I stood before the golem.
Having reviewed the research data, I already had a firm grasp of how to operate it. While its handling differed slightly from standard models, it wasn't enough to cause any real confusion. I had, after all, once been known as a Sage. Controlling a mere golem was a trivial task.
I cast a specialized spell, breathing Pseudo-Life into the construct. Then, I flooded it with magic power, allowing the energy to circulate through its entire frame. The mana permeated even the smallest components automatically; the unit had been finely tuned to prevent any magical imbalance.
Once the connection was established, the golem became an extension of my will. Based on the feedback I received, there appeared to be no defects. It would move exactly as I envisioned.
At that moment, a second perspective unfolded within my mind. I saw myself standing there, reflected in the golem's eyes. Beside me, Grom peered in with intense curiosity, while the Director watched from a distance.
(So, this is the golem’s field of vision.)
I recalled the functions mentioned in the reports. The Shared Vision link had been established. This was the mechanism that allowed for Remote Operation.
It was undeniably convenient. With ordinary golems, the caster is forced to stay nearby to maintain visual control, which inevitably makes the caster a target. Shared Vision completely erased that vulnerability. It allowed a caster to pilot the golem from a position of total concealment.
This would truly prove its worth in defensive operations, such as the battle for the fort the other day. Powerful forces could be deployed to the front lines without ever exposing a precious caster to danger.
The sensation of processing two visual feeds simultaneously required some adjustment. A normal person might have succumbed to mental confusion or nausea, but for an undead like me, it was a simple matter.
At my silent command, the golem used its four limbs to slowly push itself upright. Its center of gravity was perfectly balanced, showing no signs of instability. There was zero lag between my thought and its response; it was exceptionally easy to handle.
Golem Creation was a branch of magic I hadn't utilized much in the past. While I had possessed the aptitude for it since my days as a mortal, I simply never had the opportunity to use it. At most, I had used makeshift golems of mud or wood as diversions; in actual combat, I had always favored other spells.
During the era of the Demon King Subjugation, there were very few situations where a ponderous golem was useful. No matter how much time was spent constructing one, it meant very little against the overwhelming strength of the demons. My personal assessment had always been that it was a half-baked school of magic—one that was never the optimal solution for any scenario.
However, after seeing the Technomagic Kingdom’s golems in action, I had been forced to revise that opinion. By integrating a different lineage of technology, they had achieved a staggering evolution. Far from being something to dismiss, the machine made me acutely aware of my own narrow-mindedness.
A low mechanical hum vibrated from within the stationary golem as its various parts synchronized. I stepped back and made the unit walk, one step at a time. While it wasn't quite the same as moving my own limbs, the sensation wasn't jarring. I could control it well enough.
Next, I tested its range of motion. I made the golem swing its arms up, down, left, and right. No issues. Its movements were remarkably fluid. I then tried to make it jump after a deep crouch, but it barely left the floor. It was simply too heavy. Apparently, it didn't possess that level of athletic capability.
I put the golem through its paces, having it run around the lab at a light jog. It was far more maneuverable than I had anticipated. If we could mass-produce these and equip them properly, they would function as a formidable army.
"Oh! Truly magnificent, is it not!"
Grom watched the golem with burgeoning excitement, looking as though he might burst with energy at any second.
"The finger guns are functional as well. Shall I set up a target?" the Director asked.
"Please do."
At my nod, a section of the floor behind the golem rose up, forming a slab of steel the height of a man. It was thick and imposing, standing like a wall.
I turned the golem around and leveled its fingers at the plate. I activated the magic formulas engraved within the digits. In an instant, a series of sharp reports echoed through the lab as bullets hammered into the steel.
The rounds embedded themselves deep into the metal surface. They didn't punch all the way through, but the power was undeniable. They would easily pierce standard armor, let alone a human body.
My aim was a bit scattered; though I had aimed for the center, the impacts were spread across the entire plate. I suspected this was due to my own lack of experience rather than a mechanical flaw. It was nothing that practice couldn't fix.
"The arms contain cylinders loaded with ammunition that are fed to the fingertips. It’s capable of sustained rapid fire," the Director explained.
"Can the regular staff operate it without trouble?" I asked.
"Yes, they managed. However, the golem needs to be charged with magic power beforehand. For someone like you with an inexhaustible supply of mana, it isn't an issue, but for a human, long-term operation or continuous combat is difficult."
The Director gestured toward her own back as she spoke. I recalled the internal schematics from the files. The golem had a Magic Power Storage Device mounted on its back which acted as its fuel tank. If that part were destroyed, its operational time would plummet. It was a clear structural weakness.
Conversely, it meant that when we eventually faced the Technomagic Kingdom’s forces, we knew exactly where to aim.
"I must apologize—the defense magic was too badly damaged to reproduce," the Director added.
"Do not worry about it. The unit was a wreck when you received it. You’ve done well to restore it this much."
The fact that it was functional at all was a testament to the staff's dedication. When we first captured it, the machine had been severely mangled. I had harbored doubts about whether it could even be repaired. The staff deserved praise for bringing it back from the brink.
Once the initial tests were finished, I severed my connection with the golem.
"Grom, would you like to try?"
"Eh? Is that truly permitted!?"
"Of course."
"Th-thank you! You are most gracious!"
Grom practically leaped into the air before giving a profound bow. He clearly hadn't expected to be given a turn. Despite his attempts to remain composed, his delight was obvious. He was clearly overjoyed.
"Now then, let us see..."
Grom touched the golem with uncharacteristic trepidation. He tilted his head as he began to manipulate his mana, but he soon groaned and stopped.
"Hrm... how is this accomplished?"
"First, you must channel your magic power through here..."
The Director rushed over to guide him through the procedure. After several attempts, the golem finally shuddered to life. It raised its arms and puffed out its chest in a valiant pose.
"Oho! I believe I have the hang of it now!"
The golem moved through the lab under Grom's command. His movements were awkward at first, but he began firing the finger guns from various angles, peppering the steel plate. Occasionally, a stray bullet whizzed in our direction, which I casually neutralized with magic. I wasn't worried about myself, but I couldn't allow the Director to be harmed.
Before long, Grom grew accustomed to the controls, and the stray fire ceased.
"Fuhahahaha! How is this, Maou-sama! Witness my nimble maneuvers!"
Grom laughed boisterously, his spirits soaring. The golem beneath his control began to dash about with surprising agility. Every time it nearly slammed into a wall due to its momentum, the Director let out a pained shriek. It was a rather lively scene.
Eventually, the Director suggested a mock battle to test the golem's combat performance. Grom was more than eager, and I found myself unable to refuse.
Of course, if I were to exert even a fraction of my true power, I would likely vaporize the Research Institute and the Royal Capital along with it. I focused entirely on holding back with extreme caution. During the exercise, Henry returned from his inspection of the firearms and joined in, resulting in a chaotic three-way mock battle.
We took turns piloting the unit, engaging in a heated skirmish within the laboratory's limits. However, the session ended abruptly when Grom misjudged his strength and pushed the golem past its breaking point.
It was quite the sight to see the Director—a mere human—mercilessly lecturing a high-ranking undead like Grom for damaging her equipment. We were eventually shooed out of the Research Institute, leaving in a state of mild disgrace.