Chapter 274: Equipment Update and Familiars II

He might have noticed me turning to the goblins, as Schieber-san asked me.

Ryouma, are the armor your hobgoblins wearing also part of your prototypes? [Schieber]

Schieber-san was looking at the hobgoblins that have positioned themselves around the goblins preparing the food. They are more combative than the other goblins, so theyre in charge of escorting the other goblins during outdoor activities. Especially, since most of the goblins are non-combatants. Even now theyre on the lookout for any threats, and they could be seen swinging their weapons from time to time.

I used the armor of the Siblings of the Strong Sword as a reference for their armor. I used alchemy to make the parts, then put them together myself. I think it turned out pretty well, if I say so myself.

Yes, theyre prototypes too, but the craftsmen didnt make them. Theyre mostly meant to discourage any unwanted parties. [Ryouma]

Ah, so you were referring to them when you spoke about having deterrents. Well, with their physique, those thick armor, and how theyre able to move easily despite the great sword on their back, they definitely look the part. [Schieber]

I used an alloy called, Duralumin. Its lighter than your usual iron and is easy to move in despite its strength. One drawback is that it rusts easily, so I applied a solution that combined the sticky slimes sticky liquid with charcoal to prevent rust. It also serves to reduce the l.u.s.ter of the armor and gives it a more profound feel.

Ive given them the bare minimum combat training too, so theyre fairly useful even during subjugation jobs. I cant be completely unbiased when I say this, but theyre not just for show. [Ryouma]

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The basic tactic I came up with was to position the smaller goblins for long range attacks, while the bigger hobgoblins would fight in melee. They would mow down the enemy with arrow and magic, and any force that managed to endure that and approach would be dealt with by the hobgoblins.

The rimel birds could scout the enemy from the skies, while the slimes could quickly set traps and prepare a position, and I could move quickly without being seen thanks to my dimension magic. If we could even take the initiative on top of all of that, then our advantage in battle would put us way ahead of any foe.

Its a simple tactic, but the more advantageous the situation is for me, the safer it will be as well. In fact, there have been plenty of bandits and monsters that were defeated just by the goblins attacks.

Looks like theyre functioning as a unit much better than I expected I suppose that would make you the general and the chief of staff then, huh, Ryouma. [Schieber]

I dont know about being chief of staff, but there is someone that might fit the bill. A genius chicken that goes by the name, Kohaku. [Ryouma]

Kohaku is the leader of the clever chickens that I purchased for their eggs. Actually, hes really more like the person in charge of their complaints. But anyway, the clever chickens are really selfish, perhaps because they were carefully raised as livestocks in a greenhouse, but Kohaku, the chicken in charge of them, is a small chicken less than a year old.

I felt bad for him being so anxious all the time, so I made a chess board to help him relieve his stress. He learned the rules in the blink of an eye, and before I knew it, I couldnt beat him anymore.

After that, Kohaku taught the rest of the clever chickens the game of chess, and the complaints from the ones that got hooked grew less. Eventually, they started solving disputes with chess, greatly reducing Kohakus troubles. He was really happy, but it was an unexpected result that left me feeling complicated.

I do hear him out from time to time though since it makes for a good reference. [Ryouma]

Is that so? I mean, have clever chickens always been that kind of monster? [Schieber]

Well, no ones ever tried to teach livestock chess before, but theres no doubting that theyre smart, and its said they could even understand humans, though Ive never heard anyone mention they had a taste for chess. Regardless, it appears that they did in fact learn chess, so I suppose its possible depending on how one teaches them. [Reinbach]

Schieber-san turned to Reinbach-sama for his opinion, and he readily answered as such, adding that it could turn out to be a popular spectacle for the affluent.

As an unusual sight, you mean? [Ryouma]

Theres that too, but games that stimulate the brain are part of a n.o.bles education. Its not unusual for n.o.bles to hold tournaments, invite strong players, and even employ them for instruction. The wealthy and enthusiastic spend just that much money.

If the clever chickens can learn chess and be raised to become chess players, a chess tournament between clever chickens could be a thing in the future. When that happens, specialized monster tamers would likely appear too. [Reinbach]

Like horses, huh. [Ryouma]

Well, the only difference is that theyre competing in chess instead of speed, so indeed, just like horses. [Reinbach]

The trends come and go, but theres always a market for these kind of compet.i.tions. n.o.bles love to jump at new things too. If done well, it could be really profitable. [Remilie]

Well, dogfights and c.o.c.kfights were a thing back on Earth too. Theyre officially banned because of animal rights, but I guess in a sense, this isnt that much different from a c.o.c.kfight. What a terrible image. Chicken chess.

While I was thinking that, Sebasu-san asked me a question.

Ryouma-sama, what are those metal carts that the goblins have been pulling for awhile now. The back looks like a pot. [Sebasu]

Those are mobile cooking stoves meant for cooking large portions of food for many people. You can prepare a lot of food on those. [Ryouma]

When I was thinking about what equipment to prepare for my adventurer work, I remembered that the j.a.panese Self-Defense Force had a vehicle they used just for cooking, so I tried making a Field Cooker myself. I didnt know much about it, though, so I ended up just building a rear-drawn cart with a chimney like those old baked potato cars.

Its not too complicated too, with just some fire protection and a large gas stove installed. But because of that its easy to fix, durable, and easy to use.

It uses methane gas as fuel, which is contained in the stench that the scavenger slimes could emit. Its the main component of natural gas and could also be found to some extent in cow burps and human farts.

A scavenger slime also cant produce that much of it on its own, but when theres 10,000 of them to create an emperor scavenger slime, the amount of methane they can release is overwhelming to say the least. Unfortunately, that means that the other unwanted parts of the stench is magnified too.

Theres also a device thats meant to remove those unwanted parts. [Ryouma]

This one is also a simple device, with a construct akin to that science experiment wherein one collects gas over water. The scavenger slime would expel its methane-filled stench through a tube, where most of the unwanted parts would be removed by pa.s.sing through the odor-absorbing liquid.

The methane gas with the minuscule remaining odorants would acc.u.mulate in a temporary storage area and be sent to the tube above via air pressure, where a filter slime is waiting. From there, all liquids and sprays are blocked, and only the methane gas with minuscule amount of odorants is sent to the stove.

Well, thats more or less how it works. [Ryouma]

So youre using something similar to the earth dragons breath? [Sebasu]

Earth dragon? Im sorry, Im afraid I dont know anything about that. [Ryouma]

The term, Earth Dragons Breath, has been used since ancient times to refer to the wind that gushes out of the earth. It burns fiercely when ignited and is harmful when inhaled. Its easy for them to cause damage in volcanic areas, leading to rumors of dragons sleeping beneath the ground to catch wind.

In that case, please consider it as a kind of Earth Dragons Breath. I mean, it is under a surface, and there are times when it erupts on a surface too. Theres also no denying that it could be dangerous when handled incorrectly. [Ryouma]

The Field Cooker I made was made under the premise that it would be used outdoors or in a well ventilated area. The gas also wasnt completely removed of odor so that its easy to know if it does leak.

Almost everything is operated by the slimes, from the amount of liquid to use in deodorizing the gas and the rate of exchange to the speed of the gas being blown, so theres a lot of issues other than safety. Its still much easier and safer to use a fire magic tool, so this field cooker of mine is really just a hobby item. [Ryouma]

It wasnt just the design, handling gas was also a sensitive matter that could lead to accidents without expertise. I actually worked part-time in the gas industry and got my certifications, but thats a story from long ago. I dont know enough to teach other people. At least for now, the knowledge I have is just good enough for personal use.

Looks like youve been researching all sort of stuff in the time we havent met. [Reinbach]

By this point, I guess even that backpack of yours has a trick to it too, huh. [Remilie]

Yes. I used tubing made out of the same alloy as the hobgoblins armor for its framework to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. Theres also a belt around my waist that makes it easier for my body to support its weight. I can also drop it quickly by pressing on this part, which would disconnect the metal fixings, allowing me to make my escape or fight at a moments notice.

The rubber slimes rubber could also be found outside of the framework to serve as cus.h.i.+oning, so a little impact wont be a problem. It doesnt have that much room for storage, but the bottom part comes with a storage s.p.a.ce with drawers for small things and fragile items.

It provides easy access, so thats where I keep my first aid supplies and equipment. [Ryouma]

Hmm Can I give that backpack a try? Id like to see your armor and any spares you have too. [Remilie]

But of course. I have a lot of prototypes with me, so please feel free to take your time. [Ryouma]

Show them to me too. [Reinbach]

Huh? Before I knew it, Id turned into a salesman.

Like that, I talked about my new equipment and prototypes until lunch was ready.