Chapter 516: Capricorn (2/2)

Using golem horses as a base, Jin was thinking about the possibility of constructing a vehicle about the size of a small bus. It would be like a four-legged walking version of the RV he had made before.

“I see, so it should be able to walk even through deep snow. I wonder if something like that would work.”

Since Laojun approved of Jin’s idea, they decided they would start developing the four-legged vehicle the morning of the following day.

Then came the morning of the 11th. Jin had gotten up early in order to begin work on the new vehicle.

“Let’s use austenitic stainless steel, since it’s resistant to low temperatures. Reiko, please get that material for me.”

“Yes, Father.”

Austenitic stainless steel was commonly used for storage of ultra-low temperature substances such as liquid helium, since it was less likely to become brittle after being exposed to low temperatures.

This time, Jin decided to use a product based on 18/10 stainless steel -meaning that it had a 18% chromium and 10% nickel alloy added to its composition- to which he added a 0.5% of mithril silver in order to grant it with the properties of an enhancing magic spell.

“It should be okay to use the same walking controls we used for golem horses.”

They would be much bigger than that of golem horses, but they would operate in the same way.

“And it’ll just be a torso, there’s no need for it to have a head.”

The idea was to make it look like a vehicle.

“It should have a capacity for 10 people and lots of luggage.”

He wasn’t trying to make something like an RV, where you could technically live in. It should have reclinable seats so that people could sleep on them. However, it should also have enough air conditioning, and it should also have at least a toilet and a simple shower.

Any human waste would be magically deodorized, sterilized, and decomposed.

“It should be armed with Paralyzers, Magi Cannons, Laser Cannons, and Ether and Magi Jammers. Should I equip it with Mana Bombs?”

“My Lord, just in case, it should also have enough treatment devices, recovery medicines, and remedies.”

In addition, it would also have a Mana Phone, a Barrier, and a Magi Detector. It would also be equipped with a Warp Gate for emergencies.

Finally, it would be furnished with a gravity-control magic device. This would allow the vehicle to resist and even negate the effects of Gravity Magic.

With these parameters in mind, Jin finished building the four-legged vehicle with help from Reiko and thirty Smith Golems.

To finish, he had it walk up the slope from the front of the laboratory towards Mt. Hourai as a test run of sorts.

“Yeah, it’s looking good.”

Its maximum speed was 70 km/h, and its maximum climbable angle was 50 degrees. Each of its four legs were 6 meters long, its trunk was 8 meters long, and the total height of the vehicle was 8 meters high. It should have no problem moving around even in deep snow.

Thanks to its gravity-control magic device, it would also be great at walking without sinking even in a swamp.

“It came out pretty well. I think I’ll name it… ‘Capricorn’.”

Its ability to climb steep mountains reminded Jin of the many wild goats that live in the mountains, which made him come up with that name.

“Laojun, it seems that this should be useful for Hourai Island as well, so please make several more vehicles like this ‘Capricorn’. There’s no rush, though.”

“Understood.”

The first vehicle made by Jin was then labeled “Capricorn 1.”

“Can you use the Land Units to run thorough tests on Capricorn 1 all day today?”

“Understood. I will report to you in the event that they find any faults in it.”

“Please do.”

Given the current condition of Istalis and Netros, Jin decided that he could wait until the following day to depart, and planned to spend the current day performing tests on the new vehicle.

“The ones who will be going on this expedition will be my Substitute Doll, Reiko, Shion, Istalis, Lucas, and Netros. And… Land 1, too. The Covert Units… maybe I won’t have them go. I’ll be staying here on Hourai Island, after all.”

“In that case, please consider having some Mini Smiths on board. They might come in handy.”

Following Laojun’s advice, Jin decided to have 10 Mini Smiths on board.”

“What about Ann?”

“I think you should take her along, Father.”

Strangely enough, Reiko stated her opinion clearly.

“You think so? Okay.”

Ann was the only Automata in Hourai Island that knew about the Magic War. Jin decided to take her as well.

Since Jin was a little unsure about doing it at the time, he waited until after lunch to call Ann.

He had decided to upgrade her so she would be reinforced for the trip.

“Master, did you call for me?”

“Ann, I’d like you to accompany me to the land of the demons. Since I’m a little concerned about your current performance being enough for the task, I’ve decided to strengthen you a little.”

“Understood. I’m in your capable hands, Master.”

Thus Jin began upgrading Ann.

Starting with her skeleton and magical muscles, Jin completely remodeled her. The improvements included not only the addition of the sense of touch, but also the ability to use Gravity Magic. She was also equipped with Ether Jammers.

After Ann’s enhancements were finished, her performance had increased to about half as much as Reiko’s own ability.