New chapter of Single Old Man is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Seventh Attribute

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

One day, I was reading the morning newspaper at home.

“…Oh, has it finally arrived?” (Gentoku)

The headline read, “Discovery of the Seventh Attribute. New Attribute ‘Lightning’”.

The discoverer was Michaela. One of the four great trading companies, the Klein Magical Trading Company, was developing a new magical apparatus using this new attribute. With the cooperation of the Four Saints of the Magic Guild, the magic was being activated. No suitable candidates for wielding this magic had yet been found.

The newspaper was entirely devoted to magic. Lightning attribute… it had been my personal advantage, but in a sense, it was good that others could now use it. Being the only one felt strangely like a protagonist, which was unpleasant.

I sat on the sofa, drinking coffee, and continued reading.

“Hm. The Magic Guild has recognized ‘Lightning’ as the seventh attribute. And they are starting a search for suitable candidates. What are the Four Saints? It seems they performed magic that imitated the lightning attribute.” (Gentoku)

Come to think of it, how does Michaela activate the lightning attribute… electricity?

Does she rub a plastic sheet under her arm to make her hair float, or wear a fluffy sweater to generate static electricity? Well, most likely, Michaela simply manifested the ‘lightning attribute’. According to the newspaper, Michaela seemed to be creating a magical apparatus that utilized the lightning attribute.

“Lightning, huh.” (Gentoku)

I picked up a magic stone that Rosso had brought as a souvenir from the side table. Using a pick for magic stone carving, I engraved ‘Lightning’ on it. When I lightly flowed mana through it, the magic stone sparked with violet electricity.

“Lightning, a magical apparatus using electricity. Honestly, I cannot think of much.” (Gentoku)

In the world I came from, using electricity to operate appliances was normal. Hair dryers, stoves, heated tables, and air conditioners all used electricity to generate heat or cold.

In this world, engraving ‘Heat’ on a magic stone makes it emit heat, and engraving ‘Cold’ makes it cold. One does not create an effect using electricity; the effect itself is produced directly by the magic stone. Therefore, honestly, electricity is not very necessary.

“Could it be used as a weapon… like a stun baton or stun gun? Well, weapons are not really my style.” (Gentoku)

I put the magic stone in my pocket and headed to my workplace.

 

—

 

When I arrived at work, Valen and the other two were already there.

“Oh? What are you doing here so early?” (Gentoku)

“Good morning, Gentoku-san.” (Valen)

“…Oh.” (Gentoku)

“Hey, hey! Are you planning to make our weapons now?” (Valen)

“No. If you came this early, it must be something troublesome.” (Gentoku)

I unlocked the shutters and opened them fully.

I displayed the sign, “Magical apparatus repairs. On-site repairs available”, and went up the stairs leading to the second floor. Valen and the others followed me.

I unlocked the door to the second floor and then the office door.

“Nyaa.” (Daifuku)

“Good morning. Here is your food and water.” (Gentoku)

Daifuku, lying on the cushion by the window, meowed. Her food and water bowls were empty. Valen and the others sat on the sofa while I refilled Daifuku’s food and water.

I opened the window to let fresh air in and stretched widely.

“Well then, shall we begin today’s work?” (Gentoku)

“First, we have a business discussion. Gentoku-san, may we have your attention?” (Valen)

Valen said this with a cheerful smile.

Well, they are clients. Normally, I would serve coffee, but today I servedfruit water to the three of them.

Sitting across from Valen and the others, I listened as they spoke.

“Gentoku-san. Please, would you help us with the development of magical apparatus at the Klein Magical Trading Company?” (Valen)

“Ah… Could this be what I think it is?” (Gentoku)

“Yes. You saw this morning’s newspaper, did you not? A magical apparatus utilizing the seventh attribute, Lightning.” (Ung)

Ung spoke with his arms crossed. His mouth was partially hidden, but he sounded slightly pleased.

I sank deeply into the sofa.

“First, what exactly are we making? A magical apparatus using lightning. That is far too vague.” (Gentoku)

“We do not know the details either. But we do know one thing. Michaela believes that the lightning attribute will become a new ‘fuel’. It will change the conventions of magical apparatus.” (Lind)

“…Fuel.” (Gentoku)

I thought of something like a storage battery. If a single electric magic stone could activate numerous magical apparatus…?

“Gentoku-san, it seems you have an idea in mind.” (Valen)

“…” (Gentoku)

“Would you like to try realizing that idea at Michaela’s place?” (Valen)

“…Sorry. I do not want to be involved in troublesome events like that.” (Gentoku)

“Come on. You are no fun.” (Valen)

“Haha. I am an adult. I do not want to do ‘Oops, I did it’ and be admired by everyone around me as ‘Wow, he is amazing!!’ I use my skills only for myself. I am small and boring, an old man who cannot even be the protagonist. Besides, there are countless magical technicians in the world far better than I am.” (Gentoku)

“…Your resolve is unwavering, then?” (Valen)

“Yes.” (Gentoku)

“Very well. Then, we will not ask you for advice or work. We only ask that you visit the magical apparatus workshop operated by the Klein Magical Trading Company once.” (Valen)

“Eh?” (Gentoku)

“Of course, you may bring escorts. Please, I beg you.” (Valen)

Valen bowed politely.

Why are they so eager to involve me?

“…Very well. Then, if it is only to observe.” (Gentoku)

“Thank you!! We will contact the Adventurer Guild on a convenient day.” (Valen)

Valen stood, bowed again, and left. Ung and Lind also departed, leaving only Daifuku and me in the room.

“Hah. I hope this does not turn into a troublesome affair.” (Gentoku)

“Nyaa.” (Daifuku)

I must report today’s events to Sandrone and the others.

 

—

 

“Michaela’s magical apparatus workshop…?” (Sandrone)

“Yes. She said we do not have to do anything, just observe.” (Gentoku)

In the evening, I explained the day’s events to Sandrone and Richter when they came to the workplace. Sandrone pondered and took out a kiseru.

Richter immediately lit it.

“Phew. So, we are going?” (Sandrone)

“Yes. I made a promise.” (Gentoku)

“I see. And you have never been to the new Alexandrite Trading Company magical apparatus workshop, and yet you are going to Michaela’s workshop.” (Sandrone)

“Y-Yeah. Well, never mind.” (Gentoku)

“Indeed. So, are you planning to switch to Michaela?” (Sandrone)

“No, not at all. I am fine as things are.” (Gentoku)

“Good.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone dropped the ash into the ashtray.

“…Hey, may I accompany you as well?” (Sandrone)

“I think it is fine. She said we may bring escorts, so you should be allowed.” (Gentoku)

“How casual. Very well, I will go. I must watch over things so that no strange insects attach themselves.” (Sandrone)

“Strange insects. Fine. Shall we also ask Rosso and the others to provide protection?” (Gentoku)

“…You say that as if it is normal, but hiring protection from the Scarlet Camellia would normally cost dozens of gold coins.” (Sandrone)

“Haha. It is not a significant amount for me now.” (Gentoku)

If money can buy safety, that is sufficient.

And so, I, along with Sandrone, Richter, and the four members including Rosso, would visit Michaela’s workshop.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)