Entering the reception room, Pal and I leisurely enjoyed tea.

"Pal, the tea you make is the best."
"It's made with love just for you, young master~♪"

Pal perched herself on my lap, her familiar softness a comforting presence.

"How much longer do I have to wait?"
"Quiet."

Gesso asked with a despondent tone, but Pal silenced him with a sharp retort.
No need to be so curt with him.

"This is what you wanted to see, right, Gesso?"

I placed the gift on the table. Gesso's eyes sparkled as he eagerly reached out.

"This...this is…"

Gesso stared intently at the stack of papers, flipping through them one by one as he muttered to himself.

"A magical engine… and a new model, no less…"
"You haven’t improved the magical engine since then, have you?"
"I’ve tried to improve it countless times, but I failed every time. It’s just too complex. Only the Great Sage could refine such a design."

The magical engine was something I had designed in my previous life. Gesso had brought it to life as the power source for an airship. Scaling up the engine would produce more output, but it also came with limitations.

After boarding an airship and observing its magical power consumption and speed, I realized that even after several centuries, no improvements had been made to the magical engine. The magical energy consumption is something you can sense when you're near the airship.

The new magical engine I brought this time, despite being compact, delivers high output. At half its previous size, it produces 1.5 times the power, and if scaled to the same size, it would triple the output.

"Build an airship equipped with this magical engine for me."
"For the Great Sage?"
"Yes. I plan to use it to see the ends of the world. I want you to create its heart—the magical engine."

Although I could build the magical engine myself, it’s better to have a craftsman like Gesso handle the intricate structure. Such things are always best left to a skilled artisan, whether in the past or the present.

"How long will it take? I’ll prepare the airframe to match your timeline."
"With such precise blueprints, I’ll have it ready in a week."
"Good. I’ll pick it up in a week. Also, could I use a corner of your workshop? I’ll need space to build the airframe."
"No problem. You can use Workshop Five, Great Sage."

Among the many buildings here, Workshop Five was the largest. Gesso was being quite generous.

In Workshop Five, I began constructing the airframe. Although the process involved magic, the materials required a precise blend of various metals and monster parts to form an alloy.

About 20 tons of iron were superheated along with tungsten and other materials to create a liquid metal mixture.

To this glowing molten metal, I added Red Dragon fangs, bones, and claws as a secret ingredient, mixing thoroughly before incorporating a Red Dragon magic stone.

The swirling molten metal combined and solidified like magma. Once shaped, cooled, and polished, the airframe was complete.

"Thanks to the life magic spell [Create], the seamless body is finished."

Unlike the magical engine, the airframe needs to be as simple as possible, with minimal parts. Any gaps or protrusions could cause vibrations during high-speed flight.

Next came the interior. Covering the hard metal with Red Dragon leather ensured soundproofing and insulation. I added a sofa set, a bed, a kitchen, a bathroom, and even a wine cellar with a bar counter.

The week flew by.

"Gesso, is the magical engine ready?"

Knocking on the door of Gesso’s workshop, I called for him. When he opened the door, he looked a size smaller than he had a week ago.

"You haven’t slept, have you?"
"Completing this in a week left no time for rest."

Whether it was his craftsman spirit or love for innovation, Gesso truly embodied the ideal artisan.

"So, is the magical engine finished?"
"Of course it is."

Inside the workshop, Gesso showed me the new magical engine.

Layer upon layer of magical circles were etched into it, their intricate harmony increasing output to three times the previous version. Only Gesso and I, the designer, could comprehend the depth of its construction.

When I supplied magical energy to the engine, a rainbow-colored energy field enveloped it.

"It’s a masterpiece."

The radiant magical energy confirmed it would deliver the expected output.

Transporting the magical engine to Workshop Five, we installed it in the airship’s engine room. Four arms secured it, and we connected the various components.

"It’s done."

We had fitted the large engine into a 15-meter-long compact airship. The speed it could achieve with this power would be unprecedented.

"Time for a test flight."

The airship exited Workshop Five. Activating the magical engine, it started smoothly, with no abnormal readings.

Taking off vertically, the airship ascended effortlessly and transitioned to horizontal flight without a hint of vibration.

"Amazing!"

Gesso was awestruck, watching the receding ground from the window.

"Altitude: 1,000 meters. Transitioning to horizontal flight."

Everything functioned perfectly. Increasing the speed—100 km/h, 200, 400, 800…

With a boom, the airship broke through the sound barrier, achieving supersonic speed. Mach 1, Mach 2—pushing further still with no issues.

"This speed is unreal…"

After a month of test flights, checking wear and tear on the magical engine and other components, it was time to depart.

"Take care, Gesso."
"As always, you come like a storm and leave just as suddenly."

"If I need something again, I’ll stop by. Stay well."
"When you do, let me create something even more breathtaking."
"Let’s hope so."

After exchanging parting words, Pal boarded the airship with a bright smile.

"Pal, will you accompany me to the ends of the earth?"
"Whether it’s heaven or hell, I’ll always be by your side, young master."

Such heartfelt words.

"Let’s set off to discover a new world!"
"Yes!"

The airship lifted off, transitioning smoothly to horizontal flight.
Spreading its wings, it soared toward the unseen edges of the world.

—End—

Translator's Note:

Well, that was an abrupt ending. I was so looking forward to the ends of the world, but the protagonist left us behind. It is what it is, there is nothing we can do about this. As this marks the end of this novel, feel free to check out other novels on our website if you haven't already. you are sure to enjoy it.