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 55

Episode 55: “Conducting a UV cut experiment”

“Now, we will proceed with the usage experiment of the 『UV Cut Parasol』!”

　Luquier spoke to the members gathered at the experiment venue.

　About an hour after the party ended.
　We had gathered in the woods near the mansion to conduct an experiment on the 『UV Cut Parasol』.

　The members were me, Luquier, Mabel, Agnis, General Raizenga, and the Chancellor, Kelve-san.
　And Soleil and Rune from the winged fairies (pixies).

“Well then, first, let’s show everyone the 『UV Cut Parasol』. Thor.”
“Yes. Your Majesty, the Demon King.”

　I took out a 『UV Cut Parasol』 from the ultra-compact, simple warehouse.
　I held it closed and offered it to Luquier.

“This parasol is a copy of an item from the hero’s world, and it can nullify light magic or attenuate its power. Additionally, the ‘UV’ in UV cut is thought to be an abbreviation for the light attribute ultimate magic, 『Ultimate Vivid Light』.”
“”Oh.””

　Chancellor Kelve-san and General Raizenga let out a voice.
　Naturally, the two of them seemed to know the legend of the ultimate light magic, 『Ultimate Vivid Light』.
　I continued my explanation.

“According to the 『Mail Order Catalogue』, this parasol can 『cut 90% of UV rays』. It is likely that it can reduce the power of 『Ultimate Vivid Light』 to 10%. Furthermore, I have confirmed that this parasol can also turn off the light of a magic lamp.”
“So it has been proven that it can withstand light-attribute magic.”

　Demon King Luquier took over my words.
　Then Luquier sighed.

“──Since I was a child, I have heard about the terror of the ultimate light-attribute magic, 『Ultimate Vivid Light』. It’s the strongest magic used by a hero from another world, and it’s the magic that destroyed the Ancient Demon King’s barrier. To the Demon King’s territory, it’s like a nemesis.”

　I understood Luquier’s feelings.
　The hero from the other world might be gone, but there was no telling if someone capable of using 『Ultimate Vivid Light』 wouldn’t appear again.
　As the king who was in charge of the people of the Demon King’s territory, she was wary of that magic.

“There is no one in the Demon King’s territory who can use 『Ultimate Vivid Light』. Therefore, this time we will be conducting an experiment using regular light-attribute attack magic. For that reason, we have summoned you, who can use light-based attack magic. Soleil, the winged fairy (pixie).”

　She looked up at the top of the tree, wearing a mask and robe of 『Recognition Inhibition』.

“Y-yes, Your Majesty the Demon King.”

　Soleil answered while hiding behind a tree.
　Next to her was Rune, dressed in black.

“I am grateful for the winged fairies’ cooperation in this experiment and for listening to the alchemist’s request.”

　Luquier said to the two of them.

“Soleil and Rune, the winged fairies. As Thor’s friends, please continue to help him.”
“Y-yes!”
“The winged fairies were saved by Thor Kanan-sama. We would like to repay your kindness with our tribe.”

　Soleil replied in a nervous voice, while Rune bowed gracefully.
　Luquier nodded at what the two said, then looked at the others.

“So who will use the 『UV Cut Parasol』?”
“Yes. Of course, I, the creator, will receive Soleil’s magic.”

　Without hesitation, I raised my hand.

“I can’t cast magic on the Alchemist-sama!!”
“I cannot allow that either.”
“I can’t let Thor-sama do anything dangerous.”
“Even at 10% power, offensive magic is dangerous.”
“Thor-dono, you should know that you are important.”
“This Kelve also opposes it.”

　They loudly opposed it.
　From Soleil and Luquier, Mabel and Agnis, to General Raizenga and Chancellor Kelve-san.
　…I didn’t think that they all needed to reject it.

“It would be best to leave this to someone who is physically strong and can use defensive magic.”

　Luquier looked at the General and the Chancellor.

“Raizenga and Kelve, can you do me a favour?”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
“I can prevent a certain level of magic with a barrier. No problem.”

　It was decided that General Raizenga and Chancellor Kelve would be holding the parasol.

“Well then, Soleil, the winged fairy. First, could you please try casting a light attack spell at that rock? I want to see the power of your magic.”
“Is it OK? Alchemist-sama.”
“Yes. Please. Soleil.”
“Okay then…”

　Soleil said as she came out from behind the tree.
　She raised her arm and started chanting.

“O great light, deliver a powerful blow to those who obstruct your path!”

　A sphere of light appeared at Soleil’s fingertips.
　The size was the same as a human’s fist.

“I’m firing! 『Vivid Light Strike』!!”

　When she waved her arm, a bullet of light shot out.
　It flew straight towards a large rock sticking out of the ground──

　It left a hole in the huge rock, the same size as the sphere of light, and then disappeared.

“””….Oooooooohhhh”””

　Everyone let out cries of surprise.

　So this was the light attack magic, 『Vivid Light Strike』.

　Light has the meaning of 『Being』 and 『Existence itself.
　By hurling that lump of magical power at another object──in other words, by applying a stronger 『Force of Existence』 against the opponent, causing the weaker one to be annihilated.
　That is the power of 『Light attribute offensive magic.』

“Soleil… is incredible. To think, you can use magic that has this much power.”
“Thank you very much, Alchemist-sama.”

　When I said that, Soleil looked down with an embarrassed look on her face.
　Instead, Rune whispered in my ear.

“The fewer the light and dark fairies are in number, the greater their abilities are. There are many earth, water, fire, and wind fairies, but Soleil and I are the only light and dark fairies. That’s why the abilities of several people are concentrated in one person. Probably to make it easier for them to survive.”

　I understood.
　So that was why Soleil and Rune could use strong magic.

“Well, well. Winged fairies are small, so they can only store a small amount of magical power. They can’t use magic many times either. For 『Vivid Light Strike』, I can only cast it one or two more.”
“Understood. Then, can I have one more shot, please?”
“If that’s what Alchemist-sama wants, Soleil will do her best.”

　Soleil clenched her fists.

“For the alchemist-sama’s experiment, I will pour all of Soleil’s remaining magical power into 『Vivid Light Strike』!”
“That’s the spirit. Soleil.”
“I’ll do my best, Ane-sama!”

　Soleil and Rune put their arms around each other’s shoulders and stared at me.
　It’s good that you are motivated, but try not to overdo it.

“The Chancellor and the General will be using 『UV Cut Parasol』 to receive this 『Vivid Light Strike』; is that okay?”

　I looked at the Chancellor, Kelve, and General Raizenga.

“There’s no need to worry, Thor-sama.”

　Chancellor Kelve-san nodded confidently.

“I’m a demon myself, so I have confidence in my magic. Even if the 『UV Cut Parasol』 doesn’t work, I can withstand it with a barrier.”
“Of course. Thor-sama’s items should work just fine. There’s nothing to be worried about!”

　General Raizenga laughed loudly with a hearty ‘Gahaha.’

　Both of them were full of confidence.
　Both the Chancellor and the General were close aides to the Demon King Luquier.
    They had been on the front lines during the『Demon Beast Gargarossa Subjugation Battle』, so they must have been pretty strong after all.
　Worrying about it myself might have been unnecessary.

　But still, there was something that was on my mind──

“Just to be safe, could you use this?”

　I took out another 『UV Cut Parasol』 from the ultra-compact simple warehouse.
　I handed it over to General Raizenga as it was.

“Thor-dono, what is this?”
“『UV Cut Parasol』 No. 2.”
“Number 2?! Have you created two items that prevent the light magic?!”
“Just to be sure, though.”

　I said.

“Hold this so that it overlaps with Parasol No. 1. 『UV Cut Parasol』  No. 1 will cut 90% of the light magic, and then Parasol No. 2 will cut 90% of the remaining 10%. In other words, Parasol No. 1 and Parasol No. 2 should cut 99% of the power of light magic between them.”

　I was intrigued by the words 『90 percent UV protection』 in the catalogue.
　A 90 percent cut meant that the remaining 10 percent would go through.
　That was not enough countermeasure against magic.

　That was why I created the second 『UV Cut Parasol』 to block 90 percent of the remaining 10 percent.
　By positioning the fabrics of No. 1 and No. 2 to overlap, it should be possible to cut 99 percent of light magic attacks.

　──And so I explained to Luquier and the others.

“I see. You thought about it. Thor”

　Luquier nodded in admiration.

“But this method requires both hands to be occupied. You can’t swing your sword or hold a shield while blocking light magic. I wish there was a smarter way to do this…”

　I shook my head.

“Actually, I wanted to make it possible to attach multiple layers of fabric to one parasol. However, the structure would have become too complicated, so I wasn’t able to complete it in time for today’s experiment. It’s a shame.”
“No, that’s enough for now.”

　Saying that, Luquier—after stretching up a bit—tapped my shoulder.

“The first parasol reduces 90 percent of the power, and the second parasol further attenuates 90 percent of that remaining 10 percent. You can prevent 99% of damage──in other words, it reduces the attack power to 1%. I think it’s a rational method.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I also appreciate your inquisitiveness. If you have noticed anything else, don’t hesitate to tell us.”
“Yes. This is 『UV Cut Parasol』  No. 3.”

　I took out my third parasol.

“By overlapping the three parasols, 90 percent of the 1 percent that came through the second one is attenuated… In other words, the three of them combined can attenuate light magic attacks by 99.9 percent──”
“Isn’t that a bit too thorough?!”
“Well, we can’t have anyone get injured during an experiment.”

　If I was going to be the guinea pig, even one parasol would have been fine.
　But if someone else was holding the parasol, I definitely couldn’t let them get hurt.
　As His Majesty the Demon King’s alchemist, that was absolutely unacceptable.

“I have a responsibility as an alchemist. If I ask others to perform experiments, I will take every possible safety measure to ensure that they don’t get hurt. Isn’t that obvious?”
“… Thor-dono. You’ve thought about us that much.”
“…This Kelve, uncharacteristically, almost felt moved… Grrr.”
“Therefore, Your Excellency the General and Your Excellency the Chancellor, please hold the three parasols so that the fabric overlaps.”

　I handed them both a third parasol.

“Soleil, please aim at the overlapping part of the parasols and cast your spell. Also… the one who can use the magical barrier is Chancellor Kelve. In that case, it would be best to keep one hand free. I think it would probably be best for General Raizenga to hold two and for Kelve-san to hold one.”
“Well, I understand. Thor-dono.”
“Let’s finish the experiment before the fourth one comes out.”

　Once the Prime  Minister and General were satisfied, the experiment began.
　The Chancellor and the General both held up one and two 『UV Cut Parasols』 , facing the tree where Soleil was.
　The three parasols somehow overlapped, forming a triple defensive wall.

“…Then I will cast a spell.”

　Soleil raised her arms and started chanting.

“To live up to the trust placed in us by the alchemist-sama! O great light… deliver a powerful blow to those who obstruct your path──”

　A sphere of light appeared at her fingertips—wait? It was bigger than the last one.
　The first one she fired was about the size of a human fist, but this one was about the size of a human head.

“Soleil has unleashed all of her magical power. To be of use to the Alchemist-sama!”

　Rune cried out next to me.
　In other words, it seemed Soleil was trying too hard.

　As if reacting to the magical power of the light, the surfaces of the three 『UV Cut Parasols』 began to tremble.
　But Soleil’s magic was activated.
　It seemed that even a 『UV Cut Parasol』 couldn’t cancel an offensive spell of this level.

　Chancellor Kelve and General Raizenga were holding their parasols with nervous looks on their faces.
　Luquier, who was staring at it, also had a serious expression on her face.
　Both Mabel and Agnis were watching the results of the experiment.

“I’ll fire! 『Vivid Light Strike』!”

　And then──magic was fired from Soleil’s fingertips.
　The bullet of light flew straight towards the General and the Chancellor.
　Just like that, it crashed into the fabric of the 『UV Cut Parasol』──

　Splosh!

　It was simply crushed into pieces like raindrops.

“””……Eh”””

　The light bullet bounced off the parasol fabric, scattering, and disappearing.

　The light that passed through the parasol was really tiny, like a pea.
　It came into contact with 『UV Cut Parasol』 No. 2 and shattered again.

　By the time it passed No. 2, it was the size of a grain of sand.
　It hit No. 3 again──and the light that passed through it was no longer visible.

“……Hey, just to be sure. Anti-Magic Barrier”

　Chancellor Kelve-san deployed an anti-magic barrier behind the parasol.
　However, the barrier didn’t seem to react to the offensive magic.
　This probably cut out 99.9% of the 『Vivid Light Strike』…

“Are you both okay? Are you feeling unwell? Is anything hurting?”

　When I called out to them, the Chancellor and the General looked at each other.

“…It’s not that it’s not okay; rather, it’s just that I was simply holding the parasol.”
“…There was absolutely no problem.”

“Did you feel the light magic hit you? Also, how was your magical power consumed from using the parasol?”

“I barely felt any magic hitting me. I didn’t feel like it was consuming any magical power either…”
“I did pour some magical power into the parasol, but this is the level that would be consumed if you were to live a normal life. There’s no problem with holding it on for a long time. It’s nothing compared to putting up a barrier.”

　The two of them were shaking their heads.

“More importantly, did the attack magic really hit him…”
“I didn’t feel any shock at all. What an incredible defensive ability…”

　If there was no problem, that was good.
　There was nothing abnormal on the surface of the parasol.
　The parts that the magic had hit were still intact. There was no burned, scorched, or chipped area.
　There was no problem even after I checked with my skill, 『Appraisal Grasp』.
　It seemed fine to continue using it like this.

“Rune. How is Soleil feeling?”
“She seems a little tired, but she’s okay.”
“…okay.”

　Soleil was sitting on a tree branch, with Rune supporting her.
　It seemed she used too much magical power.

　I think it would be best for her to rest at the mansion today.

“Agnis-san, is the space for the winged fairies in the hall still intact?”

　I asked.

“It would be difficult to return to the forest now, so I want to let Soleil and the others rest here today.”
“No problem. I’ll leave it as it is.”
“Also… Mabel. Sorry, but could you please lend me your 『Foot Bath』? Soleil has just used magic, so I think it would be best for her to get in shape with a bath.”
“Of course. Thor-sama made it, so please feel free to use it as you wish.”
“Thank you. Also… how about Rune-san if you don’t mind?”

　When I asked, Rune replied happily,

“That is a very welcome suggestion. I am grateful. Alchemist-sama.”

　She bowed deeply to me.
    Then, I turned to Luquier.

“These are the capabilities of the 『UV Cut Parasol』 I created, Your Majesty.”

　──I kneeled on the ground and reported as an alchemist.

　On either side of me, Mabel and Agnis did the same.
　Soleil and Lune were kneeling on my shoulders. Very skilful.

“Originally, I intended to reduce the magic power by 99.9 percent with just one parasol, but with my current skills, that wasn’t possible. As a result, I had to have the General and Chancellor each hold three parasols. I apologise for my incompetence.”
“…………”
“I plan to continue researching and improving so that I can consolidate the fabric of three parasols into one. Until the improved version is ready, please use this 『UV Cut Parasol』.”
“…………”
“Also, I would be happy if you could give praise to Soleil, the winged fairy who cooperated with the experiment. Even though she has only just recovered, she still cooperated with the experiment. I think it is a testament to her loyalty to His Majesty the Demon King.”
“…………”
“…Umm, Your Majesty the Demon King?”
“…Thor.”
“Yes.”
“…I told you earlier. Ever since I was a child, I had heard about the ultimate light-attribute magic, 『Ultimate Vivid Light』, which destroyed the barrier of the ancient Demon King.”

　Luquier looked up at the sky, as if looking into the distance.

“Therefore, I was afraid of light offensive magic—no, I was not good at it.”
“Yes. Your Majesty.”
“You erased that feeling of inferiority in an instant. Even if it doesn’t compare to 『Ultimate Vivid Light』, 『Vivid Light Strike』 is a powerful offensive magic, right? To block it with just a parasol… you’re really… really amazing.”
“No, it’s three. Your Majesty.”
“That’s not the issue, is it?”
“Really?”
“…I wonder what that feeling of dislike I had was all about.”

　Luquier laughed.
　 I couldn’t see her expression because of the curtain, but I somehow understood it.

“Very well! We will adopt the 『UV Cut Parasol』 you created in the Demon King’s territory! We will use it to counter light magic. As for how it can be used… well, let’s start by giving it to the soldiers patrolling the border area.”
“No, that would be dangerous, Your Majesty.”

　Suddenly, Chancellor Kelve-san spoke.

“The 『UV Cut Parasol』  is too powerful. If it were stolen and the technology were to leak to the Empire, it would be disastrous. Especially now, with the Empire making strange moves. It would be best not to take this item outside of the Demon King’s territory but to use it within the country.”
“In that case, there’s no point in having 『UV Cut Parasol』. Most people who use light-attribute magic are outside of the Demon King’s territory.”
“If you are going to use it outside the country, you need to find a way to prevent it from being stolen.”

　Saying that, Chancellor Kelve-san looked at me.

“Do you understand what I’m saying, Thor?”
“Yes. Your Excellency, the Chancellor.”
“Thor-dono’s items are amazing. They have an unbelievable level of capability… though it’s hard to believe. The term『UV Cut』 doesn’t even appear in the legends of previous Chancellors.”

　After Chancellor Kelve-san scratched his forehead,

“It is precisely because it is such an unlikely item that it must be used with the utmost care. For soldiers to use it, there must be some way to prevent it from being stolen…”
“I understand. That’s why I made a 『Chain Lock』 to prevent theft.”

　I took out a black chain from the ultra-compact, simple warehouse.
　It was several meters long and had locking mechanisms on both ends.
　The surface was wrapped in a tube-shaped 『Earth Magic Woven Fabric』.

　I secretly made it before the party.
　After hearing about 『Key and Lock』 from Chancellor Kelve, I read 『Mail Order Catalogue』 and couldn’t resist. Sorry for keeping quiet, Mabel.

“First, I’ll put the 『UV Cut Parasol』  into the ultra-compact, simple warehouse. Then I’ll wrap the 『Earth Lock Chain』 around it──”
“Huh? What? Huh, whhhhhh?”
“Finally, I pour magic into the locking part…”

　With a click, the two ends of the chain connected.
　The reason it wouldn’t move even if you pulled it was because there was a sturdy locking mechanism inside.

　After that, I placed an ultra-compact, simple warehouse wrapped around it with chains in front of the Chancellor.
　The door to the ultra-compact simple warehouse was completely blocked off with a chain.
　You couldn’t open it, and you couldn’t take out what was inside.

“Since Your Excellency the Chancellor said that I needed to come up with a way to prevent the 『Ultra Compact Simple Warehouse』 from being stolen, I came up with a countermeasure. What do you think?”
“Ha, haa…”
“Your Excellency always gives me hints for new items. Your words this time about 『creating ways to prevent items from being stolen』 gave me a new idea. After researching based on that, I came up with this 『Chain Lock』.”
“Oh, from what I said? Th… That’s not possible…”
“Yes. Thank you very much. Your Excellency the Chancellor.”

　I bowed to Chancellor Kelve-san.

“Look at this ultra-compact, simple warehouse. The door is completely sealed. This way, there’s no need to worry about anyone stealing the items inside. You can also attach this chain lock to a parasol.”
“B-But… there’s a risk that the item itself will be stolen!”

　Chancellor Kelve-san exclaimed.

“No matter how unusable it is, it’s no good if the items themselves are stolen. Since makeshift warehouses and parasols are valuable, we need security to prevent them from being stolen!”
“Okay. Then, activate the chain lock, 『Land Lock』 mode.”

　I touched 『Chain Lock』 and made a declaration.
　With a whoosh, a locking chain appeared.
　It stretched towards the ground…

　Clunk.

　With the sound of something clicking, the movement stopped.

“Your Excellency, could you please try lifting the ultra-compact, simple warehouse in front of you?”
“Eh? Ah, yes.”

　Chancellor Kelve-san bent down and put his hand on the ultra-compact, simple warehouse.

“Look closely, Thor-dono. A simple warehouse this light could be carried away so easily──”

　The ultra-compact, simple warehouse was wrapped around with chains.
　Spare chains extended from all four sides and were buried in the ground.
　It looked like it would be easy to lift…

“──It’s not moving!? Such a small box!?”

　Chancellor Kelve-san’s eyes widened.
　He was stiff with his waist bent.
　The ultra-compact simple warehouse didn’t move at all either, as if it were fixed to the ground.

“Grrr!? It’s not even moving. How could this happen?”
“No, no, Kelve-dono. No matter how you look at it, this is an exaggeration. Such a small box like this──oh my goodness!?”

　General Raizenga also tried to lift the ultra-compact, simple warehouse, but with the same result.
　Even with the combined efforts of the General and the Chancellor, the ultra-compact, simple warehouse was immobile.
　This was because it was secured to the ground by the 『Chain Lock』 I made.

    The chain lock featured in the 『Mail Order Catalogue』 was meant to connect items that you didn’t want to be stolen with the world itself.
　So it was written 『Earth Lock』 for easy understanding.

　But what I had made didn’t come close to that.
　All I did was strengthen the earth attribute and magically connect it to the ground.

　The chain buried in the ground is magically connected to the deep and solid layers of the earth. Due to its strong earth attribute, it is anchored in place. Unless you have enough power to lift and move the entire ground, anything secured by this 『Chain Lock』 cannot be moved.
　That is the security system of the Hero’s World.

　Heroes are people with extraordinary skills, after all.
　Security in the world of heroes probably has no meaning unless it’s done this much.

“With this chain lock, I think you can carry your items safely.”

　I told the Chancellor and the General.

“Whether it’s a parasol or a simple warehouse, anything secured by this chain cannot be moved unless it’s broken. And if it is broken, the opponent will not be able to use the item. They probably won’t be able to analyse it either.”

　In the first place, if there was no 『Mail Order Catalogue』 in this other world, I wouldn’t know how to use it.
　On the other hand, as long as I have the materials, I can make the same thing as many times as needed.
    I don’t like the idea of it being destroyed, but… it can’t be helped for the sake of security..

“The locking mechanism is on one end. When you pour magical power into it, the ends of the chain connect, and when the person who locked it pours magical power into it, it can be unlocked. The ones from the other world were the type that required matching numbers, but I decided to use magical power since it was easier to make. When I made the body pillow, I was able to confirm that magical power contained personal information.”
“…………Oh, yes”
“…I can’t lift it. Seriously… I can’t lift it.”
“As a theft prevention measure, if you fail to unlock it four times, it becomes completely impossible to open. In that case, it seems I act as a master key. When I channel my magic—see, it’s unlocked.”

　After that, I looked at Luquier.
　I kneeled on the ground in front of her again.

“This 『Land Lock Chain can also be used to prevent theft, and it can also be used to prevent items like 『UV Cut Parasol』  from being stolen or lost. I hope everyone will use it.
“…Thor.”
“Yes. Your Majesty.”
“First of all, can you tell me everything about this item?”

　Luquier slightly shifted her 『Recognition Inhibition』 mask and glared at me with wide eyes.
　She looked angry──but with an amused expression──

“I would like to know when this item was created, what its capabilities are, and any issues or problems with its use. Also… I would like to know whether or not I should be keeping an eye on you.”

　──That was what the Demon King Luquier said to me.