Looking for an Item to Defend Against Light-Attribute Attacks

After dinner, I headed to the room that had been prepared for me.

It was a large room in a corner of the second floor.

From now on, this would be both my home and my workshop.

"The general prepared quite a large room for me."

The room was about twice the size of an ordinary bedroom.

There was a large bed, along with a table and bookshelves.

The furniture by the window had all been moved aside, presumably to make it easier to work.

The 'Simple Storage' I had brought from the Demon Lord's Castle was sitting there.

Everything I needed for alchemy was inside the 'Simple Storage.'

I should be able to start working today.

"But... first, I need to find an item that can counter the 'Light attribute.'"

I took the 'Mail-Order Catalog' out of the 'Ultra-Compact Simple Storage.'

I hoped there would be an item inside that could defend against Light-attribute attacks.

As I was thinking this, someone knocked.

"Thor-sama, may I come in?"

"Mabel? Sure. Come in."

"Excuse me."

The door opened, and Mabel entered in her maid uniform.

She was carrying a tray with tea and fruit.

She had brought me a late-night snack.

"I thought you might be tired from the journey, so I brought some tea with honey and sweet fruit."

"Thank you, Mabel."

"Have you already started working?"

"I'm about to. Today, I was thinking of looking for an item that can defend against Light-attribute attacks."

"Please don't overdo it. It's only your first day in the general's territory."

Mabel placed a teacup in front of me before saying,

"Her Majesty was worried too, you know? She said that, knowing you, Thor-sama, you might continue your research all night."

"Lukie-sama was?"

"Yes. So she ordered me to keep watch over you."

Mabel puffed out her chest as if to say, "That's right."

"Her Majesty personally ordered me to──not let you overexert yourself, Thor-sama. She told me to scold you if you tried to stay up all night. So you can leave your health management to me."

"...Doesn't she trust me?"

"Her Majesty cares deeply about you, Thor-sama."

"I won't overdo it. I was planning to stop at a good stopping point today, anyway."

"A good stopping point?"

"Yeah. Once the item was finished──"

"Huh?"

Mabel tilted her head.

She was smiling, but her eyes were not.

"I was planning to search for the item I wanted to make while imagining how I would feel once it was finished. Then I thought I would stop after finding something I wanted to make."

I hurriedly corrected myself.

Apparently satisfied, Mabel nodded quietly and said,

"Is that so?"

"That's right."

"..."

"..."

"Ahem."

Mabel stared at me for a long moment, then cleared her throat.

"Thor-sama."

"Yes?"

"If you were to return to the Demon Lord's Castle in a weakened state, I think Her Majesty would be sad. You are important to all of us, Thor-sama. Please be aware of that."

"...Yeah. I understand."

I couldn't make Mabel and Lukie worry about me.

Come to think of it, perhaps the reason the two of them held 'tea parties' at set times was to make me maintain a regular lifestyle. As expected of them.

"Then today, I'll just look for the item I want to make."

"Yes."

"Mabel, would you look through the 'Mail-Order Catalog' with me? I'll read out the descriptions, so tell me if you notice anything."

"Certainly."

Saying this, Mabel sat in the chair beside me.

We drank tea side by side, then began turning the pages of the 'Mail-Order Catalog.'

"Thor-sama. When I heard you talking during the meal, I suddenly had a thought."

"Yeah?"

"Could it be that you are convinced this 'Mail-Order Catalog' contains an item that can defend against Light-attribute attacks, Thor-sama?"

"...Mabel, you're amazing."

I nodded.

"That's right. I think this 'Mail-Order Catalog' contains an item that can defend against Light-attribute attacks."

"May I ask why?"

"Because, long ago, Heroes who came from another world used Light-attribute attack magic and sword techniques all the time."

I had read about it in a book back when I was in the Empire.

Apparently, a great many Heroes from other worlds had used the magic power of Light──

So there were many records of the Light-attribute attacks they had used.

Magic that fired countless bolts of light, sword techniques that sent waves of light flying, and so on.

Of course, they had also used the Holy Sword's 'Light Blade' as a matter of course.

In fact, they were the ones who named it the 'Photon Blade.'

Apparently, Heroes liked shouting out the names of their techniques and leaving them written down.

That was why the name 'Photon Blade' appeared in Imperial books in various forms and languages.

"Apparently, more than half of all Heroes used Light-attribute techniques."

I continued explaining.

Mabel nodded with a serious expression and said,

"Yes. Records remain in the Demon Lord's Territory as well. There are things like the 'Photon Arrow' and 'Unlimited Photon Blast' used by Heroes. They seem to have favored the magic power of Light."

"Because it's flashy. And since the Demon Lord has the Dark attribute, they probably wanted something to counter it too."

"So techniques and magic like that once flew back and forth in ancient times."

"If I'd been born in that era, I'd probably have died in no time."

"If that had been the case, I would have been born in the same era and protected you, Thor-sama."

Mabel said this with a serious expression.

"I would protect you from the Heroes and escort you to the first Demon Lord. So you would not die, Thor-sama. Absolutely not."

"Thanks, Mabel. Sorry... We got off topic."

"N-no. I'm sorry for getting so worked up..."

Mabel bashfully lowered her eyes.

We had become so absorbed in our conversation that, before we knew it, we were holding hands.

Well, that was that. We continued talking.

"The important thing is that more than half the Heroes summoned from other worlds used Light-attribute techniques."

I returned to the subject.

"In other words, people from other worlds could handle the magic power of Light normally. If so, it would be natural to assume that the people in the world they came from also used Light-attribute techniques, right?"

"...Yes."

"The world of the Heroes must have had Light-attribute techniques flying around all over the place."

"Heroes are beings with extraordinary power, after all."

"Maybe they used Light-attribute techniques and magic as casually as greetings."

"'Good morning, Photon Blade.' 'Good night. Ultimate Vivid-light.' Something like that?"

"Otherwise, there would be no explanation for why Heroes used powerful Light-attribute techniques so freely."

"The world of the Heroes... sounds terrifying."

"...It does."

Mabel's hand was trembling slightly.

Mine was too.

To us, who lived in this world, the power of the Heroes was beyond measure.

The items in this 'Mail-Order Catalog' were probably only a fraction of their power as well.

"Anyway, Heroes used Light-attribute techniques as though it were perfectly normal. That means there must also have been ways to defend against Light-attribute attacks in their world."

"I understand."

Mabel clapped her hands.

"Ways to defend against Light-attribute techniques must have existed as a matter of course in the world of the Heroes. So the otherworldly Heroes, who were used to them, used Light attacks and magic freely in this world as well. Is that what you mean?"

"Exactly. There are records of the Heroes' techniques in the Demon Lord's Territory too, right?"

"Yes. In particular, the ultimate technique 'Ultimate Vivid-light,' which destroyed the first Demon Lord's barrier, is still spoken of today."

"Oh, that one."

The ultimate Light magic, 'Ultimate Vivid-light.'

It was the strongest Light-attribute spell, released by condensing a massive amount of 'magic power of Light.'

It was said that the strongest Hero of the past had destroyed the Demon Lord's defensive barrier with that spell.

Every Imperial noble knew about 'Ultimate Vivid-light.'

In fact, they were taught it from childhood.

I had even been made to practice writing its name: 'Ultimate Vivid-light'──

Apparently, the policy was that nobles should be able to write the name of a Hero's ultimate technique in the Heroes' own language, but... even if I memorized it, I had no use for it...

"Well, even the otherworldly catalog probably doesn't have an item that can defend against that..."

I said this as I turned the pages of the 'Mail-Order Catalog.'

"So let's start by looking for something that seems capable of countering the Light attribute."

"Understood."

"I'll read out the catalog descriptions. Mabel, check for any words that seem related to the 'magic power of Light.' Let's try making the item with the most related words."

"What words should I check?"

"'Light'... especially 'strong light.' Also the word 'block.' And... watch out for words related to the Light magic and techniques used by Heroes."

"'Photon Blade' and 'Ultimate Vivid-light,' correct?"

"Yes. Also, Heroes sometimes abbreviated the names of their sword techniques and spells."

"Indeed. Sometimes they used only the initial letters."

"It might be tedious, but watch for those too."

"Certainly!"

After that, Mabel and I began reading the 'Mail-Order Catalog.'

We checked each item one by one as I read out its description.

It took time because I was reading everything aloud.

I thought we would probably stop after reading a few pages today... but that was not what happened.

We quickly found an item that matched the keywords.

"I didn't expect us to find one so quickly..."

"So items for countering the Light attribute were commonplace in the world of the Heroes..."

Mabel and I looked at each other.

We had found two items.

Both were related to the Light spell 'Ultimate Vivid-light.'

"The correct way to write 'Ultimate Vivid-light' in the world of the Heroes is 'Ultimate Vivid-light,' right?"

"So this catalog was using its initials..."

"That's right. 'Strong light,' 'block'──and the initials of 'Ultimate Vivid-light'──'U' and 'V.' These two items contain all of them."

We stared at the items listed on the same page.

The page said the following:

────────────

Get bare skin that can beat the sun!

Our products have finally conquered the sun!

Let's block strong light.

Here are alluring items that can cut out dangerous UV rays.

Never underestimate the power of the sun.

Every time light strikes you, damage to your body accumulates.

But rest assured.

Here is the secret weapon against terrifying UV rays!

Maintain white skin and a healthy body with these new products!

The UV-cut parasol cuts out 90 percent of dangerous UV rays.

The UV-cut lotion is gentle enough to be safe even for small children.

Yet its UV-blocking rate is the same as the parasol's! Enjoy outdoor play even in light as intense as midsummer!

The parasol comes in two colors: white on the outside and black on the inside.

White reflects light, while black absorbs it.

Enjoy the liberating feeling of being able to move freely even in strong light!

────────────

"Mabel."

"Yes, Thor-sama."

"The source of the magic power of Light is the sun, right?"

I could tell my voice was trembling.

'Bare skin that can beat the sun'──that was practically saying it could defend against the magic power of Light without armor or robes.

Did the people of the Heroes' world really have the ability to defend against Light magic while naked...?

"You are correct, Thor-sama. The sun itself is said to be... the source of the magic power of Light."

Mabel's voice was trembling too.

I understood how she felt.

As someone from the Demon Lord's Territory, which had been defeated by the Heroes' 'power of the Light attribute,' she must have understood the power of this product as well.

"When this world was born and the sun first shone upon it, day and night came into being. At that time, the sun granted this world great magic power of Light."

"And it continues to shine as the source of magic power even now..."

"The magic power of Light in the Demon Lord's Territory is weak because it receives little sunlight."

"So the people of the Heroes' world have already conquered the source of the magic power of Light itself?"

That was probably why the Heroes from other worlds could use Light-attribute techniques so skillfully.

The Light magic must have been flying around all over the place in the Heroes' world.

They could take it head-on with their bare skin──and stand there unfazed. Was that what people from another world were like...?

Terrifying... More than that, the people of ancient times really summoned such people? They were far too fearless for their own good...

"And the catalog has lotion and a parasol that defend against the magic power of Light."

The catalog listed two products.

One was the umbrella-shaped 'UV-Cut Parasol.'

The other was the type applied to the body, the 'UV-Cut Lotion.'

Apparently, the parasol could defend against the magic power of Light simply by holding it up.

The lotion was meant to be applied to the body.

It said that doing so allowed even small children to play amid flying Light magic──

"Mabel... about this 'UV'..."

"Yes. I think it is just as you suspect, Thor-sama."

"So you also think 'UV' refers to the strongest Light spell used by the Heroes, 'Ultimate Vivid-light'?"

"I can think of no other possibility than the initials of that spell."

"'Ultimate Vivid-light.' In other words, 'UV' comes from the initials of 'Ultimate Vivid-light.'"

"'Ultimate Vivid-light'—the ultimate vivid light. That spell must be the 'dangerous UV.'"

Mabel stated this unequivocally.

And I agreed with her.

The Heroes left their techniques written down as words.

That information had been passed down to the present day.

Furthermore, they liked using nicknames and abbreviations.

'Guard-cancel interruption without chanting' and 'mana-charge cancel UV' were examples.

Of course, everything Mabel and I were saying was speculation.

There was no proof that the 'UV' in the 'Mail-Order Catalog' referred to 'Ultimate Vivid-light.'

I couldn't believe the ultimate spell that had broken the Demon Lord's barrier could be blocked by a parasol or lotion. But──

"It's worth trying to make them, isn't it?"

"Yes, Thor-sama."

"I'll prepare the materials and think about the necessary attributes... Hmm, I can't do that today..."

It was already late at night.

I couldn't ask the general or Agnis for materials now.

"...Maybe I'll make something better if I take my time."

I said this as if trying to convince myself.

"Let's do it tomorrow. Good work today, Mabel."

"Yes. Good work today, Thor-sama."

Mabel stood up, carrying the tea set and tray.

"Then I'll bring you a change of clothes."

"Thanks, Mabel."

"Also... You worked up a sweat today, so I think you should wipe yourself down before going to bed. Shall I prepare everything?"

"...You're right."

I had sweated because of all the traveling today.

Dinner had also been hot, so I had sweated then as well.

Since I was staying in someone else's home, I should keep myself presentable.

"Would you mind doing that for me, Mabel?"

"Yes. You did ask me to."

Mabel left the room.

After a while, she returned carrying a bucket of hot water and a cloth.

She had offered to wipe me down, but unfortunately, I declined.

I wanted to concentrate on deciding which to make first: the 'UV-Cut Parasol' or the 'UV-Cut Lotion.'

In terms of strength, the 'UV-Cut Lotion' was superior.

Holding a parasol would leave one hand occupied.

Since the lotion was applied to the body, I could carry a sword and shield while defending against Light-attribute attacks.

The lotion was more versatile.

As I thought about this and tried to wipe my back──I realized something.

"There are places on my back I can't reach... If I leave some lotion unapplied, will I take damage there...?"

With the lotion, I would need someone else's help before using it.

If magic hit a spot I had missed, I would definitely take damage.

As I reached around like this... yeah, it was difficult to reach the area around my shoulder blades. It would be fine when working with a party, but when operating solo, I was likely to leave spots without lotion.

When I tried wiping my whole body like this, there were quite a few places I couldn't reach.

In that case, the parasol was more reliable. In other words──

"Thor-sama. I've come to collect the hot water."

"Mabel. Perfect timing. Come in."

"Excuse me, Thor-sama."

Mabel opened the door and entered.

As expected of Mabel, her timing was perfect.

"I just realized something. I think I should make the 'UV-Cut Parasol' before the 'UV-Cut Lotion.' The lotion would leave both hands free, which is an advantage, but there is a risk of leaving spots unapplied."

"...Y-yes."

"So tomorrow, I'll ask the general and Agnis to prepare the materials for the parasol. Mabel, will you help too?"

"Of course. I would be happy to, but..."

"...? What is it, Mabel?"

"It has been quite some time since I brought the hot water, Thor-sama, but... w-why are you still bare-chested...?"

Mabel's face turned bright red, and she lowered her eyes.

...Oh no.

I had become lost in thought while wiping myself and stopped moving.

On top of that, the water had gone cold.

"Thor-sama."

"...I'm sorry."

"No, please don't worry about it. I'll fetch some fresh hot water."

"Sorry. Please do."

"Yes. Leave it to me."

Mabel nodded with a serious expression.

"Also, I'll wipe your back for you, Thor-sama."

"Huh?"

"Her Majesty instructed me to manage your health, Thor-sama. For that purpose, she gave me a special item."

"A special item?"

"I-it's... a garment made from 'Water Magic-Woven Fabric' that doesn't mind getting wet. Her Majesty instructed me to have you wear it when necessary..."

She really had thought of everything. Lukie.

'Water Magic-Woven Fabric' was clothing designed with ease of movement as the priority.

Since it was fine to get it wet, I had thought it might be usable for swimming.

So Lukie and Mabel had considered this use for it too...

"These are Her Majesty's orders. She gave me permission to go this far for the sake of your health, Thor-sama."

Mabel said this and bowed to me.

"I cannot let you catch a cold, Thor-sama. At least allow me to wipe your sweat away. Please."

Then Mabel loosened the collar of her maid uniform and showed me the 'Water Magic-Woven Fabric' garment she was wearing underneath.

She had prepared everything perfectly.

"A-and I did say earlier, 'I think you should wipe yourself down before going to bed. Shall I prepare it?' You replied, 'Please do.'"

"Y-yeah."

"S-so that is why I... came here wearing this 'Water Magic-Woven Fabric' garment..."

Mabel said this, her face red all the way to the tips of her ears.

"Will you allow me to manage your health, Thor-sama?"

I surrendered.

In the end, I had Mabel wipe my body (my upper body only, of course)──

I promised to take proper care of myself from then on, went to sleep──

The next day, I told the general and Agnis about the 'UV-Cut Parasol' and the materials needed to make it.