Chapter 147 PHZ
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Information that the maid Muse had painstakingly extracted from the “Harvest”¹ experimental slave Lily was immediately relayed to the front lines.
”I see, so he’s Lily-sama’s younger brother…” Tania said.
”Yes, well, it seems they aren’t blood-related, and Lily-san doesn’t seem to care much about him anyway…” Satsuki replied.
The adventurer elf Tania and the court mage Satsuki reflexively exchanged looks. Of course, this information was classified; it wasn’t the kind of intel that should be shared with a volunteer soldier like Tania or a low-ranking court mage like Satsuki.
However, as people connected to Lily, it was shared with them as a precaution so they wouldn’t hesitate if they encountered an enemy with pink hair on the battlefield.
”Uh-huh, let’s see, what does it say? ‘Martin was strangely attached to me, and since being obsessed over is a nuisance, please burn him to a crisp without reservation,’ it says!” Laika said.
The dog-beastman adventurer Laika read aloud from a letter from Lily that had been handed over as an addendum. These were words Lily hadn’t wanted to say in front of Kento, so she had secretly slipped them to Muse.
”Hmm, so basically, we can just beat the crap out of him without worrying?” Laika asked.
”Well, that’s what it boils down to… Since Lily-sama is proactively providing information, there’s no reason for us to be concerned,” Tania answered ruthlessly.
It wasn’t as if they were the type to show mercy to someone who became an enemy on the battlefield, but they reached an understanding with somewhat complex feelings. Poor Martin, or whatever his name was.
”So, is the magic tool for burning the enemy to a crisp finished?” Tania asked, switching gears.
Satsuki had been working on the development of the enhanced “Hot-Shot-kun”² X-Type (flamethrower), for which production became feasible thanks to Kento’s staff. For a while now, Satsuki had been diligent in its development alongside her senior mage, Marsetta.
”Ah, you mean the PHZ³?” Satsuki asked.
”PHZ…?” Tania muttered.
”It’s an abbreviation for ‘Hot-Shot-kun Z-Type.’ The name was long and hard to say, and it’s also to keep them distinct,” Satsuki explained.
”Then wouldn’t just calling it ‘Z-Type’ be enough…?” Tania asked.
”Say, Satsuki, hasn’t your naming sense started to resemble Kento’s lately?”. Laika asked.
”Wh-…! Th-that’s completely different, right?! Don’t lump me in with his blunt, idiotic naming!” Satsuki snapped.
”Umu, well, I suppose it’s better than names like ‘Mera-Mera-kun,’ ‘Anytime Great-Flame Magic-kun,’ or ‘Instant Mage Kit,’” Tania said.
”Is it really at a ‘better than that’ level?!” Satsuki asked, shocked.
Kento’s lack of naming sense was a shared recognition among them. Satsuki was shocked by their remarks, which bordered on the highest grade of insults. At this moment, Kento was probably unable to stop sneezing back in the royal capital.
Of course, Kento gave things twisted names for the sake of sexual harassment or jokes and wasn’t ‘the real deal’ when it came to bad naming, but that didn’t matter to these women who had suffered varying degrees of humiliation because of his naming habits.
”Ahem! W-well, the naming doesn’t really matter, does it? Th-the production of the PHZ is going smoothly. Since you’re both here, would you like to see the prototype?” Satsuki asked.
”Yeah, sounds good,” Tania replied.
”Leave it to me!” Laika said.
Changing the subject, Satsuki decided to invite the two to the testing grounds. It wouldn’t do to activate a new weapon right here. The testing ground was located near the fort, but in an open area in the forest that was difficult to find.
”Ho, so there was a place like this…” Tania muttered.
”Yes, it’s usually a place where mages train, but right now everyone is swamped with defense magic shifts…” Satsuki explained.
While speaking, Satsuki took the PHZ out from her mage’s robe. This portability was the greatest feature and most useful part of this magic tool.
”Heh, it’s the same size as the N-Type or X-Type,” Laika observed.
”Two switches, just like the X-Type. The structure of the nozzle is the same too,” Tania added.
”From a manufacturing standpoint, being able to reuse parts is best. However, the internals have become more complex. While it still uses Fire Rat⁵ hide and a vibration mechanism for ignition, magic circuits are inscribed on the inside of the body, and a small magic stone is built into the switch part. I referenced the switch mechanism of the ‘Piston Machine’⁴ for this part,” Satsuki explained.
Satsuki explained the mechanism to the two who were peering at the PHZ in her hand. For these two who were well-acquainted with Kento’s magic tools, a brief explanation was sufficient. they nodded in understanding.
”Then, I’ll have you watch me activate it. It’s dangerous, so both of you stay behind me, okay?” Satsuki asked.
”Okay!” Laika replied.
”Umu,” Tania said.
After confirming that the two had moved behind her, Satsuki extended her arm and aimed the PHZ. Being careful with the line of fire so as not to ignite the surrounding trees, she clicked the switch.
Swooooosh!!!
”Eek!” Laika cried out.
”Oh…!” Tania marveled.
After a slight glow, a flame erupted forward from the PHZ’s nozzle. Laika couldn’t help but let out a surprised cry, and Tania marveled at the sight. After maintaining its effect for a full ten-plus seconds, the PHZ went silent when Satsuki pressed the switch again.
”So, it’s something like this…” Satsuki said.
”Splendid! Flame magic on par with a high-level sorcerer. With this, enemy mages will be forced to deploy defense magic!” Tania exclaimed.
”I-if this gets mass-produced, will these things be flying out from all over the battlefield…? U-uugh…” Laika muttered.
Tania was reflexively excited, while Laika made a disgusted face as she imagined the PHZ being pointed at her.
”Would it be a problem even for you, Laika-san, if this were used against you?” Satsuki asked.
”No, well, I wonder… If nothing else is going on, I could probably just run around and avoid it, but if I’m in the middle of fighting someone, I might accidentally get burned…” Laika replied.
”Umu, the first strike will likely be crucial. Setting aside ordinary soldiers, a skilled person could handle it. We’d want to use it at a timing when the opponent isn’t on guard, preferably with two or three people attacking simultaneously,” Tania analyzed.
”I see, that’s helpful. I should share this with Marsetta-san later; maybe we should have the users undergo training…” Satsuki pondered.
”Yeah, I think that would be the most efficient way to use it. But having said that, the true purpose of this magic tool is to prevent enemy mages from acting freely, right? In that sense, it doesn’t matter if its existence is found out, and I doubt we have time for training. It might actually be better to use it flashily to keep them on guard,” Tania suggested.
”That’s true. If I had to fight this, I’d hate for it to target the rearguard more than myself. Leaving your sister aside, I wonder if a normal mage could protect them… If they get taken out, we’d lose support, and it would be tough…” Laika added.
”Hmm, we’ll have to discuss the training. Making the harassment of mages thorough might be good… Ah, but that goes for the other side too. The PHZ users might be targeted…” Satsuki mused.
”Yeah. It’s best to let the military command decide on the details,” Tania said.
Satsuki summarized the information in her head as she listened to the two. Nodding along, she moved on to the next experiment.
”Thanks, I’ve heard some valuable opinions. Lastly, I’d really like Laika-san, who has no mana, to try using it…” Satsuki said.
”Eh, is that okay? I wonder if it’s safe, it won’t break, will it…?” Laika asked.
”It’s not made so easily that it would break. Otherwise, we couldn’t use it on a battlefield,” Satsuki reassured her.
”U-um, okay then…” Laika agreed.
Being persuaded, Laika timidly accepted the PHZ. Not just in appearance, but the feel of it was no different from the older N-Type or X-Type. She was taught how to fire it and, just like Satsuki had done earlier, she extended her arm and pressed the switch.
Swooooosh!!!
”Whoa! It-it came out! Wh-what do I do with this?!” Laika panicked.
”Calm down! Just like I said! Press the switch again!!!” Satsuki yelled.
Laika panicked at the erupting flames while Satsuki repeated her instructions. By the time she managed to press the switch again and the flames subsided, Laika’s dog ears were drooping and her tail was tucked between her legs. She spoke while trembling.
”Th-th-amazing… Did I… become a magic user…?” Laika asked.
”No, you didn’t,” Tania stated bluntly.
Surprise and fear, moved and joyful. Tania stated the facts to Laika, who was tightly gripping the tip of her tail as it peeked out from between her legs. Satsuki watched the scene with a complicated expression.
”Hmm, so that’s the kind of reaction it gets… I’m glad I tested this. Thank you, Laika-san,” Satsuki said.
”You’re welcome, I guess…?” Laika replied.
Sounding confused for some reason, Laika returned the PHZ. She was finally able to release her tail.
”Laika is used to seeing my magic, and even she reacted like this. If we’re giving this to ordinary soldiers, training is mandatory,” Tania observed.
”Yeah, I knew what was going to happen and I was still startled… A normal person might even have their legs give out from under them,” Laika said.
”True. Let’s make sure to propose that. Well, first we have to achieve mass production…” Satsuki said.
The three were talking after finishing the demonstration and experiment. It was then. The sound of a bell being rung violently could be heard from the direction of the fort. Tania, with a grim expression, muttered on behalf of the three.
”…An enemy attack!””
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Summary:
Satsuki reveals the PHZ (a flamethrower magic tool) to Tania and Laika. They discuss the strategic implications of mass-producing such a weapon, especially its use by non-mages. Laika tests the device and is overwhelmed by its power. The chapter ends abruptly with the sound of alarm bells signaling an enemy assault.
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Character Insight:
Satsuki shows growth in her technical skills by successfully adapting Kento’s crude designs into a military-grade weapon, though she remains insecure about her naming sense. Tania continues to be the tactical anchor, immediately analyzing the weapon’s psychological and strategic impact. Laika provides a perspective on how devastating these ‘user-friendly’ magic tools are to those without mana, highlighting the shift in warfare.
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Behind the Scene:
The ‘PHZ’ is a play on ‘Pa-tto Ho-tto Ze-tto’, following the naming pattern established by Kento (like Hot-Shot-kun). The author uses these scenes to ground the world-building, showing how ‘adult goods’ technology (like the vibration mechanism in a Piston Machine) is being weaponized for war.
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T/L:
Notes:
• Lily – the sl*ve and primary experiment subject for the magic shop, ‘Harvest.’ She has striking pink hair, Blue eyes, medium breasts, which the Protagonist associates with being ‘wanton’. She has a working knowledge of magic, which she kept hidden from the slave trader.
• Muse – Cecile’s trusted attendant and chief maid, Muse handles sensitive, discreet tasks like espionage and product acquisition. Have sharp, black eyes, wearing maid uniform, and have expressionless face.
• Tania – An Elf adventurer who, despite her race’s reputation for low sex drive, is secretly quite passionate. She initially seemed ‘wasted’ (emotionally dry) to her friend Raika, but was easily introduced to the pleasure-items sold at ‘Harvest.’ She is easily embarrassed and attempts to maintain a dignified facade, despite her recent, frequent purchases. She wears practical but light armor over a simple cloth tunic and short pants, highlighting her grace and agility. Her primary relationship is one of friendly senior-junior with Raika.
• Satsuki – A talented Court Mage who was forced to analyze the shop’s adult magic tools. Miranda’s granddaughter. Now she’s the new worker at Harvest, a development she finds both humiliating and surprisingly fulfilling due to the rapid progress in her research under Kento’s guidance. Has long black hair, palace mage robe, and staff.
• Martin – Lily’s non-blood-related younger brother. Considered the strongest candidate to succeed the Popol family due to his lineage and manifested ‘power. He has pink hair.
• Laika – The beastwoman dog.
• Kento – The owner of the magic tool shop ‘Harvest,’ which discretely sells adult goods. He’s a former overworked, ordinary salaryman from modern Japan who was suddenly transported (isekai’d) to this fantasy world. He has dark hair and an unremarkable appearance, typically wearing a plain, slightly suspicious-looking shop owner’s clothes looks like Kazuma Satou from certain series. He has a minimal amount of magic power, enough to craft his specialty items.
• Marsetta – A senior court mage and specialist in magical weaponry. She has disheveled hair tied back, wears glasses, and has deep dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. She hasn’t eaten in two days and is under heavy pressure to find a countermeasure for the enemy’s weapons.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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