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 34

Episode 34: “Operation to Subjugate the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 (1) Preparation”

　For a while after that, preparations continued to subdue the demon beasts.
　Mabel told me about the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 that was said to live in the mining area.
　That demon beast suddenly appeared in the Demon King’s territory with its subordinates and made a nest.
　I could tell it was a vicious demon beast by just hearing the story.

──────────────────

『Demon Beast Gargarossa』

　A demon beast that appeared in the mountainous region south of the Demon King’s territory, ruled by Flame General Raizenga.
　It’s a super-large spider, and when it stretches its legs, it measures over ten metres in size.

　The body is as hard as metal.
　Impact weapons and magic swords are effective.

　It spits threads from its mouth. If you get caught in one, you will be unable to move, which is extremely dangerous.
　Flames are effective in removing threads.
　However, even the small spiders under its subordinates also spit out the thread, so they may not be able to burn it out.

   Although not as tough as the 『Gargarossa』 itself, the little spiders’ skin is also tough.
　The small spiders form swarms around Gargarossa, surrounding and attacking anyone who attacks them.

Death awaits anyone surrounded by 『Gargarossa』 and the small spiders and bound by their webs.

──────────────────

　Basically, a demonic beast referred to beings who could not communicate with each other and attacked humans, demi-humans, and demons.
　There were various species, such as beasts, giant insects, and lizards.
　As per the tradition from the time of the hero, they are collectively referred to as “demon beasts”.
　Among them, this one was really the worst.

　Even if it was just a giant spider. Moreover, the fact that it had a large number of subordinates made it a big threat. It was also amazing that it could stop their movements with threads. Actually, spider threads were sticky, so you couldn’t be cut with a sword, and even if you tried to use magic, if it sealed your mouths, then you could no longer chant a spell.
　I, who had no fighting ability, would immediately die after encountering it.

　If these things were building nests nearby, it would be impossible to develop a mine.
　You never knew when you would be attacked at a mining base, and if you got attacked while you were diving into a tunnel, there was no escape.
　The Demon King territory was trying to subdue it with all its might.
　I’d like to collect this thing’s thread and study it if possible.

“From the Demon King’s territory, His Majesty and the Chancellor, Lord Kelve. And dozens of soldiers are heading there.”
“Luquier herself?”

　Come to think of it, they said they would be working together with the Empire to defeat the demonic beasts.
　The fact that the Demon King, Luquier, was accompanying them could mean that──

“Does that mean someone of a certain status will be coming from the Empire?”
“That’s quite astute, Thor-sama.”

　Mabel nodded in admiration.

“According to Her Majesty, there is a princess from the Empire called Liana.”
“The third princess, huh?”
“That seems to be the case. It seems that this subjugation is also a test of the princess’s skills as a swordsman.”
“I see”
“Thor-sama, are you interested in the Imperial Princess?”
“No.”
“I see. Thor-sama… you don’t have very good memories of the Empire, do you?”
“I especially don’t want to have anything to do with the Emperor’s family. That’s the headquarters of the Empire’s ‘strength is everything’ philosophy, after all.”
“I understand how you feel.”
“I would have liked to accompany you to the battlefield and see you use the 『Laser Pointer』, but if the Imperial Princess is coming, I think it might be best if we go our separate ways.”
“I see. So, as planned, we will accompany the army part of the way and then go our separate ways once we enter General Raizenga’s territory.”
“That’s right. Do you have any other information about the Empire?”
“Her Highness the Imperial Princess apparently uses something called a 『Holy Sword』.”
“Holy sword”
“Yes. I have heard rumours that a letter from the Empire said, 『We will show everyone in the Demon King’s territory the light of the holy sword that will subjugate demonic beasts.』”
“A holy sword. An extremely rare magic item that was left behind by the hero…”

　I see. The Imperial Princess was coming to subjugate the demonic beasts with her holy sword.
　A holy sword, huh? I had never seen one before…
　Come to think of it, I was trying to make a magic sword for Luquier. A magic sword that would surpass the holy sword.
　So you were going to use that holy sword? I see… Hmm.

“Hey, Mabel.”
“Yes, Thor-sama.”
“As expected, I think I have a responsibility as an alchemist.
“H-huh?”
“This time, the Demon King’s territory will be using 『Laser pointers』 and 『Magic Woven Fabric』. I’ll also be taking the 『Health Promotion Pendant』 and the 『Ultra-compact Simple Warehouse』. So I need to check if it’s working properly, right?”
“Um, Thor-sama?”
“That’s why I think it would be best for me to accompany them to the battlefield.”

　I had no interest in the Empire at all.
　But if the holy sword was going to be used, I’d like to see it up close.
　Someday, I planned to create a magic sword that would surpass the holy sword for Demon King Luquier.
　To do that, I wanted to see with my own eyes the strength of a real holy sword.

“I’m sorry, I suddenly changed my mind.”
“No. I understand Thor-sama is interested in magic items.”
“…Did you see through me?”
“Yes”

　Mabel said with a gentle smile.

“But I also like seeing you so absorbed in something, Thor-sama.”
“…Umm.”
“S-sorry. I don’t mean anything weird! It’s just that when I see you researching magic items and aiming for great heights, Thor-sama… I think it’s great. I want to be by your side, helping you out… That’s how I like it.”
“Thanks, Mabel.”
“Well, then, since we will be accompanying them in subjugating the demon beasts, I will make the arrangements!”

　Mabel seemed embarrassed and bowed vigorously.

“Y-you’re welcome.”

　I bowed my head in the same way.
　After bowing again, like she was tempted, Mabel left the room.

　Before I knew it, Mabel had started to see through what I was thinking.
　It was amazing; it had only been a month since I came to this Demon King’s territory.
　But when I was with Mabel, I felt so calm.
　Being with her felt so natural and reassuring. I was really glad that Mabel was my caretaker.
　I would have to thank Mabel later… and Luquier-sama too.

　With that in mind, I continued preparing for my journey.

　And then──

　A few days later, the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 subjugation unit departed from the Demon King’s Castle.
　Our destination was the mountainous region south of the Demon King’s territory.

　The punitive force formed a long procession and advanced along the road.
　Demon King Luquier was in the centre of the procession, waving to the people along the way who were seeing them off.
　Mabel and I followed behind them in the carriage.

　The procession consisted of the Minotaur infantry, the Dwarven forces  including spy soldiers, the Elven forces of magic soldiers, and the transport unit loaded with food, weapons, armour, and daily necessities.

　It was dismissed by the Chancellor, Kelve-san, to carry food and necessities in a 『Simple Warehouse』.

　The reason was──
『The reason for carrying provisions is to show the soldiers that they have prepared food and other supplies. If the wagon only carries a 『simple warehouse』 the soldiers will become uneasy. Their morale may drop.』
　──That was what he said. It was a very reasonable opinion.

　Even if it was a useful item, it could cause unexpected confusion if you were not used to using it.
　You especially needed to be careful when fighting dangerous monsters or going to war.
　So this time, I decided to test it thoroughly and have them use only the items that seemed to work without any problems. I was there to accompany them and provide user support.

　And so, the Demon King’s army, equipped with seemingly ordinary equipment, slowly advanced along the road──
　After several days, we arrived at General Raizenga’s mansion.

　Luquier and the others then met up with the General and discussed their plan.
　The next day, we gathered our troops and set out again.

　The Demon King’s army headed towards the meeting point with the Empire’s army.

“We received a report from General Raizenga’s soldiers. It appears the General arrived at a location within sight of the nest of the Demonic Beast Gargarossa about ten minutes ago.”

　A soldier who was on reconnaissance said.
　Hearing the report, the masked demon king, Luquier, nodded.

　This was a mountainous region in the southeastern part of the Demon King’s territory.
　It was in the tent built at the foot of the mountain.

　The Demon King’s territory  『Demon Beast Gargarossa Subjugation Unit』 was currently gathering in the vicinity.
　The Minotaurs were under the direct command of the Demon King.
　The fire giants (or their descendants) under Flame General Raizenga.
　The elves were gathered by Chancellor Kelve.
　It was a unit of several dozen people, made up of the elite of the Demon King’s territory.

　The ones in the tent were its representatives.
　Demon King Luquier and Chancellor Kelve.
　The captains of the Minotaur, Dwarf, and Elf troops.
　And then there were me and Mabel.

　By the way, General Raizenga and his subordinate fire giants were going to reconnaissance near the nest of 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.
　The idea was to be able to respond immediately if the demon beasts made any movements.

“We will take a break for a while until we meet up with the Imperial Soldiers. Everyone had a hard time.”

　Inside the tent, Luquier said.
　While sitting on a chair, I let out a sigh of relief.
　The same goes for the people around me.
　After marching this far, it felt like we could finally take a breather.

“Still, that was unexpected.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I never thought of it.”
“We agree.”

　Luquier, Chancellor Kelve, and the Minotaur’s commander all had ecstatic looks on their faces.

“””Even though we’re inside the tent, it’s cool and comfortable. (That’s right.) (Isn’t it?) “””

　They looked at me and muttered something like that.

　Yeah. I didn’t expect the wind 『Magic Woven Fabric』 would be this comfortable.
　The tent fabric wasn’t moving at all.
　But there was a breeze inside.
　There was a volcano nearby, so there should have been heat, but it just flew away in an instant.
　On top of that, everyone was wearing clothes and underwear made from the same wind 『Magic Eoven Fabric』.
　This caused the sweat to evaporate, providing us with a feeling of coolness.
　Everyone was rehydrating and holding a strategy meeting with refreshed looks on their faces.

“The clothes made from the Wind’s 『Magic Woven Fabric』 have been very well received by the soldiers, Lord Thor!”
“It’s cool, it doesn’t get hot, and it’s always refreshing… This is the first time I’ve ever had a march like this.”
“Some of the Elven magic soldiers don’t have much stamina, so this kind of equipment is very helpful. Thank you very much… Lord Thor.”

　The reviews were excellent. I was glad.
　The wind 『Magic Woven Fabric』 could be used.

“As for me… I think it’s about time I put my hood on.”

　Soon, it would be time to meet up with the Imperial troops.
　I would stand out if there were people around, so I’ll hide my face with my hood.

“But it’s really cool and nice. This robe and hood.”
“Thor-sama’s robes are also made from the wind’s 『Magic Woven Fabric』, right?”
“Yeah. Just to be safe, I also brought a 『Magic Woven Cloth Robe』 with a different attribute.”

　I tapped the 『Ultra-compact Simple Warehouse』 attached to my waist.
　Robes of other attributes were included here.
　It was always available, depending on the situation.

“Reporting! Please check food, weapons, and other equipment!!”

　The entrance to the tent opened, and the chief executive of the transport unit appeared.
　Luquier and Chancellor Kelve nodded and left the tent.
　Just to be safe, Mabel and I would follow along.

　Next to the tent for the executives was a large tent covered with white cloth.
　This one was for storing weapons and food.

“Well then, let’s check out the inside!”

　The transport Corps chief executive touched the tent.
　The tent became transparent.
　The inside looked very good.

“Like this. We didn’t lose anything during the journey, and we have everything we need. Even if it takes several days to subjugate the demon beats, we have enough food to feed our soldiers…um,Your Excellency the Chancellor.”
“Whats’s that?”
“…about this new tent tent…”
“Convenient, isn’t it?”
“That’s convenient.”
“Well then, it is fine.”
“…Th-That’s true.”

　Chancellor. I pushed through.

“Just to be sure, would you check the contents of that bag as well?”
“That’s right. Let’s ask.”
“… I understand.”

　Transport Corps, Chief Executive Officer entered the tent.
　 I touched a sack of wheat.
　The bag became transparent.

“Like this! I’ve confirmed that all the bags are full.”
“That’s convenient.”
“It’s convenient!”
“That’s how it is. Is that okay, Your Majesty?”
“…Hmm. I think that’s good.”

　Why were you looking at me, Your Majesty Luquier? And Your Excellency, the Chancellor?
　After all, it was the Chancellor who said, “It’s important to show the soldiers that we have prepared the supplies.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you to look after.”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“””Ha! Understood!!”””

　The soldiers bowed to Luquier and Chancellor Kelve.
　And so we started walking towards the tent.

“I’m glad the light-based 『Magic Woven Fabric』 was useful.”
“I never thought it could be used like this…”

　Mabel nodded at my words.
　The light-based 『Magic Fabric』 became transparent when it absorbed magical power.
　Using it on clothes would be disastrous because the moment you put it on, you’d be in your underwear.

　But on the other hand, that also meant you could easily check what was inside.
　For example, if you used it on a water bag skin, you could immediately see how much water was left, and if you use it on a warehouse tent, you could easily check whether the food and weapons were properly available.
　For that reason, I advised Luquier-sama and Chancellor Kelve to use it for the tent.

“I owe it to Mabel to come up with this idea. Thank you.”

　I said to Mabel.

“You said, ‘How about making clothes out of the 『Magic woven fabric 』 of light to check on your subordinates’s health?’ That gave me the idea that it could be used in this way. That’s amazing, Mabel.”
“…It was just an idea. I would never put it into practice. Seriously.”
“Yeah, I know. But I’m grateful.”

　Thanks to this, I was able to find a use for the light 『Magic Woven Fabric』.
　It was really nice to see the materials I made being used.

　As we were talking like that, we returned to the tent──

“…Sorry, Thor.”

　Suddenly, Luquier said that.
　Looking left and right at the captains standing nearby,

“Originally, I wanted to use more of the magic items you made. If there was a 『simple warehouse』 , it would have been easier to transport provisions.”
“It’s not your majesty’s fault. I was the one who suggested restricting the use of magic items.”

　Chancellor Kelve-san nodded at me.

“Magic items with too great an effect can become a source of trouble if they become too widespread all at once. Therefore, this time we have restricted the use of Thor-dono’s items to a select few.”
“I think it can’t be helped.”

　I said.
　Well, if I suddenly said, “The alchemist created storage space, so you can transport provisions empty-handed,” everyone would be confused.
    I guess if it was just 『Breathable Clothing』, it wouldn’t be such a big deal.

“Besides, the captain class personnel are using magic items.”
“That’s right. Some of our people have been trained and equipped with it.”
“As an alchemist, that’s enough for me.”
“Yes. I will make good use of them. Now then, everyone–”

　The Masked Demon King, Luquier, looked away from me and looked at the people around her.

“Before we join up with the Imperial Corps, we need to confirm the details of this operation.”
“Yes! Your Majesty the Demon King Luquier!”
“The objective of the operation is to defeat the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』. It is possible for the Demon King’s people to defeat it alone, but this is close to the Empire’s territory. In order to avoid provoking the Empire, we have explained the situation and decided to carry out a joint operation. This is a partnership between the Demon King’s territory and the Empire.”
“This is the first time the two countries have conducted joint operations.”

　Chancellor Kelve took over Luquier’s words.

“If we are successful, the friendship between our two countries will deepen. I believe that trade will also proceed smoothly after the mine is developed. Everyone, please keep that in mind.”
“””I’ve got it!!”””
“Well then, I will explain the operation. Kelve, please.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

　The Chancellor, Kelve-san, stepped forward.
　He pointed to the map on the table and began to explain.

“According to the scout’s information, it is the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』and small spiders live on the rocks halfway up the mountain. As they are spider-type demon beasts, the webs they spit out are dangerous. It would be best to lure them into a nearby forest and fight there to avoid being surrounded.”
“The flame of the fire giant’s vassals, led by General Raizenga, will be important as a countermeasure against the thread.”

　Demon King Luquier nodded.

“Yes. I’ll have General Raizenga and his Salamanders on the front lines. They’ll use their powerful 『Fire Magic』 to burn away the enemy’s threads.”

　Chancellor Kelve continued his explanation.

“They have 『Ultra-compact Simple Warehouse』 made by Lord Thor. I have instructed him to store any threads that were not burned away inside it.”
“I think the measures taken against the thread are sufficient. Does anyone have any opinions?”

　No response.
　Demon King Luquier looked around her surroundings and began speaking again.

“After sealing the thread, General Raizenga’s forces and the Minotaur forces will engage in close combat. What do you think about this?”
“Yes. The General’s troops are superior in terms of strength and speed, but the Minotaur troops are equipped with 『Health Promotion Pendants』 made by Lord Thor. They can use water magic. It has been confirmed that by converting it, they can produce the same power as the General’s troops.”
“Um, well… it seems there’s no opinion on this either.”
“It doesn’t seem to be.”
“I, I see. Finally, a long-range attack.”
“The elven troops will be in charge of the rear guard. This will be the main camp where His Majesty will be. Normally, magical attacks won’t reach the demonic beasts unless you get close, but this time we have prepared three of Lord Thor’s 『Laser Pointers』 as a test. We have confirmed that this increases their range, so… there shouldn’t be any problems…”
“…That’s right.”
“Well then, let’s wrap things up.”

　A countermeasure against the threads spewed by demon beasts.
　Countermeasure: General Raizenga’s troops would burn it down. Anything that couldn’t be burned down would be stored in the 『Ultra-compact Simple Warehouse』.

　A measure to address the variation in combat strength of close combat units.
　Countermeasure: Strengthen the Minotaur troops with 『Health Promotion Pendants』.

　Regarding the issue of safety for magical attack forces.
　Countermeasure: Increase the range of magic with the 『Laser Pointer』. Solved.

“Has anyone noticed any problems after listening to this far?”
“”””…””””

　So why are you all looking at me, captains of the Demon King’s army?

“…We’ve come up with a countermeasure against the Demon Beast Gargarossa and the small spider’s web attacks.”
“…The difference in combat abilities between our Minotaur and the descendants of the Flame Giants and General subordinates… has also been solved.”
“…We elves can remain calm and attack from a safe place. Your Majesty will also be safe.”

　The captains all sighed in relief.

“Everyone, do not let your guard down!”

　Suddenly, the Demon King Luquier raised her voice.

“You never know what’s going to happen on the battlefield. Even though Thor’s magic items have increased our fighting power, thinking we can win will distort our perception and lead to an unexpected defeat. Be careful!”
“Y-Yes!!”

　As expected of Luquier-sama.
　She believed it was important to “learn from people.”
　I was sure they would never forget this slogan, which was born after the first demon king was defeated by a hero from another world. How fascinating.

“So, Kelve, how is cooperation with the Empire going?”
“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

　Chancellor Kelve muttered in a heavy tone.

“We still haven’t received any information about the operation from the Empire.”
“Not yet?”
“We have been exchanging messages with them. We have also communicated our strategy. However, they have not said anything about how the Empire’s military will move.”
“…Hmm. I wonder what they’re thinking.”

　Demon King Luquier tilted her head.
　I suddenly remembered a history book I read while working at the Imperial government office.
　There were several patterns for how the Empire fought.

　Empire’s soldiers fought very carefully when their opponents were strong.
　They would send out reconnaissance, see the situation with a small number of people, and make a surprise attack to shake the enemy.
　The theory was to create an advantageous situation in this way and then use all their strength to defeat the enemy.

　On the other hand, if the enemy was weak, the story would be completely different.
    If the Empire decided they could win, they sometimes fought in strange ways.

　It was a traditional fighting method called 『Leveling』 that had been passed down since the time of the hero.

　This was a method used by soldiers and adventurers to raise the overall standard of their team by surrounding the enemy with a group and having the weaker allies attack it. The stronger allies block the enemy’s attacks, and the weaker allies slowly attack the enemy.

　The 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 we would be fighting this time also had a large number of small spiders under its control.
　There were many small spiders, but they were not very strong.
     If one had the power to suppress the body of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』, then 『Leveling』 would also be possible.

　But there was no way they’d do something like that after coming all the way to the Demon King’s territory.
　That was just too much thinking──

“We have received a call from General Raizenga’s troops, who were in reconnaissance. It’s an emergency!!”

　──Just as I was thinking that, a soldier came rushing into the tent as a messenger.

“The soldiers of the Dorgalia Empire have already begun fighting the demon beast’s subordinates! The location is the rocky area at the foot of the mountain! It appears that the soldiers of the Empire provoked the demon beast Gargarossa and its spider subordinates, and lured them over there. What do you think, Demon King Luquier?”

　The pale-faced messenger reported this to Luquier and the others.