Chapter 34

"Is that tree branch really that important?"

"Of course! The wood fibers and resin can both serve as good insulators!"

"Wait, what does 'insulator' mean? Is it about lightning resistance? If so, magic, certain magical metals, or magical fibers can also do the job."

"Is that so?"

"But materials with lightning resistance are valuable. Especially to spin magical fibers, high-level magical techniques are required."

"Ah, I see. Insulating fibers."

However, just knowing they exist isn't enough. If production is difficult and the materials are precious, they can only be used in critical situations. Moreover, if they can't be produced in Nelac, it's the same as not having them at all.

"Hey, you're only asking me what you want to know. Explain insulators to me."

"Ah, sorry. The meaning of insulators and lightning resistance are probably different. Teach me about lightning resistance later."

"Sure."

"Lightning, like bolts, is what I call 'electricity.' Insulators are materials that can block this electricity."

Insulators can be broadly categorized into electrical and thermal types, but to avoid confusion, I'll only explain electrical insulators.

"Hmm. So they block rather than resist."

"Right. Actually, there are already insulating materials available in Nelac."

"Really?"

"Glass. Glass is a good insulator."

"What? But making armor from glass is difficult."

"Right. Even Garam and Tohre would find it impossible to use glass as it is."

"Indeed. Glass breaks easily."

If we could manufacture glass fibers, that would be ideal, but I don't know how to do it. There's another good insulator that is essential in my life in Japan. The material used in insulating tape is called—

"Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)."

"What is that? A magical beast?"

"Ah, sorry. I was talking to myself. Unfortunately, with the current technology, it can't be made."

"Even with the skills of the two experts?"

"Right. It's not a matter of skill; we don't know how to make it."

I don't have the scientific knowledge to know how to make synthetic resins like PVC. I think it's made from petroleum, right?

"Let's stop fantasizing about materials we can't make. The fibers and resin from this low tree, Stuka, are suitable as insulators."

"They block electricity, right?"

"Right. Stuka fibers can be melted and solidified to make paper, which is a great material."

I've heard that paper is also an insulator, but I'm not sure how effective it is. Maybe I should try it when I have some free time. Unlike me, who is thinking about trivial things, Sequoia is frowning in concentration, looking very serious. Her mind must be working at high speed.

"I see. If it's resin, it can be applied to armor. To think that such a tree can provide lightning resistance..."

"Please note, it's not lightning resistance. It only blocks electricity. It would burn if exposed to heat."

"...I'm getting confused. Lightning resistance refers to protection against all lightning-related magic and natural phenomena."

"Hmm. Pure electricity can be defended against. But if there's something like a lightning breath, which combines heat and electricity, it wouldn't work."

"You need to determine whether the lightning beast is one or the other. That's your task."

"I'll keep a close eye on it. This way, we won't get electrocuted. We need one more thing, and I'll have to ask Garam for that."

"Sure. I'll listen to half of it for now."

"Then let's collect the materials before the monsters come."

I gripped the hatchet and cut the low tree from the base. Next, I cut off the branches to make it easier to carry. I tied everything together with a rope, added a handle, and carried it like a backpack.

"Alright."

"Still more low trees... Stuka? But you're not taking them?"

"I can't carry them! One is enough."

"You're weak."

Sequoia sighed and shrugged. I almost told her to carry them, but I remembered she needs to be free-handed. We don't know when dangerous monsters might attack. She's here to protect me.

"Alright, let's pack up. It's good we didn't encounter the lightning beast."

"For today. If we had, I could handle it. That's why I'm here."

"Right. I'm counting on you. By the way, Sequoia."

"Yes?"

"Isn't this a roundabout way? I thought you wouldn't need such preparation."

"No. Your mind is a great sage, unmatched by anyone. However, your body is weaker than even a beginner adventurer, let alone a regular person."

"Of course, I'm weak!"

"What are you saying? Your vulnerability makes you better. If you can create equipment to face a lightning beast, it's a big deal."

"That's true..."

Facing a creature like an electric catfish with no protection would be too reckless. Sequoia might protect me, but she can't always focus on me. What if we get separated? I've heard that lightning beasts are herbivores and don't attack people randomly, but what if there are similar aggressive monsters?

To protect the citizens, it's not a waste to prepare.

The insulators are ready. Next, I need to ask Garam.

◇◇◇

Blacksmith—

"Hmm. You're thinking about a lightning rod?"

"If I get hit by lightning, I'm done for."

As soon as I returned to the blacksmith, I asked Garam to make a "long iron rod," and he immediately understood my intention. The concept of a lightning rod exists in this world as a measure against lightning during storms. Even the capital, Rosenheim, has them installed. However, Garam frowned and criticized the idea.

"But, I understand the iron rod, but asking for copper wire to be wrapped around it is quite unusual."

"I'm sorry for making it complicated."

"No, this level of complexity is not too much. You must have something interesting in mind, right?"

"Well, yeah. I'll explain if it works."

"Hmm. I look forward to it, Joshua."

"You don't need to stop other work. The iron rod can wait."

"Other work? That's already finished. Hahaha!"

Too fast! He's already completed the iron shaft for the water wheel. I watched Garam's work with a dry laugh.

"Come back to pick it up by noon tomorrow."

"Wait, it'll be done that soon?"

"Even in the morning, if you're free."

"O-Okay."

Seriously? He's even making the copper wire. Well, if he says he can do it, he can.

Sequoia, who was propping me up with her shoulder, smiled.

"You should also ask Tohre."

"Right. I need to ask Tohre to apply the resin."

"Sure. Let's go now."

"Got it. Thanks, Garam. I'll be back tomorrow."

I waved and left the blacksmith. Using a lightning rod to avoid lightning and insulators to protect against any residual effects is my plan to face the lightning beast. Even if it doesn't attack, if I get excited and the electricity hits me, the insulators will protect me.

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