The Frontier Alchemist ~ I Can't Go Back to That Job After You Made My Budget Zero

"An old type of magic crystal stone? I may be able to help you in some cases. But why did you bother with the old one?　May I ask why?" I ask the mayor.

The mayor looks worried, "I hope that ...... doesn't offend you. But he opens his mouth as if he is not going to proceed with the conversation.

"I am sure that you are aware of the comprehensive reform of magic guns that took place during the war a year ago.

"Ah. Yes. In a manner of speaking," I reply.

A magic gun, a year ago?　Ah, the one that Rehalzam of the Armor Refining Department was bragging about, claiming credit for it. He said he had improved its power.

"It's not a reform in the name of reform, it's just a rip-off!" said the man in attendance, a mature man who had guided me here, as if to spit in my face.

Here, Zahle," the village head chided the elderly man who had called him Zahle.

"But Zahle has a good point. Zahle, bring it to me," the chief said, giving him some instructions.

"May I ask you for more information?" I urge.

"Yes. In the first place, a magic gun was an indispensable weapon for people like us who live in the frontier and are not trained in the martial arts. They were indispensable in fighting off ferocious beasts and monsters. Until a year ago...

"Not anymore," I said.

Just then Zahle comes in with two magic guns.

"Yes. The old guns are very fuel-efficient, sturdy and long-lasting. The magic stone that fuels them is also excellent and seldom needs replacing. They were friends to those who lived in the frontier. The H-32, developed a few years ago, is really sturdy and reliable, and its aim is also very good," he says, holding up one of the two guns.

I look at it and think, "Oops! It was something I had been involved in the development of when I had just joined the Alchemy Association. It was a model that Master Halhammer, who had not yet become the head of the association - he was in charge of the armory refining section at that time - led the development of. As I recall, the development concept was to provide soldiers with something they could use with peace of mind until the end of their lives.

The concept of "quality, sturdiness, and low fuel consumption" was often said at the time to be unspectacular. But it was still highly evaluated by those who used it. Master Haruhammer, you are a true master.

While I was looking at the H-32 magic gun with secret admiration, the chief of the village continued his story.

"On the other hand, this R-001 is ......."

"In a refined way, less than excrement," said Zahle.

"This is, this is... Well, that's exactly what it is. They say they're more powerful, but they break easily and explode. Above all, the fuel consumption is very low. We have to replace the expensive new magic crystal stones frequently," said the village head.

"The power of the old one was good enough," said Zahle. He must be so dissatisfied that he can't help but interfere.

"Maybe. Along with the old type of magic guns, the production of the old type of magic stones has been discontinued.

I had no choice but to buy the R-001, but it's useless," said Zahle.

"The operating cost is too high, and the R-001 is not sufficient for defense. You can only fire it when the time comes. And even if they do, they often explode or break. As a result, the number of beasts and monsters increased. Especially in remote villages, they come close to us frequently. But there is no way to get rid of them. Everyone is scared of them. Especially those with families. ......"

"So everyone has moved out to safer places. If that's what you mean, I understand," I said.

"Oh, so you're willing to give it to us?

"No, I don't have any on hand," I said, and the village head and Zahle looked disappointed.

But we can make it," I continued, and their faces lit up.