Ch.250Exclusive Equipment (2)

Looking back now, the idea of just going with custom-made equipment for only 7 sets was actually incredibly obvious.

For regular soldiers, it’s most efficient to minimize unit costs and facilitate mass production, not simply to reduce costs but to improve the overall convenience of high-quality mass production.

However, that only applies to ordinary military supplies.

For Middlers—individuals who are tactical weapons themselves with the power to turn the tide of battle—their equipment naturally prioritizes user convenience over manufacturing convenience.

Of course, for the multipurpose combat uniforms I’d considered earlier, standardizing basic functions might make sense, but looking at the details, wouldn’t it be better to provide thoroughly specialized equipment tailored to each individual?

After all, we’re only talking about 7 sets, so there’s not much benefit to mass production, and since all 7 individuals have different builds and physiques, it’s unavoidable anyway.

In any case, having decided on a custom style unlike standard equipment, my first target was my attendant, Sir Corin Lanster.

“Lord Alzar, I heard you called for me, so I’ve come.”

“Good to see you, Sir Corin!”

As my loyal subordinate who would definitely remain under my command no matter what, he rushed to the joint workshop almost immediately after receiving my summons.

Magni, Gretel, and Lord Falten—with the three equipment production managers gathered, we invited Sir Corin and quickly explained why we had called him here.

We told him that a plan to provide custom equipment tailored to each Middler had been launched, and he and the pet chimera I’d lent him were selected as the first candidates.

I explained that while we might not be able to fulfill all his requests, we would try to get as close as possible. After thinking for a moment, he carefully explained his requirements.

“Lord Alzar, I… first want a main weapon I can use.”

“A main weapon? …Ah, that’s right, now that I think about it.”

His sudden request seemed odd at first, but then I realized that Corin doesn’t currently possess any special magical weapon.

The explosive-tipped, gunpowder-propelled lance is just a weapon we share, and besides that, he doesn’t have any particular magical weapon of his own.

I suppose it’s because his personal martial abilities allow him to handle various weapons well, making him more of an all-rounder without any specific specialty…

But now that the opportunity has presented itself, it might be something that suits him perfectly.

Anyway, when he mentioned wanting a magical weapon, I gestured for him to elaborate, which he quickly did, explaining his detailed requirements.

“Yes, Lord Alzar. If possible, I’d like a tool with transformation capabilities.”

“Transformation… Oh, you mean something that can change into multiple forms?”

“That’s right. Other than that, I request it have high durability if possible.”

“…I understand, for now.”

A transformable cold weapon with high durability would greatly benefit Corin, who specializes in using various weapons, and any lacking firepower could be supplemented with the mechanical lance, so there’s no issue there.

Additionally, the chimera armed with flame breath and sonic attacks would handle any mass firepower the warrior might lack, and even if he’s outmatched in weight class, he has the chimera.

In other words, considering all these facts, what Corin ultimately desires is…

“Sir Corin. So you want equipment that enhances your situational adaptability?”

“…That’s correct.”

By pushing his ability to handle diverse equipment to the extreme, Corin wants to become a warrior who can contribute effectively no matter what situation arises.

There’s always debate about the balance between specialization and being an all-rounder, but ultimately, isn’t it right to support what someone does best?

※ ※ ※

Thus began the “Corin Enhancement Plan,” starting with ideas for the transformable cold weapon that would be its cornerstone, which turned out to be more diverse than I had expected.

The first idea was a modular system—assembling various parts to easily form different shapes—but this was quickly rejected for one simple reason.

“A modular system… simply cannot achieve high durability.”

“…Then it can’t be helped.”

The most chronic and definite weakness of modular weapon systems is that the connection points between parts inevitably have lower durability.

Adding complex joining mechanisms to what should be simple cold weapons would result in performance inferior to conventional weapons, so the modular system was naturally rejected immediately.

The next proposed method was inspired by the liquid metal in the armor I currently use—applying magic to mercury to allow it to transform.

It wouldn’t necessarily have to be mercury; other metals with “metal liquefaction” magic would work fine, and this approach would have minimal impact on the metal’s durability.

Additionally, being able to freely change its form to whatever is desired, linked to thought, would certainly be a significant advantage.

However… this approach also had several serious flaws.

First, despite using magic, the inherent instability of a fluid state remains.

There’s a risk it could be ineffectively neutralized before accomplishing anything, and the durability would inevitably decrease during weapon transformation.

Furthermore, a cold weapon based on fluid would have low durability due to the recoil from each impact, and over time, serious problems with weapon operation would develop.

So naturally, this liquid weapon proposal was scrapped, and the final conclusion was a kind of compromise.

Like my armor, some parts would be solid components while others would be liquid metal, sacrificing some flexibility to preserve durability and basic weapon performance.

Of course, this might still not fully address the fundamental issues of durability and weapon performance, so I planned to add a component based on one idea to reinforce it.

Either a high-heat enhancement plan that would make the blade glow hot like Drup’s battle axe when infused with magical power, or simply reinforcing durability by applying magical power to fix its shape.

“Sir Corin. Which do you prefer?”

When I asked which option he would choose, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, Sir Corin thought briefly before making a quick decision.

“I… would choose the durability enhancement option.”

“Understood.”

His choice aligned with his preference for stable power over flashy displays. I respected his decision and adopted the proposal—

“Ah, then will you have a detachable shield, or would you prefer it combined with the weapon?”

A question suddenly occurred to me that would determine the total number of parts he would use. Corin answered almost immediately.

“I’d prefer it combined, Lord Alzar. An increase in usable parts is welcome.”

“Very well. We’ll handle it that way then.”

After finishing the discussion about the weapon and shield, we naturally moved on to his other equipment.

Things like armor and accessories with magic enchantments. Corin was visibly excited when he learned that magic would be applied to his armor as well.

Well, considering the value of custom-made magical armor, his excitement was quite understandable.

※ ※ ※

Starting with Corin, our group of four brought in the remaining Middlers one by one, discussing and adjusting proposals.

Hannah requested equipment that would enhance her close combat abilities. Conversely, Master Craftsman—Lucius Wolfblood—unusually requested mainly throwing weapons.

For the chimeras, we equipped them with items that would complement their racial abilities, and for Gus, the Pantheon side offered to provide a dedicated orichalcum magical armor, which we gratefully accepted.

However, this smoothly progressing plan encountered an unexpected turn…

“My lord, I have a request.”

“…Drup? Yes, what is it?”

“When you start making these weapons… would you consider making one of those ‘powered suits’ you mentioned before?”

It was a completely unexpected proposal from Drup that I hadn’t considered at all.