With the workshop owner Jot-san’s permission, I let the Petit Golems scout out their favorite dolls.
"Hmm. The modeling is one thing, but their movements are remarkably detailed—almost human. Are modern golems usually like this?"
Jot-san observed the Petit Golems with intense curiosity. As I suspected, they were quite different from the average golem. I imagined the mindless variety common in the world was probably the standard. To be fair, even the brainless ones basically ended up as haniwa-types when I was the one making them.
"Wafu wafu!"
"Oh? What is it?"
Shiroru barked a response to Jot-san’s question. We could understand that he was saying, “There’s no way that’s the case!” but naturally, it was all Greek to Jot-san.
"He’s saying that Tort’s golems are special," Halfa explained.
"I thought as much. If I could create golems like these, I’d want to learn the technique myself." Jot-san placed a hand on his chin and muttered with a hint of regret.
Well, to begin with, Create Golem was a fairly rare spell; the Mage Guild didn't even stock Skill Scrolls for it. It wasn't exactly something you could pick up on a whim.
While we were talking, the Petit Golems each returned with a doll they liked.
The doll Petit No. 1 chose was a cool, young male swordsman. He had the air of a leader, though there was a slightly worn-out quality to him, making him look like the type who constantly worried. No. 2 had picked an innocent-looking girl; she felt like a lightly equipped warrior or a Scout, characterized by a broad, toothy grin. No. 3’s doll was a witch clad in black, wearing a mysterious smile. And No. 4—I have no idea where they found it—brought over a Bunny Girl. So, Bunny Girls actually existed in this world.
It looked like an adventurer party of sorts, though No. 4 stood out quite a bit. Maybe they were filling the playboy position? Well, whatever.
"Alright, I’m going to recast Create Golem now! Everyone, line up next to your doll."
The Petit Golems obeyed and stood in a row. With the model dolls right there to reference, the visualization should have been easy. With this, I was sure I could finally craft some cool golem bodies! ...Or so I thought.
"Dear me..."
"This is... well..."
The looks Jot-san and Halfa gave me were thick with pity. And with good reason—the Petit Golems, who were supposed to have been modeled after the dolls, had turned out wretched. They looked like emaciated haniwa figures. Perhaps the golems realized it themselves, as they slumped to their knees in despair. Only No. 4 was rolling around on the floor, laughing at the others.
"N-No, it’s not that! I was just a little short on materials!"
Haniwa are hollow, after all. I must have lacked the mass to replicate the dolls' actual shapes. Surely. Probably.
I pulled some soil I’d reserved for golem creation out of my Storage Ring and added it to the pile. Then, I chanted Create Golem once more. With sufficient materials this time, they didn't end up skinny. The hairstyles and clothes somewhat resembled the original dolls. However, their figures were dumpy and stout, and their faces remained unchanged—mere lumps with round holes for eyes and a mouth.
"W-Well, compared to the previous ones..."
"Tort..."
Jot-san tried to offer some encouragement, but his face was twitching. Halfa simply shook her head and sighed.
To think it wouldn't go well even with a model right in front of me. On paper, my Dexterity status was supposed to be high. I guess design sense had nothing to do with Dexterity. If that was the case, was there even any point in studying doll making?
As I stood there, stunned by my own lack of talent, I caught Petit No. 4 jumping and waving their hands in the corner of my eye. They clearly had something to say, and when I looked over, they began gesturing wildly. They pointed at themselves and then at the doll... what did they mean? The other Petit Golems seemed to agree, however, as they nodded and then clasped their hands in a begging pose.
What was going on?
I didn't understand the gestures, but I could tell it was a desperate plea. I had no choice but to ask Shiroru for a translation. Without needing to be told, Shiroru listened to the Petit Golems' explanation.
“Hmm, hmm...? I see!”
"What are they saying?"
“They say you don’t need to build them new bodies with magic. They want you to just turn these dolls into their bodies exactly as they are!”
"Is that even possible?"
“Beats me!”
Well, of course Shiroru wouldn't know.
Could I actually turn a finished doll into a golem? The Petit Golems could swap between town-use and work-use bodies, but they couldn't just inhabit anything. It had to be something specifically crafted as a golem body. In that sense, using these dolls as they were should have been impossible.
To make it work, I would need to turn them into golems without changing their shape. Considering Earth Magic levels determine the quality of earth golems, I wondered if I needed Tree Magic for wooden dolls. The Mage Guild didn't sell scrolls for that. Spira and Lowell could use it, but then again, Spira was a spirit and Lowell was a Forestfolk.
Oh well. I might as well try. I asked Jot-san if I could buy the dolls. The price was two Silver Coins each. It was a bit pricey, but considering the quality of the craftsmanship, it was fair. He was probably giving me the wholesale price; they likely cost much more at retail.
Usually, I would point at the raw materials and use Create Golem while visualizing the finished product. But here, the body was already complete. Without overthinking it, I focused entirely on the doll in my right hand becoming a golem.
"<Create Golem>"
I felt a surge of Mana leave me, much more than I usually spent on a small golem. There was a definite sensation of the magic taking hold.
Holding my breath, I watched the doll in my palm. It gave a sudden twitch. Then, as if tentatively, it moved its right arm, then its left, testing its range of motion.
It worked!