"I don't know how to use magic."

'He belongs to the Magic Tower but doesn’t know how to use magic? Or is he just in the theoretical department?'

'More importantly, did the Meister even have a setting like this?'

I pushed my bewilderment aside and carefully rummaged through my memories. A setting like that... might have existed, or maybe it didn't.

However, I did remember that he was a character who didn't use magic and just smashed things with science and technology. The image of him pulling out artillery equipment and firing laser beams the moment the skill button was pressed was still vivid in my memory.

Then, his inability to use magic might have been a setting back then as well.

'But then, how does he find out the essence? A scientific method? So it really is science??'

"You aren't trapped in the narrow-minded and foolish thought that I can't analyze it just because I don't know how to use magic, are you? If so, I'm highly offended."

Meanwhile, the Meister quickly spoke up. He must have thought I was going to say something.

As if he hadn't experienced this just once or twice, his face was somewhat stiff, contrary to his confident words.

"For reference, I don't care if you doubt me, but I won't tolerate you doubting the achievements I've accomplished."

I was curious about what method he'd use, but I never intended to doubt him...

In the first place, wasn't there no room for distrust just by looking at the medals, certificates, and all sorts of expensive-looking machines lined up on one side of the workshop? The shop being located in a prime spot was the same, as well as the people who recognized the Meister on our way here.

If a scam reached this level, it was art. Art that a mere ordinary person like me had to just let slide.

Therefore, I stared at the Meister with my arms crossed.

Then, I chose my words slowly to avoid any misunderstandings. Looking back, it was because I had started the conversation in a way that could easily be misunderstood.

"I never doubted you. I was just considering how you would figure it out if you don't use magic, and how much time it would take."

Honestly, if there was something I was familiar with, it was science rather than magic. I thought of all the investigation methods I had seen in crime investigation dramas.

That actually made things even more exciting. Because magic was somewhat boring to watch, taking the form of a flash of light going pop-pop, and the results popping out right after.

But a scientific investigation... wouldn't that still be fun? If nothing else, I was really curious about the scientific knowledge of this world's setting.

In the game, it abruptly came out at a sci-fi level, but it wouldn't be like that here too, right? Just looking at the level of equipment, it didn't seem like it at least.

"... Really?"

While I was focusing on my ulterior motives, the Meister's expression turned strange. I wasn't sure if he liked my answer or not.

However, it didn't seem like the worst-case scenario, so I felt relieved.

"I like that you're not an idiot. And the analysis will take about half a day to a day. Maybe... it might even stretch out to a few days. Even for me, who prides himself on having seen many things thanks to my grandfather, this is a first."

'I see. If this were a normal situation, it could have been a bit problematic.'

"It doesn't matter."

However, I planned to stay in Bemurhen for about a month anyway. Because they said the letter would arrive then.

"I will leave the glove."

"Alright."

So this much waiting wasn't an issue at all. I pushed off the wall, thinking I should take this opportunity to buy and wear a new pair of gloves. I also grabbed the Zweihander I had leaned up against the wall in advance.

"It's not much of a trade-off... but as payment for letting me analyze the equipment, I'll give you an access pass to the workshop. So you can come in anytime, even when you aren't checking on the glove. Ah, of course you can't come in when I'm not here."

'Of course that's how it is. I'm not sure if this is a good thing, though.'

"If it's a simple commission, I'll accept that too. Consider it good luck. There aren't many people who can make a commission to me, let alone request one directly during a busy period like this."

'Still, this is definitely a good thing. Even if I have nothing to commission right now, there's no harm in having the connection itself.'

"Make sure you don't ruin it."

"Of course."

Anyway, if there was no reason to stay any longer, I should head out for a bit. Since I came in such a rush, I still hadn't checked the inn room I had decided to stay in.

CLUNK.

I left the workshop, leaving behind the Meister, who didn't even look back as his customer left. The thick iron door shut with a loud crash.

* * *

"Is this it?"

The Archmage stroked her chin as she looked at one of the items she had commissioned. Then, Surging Blue Coral, who was standing next to her, added a word.

"Yeah. But this is just a prototype, not the finished product. The guy in charge of production said he couldn't tolerate an unfitting design and would postpone the crafting until the person who will wear it arrives."

"... Because he's a Great Master Craftsman, he sure is picky."

"However, all the formulas you sent have been fully supplemented and the trial and errors are completed, so it will be made quickly once the measurements are taken."

"Hmm. I see. Then should I visit his workshop to take the measurements?"

"That would be better. He doesn't exactly like coming to the Magic Tower unless it's his own business. Ah, and abandon any thoughts of getting the measurements taken on the day you go. It's better to consider the first visit as just going to make an appointment."

"Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind."

The perfection of the supplemented formulas could be seen just by looking at the magic placed on the prototype. As she looked at the formulas that had become more concise and had their effects increased compared to when she first completed them, she thought she made the right choice by entrusting it to him.

It was just like Blue Coral—the most expensive, but well worth the price.

"And the other thing?"

"It's here."

The Archmage checked the other commissioned item with satisfaction. The silk wrapping the object began to unravel one by one under her touch.

"For reference, the magic hasn't been applied yet."

"Why is that?"

'It’s been a month, and still?' She asked back with that thought in mind, and received Blue Coral's cold glare in return. If translated, it would be something like, "Are you really asking because you don’t know?"

"Well, I thought you would have improved it in no time."

"I appreciate you thinking highly of my abilities, but stop overestimating me. Improving a formula isn't easy for me either."

Furthermore, the research goals had expanded too much at this point. Blue Coral snapped at her, asking if she even knew how many Great Sages were attached to this formula improvement.

It was a sharp rebuke that accurately pierced the conscience of the Archmage, who, unable to conduct research due to her travels, had been coming up with ideas and dumping them on the other mages.

"I heard a bit about it last time... but hearing that it's grown to this extent makes me feel a little sorry."

"As long as you know."

"Mhm. But it will be completed, right?"

"Seven Great Sages and forty Sages alone have clung to it. It will be finished within two weeks at the very least."

"That's a relief."

The Archmage accepted this and finished unwrapping the silk. At that moment, a breathtakingly beautiful longsword revealed itself.

"Is that it? The reason you brought the Berserker here?"

"That's right."

At the same time, the Berserker, who had been yawning in the back, stepped forward.

The Archmage handed the longsword over to her. She did this because, if nothing else, the Berserker's eye for weapons would be better than her own.

"So, is it any good?"

"Mhm."

Instead of answering right away, the Berserker swung the item she received, switching it between her left and right hands. With a faint cutting sound, the blade, white as a snowflake, cleaved through the air.

"It's not bad. Though it's closer to a ready-made product than a custom-ordered one."

"... Doesn't being closer to a ready-made product mean it's not good?"

At her question, the Berserker shook her head vigorously.

"Nothing is harder than staying true to the basics. In that regard, this sword is the most typical and the most universal. It isn't optimized for any one person, but anyone who grabs it will be able to use it comfortably."

It was quite a good evaluation. "Only as long as they have a similar physique to the Demon Knight, though." Including those final words, that is.

"I see."

Since it was a gift for the Demon Knight, there was no need to consider anyone else using it. The Archmage received the white sword back.

Perhaps because it was made of a material that purified the unholy. Even without a single supporting magic spell placed on it, a subtle power could still be felt from the sword. It was a noble power.

"For reference, the scabbard is still in production."

"Right, I see."

"... Is there a problem?"

"W-Well. About this sword."

However, if there was one minor problem with it, it was the sword's appearance.

"Don't you think it's too heavily decorated...?"

She pointed out the detail that had been bothering her from earlier. Even the composed Blue Coral couldn't easily give an answer to that.

"... That's the taste of the guy who carved it. Still, it shouldn't be enough to interfere in actual combat."

"It shouldn't, of course."

Even if one excluded the sword's function and only considered its appearance, it could easily be elevated to the ranks of a work of art.

Because of that, the Archmage felt conflicted. Would the Demon Knight actually use such a flashy and beautiful sword? Shouldn't they coat the sword black or remove the decorations, even now?

"Anyway, I'd like the additional payment for the sword right now. Preferably including the share for the formula supplementation, improvement, and the accessories."

"The formula cost is one thing, but are you really demanding payment for the accessories when they're still in the production stage?"

At Surging Blue Coral's urging, the Archmage set the sword down. Then, Blue Coral, who was biting on a tobacco pipe, furrowed his brow.

"Are you suspecting that I'm going to rip you off right now?"

"As if. It's just surprising that you're asking for the money upfront. It's not like you're suddenly strapped for cash."

"..."

"... What is it?"

"... Unfortunately, your prediction is correct."

"...?"

Phew.

The Archmage was flustered by Blue Coral's affirmation. Due to the characteristics of its affiliated mages, the Bemurhen Magic Tower branch couldn't be poor even if it tried.

After all, over half of all the items in the world were produced here. It went without saying that colossal sums of money rolled in every time an item was sold.

But the head of such a Magic Tower branch was strapped for cash? That made no sense. Unless something had happened.

"To be exact, I have no cash that I can mobilize immediately."

"Ah, that's what you meant. How on earth did that happen?"

"Because Gridana, for whatever reason, released a massive amount of the precious materials they had hoarded inside their trading company."

"... Aha."

However, if it was something like this, it might somewhat make sense. Even so, she couldn't understand how that cash-rich man ended up in such an urgent situation.

"For reference, the materials going into your commission are in there too."

"Then I should pay you. But... if it's that urgent, couldn't you settle it with the items you've made? Ah, I don't mean I don't want to give it to you. It's purely out of curiosity."

"I'm not misunderstanding. And about paying in kind... I wanted to do that too, but they said they wouldn't accept anything other than cash or jewels. So what else can I do?"

"... Why? Rather than heavily receiving it in cash, it would be more profitable to take your items to the West and sell them."

"I don't know."

But what could they do when the situation was like this?

She confirmed the magic to be engraved on the sword one last time, then paid the price. ‘No wonder he told me to bring cash when paying.’ Such a realization was a bonus.

"Ah, Archmage!"

"Are you here, Mage Boss."

Anyway, all the business she had to attend to here immediately was finished. She went downstairs along with Blue Coral, who was holding the sword—though Blue Coral's destination was the workshop. The ones who had been eagerly browsing the magic items welcomed them with bright faces.

"... I can tell at a glance that you're the Hero. The ones next to you are quite good too."

"Haha. Right?"

"H-Hello."

"It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Yes, nice to meet you. I am the owner of this place, Surging Blue Coral."

Surging Blue Coral was a master of essence magic. His eyes could sometimes pierce through even the true nature of people.

Therefore, the Archmage felt much more at ease at Blue Coral's words. If nothing else, Blue Coral's evaluations were rarely wrong.

"By the way, what you are holding is..."

"Is that... the item you commissioned this time?"

"It is truly beautiful."

"It looks... incredibly expensive."

The Inquisitor showed a pure reaction to the white color, which symbolized divinity, purity, and beginnings.

On the other hand, the Deathbringer was showing a somewhat subtle expression at the design that bordered on extravagant.

"It looks exactly like a holy sword... Isn't this going to purify the Boss too?"

"Would I really prepare something like that as a gift... I've made preparations, so don't worry."

She had already taken the possibility of the Demon Knight taking damage into consideration, so the sword's hilt was scheduled to be coated with a special substance. The custom scabbard was the same.

Once the scabbard was completely made and the sword was simply placed inside it, this would not inflict any harm on the Demon Knight.

"By the way, Archmage, I wanted to ask regarding that. Even if the Demon Knight becomes able to wield this, won't there be a problem in channeling his power? I mean, I remember you saying before that it would explode if he channeled his magic power into it..."

"I've also prepared a method for that, so please do not worry."

The problem the Inquisitor just brought up was the same.

Because among the commissions the Archmage had entrusted to Blue Coral, the formula improvement aspect was exactly the preparation for this.

"There is still some time left until it's finished... but that will also be soon."

She recalled the Demon Knight, who the Deathbringer had raised the possibility of taking damage just by being in the Temple.

The magic that started from that—filtering divine power—had now evolved into filtering out unholiness.

It was an improvement made by referencing the information White Wind had uncovered while investigating the magic-eating snake, as well as the Sea Dragon's orb that the Demon Knight had once shown.

"Perhaps when it is finished, something amazing will happen."

The initial purpose of starting this research was to allow the Demon Knight to infuse magic power even into such materials, but it was different now.

Once this research was complete, demons and Demon Contractors would face quite a hard time. Because a magic that filtered or purified unholiness in a different way from divine power would be born.

It was the moment the original goal had become nothing more than a mere byproduct.

"Is that... possible?"

"Isn't it because it's possible that things turned out this way? Even if none of us had thought of the possibility."

In the past, no one could come up with this kind of idea. However, it was different now, after experiencing various events and having new things emerge.

She smiled faintly as she pictured the finished product in her mind.

"I see! If so, that is a relief."

"To think it's only been developed now, it's somewhat of a relief but also a shame."

"... I apologize for the late development."

"No, I'm not blaming you, Mage Boss."

The Archmage shrugged as she watched him hastily try to fix his words. She had also thought things like 'To think I'm only coming up with this now' dozens of times during the development period, so his criticism was valid.

"But will the Demon Knight even accept this? The Berserker thinks he won't accept it."

"... Keep quiet, Fighter Boss."

"... S-Still, with something of this level, w-wouldn't he accept it?"

... What the Berserker said was just as valid. Would the Demon Knight, who still hadn't accepted the longsword they bought previously, really accept this?

Separate from the effort put into preparing the gift, the Archmage was also skeptical. Sadly enough.

"If you've seen all there is to see, I will take my leave now."

"Yes. See you next time."

In the meantime, Blue Coral left the area. He would probably proceed with the remaining steps of crafting the sword the moment he went down to the workshop.

"... Um, Mage Boss. Would the Knight Boss be resting right now?"

"Well... Wouldn't he be?"

While watching Blue Coral's back as he walked away, the Archmage offered a vague guess to the other's question. It couldn't be helped. After they started acting separately, keeping track of the Demon Knight's whereabouts had become extremely difficult.

To the point where they couldn't even tell if he was resting or working.

"Don't worry too much. His complexion wasn't bad, was it?"

The only clues given to them were merely the moments they met for official business and when they moved between cities.

Fortunately, the Demon Knight she had seen back then didn't seem to be in a very... bad state.

Right. If the tranquility met after giving up all semblance of a human life could also be called tranquility, he would definitely belong to the okay side. Just like how being trapped in a long winter, crushed under heavy, heavy snow, and slowly suffocating to death might look serene from the outside.

"Then, in the end, this is..."

"Still, do not give up."

However, was it okay to leave it neglected like that?

"It's not my place to say since I haven't done anything since then, but..."

It probably wasn't.

"I... don't think what you and the Inquisitor are doing is wrong."

But could she step forward herself? That wasn't it either.

She was now at an age where she feared failure.

"... Really?"

The Archmage recalled the distant past, and also the recent events. Failure, failure, failure, all failures. She didn't even have the courage to step forward anymore. If nothing else, when it came to this field, she seemed to be disastrously talentless.

"Yes."

If that were the case, it might be better to stay back.

Silently supporting them from behind might truly be the better judgment. Just like the past month.

"Do not worry, Archmage! I will not give up!"

"... Yes. That is good, Inquisitor."

Thus, the Archmage quietly folded away her thoughts of stepping forward and decided to cheer on the Inquisitor and Deathbringer.

Whether this was the right judgment, well. She had a premonition that it would be revealed in the not-too-distant future. Now, all that was left was to wait for the results.

* * *

I have nothing to do.

I checked the inn room I had booked, checked on Frederick's well-being one more time, and went to the Adventurer's Guild to scour through the quest list before coming to a conclusion.

I seriously have nothing to do.

"Gridana is looking for transport personnel, how about that one..."

'If it's a transport mission, I have to go to another city. That's troublesome.'

I declined the clerk's recommendation. Then, as a replacement, I made a request. I asked them to send someone to the inn I was staying at if a letter arrived under my name.

"If you pay a small fee, it's not impossible."

"I will pay it."

The Adventurer's Guild readily accepted it, as if treating this as a commission too. Now I didn't have to worry about missing the letter.

"Have a safe trip!!"

With that, I had no more business at the guild. I stretched my back subconsciously as I walked out of the guild building. My left hand, wearing a newly bought leather glove, rested on my waist, subtly assisting the stretch.

'More importantly, what do I do now. If there are no commissions, putting boredom aside, I can't fill my wallet. Do I have to sweep the guild every morning?'

Perhaps because the two chatterboxes weren't around, I scratched my particularly bored ear. I was in a tough spot in many ways. If not when I had free time like this, I had no time to earn money.

CLANG, CLANG.

But at that moment, the sound of a bell rang out from afar. It was a bell sound that was frivolous rather than heavy, making my ears ring.

My gaze shifted automatically.

"Get inside!"

"What's happening?"

"Come in!"

"Just get in for now!"

At the same time, the people coming and going on the streets began moving in perfect order. Those inside the buildings swung their front doors wide open but closed their windows, and the people strolling on the streets either entered nearby buildings or hurriedly ran off to one side.

"Hurry and come in!"

"I'll intrude for just a moment!"

'Whether they know each other or not, do they just let people into the buildings once that signal rings? But what on earth is that signal for?'

"Hey."

I approached a person who had closed all the windows and was gesturing to people.

"You should hurry too... Ah, an adventurer?"

"What is that signal?"

"Huh? Ah, you must be an outsider."

She scratched her head slightly, then pointed at the castle wall.

The bell sound was ringing out from over there.

"It's a signal that something is invading, so civilians should evacuate indoors. If you aren't going to fight, you should hurry and get in too."

CLANG, CLANG. Starting from one side, the bell sounds gradually spread and began echoing from all the walls surrounding the city.

FLARE, FLARE. The beacon fires were the same.

"... I'll decline."

'If it's true that something is invading, how can I stay still?'

I set the starting point of the bell sound as my destination and put strength into my legs.

"If you're doing this because it's burdensome, you don't need to worry..."

CRASH!

"...about that. Was he a ghost?"

'Ah, I put too much strength into it and the floor broke a bit. Unlike dirt, a stone floor will be hard to repair too.'

While feeling apologetic about that, I put even more strength into my already accelerated legs. Since most of the people had evacuated into the buildings, there was no one to be self-conscious around.

Soon, the castle gates that my party and I had passed through when entering the city came into view.

"Fall back! Further, further!"

"Those in the buildings, hurry up to the upper floors! You must not touch that black water!"

"Huuak, huuaaack!"

'I wondered what happened, but it was a curse, huh.'

I frowned deeply upon discovering a sight I had experienced a few times before. Then, I began throwing the people who hadn't managed to escape, or seemed like they couldn't, backwards.

"You, you're not supposed to touch...!"

"Step on the objects and hold on."

My shoes did not let that curse pass through. Without hesitation, I stepped on the cursed water and moved.

There was nothing I could do for those who were already swept away by the curse, but I could save those who had used their quick reflexes to cling to luggage and avoid the curse.

"Th-Thank—"

"No need."

"Uwaaah!"

'There are too many people to evacuate by holding and carrying them. And many of them look like they're in a precarious situation.'

So, I aggressively smashed a nearby wagon. The moment my leg, cloaked in magic power, scraped the side of the wagon, the inverted U-shaped roof was ripped to shreds and flew right off.

CRACK!

Of course, some of the luggage loaded inside the wagon was damaged because of that. But what did I care? Having something that could hold people right now was what mattered.

THUD!

"Ugh."

The moment a safe zone was established, I tossed everyone over to it.

Because the wagon wasn't that wide, unfortunate accidents of people bumping into each other occurred often, but that was it. No one bounced out of the wagon, nor did the wagon lose its balance.

That was enough. The pain of bumping into each other could just be considered the price for staying alive.

"Uh, uwaah!"

At that moment, a child who had been precariously standing on the bridge railing lost his balance and fell forward.

"Gotcha."

'Wow, that scared me half to death.'

After barely snatching the child, I supported and held him with one hand. It was a bit too far to throw him into the wagon.

"H-Hey, Knight! Over here!"

'The mages have finally arrived too.'

At the shout of a mage who had bloomed fluffy clouds of cotton wool, I looked back down at the child.

"Close your eyes and count to ten in your head. Can you count?"

The child, eyes welling with tears, stared up at me before nodding his head.

"Alright. Exactly ten seconds. During that time, no matter what you feel, do not open your eyes. And make sure to count in your head."

"Okay..."

The child squeezed his eyes shut and began to count. It was also at the exact same moment that I threw the child toward the cotton fluff.

POOF.

"Alright, got him!"

"...?"

'Good, luckily the child didn't cry.' Relieved by that fact, I moved my newly freed hands.

"Huuak!"

"You're being noisy."

"Hup."

The remaining people were all rescued. Thanks to the mages not retracting the cotton fluff, there was no need to throw anyone into the wagon anymore.

Including beyond the castle walls, the people who were barely holding on in the cursed area were quickly rescued in their entirety.