Chapter 171: “Thor the Alchemist Travels Through the Demon Lord’s Territory (3)”

—Thor’s Perspective—

“Yeah. These small fish are really delicious.”

“Sera-sama found some fresh fish for us.”

Mabel puffed out her chest in her maid outfit.

The beastkin Sera-san was standing behind her, staring at us quietly.

Her hairstyle was a ponytail. Her previously messy hair was now neatly arranged.

It seems Mabel had used the “dryer” and “MAX Slky Smooth Premium Lotion” to tidy up Sera-san’s hair.

Even Guerun-san was surprised.

When beastkin are shocked, their tails puff up like that, huh?

“Thank you, Sera-san. It’s really delicious.”

What I was eating was a sandwich with fried small fish and vegetables.

The small fish were crispy, releasing flavor with every bite, and you could even eat the bones.

The sweet and savory sauce matched perfectly with both the fish and vegetables.

Apparently, it’s a specialty of the town of Ortia, and it’s genuinely tasty.

“This is great—I can eat it even while working. Thanks, Mabel, Sera-san, and you too, Lune.”

“I’ve prepared tea in a pot. Please let me know if you’d like a refill.”

“Lune will bring you a hand towel. Just call anytime.”

“Thanks. Well then, I’ll start the alchemy.”

“…Um, Alchemist-sama.”

Suddenly, Sera-san stepped in front of me.

Her gray tail swayed as she looked at me and said:

“If it’s possible… may I observe?”

“Yes, of course.”

“That easily!?”

Sera-san was visibly surprised.

“Aren’t there alchemy secrets… or special techniques?”

“Even if there are, I don’t mind. To me, it’s more important that people understand alchemy and magical items.”

“I-I see…?”

“And if you, Sera-san, understand how the ‘dehumidifier’ works, the townspeople will feel safer using it, right? So I’d be glad to have you watch.”

This time, I was going to make a “Dehumidifier” that creates a “Dehumidification Formation” using the power of the “Cloud Network.”

It would likely have a major effect, both in terms of function and its impact on the townspeople.

In that case, it’s better if Sera-san, the mayor’s daughter, sees how it’s made.

Then I’ll teach her how to use it afterward.

That way, the townspeople can use the “Dehumidifier” with peace of mind.

—And so, I explained all that to her.

“…Whoa.”

Sera-san’s eyes went perfectly round.

“Was my explanation hard to follow?”

“N-No, it was the opposite. It was so easy to understand that it shocked me.”

“Then, Sera-san, please watch while I create the ‘Dehumidifier.'”

“Y-Yes!”

Let’s begin the process.

On the workbench were the materials.

Some were from the “Ultra-Compact Storage Warehouse,” and others were provided by Mayor Guerln.

Metal chunks, magic stones, and wood—plenty to build a “Dehumidifier.”

“Mabel, first bring me the metal chunks.”

“Yes, Thor-sama.”

“The ‘Dehumidifier’ is shaped like a box. There are slits on the front and back for air to pass through… It takes in moist air from one side, removes the moisture inside, and releases dry air… something like that.”

“But how exactly does it remove moisture…?”

“The ‘Mail-Order Catalog’ had an image of a glass with condensation on it. It said something like ‘Damp condensation—it’s the worst, right?’”

“Condensation… Oh, right. In the Demon Lord’s Castle, metal doors also get water droplets when it’s cold.”

“Yeah. So if we take in air and turn all the moisture in it into condensation droplets and remove them, what’s left behind is dry air. That’s how we ‘dehumidify.'”

“I-I see.”

“Creating dry air directly with magic would consume more magical power. This method is more efficient. So we’ll need ‘Water Magic Stones’ and ‘Wind Magic Stones.'”

By combining the water and wind elements and magic stones, we can cool the inside of the ‘Dehumidifier.’

Also, we’ll install ‘Wind Magic Stones’ for air intake and exhaust.

Inside the ‘Dehumidifier,’ we’ll place many metal plates.

They’ll cool the air and extract moisture. I’ll also add an ice-magic-like effect.

The collected water will accumulate at the bottom of the ‘Dehumidifier.’

I’ll make sure it can store a lot—just in case.

As for the “Cloud Network,” I can use the same method as when we made the “territory” with traffic cones.

Each ‘Dehumidifier’ will have a Divine Beast statue and the Five Elements attributes attached.

This should form a “Dehumidification Barrier” or a “Dehumidification Zone.”

First, I’ll use the wood to create statues of Seiryu (Azure Dragon), Suzaku (Vermilion Bird), Byakko (White Tiger), Genbu (Black Tortoise), and Qilin.

I’ll attach them to the top of each ‘Dehumidifier’ and add the Five Element attributes.

Make it so that when someone touches the eyes of the ‘Divine Beast,’ the ‘Dehumidifier’ activates.

As for output settings, I’ll imitate the mail-order catalog and make four levels: “Moist,” “Weak,” “Strong,” and “Moisture Annihilation.”

“Okay then, activate: Creative Alchemy!”

I activated the skill.

In front of me appeared five metal boxes. On top were statues of Divine Beasts.

These were the “Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifiers” from the Hero’s World.

────────────────

Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifier
(Attributes: Wind Wind Wind, Water Water, Darkness Darkness)
(Rarity: ★★★★★★☆)

An ultra-high-performance dehumidifier that removes moisture across a wide area.

• Uses “Wind Magic Stones” and wind attributes to intake and expel air.
  
• Uses “Wind” and “Water Magic Stones” to remove moisture from the air.
  
• “Darkness Attribute” creates a simple internal storage space, increasing the capacity of the water tank.
  

Because of the added “Five Element Attributes,” the “Cloud Network Effect” can be utilized.

By placing five ‘Dehumidifiers’ in the cardinal directions (east, west, south, north), a “Dehumidification Formation” is created.

While in this formation, the ‘Dehumidifiers’ link their magic power to output higher performance. They also consume less magic by drawing on local magic energy.

They can monitor the moisture level within the area and maintain optimal humidity.

Requires “Wind” and “Water” Magic Stones. Replace once a year.
Physical Damage Resistance: ★★★★ (Wind magic is absorbed or nullified)
Durability: Unknown (Durability is extended thanks to stabilized magical power via Cloud Network)

────────────────

“So, that’s alchemy. What do you think, Sera-san?”

“I-I understand that it’s amazing!”

“Exactly. Items from the Hero’s World are incredible.”

“…Ah, um… well…”

“But to me, the people of the Demon Lord’s territory are even more amazing. After all, you’re the descendants of those who stood up to heroes wielding this kind of technology.”

“…Alchemist-sama…”

“Now, let me explain how to use the ‘Dehumidifier.’ Mabel, you listen too. If anything’s unclear, just ask.”

“Yes, Thor-sama.”

“I-I’ll do my best!”

After that, I taught Sera-san and Mabel how to use the “dehumidifier.”

Sera-san listened while taking notes on parchment.

Mabel asked precise questions whenever something was unclear.

Even the winged fairy, Lune, came by to give her thoughts on the “dehumidifier.”

In this way, we continued to discuss how to use the item and how to arrange it—

And decided to run an operational test tomorrow.

“Well then, let’s begin the experiment of the ‘Cloud Dehumidifier.'”

The next morning. We had come to the drying area in the backyard of the village chief’s mansion.

All around us, lots of laundry was swaying in the breeze.

Present were me, Mabel, and Erte-san.

Village chief Guerun-san and Sera-san were also with us.

It was another hot day.

Perhaps because of that, the air was still damp and humid. Perfect for the experiment.

“Just to confirm, Sera-san, this laundry hasn’t dried yet, right?”

I asked Sera-san.

She nodded vigorously.

“Y-Yes. I just hung them up, and it’s really humid.”

“Got it. Then, Guerun-san, please show me the map of the village… Okay, thank you. This is our current location, so the directions are… hmm.”

I aligned the dehumidifiers according to the cardinal directions.

Under the drying rack, I placed the Kirin dehumidifier.

Then, surrounding it, I placed the other four dehumidifiers… and done.

“This should be fine. Okay, Sera-san, please activate the dehumidifier.”

“You press the eye of the divine beast… right?”

“That’s right. Also, the strength changes depending on how many times you press it. There are four levels, and if you press it five times, it shuts off.”

“Which one is the strongest?”

“That would be ‘Moisture Annihilation.’ Press four times to activate it.”

“O-Okay. Since it’s an experiment, I’ll do it clearly so everyone can follow…”

Sera-san pressed the divine beast’s eye on the dehumidifier.

Click click click click—four times. That activated the “Moisture Annihilation” mode.

The divine beast’s eye lit up, and the dehumidifier powered on.

Pop! The mouths of the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and Kirin opened.

It’s a visual effect to show activation. When running, the dehumidifier makes noise, almost like the divine beasts are roaring. It’s cool, right?

Gradually, the output of the dehumidifier increased.

The five dehumidifiers, linked through the “Cloud Network,” inhaled and exhaled air.

As they reached full power—

Fwooooshhhhhhh!

“““…Whoa.”””

Rumble rumble rumble…

“““…Huh?”””

GROOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

“““…!?”””

It generated a massive swirl of air.

It wasn’t quite a storm, but you could clearly see the air spiraling.

The five dehumidifiers inhaled and exhaled air as if breathing. Their timing was perfectly synchronized.

It was like they had created a barrier of air.

And then, exposed to the wind generated by the dehumidifiers—

“F-Father!? The laundry is completely crisp and dry!!”

“W-What did you say!?”

Alright. Success.

As expected of a dehumidifier from the Hero’s World.

With this, the people of Ortia Village can live comfortably—

“F-Father! The fish we were sun-drying turned into dried fish!!”

“That’s absurd! We just caught them this morning!”

…Huh?

“F-Father! I’m getting thirsty. When I breathe, my mouth dries out…”

“C-Come to think of it, my mouth is bone dry too…”

………Wait a minute?

“F-Father! The grass on the ground is withering!”

“T-That can’t be! Grass doesn’t wither in this season!”

……………What?

I shut off the dehumidifier.

“…This is strange. It’s outputting more power than I calculated. When we linked the ‘traffic cones’, they didn’t get this strong… No, maybe it’s a difference in effects. The traffic cones were for intimidation, so they consumed a lot of magic. But the dehumidifiers only move air, so they use less magic—meaning when linked through the Cloud Network, they generate enough power to dry the ground and wither grass…”

“…Thor-sama.”

“…Alchemist-sama.”

Before I realized it, Mabel and Erte-san were staring at me.

I nodded and said—

“As expected of a dehumidifier from the Hero’s World.”

“Don’t just brush it off like that!”

Erte-san scolded me.

“This is way too powerful! The laundry is fine, but it dried out people’s throats and withered the plants within its range…!”

“Please wait, Erte-san.”

“What is it?”

“It’s all about how we look at it. This dehumidifier might be useful for land development.”

“Land development?”

“If we place it in a muddy area and remove the moisture, we can dry the ground nicely. It might be possible to turn muddy land into farmland. And if we use it together with a ‘Water Summoner,’ the effect could be even better.”

“I understand that.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“But… there are also military applications, aren’t there?”

“No no, that’s not possible. This is an item meant for removing humidity.”

“What if you combine it with the ‘traffic cones’?”

“With the ‘Intimidation Formation’ of the traffic cones?”

“Yes. What would happen if you used the dehumidifier near a formation that confuses the enemy’s sense of direction?”

“The traffic cones have an intimidation effect, so the enemy wouldn’t be able to eliminate the dehumidifier.”

“And their sense of direction would be disrupted, causing them to get lost, right?”

“That’s right. But that space would also be covered by a ‘Dehumidification Field,’ and the air would be completely dry, so…”

“Anyone who enters the field would have their body moisture drained… and eventually…”

“………”

“………”

It turned into a scary thought.

This is weird.

This item was only supposed to reduce humidity in the village, and now it’s something that traps enemies in a desiccated void?

“…I’ll change the settings on the dehumidifier. Let’s limit it to only ‘Moist’ and ‘Low’. ‘Strong’ mode will be for emergencies only.”

“…I think that’s a good idea.”

Erte-san let out a sigh.

Well, even at level 3, it should be more than enough for a comfortable life.

“Guerun-san, Sera-san.”

“Y-yes!”

“Y-yes, Alchemist.”

“For now, I’ll lower the output of the ‘dehumidifier’ a bit. If you need stronger dehumidifying power, please contact me. I’ll drop by and adjust it on my way back.”

“U-understood.”

“Yes, please do that, Alchemist.”

Guerun-san and Sera-san both nodded.

Then, in a different location, I had Sera-san activate the ‘dehumidifier’ once again.

The setting was “Moist.”

It’s a mode that retains a moderate level of humidity.

The effective range is the entire mayor’s mansion.

After one hour of the ‘dehumidifier’ being active, the reactions of the people in the mansion were—

“““…It’s so refreshing.”””

Everyone seemed comfortable.

“The humidity that clung to my tail until yesterday is completely gone now. It feels like we’ve come to a different town. How amazing…”

“M-me too. Somehow, even my mood feels different.”

Guerun-san and Sera-san sat back comfortably in their chairs.

To be honest, I didn’t really feel much change.

It just felt a bit cooler.

But Guerun-san and Sera-san’s tails and beast ears looked more relaxed.

Until yesterday, their fur had been frizzy or twisted.

Looks like the ‘dehumidifier’ is doing its job.

“Thank you so much, Alchemist-sama! With this, the town’s humidity problem might finally be solved!”

“Now the beastkin can live comfortably too!”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Can this ‘dehumidifier’ be used in larger areas as well?”

“It should be able to cover the areas where the beastkin live.”

The triangular cones using the ‘Five Elements’ covered the entire trading post.

The eastern area of this town is smaller than that.

With five ‘Cloud Dehumidifiers’, I think we can cover it just fine.

“But for now, I think it’s better to limit the usage area. If we activate it over a large area all at once, everyone will be shocked.”

“U-understood.”

“Basically, I think ‘Moist’ mode is fine. After it rains or during particularly humid times, switch it to ‘Low’. ‘High’ mode can be activated with a hidden command. I’ll leave a note, so please only share it with people you trust.”

“U-understood. I get it.”

While I sealed away ‘Humidity Annihilation Mode,’ I left ‘High’ mode available.

There might still be times when the humidity is overwhelming.

We need to be prepared just in case.

“I’ll drop by again on my way back, so when I do, please let me know your impressions after using it.”

“You’re right. For that, we’ll need to continue our journey.”

Suddenly, Erte-san muttered.

“I’d like us to depart tomorrow morning. Is that alright, Alchemist-sama?”

“Yes… that’s fine.”

I already taught them how to use the ‘dehumidifier’.

If anything happens, they can contact me, and I can stop by on the way back.

No problem.

“Understood. Then let’s depart in the morning.”

“Thank you. Now then, Guerun-san, I’ll prepare a report. Please send it to the Demon Lord’s Castle. We must report about the ‘dehumidifier’ as well. I’d also like you to add a few words.”

“Got it. But I don’t think we need to rush.”

“That’s because we’re also planning to visit the Dwarves’ village.”

Erte-san glanced at me and gave a wry smile.

“For this journey, I’ve been tasked with making sure the Alchemist-sama’s wishes are fulfilled as much as possible. It’s also my job to plan the itinerary.”

“If that’s the case, then I understand.”

“Father.”

Suddenly, Sera-san raised her voice.

“After everything the Alchemist has done for us, shouldn’t we send someone from the beastkin to guide them?”

“You’re right. It’s still quite a distance to the Elven village. A guide would also serve as a guard.”

“Yes! In that case, I will—”

“No. You’re still too young, Sera-san. A long journey is too much for you.”

“But… we owe the Alchemist…”

“Then we should repay that debt in another way. For a guide, we should ask ‘the Ancestor.’”

Guerun-san nodded.

Then, turning to me—

“Alchemist-sama, and you as well, Erte—I have a proposal. As both guide and guard, I’d like to send a wolf with you. What do you think?”

“A wolf? Is it someone the beastkin know?”

“Yes. It’s a very old wolf and gets along well with the beastkin. We call it ‘the Ancestor’ with respect.”

“It dislikes humidity, so it doesn’t come to town often. But if we call it, it will help.”

“I see…”

It’s a kind offer. We should probably accept.

It’s still a long way to the Elven village. Having a guide would be a big help.

“What do you think, Erte-san?”

“I have no objections. However, does the wolf understand our language?”

“It’s lived a long time, so yes—it understands.”

Guerun-san laughed.

“It’s very friendly. If it becomes unnecessary, just say so, and it will return. Think of it as a kind of good luck charm.”

“Understood. Then we’ll gratefully accept your kindness.”

I bowed my head to Guerun-san.

Mabel and Erte-san did the same.

And so, we continued our journey with the protection of a wolf.

The following morning.

We were set to leave town, but—

“Where is Sera-san?”

“She said she’s too embarrassed, so she’ll see us off from outside town.”

“Embarrassed?”

“She’s fine with family or other races, but being seen by townsfolk is embarrassing for her. It’s a beastkin trait.”

I don’t really understand, but if it’s instinct, it can’t be helped.

We’ve already told her our route, so we’ll probably meet up later.

“Thank you for everything.”

“No, that’s what we should be saying to you.”

“We’ll stop by again on our way back, so please prepare a report on the ‘dehumidifier’ by then.”

“Understood. I’ll also make sure to report your achievements to the Demon Lord’s Castle.”

“Well then, until next time.”

We waved goodbye to Guerun-san and then set off in the carriage.

It was a short stay, but I’m glad we came to the town of Ortia.

We got to hear the concerns of the beastkin, and we were also able to test the “Cloud Dehumidifier.”

“Travel really is great.”

“Yes. I’d like to do a trip like this about once a year.”

“I’ll always be happy to guide you. Of course, that’s only if Her Majesty and Uncle give their permission.”

The carriage moved along.

Once we pass through the wetlands, the next area will be the hilly region where the dwarves live.

I wonder if there’s anyone interested in alchemy or someone skilled in processing materials.

If we can get someone like that to help, we might be able to spread our technology more widely throughout the Demon Lord’s domain.

While I was thinking about that—

“Alchemist-sama, Sera-san is here.”

Perched on my shoulder, the winged fairy Lune spoke.

I looked out the carriage window.

There was no one in sight. But Lune was pointing down the road.

Standing there was a wolf with gray fur.

“Could that be Sera-san?”

“Woof.”

The reply was a cute, puppy-like sound.

It seems that when she takes beast form, she can’t speak human language.

“…Woof, woof.”

Sera, looking embarrassed, hid behind a tree growing in the swamp.

Her gray wolf form was beautiful.

Her fur wasn’t matted from the humidity. Just as Guerun-san had said—it was fluffy.

“There’s no need for her to hide, though…”

“Thor-sama.”

“What is it, Mabel?”

“I heard that when beastkin transform into wolves, they have to remove all their clothes.”

“…I see.”

It made sense.

I averted my eyes from the wolf-form Sera.

“…Woooo…”

Hidden behind the tree, Sera let out a sound like she was warming up, and then—

“AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—”

She howled up at the sky.

Her voice echoed across the wetlands—and before long, another wolf appeared down the road.

A wolf with golden fur.

Apparently, that’s the “ancestor” Guerun-san mentioned.

“Woof, woof. Woof.”

“Grrr.”

The golden “ancestor” approached the wolf-form Sera-san and exchanged words with her.

Then it came toward us and bowed its head.

“Grrr. Grr.”

“Um, are you offering to escort us?”

“Woof.”

“Understood. Then please take care of us until the next village.”

“Woof!”

And so, the golden wolf took the lead, walking ahead of the carriage.

Strangely, the horses weren’t afraid.

Maybe they could sense there was no hostility—or perhaps they were just used to this, being from the Demon Lord’s domain.

“Awooo—”

Looking back, I saw Sera-san in the swamp watching us.

Mabel, Lune, and I waved at her.

It was only the first town, but so much had happened.

We even got to test the “Cloud Network.” On the way back, we should stop by and hear the results.

And so, the carriage moved on.

Thanks to Ortia, I realized—there’s still so much I don’t know.

During this journey, I need to learn more and more.

To make the Demon Lord’s domain richer than the Empire—if possible, even richer than the Hero’s World.

Someday, I want to create a prosperity-focused magic item, using the “Cloud Network,” that covers the entire Demon Lord’s domain.

To do that, I first need to understand the domain better.

Rocking with the movement of the carriage, those were the thoughts running through my mind.

—A few days later, at the Demon Lord’s Castle—

“…On my birthday, I will remove my mask. On my birthday, I will take off the mask in front of everyone. That was my promise with Thor.”

In the throne room, Demon Lord Rukie murmured to herself.

Before Thor departed, they had made that promise at the tomb.

That on her birthday, Rukie would remove her mask and reveal her true identity in front of everyone.

But she was anxious.

Would the people accept Rukie, once she revealed her true identity—as a small girl?

Shouldn’t a Demon Lord rule with dignity and strength, commanding respect through power…?

“…I’ve already decided. Don’t waver. Do not waver… me.”

“Excuse me, Your Majesty.”

Suddenly, from beyond the door came the voice of Chancellor Kelve.

Remembering it was time for an audience, Demon Lord Rukie raised her head.

“Very well. Enter, Kelve.”

“P-pardon me… I come to deliver the regular report and a letter from the town of Ortia…”

“What’s with that stiff face?”

“Well, it’s about the contents of the letter from my niece Erte and Mayor Guerun…”

“Don’t tell me something happened to Thor!?”

“Thor-sama is acting as usual.”

“Then don’t startle me like that.”

“As usual, he has created an absolutely incredible magic item and solved Ortia’s humidity problem. As a result, all the beastkin, lizardmen, and merfolk living in the town have jointly sent a letter pledging their loyalty to Your Majesty.”

“…Hold on, hold on!”

“The letter says this: ‘We thank you for dispatching the Alchemist-sama to our town. Having witnessed the Demon Lord’s mercy and kindness, all of us in Ortia hereby renew our pledge of loyalty. Please accept the allegiance of everyone here, starting with Mayor Guerun. Dearest Demon Lord.’”

“I said hold on, didn’t I!? What in the world happened!?”

“There is also a proposal regarding land development using the ‘Cloud Network’ dehumidifiers. It requests that Your Majesty please review and provide feedba—”

“You’re reading like a robot! Why do your eyes look so empty!? Calm down! I’m not on the wall, so please just… Ah, Thor! What on earth have you done, and so early in your journey!?”

Demon Lord Rukie had the guards restrain Chancellor Kelve and calm him down—

She then listened to the details about Ortia’s humidity problem and the dehumidifier—

And proceeded to arrange for an emissary to go ask Thor for an explanation—

But what no one knew yet…

Was that this letter from Ortia would be the first of many “letters pledging loyalty to the Demon Lord” that Rukie would receive before her birthday.

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