Although the invention of sunglasses did not cause any unusual problems, Rody always maintained a cautious approach to life. He didn't just invent the cool accessory of sunglasses; he also created mercenary and military outfit sets.
His intention was to divert people's curiosity about him. If a person invents only one special item, it makes them exceptionally conspicuous. People would wonder how he came up with such an invention and might become overly curious. However, if one person invents many things, whatever he invents won’t seem too special.
He would be regarded as an all-capable inventor, and people would simply accept this without delving too much into the details.
The mercenary outfit was a first on the continent. Mercenaries, being private organizations, never thought of having a uniform. Many countries' armies, except for the regular forces, don’t have uniform attire. Armies with strictly uniform clothing are usually well-organized forces like the Temple Knights.
Rody’s newly designed mercenary outfits were significantly different from the strict badge levels of the Mercenary Guild.
Anyone with money could purchase and wear these outfits. There were four types of mercenary outfits: 'Jungle Set' and 'Steel Set' for combat, and 'Passionate Set' and 'Honor Set' for casual wear, colored 'green,' 'black,' 'red,' and 'gold,' respectively. The Honor Set was mainly for leaders such as mercenary group commanders.
Big-bearded Maru, as Rody's publicity representative, wore the Honor Set, accompanied by several subordinates in Passionate Sets. Their appearance on the streets attracted a large group of mercenaries eager to purchase.
This time, the contract was not with the Alchemist Guild but with the Magic Blacksmith Guild, the Magic Fine Products Guild, and the Quick Tailor Guild. Their appetite increased, and the 5% of all profits was no longer satisfactory. Under Chris's negotiation skills, they finally agreed to a new contract with a 15% sales profit.
Tommy and his friends practiced the Iron Claw skill, preparing for the future counting of gold coins.
As for the military outfits, Rody designed them and did not make them public. Instead, he directly handed them to General Quentin to present for review by the Grand Marshal. There were three types of military outfits: the 'Survival Set' for field operations, the 'Bloodbath Set' for head-on charges in army confrontations, and the 'Majestic Set' primarily meant to exhibit military prestige.
The first type of military outfit featured a camouflage deep green with interspersed spots, effective for concealment and tracking in the jungle.
The second type was light blue with white decorations, primarily armor-based. In battle charges, if injuries and bleeding occurred, it allowed for quick identification of wounds, unlike the past where the entire army wore bright red, making it difficult to spot injured individuals and their locations. The third type was primarily bright, fiery red. Rody transformed this traditional uniform into leather and silk outfits, devoid of practical combat value and suitable only for everyday wear to reflect the military's spirit.
Or, during inspections by higher-ups, the uniform bright red attire, grand and striking, would impress those who pretended to understand military matters.
Eliminating red from the human military was impossible. For centuries, it was deeply ingrained that human armies should be a majestic force in red. If Rody had designed the military outfits in black, some might have suggested burning him at the stake as a devilish heretic. Thus, in his designs, Rody focused on colors representing humanity, like sky blue, fiery red, and pure white, to avoid any unwanted attention from the temple.
Reportedly, the Grand Marshal greatly appreciated Rody's design, applauding and exclaiming 'good' three times, though he didn't offer any rewards.
Chris complained about their hard work going unrecognized, feeling disappointed at not even being invited for a meal despite helping tirelessly with the designs.
Rody, however, wasn't bothered.
His intention was only to divert attention from the sunglasses, not to achieve success in invention and design. Most importantly, he wanted to use this opportunity to identify those who understood the Obsidian Magic Mirror and ascertain how many friends or foes he had in the shadows.
The mercenary and military outfits were never intended for fame.
The outcome, however, was quite satisfactory.
Besides earning the title of 'Great Inventor,' Rody also brought significant attention to the elite squad in the capital of Kamalon. Initially unknown, now everyone in the city discussed the 'Righteous Battle of the Magical Boy and the Elite Squad' at the Magic Theater, a belated victory news that had everyone talking.
Big-bearded Maru, for his vivid record and narration of the entire battle, was invited by the organizers of the Magic Martial Competition to commentate the matches up to the top 36, a stroke of luck that nearly made him burst with laughter.
Kamalon's new King William II planned to summon Rody and the elite squad and had intentions of bestowing a title and rewards. However, upon hearing ministers claim Rody came from the rebellious nation of Felic, he temporarily withdrew the decree. He sent a minister to express that if Rody or the elite squad could make it into the top ten of the Magic Martial Competition, Kamalon would establish diplomatic relations with Felic and grant Rody the titles of 'Inventor' and 'Baron of Anzunelzevella Island.'
Of course, some were dissatisfied with bestowing the title of 'Inventor' and a baronetcy to a youngster from Felic. Some Kamalon nobles argued that it was inappropriate to receive the title of 'Inventor' merely for designing mercenary outfits. However, they were soon silenced by Rody's series of new inventions.
For example, the 'Triangle Spike' for military use. Before its invention, no one had thought of the simple effectiveness of triangular iron spikes. Once Rody introduced it, it was immediately acclaimed. These spikes, each with three points ensuring one always faced upward when thrown on the ground, were effective in halting infantry charges. Simple yet extremely practical.
Rody didn’t secretly give it to the Grand Marshal because its simplicity meant that it would be quickly imitated once used on the battlefield. So he sold the design to Kamalon's Magic Blacksmith Guild, exchanging it for a substantial amount of money. Along with the 'Triangle Spike,' he also invented the 'Iron Tribulus Anti-Cavalry Net.'
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This was a wire net wrapped around wooden frames or stakes, twisted with numerous barbs and iron nails. The densely packed 'Iron Tribulus Anti-Cavalry Net' was despised by all cavalry, including the Temple's Knights, who publicly criticized it as an unjust and evil piece of war equipment. Due to the knights' public protests, the Magic Blacksmith Guild hesitated to accept the work. However, envoys from various countries sought Rody for collaboration.
King William II of Kamalon publicly joked that the 'Iron Tribulus Anti-Cavalry Net' was a headache-inducing battlefield tool, stating that the cavalry-based Kamalon Empire would not use such a device. However, in reality, he offered Rody five thousand gold coins to transfer the exclusive rights of the 'Iron Tribulus Net' to Kamalon.
He even personally sponsored Rody with five hundred gold coins, requesting him to refine the design for easier transport and installation.
Rody accepted the sponsorship, never refusing money, but he definitely wouldn’t transfer the rights to a single nation, as it could bring the accusation of warmongering upon him if Kamalon used it in war against other countries. His detractors could use this as leverage for a trial. With Grand Marshal Fendesman of the Human Alliance protecting him, Rody could simply attribute the invention rights to the Grand Marshal, ensuring no one could accuse him of being a warmonger.
Even if he invented the most malevolent military equipment, he could claim it was at the Grand Marshal's request, thus avoiding being labeled a war criminal.
From the 'Magic Damping Springs' for carriages, to the wind-element 'Feather Falling Magic Array' engraved on horseshoes, to the 'Concentrated Magic Tube' formed by magic crystals through a light array for nighttime illumination, and the 'High-Temperature Baking Oven' for heating food and the 'Frost Box' for freezing drinks in the kitchen, when the Magical Boy invented these one after another, even the most critical people couldn't help but marvel at this young man's brain... How did he think of these things?
Each invention, once created, seemed incredibly appropriate and easy to use. Yet, none of the seasoned farriers who shod thousands of horses, the night guards holding torches for decades, or even the busy cooks in the kitchen had thought of them. Only this Magical Boy, who probably had never shod a horse, guarded at night, or even entered a kitchen, could invent such impeccable items with a brain that surpassed everyone else.
These things should have been invented long ago, but only he thought of them. Only the genius brain of the Magical Boy, who had defeated the orc and demon tribes on the battlefield with zero casualties, could conceive such ideas.
If inventing sunglasses was for showing off, creating mercenary outfits for fame, and devising 'Triangle Spikes' and 'Iron Tribulus Anti-Cavalry Nets' were at the request of the Grand Marshal, then inventing the 'Magic Damping Springs' for smoother carriage rides, the 'Feather Falling Magic Array' to reduce horse fatigue, the 'Concentrated Magic Tube' to replace torches, the 'High-Temperature Baking Oven,' and the 'Frost Box' for cooling drinks and preserving food, were definitely everyday items people could use daily.
While some envied Rody's brain, many excited civilians petitioned, hoping not to dampen the Magical Boy's inventive passion and kindness. They requested the new king to grant him the title of 'Great Inventor' and a noble rank, urging not to listen to slanderous rumors and consider the Magical Boy an evil war criminal to be expelled.
Many magic journalists covered Rody and his elite squad daily, finding that featuring the Magical Boy in their magic newspapers significantly boosted sales.
Some merchants' magic newspapers dubbed Rody as the 'Magical Boy' and the 'Commoner Inventor.'
The Mercenary Guild also stated that the Magical Boy was a friend to mercenaries.
Kamalon's Merchant Union, Alchemist Guild, Magic Blacksmith Guild, Magic Fine Products Guild, and Quick Tailor Guild, all of which had collaborated with Rody, declared him their lifetime honorable member, granting him treatment above a master's level.
Not just Kamalon's noble ladies, but also princesses from neighboring countries subtly expressed their admiration for Rody.
Every day, the elite squad saw flowers and fruits piled up at their doorstep. They were either 'for beloved Lieutenant Rody' or 'for beloved Lieutenant Chris.' There were also many dating invitations at the same location, suggesting a crowd of love-struck women waiting for them. Even big-bearded Maru, previously unnoticed, was often stopped for interviews to inquire about Rody and Chris's latest inventions or words.
As for Tommy, he had already arranged with several magic newspapers to provide daily updates and photos of Rody.
In the betting pools for the Magic Martial Competition, the odds for Rody and Chris kept rising, attracting more bets in their favor. Although people felt it was unlikely they would clinch first place, there was a strong belief that the Magical Boy and his handsome assistant Chris had a great chance of breaking into the top ten.
The rise in odds was simple: Rody's fame caused many to envy and vow to see the Felic native humiliated and driven out of Kamalon. Particularly, the reiteration of the incident where Chris refused the invitation from the Saintess added to the resentment against them.
On the other hand, raising the odds attracted more bets on Rody, a cunning move by the organizers of the Magic Martial Competition's betting pools to capitalize on their popularity.
To Rody and the elite squad's surprise, their fervent supporters from the Saint Song Fortress, upon hearing of their participation in Kamalon's capital, organized groups to support them. There were many such enthusiastic supporters from various countries, especially young girls, who left everything behind. Led by the most ardent among them, they flocked to Kamalon's capital, Bray, parading and gathering on the streets daily with great fanfare.
Apart from financially supporting these passionate young women for their food and accommodation, Rody seldom met them; their interactions typically involved excited screaming and cheering.
Chris, however, seemed to enjoy these fervent supporters and met them almost daily.
Naturally, the elite squad also found various excuses to join in. They relished the attention of being surrounded by girls, signing autographs, or receiving flowers and gifts, considering it the happiest thing in the world.
Chris even named the group of enthusiastic female supporters the 'Dear Love Fan Club.' This name quickly became a sensation.
Many knights tried to form their own 'Fan Clubs,' but unfortunately, the girls did everything possible to join Rody and Chris's 'Dear Love Fan Club,' ignoring other groups like 'Rose Fan Club,' 'Lily Fan Club,' or 'Tulip Fan Club.' No offers or promises could sway their hearts.
This, in turn, deepened the knights' resentment towards Rody and Chris.
The Magic Martial Competition, with its numerous inventions by the Magical Boy and the influx of enthusiastic supporters from various countries, garnered attention from the commoners across the continent for the first time. Several nations sought broadcasting rights, especially for the events featuring Rody and the Elite Squad, which became a primary focus for international broadcasts. The nineteen nations affiliated with the Elite Squad had already sent broadcasting teams, preparing to cover the event with as much importance as they did the previous battle against the Orc and Demon tribes.
This broadcasting led to a significant rise in public morale and increased the popularity of the kings in their respective countries. Other nations, not wanting to be outdone, sent their own teams of mages to cover the event.
This development excited William II, the new king of Kamalon. Not even his coronation ceremony had attracted so many foreign delegates! This was an excellent opportunity to strengthen Kamalon Empire's influence among the nations. With international focus and Kamalon's vigorous promotion, the Magic Martial Competition became a well-known and grand event, symbolizing a competitive show of honor among the nations of the Human Alliance.
Top elites from various countries, like Prince Vincent of Great Fley, the Dragon Knight Nutidora from Kamalon, the Red-haired Sarl of Naples, and the Ice Demon Gao of Mille, became well-known as strong competitors against Rody. Especially Red-haired Sarl and Ice Demon Gao, whose strengths were universally acknowledged among the contestants.
Some young powerhouses, who initially did not register for the competition, were encouraged by their countries' attention and Kamalon's relaxed participation requirements. They signed up, eager to earn honor in front of the world.
Even the Temple sent five of its most outstanding young Templar Knights to participate: Holly, Adelman, Pompeius, Charlewen, and Lot. It was rumored that, at the request of King William II of Kamalon and with a donation of six thousand gold coins showing his piety, the Temple also sent a female knight, although her name and details were not disclosed, keeping a low profile.
Rody pondered the Temple's reaction for a long time, suspecting that the arrival of the five knights might be an attempt to test him, and he remained quietly vigilant.
"Master Rody, please design a set of clothes for us too! We beg you!" Every day, apart from the harassment of magic reporters, there were maids who took the opportunity to deliver food to plead with Rody for help.
"Go back and tell your ladies that I don't have time for these things. I need to participate in the Magic Martial Arts Competition, and it's too late if I don't train now. Maybe some other time!" Rody, overwhelmed by their persistence, explained that these maids were not asking for maid outfits, but rather, their mistresses had sent them to request designs for luxurious ladies' attire.
"Do you think our boss is a tailor? Get out of here!" Stanley, playing the bad guy, scowled and shooed them away.
"We will come again tomorrow, Master Rody. Please, you must help, otherwise the lady... We will come again tomorrow, sorry to bother you." The maids had no choice, reluctantly bothering him but obligated by their mistress's command. Moreover, they knew that truly talented people often have a stubborn personality and a bad temper, so they didn't mind Rody's refusal at all.
"Focus on your training and don't wander around, the top 100 of the Magic Martial Arts is only three days away," Rody reminded them.
"Yes," everyone usually responded with a grimace.
"Master Rody has never seen a woman's body and lacks experience. Let me design a set of seductive lingerie for those licentious ladies! And by the way, let's also design new outfits for our beloved fan club." When Chris said this, everyone stared at him dumbfounded. Chris paused, then laughed, and said to Rody, "See, this is the skill of a romantic playboy. Without the rich experience of seeing the bodies of a hundred or so women, it's impossible to design lingerie for women. How about it? You're envious of me, right?"
"No, not envious, we admire you so much!" Upon hearing this, everyone drooled.
"The applause should start now!" Chris hummed proudly.
"I don't care about you." Rody spent more time each day not inventing anything, but reading the magic book given to him by the mermaid princess.