Published: July 4, 2025
"This is... incredible."
"I paid a gold coin for one, but the performance is exceptional."
Abel was amazed, and Ryo was in awe of the high-performance 'translation device.'
Its size was quite small, about the size of a 500-yen coin in Japan, yet it was an alchemy tool packed with every feature related to translation.
The words they heard were translated in real-time into a language they could understand—the language of the Central Nations—and the words they spoke were also translated into the local language in real-time by the alchemy tool.
Both of them wore it around their collars, and it appeared as if translated text floated in the air, similar to an AR screen.
"What kind of principle is this? An aerial display? It's been a while since I encountered an alchemy tool whose principle I couldn't figure out!"
Ryo was gleefully examining the 'translation device' from various angles.
Of course, he had it attached to his collar.
Yes, he had purchased two—one for practical use and another for research...
Abel watched with narrowed eyes, but since Ryo was the one paying, he couldn't complain.
Indeed, the money came from Ryo, but it was originally given to the delegation, so it was also the country's money...
Thus, it could be said that the king, Abel, as the highest decision-maker of the nation, bore the responsibility for the money...
"Ryo, before you tamper with that, please prioritize establishing a means of communication with the home country."
"Yes, of course. I'll get started as soon as we return to the inn."
Ryo nodded in response to Abel's words.
He didn't think it was troublesome at all.
After all, it was also alchemy.
Moreover, the 'Echo of the Soul' was one of the masterpieces created by Kenneth.
There was no doubt about it.
It was overturning many common notions of alchemy up to this point.
To tinker with it and improve it...
"I'm really looking forward to it."
Those words came from the depths of his heart.
"You can order whatever you like for dinner starting at 6 PM in the dining hall we were at earlier," Ban Hugh informed the two as they arrived at the inn.
In a sense, it might be a buffet style.
"That's great, Abel. Even a big eater like you can eat to your heart's content."
"No, I think Ryo eats more than I do..."
"A mage shouldn't be a bigger eater than a swordsman. I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from making such misleading statements."
"I'll return those words right back at you."
With such exchanges, they entered their room.
Ryo occupied the provided chair and table and immediately began analyzing the 'Echo of the Soul.'
Abel had brought back several sheets of paper that were placed on the first floor labeled 'Help Yourself.'
"Hmm... So this city is called Manyamia... It's hard to pronounce."
He mumbled "Manyamia" repeatedly, quietly.
"It boasts the third-largest city in the Komakyuta Vassal Kingdom... The safest sea area is at the far west? Beyond Manyamia, there are numerous massive sea monsters, including kraken... So, the coastline we were at... Well, it's certainly west of this city..."
Abel murmured, taking in various pieces of information.
You never know when, where, or what information might come in handy.
This might be a certain habit for adventurers.
It separates the elite from the rest...
However, after a while, he finished reading all the papers he had brought.
"Without a doubt... ever since becoming king and having more paperwork, my reading speed has increased..."
Abel murmured.
Familiarity is a terrifying thing.
Or rather, perhaps it should be said that human adaptability is.
With nothing left to do, Abel absentmindedly watched Ryo's work.
He could see letters displayed on an ice board.
Not just one... but eight?
"Kenneth didn't connect that many."
Abel muttered, recalling the scene he had seen at the Royal Alchemy Workshop when Kenneth Hayward was making alchemy tools.
Kenneth used a stone tablet, quite literally a stone slab.
According to the explanation, the magic formulas and magic circles drawn on the alchemy tools would be displayed on that tablet.