Chapter 19

Zeku and I arrived at the underground warehouse with the delivered magic stones.

Then, I compared the two sheets of paper given to me by Lutz.

One was the appraisal certificate for the magic stones Lutz had purchased, which listed the rank of the stones.

The other was the appraisal certificate for the magic stones delivered by Zekuvalt, which also listed the rank.

"Amazing... There's not a single rank drop."

A rank drop refers to a decrease in quality after synthesis, which can be influenced by the alchemist's skill and the catalyst used, and is not uncommon.

"Colonel, are these appraisal certificates genuine?"

"If they were fake, the qualification would be revoked."

The crime of forgery is that serious.

"But, not a single rank drop... I'm not very familiar with alchemists, but this is impressive. A third-rank alchemist is quite remarkable."

"I know a bit because my wife is an alchemist, but I've never heard of this. I've heard that making magic stones is particularly difficult."

To produce 100 in just two days...

"To what extent... What kind of person is Sir Zeku?"

"He seems to be the top disciple of Claudia Zettel, who is known as the best alchemist in the capital."

"Claudia Zettel... the witch Claudia?"

One of the three first-rank alchemists in the country and the head of the Alchemists' Association. She is a powerful figure in the capital, even influencing politics.

"It seems he caused some trouble in the capital and was transferred here."

"Trouble? Is there something specific?"

"Yesterday, I heard from the branch manager that he has a fatal flaw in communication with others."

"But he didn't seem that way? He spoke normally."

He seemed a bit arrogant, but it was within normal bounds.

"He is in training. It seems he genuinely believes everyone else is incompetent."

And he shows it in his attitude. Even if he thinks it, most people would hide it.

"I see..."

"Lutz, you are related to the daughter of that branch, right?"

"Yes. Erica is my cousin."

That's convenient.

"Dealing with someone like a lieutenant colonel who has grievances against the Alchemists' Association can be troublesome. You can be the liaison."

"Understood!"

Now, what kind of magic sword will Zekuvalt Alexander bring?

I'm looking forward to seeing if it matches his confidence. Depending on the result, we may need to take action.

◆◇◆

"Sir Zeku... Let's fix that condescending attitude."

"Zeku, the colonel really doesn't like it..."

As we left the station, two people voiced their complaints.

"I know... but it's the colonel's fault for treating me like an idiot."

"What? Did he treat you like an idiot?"

"It felt like he was praising me..."

Where?

"Didn't he say 'one of the best'? That means there are five people on par with me. No way."

Even the king said there's no one on par with you, and your master praised you as the greatest genius in history.

"Oh, right..."

"You took it as an insult... I'll be more careful."

Hmm... it seems I was in the wrong.

"I know. I'm working hard on personality correction. Anyway, Erica, can you show me the store that sells magic ores?"

"Right. We have a new request. This way."

We walked through the town.

"This request is for 5 million, and the next one is for 15 million... Looks like we can expect a good bonus."

My base pay has decreased, but I should get a decent bonus.

"By the way, are you really planning to prepare an A-rank magic sword? It seemed that way."

Erica asked.

"Whether it's C or A, the effort is the same."

"Can you make magic swords, Zeku?"

"Sure."

Actually, I'm best at making weapons. I've even made things like pistols and beam sabers, which don't exist in this world. Of course, I can't show them to anyone.

"Wow..."

"Erica, you're good at making things, right? Can you make swords?"

"No... I'm afraid of weapons."

Ah, girls think that way.

"You like cooking, right? How about making some tools for that? I made a blender, for example."

"Sounds good. But what is it?"

"Something to mix things."

I made it to create a nutritional drink, but I ended up making supplements instead, so it's not needed anymore.

"I don't quite understand, but show me next time."

"Sure."

We talked as we walked and entered a store. Inside, there were colorful stones in wooden boxes.

"This is the store that sells magic ores."

Magic ores are minerals that contain magic power, and they are used to enchant swords to create magic swords.

"More diverse than in the capital."

"There are mines nearby."

This town is really prosperous. It has everything.

"Let's see. Ice, water, lightning... No, a man should have a fire magic sword."

He's a soldier, so it feels right.

"Can you make a fire magic sword?"

"I think it's easier and better. So, I'll use red ore."

I looked into the wooden box filled with red stones, picked them up one by one, and selected them.

"Do you understand?"

"I said I have an appraiser's license."

"By the way, why do you have so many licenses? I remember you were a 5th-rank mage, right?"

Impressive, right?

"Many alchemists have an appraiser's license. In large projects, each material needs to be appraised, and it would take too much time to request an appraiser for each one. So, they get the license to save time. And those who do this tend to advance in their careers."

It makes a huge difference in work speed.

"Wow... Alchemists in the capital are amazing."

"Erica, it's not a waste to have it. Try to be aware of the materials when you work. If you do, you'll naturally get better, and the exam won't be that difficult."

"I see. I'll try it."

"Good... Is this red ore good?"

After selecting the red ore, I bought the other necessary materials and decided to return to the branch. Erica, as she did yesterday, started the process of turning iron ore into iron.

"How do you make a magic sword?"

I placed the purchased red ore and iron ore on the table, and Erica looked at me and asked. It seems she can now synthesize without looking at the iron ore.

"There are various methods, but the orthodox way is to make a sword from iron and then enchant it with elements extracted from the red ore."

"That sounds difficult."

"It is, actually."

It's easy for me, though.

"Wow... Can I do it someday?"

"Technically, yes. But you're afraid of weapons, right? If so, don't do it. You can make something similar, like a knife for cooking."

"It doesn't seem very useful."

"Maybe not."

Think about it yourself.

"By the way, tomorrow is a day off. What are you going to do, Zeku? If you want, I can show you around the town."

Tomorrow is a day off...

"No, I want to organize my room tomorrow."

"Oh, right. Do you want help?"

Erica is really a good person.

"Wait a moment. We need to have a meeting."

"Okay."

Erica nodded immediately, as she was used to it.

"Helen, what do you think?"

I asked Helen, who was curled up on the table.

"Since you're here, let's help."

"I appreciate it, but it seems like Erica is becoming a junior or a convenient servant..."

"That's harsh."

"She's a kind person. This is about helping each other. When Erica is in trouble, Zeku will lend a helping hand."

Helping each other...

"I see. Erica, if you have any problems, let me know."

"I always get help. You help me with my studies and teach me about work. I think Zeku is a really good person."

This guy has no judgment of character.

"Is this person okay... Erica, be careful of scammers."

"That's harsh."

No... I agree with Helen.

Erica is too kind, and I'm starting to worry about her.

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