Chapter 267 - Chapter 266: The Beginning of Long-Distance Communication
The second month of wind, the fourth week, Tuesday.
Magic Academy, Ground.
Mika was surrounded by everyone from the Leventein Group.
"Here I come!"
Mika quickly dodged the mace《Mace》swung down by Murt, then lightly tapped his ankle with Namakura-sama.
He was stabbed in the side by Polnard with a small sword《Small Sword>, but he dodged that too.
"Damn it, you're so fidgety!"
Murt, whose ankle had been tapped, cursed at Mika who had moved behind him, but Mika was already gone from there as well.
Mika took out the members of the Leventein Group one by one who were surrounding him, and defeated them all.
"Okay, that's it."
When Mika said that, everyone let out a sigh.
Everyone from the Leventein Group had turned their backs on Mika.
And he was turning them back... or rather, it was just a game.
Well, there were some who swung their maces《Mace> with such force that they could have died if hit!
"Mika, are you really not using【Physical Enhancement】? ...Your movements are impossible."
Mesalite said with an exasperated look.
"I know people who move in ways that are truly impossible, but this isn't like that? I'm just trying to reduce unnecessary movements and pay attention to positioning《Positioning>."
When surrounded, if you stand in a position where opponents overlap, the person standing further back cannot attack.
Move so that you don't enter the range of multiple opponents, and just run around.
That is the basic way to fight: while running away, definitely inflict wounds on them.
Do not try to defeat the enemy; prioritize not taking damage yourself.
Well, such a feat would be impossible for Mika without a magic range.
Mika patted his shoulder with Namakura-sama and gave advice to each member of the Leventein Group one by one.
"Mesalite, you're keeping too much distance. You need to step forward one more step to attack at the right timing. Because of a one-step delay in timing, your attacks aren't landing. Cecilia, you're attacking too much. You should defend a bit more. How much do you want to punch?"
"How annoying! I usually think about it more than this!"
Cecilia puffed her cheeks at Mika's criticism.
It seemed she wanted to punch more than usual today.
Why?
"Charl and Polnard, you should step in a bit more. You don't need to be so timid."
"Yes..."
"...Yes..."
These two were probably hesitant to attack fully in training without armor.
Basically, they are kind people.
Cecilia should boil the dregs of these two's nails and drink them.
"Murt... let's try to be a bit more compact. One-hit kills are good, but if you don't hit, it means nothing, right?"
"Ugh... shut up..."
It's good to go all out, but everything is aimed at a critical hit《Critical>.
He is a super slugger type, like a home run or a strikeout.
Even a number four batter with a batting average of four percent in baseball means they failed to hit sixty percent of the time.
If you do that on a battlefield, you will die before landing that one-hit kill.
And Rimliche and Cleiria looked at Mika with smiles.
Their eyes were full of expectation, wondering what advice he would give them.
Mika couldn't help but squint his eyes.
"For the two of you... I have nothing to say."
"Eeeeeeeeh!?"
"That's unfair, Mika! Why won't you give us advice!?"
Voices of protest rose against Mika who gave no advice contrary to expectations.
Rimliche had been guided by Ozendorwa.
Even though he only watched occasionally, he guided them on what to correct and what to improve based on their movements at the time.
Mika couldn't interfere with Ozendorwa's guidance by saying unnecessary things from the side.
It was scary what would happen afterwards.
And Cleiria was being guided by the knights of the Leventein family.
Even though professionals were guiding her, if Mika said unnecessary things, it would only hinder them.
Above all, Mustajif, who was waiting behind, was looking at Mika with a sharp glare.
It was written clearly on his face: "Don't stick your nose in."
Mika put Namakura-sama into the Magic Bag and pulled out the academy robe.
Seeing this, Cleiria's expression darkened slightly.
"Are you leaving already?"
"Sorry. I have something to do later."
And so, even though class was in progress, he got permission to leave early.
Basically, he attends the academy, but leaving midway like this happens often.
Since the Academy Director has given permission, the instructors say nothing.
Above all, it has already become known within the academy that Mika = "Apostle《Apostle>" sent by the gods.
Should his friends who mercilessly swing maces《Mace> at him be considered proof of the bonds they have built, or long-standing grudges?
It is a difficult judgment.
(Well, if you think there's no need to be polite, it's a relief.)
Mika has already been approved to receive his second silver medal for his achievements in the battle against the Gronoir Empire's second invasion.
By sealing the Empire's【Divine Wrath】, he created a situation where the entire army could fight.
Since he planned and executed the strategy, it seems the Ministry of Military Affairs is pushing him as the number one merit.
There are few people who can treat Mika without hesitation.
Now, even the academy instructors hesitate when dealing with Mika.
For that reason, the academy interprets that he is "on an important mission" without needing any explanation.
...Although today is completely for personal reasons.
Mika entered a restaurant in District 2.
It was a slightly expensive shop.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Chirensta-san."
"No, I'm sorry to bother you during such a busy time."
A seat was set up in the back of the restaurant.
A screen was placed there, creating a place shielded from the eyes of those around.
It wasn't to the extent that he had to avoid human eyes, but the place was arranged so that he wouldn't be bothered by the surroundings.
This morning, he was told by Lebrantes of the Information Broker Guild that Chirensta had made contact.
He said to make time whenever possible.
So, he told Lebrantes to set up the place immediately.
Lebrantes is truly a concierge.
Mika sat at the back seat and smiled.
"It's been a while. How long has it been?"
"Well... since the fake incident, so it's been two years."
"Oh... it's already been that long."
Time flies.
Even though I sound like an old man.
"So, you said you had something to consult about?"
"Yes, actually. I can't do anything alone, so I want to borrow your wisdom, Mika-kun..."
Chirensta sighed with a tired expression.
It seems he is quite troubled.
Chirensta began to speak about the Royal Capital Raid Incident.
A request for reinforcements from the Fifth Knights Order.
However, that request for reinforcements could not be fulfilled.
The Guild Headquarters decided to send reinforcements, but the decision never reached the branches.
Without any Guild orders, adventurers responded in various ways: some faced the magic beasts on their own judgment, others evacuated and rescued fleeing people.
Generally, everyone faced that difficulty within their own capabilities.
That is something to be praised.
Adventurers.
"...I heard that story too. Well, I think there are parts that couldn't be helped. Even if you ask me to predict an attack of that scale, it's quite difficult."
"Yes, I think so too. However, that cannot be used as an excuse. In fact, each adventurer responded beautifully to the situation. ...The only ones who couldn't do anything were the Guild."
The messenger who delivered the decision was sent out.
With that, the Guild Headquarters felt relieved.
Therefore, they didn't realize that the contact from headquarters hadn't reached the branches until long after the magic beasts were defeated.
Chirensta handed a piece of paper to Mika with a difficult expression.
"To deal with this problem, we decided to review the communication system. It is about the method of transmission from headquarters to the First and Second Branches within the capital, and to the branches throughout the kingdom."
Mika took the paper and glanced over it.
It depicted route candidates from the Guild Headquarters to each branch within the capital.
It listed the shortest routes, and several candidates for detours as well.
"In an emergency, it is difficult to judge which routes can be used or cannot be used. Therefore, multiple messengers will be sent to the branches using different routes."
"It's brute force, but I don't think it's a bad method. With this method, at least in the previous case, there is a high probability that the message reached the First Branch."
"Yes. I think so too. ...However, even with this, we don't know if the message reached the Second Branch."
Simply put, the road was blocked by people.
There was also the possibility that everyone got stuck.
"How about running on the roofs? Actually, there were people like that."
Yaroibarov, Yaroibarov, Yaroibarov.
However, Chirensta shook his head.
"It can be included as one of the plans, but it will probably be impossible to realize. First, it is difficult to secure someone who can perform such feats. And the budget to keep such people on standby uselessly..."
In extreme terms, a calculation is needed: how much would it cost to hire Mika every day as a messenger?
There is a high probability that he will be hired for years and never used even once.
Certainly, it is not a realistic method.
"Well, regarding within the capital, I think increasing the number of messengers is a realistic plan. So, that part is fine for now. But that..."
Saying this, Chirensta slumped his shoulders.
"The problem is how to transmit to the branches within the kingdom. As a prerequisite from the Guild Master, he said to think of a method to transmit emergency situations occurring in three places within the kingdom to all branches within one day."
"Hahaha, you should just tell him to do it himself."
Mika laughed it off.
Seeing Mika, Chirensta gave a bitter smile.
"I would like to say that too. Well, I thought I would just think about it..."
Saying this, he raised both hands.
It seems he surrendered.
"It takes two days to transmit the news of the war starting in the Leventein territory on the front line to the rest of the country using the relay horse network. We practically need several times that speed."
It will be impossible with existing methods.
A completely new way of thinking or a completely new technology is needed.
However...
(Communication, there are countless methods in the modern era. Wired or wireless. Optical communication, electrical signals, radio waves.)
However, bad news.
I have no idea how the mechanism works.
(I don't know how to utilize electricity.)
Just the mechanism to generate and store electricity is not enough.
I don't think I can make a simple transmitter or receiver for Morse signals either.
Mika crossed his arms and thought.
Is there no more primitive way to send information faster?
(Beacons exist in this world too. Or rather, there is【Signal Flare】in【God's Miracle】.)
However, with this, it is difficult to give meaning beyond a simple signal.
To send more information than that...
"How about flag signals or semaphore?"
Raise flag signals or send semaphore from a high place like the roof of the Guild Headquarters.
Confirm it from a high building's roof near the capital's branch.
Hearing Mika's plan, Chirensta's face turned surprised.
But after that, he made a difficult face and pondered.
"...But how do you see flags from such a distance? It's impossible to distinguish what flags are raised."
It seems the distance from the Guild Headquarters to the First Branch is two kilometers.
This distance is already tough, but for the Second Branch, it exceeds five kilometers.
Moreover, the Royal Castle is in between.
"One option is to set up relay points. The other is telescopes."
Mika presented a solution to Chirensta's doubts.
If you can't see two kilometers, relay the signal content at intermediate points along the way.
If you still can't see it, add more relay points.
If you create a duty called "Signal Watcher" for Guild staff to watch or relay signals, the problem is solved.
It would be good to train them as special technicians, but it would be preferable to create a situation where any Guild staff can do it.
"A telescope is a tool that combines lenses like this to make distant objects easier to see."
Saying this, Mika created a small "Waterball《Waterball>" and stretched it like a convex lens.
Mika stretched and shrank it, changing the magnification right in front of him.
Chirensta stared at the makeshift lens with his mouth half-open in awe.
"The refractive index of light... though that might be difficult to explain, but if you shape glass like this into a rounded form, distant objects appear magnified."
There are no telescopes in this country yet.
So, why not use the Guild's abundant funds to make a huge number of prototypes?
Mika explained the necessary types of flags for flag signals and points to be careful about.
Prepare flags corresponding to each letter, and avoid shapes and color combinations that look confusing.
"If you give meaning to specific combinations, you can transmit a considerable amount of information."
Chirensta listened to Mika's words and crammed in the necessary knowledge to the point of a headache.
If you try to do too many things, the rules you must decide on become enormous.
You must simply divide what is truly necessary from what is unnecessary.
Surely, even a draft that becomes a basis will be so difficult that Chirensta will suffer from lack of sleep for a while.
"This will be a revolution in long-distance communication. No, it should be called a great achievement, the birth of a new concept. Good luck."
Yes, Mika smiled brightly.
Chirensta returned a strained smile.
■■■■■■
[Gronoir Empire, Provincial City, Great Cathedral]
"There isn't enough prayer. Pray more seriously."
"Ignis《Ignis>" was wearing a bishop's robe and preaching to the clergy in the chapel.
"The defeat in the previous battle is the greatest evidence. Repent."
Although Ignis's words lacked dignity, the kneeling clergy lowered their heads with tears in their eyes.
Thanks to Humus's《Humus>【Puppet Strings】, the words of Filius Dei《Filius Dei>" are equal to the words of God.
At least to them.
"Ugh... because my prayers were insufficient..."
"I am frustrated... why did I not offer prayers more seriously..."
To the clergy who voiced their regrets one after another, Ignis was laughing internally.
"Hehehe... in winter, Your Highness the Emperor-Pope will tour the entire empire and comfort all the devout believers."
A major event is approaching.
He must prepare thoroughly.
"We will gather all believers and welcome His Highness."
"Of course."
"As commanded by the Special Envoy."
Watching the reaction of the clergy, Ignis nodded satisfactorily.
And so, he left the chapel and headed for the carriage.
Following Ignis, who was wiping away tears, the bishop hurriedly followed.
"You worked hard, Special Envoy."
"This is nothing, really."
Touring the entire empire is nothing to Ignis.
Also, he and Humus have divided the dioceses they are in charge of.
For Ignis, the only hardship in this empire tour is eating.
How many times has he thought about skipping work and going to eat at the Am-Tast Trade Alliance?
Ignis got into the carriage and sat on the seat.
"Well, take care of the rest."
"Yes. ...Excuse me, Special Envoy."
The bishop hesitated to close the carriage door and asked Ignis.
"Hmm, what is it?"
Ignis asked back, but the bishop hesitated to speak.
However, did he steel his resolve? He looked straight at Ignis.
"Is that rumor... true?"
Ignis, asked that question, raised the corner of his mouth.
"Bishop, I want to confirm one thing... Is that really something you must ask? Think carefully."
In contrast to the light tone until now, Ignis answered with a chilling voice.
Hearing that, the bishop trembled.
"I-I am so sorry."
The bishop knelt on the spot and apologized.
But Ignis looked at the bishop with a cold eye.
"...Do you not like Red Wine very much?"
"S-such a thing, never..."
The bishop answered tremblingly to Ignis's question.
Seeing this, Ignis thought for a moment.
"You must drink double the amount of Red Wine every day from now on. Red Wine is very important."
"Y-yes."
"Good. Close it."
When Ignis ordered, the bishop quickly stood up and closed the carriage door.
And so, the carriage immediately departed.
"Is the effect weak?"
Inside the rattling carriage, Ignis muttered such words.
No matter what, there are individual differences in people who are easily affected by【Puppet Strings】and those who are not.
If it's a low-ranking person, peer pressure will carry them along, but if the top of the diocese is not affected, it is not a good situation.
For now, make them drink double the amount, and if that doesn't work, we need to replace them.
"Needs checking."
Well, if the plan has progressed this far, this won't be a big problem.
When Lumen《Lumen> visits, we will do a final check, and if it's not working well at that time, we can just replace them.
Ignis crossed his legs and looked out of the carriage.
Next, he must go to the lord's mansion and make sure the lord understands well.
The final stage of the plan is near.
The fulfillment of Filius Dei's《Filius Dei> long-held wish.
"It's almost here. I'm excited."
Ignis muttered that, and looked at the lord's mansion visible in the distance with cold eyes.