On this day, Arx was on his way to the Mage's Guild to make a routine report to Godwald Gilvester, the head of the Mage's Guild.


　On the way, he passed by the main street of the royal capital.
　On the way to the Mage's Guild, I hear a terrible story.


"Can I?　If you don't stop crying, a scary, scary vajra mage will come to your house at night.


　I looked over to see a mother-like figure soothing her sobbing little child.
　This is the type of story where a parent tells a story about ghosts and goblins to a child who won't stop crying.
　This one kind of reminds me of a story I read when I was a kid about a kid.


　...... And it's a bad idea, because it makes the child stop crying.
　The mother said, "If you don't like it, be a good boy," and smiled.


　Perhaps the guild leader will be disappointed when he hears this story.
　He may have a scary face, but he's also quite sensitive. It is not hard to imagine that he would be moved to tears even in the eyes of a demon.
　The guild leader is a hero of this country, though he may not be as good as Gastarkus. Can a person from the same country speak of such a person in such a manner? Well, it's true that in the city, there are rumors of bad reputations, but I doubt that very much.


　Anyway, at the Mage's Guild, I was greeted by Godwald and his old secretary, Bargius.
　It may seem too much of a VIP treatment for the Secretary and his secretary to go out of their way to meet us, but the matter of the magic meter is a matter of the utmost importance to the country, so I guess they have to be there like this.


　This is also the case every time, so after a quick greeting, Bargius suddenly opens his mouth.


The guild leader's face is scary again today. The Guild Chief's face is scary again today.

"Hey, hey, hey, Mr. Bargius!　What are you doing?

"...... Bargius, it's you.


　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. To be honest, I was right on the money, so I panicked.
　The Guild Leader, on the other hand, was staring at Bargius with half-lidded eyes.


　The guild leader, on the other hand, gave Bargius a half-hearted stare.


No, no, I just had a feeling. I was wondering if you've heard that song somewhere recently.


　Geez.


"That song?　Bargius, what is that song?

It's nothing, sir. It's just that people everywhere have a grudge against their guild leader.

Oh. ......


　That was enough to convince the guild leader.
　The guild leader, Godwald, is currently the top mage in the country. He's probably held a lot of grudges inside the country, not to mention outside the country. And the song I just wrote is a small attack made by such a person.
　It is very insidious.


"My heart goes out to you.

"Hmm. Well, I guess it's better than not being scared. ......

Yes, it is. No one's going to underestimate you.

Cheer up, sir. Your wife has always told me how much she likes your face.

"...... You're the one who brought this up.　Vargius.

"Huh?　I don't think so.


　I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure if it's my imagination or not, but I can't help but feel like I've always seen this scene somewhere else.
　That's true, but did the guild leader have a wife? No, the odds of him not having a wife in this position are pretty slim.
　While I was thinking about it.


"Mr. Arx. Do I need to speak your mind again?

No, I don't need it!　It's okay, I'm ready!


　When I refrained with all my might, Bargius started laughing.
　As he struggles to deal with the old butler who continues to play with the people around him, he looks at the Guild Chief's scary face (his normal expression) and nods in agreement with our feelings.
　Somehow, I feel like I'm getting through to the guild leader.


　Anyway, the reason why I visited the Mage Guild today was to report the current status of the work to the guild leader.
　What are you currently doing in the workshop? What kind of improvements have been made to the work? He would go around the workshop and explain in detail what he was doing and how he had improved the work.


"But you're splitting up the workshop?

"Yes. Yes. We did this because if we just set up workshops randomly, there is a possibility that the whole technology will be stolen. The details are described in the report.


　Naturally, the company takes great care to prevent the leakage and theft of technology.
　Basically, we don't let people know what we are making, except where we are finishing. The other workshops are kept in the dark about what they are doing, or they are told that they are making something else.
　We can rest assured that the work will not be passed on to subcontractors of subcontractors, or ordered from different manufacturers, which would result in inconsistent standards.
　This way, even if people know what is being done in one workshop, or even if a craftsman is pulled out, the whole story will not be known.


　Also, it has become easier to obtain silver and magical silver, the raw materials for smelting silver.


　You have devised a new way to seal the wrought silver.


　They are experimenting with bimetals, and have started to make a more sensitive magic meter.


　That's all I have to report about the magic meter.


　Because of the simplicity of the structure, it is very difficult to improve the technology.


　The guild leader, Bargius, and I were going through the workshops, and as we left the second workshop, a woman came into view.
　She was a mage wearing a pure white dress and a wide-brimmed dress hat of the same color.
　She was Muller Quint, the Mage of the Grace Rain.

　He was in his late twenties or older. His hands and feet were thin and his skin was as white as porcelain.
　Her eyes were obscured by the veil of her dress hat.
　Her mouth always seems to be tied in a gentle knot.
　After she has greeted the guild leader and Bargius, she bows.


"Lord Quint. It's been a while.

I heard that Mr. Arx was here today, so I came by to see you.

I'm sorry to bother you.

No problem. I'm the one who's sorry for barging in on you so suddenly. Also, how's your arm?

Yes. I'm able to move it more than before, so I think it's getting better. This is thanks to Lord Quint and the witch doctors.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has ordered me to take care of you, and I am indebted to you, so please don't worry about it. Please take good care of yourself.

"Thank you for your concern.


　While talking like this, Muller and I bowed to each other. This is how it usually goes when I meet her and talk to her. Muller, by nature, feels that she is a victim of reliving a man's life, and the bowing battle goes on endlessly. It was like a greeting after exchanging business cards.
　The guild leader coughed and said, "My pleasure.


"Sir Quint, is the magic meter working after all?

Yes. Thanks to it, there are more mages who can use medical magic, which is difficult to learn. Everyone is getting used to using it, so I think the benefits of the magic meter are becoming more and more apparent.

That's good to hear.

No, I would like to thank you again for the priority you've given me.


　The supply of magic meters to the medical sector is as much of a priority as the military. In the future, a certain number of magic meters will be supplied to the Academy of Magic, but the supply system for the medical department will not be disrupted.
　After such a discussion, I asked the guild leader.


(Are you contributing that much to the medical sector?)

(Yes. Medical mages are always in short supply. Especially the higher level techniques are difficult to learn, so those who can use them often have to work day and night. I've heard that when that was introduced, high-ranking mages shed tears of joy, saying that now they could distribute the work to younger mages.

(That's enough.)

(If the workload is too heavy, it's hard to take time off, and it's hard to make time for your family. If the burden is eased, everyone will be happy.


　Even in that man's world, a good doctor was a busy man. It was reported that their schedules were so busy that they were moving from minute to minute, second to second, wondering when they were going to sleep.
　Anyway, I guess that's part of it. Whenever I visited the clinic attached to the Mage Guild to have my arm repaired, the mages always treated me very well.


　Suddenly, Bargius looks outside.


If the magic meter is officially announced, there might be a statue of Mr. Arx in the Mage Guild. Specifically in that area.

"Oh!　That's a good idea!　I'm sure the medical department will be all for it.

No, no, no, I'm afraid I'm afraid I'm not. ......

ARX. You should be aware that your achievements are that big. Basically, if you make an achievement, they'll make a statue of you. ............ You're a big guy.

"Yes, sir.


　The guild leader spills out a word that sounds somewhat like a grudge.
　You can find a bronze statue of the guild leader in the guild, as well as a statue of Gastarkus at the entrance of the royal castle.
　The other statue would be the one of Muller Quint, who is here now. He has made great achievements in the medical field and saved many people, so a statue of him was made despite his young age.


You should be ashamed of yourself.

"Yes, I do. Yes.


　............ Two national mages with dark smiles on their faces.
　The two of them may well have been experiencing the same feelings as you are right now.


　In the midst of this, I moved to the factory that was set up in one of the grounds.
　This is a place to develop goods other than magic meters, and the research and development costs are paid by the Mage Guild.
　The research and development costs were paid by the Mage Guild. Here, I was allowed to do what I wanted to some extent.
　This is thanks to the development of the magic meter. Because of my tremendous achievements, I am allowed to do these things exceptionally. In fact, the fact that I am allowed to do what I want to do seems to imply that they want me to make something more.


"ARX. What's that box?

It's a device that produces water.

Water?

Yes. It produces about 10 to 20 liters a day. It's designed to accumulate water if you leave it alone.



Can you make that much? What's going on?

The principle is simple. A metal body is placed inside a box with an engraving that cools the surrounding area, and water is collected using condensation. With it, we can get water even in places where we can't dig a well.

Oh, that's very convenient.

But there are some limitations. It collects moisture from the air, so it can't be used in dry areas.


　When I opened the box, there was already a certain amount of water in it.
　I took out a bottle to store the water and showed it to the three of them.


"Well, it's beautiful, isn't it?

"Yes. It's been through several filters, so it's not harmful to your health.

You can find it at .......

It's a membrane that filters and removes small particles and dirt. ...... This has been replaced by various types of purification imprinting, charcoal and sand. If this can be put to practical use, I think it could contribute to the water problem.

"Some ......?　A little?　No, the idea of purifying water in the first place is .......


　The guild leader made a funny face and groaned.
　So you didn't get a very good review.
　This is not good. This is not good. This will affect our budget in the future. This will affect the future budget, and may even lead to a reduction in development.


Let's see, we have an instantaneous water heater, an ultraviolet generator for sterilization inspired by sparkling glass, and a gas mask. Oxygen generators and microwave ovens are difficult, so we're still working on those.

"............


　For some reason, the guild leader made a difficult face and fell silent.
　I was going to say something to him, but I decided not to.
　I felt like a child piling up excuses to hide something bad.


　On the other hand, Muller asked me while looking at the other items.


"What about the water heater and the gas mask ......... for sterilization?

The UV generator is a device that eliminates some of the causes of diseases such as food and water poisoning. They are mainly used in combination with hot water disinfection or for items that cannot be immersed in hot water.


　Apparently, Muller is interested in many things.
　Apparently, Muller is interested in a lot of things. The instant water heater is for making tea.
　The ultraviolet generator is for food hygiene.
　The gas mask looks like a gas mask, but it is not intended to be.
　However, if you think about it carefully, many of them tend to be used for medical purposes.


Hmm?　I don't see any glittering glass.　And it's covered?

"It's a switch. When you press this button, the inner dial lifts up and the engravings are connected to each other, and the performance comes into play. Of course, it doesn't just fit in, but it's covered by ...... because direct contact with it would be harmful.

"Is this what you mean by 'switch'?


　When the guild leader presses the button, the sterilizing light comes on.


The guild leader presses a button, and the germicidal light comes on. ...... I see, that's an interesting idea. The idea is interesting. You can apply it to other things as well as to shiny glass.

"This one is mounted on a high place and is turned on by pulling a string. We're also working on switching between different locations.

"Hmm. ......


　Apparently, the guild leader was more interested in the switch system.
　The guild leader seemed to like the switch system. He tried various switch systems and looked at them with interest.
　The glittering glass is always glowing, so when you want to darken it, you have to put a box over it or cover it with a shade cloth. Since we don't like that, we have already adopted a string switch or pull switch system at home.


This is very interesting. I'm particularly interested in the water filtering mechanism and the water heater. I would like to discuss these with you.

"Yes. We'll arrange a date later.


　Basically, this is how you get a patron. It's been like this since the time of the magic meter. In exchange for the exchange of technology, the patron gives us budgetary support, helps us to obtain materials, and sometimes we exchange technologies.
　Muller, in particular, has helped us with the development budget, Soma stock, and many other things.


...... I really regret that I have neglected to study the engraving as much as I have.

You can't help it. You can leave these things to the experts.


　Perhaps he was too busy with his research on medical magic to talk like that.
　Anyway, the next thing he showed the three of them was a fountain pen.


The next thing he showed them was a fountain pen, "The only other thing that took shape was this. It has nothing to do with magic, but I made it to keep a record.

A pen?

Yes. It's a cartridge fountain pen. When you run out of ink, you just replace the ink and you're good to go.


　In this world, most of the writing is done by dipping the pen in ink and then going to ....... But with this, you can take notes anywhere. Ballpoint pens are easier to use, but they are too difficult to reproduce.


Can you use it without an ink pot?

"Yes. You can take notes anywhere, anytime. Of course, there is an expiration date, like normal ink. ......




　As we were talking about this, Vargius suddenly interrupted us.


"Mr. Arx. Why didn't you tell me about this thing if it had a form?

"Huh?　No, I thought I could tell you when I reported it.

There will be a riot at the office if you don't tell us about this.　Be careful.

Yes, that's right. ............ Oh, Mr. Vargius, have one.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much. I'm sure you'll be able to keep track of this one.

Thank you very much.


　Bargius was very happy to get a fountain pen.
　The guild leader gave him a half-hearted look.


　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.


　............ Well, it's true that he's a child, and it's no wonder he has a left hand.


　When you have finished your introductions and have gone out to the training grounds to pass through, you see Merkleya String and Frederick Benjamin arguing in front of several mages.
　They were still arguing and spitting venom at each other, whether they were getting along or not. I wonder if the kind young man with glasses who is trying his best to mediate between them is also a national mage.

　Apparently, he is the one who is actually running the gathering.


What's that?

It's a test to select a national mage.

So that's the ...... national exam for mages.

Yes. That's the first practical.


　I've been to the Mage Guild a few times, but this is the first time I've witnessed an exam like this.
　I'm not sure what to do. It is said to be the most difficult qualification examination in the Kingdom of Rynor.
　There is a written exam, an interview, and the first practical test, and after passing those tests, the final practical test is held in front of the king.


　The mage steps in front of the target. The mage steps in front of the target and "arts glyphs" appear around the target.
　It seems that the mage has cast a spell.
　Immediately, a magic circle is formed and several large flaming arrows shoot out from its center.
　The flaming arrows burned away all the targets without missing a target, enveloping a corner of the training ground in flames.
　After a while, the mage appealed to the three national mages enthusiastically with a confident face.


The current magic has ten more arrows of flame than the previous one!


　In addition to that, there are other things. Here's what. And so on.
　But the national mage is just going through the motions. Is it because it would be unfair if he had to deal with every complaint? Or was it because there was not enough to deal with?


　Eventually, it was the next mage's turn to make a gust of wind.


This magic is much more powerful than the one used by the national army.


　This mage also learned from the first mage, and appealed to the national mage. But the response was the same.
　After that, the mages continued to use various kinds of magic, but all of them were only using improved versions of conventional magic or magic with increased power.


　What was our reaction as we watched them?


"Hmm. It's just not very good. ......


　Naturally, I felt disappointed.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　There is no doubt that they are masters of their craft.


　However, they seem to be a bit out of the ordinary, and as well as being surprising, they are somehow lacking in flair.
　This is probably because we have already seen the magic of Crave, Noah, Kazi, and Seyran.
　If it's just an increase in power or an improvement in performance now, it's not very fresh.
　Besides, I have the impression that the national mage is more powerful and more extraordinary, so I can't help but feel that it is not powerful enough.


　Then the guild leader nodded in agreement.


"Yeah. You're right. We will not be able to produce a national mage this year either.

"Is that so? ......

A national mage has to be outstanding. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


　A national mage is a person who is capable of deciding who wins or loses on the battlefield.
　In fact, it's not something that comes up very often.
　I was expecting to see something interesting, but as expected, it did not seem to go that easily.


It seems to be not so easy.


　......Arcs was returning to the workshop with Vargius to complete his report.


　Godwald watched them go and lit a cigar he had taken out.
　Then, as if he had something on his mind, he blew out a cloud of smoke toward the sky.


...... This year's examinee has a good amount of magic power and a good written score.

"I guess it's just the way it's always been. It's just the way it's always been. No one who could reach this generation wanted to be a national mage.


　Muller pulled on his dress hat to keep out the sun.
　The green eyes that stared at the examination room through the mesh veil were, despite their soft-spokenness, rather sharp.


　Yes, she's right about the national mage.
　In recent years, there has not been a national mage since Alicia Roterbelle, the mage of drought.
　However, this does not mean that there have been no talented mages.

　An example would be Noah Ingveen, who is currently a follower of Arx.
　He is of the older generation than Alicia, but when he was at the Academy, he was so successful that his lecturer, Merkleya, the national mage, recommended him for the examinations.
　However, he firmly refused the recommendation and directly asked Crabbe to make him his subordinate. After that, he established himself as a secretary and deputy, so there is no doubt about his talent.




"Cazi Guari, the squire of Arx, is quite a character.

It was the Forbidden Chain ....... I've seen him on the battlefield once when he was a mage student at the Academy. I had the impression that he was a skilled user of auxiliary magic. I remember Merkleya and Kasim because they talked about him a lot.


　Both of them graduated from the Academy of Magic at the top of their class, and with the highest grades of all time.
　But there aren't many people with that kind of ability.


If I had to guess, I'd say it's the younger generation.

I've heard that the Abbot's grandson has a lot of magical power.

Miss Claudia.

I wonder if the guild leader has heard what the Abbot has to say about that?

No. He's always been that way. He doesn't talk much.

I see. ......

But there have been other names mentioned.

Is that so?

Apparently, one of the Four Lords is very keen on the idea.

I'd say Lord Xere. I've heard that he's a man of great ambition. And who is this person you're advocating?

The son of a southern noble family. The son of a southern noble family. He is said to be one of the most gifted of his generation.

Oh, yes, I've heard rumors too. I've heard rumors that he's already outperforming his elders in the Ishakukai.

"Mm.


　While they were talking, Godwald looked back to the building where Arx and Vargius had disappeared.


Muller. If ....... If Arcus Raytheft passed the national exam, do you think he could become a national mage?

I think ...... it would still be difficult.

Yes, I do. I think so too.

"Is that what the guild leader thinks?


　Both of them let out an indescribable, helpless breath.


"His development of the magic meter is great. His work is universally acknowledged. He has great knowledge and deserves to be a national mage. However...

If Arx is chosen as the national mage, the other mage families won't be able to keep quiet.


　The development of the magic meter, the magic that drove the imperial mage troops to annihilation. And on top of that, the ability to develop a variety of imprinting tools. I'm not sure what the future holds for me. I would say that he is perfectly capable.
　In addition, if Arx wants to be a national mage, he has the strong support of the royal family.
　However, there was still a reason why the two of them thought it would be difficult.


It's just a shame that he has so much magic. ......

Yes. I think the other houses will try to exploit that.


　In the event that you've got a lot of time and energy, you'll be able to use it to your advantage.
　Of course, the two national mages do not place much importance on the amount of magic power, but.


"Muller, you've seen Arx's magic, right?

Yes, it's the Spinning Barrel. It's rough and there's still room for improvement, but it's the scariest offensive magic I've seen in a long time.

Arx's magic is usually like that. Their inner workings were the most destructive, capable of surpassing the power of the [Fire Flash Spear] with only a few chants.

If I perform it in front of His Majesty, he's going to want to see inside my head.

I've already told him that at the time of the magic meter. I've already told him that at the time of the magic meter, he might actually open his head.

That's scary.


　The two of them joked with each other over such talk. They joked with each other, laughing, but soon their expressions tightened.


"But if he has something to overcome it...

"Will we be able to welcome Arx as our national mage?

"Mmm-hmm. Guild leader, doesn't that mean you approve of him as a suitable national mage?

Of course, the quality of a mage is not measured by the amount of magic power. What is important is knowledge and power. If you have magic power but no knowledge, you will never become a national mage.

You're right.

I hope you can fulfill your wish to support the next king.

Do you think you can?　We've been told it's impossible, haven't we?

I don't know, I feel like Arx can do it.

Is it because he knows something we don't know ......? I wonder what that fountain of knowledge is all about.

I don't know. But there is no doubt that this knowledge will play a major role in the future of the kingdom.


　Godwald looked expectantly at Arx as he walked out of the building after completing his explanation.