Chapter 90

"Actually, when I eliminated that monster, I used a fire magic so powerful that it left no bones, and I only extracted the magic stone. Does that have anything to do with it?"

Another possibility is that the magic stone already had a fire attribute when the essence gathered, but there was no such description in the records of the large-scale occurrence.

"…To the best of my knowledge, there has never been a precedent for using such powerful fire magic, so I can't say for sure. However, considering that a dragon's breath can transform soil into mithril, it's not impossible."

That fire magic is far from a dragon's breath, but it wouldn't be strange if it had the power to imbue the magic stone with an attribute, even if it couldn't transform soil into metal…

"Then, let's verify the cause later. Can we use attribute-infused magic stones?"

"I've never seen one this strong, but basically, they can be used. If you make a magic item that aligns with the attribute, the output increases and the lifespan extends. …To some extent."

"Not much of a difference… It's a bit tricky."

Well, if you think about it, it's better than a regular magic stone. It's better to have it than not.

"However, as I mentioned earlier, that's for regular attribute-infused magic stones. At this level, it's hard to imagine what might happen."

…That's right.

"We can't experiment in the city."

If a fire magic item caused a building to burn down, it would be a disaster.

"No, that's not necessarily the case."

"Really?"

Fire magic, in general, has the image of causing major disasters when it reaches a large scale. Even a fire magic used for lighting could potentially burn your eyes.

"I think we can measure the influence of the attribute by making a magic item with an incompatible attribute, such as water magic, even if it's not practical. This would show how much the attribute affects it."

Ah, so the power of opposing attributes would decrease. I could go to the sea and experiment with fire magic, but… let's try this method this time.

"Since there are many, let's try a small one for the experiment."

As I said this, I took out a relatively small magic stone and handed it to Catherine. She observed the magic stone for a moment and then nodded.

"Then, I'll try 'Flowing Water,' which is easy to understand and has clear results."

Catherine said this as she transformed the magic stone into a magic item. It seemed to be quite simple, as she completed the transformation in just a few dozen seconds without the concentration required for artifact creation. She placed a pot on the table, and the preparations were complete.

"With a magic stone of this size, the pot should be full in about twenty seconds… I'll activate it now."

Catherine said this as she held the magic stone over the pot. However, no water came out. Ah, right, she's waiting for my command.

"If you're ready, you can activate it."

"No, it's already activated…"

Despite her words, the magic item did nothing. Without water, it was impossible to measure the influence of the attribute from the amount. …Catherine had said it wouldn't fail, so did I miss a step? Just as I started to think this, a drop of water fell from the magic stone into the pot.

"…No way."

Catherine whispered in a voice that suggested she was seeing something unbelievable. For about ten seconds, Catherine and I stared at the magic stone. A second drop of water fell into the pot.

"Is this the influence of the attribute?"

"Nothing else could explain it… This magic stone seems to have an attribute far stronger than its appearance suggests. If we made an explosive magic item, it might be able to destroy half a city with just one."

What, that's scary.

"At that level, the problem is how to use it."

Explosions are out of the question. They have no direction and a wide attack range, making them useful only for special operations in a monster's territory. If used to defend a town, it would likely destroy the town along with the monsters.

"Fire jets might be usable as combat magic items."

Indeed, if they had direction, they could be used. The size is a bit too large, but the high power is a welcome feature. If we could use this power effectively, it would make repelling large-scale monster attacks much easier.

"…But who would buy such a thing?"

"Combat magic items don't sell well in stores, but Mercia said that large-scale trading companies buy a lot of them."

Large-scale trading companies… like suppliers. They deal with large quantities of magic items and weapons. It would be difficult to have a sales channel without a large, trustworthy company, like the one that gathered for the dragon battle. The Maple Guild is too new and small for that. However, if we can sell to a large-scale trading company, there's a possibility it could sell.

"Let's go to the sea and experiment with the power. Can you make a 'Fire Jet'?"

"Yes, I can. It will take longer than 'Flowing Water,' so please wait a moment…"

With that, the experiment with the fire attribute magic stone to create a 'Fire Jet' was decided. We borrowed a ship used for transporting Zunana grass (I had already transported the Zunana grass for the borrowed portion) and set out to a deserted sea with Catherine and the other magic item technicians who had somehow increased in number. Since it was an experiment within the guild, we confirmed safety and immediately received the magic item, starting the experiment. When the magic item was activated, a powerful jet of flame shot out from a position slightly away from the magic stone. The flame was about twenty meters long and up to five meters wide. The directionality was quite good, though it wouldn't be at a level where an ordinary person could hold it with bare hands. With a longer handle, it could be manageable. Without considering the cost, it would be an excellent piece of equipment.

Cheers rose from the ship. Seeing the stable flame, the ship began to circle around it to gather detailed performance data, which is necessary when selling special magic items. After about ten minutes, just as the ship was about to complete a full circle, the magic item ran out of magic power, and the flame disappeared. I confirmed this and returned to the ship with the magic item.

"It feels pretty good, but what do you think?"

"It's the highest performance fire jet magic item ever made. This is amazing!"

"It exceeds the power of a mid-B-rank mage."

The technicians also seemed to be impressed. For defensive purposes, this seemed to have sufficient power, but then one of the technicians said something significant.

"Is this a regular 'Fire Jet' and not an artifact?"

The technician's ominous words drew the attention of everyone present. If a regular magic item could produce this much power, what would happen if it were made as an artifact? …It sounds very interesting. Fortunately, there was no one around, and as long as the ship wasn't sunk, there would be no damage from the experiment. I silently took out a large, red fire attribute magic stone and handed it to Catherine.

"Is 'Azure Flame' okay?"

Catherine asked me with a delighted expression.

"Go ahead."

While receiving the attention of everyone around her, Catherine transformed the magic stone into an artifact. After about ten minutes of everyone's expectant gazes, the artifact was finally completed.

"I'll go and experiment, but don't get too close, okay?"

"I understand. Please be careful, Kaede."

The technicians of the Maple Guild seemed to know my capabilities and were not genuinely worried. They pretended to be serious and wished for my safety, but their faces clearly showed amusement. It had reached the level of mischief.

As I moved away from the ship, it turned to a position where it could quickly leave if necessary. Laughter could be heard occasionally, but they seemed to be aware of safety. After confirming that I was far enough from the technicians who had appeared from the back of the ship, I activated the magic item.

A thick, azure flame shot out from the magic item. It was over forty meters long and nearly seven meters wide. The stability and directionality were even better than the 'Fire Jet,' and no flame leaked toward me, but the heat was intense. A few seconds later, the sound of seawater evaporating echoed, and an even stronger heat wave rushed over. The heat caused the air to expand, and I had to use magic to control my position. After enduring for a few seconds, the situation stabilized.

Cheers from the ship could be heard. The power was so great that it was more like a degraded version of a dragon's breath than an enhanced magic item. It's no wonder the technicians were overjoyed. With this, the trees in the Decibattle forest could have been cut down without me.

It's a shame that large-scale logging requests, along with the need for Broken, have disappeared. As a combat item, it could be used if a large number of monsters suddenly attacked… but upon further thought, even with directionality, few would be willing to use such power near a city. Even with a handle, activating it without magical armor would be suicidal.

…What could this be used for?