The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 90

With the invaders’ frigid traces at the center, I initiated the magic. As expected, there weren’t many spells I could effectively use. This was partly due to my limited understanding of this specific type of magic, as it wasn’t my area of expertise, and partly because the success rate was inherently low.

Moreover, since it involved extracting residual thoughts rather than the soul of the deceased, it was useless if the corpse didn’t contain the specific residual thoughts I needed. The longer someone had been dead, the more difficult it became to extract those thoughts. Nevertheless, I managed to extract meaningful residual thoughts from one invader who had died deep within the lab.

“…”

“Are you regaining consciousness?”

“Was I not dead? I distinctly…”

It’s understandable to be mistaken. Even if they knew they had died in their last memory, anyone who opened their eyes again would naturally assume they had somehow survived. However, I had no intention of prolonging their false hope.

“You died. Don’t you remember? Judging by the traces, it seems you were pierced through the crown of your head.”

“…!”

“I have no intention of listening to useless lamentations. Why? What were you aiming for when you invaded this place?”

“Heh heh. You think I’ll tell you so easily…”

“Ah, I figured as much. It’s not like I didn’t prominently display the countermeasures. You’ll be begging me to tell me your secrets soon enough.”

“What nonsense, Kkeuaaaak!”

It’s a pain they’ve never felt before. It’s also the quickest way to achieve the purpose for which this magic was developed. There were many other methods besides inflicting pain, but considering what they’ve done so far, there was no reason to choose any other method.

“Kkeuaaaa!”

“Come on, we’re both busy, so let’s get this over with quickly. I don’t think you guys have enough loyalty to endure pain even in death, and it’s not like you’re afraid of retribution when you’re already dead.”

“Haa. Haa.”

“So, are you willing to talk now?”

The information I obtained from him wasn’t very useful. Nevertheless, I was able to salvage one crucial piece of information.

“I, I don’t know the details either! I only received a request to bring back the data within the building in exchange for a large sum of money!”

“A request? Who made such a request?”

“I don’t know that either!”

It wasn’t the Black Moon’s [presumably a criminal organization] own initiative, but someone had commissioned them.

‘Who is it?’

Whether they knew but couldn’t reveal it under any amount of torture, whether it was known but not present in the residual thoughts, or whether they truly didn’t know, the truth remains unknown. The result is that there’s no way to find out the identity of the client, and even if I tried to deduce it, the scope is too broad.

‘From within the Empire to other countries, there are too many possibilities to consider.’

The next day, I had hoped for something, but I couldn’t obtain any meaningful information from the two survivors entrusted to the Imperial Knights. They were just expendable pawns, as always. They were so unskilled that they were caught at the entrance of the lab.

“H-How did this happen?”

“There was an intruder.”

“Who on earth…?”

“There are too many possibilities.”

I had to come up with a plan for Armin, who came to work unaware and was struck by a bolt from the blue [idiom for sudden bad news]. Despite being an important figure, he lacked the power to protect himself. If these unknown individuals turned their attention even slightly, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were kidnapped at any moment.

“Move your residence for a while. At least until the prototype is showcased at the demonstration and additional material and personnel support arrives.”

“Understood.”

I need to meet one more person. There’s no guarantee that this won’t happen again, and although it might be a bit of an overreaction, it wouldn’t be a bad proposal for that person either.

#

“That shouldn’t happen. It wouldn’t do for our Empire’s secret weapon to be exposed to the outside world already. So, have you found out who’s behind it?”

“There are too many possibilities. But I’ve caught a clue, so although it will take time, I can find out if I want to.”

I met the Emperor. He was the one who could resolve the cause of this situation most quickly and reliably. Frankly, I didn’t think it was a wise measure.

They have been hiding in the shadows for a long time, continuing their misdeeds. Have countless emperors and lords simply stood by? There was a reason they have persistently survived each time. But to uproot them just because of one intrusion isn’t the efficient measure I usually prioritize.

However, sometimes there are times when you shouldn’t think about efficiency. Besides, if you think about it a little deeper, it’s not like efficiency is entirely bad.

The primary goal is to uncover the identity of the client who commissioned this, but there are many things to be gained by eliminating them. For example, public sentiment and security. It was a good opportunity for the Emperor, who had just ascended the throne and needed to solidify his position.

‘If they’re big players, they’ll move directly.’

It’s fine even if I can’t uncover the identity of the client. If they try to find out the identity of the research by any means, they’ll have no choice but to move directly since the subcontractor has disappeared. I was placing more hope on this side. If those guys had any sense, they wouldn’t act with their identities exposed.

“We had to deal with them sooner or later, even if this hadn’t happened. Don’t worry.”

“In addition, there is one thing I would like to ask.”

“Speak.”

“I would like you to dispatch a skilled knight.”

Titan would inevitably become a weapon for knights. Of course, there’s no rule that mages can’t use it, but they couldn’t gain as much benefit as knights could by piloting it. As such, the opinions of knights had to be considered when creating the prototype.

Also, since the engine’s production was still far off, it was usually difficult to board Titan once. Therefore, a replacement was needed to continue the research.

“I want someone who has a deep loyalty to the Empire and a tight-lipped attitude, as any knight should.”

“… Hmm. I’ll look into it and send someone. Is there anything else you need?”

“What I’ve mentioned so far is sufficient. I will strive to show you the results of your support next time.”

#

“Another homework assignment has been added.”

The stake-shaped artifact that they brought to use when they invaded the lab. Upon closer inspection, it had the exact capabilities I had expected. As a result, another homework assignment has been added.

“Should I apply a mithril [a fictional metal known for its magical properties] coating?”

Whether I have the technology to do so is another matter, but I had to come up with a countermeasure. If I made a mistake, the new weapon that consumed a huge amount of money could become a pile of scrap metal. The purpose is simple, so I have no doubt that I can come up with a countermeasure quickly.

If all else fails, there was also the option of coating the outside with mithril, a mineral with anti-magic properties. It would cost a lot of money, but since the house is already flooded, what’s one more bucket of water? [idiom for: since the situation is already bad, a small addition won’t make much difference] The Empire had that much capacity, and even if it didn’t, if I spent a day searching the entire Empire, I could find one or two mines.

“Great Master! I need you to take a look at this!”

More urgent matters were piling up than that right now. If it’s something that can be thought about after it’s completed, then the urgent matters are things that must be done right now, but soon I had to turn my attention back.

Knock knock-

“Are you Lord Dragneel?”

“Are you?”

“I am Mikhail, a regular knight belonging to the Imperial Knights. I will do my best to uphold His Majesty the Emperor’s orders.”

After talking for a while, Lord Mikhail was the best talent I wanted. As expected of someone belonging to the Imperial Knights, his skills were beyond question, and his loyalty, which would not be swayed by the enemy’s persuasion, seemed strong. His taciturn attitude, except for the necessary words, was the same.

“Have you heard what you will be doing in the future?”

“I haven’t heard yet. But His Majesty the Emperor’s order is to actively cooperate with Lord Dragneel’s research. I can jump into a fire if necessary.”

“Your words alone are reassuring. But you don’t have to be too determined. It’s not a dangerous job at all. It’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times, so it would be better to see it for yourself.”

One of the innermost parts of the lab, which is located close to the research lab and boasts the best security in the lab. Ordinary knights would have a hard time surviving inside, where they had to go through verification procedures at three doors just to enter. Prototype Mk.I, which is sleeping inside.

“That is…?”

“It is the result of research that I and His Majesty the Emperor are interested in and supporting. The official name is Titan, and its primary purpose is a decisive weapon against monsters. It is still a prototype, but if a few conditions are met, it won’t take long to be deployed in actual combat.”

If only the engine design is finished, if only a successful engine can be manufactured based on the design, it can be used in actual combat right away. Even if only a little time passes, countless weaknesses will be revealed.

“Isn’t that a golem [an animated being made from inanimate matter]? Is my job to fight against golems?”

It was natural to think so. It had never been conceived before, and even if someone had thought of it, it would not have progressed this far.

“That’s not it. Lord Mikhail, you have to board Titan.”

“… Yes?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to experience it once than to hear it a hundred times? Follow me.”

It’s not difficult to board Titan. The same goes for the synchronization process. The difficult thing was moving Titan, which boasts a huge body with little magical power of humans, even though it was synchronized. If the engine is installed, the problem will disappear, but until then, even simple movements will be difficult with ordinary magical power, but the name of the Imperial Knights, which boasts the best in the Empire, was not so light.

“Can you hear me?”

“… This is another new experience.”

“You may be embarrassed, but from now on, just follow my instructions.”

If you draw a sword, you have to cut something, even if it’s just a radish [idiom for: you must put your skills to use]. The difference between a knight and a mage. I hoped that the result would be good, and Titan began to move.

#

“How is it?”

“Hmm…”

After a light test, I supported Mikhail, who came out almost exhausted as expected, and returned to the lounge. When I was about to listen to his impressions with a small expectation, his words were a little different from what I expected.

“Please tell me honestly. That’s why I requested Lord Mikhail’s dispatch.”

“Honestly, I think it will be difficult to wear this and engage in actual combat.”

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