Chapter 40

"Joshua, I have a question."

"Hmm?"

"I'm asking if it's okay to go all out."

"Go all out, with all your might!"

It seemed that the words were conveyed to the thunder beast through Sequoia, and it raised its head, roaring, "Uoooon."

In the next moment, a flash of lightning ran through the entire body of the thunder beast, turning the view completely white.

Doooon—

A deafening boom echoed, and a cloud of dust rose up.

"Wow, that's a loud noise."

"It was quite a strike. Truly a child of lightning."

Even a natural lightning strike produces a tremendous boom when it falls nearby. The thunder released by the thunder beast produced a sound of equal magnitude.

"I wonder how much electricity it can generate..."

"Electricity?"

"Oh, no. I'll explain about electricity if it's necessary. For now, I can't say anything."

"Hmm. Is it science?"

"Yeah. But I don't even know if it can be used. Useless knowledge dulls judgment."

"Indeed. That's why I haven't taught Joshua the true magic."

"Yeah. It's very difficult to do only what is necessary when it's needed. I'll count on you, Sequoia."

"Leave it to me, hahaha."

Sequoia, arching her back and laughing like a demon, didn't look the part.

It just looks like a child's play.

"Sequoia, tell the thunder beast 'thank you.' I'll study the red fruit to learn how to show gratitude."

".... I've told it. It says its belly is full, and since its task is done, it's leaving."

"Okay. Thank you, thunder beast!"

He waved his hands vigorously at the thunder beast.

The thunder beast raised its head and let out a small growl, then lowered its head, turned around, and left the scene with a dignified gait.

After watching the thunder beast until it was out of sight, I headed to check the lightning rod that had been struck.

Wow. The copper wire is damaged. But if it has this much power, it seems promising.

I crouched down and touched the lightning rod.

It's not hot.

"Does anyone have any iron items?"

"Is this one okay?"

"Great, thanks."

What Sequoia showed was a small compass needle, about the size of an index finger, tied with a string.

I took the compass needle from her and brought it close to the lightning rod.

Snap.

The compass needle was attracted to the lightning rod and stuck to it!

"Yeees! It worked! Thank you, Mr. Thunder Beast!"

"Is that a magnet?"

"Correct. The thunder from the thunder beast magnetized this iron rod."

"Wow. Lightning can turn iron into a magnet! That's fascinating."

"Right? This is science."

"A different set of rules from magic. Indeed, it's very interesting!"

Sequoia and I were jumping around, holding hands, when Barthol and Galuga, who looked bewildered, came into view.

"Well, let's take the lightning rod, I mean the magnet, back. I'll explain on the way."

"I'll carry it."

"I'll carry it on the way back. Galuga, you take the lead. I'll cover the rear."

"Got it."

They seemed to pretend not to see our mysterious dance.

Barthol carried the magnet, and Galuga started leading the way as if nothing had happened.

◇◇◇

There are several ways to make magnets, which have been created since ancient times.

Methods include using the Earth's magnetic field or using other magnets to magnetize them.

However, this is a different world. Even if we use the Earth's magnetic field, there are concerns about which direction to point and whether magnetization is possible.

I hadn't tried making magnets during the principality era.

From past experience, it often takes dozens, sometimes hundreds of trials to create something.

It would be fine if the domain management stabilized, but the current situation doesn't allow for such a leisurely approach.

"Phew... So, the method I tried was magnetization using electricity. This was the second-best option... phew."

"I understand what you're trying to say. But, Joshua—"

"Hmm..."

"You're too weak. At least try to build up enough strength to run normally."

"Haah... I'll take care of it. It's not possible right now... so, using this magnet—"

"Using it?"

Ah, I'm out of breath, so it's hard to talk.

"To generate electricity. As I mentioned earlier, 'generate electricity.'"

"Hmm. Generating electricity means creating electricity."

"Yeah. The mechanism for generating electricity is very simple. Just rotate a magnet in front of a coil... haah."

"Coil?"

"Let's talk about it when we get to the blacksmith. I need Garam and Torre's help."

"You're a pitiful one... here."

Sequoia stopped and brought her hands behind her waist, wiggling her fingers.

She's not going to say, "Carry me," is she?

"I refuse. If I get carried by a young girl, it's all over."

"It's not just for you. I want to hear about electricity right away. If you walk, it will take longer."

"Grrr. Still, I'll walk. I'll walk, I tell you."

"Really... You're stubborn in the wrong places. Should I have Barthol carry you?"

"No way. I said I'll walk. Look, I'm so energetic."

I spread my arms and jumped forward.

Whoa. My legs wobbled, and I lost my balance.

Guh.

Sequoia supported me from behind, preventing me from falling.

"..."

"Alright, alright. I'll walk."

"O, okay."

I patted my clothes dramatically and started walking again.

◇◇◇

"Thank you, Barthol, Galuga."

"It was a fun walk. Thanks for inviting us, Joshua-sama."

"I'll always help. Call me if you need anything."

I thanked Barthol and Galuga at the entrance of the blacksmith and parted ways with them.

There's still some time before it gets dark.

Sequoia, who has been restless, is also here, so I'll explain the basics of electricity generation as promised.

When we went inside, Sequoia and Garam were already sitting in chairs, waiting for me.

"Sequoia told me. You're going to do something interesting again."

"I'm thinking of compensating for the lack of combustion stones and magic stones. It's one of the countermeasures."

I sat down next to Sequoia and raised my right hand slightly.

"Come on, start talking about 'electricity' already."

"Alright, alright. Make sure to tell Torre too."

I smiled at Sequoia, who was pulling my sleeve.

You're pulling too hard, my clothes will stretch.

"I'll tell him."

"Thanks."

After thanking Garam, I started explaining about electricity.