Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 03
The day after that stomach-churning conversation, the party known as “Soul’s Guidance” set out to conquer the dungeons surrounding Zanzagilium.
With one D-class, one C-class, and one B-class dungeon, we managed to clear them all in five days, taking breaks in between.
While we encountered some Rare Bosses, the members’ Skills only leveled up existing abilities in the D and C-class dungeons. Notably, since Sakurahime had already cleared the D and C dungeons, she did not gain any new Skills or level increases.
In the B-class dungeon, a Rare Boss appeared, but only Sakurahime acquired the advanced Skill “Adamantine Strength,” while the rest of us merely leveled up our existing Skills.
Naturally, I took the opportunity to test the power of my new mace in the dungeons. However, given that I was already capable of overkill, the difference was hardly noticeable against the low-level monsters of B-class.
That said, when I unleashed “Shockwave” in the boss room, the boss, who was about ten meters away, was blown apart and sent flying. Even my teammates, who had grown accustomed to my eccentricities, were left speechless. Perhaps the most stunned of all was me. After all, I had held back considerably with that strike. If I had gone all out, I could have easily reduced a castle to ruins.
In any case, with our tasks in the Zanzagil Territory complete, it was finally time to head toward the Imperial Capital.
On the morning of our departure, Marquis Zanzagir and his lady came to see us off at the castle gates.
“Soushi, I entrust my daughter to you,” the Marquis said, gripping my hand firmly. His eyes held a commanding light that left no room for argument. Although the Marquis and I were relatively close in age, I couldn’t help but wonder what it felt like for a father to entrust his daughter to a man like me.
Regardless, all I could say was, “I will do my utmost.”
Now, from the Zanzagil Territory, the Imperial Capital lay to the northwest.
The main road connecting the capital to the territory was wide enough for carriages to pass each other comfortably, with the cobblestones almost entirely flat. The number of merchants and travelers was considerable, and there were inns at various points along the way, giving the impression of a vital artery of the Empire.
Our party of ten walked along the road as usual. The journey to the Imperial Capital would take us about a week.
Upon closer inspection, “Soul’s Guidance” was indeed a striking party. Not only were all the women exceptionally beautiful, but there were also many of us, and the equipment we wore was clearly of the highest quality.
Passersby would do double-takes, with merchants and travelers captivated by their appearances, while high-ranking adventurers were drawn to our impressive gear.
Naturally, hardly anyone paid attention to me. In fact, I felt that I was likely not even recognized. After all, when something so radiant was right in front of you, it was unlikely anyone would notice the plain old man lurking in the background.
However, as we walked along without incident, my mind began to wander into unnecessary thoughts. For instance, as I walked on the well-maintained road, I found myself wondering what it would be like if there were automobiles. And upon reflection, I realized that I had a specialist in manufacturing right beside me.
“Hey, Geshura, is it possible for you to create a carriage that doesn’t need horses… something like an automobile?” I asked, walking alongside her.
Geshura looked back at me with a curious expression. “A carriage that doesn’t require horses, one that moves on its own? Hmm, interesting.”
“I think it could be made if there were a magical device that generates rotational force. In the Garden of Twilight, there are facilities that utilize rotational motion, like waterwheels and windmills, right? Could we use magical devices to replicate that?”
“I don’t know about waterwheels or windmills, but creating a magical device that generates rotational motion is not impossible. I have considered it once before.”
“You haven’t made one yet?”
“Indeed. I had actually forgotten about it until now. But if we can create rotational motion, there could be various applications. I will think about it a bit more.”
“That sounds promising.”
As we spoke, I wondered if I was going too far with my ideas. However, it seemed that Geshura had already contemplated magical devices, so it wasn’t an overly advanced concept.
I was a bit surprised to learn that there were no waterwheels in the Garden of Twilight, but of course, waterwheels and windmills existed on this continent. The idea of creating rotational motion with magical devices might already be under research, and I wasn’t the one to create it… As I made excuses in my mind, Lady Dorozitte approached me, seemingly having overheard our conversation.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear your interesting discussion. Are you interested in manufacturing, Soushi?” she asked.
“Well, yes… I suppose. It’s not that I dislike it; I just happened to think of that idea,” I replied.
“A carriage that doesn’t need horses does exist, but it’s typically pulled by Golems. The idea of a vehicle that moves on its own requires a shift in perspective.”
“I think even a child could come up with that idea.”
“A vehicle is something that is usually pulled by something else… It’s hard for humans to break free from such fixed notions. However, you, Soushi, have Geshura by your side. Perhaps this is the work of ‘Divine Fortune.'”
“Oh, I see… No, I’m not that remarkable of a person.”
“Let’s leave it at that. But rotational motion… If it could be powered by a small Magic Stone, it seems like there could be many applications. I have high hopes for Geshura.”
Lady Dorozitte fell into deep thought, but it was indeed a highly applicable technology.
I had thought about this a long time ago, but my knowledge from modern Japan should hold significant value in this world. Even if I couldn’t create it myself, simply knowing that “such tools could be sold, used, and lead to the advancement of civilization” was immensely valuable.
Moreover, I had been granted a noble title, and I was gradually reaching a position where I could gather people and make things happen. Reflecting on this filled me with an indescribable sense of fear, perhaps because I still viewed myself through the lens of a commoner.