kscans

Chapter 55 - Episode 40: Encounter with the Unknown

'Magic Tools'

This is the current term used to refer to 'tools possessing supernatural powers' that are obtained from dungeons or created through skills.

Items like the ring dropped by the Leucos, or artifacts recovered and stored by the Self-Defense Force from dungeons, are not easily obtainable. The latter, in fact, are unlikely to ever reach the civilian market.

So, are magic tools made by Awakened Persons easy to come by? Not at all.

First of all, there simply aren't that many Awakened with 'production-type' skills.

Various companies have been headhunting production skill holders like crazy, hoping for new product development possibilities, but they still haven't managed to gather a significant number. The fact that they're all scattered probably has something to do with it.

In that respect, the 'Alchemy Enthusiasts Club,' with around 20 alchemists gathering voluntarily, is truly an anomaly. Given their reasons for gathering, they probably turned down corporate recruitment because they wouldn't have the freedom they desired...

Next is the fact that all magic tools are handmade.

Production-type Awakened, who are already scarce, create them one by one. If they're put up for sale, they sell out instantly, and trying to place an order often means a six-month wait. I've heard there are even one or two-year waiting lists in some cases.

Finally, and this is personally what I think is the biggest reason... it's a huge pain in the ass. Seriously.

Take alchemy, for example.

Let's say you use an Awakened person's nails, hair, blood, and so on as materials.

In the creation of magic tools, the 'Four Great Elements' are considered crucial, and you have to have the elements of earth, water, fire, and wind in order.

First, the pot. You need a large pot made from earth. It has to be big enough for a child to curl up in easily, yet sturdy enough to withstand high temperatures.

Then, you have to painstakingly inscribe a formula, one character at a time, on the inside of the pot while imbuing it with mana. If you make even one mistake, the pot becomes useless.

Next, water. No matter what you're making, you have to fill the pot with plenty of clean water.

Frankly, thanks to living in modern Japan, preparing the water is the easy part. Tap water is fine. Well, depending on what you're making, you might need 'mana-infused pure water' or 'water purified with a unicorn's horn,' but...

Okay, next. Fire.

The fire used to heat the pot must be at a high temperature. The output of a home gas stove is nowhere near enough. And you have to maintain a constant temperature during the transmutation.

Well, this also changes depending on what you're making, but basically, you need to maintain a high, steady heat.

Finally, wind.

After putting the ingredients into the pot, you stir them with a rod while imbuing them with mana.

Don't think that's all there is to it. The rod itself needs to have a formula inscribed on it, and you have to keep a strong image of the alchemical process in your mind the entire time.

All while slowly pouring in a considerable amount of mana. It's a nerve-wracking process where even the slightest mistake is not allowed. This takes a minimum of two hours. Sometimes, literally a whole day.

And after all that, you finally get the crystal that serves as the 'material' for the magic tool.

...Yeah. That's just to get the material. Using that material, you then need to mix it with other things, or build a separate 'furnace' to forge it into heated iron or what have you.

The only saving grace is that the pot and rod can be reused to some extent.

If you make three or four sets, you can probably transmute most things.

I learned all this from the book that came with my 'Arcane Gear,' but it didn't make me want to create my own magic tools.

This isn't something you do as a side gig. You'd have to be a full-time professional to keep this up.

I have school, and I have my activities as an adventurer. Sure, I could make a lot of money selling magic tools, but I wouldn't gain any levels.

...Actually, wait. I think I remember seeing a post on the 'Alchemy Enthusiasts Club' forums about someone leveling up slightly just by doing alchemy constantly?

Well, that story was about leveling up once after a whole year of work.

Anyway, even alchemy, which is said to be 'relatively easy to prepare for,' is like this. Making magic tools is a very arduous task.

However, because of the effort involved, all magic tools are convenient. Some, like the 'Ring of the Flame Horse,' are extremely useful for dungeon exploration.

Therefore, adventurers treasure their connections with 'production-type Awakened skill holders.' I think I read on a message board that some people even choose which company to join based on that.

So, the fact that Erina-san is introducing me to a 'crafter' is a very welcome offer. It is, but...

...Why is this person a girl in my grade?

*

The day after I tested the ring's power.

At school, the execution... I mean, the lunch break arrived.

I have to move, for starters. Making contact with Erina-san in the classroom is going to attract a lot of attention. I need to minimize the damage—

"Challenge!! Kyo-chan, I've come for you!!"

Too fast.

Her class must have started lunch a little earlier than ours, because the moment our break began, Erina-san threw open the back door with a bang.

Naturally, the eyes of the entire classroom focused on the loud, beautiful blonde girl.

And then, their eyes turned to me.

Accompanied by unpleasant feelings.

"Yagawa again...?"

"That's Rinzaki-san from the next class, right?"

"Yagawa's supposed to be an Awakened Person, but he's so plain... Why is a guy like that..."

"What, just a girl? If you're not cross-dressing, then go home."

Hostility, jealousy, suspicion. And a few strangely clingy stares.

Hunching my back against them, I grab my bento bag and quickly walk over to Erina-san.

"Um, so, let's just go..."

"Right! We don't want to lose a good spot in the cafeteria!!"

"Yeah... Also, if possible, could you lower your voice a bit..."

"Oh, really? Okay! Let's go, Kyo-chan!"

I followed behind the smiling Erina-san as she strode forward, trying to make myself as small as possible.

Even in the hallway, I felt countless eyes on me. I couldn't tell who was saying what, but every sound I heard felt like a negation of my existence.

Why did I even come to school today? I should have just faked an illness and slept in at home instead of worrying about making my parents anxious.

I should have at least asked to meet outside of school. But I ended up agreeing, considering the schedules of Erina-san's friends. I hate myself for it.

The cafeteria on the first floor was, of course, bustling since it was lunch break.

Our high school doesn't have a proper cafeteria service, but there's a school store, and plenty of chairs and tables, so all sorts of students gather here.

Amidst the noisy chatter, Erina-san skillfully weaved through the crowd. I followed her, relying on my kinetic vision and reflexes, to a popular-looking table in the corner.

"Sorry for the wait! I brought Kyo-chan!"

"'Sup."

"My. Is that the person you mentioned?"

At the four-person table, two female students were saving our seats.

One was a short student with short-cut red hair.

She had sharp, narrow eyes that looked strong-willed, and a sullen, pouty expression. The ribbon at the collar of her blazer-style uniform was loosened.

Though she was short, her chest was large and full. A transistor glamour girl, I suppose.

The other was a female student with long black hair.

She had slightly drooping eyes and a gentle smile. With features like a classic Japanese beauty, she looked at me with curiosity.

Her posture was perfectly straight, and her uniform was worn neatly, making her a stark contrast to the red-haired student in many ways.

"That's right! This is Kyo-chan! And these two are—"

"I'm Busujima Aika."

"...Ooyama Shizuku."

The black-haired one is Busujima-san. The red-haired one is Ooyama-san, apparently.

"N-nice to meet you. I'm Yagawa Kyouta..."

My words almost got stuck as I gave a small bow.

C-calm down, Kyouta. They're not enemies. In fact, they're friends of a friend, which means they're allies.

...But because they're friends of a friend, I have even less of an idea of what to do!

"Sit down, Kyo-chan. If we take too long, lunch break will be over!"

"Ah, yeah. Okay..."

I cautiously sat down next to Erina-san.

We were facing them in a 2-on-2 setup. Directly across from me sat the smiling Busujima-san.

"So yeah, Kyo-chan. This is Shī-chan, the crafter I was talking about! She's a dwarf!"

"...'Sup."

"N-nice to meet you..."

Like elves, they are a famous demi-human race.

Just as in fiction, they are said to be extremely dexterous. And strong, too, capable of easily wielding heavy hammers with one hand.

As for their physical characteristics, the men are bearded. The women don't grow beards... and, well, they have large chests. Their short stature is apparently common to both genders.

They're rumored to be a race with many production-type skill holders, but since the number of demi-humans itself is small, the truth is unknown.

I see, Ooyama-san certainly matches those physical characteristics. Her red hair might also be a result of her racial change, making it her natural color.

"By the way, Ā-chan's an Awakened Person too!"

"I don't have any production-type skills, though."

Busujima-san gave a wry smile at Erina-san's introduction.

So these three were a group of Awakened Persons to begin with.

In Japan, it's said that one in thirty people is an Awakened Person. It's not that rare to have multiple in one class.

...Though I'm the only one in my class, and I'm isolated!

...Let's not go there. Being on the fast track to loner-dom isn't just because I'm Awakened.

"Um, I'm, an Awakened Person, too..."

"Yes. I've heard a lot about you from Erina-san. That you're very strong and have good eyes."

"O-oh."

"Yup! Kyo-chan is strong! His movements are sloppy, but then he goes shwing! and BOOM!"

"Still have no idea what you're saying."

"Eeeh. You're so cold, Shī-chaaan."

"Shut up. Don't try to pinch my cheek."

A friend and her friend started playing around.

Erina-san is undeniably beautiful, and Ooyama-san is above average. The sight of such girls playing together is cleansing to the soul, isn't it?

If only I wasn't so close to it and feeling completely out of place! Ugh, this is so awkward...!

"Now, now, Erina-san. You're making Yagawa-san uncomfortable."

"Oh. Should I touch Kyo-chan's cheek too?"

"Eh, no, not really..."

"Oh, okay."

"Come on, let's get to the main topic."

"Oh, right!"

Busujima-san got them back on track, and Erina-san clapped her hands.

"I want you to provide the 'materials' for me to make my super-strong ninja tools! I want Shī-chan, who's making them, to weigh in too, so let's all work together!"

"'Kay."

"Y-yeah..."

"Also, let's decide on the payment later through email or something. Today's just for introductions."

"Eh, no, I don't really need any payment..."

"No can do, Kyo-chan! Even close friends need to be courteous! If you let these things slide, it'll cause trouble later!"

"Ah, okay. I understand..."

Erina-san's forceful words made me nod reflexively.

If we're talking about that, she saved my parents, and I don't think a box of sweets and a thank you is enough to balance the scales.

But I can't say that. Every time I say something here, I feel an illusion of intense pressure on my mind and heart.

"And also. About Ā-chan and the others—"

"Erina-san. We'll tell him about that part."

"Mm, got it!"

Busujima-san raised a small hand, cutting off Erina-san.

The classic Japanese beauty smiled at me again from across the table. Just that was enough to make me not know what expression to make in return, and my gaze wandered.

"Yagawa-san. We have a favor to ask, seeing as you're a powerful adventurer."

"Y-yes. What is it...?"

I peeked at Busujima-san's face, my back drenched in a cold sweat for no particular reason.

She pierced me with a serious gaze.

"We want you to help us level up. Of course, we will pay you... though it might have to be in installments."

"Also, I want to trade for one of your golems."

"...Excuse me?"

I could only float a question mark at the unexpected proposal from Busujima-san and Ooyama-san.

I looked at Erina-san, wondering what was going on, and she just gave me a thumbs-up.

...No, seriously, what is going on...? An explanation, please?

To me, 'high school girls who aren't my friends' are an unknown species. Being forced to encounter them and then having this development sprung on me is basically a deathtrap.

"Tadaa..."

Erina-san isn't answering. She's just making a mysterious, triumphant face.

What? Is this space actually designed to kill me?

...Someone! Help me! I'm going to be killed! Either psychologically or socially, I'm going to be killed!!

At this point, even the disappointing university student (Aira-san) would do, so please help! I'm surrounded by unidentified life forms (high school girls of my age)!! If possible, please take my place!!

Unable to even voice such a silent scream, all I could do was let my eyes dart around.

Help... Help...