Chapter 240 - A Continued Discussion with the Executives and...
Is it really okay to use ordinary magic items?
For everyday life, regular magic items are fine, but when it comes to security, the question is whether ordinary commercial products will suffice. If the enemy learns that the Kikyo Society uses commercial products, they might obtain the same items and study them to find vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, custom orders are also a challenge.
When it comes to custom-made magic items, the usual process involves going through a magic item shop to place the order. This involves conveying specific requirements, confirming feasibility and detailed specifications, estimating production time and costs—none of these can be handled in a single exchange. Moreover, if confidentiality is a priority, going through an intermediary doesn't really help much.
The best approach is to bypass the middlemen and go directly to the magic item technician. However, magic item technicians are tightly protected by their guild, making it difficult to contact them casually.
If you have any business, you first need to go through the guild. Complicating matters further, the guild in Exembra doesn't even exist.
Magic items come in many forms, but when you delve deeper, it's all about the "core." The core is what makes a magic item functional, and it's often created by a magic item technician. Sometimes, the technician might create the entire item, including the exterior, but this is usually limited to high-end products.
For example, Doc from the Dominic Cruel Workshop makes motorcycles but isn't a magic item technician. He purchases the core from an intermediary and integrates it into the bike to make it a functional magic item. Most household and accessory magic items follow this pattern.
On the other hand, special magic items like those used by the prince of the Medek-Legisamo Empire are entirely custom-made by magic item technicians. Such advanced items can't be achieved by simply integrating a core.
Naturally, different cores are designed for different purposes, and the core for a household item is vastly different from one for a weapon. Various types of cores exist, and the details are often kept secret, making the field quite complex.
If you want custom security magic items, you need to order the core specifically. Just customizing the exterior won't change the fundamental functionality. A skilled craftsman like Doc might be able to illegally modify them, but I don't think we have any such contacts among security magic item technicians.
The Magic Item Guild is another hurdle. Even I have my reservations.
The guild to which magic item technicians belong is known by various names—Magic Item Technician Guild or Magic Item Guild, among others.
Officially, these guilds have very long names. For instance, the Magic Item Technician Guild's full name is something like "The World Guild for the Mutual Benefit and Rights Protection of Magic Item Technicians, Promoting the Importance and Proper Use of Magic Items." It's a mouthful, so abbreviations are used.
Thinking about it, "Adventurer Guild" and "Blacksmith Guild" refer to people, while "Commerce Guild" and "Construction Guild" don't. The inconsistency is due to the length of the official names, which makes abbreviations necessary.
As long as the meaning is clear, it's okay. Most guild abbreviations are standardized, but the Magic Item Technician Guild is an exception, with opinions divided between "Magic Item Technician Guild" and "Magic Item Guild."
It's a minor issue, but the Kikyo Society typically uses the shorter "Magic Item Guild." Both terms are acceptable, but I prefer "Magic Item Guild."
While I was lost in these trivial thoughts, Siegrune, who was moderating the meeting, looked at me.
"Yukari-dono, what do you think? If Priene raises this point again, I feel there might be room for reconsideration."
"Indeed. With some ingenuity, commercial products can be made quite effective. However, if we're compromising on the new headquarters, I find it hard to accept."
Ideally, it should be sufficient. The plan was originally based on commercial products, and everyone, including Priene, had agreed. However, as the project leader, Priene must have encountered concerns during the process. Some issues only become apparent during implementation.
"I understand your concerns, but custom orders come with significant practical hurdles. We had already discussed this, and even if the budget is manageable, the Magic Item Guild is a tough nut to crack."
There's always room for improvement. The Kikyo Society aims for the best, and compromising on the new headquarters would be a significant letdown. Yes, Priene's concerns hit home.
"By the way, isn't there a Magic Item Guild branch in the Royal Capital?"
"Yes, it was destroyed during the last days of the old kingdom, but the Duke Oversta family brought it back last year. If we use our connections, we might be able to reach the upper echelons of the branch. However, I'd rather not owe too much to Rosmerta."
Going to the Royal Capital and knocking on the Magic Item Guild's door would likely lead to difficult negotiations.
The usefulness of magic items is beyond question, ranging from everyday conveniences to military applications. Everyone benefits from them, and the Magic Item Guild wields considerable authority and power.
Approaching them might result in being turned away. The Kikyo Society's reputation might hold some weight in the Royal Capital, but we should be humble and aim to achieve our goals through Exembra.
"If I go, Yukari might end up being saddled with another impossible task, and she might be delighted about it."
"That's the thing—Duke Oversta's wife isn't someone to take lightly. But let's go and hear them out anyway."
With the Bloomstar Galaxy, traveling to the Royal Capital feels like a short drive. The journey is relatively stress-free.
"Hey, Yukari-san. How about bringing a gift? That thing you have in the warehouse, covered in dust. It could be worth more than any guild fee."
Mia suggests something intriguing. Indeed, it's a valuable item that we've struggled to find a use for. Giving a little to Rosmerta wouldn't hurt, and it might also serve as a gift for the Magic Item Guild.
"You mean the Undead Dragon's golden bones and jet-black scales? If everyone agrees, we can use some of it here."
"Not a bad idea. That stuff is too hard for ordinary craftsmen to handle, and it's probably impossible to process in the Kingdom of Brenark. If we can make equipment from it, it would likely be in Beliza's workshop with its special facilities."
"The connections with the Magic Item Guild can't be bought with money. Even with Rosmerta-sama's introduction, the relationship would likely end there. But with valuable special materials as bait, we have high hopes."
Gradena and Josephine share their insights and support the idea. Everyone seems to agree.
"With materials that can't be obtained with money, the right negotiation could lead to a lasting relationship. If we can develop a rapport where we can freely order custom items... that would be incredible."
Everyone's eyes light up at the prospect.
"Incredible, indeed. Not just for security installations, but for personal equipment as well. That would be a game-changer."
"Speaking of equipment, the prince of the Medek-Legisamo Empire had a lot of magic item gear."
"Like the Cloud Cutter sword, which is probably a magic item itself?"
"Our armor is excellent, thanks to Yukari's materials, Brillonvest's craftsmanship, and Charlotte's engraving magic, but our weapons, while high-quality, are still ordinary. If we could get something like the Cloud Cutter, everyone would want it."
Our weapons are exceptional, crafted from valuable magical minerals, but they're still just regular weapons. Even with the assistance of engraving magic, they lack extraordinary functions. The prince's magic item equipment has taught us the true potential of magic items.
While we can't achieve the same level as the prince, even a small function would be a powerful asset.
For security magic items, we could incorporate features not found in commercial products or create items that aren't even on the market.
The list of things we'd like to order is endless.
"I'll try to arrange a meeting soon. We can't just show up, so I'll send a letter to Rosmerta through the Secretariat."
"Right, I'll take care of that after this meeting."
"Priene, is this acceptable for now?"
"Absolutely! This is the Kikyo Society's new headquarters, after all. This is the way it should be!"
While we have more work to do, a good relationship with the Magic Item Guild could bring significant benefits beyond just the new headquarters. I should thank this opportunity.
"Anything else?"
As the atmosphere calms, Siegrune looks around the room.
"Can I speak?"
"Caroline, is there an issue with the Administration Bureau?"
"It's a bit of a mundane matter, but our current staff isn't enough to handle the influx of workers in the pleasure district."
"Go ahead, I'm all ears."
Caroline, with her unique charm, is the director of the Administration Bureau overseeing the old McDallian family's pleasure district. She has successfully revitalized and developed the area under Rosmerta's leadership. Her skills have been invaluable, and the revenue from the district is substantial.
"We're seeing an increase in workers, but our current staff can't keep up. I was wondering if we could get some temporary support."
Exembra continues to attract many people. The pleasure district overseen by Caroline has become highly popular among working women. It's not an exaggeration to say they're flooding in.
"Sure, I can send some people from the Security Bureau. We've been prioritizing new recruits, so we have some flexibility now."
Zenobia, the Security Bureau chief and a former mercenary, is also my training partner from the Camp days. While the Security Bureau is less visible, her role in defending key locations is crucial and provides a sense of security for everyone.
"Is the Security Bureau not busy with the Arena's security plan?"
"They'll get busier once the Arena starts operating, but we're fine now. We've been using it for training, so sending a few people to help won't be a problem."
If Zenobia says so, there's no issue. The matter is settled quickly.
"I'll leave the staffing adjustments to the Security and Administration Bureaus. We might also start sending some regular members to the Administration Bureau. If you have more requests, let me know."
The Administration Bureau's main duties include handling security and managing workers and businesses in the pleasure district.
Unregulated activities can lead to unnecessary trouble and health issues. Under the Kikyo Society's management, businesses can operate safely.
New members often find the work in the Administration Bureau challenging, especially when dealing with customers. We usually transfer mid-level members to the Administration Bureau, but it might be time to start training new members there as well.
"Anything else? If not, let's wrap up today's executive meeting."
Afterward, we had a casual drink together before calling it a day.
The next day, everyone is busy, but I have a bit of a wait. I've handed over negotiations with Baron Icetoy to the Instruction Bureau and completed the tasks for the Construction Bureau, so there are no urgent requests at the moment.
I'll check on the Bloomstar Galaxy's pickup in a day or two, but for now, I'll focus on my usual training.
I've tasked the top combat section leaders with mastering Combat Body Transformation Magic. Despite providing a suitable environment, no one has achieved it yet.
While I believe they can eventually succeed with time, finding a more accessible method would be ideal. Let's think about it.
"Magic is about imagery."
That's the foundation. If I can provide a clear image, it should be a shortcut.
For example, a simple incantation. It doesn't have to be grandiose, but setting keywords could help with focus and imagery.
I want a keyword that boosts morale.
Hmm, just words might not be enough. I should add something.
Visualization of the magic could be powerful. A clear image makes understanding easier, and it would be beneficial for me as well.
Setting specific keywords and visual effects should make it clear and effective. It should also enhance the magic's power.
I haven't been doing this, but Combat Body Transformation Magic is special. Let's give it a try.
"The first image that comes to mind is the magma rising from the depths."
A red aura would be fitting. Yes, it's easy to visualize and understand.
Adding color makes it more impactful and powerful.
Increasing the intensity of the color might also help control the output. Perfect, let's go with this.
Next, the keyword.
Given the color, something related would be ideal.
"Magma, red, shades of red... the deeper the red, the stronger... crimson, scarlet, Exterior, aura."
Aura is a good term, but it lacks the necessary intensity. It needs more weight.
I want it to sound more like a magic incantation.
But it shouldn't be too long. Hmm.
"Scarlet Aura, Exterior's Might, break the shell and unleash the power. Hmm, one more line to finish it off."
After much thought, I've settled on something that feels right.
I'll try it out, adjusting as necessary.
Here goes...
Drawing out the force like magma from the depths.
This is the true power; awaken it.
【Scarlet Aura, Exterior's Might, break the shell and unleash the power!】
I open my eyes, and the Combat Body Transformation Magic activates more powerfully than ever.
Enveloped in a red aura like a blazing flame, I manifest a fearsome power.
Perfect.