The day after Queen Torencia and her attendant butler were invited to Alka, I visited Viscount Archlight’s mansion.
Her Majesty Hildegard, whom I had invited to Alka last night, was genuinely surprised that Alka was in the sky. Apparently, she enjoyed the hot springs guided by our female members. She is scheduled to stay for four days, so today she will examine the magic stones we presented and then rekindle her old friendships with Prim and Mana.
That’s all well and good. While Rika-san was out of the question, it seems Mina, Flam, Lydia, Ludia, and Athena are participating, which I can understand. But why am I the only one left out? Well, when I asked, they told me they had some girl talk they wanted to have, so I couldn’t say anything. Therefore, I decided to inquire about the progress of the magic stone research I had requested from Viscount Archlight, and the mirroring being applied to the prototype beast carriage currently being made at Feel’s Crafter’s Guild. The mirroring has already been completed, so the interior work is being left to the Crafter’s Guild.
“I see, so that’s why Lord Yamato came to my mansion alone.”
“I was also curious about the progress of the research. And even though she’s my wife, I don’t have the courage to join their girl talk.”
“That’s true. I can vaguely guess what they’re talking about.”
Oh, Viscount Archlight can vaguely guess what Prim and the others are talking about.
“Regarding the magic stones, it was largely as you imagined.”
I had intended to ask for even a guess, but the answer about the magic stones came first. If it was mostly as I imagined, it means the magic stones contained information about monsters.
“So, that confirms there was information on them?”
“Yes, there was. However, there seem to be individual differences. Even magic stones from the same monster were not exactly the same.”
That’s interesting. I already knew there were individual differences, and I had encountered individual monsters that felt tougher than others of the same kind, so this proves it.
“Further research is still needed, but what has been revealed at this point is the monster’s name and some aspects of its ecology.”
“Even if it’s only a part, you learned about their ecology?”
“Yes, I was surprised myself.”
Viscount Archlight is investigating the magic stones of the numerous Orcs. Since the Alliance brought in a large quantity of magic stones, it’s easy to obtain magic stones from Orc Kings and Queens, and it allows for comparison between regular, Grand, Disaster, and Aberrant species. This makes it easier for research.
“The ecology of Orcs is relatively well-known. However, by examining their magic stones, we discovered several previously unknown aspects of their ecology. One of these is the gestation period and growth period of Orcs.”
“Isn’t that quite valuable information?”
I believe the gestation period for Orcs was said to be about a month, and the period to reach adulthood was about two months. However, according to Viscount Archlight’s research, while the gestation period for regular species is about one month, it’s about two weeks for Grand Orcs, about one week for Giant Orcs, and for the Aberrant Princess Orcs, it’s a single day. It is said that Queen Orcs of the Disaster species can give birth multiple times a day, and this has also been confirmed to be true.
“So, Princess Orcs can give birth daily?”
“That’s right. However, we have not yet been able to determine the rank of the offspring.”
Ah, certainly, if the father is a King, the offspring will almost certainly be of a rare species. And since there are combinations like Aberrant species mating with Aberrant species or Disaster species mating with Disaster species, research will take time.
“That can’t be helped, but you also determined their growth period to adulthood, right?”
“Yes. This also seems to be determined by their Monster Rank.”
It is said that regular and superior species reach adulthood in about a month, rare species in ten days, and aberrant and disaster species in less than a day. This means that the longer aberrant and disaster species are left unchecked, the more they will increase in number. It’s no wonder there are so many Aberrant and Disaster species among the Orcs of Mylight.
“This is troublesome again. Unless we conduct a full-scale mountain hunt, complete eradication will be difficult.”
“Considering the vastness of Mylight, that will also be difficult. We will have to exterminate them as soon as we find a settlement.”
While not as extensive as the Ideal Mountain Range, Mylight is also vast. While it’s unlikely that Demise species would appear, Disaster species are still common, and they have the potential to cause damage not only to Feel but also to other towns and villages.
However, this is turning out to be much more significant than I had initially imagined. According to Viscount Archlight, Aberrant and Disaster species originally originated from regular and superior species, and their evolution can be traced by Monster Rank. In fact, he examined several Orc King magic stones and found that some of them had regular Orcs or Grand Orcs as their initial form. He also confirmed that individuals believed to have been born from an Orc Empress were Orc Princes.
“Considering how much you’ve figured out, isn’t this enough of an achievement?”
“I agree, but since the revealed aspects of their ecology are only partial, I believe further research should be conducted.”
Ah, right. Viscount Archlight agreed to this research partly because he thought it might be useful for domesticating Blue Lake Bulls. While some ecological aspects have been revealed, there are still many unknowns, so I understand the Viscount’s desire to continue the research.
“But from my perspective, it’s more than enough. Some of the revealed ecological aspects include their attack methods and special abilities, so if done properly, we might actually be able to achieve that.”
“Virtual reality, was it? Your idea of using it to fight monsters safely?”
“Yes, that’s right. Especially for species above Aberrant, they are rarely encountered. If we encounter them unexpectedly, it could cause significant damage. However, if we have prior knowledge and can practice fighting, even against simulations, we can take countermeasures, right?”
“That’s true. However, with simulations, we can’t know their attack power, even if we know what attacks they use.”
“I’ve considered that too. However, whether it will actually work remains to be seen.”
I don’t know the details of AR technology, but I believe it might be possible with Inn Magic. I think attack power and defense can be read from magic stones or inferred from magic power. All that’s needed is an HP gauge. Some people might become overconfident because there’s no actual damage, but that would be within the realm of self-responsibility.
“I see, stuttering. But even so, isn’t that not enough?”
“That’s right. However, I don’t think we can do anything without using stuttering, so I’ll figure out how to implement it from now on.”
Since I was waiting for the results of the magic stone research, I didn’t have any concrete plans. However, I also want to sort out the communication devices, so it’s a dilemma whether to prioritize that or the other. I do have some ideas for the communication devices, and I’ve mostly conveyed them to Ed and the others, so it’s likely that the communication devices should be prioritized.
“I’ve heard a little about that as well. I’m also interested in virtual reality, but I believe the communication devices are the higher priority. After all, it allows for conversations with distant places.”
I see. By being promoted to G-S rank Crafter, I can now read G-rank textbooks, so my capabilities have significantly increased. Although the use of magic cannot be completely dispelled, I believe it is still possible.
“Alright, I’ll start thinking about how to proceed from now on.”
“Yes. I will also report the results so far to the Trader’s Guild. From now on, I will be busy not only with provincial governor’s work but also as a trader.”
Viscount Archlight’s smile as he said this was memorable.
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*Side: Fiana*
I am currently at the shipyard. I was promoted to P-G rank due to the recently completed prototype magic silver ship and the Supplication Magic called Locking being recognized. Because of this, I can also purchase P-rank textbooks, and I am currently using that technology to build a prototype hull.
“Fiana, the prototype hull is ready.”
“Understood. I’ll place the main body on it then.”
At the request of Marin-san, the Vehicle Chief of the Vehicle Construction Department, I activated the Telekinetic magic stone embedded in the main body. A magic stone is a processed magic stone that has been given the properties of Inn Magic. As the name suggests, the Telekinetic magic stone has been imbued with telekinetic magic properties, allowing it to move heavy objects and retrieve distant items. With practice, it can also be used to assist with work, making it highly sought after by Crafters.
Normally, even with a Telekinetic magic stone, one cannot lift large and heavy objects like a beast carriage. However, the Telekinetic magic stone I activated effortlessly lifted the prototype beast carriage and placed it onto the prototype hull. There is a reason for this. While the processing of this magic stone was done by Eld-san, the Orb Chief of the Jewel Department, it utilized Yamato-san’s telekinetic magic. Yamato-san’s telekinetic magic, as an Ancient Human, can effortlessly lift multiple Saur species, weighing tens of tons each, so moving the beast carriage was easy. Furthermore, since it would be impractical to have Athena-san and Eos-san transform into dragons each time to connect the hull and the vehicle body, the use of a Telekinetic magic stone was decided from the beginning. The processed magic stone is from a Dark Dragoon. Since it is almost impossible to use the magic stone of an M-rank monster, Eld-san was happy to process it.
“Connection complete. I’ll try moving it a little.”
“Please do.”
With that, Marin-san, along with the shipwrights, began pushing the main body and jumping on the deck. It looks like they’re just playing, but this is an important confirmation process.
“It doesn’t move at all. We can confirm that the double reinforcement of Connecting and Locking is sufficiently effective.”
“Indeed. Locking, in particular, seems to have other potential uses.”
Marin-san and Bolt-san, a Dwarf who is also the master shipwright, have given their approval. Now all that’s needed is minor adjustments and confirmation of usability, which can be tested at Veil Lake and Alka. Since we will also be going to Torencia, we will be able to make sufficient judgments then.
“Thank you. Once the interior of the main body is finished, I will withdraw it once and test its actual usability.”
“Yes. And if this is successful, then the next step will finally be…”
“The much-anticipated Tenju Manufacturing. The hull will use Jade Silver, but the main body and the vehicle will use Tenju, so the morale of the Vehicle Construction Department is high.”
Both Marin-san and Bolt-san look eager to use Tenju Manufacturing. But that’s natural, and I understand their feelings perfectly. After all, Yamato-san was the first to be granted Tenju Manufacturing, and even skilled craftsmen of Float could not handle it easily before. At first, the Vehicle Construction Department staff even said they would finish everything for free just because they could use Tenju Manufacturing. Of course, since the Vehicle Construction Department staff also have their own lives, we will pay the regular price.
“And about the interior, will it be the same as the first prototype?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk about. We’ve decided to change the layout of the guest rooms. Also, the wheels, cushions, and the beds in the guest rooms will be made from Grand Deathwurm materials, so the feel will be slightly different.”
The wheels, cushions, and beds in the guest rooms of the first prototype beast carriage are made from the M-rank monster Grand Deathwurm. However, this prototype will use materials from the P-rank monster Grand Deathwurm. Therefore, the sitting and sleeping comfort will be somewhat worse, and the lifespan of the wheels will likely be shorter.
Incidentally, while the newly built prototype beast carriage looks the same externally as the first prototype, the rear deck has been extended by two meters. Accordingly, the Mirror Room has also been expanded, making the total area an astonishing 1,300 square meters. Therefore, Yamato-san and the others’ bedroom has been expanded to 70 square meters, and our bedrooms and Raus-kun’s bedrooms have been expanded to 50 square meters. We have also prepared one bedroom of the same size, two VIP rooms of 50 square meters each, four servant rooms of 30 square meters each, and a workshop of 40 square meters. Additionally, there are 50 guest rooms of 6 square meters each, which can be connected to form up to six rooms using movable partitions.
Toilets are provided in each room except for the guest rooms. Based on our experience in the Instant Labyrinth, we have secured a 40 square meter area next to the living room, and the baths are 100 square meters. The living room is 150 square meters, but it is usually divided by a partition to half its size. The kitchen has also been separated based on our experience in the Instant Labyrinth, securing 20 square meters. The remaining 300 square meters is designated for familiars, doubling as a courtyard. There is ample space, so even the large Jade, Fluorite, and Sirius will not feel cramped. Although there isn’t enough room for flight. Furthermore, the entrance for familiars has been changed to a retractable type at the rear of the vehicle body, so there is no longer a need to climb a slope like with the previous prototype.
“Even so, it’s made with P-rank monster materials, so it’s still a luxury item, right?”
“Indeed. Well, since we can use materials from rare high-rank monsters, it’s also appreciated by us.”
Indeed, even P-rank materials, let alone M-rank, are something one might use only once in a lifetime. Thanks to Yamato-san and Prim-san, we use them extensively, but for an ordinary Crafter, this is an enviable situation, and I’ve been told “how envious” directly by acquaintances.
“Excuse me. Ah, there you are.”
“Huh? Oh, Yamato-san. What’s wrong?”
Yamato-san, who had been at Viscount Archlight’s mansion, arrived.
“Ah. I heard about the research results there, and he said he’d be reporting to the Trader’s Guild soon. After that, I went to the Crafter’s Guild to deliver and discuss matters regarding the Union House, and I heard that the prototype hull was nearing completion, so I came to take a look.”
Ah, I see. In that case, this is perfect timing.
“Then it’s perfect. Take a look at this.”
“Oh, the beast carriage is on the hull and it’s floating properly.”
“Yes. Well, the hull is about 20 meters, so it’s not exactly an option for the beast carriage, but I think the overall balance is not bad.”
“Indeed. I was wondering how it would look with a ship on a ship, so to speak, but it has dispelled my doubts.”
Yamato-san expressed his joy, which I understand given that it has finally been completed after several specification changes.
“Since it’s the first time, specification changes are unavoidable. However, we’ve included steps and a slope to make the familiar entrance usable, so it might be difficult for combat on the ship.”
“There’s nothing that can be done about that. The fundamental issue was where to place the familiar entrance.”
That’s true. The familiar entrance is built into the rear of the main body in a retractable form. When in use, it’s pulled out from the edge and fixed before opening, so it takes some effort, but we couldn’t think of any other place to put an entrance, so it’s a last resort. However, thanks to this, it’s easier to use than the previous prototype where the rear deck opened, and familiars no longer need to climb a dedicated slope.
However, when placing it on the hull, this also becomes a problem. Therefore, to avoid blocking the rear familiar entrance, steps and a slope have been provided to access the rear deck from the main body, and a gentle slope leads to the familiar entrance.
“Well, I thought using the rear deck was a good idea, but considering its use in the Alliance, it would become unusable. In that case, even if it takes a little effort, this form is better. Besides, since it can be operated with the Telekinetic magic stone, it’s not that much effort, is it?”
“Yes.”
The Telekinetic magic stone is used not only to fix the main body, hull, and vehicle, but also to deploy and retract the familiar entrance. All of this can be done by flowing magic into the magic stone located at the driver’s seat on the front deck. For safety, a spare is also prepared, but to prevent it from being easily misused, the magic stone is stored in a box made of Lapis Lazuli, and furthermore, it is locked with Locking. Since this magic stone uses a Dragoon, it is also a rare item, so we have taken precautions against theft.
However, since a new prototype beast carriage was needed, we had to create another magic stone, and it will also be necessary when creating the Tenju Manufacturing Beast Carriage, so we had to have about five extra made. The magic stone is also equipped with several other types. This is partly to investigate what is useful, but some, like the Telekinetic magic stone, are essential.
However, with this, the prototype beast carriage is truly complete. All that’s left is to finish the interior and then test ride it. As it happens, we will be going to Torencia, so we can test it as a beast carriage, as a ship, and also for transportation by Dragonian. If there are no problems, the next step will be to use Tenju Manufacturing, so we must thoroughly check its usability. I, too, am very much looking forward to using Tenju Manufacturing. Well, I have used it a few times already, but that’s a different matter.
