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 33

Episode 33: “Making a presentation on new materials”

　A few days later.
　I had come to the throne room to give a presentation on new material.

　When I made items with 『Creative Alchemy』 the other day, I was able to transmute new materials.
　It turned out to be surprisingly useful, so I decided to have the people at the Demon King’s Castle take a look at it.

“Thank you for coming, Thor Regus. We have all been waiting for you to come.”

　Seated in front of me was the masked demon king, Luquier Evargard.
　Standing by her side was the Chancellor, Kelve.

　I kneeled on the red carpet and waiting for permission to speak.
　Diagonally behind me was Mabel, who came along as my assistant.

　On either side of Mabel and me were several civil and military officials.
　There were also elves, minotaurs, and dwarves.
　Everyone was looking at me with interest, or more precisely, at the baggage I brought here.

“I’m grateful to the others for coming as well.”

　Luquier, wearing a mask, looked around at everyone and said.

“There’s something that the alchemist Thor wants everyone to see. He thought it might help him in his work. So he gathered us all together. Now, Thor Kanan, or rather, Thor Regus, please begin your presentation.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

　I bowed to the Demon King Luquier.

“I would like to thank you for giving me your precious time before you head to your mission to subjugate the demon beats. Your Majesty, Your Excellency the Chancellor, and everyone gathered here.”
“Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll show us this time.”

　The masked Luquier turned towards me.

“The ‘Laser Pointer’ you made has already been decided to be used in the current demon beast subjugation, but have you made any other new items?”
“No, what I brought this time was a 『New material』.”
“New material, eh?”
“That’s right. The other day, while I was making 『Body──』no, an item, I came up with a new material.”
“What? You mean, in the process of creating that 『Body──』no, an item, a new material was created?”
“Yes. Today, I would like you all to see whether it is practical or not.”

　I looked around.
　Chancellor Kelve nodded with a serious look on his face.
　Even though he was busy, the Chancellor gave me permission to give a presentation. He was a nice guy.
　The other civil and military officials also looked at me with interest.

　I signal to Mabel.
　She stood up with me and placed the baggage she was holding on the stand in front of the throne.
　Then she bowed, stepped back, and kneeled again.

　Apparently, this was the procedure when having the Demon King look at an item in an official setting.
　As expected, I couldn’t take out items from the 『Ultra-compact Simple Warehouse』 here.

“What’s on the stand… Are those pieces of cloth? Are there four of them?”
“…Do you have 4 of them?”

　Following Luquier’s voice came the exasperated voice of Chancellor Kelve.
　Come to think of it, I didn’t tell him the number of materials.

　These four pieces of cloth were new materials that were developed in the process of making the 『Body Pillow』.

“This is a piece of cloth that has been blended with magic stones and is called 『Magic Woven Fabric』.
“Cloth with magic stones infused into it…”

　Luquier’s face became shocked.
　It seemed she noticed.
　This was because it was the same type of cloth (fabric) that was used when making 『Body Pillow』.

“『Magic Woven Fabric』, huh? I’ve never heard of that.”

　The Chancellor had a strange look on his face.
　The civil and military officials also looked at the 『Magic Woven Fabric』 with interest.

　This『Magic Woven Fabric』 was a combination of 『Material Transmutation』 that had been combined with magic stones and added an attribute.

　Since it was a simplified version, it did not transform like a 『Body Pillow』
　However, it reacted to magical power and had a minor effect.

“In front of His Majesty’s gaze are four sheets of 『Magic Woven Fabric』. Each one has the attributes of 『Earth』, 『Water』, 『Fire』and 『Wind』. To make it easier to understand, they are marked with brown, blue, red, and green dyes. Please check.

　I said.
　His Majesty and Chancellor Kelve nodded.
　Then, I continued.

“Each of the 『Magic Woven Fabric』 of ‘Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind’ responds to even the slightest amount of magical power and exerts its effect. The main effects are as follows:”

──────────────────

『Magic Woven Fabric』(new material)

　A cloth created by combining it with magic stones.
　It works by reacting to the magical power that living things constantly emit.

•  Magic Woven Fabric (Earth Attribute)
   Increases strength with the effect of “Earth Attribute”.
　No matter how hard you pull it, it won’t come off.
　It also has fire-resistant properties and can be used to put out a bonfire by placing it over it.

•  Magic Fabric (Water Attribute)
    The effect of the “water attribute” improves flexibility. It can freely change shape.
　It adapts to the shape of your body, so it doesn’t restrict your movement at all.
　It’s great for making clothes and swimwear too.

•  Magic Fabric (Fire Element)
   The effect of the “fire attribute” increases the heat retention effect.
　No matter how cold it is, your body’s heat won’t escape, and you’ll stay warm.
　Use it on curtains to keep you comfortable even in the cold winter.

•  Magic Fabric (wind attribute)
   The effect of the “wind attribute” increases breathability.
　It keeps you cool, even in hot places, and evaporates sweat quickly.
　Even if it’s washed and still damp, it will dry out while you are wearing it.

──────────────────

“–That’s all.”

　The effectiveness of all four sheets was confirmed.
　It was just magic stones melted into it and added some properties, but it seemed to be surprisingly useful.

　My job as an alchemist wasn’t just to make items.
　Part of my job was finding new materials like this and getting people to use them.
　I hope they would like it… Now, they have seen it.

　I lowered my gaze for a moment, waiting for a reaction.

　Silence fell on the throne room for a moment.
　First, Luquier touched each cloth, then passed them on to Chancellor Kelve.
　The cloth then passed into the hands of civil and military officials.
　And then, after it had been handed over to everyone──

“Oooooooooooooohhhhh!?””

　Cheers filled the throne room.

“Wha-what? Even when we pull it with the strength of the minotaur… it doesn’t tear. This ‘earth attribute’ cloth is so strong… I bet even an arrow can’t get through it…”

“Look at the smoothness of this ‘water attribute’ fabric. It’s perfect for the soft skin of our elf. It’s perfect for the mermaids who live in the rivers, and they were looking for a fabric that wouldn’t get in the way of their swimming. This will satisfy them!”
“The ‘Fire’ attribute provides heat retention, and the ‘Wind’ attribute provides breathability… I see. The ‘Wind’ attribute seems good for cooking in the heat. With the heat retention effect of the ‘Fire’ attribute, it will be comfortable to work in the winter. Let’s make some clothes with this! We dwarves are skilled at what we do. Thank you, Lord Thor!”

　Everyone was letting out happy cries while touching the 『Magic Woven Fabric』.
　That was good.
　It seemed like they liked it.

　It was really nice to have people enjoy the materials I had made.
　As the materials I had created became widespread and changed people’s lives.
　This was the real thrill of alchemy.

“Everyone, please stay quiet.”

　Suddenly, Luquier’s voice rang out.
　The noisy civil and military officials suddenly stopped moving.
　Everyone handed the cloth to the Chancellor and returned to their respective positions.

“The 『Magical Woven Fabric』 made by Thor Regus is certainly wonderful. But it’s impossible for everyone to start using it all at once. It’s difficult for everyone to accept something new.”

　Luquier said, still wearing her mask.

“I think it would be best to have a small number of people try it out first to see how it feels. What do you think?”
“I agree, Your Majesty.”

　Chancellor Kelve took over Luquier’s words.

“I think we should first set up a trial opportunity.”
“That is what I am saying, Alchemist Thor. Any thoughts?”
“In that case, could you please use it when defeating the demon beasts?”

　I said, getting on my knees.

“I heard that a demon beats subjugation will be taking place in the mining area soon. It’s a hot place with a volcano nearby. If you could make clothes and underwear with 『Magical Woven Fabric』 for them, I think the soldiers would be able to stay a little cooler.”
“……I see”
“I think that’s a good idea.”

　Luquier and Chancellor Kelve nodded.
　Looking to my side, the Minotaur military officer was nodding his head with shining eyes.
　People on the ground seem to agree.

“Very well. In that case, you will prepare the fabric. Prepare the 『Magic Woven Fabric』before departure. Can you do it… No, it looks like you can. You look so happy. Don’t push yourself too hard… Make sure you get a proper rest, okay?”
“Your Majesty! Your Majesty.”

　Chancellor Keruv hastily scolded her.
　Luquier, you really let your true colours show.

“Well, and also… I’m asking this out of personal interest.”

　To deceive him, Luquier cleared her throat.

“I understand that there is a 『Magic Woven Fabric』 of 『Earth』, 『Water』, 『Fire』and 『Wind』. But is there no “Magic Woven Fabric” with the basic attributes of 『Light』 and 『Darkness』?」
“Your Majesty. Even Lord Thor himself would not go that far…”
“That’s right. It’s amazing that you were able to create a cloth with the four elements of 『Earth』, 『Water』, 『Fire』and 『Wind』 You couldn’t have created something even more than that…huh?”

　It seemed she noticed.
　Mabel and I were both wearing cloaks today.

　Of course, I have also made 『Magic Woven Fabric』 of 『Light』 and 『Darkness』.
　Just to be on the safe side, I had brought it with me in the form of a cloak──

　However… it was not a particularly impressive effect.
　So, if no one asked me, I thought I would just keep quiet.

　But it couldn’t be helped. Her Majesty, the Demon King, had noticed.

　As her direct alchemist, I couldn’t keep what I created a secret.
　As Her Majesty the Demon King’s alchemist, I couldn’t do something so rude.
　I couldn’t help it. I was reluctant to make it public, but I would make it public.

“Mabel. Please.”
“Yes, Thor-sama.”

　Mabel took off her cloak and held it in her hands.

“Your Majesty. This is the 『Magic Woven Fabric』 with 『Darkness』 attribute.

　A pure white cloak, matching the colour of her skin.
　In an instant, it turned black.

“Oh! This is…”
“So this is the dark attribute, 『Magic Woven Fabric』…”
“This is a 『Magic Woven Fabric』 that reacts to magical power and has the effect of 『Absorbing light』.”

　I explained this to Luquier and the Chancellor.
　The dark attribute 『Magic Woven Fabric 』 was, as the name suggests, a cloth dyed in dark colours.
　When magical power was poured into it, it began to absorb light.
　That was why it looked pitch black.

　Of course, it was not 100% absorbent, so you could still see the fabric a little.

“Once it completely absorbs light, you’ll be able to hide in the darkness with this cloth… but unfortunately, this is the best I can do right now.”

　I said.

“Right now, it’s only used as a blackout curtain… that is, a curtain that blocks the light. If you hang this on your window sill, the room will be dark even in the middle of the day, so you can take a nice, relaxing nap.”
“For a nap…”
“Or maybe it would be perfect for nocturnal species.”
“I see. So what about fabrics with the 『Light』 attribute…?”
“This was a failure…”

　I removed my cloak.
　When I put magic into it──

“”””It became transparent?!””””
“That’s right. It lets almost all the light through.”

　I held out light attribute 『Magic Woven Fabric』 towards Luquier.
　The light attribute 『Magic Woven Fabric』 was semi-transparent.

　This one also didn’t let light through completely, only about 80 percent at most.
　I could clearly see that there was a cloth in my hands. I could see that, but…

“However, there’s no use for it…”

　When I said that, Luquier shook her head while looking at the light of the 『Magic Woven Cloth』.

“Well, it can make you invisible, right? If so, surely there’s a way to use it…?”
“It’s only the fabric that becomes transparent, Your Majesty. The person inside remains the same.”
“So, what if we made clothes out of this?”
“It will be the same as not wearing it at all. That’s not good, so I tried making another 『Magic Woven Fabric』.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Yes. I’m a little embarrassed to show it to everyone because I made it as a hobby…”

　I removed the other piece of cloth that was attached underneath the light-coloured 『Magic Woven Fabric』.

“This is a fabric that has both 『Light』 and 『Darkness』 attributes added to it.”

　In my hands was a pure white 『Magic Woven Fabric』.
　It was a failure, so I didn’t really want to show it to anyone…

“It’s quite unusual to have both light and dark attributes, Lord Thor.”

　The Chancellor looked at the 『Magic Woven Fabric』 of 『Light』 and 『Darkness』 with interest.

　Judging from his behaviour, the Chancellor seemed to surprisingly like these kinds of magic items. He had even picked up the 『Magic Woven Fabric』 and checked it over and over again.
　I was strangely bothered by the sweat on my forehead.

“What kind of effect does this 『Both Attributes Magic Woven Fabric』 have?
“It will either be completely black or transparent, with some unknown probability.”

　I poured magic into the cloth.
　The light and darkness 『Magic Woven Cloth』 became transparent.

　I threw the cloth into the air to cut off the magic.
　When I caught it as it fell, it turned completely black.
　Transparent, pitch black, pitch black, pitch black, transparent, transparent, black, transparent, black transparent.

　The light and darkness 『Magic Woven Fabric』 changed every time it came into contact with magical power.

　The change was completely random.
　When I made it, Mabel and I measured it together, but there was no rule to it whatsoever.

“And so,”

　I caught the falling 『Magic Woven Fabric』 of light and darkness.

“Unfortunately, adding two attributes makes the abilities unstable. Also, it takes time to create something that only has one attribute added. For now, I don’t think it’s very practical.”
“Yes, it is an interesting material, though.”

　The Chancellor spoke in place of Luquier, whose eyes were wide.

“I can’t think of any use for it. Lord Thor, do you have any?”
“That’s right. It’s about sending the clothes to people you don’t like, pretending that the clothes you made are “precious clothes that turn black with magic.”
“Please don’t think of any weird traps.”

　I got scolded.

　Remembering time, I was heading south towards the Empire.
　I thought I’d send the light and darkness attribute 『Magic Woven Fabric』 to the Empire’s minister, pretending to be the name of my father, Barga Regus.
　I guess that was impossible.

“Hmm, that’s right. This 『Magic Woven Fabric』 doesn’t seem to be any use for it at the moment.”

　Luquier muttered from her seat on the throne.

“However, it seems that the four elements of 『Earth』, 『Water』, 『Fire』and 『Wind』 have a useful effect. As expected, you are bringing wonderful things to the Demon King’s Territory. Truly, I feel that this Demon King’s Territory… and me too, are changing for the better…”

　When Luquier said this, the surrounding Minotaurs, Elves, and Dwarves all voiced their agreement.
　Everyone seemed to be happy.
　…The presentation was a success. I was glad.

“Well, then, Thor Regus, I will grant your wish. I will make clothes from the wind’s 『Magic Woven Fabric』 and use them to defeat the demon beasts.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I will have Chancellor Kelve deliver the report later. Also… anyone in each unit who has used the 『Magic Woven Fabric』 underwear or clothing should submit a report to Thor Regus later.”

　After saying that, Luquier thought for a moment,

“Also, I give Thor a vacation after making 『Magic Woven Fabric』.You’ve been making a lot of things since you got here, so why don’t you go and visit the Raizenga territory to take a break? There are hot springs there too. You’ll be able to relax.”
“I agree, Thor-dono.”

　Chancellor Kelve continued.

“You will be setting up your workshop in the General’s territory. I recommend you go and check out the location. I recommend you accompany us when we go to subjugate demonic beasts. That way, you won’t have to worry about lodging or luggage. Forget about magic items and enjoy your trip…”
“I understand.”

　I bowed to Luquier and the Chancellor.

“We thank His Majesty and His Excellency, the Chancellor, for their kindness. We hope that these materials will be of use to you all.”

　Thus, the presentation of 『Magic Woven Fabric』 was successfully completed.

　In the Demon King’s territory,『Magic Woven Fabric』 would be used to subjugate the demonic beasts.

　I decided to continue refining the material for a while.