Kays Translations

Chapter 200: The Morning of the Decisive Battle  

“So, what exactly are you planning? If I remember correctly, this thing is supposed to move faster by making it lighter, right?”

Eto asked Isamu, recalling what he had mentioned before.

“Yes. Not only does it reduce the weight of the body, but it also seems to lighten the weapons it holds, which helps maintain balance. It’s quite an incredible technology.”

Initially, Isamu thought the speed increase was simply due to reducing the weight of the golem’s body. However, after analyzing the magic circle and operating the golem, he realized something far more complex was at play.

When swinging a relatively heavy, long-handled weapon, lightening the object would typically increase the effect of centrifugal force. Yet, Isamu noticed that wasn’t the case here.

Additionally, reducing the weight would generally result in weaker attacks and greater recoil, but that wasn’t happening either. 

Although Isamu didn’t fully understand the mechanism, it became increasingly clear that the magic circle could somehow reduce internal weight without affecting external physical properties. This made it a truly extraordinary piece of magic.

It was pure “magic.” The heavy magic power consumption now made sense.

“I’m planning to modify two things, but the goal is the same: to extend the duration of the effect.”

“Hmm. Indeed, if you can maintain the enhanced performance for a longer time, it would be a significant improvement… But wouldn’t the magic stones run out of power?”

“I’m planning to solve that by combining multiple small magic stones. It’s an application of what we did with the activation circle in the ruins.”

“Oh, right! I hadn’t thought of that. We only used it for cases where we needed a lot of magic power at once, but it could still increase the overall magic supply.”

“Exactly. Plus, we know that drawing less magic power from a magic stone at a time makes it last longer. Using many small magic stones is actually more magic-efficient.”

In ancient times, magic stones were plentiful, and most magic tools lacked any concept of “energy efficiency.” They were akin to old American cars—if more power was needed, they would just use a bigger magic stone. 

For Isamu, who had the modern, eco-conscious mindset of a typical Japanese person, it was only natural to recognize this inefficiency.

“Because there are constraints regarding the space for embedding magic stones and the hassle of exchanging them, we can’t just go with anything.”

“Well, that’s true. Still, since the magic giant golem is quite large, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. So, what’s the second one?”

“The second point is that I’m thinking of making the strength of the effects variable. Right now, it’s just on or off, so it’s a bit excessive. Therefore, I’m considering allowing it to switch between several levels to avoid using unnecessary magical power.”

“I see. So, it’s somewhat similar to adjusting the heat of a magic stove?”

“Yes. I want to allow for a gentle effect that can enhance performance over a long period, while also enabling a stronger effect in critical situations.”

From the examination of the magic circle, it seems that the weight reduction effect has not yet reached its limit, so the intention is to allow for a choice between both efficiency and peak performance.

After hearing the explanation, Eto and Willem, along with Liliene and Julius as test pilots, began the overnight modification work for the overdrive mode.

“Personally, I feel that the third, seventh, and tenth levels are the most suitable.”

“I feel similarly, but I found the fifth level easier to handle than the seventh.”

Liliene and Julius, having emerged from the cockpit, expressed their opinions to each other.

“Hmm. It seems that the difference in sensation might depend on how accustomed you are to the original overdrive mode.”

Upon hearing this, Isamu crossed his arms.

To confirm how much weight reduction would improve performance and the ease of handling at that moment, they had the test pilots maneuver the device while dividing the effects into ten levels.

As a result, Liliene felt that the third, seventh, and tenth levels were well-balanced, while Julius answered with the third, fifth, and tenth.

By the way, the original effect corresponds to the seventh level.

“That might be true. Levels five and six aren’t bad either, but they feel a bit weak.”

“I see. Conversely, I felt that at level seven, the difference from ten isn’t very significant, so it feels a bit half-hearted.”

Liliene, accustomed to the effects of level seven, found it fitting, whereas Julius, not used to it, preferred a more distinct difference in effects.

“Let’s go with levels three and ten as common, and types five and seven. We could even go for ten levels, but that might take a bit longer to work on, and it could confuse the pilots.”

After listening to their impressions, Isamu thought for a moment and reached a conclusion.

Since they wouldn’t be mass-producing for the time being, this level of difference wouldn’t significantly impact work time.

It might make it harder for Isamu and the others to reuse the machines, but it’s a much better decision than confusing them and reducing performance in recent battles.

“Next, let’s talk about the effect duration. Currently, larger medium magic stones are being used, but how long do they last?”

With the strength value confirmed, Willem asked Liliene about the effect duration.

“The maximum is about thirty minutes. I understand there’s a difference in values for mana pass, and thirty minutes is my value. The average is probably around twenty minutes.”

“Whether you see that as long or short is a tricky question…”

Willem pondered upon hearing the answer.

While it’s too short for continuous activation, it’s certainly sufficient for critical moments.

“First, let’s optimize the amount of magic power drawn from the magic stone according to the consumption rate.”

“That sounds right. Just a hunch, but it seems like it first consumes a lot of magic power upon activation, then continues with a smaller amount, is that correct?”

While nodding at Isamu’s words, Willem shared his hypothesis about the magic circle.

“Yes, that’s correct! That’s amazing, Willem! When did you get so good at reading magic circles!?”

Isamu exclaimed with wide eyes at Willem’s surprising remark.

“Oh, it seems I was right. I can’t say I can read them, but I have a sense that their shapes are similar to that type of magic circle.”

Willem replied happily.

Originally, Willem had a method of categorizing and collecting a large number of magic circles based on their “appearance.” 

If he continues to work on magic circle development with Isamu for another ten years, it seems he could decipher them all. This thought brought a smile to Isamu’s face.

“So, what’s the estimated consumption?” 

Willem, now serious again, asked. 

“Approximately 1500 at startup, and then about 15 per second afterward. I believe this is theoretically the highest efficiency, so in practice, it’s likely consuming more based on the values of the mana pass.”

“At least 1500, huh? So you’re using a medium magic stone?” 

“That’s what I think.”

Magic stones have a maximum output of magic power that can be drawn at once, known as magic power output, and a total amount of magic power that can be drawn, referred to as total magic power, which is determined by the size of the stone.

A small magic stone has an output of about 500 and a total capacity of around 5000. In contrast, a medium magic stone has an output of 3000 and a total capacity of approximately 40000.

If a magic circle requires 1500 magic power at startup, using a small magic stone would not provide sufficient output, necessitating the use of a medium magic stone.

“What should we do? Should we switch entirely to small magic stones?” 

“No. This time, it would be better to keep the medium magic stone for startup and supply the continuous magical power from the small magic stones.” 

“Is it a matter of startup speed?” 

“Yes, exactly, Eto. Overdrive mode is typically used at crucial moments. It’s not ideal if it takes too long to charge…”

The mechanism that allows a small magic stone to produce a large burst of magic power, as Isamu and his team use in ruins, has one significant drawback.

It requires a bit of time to store the specified magic power in the magic power variable.

In ruins, waiting a few seconds posed no problem, but this was not the case for magic tools used in combat.

In a world where one second can determine victory or defeat, startup speed should not be compromised.

“Well, even so, using ten small magic stones for maintenance will extend the duration by about one and a half times, and twenty stones will triple it.” 

“Considering the size of the magic giant golem, twenty should be fine. Shall we go with that?” 

“Sounds good to me. Oh, if we use a weaker version of the effect, it could last even longer.” 

“That’s right. We have plenty of small magic stones, and we’ve brought the magic filling box as well.” 

“Alright. Then let’s get the template made right away. Willem and I will help with the mass production.” 

“Got it. I’ll whip it up quickly, so please wait a moment.” 

As Isamu cheerfully transitioned to work after deciding on the revision plan, the members of Avalushi, including Liliene, looked on in astonishment.

“…Hey, Julius, are Matsumoto and the others always like that?” 

“Yes, they seem to be having fun. Niisama always create magic tools as if he’s making toys.” 

Liliene, who had just finished a control test and was taking a break with Julius, called out to him, receiving a shining-eyed response. 

“No, it’s fun and all, but that’s not what I meant. I heard something about tripling the time and making magic circles quickly…” 

Liliene inquired, her expression suggesting that was not her point. 

Julius tilted his head slightly for a moment before nodding as if he understood. Then he smiled wryly. 

“Ah, I see. Liliene, you’ve never actually seen Isamu make magic tools, have you?” 

Although Liliene had met Isamu several times and had just fought alongside him moments ago, she usually acted separately from Isamu’s group.

While she had seen battles using old magic and magic tools, this was her first time witnessing them being made properly.

“Of course, at first, Eto and Willem were surprised, and our parents and sisters were amazed every day, but we got used to it.” 

Julius chuckled.

“Used to it… I see. So you’re used to it. Hehe, I was nervous thinking about tomorrow, but maybe I worried for nothing.” 

Hearing Julius’s words, Liliene’s expression softened slightly.

“I’ve come to understand what it means to have Matsumoto as an enemy. Hehe, the Zun people are out of luck. Conversely, we Avalushi were fortunate just to get by.” 

“Liliene! I’ve put together a rough assembly, so could you try it out and see if it feels right?” 

As Liliene gazed fondly at Isamu, who was happily making magic circles, he called out to her.

“Got it! Let’s try it out right away. Come on, Julius, let’s go!” 

“Yes!” 

Liliene replied with a smile, and for a while, she and Julius continued to conduct control tests on the magic giant golem.

As the sky began to lighten, all the planned repairs and modifications to the operating machines were completed.

“Well then, it’s finally the climax,” 

“Indeed. We’ve done everything we can, now all that’s left is to do our best.” 

“I apologize for dragging you into Avalushi’s blunder…” 

Before the deployment, Isamu murmured in front of the neatly lined-up magic giant golems, and Samuel and Liliene, who were looking beside him, also murmured.

“No, as I mentioned before, our countrymen were also complicit. It’s mutual. And…”

“And?” 

“Thanks to that, we were able to pilot the magic giant golem and discover several wonderful magic circles. We’re rather grateful for it.” 

“…Hearing that makes me feel a bit relieved.” 

Isamu responded with a smile, while Liliene, with her head bowed slightly, expressed her gratitude. 

“And above all, I’m so happy that Orihime made many friends!” 

“Meow~~” 

Orihime, who had been curled up sleepily with her chin resting on Isamu’s head, opened one eye and let out a small meow.

“Alright! Tiramisu!! We’re about to start moving, so please get that thing ready for us!!” 

“Understood!!” 

As Isamu called out with a serious expression, Tiramisu, who had been playing with her partner, the calico cat Kiki, responded energetically and rushed over.

Seeing that everyone had gathered, Tiramisu began to address them, slightly lowering her voice. 

“The battle against the Zun folks is finally starting. I hear there’s a huge one called the First Generation, but it’s bound to be just a puppet. It’s not a match for my magic giant golem, which Isamu improved! We’ll win quickly and make them drink hot water!” 

 “Oh!!”

“Today, stay safe!” 

 “Stay safe!”

“Meow!” 

In the early morning, deep in the forest, the voices of people and cats echoed quietly and were absorbed into the surroundings.

As everyone headed toward the control seats or checked their equipment, Orihime gathered all the cats for some sort of meeting.

In fact, last night, while Isamu and the others were working, the cats had also been gathering, but since everyone was busy with tasks, they welcomed the morning of the decisive battle without much concern.

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