kscans

Chapter 87 - Interlude: Simple Magical Items

Side: None

Somewhere in Kanagawa Prefecture.

On the top floor of a certain rented building.

"Ta-da, it's done♡"

"So... creepy."

The chairman of the `Alchemy Enthusiasts Club`, dressed like he was about to go on a witch hunt, and the cat beastman Yamashita, in a suit with a deadpan expression, faced each other across a desk.

Yamashita's cat ears twitched in annoyance as the chairman squirmed theatrically.

"So, what is it? This 'important matter' you only wanted to tell me."

"My, my. Your attitude towards me has become rather dismissive, Yamashita-kun. Has your guild grown so large that you've developed the gravitas of a leader?"

"No. I've simply gotten used to dealing with perverts."

"I see. So it is the 'Power of Bonds,' then."

"It is absolutely not."

Seeing Yamashita's completely unreceptive demeanor, the chairman shrugged with a sigh of 'oh, well,' and took a USB memory stick from his pocket.

"As I mentioned beforehand, you've prepared an offline computer, correct?"

"Yes... Is it really that dangerous?"

"Indeed. Depending on how it's used, it could turn the current world on its head."

At the chairman's words, Yamashita couldn't help but swallow hard.

This pervert, for all his flaws in personality and ethics, was a man of talent that Yamashita couldn't even hope to match, both as a professional and as an Awakened Person.

He really didn't want to see data that such a person would describe in those terms.

But he was a guild master. Precisely because it was dangerous, he had to see it.

Steeling himself, he inserted the USB memory stick into the computer.

And—the screen filled with a magnificent pair of pectoral muscles.

"Ah, my apologies, I gave you the wrong one. Here."

"Can't you have a conversation without throwing in a stupid joke?"

On the verge of deploying his `Arcane Gear`, a vein pulsed on Yamashita's temple.

He felt as if he'd just lost a few more strands of hair.

Snatching the correct USB memory stick, Yamashita plugged it into the computer, his brow furrowed.

Then, he reviewed the contents.

"...? ...What the?!"

At first, he didn't understand what was so special about the information. But as he read on, he began to comprehend just how terrifying it was.

What the chairman had said was neither a lie nor a joke; it was the truth.

"Is this... real...?!"

"It is. I would not tell such a tasteless joke."

The chairman nodded magnanimously in response to Yamashita's question, who was now sweating profusely.

The hood covering his face hid his expression, but Yamashita had a feeling the chairman was smiling faintly.

"We, the `Alchemy Enthusiasts Club`, have created a recipe for simple magical items. ...Though it is still in its most basic stages."

Magical Items.

They were broadly divided into two types: 'dungeon-made' and 'handmade.' The former was self-explanatory; the latter was created by Awakened Persons using their mana.

What was written on this USB memory stick concerned the handmade items, but... the problem was their 'simplicity.'

"Until now, for an Awakened Person to create a magical item required no small amount of money and time. And either a skill or a certain technique was necessary."

"...Which is why the world wasn't suddenly flooded with magical items."

"Indeed. And yet, the mere fact that they 'exist' and 'can be made' was enough to force investors and corporations to take countermeasures, to play the stock market, and so on. It's not just the dungeons. 'The very existence of production-class Awakened' affects the economy. They are untapped mines in human form."

"—And. If this technology spreads, society will undoubtedly change. It will be forced to change."

"That's right. Because with this, even 'Awakened who don't have production skills' may be able to create magical items reliably."

Yamashita ran a hand through his hair, crushing his bangs as he stared at the computer screen.

'Simple Magical Item Manufacturing Manual.'

That was the name given to the recipe, a name that was hard to classify as either formal or simplistic.

The method described for making magical items was extremely simple. Any middle school student could do it, as long as they were an Awakened Person.

First, print out the described alchemical circle. Copy paper would work, but for better precision and output, parchment or mana-infused paper was recommended.

Then, on top of it, place a crystal or gemstone suited to the 'item to be alchemized,' along with an Awakened Person's 'hair' or 'blood.' Several 'combinations' were listed, but as this was a new technology, it was likely that more would be added.

Finally, channel mana into it while referring to the attached explanation of the alchemical circle. And that's it.

It was written that just by doing this, 'the magical power would be imbued into the gemstone or crystal placed on the circle.'

"I must emphasize, this is a simple item. In terms of performance alone, it's cheaper and more reliable to just make a Molotov cocktail. And if you're not good at channeling mana, you can still fail even if you follow the recipe."

"...Even so, it's effective against enemies like Wraiths that can only be defeated with mana-infused attacks. And..."

"Depending on how it's used, you could prepare for a terrorist attack with ease, couldn't you?"

the chairman, a high-ranking official in the National Police Agency, said nonchalantly.

Normally, when purchasing materials for explosives or gasoline, a certain degree of verification is required. Of course, some stores are lax about this.

However, there are no such regulations for artificial gems or crystals. In fact, if you're not concerned about quality, you can even create them with alchemy.

Most importantly, they are easy to hide. Molotov cocktails or pipe bombs can be found with a light body check or baggage inspection, but there are countless ways to hide a thumb-sized crystal.

"The magical items made with this are disposable. The imbued mana dissipates over time, so their shelf life is not long. Their effect probably won't even match a hand grenade, no matter how perfect the conditions. And if we're talking about 'hiding weapons for terrorism,' then Awakened Persons themselves are dangerous. They could smuggle firearms with spatial magic, or just blow everything up with an offensive skill."

"...And yet you still think this can turn the current society on its head, don't you?"

"Well, that's partly because investors and the powerful will dance to their own tune. Beyond simply being used for terrorism or crime, it can be used to turn turbines, in medicine, or in disaster relief. Depending on the conditions, it's a 'gadget' full of dreams and hope. There are countless ways to make money in this world, you know."

At the chairman's words, Yamashita placed a hand on his chest and let out a small sigh.

He was an adventurer. That's why his thoughts had leaned towards the more dangerous possibilities. Though, the description in the memory stick was also a problem.

> Price: Clearly more expensive than a Molotov cocktail.
> Time: Takes longer than a Molotov cocktail.
> Effect: Equal to or slightly less than a Molotov cocktail. Healing types can only treat scrapes and bruises.
> Difficulty: Not much different from a Molotov cocktail.
> Duration: A few seconds after activation.
> Preservation: Loses effect in about a week.
> Legality: No corresponding laws yet.
> Concealment: Basic size can be hidden in one's hand. Easier to hide than a Molotov cocktail.
> Mana: Yes. Effective against spiritual beings.
> Processing: Difficult. Loses mana if scratched too much.

...Why the standard of comparison was a Molotov cocktail was something only the vice-chairman who wrote this would know. Perhaps something had happened in his past.

In any case, as the chairman said, this technology could greatly contribute to society depending on how it's used.

But for that very reason, its impact on the economy would be immeasurable.

There was a possibility that society would improve, but 'change' always creates victims. It was a technology that could be resented or shunned by those who got the short end of the stick.

And the `Alchemy Enthusiasts Club` particularly disliked that kind of trouble.

"...May I ask three questions?"

"As many as time permits."

"First. How did you come up with this technology?"

"By deconstructing our own brains."

The chairman, sitting on the guest sofa, pointed to his own head.

"Of course, not by physically cutting them open. Do you know why Awakened Persons can use 'magic'?"

"Yes, sort of. I've heard from a mage in my party that 'the knowledge of magic just appeared in my head one day.' They operate their mana according to that knowledge."

"Exactly. For some reason we don't understand, our heads are filled with magical knowledge. Without ever having learned it."

The chairman crossed his legs, and then his fingers on top of them.

Like a detective from a story, the suspicious man in black continued.

"In short, we only have the 'correct answers' or a 'summary.' We have no idea about the principles behind the magic."

"...Don't tell me you tried to decipher it?"

"Indeed. In order to create the ideal homunculus wife."

"..."

The reason was so ridiculous that Yamashita's eyes glazed over for a moment.

The serious atmosphere was about to take a vacation to who-knows-where.

"Our club frequently holds study sessions. Because the knowledge of magic is too much a matter of course in our heads, a single person can't even properly identify 'what to question.' We cover for each other in that regard."

"...My friend said the same thing. 'The strange thing is that I can't feel any strangeness in having this knowledge.'"

"A sharp child. It's been over two years since the `Day of Awakening`. Many have already 'accepted it too much.' You should treasure companions like that. Or, given your ages, perhaps I should say you should 'nurture' them?"

The chairman chuckled softly.

For an Awakened Person, skills were something they could naturally use. Even if their rational mind found it 'strange,' their instincts treated it like a function they'd always had.

How many people could wonder why they were able to breathe right now? And few could continue to pursue that question.

"So, in the process of deconstructing and elucidating the principles of the magic called 'alchemy,' we succeeded in shaping a deliberately incomplete, yet simple, technique from the recipe for creating a completed magical item."

It sounded simple when put into words.

But how difficult it must have been in practice. As a prerequisite, those with the same knowledge had to gather and argue that 'what is normal is not normal.'

Those without the knowledge couldn't follow the conversation due to the information gap, and those with the knowledge couldn't even question it on their own.

The `Alchemy Enthusiasts Club`. They were a ridiculous group, but their passion was undoubtedly real.

Yamashita didn't know this, but the chairman and vice-chairman were the central figures in these study sessions. While most of the club members were of average intelligence, those two were head and shoulders above the rest.

They were already considered elites in mainstream society. When it came to intellectual labor, both the chairman and vice-chairman were masters of their craft.

And with the powerful driving force of libido, even more so.

"...I don't understand, but I'm convinced."

"Good. Explaining this requires a lot of words. I don't have enough time to go into detail."

"Then, my second and third questions. Why did you give this technology to me? And what do you plan to do?"

Yamashita's gaze sharpened, as if to pierce through the nonchalant man before him.

But the chairman merely shrugged, as if dismissing it as the intimidation of a kitten.

"The answer to your second question is simple. You've been getting a lot of pressure from the SDF, haven't you? To skillfully poach useful technology and personnel from the `Alchemy Enthusiasts Club`."

Yamashita, who had been trying not to lose the battle of wills, faltered at these words.

He looked down, abashed.

"...They haven't been that direct."

"Then they've been using roundabout and emotional appeals."

The chairman laughed mockingly.

"They're desperate too. Well, that's to be expected. And you, as always, are not very good at negotiation. There are plenty of people in the SDF who can play mind games. It would be fine if it were people like General Marui, who are acting for the sake of 'national defense,' but you're probably being pestered by types who are 'planning to move.' And on top of that, you don't seem to be able to tell the difference, Yamashita-kun."

"...Regrettably, you are correct."

Recently, the SDF personnel who contacted Yamashita could be broadly divided into three types.

Those who sought cooperation for the sake of Japan, for their comrades still fighting, and for their families living in this country.

Those who simply wanted a 'souvenir' for when they abandoned Japan and switched allegiance to another country.

Those who didn't care about the country and were just businessmen at heart, wanting to make a profit.

The trouble was, they all approached him with the face of a 'sincere JSDF officer.' And Yamashita was neither bad nor good at these mind games.

He was still in his twenties, a young man whose company had just gone bankrupt after only a few years of employment. He lacked the knowledge and experience to fight a battle of deception.

"Give this information directly to General Marui. That should quiet his faction down a bit. Anyone who continues to approach you in the same way, you can dismiss as 'the others.'"

"...Why are you doing this?"

"We can't have this country collapsing on us right now. I'm praying that the SDF will use this technology and hold out for a while longer. And we want you, our allies, to last a long time too."

"...I suppose I should thank you. But I really wish you would handle this directly."

"No way. Too much trouble. And if it gets out that I'm the head of the `Alchemy Enthusiasts Club`, it'll tarnish my career."

"This guy..."

"But your guild will benefit from this, won't it? A win-win relationship. It's ideal, isn't it?"

"You've got some nerve..."

He was about to retort, 'This nerve, right here,' but the chairman touched the hood he was wearing and stopped himself.

If it were the vice-chairman, he might have sidled up and said, 'This nerve right here. Let me lick your tail to confirm. Now, turn around.'

The real reason the chairman had come alone today was that the vice-chairman had been on the verge of a rampage recently due to a 'Kemonium deficiency.' What Kemonium was, no one but him knew. And it was probably better that way.

"...Now then. Your third question. What we plan to do from now on. That hasn't changed. We will create the ideal homunculus wife. That is all."

"You'd go this far just for that?"

"Of course. You shouldn't underestimate one of the three great desires. How many people in human history do you think have thrown away a brilliant life for the sake of lust?"

"...By that logic, it sounds like you're heading for a terrible end yourselves?"

"Haha. Don't worry, we'll manage. We'll learn from the lessons of our predecessors."

With a confident reply, the chairman stood up.

"It's about time for me to take my leave. My 'public' work is quite busy."

"I can imagine..."

"Ah, and one more thing. There's a question you've been wondering about but haven't been able to connect to me. Since you won't ask, I'll answer it myself."

"...?"

Yamashita tilted his head at the chairman's words.

What did he mean, he hadn't been able to connect a question to him?

"I'm the one who put the complete set of 'Dragon ●all' in the break room and waiting area."

"So it was you."

It was a very trivial question.

It was true that for the past week or so, Yamashita and the other members of the `Walkers` had been wondering, 'Hey, who put this here?' but it was hardly something to bring up after the previous conversation.

"Let me tell you. My usual hobby is 'missionary work.' It's nice to get other people to like the things you like, don't you think?"

"Somehow, I have a feeling there's a creepy reason behind it in your case..."

"Rest assured. All the manga I left are brand new."

"What would have happened if they weren't new...?!"

"And the vice-chairman's hobby also happens to be missionary work."

"I didn't ask. And you want to hide your fetishes from your 'public acquaintances,' don't you? Please hide them better."

"Rest assured. To those around us, I am just 'the old guy who loves Dragon Bo●,' and he is 'the old grandpa who loves animals.'"

"Your camouflage is unnecessarily good... no, you're just so far beyond their comprehension."

"As you might have guessed from my previous expression, the vice-chairman is actually older than me. By about a whole cycle."

"You're just spouting off a surprising amount of useless information."

"He's an amazing person. He can tolerate someone younger being his superior. It sounds simple, but it's actually quite difficult."

"I think I could have been genuinely impressed if this wasn't a conversation about the two top members of a pervert group."

"Oh, and as for Ichiyanagi-kun, who you're well acquainted with, his hobby is stanning an underground idol. Ninomiya-kun enjoys inserting himself between his favorite hosts after making them get involved with each other."

"I'm not well acquainted with him. It's a professional relationship, just like with you."

"But I heard they both got banned recently... How pitiful."

"I told you I don't care."

Incidentally, Ichiyanagi got banned because he bought out all the tickets to his favorite idol's show so he could endlessly ask her to 'tell me your measurements down to the millimeter. And the texture, too,' in order to perfectly replicate her breasts on a golem.

As for Ninomiya, he spent too much money forcing his hosts to role-play 'BL with a woman in between,' which resulted in a near-brawl with the other customers.

For the record, neither of them got into trouble with the police or went to court. And they haven't reflected on their actions at all.

"Hmph... It's enjoyable to be able to speak honestly with someone."

"You only have so few people to listen to you because you only ever talk one-sidedly like this."

"...Hmph."

The chairman (pervert) left. The final blow had apparently been quite effective.

And Yamashita, exhausted from all the retorts and weighed down by the gravity of the information on the USB memory stick, felt the bald spot on his head grow larger.

The final bit of foolery aside, the data he'd been given was too much for him to handle. Just as the chairman had said, Yamashita called General Marui. Part of him just wanted to get this dangerous thing off his hands as quickly as possible.

The general's hairline receded from the hope and anxiety brought on by this information, but that was just collateral damage. The losses were minimal.

The 'Simple Magical Item Manufacturing Manual.' Its public release was still a long way off.