Chapter 320 – The White Airship

The delivery of materials to the shipyard and the installation of equipment inside the facility seemed to be progressing at a rather rapid pace. The first day of training for the Demon-Slaying Knight Order arrived even before the furniture for Elliot’s new residence could be arranged.

After morning greetings to the members of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order lined up in the square, we began the training.

“…Well then. Since this is the first day, I’d like to start with the basic training content. Please look over there.”

I pointed toward Sheila, who was standing a short distance away in the square.

“Are you ready?”

“Mhm.”

Sheila nodded. Then let’s begin.

“First, the basics. We’ll start with running through the air using Magic Shields.”

Responding to my words, Sheila ran across the square while using the Magic Tool. Since it was Sheila, her movements were light, but she was only moving at a speed that could be considered a light jog.

“This is, well, the basic part. The purpose is to train Vitality and Magical Power consumption, and to get accustomed to handling Magic Tools.”

Knights can improve their Magical Power, and Magicians can enhance their Vitality.

“It’s simple, but it should be quite effective.”

I nodded at Elliot’s words. I had previously explained the training content to Elliot, as he is the Commander of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order.

“Yes. And once they become accustomed, instead of just using Shields, they will gradually progress to using Magic Tools like Levitation and Air Blast simultaneously. This will improve their ability to switch between Magic Tools quickly and accurately, aiming to reduce the time it takes to complete one lap around the training ground…”

As if matching my words, Sheila’s leaps with each step became larger and her speed increased. Although Sheila’s own movements hadn’t changed, by switching Magic Tools, the distance and speed of each step’s movement increased.

She was enhancing her jumping power after kicking off with Levitation and accelerating with Air Blast.

Since the Verdgar Knight Order had already introduced Aerial Combat Gear… some were marveling at the smooth switching between Magic Tool uses.

If one becomes proficient, Knights can compensate for lack of Magical Power with Vitality and Martial Arts, while Magicians can offset Vitality consumption by combining Levitation and Air Blast. It’s hard to say definitively which has an advantage or disadvantage.

“An advantage is that it’s easy to start with, and since there are several stages, the content can become more advanced according to each person’s proficiency. Ultimately, the goal is to be able to perform movements like what Sheila is doing now without breaking formation.”

When I said that, several people made thoughtful expressions. They were probably trying to gauge the Difficulty.

The final goal might seem quite challenging, but it’s only planar movement for aerial mobility. If the strength adjustment and switching of Magic Tool usage go well, it might be surprisingly easy.

Another merit is that because the content is simple, the Demon-Slaying Knight Order can continue training on their own even when I’m absent due to Labyrinth conquests, Demon countermeasures, research, and other errands.

When I’m present, it’s just a matter of direct guidance, but I anticipate being absent due to errands fairly often.

If training stagnates during that time, it would be problematic. So, I’m conveying the aerial combat training content in this manner.

That said, Elliot is in command, and the Knight Order members are highly motivated, so they’ll probably proceed actively.

“Irm, next training.”

The place where Irmhild was standing was crowded with colorful pillars of various kinds.

Perhaps it would be good to compare them to totem poles. They were color-coded by height, had different shapes drawn on them, and each one was unique. That is also training equipment. I went there early in the morning and created them using Wood Magic.

“The next basic training will use those densely standing pillars. This training is to get accustomed to three-dimensional movement and to develop instantaneous decision-making ability.”

This training is also simple. It can be done even when I’m absent, and it’s effective.

“Then, let’s begin. Irm. Red, square, triangle, yellow.”

Following my instructions, Irmhild twisted her body as she flew between the pillars, touching the colors and shapes. Even though I say ‘touch,’ it doesn’t necessarily have to be a direct touch. Irmhild swam-like to touch the indicated spots, but it’s also acceptable to use the pillars directly as footholds to jump to the next location.

Waiting for Irmhild to complete the instructions, I specified the next set of four types per set. She weaved between the pillars and responded. Moving in a rhythm similar to the instructions I gave, Irmhild seemed to be enjoying herself quite a bit.

I could make the instructions more complex, like “Red square, triangle, blue triangle, topmost white,” and so on.

Irmhild properly carried out my instructions. After having her complete several more sets, I gave the signal to end.

“Thank you, Irm.”

“That was pretty fun.”

That’s good to hear. Indeed, it might feel like a game. Turning back to the Knight Order, I said.

“As demonstrated, this training involves touching locations distinguished by color and pattern according to instructions. The key to performing it quickly is to change your posture in the air and use the target location itself as a foothold to move to the next spot. It’s training to cultivate three-dimensional movement and decision-making ability using Aerial Combat Gear.”

Since you’ll be moving to find the target location via the shortest distance, you’ll be moving up, down, left, and right between the pillars.

Ideally, you’d be able to move like a pinball, using the target spot as a foothold to move to the next—but well, expecting that much might be harsh.

We plan to proceed with other trainings, such as sparring in the air, methods of Coordination, and evasion methods assuming bullet hell with Miasma Bullets, and so on. Within that, we’ll probably include exercises with Golems.

“Today, first, please run through the air using Magic Tools. After that, we’ll take a break and then have a mock battle with Golems.”

“Then, regarding the running, I’ll leave it to you.”

Elliot nodded. So then… under Elliot’s supervision, the Knight Order members will run several laps around the shipyard square. Since inexperienced individuals can be identified by their movements, if there are any issues, I’ll provide advice later.

The Verdgar Knight Order, which already had widespread use of Aerial Combat Gear, seemed to be at a considerable standard. The other members, being a mix of elite Mage Corps and the Intelligence Unit from the magical superpower Silvatoria, were also moving quite well. Although there were some with awkward movements… as they repeated laps, their movements seemed to gradually improve.

Elliot, Chester, Mercedes, Elmer, Donovan, and others were at a very high level. Those who could use Magic were performing Levitation on their own, leaping with light steps.

In Elliot’s case, it should be relatively new for him… I guess this is a matter of Sense.

Well… it seems there’s no one who particularly needs advice. Since there are no problems with the basic movements, let’s have them run a bit more for training purposes.

“Then, shall we proceed with our work here?”

“It’s the construction of the Magic Array and preparation of Materials, isn’t it?”

I nodded at the words of Valentina and Old Sigmund.

Using Earth Magic, we created a foundation to place the ship and began drawing a Magic Array around it.

Using a powder made by mixing catalysts like crushed Magic Stones, alchemical solutions, and Magic Potions, we drew a Magic Array, creating a huge circle surrounding the foundation. There were small circles at the four directions. Placing the materials inside the small circles completes the preparation.

“Then—let’s begin.”

Taking a deep breath while gathering everyone’s attention. Circulation. Gathering Magical Power, amplifying it with Ouroboros. Following the Spell Formula taught by Old Sigmund, I deployed the Magic Circle.

As if responding, faint pillars of light rose from the five circles, both large and small.

Then, a pure white sphere of light was born at the center of the large middle circle. The materials placed in each of the four small circles were swept up and swirled within the white radiance. Melting, mixing together. It was as if they had been thrown into a crucible or a furnace.

Gradually, shaping that which was forming within the light—stretching it to take the same shape as the airship model.

Strongly, accurately, drawing the image. First, the keel. The part that would become the ship’s skeleton slowly extended lengthwise atop the foundation. Metal with the same texture as the white Golem I saw in Silvatoria spread out, taking clear form exactly as I envisioned.

From the keel to the hull armor. As the control grew more complex, the Magic Circle expanded. Indeed… the speed at which the materials mixed and were refined was slow. And it was a type of Magic that was difficult to control.

“At this speed—to process something of this size…”

“It’s astounding… Normally, several Magicians would divide the process roles…”

Stabilizing the lower structure, making it robust. Not releasing control.

Extend. Extend. As the materials from the four circles were drawn into the vortex of light and diminished, the ship’s exterior gradually revealed its form.

The ship’s sides—creating the main wings. The bow, the stern—and then to the deck. The Magic Circle had already expanded to a scale equivalent to an 8th-tier spell. Gripping Ouroboros tightly, thrusting it into the ground, increasing output with Circulating Ki.

The deck covered the upper part of the hull, and from the deck, the bridge grew upward as if sprouting. The outer shell was made as a single piece.

The circuits that guide Magical Power, the interior, etc., can be sufficiently handled later when building the ship, by using a Spell Formula to transition the Magical Power to a non-converted state.

The Magic Circle continued to expand, increasing its radiance. Both my body and Ouroboros, the heightened Magical Power from circulation scattered sparks around.

Closing my eyes, concentrating my consciousness while drawing the image. Finally, the Magic Circle expanded notably once more… and the upper part of the bridge was formed all at once.

“Haaah…”

After confirming that the whole structure was stable, I released the Spell Formula and let out a large breath. A feeling of fatigue remained from having refined and expended a considerable amount of Magical Power.

Taking a deep breath and opening my eyes, there was the ship, looking exactly like the model enlarged. Though when I say the ship’s form, it’s only the keel and outer shell.

Infusing Magical Power, I lightly tapped the hull. The received impact was converted into Magical Power, and a wave of light ran across the surface of the armor. Hmm… it seems to have gone well.

“To think—controlling the entire outer shell in one go without even pausing for breath…”

“I’m… at a loss for words.”

“I suppose we can only accept it, since it’s you, Sensei.”

Old Sigmund’s eyes were wide open, Valentina shook her head. Charlotte wore a strained smile.

Since making it a single piece would also enhance the Magical Power conversion ability… I really pushed myself. Perhaps because the scale of the Magic Circle, the vortex of light, and the completed airship’s exterior were unnecessarily flashy, the Knights had stopped in their tracks, eyes wide… but prompted by Elliot shaking his head, they resumed their laps.

“Well, at least the form is complete.”

“It’s a white, beautiful ship, isn’t it?”

Grace and Ashley looked up at the ship and smiled at each other. Marlene was also clapping happily together with Seraphina.

“Even though it looks like you made it easily… that was probably at the Difficulty level of an 8th or 9th-tier spell to control, wasn’t it?”

“…Only because your control ability is sufficient. It’s not something that can be made just by taking time.”

Rosemary, hiding a wry smile behind her feather fan, and Claudia, quietly closing her eyes.

“Well… it’s just the outer shell. There’s nothing inside, and construction is from here on out.”

After this, when Alfred goes to process it, we’ll have to use Spell Formulas to control it so the armor’s Magical Power conversion doesn’t react.

Installing the core and propulsion. Placing Magical Creatures, running circuits connecting to the bridge’s Crystal Panel, placing Sonic Cannons here and there… and then covering such power sections and wiring with the interior as well. Cabins, corridors, the bridge, gun mounts… there’s quite a lot to do.

There was also talk about adding decorations to the exterior. The airship—we’ll gradually bring it closer to completion from here on.