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 43

Episode 43: “Find an item that can protect against light-element attacks”

　After the meal was over, I headed to the room that had been prepared for me.
　It was a large room located in the corner of the second floor.
　This would be my home and workspace from now on.

“The general has prepared a very spacious room for us.”

　The room was about twice the size of a normal bedroom.
　There was a large bed, a table, and a bookshelf.
　All the furniture by the windows had been removed to make it easier to work.
　There was a 『Simple Warehouse』 there that I brought from the Demon King’s Castle.

The 『Simple Warehouse』 contained everything needed for alchemy.
　I could even start working on it today.

“But first, I need to find an item to counter the 『Light Attribute』.”

　I took out a 『Mail Order Catalogue』 from the 『Ultra-compact Simple warehouse』.
　I hoped there was an item among them that could protect against 『Light Attribute』 attacks.

　While I was thinking about that, I heard a knock on the door.

“Thor-sama. May I come in?”
“Mabel? Sure. Go ahead.”
“Excuse me”

　The door opened, and Mabel came in dressed in a maid’s uniform.
　In her hands, she held a cup of tea and a tray with fruit on it.
　She brought me some late-night snacks.

“I thought you might be tired from your journey, so I brought you some honey tea and some sweet fruit.”
“Thank you, Mabel.”
“Have you started work yet?”
“That’s what I’m going to do now. Today, I’m going to look for an item that can protect against light-element attacks.”
“Please don’t push yourself too hard. It’s only your first day in the General’s territory, after all.”

　Mabel put a teacup in front of me.

“Her Majesty was also worried. Knowing Thor-sama, she was worried that you might continue your research all night long.”
“Luquier-sama?”
“Yes. So she ordered me to keep an eye on you.”

　Mabel puffed out her chest with an “eh-ha-ha” feeling.

“I have received a direct order from Her Majesty──don’t let Thor-sama push himself too hard. I’ve been told to scold you if you try to stay up all night. Therefore, please leave the care of your health to me.”
“…I guess she doesn’t trust me.”
“Her Majesty also cares deeply for Thor-sama.”
“I won’t push myself. Even today, I was planning to stop when I reach a good stopping point.
“A good stopping point?”
“Yeah. Once the item is completed──”
“Eh?”

　Mabel tilted her head.
　She was smiling, but her eyes weren’t smiling.

“──I was thinking about how I would feel when I finished it and searching for an item I wanted to make. Then, I thought I would stop if I found something I wanted to make.”

　I hastily repeated myself.
　Mabel seemed to understand, and she quietly nodded.

“Is that so.”
“That’s right.”
“…………”
“…………”
“Cough.”

　Mabel stared at me intently and then cleared her throat.

“Thor-sama.”
“Yes”
“I’m sure Her Majesty will be saddened if Thor-sama is emaciated and weak when he returns to the Demon King’s castle. Thor-sama is very important to us. Please be aware of that.”
“……Yes. I understand.”

　I couldn’t make Mabel and Luquier worry.
　Come to think of it, the reason why the two of them decided on a specific time for the 『Tea Party』 might be to make me live a regular life.

“Well then, today I’ll just look for the items I want to make.”
“Alright.”
“Could you please look at the 『Mail Order Catalogue』 with me, Mabel? I’ll read the catalogue out loud, so please let me know if you notice anything.”
“I understand.”

　Mabel said as she sat down in the chair next to me.
　The two of us sipped tea side by side, then flipped through the pages of the 『Mail Order Catalogue』.

“Thor-sama. When I was listening to your talk during dinner, I suddenly had a thought.”
“Yeah”
“Thor-sama, are you sure that there is an item in this 『Mail Order Catalogue』 that can protect against light-element attacks?”
“…That’s amazing, Mabel.”

　I nodded.

“That’s right. I believe this 『Mail Order Catalogue』 has an item that can protect against light-element attacks.”
“May I ask why?”
“A long time ago, a hero from another world used light-element attack magic and sword techniques.”

　I read about it in a book when I was in the Empire.
　Among the heroes who came from another world, there were a lot of those who used the magical power of light.

　That was why there were many records of the 『Light attribute』 attacks they used.
　These included the magic that fires countless bullets of light, and sword techniques that shoot out waves of light.
　Of course, he also used the 『Photon Blade』 from his holy sword normally.
　In fact, they were the ones who came up with the name 『Photon Blade』.

　It seemed the hero liked to shout out the names of his techniques and write them down.
　That was why names like 『Photon Blade』 and 『lame photonique』 appeared in various languages ​​in Imperial books.

“Apparently, more than half of the heroes used light-element techniques.”

　I continued my explanation.
　Mabel nodded with a serious face.

“Yes. There is also a record in the Demon King’s territory. They were known to use magic such as 『Photon Arrow』 and 『Unlimited Photon Blast』. It seems they were fond of the magical power of light.”
“It’s flashy. Also, since the Demon King has a dark attribute, it was probably meant to counter that.”
“Those kinds of techniques and magic were flying around in ancient times.”
“If I had been born in that era, I’d probably be dead just like everyone else.”
“If that had happened, then I would have born in the same era and protected Thor-sama.”

　Mabel said it with a serious look on her face.

“I would protect you from the hero and take you to the first Demon King. Therefore, Thor-sama would not have died. Absolutely.”
“Thanks, Mabel. I’m sorry… I got off topic.”
“No, no. I’m sorry I’m being so pejorative…”

　Mabel lowered her eyes in embarrassment.
　We got so engrossed in our conversation that before we knew it, we were holding hands.
　Well, that was it. Let’s move on.

“The important thing is that over half of the heroes summoned from other worlds used light-element techniques.”

　I went back to the topic.

“That means that the people from the other world were able to use light magic normally. If that’s the case, it’s natural to assume that the people in the world they came from also used light-element techniques.”
“……I agree”
“Maybe in the world of heroes, light-element techniques were flying around everywhere.”
“The hero is a being with extraordinary power.”
“I think they were using light-element technique or magic instead of greetings.”
“Something like 『Good morning, Photon Blade』 or 『Good night, Ultimate Vivid Light』.”
“Otherwise, it would be impossible to explain why the hero was using such powerful light-element techniques.”
“The world of heroes is… a frightening place.”
“……Right”

　Mabel’s hands were shaking slightly.
　Mine too.

　To those of us who lived in this world, the power of the heroes was immeasurable.
　Perhaps the items in this 『Mail Order Catalogue』 were only a part of their power.

“Anyway, the hero used light attribute techniques as a matter of course. That means that in that world, there must be a way to defend against light attribute attacks.”
“I understand.”

　Mabel clapped her hands.

“In the world of heroes, there were naturally ways to defend against light-element techniques. Therefore, the heroes of the other world were accustomed to that, so they didn’t hesitate to use light attacks and magic in this world either.”
“That’s right. There are records of the hero’s techniques even in the Demon King’s territory, right?”
“Yes. In particular, the ultimate technique that destroyed the barrier of the first Demon King, 『Ultimate Vivid Light』, is still talked about today.”
“Oh, that’s it.”

　The ultimate light magic, 『Ultimate Vivid Light』.
　It was the strongest light-attribute magic, which concentrated and unleashed a large amount of 『Light Magical Power』.
　It was said that the once strongest hero used his magic to destroy the Demon King’s defensive barrier.

    Every Imperial noble knew about 『Light Magical Power』.
　In fact, they learned this in childhood.
　I also had to write down the name. 『Ultimate Vivid-light』.
　It seemed that the policy for nobles was that they should be able to write the name of a hero’s ultimate skill in the hero’s language… but even if they memorised it, there was no use for it…

“Well, even in the catalogue of the other world, there’s no item that can prevent that…”

    I said as I flipped through the pages of the 『Mail Order Catalogue』.

“So first, let’s look for something that can counter the light attribute.”
“I got it.”
“I’ll read the text from the catalogue. Mabel, check any words that seem to be related to the 『Magic of Light』 or. Let’s try making the item with the most related words.”
“What words should I check?”
“『Light』… especially 『Strong Light』. And the word 『Protect』. And also… if any words related to the light magic or techniques used by the hero come up, be careful.”
“『Photon Blade』 and 『Ultimate Vivid Light』.”
“Yeah. Also, the hero abbreviated the names of sword techniques and magic.”
“Yes. Sometimes it was just the initials.”
“It might be a hassle, but please keep that in mind.”
“Understood!”

　Then, Mabel and I started reading the 『Mail Order Catalogue』.
　While reading out the description of each item, I checked them off one by one.
　It took time because I said it out loud.
　I thought I’d be done after reading a few pages today, but that wasn’t the case.
　This was because items matching the keywords were quickly found.

“I didn’t expect to find it so quickly…”
“In the world of heroes, it seems like it’s natural for items to exist that counter light attributes…”

　Mabel and I looked at each other.
　I found two items.
　Both were related to the light magic 『Ultimate Vivid Light』.

“The correct way to write 『Ultimate Vivid Light』 in the Hero World is 『Ultimate Vivid Light』.”
“So that initial letter was used in this catalogue…”
“That’s right. 『Strong light』, 『Protection』 – and the initials of 『Ultimate Vivid Light』 – ‘U’ and ‘V’. These two items contain all of that.”

　We both stared at the items listed on the same page.
　The following was written there:

────────────────────────

　For skin that can stand up to the sun!
　Our products have finally overcome the sun!

　Block out strong light.
　Here are some fascinating items that can block off dangerous UV rays.

　The power of the sun should not be underestimated.
　Every time you are exposed to light, damage to your body accumulates.

　But don’t worry.
　Here’s the secret weapon against the dreaded UV rays!
　Maintain fair skin and a healthy body with this new product!

　UV-cut parasols block 90% of dangerous UV rays.

　The UV-cut lotion is hypoallergenic, so it is safe for small children.
　However, it has the same UV protection as a parasol! You can enjoy playing outside even in the midsummer heat.

　The parasol comes in two colours: white on the outside and black on the inside.
　White reflects light, and black absorbs light.
　Enjoy the feeling of freedom that comes with being able to move around freely, even in strong light!

────────────────────────

“Mabel”
“Yes, Thor-sama.”
“The magic of light’s origin was the sun, right?”

　I realised my voice was trembling.
  『Skin that can stand up to the sun』──It had the meaning of preventing the magic of light without armour or robes.
　Did that mean the humans in the world of heroes can defend against 『Magic of Light』 even completely naked…?

“You’re right, Thor-sama. It’s said that the sun is the source of… the magical power of light.”

　Mabel’s voice was trembling as well.
　I understood how she felt.
　The people of the Demon King’s territory who were defeated by the hero’s 『power of the light attribute』 were the ones who could understand the power of this product.

“When this world was created and the sun first shone on it, day and night were created. At that time, the sun bestowed the great magical power of light on this world.”
“And even now, it continues to shine with the source of magical power…”
“The magical power of the light in the Demon King’s territory is weak because there are fewer hours of sunlight.”
“So that mean that the people of the hero world have already won against the source of that magical power of light.”

　That was why the hero from another world was able to use light-element techniques.
　I was sure that in the world of heroes, light magic was flying everywhere.
　They took it on their bare skin──and stood there calmly. I wondered if the people from another world were like that.

　How frightening… I meant, it was amazing that those ancient people were able to summon such people. There had to be a limit to how fearless you could be…

“And what’s in this catalogue is a lotion and a parasol that protects against light magic?”

　The catalogue contained two products.
　One of them was an umbrella-shaped 『UV-cut Parasol』.”
　The other was a 『UV-cut Lotion』  that you apply to your body.

　Apparently, just holding up a parasol would protect you from the magical powers of light.
　It seemed that the lotion was applied to the body.
　By doing so, even small children would be able to play amidst a flurry of light magic—or so it said.

“Mabel… this 『UV』”
“Yes. I think it’s just as you predicted, Thor.”
“So, Mabel, do you think that 『UV』 refers to 『Ultimate Vivid-Light』, the strongest light magic used by heroes?”
“I can’t think of anything other than the initials of that magic.”
“So the 『UV』 stands for 『Ultimate Vivid-Light』.”
“Ultimate vivid-light. That magic must be the 『Dangerous UV』.

　Mabel stated it bluntly.
　And I agreed.

　The heroes left behind written records of their techniques.
　That information was still passed down to the present day.

　Furthermore, they liked to use nicknames and abbreviations.
   Examples include 『Garcan Interrupt No Chant』 and 『Magical Energy Charge Cancel UV』

　Of course, everything Mabel and I were saying was just speculation.
    There was no evidence that the 『UV』 in the Mail Order Catalogue』 referred to 『Ultimate Vivid-Light』.
　It was hard to imagine that the ultimate magic that had broken the Demon King’s barrier could be blocked by a parasol or lotion. However──

“It’s worth making.”
“Yeah. Thor-sama.”
“First, I need to prepare the materials and think about the necessary attributes… but maybe I can’t do that today…”

　It was already late at night.
　I couldn’t ask the General or Agnis to give me materials now.

“…Can we make something better by taking our time?”

　For now, I said it as if I was trying to convince myself.

“Let’s do it tomorrow. Good job, Mabel.”
“Yes. Thank you for your hard work, Thor-sama.”

　Mabel stood up, taking the tea set and tray with her.

“Then I’ll bring you a change of clothes.”
“Thanks, Mabel.”
“Also… you’ve been sweating today, so I think it would be best for you to dry yourself off before going to bed. Shall I get it ready?”
“……Indeed.”

　I was sweating because I had been moving around a lot today.
　Dinner was hot too, then.
　Since you were in someone’s house, you should be well-groomed.

“May I ask you a favour, Mabel?”
Yes. I was asked to do so…”

　Then Mabel left the room.
　After a while, she came back with a bucket filled with hot water and a cloth.
　She offered to wipe me down, but unfortunately, I refused.
    This was because I wanted to concentrate on deciding whether to make the 『UV-cut Parasol』 or the 『UV-cut Lotion』 first.

　In terms of strength, 『UV-cut Lotion』 was superior.
　Holding a parasol meant that one hand would be occupied.
　The lotion was applied to the body, allowing one to hold a sword and shield while still receiving protection against light attributes.
　Lotion was more versatile.
　As I was thinking about this, I tried to wipe my back, but then I noticed something.

“There are places on the back that you can’t reach… If you leave any lotion unapplied, will that be the spot that will be damaged…?”

　With lotion, you needed someone’s help before you could use it.
　If magic were to hit the unpainted parts, it would definitely cause damage.

　When I tried to reach out my hand like this… Yep, it was hard to reach the top of the shoulder blade. It was good for parties, but if you moved solo, it was easy to leave some unapplied lotion area.
　When I tried to cover my whole body like this, I found there were quite a few places I couldn’t reach.
　In that case, the parasol was more stable. In other words:

“Thor-sama, I’ve come to collect the hot water.”
“Mabel. Perfect time. Come in.”
“Excuse me, Thor-sama.”

　The door opened, and Mabel came in.
　Great timing, Mabel.

“I just realised that I should make a 『UV-cut Parasol』 first, rather than 『UV-cut Lotion』. One advantage of applying lotion is that it leaves both hands free, but there’s a risk that you might miss some spots.”
“…Y-Yes.”
“So, I’ll ask the General and Agnis tomorrow to prepare the materials for the parasol. I wonder if Mabel will help me too.”
“Of course. That would be nice, but…”
“…? What’s wrong, Mabel?”
“It’s been a while since I brought you hot water, Thor-sama… So, why are you still shirtless…?”

　Mabel blushed and cast her eyes down.
　……Oops.
　In the middle of drying my body, I became lost in thought, and my hands stopped moving.
　And the water had gone cold.

“Thor-sama.”
“……sorry”
“No, don’t worry about it. I’ll get you some new hot water.”
“I’m sorry. Please.”
“Yes. Leave it to me.”

　Mabel nodded seriously.

“Also, I’ll wipe your back, Thor-sama.”
“Eh?”
“Her Majesty has asked me to look after Thor-sama’s health. To that end, she has bestowed upon me a special item.”
“A special item?”
“Mmm… these clothes are made of 『Water Magic Woven Fabric 』 …… and don’t get wet. Her Majesty has asked me to wear them when necessary…”

　The hand crank was nice. Luquier.
『Water Magic Woven Fabric 』 was clothing that prioritised ease of movement.
　I thought that since it was waterproof, I could use it for swimming.
　I understood that Luquier and Mabel had thought of using it in this way as well…

“This is an order from Her Majesty. She has given me permission to go this far in order to look after Thor’s health.”

　Mabel said, bowing to me.

“I can’t let Thor-sama catch a cold. Please at least let me wipe away your sweat. Please.”

　And so Mabel ── loosened the collar of her maid outfit and showed me the 『Water Magic Woven Fabric 』 clothes underneath.
　The preparations were perfect.

“Well, as I said earlier, 『I think it would be best for you to dry yourself off before going to bed. Shall I get it ready?』 The Thor-sama said, 『Mabel, may I ask for it.』”
“Uh, yes”
“So, that’s why I’m here wearing the 『Water Magic Woven Fabric 』…”

　Mabel said, blushing bright red up to the tips of her ears.

“Would you please allow me to take care of Thor’s health?”

　 I surrendered.

　In the end, I had Mabel wipe my body (only the upper body, of course)──
　I promised myself that I would take better care of myself from now on and went to sleep──

　The next day, I spoke to the general and Agnis about the UV-blocking parasol and the materials needed to make it.

Translator Note:- I used 『lame photonique』 in this chapter because the author used photon blade in English rather than Japanese and I’m translating in English, so I switched the author’s English word to French.
• Ultimate Vivid-light: This also represent the words was in English.