Chapter 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Ace

Chapter: 2

Chapter Title: The Golem Awakens

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Several changes had come about, but none of them caught Ian's eye right away. The result of the past six months' labor was standing before him in all its massive glory, shifting into motion.

Grind...

With a sound like a millstone grinding, the golem that had been sitting down slowly rose to its feet. Its height, just over two meters, nearly brushed the ceiling of the lab, but it barely avoided touching it.

Ian let out a sigh of relief and patted his chest as he eyed the golem's head hovering precariously close to the ceiling, yet not quite making contact.

'I'm really glad I engraved that miniaturization magic circle. Otherwise, it would've been impossible.'

Another reason it had taken six months to build the golem was that he had painstakingly inscribed all sorts of magic circles into it.

Among the many magic circles he had engraved, the two core ones provided miniaturization and gigantification functions.

Considering the Stone Golem's original height on the blueprints was at least four meters, shrinking it to two meters was a groundbreaking achievement.

The problem was that this was the maximum reduction possible.

"But this thing... it's way bigger than I thought. What do I do?"

Troubled, Ian scratched his head. The golem's bulk was much greater than he had anticipated.

Even at maximum miniaturization, it was still this huge. How was he supposed to handle this massive hunk of rock?

'This is a problem. Taking something like that around would draw so much aggro. Ugh.'

Other alchemists would have found some way to show off the golem, but Ian had no intention of doing so.

And that was just the start.

He had no plans to use the golem for any special purpose, either. No thoughts of exploiting it for labor, deploying it as a war weapon, or leveraging it for promotions.

He had made it purely as a hobby.

To Ian, everything he did with alchemy was just a hobby. He had zero interest in making money or gaining fame through it.

'I made it because it was fun... but now it's a headache. What to do?'

He had created it purely for amusement, but now it sat there as a gigantic burden.

'Can't just sell it off like a carrot.'

As he pondered various options, the golem fully rose to its feet. It thudded over to him and knelt down.

It bowed its head low as well, in the formal manner befitting a knight. Ian scratched his chin as he received the greeting. It felt utterly bizarre getting a bow from that massive rock.

"Uh, yeah. Sure. I made you, didn't I? Nice to meet you, Golem."

The golem's voice was a deep rumble, like an echo in a cave. That low, resonant tone sounded just like a voice actor's—cool and impressive.

'Oh, nice voice.'

'And it speaks well, too.'

Gazing at its majestic form, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride.

'I made something this awesome!'

But what about its abilities?

This was insane.

Five basic traits, and seven skills to boot—a total monster!

That's why it was such a shame.

This majestic rock giant had become baggage just one second after being born.

'Golem... Daddy's sorry. The truth is... I think I have to abandon you.'

Feeling unexpectedly guilty, Ian knelt and stroked the rough stone head of the prostrating golem.

The golem's massive body twitched at his touch.

The golem bowed its head even lower.

That sight—like a puppy nuzzling its owner—only deepened his guilt.

Of course, its size was anything but puppy-like.

He thought for a moment.

How to handle it.

'Selling it is out.'

Not only did handing over his handiwork feel wrong, but selling it would expose his identity.

An alchemist capable of making a golem wouldn't stay unknown for long.

Ian wanted his hobby to remain just that—a hobby.

Once a hobby turned into work, it stopped being fun.

Even the most enjoyable things lose their spark when they become obligations.

'If word got out that I made it, the Alchemists' Guild would come scouting, the Division Director would pile on work for hiding my skills... Ugh, too tiring. No way.'

If he couldn't sell it, Ian had only one option left.

'Time to release it into the wild.'

Not abandon it.

Release it properly.

'No choice. Can't keep something this big around. It'll just take up space in the lab. And it'd get bored cooped up anyway.'

"Golem. Don't you want to do anything?"

"No, not what I tell you to do. What you want to do. Like, say, seeing the world or something."

Look at that. It didn't even have any desires of its own.

It could converse, but clearly lacked free will.

'Makes sense. Golems aren't known for high intelligence.'

That realization eased his guilt a bit.

The next day, Ian requested vacation right after arriving at work.

"What? Vacation?"

"Yes. Please approve it."

"In this climate? Forget it... What's going on?"

"Pardon?"

"I asked what's the matter. What's your reason?"

'Gonna go release that golem.'

"Just personal business."

As he brushed it off, Ian suddenly felt a pang of lament.

Why was it always like this, whether in ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠his past life or here?

'Why do I need a reason for vacation? Just take it.'

Why pry into personal matters?

What would he do with the info? Help with the release?

"Do you have any tact or not?"

"I do."

"Then how can you ask this? You know how bad things are at the division right now?"

"Oh, I know. Back-to-back incidents, atmosphere's in the toilet. But vacation exists for a reason—for weary bureaucrats on the verge of collapse. Shouldn't we use this groundbreaking system His Late Majesty personally established? Refusing would insult him, right?"

Deputy Director Bren of the Imperial Magic Bureau's Magic Management Division narrowed his eyes at Ian's words.

Hit a nerve? Or at a loss for words?

He looked ready to snap back ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠but could only swallow a groan.

"Ugh. I have no idea why the Director hired you. A slippery guy like this."

"Don't be like that. The Director didn't pick me—I chose the division."

"Cheeky as ever."

"Call it talent."

Ian didn't yield an inch.

Annoying as it was, Bren held his tongue.

Because Ian was right.

Why else would the higher-ups overlook his antics every time?

He had the skills to back it up.

Even slacking off as much as he did, no one badmouthed him—that proved his competence.

'A guy like that, an Imperial Magic Academy grad no less. World's gone mad.'

Bren glared at Ian before sighing and relenting.

"Fine. How many days?"

"Two? Three at most, to be safe."

"At least you have some conscience. Last time you vanished for a whole week."

"Won't take that long this time."

"Approved. Go on."

"Knew I could count on you! I've always admired you, Deputy Director. You know that?"

"Shut it and get out. I'm busy."

"Yes, sir."

With approval secured, Ian prepared to head out immediately.

Time was tight if he wanted to release the golem and return.

Still, using the White Tower's warp portal service made it quick—even three days would suffice.

'But where to release the golem?'

That was his final dilemma.

Where to let it go.

'Can't release it near people, so somewhere remote.'

Ian knew the geography of Terradium, the world where Chronicle Terradium took place.

He was familiar with it from playing the game extensively.

Thus, he knew hidden remote areas and mysteries unknown to most.

Releasing it there meant humans wouldn't spot it easily.

Having settled on a spot, Ian headed straight to the White Tower's warp portal station. A mage in pristine white robes greeted him with a salesman's smile.

"Where to, sir?"

"To Malrag, please."

"Right away to Malrag. Step to the center of the magic circle."

He did as instructed. Mages in white robes gathered in the control room, manipulating the warp core and chanting. Soon, the circle glowed blue.

'Always fascinating.'

This magic circle thing.

In-game, it was just pixels, but seeing it in person was truly spectacular.

'Motion sickness is the downside.'

Warp portals had two major flaws.

One: exorbitant fees.

Two: extreme dizziness.

His vision blackened, nausea hit. Intense vertigo washed over him briefly before his sight cleared.

"Welcome, sir. The White Tower Malrag branch extends its greetings."

The bowing mage's face was different.

The scenery too.

He had arrived in another city in the blink of an eye.

'Why didn't Earth have this? World travel would've been a breeze.'

Ian stepped out of the tower, silly thoughts swirling.

Gone was the Empire Capital's bustling metropolis he saw daily. Instead, a rough, stark cityscape greeted him.

This was Malrag.

A nondescript border town, but notable for its proximity to the vast forested Valpuram Mountains.

That was Ian's destination.

Its treacherous terrain and monsters kept humans away.

'Perfect for releasing our golem.'

But first, food.

Even Diamond Mountain looks better after a meal.

He grabbed a hearty meal at a decent restaurant and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠took a quick tour of the city.

Now, one task remained.

Ian hired a guide on the spot.

Adventurers' common sense: hire a guide for Valpuram Mountains.

"Hey, young master. You really going in there alone?"

"That's right."

"No, can't do that. At least hire escort mercenaries—too dangerous otherwise. Do you even know what that place is?"

"Double the pay."

"Even so..."

"If you're worried, just guide me to the entrance. I'll go solo from there."

"Let's head out."

A brief tussle, but overwhelming cash from his fat wallet sealed the deal. They set off.

As they climbed with the guide, Ian shook his head.

The terrain was brutally rugged.

He knew, but not this bad.

'Actually perfect. Our golem can live safely.'

"End of the line. Can't go farther—monsters ahead."

"Fine here. Head back."

"For real? You won't be in danger?"

"I'm good. If I die, it's on me."

"Tch, now I feel bad."

"Then come along."

"That's..."

Sorry, but no farther for the guide.

Ian sent him off coolly and began the real ascent.

Deeper in. Deeper still.

Encountered a few goblins en route—barely a warm-up.

"This should do."

Only when no human traces remained did Ian stop.

He summoned the golem at once.

The newly awakened Golem Summon skill from his leveled-up Alchemy.

Light swirled, summoning the golem.

"Golem. Make yourself bigger. You can do that, right?"

As it spoke, the golem grew instantly.

Rumble...

Like evolving, its size doubled.

'Whoa. It's huge for real.'

Ian gaped at its true form.

The four-meter rock giant was even more imposing than imagined.

'No way trash mobs take it down now.'

Plus, no need for food—starvation risk zero.

Perfect.

Go forth into the world, Golem.

Thrive without Daddy!

"Golem. Here's my first order to you. Can you handle it?"

Whirr!

The golem's gem eyes glowed red.

It prostrated itself.

Awaiting the command eagerly.

'Hmm. What to say to make it accept this.'

Ditching it without explanation pricked his conscience too much.

Yeah. This would work.

"From now on, you live in the Valpuram Mountains."

"Right. This is your home now."

"Sorry. I'd love to keep you with me, but my place is too small. Get it?"

The golem's gem eyes grew hazy.

Flashing repeatedly as it imprinted the command.

"But remember this."

"Never die."

"Good. So how do you do that?"

The golem only followed orders.

Stubbornly loyal, but frustratingly literal.

'Not the brightest, huh.'

No helping it.

Who to blame?

He made it himself.

"Don't know? I'll tell you. To survive, get stronger."

"Yes. Get as strong as possible. So no one can harm you. Understand?"

'Whoa, didn't say endlessly.'

Whatever. It got the point.

"Alright, take care... Oh, I forgot to name you."

It needed a name, at least.

What to call it?

"Hmm, Golem. Your name from now on is Ddol Ddoli."

Ddol for rock. Cute ring to it.

Size notwithstanding.

Whirr!

The golem's eyes lit up.

"Yeah. We'll meet again when you've survived. Got it?"

Ian sighed in relief, watching Ddol Ddoli nod vigorously.

One worry off his chest.

Having resolved one issue, Ian returned home.

Back early from vacation, resuming normal duties, he suddenly jolted.

The usually quiet status window was blaring notifications.

"What's wrong, Senior Investigator?"

"Nothing."

Ian scratched his head.

'What the...?'

.

.

.

'What's going on?'

He was utterly baffled.

Was it massacring monsters or something?