Magi Craft Meister

20-05: Shark

Jin pondered the kind of ship he wanted to create.

“My lord, may I suggest an idea? What if we impose a ‘restriction’?”

“A restriction?”

“Yes, instead of using the excess materials from Horai Island, why not construct it using common materials found in this world?”

“I see…”

With this suggestion, Jin’s concept began to take shape.

“The ship will have a total length of 10 meters and a total width of 4 meters. It will be primarily constructed from wood, with some reinforcement using lightweight silver. The power will come from a wind magic propulsion system, a modified version of the Wind Thruster, and a water magic propulsion system, the Aqua Thruster.”

This time, the fundamental specifications came together seamlessly, as if all his previous dilemmas had disappeared.

“The maximum capacity will be 8 people, with accommodation for up to 4 individuals.”

This approach showcased his attempt to reconcile opposing or contradictory conditions, a challenge even for a Master Magic Engineer.

“As a precaution, we’ll include a small teleportation gate, a Warp Gate, for emergencies, as well as a force field generator, the Force Generator.”

As he spoke, a rough design had already taken shape in Jin’s mind.

He quickly sketched it out on the leather of a tanned magical beast, creating a ship that would excel in performance despite using materials from this world.

“Alright, Reiko, let’s start. First, we need to gather the materials.”

“Yes, Father.”

The construction process would take place in a shipyard near Tatsumi Bay, rather than a laboratory, as a cruiser was already being built in the dry dock.

Jin decided to use teak wood for the hull, known for its hardness and water resistance, perfect for ship decks. Horai Island had a substantial supply of these trees due to its location in the tropical region, along the Tropic of Cancer.

“We’ll reinforce specific parts with lightweight silver.”

By using a monocoque structure, where the outer shell carries the load, he could maximize interior space, crucial for providing ample living space on a small ship.

In other words, the ship’s interior was mostly hollow, showcasing the unique techniques of a Master Magic Engineer: “Joint Integration” and “Enhanced Toughening.”

“Father, this looks like fun,” Reiko exclaimed as she helped, her joy evident.

With Elsa absent this time, working alone together reminded Jin of the early days of Horai Island’s development.

(Back then, Father relied on me alone…)

Even now, Jin cherished and relied on Reiko, and she knew it. With more people around Jin, it was inevitable for his attention to be divided among others, and Reiko understood that it was for the best and for Jin’s sake. Nevertheless, the privilege of being the sole focus was a joy that was beyond measure for Reiko.

“Alright, next is the ‘Aqua Thruster.'”

Jin decided to construct the main body with water-resistant lightweight silver, more than adequate for the job. He also included nozzles on the sides for propulsion control, allowing direction control with the Aqua Thruster in addition to the rudder. In total, ten Aqua Thrusters, including those for reverse propulsion, would be installed.

These energies are supplied not by the “Magic Reactor Magilia Reactor” but by the “Mana Tank Magic Energy Storage,” just like a regular golem.

However, it also includes a magic element converter, the “Aether Converter,” which effectively allows for navigation without refueling.

The reason for using such an inefficient method is indeed for camouflage.

“Now, it’s time to finish the rest.”

In less than three hours, Jin had completed about 80% of the work. He began adding the finishing touches, such as the living space.

“I want to ensure we have a comfortable interior.”

Although somewhat limited in space, he installed four single beds, built-in sofas, and a table.

“It’s essential to have a cozy spot to relax.”

He also included a small refrigerator for drinks and food storage, along with a small warp gate for emergency use.

“We should have some weapons on board, just in case.”

Even though Reiko provided strong protection, Jin wanted to be cautious. He added a light beam laser cannon and a magicanon, specifically for repelling the Demon Sea Serpent.

“Just to ensure we’re prepared for any emergency.”

Completing the interior, he installed a mana communication device, a magi-detector for detecting magic power, a compass, a searchlight, and a force field generator.

“Bright colors would be a good choice.”

He applied a silver coating mixed with light silver powder to the outer hull, giving it a shiny silver appearance.

Once he loaded lifebuoys, provisions, water, and healing potions, the work was finished.

It was still early in the day. Jin had an idea to hold a launching ceremony before setting sail to Tatsumi Bay.

Considering that ships were traditionally treated as female and named before being launched, Jin proceeded without hesitation.

“Let’s name her ‘Shark.’ Reiko, what do you think?”

“Understood.”

Reiko wrote ‘SHARK’ on the silver hull with black lacquer. Jin used “Add-On” to add the name.

The lacquer didn’t dry but hardened by absorbing moisture and oxygen from the air. Jin added moisture and oxygen with “Add-On.”

“Alright, Reiko.”

“I name you ‘Shark.'”

With the formal naming words spoken by Reiko, Jin and Reiko boarded the Shark and set it in motion toward the sea, thanks to the “Force Field Generator.”

Shark effortlessly glided into Tatsumi Bay without any issues and floated on the calm sea surface.

“It’s time for our maiden voyage.”

After checking the hull’s balance and ensuring no water leaks, Jin activated the hydro-magic propulsion system, Aqua Thruster.

Shark began to move slowly. First, they tested its maneuverability within Tatsumi Bay. The absence of water leaks was confirmed once more, and everything appeared to be in working order.

“Alright, let’s head out to the open sea.”

With Shark moving smoothly, Jin decided to test its overall performance.

As they sailed at twice the previous speed toward the open sea, it was now past 2 PM. For safety, Lord Ro-ji ordered Sky 1 and Sky 2 to provide aerial protection.

Once in the open sea, Jin decided to test the maximum speed. He activated all Aqua Thrusters except for the backward motion and accelerated Shark further.

“This is faster than I expected.”

“Milord, we’re now traveling at approximately 60 kilometers per hour.”

Jin received a message through the magic power detector, Magireader, keeping track of Shark’s location.

“I see. That’s more than enough.”

Although not as efficient as the Hydro Series, with all eight Aqua Thrusters running at full power, it was quite impressive.

“Alright, let’s engage the Force Field Generator.”

Jin transitioned to the highest speed that could be achieved in case of emergencies.

The open sea was peaceful that day, making it an ideal time for testing.

“Activate.”

The Force Field Generator was turned on, and acceleration was gradually applied to envelop the entire hull. The acceleration was imperceptible to those on board, but the ship clearly increased in speed.

“Milord, we’ve exceeded 100 kilometers per hour. 110… 120… 130…”

At 150 kilometers per hour, Jin slowly reduced the Force Field Generator’s output and stopped it.

“That’s enough. If necessary, we could probably go over 200 kilometers per hour.”

For a small ship with a length of 10 meters, over 200 kilometers per hour was quite impressive.

To ensure the ship’s security, Jin decided to station two 40-centimeter-tall Little Craftsman Smiths as exclusive security personnel for Shark.

In case of theft, he intended to neutralize the thief with the Little Craftsman Smiths if necessary. Generally, though, most thieves would be incapacitated by these Little Craftsman Smiths.

Around 4 PM, Shark continued its journey toward Tatsumi Bay, with the sea’s surface turning a warm red from the setting sun.

“When it comes to creating a fleet, having geostationary satellites to track their positions is essential…”

Jin began contemplating the idea of launching geostationary satellites once again, even though he had previously encountered failure in this endeavor.

Using the Force Field Generator, he believed it could be accomplished more easily than with gravity magic.

“This is becoming quite enjoyable…”

Jin mused to himself as he gazed out at Horai Island, which was growing larger through Shark’s windshield.

Observing Jin’s cheerful demeanor, Reiko couldn’t help but break into a happy smile herself.