Imperial Chapter VI-10

Several days later, Taro receives a summons from Emma.

"So, you're planning to infiltrate the kingdom, having been commissioned by the empire to solve the mystery of the peculiar gemstones used in the kingdom, is that correct?"

"That's right. And since I need to travel long distances, I'd like to repair the magitek tricycle."

"Taro! Can you promise me you won't use the magitek tricycle in combat from now on!"

Emma confronts him with an imposing presence.

"Yes, I won't use it in combat. I'll only use it for transportation."

"Then, I'll give you the latest model of the magitek quad. Please make sure to return it."

"W-wait a minute. That one isn't even fully adjusted yet."

Daniel quickly interjects, explaining the current state.

"It's fine. Give me three days. I've already gathered all the materials. I'll definitely finish it."

Emma responds with full determination.

She's probably capable of pulling it off. She's that skilled.

"I'll help too. It's a rare opportunity, so I'll give it my all."

The first day ended with confirming the locations of the materials.

The latest model Emma mentioned was a vastly improved version, with all performance aspects enhanced beyond comparison to the magic tricycle we'd been using before. It was almost like a regular car—except for its reliance on gemstones as an energy source.

After finishing my meeting with Emma, I head home.

Tomorrow, Daniel will come to take a look at the broken magic tricycle left here. Maybe I should tidy it up a bit.

I create space around the magic tricycle for better visibility. Once I’ve done enough to my satisfaction, I stop.

Time for the next experiment. Or rather, research.

How long have I been doing this? Since shortly after leaving Arasauto, I’ve been finding moments to continue.

The regeneration of the body.

Since losing one of Ivan's arms... I had continued my research to fulfill the wish of Ivan's wife.

It wasn't going smoothly, of course. Naturally not. It couldn't be easy.

First, I had to start with studying.

I headed down to the basement of my home. There, one book was waiting.

The book that came with me when I arrived in this world, brought over from the other world as well.

Books related to science, such as physics texts from my original world. They included information about the body's structure and various topics, even if not explicitly medical. Alongside those, I also read through medical texts available in this world.

I had assumed that since everything here could be healed with recovery crystals, medical knowledge would be lacking. However, the books from Japan contained remarkably detailed descriptions of the body's internal structure.

Recalling the previous battle made me feel nauseous, but it was in the past. I’d best forget it.

Thanks to my studies, I’ve gained a decent amount of knowledge.

My goal is to create totipotent cells.

Apparently, there’s a type of cell present in a baby’s early stages inside the womb that can become any part of the body.

Could I replicate this using magic or the power of magical stones? Magic essence and magical stones are extremely compatible with the human body.

I thought there might be a possibility if I utilized this property.

The issue was how to conduct the experiment... I couldn't possibly perform human trials using another person's body.

I decided to carry out experiments using my own hair and nails.

Of course, I hadn't studied medicine.

I couldn't design experiments based on theory or logic.

It was purely a trial-and-error approach, relying on brute force.

From previous experiments, I had already succeeded in enclosing cells within magical stones.

Thanks to research on stone sickness and the use of liquid magical stones, I've reached this point. Particularly, the progress made since the research began in Akau village has been significant.

Now, I aim to further transform these cells into totipotent cells. The path is long, but it's rewarding—worth dedicating my entire life to.

Even now, it's not impossible to extract totipotent cells, but the safety remains uncertain, and I'm unable to achieve it myself.

Experiments continue deep into the night.

The next day, early in the morning, I heard knocking at the door.

Since I'd been experimenting late into the night yesterday, I was sleepy in the morning.

With bleary eyes, I opened the door to find Daniel and Noel waiting as expected. Why them?

"Whoa, is this the modified magitek tricycle that Taro designed!? The components are using liquid crystals, and the engine's been improved in several places! This is exactly the kind of research that makes it worthwhile. Why is this wire connected to the tire...?"

Daniel was completely absorbed by the broken magitek tricycle, repeatedly observing and testing its parts.

I watched him from a distance. Noel, seated across the table from me, seemed in a bad mood.

"What's with him?"

"He's... Daniel. He's my research partner. One of the developers of the magic-powered quadricycle."

"Is that so..."

I thought he might be upset, but it didn't seem to be that.

The conversation stalled.

"You're going to the battlefield, right?"

"Yeah, that thing... Yeah, I'm heading to the battlefield. Though I'll be doing investigations from the rear, of course."

"Don't be ridiculous!"

Noel suddenly stood up, shouting.

Her face was fierce and intimidating—my breath caught in my throat.

"Even the commander... the commander died in a war, though not on the battlefield. What difference does 'rear' make?"

Hearing Noel's words, I suddenly realized how naive I'd been.

You're right... Noel, you're absolutely right. I was being too careless. I'll tighten up my focus.

I'm sorry I shouted so loudly... I'm going too.

Going to the battlefield!?

That's right. I'm worried about you, isn't that a perfectly reasonable thing to do?

Noel is certainly strong—strong enough that I can't tell who's stronger between her and Alex. But what if Noel wears it? She's not very cooperative and might act on her own in battle. Wouldn't that be more dangerous?

"I appreciate the sentiment, but there's something I need from you, Noel."

"What is it?"

Noel glared sharply.

"What I need from you is to guard this house. You know, lately it's been getting pretty dangerous, right? There are important research results here, so I need you to protect them. As long as you're keeping watch, you can stay here and live in the house."

"Really?!"

? I was sure he'd object immediately, but he accepted it unexpectedly. Why?

Noel suddenly seemed in high spirits, as if remembering something, and dashed off toward the town.