CH 78

I received one of Gargarossa’s legs after it was subjugated.

This time, I intend on using it to make the [Magic Circle Detector].

“There is still some remnant magic power in Gargarossa’s leg. If it was summoned, there may be similar magic power left in the magic circle.”

I explained to Mabel and the others.

“I want to verify whether we can locate the magic circle using its magic power as a reference just as the [Radio Wave Detector] in the heroes’ world used radio waves as a means to search for eavesdropping devices and transmitters.”

“So, the [Magic Circle Detector] is basically an item that locates a specific magic power, isn’t it?”

“Yes. However, it seems I can’t create one as small as the one in the [Mail Order Catalogue].

The one in the [Mail Order Catalogue] was approximately the size of a person’s palm, but that is currently beyond me, as I have to take Gargarossa’s leg into consideration when designing the item.

However, the [Radio Wave Detectors] of the heroes’ world can locate eavesdropping devices and transmitters without any materials, right? I wonder how on earth they achieved that…

I guess my skill is still no match for those of the heroes’ world.

It’s frustrating, but that’s reality.

“Then, Mabel, please help me prepare the materials. I need a lump of metal, a magic stone, and [Magic Cloth] of light, dark, wind, fire… All the attributes, please.”

“Yes, Thor-sama.”

“Agnis will help too.”

“Agnis will be in charge of keeping a record. I would like you to take note of which materials I use to make the [Magic Circle Detector]. Also, I’m going to conduct an experiment after I’ve made it, so could you please record the process and the results?”

“It’s to inform Her Majesty, right?

“Yes. I will create two detectors, one for General Reisenga to use and one to report to Her Highness Rukie with.

“Yes, Thor-sama!”

The two immediately began preparing.

Then, Soleil flew up to me.

“Soleil would like to help you too!”

“No problem. I have a question I wanted to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“How does a pixie sense magic power?”

“It’s easy. When there is magic similar to their own nearby, they feel a tugging sensation.”

“A tugging sensation?”

“Soleil is a light pixie, so when there is light magic nearby, I can feel a slight tugging sensation. It is similar to the feeling you get when your favorite food is nearby.”

“Like a feeling of resonance with one’s attribute of magic power?“

“Yeah, that’s right. It’s a feeling of resonance with the magic that is familiar to you.”

“I see.”

As expected of a professional magic power detection expert. It’s a useful reference.

“So, there is attraction between magic power of the same attribute. Therefore, light attracts light magic power, and fire attracts fire magic power. In the same way, the light attribute Soleil attracts light magic power.”

“Yes. I sense the tugging through the wings on my back.”

“Thank you, Soleil. You have been a great help.”

“It’s not a problem. What else can I do?”

“Well, I was wondering if you could accompany me later during my experiments.”

“Understood!”

The work would progress more smoothly with more people present.

I’m pleased that Agnis and Soleil are here.

“Thank you. Activate [Creation Alchemy]!”

I activated my skill.

To start with, I imagined the shape of the [Radio Wave Detector] in the [Mail Order Catalogue].

The [Radio Wave Detector] is box-shaped, with a stick-like object on top.

It seems to be something called an ‘antenna’ or ‘sensor’.

This is the piece that senses radio waves. It’s akin to the wings of a pixie.

It would be amazing if the [Magic Circle Detector] could possess wings. Let’s replace the ‘antenna’ with wings.

The material for the wings will be the [Magic Cloth].

Light, dark, earth, water, fire, and wind [Magic Cloth] will be layered to create a single wing.

Since magic power has a tendency of reacting to objects of the same attribute, these wings should act as a sensor for each attribute of magic power in the surroundings.

There is space Inside the box where I can place Gargarossa’s leg.

When it detects magic power that is similar to that of the leg, the wings should resonate with it.

This would be easier to perceive if the orientation of the wing changes and points towards the origin of the magic power.

As a precaution, let’s incorporate magic stones of all attributes.

By examining the magic power of the material and activating the magic stone of the corresponding attribute, the magic power can be amplified.

The wings would then be able to accurately sense the magic power of the material.

When we created the [Body Pillow], it was confirmed that magic power contains personal information. The detector will amplify that information, identify it, and search for similar magic power.

That is the concept of this magic item.

Yeah, that’s good. That should do it.

If it fails, we will just make another attempt.

I’m sure Mabel, Agnis, and Soleil will accompany me.

“[Creative Alchemy], start!”

The metal that Mabel prepared transformed into the shape of a box.

The sheets of [Magic Cloth] overlapped one another to form wings.

The wings were similar to the pixies’. I attached them to both sides.

The excess magic cloth was fashioned into two belts, which were attached to the back of the box.

Since it is difficult to carry due to its size, the box is designed to be carried on the back like a backpack.

Finally, the magic stones were blended into the box.

Now the [Magic Circle Detector] is…… No.

This is a magic item that can search for any kind of magic, including magic circles – a [Magic Power Detector].

“Yup, it should be done now.”

Thud

The box-shaped [Magic Power Detector] fell onto the workbench.

It was a rectangular box, resembling a backpack with wings.

The box had a door to allow the intended materials to be placed inside.

The [Magic Power Detector] is a magic item that detects the magic power of the material inside it and determines the location of something that exhibits the same magic power.

──────────────────

Magic Power Detector

(Attributes: Light, Darkness, Earth, Water, Fire, Wind)

(Rarity: ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆)

Amplifies the magic power of the material contained inside it through magic stones of all attributes.

The [Magic Cloths] of all attributes help sense the magic power of the surroundings.

If it senses magic power similar to the magic power of the material, the wings point towards the location of the target’s magic power.

This magic item was created with reference to the [Radio Wave Detector] of the heroes’ world.

It was created based on the concept of the pixies’ ability to sense magic power.

By placing a material inside the box, it is possible to seek out objects and locations with similar magical power.

The range of detection spans roughly between several hundred meters and one kilometer.

(The distance varies depending on the strength of the target’s magic power.)

When it locates magic power resembling that of the material inside, the wings point towards the location of that magic power.

By inserting a monster’s limb, it is also possible to locate the same species of monster.

In the case of a monster summoned by a magic circle, it is also possible to locate the magic circle.

Resistance to Physical Destruction: ★★★ (Can only be destroyed by magic-enhanced weapons)

Lifetime: None in particular.

Comes with 3 years of user support.

──────────────────

“So this is the item that locates magic circles…”

Mabel gazed at the [Magic Power Detector], impressed.

“It’s amazing how, with this item, you can find the location of the magic circle with just the monster’s limb! This can be used not only on those summoned monsters, but also for ordinary monsters, right? This means that as long as we have their limbs, we will be able to find the nests of all kinds of monsters. If that happens, it will make eliminating them much easier!”

I’m pleased by your praise of me, but I’m not satisfied with this item.

It’s too bulky and weighty.

This is intended for locating monsters, so there’s nothing I can do about it, but I would like to design something more compact for the general public. Something small enough that no one will take notice of it. Or something stylish enough to take to parties or other formal occasions.

“But, well, at least it’s functional.”

“Thor-sama is truly serious about reaching the peak of alchemy…”

“Soleil would be honored to assist you!”

“Thank you. Let’s go test it to see if it functions as intended.”

This item was created to locate Gargarossa’s magic circle.

However, Gargarossa appeared in a mountainous area, quite a distance from here.

If General Reisenga takes this and it doesn’t react, he’ll be troubled. Let’s first test it out to see whether it can properly detect magic.

“Yes! Soleil will be happy to assist in the experiment!”

“Thank you. First, can you place your personal belongings in this box?”

I pointed to the workbench.

“After that, I want you to hide near the house. Then, we’ll see if we can locate you with the [Magic Power Detector].”

“You want something that I have with me?”

“Yes. Anything that still contains Soleil’s magic power is fine.”

“Un-understood. If Benefactor-sama says so…”

She proceeded to turn around, her light [Magic Cloth] clothing beginning to fall down…

“S-soleil, here is your [Onesie]!”

“If you’re hiding, I think a cat-shaped one is be suitable!”

Just before her clothing fell, Mabel and Agnis surrounded Soleil and offered her the pajamas.

Ah, I just noticed.

The pixies basically possess no belongings other than their clothes.

So, for the experiment, Soleil had no choice but to offer me her clothes.

Could it be that I told Soleil to hide naked?

“Nyan.”

While I was thinking about this, Soleil had finished getting dressed.

She transformed into a pure white cat in her [Onesie] and left the room.

She ran to the forest near the house.

“Thor-sama, please choose your words with care.”

Mabel was staring intently at me.

“The pixies are very loyal to Thor-sama. They will do whatever Thor-sama commands them to do. You must be careful when you give them instructions.”

“I’m sorry. I will be careful from now on.”

“… Of course, I am also Thor-sama’s loyal subordinate.”

For some reason, Mabel’s face flushed red.

“I will a-accept any requests you have, Thor-sama.”

“Y-yeah.”

“I absolutely won’t refuse.”

“Why did you state it twice?”

“I just did it unconsciously. More importantly, Thor-sama, here.”

Mabel grabbed Soleil’s clothes from the floor.

I opened the door of the [Magic Power Detector] and Mabel placed them inside.

Finally, I closed the door and carried it on my back.

Swish

“The wings on your back are moving!”

“I can feel it pulling me.”

Soleil was hiding behind the mansion, so we decided to go outside.

“Nyah nyah.”

“Nyah nyah nyah.”

“Nyahh?”

We heard meowing.

It wasn’t just Soleil, there were other voices as well.

“It seems that other pixies have also come from nearby.”

“They probably assumed Soleil was playing hide-and-seek and wanted to join…”

The pixies were drawn here by Soleil and transformed into cats, it seems.

“Nyan!”

“I’ll go along with your experiment.”

“Nyan-nyan!”

“…… It looks fun.”

“Nyan.”

“Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah!”

Voices could be heard from all around.

I couldn’t see them, because pixies are skilled at concealing themselves.

It’s a great experiment.

I closed my eyes and carefully paid attention to the sensation from the wings on my [Magic Detector].

With my eyes closed, I perceived the movement of the [Magic Power Detector] carefully.

Pikun.

“Thor-sama. The left and right wings are pointing in different directions!”

“One is pointing at the white tail that I can see from the grass. The other one is pointing towards a tree…”

True.

The wings on the [Magic Power Detector] were pointing in different directions.

One is pointing towards the white tail sticking out of the grass.

That one is definitely the tail of Soleil’s [Onesie].

And the other one…?

“A-Agnis doesn’t understand what’s going on…”

“It can’t be that there is an issue with the item Thor-sama made.”

“The one on the left is pointing towards the [Onesie] after Soliel took it off. Soleil herself is hiding behind the tree, as indicated by the wing on the right.”

It was a simple trick.

When she realized she couldn’t fool the [Magic Power Detector], she had a nearby companion disguise themselves as a cat.

And then she left her [Onesie] in the grass.

I said we were going to play hide-and-seek, so I guess she became serious.

Pixies truly are good at hiding.

“So, what do you think, Soleil?”

“A-as expected of my benefactor!”

Soleil poked her face out from behind a tree and clapped her hands.

“Oh!”

Mabel and Agnes also clapped.

“Diverting someone’s attention while hiding in another place. This is the specialty of the pixies. However, it doesn’t work on Benefactor-sama’s [Magic Power Detector]…”

“Thanks to you, it was a great experiment.”

The [Magic Power Detector] also reacted to the [Onesie] that Soleil had worn for only a few minutes.

This confirms that the [Magic Power Detector] can detect even the trace amounts of magic power transferred while wearing it.

If this is the case, then it should also be able to detect the remnant magic power of the magic circle used to summon Gargarossa.

“I’m going to conduct a few more experiments. Will you join me?”

「「「「「「Yes, yes, yes! Nyan! Nyan!」」」」」

“I’d like to try it!”

The voices of the pixies came back from the forest.

Why is Agnis’ hand raised as well?

“Then Agnis…”

“I understand! I will go change immediately!”

Saying that, Agnis entered the mansion.

When she returned a short time later, she was wearing a cat-shaped [Onesie].

The hood was still lowered, in the pre-transformation state.

“Then, I will transform into a cat and hide. Please find me, Thor-sama.”

“Next, I want to experiment with detection range. Try to create as much distance from the house as possible.”

“I see! Here is what Agnis was wearing!”

Agnis presented her clothes to me.

All the clothes she had been wearing earlier. Every single piece.

“…… You know, Agnis.”

“Yes, Thor-sama!”

“You didn’t have to take off your underwear, you know?”

“…!”

Agnis’ eyes widened.

So, she didn’t notice…….

What Agnis was wearing was the cat-shaped [Onesie] that I made for Mabel.

It was made of water-attribute [Magic Cloth], so it adhered perfectly to the body.

“Th-then I’m leaving, nyah.”

Agnis hurriedly transformed into a cat and ran deep into the forest.

“Thor-sama.”

“What is it, Mabel?”

“It’s better to experiment as much as possible, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. I want to determine the maximum distance at which the target can be sensed, what happens when the target enters a building, and so on.”

“Then we should take turns playing hide-and-seek.”

“Eh?”

“The first one was Soleil-san, and the next one was Agnis-sama. So, I think it’s fair to take turns.”

“Y-yeah.”

“Let’s do it in turns.”

“…… Okay.”

We continued our experiments with the [Magic Power Detector] until late into the night.