Chapter 42

I was leaning on the table in the living room, deep in thought.

"Hmm..."

"Master? What's the matter?"

While setting out tea on the table, Sakura asked.

"Well, I was thinking if there's a more convenient way to capture or drive away intruders."

After drinking the tea she served, my muddled head was reset. Then, I started thinking again.

So far, I've been using golems to intercept intruders in the garden. Also, when Hestia is around, she takes care of them. But,

"I was thinking, isn't there a more energy-efficient way?"

Using a large number of wood golems without much thought is easy, but if one golem can handle multiple intruders, it would be even easier. I've been thinking about this for a while.

"But, golems are slow, you know."

"Compared to the wood armor you control with your body, wood golems are indeed several steps behind. However, when you control them, they can move fast enough to catch a werewolf."

Sakura is praising me, but the garden has become quite large. A little speed isn't enough anymore.

With fewer golems, it's impossible to cover the entire area. I do have traps set up, but they only work if stepped on, so they're not proactive.

"That's why I was thinking, wouldn't it be nice to have something that can take them all out at once?"

While thinking, I lay down on the floor and looked up at the ceiling. Then, an idea came to me.

"---Right. Maybe I should adapt anti-air projectiles."

"Projectile weapons, you mean?"

"Yeah, I hadn't thought about long-range attacks on the ground before. I think it's just right."

I'll start by making the golems capable of firing wooden projectiles.

"I want to try it out lightly, so, Sakura, can you sync with me?"

"Yes, I understand. Would a lap pillow be okay?"

"Sure, thanks."

Sakura placed her thighs under my head. They were so soft and comfortable.

With that sensation, I began syncing with Sakura.

"Um... let's start with an apple tree at the perimeter, okay?"

I chose an apple tree at random and turned it into a golem.

---Deploying and modifying wood golems is very easy.

Just by being close to Sakura, I can turn any tree in the grounds into a golem and modify it.

So, I transplanted a trap-firing mechanism onto the golem's arm. The projectiles would be spherical pieces of wood.

I made it so they could be fired from the palm. There are only a few shots, but I'll increase that later.

"Adding this mechanism will make it look bulkier again, but let's leave it for now... and let's try it out."

I aimed at the ground and fired.

"Wood projectile... fire."

The wooden projectile, launched by a spring mechanism, embedded itself deeply into the soil.

"Wow, this should have enough power."

"Yes! A significant impact was detected! It's amazing, Master."

Since I'm synced with the land, I can also measure the impact. From the shock, it seemed to have the same force as a wood golem's punch.

With this much power, it should be easy to drive away intruders.

"---Ah, a monster is approaching from the north."

"Great, that's perfect."

Even while staying indoors, it's really convenient to spot monsters and test things immediately.

Going outside to test it visually would be good, but this lazy mode is really nice.

"Hmm, the monster is a magic light stone golem."

The last time, it was exploding with dragon scales, but it's supposed to be quite tough. It's perfect for an experiment. Let's try firing at it.

"Aim, gather strength---fire!"

In an instant.

---Boom!

The wood projectile penetrated the magic light stone's body with a loud sound. Not only that, it even pierced through the trees behind it.

And the magic light stone golem was blown backward by the impact of the penetration.

"Um...?"

This is different from what I imagined. Why did this happen?

...Ah, I see.

Because the area of the projectile is smaller than the golem's fist, its penetration power increased. Also, the hardness of my apple tree is quite impressive.

Well, the effect has been proven,

"Really, the power was more than enough..."

"That's right..."

At least, it won't be grotesque if I don't use it on people. However, I can't cause a tragedy in the garden, so I should adjust the power.

If I improve the projectile, the penetration power should decrease. Probably.

"---Just to be safe. Let's conduct the next experiment outside carefully."

"Then, while we're going outside, shall we bring a bento and have a meal?"

"Sure, thanks."

And so, I went to the garden for a picnic while further fortifying the garden's defenses.

●

After numerous experiments,

I found that firing apple seeds is the most appropriate power for humans.

If I make them sprout immediately after firing, they can also serve as ropes to bind the target. It's also economical and doesn't create waste.

From now on, I'll use this method.