Taking On the Golem of the Hero's World

"According to the 'Mail-Order Catalog,' it seems they have golems working inside their homes in the Hero's world."

"A golem? Inside a home?"

"They have things like that in the Hero's world...?"

When I said that, Princess Sofia and Agnis opened their eyes wide.

It was no wonder they were surprised.

I had been surprised too, the first time I saw this page in the 'Mail-Order Catalog.'

But the 'Mail-Order Catalog' clearly showed the golem's form.

And it was a golem that crawled across the floor of a room.

Its form was neither humanoid nor beastlike, but unnatural.

Apparently, things like that were commonplace in the Hero's world.

"The golem's purpose is presumably to guard its owner while they sleep and clean the room."

"Guarding and... cleaning."

"Look. This is a transcription of the text from the 'Mail-Order Catalog.'"

I held out a sheet of parchment to Princess Sofia and Agnis.

What was written there was──

────────────

The latest-model 'robot vacuum' will keep your room clean!

Are you too busy to find time to clean?

Does your room quickly become cluttered because people show up without warning?

Do you have problems like these?

Our latest-model 'robot vacuum' will solve those problems for you!

This 'robot vacuum' is equipped with a special sensor. It will not overlook even the tiniest speck of dirt.

It will spot the slightest speck of dust and pursue it wherever it goes!

Nothing can escape this 'robot vacuum's' sensors! (This is the user's personal opinion.)

While you sleep, it will effortlessly clean up all the dirt!

Its sensors can detect people and animals, so even unexpected visitors are no problem.

There is no need to turn it off. You can continue using it as it is!

It will never bump into anything! (This is the user's personal opinion.)

Anyone who visits your room will be amazed by the 'robot vacuum's' 'cleaning power'!

Its specific effects are──

────────────

"After that, it described the 'robot vacuum's' abilities."

"What kind of abilities did it have?"

"For example, the ability to find every bit of small-animal fur hidden in a fluffy carpet and collect it all."

"It can do something that amazing!?"

"Or the ability to track down fragments smaller than grains of rice scattered across the floor."

"A golem can do that!?"

"Or the ability to nimbly avoid the feet of people walking around while continuing to clean."

"...Thor Kanan-sama."

"...J-just how powerful is this golem...?"

"The 'Mail-Order Catalog' definitely showed a golem moving between people's feet."

I said this as I recalled that particular page.

"That was probably a demonstration of its ability to 'evade any low attack and shatter the opponent's feet.'"

"..."

Princess Sofia and Agnis were both speechless.

I understood how they felt.

Among all the incredible items listed in the 'Mail-Order Catalog,' this one was especially amazing.

It could evade every attack and prevent a room from becoming cluttered due to an attack by an unexpected visitor.

Besides, various parts of the page were labeled, 'This is the user's personal opinion.'

That probably meant this golem 'chose its user.'

If I kept such a powerful golem in my room, I would never be able to relax.

Therefore, a 'user' had to be someone with the courage and combat ability to live alongside this golem. It also meant someone with enough enemies to need a golem to defend their room.

That was simply the 'personal opinion' of such a Hero.

"I understand that this 'robot vacuum' is an incredible golem."

Princess Sofia murmured this as she looked at the parchment.

"I know the legends of the Heroes, too. The words of the Hero who was summoned to this world, saw the golem guarding the emperor of that time, and shouted, 'Awesome! It looks like a robot!' have been preserved in the records."

"That would be 'The Record of the Hero's Advent, Chapter 14, Section 8: The Hero Tries an All-Range Attack.'"

"As expected of you, Thor Kanan-sama. You know it?"

"It is the record of a Hero who controlled multiple small golems and attempted to achieve attacks from every direction. As an alchemist, I could not overlook it."

"But in the end, the simultaneous attack by the golems failed, and the method settled on launching 'Dancing Swords.'"

"Agnis knows that legend, too! It was our ancestor's 'Fire Giant' that melted the Hero's 'Dancing Swords.'"

"That's right. Agnis-sama's ancestor was the one who stopped that Hero."

"I have always wondered how that Hero ever came up with such an idea..."

I traced the drawing of the 'robot vacuum' with my finger.

"If things like this exist as a matter of course in that world, then using 'Dancing Swords' might have been perfectly ordinary, too. Perhaps numerous golems routinely maintained the rooms, surrounded intruders, and attacked them."

"I understand."

"It makes perfect sense."

"Otherwise, there would be no need for a 'sensor that detects people.'"

"Yes..."

"A Hero should have no trouble avoiding their own golems."

Princess Sofia, Agnis, and I sighed.

I felt as though I had once again been made to understand how frightening the Hero's world was.

Even Heroes had openings while they slept.

That was probably why they protected themselves with golems called 'robot vacuums.'

"You believe this 'robot vacuum' can find a demon beast, Thor Kanan-sama?"

"Yes. It seems to be equipped with functions that make that possible."

"That's right. According to this description, the 'robot vacuum' finds the biscuit itself by tracking biscuit crumbs."

"That's right. It should be able to do the same thing with a demon beast."

I nodded.

"Demon beasts leave behind traces such as magical power and fragments of their skin as they move. A 'robot vacuum' that can track biscuit crumbs should have no trouble finding fragments left by a demon beast."

"But... it does not seem to mention demon beasts here."

Agnis murmured this as she looked at the parchment.

"But perhaps it is an anti-personnel weapon and a cleaning item. Could it really track demon beasts...?"

"Think back to the legends of the Heroes, Agnis."

I said this.

"The Otherworldly Hero used to say to weak demon beasts, 'You piece of trash! Do you think you can beat us, you worthless garbage?' didn't he?"

"He did!"

"He said it to intermediate-level demon beasts, too. 'Demon beasts are nothing but trash when faced with us Heroes!'"

"N-now that you mention it, he also used a grand spell and said, 'Disappear like dust...'"

"In other words, to a Hero, a demon beast was something like garbage."

Of course, high-level demon beasts were probably different.

There had been Heroes who respected powerful demon beasts.

But the 'garbage' mentioned in the 'Mail-Order Catalog' had to include demon beasts as well.

Otherwise, it would not be useful for guarding them.

And this 'robot vacuum' had a 'sensing function' for that very purpose.

If I added a 'magical-power detector' function, it should be able to detect and track a demon beast's magical power, too.

"...Amazing, Thor Kanan-sama. With this, we may even be able to find new species of demon beasts."

"...That solves the problem in no time."

"However... there is one problem."

"A problem?" "What kind?"

"The 'robot vacuum' in the 'Mail-Order Catalog' has a flat shape. It is neither humanoid nor beastlike, but bizarre. It would be unable to move through forests and grasslands or over uneven ground..."

This 'robot vacuum' was probably a golem designed for indoor use.

There had to be golems designed for outdoor use as well, but I had not found one yet.

That meant I would have to adapt this one for outdoor use.

"I wonder what an outdoor 'robot vacuum' would be like."

"It probably floats."

"Floats...?"

"My prediction is that it floats just above the ground—at a height of several centimeters above the surface—and follows the Hero around. It would be for protection and for cleaning the ground at the Hero's feet."

"Obstacles at their feet would interfere with a Hero's techniques, after all."

"That's right. It probably removes pebbles, demon-beast corpses, and other obstacles so that the Hero can freely plant their feet on the ground and use sword techniques or grand magic."

"If it flew high, it would interfere with sword techniques and block the Hero's view, so it stays low?"

"I think Agnis is right. The reason it moves along the floor indoors is to stay out of the Hero's sight. It probably keeps the indoor and outdoor environments the same."

"That makes sense."

"So in the Hero's world, 'robot vacuums' are constantly guarding the Heroes."

"Calling it a 'vacuum' may also be intended to have a psychological effect. If a 'combat guard golem' were always beside you, you would constantly be conscious of battle. You would never be able to relax."

"...I see."

"However, with my current technology, I cannot make a golem that remains airborne at all times."

I wanted to make one someday.

But for now, I did not think I was capable of it.

Keeping it permanently airborne would consume far too much magical power.

The Pixies were always flying, but that was because they were a species that naturally did so.

Sensing magical power, riding its flow, and moving lightly through the air──giving a golem such abilities would be impossible. It would be equivalent to creating a new life-form.

Creating artificial life was the ultimate theme of alchemy, but I had not yet reached that level.

How frustrating.

If I could go to the Hero's world, I might be able to find a clue, but... that was impossible.

If someone like me, with no combat ability, went to that world, I probably would not survive for even ten minutes.

So for now, I could only do what I was capable of.

I had to rack my brain and create something resembling the Hero world's 'robot vacuum.'

"That is why I would like to borrow the wisdom of Princess Sofia and Agnis."

I said this.

I had already told Lukie and Chancellor Kelv about this through the Pixies.

I had also asked the two of them to come up with ideas.

"I would like you two to think of a form that can move through forests and grasslands, climb over uneven ground, and move as quickly as possible."

"A-Agnis...?"

"I see. You have thought this through, Thor Kanan-sama."

Agnis was astonished.

By contrast, Princess Sofia nodded as though she understood.

Then she looked toward Agnis and said,

"This is what you call a competition, Agnis-sama."

"A competition?"

"Yes. Thor Kanan-sama intends to hear our opinions and create the best one."

"I see!"

"As expected of you, Thor Kanan-sama. With this method, you should be able to create an excellent golem. It is a difficult challenge for me, but it is also enjoyable."

"Enjoyable...?"

"Yes. We are being tested on how well we can come up with something that pleases Thor Kanan-sama."

"I-I see!"

"If we can come up with something worthy of Thor Kanan-sama's intelligence and sensibilities... it will prove that we are worthy of staying by his side. In other words, it could also be said that our talent as Thor Kanan-sama's assistants is being tested."

"S-so that is what the competition is for...?"

"Yes. You are holding this competition to test our creativity and create the 'robot vacuum' that will protect the border, based on the best idea. That is correct, is it not, Thor Kanan-sama!?"

"No, I intend to make everything everyone comes up with."

I said this.

Princess Sofia and Agnis stared blankly at me.

"I am going to have three groups come up with ideas—the Demon Lord and Chancellor Kelv, Princess Sofia and Agnis, and Mabel and me—and make all of them."

"...Is that so?"

"...That's what you mean?"

"Princess Liana and the Grand Duke will probably begin their demon-beast investigation right away. I want to have some idea who the culprit is before they find the person summoning the demon beasts. So I do not really have time for a competition."

I had a general idea of how to make the 'robot vacuum' itself.

All that remained was finding an efficient method of movement.

I wanted a method that was fast, capable of overcoming obstacles, and economical in its use of magical power.

If I could think of that, I could make it immediately.

That was why making it would be faster than holding a competition.

Besides, involving Lukie and Chancellor Kelv would make it easier to obtain permission to build it.

Actually, the moment they sent me their designs, that counted as permission to make a 'robot vacuum.' Yes. Perfect.

"So, could you do that? If possible, within the next day or two."

"Within the next day or two?"

"Rough ideas will be enough. I will turn them into something real."

"Understood, Thor Kanan-sama."

Princess Sofia pinched the hem of her loungewear and bowed.

"For the security of the border and to be of assistance to you, Thor Kanan-sama, I, Sofia, will come up with a way for the 'robot vacuum' to move."

"I'll try, too!"

Princess Sofia and Agnis shook hands firmly.

They promised to come up with ideas together.

"In that case, Agnis-sama, please stay here tonight. We can put our heads together."

"Er... b-but I was planning to go home today..."

"Since you have come all this way, please stay and take your time."

"...Agnis does not mind. But what about you, Thor Kanan-sama?"

"I cannot exactly stay at Princess Sofia's lodging. I will stay at an inn in town tonight."

I would take it easy at the inn tonight and think about the 'robot vacuum.'

Tomorrow, I could return to the workshop, talk with Mabel, and make a prototype.

"Soleil and Rune will guard you. I will contact you immediately if anything happens."

"...If that's what you say, Thor-sama."

"I, Sofia Dolgaria, will take responsibility for Agnis-sama. I also guarantee Thor-sama's safety."

Princess Sofia knelt and took my hand.

"Tomorrow, we will show you the results of our work with Agnis-sama."

"We'll show you!"

"I am counting on you."

I bowed to Princess Sofia and Agnis.

Then I took Soleil and Rune (who had returned to their Pixie forms and were napping in Princess Sofia's bedroom) to an inn in town.

I asked some of the other Pixies to tell Mabel that I would be staying in town tonight.

Her reply came back immediately.

It also included a drawing of Mabel's idea for 'the ultimate robot vacuum.'

As expected of Mabel. This would be useful for reference.

"All right, Soleil and Rune, go to sleep first. I will work a little longer before I turn in."

"Denied."

"That is unacceptable!"

Huh?

Soleil and Rune were making an X with both their arms. Why?

"Mabel-sama told us. When Thor-sama says, 'I will work a little longer before I rest,' it means he is going to stay up late."

"Moreover, she said that when you are thinking about a new magic item, there is a risk that you will work through the night."

...As expected of Mabel.

"This is human territory."

"You need to keep yourself in good condition in case anything happens."

"Soleil will not allow you to overwork yourself."

"Rune will not permit it, either."

"Get some proper sleep. Otherwise, we will tell His Majesty the Demon Lord!"

Soleil and Rune stared intently at me.

I raised both hands.

I surrendered.

I had no choice. I would take the night off and be obedient.

After that, I did a little work──

While Soleil and Rune soaked in the 'Foot Bath' (which I had taken out of the Simple Storage)──

I used their thoroughly warmed bodies as hot-water bottles and went to sleep.

──That same day, at the Demon Lord's Castle──

"I have a request, Your Majesty."

This was the throne room of the Demon Lord's Castle.

After finishing the day's work, Chancellor Kelv called out to Demon Lord Lukie.

"Would you entrust Thor Kanan-dono's request to me, Your Majesty?"

"The matter of the 'robot vacuum,' I presume."

"Yes. I would like to think of a method of movement by myself."

"What brought about this change of heart?"

Demon Lord Lukie, seated on her throne, tilted her head curiously.

"You have always been wary of the items Thor creates."

"As you say. And he has always exceeded my predictions."

Chancellor Kelv spoke with a serious expression,

"Thor-dono's items have always surprised me. But as the chancellor who serves Your Majesty, I cannot remain defeated."

"I do not think Thor cares about winning or losing."

"I understand. However, I would like to surprise Thor-dono at least once."

"I see. In that case, I shall leave it to you."

Demon Lord Lukie nodded, still wearing her identity-concealing mask.

"I understand how you feel. It could be interesting to show Thor the ingenuity of a high official of the Demon Lord's territory. Kelv, you should give it a try."

"As you command!"

"However, that is unfortunate."

"...What do you mean, Your Majesty?"

"I was planning to propose a spider-type 'robot vacuum' for traversing areas with uneven terrain and many obstacles. The idea came from the 'Demon Beast Galgarossa.'"

"..."

"But this is also a good opportunity. I shall leave it to Kelv."

"...Your Majesty."

"What is it?"

"If Your Majesty says it first... then I can no longer use that idea. It would be considered Your Majesty's idea rather than mine..."

"...Oh."

Realizing what her words meant, Lukie covered her mouth.

"I-I am sorry. I did not know you had been thinking of the same thing, so it simply slipped out."

"...I see."

"But it should not be a problem. Kelv, you will think of something new right away. Do not look so dejected... Oh, you are going back to your room to think? Yes, that would be best. Once you calm down, you will surely think of something good. Perhaps a quadruped like a horse, or a lithe beastlike one──"

Thus, preparations for the 'joint demon-beast investigation' by the Demon Lord's territory and Princess Sofia's unit proceeded──

And in the meantime, the 'Robot Vacuum Design Competition' was held──

With Thor taking Mabel's idea, Sofia and Agnis happily discussing matters, and Chancellor Kelv clutching his head, designs for a new magic item continued to take shape.