A Creative Alchemist Enjoys His Freedom – After Being Banished from His Hometown, He Is Now Free to Create Magical Items with Incredible Effects Under the Control of the Demon King - Episode 21

Episode 21: “Transforming Agnis’ Magical Power”

　The next evening.

　Agnis, dressed in armour, was waiting for me in the restroom.

“I’ve been waiting for you… Thor Regus-sama.”
“Thank you for coming. Agnis-san.”
“”…””

　After staring at each other, we both looked towards the boiling water room at the same time.
　My face was starting to feel hot. Agnis was also blushing. I thought.
　A faint flame came out of the gap on the helmet.

“Did something happen at the water boiling room?  Thor-sama, Agnis-sama?”
“Huh… Mabel?”
“Sorry. I followed you at Thor-sama’s request.”

　Mabel pinched the hem of her skirt and bowed to Agnis.

“I would like to help out as Thor-sama’s maid.”
“I, I see…”

　Agnis stammered.

　I knew the situation.
　The two had become estranged after Agnis burned Mabel.
　Mabel’s burns had now been healed without a trace.
　But Agnis was still upset about hurting her friend.

“Thor Regus… sama. I have come to bid you farewell today.”
“Farewell?”
“Yes. Agnis will be returning to her territory with her father tomorrow.”

　Agnis bowed her head.

“You offered to create an item to suppress the flames…” I’m sorry. I appreciate your kind words. However, I don’t think it will be in time…”
“No, I already have it.”
“……Eh?”
“It’s finished. Agnis-san’s flame suppression item.”

　I took out the 『Health Promotion Pendant』 from my pocket.

“This converts the magic of fire into the magic of other attributes. When you wear this, the magic of fire becomes weaker, but it helps you become flexible like wood, strong as earth, as hard as metal (gold), and as for water—it probably makes your skin smooth and plump.”
“Whaaaaat………?!”

　Agnis was about to scream, but put her hands together on the mouth of the helmet.
　She hastily suppressed her voice.
　Because when she did get excited, flames would come out for her.

　The link between emotions and fire… I didn’t know how stressful that was.
　I didn’t know, but I’d like to solve it if possible.

“That’s why I asked Mabel to come.”
“I’ve brought some clothes for you, Agnis-sama.”

　Mabel took out her maid uniform from her bag.

“To Agnis-sama, instead of that armour, I want you to wear this.”
“That’s… impossible…”

　Agnis shook her head.

“I’m going to burn Mabel’s maid uniform. I might burn… the Mabel….. again.”
“To end that, Thor-sama created an item.”

　In contrast, Mabel proudly held up her maid uniform.

“Thor-sama’s creations are flawless. It will be fine.”
“B-But, but.”
“I also want to see Agnis-san use this pendant.”

　I said.

“You don’t know how it feels to use it if you’re still wearing armour. But you can’t just wear it over your naked body. No, it’s fine for me personally, but as an alchemist, that’s not possible.”
“Thor Regus-sama…”
“So, put on the pendant and try on the maid uniform.”

　I said, handing over the pendant.

“… Agnis… in a cute maid outfit like Mabel…?”

　Agnis’s voice was trembling.
　I thought that was understandable.

　She was well aware of her explosive nature.
　I was sure she must have worn some clothes and burned them at some point.
　It was no wonder she didn’t believe me when I told her, “Just wear this pendant, and you’ll be fine.”

“……It’s scary.”

　Agnis clenched her hand, which was wrapped in a gauntlet.

“…I like cute clothes. I want to wear them. But I’m scared of burning Mabel’s maid uniform. … It might burst into flames. … I’m also scared of disappointing Thor-sama.”

　Agnis looked down.
　Mabel and I were quiet, waiting for her answer.

“But… but.”

　Agnis took a step towards me.

“If I do not try it here and return to my territory, I will certainly regret it, … That would be significantly scarier… so…”
“That is okay. If anything happens, I’ll hurry up and readjust the pendant.”
“…Thor-sama.”
“I am an alchemist from the Demon King’s territory. I will recreate magical items for Agnis-san as many times as she like. That’s my job, and it’s what I want to do.”
“…………I understand, Thor-sama.”

　Agnis spoke as she extended her hand to me.
　I placed the 『Health Promotion Pendant』 on her freshly covered palm.

“Thor-sama’s pendant… let me use it!”
“Yes. Well then, Mabel, please.”
“Understood, Thor-sama!”

　When I said that, Mabel came over with a big smile on her face and a maid uniform in her hands.

“I’ll help you get changed. Agnis-sama.”
“It’s fine… Mabel.”
“You’ll need to be properly dressed since Thor-sama will be watching you. Right?”
“…I-I understand. But please leave the door to the boiler’s room open. So that Mabel can escape quickly if a fire breaks out….”
“Okay, but you think it’ll be okay?”

　Mabel smiled, then looked at me.

“Well then, Thor-sama. I’m sorry, but…”
“I’m facing away.”

　Agnis and Mabel entered the boiling water room.
　I could hear the salamanders making their noises, “gururu, gururu.”
　They seemed to be worried about Agnis too.

　When I turned my back to the water boiler room, I heard armour fall to the floor.
　Once that was done, Mabel’s voice continued, “I’ll put the pendant on you.”
　I wondered if Agnis was naked now.

　I wanted to look back, but I couldn’t afford to provoke Agnis now.
　Let’s just wait for her to finish getting changed.

　I heard Mabel’s voice behind me.

　──The pendant suits you. And… your skin is so beautiful, Agnis-sama.
　──Next is a maid outfit. Sorry, I’m using the same one myself.
　──Eh? Are your br3asts tight…?
　──You were about the same age as me when you were a child. We’ve both grown up.

　…That was it.
　I couldn’t help but want to look back, but I had to hold myself back.

　Agnis was answering Mabel’s voice.
　The voice became more joyful.
　There was no sign of any flames. There was no doubt that the 『Health Promotion Pendant』 I made was functioning properly.

　And then, a few minutes passed──

“Oh, sorry to have kept you waiting… Thor Regus… sama.”

　A voice came from right behind me.
　When I turned around, Agnis was standing there wearing a maid’s uniform.

“…I’m not sure how to relax. It’s been a while since I last wore anything other than armour…”

　Agnis seemed restless as she held down her skirt and adjusted her ribbon.
　Each time, her fluffy red hair swayed.

　Her yellow ball eyes were wide as she stared at me, at Mabel, at her own arms and legs, picking at the bottom of her shirt and tugging at her sleeves.
　She couldn’t believe she was wearing clothes.

“Isn’t that strange… Thor-sama?”
“Not. In fact, it’s extremely cute.”
“Eh!?”

　When I voiced my honest opinion, Agnis’s face turned red.
　Mabel prepared a maid outfit that matched hers completely and came with a pure white apron and a headdress.
　The ribbon was red to match the image of a flame.
　Of course, the 『Health Promotion Pendant』 was shining on her chest.

“It’s nice that you and Mabel are wearing matching clothes. You look like close sisters.”
“As expected of Thor-sama, you really understand it.”

　Mabel came over to my side with a gentle smile on her face.
　Then she put her face close to my ear,

“But… please only call us sisters here. Agnis-sama and I have different social statuses. If Raizenga-sama heard about it, he would get angry.”
“Okay. So, is the pendant working?”
“Of course. I’m fine.”

　Mabel looked at Agnis with the eyes of a kind older sister.
　Agnis seemed embarrassed, but there was no sign of flames erupting.
　Instead, the pendant on her chest was emitting light.
　It was converting Agnis’ 『Fire magic』 into the magic of 『Wood』, 『Earth』, 『Metal (gold)』, and 『Water』.
　The converted magical power exerted an effect according to its attributes.
　Specifically, it had the effect of making Agnis healthy and strengthening both her body and mind.

『Fire magic: Vitality +100%』
『The surplus fire magical power will be converted into the magical power of other attributes.』
『Fire magic has been converted into earth magic. Earth attribute effect: Stability +100% obtained.』
『Earth magic has been converted into gold magic. Metallic effect: Strength +100% obtained.』
『Gold magic has been converted into water magic. Water attribute effect: Flexibility +100%』
『Water magic has been converted into wood magic. Wood attribute effect: vitality +100%』

　A voice came from the pendant.

　In the world of heroes, magical power seemed to be convertible.
　In the same way, this pendant continued to convert Agnis’s powerful “fire magic” into magic of a different attribute, and all of the magic was used to strengthen her and make her healthy.
　So there was no flame.
　Instead, Agnis was getting stronger and healthier.

“…It’s amazing… My body feels … light. My skin is so smooth….”

　Agnis fluttered the skirt of her maid uniform and spun around.
　Salamanders were flying around it.
　Agnis jumped by kicking the floor to touch them.
　Her body… softly floated up, closed to the ceiling.

“Huhhhh?!”
“Currently, Agnis-san is using all of her powerful fire magical power to strengthen her body.”

　I explained.

“That explains why my instantaneous and jumping power are increasing. It will take some getting used to, but the flames should no longer burn my clothes or other belongings. From now on, I will gradually adapt to my new life…”
“N-no. Agnis, you aren’t wearing any underwear right now… so…!”
“Ah”

　At the same time that Agnis’s body fell, her skirt filled with air and spread out. It flipped up.
　She frantically tried to hold it down.

　However, neither of them commented on whether she made it in time.

“……sorry”
“I, I don’t care; it’s fine!”

　As Agnis said, the Health Promotion Pendant emitted a light.

『Fire magic: Vitality +150%』
『The surplus fire magical power will be converted into the magical power of other attributes.』
『Fire magic has been converted into earth magic. Earth attribute effect: Stability +150% obtained.』
『Earth magic has been converted into gold magic. Metallic effect: Strength +150% has been obtained.』
『Gold magic has been converted into water magic. Water attribute effect: Flexibility +150%』
『Water magic has been converted into wood magic. Wood attribute effect: vitality +150%』

“…Ugh. When I power up, you can tell I’m embarrassed…”
“It’s a side effect. Sorry.”
“No, no, no. I’m sorry for the unsightly sight…”
“It’s not unsightly… No, I haven’t seen it. Thank you.”

　Anyway, the item creation was a success.

   The 『Health Promotion Pendant』 functioned without any problems.
　No more flames came from Agnis’s body.
　She got changed with Mabel and looked at us… and there was a lot to be seen.
　If no flames appeared even after all that, then it was probably okay.

“Are you able to control your body? Agnis-san.”
“Y-yes. There’s no problem!”

　Agnis was wearing a maid’s uniform and smiling happily.

“I’ve had magic used to strengthen my body many times before, so I have no problem controlling my body and strength. Also, this pendant is very gentle; … it feels like my whole body is softly strengthened, so it’s fine.”

　Good. It seemed she could control her body movements just fine.
　The magic of fire was also completely controlled.
　Now Agnis could wear whatever clothes she liked, be around her friends, and go wherever she liked without worrying about the flames.
　I’m really glad it worked out well.

“In the world of heroes, these kinds of items are sold as a matter of course…”

　I wonder if any of the heroes summoned to this world were using the 『Health Promotion Pendant』.

　Speaking of which… I had heard stories of heroes who, after yelling “You! How dare you hurt my friends…!!,” underwent a transcendent awakening.
　Perhaps that person was also transforming their emotions into magical power and further strengthening their body with this item.
　…The world of heroes was truly fascinating.

“Thank you, Thor-sama.”
“Mabel?”
“Now I can make one wish come true.”

　Mabel bowed deeply and laughed.
　Then she ran towards Agnis──

“…Ma-Mabel?”

　Mabel hugged the confused Agnis tightly.

“M-Mabel. N-No. When Agnis emotions fluctuate, flames burst.”
“It’s alright now. Agnis-sama.”

　Mabel whispered in Agnis’s ear.

“You’ve always been scared, haven’t you? That your flames could hurt someone.”
“……Ah”
“Maybe I was the one who put you through that fear. I’m sorry.”
“N-no. Agnis was… surprised by the magical power within herself… and just got excited. It’s Agnis’s fault… I’m sorry… I’m sorry, Mabel.”
“Even back then, Agnis-sama apologized many times…”

　Mabel said, stroking Agnis’s hair.
　Agnis’s eyes widened in shock, but she just let it happen.

“But… if I hadn’t cried because of the burns at that time… Agnis-sama might have calmed down and faced the magic of fire. You may have been able to control yourself without wearing armour.”
“…N-no. It’s not Mabel’s fault! It’s not Mabel’s fault…”
“But that’s over now. You will never hurt anyone again, Agnis-sama. Is it okay for you to bond with someone like me?”
“…………Mabel”
“Hmm?”
“…ah. Ah, Mabel…”

　Tears spilled from Agnis’s eyes, and then Agnis began to cry.
　Like a child. Wan wan…

　Of course, no flames came out of her body.
    The 『Health Promotion Pendant』 continued to convert the magic of fire into another form of magic. The message representing this continued to ring.
　Agnis seemed to find that funny, as her face was a mixture of crying and laughing.

“Then next is Thor-sama. Please.”

　Saying that Mabel released Agnis’s body.

“Thor-sama, please give Agnis-sama a big hug.”
“Me too?”
“Because it’s a big moment.”
“M-Mabel?! W-why…even to Thor Regus-sama?”
“I thought you would take this opportunity to have the chance to interact with other people.”
“But… but”
“Huh? Don’t you want Thor-sama to give you a tight hug, Agnis-sama?”
“──!?”

　In response to Mabel’s question, Agnis shook her head.

“Then that’s fine, right?”
“B-But, Thor-sama might not like it…”
“Thor-sama, would you mind hugging Agnis-sama?”
“I don’t mind.”

　I answered immediately, without thinking.
　No, because I thought this question was unfair.
　If asked to my face, there was no way I could answer “no.”
　Besides, I had a responsibility as the creator of the 『Health Promotion Pendant』.
　I needed to make sure it was okay for her to hug anyone other than Mabel.

　Telling myself that, I stepped towards Agnis.
　Agnis seemed to have made up her mind, turning towards me and spreading her arms out wide.

　Salamanders were flying on both sides, nodding, “Gurururu and Gurururu”
　They seemed to have accepted me now that I had solved Agnis’ problem.

　I placed my hand on Agnis’ shoulders.
　…Come to think of it, Agnis wasn’t wearing any underwear right now.
　It seemed like it would be pretty bad to hug her in this state…

　But Agnis’ face was almost here.
    The reason there was no sound of breathing was because she was tense and was holding her breath.

　…It was not a good idea to stop here.

　And then, when I tried to embrace Agnis…

“Agnis──! Where have you gone? Agnis…!”

    Outside the bathroom, the cries of General Raizenga echoed in the corridor.