Chapter 44 - The Great Magic Wand, The Great Moderator
"What are you talking about, ElfGallery..."
In a bunker far from the test site, I was reading a post from ElfGallery marveling at the magic wand's performance.
(GIF of RPG rocket launcher warhead flying toward Riglsilva)
This magic wand isn't just a great weapon! "Great" doesn't even begin to describe how amazing this thing is!
(GIF of Riglsilva writhing in agony)
Anyone can fire it, and anyone can unleash massive firepower!
(GIF of soldiers in a line firing RPGs simultaneously)
Great convenience! Great firepower! Great penetration! It's the great weapon gifted to us by the great Moderator!
(GIF of an elf firing an RPG amid soldiers)
The magic wand is great! The Moderator who provided it is great too! Thank you, Moderator!
Recommendations: +9999 | Disrecommendations: 29
A post praising me as great. They even used the notice feature. That's not what I gave notices for...
Suddenly, the magic wand had turned into something a armed group was hailing as great. Hoping for no more praise like that, I turned away from the gallery screen.
It was just too embarrassing.
You've succeeded. Congratulations, Rain.
"Haha... yeah. The result's a bit embarrassing, though."
Sora, purring contentedly on my lap with a soft rumble. She seemed pleased with the outcome too—her vibrations felt stronger than before.
Rain, I'm curious—why haven't you used a weapon like this until now?
She looked genuinely curious, staring right at me as she asked. Eye contact in her cat form? First time for everything.
Anyway, question asked—time to answer.
"As you saw, anyone can use it. No guarantee it'll avoid nasty people forever. Plus, it's a bit overkill for me."
I see. That ease of use could indeed be a drawback.
I nodded, looking at Sora. And if I handed those out freely, one might come flying back at me someday. I can't block that stuff, so better safe.
Anyway, glad it worked out. Dodging that massive tree monster while maintaining a front and retreating against bigger tree monsters? Adrian Duke's skill really shone again. As expected from His Retired Emperor Majesty's friend.
"By the way, Sora, you're into weapons, right? Wanna try it if you're curious?"
Her interest in weapons earlier. Nothing to do till the notice posts, so we could step out and fire a few.
I'm interested, but I've learned plenty about its performance from the gallery. No need to try it myself.
Got it. Reluctantly, I turned back to the gallery screen.
Time to face reality. And sure enough, it was just as I feared.
"Ha. Should've deleted that notice right after seeing it? But that'd be censorship..."
The gallery was flooded with praise spam from folks who'd been grinding at the site. Was giving them the magic wand the issue? Why'd I even think of that?
No, they'd praise anything I gave 'em. Just the weapon changes for the spammers.
I shoved the armed group image out of my head.
Rain, Adrian Duke's notice is up. Shall I open it?
"Please do."
I wanted to escape this reality. I shifted my gaze to the notice Sora opened.
Using the weapon "magic wand" provided by the Moderator, special specimen Riglsilva has been subjugated.
(GIF of massive tree monster shattered to pieces)
Casualties: 40% of total forces. No deaths thanks to Saintess and other clerics' aid.
Thanks to excellent subjugation, 70% of wounded can return to duty after treatment. Those unable to return immediately will be transported to the capital.
(GIF of Saintess treating wounded soldiers)
Hero arrived; fatigued soldiers and mages moved to rear. Remaining Vainsilva specimens subjugated by Hero.
(GIF of tree monster being shredded by Hero)
Experiment can continue; will report after reorganization. End of report.
Recommendations: +9999 | Disrecommendations: 377
His usual crisp report-style notice. Reading his personality shine through, I sighed in relief—no deaths.
Without Sora's advice, I'd have watched the landslide too before providing weapons. Quick support meant the experiment could continue.
Plans wouldn't be delayed. This time too, an experiment. Before the RPG rocket launcher, there was the flamethrower in my cart.
But first thought was herbicide. Plant magic beasts are just weeds, right? Spray and done? Thought that for a hot second.
Hand paused on the cart at a sudden unease. Fertilizer unproven, so testing—but would herbicide work as expected?
What if herbicide-resistant walking plants evolved? Pondered deeply, then gave up thinking.
Conclusion: If problems arise, don't use chems—just blast 'em. Brains are for when brawn's lacking.
If body's smart, head can be dumb. For now, firepower works, so test chems like herbicide later.
"Dunno what herbicide might do. Not yet."
You mean that chemical? It had a very nasty smell.
The herbicide I tested when Sora went out for photosynthesis in the yard. She sniffed it and retreated inside.
Must've been rough.
"Blasted 'em brute-force this time, but we'll need that stuff eventually. Planning to test soon."
The Empire again? They do have vast lands, making sample collection easy.
"Empire's a given... and if possible, ask elves and dwarves too."
Sticking to Empire might raise flags. Simple tests for everyone anyway. That's why I delegated functions.
Elves would freak at herbicide. I'd love to see it.
"Uh... maybe skip elves?"
Handing weed-killer to plant-loving race for tests. Hadn't thought deeply—sudden hesitation.
No need. Explain its effects first, and it'll be fine.
"If so, good... Got it, Sora."
Cat-form Sora with a somewhat wicked expression. Does she dislike elves? Vowed to provide excessive info with the herbicide.