I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy

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Thursday night.

Setting “Mosquito Extermination” as the theme for this review meeting made everything else proceed like clockwork.

After collecting a number of mosquitoes to gather sample data, we completed the investigation of their characteristics and weaknesses through various experiments.

“They’ve evolved like monsters.”

As a result, I discovered that they could withstand considerable physical force without a scratch.

These pests, which had killed countless humans through “suffocation,” evolved to strengthen their exoskeletons using the mana they drained.

“That’s not all, though.”

What was even more malignant was that they evolved to become smaller in size.

So small, in fact, that they were nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye.

And on top of that, they were faster too, which was just hopeless.

Even when installing screens to keep them out, they would tear through and invade, and typical mosquito repellents and medications didn’t phase them either.

“Could it be that even electric nets are useless?”

I was able to discover one more shocking fact.

The electric net I installed on my window had no effect on them whatsoever.

Since they evolved to withstand a fair amount of physical force, a regular electric shock wasn’t enough to stop them.

When I actually tested it, these pests would just ignore the electric net I set up and invade anyway.

“In the end, it was thanks to Fix.”

Then how was it that I managed to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes?

The answer was Fix.

Aside from charging time, Fix was active 24/7, and whenever he detected a mosquito, he chased them away using every possible means.

Moreover, living in an upper room added to my luck.

Since I lived above 8 meters, which was the maximum height a mosquito could fly, it became increasingly hard for them to invade my room.

“There’s definitely a need for a Dream Guardian.”

As a result, even those noble folks couldn’t conquer the mosquitoes.

No matter how talented someone was, they still needed sleep, and the moment they became defenseless, mosquitoes would pinpoint that moment perfectly.

They biologically evolved to hunt only sleeping humans.

“Vicious little things.”

So I resolved to use the malicious characteristics of mana mosquitoes.

I would utilize their tendency to target defenseless humans.

However, I needed to confirm how exactly they could distinguish defenseless humans.

What I intended to create was a “dummy” that would attract mosquitoes, only to wipe them out mercilessly.

“Indeed, I see.”

Through various experiments, I determined the criteria mosquitoes used to select their prey.

Their antennae on their heads.

With that, they could smell things from 20 meters away, detect a person’s body temperature, and even sense the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans.

The reason mosquitoes hover around our faces is not out of annoyance.

“Then….”

I just needed to craft a dummy that fell into their detection net.

Something that emits human-like odors, retains human-like temperatures, and periodically releases carbon dioxide… If I could make such a dummy, I could lure in the mosquitoes.

“And to top it off…”

If I infused it with mana, it would be perfect.

Just like how a Dream Guardian attracts mosquitoes by manipulating mana.

“Shall I start developing it then?”

With the direction established through the mana mosquito experiment, I immediately began the development process.

I created a device that absorbs oxygen and converts it into carbon dioxide, then made it release the carbon dioxide in sync with human breathing.

Additionally, I engraved a heat-retention spell to maintain the human temperature and stored chemically treated water to emit a human-like scent.

The water stored in the dummy, mixed with the waste components excreted through sweat, would play a crucial role in attracting mosquitoes that are sensitive to odors.

“First experiment, start.”

I set up the hastily crafted dummy inside a test tube.

This was to check if the mosquitoes would react.

“Failure.”

As a result, the first experiment failed.

The mosquitoes didn’t react at all.

Why was that?

It emitted human-like smells, periodically released carbon dioxide, and maintained a temperature of 36.5 degrees.

On top of that, it was infused with a faint mana essence to lure them — so why?

“…Maybe I need to improve the details a bit more.”

But no clear answer emerged after pondering.

So I decided to make the dummy look more human-like.

I stripped the rubber skin and created synthetic skin to cover it.

To do that, I needed to produce collagen.

I immediately went to the market to find the ingredients for collagen.

Fish skins and pig skins are typical sources of collagen. I bulk purchased pollock skins since they are commonly used in food and are easy to process.

“Looks like the belly is going to be bigger than the belly button.”

Now it was time to convert these raw materials into collagen.

However, to extract pure collagen, various processes were needed, including chemical hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis.

For that, I needed a device that could raise the temperature and pressure, as well as a cooling device.

“I’ll need to use holograms.”

Thus, I employed the ‘hologram’ auxiliary skill I obtained when my ‘engineering thought’ reached level 3.

As a result, the “collagen processing machine” I aimed to create appeared as a 3D hologram, with the necessary “machine elements” displayed beneath it.

“Call up the list.”

From there, I retrieved the list of weapons and machine items I had created thus far.

Instead of creating the “collagen processing machine” entirely from scratch, I would use parts from items I had previously crafted to facilitate the development.

“Hologram, extract machine elements corresponding to the ‘collagen processing machine’.”

Machine elements refer to the common basic units that make up a machine, and they can be broadly classified into five categories.

‘Coupling machine elements’ used to assemble or fix two or more machine parts.

‘Driving machine elements’ used to transmit power or movement.

‘Axis machine elements’ used to fix the center of rotating bodies or connect and support shafts.

‘Control machine elements’ used for the braking of machines, such as brakes.

And machine elements used for transporting gases or liquids fall into this category.

I commanded the hologram to extract the required components from the five main types of machine elements for the ‘collagen processing machine,’ and it started following the orders.

Soon, the list appeared before me.

Coupling:
– [Titanium alloy plasma gauntlet] – base plate linear actuator connector, flange locking slide unit, tubular handle…

2. Driving:
– [Genetically modified web shooter] – gears, chains, belts…
– [Research mana experimentation device] – some centrifuge parts, links, cams…

3. Axis:
– [Devil Suit 1 scapula engine injection device] – slip key, cone key…
– [3D maneuver device] – wire join connector, rotation tube…

4. Control:
– [Devil Suit 1] – parts of the mechanical & hydraulic braking system…
– [Superconductor mana fusion engine propulsion] – parts of the engine injection brake system…

5. Transport:
– [Research ingredient extraction device] – liquid & gas conversion moving tubes (PVC tubes, rubber tubes, intermittent valves…)
– [Devil Suit 1 mana delivery tube] – steel, copper pipes, pipe joints, globe valves…

Each machine element outlined in the hologram presented where I could source the necessary components from.

I brushed aside several hovering machine components, then began collecting the required parts one by one to construct the collagen processing machine.

It was as if I was assembling the specific parts I wanted from a completed Lego set; the holograms of different components were being reassembled by my hands, gradually taking shape as the collagen processing machine.

In just 5 minutes, I successfully completed the collagen processing machine using the hologram ability.

Now I just needed to transfer what I created with the hologram into reality.

“Fix, let’s head to the forge after a long time.”

“Wooooooong~!”

***

The Academy’s James’ forge.

Currently, the owner of the forge, James, was not present.

With Ed’s elevation to the status of Count, it didn’t look good for his father, James, to manage the subcontracting work here.

Most importantly, after returning from the Dwarf Alliance Kingdom, James reached the state of Awakening.

Having spent his life producing mass-produced items to raise Ed, he was now inspired by the Iron Hammer exhibition and had started dreaming of one day obtaining the title of “Master.”

Thus, he was pouring his passion into the cutting-edge personal workshop that Ed provided him.

“W-Wow…”

In James’ forge, there were blacksmiths he had hired.

These blacksmiths, having become friends with James, were now working in the Academy-exclusive forge, wide-eyed as they watched Ed’s dazzling performances.

The sight of him manufacturing modern machines seamlessly with incredible dexterity left them in awe.

“He’s a genius sent from the heavens. Pure genius.”

“To be at that level, we’re talking about dwarves and more…”

I finally understood why James bragged about his son all day long.

The techniques he wielded already surpassed the standards of this era.

Just watching him was mesmerizing as a blacksmith, and the anticipation of the innovations he would bring forth sent chills down my spine.

I couldn’t even venture a guess as to what kind of machine he was creating, but I instinctively agreed that it was functionally and aesthetically perfect.

“Done!”

About four hours later, Ed managed to create the collagen extractor.

Thanks to having pre-made basic parts that conformed to the “Edgar Fix Standard,” including screws, bolts, bearings, pipes, valves, and springs.

“Ahem, Count Fix?”

Just then, one of the blacksmiths approached Ed.

He couldn’t take his eyes off Ed’s performance, exclaiming it was a privilege to witness such incredible technology in person.

“Ah, it’s nothing. Just speak casually. You’re friends with my dad. I’m Ed, the one who caused a fuss at your forge.”

However, Ed encouraged the blacksmiths to treat him casually, even as they insisted they couldn’t drop their formalities since he was now a noble.

But thanks to Ed’s persistent persuasion, they decided to treat him just like before.

“Now I understand why James was such a softie. Hahaha!”

“You’ve grown quite impressive. You were such a troublemaker six years ago.”

After chatting with Ed, they looked at him with beaming eyes.

With such extraordinary talents and a solid character, his future was full of promise.

“Keep at it, Ed. Let it be a secret that the uncles used casual speech!”

“Eh, even if they find out, no one will say anything. Well then, I’m going in.”

“Alright.”

Thus, Ed placed the completed collagen processing machine into his inventory and headed to the lab.

Today, his shadow cast more prominently under the moonlight.

***

Friday morning.

Charlotte was being scolded by a client.

Despite trying her best last night, she let one mosquito slip through, resulting in two bites on the client’s arm.

“According to the contract, the amount to be paid will be reduced. Hmph! What if you get mana conversion disease because of your mistakes!”

Head hung low in shame, Charlotte apologized.

She had just started working as a Dream Guardian, and her skills were lacking in many areas.

Her method of luring mosquitoes through “mana crafting” had its shortcomings.

“…”

Moreover, her body was covered in bites from the mosquitoes.

It was a stretch for a first-year academy student like her, born with only nature creation abilities, to properly handle the “self-ignition” spell.

“Here, 650,000 Arden.”

“…?”

However, the client returned with 650,000 Arden, having added an extra 100,000 Arden to the originally contracted amount of 550,000 Arden.

Charlotte responded with a bewildered look.

“Uh… This is more than the contracted amount?”

“…Ahem. Didn’t you say your family name was Verdian?”

“…Yes.”

“Thinking back, I benefited from your father in the past.”

“Ah…”

“I felt sorry, so I added a bit more. Seeing a daughter doing such work, it looks like the Verdian family has completely fallen, just as the rumors suggested.”

“…”

With those words, the client glanced at Charlotte.

Her body was dotted with mosquito bites everywhere.

Tsk tsk. He clicked his tongue and left one last warning.

“I’ll give you one piece of advice based on our past relations. Don’t hurt yourself doing jobs like this. You’d be selling your future for pocket change. What if mana conversion disease rears its head again? From your outfit, it looks like you’ve entered the Empire Academy, but if something goes wrong, you could end up with mana disability.”

Charlotte grasped the money tightly and bowed her head.

As the middle-aged man pointed out, if that disease resurfaced, it could lead to mana disabilities.

As a spellcaster, she would be finished.

“There’s no way around it…”

Yet she couldn’t find any alternative.

The only way she could earn money legally was through this part-time job.

Because students at the academy were prohibited from engaging in mercenary activities, and using their abilities for private enterprises would lead to expulsion for not maintaining their “dignity.”

Given the guidance of the Empire Academy, which boasted ultra-elite education, it was completely unacceptable for academy students to be employed by commoners.

“Mana is important to nobles. Even if you have status, losing mana makes you no different from a commoner. I’d rather risk selling myself than lose my mana—.”

Just then, the middle-aged man hurriedly trailed off.

He had unintentionally made an improper analogy.

“Ahem. In any case, reconsider this method. With your abilities, you might end up with mana disability if you’re not careful.”

With that, the middle-aged man turned away.

Charlotte gazed at her bitten arms, filled with tears, while still bowing her head.

“Ugh—.” Her fist clenched in frustration.