New chapter of Control Engineer is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Elementary Magical Tool Production (1) – Lecture

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The week began anew. It was Wednesday. I entered the classroom for the first time in a while.

“Leon-kun, right?” (Odette)

When I looked up after taking my textbook and writing materials from my bag, I found a female student standing before me. She appeared to be three or four years older than I.

“Ah, yes.” (Leon)

“I am Odette. While you were absent, I became the caretaker for the first-year students of the Science and Technology Department.” (Odette)

“Ah, I see.” (Leon)

Now that she mentions it, there had been such talk before the examinations. She appears somewhat displeased. Could it be because I was absent when she was appointed caretaker?

“Well then, it might seem meddlesome of me, but may I say one thing?” (Odette)

“Ah… yes.” (Leon)

Her expression grew stern

Wait, am I about to be scolded? I have no idea why.

Her eyebrows rose sharply. About five meters away, another girl was watching us with interest.

“It is rather improper for a first-year student to be absent for two consecutive days when there are compulsory subjects scheduled, even if the practical training class was cancelled.” (Odette)

Indeed, that was meddlesome. Nevertheless, it would be best to clear up the misunderstanding.

“I came to the university the morning before yesterday, but I was not feeling well.” (Leon)

“Unwell? Truly?” (Odette)

She was clearly suspicious.

“As for the compulsory subjects, the day before yesterday had Algebra and Geometry. Yesterday was General Physics, Argen Language Reading, and Introduction to Ancient Elvish, correct?” (Leon)

“That is correct. And?” (Odette)

Her brows furrowed as she regarded me doubtfully.

“I was exempted from those classes.” (Leon)

“Exempted?!” (Odette)

“Yes. I believe you know there was a qualification examination last week. I passed those subjects, so I received an exemption. If you doubt it, please check the bulletin board near the main gate or ask one of the professors.” (Leon)

In truth, I passed all eight subjects I have taken. I have been confident in five, but the remaining three are likely a matter of fortune. Not that I would call it good fortune, for the backlash caused me to be bedridden for two days. I regretted and reflected upon troubling Madam, Leah-san, and Adele-san.

At that moment, the bell marking the start of the first period rang.

“I shall confirm it. See you later.” (Odette)

She did not believe me at once. Still, that was as it should be for a proper technician.

 

—

 

“It has been a while, Leon.” (Dia)

“Ah, Dia-san. Good afternoon.” (Leon)

It was now lunchtime, and I stood in line at the cafeteria. She was alone today.

“Ah, if you mean Bell, she will come later.” (Dia)

“I see.” (Leon)

“By the way, I did not see you at the cafeteria this week.” (Dia)

“Ah, I was feeling unwell.” (Leon)

After taking my meal and sitting down, Bell-san joined us, sitting beside Dia-san.

“You were unwell? What happened?” (Bell)

“Really?” (Dia)

“Yes. I caught a cold and ran a fever, so I spent the weekend resting at my lodging.” (Leon)

Dia-san’s brow furrowed.

“Are you all right now?” (Dia)

“More or less.” (Leon)

On Friday and Saturday, I had been bedridden, and by Sunday, I was finally able to get up. On Monday, I went to the university once to see the results of the examination, only to realize I had no need to attend. I felt both half glad and half weary from the futility. Yesterday, my health had finally recovered, so I went out hunting for the first time in a while.

“To think you caught a cold and were bedridden. You are like a child, Leon.” (Bell)

“Bell, that is too much.” (Dia)

Dia-san seemed slightly angry.

“I never run a fever, after all.” (Bell)

“Oh, how enviable. But when you first began practicing magic art, did you not also run a fever?” (Leon)

Though it had only happened a few times until I was unable to move, during my first year of practice I often had mild fevers.

The two exchanged glances.

“Magic art and fever are related?” (Dia)

“Wait, you never had a fever while practicing magic art?” (Leon)

“No, never.” (Bell)

“Ah!” (Dia)

“What is it, Dia?” (Bell)

“My aunt once told me that children are at risk of overusing magic art, so she was careful to prevent it.” (Dia)

“Then, perhaps doing it until one develops a fever, like Leon, is better?” (Bell)

“No. My mentor also warned me against that.” (Leon)

“Hmm.” (Dia)

“Well, Leon can afford to rest, after all.” (Bell)

“What do you mean, afford to rest?” (Dia)

“Hm? You have not seen the examination results, have you?” (Bell)

“No, I have not. I am a first-year student.” (Dia)

“Well, first-years can take the examination too. I did not take it myself, though.” (Bell)

Indeed, I have heard that few took the qualification examination immediately upon entering in October. I have not seen any familiar faces in the testing hall either.

“And how does that relate to Leon being able to rest?” (Dia)

“Hmph. You really have not seen it, then. Leon passed all eight subjects that first-year students can take in the qualification examination.” (Bell)

“What?” (Dia)

“It was posted on the bulletin board.” (Bell)

Dia-san widened her already large eyes and looked at me.

“Wait a moment. That means you have already earned eight credits?!” (Dia)

“Exactly. It feels rather unfair, does it not?” (Bell)

No, it is not unfair.

“So that is why you did not come to the university yesterday or the day before.” (Dia)

“Yes, something like that.” (Leon)

For the time being, there was no problem with me not attending on Tuesdays.

“That is a little lonely.” (Dia)

 

—

 

At last, the lecture I had been looking forward to began. Among the lecturer and assistant instructors, Professor Zila stood at the podium. He appeared to be in his late 50s, with a rather stern countenance. I later learned that he did not hold a degree but was originally a self-made magical technician who had obtained national certification as a magical technician. He was also a magical craftsman. His skill was said to be exceptional, and he had been invited by the dean.

Incidentally, a magical technician referred to a certified professional, while a magical craftsman was an honorary title for a magical technician who led a workshop.

“Now then, we shall begin the lecture on Elementary Magical Tool Production. Since most of you have only recently entered this institution, I imagine the majority have no experience in magical tool production. However, in previous years there have been some students who had practiced it through their family businesses. I would like to inquire about your backgrounds.” (Zila)

I see. Claiming experience through a family business would serve as a good cover. No one here knew of my upbringing in Emilia.

“Those among you who can use engraving magic art, raise your hands. I do not ask for proficiency, merely whether you have ever activated engraving magic art.” (Zila)

When I raised my hand, Sensei murmured something and spoke quietly with the assistant instructor beside him. Their gaze was not directed solely at me. Looking around, I saw that among the 12 first-year students in the Science and Technology Department, two others had raised their hands.

Ah. That is the girl who had scolded me this morning, Odette-san. The other is a boy whose name I do not know, clad in a dark navy robe, giving off a gloomy impression. I think I have seen him at the examination venue.

“Three of you? That is quite a number this year.” (Zila)

So that is considered many.

“As written in the syllabus, the subjects in engineering do not treat all students as being on the same level. The lectures are one matter, but this is particularly true for practical training. You will take a technical skill test, and depending on the results, you may be transferred, perhaps from spring onward, to courses taken by senior students. Keep that in mind.” (Zila)

“Yes.” (All)

 

—

 

The third period was the practical training for Elementary Magical Tool Production. The instructor was the same as in the second period. However…

“Let us begin. I have gathered the three who indicated they can use engraving magic art during the previous period. The remaining nine are currently training to activate engraving magic art for the first time, which will take some time. Once they progress, they will join you.” (Zila)

The instructor remained Zila-sensei, though the numerous assistant instructors from before had dwindled to only one.

We had moved from the large lecture hall to the somewhat smaller Room 6113. There were many doors lined along the walls. I felt I had seen such a setup before, and then I realized it was similar to Emilia’s workshop.

So that was why the room felt smaller.

“This room is called the Engraving Practice Chamber. The many doors along the wall each lead to an engraving booth. They are generally called booths. Engraving magic art can be dangerous, so it must always be performed within those booths. The neighboring classroom contains another ten booths as well.” (Zila)

“I see.” (Leon)

“In the second year, you will make frequent use of engraving magical apparatus. Even if you cannot use engraving magic art, you may still become a magical technician. However, those who can use engraving magic art find it easier to understand the principles and complexities of the engraving process. For that reason, it is also included in the practical section of the magical technician certification examination.” (Zila)

In my case, I could perform such tasks through the subset of the SysLab, so the engraving process itself was not of great importance.

“Now then, it is best we know each other’s names. Tell us your name, age, and the extent of your proficiency with engraving magic art. Let us begin with you, on the left.” (Zila)

The gloomy-looking boy was addressed first. He exhaled heavily, then looked up at me and Odette-san from beneath his brow before finally speaking.

“George. 18 years old. I have activated about three types of magic stones, all of them successfully.” (George)

How plain and reserved he is, typical of a craftsman type.

“I am Odette. 17. My family uses magical tools, so I have not practiced engraving magic art much. I can activate it, but I have never engraved a magic stone.” (Odette)

After finishing, she glanced sharply between George-kun and me.

Hmm. So, her family likely runs a magical workshop.

Ah, it is my turn.

“My name is Leon. I am 14 years old.” (Leon)

“14?!” (Odette and George)

“Is there a problem?” (Leon)

“Leon-kun, continue.” (Zila)

“Yes. I have been frequenting a workshop that collaborates with my family’s business, so I have activated more than ten kinds of magic stones. Recently, I have also been applying engraving to materials other than magic stones.” (Leon)

By demonstrating my level at this stage, I could reduce suspicion regarding the peculiar nature of my internal system.

“Family business. I see in your student record that it is the Liones Trading Company that has recently become a topic of conversation.” (Zila)

The other two did not react.

“You are familiar with it, then. I have seen that particular magical tool.” (Leon)

“Oh? Intriguing indeed.” (Zila)

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)