Chapter 247

After Rod had his invention confiscated, Jane and Godin engaged in a lively discussion.

Why it went into overheating, how something that seemed fine suddenly couldn’t hold up, and so on.

The conclusion was simple. My Red Magic output was just too strong compared to ordinary magic, causing the malfunction.

In other words, it worked fine for others, but for me, it posed issues.

“So, does that mean I can’t use it?”

“Uh… yeah, that’s probably the case. But the overheating problem remains the same even if used for a long time, so I’ll find a way around it.”

“I don’t know about other things, but preventing overheating is going to be tough. Even if mana is converted to kinetic energy, it still generates heat in the process…”

While Jane was determined to find a solution, Godin was somewhat pessimistic.

In movies, there’s no overheating problem, but of course, movies are just that—movies. Or maybe Iron Man is just an outrageous genius.

‘Some struggle with freezing issues while others face overheating…’

In reality, overheating is likely the more challenging problem to solve. It happens inevitably unless it’s superconductive.

And there are no superconductors in this world. There are alternatives, but they are extremely rare compared to mithril and magical stones.

Moreover, due to the limitations of this era, the places where they can be used are severely limited. After all, Santia is already overpriced for such materials.

“By the way, are we really getting it back? It makes me a bit anxious…”

After returning to the workshop, Jane asked nervously. It seemed she was quite worried about the confiscated items.

Gone was the self-assured public servant; now she resembled a lamb that had lost its puffy jacket to a bully.

She clearly hated having her belongings taken from her. Is that just her nature?

“The principal doesn’t randomly confiscate others’ belongings. You don’t need to worry too much.”

“Is that… so?”

“Yeah. He will definitely return it in a week. Just that we didn’t disclose the workshop’s location, so you’ll have to go retrieve it personally.”

“Phew…”

At Godin’s response, Jane let out a sigh of relief. She had a pretty noticeable chest.

Of course, right next to her was the one who could be called the main star. As that thought crossed my mind, I turned my head away.

“….”

“….”

“Why?”

“Just.”

When I stared blankly, Eli tilted her head. Her face was beautiful, and not to mention her impressive figure.

Someone once said that the bigger the chest, the prettier the face tends to look.

Eli was indeed a pretty face, creating an enormous synergy. I must say, I always want to be close to her.

“Is Jane the type who dislikes it when someone touches her belongings?”

“Huh? Oh, not really. It’s just that I had something stolen a while back…”

I knew what that item was. It was confiscated right by the country, Santia.

They were probably using it as a power source by now. Jane would eventually realize that, becoming a point of no return.

‘All Santia had to do was smash it, right?’

Jane had many reasons for shifting towards the demon side. The first was that her trauma was touched.

The second being that no one was there to help her, and the biggest reason was that her genius went unrecognized.

Jane was a quirky person thinking of herself as a frog in a well. Anyone would be fascinated if acknowledged as a genius.

The problem was that the target was a demon. However, now that all those futures had vanished, I felt some relief.

“Anyway, it seems it’ll take a bit longer for Sivar to use it… could you give me a bit more time?”

“That’s fine. Take your time.”

“Thank you! I will definitely show you something good!”

I didn’t have to use it myself. If it doesn’t work out, I can give it to someone else.

But, the most likely person was… I couldn’t seem to think of anyone suitable. I had thought about it before, but I needed to scout a user.

‘…Should I give it to Karas?’

I know it sounds ridiculous, but it oddly matched. But I couldn’t trust it just yet, so I passed.

Putting aside the whole suit issue, we tidied up the workshop and headed out. On my way out, I walked alongside Eli.

“I was really surprised. To fly through the sky with boots that shoot fire from the legs. That might just be a historically significant invention, don’t you think?”

“Yeah.”

“You think so too, right, Sivar? But I’m too scared to ride it.”

Well, flying high in the sky could lead to a fall. I could endure it, but someone like Eli wouldn’t.

Of course, it’s worth noting that it’s still a work in progress. A finished product might hold up even if it fell from the sky.

For now, all I could do was wait. Godin would help, so it should be ready way sooner than expected.

‘Then…’

What to do until year’s end? I started planning ahead.

There was literally nothing to do until the final exam. I wasn’t joking; there really was nothing.

Sure, there were a few practicals in between, but they held little significance. Skipping them was even possible.

‘Was it always this empty?’

Having nothing to do at all felt way too empty. I recalled the Soul World.

I was sure something had occurred in the Soul World, but I couldn’t remember it.

If I couldn’t remember, it surely wasn’t important. If it were, I’d have recalled it clearly.

“Then, see you later. Let’s meet tomorrow.”

“Yeah. You take care too, Eli.”

Once I arrived near the dormitory, I parted ways with Eli. Since tomorrow was also the weekend, I could think slowly.

If nothing came up, I was planning to search for traces of demons at the stock exchange. It was high time to smash that too.

Having finished the brawl, what remained was the final exam and the grand demon invasion. Until then, it was crucial to enhance my personal strength.

“Are you here? Then let’s study today, too.”

“Grace, let’s start with some exercise.”

“I-I’m fine, though…”

“Nope. Exercise. We studied yesterday.”

First, I needed to somehow raise this pathetic physical strength to a normal level. Without a doubt, improving Grace’s stamina was essential.

Even in the Soul World, I would be panting whenever I got the chance. Even with my mana overflowing, a lack of stamina was often a problem.

A classic glass cannon style. Of course, part of me was just reluctant to study.

“Y-yeah. They say stamina is national power, so it wouldn’t hurt to build it up.”

“Hang in there.”

“Phew…”

For Grace, exercise must be as taxing as studying is for me. However, if skipped, I’d surely regret it later.

There should be a give-and-take. I changed clothes and stepped outside with Grace.

“Hmm? You guys.”

“Uh?”

Just then, we coincidentally locked eyes with Danyerin at the right moment. I stared at her wide-eyed.

Danyerin was dressed not in casual wear but more like she was going out to exercise.

True to her heritage, she wore a stylish black outfit. It looked lightweight and seemed to breathe well.

“Are you heading out to exercise by any chance?”

Danyerin asked as she scanned us. In response, Grace answered instead of me.

“Yes. Are you, Princess, going out to exercise too?”

“If I stay at home, my body gets stiff. This works out nicely. It’s a bit unfortunate my guard isn’t here… can I join you?”

“Umm…”

Grace showed signs of hesitation at Danyerin’s request, tilting her head.

She seemed uncertain about something, but there was nothing particularly suspicious about Danyerin’s statement.

Her guard had left for personal matters, but that didn’t mean she should stay cooped up at home.

So it was just a coincidence that they crossed paths with us. There was nothing to catch her on.

“….Well, I guess. But I won’t be able to keep up with you because I’m quite weak.”

“It doesn’t matter. Then, let’s go.”

With her signature captivating smile, Danyerin began to walk ahead. Grace raised an eyebrow at that.

“…Is it just me, or is something off?”

“….”

Things could get a little dangerous soon.

A little time later…

“Hah… hah… just a moment… please…!”

“….I didn’t think you’d be this weak.”

Danyerin couldn’t help but marvel at Grace’s stamina.

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