CH 306

Chapter 306 – Basic Research is Dull and Boring

“Hey, Prototype 1 is complete.”

Saying that, I put the first mana trap prototype that I created on the golem workbench in front of the two of them.

“What is… this?”

A metal ball…? A net…?”

What I took out was a mithril silver alloy wire, or rather a spherical object made of wire. The outermost frame is made of thicker wire, while the interior is made of much thinner wire. It looks like this, but everything is made by one-piece molding, and it would probably be very difficult to create something like this even in my former world. Craft ability really shows in this product.

“I made it into an elaborate shape in order to gain surface area with fewer components. Think of it as a staff with high magic-gathering capabilities, and hold it in your hand.”

“I’ll do it.”

Isla held out her small hand, and I put the first mana trap prototype in her hand. Then Isla’s big eye narrowed with interest as she looked deep into the mesh of the first prototype.

“It’s so solid. Only Kosuke could make something like this.”

“That’s not good enough.”

“That’s true, of course. In fact, I’ve already made a second prototype.”

This time, I took out the second prototype, which had a square frame filled with thin mithril silver alloy plates that had been folded and twisted, and handed it to Iphrita. Depending on how you look at it, it might look like a car radiator.

“This one seems to be more complicated to manufacture.”

Iphrita holds the second prototype of the radiator type in her hand and looks at it with a frown. Yes, I think that one is definitely easier to make. In fact, if it is not a one-piece machine or if the conductors are in direct contact with each other, I think the radiator type would be more suitable for mass production.

“So, what do you think? Does it gather magic power?”

“Wait a minute.”

“I can’t tell right away. I need to concentrate.”

The two of them, holding Prototype 1 and Prototype 2 in their hands, respectively, shut their eyes and began to do something like meditating.

“Hmm… It seems to be certainly efficient?”

“Excellent for its size.”

The two changed the prototype, meditated again, changed it again, meditated again, and so on, checking the operation of the prototype.

“The prototype is excellent for its easily portable size?”

“I think it’s quite amazing that it’s this big and performs as well as a staff that emphasizes efficiency in collecting magic power.”

“Hmm, indeed. It’s a little useful item.”

“I see. Well, let’s keep going.”

This time, I made something about the size of a handful and put it on the desk. The reason why I don’t hand it to them directly is that it is made of all metal, so it has a certain weight to it. Of course, it is not so heavy that you can’t carry it.

“Well, could it be?”

“Yeah, the bigger it is, the more efficient it will be, and we’ll figure out how big it can be. With human power.”

“…This is going to break my bones.”

As a result of the verification, we have found that the maximum size of a very basic mana trap that can improve its performance is a cube about 1.5 meters on a side, and it turns out the radiator type is more efficient the larger it is.

“…I’m tired.”

“…Are we done?”

“Hahaha, thanks for your help.”

Since Isla and Iphrita, who had been forced to meditate for the purpose of collecting magic power many times, were exhausted, I offered them baked apples and tea. Baked apples are sweet, tasty, and easy to make, with only apples as ingredients, so I keep a large stock of baked apples in stock. I can also make apple pies and fruitcakes from baked apples, so they are actually an intermediate ingredient for sweets.

“Now that we have a rough idea of the size, let’s see if the density of the internal fins and the thinness of the fins affect the efficiency.”

The two shuddered at my words and stopped eating their baked apples. They turned their heads toward me so awkwardly that I could almost hear ‘gigigi’ from them… Yeah, there’s no light in their eyes, both of them.

“Don’t worry, I won’t go into too much detail. We’ve already found the optimum size, after all.

Well, this experiment is also based on the assumption that the two have a constant or even identical ability to collect magic power, so it can only be used as a guideline. I’m not a scientist accustomed to experimentation, and to be honest, I don’t really know what an efficient experimental method is. I feel like I’m pretty clueless.

And I’m not even sure if this size is really optimal for what’s to come. I don’t even know if the magic-gathering ability that Isla and Iphrita have is the same as the magic-gathering ability of the magic collector that we are planning to develop. Well, amateurs will have to repeat the experiment in their own way.

And to begin with, this radiator type is not necessarily the best solution. There is a possibility that the reading that the surface area may be related to the collector may be off the mark, and there is also a possibility that a different form that has not been tested so far may be more efficient. A parabolic antenna, or that… I don’t know the name of it, but it looks like a TV antenna shaped like a fish bone that is placed on the roof might be more efficient in absorbing magic power.

“I guess basic research is important.”

“Hmm, there’s no doubt about that.”

“Right. The development of magic and techniques has gradually progressed through the accumulation of simple research… I hope something new will be created by applying Kosuke’s knowledge and technology from the other world.”

“Let’s do our best in our own way. Therefore, after you finish eating, please continue to work with me.”

“…Yeah.”

“…Yes.”

I must do some kind of service to the two people who are fed up with the tedious and tiring work but are willing to go along with it. I’ll ask for their requests later and make them whatever they want for dinner.