Kays Translations

Chapter 180: Additional Development and Selection of Pilots

Since they left the town after midnight, by the time Isamu finished his discussions with Liliene and returned to Klaufendam, dawn was beginning to break.

After a few hours of sleep, Isamu explained the events of the previous night to Annemarie and Nicolette over breakfast.

“I see… So their real goal was our magic stones. I figured they wanted to weaken our territorial and border defenses, but it turns out they were just lowering the risks of moving within the country.” 

Nicolette remarked with a groan after hearing the story.

“Yes, despite being the enemy, I have to admit they played it well. With 300 magic giant golems at their disposal, as long as they get their hands on the magic stones, they can do pretty much whatever they want. As for Yadelude’s group, they probably didn’t leave any hard evidence, so it will be difficult to accuse them immediately.”

“True. But it was good that Isamu-san gave us a heads-up to isolate the larger magic stones in advance.” 

Annemarie added.

“Although it would have been better if it hadn’t been necessary, at least the worst was avoided.”

As Annemarie pointed out, most of the large and medium-sized magic stones hadn’t fallen into enemy hands, so there was some relief in that.

“If we can increase the number of magic giant golems, we’ll be in a more favorable position, given that we can manage their power sources.”

After all, Isamu and his team had magic tools for recharging magic power and could combine smaller magic stones to create larger amounts of magic power. Even though securing a large magic stone was significant, since they were in limited supply, having multiple methods to manage power sources would be a huge advantage when operating the magic power-hungry giant golems.

“But first, we need to learn how to operate the magic giant golems and infiltrate Kapolfi.”

“Yes. Once we’ve made some modifications to the walls to better defend against the giant golems and tested the magic tools we’ll likely need for deploying them in combat, we plan to head for Balshan.”

“Thanks. I never thought we’d be facing magic giant golems… By the way, how do you plan to choose the golem operators? Are you going to select from the exclusive guards?”

“We might end up picking from the exclusive guards, but I borrowed an interesting magic tool from Liliene. I plan to use that for the selection process.”

As he spoke, Isamu took out a magic tool and placed it on the table. It looked very similar to the “Divine Eye Orb” or the “Appraisal Magic Crystal” that Isamu and Orihime had used for skill assessments. A transparent crystal ball rested on a pedestal.

“The magic giant golems of Avalushi are controlled remotely. It seems that they connect the operator and the golem with invisible magic energy, which they call a ‘mana pass’.”

According to Liliene, the magic giant golems of Avalushi can be controlled by anyone with sufficient training, as long as they have even the slightest bit of magic power. The operator establishes a magic connection, the so-called mana pass, between the golem and the control device, allowing them to move the golem according to their will.

Isamu, considering the remote control theories from Earth, was particularly concerned about how much they had managed to reduce the time lag. He believed that there would inevitably be some delay between the moment the golem sees something and the information reaching the operator, as well as the time it takes for the operator’s commands to be relayed back to the golem.

However, if the mana pass is connected, there is no time lag.

Apparently, through the mana pass, something akin to the pilot’s soul is transferred to the magic giant golem, allowing them to control it as if they were operating it in real time.

There is also individual variability in the “strength” of this mana pass.

Even if a person has only a small amount of magic power, with training they can establish a sufficient mana pass to control the magic giant golem. However, those with high aptitude for piloting can establish a strong pass from the beginning without any training.

Moreover, such individuals can perceive information beyond normal human capabilities and execute movements that would otherwise be considered impossible.

When this fact became clear, Abel reportedly exclaimed, “It’s just like synchronization rates!” and was overjoyed.

Isamu had borrowed a magic tool from Liliene that could measure the strength of the mana pass. It had been excavated from ruins believed to be the remains of Avalushi’s first military facility.

“Given our limited time, I plan to use this tool to select and train those with high aptitude.” 

Isamu explained.

“That’s handy. But even if they have high aptitude, they still need to be capable of fighting, right?” Annemarie asked.

“Yes, since the golems don’t move on their own. The operator has to control them manually, so basic combat skills are necessary.” 

“Understood. We’ll conduct the aptitude tests on the knights and soldiers. Since it’s just a test using a magic tool, leave that to us, and you focus on strengthening the walls and working on the magic tools.” 

Annemarie said.

“Thank you. I’ll head to the workshop now.”

And so, despite the absence of the lord, the Klaudfelt family’s preparations for countering the magic giant golems began.

—

“So, what are you building?” 

Someone asked.

“I’m planning to make a new magic vehicle. Considering we’ll be using the magic giant golems in the future, I thought a larger vehicle would be useful.” 

“Oh? You mean something bigger than the current cargo vehicles?” 

“Yes. Although the magic giant golems can run quite fast, they consume an enormous amount of magic stones. It would be convenient to transport spare parts and even a cockpit for the golems.”

“That’s true. Since they’re so big, transporting everything at once would be helpful.”

Even though the Klaudfelt family had access to attribute-less magic stones and the means to recharge magic power, they didn’t have an unlimited supply. If they were going to operate multiple golems that consumed a tremendous amount of magic stones, it would be more efficient to have a carrier that could also transport cockpits and other necessary equipment.

Additionally, a larger magic vehicle wouldn’t be exclusively for the golems. A vehicle that could transport both people and goods in large quantities would be useful in many situations.

“This time, I’m thinking of a trailer—essentially a type of cart without its own power that gets towed.” 

Isamu said as he began sketching a rough design of the trailer-type magic vehicle on paper.

“Hmm, the concept is like a carriage. It feels like we’ve come full circle.” 

Eto said, stroking his chin as he listened to Isamu’s explanation.

“With this design, we can tow carts of various sizes.”

The towing vehicle would be based on the body of a lightweight magic vehicle, shortened in length and designed for two passengers. The cart itself would have a design similar to the cargo-type magic vehicles, resembling a covered wagon, and would be equipped with multiple magic tools using wind stones for weight reduction. This design would allow for the transportation of the magic giant golems.

“I’m relieved the magic giant golems were lighter than I expected; I thought they’d be heavier.” 

Isamu said with a sigh of relief.

Despite the magic giant golem standing nearly four meters tall, its total weight was only around 700 to 800 kilograms, which was surprisingly light. For comparison, even a small car on Earth weighs around one ton, so to Isamu, who was familiar with that, the golem’s weight seemed remarkably light.

There were three main reasons for this. The first was the lightweight fuel. On Earth, batteries are often quite heavy, and if one were to power a humanoid weapon with electricity, it would become incredibly heavy. However, in this world, everything is powered by magic stones, which are astonishingly light.

The second reason was the lightweight power source. Engines and motors are usually heavy metal machines, but in this world, magic circles handle that role, significantly reducing weight. Additionally, there’s no need for cooling mechanisms to deal with heat, as would be the case on Earth.

The third reason was the use of high-quality lightweight materials. On Earth, there are strong, lightweight materials like alloys and carbon fiber. In this world, however, magic materials like those from monsters, magic metals like mithril, and the ability to enhance all kinds of materials with magic circles make it possible to create materials that are both strong and lightweight.

The magic giant golems utilized all three of these elements. In particular, the remotely operated Avalushi magic giant golems, which don’t require a cockpit or protection for the operator, are exceptionally lightweight.

Thanks to this, even with a magic vehicle that isn’t particularly powerful, it’s possible to transport the golems at speeds faster than a horse-drawn carriage.

“I’ve finished the design and tweaked the magic circles, so I think we can leave the magic carrier construction to the craftsmen.” 

“Indeed. They’ve been building magic vehicles every day for a while now, so this should be a piece of cake for them.” 

Eto replied.

Since Isamu developed the magic vehicles, many of the town’s craftsmen had been involved in their mass production, and as a result, their skills had improved significantly.

“So, we’ll focus on enhancing the walls for the golem defense.” 

Isamu’s plan for enhancing defenses against the magic giant golems consisted of three main strategies.

The first was very simple: digging a moat at the base of the walls. While a dry moat could work, considering the characteristics of the giant golems, the plan was to create a water-filled moat. According to Liliene, these golems were weak against lightning-based attacks. So, by having a water moat and keeping lightning magic orbs on standby, they could deliver a powerful shock to the golems in the event of an attack.

The second strategy was also fairly straightforward: incorporating anti-impact magic circles not just on the gates, but on the walls as well. Without a moat, the golems could easily leap over the walls, rendering this measure useless. However, with a moat in place, it would be difficult for them to jump over, and they might instead try to destroy the walls using their immense strength. By embedding anti-impact magic circles into the walls, the walls would become much harder to break. Additionally, since the circles wouldn’t need to be constantly active, the running cost would be minimal.

The third strategy involved installing an electric fence atop the walls. By applying the lightning magic from the orbs to wires strung along the top, they could create a simple yet effective defense. This would make it much harder for the magic giant golems to climb over the walls, even in a worst-case scenario where they attempted to do so, as they had during the previous attack.

Additionally, Isamu decided to mass-produce landmine-type magic tools, something he had hesitated to make before. Since leaving them permanently installed would pose a serious risk of accidental detonation, the plan was to deploy them inside the walls in times of emergency, without burying them in the ground. With the golems’ large feet, it would be almost impossible for them to avoid all the scattered mines, even if they were visible. Plus, these could be easily collected afterward, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

While Isamu and his team worked on creating these magic tools, the testing of potential pilots for the giant golems was progressing steadily. Incidentally, when they demonstrated how to use the magic tool to assess pilot aptitude in the forest, Isamu, Felix, and Mizeroi also took the test for fun. Isamu ended up having the highest aptitude. According to Lilliene, his score was impressive even compared to the pilots of Avalushi, placing him in the “upper-middle” category. Felix and Mizeroi were rated as “average.”

The results of the aptitude tests for the members of the Klaufeldt family revealed an unexpected top scorer.

“Huh? Me?” 

Julius, the eldest son of the Klaufeldt family, exclaimed in the manor’s parlor.

After the knights had been tested, the family members were also examined just in case, and Julius scored a surprisingly high number.

“Yes, you’re the only one who got a perfect 10 out of 10. Lilliene says it’s one of the highest scores, even compared to past Abarushi pilots. Isn’t that right, Isamu?” 

Annemarie asked.

“Yes,” Isamu confirmed. “Lilliene said that a perfect 10 is so rare, it only appears once in several decades. That’s amazing, Julius.”

“T-thank you, Isamu Niisan!” 

Julius beamed, his eyes narrowing with joy as Isamu playfully ruffled his hair.

The strength of the magic pathway is measured on a scale from 1 to 10. The average value is around 3, not 5 as one might expect. Even with a score of 1, it’s possible to operate a magic giant golem without issue, and many pilots have become highly skilled through training, regardless of their magic pathway strength. However, occasionally, a pilot with exceptionally high pathway strength emerges, and without exception, those individuals tend to stand out. That said, not all of those with high pathway strength become exceptional pilots.

“So, what will you do? Are you taking Julius along?” 

Nicolette asked.

“Yes, I plan to. Whether or not he participates in actual combat, I think it will be beneficial for him to undergo pilot training.” 

Isamu responded with a nod.

“I see… I never imagined Julius would become a magic giant golem pilot, especially before even experiencing his first battle. Life is full of surprises.” 

Nicolette said, smiling tenderly as she gently stroked Julius’s head.

“Your father will be shocked when he returns, won’t he? Experience is the best teacher, so do your best,” 

“Mother… I will! I’ll complete the training and come back ready!” 

Julius replied with determination.

“We’ll work hard together, Julius.” 

Isamu added.

“Yes! I’m counting on you, Niisan!” 

Julius said enthusiastically.

Thus, a new potential ace pilot was born.

Based on the aptitude test results, six individuals, including Isamu and Julius, were selected as pilot candidates. After Julius, the next highest score was Tiramisu, who scored an 8.

“I’ll blow off some steam by piloting the magic giant golem since I can’t drive the magic vehicles!” 

She declared confidently, only to be scolded by Commander Diluc.

The next highest score was 7, earned by Drexler, a veteran knight. Drexler, slightly younger than Mizeroi, rose through the ranks despite his farming background and now served as a squad leader.

Four individuals scored a 6, and two of them were chosen. Although Isamu also had a score of 6, he wasn’t included among those four. The first selected was Marcella, and the second was a young soldier named Elis, a spear-fighting expert whose skillset was well-suited for the magic giant golems, whose primary weapon was also a spear.

Immediately after, knights stationed in the Bisseling family’s capital city were tested, and two of them were added to the group, making a total of eight pilot candidates who would head to Balshan for training.

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