be frustrating to follow a novice like me, but please, lend me your strength.”
Kazuma bowed his head deeply.
If he had revealed he was the Crimson Knight, they would undoubtedly have lent their strength without question, but that wouldn’t guarantee their cooperation from the bottom of their hearts.
Cooperating reluctantly due to orders from above wouldn’t make them true comrades.
Since they would be developing the new Powered Suit together from now on, Kazuma wanted true comrades.
“…Hmph. You’re a naive brat, but your passion came through.”
One of the workers gathered around Kazuma stepped forward.
The worker, who had a bearded face like a man’s badge of honor and a fittingly defiant smile, looked up at Kazuma.
“Prove to us that you’re not all talk.”
As if throwing down a gauntlet, the man looked up at Kazuma and pointed his finger.
“Of course. I’ll use everything I have to meet your expectations.”
“Kukuku…! I thought this would be a boring job, but it looks like it’s going to be interesting!”
“Fufufu, look forward to it!”
The men grew excited, as if looking forward to what was to come.
They had been brought here under orders from above, but their hearts pounded with anticipation for what seemed to be a rather enjoyable job.
Kazuma descended from the platform, gathered the core members of the workers, and began a discussion around a large work table.
“Alright then, first, let’s divide the roles… no, that’s right. Since we’re at it, let’s hire other experts too.”
“Other experts? What do you mean by that?”
“For now, take a look at this blueprint.”
What Kazuma spread on the work table was the prototype design for the new Powered Suit, which Shouzo-san had designed based on his instructions.
Seeing it, the workers and the development team tilted their heads and asked Kazuma what it was all about.
“Well, I don’t think the design is bad, but are you dissatisfied with something?”
“Mhm. This is something I, an amateur, had Shouzo-san design… but frankly, it lacks imagination.”
“That’s true. From the looks of it, this seems to be a direct adaptation of something from a game or anime. It can’t be called completely original.”
“Just as I thought. That’s why I’m talking about hiring experts.”
“You don’t mean you’re going to hire manga artists or illustrators, do you?”
“That’s exactly it. It’s best to leave these kinds of things to the professionals.”
“I see. That makes sense. But do you have anyone in mind?”
“Of course, I do. Wait a moment.”
Kazuma slipped out of the meeting and called Seiichi-san, his father-in-law who worked at a toy manufacturer and with whom he had exchanged contact information previously.
“Hello, Seiichi-san?”
“Hello, is that you, Kazuma-kun? It’s rare for you to call. Ah, perhaps you’re asking for a Christmas present?”
“Hahaha, you guessed it. Seiichi-san, I’d like to borrow your strength.”
“Mine? I should tell you, I’m not strong at all, you know?”
“No, what I want to borrow are your connections, Seiichi-san, and your creativity.”
“Oh? This sounds rather interesting… What are you planning to do?”
“This is a national secret, so I can’t disclose it, but I think you’ll be interested once you hear about it, Seiichi-san.”
“A national secret, huh…? Is it a bit… risky?”
“No, not at all. However, if it gets out, it might be risky.”
“Hmm… Alright. You promised to help us out next time, Kazuma-kun. If I can be of help, I’ll lend you my strength.”
“Thank you very much! In that case, I’d like to discuss the details, so may I come pick you up now?”
“Yes. The company just finished work for the year, so it’s no problem.”
“Understood. I’ll be right there!”
After hanging up, Kazuma, true to his word, immediately headed to Seiichi-san’s place.
Kazuma used Teleportation Magic to teleport to Seiichi-san’s house, explained the situation to Kumiko-san and the others, and then took Seiichi-san to Kurashige Industries.
“As expected, Kazuma-kun, you’re amazing~”
“It’s not that big of a deal. Well then, could you come with me?”
“Yes. That’s fine.”
“Ah, also, what we’re about to discuss is a national secret, so please don’t tell anyone. I can make it so you can’t speak of it, just in case…”
“I don’t intend to, but if it’s that serious, you should probably do it, Kazuma-kun. There are things you shouldn’t talk about, even with family.”
“Understood. In that case, I’ll use Contract Magic to ensure you can’t speak of it.”
Along the way, Kazuma cast Contract Magic on Seiichi-san, binding him so he couldn’t speak about the new Powered Suit.
Then, Kazuma brought Seiichi-san back to where the discussion was being held and introduced Seiichi-san to the people gathered there.
“This is Seiichi-san, my father-in-law (tou-san). He works at a toy manufacturer and is the leader of a development team. I brought him here today, as I mentioned earlier, to hire a professional expert.”
“I see. Indeed, someone from a toy manufacturer would likely have connections with mecha-style designers.”
“Seiichi-san. We’re developing a new Powered Suit. We were just discussing what kind of thing to make, but we couldn’t come up with any good ideas. That’s why we’d like to borrow your opinions and connections.”
“Heeh~! That sounds interesting. Yes, if I can be of help, I’ll gladly lend a hand! Right away, is that the design spread out on the table?”
“That’s right. What do you think?”
“Hmm. I think the concept is good. But the crucial design itself is reusing existing ones, isn’t it?”
“Yes. We used anime and games as references…”
“I don’t think your starting point is bad. It’s more familiar and easier to get used to than something completely new. But, if we’re considering it as completely original, then it’s a demerit.”
“I thought so…”
“It’s alright. That’s what I’m here for. I have an acquaintance who is an illustrator skilled in this kind of mecha design, so I’ll try talking to them.”
“Please do!”
And so, leaving the design to Seiichi-san, the discussion shifted to the development of weapons to be incorporated into the Powered Suit.
“I want it to be capable of handling close-quarters, mid-range, and long-range combat—an all-rounder.”
“Then, how about embedding blades in the arms? Or perhaps equipping cannons on the shoulders, or even detachable automated turrets on the back? Doesn’t that sound interesting?”
“Technologically, it’s possible, but then what about energy and live ammunition? We could probably install beam-type weapons, but what about the crucial fuel?”
“Besides, how many weapons do you intend to load onto this small armament? Adding weapons on top of Body Enhancement will only be a burden to the user.”
“Regarding that point, there is a solution. Self-replication functions using Nanomachines and the assembly of autonomous weapons are possible.”
“That’s not realistic. The cost would be enormous, and it’s probably something that can’t even be deployed yet. I hear America and China are also struggling with its development.”
The discussion grew lively, with people chattering noisily, becoming heated with arguments back and forth.
Just as the discussion seemed about to turn into a brawl, Kazuma clapped his hands loudly, making a sharp “pan!” sound, and gathered everyone’s attention.
“Alright, I understand for now. So, the first thing we need most is the new technology, Nanomachines, correct?”
“That’s right. However, as mentioned earlier, this isn’t realistic. Currently, Nanomachine development is underway in various countries, but it’s facing difficulties. It might be operational in the future, but it’s impossible right now.”
“Why is that?”
“Regarding fuel, or rather, energy, that aspect is clear. It can operate almost indefinitely by absorbing sunlight, wind power, and various elements. However, the problem is that when Nanomachines are linked together to form a weapon, they are far too fragile, and once destroyed, they are irreparable. That’s where we’re currently stalled. If they could self-repair, and even self-proliferate, then operational use would be feasible, but that’s proving quite difficult…”
“What do you need?”
“Ibinom. Preferably marine or insectoid types. Individuals capable of regeneration or self-proliferation would be ideal. If we could analyze their structure and apply that knowledge to the Nanomachines… However, this is proving difficult. The Crimson Knight did manage to capture many Ibinom alive for us this time, but marine types inhabit everywhere from shallow waters to the deep sea. It would likely be difficult even for him. Moreover, we lack the necessary contacts.”
“Understood. I’ll go get them.”
One of the developers, who had been staring dumbfounded with his mouth agape at Kazuma’s declaration, snapped back to his senses after a few seconds.
“Ahem. That is a most generous offer, but how exactly would you acquire these Ibinom?”
“I’ll explain that later. So, if we get our hands on the Ibinom you just mentioned, the Nanomachine development will advance, correct?”
“…I cannot say with absolute certainty, but I believe it would at least progress further than its current state.”
“Excellent! In that case, begin your preparations! Leave the capture of the Ibinom to me!”
With those words, Kazuma transformed into the Crimson Knight, startling everyone present, before immediately vanishing from their sight.
Naturally, his destination was already set.
To capture the marine-type Ibinom lurking in the depths of the sea.
In less than an hour, Kazuma had captured marine-type Ibinom alive from various oceanic regions and delivered them to Kurashige Industries.
Naturally, it goes without saying that the workers were so astonished they were practically rooted to the spot.