Chapter 244: Typewriter (1)
In this world, 'writing' may resemble English, but the 'context' itself is no different from Korean. The reason I quickly grasped the languages of this world was that despite the languages being different, the context remained the same. If you just memorize the language, that's the end of it.
The reason I said that if typewriters were invented, the work speed would double was also because of this. Since the context is the same, I could just type as I imagine, and it would be done.
Language issue? Once you get used to it, it becomes meaningless. Even in my past life, when I typed in English instead of Korean, I struggled a bit, but after adapting, I could use it as naturally as water flowing.
And that fits perfectly with the current situation. This machine I received from Gartz, could be called a typewriter and a copier. If you turn it on and type, hologram-like characters appear in the air, and if there's paper, you can print those characters.
A creation specialized in magic and with craftsmanship rivaling dwarves, made only by the demon race, who are adept at both magic and craftsmanship, exclusively for writing.
Gartz told me to call this machine whatever I wanted. When I asked why I, not the creator, should name it, he said it was solely for me. So, I simply named it 'Typewriter.' It might seem ordinary, as I brought up a name from my past life, but Gartz was pleased. Despite being a simple typewriter, its performance surpasses technology by leaps and bounds.
It's a piece that could transcend the industrial era and fit right into the modern age, even if it's claimed to be mixed with magic. Despite that, its performance is unbelievable. Thanks to it, I've come to realize the potential of magic in this world and what outcomes the demons might cause if they decide to.
Especially for something like a typewriter, it's akin to giving me wings. It's not an empty statement—I can release a book every two weeks while juggling my studies. During breaks, I might write continuously and publish every ten days. After all, until now, I've been steadily releasing one every month, all handwritten.
Above all, the best part is being able to upgrade its performance through Gartz. If I express a desire for certain features based on memories from my past life, Gartz would immediately return to Helium and add those functions.
At first, the keys for numbers were oddly placed, and the backspace was similar. But after various suggestions, a typewriter very similar to my past one was born. It's called a typewriter, but it's almost just a keyboard.
The only downside is the key pressure. They seem to have set the key pressure very low, considering my finger fatigue, but that also means I often press the wrong keys.
Still, it's much better than writing by hand. It's a bit of an indulgence to have that crisp sound, like a mechanical keyboard.
Nevertheless, the typewriter, born after numerous improvements, has significantly increased my work speed. I've already typed about half, so I've used the typewriter for the remaining portion.
Ta-tatata ta-tata
The distinct typing noise of the typewriter gradually filled the dormitory. At the same time, the characters I'm typing startede lining up in front of my eyes.
Although this typewriter works on scientific principles, it's mostly crafted through magic, so the noise isn't that loud.
The key feel is just a sensation of 'pressing,' and otherwise, it's quite plain. Despite improvements based on my advice, it has many shortcomings as a prototype.
However, as mentioned earlier, the existence of a typewriter alone is advanced technology. The significant influence of magic, rather than machinery, adds value to the typewriter.
I happen to be one of the few who can use the typewriter almost as well as an expert. It's like giving wings to a tiger.
Ding
Not even five minutes have passed, and I've already filled a whole page. As soon as I heard the notification that the page was full, I immediately inserted a manuscript into the space below.
Then, with the characteristic whirring sound of a copier, a sheet of paper came out of the typewriter. Along with a warm feeling, the characters filling the manuscript caught my eye.
The standard for the pages is strictly based on the manuscript, and if desired, the font size can be reduced.
'It's really convenient.'
I quickly checked for any possible typos on the page and gently placed it on the desk. The desk was already piled high with manuscript paper.
The typewriter's efficacy was impressive, but the most astonishing aspect is its typo inspection feature. Unlike the drawback of having to discard paper in case of a typo in typewriters from my past life, this typewriter uses a holographic format for output, allowing for the removal of characters beforehand.
There are no issues even after printing. I'm not sure how copying works, but it erases cleanly with a remover. Of course, it won't disappear after five minutes, just like before, but even five minutes are enough. It's an item I'll consider a lifelong treasure.
This led me to receive an improved typewriter as a gift, and in just five days or so, maybe due to excessive excitement or joy, I've completed all of the 19th volume.
Finally, I haven't forgotten to meticulously check for typos and, after confirming, I placed it in an envelope for mailing.
Ah, I didn't forget to include a handwritten letter before placing it inside. While I started writing it by hand until halfway through, suddenly it changed to neat handwriting, so I needed to explain the situation.
And though I might not do that for other things, I plan to consistently write the letters by hand as a matter of etiquette. This might be a kind of sentimentality.
'Now that things have turned out this way, should I try writing the 20th volume?'
For some reason, I feel like writing more. Leaning back against the chair, I stretched and looked toward the typewriter.
When writing by hand, I had to stop due to fatigue, but since I started using the typewriter, I've wanted to continue writing.
It didn't have the same satisfying feeling as using a keyboard from my past life, but it's its own type of a sensation, if I should call it that. Anyway, that feeling was really nice.
In the past 5 days, I couldn't think of anything except wanting to use a typewriter quickly. When that thought merged with my concentration, I managed to fill more than half the content in just 5 days and completed the 19th volume.
I've also outlined the plots for the 20th volume, so it's just a matter of typing it out. I blinked my eyes and reached out both hands.
'I should aim to release the 20th volume before the exhibition.'
There's nothing urgent to do right now, and it doesn't hurt to prepare in advance. It might even garner more sacredness, so it's beneficial.
Moreover, among the stories I wanted to write, one of the reasons is the proper appearance of Jin's father, Belzebub, who governs gluttony.
Furthermore, the demon country briefly mentioned in Volume 5 will also appear. Its name is Pandem, and it will be based on real-life Helium.
'Originally, I intended to depict it somewhat melancholically, but...'
Whether from the time of Rain's punishment or when I visited during winter vacation, Helium was a place where the scent of people lingered strongly. It's not at all like a crime-ridden city or a chaotic mess, but rather, most people there move forward into the future with happy smiles.
...The food might deviate slightly from my taste, but that was their culture, so I can understand it well enough.
'Bringing such a city into confusion feels a bit daunting, but...'
The 20th volume involves Jin and Lilly going directly to Pandem to meet the king. However, the situation in Pandem isn't particularly favorable.
The number of disappearances among demons was increasing due to the tricks played by Belzebub, who already had an insatiable appetite.
The reason for the demons' disappearances was quite simple. It was to increase Belzebub's own power. Belzebub had a characteristic of absorbing strength, quite fitting for the sin of 'gluttony,' and the process was simple yet horrific. By devouring the heart of their opponent, the power would be completely assimilated and become their own. Throughout history, the heart has been the foundation of power, making this entirely plausible.
'However, this isn't the crucial point.'
In truth, the disappearances occurring in Pandem were nothing but a smokescreen. Belzebub had grander plans than this. It involved turning all demons living in Pandem into 'devils.'
Kidnapping demons to stockpile power was also part of the plan. Belzebub wasn't merely turning demons into monsters like a Lilith; they were inherently evil from their origins. Naturally, black mana was impure and exceedingly corrupt and vile. To spread this like a plague throughout all of Pandem was a dreadful plan.
No matter how many generations pass or how much help they receive from gods, the origin of demons is that of the devils. There's always the risk of turning into one at any time.
Demons become devils only when they experience tragedies like despair or sadness, but they also turn into devils when they absorb thick darkness, as in the case of Sakran.
Once key figures noticed this plan, they immediately remembered Sakran and swiftly took action to thwart it. While they wished to seek help from Xenon and Mary in their hearts, the plan had already been set in motion a long time ago.
Belzebub goes so far as to block all external communication and even disable teleportation, showcasing a cunning level of prevention. In the end, the main story of volume 20 is about Jin and Lily working tirelessly to stop it.
'Wow. Have I written this much already?'
I paused briefly for a break, but the manuscript was already piling up. My hands weren't even tired. Is this the power of machinery? At this pace, it might actually be possible to produce one book every two weeks.
I was marveling at the addictive performance of the typewriter Helium had specially made for me when a thought struck me. They went through the trouble of making this typewriter for me; shouldn't I do something for them in return?
By the way, I handed a signed copy to Gartz. Not just one book, but all the books from the first to the present. I vividly remember how happy he was when he received the signed copies. But that was a personal gift for Gartz, not a gift for Helium.
So, what would be a good gift? Since they invented a typewriter for me, I should give them something in kind.
After much thought, a good idea came to me. Just like writing the Kayr side story, I should write a Jin and Lily side story. It's been mentioned so far, but the detailed reason why they fell in love with each other hasn't been explained.
There are few stories about love between a human and an elf, but there wasn't one with a demon. Frankly, while they might not show it outwardly, they might secretly feel disappointed.
'Do I release the side story after the 20th volume? Or should it be released together with it?'
At the conclusion of the 20th volume,
'I might just receive endless criticism...'
As soon as Jin hears the secret of his birth from Belzebub, he gets stabbed through his heart.
*****
Due to the fear of potential aftermath, I had to momentarily put it aside. I thought I should ask Cecily about it first. So, the next day, as soon as it became possible, I found Cecily and asked her a question. I really liked the typewriter and I wanted to reciprocate to Helium.
I asked if there was anything else she needed apart from my writing, which I am best at. Cecily seemed to ponder deeply and said.
"There is one way."
"What is it?"
Cecily smiled slyly at my question and replied in her characteristic teasing voice.
"You just have to stop taking birth control whenever we're together for about two months."
"..."
Upon hearing that, I immediately raised my gaze to check her horns. Somehow, except for the tips, they were already tinged with red.
"I'm scheduled as the next Demon Lord, so I have an obligation to bear offspring. It won't be a problem if it's slightly accelerated. Besides, it's Isaac's child, right?"
"...Let's discuss this later."
"Sheesh."
Cecily genuinely felt disappointed.
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