Who Is the World’s Strongest Appraiser? ~Living in Another World With Satisfying Meals~

The Difference Between Magic Tools And Magical Items

Yuuri’s blunt statement was affirmed by Jake. There was no reason to deny it. Some scholars dedicate themselves to studying magical items, but Jake had no interest in that field. He had realized it consumed vast effort for little reward. He enjoyed researching whatever piqued his curiosity, and then writing papers about it freely.

“So, what about magic tools?”

“Magic tools are crafted to fully utilize the power of magic stones.”

“The focus is on the magic stones?”

“No. You just process suitable magic stones to bestow abilities.

They are supplemental, though essential at the core.”

“Both are useful, but clearly different, huh.”

Jake nodded at Yuuri, who was poking at the Magic Bag. Magic items and magic tools may share magic stones as material, but they were unmistakably different. A barrier separated them.

Jake knew this, and Yuuri had sensed it. Yet, Jake’s words took a different direction.

“Magic tools were born from the wish to create magical items by human hands.”

“…Huh?”

“Magical items are artifacts. That is pure fact. Their performance is so extraordinary that even their name includes ‘magic’—a fairy-tale element.”

Yuuri nodded. That was certainly true. The Magic Bag, with its capacity-defying nature, was clearly magical. Logic and physical laws were nowhere to be found.

“Still, even knowing it’s impossible, humans aspire to reach it. Those who first encountered the alchemy pot were fascinated by its mystery and sought to replicate it.

In the same spirit, magic tools reflect humanity’s collective effort to match magical items.”

Jake laughed and added, “Just like how refrigerators and washing machines would’ve been a huge leap forward back then.” Yuuri agreed. He’d heard that advanced science could seem like magic to the uninitiated. In essence, magic tools, through relentless effort, were a testament to trying to catch up with the magical items.

…Not that they ever have, or will.

“Jake-san?”

“Yes?”

“Jake-san, you really are a proper scholar, huh.”

“…Yuuri-kun, what does that mean?”

Jake slumped, while Yuuri muttered, “I mean, you don’t seem like one.” Even though Yuuri had been told Jake was a brilliant scholar, he’d never felt it. Seeing Jake’s usual behavior, he’d never imagine him as a great professor. Nor did it seem fitting for a wise scholar to leisurely stay at a beginner training clan.

And more than that…

“I always wondered what kind of great scholar collapses at the base all the time.”

“…Yuuri-kun, your words sting sometimes…”

“But it’s true, isn’t it?”

“Sometimes, being painfully honest is a brutal weapon…”

Yuuri apologized to Jake, who was dejected. He didn’t think he was wrong, but now felt it best to apologize. Mostly to encourage Jake.

“So, that’s the main difference between magic tools and magical items. Did you understand?”

“Yes.”

“And, if you wanted, you could learn the structure in depth.”

“Excuse me?”

At this unexpected comment, Yuuri tilted his head. It reminded him that his [God’s Eye] skill allowed in-depth appraisal, including seeing a magic tool’s structure if analyzed deeply enough. That thought passed, but only barely.

“If it’s convenient to use, I don’t really care how it works.”

“Most would agree.”

Jake nodded. Only those intent on crafting would care about the structure. For others, understanding its safe usage was enough. That was the truth.

…Incidentally, by evening, bored-out-of-his-mind Yuuri was spotted begging the apprentices, “At least let me fold the laundry!” Why, indeed.