Magic tools were devices used to perform magic. To put it simply, magic was pre-installed within the tool, and the user activated it by flipping a switch or reciting a keyword. Whether the user was actually capable of using magic themselves was irrelevant; as long as they learned the procedure, anyone could use one. They were incredibly convenient.
However, they didn't last forever. Once the magical power stored in the tool’s magic stone was exhausted, it stopped working. It would only become functional again once the magic stone was replaced with a fresh one. Because the lifespan of a tool varied based on the type of magic imbued within it and the size of its magic stone, determining exactly how much charge remained required a fair amount of experience. Personally, I couldn't tell at all.
By the way, a magic wand was not considered a magic tool. While a magic wand was imbued with magic, it drew from the wielder’s own mana rather than a magic stone. On the other hand, a magic scroll lacked a magic stone but also didn't consume the wielder’s mana, so it was generally categorized as a magic tool. Personally, I felt that since a magic scroll merely held an existing spell in suspension until released, it didn't quite fit the definition of a magic tool either.
Golems were objects brought to life through magic. While they were often humanoid, they could take any form—an arm, a leg, or even a section of floor or wall. Their movements were programmed and controlled using the creator’s mana or a magic stone used as a component. Given their nature, golems didn't use magic themselves.
That wasn't to say they were incapable of it. If constructed with a mechanism that could properly channel magic, even a golem could cast spells. However, that required an extremely complex and high-spec design. Lu and Tia both agreed that it was far more efficient to simply have a golem carry a separate magic tool than to build a golem capable of innate magic.
A golem’s primary limitation was its power source, which usually meant either the creator’s mana or a magic stone. For golems powered by the creator’s mana, they lost their physical form the moment that mana ran out. Golems powered by magic stones would maintain their shape even after the power was exhausted, but they would cease to move.
Because of this, the golems used at the production factory in Village Five were equipped with two magic stones. If one ran out, the second would keep the unit operational. Since they were designed to signal for a replacement the moment one stone went empty, the golems could keep working indefinitely as long as both stones didn't fail simultaneously. That said, Lu and Tia seemed to believe that more power sources were never a bad thing, so some golems ended up with three or even four magic stones inside them.
Now, then. There was the Flying Carpet, the Intelligence Boxes, and Quentin—the Intelligence Sword with a will of his own who served the Death Mage. There was also the Universal Ship and the airship Trois Roses. Were these sentient objects magic tools, golems, or something else entirely?
Apparently, the classification depended on who you asked. Even ancient texts used various terms. The most common designation for them was "Intelligence Items"—tools with wisdom—rather than magic tools or golems.
Actually, I was wrong. The overwhelmingly most popular name for them was "Troublesome Items."
"You were perfectly obedient until yesterday! Don't suddenly develop a personality and start moving differently!" "I need you to perform the exact same movements at the exact same times!" "What is the point of a door that refuses to stay shut? And stop locking your master out!" "The information board shouldn't change its display based on its mood!"
Such were the complaints that accompanied the term "Troublesome Items." For the most part, they were treated as nuisances—or rather, "troublesome objects." However, it was also noted that many items developed egos without ever causing problems. Records only tended to survive when something went wrong, after all. I chose to believe that most sentient items were perfectly fine.
The Flying Carpet, the Intelligence Boxes, the Intelligence Sword, and the Universal Ship at my place didn't cause trouble, so... it was fine. They were reliable. Aside from that one time one of the boxes ran wild during an experiment with the Mountain Elves, everything was under control.
The real question was: was a golem with a will still a golem? Or should it be treated as a tool with wisdom?
The creator and the Mountain Elves suggested that the owner should decide for themselves. Therefore, I designated them as Wise Golems—or "Thinkers." I worried that this name might imply that golems without egos weren't wise, but it would do for a temporary label. If anyone had a better idea, I was all ears.
The reason I had been pondering these strange things was simply because I was busy. Once the summer harvest ended, it was time for autumn field preparation. I worked hard—extremely hard. The autumn fields were vital for surviving the winter, but more than that, I found the work personally fulfilling. It was the same as Lu, Tia, or the Mountain Elves making golems. Enjoyment was the most important factor.
Urza departed, accompanied by the Ice Monster, Ice, and several Angels. Her destination was the city she used as her base. Actually, since the Village of the Great Tree was her home now, I suppose I should say the city that was her base. If I didn't frame it that way, Hakuren and Zabuton would be terrifying.
Regardless, Urza traveled from Village Five by airship. Asa and Earth were already at the city, and while we maintained regular contact, there were certain things only Urza could handle. Although Asa and Earth had sent word saying they wouldn't need to return until next year, we decided Urza should bring them gifts from the summer harvest. She planned to stay for a night or two, but the actual duration remained to be seen.
Ice was acting as Urza's bodyguard and the "watchman" tasked with ensuring she actually came back to the village. Before they left, Ice was clutching his stomach while Hakuren and Zabuton gave him incredibly pleasant, deep smiles. I wondered if ice monsters even had stomachs.
The Angels were also acting as guards, but their primary mission was to gather information about the city. This data was for selecting locations to establish the workshops for soy sauce, miso, and mayonnaise—rights that Ice had managed to negotiate. While a few residents like the High Elves had visited before, they wanted the most recent information because the city was developing so rapidly. A plot of land that was empty when Urza left might have a building on it by now.
Ideally, I would have sent one of the Civil Servant Girls, but they were swamped with arranging the storage and sale of the summer harvest. The Angels were chosen as substitutes because they each possessed significant combat power and the ability to make sound judgments. Plus, being Angels, they could fly back on their own if they missed the airship. I was counting on them.
Speaking of Angels, seven more were recently dispatched to serve as factory managers in Village Five. This brought the total number of Angels managing the production factory there to ten. The dormitory I'd prepared had plenty of space, so their living arrangements were fine. As for the work... they were working hard. Apparently, they were so busy they didn't have a single moment to slack off. Personally, I would prefer an environment where they could take turns resting.
The Angel Race Leader, Marubit, and the Chief Assistant, Ruinshia, seemed pleased with the arrangement, claiming this level of work was "just right" for them.
The magic tools produced at that factory—the refrigerators—were proving to be a huge hit in every village, both in small and large sizes. Everyone was thrilled that preserving ingredients had become so much easier. We initially distributed them to our noble acquaintances, but word spread like wildfire, and purchase requests had been pouring in ever since.
They weren't exactly cheap, but the demand was there. I left the task of prioritizing buyers to Michael-san of the Goroun Company and Miyo in Shashato. If we could bring the price down a bit more, we could probably start selling to the general public.
As an aside, because refrigerators required magic stones, the value of those stones had risen. Apparently, the purchase price for magic stones in Village Five had gone up slightly. I expected the local adventurers to be quite busy soon.
Tracking Cart: "I've been overtaken by the newcomer..." Refrigerator: "I've been in development for a long time, you know. (I'm your senior.)"