kscans

Chapter 195 - The Sorcerer's Apprentice 3. After the Work

When Faren, completely exhausted, left the room after the first day's work, Nagara was taken aback. He had been waiting to negotiate for a portion of the Magic Stone Tools to be prioritized for him, but...

(This is... I don't think I can make any unreasonable demands...)

He had heard from Yuri himself that making Magic Stone Tools was a lot of trouble, but from Faren's appearance, it seemed to be far from something as simple as "trouble." He had received a promise from Adon that a certain amount would be secured for the elves, but at this rate, it might be difficult to secure a large quantity. It would be good if he could help with the work, but unfortunately, he did not have an aptitude for Earth Magic.

(...Should I contact the elders... no, perhaps I should consult with Katra and the others first...)



"How was it? What kind of person is this creator... You seem quite worn out... What on earth happened?"

When Faren returned to the academy after leaving Adon's mansion, he was greeted by his master and the Chief Professor of the Magic Department, Magam. Magam, who seemed to have been waiting eagerly, fired off his question, but he immediately noticed his disciple's unusual state of exhaustion.

"How should I put it... he was an extraordinary person in many ways..."

After hearing about Yuri's background, the official version, and his personality from Faren, Professor Magam could only groan. He had thought the boy would be no ordinary person, but... he never imagined he would have such an outlandish upbringing...

"I spoke with him a little, but he didn't seem to know much about the basics of magic. The magic he usually uses also seems to be mostly fundamental. ...However... those fundamentals... are on a godlike level, you could say..."

He had been so focused on the work that he had no leeway to probe for information through conversation, but he was able to learn from their talk about the efficacy of Magic Stone Tools that Yuri had taken down Greed Wolves and Thrustboars. ...When he heard that Yuri would dig a pitfall at the feet of a running monster, he thought he must have misheard...

"The result of his dogged repetition of the basics is who he is now. A lone child in an abandoned village would have had no means to learn other Earth Magic spells... It was a good opportunity for me to reflect on myself, as I tend to jump at new and convenient things as soon as I make a little progress."

"Hmm... and what about the 'Magic Stone Tools' themselves? How were they?"

"...This is just an excuse, but since it was all unfamiliar work, I wasn't able to create anything usable. However... there's no doubt that they require an incredible amount of effort to make. At the very least, I think mass production would be difficult."

"Hmm... what if your proficiency increases? If you become as skilled as that boy, wouldn't it be possible to increase production?"

"First, even if I become proficient in the work, I'm not confident I could match what he creates. And setting aside the level of proficiency, it is not suited for mass production. If you increase the number of workers, you might be able to manage up to the shaping stage, but the problem is the step after that. It seems that unless you repeatedly use it while channeling magic power through it, it won't become a 'Magic Stone Tool'."

"I see... which means..."

"Yes. For those like magicians and elves who can handle magic power themselves, they could purchase it in the state before it becomes a 'Magic Stone Tool' and slowly nurture it, but in that case, they couldn't use it immediately. It also means that those with little magic power wouldn't be able to nurture it."

"Hmm... What did Adon-kun say?"

"That even acknowledging that flaw, it is still more than worth producing."

"Hmm... In any case, it's not something the general populace would seek. He plans to limit the sales channels and sell it at a high price, I imagine..."

"Adon-shi did mention that he would make some arrangements for the elves."

"Well... for the time being, he probably plans to sell it secretly only to elves and magicians. Considering the characteristics of that 'Magic Stone Tool,' that might be for the best."

"I think so too. ...In any case, I plan to visit him daily for instruction for a while."

"Yes. It will be difficult, but I'm counting on you."