Chapter 60: Formation of the New Weapon Development Squad
When I arrived at the inn where we’d arranged to meet in the evening, they had already arrived.
Their initiative is amazing.
Judging by their arrival date, they must have boarded a shared beast-drawn cart the day after I asked them.
I thanked them and gave them their contract money upfront.
“Hey, hey, are you sure it’s okay to give it to us upfront?”
“I trust the three of you. You’ll do it if it’s an interesting job, right?”
“”Of course!””
“Um, I think my direction is a little different, though. I won’t betray you, okay?”
The three of them, acting as usual.
Conner-san, standing behind me, muttered as he looked at them.
“They’re quite young, aren’t they? It was the right decision to gather other craftsmen here as well.”
“No, you shouldn’t underestimate them. They’re probably top-tier. Please try this staff for a bit.”
Even though I said it so they wouldn’t hear, a misunderstanding wouldn’t be good.
At the very least, since they made something that could slay an Abyssal Monster in one hit, there’s no doubt they’ll be useful.
That said, I don’t know what level the adult engineers are at either.
There’s also the possibility that it’s something anyone could make if they had the magic circle.
I had him try using the power-amplifying staff that Staff-kun had made for me.
He created a small pillar of earth. He measured its length and let out a breath.
“Hoh. With just one low-grade material, this is certainly impressive. My apologies, it seems their skills are not to be underestimated just because they’re children.”
Realizing he was being praised for something, Staff-kun snorted proudly, his breath coming out in a “mufuu.”
“So, with that said, shall we get going right away? Considering I’ll have you evacuate if things get dangerous, we don’t have much time.”
When I told them that, they nodded with serious faces and boarded the beast-drawn cart.
The pullers are Raku and Fuu. They’re “waf waf”-ing, eagerly waiting to depart.
Responding to the two’s anticipation, I said “Go,” and they started running at quite a speed.
“Hey, you can’t go that fast in the middle of the city!” When I scolded them, they seemed to dislike it and did a strange sort of stamping step, but they properly slowed down.
And so, we arrived at a large, warehouse-like building on the opposite side of the barracks’ training grounds.
It’s the place where I summoned the monsters the other day.
Upon entering, several people who appeared to be craftsmen were struggling with the Abyss Materials.
“Everyone, stop what you’re doing and gather around. This person is our employer for this occasion. He is a person of high standing, so be sure not to be disrespectful.”
Feeling a bit intimidated by the introduction, I still exchanged greetings, saying, “Pleased to work with you.”
Since we don’t have much time, I asked Leather-kun to dismantle the Ape monster and simultaneously create fully fire-resistant armor for the soldiers.
I requested that they prioritize practicality over appearance this time, and had the craftsmen who also specialize in leather join him.
It would be problematic if they had a falling out, so the first set should be based on Leather-kun’s ideas.
For the second set, I asked them to create it individually, sticking to their own philosophies.
After that, I’ll ask them to create something that combines the best aspects of each.
“So you’re saying we can do as we please, huh? That’s a good way to order, to draw out our skills. I’ll give it my all!”
“Hmph, I’m also good at individual work. It looks like I can steal some techniques too; this is the best workplace.”
They exchanged challenging glances with the adult craftsmen, creating a somewhat crackling atmosphere.
Please don’t fight, okay?
While saying that, I finished the conversation and, clutching the bag of jewels, turned to Staff-kun.
“These, can they be sold? Do you know their value?”
As I placed the decorative jewels that were on the Treasure Chest monster on the platform for Staff-kun to examine, an old man, likely of the same specialty, also picked one up.
Staves use jewels as catalysts, so it’s their area of expertise.
As expected, they took out tools from their pockets and began to examine them.
“”Hmm, let’s see, let’s see.””
“”Oh? Ooh!?””
“”…To sell these as they are would be outrageous!!””
“”――――!?””
Not realizing they had been in sync the whole time, the two exchanged glances as if to say, “What’s with this guy?”
“Are they amazing?”
“”Let me (let me) use them!””
“Wait, for what?”
When I asked that, they started competing to be the first to explain, but apparently, they can be used as magical power amplifiers.
Staff-kun proudly stated they were a higher-grade version of the jewels found on the 35th Floor.
“You fool! They’re even higher grade than that! I’ve never seen anything like this before!”
“Fuhaha, I wonder what would happen if I linked these using my design…”
“Hmph, rather than entrusting them to a brat like you, I should be the one to do it!”
Ah, I thought it would start. Yep. I definitely thought he would start it.
And so, the two of them grabbed each other’s clothes and started fighting like children.
“Actually, I have lo~ots of these jewels, you know. If you want to use them, you don’t have time to be fighting, do you?”
“”――――!?””
While saying that, I released a large number of Treasure Chests.
“You can use all of them, but if possible, please prioritize using the ones from broken chests. I want to get rid of the rubble, after all.”
Even before I finished explaining, they had already started checking the materials.
Staff-kun didn’t care if he damaged or broke them.
I see. So he’s mainly the source of the “Third’s” bad reputation.
Averting my gaze from such a problem child, I looked towards Magic Tool-chan, and she approached as if she’d been waiting.
“What about me?”
“Of course, it’s magic tools, your specialty, but… For this one, we need to talk about the concept rather than just the materials. First, let’s sit down and settle in.”
After saying that, I sat down with the many engineers specializing in magic tools to discuss.
First, the creation of a many-versus-one attack method.
This time, it’s war. Moreover, the enemy outnumbers us ten to one. It’s not a number we can deal with by taking them down one by one with guns.
Considering the situation of a fort’s defense line, what I came up with was the creation of landmine bombs.
Since we could make guns, it’s thought that we can probably make these too.
However, there’s also a big problem.
Unlike magic, it can involve the user, so it needs to be activated remotely.
I consulted them about whether we could create a mechanism where magical power goes to the magic circle when it’s stepped on.
“Eeh, as expected, I don’t know that kind of technology…”
“It’s impossible. Strictly speaking, it can be done, but the materials are too demanding.”
The engineer who answered in place of Magic Tool-chan from the Magic Tool Appreciation Society concluded that it would be possible if they had the raw materials for a backpack, but since those aren’t easily obtainable, it’s impossible.
If we can’t put fuel inside beforehand, the remaining possibility is to send magical power through a wired system.
Fortunately, we have enough Mithril to sell. I consulted them about whether remote detonation might be possible by extending Mithril wires hidden underground.
I told them I’d like to detonate them from about two hundred meters away if possible.
“Haa… Such demanding requests again. At that distance, it’s absolutely impossible without pure Mithril, you know?”
“That’s right. If we use pure Mithril… it could probably extend to roughly the range of a Fireball. Theoretically, that is. But consuming that much Mithril isn’t realistic.”
“No matter how instantaneously Mithril transmits magical power, you can’t send just the right amount. The magical power consumption will also be large.”
Their statements denied its practicality.
“So, in other words, it can be done.”
They nodded in unison.
In that case, I requested them to try making it for now, and brought out about two Mithril Golems.
“Well, I’ll be damned…”
“Hey, this is real, isn’t it?”
Incidentally, because Mithril is too expensive, it’s stored in a separate location, so this is the first time they’re seeing it.
“Ahaha, questions like ‘where did you get that from?’ are piling up, but I probably shouldn’t ask, right?”
“No, you saw it just now, so you should understand. I just used Storage Magic.”
Magic Tool-chan strongly retorted, “No way, I’ve never even heard of such a thing!?”
“More importantly than that, I have a ton of magic tool-related things I want you to do.”
Saying that, I told them to first make a hundred each of the highly useful combat magic tools that were decided upon the other day.
“As usual, the number of items in your requests is insane. It’s better than being asked for Potions again, though…”
“Sorry. But it can’t be helped, right? It’s to equip the soldiers.”
Since Magic Tool-chan looked listless, I glanced at the faces of the other craftsmen, but they didn’t seem particularly bothered.
“Hmph, being entrusted with equipping soldiers is an honor. Right, everyone!”
“”Absolutely!””
“Please, continue to favor our workshop from now on!”
“Hey, don’t try to get a head start! Our workshop also welcomes you warmly!”
Good. I’m glad they’re enthusiastic.
“This is still top secret, but whether or not Belfast can rise again as a nation depends on all of your hard work. I’m counting on you.”
When I said that, everyone from Razbel froze.
“Your Highness, is this alright?” Conner-san whispered to me.
“Well, is there any point in hiding it from our own people? I haven’t even heard the reason why it’s being hidden in the first place.”
“I believe it’s to reduce time lost when distributing to other countries or when we’re rushing around Lestall gathering forces, but indeed, there seems to be no need to hide it here.”
So that’s the reason, after all.
If it’s as Razbel, we’re the same country, so things should go smoothly.
Then it should be fine to explain it.
“I’ll ask you to keep this quiet for now,” I said, telling them that Lestall had been returned and I was back in Belfast.
“――――――――――――So, for those reasons, Belfast, which has just been reborn, is in a crisis. Whether we can save it or not rests on your skills.
These aren’t just words to get you on board. This is the undeniable truth.”
Oops, they’ve gone completely silent. Did I push them too hard?
Just as I started to worry, a “Fu, fufufu” laugh echoed.
Just when I thought it was something like a warrior’s trembling excitement, it turned out the one laughing was the problem child.
“Fuhahahahaha, isn’t this the perfect stage to unveil my masterpiece?!
Leave the power amplification to me!!
If it’s a top-quality Magic Tool, I’ll attach a top-quality amplifier to it!”
He faced Razbel’s engineers and declared, “Leave it to me!” thumping his chest.
You’ve only just met them, haven’t you… How can you be so assertive?
I thought it was a situation where I couldn’t help but give a wry smile, but it seems they too started muttering their own ideas and making calculations.
They were lost in thought, considering, “With our technology, if it’s that, then this…”
“Also, the Magic Tool girl, come with me. I want to ask you to create those landmines I mentioned earlier.”
“Hey, that’s fine and all, but aren’t you going to learn my name soon? At least mine…”
“Well, sure, but you should at least tell me your name before saying that.”
“Eh…?” After freezing up, she burst out laughing.
“Ahahahaha, you should have said so!
Whenever you show up, it’s always so shocking that I never had the chance.
It’s Mizuki. Mizuki from the Formal Magic Tool Shop. Remember it, okay?”
“Yeah. I’m Rui. Nice to properly meet you.”
And so, the five of us—Mizuki, Count Connor-san, and his attendants—once again boarded the Beast-Drawn Cart pulled by Raku and Fuu, left town, and headed into the forest.
“I can’t work in a forest with nothing in it like this, you know?”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. First, it’s a power test. You brought the insulators, right?”
“Yeah, I brought them like you asked, but…?”
“Then it’s fine,” I said, melting down the Mithril Golem to create Mithril wire.
For this test, I plan to stretch it about eighty meters from the explosion point, extending it towards the road where Raku and the others are waiting.
Any further than this is impossible. Even with my current control, it’s really pushing the limit.
“You, to use pure Mithril so unhesitatingly…”
“War costs money, you know. It’s a real pain.”
“You’re absolutely right… It’s enough to make one dizzy, isn’t it?”
Count Connor-san chimed in, lamenting as well. Unlike me, he’s serious about it. Poor guy.
Be that as it may, I had to create the Magic Tool, so I made the explosive Magic Tool and had her apply the insulator.
“I didn’t bring the stuff to make it into a sphere, you know?”
“Ah, it’s fine. I think it’ll all burst anyway, so bare is fine.”
“It’s true that explosive Magic Tools break easily if an unskilled engineer makes them, but even if a bad craftsman makes it, if you solidify it and set it, it surely won’t be just a one-shot deal, right?”
No, I don’t intend to put any protective casing on the finished product at all.
On the contrary, I want it to break.
She was surprised by those words, but she continued with the work nonetheless.
Once the coating was done, this time I used my Maso to form it into a sphere, packed small spheres that would become projectiles around it, and enclosed them as if to trap them.
If it explodes like this, the projectiles inside should scatter.
While heading back towards Raku and the others, I confirmed there was no one else around.
Every time we moved further away, Count Connor-san and his group kept checking behind them.
“It’s fine. It’ll probably succeed,” I said confidently, taking the Mithril wire in hand.
Just in case, I created a barrier with my Maso.
“Surely you don’t need that at this distance, right?”
“That’s if it fails, right? What do you think will happen if it succeeds?”
“Hey, don’t talk like him. It gives the worst impression, you know?”
I immediately knew who she meant by “him,” and felt a little down.
Trying to forget about that Staff-wielding him, I shook my head, called out, “Here I go!” and poured all my Magical Power into the Mithril wire.
With a DOOOM, an explosion roared, and pang, pang, projectiles or shrapnel hit the barrier.
I’m glad I made the barrier large. If Raku and the others had gotten caught in it, it would’ve been no laughing matter.
Aah!?
They’re cowering, covering their heads with their paws and ducking down… even their ears are flat against their heads…
“It was loud, wasn’t it? Sorry. Next time, I’ll do it where you’re not around,” I said, petting the two of them all over.
“Hey, hey!! This isn’t the time for that!!
This thick barrier is seriously chipped, you know!?”
“This is surprising… Your Highness, would it be alright to go see the site?”
“Sure, but…” I was about to continue with “Please stop calling me Your Highness,” and glanced at Mizuki.
“Eh? Ah, um… could it be that you’re… from the Belfast Royalty…?”
“Well, technically yes, but please treat me as you always do.
I was raised as a commoner and intend to continue being one.”
It’s just sad to be treated so formally by a friend.
Perhaps sensing my feelings, Mizuki smiled with a troubled look and said, “Eeeh… Alright. But if someone calls me rude or something, you’ll back me up, right?”
“Of course. Don’t worry. I’ll definitely help you.”
After reassuring her, I also went to see the site, and it was quite something.
“Whoa, as expected from pouring all my Magical Power into it.”
“No, you! Explosion magic isn’t usually this powerful!”
She said the ground was one thing, but then pointed to the surroundings. It was powerful enough to mow down the nearby trees.
If something only slightly larger than a basketball can do this, it’ll be plenty useful.
Count Connor seemed to have returned after inspecting a large tree some distance away.
“Your Highness, this is undoubtedly usable!
I’ve never seen such a wide-area magic before!”
Ah, right. They can make Magic Circles bigger, but there’s no such thing as higher-tier magic, huh.
The limit is enlarging a Magic Circle to the extent a person can still control it.
It makes sense that area magic exceeding a hundred meters doesn’t exist.
“Alright then, let’s have this made out of metal, get it enhanced with an amplifier or something, and then test it again.”
Right, there’s no point if it’s made with my Magical Power.
The goal is to run the Mithril wire to a safe zone beyond control range and detonate it from afar.
I said that with such an intention, but a different question was thrown at me.
“Huh!? You’re going to increase the power even more?”
“Of course. That’s why I gathered all these craftsmen.
Besides, we need to increase the power much, much more and set up a large number of them.
The enemy outnumbers us ten to one, you know?”
“Eh… Ten times as many!?”
It’s good that she understood the severity of our predicament, but she just froze with her eyes wide open.
“Just as Your Highness said, Belfast’s future truly rests on them, doesn’t it?”
“Hahaha,” Count Connor-san laughed dryly, and his attendants also seemed somewhat dumbfounded.
I felt as if I alone had been left behind.
“Enough, let’s go back. We have a lot to do.”
“Hah! Immediately!”
When the Count placed a hand on his chest and saluted, his attendants hurriedly followed suit.
No, I wouldn’t speak so casually to the Count, you know?
I meant to say that to Mizuki… Oh well, I guess it’s fine.