Kays Translations

Chapter 137: Creating Items for Safe Community Living

After leaving Noza Town, I rejoined Mabel and the others in the border forest.

I immediately reported the contents of our meeting with Princess Sophia to General Raisenga.

I had brought a Voice Recorder, but the general said a verbal report would suffice.

“A plan to expand the Trading Post? An exciting prospect. I shall send a letter to Her Majesty the Demon Lord immediately.”

The general listened to the story with a cheerful smile.

I understood how he felt.

Expanding the Trading Post would bring many benefits.

If interactions increase, demons and demi-humans will be able to travel more easily into human territory.

And if humans begin visiting the Demon Lord’s Domain, we could even turn the border area into a tourist spot.

With the newly discovered silver vein, we might also be able to buy lots of products from the Empire.

“However… we’ll need personnel for security. The question is, how do we come up with them?”

“You’re currently developing the mine as well, aren’t you, General?”

“Yes. I’ve asked the soldiers to help with the work and protect the laborers. I can’t afford to reduce the personnel there.”

I see.

In that case, I’ll probably need to ask Rukie to arrange the personnel.

“The future of the Trading Post will ultimately depend on Her Majesty’s judgment.”

General Raisenga continued,

“Until we receive her reply, would you remain in my territory, Thor-sama? Depending on the decision, you may need to return to Noza Town immediately.”

“Understood. I’ll be working from home.”

I bowed to General Raisenga.

I also told him about the Traffic Cones, Cone Bars, and Jump-Out Kids.

But I made sure to explain that I only had fragmentary information and wasn’t sure whether I could actually make them.

It would be dangerous to base the expansion plan on items I might not be able to reproduce. First, I needed to confirm that they could actually be made.

“Understood. First, take it easy and rest. Well done, Thor!”

“Yes. Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

With that, Mabel and I returned to my house in Raisenga territory.

“It’s true that if we had Traffic Cones, Cone Bars, and Jump-Out Kids, we could reduce the number of guards at the Trading Post…”

“It’d be great if they were listed in the Mail-Order Catalog.”

We were in the workshop of my house in Raisenga territory.

There, Mabel and I were going through the Mail-Order Catalog.

If the Traffic Cones were listed in the catalog, we could use that as a reference for making them.

If not, we’d have to rely on imagination and intuition to make them.

That might be fun in its own way… but since these are items meant for use at the Trading Post, I want to make them as reliable as possible.

“Alright. Traffic Cones are listed.”

I opened the catalog and showed it to Mabel.

“But I don’t see Cone Bars or Jump-Out Kids. I thought they’d be on nearby pages, but…”

“Maybe they’re special items.”

Mabel tilted her head as she looked at For Safe Community Living.

“This For Safe Community Living flyer—wasn’t it written by local lords or neighborhood associations?”

“That seems likely.”

“In that case, maybe Cone Bars and Jump-Out Kids are regional secrets?”

“You mean they’re not used across the entire Heroes’ world?”

“Yes. It’s common for swordsmanship and magic styles to vary by region, after all.”

“…That’s true.”

In regions with many monsters, unique sword techniques and magic often emerge.

In the imperial capital, where large numbers of people gather, guards who can use many different techniques handle town security. Dangerous areas, or places with lots of people, require strong forces to maintain order.

If the Heroes’ world is the same, then it makes sense that different regions would use different tools.

For example, to simply guide pedestrian flow, you’d use Traffic Cones.

To strictly prohibit entry, you’d use Cone Bars.

And if people still try to get in, use Jump-Out Kids to physically stop them.

—Maybe that’s how it works.

“Thanks, Mabel. Let’s start by making the Traffic Cones.”

“Yes. I’ll help!”

“There’s even a picture in the catalog, so I think we can make them quickly.”

────────────

Traffic Cone (Compact / For Household Use)

Have you ever had a family member accidentally walk into your work area while you’re in the middle of a DIY project?

Or found someone parking in the space you’ve rented?

Use this Traffic Cone to clearly show the area is off-limits and prevent such incidents!

Our Traffic Cones are stable, durable, and long-lasting.

They clearly indicate no entry, keeping intruders at bay.

With our proprietary paint, they stand out even from a distance.

The bright red color will alert everyone in the area.

Available now as a 3-piece set at a special price. Don’t miss this opportunity!

────────────

“…What do you think DIY means?”

“…A type of magic in the Heroes’ world, perhaps?”

“The D must stand for Destroy.”

“Then the I might mean Inferno.”

“Destruction, flames… and for ‘Y’…”

“Perhaps Y means Yard—a fenced-off area.”

“That’s about the only related word used in spells or sword techniques.”

“So it could be an advanced version of the Hero’s large-scale fire spell, Flame Yard: Envelop My Garden in Flames?”

“Destroy Inferno Yard—the Garden of Hellish Flames… perhaps. Have you ever heard of such a spell?”

“No idea. But I’m sure it’s destructive.”

“In that case, it makes sense that you wouldn’t want anyone near it.”

We both nodded in agreement.

“So, about the parking lot—”

“Is this… a place to park vehicles from the Heroes’ world?”

“Does it mean there are people who steal the spots that heroes use? I can’t believe it.”

“Even in that world, there are land disputes, huh.”

“If this is an item to prevent that… then I guess the heroes want to avoid pointless conflicts.”

“If heroes fight each other, it would cause serious damage.”

“In that case, this ‘Traffic Cone’ is probably meant to intimidate enemies.”

As expected, it should be treated as a stationary, continuously active Security Buzzer.

It doesn’t have the power of a ‘Security Buzzer,’ but it lasts a long time and permanently prevents enemy intrusion. That’s the effect of this magic item.

It might not be able to stop a hero, but it serves as a warning.

‘If you step in any further, it’ll lead to an all-out conflict’—this item draws that final line.

Then maybe the ‘Cone Bar’ is an item that ‘enhances’ that effect.

If so… maybe they can be created together.

“All right. The concept is ready. Let’s make them.”

“Yes, Thor-sama!”

The shapes of the ‘Traffic Cone’ and the ‘Cone Bar’ are simple.

Structurally, just think of them as stationary ‘Security Buzzers.’

They should alert, intimidate, and scare off anyone approaching.

First, embed a ‘light magic stone’ to create a huge presence.

Then use the ‘earth magic stone’ and ‘earth attribute’ to increase strength.

The ‘earth attribute’ originally means ‘stability,’ ‘immovability,’ and ‘weightiness.’

Because the ground supports your feet and is something that doesn’t move.

If you add plenty of ‘earth attribute,’ the ‘Traffic Cone’ and ‘Cone Bar’ will become immovable as if their roots have grown into the ground. It should also give them a ‘heavy presence.’

I hope this will be enough to stop a cavalry charge.

It’s cool, right? ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars’ that stop heavily armored cavalry corps.

To stop cavalry, you need to deal with the horses somehow.

That’s right… Let’s give the ‘Cone Bar’ the ability to produce sound with the ‘wind magic stone’ to intimidate enemies. If it makes a loud noise like a ‘policeman,’ the horses will be startled and stop moving.

…Okay. This should work.

Use metal as the material and shape them properly.

“Creation Alchemy: Over-Alchemy!”

Clang.

Two ‘Traffic Cones’ and a ‘Cone Bar’ appeared on the workbench.

────────────

Traffic Cone and Cone Bar (Attributes: Light, Light; Wind, Wind; Earth, Earth, Earth) (Rarity: ★★★★★★★★★★★★)

When human hair or magical-beast fur is placed inside a Traffic Cone, it reacts to magical energy from the same species.

When a similar species approaches, it intimidates and repels them.

The ‘light magic stone’ creates a presence in the surroundings.

The ‘wind magic stone’ spreads the presence around.

The ‘earth magic stone’ adds weightiness to the presence and grants immovable stability.

Items designed to prevent demi-humans, demons, or humans from entering dangerous areas.

When it senses magic power, it generates the presence and aura of ‘something’ hostile.

With a ‘warning color’ that appeals to the instincts of living beings, it prevents people from approaching.

It has longer duration than a ‘Security Buzzer’ but less power.

They don’t work on gigantic magical beasts such as Magical Beast Gargarossa, but are strong enough to repel humans and ordinary-sized magical beasts.

Requires light, wind, and earth magic stones.

Replace once every three months.

Physical destruction resistance: ★★★ (Can’t be destroyed without weapons enhanced by magic)

Physical movement resistance: Once activated, it becomes highly stable and can’t be moved even if pulled by a horse.

Durability: One year.

────────────

“Let’s test it first. Watch carefully, Mabel.”

I pulled a single hair from myself and put it inside the ‘Traffic Cone.’

Then I infused it with magic power to activate it—

Whoooosh.

Cold air was created around it.

An invisible, razor-sharp pressure filled with murderous intent spread through the room.

And then—

‘—Vuuooooooooh!!!’

A huge sound erupted from the rapidly vibrating ‘Cone Bar.’

‘—DON’T COME ANY CLOSER! YOU’RE WITHIN MY RANGE!!’

A murderous presence seemed to loom behind the Traffic Cone.

“…This is… scary even knowing what it is.”

“…T-Thor-sama!”

Suddenly.

Mabel grabbed my shoulder and pulled me close, turning my back toward the ‘Traffic Cone.’

“S-Something terrifying is here! P-Please hide. I-I’ll protect you, Thor-sama…”

“C-Calm down, Mabel.”

“I-I understand. I know it’s the effect of the ‘Traffic Cone.’ But…”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. Calm down.”

I patted Mabel on the shoulder to reassure her.

Then I took out a switch like one from a ‘Security Buzzer’ and handed it to her.

“This is the Traffic Cone’s deactivation switch. Anyone carrying it won’t trigger the item, and its stabilization effect will disengage when the bearer approaches, allowing it to be moved.”

“Y-Yes.”

“Mabel, while holding this, try lifting the ‘Traffic Cone’ and take out my hair from inside.”

“Understood!”

Shaking, Mabel approached the ‘Traffic Cone.’

She lifted it up and took my hair out from inside.

Fiiiiiinnnnnn…….

The Traffic Cone and Cone Bar stopped trembling. Good.

“Yes. The Traffic Cone and Cone Bar test was a success.”

“…What an incredible item.”

“If we place human hair inside, these should help maintain security even after the Trading Post expands and reduce the number of guards required.”

“But, but, Thor-sama—”

“Yeah?”

“If we install this, won’t everyone be scared and stop coming to the trading post?”

“It would be better to just set them up in restricted areas, right? And then… like a ‘Beware of Fierce Dogs’ sign, we could put up a sign saying ‘Beware of Fierce Traffic Cone,’ so I think no one will come near.”

“So, it’s a warning that there’s something scary beyond this point?”

“That’s right. People will understand that places with the ‘Traffic Cone’ are dangerous, and places without it are safe.”

“Understood. That puts me at ease.”

“Alright!”

With that, the Traffic Cone and Cone Bar were complete.

Next came the Jump-Out Kid. Since it wasn’t listed in the Mail-Order Catalog, I would have to rely on intuition.

I understand its function.

Its purpose was simple: leap out and physically stop people or vehicles.

This is… something I’ll have to create through trial and error.

What a challenge. Creating an item from intuition alone would be extremely difficult.

Still, I had told Princess Sophia I would make it.

Yeah. I have no choice but to do it.

“Well then, I’ll continue researching a little longer. Mabel, you go rest first.”

“It’s already late, isn’t it? You should rest…”

“Just a little longer. I’ll rest once I have a lead on developing the ‘Jump-Out Kid.’”

“…Understood.”

Mabel smiled brightly,

“Then, please have some tea first. Staying hydrated is important.”

“Yeah, got it.”

“Come to the kitchen. I’ll prepare it right away.”

“Alright… huh?”

Um… Mabel.

Why had you placed the Traffic Cone and Cone Bar at the workshop entrance the moment I entered the kitchen?

And why were you putting my hair inside the Traffic Cone?

If you did that, I wouldn’t be able to reenter the workshop.

“Thor-sama, you worked hard today.”

Placing her hand over her chest on her maid outfit, Mabel stared intently at me.

“Since you have work tomorrow, you have to rest.”

“Just one more hour. Even 30 minutes is fine.”

“Geez, Thor-sama…”

“At least let me have one more turn. I’ll rest after one action.”

“’Turn’ is a mysterious unit from the Heroes’ world, isn’t it?”

“The prevailing interpretation is that one turn lasts until the completion of a single action.”

“… Thor-sama?”

Mabel put her hands on her hips and huffed.

Then, from the pocket of her maid outfit, she pulled out a piece of parchment,

“Actually, I received a strict order from Her Majesty the Demon Lord to make sure Thor-sama takes proper rest. I’ve also received several proposals on how to do that.”

“You and Rukie were planning something like that!?”

“Y-Yes. If Thor-sama absolutely won’t stop researching…”

“…If you won’t stop.”

“I, Mabel Refrain, should stand behind Thor-sama in a swimsuit… or underwear, and silently watch his research.”

“That’s quite an idea!?”

No, Mabel didn’t need to sacrifice herself to that extent.

Besides, if you did that, I wouldn’t be able to focus on my work.

Of course I wanted to see Mabel in a swimsuit or underwear.

Choosing between alchemy and that sight would be difficult, but there was no possibility of concentrating with Mabel standing behind me dressed like that.

…They really go all out. Both Rukie and Mabel.

“…Alright.”

I surrendered.

“I’ll end today’s work here. Let’s drink some tea and go to sleep.”

“Yes. The date will change soon anyway.”

“No wonder I’m sleepy… yawn.”

The moment I sat down, overwhelming drowsiness washed over me.

My body must have been tired.

As expected of Mabel. She really knows me well.

“…Also, as a method to get Thor-sama to sleep,”

Mabel whispered softly, but I barely heard her.

My consciousness was fading, and all I could do was nod.

“—I was allowed to sleep next to you in this form. Is that alright…?”

“…That’s fine.”

And so, feeling Mabel’s body warmth, I drifted off to sleep.

“Thor Canaan-sama. It’s Agnis!”

Two days after I created the Traffic Cones and Cone Bars, Agnis came to my house.

She seemed to be in a bit of a panic.

“Has the trading post deal been settled?”

“N-No. It’s related to that… but it’s about personnel.”

“Personnel?”

“Yes. My father was reconsidering the deployment of soldiers for the expansion of the trading post… but just then, a magical beast appeared near the mines!”

“No way!? A new type of magical beast!?”

“No. It’s a common species called a Cave Dark Bear.”

A bear that lives in caves, huh.

If I remember right, it has long claws and a high attack power.

On top of that, it’s fast and a troublesome magical beast.

“A Cave Dark Bear was discovered hiding in the mining area’s cave system, and it began attacking the soldiers working there.”

“So that means you need more personnel for countermeasures?”

“Exactly. The cave has multiple entrances and exits, and the inside is spacious and complexly connected… those beasts come and go as they please and attack the soldiers while they’re camping. So we absolutely have to increase the number of guards…”

“Which means you can’t spare personnel for the trading post.”

“…Yes.”

“I see. Alright then, Mabel.”

“Understood!”

Mabel and I stood up.

We returned to the workshop to prepare those things.

“Um, Thor Canaan-sama, Mabel…”

“What is it?” “Is something wrong, Agnis-sama?”

“That triangular thing and the sign shaped like a child… could they possibly be—”

“Let’s talk later. First, let’s test it out.”

Our voices matched in perfect unison.

For now, let’s explain it to General Raisenga.

If this works, we might be able to solve both the magical beast problem in the caves and the trading post issue.

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