Forty: You know, progress is kind of exciting, right?

The construction of the Goldendawn fortress city was moving at breakneck speed.

Though the final planned area was so massive it could fit the capital city three times over, work had already begun from within the inner wall surrounding the fortress site.

The priority was the middle of the triple wall—the second inner wall.

Given the current population, even this second wall was wider than an average city, so we were establishing living space there first.

Not just permanent residents, but traveling craftsmen and migrant laborers were hearing rumors and pouring in, making the project accelerate even further.

I was walking through town with Leifan for the first time in ages, doing a site inspection.

"Leifan, how’s the construction split up into phases?"

"Yeah. Phase one’s all about laying a foundation—solid and thick. Then we build a wall around it, just tall enough to be useful. Still way stronger than those old frontier village barricades, though."

"Hmm."

I’d heard the explanation, but the image was weird—this massive, sturdy base with a tiny, thin wall perched on top. Made me uneasy.

"Once it’s done, the final wall’ll be taller and thicker than anything seen before. So even this current section’s strong enough."

"True. But the proportions... kinda makes it look flimsy."

"I get it. But that’s how good alchemical-hardened stone is."

"Good. Then it’s fine."

"See, regular stone walls? They’re tough to adjust once you start building. Can’t change the thickness or height easily. But alchemical-hardened stone? That’s not a problem."

"Looks like it."

Sure, there’s technical difficulty, but Leifan and the craftsmen have already figured out how to reinforce the walls afterward. Shouldn’t be a problem.

“Making all kinds of stuff too!”

“Huh? What kind?”

“Whoa—!”

Leifan pointed. There, a massive waterwheel stood.

Waterwheels powered by river flow weren’t exactly rare.

“What’s so special about the wheel?”

“The foundation’s alchemically hardened stone, obviously. But the bridge carrying the water up to town? That’s hardened stone too!”

“Wait… that huge, tall stone bridge… was actually a water conduit!?”

“Ah, you didn’t notice?”

“N-no, I just thought it was a bridge for crossing the town, built high up.”

The aqueduct bridge was built at the same height as the city wall was supposed to be—thought it was just a bridge for soldiers to cross during emergencies.

"Thought we’d be fine with the wells scattered through town."

"Yeah. But once the aqueduct’s finished, we’ll seal off the wells. Just keep them for emergencies."

"Right. Didn’t get that far in the report."

"Been busy, huh? Craft’s been swamped lately."

"Sorry about that."

Been buried in research, teaching, and alchemy nonstop.

But now, finally, the teaching’s settled, and I’ve got time to breathe.

"Once the aqueduct’s done, nearly every building’ll have running water."

"Running water? Like that pipe with a tap—can turn it on and off?"

"Yeah, there’s one installed in the capital. A craftsman from there moved here, and I picked up a bunch of stuff from him. Talked it over with Kyle, offered him a permanent house as a reward—he was thrilled."

"Wouldn’t you be?"

If Kyle had set it up, it had to be prime real estate.

Right now, among the settlers, people were rushing to take on the hardest, most demanding jobs just to get a better spot. Everyone wanted to prove themselves.

Delivering water technology? That’s definitely top-tier honor.

"The fountain in the town square? It’s powered by the water pressure from the aqueduct."

"Wait—wasn’t that some kind of magical device!?"

"Yeah. Pretty cool, huh?"

"Damn right it is."

"Hehe."

Can’t help but be impressed.

So that’s why they built the aqueduct so high—was it to keep the water pressure up?

Looks like daily life’ll be way easier now.

“The sewage system’s something else too. The construction’s almost done. It runs like a net under the city, so all the buildings’ waste gets channeled into it.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m involved with the sewage purification process.”

The sewage and purification plant’s about to go live, and I’ve already made a massive batch of the purifying agent for the giant purification tanks.

Stocked up for ten years already. I’m wiped out.

Of course, I’ve already submitted the recipe to Kyle and the Production Guild. I developed a simplified version anyone with an alchemist’s mark can make. Even if I’m gone, it’ll be fine.

(Planned evacuation routes from the fortress too—so it’s pretty complicated.)

(Who else knows the full layout?)

Just me. The construction’s spread out. I’ll hand the complete sewer map over to Kyle-sama without making a copy.

Smart of Leifan.

Gonna be as complicated as a dungeon maze, I bet.

We talk through the finer details, then head to the residential district.

"Whoa. Ten stories high? This thing not gonna fall over?"

"Totally fine. Even a big earthquake wouldn’t shake it."

"Earthquake—something that makes the ground shake, right?"

"Yep."

"Only happens near volcanoes, though, right?"

"Sometimes, even in places with no volcanoes."

"Huh. Ground shaking? Not something I wanna think about."

"Tell me about it."

We just stare up at buildings taller than the fortress walls. Nothing to do but be amazed.

The buildings themselves feel like part of the town’s defense.

"Inside’s all just houses. Got one-room units, three-room units—whatever you need. One person, a whole family, anyone can live here."

"Ah, right. You can either pay a setup fee or just pick a room, if you're planning to stay permanently."

"Yeah. Most people go for the room, so they’re expanding fast, but the buildings hold so many people that there’s no real rush."

"Ah, I see."

They’re thinking ahead, making the most of every inch of land, and thanks to alchemically hardened stone, it’s all going smoothly.

Most of the craftsmen live here too—meaning they’re planning to stay. That’s really helpful.

"Over there’s the shopping district."

"Same here, pretty impressive."

The central avenue, stretching from the fountain in the main square, is paved with stone tiles that add a splash of color, carefully chosen for looks. The shops lining it pay just as much attention to appearance.

There aren’t many shops yet, but it won’t be long before they outshine Gandar’s main street.

But one shop, in particular, is packed with people.

"Wha—? The stamina potion’s effects changed!?!"

"Yes. What we’re selling now has significantly altered effects."

"Gah—!"

"Ah, but it’s still properly crafted by Craft, so it hasn’t degraded at all."

"Effects are about on par with what’s commonly available..."

"Yes. But the duration’s longer—lasts a full day."

"I see. Considering that, it’s definitely worth it..."

"Yes. What’ll it be?"

"Hmm. I really wanted the flawless stamina potion with the Craft mark... but alright, I’ll take it."

"Thank you. Oh, and unlike before, the purchase limit’s been increased."

"Is that so? Then I’ll take as many as this amount will buy."

"Yes, thank you."

I stepped in once the crowd had thinned a bit.

"Hey, Seirara."

"Ah, hello, Craft."

"Looks like you’re doing well."

"Yes. Thanks to you."

Seirara, the widow, runs this shop single-handed. Well, two kids help out, but they’re attending the new school now, so they can’t pitch in like they used to.

Still, thanks to more big contracts lately, fewer merchants come straight to the shop to buy.

But traders who hear the rumors? They show up like this, buying in bulk.

" heard you bought the shop?"

"Yes. Thanks to Kyle-sama, I got it interest-free, paid in installments."

"Still a hefty sum, though."

Even if she was one of the first pioneers, it’s prime real estate. Must’ve cost a fortune.

"Yes. But we’ve got plenty of big contracts now. We’re fine. All thanks to the production guild that’s been supplying Craft-san’s potions."

"Good to hear it’s helping. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask."

"Yes. Thank you."

I bid farewell to Seirra, who bowed deeply, then headed toward the Adventurer’s Guild.

“Hey, Craft.”

“Hey, Raidock. Unusual to see you here at this hour.”

“Just taking it easy today—doing some town work.”

“Sorry I’m late. Congratulations on your promotion to Adventurer Rank B.”

“Thanks. But it’s all thanks to you, Craft.”

“What are you talking about? You’re the one who took down the dragon. Now you can take on a cyclops solo. That’s just fair.”

“Still, it’s your potions and Leifan’s hardened mithril that made it possible.”

“Right. How’s that sword of yours doing?”

Raidock had received a special blade forged from hardened mithril and a dragon’s fang as a reward for slaying the dragon.

“Didn’t you see it last time? Took down a monster killer—cyclops—in a single strike.”

“Glad you like it.”

“If there’s some swordsmaster who doesn’t like this, maybe they should just rewrite the crest.”

“Yeah.”

We all chuckle in unison.

Soral, standing behind Raidock, made a face like he’d just swallowed something sour, so I figured I’d leave him to it. Calling it “rest” or whatever—clearly he’s got something else on his mind. I’ve no interest in getting kicked in the face by a horse for interrupting a love affair.

“See you later.”

“Yeah.”

Golden Dawn was steadily growing from village to town.

Yeah.

I should probably try harder too.

“Wait, you’re gonna cause trouble again?”

“Now that’s just rude.”

Quit saying I cause problems every time I try to do something right!

Change

Alchemy-hardened wall → Alchemy-hardened rock

Slight delay due to ongoing comic adaptation work for another project’s god-sama SHOP.

Sorry about that.