Chapter 778: People Leading the Era (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 778: People Leading the Era (2)
Recording and storage… If we can make this the Alliance’s technology, every knight in our ranks could fight like a magic swordsman. Even someone with not a single star’s worth of mana could use stored magic at the perfect moment.
Those were the words Valeria had spoken at Maliet’s heritage site.
From the moment Jin and Valeria confirmed the existence of ‘Storage Paper,’ they had already decided how to use it.
“A magic knight unit…?”
When his companions asked in confusion, Jin pulled a sheet of Storage Paper from his robe and began to explain.
“Wow, so Storage Paper is basically a portable version of activation-type magic circles, created using recording magic? The Academy has been researching this for hundreds of years, and it turns out it was perfected ages ago. Does this mean mages like me are going to lose our jobs…?” Enya asked.
“The current limit of Storage Paper is effectively 8-star magic. And even then, the cost of the highest-grade paper is so high that it’s not efficient,” Jin replied.
{[That is, correct. However, if you, ignore, investment costs, and production time, 10-star, magic, can also, be stored.]}
Even when the Alliance’s finances were at their peak, creating Storage Paper for 10-star magic would have been a massive burden. That was doubly true in their current, tight financial situation.
“With the Alliance’s current state, we could probably make one or two sheets for 10-star magic, at most. Even if it’s a bit of a stretch, making a few for special circumstances is worth it,” Jin noted.
The important thing was that producing Storage Paper for 7-star magic and below was no problem at all. The truth was, the world’s powerhouses were so extraordinary that it was easy to forget that, by any normal standard, the 7-star rank was firmly in the realm of a master.
War was not fought by transcendent beings alone. The quality and scale of one’s troops were just as important as the number of superhumans. Storage Paper would instantly elevate the quality of their forces. And with applicants constantly flocking to Runcandel, their numbers were steadily growing as well.
If I can buy just a little more time, we can start to catch up to the troop sizes of Zipple and Kinzelo. Until we’re fully prepared, I have to suppress them and keep them from moving recklessly.
Kinzelo was continuously adding new demons to their ranks, while Zipple was mass-producing magic swordsman bio-golems.
To narrow that gap and eventually surpass them, every single element they were currently preparing had to be completed successfully.
“Regardless, once Storage Paper is commercialized, it will definitely give knights a massive advantage over pure mages,” Enya remarked.
“Enya, who said only knights would use it? If a mage uses Storage Paper, they can effectively perform simultaneous casting. And those who can already do that will gain the power of ultra-simultaneous casting,” Valeria said.
The combat power of a mage capable of simultaneous casting usually exceeded that of a knight of the same rank. The benefits for mages were just as immense.
“Ah, you’re right!”
{[I have given, you, three thousand, sheets of Storage Paper. If you, build, a production workshop, you will be able to, add more, quickly.]}
Naturally, creating Storage Paper required recording magic.
This meant another task was being added to the plates of the already busy Valeria and the even busier Ruet.
“I’ll have the Storage Paper production workshop built at the Garden of Swords. Jet, get the Red Owls ready. We’re heading straight to Runcandel to report our gains.”
“Yes, Young Lord!”
{[Children!]}
“Please speak, Lord Zen,” the researchers replied.
{[I want to talk to my descendant like Teben does. Bring him here. I heard the boy is a low-level engineer? I may be senile, but I have plenty of techniques to pass down.]}
As soon as Saial heard his ancestor’s voice, he burst into tears, overcome by a surge of inexplicable emotion.
{[Teben’s descendant looked so sharp, but mine is a crybaby. Hush! Stop crying! This Lord Zen will make you a first-class engineer.]}
“Ugh, yes! Ancestor!”
“Thank you, Saial Rootber. No reward seems sufficient for the technology we've gained thanks to you. Tell me whatever you desire,” Jin said.
“I'm content just to work as a researcher for the Barmul Alliance… but if you insist. Perhaps a thousand gold a month for research funds, an invited guest membership for the Viment Academy seminars, and premium lodging expenses covered whenever I attend.”
It was a blunt and specific, yet remarkably modest, request. Furthermore, all of Saial’s demands were entirely focused on his research.
“I will ensure you live a life where you never have to worry about research funds or support again. If you need anything else in the future, do not hesitate to ask.”
And so, the historic first communication between the two eras concluded with the conversation between Zen and Saial. There was no reason to feel sad, as they would be communicating frequently from now on.
“Now, there are two communication devices left. One will stay here in Tikan, and the other will be placed in Runcandel. The next devices we produce will be installed in the Empire, then the Secret Palace, the Holy Kingdom, and the Blacksmith’s Island.”
These were the central hubs of the Barmul Alliance. If all those regions could maintain organic, 24-hour communication, there would be no more delays or omissions of information. Moreover, the manpower previously dedicated to delivering messages could be reassigned.
“Dr. Quaul, how much time do you think you’ll need to complete additional communication devices?”
“As long as we have a steady supply of blue adamantite—the core material listed in the instructions—we should be able to make one per month.”
Blue adamantite was an extremely rare mineral, but Runcandel and Tikan each possessed a small supply.
“Dr. Quaul, hand over all your construction site duties to Luce as quickly as possible. I want you to focus entirely on the communication devices and golem production.”
“Understood, I'll do that. But it'll take some time. As you know, that girl's a real blockhead. There's a process every overeager kid has to go through, getting ahead of themselves before they learn to be cautious. Still, I'll have the next communication device finished within a month, so don't you worry.”
“If possible, look into ways to improve the communication device into a portable version rather than a fixed installation.”
“That goes without saying. Now, get going. I'll report back whenever there's progress, whether it's at the construction site or in technical development.”
*
Huphester Alliance, City of Kalon.
Ruet smiled broadly upon hearing the information and gains Jin had brought back. The flagbearers, butlers, and scribes beside her also clapped and called it a joyous occasion, though their faces were all haggard.
“By the way, it looks like everyone needs a bit of rest, Head Butler.”
“Is that so? However, Young Lord, flowers that bloom after overcoming adversity are all the more beautiful. In any other family, we might take a break at a time like this, but this is Runcandel.”
“If you say so.”
“Of course, if it is an order, I shall obey.”
“I trust your judgment, Head Butler.”
Jin felt a secret sense of relief that Ruet was not his superior, while the others gritted their teeth and wept silently.
“Thank you. The Young Lord went through such hardship to obtain items that will define the new era; how could we subordinates dare to rest? Hehe, even though everyone is exhausted, their performance is getting sharper by the day.”
Jin hadn’t actually suffered at all on Honka Island. In fact, he felt a slight pang of guilt, having spent more time enjoying himself with Valeria.
“Communication devices… they will be used in so many places. Once they are distributed to every hub of the Alliance, it would be wonderful if the Young Lord and the flagbearers could each carry one. If Dr. Quaul can manage to modify them, that is.”
Ruet’s gaze fell upon the Storage Paper.
Seeing it brought back fond memories of the old Runcandel, the family of magic swordsmen, and a bittersweet smile touched her lips.
“Producing Storage Paper isn't that difficult. Up to the 7-star level, it doesn't require many resources. If Valeria and I cut back on sleep, we can manage the supply somehow, though not enough for every high-ranking knight to use them freely.”
Ruet narrowed her eyes in thought for a moment before continuing.
“However, it’s not efficient for Valeria and me to be tied down solely to producing Storage Paper. I believe that if we refine the recording magic needed for production, my younger brother and the children of the Wantaramo Forest could be of help.”
Jin and Valeria’s eyes widened at Ruet’s suggestion.
The King’s Liquor brewed by the descendants of the fairies was, in essence, a power derived from a form of recording magic. Although inferior to pure recording magic, the nature of the ability itself was extremely similar.
“If mass production becomes possible that way, it would be perfect.”
“First, I will distribute the three thousand sheets of Storage Paper brought from the heritage site only to the top-tier knights. Subsequent production should be given to those among the current knights and cadets who show particular promise.”
“Do you have specific individuals in mind?”
“Yes. I will prepare things so that the Young Lord can personally observe them soon.”
“But Head Butler, is there a specific reason you're only giving the Storage Paper to the top-tier knights? It would be quite a useful item for the other flagbearers besides myself.”
“Ah, I was so caught up in the good news that I've delayed my report. Seventh Flagbearer, Eleventh Flagbearer. Please step forward and show the Young Lord your recent achievements.”
Mary and Heitona.
The two of them looked even more gaunt than the others in the Head Butler’s office. Jin watched his siblings with a sense of pity.
They held out their right hands toward Jin.
Then, on their outstretched palms, a ball of fire and a wisp of chilling ice flickered into existence.
…Magic?!
Jin already knew that as Zipple’s history manipulation weakened, his siblings’ mana was awakening.
But he had never imagined their abilities would have already reached this level.
As Jin stared in surprise, Ruet smirked and spoke.
“I have been teaching them magic while helping the flagbearers recover their mana. As you can see, we are making progress at a fairly rapid pace.”