Chapter 131

Episode 131

#131. Mobile Knight Pluto (1)

In this world, mana undeniably exists, and so do the magicians, knights, and other races who utilize it.

Thus, strategies and tactics differ greatly from those on Earth.

Particularly, individuals called superhumans such as great mages, high priests, and sword masters were almost akin to strategic weapons each.

To the point where even if a thousand regular soldiers incapable of manipulating mana attacked them, they wouldn’t be a problem.

One man equals a hundred, one equals a thousand—knights, mages, and priests like these undoubtedly existed.

Yet, armies composed of ordinary people still existed in this land.

The reason was simple: only a few could manipulate mana, and among them, superhumans like sword masters were extremely rare across the continent.

No matter how excellent knights and magicians may be, there’s no winning against sheer numbers.

Ordinary soldiers didn’t need to fight superhumans anyway.

It was enough to avoid places where superhumans were present and attack other villages or cities instead.

A single sword master couldn’t possibly cover an entire ravaged nation all by themselves.

Therefore, effectively managing both extraordinary and regular forces determined the outcome of wars.

Generals and strategists renowned in this land all displayed exceptional talent in this management.

And the development of magic made this management shine even more.

Enter this giant soldier, Pluto.

“This armor will surely break through anything.”

Seeing Mary look up at Pluto with dazed eyes, I felt the preparation for this surprise had been worth it.

“…Can I try riding it?”

“Of course. If anyone, you becoming the first Pluto Knight would be an honor.”

Following my guidance, Mary climbed aboard the giant soldier.

The chest of the 11-meter giant soldier opened, revealing the cockpit inside.

There were no buttons or joysticks in the cockpit. Not even a chair.

If anything, the cockpit resembled a full-body exercise machine you’d find at a gym.

“What is…?”

The face of Mary, filled with anticipation as she entered the cockpit, suddenly turned serious.

“High Knights probably won’t get much effect out of this.”

“You’re absolutely right. The giant soldier is a weapon that bridges regular and extraordinary forces, acting as the backbone.”

As soon as she fitted herself into the cockpit, she understood the role of this giant soldier.

‘Which is why it’s also a weapon tailored specifically for her.’

Who else knows Ariana’s condition better than me? Why would I have placed Ariana in this giant soldier?

The giant soldier was also a weapon prepared so that she wouldn’t overexert herself should she ever have to fight while in poor health.

“Try moving slowly. If there’s any issue, come down immediately.”

Mary moved within Pluto.

BOOM BOOM KABOOM

WHOOSH CRACK WHOOSH CRACK

When the pilot walked, the giant soldier walked; when the pilot swung their arms, the giant soldier followed suit.

Thanks to the mana engine installed in the giant soldier, its speed wasn’t slow.

Its destructive power, due to its weight and size, seemed immense.

With just the giant soldier, it might easily crush ogres and the like.

WHEEEEEEEE CRACK

True to form as a born swordsman, she drew the sword mounted on Pluto’s back after barely moving a few times.

ROOOOOAAARR

From the Pluto-exclusive greatsword flowed a murky gray blade energy, symbolizing Mary’s tainted mana.

[So this is about the limit of operation, huh?]

Mary’s voice came through from Pluto’s helmet after swinging the sword a few times in the Pluto state.

Each time her voice rang out, Pluto’s gemstone eyes lit up.

“That’s the limit the mana engine can handle.”

The pilot’s mana core synchronizes with the giant soldier’s mana engine. Through this, the giant soldier can generate mana as seen now.

However, there was a limit. By Northern standards, the maximum mana capacity this giant soldier could handle was roughly equivalent to that of an average knight.

For someone of High Knight caliber, there would be little advantage in riding this.

Rather, they wouldn’t be able to fully utilize their high-level mana and swift movements.

[Still, it’ll be a tremendous help in war, I think.]

Just because this giant soldier isn’t perfect doesn’t mean it’s useless.

The most suitable pilot for Pluto is an average knight.

For knights who hit a wall in talent and have no chance of becoming high knights, Pluto is literally wings.

Once an average knight pilots the giant soldier, their combat strength rapidly escalates to high knight level.

Especially in terms of destructive power, it might rival even a decent sword master.

A single unit of these giant soldiers could cover an elite imperial army division.

‘If Pluto acts like a tank on the ground and airships bomb from above, even if a million imperial troops come at once, there’s nothing to fear.’

Giant soldiers and airships are game-changers that can upset the balance of war.

Even if the empire managed to achieve both quality and quantity through industrialization?

What if, hypothetically, Entaire failed and a civil war broke out within the empire? What then?

No worries. With superior technology and mana, suppression is possible.

With this kind of gap, Pyros’ victory is impossible.

Shortly after, Pluto’s chest opened.

Mary descended gracefully after a light test, saying,

“Hmm, but it seems to consume more stamina than expected?”

She jumped cleanly from Pluto’s chest to the ground.

“As you get used to the mana synchronization by continuing to ride, the stamina consumption will decrease.”

I carefully listened to her feedback while setting up Pluto.

“We need to select suitable knights from among them.”

“That would be wise. Mary, please make sure to discuss this well with the High City.”

“Of course.”

“So, what do you think now?”

“About what?”

“The Imperial Army. Aren’t you scared?”

“…No.”

In response to my question, she smiled gently.

Seeing that smile made me feel good.

This is what true fantasy armor looks like.

* * *

Playing around with the prototype giant soldier in the secret hangar with Mary, time flew by.

The sun, which had been high in the sky, now began to tilt toward the west.

“It’s getting close to evening. Shall we go eat together?”

“I’ll guide you to the dining hall.”

“How about my quarters?”

“My…quarters?”

“Thought I might show off my cooking skills for once?”

Having calmed the anxieties of King Lenslet and the undercover boss with the giant soldier, I asked her out on a date.

“…No, thank you. I’ll just eat at the dining hall.”

“?”

But Mary declined.

Had it been the old her, her face would have flushed red, drooling uncontrollably as she vigorously nodded her head…

The warm conversation we had just moments ago about Pluto felt like a dream now.

“…Is that so? Alright then. Let’s head to the staff cafeteria.”

“Yes.”

I shrugged.

I understand why Mary & Ariana are acting this way.

‘How am I supposed to resolve this…? It’s not your typical sulking.’

This reaction from Mary hasn’t been a recent occurrence.

Since our reunion in Jin’s territory,

While she has been proactive regarding company matters or anything related to Lenslet, she keeps her distance when it comes to things involving me.

Especially, she avoids being alone with me at all costs.

‘This has led to rumors spreading throughout Lenslet that we’ve had a fight.’

On top of that, another rumor is circulating throughout the Lenslet region.

‘The rumor about my relationship with Ariana being strained is also problematic.’

I’m largely to blame for this.

Ignoring Ariana’s order to return to the High City, I came to my territory and established a shipyard.

And since then, I haven’t visited the High City even once.

Of course, I did explain via magical communication several times, apologizing and clarifying the urgent situation, but in the grand scheme of things, it didn’t change much.

‘In short, Mary’s attitude now is because of me.’

Upon reflection, my sudden actions back then were indeed rash.

Given her already fragile mental state due to her physical condition, my abrupt behavior must have added to it…

From Ariana’s perspective, she must have thought all sorts of things.

Though I came here citing my birthday as an excuse, the emotional distance between us hasn’t healed yet.

‘At least today she acted somewhat like her old self.’

Today was an exception. My birthday likely played a big part.

But the birthday bonus is fading.

With Pluto alleviating some concerns about the empire,

I watched Mary, who was gradually reverting to her “distance-keeping mode,” blankly.

How should I clear up this misunderstanding?

‘The best solution would be to heal her body, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.’

I’m still finding time every day to search for ways to heal Ariana’s damaged body.

But even with Arad’s knowledge from the end days of Arcanepunk, no definitive solution has emerged.

Essentially, I have to research and design everything from A to Z from scratch.

“…”

“…”

An awkward silence enveloped me and Ariana.

“By the way, Mary.”

“Yes?”

“When do you plan to announce that you’ve become a Sword Master? I’ve ensured discretion among the knights and staff present at the time.”

I changed the subject to ease the uncomfortable atmosphere.

“I don’t plan to announce it. We’ve already discussed this with the High City.”

“Do you mind sharing the reason?”

Of course, I know Mary’s true identity.

Especially her physical condition.

Thus, I understand better than anyone why the fact that a new Sword Master has emerged in Lenslet remains undisclosed.

‘Considering her current mental state, if she finds out her true identity has already been exposed…’

Externally, I must appear unaware of Mary’s true identity. I should only know that Mary has reached the level of a Sword Master.

Meanwhile, Ariana should seem to have suffered severe internal injuries from fighting the white snake, leading to infertility.

Lastly, I should remain unaware that Mary is actually Ariana.

‘To reassure her, I occasionally need to signal that I have no clue about her true identity.’

Thus, this conversation is essentially me pretending to be unaware of Mary’s true identity and condition.

‘Sigh…what exactly am I doing here? I should’ve just not repaired that transformation necklace back then.’

Honestly, I question whether I need to accommodate Ariana’s undercover boss antics to this extent.

But…

‘It’s too late to turn back now.’

Too much narrative and karma have piled up.

“Withholding the announcement is…like keeping a secret weapon.”

The gray-eyed Ariana winked slightly at my feigned ignorance.

Attempting to maintain a playful expression, but the underlying bitterness couldn’t be completely hidden.

“Is that so? Well…if the High City decided this and you agreed, then it must be the right call.”

We left the warehouse where Pluto was stored and headed towards the temporarily set up staff cafeteria.

There, food prepared with ingredients directly imported from the High City and fresh produce harvested nearby was neatly arranged.

Naturally, Arad salt was included in all the dishes.

‘Even with mass cooking, thanks to Arad salt, it’s quite edible.’

Savoring the taste while filling my blue porcelain plate with food, I smiled contentedly.

The joy of eating momentarily distracted our troubled minds.

‘Arad salt is the universal seasoning and flavor enhancer of this world.’

If Earth’s Korea has ramen seasoning, this world has Arad salt.

More accurately, it’s a higher-tier alternative to ramen seasoning.

With proper blending, it works not just for soups but also salads, meats, and breads—perfectly versatile.

Something I created right after being summoned to this world, and upon reflection, I did an excellent job.

‘Without Arad salt, I would’ve succumbed to homesickness long ago due to food.’

Cooking starts with ingredients making up half the meal.

Though not as good as my own cooking, it’s undeniable that the taste is satisfying enough to nod in approval.

After clearing about half my plate,

“Lately, it’s been worrying.”

Mary suddenly brought up a topic while we were eating opposite each other.

Despite maintaining distance, it seemed she didn’t intend to keep silent during meals.

“What about?”

Feeling oddly delighted, I responded enthusiastically to her comment.

“Lately, as the lives of Lenslet citizens improve, gambling and drinking have become rampant. There are also related incidents. Some are even collecting porcelain as luxury items…?”

Her words caught my attention.

This wasn’t Mary speaking but the concern of Princess Ariana of Lenslet.

“They have money and time, but lack entertainment options, that’s why.”

I reaffirmed how well I did introducing industrialization and steampunk to the empire.

Had there not been cheap and abundant imperial products available in this situation? Just thinking about it makes me shudder.

“They’re all full. It feels like just yesterday they were dying from cold and hunger.”

That Mary brought this up was also a subtle signal.

It was a request for solutions or hints regarding Lenslet’s current pressing issues.

“Actually, Manager Te mentioned something similar via the magic communication device last time.”

I decided to take this issue seriously.

Solving problems together might bring us closer again.

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