Episode 330: Lighters Are So Convenient, Aren’t They?
Volume 3 is on sale now! Oh, and the Starship Super Heavy was caught, wasn’t it…?
The transfer of the Magic Barrier Generator, taken from the Holy Capital, to the Fortress was complete.
Naturally, this was a first-time endeavor for the Chimyera Clan as well.
Though its function had been passed down through oral tradition, no one knew how it would actually work.
“As I mentioned before, the Barrier won’t activate for a certain period. It probably needs time to settle in before it starts generating Barriers.”
“Understood. And that the duration is unknown.”
Neun-Iris and Archbishop Turanta were conversing in the Command Room while monitoring the surrounding situation. Currently, the Fortress was under heavy construction, and it had become their daily routine to constantly share information.
“We’ve already started the Prayer (Maritova) with about ten people. What’s needed is a true wish. In the Holy Capital, many believers performed the Prayer (Maritova), but we, the Chimyera Clan, can achieve the same effect with a small number of people.”
“The awakening of the Magic Stone through Prayer, huh? A phenomenon difficult for us to comprehend.”
Neun responded with a skeptical remark to Turanta’s explanation.
However, this was already a witty joke (according to Iris) as part of their communication, a common understanding between the two. It’s not like their relationship was deteriorating.
“Science, was it? A method of causing desired results by preparing reasons for all phenomena. To knock down a stick placed out of reach…”
“You could knock it down with a thought. We can’t replicate that.”
The Chimyera Clan can use ＜Magic＞ relatively easily.
They could casually activate ＜Magic＞ to knock down a stick in a distant place, remotely.
“We throw a stone to knock down the stick. To ensure it hits, we perfectly control the size of the stone, the swing of the arm, and the point of release. If the stone’s size is different, we can adjust the force accordingly. But if we prepare stones of exactly the same size and weight, we can always hit the same spot with the same force by throwing the stone in the same way each time. That’s the idea.”
“And you can instantly share that action with many of your brethren, and more brethren are constantly being created. The brethren born already know how to knock down the stick from the start. It takes us over ten years after birth to be able to knock down a stick for the first time.”
The Chimyera Clan had already begun to understand the true essence of ＜Paraiso＞.
Of course, it’s not about mastering the vast collection of knowledge that is ＜Science＞.
They understood that they were causing magical-like phenomena with a technology different from the magic they used.
“I understand the idea of understanding the principles, but in the end, even our magic would probably be analyzed by you in no time, wouldn’t it?”
“The magic you use is undetectable to us. If it’s undetectable, it means we can’t observe it. Without accurate information, we can’t create anything that moves.”
Engaging in such a conversation that seemed profound but was actually empty, the two deepened their bond.
About a week had passed since the Chimyera Clan began praying to the Magic Stone.
They were checking the Barrier daily by bombarding it with Cannons. As of now, the Barrier had not yet activated.
However, there was one observation result that could not be ignored.
Namely, the Maso Density was significantly increasing in the surrounding area, including the Fortress itself.
This had already been discussed with the Chimyera Clan.
However, since there was no precedent and the scope of the impact was unknown, they concluded that they had no choice but to continue monitoring for the time being.
◇◇◇◇
“Now, Asahi. You said you wanted to report this verbally, so I’ve arranged this meeting.”
“Yes, no problem, ＜Ringo＞. For now, I thought I needed to report to you. It’s a bit vague to talk to Onee-sama about it…”
This was the lounge inside ＜The Tree＞.
Inside the room were the Doll Machine (Communicator) controlled by ＜Ringo＞, and Asahi.
“Wouldn’t it have been better to just share the information? If it’s uncertain information, even more so.”
“Hmm. Well, yes, but. It’s just an intuition, but I think it’s important to talk face-to-face like this.”
＜Ringo＞ attached a question mark to Asahi’s answer and decided to put it on hold for the time being.
There was an empirical rule that even if an event was unnecessary for ＜Ringo＞, it might be necessary in terms of ＜Irrationality (Fantasy)＞.
“For now, I’m convinced. Can you get to the main point?”
“＜Ringo＞ is so impatient. It’s a tea party, so why don’t we enjoy it a little more?”
“…Well, fine. If you say so, it must have some meaning, right?”
“Eh? Not really.”
“…………”
However.
It’s not like ＜Ringo＞ and Asahi were on bad terms. Rather, Asahi, the youngest sister, was more on the favored side.
One way or another, ＜Ringo＞ was accompanying her to this tea party. It wouldn’t be wrong to say she was spoiling her.
“Even so, sweets are great, aren’t they? They look gorgeous, and they taste good. Nutritionally, they’re perfect for me. Akane Onee-sama is really amazing.”
“If you think so, why don’t you come back more often? Akane can make you a home-cooked meal.”
“That’s very tempting, but, well, you know?”
While engaging in such casual conversation.
Eventually, the prepared sweets ran out, and Asahi seemed to decide to get to the main topic.
“Well… as a preliminary report. As ＜Ringo＞ knows, Magic Stones are usually used in Magic Tools. In other words, Magic Stones are used as a power source!”
“Yes. I understand that, precisely from your report.”
“As expected of ＜Ringo＞! And there are passive and active Magic Tools, that is, types that are always activated and types that require some kind of action to be used!”
Asahi started talking about her favorite magic, raising her tension on her own.
If you just throw this kind of topic at her, Asahi would perk up.
Well, it’s not like throwing, but she starts it on her own.
“Passive types are no problem! The most familiar example is the Maso Meter! It reacts to the Maso Density around it and automatically shows the Maso Density! The problem is the active types!”
“Certainly, I’ve heard that we can’t activate the active types no matter what we do. So?”
“Yes, that’s the problem! And, the main point is. I’ve brought it here with me now, this.”
Asahi took out a palm-sized Magic Tool.
“Hmm. If I remember correctly, it’s something used for ignition? Adventurers find it very useful.”
“Yes, that’s right! It seems that if you think, ‘I want to use it to light a fire,’ it activates…”
Asahi twirled the rod-shaped Magic Tool in her hand and displayed a projection display next to her.
What was projected seemed to be the analysis results of the Magic Tool.
“There seems to be a troublesome Monster called the Fire-Breathing Lizard in the Demon Forest. It’s a nuisance that sets fire to the forest and causes forest fires. Apparently, its ecology is to burn and open up a space, where grass grows, and it preys on small insects that come there. Can’t it live a little more efficiently?”
This Ignition Magic Tool was made using the fire-generating organ and Magic Stone of such a Monster.
“Anyway, this thing blows Fire from this tip when a human thinks, ‘I want to use it to light a Fire.'”
While explaining this, Asahi pointed the holed tip into the void.
Whoosh.
The Ignition Magic Tool demonstrated its function.
Asahi-chan does her best! This is the second time.
Asahi, has she finally found a foothold for unraveling magic? Or is there some kind of trick!?
I kind of want to see Ringo-chan’s surprised face!