I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy

---

As Edgar walked on the black cloth, everyone’s eyes went wide.

It was because the object that appeared was not as impressive as they had anticipated.

What in the world is that bizarre contraption that looks like a human torso?

The sounds of murmurs began to ripple through the crowd.

– Is that what it is?

– The appearance is a bit… indecent, isn’t it?

– Ahem. It’s not as impressive as expected.

It was Edgar’s ‘Mosquito Catcher’, reminiscent of boiled chicken.

Indeed, the design of the heap that Edgar created ranked among the worst.

No, rather than being just poor, it was an embarrassing design.

If a modern person saw this Mosquito Catcher, they would instinctively think of a certain… device.

“I can see what you all are probably thinking.”

As everyone was expressing their disappointment, Edgar finally opened his mouth.

Regardless of the atmosphere in the hall, Edgar wore a relaxed smile on his face.

“Surprisingly, this is not a chicken dish.”

With that, he threw in a light joke.

Many nobles, who had been imagining a prepared chicken, burst into small laughter.

That alone managed to clean up the chaotic atmosphere of the venue.

“Believe it or not, this object is a Guardian.”

Edgar then made a curiosity-provoking introduction.

He was attaching a grand term like ‘Guardian’ to such a strange object that looked like boiled chicken.

“Not only that. This is a warrior, a savior, and a dream spirit that will bring you sweet dreams. This object will fight more bravely than anyone to save you.”

He then added a more emphasized praise.

He was giving honorable titles like warrior or savior to such an embarrassing-looking object.

Nobles began to show even more curiosity.

What kind of function does that thing have to earn such a grand title?

Edgar then unfolded his hand and introduced the name of the object.

“Introducing the Chicken Guardian!”

…Chicken Guardian.

At that ridiculous name, some nobles burst out laughing again, while others waited seriously for Edgar’s next words.

It was a varied response to Edgar’s joke, depending on their taste.

“Mana Transformation.”

However, when Edgar mentioned ‘Mana Transformation’, everyone’s expressions unified.

From nobles chuckling to those who had been chatting with the person next to them.

And even those who seemed slightly annoyed by the ongoing jokes,

All of them fixed their gaze on Edgar with stiffened faces.

Having succeeded in grabbing their attention, Edgar immediately followed up with the next line.

The next statement was also a shocking declaration.

“Would you believe it if I said this pathetic-looking thing has conquered Mana Transformation?”

“…”

Silence.

No one answered Edgar’s question.

Wasn’t he speaking as if he had solved the ‘Mana Mosquito’ problem that no one had been able to tackle until now?

But Edgar smiled as if he had anticipated their reactions and pressed a button.

Suddenly, the giant screen in front lit up with a pop.

“Seeing is faster than hearing. Let me show you a demonstration video.”

Edgar said this and approached the video transmission magic circle.

Then, as he infused mana into the magic circle, another magic circle connected to it activated, and an image appeared on the screen.

A man’s face filled the screen.

[Oh. Is it working?]

And he was none other than David, the president of the Freak Club.

He had been on standby to showcase the product demonstration as per Edgar’s orders.

[Ahem. Then, I’ll… I’ll start the demonstration.]

With that, David began to act as instructed by Edgar.

He activated the ‘Chicken Guardian’ on the floor and released a jar full of mosquitoes.

– Ah, no!

The nobles gasped in horror.

To release dozens of mosquitoes so casually, it was hard to believe even when seeing it.

If those mosquitoes possessed ‘Mana Transformation’, the man on the screen could become a mana cripple, couldn’t he?

– Waaaaaaahhhh…!

However, the behavior of the mosquitoes was odd.

They showed no interest in the man on the screen; their attention was solely on that strange object called the ‘Chicken Guardian’.

– Is that… thing attracting the Mana Mosquitoes?

– What in the world is the principle behind this…?

Nobles began to show their curiosity.

Those who had displayed disappointment and apathy earlier started to watch with heightened faces.

Just what function of that ridiculous object could be performing such a miracle?

– But… something seems off, doesn’t it?

– Does it look like they aren’t moving to you too? The mosquitoes aren’t budging at all.

But the ‘Chicken Guardian’s’ marvelous ability didn’t just attract mosquitoes.

The mosquitoes that stuck to the Chicken Guardian were not able to leave without budging even an inch.

Edgar soon began to explain why.

“Yes. You’re probably wondering why those mana mosquitoes are just staying still like that.”

Edgar said this and briefly outlined the principles of the Chicken Guardian.

In short, it meant that the moment the mosquito tries to pierce to find a blood vessel, a chemical reaction occurs, trapping the mosquito right there.

“And as you can see from the video, the mosquito attraction rate of the Chicken Guardian boasts nearly 100%. Even with an experimental participant next to it, the mosquitoes are only focused on the Chicken Guardian.”

Just as Edgar said, even with an experimental participant seated not far from the Chicken Guardian, almost all the mosquitoes were only showing interest in the Chicken Guardian.

“But you might think: One of them might just rush for the experimental participant, right? So, I prepared something. It’s a ‘Detection-type Heat-emitting Mosquito Net’.”

With that, Edgar shifted his gaze to the screen.

Just as three minutes had passed since it was connected to David’s video transmission magic circle.

[-Swish.]

Then David on the other side confirmed that three minutes had passed and stood up.

Since they had synchronized their timing, it proceeded smoothly as if they were communicating in real time.

David then went to his bed and pressed the button to activate the mosquito net.

Then, carbon nanotube projectiles mounted on the ceiling sprayed carbon tubes, densely covering a one-meter radius around the bed.

The mosquito net was completed in an instant.

After witnessing the completion of the mosquito net, Edgar turned back to the audience and continued with his explanation.

“The detection-type mosquito net. This is not the same as a typical mosquito net. Because the moment a mana mosquito lands on that net, it detects it and immediately emits ultra-high heat. Essentially, if you’re inside the mosquito net, you will never get bitten.”

After finishing his commentary, Edgar looked back at the screen.

In a moment, David, who had been waiting on the bed, checked his watch and turned off the ‘Chicken Guardian’ with the remote control, releasing more mosquitoes into the room.

To showcase the power of the ‘Detection-type Heat-emitting Mosquito Net’.

– Zzzzzz!

And the effect was undeniable.

As soon as the mana mosquitoes landed on the mosquito net, it detected them and emitted intense heat.

Despite many mana mosquitoes being released additionally, not a single one could penetrate the mosquito net.

– If that’s the case…

– Incredible… just incredible.

The mood of the nobles began to lift.

This proof meant they could be completely free from mana mosquitoes as long as they had the ‘Detection-type Heat-emitting Mosquito Net’ and the ‘Chicken Guardian’.

– Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.

Then, someone started clapping, and soon applause erupted from the entire audience.

This was a natural reaction for those who had suffered from mana mosquitoes their whole lives.

Surely, after finally being able to free themselves from the mosquitoes that had tormented them, they couldn’t hold back their clapping.

– Swish.

At that time, Edgar raised his hand to calm the heated atmosphere.

It seemed like there was still more to present.

Once the applause faded, Edgar gazed straight ahead and spoke.

“Mana Mosquitoes. I understand your grievances regarding this monster very well. How much economic loss have you all endured due to this small monster, and how much mental anguish have you suffered? Moreover, due to the worst epidemic known as ‘Mana Transformation’, how much fear have you all had to experience?”

Nobles nodded along with each of Edgar’s words.

The ‘Mana Mosquito’, which targets the mana dissolved in human blood, could only be seen as the worst monster for the nobles.

It was no wonder that the saying “Mana mosquitoes are scarier than dragons” had spread.

“Therefore, I have prepared a little device for you. Look over at those mosquitoes caught by the ‘Chicken Guardian’.”

Edgar said this, pointing to the screen.

On the screen, there were numerous mosquitoes caught and stuck to the Chicken Guardian.

“As you can see, the mosquitoes are caught by the Chicken Guardian, but they are not dead yet. In other words, the power of judgment over them is in your hands.”

Edgar spoke, raising the corners of his mouth.

And the nobles who understood Edgar’s words also twisted their lips in a smirk.

Finally, they had a chance to take revenge on those insufferable mosquito pests.

“Whether you let them live, burn them, squish them, cut them, stab them, or squash them, it’s all up to you. I hope this allows you to relieve at least a little of the grievances of the past few hundred years.”

With this menacing remark, Edgar concluded his presentation.

It was the moment he made all the nobles of the Empire into members of the Mosquito Gallery.