Ch.138Chapter 138 – Knock, and It Shall Be Abundant (5)

The second day of the demonstration concluded with fairly positive reactions.

In this world, it was common knowledge that broken swords, shattered shields, or dented and punctured armor could never be repaired.

People believed it was more economical to melt them down and forge them anew rather than attempt repairs.

But at the demonstration, I used my ability to shatter that common belief.

A sword that had been completely split in two was rejoined, its blade gleaming once more.

“Ohhhhh!”

A sturdy iron shield that had been completely smashed was instantly restored after a few strikes with my hammer.

“Ohhhhhh!”

Seriously though, why is everyone’s reaction just “Ohhhh!” and nothing else?

Anyway, as I demonstrated repairing various other tools, people’s interest reached its peak…

“Wow… that’s possible too?”

“Just how far do his abilities extend?”

For the final highlight, I chose something that would capture the scholars’ attention.

An ancient book discovered in long-abandoned ruins.

I was able to obtain it with the help of a professor who teaches archaeology at Glesius Academy.

The book was so old that parts of it had crumbled away, making it impossible to fully understand its contents.

So during the demonstration, I restored the ancient text to its original condition, drawing even more attention.

“Are you perhaps interested in researching ancient civilizations?”

“W-we have what appears to be an ancient artifact in our magic tower! Could you possibly repair it?”

“My ancestor’s portrait has deteriorated with age. Could you restore it as well?”

The effect of restoring the ancient book was tremendous.

Scholars and people involved with artwork, who had previously shown little interest, began approaching me.

Ancient books and artwork cannot be carelessly restored, and even if attempted, it’s impossible to predict whether they can be restored to their original condition.

But my ability literally restores objects to their original state.

My ability to restore items to their optimal condition without damaging the original made it essential for scholars researching ancient civilizations.

“It’s difficult right now, but when I have more time, I’ll contact you.”

After the demonstration, I exchanged greetings with new people who showed interest in my abilities.

Through this, I was able to recruit supporters for my future plans.

The gathering of forces to fight against the demon cult was still ongoing.

“Finally, the last day.”

And at last, the final day of the demonstration arrived.

Today, I planned to show people something truly shocking.

An incurable disease that was thought to be untreatable.

Specifically, I planned to demonstrate curing “baldness.”

“Count Severio. We will escort you safely to the demonstration hall.”

When I left the dormitory, knights from the Imperial Knight Order were waiting for me.

Today’s demonstration would be attended by His Majesty the Emperor himself, so security was tighter than usual.

His Majesty had sent the Imperial Knight Order to ensure my safety on the way to the venue, as I was the main attraction of the demonstration.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, Count.”

I headed to the demonstration hall under the protection of the Imperial Knight Order.

Today was a very important event, the final demonstration marking the end of the festival, so I wore formal attire provided by the Chancellor.

Though the formal wear was somewhat uncomfortable, I was satisfied with the men’s attire, which had a simpler design resembling a suit compared to women’s formal wear.

Honestly, I’m grateful it’s not some tight-fitting leggings with pumpkin pants and dangling decorations.

Anyway, upon arriving at the venue, I could see the Imperial Knight Order and Imperial Mage Order guarding the perimeter.

“Identity confirmed. You may enter.”

Only those who passed the identity verification by the Imperial Knight Order and Imperial Mage Order could attend the demonstration.

Naturally, commoners could enter too.

However, not just anyone could enter… only those with identity tokens were permitted.

Commoners don’t usually carry identity tokens, but they’re essential for those who need to prove their identity in important places.

Because of this, most commoners had to turn back at the entrance.

“I’m sorry, but no one can enter without an identity token.”

“Hmm, I’m from House Dubascopf, can’t you make an exception?”

“No, sir. This is by imperial decree.”

“Well, can’t be helped then.”

Even nobles who failed to bring proper identification were turned away.

Some might have caused a scene after being denied entry to a simple demonstration, but everyone remained quiet under the imperial decree.

Such is the power of the Emperor.

Quite formidable.

Thanks to this, I was able to enter the venue and make my final preparations.

Though my preparation merely consisted of checking the list of bald individuals who would participate in today’s demonstration.

Being the final day, today’s event had a special guest.

“Has Duke Dedeo Gentrium arrived?”

“He just completed identity verification and has been escorted to the special viewing area.”

“Well done.”

It was none other than Duke Dedeo Gentrium, the chef of the restaurant I had visited with Mina and Elena.

Looking at Duke Gentrium’s head, I could see he wasn’t completely bald; faint hair roots remained.

Perhaps because his hair was white, it was difficult to notice unless one looked very carefully.

But I had noticed this and invited him as a gesture of gratitude for the delicious food and entertaining sight he had provided us.

“One minute until the demonstration begins.”

“Understood. Let’s begin.”

It was time to start the demonstration.

I stepped onto the stage as the curtains opened, receiving applause from the audience.

“I sincerely thank everyone gathered here today. It is an honor to present the finale of the autumn festival before such a distinguished audience.”

I expressed my gratitude to those who had come.

As I looked around, I confirmed Duke Gentrium and the other nine bald individuals who would participate in today’s demonstration, all seated in the special viewing area.

“Let me ask you all: throughout the development of alchemy and magic, we have overcome many diseases, but some remain unconquered. For instance, Prezmeryn disease has resisted all attempts at treatment despite countless efforts.”

When I mentioned Prezmeryn disease, many nodded in agreement.

Until now, Prezmeryn disease was considered incurable, and indeed, without my ability, it could not be cured.

“However, I traveled all the way to the Beventus border territory and successfully treated someone with Prezmeryn disease. Through this, I realized that my ability could work on people as well.”

No one could dispute this claim.

Why?

Because just days ago, people had witnessed me transform the ruffian Jason into a new man.

“So today, I have invited ten individuals. ‘Baldness’ – something we have been unable to overcome until now. I intend to cure it here today.”

“Wooooah!”

As soon as I mentioned baldness, thunderous cheers and applause erupted from the audience.

Looking closely, I could see people in various stages of hair loss among the spectators.

For them, overcoming baldness was something they had long desired.

“First, I have a special guest I’ve invited. Duke Gentrium? Could you please come up to the stage?”

When I called for Duke Gentrium, he pointed at himself questioningly from his seat.

I nodded and gestured for him to stand, and he reluctantly made his way to the stage.

“This gentleman is Duke Dedeo Gentrium, owner and chef of a famous high-end restaurant in Arkenium. Do you know why I’ve invited him here today?”

“Baldness! Baldness! Baldness!”

“Cure it! Cure it! Cure it!”

“That’s right. I intend to give Duke Gentrium a great gift.”

I approached Duke Gentrium, took his hand, and produced my hammer.

“I will strike Duke Gentrium’s head three times with this hammer.”

“Go ahead and try.”

Duke Gentrium gave his permission without hesitation.

I proceeded to strike his head three times with the hammer.

—Tap, tap, tap.

In the silence that followed, a faint glow began to emanate from the duke’s crown, spreading outward.

Hair began to grow wherever the light passed.

The growing hair lengthened and soon completely covered Duke Gentrium’s head.

Duke Gentrium placed his hand on his head, grasping the newly grown, abundant hair.

“Yeaaaaaaah!”

“Wooooaaaah!”

At that moment, the demonstration hall filled with people’s cheers.

An unbelievable sight unfolded before their eyes.

Hair had regrown on what appeared to be a bald head!

Of course, Duke Gentrium wasn’t completely bald; he still had faint white hair roots.

But to the audience, it looked as if hair was growing anew on a completely bald head.

And there were still nine more people waiting.