Chapter 137: Creating items for safe community life

After leaving the town of Nosa, I met up with Mabel and the others in the forest near the border.

I conveyed the contents of the meeting with Princess Sophia to General Reisenga right there on the spot.

I had a voice recorder with me, but the general said it was fine to just explain verbally.

“A plan to expand the trade post, huh? That’s an exciting prospect. I’ll send a letter to Her Majesty the Demon Lord right away.”

The general listened to the story with a cheerful smile.

I understood how he felt.

There are many benefits to expanding the trade post.

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 territory, 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.

“What happens with the trade post will ultimately depend on Her Majesty’s judgment.”

Said General Reisenga.

“Until we receive a reply, would you mind waiting in my territory, Thor? Depending on how things go, I may need you to head to the town of Nosa immediately.”

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

I bowed to General Reisenga.

Of course, 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 entire trade post expansion plan on the assumption that those items could be made. First, we need to confirm whether they’re even possible to produce.

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

“Yes. Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

And with that, Mabel and I headed to the house in Reisenga 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 trade post…”

“It’d be great if they were listed in the mail-order catalog.”

We were in my home in Reisenga territory — in the workshop.

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 trade 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 a Safe Community Life.

“This For a Safe Community Life 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 Hero 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 Hero 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 Hero World, perhaps?”

“The ‘D’ is definitely ‘Destroy,’ though.”

“So… ‘I’ might be ‘Inferno’?”

“Destruction, flames… and for ‘Y’…”

“Maybe ‘Yard’, as in 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’… maybe. But have you ever heard of a spell like that?”

“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 Hero 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, this should be considered a stationary, always-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 will 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 does not 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.

“Execute! ‘Creation Alchemy Over!’”

Clang.

Two ‘traffic cones’ and a ‘cone bar’ appeared on the workbench.

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‘Traffic Cone’ and ‘Cone Bar’ (Attributes: Light Light ・ Wind Wind ・ Earth Earth Earth) (Rarity: ★★★★★★★★★★★★)

By inserting human hair or magical beast fur inside the ‘traffic cone,’ it reacts to the magical power of 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.

An item 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.

It doesn’t work on gigantic magical beasts like the ‘Magical Beast Gargalossa,’ but it’s strong enough to repel humans and normally sized magical beasts.

Requires ‘light magic stone,’ ‘wind magic stone,’ and ‘earth magic stone.’

Replace once every three months.

Physical destruction resistance: ★★★ (Cannot be destroyed without weapons enhanced by magic)

Physical movement resistance: Once activated, it becomes highly stable and cannot 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.

Transparent… a tense, slightly sharp and murderous air.

And then—

‘—Vuuooooooooh!!!’

A huge sound erupted from the rapidly vibrating ‘cone bar.’

‘—DO NOT COME ANY CLOSER! YOU ARE WITHIN MY RANGE!!’

A murderous aura appeared floating 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 will 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 deactivation switch for the ‘traffic cone.’ Those who carry this won’t trigger the ‘traffic cone.’ Also, when someone holding it approaches, the ‘traffic cone’s’ stabilization ability turns off, and it can 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 trembling of the “Traffic Cone” and “Cone Bar” stopped. Alright.

“Yeah. The experiment with the ‘Traffic Cone’ and ‘Cone Bar’ was a success.”

“…What an incredible item.”

“If we put human hair into this, I think we can maintain security even if the trading post expands. We should be able to reduce the number of guards as well.”

“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 is the “Jump-out Kid”… but since it’s not listed in the mail-order catalog, I have no choice but to make it based on my intuition.

I understand its function.

“Jump out and physically stop people or vehicles” — that’s all.

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

What a pain. No, making it based on intuition is really tough.

Oh well. It’s a hassle, but I already told Princess Sophia I’d 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 did you put the “Traffic Cone” and “Cone Bar” at the entrance of the workroom the moment I entered the kitchen?

Why are you setting my hair?

If you do that, I won’t be able to enter the workroom…?

“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 one more turn. I’ll rest after one turn’s action.”

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

“According to theory, it’s interpreted as ‘until the end of an 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, you don’t have to put yourself on the line that much.

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

Because I definitely want to see Mabel in a swimsuit or underwear.

If I think about what’s more important, alchemy work or that… it’s a tough choice. But if Mabel is standing behind me like that, there’s no way I can work.

…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.”

Ah, no good. As soon as I sat in the chair, overwhelming sleepiness rushed 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 visit 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 one—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.

“In the cave within the mining area, it was discovered that a ‘Cave Dark Bear’ was hiding… and then, the soldiers working on the mine development were attacked.”

“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 Reisenga.

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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