“Eh!? I, I’m not imagining things! No way!”

"Husband, or do you want to choose Miss Kaori first?"

“Huh!? Uh, me!? Ah, that’s not right, damn it, stop teasing me!”

Kaori huffed like a cat with its fur standing on end. Meanwhile, Remia kept laughing, looking at her with eyes full of affection.

It seemed like she was mainly there to greet Kaori. Whether it was Yue or Remia, Kaori seemed to be particularly drawn to the affections of older women.

Hajime patted Kaori's shoulder to comfort her.

"Let's stop teasing her, Remia. Time is of the essence now. I need to go to the workshop right away. I'll have dinner there, please."

"...Is that so? You all look like you haven't rested at all. I don't think it's good to be so tense... But, now is the time to work hard, isn't it?"

It seemed that the humorous greeting scene just now was meant to ease Hajime's mood. After all, he had suffered a near-fatal injury and hadn't had a proper rest since then. The reason he teased Kaori was because he noticed that the atmosphere between them was a little sad.

Although Remia had a worried look on her face, she also understood that Hajime had to force himself at the moment.

"Well, I'll bring the food over right away. Also, the princess called and said things are going better than expected."

While Hajime was focused on gathering, Remia also served as a liaison. According to her...

Shizuku has successfully persuaded Gaharud.

The kingdom also successfully made all parties understand the situation. Liliana will take command, with the princess assisting behind the scenes, and begin preparations to lead the kingdom's citizens to refuge and allow the imperial army to enter.

Furthermore, the construction of the fortress was progressing faster than expected. This was possible due to Hajime prioritizing the creation of specialized construction artifacts from the outset, distributing them to Kentaro and the kingdom's construction craftsmen.

Such results were finally worthwhile. He plundered the palace's treasury, and even the national treasures with historical value were transformed into ordinary materials, ignoring the wailing of Liliana and other palace staff.

Furthermore, news had also arrived from Fjabelgen. Ling and Ryuutarou had confirmed that the elders, including Elfrelic, were willing to join the battle. Of course, there was no need to mention the Hauriya side either.

The sea of ​​trees also reported back, saying that as long as they were prepared, they would immediately begin moving through the space gate.

"I see...it seems like it went surprisingly smoothly."

"Thanks to Miss Aiko... no, it's the 'Goddess of Abundance's' speech. It seems to have been quite effective. I heard she even used a space gate to travel to the Empire and give speeches to Fjallbergen. Also, the new Pope's 'Declaration of Holy War' seems to have had quite an effect."

"I remember that was the old man the princess personally brought from the border region, right? After all, he's the highest leader of the church, a kind of spokesperson for God. Naturally, he'll make the Goddess of Plenty's words more convincing."

Liliana's ability to judge people, as well as her ability to take action and command at critical moments are quite admirable.

She is truly a talented woman that the kingdom is proud of. The princess already harbors a determination to sacrifice her life for her country, and with the support of the princess and her trusted associates, she is more suited than anyone else to take command in this critical moment.

"Any news from those who have traveled to various places?"

"Not yet. Miss Tio hasn't sent back any news either."

"Well, that can't be helped. Improvised artifacts have limited effectiveness after all."

At present, some students and envoys sent by the knights and kingdoms directly under Pope Simon are traveling to various places.

Its mode of movement is the "Skyboard." As the name suggests, it's a surfboard capable of flying through the sky. Using space magic to deploy a barrier, it blocks air resistance, while using gravity magic to simulate flight. Therefore, even in normal use, it can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. With sufficient mana, it can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour.

Of course, this consumes a lot of mana, so the farther the destination, the more rest is needed. However, by now, everyone should have almost reached their destination. And once they arrive, they can return in an instant through the space gate.

"Okay, I understand. I'm sorry for bothering you with something you're not used to."

"Don't say that. If I can be of any help, I'll be happy as long as I can. It's not just about repaying a favor, it's also my duty as a wife who supports her husband."

"No, you and I are not husband and wife."

"Oh my."

"No, no, it's not."

"Hehehe."

"No... Oh, forget it."

Remia's invincible gentle smile seemed to be able to accommodate everything, and even Hajime had to succumb.

"Dad has to work, don't disturb him." After saying that, Remia carried Myuu away. It seemed that she wasn't just being friendly to Hajime for Myuu's sake, but that she actually liked it.

(No matter what, since Myuu and I have an unbreakable bond, she and I are definitely family.)

Hajime muttered to himself, patting Myuu's head reluctantly. Then he entered the workshop.

The workshop at Oscar's mansion was spacious, almost the size of a small sports field. It also had numerous mechanisms to assist with the "refining" process, making it an ideal location for an alchemist.

After entering, Shi released a large amount of materials from the treasure house, piling them up like a mountain.

"Then we'll see how high we can raise the multiplier. Kaori, please help me."

"Well, leave it to me."

Hajime first forged a transparent cylinder made of crystal material in the center of the workshop. Hajime and Kaori faced each other across the cylinder.

The next procedure can make up for the lack of time to some extent.

Therefore, Hajime appointed Kaori, who was the best at regeneration magic, as his assistant.

"Preparation begins. Cooperate with me—"

“—‘Break’!”

Deep red flashes burst out, intertwined with white violet light.

——Regeneration magic is broken.

This magic extends time within a certain spatial range. The fundamental principle of regeneration magic is "interference with time," and this particular magic is particularly close to this principle, making it considered a profound secret within regeneration magic.

This is an extremely difficult magic that cannot be performed by human flesh and blood.

However, Hajime activated the True Artisan, while Kaori possessed the abilities of an apostle and was quite proficient in regeneration magic. The combined efforts of these two, who could be considered exceptional beings, made it possible to accomplish something that was otherwise impossible.

The abnormally refined creation magic condensed the crimson and violet magic power and injected it into the crystal column, emitting a vivid light.

Kaori's long silver hair fluttered in the air until it finally slowed down. The entire workshop looked slightly faded.

“—Hashi-kun.”

"Okay. Kaori, good job."

The magic power of the two people mixed together began to dissipate as if dissolving into air.

Kaori rested her hands on her knees, breathing heavily. She seemed to have consumed a lot of magic power in such a short period of time.

"Huh, huh, how?"

"It worked. It extended the time by almost... maybe ten times. On my own, I could only extend it by two or three times, at most. You've been a real help. Now I have plenty of time to prepare."

"Phew, that's great."

The crystal pillar glowed a faint red. Hajime stood before it, smiling at Kaori. Hearing Hajime's response, and the compliment, Kaori felt a mixture of relief and shyness.

"Since this is a rare opportunity, how about we come up with a name? ...After all, I think we should call it 'Seiko Time House', right?"

"...I think it's best not to. Simply naming it 'Time Crystal' will suffice, right?"

"...Not romantic at all."

"That's not important. Okay, get started! I'll find more materials for you, so keep working on it."

"……All right."

Hajime's expression was somewhat dissatisfied. Then, he activated the Time Crystal.

Suddenly, the entire workshop faded slightly, just like before. While the effect was limited to the workshop, time inside was extended tenfold. In other words, one hour inside the workshop was equivalent to only six minutes outside.

At this time, Myuu and Remia entered the workshop.

"Dad~! We're here to get food!"

"Oh, this feels a bit strange..."

The mother and daughter brought food. There were several sandwiches on the tray. They must have been so Hajime could hold them in one hand and eat them while they cooked. How thoughtful.

As the scene inside the workshop faded, Remia looked confused. Hajime asked her to wait and told the mother and daughter and Kaori to retreat to the workshop entrance.

"Alright... Oscar Orcus. I'm going to prove now that I've surpassed you."

Hajime smiled like a challenger.

Not only did he teach Genesis Magic, he also left behind numerous artifacts and research materials within the workshop. Oscar's blessings to Hajime, transcending time and space, are truly innumerable. It's no exaggeration to say he was Hajime's mentor as an Alchemist.

In this case, the only way for Hajime to repay him is to surpass him.

If we want to achieve something that they cannot accomplish, we must surpass them!

“—‘Refined’!”

A crimson torrent rushed throughout the workshop.

A brilliant, deep crimson shone through the entire workshop, transforming it into a red spinel. The magic circles Oscar had carved throughout the workshop began to glow. As if that weren't enough, Hajime's circles were gradually added, covering the ceiling, the floor, the walls... Finally, a massive, three-dimensional magic circle was completed, uniting all the other magic circles in the room.

Then, the mountain of materials began to move.

First, refine the material using the skill "Mineral Separation" to improve its quality. Then, add various spells using "Generation Magic." "High-Speed ​​Refining" continuously increases the speed of the refining process.

So, Hajime mass-produced exceptionally high-quality materials, some of which even contained magic from the Age of Gods. However, once the materials were completed, they vanished without a trace. It turned out that the materials had been transferred to the location Hajime designated through the effects of a magic circle.

At this time, Hajime finally began to personally carry out the "refining".

The basic set of armor, helmet, sword, spear, shield, and other equipment was completed in the blink of an eye. Next came the bullets and weapons, each of which was created one at a time.

Start by checking the completed items, and after confirming that there are no problems, place each item on a different magic circle.

Then, something surprising happened. The magic circle continued to operate automatically, not only automatically replenishing the materials, but also repeatedly replicating the exact same items on other magic circles through "copy and refinement".

After the artifact was completed, it was immediately teleported to another magic circle, sank into the space gate set up there, and was directly transported to the kingdom.

“Hajime-kun, t-this is…”

Kaori, Myuu, and Remia were mesmerized by the sight of crimson light and flashes running endlessly. Then, the three finally came to their senses and looked at Hajime.

"Well, as you can see, I transformed the workshop itself into a sacred artifact. Now, it's more accurate to call it an arsenal rather than a workshop."

It was like a modern-day factory on Earth. With a complete supply of raw materials and finished products to serve as reference standards, the presence of Hajime, the creator, allowed the various magic circles to operate in unison, automatically completing the processes of "refining materials," "transferring parts," "manufacturing replicas," and "transferring finished products."

No wonder he was so confident about the large-scale supply of weapons from the very beginning.

In Oscar's time, the concept of mass production based on standardized specifications probably didn't exist. In the world of the Alchemist, this was a completely new field that only modern Earthlings could achieve.

Furthermore, time flows differently within the workshop than outside. Right now, on the other side—the Kingdom's side—the space gate dedicated to teleporting items is continuously pouring out a large number of mythical artifacts at an astonishing rate. Liliana and the others' expressions twitched stiffly upon seeing this.

"Well, even if we don't have to worry about it now, the basic equipment should be enough. Let's take a break. Remia, Myuu, sorry to have kept you waiting. Let's eat together."

"Uh, yes, Dad!"

"Oh my... this is really speechless."

A moment ago, surrounded by a crimson torrent of magic power and the geometric shapes of light emitted by the magic circle, Hajime waved his hands like a conductor, creating everything, just like a magician in a legendary story. But now...

"I'm really starving..." Hajime said with a somewhat weak expression, picking up his sandwich. He looked just like a normal boy his age. Seeing the change in his appearance, Remia felt an indescribable feeling well up in her heart, while she meticulously cared for Hajime's meal.

About an hour later.

After not eating all day, Hajime finally ate his fill. Although the "refining" process had continued without interruption, he still managed to get enough rest.

"Okay, I'm going to start crafting the sacred artifacts and military weapons for the teachers and the others. Kaori, please go collect the necessary materials."

"Leave it to me. But, Hajime-kun, don't forget to rest after completing each section. It's rare that we've gained enough time with the Time Crystal."

"I understand. Also, Myuu and Remia, please keep in touch. I have to concentrate in the workshop, and time flows at a different rate than outside, so I can't tell what's going on outside."

"Yes, Dad!"

"I see. Next, when should I bring in the food?"

"Just wait two hours outside to send it."

"...Are you planning on working almost the entire day?"

After hearing Hajime's answer, Remia's expression turned worried. Kaori also put away her smile.

Hajime turned his gaze away and said defensively:

"After obtaining the new special artifact, it will take time to improve my proficiency. I must finish it quickly and send it to everyone, otherwise it will be a waste if they take it."

After hearing Hajime's explanation, the two of them could understand. Just like the artifacts needed when the fortress was first constructed, these were also artifacts that needed to be completed first.

Kaori and Remia, though understanding, were still worried, and their faces reluctantly backed off, causing Hajime to smile bitterly. Suddenly, he began to perform [Refinement] again.

"The enemy could find this secret residence, or they could send manipulated humans here."

In reality, Shi thought it was an 80% chance. Eshid had already decided the nature of the game. To him, this wasn't a war. At this point, he couldn't resort to a decapitation attack targeting Shi and the others.

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