Kays Translations

Chapter 90: “Challenging the Golem of the Hero World”

“According to the ‘Mail Order Catalog,’ it seems that in the Hero’s world, they have golems working inside rooms.”

“Golems? Inside rooms?”

“Is such a thing really possible in the Hero’s world…?”

When I said this, Princess Sophia and Agnis opened their eyes wide in surprise.

It’s no wonder they were shocked.

I was also surprised when I first saw this page in the ‘Mail Order Catalog.’

But, the ‘Mail Order Catalog’ clearly showed an image of a golem.

Moreover, the golem was crawling across the floor of a room.

It wasn’t humanoid, nor a beast, but an aberration.

Apparently, such things are quite normal in the Hero’s world.

“The golem’s purpose is probably to act as a guard while they sleep and to clean the room,” I explained.

“Guard and… cleaning?”

“Look here. This is an excerpt from the ‘Mail Order Catalog’ text.”

I handed Sophia and Agnis a parchment.

Written there was the following:

────────────

The latest model of ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner’ will keep your room clean and tidy!

Are you busy and often can’t find time to clean?

Does your room get cluttered quickly due to unexpected visitors?

Do you have such concerns?

Our latest model ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner’ will solve all your problems!

This ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner’ is equipped with special sensing features. It won’t miss even the smallest speck of dust.

It will spot even the tiniest speck of dust and track it down no matter where it goes!

Nothing can escape from the sensor of this ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner!’ (Personal opinion)

While you sleep, it will quietly clean up all the dirt!

The sensor detects humans and animals, so sudden visitors are no problem.

You don’t even need to turn it off, just leave it running!

It will never bump into anything! (Personal opinion)

Visitors to your room will be amazed by the ‘cleaning power’ of the ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner!’

Specific effects are as follows—

────────────

“After that, the ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner’ abilities were written.”

“What kind of abilities were they?”

“Abilities like finding and collecting small animal fur from deep within fluffy carpets.”

“Such amazing abilities!?”

“Abilities like tracking down and collecting tiny bits smaller than a rice grain that fall on the floor.”

“The golem can do that!?”

“Abilities like smoothly avoiding human feet and continuing to clean without interruption.”

“…Thor Canaan-sama.”

“…T-That golem, how powerful is it…?”

“In the ‘Mail Order Catalog,’ there was indeed an image of a golem moving between people’s feet.”

I recalled the page and said,

“That was probably a demonstration of ‘avoiding any low-level attacks and being able to crush the opponent’s feet.'”

“…………”

Both Princess Sophia and Agnis were speechless.

I understood how they felt.

Among the incredible items in the ‘Mail Order Catalog,’ this one was particularly amazing.

It could avoid any attack, and prevent the room from getting messy from sudden visitors’ attacks.

And on each page, it says ‘Personal opinion of the user.’

This likely means that this golem ‘chooses its user.’

Having such a powerful golem in your room would make it impossible to relax.

So, ‘the user’ must be someone with the courage and combat ability to live with the golem. They must also be someone with many enemies, to the point that they need to use a golem to defend their room.

That is the ‘personal opinion’ of the hero.

“I understand that this ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner’ is an incredible golem,” Princess Sophia muttered as she looked at the parchment.

“I also know the legend of the Hero. The story of the summoned hero, who saw the golem protecting the emperor at the time and shouted, ‘Wow, it’s just like a robot!’ That phrase is recorded.”

“That’s in ‘The Hero’s Descent, Chapter 14, Section 8: The Hero Tries All-Around Attacks,’ right?”

“As expected of Thor Canaan-sama. You know it.”

“It’s the record of the hero trying to control multiple small golems and attempt all-directional attacks. As an alchemist, I can’t overlook this.”

“But in the end, simultaneous attacks with golems failed. They eventually settled on the method of using ‘Dancing Swords’ to fly around.”

“I know that legend, too! The hero’s ‘moving swords’ were melted by my ancestor, the ‘Flame Giant Ifrit.'”

“That’s right. Agnis-sama’s ancestor stopped that hero.”

“I’ve always wondered why that hero came up with such an idea…”

I traced the ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner’ design with my finger.

“If a world like this exists, then using ‘Dancing Swords’ might just be normal. Numerous golems would maintain and manage the room, surrounding intruders and attacking. That was probably a common occurrence.”

“I understand.”

“I can really see it now.”

“Otherwise, there would be no need for a ‘human-sensing sensor,’ right?”

“True…”

“If you’re a hero, it should be easy to avoid your own golems.”

A sigh escaped from both Princess Sophia and Agnis.

We were once again reminded of the terrifying aspects of the Hero’s world.

Even heroes are vulnerable when they sleep.

That’s why they probably used a golem named ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner’ to protect themselves.

“Thor Canaan-sama, you believe that with this ‘robot vacuum cleaner,’ it can detect magical beasts, correct?”

“Yes. It seems to have a function that makes that possible.”

“That’s right. According to this description, the ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ is able to find the actual biscuit by tracking crumbs.”

“That’s correct. The same thing should be possible for magical beasts.”

I nodded.

“Magical beasts leave subtle traces, like magical power or fragments of skin, while moving. If the ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ can track biscuit crumbs, it should not miss the traces of magical beasts.”

“But… there doesn’t seem to be anything written about magical beasts here.”

Agnis muttered while looking at the parchment.

“However, this could be a weapon designed for humans, and just an item for cleaning. It’s hard to imagine it can track magical beasts…”

“Think back to the legends of the heroes, Agnis.”

I said.

“The otherworldly heroes would say things like, ‘Weak magical beasts! Do you think you can defeat us? Trash!’ when facing weak magical beasts, right?”

“They did say that!”

“They even said it about mid-level magical beasts, right? ‘Magical beasts are nothing compared to us heroes! They’re trash!'”

“Now that you mention it, they did use powerful magic and say, ‘Disappearing like dust!'”

“In other words, to heroes, magical beasts are like trash.”

Of course, high-level magical beasts might be a different story.

Even among heroes, some would show respect for strong magical beasts.

But in the ‘catalog,’ the term ‘trash’ should also include magical beasts.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be suitable for protection.

And this ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ has a ‘detection function’ for that purpose.

Furthermore, if we add a ‘magical power detector’ function, it should be able to detect and track the magical power of magical beasts.”

“…That’s amazing. Thor Canaan-sama. With this, we should be able to find new species of magical beasts.”

“…It will solve the problem in no time.”

“However… there is one problem.”

“Problem? What do you mean?”

“The ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ in the ‘catalog’ has a flat shape. It’s neither humanoid nor beast-like, it’s of an unusual form. With that, it wouldn’t be able to move through forests, grasslands, or areas with uneven terrain…”

This ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ is probably an indoor golem.

There should be outdoor golems as well, but I haven’t found any so far.

That means we’ll have to modify this one to use outdoors.

“How would an outdoor ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ look like?”

“I think it might float.”

“Float… you say?”

“My guess is that it would float just above the ground… a few centimeters off the surface, and move along with the hero. It would clean up the ground and serve as a protector.”

“If there are obstacles on the ground, it would hinder the hero’s technique.”

“That’s right. It would remove small stones, the remains of magical beasts, and other debris so that the hero can freely step on the ground and use their sword techniques and magic.”

“If it flies too high, it would interfere with sword techniques and block the hero’s view, right?”

“I think Agnis is right. It probably moves along the floor in the room so as not to interfere with the hero’s sight. It likely serves to make the inside and outside of the room the same environment.”

“I can understand that.”

“In the world of heroes, it seems that the ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ is always guarding them.”

“The term ‘vacuum cleaner’ might also be intended for psychological effect. If a ‘combat golem’ were constantly by their side, they would always be aware of combat. That wouldn’t allow them to relax.”

“Indeed…”

“However, with my current technology, I can’t create a golem that constantly floats in the air.”

I’d like to make it someday.

But right now, it doesn’t seem like I can do it.

Maintaining constant flight would consume too much magical power.

The pixie fairies, for example, are always flying, but that’s because they are a species that can do so.

It would be impossible to give a golem the ability to sense magical power and move gracefully with it. That would be like creating new life.

Creating artificial life is the ultimate goal of alchemists, but I’m not there yet.

It’s frustrating.

If I could get to the world of heroes, I might get a clue, but… that’s impossible.

If someone like me, with no combat abilities, went to that world, I wouldn’t last more than ten minutes.

So for now, I just have to do what I can.

I’ll have to come up with something close to the ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ from the hero world using my wits.

“So, I’m going to need Princess Sophia and Agnis’ wisdom on this.”

I said.

I’ve already relayed this to Rukie and Chancellor Kelve via the pixie fairy.

I’ve asked them to provide ideas as well.

“I need you both to come up with a design that can move through forests, grasslands, and over uneven terrain, and can travel as quickly as possible.”

“A… Agnis…?”

“I see. You’ve thought it through, Thor Canaan-sama.”

Agnis was surprised.

In contrast, Princess Sophia nodded as if she understood.

Then she looked at Agnis and said,

“This is a competition, Agnis.”

“A competition, you say?”

“Yes. Thor Canaan-sama intends to listen to our opinions and create the best design.”

“I see!”

“Truly, Thor Canaan-sama. With this approach, we should be able to create an excellent golem. For me, it will be a challenge, but also something fun.”

“Fun… you say?”

“Yes, because we are being tested on how well we can come up with ideas that will satisfy Thor Canaan-sama.”

“I… I see now!”

“If we come up with something that matches Thor Canaan-sama’s intellect and sensibility… that would prove we’re worthy to be by his side. In a way, it’s also a test of our talents as assistants to Thor Canaan-sama.”

“S-So that’s why it’s a competition…”

“Yes. We will test our creativity and use the best ideas to create the ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ that will protect the borders. This is the competition we’re being asked to participate in… right, Thor Canaan-sama?”

“No, I plan to make everything that everyone comes up with.”

I said.

Princess Sophia and Agnis’ eyes went wide.

“With ideas from His Majesty the Demon King, Chancellor Kelve, Princess Sophia, Agnis, me, and Mabel—the three pairs—I plan to make everything that everyone suggests.”

“…Is that so?”

“…I see, so it is?”

“Princess Liana and the Archduke will likely start the investigation on magical beasts soon. I want to have a suspect in mind before they find the summoner of the magical beasts. So, we don’t have time for a competition, I think.”

I have a rough idea of how to make the “robot vacuum cleaner” itself.

The only thing left is figuring out an efficient method of movement.

The desired method of movement should be fast, have high obstacle-crossing ability, and be magically low-consumption.

If I can come up with that, I can make it right away.

That’s why it’s faster to just make it than to hold a competition.

Also, if I involve Rukie and Chancellor Kelve, it’ll be easier to get production approval.

In fact, the moment they sent me the design, it already meant I was granted permission to create the “robot vacuum cleaner.” Yeah. Perfect.

“So, can I ask you to help? Preferably, within a day or two.”

“Within a day or two?”

“I just need a rough idea. I’ll handle turning it into a finished product.”

“Understood, Thor Canaan-sama.”

Princess Sophia pinched the hem of her loungewear and bowed.

“For the sake of border security, and to be of help to you, Thor Canaan-sama, I, Sophia, will come up with the movement method for the ‘robot vacuum cleaner.’”

“I’ll give it a try too!”

Princess Sophia and Agnis shook hands firmly.

They both promised to brainstorm ideas together.

“In that case, Agnis-sama, please stay here tonight. Let’s combine our wisdom.”

“Eh… b-but, I was planning to return home today…”

“You’ve come all this way. Please relax and stay the night.”

“…I don’t mind, but what about Thor Canaan-sama?”

“I can’t very well stay in Her Highness’s quarters, can I? I’ll stay at an inn in town tonight.”

Tonight, I’ll also take it easy at the inn and think about the “robot vacuum cleaner.”

Tomorrow, I’ll return to the workshop, talk with Mabel, and hopefully make a prototype.

“Soleil and Lune, I’ll leave the escort to you. Let me know right away if anything happens.”

“…If you say so, Thor-sama…”

“I, Sophia Dolgaria, will take responsibility for Agnis-sama’s safety. I also guarantee your safety, Thor-sama.”

Princess Sophia knelt down and took my hand.

“Tomorrow, we’ll present to you the fruits of our brainstorming together.”

“We’ll show you for sure!”

“Looking forward to it.”

I bowed my head to Princess Sophia and Agnis.

Then I headed to a town inn with Soleil and Lune (who had returned to their fairy forms and were napping in Princess Sophia’s bedroom).

I asked another fairy to tell Mabel that I’d be staying in town tonight.

The reply came back quickly.

Along with it was a drawing of the “ultimate robot vacuum cleaner” that Mabel had thought up.

As expected of Mabel. It’s a good reference.

“Well then, Soleil, Lune, go ahead and sleep first. I’ll do a little more work before bed.”

“Denied.”

“That won’t do at all!”

Huh?

Soleil and Lune made an X sign with their arms. Why?

“Mabel told us. When Thor-sama says he’s going to ‘do a little more work before resting,’ it’s a sign he’s planning to stay up late.”

“Also, she said that when you’re thinking up a new magic item, there’s a high chance you’ll pull an all-nighter.”

…As expected of Mabel.

“This is human territory.”

“You need to keep your health in check, just in case anything happens.”

“This Soleil won’t allow overwork.”

“Nor will I, Lune.”

“Please go to bed properly. Otherwise, we’ll tell the Demon Lord.”

Soleil and Lune stared hard at me.

I raised both hands.

I surrendered.

No helping it. I’ll rest obediently tonight.

Then I did a bit of light work—

Meanwhile, Soleil and Lune got into a foot bath (taken from my portable warehouse)—

And just like that, with their bodies all warm and toasty, I used the two of them as hot water bottles and fell asleep.

—The Same Day, at the Demon Lord’s Castle—

“I have a request for Your Majesty.”

This was the Demon Lord’s throne room.

Chancellor Kelve, having finished the day’s official duties, addressed Demon Lord Rukie.

“Would you allow me, Kelve, to take on Thor Canaan’s request?”

“You mean the robot vacuum cleaner?”

“Yes. I’d like to consider the movement method on my own.”

“What brought about this change of heart?”

Demon Lord Rukie, sitting on the throne, tilted her head curiously.

“You were always wary of the items Thor made, weren’t you?”

“You’re absolutely right. And he has always surpassed my expectations.”

With a serious expression, Chancellor Kelve said:

“I’ve always been surprised by Thor-sama’s inventions. But as the chancellor serving Your Majesty, I cannot continue to lose to him.”

“I doubt Thor is thinking in terms of winning or losing.”

“I understand. But just once, I want to surprise him.”

“I see. In that case, I’ll leave it to you.”

Demon Lord Rukie, still wearing her perception-obscuring mask, nodded.

“I understand how you feel. It might be interesting to show Thor the creativity of a high official of the Demon Lord’s court. Go ahead and give it a try, Kelve.”

“With pleasure!”

“But… it’s a shame.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“Well, for traversing uneven and obstacle-filled areas, I was going to propose a spider-type ‘robot vacuum cleaner.’ Inspired by the demon beast Gargarossa.”

“……”

“But, this is a good opportunity. I’ll leave it to you.”

“…Your Majesty.”

“What is it?”

“If Your Majesty says it first… then I can’t use that idea. It wouldn’t be mine anymore—it would be Your Majesty’s idea…”

“…Ah.”

Realizing the implication, Rukie covered her mouth.

“S-sorry. I didn’t know you were thinking the same thing and just blurted it out.”

“…I see.”

“But it’s no problem. You’ll surely come up with something new. Don’t be too disheartened… Eh? You’re going back to your room to think? Yes, yes. That’s a good idea. If you calm down, you’ll definitely come up with something. Like a quadrupedal model, like a horse, or a sleek one like a beast—”

And so, preparations for the joint magical beast investigation between the Demon Lord’s realm and Princess Sophia’s unit advanced—

And in the meantime, the “Robot Vacuum Cleaner Design Contest” was also held—

With Thor inspired by Mabel’s ideas, Sophia and Agnis happily discussing designs, and Chancellor Kelve holding his head in frustration—

A new magical item design was born.

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