“I can’t use magic.”
How could a member of the Magic Tower not be able to use magic? Or was he just part of the theoretical branch?
Rather, did Meister have that kind of backstory before?
Putting aside my confusion, I started digging through my memories. There must have been a mention of this setting… or maybe not.
However, I did recall that he was a character who used only science and technology rather than magic. I could still vividly remember a scene where he suddenly pulled out some artillery gear and shot laser beams as soon as I clicked his skill button.
So maybe he had that kind of backstory after all.
But then, how had he managed to figure out the essence of my items? Had he used some scientific method? Was it really like that in the end??
“You’re not caught up in the narrow-minded and foolish notion that I can’t analyze something just because I’m unable to use magic, right? If so, that would be pretty insulting.”
At that moment, Meister interrupted my thoughts, anticipating what I would say.
Despite his bold words, his face looked somewhat stiff, as if he’d had to defend himself against this more than once or twice.“By the way, I don’t care if you doubt me, but I won’t tolerate you doubting my accomplishments.”
I was only curious about what method he’d used. I didn’t intend to doubt him…
I mean, just looking at all the medals and certificates lined up on one side of the workshop and the various expensive-looking machines on the other, how could there be any room for doubt? Not to mention the prime location of this place and all the people who’d recognized Meister on our way here.
Once a scam reached this level, it became art, the kind I, a regular person, could only appreciate and do nothing about.
So I just crossed my arms and watched Meister.
I then picked my words carefully to avoid any further misunderstandings. Looking back, I realized what I’d said initially could have easily been misunderstood.
“I never doubted you. I was simply considering how you’d go about analyzing without magic and how much time you’d need.”
To be honest, if there was anything I was more familiar with, it was science rather than magic. I started thinking back to all those forensic methods I’d seen in crime dramas.
That actually made me more excited. Magic wasn’t all that fun to watch because it was usually just a flash of light and the results just appearing.
But forensic science… that was a lot more interesting, right? Especially when it came to the science of this world, which I didn’t know anything about yet. Rã₦ꝋ฿ЕS̩
In the game, it just suddenly went sci-fi, but that shouldn’t be the case here. It didn’t look like it would, at least, just judging by the equipment gathered here.
“…Really?”
While I was caught up in my thoughts, Meister’s expression turned somewhat complicated. I couldn’t quite tell whether he liked my answer.
Still, it didn’t seem like the worst reaction, so I allowed myself to relax a little.
“At least you’re not stupid. As for the analysis, it’ll take about half a day to a full day. Maybe… even several days. Even for someone like me, who prides himself in having seen a lot thanks to my grandfather, this is a first.”
That made sense. Under normal circumstances, this might have been a problem.
“Doesn't matter.”
However, I planned to stay in Bemurchen for about another month. The letter with my information was supposed to arrive around that time.
“I'll leave the gloves behind.”
“Alright.”
So, waiting for this long wasn’t an issue. Thinking I might as well purchase a new pair of gloves in the meantime, I pushed my back off the wall. I also grabbed my Zweihänder, which I’d left leaning against the wall beside me.
“I can't exactly call this compensation, but… I'll give you access to this workshop. You can come here any time, even if it's not just to check my progress on the gloves. Ah, of course, only when I'm around, though.”
Right, that was only natural, though I couldn't tell whether this could really be called a good reward.
“You can also give me a request to make something if it's simple. Consider yourself lucky. Not many can request something from me directly, especially during super busy periods like now.”
Still, this was undoubtedly a good opportunity. Even if I didn't have anything to request right now, it was never bad to have some connections.
“Don't break anything.”
“Of course.”
Anyway, there was no reason for me to stay here any longer. I hadn't even checked out the inn room I’d been planning to stay in yet because I’d rushed here immediately.
Clang.
Leaving Meister, who didn't even glance back as his guest left, I exited the workshop. The thick iron door closed behind me loudly.
* * *
“This is it?”
The Archmage stroked her chin as she looked at one of the items she’d requested. Surging Azure Lake, standing beside her, then spoke up.
“Yes. But this is just the prototype, not the finished product. The guy in charge of making it said that he couldn't tolerate some ill-fitting design, so he opted to postpone its completion until the intended recipient arrived.”
“…As expected of a Great Master, he's quite particular.”
“Still, the formulas you sent in have all been revised, and the trial-and-error process has also been completed. Once we take his measurements, it wouldn't take too long to make it.”
“Hmm. I see. So, should I take him to the workshop to have his measurements taken?”
“That would be best. He doesn't really like coming to the Magic Tower unless it's for his own business. Oh, and don't expect him to take the measurements the day you go. It’d be better to consider your first visit as just going to set an appointment.”
“Thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind.”
Just by looking at the enchantments on this prototype, she could tell that her formulas had been successfully refined. Seeing as the formulas had become simpler and more effective than those she’d initially created, she truly felt leaving this to him had been the right decision.
He was the most expensive, but his service was worth every Gal.
“What about the others?”
“They’re here.”
Satisfied, the Archmage checked her other commissioned item. She unraveled the silk wrapped around it one by one.
“By the way, I haven't enchanted those yet.”
“Why not?”
A month had passed, but he still hadn't done anything? That was the thought she had in mind when asking her question, only to be met with Surging Azure Lake's cold gaze in return. If you had to put that gaze into words, it would be something like, “Are you seriously asking me that because you don't know?”
“I mean, I thought you'd have been able to refine the formulas instantly.”
“While I appreciate that you hold my skills in such high regard, I must ask you to stop overestimating me. Even for me, refining and revising formulas isn’t exactly easy.”
Moreover, the scope of the research had expanded far too much. Surging Azure Lake snapped, asking if she had any idea how many great sages were involved in refining these formulas.
Those words struck the Archmage right in her conscience. She’d been unable to do any research due to her travels, so she’d always handed off her ideas to other wizards.
“I heard a bit about it last time… but directly hearing how much the scope has expanded does make me feel a little guilty.”
“As long as you understand.”
“Hmm. Still, you’ll be able to complete it, right?”
“Seven great sages and forty sages are currently working on it. It should be done within two weeks at most.”
“That’s good to hear.”
The Archmage accepted those facts and continued to untie the silk cloth. Then, a strikingly beautiful longsword revealed itself.
“Is that it? The reason you called Berserk?”
“That’s right.”
At the same time, Berserk, who’d been yawning behind them, stepped forward.
The Archmage handed her the longsword, knowing full well that, if nothing else, Berserk had a far better eye for weapons than she did.
“So, how is it?”
“Hmm.”
Instead of answering immediately, Berserk swung around the sword she’d received with her left hand a few times before trying it with her right. The white blade sliced through the air, leaving behind faint slashing sounds.
“Not bad. This is closer to a ready-made product than a custom-made one, though.”
“…Does seeming like a ready-made product mean it's not good?”
At the Archmage’s question, Berserk shook her head.
“There’s nothing more difficult than keeping to the basics. In that regard, it could be said this sword is the most standard and universal. It’s not optimized for just one person, but anyone who holds this will be able to wield it comfortably.”
That was a pretty good evaluation. That included her follow-up statement: “As long as their build is similar to the Demon Knight’s, that is.”
“I see.”
Since this was a gift to the Demon Knight, there was no need to consider anyone else using it. The Archmage took the white blade back.
Was it perhaps because it had been forged from thoroughly Purified materials? Despite not having a single enchantment, the sword seemed to exude a faint yet noble power.
“Just so you know, the scabbard is still being made.”
“Yes, I see.”
“…Is there a problem?”
“Erm, well. This sword.”
If there was just one minor problem, it was the sword's appearance.
“Don’t you think it’s a bit over-decorated…?”
She pointed out what had been bothering her since earlier. Even the calm Surging Azure Lake couldn’t easily give her an answer.
“…It’s just the preference of the one who made it. Still, it shouldn’t interfere in combat.”
“Of course.”
Even setting the sword’s functionality aside, its appearance alone was enough to consider it a work of art.
That was also why the Archmage found herself so conflicted. Would the Demon Knight really use such a flamboyant and beautiful sword? Perhaps it would be better to coat it in something black or at least remove all those decorations?
“Anyway, I’d like you to give me the remaining payment for the sword right away. If possible, I’d also like to request payment for the formula revision and refinement, as well as the work done on the accessories.”
“You’re asking for payment for the accessories that are still in production?”
At his urging, the Archmage set the sword down. Surging Azure Lake, who had been smoking a pipe, then furrowed his brows.
“Are you suspecting I might run off with your money right now?”
“Not at all. I’m just surprised you're asking for money upfront. It’s not like you’re in sudden need of money, right?”
“…”
“…What’s wrong?”
“…Unfortunately, your assumption is correct.”
“…?”
“Sigh.”
The Archmage was quite bewildered by Surging Azure Lake’s affirmation. Due to the nature of its associated wizards, the Bemurchen Magic Tower couldn’t possibly be struggling financially.
After all, more than half of this world’s enchanted items were produced here. It was only natural that they’d be rolling in astronomical sums after every sale.
But the leader of this Magic Tower was now saying he was short on money? How did that make any sense? Unless something happened.
“To be precise, I haven’t any liquid assets right now.”
“Ah, so that’s what you meant. Just what in the world happened?”
“Grindana released a flood of rare materials that had been stashed away in their guild.”
“…Ahh.”
But if it was for something like that, she could somehow understand. Still, it was quite difficult to accept that someone as wealthy as him would find himself in such a desperate situation.
“By the way, that also includes the materials needed for your request.”
“Then it seems I’ll have to pay you. But… if things are that urgent, couldn’t you have just settled it by trading them an item you made? Oh, I don’t mean I won’t give you any money. I’m just curious.”
“I understood what you meant. As for settling it with an item… I wanted to do that, too, but they outright refused anything that wasn’t cash or gemstones. So what can I do?”
“…Why? It would be far more profitable for them to sell one of your items in the West than to receive a lot of cash immediately.”
“No idea.”
But since it was like this, there wasn’t much else that could be done.
After checking the spell that would be engraved onto the sword one more time, she made her payment. It now made sense why he’d been so insistent that she bring cash when they first spoke. That realization was a bonus.
* * *
“Ah, Archmage!”
“So you're here, Miss Wizard.”
With that, she’d done all that needed to be done here. The Archmage descended to the lower floor alongside Surging Azure Lake, who was carrying the sword, his destination being his workshop. The two they came across, who’d been eagerly looking at various Arcane items, lit up upon noticing them.
“…Just by looking at you, I can tell you’re the Hero. And your Companion isn’t too shabby either.”
“Hehe. Right?”
“Ah, hello.”
“It’s an honor to meet you.”
“Yes, nice to meet you. I’m Surging Azure Lake, the master of this place.”
Surging Azure Lake was a master of essence magic. His eyes could even see through a person’s essence.
As such, the Archmage was quite relieved by his words. If nothing else, Azure Lake’s evaluations rarely missed the mark.
“But what’s that you’re holding…?”
“Could it be… the item you said you commissioned?”
“It’s very beautiful.”
“It… looks expensive.”
The Inquisitor gave a sincere reaction when she noticed the blade’s white color, which represented divinity, purity, and the beginning of everything.
On the other hand, Deathbringer seemed a bit less enthusiastic when he saw the luxurious design.
“It looks like a Divine sword… Are you sure it won’t end up Purifying Mister or something?”
“I surely wouldn’t prepare a gift that would ultimately harm its recipient… Don’t worry, measures have been taken.”
Considering the possibility of it harming the Demon Knight, the sword handle would be coated with a special substance. The same would be done to the custom scabbard.
Once the scabbard was complete and the sword was sheathed within it, it wouldn’t cause any harm to the Demon Knight.
“But Archmage, there’s something I wanted to ask about this. Even if the Demon Knight can hold this, wouldn’t there be a problem with channeling his power through it? I remember you saying before that charging it with Arcane Power could cause it to explode…”
“We’ve also taken that into consideration, so you can rest easy.”
The issue that the Inquisitor just pointed out was something the Archmage had already considered.
Among the requests the Archmage made to Surging Azure Lake, improving the formulas was specifically given in preparation for that.
“There’s still some time before it’s completely finished… but it won’t be too long now.”
Thinking back to how Deathbringer had felt before, she considered that the Demon Knight might also suffer harm by simply staying near a Temple.
Then, the spell that started with that in mind—filtering Divine Power—had now developed into filtering Negative Energy.
This improvement was derived from the information White Wind had discovered while investigating the Arcane Power-consuming snakes and the Sea Dragon’s bead that the Demon Knight had once shown them.
“Once it’s complete, I’m convinced something incredible will happen.”
Their original goal with this research was to allow the Demon Knight to infuse Arcane Power into these materials, but things had changed.
Once complete, the spell would make life significantly harder for Demons and their contractors, because this research would give birth to a new power capable of Purifying any Negative Energy different from Divine Power.
Just a single moment had been enough to create such side effects.
“Is that… even possible?”
“It has to be, or else we wouldn’t have considered it. It’s just that none of us had thought of this possibility before.”
In the past, such ideas had never even crossed anyone’s mind. However, after experiencing many different things and making many new discoveries, the situation had changed drastically.
She smiled faintly, picturing the finished product in her mind.
“I see! That’s fortunate.”
“It is both a fortunate thing and somewhat regrettable, seeing as it’s taken so long to develop something like this.”
“…I apologize for the delay.”
“No, I wasn’t trying to blame you, Miss Wizard.”
The Archmage shrugged as she watched Deathbringer scramble to soften his words somehow. During the development period, she’d thought countless times, “Why am I only coming up with this now?” so she believed his criticism was entirely fair.
“But do you think the Demon Knight will accept this? Berserk doesn’t think he will.”
“…Be quiet, Miss Fighter.”
“…E-Even so, he would definitely accept something this impressive, right?”
…What Berserk pointed out was a quite reasonable concern as well. The Demon Knight still hadn’t accepted the longsword they’d bought for him before. Would he really accept this gift now?
Despite all the effort and thought that had gone into preparing this gift, the Archmage sadly still felt skeptical.
“If you’ve seen enough, I’ll be going now.”
“Right. See you next time.”
At that moment, Surging Azure Lake left. He was likely heading down to his workshop now to begin the next steps in producing the sword.
“…Erm, Miss Wizard. Do you think Mister Knight is resting right now?”
“Well… I suppose so?”
The Archmage gave Deathbringer an uncertain response as she watched Azure Lake’s back. There was no helping it. Ever since they’d started acting separately, it had become exceedingly difficult for them to track the Demon Knight’s movements.
It was to the point where they couldn’t even tell whether he was resting somewhere or working.
“Don’t worry too much. He didn’t look unwell or anything, right?”
The only clues they could go off of were the moments when they met for official business or when they traveled between cities.
Fortunately, when they’d last met, the Demon Knight didn’t seem to be… didn’t seem to be in poor condition.
Right. If you could call what came from giving up all aspects that made someone mortal “peace,” he was doing pretty well. If the stillness of being buried in an endless winter, crushed by heavy snow, and slowly suffocating could really be called that, he seemed pretty peaceful.
“So, in the end, this will…”
“Don’t give up yet.”
But could she really just leave it at that?
“Although I’m in no position to say anything, given that I’ve done nothing much since that day…”
Probably not.
“I… don’t think what you and the Inquisitor are doing is wrong.”
But could she step forward and take action herself? That didn’t seem possible either.
The Archmage had reached an age where she tremendously feared failure.
“…Really?”
She thought back to the distant past, as well as to recent events. Failure, failure, failure, nothing but failures. There were so many that she didn’t even have the courage to step forward anymore. She’d realized she was actually tremendously untalented in these matters.
“Really.”
So she thought it might be better if she just took a step back.
Perhaps it would be better to support them quietly from behind. Just like she had for the past month.
“Don’t worry, Archmage! I won’t give up!”
“…Yes. That’s good, Inquisitor.”
And so, the Archmage decided to give up on any thoughts of leading them and took on the role of supporting the Inquisitor and Deathbringer from the sidelines.
She wondered whether this was indeed the right decision. She had a feeling the answer to that would soon be revealed. Now, all that was left for her to do was wait for the results.
* * *
There was nothing left to do now.
I’d checked the inn room I’d managed to rent, confirmed that Frederick was cared for, and headed to the Adventurers’ Guild, checking the quests on the board before coming to a devastating conclusion.
I had nothing left to do.
“Grindana is looking for some transport personnel…”
A transport mission meant I would have to go to a different city, which would be quite difficult.
I declined the clerk’s suggestion and made a request instead. It was to notify me at the inn I was staying in if they received a letter in my name.
“For a small fee, this shouldn’t pose an issue.”
“I’ll pay.”
The Adventurers’ Guild readily accepted my request. Now I didn’t have to worry about missing or forgetting the letter.
“Safe travels!!”
After that, I no longer had a reason to stay at the guild. As I stepped outside the building, I found myself unconsciously straightening my back. My left hand, outfitted with a new leather glove, rested on my waist as I stretched.
What now? Without any Quests to do, not only was I plagued by boredom, but I couldn’t refill my wallet either. Did I really have to come to the guild every morning to check?
I scratched my ear, which was particularly understimulated because I didn’t have those two kids chattering behind me anymore. I was in quite the dilemma in many ways. I needed money, and I only had an opportunity to earn some during times like these.
Clang, clang.
But at that moment, I could hear bells ringing in the distance. Rather than heavy and solemn, their sound was sharp and deafening.
My eyes instinctively turned in that direction.
“Get inside!”
“What’s going on?”
“Come in!”
“Come in first!”
At the same time, the people wandering the streets started running away in a flurry. Those inside buildings flung the doors wide open but shut their windows tight, while those walking outside either hurried into a nearby building or ran off in one direction.
“Get inside!”
“Excuse me, I’ll take shelter here for a little!”
Whether they knew each other or not, it seemed that once that signal rang, everyone around was let in without any hesitation. But what exactly was that signal for?
“Hey.”
I approached a woman who was busy closing her windows and gesturing to people.
“You too, you should… Ah, an adventurer?”
“What’s that signal for?”
“Huh? Ah, you’re an outsider.”
She scratched her head a little and pointed to the wall.
That’s where the bells were ringing from.
“It’s a warning signal that something’s invaded the city, so civilians are to evacuate into any nearby building. If you don’t want to fight, you’d better come inside, too.”
Clang, clang. The sound of bells gradually spread from one side of the city to the other, until they could be heard from every wall surrounding the city.
Whoosh, whoosh. Beacon fires were also being lit.
“…I will not.”
If something really had invaded the city, how could I just sit still?
Setting where the bells had first sounded as my destination, I put some strength into my feet and propelled myself forward.
“If you’re concerned that you’ll be a burden on us, you really don’t need to…”
Bang!
“…worry. Huh? A ghost?”
Ah, I used a bit too much strength and cracked the floor a little. Unlike dirt roads, stone pavement would be difficult to repair.
Despite feeling a little guilty, I put even more strength into my legs after gaining some momentum. Most people had already taken shelter indoors, so there was no need to worry.
Soon, the city gate we’d passed through when we first arrived came into view.
“Fall back! Further, further!”
“Those inside the buildings, get to the upper floors immediately! Don’t let that black water touch you!”
“Uwah, uwaaaah!”
What happened? A curse?
I frowned as I realized this scene was quite familiar to me. I then started pushing aside those who couldn’t escape or at least seemed like they’d be unable to.
“Y-You can’t let it touch…!”
“Stand on something and hold on.”
My boots wouldn’t allow the curse to seep through, so I stepped into the cursed water without a shred of hesitation and kept moving.
I couldn’t help those the curse had already swept away, but I could still save those who’d avoided it by hanging onto crates or similar objects.
“Th-Thank—”
“Not necessary.”
“Uwaaaargh!”
There were far too many people in peril for me to carry them all to safety. Many of them were also barely holding on.
So I suddenly smashed a nearby cart. The moment my leg, reinforced with Arcane Power, scraped the side of the cart, the upside-down U-shaped roof was ripped to pieces and flew away.
Crash!
Of course, some of the cargo inside also got damaged, but right now, it was far more important that I had something to carry people in.
Thud!
“Urgh.”
As soon as I had secured a safe zone, I started to throw people into it.
The cart wasn’t that spacious, so people often bumped into each other, but that much was tolerable. No one flung out of the cart or made to lose their balance.
That was enough. A little discomfort from rubbing elbows with others was the price they had to pay for their lives.
“U-Uwargh!”
Just then, a child standing precariously on the railing of a bridge lost his balance and slowly fell forward.
“I got you.”
Phew, that shaved ten years off my life.
I barely managed to catch the child and held him in one arm. The cart was too far away for me to throw him into.
“Hey, Sir Knight! This way!”
Then, the wizards arrived.
I turned at the shout of a wizard who’d just conjured a fluffy cushion before looking back to the child.
“Close your eyes and count to ten in your head, okay? Can you count?”
The child, with tears welling up in his eyes, stared at me a little before nodding.
“Good. Exactly ten seconds. No matter what you feel during this time, don’t open your eyes. Only count to ten in your head.”
“Yes…”
The child closed his eyes tightly and started counting. At the same time, I tossed him toward that Arcane cushion.
Poof.
“Okay, got it!”
“…?”
Alright, luckily, the child didn’t cry. Relieved, I moved my newly free hands again.
“Uwargh!”
“Quiet.”
“Hup.”
Finally, all the people were saved. Thanks to the wizards summoning that fluff, I no longer need to throw the people into that cart.
Not long after, everyone who’d been holding on for dear life in this cursed area, including those beyond the walls, was quickly rescued.
____
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