Episode 166: Autumn has arrived
While the situation on the continent seems to be undergoing various changes, the Rocha region remains peaceful.
By distributing 10,000 soldiers to various locations to maintain public order, the powerful clans have become calm and the people can live peacefully.
The wheat in the field is ripening thanks to a combination of white sand from the desert and compost from the forest area.
Although the trade in iron ore remains unchanged, sales of ironware and glasswork in the empire are strong, so there is a good chance that the principal amount of the debt owed to the empire will be drastically reduced.
And the magic research department was also seeing some results.
“We were still developing that iron skeleton.”
In front of me on the training ground was an exoskeleton made only of iron frame that I had seen in the research department before.
At first glance, it looks the same as before, and is slightly larger than a human, resembling one of the earliest powered suits.
When I looked closely at what was different, I found that the structure of the joints was more complex, and the parts that corresponded to both arms were equipped with some armor.
"Does that mean it's easier to move than before?"
"As expected of Prince Milimos. He has great eyes."
The blacksmith who claimed to be the chief developer of this exoskeleton began to explain.
"This 'expandable magic armor' is used by humans, but it is powered by human power."
"If you use magic to exercise, your magical power consumption won't be so ridiculous."
"That's right. That's why we needed to come up with a way to make it easier to move with a little bit of human power."
"That's the joint."
"The design eliminates as much friction as possible, allowing for smooth operation. Also, springs are used in the joints of the legs to assist in movement."
If you take a look at the exoskeleton while listening to the explanation, it makes sense.
"But you said you installed springs in the legs. Won't it put a strain on the operator when bending the legs?"
"I would like you to think that by allowing the strain of bending, you gain strength when stretching your legs."
Can you tell if that trade-off works if you actually try it?
"Then, let's start the orbital experiment."
“Yes—hey, get ready!”
When the chief called out to him, the person with the strongest frame among the blacksmiths got inside the exoskeleton. With the help of those around them, they fastened the pilot's legs and arms with belts, connecting the body and exoskeleton.
It seems that preparations are complete, and the pilot raises one hand. The exoskeleton also worked together and raised the same hand.
“As you say, the joints move smoothly.”
As I was admiring it, the pilot started walking away.
I lifted one leg, looking a little heavy, and lowered it forward. Taking advantage of the initial speed gained by taking the first step, the second step was quickly taken, and there was another heavy footfall.
The way he walked was so awkward that it couldn't be compared to when he raised his arms.
"But the spring force in my legs helps me walk. My second step is faster than my first, and my third step is faster than my second."
"You'll find that the benefit of walking aids outweighs the burden of raising your legs."
The proud voice of the boss.
But I tilted my head.
"But why do we need to build an iron frame like that?"
I was impressed with the mechanism of the joints and the spring support of the legs, but simply applying them to existing armor should improve the combat power and mobility of the heavily armored infantry, which is a characteristic of the Rocha army.
Even though it's a prototype of magic armor, I don't think there's any need to leave the frame behind.
In response to my question, the chief gave an expression that said, ``I don't understand.''
"Prince Milimos. You know that magical weapons must have appropriate patterns."
"I've used magic swords, wooden birds, and various magic tools, so I know that. What happened to that?"
"So, do you know how to make full body armor?"
"I don't know the details, but roughly."
Prepare iron plates, hammer them into shape, and combine the formed plates to create armor that fits the shape of a person.
When I remembered the outline, I understood why the frame was needed.
"Even if you prepare a board with a magical pattern, it will collapse when you hammer it into shape."
“No, you just need to take into account the way you bend it and add a pattern to it.However, armor is made to fit a person, so you need to figure out the person's body shape, think about how to bend the iron, and come up with a pattern that matches that. The work process becomes complicated, as you have to make the steel and then actually work on it."
It's not technically difficult, but when you think about it as an actual task, it takes a huge amount of time and effort.
“Then why not make it so that it fits a certain range of physiques and has plenty of room to spare?”
"Armor that doesn't fit the body puts a burden on the wearer. When you consider that burden, it doesn't make much of a difference even if it's built on a skeleton."
I wonder if that's what it's like, but I've never worn full body armor, so it's difficult for me to truly understand.
“For the time being, considering the productivity of magic armor, is it okay to say that it is easier to make magic armor that includes an iron skeleton?”
“There is a pattern on the skeleton that acts as a path for magical power, but for now, I think it’s okay to understand that.”
When I returned my gaze to the exoskeleton, from the tenth step forward, it was moving at a speed not much different from normal walking.
From here, it seems to be moving to the running stage.
"It's rude to say it's surprising, but I think he's running well."
"It's different from how you move your own body, so it requires some skill."
"It looks good. I guess all I have to do is attach some armor to that skeleton and it's all done for now."
“In order to reduce weight and make it easier to board, we plan to only have armor on all sides.”
“Then, if we are attacked from behind, since we are going to use it as a unit, why don’t we have normal heavy infantry protect the rear?”
The exoskeleton troops scatter the enemy in a head-on collision, and the infantry closes in behind.
During melee, the exoskeleton units deal with the enemy in a large and wide area, while the infantry only targets the enemy who is trying to get around.
I'm starting to think that if we divide up the roles like that, we can become a very cooperative weapon.
“So, what kind of magic are you planning to incorporate into that magic armor?”
“I have one built in at the moment – hey, turn it on.”
"yes!"
After replying, the pilot stopped and held both arms out in front of him while grasping the handles on his arms.
Then, something like a translucent plate instantly appeared in front of the exoskeleton.
"That's barrier magic."
“It would be difficult to equip the exoskeleton with a shield due to its weight since it is powered by human power, so this is an alternative.”
"Barrier magic is suitable for defense, and the magic itself has no weight. I think it's a good choice. The place to pour the magic power is that handle, and the barrier pattern is on the arm. Is it okay to call it armor?”
"There's a push-button on the handle, and when you press the button with your finger, the magical power acquisition part hits your palm."
I remember the chief saying earlier that there is a pattern in the frame that acts as a path for magical power.
“That means that if you attach a different magical pattern to the armor you attach, you can use different magic, right?”
“Theoretically, it would be possible to deploy a barrier, release fire magic, and quickly charge at the enemy with double-speed magic.”
"Haha. If I use magic that much, I feel like my magical power will run out all at once."
“But wouldn’t it be romantic if we could fight like that?”
"Of course. It would be amazing if you could do it."
If we could do that, we would be no match for a normal army.
Maybe we will be able to fight on equal terms with the Empire.
If you're against a knightly kingdom, there's a good chance you'll be at the mercy of their mobility, so it might be a little difficult.
"We will continue development. And if possible, we would like to have it in a proper form and have a number of them as soon as possible."
“Are you planning on going to war?”
“Not at the moment, but I hear that the situation on the continent is unstable.”
It's not a surefire way to avoid falling, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
“The problem here is the leakage of technology to the Empire.”
"I'd like to say that all the measures are in place, but they say there are people between the Empire and the Knights Nation everywhere."
"It can't be helped. Instead of hiding information, let's spread false information."
The concept of Rocha's magic armor is interesting, but its feasibility is low. It was my hobby after all.
If we spread that information, we will be able to deceive the Empire to some extent.
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