Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!? - Volume 34 - Chapter 1

Creeping Darkness

Friday, May 27th

As part of his war arsenal for the coup in Forthorthe, Vandarion created a gigantic mechanical dragon that combined cutting-edge Forthorthian technology, underground spiritual energy technology, and Folsarian magic. Vandarion wasn’t entirely aware of this, however. He was under the impression that the spiritual energy and magic components were simply the latest and greatest from DKI. Even when he kidnapped Green, who used divination magic to control the dragon, he’d merely believed that Elexis had discovered an individual with an extraordinary capacity for operating the technology.

Vandarion and his men had no idea that the true technology behind their latest weapons had come from spiritual energy and magic, and that lack of understanding was partially responsible for their ultimate defeat.

“In the end, my uncle underestimated our enemy. He never saw the bigger picture.”

“Be it in war or trade, you have no chance of coming out on top if you fail to understand the full extent of your situation.”

“That’s right. It was only inevitable that my uncle lost, though it was through no fault of his own.”

Ralgwin, Vandarion’s nephew, felt Vandarion’s defeat was a matter of course. After all, who could have known the true nature of the “new technologies” DKI had supplied? Forthorthian science was already producing machines capable of boggling the mind, and people—soldiers and civilians alike—used such technology in their everyday lives. Barriers and warp drives might as well be magic to the average Forthorthian citizen.

In this light, it was only natural that Vandarion didn’t think to question the strange powers of his foes. That wasn’t a lack of insight on his part; no one would have thought to account for such anomalies in their machinations. Vandarion had had his suspicions, however. That much was evident when he stationed Ralgwin on Earth. Vandarion thought there was something strange about Koutarou and company’s strength, but he never saw a need to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter. It was far more reasonable to assume that the stories about them were exaggerated—mere propaganda.

“But you’re exceptionally amazing for realizing what he failed to, Lord Ralgwin. Like that spiritual energy cloaking device that’s been collecting dust in our warehouse.”

“After witnessing my uncle’s demise, anyone would have realized it. It was an expensive lesson.”

Ralgwin, who remained behind on Earth, had long been convinced that Koutarou’s power was more than it appeared to be. Something fantastical, even. Something that completely defied common sense. He knew how ridiculous the theory sounded, but as far as he was concerned, there was no doubt about it. Vandarion’s downfall had proven it. Thus Ralgwin was overcome with a dark joy when he finally had concrete evidence in his hands...

Said evidence was a piece of spiritual energy technology brought to him by an Earthling. In return, Ralgwin had supplied a certain Forthorthian technology. It was both a sign of his thanks, as well as a means to establish a foothold with the lead he’d just acquired. The former was exceptionally rare for Ralgwin, making it all the more clear just how important this was to him.

“Is the technology you’ve given us another test, Lord Ralgwin?”

“In part. But it is also a token of my gratitude. This is a valuable opportunity for both of us.”

“As for said technology... according to our analysis, it is indeed possible for us to replicate it with the resources available to us.”

“I’m pleased to hear that. It means we’ll be able to procure the structural material we need as well. However...”

“I know. We’ll go with the beta formula over the alpha.”

Ralgwin had shared the secrets of basic Forthorthian metallurgy. The metals used on Earth were far inferior to their theoretical strength because of impurities left over from the refining process. These impurities made the metal weaker under stress, leading to decreased performance and even fractures—something that wasn’t an issue with Forthorthian methods.

As it turned out, Earth was presently capable of replicating Forthorthian metallurgy in two ways: the alpha formula and the beta formula. The former was superior and could create the strongest known metals in the universe, but the latter was still capable of producing metal far stronger than anything currently available on Earth. For the time being, they were going to produce the latter.

“I’m sure you’re displeased to start out with the beta formula, but I hope you’re keeping the long game in mind.”

“Oh, I’m hardly displeased. If anything, I think it’s quite appropriate to take baby steps toward perfection.”

“It’s true that running at full speed only draws attention. Baby steps will still yield results with these methods. And if your progress appears to be natural enough, we should fly under the princesses’ radar.”

If there were sudden, drastic technological advancements on Earth, the Forthorthian government would have every reason to suspect a leak. But if development was slow and steady, they could evade such scrutiny—which was Ralgwin’s goal. He and his Earthling business partner would still have a monopoly even with the imperfect beta formula. High-strength metals were in demand in almost every manufacturing industry on Earth. And with virtually no research costs, their margins would be sky high.

“Moreover, Lord Ralgwin, releasing the technology in two phases means we can dominate the market twice.”

The beta formula would inevitably be copied eventually. But once that happened, they could simply switch to producing the superior alpha formula. It would be a devastating blow to their competitors and ensure their monopoly for years to come. By their roughest estimates, they would have the market cornered for the next decade.

“Hmm, I hadn’t considered that. You make a good point,” Ralgwin said with a satisfied grin. He was pleased that his business partner was turning out to be smarter than expected.

“There’s also a question of yield. Maximizing production at the outset will be problematic.”

If they moved into full-scale production before refining the manufacturing process, they would eat the cost of trial and error as they went. Moreover, they’d be producing inferior material as they learned. That was why Ralgwin’s business partner wanted to take the time to hone the process before moving into mass production. The ultimate payout in the quality of the product would be well worth it.

Thus, from a business perspective, everything was coming together nicely. The two-phase production should be a huge success.

“Hmm, perhaps you didn’t need my help after all.”

“Worry not, Lord Ralgwin. I’ll show you soon enough that you made the right choice to invest in us.”

“Oh? Have you found something?”

“Yes. We’ve made contact with the original owners of that device.”

“My, my. Let’s hear your report, then.”

“Of course. First of all...”

Ralgwin was still unused to Earth and its denizens, so having his new business partner make contact with Earthlings for him was an incredible boon. It seemed their partnership was coming to great fruition. And so Ralgwin’s plan—rather, his invasion—was slowly progressing in the shadows.