《Magicraft Meister Part 2》


 1001 - - 28-12 Model production

    Jin finished giving instructions to his subordinates.


    "If it were true, I would have discussed this with Reinhard.


    He has been visiting his father, Count Wolfgang Randall, for the past day or two to report on the management of the estate for the first half of the year.


    "I wish I had talked to him about it before.


    Erza said, "I should have consulted him before," but it was no use, since she was occupied with the specifications of the monorail and had not yet come up with a plan for the guest house.


    "I''ll talk to Reinhardt when he''s available."


    "Yes, I think that would be a good idea.


    All that remained was to make a model.


    This is the true work of Jin.


    <.


    However, there is one big problem.


    "......I can''t motorize. ......"


    Motorization is the process of making plastic models and other models move with motors. It is different from display models that are just for decoration.


    In the late Showa period, before the bubble economy, most plastic models were motorized, but by the time Jin was born and raised, such models had already begun to decline.


    However, Jin preferred motor-driven models, even if they were inferior in detail.


    If Jin just wanted to have fun on Horai Island, he could use a golem engine or a force field generator, but that was not the case for something that was to be displayed in public.


    "Well, at least until it can be moved by hand.


    Some compromises have to be made. It is not something to play with.


    "The size ...... should be, well, about the size of a tatami mat."


    From Jin''s memory, a piece of tatami ...... is 180 centimeters by 90 centimeters, or 6 feet by 3 feet. The size of a piece of plywood was one of the standards.


    So, we will prepare a 180 cm by 90 cm board this time, too. It is not plywood, not a single piece of plywood, but a laminated wood made by <>.


    "Father, can''t we use a single board?"


    Reiko, my assistant, asks.


    "We have enough lumber in stock to make a board about one meter wide.


    The island of Horai, located in the subtropical zone, has good plant growth, with coniferous forests on the north side of the island and broadleaf forests on the northeast side, and there are many large trees.


    "Oh, I don''t care about the grain this time, and laminated wood is less prone to deviations."


    One-plywood is used for table tops and mirror boards of wardrobes, etc., partly because of the beauty of the grain, but on the other hand, it can warp due to changes in humidity.


    Plywood and laminated wood are less prone to warping.


    "Father, I understand."


    "Well, now that the boards are ready, the next step is the layout.


    The easiest layout would be a single letter. The rails are straight and the model cars move back and forth on them.


    Endless is also easy. The point is a circle, but it does not have to be a circle, it can be an oval, or even a figure 8 if you cross the rails.


    However, these are also classifications to reflect the precautions to be taken when applying current to the rails, so they are not really relevant to the present Jin.


    "Since this is for demonstration purposes, I''ll put both single letters and endless."


    Since there is no Styrofoam type material, wood is used. Jin is building an elevated track using lightweight wood similar to balsa.


    The first character is a round trip, and the image is a line connecting King''s Landing and the port.


    And endless is a circular line, a line that goes around the cities.


    Since only boards are not enough, sawdust is glued to the ground and thin boards are colored to resemble cobblestone pavement.


    As Jin came on board, he also began to make buildings out of thin boards, turning them into dioramas.


    Erza, who came to check on the diorama after the gyuuhi was finished, rolled her eyes at the diorama she saw for the first time.


    "...... interesting."


    And even more than that, she was amazed by Jin''s happy face.


    ��Jin looks happy. (Jin brother, you look happy...the most so far...)


    When Jin is making something, he is always serious, but now his expression is also relaxed.


    Erza thought that she did not fully understand Jin yet, because she had never seen such a serious yet happy expression on his face.


    But it was almost dinner time.


    "Father, it''s almost time for dinner.


    Jin looked so happy that it was hard for Elsa to speak to him, but Reiko took her place and said.


    "Oh, it''s almost that time already. Okay, we''ll have some more after dinner."


    Jin washed his hands, gargled, and went to the dining room. Erza followed him.


    "Brother Jin, you looked very happy.


    Erza told Jin over a cup of tea after dinner.


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes. I thought he really likes making things like that.


    "Maybe."


    Jin can''t deny that.


    "I think it''s because it''s a complete hobby, or it''s not an obligation, so there''s no responsibility. ......


    It''s hard to say, but it''s fun," Jin concluded.


    "......I can kind of understand, maybe."


    I guess it means that the mindset of those who do the same work is different between a job and a hobby.


    There are even people who say, "Don''t turn a hobby into a job.


    After putting these discussions to rest, Jin resumes working on the prototype model.


    This time, Erza is willing to help him, but Jin quietly proceeds by himself.


    Elsa felt a little sad, but seeing Jin''s happy face, she could not say anything.


    An hour passed.


    "It''s done!"


    The diorama-style monorail model for the demonstration is complete.


    "It''s amazing!"


    Elsa praised it with all her might.


    The monorail now looks more like a part of the Diorama than a demonstration model of the monorail.


    "I haven''t made a model in a while, and I got a little mad."


    Erza smiled and looked at Jin who scratched his head a little embarrassed.


    "I found Jin''s childishness."


    * * * *


    "Yes, it''s rather tasty.


    Jin, who tasted the prototype of honey beans with gyuhi as a substitute for his evening meal, gave it a score of 80.


    "It''s not soft enough. ...... What else do we need?"


    "It''s hard."


    As Jin and Erza were twisting their heads, Perid Reader came in with another prototype of Gyuhi.


    "Master, please try this one too.


    "Let''s try this one. ...... Yes, this one tastes better."


    "Really?��...... Oh, really."


    "I mixed it with syrup."


    "Taffy. ......


    They have successfully tried to make syrup from malted barley and glutinous rice, so they used that.


    Perido''s idea is that of a first-rate confectioner and cook.


    "Now I''m going to change the ratio of the ingredients and try various things," he said.


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it.


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you."


    Now, it looks like he will be able to make delicious honey beans. Jin was happy.


    Before he knew it, it was already around 10:00 p.m.


    "Let''s brush our teeth and go to bed.


    "Yeah..."


    Jin stretched out his back with a satisfied look on his face, saying that he had had a productive day.


    The moon ...... was shining in the sky.

 1002 - - 28-13 Jade Museum

    On June 20, the old man reported


    "Yes, that''s fast."


    <


    It has been two days since then. How hard did he work?


    "Well, thank you."


    Jin decides to go and inspect the site immediately.


    He took Reiko, Erza, and Meene with him and moved through the warp gate.


    One of the reasons why they brought Meene with them is...


    "I missed ......."


    "Oh, really."


    Erza and Meine had been living together here in Kunlun for a while, so Jin thought they must have missed each other.


    "Welcome, Master, Erza, Meine."


    <''s assistant, greeted the group.


    "Let me be your guide."


    The location is much further south than the <, closer to the coast.


    The group was transported by a . If you set the strength of the barrier to a low level, the grass will not be damaged.


    We arrived at the beach in about 15 minutes.


    "...... Wow."


    "Wow, isn''t it amazing?"


    No wonder Elsa and Meane were surprised.


    There was a building that looked like a modern earth resort hotel.


    The entire structure was made of grayish-white stone. I thought it was marble, but it was not.


    "Is this ...... quartz?"


    "No, master, it''s jade."


    "What?"


    Jin''s knowledge of rocks and minerals is limited. He thought jade was green. But in fact, there is also colorless jade.


    In fact, pure jade pyroxene is white. It is the trace amounts of iron and chromium that give it its green color. White jade is not valuable as a gemstone, so it is simply discarded.


    "The Mermaid team mined it for us, saying there was a lot of it on the ocean floor."


    Is that so?


    "Yes. There were a few green ones, so I used them for coloring.


    Unlike on modern Earth, jade is not recognized as a gemstone or precious stone on Ars.


    Jin, however, knows the value of jade, and his face twitches a little at the value of the building in front of him.


    However, he is not aware that he is doing something similar in magical engineering.


    "Jade would be sturdy. ......"


    Of the minerals called jade, the one used here is jade pyroxene.


    Jade pyroxene is a mineral that has a very dense structure and does not shatter easily when struck with a hammer, even though it has a Mohs hardness of 7, about the same as that of quartz. It is also called jadeite.


    Incidentally, the mineral nephrite, which is soft jade, is also called jade or jadeite.


    "Okay, let''s name it <>."


    That''s a good name, Master Jin.


    I agree.


    Meane and Erza agreed.


    Now, please take a look inside.


    Next, we were given a tour of the inside.


    First, the entrance hall.


    "Oh."


    The floor was covered in light purple purple jade. It''s an elegant lavender color. And spacious.


    Furniture and other furnishings will be coming soon.


    "Yes, please consult with Meene about that."


    This is another reason for bringing Meine. She would know the tastes of the nobles of this world better than Jin and his subordinates who had inherited Jin''s memories.


    "Yes, if it is all right with me, I will do my best to help you.


    "I''ll do my best to help you."


    Lor gives us a tour of the house.


    On the first floor there is a kitchen, a waiting room, a large bathroom, and a dining room.


    The guest rooms are on the second floor, and the large conference room, small conference room, and recreation room are also on this floor. All guest rooms are equipped with toilets and washrooms.


    Most of the rooms are on the third floor. There are also waiting rooms for maids and servants.


    The fourth floor is a VIP room. There are seven compartments with six rooms each, and each compartment has a penthouse and a shower room.


    Each floor has an elevator and stairs in the center, and stairs at the left and right ends.


    The rooftop area has enough space for three Conlon 3s to take off and land. Of course, there is a separate formal airfield.


    "Wow. ......"


    Perhaps he was referring to the < from the memory given to Jin.


    Jin had never been there before and only imagined that it would be like this. >>Jin had never been there, but only imagined what it would be like, and it was built just like he had imagined.


    "It looks like it holds a lot of people, doesn''t it?"


    "Yes. We have assumed three times as many people as we had planned the other day.


    The VIP room is for the heads of state and government, but the rest of the rooms can accommodate up to 100 people, considering the number of guards and servants. The VIP room is for the heads of state.


    "I see. No, thank you."


    Jin thanked the old man, Taibai and the others for taking this into consideration.


    The elevators are used to move from floor to floor.


    As in old Western movies, an elevator boy turns the handle to move up and down. This is not an elevator boy but a golem.


    Finally, the basement.


    The first basement floor is a warehouse. It is used for food storage and material storage. The warp gate is also located here.


    On the second basement level, there is a sewage treatment facility. Sewage from the toilets, kitchens, bathrooms, and washrooms is disinfected and purified before being discharged into the sea.


    These were managed and controlled by .


    Master, I will do my best, even though I''m not very good at it.


    "Yes, please, Taibai."


    Thus, a resort hotel was built to the surprise of even Jin.


    Incidentally, in front of the hotel, there is a lawn garden, separated by shrubs and bushes, and on the other side is a sandy beach and the ocean.


    The harbor is still undeveloped, so if it is to be built, it will be at some distance from the hotel.


    "How do you like it, master?


    Lol asked Jin after the inspection.


    "Yes, it''s good. But the rooms are all western-style, correct?


    "Yes. The building with Japanese-style rooms is that way.


    What?


    Lol led Jin and the others to the other side of the small forest that had been planted like a compound forest by the side of the Jade Pavilion.


    "Oh!"


    "Wow."


    "Wow!"


    There was a wooden building with a tiled roof. And there was a Japanese garden.


    "Welcome, master. Let me show you around."


    This is Leffa. Lol returned to the Jade Pavilion.


    "The woods in between are hidden from view from the Jade Pavilion."


    "Wow. ......"


    The garden stretches over an area of about 1,000 square meters. The garden is said to have been created based on Jin''s memories and the garden in Mitsuho.


    The building area is about 200 tsubo. It was a one-story house with only two stories in some parts.


    The garden had an arbor, a pond, a stream, and a pathway where visitors could stroll among the seasonal flowers.


    "How did you manage to build all this in two days?"


    "Yes. Five hundred craftsmen (smiths) and forty daedalas worked on it day and night.


    I see. ......


    Jin was both impressed and amazed by the thoroughness of the work of the old masters.


    "Master, can you name this one too?"


    Jin thinks about this request from Leffa.


    The Japanese gardens that Jin knows are <><>>, in other words the three Japanese gardens, and the famous <><><>.


    "Hmmm ......"


    The first thing that came to my mind was <> and <>.


    "Okay, let''s call the garden Wujingyuan and the building Wujinggaku."


    Thank you very much.


    Brother Jin, let''s take a look inside, shall we?


    Erza, who loves tatami rooms, asked.


    "Yes, let''s."


    Jin followed Erza and stepped into the tatami room.

 1003 - - 28-14 Osanggak

    "Wow, that smells good!"


    As I walked through the wide entrance of <>, a Japanese architecture built in Kunlun Island, I could smell the fragrance of new wood.


    The building is made of a lot of trees similar to the Japanese cypress, Japanese cedar, and Japanese cypress (asunaro) that grows in Horai Island and Kunlun Island.


    This building was also made in reference to the Japanese architecture that Jin remembers.


    "There is a corridor inside, but it is connected to the south side by a porch."


    The waterproofed and preservative-treated porch overlooks the garden.


    "Tatami mats smell good."


    Elsa''s favorite room with blue tatami mats.


    There is an alcove and a closet. The sliding doors and shoji screens had also been recreated.


    "Wow, how did you manage to do this?"


    "Hmm. Just like my brother Jin."


    "...... what does that mean?"


    Jin, who did not understand Erza''s admiration, asked back,


    "You''re just like him in the way you don''t take yourself too seriously."


    She replied, "You are just like him.


    "...... is that so?"


    Jin nodded his head and said, "It''s hard to know about yourself,


    "It''s hard to tell about yourself," Erza said.


    Elsa told him, "It''s hard to understand yourself.


    "Is that so......?"


    He was not quite convinced and raised his voice in doubt,


    "That''s right, Jin-sama."


    Even Meane confirmed it.


    Jin decided not to worry about this fact by diverting the topic.


    "Well, whatever. Let''s take a look around inside now.


    "This is the sunken hearth room.


    A sunken hearth is cut in the center of the wooden floor, and a hook is hanging down. This area is probably a mixture of memories of some folk art museum, but it did not feel strangely out of place.


    There is a well in the earthen floor and a row of hearths called hette.


    "It looks like a folk museum around Takayama. ......"


    He remembered seeing such a house in Hida Takayama on a junior high school excursion, and it seemed to have left an impression on him.


    "Well, no one knows about formal Japanese architecture. ......"


    Jin thought that if anyone could look at this building and tell him that it was different, he could ask him to teach him.


    "This is the tea room."


    "......"


    Jin did not know anything about the tea ceremony, so he could not tell whether this tearoom was properly made or not, but it looked like it, so he decided to go ahead.


    After looking around, Jin suddenly had a thought.


    "I guess this one is Refa''s, isn''t it?


    "Yes, sir.


    "Then it would be more appropriate for her to wear a kimono as a . The golem maids should also be kimono-clad maids when they work here.


    Jin imagines a kimono with sashes, a kappo-style apron, and a triangular hood on his head.


    The old man, who had heard Jin''s comment, gave his immediate approval.


    Likewise, Rolle was appointed as the general manager of <>.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Now, let''s adjust the schedule for the World Congress.


    <


    We have about 20 days from now.


    Let''s start with that.


    .


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    On the morning of June 21, <> landed in the square in front of the Royal Castle in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    "Jin-dono, no, <>, it''s been a long time."


    "Yes, it''s been a while, Your Majesty."


    And now Jin was meeting with King Cesar in his office. In attendance were Kirk Apted, the head of the SS, and Barfeeza Walker, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.


    "I have one of the proposals for improving land transportation that you requested the other day," said Atto.


    "Well, that was quick!"


    And as I asked you at the time, I would like you to consider this proposal together with the other countries.


    "Jin-dono, it''s ......."


    Barfeeza pauses for a moment.


    Yes, I know. <


    He accepted the proposal for the rest of the year.


    "So, I have a few other items on the agenda, and I would like you to take this opportunity to hold a and discuss them there.


    "A world conference, you said that before ......."


    It was during the ceremony to celebrate the founding of the Kingdom of Selroa.


    "Yes. It will be held on the Kunlun Isle. We would like to invite the leaders of the Shoro Kingdom and the minor clans to attend the ceremony, which will last about three days."


    At this point, Jin presented the invitation he and the old man had compiled, outlining the outline of the world congress.


    "It''s not a very diplomatic or ceremonial ...... invitation, but it''s a very poor one."


    King Cesar of Celuloa received the letter and looked it over,


    "Interesting. I would like to visit the Kunlun Island, the stronghold of the Kunlun sovereign.


    He promised to give it a positive consideration.


    * * * * * * *


    On the same day, Erza, a court-appointed healer (Reichsartz), visited the palace of Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Empire.


    She was accompanied only by Edgar.


    "Welcome, Elsa!


    The emperor had taken time out of his office to receive her.


    "Your Majesty is in a good mood. ......"


    The emperor stopped her as she was about to greet him.


    We don''t have time for this. Don''t you have something important to say to me today?


    "Yes, thank you. Actually, ......."


    Elsa presented the same document that Jin had shown to King Cerroa.


    The emperor seemed to be interested as he skimmed through them.


    "The World Conference, huh? You''re going to make an important announcement there. And you have some useful suggestions.


    Yes, I do.


    And I''m also interested in your base in Kunlun. I''m sure it''s a lovely place, isn''t it?


    That depends on who you ask. I was overwhelmed the first time I visited.


    "Oh, I knew it!��Okay, let''s arrange a date. ...... I guess Jin-kun is going to the Kingdom of Selroa, right?"


    It seems that the female emperor has figured out what Jin and the others are up to.


    "You thought that if the Kingdom of Cerroa and the Shoro Kingdom were going to participate, the other countries would not say no......?"


    "...... yes."


    Erza was horrified that he could see through her.


    "Oh, it''s okay. I''m not angry. I''m just impressed at how well you''ve thought this through, Jin.


    Erza''s shoulders relaxed a little when the emperor laughed and said that Jin had always acted immediately when he thought of something.


    "Okay. I will cooperate with you. I will invite other countries to join us.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    Erza bowed deeply at these unexpected words.

 1004 - - 28-15 Invitation Letter

    "Oh, a world conference?"


    On June 22nd, invitations to the World Conference were sent to the Kingdom of Egelea, the Kingdom of Elias, the Kingdom of Klein, and the Kingdom of Franz, in that order.


    Jin made a round of visits with <>, doing his best to be as courteous as possible.


    With the proviso that it is just for the sake of it.


    "Interesting. From the Kingdom of Egelea, Prime Minister Boyd Norse Galuelli and Minister of Magic Kelihidole will be in attendance.


    "Yes, yes. From the Kingdom of Elias, the Marquis Godopher and the Marquis Dominic de Sauss Firenziano will attend.


    "I will attend. Prince Arthur the Second and Prime Minister Powell Darner Hudson will be there.


    "I will gladly attend. I myself and Prime Minister Ardalurk de Hybl will be there.


    The reply from each country was very favorable.


    This was due in large part to the persuasions of the Shoro Emperor and the King of Celuloa, who had been informed by the Manaphone on the previous evening.


    It can be said that this was a result of the psychological effect of not wanting to miss the meeting when they heard that other countries were going to attend.


    Of course, King Cesar of the Kingdom of Celuloa and the First Secretary of the Ministry of Technology, Latant, were present. From the Kingdom of Shawloa, the Queen herself and the Minister of Magic and Technology, Degas Furt von Manischlus, announced their participation.


    As for the other matters, the Minister of Magic and Technology, Degas Furt von Manischlus, said that he would consider the matter of the guards and servants and give his reply.


    These conclusions were brought to Jin the next day.


    "Well, that''s good.


    "Congratulations, Brother Jin.


    "Thank you. But it''s not over yet. It''s just the beginning.


    There are still a few days left before the World Congress. Jin was going to make preparations for it.


    He was going to make preparations for the conference.


    "Is this correct, ma''am?"


    A merchant lays out magi crystals, magi stones, and bronze ingots.


    "Yes, that''s fine. Thank you.


    The woman called "Mistress" smiled with satisfaction.


    "Well, now you can go back to work.


    This is a private workshop built in the garden.


    "Well, we are planning to have 30 lighters, 10 water heaters, and 3 large refrigerators..."


    The woman''s name is Bina Rauch Kuzma. She is Countess Contessa.


    She was discovered by the Count from a commoner magecraftsman and became his wife, and was very popular among the common people.


    The nobleman''s title, , was given to her by the Duke of Bruu.


    "You seem to be having a hard time, do you need any help?"


    "No, it''s nothing, I do it all the time."


    "I see. Well, I''ll watch from here.


    "Yeah, look at .......��Jin?


    "Hey, Bina, it''s been a while."


    Jin was standing right in front of Bina. He was accompanied by Reiko.


    "Hi, it''s been a long time!��Why is Jin here?


    Bina panics when someone appears in front of her who shouldn''t be there. Jin calms her down.


    "I came here through the warp gate.


    That''s not what I''m asking you!


    Calm down. You''re still the same as a countess.


    Beena, I''m the one who brought him here.


    "Oh, you?"


    Then Count Kuzma appeared.


    "......," he said.


    Inside Bina''s workshop, Jin explained the situation to Bina and the Count.


    "Hmm, a world conference, huh?"


    "Yes. I''m sure you will hear from us in the near future.


    At Jin''s words, Count Kuzma replied,


    "Jin-dono, no, <>. You are already a higher rank than I am, and I have already told you before,...... so why don''t you tell Bina and Reinhardt the same thing?"


    I said.


    "I understand,...... no, I understand, I will do that."


    Jin nodded and changed his wording. Count Kuzma had said this to him before, but it had been so long that he had forgotten.


    "So, I thought I''d invite you two to Kunlun Island personally."


    "Well, I''m glad to hear that. Every time Bina told me about the Kunlun Island, I always wanted to visit there.


    Kunlun Island!��I''m so glad you''re going back!


    They both gladly accepted the invitation.


    "Oh, and here''s a souvenir. ...... Reiko."


    "Yes."


    Jin gave Reiko the basket he had given her.


    "Oh, Persica!��Thank you!


    After the invitation, Count Kuzma returned to his house to take care of business, while Jin remained in Bina''s workshop.


    "I''m sorry for interrupting your work."


    "No, it''s okay. I was a little surprised.


    "I''m sorry. I wanted to surprise you."


    Bina blushes a little when she is told this.


    "...... Oh, my God. But I''m glad you''re here."


    And then she set to work.


    The magi stones are placed on the plate and the magi formula is written on it.


    "<>"


    "A writer. That brings back memories."


    This is a magical tool that Beena began to make with the help of Jin when she was still a common magecraftsman with no name, and she was busy paying off her debts.


    Remembering that time, Jin became nostalgic.


    "Tools for the common people, or ......."


    What?


    See, that''s what Bina said to me a long time ago.


    Wasn''t it?


    I don''t know if that''s true. I have to go back to the basics. ......


    It was still early days in the development of Hourai Island, I was not used to this world, and Jin himself needed money, so he had to go through a lot of trial and error.


    Now he calls himself and has met many important people from many countries, but Jin himself has not changed at all. He should be .......


    "Okay, I''ll help you. No, let me help you. Come on, just like back then."


    "Like the ...... days?"


    Beena nodded as she heard those words.


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it then."


    "Okay, here we go."


    Jin wrote the Magi Formula on the plate and Bina placed the Magi Stones on it.


    Jin builds the housing and Bina assembles it.


    Thirty lighters and ten water heaters were completed in no time.


    "Thanks, Jin. You''re the best.


    "No, Bina, you''ve improved your skills too.


    "I never thought I''d see the day that I''d be praised by ...... Jin."


    Bina laughed and started to work on the big one.


    "That''s a big refrigerator. ...... Wow, a two-tiered one."


    "Yes. The upper tier can make ice. The bottom one is a normal refrigerator.


    In short, it is a refrigerator-freezer. To the best of Jin''s knowledge, most refrigerators are three-door or four-door type, but in the Showa period, two-door type was common.


    However, the two-door type was common in the Showa period.


    He thought that Beena was suited to create a magical tool that was rooted in our daily life.

 1005 - - 28-16 Hey, Kunlun Island.

    Once Bina has built three refrigerators, the quota for the day is completed.


    "Thanks to Jin, we got done much faster than usual. Thank you.


    "No, what?"


    Come to the main building. I''ll buy you a nice cup of tea.


    Well, we still have a lot to talk about.


    Jin accepted Bina''s invitation.


    "Why don''t you take a break?��I''ve invited Jin to join us, so let''s have tea.


    Bina looked into his office and called out to him.


    "Yes, I''m just about to finish, so I''ll do that.


    Count Kuzma answered in the same way and sat down.


    The tea of the Kingdom of Egelea is "taeyeh.


    "Yes, this is delicious.


    "Is it?��"Yes, it''s good.


    Bina made the tea herself. It is clear that she has received a lot of training as a countess.


    Even her gestures are refined. Jin felt that this was not because she wanted to be praised, but because she wanted to be worthy of being Count Kuzma''s wife.


    "Well, about today''s business, can you take some time after this ...... tomorrow?��If possible, the whole day.


    "I''ll be fine, but my husband can ......


    "No, if it''s important, I''ll make time for it.��I don''t have any urgent work."


    Hearing this, Jin decided to tell the story.


    "I was wondering if you could come to my place before the world conference.


    "Tomorrow?��Yes, by all means.


    "Well, if that''s the case, I''ll be there at your earliest convenience!"


    Even the normally calm Count Kuzma, who didn''t seem to think it would be so soon, almost sat up and said so. Jin laughed and explained.


    "Well then, I''ll pick you up tomorrow morning at eight o''clock.


    "Okay. I''ll be looking forward to it.


    "Okay. Is there anything I need to prepare?"


    Nothing in particular," Jin said and got up.


    The Count and Countess escorted Jin and Reiko to the entrance.


    "Well, I''ll see you tomorrow."


    "Yes, we''ll be waiting for you."


    Jin, see you later.


    See you later.


    That''s all I have to say.


    Once Jin returned to Horai Island, he was transferred again, and now he is talking with Reinhardt.


    "I see, you want Bina and Luis to join the family.


    "That''s what I meant."


    "That''s what I meant." "Sure, they were never members of the Egelea Kingdom, so it''s good.��We can trust those two."


    Reinhard agreed.


    "First, I''m going to take them to Kunlun Island tomorrow, and then I''m going to take the opportunity to go to Horai Island ......."


    "Right. I''m a little free right now, so I''ll go with you. I haven''t seen Luis in a while."


    Count Kuzma and I have been friends ever since Reinhardt visited the Blueland as a diplomat.


    "I think it would be better if the family members who are available can come to Horai Island.


    Jin nodded at Reinhardt''s advice.


    "Yes, of course. Okay, I''ll make a round of inquiries after this. Oh, and I''ll take this opportunity to tell you about ......."


    Jin told him about the World Congress and about the guesthouses ......<> and <>.


    "Hm, Jin, when we invite the leaders, we have too few guards and servants. No matter how safe Kunlun Island is, those who don''t know won''t believe it."


    "Oh, I see."


    "So, even if we use Konlun 2, we might get into trouble if we don''t invite the guards and servants as well."


    Reinhardt''s advice was appreciated.


    "I understand. Fortunately, the Jade House can accommodate more people, so I think it is possible.


    Jin was grateful for the old men''s concern.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    June 23rd.


    Jin arrived at the residence of Count Kuzma by carriage before 8:00 a.m., and was met by Bina and Count Kuzma, who were well prepared for his arrival.


    "You''re early," said Jin.


    Jin said,


    "I''m so excited, I couldn''t sit still!


    said Bina. Count Kuzma was standing next to her, smiling quietly.


    "All right, let''s go!"


    "Come on, let''s go!"


    Reiko opened the door of the carriage.


    "This is the first time you''ve ridden in Jin''s carriage, isn''t it?"


    "Well, it''s more normal than I thought."


    The two get into the carriage, each expressing her own impressions.


    "Yeah, we first built it after the Golem party."


    Then they close the door and the carriage starts to drive away. This time it was Steward.


    "Oh, oh?��What''s this comfort!��I can hardly feel a tremor!


    Even Jin''s horse-drawn carriage is not free from shaking, but this impression is understandable if you are accustomed to the shaking of a normal horse-drawn carriage.


    "It looks like an ordinary carriage, but what''s inside is special.


    The fact that a golem horse pulled the carriage and a golem acted as the coachman did not prompt any objections to the unusualness of the carriage.


    After 10 minutes of driving, the carriage entered the forest. The carriage stopped at a small clearing with a small path that could barely accommodate one carriage.


    "From here we will walk ...... or rather go by horse".


    "Oh, a golem horse!"


    In addition to the golem horse that had led the carriage, Jin''s own < and another golem horse were also available there.


    "Oh, ......"


    Bina, who hadn''t put on her riding pants despite her previous experience.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll support you."


    Count Kuzma is a good horse rider, so he jumps onto the horse with a sophisticated movement. He then held out his hand to Beena.


    "Come on, Beena."


    "Yes, yes."


    Count Kuzma pulled her up, and Beena sat down on her side in front of him.


    In front of him was Reiko.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    Jin took the lead and they walked further into the forest.


    After about 10 minutes of slow walking, we arrived at a large rock deep in the forest.


    At the foot of the rock was a hidden warp gate.


    It is now protected by a barrier that can be released only by Jin and those who have been approved by Jin, and it is also accessible by <>, so that it cannot be used by outsiders.


    Furthermore, the warp gate reacts only to Jin''s magic pattern, so security is sufficient.


    Jin was about to offer his hand to Bina, but reconsidered and withdrew it.


    The Count and Bina are left to Reiko, who steps into the Warp Gate ahead of Jin.


    This time, to avoid unnecessary confusion, I have arranged to move directly to the destination, which is Kunlun Island.


    "Here ...... is ......."


    Count Kuzma reacts as expected when he enters the warp gate room in the basement of the museum. Bina, for the second time, is still fidgeting.


    "Come on, let''s go up.


    Jin urged them to go up the stairs. They passed through the entrance hall and went outside.


    "Wow!"


    "Oh!"


    Jin said these lines.


    "Welcome to Kunlun Island."

 1006 - - 28-17 Introduction of members

    "This is the Kunlun Island, isn''t it a nice place?"


    Count Kuzma looks at the pavilion from the lawn garden and is impressed.


    This is the second time Bina has been here, and she is still impressed.


    "Oh, it''s been so long. I was with Elsa ...... at that time.


    Jin spoke to them.


    "Well, this is not the end. There''s something new I built for the World Congress."


    "What?��You built it?


    Yes. I''ll tell you the details later, but I''d like you to take a look.


    So we headed for the beach in the barrier cushion car.


    "What is this?


    "It''s called a barrier cushion car. < under the car.


    Jin explains, but Bina is still not convinced.


    "Then we can float, but we can''t go forward!


    Jin thinks that Beena has a talent to come up with such an idea so quickly.


    "Well, well. I''ll explain everything slowly later.


    He kept his voice low.


    Count Kuzma was amazed by the barrier cushion car, but he was also impressed by its speed and the almost unobstructed ride.


    Fifteen minutes later, they were on the beach.


    "Look, that''s the ."


    "......"


    Bina is silent. Count Kuzma gave his impressions.


    "...... It''s literally made of jade. That''s an extravagant use of a less popular stone."


    Here in Arus, jade is not as popular as it is on modern Earth. This is probably due to the fact that transparent stones are preferred here, and jade is produced in larger quantities than on Earth.


    "And this is Wujinggak.


    He leads us through the woods to the Japanese garden.


    "Oh, this is it!


    "This is amazing!"


    I knew they were both amazed at this.


    "The garden is open for walking and can be accessed at ......."


    "This rest house is called an azumaya.


    "This is an irori (sunken hearth). Well, we don''t have a fire here in the summer.


    They listened to Jin''s explanation with sparkling eyes.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    On the way, we had lunch at the Jade Pavilion and asked them about their impressions of the tour.


    Their comments were very helpful and Jin thought that he would reflect them in the World Congress.


    "Well, it''s almost evening.


    Jin opened his mouth as he sipped tea in the arbor in the garden of Wujinggak.


    "I''m sorry to keep surprising you, but I have another surprise for you two."


    "Yeah, ...... what is it, Jin?"


    "Jin''s going to all this trouble to tell us this, so it must be something pretty crazy, huh?"


    The two of them are getting ready.


    "Well, in a way it might be outrageous," said Jin.


    Jin says,


    "Well, in a way it might be," said Hitoshi, "Then why don''t you just tell us what it is!


    "Bina is right. "Beena is right. Let''s hear it.


    The two men leaned forward as if they wanted to hear.


    "Okay, I''ll tell you. ...... is not where I''m really based."


    "What?"


    "My real base is on the island of Horai, further to the east of here."


    "Horai Island?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes. I''m going to invite you two there now. Will you come?"


    Of course!


    Without a pause, Bina replied.


    "Yes, we will be glad to have you."


    Count Kuzma nodded his head.


    "All right, then, let''s go."


    Jin guided them to the warp gate under the Five Elements Pavilion.


    They then moved to Horai Island.


    "What is this place?


    "Is this all a warp gate?


    This time, the warp gate is not direct, but via the Shinkai.


    The two of us were first taken aback by the spectacular array of incoming and outgoing warp gates.


    "This is a relay base we set up here in case there are any intruders, you will be transferred to Horai Island once again.


    Jin, Reiko, Bina, and Count Kuzuma then moved to Horai Island.


    "Well, here we are."


    Then they went up the stairs and out of the institute,


    "Welcome to Horai Island.


    It is a standard line.


    They are surprised to see the institute.


    "Jin, is this the place?"


    "Yes. <


    "You''ve come, Lewis."


    Reinhardt called out to him.


    Reinhardt, it''s you!


    "Yes. I''m sorry, but Jin invited me here before you.


    "No, that''s fine. ......"


    Count Kuzma was curious about the people lined up behind Reinhardt.


    "Let me introduce you. They are all members of the <>. You know ...... Erza, don''t you?"


    First Erza bows.


    "This is Erza''s real mother, Meine."


    Meene also bows.


    "Saki Eschenbach. Next to her is Saki''s father, Tor Eschenbach. Both father and son are alchemists of the Shoro Empire.


    Saki and Toa bow together.


    "You know Stearina, don''t you?��She has defected from the Kingdom of Celuloa and is now married to Toa.


    "It''s been a long time, you two."


    Stearina also bailed.


    Next to her is Stearina''s friend and storyteller Vivienne. She has defected from the Kingdom of Selroa to the Kingdom of Shoro.


    I''m Vivian.


    Now, this is Marcia, a shipwright from the Kingdom of Elias, and her father, Rodrigo.


    "Pleased to meet you."


    The two men bailed.


    "And this is Reinhardt''s wife, ......."


    "My name is Belce Randall von Scarlett."


    Bertje bowed lightly. She had to stop deep bows and curtsies because of her large belly.


    "And this is ......."


    "And this is . I am Louis Wurtz Kuzma, Count of Egelea.


    And this is my wife, Bina Rauf Kuzma.


    They introduced themselves, and Jin began to explain the best-kept secret of his origin.


    "I have something to tell you both. I''m ......."


    Bina and Count Kuzma could only listen in silence.

 1007 - - 28-18 Girls Talk in Hot Springs

    After Jin''s explanation, it was almost dusk on Horai Island.


    "Ah, it''s getting late...aren''t you two staying the night?"


    Count Kuzuma nodded at Jin''s invitation.


    "Yes, I''d like that. Reinhard, what about you?


    "Yes. Belle is too ill to go home, but I''ll stay here tonight.


    I''ll stay here tonight. Then we can talk afterwards.


    And then Beena said.


    "Beena, are you okay?��You don''t look so good."


    "Yeah, yeah. I''m ...... feeling a bit light-headed because of everything that''s been going on."


    Beena replies to Erza''s words with a weak smile.


    "Well then, you two, relax in the hot springs.


    "I''ll do that. ......"


    "Would you prefer a mixed bath or a separate bath for men and women?"


    "Come on, ......!"


    Bina turns bright red. She is still new to this kind of talk.


    "Yes, separate, please."


    Count Kuzma, sensing this, answered for her.


    "I don''t care if it''s at the house, you don''t have to do it when you''re out of town.


    Jin wondered if this meant that they would be together in the house, but he thought of Beena, whose face was still red, and decided not to say anything about it.


    "Well, Beena, do you want to join us?"


    When Erza spoke, Beena finally calmed down and shook her head.


    "......Oh, that feels good."


    "...... hmm."


    Elsa and Beena were soaking in the hot spring together.


    "Beena, will Lewis be nice to you?"


    "Yes,...... yes."


    Beena was surprised by the question out of the blue.


    "Yes. I''m glad you''re happy.


    "Thank you. Erza is ...... happy too, now that she''s engaged to Jin?"


    Still in her old habits, Bina almost says "Erza-sama.


    "Yes.


    "Jin is an amazing person. I didn''t think he was born and raised in another world. ...... but I guess it makes sense, considering his knowledge.


    Bina remembers how he healed her siblings, how he made popcorn, and how he taught her that cold air goes down in the refrigerator.


    "So, what did Elsa ...... think of Jin?"


    "Yes. I''m not sure how much I can do to help you. ...... don''t tell anyone about this."


    Bina smiled and nodded.


    "Oh, I know what you mean.


    "But after talking to him for a while, I thought he was a kind person. When I got to know him, I thought he knew some unusual things. And ...... I began to feel safe when I was around him."


    "I know. Jin is a person who doesn''t seem to have anything flashy about him, but he has a strange way of sticking in your mind. ......So?"


    "Hmm. He taught me ...... engineering magic and allowed me to go back home again,...... and I found myself becoming an irreplaceable person."


    "I like that."


    "Bina did her best. I''m sure it wasn''t easy learning to be a countess.


    Elsa understands. How hard it must have been for a commoner to acquire enough education to be a countess in a short period of time, how much effort it must have taken.


    "Yes, that''s true. But thinking of Louis, I could do my best."


    "You look beautiful now, Beena."


    "What?"


    "Beena''s beautiful now that Mr. Lewis loves her."


    "She''s ...... beautiful now." "What?��And Elsa, too.


    "Me?"


    "Yes. I think she''s become much ...... softer."


    "Softer......?"


    Yes. When I first met you, you seemed kind of ...... unapproachable. Not because I was a commoner."


    "...... I don''t know, no."


    Bina smiled.


    "Of course you don''t. You know yourself best, but you don''t know yourself at all.


    "Maybe it''s because I wasn''t very good at socializing back then."


    "Maybe. Maybe that''s not the only reason.


    Even Bina doesn''t know for sure.


    "But Elsa is very nice with Jin.


    Thank you.


    Thank you very much.


    Meanwhile, Jin, Reinhardt, and Count Kuzma are soaking in the men''s bath.


    "Jin-dono, I think I''ve been surprised enough in one day to last a lifetime.


    "Luis, you''re not done yet. I''m sure you''ll be even more surprised when you see all the things Jin has made.


    "I''m sure you''ll have more surprises in store for you later on."


    "Yes. I and Erza were told about it by Jin at the very beginning.


    In that sense, I think that Count Kuzma and Bina, who are the most junior of the two, will have a hard time.


    "Well, you''ll have to get used to it."


    Count Kuzma, who heard Reinhardt''s line, asked Jin with a twitchy face.


    "...... I understand."


    Battleships, submarines, land, sea and air forces, undersea forces and space forces. And if I show him the spaceships, it will be more than he can tolerate, Jin decided to cancel part of tomorrow''s schedule.


    * * * * * *


    Is this tatami?


    "You''re new here. I experienced it when I came here with Elsa. I remember Elsa loved it."


    The two are staying at Jin''s house.


    A futon is laid out in a tatami room.


    "...... but this futon is wonderful."


    It''s the same futon they both use, the <> futon woven with threads produced by the Grand Caterpillar.


    This one has been further improved to make it more comfortable to sleep on.


    A futon should be more than just soft.


    The current Horaijima standard is a futon that is made to support the body tightly, creating soft and slightly firm areas so that the spine does not bend.


    "Thanks to Beena, I guess."


    "What''s wrong all of a sudden?"


    "No, I just thought that the reason I got to know Jin-dono and the reason I was invited to such a wonderful place was because Beena is my wife.


    "You don''t mean that. No, on the contrary. You are the reason I am here.


    He had never said it out loud, but he remembered the anxiety he felt when he was almost taken prisoner in Count Galana''s house, and the relief he felt when he was saved. She will never forget it, Bina thinks.


    But that does not mean that she married him for a favor.


    It was because I really fell in love with Lewis. That''s why she is willing to stand by his side and support him now and in the future.


    "Thank you, my dear."


    "What are you doing here all of a sudden?"


    I just wanted to say something.


    "I see. Well, I just wanted to say it. Thank you, Beena.


    And so the night of Horai Island continues.

 1008 - - 28-19 Hitoshi, Im worried about a lot of things.

    The next day, Jin presented the bracelets to Bina and Count Kuzma as a token of their family.


    Bina''s is crimson, and Count Kuzma''s is yellowish green.


    When the two were told how to use the bracelets, they were puzzled.


    "Can we really be allowed to receive such an amazing magical tool?


    But Jin smiles and tells them.


    "It''s a sign of trust. Everyone wears them."


    "......"


    At this point, Bina says what she has been thinking.


    "Hey Jin, what if, what if?��What if we tell the whole world about this place?��Will we be punished?"


    "What kind of secret society ...... are you talking about?"


    Jin laughed and continued.


    "I told you my secret because I trust you two and I trust you. If they were to tell anyone, it would have to be because of some compelling reason.


    "Jin ......"


    "If that happens, I''ll take care of it.


    "That''s right Beena-san. This Houraishima won''t be affected by anything.


    Even Reiko tried to reassure Bina with such words. The content of her words is another matter.


    Incidentally, the so-called by the old man had already been done when Jin had said he would invite them to the Kunlun Island.


    Since the result was acceptable, he had no plans to talk about it unless Jin asked him about it.


    Before noon that day, Bina and Count Kuzma returned to Blueland.


    Jin and Reiko went with them to install a warp gate in the basement of the Count''s house.


    Now they can come and go as soon as they need to.


    "But you can''t use it without the bracelet..."


    "I know."


    And since we''ll be going through the Shinkai, it''ll keep out any suspicious people.


    "I understand. I will be very careful. I will not let the servants know about this."


    Both Bina and Count Kuzma agreed to keep the secret.


    "I''ll see you later. If you need anything, please use the communication function of the bracelet.


    With these words, Jin returned to Horai Island using the warp gate that had just been installed.


    * * * *


    "Now then, all that''s left is ......."


    "Brother Jin."


    Erza came to Jin relaxing in his on Horai Island.


    "Are you worried about something?"


    "No, I''m not so much thinking as worrying."


    "About what?"


    "About Licia and ...... Milowina-san."


    What?


    Elsa was surprised to hear two names mentioned at the same time that seemed to have no connection at all.


    "No,......I was wondering which should come first, getting Licia to join the family or bringing Mr. Milowina here once."


    "......Licia to join the family after all?"


    "Yes. If Egelea Kingdom is Beena and her family, Klein Kingdom is hers, I thought.


    "...... I understand that. By the way, speaking of Licia, I noticed something, okay?


    Jin nodded, wondering what Erza had noticed.


    "Well, the other day, Licia-san said that she wanted to make juice and jam a specialty of Toka village."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Jin remembered that Lambel''s juice and jam were delicious.


    "Jam is one thing, but not juice. It doesn''t keep well.


    "Ah..."


    Jin realized what was being said.


    "I don''t have to worry about Persica juice and Citran juice in Horai Island because of the <>."


    "I don''t think even a ...... refrigerator would be able to do that."


    The limit for 100 percent fruit juice is two or three days at the most.


    In such a short time, it would barely make it to Charles Town. There is no way we can get it to King''s Landing.


    "Oh, I forgot about that..."


    I think you should tell him.


    "......, I guess so."


    Then, the first thing we should do is to follow up with Licia. It is up to Licia to decide whether or not to invite her to Horai Island.


    The old man advised.


    "Oh, I see."


    Unlike the independent village of Kaina, Toka Village is undeniably a part of the Klein Kingdom.


    It is mandatory to pay taxes on the harvest.


    "What?��Isn''t tax payment in the fall?


    Suddenly, Jin remembers that when he was in Kaina Village, taxes were paid in the fall.


    "Oh, I see."


    Of course, the total amount should not increase, the old man adds.


    "Well, you can go to ...... when you come back."


    "Brother Jin, don''t forget."


    "Ugh, ...... I''ll be careful."


    Then, the first thing to do is to go to Milowina.


    "Have you been well since then?"


    , you are well enough to walk around by yourself. He also told me that he was able to restore the gravity to 1G the day before yesterday.


    "Oh, that''s good news. Well then, let''s invite him to Horai Island.


    "Brother Jin, what are your countermeasures against the pathogen?"


    Erza gives an advice.


    "Oh, yes. <.


    In short, a space suit with warding. For a long time, he had been thinking of generating a field along the surface of the body.


    "That would be a good idea.


    Jin then decided to start work on the development of a "body surface ward," which had been in limbo for some time.


    "After all, I think I can do something if I can specify a starting point.


    Jin did not think nothing of it.


    "You mean, a boundary with the surface of the body as the starting point and the distance from there as the minimum?"


    "Ah. This can be easily applied to Reiko, for example. The skin is the leather of an ancient dragon.


    It''s easy because it has outstanding properties against magic.


    The problem is the people. ......


    "That''s right, Elsa."


    Jin nodded and crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    The human body cannot be clearly delineated by skin and muscle. Epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.


    The epidermis does not have blood vessels, but the dermis does. This is why the concentration of mana and ether is not constant.


    "The concentration of mana in the blood changes, doesn''t it? ......"


    At the moment, taking such errors into account, it seems possible to construct a ward up to about 10 cm from the skin surface.


    "What happens if we go below that?"


    "In the worst case of error, parts of the body will be exposed through the warding."


    Jin thinks that elbows and knees are likely to be exposed.


    For example, if you were exposed in a vacuum, you would be in big trouble.


    "...... is difficult."


    Elsa also tilted her head.

 1009 - - 28-20 Transformation of ideas

    "umm."


    "......"


    Jin and Elsa were still struggling.


    "It would be relatively easy if the shape were fixed."


    The plasma sword, for example, is able to maintain its warding in the shape of a sword because it has a specific shape.


    "Barrier or ...... wait?"


    "Brother Jin, barrier cushion car!"


    Both of them seemed to have an idea.


    "Maybe we can just protect it from pathogens..."


    A soft barrier.


    What?


    What?


    Both of them seemed to have come up with slightly different ideas.


    "Uh, let''s start with Erza."


    "...... from my brother Jin."


    "Oh, yeah?"


    Since there was no point in arguing at this point, Jin spoke up with an idea.


    "I thought, we don''t have to stick to the existing barriers, we can create a sterilization barrier.


    In other words, a barrier that sterilizes anything that comes within its area of effect.


    "I see.


    Erza nodded her head and Jin asked her a question.


    "What is your idea?"


    "A flexible barrier, like the one used in the barrier cushion car, that shrinks."


    "I see. ...... Then, depending on the setting, a barrier could be formed along the surface of the body."


    "Hmm."


    Jin and Elsa started discussing again. The old man joins them.


    The old man says that it is feasible and reliable.


    Neither Jin nor Elsa have any objection to that. In fact, that is what we were going to do.


    The problem is the applicability of Elsa''s idea.


    "...... so if we generate another layer of barrier based on the barrier along the surface of the body. ......"


    "That''s right, Brother Jin. That''s exactly what I''m talking about."


    In other words, it is a change of mind.


    Weak barriers are deformable. The barrier cushion car uses this property to absorb the unevenness of the ground.


    If we shrink the size of the barrier surrounding the subject, it will eventually come into contact with the subject''s body.


    What happens if the barrier is further shrunk?


    If the barrier is of the type that allows air to pass through, but not solids, it will begin to deform. Along the subject''s body.


    If the subject is wearing clothes, it will also follow the surface of the clothes.


    "This barrier is, of course, caused by the action of <>."


    Jin explains to Erza, as if checking for himself.


    "Hmm. So, we can use it as a starting point for another warding.


    "Wow, Erza, that''s great!��I hadn''t thought of that idea.


    Jin thought that if he applied this idea, it would be easy to create a multilayered ...... or even a composite warding.


    <<


    "So, if we apply Elsa-sama''s idea, we can eliminate the error."


    Reiko is also impressed.


    Jin, Elsa, Reiko and the old man talked about the possibilities of this method for a while, but then they decided to pursue their original goal.


    "Let''s start with the sterilization barrier.


    "Hmm, that''s the right way of thinking," said Jin.


    The idea is that simpler is better if it can produce the same results.


    "Autumn''s razor, was it?"


    The correct answer is <. It is also called .


    The idea is that a simpler solution is better if it can produce the same result.


    When explaining a law, it is a razor blade in the sense of cutting off unnecessary things.


    I''ll leave you with a quiet word.


    I would like to bring Milowina here, but I think that Ars is full of germs that she is not resistant to.


    That is why we are trying to develop a sterilization barrier.


    "I wonder if we also need to consider bacteria inside solids."


    I mean food.


    <>


    The old man is talking about fermented food.


    "It will be fine. Eating them will not increase the amount of bacteria in your intestines.


    The same goes for liquids. But we have to make sure that it has no effect inside the organism, otherwise it would sterilize Milowina''s own intestinal bacteria and so on.


    "Elsa, what do you think?"


    "...... can do it, I think."


    Erza wrote down the flow of magic control (magi sequence) on a notepad and showed it to him.


    "Yes, I see. This should work. Except for healing magic and the like, magic can''t affect a living body.


    "That''s right. Healing magic is special. But sterilization as an engineering magic can be found at ......."


    Originally, it had no effect on the human body.


    Thus, the <> was completed that evening.


    It is a pendant type, worn around the neck.


    "This looks like it would be effective in surgical operations.


    "Yes, indeed. Shall I take it to Dr. Sali?


    In that case, it might be a good idea to make it a little more versatile, so it can be sterilized around the room.


    "I see."


    He even completed a more advanced magical tool, the Sterilizer.


    "Now we have a chance to call Milowina-san.


    "I think Dr. Sally will be pleased with the sterilizer."


    Satisfied, Jin and Erza decided to have dinner.


    "...... could not prepare it again tonight."


    Meane took over tonight.


    "Thank you, Mother."


    "No problem. You were busy with Jin-sama and other things."


    Barley porridge, omelet, fried white fish, vegetable soup and fruit salad.


    "Mother''s cooking is delicious."


    Elsa has learned to cook from her mother, but she says she can''t get the same taste.


    "I guess there is a difference in age," she says.


    "Hmm, that may be so.


    At Jin''s murmur, Meane agreed with a smile.


    "I''ll do my best ......."


    "Yes, do your best."


    Meine teased her daughter with the composure of an older woman. The bond between mother and daughter was palpable.


    It is a secret that Jin felt a little envy when he saw them.

 1010 - - 28-21 Heyu in Penglai Island

    <> contacted me. Mr. Milowina has expressed an interest in coming here.


    On the morning of June 26th, the old man reported to me.


    "Oh, well. Well then, let''s make some arrangements. Will you look after Elsa, too?"


    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<


    <


    I guess so.


    After the discussion with , it was decided that the old man would go to pick up Milowina on the 27th.


    Incidentally, the standard time in UNY is the same as that of the former capital of the Kingdom of Leonard. It was a natural step.


    "First, me, Reiko, and Erza will transfer to UNY.


    "Yes."


    "I''ll give them the sterilization barrier we''ve developed, give them a brief explanation, and then bring them here to Horai Island."


    "Nope."


    "I''d like you to familiarize yourself with the various things here ...... and, in fact, I''d like you to be extra careful with Erza, because something unexpected may happen."


    I''m on it.


    "So, let''s give it a day and see where ...... we can take her."


    This is where I''m having a hard time deciding, Jin said.


    "I''m thinking about the village of Kaina.


    There is also the idea of going to the old Leonard Kingdom out of the blue, Jin said.


    "Is there a possibility that you would prefer another country?"


    Milowina is the sole survivor of the old Leonard Kingdom. That is to say, it is the rightful heir. In fact, she has royal blood in her veins.


    "A difficult problem."


    <"But master (my lord), does Milowina want to rebuild her country? >>


    "I don''t think so ......, but I have never heard of it."


    <>"Then I guess we don''t have the option of introducing it at the world congress.


    "Oh, I see."


    He would like to let people know the truth about the old Leonard''s Kingdom, but he would like to pass on the first meeting because it would be too confusing.


    "I guess so."


    Jin thinks that since he does not know Ars well, he may not be able to answer his question.


    "Brother Jin, aren''t you thinking too much?"


    "Really?"


    "Yes, your father is trying to make a careful ...... or should I say, a very detailed plan."


    "......"


    "Brother Jin has a weakness for people like that."


    Jin''s weakness (proclivity?) for women with maternal feelings came out in the meeting. Jin''s weakness (proclivity?) for women with maternal feelings came out at the meeting.


    After all the twists and turns and many arguments. In the end, it was decided that after inviting him to Horaijima, the future would be discussed with him.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Then, on June 27th.


    "Well then, let''s go.


    Jin, Reiko, and Erza step into the warp gate to UNY.


    The destination is the warp gate set up inside UNY, in the quarantine facility. As a special measure, the gate is not via <>, but a direct route.


    Welcome, Mr. Jin, Ms. Erza, Mr. Reiko.


    The voice of <>, the management brain of UNY, greeted the three of them.


    First, Jin attached the sterilizer he had brought with him to the warp gate.


    This will prevent the entry of unknown pathogens through the warp gate.


    However, the quarantine facility is constantly sterilized.


    When sees that the work has been completed, he speaks to us.


    "Are you ready, Mr. Mir��wna?


    "Yes. I will come to you now.


    I''ll let her know.


    Jin and the others slowly make their way to Milowena''s room.


    The passageways are so similar that it is easy to get lost, but Reiko is with them, so they feel safe.


    And then they arrive at Milowena''s .


    Jin-sama, please come in.


    The door opens. < has sent word to Milowena.


    "Come in, Mr. Gin."


    Milowena was standing there on her own two feet, looking much better.


    "Hello, it''s been a long time.


    "Thanks to you I feel so much better. I heard you are taking me to Ars this time. I''m looking forward to it.


    "Yes. Please put this on first.


    Jin handed her a sterilization barrier generator.


    "Thank you. Jack told me that this will protect you from pathogens, right?"


    "Yes. I believe something similar is being used in this compartment.


    "Yes, indeed. But they are so small that they should not be portable.


    Milowina put the generator she had received around her neck.


    "You''ve managed to make it into a pendant like this, haven''t you? Jin, you are amazing."


    "Thank you very much."


    "Jin-sama, please take care of Milowina-sama."


    The golem with Milowina said to Jin.


    "Of course. ...... should I give you a name too?"


    "Oh Jin, I named him ."


    Yes, my name is Kai.


    "I see. Kai, are you coming too?


    Are you sure?


    "You''re used to taking care of Milowina, and I''m sure she could use your help."


    I''ll come with you. I will accompany you.


    is slightly more slender than Rand and the others, and smaller in stature.


    It is said that it is designed to match Mir��wna''s physique. This is a reasonable measure, since too much difference in height is hard on the person being assisted in walking.


    The group, including Milowina and Kai, walked down the passage to the warp gate.


    "Well, this is the warp gate. I''ve never seen it before."


    Milowina laughs, saying that although she is used to seeing the magic circle, this is the first time she has seen a warp gate.


    She is 61 years old according to her story, but her joyful smile is just like a little girl''s. "Let''s go.


    Let''s go.


    Please take care of Milowina, Mr. Jin.


    "I''m off, <>."


    The group then disappeared into the warp gate.


    At the same time, they appeared inside the warp gate of Horai Island.


    Jin took Milowina''s hand and walked slowly out of the warp gate.


    For once, the warp gate was not located in the basement, but temporarily in the entrance hall so that there was no need to climb the stairs.


    Once outside, you will find yourself on Horai Island in the summer, with the sun shining brightly.


    To protect from the intense ultraviolet rays of the sun, a light shield was set up. It was a byproduct of the development of the spaceship.


    It blocks most of the ultraviolet rays, 50 percent of the visible rays, and most of the infrared rays.


    It''s a little dim, but it''s for Milowina, who would not have much tolerance for rays of light.


    "Oh, what is that smell?


    Since Horai Island is surrounded by the sea, it has the scent of the sea.


    "Milowina, welcome to Horai Island."


    Jin then welcomed Milowina with the words that have become a standard part of his speech.

 1011 - - 28-22 Bongrae Island and Holidays

    "Ah, so this is the ocean. ......"


    <.


    The smell of the sea might be too strong and unpleasant, so in addition to <>, a weak <> effect was added, so Milowina was enjoying the island of Horai without any problems so far.


    Sitting on a reclining chair there, Milowena looks out at the sea.


    "This is the ocean I was looking down on from UNY. It''s blue and beautiful. The blue of the sky and the blue of the sea, the same blue but different blues. ......


    "Isn''t it hot, Milowina?"


    Her golem, <>, is concerned about her.


    "Yes, I''m fine. The wind feels good.


    In addition to the shading, there is also a large parasol to protect them from the sun, and the sea breeze is blowing, so it will not be too hot if they stay still.


    "I''d like to take a dip in the sea, but I don''t think that''s a good idea. ......"


    "I''m afraid I can''t agree to that, considering your condition."


    Kai''s stern voice made Milowina laugh.


    She had been born and raised in an almost sterile environment. Without the sterilization barrier that Jin and Erza had developed, she would not have been able to call on Ars.


    "It couldn''t be helped. I''ll be happy just to see this view.


    The sea and the sky of Horai Island were blue and endless.


    It''s delicious.


    "Please eat whatever you like."


    Peridot Leader''s lunch was prepared.


    Porridge, pickled plums, and nori tsukudani (seaweed boiled in soy sauce).


    Sandwiches. Eggs, ham, vegetables, etc.


    Kama-age udon. Inaniwa-style thin noodles with chopped leeks as condiments.


    "Well, well, I''m very happy. You''ve cooked with ingredients from the ground up."


    I''m told he has a small appetite, so he takes small portions of each dish.


    Milowina liked the porridge best and the udon second. Perhaps she prefers Japanese food.


    Jin and Erza finished what Milowina did not touch. Jin does not waste food.


    After the meal, dessert was a ripe Persica.


    "Oh, it''s so sweet and delicious!


    The ripe persica we had just eaten.


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin. I''m glad I came."


    Milowina smiled softly, looking really happy.


    Not wanting to just stare out at the ocean, Jin called in the , a 100 meter class cruiser.


    "Well, a ship!��Will they let us aboard?"


    "Yes, of course."


    Milowina is not particularly surprised to see . She has developed a tolerance for technology.


    < to the beach, she decides to use the barrier cushion car''s <> to fly away.


    "Well, well, this is fun!"


    Milowina is as excited as a little girl.


    The 100-meter class ship is gently rocking, but in the rest area that has been hastily set up on the deck, gravity magic is used so that the passengers do not feel the rocking.


    This was also for the sake of Jin himself, who is prone to seasickness.


    "<>, launch!"


    The captain, Marine 11, gives the order and <> starts to move.


    "Oh, how nice!��The sea is so nice!"


    <


    This time, it is propelled by the Magi Water Jet, a magical water propulsion system.


    "Tidal wind," you call it.��It feels good. ...... I''m so lucky to be able to come back to Ars while I''m still alive.


    Milowina looks 20 years younger as she gazes out at the sea with a twinkle in her eye.


    After enjoying the two-hour cruise, Jin and Milowina returned to the institute through the warp gate.


    Tea was ready in the vestibule of the institute.


    "Well, it''s nice."


    Milowina smiled at the golden Soleil and silver Luna.


    "We have prepared a variety of teas for you. Please try them."


    Green tea, hojicha, brown rice tea, black tea, buckwheat tea, barley tea.


    Perhya tea, kuhe tea.


    As tea, popcorn, topopo chips, sweet potatoes.


    Pancakes, honey beans, pudding, and rice crackers.


    "Oh, my God, that''s nice. I can''t stop looking."


    Milowina tasted a little bit of everything.


    "I didn''t know there were so many different kinds of food and drinks. ......"


    Since UNY has limited ingredients, the menu was naturally limited as well.


    I think hojicha is your favorite. And honey beans are delicious.


    Milowina was tasting the freshly made gyuuhi, and Jin was happy too.


    Now Milowina''s tastes have become clear.


    Now it is time for dinner.


    Before that, she is going to take a bath.


    Elsa, Reiko, please.


    Yes.


    Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    Kai and Reiko will be there as chaperones.


    "Is this the hot spring?"


    Yes, it is. Watch your step.


    Kai and Reiko took her by the hand and Milowina stepped into the bathroom.


    "You''re going to soak in the hot water, aren''t you?"


    In UNY, water is precious, so they only had showers, she said.


    Milowina poured herself a hot bath and slowly got into the bathtub.


    "Oh, that feels good.


    The temperature is usually between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius for Jin, who likes hot water, but today it is a little warmer. It is about 39 degrees Celsius.


    Milowina stretches her arms and legs in the hot water.


    Elsa joins her.


    "It''s a wonder this kind of water comes out of the ground," she says.


    Even though she knew it theoretically, it was still a wonder to see it in person.


    "Yes, I thought so too at first.


    "Well, I thought so, too."


    Milowina''s skin is so firm, it is hard to believe that she is 61 years old.


    "Let me wash your back."


    "Oh, my God, thank you."


    After warming up sufficiently, Elsa rinses Milowina''s back at the sink.


    She uses soap made from baking soda, a specialty of the village of Kaina.


    Topaz has painstakingly created this soap from his hazy memory of Jin and the soap he brought back from Mitsuho.


    In addition, there is also a .


    It is made of rice bran wrapped in a fine cloth, which is placed in a basin of hot water, and when you wash your face with the hot water, your face becomes glowing.


    It can also be used as a rinse after washing your hair. It is gentle to hair dry from the sea breeze.


    "Oh, it feels so good!"


    Milowina murmurs happily as she soaks in the hot spring.


    After an hour long soak, we drank cold citran juice.


    She drank only one glass, as it was bad for her stomach if she drank too much. It is slightly carbonated, so it goes down your throat nicely.


    "Oh my, this is delicious!


    Milowina drinks the entire glass without choking.


    "I''m glad I came!"


    These were words from the bottom of her heart.

 1012 - - 28-23 Visit to Kaina Village

    On June 28, Jin decided to take Milowina to the village of Kaina at his own request.


    The means of transportation is . Edgar is piloting the aircraft this time.


    "We will fly as low as possible.


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it."


    Milowina is excited.


    Jin, Elsa, Reiko, and the caretaker golem are with her.


    "Oh, it''s so different looking down from the sky!


    flies at an altitude of about 100 meters. The speed is about 300 kilometers per hour.


    The distance to the village of Kaina is less than 800 kilometers, so the flight takes about two and a half hours.


    "Oh, I can see the land now.


    "Yes, we are almost over the old Leonard''s Kingdom."


    "Yes, that''s right. ......"


    Milowina''s face tightened up from her excitement.


    We''re going to lose a little altitude, Jin. I can feel the surface of the earth.


    "......Really, there''s nothing left to see. ......"


    His voice sounded less damp than Jin had expected.


    "Yes. Last year, I think it was, I went to the old capital with my friends, and we heard that there was a magical brain called Messenger in the basement there, and that the residents had moved to the moon to avoid an epidemic.


    "So that''s what happened."


    After that, Milowina kept her mouth shut and continued to look at the surface of the earth.


    climbed to a higher altitude to cross the mountain range separating the former Leonard and Klein kingdoms.


    As they crossed the mountain range, they could see the Shama Marsh below them. It is full of green at this time of the year.


    "Oh my, it''s beautiful!


    Milowina exclaimed cheerfully.


    A corner of the marsh was covered with white flowers.


    They looked like the Mizubashou that Jin knew.


    "I think it''s called white cayenne," she said.


    This was the botanical name he had learned from Mitsuho.


    "Yes, it''s called white cayenne. It''s beautiful."


    After passing through the homeland, Mir��wna seemed to have regained her normal state of health.


    We''re almost at the village of Kaina.


    Jin''s territory, right?


    Yes, that''s right.


    We flew over the Shama Marsh and crossed the Togo Pass to reach the village of Kaina.


    The keep of Nido Castle came into view.


    "Well, what is that building?"


    Milowina looked up at the building, which was in a style not seen in Arus.


    "That''s Nido Castle. It''s my castle."


    "Well, well, that''s a very unusual style.


    Milowena looks intrigued.


    lands in the plaza in front of Nido Castle.


    The number 101 golem maids of five colors greet her.


    "Master, we''ve been expecting you.


    "Thank you. This is Milowina, please take care of her first.


    Yes, sir.


    It was just before noon, so we decided to have lunch.


    We decided to have the meal brought to the parlor on the second floor of Nido Castle.


    This is a Western-style room, so we could eat sitting on chairs.


    The menu consisted of rice gruel and pickled plums. And tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce) with dried laver and kelp (I''ve decided to say no more).


    The menu was tailored to Milowina''s tastes.


    This porridge is delicious, isn''t it?


    "This porridge is very tasty," she said. "It''s also very digestive.


    "Oh, it''s even better for me."


    The tea is hojicha.


    "This tea is delicious too."


    After a leisurely meal, we decided to visit the village.


    Since it would be difficult to walk all the way, we took a special rickshaw that Jin had prepared the day before. The rickshaw has a top to protect it from the sun.


    The rickshaw is pulled by Butler C.


    "Well, well, what an interesting vehicle!


    Milowina is amused by the rickshaw. She seems to like it.


    The suspension, dampers, and rubber tires absorb vibrations, so the ride is comfortable.


    Butler C pulls the rickshaw slowly and unhurriedly.


    "Oh, Jin-chan."


    "Oh, Jin. You have a visitor?


    "It''s an interesting vehicle.


    People passing by react in a variety of ways.


    "Oh, my baby girl!"


    Hannah runs up to me.


    "Are you a visitor?"


    "Yes, yes. Her name is Milowina.


    Hearing this, Hannah smiled and bowed.


    "Nice to meet you, I''m Hanna. Welcome to our home."


    "Well, you''re very kind, pretty lady. I am Milowina.


    Hannah, would you like to go with me?


    "Yes, I''ll show you around!"


    Hannah answers cheerfully.


    "That''s the wheat field. I haven''t planted it yet because I did it last time.


    "This is called a pump. My grandma made it for me.


    "That''s Mr. Soncho''s house. There''s an aunt Sally, who is a very shy lady."


    Milowina listened to him with a smile on her face as he tried his best to explain.


    "Oh, Jin, you''re showing the guests around. Hannah is also very good.


    "My guest, there''s nothing in this village, but I''ll make sure you have a relaxing time.


    Sir, I''m sure you''ll have a good time.


    Villagers doing odd jobs greeted Jin, Hannah, and Milowena.


    Milowina smiled and waved at them.


    "So, this is the hot spring. It feels so nice."


    "It''s called Yukimuro. It is filled with snow that falls in winter, so that even in the hottest of summers, it is cool and quiet, so that you can preserve your vegetables and meat.


    "On the other side is a meadow. There are more horses.


    The horses in the pasture are the same horses that Licia and Pascoe used to ride. Another foal was born this year, and together with the horse that Jin had bought, there were seven horses in the pasture.


    "Over there is a store. They sell all kinds of things. Eric, the owner of the shop, is good friends with Barbara, the owner of Soncho''s shop.


    Hannah''s explanation is quite enjoyable, and Jin and Erza naturally smile as they listen to her.


    So, here is my house, across the street is Jin''s house, and on the other side is a kobo.


    We take a break when we arrive at Jin''s house.


    Jin''s workshop has a large eave overhanging the house, which provides just the right amount of shade.


    Chairs and a table provide a place to rest.


    In the baggage we brought with us was a thermos bottle filled with well-chilled Houraishima Persica juice.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!


    "Delicious!"


    Hannah must have been thirsty because she kept talking and drank two more glasses of Persian juice.


    "Aren''t you tired, Milowina?"


    Jin looked at Milowena, who was exhaling after drinking Persica juice, and said, "Yes, I am.


    "Yes, I''m fine. They are good people.


    Milowina seems to like the people of the village of Kaina.

 1013 - - 28-24 Return to Home and Result

    After spending the night at Nido Castle, Milowina spent the next morning walking around the village of Kaina.


    "Auntie, talk to me!


    "Oh, dear, of course."


    On the way, the village children caught her, and she told them stories ......, mostly old tales from the old Leonard''s kingdom.


    "Oh, really?


    "How long ago was that?"


    "That''s a mystery!"


    Milowina also seemed to enjoy interacting with the children, and Jin seemed to be very lively.


    "I bet this is the first time for you to see children, isn''t it?"


    He was sure that there was no one younger than Milowina at the UNY facility.


    "Hmm, I''m sure that''s right."


    Milowina looks happy surrounded by children.


    "Elsa, how is Milowena''s health?


    "Yes, very good. I feel younger since I came here.


    Elsa said, "I think it''s having a positive effect on her mentally.


    "I hope so."


    "Yeah."


    Jin and Elsa felt this way from the bottom of their hearts as they watched Milowina tell the children a story about the old days.


    * * * * * *


    "Yes, I heard that ......".


    Milowina had something on her mind and was now talking to the village chief, Giebeck.


    "......Some say that your ancestors came over the mountains in the east."


    "......I knew it."


    Milowina, who had heard from Giebeck about the old stories of the village and her ancestors, looked convinced.


    He thought she must have realized something, but he did not force himself to ask her until she told him.


    Jin said, "Hey, Jin-kun.


    "Hey Jin-kun, will you take me to Leonard''s Kingdom?"


    Milowina said to Jin as they finished lunch at Martha''s house.


    Jin had no objection.


    "Yes, but where ...... would you like to go?"


    "Well, I guess the place where the capital used to be."


    Milowina wants to go to Diaa, the former capital city that she visited with Hannah and her friends before.


    I understand. I know some of the places there.


    So we decided to go there by <>.


    The distance is about 300 kilometers, so we take the <> and arrive there in one hour.


    Elsa, Reiko, Kai, and Edgar are accompanying them.


    Jin ordered the old man to send 20 Land troops to survey the area in advance, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.


    Diaa, the old capital, had not changed since the previous visit.


    "This is the capital ......"


    It must have been a special feeling to have stood there with one''s own feet, instead of looking at it from the sky. Milowina stood there for a while in silence.


    After standing there for about 10 minutes, she looked back at Jin and the others. It was probably not Jin''s imagination that her eyes seemed to be a little moist.


    "Thank you, Jin. ......Where is this basement?"


    "Oh, yes. This way.


    Jin leads us to a sturdy two-story building that appears to be a museum. Milowina followed, with Kai standing close behind her.


    Elsa and Edgar are in the last row. Reiko is in a ranger position, a little apart from the group, keeping an eye on the surroundings.


    The entrance, which had been cleared of vines, was still intact.


    Once inside, we found a group of murals. Jin lit a ball of light.


    "Well, ......."


    Milowina looked surprised.


    "This is the ...... creation myth. This one is about people''s lives. And ......."


    Milowina looks around slowly, one by one. Contrary to my expectations, she seemed to be enjoying herself.


    After looking at all the murals, Milowina told me,


    "Would you like to visit the basement?


    Jin asked.


    "Oh, yes. You need a messenger, don''t you? I''ll ask them.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin instructed Reiko and poured magic power into the Magi Stone for activation.


    Jin and the others had put up a barrier just in case, but the passage to the basement opened without incident.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    Kai led the way down the stairs to the basement, followed by Jin and Erza, each leading Milowina by the hand. Reiko was the leader of the group.


    "<>"


    The messenger''s voice sounded.


    "You must be the messenger. I am a descendant of the escaped royalty."


    "<>"


    At that moment, the messenger''s voice was cut off. And then...


    Welcome home.


    A different voice came through.


    "Indeed, you are a direct descendant of the Leonard family.


    Somehow he must have read Mir��wna''s magic patterns.


    It seems that another magical brain has awakened in place of the messenger.


    It has been 235 years since I was built, and at last the One who should serve me has returned.


    You''re a magic brain too?


    Yes. My name is...


    What?


    I''m [email protected]+>.


    I can''t understand the name part.


    "I don''t know your name."


    It''s a trivial matter. Now, what do you want me to do?


    What?


    That the kingdom of Leonard be restored to this land.


    But Milowina shook her head at this request.


    "I don''t intend to. I am the only one left alive.


    So, all I want is for you to be at the top of the heap after the continent has been pacified.


    I don''t want to do that anymore.


    No, you''ll be the top ...... queen by any means necessary.


    You mustn''t do such a crazy thing.


    It''s not absurd. It''s possible with my power.


    That''s why I don''t want to do it.


    No, this is my mission.


    No, please!


    The world is yours!


    At that moment there was a slight vibration.


    "What is it?"


    Jin wonders. Then comes a report from Reiko.


    "...... father, a demon has appeared on the surface of the earth.

 1014 - - 28-25 Runaway

    "Demons?��Not a golem squad?"


    I asked back.


    "Yes, demons. <


    "Order Lando''s squad to sweep them up. If they''re too strong, call for reinforcements.


    "Yes, sir. I''ll let the old man know."


    Having given his orders, Jin decides to tackle the problem at hand.


    There is a hole in the floor in front of him.


    Come on out, invincible golem squad!


    the magic brain declares loudly.


    But...


    Only three half-destroyed Golems emerged. Moreover, one of them tried to walk away, but its legs broke and it fell down.


    "......What?"


    It seems that the magic brain had the same impression as Jin.


    What the hell did you do?


    Jin-kun, what''s going on?


    Milowina, too, was at a loss to understand what was going on.


    But I think it was the magical brain that was really confused.


    Oh, my invincible army is ......!


    Brother Jin, look!


    Four gigantor avrums crawled out of the hole from which the three half-destroyed golems had emerged.


    These gigantic scissors beetles were once used by the puppet Archel and his homunculus, and their weapons were the giant scissors on their tails.


    "Come near me, Milowina-san!"


    Jin deployed a barrier with his guard ring while protecting Milowena.


    Why on earth have the golem troops turned into demons!


    The confused voice of the magic brain, which seemed to be unable to comprehend the situation, resounded through the air.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, on the ground, more than 50 mega-ants and more than 20 gigantic ants crawled out.


    The mega-ants are not so dangerous, but the giant ants are dangerous because they spit highly acidic corrosive fluid from their mouths.


    The bodily fluids of the queen ants melted Reiko''s skin, which was made from the wing membrane of a sea dragon, so much so that she went looking for the shell of an ancient dragon to overcome this defect.


    Thus, the Land team was on its guard.


    While deploying a physical barrier (solid barrier) to protect themselves from the corrosive liquid, they attacked with <>.


    This is a safe and reliable method.


    >.


    The old man''s instructions fly.


    For this purpose, Falcon 5 and 6, sent by transporters, are flying overhead, watching.


    Also, <> has temporarily taken refuge in the sky to avoid danger. At the same time, they were also monitoring the ground.


    Within a few minutes, the matter was settled.


    <<52 mega-ants and 23 giant ants? Let''s keep an eye on them for a while longer to see if this is the end.


    Just to be sure, the old man instructed them to continue their vigilance.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and Erza, who have put up a barrier, retreat while protecting Milowina. Kai, who is not a fighter, also retreats.


    Reiko, on the other hand, intercepts Gigantor Avrum.


    Reiko is no match for Gigantor Avrum.


    Since she did not bring any weapons, she intercepted them with empty fists, but one by swinging a fist and another by kicking.


    One by fist, one by kick, and one by hand, the giant scissorsbugs are slaughtered one after another.


    The last one was thrown away, slammed into a wall, and died.


    "Why ...... is such a monster ...... my golem ......?


    "Probably these guys proliferated inside the golem hangar.


    Jin speculated.


    "Maybe they were attracted by the leaked free magic element (ether)."


    "I see, and it ate the free magical element (ether) and became huge?"


    "I''d like to say ...... that''s right, but that''s not quite right."


    Jin corrects Reiko''s statement.


    "I guess the giant size is the result of generations."


    It seemed to me that they did not become huge all of a sudden, but rather as they grew over generations.


    "Maybe they built a golem hangar near the underground ranch of <>."


    < used to build an in order to get the <>.


    There might have been such a place here in the old Leonard Kingdom. There is no way to know for sure now.


    I am not sure if there was such a place here in the old Leonard Kingdom, although I cannot be sure now. fg why hj


    The words of the magic brain are becoming more and more unintelligible.


    "It''s completely out of control, isn''t it?"


    Jin guessed that the magic base had deteriorated and could no longer operate properly.


    "...... I''m going to have to let it finish its job.


    It is pathetic to see him clinging to his role even after all this time.


    "<>"


    Jin searched for the magic brain somewhere in the ground.


    "<>......<>>......"


    And on the fourth search, it was found.


    "<>......This is it!"


    There was a response to the right of the hole from which Gigantor Avrum had emerged.


    "Reiko, let''s go!"


    "Yes, father."


    Erza, take care of Milowina.


    Yes, father.


    Erza put up a barrier on behalf of Jin to protect Milowina.


    "Jin, Reiko, be careful.


    "...... Jin-kun, give your magic brain a rest already."


    Milowina spoke kindly.


    "Yes. I''m off. ......<"


    Using the earth magic < included in the engineering magic, Jin drills a hole to the magic brain.


    "We''re almost there. ......<"


    Father, it''s open.


    Okay.


    "Okay. [email protected]


    In front of Jin and Reiko''s eyes, there was a magic machine with a half-decayed exterior.


    "Is this it? ......"


    "Father, it''s in worse shape than I thought."


    The exterior was made of steel, which had rusted reddish brown from the moisture in the ground, and there were holes in various places.


    The internal magical base was also damaged, probably due to the penetration of gigantor avrums through the holes.


    This must have been what stopped it.


    "...... There''s no way to fix it now."


    I guess.


    "Oh, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah. frgtml,��


    "...... It''s all right now. Rest in peace."


    Reiko poked the magic base with her index finger.


    With that, the magical base crumbled into pieces.


    Thus, the runaway magical brain has finished its work.

 1015 - - 28-26 Roots

    "It''s over."


    Jin and Reiko reported to Milowina as they emerged from the hole.


    "......Thank you, Jin."


    As the last one in the kingdom of Leonard, Milowina thanked Jin.


    "Shall we go to ......?"


    "Yes."


    The underground < was in such shambles that even Jin could not regenerate it.


    <


    The ground was flooded with light.


    "Oh, it''s so bright. Thank goodness for light.


    Milowina said in a sombre voice.


    Around them still lay the corpses of the Gigaantes and other creatures that had been killed by the Rand team.


    And from the blue sky, , which had temporarily evacuated, slowly descended.


    Mir��wna, who had been staring at the scene without looking at it, suddenly opened her mouth.


    "Jin, I just remembered that there must have been ruins in the old capital. I remember reading about it in the records."


    "You mean the old capital ......?


    Yes, the new capital is Diaa, but the old capital was ...... uh, ...... uh, let''s see, <>, something like that.


    The old capital Karnagh. Hearing the name of the place, the old man realized that he had found the same place name in the information he had gathered in the past.


    I would also like to add that there was some confusion as to which was the original capital of the city, since it was a defunct city from the current point of view.


    "Okay. Thanks for the information."


    Jin looked at Milowina,


    "Shall we go there?


    Milowina nodded. Milowina nodded.


    "Yes, I''m curious.


    "Yes, I am curious. But from the looks of this place, we don''t know what''s in those ruins, so let''s go back to Horai Island and get ready before we go there.


    "That''s a good idea, Jin-brother. I think Milowina-san is tired too.


    Erza agreed to go home once, so they all boarded the and returned to Horai Island.


    * * * * * *


    "This place is nice, isn''t it?"


    Milowina, who came out of the hot spring, sat on the porch and muttered with a cheerful face.


    "...... Kaina village was also a nice village, wasn''t it?"


    "Isn''t it?��It''s a nice village.


    Then Milowina looked a little further away and muttered.


    "Hey, Jin-kun, this is not definite, and it''s just my imagination. ......"


    "Yes?"


    "......The people of Kaina village have the blood of King Leonard''s people in their veins."


    "What?"


    Milowina laughed at Jin''s astonishment,


    "So, it''s my imagination, my imagination.


    Then she continues.


    "When the plague broke out, most people outside of UNY fled to the south, but there must have been people who fled to the west. Over the mountains, you know."


    They might have thought that the mountains might have prevented the plague, Milowina says.


    "And they may have settled there, or they may have mingled with the people who lived there, I don''t know."


    Knowing the generosity of the people of the village of Kaina, Jin somehow thought that he might have mingled with those who lived there.


    That village had accepted Jin, who was literally a gentile.


    However, hearing this, I felt as if I understood why the villages of Kaina and Toka seemed somehow different from each other.


    The village of Kaina was descended from the people of the former Leonard''s Kingdom.


    For a moment, I had a fantasy of crowning Milowina as the queen and leading the people of Kaina to rebuild the Leonard Kingdom.


    But I quickly shook off such thoughts.


    Mir��wna had made it clear that she would not be queen, and the people of Kaina would not want to move there.


    And Jin loved the village of Kaina, the land and all its inhabitants.


    Therefore, she kept the story of Milowina in her heart as her imagination.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    We decided to have dinner at Jin''s house.


    Porridge for Milowina and white rice for Jin and Elsa.


    And miso soup with clams, dried plums, deep-fried tofu, and simmered sweet potatoes.


    "Well, Elsa, you are a good cook. It''s delicious."


    Milowina ate the whole meal, albeit in small portions, with a smile on her face.


    "Thank you very much."


    After the meal, we had hojicha tea.


    "Ah, it smells so good. This is another world.


    Jin was happy that Milowina was happy.


    "By the way, Jin..."


    Then Erza seemed to have an idea.


    "What is it, Erza?


    "Decomposition is the growth of bacteria, is that right?"


    "Yes, I think so.


    Erza thought for a moment and then opened her mouth.


    "If ...... is the case, then won''t things inside the sterilization barrier rot?"


    "Hmm?��I guess it would be ......."


    Then Erza smiled.


    "Then, if we limit the range of this sterilization barrier to the inside of the box, ......"


    "Oh, and the stuff inside won''t spoil!"


    Fermented foods and wine may taste different, but it is definitely effective for perishable foods.


    The only thing that remains is the chemical change, which can be prevented by vacuuming or keeping the food at low temperatures.


    "Licia''s juice, I think I can carry this."


    "Yes!"


    The idea of a sterilization barrier came in handy in a strange way.


    "We should also add a function to the storage facility in Horai Island.


    The old man immediately responded.


    This will drastically increase the shelf life of vegetables, fruits, grains, etc.


    If we combine it with the ether stocker, it will be even more effective.


    "Elsa, I''m impressed."


    "......"


    Erza was happy to hear Jin''s praise.


    "Hmm, you are a good couple, aren''t you?


    "Yes."


    Jin and Erza blushed.


    "Oh, I''m sorry, you''re not a married couple yet.


    The moon in the sky was silently looking down on Milowina who was rolling with laughter, Jin who was embarrassed, and Erza who was blushing.

 1016 - - 28-27 Archaeological Site Discovery

    June is over and July has arrived.


    In the Ars calendar, the three summer months of June, July, and August are small months, with only 29 days in a month. The summer months of June, July, and August are , with only 29 days in a month.


    "It''s getting hotter, isn''t it?


    Jin muttered as he opened the window.


    Since the entire Horai Island is surrounded by the sea, the humidity is high throughout the year.


    However, the area where the institute and the house are located is at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, so it is relatively comfortable.


    "I should have a dehumidifier. ......"


    Jin washes his face, muttering to himself.


    He wiped his face with the towel offered by Reiko and went to the living room.


    Kai was with her, but she seemed to be able to take care of herself already, and Kai looked a little sad.


    "Good morning, Jin.


    "Good morning, Jin."


    "Good morning, Brother Jin."


    Jin sat down at the dining table, feeling happy that he had a family to greet him in the morning.


    The morning meal consisted of the usual combination of rice gruel, pickled plums, pickled vegetables, natto, miso soup, and dried fish.


    The natto is a painstakingly reproduced dish.


    Milowina likes this kind of Japanese food, not because it is unusual, but simply because she likes it, which makes Jin happy.


    Come to think of it, it seems that people who like this kind of menu gather around Jin.


    "This menu is delicious!


    I wondered if the bacillus natto was safe, but it seems to have been sterilized just before eating.


    Jin was happy to see his mother (Milowina), son (Jin), daughter-in-law (Elsa), and grandson (Reiko), all of whom are not related to him by blood, enjoying a family reunion.


    "I am at ......, and according to the map, I think this area is the Carnagh."


    After breakfast, Jin and his family opened the map of the former Leonard Kingdom and discussed the destination.


    "Oh, yes. Since the river is close by, I am sure that is where we are going.


    Milowina corroborated.


    Karnagh is said to have been the capital in an earlier period than the old capital Diaa.


    Jin was a little excited to see what he could find there.


    "Well, how can we get there? ......"


    "Conlon 3?"


    Jin shook his head at Elsa''s question.


    "No, I want to have a fighting force in case of emergency.


    Erza raised an eyebrow at his response.


    "Do you think there will be an emergency?"


    "It''s better if there isn''t, but there''s also the matter of the last time a magical brain went haywire."


    That''s for sure.


    Yes, I don''t know what''s going on at all.


    Milowina, too, was a bit troubled by the magic brain.


    In the end, they decided to take Rand and Skye with them.


    Because of the time difference, we would still be able to arrive at the former Leonard Kingdom early in the morning after these meetings.


    "I''m off then."


    <, has departed.


    They will not use the transporter, but will keep an eye on the ground.


    "It''s nice to be on a plane again and again.


    Milowina was happy to see the ground from the sky.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    We flew almost the same route as last time and entered the former Leonard Kingdom.


    We passed the old capital, Diaa, and continued west.


    The speed is about 30 km/h.


    We are flying slowly because we don''t know what kind of condition Karnagh is in.


    "We didn''t find any ruins when we made the map," he says.


    Jin thinks they are probably not visible from the air.


    "Maybe they are covered with plants or underground."


    He was muttering to himself, and Milowina seemed to have heard him.


    The remains are 1,000 years old, which means that the people of Leonard''s Kingdom moved to UNY about 77 years ago. This means that it was about 770 years ago when the people of Leonard''s kingdom moved to UNY.


    "How can a ruin that has endured 770 years disappear into thin air in a little over 230 years?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Jin agreed with Milowina''s opinion.


    While we were talking like this, we were flying over Karnagh.


    "Mr. Milowina, that''s Karnagh."


    "......"


    Below us was a sea of green ...... trees as far as the eye could see.


    "First, let''s have the RAND team check out the situation.


    At Jin''s order, the accompanying 80 units from Land 21 to 100 descended from the .


    Ten Raptors were patrolling the skies above.


    "Let''s wait for their report," Jin said.


    Jin said, and asked Reiko to prepare refreshments.


    Due to the time difference, it was only 9:00 a.m. around here, but it was already past 11:00 a.m. in Jin''s experience.


    It is past 11:00 a.m., which is a little after 11:00 a.m. It is no wonder that we are getting a little hungry.


    We eat Persica and Apurul, which we just picked up this morning. With calories, vitamins, and minerals, it is a good substitute for lunch.


    "Father, Land 21 has something to report.


    I had just finished eating when the call came in.


    "Oh, well done. At ......?"


    <


    The images that Lando and the others saw are sent to you, and you can transmit them to the magic screen of .


    The reason why the images cannot be sent directly to is that Jin did not add such a function.


    The time lag is about 0.5 seconds, so there is no practical problem.


    "......Hmmm, this is the ruins, or ......What do you think, Mr. Milowina?"


    Next to Jin, who was staring intently at the images, Milowina had a quizzical look on her face.


    "That''s not ...... what I heard."


    According to Milowina, a red gate should have been erected.


    However, the supposed ruins appeared to be nothing more than a crumbling wall.


    "Maybe it has completely decayed."


    "I wonder if that''s true. ......"


    However, the old man, who must have heard the conversation, must have informed the rand team of the good news.


    .


    Pointing to it, Rand 21.


    It was a short distance from what appeared to be a collapsed wall.


    "Oh, the gate is broken," said Milowena.


    Milowina looks relieved.


    Jin, however, looks at the broken gate with surprised eyes.

 1017 - - 28-28 Ancestral Hall.

    "...... torii?"


    A < of the ruins that seems to have broken and fallen down.


    It looked much like a torii gate of a shrine, as far as Jin could see.


    "But there are some differences. ......?"


    It seems to have only one horizontal bar. A torii gate should have two bars.


    "......Well, okay."


    Putting aside the similarities with the torii gate, Jin instructed Land21 to investigate what appeared to be an archaeological site.


    He waited for 30 minutes.


    However, there was no time to get bored as he was watching the images sent by Land 21.


    "Oh, what is that?


    and the old man would relay it so that the Land Unit could get a better view of it.


    Three things became clear to me in this way.


    The first was that there were stone statues in the shape of animals erected on both sides of the gate.


    I found that this seems to be the case when I collected the pieces and assembled them.


    Second, the color of the gate was red.


    This is because the base of the broken gate was found and that part had not yet deteriorated and faded.


    And third.


    The broken gate is small. The original height is estimated to be around 1 meter.


    "...... Shrine?��No, it is a shrine.


    Jin thought of a torii gate and komainu (guardian dogs) from the broken gate and the animal statues on both sides.


    "Then, what looks like a building at the back must be a stone shrine.


    Erza and Milowina seemed to have heard this soliloquy.


    "Brother Jin, what''s a shrine?


    "Jin-kun, do you have any idea about the ruins?"


    "Let''s see... ......"


    Jin thought for a moment, wondering how to explain.


    "...... like the church ...... in my hometown?��Yes, an uninhabited church, that might be close enough."


    "Jin, your hometown is ......?"


    "Ah."


    Jin remembered something he had not told Milowina.


    "Well, I''ll explain in detail later," he said.


    I''ll explain in detail later. The ruins are more important.


    "Brother Jin, there it is!


    Erza pointed at the screen.


    Lando''s group moved a pile of rocks out of the way, and there was a small there.


    I don''t know what the rocks were piled up for, but the damage to this was minimal.


    "......A shrine, after all."


    It looked like a stone shrine to all intents and purposes.


    * * * *


    After thoroughly inspecting the surrounding area to make sure there was no danger, Jin and his colleagues stood in front of the shrine an hour later.


    "It''s a shrine for all intents and purposes. ......"


    Jin looked at the shrine with a nostalgic look in his eyes.


    "Jin, is this a church?"


    Milowina looked at the small appearance of the church and asked.


    "Yes, this is a , a building to worship the gods. I guess you could say that the statues of the gods were placed in a small building because they didn''t want to be exposed to the rain.


    "That makes sense."


    Erza seemed to have understood the significance of the as I had just explained it to her.


    In the case of Shinto, there are more gojintai (sacred objects) than statues of gods, but Jin was not that familiar with them. In fact, in the case of Tenjin-sama (Lord Michizane Sugawara) and Hachiman-sama, statues of deities are sometimes enshrined.


    "I''m more interested in what is enshrined inside.


    Jin reached for the shrine, but was intercepted by Reiko.


    "Father, you don''t know what will happen. I will open it.


    "I see."


    Jin looked a little disappointed and withdrew his hand.


    Reiko slowly approached the shrine and opened the door, but at that moment a spark seemed to fly.


    "Father, I knew it was warded."


    "I guess so."


    Jin would not have been able to even touch the door.


    But Reiko opened the door as if there were no boundary.


    "There are ...... books inside, aren''t there?"


    Jin was a little disappointed that there was no book, diary, or record inside, since he had thought that it must have been made by a Japanese person, namely Shuki Tsezi, given the shape of the book.


    "But ...... what about that?"


    Reiko would not allow Jin to touch it directly, so he peeked inside the shrine from a little distance and tilted his head at what was inside.


    "...... some kind of statue?"


    The statue, which seemed to be made of a white precious stone with a slightly transparent surface, appeared to be a likeness of an animal.


    It has four legs, a narrow, pointed nose, and triangular ears.


    It looks like a dog, but its tail is thicker and larger.


    ......It is a fox, after all."


    It looked like a statue of a fox dedicated to Inari-sama.


    "Reiko, can you take it out?"


    "Yes, father."


    At Jin''s instruction, Reiko easily took out the statue of the fox.


    There seems to be no more traps.


    "Nothing is happening. There seems to be no danger.


    Reiko hands the fox statue to Jin.


    "Hmm."


    Jin takes it and examines it.


    "...... Jin, is that an animal?��I have never seen it before.


    "Interesting modeling, Jin-kun."


    According to Jin''s knowledge, there are no foxes on the Laurentian continent. There is a fox called the "servile fox" on the continent of Gondor.


    In this sense, too, it is likely that Magus intended to create this fox.


    "These are not precious stones, but magi crystals.


    The quality is poor, but they seem to be magi crystals of all attributes.


    "<>"


    Jin briefly examines what the magi crystals contain.


    "Is this ......?"


    Jin noticed something, and at the same time Reiko called out to him.


    "Father, there are letters on the inside of the door.


    "What?"


    Jin looked at it first.


    "What ......<......?��Is it Japanese or ......?"


    And at the end it said Shuki ...... Tsui.


    "Definitely the remains left by Shuki Tsezi."


    The site was warded, but it seems to have deteriorated considerably.


    The statue was a recording device.


    Brother Jin, since you can read it, it means you can have it.


    "Yes. It belongs to Jin.


    Erza and Milowina also told Jin to look at the statue of the fox in his hand.

 1018 - - 28-29 Second Diary

    "Hmmm ......"


    Milowina blurted out.


    "I didn''t know the ruins were this small."


    Jin thought he could understand how she felt.


    The gate, which looked like a torii gate, was less than two meters high, and the shrine was only 130 centimeters high, about the height of Reiko.


    The stone statue of a stone guardian dog is barely one meter high.


    This is too small to be considered as an image of the ruins.


    But that''s about it.


    "...... what should we do with these ruins?


    If Jin has received the magi crystals that were stored inside, they are no longer needed.


    If we leave it as it is, it will eventually decay, fade away, or be destroyed by someone.


    Either way, it will not be safe.


    "Okay, let''s move it."


    "...... what?"


    "Let''s rearrange it and put it in a corner of the garden on Horai Island."


    The old man who was listening reacted immediately.


    He said that he would send a unit of engineers...... that is, a unit of craftsmen (smiths).


    "Okay. I''ll take care of that."


    Jin thought that it was too bad to let the ruins, which reminded him of Japan and had existed for more than 1000 years, decay like this.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    With nothing else to see, the group decided to return to Horai Island.


    There was no problem since they could come here in an instant using the transporter if they wanted to.


    "......I''m sorry."


    "Sorry for what?"


    Jin asked with a question mark in his voice as Milowina apologized.


    "I told you that they were ruins from a thousand years ago, but they didn''t seem to be much after all. ......"


    "No, this is very valuable. After all, it is a record left by <>.


    "<>....... Is he such a great man?"


    "Oh, that''s where it starts."


    Milowina doesn''t seem to know much about .


    On the back to Horai Island, Jin decided to explain his origins and what he had learned so far about .


    "...... So, Jin, you came here from another world......."


    Milowina didn''t seem too surprised. When I pointed this out to her,


    "Well, sometimes things happen in reality that are even more extraordinary than in stories," she remarked.


    "Besides, stories are not always as good as they seem.


    Besides, stories are often based on what actually happened.


    Having lived in a closed world all her life, Milowina had read many such stories.


    "For me, this world of Ars itself is a story," she says.


    "So that''s what it is. ......


    Then Elsa came in with snacks and drinks.


    "It''s a little after three o''clock, please.


    "Oh, thank you."


    "Oh, thank you."


    I was thirsty, so it was perfect.


    Citran juice for Jin. Persica juice for Milowina.


    The snacks were Topopo chips and rice crackers.


    Just what I was looking for, as I had a craving for something a little salty.


    "Don''t eat too much!"


    Elsa nudged us as it was time for dinner back at Horai Island.


    * * * *


    We arrived back at Horai Island at 7:00 p.m. Horai Island time.


    >.


    The old lord welcomed the group.


    And as Erza had said, dinner was ready.


    she said.


    It was apparently prepared for Milowina, who must have been physically exhausted after the long journey.


    The daikon radish leaves have remained bright green, a sign of Perid''s painstaking efforts.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!


    "......, it''s delicious."


    "Delicious."


    The color of the leaves is a delight because the daikon is completely pesticide-free.


    Just sprinkled with salt, it tastes good enough, but if you like, you can add some pickled plums, dried sardines, or tsukudani (food boiled down in soy sauce) to give it a different taste.


    "Thanks for the food!"


    Milowina seems to be satisfied.


    >


    While she was drinking some green tea after the meal, the old man spoke to her.


    "Oh, it doesn''t matter. About the statue of the fox?"


    <


    "I knew it. So?"


    Hearing this, Jin wonders what happened to Shuki Tsetsi.


    >.


    "What?��He couldn''t use magic, could he?"


    <<


    "That''s an interesting idea ......."


    But I''m not interested in that at the moment.


    <>


    Jin waited for the old man''s words.


    "Wait, let''s call the family members first.


    When he told all the members of the Jin family that he had found a new record of <>, Reinhard, Toa, Stearina, Saki, and Vivian wanted to hear about it.


    Marcia and her father and son had a pending request, and Bina and Count Kuzma had to pass this time because the Count had been summoned to the capital, Asund.


    The absentees will be informed in writing later.


    * * * *


    Since there is a time difference of 5 hours and 20 minutes between Japan and the Shoro Kingdom, all of them arrived on the same day.


    It was 9:00 p.m., Horai Island time.


    Jin introduced Milowina and told the old man to begin.


    Everyone remembered that Shuki Tsetsi''s diary after the death of his beloved Adriana was very clerical and to the point.


    <


    At that time, the Shoro Empire had not yet been established, and there seemed to be only a few stateless settlements.


    <


    The inhabitants of Dinar did not seem to accept the idea of Magus, and Shuki Tsetsi crossed the kingdom of Dinar at a very early date.


    This seems to be the reason why Shuki is unknown in the Lesser Kingdom.


    They then headed for the Kingdom of Leonard.


    There he had his second .

 1019 - - 11 Balborah Village

    April 2340.


    Shuki Tsetsi arrived in the Kingdom of Leonard with five disciples.


    The road to the Kingdom of Leonard was not smooth and full of hardships.


    The wagon was broken and the journey over the mountains on foot was difficult and painful.


    They arrived at Habione, a small city far west of the capital Carnagh.


    The people of the Kingdom of Leonard are receptive and sympathetic to the philosophy of .


    Three new mages are apprenticed here.


    April 5.


    "Where are you going today, Master Magus?


    LOTRAO, one of the apprentices, asked after breakfast.


    "Well, I heard that there was an illness in a village in the north, so I think I''ll go there to see what''s going on.


    "Okay, I will go with you."


    Shuki Tszettsi was a former medical student and could not leave him alone when he heard that someone was sick.


    Fortunately, some of his students were skilled in healing magic, and he was able to cure most of them.


    Of the eight disciples, Shuki set out for the north with two new disciples and three old ones.


    On April 7, they arrived at the northern village of ...... Shire.


    "......This is a terrible ......"


    The village of Shire was a small village with about 20 houses and a population of 80, but the majority of the inhabitants were sick.


    "It was definitely dysentery.


    Shuki diagnosed dysentery after seeing a high fever of nearly 40 degrees Celsius, abdominal pain, and bloody stools.


    We must quarantine this village immediately.


    Dysentery is an infectious disease caused by the dysentery bacillus, mostly transmitted through food and water from feces and urine.


    There are two types of dysentery, bacterial and amoebic, and Shuki diagnosed this one as bacterial.


    "Listen, this disease is transmitted orally. Don''t forget to disinfect your hands."


    The engineering magic <<> had already been completed, and all the old apprentices were ready to use it.


    Of the three apprentices we took this time, two showed aptitude in this area, and one of them learned << sterilization>> immediately after becoming an apprentice.


    Shuki himself could not use magic, but his body was somehow resistant to all illnesses.


    However, Shuki took great care to treat his patients so that they would not infect others through his hands.


    His treatment consisted first of drinking plenty of water to alleviate the dehydration caused by diarrhea.


    Next was healing magic for the abdominal digestive organs <.


    The advanced level of healing magic <> for the internal organs had not yet been completed.


    "Hang in there, you''ll be all right now."


    "Oh, thank you very much ......."


    Almost everyone who had been treated in time survived. However, three villagers who were in serious condition when Shuki and his team arrived were unable to get the desperate treatment they needed. .......


    "If only we had ...... arrived a day earlier. ......"


    "Master, don''t be so hard on yourself."


    "Yes, I am. The people in the village were very grateful to you.


    The disciples looked at the sad Shuki and tried to cheer him up.


    Then an old disciple, Liebeslau, came and gave them some new information.


    "There is a small village further north called Barbora, which is also in bad shape.


    "I see. I will go there tomorrow. I''ll ask Lotlao and Fesmeefe to stay in this village.


    Lotlao is an old apprentice who can use healing magic, and Fesmeefe is a new apprentice who has learned <> since he came to this village and has a promising future.


    Tempes and Hakeri follow me."


    Tempes is an old apprentice and Hakeri is a new apprentice.


    Both are trustworthy. Tempes was the best healer among the apprentices, and Hakeri was a promising newcomer who had learned sterilization right out of his apprenticeship.


    Leaving the Shire village early in the morning, the three of them walked at a brisk pace and managed to reach the village of Barbora before nightfall. But it was too late.


    "...... too late. ......"


    Not a single person in the village was moving.


    It was already too late for the village of 15 houses and 50 people.


    "If only we had ...... arrived two more days, or even a day earlier. ......"


    That''s what I think anytime, anytime, when I am forced to feel my own helplessness.


    At such a time.


    "Master, do you hear something?"


    Harkerly muttered as he listened.


    "Yes?"


    Shuki and Tempest listened carefully. Something was coming on the wind.


    "...... crying?"


    "Let''s go."


    The three of them walked toward the voice.


    "There it is."


    It was coming from inside a small hut on the outskirts of the village.


    "Who''s there?


    When they opened the door of the hut, they found a dehydrated young woman and a baby in her arms.


    It was the baby who was crying.


    Shuki rushes to pick up the baby. At the same time, he examines the condition of the young woman who seems to be the mother.


    "...... na ......."


    Her lips were cracked, her eyes were sunken, and it was clearly too late for her. But Shuki does not give up.


    "Healing magic!"


    "Yes, yes!��<


    Tempest hastily casts a healing spell.


    But <> is not powerful enough, and the woman''s condition shows no signs of recovery.


    "I''m ...... dehydrated. Hurry up and drink the white water...... no, I can''t make it in time. Just give her water to drink."


    "Yes!"


    Hakeri gives him a drink of water from the water bottle he has prepared for such an occasion.


    It has a spout like a sucking cup so that the patient can drink water without spilling it.


    "......"


    After giving the patient a drink of water, the healing spell is applied once more.


    "<>!"


    Thanks to this, the words come out of the woman''s mouth.


    "What about ......?"


    Shuki calls out, assuming it''s about the baby.


    "The baby is here. She''s safe!��Stay with me!


    The baby was able to drink a little water. After examining the baby, it seems that fortunately he is not infected with dysentery.


    It was probably fortunate that the infant was exclusively breast-fed.


    "I''d like to ...... take a look at that ...... child .......... ...and ......."


    The woman finally spun out those words.


    "<>!"


    However, the <> must not have been effective enough.


    The woman''s eyes, which had seemed to recover for a while, rapidly lost their light.


    "O-nega ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ...... is ......."


    "Get a grip!"


    It was too late, and all Shuki could do was call out to him.


    He brought the baby close to him, hoping that he could regain some of his zest for life.


    The woman''s eyes widened a little and she looked at the baby,


    She looked at the baby and said, "A......dori......a......a......na......... ...a ...... baby is ...... a ...... baby is ...... a ...... baby is ...... a ...... baby is ...... a ...... baby is ...... a ...... baby is ...... a ...... baby..."


    And then he broke off.

 1020 - - 12 adoptive daughters

    "...... Adriana, huh?"


    Shuki Tsetsi muttered, feeling the weight of the sleeping baby in his arms.


    "The only survivor of this village of Barbora. ......"


    A baby with the same name as the woman he once loved, a child entrusted to him by the mother he had cared for.


    Unable to have children, Shuki decides to cherish this connection.


    "Okay, from now on you are Adriana Barbora Tsezi.


    With the name of his native village in his middle name, Shuki decided to raise the baby as his own.


    To prevent the spread of dysentery, the village of Barbora and its inhabitants cremated the baby.


    Shuki and his family also carefully sterilize their bodies, clothes, and belongings to prevent the spread of the infection.


    "Well, then, let''s go home."


    * * * *


    It was the 11th when Shuki and the others returned to the village of Shire.


    When the disciples heard about the village of Barbora, they looked disappointed.


    However, when they learned that Shuki, their master, would adopt the baby, the only survivor of the village,


    "Leave it to me to take care of it!"


    Kara, the only woman among the disciples, shouted. The other disciples offered to help in any way they could.


    First, we need to find someone who can give us milk.


    The woman had survived on fruit juice and sugar water all the way, but this was a newborn baby, after all.


    I wanted to breastfeed him as much as possible.


    Fortunately, a partner was soon found.


    There were three mothers who had given birth about six months before, and they went out of their way to thank me for saving them from dysentery.


    "Thank you, thank you ......."


    Shuki was saved.


    There was no such thing as powdered milk in the world, and there was no rice in this region to make hot water.


    There was rice in the southern part of Mitsuho, but by the time they came to Leonard''s kingdom, it was gone, including the seed rice.


    Inevitably, Shuki''s base of operations was in the village of Shire.


    Shuki moves from Habione to this village and settles down to raise Adriana.


    <.


    Some became his disciples, and spread throughout the land.


    Meanwhile, Shuki strives to further perfect his engineering and healing magic.


    Adriana did not cry at night, much to Shuki''s relief.


    She grows up with three <...... who share their milk and love with her, not in the generic sense, but literally .......


    Needless to say, <> was a big help to clean up the dirty swaddling clothes.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Adriana''s head was ready at 4 months and she started crawling at 10 months.


    Since Shuki has settled down, the room has been remodeled in a Japanese style, and although it is carpeted, no shoes are allowed, so we can let her crawl around with no worries.


    Of course, the rooms are regularly < and sanitary measures are taken.


    As a side note, there is a theory that if children are allowed to stand on their hands without being allowed to crawl, they will not be able to reach forward quickly when they fall and will hit their faces on the ground.


    It was also proposed that because children do not develop a sense of touch, when they hold a hot cup, they suddenly bring it to their mouths and burn themselves.


    In this respect, Adriana was relieved.


    * * * *


    At exactly one year, Adriana was able to stand on her haunches, and two months later she began to walk.


    "Come here, Ad, come here!


    Shuki would always come to Adriana''s rescue between lectures to his students.


    "Ad!"


    "Come on, Adriana, come here, come here, come here, come here, come here, come here, come here!


    Waddling around, Adriana was especially cherished by the female disciples, who gave her lots of love and affection.


    * * * * * * * * *


    Adriana was weaned about 18 months later.


    Before that time, Shuki had been going around to the orchards in the neighborhood to grind apple and peach-like fruits, namely april and persica, into a paste and feed them to Adriana as baby food.


    "Yum!"


    Shuki forgets the hardships of child-rearing when he sees Adriana smiling with her mouth covered in the paste.


    "Adriana, you will grow up to be a good girl."


    The warmth in his arms that held him in his arms soothed Shuki''s loneliness.


    * * * *


    "Adriana started talking a little later, when she was two years old.


    Adriana began to speak a little later, when she was two years old.


    "Oh!��Ado is talking!


    Shuki''s joy was enormous.


    He had gathered his students for a lecture that day and threw them out in the middle of the lecture.


    The students, who knew how much their master cared for Adriana, laughed at him.


    "Ad!��Say it again!��Say it again!��Say it again, Dad!"


    "Otto, ......-chan!"


    "Whoa!��Adriana!


    Shuki was so happy that he picked up Adriana and bounced around in his arms.


    He must have been so happy that he picked up Adriana and jumped up and down.


    "Oh, you did it!


    Shuki hurriedly puts Adriana down and changes her diaper. He has gotten used to this recently.


    "There, doesn''t it feel good?"


    Adriana was in a good mood, laughing and giggling after having her diaper replaced with a freshly washed one.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    There were also rites of passage like measles and mumps in this world, but with Shuki and his pupils, Adriana got off lightly in each case.


    Then Adriana turned four years old.


    "Hey, Otou-saaa!"


    On days off from lectures, Shuki takes Adriana outside to play.


    The Shire village was surrounded by a rich natural environment of mountains, rivers, forests, and meadows, and Shuki taught Adriana many things while she played with him.


    "I saw beautiful flowers!


    "This one is called a lentil. This one is called a dandelion.


    "Rengezou and dandelion, yes, I remember!"


    Adriana was a bright girl who could remember most things after hearing them once.


    Shuki felt as if he could see the image of his former beloved wife in Adriana playing in the flowery meadow.

 1021 - - 13 Training

    Adriana, 5 years old, spring.


    "Adriana, you''re not going to get me!"


    Wait, Val!


    Come here, Liana, come here!"


    Adriana was playing with her brothers Val, Humundo and Lolora.


    Each of them is the biological son of the mother who gave Adriana milk. Since they were the same age as Adriana, the four of them often played together.


    Shuki watches them from afar with squinted eyes. They seem to be playing tag right now.


    "Roro-chan, I got you!


    "Oh no, I''ve got you again!"


    Small and strong Bal, fat but fast runner Humundo, calm Lolora and cheerful Adriana were like real brothers and sisters.


    "......I guess it''s about time."


    Shuki saw Adriana and felt that they had reached a milestone.


    Shuki felt that he had reached a milestone when he saw Adriana.


    "Dad, what is it?"


    Uncle, what is it?


    "Uncle, what can I do for you?"


    Uncle, what do you want?


    One day Shuki called Adriana and the other four together.


    <


    "Today I wanted to check your aptitude for magic..."


    "Really?��Can I use magic too?


    "Can I use magic too?


    "Can I be a magician too?


    "I wish I could use magic. ......


    "To find out, you''ll have to look it up."


    "Yes!��Quick, find out!"


    Adriana and her friends were very curious.


    Shuki immediately decides to check the magical aptitude of Adriana and the others.


    "<>"


    This is a magic that can examine the flow of magic power. Of course, it was not Shuki who used this magic, but his most disciple, Liebeslau.


    "Hm, unfortunately Val and Humundo don''t have any aptitude for magic."


    "Yeah. ......"


    "d*mn!"


    Disappointed, the two run away.


    "Lolora has a little aptitude for magic, so she might be able to use elementary magic if she tries hard enough.


    "Yes!"


    "And Adriana-sama is ...... umm ......"


    What''s wrong?


    What is it, Liebesrau?


    Shuki turned blue, wondering if there was something wrong with his beloved daughter.


    "No, master, it''s nothing bad. It''s rather good news."


    "What?"


    "Adriana-sama''s magic power is already as strong as an adult''s."


    Liana, that''s great!


    It was indeed a good story.


    "What, that''s not so ......!"


    Shuki thought. Perhaps his daughter Adriana could help him perfect the engineering magic that Adriana, who had once been his companion, had set her sights on.


    At this time, thanks to Shuki''s efforts in traveling around the world, the genre of <> had been established as a genre in various parts of the continent.


    Mages calling themselves <> appeared here and there, and their existence was becoming more and more recognized with each passing day.


    Despite these times, Shuki was not yet satisfied.


    His promise to his late wife had not yet been fulfilled.


    But now, a magical genius by the name of , who also shares the same name, has appeared.


    I am happy, but also a little anxious.


    Shuki wonders if he will be able to develop this talent in a straight line without distorting it.


    * * * *


    "Look, father, it''s done!"


    The magic of the light in your palm.


    "Look, watch ......<!"


    A bolt of lightning flies from her fingertips.


    Adriana had learned the basics of magic in the blink of an eye.


    "That''s great, Ad!"


    "Adriana, it''s wonderful!"


    Now Adriana is being taught magic by Kara, the oldest of the female apprentices.


    "Now let''s try the . This begins with an understanding of what it means to <>."


    "I know!��You see, the < in the air and the are connected and burn together."


    "......Yes, that''s right. But the magic fire has no <>. In the first place, the fact that <> makes fire magic difficult ......."


    After a brief explanation from Carla, Adriana tried some elementary fire magic.


    "<>!"


    A fireball shoots out from Adriana''s palm, flies about 20 meters, and disappears.


    "Oh my God, Adriana!��That was amazing!


    "Heh heh heh, father, praise me!"


    "Ad, you are a genius!"


    Behind the praise, Shuki was worried.


    Adriana is truly a genius. How can he train her not to be a "tengu"?


    It was a difficult task for Shuki, who was raising a child for the first time.


    "Mmmmmm..."


    When Shuki patted her head, Adriana''s eyes narrowed pleasantly.


    (...... affection, right?)


    Shuki decided to raise Adriana with all his love.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, it''s so sweet!��Delicious!"


    "Ha-ha-ha, I see... I see... I see..."


    Adriana eats her bread with honey.


    On Shuki''s advice, <> was started.


    The land was ideal for beekeeping because of the abundance of flowers, such as the lotus flower and the white clover.


    From then on, beekeeping flourished in Leonard''s kingdom, but that''s another story, Shuki just wanted to feed his beloved daughter with delicious food.


    And the daily training in magic.


    Master Adriana, you are a great woman. Soon I will have nothing left to teach you.


    Kara rolled her eyes. Now Adriana is becoming a master of the art.


    "I see.


    Shuki thought to himself that it would not be good for Adriana if she only became skilled in magic.


    So what should we do?


    "...... maybe it''s time..."


    I want to show Adriana the big world.


    We also need to spread the word more and more about engineering magic.


    With these thoughts in mind, Shuki decided to set out on his journey.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    On June 1, 2345, Shuki left the village of Shire where he had spent five years.... ...now he was to leave the Shire town .......


    "Master, I will follow you!


    "Master, I wish you could have taught me more ......"


    "Adriana, take care!"


    Of course, Shuki Tsetsi was loved and respected by the people.


    But even more than that, Adriana was loved by the people.


    Especially she was loved by the people,


    Adi, take care of yourself.


    "Ad, you must study hard.


    Anna, come and visit us again.


    The three women who breastfed Adriana were like her own daughters.


    At the same time,


    Ad, take care!


    "Adriana, I''m sure you''ll come back, okay?


    "Adriana, we''ll see each other again, won''t we?��I''ll study hard!"


    The children of the women, Adriana''s siblings, also said goodbye with tears in their eyes.


    "Yes, we will see each other again someday!��We will come to see you!"


    The group set out with five newly built wagons.


    Adriana gazed at the Shire until she was out of sight.

 1022 - - the 14th town

    The carriage carrying Shuki and his friends was going east.


    "Father, what is that flower?


    Dad, what is that bird called?


    Dad, what is the name of that beautiful stone?


    For Adriana, the journey was full of excitement, as everything she saw and heard was so unusual.


    The kingdom of Leonard seems to be a safe and secure place, and she is not attacked by bandits, so she is able to travel peacefully.


    Even sleeping in the wagons was enjoyable, and there was always laughter from the wagons of the group.


    This was one of the main reasons why Shuki and his group were able to remain calm during their month-long journey.


    "I think it''s time to think about a place to settle down.


    The number of villages, towns, and cities they have passed is 14 in total.


    I hear it''s a pretty big town.


    Yes, Master. The name is Yurgano.


    The carriage drives along a dirt road, but it''s well cleared.


    "Okay, let''s go there, assuming we can find a place to settle down.


    If it''s too hard to live there, we can go to another town, Shuki thought.


    "Okay."


    Shuki had plenty of money to rent a house, thanks to the lecture fees.


    Shuki was happy to have a successor in Adriana, but he was also anxious to complete his research ......<> and >, which he still did not know how to complete.


    (I don''t know how long I will live either. ......)


    Although Shuki''s body seems not to age because it is supplemented with magical elements, he has occasionally felt a stabbing pain in his back for the past few years.


    The pain is quickly cured by the healing magic, but Shuki thinks that this pain is a warning to himself.


    (Time is running out, don''t waste time, I feel like I''m being told. ......)


    Shuki''s heart sank, but the next moment, a soft weight rested on his back.


    "Father, do you want to be somewhere else?"


    It was Adriana. She had noticed Shuki''s downcast face and had come to check on him with concern.


    "Oh, I''m fine, Ad. Thank you."


    Shuki smiled, praised his kind daughter, and patted her head.


    Then Adriana, probably relieved, fell asleep on Shuki''s lap.


    Master, someone is coming.


    Tempest, who was acting as a coachman, shouted.


    He saw three well-dressed, gentlemanly men coming toward them on horseback.


    "Excuse me, are you the members of Mr. Shuki Tsetsi''s party?


    Yes, who are you?


    I''m sorry, I''m late. I am the mayor of the town of Yurgano, my name is Sentimu. The other two are my guards.


    Thank you very much. I''m Shuki Tsetsi.


    Oh, it''s you!


    Szentaim had heard on his horse that Shuki Tsezi had come to a neighboring town and wanted to invite him to his city.


    "We will provide you with accommodations and a schoolhouse," he said.


    He also said that there were many townspeople who were interested in engineering magic.


    "I heard about you last year from a visitor from the Shire," he said.


    Walking slowly with his horse beside the carriage, Sentimu explained the situation.


    "Engineering magic<. That one thing shows us the possibilities of magic.


    "I would like you to give a lecture in my town.


    "My sons and daughters have heard of you, Master Magus, and they would like to meet you."


    Sentimu was very eloquent. This kept Shuki and his party occupied until they reached the town of Yurgano.


    The town was paved with cobblestones. As they were getting on the coach, the carriage shuddered and Adriana woke up.


    "...... hmm?"


    "Ad, you''re awake! We''re already in town.


    "Yeah,...... I''m hungry."


    Shuki laughed and patted Adriana gently on the back.


    "Ha ha, I''ll make you dinner soon.


    "Yes, daddy."


    Seeing Shuki and Adriana like this, Sentaim broke into a smile.


    "Oh, you are a lovely young lady. Excuse me, but first I will tell them to prepare a meal for you.


    He gave some instructions to one of his guards and the man hurried away.


    The mayor''s quarters were the only place where the mayor had prepared for him to stay.


    The mayor had prepared a lodging house, which was a separate house owned by the mayor.


    "This is also a fine ......."


    The town of Yurgano is large and the mayor is apparently very powerful.


    "Wow, what a big house!"


    Adriana is excited to see the mansion for the first time.


    "You are welcome to use it as you wish, Wise One. If you need more servants, please let me know.


    I''m so sorry.


    You must be tired today. I will see you tomorrow.


    The mayor bowed and left.


    "You''ve been treated exceptionally well."


    Is there something behind this, or is he genuinely fascinated with Shuki?


    "Anyway, I''ll be grateful to use it for now."


    The journey by horse-drawn carriage had been a long one, and everyone was tired and dusty in their own way.


    Shuki wiped his body at the villages and towns he visited along the way, but he still wanted to bathe in the water.


    After dinner, Shuki went back to the hotel.


    After finishing dinner, Shuki was surprised when he was shown to the bathroom.


    "Oh, this is ......."


    "Wow, it feels so good!"


    To Shuki''s surprise, the mayor''s house had a <.


    The bathtub was a real bathtub with hot water.


    The bathtub was large enough to hold three people, but it was definitely a bath.


    Since most baths in this world are steam or water baths, this was the first time in a long time for Shuki and the first time in her life for Adriana to take a dip in a .


    "Ah, it''s been a long time. ......"


    A feeling I had almost forgotten since I lost my wife.


    He had not taken a bath like this since he had left Tierra''s house.


    "<>......"


    Involuntarily, the name of his beloved wife came out of his mouth.


    His beloved daughter reacted to this.


    "What is it, father?"


    "What is it?��......It''s nothing."


    Shuki smiled shyly and patted his daughter on the head.


    "Mmmm, daddy, I love you!"


    Adriana hugged Shuki.


    Shuki hugged his daughter''s still young body and felt happy for the moment.


    In the hot water, Shuki relaxes with all his heart.

 1023 - - 15 Disciples and Daughters

    In the town of Yurgano, Shuki and his friends were welcomed.


    The mayor of the town, Senteim, had sent his daughter, Chatone, to study under Shuki.


    The mayor, Sentaim, had also sent his only daughter, Chatone, to study with Shuki.


    "This is, don''t you understand, the formula for detecting the element ......, the <>?"


    "......I understand, for the time being."


    "Well, I''ll give you a thorough lesson on that later."


    "Yes, please."


    Chatone, 15 years old, was listening to Shuki''s lecture with more enthusiasm than anyone else.


    "Sir, I''d like to show you something about the radio station I mentioned earlier: ......".


    After the lecture was over, she came to Shuki and asked him many questions.


    "<>, right. Elements, are the things ......."


    Shuki was not afraid to teach his eager pupil, and often lost track of time and became enthusiastic in his explanations.


    So when he was late returning to Adriana''s place,.......


    "...... Daddy, you''re late!"


    "Sorry, Ad. I had a long lecture."


    "I know who you are. Chateaune, right?


    Adriana is watching you very carefully. You can''t underestimate a child.


    Chatone is very dedicated. I''m happy to teach him."


    "...... mmm."


    Adriana looks a little pouty,


    "Come on, let''s take a bath together."


    Shuki says to her, and she immediately smiles.


    "Yes!"


    Taking a bath together is Adriana''s moment of bliss.


    Her father, who is usually busy with his pupils, looks after her alone.


    "Daddy, today I learned how to dig!


    "Well, that''s great, Ado!"


    And whenever she reported that she had learned a new magic, her father would always pat her on the head, so Adriana studied hard every day.


    These father-daughter moments were precious to Adriana and to Shuki.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "...... Therefore, it is necessary to compose such a flow of magical control (magi sequence) here. ......Any questions so far?��If not, that''s all for today."


    "Thank you very much!"


    A year has passed since Shuki came to the town of Yurgano.


    The levels of those who have come to receive his teachings have become clear, and he now gives lectures at three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.


    The advanced level is mainly composed of Shuki''s old disciples who can be called "high disciples" and whose purpose is to pursue new engineering magic day and night.


    The intermediate class is the most numerous class of the general disciples. Talented mages are learning a new field of engineering magic.


    Shuki and his disciples take turns giving lectures.


    The beginners are those who are talented but not yet ready to learn engineering magic. The more inexperienced among the disciples are in charge of this class.


    In addition, there was a class specializing in teaching healing magic, which was characterized by the large number of female mages.


    And there was an extra class that taught <>.


    The purpose of this class was to teach the subjects that Shuki had learned in Japan, but for some reason this class was not popular and was closed after six months.


    The mayor''s daughter, Chatone, was at the top of the intermediate class and was expected to join the ranks of the high school students in another six months.


    I must do my best to be useful to Mr. Shuki.


    Chatone herself does not seem to be aware of whether this feeling is a longing or a love.


    And one more.


    Adriana always entered the intermediate class to listen to Shuki''s lectures whenever he gave them.


    The classmates think that she is just lonely and comes to see her father, but this is not the case.


    He understood the content of the lecture better than anyone in the intermediate class, even more than ...... Chateaune.


    As a proof of this, he was practicing magic by himself on the outskirts of town when everyone else was lecturing except Shuki.


    "......I have to get good at it and help my father!"


    She had decided in her childhood that she would do her best to help Shuki achieve his dream of perfecting engineering magic.


    And it was no child''s dream; she was steadily gaining in ability.


    "<>!"


    Now Adriana had mastered earth, water, fire, wind, lightning, and healing, each at the intermediate level.


    "...... but this is still not enough."


    He instinctively felt that in order to perfect his father''s pursuit of engineering magic, he needed to be able to master all of the attributes up to the advanced level.


    And that was what Shuki felt as well.


    <


    "To construct new magic at will, one must be versed in all the attributes and think comprehensively."


    This is what Shuki said in his lecture.


    * * * *


    "......Well, I''m almost there, but it''s not working. ......"


    <<<>>.


    But no matter how many times he tried, he could not get the power to hit the target.


    "So, I''m just trying to hit them with <> from above and below..." said Adriana, worried.


    Adriana was troubled, when a voice called out to her.


    "There is weight in the air. Why don''t you try to feel it?


    "What?"


    Adriana turned around and behind her was her father, Shuki.


    "Father?


    "That''s great Ad. I didn''t know you were already practicing this level of magic.


    Shuki crossed his arms and thought.


    "You''re coming to the advanced class tomorrow.


    "...... is that right?"


    Adriana had been forbidden to attend the advanced classes until now.


    This was out of Shuki''s misguided parental concern not to deprive her of time to make friends of her own age.


    Adriana had no friends in the town of Yurgano.


    This might have been the beginning of a long and lonely life for her.


    Anyway, Adriana was allowed to join the advanced class with the adults.


    From then on, Adriana''s success was remarkable.


    "Well, I think we should not lose the power of the molecule, but rather, we should improve its shape.


    I see what you mean. I see what you mean, but it would require very delicate magic control to maintain it, don''t you think?


    "Well, then, why don''t you lose the power of blood and instead wrap it up in your magical power?"


    "...... Master, I think I can do it that way!"


    "I see.��Okay, let''s think about the flow of magic control (Magi sequence).


    "Hey, hey, hey, you should do it this way..."


    "Sure. ...... sir, your daughter is a genius!


    On this day, was added to the engineering magic.

 1024 - - 16 Growth

    Another year passes and Adriana turns 7 years old.


    It was in this year that she created with the application of fire magic and with the application of earth magic.


    "Adriana, you are a real genius!


    Chateaune, who moved up to the advanced class this year, praised Adriana.


    So far, Adriana has created five engineering magic tricks: <><><><>>.


    Both the high disciples and the general students recognized her ability.


    "Hmmm, that''s difficult..."


    "Ad, what are you thinking of this time?"


    "Oh, Dad. You know, a way to keep out dust, dirt and fire."


    "Hmm. ...... you know, there''s a spell to protect workers when they''re building things.


    "Really?"


    Shuki explained.


    "......They use magic power to build walls based on this kind of idea."


    "I see. Then it would be good if we could make it happen by applying it to our faces and stomachs.


    "Yes, that''s right. I don''t want to get in the way of your handiwork. ...... is, ad, awesome!"


    "Heh heh heh."


    Adriana''s ideas seem to have already surpassed those of her high brothers. Shuki thanked the heavens that he could have her as his daughter.


    "The size of a molecule ...... is not the same between a solid, a liquid, and a gas. The size of the aggregate of molecules is different. So if you make a magic <> and change its coarseness ......."


    "So you can make a <> that lets air through but not water!"


    "That''s right, Ad. That''s right, ad. That''s how you make a ."


    While Shuki was working with Adriana on the development of magic, he suddenly remembered the past.


    Adriana, his former wife, had been inspired by Shuki''s words and had developed various kinds of magic for him. .......


    "Father?"


    Shuki came back to himself at his daughter''s words.


    "Oh, sorry. I''ve been thinking about something. ......


    "Oh, God. ...... Hey, look at this!��Look, <>!"


    "What?��You''ve already done it!


    In front of Shuki''s eyes, there was indeed a <>, though invisible to the naked eye, that seemed to protect him from dust and fire sparks.


    Moreover, as far as its functions are concerned, it seems to have many applications. The strength of the can be changed, and above all, it can be selected to allow gases, liquids, and solids to pass through or not.


    "Ad is amazing. This is no longer a <>. Yes, it''s a <>.


    Shuki hugs his daughter and pats her head. Adriana lets out a happy laugh.


    At that moment. Shuki felt a sharp pain in his back.


    "G......uuu!"


    Shuki moans in pain.


    "Daddy!


    "I''m ...... fine. It''s the usual ...... chronic disease."


    But Shuki''s face is pale and he is dripping with greasy sweat.


    Shuki knew what was going on.


    If he had an accident in his former world and his broken body had been supplemented with magical elements to become the person he is today, then there are parts of his life that have not been supplemented.


    The life span of the parts that have not been complemented is running out.


    "I still ...... need a little more,...... time,...... someone ......"


    Normally, either Liebeslau or Lotlao would cast a healing spell, but unfortunately, both of them were out in the next town over and were not here.


    "Me!��......<!"


    Shuki''s color improved a little. But only a little.


    "This is still not enough. ......<!


    But the same magic over and over again seemed to have little effect, and Shuki''s distorted face remained as it was.


    "Dad!��Stay with me!��......<>!!!"


    The desperate Adriana chanted the highest level of healing magic in internal medicine.


    With images, thoughts, and magic. At last Adriana had mastered the highest level of healing magic.


    "...... I feel better."


    When Shuki woke up and realized that his daughter Adriana had healed him, he burst into tears and hugged her.


    "Thank you, thank you, Adriana. ......!"


    "Daddy, it''s so sad!"


    Adriana also hugged her father Shuki tightly.


    Adriana hugged her father, Shuki.


    Since then, Adriana has always been by Shuki''s side.


    Adriana is now the most competent of Shuki''s disciples.


    With Adriana''s help, the two younger brothers, Liebeslau and Lotlao, were also able to master three months after Shuki.


    "Adriana, how do I chant here?


    What did Adriana teach her ordinary students?


    "You don''t need to chant. Magic works with images and power. The magic is only to help the image."


    "ha,ha......"


    For example, the advanced fire magic <> has a chant <>, but Adriana was able to release a flame storm without that chant.


    "The phrase ''flame storm'' is enough to create a magical image.


    However, only a handful of people could do this.


    Nevertheless, the fact that there are those who can do it proves that it makes sense.


    The ordinary disciples practiced according to the instruction, starting with the beginner level, and were able to perform magic without chanting up to the intermediate level.


    "As expected of the daughter of .


    "Adriana is the best mage of her time, isn''t she?


    "I am sure that she will be able to master all magic in time."


    Adriana''s reputation grows day by day.


    But this also meant that she had less and less free time.


    Shuki was secretly pained to see Adriana, who was only seven years old, spending all day long in the company of adults, giving lectures and doing research.


    One day, Shuki took Adriana to a lake on the outskirts of Yurgano.


    He could not bear to see her spending her days doing magic, so he decided to take two days off from his lectures to spend a short vacation with his son and daughter.


    "Wow, what a beautiful place!


    Adriana was excited, as any 7 year old girl would be.


    "You can swim in it!"


    "Really?"


    It was August, the height of summer. Shuki had brought his swimsuit.


    It was a swimsuit made of thin linen. Shuki''s swimsuit was a trouser-type swimsuit that reached the knees, while Adriana''s was shorts on the bottom and a strip of cloth wrapped around her chest on the top.


    (If the engineering magic is perfected, we may be able to make merino fabrics as well.)


    (I wonder if I will be able to make merino fabric when engineering magic is perfected...) As expected, Shuki had no idea how to weave a stretchy merino fabric.


    "Father, it''s so cold and comfortable!


    Okay, I''ll teach you how to swim!"


    Shuki, a native of Kochi, was an excellent swimmer.


    "Listen, you have to start by opening your eyes in the water," he said.


    "Yeah. ......"


    Adriana, as expected, was at a loss to learn how to swim, let alone do magic.


    "That''s right. "Yes. Try to relax your body. ...... see, I can float."


    "I did it! I did it!��Dad, I can swim!"


    But either Shuki had taught her well or she had the right talent, Adriana learned to swim the breaststroke in half a day.


    "All right, then, let''s swim side by side.


    "Yes!"


    Parent and child in the water together.


    "It''s bad for your health if you stay in the cold water too long. Let''s dry our shells for a while."


    Dad, what''s a "koraboshi"?


    "Oh, you know how turtles sometimes sunbathe on the rocks?��That''s why it''s called "koraboshi".


    "That''s interesting."


    They spread out their cloths on the grass and lay down.


    It was a summer day under the scorching sun.

 1025 - - 17. How to make golem

    It is the season of cool breezes in the mornings and evenings.


    Shuki, seeing the growth of his apprentices, finally decided to teach them as a technology.


    This golem will do for you what humans cannot do. But we must not rely on this golem.


    Along the way, Shuki had built golem factories in places like the city of Mitsuho, but he also understood the dangers of relying on them.


    However, it is certain that the advantages of golem technology more than compensate for the risks.


    "First, the basics. <."


    "Oh!"


    The new disciples were elated to learn how to make the golem they had heard so much about, not to mention their high disciples.


    At this time, primitive golems were in practical use, but they were monopolized by a few nobles and royalty, and none of Shuki''s disciples in this town had ever seen one in person.


    The golem is formed by making full use of << and so on.


    The one who is doing this is his best apprentice, Liebeslau.


    "Oh ......"


    "This is the ...... golem ......."


    Many of us were seeing it for the first time, and a few of us were moaning in admiration.


    "After making a humanoid like this with ......, we write the Magi Formula (Magi Formula) on its chest."


    Since everyone had already mastered the Magi Language, there was no one who could not understand Shuki''s explanation.


    The Magi Formula was inscribed in a dense pattern on their chests, which were larger than a human''s. "This is how it will be," said Shuki.


    "This is how it works. The key word to move it is <. The key word to stop is <.


    While Shuki was explaining this, Adriana was absorbed in her own thoughts.


    (......The formula is written on the neck, so if we remove even a part of it, it won''t work. Then why don''t you put it in the inside?)


    Adriana is beginning to awaken to her own golem technology.


    (Yes, if you fuse all of them, the text will be lost, so you can leave that part ...... and cover it with a lid so you can replace it later...) ...)


    But it will be a while before she makes her mark.


    * * * *


    A few days later. The Golem course was approaching the intermediate level.


    "This is a simplified version of the human anatomy I''ve been teaching you.


    Lying on the floor is a steel skeleton. It is quite simplified, but it has a skull, a sternum, a pelvis, and a spinal column connecting them.


    "The reason for the human likeness is that Golem''s movements are based on those of humans. If we want it to imitate human movements, it is reasonable to make its body structure similar to that of humans.


    ��I understand what your father is saying. (Yes, I understand your father''s point, but if we are trying to create something from an unknowable and unworkable white background, there is no need to do so. ......?)


    Adriana has a point. Since we start with a <, for example, a four-legged dog, we can educate it to a certain extent.


    (But it will take time. ......) That''s why your father would like to make <> be completed. ......


    The magic to transcribe human knowledge into magi-crystals has been Shuki''s dream.


    All we can do now is <. By using it after carefully preparing the necessary information, it is possible to send limited information to the target.


    Using this, we send information to the golem about basic movements such as walking, stopping, and so on.


    However, it has not yet been possible to send or record the entirety of a person''s memory.


    (Someday, I''ll make you realize it. ......!)


    ) It was Adriana''s secret resolution.


    "And the muscles are attached like this".


    "And the muscles are attached like this..." "Why are they slanted, doctor?"


    "Well, that''s a good question. Who can tell me?"


    The disciples, the old disciples, know what they''re talking about, so they don''t raise their hands. The new disciples, on the other hand, all nodded their heads.


    "......"


    "Yes!"


    Adriana raised her hand while no one else raised theirs.


    "Adriana, give us your answer.


    "Yes! Yes, because human hands and feet do not only bend but also twist.


    Correct. Can I see ......?


    Shuki stretched his right arm forward and twisted his hand.


    "You can do this because your muscles are slightly skewed," he said.


    "Oh, I see!"


    The students shouted in unison.


    "All right, then, let''s get to work. Let''s start with this muscle.


    * * * *


    "......"


    "............"


    "This is the first time I''ve done this, and it''s fun!


    The young apprentices who had been working with the high disciples on the installation of the muscles were all exhausted from the unfamiliar work, but one, Adriana, was in good spirits.


    "I learned a lot."


    No, the mayor''s daughter, Chatone, was still in good hands. She seems to be very good with her hands.


    "That''s enough for today. Tomorrow we will talk about the control core.


    "Thank you very much!"


    "Thank you very much!"


    The young apprentices bow their heads and leave, looking relieved.


    Adriana and ....... are the only ones left.


    "Sir, can you tell us one thing?"


    It was Chatone.


    "Yes, what is it?"


    "Yes. About magical muscles.


    Magical Muscle?


    That''s right. You used Hexenbiest leather for the material, didn''t you?��Wouldn''t it be more efficient to use magical muscles?


    Chateaune wondered, "Why not use muscle for muscle instead of leather?


    "Well, that''s a natural question," said Chateaune. It is true that it could be used as a muscle. But the muscles of a hexenbiest have one major drawback.


    What are they?


    "One is preservation. The muscle parts don''t keep very well. Too bad, you might say.


    "Oh ......"


    Muscle is, in essence, . < will spoil if it is left as it is, it is preserved by methods such as , <, and so on.


    "Dried muscles cannot produce the necessary force," he says.


    Leather, on the other hand, is different. Tanned leather has elasticity and flexibility, and it can shrink when certain magical power is applied to it.


    Therefore, the leather of a hexenbiest is currently the best choice for the musculature of a golem.


    "I see. ......"


    Satisfied this time, Chatone bowed and left.


    "Father, do you have anything good for the skin?"


    Even good quality leather may not last for a hundred or two hundred years.


    "Well, no. If we had better materials, we could make golems and automata with better performance."


    "So ......."


    Adriana remembered Shuki''s words, and in later years she would also put more effort into the selection of materials.


    "Well, let''s cut the long story short and go for a little walk, shall we?


    "Yes!


    "Yes! Master, go on your way.


    Shuki and Adriana were seen off by the disciples and set out hand in hand.


    Their destination was a small mountain on the outskirts of Yurgano. The autumn leaves had begun to change color in the mountains.


    "Wow, it''s beautiful!


    "In autumn, the trees change color. And winter will come again.


    "In winter, the mountains will be covered with snow.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Shuki wanted Adriana to become a first-class magecraftsman, but he also wanted her to become a woman with a good heart.


    Adriana never once asked why she did not have a mother.


    I do not know if she was aware of the fact that she was not supposed to ask this question as a child.


    But Shuki wanted to raise her with love and affection, even if her mother was not around. He wanted to raise his beloved daughter.

 1026 - - 18 Limits

    After three days, the golem was completed.


    "There is a technology above this, <>, which I will teach you in due course. I will tell you about it in due time.


    "Thank you very much."


    The young apprentices bowed with somewhat relieved faces, but froze when they heard Shuki''s next words.


    "Now, let''s make a golem just for you.


    "What?"


    What?


    Golem is one of the essence of magical engineering. Good luck!


    The mayor had provided the necessary materials.


    The twenty-five young apprentices look at each other and get back into the swing of things.


    "Let''s do it!"


    "Let''s do it!" "Let''s do it!"


    "We have to do it!" "We have to do it!"


    In the midst of all this, Chateaune was alone, pondering something.


    He was thinking about something.


    Dad, can I talk to you for a minute?


    What''s wrong, Ad?


    Look at this.


    What is this?


    There was a rather splendid golem lying there.


    "Ad, did you make this all by yourself?"


    "Yes, I did!"


    Shuki examined the details and found no problems at all. In fact, it was better than the golem his students had made the other day.


    Adriana looked happy when he praised her, but then complained.


    "But you know, I don''t think this is enough yet. I mean, what''s with the power source?


    "The power source or ......."


    Shuki understood what Adriana meant.


    "Is it a magical device that stores mana for power?


    Currently, all magic tools in general use magic crystals that contain a large amount of mana as their energy source.


    However, with this method, the amount of mana that can be extracted at one time is small, and especially when instantaneous output is required, it is not at all compatible with the situation.


    "All we have to do is create a that can store mana, right?"


    Shuki couldn''t help but laugh at the girl who said this as if it were so simple.


    "That''s true, Ado. It''s not so easy ......."


    "Hey, we can do it this way, can''t we?"


    Adriana mentioned the flow of magical control (the Magi sequence).


    It was quite a long one, but Shuki''s face was gradually tinted with surprise when she heard it.


    "A......ad, there is no contradiction in what you say about the flow of magical control (magi sequence). Did you hear this from someone else?"


    "No, I just thought of it."


    It was how to make a mana tank, something Shuki had not yet taught him since he had arrived in this town.


    Shuki thinks that this mana tank is one of the most useful techniques that his former wife, Adriana, has created.


    His beloved daughter Adriana came up with it all by herself.


    Suddenly the thought crosses his mind that his daughter Adriana is a reincarnation of his wife Adriana, but Shuki immediately denies this idea.


    ��No, a wife is a wife and a daughter is a daughter. (No, a wife is a wife and a daughter is a daughter.)


    Shuki thought that it was a thought that might lead to a disrespect of life.


    (We only have one life, one life, so we can really cherish it, can''t we?)


    Shuki reflected that it would be disrespectful to his wife Adriana and daughter Adriana if he thought that he would see her again after his reincarnation.


    (Once in a lifetime, right? (It''s because it''s only once that I loved my wife Adriana as much as I could, and I can love my daughter Adriana as much as I can, too.)


    "Father?"


    Adriana looked into Shuki''s face.


    "Oh, I''m sorry, Ad. That thing you came up with is called a <>."


    "Oh, ...... already had one?"


    I didn''t teach it yet. I''m sorry."


    Shuki apologizes to his daughter. But Adriana shakes her head.


    "No, that''s okay, I can think of something even more amazing!


    True to her word, she would later replace the mana tank system of Shuki''s golem and automata with her own <> system.


    "Well, then..."


    Shuki turned to Adriana.


    "We also have to figure out how to fill the mana tank with mana, don''t we?


    "Yes, I know!��That''s it, this is how we can do it: ......"


    Shuki was amazed at Adriana''s thoughtfulness.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    In the end, the golem made by the 25 young disciples was not as good as the one made by Adriana alone.


    However, Chatone had made a golem by himself, apart from the 25 apprentices.


    This was her way of taking advantage of her position as the daughter of the mayor, but she did not stop there.


    Chatelonnet invited Shuki and her disciples to her workshop and showed them her work.


    "Oh, this is beautiful," she said.


    "Yes, it''s wonderful."


    "Really?��Thank you very much!


    Shuki saw the golem and praised it with open arms.


    The smooth movement of the golem when it was subjected to simple initial movements was on the level of a skilled technician. And then there was the appearance.


    The balance of the body was superb. The joints of the exterior parts were so well aligned that not even a single hair could fit through the joints.


    "......!!!!"


    Adriana gets up and runs out of the workshop.


    "Ad?


    Shuki followed her daughter in surprise. Then the high disciples and Chateaune too.


    Adriana was so impressed by the appearance of the golem that Chatone had made that she thought she had lost.


    However brilliant Adriana may be, she is only seven years old. Although she had devoted herself to magical engineering, she was still inexperienced in a distant field ...... of design.


    Therefore, it is not surprising that he was shocked to see the sophisticated golem of Chateaune.


    "Ha, ha, ha!"


    Running without thinking, like a seven year old girl, Adriana came to the workshop where she kept her golem.


    "......"


    She looks at the golem lying there.


    It is nothing compared to the golem she saw earlier in Chatelonne.


    ��It was still a very good golem.)


    Shuki praised it, but that was probably due to Adriana''s age.


    It is true that they are better than the ones made by her pupils. But compared to the ones made by Chatone.


    "......The details are not well done. The curves around the waist are wrong. The length of the arms and legs is slightly out of balance."


    "!!!!"


    Adriana turns around at the sound of a voice criticizing her golem, and there stands Chatone.


    "I can''t see the inside, so I can''t tell, but the outside is not quite right."


    "......"


    Adriana bites her lip.


    "But you built all this by yourself, didn''t you?��You should be proud."


    "Even ...... can''t compare."


    Adriana''s words, which she muttered as if trying to squeeze them out of her, caused Chatone to let out a wry smile.


    "...... my golem, I had my arts and crafts teacher take a look at it to adjust its appearance."


    Then Adriana told him something surprising.


    "So it''s only natural that the appearance is well done," she said. Adriana, you have nothing to be ashamed of."


    "Yes, I guess. ......"


    "Yes, Adriana. Yes, Adriana. Unlike me, you really made it on your own, didn''t you?��That''s very impressive."


    "...... but the important thing is the results."


    "If you feel that way, learn to depend on someone else. If it''s okay with me, I''m always here for you."


    "......, thanks for the ......."


    On this day, Adriana may have realized the limits of what she could do alone.

 1027 - - 19 Capital of Karnag

    The year is 2349.


    Shuki''s students have grown up to the point where they can create <> by themselves.


    "Well, now I have taught you everything I know.


    One day Shuki said to his students with satisfaction.


    "...... I think it''s time for me to leave."


    Sensei!


    Sensei!"


    The 25 new disciples shouted in surprise and tried to stop Shuki.


    But Shuki''s determination remained unchanged.


    "Everyone, please understand. I still want to go around the world and spread engineering magic. ...... and the summit to be reached is far away."


    "......"


    In the end, four of the 25 new apprentices followed Shuki.


    Chateaune is not among them.


    She was the only daughter of the mayor and could not be allowed to leave the town.


    The outskirts of the town were crowded with people thankful for the engineering and healing magic that Shuki had brought.


    "I''ll miss you, doctor."


    Chatone, 19 years old. She had been a girl when she began her apprenticeship, but in the past four years she had grown into a woman.


    "You will continue to work hard even after I''m gone. I am sure you will become a great engineer.


    "......Yes, I will do my best."


    Wiping her tear-stained eyes with her fingers, Chatone forced a smile and looked at Shuki.


    "Take care, Mags," she said. You are always welcome to visit us again.


    Mayor Sentaim also bade farewell to Shuki.


    "Thank you, Mr. Mags, for everything.


    "Wise Magus, you are a good man."


    The townspeople of Yurgano watched <> Shuki Tsetsi and his group until they were out of sight.


    "......"


    Adriana, not wanting them to see her crying face, lies down in the carriage, covered with a blanket.


    Then Shuki came to her.


    "Are you crying, Ad?"


    "......No, I''m not crying."


    Shuki patted Adriana''s back on the blanket, smiling at her strong reply.


    "I''m sorry. It''s my own fault we can''t stay in one place.


    Adriana sat up with a start and shouted at Shuki.


    "No, it''s not your father''s fault!��Your father is working very hard to perfect his magical engineering. I love him so much. So don''t apologize to him.


    Shuki hugged her.


    "Thank you for ......, Ado."


    "Yes."


    Adriana is growing up so straight. Shuki was happy to know that.


    Shuki was happy to know that.


    Shuki and his friends are on their way to the capital city of Karnagh, which is only five days away by carriage on the road.


    <


    "A king... ...... I''m not interested."


    Shuki can''t help but laugh at the girl who says such a line. For better or worse, she seems to have grown up to be a "my way or the highway" kind of person.


    The Kingdom of Leonard is a safe place, free of bandits and beasts of prey. The group arrived at the capital, Karnagh, five days later as planned.


    "I didn''t know they didn''t have walls.


    Shuki thought that compared to other capitals he had seen in other countries, this one seemed more open.


    There were no walls surrounding the city.


    Of course, the royal castle in the center of the town is surrounded by a high and sturdy wall, but there is no wall separating the inside from the outside of the town.


    This is due to the fact that the town is still expanding.


    "Welcome, <> Master Shuki Tsetsi and company."


    When Shuki and his party were about a kilometer away from Karnagh, they were met by a group of knights.


    A man in the rank of captain said, "I have been waiting for you here by order of my king.


    The leader dismounted from his horse and bowed to the group. His men followed his example.


    Thus, protected by the knights, the group entered Karnagh.


    The knights followed them and the group entered Karnagh.


    "So you are Shuki Tsezi.


    "Yes, sir."


    The next day, Shuki had an audience with King Galdrake Dragol Leonard.


    "I hear that you are spreading the study of magical engineering in our country and teaching how to make golems and automata, magical dolls.


    That is correct, sir.


    "That''s very good of you. I will do all I can to assist you, and I hope you will take an apprentice here in Karnagh and guide him.


    I would be honored."


    ...... and such an exchange led to Shuki setting up his base in Karnagh for the first time.


    With the king''s support, his name soon spread and people began to come to hear his lectures.


    One day.


    The number of students at Karnagh was steadily increasing and soon it was time to start a proper curriculum.


    "...... transition, magic circle?"


    Shuki and the others heard these words for the first time.


    This information was brought to them by one of the students at Karnagh, Lanos Sikor.


    "Yes. It means that it has been handed down since I don''t know when.


    "Mm-hmm."


    Shuki remembered that his wife Adriana''s family, the Tierras, were descendants of the .


    <


    "This magic circle may have been bequeathed to them by the Rare Beings."


    "Sensei?"


    Ranos, perhaps having heard Shuki''s soliloquy, gave him a quizzical look.


    "Oh, no, I''m sorry. I was just thinking about something. So, where can I find that magic circle at ......?"


    * * * *


    Llanos led Shuki, his three younger brothers, and Adriana to the old .


    "This way, sir."


    We made an offering, entered the church, and went to the back.


    In the innermost room, further back in the chapel ......, there it was.


    Magic circles were painted all over the ceiling. Magic circles carved all over the floor.


    "...... this is amazing."


    Shuki''s eyes lit up.


    "But ...... this part is incomplete. It will take a long time to transfer if we don''t."


    Shuki begins to analyze the flow of magical control (magi sequence). Adriana is thinking together with Shuki.


    "Hey dad, do you think this is a tunnel connecting two places that are far from each other?


    "Hm?��......Yes, that''s right."


    ��I remember Ad saying that a long time ago. The world ...... is like a bubble floating in a larger space. Then, this magic circle must be a tunnel through the upper or lower space, connecting two points without loss of time.)


    < was not a feat, and even though he could not use magic, Shuki Tsetsi was indeed the best magical engineer in the world.


    I see!��You are accumulating power by circulating it over and over again so that you can move even with a small amount of mana, aren''t you, father!


    And his beloved daughter, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, was also becoming a magical engineer close to her father.

 1028 - - twenty metastatic phylum

    Shuki, his disciples, and Adriana worked together to analyze the magic circle.


    After a month, they finally obtained the key to the transition.


    "I see, the magic formula here connects the space.


    "Do we need precise to connect between two points?"


    "No, it seems that it is enough if the receiving side is clearly specified. The magic circle works on its own."


    "But father, it consumes a lot of mana, doesn''t it?


    Yes, Ado. That''s why the magic circle is amplifying the mana.


    "Why don''t we use mana tanks here?


    They work together to create a new technology.


    The result is .......


    "Okay, this Warp Gate is practical!"


    "Master, you did it!"


    The warp gate developed at Mitsuho was still unstable and could not be used to send a human being to a warp gate with peace of mind.


    However, with this. Nevertheless, Shuki thought that it was necessary to conduct sufficient tests.


    "I''d like to test it over a short distance first. Humans are dangerous. ......"


    "In times like this, the Golem is the way to go!"


    The golem that Adriana had made in Yurgano was brought straight here to Karnagh.


    "<>"


    The golem wakes up in response to the key word.


    "Okay. Get inside that Magi-machine."


    Since it did not yet have a speech device, Adriana''s golem raised its right hand lightly to indicate that it understood, and then walked into the warp gate.


    "Stop there."


    The golem stops following Adriana''s instruction.


    "Okay, activate the warp gate!"


    At Shuki''s command, Tempest, one of the younger brothers, connects mana to the Warp Gate.


    "Oh?


    I could see the glow of a magic circle floating faintly inside the Warp Gate. The next moment, the glow disappeared, and with it, the golem also vanished.


    "Sir!��A golem has appeared over here!


    A Golem appeared inside the receiving gate (warp gate) that was set up right next to it.


    Success!


    After that, the distance between the warp gates was increased and the experiment continued.


    "This is wonderful!"


    The result was that we were finally able to confirm that the transition to the neighboring town was successful.


    Compared to the previous warp gate, it took less time to start up and there was no limit to the number of objects that could be sent through it.


    Moreover, it is one-third the size and one-tenth the cost of the previous prototype.


    It was truly a .


    Shuki thought that one day he would like to replace the warp gate installed in Mitsuho with this model.


    And his beloved daughter will fulfill it in the distant future.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "<> sir!��You have done well!


    <


    "This technology will revolutionize the country ...... and even the continent."


    The new technology will be unlike anything we have seen in the past, traveling by horse, carriage, or on foot.


    Travel time is almost zero, and as long as mana is supplied, it is possible to travel endlessly.


    Shuki and the others had already completed safety checks on their own.


    "There will be a revolution in the transportation of food, daily commodities, and materials.


    The king is in a good mood.


    "I will make you a special guest of honor.


    The king is willing to raise the level of his already exceptional treatment even higher.


    But Shuki, as expected, declined.


    No, I will not do that. I am still in the middle of my career, and I would like to spread the word more and more about magical engineering.


    "Hmm, I knew you would say that. But in that case, I would like you to accept my offer.


    The Prime Minister, who had been standing beside the king, takes over the detailed explanation.


    "Shuki-sama, as a <>, you will be treated like a high ranking nobleman wherever you go in this country. Wouldn''t that serve your purpose as well?"


    Certainly, there is nothing better than not having to go through unnecessary procedures on your journey to spread magical engineering within the Kingdom of Leonard.


    "......Okay, thank you very much."


    Thus, Shuki Tsetsi became a special guest of honor of the Kingdom of Leonard.


    "Dad, what is it?"


    One day during a lecture break.


    Shuki was taking Adriana out to the outskirts of Karnagh.


    "I have a favor to ask of Ad today."


    "What?��What is it?��I''ll do anything!


    Adriana is very determined.


    "Yes, today I want you to make something like this picture.


    Shuki handed a piece of leather paper to Adriana.


    "Hmmm, that''s a very interesting object. Is it small enough?"


    "Yes. It''s called <>, and it should only be a little over a meter long.


    The materials had been brought in beforehand.


    "Okay, let''s go for it!"


    Adriana had already become a better magecraftsman than her disciples.


    "Let''s see, we need to the stone into this shape and then attach it with <... ......"


    "Yeah, that looks good."


    "Hey dad, what is this animal-like statue?"


    <.


    "They are called . ...... hmmm, are foxes called komainu too?��...... well, it''s kind of like a gatekeeper."


    "Hmm, so this is the gatekeeper. ......<>"


    The shrine, the guardians (?), and the torii gate were completed. And the torii gate was completed.


    The gate has an interesting shape. "


    "Yes, it''s a nice work. Thank you, Ado.


    Shuki thanked Adriana and patted her on the head.


    "Hey, you put a door on it, do you want to put something in it?"


    It is a shrine, so it has a door to put in a sacred object or something.


    "Yes, yes. Here."


    Shuki took out a small statue of a fox.


    "Is that a komanu?��Is that a fox too?


    "Yes, though it looks like a fox. Look at .......


    Shuki handed the statue to Adriana.


    "What is that?��Is this a magi crystal?


    "Yes. < it."


    "Yes. <


    Then a magic circle appeared, and countless letters floated and flowed, then disappeared.


    "Is this a ...... record?"


    "Yes, it is. It''s like a ...... diary up to today. Maybe I''m going to seal it here so that my countrymen and mages comparable to Ad can read it."


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Shuki opens the door of the shrine and places the statue of the fox. Then he closes the door,


    "Ad, will you seal it for me?"


    "Yes, I''ll do it!"


    The seal is a boundary. It means to put a solid impenetrable barrier around the shrine.


    The magi stones for the warding were attached to the door of the shrine.


    "That''s it. Only a mage of a certain level of skill should be able to remove it.


    Shuki himself could no longer retrieve it.


    "I hope that someday someone who is interested in this shrine will take a look at the records inside and pass them on to future generations."


    The records contain not only the diary, but also information related to magical engineering.


    "Father, I''m sure that someone is just like you."


    Adriana smiles innocently next to Shuki, whose eyes seem to be staring off into the distance.


    Magical engineering was about to enter a period of development.

 1029 - - 28-30 Reforming the 系统 System

    >


    "......"


    Everyone listening closed their eyes and was deeply moved.


    "So,...... your predecessor was Shuki''s adopted daughter. ......"


    The mystery of Adriana, Shuki''s wife and the previous Magecraft Meister Adriana, was finally solved.


    "Your mother was a genius from a very young age, wasn''t she?"


    Reiko looks happy.


    "The little flock was very stubborn back then. < remain.


    Vivienne said.


    "I wonder if this Magus came to the Kingdom of Leonard..."


    This is Milowina.


    Knowing the past is a very moving experience.


    It was a fresh surprise for Jin to learn that the warp gate had been completed largely through the work of the transfer magic circle in the former Leonard''s Kingdom.


    "Of course, we don''t know what happened to Mags and Adriana after that, do we?


    Reinhardt looks a little disappointed.


    "Kuhu, still, I didn''t realize that the warp gate was completed with the help of the transfer magic circle."


    Saki, like Jin, looks pleased to hear the information that connects the past and the present.


    "Yes, I guess it is very useful to know about the past," Toa muttered sincerely.


    Toa muttered sincerely.


    "Thank you, Jin-kun. You have given me valuable information.


    Stearina''s words seemed to represent the feelings of everyone.


    "Now, finally, I want you to look at that shrine.


    The shrine that the old man had ordered to be moved. With the exception of Elsa and Milowina, who had already seen the shrine in the former Leonard Kingdom, they left the institute with expectant eyes and headed for Jin''s .


    "Here, look at this."


    "Oh, ......!"


    "Interesting thing standing there, isn''t it?"


    Reinhardt pointed to a vermilion-lacquered torii gate.


    "Basically, it was built facing south or east, ...... I think."


    The broken one was repaired and the faded color was restored.


    Jin thinks it would have been better to keep the old color.


    "Oh, it''s called Torii," he said. It''s a gate that marks the boundary between the shrine and the Shinto shrine.


    "Jin, your world has some interesting things. What are those animals?


    Vivian observed with interest.


    "I think they are komainu (guardian dogs) ...... or komainu (foxes).��I think they were gatekeepers."


    Unfortunately, Jin is not that familiar with shrines. But Vivian seemed convinced by his explanation.


    "Well, that''s an interesting way of thinking. If it were here, it would be like having a strong-looking demon as a gatekeeper.


    "Oh, I think so. There are other places that have a gatekeeper named <>.


    Kongorikishi is Nio. This is a temple, not a shrine, but Jin is not aware of it, and Vivian is not that concerned about the details.


    After taking a look around, everyone went back to the institute.


    * * * * * *


    Erza, who had remained in the conference room with Milowina, opened her mouth when everyone returned.


    "Brother Jin, Milowina-san said that there is a possibility that such a still remains.


    "I see..."


    That''s quite possible.


    "I''m sure that from Yuny knows the exact location."


    The old man, who had been listening to the conversation, immediately contacted .


    After about three minutes.


    This was not surprising, since both the old capital, Diaa, and Karnagh were located in the middle reaches of the Sopee River.


    Rivers are the stronghold of civilization, after all.


    "Do you have anything like that?"


    <


    "I''m afraid not."


    The former Leonard''s Kingdom is difficult to observe from the sky because of the illusionary boundary above the kingdom.


    Naturally, it has not been observed from the observation satellite .


    Detailed observation will be difficult unless we fly close to the surface or fly over the ground.


    "Well, that''s the way to go."


    Jin wanted to go looking for the ruins immediately, but changed his mind.


    It would be reckless to go to the ruins without doing any preliminary research. Especially if he was taking Erza and Milowina with him.


    "Do not be stingy, and do your best to investigate."


    Having given this instruction, there is nothing Jin can do at this point.


    The members of the family who had visited Horai Island also did the same, and they all returned to their respective bases.


    Vivian was the only one who wanted to talk to Milowina about some things, but she promised to return to Hourai since she had some unfinished business there.


    "Oh, there is one thing I should have done," he said.


    I thought there was nothing I could do, but I came up with the idea of upgrading the performance of the caregiver golem <, assuming that Milowina would accompany me.


    "Kai, can you keep Milowina safe?"


    Jin begins by asking.


    "No, the gigantor avrum the other day, I don''t think I can protect her if three of them appear.


    "I see."


    Kai''s strength was almost the same as Jin had expected.


    "Then, I''d like to make him a little stronger so that he can protect Milowina.


    "Yes, please."


    With a simple induction, he was able to get her to agree.


    Jin then laid Kai down on the workbench.


    "Tell me your ."


    The <> is a key word that is required for anyone other than the creator to stop the device, and is set when it is not possible for anyone to stop the device like a normal magic tool.


    "Yes, <>.


    "Dranel?"


    The word is unintelligible.


    It is a backward reading of <>, isn''t it? >>


    The old man, whose analytical skills are unparalleled, gave his guess.


    "Oh, I see, I see. ...... Okay,<><>"


    Kai stopped.


    Reiko assists Jin in carefully disassembling Kai.


    "As I thought, the model is different from its predecessor. ......"


    There are some similarities, but I think that is because it is based on .


    "Brother Jin, what do you think?"


    "Erza, where is Milowina?"


    Kai was away, so Elsa was accompanying him.


    She was tired and fell asleep a few minutes ago, so I left her in Edgar''s care for a while.


    "I see. Look, here it is."


    Elsa looked at the disassembled Kai lying on the floor,


    "...... different model?"


    She recognized it at first glance.


    "Correct. It must be a different lineage from the previous generation."


    "......, for example, Mr. Chateaune?"


    <. She was a magecraftsman of the same age as her predecessor, and it seems she was a genius as well.


    "That''s not impossible."


    Jin imagined that even if the basic name <> was the same, the direction of the subsequent development might have been different.

 1030 - - 28-31 Significance of existence

    The framework of KAI was an alloy of aluminum, copper, and magnesium.


    It is an aluminum alloy commonly referred to as <.


    "Is UNY rich in aluminum?"


    <


    Then it is no wonder this material is used.


    "Well, we haven''t developed an aluminum-based magic alloy yet. ......"


    At this point, Jin went a little off on a tangent and decided to research aluminum alloys.


    "First of all, we need to do the standard mithril addition."


    He started by replacing half of the copper with mithril silver.


    "Hmmm, it is strengthened after all.


    The degree of strengthening was clearly increased by the magic.


    "Well, we don''t have much time, so let''s just go as far as determining the appropriate amount of mithril silver to be added.


    Jin, who did not want to take up too much time since the main purpose of his work was to modify Kai, experimented quickly.


    "Hmm, the first ratio is the best."


    Super duralumin is made of 94 percent aluminum, 4.5 percent copper, and 1.5 percent magnesium.


    Replacing half of the copper, or 2.25 percent, with mithril silver was found to be the most efficient way to magically strengthen the material. It is approximately 2.5 times stronger.


    "<>" or "<>."


    Since the volume change is negligible, we can continue with <> and <>.


    "I am always impressed with your work," said Jin.


    Erza marvels at Jin''s work, especially when he is working with metals.


    This was probably due to the fact that Jin himself was good at and liked such metalworking, in addition to the metal knowledge he had learned during his time in modern Japan.


    Now, let me digress.


    Having developed a new material, <>, for the chi, Jin is now considering what to do with the muscle tissue.


    "From the strength of the skeleton, the standard material should be sufficient.


    "Yes, I think so."


    The standard golem is made of threads of a ground spider, twisted in a special way. Even with this, it can produce two to five times the output of an ordinary golem, and depending on how it is used, nearly ten times the output.


    The only thing left to do is to upgrade the control core.


    We will replace it with all-attribute magic crystals (magi crystals) of Horai Island''s standard (or advanced in the eyes of the general public).


    "Let''s also replace the magic nerves."


    After upgrading in this way at key points and applying countermeasures against slavery magic, we reassemble it.


    The work was completed in about two and a half hours.


    "It looks like this was made in UNY using the technology of the old Leonard Kingdom.


    "Brother Jin, how do you know this?"


    "Well, since the password is spelled backwards from Leonard, I thought it might have been made by someone from the old Leonard''s Kingdom."


    "Oh."


    "Well, I could be wrong."


    With that, Jin reactivates Kai.


    "There we go. "


    "Yes, master."


    Kai gets up. His movements are smoother than before the modifications.


    "How are you feeling?"


    Kai checked himself before answering.


    "Yes, I''m fine, sir. Thank you very much.


    "Good, please continue to protect Mr. Mir��wna.


    Yes, sir, I will.


    Thus, Kai, the golem that accompanied Milowena, became more powerful and once again served Milowena.


    "Now, one more thing..."


    "Brother Jin, anything more?"


    Erza looked at her watch and frowned.


    "Don''t worry. It won''t take long. I''m going to make a bracelet for Milowina."


    "Oh, I see."


    It is a task she is accustomed to making, and it takes no time at all.


    The color is silver with gold stripes.


    "Okay, done."


    Finally, Jin finished what he wanted to do and went to bed feeling satisfied.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, July 2.


    After finishing breakfast, Jin offered Milowina the bracelet.


    "Well, well, well, Jin-kun, what is this?"


    "This is called a , which can be used to create a barrier. It can also be used for personal identification and communication. It can also be used as a light.


    "Well, thank you, Mr. Jin."


    "The best feature of this device is that you can remotely control it to put up a barrier. It''s a good thing that we can do this even if we have overlooked it.


    Jin explained the functions to Milowina, who quickly learned them.


    "Oh, and I''ve made some improvements to Kai, so I think he''ll be useful as an escort.


    "...... Jin bro."


    Erza thought, "You don''t have to say that so lightly, like you just polished him up a little,


    ��But then Erza realized that she had to say it lightly, as if she had just polished it up a bit.)


    She realized that she was just trying not to make Milowina feel guilty, and kept her mouth shut. I don''t know if my guess was right or not.


    However, Milowina was happy to hear it, so I guess there was no problem.


    "Well, thank you for everything, Jin-kun. Kai, please keep up the good work."


    "Yes, Milowina-sama."


    At noon on the same day, a report came to Jin.


    "Oh, yes!"


    Jin had just finished his lunch, so he hurriedly drank up his tea and left Soleil to clean up the mess, and headed for the command center with Reiko.


    He gave himself a on his slightly burned tongue.


    Elsa and Milowina decided to have a leisurely cup of tea before heading out.


    "...... hmmm, that''s a bit of a long shot, isn''t it?"


    When Erza and Milowina arrived at the command center, they saw a slightly disappointed look on Jin''s face. Concerned by this, Erza called out to him.


    "Brother Jin, what''s wrong?"


    Jin turned around,


    "I don''t think there is much hope for the ......1 site," he answered.


    Jin replied.


    Erza looked at the screen and saw the image on the screen and understood.


    "...... is terrible."


    Right?"


    The area where the ruins are supposed to have been is full of holes. It seems that decades, maybe even a century or so ago, a large scale excavation was done.


    It is not clear now whether the purpose of the digging was to find treasures that might have been buried in the ruins, or to mine underground resources such as ore.


    The passage of time is scary, isn''t it?


    Milowina, who peeked in from the side, also commented. It must be painful to see one''s hometown being razed to the ground.


    Some of the holes were dug vertically, others diagonally downwards, and some of them looked like anthills.


    "The former Leonard Kingdom is rich in mineral resources, so maybe this place was a mine for mineral resources.


    Jin muttered in a whisper.


    "Brother Jin, how did you know that this place used to be a ruin?"


    Erza asked, "How did you know this place was a ruin?


    "Oh, that''s ......."


    Jin gave some kind of signal and the screen switched.


    "Oh, ......."


    On the screen was the RAND team. They are holding something in their hands.


    No, not something. .......


    "A piece of the ruins?"


    It is made of a dense whitish stone of varying sizes, and there is writing carved on the surface.


    What was written on them is not clear because they are in pieces, but we can imagine that they must have been part of a mural painting because there are words that can be read as <<<> in some places.


    Another group of Rand and the others were holding parts of a decaying magi-machine, and the barely legible magi formula suggested that it had probably once been a magi-brain.


    "You would think so, wouldn''t you?��Unfortunately."


    Of course, Lando and the others had searched not only in the surrounding area but also in the basement, and they had found these in the large hall in the basement and a hidden room in the back of the hall.


    "Jin, these things happen."


    Surprisingly, Milowina was not too disappointed.


    "Maybe it''s because I saw the ruins at Diaa and Karnagh.


    In short, she had realized the impermanence of all things, I guess.


    "And it''s because I saw the people of the village of Kaina."


    Milowina says that the continuation of human life is proof of her existence.


    "It is a blessing to have someone to whom you can entrust what you have built."


    More than leaving records, more than building ruins.


    Milowina smiles and says to Jin as if to admonish him, "Leaving behind a successor may be the meaning of human existence.

 1031 - - 28-32 The Last Remains

    "Successor?"


    It was Reiko who uttered the words.


    Indeed, Reiko had been searching for a successor for about a thousand years after the death of the previous Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, who had been searching for a successor for about a thousand years. So I guess it''s fair to say that I understand the weight of her words better than anyone else.


    Yes. One day we all decay, but our thoughts, our teachings, and our wills will be passed on.


    Milowina''s words seemed to be addressed to Jin, as if she were saying them to herself.


    "Successor ......."


    Jin glanced at Elsa''s face.


    "?"


    Erza tilted her head, unsure of the meaning of that look.


    Jin was about to say something when...


    "Oh, you did it!"


    <


    That''s good news.


    Then the appearance of the ruins is shown.


    "Well, this is ......."


    "Do you know it, Mr. Milowina?"


    "Yes. Yes, but I''ve only seen it in the archives. It''s a traditional building from the Kingdom of Leonard.


    "This is ......"


    What was shown on the screen was a . No, it was a building just like it.


    < is a on earth to enshrine the relics of the Buddha, but here it may house some important .


    "Interesting, style."


    "The exterior seems to be made of metal. That''s why it''s so durable."


    I''m not sure how long it''s been there, but it glows a dull gold in places.


    Surrounding it was a meadow dotted with rocks, where an animal resembling a goat was grazing. Their hair hung down long and they looked warm.


    "Maybe these animals are the reason the grassland was maintained."


    "Brother Jin, that fur looks warm.


    I think it''s called a Qasimir or something.


    "If we shorn its hair and made it into yarn, we could have a good quality product."


    You are right. The Cashmir is very close to the Cashmere goat of the earth, and its hair was once a luxury item in the Kingdom of Leonard.


    However, they were a specialty of the Leonard Kingdom and were difficult to breed, so they did not catch on in other countries.


    "I''d like to try my hand at breeding them somewhere ......, but that''s not the point right now."


    The screen shows the surroundings.


    Buildings made of stone are seen.


    "Ah, this used to be a city made of stone.


    Milowina murmurs nostalgically. She is probably happy to see that even a small part of her hometown still remains, even if she has only seen it in the records.


    It seems that the town was not surrounded by walls, and it is not clear where the town is and where the outside is.


    When herbivores are taking it easy... you know there''s little danger from predators.


    "I see. Then I guess we can go there.


    Jin is enthusiastic.


    "Yes, I''d like to go there.


    When Milowina mentioned that she wanted to visit the ruins, it was decided that they would go to the ruins.


    Since the Land and Raptor teams were already there, Jin and his team made a quick preparation and departed in <>.


    After jumping over the sea and approaching the land, Jin pointed to the floor and said, "I''ll open it,


    "I''ll open it.


    Jin pointed at the floor and said, "I''ll open it. In response, a part of the floor turned transparent.


    No, the cover slid down to reveal a window.


    "I''ve made some modifications," he said.


    "Oh, my God, it''s beautiful!


    "Brother Jin, when did you do this?"


    I can do this for you in no time at all.


    < was made of a transparent material.


    "This will make it easier to see the ground, won''t it?"


    "Yes, yes. Thank you, Mr. Jin.


    <


    Mir��wna gazed intently at the ground.


    arrived at the Darth River site at 4 pm local time. The summer day was still bright.


    In the grassy field below, the land team had formed a circle to ensure their safety.


    "We''re landing!"


    Pilot Edgar successfully lowered and landed in the center of the rand circle.


    As if frustrated by the opening of the door, Milowina jumped out head first.


    "Be careful!"


    Jin called out,


    "Jin, your men made sure it was safe, didn''t they?��Then you''ll be fine!��Kai is with me, and I have the bracelet.


    Milowina looked at the pagoda about 100 meters away.


    It looks just as I saw it in the pictures. But the real thing is much, much better.


    Jin also understands this sentiment.


    Even in modern Japan, people who think they know famous tourist attractions from postcards and photo albums are often overwhelmed by the power of the real thing.


    Jin decided to leave Milowina alone as she gazed at the ruins. He asked Erza to stay with him while he listened to the report from Land 61 from a little distance away.


    "Master, there is a large cavity in the basement here. I can''t sense any magic, so I don''t think there are any demons nesting here.


    Yeah, and?


    That big building has a 22-karat gold outer covering that''s been tempered to the utmost.


    What? ......


    I know that the former Leonard Kingdom was rich in underground resources, but to be able to use that much gold, Jin was half impressed and half dismayed.


    "No, it''s just a . Not all of it is gold, but only about a millimeter of the surface layer is made of 22k gold.


    It is more gold clad than plated. Still, the amount of gold is substantial.


    "The inside of the gold cladding seems to be a copper alloy."


    He says, "It''s probably bronze with some kind of reinforcing magic.


    "I see."


    And inside, there''s something that emits mana.


    He says nothing more than that can be seen from the outside.


    "Hmm. Is it a magic brain or a recording device?"


    If it is emitting mana, it means that there is some kind of magical machine and that it is still alive.


    "We need to be careful, don''t we?"


    Reiko, standing next to Jin, pulled his sleeve.


    Then Milowina arrived with Elsa.


    Jin-kun, is something wrong?


    "No, actually. ......"


    Jin explained the results of the RAND team''s investigation.


    "I see. We have to be careful about what''s in these ruins.


    "Yes. There are no major dangers, but there may be some minor dangers.


    We have to make that judgment if the magi-machine inside is still alive.


    "Then, Brother Jin. What exactly are you going to do?"


    First, we''ll use a doppelganger.


    Jin-kun, is the doppelganger supposed to take the place of Jin-kun?


    Yes, it is. Let''s go back to Horai Island for now.


    The last remains of the old Leonard''s Kingdom.


    Jin, together with Milowina, Erza, and others, used the Warp Gate of <> and returned to Horai Island.

 1032 - - 28-33 Capture

    Jin entered the command center of Horai Island with Milowina and Erza.


    "Old man, get ready for the doppelganger. Please forward them to the site together with Reiko.


    <


    Reiko, I''ll be in touch.


    ...... yes, father.


    Reiko is the only one who can take charge of the scene.


    Reiko hesitated for a moment, and then, following Jin''s wish, she moved to the Darth River site again.


    Three minutes later, the <> was transferred.


    "So this is how it looks like."


    Milowina gazed intently at the images from the <>.


    First, the wards around the <>.


    This is the reason why the golden building has remained safe and sound for hundreds of years without being robbed.


    "That''s a pretty hard ward, isn''t it?"


    Reiko is about to break it by force, so Jin gives the order to break it before she does.


    "I''d like to investigate without breaking it as much as possible. Please do so."


    Reiko, who had been told by Jin to <, ran around a radius of 500 meters, looking for the generator. At the same time, the Rand team also searched, but it was Reiko who found it.


    < in the form of equilateral triangles.


    "Okay, use the <>.


    The Aether Jammer has the effect of taking control of the free magical element (ether) in a certain area and sealing magic. It is the same with magic tools.


    When the supply of free magical energy (ether) runs out, the warding generator naturally stops.


    Rand''s team should continue to use ether jammers to shut down the warding generators.


    Now it is time to investigate the Pagoda.


    <


    "Interesting entrance."


    "...... Wait, Jin. I remember now. It''s a dummy."


    Milowina waited for him.


    "I remember seeing that in the book. It''s supposed to be the entrance to the trap.


    "Well, ...... thank you."


    I don''t mind most of the traps, but it would honestly be nice to not have to disarm them and avoid them.


    "So, the underground caverns are more like pitfalls, right?"


    "Maybe."


    Erza agreed with Jin''s mutterings.


    Originally, they might be dropped into a pit and then restrained.


    "Well, what does it say about the entrance ......?"


    Milowina ponders.


    "Oh, yes. There is a building with a transfer magic circle a short distance away ......."


    She starts to say "" and holds her tongue.


    "......... it doesn''t look like it''s safe."


    The area around the building was almost completely rubble.


    The wards seem to have protected only the , and no other buildings were found safe.


    >


    The old man suggests, but I have a concern.


    "It''s a bit like Uny, isn''t it ......?"


    "Yes, it is. There are basically no entrances or exits there either.


    Jin ponders. Then he asked Milowina a question.


    "What if...what if...? If we were to enter there by transfer, what do you think the chances are that we would be considered enemies?


    "Well, 50-50, I guess. I don''t know. I can''t be too sure.


    "I guess so.


    And so, first, Shinobi Unit 1 and 2 went to scout the area by transporter.


    "Well, they''re cute."


    "They were very active in the UNY."


    They are a proven Shinobi unit.


    <


    Incidentally, the coordinates are based on the land troops in the vicinity of <>, so they are very accurate.


    "Oh, I see the inside."


    Shinobu I sent the image.


    "Hey, Jin-kun, this image is what the little golem''s eyes saw earlier, right?"


    Milowina asked after thinking for a moment.


    "Yes, it is, what is it?"


    "You know, I was a little surprised at how clear the images were from such small eyes."


    In short, he was talking about the image quality when the magnification rate is large or the image receiving element is small.


    "I see what you mean. <, we use especially high-quality light-attribute magical crystals (Magi Crystals).


    The magi crystals were carefully selected. However, since they are small, one magi crystal can be used to make many magi crystals.


    The eyes of birds of prey such as hawks and eagles can see much farther even though they are smaller than humans, and just as owls can find their prey in the dark, the eyes of the ninja troops are specially made.


    "I see. That''s why you''re so good, Jin-kun."


    "Thank you."


    Jin was inwardly impressed that Milowina had such knowledge.


    "Brother Jin, look."


    Erza pointed at the screen.


    "Oh?��Is that a ...... golem?"


    It is a golem with a dull gold color.


    "It''s about ......2 meters in size."


    It was hard to tell on the screen because there was nothing to compare it to, and the image was taken from the perspective of a miniature Shinobi troop.


    "Brother Jin, is that gold too?"


    .


    The old man replied to Elsa''s question.


    "I wish I had a sample. ......"


    We need to examine the inside of this <> more than that now.


    <


    "Wait, let''s start with the corporal, and if he is still undistracted, let''s send the remaining 5, and so on."


    .


    So, three more were sent in: three, four, and five.


    So far there has been no change in the .


    There are five golden golems. Jin thought they might be guards.


    They have no weapons of any kind.


    The interior seems to be divided into several layers, and this place with the five golems seems to be the lowest layer.


    <>


    In the center of the room, there was a spiral stairway to the top.


    "Wait!"


    Milowina stopped him.


    That staircase could be a trap too.


    Indeed, with no way in or out of the , the means of transportation to each floor could also be a transfer.


    So I decided to look for a transfer magic circle.


    "I don''t see any ......."


    Five Shinobi members split up, but they could not find it.


    Then, the remaining five members, Riku, Urushi, Saru, Ku, and Pickup, were also sent in.


    The search for the ten units begins. The effect of the search is immediately apparent.


    .


    "Oh, where was it?"


    In a sense, it is a blind spot. There was a small magic circle engraved on the floor of the 0th step of the staircase, ...... that is to say.


    "It looks like a labyrinthine strategy," Jin muttered.


    Jin muttered to himself. Elsa and Milowina did not seem to hear him.


    Milowena knew how to activate the transfer magic circle.


    "I know that model. <


    "Thank you."


    The old man, who had heard the conversation between Jin and the others, immediately informed the Shinobi Forces.


    <


    The Shinobi picked up the target and moved to the other side first.


    One minute later, the Shinobi were informed that there was nothing wrong, and they were dispatched from Ichi to Corporal. After another 2 minutes, Kusu from Riku moved to the upper level, and all of them moved to the upper level.

 1033 - - 28-34 Found?

    <


    "Assuming this is the second floor, what the hell is on the second floor?"


    The image sent to us looked like a deserted hall.


    "In terms of size, this floor doesn''t seem to be separated from the rest of the building either.


    The first and second floors appear to be rooms the size of the itself, which means they are not divided into smaller rooms.


    "...... has withstood well in terms of strength."


    The horizontal section of the < is almost circular, with a diameter of about 30 meters.


    There is nothing to support it except for the spiral staircase in the center.


    Jin was impressed by how well the second floor of the pagoda had held up.


    "Huh?"


    Jin noticed that the spiral staircase did not lead to this level.


    "It was a dummy after all.


    The old man''s guess is not far off the mark.


    "Then, there must be some kind of trap in this level, too.


    However, on earth, it is equivalent to the 8,000-meter-high Himalayas. If you were suddenly exposed to it, you would have difficulty breathing.


    "You''re lucky you''re in the Shinobi Corps."


    Even in a vacuum, they can act.


    And soon the transfer magic circle was discovered.


    The lack of obstacles made it easy to find.


    Then, perhaps, the transfer to the third floor took place.


    "This is ......"


    The room was filled with magic tools.


    "Are there no walls here either?"


    The hierarchy also appears to be circular.


    <


    What?


    According to <<<< MagiRadar, this is the third floor, but this room is slightly smaller in diameter than it should be.


    "I see."


    It is a disguise that only the old man could have noticed.


    "So the means of transportation is outside the room?"


    <


    "The magic tool is ......"


    Jin says,


    If they are moved carelessly, various traps will be activated.


    "Then let''s leave the magic tools alone and look for the transfer magic circle.


    <


    "I don''t think it''s a good idea to have a hierarchy full of traps.


    Then Oshiku, who had been exploring the walls, found the hidden door. At about the same time, Shinobu also found a hidden door.


    "It is possible that one or both of them are traps."


    "....... Whoever made it has a very bad character.


    Erza agreed with Jin''s comment.


    They looked for another door, but couldn''t find it.


    "Well, I don''t know..."


    Jin himself rarely played video games, so he was not familiar with the variations of such traps.


    "...... Jin, you ...... that door seems to be a trap too."


    Milowina said in a whisper with a hint of slyness. Jin nodded.


    "I see, it is misleading.


    The old man hears this and says his own theory.


    This is a rare pattern in game dungeons.


    It is rare in a game dungeon that you have to go to the next tower to get to the upper floor of the main tower, or that you have to go underground to find the way to the top.


    Unfortunately, Jin had no experience with such games.


    Reiko makes a suggestion.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    <


    "Okay, let''s do it."


    Jin decides.


    "I think that''s closer to the right answer than you think, Jin.


    Milowina sounded impressed.


    * * * * * *


    "Your father has given his permission. Good day."


    Reiko returned to Horai Island by the warp gate of and was transported to the inside of by a transporter.


    "Is this the top of the pagoda?


    There seemed to be no doubt about it. The ceiling was round and the room was round. The diameter of the room was about 5 meters.


    And there it was.


    "It''s not a magic brain ....... A recording device, perhaps."


    It was a magi-machine about the size of a study desk.


    It has a small magic screen and looks a bit like a large computer.


    The mana is alive, isn''t it? Shall I call your father to check?"


    Since there seemed to be no great danger, Reiko reported to the old man and asked him to send Jin''s <> to her.


    A minute later, the <> arrived with a happy face. Of course, it is Jin who is happy.


    >


    Jin''s doppelganger, who had looked around with a wry smile, first started to investigate the recording device-like magi-machine in front of him.


    <


    Jin''s doppelganger continues to analyze the data while muttering to itself, just like Jin. Meanwhile, Reiko is on the lookout.


    "Old man, please send me one Magi Crystal for my record.


    Jin instructed the old man in the Horaijima command center.


    .


    Without a pause, the old man transfers the Magi Crystal.


    Since the doppelganger is a marker, he was able to send it with almost no error.


    The Magi Crystal appears in front of the doppelganger.


    <>>>


    After making a copy of the information, Jin has his doppelganger investigate the surroundings, since it is unlikely that he simply stored this information.


    > Jin thinks to himself.


    "Huh?��Wait, ......."


    At this point, Jin suddenly thought of something.


    "Normally, <> are ......"

 1034 - - 28-35 The Truth of the Ruins

    "Brother Jin, what''s wrong?"


    Erza wonders as Jin, who was in the control room piloting the doppelganger, suddenly raises his voice loudly.


    "......No, I''ve noticed something."


    Saying this, Jin temporarily left the control of the doppelganger to the old man and turned to Erza and Milowina.


    "Hey, Milowina-san, do you think those ruins could be the tombs of royalty?"


    "Huh?"


    "Huh?"


    Elsa and Milowina shouted at the same time.


    "In the world I was in, such were supposed to house the remains of saints. At least in the early days.


    Originally, a was a place to store the remains of the Buddha, and it seems to be the same thing as a <.


    I''ll leave it at that.


    "...... That was a blind spot."


    Milowina answers with a slight smile and apologizes.


    "Yes, I think I have read something like that. I had forgotten about it until you mentioned it. I am sorry.


    "I thought that ruins meant that there were artifacts left behind."


    Elsa looks down a little.


    Right?


    Then the old man reported.


    The Shinobi troop took it out of the Pagoda and brought it back using the warp gate of <>, and the old man analyzed it in a hurry.


    "You mean?"


    <>


    "I see... ......"


    This must be a <.


    If anything is missing, it''s probably a burial, and if we try to dig it up, we''ll be .


    Jin orders everyone to leave.


    "Yes, that''s a good idea.


    Milowina agreed.


    The shinobi troop immediately withdrew from the area. Reiko and her doppelganger also left with the transfer device.


    Lando''s unit returns to the island with the Raptor squad.


    The doppelgangers and the shinobi slowly return by , but Reiko is the only one to return by the warp gate.


    "Father, I have just returned."


    "Thank you."


    Jin had not gained much in spite of all the preparations he had made, but he decided to let this happen.


    "Yes?"


    "Yes, the structure of the golem on the first floor and a gold-based magic alloy.


    Oh, that''s good news.


    <


    That''s even better news!


    <


    "North or ......"


    Jin, who had received this information, had a thought that it might be possible, but he kept it to himself, not saying it out loud because it was too vague.


    He then turned his mind to technical matters.


    I was not going to talk about technical matters, so I decided to talk about the technical aspects.


    Since this was going to be a technical talk, Milowina went to a hot spring. She was accompanied by Kai.


    Jin and Erza remained in the command center.


    A simplified diagram drawn by the old man appeared on the screen.


    "Oh, interesting. An interchangeable system, ......."


    The model is clearly not an Adriana type.


    The arms and legs are easily interchangeable.


    "It''s possible because it''s not an endoskeleton."


    "...... Jin brother, the structure of the joints is interesting."


    Jin and Elsa were interested in the screen.


    The joints are spheres.


    It is similar to the spherical-jointed dolls. However, since no rubber or springs are used, there are no grooves or holes in the joints.


    "Brother Jin, is it magic power that''s keeping them together?"


    "...... Well, it''s a little hard to tell from this diagram."


    <> and a weaker magic.


    This is the information from the shinobi troops who were at the scene.


    "Hmmm......<<> or ...... so it seems."


    Jin thought for a while and came to a conclusion.


    "I guess it is <> by magic power. As a force, it would be the same quality as the one used by the ."


    "...... interesting."


    Erza also seems to be interested in Jin''s guess.


    "Yes. It is worth studying."


    And one more thing, <>.


    <


    "I see!��You replaced the silver used to make 22-karat gold with mithril silver!"


    As expected of Jin, he seems to have figured it out right away just by asking.


    <<91.7% is gold, to which copper, silver, and mithril silver are added.


    "I knew it."


    "That''s true.


    "I know that. ......Okay, let''s study the gold-based magic alloys as well."


    <<>


    Jin gave instructions for the development of a gold-based magical alloy, Magigold, as he thought it could be of use.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After all the instructions are finished, Jin and Erza finally have time to relax. They are now drinking tea and relaxing.


    Reiko is standing a little away from them out of consideration.


    "...... I guess that''s all for now."


    "Yes, I think so."


    "And then the world conference."


    "It''s a lot of work, but it''s worth it. ......By the way, Jin."


    Erza looked into Jin''s face and asked.


    "You still haven''t announced about the old Leonard kingdom or about Milowina?"


    "Oh, about that..."


    Jin closed his eyes to collect his thoughts.


    "I''m starting to understand a little more about my ...... predecessor, though."


    Then he suddenly opens his mouth.


    "?��......Yes."


    "There''s something I still don''t understand. Why did my predecessor retreat to Horai Island?


    "...... ah."


    Jin opened his eyes and looked at Erza.


    "The time when he was with <> and the time when he shut himself away. I don''t know what happened in between."


    "...... sure."


    Then Jin skipped the explanation and spoke his conclusion.


    "That''s why I''m still hesitant to announce what Erza just said.


    "...... understand."


    Despite her skipped explanation, Erza seems to have understood.


    "If we are going to explain the past history, we can''t just talk about the old Leonard''s Kingdom and Mr. Milowina, but we have to explain about the <> as well. Then I would have to tell you about my predecessor. But, since we don''t know why our predecessors were persecuted, Brother Jin is hesitant to disclose it. Is ...... correct?"


    Jin nodded his head. I don''t want to unnecessarily disrupt the meeting.


    "Yes, that''s what I meant. Maybe I''m being a bit too timid, but I want to make the first world conference a success first."


    Jin said, "We can let people know about the past after that. Erza agreed.


    "Yes, I want to make it a success."


    After saying this, Erza looked at Jin and smiled.


    "I think Jin will be able to overcome any problems that come his way, though.


    Jin smiled back at Erza.


    "Yeah. I have Erza and the rest of my family ...... and Hourai Island."


    "Yes, I will help you as much as I can."


    "Thank you, Elsa. ...... And Reiko, come here."


    "Yes, Father."


    Reiko walks up to him.


    "You''re here so I can do what I want without having to worry about anything. I''m counting on you to do the same for me."


    Reiko''s face breaks into a smile when Jin calls out to her.


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you!


    "And you, my lord."


    <


    The old man answered.


    "Taibai, Xiao Laojun, Gengshen, Jack, Soleil, Luna ......."


    One after another, Jin listed the names of those who supported him.


    "Please keep up the good work."


    There are only 8 days left until the World Conference.


    The wind in the invincible island of Horai had turned to summer.

 1035 - - 28-36 Chat 58 Chilseok

    July 7.


    "So, tonight is Tanabata.


    Jin starts at the workshop in the village of Kaina.


    "What''s Tanabata?"


    Hannah, as if she didn''t know, raised her voice in question.


    Last year, there had been the Gigantopedal disturbance just before the event, and seven days had passed before we knew it while we were working on the boundary bomb and super-cooling magic <>.


    "Well, the seventh day of the seventh month is called the <. We hang strips of paper with our wishes written on them on a bamboo branch and pray.


    Jin explained very simply.


    "Really, you''re asking the stars for a wish?"


    "Yes.


    By the way, there are no bamboo branches near the village of Kaina.


    But there are bamboo thickets on the east side of Horai Island.


    Old man, please send me some bamboos.


    Three minutes after the old man replied, the bamboos appeared on the first floor of the workshop.


    .


    "Well, tell him thank you for your hard work."


    "Hey, was that a bamboo?"


    "Yes, you could say that."


    Jin himself does not know the difference between bamboo and bamboo grass.


    Bamboo shoots have a skin that sticks to the bamboo shoot after it grows up, while bamboos fall off.


    However, there are some species that are called "bamboo" but are actually bamboos (e.g. Yadake), and others that are called "sasa" but are actually bamboos (e.g. Okamezasa).


    Let''s take a break from this.


    "Here, let''s decorate it like this: ......"


    "Wow, interesting!"


    =Japanese paper dyed with dyes is used to make chains, lanterns, nets, stars, and other decorations.


    Hannah is also making them, but she is quite good at it.


    Hannah is very good with her hands.


    "Really?


    Hannah tilts her head. She looks happy to be praised by Jin.


    Jin ...... what''s that?


    Then Erza came over.


    "It''s a tanabata decoration. It''s Tanabata tonight.


    Jin gave the same explanation as he had given to Hannah.


    "Well, we''d better prepare yukata too.


    I have a yukata that I made for last year''s summer festival, so I''ll have it ready for you," Jin thought.


    "Father, why don''t you make him a new yukata?"


    Reiko, who had kept quiet until then, suggested.


    "Okay. That''s true."


    Hannah is growing up and Elsa and I are engaged.


    Both of them are different from last year, so let''s dress them in different yukata from last year.


    Thus, they decided to make a yukata in a hurry.


    The fabric was cotton obtained from Mitsuho. The fabric is made of cotton from Mitsuho. A little bit of ground spider yarn is blended into the fabric to prevent wrinkling.


    "Hmmm, what about the pattern? ......"


    I''ve decided on light blue for Elsa and peach for Hannah, but I can''t decide on the pattern.


    "Goshujin-sama, if it''s a flower, it should be a flower, and if it''s a pattern, it should be a pattern.


    While I was struggling in the workshop on Horai Island, Anne came to me and gave me some advice.


    Anne had a broad perspective, having worked for various masters after being manufactured in the Kingdom of Dinar in the past.


    This has helped Jin from time to time.


    "Yes, that''s right. Then, let''s make Erza a flower ...... Nadeshiko and Hannah a ...... goldfish.


    Surprisingly, it was an easy decision.


    We start work on them immediately.


    Once the design is decided, the rest is the same as the drawing, so it becomes Jin''s field.


    Jin''s theory is that there is no need to be eccentric in the design of a yukata.


    "I want to respect tradition.


    This is the reason.


    The yukata, including the painting, was completed in about an hour.


    It was only 4:00 p.m. on Horai Island, so it was 1:40 p.m. in Kaina Village. It was still broad daylight.


    "Wow, Onii-chan, thank you!


    "Thank you, Jin-bro, thank you!"


    Both of them are smiling with their new yukata.


    I changed my clothes on the second floor of Jin''s .


    Hannah no longer changes in front of Jin''s eyes. Jin felt that Hannah had grown up in such a way.


    "Hello again, Onii-chan!


    "...... Jin-bro, how are you doing?"


    Jin''s face broke into a smile when he saw them coming downstairs after getting dressed.


    "Yes, it looks good on you. I''m glad."


    Since they had worn the same clothes last year, the direction of the sleeves was not reversed, and the hem did not come off too much.


    The two of them were dressed properly.


    "So, shall we write strips of paper?"


    "Yes."


    ><<


    They hang strips of paper with words such as


    "Brother Jin, I can''t lift my arm.


    "Oh, in that case... ......"


    Basically, Japanese kimonos have a structure that makes it difficult to raise the arms straight up, as in <.


    In such cases, the sleeves must be rolled up.


    This is why there is even a small item called a sasuki-gake (sashikake).


    In this case, we will roll up the sleeves of a yukata so that the arms can be raised above the ground.


    "This way..."


    Erza ties a strip of string to the top of the bamboo branch.


    Jin is a little disconcerted by the whiteness of her rolled-up arms.


    Oh, I knew it!


    "Oh, it''s a beautiful starry sky when I look at it again, isn''t it?


    The starry sky seen from the village of Kaina was much more beautiful than the sky in the Tokyo metropolitan area of modern Japan that Jin knew.


    "I can see the Milky Way, so this star must be in the galaxy.


    Since the world congress will be held soon, I have not been able to do much, so Jin and I are doing this Tanabata alone.


    I will be busy from tomorrow. So just for tonight, both Jin and Erza were enjoying this moment with all their hearts.


    In the sky, a bright star ...... was shining brightly.

 1036 - - 29-01 First Platoon.

    July 8, 3458. It is two days before the World Conference.


    On this day, the representatives of the Shoro Kingdom and the Elias Kingdom are scheduled to arrive in Kunlun Island.


    The rest of the countries will arrive on the following day, the 9th.


    Since this was the first time and the meeting was sudden, the schedule had to be adjusted.


    Jin would have liked to have arrived a little earlier.


    But for that reason, I have reconsidered the possibility of having him stay after the meeting if he likes.


    "First the Shoro Kingdom, and then the Elias Kingdom on the way back, in that order."


    <, as if to confirm.


    Since there is a time difference of 4 hours and 20 minutes from the Kunlun Island, we hope to arrive at the Shoro Kingdom around 8:00 in the morning.


    The crew consists of Jin, Erza, Reiko, Lando 99 and 100 as escorts, Butler 11 and 12 as caretakers, Soleil and 12, Soleil and Luna, and Anne. The pilot is Edgar.


    The trip to the airport is by transporter, so it takes only a moment.


    Preparation for the flight is little more than cleaning the cabin.


    Jin and Erza put on their formal attire and boarded <>.


    "Okay, let''s go.


    The time is 1:00 p.m. Horai Island time. <> soared into the sky of Horai Island and was transferred to the Shoro Kingdom by ......<>.


    Since the existence of the transporter is top-secret, it is not visible from Miyagi, so it slowly descends from the sky above.


    "Ah!"


    In the palace square below, the guards of honor had already lined up to welcome the Kunlun and prepare for the ceremony to send off the emperor.


    "You''re a quick ......."


    She''s that kind of person.


    "Yes."


    The aircraft slowly descends to the landing pad.


    As soon as they landed, a band played music.


    Although Jin is not used to this, Elsa takes him by the arm and they head for the ramp.


    Jin regains his composure and quickens his pace, taking his foot half a step ahead of Elsa on the ramp. He then descends the ramp, aided by Erza.


    Reiko, followed by Soleil and Luna.


    "Welcome, Kunlun-kun!


    Her Imperial Highness, Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shoro, the Shoro Imperial Princess Emperor, greets the group, flanked on either side by female knights.


    <


    The golden Soleil and the silver Luna are supposed to be the first public appearances.


    They are about the same size as Reiko, but their splendid shapes and their matt gold and silver colors, which are not too flashy, attracted the public''s attention.


    "I have come to welcome you, Your Majesty."


    Jin bowing in the Japanese style and Elsa giving the curtesy.


    "Thank you."


    After the words of the Empress, the Prime Minister introduced the final participants.


    "Accompanying me is the Minister of Magical Technology, Mr. Degas Furth von Manischlus.


    Minister of Magical Technology Deghaus advanced.


    "To escort you, the lady knight of the Kingsguard, Flora Heckerath von Merante."


    Flora stepped forward and bowed.


    "Commander Fritz Randall von Grosch."


    Fritz also steps forward and bows.


    "I would like two male servants and two female servants to accompany you to take care of your personal needs.


    They had been informed of this in advance, so there was no problem at all.


    "Well then, Your Majesty, off you go. Korun, please take good care of His Majesty.


    Prime Minister Jung Forss von K?bsler bowed deeply.


    With this brief exchange, Jin and his party and the emperor''s entourage board the .


    As a side note, from this point on, it became customary to go to the World Congress with only a short, not-so-ceremonial ceremony like this.


    It was undoubtedly the female emperor who pioneered this practice.


    * * * * * * * * *


    Please make yourselves at home on board.


    "Yes, I''m afraid the formalities are only for the meeting. Suit yourselves!


    The Empress declares. Perhaps it is she who wants the most freedom.


    The music of the orchestra sends <> floating into the sky.


    "Wow, it flew!


    The Empress gazes out the window.


    "Your Majesty, you''re being very modest!"


    Degauss, the Minister of Magic and Technology, chides her, but to no avail.


    Then he looked at Flora, the female knight of the Kingsguard, who was also glued to the window, just like the emperor.


    The servants were also glued to the windows.


    Fritz is talking with his sister, whom he has not seen for a long time.


    The Minister of Magical Arts and Technology is concerned that he may have gone a little too far, even though the Empress had told him to go free.


    However, Degauze was afraid to speak too loudly to the queen herself, so he cried out to Jin.


    "<>, can''t you do something about it?"


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin decided to open the floor window he had added for Milowina.


    "Your Majesty, this way."


    "What?��Jin."


    The female emperor turned around and saw that the floor was transparent and cheered.


    "My God!��This is a window!


    "Yes, you can see it from where you are sitting, can''t you?"


    "Yes, thank you!��You''re the best!


    The emperor, who had finally calmed down, sat down and stared at the ground through the window on the floor.


    Fritz, on the other hand, was asking his sister Elsa many questions.


    "What is the maximum speed of this airship?"


    How many people can it hold?


    These questions were typical of military personnel.


    Elsa answered them to the extent that it was not too much of a problem.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    In about two hours, <> arrived at the Kingdom of Elias.


    Since Jin had explained the time difference to the Shoro delegation on board the ship, these phenomena were accepted with interest.


    At 1:00 p.m., they arrived at Borgia.


    Shortly before that, the kingdom''s hot-air balloon had been the first to detect and report the group''s arrival, so that by the time <> landed in front of the castle, everything was already in place to welcome them.


    "<> Sir Jin Nido, thank you for your hospitality."


    Joining them from the Kingdom of Elias were the Prime Minister, Marquis Godopher de Toves Rossi, and the Minister of Administration, Marquis Dominique de Zaus Firenziano.


    Their escort is Noust Varin, vice-captain of the Kingsguard.


    The rest are servants, two men and two women.


    The king, Blitzen Skala Elias XII, is in poor health and has decided not to attend.


    <.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The leaders of the Kingdom of Elias, though to different degrees, also lost themselves in the experience of flying and gazed intently at the scenery below from the floor windows.


    The flight with the group arrives at the Kunlun Island in about an hour and a half.


    "Welcome to the Kunlun Island.


    The group was welcomed with the familiar line, "Welcome to the Kunlun Island.

 1037 - - 29-02 Welcome

    "Oh my!��What a lovely building!"


    "This is ...... amazing."


    "I''ve never seen this style before, but it''s beautiful."


    "It''s just as I expected."


    <


    "Welcome to the Jade Pavilion. I am Lor, the general manager of the Jade Pavilion.


    Lol, a blue-haired automaton, greets the guests. He is flanked on either side by a total of 100 five-colored golem maids, 20 of each color.


    "Wow, that''s amazing. ......


    "Please come this way."


    Jin led the group through the woods and into the <>.


    "Oh, my God!��What is this building?"


    The group was still in awe.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! I am the hostess of the Wujinggaku, Lefa.


    "What a lovely outfit ......."


    Refa, who was dressed in a kind of clasped sleeves as a young proprietress, greeted the guests. On either side of her are 100 five-colored golem maids, 20 of each, wearing arrow-gasuri kimono and aprons.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "This ,beautiful ...... garden is also very elegant.


    "You are absolutely right, Your Majesty.


    The Empress and the Marquis of Florenziano are talking in the common room of the Wujinggaku.


    The room is a wooden floor with Japanese style tables and chairs so that the guests can spend their time without feeling uncomfortable.


    "It is also nice that there are no walls and you can look out over the garden.


    The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Elias, the Marquis Godopher, seemed to like it as well.


    The architectural style is interesting. More than that, the skill of building such a large building out of wood is also impressive.


    Degauze, Minister of Magic and Technology of the Shoro Kingdom, was also intrigued.


    "However, I suppose we''ll be staying at the Jade Pavilion over there."


    "Yes, Your Majesty. < has assured us of your safety, I''m afraid we might be considered a bit careless here.


    In fact, as long as <>, the magical brain who once managed the Magi Fortress, is watching over us, we are both safe.


    "Well, Your Majesty, shall we go to the Jade Pavilion now?"


    "Yes, I suppose so."


    Due to the time difference, it''s already late afternoon when they arrived in Kunlun Island.


    Therefore, it was already 6:00 p.m., and it was about to get dark.


    Oh, my God!


    "Oh my, the sea looks nice from here.


    <


    Since there is no sea in Leusat, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom, the emperor was deeply impressed by the view of the sea at dusk.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    ...... are you sure you want us to be treated like this?


    "Look at this bedding. It''s soft and fluffy.


    The servants were also given a room in the Jade Pavilion, and they too were impressed by the comfort of the room.


    "......Hey, have you tried it?��Have you tried this bathroom? It doesn''t smell and it''s very comfortable!"


    "Yes, I''ve seen it, I''ve seen it. And look!��It''s got a bath in the room. There''s a washbasin. It''s got hot water!"


    "This is more comfortable than my parents'' house. ......"


    "You''ll want to live here forever. ......"


    * * *


    Sir, how do you like it?


    In the VIP room of the Kingdom of Elias, the Marquis Godopher and the Marquis Florenziano were having a conversation.


    "Well, you were right. <


    "Yes. Yes, but he is at heart the same as we are. He is the same as us.


    "Indeed. ...... is the only one I don''t want to fight with."


    Then the Marchese Florenziano smiled and said, "That''s easy,


    "That''s easy. He gets angry when the peace is broken.


    He said.


    "Well, it is easy, but difficult.


    "Isn''t that why we are having this ?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    * * *


    Dinner was brought to each room.


    It was modeled after the local specialties and courtly dishes of various countries.


    The taste was so good that no one could complain about it.


    The guards are now relaxed.


    The guards are now relaxed. With a few exceptions.


    Fritz and Flora stand guard in front of the emperor''s room.


    The golems that Jin has deployed are standing in key places, but they are proud to be the last line of defense with their own soldiers.


    "Flora, are you sure you don''t want me to stay here with you?"


    Fritz wondered if Flora, a female knight of the Kingsguard, should be guarding her in her room.


    "No, Your Majesty said that I need not accompany you today.


    "Doesn''t that mean I''m free to go?"


    But Flora shakes her head at Fritz''s words.


    "No, my duty is to protect you, Your Majesty.


    "You''re very serious, Flora."


    Fritz smiles bitterly.


    "Of course I am. That''s what I''m supposed to do."


    "Well, that''s understandable. But you have to be a little more flexible in your thinking before you can be of any use to us.


    "...... what do you mean?"


    Fritz says to Flora as if to admonish her.


    "Think about it. Think about it. We are no match for him. He is the one who protects this island.


    But just in case!


    Yes. So, that "just in case" is a danger much closer to home.


    Flora is taken aback by his words.


    "Let me use a simple analogy. If there were a force that attacked this island, Jin-dono has the power to keep them at bay. However, if they were to slip among us and try to secretly harm His Majesty, there is a possibility that we would not be able to reach him in time. That''s why you should save your power until such a situation arises.


    "...... Is that what you are talking about after tomorrow, when the other nations gather?"


    Flora seemed to understand Fritz''s analogy a little better and began to think for herself.


    "Well, you know. It''s just an analogy. Anyway, you are no good as a guard if you can''t exert yourself when the time comes, Flora.


    Fritz said and sat down in the hallway.


    "What!��Are you going to spend the night there?


    "Yes. I''m a soldier. A night shift in such a nice environment would be a great help. I wouldn''t be able to get into your room anyway.


    "...... Okay, Mister Fritz. I''ll leave this to you. I''ll stay with you from tomorrow on and protect you without leaving your side.


    "Yes, that''s good."


    Flora thus retired to her room.


    Flora''s room, however, was next to the emperor''s, and he could come to her as soon as she opened the door.


    Fritz, on the other hand, had spent the night in the corridor.


    When Elsa was told this by <, she could not help but laugh.

 1038 - - 29-03 Gathering and Greetings

    On July 9, at 4:00 p.m. Kunlun Island time, all the participants in the World Conference were present.


    From the Kingdom of Egelea, Prime Minister Boyd Noyce Galuelli, Minister of Magic Kelihidole.


    As his escort, Bruno Thales Bright, the second-in-command of the Kingsguard. And Lyanna and Kate of the "Royal Secret Maids", the royal court ladies-in-waiting, are to serve as escorts and take care of personal needs.


    In addition, there are two male and two female servants.


    From the Kingdom of Celuloa is the king, Cesar Valois de Celuloa. And the Director General of the First Technical Agency of Latant. They are escorted by SSR Kirk Atwood and two others.


    And two servants, a man and a woman.


    From the Kingdom of Franz are King Lothar de Lafayette, Vizier Ardaluc de Heigl, and SS-General Khalid Fanfard and two other men.


    As in the other kingdoms, there are two male and two female servants.


    The Kingdom of Klein is represented by Prince Arthur the Second and Prime Minister Powell Darner Hudson. The guards were Gloria Allstadt, vice-captain of the female knights of the Kingsguard, and one other.


    They were also accompanied by two servants, one male and one female.


    By the way.


    "......"


    Jin was surprised to find a familiar face among the servants of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    "...... Your Highness."


    "Jin, long time no see!"


    Among the members of the Egelea Kingdom was the 3rd Prince Ernest.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama, for all the help you have given me.


    One of the female servants was Lila Soluse, a former member of the Royal Secret Servants of the Royal Court.


    Then Elsa arrived with a girl.


    "Brother Jin!"


    "Erza, what''s up ...... with Rhys?


    "<


    It was Rieschen, the third princess of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "I see, so you two are attending the meeting as observers rather than participants?"


    Yes. That''s what we''re talking about.


    Jin was unaware of this, but it was agreed among the countries that the number of direct participants in the meeting would be two, and no other particulars were stipulated.


    So, as observers, the 3rd Prince Ernest from the Kingdom of Egelea and the 3rd Princess Rieschen from the Kingdom of Klein came to the meeting.


    The other countries are said to be waiting to see what will happen.


    If this conference is successful, the number of such observers is likely to increase from the next conference onward.


    Although he has not yet met Ernst, the candidate for the next emperor of the Shoro Kingdom, Jin wished that such a leader of the next generation would attend the conference.


    I hope such a leader of the next generation will join us.


    Let me show you around.


    Jin and Elsa lead the group.


    "Oh, this building!


    "This is a wonderful work of art!"


    I''ve never seen this style before!


    The garden imitates and even exceeds nature.


    Their reactions to the Jade Pavilion and Wujinggak were as expected.


    And here comes the deus ex machina that the old man and I had discussed.


    Brown hair, brown eyes. It is a < with a mediocre facial structure. Of course, it is not Jin but the old man who is in control.


    "Welcome, everyone. Some of you are new here. My name is Machina. My name is deus ex machina.


    At this point, Jin wanted to emphasize once again that he and Machina were different people.


    Since there is no concept of , or in this world, no one would find this name strange or meaningful.


    "Oh, Lord Machina!"


    Gloria shouted.


    Gloria''s face was a little flush as she faced Makina, who had saved her life on several occasions.


    "Thank you for everything," she said.


    I can''t thank you enough for the many times you have saved my life.


    "I can''t thank you enough for all the help you have given me," she said.


    The leaders of each country have said to him, "I can''t thank you enough for all the help you have given us.


    They all know what he is capable of.


    "I will ensure the safety of this world congress.


    Makina said in front of everyone and pointed to Lando''s group.


    "These golems are under my command. I believe their power has been proven. You can rest assured.


    The members of the Kingdom of Egelea, who had previously received assistance when they were attacked by the Unifilers, recalled that time.


    "I will fully cooperate with Jin, who shares my master. I hope that this will be a success.


    Makina then withdrew.


    This brought relief to the leaders of the nations.


    "Well, I guess when the master is the same, the resulting golem will be just like him.


    Only one person, the third prince Ernest, had a slightly different impression.


    * * * * *


    The dinner was held with the representatives of each country in one place, but at separate tables.


    And the menu was the standard, local dishes of each country.


    "Oh, oh?��This may taste even better than the royal cooks!"


    "I agree with you, brother."


    The prince and princess of the Kingdom of Klein looked on in astonishment,


    "Yes, indeed. This is the taste of a court cook and beyond.


    King Cerroa agrees.


    That''s because all of these dishes have been studied by the Quintas who have been dispatched to various countries.


    The dishes are the result of the efforts of the Peridos, who have taken the dishes of the royal castle and refined them to make them even more refined.


    The only common ingredient is the after-dinner dessert: ripe persica.


    The fruit is in season, but the one from Penglai Island is not on the same level as the one commonly available in the market.


    "This is ......!"


    "You won''t want to eat regular persica anymore."


    The taste is superb, but it is also rich in free magic element (ether), so it can be imbued with a weak restorative magic, and although it is not a restorative, it is effective in relieving fatigue.


    "Your stomach seems to be feeling better somehow."


    Hence, it is also effective for stomach upsets and overeating.


    The last drink of the day is a specialty of each country.


    The Kingdom of Klein offers Perhia tea, the Kingdom of Elias offers Cuhe. The Kingdom of Egelea is Teaye, and the Kingdom of Shoro is green tea.


    The Kingdom of Franz and the Kingdom of Cerroa is Tehye as well as Egelea.


    "No, I''ve had a wonderful time, <>."


    "Indeed."


    "It was delicious."


    Jin was relieved to hear that everyone was satisfied.


    The next day, the World Congress would finally begin.

 1039 - - 29-04 World Conference Opens

    July 10, 3458.


    This will be a memorable day for the Ars human race.


    Yes, it is the day that the memorable first meeting of the <> will be held.


    At 9:00 a.m. Kunlun Island time, in the main conference room of the <>.


    The participants are seated at round tables.


    Two representatives from each country are sitting side by side. Next to Jin is Elsa.


    The only exception is Deus ex Machina.


    He is the only one who is mentioned as being alone.


    "Well, before we begin, let me explain one thing. This is a , in which there is no pecking order among the participants.


    This explanation elicited oohs and aahs from those in the audience.


    Since there were no negative reactions, Jin made another declaration.


    "In the name of the Korun-kun, Jin Nido, I hereby proclaim the opening of the First World Congress.


    Jin Nido''s words were followed by a round of applause from all the participants.


    "I will ask <> to preside this time, but I would like to ask you to choose one of the delegates to preside next time and thereafter."


    Jin adds a few words. Makina followed with a few words.


    "I am pleased to presume to serve as the moderator of this meeting. The secretary will be Anne, an automaton in the possession of Mr. Kunlun.


    Makina and Anne stood up and bowed.


    Some of the people who saw their blue hair noticed that Anne was an artifact-class automata from the time of the Great Magic War.


    One of the people who noticed this was Princess Rieschen, who was sitting in the audience. She remembered her own nanny automata, Tia.


    "Well, Jin-dono, could you please clarify again what is on the agenda for today''s meeting?


    I understand. Please refer to the materials in your hand.


    I have prepared these documents for you. <


    "First of all, I would like to report on and look ahead to what His Majesty the King of the Kingdom of Selroa has requested of me as a "Magecraft Meister" in regards to the transportation of the continent.


    "That''s interesting. Please continue.


    Yes. Then I have a proposal for a new system and a magical tool to improve our lives.


    Makina nodded.


    "Okay. The rest may come up during the meeting. Is there anyone else who would like to discuss any of these matters?��If so, please raise your hand.


    No hands were raised.


    "Not yet, I guess. So let''s start with the first topic. Mr. Jin, please raise your hand.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin ordered Butler 41 and 42 to bring a model of the monorail.


    The model was constructed on a board about the size of a tatami mat.


    It is called a monorail. It is a , which means one, since there is only one rail ...... track."


    "Oh!"


    "Oh, this!"


    "I don''t know what it is, but it''s amazing!"


    "...... This was commissioned by His Majesty Cesar of the Kingdom of Cerroa, and its purpose is to improve land transportation."


    After a pause, Jin looked at King Cesar.


    "That''s right. I requested it the other day, Jin-dono.


    "At that time, I asked him to expand the transportation network beyond the Kingdom of Celuloa to the rest of the world, and he agreed to do so.


    Jin looked around at the heads of state.


    "These means of transportation have <>. If they differ even slightly, they will not be compatible and will be very inefficient.


    "Hmm."


    "I can sort of understand that."


    So far, so good, Jin felt, and decided to continue.


    "This requires a dedicated track, in other words, a road to be built, which is a disadvantage in terms of cost and construction.


    "Yes."


    King Cesar nodded.


    "Getting in and out of the car and loading and unloading will also be somewhat inconvenient due to the high location.


    "That''s for sure."


    Jin then switched to the explanation of the advantages.


    "But there are many advantages as well. First of all, it does not interfere with general traffic.


    Jin explains that because it is a dedicated track, there is no need for a so-called "crossing" with a public road.


    "It is also less affected by the unevenness of the ground."


    If the ground is uneven on a road, it is necessary to pave or fill the road accordingly, but with an elevated road, it can be straightened.


    "I see, that''s great for high-speed transportation."


    "For the same reason, it is possible to pass through the shortest distance possible."


    "That''s true."


    The roads in this world are winding in places.


    "And the view is nice, too."


    The view out the window shouldn''t be too bad because of the height, he added.


    "And the main reason for me is personal injury."


    Jin explained that he would like to avoid such accidents if possible, as they could have more serious consequences than a horse-drawn carriage hitting a person.


    "With this , we can predict to some extent what kind of accidents will happen and where they will happen, but if it runs on public roads, it will be harder to predict."


    "I see. I understand what you are saying.


    King Cesar and the others nodded their heads.


    "If an accident were to occur, what would the trajectory be?��...... would it be something like falling out of orbit?"


    The Empress Shoro pointed out.


    "Yes, that''s right. If we know that, then we can figure out how to make it less likely to fall.


    "I see. It''s no wonder that it can happen anywhere when it comes to hitting people.


    This is the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    "We also have accidents with horse-drawn carriages every year.


    And the Marchese Florenziano of the Kingdom of Elias.


    "Yes, I''m sure there are other possibilities, but I think most of them are as you say.


    Jin points again to the model.


    "I think it would be good to use it for urban traffic at first. If we put it on a wheel and let it run in circles, we can use ......."


    "Well, we don''t have to make it go back and forth, so it will be easier to operate.


    King Cesar nodded broadly.


    "Yes. And for the construction of this orbit, the large golem of the Shoro Kingdom and the large golem of the Kingdom of Celuloa will be of great help.


    "Oh, indeed!"


    It is also very significant in terms of peaceful use of golems.


    "Personally, I think it''s important to note that this will have little impact on conventional transportation by horse-drawn wagons, etc."


    "Well, long-distance transportation can be divided by and short-distance transportation can be divided by horse-drawn carriages, etc."


    Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom was the first to understand.


    "Indeed, it would be an economic setback if unemployment were to occur because of this.


    Prime Minister Ardarch de Heegle of the Kingdom of Franz nodded.


    "There is also the idea that the jobs created by the construction of this will stimulate the economy."


    Jin added, but there was little agreement on this. It was more like they could not understand it very well.


    <.


    However, only Prince Arthur seemed to have some feelings about it and seemed to be thinking about it for a while.


    Jin decided to explain the points to be noted.


    "It is important to note that the construction of a train station will probably lead to the development of the area, but there is a possibility that there will be conflicts of interest.


    This is an issue that is being discussed in contemporary Japan.


    "Hmmm, I see. We must be careful.


    "It seems to be difficult from the selection of the station.


    The response was favorable.


    This was the topic of discussion throughout the morning.

 1040 - - 29-05 Pressure cooker demonstration

    Add water and a little salt.


    "This time I''m going to cook it with salt only, but it will taste even better if you cook it with various spices and spiced vegetables," she says.


    Please ask the chef for more details.


    The lid is closed and the stove is turned on.


    "When you close the lid, the magic device in this handle is activated. Then, as it simmers, the pressure inside will increase and the temperature will rise.


    "Hmm, that''s how it works."


    Jin said, "I''m going to lose a lot of time if I explain this in detail, so I''ll just leave it at that.


    "The mechanism of increasing the pressure inside is simple. We just put up a boundary that prevents steam ...... from escaping."


    To be precise, it is gas (water vapor) and liquid (steam), but I won''t go into that much detail.


    In the meantime, steam started to come out. It seems to have come to a boil.


    "If you cook it like this for about 10 minutes, even the toughest meat will be tender.


    "Well, saber boar meat has to be boiled for at least 30 minutes before it becomes edible, but it only takes such a short time?


    Fritz is impressed by the explanation.


    "The trick is to use a large pot and limit the amount of water to about one-third so it doesn''t spill over."


    Ten minutes seemed to pass as he explained other applications and handling precautions.


    "The warding does not allow steam to pass through, but it does allow solids to pass through, so you can pick the lid off."


    Jin grabbed the knob of the lid and showed it to me. It was made of a large insulating material and was not hot to hold.


    When he lifted it up, the warding weakened and steam gushed out, but it was controlled so that it wouldn''t blow out all at once and burn him.


    "The residual heat can make it taste even better, ...... but for now, that''s good enough."


    The steam came out in a puff of steam, and everyone let out a low "ooh" sound.


    "Now, please taste and see."


    The golem maids divided the meat into small plates.


    Just by looking at them, one can tell that the meat has become tender. The servants and attendants are given only a small portion of the meat.


    "Here you go."


    Even though it is after lunch, it has been more than an hour since we took a break, and since it is only a small bite, there is no problem.


    First Jin and Elsa put it in their mouths.


    "Yes, it worked.


    "Well, it''s okay."


    Seeing this, the guards try it first.


    "Mmm, how soft it is!��This is delicious!��I can''t believe it''s the meat of a saber boar!


    It was Fritz who was the first to eat the meat and comment on it.


    Yes, it is indeed tender and tasty. If you use not only salt but also spices, it could be a first-class dish.


    This was Gloria.


    After that, the comments came one after another.


    "Mmm, Mr. Jin, this is indeed delicious!


    Jin-kun, it''s delicious!


    "It''s a delicacy, a delicacy indeed!"


    I didn''t know saber boar meat could taste this good!


    Now you know how well the pressure cooker works.


    Well done!


    "Yes, I understand now!"


    After collecting the small plates, Jin said, and everyone applauded.


    "Thank you very much. With this pressure cooker, we will be able to enjoy foods of slightly lower quality, and we will also be able to expand the range of our cooking.


    "For example, vegetables. For example, vegetables. They will become softer and easier to eat with this pressure cooker.


    Elsa added.


    "It is also good for children, the elderly, and the sick.


    The Marchese Florenziano understood the intentions of the Marchese.


    "Topopo can be softened in a short time by cooking it with this.


    "Oh, yes. I think this is a good idea.


    Thus, the pressure cooker was accepted by the heads of state and government.

 1041 - - 29-06 Public Health

    "Well, this is just one example.


    Jin turns back to the main topic of the afternoon''s agenda, the <>.


    "I thought that <> would be necessary to spread the use of these useful tools for daily life.


    "Hm, may I ask a question?"


    The one who raised his hand was Mr. Latant, Director General of the First Ministry of Technology of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    "I think the purpose of the mana stand is to sell mana, but how do you decide the price?


    The technical problem would be how to know the amount of mana supplied.


    Those in the audience with technical knowledge nodded their heads.


    But that has been considered.


    "Well, I think it would be a good idea to use manacelles for such general-use magic tools.


    "Manacelles?"


    "Yes, something like this."


    Jin took out a manacell, which was placed in the handle of the pressure cooker, and showed it to me. It was a cylinder about one centimeter in diameter and one centimeter high.


    This is the mana cell. When it becomes empty, you fill it with mana using a mana stand.


    "I see. Then, all future magic tools that require mana can be shared by using a mana tank of the same size.


    Minister of Magic and Technology Degauze of the Shoro Kingdom nodded broadly.


    "That is correct. If the consumption of mana is large, we can use many of them.


    Jin''s image was that of a dry cell battery. Since there were devices that used one, two, four, etc., he thought it would be a good idea to do the same.


    "I''m thinking that we should set a separate standard for things like the ...... golem that cannot be covered by those batteries."


    In other words, that was the agenda for this afternoon.


    "Then we could set a price, like how much for one filling, right?"


    The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Franz, Adalbert Adalbert, asked for confirmation.


    Yes. My own draft proposal is that such should be managed by the state. In the sense of price stabilization.


    I can imagine it as a monopoly.


    However, it is assumed that they will be privatized in the future.


    So it''s price competition after liberalization.


    I see, this is an interesting theme.


    Prime Minister Ad��k nodded.


    Jin developed, or rather improved, a <> using a <>.


    The Mana Server is a stand for the supply of mana at a fixed price per mana cell.


    In this way, ordinary people can use magic tools more than ever before.


    This will increase the demand for magic tools and improve the standard of living.


    It''s an attractive policy if it works."


    Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom is enthusiastic.


    "I guess the government will manage it in the beginning for safety reasons," he said.


    Yes, there is no guarantee that someone will not try to make a profit by taking away this <.


    However, the mana server that will actually be installed will not be large enough to be moved by human power.


    "Some of the workers will be recruited from the private sector to create jobs, right?"


    Prince Arthur is very perceptive.


    "I suppose that you are thinking of various kinds of magical tools other than this pressure cooker, aren''t you, Jin-dono?


    This question came from Prime Minister Boyd of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    Yes, of course. The first thing I would like to spread is a magical tool for public health.


    Public health?


    Public health? Yes. I would say that it is an initiative to protect the health of the entire community.


    What Jin was thinking of was the treatment of water and sewage.


    In the Ars world, with a few exceptions, drinking water is supplied by wells. Sewage is by underground seepage.


    Since the population density is low in Ars, there have been no major problems so far, but there is no doubt that the system will fail sooner or later.


    Jin was also concerned about the recent record of Shuki Tsetsi, in which a village was wiped out by an epidemic that looked like dysentery.


    Sewage that seeps into the ground mixes with groundwater and contaminates it if it exceeds the purification function of nature.


    It could become a breeding ground for disease and a route of infection.


    "Well, I''m sure you''ve all used the toilets here in Kunlun Island.


    Jin then begins,


    "Oh!��That''s wonderful!"


    "We must have one in our country!"


    "That''s wonderful!" and "We must have one in our country too!


    "Yes. That toilet combines the engineering magic of <><><>>. As a source of magic power for its activation, ......"


    "I see, so you use <>?"


    "That''s right. It would be sufficient to have them replaced when their deodorizing ability runs out.


    By setting this up, we can make sure that the deodorizing ability will stop the fastest when the mana is depleted.


    "This is interesting."


    Degauze, Minister of Magic and Technology of the Shoro Empire, leaned forward.


    "Now all we need is clean water. First of all, I suggest that we use magic tools that have and effects to draw water.


    "I see."


    Jin wanted to make it a so-called type attached to a faucet.


    "Jade House, is it? Is all the water from this place?"


    Yes, it is. It''s called a faucet, but the water outlets have that effect."


    "Mm-hmm. ......"


    The heads of state pondered. Then the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Franz, Adalbert Adalbert, asked a question.


    "Even if poison were poured into the well, would you be able to purify it?


    "Yes, I can."


    Jin answered immediately.


    "Of course, if the magic tools are working properly. As long as you replace the mana cell before the mana runs out, you should be fine.


    "Of course."


    Hearing this answer, the participants thought about it further. In the midst of all this,


    "I think the ...... problem is the cost of installation.


    Marquis Florenziano of the Kingdom of Elias spoke up.


    "I understand that it would be beneficial. I understand that it is beneficial, but it cannot be free. The question is how to cover the cost of the purchase.


    If the cost differs from country to country, it will be a source of discontent, he said.


    "But I am sure it will be beneficial. It would be good if we could spread this to the royal castle, the nobility, the wealthy, and the general public, in that order," he said.


    said Prime Minister Adalbert of the Kingdom of Franz.


    What is Jin''s opinion on this?


    "I suppose that is inevitable. But this will reduce the number of diseases. And illnesses are not limited to people of all ranks.


    To this the Shoro empress responded.


    "Yes, that''s right. I have heard of cases where disease broke out among the people and spread throughout the country.


    Jin did not know this, but it had happened in the past. So,


    "So, it would be good if we could do it in as short a period of time as possible, but not at the same time.


    Jin followed up.


    "As an example, we could raise the tax temporarily, use the tax to make magic tools and popularize them, and then return the tax to the original amount after they are popularized.


    "I think it would be difficult for our country. ......"


    In our country, too.


    Yes, my country, too.


    The kingdoms of Egelea, Klein and Franz are all in financial difficulties.


    "Well, here''s what we can do: ......"


    An opinion is expressed in response to this.


    The scene was exactly what Jin had hoped for.

 1042 - - 29-07 Day 1 Ends

    The time is 5:00 p.m. Kunlun Island time.


    "I think it''s time to call this meeting to a close.


    Deus ex machina, the moderator, announced, and the attendees let out a small sigh of relief.


    "Well, it was a very productive meeting.


    See you tomorrow.


    "Indeed, I am grateful to the Koron-kun for this opportunity to spend time with you.


    Slowly, people stand up.


    They leave the conference room in a hurry, but two of them stand still.


    "Thank you very much for your help, Makina-sama.


    "Commander Shoro, Fritz,


    "I did not expect to see you here."


    Gloria, a female knight in the Kingsguard of the Kingdom of Klein.


    Both of them had been saved by Makina in a dangerous situation in the past, so they wanted to take this opportunity to thank her again.


    "I didn''t know that you and Jin-dono share the same teacher. Well, I guess that makes sense.


    Fritz said,


    "I wish I could stay longer to talk with you, but I have an escort mission. Now if you''ll excuse me."


    He bowed and followed the emperor and his companions.


    "I feel the same way, Makina-sama," he said. I am here now because of you. I will see you later."


    Gloria also followed the Cline Kingdom group.


    ��They are very disciplined people, aren''t they?)


    (They are very disciplined people, aren''t they?), was the impression of the old man who was controlling the group.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The sky is still bright on a summer evening.


    <, Jin came to <> to enjoy the cool of the evening.


    He sat on the porch and looked out over the garden. Next to him is Elsa, whose hair has not yet been washed and dried, and Reiko and Edgar.


    All the invited guests are staying at the Jade Pavilion, which is quiet.


    "Brother Jin, thank you for your hard work.


    Erza mumbled a few words of thanks.


    "Oh, thank you. "Thank you, Erza, for your hard work too.


    Thanks to the preparations, the monorail, the pressure cooker, and the mana stand went as we had hoped.


    In addition, there is sanitation.


    This one is not so easy to realize, and I thought it would be half and half whether it would be accepted or not.


    However, I think I could get a certain level of understanding.


    "Shuki Tsetsi must have had a hard time.


    The more I learn about his past, the more I think he must have gone through a series of hardships.


    "......, but I think he was happy in the midst of it all."


    He met his beloved wife, Adriana. And the growth of his beloved daughter, Adriana, to whom he could entrust everything.


    "It must be a blessing to have someone you can trust with your life."


    I think so.


    I don''t know how it happened, but the previous generation ended up being alone.


    "Brother Jin has me. Everyone is here. So it''s going to be all right."


    Erza whispered, shoulder to shoulder.


    "Father, even <> took years to spread his knowledge. I don''t think there''s anything to be in a hurry about."


    "Yes. ......?��<


    "Yes,<>, Shuki Tsezi is your mother''s father. So he is my , isn''t he?


    "Oh, yes. Yes, that''s right.


    Reiko would certainly agree with that, Jin agreed.


    Then, Refa, the hostess, called out to him.


    "Master, you have a visitor.


    "A visitor?"


    I looked into the garden and saw Gloria, a female knight of the Kingsguard from the Kingdom of Klein, standing there.


    "Excuse me, I was just taking a break."


    Gloria bows lightly.


    "Are you sure about your escort?


    Jin asked, and Gloria nodded.


    "Yes, their highnesses are relaxing in their rooms at the moment. I came here with their permission."


    Then she turned to Erza,


    "My dear Elsa, it''s been a long time, and I''m always grateful to you for healing my wounds."


    He bowed his head.


    Jin chuckled at the stiff greeting, perhaps because it had been a while.


    "Gloria-san, we are not strangers, and this is not an official meeting, so let''s be a little more open-minded.


    Jin smiles and calls out to her.


    "I''m honored to hear that from the host of this event, .


    After that, the atmosphere softens.


    "Huh?��Gloria-san, are you growing your hair long?"


    "Hmm?��Ah, ah. Ever since this winter.


    She said she has been growing it out since her serious injury in January.


    Indeed, his hair, which was once very short, had grown to a short bob, although he may have at least trimmed the ends of his hair.


    "Brother Jin, you''re too late to notice."


    "What?"


    "I noticed it when I was getting on the Conlon 3."


    I see.


    Erza tells Jin that she noticed it, and he is a little upset. Then Gloria came in,


    "...... Well, I guess Jin-dono has no interest in any other woman but Erza-dono. As his fianc��e, shouldn''t he be pleased?


    Erza even blushed.


    "I''m not here to ...... talk about that."


    "Of course not."


    Jin thought from the moment he saw Gloria''s face that she was talking about swords again, but he didn''t say it out loud.


    "At ......, you know. Actually, I have something to tell you, Miss Elsa.


    "...... me, sir?"


    Gloria nodded, her cheeks tinting slightly.


    "Well, it''s about Fritz of the Shoro Kingdom. He is your brother, isn''t he?


    Yes.


    "...... that, right. ......Does Mister Fritz have a, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, a fiancee in his country?"


    "No, I don''t think so."


    The answer was immediate.


    "......You don''t mean to say that you are not, you know, a man-cubist, do you?"


    "...... Of course not."


    Elsa, and of course Jin, who was listening beside her, could guess what Gloria was thinking when she came here.


    "Gloria-san, did you hear about my brother ......?"


    Gloria''s face turned red.


    "Yes!��That''s not ...... true, no, yes it is ...... true."


    And then she sagged.


    "This winter we worked together in the old Leonard Kingdom, and then to the Kingdom of Selroa,...... I didn''t know what this feeling was at the time,...... but now that we are reunited, I finally understand it. ......"


    "I see."


    Jin had never seen Gloria like this before.


    "......So, Gloria, are you going to confess to Mr. Fritz now?"


    But upon hearing Jin''s words, Gloria shook her head as hard as she could.


    "No, I can''t do that!


    "......Is it a matter of position, after all?"


    "No, I''m already 24 years old.


    "Yes?"


    As for Jin, he really doesn''t understand.


    "......I think that a more suitable girl would be better suited for Mister Fritz. ......"


    Elsa, how old is Mr. Fritz this year?


    Twenty-six, I think.


    Then it''s no problem at all.


    "Yes, I guess so. ......"


    Jin and Elsa were worried as they looked at Gloria''s face.


    "Anyway, I feel lighter now that you''ve listened to me. See you later!"


    "Oh ......"


    Gloria, perhaps relieved or embarrassed by her confession to Jin and the others, quickly left.


    The remaining members of the group looked at each other and muttered.


    "...... I don''t think Fritz-san cares too much about Gloria-san."


    "Well, I think you''re right.


    "First of all, let''s finish the meeting tomorrow, and then we can think about what we''re doing now.


    "...... for."


    The early stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky over Kunlun Island.

 1043 - - 29-08 Day 2

    Nothing much happens except for Gloria''s visit. The sun goes down, the night is peaceful, and the morning comes.


    It is the second day of the World Congress.


    The time is the same as yesterday, 9:00 a.m., in the same large conference room.


    "Now then, let us begin the second day of the .


    Deus ex machina, the moderator of the meeting, declared.


    "We do not have a specific agenda for today. If there is anything you would like to discuss, please raise your hand and make a suggestion.


    "Well, I have one."


    The first to raise his hand was King Lotharus de Lafayette of the Kingdom of Franz.


    "It is fortunate that you are here, Mr. Machina," he said, looking around at the participants.


    Then he looked around at everyone.


    "I would like to propose the creation of a military ...... organization that transcends national boundaries.


    Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom responded.


    I see, borders are of little use to criminals.


    The heads of state then responded.


    "I see.


    "I see... I see... I see...


    "I see." "I see." "I see." "I see." "I see." "I see." "I see."


    Gradually, a look of understanding appeared on the faces of the participants.


    Prince Arthur, perhaps taking advantage of this moment, spoke up again.


    "For criminals, the boundaries of countries and national borders are meaningless. Then the that controls such criminals should be like that, too.


    King Rotaro nodded broadly.


    "That''s right, Your Highness. That''s right."


    (Not exactly the same as Interpol .......)


    Listening to his opinion, Jin remembered the old days.


    In a TV cartoon he had seen at the facility, an Interpol inspector was chasing a world-class thief. The main character was the thief.


    (ICPO......, I think).


    However, what they are discussing now seems to be an organization with a bit more force. Like a criminal organization that can use force against a criminal organization like the former <>.


    So it is fortunate that <>.


    (If ......, the International Rescue Team is more ......)


    If Jin had thought something like this,


    "What do you think, Jin-dono?"


    Jin was asked, "What do you think about it?


    "I think it''s a good idea. I think it would be good if you could teach him not only about security but also about learning and other things.


    "I see."


    Jin was so caught up in the mood of the meeting that he just said what he had been thinking about for a long time.


    "Surely, the world would be a better place if we could learn from your knowledge, Jin-dono.


    But then, as if to add to his words,


    "To do so, we must first establish and operate a that is not beholden to any nation.


    The voice of a deus ex machina echoed through the room.


    The old man''s nice follow-up.


    "Yes, that''s true. But it is not a bad idea to talk about such an ideal school, even if it is only in the context of a story, is it?


    This is the empress Shoro.


    "Yes, indeed.


    Jin nodded in agreement.


    "I think it is one of the paths that a politician should follow, to make clear what he or she is aiming for and to make efforts to realize it.


    The emperor looked at Machina once more,


    "First of all, I would like to discuss the ," she said.


    The emperor looked at Makina again and said, "First of all, I would like to discuss the .


    "Yes, I suppose so."


    "I have no objection."


    The other participants agreed.


    "Then I would like to discuss ......<>, as I have tentatively named it.


    The moderator, Makina, declared.


    "Then you are more of a chairman than a moderator, aren''t you?


    The air in the room relaxed a little when Makina said this line.


    "First of all, I would like to determine the purpose and the significance of its existence.


    In response to these words, Rotaro, King of the Kingdom of Franz, who was the initiator of the discussion, spoke up.


    "First of all, it is to protect the peace of the world, isn''t it?


    No, that is certainly true.


    "I think it''s a good idea. That is the basic premise, isn''t it?


    As for Jin, I think it is a good philosophy for the organization. In short, it is like a banner.


    "Yes. A clear banner is also a good way to make the organization transparent."


    Prince Arthur agreed.


    "I see, in that sense, there is no other banner that is so easy to understand.


    "It makes the purpose of the organization clear, doesn''t it?


    Gradually, the circle of understanding widened.


    "Then, <>. It is good to have this as a philosophy. Then, I suppose the next question is how.


    These are the words of Cesar, King of Cerroa.


    "That''s the hard part, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is. That is why we need to talk about it.


    Cesar responds to Danaar, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Klein.


    Furthermore, Marquis Florenziano of the Kingdom of Elias spoke up.


    Without power, nothing can be done. But if you have great power, who is to guarantee that you will not use it for the wrong purpose?


    No, it is the same for nations and individuals.


    "That''s why there is decency and the need to educate people in ethics and morality. ......


    The opinions came out one after another.


    "It would be good to start with something small," he said.


    "As an organization, would it be a subordinate organization of this ?


    Some people said, "It would be better to start with a small scale.


    "I think it would be easier to move if it were independent.


    "It would be a bad idea to have to wait until the World Congress before making a move in times of emergency.


    "Indeed."


    The participants seemed to think that even if no decision was made, it would be worthwhile just to think about various things, and opinions were freely exchanged.


    "I think that the central part of the continent is the most desirable location for the headquarters.


    "You have a point, but that would inevitably place it near the Kingdom of Cerroa.


    It is true that the Kunlun Island is located on the eastern outskirts of the continent, so it would be difficult to take action there.


    <.


    "If you don''t mind, you can use the ruins of Fort Crow.


    "Oh, that is a good suggestion.


    The former Fortress of Magi Fortress, Fort Crau, could be a good base if it is redeveloped.


    Or perhaps in the mountains between the three kingdoms of Selroa, Shoro, and Franz.


    "Oh, I see. Jin-dono and Machina-dono would be able to develop it easily.


    Some of the participants also expressed their opinions on the organization of the project.


    Further opinions about the organization were also exchanged.


    "How about appointing a person with a proven track record as a general manager or advisor so that we don''t go in the wrong direction?


    Rotaro, King of Franz, looked at Makina as he said this.


    "In fact, you have punished the enemies of the world many times in the past. If that is the case, then isn''t he a good choice for the position of general?��And his brother and disciple, Jin-dono, is an advisor to ......."


    "That is a convincing argument, isn''t it?"


    Gradually, it looked as if Jin might be involved.


    The second day of the World Congress was a success.

 1044 - - 29-09 Cultural Exchange

    The morning session ended on a high note.


    "Let''s take a break and have lunch," said the organizer, Jin.


    the organizer said,


    "The food here is delicious. I''m looking forward to it.


    "No, not at all.


    The participants moved to the main dining hall, saying "Today''s lunch will be three kinds of food.


    There are three kinds of lunch today. Please indicate what you would like.


    The manager, Lol, said, and the participants took their seats, looked at the menu and asked the maid golem near them what they wanted to order.


    The maid golem replies with <> and goes to the back, but in fact, the order has already been sent by the built-in manacam (magic element communication device).


    Therefore, by the time they go to the back, it is ready and the maid golem flies back.


    "Oh, that was fast!"


    If he wanted to, he could have used a transporter and sent her to the table, but he is very careful not to do so.


    "Mmm, this is delicious.


    The food is cooked in each country''s way using ingredients from each country, so it is well received.


    And again,


    "Wow, this is rice. This is a taste that we don''t have in our country.


    "Yes, it has a good taste.


    Godopher, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Elias, and the Marquis of Firenziano were smacking their lips at the food, while others ordered dishes from other countries.


    In general, the food seems to be well received.


    Jin is relieved.


    (I know it''s not a template, but I can''t eat this kind of food! >>).


    ), but knowing Jin''s ability, and with Makina present, it seems unlikely that anyone would do such a thing.


    The servants take their meals in another dining room after their masters have finished eating.


    "...... is delicious, isn''t it?"


    "If I don''t work harder when I get back home, I''m sure the master will criticize me more often.


    "......If I ask you for tips, will you teach me?"


    They were eating while talking about such things as "I''m going to have to work harder when I get back home.


    After the meal, the peridoled leader also gave us such tips.


    The trick to this menu is in the water. Most of the water in your country is , so it is not suitable for this kind of cooking. Therefore, it is advisable to separate the minerals by <> or . For simplicity, <> is also effective.


    <> or can only be used if you know the substance to be used, but <> has no such restrictions.


    "Two seconds of <> per 10 people will give you the desired effect.


    "Oh, thank you!


    The servants thanked me for giving them a rough estimate.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    1:30 p.m., the main conference room.


    "The First World Congress will end at 4:00 p.m. today. I will be your moderator for the remaining two and a half hours of the conference, and I hope that you will find the remaining two and a half hours of the conference meaningful.


    With these deus ex machina words, the conference resumed.


    "As for the <>, we will not be able to reach a conclusion after a day or two of meetings, so I would like to make it the main topic of discussion at the next meeting.


    King Lotharus de Lafayette of the Kingdom of Franz, who had suggested it, said no hasty conclusions should be reached.


    "No objections."


    "No objections."


    "No objections."


    All in agreement.


    They all seem to think that because of the importance of the issue, a conclusion cannot be reached overnight.


    "But I think we should start some form of exchange between nations."


    Prince Arthur offered such an opinion.


    "That might be a good idea.


    "Yes, I think it would be interesting.


    There was agreement on this as well.


    "Then, may I suggest that the agenda for this afternoon be about <>?"


    Makina, the moderator, asked everyone, and no one denied the question.


    Everyone understood the benefits of this meeting, and it was easy to imagine that a similar gathering would also be beneficial.


    "As a point of reference, about six months ago, our country, the Shoro Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Egelea jointly traversed a part of the former Kingdom of Leonard. I believe that those who were sent from each country had a meaningful exchange with each other.


    When the unseasonably long rains caused mold to grow on the harvested wheat and threatened a famine, five Goliaths from the Shoro Kingdom shipped 10 tons of desiccant to the Kingdom of Klein.


    Commander Fritz led the Goliaths.


    He continued to accompany the march of the Klein Kingdom and played an active role in carrying the cargo and making roads for it, as explained by the Minister of Magic of the Kingdom of Egelea, Kellichdor��.


    The relics of the past found in the ruins of Botsfa, or rather, the sealed , have been resurrected. In the commotion that ensued, Gloria suffered serious injuries to her face and shoulders.


    In the end, Machina was dispatched to save the day.


    At the mention of the ruins, Cesar, King of the Kingdom of Selroa, frowned a little as he recalled the commotion at the Soldrake ruins.


    He knows that Richard, the father of Cesar, the king at that time, pushed the cart.


    However, the Kingdom of Celuloa suffered more damage at that time.


    While Cesar was thinking about this, Prince Arthur made a new comment.


    "How about having two representatives from each country get together, as we did this time?


    There seemed to be some controversy over this idea.


    "Well, since this is the first trial, I think it would be a good idea to start at that level," he said.


    "I think a little more would be good, ......."


    No, the more people, the more likely there will be disagreements and therefore the more difficult it will be to maintain harmony. Therefore, I think that two members is just right.


    "I agree. The burden on the organizer is also that much greater.


    "Hmm. ......"


    Many opinions were exchanged, and finally it was decided to have two members from each country.


    "Next, what should be the subject of the exchange?


    "Well, let''s see. ......I guess we should have a cultural exchange.


    "It''s peaceful, isn''t it?"


    Jin thought that these comments would be made by the people who would be attending this world conference.


    I welcome this, because I don''t want to hear any belligerent comments.


    "There are many kinds of culture, aren''t there?


    "Yes, sir. Clothing, lifestyle, housing, and even food.


    There are many more. There are also magic tools and ...... weapons, which I don''t like to talk about too much.


    "We mustn''t forget about transportation. We can''t forget about transportation.��We have these, the new horse-drawn carriages, hot air balloons, and ships.


    "Oh, sure."


    As this was the final phase of the last day of the event, the participants had become more relaxed and were actively exchanging their opinions.


    "Since it''s the first trial, I think it''s a good idea to keep it short.


    Yes, a week to ten days would be fine.


    We also need to decide where we are going to do it.


    Shall we decide that first?


    "Yes, that might be a good idea.


    They agreed to decide on the venue first.


    The World Congress was now in its final stages and the excitement was growing.

 1045 - - 29-10 Meeting Ends

    Finally, it was decided that cultural exchange would take place on a rotating basis in each country.


    Initially, once a year. However, if this proves to be a worthwhile activity, the frequency will be increased.


    We have settled on the idea of spending about five days together and exchanging various opinions while touring the host country.


    The question is where to hold the meeting.


    "Which country will be the first?


    "That''s a good idea."


    All the participants agreed to the idea, so the host, Deus ex Machina, said to Jin.


    "Then, let''s ask Jin-dono to draw lots.


    "Okay."


    Jin thought for a moment about what kind of lottery he would make, and decided to make one that was easy to make and whose result would be immediately obvious to everyone.


    First, he prepared a piece of wooden paper and cut it to an appropriate size.


    The number of sheets is six. The names of the participating countries were written on them and folded into four.


    This is done in full view of the public.


    The sheets are placed in a box, covered with a lid, and shaken well.


    Now, I will take this out myself. Let''s blindfold her just in case.


    Jin asked Makina to blindfold him.


    "I will take out all six cards in order. The order in which they are taken out is the order of rotation.


    "Very well."


    No objections.


    "I''m counting on you."


    Jin thus drew lots and showed them to the participants. Makina read out the results.


    "The first is the Kingdom of Klein."


    "Oh!


    The second one is the Kingdom of ...... Shoro.


    The lots were drawn one after another.


    The third was the Kingdom of Franz, the fourth was the Kingdom of Elias, the fifth was the Kingdom of Egelea, and the last was the Kingdom of Cerroa.


    "So, respecting the result of the lottery, the first will be held in the Kingdom of Klein.


    "It is a great honor to host the first meeting and we will do our best to make it a success. I will contact you as soon as the date and place are decided.


    Prince Arthur II gave a brief speech on behalf of the Kingdom of Klein.


    As a representative of the Kingdom of Klein, Prince Arthur gave a brief speech.


    "It is a little before 4:00 p.m. and the meeting is now adjourned. Thank you all for your hard work.


    "Oh, thank you."


    It''s been a very productive two days.


    It went by so fast.


    Then Jin calls out to them.


    "Tomorrow, around 9:00 a.m., the airship will take you back to your home country, is that all right?"


    "Oh, that''s fine. Thank you for your cooperation.


    King Cesar of the Kingdom of Celuloa was the first to reply.


    "Yes, <>. Yes, <>.


    Marquis Florenziano of the Kingdom of Elias followed with a reply.


    "Yes, thank you."


    Then King Rotaro of the Kingdom of Franz and Prime Minister Boyd Noyce Galuelli of the Kingdom of Egelea also replied.


    "What about the people of the Shawlo and Klein kingdoms?"


    I asked the representatives of both countries who did not reply,


    "We have one day in reserve, so we would like to take it easy here if possible.


    The representatives of the other countries heard this.


    Hearing this, the representatives of the other countries all replied,


    "Well, then, we would like to relax a little too.


    They all said, "Well, in that case, we''d like to relax a little too. Everyone seemed to like the Kunlun Island.


    "Okay. We''ll ask again tomorrow.


    Jin answered, and Makina made her final statement as the moderator.


    "This meeting was more of an agenda for the meeting than a meeting, but we would like to have a thorough discussion from the next time onward. So, the next meeting will be held here in Korun Island, is that correct?��The date should be about a year from now.


    "Yes, we would like to rotate the meeting among the countries.


    I''d like to do it more often, but I don''t want to overdo it from the start.


    "That''s fine with us."


    The participants agreed that all the requirements had been completed.


    With all the requirements now completed, Jin concluded his remarks.


    "This concludes the First World Congress. Thank you for your participation.


    He stood up and bowed, and all the participants gave him a round of applause.


    Then, we are dismissed. There is still time for dinner, so please spend your time as you like.


    After Jin''s words, the participants stand up. They stretched, rotated their shoulders, and moved their necks.


    They looked a little tired, but their faces were radiant.


    They are led by the golem maids to their respective rooms.


    Jin!


    Jin!


    Jin called out as he left the conference room.


    "I''ve been patient until the meeting is over."


    It was Princess Rieschen of the Klein Kingdom.


    "Thank you for the meeting," she said.


    and Prince Ernest of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    It seems that both of them waited until the world conference presided over by Jin had finished.


    Jin had thought that they had not come to visit me last night, but it seems that the reason for that was that it was public time until the end of the meeting, so they were very respectful.


    "Once again, it''s been a long time.


    We had seen each other yesterday, but it had been a long time since we had had a chance to talk like this.


    "Yes, I''ve been looking forward to seeing you."


    We talk as we walk. Ernest is escorted by Lila Solyers and Princess Rieschen by Gloria Allstadt.


    "It''s been a long time, Lila. You look well.


    Yes, thanks to you, I''ve been assigned as a guard and lady-in-waiting for Ernesto from the Royal Secret Maids of the Royal Court.


    Laila smiles at him.


    "Thank you, Gloria-san.


    "Thank you."


    It''s been a while since we spoke last night, so it''s not like we haven''t talked.


    Jin and the others went downstairs. Reiko silently follows at the rear of the group.


    "Jin, can you take a moment of your time?"


    "Yes, sure."


    Jin took note of her concern and decided to stay with them until the end of the meeting.


    He handed some documents he had in his hand to the golem maid standing nearby and told her to keep them.


    Jin and the others then went outside the Jade Pavilion.


    It was a little after 4:00 p.m., and the summer sun was still high in the sky.


    "Well, let''s go to <>.


    The Wujinggak had been introduced to the leaders, but not to some of the guards and servants, and Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen had not yet seen Leffa.


    "Oh, it''s going to be fun!"


    "Yes, I like it."


    They were still talking on the way to Wujinggak through the path.


    "Jin, the manager, Lol, is she the same type as Tia who is staying with the concubine?


    "I see..."


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you."


    Princess Rieschen''s thin chest is turned up.


    "There''s an automaton named Lefa in the Five Elements Pavilion."


    "Oh, yes!��I can''t wait to meet her.


    Princess Rieschen''s walking speed increased.


    "Your Highness, it''s not safe to be in a hurry."


    Quickly, Gloria stepped out of the way and stood alongside Rieschen.


    "Yes, I know, but ......".


    But the path soon ran out and they arrived at the spacious garden, <>.


    Jin pointed to the entrance of Wujinggaku.


    Look, we are already there. The one who is welcoming you there is Lefa.

 1046 - - 29-11 Clothes Description

    "I wish I could have had a long talk with Jin!"


    Jin, Reiko, Ernest, Lila, Rieschen, Gloria, and the others were in .


    The room is a wooden floor with a table and chairs, and was set up so that even the uninitiated could use it easily. They were asked to take off their shoes.


    Seated are Jin, Ernest, and Rieschen, with Reiko, Lila, and Gloria standing behind their hostesses.


    Three glasses are on the table. They are filled with chilled, slightly carbonated Citran juice.


    "Now I can finally have a nice talk with Jin, can''t I?


    "Yes. I haven''t seen you since the technology exposition in the Shoro Kingdom.


    Ernest''s face showed his dissatisfaction.


    "Hey, Jin, talk to me as if you were talking to Reese, okay?��I want you to call me Nest, too.


    Since it had been a long time since they had met, Jin was unsure of the distance between them, so he was honestly grateful for this offer.


    "Okay. ......nest. Is that okay?"


    "Yes!"


    Prince Ernest''s face lit up and he downed the glass of Citran juice in one gulp.


    "I''d like another glass."


    Topaz 88, who was standing behind him, immediately poured more juice.


    "Don''t drink too much or you won''t be able to finish your dinner," Jin said.


    Jin said,


    "I''m going to finish this one," he said.


    He replied, "I''ll finish this one.


    "By the way, Jin, is this the Wujinggaku?��The clothes the golem wears here are interesting.


    "Yes. <


    Magus?


    "Ah."


    Jin couldn''t explain further if he answered, "It''s a costume from my hometown," or "It''s called a kimono," etc. So he mentioned the name of <>, but he forgot that even this was still unpublished information.


    "Let''s see... ......"


    As Jin was thinking of a good explanation, < Refa came in.


    "Your Highness, <> is a legendary figure who traveled throughout this continent more than a thousand years ago to improve the culture.


    "Oh."


    "Heh. ......"


    Both Ernest and Rieschen were intrigued.


    "But for some reason his name is almost unknown in the Lesser Antilles. On the other hand, he is revered as a great man in Mitsho."


    "Mitsuho?��...... Oh, that''s the country to the west of the Shoro Kingdom, right?"


    As expected of royalty, Ernesto had heard the name.


    "Yes, it is. The Shoro Kingdom will soon be establishing official diplomatic relations with the Shoro Kingdom. ......The masters have been to Mitsuho and know of it.


    "I see, I see."


    Mitsuho has buildings like this Wujanggak and gardens like Wujangen," Refa concluded.


    "If I knew a little more about the <>, I could make an announcement."


    Jin added as if to say that ambiguous information would lead to confusion.


    "That''s true."


    "Well, I''m looking forward to it. By the way, Jin, your golem and the deus ex machina golem: ......"


    As if this was the end of the conversation, Prince Ernest changed the subject.


    "I wonder if it''s because we have the same master?��They look so much alike."


    "......Yes, I guess you can tell."


    Ernest has a keen intuition when it comes to golems.


    "That''s right. And, as I told you before, I would like to make a golem or an automata someday, too.


    "Oh, I remember you saying something like that."


    Jin recalled Ernesto''s words when he saw Jin repairing Lotte, the exclusive golem, at the golem garden party held in the Kingdom of Egelea.


    "Can you teach me how to make a golem, even if it''s just for a little while?


    "That''s fine, but I don''t have much time, so it''ll really only be a little bit. ......"


    "Yes, that''s fine. Ries is with me, so I can''t expect him to listen to me all the time.


    Ernest also showed his concern for Princess Rieschen.


    "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Nest.


    Hearing this, Rieschen, who was sitting next to Ernest, smiled a little happily.


    "Oh, well, I''ll have Riesz keep Refa company in the meantime, shall I?"


    "Jin, that would be great!"


    Jin was thinking that he would be able to have a good conversation with Leffa, who is the same model as Tia, the nanny automata.


    "Well then, may I begin by answering your questions?"


    Jin suggested, and Ernest nodded.


    "Oh, yes!��That''s fine.


    "Now, please ask a question.


    Jin said, leaning back in his chair.


    "What I''m most concerned about right now is the of the golem, isn''t it?


    Ernesto made a sharp point.


    "Golems don''t work properly if you don''t educate them, don''t they? That''s why it''s so hard to get a good number of them, isn''t it?


    "Yes, that''s the way it is."


    At this point, Jin had guessed Ernesto''s question.


    "But both Machina and Jin have created so many golems. Is there something to this?"


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin pondered for a moment, wondering how to explain. Then he slowly opens his mouth.


    "The basic movements are engraved into the <> in the form of <> as the <>. This is good, isn''t it?"


    First of all, let''s review.


    "Yes."


    Ernest nodded. He is indeed a man who wants to make a golem.


    "This has some unique ideas of Magecraftsmen, so it will be useful to identify the creator of this system.


    "Ah, so that''s why the golems of Jin and Machina are so similar. Because they have the same teacher!


    "Well, that''s just it."


    Jin can see that the creator of <> and <> are the same, but an ordinary, or even most magecraftsmen, can''t. But Ernest can.


    But there was a spark of talent there that made us think that Ernesto could do it.


    "So, if we go back to ...... and write a lot of the , the more sophisticated the operation will be, right?"


    "That''s true. But ......"


    Jin interrupted Ernest who was about to say something.


    "Well, wait and see. <. It reads the information written in the control core as MagiFormulas. ......


    At this point Jin broke off,


    "Well, can''t we use it well?"


    he asked, looking Ernest in the eye.


    "What?��...... umm... ......"


    Now Ernesto ponders. But it was only for a short time.


    "Oh, I see!��We can read the control core of the completed Golem and write the same MagiFormulas!"


    "Correct."


    In fact, this is the method used by the < magecraftsmen.


    It could be said that <> was created from the idea of writing down the Magi Formula without the need to <> it.


    It may be similar to the idea of interface.


    Once upon a time, to input image data into a computer, one had to draw a picture with a , output the data once with a perforated tape, and then run the perforated tape through a reading machine to have the computer recognize it as data.


    Nowadays, input devices are connected to the computer via an interface, so vast amounts of information can be exchanged in a short period of time.


    The first Magecraft Meister, Adriana, developed <, which is an engineering magic of such value.


    I''ll leave you with this.


    <


    It requires instantaneous memory or intuitive understanding.


    This is what separates the first-rate from the second-rate.


    When I mentioned this to Ernesto, he replied


    He said positively, "I''ll just have to do my best!


    was a very positive response.


    Hearing those words, Jin thought that this prince would surely become a first-rate magecraftsman.

 1047 - - 29-12 Conflict and Arbitration

    After that, Hitoshi answered a few more questions, which were light.


    Princess Rieschen seemed to have been talking with Lefa during this time.


    "I see, so you have a sister of my own, Your Highness.


    "Yes, Tia. She took care of me a lot when I was little. After that, she got very sick and stopped working, but one day Jin came and fixed her up!


    "I see."


    Refa had heard this story from Jin, but since Rieschen sounded so happy, she pretended that it was the first time she had heard this story, and kept her role as a listener.


    In the meantime, Ernesto finished his question.


    "Well, is that enough?��I''ll answer if you have any more questions.


    "Okay, thanks, Jin. I''m glad you got your questions answered. ...... Ries, I''m sorry I left you alone."


    Prince Ernest seems to have gotten used to the company of Princess Rieschen to the extent that he is finally able to express his concern for her.


    "No, Master Nest, I have enjoyed your company as well."


    Rieschen replied, and gave a small wave to Leffa as she left.


    "Well, ......"


    Just as Jin was about to say something, there was a commotion in the garden.


    "What is it?


    "What is it?"


    Ernest and Rhys looked up.


    "......?��Isn''t that one of them Lila?"


    The servants and guards seemed to be making some noise. One of them was definitely Lila Solyce, Ernesto''s maid of honor.


    "I''m going to have a look around.


    Jin stood up, knowing that as the host of the World Congress, he could not leave the trouble unattended. Reiko followed him.


    "I''ll go check it out too.


    Ernest, as Lila''s host, stands up.


    "Then I''ll go with you.


    Naturally, Rieschen also stood up.


    When Jin and the others went to the place, they found that there had been an altercation as well.


    From the cursing that could be heard, it sounded like their shoulders had touched when they passed each other, or their eyes had met, or something like that.


    "You guys, you''d better not do that."


    "So, Your Highness!"


    Ernesto''s voice at the scene made Lila turn around.


    "Lila, what''s wrong?"


    "Yes, um, no, ......"


    Your Highness, they have been messing with us.


    The one who answered was Bruno Thales Bright, the vice captain of the Kingsguard. He is the knight who fought so valiantly to protect the royal family during the Golem Garden Party.


    What do you mean? Wasn''t it you who blocked our way?"


    The one who answered back was a soldier of the Kingdom of Celuloa, though I do not remember his name, judging from his attire.


    The kingdoms of Egelea and Cerroa have been at each other''s throats for many years.


    Even though the leaders have made peace, it seems that it will take time for those below to understand each other.


    "It is folly to stir up trouble here. You will only bring disgrace on your master''s face.


    It was Princess Rieschen who intervened in the dispute. She is, after all, the third kingdom in the dispute.


    Although still dissatisfied with Princess Rieschen''s rebuke, both sides seemed to have decided to leave.


    "Thank you, Ries. Thank you very much.


    Ernest, who understood that both sides had pulled out, thanked her since it was coming from Princess Rieschen in her capacity as the third country.


    "No, Your Highness, it was nothing."


    Rieschen, who was already beginning to show her support, said, "No, Your Highness, it''s nothing at all.


    "Your Highness, I am sorry for the trouble I have caused you.


    Bruno and Laila bowed to the third prince Ernest.


    "That''s ...... not so good, but whatever. So what was the cause in the end?"


    "Yes ......."


    According to Lila, she had gone to the edge of the garden to watch Ernest and the others from afar, when she met a group from the Kingdom of Selroa.


    There were three of them and two of us. The path was small enough for two people to pass each other. When he stood still, expecting them to move out of the way, they told him he was in their way.


    "You''re in trouble, aren''t you?"


    "...... sorry."


    Laila''s petite body contracted even more, as if she thought Ernesto''s words were a reprimand.


    "No, I wasn''t talking about Lila. I think the quarrels between countries have deep roots, you know.


    "Master Nest, your face is getting old.


    "Ha-ha-ha, Reese is looking a bit old too."


    Laila, who had been feeling down, couldn''t help but smile at the sight of the two of them getting along so well.


    At that time, Reiko whispered softly to Jin.


    Father, there''s been some trouble at the Jade Palace.


    Let''s go to .......


    This time, Jin and Reiko go alone.


    Erza should be at the Jade Pavilion at this time of the day, and there are many Randos guarding her.


    However, the Golems have been instructed not to interfere with the guests'' disputes as long as they do not result in bloodshed.


    As long as it does not cause trouble for Jin, they are basically left to take care of their own problems.


    With this in mind, Jin walked through the woods and came to the garden in front of the Jade Pavilion.


    There were the guards of Franz''s kingdom and the guards of Klein''s kingdom.


    (Oh, these countries were not on good terms with each other until recently. ......)


    Jin sighed in his heart and walked further.


    "...... hmm?"


    It''s true that there are people gathered here, but there is something a little strange about them. Or rather, there was no sign of an altercation.


    "Is that ...... Mr. Fritz?


    Among the guards from the kingdoms of Klein and Franz, Fritz, a soldier from the Shoro Kingdom, is visible.


    Next to him was a woman with familiar light brown hair.


    "Gloria-san?"


    I don''t know exactly what was going on, but judging from the previous fight, I guessed that there was some kind of dispute between the guards here as well, and Gloria was at the center of it. Jin guessed that Fritz interceded.


    And it seems that he was not far off the mark.


    It seemed that the conversation had already been settled, because they apologized to each other and walked away, although some of them clicked their tongues.


    "Mister Fritz, I''m sorry, I''m sorry..."


    Gloria apologized to Fritz.


    "Don''t worry about it. My sister''s fianc��e is hosting this gathering and I don''t want any tactless trouble."


    "I see."


    Gloria blushes a little at this curt response. But...


    "Yes?��Mister Fritz, you have blood on your cheeks.


    Was someone''s fist grazed her during the fight earlier?


    Fritz replies lightly to Gloria, who looks a little worried.


    It doesn''t hurt at all. Lick it and it will heal.


    "...... you lick your own cheeks?"


    "What?"


    "...... pfft."


    Jin heard someone blurt out something in his ear. It was Elsa.


    "Brother, I don''t think that''s possible. ......<>"


    "Oh, I''m sorry."


    Elsa''s healing magic quickly healed Fritz''s wounds.


    "Hmm,...... thank you for clearing up the mess."


    "Never mind."


    Fritz patted Erza on the head. Elsa puffed up in a deliberate way.


    "Oh my God..." she says. ...... don''t treat me like a child.


    "Ha ha, sorry, sorry."


    Jin, who was watching from the side, realized that there were no more differences between them.

 1048 - - 29-13 likes and dislikes

    "So, what was the cause?"


    As the organizer of the gathering, Jin was in a room at the to hear what was going on.


    Gloria and Fritz were present. Elsa and Reiko were also present.


    "I was just there to stop them. When I came in, it looked like a fight was about to start.


    Fritz says.


    And Gloria.


    "...... it''s my fault, after all."


    And then she said something like.


    "I heard they use good swords in Franz. I just asked him to show me. ......


    Gloria was at a loss for words.


    "And you were accused of that?"


    Jin asked, imagining that Gloria nodded silently.


    "I see. ...... Gloria, many soldiers do not like to show their equipment to other people, even people from other countries, for no reason at all. You should be careful."


    Fritz advised. Gloria nodded again.


    "...... I know. But the atmosphere here has made me feel like I''ve known them for a long time. ......"


    "Well, I don''t know.


    Well, I don''t know, but I guess that''s the way it is at a world conference.


    The rest is down below...... no, I''m sure the public sentiment is too."


    Jin muttered a little darkly.


    "...... maybe."


    Elsa agrees.


    "That''s one aspect that can''t be helped. Our two kingdoms, Klein and Franz, have been at each other''s throats for years. Skirmishes, but still there are casualties. That''s more than 100 years."


    The anger of families and colleagues naturally turns to the other side. It will be several decades after the war is over before such resentment disappears.


    Jin recalled that in Japan, where he had lived before he was summoned, there were countries close by that still talked about the wars of the past.


    The resentment of people is very deep-rooted.


    "Well, can we go now?"


    Fritz is about to sit up. Then Elsa called out to him.


    "Ah, brother, would you like to have dinner with us anyway?��Gloria, if you would like to join us.


    I''d like to have dinner with you, too.


    At Elsa''s suggestion, it was decided that Jin, Elsa, Fritz, and Gloria would have dinner together.


    Since this evening''s meal will be delivered to each room as requested, there should be no discomfort if the two of them are not in their rooms.


    "......What is this?"


    Each person is supposed to order his or her favorite dish in each room, but here, all four of them have a menu prepared by Jin.


    "......It''s a little creepy. ......"


    The sushi on the line was <.


    The sushi items were <<<, etc. Of course, the name of the items was not given.


    Of course, the names of the ingredients are annotated with something close to , except for the eggs, but they are tasty enough.


    They are served with soy sauce and green tea, of course.


    The sushi was developed just before the World Congress, and they were the first to try it outside of the Jin family.


    I wanted to serve it to all the participants, but I decided not to this time because of the issue of likes and dislikes.


    Instead, these two men, who knew each other, were the subjects of the experiment.


    "Brother, this is how we eat."


    Elsa picks up a piece of sushi with her hand, dips it in soy sauce, and takes a bite.


    "Well, that''s an interesting way to eat, isn''t it?"


    "But it''s a little bit unbecoming to eat it with your bare hands, isn''t it?"


    Fritz was amused, while Gloria raised her eyebrows a little.


    In response, Hitoshi said,


    This is called . The reason we pick it with our hands is to add the feeling of holding it to the sensation of tasting it.


    Jin explains that this is because of the that cannot be felt with chopsticks, spoons, or forks. Of course, this is his own theory.


    "That''s an interesting way of thinking, isn''t it?


    "Mmm, this is delicious!


    While Gloria and Jin are arguing, Fritz is eating several mouthfuls of sushi.


    "Do you like the taste, brother?


    "Yes, it''s delicious!"


    From Fritz''s reaction and the items he has eaten, it seems that he has no likes or dislikes and enjoys the taste of fish, squid, prawns, and other items.


    Gloria, on the other hand, was watching how well Fritz was eating and was slowly putting the sushi into her mouth. The dish was an egg.


    "......!"


    After taking a bite, Gloria looked surprised, chewed and swallowed in a hurry.


    "Mister Gin!��This is delicious!��Just the right amount of sourness with a hint of sweetness!��I didn''t know rice could be eaten this way!"


    Surprisingly, Gloria had tasted rice before, when she had traveled with Fritz to the Kingdom of Selroa.


    "I''m glad you liked it."


    Jin said, while Fritz had already finished most of his meal.


    "Do you want another one, brother?"


    "Yes, this white fish is delicious. And the yellow sweet one.


    He seemed to like the flounder and the omelet.


    "Hmm, is it safe to eat fish raw?"


    Gloria knows that her country''s king had been infected by a parasite ...... like Dystoma, so it''s not surprising.


    "Don''t worry about that. I''ve already taken care of it with magic."


    As for Jin, he had magically inspected all of them and had visually inspected all of them by the golem maids before sending them out just in case.


    Jin also eats a piece of toro-modori or flatfish-modori right in front of Gloria.


    "...... got it."


    Seeing Gloria''s reluctance to eat, Jin thought that it might be better to use heat-treated ingredients.


    The Kingdom of Klein has no sea, so it is not customary to eat raw fish. The King of Klein, Alois III, is a changed man.


    On the other hand, the Shoro Kingdom has the sea, Elsa and Fritz''s family home, and Lake Tosmo near the capital, so it was easy to be accepted because of the custom of eating fish.


    (I see, there was no one from the Klein Kingdom in the family, was there?)


    (Oh, I don''t remember anyone from the Klein Kingdom in the family...) Jin thought to himself as he gazed at Gloria who was slowly eating her sushi.


    "By the way, you''re growing your hair long, aren''t you? You have beautiful hair, it looks better on you.


    "Ngghh!"


    Gloria was so surprised by Fritz''s sudden question that she seemed to choke on her sushi.


    "Please have some tea."


    Jin points to a cup of tea that is already cold enough. Gloria drank it in a hurry.


    "...... wind."


    "Are you all right, Gloria?��What are you so upset about?


    Gloria looked at Fritz with some tears in her eyes because she was sobbing.


    "It''s nothing. It''s okay.


    Gloria could not help but say, "It''s okay.


    Jin, watching her, put his own situation on the shelf and sighed secretly.


    After dinner, he took a breather and said, "I''ll be fine.


    After dinner, Jin took a rest and went to the bath.


    It was not a private bath, but a public bath.


    According to the previous reports, no one had used it. It seemed that everyone was using the private baths in their rooms.


    Fritz walks up behind Jin, rubbing his stomach. Then came Elsa and Gloria.


    Of course, the men and women are separated, so they are separated in the changing room.


    "Mr. Fritz, by the way, are there any guards today?"


    "Yes, His Majesty has personally given me the night off. I''ve seen how safe it is here in the last few days, and I''m also ......"


    "And?"


    "...... that''s the island where Erza was sheltered."


    Fritz looked a little embarrassed as he said this. He must have been remembering how hard he had been on Erza in the past.


    Hearing this, Jin understood that the Fritz of today was the one whom Erza adored.

 1049 - - 29-14 Interchange venues

    When Jin and Fritz entered the changing room, they found the first guests.


    To their surprise, they were from the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    "Oh, Jin-dono, and Fritz-dono!


    Kirk Att, a guard, called out to us.


    I hadn''t seen the king''s replacement drama in the Kingdom of Celuloa since the past.


    "Hello, isn''t this Mr. Kunlun? Nice hot water!"


    In the bathroom, Cesar was already soaking in the bathtub and stretching himself.


    There are three bathtubs in the large bathroom, and the water temperature is set to get warmer and warmer in turn.


    The hot water was 45 degrees Celsius, the middle was 42 degrees, and the warmest was 38 degrees.


    Jin, of course, was in the bathtub at 45 degrees Celsius.


    "Oh, Jin-dono likes hot water!


    The other three said in admiration. By the way, all three were in the 38 degree Celsius bathtub.


    "Well, your acquaintances came in with the line, ''Oh, my dear!


    The second prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom entered with the line, "Oh, my distinguished guests!


    Then came Prime Minister Galuelli of the Kingdom of Egelea, Vice-Captain Bruno of the Kingsguard, and Marquis Godopher of the Kingdom of Elias.


    Finally, there was King Lotharus de Lafayette of the Kingdom of Franz.


    "The bath in my room was good, but I was told that the large bath was more comfortable.


    Someone said something like that,


    "I agree with you completely.


    Someone replies, "I completely agree with you.


    Jin was glad that the large bathhouse, which he had built with the intention of encouraging this kind of <, had not gone to waste.


    He thought about telling them about the earlier quarrel, but he did not want to say anything because he thought it would not be appropriate for the atmosphere of this place.


    "The water is soft to the touch, isn''t it?


    "I agree. I wonder if there is some secret in the hot water.


    "I heard that hot water sometimes comes out when you dig the ground, and it depends on the location.


    Jin overhears these conversations and thinks that maybe they came here because they feel a sense of freedom after the heavy responsibility of the meeting.


    "Jin-dono, is my sister suitable for you?"


    Fritz spoke to Jin, who was lost in thought.


    He was soaking in a 42��C bathtub with his face turned toward Jin. He looked a little hot.


    "What?��What do you mean?"


    Jin asks back, not quite grasping the meaning.


    No, no, you own an island like this, you have developed airships and hot air balloons, and you have many wonderful golems. If you wanted to, you could have many wives and concubines, or even accumulate more power, but since you haven''t done so, I''m a little concerned."


    "Haha ......"


    Fritz, a military man, can''t seem to understand Jin''s thinking.


    That may be understandable. Even Jin cannot understand the thoughts of those who want power and who want to take over the world.


    "Erza is the best partner I''ve ever had.


    That''s what Jin really thinks.


    "I see. I am relieved to hear you say that.


    Fritz smiles softly,


    "...... hot!


    he said as he got out of the 42 degree bathtub.


    Jin, too, had warmed up by now and left the bathtub.


    * * * * * *


    The women''s bathroom was also crowded with people.


    The Emperor Shoro, the Marquis Florenziano, Princess Rieschen.


    Gloria, Flora, Lila, Lyanna and Kate of the Royal Secret Maidens, and Erza were soaking in the hot water together.


    "Oh, the hot water is so nice. It''s so relaxing.


    The emperor muttered in a leisurely voice.


    "The water is so smooth. Is there a secret?


    Marquis Florenziano asked Elsa.


    "No, the water here comes from 300 meters underground and contains salt and baking soda.


    "Salt?��Does that mean it''s salty?


    "Very little. But it seems to keep the water cool. And baking soda makes the skin smooth.


    "I don''t understand what you mean by that, but I like the idea that it makes your skin smooth."


    "It really is."


    It seems to be especially popular among older women.


    But Lila Solyus, in the company of an emperor, a princess, and a marquis, is completely at a loss for words.


    Elsa spoke to Lila.


    "Lila-san, it''s been a long time."


    "Oh, Erza-sama, it''s been a long time ......."


    Laila bowed in the bathtub, which caused her face to be plunged into the hot water.


    "Don''t be nervous. It''s just like we don''t all have identities here. ...... Jin said they were naked together."


    "Oh, I like that word!��That''s the Kunlun!"


    The emperor approached her in the hot water and smiled at her. Laila was again nervous because of the suddenness of the situation.


    "Your Majesty, please excuse me for being dressed like this!"


    But the emperor gently rebuked her comment.


    "What do you mean by ''dressed like this''?��If it''s wrong to be naked, am I, the Marquis and the Princess being rude?


    "Oh, I''m sorry!��I didn''t mean it that way!


    Laila turned pale in the hot water. Princess Rieschen patted her on the head.


    "...... Your Highness?"


    "Well, you''d better calm down. Your presence here on the Kun Lun Island means that you are entitled to be here.


    Is that so?


    Erza then came to the rescue.


    "Yes. Lila is our guest too. So please make yourself at home.


    "Oh, thank you very much. ......"


    Finally, Lila seemed to relax a little.


    Lyanna and Kate looked at her with a wry smile.


    "You haven''t changed even though you''re with His Highness. ......"


    "Maybe that''s just Lila''s way."


    The expression on her face was as if she was staring at her sister.


    Meanwhile, Princess Rieschen was talking to Gloria.


    "Gloria, I''m glad your wounds have healed."


    "Yes, Princess. It''s all thanks to Lady Elsa.


    "Yes, I know. ......By the way, did you have any change of heart when you started to grow your hair long?"


    "And ...... nothing in particular,......?"


    Gloria denied it, but her eyes were swimming. Princess Rieschen nodded knowingly.


    "I see. As for me, I thought that you had a favorite lady in mind. ......"


    "No, you''re right!


    Gloria waved her hand in the hot water, so dismayed that the sound of water rang out.


    I am a knight who has given my allegiance to my country!��Therefore, I have no love ......!"


    "...... I don''t think there''s any denial after such an obvious response. ....... Well, I shall hear no more."


    Princess Rieschen smiles wryly.


    "Hey, is there anyone you like, Flora?"


    The empress asks her escort Flora.


    "No, not really ...... but Commander Fritz is quite nice ......."


    "What?"


    "What?


    Elsa and Gloria shouted at almost the same time. Hearing this, the Empress smiled.


    "Well, well, it seems that the Commander is very popular.


    "Erza, my lady, where is she?"


    Gloria asked Elsa in a whisper. The guards did not introduce themselves to each other, so it often happened that they knew each other''s faces but not their names.


    "Flora Heckerath von Merante. Eldest daughter of Viscount Jorgens Heckerath von Paddock, Knight of the Kingsguard of Shawlo. Brother of Rae ...... Baron Reinhardt''s wife, sister of Mr. Berche''s brother, Mr. Matheus'' wife."


    "...... sorry, I didn''t understand the last part."


    I think I have an idea of what kind of a person he is, though. It''s not so different from Gloria''s position.


    "Excuse me, you are Flora, I am Gloria Allstadt. I am Gloria Allstadt. I''m the vice-captain of the Kingsguard of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "Oh, that''s very kind of you. I am Flora Heckerath. I''m Flora Heckerath, a Knight of the Kingsguard of the Kingdom of Shawlo.


    The two knights greeted each other in the hot water.


    Both of you are hard. You should be more broken in the hot water, shouldn''t you?"


    "Yes, Flora?��You need to relax more, don''t you?"


    The two bosses, the emperor and the princess, call out to them, and the two are a little confused.


    "I don''t know what to do if you say I''m broken ......".


    "This is my land, sir. ......"


    The Marquis of Florenziano smiles at the puzzled pair.


    "Well, well, you two are young. If you don''t know the word "flexible," you might have a hard time in the future.


    Is that how it''s supposed to be?


    ...... that''s the kind of response you need for the mission!


    The emperor and the princess let out a secret sigh when they saw that the two were not being flexible in any way.

 1050 - - 29-15 Breakfast Meeting

    The next day, the 12th, was a reserve day.


    None of the participants said they would return home.


    They probably wanted to spend at least one day in the Kunlun Island, far away from the mundane world.


    Since we had originally planned a three-day itinerary, including a spare day, there was no problem for any of the countries.


    "Oh, is it porridge this morning?


    "No, this is not barley. ......?"


    The menu served in the cafeteria was of great interest to the chiefs of the various countries.


    But those who knew what they were talking about knew what they were talking about.


    "This is a porridge made of from the Shoro Kingdom," Jin explained.


    When Jin explained, they were impressed by his explanation.


    "I see... ...... this is..."


    "I see, it seems to be slightly thicker than barley.


    "It doesn''t taste very good as it is, so you can use it as you like."


    Jin points to a series of ingredients.


    "The basic ingredient is salt. There are sea salt and rock salt.


    There are two types of sea salt: salt made by ordinary distillation and seaweed salt (......), which is made by dissolving the ashes from burning seaweed that has been soaked in seawater in water and then dissolving it in the supernatant, which contains the flavor components and minerals of the seaweed.... It contains the flavor and minerals of seaweed....


    "Wow, this brown salt tastes good by itself!"


    Those who have confirmed the taste of algae salt are amazed at the depth of its flavor.


    This salt is made by soaking and drying plume fruits, which are abundant in the mountains of the Kingdom of Klein, in salt. Even in small quantities, they have a sour and salty taste, making them a good accompaniment. However, it is not to everyone''s liking.


    "...... Mmm, it is sour, but with porridge it is very tasty."


    King Rotaro of the Kingdom of Franz seems to like it. Jin continued his introduction.


    "And this way. It''s a kind of tsukudani made by boiling small fish, shrimp, shellfish, etc. from the sea in soy sauce and other seasonings.


    "Wow!��This is good. It has a salty taste different from salt.


    King Cesar of the Kingdom of Cerroa seemed to like the tsukudani of the shrimp.


    "And here is a stew made from topopo (potatoes).


    Jin showed us .


    "Oh my, I didn''t know there was such a way to eat it!


    The first to take a bite was the Marchese Florenziano. <


    "I used the soy sauce for seasoning. It should be available in the Shoro Kingdom.


    The trade with Mitsuho should bring us some good soy sauce.


    There is a similar dish of stewed sweet potatoes.


    This one also uses soy sauce, but in smaller quantities, and is rather sweetened with more sugar.


    "Stewed vegetables are gentle on the stomach, so I think it''s a good morning dish.


    "Oh, I didn''t know there was such a way to eat itpo!��A little bit of soy sauce makes it more flavorful!


    Emperor Shoro seemed to like it as well.


    "And Miso Soup...... is miso soup. This time I made it with topopo and maru-negi (onion)."


    "Oh. This is also delicious!"


    Other desserts such as citrons, apr��s-cheese, and airbert (strawberries) were also on the menu.


    This airbert is delicious. The ones from the Shoro Kingdom seem to be larger.


    This was said by Prime Minister Powell of the Kingdom of Klein.


    The only strawberries in the Kingdom of Klein are wild strawberries ...... from the mountains, and their relatives.


    The breakfast seemed to be well received by all, which was a relief for Jin.


    "I think there were many ingredients from the Shoro Kingdom this time, but that is the home country of my fianc��e, Elsa, so please understand. Instead, we are planning to serve something different for lunch.


    "I see... I see... Then we can look forward to lunch as well..."


    "You are paying homage to your future wife, aren''t you?


    Erza''s cheeks turned a little red.


    The final drink was hojicha (roasted tea). The tea was freshly roasted, so it had a nice aroma.


    "This is also delicious.


    "This food culture alone is worth the exchange.


    It seems that Jin''s intentions were taken into consideration this time, and I am happy to hear it.


    Furthermore, Jin recalled the warning Lor had given him last night.


    I would like to explain a little about our cuisine.


    Jin started off by calling for the peridol leader.


    Peridot leader is the one who has been in charge of all of this cooking.


    Then Jin tapped him on the shoulder and the perid leader gave a slow curtsey.


    "We are truly honored that you liked our food."


    Jin then took over.


    "The reason why they always make such delicious food is because of the constant trial and error they go through every day.


    The guests listen attentively to what Jin has to say.


    "Their strength is a precision that humans cannot achieve. Once they know the optimum values for how many liters of water and how many grams of salt to use, they can repeat them over and over again.


    There was a "Oh," or "I see," in his voice.


    "<> is minimized. That is their strength.


    Combined with the previous explanation, they seemed to understand that they can continue to search for the optimal solution dozens or even hundreds of times without getting tired.


    "In addition, I heard that many of the royal court cooks keep the procedures and secrets of how to make ...... recipes secret. This in itself is not a bad thing, but it is not acceptable to teach by watching and stealing, or by oral transmission only."


    Jin explained that the ratio of the amount of work should be properly decided.


    This is also true for us engineers. I think that if we want to see further development, we need to open the door rather than keeping it a secret.


    The emperor interrupted her statement as if to say.


    "...... Of course, world peace is the premise, isn''t it, Kunlun?"


    "Yes."


    Cooking aside, magical engineering and science and technology will change the world. We can''t let it go unchecked.


    I hope we can discuss such educational issues at the next world congress.


    The emperor concluded the meeting, and this was the end of the discussion.


    This was the last time the subject was discussed.


    An urgent message. Five Death Serpents are approaching from the north. They''re passing 10 kilometers west of Kunlun Island.


    Taibai has sent word. The announcement was made in the form of an internal broadcast so that not only Jin but also all the visitors could hear it.


    "The Death Serpent!"


    It doesn''t seem to come to this island.


    But isn''t that course taking us to the Kingdom of Elias?


    The Death Serpent was once encountered by Jin and the others at Potrock, at the southern tip of the Elias Kingdom.


    They are carnivorous and ferocious. It sometimes attacks villages along the coast. If it comes out of its survival zone ...... north of the sea, it will collide with human beings. Coexistence is impossible.


    "Don''t worry. My men will be there."


    Jin declared.


    He felt that his credibility would be damaged if he could not repel such a threat.


    "There is a squadron protecting the sea. If you wish to see them from the air, you can do so from the airship.


    To this, the entire leadership requested to be on board. Gloria, Fritz, Flora, Prince Ernest, Princess Rieschen, and others also wanted to come aboard.


    "Well, here we go."


    Again, the pilot is Edgar. Jin, Elsa, Reiko, Soleil, Luna, and Anne are all on board.


    At once, the Conlon 3 gains altitude.


    From about 200 meters above, people look down at the sea.


    There, the battle against the Death Serpent is about to begin.

 1051 - - 29-16 The Devils Sea Snake

    "It''s the marine units that will intercept them."


    <, explains.


    "We are on a wooden ship, . It is made of teak. It is partially reinforced with light silver. The propulsion system is an Aqua Thruster.


    "Oh, wow!"


    "So that''s what a ship looks like when it''s built by a Magecraft Meister. ......"


    I think I saw one in the Kingdom of Selroa?


    Oh, yes, that''s the ship from that time!


    I''ll have to keep an eye on this one.


    Political workers, engineers, and military personnel. All were interested in the battle about to unfold below.


    There are five Death Serpents attacking. In contrast, there are also five sharks, ranging from eleven to fifteen.


    The Death Serpents are over 20 meters long, while the <> are 10 meters long and 4 meters wide.


    "But are you going to be all right ......?"


    Someone raised a concerned voice.


    The curtain was raised on a fierce battle.


    * * * * * *


    The Navy golems from Marine 401 to 440 are aboard the this time. They are usually assigned to guard Horai Island, but were called in for the World Conference.


    Each ship had eight golems on board, and they were in charge of piloting, searching/warning, communication, attack, and defense respectively (two each for attack and defense).


    The , which was basically a wooden ship despite Jin''s reinforcements, did not attack the Death Sea Serpent from the front, but went around its flanks.


    <


    However, <> is also equipped with a <>. With this, it is possible to reach speeds in excess of 100 kilometers per hour.


    The use of the <> is kept to a minimum this time because of the presence of onlookers.


    In other words, the maximum speed is increased by 10%, and the aircraft is maneuvered for evacuation in case of emergency.


    We plan to use it only to the extent that it is not noticeable as far as we can see from the sky.


    The five Death Sea Serpents are swimming on the surface of the water almost side by side, about 50 meters apart from each other.


    Each of the five ships headed toward its target, each taking one of the serpents.


    moves around to the flank of the Death Serpent and fires a Waterspear as a small measure.


    <


    However, the Death Serpent, which is resistant to water magic, is not affected by it.


    On the contrary, it opens its jaws at <> and spits out a large amount of water from its mouth. Shark 11 then opened its jaws and spewed a torrent of water from its mouth, a <> in the middle level of water magic.


    dodges it with light maneuvering.


    Then, with no further effort, he fires a water jet.


    This is the same magic that Jin used against the Death Sea Serpent off the island of Io in the Kingdom of Elias.


    The water jet was made from the inexhaustible supply of seawater. The supersonic flow of water, magically charged with power, sliced the Death Serpent in half, then cut it in half again.


    lunged head-on at the Death Serpent. No, he pretended to go for it, but instead he veered to the right 20 meters in front of it.


    However, the Death Serpent twisted its long body and followed <>''s movement.


    However, even the Death Serpent had no choice but to concentrate all its energy on changing direction at the speed of 60 kilometers per hour.


    Then, an opening was created. > unleashed a lightning strike (Thunder Javelin)> in the midst of the advanced level of lightning magic, which is the weak point of the water elemental monsters.


    The high voltage of 100 million volts struck the Death Serpent. Left helpless, the Death Serpent exposes its long body to the sea.


    <


    This was under the advanced level of water magic, and an ordinary ship would have been swept away and capsized in the blink of an eye.


    However, is no ordinary ship.


    For a brief moment, the <> was lifted into the air.


    In that instant, 70% of the torrent of the <> is passed. The propulsive force of <> was enough to deal with the rest.


    Incidentally, this levitation was not discernible from the air.


    Then, aiming at the time lag after releasing the <>, a <> was released on top of the advanced fire magic, aiming at the still-open mouth.


    The large fireball blew the Death Serpent''s head off.


    <


    Though small in size, it was nearly 20 meters long.


    The Death Sea Serpent, perhaps because of its small size, began to twist and turn as <> approached.


    The waves it creates become a swell, tossing <> about. It is only a water demon that can create such waves without using magic.


    But <> is not silent. The ship is rocking and the opponent is bobbing, making it difficult to aim, so he covers this by unleashing a ranged magic <>.


    The high voltage of 50 million volts grazed his body, and the Death Serpent''s movements slowed down at once.


    The Death Serpent did not miss the opportunity and unleashed a thunderbolt. The Death Serpent stopped moving forever.


    The Death Serpent that <> confronted was the largest and most recumbent of the serpents, but when it saw that all of its comrades had been killed, it became fearful and dove into the water.


    He then uses the same magic that brought the Death Serpent to the surface that Jin once dived for.


    In other words, it is a non-attribute attack magic <> that applies engineering magic <>.


    It can be used in the air or in the water, and can be directional, have its attenuation adjusted, and its range specified.


    The transparency of the sea in this area is so high that it is impossible to miss the target even if you dive about 50 meters.


    The directional and range-limited sonic weapon stimulated the Death Sea Serpent''s hearing ...... intensely, although it has no outer ear, only an inner ear.


    As a result, the Death Serpent was no longer able to stay underwater and emerged into the sea.


    Shark 15, who was waiting for it, cut off its head with a water jet.


    * * * * * *


    "Oh ......"


    "Wow. ......"


    "Brilliant!"


    The spectators, who were looking down from the floor and porthole windows, let out a sigh in unison.


    "That''s the Koron-kun, ......!"


    "Hey, that is the ship that was shown to us at the founding ceremony of the Kingdom of Selroa, isn''t it?"


    The Empress asks Jin as if to confirm.


    "Yes, that''s right.


    "Yes, I knew it!��Not only does it look great, but it performs well too.


    "Yes, indeed. It''s hard to believe it''s a wooden ship.


    After the emperor, the Minister of Magic and Technology, Mr. Degauze, also expressed his admiration for the ship.


    Many of the others had seen the ship but had forgotten about it in the confusion that followed.


    "By the way, there was an old man automaton and a blue-haired automaton ......<> on board that time..."


    The Empress has a good memory. Despite her impression of the Kingdom of Celuloa, she seemed to remember everything that Jin had brought with him.


    Some of the other members of the group had finally realized that was an automata of the artifact class.


    Still, at that time, they did not realize that was an artifact-level automaton.


    That is not surprising. You would not think that there are so many artifact-class automata left in the world.


    It can be said that the fact that there are not many of them left and that they are valuable is the reason why they have value as an artifact.


    "At that time, ...... I didn''t think they were casually letting an artifact-class automata out of the house."


    I thought you had created a blue-haired automaton," says the emperor.


    The current Anne, however, has been rebuilt from scratch by Jin, and has only inherited the shape and the memories of the control core.


    And then, slowly landing <>.


    "No, <>, my hat is off to you."


    Cesar, King of Cerroa, says,


    "Indeed."


    "Together with Makina, I''ll leave you in charge of world peace."


    "With you, this world will be safe."


    Even if they were taken as half following the king, they were still greeted favorably.

 1052 - - 29-17 Bread and Variations

    When the commotion of the Death Serpent had subsided, it was just time for lunch.


    With light clouds in the sky, the sun was not too strong, and the sea breeze was light, Jin decided to have lunch in the front yard of the .


    Tables and chairs are laid out, and parasols and tarps are erected by the golem maids to shade them from the sun.


    "Well, it''s a spectacular sight, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is indeed."


    Amidst such voices, the preparations for seating are completed.


    Jin, Elsa, and Makina are sitting around the table.


    This time, about 20 round tables for four are prepared, and each country has a seat at one of them.


    And the important thing was lunch.


    "...... Is this bread?


    "Bread, yes."


    The bread was cut into pieces and brought out in baskets.


    Jin began to explain amidst the somewhat disappointed voices.


    This bread is not just any bread. It has a unique twist. Please try it."


    "Well, since Jin-dono says so, why don''t we try it?


    "Yes, I guess so."


    Then he picked one up,


    "Oh?��This is .......


    "It is soft, isn''t it?


    And he puts it in his mouth.


    "Oh, this!


    "What an indescribable aroma!"


    "What is this?" and "It has an indescribable aroma!


    "This bread has something in it...... sweet with a hint of sourness......".


    Some of them said, "Why is it so sweet with a hint of sourness?


    "Why does it taste so good without anything on it?


    These voices seemed to speak for everyone''s feelings.


    "Well, we have three kinds of bread this time.


    Jin began to explain.


    "Basically, I think they are fluffy and baked with yeast, but they should taste good even without anything on them.


    The people in the pew nodded silently.


    "Based on such bread, I made bread flavored with maple syrup and dried bitis, or passa," he said.


    "Oh, is that passa?"


    "Is maple syrup the sweetener from maple ......?


    Jin answers those questions as well.


    Yes. So the method itself is not difficult.


    "So each ...... is sophisticated, but the combination is new?"


    That''s right.


    In order to make bread fluffy, bread bakers have devised a variety of methods.


    One of them was to use water from a specific region for baking.


    In fact, such water contained a small amount of baking soda, which acted as an expander.


    Sodium bicarbonate ...... decomposes into sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide gas, and water when heated, and the carbon dioxide gas makes the bread dough swell.


    It is also known that the baking process differs depending on the type of flour used.


    This is due to the difference in the amount of a protein called gluten in the flour, and the degree of fluffiness.


    So far, bread baked with <> exists only in Penglai Island (including Kunlun Island), so it was understandable that he was surprised.


    Also, although there was a bread made by mixing a nut similar to walnut called "ornut" to give a savory flavor, there was no bread with <> (dried grape), which is not so popular by itself, except for this place.


    As for maple syrup, its production has just started in Randall''s territory, where Reinhardt''s parents live, and it is not generally distributed.


    Against this background, the was also a sufficient delight to the palates of the guests.


    "Now that you''ve enjoyed the bread, let''s have some side dishes.


    Jin instructed, and several bottles were brought to the table.


    They were Citran and Ramon marmalade, Wylie (wild strawberries), Brule (blueberries), Flape (cocklebur), and Lambel (cranberry) jam, respectively. Brule and flape are found in the mountainous areas of the Kingdom of Elias. Wylie is often eaten in the northern part of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "Oh, I''ve never tasted this before."


    "It''s kind of nostalgic, isn''t it?"


    "Hmm, I thought wylie was just sour and not tasty, but now I see that it is surprisingly tasty.


    Jin is relieved to hear that the guests are enjoying both the tastes of their home country and foreign countries.


    "Jam tastes better when the original fruit has a sour taste. The sweetness can be adjusted with sugar.


    "I see, I see, sweet is not always better.


    The bread we had prepared was 90% consumed, so you can imagine how well it was received.


    A variety of fruit juices were prepared as beverages, which were also well received.


    The most popular was the slightly carbonated Citran juice, and the second most popular was the Airebert (strawberry) juice.


    "Well, now, I know some of you may not be satisfied, so for those of you who are, here you go.


    Jin gave a signal, and the five-colored golem maids arrived with something on a tray.


    "What is this?"


    "There''s something sandwiched inside the bread. Is it vegetables and ...... meat?"


    "Please eat it as if you were biting into it."


    The group bit into the bread, a bit bewildered by Jin''s explanation.


    "......?


    What is this?


    "This is not just meat!��What tenderness and juices!"


    Jin prepared a . It was a bite-sized hamburger.


    Erza had advised him to make it a size that even a woman could eat in about two bites, as the aristocrats and royalty would say it was unbecoming for a burger of the size we are accustomed to in modern Japan.


    "No, I enjoyed it."


    "Really. Food is a profound thing, to be able to prepare such a variety of dishes with just bread.


    I think I''ve seen a glimpse of your abilities.


    "I''m sure you''ve seen a glimpse of <>''s ability. ...... food is an expression of culture, but that of <> is unfathomable."


    The last line was from Prince Arthur of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "What do you mean by that, brother?"


    asked his sister, Princess Rieschen.


    "Well, food is an aspect of life that is difficult to improve unless you can afford it. Considering this, I don''t know where the Kunlun-kun is from, but I thought that the cultural civilization must have developed considerably from the diversity of its people.


    "I see, I''m learning a lot."


    Prince Arthur is very perceptive. The golem maid, Ruby 34, who was observing the conversation, passed the message on to the old man.


    The old man thought that he should be more careful about Prince Arthur''s words and actions than before.


    The leaders of each country spend the afternoon leisurely.


    Jin had further plans for the afternoon.


    "Well, ladies and gentlemen, we have a little entertainment planned for you to enjoy the Kunlun Island after this.


    "Really?"


    "What kind of entertainment would that be?"


    "Interesting, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it is ......."


    Jin then began to explain.

 1053 - - 29-18 Sightseeing

    "What is entertainment? ......"


    After a break for lunch, the guests from different countries were divided into three groups.


    Jin, Elsa, and Makina were the guides for each group, and they were to enjoy the Kunlun Island in their own way.


    In Jin''s group, there are the Empress of Shoro, the 3rd Prince Ernest of Egelea, the 3rd Princess Rieschen of Klein, the Kinswoman Gloria of Klein, the Kinswoman Flora of Shoro, the Prime Minister Boyd of Egelea, the Minister of Magic Kelichdole, Lyanna and Kate of the Royal Secret Maidens, and others.


    In Elsa''s group are Marquis Florenziano of the Kingdom of Elias, Minister of Magic and Technology of the Shoro Kingdom, Degauze, Commander Fritz of the Shoro Kingdom, and several others.


    The group of Machina includes Cesar of Selroa, Lothar of Franz, Arthur, the 2nd Prince of Klein, and others.


    Please come this way.


    The group, guided by Erza, boarded the <>.


    We will take a tour around the Kunlun Island from the sky.


    "Watch your step, please."


    Makina leads the group to <>.


    "Just a few more minutes, please. ...... Oh, here it comes.


    What the hell is that?


    No horses. ......


    "...... Jin, that''s a car, right?��But it''s a big ......."


    Jin called for a <>. It is a , so to speak, newly built for such occasions, i.e., for transportation around the island.


    (Useful and useful: ......)


    It is a large vehicle with a capacity of 30 passengers and a quartz glass top for a good view. It is just right for Jin''s group, which has the largest number of participants.


    Ann is the driver.


    "Here we go!"


    "All right, let''s go."


    Jin felt uncomfortable with Ann, the driver, saying this, but he kept his mouth shut because he didn''t really feel comfortable saying it himself.


    The started smoothly.


    "Oh, oh, it''s moving!"


    "I can hardly feel the shaking."


    "It''s just like the carriage Jin built. Active golem arm suspension, right?


    Prince Ernest mentioned a name that I had not taught him, and Jin was a little surprised.


    "Well, yes. It is an application of the golem''s arms to mitigate the shaking caused by the unevenness of the ground."


    "I don''t know, but it''s a great technology. ......"


    The Empress is impressed.


    The scenery outside the window is flying backward as if it were flowing. The speed was about 50 kilometers per hour.


    The road has been paved with a simple pavement (graded and <> with engineering magic) so that it can reach such speeds.


    "Where are they going?


    Jin replies.


    "We are going to visit the sightseeing spots in Kunlun Island.


    True to his word, the bus climbed to the top of a small hill, or rather a small mountain.


    This is the observatory. You can see what the Kunlun Island looks like.


    We stopped the bus and all got out. Then we enjoyed the view.


    "Oh, this is a nice view!


    "You can see the ocean."


    "......?��Jin, what is that building over there?


    Ernesto pointed to Jin''s building. It is a dummy research institute built on the Kunlun island.


    That''s the laboratory, his base of operations.


    "Oh. May I take a look at ......?


    Yes, if it''s okay with the others. ......


    Ernesto asks, and Jin says,


    "I''d love to see it!"


    "Yes, the Kunlun''s stronghold is more than just a famous landmark."


    "I''d be interested too."


    Not only did no one object, but everyone wanted to see it.


    Jin smiles and agrees.


    "I can''t guarantee that it will be interesting or not. ......


    The group boarded the bus again and departed.


    * * * * *


    The bus, carrying the Marquis Florenziano and the others, was on a graceful trajectory around the Kunlun Mountain, which rises in the center of the Kunlun Island.


    "This is a wonderful view. ......"


    The Marquis sounds an impressed voice.


    "Well, it is fundamentally different from a hot air balloon that it does not shake so much. I wonder what kind of technology you have ......."


    Minister of Magic and Technology Degauze was impressed in a different way.


    "Oh, that''s ......."


    Fritz had spotted something below.


    It is a small mountain in the western part of the Kunlun Island. Something is moving at the foot of it.


    "That''s the big car Brother Jin built. Brother Jin is supposed to be guiding our guests with it.


    "I see!��A big car!��It can hold two or three dozen people."


    Maybe Fritz, the military man, is thinking of transporting soldiers, Elsa thinks with a little bitterness.


    She likes her brother back, but sometimes it''s hard to follow his military way of thinking.


    She tries to let it go, but even though she knows it in her head, her heart does not always listen to her.


    "You always think in military terms, don''t you, Mr. Fritz?


    A woman''s voice interrupted Elsa''s reverie. It was the Marquis Florenziano.


    "Yes, I am a military man.


    Fritz, being the Marquis of another country, replied in stiffer words than usual.


    "I am aware of that. But this conference is a gathering to strive for world peace and to work towards its realization. You can''t help what you think, but you shouldn''t be so tactless with your words.


    "......Yes, you are absolutely right."


    Fritz scratches his head.


    Elsa thanks the Marquis in her heart for saying what she wanted to say on her behalf.


    * * * * * *


    "Oh, oh, oh..."


    "It''s shakier than I thought it would be."


    < has a maximum capacity of eight passengers, and except for Marin201 and Makina, the pilot, there are only six passengers on board. There are only six passengers on board, except for Marin 201 and Makina, who are the pilots.


    "Please be careful. This is not a cruise ship.


    Cesar, King of Cerroa, nodded at Makina''s words.


    "Yes, indeed. But I have been wondering about it ever since I saw it at the national celebration.


    "But it''s really a wooden ship, isn''t it?


    Prince Arthur says in an impressed voice.


    < series are finished with lacquer mixed with fine particles of light silver on the outside, giving them a slightly brownish silver color. This gives them the appearance of being made of metal from a distance.


    "That''s right. Jin said he wanted to show the possibilities of wooden ships.


    "I see...the possibility of wooden ships. That''s quite a profound word.


    Cesar was impressed.


    "I never dreamed that a wooden ship could really sail at this speed.


    This is a line from King Franz Lotharus.


    "Now, we are almost at the northwest side of the Kun Lun island. The sea area where we recently intercepted the Death Serpent is close by.


    Interesting.


    I''m a little nervous.


    However, in anticipation of such an eventuality, three vessels from <> to <>> are still in the area.


    "Look, we can see them now."


    <> slows down.


    The wreck of the Death Serpent floats in front of them.


    "This is ......"


    "It''s eerie up close, isn''t it?"


    The passengers were a bit taken aback by the sight of the monster, which they had never seen before.


    (After all, the power of <> is a menace. ......)


    Some of the leaders thought so.

 1054 - - 29-19 Challenge to Dreams

    "......"


    "This is interesting."


    "This is amazing!"


    The disguise that Reinhardt, Erza, Bina and the others had already used when they arrived was sufficient, but the warp gate in the basement could not be shown, so it had been sealed in advance.


    Several men and women are now looking around the dummy laboratory with great interest.


    The dining room, the workshop, and the living room.


    The workshop in particular was the center of attention.


    The first of them is Ernest, the third prince of Egelea. His fianc��e, the third princess of Klein Kingdom, Rieschen, is surprisingly attached to Anne.


    Or perhaps not so surprising. She is probably concerned about Anne, who is the same ...... model as Tia, her nanny, although the exact ...... lot is different and the actual sister machine is Refa.


    "I wish I could study magical engineering in a place like this."


    Ernesto mutters innocently, "I wish I could study magic engineering in a place like this.


    "I remember you liked golems.


    The one who spoke to him was the Shoro Imperial Lady.


    "Ah, Your Majesty. Yes, I love golems and automata!


    "Hmm, you and Jin-dono seem to have something in common, don''t you?


    The Empress smiled softly.


    "Hey Jin, can you teach me engineering magic?"


    Ernesto suddenly said something like that.


    "What?"


    "Even if it''s just for a week, I want Jin to teach me. ......"


    "......"


    However, Ernest is royalty, and Jin can''t give his consent here and now.


    "Ernest-dono, Jin-dono is in trouble.��It would be better to ask for your father''s approval first.


    Again, the emperor followed up.


    "......Yes, that''s right. Yes, I understand."


    Ernesto meekly withdrew.


    "Jin, when your father gives you permission, you will tell me!"


    "Oh, yes."


    Jin could not help but nod in agreement.


    * * * * * *


    < and drag the Death Sea Serpent they have defeated, a was running alongside, carrying the guests.


    "But it''s quite a sight to behold, isn''t it?


    "What kind of material will the Death Serpent be made out of, Master Machina?"


    Well, bones are strong enough to be used as handles for swords and large knives. Fangs are even tougher and are used in the same way. No one eats the meat because it smells bad. We have to incinerate them.


    Everyone listens with interest as Makina explains.


    "The skins are resilient and strong, so they are used to make leather armor, sword sheaths, and in rarer cases, parts of ships called in the Potlocks of the Kingdom of Elias.


    "Oh, these are watercraft made in Marcia''s workshop, aren''t they?"


    Godfrey, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Elias, who was on board the ship, spoke up as if he had just heard what I had to say. Makina joined in.


    "Ah, yes, that''s right. Jin is processing the parts and distributing them wholesale.


    "Oh, is that so?"


    She did not seem to have that much detailed information. It is understandable in the Prime Minister''s position.


    "As a material, it''s just above the middle level. It is more than sufficient for daily use.


    Makina says this, and Prime Minister Godfrey looks somewhat dismayed.


    "No, only you people would call this Death Sea Serpent a top of the range weapon.


    "Indeed.


    King Cesar agreed.


    "I hope to be friends with you for a long time."


    Prince Arthur said.


    "Yes, I don''t like conflict either. As long as the world is at peace and I can do my favorite research in magical engineering, I''ll be happy.


    "Oh, so you share the same opinion as Gin-sama."


    King Franz Rotaro said with interest.


    "Yes. Technicians like myself and Jin cannot understand the desire to rule the world at all.


    "I see. To each his own, I see.


    Prince Arthur nodded his head in admiration.


    < is speeding through the water at about 30 kilometers per hour.


    Prince Arthur looked out the window,


    "I''m a little ...... envious of you who can see such a world," he said to himself.


    he muttered to himself.


    * * * *


    The flying slowly lowered its altitude and snatched the directly over the ocean.


    "Land, sea, and sky. <''s technology is bottomless."


    Marquis Florenziano muttered in a deep voice.


    "Sir, all of this has its roots in one thing.


    Elsa said to the Marquis.


    "One?"


    "Yes. It can be summed up in one short word: the realization of a dream.


    A dream.


    A dream, yes.


    "Dreams. ......"


    A dream to run faster than the wind across the land.


    I dream of traveling freely across the oceans.


    I dream of flying through the sky as I please.


    "I''m halfway there, but..."


    "We''re halfway there. ......"


    Those who heard these words sighed.


    Is this the halfway point for Jin?


    He said, "Progress stops when you are satisfied. He also said that the best work is always the next one.


    So that''s the next best thing.


    The Marquis of Florenziano closed his eyes and said in a quiet voice, "I see.


    I''m always up for a challenge.


    "I am always up for a challenge."


    <


    Forgetting to use the first person, Jin muttered to himself.


    The moment you think you have reached the top, the retreat begins. Therefore, I want to continue to be a perpetual challenger. That is my current goal.


    I see. So that''s the mindset of Jin.


    "That''s just like you, Jin."


    The soft smile of the empress loosens Jin''s heart.


    "Normally, I only talk about things like this with Erza.


    That''s why such an unnecessary line came out of her mouth.


    But it was pleasant for Jin.

 1055 - - 29-20 Where to go back

    "Hmmm, <>, that''s just like Jin-dono."


    <


    The previous words were spoken by Cesar, King of Cerroa.


    "In order for <> to do a good job, it is necessary to keep the world in peace, isn''t it?


    This is King Rotaro of Franz.


    "Oh, welcome back."


    Jin is a bit dismayed when he realizes that he has been overheard.


    "Ha-ha, that''s just like you, Jin-dono. We soldiers can''t dream.


    Now the people who had been with Erza returned. The previous line was uttered by Fritz.


    "I''m surprised to hear your true feelings, Mr. Kunlun.


    "Yes, this is fortuitous."


    "......"


    Jin held his head in his heart.


    Almost all of the participants of the large ...... world conference had heard his true feelings.


    However, Jin was the only one who was concerned about it, while the others were deeply impressed.


    The genuineness of the participants was dazzling, as they were told so straightforwardly what they wanted to do.


    The world of politics is more or less, or more often than not, a world colored by power, intrigue, and falsehood, where people are afraid of betrayal, busy protecting their own positions, and concerned about what other people think of them.


    This is probably why Jin''s true feelings were so fresh.


    In addition, some people were relieved to know that Jin was truly devoted to magical engineering and did not think about anything else.


    After all, if Jin wanted to, he would be able to kill the leaders present here in an instant, and even destroy the nations.


    It is a relief to know that Jin, a man with such power, is not interested in power at all, but only in his pure passion for magical engineering.


    As a side note, I would like to add that the old man may have not informed Jin of the return of the people in order to achieve such an effect.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "No, looking back, the three days passed in a blink of an eye," he said.


    "It''s been a fulfilling three days, hasn''t it?


    "To be honest, I even wish I could have stayed here for another 10 days.


    I agree.


    But that is something the leaders are not allowed to do.


    On the morning of July 13, the day the heads of state returned home.


    The <> lifted into the sky, carrying about 50 passengers.


    In their hearts, Jin and Elsa were concerned that they had not been able to solve Gloria''s love problems.


    Still, soars through the sky.


    First, they go to Borgia, the capital of the Kingdom of Elias.


    Here, Marquis Godopher, Marquis Florenziano, and others disembarked.


    "<>, thank you for a pleasant and meaningful day.


    "The World Congress was wonderful.


    Jin was pleased to hear these words.


    Next, he went to Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    Jin, I will ask your father''s permission, and I am sure you will teach me magical engineering then!


    With these words, the 3rd Prince Ernest descended from <> and rushed off to the royal palace with his personal guard maid, Laila, in tow.


    "...... Your Highness,...... Do it,......"


    Prime Minister Boyd Noyce Galuelli sighed as he gazed at Ernesto''s back, and bowed deeply to Jin.


    "<>, I have learned a lot from this meeting. I thank you for that.


    Jin also bowed.


    Jin-sama and Erza-sama, I wish you many years of happiness.


    As they disembarked, Leanna and Kate of the Royal Secret Maidens left with these words in their ears.


    The third country was the Kingdom of Selroa.


    "Well, Jin-dono, I think I''ll take that . Please give me the details.


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    We''ll make a policy for its operation as well.


    King Cesar said and returned to the royal castle.


    Next came the Kingdom of Klein.


    "Jin-dono, you are really great. I entrust you with the future of this world ......, but I would be grateful if you would watch over it together with Makina-dono."


    With these words, Prince Arthur disembarked.


    "Jin, may I visit you again?"


    Princess Rieschen looked regretful.


    "Yes, in the near future."


    "Yes, in the near future.��I''ll bring Tia with me this time!


    And Gloria?


    "Jin-dono, Erza-dono, I know I''ve worried you a lot, but forget it. I''ll manage on my own!"


    Both Jin and Erza did not know what to say to her, even though she seemed to be in high spirits. So they said,


    "Take care!


    They only said, "Take care of yourself.


    Then they went to the Kingdom of Franz.


    "Jin-dono, no, <>, this meeting was a bit stimulating for the new King of the United States. But we learned a lot from it. I cannot thank you enough."


    King Rotaro then took Jin''s hand.


    "My country sends its heartfelt thanks to you. Please come back to ...... and if you can, see Elsa Ehime and her mother Catherine."


    Rotaro''s mother Catherine and Jin and the others had known each other since they had saved her from a runaway carriage.


    "Yes, that''s right. We''ll see each other sometime.


    "Yes, you''re always welcome."


    The last one will be the Shoro Empire.


    "Oh, it''s been a pleasure. Thank you, Mr. Jin and Elsa, I''ve never had so much fun in my 40 years and a bit of life.


    Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shawlo, the empress of the Shawlo Kingdom, disembarks with regret.


    "Your Majesty, it''s my pleasure, thank you for your visit.


    The emperor replied with a smile.


    "Good luck, Elsa!"


    "...... what?"


    Erza was a little puzzled by her brother''s words without the word "what".


    I''m sure there''s a lot to be said. As Jin-dono''s companion, you''ll have a lot of work to do.


    "Yes, I know. But that makes me happy.


    I see. Then I''ll just support you.


    "Thank you, brother."


    And so, soared into the skies of the Kingdom of Shoro .......


    It landed on the rooftop of Leuthart''s <.


    It was already evening. It would be midnight if we continue on our way back to Horai Island.


    He also felt the need to comfort Barou and Behr��, who had been away from home since he had left the house unoccupied for quite a while.


    "Jin-sama, Erza-sama, welcome back!


    We congratulate you on your safe return.


    As soon as they landed, they came running up to me.


    "We''re home!"


    "Thanks for looking after me."


    This was exactly the place for them to come home.

 1056 - - 29-21 Quiet talk 59 What happened while I was away

    "I don''t know where to start reporting ......"


    "A lot has happened!"


    After dinner, Barrow and Behle came to give their reports, alternately rambling on and on.


    The neighboring aristocrats had repeatedly invited them to tea parties.


    A well-known merchant came to ask Jin to make something for him by name.


    Most notably, Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Shoro, came to ask, <>(Three days later, the world conference was held.)


    "And yes, there was an interesting incident.


    "An incident?"


    Yes. Two men were found tied up naked and abandoned in front of the guardhouse that protects the town of Leuthart. We found out that they were two notorious thieves.


    "Heh. ......."


    Nodding in agreement, Jin thought that the last case must be related to the old man.


    So, after going back to his living room, he asked him through the manacam, and the answer came back just as he had expected.


    "No, that''s okay. Let''s talk about it now."


    The following is a summary and reconstruction by the old man.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Late at night.


    <


    "Sir, this is the house, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. I''ve heard that he is a new nobleman and that he is often away from home. I know from what I''ve heard that he''s not here tonight.


    Only the butler and his lady-in-waiting are present, is that correct?


    That''s right. That''s a good bet.


    They were the latest thieves to hit the market.


    The two were the latest thieves to hit the market.


    But the old man, the brains of Horai Island, who monitors the house, had already detected the two long ago and had overheard most of their conversation.


    ��>)


    (The fence is high...)


    "(The wall is high, but not so high that we can''t climb over it. Here we go.)


    "Oh!"


    The two throw up a hooked rope toward the wall, and after confirming that the end of the rope has been hooked, they begin to climb along the hooked rope.


    (<<


    ��<<


    (


    The two climbed over the wall with light movements, and when they were sure that there was no one in the yard, they jumped down onto the lawn without making a sound.


    "(Okay, so far so good. Let''s go around to the side.")


    There was an emergency exit on the side of the house, and they headed for it.


    "Here, here. Seb, come on.)


    "I''ll take care of it."


    The man called Seb put his hand on the keyhole of the door.


    "<>"


    <>


    ��<


    The old man is impressed.


    (<>)


    I think it would be better to add some anti-magic defense methods.


    The two of them enter the mansion, unaware of the old man''s intentions.


    (Look at that picture on the wall. I don''t know whose portrait it is, but it looks like it could be worth a lot of money.)


    "But it''s too big to take home."


    "Yes, but it''s too big to take home. But at this rate, we can still expect a lot of treasure.)


    They may think they are talking in a whisper that only the two of them can hear, but the performance of the surveillance devices ......<> and <> installed in the <> is far superior to that of a human being. The performance of these devices is far superior to that of human beings.


    Unaware that the old man was watching their every move, the two of them slowly made their way through the house.


    "(This is the living room. I don''t think there''s much in here, but let''s take a peek.)


    They stepped into the living room on the south side of the first floor.


    A dark shadow looms over them.


    "What!"


    "Don''t make a sound, you idiot! It''s an ornament!)


    "Oh, you scared me. ......"


    What they see in front of them is a knight in armor. Most aristocrats have one of these in their homes.


    But this is not an ornament. It is a golem that can move when the need arises, and can take on crooks.


    (*)


    (


    * (I''m going toward the guest room.)


    "Let''s go to the guest room. There should be more money there.)


    "(Is it on the second floor?��Is everything alright?)


    (With your engineering magic and my physical skills, we should be able to handle most things.)


    They whispered to each other, passed the room where Barrow and Behr�� were sleeping, and headed for the stairs.


    "(The stairs are also very fluffy.)" "I can''t hear your footsteps..."


    "It''s good that my footsteps don''t echo."


    And then they reached the second floor.


    "Well, which one is it?"


    One is Jin and Erza''s room and the other is their bedroom.


    "(I think it''s on the west side.)"


    After some hesitation, the two of them head for the wrong direction, that is, toward Jin and Elsa''s room.


    (<<


    ��<<


    Naturally, since this is Jin and Erza''s apartment, the security is three times higher than that of the other rooms.


    *


    "(...... How about this room?)"


    The door is unlocked.


    I gently open the door and take a peek inside. It is pitch black.


    "Hey, there''s a light."


    "Okay. ......<>"


    Seb turns on the light so that he can see around vaguely.


    "(How ......?)"


    The door was about 1 meter square, just like a doorway, and the floor was about 50 centimeters higher than the doorway.


    "(Interesting room.)"


    The floor was raised and covered with tatami mats so that a horigotatsu could be placed in the room, but there was no way the two thieves could have known that.


    "But there''s nothing of interest in here, is there?"


    "(But there''s nothing to see, is there?)" "Yes, but there''s nothing to see. Let''s look in the next room.")


    They were right. If they had tried to step on the tatami mats with their feet on the floor, they would have been paralyzed without question, and the bones in their feet would have been crushed.


    The next room they looked into was Elsa''s living room.


    The bedroom was covered with tatami mats, but she could walk around in her shoes in the living room.


    "(...... smells good)"


    "Big brother, wasn''t this the guest room?"


    "(Apparently so. This is the mistress''s room. (Which means there are dresses, accessories, and other expensive things here.)"


    Your judgment is correct. However, since most of them are made in Horai Island, it is highly doubtful that they can be sold on the black market.


    (<<


    (<>)


    The old man continued to observe the two while thinking of something dangerous.


    (Ah!


    "(Oh, it smells good.... Is it perfume?)


    The smell was the remnants of citran aroma candles, which Elsa liked.


    The citran peel is extracted from the citran peel by <> and mixed with beeswax.


    The mixture of beeswax and citran oil is done by engineering magic <> and <>, so it was not something that could be easily presented to the public.


    In fact, they often use herbs with similar aromas, but Jin did not know that much about them, so he used actual citran peels, which were somewhat less volatile.


    Hence, the fragrance lingers for a long time. The aroma lingers long enough to be noticed by intruders even though it has been more than a month since the last time we used the ...... scented candles.


    So, the prototype scented candle is only used in Elsa''s room.


    "(Noble women smell good, don''t they?)"


    The two are rummaging around in Elsa''s room, thinking that they might be considered perverts if they make a mistake.


    So far, they have not touched her, but only observed her.


    (*) <<


    ��<<>>>))


    *


    "(This one looks like a bedroom. Maybe there are some valuables in there. ......?)


    "(I''d like to see what a noblewoman''s bedroom looks like. ......?)


    With that thought as the last, the two thieves silently lost consciousness.


    * * * *


    >,<>,<>>.


    The old man finished his report.


    "I see. So, the unconscious thief was stripped naked, wrapped in a bamboo mat, and thrown out in front of the guard station.


    <


    "What?"


    <


    "Well, well, well. Thank you very much.


    <


    The old man was proud of himself.

 1057 - - 29-22 Amicable retirement

    "This is delicious!


    The snack of the day was a .


    It is a bread baked twice, the second time coated with icing (a mixture of egg whites and powdered sugar) and baked.


    It keeps for a long time because it contains very little water and is characterized by its crispy texture.


    We have both the normal sugar flavor and maple flavor.


    Of course, the five-colored golem maids, the Peridos, have worked hard on these.


    "I love this flavor, Jin-bro!"


    Erza seemed to like the maple flavor.


    "Jin-sama, are you sure you want to join us ......?"


    "Yes, I''m glad to be with you. ......"


    He invites Barrow and Behrle to join him.


    "It tastes better when we eat together!"


    Hannah, who has grown a permanent tooth after her missing baby tooth, eats the rusk with relish.


    The drink is kuhe.


    This drink, similar to cocoa, matched the sweet rusk.


    "Well, this is a good opportunity to ask you something..."


    Jin turned to Barrow and Behle.


    "Do you two still want to work at the Reuthert house?"


    "What?"


    "No, I''m away a lot and I''m kind of sorry. If you want to do something else ......, no, I think you should do something better than being a servant."


    Jin felt bad about tying up the two pre-20-year-olds as butlers and maidservants.


    But they did not seem to take it that way.


    "Kubi, kubi? ......?


    "Are you not helpful, ......?"


    Jin notices that the two are about to start crying and hurriedly denies it.


    No, no, no, I''m not firing you. I''m not going to fire you...I''m going to let you go..."


    "......<>......?"


    If you two want to do some kind of business or something, I''ll support you. We''ll give you both a million dollars for your severance."


    "...... good riddance, ......?"


    But the depressed Behrle takes it from bad to worse.


    "Oh my God, I said no, didn''t I?"


    "What do you mean, ...... sir?"


    Elsa advised from the side.


    "Teacher?"


    "Yes. You two can already read, write, calculate, behave, cook, do all the housework, etc."


    "Oh, I see."


    "...... we are the teachers?


    At last, Burroughs was beginning to get a sense of what it was like.


    "You can do whatever you want, not just that."


    Jin told them with a soft smile.

 1058 - - 29-23 Hannah Growth

    "Or you can work here in the village of Kaina as a farmer or herdsman."


    Turning to Barrow and Behle, Jin continued.


    "Of course, if you want to open a store or something in the Shoro Kingdom, I will cooperate fully, and if you want to return home, that would be fine too.


    I am sure that Jin could listen to most of his wishes.


    "Of course, you can continue to be a butler and a lady-in-waiting as you are now. Well, you don''t have to decide right away. I would be happy for you to stay here in the village. I won''t force you.


    "Yes, I understand."


    The time is about 4:30 in the afternoon.


    It is still light in the afternoon on a summer day.


    Jin, who had given his leave to Barrow and Behrle this time, was thinking in front of Hannah and Erza.


    "What should we do for dinner tonight ......?"


    "Come over to my house, honey!"


    "Yes, I''ll do that."


    Right across the street from Hanna''s house was Jin''s house, and Erza''s real mother, Meene, lived with Hanna''s grandmother, Martha.


    "Yeah."


    Elsa is happy to see her mother.


    Jin," she said, "I''m so happy to see you.


    "Jin, it''s been a long time since the seventh evening. You had the world conference or something, didn''t you?��How did it go?


    6:30 p.m.


    Jin and his friends were sitting around the dinner table at Martha''s house.


    "Yes, it went well, thanks to you.


    "I see. I''m glad to hear that.


    "I wish I could have been there too. ......"


    Hannah muttered regretfully.


    "Well, maybe next time I can bring Hannah along as my assistant.


    "Really?"


    Considering Hannah''s knowledge, she would be able to assist me and most importantly, she would gain valuable experience.


    Besides, Princess Rieschen, who he knew well, would surely come again, Jin thought.


    "Was Elsa of some use to you?


    Erza''s own mother, Meine, asked Erza.


    "...... umm, not much."


    But when Jin heard this, he quickly followed up.


    "Not at all. Erza has been leading our guests in and more than anything, she has been a great help to me.


    "...... is that so?"


    Elsa blushes a little at Jin''s words. Martha looks at her and says something.


    "Jin, when are you and Erza going to have your wedding?


    "Huh?"


    What?


    "Don''t make her wait too long, it''ll be too sad."


    Martha said that the chief and his wife, that is, Giebeck and Sally, met later than Jin and the others and got together before them.


    "So ......, Barbara, and Eric," she said.


    Elsa''s mouth turned bright red and the two names came out.


    "Yeah, well, they weren''t quite ready to make a living yet. You guys have had enough, haven''t you?"


    "Uh-uh."


    Contrary to Elsa''s hushed tone, Jin said firmly, his face reddening.


    We are planning to get married next month.


    "What?"


    Erza looked at Jin''s face.


    "Erza, I''m sorry for keeping you waiting. I want to make this clear in front of Ms. Meane.


    Jin, who usually calls her "Meene," but this time he treats her as Erza''s mother.


    "I have to call you mother-in-law, don''t I?


    "Don''t do that, Jin-sama. Thank you very much, even at ....... Please take good care of Elsa.


    Yes, of course.


    Yes, of course.


    Erza is flustered as the conversation proceeds without her. However, she does not seem to be averse to the conversation. The proof is in the smile in her eyes.


    It was at that moment.


    "Father, excuse me..."


    Reiko tugged at the hem of Jin''s dress.


    "Yes?��What''s wrong, Reiko?"


    Jin followed Reiko out of Martha''s house while asking her.


    When she was sure that Martha did not hear them, Reiko opened her mouth.


    "A report has just come in. They have found a clue of <> on the northern coast of the former Leonard Kingdom."


    "What?


    It was good news,


    <


    For Reiko, he was her grandfather. To follow in his footsteps is also to follow in the footsteps of the previous Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    "Well, we''ll hear more about it later.


    Jin said and returned to Martha''s house.


    "Onii-chan, what''s wrong?"


    Jin, is something wrong?


    Hannah and Martha asked Jin at the same time.


    "Oh, no, Reiko is at the front ......"


    "She told your father that <> is here."


    As Jin was thinking of an excuse, Reiko followed him.


    "I see. I see he is also busy assisting the village head.


    The here is Butler A, who is Jin''s deputy. He assists the village head when Jin is not around.


    Battlers B and C are stationed at Nido Castle, and D works at the << house> in Leuthart.


    D works in Reuthert''s . "Right now, the village chief''s place is busy because it also serves as a medical clinic. He''s going to build an addition to the clinic soon.


    "I see. I''ll have to help him with that.


    As the lord of the village, Jin decided to give his full support to the villagers since it was a matter concerning their welfare.


    "But still... ......"


    "Hmm?"


    Jin noticed that Hannah''s speech had lost some of its childishness.


    <, her pronunciation was the same as before, but the rest of her words were pronounced in a more mature way.


    When he came home for Tanabata, I didn''t think so much of it.


    (Before I knew it, Hannah had grown up too. ......)


    (Hannah has grown up before I knew it... ) Jin thought deeply.


    "Onii-chan, where are you going to stay tonight?


    Hannah asked.


    "Well, I''m going to sleep in this house.


    Looking at Hannah''s expectant face, it was hard to tell that she would be staying at Nido Castle.


    "Yay, we can talk more then!"


    Hannah is innocently happy, and Meane smiles, "I can''t help it. Martha sighs and Erza''s shoulders slump a little.

 1059 - - 29-24 Whose Happiness?

    "So, this year, we picked a lot of cullis," says Hannah.


    Hannah tells Jin about gathering wild vegetables in spring.


    In the village of Kaina, gathering wild vegetables is done as a half-enjoyable activity.


    For the past few years, Hanna and the other girls have been led by Barbara to pick wild vegetables.


    "We''ve even gotten into the habit of washing our hands before eating our lunch," she said.


    "Oh, that''s good!"


    Jin spread this custom. Wash your hands after coming back from outside and before eating.


    Just by doing so, the chance of getting sick is greatly reduced.


    In the village of Kaina, where there are pumps and hot springs, this custom seems to have taken root quickly.


    "Is calyx a flower similar to the orange lily?


    "Yes, that''s right. "Yes, they are, Elsa. It''s the young shoots that we can eat."


    Right now, Jin, Erza, and Hannah were chatting on the second floor of Jin''s house. Or rather, Hannah is telling Jin and the others a lot of things.


    When they get thirsty, they drink soda water.


    It is slightly carbonated, so it feels good on the palate, and since there is no sugar in it, it does not cause cavities.


    However, no one in Kaina Village has cavities. Jin thinks that there are no cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, and he also thinks that he should be careful about periodontal disease.


    Let''s take a break.


    He is still a child even though he has grown up.


    Around 8:00 p.m., Hannah, tired of talking, started to row the boat.


    Jin gently took her in his arms and carried her to the futon.


    He thought about sending her back to Martha''s house, but it would be hard to have her sulk when she woke up the next day, so he went to the guest room of Jin''s house.


    After putting Hannah to bed, Jin sat down next to Elsa.


    It is a quiet night with the faint sound of early insects.


    "Brother Jin, why did you move the ceremony up?"


    Erza asked me in a whispered voice.


    "In the fall, you know, that will be coming soon, right?��It''s going to be a busy time for us.


    Jin replied in a low voice.


    "I wouldn''t mind if it was after that, though. ......"


    Elsa says modestly. But Jin shakes his head.


    "No, you know, there''s a kind of jinx in my world that says, <>, and I can''t do it.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes, it is. ...... so I want to hold the wedding ceremony at this peaceful time after the world conference is over."


    Saying this, Jin hugged Erza''s shoulder.


    Erza, though a little stiff, did not mind and leaned her slender shoulders against Jin''s. "If that''s what you mean," she said, "I''m sure you''ll understand.


    "If that''s what you mean, I understand."


    Erza said with a slight smile.


    Jin hugged Erza''s shoulder a little tighter,


    "I''ll make you happy, I promise.


    He said, "I''ll make you happy.


    But she said, "No, no.


    "No, that''s not right.


    Elsa shook her head.


    "What, Elsa?"


    Jin tilted his head inwardly, wondering if something had offended her.


    Looking at Jin''s face, Erza tells him, "It''s not about what makes you happy, it''s about what makes you happy.


    Jin''s brother will be happy, too. <


    "Yes, we will. Erza is right.


    The moon shines over the village of Kaina, Yunie. Nearby, a star shines brighter than the first magnitude star--.


    * * * *


    The next morning.


    Hannah wakes up at sunrise.


    "What''s that?��Here ......."


    She looked next door and saw Elsa sleeping. Then the memory of last night came back to her.


    "I stayed at my grandma''s house, didn''t I?


    Then, I stretch out and quietly slip out of the futon.


    Since Jin''s apartment was on the second floor, he went down the stairs to his own house.


    "Good morning, Hannah. Welcome home."


    Martha was already awake.


    Grandma, I''m home. Good morning."


    Hannah also greets her morning a little more maturely. Even though they''re family, they still respect their elders.


    "Do you want to wash your face?"


    "Yes!"


    They go to a nearby well and Martha pumps. Hannah rinsed her mouth and washed her face with the water that came out.


    Then Jin woke up.


    "Good morning, Martha. Hannah, good morning.


    "Good morning, Onii-chan!"


    Jin, good morning.


    Martha gave him a hand with the pump, which Jin gratefully accepted.


    "Thank you, Martha-san!


    "No problem. Jin made this pump for me!


    Martha smiled brightly. It was going to be another beautiful day.


    Then Elsa woke up.


    "Good morning, Elsa!


    "Good morning, Elsa."


    "Good morning."


    Jin pumped Erza''s pump,


    "Thank you, Jin."


    Erza rinsed out her mouth, washed her face, and looked refreshed.


    "It''s a beautiful day today, too."


    "Yes, it is."


    Jin nodded with a smile.


    After breakfast.


    After breakfast.


    "Hannah, would you like to go on another excursion with us?"


    Jin asked Hannah. <.


    Of course, there was no way she would refuse.


    "Yes, I''ll go!��Are you sure, Grandma?"


    Martha smiled and nodded.


    "Yes, of course. Jin, Elsa, take care of Hannah for me, will you?


    "Yes, of course.


    Yes, of course.


    Thus, Hannah is to accompany Jin and the others on their journey in the footsteps of the Wise Masters.


    Barrow and Behrle are on vacation.


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    Hanna is in a good mood.

 1060 - - 29-25 In a place overlooking the sea

    Hannah accompanied him when he traveled from Mitsho to Huso, and she knew about <>.


    However, she was not with him when he went with Milowina to investigate the second site.


    So Jin summarized the information that Hanna did not know.


    "<> went across the Lesser Kingdom to the old Leonard Kingdom. So ......"


    "...... and adopted a girl who was the only survivor of a village destroyed by an epidemic. ......"


    "I taught her engineering magic, too. ......"


    "There were archaeological sites in the old Leonard''s Kingdom that documented all that."


    "Hmm. And now you''re going to look for the rest of the story?


    Yes, that''s what I''m going to do.


    That sounds fun!


    Hannah is enthusiastic.


    Jin headed for Nido Castle with Erza, Reiko, and Hanna.


    "Hi, Jin."


    Good morning, Saki.


    Saki was waiting for them.


    She had come through the warp gate since she had been notified in advance.


    "Oh, there''s Saki!


    "Hannah, it''s been a long time!"


    Reinhard could not come this time because of his office. He said he would let us know the results later.


    Stellina and Toa are both preparing to go to Mitsuho.


    The Prime Minister will be going to Mitsuho soon to conclude official diplomatic relations, and the two were chosen to accompany him.


    Vivienne has been busy traveling around collecting the lore of the Shoro Kingdom.


    And Milowina is now back in Uny, relaxing.


    So, the members of the group are Jin, Erza, Hannah, Saki, Reiko, Edgar, and Aal.


    The group boarded the . Edgar was again the pilot.


    He was assisted by and .


    "Wow, I can see down there!


    "What?��Jin, you modified it!"


    Saki was also impressed.


    "This is nice. It looks better than from the window.


    "Well, I prefer to look out the side window when I want to see far away.


    "It depends on your purpose, doesn''t it?


    While having such a conversation, <> entered the former Leonard''s Kingdom.


    The village of Kaina is close by, as it is right next door.


    They maintain an altitude of about 30 meters above the ground surface so that the effect of the illusionary wards covering the former Leonard Kingdom disappears.


    "So where is it?"


    You said it was along the coast.


    It was not the RAND team that was conducting the survey, but the SKY team.


    The Rand team was busy with the World Congress.


    "It looks like the coast is further north than the Darth River."


    "Hmm."


    Saki nodded her head with interest at Jin''s words and stared intently at the surface through the floor window.


    "Father, it looks like it will be soon."


    Reiko said. It seemed that the Sky Unit was stationed there.


    Although less powerful than the Land troops, they are still more than five times more powerful than ordinary combat golems.


    In addition, they have the <> and <> as air power, so threats from the surrounding area are not a problem.


    Five minutes later, <> landed on a promontory facing the sea.


    The sea side is a cliff, but the flat area on the land side is as wide as a baseball field, so it can land without any danger at all.


    The Raptor 3 and Falcon 5 were also landing nearby. <


    "We have been expecting you, Master."


    Sky30 and Sky31 greeted him.


    "Thank you, master. So, you have a lead on Mags?


    "Yes, right this way."


    Sky30 leads Jin and the others to the edge of a promontory overlooking the sea.


    Reiko followed Jin, preparing herself to activate the force field generator at any time, just in case.


    "This way."


    Sky30 pointed to a natural stone standing on a promontory overlooking the sea.


    "......<...... 29th of June, 1958>......"


    Some of the words were somewhat weathered and unreadable, but the stone monument was still solid even after 1,000 years, probably because of the <> applied to it.


    "The date is probably June 29, 2358."


    Jin muttered as he gently touched the stone monument.


    "I wonder what Shuki was thinking when he looked at the sea from ...... here.


    He wondered if he was remembering the sea of Tosa, his hometown, or if he was thinking of his hometown, Japan, which was far away in time and space, and he thought back to the distant past.


    "But this is a monument, not a tomb.


    Erza whispered in a low voice.


    "You could say that. If there is any record of him, it would be in this area."


    Jin looked around the monument. He looked around the monument, but did not see anything in particular.


    "If there is a place where there is a record of him, it must be in the basement.


    There were no buildings around the monument.


    So let''s search the basement.


    "Okay."


    Sky30 immediately took action.


    "Father, why don''t you call the old man and have him send a Land team?"


    With the world congress over, the Land troops were free to go.


    "Yes, let''s do that. Reiko, please tell the old man that.


    "Yes, sir."


    After three minutes of waiting, the 50 Land troops were transferred.


    "All right, you know what you have to do?"


    "Yes, master."


    Lando 51, the leader of the 50 units, bowed in reply to Jin, and they dispersed.


    Meanwhile, Hannah looks out over the ocean from the top of the cape.


    Of course, Sky 31 was with her, just in case.


    Saki was with her. Saki has Aal with her.


    "Saki, the sea is so beautiful, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is, Hannah."


    In Penglai Island and Kunlun Island, the waves are relatively calm.


    However, the sea here was lapped by rough waves.


    Perhaps it was unusual, but both Hanna and Saki were staring at the sea without getting tired of it.


    <>"


    Meanwhile, the Land team is exploring underground.


    They are joined by Hitoshi and Reiko, making a total of 52 members.


    Repeatedly, the ground search continues.


    However, after searching for about 2 hours, they could not find any space that looked like it.

 1061 - - 29-26 Finding Hannah

    "Hmm, maybe I''m not looking in the right place. ......"


    The time is 11:30 a.m. local time.


    It is a little early, but we decide to have lunch for a change.


    Of course, the RAND team continues their search.


    Sandwiches were prepared for lunch.


    It consists of egg salad, topopo salad, ham, bacon, etc. The drink is a Citron with a slight carbonation.


    The drink is Citran juice, slightly carbonated. It is refreshing.


    "Thank you!


    Hannah has finished eating and is staring out to sea.


    "Is something wrong, Hannah?


    Jin asked Hannah.


    "Yeah. ......Hey, honey, is that an island you see over there?"


    "What?"


    Hannah pointed in the direction of the island and saw what looked like an island on the horizon.


    "Reiko, what do you think?"


    Jin asked Reiko, who had the best eyesight of the group.


    "Yes, father. That''s an island, isn''t it?


    "I see. ......"


    The curvature of Ars is greater than that of the earth, so if it looks just above the horizon, it means it''s less than 10 kilometers away.


    Skye, go check it out.


    "Okay."


    Sky 33, who was standing nearby, got into the Raptor 3 and took off.


    Two minutes later, a report comes through Reiko.


    "Father, it''s a very small island, but it''s still an island."


    "I see. ......"


    Hearing this, Hannah said to Jin.


    "Hey, isn''t that the island where you guys are looking for?"


    "What?


    That island is right in front of the monument.


    "What? ......"


    Jin heard Hannah''s words and went to the monument again.


    "Sure ......."


    Upon closer inspection, it seems that the monument is not facing straight to the sea.


    It is facing about 10 degrees to the north, and in that direction is the island we have just found.


    I see, Hanna is right. It is possible that Shuki Tsetsi''s records are kept on that island.


    "Jin, would you like to go there?"


    Saki said a little excitedly. Saki is a little excited.


    "Yes, I would. < to land, so we''ll take the <>.


    The <> is a Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. It has a top speed of 300 km/h and seats 10 passengers. A small VTOL is suitable for this kind of situation because it does not need a runway.


    The group, including Edgar, boarded the , piloted by Sky 41. will be temporarily managed by Sky Squadron.


    To support <>, <> and <> also took off.


    Within minutes, they arrived at their destination island.


    As expected, there were few flat areas, and we barely found a flat area on the northeast side of the island where we could land.


    The Falcon 4 descends cautiously.


    Sky-41''s skill was evident, and without the use of the force field generator, the landing was flawless, with little or no impact.


    "Father, please wait for us to come down!"


    Reiko stops Jin and the others.


    "I don''t think there''s any danger, but we can''t be too careful."


    "That''s right. We''ll go down first to see what''s going on.


    With these words, Edgar and Aal descended from .


    From the air, there was no animal life to be seen. There were no tall trees, only bushes and grass.


    Edgar and Aal check the island by circling it clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively.


    The island is a small island with an irregular circular shape and a circumference of about 3 km.


    Due to the influence of the illusionary boundary, this is a small island that was not even shown on the map of Horaijima.


    Edgar and Aalu met in the west-southwest of the island. Edgar was a little earlier than Aalu.


    There, too, there is an open plain on the sea side. The Laurentian continent was clearly visible.


    This is probably the point across the sea from the cape where the monument is located.


    "Mr. Aal, I didn''t see anything here.


    "Yes, there was nothing there either."


    At that moment.


    Two appeared from the island side, that is, from deep within the rocky mountains.


    "Who are you people?"


    One of them was a dark-eyed, dark-haired adult maleoid. It opened its mouth.


    Who are you?


    This is the one asking the questions.


    This is the other, a female Titan with dark blond hair.


    I am Edgar.


    I am Aal.


    "Oh, you have a name. That''s interesting.


    So, what are you doing here, Edgar and Aal?


    The gynoid asked another question.


    "We have come to this island to see if we can find any clues about the "Magus".


    "Hmm. You seem to have noticed the monument on the cape. But I will not allow you to trespass on my island just for the sake of curiosity. I''m going to ask you to leave.


    "Yeah, but ......"


    The male automaton rejected them both with a resounding "but...


    "Leave!"


    The female automaton was having none of it.


    "...... understand."


    Mr. Edgar!


    "Mr. Aaru, let''s pull out of this."


    Saying this, Edgar ran in the direction from which Aalu had come, that is, to the right.


    This is because it is closer to the point where Jin and the others are.


    "Oh, wait!


    Aalu followed Edgar a beat later.


    Aal followed Edgar a beat later.


    ...... and that''s it.


    A few minutes later, Edgar and Aalu reported to Jin.


    "Well, I guess we can be sure that there is a clue to the < on this island, right?"


    "Yes. I thought it would be a bad idea to fight, so I''ve brought them back.


    Yes, that''s good. ...... Then let''s all go together.


    Reiko stopped him softly.


    "Father, isn''t it dangerous?"


    "Yes, so we won''t get any closer than we have to, and since we all have bracelets, we can put up a ."


    "But ......"


    "Besides, the automata related to <> wouldn''t be so extreme against humans. And then there''s Reiko."


    I thought about using a <>, but I thought that I would have to go there myself to prove that I was not <> to be taken seriously.


    And if it is an automaton made by his predecessor, then he would have to go to them himself to prove that he is not interested in them.


    "But ......"


    Reiko still seemed unconvinced.


    "All right. Then, I''ll ask the old man to send about 10 Land troops here.


    "Yes, sir.


    Reiko knew that Jin really wanted to know the clue of , so she agreed with him.

 1062 - - 29-27 Where we arrived

    However, Reiko was adamantly opposed to the idea of Jin going there himself, so Edgar Aaru and the RAND team went there.


    They will be contacted as soon as they have something to say.


    Two Falcons float 30 meters above Jin and the others, keeping a watchful eye.


    "I guess the RAND team should be over there by now.


    "Yes, at their speed, they should be there by now.


    Waiting is tedious.


    But there comes a time when you can''t afford to be bored.


    "There you are!


    Two automata appeared at the place where Jin, Erza, Hanna, Saki, and Reiko were.


    "Whoa!


    Jin and the others were caught by surprise, as they had not expected them to appear here.


    Jin guessed that there might be a warp gate or a magic circle somewhere.


    "...... I won''t let your father touch you."


    Reiko stands in front of Jin and the others, or rather in front of Jin. The two Falcons in the sky have their flux cannons aimed at the two bodies.


    But...


    "......Oh, I knew it!"


    "......, this is ......!"


    Suddenly, two of them kneeled down in front of Jin and the others.


    What?


    Jin was puzzled. But the reason is soon revealed.


    "Adriana-sama ......"


    "Lady Adriana ......"


    The two automata had sensed Jin''s magic pattern, which was the same as that of Adriana Barbora Zetsi, so Jin assumed that this was how they recognized him as their .


    However, the male automata was looking in a slightly different direction from Jin''s. It was toward Hannah.


    It was Hannah''s direction.


    "Oh, I knew it. ......"


    It was Reiko who said those words.


    "Father, Hannah looks just like your mother when she was young.


    I had heard this before, but after learning about the former Leonard''s people, I thought about it again.


    I wonder if Hannah and her ancestors might be the same.


    Reiko also walked up to the two automata and said to them.


    "You two are my brother and sister, aren''t you?


    Reiko knew that it was Adriana Barbora Zetsi who had created the two automata.


    "And you?��...... you are ...... too, aren''t you?"


    The female automata turned to Reiko.


    "Yes. I am Adriana, your mother''s last creation. Your father improved her and here she is now.


    "Adriana, you were the last ......?"


    Meanwhile, the male automata knelt down in front of Hannah and Jin and only looked up.


    "Your magical power is the same as Adriana''s. Your appearance is the same as Adriana''s. You look just like Adriana. You don''t have to say anything, that''s all I need to know.


    He looked at Jin and Hannah alternately, then stood up.


    "There is no doubt that you are qualified to carry on the legacy of Adriana and your father Shuki Tsezi. I am happy to see this day."


    Come on, come on.


    Come on, come on.


    The two automata beckoned to the group.


    The Landes and Edgar have not returned yet, but Reiko is with them, so Jin and the others follow them.


    Jin already knows that these two automata are definitely the automata made by his predecessors.


    In other words, Jin is able to stop them because they have the same magical power pattern.


    Therefore, we know that there is no danger.


    In fact, we can see that Reiko is following him without saying a word.


    The two bodies lead the group to the shadows of the island rocks.


    "Oh ......"


    There they found a familiar magi-machine,...... a warp gate.


    "You can go to the inner room from here."


    Probably, it can be used with no problem if you have the previous generation''s magic pattern.


    <


    Saki, please take Reiko''s hand. Reiko, take care of Saki.


    "Okay."


    I hate being single at a time like this.


    The group then passes through the warp gate.


    "......"


    The hall was small and spacious. From there, a small passageway led out.


    "This way, please."


    The male automaton led the group toward the passageway, as if it were a matter of course that they would follow him.


    "By the way, what are your names?"


    "We automata do not have names in the proper sense of the word. My name is M-012, which was changed to M-03. I am F-015.


    I am F-015 renamed F-03-6. F-03-6.


    "Well, I heard that used to be the case."


    "M" stands for "Male" and "F" stands for "Female". I guess "M" means "Male" and "F" means "Female". Jin thought that Adriana, who had been taught by Shuki, would have used this name.


    Reiko did not have a name in the original sense either. Her predecessors had called her Ochibi.


    Names like Anne, Lol, Refa, etc. were also used as names of identification.


    Jin wonders if there was some kind of taboo against giving dolls and artifacts the same names as human beings.


    "We are here. This way, sir."


    While Jin was thinking about the not so large underground facility, he seemed to have arrived at the room he wanted.


    Two automata, one on the left and the other on the right, took charge of opening the double sliding door.


    Please come in.


    The two automatons urged first Jin and then Reiko to step into the room. Erza, Hannah, and Saki followed.


    Then a light came on in the dark room.


    "Automatic ...... No, no, no. < own magic power. ...... That''s what the predecessors are capable of."


    And the air inside is not stagnant. It must be regularly ventilated or magically treated with some kind of <>.


    "As expected of your mother."


    Reiko looks happy.


    And in the brightened room, there is a desk.


    "This reminds me of the room at the research institute.


    Of course, this is the room where Jin took over the position of from his predecessor.


    And there was a book on the desk.


    "Is the book written by ...... Shuki Tsetsi?"


    "Please, take it in your hand."


    Jin took the book in his hand.


    The cover was black Hexenbiest leather with golden letters.


    "This writing is from ......, I knew it was Shuki Tsetsi''s writing."


    Then he slowly opened it.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    This is what was written on the first page.

 1063 - - twenty-one paper cranes

    <<


    * * * * * *


    The year 2353.


    Adriana turns 13.


    <


    "Father, we are ready.


    "Thank you, Ado. We''re done here too.


    They will go further north to spread engineering magic.


    Three apprentices will accompany them this time.


    Fesmeefe. He is a master of both engineering magic and healing magic.


    Hakeri. A promising healing magician.


    Kara. A woman who shows outstanding talent in engineering magic.


    All of them are in their mid-thirties and are capable apprentices.


    Master, I''ll miss you.


    "Master, please be well."


    "Master, I will surely spread your teachings in this land.


    "Master, may we meet again someday."


    "Master, I will never forget this favor."


    The old disciples, Liebeslau, Lotlao, Tempest, Dalsamt, and Alonde, remained here to carry on and spread Shuki''s teachings.


    Their departure was in the spring of April.


    They left the capital city of Karnagh in two carriages presented by King Galdrake Dragol Leonard.


    "Hey, father, what''s that?


    In the carriages Shuki was doing something and Adriana was asking him about it.


    "This. This is ...... here!"


    "Wow!"


    It was a . It is the only paper Shuki can fold.


    Until now, paper was leather paper, more than two millimeters thick, so it was impossible to fold, but this improved leather paper was so thin that it could be used for origami.


    "Father, that''s great!"


    Adriana looked at Shuki with respect.


    From that day on, this paper crane became her treasure.


    The next time they settled down was in the 1960''s.


    The next town they settle down in is Garakuro.


    The town is ruled by a cousin of the king and is quite large and prosperous.


    "Well, this is a nice town!


    Shuki shouted. There was a lot of greenery in the town.


    "Trees on the streets, or ......."


    Shuki thought that the town of Garakuro was located quite close to the sea and had a lot of precipitation, which made it easy for greenery to grow.


    "It''s a beautiful town, father.


    The air was also somewhat humid, which was clearly different from the inland towns where Shuki had spent most of his time.


    "Yes, it is. I hear the ocean is close by."


    "I want to see it!"


    Adriana had never seen the ocean, let alone Shuki.


    "Well, let''s go there together after we get settled.


    "Yes!


    Yes!


    Since we had a letter of introduction from the king, we quickly found a place to live.


    "Wow, it''s spacious!


    There was more than enough space for Shuki, his daughter, and three apprentices. This must be the power of the king''s letter of introduction.


    The house, or rather the mansion, had three floors, so Shuki and his daughter lived on the second floor and the apprentices on the third floor.


    The first floor would be used as a workshop and classroom.


    The classroom will be rented somewhere suitable when the number of students increases.


    Adriana spoke to Shuki in a lonely voice while packing up her not much luggage.


    Hey, Dad..." she said. I''m sorry about the warp gate.


    "Yes, I am."


    In order to create a Warp Gate, one needs high-quality magi crystals of all attributes.


    It is not an operation, but is necessary to connect two points.


    If the quality is poor, it is impossible to connect two distant points.


    However, even in the Kingdom of Leonard, which is rich in mineral resources, magi crystals that satisfy this requirement are rare.


    "If we had a warp gate, we could always go to Karnagh, Yurgano, or ...... Shire Town."


    "Mm."


    For Adriana, the Shire, the town ...... where she has lived for as long as she can remember and which was then a village ......, is still nostalgic.


    "I''m going to work harder and harder. I''ll work harder to improve the performance of the warp gate and make it more user-friendly. Oh, and of course, I''ll work hard on my other magical engineering skills!


    Shuki gently patted his daughter''s head.


    "Ha ha, Adriana is a hardworking girl. But don''t forget that what makes me happiest is that you are happy.


    "Thank you, father. But my happiness is to be of service to you.


    "Well, thank you. But as a parent, I''m also happy that you found a nice guy and got married.


    Shuki says jokingly and Adriana replies with a smile.


    "Then I''ll marry your father!��Then we can always be together!


    "Ha, that''s true." Shuki laughs.


    Shuki laughs too. Their cheerful laughter echoed in the new house.


    The next day, people who had heard about <> Shuki Tsetsi appeared.


    There were about 20 of them.


    All of them are quite good mages, which is a great joy.


    We immediately started to look for a house that could be used as a classroom.


    And it was found within a day with a letter of introduction from the king.


    Next to Shuki and his family''s house.


    This is another preferential treatment for Shuki because he is a <>.


    "Well, I guess it''s a good thing we didn''t have to go through all that trouble."


    "Yes, father."


    The next day, the full-fledged lectures of Mags began.


    Not twenty, but more than twice that number, over fifty people, gathered for the lecture.


    "First of all, let me tell you something.


    Shuki began to speak to the more than 50 mages.


    "I am not a mage. I can only impart knowledge. The practice will be done by my students and my daughter Adriana. Anyone who is dissatisfied with this need not come tomorrow. If you wish, you may leave now.


    But none of them got up from their seats. Shuki nodded his head in satisfaction and continued.


    "Very well. First of all, let''s talk about magical engineering. This system can be found at ......."


    Shuki Tsetsi began his new apprenticeship.

 1064 - - at Cape 22

    In July, Shuki Tsetsi and his daughter Adriana came to the sea.


    The lecture is a .


    They took a week off and spent a day visiting the coastal village of Futla.


    Standing on a promontory not far from the village, Shuki and Adriana looked out at the sea.


    "Wow, this is the sea!��This is the sea, father!"


    Adriana was excited to see the ocean for the first time in her life.


    "Yes, it is. This is the sea."


    It''s been a long time since the last sea breeze. Shuki squinted his eyes and stared out into the blue ocean.


    "It looks a bit like Ashizurizaki. ......


    Shuki remembers the scenery of his faraway hometown to which he can no longer return.


    Although there was no lighthouse, the scenery was very similar to Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost cape on Shikoku Island.


    As a side note, when Shuki lived there, it was called , and the name was changed to in 1965. It has been called "Cape Ashizuri Misaki" since 1965.


    "Dad, do you like this view?"


    Adriana asks me, her golden hair fluttering in the sea breeze. Her brown eyes were shining with a bright light.


    "Yes, I like it."


    Shuki replies without taking his eyes off the sea. Adriana stares at his profile.


    Adriana looked at his profile.


    "It''s so salty!


    Hahaha, right?


    Shuki and Adriana walk down to the beach from the cape and have a nice swim in the sea.


    Adriana, who is now 13 years old, has a cloth wrapped around her chest as well.


    Shuki gazes at his daughter and wonders if some day a man will come along and kidnap her .......


    "Hey, Dad, let''s go swimming.


    Adriana invites Shuki, who seems to be in a daze, to go swimming.


    "Yes, let''s..." Adriana says. There are waves, so be careful not to get covered.


    "Yes!"


    Shuki''s swim is basically a breaststroke. It is the best way to swim for a long time in the wide open water of the ocean.


    "If your back gets sunburned, just cast a healing spell and you''ll be cured.


    "Yes, okay!"


    A sunburn is a kind of burn that can be healed by elementary healing magic.


    They started swimming side by side.


    "Oh, really, it''s so much easier to swim with your face out!


    "Isn''t it?��This is how long distance swimming is supposed to be done.


    When Shuki was in elementary school, he once went for a long-distance swim as a school event.


    The distance was about 10 kilometers, and each class swam in formation.


    The neighborhood fishermen kindly provided boats for us, so we did not have to worry even if we were not feeling well.


    However, those who dropped out of the class would fall to the bottom of the hierarchy in the class.


    During the class, the school song is sung and there is a roll call.


    During these events, heads are kept up, and all the children learn how to swim in this way.


    "It''s salt water, so it''s a little heavier in specific gravity, right?��That''s why it floats easily, right?


    "That''s right."


    As they swam side by side, Shuki was pleased that Adriana was putting her knowledge to use.


    Even though they were located far north of the continent in terms of latitude, the July sun was strong and the sea water was warming up.


    They continued swimming leisurely for about an hour.


    (......I wish this time could last forever)


    (It''s just the two of us. ...... I wish time would stop like this.)


    Coincidentally, father and daughter were thinking similar thoughts.


    * * * * * *


    "Ouch!��My back is burning!


    Adriana''s screams echoed through the bathrooms of the inn that night.


    "......<>!��<>!��<>!"


    Adriana could not see the sunburned area on her back very well, so she cast a series of healing spells, and the pain finally subsided.


    "I wish I could have gone in there with my dad. ......"


    Shuki had not bathed with Adriana since the day she turned ten.


    "......I wish I didn''t have to grow up. ......"


    Adriana wishes she could stay a child forever and have Shuki all to herself.


    But that''s impossible. Then...


    "I''ll have to enjoy this trip alone with my father, won''t I?


    Shuki sat on a bench in the courtyard of the inn, exposing his body to the night breeze after a hot bath.


    Adriana had cast a healing spell on his sunburned back.


    In reality, however, Shuki did not feel any pain.


    The parts of his body that had been damaged by the car accident that nearly killed him in the other world were supplemented with magical elements, and those parts did not deteriorate.


    Not only deterioration, but also any kind of change is not accepted.


    They may receive wounds, but they do not become infected. It is a body that does not get sunburned by ultraviolet rays, although it gets burned by flames.


    (But how long can that last? ......)


    Recently, Shuki has begun to feel some discomfort, especially in his internal organs.


    (If only he could keep it for a few more years, until Adriana comes of age...)


    Shuki expected that it would be two more years until Adriana, his successor, would be complete.


    Adriana was 15 years old at that time. In this world, she would be an adult.


    ��Until then, she would have to live on, even if she had to bite down on a stone.)


    Shuki had just made up his mind once again to make such a pathetic decision.


    "Father!


    Adriana came out of the bath and hugged Shuki on his back.


    "Hey, hey, it''s hot in here!


    "Oh, come on, it''s hot..." "Be patient. You''re only my father during this trip!


    Adriana''s carefree laughter makes Shuki smile.


    "You''ll always be a spoiled brat, Ad, no matter how old you get.


    "That''s because it''s just the two of us."


    With these words Adriana moves off Shuki''s back and sits down next to him.


    "The moon is beautiful, isn''t it?


    I looked at the eastern sky and saw that the moon had just risen.


    "Yes, it is. The air is unusually clear for summer.


    Usually the newly risen moon is reddish in color, but tonight it was shining white.


    "But that moon is also a strange celestial body. ......"


    "It waxed and waned in the world where your father was, didn''t it?"


    Adriana already knew that her father Shuki had come from another world, and she had been told that the moon in that world waxed and waned and understood why.


    "Oh. It was bigger than it looked, too."


    Adriana asked Shuki a bold question.


    "Do you want to go back to ......?"


    But Shuki quietly shakes his head.


    "No. ......I used to want to go home, but now this world is my home. This world, with Adriana, is my home now.


    But as he said this, Adriana sensed that Shuki''s profile looked somewhat lonely. And then...


    "Father, I''ll do my best.


    <

 1065 - - 23 Completed

    April 8, 2355.


    Adriana Barbora Zetsi turned 15 years old.


    And...


    "Dad, I finally made it!"


    "Oh, yes!��You did it, Ad!


    That''s what Adriana and Shuki had been working on for the past year.


    It is <>.


    Until now, it has been common for golems and automata to be taught how to move after they have been created. Yes, just like human babies.


    However, at an early stage, the Magi Craftsmen under Shuki had learned how to construct their own basic control magic, and had acquired skills that did not need to be taught from scratch.


    In addition to basic movements such as standing, walking, stopping, sitting, etc., she can perform basic applied movements such as raising arms, lowering arms, kicking legs, running, punching, lifting, and throwing objects by default.


    However, what Adriana said she < is of a different dimension.


    <


    The method is.


    "You''re going to read the golem''s < that''s actually in operation?"


    "Yes. was too quick, so I created a new engineering magic. <


    "I see. So you are going to look at it and write it in.


    "Yes. And when we do that, we write to multiple control cores at the same time.


    <


    Adriana was able to write in about 300 control cores with a good margin.


    "At any rate, it would be easier if we made about 100 control cores, wouldn''t it?


    "Yes, that''s right. This is a big step forward.


    The increase in efficiency by a factor of several dozen is significant.


    Also, if one takes the time to do careful work, one-off special specifications can be made.


    This led to the town of Garakuro becoming known as .


    In other words, the golem industry flourished.


    Nearly half of Shuki''s students became golem technicians and began to make various types of golems.


    <


    < was Shuki''s apprentice, Kara.


    Since her arrival in this town, she has risen to prominence and her name has become well known in the surrounding towns, even in the capital city of Karnagh.


    And Adriana?


    "Father, how are you feeling?


    "Yes, I feel much better today."


    "Yes, that''s good."


    Her first priority was to help Shuki, who had been in poor health recently, and all the credit went to Carla.


    Adriana, however, does not care.


    "I''m still a long way from where I want to be.


    Adriana is not afraid to say so.


    Adriana is not afraid to say so, "I''m still a long way from where I want to be.


    "Well, something is missing to combine <> and <> into one, isn''t it?


    Adriana worked on the problem day and night.


    If she could do both of them at the same time, the burden on the surgeon would be dramatically reduced.


    However, even Adriana has not been able to achieve this yet.


    "I wonder if we still need to put something in between > and >. ......"


    That idea is correct.


    It is the part that corresponds to <> in a computer.


    In Shuki''s time, it was still a dream technology, so the concept of <> could not be taught, and it is not surprising that Adriana does not know about it.


    "Hmmm, if you can''t <> what you <> as it is, you should put it in a format that can. ......"


    I spent a few days wondering.


    "I just can''t <> the Magi Formula and <> it. ......"


    Shuki, who was worried about her, gave her some advice from another side.


    "Ad, when you are stuck, your vision is narrowed, so try something else temporarily and you may come up with a solution.


    Adriana knew that her father Shuki was worried about her.


    "Yes, father. Thank you."


    Adriana obediently listened to Shuki''s words and decided to go for a walk with him.


    They walk along a path that winds through a sparsely wooded area that is classified as a sparse forest.


    "Hey, Ad?"


    "Hey, Ad." "What?��"Hey, Ado." "What?


    "You''re fifteen now. Don''t you have that ...... favorite person or ......?"


    Shuki''s voice was hushed as he asked the difficult question.


    "Yes?"


    "What!��Who is it?


    Shuki''s voice rises in tone at once.


    It''s your father.


    Shuki''s shoulders slumped in disappointment at the answer.


    "You know, I don''t care if you were a little kid or not, you''re still 15 years old. ......"


    Before she could finish, Adriana stopped, looked straight at Shuki and said, "I''m your adopted daughter.


    "I know I''m your adopted daughter."


    "What?"


    It was a bolt out of the blue for Shuki.


    It was a long time ago. Since I was 9 or 10 years old. I heard my fathers talking about it. I know what happened to the village where I was born."


    "You ......"


    Adriana smiled softly and bowed her head.


    "Thank you, father. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for making me your daughter. Thank you for raising me."


    "Ad ......"


    Adriana looked up, tears shining in her eyes.


    "Thank you, for loving me as your daughter."


    "Oh, yes. You knew that... ......"


    Shuki smiled a little sadly.


    "I know, Ad ......."


    "Yes, I know. I know that my ...... father still loves ...... Adriana, who has the same name as me. But you know what?"


    Adriana broke off, her cheeks flushing as she spoke.


    "I want you to be happier, too. No, I want us to be happy together. Not just father and daughter.


    "Adriana ......"


    After saying this, Adriana spun around.


    "Hehehe, I guess I am tired after all. I didn''t mean to tell you this. I was going to keep these feelings in my heart forever.


    Then he turned his head away and crossed his arms so that Shuki would not see his face.


    "Forget what I just said. I''ll always be your father''s daughter. I''ll be with you forever. I''m not going to marry you.


    Adriana clutches Shuki''s arm tightly.


    They continue their walk.


    Adriana and Shuki continued their walk.


    Three days later, Adriana finally completed the transinfo process.

 1066 - - 24 June 29th, 2358

    "<>,or ....... You did it, Ado!"


    Shuki praised his daughter with open arms.


    With this engineering magic, one <> can be copied and increased as much as one wants.


    There is only one problem.


    "Only the person who performed the <> can transfer it to another magicrystal.


    Perhaps it has something to do with the pattern of magical power.


    However, this is not a major problem. Most of the trained magecraftsmen could use .


    "If there is a single magi-crystal that stores the basic information, then each magi-craftsman can copy it and use it."


    Shuki added with a laugh.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Adriana laughed as well. Adriana laughed as well, "This magic can also transfer human knowledge into the magi crystals.


    "With a little more research, it might be possible to transfer our personalities as well ......."


    Adriana then glanced at Shuki''s face.


    "Yes, that might be possible. But I don''t want that, Ad.


    "What ......?"


    Shuki knew. Adriana wanted to prolong his life by copying Shuki''s personality and transferring it to an automata.


    "This may sound philosophical, but if they did that to me, I don''t think it is me anymore. I''ve lived enough ......."


    It was 2156 when Shuki wandered into this world, and already 200 years had passed.


    "Father ......"


    "I think that''s selfish of those who are left behind, Ad."


    "......"


    "Because we only have one life, we can really take care of it. I hope you understand."


    Adriana had no words to reply to Shuki''s words.


    "Ad, let''s spend this time together as happily as we can.


    "...... yes."


    With eyes filled with tears, Adriana could only nod.


    The next day, Shuki left the to his students and went into seclusion.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    For the next three years, Shuki and Adriana lived quietly by the sea.


    The seaside village of Futla.


    The village they had visited before had been abandoned.


    Everyone has moved to the nearby town of Garaklo, which has developed.


    But it was more convenient for the two of them.


    Adriana''s golem was taking care of their personal needs, and Shuki had enough money from his past earnings to provide them with their daily bread.


    The two of them discuss the possibility of further improving their magical engineering.


    They gossip about the people they have met so far.


    The two of you summarize the engineering magic you have discovered so far.


    The two of them make a prototype of a new magical tool.


    The two of us walk along the seaside.


    The two of us prepare a meal together.


    Adriana was just happy to be able to spend time together.


    Shuki was not bedridden, and on a good day he sometimes went for a walk on his own feet.


    On such occasions, Adriana was always there to help him.


    Adriana was always there to help him.


    In the meantime, Shuki and Adriana also developed a boat.


    It is a large ship in this world, 10 meters long.


    It is powered by a screw. It is hand-cranked by a golem.


    Two screws are installed, each turned in the opposite direction by two golems to counteract the counter-torque.


    After a trial run, it seemed to be able to reach a speed of about 30 km/h. "I have a little more time left," he said.


    "If I had a little more time left, I would have liked to go out to sea.


    Now Shuki was so weak that he could not even go to the small island he could see from his favorite cape, and he did not think he would be able to endure a very long voyage.


    Shuki looked young, but his internal organs, especially his heart, were in bad shape.


    He has been able to prolong his life thanks to the healing magic, but even the most advanced healing magic can''t help his longevity.


    I will build a more comfortable ship. Then father, will you come with me to the sea?


    Adriana answered cheerfully.


    * * * *


    "I, too, came to this world by accident just before I died, and I''ve been doing a lot of things for over 200 years. ......"


    Now Shuki was looking out over the sea from his favorite promontory.


    Ahead of him, small islets dot the landscape. If he could make it to the largest island, about ten kilometers away, he might be able to navigate through the shallows and reach it without swimming.


    However, Shuki did not have the strength to do so.


    Shuki gazes out at the sea, remembering the sea of Tosa where he spent his childhood.


    "That sea will still be as blue as ever. ......"


    And again Shuki clutches Adriana''s shoulder as she stands next to him,


    "I have found the love of my life in my wife, and I have a daughter who is also the love of my life. And I was able to raise the best magecraftsman. No, you are already a Meister. <


    He clasped his joined hands tightly together.


    "Thank you, Ado. I am proud to say that my life has been a good one because of you.


    "Father ......."


    Adriana''s pursed lips trembled.


    She stopped herself from speaking any further, as if to say something would bring tears to her eyes.


    "I think it''s a sign of old age to try to find meaning in life. I am aware of that, but I still want to say it.


    Shuki looked at Adriana, who was standing next to him.


    Ad, thank you. Thanks to you, my second half of my life has been fulfilling. I''ve been ...... happy."


    "Father!"


    Adriana hugged Shuki and cried.


    "You''ll always be a crybaby, Ad.


    "...... I only cry when it''s about my father."


    Adriana finished in a tearful voice.


    "Thank you, Ad.


    Shuki thanked her for the first time. There was a glint in his eyes.


    Adriana smiles back at him with tears in her eyes.


    "Father, that''s enough. I''m your daughter. Isn''t it natural for a daughter to take care of her parents?


    * * * * * *


    On the morning of June 29th, 2358.


    "Dad, dinner''s ready. It''s time to get up."


    Adriana called out to Shuki.


    "...... father?"


    But there was no answer.


    "Dad!"


    Adriana rushes to him.


    "Dad! ......"


    Shuki did not return that morning.


    His face was peaceful, with the clear smile he always gave Adriana.


    "I wish I could have learned more from my father ............. I wanted to go with you to more places. I wanted to make more things with you. I wanted to ...... be with you more and more, Dad. ......"


    Adriana cried silently, holding Shuki''s cold body in her arms.


    * * * *


    Adriana built a monument on the cape that Shuki had loved so much, and took a boat out to the sea.


    She wanted to bury Shuki on the most remote islet visible from the cape.


    Together with the golem and the automata she had created, Adriana built a cemetery for Shuki.


    In the graveyard, two automata, one of her father Shuki and the other of herself, were placed as the tomb guard.


    Adriana Barbora Tsetsi vanished into thin air, leaving behind a diary in which she and Shuki wrote their last days together.

 1067 - - 29-28 Remaining Mystery

    "...... was written in the diary."


    Jin put the diary back on the desk and said in a quiet voice.


    "...... So, on this island, <> Shuki Tsetsi is sleeping, isn''t he?"


    Saki''s voice came out as if she was muttering.


    "I wonder if Shuki was happy."


    Hannah also said with tears in her eyes.


    "......, I''m sure he was happy. Adriana, you too."


    Elsa replies with tears in her voice.


    "I have learned one more thing about your grandfather and your mother.


    Reiko''s voice is lower in tone than usual.


    Then Jin opens his mouth.


    "<> I know that Shuki''s final resting place was here. But the footprints of our predecessors were cut off here. ......"


    Jin''s voice sounded a little disappointed.


    "Let''s leave this place as it is."


    Then he concludes.


    "The contents of the diary will be recorded by the old man through Reiko. This is not our place to do anything about it.


    Jin turned on his heel and left the room. Elsa, Hannah, and Saki followed him.


    Reiko, who had remained until the end, glanced once again at the cover of the diary,


    "Grandfather, mother..."


    in a whisper so that no one would hear her, and followed Jin and the others.


    The island is a place where people can live in peace and quiet.


    Jin and the others went out of the island, retracing the route they had come in the opposite direction. Jin turned to the two automata,


    "Now then, I ask you to continue to protect this island," he said.


    "Yes, sir.


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you.


    Yes, that is the reason for our existence.


    The two men nodded their heads in agreement.


    "Oh, and ......."


    Oh, Jin-sama, Erza-sama!


    Then came Edgar and Aaru.


    "What?


    The two of them are standing there, ready to attack. Jin stops them.


    "Wait, wait, wait! They are our friends.


    "...... I didn''t know that..."


    Edgar is an automata created by Elsa and Aalu by Jin and Reinhardt.


    Their unique magic patterns are necessarily different from those of the automata created by Jin.


    In other words, the two automata had recognized Edgar and Aaru as hostile for the time being, since their magic patterns were different from those of their predecessors.


    "I''m sorry, leave them alone.


    Jin apologized.


    Erza, Hannah, and Saki smiled at him.


    Saki smiled at him.


    "Oh, yes. Let''s take a look at your bodies.


    < to see them off.


    "Come inside."


    The two bodies listened obediently to Jin''s words.


    "Lie down there."


    Using a support sheet, the table is made into a simple work table. Since it is also for support purposes, the Falcon is also equipped with simple facilities for servicing automata and golems.


    "<>"


    After stopping the two automatons, Jin started to check the various parts of their bodies.


    This time, he is going to give it his all, since he has Hanna and Saki waiting for him.


    "The skeleton is carbon steel, but trace elements have been added. ...... vanadium, huh? Let''s upgrade it with a little more chromium and nickel."


    "The musculature is ...... the same as Reiko''s. I guess the technology of the previous generation was already perfected by this time.


    "Let''s keep the magical muscle as the Horaijima standard. We''ll also update the magical nerves.


    The control core should be copied and replaced with a new one.


    "The ether converter is ...... Oh, this is still an early model. Let''s go with the later model. We don''t have to go as far as the Magi Reactor."


    "It''s better to have a built-in magi-communicator (manacam) in case something goes wrong. ...... I should also transcribe the usage."


    "The outer covering hasn''t deteriorated as much as I thought it would. ...... I guess it was underground and shut down when not in use. I''ll reupholster it at ......, but just in case."


    "The clothes have not deteriorated much, but we will replace them with the Horaijima standard. The old clothes must have been made by the previous generation, so let''s make sure they are carefully stored.


    "I wonder if the maintenance is still mutual. And they must have stopped when they were not in use. That''s probably why there is little deterioration.


    While muttering to himself, his hands do not stop even for a moment.


    "Amazing, isn''t it?"


    "......After all, my brother Jin is a Magecraft Meister."


    "Onii-chan, that''s amazing!"


    Even those watching from the sidelines could see how amazing it was. In half an hour, Jin had finished servicing two of them.


    "There, that''s it. ......<>"


    The two units get up.


    "How are you feeling?"


    "Yes, very good."


    "Yes, I''m doing great." "Yes, I''m doing great."


    Then they both bowed their heads and said, .


    "We have a manacam built in, so call us if you need anything. I think someone named here will be able to help you.


    Yes, sir.


    "Lastly, I would like to install a warp gate that will allow me to come here from my base.


    Yes, please.


    Yes, anywhere.


    The two respond immediately.


    "Thank you. Then, let''s choose a place around here.


    There is enough space for an aircraft to land.


    Jin decided on a large rocky hill on the outskirts of the plain as a possible site.


    "Well, I''ll send a work party there later.


    The craftsmen (smiths) have inherited Jin''s magic pattern, so they are not hostile to him.


    Thus, Jin''s journey in the footsteps of has come to an end.


    * * * * * *


    "Ah, yes. Does this island have a name?"


    Jin asked as he left, looking back down the ramp to Falcon 4.


    "No, not really.


    "Then how about <>?��And that cape as .


    I think that''s a good idea.


    Yes, sir.


    Both of them agreed.


    "So, I will name you as well. The masculine type is and the feminine type is ."


    and . These names are associated with the sea. It seems that they were also a little conscious of Izanagi and Izanami in Japanese mythology, which may be an exceptional name for Jin.


    "Thank you very much. I am .


    "Thank you very much. I am <>.


    Two of them, and , bowed to Jin.


    And this time, Jin gets into the Falcon 4.


    "<> brother, <> sister, see you soon."


    Reiko, who was in the last row, greeted the two.


    "Yes, Reiko, see you then."


    "Yes, Reiko, see you."


    Reiko got on board and Falcon 4 took off into the sky.


    Looking down on Tsetsi Island. The islet that used to be between the cape and Tsetsi Island is no longer there.


    "......, you''ve got a lot to show for it."


    "Well, now we know more about the life of Magus."


    Erza agrees with Jin''s mutterings. Jin, however, still looks a little confused.


    "But there are still some mysteries left ......."


    "I guess so. We don''t know what happened to the previous generation.


    Saki, sensing this, anticipates Jin''s words.


    "I''m sorry, father."


    "Hmm?��What''s wrong?"


    Jin is surprised by Reiko''s sudden apology.


    "It''s just that I don''t remember. ......


    Reiko had been searching for Jin, her successor, for a thousand years, and had ended up broken.


    The control core, which is the brain, was also damaged at that time, and Jin tried to restore it as much as possible, but the most burdensome parts of and could not be restored, and they are lost technologies.


    Reiko does not remember her predecessor''s death.


    The only thing that remains is the fact that she kept her last will and testament that she had to somehow find someone to whom she could entrust everything.


    "Come to think of it, it must have been a ship that took the previous generation to Horai Island.


    The boat may have decayed over the course of a thousand years, or it may have been swept away by the waves, but not a shadow of it remains.


    "I''m not even sure why my predecessor shut himself away on Horai Island. ......"


    Jin would like to know, so that he doesn''t make the same mistake.


    "Onii-chan, did your leave anything behind on Horai Island?"


    Hannah asked curiously.


    "Oh, come to think of it, I haven''t visited my predecessor''s study since the first time I was called to this world. ......"


    "Huh?"


    That''s also a bit strange.


    "I''ve taken over the information about magic, but other records might still be in that room."


    "I mean, it''s natural to think so."


    "That''s right. ......"


    Elsa said to me as well.


    "I''ll check it out when I get back."


    The previous owner''s study and living room had been left as much as possible intact, with the occasional golem maid coming in to clean up.


    "Father, I think that would be a good idea."


    <, Jin and his group headed straight for the island of Horai.


    Blue sea, blue sky. Passing between the sky and the sea.


    The world was at peace.

 1068 - - 29-29 Study room

    The day after his return from the research trip, Jin took Erza, Saki, and Hannah to his predecessor''s study.


    Reiko led the way.


    "It''s been years since I''ve been here. ......"


    Jin followed the corridor, wondering about that too.


    He woke up in this world, met Reiko''s predecessor, an automata, and was led to the study of his predecessor.


    Jin opened the door, which Reiko''s predecessor, an automata, was not allowed to open.


    There was a bookshelf full of books, a simple but solid desk and chair, a book and a crystal ball on it.


    Jin touched the door, immersed in his memories.


    "Nn...... that?"


    At that moment, Jin felt a light dizziness.


    "This is ......."


    At that time, he had pushed the door open by pulling it, and he was surprised to find himself in such a daze this time as well.


    I turned around and looked at Erza and the others, and they looked dazed.


    "I knew it."


    Jin guessed that there must be some kind of mental protective barrier around here.


    Compared to when he was summoned, he was more perceptive now that he had more experience in a world with magic.


    "I guess that''s the last precaution to avoid being disturbed," he said.


    Jin then instructed the old man to deploy the <>, one of the functions of the bracelets the three of them had.


    I also put up a <> as well. This makes magic attacks ineffective.


    "......"


    "Huh?"


    "...... were you sleeping?"


    The three seem to have come to their senses.


    "Yeah, I just noticed that there''s some kind of mental barrier around here. That seems to have unnerved everyone."


    Jin explains as he examines the door.


    "There it is. This is ......."


    The Magi Formula is engraved on the back of the door. It was something that Jin had never seen before.


    "There is also some writing on it. ......What is it?


    Jin slowly read the words.


    "<>...... Reiko, did you know about this?"


    But Reiko shook her head apologetically.


    "No, father. No, father. I didn''t know. Maybe you just don''t remember.


    Perhaps not remembering is more accurate.


    Reiko''s predecessor, an automata, had taken care of her predecessor and guided Jin through the presence of this ward.


    "I didn''t know there was such a magic formula (Magi Formula) ......"


    Jin recognized some of the characters used. They were probably the characters used by the .


    They are the prototype of the letters used in Ars today.


    The difference between Greek and Roman letters is about the same. Even Jin can barely read them.


    "The previous generation must have learned about this magical formula somewhere and copied it in its entirety.


    Picking up the readable parts, we can guess that the effect is similar to <>, but there are no aftereffects, and it seems to have the effect of simply making people less interested in this place.


    There is a magic called <>. It is a magic to erase the presence of others, but it loses its effect if one speaks out or is attacked.


    Jin guessed that it was of the same lineage. Furthermore, it seems that this warding is effective against automata and golems.


    When she traveled with Erza and Reinhardt in the Kingdom of Elias, Reiko had once been unable to detect the presence of a bandit who was wearing an amulet with <> effect.


    However, once you are aware of it, the effect is gone.


    Reiko''s predecessor, an automata, knew this place well enough to guide Jin without hesitation during their last visit.


    However, Jin must have been affected to the extent that he was surprised when he pushed the door that he had to pull to open.


    This ward is very useful. If we put it around Horai Island, Jin thought, the chance of being discovered would be reduced even more than it was now.


    "So, why didn''t my brother Jin remember this place until recently?"


    As Jin thought about this, he heard Erza''s voice and came back to himself.


    "Yes, it seems so. It seems that after leaving this room, he no longer has any use for this place.


    "Why did your predecessors set up ...... this kind of ward?"


    Saki tilted her head. Jin guessed.


    "I think the point is that he <>. I guess his predecessor in his later years was a misanthrope. ......"


    "......"


    What happened to his predecessor, who had a cheerful personality according to the records so far? I feel as if I would like to know, but I feel as if I would prefer not to know.


    He couldn''t stay in the corridor all the time. Jin looked up, took Reiko''s hand, and stepped into the room. The others remained in the hallway waiting.


    "This is the second time you''ve come to my predecessor''s study.


    As before, I was flooded with bright light as I stepped into the room.


    "I was so surprised that time that I didn''t take the time to show you the room. ......


    Jin looked around the room.


    The same simple but solid desk and chairs as before.


    And a jam-packed bookshelf .


    "...... Huh?"


    I picked up one of the books and saw that it was blank inside. In other words, it was a dummy book.


    Why go to all this trouble for such an elaborate book, Jin thought to himself.


    Then, he gently touched the bookshelf.


    He felt the bookshelf move slightly.


    "......?��That''s strange, such a massive bookshelf.


    I checked it out and soon found out the reason why.


    The bookshelf slides sideways. Jin slowly moved the bookshelf.


    "Oh!


    Hidden in the bookshelf was a door.


    On it was the name written in gold letters.


    "I wonder if this is really her private room."


    Jin gently opened the door. There was a similar room there. No, the room in front was a dummy, and this one must be the original.


    The same heavy bookshelves, shelves full of books, desks, and chairs. But there is one thing different.


    "Paper cranes ......"


    In the middle of the bookshelf, there was a transparent case, probably made of crystal, in which a yellowed and old folded paper crane was placed.


    "Father, is this the one that your mother received from your grandfather?


    Reiko asked when she saw the paper crane that her predecessor had treasured.


    Perhaps she remembered it when she was an automata, Reiko''s predecessor. However, the memory seems to have been lost with the damage of the deteriorated control core.


    In this sense, this visit is very significant for Reiko.


    "Yes. First of all, I''m sure."


    "It''s your mother''s treasure, isn''t it?"


    How many years have passed since Shuki gave it to her, and how many years has it been on display here for more than a thousand years.


    You can imagine how much Adriana Barbora Zetsi cherished it.


    Jin and Reiko, who had been lost in deep emotion for a while, remembered that Elsa, Saki, and Hannah were still in the hallway.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. Come on in, guys."


    "...... sorry to bother you."


    Sorry to bother you.


    "Sorry to bother you."


    All three of them said a few words in quiet voices before stepping inside, which made Jin happy.


    "......This is the study of our predecessor."


    "So this is the room of my predecessor, the Magecraft Meister.


    "He was your master, wasn''t he?��It was thanks to him that you met Onii-chan, wasn''t it?"


    Hannah murmured as if to confirm rather than ask a question, and offered a silent prayer for <>.


    Seeing this, Elsa and Saki offered a silent prayer as well. Jin followed their example and meditated. And Reiko also said a silent prayer at .......


    "Thank you, everyone."


    After about a minute, Jin opened his eyes and thanked them.


    "So, this is the real study of my predecessor. Perhaps there are some records on this bookshelf.


    "Yes, father."


    A number of books with black leather spines were inscribed in gold letters.


    About half of them were written in Japanese, though in hiragana.


    "Shuki-san didn''t teach you kanji. No, there were too many things to teach, or it was not a priority. ......


    In any case, Jin thought, it was no wonder that the Magi Formula composed by his predecessors did not use Kanji characters.


    Then he picked up a book.


    It looks like a brand-new book, probably enchanted for preservation.


    Of course, this was probably due to the fact that the whole room was sealed with magic.


    "This must be the record left by my predecessor. ......"


    On the spine of the book was written <>. It must mean "my footprints," or the footprints of my footsteps, or the first book of the diary.


    It is closed with a belt made of the same leather so that it cannot be opened easily.


    The diary can be opened by removing the metal clasp that holds the belt ......, but Jin hesitated to open it.


    Jin hesitated to open it.


    "Father, what''s wrong?"


    Reiko asked curiously.


    Jin looked a little troubled and answered.


    "No, I felt like snooping in someone else''s diary. ......


    "Father, if that''s the case, I''ll take care of it. If a daughter looks at her mother''s diary, it would be permissible, wouldn''t it?


    I see. ......


    It may be a sophistry, but it makes me feel more comfortable. Jin handed the diary to Reiko.


    Reiko received the diary, tried to remove the clasp, and noticed the words written on it.


    "Father, there is a kind of a warning written here. ......<>."


    "...... I see."


    Once again, Jin took the diary from Reiko, unfastened the clasp, and slowly opened it.


    * * * *


    "......The first part of the diary seems to be the same as the trajectory of the < we have seen so far."


    Jin said as he turned the page.


    "Yeah, it says here that Shuki died. This is where the unknown begins.


    .


    Jin began to read in a whisper.

 1069 - - 001 Departure

    <


    Now that my father was gone, I did not want to have anything to do with other people for the time being.


    My companions were four golems I had built. I will go up north in the boat I built.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Adriana thought that going by sea in a boat would be easier than going by land in a wagon.


    She could take a straight line instead of following the road.


    When it is time to rest, they find a possible anchorage on the shore and tie up the boat. Never stay on the water until it is dark.


    Early action guarantees safety.


    This was the code of conduct she had learned from her travels with her father Shuki.


    When it was light enough, they would go out to sea and head north again. And so on and so forth.


    So the daily activity time is about 6 hours. They do not go at full speed, but try to navigate with enough time to spare.


    For food, they catch fish in the sea and eat nuts from bushes and trees growing near the coast. We have brought some dried meat and dried bread, but these are for emergency use.


    For water, they used engineering magic < to condense the water in the air and make it drinkable.


    "This water contains oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and some dust in the air, so it''s not ultra-pure water," your father told you. ......


    When alone, one has a habit of talking to oneself, and Adriana was no exception.


    Adriana still feels like bursting into tears when she thinks of her father Shuki.


    Stifling her weakness, she gazed out to sea.


    As she moves northward, the concentration of free magical element (ether) increases, and her magic becomes more effective.


    "Your father told me about this, but it would have been difficult to experience it if we had not been traveling north at such a high speed.


    Adriana realizes that she can reach a speed of at least 50 km/h, but she also realizes that the hull may not be able to hold up, despite the toughening.


    "Maybe it''s not strong enough.


    No one answers his soliloquy. Her golem is not assigned to talk to Adriana, as she has no one to talk to.


    However, there is an aspect of speaking aloud that allows her to talk to herself. It is said that the brain is activated ...... by taking in the spoken words again through the ears.


    Although it is still before noon, Adriana decides to go ashore for a while to improve the ship. She finds a sandy beach and pulls in. The golem pulls up.


    "That''s about right, F-002, follow me."


    "Follow me." "Yes."


    Adriana orders one of the golems to accompany her and sets out to look for reinforcements.


    Fortunately, they found a village a few hundred meters from the beach. She greeted a middle-aged man she had just met in a friendly manner.


    "Hello," he said.


    "Oh, you are a traveler in a place like this. ...... and who''s behind you?"


    Yes, my name is Ado. This is F-002.


    A golem?��A golem? Are you a mage?


    I guess you know more or less what a golem is, seeing that you are not so surprised.


    Yes, I am. Do you have a blacksmith in this village?


    Adriana needs metal materials.


    "Yes, there is a small one.


    A blacksmith is an indispensable occupation in a village where people live together to make and repair plows and hoes for farming tools, harpoons for fishing tools, and pots and pans for household utensils.


    Therefore, even in this small village, blacksmiths existed in a small way.


    "Thank you very much."


    Adriana thanked him and started walking with F-002 along the road to the blacksmith''s shop he had told her about.


    It was a small village and they could easily reach it.


    F-002 was waiting outside and Adriana looked into the dimly lit workshop.


    "Hello.


    An elderly man stopped drinking his tea and looked up. This man must be the master.


    "What can I do for you?"


    The master looked at Adriana quizzically, as if he had never seen her before.


    "Well, my name is Ad. I was wondering if you could help me with some iron and light silver.


    "What?"


    The blacksmith''s boss looked at Adriana, who looked, or actually was, only eighteen years old, with a puzzled look on his face.


    "Oh, I''m not a Magical Engineer ��Magic Craft Meister��......, I''m a <>."


    I thought that even if I called myself a , as Shuki had told me, I wouldn''t be understood, but even as a Magical Craftsman, I wasn''t understood.


    "Magecraftsman?��What''s that?


    Adriana realized once again that she was still not well known in the world.


    "Well, I''m an engineer who makes things with magic.


    The master nodded, as if he understood her this time.


    "So you are a mage. And you make things with it?��I''ve never heard of such a method. Can you show me what you make?


    "Okay. What should I make?"


    "Well... I just got an order for knives. Can you make me a knife and show it to me?


    "Yes, I will."


    Adriana took the piece of iron that her master offered her.


    "<>"


    "Oh, oh?


    If I had to name some of the most useful engineering magic, one would certainly be this <>.


    It is because it transforms a material into the desired shape dozens of times faster than manual work, maybe even more than a hundred times faster. And with no waste.


    "How about this?


    Within a dozen seconds, the knife is ready. After heat-treating it and sharpening the blade, the knife is ready to use.


    "That''s great, girl!��Magecraftsmen are really good at their craft.


    The master rolled his eyes, then clapped his hands and smiled broadly.


    "I thought you were teasing me," he said, "but I can''t keep quiet when you show me such a brilliant technique. What do you want?


    "Well, some iron, and some light silver if possible."


    "Oh. You can take as much iron as you like from the back of the house, if you don''t mind ...... scraps. We don''t have any light silver at ....... Sorry.


    It is a small village. They would not have a chance to use the expensive light silver so soon.


    "Thank you, master."


    Adriana looked out the back door of the workshop and saw that there was enough for her needs.


    "Well, I''ll just take this. Well, how much do I owe you?


    "It''s scrap metal, and you''ve done a great job. I don''t want your money. But that''s a lot.


    "Yes, I can. Yes, I''ll be fine. I''ll have her with me.


    Adriana beckoned for F-002, who was waiting outside.


    "Oh, my God!��Is this some kind of golem?


    "Yes, it is. I made it.


    "Oh, my God!��You made it?��That''s amazing... that Magecraftsman...


    "Yes, there''s a lecture being given further south.


    But he didn''t seem to understand the meaning of this .


    "What do you mean by ?��What do you mean?


    Adriana thinks for a moment.


    "Oh ...... you know, um, ...... in short, a master takes a lot of students and teaches them."


    This seemed to make sense.


    "Oh. ...... But if there are so many apprentices, won''t the time for one apprentice be shortened?"


    For better or worse, this is an apprenticeship approach.


    "That''s a good point. In the beginning, everyone learns the same thing, so it''s more efficient in some aspects.


    "Really? I didn''t know that was possible.


    The master stood up and said, "Good bye. He said he was about to finish his break and get to work.


    "Thanks for sharing your interesting story with us, missy.


    "Thank you for the iron, too. I''ll put the rest of the scrap iron together for you. ......


    Adriana has Golem F-002 separate the necessary scrap iron from the rest,


    "<>"


    and then she combined them into one with her engineering magic.


    "Hey, hey ......"


    The master looks at him with his mouth open so wide that his jaw seems to be about to come off.


    "And by the way<< deformation(forming)>>"


    The irregular lump becomes an easy-to-use lump of iron.


    "......"


    The master is at a loss for words.


    Adriana makes a lump of the scrap iron she received in the same way, and has F-002 carry it away.


    Then she turns around and says


    Good day to you, sir!


    Adriana returns to the beach in high spirits.

 1070 - - 002 Rainy Day

    Adriana returned to the beach with Golem F-002 and immediately started to remodel it.


    Just then, her stomach made a cute little rumbling sound.


    "......I''ll have to have a quick lunch first."


    She soaks a pile of dried bread, a preserved food, in hot water made by magic and eats it. This is what she often does when she is short on time.


    "Well, I don''t care what it tastes like, but it fills me up..."


    Without taking a break, Adriana starts the remodeling this time.


    "First we need to reinforce it. It''s steel, so we can''t use it on the outside. We have to use it on the inside.


    Muttering to herself, Adriana the iron.


    She has the golems carry it and install it in key places inside the ship.


    "Well, I guess that''s about it. ......<>"


    As a final touch, he cast a strengthening spell and finished.


    "I''m afraid of rust, but it should last a few days. I''d like to gold-plate it or something sometime soon."


    The sun was setting when I realized that it was getting late.


    "I guess we''ll stay here tonight.


    Adriana starts to prepare dinner, even if it is a little early.


    She builds a cooking stove with her engineering magic and cooks some fish. Of course, she caught the fish during the voyage, as Shuki had taught her how to fish.


    < to freeze them instantaneously.


    <


    First, boil water. I am going to make barley porridge.


    When the water is boiling and the barley has been put into the pot, I start to cook the fish.


    Adriana gets ready for dinner under the summer sun.


    After dinner there is nothing more to do.


    Adriana lies down in her bunk on board, with Golem M-002 standing guard.


    It was a hammock-type bunk.


    The bunks, one meter wide, two meters long, and one meter high, were suspended from the ceiling of the room, and were designed to minimize the effects of shaking.


    Adriana covered herself with a blanket and closed her eyes.


    But she could not fall asleep right away.


    She ruminates about all the things that have happened today.


    The villagers were not surprised to see the golem. But what impressed me the most was the blacksmith.


    The blacksmith who did not know anything about magical engineering.


    The master who was surprised to see engineering magic.


    The master who gave us scrap iron.


    (<> is not well known yet. ......)


    Adriana, however, had no intention of following in Shuki''s footsteps and teaching magical engineering herself.


    (I''m not very good at teaching, am I?)


    Yes, she was not good at teaching, or rather, she was not good at teaching.


    She was not good at explaining things in a sensuous way, which is common among geniuses.


    Therefore, she left the affairs after Shuki''s death to his disciples and ran away.


    (I''m going to do what my father did.)


    Still, the master we met today was amazed by the knife Adriana made.


    "I wonder if it is possible to make not only magic tools but also tools for daily life like that.


    I whisper aloud.


    "I''ve only seen making those things as a practice ......."


    Making everything would be taking work away from me, but the task of getting the materials, for example, could be done faster and with better quality if I used engineering magic. This is a new awareness.


    (Then you can see ......)


    While she was thinking about this, she fell asleep and before she knew it, Adriana was asleep.


    * * * *


    The next day it was raining since morning. It was a rare rain in this season.


    It''s a little cold. It''s a little cold. It''s foggy, I think it''s better not to go out to sea today.


    Since we were quite far north, cold sea fog can occur even in summer.


    It''s the modern Japanese equivalent of a mountain mist.


    "You didn''t turn on the heater. ...... It''s a bit cold."


    At that moment, I was about to modify the air intake to make it retractable.


    I heard the voice of M-002, who had been assigned to watch over me.


    "Master, you have a visitor."


    "Hello?��Who is it?


    Adriana stopped her work and went outside the ship.


    There stood the middle-aged man she had met yesterday at the entrance of the village, holding an umbrella.


    The umbrella used is like a disk with a stick in the center, which cannot be opened or closed. It looks like a mushroom with a thin shaft.


    "This is an amazing ship, isn''t it?


    He said at the beginning of his speech.


    "It''s foggy today, so I thought I''d come and see how you''re doing.


    At 10 meters long, the ship is huge.


    Adriana felt that it was surprisingly small.


    If it was the first time for her to see a ship of this size, she felt that she should have been a little more surprised.


    (Come to think of it, I wasn''t that surprised when I saw the golem. I wonder if they are more familiar with this kind of magical technology than we thought...)


    Adriana is a little alarmed.


    "If you would like, you can come with us.��I am the mayor of the village of Sico. My name is Mehto.


    My name is Ado. Thank you very much.


    After thinking about it for a while, Adriana decided to accept the offer.


    It was cold and she wanted to relax for the first time in a long time.


    After all, a ship is not a place to live for a long time, especially for a girl of her age. Especially for a girl of her age.


    Adriana packed her baggage, including a change of clothes, and as yesterday she ordered F-002 to accompany her to the village of Sico in the rain.


    Adriana, who did not have an umbrella, put up a against the liquid.


    "I envy you mages!


    Mehto, the chief of the village, was impressed this time.


    The chief''s house was in the center of the village.


    The family consisted of four members: a wife and two daughters.


    The wife was called Baise, a small, slightly built woman who had the air of a lady.


    However, her words and mannerisms were calm and ladylike. Adriana laughed inwardly at the gap between the two.


    "Wow, you have a visitor?"


    "Beautiful!��Beautiful!


    The older one was Marle, who was 18 years old like Adriana, and the younger one was Krull, who was 11 years old.


    They both had brown hair like their mother, Bice, and gray eyes like their father, Mehto.


    "Hello. Call me Ado."


    "Yes, Ado, nice to meet you."


    "Ado!"


    The three became fast friends. The older sister, Marle, is calm and the younger sister, Krull, is a naughty girl.


    "Hey, Krull, did you hurt your knee?"


    Adriana noticed that Krull had a cloth wrapped around her right knee. Krull nodded a little embarrassed.


    "Yes, I fell and hit it yesterday.


    Looking closer, she saw that her right palm also had scuff marks on it.


    "Let me see."


    Adriana felt that the area where the cloth was not wrapped was a little swollen, so she unwrapped the cloth from Krull''s knee.

 1071 - - 0032 teeth

    "I knew it. ......"


    The cloth wrapped around Krull''s knee was untied, and the wound was slightly festering.


    "You''ve got dirt in your wound. If you leave it like this, we may have to cut off your leg.


    "What?��I don''t like that!


    Krull''s eyes tear up when I threaten her a little. Adriana quickly calmed her down.


    "Oh, calm down. I''m going to treat you now so that it doesn''t happen."


    "Ssshhhh.... ...... really?


    "Yes, it''s true. It might sting a little, but you''ll have to be patient.


    Adriana says gently. Marle took her sister''s hand in hers.


    "Marle, your sister is here too..."


    "Yes. ......"


    So the three of them moved to the dirt floor.


    "Okay, I''m going to treat you. ......<>"


    The first thing to do is to get out some clean water and wash the wound.


    "Oh, it hurts!


    "Patience. It only hurts for now. "


    Adriana tries the engineering magic <> to see if she can get the sand out of the wound.


    "...... got it out."


    Engineering magic does not work on living creatures, but since the sand is inanimate it seems to be able to remove it.


    "<><>"


    All that''s left is to sterilize it and apply the healing magic .......


    "It doesn''t hurt anymore!��It''s healed!��Amazing!��Thank you, Ad!


    Hearing the commotion, Mother Bice peeked into the dirt floor to see what was going on.


    "Oh, Mom, Ado fixed my leg!��Look!"


    Krull points to his right knee, which is now healed nicely. Bice was surprised and then smiled happily.


    "Well, that''s great! Thank you so much, Ado.


    "No, you''re welcome.


    No, you''re welcome." Adriana was happy to hear that.


    "Thank you, Ad. Shall we go to our room now?"


    "Yes."


    Marle invites Adriana to go to their room.


    The chief''s house is a one-story building. It is spacious, with a dirt floor, a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, a parlor, a guest room, and the housekeeper''s room.


    The two sisters occupy one room together. Although it is a large room, it is about 12 tatami mats in size.


    "Where do you two go to school?


    "School?��What''s that?


    Krull asked, and Maruru tilted her head.


    "Well, it''s a place where they teach you how to read, write, and do math. ......"


    As she explained, Adriana realized that this village, or most of the land, did not have such a thing .......


    "I can read!��I can even write my name!


    "In this village, your mother and father teach you to at least write your name," said Adriana, "but I can''t write my name. I can do the math at ....... I can add and subtract, too.


    Marle explains.


    Adriana felt a little sorry if she had asked the wrong question.


    "Well, how many people live in this village?"


    Then I decided to change the subject.


    "I think I heard that there are 41 houses."


    "There are 172 people living here..."


    Both of them are the daughters of the village head and know each other well.


    Adriana did not know many people her own age, but thanks to the friendly sisters, she was able to learn a lot about the village.


    Adriana was not used to meeting people of her own age.


    While we were talking about various things, Bice showed her face.


    "It''s a little early, but lunch is ready.


    "Yes, mother."


    "Yay, I''m hungry!"


    As the sisters walked off to the cafeteria, Bice turned to Adriana and said, "Come on in.


    "Um, I''m also ......?"


    Adriana asked shyly. Bice nodded broadly.


    Of course you are. Of course. You''re a customer.


    "Thank you very much ......."


    The four took their places at the table. The mayor, Mehto, was out on business and was not present.


    "Oh, moule pot!��Mother, I love it!"


    Krull smiles at Baise when he finds out that lunch is his favorite dish. Marle looks happy too.


    "It''s a little chilly today, isn''t it? That''s what a mother does."


    Adriana has never known a mother. So Adriana feels a little envious when she sees Krull and Marle laughing with Baise.


    <


    It is a little like the Ishikari nabe in modern Japan.


    However, it is seasoned with salt and no soup stock is used.


    Even so, the fish, shellfish, and seaweed seem to have made a good soup stock, and the dish is quite tasty.


    "Oh, I''ve never had this before, but it''s delicious.


    Adriana couldn''t help but say this out loud, and Bice smiled at her.


    "Really?��We have refills, so please eat as many as you like.


    The fish meat was so soft that it seemed to be falling apart quickly, and the vegetables were on the verge of falling apart if cooked any longer.


    On the other hand, the shellfish meat was chewy and tasty.


    Adriana had her first taste of home cooking and had to have three more bowls of rice.


    "Thank you very much for the food.


    After Adriana finishes eating, the three of them nod their heads.


    "Oh, this is a custom in my family.


    This is a custom that Shuki taught us.


    "Really? I remember you said <<> before you ate it, didn''t you?


    Krull has a good ear. He seems to have heard her whispering in a whisper.


    "Itadakimasu," he says. I heard that both mean to thank the person who made the food and the ingredients.


    "Itadakimasu" and "Gochisosama". Yes, they are good words, aren''t they?


    Maruru nodded with a smile. Krull and Baise were impressed as well.


    "It''s easy to say, isn''t it?


    "It''s a word with a very deep meaning, isn''t it?


    By the way, Adriana had one thing on her mind.


    The wooden spoon was a good thing, but the fork had two teeth.


    Moreover, the cross section of the blade was round.


    It was more like two pieces of wire twisted together with two pointed ends, so that it was difficult to carry the fork to the mouth when trying to eat soft-boiled fish with it.


    Adriana did not know that the three- or four-tooth forks they were using had been proposed by Shuki, but they were not yet widely used.


    They ate fish and vegetables with a spoon, but it was not easy to eat them with a spoon.


    (Maybe I should talk to the blacksmith later. ......)


    (Maybe I should talk to the blacksmith later...) Adriana thought to herself.


    Before she knew it, the rain had stopped, the fog had lifted, and blue skies were beginning to peek through.

 1072 - - 004 Rare Metals

    "It looks like it''s sunny out, so I''d like to go to the blacksmith''s shop."


    "What, to Grandpa''s place?"


    Then came the unexpected words from Krull''s mouth.


    "Grandfather?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    The blacksmith is Krull''s grandfather. In other words, he was the father of their mother, Baise, who had trained in King''s Landing when she was young.


    "Yes, he''s their grandfather. ......"


    "Well, let''s go together."


    Adriana and her two sisters went to the blacksmith''s shop.


    "Grandpa!"


    Krull called loudly, even though they were still some distance away, and the master came out of the workshop.


    "Oh, Krull, Marle. ...... and you''re the girl from yesterday."


    Hello. I''m staying with the mayor of the village.


    We''re friends now.


    Oh, I see.


    The master nodded at the calm Marle. He seemed to love his grandchildren after all.


    So, what can I do for you today?


    "Yes, I''d like to ask you a few questions about your tableware.


    "Tableware?��What do you mean?


    Yes, actually ......".


    Adriana explained that she had some difficulty with the forks in particular.


    "Hmmm, where you lived they used forks shaped like that?"


    She said that in King''s Landing when she was trained by her master, the forks were the same shape as the ones used in this village.


    (Your father must have introduced them.)


    Adriana remembered her father Shuki and felt a little sadness, but soon a cheerful voice came to her to counteract it.


    "Ad, what do you want from your grandfather?


    "Well, let''s see. Um, my master ......, I don''t know your name."


    I thought it was only yesterday, so I didn''t even ask his name.


    "My grandfather''s name is Fightos!"


    Krull''s voice was so cheerful that even Adriana, who was standing nearby, felt the brightness of his voice.


    "Well, Mr. Phytos. These forks are being used in the capital and in big towns now. I think it would be a good idea to use them in this village too.


    Adriana drew a picture of a three-tooth fork on the ground with a tree branch.


    "Well, is this kind of thing in fashion?"


    "No, it''s not a fad, it''s just that it''s easy to use, so it''s spreading.


    "Is that so?


    Yes, it might be faster if you see the real thing first. I''m going to use ...... bronze for a little while.


    Yes, that''s fine. ......


    Adriana picked up a half-size bronze that was lying in the corner of the workshop.


    "<>"


    "What?"


    "Wow, Ad, that''s amazing!"


    "Wow, ad! You can do that too!"


    Phytos was not so surprised since he had seen it the day before, but Krull and Marle were amazed to see engineering magic for the first time.


    "...... This is the standard fork."


    Adriana picked up a slightly smaller, three-toothed fork and handed it to Phaetos first.


    "Hmmm, the teeth are square in cross section."


    Phytos instantly recognized one of the features.


    "Yes. That''s why it''s hard to rotate and hard to pull out when you stick it in.


    The other effect is that it''s harder to pull out because of the increased contact area.


    "This is nice. But the material is ......."


    Silver is the most common metal used for tableware in this country.


    Copper is not only susceptible to darkening, but also to green patina, which is a serious detriment to its aesthetics.


    Silver also darkens, but less frequently than copper.


    However, silver is expensive. As with light silver, silver was rarely available in the village blacksmith''s shop.


    They stocked only a few dozen grams for repairing ornaments.


    Plating is another option, but it wears out quickly and the metal comes out, so it is good for ornaments, but not so good for utilitarian tableware.


    "I guess we''ll have to do something with iron after all.


    The forks prepared at the village head''s house were also made of iron.


    "But I still don''t want to use iron.


    "That''s right. ......"


    My old forks are made of iron. This is no longer an option, but we wanted to use a rust-resistant material for the new forks.


    Iron rusts more easily than copper. Moreover, while the black rust of copper does not penetrate into the interior, the red rust of iron penetrates into the interior, and finally leaves the iron product in ruins.


    Daily care is therefore indispensable.


    "I wish I could find nickel and chrome. ......


    Shuki also knows about stainless steel and has used it to some extent as a material. Therefore, Adriana also has knowledge of stainless steel.


    However, in this world, metals such as nickel and chrome are completely unknown and not commonly distributed.


    And Shuki did not know what kind of ores containing nickel and chromium were available.


    However, he did know that the ore contained nickel and chromium.


    Hey, Krull, Marull. I wonder if green stones can be found around here?"


    She only knew that minerals containing chromium and nickel sometimes turn green. And Adriana had learned that, too.


    "Well, you can find a lot of them on the southern coast," she said.


    Do you want to go pick them up?


    "Yes, let''s go!��I''ll be back, ...... master, not Mr. Fightos.


    With a suddenness that, from Phytos'' point of view, seemed like the whim of a little girl, Adriana ran out of the house.


    Adriana''s face was bright red and her eyes were wide open.


    "Here, here."


    "Wow. ......"


    There was a bay and a gravel beach instead of a sandy beach, perhaps collected by the lapping waves. There were greenish stones lying all over the place.


    "It''s called ''Green Beach''!"


    The beach lived up to its name.


    The pier where the village boats were tied up was at the northern end of the beach.


    "Well, let''s check it out."


    Shuki does not know much about minerals, and neither does his daughter Adriana. Nevertheless, using the engineering magic <>, she is able to detect known substances.


    <>"


    I immediately analyzed the sample and found silicon, oxygen, aluminum, sodium, and among them I found a small amount of chromium.


    "Yes!��We hit it!


    Adriana was delighted and decided to extract the chromium immediately.


    "<>"


    A silvery grain of sand rolls into Adriana''s hand. The stone turned from green to white.


    "Wow, that''s amazing!��Ad''s magic?"


    "You can do this!"


    Both are amazed.


    However, only about 0.1 grams of chromium has been extracted. Adriana would like to get it in kilograms if possible.


    "Ten thousand times this ......."


    It''s a mind-boggling story.


    And to top it off, the element responsible for the greenish color is copper.


    We worked hard until the sun went down, and in the end we obtained only about 5 grams of chromium and 2 grams of nickel.


    In addition, 1 gram of manganese, 2 grams of molybdenum, 1 gram of vanadium, and so on.


    However, to my delight, I was able to obtain 0.3 grams of gold and 0.5 grams of silver.


    (Worst case scenario, we could have plated it...)


    Adriana heads for the village with the sisters Marle and Krull and ponders what to do with the rare metals she has obtained.

 1073 - - 005 Mother

    The main dish for dinner that night was a large fish grilled with salt.


    "Wow, a big fish!


    Adriana had never seen this fish before.


    This fish is called leteola.


    Krull''s mother, Bice, told us.


    "It gets fat and oily in the summer. It is delicious grilled with oil and salt.


    It was a bold dish, as one would expect from a seaside village.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!"


    Adriana loved the taste of the dish after taking a bite.


    ......This salt is also delicious. What is it?��It''s not just salt?


    Adriana muttered to herself. Marle smiled and told her.


    "You have a good tongue, Ad. You know, this salt is mixed with ground herbs.


    "Oh, I see!"


    Salt is a precious commodity inland, but in a seaside village like Ado it is a common seasoning.


    "What?��Salt?"


    (sea ...... sea water ...... maybe!)


    Adriana had an idea and almost got up from her seat, but she managed to restrain herself.


    (Watch out, watch out. Tomorrow anyway.)


    The chief and his family were enjoying their dinner in harmony, unaware of Adriana''s inner conflicts.


    (Family, huh?). (I envy you a little ......, don''t you?)


    Krull smiled at her, probably not realizing what was going on in her mind.


    "Hey Ad, if we can get the forks Ad mentioned, will it be easier to eat this Letheora?"


    "......Yes, I think it will."


    Krull''s reaction was delayed for a moment, but he didn''t care, rather, he was more interested in the substance of the answer.


    "Really?��I''m looking forward to it!"


    "Here, Krull, you''ll be a little quieter when we eat, right?"


    "Yes. Yes, a little more ladylike.


    Krull was chastised by his mother and sister Marle for being too excited.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After dinner, under the still light sky, the chief''s family begins to prepare for the bath.


    In this area, there is plenty of water available if a well is dug, so each household has its own bath, albeit a small one.


    Adriana, who was only watching the preparations, thought that the high humidity throughout the year near the sea and the sea breeze that made her body sticky were probably the reasons for the widespread use of baths.


    She took a little lick of the water and found it slightly salty. The proximity to the sea must have dissolved salt in the groundwater.


    It would be a bath similar to a saline spring .......


    Seeing that Mehto, the head of the village and the mainstay of the family, had started to prepare the firewood, Adriana offered to help.


    "Oh, I can heat the water..."


    "What?"


    "<>"


    Engineering magic <>. It is a magic that heats an object.


    With this magic, the water has been heated to the right temperature within a minute.


    "Ad, that''s great!"


    Krull jumps up and down with excitement.


    "Thank you, Ado! You''re so good!"


    Marle looks calm, but her face is a little flushed.


    "Thank you, Ado! Mages are great!


    Bice thanked him in a calm tone.


    "Thank you for your help, Mr. Ado!


    Finally Mehto thanked him.


    "No, we are indebted to you."


    Adriana replied, a little embarrassed.


    Adriana answered with a little embarrassment.


    "Yes, it''s a nice hot bath.


    After all, a soak in the hot water is very comfortable.


    <, being soaked in hot water like this removes all sorts of fatigue and relaxes me mentally.


    "Thank you very much."


    Adriana thanked him for letting her use the first bath as a guest.


    "No problem. It''s our pleasure to have the water heated for you."


    Bice smiled softly.


    While the chiefs took turns taking a bath, Adriana ordered F-002 to bring the necessary items to the ship, such as magecrystals and a link board, to make the magical tools she had in mind. She sent him to the ship to pick up the necessary items to make the magical tool she had in mind, including the magecrystal and the link board.


    "I''ll make it tomorrow," she said to herself.


    Adriana said to herself and looked up at the night sky where the stars were beginning to twinkle.


    Adriana looked up at the night sky as the stars began to twinkle.


    That night she talked with the chief and his family.


    "Wow, Ado''s father was a great teacher.


    "Oh, Ado''s father was a great teacher. That''s why Ado can do so many things.


    The conversation is with only the women in the family, but without the village head.


    "I heard that you passed away at ....... Ado, you must miss her, don''t you?"


    At the sound of Bice''s gentle voice, Adriana wondered in a corner of her mind if this was the kind of person her mother was.


    Without knowing it, Adriana''s gaze fell on Bice.


    Forcing herself to avert her gaze, she responded.


    "Yes, no, ...... I''m used to it."


    Half true, half false.


    I have accepted being alone, but I still feel lonely, and it''s not something I can get used to.


    But Adriana does not like to show her weakness.


    She forced a smile,


    "...... I set out alone to search for the possibilities of magical engineering, which my father had set out to do," she said.


    I said.


    "Wow, that''s great!"


    "Ad, you''re good!"


    But it was Adriana herself who was the most surprised.


    .


    She had not set out on this journey with that in mind. But it is strangely fitting to think so.


    The thoughts of my father, the thoughts of the man he loved most, who told me about him.


    What Adriana must do to inherit them.


    Now that magical engineering has been completed, I feel that the search for new possibilities is what I should be doing.


    Good luck.


    "...... yes."


    Adriana''s heart was touched by Bice''s gentle voice.


    "What is it?��Ad, are you crying?


    "...... what?"


    Adriana realized that a single tear had fallen from her eye.


    Adriana does not know her mother.


    Her father Shuki''s female disciples took care of her, but they were not her mother.


    Adriana, who had grown up without a mother''s love, felt in Baise''s voice a she had never met.


    "Oh, no, no, no, no, no, this is not it..."


    I wiped it away with the back of my hand, but new tears started to flow again.


    "......That''s funny. ......"


    At that moment, something wrapped Adriana''s body softly.


    "It''s okay to cry when you are sad."


    Bice''s gentle voice made Adriana''s teary eyes break down.


    "Ugh, ugh... ......"


    Adriana cried, and Bice gently held her in her arms and patted her back gently.


    That night Adriana slept in the same room with Bice.

 1074 - - 006 Stainless Steel Processing

    The next morning Adriana woke up to the sound of Baise waking up.


    "Oh, Ad, did I wake you up?��I''m sorry."


    No, I''m always early in the morning.


    Krull and Marle seemed to still be sleeping.


    Adriana washes her face in the well in the earthen floor and receives from F-002 the materials for magical engineering that she had brought with her last night.


    Maybe you can do it. Here, like this: ......"


    Adriana was absorbed in her work while Bice was preparing the breakfast.


    "Now, please give me this."


    And when she handed the finished magic tool to F-002, Bice called out to her.


    "Ado, breakfast is ready!


    "Good morning, mother and father. Ado, good morning.


    "Nn...... father,mother,ado,good morning......"


    Krull and Maruru had just woken up, especially Krull who was still sleepily rubbing his eye lids.


    "Bon app��tit!"


    Breakfast was barley porridge. Again, salt with herbs is used, and it is quite tasty.


    Bon app��tit!


    Bon app��tit!


    Krull and Marle followed Adriana''s example and began to eat.


    The porridge tasted even better when sprinkled with herbed salt, and Adriana had two more bowls of porridge.


    "Thank you very much for the food."


    Adriana says after the meal, a greeting she has learned in her life with Shuki.


    Krull and Marulu say the same after their meal.


    I don''t know if it will take root in Adriana''s life, nor do I want it to, but I am sure that it has created a stir in the local customs.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Ado, what are you doing today?"


    Krull asks Adriana after the meal.


    "Do you want to continue where we left off yesterday?"


    Marle asks if they are going to search for stones again today.


    "No, today we are going to visit our master again ...... Phytos."


    Yesterday, I had a small amount of nickel and chrome, so I thought I could make a prototype.


    5 grams of chrome, 2 grams of nickel. If the fork weighs 25 grams, I should be able to make one piece of what is called 18-8 stainless steel, which is 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. 8 stainless steel with 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel, I should be able to make one fork.


    In the meantime, we arrived at the blacksmith Phytos'' workshop.


    Smoke was already rising from the workshop and I could see that Phytos had lit the furnace and started to work.


    "Grandpa!


    Phytos, who was about to start work with a block of iron in his hand, turned around.


    "Oh, Krull! ...... and Marle, and little girl. What are you doing today?��I was about to make a prototype fork out of iron.


    First the iron is heated, then beaten flat and stretched, and shaped with a hammer and file, which seems to be the usual way for a blacksmith to work.


    "Yes, that''s it, but I''ve got a metal that becomes rust-resistant when mixed with iron, so I''ve brought it here."


    "What?��You have such a thing?


    Fightos is surprised. Krull and Maruru are also surprised, but they are not experts, so they only think <>.


    But Phytos is surprised,


    "Well, if such iron could be made, it would be a revolution!


    he says excitedly.


    But Adriana shakes her head apologetically.


    "It doesn''t work that way. "It doesn''t work that way... it''s the only thing I have.


    She showed him the chrome and the nickel in her hand.


    "What?��This little ......."


    Fightos'' shoulders slumped in disappointment. But Krull saw it,


    "Grandpa, the three of us looked for it hard yesterday!


    I apologized in a hurry.


    "Oh, Krull, we didn''t mean it like that. I just thought it would be great if we could make a lot of that kind of iron.


    "First, let''s make a prototype. Let''s make a prototype and then we''ll see what we can do about mass production.


    Adriana interrupts.


    "Well, that''s a good idea.


    Phytos said as he lowered the piece of steel in his hand to the floor.


    "So, how do I mix it with iron?"


    Iron is an elemental name for steel. In reality, pure iron is not available on the market, but is an alloy of carbon and .


    Cast iron for casting (pig iron) is called iron, but it contains 2 to 6.7 percent carbon and is in a state before being refined into steel (hence pig iron is called gold). ��Pig iron is therefore called "pig iron first" in Japanese.)


    Pig iron melts at relatively low temperatures (still around 1200 degrees Celsius) and has good fluidity, so it is used for pouring into molds.


    Also, <> can be hardened by heat treatment. It is so suitable for making blades that the original meaning is "blade metal".


    A word of caution.


    Adriana intended to add chromium and nickel to the low carbon, relatively soft <>.


    "Well, may I use some of this iron?"


    Adriana asked, examining a piece of iron that Phytos had just prepared.


    "Yes, of course. That''s what I was planning to do.


    Phytos, being a good cook, seemed to think that the steel should not be too hard. That''s what I''m talking about.


    "Well, let''s see... ......<>"


    "Huh?"


    After separating about 18 grams of iron, Adriana continues to use her engineering magic.


    "<><>"


    Chromium and nickel are added and alloyed.


    "This iron should now be stainless steel. Oh, stainless steel, I think <> means rust and <> means <>.��...... together means <>."


    "Stainless ......<> steel. I''m curious."


    "Well, Mr. Fightos, could you try to make this into a rough fork shape?"


    Adriana handed a curious Phytos a 25 gram chunk of 18-8 stainless steel.


    "Oh, thank you, sweetheart. Let''s give it a try."


    Phytos placed the block in the furnace and began to work the bellows.


    The fire raged, and the small lump turned red in no time.


    He took it out with a pair of iron scissors, placed it on the anvil, and began to pound it with a large hammer.


    "Hm......?"


    Fightos tilted his head while tapping.


    "What do you think?"


    Adriana asks.


    "It feels a little sticky, maybe.


    He says nonchalantly. After two reheats, Phytos has roughly formed the fork with just a hammer.


    "Now I just need to cut out the blade with a hammer.


    He got out a smaller blade and put it on the prototype and started cutting .......


    "What the hell is this?


    I felt an unexpected resistance, and I couldn''t help but shout out.


    Stainless steel is very sticky, making it difficult to perform cutting-type processing.


    Adriana had seen this kind of work several times with Shuki, so she had a pretty good idea of how Phytos would feel about it.


    "It''s not hard, but it''s hard to cut ......."


    "Yes, that''s one of the advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel.


    "Yes, that''s both an advantage and a disadvantage of stainless steel. It''s good that it''s strong, but it''s hard to work with.


    "It''s also hard to sharpen.


    Since it is difficult to sharpen with an ordinary whetstone, ceramic and diamond whetstones are often used in modern Japan.


    "I see. ...... It''s true, it''s not suitable for making many pieces."


    Phytos looks disappointed.

 1075 - - 007 superstition

    "<>"


    Adriana transforms the fork she is about to make into its final form.


    "Wow!��That''s amazing!


    "Ad, you really did it!"


    "Well, magical engineering is a marvelous thing."


    Krull, Marle, and Phaetos all exclaimed in admiration.


    "<>"


    The final step is to give the surface a mirror finish.


    "This is the standard fork in King''s Landing and other places now.


    "It looks like silver. It''s hard to believe it was originally made of iron.


    Marle gently picked it up and muttered.


    "Hmmm. But the glow is somewhat duller or darker ......."


    Phytos'' eyes are right. No matter how mirror-finished the surface of stainless steel is, it cannot match the reflectivity of silver, so it looks blackish in comparison.


    However, stainless steel tableware has an advantage in this respect because silver darkens (sulfurizes) quickly if it is not cared for.


    Also, since it is harder than silver, it is less likely to be scratched, which is an advantage that makes it a good choice for popular tableware.


    When I explained this to him, Phytos nodded his head in agreement.


    "I see. But the drawback is that it is made of a rare metal and is difficult to process.


    In fact, because of this disadvantage, stainless steel and carbon steel are used interchangeably even on modern Earth (there are other factors as well, of course).


    "I guess it''s a material for magical engineering for the time being. ......"


    Adriana pondered over Phytos'' opinion. It is not common to add chromium or nickel to make stainless steel in the first place.


    "I think so. "I agree, but I am interested in it as a material.


    Fightos added as if to comfort Adriana, whose shoulders slumped a little.


    Thank you, master.


    Adriana then decided to go to the sea to see how the magical tools she had entrusted to F-002 earlier that morning were working.


    "Krull, Marle, I''m going to the sea."


    "Oh, I''ll go with you."


    "I''ll wait for you at home."


    Marle went home and Krull followed her.


    Adriana and Krull went to the beach together.


    "Hey Ad, what''s in the sea?


    "You''ll see when we get there."


    "Boo!"


    They walk down the beach, talking like this.


    "Hey, hey, you''re going the wrong way!"


    Krull stopped Adriana, who was going in a different direction from where she had gone yesterday to look for the stone.


    "Oh, it''s okay. We''re not going to look for stones today.


    "Oh, I see."


    Krull seemed to be enjoying herself as she replied, "Oh, it''s okay.


    And then they arrived at the beach.


    The boat that Adriana came in is also there.


    "Wow!��A big boat!��Is that the boat that Adri came in?" "Yes, that''s the boat Adriana came in.


    "Yes, that''s it."


    Sure enough, Krull started to get excited.


    "Hey, you know, I''d like to go for a ride!"


    "Okay, but just wait a minute. But just wait a minute. I have to take care of something first.


    Adriana quieted Krull down and called F-002 first.


    "How is it?"


    "Yes, it seems to be working fine."


    F-002 pointed at the silver-gray mass near the magic tool.


    "Yes, they are gathered. ......<>...... properly chrome and nickel, great success!"


    Adriana is pleased.


    "Hey, Ad, what''s this?"


    At that moment, Krull interrupts, apparently unable to remain silent.


    <


    "Let''s see, it is a magical tool to extract a specific substance from seawater.


    Almost all elements are dissolved in seawater.


    Gold, silver, platinum, lithium, aluminum, magnesium, uranium .......


    And of course, Adriana wanted chromium and nickel.


    However, since the amount is extremely small, it is not worth the trouble to extract it, and the only thing that has been put to practical use on the modern earth and is still being done is the extraction of <, or sodium chloride.


    However, there is magic in this world, and by using it, we have managed to extract substances at a practical level.


    Of course, this was a technology unique to Adriana.


    The technology that enabled her successor, Jin, to separate and collect only helium from the air was also based on this technology.


    "Yes, we''ve collected quite a bit of helium.


    In half a day''s operation, twice as much helium had been collected as yesterday.


    "If we keep going like this, we should be able to collect quite a lot. We might as well make one or two more of the same thing.


    So Adriana made two more of the same magical tool ...... named <...... and set them in the sea.


    Of course, they are not in the same place, but far enough apart that the ocean currents and the ebb and flow of the tide circulate the seawater.


    "Here you go, Krull."


    "No, it was fun!"


    Krull felt bad for making him wait, but he was intrigued by his first glimpse of magical tool making using , and kept staring at him.


    First, let me show you around the ship. Before ......, let me introduce the golems that make up the crew.


    This is F-003, this is M-002, and that is M-003. And that''s F-002 outside.


    "Wow. Ad made all these?


    "Yes."


    He pulls Krull, who is excited to see them, along with him and shows him around the ship.


    It''s a big boat, but it''s only 10 meters long. Once inside, it feels smaller than a house.


    This is the cabin. This is where we stay when the boat is running.


    "This is the power room. When M-002 and M-003 turn the handle, the screw turns too, and the ship moves forward.


    "This is the bedroom. Most of the time we sleep with the ship ashore, but just to be safe, we have a suspended system to reduce the effects of the rocking.


    "This is ......."


    Krull listens to Adriana''s explanation with a twinkle in his eye, though he is not sure how much of it he understood. And then.


    "I wish I could go out to sea too. ......"


    She muttered to herself.


    Why don''t you ask your father?"


    There were many boats floating on the Green Coast, which we visited yesterday. Adriana thought that if she asked her father, the chief of the village, she could at least go out to sea.


    "That''s not possible."


    "Why not?"


    But Krull shook his head sadly.


    "It''s the village law ...... that if a woman goes out to sea, the sea gets rough."


    "Oh, no. ......."


    Adriana said that she too was a woman and that her previous voyages had been calm.


    "Yes, it''s fine Ad. She''s an outsider. It''s just a story from the village."


    "Yeah. ......"


    I don''t know if it''s an indigenous belief or a superstition.


    Adriana realized something else that she had not noticed when she was with Shuki.

 1076 - - 008 Mountain Food

    Afterwards, Adriana and Krull returned to the village for lunch.


    "It''s a difficult problem ......"


    Adriana muttered to herself as she ate lunch at the chief''s house.


    "Ad, what''s wrong?��Wasn''t it good?"


    Bice, a mother of two, asked her with a worried look on her face.


    "Oh, um, I''m sorry. I was just thinking about something.


    Adriana explains hurriedly.


    "That''s all right, but ...... something bothering you?"


    "No, I was just ......".


    Adriana then thought that now was as good a time as any to ask since Mehto, the village head, was there.


    I just heard from Krull that this village forbids women to go out to sea.


    Mehto looked a little solemn and answered.


    "That''s right. It''s been said for a long time. It is said that the god of the sea is a male god.


    "Oh, so when women go out to sea, they try to drag them down to the bottom of the sea?"


    Adriana asks, remembering the pattern of the old story Shuki told her. But Mehto denied it with a laugh.


    Haha, no. The god of the sea has a lot of feelings for the women who go out to sea, and his jealous wife''s god gets angry and destroys the sea.


    "Is that so?"


    Adriana was surprised, because this was not what she had expected.


    "Of course, I don''t believe it. Of course I don''t believe in it, but you can''t fool me with old legends, you know."


    "......Some of the fishermen still really believe in it, it seems."


    Bice added a few words of explanation.


    "Actually, I think it''s a gentle lie, because they don''t want to send women and children out into the dangerous sea," he said. But as the village head, I can''t allow the villagers to break the law."


    "...... I understand."


    Adriana had heard from Shuki that beliefs and superstitions have deep roots and that it is difficult to get people to recant them, and she had some sense of this from her travels, but seeing an actual example like this made her think twice.


    (According to your father, this Kingdom of Leonard is still better than others. ...... I wonder if it is worse in other countries.)


    Adriana pondered a bit.


    Adriana pondered for a moment.


    Adriana pondered over the superstition, but then she began to worry about what would happen to her magical tool, the Material Extractor, and decided to go to the sea again.


    This time, not only Krull but also Maruru accompanied him.


    "Wow, it''s a big boat."


    Maruru shared the same impression as Krull.


    "I''d like to get on it, but I can''t. ......


    "But, can''t we at least take a look inside?��It''s not floating in the ocean."


    Adriana follows up. Even Krull is looking inside.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right.


    So Adriana showed Marle around as well as Krull.


    After she was done, she checked the that had been installed in three locations.


    "Well, that''s quite a lot.


    In total, I got about 50 grams of chromium and 40 grams of nickel.


    "I think I have enough if I leave it here until tomorrow."


    Adriana is pleased with what she has obtained for the day.


    "I think we will have enough for tomorrow.


    Adriana wants to leave a gift before she leaves the village that has helped her so much.


    "Oh, Krull and Marle. Who are your children?


    "Oh, Uncle Demi. This is Adriana. She is traveling.


    On the way back from the beach, we pass a few people.


    Adriana asked them about it and they replied: "During the day they go to the mountains,


    "That''s because they are either in the mountains or out at sea during the daytime," Marle told her.


    Marle told us.


    She also told us that the land in this area was too thin to grow normal crops.


    Therefore, they get their sustenance from the mountains and the sea.


    From the mountains, they get firewood, nuts, and wild vegetables. From the sea, of course, they obtain fish.


    "So, axes, machetes, and sickles are necessary tools, aren''t they?


    "Well, yes. Making and fixing these things keeps Grandpa busy.


    Krull explained proudly.


    "That''s why you don''t see many people during the day."


    "That''s right. And by the way, there are a lot of nuts in the mountains this time of year.


    It''s called "clary" and ripens to a purple color.


    "They are sweet and sour and delicious. If we leave them alone, birds and animals will pick them, so we collect them as soon as we find them and dry or make jam out of the ones we can''t eat.


    "I see."


    "I see." "...... but sugar is expensive, so we can''t make a lot of jam."


    Through these conversations, Adriana gains knowledge about the life of ordinary people.


    Since she had been with <> Shuki up to this point, her interactions with these people with a sense of daily life were often instructive.


    This may have been the starting point of her later efforts to develop magic tools.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, the total amount of chromium and nickel was 150 grams of chromium and 110 grams of nickel, respectively.


    "We can make quite a bit with that much."


    Adriana went to the blacksmith master, Phytos.


    Krull and Marle had gone to the mountains together after breakfast, so they were alone today.


    "Oh, sweetie, is that again?"


    "Yes. I want to make a few things to leave behind as a thank you for all the help you''ve given me.


    Hearing this, Fightos looked a little sad.


    "So ...... you are a traveler, aren''t you? ...... good, use as much iron as you like."


    "Thank you!"


    Immediately Adriana started to make as much stainless steel as she could with the materials she had at hand.


    18-8, that is, 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel.


    She had 150 grams of chromium on hand, so she needed 66.7 grams of nickel. He needs 616.7 grams of iron.


    Working out these calculations by heart, Adriana alloyed the metal.


    "It''s still a wonder to me, no matter how many times I see it.


    The way the iron lump changes its shape as a faintly shining magic circle appears on the surface looks mysterious to those who are not accustomed to seeing engineering magic.


    "<>"


    "Oh?


    Adriana, who had been in high spirits, had created ten forks in one transformation.


    Each fork is connected by a thin , which is cut off to make the fork.


    Three times in total. Using approximately 750 grams, 30 forks are completed.


    The fact that there is no waste is another feature of magical engineering.


    "Well, if there were more mages like you, we''d all be out of a job.


    Fightos looks deeply moved.


    Adriana, on the other hand, said,


    "I don''t think that will happen in the near future. No ordinary mage would think of making tools for daily life.


    Adriana said. Phytos was shocked to hear that.


    "I see. It''s all about the money, isn''t it? ...... so you''re special, aren''t you?"


    "I don''t know, I don''t know..."


    Adriana smiles a little sadly. Adriana smiles a little sadly. She knows she''s different, but that''s why she smiles.


    "That''s 30. I remember that the population of the village is 172 people, so I would like to make at least 200.... ..."


    At this rate it would take a few more days, so Adriana decides to add more <>.


    Fortunately, we have plenty of materials to make them.


    "Well then, master, see you tomorrow."


    "Oh, take care!"


    Adriana went to the ship on her feet, built five "Material Extractors", and ordered F-003 to set them up in the sea, far away from the ship. F-003 was ordered to set them in the sea at a distance from the ship.


    F-003 ordered F-003 to set the device in the sea.


    "Ah, Ado, welcome back."


    When Adriana returned to the village chief''s house at noon, Krull and Maruru had also returned and showed her the many nuts they had gathered in the mountains, including clary berries.

 1077 - - 009 Clary Collection

    I spent the afternoon helping to dry the clary berries.


    After the drying was finished, I was allowed to taste the ones dried about half a month ago, and they were quite tasty.


    He told me that the acidity was reduced and the sweetness was emphasized.


    Adriana likes sour fruits, but she also loves this kind of natural sweetness.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!


    "Oh, it''s delicious!" "Isn''t it?��I picked these myself."


    Krull looks proud and proud of herself, while Marul and Bice smile at her.


    (Family...... sisters are so nice!)


    Adriana felt a little envious.


    "Do you want to go there tomorrow, Ad?��Some places are easier than others.


    "But we might not be able to pick so many, ......."


    Krull and Marle invited me to join them,


    "Yes, I''ll go.


    Adriana answered immediately.


    She had not been out in the field since she was a child.


    Suddenly, the faces of her childhood friends came to mind.


    ��Bal, Humundo, and Lolora (......).


    I call their names without saying them out loud.


    The friends in my memory are still smiling as they used to be.


    The next day, after having breakfast, I went to the restaurant to see if I could find a place to eat.


    The next day, after breakfast, Adriana, together with Krull and Marle, went to the mountains with a bag of dried meat for emergencies and the harvested berries.


    Adriana said that she could magically produce water, so she carried the smallest canteen she could find.


    Water is heavy, so that alone makes the trip easier.


    "But why the dried meat?"


    Adriana asked. On each person''s back was a bag with a basket of berries and a canteen. In the bag there is also dried meat.


    "Because you mustn''t lick the mountain. You could break your leg and not be able to walk."


    "...... hmm."


    Now Adriana has access to healing magic up to intermediate level, so she can heal a sprained leg or a simple fracture.


    But we need to be careful since there is a possibility that we might get separated from Adriana.


    So we each have our own dried meat and water bottles.


    "......Fu,fu......Wait a minute, let''s take a break......"


    "Ad, I guess you''re not used to this."


    "We''re not even halfway there yet. We''re still trying to get to ...... the closest and easiest place."


    Compared to Krull and Marle, Adriana was definitely less athletic.


    The three of us took a break from walking and managed to reach our destination before noon.


    It was on a table-shaped rocky hill.


    "......"


    Adriana is limp.


    Krull is flying around and starting to gather clary berries.


    Marle is worried about Adriana.


    "Ad, are you okay?"


    "......Uh,yes. ......I just need to rest a little longer. ......"


    After about 10 minutes of rest, Adriana managed to recover.


    Then Marle explained to Adriana.


    This is the Clary tree. There are male and female trees, and only the female trees grow fruit. And sometimes there are insects on them, so be careful.


    "Yes, okay."


    Adriana is not afraid of insects. She even kept a ground spider in the basement of Horai Island in later years.


    "Ado, look, I got all this..."


    Krull, who had been running around, came back to show me his basket. The basket was about the size of a person''s head, and about a third of it was filled with clary berries.


    "Wow, that''s amazing!


    Adriana stood up. She looks a little old, as she has Shuki''s genes in that regard.


    "Well, here it is..."


    There is still some clary left, just out of Krull''s reach.


    "You can eat the purple berries raw," he says.


    Krull said with purple lips.


    "Yes.


    Adriana does as she is told and takes a bite of the purple ripe fruit.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!"


    The sweet and sour taste spreads in my mouth... and Adriana puts three or four in my mouth one after the other,


    Adriana tried three or four in succession, but Marle warned her, "The red ones are not ripe yet, that''s why they''re sour.


    Marle warned her that the red ones were not yet ripe and therefore sour.


    Adriana took a bite of one to check it out,


    "Oh, they are really sour," she said.


    She was unconcerned about it. She loves sour food.


    "Ad, that''s great ......."


    "Yes. I can even bite into a Ramon fruit.


    "I don''t know what Ramon is, but I know you like sour food. ......


    Marle was both impressed and a little taken back. Krull is gathering berries in the distance.


    Krull shouts out.


    "Sis!��Ado!��Come here!


    "What''s wrong?��What''s wrong?


    "Let''s go!"


    Krull''s voice called to them, and they headed in that direction.


    "What''s wrong, Krull?


    There was a large clary tree with many long, thin, pale green spheres attached to it.


    "Wild cocoons," he said.


    "Wow, this is ......."


    Adriana thought, "It seems to be a natural silkworm.


    By the way, silkworms on Earth do not grow in the wild. Even if they were placed on a mulberry tree, they would be quickly eaten by birds because of their white color, and they would fall down only when the wind blows, because the sucking power of their ventral legs (sucker-like legs attached to the larva''s abdomen) is weak.


    It seems that there are wild silkworms in the Ars world.


    Furthermore, as a side note, <>...... natural silkworms are not silkworm moths but cocoon moth larvae. Their cocoons are called "yamamayu".


    They eat not mulberry but sawtooth oak, chestnut, oak and oak tree. This was another difference.


    "Do you collect a lot of these cocoons to make thread?


    Adriana asked. Krull and Marle shook their heads.


    "No, we don''t do that, do we?"


    "Yes, ......."


    "Yes."


    Adriana was not familiar with sericulture, as Shuki did not know anything about it.


    If this sericulture could be made into an industry, the income of the village would increase, but unfortunately, no one here was aware of it.


    "Let''s collect more clary berries, shall we?


    "Yes, let''s."


    After that, the three of us had a pleasant lunch of dried meat and clary berries.


    Then it was time to go home.


    "It''s not easy to go down ......," he said.


    "Be careful, it''s easy to get hurt going down the mountain."


    "Ugh. ......"


    Adriana is still flabbergasted.


    And on top of that, the morning after we got back from picking clarys...


    "Oops, oops, oops, oops, oops, oops, oops, oops, oops, oops, oops... ......"


    Adriana was suffering from sore muscles this time.

 1078 - - what someone got 010

    Muscle pain is manageable once you start moving. The most painful time is when you try to move suddenly after staying still.


    "Oh my God. ......"


    Grunting, Adriana gets up, using her healing magic to slightly reduce the pain. After getting up, rinsing out her mouth and washing her face, she managed to get her body to listen to her.


    "Today we will collect the chromium and nickel and ......".


    Adriana plans her day over breakfast.


    (I think I''ll make enough for the residents plus an extra fork and then we''ll leave. ......)


    We decided to stay a bit longer because it was so cozy, but Adriana had a purpose.


    (, or ......)


    ) It was a rumor she had heard while traveling around with her father Shuki.


    I can laugh it off as just a rumor, but when I realize the concentration of free magic element (ether) that gets denser as you go north, it would not be surprising if there is a civilization with advanced magic technology that utilizes this dense free magic element (ether) in the north.


    (Besides, your father''s wife ...... also lived in the north.)


    Shuki rarely mentions his beloved wife Adriana, whose maiden name is Tierra.


    Adriana was heading north in order to reach higher levels of magical engineering.


    "Ad, don''t eat while you''re thinking, okay?"


    "Yes, yes."


    Adriana, chided by Baise, hurriedly gulped down the rest of the seafood soup.


    * * * * * *


    After a hurried breakfast, Adriana rushed to the beach.


    Krull and Marle are out gathering clary berries. Krull and Marle are busy gathering clary berries, before the birds and beasts eat them.


    Adriana has come to the coast, of course, to check on the .


    "Wow!"


    There was more chromium and nickel extracted than expected.


    "That''s ......800 grams of chromium and 520 grams of nickel. That''s enough to make stainless steel!"


    This would make 4444.4 grams of stainless steel. We need 355.6 grams of nickel and 3288.9 grams of iron. We need 355.6 grams of nickel and 3,288.9 grams of iron.


    Adriana takes it immediately to the blacksmith Phytos.


    Phytos is used to this by now and is waiting for her.


    I knew you would come, girl. I already have the iron ready for you.


    "Thank you, master."


    Adriana decided to call him <> since it was more appropriate than calling him Mr. Phytos.


    She starts work immediately.


    She has done this so many times that she is used to it, and now the master is not so surprised anymore. He is just impressed.


    "That''s very convenient, isn''t it? If we could do that, we could make a lot more things.


    We can make engineering magic available to those who can''t use it.


    We have studied such magic tools before, but they are still far from perfection.


    But first the task at hand, Adriana devoted herself to the production of stainless steel.


    The next step is forks. ......<. ......<>!"


    "It''s always a sight to see, isn''t it?"


    The master who was looking at her let out a surprised voice.


    She separates 10 pieces of stainless steel and then deforms them into 10 forks at once. The forks are connected to each other by thin .


    There are not many magecraftsmen who can do the same thing.


    "Master, I know this is a lot of work, but could you please cut them apart?"


    "Oh, I''ll take care of it."


    It was tedious to just watch. The master accepted Adriana''s request.


    He does not only detach the pieces, but also files and finishes the cut parts.


    Adriana, on the other hand, puts all her energy into her work.


    "......<><>. <><>. <<><>......"


    In this way, the required number of forks were made in a dozen or so times.


    "Hey, hey, you''re too fast! You haven''t finished separating the forks yet.


    "Yes, I''ll do it too.


    And so the forks were separated by two people.


    "Well, it''s done."


    There were 170 forks in a row.


    "Yes. Now it''s time to finish. !


    "Wow. ......"


    All 170 forks were given a mirror finish at once, and they shone brightly.


    "Phew, it''s done!"


    The other day we made 30 forks, for a total of 200 forks. The immediate goal had been reached.


    Adriana returned to the chief''s house with the 200 forks she had made. She is accompanied by her master. Or rather, it is her master who is holding the box with the forks.


    "Oh, Ad?��And your father-in-law.


    He knew from our breakfast conversation that I would be home today.


    "Today, I brought you a thank you!"


    "Thank you?"


    "Yes, for everything you''ve done for me."


    "Here, Mehto, this is for you."


    Phytos put the box on the table with a thud. He opened it to reveal a gleam of metal.


    "Is this a ...... fork?"


    "Yes, it is. It''s a form popular in King''s Landing and other places.


    "Oh, this is ......


    "Oh, it''s not just a shape. It''s good to use. It''s hard to pull the food out of the fork, and you can use it to cut up some things.


    You can also use the sides of the fork to cut into pieces. Unlike a wire, it is strong enough.


    "This, Ad?"


    "Yeah, it''s a big deal!"


    The chief Meuto thought as his father-in-law, Phytos, praised it with open arms.


    "How much is ......?"


    "...... yes?"


    Adriana, not understanding the meaning of Mehto''s words, asked back.


    "No, I was just wondering how much a fork this big, this shiny!��I wonder how much they are worth."


    In today''s market, a wire fork costs from 30 to 50 Tol. (about $30-$500) per wire fork.


    According to the report, the forks are made of a new material called that gives them a shine so bright it could be mistaken for silver. Moreover, it is rust-resistant.


    "Even though I am the village chief, I am not that wealthy..."


    Adriana finally realized that he was mistaken.


    "I''m not asking you to buy these. You can have them all."


    "What?


    Mehto was surprised. Fights was a little surprised too, but he looked like he had a feeling about it.


    "What?��You''re going to give me all of this?


    No wonder he is surprised. These forks will probably fetch at least 100 dollars each. Considering the new material and the trendy design, someone would probably buy even 500 tokens.


    That is 200 bottles.


    He easily gave me 100,000 Tall ......, which is about one million Japanese yen. No wonder Mehto was surprised.


    But most of the materials were given to me by my master ...... Mr. Phytos.


    "No, no, no, you prepared a metal much rarer than iron.


    That alone is worth a hundred thousand dollars, Phytos said.


    But Adriana shook her head in denial.


    "I have received from Mehto and the others something that money can''t buy.


    "Hmm?"


    Mehto tilts his head.


    "I was really happy when you came to check on me in the rain.


    Mehto''s concern for a gentile like himself.


    "I was so happy that he welcomed me so warmly that it brought tears to my eyes. I know it''s not even a fraction of that, but it''s the least I can do.


    Adriana bowed her head.


    "So please take it!"


    "Thank you, Ad. In that case, I''ll take it gratefully. And I can give it to each and every one of the villagers, right?


    "Oh, yes!��Yes, please!


    And so the stainless steel forks were spread in the village of Sico.

 1079 - - 011 Goodbye

    Adriana made five spoons out of the stainless steel that was still left over.


    One for each of the four members of the chief''s family and one for the guests.


    They were immediately used at dinner.


    "Wow, they are so easy to use!��Thank you, Ad!"


    "Really. And they are so shiny and clean.


    Krull and Marle seem to like their new spoons and forks.


    Seeing their smiles, Adriana is glad she made them.


    (......I''ll keep trying to make them smile like this. ......)


    This will also be a driving force for Adriana in the future.


    * * * *


    After dinner, Adriana bowed to Mehto, the patriarch of the family, his wife Baisse, their eldest daughter Marle, and their second daughter Krull.


    "Thank you for all your help over the years. I will leave tomorrow."


    Krull and Marle reacted to this statement with great excitement.


    "Why?��Ado, don''t go!


    "Ado, what''s wrong with you?��"Ad, did something happen that you don''t like?��That was... ......"


    "No, that''s not it."


    Adriana stopped Marle''s desperate attempts to explain and smiled.


    "I have something to do, something I have to do. I have things to do, things I have to do, and for that I have to go further north.


    "Up north ......?"


    Yes, north. That''s where I''ll find what I want.


    Adriana''s face looked more mature than Krull and Marle had ever seen it before.


    "What does Ad want ......?"


    Krull barely managed to get the question out.


    "What I want is knowledge.


    "What do you want ...... for?"


    This time the question comes from Marle.


    "For me to fulfill the dream my father kept asking for."


    After a pause, Adriana continues.


    "That is why I will not stop. I''m going to walk on, aiming far and high. That is my purpose."


    "......"


    "......Yes, I get it."


    "Sis!"


    Marle said with a soft smile that was just like her mother''s.


    "Ado has his own dreams, doesn''t he? But I hope you won''t forget about us.


    "Of course not!��I''ll never forget the days I spent in this house, playing with Krull and Marle. How could I forget?


    ...... is fine.


    "Sis!"


    Krull stops his sister, who is about to complain about his understanding,


    "Krull, let''s support our friend''s dream, okay?"


    "Sis! ......"


    Maruru caresses Krull''s head as her sister is about to start crying.


    "Maruru......Krull......"


    Adriana also had tears in her eyes as she watched the two interact.


    "......Yeah, Sis. I understand. ......Ad, good luck ......."


    In a muffled voice at the end, Krull also said that he would support Adriana.


    That night Adriana slept with Krull and Marle.


    Adriana went to bed that night with Krull and Marle.


    "Ad, please come back again.


    Ad, take care of yourself.


    Ad, we will always be friends!


    "Ado, I''ll never forget you!"


    "I''ve had a lot of fun with you, sweetheart."


    The chief of the village and his family and the master of the blacksmith''s shop had come to see Adriana off from the coast.


    Other villagers and strangers had also come to see Adriana off, some of whom she had just passed on the street.


    "Thank you, Falk.


    "Be careful!"


    "Thank you very much!��Take care of yourselves!


    Adriana waves from the boat.


    Slowly the boat turns towards the sea.


    But what a girl you are!


    "I wonder who she is..."


    Krull declares loudly to the villagers who are muttering these words.


    Ado is our friend!


    Marulu watches from a little distance as the ship''s shadow shrinks in size.


    "May Ado''s dreams come true. ......"


    The sea that day was clear blue and the waves were calm.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......," he said.


    After reading the first diary, Jin looks up and looks around the group.


    "The previous generation went north, didn''t they?"


    "...... probably the continent where the demon tribe is."


    Saki and Erza guessed.


    "I guess so."


    Jin agreed that was probably the right answer.


    "You must have been lonely, Adriana.


    Hannah muttered with a little sadness in her eyes.


    "Yes, Hannah. Your mother chose to enhance her engineering magic even with such sadness. ......"


    Reiko reacted to Hannah''s words.


    "Brother Jin, how did Adriana-san prevent water from leaking out of the screw shaft?"


    Elsa asked.


    "I''m sure Marcia-san had a hard time solving that problem too."


    "Ah, there."


    Jin indicated the back page of the diary.


    "There is a diagram here. ...... I see, in short, the room with the golem that turns the screw, in other words, the engine room. That''s the only place where water seems to come in."


    "What?"


    "In other words, the leakage of water is only in the engine room, and the leaked water is drained out with water magic. Worst of all, the golems seem to be able to move even underwater.


    This was probably revolutionary at the time.


    "Shuki the Wise probably knew about the screw, but not how to make it watertight. That''s why the previous generation solved the problem by combining magic for the time being."


    "...... convinced me. That''s just like our predecessors."


    "Well, let''s look at the second book."


    Peridot2 brought us some Persica juice and we all quenched our thirst.


    Jin took out a diary numbered <<2> from the bookshelf.


    He unscrews the clasp and opens it slowly.


    "......It seems that my predecessor has arrived at what is now called the Pazdekst isthmus."


    <

 1080 - - 012 The Aoi clan

    <


    * * * *


    Adriana''s ship has arrived at what appears to be the northern tip of the continent.


    But they are connected, right?


    Yes, Adriana.


    According to the report from M-003, which was sent out on a reconnaissance mission, the southern and northern continents are connected by a narrow isthmus.


    "Then we''ll head north, taking care not to stray too far from the shore."


    Adriana, who is an amateur at navigating, always keeps her distance from the shore, so even if the ship is going fast, it takes her some time to get there.


    "But safety first."


    Adriana is alone now, and the golems accompanying her are waterproof but cannot swim. She cannot expect any help if something happens to her.


    It was only natural to take extra precautions.


    "The waves are rough, and we should probably stay closer to the shore than we have been. We can go to ......, but we don''t want to run aground."


    Not too far, not too close.


    Fortunately, the sea is clear and F-002 is monitoring the ship, allowing it to continue northward while avoiding the shoals.


    However, the speed is slow, about 20 kilometers per hour.


    Still, Adriana and her crew finish their passage through what would later be called the Pazdekst isthmus before nightfall.


    "We can''t find a place to anchor for the night.


    The coastline is very rough with steep cliffs and rough waves.


    It would be safest to pull the boat onto the beach, but it is all rocky.


    "It would be nice if there was a secluded cove."


    Since even that is not in sight, Adriana has no choice but to continue heading north.


    The sky is getting darker and darker.


    "This is not good. ......"


    Just when I was starting to get a little nervous.


    "Adriana, I can see the lights".


    F-002, who was checking the surroundings at the bow of the ship, pointed diagonally forward.


    "I see it," said F-002 pointing diagonally ahead. Let''s approach slowly.


    As we get closer, we see that there is more than one light. It was clearly artificial light, and it seemed to be the light of a house.


    "I knew it was inhabited."


    As we get closer, we can see that the beach in the area has been developed.


    It is clear that the residents have built the beach for use as a harbor.


    "I wonder if I will see people again after a long time."


    Adriana, who had not seen anyone for almost 10 days, was feeling a little nostalgic.


    The ship is equipped with lights. It is a searchlight of sorts, complete with a reflector.


    As she approached the shore with the light shining, she saw some figures.


    "Oh, it''s people!


    Adriana waved her hand in a big gesture.


    The figures on the shore looked puzzled.


    It is no wonder that Adriana''s boat is towing behind it the carcasses of three 10-meter-long Death Sea Serpents.


    * * * * * *


    "I am the chief of this village, Hamunthas of the Azure Sky.


    My name is Adriana.


    When Adriana arrived at the port, she exchanged greetings with the village chief who had come to check on her.


    The elderly man, who introduced himself as Hamutas, had gray hair and yellow eyes. His skin was white.


    "Adriana, I presume. What can I do for you?


    I''m traveling north and was looking for a place to land my boat for the night.


    "I see. I was looking for a place to land my boat at night and I saw a light so I came here." "I see." "What about the Death Serpent at ......?"


    "It attacked me on the way here, so I had no choice but to kill it, but I''ve been checking to see if it could be used for something."


    Adriana answers honestly. Hearing this, Hamunthas burst out laughing.


    "Ha-ha-ha, you are a funny girl. You are welcome. You are welcome to stay at my house tonight. Let the villagers deal with the Death Serpent.


    I heard that the flesh of the Death Serpent is too bad to eat, but its skin and bones are useful as raw materials.


    "If you leave me some of the meat, you can use the rest as you like.


    "Oh, that''s great!


    Adriana went to Hamunthas'' house with M-003 just to be sure.


    It was a one-story house with a solid stone structure and plenty of space.


    I was told that there were four families living there together.


    "Come in, come in."


    Hamutas led me to a magnificent entrance, where several people were waiting for me.


    Welcome home, sir," said an elderly woman who appeared to be his wife.


    An elderly woman who appeared to be his wife said, "Welcome home, sir.


    Welcome home, father-in-law.


    She was a beautiful woman in her twenties. She is a beautiful woman in her twenties. She has silver hair and light blue eyes.


    "Welcome home, Grandpa."


    This was a grandson, a boy of about five years old.


    "Welcome home, Mr. Hamunthus.


    A strong, dark-skinned man bowed deeply.


    "Yes, I''m home. I brought a guest. Adriana from the south.


    Adriana. Adriana.


    Welcome, Adriana.


    Miss Adriana, welcome.


    Adriana, welcome!


    Adriana, welcome!


    "Welcome, Adriana." "Welcome, Adriana!��Adriana was welcomed by all four of them.


    Hamutas'' wife was Solamaris, his daughter-in-law Sheila Marie, and his grandson Randelt.


    The dark-skinned man was a squire and called himself Magtas.


    He told me that he had another son named Jangalis, but that he was currently out of town and would not be back for a while.


    "Keep eating," he said.


    "Thank you very much."


    Adriana was listening to these conversations around the dinner table.


    Adriana said, "I feel bad that you have gone to all this trouble for us, when all we wanted was to dock.


    Adriana said, and Solamaris denied it.


    We welcome guests from afar, it is the custom in our village. What if the chief of the village doesn''t practice it?


    In a large pot, seafood is simmering. It is a kind of seafood stew.


    Each person takes a plate and eats it.


    It is summer, but the nights here are cool, which is just right.


    During the meal, conversation is kept to a minimum; instead, after-dinner tea is served.


    "We were born with a high aptitude for magic. Almost all of us are mages.


    "Is that so?


    Indeed, with this high level of free ether, it could be so.


    Adriana explains herself, hoping that she might be able to teach me some useful magic.


    "So you are a magical engineer.


    "Oh, and healing magic too. That is unusual.


    It seems that few of them have access to healing magic.


    But...


    "A little further north, there''s a clan called the Morura. They know a great deal. If you wish, Lady Adriana, I can write a letter of introduction.


    I would be very grateful.


    Adriana was a match made in heaven.


    Adriana accepted the offer without hesitation.

 1081 - - 013 The Morara clan

    After spending the night under the azure clans, Adriana set off north again with letters of introduction from Hamunthas and Seelamari.


    were the words of Seelamari. She had come as a bride from the clan of .


    The sea was calm today, so we could go north smoothly.


    "As I recall, there is a large rock sticking out of the sea, isn''t it?"


    We had been told about the prominent shape of the rock as a landmark for the shore to land.


    "They were good people. ......"


    Adriana muttered to herself, biting back a yawn.


    Last night they had been talking a lot and had stayed up late.


    Thanks to that, I learned a lot.


    (The most important one is the golem system. ...... I didn''t know that this golem is powered by a magic similar to <>. <


    ��It''s because they can use their excess of free magic element (ether), isn''t it? But it''s nice to know that it hardly deteriorates at all.)


    The greatest advantage of this <> is that there is almost no deterioration, in other words, it can be completely maintenance free.


    It can keep moving until the end of the life of the material itself. For thousands of years, in fact.


    (This makes delicate movements difficult, but depending on the application, it may be advantageous.)


    In the distant future, the Golems that mine resources underground in Horai Island will adopt the <> method based on the recognition of this time.


    (Besides, we got a lot of food. ......)


    It seems that the materials for three Death Sea Serpents were quite a lot for their <> clan.


    A large amount of food is loaded on the ship, though it is limited to dried food.


    ��Thank goodness the seasoning is different from theirs.)


    Adriana thought that since the seasonings were different from those of the Kingdom of Leonard, it would be easier to get bored of the food if they took turns eating it.


    In the meantime, the boat was heading north and they seemed to see a landmark rock.


    "That''s the one I want to see. Let''s turn the boat toward the shore.


    Adriana slowly brings the boat closer to the shore.


    "There are reefs around here, so be careful.


    That''s what she means when she says that there are reefs on the shore.


    At about 3:00 p.m. Adriana''s boat arrived at a small sandy beach between the rocks, moving carefully at a walking pace.


    Adriana has the golem pull the boat up to the middle of the beach.


    "This way, even if a few waves come, we won''t be swept away.


    M-002 and M-003 were placed on watch over the boat, Accompanied by F-002 and F-003, Adriana headed inland.


    The two golems carried their baggage and other belongings.


    "I heard there''s a path inland. ...... Oh, I wonder if that''s it."


    A small path, which was little more than a footprint, led through the grass to the beach. We followed it, and little by little it became clearer.


    "It looks like it''s definitely the way to go...I heard it takes about half an hour to get there. ......"


    The path was narrow but clear through the tall grass and bushes.


    Eventually, after passing through a small forest, Adriana saw a golden field of wheat in front of her.


    "Wow, it''s beautiful!


    The ears of wheat were swaying a little heavily in the wind, waiting to be harvested.


    "That forest is a windbreak, isn''t it?


    I remembered what Shuki had taught me about them, that they probably also protect against salt damage.


    "Who are you?"


    Adriana was lost in these thoughts when she was surrounded by five men.


    "I don''t recognize you. You even brought a golem with you."


    Three of the five men were young and two were elderly. Some of the younger men had dark skin.


    Adriana, assuming that this must be the clan of , hurriedly introduced herself.


    "My name is Adriana. < clan?


    "Yes?��...... is that right?


    The oldest man looks at Adriana with a quizzical look on his face.


    "Well, I have a letter of introduction from Mr. Solamaris and Ms. Sheila Marri of <> ......."


    The man looked surprised.


    "From my daughter?��I see, your daughter is from the <> place."


    "And you?"


    "My name is Saitos, chief of the ."


    Saitos had silver hair and light blue eyes.


    "I am Vashako."


    He said he was the son-in-law of Saitos.


    The other two dark-skinned men, also followers, were called Florutus and Temperotos.


    "If you have letters of introduction from them, come to my house.


    Saying this, Saitos turned around and began to walk along the path leading into the wheat field. Adriana felt that although he was a little blunt, he did not seem to have any bad feelings toward her.


    A mature man, who introduced himself as Vaschako, the son-in-law of Saitos, approached Adriana in a friendly manner.


    "My wife is the eldest daughter of your father-in-law Saitos, and the one you met, Adriana, is my wife''s sister."


    Vaschko was a friendly man.


    "Well, we''re going to take a look around a bit and come back."


    "Yeah, sure."


    Meraldos called out to Vasyaco and started walking with his two followers in the opposite direction of Adriana and the others.


    "Okay, let''s go."


    "Yes."


    Saitos was already far ahead. Adriana followed him on foot, accompanied by Vasjaako. At the end of the line are two golems.


    After about 10 minutes of walking through the wheat fields, they came to a village.


    "That is the village of the <> clan.


    As in <>, there are rows of sturdy stone houses. The houses and fields seem to be completely separated from each other.


    Among the houses, there was one two-story house in the center.


    "That is the chief''s house.


    As expected. Adriana was led by Vashako through the houses to the chief''s house, or rather his mansion.


    "Welcome!


    Adriana was greeted by her attendants and the people of the house by Saitos, who had returned earlier.


    "Welcome, Adriana. How is my daughter?


    asked a woman with a face similar to Sheila Marri''s. "My mother-in-law Zamir," she replied.


    "This is my mother-in-law, Zamir."


    Zamia is my mother-in-law," Vasjaako told me.


    "Yes, that''s right. And your grandchildren are fine.


    Saying this, Adriana handed over the letter of introduction. Zamir received it with a big smile.


    "My goodness, what a pleasure. Come on in, come on in.


    "Thank you for your hospitality."


    Zamir takes her hand and Adriana walks straight into the house.


    "Wow. ......"


    The exterior of the building looked similar to the one in the azure sky, but the interior was quite different.


    While the < was bright and cheerful, this one has a stately and calm atmosphere.


    The flooring in <<> was wooden, whereas in <, the flooring in < was covered with fur, and the sound of footsteps was almost imperceptible.


    "You can use this room."


    Zamir, the housewife of the family, showed us to a large, bright room facing south.


    The room was about 10 tatami mats in size with a comfortable bed.


    It was more than enough space for F-002 and F-003, which came with the room.


    "Thank you very much.


    Adriana thanked him and put down her luggage.

 1082 - - 014 Inside the warehouse

    At dinner, Adriana was immediately surprised.


    "What is this glass ......?"


    A drink was served in a clear glass.


    Not crystal, not glass.


    I secretly it, but even with this magic, I could not understand the unknown substance,


    Barely, we know that it contains oxygen, zirconium, and trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, and so on.


    "Ha, it''s a transparent material that is rarely found around here.


    Vaschako tells me.


    Looking closely, we see that the windows are made of the same material.


    "I guess things change from place to place..."


    Adriana frankly expresses her admiration.


    She then says without hesitation that she has come here to study.


    "Oh, you''re a Magecraft Meister?"


    Vashako was impressed, and even the quiet Saitos showed interest.


    "Magical technology specialized in making things ...... interesting."


    "You should show him the vaults in the village," Zamir suggested.


    Zamir suggested.


    "Yes, that''s right. But there are treasures of our ancestors mixed in there. So before we do that, I''d like to show you my family''s storehouse.


    "Yes, that would be nice."


    The conversation proceeds without Adriana''s knowledge.


    It seems that the letter of introduction contained a lot of information.


    "Oh, thank you. ......" was all Adriana said.


    Adriana only replied, "Oh, thank you very much.


    Adriana replied, "Oh, thank you very much.


    "Well, take a look."


    Adriana was shown around by the amiable Vaschaco.


    After dinner, he took us to the warehouse behind the house.


    The heavy door was opened and a light came on.


    "It''s a luminescence from the free magical element (ether), isn''t it?"


    Adriana understood instantly.


    "Oh, is that so?"


    Adriana was impressed by Vasjaako.


    Seeing this, Adriana wonders. But she does not say anything.


    But she did not say anything, because what she found in the storehouse had caught her interest.


    "Wow ......!"


    "What do you think?��<.


    There were a number of magic tools placed there.


    Some of them are generally called .


    "May I hold it in my hand?"


    Adriana asked. Bashaco nodded.


    "Don''t break it, okay?


    Adriana asked, and Vasjaako nodded.


    "Yes, of course.


    Adriana answered and picked up the nearest magical tool.


    "......Wonderful ...... intricate workmanship. Was it carved by hand or by magic ......?"


    Adriana''s cheeks flushed as she looked at it, muttering to herself, and Bashaco smiled and sat down on a chair that was close at hand.


    Adriana is holding a mere floor lamp, but she is impressed by its construction.


    "......I guess it''s important to put a lot of thought into the design. ......"


    Adriana is not so good at design. She is good at making something realistic if she has a model, but when she is asked to create an original design, she has a hard time.


    "I remember when your father told me to do this," Adriana says. . ......Yes, I''m going to see a lot of good things here and train myself!"


    The next thing he picked up was a small magic tool that also seemed to be a floor-standing type.


    "What''s this? Is it normal for such a small device to be capable of heating ......? Oh, I''m not ready for this yet, I''m still stuck in the image of heating.


    Seeing a heating device the size of an alarm clock, Adriana was reminded of the importance of dispelling stereotypes.


    "This is ......."


    What Adriana is looking at now is a painting.


    It is a picture, but it is a golem. A flat golem, if you will.


    It was as thick as an LCD TV, and it was in a nice frame. But it is a golem.


    "I didn''t know this kind of idea existed. ...... Do you think they use it as a lookout?"


    Adriana made a mental note that the humanoid is not the only golem.


    "This is an interesting idea. ......"


    It is a spherical vacuum cleaner, if you will.


    By rolling the sphere, which is about 40 centimeters in diameter, around the room, it absorbs dirt on its surface and cleans it with a magic similar to <>.


    "It would be fun to make it roll by itself ......, but wouldn''t it be faster to have Golem clean it?"


    Nevertheless, it was a magical tool that made me realize that sometimes we need to have a sense of fun.


    Adriana picked up each one, and those she could not pick up, she looked at them from the front, side, top and back, analyzing them with a studious mind.


    Until Vaschako called out to her.


    "......Ah, Adriana, you seem to be enjoying yourself, that''s very nice, but it''s late at night. Can we continue tomorrow?"


    Adriana came back to herself at the sound of his voice.


    Is it that time already? Thank you very much for ....... I learned a lot.


    I''m glad to hear that. I''ll show you around again tomorrow, so please go to sleep tonight.


    Yes, thank you.


    Adriana returned to the room Zamir had shown her.


    "Well, you said that there is hot water in the room.


    It is not customary to take a bath here.


    It is common to wipe oneself with hot water and soak in hot water only a few times a year.


    "It doesn''t seem to be a waste of hot water. It''s just a habit."


    As for Adriana, she does not mind taking a bath as much as Shuki does.


    After taking off her jacket and wiping herself down, she feels tired all at once.


    She then changes into the nightclothes provided for guests and crawls into the futon.


    Just as she is about to recognize that the bedding is made of some kind of animal fur, Adriana falls asleep.


    Adriana fell asleep.


    The next day, Adriana retreats to the storehouse as soon as she eats breakfast.


    Except for the meal time, she was absorbed in observing and analyzing the magic tools in the storehouse.


    But after dinner, she returns to her room, thinking about something and compiling her notes.


    Such days continued for three days.


    On the morning of the fourth day, Vasjaako said to me


    "Lady Adriana, today I would like to show you the vaults in the village.


    After hearing from Bashaco that she was not a person who would break or steal any of the magic tools in the collection, Saitos gave his permission.

 1083 - - 015 Active

    "Wow, this is amazing!"


    <


    It was a veritable treasure trove for Adriana.


    "Golem!��Materials!��Magic tools!��I don''t know what it is!��It''s amazing!"


    Adriana looks like a child again.


    "I''m glad you like it."


    The guide, Vasjaako, is a little taken aback.


    "Well, Adriana, I see you''re interested in this place.


    Saitos, on the other hand, does not seem to mind.


    "I''ll keep an eye on Vasjaako, so you can talk to him if you need anything..."


    "Father-in-law ......"


    Vashako looked a little tired, but Saitos was as stern as ever,


    "Well, I''m counting on you, son-in-law," was all he said.


    With that, he left.


    "...... huh?"


    Adriana''s eyes were shining as she walked around the vaults, while Basherko looked a little tired.


    After a while,


    "Mr. Bashaco, may I take a look at some of the magic tools here?


    Adriana asks. Her excitement seemed to subside.


    "Yes, as long as you don''t destroy them, like in the storehouse at home.


    "Yes, as long as we don''t destroy it, just like the storehouse at home.


    After that, Adriana began to investigate the magical objects with a concentration that was obvious to the casual observer.


    First of all, Adriana looked at the material samples that had been placed on the table.


    "This is amazing!��Many biological materials are dried up and ruined, but metal materials are a good study ......."


    < clan''s terminology, and Adriana adds her own translations and notes for those that are written in the clan''s terminology.


    "......It''s not just iron. Carbon is good, but manganese?��Vanadium?��Molybdenum?��...... I don''t know, but it can improve the properties of iron by mixing them. I guess it could be applied to stainless steel as well.


    Adriana was particularly interested in ferrous alloys.


    The next thing that caught her attention was a small lump of metal. A brief description is written in an old script.


    "This ada...... is...... gold...... genus......?��seems to have some amazing properties. It seems to come from only a few places. It''s a shame it''s so rare."


    Adriana named the unparalleled metal "adamantite" because it is so tough.


    "Haha, Adriana, it is a metal that has been handed down from generation to generation and cannot be processed in any way.


    Vasjaako, who was watching from the side, smiled and gave me a supplementary explanation.


    "Yes, I suppose so. It looks very hard. Do you mind if I play with it a little?


    "That''s fine. ......"


    "<>"


    Before Vashako can finish, Adriana picks up the smallest of the several lumps and activates her engineering magic.


    A faintly glowing magic circle appears for a moment and .......


    "Oh!"


    In her hand, a vessel of adamantite is formed.


    "What, what, what!


    Vasjaako, seeing engineering magic for the first time, was so amazed that she approached Adriana.


    What was that magic?��It is a metal that our ancestors were able to process, but we have no way of processing!


    That''s why they call it <>.


    "Wait a minute, please!


    Adriana, who was holding a vessel, was left to wait while Vasyarco left the vault.


    A few minutes later, he returns with Saitos and two young men.


    They are Helmutos and Nadeslan, the two men in charge of the vaults.


    "Adriana!"


    "......, yes?"


    Adriana is a little daunted by the vigor of Helmut, one of the vault keepers.


    "I heard that you have processed <>!


    When Helmut, excited, approaches her, Adriana can''t help but say she is sorry.


    "Yes, yes. Here it is. ...... sorry."


    But Saitos denies it.


    No, no, my dear Adriana, there is no need to apologize. We have only come to confirm the fact that we have been able to process this ."


    Saitos takes the vessel, now in Helmut''s hands, and looks at it.


    "Well, this weight, this hardness, it is definitely a . ...... you say, Lady Adriana, is this yours?"


    Nadeslan asked Adriana as he picked up the last vessel.


    "Yes, I am. I am sorry."


    "What are you sorry for?��I was just checking. You''re amazing, by the way. What did you say, ......<>?��I thought that "Meister" was a big deal, but when you showed me this, I was convinced.


    "Oh..."


    Adriana is relieved to know that she will not be offended.


    "So, do you think you can make a vessel from these materials?


    "Yes.


    The material offered was mithril silver.


    Compared to adamantite, which is resistant to magic, this material is several times easier.


    "<>"


    "Oh, wow!


    Amazing!


    Oh, my God!


    Aside from Vashako, who saw it for the first time, the three others who saw it for the first time rolled their eyes in amazement.


    "How about this then?"


    This time, light silver was presented to them.


    "<>"


    "Oh!��Then, how about this?


    "<>"


    Saitos and the others look at Adriana differently as she shows them nearly a dozen different materials that have been processed using Forming.


    "No, I am impressed."


    Saitos smiled and bowed to Adriana.


    "To tell you the truth, I was wondering what to make of you. But with the story of the Vasyako and with this amazing feat, there is no doubt that you are a seeker. My clan will fully cooperate with you.


    "Well, thank you?"


    Adriana, unable to keep up with the conversation, could only thank him for the time being.


    Adriana, unable to keep up with the conversation, could only thank him for now.


    Can you make something like this with this?


    "Well, I would like you to make it into this shape.


    "I would like you to make four pieces just like this one."


    For the next two whole days, Adriana continued to make the objects in the shape they desired, using the <> method, as requested by the <> clan.


    According to her, the dishes and plates that had been handed down from generation to generation had become damaged over the years, and she had to find ways to make up for the damage.


    Adriana responded to the request without a trace of disapproval, as it was good for her training, a study in design, and a way of thanking him for his hospitality.


    This earned her the trust of the < clan as a .


    "No, thank God. <


    "Thank you very much."


    Thus, Adriana was given the opportunity to study a number of magical tools, including the ancient relics (artifacts) of the <> clan.

 1084 - - 016 AbsorptionInterlude 2

    Adriana is not the kind of person to pass up an opportunity that she has obtained, or rather seized.


    Having grasped the characteristics of the materials, Adriana started to research the next step, which was to make a magical tool.


    Step by step, as she had learned from her father Shuki.


    The exhibits in the storeroom were neatly organized and arranged by difficulty level, as if in response to Adriana''s request.


    (Or rather, they were arranged in such a way that the beginners were in the front and the more advanced ones in the back.)


    ) We made a calm judgment and investigated the items in order of difficulty, starting from the one at the front.


    Overall, there seem to be more large magic tools than those in the warehouse of the Saitos'' mansion.


    This may be due to the difference between those owned by individuals and those owned by the entire clan.


    "This has a magical connection with the magic tools over here ......."


    Adriana muttered as she looked alternately at the large, flat, rectangular box and the cylinder, which was about 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm long.


    I don''t know what it is used for. I''ve lost the description too.


    Vaschako gave a supplementary explanation.


    Hearing this, Adriana continues her analysis.


    "...... this magi formula here looks a bit like the one used in the <. Could it be that ...... this tube and the box are <?"


    Adriana''s sharp eyes followed the flow of the Magi Formula and .......


    After a few minutes.


    A square box glowed.


    "Now ......"


    Bashaco, who was watching, was astonished.


    "...... I knew it. Look, Mr. Bashaqo!"


    Adriana, holding a tube in her hand, pointed it at Bashaco.


    "What?


    Adriana points it at Bashaco, who is even more astonished.


    The box is not a mirror.


    The box is not a mirror. If it were a mirror, the left and right sides of the box would be reversed, and you would not be able to see your own face unless you were facing the box.


    However, the box was facing slightly aslant, and the breast pocket of Vaschko''s clothes was not inverted.


    "This is a box that reflects the landscape to which this tube is pointed," Adriana said.


    Adriana had once been told by Shuki that there was such a thing as .


    So she is pleased to know that something similar can be done with magic.


    But Vashako is surprised that one of the artifacts has found its use, and even more surprised that it was a young engineer from the outside who did it.


    * * * * *


    "Let''s call it a ''magic screen'' and a ''magic eye''.


    A large number of the clan had now gathered in front of the vault.


    They had all gathered here to catch a glimpse of the artifact that had been moved.


    "......Ah, um, what''s the matter with these people?"


    "Oh, never mind. We are simply here because we heard that you have learned how to use an ancient relic (artifact).


    "I see..."


    Adriana is not afraid to be more than she has to be, once she knows the reason. She used to give lectures in public together with .


    "Well, if you point this < at this <>, the view ahead of you will be reflected on this <>. The distance does not seem to matter at the moment.


    There is a cheer of "Oh, wow!


    "Now, let me show you another image.


    < and runs away from the vault.


    He holds the "magic eye" in his hand as steady as possible, but the image still moves up and down in small increments.


    It seemed as if I would get drunk if I kept staring at it, but the shaking stopped after a minute or so. Helmut must have stopped.


    The image on the had turned to the right and to the left, showing clearly the path Helmutos was taking.


    "This is very useful," he said.


    "Interesting.


    "This could also be used for surveillance."


    All the people welcomed the newly discovered use of this artifact.


    "Thank you, my guest!


    "Thank you, Lady Adriana!"


    Hail to the Magecraft Meister!


    Here, Adriana Barbora Tsetsi, Magecraft Meister, has won the trust of the Morura clan.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Adriana also succeeds in reproducing the <> and the <>.


    Since the principle was similar to that of the Warp Gate, it was relatively easy to understand and apply.


    After processing a high purity magic crystal of the dark attribute into a cylindrical shape, it is bisected into two pieces of the same size as much as possible.


    This creates a <> between the two magi crystals.


    Using this, images are taken in by another magic crystal (magi crystal) with light attribute, sent out, and the images are played back at a distance.


    "That''s an interesting way to do it. ......"


    For Adriana, the playback method was more interesting than the capturing and sending of the images.


    The input side, the , has an exterior diameter of 10 centimeters. The light-attributed magic crystal attached to the tip of the eye is less than 2 cm in diameter.


    In contrast, the output side, <>, is about 70 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters long.


    "Oh, I see, it is much more precise than the human eye.


    < side was high enough so that there was no problem at all in magnifying the image this much.


    "So, if we want to project what we see with the eyes of golem or automata, it is possible. ......


    Adriana thinks of ways to apply this technology.


    Starting with this and , Adriana analyzed and reproduced one artifact-class magic tool after another in the vaults.


    Adriana herself was able to use this technology to improve herself, and the <> clan was also able to make use of the artifacts they had stored, so it was a win-win-win situation. It was a win-win situation.


    At this time, Adriana had repaired a total of 38 artifacts and magical tools.


    And the technical knowledge for these artifacts became hers.


    * * * *


    "......, yes."


    Jin said in a quiet voice as he closed the second diary.


    "The reason why my predecessors were able to have outstanding technology is because they analyzed ancient relics (artifacts) at what is now called the ," Jin said in a quiet voice.


    Jin was surprised that the title <> was widely known when he once visited the territory of the Demon Tribe, but knowing the footprints of his predecessors in this way, it was understandable.


    <''s Zion and Istaris knew of the Magecraft Meister.


    They are both surprised and impressed to learn that their predecessors were involved in this way.


    "There was no prejudice or feud in the past, was there, Jin?"


    Saki said in a quiet voice, as did Jin.


    "Yes, that''s right. How and why did they come to be called <>?"


    The records of the previous generation are not likely to tell us that much.


    "Well, that''s enough for today."


    It is almost 2:00 p.m. before I realize it.


    They had forgotten to have lunch and were absorbed in reading the records of their predecessors.


    Jin and the others left the study. Saki then tells Jin.


    Jin, thank you for today. I''m glad to know about the previous Magecraft Meister. But if you''re going to read the record, I think it would be better if Jin ...... and Reiko were alone."


    "What?"


    "I think so, too. I think it''s enough to learn about the footprints of our predecessors later.


    Elsa agreed with Saki.


    "I think so, too, Oniichan. Only you are qualified to read your predecessor''s records.


    "Well, as has been the case since yesterday, we were allowed to be present, but this place is a sanctuary for Magecraft Meisters only, after all.


    "I agree."


    "Everyone ......"


    Jin was so pleased with their thoughtfulness that he naturally bowed his head.


    "Thank you, all three of you. I''ll read the rest of the record and let you know after I''ve summarized it.


    "Yeah, I think that''s a good idea."


    I think that''s a good idea. I''ll read it and put it together and then I''ll let you know.


    I''ll be waiting for you.


    After Jin had read the record, he would compile it and then share it with his friends.

 1085 - - 017 Quiet talk 60 hands

    On July 17, the day after the discovery of the hidden study of his predecessor.


    Jin visited Tsetsi Island with Reiko.


    "Welcome, Mr. 2nd."


    "Welcome, Reiko."


    After moving through the Warp Gate, Jin and Reiko are greeted by , a male automata, and , a female automata.


    These automata were created by the previous Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, and have been reworked and further strengthened by the second generation, Nami.


    "What can I do for you today?


    , a female automata, inquired.


    As Jin looked at her sophisticated appearance, he thought to himself, "I''m not sure if this is the kind of person Hannah will become when she grows up,


    ��I wonder if Hannah will look like this when she grows up.)


    (I wonder if Hannah will look like this when she grows up).


    She is, after all, the exact replica of her predecessor when she was a child.


    "Yes, I came here today for a consultation.


    Without letting such fantasies go unnoticed, Jin began to explain the purpose of his visit.


    "Isn''t this island a bit of a dump?" he asked.


    "Yes, it''s just moss, a little grass, and some woods.


    As a preface, Jin checked the vegetation on the island.


    I thought it would be. ...... So, I was wondering if you could help me out with some advice on how to make this island bloom."


    Flowers......?


    Yes, flowers. I''d like to give them to your father, Shuki Tsezi.


    "That would be nice."


    Then Jin asked a further question.


    Then Jin asks a further question. I don''t like the idea of making flowers that don''t exist on this island, so I''d like to increase the number of flowers that already exist.


    The idea is not to bring in non-native species.


    "How about that?


    But <> objected.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Yes, Master 2. ......When my predecessor buried Shuki about 1000 years ago, this island was a rocky mass with no grass or trees growing on it. There was barely any moss. There was barely any moss on the island.


    And it took a thousand years for it to become what it is today?


    That''s right. We don''t know if birds brought the seeds or if they flew in on the wind.


    "We were not awake all the time."


    added.


    "I see. ......"


    On islands formed by undersea volcanic eruptions, moss grows first, then a little soil, then grass, and so on.


    Jin knows that the spores of moss come from the wind and the seeds of grass come from the wind and bird droppings.


    "Then, what is vegetation?


    "We think so."


    Nagi and Nami answered together.


    Jin remained silent for a while, thinking. When he had finished his thought, he looked up.


    "Okay. Then let''s start by improving the soil on this island.


    Jin is not an expert in plant cultivation. At best, he had planted tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs in flower beds when he was at the facility.


    However, as a general knowledge, he knows that the role of soil for growing plants is to <><>.


    It is also important to keep the soil free from harmful substances.


    The golem maids of Horai Island, <>, have been experimenting day and night, and <>, who have been dispatched to various places, have acquired knowledge wherever they go, which the old man has compiled and stored as his know-how.


    This time, we are going to apply them.


    "The soil on the island is mostly sandy and low in organic matter, so I will bring humus and compost from Horai Island and mix them together.


    The humus and compost will also increase water retention.


    "How about rainfall on this island?"


    "Yes. We don''t get much rain, but we do get a lot of fog in the evenings and mornings, which condenses into moisture, so I don''t think it''s a very dry environment.


    "Oh, that''s good news."


    Jin was pleased to hear that there would be no shortage of water, since he had been thinking of using his magic tools to generate water if there was no rain and no water.


    "Well, let''s get started."


    * * * * * *


    That day, he spent the whole day moving soil, plowing, transplanting flowers from the island, and sowing seeds from the fruits of his labor.


    In the center of the island, Jin transplanted a young query tree from the backwoods of Kaina Village, as he had requested.


    In spring, the kuely tree blooms flowers similar to those of cherry trees.


    In honor of Shuki Tsetsi, who was Japanese, Jin insisted on planting this tree.


    This is the only tree that is not adapted to this island, so please be very careful. If necessary, contact the old man. I will send help.


    "Yes, sir, the second generation."


    "Yes, sir.


    I have explained to Nagi and Nami the reason for planting the query tree, so they will take good care of it.


    We will also sow some seeds.


    The idea is that a tree grown from a seed will be better adapted to the environment of the island.


    "Here we go. I hope we can put up a windbreak when it is windy."


    "Oh, we already have that.


    We also have a barrier against waves.


    It seems that our predecessors had set up facilities to protect the island from strong winds and high waves.


    Nagi and Nami are in charge of maintaining them.


    "I understand. Then I feel relieved. If you run short of materials for maintenance, please contact the old man.


    Yes, thank you.


    I''ll make sure no one comes near this island.


    Jin thought that it would be possible if he applied the Magi Formula that was in the door of his predecessor''s study.


    Jin returned to Horai Island, and this time, he took Erza with him, and they were transferred to again by a transporter.


    Jin, Reiko, and Erza together offered flowers and offered a silent prayer.


    "I hope there will be more flowers here.


    It may be difficult to do so because the wind is so strong and the cape is almost uninhabitable.


    "We can find such flowers and plant them at ......."


    "Yes, that''s right. I''ll give instructions to the fifth row (Quinta)."


    This hope will be fulfilled in a few months.


    * * * *


    Years, decades, centuries later.


    There was a rumor whispered among the sailors who sailed the ships off the coast of the old Leonard''s Kingdom.


    It is said


    .


    However, no one visited the island, and everyone was puzzled as to why such a rumor was spread.

 1086 - - 018 Interlude 3 The Gospels

    Jin visited his predecessor''s study with only Reiko, holding a white lily that was in full bloom in Horaijima.


    He put the white lily in a vase that Reiko had brought and put it on the desk.


    "I don''t know if my predecessor liked this flower or not..."


    "No, I''m sure your mother would have liked white flowers.


    Reiko''s confident tone makes Jin question her and asks, "Why do you think so?


    "Why do you think so?"


    "...... No, it just seemed that way to me."


    "I see.


    Jin wondered if there might be some of these memories left in his control core.


    Then, he looked at the bookshelf and took out a diary with the inscription "My Fumitoki San" (My Fumitoki 3).


    This diary is a valuable document that allows us to learn about the world a thousand years ago through the eyes of our predecessors.


    Jin undoes the clasp and gently opens the cover.


    With the help of the <<<< Morira>> clans, my knowledge has improved dramatically. But I still have a long way to go. I have heard that there is a tribe called the in the interior. There, the key to further improvement may lie. ......>>


    * * * *


    "<>?��What kind of place is it?"


    Adriana asked back, a word she had heard in the course of small talk.


    "It is said to be the place where our ancestors first landed ......."


    Saitos, the clan leader of , replied.


    "The first place they landed was ......? What does that mean?


    "Legend has it that our ancestors came from the sky in a flying ship and settled in this land.


    Vasyako explained.


    "<>...... is a ship that flies in the sky, I guess. It is said that he came from the sky on it.


    Adriana thought about it.


    She had heard that in her father Shuki''s former world there was such a <>.


    She also knew that the earth was round, not flat, and that it revolved around the sun.


    He also knows that in Shuki''s former world, it is possible to fly an artificial celestial body called <.


    However, Adriana has no ambition for the sky yet.


    Rather, she is only interested in the technology and knowledge that would allow her to build such a flying ship.


    "I''d like to go there.


    And so, naturally, the line comes out.


    "You may not be able to go alone. If you insist, I can give you a guide.


    Deeply impressed by Adriana''s skills, the clan offers their full cooperation.


    "Thank you very much.


    Adriana accepted the offer without hesitation.


    Adriana accepted the offer.


    Two days later, Adriana took the golem, F-002, M-002 Adriana departed from the clan''s village with the golem, F-002, and M-002.


    The guide was Vasjaako. Adriana felt at ease with him, as she was already familiar with him.


    Mr. Bashaako, it is a pleasure to meet you.


    It will take me four or five days to get here.


    Of course.


    The golem will carry all our luggage, so it will be physically easy for us.


    In case of emergency, you can also ride on the golem.


    Well, I''ll be on my way.


    Take care.


    It''s summer, the time when the grass is sprouting and flowers are blooming in the northern lands. The weather is perfect for traveling.


    The days are long and the nights are short.


    Vasjaako''s directions are reliable, and Adriana and the group head inland without making a single wrong turn.


    Day 3.


    "Adriana, we are going to arrive a day ahead of schedule.


    "Are you sure?


    "Yes. Yes. The golem is carrying our luggage, which is a big help. We should be there by nightfall.


    Since we were mostly empty-handed, we were able to travel longer distances in a day, and we seemed to be less fatigued.


    True to his word, we could see the village before the sun set.


    "Is that it?


    "Yes, that''s it. ...... look, they found this one."


    True to his word, I saw three people coming toward me from the village.


    "This time, you don''t have a letter of introduction, but rest assured that I will be accompanying you.


    Adriana was immediately trusted because of the letter of introduction she had received from the <> clan when she visited the <> clan.


    "...... can I help you?��......Oh, aren''t you the basherkos of <>?"


    One of the three men who approached, the oldest looking one, seemed to know Vashako. This makes the story go faster.


    "It''s been a long time, Mr. Harkiller."


    The man they called Harkiller was about six feet tall. He was a slender, elderly man.


    He was flanked on either side by a mature man who looked to be about 40 years old, and who seemed to be his escort.


    He seemed to be escorting her. "That''s an unusual thing. Are you related to the young lady?"


    Herkiler glanced at Adriana.


    "Yes, I am. My name is Adriana, and I am a Magecraft Meister.


    "Magecraft Meister?��What is that?


    This question was answered by Adriana.


    "Well, a Magecraftsman is a person who has mastered all aspects of magical engineering.


    "Oh, magical engineering?��I guess it''s the study of making things with magic, isn''t it?��That''s interesting. So what brings you here?


    "Of course, the knowledge, information and relics of the clans of the Gospel."


    This is Vasjaako.


    "After all, she has analyzed all the ancient artifacts of our clan and made the immobile things move.


    These words had an effect.


    "What?��As I recall, the ancient relics (artifacts) handed down in the <> were not limited to twenty, were they?"


    As expected, Harkler could not hide his surprise.


    "Yes, that''s right. We had a total of 38 units repaired."


    "I see. ......"


    Then Haakkiller realized that he was standing there talking.


    I beg your pardon. You must be Adriana, I am Hakirah, head of the clan. You are welcome.


    My name is Adriana and it is a pleasure to meet you.


    Harkiler introduces himself. Adriana also introduced herself and bowed.


    Adriana also introduced herself and bowed.


    "Thank you, Mr. Hakirah," she said.


    Bashaco bowed his head and the group headed for the village of .


    "What?


    No wonder Adriana was surprised.


    < lived not in the village, but in a cave drilled into a huge rocky hill behind the village.

 1087 - - 019 Persuasion

    "It''s an amazing place."


    The entrance to the cave was about four meters wide and high.


    He explained that in the beginning, people lived only here to protect themselves from the snow and cold in winter, but as the number of people increased, they were forced to set up houses outside as well, and so on.


    "Come on, come here."


    Adriana''s two golems were also let in without being asked any questions, but that was no surprise, as there were many golems inside performing various tasks.


    In the back of the cave we could hear the sound of mining, and in one room we could see what appeared to be vegetables being cultivated.


    Adriana is taken to a room in the back.


    It was a sort of parlor/meeting room with a square table with rounded corners and about ten chairs around it.


    He said, "I am preparing the room for you now. May I ask you a few questions in the meantime?


    "Uh, yes.


    First you can have a drink.


    A steaming drink was placed in front of Adriana and the others.


    The chief, Herkiler, who was seated in front of them, sipped it first.


    Then Bashaco, who sat next to Adriana, sipped his drink as well.


    Adriana also took a sip of the tea and found it sweet and tasty.


    It is called "tee-tee". We buy it from the south, but we are trying to make it around here.


    Herkiler explained about the tea, and then it was time to get down to business.


    "Well, let me ask you a question first.


    Yes, what is it?


    "Yes, what is it?" "I''m Adriana," she said. The two golems you brought with you, were they made by you?


    "Yes, I did.


    Herkiler seemed a little surprised at this answer.


    "...... Well, if that''s true, then you must be a very good engineer. So, what did you expect to find here?


    "Yes, to satisfy my thirst for knowledge.


    Adriana looked Herkiler in the eye and answered him directly.


    Somehow, she felt that it was better to be straightforward with this person than to use a roundabout way.


    And it seems I was right.


    "Ha-ha-ha, funny!��Miss, no, Miss Adriana. < clan.


    With that Harkiler clapped his hands twice.


    Then three golems arrived with trays containing dinner.


    First, eat your dinner.


    They served him boiled potato-like food, vegetable soup, and hard bread.


    Hakirah eats the same thing, so this seems to be his daily routine.


    "I am sorry that my food is so poor. I am sorry that our food is so poor, but the land does not grow many crops.


    "Then why don''t you move to ......"


    Adriana asked him why he did not move,


    "I can''t leave the land where my ancestors have lived for generations," came the answer.


    She replied, "I can''t leave the place where my ancestors have lived for generations.


    "That''s why we''re trying to find ways to make things better."


    Golem''s cultivation of some kind of vegetables seemed to be a part of that.


    "I see. ......"


    "If you are such a brilliant engineer, can you do something about this problem?"


    They suggested something like, "Well, yes.


    "Yes, ......"


    Adriana is unlikely to be able to advise on this aspect, since she has little knowledge of agriculture. But...


    "Then why don''t you just buy it from a certain place?


    I suggest something quite obvious.


    I thought he would laugh at me, but he did not.


    "That is certainly one option. But you need money to buy it. And our clan doesn''t have a ."


    "Yes. ......"


    Adriana could not imagine what life would be like without money in the sense of currency.


    "By the way, don''t they have a currency on this continent?"


    Adriana asked after all these years.


    "No, we don''t use it. We barter for it.


    "I see. ......"


    Each clan has its own role to play so that life is complete within the clan, Herkiler explained.


    "We get what we need from outside, but we don''t use currency," he said.


    That''s how the economy works, Adriana said.


    Adriana wondered for a moment if this was the way the economy was going to work, but then she realized that it was not her place to interfere as a layman, since that was how they had actually worked.


    Adriana did not know, but even in the places she had visited, ordinary people often bartered without using currency.


    I thought, "If we don''t use currency, what if we can do something from a different angle?


    "Why don''t we get foreign currency, or should I say, something we can sell?


    "Something to sell?"


    Hakira looked doubtful.


    "Yes, that''s right. I saw a little while ago that a golem was mining resources, right?


    "Yes. They are digging out metals and magical crystals.


    We can sell some of them for a small amount.


    I see. But to whom?


    To the southern continent.


    Here, means the continent south of the one Adriana has just visited.


    "Fuumu......"


    "The people who live on the southern continent......<>, as they call it, are warmer there than here, and they harvest more crops. Why don''t we buy from there?"


    "...... This continent is called ."


    After a short pause, Harkiller opened his mouth.


    "<> or ......, to be honest, I don''t like the people who live there."


    "Why is that?"


    I am from the continent of Lorren myself. Adriana questioned.


    "There is a legend that in the past, people who fled the continent of Gondor settled on the continent of Lorren, as you call it.


    "E......"


    "A branch of the family, so to speak. And they are the ones who gave up on the original family. You can''t buy necessities from them."


    "......"


    It is not a question of whether the tradition is correct or not. It is a matter of pride.


    Adriana wanted to hold her head in her hands.


    She was an engineer, and she had come to the because she thought that there were people in the north who might have knowledge that she did not have.


    Or, rather than <>, I should say <>.


    Shuki told me that there are people who live far to the west.


    Countries called Mitsuho and Huso.


    I drew my guess from them, and when I came to the north, it turned out to be right on the mark.


    But I digress.


    Adriana knows from experience that these feelings of are troublesome.


    When she used to travel with her father Shuki, those who were stuck in the old ways stubbornly refused to accept engineering magic.


    (Really, it''s a nuisance, isn''t it? ......)


    Sighing in her heart, Adriana thought of some way to convince them.


    "I''m not so much buying necessities as I am selling them."


    "What do you mean?��What do you mean?


    < elicited a response.


    There are many things that are missing or lacking on the other continent. I will sell them to you. Of course, you will have to pay us for them."


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Hakirah ponders this proposal. This could work, Adriana thought.

 1088 - - 020 age difference

    Adriana was trying to get them to trade while maintaining their clan pride.


    "What do they have that we don''t have or lack on the other continent ......?"


    After the meal, the discussion had gone on and it was decided to cool down and then have a more thorough discussion.


    Adriana was taken to the guest room, where she was lying on the bed thinking.


    "I spoke in the heat of the moment. ......"


    Adriana was not familiar with the life of ordinary people.


    Her life with her father, Shuki Tsezi, is filled with contacts with the upper class, which naturally makes it difficult for her to see other things.


    "<> is just a dream come true..."


    Adriana''s thoughts started to spiral into a negative spiral and she became more and more depressed.


    "Ah, stop, stop!��Let''s go to sleep tonight!


    Adriana turned off the light in her room, covered herself with a blanket and immediately fell asleep, tired from the trip.


    "......Hmmm, I don''t know what to do..."


    She woke up after a night''s sleep, but still no good idea came to her.


    "Are you awake?


    I turned toward the voice and saw a golem standing there.


    The golem led me to the washroom to wash my face, and then to the dining room, where Harkler and Bashako had just arrived.


    The breakfast was barley porridge.


    It is filled with herbs and chopped vegetables.


    Adriana was about to eat it with a large spoon when a thought flashed through her mind.


    After the meal, a tea with a slightly different taste came out. It seemed to be an herbal tea, but she could not tell what kind of leaves it was.


    Adriana liked the fresh aroma and the slight sweetness.


    "Well, I''ve put my thoughts together..."


    She had actually put it all together just now, but it didn''t matter.


    We have light silver here, don''t we?


    "Yes, we have plenty of it."


    Harkler answered.


    "There''s not much light silver on the coasts of the other continent, for some reason. That''s why you can find it at ......."


    "I see, so you sell light silver."


    Harkler said as if to echo Adriana''s words. But Adriana shakes her head.


    No," she said. We''re going to do it one more time.


    "One more step?"


    Vasjaako asked.


    "Yes. We make tableware out of light silver and sell it.


    Light silver = titanium has low thermal conductivity, so that your hand does not get hot even if you eat something hot.


    It also has the advantage of being lighter than iron, copper, and silver, making it easier to handle.


    However, as far as Adriana has seen, the use of light silver has not been observed in the northern part of the country.


    This reminded him of the idea of trading in light silver.


    At the same time, he proposed to sell it as tableware as an added value.


    "I see, tableware. ......"


    "Food is a big thing. From the nobility and royalty to the general public, there is no one who can live without food.


    In other words, the market is large.


    This was quite convincing.


    "Well, it is worth considering.


    Harkler also seemed to have given this idea some thought.


    "Anyway," he said, "Lady Adriana has given me a clear answer to my proposal. Anyway, Adriana gave me one clear answer to my proposal and I will cooperate with her.


    It seems that the proposal that Herkiler made to Adriana yesterday was half a sincere one and the other half a confirmation of her character.


    Herkiler must have judged that he could trust Adriana because she had made a sincere effort to respond to his proposal and had given him a meaningful answer.


    "Thank you very much."


    After the meal, Adriana and Bashaco were led by Herkiler to a warehouse in the same cave.


    "This is one of the warehouses where the clan''s magic tools are kept. Let''s have a look at this first.


    The room was about 20 tatami mats in size and was filled with magic tools of various sizes.


    "Lady Adriana, it seems that there are relatively well-preserved items in this room. It may be a good place for you to test your skills.


    Vaschako advised.


    However, many of the magic tools were new to Adriana, and she began to analyze them with a twinkle in her eye.


    "......Hmmm, I guess there''s still room for improvement in the Magi Formula here ......, but this one is very complete ......."


    "I didn''t know there was such a use for ......."


    "This is the old model. < was more advanced."


    The analysis while muttering to himself is familiar to Vashako.


    The next thing he knew, a young man came up to him.


    "Who are you?"


    Bashaco asks in a whisper so as not to disturb Adriana.


    My name is Levert. I am the grandson of the herkiller.


    The young man who introduced himself as Levert was also a student of magical technology.


    My grandfather told me to go and see how good the engineers from the south are.


    He explained why he had come here.


    In the meantime, Adriana had been working on her analysis.


    "I see. So this Magi Formula is in charge of controlling our components.


    "Well, ...... I don''t see how it can be used in this way. There is too much waste.


    "Oh, I don''t think so. If we look at it this way,...... we can see that it reverses the phase between the back and front,......"


    Levert looked at Adriana, who was silently, or rather muttering to herself as she continued her analysis.


    "You are an amazing person. He''s an amazing man. ...... He''s from the south, so he''s probably between 20 and 40 years old, isn''t he?��And yet he has that much knowledge. ......"


    The murmur was not above a whisper, so it reached Adriana''s ears just as she paused.


    "...... you''re being rude!��I''m only 18."


    "Oh, I''m sorry."


    Adriana''s brazenness frightened Levert.


    The lifespan of those living on the northern continent (Gondor) is long, about five times longer than those living on the southern continent (Laurent). The rate of growth and aging is also commensurate with this.


    Therefore, it is not surprising that Levert is not sure of Adriana''s age.


    Even Adriana would not be able to guess the age of Harkler or Bashaco.


    Adriana bowed her head to Ravert, who gave her an explanation and an excuse like .......


    "I''m sorry. You''re right, I don''t know how old you are either. Mr. Herkiler looks about sixty and Mr. Basherko about thirty-five. ...... Mr. Levert, is it?��You look about 20 years old."


    "Yes, I think that''s fine. In fact, my grandfather was 300 years old and I am 100 years old, so that makes my life span 5 times longer than his, That makes us 60 and 20 years old.


    "I''m 170 years old, so that would be the equivalent of 34 years old."


    "Yeah, yeah, ......."


    Adriana looked stunned.


    "How do you live so long?"


    I couldn''t help but ask.


    Even if ...... it has already passed.


    Adriana wanted her father, Shuki Tsetsi, to live a little longer.

 1089 - - 021 Meeting and parting

    "I don''t know why ......, we''ve always been that way," was all he said.


    With a slightly puzzled look on his face, Levert answered.


    "That''s right, Adriana. We are not doing anything special.


    Vaschako added.


    "Well, that''s true, isn''t it?


    Adriana, who had cooled down a little, stopped her pursuit.


    "I''m sorry. I got a little carried away.


    To Adriana''s apology, Levert silently shook his head and replied.


    "By the way, now that you have shown us all the magic tools here, could you show us something a little more advanced?


    At these words, Levert smiled.


    "Yes, of course. This room contains only what all of our researchers can analyze.


    "I see. I guess our people are of a high standard.


    (Although no one can analyze everything in a few hours like you can...), Levert added in a whisper.


    Levert led us to a room further in the back.


    "This is where all our golem-related stuff is gathered."


    "Great!"


    Adriana''s face lit up when she saw the golems standing in a row.


    "May I take a look at them?"


    Yes, please.


    At this point, Levert knew that "Don''t break it" was a useless advice to her.


    "Let''s see this first."


    While Levert was looking at Adriana, he started to examine the golem at the back of the room, starting with the one at the front.


    (I see, I don''t need to see that level anymore.)


    (I see, I don''t need to look at that level anymore...) I glanced at the golem that Adriana had brought with her, stopped at the entrance, and knew it was a very advanced golem.


    (I was surprised that an endoskeletal golem had been perfected by the inhabitants of the south.)


    ) As a resident of the northern continent, Levert had his own pride.


    Adriana had no idea that Levert was thinking of such a thing, and she was happy to analyze the golem.


    "...... Oh, it''s not an <>. ...... Is this ......?"


    "Oh, it stores mana and uses it. It''s a mana tank. But the operating time will be short. ......


    "This one has a ...... thin magical nerve ...... that doesn''t seem to be very efficient."


    Levert groans as he watches Adriana, who is already working on the analysis of the second one.


    (Ummm, great ...... definitely better than our technicians ......)


    Except for her inexperience, her comprehension is outstanding. What he may not know in terms of knowledge, he more than makes up for with his flash of insight and reasoning.


    (Who named her <> or ...... is not an exaggeration at all).


    Adriana continued her analysis and had finished analyzing five golems by lunch time.


    "My Lord Adriana, you are amazing!"


    Levert praised her unreservedly as they moved for lunch.


    "Thank you?"


    Adriana was not quite sure.


    The golem she was analyzing was an advanced one that could only be maintained by the best engineers in the <> clan.


    "Hmmm, Lady Adriana, I have underestimated you.


    Herkiler groaned when his grandson and engineer, Levert, told him about Adriana''s work.


    "In the afternoon I will take you to the vaults for more advanced magic tools. "Levert, will you take care of it?"


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    So after lunch Adriana was taken to the innermost part of the cave.


    She was accompanied by Levert, but not by Vasjaako.


    "I don''t think it''s my place anymore," he said.


    He had his own agenda now that he was here in the clan territory.


    I was later told that there is basically no interaction between the clans.


    The only exception is that <> and <> exchange information once or twice a year.


    Putting that aside, Adriana steps into the vaults where the magic tools, the hidden treasures of the <> clan, are stored.


    The light comes on automatically.


    "It''s equipped with a detector. That would be helpful.


    Adriana immediately begins to analyze the equipment, and Levert is intrigued.


    "If we change this part a little, it should be possible to detect normal people without magic power.


    "...... what would you use such a thing for?"


    "Yes?


    "...... sister?"


    Adriana was analyzing the data while muttering to herself, and before she knew it, a woman was standing next to her. She seemed to be Levert''s sister.


    Her hair was gray and her eyes were yellow, the same color as her brother''s. Her hair was shoulder-length. However, her hair was shoulder-length and she had a feminine body.


    "So, what do you use it for?"


    Adriana was a little taken aback when she was interrupted by the soliloquy, but quickly regained her composure.


    "Well, I''m sure there are many uses for it.


    "So, what exactly are you talking about?


    "Well, it could be used as a security device that sounds an alarm when a person approaches, and yes, I think it could be applied to traps to catch animals, if not people.


    "...... method."


    He was satisfied with Adriana''s answer.


    "Hmmm, Adriana, you say. I am Hasareth, Levert''s sister.


    "Oh, thank you very much.


    What are you doing here, sister?


    Levert interrupted.


    "What are you talking about? I''ve come to see the secret storehouse of our clan that has been opened.


    "I see. Then come with me and see for yourself.


    What nonsense! As a technician, I will not pass up this opportunity.


    Hasarese is very animated in contrast to the reserved Levert. He is very outspoken.


    Adriana, do you know why the Magi Formula is the way it is?


    He has already called her out. But I could tell by the look on her face that Adriana did not mind.


    "Yes. I think it''s a buffer for connecting our elements to your link board.


    "I see. ......"


    The answer came back to me as if I had hit the nail on the head, and I was even more enthusiastic than Adriana.


    Levert watches her and lets out a small sigh.


    Adriana and Hatherlys continue working together until the evening.


    "Well, Adriana, it was a very productive time.


    "I had a good time, too."


    It seems that the two became good friends through this work.


    * * * *


    With every encounter, there is a parting.


    "My work is done, Adriana. Tomorrow morning, I will return to the clan territory.


    The vashako of the <> says that his work is done and that he will return home.


    "Thank you for everything you have done for me, Mr. Bashako.


    "That''s what I''ve been saying. As a member of the clan, I cannot thank you enough. I hope you will stop by on your way back if you have a chance.


    "Sure, I''ll stop by."


    With this conversation, the Vashakos left the clan territory of the the next morning.


    Adriana, on the other hand, would remain in the clan territory for almost a year.

 1090 - - 022 Interlude 4 New Past

    Jin closed the third diary and put it back on the bookshelf.


    "I didn''t know that, my predecessors were demons ...... or maybe they weren''t called demons back then, but that''s where they studied various magical tools again."


    One of the reasons for his superior skills is now clear.


    "So when you went to the demon tribe, the name <> was known to you because your mother had gone there?"


    Reiko said in a quiet voice.


    "That would be the case."


    Jin agreed in the same quiet voice and left the study.


    He was curious about the footprints of his predecessors, but he could not spend all day reading them.


    When he left the laboratory, the summer sun was shining outside.


    "It''s going to be hot again today, isn''t it?


    Jin looked up at the blue summer sky with squinted eyes and muttered to himself.


    * * * *


    ......Well, there''s still a lot of work to be done.


    Returning once again to the control room in the institute, Jin sits down in his chair and begins to discuss the future with the old man.


    > that was recorded by our predecessor? >>


    It is a magical tool to extract any substance dissolved in seawater.


    "Well, it might be a good idea to make it on an experimental basis.


    For now, Horai Island is not in need of resources.


    "Besides, it seems that we can get quite a lot of resources from meteorites.


    At the base behind the moon of Ars, meteorites passing nearby were collected and used as resources.


    Most of them are stony meteorites, but iron meteorites are occasionally recovered as well, and there are ample reserves of iron, nickel, and cobalt.


    "I''d rather work on artificial magic crystals (magi crystals)."


    Magi crystals have so far not been found in meteorites.


    Since they are also scarce in Yuny, Jin speculated that there might be some conditions for their formation.


    "Mithianite was a meteorite, though. ......"


    Apart from that, Jin wanted to research if it was possible to make artificial magic crystals (magi crystals) from low quality magic stones (magi stones) by applying free magic elements (ether) under certain conditions.


    If the amount of Magi Crystals mined is 1, the amount of Magi Stones mined is 100. But the number of usable quality magi stones is about 20. In other words, 80 of the magi stones are discarded.


    Jin''s plan is to reuse them.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    However, the plan is already completed in Jin''s mind.


    "After all, what should we do about the wedding with Elsa. ......"


    This is the biggest challenge for now.


    First, the wedding. Will it be held on Horai Island?��Or in Shoro, Erza''s hometown?��Or in the village of Kaina?


    Wedding banquet. We may have to visit many countries for this.


    "......I''m worried about it..."


    <>


    <> and , who is well known in many countries, this is a problem.


    "It''s not a problem that can be put off."


    "That''s true. I will discuss it with her later.


    "Certainly. ......"


    <<


    Thus, Jin had a meeting with the old man until noon.


    * * * * *


    The Laurentian continent consists of the kingdoms of Klein, Egelea, Elias, Franz, and Cerroa, the Shoro Kingdom, and the countries of Mitsho and Huso to the west.


    In addition, the former Kingdom of Leonard, which was destroyed, is inhabited by humans.


    The Kingdom of Egelea is located in the southeastern part of the Laurentian continent and is an old country that was once a part of a large country called <>.


    The records of the past have been lost since the <>, a war that affected the entire sphere of existence of mankind.


    We only know that the Kingdom of Dinar was established shortly before the <>, and that there are few, if any, oral traditions, and almost no written records.


    There are many, if not most, < who regret this and are studying it.


    And.


    "Hmmm...I can only assume that it was a high ranking mage who passed on the oral tradition, but I wonder why there is no written record of it."


    <, has also embarked on an investigation of the .


    She came to Nakarai in the western part of the Kingdom of Egelea. It is surrounded by gently rolling mountains.


    She had been collecting the lore of the Shoro Kingdom, and among them there was one that related to the country before the Great Magic War.


    "<>....... God, we could use a few more clues."


    With just these clues, she was moving from one small group of countries to the next.


    However, there are surprisingly few towns surrounded by mountains.


    "There is a big town in the east, which means there is a big plain in that direction. ......"


    When I checked the map of Horaijima, I found such a place only around Nakarai in the Kingdom of Egelea.


    Of course, it is possible that there was a big town then and it is deserted now.


    However, my intuition as a storyteller told me that it might be in this area.


    "This is Nikalai and Dairou. ...... From the name of the place, it sounds like an old name."


    Vivienne sensed something in the sound of the name.


    "Mount Denan....... There''s a mine there, so I wouldn''t be surprised if there were some ruins.


    "Hey, Vivian."


    Someone called out to Vivian who was looking at the mountain and thinking about something.


    "Ah, Mr. Lukor."


    An old man with a bald head, a white beard, and gray eyes.


    He is a well-known archaeologist who was once a brainwashed pawn of the Unification Party (Unifiler).


    Jin met him at an archaeological site that he visited with Reinhardt, Erza, and others, and was released from his brainwashing.


    He met Vivian by chance, and they hit it off and came to this place.


    "Ah, Mr. Lecorre, how was it?


    "Yeah, no clue. What about you?


    "No luck there either."


    "Hmm, maybe we should try the next town."


    "Yes, that''s right. Tomorrow we will go to Nikalai.


    Vivian and Lukor. This unlikely pairing does not yet know what lies ahead.


    The world is seemingly at peace.

 1091 - - 30-01 Current status check

    Horai Island, an isolated island in the blue sea.


    It is the base of the magical engineer , Jin Nido.


    It is also an inviolable base, controlled by the ultra-high-performance magical brain .


    Only Jin and his family are allowed to visit without permission. They are called the "Jin Family".


    Vivian, a member of the and a <, has been following a certain legend.


    It is about a country and its technology before the .


    The Mage Wars broke out about 300 years ago, and in the final phase of the war, 60% of the mages lost their jobs due to the "Aether Stampede".


    Since the mages were also the bearers of culture, this was the beginning of a partial breakdown of the cultural inheritance.


    Archaeologists and historians have tried to recreate this culture, but their efforts have not been sufficient.


    This is where storytellers come into the limelight.


    There is a profession of storytellers who tell stories not in writing, but in words, and some of these stories may contain hidden facts of the past.


    Vivian was collecting and compiling folklore in the Shoro Kingdom when she had an unexpected encounter.


    He was Lukor, a former archaeologist of the party.


    He had escaped to the Kingdom of Celuloa after the incident.


    He had come to the Kingdom of Shoro with his knowledge from his time as a member of the Unifiler, and with a certain nobleman as his patron, he had secured funding for his research.


    "Oh, I see. ....... Did such a thing happen before the Magic War ......?"


    Vivian was impressed by the knowledge she had gained from the former , Elena, about the magical wars and the time before that.


    Vivienne''s memory and her knowledge were also very useful for Lukor.


    So now the two had left the Shoro Kingdom and had come to the western part of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    * * * * *


    In Horai Island, Jin, the master of the island, was talking with the old lord.


    "Well, Vivian is here. ...... Keep an eye on her to make sure she is not in any danger, OK?"


    to it.


    .


    It is an artifact-class item made by Jin.


    It has a function of barrier generation, communication by manacam (magic element communication device), and authentication as a member of <>. As a side note, it has a light-emitting function and can be used as a light in a dark place.


    Among these functions, the generation of a barrier can be remotely controlled by the "Mere Old Man," so that the "Mere Old Man" can deal with the situation when he is sleeping or when he is taken by surprise.


    Of course, if the "Mere Old Man" is in a place where the "Mere Old Man" cannot recognize him, it is impossible to remotely control him.


    For this reason, he had one of the <> secretly attached as an escort.


    "Yes, that''s good.


    Jin was relieved for the time being.


    "But still, after the previous generation and before the magic war,......?"


    It is true that history books remain. However, they are like history textbooks, and while we can understand the general outline of the history, we cannot understand the details of the branches and leaves.


    To put it more concretely, we can know the result of <>, but we can only guess how to get there.


    "<> and his predecessor''s records have been found, so the situation 1000 years ago is becoming clearer. ......"


    It means that there was a gap between the death of the predecessor and the time just before the Magic War.


    "Considering the development of technology, it would not be surprising if the development was based on the technology of the previous generation. ......"


    Jin wondered if the records of his predecessor, which he had not yet read, had any answers to these questions.


    Yes, the 700672 has been on Ars since before the current human civilization, but it has been non-interacting with the human race and has spent most of its time sleeping. It has been on Ars since before the current human civilization, but it has been non-interacting with humans and has spent most of its time sleeping, so it is completely unaware of the situation there.


    We did not get much information from the moon <, either."


    The moon of Ars <> was not an original satellite, but an asteroid that was put into its current orbit by the ancestors of mankind, the .


    Jin took over the magical brain <> that controlled it.


    He was indifferent to what they were doing, even though he had been watching the human race on the ground.


    "You too, Milowina. ......"


    Milowina is the last of the royal family of the former Kingdom of Leonard.


    235 years ago, there was an epidemic of a disease called in the old Leonard Kingdom, and some people escaped to Yunie by using a transfer magic circle to escape from the disease.


    However, in the end, most of them fell ill due to the pathogen of that they brought with them, making their escape worthless.


    We know some things from the records of the former Leonard Kingdom, but we still cannot deny the lack of information.


    It seems that the former Leonard Kingdom was not actively trading with the surrounding countries in the first place.


    "I guess we''re stuck. ......"


    "I guess so. ......"


    All the records can''t have disappeared, they must still exist somewhere.


    Jin hoped that the knowledge of them would lead to further development.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "In the first place, why is it that there is not much technology left at all from before the Great Magic War?��...... That''s the question I''m asking myself."


    In the private carriage, Lukor was debating with Vivian.


    "I understand. The lore of the tradition also decreases drastically after 300 years ago."


    Some time ago, Jin and his group traveled to the Huso ......, Mitsho, and other ethnic groups. A young man named Goose came and Vivian heard many stories about him.


    Vivian couldn''t help but think that <>.


    "It will be Nikalai soon!


    He called out to her.


    Vivian, Lukor, and two assistants were now making their way around the western part of the Kingdom of Egelea as a .


    "I hope we can find some clues this time..."


    "I agree with you. Even though archeology requires patience, I think it''s about time we found something.


    The two exchanged a wry smile.


    The town of Nikalai is a small town with a population of about 1,000.


    The group stayed at the more upscale of the two inns. Each of us had a private room.


    "Oh, man, I guess this is all thanks to the research funding..."


    Now, Lukor and Vivian were having dinner in the dining room.


    "Who is this nobleman?"


    Vivian asked, not having heard his name before.


    "Oh, I didn''t tell you?��"Oh, I didn''t tell you? His name is Baffle Nosy de Yancy, from the Kingdom of Celuloa."


    "I see."


    Vivienne, who was from the Kingdom of Celuloa, had never heard of him.


    "He was not cut off by the new king''s policies, so I guess he must be capable in his own way."


    He was one of the nobles who had managed to maintain the status quo after Cesar''s accession to the throne in February of that year, despite the purges and demotions of some of the nobles and vassals.


    ��Vivienne thought that he was just a good man on his own.)


    Vivienne thought that she was just a good player, but she had enough self-control not to say anything about it.


    Anyway, thanks to that baffle, she is able to make this trip for her research without having to pay out of her own pocket.


    "So, tomorrow we''re going to start listening, right?"


    "Yes. We have a lot of work to do, such as searching for documents and visiting the old-timers. We''ll split up as we have done in the past.


    I have no objection.


    They toasted with a glass of wine, wishing each other success in their research.

 1092 - - 30-02 Old friend

    "Brother Jin, I heard you have something to tell me."


    Erza appeared in the command center of Horai Island.


    "Ah, I''m sorry to call you all the way here. But it''s important. Well, please have a seat.


    "Nmm..."


    Erza sits down beside Jin. It is no wonder, since the window in front of Jin is a magic screen controlled by the old man.


    Jin waited for the right moment when Erza sat down and spoke at once.


    "What I want to talk about is the wedding.


    What?


    Erza was probably surprised and froze with her mouth open without speaking.


    Jin did not care and continued to talk as if he was going to rush into the conversation.


    "In my opinion, we should invite the here in Horai Island and have a wedding ceremony, and after that, we should go around the countries as a kind of a reception."


    "......"


    Erza''s mouth closed, but this time she turned bright red and looked down.


    "...... Elsa?"


    "Uh-huh."


    "Are you sure you don''t like it?"


    Erza shook her head.


    I don''t hate it. I''m just a little surprised."


    "I see. I''m glad to hear that.


    Jin also started to get a little embarrassed after he had spoken up all at once.


    "...... so, what do you think?"


    "......, I think it''s a good idea."


    "The rest is just a matter of dates, but I''ve already asked Reinhardt about it."


    Rai?


    Yes, I''ve asked Reinhard. After we set the date, he told me to notify each country at least a month in advance.


    Reinhardt had said that it would be enough to allow at least half a year''s leeway, Jin said with a wry smile.


    "That is, yes. That''s how aristocrats are."


    Erza agreed.


    As for Reinhardt''s wedding, she also said that the wedding ceremony, regardless of the date, should have been decided before he left for his trip as a diplomat.


    "It may seem sudden, but I think that Rai''s fathers have been notified everywhere."


    "I see. Well, I understand."


    Even in modern Japan, wedding invitations are sent out several months to six months in advance.


    "I''m sure you''ll think it''s understandable, since Jin is so unconventional, but..."


    "...... I see."


    Jin was a little disappointed.


    "But the engagement announcement itself was made six months ago, so I think it''s at least presentable ......."


    It really is the bare minimum.


    "......"


    But Erza has been leaning on Jin.


    "But I''m ...... glad."


    * * *


    "This is the cabin where my friend lives."


    Vivienne and Lecole walk up the gentle slope as they talk. The two helpers have been sent elsewhere, so it''s just the two of them.


    "We''ve been friends for 30 years, but I don''t like people. They live in the countryside all the time."


    Fifteen minutes'' walk from the town of Nikalai toward the mountains, there is an open flat area where he has built a hut to conduct his research.


    "What does he say?"


    "Oh, I didn''t tell you. Zidane Casey. That''s my friend''s name.


    And what does he study?


    Golems and automata.


    Lukor studied archaeology and Zidane studied magical engineering.


    "At that time, there was a school in the capital of the Kingdom of Celuloa. I don''t know if it still exists.��Anyway, among the 20 or so classmates who studied there, Zidane Casey was the one I got along with the best.


    "Ah, but that''s nice, isn''t it?"


    Vivienne also has a childhood friend, Stearina. Somehow, I thought I understood how Lukor felt.


    "Look, there she is."


    I looked in the direction he pointed and saw a hut at the top of the hill. No, it was a little too grand to be a hut. It was more like an ordinary house.


    Three minutes after the hut came into view, the two men stood at the door.


    They rang the knocker, and after a minute or so, an automaton appeared.


    He had a neutral face. He has a slim figure.


    Who are you?


    My name is Lukor. ......


    Please wait a moment.


    As soon as Lecorre said his name, the automaton pulled back.


    The automaton must have been made by Zidane.


    While waiting, Lecore muttered to Vivienne.


    "It looks pretty good. ......


    "Yes."


    Having seen Jinsei''s automata and golems, the workmanship could still be described as poor, but by the standards of the public, it was at a high enough level to be ranked in the upper echelon.


    "The automata he was aiming for shouldn''t be like that,...... but like Elena,......."


    "Elena?"


    "Oh, ...... no, Elena, that''s the automaton I saw a long time ago. It was a really wonderful automaton that looked just like a human being."


    Vivian herself had not seen ...... the former , but she had heard stories about her from Jin and others.


    She was an automaton created shortly before the Magic War, and she had continued to destroy Adriana''s automata, inheriting the will of her creator, who was against Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    In recent years, they have organized the Unifiler Party and have been trying to control the world.


    For a time, Lukor was brainwashed by Elena or her subordinates to become a pawn of the Unified Party (Unifiler).


    The master is coming to see you. Please come in. You too.


    The automaton from earlier returned and invited them in.


    The room was not very large, but it was divided into several rooms, and the two were led to the room at the far end.


    "Come in."


    They entered a room with a bed and an elderly man lying on the bed.


    "Lukor. It''s been a long time.


    Zidane, what the hell is going on?


    Zidane was lying in bed, apparently injured in both legs.


    "...... is a long story. First you should sit down. ...... Is that lady your wife?"


    "Yes."


    "Oh, no, no, no. She''s just my business partner."


    "...... I see. You''re still the same, aren''t you?


    "Of course. Just like the water in the ocean doesn''t get any sweeter.


    No difference."


    Vivienne, who was out of the mosquito net, saw the two of them laughing and thought that they really got along well with each other.


    "What do you really want with ......?"


    They were talking nonsense for a while, but they had another purpose.


    Zidane asked him and that''s when Lecorre turned serious.


    We are looking for something.


    "Looking for something?"


    "Yes. The records from before the war. We''re looking for a source that can help us find them.


    So why are you here?


    At this question, Lukor glanced at Vivian''s face.


    Vivienne sensed that she was being asked to speak first, and opened her mouth.


    I am Vivian. I am a storyteller.


    Realizing that she had not introduced herself, she first says hello.


    Then she explains.


    "There is a passage in the lore of the Shoro Kingdom that says ''the land to the south, surrounded by mountains, with a large town to the east''. I thought this might be the place to find the corresponding topography.


    He also described what he had done so far and what he had guessed.


    "Hmmm... ......."


    Zidane thinks for a moment and then opens his mouth.


    The two could not hide their surprise at what he said.


    "It is true that there was a past research facility in this upper mountain."

 1093 - - 30-03 Research facilities

    A research facility from the past.


    That''s what Vivian and the others are looking for.


    "The ......?"


    Lukor urged Zidane, who was at a loss for words, to go on.


    "When we looked, most of it had been scattered. ......"


    "Oh, my God, I didn''t realize that. ......"


    Lukor''s shoulders slump a little.


    It''s probably not surprising. It''s in a place where people can visit, so it would be strange if it had been preserved.


    "But isn''t there anything left?"


    Vivienne asks. Zidane meditates, thinking about something as if remembering, and then opens his mouth.


    "I''d say there is, but ......"


    I''d like to see it with my own eyes first. Where is it, by the way?"


    That''s what I''m most curious about.


    "I climbed up this mountain, halfway up. You can easily find it by the footprints."


    "Thank you."


    Vivian was elated. After a long search, she finally had some information.


    "By the way, what happened to your injuries?"


    Lukor asked, as if he were a friend.


    "......"


    Zidane was at a loss for words, but when Lecorre asked him again, he opened his heavy mouth.


    "...... I am ashamed to say that my assistant betrayed me."


    "What?"


    "An assistant I hired two years ago. A young man named Gunno Asher. He stole my research.


    Once he began to speak, the rest of the words came out like a stream.


    "He was a very capable man. He knew a lot about alchemy and magical engineering, and was very useful, but he stole an unfinished golem.


    "Hm, what is this unfinished golem, by the way?"


    "I am proud to say that it is a model never seen before. It has a special structure. I don''t want to discuss ...... the details, you know ......."


    Even though he is a friend of mine, he is not willing to tell me about the new innovations that are the lifeblood of a magecraftsman.


    "Okay. I''m sorry for everything.


    At this point Vivian remembered that in her luggage she had an emergency < given to her by Jin.


    This was a slightly less effective version of the original one, one that could be seen by the general public.


    If I need more, I can contact them with the bracelet and they will give me some kind of support.


    "I have some medicines for you, please take them.


    Vivienne offers one of the three bottles she has.


    "I''m sorry about this."


    Zidane took it and drank it immediately. Vivian wondered if he knew what he was talking about, but he kept quiet because he was the one who had given the bottle to Zidane.


    "Oh?"


    Vivienne took the bottle and immediately noticed the effects.


    The effect is reduced, but only because the advanced level < becomes intermediate level <>.


    And is effective in healing broken bones.


    As expected, the effect is not as immediate as when healing magic is applied directly to the affected area, but it is enough for Zidane right now.


    ......I feel much better."


    The creaking pain that is typical of a broken bone is gone.


    The muscles in her legs are too weak to walk immediately, but she has recovered enough to be able to get out of bed.


    She has an automaton to help her, so she does not seem to have to worry about that.


    "Miss, you are called Vivien, thank you!��I''ve been having a hard time finding a good healer around here... I called one once, but he couldn''t heal me completely and charged me a lot of money..."


    "I''m glad you are cured."


    "I''m glad you got better." "Wasn''t that an expensive drug?��If so, I''m willing to pay for it."


    Zidane was quite impressed, and the effect was so dramatic.


    "It was given to me by an acquaintance when I left for my trip, so I don''t know what it is."


    But Vivian chose the safe way of saying no. Zidane backed down. So Zidane backed down.


    "Well, that''s a shame. I was hoping I could find out where to get it."


    It is true that living in such a remote area, one would want to be prepared with medicines. However, Vivian is also aware that it is not a medicine that can be distributed indiscriminately.


    I''m sorry.


    "No, you don''t need to be sorry."


    Zidane waved his hand and said he wasn''t bothered.


    "Well, let''s go to this place from the past, shall we?"


    "Yes, I guess so."


    To accomplish their original goal, Lecorre and Vivienne decided to leave Zidane''s hut.


    "Take care of yourselves, you two. Stop by on your way home if you can.


    "Yes, I will."


    Lukor promised Zidane. Vivian had no objection.


    In a way it was reassuring to know that if they did not come back, he would think something had happened to them.


    They walked up the mountain road.


    There were faint footprints where Zidane and his assistants must have gone, so there was no need to worry about getting lost.


    Ropes had been set up at steep and rocky places, and they were able to climb up using them as clues.


    Two hours passed.


    They arrived in front of a crumbling ruin.


    Is this the research facility?


    "I guess so."


    Half of the building was hollowed out of a rock pile, and the other half seemed to have been constructed of stone.


    The stone part of the structure was crumbling, but it had been easily reinforced with logs. Zidane and his team must have reinforced it.


    "It seems safe to go inside.


    The two of us immediately begin to investigate the inside.


    Indeed, there was almost nothing left inside, but since the two were not engineers, they had a different point of view from Zidane.


    For example, even if they saw the remains of something that had been placed inside, they would still be able to formulate a theory.


    "Hmmm, this facility is about 500 years old.


    Lukor estimated the age of the facility from the few remaining documents.


    "Five hundred years ago!��That''s a mysterious time.


    "Yes, it is. It was worth the trip.


    They continued their investigation.


    Vivien asked Lecore, "...... do you know what this place was doing?"


    Vivian asked Lecore.


    "Well, it''s a laboratory, I guess.


    "Yes, I agree with that. And I think it was privately owned.


    "Well, why do you think that?"


    Yes, this one, and this one, and this one, and this one over there: ......


    In this way, the two gathered fragmentary information and put it together like a puzzle.


    * * * * *


    Zidazo, a town in the southern part of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    It is located at the southern foot of Mount Garratt, where there are mines, and is reasonably busy.


    However, it is also a town with a lot of bad people, and the security is in disarray.


    Two shadows came to the town of Zidazo.


    "Well, this town will serve our purpose," one of the shadows muttered.


    One of the shadows muttered such words and walked toward a particularly unsafe corner of the town.

 1094 - - 30-04 Biological and mineral origin

    On the morning of July 20th, the old man reported to Jin.


    "An interesting discovery?"


    .


    "Wow. That''s great!


    500 years ago is a time that has remained a mystery until now.


    Jin was disappointed to hear that.


    "That''s a real shame. Nothing happened there?"


    "<>?"


    <


    "Lukor?��I think I heard it somewhere: ......"


    "Father, he is the researcher we met at the Keowan site."


    "Oh, that guy from the Giggarth Riots."


    I remember that he claimed to be an archaeologist.


    "I thought he had been gone for some time, but I guess we had a connection in some strange way.


    "That''s right."


    Jin and Reiko nodded at each other.


    "But I''d like to check out a 500 year old research facility or ...... even if the materials have been scattered."


    "Oh, you''re the man, old man."


    Jin hoped that this would bring some information.


    <


    "Yes, what is it?"


    <


    The activities of the Nostalgia Party are free as long as they do not conflict with the policies of Horai Island.


    The old man will organize them and report to Jin when the time is right.


    Please take care of them.


    "I see, so you are supporting such rural areas?"


    <<


    "I see. What are the specifics?"


    Especially sewage treatment and the dispatch and training of healers.


    <<><> are put into a permeation tank.


    This method was invented by Jin. When the < is no longer effective, it is time to replace it with a new one.


    Since Jin''s assets are increasing, he also donates to these shadow public projects.


    However, even without that, the Nostalgia Party had tremendous amount of assets during the time of its predecessor, the Unification Party (Unifiler), and they were engaged in these activities to give back to the society.


    "That''s good to hear."


    * * *


    "We didn''t get much out of it. ......"


    "Mm."


    Vivian and Lecorre met up with Zidane at his hut and then headed down to the town of Nikalai.


    When they returned to the inn, the two helpers had already returned and went back to their rooms, telling them that they had not gotten anything out of it.


    "...... I don''t feel much motivation."


    Vivienne said as she watched them walk away, and Lukor nodded his head in agreement.


    "Yes. But, well, I wouldn''t be so angry if they were really just ."


    "I see what you mean.


    "I''m just curious about this sentence. Zidane would have read it."


    Yes. ......


    Vivienne looked once more at the leather paper that she and Lecole had written down.


    "<>......<>, doesn''t it?"


    A few words were unreadable, but the completion was easy.


    "But how is that possible?��What are we making up in the first place?��...... I''m an archaeologist, so I don''t know, but Zidane seemed to be on to something."


    "I know a magecraftsman, so I''ll ask him next time I see him.


    "Yes, please do. Anyway, I am sure that this sentence is about some past technology.


    * * * *


    The contents of the letter were brought to Jin later that night.


    Jin heard it in the control room in the basement of the institute together with Erza.


    "Erza, what do you think?


    "<>...... honestly, the only thing that comes to mind is ......."


    Elsa glanced at Edgar, who stood beside her.


    With this gesture, Jin sensed that Elsa had the same perception as he did.


    "Automata, or golem, right ......?"


    "Hmm."


    Reiko, for example, has muscles, skin, and hair as biological materials.


    Skeleton, eyes, nerve lines, control core, etc. are mineral materials.


    "Why do you use biological materials in the first place?


    Erza asked a natural question.


    However, Jin does not have a clear answer to this question.


    "For one thing, because they are excellent ......."


    Ancient dragon shells used for Reiko''s skin.


    Synthetic materials are not even close.


    "But it''s hard to find."


    Elsa mentioned the drawback. The memory of wandering around in the snow on the northern continent in the extreme cold with is still vivid.


    "Yes, it''s good for one-off productions like ...... Reiko, but it''s not suitable for mass production."


    "Father, but I remember that in my early days, my skin, hair, and muscles were made from the threads of a ground spider.


    That''s right, the initial materials were made from the threads of the ground spider, magically processed and synthesized.


    "Indeed. < and were fixed using synthetics.


    Although they are synthetics, they are not synthesized from nothing. There is still the original material. In the case of Horai Island, it was the threads of the .


    "Even plastic is made from petroleum and coal. Organic materials are often superior.


    Even complex chemicals are produced by microorganisms.


    Some people may have an image of fragility when it comes to biomaterials, but that is exactly what they are, from one end of the spectrum to the other.


    However.


    "But, the underground spider (ground spider) is not a monster that you can find anywhere. ......"


    The ground spiders in the underground of Horai Island seem to be an exceptionally superior species," Jin concluded.


    "That''s why they try to use mineral systems?��But ......"


    "I understand what you mean, Erza. There are many rare mineral materials like adamantite.


    In short, there are pros and cons, Jin summarized the discussion.


    "But if something new is discovered, we may never know."


    Later than the previous generation, before the Magic War.


    What was developed and disappeared in such a short period of time?


    Jin is a little curious.

 1095 - - 30-05 Deformation Power

    "Tentatively, ......."


    Elsa opened her mouth.


    "Hmm?"


    "If you were my brother Jin, what would you try?"


    "What if it were me?��...... That is, without using bio-derived materials?"


    "Yes."


    "Yeah. ......"


    Jin ponders for a moment. Erza kept her mouth shut so as not to disturb him, and thought about it herself.


    "I wonder if it''s a form drive.


    "I think so, too.


    Since the use of magic is a prerequisite, this is a reasonable conclusion.


    "But, Brother Jin, there is one thing I''m wondering about."


    What is it?


    "About the <>. That''s what Brother Jin named the method used to move the ...... enemy golem in the demon territory, is that right?


    Yes, that''s right.


    "But my predecessor said that we should name it <> at the <> clan."


    "Ah."


    Yes, our predecessors had discovered the <> at the <> clan a thousand years ago.


    "Indeed, that''s what the records say. ......"


    "But that may not be the same as the method that Brother Jin named <."


    "I see. ......"


    Although the first and the second generation have the same name < after 1000 years, it does not mean that the contents are the same. It does not mean that the contents are the same.


    That is what Erza is saying.


    "That''s for sure. ......"


    Jin thinks about it. The golem mining underground for resources is not what Jin calls <, but an extension of engineering magic <>.


    It is maintenance free and will continue to move as long as there is free magic element (ether).


    On the other hand, the <> named by Jin was a magic technology based on <> but specialized in movement.


    "...... Oh, I see."


    Jin suddenly understood.


    "It is the same thing as the golem that is moving in the basement.


    Probably because the previous generation had used it to create a golem for mining.


    "The crystal golem that Stealina is using is also named by the previous generation, isn''t it?"


    And then?


    What I named it is not the same as what my predecessors named it.


    That makes sense.


    Jin had a feeling of certainty that this was probably the closest to the truth.


    "......, I understand."


    Erza seemed to agree.


    "But, Brother Jin. You didn''t answer my first question.


    "Yes, you did."


    <


    Jin thought again.


    "......First, let''s clarify the concept to organize it."


    The name <> is decided to pay homage to the predecessors and call the method that drives the mining golem on Horai Island and the crystal golem in Stearena.


    "Then what about the method used by <>?"


    "...... hmm, <>... ......"


    "Fluid transform drive?"


    "Fluid deformable? I mean, it looks like it''s not solid metal, but a virtual liquefied state, and then deformed, so I thought I''d call it that.


    This was the beginning of Jin''s interest in the fluid-form drive.


    * * * *


    Hohod, a town in the south-central part of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    It is a small town overlooking the Laajo Mine to the north and the Blue Lands to the east.


    The town is reasonably prosperous because of its proximity to the mines, but it has yet to develop significantly.


    This is because of Count Galana, who manages the mine area.


    In a word, the people''s lives are not enriched because of the heavy exploitation.


    Therefore, the atmosphere of the town was quite rough, and there were many bad-tempered people, even criminals among them.


    In such a situation, the security force dispatched by the Nostalgia Party began to patrol the town, and the security situation had improved considerably.


    However, not all of the guards are members of the Nostalgia Party.


    Because of the limited number of members, at least one of them was a member of the Nostalgia Party and the rest were hired workers.


    Here in Hohod, the head of the guard is a member of the Nostalgia Party and six others are hired from other towns.


    In addition, three general-purpose golems were dispatched for security.


    "We received a call this morning. There have been a series of attacks on rogues in the towns of Midatona, Gidazo, and Lubu, seriously injuring some of them. The perpetrators are unknown. Please be careful."


    This is what the head of the group told the members in an early morning meeting.


    "Considering the location of the town, we think he is approaching us.


    "Yes, sir."


    The members of the team are all former soldiers or soldiers with some experience and are reasonably skilled. After the meeting, we were divided into groups of two, and went into town in pairs.


    Three shifts a day, two in a team, with one guard golem. This was their style.


    "If it was a ruffian who attacked us, we probably don''t need to worry too much about it, do we?"


    "I agree. But since we don''t know what they were after, I guess they thought they couldn''t be too careful.


    The guards patrol the town, talking like this.


    Morning, noon...... the town of Hohod was peaceful.


    Then night came.


    From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. is the allotted time for the night duty.


    I''m off then.


    "Oh, go on."


    The night passed as it always does at .......


    Midnight, midnight. The moon......s southbound.


    "Hmm?"


    Two shadows stand blocking the guards at the entrance to town.


    One of them is human, and the other is apparently a golem.


    "...... what can I do for you?"


    The two are wary, remembering what they heard in the morning meeting.


    "We have no use for humans. I''m not here for humans. I''m here for your golem.


    "What?��What do you mean?


    The guard, unsure of the meaning, asks back, but the answer is unexpected.


    "It means this. ......


    Suddenly, the man''s golem attacked him.


    What? ......


    Geef!


    The golem hit the two guards, and then hit the guard''s golem.


    "What ...... are you ...... doing?"


    Although they were hit, it did not seem to be with much force, and both seem to be OK.


    However, the impact was considerable, and although they were clearly conscious, they were unable to stand up for a while, and could only watch the battle between the security golem and the mysterious golem.


    Since two of the guards were harmed, the security golem recognized its opponent as hostile and intercepted it.


    The mysterious golem was about 1.8 meters tall and was clad in heavy armor like that worn by soldiers.


    In contrast, the security golem was 2 meters tall. Although it was a general-purpose golem, it was based on the golem of the Unified Party (Unifiler), so it had more than five times the power of a human being.


    But...


    "......What?


    A startling scene unfolded.

 1096 - - 30-06 At the Kaisei Party Headquarters

    "What?��A general-purpose security golem has been hit?"


    <


    "Ummm, it''s true that they would lose if they fought against the state-owned security golem or battle golem, but did they have such an opponent in that town?


    "Yes, Mr. Donald. That is to say, they were small golems."


    "Mm-hmm. ......"


    <


    He is one of the best Magi craftsmen in this world, except for Jin and the other Hourai Islanders.


    It is unbelievable that the golem he created, even though it was mass-produced, was easily defeated.


    "Do you know what happened then?"


    "Yes. We have received a detailed report on that."


    The Manaphone that Jin helped the Nostalgia Party with. The image is a large walkie-talkie.


    It is a magical device that enables communication between two specific units.


    It has not been distributed to everyone, but it has been placed in major cities ......, this time in the branch office of Blueland, through which a detailed report was made.


    "What, the mysterious golem was about 1.8 meters tall and wore heavy armor like a soldier wears? ......


    * * * *


    The mysterious golem and the security golem collided.


    The security golem was larger than the mysterious golem, and it was thought that the mysterious golem had the advantage .......


    But...


    What?


    The mysterious golem had knocked the security golem out of the air.


    If Jin had been watching, he would have judged that it was impossible without a weight difference of three to five times.


    The two guards could only watch, as their bodies still did not listen to them.


    Nevertheless, the security golem is a high-performance golem, even by world standards. He quickly gets up and picks up the baton on his back - a 5cm diameter, 80cm long steel baton. --It is for security purposes.


    Since he was a security guard, he was not carrying a deadly weapon.


    But the steel rod is powerful enough. Especially if the wielder is a powerful golem.


    "Oh, that''s the way to practice!"


    The mysterious man smiled happily.


    Before the guards could ponder the meaning of his words, the security golem swung its baton and attacked the mysterious golem.


    There was a metallic clang.


    The mysterious golem was helplessly struck in the left shoulder by the baton.


    Naturally, the heavy armor he was wearing was dented ......, but he was unharmed.


    He was not completely unharmed, but at any rate, it did not seem to have done much damage.


    "Good, good, keep going!"


    A mysterious man''s voice is heard from a little distance away from us.


    From the distance, the mysterious man''s voice is heard, but it is hard to tell which side he is on.


    Not having heard the mysterious man''s words, the security golem delivers two or three blows with its baton.


    But the mysterious golem remains silent and continues to take the blows.


    "...... but what is it?��What is this strange feeling ......?"


    The guard, still on the ground, watched the golem fight and felt a sense of discomfort.


    The mysterious golem was standing there, unperturbed, even though it had been hit by more than ten blows.


    "All right, it''s time to move!"


    Again the mysterious order flies out.


    The mysterious golem begins to try to guard against the baton.


    But its technique is poor. It takes a few more blows.


    At that moment, the guard realized the cause of his discomfort.


    "I''m being hit with a baton, but I''m not moving. ......!"


    This is a poor expression, but he had no other way to say it under the circumstances.


    Yes, the mysterious golem hardly shakes its body even after being hit by the club.


    As in the earlier collision, this is evidence that the mysterious golem is quite heavy.


    If you look, you can see that the ground is also uneven. Compared to the security golem, the mysterious golem must be five times heavier.


    The guard felt fear.


    (Five times ......1 the weight of a ton!��And yet it still moves like that ......)


    "Good, good, good, good. It''s time to ...... fight back!"


    The voice of a mysterious man.


    The mysterious golem''s movements immediately improved.


    He uses his arm to handle the club and deflect it. Then he steps forward at once and strikes.


    As in the first collision, it was the security golem that was blown away.


    However, it was a high-performance golem. It quickly gets up and confronts him. However, the baton was not in its hand.


    The mysterious golem had taken it from him.


    "Okay. Try it."


    The mysterious golem raises its baton in response to the mysterious man''s command.


    "What ......?


    The guards looked at him.


    The mysterious golem was wielding the baton with a skill that was no less than that of the security golem.


    And faster and lighter.


    At this point, the guard finally realized.


    The mysterious golem had been deliberately attacking the guard golem at first in order to steal and learn its techniques.


    (But it''s not as sturdy as it seems. ......)


    It was an extraordinary feat to be able to take that many attacks and still be able to fight back.


    Moreover, learning their techniques in a short period of time is not something that can be done with ordinary processing power.


    In conclusion, we can say that the basic performance of the mysterious golem is incredibly high.


    "......!


    With a thud, the body of the security golem crumples. Its head was also distorted, and its movements were becoming unstable.


    "All right, let''s stop it!"


    The mysterious golem throws out its baton and strikes with its fist, as if at the command of the mysterious man.


    "What!"


    The movement was like that of a sophisticated fist fighter.


    The security golem blows up with a roar.


    It was blown up more than 10 meters and stopped moving.


    By this time, even though it was late at night, onlookers had noticed the noise of the battle and gathered around.


    Some of them were members of the security team. They had sensed that something had happened and rushed to the scene.


    The guard, aided by his comrades, looks around and sees that the mysterious man and the mysterious golem have already disappeared.


    * * * *


    "......"


    Donald was reading the report and reconstructing the events with <>, the automaton who is the mascot and advisor of the Nostalgia Party.


    "Hmmm, I can''t believe it out of the blue, but I guess facts are facts.


    Jules Rolland, the leader of the Nostalgia Party, was also present.


    "Yes, it is true. The mystery man''s purpose is probably to educate us.


    "Yes, I''m sure of it."


    Elena agreed with Donald.


    "Probably to give the newly created golem some quick combat training.


    "I agree. But that''s not the point. It''s the performance of the mysterious golem and the true purpose of the mysterious man.


    "Yes. Perhaps the mystery golem is made entirely of metal. And a very heavy metal at that.


    "Elena is right. Our general-purpose golem that we provide to the Guard weighs about 200 kilograms. If it''s five times that weight, I can''t think of anything else.


    "But Donald, how is that possible?"


    Jules'' question is valid. Weight does not equal strength. Being heavy is an advantage, but it also has the disadvantage of slowing you down.


    "If you are asking me if I can do it or not, yes, I can do it. But the conventional wisdom is that I can''t see any advantage.


    Elena looked at Donald, who was twisting his head.


    "This is a matter that should be reported, isn''t it?

 1097 - - 30-07 The things that start to move

    <>


    On the morning of July 22, Jin, who was in the workshop, heard a report from < via the old man.


    <? >>


    "Well, I agree with the opinion that it is for ......<>, but beyond that, the purpose is too unclear."


    <<


    "Yes, that is correct.


    The old man guessed what Jin was thinking.


    "In other words, <>?


    No matter how powerful a golem is, one or a few of them cannot do much. Except for Jin, of course.


    <


    Reiko seems to have turned her chest next to Jin.


    "If that''s the case, I think it''s pure interest and ...... sales pitches."


    It''s not uncommon for a researcher to take illegal means to reach a higher level, and if you create a powerful golem, the nobility and the state will buy it.


    "Well, that''s not a problem."


    Quintas are sent to every corner of the world to gather information, but it''s not practical to have one in every town.


    "But I''m a little curious. That golem in heavy armor..."


    Jin mutters without stopping.


    >


    "Yes, please do."


    "Well, I''m almost done."


    What we are building now is a commissioned by the Kingdom of Selroa.


    As a prototype, it will be a two-car train, and we plan to build a demonstration track from the royal castle to some specific location and back.


    We will make only a few meters of the track as a sample, and the rest will be made on site.


    The main body of the vehicle will be larger than the track, so we are thinking about what to do with it.


    "I guess we''ll have to disassemble and assemble it over there. ......"


    "That would be better, father."


    could carry the finished car, but that would be a bit much, so we decided to carry the parts in several trips.


    "I guess we can transport it the day after tomorrow."


    It was taking 10 or 20 times longer than usual because they were trying to make the same thing in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Ah, it was unexpectedly troublesome.


    Having almost finished his work, Jin lies down on the porch of his <> and relaxes.


    Then Erza came over.


    "Brother Jin, are you finished?"


    Jin, who had been lying down, sat up and answered.


    "Yes, Erza. How''s it going over there?


    "Yeah, I''m almost done."


    Thank you.


    Thanks for your help, Jin.


    While Jin was working on the prototype of the monorail, Erza was putting together a draft of the wedding plan.


    "Can you explain it to me briefly?"


    "......."


    Elsa nodded, a little embarrassed, despite themselves.


    "First of all, the wedding ceremony will be held on Horai Island. The people who will attend are family members."


    Besides Jin and Erza, there were Meine, Reinhard and Mrs. Bertsche, Toa and Stellina, Saki, Vivian, Marcia, Rodrigo and his daughter, and Milowina.


    And Hannah, Miss Luis and Bina."


    "Yes, I have no objection."


    It would be most fitting for Jin to be married on Horai Island, the place of his beginnings.


    "Now we have to go around to the other countries to report on the events, but I''m a little worried about the order of the events.


    "I guess so. ......"


    Now Jin has acquaintances in all the small countries. He knows everyone in the smaller countries, from the nobility up to the royalty.


    "I''ve decided to go in order of least objectionable."


    Yeah, that''s what I thought.


    Jin was also troubled because he did not want to give a preference to which country was first.


    "So, in what order?"


    "In the order that Jin met them."


    What?


    I had thought that they were from the order of their close ties to Japan.


    That is, I thought it started from Erza''s home country, the Shoro Kingdom.


    "No, it''s not that. It''s the chronological order. So, the first village is Kaina."


    "So that''s what you''re saying. ......"


    "I was a bit torn between the Kingdom of Egelea and the Kingdom of Elias for the next one, but since Bina and Mr. Lewis are here for the ceremony, I''m going to go with the Kingdom of Elias.


    Of course, Elsa added that she was going to the capital, not Potrock.


    "So after that, we will go to the Kingdom of Egelea, the Kingdom of Cerroa, the Kingdom of Shawlo, the Kingdom of Klein, and the Kingdom of Franz, in that order. Except for the village of Kaina, we will stay there for three days."


    "Really? ......"


    18 days in 6 countries multiplied by 3. That''s more than half a month of fatigue, or rather, a wedding banquet.


    "And that''s just the name tax."


    "......"


    Erza herself looked disgusted as she told Jin, who sank to his knees.


    "...... should we leave it to the ......?"


    "Oh, that''s a good idea."


    They would use the doppelg?nger for troublesome occasions, such as greeting the nobles, the evening party, and the dance.


    "...... Then, let''s let take care of the troublesome situations."


    "Hmm."


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    In the fifth column (Quinta), there are those who are not in charge of a region, that is, .


    They are active by traveling around the country and helping out in areas where there is a lack of help.


    And in the Kingdom of Egelea, there was Regulus 22, a.k.a. .


    <


    The old man guessed that <> was next, and headed for Blueland.


    Regulus 4, a.k.a. Mark, and Regulus 5, a.k.a. Beat, were also in charge of Blueland, and the three of them cooperated with each other to guard the area including the surrounding area.


    And the old man''s guess was right.


    The mysterious man and the mysterious golem appeared in the Blue Lands.


    But there was something unexpected.


    One of them and one of them visited Count Kuzma''s mansion in broad daylight.


    "What do you want?"


    Count Kuzma, who was just in the house, answered.


    "This is Count Kuzma, I''m Jix, a common magecraftsman. This is the newest type of golem I have created.


    Jix said he was here to sell the new Golem.

 1098 - - 30-08 Assembly

    On July 23, Jin visited the Royal Castle of Selroa with <>.


    Of course, it was to deliver the prototype of the <>.


    King Cesar personally greeted <>.


    "Korun, you are indeed a quick worker."


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I''ve brought the prototype of the monorail I promised you. It''s impossible to make the whole thing, so I''ll make it into parts and bring it to you in several batches.


    "Oh, I see. Let''s set up a place to store the materials.


    Thank you very much.


    Since the audience with the King, the client, was easily granted, Jin decided to take this opportunity to propose the installation of a test track.


    Jin was shown into his office in the royal castle and handed over the plans he had brought with him.


    "I see. ......"


    Cesar skimmed through it and made a difficult face.


    "It is necessary to build an orbit for testing. I can understand the appeal to the public in that case. The problem is the cost.


    The Kingdom of Cerroa is said to be the largest country in the Lesser Antilles. Its national budget is said to be 10 or 15 times that of the Kingdom of Klein.


    However, this is the result of placing a heavy burden on the people, and it is not something that can be continued for a long time.


    In addition, the state budget did not have much room to spare due to the compensation for the scandals caused by the previous king and the measures taken against the famine in the spring.


    Knowing this situation, the old man had a plan to cope with the situation.


    The old man said, "We will bear the cost of the project. In return, we would like to have a temporary right to mine the ahi mine.


    "Ahi mine?��I think it was an old mine that was almost abandoned. ......


    The Ahi Mine is located in the western part of the Kingdom of Selroa and has a long history.


    However, the main veins of ore have been mined out and the mine is as good as abandoned.


    No, there are probably deeper veins of ore.


    Jin confidently asserts.


    This is true, as Deneb 23, a.k.a. Rearis, the fifth column (Quinta), has conducted a preliminary survey and reported back to us.


    In fact, there is a large vein of bauxite in the vicinity.


    Unfortunately, bauxite, the raw material of aluminum, can hardly be extracted from Penglai Island.


    It seems that Moon has some stockpiles, but Jin wanted to take this opportunity to increase the amount of aluminum he had on hand.


    Of course, after securing the necessary amount, he plans to notify the Kingdom of Celuloa and ask them to make use of it.


    "Hmm, <> might be able to do that. If that is all right with you, I will do so.


    Cesar immediately prepares the documents.


    Cesar was preparing the documents.


    "It went well, old man."


    Jin returned to Horai Island and told the old man that everything had gone according to his plan.


    It was only natural that the old man, who had a longer life span than human beings, should have a very long term view.


    "Yes. It is not only pure aluminum or duralumin, but also alumina has a wide range of applications."


    Alumina is the common name for aluminum oxide, which has applications as a heat-resistant material.


    Rubies and sapphires were also made mainly of alumina.


    In general, refining aluminum requires electricity, but in this world where engineering magic is available, it can be easily refined. Of course, it is a prerequisite to have the appropriate knowledge.


    <>.


    Smiths are technical golems, and as the name implies, they are both craftsmen and <>.


    <


    "Yes, that''s right. Well, anyway, permission to use the ahi mine will be granted only after the monorail itself is completed.


    Jin spent the next day and the day after that, three days in total, to finish transporting the materials.


    Finally, it was time to assemble the main body of the car.


    First, he started with the track that would serve as the base.


    The entire process is carried out in the presence of magecraftsmen from the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    They are the ones who will actually install the orbit after this.


    Reiko, please.


    Yes, Father.


    Jin started to assemble the orbit with Reiko as his assistant.


    "......oh ......!


    The MagiCraftsmen watching the scene let out a cry of surprise.


    It was no wonder, for the little girl Reiko lifted the steel frame members, which weighed several tons, with ease.


    "All right, put it up here somewhere."


    With Reiko as his assistant, Jin works quickly.


    The track that will serve as a pedestal is quickly completed by joining the steel frames by <.


    The track is a monorail track about 15 meters long and 1 meter high.


    It looks like a big platform.


    "Okay, that''s about right."


    Jin then began to assemble the main body of the car.


    The magecraftsmen watching him are pale.


    "<><>...... Okay, Reiko, bring the parts here."


    "Yes, father."


    Jin started work at 8:00 a.m.


    And before noon, the monorail for the demonstration was completed.


    "Wow, Jin-dono, this is amazing!


    King Cesar was in a good mood when he came to see how it was going.


    "I see, I''ve seen the model, but the real thing is really something to behold.


    Each car is about 7 meters long, so the total length of the two cars is 14 meters, and they fit on a 1.5 meter base. Each car is about 7 meters long, so the total length of the two cars is 14 meters, and they fit on a 1.5 meter base.


    Please take a look inside.


    Oh, yes, of course.


    King Cesar, accompanied by his personal guard Kirk Apted and the First Ministry of Technology Director General Latant, followed Jin into the car.


    "Hohoho ......!"


    This time the seating arrangement was like an express train. In other words, there are two seats facing the direction of travel on either side of the train, with an aisle in the middle.


    "The seats are very comfortable.


    Jin explained that the seats are filled with cushioning material so that passengers do not get tired even after sitting for a long time.


    "Oh, well..."


    "The windows can''t be opened all the way for safety reasons."


    The windows cannot be opened wide enough for a body to pass through.


    "There are magic lamps installed in the ceiling, so it should not be dark inside the car.


    "Hmm, that''s very thoughtful of you."


    Now, the driver''s seat.


    Jin explains that the driver''s seat is separated by a sturdy wall so that passengers cannot interfere with the driver.


    "We''ll have a separate caretaker for the passengers."


    Since the word "conductor" would not be understood by the passengers, Jin replaced it with "caretaker.


    "Now, how to drive ......."


    The basics are starting and stopping. The lever can be used to operate them, he explained.


    "Oh, I can''t wait to see it run!"


    King Cesar muttered in a deep voice.

 1099 - - 30-09 Platinum

    "Well, <>, let me change the subject.


    Cesar, the king of the Kingdom of Celuloa, smiled friendly as he finished the originally scheduled meeting.


    "I received the wedding invitation the other day. I would like to congratulate you."


    "Oh, thank you."


    Jin was caught off-guard and panicked, since Erza was the main person in charge of the wedding party.


    I heard that you are going to visit many countries. In my country, well, let''s have a feast for a whole week ......."


    King Cesar, smiling mischievously, cut off his speech,


    "I was going to ...... but I guess we''ll have to work around the schedule. I will give you three days, as per the letter.


    He concluded.


    When Jin sighed in relief, Cesar laughed as if he could see right through his heart.


    Haha, it''s hard being a celebrity. You have to give it up and consider it a duty.


    "Ha ......"


    "If that''s the case, it wouldn''t be surprising if all the nobles and royalty from all over the world were trying to marry off their daughters to Jin-dono."


    "Huh?"


    Jin had no idea that this was happening to him.


    "Nobles are more profitable than merchants, you know.


    It was a comment that was typical of him who had experienced many hardships during his days as the crown prince.


    "There is one more thing I would like to ask you.


    What is it?


    "I heard that in the Shoro Kingdom, there is something called the Gonkkrenz."


    <


    "We are planning to follow suit in our country and have a <>."


    That sounds interesting.


    "Mm. So, I''d like you to be the head judge. Of course, you''ll be accompanied by your fianc��e.


    "The head of the jury? ......"


    King Cesar, sensing Jin''s feelings, added a few words.


    "I''m sure Jin-dono would like to participate, but since that would make him the winner by a landslide, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from doing so.


    "Yes, ......."


    Jin nodded his head, knowing what he was talking about.


    "So, when is it?"


    "The 28th and 29th of July.


    "The day after tomorrow......?"


    Jin thought for a moment and then decided to accept.


    "Okay. I''ll do it.


    "Oh, that would be great."


    King Cesar shook hands with Jin.


    "If you don''t mind my asking, could you bring one or two of your golems as role models?


    He said this was because he would like to have some kind of model performance.


    "Yes, sure."


    "Oh, okay!��Thank you!��We have prepared a gratuity of 20 million dollars.


    That''s about 200 million yen. That''s a big country, Jin thought.


    But....


    "Half of the money is fine, but could you give me the rest in platinum?


    "Platinum?��Platinum? This is a rare thing you want. I don''t mind. ......"


    To be sure, King Cesar called Lubra Podon, Secretary of the First Treasury, for confirmation.


    "Yes. If you are talking about platinum stock, we have about 50 tons.


    The market price of platinum was 50 to 100 dollars per gram.


    Then I will give you one ton.


    At 50 tons per gram, that''s 50 million tons, which is the equivalent of 500 million yen. The amount had increased considerably because it was in kind and not in money.


    This was a favor from King Cesar.


    "Thank you very much.


    By the way, in this world of Ars is not what is called .


    It is an alloy of the platinum group elements iridium, osmium, rhodium, palladium, and ruthenium.


    Pure platinum is soft, but this alloy is very hard and cannot be processed at room temperature.


    It also has a high melting point and cannot be melted by the heat of charcoal or firewood, so it is dependent on ultimate engineering magic, but even the magecraftsmen could not separate the alloy into its individual elements, so its uses were very limited.


    In the Kingdom of Cerroa, it was usually used to make <>.


    As a platinum group element, it is heavy and rust-resistant, making it a suitable material for weights.


    However, it cannot be consumed by itself.


    Hence, the warehouses of the Kingdom of Celuloa had a large pool of .


    This limited use of could be effectively used by Jin by separating it into its elements, but this was not possible for the general public, and there was no demand for it.


    Therefore, this transaction is beneficial to both Jin and the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    Here is a proposal from Jin.


    "By the way, what about using this to make trophies and commemorative medals for the winners of competitions?


    The fact that it is difficult to process means that it is sturdy. It is suitable for use as a souvenir.


    "Oh, I see. Magecraftsman can do it. If you can do it, Jin-dono, we would like to establish the <>, so could you please make a trophy and a medal for each of us?"


    "What?"


    I received an unexpected request.


    "In addition to the first prize, I would like to create various awards for excellence, one of which would be the or the .


    "Ha, ha."


    Jin Nido was somewhat embarrassed by the name, so he suggested that the prize be the <>.


    King Cesar agreed.


    "I''ll give you the platinum for it, and I want you to make it before the day of the event. How about 100 kilograms for the trophies and medals, including the gratuity?


    "That''s fine."


    As far as Jin is concerned, the design of the trophy and medal is more important than the time and effort required to make them.


    He thought that he would have to specify something,


    "Since it is the <>, you can design it as you like, Jin-dono. I won''t give you any orders.


    I won''t give you any orders," he assured me.


    "Oh, if you want to change the color, you can use a little gold or copper.


    "......I understand."


    Jin thought that he would talk to Elsa about it when he returned home.


    That day, Jin received one ton of <> and returned to Horai Island.


    It is said that the chief accountant of the warehouse had a twitchy look on his face when he saw Reiko carrying the 100 kilograms of the cargo lightly with her right hand and left hand, respectively.


    * * *


    "Hmmm ......"


    Jin groaned as he thought about the design of the trophy in the workshop on Hourai Island.


    "Brother Jin, what''s wrong?"


    Erza, who had peeked into the workshop, called out to him. Jin was just about to ask her for advice, so he was happy to take the opportunity and beckoned Elsa over.


    "Yes?"


    Elsa comes over to him. Jin explained the situation.


    "I''d like to say ...... that the Jin Nido award should be in the likeness of my brother Jin, but..."


    Jin looked extremely reluctant, so Elsa laughed and denied her previous comment.


    "Just kidding, but if you''re going to give me the <> award, I think it should be something that can''t be seen anywhere else. It''s made of platinum, and there''s nothing else like it."


    "I see. ......"


    He was worried only about the artistic value of the piece, but then he came up with an idea to show Jin''s original design.

 1100 - - 30-10 Trophy

    "...... what''s this?"


    "......," he said, "I guess it''s not good enough."


    Jin made a trophy in the shape of a radio tower bearing the name of the capital of Japan.


    No, it looks more like an ornament sold in a souvenir shop than a trophy.


    "...... redo."


    Again, Jin re-created it by <.


    "......What''s this this time?


    "......Five-story pagoda."


    It looked like a souvenir, so he remade it again.


    The previous one was a joke. This time I''m serious."


    It''s a good thing that it''s engineering magic, but if it had been a mold or a one-off production, it would have been an unbelievable amount of time and effort.


    "<>"


    "Oh, it looks good this time."


    "Oh, it does?"


    A horse at the bottom, a dog on top, a cat on top, and a chicken at the top.


    The motif is based on a certain music band that many people in the know are familiar with. By the way, the original is not a horse but a donkey.


    "But it''s still something different. ......"


    "Oh, what a waste!"


    "...... is it?"


    Since Erza seemed to like it, Jin gave the object to Erza and decided to use another platinum nugget.


    "<>"


    "Oh, it''s beautiful."


    "...... is it?"


    Once Jin went back to the basics, he tried to imagine a common <>.


    In other words, a deep champagne glass (flute shape) with handles on either side of the body and a bird with outstretched wings on the lid.


    The body was shallowly engraved with a laurel pattern and the Chinese characters for <>.


    "You like this one?"


    I''ve never seen it before.


    Apparently, there is no custom of using a cup for victory in this world.


    In that respect, it seems to have developed differently from Earth.


    "But I guess so. ......"


    The fact that it is not an original design is a bit of a problem, but I couldn''t come up with a better idea, so I decided to go with it.


    However, I decided not to use the characters "<>". It would not be readable in Chinese characters, and it was not a <> cup.


    "<>, so I''ll put ......MM in the design."


    "Ah, that''s a good idea for my brother Jin.


    "Can I say thank you ......?"


    "Hmmm..."


    With such a casual exchange of ideas, the trophy for the <> award was completed.


    The base is made of heavy wood similar to ebony.


    "That''s it. I can give it to him tomorrow when I go to pick up the rest of the materials.


    The medal is not very flexible. A disk of a reasonable size and thickness, the year, the MM design, and the white lilies that Reiko said her predecessor liked, and we are done.


    "What about the back?"


    "Well, let''s see."


    Since the back of the bowl is not so smooth, we decided to put a laurel pattern on the back as well.


    "Brother Jin, what is that on the trophy?


    "This is a design of a tree called laurel .......


    Jin gave a brief explanation, "It is said that the laurel tree was originally a crown made from the branches of a laurel tree that Apollo, the sun god, transformed into Daphne, the woman he loved, and placed on the winner''s head in Greek mythology.


    Jin knew nothing more about the origin of this story. He only remembered this story from a book of Greek mythology for children that he had read to his younger children.


    Therefore, I did not know that Eros, the god of love, shot the arrow of love to Apollo and the arrow of rejection to Daphne.


    Anyway, Jin was relieved that he had done what was asked of him.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hahaha, this golem is wonderful!


    Dave Maida Galana, Count of Egelea, laughed with amusement. His nose is crooked to the right.


    Last year, he was involved in a ruckus at the held at the royal castle and broke the bridge of his nose, which was attached with a slight crookedness.


    Count Galana, however, is the Commissioner of the Western District of the Blue Lands. He was in charge of a mining estate and had a large amount of money in his pocket.


    Many people were attracted to him because of the money.


    So, what do you think?


    Jix, standing next to him, is one of them. Jix, with a thin smile on his face, first visited Count Kuzma, but after a short conversation, he said, "I sense a plot in what you are saying. I''ll refrain from talking to you this time.


    After that, I went to Count Galana, and this is how I was hired.


    Right now, in front of their eyes, a golem is taking on ten soldiers of the Countess Galana''s guard.


    "It''s interesting to see how it learns how to fight and how it gets stronger and stronger. I''m glad you came to me.


    No, it''s only natural that I should come to the Count who practically controls the Blue Lands.


    By the way, did you know that there''s going to be a golem competition in the Kingdom of Celluloid?


    No, I''ve never heard of it.


    It seems that recently, many countries have been developing high-performance golems, so that country must be aiming to further strengthen their golems.


    "I see. ...... in the Kingdom of Celluloa."


    Jix was thinking.


    In front of their eyes, ten soldiers were helplessly flung away by swords and spears.


    "Ha-ha-ha, that''s great!��Now let''s double the number of soldiers to 20!"


    "Yes, please!


    In the end, Jix disappeared that day, along with the golem, which was able to take on 30 of the count''s men and kill them instantly.


    Count Galana was furious with the ungrateful man, but the whereabouts of the one and the other were unknown.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    However, the fifth column (Quinta) in charge of the Blue Lands reported to the "Mere Old Man" that a flying object, which seemed to be 7 to 10 meters in length, flew off to the west at midnight.


    >


    No further information was obtained.


    <''s observations only confirmed that there was something like an airship and that it was going 60 km/h. Moreover, they entered the clouds.


    Moreover, the surveillance had to be interrupted when the aircraft entered the clouds, and it has not been seen since then.


    The old man decided to notify the fifth column (Quinta) in that direction, to alert them, and to report to Jin as soon as dawn broke.


    Then, he said.


    "An airship. ......"


    Jin immediately showed interest.


    "Then, it might be the sound of the propulsor."


    Jin makes a guess based on the continuous sound.


    <>


    "Hmmm ...... but you saw what looked like <>, didn''t you?��Both from the 5th column (quinta) and from <>."


    <>


    "If so, it is still reasonable to consider it as a propulsor. The rest can be found at ......"


    <>


    "No, I have an idea, but I can''t say anything without verifying it.

 1101 - - 30-11 Kite type

    Jin went to the workshop to test his idea.


    "Reiko, help me."


    "Yes!"


    Reiko is overjoyed at Jin''s request and begins to help.


    "Prepare the ground spider silk (GSS). And light silver.


    Yes, right away.


    Underground Spider Silk (GSS) is a rare material that is strong and highly heat-resistant, but it is exceptionally abundant in Horai Island.


    This is because they cultivate ground spiders underground.


    "It''s just a model, so it should only be about one-tenth of a model.


    Jin works quickly.


    Soon the model takes shape.


    >


    The finished model is a gondola with its sails horizontal and directly above the water.


    "Yeah, I think it should still be able to fly."


    >> "Yeah, I think it should be able to fly. >>


    "Yes. <


    "Father, Smith2 is just here."


    Smith is a miniature golem measuring 10 centimeters in height. It is useful for finishing small parts and for prototyping models.


    The experiment will take place in the plaza in front of the laboratory.


    "...... Okay, that''s all I have to say. You''re in charge."


    "Yes, Goshujin-sama."


    Mini-Artisan(Smith)2 replied in a high-frequency, piercing voice, since his vocal apparatus was also small.


    "Okay, activate the wind generator.


    "Ryokai!"


    The wind blows upward from the small magical equipment loaded on the gondola.


    The sails are inflated by the wind.


    "...... floated!"


    In short, it floats like a kite.


    In the past, Eckart Tekles, a wealthy merchant in the Kingdom of Cerroa, took advantage of the lack of recoil in wind magic to propel his sailing ships by blowing wind generated by wind magic on their sails.


    The same concept is applied to the <.


    By changing the angle of the wind, the direction of travel can be changed.


    "It worked, didn''t it, father?"


    Reiko and the old man expressed their compliments.


    "But this method is very wasteful, isn''t it?"


    It appears that most of the wind generated by the wind magic is wasted. I must say that this is inefficient.


    "But is it suitable for today''s world? ......"


    This <, which can be built using only existing magical technology, can achieve more speed and carry more payload than a hot air balloon.


    "It wouldn''t be surprising if someone had invented it.


    It''s not impossible that it just happened to be the one we saw last night.


    <


    "I guess so. ......"


    A man named Jix and a mysterious golem.


    A man named Jix and a mysterious golem.


    What this means is still unknown at this point.


    "Yeah, let''s do that. I''m kind of curious about that golem.


    <


    "Oh, okay. I thought they were reinforcing the 5th column in the Blue Lands.


    Since there were three fifth column (quintas) in the Blue Lands at the time, they were able to capture the appearance of Jix and the mysterious golem.


    .


    Jin returned to the control room and stared at the magic screen.


    There, a mock battle between the mysterious golem and Count Galana''s private army was being projected.


    "Hmmm... ....... The movements seem a little strange."


    "You felt it too, old man?


    "I also feel something is wrong."


    Reiko, who was standing next to Jin, also expressed her feeling of discomfort.


    "Perhaps, that golem is not an endoskeleton.


    The golem has a twisting motion that does not rely on muscles attached at an angle. It is characterized by twisting of the arms and legs.


    "That would mean it''s an exoskeleton, which would mean it''s made of magical resin, but that''s not right either."


    <<


    "Yes, it is. The way the ground gouges out, the way its legs dig in, and the way it recoils when it catches a sword, you can tell that it''s quite heavy."


    "Right."


    This reminds me of the enemy golem, <>, that I fought in the demon territory before.


    It was a mass of adamantite, and moved by the application of <>, <> (though Jin called it something else at that time).


    "But it''s much more agile than that."


    Taking on 30 soldiers and dispatching them all without a single blow was a feat that could not have been done with ordinary speed.


    "I think that is the most likely."


    This is where the question of whether or not the recently discussed <> can be pursued and produce better results than biomaterials comes to life.


    "That may be the proof of it. ......"


    * * * *


    "How is the preparation of the golem for <> going?"


    Yes, it is already completed and in transit.


    This is the headquarters of the Nostalgia Party.


    We are participating in the Golem Competition in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    However, not as a member of Nostalgia, but as Donald himself.


    After all, Donald Callow, the number 2, used to be an engineer of Alpha, or Kingdom of Celluloid 1.


    But now, with the disappearance of the Unifiler, he has officially retired.


    However, Donald is still a celebrity even after his retirement.


    No one in the Kingdom of Celuloa knows that he was also the number two of the .


    That is why he is able to compete with such pride.


    "If this golem is recognized, I will be able to contribute to the world a little more.


    "I guess so."


    Jules Rolland, the head of Nostalgia, nodded deeply.


    "I''m still as good as the youngsters in FOLZ.


    To fill the vacancies left by Donald and Stearina, a temporary selection committee was held in King Cesar''s place, and the young Folz Durrant became the Alpha.


    Forz Durrant was the Theta, or 8th place, during the reign of King Richard.


    "I wish you good luck. I''ll be right here at headquarters cheering you on.


    His voice rings like rolling bells.


    It is Elena, once the Golden Princess of Destruction, now the Golden Princess.


    "But there is also the mysterious golem from the other day. Please be careful."


    "Yes, Elena is right. Donald, be careful.


    I will.

 1102 - - 30-12 performances

    July 28th, the day of the in Esia, the capital of the Kingdom of Selroa.


    The venue is the square in front of the Royal Castle.


    Preparations for the event had been underway for four days, and spectator seats, including those for honored guests, and a huge magic screen had been set up.


    The general public and tourists were already arriving, and the seats were almost full as soon as the doors opened.


    Just an hour before the start time, a voice echoed in the hall.


    Please look at the sky. Today''s special guest, Mr. Korun, the Magecraft Meister, will be arriving in an airship he has built himself.


    As the audience looked up at the sky, they saw an elongated object approaching gradually from the western sky.


    As a side note, the reason why we came from the west instead of the east, where Horai Island is located, is that we had stayed at the Shoro Imperial Palace the day before to minimize the effects of jet lag and the like.


    "Oh, great!"


    I saw it at the national ceremony.


    I wish I could ride it.


    "It''s faster than a balloon, isn''t it?"


    "Oh. It''s coming down.


    descends slowly and lands in the designated courtyard of the royal castle.


    Because of the location, the only people who saw Jin, Erza, Reiko, and the leaders of the five colored golem maids come down were those involved with the castle.


    "Thank you for coming, <>."


    King Cesar himself greeted Jin with several attendants.


    "You have brought your golem with you. It certainly is a surprise and a pretty sight."


    King Cesar had taken care of them during the World Conference, so he was familiar with their capabilities.


    "Then I would like you to discuss the details with the convention officials.


    "Yes, sir."


    King Cesar pointed to one of his attendants and walked away.


    "<>, I look forward to working with you today. My name is Kabanea Gasmo, a member of the convention board. Please call me Kabanea.


    Kabanea was in his early thirties. He seemed like a friendly guy.


    "Pleased to meet you. Please call me Jin.


    Jin shakes my hand. He introduces Erza and Reiko.


    "This is my fianc��e, Elsa. I am a Magi Engineer and a court-appointed healer.


    My name is Elsa Randall. Pleased to make your acquaintance."


    Elsa bows with a shortened curtsy.


    "Oh, you must be Elsa Ehime. I have heard of you.


    Jin then introduced Reiko.


    And this is Reiko. She has been given the rank of a knight-errant in the Shoro Kingdom.


    My name is Reiko.


    Again, Reiko greeted in a shortened form of carte blanche.


    And finally, the five colored golem maids she had brought with her.


    "These five are the five colored golem maids I brought with me for this demonstration. The one with purple eyes is Ames, the red one is Ruby, the yellow one is Topaz, the light blue one is Aqua, and the green one is Perido.


    As soon as Jin had finished his introduction, all five of them bowed in a curtsey, saying <>.


    "This is ...... really wonderful!"


    Kavanagh, who had been admiring the gesture for some time, remembered his role and turned to Jin and asked him to follow him.


    <.


    There, they had a final meeting about the competition.


    The details of the competition have already been explained to us three days ago when we came here to receive our rewards, and we already understand the details since we have received them in writing.


    Therefore, the explanation at this meeting was mainly about the final participants and the role of Jin.


    This included a brief address as the head of the jury.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    Ten minutes before the start of the competition, Jin and his colleagues arrived at the jury''s table.


    They were located at the top of the staircase. Above the jury''s seats were the honored guests'' seats, and for some reason, King Cesar was right behind Jin.


    <


    To Jin''s right is Elsa, and to his left is Kabanea, whom I mentioned earlier. Reiko stands diagonally behind Jin.


    The five-colored golem maids are waiting in the waiting room.


    Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. Finally, the memorable first Golem Competition in the Kingdom of Celuloa is about to begin. First, His Majesty King Cesar will announce the opening of the competition.


    In front of Jin and the other dignitaries, there is a magical tool that works like a microphone, <>, and a magical tool that also acts as a speaker, <>, which allows the audience to hear the voices of the participants.


    This is Cesar Valois de Cerlois. <. Let''s all compete fairly and squarely.


    After a short speech by the King, it is the turn of the Chairman of the Competition Committee, Mr. Latant, Secretary of the First Ministry of Technology.


    My name is Chairman Latant. In honor of the Gonkwrenz competitions held in our friendly country of Shoro, we have decided to hold the Golem competitions in our country as well. Golems can do jobs that humans cannot do, and are indispensable to the world of the future. ......


    The speech was rather long. Jin, who disliked long speeches, decided that he would keep it short.


    After a brief congratulatory speech by the guest of honor, Degas Furt von Manischlus, Minister of Magical Technology of the Shoro Empire, it was finally Jin''s turn to address the audience.


    This is Jin Nido, Magecraft Meister of Magical Engineering. I am pleased that we are able to have such a peaceful competition among golems. I hope that golem technology will continue to be useful for the development and peace of the world.


    And this is where the five-colored golem maids come in.


    The door to the waiting room was opened as we had discussed in advance, although it was a spur-of-the-moment event.


    It''s a golem I made myself. I call it <<5-color golem maid>. Ames, Ruby, Topaz, Aqua, and Perido.


    The five golem maids step out onto the center of the arena in perfect step.


    There, they performed four times in total, facing the audience in all directions.


    That alone elicited sighs from the audience.


    But their performance was just the beginning.


    The five golem maids joined hands and began to spin, slowly at first, then faster and faster.


    When they reached a speed impossible for humans, they let go of each other''s hands and all five of them jumped backward at the same time.


    They performed two backward somersaults and landed cleanly. They then ran forward again.


    Naturally, the five figures meet in the center, but the moment they see that they are about to collide, they stop abruptly. They joined hands again.


    They then began to perform what is known as , or gymnastics, in cheerleading.


    Amezu carried Ruby on her shoulders, and Topaz carried her on his. Aqua carried Ruby on his shoulders, and then Topaz carried him on his shoulders, and then Topaz rode on Perido''s shoulders ...... and performed a five-tiered carriage, which is impossible for a human being.


    "Oh ......"


    "Wow. ......"


    Dress the golem.


    That''s brilliant.


    "That move, how wonderful!"


    Mutters of praise began to leak from the audience, but the performance of the five-colored golem maids did not end there.


    She stood up on the shoulders of those below her from the shoulder-carriage position.


    Everyone was astonished at this.


    "What, what, what ......!"


    "Oh, is such a thing possible?


    "One wrong move and it would have been a catastrophe. ......!"


    Jin had told them that they could control their posture with a <> if they were in danger, since they were performing on the spot, but with the favorable conditions of almost no wind, the girls performed their acts with flying colors.


    Then, they finished by jumping down from the top to the bottom, and I was beyond amazed and speechless when they landed safely, despite the fact that the top one was almost 6 meters high.


    After the five performers finished their performances, they greeted each other again with curtseys and retreated to the waiting room, where they were greeted with applause as if they had just remembered.


    <, recognized by many countries.

 1103 - - 30-13 Golem Games Open

    And now, the Golem Competition is about to begin!��My name is Em Thurston, a.k.a. Emsy, and I''ll be your emcee.


    My name is Tolfedest, a.k.a. Tolf, the commentator.


    Mr. Tolff, it''s a pleasure to meet you today.


    Yes, it''s my pleasure.


    Since this is the first Golem competition in our country, could you give us a brief explanation?


    Okay. In a word, it''s a competition in which golems compete against each other to determine who is the best. And I''ll explain the details of the competition.


    Please.


    There are two main types of competitions: one for physical ability, or strength and speed, and the other for precision of movement. The former is short-distance running and weight throwing. The latter is like stacking coins.


    Thank you very much for your clear analogy.


    Lastly, there is also mock battle, which I don''t think needs any explanation.


    In this way, the competitions were explained.


    Now, ladies and gentlemen, I will give you a detailed explanation of the competition. The details will be explained before the competition. Mr. Tolf, please.


    My name is Tolf. First of all, we''ll start with the familiar track and field events, the short distance run. Then the high jump. And the javelin.


    That''s easy to understand. That''s all you need to know.


    In the Shoro Empire, they threw weights, but here it''s the javelin.


    And then there are the precision-movement games. ......


    Like the coin stacking.


    Yes, but the coin stacks don''t look as good, so it''s called "target practice".


    I see, so the object is to throw something at a target and try to hit it?


    That''s right.


    When Jin heard that, he thought it sounded interesting.


    That''s all for today, tomorrow will be the mock battle.


    I understand now. Thank you very much. ...... Now, the contestants are ready. The makers or owners of the golems and their golems, 40 pairs in all. Each of you has been given a numbered number to wear.


    The numbers are in the order of application.


    This time, there are also invited players. Please give a round of applause to the athletes!


    The door to the waiting room opens, and out comes the golem with the number 1 and its owner (or maker). Then numbers 2 and 3 followed.


    Number 1, an invitee from the Shoro Kingdom. Mr. Erich Gifro!��The golem is Stahlritter the Steel Knight!


    The crowd applauds and cheers. The golem has a fine macho physique and a sophisticated look.


    ��The "Golem" is a very sophisticated and well-designed golem.��I don''t know ......, but that golem is quite something.)


    This is Jin''s impression.


    Number 2, invited by the Kingdom of Egelea. Mr. Yaluidaare, the golem is a <>!


    (As I recall, he was the magecraftsman who made , the golem that sang at the golem garden party. (I didn''t know he was like that.)


    Jin remembered his name because he had been impressed by the singing golem. At the time, however, he only knew that it was made at the request of the Minister of Finance, Brault, and he had no idea what kind of person he was, but he was able to learn about him in such a place.


    Starting with number 3, here are the competitors from our country: ......


    The introduction of the athletes continued, but Jin could not remember all of them. The list of the competitors is in the handout we received, so we can look at it if we need to.


    Number ......40, Mr. Donald Callow, who once called himself <>, <>!��That''s 40 pairs!


    ��Brother Jin, I think I''ve seen that one before.)


    ��I''m sure you have.)


    Yes, that''s Donald, number 2 of the Nostalgia Party.


    <


    (...... convinced. I''m kind of looking forward to it.)


    ��I guess so.)


    Jin and Elsa, no strangers to the competition, were a little excited.


    After the introduction of the 40 pairs, the competition was about to begin.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    In the short-distance race, participants run 500 meters and compete for the record!


    There will be four preliminary rounds of ten pairs each, and the top two pairs will advance to the finals.


    While listening to the explanation of the commentary, Jin remembered that Reiko used to run in less than 2 seconds, Marcus'' golem in about 12 seconds, and the other golems in over 20 seconds. The other golems were in excess of 20 seconds.


    Three, two, one, start!


    That''s pretty fast. You''re all very good.


    The first group was led by Erich Gifro''s in about 10 seconds, followed closely by Jarrydale''s in second place.


    (After all, that golem seems to be able to change the distribution of its power.)


    <, I mean , the steel knight.


    Jin''s eyes had detected its characteristics.


    Jin thought that its power source was probably a mana tank, and that by freely allocating its limited output, it was able to respond immediately to various situations.


    (Good idea. ......)


    This time, I guess they assigned it to leg strength.


    I guess it''s like track and field athletes, especially runners, have thin arms compared to gymnasts.


    In contrast, Jarrydale''s <>, as his name <> implies, is probably not a power type.


    While I was thinking about this, the second group was finishing its run. Jin felt that there was nothing special to see, but judging from the excitement in the crowd, the golem No. 16, <>, must be very popular.


    (It looks like a knight, but it lacks power and is poorly distributed. ......)


    Jin''s rating is in the bottom of today''s list.


    Round 3 is over, and then round 4.


    ��Oh, finally!)


    [......40, Mr. Donald Callow, "Altkrieger.


    Donald Callow was the recently retired Alpha. This is very promising.


    Even though he retired because of his age, saying that he would give way to the next generation when the kingdom changed hands, we can expect great things from former Donald Callow.


    Jin also paid attention to Donald''s Golem.


    It has a good balance of power and moves well. <.


    Start ......!


    (...... I knew it!)


    Oh, wow!��, still fast!


    This is what an ex-Alpha can do!


    <


    Finally, it was time for the finals.


    I''m still hoping for numbers 1, 2, 16, 35, and 40!


    Yes, I guess so. Of course, the level of the invited players is high, but there are also players from Japan such as 16<>, 35<>, and of course <<>. Altkrieger.


    The final will be a 10-second battle. We''re all looking forward to it!


    The countdown to the start has begun.


    5......4......3...... 2......1......


    "Whoa?"


    "...... is starting!


    A black shadow came running from outside the stadium.


    What''s going on?��What is this?��A mysterious Golem has jumped in!��And it''s fast, fast, fast!


    The mysterious Golem appears out of nowhere, and overtakes the eight Golems that had already started running ahead of him, and crosses the finish line.


    Although not measured, it must have been somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 seconds.


    Yes, first place went to Golem, who jumped into the race!��Second place went to No.40, Mr. Donald Callow, <>, third place went to Mr. Jarrydale <>, and fourth place went to No. 1, Mr. Erich Ziffro''s <>!


    The MC was also puzzled. Considering that the second-placed <> also ran faster than the qualifiers, with a time of about 6 seconds, the mysterious golem stood out for its speed.


    (That''s ......!)


    The golem that jumped into the race was, without a doubt, the mysterious golem reported in the Kingdom of Egelea.

 1104 - - 30-14 Participation in the jump

    Jin was able to observe the golem visually for the first time.


    It was a little over two meters tall.


    From the appearance of the armor he wears, he is of a moderately muscular build.


    In other words, he is not a bodybuilder, but a gymnast.


    The problem is the armor.


    (...... no idea what it''s made of?)


    The dull-colored metal is a material unknown to Jin, the Magecraft Meister. That alone is a surprise,


    (I can''t read its movements. ...... is it still a higher level method of <>?


    ). Another surprising point was found.


    The audience was in an uproar.


    The man who jumped in and announced his participation was a man who called himself "Jix. He calls himself a citizen of the Kingdom of Celluloid, and his golem is called .


    (Phantom, or ......)


    Jin, who was thinking that the name was meaningful, was approached by a tournament official for advice.


    Jin-dono, we are discussing whether or not to allow those people to jump in and participate in the competition. I would like to ask your opinion as the head of the jury.


    "Well, I think it would be better not to do something that was not planned. I don''t think it''s a good idea to set a strange precedent.


    Jin wanted to say that the golem was somehow suspicious, but without any concrete evidence, he was unable to say so definitively, which made him frustrated inside.


    Perhaps for this reason, it was not until 15 minutes later that a majority vote was taken by the convention committee chairpersons and executives to allow him to jump into the meeting.


    The results of the discussion on the jump-in will now be announced!


    The tournament officials began to announce the results of the discussion.


    For this event only, you are allowed to jump in and participate. Therefore, if any of you would like to jump in, please do so!


    After all, it seems that the plan is to allow "audience members and others to jump in" and "invite participants" so that Jix and his golem will not be asked to jump in.


    "Nonsense!��What are the board members thinking?


    In this respect, one is reminded of the fact that the supremacy of merit still persists in the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    Then, Jin was called by King Cesar.


    "What do you think, Jin-dono?


    "Yes, it is not good to set a precedent like this.


    "No, that''s not what I meant. ...... Well, that''s one thing..."


    King Cesar was unusually brusque.


    "I''m talking about the golem called and the man called Jix. Frankly, it''s hard to believe that a man of such skill has remained buried until now. And ......."


    After a pause, King Cesar continued.


    "A man named Jix, who calls himself a citizen of the Kingdom of Cerroa, has a slight Egelean accent. Of course, it would not be unnatural if he had stayed in the Kingdom of Egelea for a long time or some other reason, but something is bothering me."


    "I see. ......"


    Jin thought that it might be because King Cesar had traveled around the country for a long time when he was the crown prince that he had noticed something strange.


    "For my part, I think it would have been better not to allow them to jump in."


    "I agree with you. However, this tournament is in the hands of the directors, and I hesitate to invoke my authority just because I am the king. ......"


    And the crowd is excited, indicating that they welcome the situation. It must be a national trait.


    "...... but I have memorized the faces and names of those who voted for it and the board members."


    King Cesar muttered to himself in a small voice.


    Knowing that the king was also uncomfortable, Jin returned to his seat and instructed Reiko and to be more careful.


    The old man monitors both the images sent by Reiko and the images from the . Today is a clear day, so the high altitude monitoring will not be affected.


    He then whisper to Elsa to be careful.


    (As a precaution, we should be ready to put up a barrier at any time.


    (We should always be ready to put up a barrier as a precaution.)


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    In the end, no one else wished to jump in, and Jix and his golem were accepted as number 41.


    Once again, the finals were rescheduled.


    A total of nine golems, eight plus one, lined up at the starting line.


    5......4......3...... 2......1...... start!


    Oh, 41, fast, fast!��Too fast!


    Phantom showed his overwhelming speed and set a record of 4 seconds.


    Second place went to Donald Callow in 40, followed by Jarrydale''s Zabelaar in third and Erich Gifro''s Stahlbader in fourth. The fourth place was Erich Ziffro''s <<>, the same order as before.


    (Hmmm...that''s fast ......, even though the old warrior (Altkrieger) is only 6 seconds or so...)


    (I should add that the measurement is made with a large hourglass, so it is not possible to measure less than a second, and the error margin is large.


    Amazing!��No, too much!��Unparalleled power!��Such a masterpiece was still hidden in my Kingdom of Cerroa!


    Long live the Kingdom of Celuloa!


    The Kingdom of Celuloa is the best in the world!


    The host was very excited. The audience was also excited.


    Next up, the high jump!


    This is another event that clearly shows the difference in performance.


    There''s a specially made tower with a height scale on it. It''s about 8 meters high.


    The record is set by jumping and touching it with the hand.


    Of course, the height of the golem''s hand reaching upward is compensated for.


    As for Jin, it was a simple competition to watch.


    Here are the main results,


    <1st : Phantom (over 8 meters) 2nd : Altkrieger (over 8 meters) 3rd : Zerberer (5 meters)��4th : Stahlritter (3 meters) 5th : Blue Knight (1.5 meters)


    The same as the first place and the second place are over 8 meters.


    The reason for the difference between the first and second places for the same height of over 8 meters is that there was a clear difference in the apparent height even for the same height of over 8 meters.


    Phantom was probably 10 meters high, while Altkrieger was just barely over 8 meters.


    (Hmmm...they are very powerful...). But what is the purpose of ......?)


    Is it a test or a sales pitch? As for Jin, he was not quite sure what Jix''s purpose was.


    At the venue, the final event of the morning was about to start.


    Now, the third and final event, the javelin throw!


    You''re the 41st jumper. I''m looking forward to it!


    The javelin throw is 20 meters, 40 meters, 60 meters, 80 meters, The target is a circle with a diameter of 5 meters.


    The players must pass through the target to score points. Of course, the farther the target is, the higher the score: 100 points for 100 meters, 20 points for 20 meters, and 20 points for 20 meters. The score for a 100-meter target was 100 points and 20 points for a 20-meter target, depending on the distance.


    The common spear is 2.5 meters long, 4 centimeters thick, and weighs 3 kilograms.


    The competitors threw three times, and the two throws with the higher scores were added together to determine their ranking.


    Number 41 has the spear. What will he do? I can''t wait to see.


    "Ah!"


    There were confused voices coming from all over the hall.


    "What?


    "What the hell is that?"


    The reason was that the number 41, , could not throw the spear properly.


    The result was that he could not even reach the 20-meter target.


    Mr. Tolff, what do you think about this?


    Well, unlike simple strength competitions, the javelin throw requires dexterity.


    I see. So you''re saying that the golem is not suited for this?


    I think that''s a good interpretation.


    (......) Even so, that spear-throwing was too much. It was like a child holding a spear for the first time in his life.��I knew it. ......)


    Like the audience, Jin was at first dismayed, but then he thought about the cause, assuming that it was not done without a reason.


    (After all, that golem was just born ...... and still growing, I guess.)


    After that, things proceeded smoothly.


    Oh, Altkrieger, the old warrior has passed the target by 40 meters!��Forty points!


    Iron Warrior, passing the 40-meter mark with flying colors!��Forty points!


    Number 29, steady and successful at 20 meters!��He scores 20 points!


    Number 26, close!��He missed the target!


    The veterans are clearing 40 meters. They must have practiced before the competition.


    Some of them also have the idea of passing the target with certainty at 20 meters.


    In all cases, the throwing posture is the upper body only. More specifically, they throw with only their arms.


    (Is it because running would make them lose control?��(If the golem is strong enough, the arms alone would be enough.)


    (...... convinced)


    Jin was also watching the game, making such an analysis and explaining in a whisper that only Erza could hear.


    Now, the round was over. The highest score was 40 points.


    And then, the 41st competitor jumped in and readied his spear.

 1105 - - 30-15 Morning Results

    Now, starting with number 41, we have our second trial.


    The audience didn''t seem to have high expectations for this one, since the last one was a disaster. But this time, he''s doing something completely different.


    Oh?


    ��Oh?��I knew it!)


    The presenter sounded surprised, and the audience was also a little surprised.


    Jin was satisfied that his guess was almost right.


    Number 41 throws his spear with excellent form. .......


    Amazing!��Number 41, through the target at 60 meters!��Sixty points!


    ��I knew you learned from watching the other golems'' attempts.)


    (Of course, it is a prerequisite that you have the physical ability to put what you have learned into practice.


    Then, each golem throws spears one after another.


    Generally, the results are better than the first one.


    Altkrieger (#40) scored 60 points, and Iron Warrior (#35) scored 6 No. 35 Iron Warrior scored 60 points.


    No.16 Blue Knight scored 40 points, but both No.2 Zerberer and No.1 Steel Knight (Stahlritter) scored 60 points. both scored 60 points.


    Now it''s time for the third and final test!


    I can''t wait to see what number 41 has to show us!


    Number 41 slowly readied his spear and threw it at the target 100 meters away.


    Oh, my God!��This is great, great, great!��It''s going to fly!��Fly!��Fly!��Now!��It''s in!��100 points!


    ��He''s learned. It looks like she''s got a lot of learning ability too.)


    Take Reiko, for example. For example, Reiko is able to use magic that she couldn''t use before, once she observes the process from chanting to activation up close.


    This is a trick that can only be done with a very high processing power of the <>.


    (When you think about it, that <> must have a considerably higher capability than the current golems.)


    The question, Jin thinks, is how that man who calls himself "Jix" got it.


    Did he get it on his own, or did he get it from some reference or .......


    (There is no evidence that it was stolen by Zidane or some other researcher, right?)


    ) The case remains a mystery, partly because Zidane himself is hiding it.


    While Jin is thinking about such things, the competition is going on.


    And number 40 gets 100 points!


    The old warrior (Altkrieger) also aimed at 100 meters and passed the target with flying colors.


    Number 35, Iron Warrior, scores a solid 60!


    A solid scorer,


    Number 26, aiming at 80 meters, ......, unfortunately missed!


    Some tried to get a high score and failed.


    In the end,


    That''s the end of all the trials!��Of the three attempts, the two with the higher scores were combined to determine the ranking, so the results were as follows: No. 40, Donald Callow''s Altkrieger, and No. 4, Jix''s Phantom, with the highest score of 4.5 points. The result was as follows: Donald Callow''s "The Old Warrior" (Altkrieger) with 160 points and Jix''s "The Phantom" with 4.1 points!


    The third place went to No. 2 Yalu.


    Third place went to Mr. Jarrydale''s Zabelaar, 140 points!��In fourth place, Erich Ziffro''s Stahlritter and Bilford''s Iron Warrior tied for first place with 1 They tied at 1 point and 20 points.


    The next two are No. 29, Tarrabulba, with 100 points, No. 15, Roshinir, with 8 No. 15 Roshinir with 80 points, and No. 16 Tambaran Blue Knight with 60 points.


    The first through the fifth place winners will receive additional points, so the ranking will change.


    You can see how important it is to win a prize.


    The total of the scores up to this point is as follows,


    The first place is Phantom 41 with 460 points.


    The second place is number 40, Altkrieger, with 420 points.


    In third place with 320 points is No. 2 Zerberer.


    Fourth place, with 240 points, went to No. 1 Steel Knight (Stahlritter).


    The fifth place is No.35 Iron Warrior with 160 points.


    The fifth place is number 35, Iron Warrior, with 160 points.


    At this point, it was a little before noon and lunch break.


    The afternoon session would start at 13:30.


    * * * *


    "...... and that''s it."


    <<


    Jin was in an empty corner of the waiting room, communicating with the old man.


    "And that armor. What the hell is it made of? ......"


    .


    "I guess so. ......"


    But it''s not worth mentioning.


    "And <> is probably going to continue to collect movement data this afternoon."


    <


    "Even you, old man? ......"


    <


    "Well, that''s a little comforting."


    <


    "Yeah. I''ll keep you posted."


    Jin then went to the dining room with Reiko and Erza, who had been keeping watch to make sure no one came in.


    It was a small reception room where Jin, Erza, and Reiko could eat slowly and in private.


    "The food in the Kingdom of Selroa is often quite delicious.


    "I guess so."


    Erza said that perhaps because it is located next to the Shoro Kingdom, the flavors are more palatable.


    On the other hand, the Shoro Kingdom borders the Franz Kingdom and the Egelea Kingdom, so a wide variety of dishes are served.


    However, since it is lunch, there is not a large variety of dishes.


    But this bread is delicious.


    "But this bread is good. Maybe it''s the water.


    It''s good to have a good palate.


    Since they were in a room where they could eat in peace and quiet, Jin and Elsa ate their lunch in a clean and tidy manner.


    "Now, what''s the event for the afternoon?


    "Target shooting, as I recall.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "I''m looking forward to seeing how that Phantom comes out, it''s both fun and spooky."


    "Maybe. ...... I''m very concerned that we don''t know what that guy''s armor is made of."


    "......It''s not metal, maybe?"


    "What?��......Oh, I see. <. But I don''t know. ......"


    If there is an assumption that no biomaterials are used, that assumption will be broken, Jin said.


    "......You''re right. ......"


    After all, without a sample, it was unlikely that any conclusions could be drawn.


    Afterwards, Jin and his colleagues took their time to enjoy after-dinner tea (taeyeh), and 20 minutes before the start of the afternoon session, they met King Cesar, who was just returning to his seat.


    "Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.


    "Well, please be brief."


    There was an empty room nearby, so we decided to talk in it. Kirk Atkinson, his bodyguard, took up a position in front of the door.


    "<>, what is it?"


    "Yes, actually, ......."


    Jin told them about the <> in the Kingdom of Egelea, and concluded that this <> was very similar to it, but he had no proof.


    With that, King Cesar seemed to understand what Jin meant.


    "Okay. I''ll be more careful than ever. ...... Kirk heard that too. Make the arrangements."


    Yes, sir.


    Jin and the others returned to their seats.


    The time was 1:30 p.m., <> afternoon session was about to start.

 1106 - - Day 30-16 End of Day 1

    The afternoon session is a "Golem competition" in which participants throw a ball at a target 50 meters away and compete in accuracy.


    The diameter of the circular target is 3 meters, and concentric circles are drawn on it.


    Within the 3-meter circle, there are three circles of 2 meters, 1 meter, and 30 centimeters, each with a different score.


    The outermost 3-meter circle gives 10 points, the 2-meter circle gives 30 points, the 1-meter circle gives 60 points, and the 30-centimeter circle gives 60 points. 60 points for the outermost 3-meter circle, 100 points for the 1-meter circle, and 100 points for the 30-centimeter circle.


    After one practice throw, each player can throw three times, and the two highest scores are counted for the points.


    First, practice. The players go around in order of their numbers.


    Now, each player has finished practicing. First, let''s start with number 1, Stahlritter!��He''s ready to throw ......!��30 points!


    It''s not easy to get the hang of it after one practice, but Stahlritter hit the target out of the blue.


    You can see the blue marks on the target.


    Next up was number 2, Zabela. He threw it!��Thirty points!


    Both number 1 and number 2 hit the target. Excellent!


    I thought the high scores would continue, but then came numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6 in a row, all without scores.


    I guess it''s difficult to score runs.


    ��I can''t see it well, but I think the balls you''re throwing aren''t round, Reiko.)


    ��Yes, Father. They are irregularly shaped.)


    (Yes, Father.) That''s because the target is colored when it is hit, so the structure is an iron ball as a core, and a cloth containing ink is wrapped around it.


    The second throw is made with red ink, and the third throw is made with black ink.


    The second throw is a ball of red ink, and the third one is a ball of black ink, but because of the air resistance, the ball does not go where the player wants it to go.


    Number 15, 10 points!


    Number 16, ten points!


    However, there were a few who scored on their first throw.


    And number 40.


    30 points!��The third one with 30 points!


    Donald Callow''s old warrior (Altkrieger) is a good performer, Jin thought.


    Then came number 41, which also caught Jin''s attention.


    Another 30 points!��That''s four!


    (As I thought, this guy can''t be underestimated. ......)


    Jin was even more alarmed.


    And now for the second round, starting with number 41!


    grabs a red-colored ball this time. He then throws .......


    Oh, wow!��100 points!��He got 100 points!


    (I knew you were a quick learner. ......)


    The fact that he is not only a quick learner of a particular technique tells us that his control core has a lot of processing power.


    Jin would like to analyze it carefully at his side.


    The test proceeded.


    I did it!��I did it!��Altkrieger 40, you scored 100 points!


    Altkrieger seemed to have improved his accuracy the second time around.


    And No. 35, Iron Warrior, got 30 points, and No. 16, Blue Knight, also got 30 points. The top team scored well.


    The top players were surely scoring points.


    Both No. 2 Zerberer and No. 1 Stahlritter scored 60 points.


    For the third and final time, for crying or for laughing!


    This time it''s the third and final attempt! He throws a black ball.


    Too close!��Stahlritter, number 1, he''s down to 30 points!


    The first time was 30 points, the second time was 60 points, and the third time was 30 points. The first time was 30 points, the second time was 60 points, and the third time was 30 points, so adding the top two times, 30 + 60 = 90 points, which is the score for the Steel Knight (Stahlritter). This is the score of the Steel Knight (Stahlritter).


    Zerberer, No. 2, again with 60 points!


    Number 16, the Blue Knight, 30 points!


    Number 35, Iron Warrior, with 60 points!


    Number 40, Altkrieger, too bad!��Sixty points!


    The last time he scored 100 points, but this time, the ink ball seemed to have been poorly made, and the trajectory of the ball was not set right, so he ended up with 60 points.


    And the number 41.


    [Claire] I threw it!��...... I did it!��Another 100 points!��This is amazing!


    At this point, was in first place.


    After all.


    1st place, Phantom, 100 + 100 = 20 Zero points


    Second place: The Old Warrior (Altkrieger) 100 + 60 = 16 0 points


    3rd Zerberer 60 + 60 = 120 points


    4th Steel knight (Stahlritter) 30 + 60 = 90 points


    4th Iron Warrior (Iron Warrior): 30 + 60 = 90 points


    The fourth place is the same ratio.


    The popular "Blue Knight" ranked 8th with 60 points.


    Now, the target shooting is over, and today''s competition is over. ...... commentator Mr. Tolff, you have narrowed down the top ranks.


    That''s right. The lower ranks have no points, so it will be difficult for them to recover from this.


    Tomorrow, we''ll have free skating and mock trials.


    I''m looking forward to it. Especially the free style competition, where each contestant will show his or her own unique style.


    It''s almost 4:00 p.m.


    Then it''s time to end today''s broadcast. The commentator is Mr. Torfedest, a.k.a. Torf, and I, M.S. Saston, a.k.a. M.S. Shi, your host.


    See you tomorrow.


    Thus ended the first day of the Golem Competition (Gompetition).


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Jin was sitting on the sofa in the guest room prepared for him, pondering.


    "Brother Jin, what are you thinking about?��Why don''t you take a break?"


    Just then, Elsa came in with a glass of crimson-colored fresh juice.


    "Oh, thank you. I was thirsty."


    "Mmm."


    Jin received the juice from Elsa and drank half of it in one gulp.


    "This is delicious. But I''ve never tasted it before.


    "It''s <>. It''s made from a fruit from the Kingdom of Celuloa called Zakul.


    Elsa explains that it tastes too sour on its own, so they add sugar to adjust the acidity.


    Since sugar is used, it seems to be classified as a luxury beverage.


    "It''s sweet and sour and delicious.


    "Mmm, but it has sugar in it, doesn''t it?��I bet the original juice is sour. ......"


    Correct.


    was a fruit similar to what we call in modern Japan.


    Jin drank the other half of the juice and said thank you to Erza. Then he continued,


    "At ......, you know. I just noticed number 41 who jumped in this time. That''s probably not the same one that showed up in the Kingdom of Egelea.


    I mentioned what I had noticed during the daytime competition.


    "What do you mean ...... Oh, <>?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Correct. I didn''t even feel like I was using gravity magic. He''s just a little heavier, not five times heavier."


    "You mean there''s more than one ...... mystery golem?"


    "That''s what I was wondering."

 1107 - - 30-17 Amalgam

    "I wish I could check out that golem: ......"


    We are in the middle of the >, and each Golem is strictly controlled by the organizers of the competition to prevent any fraudulent attempts.


    Of course, with the power of Hourai Island, such a security is as good as nothing, but just in case, there is always a chance.


    Furthermore, it was strictly forbidden for the officials and judges of the competition to make personal contact with the participants. Of course, this is to prevent fraud in scoring.


    "If I could at least make contact with them, I would ......"


    Then Reiko came to the rescue.


    "Father, I can''t help you tonight, but tomorrow we will have a mock competition. You will be in contact with your opponent.


    "Oh, I see. Can we collect data at that time?


    The best way would be to attach such an analyzer to the golem of Donald Callow, number 40.


    But it would be a pain in the ass if they found it.


    I know, right?


    "It''s bad enough that they might think we''re cheating in some way, but it''s even worse to be honest and say that we''re analyzing their data."


    "...... I can tell most things in a few seconds of play."


    "Reiko, you can''t put yourself and other golems in the same category."


    It is a difficult situation.


    "Why don''t you participate in the mock battle tomorrow?


    Then Erza came up with an idea.


    "I see... ...... you''re going to participate for a bit as a role model, or something."


    "Yes. I think that would be very possible.


    Yes.


    But here''s the problem.


    What should we do with the golem?


    What do we do with the golem?


    "Why don''t we get it ready now?"


    Elsa said. She said it as casually as if she had just taken a change of clothes out of the wardrobe.


    "I guess that''s the only way.


    Jin nodded in agreement.


    "Your father can finish it in no time!"


    Finally, Jin''s beloved daughter gave him a push.


    "Okay, I''ll go make it right away.


    Jin took out the transporter he had brought for emergency use.


    This time, he brought a magical device that can transfer the user to a specified destination within a range of 500 meters. The marker is set inside the ship.


    Jin has moved to , <>, and to Horai Island. Reiko is left behind to escort Erza.


    <


    The old man''s voice greets him.


    Jin thinks as he walks to his workshop.


    "Well, there''s the steward..."


    is the all-powerful golem that Jin has created. He can be a steward, a servant, a chore, and anything else you can think of.


    "Uh, now ......"


    is piloted by some former members of the Horai Island Covert Task Force (SP). This time it is Pance and Viola.


    They are now out of action with their carriages, and were supposed to be at the residence of the Shoro Imperial Palace in Loizart.


    "Okay, let''s call in the steward to remodel them.


    Jin was not so sure about making a golem for < the purpose of this project.


    arrived immediately using the warp gate.


    "Oyobidesuka, Goshujin-sama!"


    This is the kind of tone that is usually used to make people sound a bit stupid.


    "Yes. I might need you to do something for me tomorrow. I''d like to make some modifications."


    "I understand."


    Jin then set to work.


    He laid on the workbench and disassembled him.


    "...... skeleton, but keep the weight the same," he said .......


    18-12 stainless steel was changed to Magi-adamantite. Of course, it is hollow and the inside is a honeycomb structure to maintain strength.


    As a result, the minimum strength is doubled and the maximum (when magic power is added) is increased by 10 times.


    "What about the muscle tissue? ......"


    Here Jin had a problem. Should he use the same bio-based material as before, or should he use the material he had been thinking about the other day?


    He decides to experiment first.


    The assistants are craftsmen (Smith) 1 and 2, since Reiko is not available.


    "Use mercury for the base.


    Be careful with it.


    "This is then fused with mithril silver to make amalgam."


    Amalgam is an alloy of mercury and other metals.


    In modern Japan, until around the Showa era ......1970s, silver-tin amalgam was sometimes used as a dental filling agent.


    Gold amalgam was also applied to bronze statues and heated (about 350 degrees Celsius) to evaporate the mercury, leaving only the gold, which was then plated with gold.


    There are two types of amalgam alloys: those that are no longer liquid and those that remain liquid, with dental amalgam being the former and gold amalgam being the latter.


    The former is used for dental amalgams and the latter for gold amalgams. The ratio of mercury to other metals also changes the amalgam.


    Jin was first trying to create an alloy that would be in liquid form and still react easily to magic.


    "Hmmm......... I knew that the more mithril silver, the harder the alloy would be......... Wait?"


    Suddenly it hit me.


    Atomic number 47, silver, Jin thinks that some or all of the neutrons that make up its nucleus have been replaced by magicons.


    Then, if the neutrons in the nucleus of mercury can be replaced by magicons, then ......!


    After thinking that far, Jin unusually gave up.


    "...... can''t do that right now."


    As expected, there is no engineering magic that can affect the nucleus, and even if he were to create a magic tool, it would be impossible to do so tonight.


    And he knew from past experience that research in such a < situation would not bear much fruit.


    "I guess this is an issue for the near future."


    Jin decided to use the muscle made of bio-based material this time.


    He put away the mercury and resumed his interrupted work.


    "Then, I''ll use sea dragon material, although it''s not as good as Reiko''s."


    I used the best part of the materials for Reiko in the past, but I still have a lot of materials in my stock that can be called "advanced".


    I will use them and make them into magical muscles.


    "Let''s wire the magical nerves to two circuits, including a spare circuit."


    "...... Oh, we are still using an ether converter. Let''s replace it with a magi reactor.


    "Let''s also equip it with a force field generator."


    "The most important thing is the control core. Let''s make it multi-core and enhance its analysis and analysis capabilities."


    This is the main purpose of this modification.


    Without sufficient processing power, analysis and analysis will not be possible.


    "Also, we need to strengthen the shield case. Just in case."


    <.


    "Okay, now the exterior should be the original 18-12 stainless steel. I will also carefully apply <> and > to this as well."


    < and used by Jin, the Magecraftsman, are far superior to those used by ordinary Magecraftsmen.


    The difference is up to four times greater.


    Thus, Jin''s modification and strengthening of the <> is completed.

 1108 - - 30-18 Martial Arts Performance

    Well, it''s the second and final day of the Golem competition (GOMPetition)!��......2 days is very short, isn''t it, commentator Tolf?


    Yes, it is, Mr. Emcee. But if the show continues to be such a success, I''m sure the number of days will increase.


    I hope so. ...... Now, on the second day, we''ll have a demonstration and a mock battle!


    Demonstrations are when each golem demonstrates its special fighting skills and so on.


    I see, that''s easy to understand. By the way, what do you mean by "and so on"?


    Yes, I added "such as" because it doesn''t have to be a combat skill. For example, dancing is fine. Of course, the score will be lower accordingly.


    Thank you very much. ...... Now that we have talked about points, I will explain it here. <, five judges will give each a score out of 10 points, and the total score will be the winner.


    Incidentally, the head of the jury is Mr. Jin Nido, the Magecraft Meister. And His Majesty King Cesar will serve as a special judge.


    That''s wonderful.


    The jury was chosen fairly, Your Majesty.


    Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, the participants are ready.


    As if on cue, drums and gongs are sounded, the gates to the waiting room open, and the participants and their golems enter, starting with number 1.


    (Demonstration, or ......)


    Jin had a lot on his mind.


    He had already gotten the approval from the tournament officials to give a model demonstration again today.


    (Well, I can''t predict how they will react. ......)


    The mystery man and the golem, whose purpose remains unknown, is the biggest factor that makes it difficult to predict.


    (At least, from the way they are doing things, we can only assume that they are up to something sinister.)


    If it''s for research purposes, there must be a better way, Jin thought to himself.


    (And that Jix guy, ......)


    I sent the 5th column (Quinta) to the town of Nikalai and contacted Zidane Casey, a friend of Lukor''s, to get a description of the assistant who had stolen the research, but it seemed that he was not the same person as Jix.


    The Ganno-Asher seems to have been a much younger man, with different hair and eye color.


    Of course, it is possible that he used a false name or disguise, but somehow I have a feeling that Jin is a multiple ...... offender who stole Zidane''s research and did private work, albeit against thugs, so I call him this .......


    I think that it would be difficult for an individual to prepare such a thing as the < airship.


    I know I am putting myself on the shelf, but it is hard to imagine that there are others like me.


    Jin was roused from his reverie and looked up when he heard the loudest cheer.


    Number 41 had just entered the hall.


    And since number 41 was the last, it meant that the second day of the competition was about to begin.


    All the participants are here!��Unfortunately, numbers 13, 21, and 37 will not participate today.


    It must mean that they have decided not to participate in the second day after seeing the results of yesterday''s competition.


    No wonder, Jin thought.


    Well, today, too, there will be a by the golem created by the head of the jury, Mr. , Mr. Jin Nido.


    The < makes his appearance.


    "Oh ...... oh?"


    "Is that ...... the work of the Magecraft Meister?"


    "That''s kind of disappointing."


    < is deliberately designed to look like a slow ...... old-style golem, so it''s no wonder the audience is confused.


    However, as soon as <> began his demonstration, this was replaced by murmurs of admiration.


    "Oh, wow!


    "Amazing!


    "It''s so fast, it looks hazy. ......"


    The greatsword prepared in the Kingdom of Selroa......Two Handed Sword = A sword even larger than a two-handed sword, called a greatsword, is held in one hand and is simply being swung.


    Of course, since it is a human sword, it is still light enough for a <>.


    Kesa-gatari, Gyaku-kesa-gatari, Yokonagagi, Gyaku-yokonagagi, Karatake-barai.


    They are just letting him do kendo techniques they saw in a comic book long ago, but they seem to be worth watching because of his physical ability.


    "Oh!"


    And then more moves are added.


    This time, he mixes in some of the sword techniques of the Shoro Empire.


    Though, they are at the level of a senior soldier ...... squad leader.


    Even so, the power of the single-handed greatsword is different from that of the single-handed ...... shortsword.


    The sound of the sword cutting the wind reaches the audience.


    (Stop right there).


    (Stop at such a place) Since this is a model performance, it is not good if the participants'' performance becomes hazy if you don''t stop at a certain point.


    On the other hand, it is not good if you cannot attract the attention of the 41st.


    Therefore, the technique was kept to a minimum and the demonstration was done in the direction of showing physical ability.


    (I guess it was 50-50 whether they would bite or not.)


    After the demonstration, the stewards were given a thunderous applause.


    Now, after the wonderful demonstration by the golem created by Jin Nido, the main competition is about to begin!


    I can''t wait to see what the participants have to show for it!


    Let''s start with number one, the steel knight Stahlritter!


    Number 1 is also a sword. And it''s a greatsword, albeit a little smaller than the other two.


    Stahlritter also showed his skill by wielding the greatsword with one hand.


    This is also impressive!��The swordsmanship of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    The test ended with a unique technique of switching the sword to the left hand.


    The audience applauded loudly.


    The judges are now grading the contestants.


    The judges write down the scores on a small piece of paper and hand it to the tournament officials. The official tallies the scores and projects them on the magic screen.


    Twenty-eight points!


    The audience cheers, but at the moment it is hard to tell whether the score is high or low.


    Jin gave a score of 5, which was <.


    The next number 2, <>, showed his swordsmanship with an ordinary one-handed sword ...... short sword.


    Still, his movements were sophisticated and Jin gave him 6 points, but the other judges seemed to have a hard time with his performance, giving him only 21 points.


    The demonstrations were performed one after another.


    The highest score at the end of the half was 31 points by the Blue Knight No. 16.


    As the popularity of this event is well-known, the sword kata is very sophisticated. However, it lacked power, and Jin gave it a score of 4.


    Number 26 was a rare demonstration using a spear.


    It was unusual, but the technique was not up to the mark, resulting in a score of 16.


    The Iron Warrior (No.35) and the Old Warrior (No.40) both used the greatsword, but the Iron Warrior (No.35) received 27 points and the Old Warrior (No.40) Iron Warrior got 27 points and Altkrieger got 30 points.


    Then came number 41.


    "Oh?


    Two?"


    started his demonstration with one short sword in each hand.


    (Two swords ...... are two swords, so it''s two sword styles?)


    Jin was watching the demonstration with such thoughts in his mind, but <>''s movements were difficult to grasp (I guess because of the difference in their physical structures).


    (Is it because of the difference in body structure? ......?)


    But his movements are fast and smooth. His swordsmanship was also refined, and he received the highest score of 40 points for his demonstration.


    Jin also gave him 8 points, which is a fair score.


    The demonstration was now over. Incidentally, there are no points awarded for the first place in the demonstration, such as 100 points.


    Mr. Tolff, your demonstration is over, isn''t it?


    Yes. But you surprised me with number 41.


    He had a sword in each hand and used it beautifully.


    Yes. It''s impossible for a human to swing a sword like that. The left and right swords move as if they were wielded by different people, yet they don''t interfere with each other. This is nothing short of magnificent.


    I agree with you.


    ( must be equipped with a control core with a lot of processing power, after all.


    ) Jin was even more interested in the Phantom.

 1109 - - 30-19 Joining

    Shortly before the Golem competition (gompetition) in the Kingdom of Selroa, July 23.


    "Mr. Lukor, I received your reply to my inquiry.


    Vivian told me at an inn in the town of Nedef, east of Nikaray.


    "You''re very fast," she said.


    "I used expensive pigeon mail, you know."


    In this world, the fastest way is by pigeon, followed by horse.


    <


    Pigeons can fly about 600 kilometers in a day, making quick communication possible.


    However, since they could not carry heavy objects, they had to write in small letters on a piece of light leather paper that had been chopped into smaller pieces, making it impossible to carry long sentences or items.


    Incidentally, since the pigeons are basically one-way fliers, they are sent back to their home towns by horse-drawn wagons or other means each time or in batches of several to several dozen pigeons.


    And the result?


    "Wait a minute. ......<>."


    "Hmmm.........After all, that text is more likely to be a technical description of golem production, isn''t it?"


    Yes, it is.


    But the mystery remains a mystery.


    "Yes, but the mystery remains a mystery. We are looking for clues to a lost past.


    Lukor nodded at Vivian''s line.


    "So, at ......, about that other clue we found over there..."


    "Ganno-asher, right?"


    "That''s right. Zidane didn''t tell me, but if we can find this Ganno guy, maybe we can find something."


    "But you don''t even have a clue?"


    Lukor laughed.


    "I''ve got a clue."


    Yesterday afternoon, Lukor and Vivian arrived in the town of Nedef.


    As soon as they had found a place to stay, Lecore and Vivienne had gone their separate ways.


    "I started by asking around."


    Lecorre began to speak: .......


    He asked this question everywhere he went.


    "You may think it''s too vague, but it''s not. I don''t think there are that many men out there.


    And sure enough, only three answers came back saying that they had <>.


    And two of them were <>.


    However, the one that remained was the information that the mysterious golem and the guards had made contact in Hohod the night before.


    "Hohod?��That''s a long way away, isn''t it?


    "Yes. But the guard I asked said it was because he was warned by the headquarters that this was important.


    The here are under the umbrella, so it is fortunate for Lukor that the information was passed on quickly.


    "They also gave me a brief rundown of what happened there."


    "...... destroying the golem of the guard? And no other criminal activity. This is ......."


    "Hmm, I suppose it''s a unique pattern of behavior for a researcher."


    They will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, and they will not care about anything else, but only pursue their goals.


    This is a behavior that is common among some fanatical researchers.


    So, shall we go to Hohod?


    "Well, I''d like to go to Hohod, but I don''t think he''s there anymore. I''m sure they''ve changed locations."


    "That''s for sure. ......"


    Vivian let out a small sigh. Just when she thought she had found a clue, the clue kept slipping further and further away.


    "Well, wait. There is one more piece of information at ...... that I think you''ll find interesting."


    What''s that?


    There''s going to be a Golem competition in the Kingdom of Celluloid.


    "They''re going to gather golems and have them compete?��When is it?


    "July 28th and 29th. If you hurry, you can make it.


    Today is the 23rd. If we push a little harder, we might make it.


    "What do you say we go?"


    "Well, ...... to be honest, I think we''ve already looked for clues in the Kingdom of Egelea. Maybe we should go to the Kingdom of Cerroa."


    Vivienne defected during the reign of King Richard.


    The current king, Cesar, is friendly with Jin and his politics are solid.


    <, you may enter the country with impunity, ...... I suppose.


    "In case you are wondering, I am an exile from the Kingdom of Selroa. ......"


    "Well, I''ll stop you."


    But Vivian shakes her head.


    "No, I thought I could disguise myself and use a false name.


    So I decided to dye my nearly white platinum blonde hair red, and change my name to .


    "Well then, , shall we go?"


    While Vivian was in disguise, Lukor had the two men he had hired to help him arrange a carriage.


    It was a four-horse, high-speed carriage. They can sleep in the carriage.


    "We''ll be on the road, so we won''t have to worry about water or food.


    In case they could not stay at an inn, they could sleep in the wagons, and the wagons would take them to the next town in a couple of hours.


    They were in a hurry, so they were willing to put up with some inconvenience.


    The two assistants took turns to be the ministers to hurry up the trip.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    July 24, we stayed at Bazad.


    July 25, we stayed at Dzir.


    July 26, we stayed at Ulemlin.


    July 27, cross the border and stay in Tellurus.


    We were supposed to arrive at the capital, Esair, on July 28.


    However, because there were too many people going to see the "Golem Games (Gompetition)," the ferry did not arrive in time and we were stranded for a day.


    The reason for their failure was that they tried to bring the wagons along with them.


    We could have left the wagons here in town and crossed the river on our own.


    It''s too late to say anything now.


    Looking out the window of the inn at the river''s surface at dusk, Lecore and shrugged their shoulders.


    Finally, on the morning of the 29th, they were able to cross the Torres.


    Once across, the capital, Esia, was only a short distance away.


    We hurried to the venue in a horse-drawn carriage.


    There were no other horse-drawn carriages in sight, and we were able to go quite fast.


    Therefore, by the time we noticed the carriage coming out from the side, it was already too late.


    "Kyaaaah!


    "Oh, my God!"


    They collided and fell down.


    The old man, who had been secretly wearing <>, one of the >, sensed Vivian''s danger through his vision and immediately activated the , the function of <>. Vivienne and the old man were in danger.


    The barrier enveloped Vivian and Lukor, who was standing near her, and protected them both.


    "...... was a terrible experience."


    The two carriages fell about 200 meters before the competition.


    Vivienne knew that she was unhurt thanks to the barrier and thanked Jin in her heart.


    Lukor, on the other hand, was not so much lucky as he was stunned by the devastation before him.


    "Oh, my God. ......"


    A lot of armor had rolled off the wagon.

 1110 - - 30-20 Happening

    A dozen pieces of armor rolled out.


    If Jin had seen them, he would have immediately recognized that they were of the same form as those worn by the golem that Jix brought with him.


    However, the color is different. It was a dull, matte gray.


    "Sorry!��Are you all right, there!"


    Lukoil notices the other carriage.


    "Hey!��You guys!��You guys, get a hold of yourselves!"


    Vivienne helped her coachman to his feet.


    "Ugh......"


    "Oh, my God. ......"


    "Thank God you''re all right."


    "No, I''m not all right. ......


    I hurt all over. ......


    "If you can talk like that, you''ll be fine."


    That''s a hell of a thing to say. ......


    Vivienne and the other driver seems to have only a few bruises, but the other driver''s carriage is...


    "Hey!��Hey!��Hey!


    The other carriage seems to be out of it.


    The other carriage has four horses, and there seems to be no one on it but the driver.


    "Mr. Lukor, how are you doing?


    "Oh Vivi......via, I''m not well. I think I hit my head, I''m still unconscious.


    It is a young man. Lukor was shaking him to make him realize what was happening, so Vivian stopped him.


    "Hey!��Don''t shake him too much!


    By this time, the guards of the Golem competition venue had heard the commotion and rushed to the scene.


    Seeing two horse-drawn carriages lying on the ground, anyone could tell what had happened.


    So the first thing to do is to deal with the accident.


    Since we had one golem with us for security, the first thing we did was to wake up the overturned carriages and move them to the side of the road.


    The carriage of Lukor and his team was light and easy to raise because it had almost no baggage, but the other party''s carriage was not so easy.


    "What ...... is that?"


    "Oh ...... it''s heavy!"


    It took two guards and a golem to finally wake up the carriage.


    The other man was still unaware of the situation, so Lukor, Vivienne, and the two assistants who had been acting as the guards explained the situation to him.


    "I was in a hurry to watch the golem competition (gompetition), and I bumped into that carriage coming out of the side, and we both fell down.


    "Hmm."


    The healer who had been at the golem competition was called in to treat the man who had fainted.


    "<>"


    However, it seems that he can only use elementary healing magic, and it doesn''t work very well.


    "For now, let''s take him to the first-aid room at the venue, shall we?


    "That would be better."


    The two guards consulted with each other and decided to have the golem carry the man.


    One of them followed him, and one stayed behind to take care of Lukor and the others.


    "What about the wagon over there?"


    "Oh, I''ll move them."


    The man helping him offered.


    "Oh, then I want you to move both of them not to the side of the road, but to the open space over there for the wagons.


    This is the parking lot for the golem competition (gompetition). There was still some space available, so he asked us to move the carriages there.


    The carriage moved slowly.


    "Oya?"


    The man helping to move the other party''s carriage looked doubtful.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Vivian, who was still in the distance, heard the murmur and asked, "What''s wrong?


    "No, I''m just feeling heavy. ......It must be carrying a very heavy load."


    "...... Hmm?"


    Vivienne thought that the guard who had just woken the carriages had said something like that.


    "Is it a heavy load? ...... What in the world is it?"


    * * * * * *


    It was a casual remark, but a part of the truth was hidden in it.


    The <><>, who is guarding Vivian secretly, has been watching the whole thing and has transmitted it to the old man.


    The old man guessed that it must have something to do with the golem that is currently participating in the golem competition (gompetition).


    Since there is no urgent matter at this moment, the "Mere Old Man" gave such a moderate order.


    The "Mere Old Man" was not so sure.


    "For the time being, while complying with the law. ......


    After receiving the order, <>, another < of the <> who is escorting Vivienne together with <, another <>, tells <, another of the <> who is escorting Vivienne, that is to go with . Ash, the other <> who was escorting Vivienne with him, temporarily took over the responsibility of escorting Vivienne, while he searched around the accident site.


    "Is there anything that might give us a clue?


    His sharp eyes caught a glimpse of something.


    "This is ......."


    A piece of metal. Judging by the color, it must be a piece of the armor that had just tumbled out.


    It must have been chipped by the impact of the fall. It is more fragile than we thought.


    It is only a small piece that can fit in one''s palm, but it is enough for analysis.


    "If you can''t tell the original shape of the object, it''s a piece of trash, isn''t it? If a piece of metal is on the street, someone might get hurt. It would make sense to clean it up.


    secures it as the first clue.


    "I doubt there are any more ......."


    But, as expected, there seems to be nothing left in its place.


    "Then, there might be a clue in the carriage over there..."


    Wearing the <> magic once again, <> heads for the carriage.


    * * * * * *


    The carriage in which Vivian and the others had ridden and the carriage of the other party who had caused the accident were placed side by side in the wagon yard.


    The men helping Vivienne and her family are taking a nap in the carriage of Vivienne and her family.


    At the same end of the lot, there is a guard station and a temporary first aid room where Vivienne, Lecole, and the man who fainted seem to be.


    On the other side of the wagon, there are two guards who are trying to make a cursory check, according to the rules, to see if there are any hazardous materials on board.


    (Just as well. (Just in time. Let me show you from the side.)


    Vivienne and Lecole''s carriage, with only two napping assistants and minimal baggage, is checked in a matter of minutes.


    But the other carriage''s baggage...


    "Hey, what''s this?"


    The same armor I saw earlier, for more than a dozen people.


    "That''s some strange armor. Even if it''s from ......, it''s still light."


    "What''s this? ...... it''s true. It looks like steel or something.


    Maybe it''s a new material. I guess they''re here to sell it to the crowd."


    The armor made of the mysterious metal was not so suspicious.


    And then.


    "And then there are two ...... barrels. Do they contain water or liquor?"


    The guard tapped the barrels with the baton in his hand. A low thud sounded.


    "Hey, hey, what''s that sound?


    "At least it doesn''t sound like there is water in it."


    The same sound was also heard by , and the same sound was also passed on to the old man.

 1111 - - 30-21 mock match, qualifying round is over

    At the golem competition site, the was about to take place.


    In a simulation, each side decides who is the best without destroying the other.


    That''s what it''s about. Weapons and armor are made to order. The weapons are custom-made, made of specially treated wood.


    Mr. Tolf, I assume you have some kind of armor as well?


    Of course. The armor is made of specially treated leather that changes color when the weapon strikes it.


    I see. So if it gets colored, you lose?


    That''s the short version. Very simple rules.


    Also, magic is not forbidden, but you don''t get points for it.


    So it''s a contest of martial arts?


    "I see. Interesting rule. ...... is to give priority to martial arts over magic."


    I understood that if you get a blow, you lose.


    "...... might use magic to check them when the situation calls for it."


    Jin heard this and tried to envision the battle in his own way.


    "But magic won''t color the armor, will it? ...... What kind of principle does it have?"


    I am also impressed by the interesting settings of armor and weapons.


    "Are they impregnated with chemicals like pressure-sensitive paper?��No, but it would leave marks even if it were not a weapon, so I wonder if the chemicals soaked in the weapon and the armor react with each other to produce a color.


    Jin tried to imagine a mechanism that would make the hit points colored.


    Now, the mock battle is about to begin!��First, the preliminary round!��A group battle of many against many, divided into four blocks!��The winner of the preliminary round will participate in the main tournament!


    Since there are 38 competitors, 9 or 10 of them will be fighting at the same time.


    In short, a battle royal, Jin imagined.


    "...... In that case, I think the theory was to attack the strongest opponent by gathering the rest of the competitors together."


    Erza responded to Jin''s soliloquy.


    "I think that''s not fair.


    "Yeah, that''s one way of looking at it, but it''s not a battle between knight and knight. It''s not a one-on-one battle, it''s a survival game.


    "......It''s true, maybe."


    Erza is not familiar with this kind of martial arts, so it is not surprising that she has such an opinion.


    "It''s more of a strategy, or a tactic, if you will.


    "I understand the theory, but..."


    The point seems to be, why did they take such a way to decide who is the "strong one"?


    From that point of view, it is not hard to understand.


    "Indeed. In a battle royal, there is a possibility that the strongest person will be eliminated.


    "That''s what I mean."


    Since this was a policy of the tournament management, Jin could not comment on it.


    While we were talking, the preliminary round of the battle royal was underway.


    The battles that took place in the area that was divided into circles were not in the form that Jin had expected, but were simple melee battles.


    In the first group of qualifiers, two players, No. 1<> and No. 16<>, remained until the end, In a one-on-one fight, <> was killed and the game ended.


    In the second group, number 2 <> had overwhelmed the other golems with his speed and was finished.


    In the third group, the final battle was between No. 35<> and No. 40<>.


    "Oh, that one hasn''t been decided yet, has it?"


    Jin was intrigued to see the battle projected on the huge <.


    < and are heavy warrior types.


    However, in the record of 500m run, <<> is ahead by 3 seconds.


    That is, the difference in basic performance.


    In the third group of qualifiers, the last two remaining competitors are engaged in a fierce battle!


    It''s a great battle between the two finalists in the third qualifying round! Neither of them is giving an inch!


    In the eyes of the MC and the commentators, they may have looked evenly matched, but from Jin''s point of view, there was still plenty of power left in the hands of Altkrieger.


    Finally, Donald''s <> shows one of his seriousness. He increases his speed by one step.


    The <> had the balance and skill to turn power into speed.


    In a battle that seemed evenly matched, Altkrieger''s cleave hit the Iron Warrior''s torso.


    A red streak was clearly left there.


    He was still strong!��The winner of the third group of qualifiers is number 40, Altkrieger!


    The audience, who were watching the great match on the magic screen, gave a hearty round of applause.


    Then came the fourth group, number 41, with <>.


    Surprisingly, there were still three <> left in this group after the hotly contested third group had ended.


    Of course, one of them was <>. And numbers 15 and 29. Both of them were the top 10 ranked players in yesterday''s total.


    (......)


    Jin was convinced that his guess was correct.


    (Priority is given to learning the opponent''s techniques.)


    Number 41 was trying to learn as much as possible of his opponent''s fighting techniques while cutting corners to the extent that he would not lose.


    As he had expected, the fighting behavior of No. 41 was visibly changing compared to that of the beginning of the preliminary round.


    At first, he was serious at best and inflexible at worst, but as he eliminated one or two opponents, his moves improved rapidly.


    I can say that I became able to cope with irregular attacks.


    Or should I say that they have learned to respond outside of the manual?


    I guess we are learning after all.


    "...... brother Jin, that golem has an incredibly wide range of motion in its joints."


    Erza also mentioned her observations.


    "Yes, that''s true.


    Jin thought that it might not even be an endoskeleton.


    In the case of an endoskeleton, the range of motion of limbs and other parts is determined by the joint settings.


    The same is true for an exoskeleton.


    However, <> is different.


    It can bend anywhere, and there is no limit to how it bends.


    However, there is no <> that supports such a movement, so you have to build it yourself.


    "......I guess that''s it. ......"


    Jin thought that there was no doubt about the purpose of No. 41''s participation in this golem competition (gompetition) by using the forced method of jumping into the competition.


    "But the ultimate purpose is still a mystery. ......


    Even if they literally completed a golem with <>, what they want to do with it and what they intend to do with it is not clear.


    "It would be different from a sales pitch. ......"


    If that is the case, they could have made a lot of money if they had sold it to Count Galana, as was reported.


    Since he did not do so, we can assume that he came here for something else, not for money.


    "Is it honor, after all, or ......?"


    When Jin thought about it, he heard a loud cheer.


    Number 41<> had won the fourth group.


    "Ah, it''s over. Next is the main draw.


    Well, the four finalists have been decided!


    I guess it''s a foregone conclusion. I''m looking forward to it.


    Erich Ziffro''s Stahlritter, Jarui Dahle''s Zabelaar, Donald''s Altkrieger, and Jix''s < at No.41 will fight in the main tournament.


    But it is almost lunch time.


    After a short lunch break, the main battle will begin in the afternoon!


    * * * *


    "Father, the old man has called."


    Reiko whispered to Jin as he got up from the judges'' table.


    "It seems to be quite urgent."


    "I understand."


    Jin pretended to go to the restroom and contacted the "Mere Old Man" in a deserted corner.


    Reiko is on the lookout for him and Elsa is ready to listen to what he has to say.


    It''s me, the old man. Is something wrong?


    <


    The old man briefly explained that the carriage in which Vivienne and Lecole had collided with the carriage was loaded with the .

 1112 - - 30-22 Speculation

    "Elsa, I need to talk to you."


    Erza answered Jin''s words with a smile.


    "...... I know. <


    "Bingo."


    Jin gave Erza a chuckle of admiration.


    "I''d like to quickly examine the material. I can''t help but wonder about this one."


    "Yeah, I know. Have a nice trip.


    Don''t say good-bye. Come on, Elsa.


    What?


    "We don''t know what''s going to happen, so it''s better to stay together."


    Jin has seen many cases in anime and novels where people have been kidnapped by their girlfriends or family members because they were overconfident that they would be okay.


    "Hmm, okay."


    So Jin, together with Elsa and Reiko, was wrapped in magic and headed for <.


    At the same time, with a piece of armor also arrived there.


    <>, but thanks to their invisibility, they are undetected.


    <, Jin silently flies to Horai Island through the warp gate in .


    <


    As usual, the old man''s voice greets you.


    "Please send my doppelganger and Erza''s doppelganger in place of mine.


    After giving instructions to the old man, Jin rushed to the workshop. Elsa and Reiko followed him.


    He places the sample armor pieces on the workbench in the workshop, and finally begins to analyze them.


    "So this is a piece of armor. It''s so light. ......"


    My first impression is that it is <.


    "Really, it''s light."


    Erza also held the sample and was surprised at its lightness.


    "Now, this metal... ......"


    Jin''s memory of modern Japan has one such example.


    It was a metal that could be determined without .


    "This is a foam metal.


    "<>?"


    Jin explains to Erza, who asks the question in a parroted tone.


    "Yeah. I''ve only heard about it.


    This is a material that was still in its infancy even in modern Japan, where Jin was from.


    "The only thing I know about it is that you can use gas to make aluminum or titanium foam," he says.


    He then looked at the sample in front of him intently.


    "The material is probably titanium ...... light silver. And it has a lot of tiny holes in it. That''s why it looks matte."


    Jin told me honestly that he did not know how it was made.


    "Even my brother Jin doesn''t know?"


    Erza looks surprised.


    "Yes. But that doesn''t mean we can''t make something similar.


    There are a few possible ways to make it, she added.


    "Like what?"


    Erza wants to know. Jin leaned back in his chair and began to explain his theory.


    "First of all, the structure should have numerous small holes. In other words, we should make <> in the metal.


    "I see."


    "The problem is how to do it. The first idea is to create bubbles in the molten metal.


    The molten state requires a very high temperature, but <> can be done at room temperature.


    "......It is true."


    "It is true, but ordinary air bubbles would not be able to form such fine bubbles. So, there is another possibility: ......"


    Jin explained that bubbles could be created by magic.


    "Then, depending on how you do it, you should be able to make very fine bubbles.


    "Ah, I see. That''s my brother Jin."


    However, Jin shook his head.


    "But this sample seems to have been made in a different way. ......"


    Then, crossing his arms, Jin stared at the sample.


    "But Brother Jin, isn''t this one weak?"


    Erza''s voice reminded Jin of something he needed to do before thinking about the manufacturing method.


    "Yes, indeed. That''s why it broke into pieces like this.


    "Then why did you make this thing?"


    "Well, that''s what it''s for."


    The advantages of foamed metals are that they are lighter and more heat resistant (some alloys), but Jin thinks that using them as armor is not acceptable.


    "It would certainly absorb shock, though. ......"


    That''s all. Overall, it is not a good defense.


    Then, the old man gives us some additional information.


    , who was at the scene, that the wagon carrying the armor is also carrying barrels of some heavy liquid with it. The weight of the liquid ...... is estimated to be as heavy as liquid metal.


    "What!"


    Jin gets up from his chair at the new information.


    Then he sits down again, but this time with a sly grin on his face.


    "Brother Jin?��What''s wrong?"


    "...... I think I know how to use this from the information you just gave me."


    "What?"


    Jin slowly explains to Erza, who tilts her head, as if admonishing her.


    "Foam metal and liquid metal. Is there anything you notice about this combination?"


    "...... Uh, seepage?"


    "Yes."


    Jin nodded his head.


    "Probably, the armor made of this foam metal will show its true performance only when it is soaked with liquid metal.


    "What do you mean by ''original performance''?"


    Jin smiled at the question.


    "That''s exactly what we don''t know because we don''t have the liquid metal. But I have two guesses.


    "Can you tell me?"


    "Sure. ...... First, we need to strengthen the armor.


    Yeah, I can see that.


    I''m sure you do.


    Foam ...... and metal are the two things everyone associates with it.


    "I think it would dramatically increase the strength."


    At least, that is the reason why Jin had no idea what material the armor worn by No.41, <> was made of.


    "It is neither alloy nor plating. < state, so its appearance is unique."


    It is not surprising that it was difficult to tell from a distance.


    "But, perhaps," he said, "another guess might be in order."


    "And what is that?"


    "That''s the one thing I''ve been chasing since before this..."


    Jin cut off the conversation and continued.


    "It is the use of the <>.

 1113 - - 30-23 First semi-final match

    "You mean that you are going to soak this armor with liquid metal and use on the liquid metal?"


    Jin nodded his head happily at Erza''s words.


    "That''s right. That''s just my guess, though.


    Jin, however, thought it was not so far off the mark.


    "So..."


    Jin continued.


    "I think the guy who first attacked the <> security golem in the Kingdom of Egelea is different from this one."


    "...... weighs different?"


    "That''s what I''m talking about, Elsa. That''s right. If the armor was filled with liquid metal, it might weigh that much, but soaked into this armor, it would be at most as heavy as a normal golem, if not a little heavier."


    The old man agreed with me.


    "Then, the golem that fought with the Nostalgia golem in the Egelea Kingdom and the golem that just jumped into the golem competition (gompetition) are definitely different, aren''t they?


    "But even if they belong to different organizations, what they are doing is enhancing the pattern of operation."


    Both are working on ......, which is no longer illegal ......<> because it''s illegal ......<> has been approved, but their goals seem to be the same, apart from the way they do it.


    "Are you in competition?"


    What?��Elsa, what did you say?


    I was wondering if the two types of golems are competing to see who can be stronger, each in their own way.


    "Hmm. ......"


    Jin was impressed by Erza''s idea, since he hadn''t thought of that possibility at all.


    "If that''s the case, then maybe it''s not this Jix guy, but the guy who''s out cold right now is the guy who stole the technology from Zidane''s place."


    "...... Still, that doesn''t answer the question of , though."


    "I guess so."


    For Jin, if he simply wants to create a strong golem as a researcher, he thinks there are more ways to do it.


    The way Jix and the others are doing it, they are not thinking about the future. They have created their own enemies.


    "At any rate, I''m curious to know what''s in that <>: ......"


    Jin is very curious about what kind of <> it is.


    * * * *


    Meanwhile, the venue of the golem competition (gompetition) in the Kingdom of Celuloa, its first aid room.


    "Uu...... what is this place?"


    A man who had fainted woke up.


    "This is the infirmary.


    The healer who had been accompanying him told him this, and the man opened his eyes.


    "...... how is the golem competition (gompetition) going?"


    "Hmm?��Have you come to watch?��The afternoon session is about to start.


    At that moment, I heard a loud cheer.


    "Oh, it''s started!"


    Then the man lets out a small sigh.


    "...... you made it in time. ......"


    * * * *


    Ladies and gentlemen, here we go!��The final round of the Golem competition!��This is the last round, for crying or for laughing!


    The two semi-finals and the final, a total of three matches will be held to determine the top Golem. I''m looking forward to it!


    The nobles in the guest of honor''s seats are also very interested. They are probably thinking of keeping the maker with the highest score in the competition.


    Your commentator, Mr. Tolff, this time you''ve made it more exciting.


    Yes, it was, Mr. Emsy. We can look forward to next year''s show and the one after that.


    The Gonkkrenz competition in the Kingdom of Shoro is held irregularly, but with its advanced golem technology and golem industry, the Kingdom of Celuloa could probably make it a yearly event.


    Now, the first match of the semi-final is ......1, <> vs. 40<<


    The crowd cheered loudly.


    Both fighters are now on the playing field. The playing field is a platform 10 meters square, and if you fall from it, you lose.


    So there are other factors besides being struck by a blow that could result in defeat. Incidentally, this platform is made of stone, and has been toughened by many mages, so it will not be damaged easily by a golem in a fight.


    Thank you, Mr. Tolf. ...... Now it''s time to get started. We''re both armed with greatswords!


    Greatswords are intimidating to look at, aren''t they? I''m looking forward to this fight.


    <>


    The signal to begin is given, but both sides are staring at each other and not moving.


    They seem to be waiting to see what will happen, since they are of the same type.


    They''re not moving.


    No, look, the distance between the two is closing, but only slightly. They are moving.


    Just as the commentator said, the distance between the two figures, which was about 3 meters, is now about 2.5 meters, and the distance between the two figures is gradually closing.


    Slowly, as slowly as an ant''s step, the two bodies were closing the distance between them.


    And when the distance was less than two meters.


    Then, when they were less than two meters apart, there was the sound of wooden swords clashing with wooden swords.


    Both of them swung their greatswords at the same time, and they crossed each other in the air.


    Then, the two figures began to move.


    [Clap!��It''s a great battle!


    The two swordsmen wielded their greatswords as if they were short swords, cutting each other off.


    Their swordsmanship seemed evenly matched.


    But...


    But the battle, which at first appeared to be evenly matched, is slowly being won by the Altkrieger.


    Mr. Tolf, what does this mean?


    Yes. Technically, they''re equal, but there''s a difference in power.


    Strength?


    Yes, sir. Even though the technology is the same, the Altkrieger is a little more powerful.


    Jin''s "doppelganger" was observing the situation from the jury''s seat.


    Of course, it was the old man who was controlling it.


    ��As Mylord has discovered, <> seems to be able to distribute the limited power source at will. However, its switching speed does not seem to be very fast>>.)


    This battle requires comprehensive strength. If the arms, waist, and legs are not strong enough, the fighter will be defeated.


    <


    Therefore, as a result of having no choice but to fix the output distribution to the average, they were pushed down by <> in terms of overall strength.


    The battle seemed to be evenly matched, but gradually <> was pushing!


    The Stahlritter was already on the defensive.


    And finally...


    Aah!��<, he strikes a blow!


    The sword leaps upward. Naturally, his torso is empty. Then he takes another step forward and cleaves the torso.


    <.


    >


    the referee''s voice rings out.


    >


    Loud cheers and thunderous applause echoed through the hall.


    Mr. Tolff, that was a great battle!


    Yes, Mr. Emsy. We were of a similar type, and in the end, the difference in basic performance was evident.


    Now it is the turn of .


    <, called Jin to have a direct look at it.


    "At last. Thank you for inviting me to ......."


    Jin came from the workshop to the control room and thanked the old man. He looked at the magic screen in front of him.


    There, the battle between No.41<> and No.2<> was about to start.

 1114 - - 30-24 Second semifinal match

    Now, the second semifinal match is about to begin!


    This is another match to watch out for. The two players, No. 2 , who is clearly a speedy player, and No. 41 , who has shown his high overall strength so far. We have no idea how the match will turn out.


    Number 2 is a short sword, and number 41 is a great sword.


    I thought they would use two swords, but they didn''t.


    I guess that''s the difference between a demonstration and a real fight.


    A one-handed human sword is called a shortsword, and a two-handed sword is called a greatsword.


    The size of the short sword is about 70 centimeters including the hilt, and the great sword is about 150 centimeters.


    The difference in size is more than twice the size of the shortsword, but it is not enough to determine which is stronger or more advantageous.


    The effectiveness of a weapon depends on who uses it and the situation in which it is used.


    It was thought that <>, using his speed as a weapon, would be more than capable of using the shortsword''s characteristics, while <>''s power would allow him to use the greatsword as well as the shortsword.


    >


    With a shout to start the match, <> leaps forward.


    And then he swung a side sweep. It was a slash with a wider range of attack than the one that he had just swung down from the top.


    But <> dodged it by jumping back to the right with room to spare.


    <> followed up with <> and >, in other words, two diagonal slashes in succession.


    Against <>, he dodged the first and blocked the second with the greatsword in his hand.


    * * * * *


    "Hmmm, this is a bad attack!


    Jin, who was on Horai Island, muttered involuntarily.


    "What do you mean, Brother Jin?��Jin brother is not that knowledgeable when it comes to fighting techniques, I believe.


    Erza, who had somehow come to stand next to Jin, asked.


    "What?��I''m an amateur when it comes to martial arts, but the fact that this attack pattern is bad is purely a technical matter.


    Jin then explains the reason.


    "That is good at analyzing the movements he sees. That means that ......"


    "Does that mean it will eventually respond?"


    "That''s right. So in that case, <> should have let them attack, dodged them, and then attacked them when they had an opening. ...... and that''s what I would have told them to do."


    >''s movement is getting better and better.


    Hearing the old man''s words, Jin and Erza turned their attention back to the magic screen.


    There, they saw <> literally leaping around the playing field with his body movements that were even better than those of <>.


    * * * * * *


    This is a great match, Mr. Tolff.


    Yes, at first, it seemed that the second player was going to attack at once with his quickness, but the 41st player withstood the onslaught with his tenacity. And with his characteristic responsiveness, he has already shown his quickness as fast as No. 2.


    As the commentator said, No.41<> was much more agile than he had been just after the start of the game.


    But, No. 2, "Zerberer," with a name like "The Magician," I imagine there is more to your game than that.


    I see. So you imagine, Mr. Tolff, that the hidden ball that you were going to save for the final will have to be played in this semi-final, is that right?


    True to his word, the creator of the number 2 <>, Jarui Dare of the Kingdom of Egelea, shouted out instructions from the side of the playing field.


    "<>!��Go!"


    Those short words were all that was needed.


    The <> had put the <> around him.


    The wind itself is invisible, but barely visible through the dust and sand that is swept up by it.


    Whoa!��What is this?


    Wind magic. I''m surprised that a golem can use it.


    There are indeed golems that can or , fire magic, as a means of attack.


    However, very few golems can handle magic with their own <> and have a high degree of control over it.


    (In addition to Jin''s golem, this includes the all-powerful golem of the old Unified Party (Unifiler), etc.)


    Some golems, such as those operated in mining sites, are set to be able to use earth magic << dig>>, but they can only be activated according to their settings. Thus, it is indeed a sorcerer (zabelaar) that can be activated in accordance with its own movements.


    I see. The tournament rules don''t say that golems can''t use magic.


    That''s what I meant.


    I see.


    "I see, so the wind will deflect the opponent''s sword."


    Jin, who was watching the screen, muttered to himself.


    The greatsword is made of wood, which is light for its size. In fact, it may be disadvantageous because it has a large area to catch the wind.


    "The engineer who made the is the only one who can do such an unusual thing.


    <, now seems to have created a golem that can manipulate wind magic.


    "Anyway, it''s a good move, since it is not written in the rules of the tournament that <>."


    Considering the rarity of golems that can use magic in the first place, and the fact that it is a characteristic of the golem to be able to use magic, it would not be a violation.


    However, a victory by magic would not be scored since it would not leave any mark on the armor.


    Jin, who is the head of the jury, expressed his opinion by saying .......


    In the meantime, the situation of the game was changing.


    * * * * * *


    This is amazing!��This is great!��Number 2 , you are deflecting the opponent''s sword with the wind!


    And you, you''re making your attack in the direction of the wind.


    And now the tables are turned. Now Zabela has the advantage.


    The wind deflects his attacks, and he uses the wind to speed up his own attacks.


    It seems that he is also using the wind to move, and his speed is even faster than before.


    Naturally, the opponent''s < is facing a headwind, which also slows down the speed of his steps.


    Everyone thought that the game was decided.


    Just then...


    Oh!


    M.C., the host, exclaimed unintentionally,


    "Wow!"


    "Wow!"


    The audience also exclaimed in amazement.


    < had landed a blow to the head of .


    It was finally decided!��The winner is number 41, <>!


    The crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.


    The wind is only the wind.


    "The wind is still the wind, huh?


    muttered Jin, who was watching the game on Horai Island.


    "The idea is good, but the operation is not so good.


    At the game site, there was a figure of , who had struck a blow to the head of with a forceful effort, despite the blowing wind.


    "Brother Jin, what''s the operation?"


    Erza, who had heard Jin''s muttering, asked again.


    "Ah, <> is a flow of air, so its <> is small. That''s why it''s less effective against heavy objects, that is, objects with large mass, right?"


    "Nope."


    "Then, what should we do?"


    Jin cut off his speech and looked at Elsa''s face. Jin thinks that with Elsa''s current knowledge, he will be able to reach the correct answer.


    "......"


    Erza thinks for a moment and then says what comes to her mind.


    "Could it be the wind speed?"


    "You guessed right."


    Jin nodded in satisfaction.


    "As I recall, air resistance is proportional to the square of the speed. So, if we double the wind speed, the effect should quadruple.


    From the screen, I estimated that <> was clothed in winds of about 100 kilometers per hour. In terms of wind speed, that would be about 28 meters.


    In terms of typhoon wind speed, this means that it is still not enough.


    Considering the weight, the wind speed is more than enough to overturn a car, so if the wind speed is 80 meters, or about 290 km/h, <> would be blown away or toppled over if a wind of 80 meters, or 290 kilometers per hour, were to blow.


    The final match was about to begin.

 1115 - - 30-25 Attention seekers

    Meanwhile, in the emergency room, the unconscious man came to his senses and tried to get up.


    "Doctor, I''m a patient, is it safe for me to move?"


    a hired nurse who was with the healer asked the healer anxiously.


    "I think he will be fine now."


    The nurse helped the man to get up.


    "Um, may I ask your name?"


    the nurse asked the man as he got up from the bed.


    "My name is Garik. My name is Garrick Ashe.


    "You must be Garik. Well, take care of yourself.


    The nurse made a note in the emergency room record and, without further ado, let the man who had identified himself as Gariq leave.


    The man named Garik stopped, turned around, and asked, "Oh, my God, what happened to you?


    "Ah, what happened to my carriage?��And my baggage?


    "Oh, your wagon has been moved to a place outside of the parking lot. Some of your luggage was overturned, but I have reloaded it.


    "What!"


    Garik''s color changed when he heard the word "overturned".


    "The contents!��Are the contents safe?


    "I don''t know.��I don''t know. ......


    "...... got it."


    As soon as the nurse answered, Garrick ran toward the tarmac.


    "...... are you safe......?"


    Checking the cargo, Garik let out a sigh of relief.


    "Some of the armor is damaged, but this shouldn''t be a problem. But what happened to the pieces?


    Garik hesitated, wondering if he should go looking for it or if he should do what he was supposed to do.


    "......I guess the objective comes first."


    Then the two guards who had seen Garik came in.


    "Hey, are you feeling better now?"


    "Uh, yes, thank you for your help. ......"


    Garik didn''t know the guard''s face, but he guessed that it was probably either the one who had brought him to the aid room when he fainted or the one who had moved the carriage here.


    "No, that''s fine, but since our main job is to guard this venue, we''d like to check the cargo.


    We want to make sure that no dangerous items are brought in," he says.


    "Oh, that''s fine."


    Garrick nodded smilingly and pointed first at the armor.


    "As you can see, this is armor. As you can see, this is armor. It has a special construction and is light. However, it is a little weak because of that. ......


    "I see. It''s a little chipped from the fall earlier."


    The guard nodded at Garik''s explanation.


    "And what about these barrels?"


    He points to a barrel that he had tapped earlier and heard a heavy sound.


    "Well, I don''t know if you know, but it is <>.


    Generally speaking, the danger of mercury is not yet recognized.


    Hence, the security guard is satisfied to hear that.


    "Oh, mercury. And you, Mr. ...... sorry, can you tell me your name?


    "Uh, yes. My name is Garrick. Garrick Ash.


    I see. Well then, Mister Garik. Are you an alchemist?


    Mercury was a liquid metal known to be used by alchemists.


    "Yes, I suppose so."


    Garik nodded.


    "I see. So it makes sense. Mercury is heavy, right?"


    "Yes. It is lighter than gold, but heavier than iron, copper, and lead."


    "Hmmm. ...... If you don''t mind, can you tell me what you use mercury for?"


    At this question, Garik looked a little puzzled.


    "I''m afraid so. ...... For an alchemist, it''s a matter of life and death to show his hand."


    "I see. I''m sorry about that.


    But Garik smiled thinly and said.


    "No, that''s okay."


    After exchanging a few words, Garik parted from the guards and headed for the venue of the Golem Games.


    "I''d like to see the Golem competition," he said.


    "You''re a fanatic when all you have left to do is the final match.


    Garik only laughed when he was told this.


    I paid the admission fee of 200 dollars and went to the standing room at the very back. All the seats were full.


    Although we were standing at the back of the hall, there was no inconvenience for us to watch the show because of the large magic screen.


    "...... just in time, huh?"


    And a little earlier, Vivienne and Lukor were also sitting in the audience of the golem competition (gompetition).


    "I didn''t know there was only one final left. You should have given us half the price.


    Lukor grumbled.


    Vivian, however, did not pay attention to the golem, which was about to play in the finals.


    His eyes, of course, are on number 41, the Phantom.


    * * * * * *


    Now, the exciting Golem competition (gompetition) is finally coming to a close!��It''s the final round!


    <


    The final game was about to begin. 40, Mr. Donald Callow, <> and 41, Mr. Jix, <>!��The first and second place winners in the cumulative score so far in this tournament!


    It''s the last and the greatest game of the season. I''m looking forward to it.


    The playing field, which had been slightly damaged by the previous battles, was repaired in about 10 minutes.


    Finally, the final match is about to begin.


    This time, both fighters are armed with longswords.


    They are holding them with one hand.


    What do you make of this, Mr. Tolff?


    Well, I think it''s a result of the fact that they want more speed than the greatsword, and more reach than the shortsword.


    * * * *


    <


    "I think both of them chose the size that would maximize their performance."


    "But brother Jin, why doesn''t <> use the two sword ...... style?"


    Jin pondered over Erza''s simple question.


    "Well, well,...... I''m not an expert in martial arts at all, so I may be off the mark."


    After such a preface, Jin expressed his opinion.


    "I can wield two swords as a kata, but when it comes to fighting, I''m not so sure.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I mean, assuming that <>''s control core>> has the processing power of two ordinary golems, if it is allocated to control the left and right arms, it would be possible to use two swords. But <> is a real warrior. He will not be able to win if he does not give his all. In such a situation, it might be better to concentrate the processing power of the control core on one sword ......."


    <


    Laojun also supported Jin''s idea.


    "Probably, the less processing time required for <>, the more efficient it is."


    In other words, the less time you have to , the better the result will be if you concentrate on in one ...... formal.


    Jin is not at all sure if this applies to human swordsmen such as for example. This is only a story for golem''s movement control.


    "Oh, it''s about to start!"


    Jin and the others looked at the magic screen.

 1116 - - 30-26 final

    <>


    As soon as the call for the start of the match was made, the two jumped away from each other.


    They probably avoided being ambushed by each other.


    However, from the point where they jumped back, they now jumped out in opposite directions. In other words, they are on a collision course with each other.


    The sound of wooden swords colliding with each other is heard.


    Both sides swing their swords in almost the same trajectory, and as a result, their swords cross right in front of each other''s faces. They then engage in a sword-batting contest.


    Oh!��It''s been heated right from the start!


    From the looks of it, it seems that they are evenly matched in strength.


    In fact, there is not much difference in strength between <> and <>.


    At most, <> is about 20% stronger.


    But on the contrary, there was a <.


    As Jin guessed, <> was somewhat lighter than <>.


    The difference in weight is significant in a push-and-pull situation.


    The lighter one is defeated by the lighter one.


    Of course, there is a technique to make the lighter weight not to be defeated by the lighter weight.


    But the current Phantom had not yet mastered such a technique.


    The current < has not yet mastered such a technique.


    "Hmmm, <>, you''re good. Or perhaps Donald''s instructions are more appropriate."


    "Jin brother, explain?"


    Erza responds to his soliloquy with a request, and Jin begins to explain.


    "Well, when you push each other, the frictional force between the soles of your feet and the ground is also important.


    "Hmm, I think I understand."


    It is easier to understand if you think of pulling each other rather than pushing each other.


    If the force is the same, the one with the higher frictional force will win.


    "Friction force is the product of the coefficient of friction and weight. Since the ground surface is the same, if the coefficient of friction between the soles of the golem''s feet is the same, the heavier the golem is, the greater the frictional force.


    "Sure, that''s true."


    "At ......, it was difficult when pulling each other, but when pushing each other, by pushing slightly upward from the bottom, you can produce the same effect as if your own weight had increased by using the pushing force of the other person."


    "Ah, I see."


    "But I haven''t used <>, probably because I haven''t had the chance to learn such a technique. And, also without a doubt, <> is lighter."


    * * *


    The two teams are evenly matched!��The battle is exciting!


    While the quick attacks and defenses are a feast for the eyes, these evenly matched fights between the two are also worth watching.


    The audience clenched their fists tightly and looked at the two figures, sparing not even a blink of an eye.


    , perhaps realizing that he was at a disadvantage at this point, suddenly jumped back.


    A human being might lose his balance, for example, by stumbling forward when his opponent unexpectedly relaxed, but <> was quick to react.


    He twisted his body and jumped to the side in a slightly unreasonable position.


    And it was right.


    Once back, lunged forward again, swinging his sword.


    But there was no <> there, and his slash went flying through the air.


    And the swinging becomes an opening again.


    <


    uses his reaction speed to block it.


    Again, a stalemate.


    The difference is that this time <> has a side cleave and <> has a lower cleave, whereas last time it was top vs. top.


    The previous match was great, but this is the final match. I am at a loss for words!


    Tolphedest, the commentator, said in a passionate voice, and Mthuston, the host, agreed with him.


    It''s a great match. This is a matchup of the best fighters in the world, and it''s a matchup worthy of the finals.


    The stalemate did not last long as both fighters simultaneously jumped back and engaged in a standoff.


    The two sides jumped back at the same time and engaged in a staring contest.


    "Haha, both of them are ...... no, I guess the <> has boosted its output.


    "Brother Jin, please explain again."


    Erza heard one of them muttering in agreement and asked Jin again.


    "Yes, I understand. The power sources of ......<> are probably <> and <>."


    It is the same power source that was once used for Elena.


    "Is it a little weak as a power source for ......<>?"


    Erza expressed her opinion and Jin affirmed it.


    "Correct. So it doesn''t have enough power to keep the best movement continuously. That''s why they are probably using in combination."


    Jin explained that the surplus of <> in the normal state is stored there, and when necessary, it is used in combination with the <> to obtain more power than the output of the <>.


    "Would it be correct to think that you are at full power when you are in a fierce battle, and that you are storing up power when you are in a staring contest?"


    Jin nodded his head in satisfaction at Erza''s statement.


    "I think that is correct. I think it''s fine. I think it''s only slight if it''s different.


    At that moment, the movement behind the magic screen changed.


    <''s movements became much faster.


    "What?��< boosting its output in some way?


    Jin leans forward toward the magic screen.


    "No, no. That thing is wearing ...... wind!"


    used wind magic to assist his defense and movement. used it, too.


    "I knew you had learned. ......"


    Jin growled. He renews his recognition that this is a golem with processing capabilities not to be underestimated.


    But...


    "Whoa!"


    < had increased his speed even more.


    "This one''s still hiding something deep inside. That''s Donald. That''s the spirit of the former ."


    From what Jin can see, nothing has changed in the way he looks or acts.


    "This is probably an extra as a backup power source."


    "Brother Jin, isn''t that not very popular?"


    Erza asks a question to Jin''s explanation.


    The point is that although it does not seem to be a special technique to build up a spare mana tank, I have not seen any golem that implements such a technique.


    Elsa herself has never made a golem or automata with a mana tank, so she is not quite sure what to expect.


    "Oh, there are reasons for that. The main reason is ."


    "Switching?"


    "Switching?" "Yes. To put it simply, if you had two mana tanks, A and B, and you wanted to choose which one to use, you would need to block or open the channel for the transmission of mana, wouldn''t you?"


    "Hmm."


    "Unlike electricity, in the case of magical element (mana), such a switch cannot be made so easily."


    "......Okay. Thank you."


    < is not via a wire or a switch or something like that.


    In the case of the golem, the <> magical muscles and control core receive the mana semi-automatically.


    Therefore, in the past, <> was able to absorb Reiko''s mana.


    For example ......"


    Elsa thinks and speaks of the necessary <>.


    "Assuming that we can use mana from both A and B, which are equivalent mana reservoirs (mana tanks), we can usually use mana from A and fill B with half of the mana from A. If you fill B with half of the mana from A, only A''s mana will be reduced and B''s mana will not be reduced. Then, when the time comes, you can use both. ......How does this sound?"


    Jin nodded happily.


    "That''s great, Elsa. That''s a simple but effective way to handle it."


    Jin praised Erza for coming up with this method using only her own knowledge and experience, without anyone else telling her how to do it.


    At the sound of the old man''s voice, Jin and Erza stopped talking and looked at the magic screen.


    There, the decision had been made at last.

 1117 - - 30-27 settlement

    When <> made a move, <> also showed some tricks.


    Oh, wow!��Both sides are accelerating!


    This is a great battle! This is truly unprecedented.


    The voices of the MC and the commentators are rising.


    The crowd is clenching their fists, their hands are sweating, and they''re cheering as loud as they can.


    "<>!��There it is!��Let''s go!"


    Altkrieger!��Don''t lose!��Get him!


    Perhaps it''s the nature of the people of Cerroa... but battle scenes like this make their blood boil.


    "Your Majesty, this is a rare and famous battle."


    Kirk Apted, the commander of King Cesar''s Guard, is also looking on.


    "Yes. Though he is retired, he is still more than a match for the golem created by the former Donald of . ......


    Perhaps times are changing, Your Majesty.


    "Perhaps so."


    On the playing field, the two are battling with such force that even the paving stones on which they have been < are shattered.


    The <, clad in <> and increasing its speed, and the <>, mobilizing its reserve mana tanks and increasing its output.


    The battle seemed to be evenly matched.


    But the longer the battle drags on, the worse the odds are against <>.


    If their mana reserves run out, their movements will slow down.


    On the other hand, <>, although it is unknown what kind of power source it has, it shows no sign of running out yet.


    Then, the balance is broken.


    The <>, probably depleting its reserve mana tank, began to move slightly slower and slower.


    On the other hand, <>''s movements have not slowed down.


    Sweat beads on the forehead of Donald Callow, who is watching from the side of the ring.


    (The world is a big place, to think that there are still technicians like this buried in the field. ......)


    Finally, before Donald''s eyes, the sword of the <> was unsheathed, and the >''s blow exploded into the empty torso.


    That''s it!��Phantom 41 wins!


    The crowd cheered deafeningly.


    The fierce battle was finally settled!��The winner is number 41!


    This was a match that will go down in history!


    The MC and the commentators still seemed to be in a state of excitement.


    The audience was filled with thunderous applause.


    The audience was still in a frenzy of applause.


    "I guess won after all. ......"


    In Horai Island, Jin was talking to himself.


    "Donald''s <> was also outstandingly good," he said.


    "Better than that, so <> is not to be underestimated?"


    "Yes, it is. ......We''ll be deciding on the prizes after this, so I think we should take control of the <> for the time being.


    .


    * * * * * *


    The winner is number 41, . It doesn''t work.


    His total score so far is 900 points, making him the clear winner.


    The second place <> has 740 points, and the third place <> has 50 0 points.


    In addition, there are <><><> and so on. Of course, there is also the <>.


    These prizes are decided after consultation with the judges and the competition directors.


    "As for myself, I would like to award the to the first ."


    "Oh, <>, why is that?"


    One of the tournament directors asked with interest.


    "Yes. We evaluated it because <> seems to be able to change the output of the limited power source ......<> to the optimal distribution instantaneously each time."


    Hearing Jin''s explanation, several people express surprise on their faces.


    "Oh my God!"


    That''s a feature!


    "I can think of a few things, but to see it through ...... is indeed the Magecraft Meister, the Magical Engineer. ......"


    Thus, the <> award is given to the number 1, the Steel Knight (Stahlritter)>>.


    The <> went to number 35, Iron Warrior, and the <> to number 2, Zerberer.


    The "Fighting Spirit Prize" was awarded to No. 16, .


    * * * * * *


    "Well, it was short, but it was worth watching.


    "Yes, it was worthwhile."


    In the audience, Vivian and Lecore were talking.


    "So, what did you learn?"


    Vivian shook her head at Lecorre''s question.


    "No, I don''t have anything. But as a <>, I am happy to see a match that is as good as the old battles."


    "I see. I''m glad to hear that. By the way, I heard that the winner, number 41, jumped in."


    "If you go to ......?"


    The two of them are a little hushed. (Number 41 is the one we''re talking about.


    (Isn''t number 41 the target we''ve been after?


    ��So you think Jix is Ganno-Asher?)


    ��Yes. ...... or one of his collaborators?)


    ��What are you going to do after this?)


    ��After the awards ceremony, I''m hoping to make contact somehow.)


    ��Yes, that''s the only way to get in touch with him.)


    (I''m wondering if we can make some kind of contact after the awards ceremony.


    The winners, Mr. Jix, #41 and his golem, . Congratulations!


    "I am honored."


    The award ceremony was held amidst a storm of applause.


    The winners, runners-up, and prize winners were, in this order


    The runner-up, Mr. Donald Callow #40 and his golem <>. Congratulations!


    "Thank you very much."


    Third place, number 2, Mr. Jarui Dare and his golem, <>. That was close.


    I''ll do my best.


    Magecraft Meister Award, first prize, Erich Gifro and his golem, <>. Well done, sir.


    "Thank you, sir."


    "For effort: .......


    Technical award: ......


    The Fighting Spirit Award: ......


    After all the awards, King Cesar gave his congratulations.

 1118 - - 30-28 Battle, Analysis

    "You won. ......"


    Garik Ash let out a small sigh.


    "Well, we''re back on schedule. Now it''s up to you."


    The mutterings were conveyed to the old man by , who had been watching him since his <> had disappeared.


    This revealed the connection between Jix and Garik. What remains is the purpose.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    3:00 PM.


    The awarding ceremony is over, but there is a little too much time left.


    "Shall we have some entertainment?


    The convention directors consulted with each other and came to such a conclusion.


    "<>, could you do something for us?


    Jin received such a request.


    "If possible, I''d like to ask you to do a mock battle."


    Jix offered.


    This was just what Jin had hoped for. It would give him the opportunity to analyze the Phantom.


    Then armor?


    No, no armor will be fine. If the weapon is a wooden sword...


    Well, yes.


    "Well, it''s not like I''m going to grade them."


    So, the wooden sword and no armor are used for the <.


    Ladies and gentlemen!��We will now have a mock battle between the winner, number 41, <, and the golem <> of the head judge of this tournament, Mr. Jin Nido, the Magecraft Meister <>!


    At this announcement, the audience erupted, and those who had been sitting up to leave sat down again.


    < and have longswords in their hands. The conditions are the same.


    (Now, can you analyze the details of <>?)


    Jin in Horai Island is also looking forward to this battle.


    (His martial arts skills are ...... good enough for an ordinary soldier of the Shoro Empire. The rest is just physical ability.)


    (We can steal their skills, but not their physical abilities.


    <>


    The <> is in a waiting position to see how things go.


    In contrast, <> approaches slowly.


    When the distance between the two is less than two meters, <> steps forward.


    A light "kaaan" sound is heard. It is the sound of longswords clashing with each other.


    From the sound, it is clear that neither of them put much force on the other.


    After a quick hit, the two swordsmen jumped back about one meter and faced each other again.


    So, they''re both just waiting to see what happens.


    It seems so. But the speed of both of them was quite high. I wonder what would happen if they were to fight seriously?


    I''m looking forward to it!


    "A golem of the Magecraft Meister. This is a great opportunity. Jix, you''ll do fine, won''t you?


    Garrick Ash.


    "Mr. Jin Nido. I met him once before in the ruins of the Kingdom of Egelea. Even then I thought he was an excellent magecraftsman. ......


    Lukor said.


    ��Jin-san, you must have something on your mind. I''ll have to keep an eye out for it).


    Vivian also paid attention to this match.


    The two on the playing field faced each other for a while and then started to turn slowly to the right.


    Just when the observers thought that they were going much faster, there was a loud bang, and the movement stopped.


    As they looked, the swords swung at each other clashed, and they were in a fierce clash.


    The swords appear to be evenly matched in strength.


    The swords, which had been subjected to <> and <>, flexed, and even those watching could imagine how much force was being exerted on them.


    Almost simultaneously, the wooden sword shatters.


    >


    The two halted for a moment at the shout of the management, received the wooden sword and faced each other again.


    >


    The match is resumed.


    This time, the two players suddenly step forward and exchange sword blows.


    A series of light cracking noises are heard.


    "Wow. ......"


    one of the spectators suddenly said.


    That''s amazing swordsmanship!��It''s as good as the semifinals and the finals!


    I''m impressed with your work. ...... No, it goes both ways. Jin Nido lives up to his name and Jix, as the winner of the competition, is a top-notch engineer. Both are engineers of the highest caliber.


    * * * *


    "...... What is that commentator looking at?��That''s the highest level.


    In Horai Island, Erza, who was staring at the magic screen, muttered a disapproving look.


    She was dissatisfied that Jin''s ability was underestimated.


    And true to her word, the output of <> is still at about 30 percent.


    "But they don''t seem to be at full power yet either.


    The two are cutting back and forth between each other, partly because the wooden sword would not be able to hold up at full power.


    "Well, well. "Well, well... it''s not a bad thing to be able to buy time. We''ve got a lot of data."


    The other party must have analyzed and mastered the ''s martial arts and movements, but his martial arts are at the level of a common soldier of the Shoro Empire, and his movements are at 30 percent of the output.


    They have more to gain from this.


    "Hmm, as I thought, the armor is made of foamed light silver, the same material as the . It seems to be impregnated with a fluid metal.


    It is possible to analyze the data at such a close range of the Tsubagakure. They sent us quite detailed data.


    "And if you watch how they move, you can see it. That armor is almost hollow inside. That''s why it''s so light."


    The law of inertia is still valid in this world. The heavier the object, the more force is needed to stop it.


    "And the center of gravity seems a bit high. The head is not hollow, but may be filled with a control core or mana tank.


    In that case, the head would have the disadvantage of being a vital point, but with that much movement, it seems unlikely that it would take a blow to the head.


    "So, if you fill it with , does it become heavier?"


    Erza''s guess was correct. Jin nodded.


    "I suppose so. Now if we could only figure out what the fluid metal is.


    But that would be difficult.


    Even if we use , we can''t know anything about a material that Jin doesn''t know.


    "Also, I wonder where he is getting the mana to generate such a large amount of movement.


    < equipped with a .


    Even if the output is only 30 percent, it''s still impressive that it can operate for such a long period of time.


    "This is not to be underestimated."


    Jin reminds himself once again.


    The battle between the two fighters was becoming more and more heated on the playing field.

 1119 - - 30-29 Cheers 1

    [Claire] [Claire] Oh, my God!��That was a great battle!


    I thought the finals were great, but this is even better!


    Absolutely, sir. This is the ultimate match!��It''s the ultimate battle!


    In the arena, there were two fighters who repeatedly struck each other, moved away from each other, got closer, got closer, and struck each other again.


    The strength of their footsteps caused the repaired paving stones to crack and shatter.


    The stones were scattered around the area.


    And then, for the second time, they struck each other.


    "Ah!"


    A voice from the audience.


    Once again, the wooden sword shattered.


    >


    Two bodies stopped moving at the call of the management.


    "...... What do we do?"


    This is the chairman of the tournament committee.


    By "what do we do", I mean the playing field, which is in shambles from the two bodies running around in all directions.


    "Well, it''s just a sideshow, isn''t it?


    "I agree. I agree. Then it would be wise to stop here.


    < loses, it will be a blemish on the championship.


    < loses, the name of Magecraft Meister will be tarnished.


    With these considerations in mind, the chairman of the tournament committee decides to end the sideshow competition at this point.


    >


    Although a little indigestion could not be denied, the match was exciting enough, and the audience gave a round of applause.


    Thus ended the first Golem Competition (Gompetition) of the Kingdom of Selroa.


    The golem competition (gompetition) was over, but the accompanying events still continued.


    This is the banquet.


    This is an occasion for the contestants to make connections with influential people, as well as a place to celebrate their efforts.


    Jin dislikes such occasions, but in his position as the head of the jury, he could not refuse.


    Fortunately, the contestants in the Kingdom of Celuloa are , so Jin entrusts them with the task.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Now, let''s see what Garik Ash outside will do.


    Jin starts to check another matter of concern.


    The "Elm" of the "Covert Task Force (SP)" has disappeared from sight and is now on the move, as instructed by the "Mere Old Man.


    "Well, the plan is working up to the halfway point, huh?"


    Garrick whispered and left the standing room. He does not communicate with Jix and seems to go straight back to his carriage.


    At the carriage, he bumps into Vivian and Lukor.


    No wonder, since the golem competition is over and everyone is getting ready to go home.


    "Oh, are you all right now?


    "Well, what about you?"


    Garik nods his head in response to Lukor''s question. He had been unconscious for so long that he did not know their faces.


    On the contrary, Vivian and Lukor know his face.


    I''m Lukor and this is Via. This is Vivien and this is Via. We were in a carriage accident this afternoon.


    "Oh!��So that''s who you are!


    Galik is convinced by Lukor''s words.


    It was an accident that could not be said to be the fault of either party. It seems we both survived, so there are no hard feelings, is that correct?


    Garik, who had fainted, made such a suggestion. Neither Lukor nor Vivian wanted to make things worse.


    "If you''re not in a hurry, I''d be happy to have dinner with you afterwards.


    "...... sounds good."


    After a few moments of hesitation, Garik accepts Lukor''s offer.


    "Actually, I heard there''s a good place to eat just down the road.


    He has one of his two assistants look for it and makes a reservation.


    The man who helped him knew that after an event such as the Golem games (gompetition), these restaurants would be full to capacity. He seemed to be competent in everything but the most important research.


    "I see, I see..."


    We''ll go ahead of you. Please follow us.


    "Yes, sir."


    Thus, the three of them got into their respective carriages and set out.


    Garik''s carriage was almost undamaged in spite of the fall. Lecore was convinced that it was natural since it was designed to carry such a heavy load.


    On the other hand, the carriage that Vivienne and Lecole are riding in was slightly distorted when it fell over. It is a good thing that it runs fine.


    After a while, the wheels started to rattle.


    "Hey, are you okay?"


    I asked the guy helping me,


    He replied, "We''ll fix it later, but for now we''ll try to keep it going.


    He replied, "We''ll fix it later, but for now we''ll manage to keep it.


    The carriage somehow made it to its destination, despite the vibration.


    It was a store located a little off the downtown area.


    "Ah, this way, this way..." said the man who stayed behind to make a reservation.


    The man who stayed behind to make a reservation leads the group to the restaurant.


    It was a nice restaurant with a proper parking lot.


    "We''ve got one more person. Is it okay?"


    "Yes, we''re fine.


    He said that he reserved the table for five people because it was just available. Including Garik, there were exactly five of us.


    "You''re lucky."


    "Come on, let''s go. This way, this way."


    A man helps us into the restaurant.


    "Welcome, sir."


    Hey, this is Lukor, the guy who booked you.


    "Yes, Mr. Lukor, there are five of you. This way please.


    From there, the restaurant staff shows us to our seats, which are separated by partitions.


    There was one large round table. Five chairs were placed around it.


    Vivian thought to herself, "I see. If it were a square table, she had thought that the number of five people at the table would be too large.


    The menu was left to the restaurant.


    When the five of us are seated, the waiters bring in our food in a very maneuverable manner.


    The food was probably already prepared, or they were making a lot of the same dishes.


    "We don''t have much on the menu here, but the taste is guaranteed.


    The man helping the waiter said, "We have a small menu, but the taste is guaranteed." Judging from what he said, it seems that the price and the taste are reflected in the reduced labor required by the small menu.


    "Well, let''s have a toast," said Lecore.


    Lukor says, and Garik nods his head.


    "That''s good, but to what?"


    Vivian said, "Well, I think it''s a toast to our meeting.


    Vivian said, and the group did not object,


    "Well, to the meeting."


    "Cheers."


    "Cheers."


    The three of us raised a glass of wine, though it was tactless not to use a glass, and toasted.


    The two assistants were quietly sipping wine in the corner.

 1120 - - 30-30 Cheers 2

    >


    Cheers!


    Meanwhile, a grand party was also being held at the Second Guest House of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    The toast was given by Jin''s doppelganger.


    "No, <>, thank you for your hard work.


    No, it was an interesting tournament.


    The person who spoke to Jin was Latant, Director General of the First Ministry of Technology. He is in charge of this event.


    "I heard that <> has participated in the Shoro Empire''s <> competition. How do you compare to our country''s ?"


    "Yes, I have. ......"


    At that time, it was only a simple event, as it was held under the challenge of Elsa''s father, who was a bit crazy. So I confess the truth.


    "It''s hard to compare since I was in a simple competition, but I think it''s good to have a competition like this one.


    Above all, he thinks it is a good way to find engineers who have been buried.


    "I see. I am glad to hear you say so. Is there anything you''ve noticed?"


    I would like to ask you this as an informal chat, Ratant. Jin (his doppelganger) also understood his intention,


    "Yes, I think so. Not only for combat. I think it would be good to have a competition for golems that help people in their daily lives.


    I say to him.


    "Oh?��You mean you want golems like your golem to compete?


    Yes. Yes. Of course, in a completely separate category from combat. In other words, it''s a sort of gender-specific competition.


    "I see. That sounds interesting, and more importantly, spectacular.


    Although it was just a chat, Latant seemed to like the idea.


    "No, no, Mr. Jix, I had no idea that a technician of your caliber was still out there in the field.


    In another corner, Jix is surrounded by local nobles.


    His face is not quite happy, but there is a hint of dissatisfaction in his expression.


    Perhaps he would like to get closer to a higher-ranking nobleman.


    "I heard that, Elsa Ehime. After the engagement, there will be a wedding, won''t there?


    "...... thank you very much."


    It is King Cesar who is talking to Elsa''s doppelganger.


    "You will not be able to come to our country until later, but we will give you a great banquet.


    "...... Um, please, in moderation."


    Since it is Erza herself who is actually in control at the moment, her reply is not too strange.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Yar''eidare."


    "I''m sorry, Mister Donald," she says. < can do.


    In another corner, Yar''eidare and Donald Callow, guests from the Kingdom of Egelea, are chatting.


    "What. I''m retired now, so I''m not anymore."


    "But he''s still very much alive and well. He still has much to learn.


    "It''s the same for me. I was quite confident in my work, but I did not win the championship.


    Erich Gifro of the Shawlo Empire joined him.


    The second, third, and fourth place winners were all present.


    And then there''s more.


    "<> was a novel design, wasn''t it?


    Jin (his doppelganger) also joins the list. Of course, Jin himself is piloting this doll.


    "This is Jin-dono, I''m glad to hear you say so.


    "How to use the limited output was a good theme.


    Erich Gifro was surprised to hear that Jin''s doppelg?nger was blurred out.


    "Well, well, well, as expected of a .


    Erich Jiffro expressed his respect for Jin, who had discovered that he could freely allocate the output.


    Donald Callow, who had met Jin when he changed from the <> to the <>, was an acquaintance of his.


    He does not know that the < who destroyed the <> is the same person as Jin, or rather, that he is a stand-in controlled by Jin.


    "By the way, the idea of wearing <>, that was wonderful.


    Now Jin (his doppelganger) talks to Yaruidare.


    "No, I am ashamed. <, but I can only do so much.


    "No, that''s not true. I am truly impressed.


    Jin, who had a wealth of materials and blessed abilities, felt passionate about his attitude as he strove to push the limits.


    * * * *


    After chatting for a while, Jin (his doppelganger) looked for Erza (his doppelganger) with his eyes and found that she was still talking with King Cesar about something.


    Then Jin walked slowly toward the doppelganger, and both Elsa and Cesar seemed to notice him at the same time.


    "Hello, <>, I was just talking about you with my fianc��e.


    "Your Majesty, congratulations on the success of this .


    "Mm, thank you."


    Then Jix arrives. He was probably too shy to approach the king alone, but now that Jin and Erza (his doppelganger) were there, he thought it would be easier for him to talk to them.


    The local aristocrats who had been surrounding her shied away, and Jix was the only one who approached her.


    Excuse me for interrupting your pleasant conversation. Jin-dono ...... or should I call you <>?"


    It was Jin who spoke first.


    "<>, I admire you. You weren''t at your best yet, were you?��No, <> is too.


    Although he was speaking respectfully, some self-esteem seemed to show through in his speech.


    "Well, mock battles are just for fun, and the true value of <> is in the battle.


    "I don''t think it''s a good idea to limit the role of the golem.


    Jin lightly retorted, and Jix glared at him as he spoke back.


    "Even if you try to make it look good, the purpose of a golem is to fight. It can fight at a level that humans cannot reach. ...... And eventually, instead of people fighting, a golem can fight."


    "I agree that it is a replacement for humans, but it is not limited to fighting.


    "No, this kind of technology is most developed in times of war. History has proven that.


    Jin, who is in control of the doppelganger, tried to be more confident than usual.


    "But, three hundred years ago, in the ......"


    "That was a stain on history!"


    Jix interrupted briskly before everyone could finish.


    "If it hadn''t been for that, the technology of magic would have developed much, much more ......!"


    "No, that''s why you can''t say that wars develop technology in general."


    Since this is a historical fact, it is hard for Jix to refute it.


    "...... but ......!"


    Jin interrupted his attempts to say something else, and then he added, "The human loss is also great.


    "There is a great loss of human resources and goods. It will reduce our national strength. Of course, I do not deny fighting for the sake of defense. But I don''t think we should fight wars for the sake of fighting wars.


    "......!"


    Jin''s words left Jix speechless.


    Jin himself is aware that he is not much of a debater, but it seems that Jix is not a good negotiator.


    "Jix," he said.


    King Cesar calls out to him.


    "...... is your majesty," he replies in a slightly dark voice.


    Jix replies in a slightly dark voice.


    Where did you learn this skill?


    "...... I had a few temporary teachers, but mostly I am self-taught."


    "Hmmm. May I ask the name of your teacher?


    "Yes. ...... Fresias and ......"


    And?


    "...... Zidane, sir."

 1121 - - 30-31 fastball

    "Hmm, Frescias and Zidane. I''ve never heard of them. <


    "Yes. By Zidane, do you mean Mr. Zidane Casey?


    Yes, that''s right.


    When Jin''s doppelganger told him his last name, Jix''s eyes widened.


    "Well, if <> knows about this Zidane Casey, then he must be quite a person, right?"


    "No, I don''t know his reputation. No, I don''t know about his reputation.


    I see. I see. So that''s how it is. No, the world is a small place.


    King Cesar, who does not know what is going on, is laughing.


    "Yes, yes..."


    Jix, on the other hand, looks a little pale.


    Jin decides to give him a further push. He decided to probe into the matter by borrowing the mouth of the doppelganger.


    "By the way, it seems that <>''s armor is made of a material I''ve never seen before.


    "Yes, well..."


    The answer was not very clear. Jin changes the subject further.


    "What is the purpose of your participation in the Golem competition, Mr. Jix?


    "What?"


    "Well, since you jumped in, you must have had a purpose..."


    "......"


    I assume the main purpose is to get Golem to learn the technique, but I''m still not sure where it goes from there, so I decided to ask him straight out.


    Jix opened his mouth slowly.


    "One thing I wanted to know was what > was capable of. And secondly, to show the world what <> can do."


    Jix suddenly drops to one knee in front of King Cesar.


    "By doing so, I would like to serve him. This is the third thing.


    The third thing is this: "Hmmm..." * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm...you want to be an officer. If that''s the case, the Kingdom of Cerroa is better than Count Galana, isn''t it?


    On Horai Island, Jin and the old man were having a discussion after hearing about Jix through the doppelganger.


    "Oh, I see. I thought you were after the prize money."


    < is not very high.


    Jin didn''t remember every bit of it because he wasn''t interested in it,


    "Brother Jin, the first prize was 100,000 dollars and the second prize was 50,000 dollars.


    Elsa remembered.


    About one million yen is not a lot of money for research.


    Unlike the golem boat competition in the Kingdom of Elias, which had a prize of one million tolls, the golem competition (gompetition) was more about honor and making connections with influential people.


    "I wonder if King Cesar will allow Jix to be an officer or ......."


    He was the one who said he had memorized the names of the officers and nobles who had approved of his jumping in.


    Jin decided to wait and see what would happen.


    * * * * * *


    "Hmm, an official. I see."


    He must have absolute confidence in his skills, since he is a better engineer than Donald Callow, the former .


    "Well, that''s not something to talk about at a banquet like this. Let''s do it again tomorrow.


    King Cesar easily dodges Jix''s glare.


    "Yes, tomorrow, then.


    "Yes. I keep my promises. I''ll pick you up at 9:00 a.m. Where are you staying?


    "...... Actually, I couldn''t find a place to stay in time, so I''m thinking of sleeping in a carriage."


    When King Cesar heard this, he called his attendants who were nearby and whispered something to them.


    "I will lend you the guest room of the second guest house. You may follow him.


    "Yes, thank you, sir.


    Jix was escorted out of the banquet hall by one of the king''s attendants.


    "Well, ..."


    King Cesar said to Jin.


    "I am sorry, but could you be present tomorrow?"


    "That''s fine, but what do you really want, Your Majesty?��Are you going to hire me?


    "...... I cannot tell you that here. But I don''t like the idea of using any means to an end.


    Jin guessed that he was talking about the jumpers and the people who admitted them, and stopped asking any more questions.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, Vivian and her friends were enjoying their meal peacefully.


    "Well, you are not a magecraftsman, are you?


    Lukor looked a little surprised, and Garik Ash nodded his head.


    "I am an alchemist by profession. I also have a bit of a background in magical engineering (magecraft).


    "I see. It would be very useful to be able to do both, wouldn''t it?


    Vivien tells you that she knows a magecraftsman and an alchemist.


    "Oh, yes!��What is his name?"


    Vivien regrets saying such a thing, but it is already too late.


    "Well, the alchemist is Thore Eschenbach. The magecraftsman is his wife, Stearina.


    I had no choice but to tell him the names of my friend and her husband.


    "That''s great!��He is one of the best alchemists in the Shoro Kingdom. And Stearena ......, you used to be <> ...... or <>, didn''t you?"


    Garik seemed to know both of their names.


    "Yes, I do," he said.


    "Well, this is a great way to make friends!


    Garik is in a good mood and pours himself a glass of wine.


    Then, Lukoil dropped a bombshell on him.


    "I have a question for you, have you ever heard of a man named Ganno-Asher?"


    "Boo-hoo!"


    Garik spurts out the wine he was about to drink.


    He sobs and wipes his mouth with a napkin, as if it had fallen into his windpipe. He is breathing hard.


    "Where did you hear that name?"


    She is a little teary-eyed.


    "I had a friend named Zidane Casey. He used to be a student of mine and suddenly he disappeared ......."


    That''s all Lecorre has to say,


    "Oh, I just remembered something urgent. Thanks for dinner. I''ll see you again somewhere.


    He got up from his seat and walked out quickly.


    "What the hell is that guy?"


    Lecole tilted her head and Vivienne frowned and held her head in her hands.


    Vivienne had not expected Lecorre to be so incapable of belly dancing.


    Vivienne, who is a and therefore has a certain amount of social contact with people, had an idea that Garik Asch was suspicious.


    So he was wondering how to find out, when Lukor asked him a direct and straightforward question.


    "...... I didn''t expect Lukor to be this honest."


    Vivienne let out a small sigh.

 1122 - - 30-32 Brothers

    Garik Ash jumps out and is followed by of the .


    Garik untied the rope holding his carriage, jumped on, and hurried to leave.


    It is already night. There are only a few streetlights using magic lamps, but it is already dark.


    The speed of the carriage is a little faster than on foot, and it is not difficult for , who has good night vision, to keep up with it.


    The carriage drove towards the outskirts of the city.


    When the carriage reaches the castle wall, it continues to run along it. The direction is south.


    Esia, the capital of the Kingdom of Cerroa, is a city surrounded by five layers of walls.


    The innermost wall, the fifth wall, encloses the castle itself, and the fourth wall, which serves as a defense wall, lies outside the fifth wall, between which is the city of Esia.


    The area outside the fourth wall, surrounded by the third wall, is large and has a military drill ground. There is also a town and people live there.


    It is along the third wall that Garrick is now driving his carriage.


    The gates are closed at night, so no one can go out without permission.


    (I wonder how far they are willing to go?)


    (How far do you think you''re going?) As the following thinks this, the carriage comes to a halt in the dark, out of sight.


    "......We''re screwed!"


    Garik looked up to the heavens as he muttered to himself.


    "I never thought they would mention Ganno-Asher''s name.


    He looked around to make sure no one was chasing him and moved to the back of the truck.


    "I don''t know if I can meet up with my brother ......."


    With these words, he pulled out a piece of armor.


    The gesture showed that the armor was light.


    "Well, it''s not enough, but I''ll make one."


    Garik opens the lid of the barrel containing the pile of and pushes the armor inside.


    As Jin had guessed, the armor was made of foamed metal, and was to be used by soaking it in the fluid metal, as was proven here.


    <''s vision, the old man records the scene.


    One piece of armor has absorbed half a barrel of fluid metal.


    It turns a dull color.


    "That''s it. "


    Following the key word, the armor begins to move, and he emerges from the barrel under his own power.


    "I''m going to rest. Watch the perimeter.


    With that command, Garik lies down in the corner of the back of the truck, wrapped in a blanket.


    All that remains is silence.


    remains still and waits for tomorrow.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    it is. ......


    It is already midnight on Horai Island due to the time difference. Jin and Erza are sleeping.


    But the old man does not sleep. He is recording and analyzing the information sent to him.


    <>


    As of now, Garik Ash is not a criminal. Especially here in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    <, he cannot be charged with a crime in the Kingdom of Egelea unless he is wanted internationally.


    Since it was not an emergency, the old man did not want to resort to strong measures. Mainly for the honor of Jin.


    Garik is believed to have some kind of connection with Jix who is in the guest house.


    The old man decided to wait for the next day.


    The night dawned with mixed feelings.


    After a night of mixed feelings, the morning of August 1st came.


    It was already dawn in Horai Island, and both Jin and Erza had finished their breakfast and were watching what was going on.


    In case you are wondering what is going to happen, the doppelganger had decided to leave the kingdom of Selroa to the doppelganger.


    First, Garik made his move.


    The time was approximately 6:00 a.m. The summer sun was already well up. The summer sun had already risen long enough.


    "Ah, morning. It looks like no one was chasing us."


    The road is cobblestone paved in many places, so it is difficult to make rut marks even when driving a heavy carriage.


    "Now, how are we going to meet up with my brother?"


    He pulls a piece of dried meat out of his baggage and begins to nibble on it.


    "I think ...... it was a mistake to run away so early," he says. He ...... Lukor, you say, he''s not a problem, but there was a guy helping him ......."


    Gulik drank from his canteen, wiped his mouth, and thought again.


    "...... Anyway, I''ll have to be at the designated place to keep in touch with my brother."


    He untied the rope holding the wagon and sat down on the dais with the golem.


    Listen, you need to learn how to drive a carriage."


    Without hearing any reply, Garik started the wagon.


    After about ten minutes of driving, he decides that the golem has learned how to drive, so he moves to the back of the wagon and pulls a blanket over his head.


    "Now he won''t recognize me at a glance.


    So the carriage turned 180 degrees and started to go in the direction from which it had come last night. The goal was the parking lot of the golem competition (gompetition).


    The two sides of the road are the Kingdom of Selroa and the Kingdom of Sellore.


    On the other hand, Jix, aka of the Second Guest House of the Kingdom of Selroa, is already up and getting ready.


    He was already up and ready to go.


    "Well, I wonder if Ganno''s here as planned.


    Declaring that he was going for a walk before breakfast, Jix went outside and went to the parking lot for the golem games (gompetition).


    "Oh, you''re here, Ganno.


    "Brother. Oh, my God. I''ve gotten myself into a lot of trouble, but it''s all going according to plan.


    I see. Good. Did you make the ......1 body?


    Jix asks, looking at the dull-colored golem playing the role of a guardian.


    "Yeah. I told you it would be a hassle.��I had to make them for that reason.


    "Well, that''s okay. I think I can make about ten more.


    "Yeah. The barrels and their contents are safe.


    Garrick, who was called Ganno, tapped the barrel.


    "Okay, everything is fine. I have a meeting with the king of the land at nine o''clock. He will call you here then or later.


    "Okay. I will wait for you until then.


    After this conversation, Garik......, or Ganno, said a word of caution.


    "Okay. I''ll wait until then. ......Oh yeah, watch out for that friend of yours..."


    "Uh-huh. Okay."


    After this discussion, Jix turned on his heel and returned to the second guest house.


    Breakfast was just about ready at the Guest House No. 2.


    Jin and Erza (his doppelganger) were already seated and half finished with their breakfast. Then Jix arrives.


    "<>, good morning.


    Jix-san, good morning.


    After exchanging a brief greeting, Jix took his seat and began to eat the breakfast that had been brought to him.


    ��Finally, ......, it''s time!)


    His face showed some kind of determination.

 1123 - - 30-33 Revengeors

    At 9:00 a.m., Cesar the King of Cerroa summoned Jix as promised the day before.


    The place was a small conference room in the second guest house.


    In attendance were Ragaid, Secretary of the First Military Ministry, Latant, Secretary of the First Ministry of Technology, and Kirk Atkinson, SS Commander.


    Also present are former Donald Callow and Jin.


    Elsa is relaxing in another room. Both Jin and Erza, however, are .


    "Well, Jix, as promised, let''s take our time today and listen to what you have to say.


    King Cesar, seated in the front, in the most senior position, spoke up.


    "Yes. ...... I have only one wish, that you adopt the same type of golem as <> and eventually eliminate human soldiers."


    "Hmm. I''m willing to adopt a golem with better performance, but I can''t promise to eliminate human soldiers.


    "......"


    Jix was silently thinking about something, but then he stood up and shouted loudly.


    "That''s not a word I''d expect from the brave and daring King of Cerroa. I think my golem is necessary for the further expansion of my kingdom as well as for the annexation of the surrounding countries, don''t you?"


    What?


    "Besides, my golem, as you can see, can learn your opponent''s martial arts in a short time. And with the magic of <> it can be multiplied as much as you like!"


    "<>?"


    Jin had never heard of this magic before.


    "That''s right. It is possible to duplicate the control core of a golem.


    <


    But I will not interject here.


    "O king!��Use my power!��And the annexation of the Kingdom of Egelea!


    Jix''s words are becoming more and more dangerous.


    But Jin and Erza can''t help but feel uncomfortable with his words.


    "Wait, Jix! I have no intention of annexing the Kingdom of Egelea, do you?"


    But it was King Cesar who seemed to feel it the most.


    "But Your Majesty!��Until last year. ......"


    King Cesar interrupted Jix, who had just opened his mouth, by raising his hand.


    "It seems you are mistaken. Unlike King Richard before me, I have no desire to expand my kingdom. I have never wavered in my will to enrich the nation.


    These words came as a bolt from the blue to Jix.


    "Oh, no. ......"


    His previous momentum was gone, and he collapsed into a heap, slumping into a chair.


    "I see, you came here to sell yourself as the first king, didn''t you?"


    I finally found the answer to my question.


    "......Why do you want a fight so badly?"


    King Cesar asked Jix, who seemed to have lost his nerve.


    "......Vengeance......, I guess."


    Jix replied in a whisper.


    "No,...... my family and my brother''s family,...... but the village we lived in was wiped out in a conflict ten years ago. The village where we lived was wiped out in a conflict 10 years ago. It was a small village near the border with the Kingdom of Egelea."


    "I see."


    King Cesar nodded. 10 years ago, there had indeed been many skirmishes near the border.


    "My father was sent out as a soldier and went to the battlefield. He went off to war and didn''t come back.


    "I didn''t know that."


    "I thought, if we''re going to go to war, why not just use golems and not send people to fight?"


    Jix looked up sharply when he said that.


    "That''s why!��Me and my brother!��We have been investigating the ruins!��And apprentice to an engineer!��We''ve been dreaming of ...... this day!


    Jix''s face flushed, ready to bite.


    "Your Majesty!��My golem can be mass-produced!��I can overwhelm the surrounding countries!��That''s why ......!"


    King Cesar turns to him and says in a quiet voice, "I''m sorry for your past.


    "......I sympathize with your past. But it is not my way. I do not like to fight a battle that is not necessary."


    "......!"


    Jix grits his teeth and clenches his fists so hard they bleed.


    "Besides, the ends don''t justify the means. Your methods are a bit too violent."


    King Cesar produced a piece of leather paper from his pocket.


    "I was a little curious, so I looked it up. It seems that not long ago, in the Kingdom of Egelea, an unusual golem was destroying the golems of the guards and hurting the rogues. ......"


    "That was in the Kingdom of Egelea!��That kingdom is the enemy ......!"


    Jix admits that he did it, even though King Cesar didn''t say who did it.


    "We''re friends now. I told you.��We don''t have time for wars. The world needs to change.


    How can you expect it to change?


    Jix was still not convinced. His excitement had not abated, and his eyes were still bloodshot.


    "<>,<>," he said. And he is not the only one. There is also a group called <>. Both of them aim to lead the world to peace and a better life."


    "Magecraft Meister!��Nostalgia!��What''s that supposed to mean?��The (?????) technology my brother and I have acquired is much more advanced than what we have now!"


    King Cesar laughed ruefully and shook his head.


    "You don''t understand, ...... I''m sorry."


    "What is it about the Magecraft Meister?��We drew yesterday, but that was only because it was a mock battle!��If anything is possible in battle, we won''t lose!


    "Jix, the role of the golem is not only combat.��You saw the maidens he showed us on the first day? They do the housework and are good cooks. They are indispensable in the world to come.


    But Jix was not convinced.


    "No!��No!��No!��The golem''s raison d''etre is combat, its very nature is to destroy and annihilate its enemies!"


    King Cesar sighed.


    "......... I guess we''re still on the same page here. I guess there''s no point in discussing this any further."


    At this point, Jin (his doppelganger) spoke up.


    "Isn''t the engineering magic of <> a wonderful technology? Don''t you think we should use it for the benefit of the people at large?


    But it seems to have had the opposite effect.


    "Shut up!��You don''t know what you''re talking about!��You don''t know what it''s like to have your family, your friends, and your home destroyed!"


    "......"


    "You, who have been blessed with everything, can''t understand the despair I have felt since all my hard work has gone to waste!"


    Jix was quite excited, and Jin (his doppelganger) stopped interrupting.


    "...... Your Majesty, how do you do?"


    Lagarde, Secretary of the First Military Ministry, and Latant, Secretary of the First Technical Ministry, were a little, or rather a lot, confused by the fact that the meeting had gone a little differently than originally planned.


    "Well, we were not afraid to introduce a golem with good performance.


    King Cesar muttered regretfully.


    Hearing this, Jix turned to the king again,


    "Your Majesty!��I ask you once again to order a mock battle with the golem of the Magecraft Meister!


    "Fight, what?"


    "I will show you how powerful the Phantom Golem is!��I''m sure that will change your mind!"


    "Fumu......"


    King Cesar looked at Jin and asked.


    "<>, what do you think?��I cannot force you to do so. I leave it to your judgment."


    "Yes. ......"


    The old man''s advice came to the ears of Jin, who had not expected such a turn of events, and based on it, he said a few words.


    "......Lord Jix, that offer does not benefit me in any way."


    "...... Then, what do you want?"


    "If I win, I would like to know what your golem is based on."


    A hint of surprise flashed across Jix''s face for a moment as he heard the request, but it quickly faded.


    "...... fine. But if I win, I''ll take your golem apart and see what''s inside.


    "Sure."


    Thus, Jin and Jix had a rematch.

 1124 - - 30-34 Re-war

    The location was decided to be at the training ground between the 3rd and 4th walls.


    < is also located between the 3rd and 4th walls, but at a much greater distance.


    The location was chosen to be the furthest from human habitation.


    "This is near the center of the training ground. It is far away from the houses and it is not likely to cause any casualties.


    King Cesar said.


    In the end, King Cesar, SS Commander Kirk Apted, First Military Minister Ragaed, First Technical Minister Latant, and others came along.


    Jin is accompanied by a and Jix by a .


    Erza is with her doppelganger. Donald is not here, by the way.


    "Brother!"


    Then the carriage arrives.


    "I''d like to introduce you. This is my brother Ganno.


    In the carriage was a dull-colored golem.


    "First of all, please take a look. As you can see, we can have a golem of the same type as the phantom in no time at all.


    "Hmm, I see. I admit that it is an advantage.


    First Technical Director Latant nodded.


    Jix briefly explained to his brother Ganno what had happened so far.


    "Brother!��So, if we win this match, will we have achieved our long-cherished dream?"


    "Well, yes. Well, it''s only the first step, but at least our golem will be adopted.


    Good luck!


    I know.


    With all the faces assembled, it was time for a mock battle.


    "As for weapons, I have prepared iron bars as you asked.


    Ragade, Director General of the First Military Ministry, asks them if they are sure.


    "Yes. If it has a blade on it, it would be dangerous, and wooden ones are not strong enough.


    Jin (his doppelganger) replies, and applies just in case.


    and each take a steel rod.


    "Please keep at least 50 meters away from the bars, it''s dangerous."


    Jin''s doppelganger tells the Cesar kings. Everyone nodded in agreement.


    King Cesar gave the signal to begin.


    "Let''s start ......!"


    suddenly jumped out and delivered a lightning strike.


    But <> dodged it with a comfortable margin.


    But <> chased after <> even faster than in the mock battle.


    "He''s getting serious."


    Jin''s doppelganger mutters.


    But <> is not yet in full swing.


    His speed increased to the point that it was clearly visible to the onlookers.


    * * * *


    "......Which technology is superior to the technology of 50000 years ago, and which is superior to the technology of 1000 years ago plus the technology of today? Let''s see which is better, the technology of 95,500 years ago or the technology of 1000 years ago plus the technology of today''s Japan.


    Jin, who was staring at the magic screen on Horai Island, said to himself.


    "<> versus Adriana''s!"


    Jin seemed to be getting stressed out from just watching the game.


    "Steward, when you''re done checking out your opponent''s moves, you can go all out!"


    Hearing this, Erza asked Jin a question.


    "Brother Jin, won''t your opponent learn from you?


    But his reply was a smile.


    Don''t worry. My martial arts are at the level of a soldier of the Shoro Empire. But I will increase my speed and power. You can''t imitate me there, can you?"


    "......, that''s for sure."


    You can imitate his technique but not his physical ability. Jin challenged the competition with his physical ability.


    * * * * * *


    Oh!


    Your Majesty!��Please step back a little more!


    When the aftermath of the battle between the two fighters reached King Cesar and his men, who were watching from about 50 meters away, SS Commander Kirk Aptt advised his lord to keep his distance.


    "Yes, yes, let''s do that."


    Jin and Erza (their doppelg?nger) move back accordingly.


    They are perfectly comfortable observing the two golems as long as they can see them from a distance, so they are in line with King Cesar and his men.


    Meanwhile, Jix and Ganno are hiding behind the other golem, watching the battle between the two golems.


    "Oh, brother, you''re still amazing!"


    "Mm. <


    Do we need to use that?


    "I don''t know. Be prepared.


    "Okay."


    < and was becoming increasingly fierce.


    The iron bars clashed against each other, sending sparks flying.


    One moment they were locked in a fierce battle, the next they were bouncing off each other, and then they collided again.


    With each step, fine gravel and sand scattered and the ground caved in.


    "Ummm, this is what I call a <>!"


    "This is making the mock battle look like a child''s play."


    "I guess there is always a higher power."


    The Cesar kings look half surprised and half threatened.


    << "But, he''s a good man," said the king of Cesar.


    But what is the source of his power?


    On Horai Island, Jin tilts his head.


    < equipped with for such a long time, there is a high possibility that he has at least .


    Then, Erza made an unexpected guess.


    "Perhaps the fluid metal can store mana.


    "Huh?"


    Jin asked back for a moment, but when he realized what he meant, he thought seriously about it.


    At the same time, the old man started to examine it.


    And then he said.


    "That is a possibility, isn''t it?


    "You think so?"


    "Yes, yes. That''s great, Elsa.


    Jin praises Erza for having come up with the correct answer based on her experience and intuition.


    "I''m glad I could be of help.


    It is easy to make a mana tank by magically manipulating a magecrystal.


    The gaps in the crystal structure are compatible with mana. It absorbs and releases mana just like diatomaceous earth absorbs water and oil, or activated carbon absorbs fine particles.


    Metals, however, do not have these properties. Even if it is a .


    Then, what did Erza mean when she said that it can store mana?


    It was an inference from the that Jin had experimented with some time ago.


    "Isn''t that so?��Elsa."


    "Yes.


    In other words, he deduced that just as mercury dissolves other metals, the , whose composition is a mystery at the moment, can dissolve or rather store <>.


    "I thought that if <> reacts to magic, there might be such a possibility."


    Elsa''s intuition is sharp.


    "But first we have to beat him.


    Since verification is not possible at the moment, Jin re-focuses his attention on the battle at hand.

 1125 - - 30-35 questions and answers.

    In the training ground, the battle between the two was getting more and more fierce.


    Karatake, kesa, gyaku-kesa, yokonagi, and tsuki.


    From above, from below, from the right, from the left.


    They attacked from every possible direction and defended against each other''s attacks.


    They were exactly evenly matched.


    "Brother, are we going to get anywhere if we keep going like this?


    "......"


    Jix and Ganno are whispering in the shadow of the other golem.


    "Indeed, I didn''t think it would be as bad as this, but this is not going to prove the superiority of our golem. Now what should we do?"


    "I think we should mass produce the Golem in front of His Majesty the King.


    "I see!��You mean to show that a powerful golem is born much faster than ever before?


    "Hmm, to be able to compete with Kunlun''s golem is a terrifying thing."


    "Your Majesty is right."


    This conversation was overheard by Jin''s doppelganger.


    Jin, who was on Horai Island, said that the analysis of the opponent''s hand had come to an end, and instructed the <> to go all out as planned.


    "Oh, oh!


    All the spectators ...... except for Jin and the others looked ...... at him.


    ''s movements accelerated.


    It was truly <.


    "d*mn!��He still has some power left!��But that''s not possible, <> would have ......!


    But that''s impossible.


    You can learn the technology, but what <> is showing you now is just basic performance.


    The attack of , who had increased his output, was nothing short of amazing.


    The two had seemed to be evenly matched, but now < was on the defensive.


    Even so, has been able to avoid taking a blow to the main body by using the techniques he has learned so far.


    "Technology versus performance, huh?"


    Jix muttered disgustedly while biting his teeth.


    But the reality was too much for him.


    The was faster and stronger than ever.


    The <> is gradually increasing his output, to see how powerful the <> is.


    "That''s impossible!��How much power does that golem have!


    Phantom is completely outnumbered.


    And was definitely pushing into a corner.


    "Ah!"


    someone shouted.


    At that moment, the iron rod that <> was holding flew through the air.


    Then, the iron rod was swung down toward <>''s head, and stopped just before it collided with him.


    By all accounts, was the winner.


    Steward won.


    "His output was bigger than I thought it would be.


    < output.


    After all, they were finally able to overpower <> by raising his output to 70 percent.


    "Father, now we can examine the structure of that golem, as promised.


    "Yes, it does."


    Jin nodded at Reiko''s words. His face was full of anticipation.


    * * * * * *


    Until then!��The winner, <>!


    King Cesar declares his victory from a distance.


    Jix and Ganno look disappointed.


    "Too bad, both of you."


    Ragaredo, the First Military Minister, says a few words of encouragement.


    "The opponent is wrong. < golem. Nevertheless, you should be proud of such a close battle.


    Latant, Director General of the First Ministry of Technology, also spoke up.


    It would be a waste to use it only for combat. It would be a shame to leave it for combat use only.


    King Cesar also spoke to the two men.


    "......"


    Both Jix and Ganno bit their lips.


    "<>!"


    Ganno shouted.


    "If you can create that much power, how can you be so naive?"


    "What?"


    "With that power, you could conquer the world!"


    ......What do you mean by conquering the world?"


    In response to Ganno''s desperate voice, Jin (his doppelganger) replied in a calm voice.


    "There is a certain amount of time for each person. I am not suited to be a ruler. There are other ways to change the world.


    The rapid reforms and imposed policies by the ruler will always fail at some point, Jin (his doppelganger) continued.


    "And we can''t afford to have the same old thing happen to us when the rulers are gone."


    "...... mokuami?"


    Ganno asked back, apparently not understanding the phrasing.


    Cesar and the other kings looked at each other with a >The Cesar kings looked at each other with a


    "......We don''t want things to go back to the way they were."


    Jin restated.


    "I don''t know what the right answer is. One thing I do know is that I have to do my part."


    "...... Is that simply to create a powerful golem?"


    "Hmm?��No, it''s not. , despite his appearance, is capable of all kinds of household chores and can even create simple magical tools."


    "What ...... is ......?"


    "Oh, besides that fighting ability,......?"


    Jix interrupted, seemingly surprised.


    Combat is an added bonus. But since there is a golem competition (gompetition) this time, it is a little more powerful, but basically <> is a general-purpose golem."


    "......"


    Jix and Ganno seemed a little taken aback by Jin''s aloof words, spoken through the mouth of a doppelganger.


    However, Jix, who seemed to have regained his composure, told King Cesar in an emotionally stifled voice: "Your Majesty, there is one more thing.


    "Your Majesty, I will show you one more thing about the technology we have. Then you can make your final decision.


    Then he looked at Ganno. With that, he seemed to know what to do and gave some instructions to the golem standing nearby.


    The golem walked slowly and brought one of the barrels from the wagon.


    And again.


    He came back with two pieces of armor on either side of him.


    Now let me show you something.


    After staring at Jin''s doppelganger, Jix and Ganno each held up a piece of armor and showed it to him.


    "This is just armor. It is empty inside. It is made of a special material.


    Even King Cesar could see that it was special in that respect alone, since the joints did not come off even when lifted.


    In addition, he could guess that it must be light, seeing how they were handling it so lightly.


    "Now I will dip this into the in this barrel.


    Golem opens the lid.


    The contents of the barrel were the that Jin wanted to know about.

 1126 - - 30-36 Runaway Two

    "Soak the armor in this."


    The armor absorbs the liquid metal and turns a dull color.


    "Next is the .


    Ganno summoned <> and took out a magi-crystal from its head, which he believed to be the control core.


    Similarly, he takes out a magi crystal from the head of the armor.


    "Duplicate contents. ......<>!"


    Jix received the copied control core from Ganno and showed it to the Cesar kings.


    "Now all the operational controls of <> have been copied."


    The copied control core is placed in the head of the armor.


    (I see, so there is no need for wiring of magical nerves.)


    Jin observes the process and obtains information.


    By this time, the armor was completely dull and the liquid metal in the barrel was reduced to half.


    Having done the same to the other, Jix and Ganno stepped back, pointed at the two pieces of armor, and called out.


    "<>"


    "<>"


    They chanted the key word for activation, and the armors stood up as golems.


    "Oh!"


    It''s already finished?


    "It sure is fast."


    The Cesar kings looked on in astonishment.


    A smile appeared on Jix''s face.


    Indeed, it is faster than Jin could seriously make a single golem. But...


    "What about the time it takes to prepare the armor and create the liquid metal?��And what about the visual and auditory receptors in the head?��How do you make them?"


    Jin''s doppelganger pointed out, and the smug look on Jix and the others'' faces disappeared.


    For example, it is easy to buy a retort-packed curry and cook it. For example, it is easy to buy a retort-packed curry and cook it, but it takes a lot of time and effort to make the retort-packed part.


    Or perhaps a cup of noodles would be a closer analogy.


    Even if we say that the noodles are ready after pouring hot water, we cannot say that the person who poured the hot water made all the noodles.


    Jin thinks that it cannot be easy to make foaming metal, and the same goes for <>.


    "Well, that''s ......"


    Jix stammers.


    "No, I''m not accusing you. I''m just asking you to explain as much as possible without omitting anything."


    "The ...... armor is ...... that ......."


    Jix stammers some more.


    "......Yes, that''s fine. Hey, Gunno, fire it all up."


    "Roger that, brother."


    "Oh, come on?"


    I didn''t tell you to do that!


    Without even a moment to stop him, he had Golem help him as well, and a total of seven pieces of armor were immersed in the .


    "<><><>......"


    Jin (his doppelganger) gave up trying to stop Jix and the others by pushing them away, and decided to watch and see what happened.


    "<>"


    Get up.


    "<>" "<>"


    ......


    Then, a total of 10 golems stood in a row.


    One of them was a golem brought by Ganno, one was a , and the remaining eight were copies of . But I couldn''t tell which was which any more.


    "What do you think, Your Majesty? Look at this heroic figure!"


    Jix boasts.


    But King Cesar says coldly.


    "......I''m sorry, Jix, Ganno. It seems you are not what this country needs."


    "Why, Your Majesty!"


    "...... You have no sense of cooperation and you don''t listen to others. They impose their own ideas on others and do not care about them. Even if they have technology, they have no will to make use of it. This is not the kind of person you can add to your vassalage as a king of a country."


    "......"


    "......"


    Both Jix and Ganno are silent, clenching their fists in a rasping gesture.


    "...... then."


    Jix''s eyes were bloodshot as he looked up.


    "Until we alone take revenge!


    * * * *


    Jin was watching the whole thing from the command center of the Horaijima Research Institute.


    "I knew it, Jix and Ganno ...... especially Jix are crazy."


    <


    "...... spirit magic?"


    Elsa muttered with a furrowed brow.


    "That''s a possibility. I don''t know who did it, when it was done, or why.


    The characteristic of mental magic is that it weakens willpower, or reason, and makes it a puppet. In other words, they cannot suppress certain emotions.


    In the case of the magic that was used by the Unifilers in the past, it was characterized by emotional outbursts, especially in matters related to .


    In the screen, Jix has just said <>.


    "That idiot!"


    Jin shouted at the screen.


    If he had made such a statement in the presence of such dignitaries as King Cesar, Ragaed, Director General of the First Military Ministry, and Latant, Director General of the First Technical Ministry, there would be no way to take back what he had said.


    "<> alone might not be enough."


    "Father, I''ll go."


    Reiko immediately responded to Jin''s mutter.


    "That would be best."


    Jin gave Reiko a and a and sent her on her way.


    * * * *


    <. She runs from there, and arrives at the site in an instant.


    < and pretends that she has just arrived.


    "I''m here to help!"


    At the scene, <> is taking on a single one of the eight Niviro Golems that are about to attack.


    The remaining two are protecting Jix and Ganno.


    However, even the <> was having a bit of a hard time with the 8 to 1 ratio.


    Then Reiko entered the game.


    "Reiko, please!"


    Jin''s doppelganger calls out to Reiko.


    "Yes!


    Reiko fires her <> at the golem furthest away from Steward.


    However, the golem does not stop, even though it should have been hit by the wave.


    "...... I don''t have a choice."


    Reiko pulled out the <> from her back.

 1127 - - 30-37 Suppression

    "...... I see, <> itself acts as a shield, so <> is less effective."


    For more details, it is necessary to obtain the actual object and investigate its characteristics, but Hitoshi has a hypothesis.


    The <> works by forcibly converting <> back to <>, but Jin thinks that the <> itself has a shielding effect, which reduces the effect of the <>.


    Therefore, it would be effective if the radiation was applied for a long period of time, but the opponent would not be so lenient.


    Then, what is the best way to disable them?


    The fastest way to do so is to make the <> retract the order.


    Reiko and the <> tried to capture Jix and Ganno, which they expected.


    Jix and Ganno are each guarded by one of the .


    Of the eight remaining golems, one was about to attack King Cesar and his party, and the other was about to attack Jin and Erza, the doppelgangers.


    The other six were heading in different directions, and it was obvious that the damage would spread if left unchecked.


    Jin regretted that he would have to resort to more extreme measures in this case.


    "...... We know that the control core is in the head, so I guess we''ll have to detach it."


    * * *


    "Whoa, whoa!��They''ve gone crazy!


    Sir!��Your Majesty!


    The attacked King Cesar and his men. The steward intercepted them.


    <


    With a dull sound unique to foam metal, the <> is blown about five meters away.


    "Your Majesty!��This way!"


    Jin (his doppelganger) called out to King Cesar and his party.


    It is easier to protect one place than two. Jin and Erza put up a barrier.


    "<>, will he be all right?"


    Now, <> is fighting against two of them.


    "Yes, it''s no problem. I''m sure the golem maids will hear the commotion and come running.


    Reiko is here," Jin (his doppelganger) explained, reassuring the kings.


    And true to her words, the five-colored golem maid appeared.


    Of course, she had been transferred from Horai Island.


    In her hand she holds a <>. Naturally, he has one for <> as well.


    "Master, I will protect you."


    "All right, steward, leave this to the maids and you go intercept them!"


    "Yes."


    The steward receives the Vibration Sword from the golem maid, and starts to run.


    "Jin-dono, are you alright?"


    No matter how powerful they are, the difference in combat ability between the golem maids and the <> is obvious. ...... and Ragade, the First Secretary of the Ministry of Military Affairs, asked with a pale face.


    "It''s okay."


    Jin (doppelganger) pointed at the five-colored golem maid, Ruby 1, who was about to intercept the <> that had attacked them.


    Unless it is a combat battle, speed is often the key to a golem battle.


    And the lightweight golem-maid was twice as fast as the <>.


    The fact that the <> was unarmed was also significant.


    Ruby dodged the incoming golem and kicked it in the side of the head.


    The < shifts its direction of thrust, and passes by Jin and the others.


    Ames1 kicked it in the back.


    The < stays on its feet despite being knocked off its feet. But by that time, Aqua 1 has drawn his <> from his hand.


    The head of the Golem rolls away.


    The control core is detached, and the <> comes to a halt.


    The other Golem that had attacked Jin and the others was being fought by Topaz 1 and Perido 1.


    Topaz and Perido attacked the < in turn.


    They are not powerful enough to do any damage, but they succeed in keeping them at a distance from Jin and the others.


    And then...


    Topaz 1 pulls out a from his back, and with a flash of his sword, the golem''s head rolls over.


    The head rolls over.


    The second Golem, the Niviro Golem, stops moving.


    "It''s all right now."


    Jin''s doppelganger says.


    The Cesar kings sighed with relief.


    "Let''s leave the rest to Reiko and the and catch those two.


    Jin (his doppelganger) pointed to Jix and Ganno, who were hiding behind the two <>.


    "Please."


    Jin (his doppelganger) said,


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    And the four of them, except for Perido 1, began to move. Peridot 1 is naturally the guard of Jin and the others.


    A barrier was put up, but only as a precaution. It is also to give psychological reassurance to the Cesar kings.


    Aqua1 and Topaz1 went to Ganno''s place, and Ruby1 and Amezu1 went to Jix''s place.


    Meanwhile, Reiko chased after the < as it broke away from the training ground to attack its surroundings.


    <


    The speed difference is more than four times. Peach Blossom, in Vibration Sword mode, swung horizontally while maintaining the same speed.


    "One first!"


    Reiko looks for her next target, not even paying attention to the headless, stationary Nibi-iro Golem.


    She sees a < running in a direction 90 degrees off from the direction she came from. Reiko runs instantly.


    Reiko catches up with it in less than 10 seconds and swings her sword.


    But, as it happens, the <> loses its stance and narrowly dodges the sword.


    "But ......!"


    But the second blow severed its neck and brought it to a halt.


    The next one is ...... far away.


    Already about a kilometer away, there was a <> that had begun to destroy the castle walls.


    Reiko increased her speed even more.


    <, she could easily exceed 1000 km/h. At subsonic speeds, she could easily reach the speed of 1000 km/h.


    At subsonic speed, Reiko slams into the Niviro Golem, which is breaking down the castle wall.


    The impact blows the Golem to pieces.


    "Two more!"


    At this time, had already taken out two of them.


    Although not as strong as Reiko, her performance enhanced by Jin was not a fluke.


    And, on top of that, he had the <> in his hands.


    The only substance that can protect against this is the shell of an ancient dragon that has been strengthened to the utmost limit by magic power, in other words, Reiko''s skin.


    However, Reiko also has a , so it is possible to prevent it without directly touching her.


    But <> had neither.


    It slashed its legs as it kicked at you, and then dropped its head.


    It decapitated the arm that tried to defend itself.


    Then the two stopped moving.

 1128 - - 30-38 Low boiling point

    "Amazing ......, you are indeed the ."


    < unfolding before his eyes, he had no choice but to reaffirm that perception.


    "It is fortunate that Jin-dono is not interested in world domination.


    Ragade, the Director General of the First Military Ministry, agreed with me in a deep voice.


    "I wonder if it''s Reko Ehime who is raising some kind of dust in the distance.


    Kirk Aptedt muttered, holding his hand over his eyes.


    "d*mn!��!��You''ve been hiding this much power!"


    Jix stared in disbelief at the sight of the <> that had been sent in all directions and was quickly subdued.


    The two golems protecting him and Ganno were also subdued by the golem maids, and there was nothing left to protect them.


    Even if they tried to escape, the five-colored GolemMaids surrounded them, making that impossible. It was a complete dead end.


    "Jix, Ganno. This is what I mean by <>. But the Korun will not wield it recklessly.


    King Cesar calls out to them, but they do not hear him.


    "I do not doubt your feelings. But if you want revenge, you must look at the bigger picture. <


    You''re noisy!


    Get away from me!


    The two excited men refuse to listen to him at all.


    "...... Your Majesty."


    Jin (his doppelganger) silently motioned to the golem maids to seize the two.


    "d*mn ...... Ganno, let''s move the last golem!"


    "Okay, bro. <


    In response to the key word, a golem appeared from inside the carriage.


    "You''re still here..."


    "Yes. This is our trump card.


    It seems that the largest barrel contained this golem.


    When the golem jumped down from the wagon, there was a faint earth tremor. This is evidence of its considerable weight.


    However, it is smaller in size than the other golems. About 1.8 meters tall.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    In the command center of Horai Island, Jin observed the golem.


    "This seems to be the one who sold a fight to the guard golem in the ...... Egelea Kingdom!"


    Jin guesses that the inside of the full-body armor is probably not hollow, but filled with <>.


    "There are many ways to defeat him. ......"


    Jin felt that no matter what he did, he would never be able to bring those two back to their senses.


    "Brother Jin, those two look like Father did."


    Erza, who was looking at the magic screen beside Jin, suddenly said.


    "I think there must be some kind of brain damage."


    Elsa''s father, Viscount Georg Landl, once had a hematoma in his frontal lobe due to bleeding in his brain, which was pressing on his brain cells and causing him to lose control of his emotions.


    Elsa remembered this.


    "Oh, I see. ...... can think of a possible cause for that. You might want to see a doctor if you catch him."


    "Hmm."


    It is possible to examine the doppelganger at a very high level.


    "But first we have to neutralize that golem. <, I''ll stop ...... heat. ......"


    "Brother Jin, what do you mean?"


    "What?��Oh, you mean heat?��Well, just think about it for a minute and you''ll see what I mean. For example, mercury has a melting point of about -39 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 357 degrees.


    "...... evaporation?"


    "Yes. The golem''s biggest weakness should be heat. ...... wait!"


    Suddenly Jin''s face became difficult.


    "Mercury...... vapor...... poisoning......."


    Hearing this muttering, Erza could guess what Jin had in mind.


    "You mean that mercury has accumulated in the brain!"


    "......Yes. >It may not be equal to mercury, so there may be a difference in the symptoms it produces."


    Jin''s dim memory only recalls that there was a pollution disease caused by mercury called <>, which was named after a region, but there is no doubt that mercury is highly harmful to the human body.


    It is not surprising that a very similar poisoning symptom could be caused by <>.


    "Hmmm, if that''s the case, how do we neutralize it: ......"


    Like the others, it seems to me that if you drop the head, will probably flow out from inside.


    Since he did not know how toxic it would be, he wanted to avoid the possibility of it seeping into the ground.


    "And, then ...... it''s the other way around!"


    * * *


    Reiko jumps out of the way as instructed by Jin.


    The two collide head-on.


    Reiko is rebounded back wide, and the other golem ends up winning this foolishly honest collision.


    "...... I guess the inside of that full body armor is filled with after all."


    This time, Reiko''s reason for the honesty was to determine the weight of her opponent.


    (Now, if only we could do your father''s idea: ......)


    The enemy golem came barreling toward Reiko, who had been knocked off her feet.


    "<>!��Is Reiko okay?"


    King Cesar looks worried. However, Jin (his doppelganger) looks relaxed.


    "Don''t worry. It was just a plan.


    Yes, as soon as he realized the weight of the opponent, he moved away from the place where Jin and the others were.


    That, of course, is .......


    "<>!"


    so that no one would know the details of what kind of magic he used.


    <> is a magic that removes thermal energy from an object. In other words, <.


    The melting point of mercury is about -39 degrees Celsius, below which it becomes solid.


    Naturally, cannot remain if it is cooled to near absolute zero.


    The last enemy golem has stopped.


    * * * * *


    "Even in this respect, bio-materials are more efficient, aren''t they?"


    The is obtained with great effort.


    Subsequent investigation revealed that its cold resistance is about -270 degrees Celsius. Of course, this is after being strengthened with magic power.


    Moreover, it is an extraordinary material with a heat resistance of over 3,000 degrees Celsius.


    Incidentally, the cold resistance of the threads of a ground spider from Horai Island is -210 degrees Celsius. It can also withstand liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees Celsius.


    It also has a heat resistance of 1,600 degrees Celsius.


    For reference, adamantite has a melting point of 3422 degrees Celsius.


    In other words, a golem made of <> is far inferior to Reiko in terms of high and low temperatures.


    "Well, this is the end of the neutralization.


    Inside the magic screen, Jin sees Jix and Ganno being seized by the five-colored golem maids.

 1129 - - 30-39 Survey 1

    "d*mn ......"


    "Too bad. ......"


    Jix and Ganno were seized by the five-colored golem maids, their faces contorted in frustration.


    Then Erza, their doppelganger, quietly approached them.


    "Hey, what do you want?"


    Erza did not answer, but held her right hand to Jix''s forehead.


    "What, what, what!"


    Erza (her doppelganger) examines Jix without any response. She is even more silent than Erza herself.


    "<>"


    "......"


    After Jix''s examination, Ganno is next.


    "What the hell, woman!"


    The golem maid further presses down on the writhing Ganno.


    She puts her hand on Ganno''s forehead when he stops moving and activates her magic.


    "<>"


    "......"


    King Cesar, seeing Erza''s doppelganger with a difficult face, asked with interest.


    "Elsa Ehime, did you understand something?"


    "...... Yes. It seems that has accumulated in her head and she is unable to make proper judgments.


    Elsa (her doppelganger) explains in a way that is easy to understand for King Cesar and the others.


    "My God!"


    "Then, if I treat her, will she become docile?"


    "At least, I think she will be able to make normal judgments.


    That''s good news. Well then, let''s go back to the second guest house.


    The group moves using the carriage they rode in and Ganno''s carriage. Ganno and the others are bound with ropes.


    The golem maid is serving as the leader.


    * * * *


    "...... Is this somehow going to be the end of the ruckus?"


    Jin muttered as he leaned back in his chair in the Horaijima command center.


    "...... hmm. But I think I should be the one to do the brain treatment."


    "Oh, I see. Then let''s switch again."


    * * * *


    Jin and Erza (her doppelganger) stopped by to get medicine for the examination, and switched places with the real one.


    Of course, he also brought the <> with him.


    Jix and Ganno were taken to the infirmary of the second guest house.


    On the way there, they were so violent that they were stunned. Now he can examine the patient slowly.


    "<>"


    Once again, Elsa examined the patient herself.


    "......As I thought, there is an accumulation of metal-like foreign substances here and there in the body.


    As Jin does not know the detailed symptoms and mechanism of mercury poisoning, he can only try to remove the accumulated .


    The same goes for Elsa.


    "Remove the foreign substance. ......<>"


    This <> is an engineering magic to separate and extract specific components. It is not effective for unknown substances, but it is possible to extract only unknown substances from known substances.


    Elsa is applying this to the human body.


    Since the components of the human body are known, the other substances are the ones causing the intoxication.


    The extracted substance is a small gray powder. Jin wondered if it was a compound.


    "It''s dangerous, let''s put it in a bottle."


    Jin gives Jix the recovery potion and puts the gray powder in the empty bottle. Of course, he does not touch it with his hand. He used wind magic to collect the powder in the bottle.


    The same thing was done to Ganno, who was given a recovery potion and the procedure was completed.


    "......The bottom line is that the poison had gotten into his head and he had lost control of his emotions.


    Elsa explained again.


    King Cesar listened in silence, then opened his mouth with a difficult look on his face.


    "I understand. However, the sins of these two men will not disappear. They have tried to harm me, Ragedo, and Latant.


    There is no custom in this world to tolerate such things because they are drunk.


    "Well, I can only mitigate it a little by taking Elsa Ehime''s diagnosis into account."


    I guess that is inevitable.


    It is not that I jumped into the Golem competition (gompetition) earlier, but if we make special exceptions all the time, the law will lose its meaning.


    King Cesar concluded, "It is wrong for a man who makes laws and makes people abide by them to take the initiative in making exceptions to them.


    Various measures were then taken.


    First, the ten golems whose heads and torsos had been severed were retrieved.


    Then, the golems that had stopped moving were retrieved.


    Knowing that they would start moving again once they recovered from the low-temperature coagulation, Jin took care of this by extracting the <> from them.


    < it with , but it would have been a shame to erase its contents, so this strategy was adopted.


    "Now, what is the true identity of the <>?


    Since this was an official request from the Kingdom of Cerroa, Jin began analyzing the golem with Reiko as his assistant. Erza is observing.


    The place is a small workshop in the second guest house. This is a room equipped for the repair and renewal of equipment.


    Witnessed by Mr. Latant, Secretary of the First Ministry of Technology.


    There was still a small amount of in the barrels that Jix and his team were carrying.


    First, they try to analyze it.


    Then, I tried to analyze it.


    "......I guessed it was < after all. ......"


    It turned out to be <> of mercury.


    It is like silver and mithril silver.


    Jin refused to give it to Latant, the director of the First Ministry of Technology, because he wanted to bring it home for study, and obtained a liter or so of the <.


    This was also to be carried in a bottle.


    "Is it bad to use a metal container?


    Latant asked.


    "Yes, this is and it will dissolve all kinds of metals.


    When I told him this, Latant seemed surprised.


    "Oh my God!��Is that so?"


    "Yes. Some alchemists must know that."


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Because of the existence of magic in this world, metal refining methods are not so well developed.


    It seems that there is not even an << ash-blowing method> for separating gold and silver from ore.


    In the <<< ash-blowing method>>, gold and silver ores are crushed and heated together with lead, and the gold and silver are dissolved in the molten lead as an alloy before being heated further. If sufficient air is supplied during this process, the lead is separated from the gold and silver as lead oxide.


    By using a porous refractory vessel, only the lead oxide is absorbed and the alloy of gold and silver remains in the vessel.


    In Japan, this method seems to have been used at the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.


    In this process, mercury can be used instead of lead. This method is called the amalgamation method and requires less fuel, but is far from practical because the evaporated mercury, or mercury vapor, is harmful to the human body.


    Jin thought that he would explain the dangers of mercury in detail later.


    At that time, the news came that Jix and the others had awakened, and Jin and the others left the small workshop to be present during the interrogation.

 1130 - - 30-40 Survey 2

    Jix and the others are kept in the infirmary. Two guards are at the door.


    "Good work."


    Latant, the Director General of the First Ministry of Technology, called out as he entered the room. Jin, Elsa, and Reiko followed him.


    Jix and Ganno were on the bed in the room.


    "You have come, <>, Erza Ehime.


    Waiting there were King Cesar, Kirk Atwood, and Ramburo, the First Secretary of the Interior. There were also four guards who appeared to be SS.


    The king had decided that their interrogation was of the utmost importance.


    The medical office is not the best place for interrogation, but since the brain effects have just been removed, they decided to do it here because they did not know what would happen.


    "Well, it looks like we have the right people here. Let''s begin."


    With a few words from King Cesar, the interrogation began.


    "...... name is Jix Asher."


    "...... Ganno Asher."


    It seems clear that they are brothers.


    They were from a remote village, and there was no doubt that their village had been wiped out in a skirmish with the Kingdom of Egelea when they were young.


    This is certain because Lambreaux has checked the records.


    After the destruction of the village, they moved from place to place.


    At that time, they met an alchemist and became his apprentice.


    The alchemist also had a little bit of magical engineering, so they learned both.


    "Hmm, what was the alchemist''s name?"


    "...... his name is Frescius Nakar."


    "Hmm, I see."


    The Director General of the First Ministry of Technology, Latant, who had heard this name from King Cesar yesterday, had done his homework and explained the name to King Cesar.


    "He is a scholar who was exiled about 30 years ago, and he has been up to <>."


    Their teacher, Fresias Nakar, was a distinguished scholar who had been crowned <> in the kingdom of Selroa.


    However, he was banished from the kingdom by the king of the time, King Sibert, because of his heretical ideas.


    Because of this, there were almost no records of him," Latant added.


    "And what is this idea?"


    "The master thought that ......500 years ago was the supreme age."


    Jix answered smoothly.


    "I see, because at that time, in our country, or even in other countries, 300 years ago in the Kingdom of Dinar was considered to be the supreme era.


    Latant nodded in agreement.


    "And how is Frescius Nakar now?"


    "He passed away. We are his last disciples.


    "I didn''t know that."


    We are carrying on his legacy. ......


    Now Ganno began to explain.


    "He understood our purpose. That''s why we are going to put his legacy to good use. ......


    I had thought that the two of them would not be able to prepare such a large amount of material alone, but it seems that this was the case.


    Their explanations continued.


    When they had reached the end of their explanation, Jin asked a question.


    "By the way, why do you think 500 years ago is the best?


    "...... I don''t know. I only heard from my master that it is related to some kind of religion.


    "We were not interested in the past, so we did not ask him about it.


    "We were not interested in that past, so we didn''t ask him about it," he said, "but we heard that somehow magecraftsmen and alchemists were persecuted at that time.


    "So it seems that these craftsmen were hiding away from the cities."


    Jix and Ganno take turns explaining.


    I seem to be getting a glimpse of the world 500 years ago.


    "The existence of religion, or ......."


    We only know that religious groups, which have almost disappeared since the magical war 300 years ago, were still very powerful at that time.


    "How did you get your hands on the <>?"


    This was one of the questions I wanted to ask the most.


    The people of the Kingdom of Cerroa were also curious.


    "It belonged to my master."


    "...... did he ever tell you how he got it?"


    "No, I have not. But there is a description of an island in the south, written down 500 years ago.


    "An island in the south. ......"


    This information was too vague.


    In the first place, south of the equator, the amount of free magical element (ether) is extremely low, so most of the magical tools become unusable.


    Leaving this pursuit aside, Jin raised another question.


    "Do you know how armor is made?"


    Both of them seemed surprised when they understood the meaning of this question.


    "Do you understand ......?��That particularity."


    "We can''t win, can we? ......"


    They let out a sigh of resignation and began to explain the situation in a straightforward manner.


    To summarize, first mix <=> and light silver.


    The ratio is one to one.


    In this case, the metal to be mixed must be one that will not dissolve in the <>, that is, one that will not form an <>.


    In this respect, light silver was ideal because it does not dissolve. Adamantite also does not dissolve (in this respect, <> seem to be slightly different from mercury: ...... titanium on earth makes amalgams).


    The alloy would be as hard as hard clay. It is formed into the shape of armor by <> and then separated by <>.


    This is how foamed metal armor is made.


    It was an easy process to understand. The seeps into the gaps where it had originally penetrated.


    "How do you make a control core?


    Latant asked. This was also a question of high importance.


    "<>, right?


    Jin asked to make sure. Ganno nodded his head.


    "<> was a common technology 500 years ago."


    "I see. ......"


    I don''t understand why the magic of <> is being used instead of the transinfo that Adriana Barbora Zetsi supposedly created.


    It may have deteriorated somewhere between 1000 years ago and 500 years ago, or it may have been lost and newly developed by someone else. Or was it lost and newly developed by someone?


    It seems that one mystery is solved and another one appears.


    I wanted to ask one more question about <>, but it is a technology that is probably 500 years old, so I decided not to ask it at this time.


    There were also questions about their base of operations and whether they had any other friends, but Jin decided to leave those questions to the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    That''s all for me.


    "Well, let me ask you a question myself.


    King Cesar, who had remained silent until then, opened his mouth.


    "Do you still want revenge?"


    ......


    "Revenge?"


    Jix and Ganno closed their eyes and thought for a while.


    After a while, Jix opened his mouth first.


    "No, I''ve already lost my mind.


    "Yes, you have. < like that..."


    "By the way, my own brother Makina is even more powerful."


    At these words, the two men lost their voices.

 1131 - - 30-41 Toward the Next Mystery

    "So, July is already over."


    Lukor and Vivian were talking at the entrance of an inn on the outskirts of Essaia, the capital of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    "Yes, I''m sorry too, but that was the plan all along."


    "Yes, it was. It was fun, Vivian.


    "Me too, Lukor."


    Vivian had planned to finish her research at the end of July and return to her country.


    Today is August 1st. As planned, she will now leave Lukoil and return to her exile in the Shoro Kingdom.


    "I hope we will have the opportunity to study together again.


    "Thank you. Thank you.


    Well, take care.


    Yes, sir.


    Vivienne is to be accompanied on the way by one of the hired help men.


    "Well then, make sure you escort Via back to the hotel, okay?"


    "Heh, I know, I know."


    The man replied with a slightly sly smile.


    We borrow two horses and get on them. Vivienne''s riding skills are not that great, so she rides at a speed of about 8 kilometers per hour, a very fast walk.


    After half an hour of riding through the gates, they are out of sight.


    The man leads Vivien to an even lonelier corner.


    The man leads Vivien to an even lonelier corner of the city.


    "<>, thank you for all your help. I thank you.


    In front of the royal castle of the Kingdom of Celuloa, <> is about to depart.


    King Cesar himself is seeing it off.


    "We will proceed with the monorail as well."


    Yes, I will be back to support you.


    Thank you very much. Please visit ...... and take care of Elsa Ehime. Last but not least, Lako Ehime, thanks for your help.


    After exchanging such conversation, Jin, Erza, and Reiko boarded .


    The five colored golem maids are supposed to have already boarded the ship, but in fact they have already returned to Horai Island a long time ago.


    "See you later."


    Then the door is closed and <> slowly ascends.


    "We got a lot out of this, didn''t we?


    "Hmm..."


    <, Jin, Erza, and Reiko were talking.


    "But there are more mysteries..."


    "Yes, father... 500 years ago, religious issues and a southern island?"


    "Yes. <, but it''s not a material we want to use too aggressively."


    "I agree. It would be a real shame if I became addicted."


    There is an option to have <> do all the work, but the bio-based material we are using now has better performance to begin with.


    I admit that it is a good match for foam metal, but I can''t see any use for it at the moment.


    "We might be able to find out something more if we can find out more about Frescius Nakar, the mentor of Jix and the others."


    "Yes. Those two were obsessed with vengeance and didn''t seem to have much interest in the past.


    "Yes, that''s true. I would have liked to ask them why they joined Zidane Casey, but it''s not something I want to hear in front of the important people of the Kingdom of Celuloa."


    "Yes."


    flew to Leusert, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom.


    * * * * * *


    Vivienne was outside the walls surrounding Esia, the capital of the Kingdom of Celuloa. She is accompanied by a man who helps her.


    Vivienne is on the banks of the Asur River, a rough riverbed with large rocks sticking out of the ground.


    "...... I don''t think anyone will see us here," the man says.


    The man said and motioned to something.


    Then, in the middle of what seemed like an empty space, an object that did not resemble the landscape appeared.


    <.


    "Here you go, Vivien.


    "Thank you."


    Vivienne used the warp gate equipped on <> to move to Horai Island.


    After that, <> once again puts on the ward and disappears.


    The remaining assistant man ...... is actually , a.k.a. Glenn, who is in charge of ''s rangers.


    The man now attached to Lukor is <, a.k.a. Roi.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin-kun, I heard!��You''re finally getting married!"


    "Yes, yes..."


    They parked the Conlon 3 on the roof of Reuthert''s mansion. Half an hour later, the emperor was on his way.


    "Congratulations, Elsa."


    "Thank you very much.


    "The reception in my country will last a week, day and night ......".


    The emperor smiled at Jin''s disgusted expression.


    "I thought ...... we could be a little more frugal."


    "...... thank you."


    Jin then told the emperor about the held in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    "So, Erich Gifro finished in fourth place overall."


    At this point, Jin decided to ask the question he had been thinking about.


    "Your Majesty, why didn''t Reinhardt''s < go?


    The answer was simple.


    "Because Reinhard declined.


    He was afraid to leave the country because he was busy with his lordship''s work and because he was worried about Bertsche, who was very ill.


    "She''s almost eight months old now, isn''t she?


    Since it was her first delivery, Reinhardt and others were worried about her.


    "I''m going to visit her tomorrow.


    Jin said when he heard this.


    He wanted to make some other small talk, but the emperor had some work to do, so he left after drinking a cup of tea and eating a plate of tea cakes.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, tomorrow is the 2nd of August.


    "Father, it''s Stearina''s birthday, isn''t it?


    Yes, it is.


    Mr. Toa and Mr. Stearina are coming back too.


    Jin, who had once made the mistake of forgetting Hanna''s birthday, had asked the old man and Reiko to take care of the schedule.


    "I should go to Reinhardt''s place, check on Bertsche, and then go to Horai Island.


    "Yes, I think that would be a good idea.


    "I''m sure Toa-san and Stearina will be happy to hear about this.


    "I heard that Vivienne is coming back too.


    "Well, it''s been a long time since I''ve seen her, even though she was right next to me.


    Although there are still many mysteries in the world of Ars, the bonds between the people surrounding Jin are warm.

 1132 - - 30-42 Quiet 61 Golem Boat Race 3458

    Well, the day has come again this year!��The pride of the Kingdom of Elias, the !��The 11th edition of the Golem Boat Race is about to begin!


    This year''s competition was delayed due to the commemorative ceremony held in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    But it seems to have made up for it... with an even bigger turnout than last year.


    Yes, that''s right. Many of the ships from the Marcia Workshop are participating this year.


    Last year, the owner of the workshop, Miss Marcia, herself participated as a shipwright.


    Yes, the dead heat between Master Reinhardt''s ship, the Golem, and Miss Elsa Randall''s ship, the Blue Marine, was very exciting.


    The was held on July 20, about five months late.


    Eight days before the Golem competition in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    In the Kingdom of Elias, there is a tour that includes both the <> and the of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    After the competition is over, there will be a special boat trip to Esia, the capital of the Kingdom of Celuloa, by a new type of large ship that will take you across the sea and up the river.


    The trip takes about a week and is said to be very popular among the aristocracy and the wealthy.


    Now, let''s take a break.


    The finals of the 11th Golem Boat Competition were about to start.


    Of course, all the boat operators are women, wearing one-piece swimsuits.


    This year, a white cloth with their names written on it was sewn on their chests, and a white cloth with their numbers on their backs.


    Mr. Bernardo, the Marcia boat is different this year, isn''t it?


    Yes, sir. <


    And the starting signal is given.


    Here they go!��The 10 boats that made it through the qualifying rounds are off, splashing into the water at once!


    Number 1 is the clear winner! That''s the master of Marcia''s workshop!


    Number 1 is Marcia, who is the master of the boat. The type of ship is a trimaran. Propulsion is by screw.


    As one would expect. Marcia Workshop has an exclusive contract with Mr. Jin Nido, a magecraftsman who was on the team last year and is now known as a .


    The bond of a team!��That''s right!


    And Miss Marcia''s father has returned to help with the hull design. What a beautiful father-daughter bond!


    The host and the commentator are in high spirits.


    Ten boats are participating in the finals this time. Seven of them are catamarans. Five of them are from the Marcia Workshop.


    Conversely, two of the <> were built by other workshops.


    In case you are wondering, at the beginning of 3458, Marcia said that she had no choice but to postpone her participation due to the rush of orders to her workshop, but since the date has been postponed until July, she has decided to participate. But now that the event has been postponed until July, she can afford to attend.


    But, as expected, she was able to participate in the event. Even though they are the same catamaran, Marcia''s catamaran has less water resistance.


    "How do you know?"


    "Look, look at the waves that form behind the boat. <


    "Hm?"


    is the resistance of the waves created when the ship runs and the energy consumed to create these waves. If the waves are small, <> is small, and if the waves are large, <> is large.


    "It''s no good just imitating the shape of the wave. Rodrigo said he had to rebuild it many times before he got it to the shape it is now."


    "It looks even more sophisticated than last year when your father participated."


    Some couple + �� are watching the game in the back of the bleachers.


    * * * *


    "Oh, this ship is lovely!��Arrow!��Let''s go for it!"


    "Yes, Miss Marcia."


    Behind Marcia, Arrow turns the handle to the screw.


    Powered up by Jin, Arrow is able to generate more power than the average golem with just the strength of his arms.


    The more sophisticated trimaran is named <. The pure white surface-treated hull is more maneuverable than its predecessor, which was a <>.


    After passing through the rough seas of the second stage and the reefs of the third stage, the number 1 boat increased its speed even more as it approached the fourth stage, the speed stage, and headed for the turnaround point The speedy stage, the fourth stage, was a speedy stage, and they headed for the turnaround point on the island of Io.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Fast!��Fast indeed!��Number 1 is the fastest!


    That screw seems to be the only way to propel the boat, even faster than last year''s waterwheel drive.


    "Of course. The outer waterwheel is the part of the waterwheel that is out of the water, so it''s a loss."


    "But it''s great that you developed it, Mr. Rodrigo."


    "Yes, really. He also came up with the catamaran and trimaran on his own, so I think he''s a genius."


    "But not as good as your father."


    Some couple + alpha are leisurely watching the race while eating Topopo chips.


    I''ve been focusing on the first group, but the battle for the lead in the second group is also fierce!


    Yes, it is. Numbers 3 and 7, and 35?


    Number 3 is a catamaran made by Marcia, while number 7 appears to be made by another workshop. Number 35 is a monohull.


    All of them seem to be using golems made by first-rate magecraftsmen, and they are truly a match in strength.


    They were outclassed and outpaced by each other, and leaped to the fourth stage.


    By this time, however, Marcia''s < was running about 100 meters ahead of the other three boats.


    The three boats are in hot pursuit.


    A dead heat is a good thing, isn''t it?


    It''s a good thing that the favorite, Miss Marcia, is leading the race, but the battle for second place is also heated.


    And Io Island is approaching.


    "Didn''t we get a lot of Death Serpents last time?"


    "Yes. I heard that they were driven south by sea dragons.


    "......Was the participant saved without knowing it?"


    Some couple ...... below.


    [number 1, we''re on a course that circles Io Island!


    They''re coming very close to the island. I guess they''re going the shortest distance.


    But at the same time, there are reefs, so it''s a dangerous course, isn''t it?


    You''re right. But number one is pushing hard.


    It''s admirable that he doesn''t get defensive just because he''s in the lead.


    But was it too much to ask?


    * * * * * *


    <. At the same time, the propulsive speed drops drastically.


    "Oh no!��Did the screw rub against the reef?


    "Miss Marcia, I''ll fix it right away!"


    Please, Arrow!


    Arrow, now able to use simple engineering magic thanks to Jin''s improvements, rushes into the water.


    Arrow jumped into the water.


    Aah!��Number 1 has stopped!��Looks like it''s caught on the reef!


    That was a bit of a stretch.


    The propulsion golem has gone underwater and begun repairs.


    That golem is the work of the Magecraft Meister, Jin Nidoo. I''m sure it''s completely waterproof and can handle simple repairs.


    However, the time lost by the stoppage is significant.


    The number 7, 35, and 3 overtook us.


    "Oh, Marcia, you pushed a little too hard, didn''t you? It''s a screw, so it sticks out deeper than the bottom of the boat."


    "There are a lot of reefs there. I had a hard time with that.


    I remember it was around there that Valentino''s golem was diving to sabotage the ship.


    * * * *


    Marcia, the repair is complete.


    Thank you, Arrow!��...... is on its way!"


    After the repairs were completed, the Cygnus 2 made a mad dash.


    The course was the same as before. Marcia is driving the < to the very edge of Io Island, as if she does not care that she has been caught in a reef.


    * * * * * *


    Number 1, she''s running again!


    ...... He''s not changing course. They seem to be betting on the winner.


    The three boats that had passed Marussia were numbers 3, 35, and 7, in that order, rounding the island of Io and entering the speed stage for the return trip.


    They are now in the speed stage of their return trip home.


    The gap to Marcia is now 200 meters. The gap between her and Marcia was 200 meters.


    "But we still have a few kilometers to go. We can make up for it."


    Yes, we can.


    But those three boats just sped up.


    Whoa!��Just when you thought number 35 had sped up, number 3 is not to be outdone!


    Number 7 is doing its best, but it''s starting to lag a little bit.


    This must be the difference in power, or Golem.


    The battle for the lead is now between numbers 35 and 3.


    This is amazing!��It''s a dead heat!


    Reminds me of last year, doesn''t it?


    Yes, sir. It was a battle between Miss Marcia and Miss Elsa. ...... I remember, the numbers were 3 and 35 then too.


    Marcia with number 35 and Erza with number 3. Coincidentally, it looked like it was going to be a battle between number 35 and 3 again.......


    Ah!��They have just passed number 7 and are now up to number 1 and 3!


    Marcia''s < was making amazing progress.


    "<>, you seem to have lost a little screw balance."


    "Can you see it?"


    "Yes. There is a slight vibration.


    "Hmmm, but it should be fast enough. ...... look, we''re up to third place."


    "......, the screw is fast after all."


    Oh, wow!��Number 1, showing his mettle!


    He''s still fast.


    Marcia has passed number 3 and is now in second place. She''s less than a kilometer from the finish line.


    Number 35 seems to have picked up speed as well.


    Number 35 seems to have put everything he has into this race.


    But the power of the Cygnus 2 was more than enough.


    He''s fast!��Number 1 is closing the gap!


    He''s catching up fast!


    500 meters to go!��He''s overtaking ......!��He''s passed him!��Number 1 is now back in the lead!


    He''s back in the lead!


    "He''s over!��He''s in the lead!


    Marcia is now in the lead!


    Marussia is now in the lead!


    Now!��Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!��First place, number 1! Second place, number 35!


    The crowd cheers.


    Marcia, who had slowed down, waved to the cheering crowd on board.


    "Marcia, you did it!"


    "Yes, I''m glad."


    You wanted to get out, didn''t you?


    "...... a little. But I''m happy to see her win.


    Well, I think it''s time for you two to go home.


    ��Jin!��Did you see me out there?��Thanks to the Arrow you made for me, I won again this year!��Thank you, Jin!)


    In the tropical city of Potrock, with its blue skies and blue seas, the battle was hot again this year.


    At the top of the competition, Marcia thanked her best partner in her heart.

 1133 - - 30-43 Silent Story 62 The Book of Settlement

    "Hmm, a supervised laboratory, huh? ......"


    King Cesar of Celuloa read the letter of opinion from Jin.


    It says that <>.


    It was easy for King Cesar to imagine that Jin had suggested this as a way to make good use of the recently arrested brothers Jix and Ganno.


    "There are a few others who might be a good fit.


    Ludl��d Coles, the third seat of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, agreed.


    "However, we must be very careful not to let them escape.


    "In that case, we can use the criminal identification collar.


    "I don''t have a choice."


    < inflicts pain on the wearer by channeling a specific magic power, and is mainly used for criminal slaves who work in mines.


    In addition, it was also decided to have a facility isolated from the outside world and monitored by guards and guardsmen.


    "The is also recommending 24-hour surveillance by golems."


    "Well, let''s add that to the list as well."


    Donald Callow, the retired alpha, was also present at the meeting by invitation of the king.


    All right, get on with it.


    "Yes, sir."


    The Kingdom of Cerroa, a major power, was able to respond so quickly.


    It''s a waste to lock up talented engineers.


    Whether this decision will prove to be a good one or a bad one remains to be seen.


    * * * *


    ...... is this the right way?


    It should be.


    Two people were walking toward the mountain from the town of Nikalai in the Kingdom of Egelea.


    They are , a.k.a. Glenn, and Nurse Alpha, a nursing golem, both under Jin''s command, <.


    These two were on their way to Zidane Casey, the mentor of Jix and the others.


    "I''m sure they''re not addicted, since he''s their mentor," said Jix. Vivian gave him some recovery medicine, which may have cured him somewhat.


    Nurse Alpha nodded at Glenn''s words.


    "...... Oh, but you weren''t necessarily working with mercury, were you?"


    "That''s true. In the first place, Zidane Casey didn''t even tell Lukor about his research."


    The two men walked several times faster than a human, and soon arrived at Zidane Casey''s hut.


    "Sorry, sir."


    Glenn calls out as he rings the knocker. An automaton immediately appeared.


    "Yes, who is it?


    I am the healer requested by Mr. Lukor. How is Mr. Zidane Casey?


    Nurse Alpha explains in the way I have prepared for her.


    "Well, I''ll be with you in a moment.


    The automaton withdrew with these words, but reappeared after a minute or so.


    Please come in.


    "Come in."


    Glenn and Nurse Alpha stepped into the cabin and were ushered into Zidane Casey''s living room.


    "Welcome. You''ve been hired by the guy from Lukor?��He''s a meddlesome son of a b*tc*. ...... Since you''re here, I''ll be glad to examine you."


    Zidane Casey was a bigot, but he would not let his friend''s kindness go to waste.


    >


    The old man, the brains of Horai Island, asks Nurse Alpha.


    Yes, it was minor compared to Jix and Ganno. The actual work was done by his apprentice.


    That may be so, but it is not strange for a master and an apprentice to be in a relationship.


    <>


    "Yes. It was easy because it was still before the abnormalities in the brain function appeared. However, I had an ulcer in an unrelated part of my ...... stomach and a polyp in my large intestine, so I had to treat those as well."


    <<>


    "So far it seems that there are no dangers. It seems that Jix has taken all of the out of their possession and there is no way to replenish them."


    <>


    "Yes. But I''m not sure how much he agreed with me. ......"


    <<


    <<


    The old man is planning to have the same thing done to the Kingdom of Celuloa and other countries as well.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "...... So this is the laboratory of Fresias Nakar."


    He was once an engineer who had climbed to <, but he was a heretical scholar who was driven out of the kingdom of Dinar by the then King of Cerroa, Sibert, because of his heretical ideals of 500 years ago, not the kingdom of Dinar.


    He was also the mentor of Jix and Ganno, and gave all of his knowledge to them.


    The Ministry of Technology I, Director General Latant, and several of his men are here to investigate.


    <, of the , was also present as an attendant.


    Through Regulus 11''s vision, the old man can also see the site.


    But...


    "......?��This is ...... everyone, be careful. There seems to be a mercury spill.


    Regulus 11 detected mercury when he stepped into the workshop.


    The glowing liquid was lying in dots ...... rather than <> on the floor.


    Anyone who has ever broken an old-fashioned mercury thermometer will know what I mean. Due to its surface tension, a small amount of mercury will form a ball.


    Regulus 11''s eyesight found such a ball of mercury on the floor.


    "Okay."


    One of the methods of handling mercury taught to him by Jin was to use copper wire braids to absorb small amounts of spilled mercury as a copper amalgam.


    When the mercury was touched by the copper wire, it moved as if it was being absorbed into the copper amalgam.


    "Oh, this is interesting."


    However, there is still a danger because the mercury will evaporate even in this state.


    I put the braided wire into the bottle, put the lid on, and finally felt at ease.


    "...... but there are no records of any kind left."


    It looks as if someone has taken it out.


    "There may be hazardous materials in there, so please be careful when you investigate.


    Yes, sir.


    The investigators are scattered throughout Frescius Nakar''s laboratory.


    However, in spite of their hard work, the results of their two-day investigation were disappointing: only a little mercury.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The old man was also disappointed in Horai Island.


    Thus, the mysterious golem fiasco was settled for the time being.


    However, there are still issues to be solved, such as the religion of 500 years ago and the place of origin of the hypothetical <>.


    Jin and Horaijima''s challenge to the < of the world of Ars will continue.

 1134 - - 31-01 Stellas Birthday Party

    "Happy Birthday!"


    On the night of August 2nd, the Jin family gathered at Horai Island to celebrate Stearina''s birthday.


    "Thank you, everyone.


    Almost all the members are celebrating.


    "I''m not so happy at the age of ......33."


    Then Bertsche said.


    "I know it''s a bit of a month, but a <> is to celebrate the anniversary of your birth, not the fact that you''re old.


    "Yes. I think so too.


    Jin agrees.


    "I think so too, Leena."


    Toa, her husband, patted her on the shoulder.


    "Yeah, right. Thank you again, everyone.


    From then on, the party was a harmonious one.


    Sushi made with rice, pancakes with maple syrup.


    Passa bread with dried grapes, sandwiches with various ingredients.


    Persica, citran, aprl. Flape, lambel and blueberry juice.


    The restaurant was a large one on the island of Horai with a variety of foodstuffs such as flape, lamber, and blueberry juice.


    "Bertje, are you still okay?


    Toa asked Bertsche. He is a father of a child, so he must be concerned about it.


    Yes, I''m still fine. I can''t travel, but if you come here, it won''t be a burden.


    "That''s fine, but don''t let your stomach get cold or overwork yourself.


    Yes, thank you.


    "Congratulations on your victory, Marcia!"


    Elsa congratulated Marcia.


    "Oh, thank you."


    "You won the <> two years in a row. Congratulations."


    "Thank you. It''s thanks to Jin. I left because Reece was sick and I hadn''t practiced much. If it wasn''t for Arrow, we wouldn''t have won."


    "No, no, I''m sure Rodrigo did a great job on the boat design."


    "Is that so?��I''m a little embarrassed to hear you say that, Mr. Jin.


    "No, no, that trimaran is a marvel."


    No, no, no, no, this is a different world!


    "...... gin is a mouthful!"


    Bina and Luis, or Count and Countess Kuzma, were left overwhelmed.


    "......Fuun,<>. ......"


    "Ah. It seems to be an extension of the <> that Stearena uses for and the like."


    "I''m a little curious."


    "I''m a bit interested, but I wouldn''t recommend it at this point, since it''s mercury-based and highly toxic."


    Jin is talking to Stearena about the Fluidform Drive. Saki joins in.


    "Kuhu, it uses mercury. I''m curious. But it''s toxic. ......"


    Saki had heard about the precautions when she was given a sample of mercury at Mitsuho in the past. Her interest was piqued again.


    "Is it OK if I wear rubber gloves?"


    The sample at that time was kept in Horai Island, and Saki''s interest had shifted to other places, so she did not use it.


    "Saki, mercury evaporates into mercury vapor. Inhaling it is dangerous. Even I might not be able to cure acute poisoning.


    Erza nudged her from the side.


    "Oh, really?��That''s a little too scary. ......"


    For a curious researcher like Saki, it is better to scare her a little.


    "Also, I''m curious about that kite airship."


    Reinhardt bites my hand.


    "Well, you know. It''s an interesting idea.


    It''s certainly interesting to see a structure that is one step closer to a motorized hang glider.


    It was probably quite common 500 years ago.


    "But hey, religion or ......."


    Reinhard sighed.


    "Nowadays, religion and churches are just tourist attractions.


    The authority of religion has fallen to the ground since the magic wars 300 years ago.


    But religion can cause a lot of trouble.


    Jin recalls what happened in his homeland, the modern Earth.


    Religious wars.


    That''s the word that comes to mind first.


    The God we believe in, the God who is supposed to protect the people, forces not only the pagans but also the believers to die.


    How unreasonable, Jin thought.


    "I''d like to know this too, if you know it. ......"


    Vivian answered his soliloquy.


    "Really. From what I''ve heard, the magecraftsmen moved to the countryside because engineering magic was not valued in those days.


    "There was a time when that was the case. ......"


    < is still behind a veil of mystery.


    "The other thing I''m most curious about is where the < came from."


    I think you said it was on a southern island.


    Yes, that''s right.


    There are so many southern islands that I have no idea which one it is.


    "But there aren''t that many candidates, are there?"


    "What?"


    Rodrigo questioned Jin''s comment.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, it depends on the level of magical technology 500 years ago, but even if it was a little more advanced than today, I''m not sure we could have gone very far."


    "I see. ......"


    Looking at the world map, there are a number of archipelagos scattered from the southern tip of the Kingdom of Elias, on the southern sea of Potrock to the southwest.


    "I''m wondering if it might be one of them."


    There is no proof.


    "In the first place, the further south you go, the less you have, right?��So I don''t think it can be that far south.


    Vivian joined the conversation.


    "I don''t know about that. <


    Reinhardt also looked interested. Jin agreed with this opinion.


    "I think that''s possible. But if the level of technology at that time was the fluid-form drive and kite airships, they couldn''t have gone very far, could they?��There didn''t seem to be any large ships either."


    "I understand your point, Jin. But we don''t have much free magical element (ether) now, do we?��I don''t think we can just go there for a while, can we?


    Stearina hits the nail on the head. Without free ether, magic tools and machines can''t work.


    "Indeed. But why are there so few free magical elements (ether) in the south?


    Saki tilted her head.


    "That is indeed a mystery. For example, space is full of free magical elements (ether), and a spaceship can travel to the southern hemisphere of Ars.


    However, he adds the caveat that only if the altitude is higher than the stratosphere.


    "I''d like to check that out as well. ......"


    Jin, what do you have in mind?


    "Yes. For example, what if we had a vehicle that could run for a year without refueling?"


    "...... It depends on the speed of the vehicle, but if it were a ship and could go about 20 kilometers per hour, that would be enough to get us to the South Pole and back."


    Saki''s calculations are correct. The size of the Arus (......) is about 7500 kilometers in circumference. If you keep running at 20 km/h for 24 hours, you can complete the circumference in less than 16 days.


    Even if you were to drive only half a day, you could complete the circumference in about a month.


    This would be enough even if you consider doing various investigations at each destination.


    "...... But Jin, you''re not seriously going, are you?"


    Saki says with a wry smile, to which Jin replies with a laugh.


    "No, I''m just thinking I''d like to go.


    An unknown island that has only been scouted from a high altitude.


    Jin is intrigued.

 1135 - - 31-02 Travel Suggestions

    <


    "Jin, you may be fine with it, but what about Erza?"


    They are due to be married soon.


    "Yeah, so I thought it would be a good idea for a ."


    "What? ......"


    Reinhardt is a little taken aback.


    "Oh, don''t get me wrong. "Oh, don''t get me wrong. I''m not planning on going to the entire southern hemisphere at the drop of a hat. I just thought it would be nice to take a leisurely cruise on a big ship."


    "...... Sure, that makes sense."


    Reinhardt was a little relieved to hear that.


    "With the <> thing, it would be a month at the most if we went. So, let''s say ...... until just before the Tropic of Cancer, right?"


    The old man is very attentive and projects the map on the magic screen on the wall.


    "Look, there are several islands southwest of Potrock, aren''t there?"


    "Yes, there are.


    "There are small islands scattered along the equator, and to the south of them, there are islands as big as Kunlun and Penglai, right?��I thought it would be fun to visit those islands.


    "I''d love to go there!"


    Marcia was the first to respond.


    I can''t go there with my boat. But you can go there with the boat you built, right?


    "I wish I could go there, too."


    "Yeah, me too."


    Saki and Toa seemed to be interested in going too.


    "Actually, we know that there is a perfectly safe supply of free magical element (ether) up to the equator. So I don''t think there is much danger.


    Jin explains about safety.


    "We can avoid more danger if we have a fleet of several boats.


    Above all, Jin thinks that cruising on a large ship is the best way to spend the honeymoon.


    "The wedding is on the 11th, so I''d like to leave after that after visiting various countries. ......"


    Jin then looked at Erza.


    Erza understood the meaning of his gaze and nodded.


    "If that''s what you want to do,...... Jin, that''s fine with me too."


    "You say that too, Erza."


    Bina mixed in from the side.


    "But it seems safe enough, doesn''t it? Of course you''ll take all kinds of safety precautions, won''t you?"


    Reinhardt also stopped his difficult face and asked.


    "Yes, of course. We will of course have lifeboats, Pegasus 1 on board, and warp gates. I''ll also take an aqua unit and a mermaid unit as escorts."


    "The <> will be watching over your father and the others."


    Hearing this, Reinhardt asks one last question.


    "What do you have in mind for the reserve energy?"


    "I''m thinking of loading a large amount of magi crystals as mana tanks and adding a magi reactor so that we can manage even if the free magical element (ether) becomes scarce.


    "Well, if we do that, I think we''ll be fine. ...... I''d like to go there too.


    Reinhardt looks a little disappointed.


    "Then you could use the warp gate and come back for a short visit when you get to the beautiful island or something. Of course, you and Bertsch can come along.


    "I see, that''s a good idea!"


    "Oh, we''d like to visit ...... too."


    Bina says in a voice that is at first brisk and at the end a little reserved.


    "Yeah, sure. All the family can come.


    But then someone interrupts.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea, Mr. Jin. It''s your and Elsa''s honeymoon, isn''t it?"


    It was Rodrigo.


    "......You''re right, but if we go on two boats, we''ll be on one and you''ll be on the other. ......"


    "I see. So we''ll be alone in the water."


    Yes. Besides, it''s more fun in the daytime when it''s a little more lively.


    Considering that even a cruising tour on a large cruise ship in the modern Earth would be with many guests, Jin thought that it would be much more enjoyable with the members of the Jin Family.


    "Hmm, I see. I''d like to go to ......, too!"


    Rodrigo, too, was curious about the man of the sea and uncharted waters.


    "Well, then, let''s consider going in that direction.


    Jin declared to the assembled group.


    "As you have heard. After the wedding, Erza and I will travel around to different countries for the reception, and then we will take a boat to the southern sea for our <>. It will probably be in late August. We will have a fleet of boats for safety reasons as well. If anyone wants to come, please let me know before then.


    "Jin, I''m coming!


    Marcia was the first to come forward.


    "Me too."


    Saki followed.


    "I wish I could go."


    This is Vivien.


    "We''re coming, too."


    This is Toa and Stearina.


    They seem to be the only ones who have been with us from the beginning.


    "Me and Bertsche will be there on the spot.


    Reinhardt said this. They come temporarily when they arrive on the island.


    Bina and I, too.


    Count and Countess Kuzma could not stay all the time, so they would join us from time to time.


    "I''ll stay on to take care of the store, but I''d like to go there once in a while," said Count and Countess Kuzma.


    This is Rodrigo.


    And.


    "...... I''ll stay."


    It was Meine, who had remained in the corner, silent until now.


    "Mother, will you go with me?"


    Elsa invites her own mother, Meine, to join them.


    "Elsa, isn''t it strange for a mother to accompany a newlywed couple?


    "Yes, but on a different ship."


    Elsa was sad that her own mother, Meene, was always one step away from her.


    "Meine, go with her."


    Reinhardt also offers his advice.


    "I wish you could come with us, not as a mother, but as a family.


    Jin also expresses his honest feelings.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama ...... and Reinhardt-sama ......."


    Meane''s eyes were slightly moist as she bowed.


    "And then there''s Goose and Hannah..."


    "What?��Goose?"


    Saki raised a crazy voice.


    "Yeah. "Yeah. I think it would be a lot of fun if we invite Goose to join us."


    "Yeah, I guess so."


    Saki''s face turned a little red.


    "Do you know where he is now?"


    "Yes, he came back to my house the day before yesterday.


    Saki''s voice sounded a little happy as she answered Jin''s question.

 1136 - - 31-03 Goose with family

    "Whoa!��This place is amazing!"


    The day after Stearina''s birthday party, i.e. August 3rd.


    Jin brought Goose to Horaijima.


    "Goose, you need to calm down a bit."


    Saki was with him.


    During the grace period, Jin had assessed Goose''s personality and decided that he would join the .


    At the same time, he gives her a bracelet. The color of the bracelet is grape brown.


    Goose rolls his eyes when I show him how to use it.


    "So this is what being a <> is all about!��I''m honored to be a part of your family!


    "Haha, I''m glad you''re pleased. I apologize for being a little late."


    "Of course!��Now that you''ve told me, Goose, I''ll cooperate with you and I promise not to reveal this secret.


    "Yes, please."


    Thus, Goose joined the Jin family.


    "Goose, I''m looking forward to working with you."


    "Thank you, Saki. Thank you, Saki.


    Jin then gave a brief history of the civilization 500 years ago.


    "Hmm. ......500 years ago. ......Church. ......I see. ......."


    Goose listened and thought for a good ten minutes, then looked up and opened his mouth.


    "......I''ve been going around to different countries and synthesizing the bits and pieces of information I''ve gathered. ......"


    Guth began to speak.


    * * * *


    "Roughly 600 to 700 years ago, a religion emerged.


    The name of the religion is now unknown.


    "One of its tenets was to return to nature. It seems to have been a kind of ''do-it-yourself'' kind of thing."


    Therefore, <><><> were ostracized, and magecraftsmen and alchemists who created them were persecuted.


    "But <> was not banned, but rather encouraged, because it fell into the category of <>."


    There was a time when schools of magic sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain.


    "However, as is usual with religions, not all people were devout, and there were many who rebelled.


    These people left the cities and went into hiding in the countryside, continuing to lead a small, independent life.


    "The standard of living declined, and the gap between the upper and lower classes of people became stark. I mean the gap between those who could use magic and those who could not. The church grew in power and a powerhouse called the clergy was born."


    The power of the clergy seems to have been so great that it even exceeded that of the king.


    "After about 400 years ago, the racism seems to have eased considerably.


    We only know that one of the reasons was apparently a conflict with another religion.


    But this is said to have led to the restoration of magical engineering and alchemy.


    "But in the end, it seems that the church remained in power until the ."


    * * * *


    "...... is a synthesis of what I have researched and supplemented with some speculation."


    "......"


    "That''s great, Goose."


    Saki began by complimenting Goose.


    "Yes, indeed. It''s easy, but I think I understand how the world works now."


    Jin was also impressed with Goose.


    "Really!��You''re a better researcher than I am!��I''m jealous."


    Vivian also praised Goose with open arms.


    "No, I''m embarrassed. Vivienne is a storyteller and I''m not.


    Goose is more focused on the content, while Vivienne is more focused on the expression.


    "But maybe this solves the mystery a little bit," Jin said happily.


    Jin said happily.


    "So if we wanted to find 500 years old technology, we would have to look in the countryside!


    Stearina shouted.


    "But I guess that''s why magic technology once declined..." said Reinhard.


    Reinhard said. Jin agrees.


    "Of course. After a few generations of inadequate facilities and failure to study each other''s skills, it''s bound to decline."


    "I''d be curious to know the origins of that religion. ......"


    Perhaps that''s Vivien''s next goal.


    In any case, Jin and his family have taken another step forward now that Guth has joined the family.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The same evening.


    "Brother Jin, I have something to tell you.


    Erza came to Jin who was cooling off in the front yard of the institute.


    "Yes, what''s up?"


    "......"


    Erza fidgeted a little, as if she was having trouble saying something, but eventually she opened her mouth slowly.


    "...... about the members of the family."


    "Yeah, so?"


    "Well, from the Shoro Kingdom are myself, my brother Rai, Ms. Belce, my sister Saki, Mr. Toa, and my mother."


    "Yes."


    And from the Kingdom of Egelea, Bina and Luis.


    Yes.


    And in the kingdom of Elias, Marcia and Rodrigo.


    Yes.


    Jin gradually began to understand what Erza was trying to say, but he just kept on listening to her for the time being.


    "The Kingdom of Celuloa is in exile, but Stearena and Vivienne are still in exile.


    "They''re in exile, but so be it.


    And now, Mr. Goose from Huso.


    Yeah.


    "...... the kingdom of Klein is missing. Hannah''s a little different... different...


    I guess you''re right.


    Hannah is more like the village of Kaina than the kingdom of Klein.


    "...... and Licia..."


    "...... yeah."


    "She''s already been through a lot, and I don''t think she''s the kind of person who''d let a secret slip."


    That may be true.


    As for Jin, Licia has taken good care of him in the past, and I would like to bring her into the family.


    "......Licia is an independent person, so I can understand Jin''s hesitation."


    Erza paused for a moment and then said, "It''s just that...


    "It''s just, she''s the one who''s been talking about my brother Jin ......."


    "What?"


    "...... nothing."


    Erza remembered Reinhardt and Saki.


    She remembered that Reinhardt had been in a relationship for many years and had been a simpleton who was unaware of Saki''s feelings for him.


    Jin was the same way.


    And she felt that it was not right for her to point this out to Jin. So, I wrote to him,


    "......, the rest is up to my brother Jin.


    I said nothing more than that.

 1137 - - 31-04 Conversation with Sally

    On August 4, Jin, accompanied only by Reiko, first visited the village of Kaina.


    They did not go to Nido Castle, but to the Warp Gate in the basement of the workshop.


    Incidentally, this is the only time Jin uses this gate as a .


    "Welcome home, my dear. Lako, it''s been a long time!"


    Hannah greeted me with the same, if not slightly more mature smile as usual.


    "I''m home, Hannah.


    "Hannah, it''s been a while."


    Jin smiled back and Reiko replied.


    Jin and Reiko walk to the village head''s house. Hannah followed closely.


    "Hey, I heard that the wheat crop was good again this year!


    "Well, that''s good to hear."


    Hannah tells me many stories as we walk. Most of them are topics that Jin would be happy to hear.


    "We''ve got a lot of snow in the snow room, so the vegetables are well preserved, and we''ve had a decent amount of rain this summer, so everyone is saying the crops are doing well.


    Her speech, which used to be faltering, is now pronounced with a firm accent, and I can feel Hannah''s growth in this way.


    Her height has also grown to the point where she is a little taller than Reiko before I knew it.


    Her hair has grown to about waist-length and has a sheen to it that I would call rather than .


    "I picked a lot of wileys the other day," she said, "and I made jam with them.


    "I see, everyone is doing different things.


    The villagers of Kaina village have been able to buy sugar through Eric''s store as they have been able to earn various foreign currencies.


    They use it to make jam.


    While we were talking about this, we arrived at the house of the village headman, Guy Beck.


    "Ah, what a nice clinic you have here!


    The clinic is run by Sally, who became Gibeck''s wife.


    It was originally a log cabin, but has since been renovated into a nice, clean-looking building.


    "Well, there''s someone unusual here, isn''t there?


    Sally peeked out from the clinic just in time, and Jin greeted her.


    "Hello, Dr. Salie.


    "Hello, Dr. Saly. ...... Giebeck is out of town right now.


    "I see. Well, let''s ask him.


    "Well, you can ask me anything if you like. I can''t answer what I can''t answer.


    With these words, Sally invited Jin and the others into her house, not into the clinic.


    "I can only offer you some tea.


    Jin offered Reiko a persica nut that he had given her.


    "Here, as a souvenir," he said.


    "Oh, I''m sorry about that."


    Sally accepted the berries with a smile, peeled them quickly, cut them into pieces, and put them in front of Hannah and the others.


    Hannah immediately took a bite of it and her face broke into a smile at the deliciousness.


    Looking at her sideways, Jin asked Sally, "What did you want to ask the teacher?


    "What I wanted to ask you is about the neighboring village of ...... Toka.


    Sally goes to Toka village about three to four days a month for medical treatment. So Jin decided to ask Sally about it.


    "Hmm, Toka village. Yes, that''s right. ......"


    According to Sally, the situation in Toka Village is generally good.


    In particular, the stable weather during the spring and summer of this year has allowed for an above normal harvest, and the damage caused by the famine at the end of last year has been alleviated, so the village is breathing a sigh of relief.


    In addition, the spread of sanitation under the leadership of Sary has led to a sharp decrease in stomachaches and poisonings, and almost no infectious diseases have been reported.


    "My lordess Licia is working very hard," says Szary. She is very studious and is usually with me when I am treating her, helping me with things and studying.


    "I see. ......"


    Licia is a good student, Jin thought. And she is always working very hard.


    "However, there are many limitations to being the lord of a village, let alone a region. He seems to be having some trouble lately."


    "I see. ......


    If you get a chance, why don''t you ask him for advice as a neighbor?


    Jin nodded at Sally''s words.


    "Yes, that''s what I''m here for.


    "I see. That''s a good thing. Even though we are separated by a mountain pass, we are still neighboring villages. We need to help each other."


    Sally picked a piece of peeled persica.


    "Why don''t you give her a book like the ones in your castle library?"


    Hannah, who had been listening in silence, opened her mouth.


    "Yes, that''s right. There are many things that should be widely disseminated. Especially about agriculture and health care.


    Sally agreed, and so did Jin.


    "That''s good."


    We have given the Shoro Empire an automata teacher named <>, but it is also important to have such a reference book.


    "There''s a wooden paper. ......"


    Printing technology has not developed, but Jin''s place has a <. He can transcribe dozens of times faster than by hand.


    "I will think about it. Thank you very much for today.


    Hitoshi, Reiko and Hanna left the chief''s house just as a villager came to the clinic, saying he had been injured while working on the farm.


    "Books or ......"


    The books in Nido Castle, some of which are quite advanced in content, are forbidden to be taken out of the castle.


    Hannah has read most of them. .......


    "I think the basics of public health and horticulture would be fine."


    The reason why I don''t say "agriculture" is because some of the contents are tried and tested by Jin himself, or rather by Houraishima.


    There is no guarantee that the plants in modern Japan and this Ars world have exactly the same ecology.


    It may be necessary to limit the contents to those that have been tried successfully and to have them tested on a smaller scale in smaller fields.


    The geology of Toka village and Kaina village seems to be different.


    Jin consulted with the old man and thought it would be a good idea to make such a for the general public and give it to them or sell it as needed.


    "What are you going to do later today, honey?"


    Hannah''s voice brought Jin back to himself.


    "Well, I guess I''ll just visit again when the village head comes back and have a short talk with him.


    "Well then, let''s go swimming in the Erme River afterwards, shall we?


    "Yes, that would be nice."


    The sun was shining brightly in the sunny summer day, and the sweat was pouring out of her body even after a short walk.


    Hannah changed into the one-piece swimsuit that Jin had given her and put on a straw hat.


    So Jin changed his clothes on the second floor of his house and workshop, and put on a parka-like jacket.


    Reiko also changed into a bathing suit.


    "Come on, come on, come on, come on!


    Hannah, who was running at a brisk pace, stopping occasionally to urge Hitoshi and Reiko to get into the water as soon as possible.


    Then they passed the side of Nido Castle and reached the Erme River.


    "Father, there are a lot of people here, aren''t there?"


    "Yes, they are."


    There were many children swimming in the river.


    "Oh, Jin-chan!


    Someone spotted Jin and shouted.


    "It''s really Jin-chan!"


    Jin-chan!


    Let''s play!"


    Surrounded by the children, Jin smiled.


    "Okay!��What shall we do?


    Summer was in full swing in the village of Kaina.

 1138 - - 31-05 Parenting

    After playing in the Ermee River until the sun went down, Jin washed off his fatigue in a hot spring and visited the village chief''s house again.


    Incidentally, Hannah did not accompany him because she was helping to cook dinner.


    In other words, he was accompanied only by Reiko.


    Reiko seemed to be in a good mood as it had been a long time since she had been alone with Jin.


    Before the darkness had fallen, Jin and Reiko arrived at the village headman''s house.


    As soon as they knocked, Giebeck came out.


    "Oh, Jin. Welcome."


    Guibec calls me , just like in the old days. That''s why this village is so relaxed, Jin thinks.


    "I''m sorry I was gone during the day.


    "No, that''s okay."


    Jin was invited in, and since it was almost dinner time, he decided to be brief about his requirements.


    "We''ve been talking ...... about it for a while now, and we''ve decided to have the ............ wedding reception with Elsa on the evening of August 12th. We have decided to hold it on the evening of August 12."


    Giebeck''s face broke into a smile when he heard this.


    "Oh, at last!��This is a big deal!"


    "Congratulations, Mr. Jin.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin bowed his head, a little embarrassed when Sally came out of the back to congratulate him as well.


    "So, we will have a banquet at Nido Castle at five o''clock in the evening.


    "Okay. I''ll let them know so that they can all show up as much as possible.


    Please do so.


    At that moment, Sally seemed to have an idea.


    "Oh, Jin, aren''t you going to have a parade?"


    "The parade ......?"


    Sally nodded.


    "Yes. A parade. We''ll ride in a horse-drawn carriage or something and go slowly around the village.


    "Oh, no!��I''m so embarrassed!"


    But Sally laughed and complained to Jin.


    "Don''t say you are ashamed. You are a lord, you should show your face to your people at a time like this."


    "...... Is that how it is?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    This conversation was conveyed to the old man through Reiko, who, without Jin''s knowledge, decorated the cars on Horai Island and remodeled them to wedding specifications.


    Jin accepted it while scratching his head.


    "If you want to go to ......, we can leave Nido Castle at 4:00 p.m. and return after a leisurely tour of the village. How about a banquet at 5:00 p.m.?


    "Yes, that sounds good.


    Thus, the schedule for the wedding banquet in the village of Kaina was decided.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......Okay, the 12th, right?


    "Congratulations, Onii-chan!


    Jin also gave a report at Martha''s house.


    Hannah and Martha congratulated him.


    "So, Hannah, after that I''m going to go around the world to say hello, and when I''m done I''m going on a .


    Where are we going?


    On a big boat to a southern island.


    "Wow, that sounds great!��I want to go there!"


    Jin nods to Hannah with a look of expectation on his face.


    "Yeah, so Hannah, let''s go there together."


    "What?��Is that okay?"


    Jin, are you sure?��Wouldn''t you rather travel with Erza alone?


    But Jin laughed and denied it.


    "No, we''ll have two boats, and it''s better to be lively during the daytime.


    Martha understood.


    "Well, if Jin says so, that''s good.


    "Would you like to come, Martha?"


    "What?"


    "It''s off-season now, and you can go home whenever you want."


    "Jin ...... well, that''s what Jin says, isn''t it ......?"


    Martha neither denies nor confirms.


    Jin continued.


    "I''ll send someone to pick you up when the day gets closer," he said. Martha is my ......."


    Jin breaks off and continues, looking embarrassed.


    She''s like a ...... parental figure."


    But when Martha heard this, she became angry.


    "Jin!��Don''t play games with me!


    "Yes, yes. I''m sorry.


    "What do you mean by ''like''?��<


    "......"


    "So, you don''t have to worry about anything. You don''t have to care about me, okay?��What parent wouldn''t be happy to see their child happy?"


    Martha said, standing up and patting Jin on the head.


    "......Yes, thank you."


    Jin turned his head and softly let a tear fall. Martha''s hand on his head was warm.


    The next morning.


    The next morning.


    Jin was planning to visit the village of Toka.


    He called <> there.


    At 9:00 a.m., <> came into view in the eastern sky.


    The villagers have become accustomed to it and reacted as if it were another djinn vehicle flying by.


    They look up at the sky, take one look, and go back to their work.


    Looking at the residents, Jin could not help but think that Kaina Village is a special village after all.


    "Brother Jin!"


    Erza emerges from , which has landed in front of Nido Castle.


    Yesterday, Erza had gone to her parents'' home in the Shoro Kingdom to tell them about the wedding party.


    "Hi, Elsa."


    "...... I''m here as we discussed. Where''s my brother Jin?"


    "Yeah, that''s the ...... thing."


    Jin told Erza that Sally had told him to have a parade.


    "...... so."


    Erza blushed, but did not look as uncomfortable as Jin did.


    This may be a slight difference between her and Jin. There are women''s sensitivities, Jin thought to himself.


    "Also, I have a stack of reference books inside that the old man prepared for me.


    "Oh, you''re early!"


    The reference books that I had informed you about last night. The old man seemed to have prepared them right away.


    "All right, let''s go."


    "Okay, let''s go."


    Thus, Jin and Elsa boarded the Conlon 3 and headed for the village of Toka.

 1139 - - 31-06 Worries

    Jin and his friends soon arrived at the village of Toka.


    "Wow!��What the heck is that?


    "Calm down, I think that''s an airship!


    The stationed soldiers can be seen moving left and right.


    But it seems that Licia has heard the commotion and has come out.


    "Quiet!��That''s the Korun''s plane! Everyone, please be respectful.


    "......?"


    Jin could not hear the words, but he assumed that such an order had probably been given.


    The soldiers and villagers who had been making noise quieted down, and the square where they were going to land became empty.


    Jin instructed Edgar, who was piloting the plane, to lower it more slowly than usual.


    And they landed.


    From the window of the gondola, Jin could see Licia''s face. This means that Licia also saw his face.


    The rear door, which is the official entrance to the gondola cabin, functions as a ramp when it is opened.


    Jin, Elsa, and Reiko descended slowly. Edgar is the housekeeper.


    "Jin-san!


    Licia runs up to him.


    "It''s been a long time!"


    She smiles happily. But when she looks at Erza, who is standing next to Jin, a little shadow of sadness crosses her face.


    "Long time no see, Licia-san. You look well."


    "Yes, thanks to you. I''ve heard about ....... I heard that you and Elsa are getting married.


    Thank you.


    Please come this way.


    Licia led Jin and the others to the lord''s mansion.


    The lord''s mansion was a magnificent building.


    "It''s not very simple, and it would be a source of disrespect. Besides, the employment brought a little life to the village.


    I was told that Princess Rieschen of the Third Estate personally gave them financial support in recognition of how well they had handled the famine.


    "I''m glad to hear that."


    Jin could only say a few simple words, but it seemed that his feelings had been conveyed, and Licia smiled happily.


    "Yes, really."


    We were then led to the reception room.


    This room, too, was decorated with modest but tasteful furniture.


    Please have a seat.


    Hitoshi and Elsa sit down at Licia''s suggestion. Reiko is standing behind Jin.


    Just then a girl of 15 or 6 years old, probably Licia''s secretary, comes in with a cup of tea.


    "Here you go."


    "Thank you."


    The girl thanked him and walked away.


    She is also a child of the village. We are hiring her on a hourly basis.


    Jin understood that this was a part-time job.


    "You seem to be working hard.


    That one comment by Jin made Licia''s face cloud over.


    "......"


    "Oh, did I say something bad?"


    Seeing Licia''s sudden twilight, Jin panicked.


    "No,...... I''m sorry. It''s nothing."


    "No, it''s nothing."


    "What''s troubling you?"


    Elsa, sensing something in his appearance, also asked.


    "......"


    Licia was silent, but by the look on her face, even the uninitiated Jin could easily imagine that she had hit the bull''s-eye.


    "I ...... no, we can discuss it with you if you want to do it yourselves."


    "......"


    Licia still did not open her mouth, but after Jin and Erza took turns talking to her, she finally opened her heavy mouth.


    "...... limits."


    "What?"


    "I felt I was at my ...... limit."


    Then Licia began to speak her thoughts in a halting manner.


    The limits of what she could do as a lord.


    The limits of our village.


    Limitations of life improvement.


    The limits of one''s ability.


    "......Oh, I see."


    Jin thought that Licia was too much involved by herself.


    She is trying to do everything by herself and is getting out of control.


    It is precisely because Jin used to work in a black company where he was forced to do everything that he wanted to do that he immediately realized it.


    "<>, or ......"


    The director of the school sometimes said this to us.


    "Brother Jin, what is that?"


    "Mr. Jin, what does it mean?"


    Sure enough, Elsa and Licia asked.


    "I''m not sure if I know exactly what it means.


    Jin began to explain.


    The word originally comes from the phrase "He who knows how to be rich will be rich," which is found in the (a compilation of the teachings of Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese thinker), and since these tend to lack explanations compared to Japanese, the meaning can change depending on the interpretation. But Jin does not know that much.


    "First of all, paradoxically, there is no limit to human desire. As long as there is a desire for more and more, the mind will never be at peace. So I think he meant something like ."


    This does not mean that we should not be ambitious.


    It is a warning against refining one''s mind by dwelling on what cannot be done, or what is unobtainable.


    As he was explaining, Jin thought of the people of the village of Kaina.


    They accept what they have and live a life of peace and tranquility.


    Of course, when Jin made various tools and magic tools, they accepted them, but no one asked him to give them more.


    (...... is it the blood of the old Leonard''s Kingdom?)


    Jin did not understand it either.


    "......In short, it may be that as things become richer, the heart must also become richer."


    Jin explained with his own interpretation.


    "<>, is it? That''s a good word."


    Licia smiled a little.


    "...... I guess I''m the same way. It sounds good to say that I''m not satisfied with the status quo, but maybe I''ve been so preoccupied with the big, glamorous things that I''ve been worrying about what I can''t do, instead of doing what I can."


    Licia''s smile became even wider as she spoke these words in a self-analyzing manner.


    "Thank you, Jin-san. ...... somehow reminded me of the first time we met."


    "First time?"


    "The first time?" "Yes. The first time I went to the village of Kayna as a tax collector.


    Oh, that time?


    When I loaded wheat into the cart that Jin had built and crossed the Togo Pass with the young people of the village.


    Licia, wondering what she could do for the people as a nobleman, asked Jin.


    Jin-san told me that he felt that it was dangerous for someone who did not have such concerns to be in a position of power.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "So I thought about it and came to the conclusion that I should do what I can do. I seem to have forgotten that. I was trying to do something that I couldn''t do, and I hit a wall and ...... was worried about it all on my own."


    Licia''s face looked much livelier as she said this.

 1140 - - 31-07 Air travel

    "...... Licia, great."


    Elsa is impressed.


    "An independent woman, that''s the right word."


    "Please don''t say that, Elsa, it''s embarrassing to be called like that."


    "...... is not true. Licia is much better than me, she''s working on her own.


    Erza said that she had lived her whole life with the help of someone else.


    "But you''ve done things that I can''t do," she said.


    She became a first-rate magecraftsman and a court-appointed healer (Reichsartz).


    (And to support Mr. Jin, and to be next to him.)


    "...... What?"


    "No, it''s nothing. ......<>, I guess everyone is just doing that."


    Licia, looking better than before, smiles, still looking a little sad,


    "Would you like to join me for lunch, if you don''t mind?


    She said, "I would like to have lunch with you.


    "This is delicious.


    "I''ve tried to make it various ways."


    Jin and Elsa were having lunch with Licia.


    The menu shows signs of ingenuity.


    In particular,


    "Could this be ......?"


    Jin is pointing to porridge, but it is not porridge but <.


    Yes, it was made of barley, and it was seasoned porridge, or rice porridge.


    It is usually salted, or at best stewed with meat and vegetables, but they seem to be using a broth made from chicken bones.


    "Yes, the broth is made from the bones of the kokarisks we keep in the village, and the kokarisk eggs are dropped in, then sprinkled with leeks and kryptona."


    "I see. ...... It is very tasty."


    Thank you very much."


    Other dishes were made with local wild vegetables, which were cooked well and brought out the flavors of the ingredients.


    "This stew of river fish and orangutans is also good.


    The small fish from the river is boiled in a sweet and spicy sauce, and walnut-like nuts are added to it. Jin liked it because it tasted like tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce).


    "I like this salad better," he said.


    "That''s because of the sauce."


    Think of it as a dressing with citran fruit juice instead of vinegar. It seems that some spices are added to it.


    It is similar to the yuzu dressing of today''s earth.


    Elsa seemed to like the sour taste.


    "I think it''s really amazing that you were able to accomplish so much on your own," she said.


    "...... Jin-san."


    Licia opened her mouth to look him up and down.


    "You know,...... that,......?"


    "Yes?"


    From the look on Licia''s face, Jin thought she was talking about something complicated.


    "...... can you talk to me in a more informal way, too?"


    "Oh ...... okay."


    Licia''s own language was polite, so Jin had somehow been using a half-hearted honorific.


    "Okay, Licia."


    * * * *


    In Toka village, too, people drink tea made from the leaves of the <, or perhia.


    Afterwards, while enjoying the taste, which was slightly different from the one in Kaina village, Jin decided to make a suggestion to Licia.


    "Licia, can you take a day off tomorrow?"


    "Tomorrow?��Yes, it''s not impossible.


    Jin nodded.


    "That''s good to know. I''d like to invite you to the Kunlun Islands tomorrow.


    "Oh, you want to invite me?��Why?


    Licia had been informed that the World Congress was being held on the Kunlun Island, and was surprised by the sudden invitation.


    "Why, ......?"


    "Because I want to thank Licia-san for her hard work?"


    Elsa offered a helping hand.


    It would have been better if she had not used the question mark at the end of her sentence, Jin thought.


    "Yes, yes. You know, we''re neighbors, and it would be nice to get to know each other better."


    "...... is that okay?"


    "That''s why it''s okay."


    "......I really wanted to go."


    "I''m glad you did. Then, how about early tomorrow morning, around 6:00 a.m.?


    Because of the time difference, Jin asked her if she would like to go a little earlier.


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it.


    Licia smiled and agreed.


    "Well, I''ll pick you up again tomorrow morning. We''ll have breakfast together over there.


    Jin and Erza then boarded the and left the village of Toka once more.


    Incidentally, it is an aside that the timing of the gift of the <> was not quite right and it came at the last minute.


    Of course, Licia was so happy that she jumped up and down.


    The next morning at 6:00 a.m., the time was 6:00 a.m.


    The next morning at 6:00 a.m., landed at Toka village exactly on time.


    Most of the villagers were awake, but since it was yesterday, there was no commotion.


    "Good morning, Mr. Jin."


    "Good morning, Licia."


    This time, Erza was not with them. She is in Kunlun preparing to entertain.


    Please, come in.


    "Thank you."


    Instead, a steward will escort Licia aboard.


    And soon they are on their way.


    "...... is amazing!"


    Licia is impressed by the view of the ground from her first ride on .


    For Licia''s sake, the flies a little low over the land.


    After all, it has a <.


    "I was scared I was going to fall, but once I got used to it, it was great!"


    Licia''s eyes are glued to the view from the floor window.


    "Wow, mountains look like this when you look down from above!


    And "Wow, that''s what mountains look like from above!


    "I can see the clouds below!��How high are you flying?


    and so on,


    "...... you''re amazing!��He is able to create such an amazing vehicle!


    They were talking excitedly.


    Finally, we go out to the sea.


    "Wow, the ocean is so blue!��It''s so big!"


    Jin took Licia to the observation deck on the upper floor.


    "Wow!��The sky is such a color!


    <


    There are many theories about the origin of the word, but Jin heard from the director that , a pack of 50 cigarettes, used to be sold in a tin.


    The label on the can was dark blue, so the color of the dark blue sky was called after the Peace can.


    In other words, the color of the sky seen from a high place is much darker than that seen from the ground. It is so dark that it can be likened to the color of a can of peace.


    This is because the air is thinner and less dusty, so there is less diffuse reflection of light and it appears darker.


    In a vacuum universe, it would be pitch black.


    Let me digress.


    It took about 30 minutes for to fly to the Kunlun Island because of the reduced speed.


    During this time, Licia experienced air travel with amazement.

 1141 - - 31-08 And to Horai Island

    At 7:40 am Kunlun Island time, <> arrived at its namesake island, Kunlun Island.


    "Welcome to the Kunlun Island."


    Jin escorts Licia down the ramp. Elsa is waiting for them.


    "Welcome, Licia."


    "Thank you, Erza-san."


    They greet each other, and Elsa takes Licia''s hand on Jin''s behalf.


    "This way, please."


    < landed in the plaza in front of the


    The number 100 golem maids of five colors were all there.


    "Wow, they look great!


    Licia had been to Nido Castle before, so she had a little bit of a tolerance for it.


    "First, let''s have breakfast together.


    Erza said smilingly.


    Elsa prepared a Japanese-style breakfast.


    "Oh, I had this at Nido Castle.


    As a goodwill ambassador and lord of a neighboring village, Licia had visited the village of Kaina several times and had tasted the rice on those occasions.


    "It''s ...... delicious."


    She also liked the miso soup with fried bean curd and tofu. She also ate grilled dried fish with a fork.


    However, he frowned a little at the dried plums.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, let''s start with an introduction to the island.


    After breakfast, we proceeded to show Licia around the in much the same way as the others.


    The tour of the <> proceeded without any problems.


    After that, I showed them the <> and the <>, but as expected, they were surprised.


    "What!��What is this building?��What is this building?


    The Jade Pavilion, with its white jade and green jade, and the Wujinggak, with its Japanese-style architecture and Japanese garden.


    "...... Jin-san was the one who could do so much. ......"


    The first thing that Licia said, not knowing whether to be impressed or not, was, "I''ve never seen anything like this.


    Jin then followed up with a question to Licia.


    "Licia, would you like to see my real base?"


    "What?��Your real base?��Yes, by all means.


    It was probably a reply he didn''t think much of, but Jin took it seriously.


    "Okay, let''s go then."


    "Yes?"


    He urges Licia, who looks doubtful, and leads her down to the basement of the building.


    Jin-san?��What is this place ......?


    "This is the Warp Gate, one of the powers I inherited.


    "Wow, a warp gate?


    Licia has heard of it. It was a means of transportation used in the past.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    "What, what, what?��Where are we going?


    <<<> alone was a surprise, but this . And now they are using it to go somewhere.


    Licia steps into the <> as Jin pulls her hand.


    Licia stepped into the Warp Gate.


    Welcome to Horai Island.


    <


    "Welcome, Licia-san."


    "Welcome, Licia-san."


    And there they were greeted by Elsa and Reiko, who had moved on ahead of them.


    "Oh?��Erza-san?��And Reiko?��What?"


    He doesn''t know what''s going on anymore.


    "...... Jin brother, did you explain to her what was going on?"


    Erza looked at Licia and glared at Jin a little.


    "No, I was just trying to surprise you.


    Erza gave a sigh of amusement.


    "My brother Jin is like that sometimes. ......"


    Elsa said that this was too much stimulation for a normal person.


    "You''re a little short on imagination."


    "Ugh. ......"


    Jin couldn''t say anything back, as he was reminded of some of the things he had heard.


    "......I''ll start by slowly explaining the outline."


    "......, I''ll take care of it."


    "Yes."


    So Erza left the warp gate room with Licia.


    "Ah, I guess I''m still a simpleton after all."


    Jin is aware of this.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    About 30 minutes passed.


    Licia came back looking refreshed, although she did not tell me what Erza had explained to her.


    "Ms. Jin, I''m sorry for all the confusion. I feel much calmer now that Erza-san has explained everything to me.


    "Well, I''m glad to hear that."


    By the way, of course, the old man knows what she is talking about.


    Elsa only explained slowly about Jin''s progress ...... so far.


    Her halting manner of speaking made Licia feel more at ease.


    "I heard that you are from , Jin-san, but I didn''t think that you were from another world.


    "Oh, I''m sorry for not telling you."


    "No, I''m sorry I didn''t tell you. I''m sorry I didn''t tell you.


    Licia cut off her speech and looked around before speaking again.


    "...... Jin-san, who can do all of this, should never be tied down to a single country. You must be free."


    "Thank you."


    Jin then tells her the purpose of the trip.


    "I would like Licia to become a member of ......<>."


    "Yes. ......"


    Erza didn''t seem to have explained that much.


    Jin glanced at Elsa''s face and nodded silently. It was an expression that said .


    "Well, I mean, there are only a limited number of people who know where I come from and what I know here in Horai Island."


    "I''m sure that''s true."


    "So, all of those people are called in the sense that they are my friends and family.


    Family?


    Yes. So I wanted Licia to be a part of the from today.


    Jin held out the bracelet he had made while Erza was talking with Licia.


    "Licia, will you join us?"


    "...... if you are willing to join me ......"


    Licia was finally inducted into the Jin family.

 1142 - - 31-09 Dinner

    "Is this ? ......"


    Lysia looked at the magical tool that Jin had handed her, and put it on her wrist.


    "How to use it is ......"


    Jin explained it carefully. Licia looked serious, trying not to miss a single word.


    ......, I see.


    "Thank you very much."


    Licia looked at the bracelet on her right wrist - Licia''s is blue and white marbled.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    That evening, most of the members of the Jin family gathered.


    The place was the main dining hall of the institute. After the meeting, a dinner party was scheduled to follow.


    In addition to Jin and Elsa, there were Reinhard, Belce, Saki, Toa, Stearina, Vivian, Marcia, Rodrigo, Beena, Count Kuzma, Goose, and Meene.


    The only one who is not here is Milowina. She is relaxing at the moon base.


    "Hello, please."


    Licia was a little nervous to see such a distinguished group of people.


    However, when Jin told her that it would be great to have collaborators in each country, she felt nervous as if she were representing the Kingdom of Klein.


    "No, that''s not what I meant. In the first place, <> is a family, not a group of people pursuing something.


    We help each other when something happens, we share information, and we do what we can for the good of our countries.


    We are not obligated to do anything," Jin said.


    "Well, I''m just a friend who knows my situation. If ...... it bothers you, just say so."


    "No, I''m not annoyed!��I would have rather you had told me about it earlier ......, ......."


    "I''m sorry about that. I''d rather you had told me earlier,......." "I''m sorry about that. ...... Of all the members here, Licia was the first one I met."


    "...... I''m going to think it''s probably Count Walter''s outburst about that."


    "I guess."


    When Jin was in the village of Kaina, he was suspected of being the mastermind behind the mysterious golem fiasco, and he ran away from the village.


    "At that time, I wished I had more power so I could have protected Jin-san," he regretted.


    "Thank you."


    "...... but then we might not have met Jin, right?"


    Bina joined the conversation.


    "My brother and sisters might not have been cured of their illnesses, and we might not have met Louis. I might not have ...... been able to pay my debts and I might have sold myself by now. ......"


    Bina shuddered as she said this.


    "Yes. It''s possible that she was forced into a marriage she didn''t like.


    Count Kuzma joined in.


    "But even in our Blue Lands, the djinn have caused trouble ......."


    "But that was Count Galana''s fault.


    In that case, Jin chose to disappear from the Blue Lands before trouble could ensue.


    His lack of social standing was a disadvantage in such a case.


    "But that''s why Jin came to Potrock."


    Now Marcia joined them.


    "If I hadn''t met Jin, I''d probably be living in the gutter or in another town now that Valentino''s taken my ship. ......


    "...... sorry, Marcia."


    My father, Rodrigo, apologized with a pitiful look on his face.


    "No, now that you''re back, the store is doing well."


    "Yes, that''s when you met Jin!"


    Reinhardt was deeply moved.


    "If I hadn''t met Jin, I would be ...... now."


    Erza also says in a sad voice.


    "I might have been late in dealing with the Unification Party (Unifiler).


    "You''re right, Reinhard. I don''t know what I would have done after I was kidnapped."


    "I have never been so happy to be able to ...... call myself a mother and child."


    Stearina and Meane also added with a deep smile.


    "Yes. It was thanks to you that we were able to escape from the oppressive government of our country, even though it has been replaced by a new one.


    "I''m grateful to Jin for showing me a new world and for helping me learn about my ...... father''s homeland."


    Vivian and Goose also expressed their thanks.


    "I really appreciate Jin-san and Erza-san for their help during <>."


    Licia also said, remembering the old days.


    While she was feeling a little sad, the five-colored golem maids brought dinner to the party.


    It was a standing buffet party to deepen the friendship.


    "Oh, it smells so good!


    Bina notices that the fish is grilled with herbs.


    The fish, which looks like a horse mackerel, is cut into three pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper.


    Coat the fish with flour and herbs and put it in a container and seal it for a while.


    The fish is then grilled in a frying pan with vegetable oil and served with the juice of the green citran fruit.


    "I''ve never seen this before!"


    Bertsche''s interest was caught by the yellowtail radish (a fish similar to yellowtail).


    The yellowtail fillet is quickly soaked in hot water to remove the fishy smell.


    Boil the daikon slices in rice water for about 10 minutes.


    Put yellowtail and daikon into a pot, add water, soy sauce, sugar, mirin and grated ginger.


    Mirin (sweet cooking rice wine) is recently developed. It is the result of a trial-and-error process using glutinous rice and shochu (distilled spirit).


    "This is beautiful!


    Elsa is admiring a rose made of uncured ham and herbs.


    It is made by wrapping the prosciutto around the ham and adding herb leaves, and then pouring a sweet and sour sauce over it.


    The dish is beautiful to look at and delicious to eat.


    Is this made with apr��s-ski?��And this octopus!��And the Persica?


    Marcia shouted in surprise.


    In front of her were a rabbit made from apples, an octopus made from sausages, and a rose made from slices of persica.


    All of them were placed in a bowl hollowed out of a watermelon.


    Of course, the flesh of the watermelon was chopped into dice and used for coloring.


    "Oh my, this looks delicious!


    Stearina''s attention was drawn to the diced steak.


    Diced meat such as Mitsho pig, Huso marsh antler deer, cow bull, etc., was grilled on a griddle, with carrots and topopo cut into the same shape for color.


    The seasoning is simple salt and pepper. The bite-size pieces allow you to enjoy the various flavors of the meat.


    "I like the Japanese soup," said Vivienne.


    Vivien loves miso soup.


    This time she is serving miso soup with kurumu clams.


    It has a nice broth by itself, but when combined with a kelp-based broth, it is very special.


    "Wow, what a variety of dishes!


    Licia is still gawking at all the dishes, but the portions are so small that even after eating all of them, she is not yet full.


    Afterwards, she can order her favorite dishes again.


    This made for an enjoyable dinner party.


    Licia, too, has relaxed and has become comfortable with everyone except Jin and Erza.

 1143 - - 31-10 Disturbing People

    "Yes, it''s very good!"


    Countess Kuzma, Bina said to herself.


    In front of her is a white dress.


    The wedding dress, which was made by Bina, was placed on a trousseau, which is a model of a human torso.


    She is a skilled seamstress, having taken care of her younger siblings.


    "Well, it''s a beautiful work of art. This is suitable for her to wear to the wedding reception at the royal castle.


    Count Louis Wurtz Kuzma, Bina''s husband, also gave his approval.


    "I hope so."


    Of course, it will be Elsa who wears this dress.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "The chef said it would be difficult, but I think we''ll make it in time.


    "I''m glad to hear that."


    Reinhardt eats with Jin-kun and Erza, so he knows their tastes well, right?


    Yes, I do.


    In the Shoro Imperial Palace, the queen herself was in charge of the menu for the wedding banquet.


    "Jin-kun doesn''t have any likes or dislikes, but I''m sure you usually eat delicious food, so you must do your best.


    The emperor was very enthusiastic.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    In the Kingdom of Klein, Princess Rieschen and Prince Arthur were arranging a wedding banquet for their brother and sister.


    "The decorations are not too fancy or too plain. <


    Brother, is this the menu?


    "Is this okay?��...... yes, that''s fine."


    The feud of their childhood has faded and they are, at least outwardly, a close brother and sister.


    Ask ...... Tia afterwards.


    "Yes, brother."


    Yes, brother.


    Is this the right vessel?


    Mother, thank you.


    In the Kingdom of Franz, the new king, Lotharus de Lafayette I, and his mother, Catherine de Lafayette, were preparing for the wedding banquet.


    "The vessels used by the previous king were in such bad taste," he said.


    Most of them are made of gold and gilded.


    "When I remember the hospitality we showed them on the Kunlun Island, I''m not sure if this is the right way to treat them, Mother."


    "Hmm, I have the impression that Jin Nido is the kind of person who would be pleased with your hospitality."


    "Is that so?"


    Yes, that''s what I mean by hospitality.


    Yes, that''s what hospitality is all about.


    "It''s quite a problem. ......


    The Marchese Florenziano''s well-shaped brow furrowed.


    As Minister of the Interior, he was in charge of the reception.


    King Blitzen Skala Elias XII is sick in bed and is in and out of bed, so the Marquis Godopher, the Prime Minister, is in charge of the affairs of state.


    The Marquis of Firenziano was in charge of the reception of the , and the honor of the state rested on her shoulders.


    "After all, topopo cuisine is a must, isn''t it?"


    She also wanted him to see how well she had applied the topopo that Jin had taught her since then.


    "And I would like to add the products of the villages of Moft and Flathead."


    He hopes that the addition of products from the villages where he knows Jin once stayed will bring back some nostalgia.


    "For drinks, we''ll have a selection of kuhe and more fruits. And then there''s the wine selection."


    Of course, the menu will reflect not only Jin''s tastes, but also those of his companion, Elsa.


    "I heard that you don''t like cocarisque, so I''ll avoid that and use citran-based sauces. ......


    The Marquis sighs in relief.


    * * * *


    The Kingdom of Selroa is also preparing for a state-wide welcoming ceremony.


    "Don''t make it too flashy, okay?��But keep the gravity of the occasion."


    It''s a difficult order.


    There''s no need to go overboard, but we can''t afford to cut corners.


    "Yes, Your Majesty?"


    It is not an unreasonable request, but it is a very hard one.


    The person who will actually carry out the request is Balfeeza Walker, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. He is a capable man, but he has been looking very tired over the past few days.


    * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, what should we do about the <> ......"


    Jin was wondering what he should do.


    "Brother Jin, what do you mean by ''gifts''?"


    "What, don''t we have such a custom here?"


    Jin asked Erza, who in turn asked him the opposite question, but thinking back, he realized that he had not received such a gift at any of the weddings he had attended.


    "Oh, I see. ...... Well, <> is a thank-you ...... given to those who came to the wedding or reception, is that correct?"


    "Do you have such a custom at your brother Jin''s place?"


    "Yes, they do. But the guests who come to the reception also bring a , so the total is a plus."


    "Well, if it''s ......, it might be a good idea to give them something as <>."


    Erza agreed, so Jin thought again and .......


    "Yes, let''s make it a koban."


    "Koban?"


    "Yes, koban. It is a coin used in my country in the old days. It''s also used as a good luck charm now, so I thought it would be appropriate.


    Jin explained to Elsa.


    "But it''s going to be great if you make it out of gold.


    "That''s ......."


    There are dozens of tons of inventory on Horai Island, but making koban out of it and distributing them could destroy the market price of gold.


    "That''s a tough one. ......"


    Currency in this world has hardly increased or decreased.


    It has not changed since 300 years ago.


    The population has declined so drastically that there is an excess in circulation, and countries are stockpiling and adjusting.


    Although Jin is not familiar with such economic and monetary flows, he understands that such a system is working well because there have been no extreme price hikes or plunges as a result.


    I don''t want to do anything to destroy it.


    "Well, I guess I''ll have it gold-plated as a memento, then.


    "Yes, that would be appropriate.


    Thus, the "gift" was decided.


    "We''ll have to make a little extra, in case we run out.


    "Well, that''s no problem either.


    "Now all we have to do is design ......."


    After thinking about it, the overall design is the one that Jin remembers from .


    In addition, the front side would be inscribed with <<> in Chinese characters, and the back side would be inscribed with <> in Ars characters.

 1144 - - 31-11 Morning, August 10

    Horaijima, August 10.


    The sky is blue and the breeze from the sea is cool in the morning.


    Good morning, Elsa.


    "Good morning, Brother Jin."


    <


    After washing their faces with cold water, they wake up refreshed.


    "Here are your towels, father.


    "Oh, thank you."


    After receiving the towel from Reiko and wiping his face and hands, Jin spoke to Elsa, who was also returning the towel to Edgar.


    "So, it''s finally tomorrow, huh?"


    "......."


    With this conversation, the two men and the two bodies left the house and went to the cafeteria of the institute.


    "Good morning, master."


    "Good morning."


    There, Peridot 1 has just finished preparing breakfast.


    Of course, he knew that Jin had woken up and washed his face, so he calculated the time to come over here and prepare for breakfast.


    Jin-kun, good morning.


    "Hi, good morning."


    Vivian and Saki had arrived too.


    Some members of the Jin family had already arrived at Horai Island for the wedding ceremony scheduled for tomorrow.


    Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt, Count and Countess Kuzma, and Licia would be coming tonight because of their political duties.


    Good morning.


    Good morning, Jin.


    Besides Vivian and Saki, Marcia, Rodrigo, Goose, Tor and his wife Stearina are here.


    Meine is originally here and is taking care of Erza.


    The old man also reports.


    Jin listened to the report while eating breakfast.


    "Thank you for the breakfast.


    As Jin finished eating and drinking hojicha (Japanese green tea), Saki and Vivian seemed to have finished eating too.


    And Erza seemed to have finished eating, too.


    "So, Jin, what are you going to do today?


    Saki came over to Jin and Erza''s table holding a cup of tea.


    "I''ve already prepared everything for you. ......


    All we have to do now is to pick up Milowina, Jin answered.


    "I see. I was hoping to hear more about that .


    "Oh, I''d like to hear about it too.


    Stearina came in with a cup of tea.


    Jin-kun, I want to know too!


    Toa, who had not yet finished eating, shouted from across the table.


    Jin replied with a wry smile.


    "Then let''s spend the morning talking about it."


    * * *


    "Well, let''s get started."


    In Jin''s workshop, most of the members of the who are currently on Horai Island are present.


    The exceptions are Elsa, who already knows about , and her mother Meene. The two seem to be having some kind of conversation with the mother and son before the ceremony tomorrow.


    "First of all, I think today''s topic should be <>, right?"


    No one objects. On the contrary, everyone looks as if they can''t wait to hear what the topic is.


    "Well then. ...... First, <> was mercury. Is this correct?


    Everyone nodded silently.


    "Mercury''s <>, that''s what <> is. In other words, it is not just mercury, but magical mercury.


    Jin explains that it is like the relationship between silver and mithril silver.


    "The nucleus of mercury, the neutrons of which are replaced by magicons, is the . So far, we only know that it comes from an island in the south."


    "<>, right ......?"


    Marcia muttered with interest. I guess she wants to go there.


    "So, as for the properties of this <>, its physical properties are almost the same as mercury. Its specific gravity is about 13.5, and its melting point is about minus 39 degrees Celsius.


    Other properties are almost the same as normal mercury.


    "The chemical properties are almost the same, so be careful when handling it."


    Jin emphasizes the danger of handling mercury, saying, "Especially when vaporized, it is easily absorbed through the lungs, and if absorbed into the body, it binds to hemoglobin and other substances, causing it to become toxic.


    "Especially Saki."


    He reminds her that it''s more dangerous than the lacquer rash she got before.


    "Oh, no, Jin."


    Saki smiled bitterly, but her face showed that she understood.


    "You have to be careful. It seems that when it builds up in the brain, the emotions become uncontrollable."


    It was Jin who explained the case of Jix and Ganno.


    "But what is definitely different from ordinary mercury is that it reacts to magic power."


    He then went on to explain from the viewpoint of magical engineering.


    "This metal transmits magic power very well. In this case, magical power refers to <> or >."


    Stearina leaned forward.


    "So it is very easy to this . That''s why it was used in the Fluid Form Drive.


    The advantages of not needing wiring of magic nerves and the ability to store mana are great. However," Jin says.


    "The disadvantage is that the usable temperature range is narrow. It is also quite fatal. Apart from the toxicity of ......<>."


    "Indeed. It can''t be used in an environment where that ......<> is around, can it?"


    Saki. When I once went to the Arctic Circle, further north of the demon territory, to search for the shell of the <>, the temperature was sometimes minus 40 degrees Celsius.


    "Yes. And they are vulnerable to fire magic. ......"


    It''s also dangerous. Mercury vapors could be a terrible thing if they get into the area.


    "I suppose it could be good for some purposes."


    "Hmmm...maybe Jin could come up with a way to cover up such shortcomings?"


    Unexpectedly, Marcia offered such an opinion.


    "Well, ...... I''m sure there are a few ways."


    Let''s hear it, shall we?


    "Well, I think there are a few things we can do. ...... For the low temperatures, we could build in a heater. That''s easy.


    Anyone can come up with that one.


    "And for the high temperature, we can build in a cooler."


    The overall efficiency will be a little lower, Jin added.


    "That''s right. ......."


    Jin looks at him with difficulty.


    "We can''t do anything about the toxicity of mercury. At the very least, we''ll have to find or create a safe liquid metal."


    "That sounds interesting."


    "Yes, that sounds interesting."


    Saki and Toa''s faces lit up.


    "It''s good to do research, but be careful not to get addicted.


    Jin couldn''t help but say.

 1145 - - 31-12 August 10 afternoon

    At noon Horai Island time, Milowina arrived from the moon base.


    "Milowina, welcome!


    Jin, Erza, and all of the on Horai Island greeted her.


    "It''s been a while, Jin."


    Milowina looked even healthier than the last time they had met.


    "Tomorrow is the big day, the wedding. Are you sure you want to go to ...... with me?"


    "Yes, I want you to do it.


    What Jin wants Milowena to do is to act as his "guardian.


    Erza has Meane, but Jin is an orphan and a gentile. Therefore, they wanted to ask Milowina to be his guardian.


    We will use Reinhardt''s wedding as a reference and make it look a little like a < wedding ceremony in modern Japan with our own color ....... Erza agreed with us on this.


    Erza agreed with me on this.


    After explaining this to the rest of the <, they responded favorably, so Jin decided to hold the wedding in his own style.


    The Japanese style wedding ceremony was not much different from the one here, but more than that, it was a wedding that was in accordance with the wishes of Jin, who had come to this world alone.


    Adriana Barbora Zetsi, Shuki, and Shuki''s wife Adriana.


    Jin was going to report his marriage to them and to the eight million gods of the earth Japan, which is somewhere far away from here.


    "Well, Jin''s own wedding. Interesting.


    Guth says. I''ve already explained the ceremony, but I guess they want to see it in real time.


    And so does Vivian.


    "<> ...... This will definitely be the talk of the town!"


    "......"


    Jin and Erza were a little taken back by the tension.


    Then, at 2:00 p.m. Hourai Island time, Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt arrived at Shoro.


    Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt arrived from Shoro.


    Bertsche is carrying a very large belly.


    "Welcome Reinhard, Bertje. ...... are you all right?"


    Yes, Jin-sama. Yes, Master Jin. I had the midwife take a look at you and you''re still fine.


    In the world of Ars, there is no such thing as a doctor, and it is the who heals the injured and sick.


    The role of the birth mother is assigned to a .


    "Thank you for your concern, Jin. ...... is the safest place in the world, in a way, since Erza is here and we can fly to the village of Kaina.


    "You could certainly say that. ......


    Jin was a little worried because he had heard that first births are difficult.


    Licia arrived at 3:00 pm.


    "I''m sorry I''m late.


    "Welcome, Licia."


    Thank you for coming.


    Jin and Elsa welcomed her and took her to the main dining hall where everyone was gathered.


    There they introduced themselves to Milowina, who was new to the group.


    "As I think I told you before, this is Milowina, a member of the royal family of the Leonard Kingdom."


    "Nice to meet you, Milowina. I guess I''m the last one.


    Uh, Licia.


    Jin, you know a lot of pretty girls.


    Licia blushed when she was told this, Jin scratched his head on the side, and Erza glared at him for a moment.


    At 4:00 p.m., Count and Countess Kuzma arrived.


    "Welcome Luis, Bina.


    "Jin, it''s good to see you!"


    Bina called out to me with a slightly flushed face.


    "Yeah, Bina beat me to it, but now it''s time!


    "Oh, Bina beat me to it, but now it''s time! ......Erza, aren''t you excited?"


    "......"


    Bina also calls out to Erza as she greets her. Elsa''s eyes became sharper as she looked at her.


    "...... Beena, pregnant?"


    "What?"


    What?


    "...... what?"


    Not only Jin, but also Count Kuzma, or rather Beena herself, stiffened.


    "...... not?"


    "Yeah, yeah, ......!


    Apparently, she didn''t understand it either.


    "Well, I was thinking that you are late this month,......, is that right?"


    "Yes, I''m sure. Congratulations."


    Elsa said with a smile as she placed her hand on Bina''s stomach and examined her.


    "Bina, thank you!"


    "You ......"


    Count Kuzma is happy to take Beena''s hand.


    "This is even more of a celebration!"


    Count Kuzma''s best friend, Reinhardt, was also happy.


    And all the members of the Jin family gathered to celebrate.


    The night was like an eve party, and passed peacefully.


    "Jin, congratulations!


    Reinhardt congratulated Jin with a glass of wine in his hand.


    "Thank you.


    "When I first met Jin, I never thought this day would come.


    "Me neither."


    "...... I feel a little strange that Jin chose just one person."


    This is Bina.


    "Hmmm, that''s true. Jin is kind to everyone. ...... women."


    "Hey."


    Jin pretends to be offended at Saki''s flirtation.


    "......Hey?��Oh, by the way, where''s Erza?"


    "Hm?��I don''t see her. ......Licia isn''t here either."


    "She said she was going to the hot springs."


    I''m sorry, I''m sorry.


    Erza was alone in the hot spring.


    ...... finally, tomorrow.


    I think back to the past.


    The meeting in Potrock. The Golem boat race. The misunderstanding in Flathead Village when I thought Jin might be a puppet lover. Kite flying in Moft Village.


    A smile breaks out on my face. The reminiscing continues.


    Being attacked by bandits under the Hambarf Pass. The non. Valentino''s resentment against him. Being invited to Kunlun Island with Bina. .......


    "At the Golem Garden Party. ......"


    He recalls that he was saved by the protection ring given to him by Jin.


    And the Giggarth riot at the mine in Yada village and the Keuwan ruins: .......


    When I think back to that point, I notice that someone has entered the room.


    "Oh, it''s Erza, isn''t it?"


    "Licia-san. ......"


    It was Licia.


    "Excuse me."


    After pouring herself a hot bath, Licia slowly sank her body into the bathtub.


    The water is very nice, isn''t it?


    "Mmm."


    The large window in the bathroom looks out. What she can see now is a starry sky.


    "Congratulations, Miss Elsa.


    Thank you for .......


    I''m a little jealous.


    "......"


    Licia''s eyes are vacant, perhaps because she is a little tipsy.


    "Please support Jin-san," she said.


    "Licia-san, you ......"


    Licia interrupted Erza as she was about to say something.


    "Well, it''s not my place to say anything. Erza-san is an indispensable person for Jin-san.


    Licia then closes her eyes.


    "Thank you, Licia-san. ......"


    Erza also closed her eyes and stretched her limbs in the hot water.


    Then the two talked about many things.


    * * * * * *


    Saki and the others were worried because it was so late, and went to check on them, but they found Erza and Licia nearly overcome with a fever.

 1146 - - 31-13 Each thought

    I don''t know when it started. When did he start living in my heart?


    I miss him.


    I miss him.


    I feel safe when he is near me.


    I feel happy when he smiles at me.


    I want to be with you always.


    If I can''t do that, then I need some kind of connection.


    And the connection I sought was with .


    He taught me in a kind, detailed, and careful way. Thanks to him, I am probably one of the best now.


    I want to be useful.


    I want to help.


    And I learned .


    I tried my best. Thanks to you, I can use it at the highest level.


    But it''s not enough.


    Just as he is an irreplaceable man to me.


    I want to be an irreplaceable woman for her.


    Tomorrow.


    I wonder if something will change.


    I have a daughter, but I am not married.


    I am not married, though I have a daughter.


    I have been a comfort to a noble man, had a daughter, and was barely allowed to stay by his side as his maid of honor after he almost took her away from me.


    So I did not want my daughter to suffer that fate.


    I wanted my daughter to have a happy married life ...... even though I couldn''t.


    Tomorrow, my daughter is getting married.


    Her boyfriend is a man from another world.


    It has been a little over a year since we met.


    My first impression was that he was an unreliable boy. At the time, I didn''t know he was from another world.


    When I asked him how old he was, he told me he was already 20 years old. He looks younger than his age, which seems to be a characteristic of his homeland.


    Therefore, I decided to regard him as a instead of a , but my impression that he was unreliable did not change.


    As an engineer, he is said to be superior to the young man of noble birth who is the head of our group, but his words and actions are indecisive and he seems unfamiliar to the world.


    Therefore, I nailed him to stay away from my daughter and not to be too familiar with her.


    The butler who accompanied me blamed me, but I did not regret it because I was trying to protect my beloved daughter.


    However, my judgment was wrong.


    The day I learned that my daughter was going to be forced into a marriage that I did not like, by order of my parents'' family.


    When we ran away together, she was kidnapped by a group called the Unification Party (Unifiler), and I was mortally wounded.


    The person who saved us was a young man who seemed unreliable.


    He took us away to a place of paradise.


    By that time, the blackness in me was gone and I could look at him with an open mind.


    He seemed indecisive because he was kind.


    He seemed unfamiliar because he came from another world.


    And he was far from unreliable. He has the power to conquer or even destroy the world.


    But he does not wield his power carelessly. He is merciless to the enemies of the world, but kind to his friends and acquaintances.


    He and my daughter became good friends.


    At first they were like brother and sister, but gradually it became more intimate.


    He gradually became more and more prominent and even allowed her to return to her homeland.


    He also helped me to resolve the friction with my parents'' family. I cannot thank him enough.


    From that time on, the two of us started going out together here and there.


    However, it did not mean that they became man-woman relationship.


    I wonder if his daughter is a sister to him.��I wonder if my daughter is to him.


    That makes me a little worried about my daughter''s future.


    Before he knew it, his daughter had grown up to be a first-rate magical engineer. She has even become a court-appointed healer (Reichsartz).


    This was all thanks to him.


    Since then, the two of them seemed to have grown a little closer.


    By the way, he has many female acquaintances.


    One might think that he is a womanizer, but it seems that he is not. We can be assured of that.


    My daughter and he finally got engaged.


    He chose my daughter. I am honestly happy now.


    Now I understand. He wants a family because of his loneliness.


    I wonder if his daughter could fill the void in his heart.


    Tomorrow, his daughter will be married.


    I wish only one thing. Be happy.


    * * * *


    Tomorrow is the wedding.


    Marriage. Marriage. A celebration.


    I will take to wife a girl who is aptly described as lovely.


    I will take a woman from this world as my mate.


    I will have a family of my own.


    I, who grew up without knowing the true meaning of family, will have a family.


    I am not sure if I can do it.


    I wonder if I will unknowingly make some mistake and destroy my <>.


    Will I make that lovely girl unhappy?


    Negative thoughts swirl in my head.


    "Father, it will be all right.


    A dignified voice echoed in the room.


    The voice comes from the girl who is the world''s best and strongest automata.


    "Is that so? ......


    "Yes. It''s important to reflect on yourself.


    But if you fail...


    But if you fail, you can always try not to fail again.


    Yes, ...... that''s right.


    The words of the girl who is my beloved daughter, the girl I created, seep into my heart.


    "Yes, I will do my best to help you.


    The sound of her voice seems to blow away any gloomy thoughts.


    Tomorrow will surely be better than today.


    "I hope so."


    Whatever happens, I''ll get through it. I will make the girl I love happy. No, we will be happy together.


    The eve of their wedding day passed with such determination in their hearts.

 1147 - - 31-14 August 11

    August 11, 3458.


    Horai Island was hot from the morning.


    "Are these the right clothes?"


    "Are you sure you didn''t forget anything?"


    "Oh, your collar stands up!"


    "Yes, you look good."


    Even though they had already made preparations, they were still uncomfortable when it came time for the big day.


    <


    The voice of the old man announces the start of the ceremony.


    The venue is the main conference room. There were Elsa in a white kimono and Jin in a crested kimono.


    In case you are wondering, this is a reconstruction from Jin''s memory, so some details are questionable, but no one cares about that.


    "Wow, Erza-san, you look beautiful!


    "Jin, you look different.


    and other words of praise for the two in their never-before-seen outfits.


    "Well, let''s go!"


    Reiko called out to them when the time was right.


    Jin is escorted by his guardian, Milowina, and Erza is escorted by her mother, Meene.


    Reiko leads the way.


    Both Reiko and Meene are dressed in kimonos prepared for this occasion, instead of their usual clothes.


    The five colored golem maids are lined up neatly on both sides of the hallway outside the main conference room, and Reiko, Jin and Erza, Meine and Milowina, and the attendees walk between them in that order.


    They climbed the stairs to the second floor.


    There, too, the golem maids are lined up.


    Reiko walked slowly to the door where Soleil, Prane, Luna, and Satella were standing, and stopped to look back at Jin and Erza.


    They stopped too, and Jin gave a small nod to Reiko. Reiko opened the door slowly.


    It was the study of Adriana Barbora Zetsi, the former Magecraft Meister.


    The group quietly entered the room, and Jin opened the door to the hidden room.


    The attendees stopped in the study, and only Reiko, Jin, and Elsa entered the hidden room.


    In front of them was a paper crane.


    First Reiko opened her mouth.


    "Mother, I have something to tell you.


    Then Jin.


    "My predecessor, today, the second Magecraft Meister, Hitoshi Nido, has taken Elsa Randall to be his wife.


    Finally, Elsa.


    "From this day forward, I, Elsa Randall, will become Elsa Nido and pledge to walk with my husband."


    Immediately afterwards, Meine and Milowina, who had not entered the room but were waiting at the door, gave a round of applause.


    "Elsa''s mother, Meine, congratulates them."


    "Milowina, the guardian of Jin Nido, congratulates them."


    The attendees in the background gave a warm round of applause.


    * * * *


    After reporting to their predecessors, the group walked out of the institute.


    "Wow!"


    "Sh!"


    No wonder someone let out a small voice.


    The Golem forces of Horai Island were all there.


    The silver-blue ones are the Air Force, the Sky Unit.


    The silver-brown ones are Army and Land Forces.


    Supported by the Navy (Navy) and Marine Corps in silver-blue, there is also the Mermaid Corps, a silver-white, mermaid-shaped, undersea force (Mariner).


    Then there is the golden Space Force, the Cosmos Unit and Astro, a small space golem.


    On the arms of the Craftsman (Smith) is the Little Craftsman (Smith). On his shoulders are mini craftsmen (Smith), inch craftsmen (Smith) and milli craftsmen (Smith).


    There are also Steward, Edgar, Anne, Lol, Lefa, and Nurse Golem.


    < also showed up to congratulate the couple.


    In between them, Jin and Erza, led by Reiko, walk toward the shrine.


    Near the shrine is Lao Ji''s mobile terminal << Lao Tzu>. On his shoulders are a finger golem under his command, a , and two super-small golems, Sam and Command.


    And on either side of the shrine stood a group of battlers.


    "<> I report to Shuki Tsetsi ......"


    In this shrine, which had been moved from the old Leonard Kingdom, Jin worshipped <> Shuki Tsezi.


    He gave a report just as he did to his predecessor, and the in Horai Island ended without a hitch.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Furthermore, Jin and his team used the warp gate in the basement of the institute to move to <>.


    This is the place where Shuki Tsetsi, the "Sage," sleeps and is guarded by two automata, Nagi and Nami, who were created by the previous generation.


    "Welcome, my second generation, ladies and gentlemen.


    "Welcome, the 2nd generation. Reiko, you''re here too.


    Brother, sister... We''re here today to report the wedding of your father.


    Reiko turns to Nagi and Nami, who greet her, and says happily.


    "Oh, my!��Congratulations, 2nd generation!


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you, ma''am."


    The two island guardians also offered their congratulations to Jin and the others.


    Jin and Erza put flowers on Shuki Tsetsi''s grave and prayed silently.


    "There is a lot of greenery here, isn''t there?"


    "Yes, it is. Since the last few days, we have been trying to grow flowers and plants.


    "Well, that''s a good thing.


    Jin then squinted his eyes and looked toward Cape Magus.


    "Ah, it''s a beautiful day, isn''t it?"


    The eastern tip of the continent was also clearly visible.


    The view was a little strange, but it was a good one.


    "It was a nice ceremony, even if it was a little unusual.


    "Elsa, it was beautiful."


    The reception was held at Kunlun Island via Penglai Island. The place is the Jade Pavilion.


    Jin and Erza have changed their clothes and are now wearing suits and dresses. They also changed their color.


    Finally, the wedding cake is about to be cut into the Perid''s soul.


    The whole cake is about 40 centimeters high. Jin and Elsa took a cake knife and cut a slice into the cake.


    It was the first time they had worked together.


    "Congratulations, Jin!


    "Congratulations, Elsa!


    Congratulations, Elsa!" came the cheers of congratulations from everyone in attendance.


    "Congratulations, My Lord!


    And Taibai, the leader of the Kun Lun island, also congratulated them.


    "...... I''m so happy."


    "......"


    Jin and Erza were filled with a sense of indescribable happiness as they were congratulated by everyone.


    "It''s okay that we''re going to be in Kaina tomorrow, but after that we might be a little tired.


    "It can''t be helped."


    The cake was then cut into pieces and served to everyone, delighting their taste buds.


    "Well, I''m surprised at all the golems at Jin''s place!


    "Yes, indeed.


    Still, it was not all of them, as some of them were on alert.


    The banquet continued until the sun went down.


    * * * *


    When the moon ...... rose halfway up into the night sky, the party came to an end.


    < stayed at the and some stayed at the .


    Then only Jin, Elsa, and Reiko return to Horai Island.


    <


    "Father, Elsa, congratulations on your wedding today. I will leave you to it.


    Reiko bowed and stopped in front of the doorway, not moving.


    Jin, sensing her feelings, patted Reiko on the head and led her by the hand into the house.


    The back room of the house is not usually used.


    Moonlight streamed in through the shoji, giving the room a faint glow.


    "Are you tired?"


    "...... a little. But I''m fine. I''m happy. Because I''m happy. I''m happy ......."


    "Okay."


    "I know I''m a bit of a dunce, but I''m looking forward to working with you."


    Erza sits on her knees and bows, as if she''s learned from someone.


    "It''s nice to meet you, too."


    Jin gently took Erza in his arms and put his lips on hers.


    That night, they became husband and wife.

 1148 - - 31-15 Morning

    "...... and ......"


    Suddenly, Elsa woke up. It was about 4:30 in the morning.


    Through the shoji (paper sliding door), she could feel the pre-dawn twilight.


    Next to her, she saw Jin slumbering with a peaceful face.


    "......My husband."


    Erza murmured in a small voice, and leaned closer to Jin, meditating once more.


    The morning sun was shining on his face, and when Jin woke up, it was 5:30 a.m. The summer sun had already risen.


    The summer sun has already risen and it is bright outside. It seems to be another beautiful day.


    Jin wakes up slowly.


    Looking next to him, he sees Erza sleeping with a happy face.


    "Take care of her, my wife.


    Jin mutters in a voice that no one can hear, and runs his fingertips through Elsa''s hair, which hangs on her forehead.


    Her platinum blonde hair shone beautifully in the sunlight leaking through the cracks in the shoji.


    "...... hmm?"


    Erza wakes up as well, as if there is light in her eyes.


    "Oh ...... Jin, my brother?"


    She couldn''t find Jin, who was supposed to be next to her, but when she moved her face, she saw him getting up.


    "Good morning, Elsa."


    "......Good morning, sir."


    Perhaps remembering what had happened last night, Erza''s face lit up with vermilion.


    Jin blushed a little as well.


    "......We should get up."


    "......n"


    Jin slowly gets up.


    Erza is wrapping a blanket around her body.


    Jin senses this and gets dressed first.


    "I''m going to take a bath. How about you, Erza?"


    "I''ll be there in a little while."


    After Erza turned her head down in embarrassment, Jin walked out of the room.


    Erza got up and slowly put on her clothes.


    Jin and Erza head for the Horaijima hot springs with a change of clothes.


    <


    The large hot spring is located on the side of the institute.


    "Good morning, father, Miss Elsa.


    Reiko, who was at the entrance, called out to them.


    "Good morning, Reiko."


    "Good morning, Reiko."


    "Are you taking a bath?"


    "Yes. I''m going to take a bath.


    Good morning.


    However, the hot spring is only 20 meters away from the entrance.


    As Jin headed for the changing room, Elsa stopped in her tracks.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "...... are you coming in with me?"


    Her face was bright red.


    "...... no?"


    "Oh, it''s bright and, uh, you know..."


    Jin thinks Erza''s flustered red face is cute, but he also thinks it''s a pity to play with her too much,


    "Okay, okay. Let''s go in separately today."


    He says to her, "Okay, okay.


    "......Sorry.


    "Don''t worry about it. Let''s take our time."


    "......"


    So Jin and Erza split up and went into the men''s and women''s baths.


    "Ah, it''s nice hot water!"


    Jin, who loves hot springs, loves to take a bath in the morning.


    After soaking in the hot water for a while, Jin decided to go into the open-air bath.


    This bathhouse has both indoor and outdoor baths.


    < and Reiko did not come in.


    "I love taking a bath in the morning, after all.


    Soaking in the hot water with the morning light is a special experience, Jin stretched out his arms and legs.


    And then there was the sound of water in the women''s bath, which was separated by a wooden partition.


    "...... Erza?"


    The only other person soaking in the hot water right now is Erza, besides Jin.


    "......Yes."


    came the reply from the other side of the partition.


    "Nice hot water, isn''t it?"


    "...... yeah."


    "The sky is blue. It''s a beautiful day."


    "...... yes."


    She answered more haltingly than usual, as if embarrassed even through the board partition.


    Jin thinks Erza is adorable.


    "You''re going to get tired if you stay in the bath too long. I''m going to go now.


    "......Yeah."


    Jin said and left the bathtub.


    He wipes himself off in the changing room and cools off with the ......<> provided.


    Unfortunately, coffee milk and fruit milk are not always available. Only water is available.


    Cold water tastes good, too.


    When the sweat had subsided to a good degree, I got dressed and went outside, where Reiko was waiting for me.


    "Father, it''s almost 7 o''clock. It will be about half an hour before you arrive, ladies and gentlemen.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right."


    We were supposed to have breakfast together.


    As we were talking, Elsa came out.


    Her cherry-red face is lovely after taking a bath.


    "Oh, just in time. Everyone will be here soon, so let''s wait for them in the laboratory.


    "Yes."


    The two of them walk to the laboratory, Reiko following them.


    Reiko followed them.


    "Hey, Jin!


    Good morning, Elsa!


    At the scheduled time, the other members arrived from Kunlun Island.


    "It''s a beautiful day again, isn''t it?


    "It''s a beautiful day again, isn''t it?


    "Erza, are you getting enough sleep?


    while others teased, "Elsa, are you getting enough sleep?


    What they have in common is their friendship.


    Although the island of Horai is secluded and separated from the world, the bond between the friends is warm.

 1149 - - 31-16 Gift

    After breakfast, everyone in the <> presented gifts to the two.


    Jin told them not to worry about it, but no one listened to him.


    Jin said, "It''s our feeling. Jin, Elsa, congratulations!��We, the , congratulate you both!


    Reinhardt spoke on behalf of everyone.


    "First of all, here is a gift from me and Bertsche.


    With these words, Reinhardt held out a small package.


    "Thank you."


    Jin accepted it.


    "This is a ...... sword, isn''t it?"


    Jin had an idea. Of course, so did Elsa.


    A dagger worn by noblewomen.


    <


    Once when I stayed in the Kingdom of Egelea. For Erza''s birthday, Jin made the dagger she wanted and gave it to her through Reinhardt.


    At that time, Reinhardt gave Erza these words.


    "I know it''s not as good as Jin''s, but I put my heart into it. I would be honored if you could accept it."


    Jin opened the package and took out the dagger.


    "Clean. ......"


    The silvery-white scabbard was decorated with gold and a gold and modest decoration, and an aquamarine stone, Erza''s favorite, was inlaid at the tip of the hilt.


    "Elsa, pull it out."


    Jin handed the dagger to Elsa.


    "Hmm."


    Erza receives the sword and gently pulls it out of its scabbard.


    "...... is wonderful."


    "It''s beautiful."


    The blade was made of mithril silver and shone brightly.


    "Thank you, brother Rai. I will take good care of it.


    Erza returned the sword to its scabbard and thanked him again.


    "Next, me and Beena will go first."


    Count Kuzma presented her with a pure white dress and a man''s outfit, also pure white.


    "Beena put her heart and soul into this dress. I hope you like them."


    "Oh, honey, you don''t have to say that. ......!


    Beena blushes and gets flustered. Jin smiled at her, thinking that she had not changed even after becoming a countess.


    "Thank you. I''ll wear it in the Kingdom of Egelea. I''ll wear it in the Kingdom of Egelea. ...... No, I''d better show you now, wouldn''t I?


    Jin said and left the room with Elsa.


    The two returned about ten minutes later.


    "Oh ......!"


    "You look great!"


    The design of this dress accentuates Elsa''s slim body line, and the frills are modest, making her look a little more mature.


    Jin''s clothes can be described as an Egelean-style suit. It is similar to a frock coat in modern earthly clothing.


    "Thank you, Beena, Luis."


    Erza, on the other hand, was not so concerned about what she wore, so she was grateful for such a gift.


    "Jin, this is our gift to you.


    "I and Toa searched for it together.


    A gift from Mr. and Mrs. Toa Stearina. It was a pepper.


    "We found it the other day when we were in Mitzvah.


    With this, the range of dishes will be expanded even more.


    Jin and the fifth row of quintas had yet to get their hands on any chili peppers.


    "Thank you!"


    Jin received it happily and handed it to the Topaz leader.


    After this, Topaz and the others begin their struggle to keep it and grow the same thing, but that''s another story.


    "Jin, I have something for you!


    Saki offered another ingredient.


    "Is this ......<!


    There was a plant on Horai Island that looked like wasabi, or rather could be used in place of wasabi, but it was more of a . It is more like than wasabi.


    But when Saki put it on a plate and presented it to Jin, it looked like horseradish to his eyes as well.


    "It grows near a clear stream, and when you grate it, it''s spicy and tingles in your nose. The flower is also in the Brassicaceae family ......?��It looks like ......, so I think it should be horseradish."


    Saki, who is not telling you that she actually ate a lot of it and writhed around for a while without being able to stop crying.


    "Oh, thank you, Saki!


    "Oh, thank you, Saki! I''ve got the seedlings and seeds, so I''ll give them to Topaz and the others later.


    Horseradish prefers cold climates, but the highlands of Horai Island are cooler, and Topaz is in charge of agriculture, so he will be able to create a suitable environment for its cultivation.


    I''m looking forward to it."


    Jin''s obsession with Japanese food has not disappeared after all.


    "This is from me and my father. I hope you like it.


    Marcia humbly presented a small dark brown rectangular plate.


    "?"


    Elsa tilts her head. But Hitoshi recognized the texture.


    "...... chocolate?"


    He puts a piece in his mouth, and it tastes a little different from what he remembers, but it is what he calls <>.


    "Wow!��It''s definitely chocolate."


    "Jin told me that Koohe tasted like cocoa, so I tried a few things."


    Jin said simply, but he was sure he would have been busy between shipyard and golem boat races.


    "That''s all we can do. I''ll give you the notes on the manufacturing method, so you can go to Horai Island and make a refined version of it.


    "Thank you, Marcia. ...... You can make a lot of money if you sell the chocolate or sell the process.


    Needless to say, the Peridos would soon establish their own method of making chocolate, but it would be a while before it would become a Potrock specialty.


    "I''ll take it then."


    Vivian raised her hand.


    "Here you go."


    She holds out a booklet.


    "This is a compilation of religious beliefs from 500 years ago. It''s a bit of guesswork.


    Jin took it and thanked him.


    "Thank you. It''s very helpful!"


    The old man''s processing capacity is high, but his thought patterns are inherited from Jin, so he sometimes feels limited in completing the past in this way.


    On the other hand, Vivienne, being a , could sometimes make conjectures from a point of view that the "Mere Old Man" could not make.


    "Here''s one for me."


    Guth offered another booklet.


    "This is a compilation of the legends of Husho, Mitsuho, and others I have heard since I came here.


    This booklet, he said, was a rough sketch of the history of the area from the time of the ancestors to the present day.


    Such historical and anthropological materials are valuable.


    Thank you, Goose.


    It is a thoughtful gift, knowing that Jin would not be pleased with a half-hearted one.


    "Oh, um, this is for me."


    The last gift was from Licia. From her, a bouquet of flowers.


    "Wow, they''re beautiful!"


    Elsa''s face broke into a smile.


    "They''re nothing compared to your gifts," she said.


    "No, I''m glad. Thank you, Licia.


    It was orthodox, but still a classic.


    Meine and Milowina, who are the mother and guardian of the children, respectively, do not give gifts like everyone else, but instead offer a few words.


    Elsa, I know I have not been a good mother to you. But I am happy that you have given me the joy of sending my daughter off as a mother. Please take care of Elsa, ...... Jin-sama."


    "Mother ......"


    "Mee...... no, mother-in-law, please continue to take care of me."


    Jin and Erza bowed their heads toward Meane.


    "I am the last survivor of Leonard''s kingdom, it seems. I was not able to weave a life, but you, Jin and Erza, you are different. May your lives be spun and passed on to future generations.


    Horai Island was filled with the applause of the .


    Jin and Erza simply bowed their heads in silence.

 1150 - - 31-17 In the village of Caina

    It was 4:20 p.m. Horai Island time, 2:00 p.m. in Kaina Village.


    Jin, Erza, Reiko, and Edgar traveled by to the square in front of Nido Castle, Jin''s base in Kaina Village.


    "Well, are Barrow and Behrle here?"


    After he had decided to leave the company amicably, he had given himself a leave of absence as a grace period to decide what to do.


    It has been almost a month since then. They must have reached a decision.


    "Oh, Mr. Jin!


    I''m sorry I''m late!


    Barrow arrived with a flurry of noise, literally.


    "There''s no need to be in such a hurry."


    Jin chuckled.


    "Well, that''s not why I''m here. ...... Oh!��That''s right!


    "What''s wrong?"


    Barrow is flustered, and Jin gets ready as if there is some kind of trouble.


    Congratulations on your marriage!


    "Oh, thank you!"


    Then Behrle came in.


    "Hey, Barrow!��What are you doing standing outside!��Congratulations on your wedding, Mr. Jin and Mrs. Erza!


    He was stern with Barrow and beaming with Jin and Erza. Behrle used a wonderful change of attitude.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "I have heard about your plans for today.


    In his office on the third floor of Nido Castle, Jin was having a meeting with Barrow and Behrle.


    "I see. Well, that makes things quicker."


    It seems that the old man had heard about the meeting through Butler.


    "We''re going to use a horseless carriage called a <> to go around the village. Barrow and Behrle can follow me on the golem horses.


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    The others will be accompanied by Golem Maid 101, a five-colored golem who works at Nido Castle, and Butlers B and C. Since this is a parade, there will be a lot of people, so there will be no choice.


    It''s a parade, so it can''t be helped that there are a lot of people.


    "Leave Nido Castle, the route is ......."


    Jin confirms the approximate arrangements.


    "And when we come back, we''ll have a feast right away.


    "Yeah, but the maids..."


    The five-colored golem maids working at Nido Castle will accompany the parade, so he is concerned about that.


    "That''s it, don''t worry, we''re calling for reinforcements.


    We are planning to call in 10 of each from Horai Island.


    Of course, we will bring the ingredients at that time, and some of them will be cooked over there before being brought to the island.


    "...... and that''s all."


    "Okay."


    It was 3:30 p.m. The parade is in 30 minutes.


    * * * * *


    .......


    It should be here by now.


    At Martha''s house, Hannah is waiting for Jin and the others to arrive.


    In the distance, a cheer went up.


    "Look, I think they''re coming!"


    The cheers get louder and louder as they get closer.


    "...... Congratulations Jin-chan! ......"


    "Congratulations, Jin!


    Congratulations, Elsa!


    Congratulations!


    "Finally, you son of a b*tc*!��Don''t make Erza-chan cry!


    The whole village congratulates Jin and his family, congratulating them, cheering, and the children even throw flowers.


    "Congratulations, Onii-chan!"


    When the car carrying Jin and Elsa came in front of Martha''s house, Hannah threw a blessing word as loud as she could.


    Hearing this, Jin and Elsa made eye contact with Hannah and waved their hands smiling at her.


    "Wow, girl, you are beautiful!


    Behind Jin and the others'' car, the villagers were following in a line.


    Hannah joined the group of children and started to walk away.


    "Congratulations, Jin-chan!


    "Congratulations, Erza!


    "Congratulations, Jin!��Take good care of Erza!


    Don''t make her cry!


    Everyone shouts their hearty congratulations.


    (Congratulations, Onii-chan! ......)


    Hannah was happy, but a little sad at the same time.


    * * * *


    The parade went around the village and returned to Nido Castle.


    The parade went around the village and returned to Nido Castle, where a banquet followed.


    The village chief, Giebeck, spoke on behalf of the village.


    Jin and Erza, congratulations on your marriage. All the villagers wish you a long and happy life together.


    Jin and Erza felt that although it was really only one word, it was more heartfelt than all the other words they had said.


    The dishes served at the banquet were made from a variety of ingredients imported from all over the world.


    Jin, congratulations! You finally have a family. Good luck.


    Yes. Thank you, Mr. Locke.


    Since it''s a formal occasion, everyone comes up to Jin, says a word or two, and then returns to the banquet.


    "Elsa, look how big my baby is!"


    "Wow, she''s so cute!"


    Patty came in carrying Henry, who was born last June. The birth was a difficult one, but thanks to Sally and Elsa''s efforts, mother and child are both in good health.


    "So, this is Elsa, huh?


    "Uh, ah, ah, ah..."


    Erza is still not comfortable with this kind of topic.


    "Congratulations, Jin. From now on, you have to be more and more firm and protect Erza-chan.


    "Yes, Martha."


    "Elsa, if you have something to say, say it clearly. If you have something to say, say it out loud.


    "Yes, Miss Sally."


    After that, villagers visited Jin and Erza one by one.


    Jin and Elsa''s wedding < party in the village of Kaina passed in this way.

 1151 - - 31-18 Treatment of the King

    After the wedding party in Kaina village, Jin and Elsa took a day off and flew to Borgia, the capital of the Kingdom of Elias, on August 14.


    "Welcome, <>."


    The Minister of the General Affairs, the Marquis of Firenziano, greeted them smilingly.


    There were five attendants and ten knights guarding him, a small contingent.


    The Marquis, who has known Jin for a long time, knew that he did not like a showy ceremony, so he kept the number of guests to the minimum to welcome the state guests.


    "I congratulate you on your marriage to Elsa Ehime."


    "Thank you very much."


    At this point, Jin and Erza, who are , responded. Reiko, who was accompanying the couple as a cavalryman, also bowed silently.


    "First, please go to the back."


    We were led to the first guest house adjacent to the royal castle. This is where first-class state guests are entertained.


    It was 2:00 in the afternoon.


    Leaving their luggage in the suite, Jin and Erza went to the reception room to meet with the Marquis Florenziano to discuss the banquet.


    There they were served kuje, a specialty of the Kingdom of Elias, and topopo chips.


    I picked the topopo chips and found that they were much tastier than the ones I had bought at a stall in Potrock the other day.


    The sweet potatoes may have been carefully selected, but the salt was delicious. The lightly salted taste lingers in the mouth.


    "This is delicious, isn''t it?"


    When Jin expressed his honest opinion, the Marquis smiled happily.


    "Thank you, sir. <


    After taking a break from drinking kuhe, a meeting was held to discuss the banquet.


    The arrangements made by the Elias Kingdom were explained to Jin and Erza, and only minor modifications were made.


    According to the report,


    On the 14th, a dinner party will be held from 5:00 p.m. after the meeting. The meeting with the king and other dignitaries of the kingdom will be held on the 14th.


    The wedding banquet is to be held on the 15th, with a parade in the morning (with Jin and Erza playing the leading roles, of course), followed by a banquet from noon to night in the hall of the royal castle.


    On the 16th, a quiet luncheon is held in the courtyard of the royal castle as an after-dinner party. Only the royal family and some nobles attended.


    The only attendees were the royal family and some nobles.


    Except for the parade, Jin was relieved to find that the event was as he had expected, or rather smaller than he had expected.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "Sir Jin Nido, Princess Elsa Nido, Princess Reiko, welcome to our meeting.


    The King of the Kingdom of Elias, Blitzen Skala Elias XII, greeted Jin, Elsa, and Reiko in the reception room, not in the audience hall .......


    He was about 60 years old with gray hair and gray eyes. He was not looking well because he had been ill.


    He is not sitting on a throne, but on a comfortable chair like a sofa bed.


    Next to him is the first prince, Alphonse, who is assisting him.


    This prince was a man of great age and had an air of vigor and vitality about him.


    To his left and right were the leading figures of the country.


    The only person Jin recognized was the Prime Minister, the Marquis Godopher de Toves Rossi.


    After the customary greetings, the dignitaries leave, and the remaining guests are the king, the prince, the prime minister, and the marquis of Florenziano, in addition to Jin and the others.


    Jin was relieved that the dinner was so informal.


    However, the presence of the king and the prince, who hardly knew each other, made him a little nervous.


    During the after-dinner kuhe time, Erza first spoke up.


    "...... are you feeling well, Your Majesty?"


    Prince Alphonse answered.


    "It''s been on and off, Elsa Ehime. I would be happy if you, the court-appointed healer (Reichsanstalt), could take a look at it once, but this time you can visit ......."


    The prince swallowed the words he was about to continue with, "You''ve just been married, and I''m sure we''ll ......>> see each other again.


    "......Yes, let me examine you."


    Elsa answered immediately.


    Because Elsa had an idea of what was wrong with the king, and it seemed that he needed to be treated immediately.


    Are you sure?


    "Of course."


    "......<>, may I put my trust in your wife?"


    Prince Alphonse finally asks Jin.


    "Yes, of course. Elsa, please.


    "Yes."


    Elsa got up from her seat and walked to the king''s side. And then..,


    "I beg your pardon."


    and put her hand on his chest,


    "<>".


    He cast a spell.


    "......"


    His face is frowned.


    "How is it?"


    "<>"


    Elsa doesn''t answer, and makes another diagnosis.


    "...... pulmonary tuberculosis."


    Elsa''s diagnosis is made.


    "Tuberculosis. ......"


    "Yes. But the lesion is not large.


    On Earth, before the advent of drugs such as streptomycin, air, rest, and nutritional therapy was used to treat patients in clean-air sanatoriums to promote natural healing and prevent anything from interfering with it.


    King Elias had symptoms that were a little advanced from that stage.


    He probably went through a period of intense political work when he was on the verge of recovery, then his symptoms worsened again, and he went into a period of rest and recuperation.


    When Erza told them this, the prince and the vizier sagged.


    "...... you are right," she said.


    "It''s a very difficult condition to cure because it recurs before it''s completely healed. This is entirely the fault of the people around him."


    "...... no face."


    Erza''s complaint made the prince droop even more, and the Prime Minister looked embarrassed.


    "But..."


    After the bitter words, Erza spins words of reassurance.


    "It can be cured at this stage.


    In fact, it could be much worse, but she doesn''t say so.


    "Are you sure?


    "Yes, I''m sure."


    Elsa put her hand on the king''s chest and used healing magic.


    "<>"


    At this stage, the patient can be cured by improving his own healing power.


    "<>"


    He examined the patient again and confirmed that the affected area was gone.


    "You should be fine now. However, you must not overdo it just because it is healed.


    "Yes, of course."


    The prince replied on behalf of the king.


    is a disease caused by the tubercle bacillus.


    When the tubercle bacillus enters the lungs, the body''s immune system surrounds the tubercle bacillus and forms a small <>. This is why the name "tuberculosis" is given to the disease.


    <


    Elsa''s healing magic not only greatly improves the patient''s healing power, but also temporarily super-activates various functions of the body.


    At the same time, the healing magic <> that Elsa has devised has also killed all the bacteria that had almost metastasized to the organs.


    "...... Then there is the possibility that it has been transmitted to those close to His Majesty."


    "What?


    Elsa was right.


    The prince, the vizier, and several attendants were infected.


    Needless to say, they too were treated by Elsa.


    The gratitude of the Elias royal family to Elsa was so great that even the queen, the second prince, and the princesses came to thank her afterwards.

 1152 - - 31-19 in Borgia

    According to what I heard, the King''s < had been going on for 10 years, and was treated as <> or .


    The reason for this, he says, is that the symptoms get better with that cures minor infections, illnesses, and so on.


    "If the symptoms recur, it means that the cause has not been removed.


    Elsa called together the healers working at the castle.


    "There may be people who are still infected. In that case, please contact ......."


    She gave a briefing to the older healers, which could be called an admonition.


    "I understand. I am very sorry for your teaching.


    All the healers who received the explanation looked at Erza with respect.


    The king, who had been infected with tuberculosis, was a patient of the King.


    August 15, the day after treating the king, his relatives, and the country''s leading figures who had contracted tuberculosis.


    At 9:00 a.m., a group of people departed from the royal castle.


    Of course, there is the uncovered carriage carrying Jin and Erza, their companions, and their escort.


    In addition, there is a <> that has disappeared due to <>, a Vertical Take Off and Landing Aircraft (VTOL) protecting them from the sky, and a <>. Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft protecting the ship from above ( <>).


    Watchers monitor the surface of the earth from a very high altitude.


    And Reiko is standing behind Jin.


    Of course, Jin and Erza are ready to put up a barrier at any time. The barrier can be deployed according to the reaction speed of the old man.


    He was able to cope with almost every conceivable situation.


    Moreover, the fifth column (quintas) dispatched to the surrounding areas were joining the crowd to watch and congratulate the two men behind their backs.


    And that''s when nothing happens.


    The carriage carrying Jin and Elsa made its rounds of the capital without incident.


    "What''s this festival?"


    It''s a wedding present for Kunlun.


    "Who''s that?


    while some responded,


    "Is that Jin Nido, the Magecraft Meister?


    "Wasn''t he the Magi Craftsman of the team that won the golem boat competition last year?


    "From what I hear, the water purifier that''s been circulating recently was made by him and one other person."


    "I heard that he was the one who started the spread of Topopo chips.


    Some of them seem to know about Jin to some extent.


    And "I heard that he made the Topo Popo Chips,


    "Your wife is ...... beautiful.


    "She doesn''t match her husband.


    Reiko, who has a good ear, was very angry.


    It was 11:30 a.m. when the parade returned to the Royal Castle after touring around the capital city of Borgia.


    What awaited us afterwards was a banquet in the grand hall.


    There are chairs and sofas for sitting, but it is basically a standing party.


    While this is a good way to avoid stiff shoulders, the drawback is that one has to deal with the influential people who come to greet one another in turn.


    The guests of honor, Jin and Elsa, had a light meal in the castle''s parlor while the hall was being prepared.


    Then at noon.


    "Mr. Kunlun, madam, we are here to welcome you.


    As planned, Jin, Elsa, and Reiko went to the hall accompanied by their escort, the Marquis Florenziano.


    "Now then, <>, Sir Jin Nido and Lady Nido, and their escort, Ehime Reiko, please enter."


    As soon as the doors of the hall opened, such a voice resounded, and the people in attendance applauded in unison.


    (Please wave your hands, even if they are small.)


    (Please give a small wave of your hand.) The Marquis Florenziano whispered to them, and Jin and Elsa gave a small wave of their hands.


    They were led to the guest of honor''s table in the upper part of the room.


    ��Please stand, don''t sit down.)


    The two stood in front of the seats as instructed in a whisper. The maid of honor standing beside them hands them a glass of wine.


    (Please say a few words here.)


    (Please say a few words here.) I had already thought about what I was going to say since I had heard about it in our prior meeting.


    I had heard about this before the meeting, so I had thought about what I would say. My wife Elsa and I thank you very much.


    Then the voice rang out again. It was the voice of Alphonse, the first prince.


    "To the marriage of Sir Gin Nidor and Lady Elsa."


    Cheers!


    Cheers!


    The glasses are raised.


    "And now, ladies and gentlemen..."


    Alphonse, the first prince, looked around at those in attendance.


    "Today we are celebrating the marriage of Sir Jin Nido. My father, His Majesty King Blitzen Skala Elias XII, has been cured of his illness. No, I''ve cured him. By Mrs. Nido!"


    Then the king, Blitzen Skala Elias XII, who was sitting in the highest seat, opened his mouth.


    "Yes. I will never forget this favor. From now on, you will both be treated as citizens of special honor.


    The Prime Minister then gave a brief explanation of the title.


    According to the Prime Minister, the two of you will receive treatment equivalent to that of a marquis in the royal castle.


    Specifically, they can request an audience with the royal family without an appointment, and they do not have to pay any obeisance to the royal family. Of course, there are no taxes or other obligations.


    "Thank you very much.


    I was a bit surprised because I had not been informed of this beforehand, but it was a title similar to the one I had received in the Shoro Kingdom before, .


    At this point, there was a round of applause.


    "......Er, so, therefore, his achievements are ......".


    This was followed by an endless stream of greetings from the leading aristocrats.


    From Jin''s point of view, those who spoke at length seemed to be less competent, while those who spoke briefly and concisely seemed to be more competent.


    Then the main part of the banquet, free time, begins.


    Everyone stood up and did whatever they wanted to do.


    Some began to eat a light meal with a glass of wine in their hands, some began to talk with the nobles near them, and others tried to get close to the prince or the vizier.


    But the most numerous were those who came to Jin and Elsa.


    "<>"


    "Mrs. Nido, you''re as beautiful as ever."


    Jin suppressed the urge to say, "You are as beautiful as ever, but this is our first meeting.


    After that, there was no end to the number of aristocrats trying to get me to remember their faces.


    When he began to get fed up with the situation.


    "<> and his wife. My father was very kind to you yesterday.


    The nobles dispersed and the first prince arrived.


    Your Highness.


    Jin and Erza breathe a sigh of relief that all the depressing people are gone, even if only temporarily.


    "You look tired. I''m sorry for everything my people have been through.


    "We were prepared for that.


    However, they were more trouble than they had expected, and they were quite fed up with it.


    It was a relief for Jin and Erza that they could enjoy a little conversation with Prince Alphonse.


    After the prince left, they were even more depressed than before.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    >.


    After receiving a report from Reiko at Horai Island, the old man immediately started to consider countermeasures.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "......"


    "......"


    "......Thank you for your hard work, Father, Miss Elsa."


    At 9:00 p.m., the party was over and Jin and Erza were in the suite of the first guest house.


    They had just come out of the bathroom, and their hair was still wet.


    "It was more than I expected. ......"


    "...... I agree."


    I''m going to bed.


    "Hmm."


    It seems that bathing alone was not enough to remove the mental exhaustion.


    They lay down on the bed and immediately fell asleep.

 1153 - - 31-20 Lunch Meeting

    August 16.


    Jin and Elsa slept until after 8:00, which was unusual for them. They were very tired.


    Reiko knew this, so she didn''t wake them up, or rather, she kept an eye on them to make sure they didn''t make too much noise.


    At 8:30 a.m., the maid in charge of the guest house came to check on them.


    She said, "Please wait a moment.


    Reiko made the maid wait, but decided to wake them up because it was time to go.


    "...... father, Miss Elsa..."


    She gently shakes them.


    "......Oh, morning. ......"


    "......n......"


    Jin, who is a good sleeper, opens his eyes first, and then Elsa wakes up, too.


    "...... what time is it?"


    "It''s just after 8:30."


    What?


    Jin jumps out of bed and rushes to put on his clothes.


    "...... father, there''s no need to be in such a hurry.


    Reiko rebuked him.


    Jin finally returned to normal.


    "Oh, I see. You let me sleep. ......"


    Jin panicked, thinking he had overslept at a guest house in another country, but he realized that they had let him sleep in slowly because of last night.


    Erza also got up and was loosely dressed.


    Reiko helped Elsa to get dressed. Jin was almost done.


    After rinsing out their mouths and washing their faces, they finally felt refreshed.


    Reiko calls out to them.


    "We will have a luncheon at 0:30 p.m. today. We still have time, would you like something to eat?


    "Hmmm, I guess so. ......"


    Jin thinks for a moment,


    "I think I''ll have fruit. What about Elsa?


    "That''s fine with me too. If I may add, I''d like something a little filling."


    I''ll let her know. I''ll let her know.


    Reiko left the bedroom to tell the maid of honor who was waiting for her at the entrance.


    She ate april and citron.


    Jin and Elsa were moping while eating apr��s-ski and citron.


    "......And then there''s the luncheon. ......"


    "......"


    "Erza is used to this kind of thing, isn''t she?"


    "......Not at all. I wasn''t a social butterfly."


    "Oh, I see. ......


    Summer in Borgia, the capital of the Kingdom of Elias, is somewhat lazy.


    Jin and Erza pass the time with idle conversation.


    * * * *


    It is half past midnight, time for a luncheon.


    A quiet luncheon held in the courtyard of the royal castle. Only the royal family and some nobles are present.


    Specifically, the first prince, Alphonse, the Prime Minister, Marquis Godopher de Toves Rossi, and the Minister of General Affairs and hostess, Marquis Florenziano.


    So Jin and Elsa are at ease.


    Jin and Elsa enjoyed the leisurely luncheon with some chatter and laughter.


    "Yes, actually, ......."


    Jin decided to give to Elsa on this occasion.


    "It''s a custom on my side," he said.


    With that, he pulled out one of his samples.


    "What is this?"


    The first prince''s eyes lit up.


    "It''s called a koban. The gold color is plating. The body is brass.


    "Hmm, even though it''s brass, this machining accuracy is ...... possibly the work of the "Mini Craftsman (Smith)"?


    It seems that the rumor of the "mini-craftsman (smith)" that Jin had demonstrated at the technology exposition held in the Shoro Kingdom had spread to the Elias Kingdom.


    "Yes, that''s right.


    In fact, Jin and can make it, and it was > who did the work.


    "No, can I get this as a souvenir?��I feel like it''s kind of the opposite."


    Jin was beginning to think now that it could not be called a , since it could be said that Jin was invited to the reception, not that he was invited to the reception he held.


    "Please think of it as a small token of our appreciation for your welcome."


    Erza offered a helping hand.


    Such a pretext did not seem so strange to Jin. Jin was relieved.


    "No, this is indeed a wonderful memorial. You are giving it to us?"


    The Prime Minister looked pleased.


    "Yes, including those who attended yesterday, ......, um, how many were there?"


    "What?"


    "What?"


    "Jin-dono,...... no,<>, you don''t mean to say that all the people who attended the meeting yesterday were ......?"


    "I''m trying to, sir."


    "......"


    Hearing Jin''s reply, the first prince and the prime minister looked at each other in dismay, and then sighed. The Marquis of Florenziano, on the other hand, is nonplussed.


    "......<>, isn''t he?"


    The Prime Minister looked a little tired.


    * * * *


    Jin was persuaded that giving it to all the attendees would reduce its value, but he insisted that it was just a feeling, and decided to give it to all the attendees as well as to the maidens and servants who had taken care of him.


    The Prime Minister said, "I think it would be worth even less if it were given to the attendants and servants.


    The Prime Minister said, "I think it would be even less valuable if it were given to the maidservants and servants,


    "It is only a memento, and it is my own feeling," he said.


    Jin insisted, saying, "It is only a memento, and I have my own feelings about it.


    He was not pleased to have the extra value added to the medal, such as a commemorative wedding medal made by Kunlun.


    "......If that is the guest of honor''s wish, then we must fulfill it."


    Marco Firenziano advises the Prime Minister and the Prince.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "If you mean your feelings, then we must respect them."


    The two nodded with a slightly disappointed look on their faces.


    Jin thinks that maybe they are collectors of such rare items. And he was right.


    The reason why he knew this was because he was told that Jin (or rather a mini-craftsman (Smith)) had a brass medal made by him at the technology expo. How he got it, I don''t know.


    I don''t know how he got it, but I can understand his feeling as a collector, since he also has an acquaintance named Gloria.


    However, since this came from Jin''s feelings, he could not compromise on this point.


    Therefore, Jin entrusted the 245 koban to the Marquis Florenziano.

 1154 - - 31-21 Refresh

    On August 16th, Jin and Elsa were relaxing on Horai Island.


    "Ah, it''s nice here."


    "I agree."


    "We''ll have another wedding reception tomorrow."


    Egelea Kingdom is a little better.


    Bina and Luis are supposed to be entertaining.


    That''s right.


    Reiko comes to them with a glass of cold Persian juice.


    "Hey you two! Please drink this and cheer up.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    The two of them looked a bit out of sorts to the casual observer.


    "Yes, it''s good."


    "Delicious."


    Jin and the others thought that the Persian juice made in Horaijima was the best for their palates.


    "By the way, father..."


    Reiko, seeing that Jin''s mood had improved a little, decided to make a proposal.


    "Why don''t you start working on the ship that you will use for your honeymoon after your tour of the countries?��Specifically, I would like to discuss the concept and arrangements.


    Jin''s face lit up.


    "Oh!��That''s right!"


    Jin was a crafty idiot after all.


    "First of all, we need to prepare a large amount of magic crystals as a mana tank, and also add a magic reactor so that we can manage even if the free magic element (ether) becomes scarce. ......


    Jin ruminates over what he said at Ste. Arena''s birthday party the other day.


    "Brother Jin, you are so lively ......."


    Erza looked at Jin with a smile as if she was seeing something funny.


    By the way, < has already become a proper noun when Erza calls Jin, and it is not likely to be fixed for the time being.


    Once the free magical element (ether) is captured in the magi crystal, it will not be released in the normal state unless the magical power (mental wave) that excites it is applied.


    "Not only use what you have on hand, but also buy a few things ......."


    Since Jin''s money is already in a terrible state, he thinks it is in the best interest of the economy to spend some of it.


    Since the amount of currency has been maintained at the time when the population was more than three times as large as it is now, it seems that the economy will never go bankrupt.......


    Apparently, because Jin is not familiar with economics in the first place.


    Let me digress.


    Jin is buying various materials with his accumulated money.


    Then, he instructed the old man to buy more magi crystals.


    This will cause the market price of magi crystals to rise slightly, and the mines in each country will boom, but that''s another story.


    "Now all that''s left is to improve our living space.


    After all, this is their honeymoon.


    He did not want to have to go back to Horai Island if something happened to him.


    "Brother Jin, speaking of that, who is going to accompany you and who is going to accompany you?"


    "Oh ...... old man, what was going on?"


    "Yes, that''s what you said."


    >


    "Okay. ......, that leaves Goose, Hannah, Licia, and Milowina."


    But there are ways to do that, too, such as preparing a <>.


    "In other words, everyone participates. ...... Okay, let''s talk a little about the specifics. Let''s talk a little about the ship we are going to use, a cruiser would be fine. What is the status of construction?


    We are planning to build 10 cruisers, and we have completed 7 ships so far: Azusa, Katsura, Minato, Seki, Rhinoceros, Miya, and Kamo. All of them are named after rivers.


    <


    "All right, let''s convert them."


    <>


    "Well, ......"


    The cruiser was to be named after a single letter of the river. This time I''m going to treat it as a special cruiser.


    "Okay, let''s make it a two-letter river name. ...... ummmm... ...... Sumida River... ...... Tone River... ...... Kamanashi River... ...Katashinagawa......Tama River......Kitakami River......Azuma River...... Kinugawa River......Edogawa River......"


    I''ll list the names of the rivers as they come to mind.


    "<> is good. And <> sounds interesting.


    <


    "Brother Jin, why do you like <>?"


    It may be a natural question.


    "Well, it''s because it means ''my wife.


    Legend has it that the eastern part of Japan is called Agatsuma, because Yamatotakeru no Mikoto said in memory of his late wife Ototachibanahime.


    "It''s a nice place for a honeymoon, isn''t it?"


    "What about Edo, then?"


    It''s the name of a town that was for a long time the capital ...... of Japan, or rather the political center of the country.


    "That''s a good idea.


    Erza agrees, and the special cruisers and are officially completed.


    Jin sets up the cruising tours on a large cruise ship with luxurious rooms, a fine dining room, and a grand ballroom, remembering what it was like to cruise on a large cruise ship.


    "Hmmm ...... pool ...... don''t want ...... casino ...... don''t want it either. What else ......?"


    Shower and toilet facilities are provided by default.


    "A public bath would be nice. And an observation room.


    Worst-case scenario, moving to Horai Island would solve the inconvenience, but it''s still <. Jin was determined to stay on the ship if possible.


    He was considering such a plan, but he was not sure how much time he would have.


    Time flew by as he thought about it.


    The sky was turning red and dusk was approaching.


    "Ah, ......, tomorrow is the Kingdom of Egelea."


    "Are you feeling a little refreshed, father?"


    "Yes, I did. I think thinking about my favorite things has refreshed me a bit.


    "I''m glad to hear that."


    The old man confirmed the schedule.


    "Okay. Well, I guess we have no choice."


    To be honest, I don''t like it, but I''m going with Count and Countess Kuzma of <>, Prince Ernest, Laila, and Lotte, the golem that Jin made, at the castle.


    It is much easier just to have so many acquaintances.


    "That makes me wonder if I shouldn''t go. ......"


    "But that would not be good for the face of the nation. But that would not be good for our national image.


    Elsa said dismissively.


    "That may be so, but ...... the world of politics is a messy one.


    Jin grumbled.

 1155 - - 31-22 Eve Festival

    "Wow, it''s flying. ......!"


    "This is amazing, isn''t it?"


    Bina and Count Kuzma are amazed as they fly for the first time on the .


    Today is August 17. They will visit the Kingdom of Egelea, so they will first stop by the Blue Lands and meet up with Count and Countess Kuzma, who are on their way to Asunto, the capital of Egelea.


    We are almost there.


    "You''re fast, aren''t you? How fast are they going?


    Bina asks, impressed by Jin''s words.


    "About 100 kilometers per hour this time. I''ve heard that a ...... horse can go from 40 to 60 kilometers per hour."


    We flew around Mount Garratt, so it wasn''t a straight line, but it was still fast enough to get there in less than an hour.


    "100 kilometers!��That''s amazing. ......"


    It is impossible for a normal vehicle to reach 100 kilometers per hour. Even the fastest horse can reach 60 kilometers per hour. And that can only be sustained for a short distance.


    "Oh, I see the royal castle."


    "The hot air balloons of the guards are coming up too."


    Two hot air balloons come up to greet as he approaches Asunto.


    The speed of their ascent and the speed at which they moved showed that they were highly skilled. They must be well-trained soldiers.


    Accompanied by the hot air balloon, <> landed in the courtyard of the Royal Castle of Egelea.


    "Welcome, Jin!


    Prince Ernest the Third greeted them.


    Of course, he was accompanied by the prince''s lady-in-waiting, Laila Solu and his favorite golem, Lotte.


    Also with them are the Prime Minister, the Marquis Boyd Norse Galuelli, the Minister of Magic Kellihidore, and his guard of knights.


    "Count and Countess Kuzma, and you, too, for escorting the Korun.


    The Prime Minister praised Count and Countess Kuzma,


    "Kouzma, welcome to the Kingdom of Egelea."


    The Prime Minister thanked the Count and Countess Kuzma as guests of honor.


    * * * * *


    "Today is the eve of the festival. Tomorrow is the main event, and the day after tomorrow will be the evening after the main event.


    The prime minister explains as if checking his schedule.


    (......) I knew it would be three days.


    My faint hope that the event might be over in two days was shattered to pieces within a minute of the start of the meeting.


    "The party itself is very small, so I don''t think you will get tired of it.


    He said it would be smaller than the Golem garden party.


    It is natural in a sense, since there were invited guests from abroad at that time.


    "Well then, we will pick you up at 4:00 p.m. Please relax until then. Until then, please make yourself at home.


    Leaving these words, the Prime Minister left the room busily.


    The remaining guests were Jin, Elsa, Reiko, and Count Kuzma and his wife Bina.


    "...... haha."


    Jin let out a sigh without hesitation as the group of familiar faces gathered.


    "Ummm...Jin has his own pet peeve."


    Seeing Jin like this, Bina giggles.


    "That''s right. I''m a commoner to begin with. ...... In that sense, Bina, you''re amazing. You''re a countess now."


    "...... love."


    Elsa made a rare dig.


    "Uh, uh..."


    Bina blushes a little.


    And so, the time goes by peacefully. ......


    It is now 4 p.m. at .......


    * * * * * *


    "The Kingdom of Egelea hereby celebrates the marriage of Sir Jin Nidor, the "Lord of Kunlun" and "Magecraft Meister", to Ehime Elsa.


    King Harold Luan Autoclase of the Kingdom of Egelea was the first to offer his congratulations.


    Queen Catherine Riina Sphare and Marquis Boyd Norse Galuelli, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Egelea, were the next to offer brief words of congratulations.


    (...... thank goodness for that)


    Jin, who is not good at listening to long speeches, was relieved inside.


    After about 10 congratulatory speeches, a band started to play music.


    (Come to think of it, music in this world is still in its infancy. ......)


    Jin was not much interested in playing music, but he felt that there were not many kinds of musical instruments.


    Singing is reasonably well developed and widespread, but wind instruments seem to be scarce.


    There are stringed instruments similar to guitar and harp, and percussion instruments such as xylophone, cymbals, and drums.


    However, brass and woodwind instruments such as piccolo, flute, clarinet, oboe, horn, trumpet, tuba ...... are poor.


    There was only a trumpet-like instrument, which was a development of the trumpet, and a vertical flute similar to a recorder.


    (Though, as expected, it is impossible to make one. ......)


    (But it is not possible to make a wind instrument, as expected.


    While Jin was thinking about this, four golems similar to the singing golem ...... of Yaluidaare came out and began to sing a song.


    It seems to be a traditional song of the Kingdom of Egelea to bless a marriage.


    Each of the four golems seemed to play the roles of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, and the four-part harmony was beautiful.


    When the singing was over, the audience applauded in unison. Jin and Elsa also applauded generously.


    "The chorus was sung by Mr. Jaruidare''s No. 2 to No. 5," the MC explained.


    The MC''s explanation was echoed. It was Yaluidaare''s golem, after all.


    Following them, two golems appeared. This one was a female type, wearing a dress.


    The two golems danced to the slow music.


    At this point, Jin and Erza realized that this was a series of entertainment by the golems.


    When the music became up-tempo, two golems dressed like knights appeared and performed a sword dance.


    Sometimes the two golems wielded their swords separately, and sometimes together, and sometimes they joined their swords together.


    This was also quite a sight to behold.


    Then they continued to perform light dances set to music and line-dance style dances.


    Finally, not a golem but a human appeared on stage.


    There were about 20 boys and girls in total, ranging in age from 8 to 12.


    They were all dressed in the same design, with the only difference being that the boys were light blue and the girls were peach.


    They lined up and began to sing to the music.


    Golem''s voice was too perfect and inhuman in a way, but this one was funny because it still had some poor points.


    They performed three songs, and when they finished, they bowed and left again.


    This seemed to be the end of the eve of the festival.


    The hall was filled with applause.


    We gather the best singers and have them sing at these events," explained Count Kuzma.


    Count Kuzma explained.


    "Lovely song!"


    Elsa smiled and clapped her hands.


    Jin clapped his hands, too, and the words "boys'' and girls'' choirs" kept popping into his head.

 1156 - - 31-23 Strength Experiment

    Jin and Elsa are relaxing in the state guest suite in the royal castle after the eve of the festival.


    "......Today was a pretty good time, wasn''t it?"


    "Hmm."


    Then there''s a knock at the door.


    "Yes."


    Reiko opens the door, and standing there are Prince Ernesto the Third, his lady-in-waiting Laila, and Lotte the Golem.


    "Your Highness..."


    Jin and Erza also got up from their seats to greet Ernest.


    "Jin, I wanted to talk to you for a minute. Can I talk to you now?


    "Yeah, sure.


    "Okay, I''ll leave you alone.


    The third prince Ernest is a very frank man. However, he had grown to about the same height as Jin, and his face had matured a bit.


    "Congratulations again on your marriage, Jin and Elsa.


    "Father, Erza, congratulations on your marriage."


    "Congratulations on your marriage, Mr. Jin and Mrs. Erza!


    Ernest and his friends congratulated the couple. A few people were chewing, but Jin and the others pretended not to hear it.


    "Thank you.


    "Thank you very much.


    Jin then looks at Lotte.


    "......Yes, Lotte seems to be in good condition.


    "Yes, thanks to you."


    Since the car has been seriously maintained by Jin, it is maintenance free in normal operation.


    Jin offers a chair to Ernesto, since he can''t stand to talk.


    Ernesto sits down, and Lila and Lotte stand diagonally behind him.


    Ernest sat down in front of Jin and opened his mouth with a slightly embarrassed look on his face.


    "I know I asked you a few questions the other day, but I wanted to ask you a few questions about magical engineering.


    "Here you go."


    "Last time at the ...... World Congress, I asked you about the , and today I want to ask you about the skeleton."


    "Yes."


    Whether he is self-taught, or whether he is asking the castle''s magecraftsman, Prince Ernest is quite knowledgeable for his age.


    "I think they are usually made of metal, but they are heavy, aren''t they?��The thinner it is, the weaker it is. ...... I think Lotte''s skeleton is now made of light silver, but it used to be iron. Maybe it was hollow then?"


    He had noticed that Lotte''s skeleton was different from other common golems, as he had been watching her while fixing the broken parts after the commotion at the golem garden party.


    "Yes, that''s right: ......."


    At Ernest''s previous request, the soft-spoken Jin.


    "I''m going to take a break from magical engineering for a moment..."


    He prefaces his speech with,


    "I would like to think about the strength of a stick.


    Jin began.


    "Yes. ......"


    Ernesto looked doubtful, as if he could not quite grasp the meaning of the question.


    "First of all,...... I like this one."


    Jin pulled out a piece of notepaper from his baggage.


    He cut it into pieces about 12 cm long and 7 cm wide.


    "Now, make a bridge out of this paper. Let''s put a coin on top and experiment to see how much weight it can bear.


    Jin first folds the paper vertically four times and shows it to the audience.


    "Like this," he says.


    He places the paper bridge on top of a <stacked with about 10 coins...... copper coins.


    "Now, how many coins will fit on it?


    The paper bridge was bent when two coins were put on it.


    So two coins were impossible. But here''s what I did.


    Another piece of paper, this time bent into a U-shape, is placed on top of the < with the bottom facing out.


    This time, 25 sheets can be placed on it.


    "Wow, it''s going to be strong!


    "Well, why don''t you turn it upside down?"


    In other words, the open side of the U-shape is on the top.


    "Isn''t that the same as ......?"


    Ernesto says, but Jin puts the coin down. >>and puts the coins down.


    "Ah."


    At the ninth coin, the paper bridge is bent.


    "...... why?"


    Jin chuckled and began to explain.


    "Yes, that >is important. Experiment, learn the results, and apply them. After that, the >is what comes after that."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I mean, <>If you know the why, you can predict these results without experimentation.


    "Oh, I see."


    "But the logic of this bridge is so complicated that I can''t even explain it to you."


    Unfortunately, Jin, a high school graduate, could not explain it that well, since structural mechanics uses cross-sectional quadratic moments and integrals.


    "I know I''m getting a little sidetracked here, but by repeating these experiments, we can find a strong and lightweight structure."


    "Yes."


    "So, here''s my conclusion. In Lotte''s case, most of the skeleton is hollow.


    You mean pipes?


    "Yes. In this case, the strength against <> is not so different from that of a hollow pipe. Oh, you''re talking about a circle with the same diameter in cross section."


    "Hmm. ......"


    Jin also has a vague recollection of this part.


    "So, back to the magical engineering, I guess there are not many magicians (magecraftsmen) who can work on this ."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. As far as I''ve seen, there are few such golems or automata.


    Elena, who once led the , had a hollow skeleton, but I can''t bring that into it,


    "The only one I can think of is < at Reese''s place."


    Most of the rest were solid rather than hollow, Jin recalls.


    "Well, the strength of a bar or skeleton is not only in bending, but also in torsion, tension, compression, shear, and a combination of these."


    Jin concluded, "I think it is safe to assume that strength other than bending is roughly proportional to cross-sectional area.


    That conclusion is a bit different, but no one could mention it.


    Ernesto asks a question at this point.


    "Jin, what''s this you''re talking about?"


    "Oh, that''s not so easy to understand, is it?��Shearing is ...... like cutting something with scissors. It''s like being slashed with a sword.


    "Oh, I see. I see.


    "The basic structural design principle is to make it as light as possible without compromising its strength.


    This applies not only to golems and automata, but also to bridges, buildings, carriages, and ships, Jin added.


    "I see. ...... That was interesting, Jin!��Thank you."


    Ernesto, who said he could not stay long, thanked Jin and got up to leave the room.


    "Jin, that was interesting."


    After the three had left, Erza spoke up.


    "Experiments like that would be interesting to do at a technology expo.


    "Yeah, sure."


    Since the World Congress was held this year, the technology expo is supposed to be held in the fall or later.


    "I wonder if I should attend ......."


    Jin has completely forgotten about tomorrow.

 1157 - - 31-24 Power Development

    On the 18th, Jin and Erza were busy.


    For what, they had to deal with the visiting aristocrats and influential people.


    <, even if it''s as thin as a spider''s thread, and they have been busy since this morning.


    So Jin and Erza pretend to go to the restroom and use the emergency to , and then to Horai Island. <.


    "I''m relieved."


    "...... agree."


    The two of us slumped into our chairs on Horaijima.


    It had only been an hour, but they were mentally exhausted beyond belief.


    I don''t think I''ll be able to recover after another two hours or so like this.


    "I''m sorry old man, but I''ll leave it to you.


    "......"


    I think it would be more useful for me to leave it to the old man to record the faces and personalities of the nobles.


    "Father, would you like something to drink?"


    Reiko called out to them, seeing that they were both exhausted.


    "Oh, yes. Green tea would be good. ......


    "Sure."


    There are some chanokis planted on Horaijima, but the tea leaves will not be ready for harvest until next year or so.


    Hence the tea we buy from the Shoro Kingdom.


    "Ah, it smells good.


    Since it is a sencha, the temperature should be about 80 degrees Celsius.


    Jin, who had a cat''s tongue, drank the tea while letting it cool down a little.


    "By the way, Jin," said Erza as she drank the tea.


    Erza spoke while drinking the tea.


    "What happens when there is no more free magic element (ether) at all?


    She must have been thinking of the south.


    "We won''t be able to use magic tools. < was used."


    "Indeed.


    "As for humans, the mana in our bodies won''t be reduced to zero, so we should be able to breathe a little easier.


    It is like when a demon tribe comes to an area where there is little free magic element (ether).


    In addition, the ancient artifact of the Shoro Kingdom, the giant golem, was sealed underground where the concentration of free magic element (ether) was lowered to near zero.


    Considering the fact that even if a human entered there, he/she would not be able to use magic, it was thought that the effect on the human body would be slight.


    "If ...... is the case, don''t we need to develop a non-magical power source?"


    As an emergency, that is.


    "Indeed. That would be ......."


    Jin thought of several possible sources of power, but would be the best, he thought.


    "Batteries or ......"


    I know the principle of motors, so I should be able to make one, but what about batteries?


    "I don''t know the ...... principle."


    At best, Jin could only make a rudimentary battery by soaking different metals in an electrolyte.


    "...... hmmm ......"


    At first, Jin thought he would try to make a motor.


    The most difficult part was the winding. The copper wire must be coated with a heat-resistant and insulating coating.


    "......I guess lacquer."


    Jin decides to use copper wire coated with lacquer, hardened and baked at high temperature.


    "The armature is silicon steel, right?"


    That was the end of the story.


    "...... is it difficult to make a strong magnet ......?"


    Although he knew the names ferrite, neodymium, and samarium cobalt, even he did not know the manufacturing process.


    "It was an unexpected pitfall."


    Jin is a little depressed when he realizes what he has left out.


    "......Ji, Jin brother, I''m sorry?"


    Erza is a bit flustered because Jin is depressed because of her strange incitement.


    "...... but without magic, scientific civilization really has to start over from scratch, doesn''t it?"


    It is really a little late, but once again, Jin thinks about the benefits of magic in this world.


    "For now, let''s make the field magnet also electromagnetic ......."


    Jin tries to make a motor at least.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    And two hours passed. In the Kingdom of Egelea, had finished dealing with the situation and was relaxing.


    And Jin...


    "Okay, it''s done."


    After three prototypes, they completed the first practical motor.


    It is cylindrical in shape, 30 cm in diameter and 30 cm in length. The shaft diameter is 10 mm.


    "...... but there is no power supply."


    Jin laughed bitterly.


    "Can''t you do lightning magic?"


    Elsa asked Jin.


    "Well,...... the voltage is too high and it can''t run for a long time,........."


    Jin tries to see how much the voltage can be lowered by playing with the Magi Formula.


    The problem is that if you lower the voltage too much, it will not discharge.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Jin has been groaning since a while ago. But his face looks happy.


    "Yes!��<


    This weapon uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to generate inductive power in metal and heat it.


    "If we lower the frequency, it won''t radiate, but it will generate voltage, so it could be used as a generator."


    "But brother Jin, doesn''t that mean we are relying on magic?"


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    It''s quite a puzzle.


    In reality, it is difficult to store electricity.


    Dry cells and storage batteries do not store electricity, but generate it through chemical reactions.


    Capacitors, also known as capacitors, store electricity, but it is not very practical power.


    "Hmmm......... let''s try a different idea."


    After much deliberation, Jin decided to step away from the motor for a while.


    Using magic is OK until you make it, but for the operation, he decided to think again about purely scientific power.


    "Maybe pressurized air to turn a turbine?"


    Adamantite cylinders can be compressed to several tens of thousands of atmospheres, so it might be practical.


    "Oh, there''s also a flywheel."


    This is a method of storing kinetic energy by rotating a heavy disk at high speed. This could also be made by using adamantite.


    "You could also simply use a boiler to make steam and turn a turbine, but ...... that''s a new idea."


    Without magic, Jin was once again reminded of how difficult it is to reproduce the science of the earth.


    But while he was doing this, time passed, and a banquet had begun in the Kingdom of Egelea.


    Jin and Erza noticed it,


    "......Ah, ......enough, enough of this."


    They decided to let the doppelg?nger take care of the rest for the day,


    "But you know,......, it would be ungrateful."


    "Well, yes, maybe."


    He changed his mind and went to the <> party.

 1158 - - 31-25 About Magic Muscles

    Jin and Erza were able to leave the most tiring part to the doppelganger, and although tired, they managed to get back on their feet.


    They are now relaxing in the state suite.


    "You managed to get through it, didn''t you?"


    "....... < and the old man."


    "Father, what are you going to do tomorrow?"


    It''s going to be a luncheon called the "after-party".


    I heard it''s a buffet party, so I might as well attend.


    Jin felt a little guilty because he had left part of the party.


    Jin and the others decided that they could relax in the morning.


    Jin and his friends decided that they would be able to relax in the morning.


    Jin, good morning!


    At 9:00 a.m., the third prince Ernest arrives. Only Lotte, the golem, was with him today.


    "Today, tell me about the muscles of the golem!


    "Yeah, sure."


    Jin is happy to teach this prince.


    If he continued his studies, he would become one of the top magecraftsmen in the world, but his position as a prince made that impossible.


    I really think that the matching of a person''s position and talent is not going to work out.


    "Well, it was the muscles, wasn''t it?


    Shaking off his thoughts, Jin changed his mind to the original topic.


    "Muscles have only one action. . By contracting, it pulls the connected bones and bends the joints. That''s it."


    "...... That''s true."


    "But that''s all there is to it, and that''s why it''s so profound. What is the force of contraction?��How much does it shrink?��How fast does it shrink?��And how fast does it react to the command to ?"


    Jin lists the requirements of a high-performance magical muscle.


    "Secondary requirements are what about the operating temperature range, i.e., cold resistance and heat resistance?��What about durability?��What about shelf life?"


    "Wow, muscles are certainly important.


    It can be said that the specifications required are more demanding than the skeleton.


    "The skeleton can meet 90% of the requirements as long as it is strong and light, but the muscles have a lot of performance requirements.


    "Hmmm ......"


    Third Prince Ernest ponders.


    "However, thanks to the trial and error of our predecessors, we have a rough idea of what we need.


    That is the material of the hexenbiest, Jin says.


    "A common one is hexenbiest leather. At ......, we have a problem. First of all, demons. What is a hexenbiest?"


    "Huh?��Well, I learned that it''s a general term for creatures that feed on free magical element (ether).


    I was taken by surprise and for a moment I was taken aback, but Ernest, who was quick-witted, quickly answered.


    Yes, that''s right. And the most powerful among them are called "Hexenbiests". There is no clear line between demons and hexenbiests. That''s not what ...... is about now."


    After a pause, Jin continues his explanation.


    "Most of the demonic beasts have tough skin ...... or to protect themselves. As for how they are tough, many of them are hardened by channeling magic power.


    Ernest listens in silence.


    "Also, if the skin has , it means that the skin is weak, so most of them are very stretchy."


    "Ah, so that''s why Hexenbiest leather !"


    "That''s what I mean."


    Jin thought Ernest''s talent was regrettable.


    "Well, the leather of a hexenbiest shrinks. Let''s assume that, and think of a way to improve its performance.


    Jin moves on to the next stage.


    "Most of the characteristics can be fulfilled by selecting the right kind of magical beasts. Well, it would be great if we could use something like a <>."


    <


    "Pseudo dragon (Siamese dragon)!��You can only catch one in a few years...... or even a dozen years!


    I thought, "Well, it''s just an example.


    "Well, it''s just an example. I heard that a lot of carcasses of the Death Serpent were caught in the Kingdom of Elias last year, and that''s an advanced material.


    The person responsible for this is here, but he doesn''t say so.


    "Also, I think that the < caught in the Shoro Kingdom and the caught in the Klein Kingdom are also quite good."


    "Hmmm, we can''t catch such demons in my country."


    In the Kingdom of Egelea, we are currently dependent on imports for such materials.


    "Let''s leave that issue aside for now. So, a quick review of the reasons for using leather leads us to preservation.


    This is one of the reasons why the muscles of demons and monsters themselves are not used.


    Perhaps it''s because of the materials they are made of, but there is a huge difference in preservation between leather and meat.


    "I''ll leave it to alchemists to figure out the reason for this, but this leather shrinks when certain magical power is applied to it. Is that right?"


    "Yes."


    "Here''s the problem. If you use it as a muscle, it should only shrink vertically, but by its very nature, it shrinks horizontally as well."


    "Ah ......"


    In short, it shrinks uniformly with no directionality.


    "There is a way to improve this. Do you know about it?"


    "No, I don''t know."


    He has not studied that much yet.


    "I see. Well, let me explain. What is usually used is that there are some differences in the direction of shrinkage, so you have to judge them and use the direction that shrinks the most in the length direction."


    This is the most basic of basics. However, since the difference is only 10 to 20%, it is not effective.


    "As it is, the amount of shrinkage is just barely enough or not enough. To solve this problem, we have devised a new method.


    When tanning, the leather is stretched by pulling it in one direction. The amount of shrinkage is then the sum of the amount of the tanning process and the original amount of shrinkage.


    "Wow, that''s really ingenious, isn''t it?


    Jin thought to himself, "The ancestors who came up with this technique are great, since they have now achieved almost all the performance required of magical muscle.


    The previous Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, had improved the flexibility of the stretched leather by twisting it into thinner pieces, and had also increased the < by 50%, but this is currently out of the gate. But that is currently out of the public domain.


    Furthermore, Jin has even combined different types of magical fibers with different properties, just as human muscles are divided into fast and slow twitch muscles.


    "Muscles are made up of a lot of different things!"


    Ernesto looks impressed.


    "I''m going to leave you now. Thank you, Jin!


    The time was about to become 11:00 a.m.


    The time was about 11:00 a.m.


    "Mister Gin, Mister Elsa. I am here to welcome you to the luncheon meeting.


    Count and Countess Kuzma arrived, using the honorifics of their position.


    "Yes, I understand."


    Today''s luncheon is an after-party, so only a very small-scale event will be held.


    Jin and Erza were able to attend the event in a relaxed manner.


    Even though it is called an after-party, it does not last until the evening.


    The banquet table is set up in the backyard of the castle.


    A round table with symbols of all statuses is placed, and Jin and Elsa are seated at the table. At the same table are the Count and Countess Lewis and Beena and the Minister of Magic Kellichdor��.


    At the next table are the Prime Minister, the King and Queen, and Prince Ernest the Third.


    After a glass of light aperitif, a meal rich in vegetables and fish, which seemed to reflect Jin''s tastes, was served.


    "<>, thank you very much for the excessive souvenirs you gave us yesterday."


    The Prime Minister thanked him from a neighboring round table. By memento, he means a koban.


    The doppelganger, piloted by the old man, gave it to the visitor.


    "You are indeed a who is capable of such exquisite workmanship, aren''t you?


    Minister of Magic Kelichdole, who was also at the round table, expressed his admiration.


    "Jin, you are leaving in the evening, aren''t you?��I''m going to miss you.


    "Here, Nest."


    Prince Ernest, who was not afraid to use his own words, and the king, who rebuked him.


    Thus, the events in the Kingdom of Egelea ended without a hitch.

 1159 - - 31-26 Great fuss

    On August 20th, Jin and Elsa were relaxing when they received an urgent call from the old man.


    "What?��What is it?


    "......What''s wrong?"


    It was just before 11:00 a.m. Jin and Elsa were dozing on the sofa, still exhausted.


    "What?


    Really?"


    Jin woke up clearly when he heard that. Elsa also woke up.


    "Isn''t she about a week ahead of schedule?"


    That seems to be the case with first-time mothers.


    The two hurriedly got dressed and washed their faces.


    "So, what are the details?"


    Jin asks the old man who is in charge of the information.


    <


    "Dr. Sally told me. The first time you go into labor, it will take about half a day."


    There is a time difference of about 5 hours and a half between Karz Village and Horai Island.


    It is now 11:00 a.m. in Horai Island time and around 6:30 a.m. in Karuzu village.


    I''m going to go now. Jin, you can come later."


    "Okay."


    Erza is a healer, so we can count on her.


    Using the warp gate, Erza moved to the village of Kurtz.


    "Well, what should I do ......?"


    Jin wondered if there was anything he could do indirectly, even if he could not do anything directly.


    "Well, recovery medicine."


    Jin thought of bringing some Persica juice and recovery medicine made in Horaijima.


    "Let''s bring some fruits anyway.


    Jin puts Persica, Apurul, Citran, Ramon, and other fruits from Horai Island into the basket.


    "All right, I''ll go with you."


    Jin, realizing that Reinhardt would probably be apprehensive, jumps to the village of Kurtz accompanied by Reiko.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Reinhard ......"


    Jin!��Beltje, Beltje!


    Jin arrived at the lord''s house and headed for Reinhardt''s office, where he met Reinhardt in the hallway.


    "Calm down, Reinhardt. Erza is here too, right?"


    "Oh, yeah. But... but...!"


    She''s not at all comfortable.


    Jin has never been present at a birth before, so he doesn''t know what to do.


    "Don''t make too much noise, both of you."


    Just then, Elsa came in and chided him.


    "Erza, what about Bertsche?


    But Reinhardt didn''t seem to hear her.


    "...... is all right. The midwife is here."


    Of course, the village midwife had been there for a few days, ready to help in case of an emergency.


    "According to the midwife, everything is going well.


    "I see."


    Reinhardt seemed to relax a little.


    Erza found Reiko behind Jin holding a basket of fruit.


    "I''ve been having periodic contractions," she said, "and they''re calming down now. I''d like to give her Persica juice if I can."


    "Oh, I''ve got some of that too."


    Reiko is carrying that on her back.


    "Good, give me a bottle."


    "Yes, take it."


    Elsa took the Persica juice and went back down the hall.


    "Reinhard, where is Bertsche?"


    "Oh, yeah. I remodeled the guest room, there ......."


    "I see."


    Reinhardt, who still looked uncomfortable, was dragged a little too forcefully into the office by Jin.


    "Well, calm down."


    "Jin is someone else''s problem. ......"


    Reinhardt protests, but Jin is having none of it.


    "There have been a lot of babies born in the village of Kaina recently, and Erza has helped me out a few times. So you can rest assured that we''ll take care of it."


    "......"


    "Here, drink this. You haven''t eaten anything since this morning, have you?"


    Jin offered the Persica juice he had brought with him. After that, he also took out an april and peeled it for her.


    "...... wind."


    After drinking the Persica juice and eating the april, Reinhardt seemed to calm down a little.


    "People get nervous when they are hungry," he said.


    Jin, too, hadn''t had lunch yet, so he ate one apr��s-ski.


    "Come to think of it, I''m sure Elsa hasn''t had hers yet either.


    Jin and Reiko went to the kitchen to get something easy to eat.


    Reinhardt, who had nothing to do, followed them.


    "Onigiri here," he said.


    Reinhardt and the others are well stocked since they eat rice regularly.


    Jin has also provided them with a rice kettle to cook rice.


    Reiko, prepare the cooking stove.


    "Yes."


    Hitoshi decided to wash the rice.


    He washed the rice three times, and asked Reiko to check the level of water.


    Then he put it on the stove and lit the fire.


    He left the heat to Reiko.


    The rice would be cooked soon.


    In the meantime, Jin decides to make something to eat.


    "Oh, there are bread ears.


    There were some ears of bread that were almost hard, so Jin decided to make rusks.


    There are several recipes, but Jin''s method is as follows.


    Put unsalted butter in a frying pan, heat it, and when it is melted, add sugar, then bread ears.


    He is careful not to burn the bread, but to coat it with the butter and sugar, and voila!


    "Oh, that smells good.


    Reinhardt''s nose twitches at the smell of butter and sugar.


    "Come on, let''s eat!


    Jin picks one up and puts it in his mouth. It is crispy and crunchy.


    "Yes, it''s okay."


    Reinhard sees this and puts a rusk in his mouth.


    "This is delicious!


    I guess one apr��s-ski was not enough to satisfy his hunger. Reinhardt ate more than half of the plate full of rusks.


    "Ah, I feel at home. Thank you, Jin.


    "Ha, I''m glad it suits your taste."


    Jin was relieved to see Reinhardt, who seemed to have finally regained his composure.

 1160 - - 31-272 Births

    The lid of the kettle starts to clatter.


    Jin is relieved that Reiko is in charge of the heat.


    Then Reiko turned off the heat. All that was left was to steam.


    He let it steam for about 10 minutes and took off the lid.


    "Well, it''s alright."


    She stirs the rice with a wooden spoon and makes rice balls, this time without removing the lid.


    The rice is not ready to be made when it gets cold, so it''s best to make it while it''s hot.


    Since he could not prepare any garnish, he simply used salt to make the onigiri.


    "Reiko, please do it.


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    Reiko can handle even molten iron.


    She sprinkles a little salt on the hot rice and makes a triangle shape. Jin prefers the triangular shape to the bale shape.


    About 30 bite-sized rice balls fit for Reiko''s hands are made.


    "Now all that''s left is the tea. Reinhard, do you have hojicha on hand?"


    "Yes, I think we do."


    Jin looked for tea leaves and found a bottle of hojicha tea leaves.


    "This is good."


    He boiled water and brewed hojicha with boiling water.


    Put it in the pot, and the gift is complete.


    Reiko took the rice balls, Jin took the hand towel and the tea cup, and Reinhardt took the pot of hojicha.


    There was a lady-in-waiting at the door, so they asked her to come in.


    Since it would be some time before the baby was born, she allowed us to enter the room.


    "Ah ...... Jin-sama!"


    Bertsche was lying on the bed with a greasy sweat on her forehead.


    "Oh, you don''t have to get up."


    Jin restrained Bertsch with his hand.


    "And if you''d like, you can all join us. Elsa, thank you very much.


    "Thank you, Jin."


    In the room there was an old woman, Elsa, and a middle-aged maid of honor.


    The maid of honor usually worked in the kitchen and was about to cook something for the guests.


    "Onigiri, is it? It''s easy to make, but delicious, isn''t it?


    "It''s delicious even with just salt. Thank you, Jin and Reiko.


    Bertsche only drinks Persian juice.


    "Belle, I can''t do anything for you, but good luck."


    "Yes, honey."


    I look around the room and see that the water is in the trough that will be used for the birth water. If Elsa were here, she could turn it into hot water with .


    As I was doing so, Bertsche suddenly began to suffer.


    "Ugh!"


    "Oh my god, I''m in full blown labor! ...... men please leave!"


    The woman said, and Jin and the others quickly left the room. Only Reiko remained inside.


    In turn, the maid at the door entered the room to help.


    "...... bell, good luck!"


    Reinhardt muttered in a low voice before the door closed.


    Then it was a long time.


    Behind the door, Bertje''s moaning could be heard incessantly.


    And the voice of the birth mother cheering her up. In contrast, Elsa''s voice was not heard.


    "...... Oh ancestors, please protect Berthe. ......!"


    Reinhardt paces back and forth in the hallway, mumbling. As expected, Jin stopped talking to him.


    In a situation like this, a father can do nothing.


    The father can''t do anything at a time like this.


    It must have been thirty minutes or an hour. Or maybe two hours had passed.


    A cry came from the other side of the door.


    "It''s born!


    Reinhardt literally jumped for joy.


    Soon after, the door opened and the birth mother came out and said a few words to reassure us.


    "It''s a healthy baby girl. The mother is fine.


    "I see!��Thank you, thank you ......!


    Reinhardt is in tears.


    Then the door closed again, and this time it opened again after about 30 minutes.


    "Come on, look at her face.


    Reinhardt steps into the room, the old woman urging him to come in.


    "...... you."


    "Thank you, Berthe."


    Reinhardt gently brushes a strand of hair from Berthe''s forehead with his finger.


    Next to Berthe, a newborn baby was sleeping peacefully.


    "You really have a red face, don''t you? So it''s a baby."


    The baby''s face is wrinkled because it''s still newborn.


    "...... It''s a girl," he said.


    "Yes, I heard. Jin told me that it''s easier to raise children in this order: first a girl and then a boy.


    "Well, is that so?"


    Then Jin came in with permission.


    "Thanks for your hard work, Bertsche.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama. Thank you for your help with Elsa-san.


    Yes. Young Mistress has a wonderful healing magic, doesn''t she?


    Thanks to her, the bleeding was kept to a minimum and the mother''s body was not in danger.


    Elsa, thank you.


    "Yes."


    Elsa was also providing various support services, such as sterilizing the room with sterilization to prevent infections.


    "Congratulations, Reinhard.


    "Thank you, Jin.


    I''ll send you a baby gift some other day.


    "Oh, don''t worry about it. You really helped me today.


    It''s a good thing we were on Horai Island.


    Hmm?��...... Ah, ah!��Jin!��And Erza!��Thank you, but you guys have another wedding reception tomorrow!"


    Finally, Reinhardt''s head started to spin.


    "Don''t worry. I''m going to Leuthardt to get some rest.


    "Oh, really?"


    Since the unveiling party will be held in the Kingdom of Celluloid for three days from tomorrow, the time difference will be less if we move from the house in Leuthart.


    "That''s a good thing, isn''t it?"


    "Yes.


    So don''t worry. But more importantly, what''s your name going to be?


    I''ve thought about it a lot. We''ll have a long talk with our parents after this.


    "I see. Well, we''ll take our leave now.


    "Oh, thank you so much, Jin and Elsa."


    Jin, Erza, and Reiko greeted Reinhard and Bertsche, and then moved to the Reuzert compound. <


    * * * * * * * * * *


    Using the warp gate, you will be in Leuthart in no time.


    "Come, master.


    Butler D welcomes Jin and the others.


    The bath is already prepared.


    The old man had instructed them to be ready by the time Jin and the others arrived.


    It was already 4:00 in the afternoon.


    "Let''s take it easy the rest of the way. ......


    "I''m a little tired."


    Tomorrow the party begins again.

 1161 - - 31-28 Material Handout

    August 21.


    Jin and Elsa are waving to each other in a hot air balloon.


    It is the first day of the .


    The altitude is less than 10 meters above the ground, and we can clearly see each person''s face as they wave back.


    A large golem <> holds a rope connected to a hot air balloon to keep it from floating too high.


    There are five hot air balloons floating around them, guarding the one with Jin and Erza in it.


    "Oh, that''s amazing."


    "<>?"


    "I heard you''re a Korun-kun, right?"


    That''s why he''s the Magecraft Meister.


    "You were at this year''s commemorative ceremony, weren''t you?"


    "Ah, you''re the one who made that girl-shaped automata!"


    Reiko''s heroic performance of holding the Golem at her beck and call was still fresh in some people''s memories.


    The girl-shaped automata, Reiko, has disappeared through invisibility, and flies through the sky to protect Jin and Erza with the help of a force field generator.


    However, Esia, the capital of the Kingdom of Selroa, was so peaceful that there was no need for this. For several days now, knights and guards have been on the lookout for any unrest.


    However, only two people were captured, and they were only merchants who intended to negotiate something directly with Jin.


    Of course, the fifth column (Quinta) in the vicinity congratulated them and remained vigilant.


    "Congratulations!


    Congratulations and best wishes!


    It is customary to have a parade at the wedding ceremonies of leading nobles, so the citizens are used to it.


    This was the first parade with a large golem and hot air balloons, however.


    "Wow, that''s a lot of show!"


    "......"


    Jin and Erza were fed up with the parade.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Fortunately, that was all for the first day.


    The contents of the tour are very rich, but they seem to have made an effort to keep the time short.


    "Hmmm..."


    "Day 1 is over."


    Jin and Erza are staying in a guest room at the castle.


    They are accompanied by Reiko and Edgar, and two of the castle''s maids of honor are in the next room, just in case something happens to them.


    "Good night."


    "Good work." "....... But tomorrow is the big day.


    "I guess so."


    The next day, the wedding banquet will be held in the grand hall of the royal castle. It''s a gathering of the nobility and other important people.


    But it seems they''ve forbidden personal contact.


    It seems that King Cesar has taken into account what happened in the Kingdom of Egelea, and it can be said that this is a thoughtful gesture on his part.


    "More than that, I was surprised to see the progress of the construction of the <>."


    "Oh, me too."


    Although it is still limited to the grounds of the castle, the track was being laid for about 100 meters ...... long enough to run on a trial basis.


    At first, it is supposed to be a round-trip operation between the main gate of the outer wall of the Royal Castle and the courtyard of the Royal Castle. It seems that guests will be transported to and from the palace by monorail instead of horse-drawn carriages.


    <


    said King Cesar.


    "I''d really appreciate it if you could throw us a reception. To be honest, I''d rather be involved in that ......."


    This was Jin''s heartfelt voice.


    * * * *


    Due to the tight security (including Horaijima''s forces), the date changed without incident and the day dawned on August 22.


    On this day, after a light luncheon, the reception was scheduled for 7 hours from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. Therefore, the morning was relatively free.


    Therefore, the morning is relatively free.


    However, since they do not know many people in the Kingdom of Selroa, Jin and the others have some free time on their hands.


    Then, they were told that Mr. Latant, Director General of the First Ministry of Technology, was coming to visit them.


    Since he had some free time on his hands, Jin decides to ask him to come in.


    "Jin-dono, excuse me."


    "Hello, Jin-dono, excuse me. How are you?


    <>The word "how are you? Because Latant''s face was covered with dark circles.


    "Ah, ah. I''m a little sleep deprived. I''m ...... actually about that."


    Let me ask you about it.


    "Actually, ......"


    Latant''s problem is <.


    He is trying to make several cars of the same type, but he can''t seem to get it right.


    "What part of this don''t you understand?"


    I thought I left all the blueprints and manuals with you," Jin asked if there was anything missing.


    "No, it''s the material of the wheels."


    "What?"


    The monorail that Jin built uses wheels made of metal ...... special steel for maintenance.


    The special steel is nickel-chromium steel. It is similar to stainless steel in composition, but is not called stainless steel because of its low ratio of nickel to chromium.


    Jin used a sample with 2 percent nickel and 0.2 percent chromium.


    "The that Jin-dono wrote in the manual, can we get it in our country?"


    "Ah ......"


    I''ve seen nickel ore here and there, so it should be easy to find in the Kingdom of Selroa, but what about chrome?


    "Come to think of it, I''ve never seen chromite ore. ......"


    Both nickel and chromium are important rare metals, and Jin had seen ore samples of them when he was in modern Japan, but he has not seen much of them here.


    (I guess I was careless because it''s on Horai Island. ......)


    The previous Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, used stainless steel at an early stage and was therefore familiar with nickel and chrome deposits, but at the moment the engineers here do not recognize chrome.


    "Well, you can use just nickel, can''t you?"


    Since there was no problem at all in terms of strength, Jin gave this advice.


    It would be a problem if the material or structure was changed by someone''s judgment, but it would also be a problem if the engineers were so obsessed with the matter that they could not proceed any further.


    Jin thought that he had come to the Kingdom of Celuloa at just the right time.


    "Well, the < in this case is to improve the hardenability, so you don''t need to put it in if you want to finish it with engineering magic.


    In the case of water or oil quenching, simple carbon steel is not hardenable to the of large parts. This is improved by adding chromium.


    There are other effects such as increasing wear resistance, but the addition of nickel alone is sufficient for practical use, so Jin explained this point.


    "I see, I understand now. Thank you very much."


    After two hours of detailed explanation, Mr. Latant, Director General of the First Ministry of Technology, left Jin''s office with a radiant face, a far cry from when he had arrived.


    "I brought some reference books with me, but they didn''t mention such materials. I''ll add them next time.


    "Yes, that''s a good idea."


    It is now 11:30 a.m. and almost lunchtime.


    Lunch was to be served with King Cesar and some of his entourage.


    "I think they''re going to pick us up soon," Jin muttered.


    Jin muttered, and almost at the same time there was a knock at the door.


    "Yes."


    Reiko opened the door, and sure enough, there stood Cesar''s lady-in-waiting.


    The luncheon meeting was about to begin.

 1162 - - 31-29 Emergency

    "I''ve been indebted to Jin-dono and his wife."


    King Cesar of Celuloa muttered as he drank his after-dinner tea.


    "Jin-dono for the monorail, and his wife for my father''s illness.


    "No, don''t worry about it."


    Jin is certainly no saint. He does not help everyone. Nor is he arrogant enough to think he can.


    But if it is within his reach. If I hear it. If you see it in their eyes.


    And when he is ready, he will act. He is a good-natured man at heart.


    My father''s illness was Richard the First''s hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.


    Thanks to prompt treatment and healing, he has managed to recover to the point where he can speak and has recently been able to move around a little on his own.


    "Of course, I also owe a lot to Merve''s devoted care."


    Merve is Richard''s lady-in-waiting, but it seems that she is now his <.


    King Cesar tells her these intimate stories.


    "Merve is admirable. I wish I could be like that for my husband. ......


    Elsa blushes as she is about to say.


    "Ha-ha, you''re so fresh!"


    King Cesar smiles. In fact, he is still a bachelor. A king cannot marry lightly.


    "Don''t you have any marriage proposals?


    Jin asked lightly,


    "I have not been able to find a suitable match for you, Kunlun-kun, but I wonder if you know anyone who might be able to help me.


    Balfeeza Walker, the chief of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, who was present at the meeting, asked Jin with a sigh.


    "Well, ...... I have no idea. ......"


    "Well, that''s too bad."


    It was true that Jin knew many single women, but he had to tilt his head back to the question of whether they were suitable for the Queen of Selroa.


    It was more like they were not interested in such a position before that.


    The luncheon, which was a very private and, depending on your point of view, even a little bit sensitive topic, went without a hitch, and the time was one o''clock in the afternoon.


    The time is 1:00 p.m. The reception will be held in one hour.


    The time is 1:00 p.m. The wedding reception is in one hour.


    ......I''m sorry, but I just can''t do it.


    I agree.


    Jin and Erza have successfully switched places with their doppelgangers.


    They are aware that they are being opened for them, so they feel sorry and temporarily let the old man''s doppelg?nger operate in the name of creating a <>.


    Although personal contact is forbidden, official introductions and greetings in public cannot be forbidden.


    Reiko is following the real Jin.


    "Should we also make a of Reiko?"


    "Certainly, people who know Reiko in her normal form would think it strange if she is not accompanied by her doppelg?nger."


    In addition, Reiko has received the rank of squire in the Shoro Kingdom, so there is no problem with her appearing on official occasions.


    "What do you think, Reiko?"


    "......... To be honest, it''s a bit complicated."


    The fact that there is someone who looks exactly like her is one thing, but the fact that she is a of herself is a bit of a problem for her.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin thought about it again.


    "Then, we should make a covert task force (SP)>> in disguise."


    "In that case, ......."


    Reiko nodded reluctantly.


    "That would be ...... ah, I see."


    Pance and Viola, who work in Kunlun Island, are candidates.


    "How about we send the ex-privates and to the Kunlun Island, and Pance and Viola as Reiko''s doubles?"


    Elsa also expressed her opinion.


    "Well, ...... there won''t be much work in Kunlun Island to begin with, so it might be a good idea to have them work concurrently."


    "That''s fine with me."


    Reiko said yes, so we decided to assign Pance and Viola as Reiko''s doubles, and Marron and Plum to work at Kunlun Island.


    Since Pance and Viola were originally made in the same size as Reiko, the disguise would be quick and easy.


    "This will work. Can you give me instructions on how to act and what lines to say at key points?"


    >.


    This is one of my concerns. After all, there will be receptions in the Shoro Kingdom, the Klein Kingdom, and the Franz Kingdom ahead of us.


    After all this, only about half an hour has passed.


    "Well, what should we do? ...... By the way, old man, how is the ship coming along?"


    Here Jin checked the progress of the two ships, <> and <>, which were to be used for the honeymoon.


    "Well, that''s good."


    Half of the remaining 20 percent is the emergency propulsion system that Jin is considering.


    "We''ve got the motor, but we need a power source. ......


    Using magic to generate electricity is meaningless for emergency use, and Jin does not have the chemical knowledge to make a battery.


    "We''ll have to make do with what we have on hand, but I guess we''ll have to use compressed air."


    Cylinders that can withstand 1000 atmospheres are already in practical use.


    He thinks that if multiple cylinders are equipped with compressed air, the reaction force could be used to move the ship if it is sprayed backward in case of an emergency.


    "It might be better to spray them into the water than into the air."


    Jin thought that water might be a better medium to push the boat than air because of the recoil it would generate.


    "Ah, but since it is only the recoil that makes it move, does that have much to do with it?"


    Considering that the recoil from the air jet is effective even in a vacuum, Jin finally decided that there was no need to force the jet into the water.


    "There is also the option of turning a turbine and using it to power a generator, rather than simply jetting. Which would be more efficient?


    One idea after another came to mind, like a chain of ideas.


    "But if we are going to use it, why not use a small boat?


    Elsa also offers her advice.


    It is true that it is too inefficient to move a large ship.


    "Then, let''s use them for lifeboats.


    <


    The "Mere Old Man" also gives his opinion.


    "Then the lifeboat should carry four passengers, pressurized air propulsion, oars, markers for location, and water for emergency rations.


    "...... would be a good idea."


    "I''d rather not use it, though."


    The possibility of distress is almost non-existent when the aircraft is capable of providing support from high altitude.


    The only thing left is .


    "Energy transfer?"


    It is a method sometimes seen in science fiction and anime. It is to send energy to an object from a distant place.


    "...... such an idea. ......"


    Elsa is beyond impressed and astonished.


    "If we can do this, we won''t have to worry about running out of free magic element (ether).


    The idea is sound.


    There is a for connecting distant places and a for transferring matter.


    "Simply speaking, all we have to do is to transfer the magical crystals (magicrystals) to the <> in which the markers are placed."


    "...... indeed."


    "But that''s not smart, so I''d like to think about it some more."


    "...... that''s just like my brother Jin."


    Erza was saying, "I like that kind of .


    And then, when the nobles had finished their greetings, Jin and Erza, wishing to attend the wedding reception that had been arranged for them, switched places with their <>subjects.

 1163 - - 31-30 Stealing

    A wedding banquet in the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    Jin and Erza, who had left the insistent greetings and appeals from the nobles to the doppelg?nger, watch out for the right moment and successfully switch places in the middle of the reception.


    "Are you enjoying yourself, Jin-dono?"


    Knut Amont, the director of the Food Agency, came to Jin''s place when he returned. He was particularly interested in the evaluation of the food.


    "Yes, thank you, sir.


    Not having eaten another bite, Jin could only give a curt answer.


    "I can see how hard you worked for this.


    He tried to add something like "I can see how hard you have been working.


    "Oh, I''m so glad to hear that!


    Knut Amonto was in a good mood after hearing Jin''s words. He seemed to be a little drunk.


    "Excuse me, Mister Jin."


    Then again came Kabanea Gasmo, Undersecretary of the First Ministry of Technology. <


    He is still smiling his good-natured smile.


    "Congratulations. Your wife looks beautiful.


    "Thank you very much."


    This exchange went on for about an hour, and Jin and Elsa were getting a little tired.


    The time was almost 9:00 PM.


    Then a voice from King Cesar rang out.


    "Everyone, the guest of honor, Mr. and Mrs. Kunlun, must be tired by now, so I would like to end the banquet, even though it is already at its climax.


    No one seemed to have any objection to this. But then again, no one would ever complain to the king to his face.


    "Well then, , madam, would you like to say a few words to close the day?"


    "Ah, yes."


    Perhaps < had heard about this, but since he was replaced without such a handover, Jin is a bit puzzled.


    However, it is not so difficult for me to speak at such an occasion, since most of what I have to say is a kind of standard phrase.


    "...... Ladies and gentlemen, this is Jin Nido. My wife Elsa and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to host this grand celebration.


    This is the third time for me to visit your country. He had become accustomed to speaking in a certain way.


    "......Finally, we have prepared a souvenir for you as a token of our appreciation. Thank you very much for your time today.


    When Jin and Erza bade farewell to each other, there was a round of applause.


    This was the end of the wedding banquet in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    "......Hohoho, this is quite something."


    "This is an interesting memorial.


    "The fact that it is an oval instead of a circle is also unusual.


    "It is plated instead of gold, but that doesn''t change its craft value.


    The recipients of the commemorative koban were all in awe.


    And it is a side note that no one thought it was a coin from another world.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "...... is over."


    The two of us looked tired...we''d only been at it for an hour or so, but we were exhausted. They are mentally exhausted, partly because they don''t know many people they can relate to.


    There is still tomorrow."


    "I wonder why ...... I feel so depressed when I hear words that would normally give me hope."


    They were buried on the sofa in the parlor of the guest room.


    "Father, Elsa, the bath is ready.


    Reiko reported. She was preparing the family bath which would be provided in the guest room.


    The family bath was a guest room in the royal castle of Selroa, so it was large enough to accommodate at least 10 people if they pushed themselves a little.


    "Well then, let''s go in."


    "Let''s go in." ......


    Jin stood up and Erza followed him.


    "......"


    Reiko said nothing.


    And then.


    "......!


    An inarticulate voice echoed through the dressing room.


    "Ah, so you two didn''t notice."


    Perhaps it was because she was tired, but Reiko was a little bit surprised to see the two of them, who had not yet taken a bath together, heading to the changing room side by side.


    "......"


    "......"


    They were soaking in the bathtub side by side. They were already red-faced, as if they had been scalded.


    Fortunately for them, the lighting in the bathroom was dim.


    Even so, they could clearly see each other''s faces, which was embarrassing for both of them.


    Although they were sleeping together every night, they were not used to seeing each other''s naked bodies in such a bright place.


    They got out of the bath without saying a word, but what happened in the bedroom after that is known only to Reiko at .......


    * * * *


    The next day, the 23rd, was a day to relax and enjoy the Kingdom of Celuloa without any events.


    So Jin and Elsa are relaxing in the morning.


    "Shall we go out to the town after this?


    "Yes, that''s a good idea.


    With a little disguise, such as changing the color of Jin''s black hair, it would be possible for them to act as a couple.


    We have done this in the Klein Kingdom before, so there should be no problem.


    At the same time, Reiko also changes her hair into a ponytail and her clothes into a town girl''s style. Her hair color is changed to brown.


    Elsa also changed her hair to brown and changed her clothes to normal clothes and was about to go to the town.


    "<>, at least let me have a guide.


    When King Cesar heard that they were leaving for the town, he flew in. Behind him was a woman dressed as a town girl.


    "This is Veronica, one of my knights of the Kingsguard. I''m from this town, so I know it well.


    "Veronica. <


    Her shoulder-length red hair hangs down carelessly like a commoner. She reminds me somewhat of Bina when I first met her, but she is almost 170cm tall and has a well-developed body line.


    "......It''s nice to meet you too."


    Elsa greets Jin for me. The look of frustration in her eyes might be my imagination.


    "Well, please be back by 2:00 p.m. We''re planning a tea party for 3:00 p.m."


    "Okay. Thank you for your concern.


    Hitoshi replied, and the four of them, Hitoshi, Elsa, Reiko, and Veronica, went out to the town, using the service gate of the castle ......, the entrance used by the servants.


    "I''ve been to the Kingdom of Selroa many times, but this may be the first time I''ve seen Esiah.


    Jin mutters to no one in particular, and Veronica responds.


    "Is that so?��Then what kind of place would you like to see? I was born and raised here, so I can take you anywhere.


    "Well, ...... since you''re here, I''d like to see some of the stores that sell household goods. What about Elsa?


    "Well, let''s see what''s in the clothing department."


    Elsa is interested in the fashions of the Kingdom of Selroa.


    I understand. The closest one to here is the clothing district. Let''s start there. ......"


    Veronica started to lead the group.


    They were followed by a group of secret guards.

 1164 - - 31-31 Tours of Stores

    "Hmmm, is this silk?"


    In the clothing store that Veronica led him to, Jin was more interested in the material than the design.


    "This is a vegetable fiber. ......"


    On the other hand, Erza was interested in the design in the style of the Kingdom of Cerroa.


    "It looks like the Shoro Kingdom in some parts and the Egelea Kingdom in others."


    Since they are adjacent to each other, they may be influenced by each other.


    "Young madam, this is the latest design ......".


    The shopkeeper also recommends trendy clothes.


    "If you like, we can take your order.


    "Oh, that''s fine. I have to move tomorrow."


    And so on. Elsa seemed to enjoy the hour.


    After that, Jin and the others moved again and came to a place that looked like a tool town.


    "This area is the tool district.


    "Hmm."


    Various stores were lined up, selling everything from daily necessities to weapons for self-defense.


    The intention seems to be that by gathering stores of the same lineage in this way, shoppers can choose what they like, and the stores compete with each other in friendly competition.


    (In a shopping mall, it is convenient for shoppers because various stores are all in one place. ......)


    Jin thought that the idea was more like Kappabashi''s tool town or Akihabara''s electric town.


    (If it is not for daily necessities, such a specialty town might be better.)


    With these thoughts in his mind, Jin looked into one store. It was a magic tool shop.


    "Oh, there is a refrigerator.


    The that he and Beena had made in the Kingdom of Egelea, Blue Land. It is sold here in the Kingdom of Celluloa.


    Jin is somewhat pleased.


    Other than that, there was an ordinary assortment of goods such as magic lamps.


    I also took a peek at the next store, and to my surprise, I found a here.


    Jin wonders why there are different stores for the same magical tools made in the same place. After all, he convinces himself that maybe the purchasing route is different from that of the <>.


    "Oh, <>. This is very convenient!


    Veronica, probably thinking that Jin was interested in the <> that she was looking at, speaks up.


    "It''s summer now, but on cold winter days, it''s too cold to use water to wipe your sweaty body after training, so we have a few of these in the Order.


    He was whispering because he was only a private individual.


    "Is that so?"


    Jin thinks again how nice it is to see his magic tools being widely used and put to good use.


    The third store was a store selling self-defense weapons.


    By self-defense, I mean knives, daggers, and other weapons of low offensive power, as well as light armor such as leather armor.


    Full-body armor and short swords are not for self-defense, but are legitimate armaments.


    Time flies by as I browse the stores like this, and the sundials around the town indicate that it is just before noon.


    "Master Jin, why don''t we have lunch soon?


    Veronica suggested. Jin said he would go to any of the restaurants she recommended.


    "Yes, sir. I''ll leave it to you."


    Veronica then asked another question.


    "Well, is there anything you would like to eat, or is there anything you don''t like?"


    "Well, I don''t like kokarisk meat.


    Erza''s cheeks turned a little red and her eyes were downcast as Jin spoke on her behalf.


    "Well, let''s go this way."


    Veronica showed us to a restaurant that mainly served fish caught in Lake Asur.


    "Hey, you''re Veronica."


    "Hi. Are you off duty today?


    "Yes. Yeah. - And you''re not?


    I''m here on business. I''m showing a client around.


    After exchanging a few words with what appeared to be a co-worker, Veronica turned to Jin and the others,


    "Excuse me, sir. I''m an off-duty colleague."


    She explained the situation.


    The other colleague seemed to understand Veronica''s situation, so she gave a nod to Jin and the others and did not speak to them again.


    "What would you like?"


    "Uh, what''s on the menu?"


    Jin took a seat and looked around the table.


    "Oh, we don''t have much here, so it''s written on the wall.


    Veronica pointed to the wall where the available menus were written.


    "What about that ?"


    Jin asked as the menu looked like a modern Japanese teishoku-ya.


    "It''s a menu recommended by the chef, using the ingredients of the day.


    "Let''s try that one."


    "Me too."


    Then I''ll have three servings.


    This restaurant seems to be somewhere between a popular place and a nobleman''s place.


    It seems to be frequented by people who work at the castle.


    Just like Jin''s taste.


    "This is delicious."


    "Yes, it''s cooked just right."


    A white freshwater fish similar to trout, grilled with salt. The amount of salt and the degree of grilling showed the skill of the chef.


    The chef does not cut corners even at a low price and does his job with integrity.


    He is very popular among the castle workers, Veronica explained between bites of her meal.


    Jin also enjoyed the taste of the food, honestly preferring it to the food served in the castle.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After the meal, there were only one or two restaurants left to visit due to the time remaining.


    Jin and his friends visited a material shop for the last time.


    The Kingdom of Cerroa encourages magical engineering, so they have stores where ordinary people can get special materials.


    "This is the one."


    The store is located somewhat on the outskirts of town, and there is a large storage yard next to the store.


    The yard had a simple roof over it so that lumber and ingots would not be exposed to the rain.


    A golem stands guard to prevent theft.


    "This place looks interesting.


    Jin first decided to look at the materials storage area.


    "Hmm, this bronze is of good quality. There are few impurities.


    And "This wood is well dried,


    This wood is well dried. The grain is well defined and there is no warping.


    He is looking around the room, saying to himself, "This bronze is of good quality.


    Elsa looked at Jin with a smile on her face. She thought to herself, "I guess marriage doesn''t change you.


    "Hmmm, this brass has a copper to zinc ratio of 6 to 4. ......


    Jin, accompanied by Reiko, was walking among the materials at his own pace.

 1165 - - 31-32 At the rooftop garden

    Shortly before the appointed time of 2:00 p.m., Jin and his friends returned to the royal castle.


    They used the servants'' service gate for both the way to and from the castle.


    "I wonder how the security works here?


    Jin was a little concerned.


    "I heard that the guards at the gate remember the faces of everyone who leaves and comes back.


    Jin wonders if this is some kind of special skill.


    If anything, Jin is not very good at remembering people''s faces.


    A former classmate once told him that he would never make it as an insurance salesman.


    Aside from that, after passing through the service gate, we headed for the outermost section of the castle, so to speak, through the to the .


    (Hmmm, do they keep an eye on each other?)


    On the way there, he just followed Veronica silently, but on the way back, he had more time to observe her.


    When Jin and the others returned to the central section of the castle, the guest room, Balfeeza Walker, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, was waiting for them.


    "<>, did you have a good time?"


    "Yes, it was quite interesting.


    "Yes, it was quite interesting. Now, please take a bath in the bathroom first.


    He was aware that we were probably sweating and dusty from our walk through the city.


    They were allowed to use the small bathrooms separated for men and women, and Jin and Erza came out of the changing room at about the same time after they had washed off their sweat and changed their clothes.


    A maid waiting outside guided them to the place where the tea ceremony was to be held.


    "Wow. ......"


    "......"


    It was a so-called .


    Red, white, yellow. Summer flowers and grasses were in full bloom.


    A sunshade like a reed screen was hung to block the summer sun, making it cool.


    A round table was set there, and tea was being prepared.


    "Welcome, <>, My Lady.


    King Cesar rises to greet them.


    Present are the king, SS commander Kirk Atwood, and several attendants.


    There is another beautiful woman in her mid-twenties.


    "...... Mr. Merfe?"


    The name spilled out of Elsa''s mouth.


    Yes, it was Merve, the former King Richard''s mistress.


    "Erza-sama, she wanted to congratulate me herself.


    King Cesar explains why she is here.


    "Erza-sama, Jin-sama, congratulations on your marriage.


    Merve stands up and bows deeply.


    She feels indebted to Elsa for treating her beloved Richard, and had hoped to meet her in person to congratulate and thank her.


    Thanks to you, my master is now able to move as well as a human being. Thank you very much.


    "No, no, it was only because of your devoted care of Mr. Merve. I only assisted her.


    That''s not true!��If it weren''t for Erza-sama, I''m sure I would still be at ......."


    Merve''s gratitude seemed to know no bounds.


    "No, truly, I am grateful."


    King Cesar added.


    "Oh, thank you very much."


    Erza turned red with embarrassment.


    Five minutes later, the tea party begins.


    "Thank you for your hard work this time.


    Merve knew that Jin and Erza were not good at such fancy events.


    "Haha, but there are still some aspects that can''t be helped.


    Hitoshi replied with a wry smile.


    "Well, such an event is a necessary evil, isn''t it?


    King Cesar seemed to half agree.


    Jin thinks that it is a good thing that they are able to say what they want to say in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    "In a month, I think we''ll be able to give the <> a test run."


    "That would be nice."


    "That would be great. I''d love for you to come and see it."


    I mean, you asked me to come, so I will.


    "I''ll come." "I''ll be glad to see it." "Good luck.


    The conversation was lively.


    Jin is also relied on in various places.


    "Tomorrow ......, or the day after tomorrow, is the Shoro Kingdom, isn''t it?


    Then the conversation turned to the next wedding reception.


    That''s the plan, sir.


    "It''s your wife''s home country. It''s going to be a big party.


    ......"


    Erza was a little fed up inside, but managed to keep it from showing on her face.


    Jin was laughing next to her.


    Time passed by like this, and before long, the sun was setting and dusk was approaching.


    "Well, I''m sorry to leave, but I think it''s time to call it a night.


    King Cesar said, looking at the secretary who had come to his side.


    "<


    "No, that''s what I''m saying.


    Jin retorts.


    "No, no, I''m sorry for calling you out on the prestige of the country when we should be relaxing together as a married couple.


    This was a line that made us think that the king was a man of the people.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    That evening, rose toward the waning sky.


    We will continue on to the Kingdom of Shoro.


    "We''re halfway there. ......"


    "....... Shoro Kingdom, Klein Kingdom, Franz Kingdom..."


    If that''s the case, we should probably go to the demon tribe too.


    We can go there unofficially when we''re done here.


    I guess so.


    <.


    Both of them already knew about Jin''s power to a great extent.


    "But first things first.


    "......"


    flies in the opposite direction of the rotation of Ars.


    Therefore, the sky does not get dark.


    And then, under the dusk sky, the capital, Leusert, and Jin''s house come into view.


    The taxiway lights on the rooftop had already been turned on.


    The plane lands slowly at .


    Butler D greeted them.


    "Welcome, Master and Mistress.


    After a day of relaxing in this house, it was finally time for the wedding banquet in Elsa''s home country, the Shoro Empire.

 1166 - - 31-33 Relax

    Let''s take it easy for a day tomorrow.


    "Mmm..."


    After taking a bath at Reuthert''s house, Jin and Elsa are relaxing in the living room.


    The time is 9:00 p.m.


    A bottle of white wine, Erlich 3454, was in front of them.


    "Is this Reinhardt''s favorite brand?"


    "Yes, it''s called Auslese. The Erlich region is the eastern shore of Lake Wass.


    Elsa explains.


    This sweet wine can be enjoyed without any snacks, so it seems to be suitable for a nightcap.


    Jin and Elsa each poured a glass of wine.


    "It''s easy to drink.


    "Yes, it''s easy to drink. Many white wines are sweet, so they are easy to drink.


    Red wines look sweet, but most of them are dry and have a unique astringent taste because the red color comes from the grape skins. Therefore, it is not for beginners, Elsa explains.


    "I see."


    Jin had never drank sake on his own when he was in modern Japan, so he knows little about such knowledge about alcohol.


    Erza, on the other hand, knows a lot about such things due to Reinhardt''s love of wine.


    <. It is quiet.


    Jin puts his wine glass on the table and says something.


    "...... but I''m finally starting to get a sense of what it''s like."


    "Of what?"


    "That Elsa has become my wife."


    Ah...


    Jin''s face is red, but it seems that he is not only embarrassed. Because of the good taste, Jin seems to be drinking at a little fast pace.


    "...... Jin, are you drunk?"


    Erza looks at Jin with a little staring eyes.


    "Maybe I''m drunk.


    Jin himself was aware that he was drunk.


    "If you drink too much, you will have a headache tomorrow.


    "......If I do, I''ll ask Elsa to fix it for me."


    "What?"


    "What, you won''t fix it?"


    Well, I''ll fix it, but...


    Well, that''s good.


    "...... yeah."


    It''s a simple conversation. But there was a definite bond there.


    After a few more glasses of wine, they went to bed together.


    They must have had a good dream that night.


    The dream was a good one.


    Father, Elsa, please wake up soon.


    Reiko''s voice wakes Jin and Elsa up.


    "......Ah, is it morning already?"


    Jin mutters as he rubs his eyes.


    "It''s not morning, it''s almost noon.


    "Oh, is it that late already?"


    "Yes, it''s almost ten o''clock.


    "...... you overslept. ......"


    You''re up too late. ......


    Reiko is about to say something snide to Hitoshi. But he immediately apologizes and bows his head.


    "......I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have said that."


    Jin pats Reiko on the head.


    "Reiko, say what you think. That''s what makes me happy.


    "...... yes, father."


    Reiko smiled happily and continued with one more word.


    "...... well, I think you should speak to Erza-sama."


    "What?"


    Reiko told him, and he looked to the side to see Erza, who had woken up and was staring at Jin with a slightly puffed up face.


    "......"


    "Sorry, sorry."


    Jin suddenly hugged Erza.


    "......!"


    Erza was surprised and stiffened, but she immediately relaxed her body and let Jin take care of her.


    Jin whispered something in Erza''s ear.


    Erza nodded her head with a slight blush on her cheeks. Jin gently released her arms.


    "Let''s take a shower and eat first.


    Jin got off the bed and stretched.


    From now on, it would be breakfast and lunch.


    "......."


    Elsa nodded, her face still a little red.


    Then they get dressed and leave the bedroom. Reiko follows them. Edgar is waiting outside the bedroom with a towel.


    Edgar was waiting outside the bedroom with a towel.


    "Well, what shall we do today?


    After a late breakfast (=early lunch?) After finishing the late breakfast (=early lunch?), Jin and Erza think about their plans for the day, although it is already around 11:00 a.m. and they only have half a day left.


    "Let''s take it easy like we said yesterday, shall we?"


    Erza said with a soft smile.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    There is no rule that says we have to do something.


    Jin decided to take it easy, literally.


    "......I can''t seem to get rid of my poverty ......."


    Jin muttered to himself.


    "By the way, don''t you have to go to your parents'' house?


    Erza''s parents'' home is on the other side of Lake Tosmo from the capital of the Shoro Kingdom, Leusert.


    If we want to go there, we can take a short flight by .


    "No, not yet. Not yet, I think, until after this whole reception.


    For now, Elsa said, her priority is to fulfill her role in the public eye.


    "Besides..."


    Elsa continued.


    "My home now is with my brother Jin."


    "...... I see, thank you."


    Somehow Jin was compelled to thank her.


    In the end, neither of them left Reuthert''s house for the rest of the day.

 1167 - - 31-34 My nephew

    At 9:00 a.m. on August 25, Jin and Elsa left for Miyagi by .


    They had been notified in advance, so they were on time.


    "<>, madam, welcome!"


    Jin-kun and Erza, you''re here!


    The Prime Minister of the Shoro Kingdom, Jung Fawls von K?bsler, and the Emperor''s wife greeted the two.


    From the landing bed to the palace, there was a line of Kingsguard knights and female Kingsguard knights on either side of the landing platform.


    The emperor escorted Jin and the vizier escorted Elsa as they made their way between the lines.


    Reiko, an honorary squire, is right behind Jin.


    I feel sorry for Edgar, but he is also away at .


    Inwardly feeling sorry for him, Elsa thought that she would ask the emperor to take care of Edgar when she had a chance.


    First, she was taken to the guest room.


    There, the queen and the prime minister congratulate Jin and Elsa once again.


    I mean, I had missed the emperor''s congratulatory words on the landing bed.


    "Congratulations, <>, madam!"


    The Empress congratulates them and then introduces a boy.


    "Let me take this opportunity to introduce you. He is my nephew, the last emperor''s heir. He is Ernst, the next emperor.


    Ernst Shawlo. <


    About the same height as Reiko, dark hair, brown eyes. He is a smart-looking boy.


    "You said you''re the next emperor, but technically you''re second in line to the throne.


    Ernst is nine years old this year. He is not yet called the crown prince because he has not yet come of age.


    The current number one in the line of succession is Charlotte Alina von Rinal Shawlo, the younger sister of the emperor.


    "Ernst has been staying with my mother''s family for a long time, but I asked him to come here this time. I wanted to introduce him to you, Jin.


    I wanted him to meet Jin at least once so that he can become the next emperor," concluded the emperoress.


    "Today, at one o''clock in the afternoon, there will be a parade around Leusert. His Highness Ernst will accompany His Majesty.


    There seemed to be no problem, Jin thought. The more important question is the content of the parade.


    "We will be using a for the parade. < and some were made in our country."


    It seems that the Shoro Kingdom is now able to manufacture .


    There are three cars and horses in total, and three hot air balloons in the sky.


    And a will be attached to the parade. It''s going to be quite a show.


    As for the empress, she just wants to show off her existence to the people rather than being flashy.


    Therefore, the seats for Jin and Erza were slightly remodeled and elevated.


    Since it is summer, the seats are equipped with sunshades, but the light transmittance is high so as not to darken their faces.


    "Hey, <>," he said.


    Isn''t he the one who sometimes arrives in a flying ship?


    I heard he''s the one who taught you how to make balloons.


    Oh, yeah. I heard he''s some kind of imperial advisor.


    That big golem is awesome.


    But that pretty lady next door... she''s from my country.


    I heard that. I heard she''s the daughter of the Randall family from ...... across Lake Tosmo.


    I wonder if that kid in the car with her is Mr. Ernst?


    "Yes, it''s true. It''s been a long time!��You''ve grown up!


    The public was curious to see the parade, and they were talking about the parade.


    When the parade reached the aristocratic district, the reactions were different.


    "So, that Randall family''s daughter has won the ."


    "They are a good match. Let us congratulate her.


    "Miss Randall......, the former Miss Randall was also a <>."


    "It is said that she was guided by ."


    If that''s true, then what do you know of him?


    It must be good to have such a close relationship with our country.


    The fact that His Highness Ernst is here with us means that he is on good terms with the Imperial Family.


    First of all, congratulations.


    They, too, responded in a generally positive manner.


    Thus, the first day of the parade went off without a hitch.


    Thank you very much for your hard work.


    Thank you for your hard work.


    The emperor was personally congratulating Jin and Erza after they returned from the parade.


    Prince Ernst was standing beside them.


    "<>, are you that tired?��I was having fun, though."


    He is still innocent.


    "I''m a commoner, you know, and I can''t get used to it.


    "So that''s how it is."


    Ernst, who had probably studied imperialism since he was a child, did not seem to be bothered by this.


    "Tomorrow is the wedding reception in Miyagi. However, the two guests of honor will just have to sit on the stage.


    The Prime Minister explains again.


    He feels uncomfortable as if he is being exposed to the public.


    Rather, he decides to quickly switch places with the doppelganger.


    "I''m sorry Your Majesty, but it won''t be that much of a change. ......"


    That is also unfortunately correct.


    In feudal society, change is something to be hated and abhorred.


    So, at the reception the next day, Jin and Erza left the most troublesome part of receiving greetings from the guests to their doppelg?nger.


    Incidentally, Reiko''s shadow warrior is < this time.


    And this time, too, the old man will be of help to build up the database.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "I''m sorry Your Majesty, but I can''t save myself.


    "...... agree."


    Although she was raised as a daughter of a noble family, Erza, who had not yet made her debut in the social world, was not very fond of such a noisy place just like Jin, so the two of them were now retreating to Horai Island together.


    Since there is a time difference of approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes, it is already past noon on Horai Island.


    "Are you ready for the trip yet?


    <, I mean the <.


    "Yes. The outfitting is finished, and it will be time for the mariners to test sail the ship.


    In Horai Island, the launching ceremony is a naming ceremony, and the ship whose name has been decided in advance is launched in the presence of <> = >.


    As a side note, in Horai Island, the order of the process is construction, completion of the hull, launching ceremony, outfitting, and test sailing.


    "<> and what is ......?"


    <>, right?


    "Oh, yes. Which one is the ship we are on?"


    "That''s the <>, of course.


    Jin is going to take the <>, even if it means "I am his wife.


    "Shall we go see?"


    "Yes, let''s go see."


    "Father, I''ll go with you."


    So, Jin and his friends decided to go and see the new ship.

 1168 - - 31-35 Visits

    The shipyard is reached by a warp gate.


    We came out in a corner of the dock.


    "Wow, it''s big!


    Erza had never been here before and was surprised at the size of the shipyard.


    "That''s right, it''s big enough to build a 250-meter battleship.


    It is large enough to build one 250-meter battleship or aircraft carrier and two 100-meter cruisers at the same time. and two 100-meter cruisers at the same time.


    "...... indeed."


    After the launching ceremony and outfitting, the two ships will be put on a trial cruise.


    "Hey, I want to go on board."


    "What?��...... I would like to."


    Jin was a little bit embarrassed by Erza''s sudden offer, but he nodded his head, thinking that his feelings were justified.


    "Do you mind?


    I confirmed this with the manacam on my bracelet, and he replied immediately.


    "Okay, let''s go then."


    "Yes."


    Erza quickly grabbed onto Jin''s right arm. So the two of them went up the ramp to first. Reiko followed them.


    "It''s a shipwatching ceremony, isn''t it?"


    Not exactly. <


    Now the <> and <> are not cruisers, nor are they in a parade.


    "Wow!"


    Elsa exclaims in surprise again.


    It''s the first time I''ve set foot on a structure this large, except for a spaceship, so it''s not surprising.


    The deck, which is 100 meters long and 10 meters wide, must seem large to a newcomer.


    Moreover, the foredeck is spacious because the main and secondary guns have been removed. There is no swimming pool, however.


    "The wind feels good."


    The front dock door is open and the wind is blowing in. At the same time, the blue ocean is visible, and I feel that this is where the ship belongs.


    "Let''s go to the bridge."


    Due to the curvature of the planet, there is a place <>, and in order to see as far as possible, it is necessary to go up as high as possible.


    In this sense, all bridges are built high.


    However, in the case of the Horaijima, since the ship can receive information from air power and satellites, it is avoided to make it higher than necessary to avoid lack of strength and stability.


    "We have left some armament on board, though."


    The cruiser is armed with a medium-caliber laser cannon and a 10-centimeter magic cannon (Magikanon).


    Don''t worry, the cruiser will come with us when we travel.


    "Now let''s take a look at the living space."


    "Hmm."


    I had made a general request, but the details were left to the old man and the craftsmen (smiths), so this was the first time Jin had seen it.


    Now we go down the stairs to the lower floor.


    The living space was on the same level as the deck.


    Since the ship was originally a cruiser, it was not as spacious as a cruise ship, but including the additional space, there were several compartments about 20 meters long and 7 meters wide, divided into lounges, bedrooms, and so on.


    "Hmm."


    "Looks pretty comfortable."


    The corridors are covered with oily, water-resistant teak wood, which can be polished to a nice shine.


    The rooms are covered with carpets made of magi silk. The carpet is made of magi silk, which is too thin to be stable underfoot when the ship is rocking.


    The sleeping quarters are beds, but for emergencies, they can be secured with safety belts.


    "What about the mess hall?"


    "Yes, let''s take a look."


    The dining room, of course, has a kitchen attached, but it is also equipped with two small warp gates so that food ingredients and cooked food can be sent from Horai Island.


    "There''s also a refrigerator and an ether stocker."


    I opened them, but they were still empty, and it looked like they were about to be filled.


    "Where is the water?"


    "The plan is to fill the empty space with fresh water as ballast, as well as 10 water purifiers and 10 distillers. ...... looks like it''s already loaded."


    "That''s a relief."


    We also have at least three systems of communication and life-saving equipment, and as many as ten systems.


    This is possible because they are not mechanical, but rather magical machines and tools that are less bulky and lighter in weight.


    "The number of magick reactors was five at the beginning of the design, but has been increased to 20, and free magick condensers (ether capacitors) have also been prepared."


    Free magic condensers (ether condensers) are devices that collect free magic elements (ether) existing in space and increase their concentration, and are even more effective when used in conjunction with the magic reactor (magi reactor).


    "We have enough magi crystals for reserve energy to make three rounds of Ars.


    Then I guess I''m safe.


    We can''t put Erza in danger.


    "...... Thanks a lot."


    Erza''s cheeks were stained by Jin''s line.


    The two of them went down the stairs toward the bottom.


    "There''s another level down with almost the same facilities."


    It is a reserve compartment. Normally closed, it is opened in case the upper compartment becomes unusable due to unforeseen circumstances.


    "It''s pretty safe."


    You don''t need to see ...... for the power room, do you?


    "No."


    After that, I looked at the <> and found it to be almost the same. This is not surprising since they are the same type of ship.


    Jin and Erza decided to cut off the tour, since looking around too much would disrupt the schedule of the test voyage.


    "Father, it''s almost lunchtime.


    Reiko, who had been quietly following us, tells us that it is almost noon.


    "Well, that''s just fine. Let''s go back to the laboratory.


    And so, Jin and the others return to the institute using the warp gate at the dock.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "That was fun.


    "Yes, it was."


    It is late in the evening on Horai Island, and Jin and Erza are having zarusoba for lunch.


    The wasabi that Saki had given them the other day came in handy.


    "After all, wasabi that is not has a nice aroma.


    The wasabi I had been using so far was more like , so even though it was spicy, the aroma was not quite enough.


    The soba noodles were served with chopped leeks instead of spring onions and a little chopped nori (seaweed) to finish.


    Jin prefers mori-soba, but Erza prefers zaru-soba, which adds the aroma of nori.


    Jin, however, preferred morisoba when he was in modern Japan, partly because of the higher price of nori.


    "Soba water is also delicious.


    Erza liked to drink soba-tsuyu (buckwheat sauce) mixed with boiled water.


    She is careful not to drink too much of it because it contains too much salt.


    "I should get back soon."


    I''m sure His Majesty will notice.


    I''m sure.


    The emperor is a woman with a keen sense of perception, and if she were to see you face to face, she might realize that Jin and Erza have been replaced by a double.


    "If it''s true, I''d like to visit my brother Rai.


    They may want to go see the baby that was born the other day. But that''s not a good idea.


    We''re supposed to be in Miyagi.


    Hmm..."


    Reinhard is not at the party. It''s only been a week since the birth of Bertsche, and the emperor seems to have taken it easy on her.


    Let''s go to the interval day after tomorrow.


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    Since they were in Leusert, they could visit her with impunity.


    Thus, they returned to Leuthart.

 1169 - - 31-36 Morning Visit

    Jin and the others hurry back to the reception hall in Leuthart and successfully switch places with the doppelg?nger.


    Fortunately, Matheus and the Randalls, who were still acquainted with each other, were still to come.


    They managed to fulfill their duty just in time.


    They spent the rest of the evening half-enjoyed and half-suffocated.


    "I hope ...... these hardships will become a funny story ...... in time. ......"


    "Hmm."


    After the reception, Jin and his friends decided to go back to the <> instead of staying the night at Miyagi.


    They wanted to get a good night''s rest at least.


    The next day, August 27th.


    The next day, August 27th.


    Jin and Erza are relaxing in the house.


    "Wasn''t it a leisurely luncheon today?


    "Yes.


    Then Butler''s voice announces a visitor.


    "Who is it?"


    It was not yet 8:00 a.m. Jin and Elsa went to the front door together.


    Jin and Elsa went out the front door together,


    "Hey, you two, good morning."


    Standing there was Elsa''s brother, Fritz.


    He had not been at the reception yesterday, so it had been a while since they had seen each other.


    "Brother..."


    I know it''s early in the morning, but I have some urgent business to attend to.


    Anyway, please come in. Come in anyway. ......


    Yes, I''ll come in.


    So what''s so urgent?


    Elsa brewed a pot of tea and offered it to him. Fritz took a sip and slowly opened his mouth.


    "Actually, I have a proposal for you."


    "Yes?"


    "...... is that ...... congratulations?"


    Jin, flustered, uttered a line that sounded like a follow-up.


    Fritz, however, looks as if he''s biting a bitter bug.


    "That''s why I''m not so happy," he says.


    "......Who are you with?"


    "...... Karen."


    What?


    The name Karen sounded familiar to Jin.


    "Uh, she''s Saki''s aunt, isn''t she?"


    Fritz nodded to Jin.


    "Yes, that''s right. Karen Theodoric von Banners. Fourth daughter of the Marquise."


    "Karen is your brother''s prospective bride?"


    Yes. Or rather, I''m supposed to be his son-in-law."


    "......"


    Elsa thought for a moment and then spoke up with a question.


    "Karen-san is 17 or 18, isn''t that about right for you and my brother?"


    As an aristocrat, this kind of arranged marriage is bound to happen. It was not Fritz who did not understand this, Elsa thought.


    "Well, yes, I suppose it is. ......"


    Fritz was as uncomfortable as ever.


    "......Maybe there''s someone else you like?"


    "......"


    Fritz looks down deeply at Elsa''s words.


    What is it, Erza thinks. This is a new reaction from her brother.


    "Who is he with?"


    "......"


    But no answer comes back.


    "Are you from another country?"


    Fritz''s face finally lit up at the question.


    "......What country are you from?"


    Elsa asked, remembering the country where she had a connection with her brother.


    "...... the Kingdom of Klein?"


    Fritz nodded silently at the question.


    "Are you Gloria, by any chance?"


    Fritz nodded again silently.


    "Gloria-san or ......."


    Jin also said to himself.


    Gloria Allstadt.


    Vice-captain of the Kingsguard of the Kingdom of Klein. She is also an instructor.


    Her light brown hair had recently been grown out, from a very short length to a short bob.


    Her steeple-colored eyes suggest vivacity, and she is well styled.


    Jin''s impression of Gloria is that she has a fetish for swords and does not seem to have much of a lifestyle.


    "I thought she didn''t have any brothers or sisters.


    I remember that she was an only child.


    "Is that so?"


    Fritz, with a slightly surprised look on his face, approached Jin.


    "Yes, yes. I thought so."


    "Oh, really? I''m the second son, and my brother is the one who inherited the house. ......"


    "Brother, brother."


    Fritz was about to go off the rails when Elsa stopped him.


    "......What about Gloria''s feelings?"


    "...... what?"


    The look of dismay on his face made Erza''s shoulders relax.


    "I knew it, you didn''t confirm it?


    "Well, well, well..."


    Erza sighed. This is the kind of thing that makes me smile, because I feel that he is still the same old brother, but this time it is the content.


    "Gloria is a knight of the Kingsguard. You are a soldier. Worst case scenario, one of us will have to quit."


    Erza continues, "I don''t think it would be easy for either of us to quit, since they would know the secrets of the country.


    "That''s what I thought too. I think it''s a difficult problem. That''s why I''m here.


    "You mean you''re going to ask <> to help you?"


    Jin was inwardly surprised to hear the words <> come out of Erza''s mouth, but Erza seemed even more surprised and blushed.


    Erza glared at her own brother for bringing up such a difficult issue so early in the morning.


    Jin is thinking about how to make his brother-in-law''s love come true.


    Gloria asked him about his feelings for Fritz during the World Congress, so he knows that she likes him too.


    But there are many obstacles to go further.


    It is not always the case that they are together because they like each other.


    "In the first place, do you really dislike the idea of Karen becoming your wife?"


    Karen is a different type of beautiful woman from Gloria, and she comes from a good family.


    She has a winning personality, but so does Gloria.


    "No, I have a feeling that she''s going to be the heir to the family.


    "......"


    The Marquise Theoderic has no male heir.


    The eldest daughter is Saki''s mother, who is no longer a member of this world, and the second and third daughters have already been married, according to Jin.


    At least, when I met him at Reinhardt''s wedding, I remembered that he told me that if I became her son-in-law, I would be the heir to the marquis''s family.


    "I think the Marquis is also a former military man and that''s why he''s taken an interest in you."


    "...... thank God for that."


    Jin felt that this problem could not be solved overnight.

 1170 - - 31-37 Concern

    "I''ll have to check if Gloria still loves her brother-in-law. ......"


    After Fritz had apologized to them and left, Jin and Erza continued their discussion.


    "He also said that he seemed to have given up on the idea.


    "That''s because the next country we''re going to is the Kingdom of Klein."


    "Oh, yes, that''s right. Maybe we''ll have a chance to meet. We''ll check it out then.


    Hmmm...


    But today is the day of the luncheon meeting.


    The two of them are tired for some reason, even though they''ve been taking it easy.


    It''ll be about an hour before the car comes to pick us up.


    Please have some tea.


    Reiko offered them a cup of tea in front of their tired faces.


    "Oh, thank you."


    It was a fragrant hojicha tea.


    Drinking it slowly, I felt at ease.


    "I think it will be easier for you since you said that only people you know will attend the luncheon.


    "I hope so."


    Reiko''s words reassured Jin a little.


    "By the way..."


    Something occurred to Jin during Fritz''s visit.


    "I think I asked you before, but is it OK if Elsa doesn''t visit her parents'' house?


    This is it.


    Elsa''s parents live on the other side of Lake Tosmo, and <> is only a short flight away.


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    But Erza denied it again.


    "I''m in the middle of traveling around the world. So I''ve decided that my personal affairs will wait until I''m done with them."


    "Is that so?"


    Is that so?


    Jin thinks that there is no need to be so formal about it, but he also thinks that this is Erza''s way of being modest.


    So, I decided to respect Elsa''s idea on this point.


    * * * * *


    Well, the time has passed and the ...... car arrived in front of the .


    Fritz is among the 10 or so people accompanying the caravan.


    "<>, we are here to welcome you.


    Flora Heckerath von Merante, a female knight of the Shoro Imperial Guard, seems to be the leader of the group.


    There are five female knights led by Flora and five soldiers led by Fritz.


    "Thank you for welcoming us.


    Jin bade farewell, took Elsa''s hand, and got into the car. Reiko followed him and the car started to drive away.


    Unlike the parade, the roads had been cleared of people, and we arrived at the palace without any problems.


    We drove directly to the Inner Palace.


    From there, Flora and Fritz led Jin, Elsa, and Reiko.


    The group arrived at a secluded room in the palace.


    It was a bright hall with a high ceiling and wide windows.


    On one wall hung a wall hanging embroidered with the Shoro emblem, a pattern of three barleys, and against it sat the empress.


    "Welcome!"


    The empress stood up and welcomed Jin and the others,


    "We really want to keep this a light, informal tea party, so please try to act as normal as possible," she said.


    She said, "I''d like to keep this a very informal tea party today.


    "So I would like to call you Jin-kun, Elsa. Is that okay?"


    Jin thought it would be easier on his shoulders, so he agreed.


    "Yes, then."


    Jin was not sure how he should behave as the Kunlun-kun, so he was honestly grateful for this offer.


    For the moment, the guests in this room are the emperor, Jin, Elsa, and Reiko. Fritz and Flora are outside the room.


    "One more guest should be here soon.


    A few dozen seconds after the emperor said this, the person arrives.


    "You look well, Elsa. Congratulations on your wedding."


    "...... mother."


    The guest was Marlene Randall von Nefla, Elsa''s foster mother.


    "Elsa will probably not return to her parents'' house until she finishes her tour of the countries, so Her Majesty has invited me. Her father is still not well, so he''s staying behind.


    Marlene tells her smilingly.


    At first Elsa looks surprised, but gradually her face turns into a tearful smile.


    "Oh, Mother, my dear. ......"


    "Elsa."


    Mother and daughter took each other''s hands.


    Jin, Reiko, and the emperor warmly watched them for a while.


    The luncheon meeting went on peacefully.


    The luncheon proceeded peacefully.


    The menu was light and consisted mainly of porridge, and miso soup with onion and dried bonito flakes.


    The dishes were a testament to the hard work of the chefs at Miyagi Prefecture.


    The tea was served with a choice of aromatic hojicha tea or richly flavored sencha green tea.


    Jin and Elsa chose hojicha, while the emperor and Marlene chose sencha.


    "You look happy, Elsa."


    "...... yes."


    Marlene smiled softly and looked at Elsa and Jin with narrowed eyes.


    "You seem to be following what I taught you before, that''s why His Majesty gave you this opportunity."


    Marlene turned to Jin as if she were explaining something to him.


    "The women of the Shoro nobility are taught to give priority to their wives.


    In other words, if you get married, you should put the circumstances of your marriage partner first, not your own feelings or circumstances," she added.


    "That''s why I thought that I would probably come to my parents'' house only after the official events were over," she says.


    And the emperor,


    "I saw that you two didn''t seem to be going back to Randall''s. I thought it would be a good opportunity to see them. I took the opportunity to invite Marlene to come with me. I asked Fritz to escort her.


    I''ve asked Fritz to escort Marlene here." I felt safer knowing that my own son was escorting her.


    "I see. Thank you very much."


    Erza bows deeply while still seated.


    "It''s okay. I want her to be happy.


    The Empress smiled softly.


    "I would like to take this opportunity to tell you both, especially Erza, something.


    Now the Empress began to speak.


    "Our country''s coat of arms is the three wheat..." she said.


    She turned around and pointed to a wall hanging on the wall behind her.


    "It comes from the first emperor of this country.

 1171 - - 31-38 The founders story

    "It is said that about 300 years ago, the first emperor of the Shoro Kingdom parted from the Kingdom of Dinar and stood on the shores of Lake Tosmo.


    The Empress quietly recounts the history of her kingdom.


    What did the young emperor think when he and the empress saw the wide open spaces?


    He said, "There is something we must do first.


    It was not to build a castle or a town.


    "<>. "<>.


    The first step is to make a field where crops can grow. Until that is done, he told his apprentice to live in a shack.


    "<


    The Empress looked at him as if she were staring off into the distance.


    "For the next ten years, the emperor himself tilled the land, dug wells, drew water, planted wheat, cultivated vegetables, grew trees and flowers, and built the foundation of the country.


    It was during the reign of the third emperor that the palace was built.


    "Until then, they lived in houses not much different from those of ordinary people.


    Although this was probably an exaggeration, I could still sense that the founders of the Shoro Empire had made extraordinary efforts to establish their nation.


    "Let me go back to the story. ......Those 10 years were so hard that the emperor asked the empress, "Why don''t you go back to your parents'' home? >>The emperor asked the empress, <> and pledged once again to share her hardships and joys with the emperor.


    The emperor broke off, smiling and looking at Elsa and Jin in turn.


    "In the Shoro Kingdom, it is said that the bride should consider her place of marriage as her home."


    "......"


    "So, Jin-kun, please be considerate of Erza, okay?"


    "Yes, I understand."


    Jin understood why Erza had not yet returned to her parents'' house.


    "...... Finally, because of this, the Imperial coat of arms has the same three crossed swords (Dreischwerdt) as the original family, which was divided at that time, but our country''s coat of arms has . It is said that the three swords represent the parent and the child.


    The Empress concluded her speech.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin and Elsa bowed their heads.


    "Now, enough of the formalities, Jin, thank you for the commemorative medal you gave me yesterday. It''s beautiful.


    "Thank you."


    This time, Jin decided to make it a commemorative gift with an emphasis on added value, so that the recipient would not be limited in whom he would give it to.


    "I''ll give you the magic tools next time."


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it. But what is the next time?


    The emperor smiled mischievously.


    For a moment, Jin did not understand what she meant, but then he realized a little later that <> meant to hold the wedding reception once again.


    "Well, <> means just another celebration," he explains a little hurriedly.


    The emperor looked at Jin with a smile as she hurriedly explained. And then..,


    "I was joking. So don''t stare at me like that, Erza.


    She said, "I was just joking.


    Erza was as flustered as Jin.


    "Uh, uh, I didn''t mean it like that."


    It was such a friendly luncheon.


    * * * *


    ...... is over, isn''t it?


    "Yeah, I''m done."


    Erza is sitting next to Jin with a satisfied smile on her face.


    The two have just returned to Reuthert''s house.


    They are sitting on the sofa, relaxing for the moment.


    "I''ve never heard about the founder before.


    "It was the first time for me, too, about half of it.


    It must be a story passed down in the imperial household, so it is not surprising that Erza has never heard of it.


    "But your mother-in-law told you about it, didn''t she?"


    "But that''s just to say that you should think of your wife''s place as your home.


    Is that so?


    "Is that so? But I was happy to meet your mother today.


    I''m sure you were. Thank you, Your Majesty. ......The origin of barley, then... ......"


    It was quite a profound story, Jin thinks.


    In Japan, there is a story of Emperor Nintoku who exempted people from taxes for a few years because he was worried about the lack of smoke coming from their houses.


    Also, Jin thinks that he has heard stories about princes who go to explore new lands.


    "...... future,home."


    "What?"


    Jin hears Erza''s muttered words, and he turns his head to listen.


    "The place where I marry is my future home. That''s what I think."


    "Elsa ......"


    "Right now, Kunlun Island, Horai Island, and Kaina Village are my second, third, and fourth homes. But where I should be is next to you."


    Erza buried her face in Jin''s chest. Jin gently embraced her.


    The two of them were now contented, feeling each other''s body heat.


    August 28th.


    August 28th. August is almost over.


    Jin thinks that the morning and evening breezes have begun to blow somewhat cooler.


    "Tomorrow is the Kingdom of Klein.


    Then, I should go to the village of Kaina, Jin thought.


    He prepared for the day. Due to the time difference, it should be almost noon in the village of Kaina.


    "If we fly now, it will be just noon.


    Jin and Erza headed for the rooftop.


    There, Edgar and Reiko were waiting for them, ready to launch Conlon 3.


    "Thanks for your hard work. Shall we go?


    "Yes, sir."


    Once again, Edgar is the pilot, and the Conlon 3 slowly ascends.


    After gaining sufficient altitude, the aircraft leveled off. The altitude of about 6,000 meters is above the clouds.


    With a sea of clouds below and a speed of 600 km/h, the plane arrives at the village of Kaina in about an hour and a half.


    We land in the square in front of Nido Castle.


    Butlers B and C, who work at Nido Castle, and Golem Maid 101, a group of five-colored golem maids, greeted us.


    It''s already cooler here.


    Compared to Reuthert, the village of Kaina is at a higher altitude and latitude, and we could already feel signs of autumn.


    "Let''s go to Hannah''s first, shall we?


    "Yes."


    We had to make sure that we had a clear plan for the trip after that.


    Jin, Elsa, Reiko and Edgar went to Martha''s house together.


    "Oh, onee-chan, onee-chan!"


    <, came out to greet Jin and the others in front of the house.

 1172 - - 31-39 Inviting humanity

    "Jin, you look tired. Is it hard to travel around the world?


    Jin is having lunch at Martha''s house.


    "Yes, well. It''s kind of out of character.


    Seeing the look on Jin''s face, Martha laughed.


    "I think I understand, don''t you?


    "Are you tired, Onii-chan?"


    Hannah also looked worried.


    "Yeah, but I''m fine. I''m getting used to it.


    "I hope so. ......"


    Jin smiled at Hannah, who still looked worried.


    "I''ll have to talk to Hannah and Martha.


    "You want to talk to me too?


    "Yes. Here''s ......."


    Jin tells them about the honeymoon after the reception.


    "Oh, you mentioned that before, didn''t you?


    "So, I was wondering if we could talk about it in detail."


    "What?��Jin, are you sure you don''t mind?��I''m not sure if I''m interrupting anything. ...... Erza-chan, are you okay with that too?"


    Martha shakes her head and talks to Erza, who has remained silent up until now.


    "Yes. I mean, please, come."


    Smiling, Elsa replied.


    "...... my people have been lonely for a long time. That''s why we want to take care of our <>. Martha, Hannah, come with us."


    "Oh, come on."


    Jin is flustered as he is told what is going on inside his mind.


    "...... wrong?"


    "No, I''m not. ...... but..."


    Martha told Jin with a laugh.


    Jin, you don''t have to dress up in front of us. ......Erza, I get it. Take me with you.


    "Yes!"


    "So, let''s get down to the specifics: ......


    He prepared two large ...... huge boats and took some of Jin''s acquaintances on one of them.


    "Hah ...... huge boats, huh? What can I say, it''s Jin, isn''t it? Did Hannah know about it?


    "No, I don''t know... but I''m not surprised, since she took me on all kinds of rides..."


    "I''m sorry. I''m actually ......."


    Jin confided that he had been taking Hannah around like this for a long time.


    "Well, I won''t complain about that. Hannah''s a smart girl, and there''s nothing better than her getting a good look at things.


    "Yes, really."


    He further explains the schedule of the trip.


    "According to our schedule, we will leave on September 9.


    The maid golem < will take care of things while I''m gone.


    Of course, there will no doubt be support from Nido Castle and Horai Island.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......It''s Jin, isn''t it?


    "Wow, that''s great."


    Hanna and Martha had come to Horai Island using the warp gate in the basement of Jin''s workshop.


    Jin took this opportunity to make them official members of the .


    He was amazed at the many magical tools, equipment, and golems.


    "This is the sign of our friends."


    He gives Martha a yellow and white marbled bracelet.


    Hannah had already received a yellow bracelet.


    "Thank you, Jin."


    Martha put it on her left arm.


    "Hehehe, you and I have the same one."


    Hannah is also looking at the bracelet.


    "The ship we''re going on will be ready soon," she said.


    "It''s a ...... gin. I''m not surprised at all.


    Martha did not seem too surprised after the brief introduction of the institute and the golems.


    She did not seem surprised at all.


    (Blood of the old Leonard Kingdom?).


    I can''t wait to go there!


    "I can''t wait to go there!


    Hannah is excited.


    "I never thought I''d see this day at my age.


    Martha is mixed feelings, happy or surprised.


    "Oh yeah, the only person who knows about this is Meane. ......"


    Jin is a little worried about this point, and feels a little sorry.


    "Saki knows about it, doesn''t she?��And then there''s Licia-san."


    Erza adds, but even if she knows, Licia is a new noblewoman and the lord of Toka village, so she will not be easy to talk to.


    Jin is a little worried, since Saki and Reinhardt have been to the village of Kaina before.


    "...... Jin, you don''t have to worry so much."


    Martha, not seeing Jin''s troubled face, said in a cheerful voice.


    "It''s the opposite of being worried about me.


    Jin scratched his head,


    "What are you talking about? I''m your parent, so you don''t have to worry about every little thing," Martha said, laughing it off.


    Martha laughs it off.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and the others returned to the village of Kaina.


    "Thank you for your help today, Jin.


    "No, you''re welcome.


    "Good luck tomorrow, mommy and daddy."


    "Yeah, sure."


    Jin smiled, realizing now that he had looked so uncomfortable that even Hannah was cheering him on.


    "But, well, I hope Princess Rieschen will take care of something."


    "Yeah, that''s what I thought too."


    And so the sky over the village of Kaina was darkening.

 1173 - - 31-40 The ingenuity of the Klein Kingdom

    The three summer months of 6, 7, and 8 are one day shorter than other seasons due to daylight saving time, so August ends on the 29th. August ends on the 29th.


    On the 29th, Jin and his friends were in the Kingdom of Klein.


    Jin, it''s been a long time.


    "Jin, it''s been a long time since the World Congress.


    After arriving at the castle, Jin and the others were shown to the reception room, where they were received by Princess Rieschen.


    Of course, it was the ladies-in-waiting who actually served the guests.


    "Yes. ...... is Ernesto-sama in good health?"


    Yes. He is now studying magical engineering with great enthusiasm.


    Because of his surroundings, Jin''s tone of voice is somewhere between polite and casual.


    "Congratulations, Elsa."


    "Thank you very much.


    Thanks to you, my father has been more careful with his diet since then. He seems to be in good shape.


    I''m glad to hear that.


    While they were drinking tea and exchanging such casual conversation, there was a further visitor.


    "<>.


    It was Arthur, the second prince.


    "I''d like to explain the arrangements for the next few days.


    This prince seemed to be the facilitator.


    "Tonight we will have a small party in the hall of the royal castle as a pre-event. Tomorrow is the big day. We will leave the castle at 9:00 in the morning, parade through the city, and return to the castle for the banquet. ......


    "So there''s a banquet after all. ......"


    "That''s right. That''s what we''re here for."


    "That''s right. ......"


    I wonder if there is a country without a banquet once in a while, but I am traveling around the world for a banquet.


    He seems to be very tired in his thought process to think about such a thing.


    "......, and the day after tomorrow, we are planning to have a tea party called an after-party with only our real inner circle. That''s all."


    "...... understand."


    Jin has resigned himself to the fact that it seems inevitable that the ways of doing things in different countries will inevitably be similar.


    * * * *


    "I thought there might be something different about it. ...... No, I''m not holding my breath."


    When Princess Rieschen and Prince Arthur were gone and it was just Jin, Erza and Reiko.


    Jin muttered something like that.


    "In the Kingdom of Egelea, they showed us various golem tricks, but that might be an exception.


    To which Erza replied.


    "I guess that''s true, but ...... the most troublesome and painful part, the greetings from the nobles, is left to the doppelgangers, so I guess I can''t complain.


    One of the aspects of this is to have the old man record the information of the nobles of each country.


    Jin thought that he would not be able to do such an eccentric thing even if he were in a position to entertain the guests, and he convinced himself that it was inevitable.


    He convinced himself that it was inevitable.


    And then night fell.


    "Heh. ......"


    Jin stepped into the hall and noticed that it was decorated with new ornaments.


    The Kingdom of Klein, by the way, had been on the verge of famine during the winter and spring of this year, and its finances were in a very difficult situation.


    In fact, it had borrowed 500 million dollars (about 5 billion yen) from the Kingdom of Cerroa, which had replaced and become a friendly kingdom.


    Therefore, the decorations are not very fancy.


    However, the decorations are well thought out and calculated.


    For example, the more decorations, the more elaborate they look, and the less, the poorer.


    Usually, more decorations are placed for the sake of appearance, but the optimal number of decorations was created with ingenuity and thought.


    There is also a way of arranging them in a beautiful way. <.


    At a certain spacing, the gaps between the pieces look stretched out, but if you change the spacing subtly, the gaps become meaningful.


    You start to feel , so to speak.


    And then, the colors.


    By combining warm colors called "expansion colors" and cool colors called "contraction colors," you can reduce the feeling of a room being closed in.


    Jin was surprised at the ingenuity with which these colors were used throughout the room.


    Jin had chosen crafts as an art subject in high school, so he had heard of such techniques as rudiments of design in class.


    However, Jin, who was not good at designing, had not been able to apply them well, and he was honestly impressed that they were actually doing it in this other world.


    In the decorated hall, 10 general-purpose golems that Jin had created before were lined up, and they bowed deeply in unison as Jin and the others entered.


    It is assumed that he wanted to show his respect for the remaining 10 golems, half of which had been lost during a previous secret mining operation at the Inado Mine.


    In addition, the engineering magic < is used to shine a so-called on Jin, Erza, and their follower, Reiko.


    (A new attempt... ...... Prince Arthur''s idea, I guess...)


    Jin was thinking in his mind that it must be Prince Arthur''s idea to come up with such a thing.


    As he concentrated on discovering such a detailed ingenuity, the feast was going on before he knew it.


    Since it was the eve of the banquet, many of the guests were familiar to Jin.


    The royal family, including King Alois III, Prince Arthur the 2nd, Princess Rieschen the 3rd, and so on.


    The Prime Minister Powell, the Minister of Industry Jackson Red Vados, the Minister of Magic Clarotho Vados Keris, the Minister of Defense Fadas Loftus Fairgram, and other important figures.


    Female Knights of the Kingsguard, including Captain Jessica Norton and Lieutenants Gloria Allstadt, Cynthia Kirkman, and Tiffany Baldacci, provide security and add a touch of glamour to the occasion.


    Male knights Heinz Rasch, Bernard Nephra Foster, and Marthav Klasse are guarding the prince.


    By the way, the first prince was said to be on a provincial tour.


    The eve of the wedding was a standing buffet party, with a stringed instrument similar to a harp playing quiet music.


    Both Jin and Erza were relieved that they were able to enjoy the food to a certain extent.


    "Jin, Elsa, are you enjoying yourself?


    Princess Rieschen came in.


    "Yes, thanks to you."


    Jin used honorifics in public.


    "I''m glad to hear that. My brother has been working very hard on this.


    "Now, Reese, don''t tell anyone about that."


    Prince Arthur came in and chided Rieschen with a wry smile.


    Jin was a little relieved to see that the siblings seemed to be getting along well. He does not like to see family members at odds with each other.


    Jin spots Gloria a little further away from him.


    (Come to think of it, Fritz ......, her brother-in-law had asked her to do this for him.)


    Erza seems to be thinking the same thing and is staring at Gloria.


    Perhaps noticing her gaze, Gloria came toward Jin and the others.


    "Jin-dono, Erza-dono, congratulations!


    After giving the usual greeting, Gloria raised the glass of wine in her hand.


    "I wish you both a very happy future."


    "Thank you."


    Jin thanked her, and Elsa ......


    "...... Gloria, are you here yet?"


    Elsa asked, "Gloria, have you seen her yet?


    "Bwah ...... geehoo geehoo!"


    Gloria, who was about to drink her wine, sobbed profusely.


    "I''m sorry. Please forgive me."


    Gloria apologizes with a blush on her face.


    Seeing this, Jin thought that she might have a pulse.

 1174 - - 31-41 The Princess and Glorias Visit

    "What do you think?"


    After the eve of the festival, Jin returned to his room and discussed the matter with Elsa.


    "I am sure that Gloria-san is still thinking about her brother.


    Elsa''s opinion was the same as Jin''s.


    "Of course. She is definitely conscious of you.


    "Yes.


    "The first stage is just about to be cleared, but what about after that? ......"


    Jin thinks that since both of them will be aware of the state secrets, it is likely that the government will not let go of them.


    "Father, how about the <>?"


    Then Reiko makes a suggestion.


    "Oh, the International Guard!


    At least it would be better than belonging to some other country.


    "After a few years there, the secret could become less secret.


    Somehow, I think this is a good direction to go.


    "Then we should find an opportunity to confirm his feelings."


    "That''s a good idea."


    After exchanging such conversation, the two were tired, so they stretched out in the bathroom and rested soundly.


    * * * * * * * * *


    The day after tomorrow, September 1.


    At 9:00 a.m., the main gate of the castle was opened and gongs were sounded.


    Some people were surprised, but since they had been notified in advance, most of them were not surprised.


    In fact, they had been looking forward to the bright news because of the many dark events that had occurred since the famine.


    "<>?"


    You see, I heard he was the engineer who developed that .


    You must be very young.


    The Raglan Trading Company, to which Roland belonged, had popularized the pump and the name of its developer was well known.


    "I heard that the wife cured the king''s illness.


    "She''s so young."


    I heard she was 18 or something.


    She''s the same age as my daughter, isn''t she?


    "She''s beautiful. She''s amazing."


    She''s beautiful and amazing.


    "I heard that she is good friends with Princess Rieschen."


    "Yes, I heard that. I heard that she got along with Prince Ernest of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    He''s got a lot of contacts.


    He''s the only Magecraft Meister in the world, after all.


    The only engineer and healer in the world. You are the only Magecraft Meister in the world, after all.


    It seems that some of the voices from the < are also present.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The parade, which toured the city under clear skies, returned to the castle, where a wedding banquet was held from before noon to night.


    In the scene where they were greeted by the nobles, Jin and Erza managed to switch places with their "doppelgangers".


    However, even after switching once again, the feast is long and the two are exhausted.


    * * * * * *


    "......One more country to go!


    "...... There''s still tomorrow!"


    Jin and Elsa are leaning back on the sofa in the guest room.


    Reiko offered them Persica juice.


    "Here you go, Father, Miss Elsa."


    "Oh, thank you."


    "Thank you." "Thank you."


    Drinking the cold Persica juice, I felt a little clearer.


    "Tomorrow will probably be a quieter day, so that''s good... what''s left of the Kingdom of Franz..."


    "...... Catherine''s country."


    "Yes, of course."


    Catherine de Lafayette.


    I met her when I was involved in a case involving a demon tribe. She''s the mother of the king.


    "Is she the Queen Mother now?"


    Erza denied Jin''s words.


    "No. "No. A queen mother is the mother of the previous king, not the mother of the current king.


    "I see. But now that you mention it, I see what you mean.


    Elsa knows more about this system of status than Jin.


    "Hmm. The king''s queen is the queen. Even if the next king isn''t his son, the queen mother will be his wife.


    I see. Thank you.


    You''re welcome.


    Erza smiled mischievously, and Jin couldn''t help but hug her, loving the look on her face.


    Reiko, seeing this, dimmed the lights in the room and went outside.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Please take it easy today."


    The next day, at 8:30 a.m., after a light breakfast, Jin and Elsa were visited by Prime Minister Powell.


    The Prime Minister himself tells Jin and Elsa


    "It''s just a quiet tea party ...... luncheon in the name of an after-party.


    "Yes, I understand."


    Jin decides to take it easy since he has no plans until midnight.


    At 9:30 a.m., Princess Rieschen arrives.


    She is accompanied by Tia, Jessica, and Gloria.


    "Gin, Elsa, are you bored?"


    The princess says this at the beginning of her speech. Jin replies with a laugh.


    "Yes, I''m a little bored, to be honest.


    I thought I could at least talk to you, didn''t I?��I thought I could at least talk to you.


    As for Jin, he is glad that Gloria is with him.


    The reason why Jin called Gloria was because he thought that in his position, if he was perceived as favoring a particular individual, it would be bad not only for himself but also for Gloria.


    "Tia, you seem to be in good shape.


    "Yes, Jin-sama. Thanks to you.


    But Jin started off by talking about something safe.

 1175 - - 31-42 Anti-aging

    "Dear Jin, Elsa, you look so happy."


    This is Jessica Norton, Captain of the Kingsguard Ladies.


    Thank you.


    Thank you. ...... Jessica, what''s up?"


    Jin thanked her honestly, but after thanking her, Elsa asked a penetrating question.


    "Yes?"


    For a moment Jessica didn''t know what he was talking about.


    "No, I''m just wondering if you have a good partner, Jessica. ......"


    I''ve already given up."


    She said flatly.


    "Jessica is not so innocent,......, Gloria."


    "Yes, yes!"


    Gloria was a little flustered when Princess Rieschen asked her to speak.


    How old is Gloria now?


    Princess Rieschen is not afraid to ask the question, which is a bit difficult for Jin to ask.


    "Twenty-four, ......."


    "Well, how about Jessica?"


    "Twenty-eight."


    "Hm."


    Rieschen is a bit thoughtful when she hears this.


    (Hey, what''s the right age? ......)


    (They say it''s between 15 and 20 years old.)


    Jin was exchanging a whisper with Erza.


    (That''s the story of ordinary aristocrats, isn''t it?��What would Erza think?)


    (...... depends on the person, but I don''t think it''s a problem up to 30 or so.)


    (I guess it depends on the person...) (I guess it depends on the person...) (In my country, there are many people who had children after 30.)


    The marriageable age is often determined by the short life expectancy due to nutritional and hygienic problems.


    "Anti-aging or ......"


    Jin said out loud. Princess Rieschen heard him.


    "Jin, what is anti-aging?"


    "Oh, you heard me. In other words, it''s a way to keep up with your age, I guess."


    "What?��Is there such a thing?


    Jin-dono, what is it?


    I''d love to hear about it!


    Princess Rieschen, Jessica, and Gloria were all eager to hear about it. Elsa''s eyes were shining as if she wanted to know too.


    (Always and everywhere, I want to stay young, don''t I? ......)


    Jin wanted the Director to stay young and healthy, so he had gathered a little knowledge about such things.


    He was just a layman, and the Director was not very pleased with Jin''s concern for such things, so he stopped it soon.


    "Let''s see... ......"


    Jin twisted his head, trying to remember the knowledge he had gathered in the past.


    "First of all, I''d like to take care of my skin..."


    "Hmmm, yes. It would be better without wrinkles and blemishes.


    "The cause of that is ...... uh, sunburn.


    Since the word "ultraviolet rays" would not be understood, I have changed it to "sunburn.


    "If you repeatedly tan your skin, it gets darker, doesn''t it?��If you leave it as it is, the skin loses its luster and tone.


    "Is that so?"


    Even though they are women, all knights are sunburned to a greater or lesser extent because of their frequent outdoor activities.


    "Sunscreen and skin care will make a big difference.


    "Sunscreen?��Is there such a thing, Mister Jin?


    Gloria leaned forward. I thought she had a sword fetish, but she was interested in skin care.


    "Well, just dissolve a fine powder of titanium dioxide in moisturizing oil and apply it, it should make a big difference. ......"


    "Sankatitan?"


    "Oh, light silver powder, you know what I mean."


    Titanium is called light silver in our world, so Hitoshi rephrased.


    "Hmm, light silver powder has that effect ......."


    "And then there is the diet. Meat, vegetables, and grains should all be eaten.


    Jin was not very familiar with dietary treatment.


    "It will keep you in good shape. And constipation is also a big enemy.


    Elsa adds.


    Jin thinks for a moment that people in this Ars world seem to have robust bodies.


    Although he has not been able to verify whether this is due to the <> in their bodies or not.


    Excluding illness and injury, their life span seems to be a little longer. This is also something I can''t conclude for sure since I haven''t kept any statistics.


    "Hmm, how do you make that ?��Or is it sold?"


    "Well, you can find it at ......."


    Titanium, or light silver, is oxidized to TiO2, which is then ground into a powder and mixed with appropriate oils and fragrances. Elsa did not know how to make TiO2.


    So she glanced at Jin''s.


    "......"


    Actually, Jin doesn''t know how to make TiO2 on modern Earth either.


    But there are two kinds of engineering magic < and .


    Although not often used, it is < that removes (or rather reduces back to iron) iron rust, and it is this < that oxidizes the surface of light silver (= titanium) and gives it color.


    It is possible to make oxidized light silver (= titanium dioxide) and powderize it.


    "Well, I''ve been working on a prototype at my place the other day, and if I can sell it, I''ll sell it.


    Jin almost forgot that Reinhardt and the others had told him that he should not give anything away for free.


    "Hmmm, I see. Then you will sell them to us soon, right?


    "Yes. Probably through the Raglan Trading Company, I guess.


    When Jin said this, Rieschen nodded in agreement.


    "I see. It will also help stimulate the economy. It would be better than having it provided free of charge."


    It seemed that Rieschen was thinking more about the economy of the country than about Jin.


    "I''m sure I''ll be able to get a sample to you soon."


    "That would be fun."


    Jin promised on the spot that it would not be difficult to make a sample, even if it was half out of his own mouth.


    This automatically made it a done deal for the next day''s interval.


    "Let''s get back to the story at ......."


    Originally, it was supposed to be about marriageable age.


    "Both Jessica and Gloria are still of marriageable age."


    Elsa took over the line.


    "I guess so. If all the female knights are late in marrying, there will be no one left to become a knight.


    Princess Rieschen smiles innocently.


    "Isn''t that right, Jessica, Gloria?"


    Yes, yes. ......


    "Well, I don''t know what to tell you. ......"


    Neither of them had any answer, and they both looked puzzled.


    "So, let me get back to this..."


    Finally, Jin decided to ask if there was someone he was in love with.

 1176 - - 31-43 Bathing Love Banana

    As Jin leaned forward to ask Gloria about her boyfriend, Elsa grabbed his hand and stopped him.


    "Elsa?"


    (...... leave it to me, I''ll take care of it)


    Erza tells Jin in a whisper. I''ll leave this to you, Jin thought.


    "Princess, why don''t we go to the bath?


    Erza suddenly made a surprising remark.


    "A bath?"


    "Yes. Bathing in the light of day is very special.


    "......In my place, we also have a custom of taking a bath in the morning."


    Jin also gives verbal support.


    "Well, it''s not a custom, but it sure is nice to take a bath in the light of day.


    "There''s still time, why don''t you join us?"


    Rieschen thought about this offer for a while and decided to accept.


    "All right, I''ll come in with you."


    "Of course, Jessica and Gloria will join us, right?"


    "Yes."


    "They''re the princess''s escorts."


    So the five of us, including Tia, moved to the bathroom attached to the guest room.


    This is not a large bathroom, but it is large enough to accommodate up to 10 people, so there is plenty of room for 5 people.


    "......And I would feel different if the windows were bigger, but..."


    "Hmmm... But isn''t that dangerous in many ways?"


    This statement of Princess Rieschen seems to refer not to peeping ...... but to kidnapping, assassination, etc.


    "Well, I envy you ...... that you don''t have to worry about such things in Kunlun Island."


    Princess Rieschen sighed in satisfaction.


    "......By the way..."


    But Rieschen, perhaps having changed her mind, asked Erza in a whisper.


    "......How is the newlywed life?��Is Jin kind to you?"


    "......?��Ah, yes."


    Elsa blushes at the unexpected question from Rieschen.


    "I see. I hope Ernest is kind to you too,......."


    As a princess, she must be curious. So she wanted to ask Erza, who is close to her in age.


    And that was, in a sense, what Elsa intended.


    "...... Gloria, what about you?"


    "What?��...... how are you?"


    "You''ve started growing out your short hair, so you must have had a change of heart, right?


    "Yes, yes,...... well."


    Gloria''s cheeks are stained in the hot water.


    "Hmm, is it a knight of our country?��A nobleman''s apprentice?


    "Well, well, you see, ......"


    "No, I see. Then you''re from another country.


    Yes... ......


    Gloria gives a vague answer to Rieschen''s question, but as if guided by the question, Gloria somehow confesses.


    Her face is red, and it is not only because of the hot water.


    "Hm, in that case, is it ...... Elsa''s brother, Mister Fritz?"


    "Boo-hoo!"


    Gloria slips in the hot water because she panicked.


    "Gloria-san ......."


    In a way, that''s exactly what she wanted, but the reaction is so obvious that even Erza is a little taken aback.


    "Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah..."


    "Hey, don''t splash too much hot water."


    Jessica chides Gloria for splashing around in the hot water.


    "You should take a lesson from Cynthia.


    "...... Eh, Cynthia?"


    Elsa asked, curious because the name sounded familiar.


    "Cynthia-san, you mean the person who went to the founding ceremony of the Kingdom of Celuloa?"


    "Yes, that''s right. Erza-san was also at the ceremony, wasn''t she?


    Not only was she there, but it was Elsa who made the pendant top as a souvenir for Cynthia at Fritz''s request.


    Yes, yes. Cynthia is engaged to marry the second son of Baron Rasch, Sir Heinz, and has decided to leave the Order.


    I didn''t know that.


    Cynthia seems to have been an unexpectedly romantic woman, Erza thought with mixed feelings inside.


    However, this time she could say that she had taken a step forward in the matter of her brother Fritz.


    "Jessica, I guess there are many problems with marrying someone from another country, aren''t there?


    "Hmm?��Hmmm, that''s true, but ...... it may not be a big deal ......."


    Concerned by the somewhat terse answer, Elsa asked a few more questions.


    What do you mean?


    "Because the female knights in our country, with a few exceptions, are not privy to any kind of important secrets.


    Rieschen answered Elsa''s question.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. I would say, since you are Elsa, that the majority of female knights are knights for the purpose of gaining prestige.


    "......"


    The children of the lower nobility and the new nobility become knights because they want the title of <>. Although it is a title that is not hereditary, but only for one generation, it makes a difference in aristocratic society.


    However, not everyone can become a knight.


    You have to be good at swordsmanship, magic, etc."


    After Rieschen, Jessica added her explanation.


    "...... What do you mean, with a few exceptions?"


    Elsa asked, the words popping into her head.


    "Those in the commanding class. Jessica and Gloria here.


    "Uh, ......."


    I thought it was okay if they didn''t know important secrets, but it seems that Gloria is one of the few <.


    "I see."


    Elsa was a little disappointed.


    Soaking in the hot water for a long time makes you feel tired, so you leave it at a reasonable time.


    (...... not much progress was made. ......)


    Erza was a little disappointed even though she had tried her best.


    * * * *


    After getting out of the bath, Rieschen and the others went back to the hotel.


    Erza also returned to the guest room where Jin was waiting for her.


    How was it?


    "...... not so much."


    I see. Well, let''s not rush, let''s go steady.


    "Yeah."


    Since I am here in a semi-official capacity, I don''t want to get too personally involved, lest I be accused of favoritism.


    After a quiet luncheon, Jin and Erza left the Klein Kingdom in .

 1177 - - 31-44 Merry-Go-round

    Jin and Erza returned to the village of Kaina.


    The next day was the Franz Kingdom, so it would be more convenient if there was less time difference.


    As one would expect, the time difference becomes a concern when traveling between places as far apart as Horai Island and the Shoro Kingdom.


    Fortunately, we did not suffer from jet lag, but we were both somewhat tired.


    "Hey, Erza, thanks for your hard work," Hannah said.


    Hannah''s words of encouragement were deeply felt by the two.


    "Jin, Erza, come stay with us tonight.


    Martha invited them to stay the night, and they decided to take her up on her offer.


    Jin felt strangely at home at Martha''s house.


    The next day, Martha invited him to stay at her house.


    The day after they stayed at Martha''s house.


    "Well, I have something I want to make. ......


    Jin is relaxing in the living room on the second floor of Jin''s workshop when he asks Elsa for advice.


    "Sunscreen?"


    "No, a baby gift for Reinhardt."


    "Oh, sure."


    Jin wanted to give priority to this gift, so he decided to leave the sunscreen to the old man for the time being.


    "So, what can I get you?"


    "Hmmm... ......"


    The two of them thought about it together.


    "I think I''d like to buy something for a baby, wouldn''t you?


    "Hmmm... ...... so, what kind of things did you find in your brother Jin''s world?"


    "Oh, yes, I guess so. ......"


    Diapers. Pacifiers. Rattles. Cradles. Denden-drums. Merry-go-round. ......


    Jin lists as many as come to mind.


    "Rattle?��Denden-daiko?��Merry-go-round?��......What is that?"


    Apparently, that part is out of this world.


    "Well, rattles and dengaiko are toys for children, right?��You put them in their hands and they make sounds when you move them."


    "Sounds fun."


    "Sounds fun." Right?��Well, a newborn might not be able to play with it yet, but a merry-go-round is available at ......."


    "What kind of carousel is that?"


    "Let''s see... ......"


    Jin began to explain about the .


    "It''s a merry-go-round that hangs from the ceiling and makes ...... noise when it spins around. ......


    "I don''t know, I don''t understand."


    "I guess."


    Jin then decided to draw a picture to show the audience.


    Since he didn''t have any wooden paper ......, he pulled out an extra piece of whiteboard that Meene uses to teach children and drew a picture on it.


    Jin, who is not good at designing but is good at copying, seems to have managed to draw a picture that looks like it.


    "...... interesting."


    "Well, I use bright colors like yellow and pink. And it makes a sound when it spins around. Children should ...... be happy."


    "Sure, I''ve heard that it''s good to play songs for little kids."


    "Right?"


    "I''d like to try ...... to make one."


    There are several babies born this year in the village of Kaina, so I think it would be a good idea to celebrate from the lord Jin," Erza added.


    "Yes, that''s right. Well, let''s start making it. Let''s see, the ingredients are that one and that one ...... and the missing one is ...... Reiko!"


    "Yes, Father."


    Reiko, who had been waiting outside of the room, showed her face in response to Jin''s call.


    "Let me deliver some GSP and some magic dyes.


    "Yes, sir."


    He could have contacted the old man with the bracelet, but he was happy to rely on Reiko at a time like this.


    In a few minutes......, the material Jin had asked for was sent to the workshop using a transporter.


    "Good."


    Jin, who was waiting in the workshop on the first floor, rubbed his hands together.


    "First, we''ll make a prototype.


    We made a spinning wheel and a base to support it, and made a decoration to hang it from.


    Since the wheel cannot move as it is, we have made it a windmill type so that it can be powered by wind magic.


    Elsa is in charge of the sound-producing magic. It is an application of the music box I made at the previous technology exposition.


    "Well, let''s see..."


    After finishing the assembly, Jin hung the first prototype from the eaves of his workshop.


    "Wow, honey, what''s that?"


    Hannah, who had just finished helping around the house, peeked out and asked curiously.


    "It''s a toy to soothe babies. It''s a prototype."


    "Hmm. Sounds interesting.


    "Well, let''s see if we can get it to work."


    Jin says the key word to start it up.


    "<>"


    The merry-go-round begins to turn slowly. At the same time, a whistling sound is heard.


    "Hmmm, maybe it''s spinning a little too fast..."


    "The music seems a bit monotonous.


    While Jin and Elsa are discussing the improvements, Hannah gazes at the merry-go-round with a twinkle in her eye.


    "Wow, this is interesting!��I bet the baby will love this!"


    "I see. I''m glad to hear that."


    Jin was relieved to hear Hannah''s positive feedback.


    "Okay, let''s improve it.


    He stopped the operation and started to improve it again.


    "......Hanna, what kind of music do you think babies would like?"


    Elsa thought that music was difficult, so she asked Hannah for advice.


    "Well, I think a more bouncy sound would be better than whistling, wouldn''t it?"


    "Oh, I see."


    Hannah pointed out the sound, and Jin remembered a little more.


    "I remember there was a sound that sounded like a rattling sound. ...... I wonder what that sound was?"


    "I think it was a bell that didn''t reverberate."


    "What?"


    Hannah''s opinion surprised Jin a little. He was a little surprised at Hannah''s opinion, because she had come up with an idea that seemed quite appropriate, even though she did not know what it was.


    "What?��Because, don''t you think the sound of the bell is similar to that of a bell made of wood?


    "Oh, I see."


    What Hannah is talking about is what we would call a on modern Earth. <, i.e., a cow, but it seems that bells attached to livestock in general are also called this.


    By the way, bells for bulls are not called <> or <>.


    The bells are made of metal and have a ringing sound, but as the material becomes softer, the sound becomes a clanging sound.


    "Sure, that sound is like a plastic bell," he says.


    Maybe we can make the hanging bell ring like a wind chime as it rotates, Jin thought.


    "How about ......?"


    He discussed this with Elsa,


    "Maybe. ...... though in that case I would have no place to play.


    Erza agreed, but looked a little disappointed.


    "Then, make me that bell."


    Jin sensed this and decided to ask Erza to make it.


    "Yes!


    Thanks to this, Erza seemed to be suddenly motivated.


    "You guys are so close!"


    Hannah, who was watching the two of them, said this with a bit of envy.


    For the next two hours, Jin and the others continued working on the prototype of the merry-go-round.

 1178 - - 31-45 Silver Spoon

    "It''s done."


    About three hours later, Jin and Elsa have completed the merry-go-round.


    The speed of rotation, the sound, and from Jin''s point of view, it was not bad at all.


    "Wow, that sounds fun!


    The merry-go-round spinning around with clank-clank-clank-clank-clank sounds is a sight to behold.


    Using lots of bright, almost primary colors, Jin intended it to be suitable for children.


    "Okay, let''s mass-produce these and distribute them to the village of Kaina as .


    "Yes, I think that''s a good idea.


    Jin and his friends then made 20 merry-go-rounds.


    "Okay, let''s give them to the houses with babies.


    Jin said, and Hannah said, "I''ll give them to the houses with babies.


    "I''ll go get them. You and Elsa can take a rest.


    "Oh, really?��...... Then Reiko, will you help them with their luggage?"


    "Yes, I''ll do it. Hannah, let''s go.


    "Yes!"


    There are now seven houses with newborns. Reiko has six merry-go-rounds, Hanna has one, and they go out.


    * * * * * *


    Jin, who was left behind, came up with another gift.


    "In addition, I''ll send a silver spoon to Reinhardt''s place.


    "?"


    The that Jin suggested was based on a modern Earth legend that a child born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth will be happy.


    Also, silver is believed to have the power to ward off evil and has been used as a sacred object.


    Jin explains something like this to Erza. Erza suddenly became enthusiastic.


    "That''s wonderful. Please let me make it.


    "Yes, of course. Then I''ll ask Elsa.


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to her."


    Jin trusts Elsa with his designs.


    925 silver, also known as sterling silver, a silver alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver.


    Elsa processes it.


    "<>"


    The lump of silver glows faintly for a moment and changes its shape.


    A spoon is formed.


    "Oh, I like it."


    The overall design is round, and the Randall family crest is engraved on the handle.


    "I can use it for feeding baby food.


    Since some people keep them as souvenirs, it seems that they can be used either way.


    "Let''s put it in a nice box and deliver it to you," he said. Let''s see, the time is ......."


    It is 11:30 a.m. in Kaina village. The time difference is about 3 hours, so it should be around 8:30 a.m. in Kaltz.


    "I think I''ll be okay, I''ll go."


    "Wait. I''m going with you. So until Hanna and Reiko come back, please go to ......."


    Yeah, I''ll be there.


    Jin agreed with Erza''s words.


    "I''m back!


    "I''m back."


    About 10 minutes later, Hanna and Reiko came home.


    "Welcome home. I''m off to Reinhardt''s to give you this.


    "Okay, go ahead, sweetie."


    "Yes, I''ll go with you."


    Hannah and Reiko answer each other.


    So, Jin and Erza were sent off by Hanna and moved to the village of Kalz, <>, Reinhardt''s territory.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hello, Jin, Erza!��Welcome!"


    A high-spirited Reinhardt greeted them.


    "Erza, thanks to you, Bertsche can get up now too.


    "Yes, that''s good."


    Elsa''s healing magic had made Berche''s body healthy, but Reinhard, a loving wife, was taking it easy.


    "And I''ve got a name for you!��Will you listen to me?"


    "Yes, of course. Yes, of course. ......?"


    "<>. <


    <>. That''s a nice name.


    "Hmm, Yuri. She''s pretty.


    Yes, yes, yes!


    Reinhard is in a good mood.


    "So, here''s a present from us."


    Jin gives him a merry-go-round.


    "What''s this?"


    A natural question.


    "We''re going to hang it from the ceiling like this."


    Jin hung the merry-go-round in the appropriate place and showed it to the audience by moving it.


    The merry-go-round made a rhythmical and light sound.


    "Oh, that''s interesting!


    "It''s a toy to soothe the baby.


    "I see!��So this is the kind of thing that existed in the world where Jin lived!��Thank you, Gin, Erza!


    Meanwhile, Erza had inscribed < on the spoon.


    And then,


    "Brother Rai, this is from us too.


    and offered it to her. Of course, he had to repackage it properly.


    "Oh, thank you!��...... what''s this?"


    "A silver spoon. In the world where my brother Jin lived, ......


    He explains the lore.


    "I see!��Thank you, Jin, Erza!��...... Oh sorry, please meet Belle and Yuri!"


    Jin and Erza were then ushered into a room in the pavilion by Reinhardt.


    "Ah, welcome, Jin-sama, Erza-san."


    "Hello, Berthe."


    Bertsche was already off the floor, nursing her baby ......, Juliana.


    Juliana was lying on a canopied bunk. She seems to be awake now.


    "Belle, I got this from Jin and the others."


    "Well, what is it?


    "It''s called a merry-go-round. It''s called ......."


    Reinhardt immediately attached the merry-go-round to the canopy. Then he said.


    "<>"


    The merry-go-round starts to turn slowly. At the same time, it begins to make a light sound.


    "My God!"


    Bertsch looks at her with wide-eyed amazement.


    Juliana starts to make merry.


    "Oh, she looks so happy!"


    "I don''t think he''s blind yet, but I''m sure he can hear the sound.


    Seeing Juliana in such a good mood, a smile naturally appeared on Jin''s face.


    And so did Elsa, who was standing next to him.


    Reinhard and Bertsche were also looking at the fruits of their love and smiling happily.


    Needless to say, Bertsche was also pleased to hear the origin of the silver spoon with her name on it.

 1179 - - 31-46 Last Country

    The day after delivering the baby gift to Reinhard, Jin and Erza flew to the Franz Kingdom by .


    Their destination was the royal castle.


    Since this is the least familiar country in the Lesser Antilles, the old man had instructed them to guard the castle more strictly than ever before.


    First of all, the annual parade is being held.


    In the sky are four , which have disappeared due to .


    Among the crowd are 10 Quintas of the 5th column.


    The <> are also fully mobilized for the first time in a long time.


    In addition, they are monitored from space by .


    In addition to this thoroughness, they are accompanied by Reiko.


    I guess this is the last time.


    It''s been a long time.


    Jin and Elsa are whispering to each other as they wave to each other in the open carriage.


    Before they knew it, it was already September.


    The approach of a long-period planet is only about a month and a half away.


    So far, of Yunie, who is in charge of astronomical observations, has only reported that there are no abnormalities.


    "I''m tired of being thankful for ....... Is this our fault?"


    "Mainly me. I thought I''d live a little more discreetly."


    Jin swallowed the line, "How did this happen?


    "I guess it all started when I set out for the Shoro kingdom with Erza and the others."


    "...... my fault?"


    "No, it''s not. No, it''s not. I''m the one who chose it. I''m the one who did a lot of things along the way. I guess it was inevitable. ...... I don''t really like to use the word ."


    "Why not?"


    "Because it''s like giving up when you say ''it''s your destiny''."


    That''s the same as stopping to think, Jin told Erza.


    "But people are weak, and even if they usually think that way, when they are feeling weak, they want to give up."


    "Somehow, I understand."


    Erza shivers, remembering the despair she felt when she was once trapped by the Unification Party (Unifiler). Jin gently hugs her shoulder.


    "But for now, I am thankful to for bringing me together with Erza.


    Jin is quite deft in whispering such lines while waving his hands at the parade.


    Well, the waving is just a mechanical repetition, but 90% of his attention is on Erza.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After the parade was over, Jin, Elsa, and Reiko were welcomed by Catherine de Lafayette, the mother of the country.


    "It''s been so long. It''s nice to see you again.


    "It''s nice to see you again." "It''s nice to see you too.


    "You know, the knee you treated me with before, it hasn''t hurt once since then.


    I''m glad to hear that.


    It was when Zion and Lucas came out of the demon territory.


    Jin and Erza were there when the carriage had an accident and met her.


    She said she had a pain in her knee, and Erza healed her with appropriate healing magic.


    It was not a temporary or temporary treatment, which means that the pain has not recurred yet.


    I have heard about your success.


    Catherine''s calm atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing for both Jin and Elsa.


    "I don''t think you two like such ostentatious celebrations. I know you two don''t like such ostentatious festivities. You have to understand that.


    Yes, I understand.


    They are talking over a cup of fragrant tea.


    "Your Majesty has told me a lot about the World Conference. The Kunlun Island is a wonderful place, isn''t it?


    "Yes. I hope I can invite you there someday.


    Yes, I''d like to visit there when I have a chance.


    It was Catherine''s consideration that allowed us to spend such a leisurely time together.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    September 5 was the day of the wedding banquet, but it was smaller than any of the other banquets Jin and the others had attended in the six months since the king had been replaced.


    The number of nobles who came to greet the guests was only a little more than two hands.


    The time was short, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.


    <


    The only tense moments were when the current king, Lotharus de Lafayette, came to pour wine for them and when he greeted them in front of the assembled nobles.


    "<> I am Jin Nido and my wife Elsa. We are very grateful to you for hosting such a banquet for us.


    Although the party was in the form of a standing buffet, simple chairs ...... and stools were provided everywhere so that the guests could take a break at their leisure.


    Jin and Elsa were overjoyed to have experienced a relaxed wedding party at the very end of the day.


    They thought they might be a bit tired since they hardly knew anyone in the Franz Kingdom, but they talked to each other moderately and took a break moderately, so both of them could enjoy the banquet in a natural way.


    The reception ended without incident and a calm atmosphere passed.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, it was more fun than I thought it would be. ......?


    "I agree."


    After the reception, Jin and Elsa were relaxing on the sofa in the guest room as if enjoying the afterglow.


    They felt and savored the emptiness after the lively time was over.


    "Tomorrow, I hear there will be a tea party called <>. That will be the end of our visit to each country."


    "....... When I think of it, I feel ...... a little sad."


    "Yeah, I guess so."


    Then Reiko made a pot of tea.


    "It''s almost bedtime, so I made hojicha tea.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    Houjicha is low in caffeine and tannin, so even if you drink it before going to bed, it is not likely to keep you awake.


    "Oh, it''s delicious."


    "Delicious."


    In Jin''s case, the aroma is rather calming. Elsa also liked it.


    "......It was welcomed in more countries than I expected. ......"


    "Hmm. I knew it... Jin is a Magecraft Meister."


    "No, if you put it that way, Erza as a healer has also made various achievements in various countries.


    "It''s because of the fame of the two of you, isn''t it?"


    Reiko unusually interrupted their conversation.


    "Yes, that may be so."


    "Yes, I guess so."


    Hearing this, the two looked at each other and smiled.


    The autumn night breeze was blowing pleasantly through the window, and the autumn constellations were shining quietly in the night sky.

 1180 - - 31-47 Quiet Talk 63 Karens Worries

    Karen Theodoric von Banners is the fourth daughter of the Marquise Theodoric.


    Her father is Marquess Gehlen Theodoric von Eisen and her mother is Emma Theodoric von Rosie.


    The father is still alive, but the mother has passed away.


    There is no male heir to the Theodoric family at present.


    The eldest daughter, Charley Theoderic von Mowry, after having a daughter, Saki, with the alchemist Thore Eschenbach, has also passed away.


    The second and third daughters have married into powerful aristocratic families.


    The Marquis is 54 years old this year. He had been poisoned with arsenic for a long time and had cirrhosis of the liver, which was treated by Elsa.


    He has been cured by Elsa, and his physical condition has deteriorated beyond his age. Even if he had a successor, it is unlikely that he would have one, and he has no intention of having one.


    In other words, Karen was the only one who could take over the Theoderic family.


    Inevitably, Karen will be the one to take a son-in-law to take over the Marquise''s house. .......


    "......I''m in trouble. ......"


    Karen had been worried since this morning.


    The other day her father had ordered her to marry Fritz Randall von Grosz.


    The Randalls have neighboring estates and are acquainted with Fritz and his sister, Elsa, due to their close proximity in age.


    "It''s true that Fritz-sama is an excellent soldier, but ......"


    Karen continues to worry while muttering to herself.


    "......I wonder if we can somehow make this story go away. ......"


    Her father, Gehlen, is a strict man and would never approve of her decision if she is not in the mood for it.


    Karen had no one to talk to at a time like this.


    "Yes, I do!"


    When she wrote that she had no one to talk to, Karen remembered that she had one candidate.


    "Is there anyone?��Get the carriage ready. I''m going out for a while.


    "Miss, where are you going?"


    The voice was answered by the maid of honor, a woman Karen had always had a bit of a problem with. She was a bit annoyed by the occasional warning about her behavior because she was a by-the-book kind of person.


    When she asked the chief chambermaid, she was naturally asked where she was going.


    Karen decided that she would have to be honest.


    I''m with relatives. The Eschenbach house."


    "Saki''s house, isn''t it? Yes, ma''am.


    The Eschenbach residence was only about 30 minutes away by carriage, so it was not a long trip, and more importantly, she had a good reason for going to see her Saki.


    A carriage was quickly prepared, and with a guard and a lady-in-waiting, the carriage carrying Karen left the gate of the Theoderic house.


    The carriage drove through the green trees, which looked a little tired at the end of summer. In the carriage Karen looks out gloomily.


    The carriage arrived at the Eschenbach house.


    "Well, I''m going to go now. You guys can wait in the carriage.


    "Yes, ma''am."


    Without a word of complaint, the maid of honor replied and the guards bowed their heads in silence.


    She rang the knocker on the front door, which immediately opened.


    "Welcome, Karen-sama!


    It was Aaru, Saki''s personal automata.


    "Hello, Aaru. Is Saki there?


    Yes, I am. Please come in.


    Well, I''ll leave you to it.


    Hello, Aunt Karen. This is unusual.


    Saki came out near the front door and greeted Karen.


    "Oh, Saki, I told you not to do that, didn''t I?"


    "Yes, you did. I''m sorry."


    She doesn''t look the least bit sorry as she laughs and apologizes.


    "Oh, well, that''s okay."


    Karen took a sip of the tea Aal made and let out a small sigh.


    "So, what''s going on today?"


    Saki asked, reminding Karen of the purpose of her visit today.


    "Oh, I wanted to talk to you about something.


    "That''s unusual. If it''s all right with me, I''d be happy to help you.


    "Yes, please."


    Karen explained that her father had asked her to marry Fritz.


    "...... Oh, I see. Objectively speaking, I don''t think it''s a bad idea, but there must be a reason why Aunt ...... Karen doesn''t want to do it, right?"


    "Eh,......?"


    Karen''s cheeks turn a little red at Saki''s question and she turns over.


    "Oh, what?"


    Saki was taken aback by the unexpected response.


    "Uh, ...... aunt?��Do you have someone you like ......?"


    Saki spoke half on a hunch. But it seemed to be right to the point. Karen turned red and looked down.


    "......Who the hell are you?"


    Saki asked. Karen answered in a hushed, small voice.


    "......Master Godronas."


    "What?"


    Saki also remembered the main nobles and soldiers of this country.


    "Godronas ...... is that Mr. Godronas Berntsam von Narlad?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    He was the captain of the 2nd Platoon of the 1st Knights, Saki thought.


    "I see. I don''t know about him, but he seems to be of good rank and ability.


    "Right?"


    The question was how to convey Karen''s feelings to the Marquis and Godronas himself.


    "Oh, and what did Mr. Godronas say?"


    "Nothing."


    What?


    "...... I don''t think he knows how I feel."


    "...... Wow."


    Saki wanted to hold her head in her hands.


    What could I do? I am not a socialite and I don''t know much about that side of the world.


    Karen smiled a little sadly when she said that.


    "I don''t expect you to do anything for me. I just wanted to be listened to and maybe get some advice.


    "I see. ......"


    When you say that, I feel like I should say something to him.


    "Well, um..."


    I have thoughts, but no words come out. Saki has little experience with such things and her communication skills are poor to begin with.


    "Why don''t you talk to Reinhardt or Erza about it?


    As a result, she could only say pathetic words.


    "Well, you''re right. If you are going to ask for advice, you should choose the right person."


    "Gosh, ...... Aunt Karen, you''re terrible!"


    "Ummm, I''m just kidding. Thanks for listening to me complain. I''m going to go now.


    I don''t care.


    Karen left the Eschenbach house, saying that she could not stay long because she had come to check on Saki.


    On the way home,


    "Don''t call me Auntie.


    She left with the words, "Don''t call me <>.

 1181 - - 31-48 Quiet Talk 64 Skin Care

    Lao Kun was working on the development of the sunscreen that Jin had asked him to make.


    Using a mobile terminal < and assisted by <, who can use engineering magic, he conducts experiments by changing the ratio of the ingredients and the size of the light silver oxide particles.


    The appearance was to be transparent, but the UV shielding or reflecting effect was to be as large as possible.


    We will also consider the composition of the moisturizing oil, whether it should be vegetable, animal, or synthetic oil.


    >


    However, we can''t just go ahead and conduct <, to put it bluntly.


    At that time, Saki came to Horai Island. The old man decides to ask Saki for advice.


    "What?��Sunscreen?��Can you make such a chemical?��Yes, I will help you!


    > present while we inspect you, so we won''t do anything that will be a burden on you.


    The <> referred to here is a doctor (healer) automata created by Jin.


    In the first place, most of the base moisturizing oils are chosen from those already in use in this world, and light silver oxide itself is known to be harmless, so it is unlikely that the combination would be toxic.


    "Hmmm...such a combination."


    Saki nodded as she looked at the combination on the paper Lao Tzu had spread out.


    "As far as I''m concerned, I think it''s better to use this one and this one for the oil.


    Saki recommended the oil used for chapped and cracked skin in winter.


    "I would say the oil of <> and the oil of <>."


    > is a specialty of the Kingdom of Klein and has good preservation properties among animal oils.


    <<> oil is also used for hair oil and its safety is guaranteed by its long history.


    "Yes, that''s what I mean."


    I am cautious this time, since I once had a lacquer rash.


    "Yes, that''s right.


    After three days of experimentation with Saki''s help, the prototype of the was completed.


    < the material, no toxins or other harmful or unknown substances were detected, Saki decided to try it on her own arm.


    Her curiosity seemed to get the better of her.


    However, she proceeded very carefully with the . I left it on for a whole day and had no problems at all.


    If itching or redness had occurred, I would have been ready to treat it immediately with , but my fears were unfounded.


    "Jin is planning to go to a southern island for our next time, so we can test it then, too.


    "Then there is the sales channel, but I think the old man is more qualified for that than I am.


    "Oh, I see. Do you think we can wholesale the light silver powder directly from Horai Island?"


    "Hmph, you are indeed an old man, I don''t think I can take care of that much.


    <<< Thank you very much. Thank you very much for your cooperation in the development of ...... Saki.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Kemeria oil, is it?


    Licia Faalheit, the lord of Toka Village, pondered for a moment when she received a message from the old man.


    It is the end of summer, and the Kemeria berries will be ripe in a few days.


    "It''s the right time, isn''t it? The harvest will start in about a month. We need more people this year.


    "Oh, yes. I''m sure Jin-san will make a wonderful tool for you!


    Licia''s trust in Jin seems to be very strong.


    "We still have some Kemeria oil in stock.


    <


    Wholesale price affects the selling price. If the selling price goes up, the sales will slow down, and as a result, the profit may decrease.


    Of course, there are products that are purchased even if the price is high. But in the case of new products, the price you set at the beginning is very important.


    The old man explained.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "<>?"


    The old man first checks with Eric, the owner of the store in the village of Kaina, to see if he can sell it.


    Of course, he has , who works at Nido Castle, as his agent.


    "Yes, that''s right. ....... I think it could be sold to a nobleman or a wealthy merchant in the capital. I don''t think it''s likely to be sold in this village. ......"


    "I''ll buy it, depending on the price."


    Before Eric could finish his answer, Barbara quickly interrupted him.


    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to sell it in the village. ...... Eric, you do care, don''t you?"


    "Uh, yes. ......"


    "I see, that''s very helpful."


    * * * *


    The "Mere Old Man" immediately makes a plan.


    The moisturizing cream was made by Jin for the village of Kaina.


    Oil from pressed walnut-like nuts called ornut, a little beeswax from honey, and a little perfumed oil from citran peels.


    In addition to these, some Persica juice, which has been <>, is added to the mixture to increase its shelf life.


    The mixture is then homogenized by engineering magic.


    The old man had found the best ratio by trial and error by changing the ratio of the ingredients.


    The combination of this moisturizing cream and sunscreen seems to further enhance the anti-aging effect of the skin.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, so this is sunscreen."


    First, as promised, the and were presented to Princess Rieschen. Together, they form a skin care set.


    Later, the skin care set was sold through the Raglan Trading Company in Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, and was a great success.


    Since it was sold to the general public as a stand-alone moisturizing cream, the number of people suffering from rough hands and rough skin decreased dramatically.


    It did not take long for the product to spread throughout the Kingdom of Klein and even to neighboring countries.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Kuhu, it''s important to take care of your skin.


    Saki smiled to herself as she stroked her recently smoothed skin.

 1182 - - 31-49 Silent Story 65 Eric and Barbara

    Barbara, how''s the spice inventory?


    "Uh, still good."


    The only store in the village of Kaina, <>.


    It is also a branch of the Raglan Trading Company, and also serves as a base for purchasing in the village of Kaina.


    It sells mainly daily necessities and clothing.


    The village of Kaina is a small village with a population of about 100 people, so there are two ways to pay for goods: money and barter.


    "Today''s sales are just fine," Barbara said as she calculated.


    Barbara said as she did the math.


    They had been working together for a few months, and this kind of clerical work had become second nature to them.


    "I see. That''s good."


    has two main sources of income.


    One is sales to the villagers.


    The other is wholesaling to the Raglan Trading Company, the main store.


    The main items they wholesale are and , which they obtain through bartering with villagers.


    And rubber products such as and , which they purchase from Jin via Nidojo.


    In addition to these two items, he also delivers rare magical tools developed by Jin to the head office on an irregular basis, for which he is paid a certain fee.


    "Your father-in-law will be here soon, won''t he?


    "Yes, that''s right.


    "The capital is a bit far away, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. But that''s the business.


    I see.


    "Would you like to go back?"


    "Well, I guess so. ......"


    Eric''s words reminded Barbara of her visit to King''s Landing some time ago.


    The capital city of Alban is here.


    This is the capital city of Alban.


    "Wow, it''s huge!"


    Eric and Barbara visited the head office of the Raglan Trading Company, Eric''s parents'' house, to report their marriage.


    It took one day to get from Kaina village to Toka village by riding a golem horse, but from Toka village it took two days on foot to Charles town. From there it took another three days to reach Alban.


    The population of Arban is about 8,000, 80 times the population of the village of Kayna.


    "Wow, what a lot of people. ......"


    Barbara looks around the place with a wide-eyed look on her face. She is a total geek.


    Compared to the village of Kaina, the number of people is different. The clothes they are wearing are elegant and sophisticated, and Barbara is taken aback.


    "I guess the city is different after all. ......"


    Barbara muttered with a sigh.


    Eric and I were dressed in our village clothes and carrying our luggage for the trip. It was obvious that they had come from the countryside.


    "Come on, let''s go to the Chamber of Commerce first..."


    Eric shook the luggage on his back and called out to Barbara.


    The main office of the Raglan Company had moved to the center of the main street this year.


    They had made such great strides.


    "Here it is," he said.


    "Wow, wow!


    Barbara was amazed.


    "I''m back!"


    Eric entered the store not through the front entrance but through a side entrance. Barbara followed.


    "Oh, you''re back!"


    "Hello, Barbara, welcome back!


    Eric''s father, Roland, and all his relatives were there.


    "Well, I''m so happy that Eric got such a good wife!


    "Barbara, I know I''m an unreliable son, but I wish you all the best."


    That night a banquet was held to celebrate their marriage.


    "Thank you very much. I will do my best."


    Barbara answered, her face flushed. They were happy.


    * * * * * *


    For the next week, Barbara stayed in Alban with Eric.


    They were learning the rudiments of the business, not all day long, but in between they could go and see the city.


    At first, Barbara''s eyes lit up at her first time in the capital. .......


    "...... is kind of boring."


    Learning to work is good. I''m still learning the hard way.


    It is the life in the royal city that has become boring.


    Certainly, it was crowded, bustling, and gorgeous, and bustling as befits a capital city.


    But that was all.


    "...... I kind of miss the village."


    Barbara, who had been away from the village of Kaina for only a week...... two weeks if you include the road trip, seemed to have made up her mind.


    No wonder.


    "I miss the hot springs....... ......"


    A communal hot spring in the village of Kaina.


    "The food...... in the castle''s restaurant was delicious. ......"


    We went sightseeing in the town and had lunch at a restaurant. I feel that the food is not good enough for the price.


    The toilets are also ......"


    The Kingdom of Klein is beginning to focus on sanitation, but nothing can compare to the village of Kaina, where Jin personally supervised the construction.


    Once we got used to seeing them, we realized that neither the people of the city nor the people of the village are any different.


    In fact, I even think that the people of Kaina Village might be smarter than me, as they teach me how to read, write, and calculate, as well as the wisdom of daily life.


    "Oh, Hannah, you are definitely smart.


    I think that Hanna is smarter than most adults, maybe even smarter than those who are called "bachelor".


    Barbara has learned the advantages of her hometown for the first time outside.


    * * * * * *


    "Wow!


    Barbara?


    As soon as she saw the village of Kaina at the foot of the Togo Pass, Barbara jumped down from the carriage and ran out.


    "Ha-ha-ha, Eric, Barbara must have missed it. For the first time in her life, she had been away from her hometown for almost a month.


    Roland, who was accompanying me, laughs.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve been to Kaina, too. It''s been a long time since I''ve been in Kaina village.


    "Ha, ha."


    Barbara runs down from the pass, crosses the bridge over the Erme River, passes by Nido Castle, and rushes into the village of Kaina.


    "I''m home!


    "Oh, Barbara, you''re back!"


    "Barbara, haven''t you lost some weight?"


    When Barbara showed up at the house of Chief Giebeck, she was greeted by her uncle Giebeck and his wife, Sally, a healer.


    "Oh, sweetheart, welcome home."


    Their adopted son, Lu, also greeted Barbara with a smile.


    "I''m home, Luu. ...... here''s something for you."


    "Wow, thank you!"


    Barbara handed the gifts to her uncle and his wife and to her new cousin Lu from the luggage she was carrying.


    "Oh, sorry, Barbara."


    "Where''s Eric?"


    "I ran down from the Togo Pass."


    All three of them looked a little puzzled.


    "......Well, it''s not hard to see why."


    But Sally, who was not originally from the village, seemed to be able to understand their feelings.


    So he decided to say a few words to her.


    "Barbara, don''t forget that feeling you just had about your hometown.


    "Yes, ...... yes!"


    Barbara has reaffirmed that the village of Kaina is her hometown.


    From now on, she is determined to do even more for the village.


    "Hey Barbara!


    Eric''s voice came from far away.


    "Oh, I''m sorry!��I''m coming!"


    Barbara replied cheerfully,


    "See you later, Uncle, Dr. Sallee, Lou," she said.


    and left the chief''s house.


    The sky in Kayna was blue and clear, and the early autumn wind was chasing away the chipping clouds.

 1183 - - 32-01 September 9th Travel Day 1

    "Wow, this feels good!"


    "Yes, it does!"


    Marcia and Rodrigo are standing near the bow of the special cruiser , looking out to sea.


    On September 9, at 8:00 a.m. Horai Island time, the cruisers and departed Tatsumi Bay.


    Apart from Jin and Erza, Saki, Goose, Meane, Hannah, Martha, and Vivian were traveling with us.


    Of course, Reiko and Edgar are with them. Aal is staying at the Eschenbach house this time.


    The other members of the will come through the warp gate at any time to participate in the event.


    The cruising speed of the special cruiser is 50 km/h when using the Aqua Thruster.


    The maximum speed is 200 kilometers per hour with the use of <>.


    At its normal cruising speed, the <> continued southward.


    It is noon now, and they are moving south almost to the same latitude as the Potrock.


    The sunlight is strong. Therefore, the sunscreen that was recently completed has been distributed to everyone.


    "Dad, the ocean is huge!


    "Yes, it is. Marcia, we would love to travel the oceans like this one day, on a boat we built ourselves.


    "Yes."


    Marcia and Rodrigo were not bothered by the inferiority complex that Jin''s technology had created, and they were even more enthusiastic about it.


    This positive attitude seems to be common to all the members of the .


    I don''t know if this is coincidence or inevitability, but positivity is not a bad thing.


    "......The ocean is a big place. ......"


    Hannah muttered in a slightly tired voice.


    She has been staring at the blue ocean as far as the eye can see for the past four hours since we left the ship, and she is getting tired of it. No wonder.


    "Hannah, it''s lunchtime!"


    "Yes, yes!"


    Hanna turned around at the sound of Martha''s voice and answered cheerfully, running across the deck with great energy.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and Erza had also come from to the mess hall on board the special cruiser .


    Jin insisted that the food tastes better when eaten in large groups.


    "Come on, eat up."


    Lunch was a sandwich with ham, bacon, topopo salad, egg salad, and a variety of other colorful ingredients.


    And bread.


    Spreads of strawberry jam, apple jam, plum jam, blueberry jam, and flape jam.


    In addition, ornut paste and citran marmalade were available, as well as maple syrup.


    All of them had been sent from Horai Island via a .


    "Kuhu, this is still an elegant trip, isn''t it?


    Saki muttered as she spread maple syrup on the bread.


    "Yes, it sure is. But it''s a very promising journey into the unknown!


    Goose replied to Saki''s mutterings.


    "But, Jin has made some amazing things, hasn''t he? That''s what I''m talking about."


    "Yes!��Grandma, you''re amazing!"


    Martha and Hannah are sitting side by side eating sandwiches. A glass of chilled Citran juice was placed in front of them.


    "You don''t seem to be surprised much, do you Martha?"


    Meane says with a look of surprise and respect on her face.


    "Yes, I''m still surprised. But if you think of me as a djinn, you can swallow most of what I say.


    "Oh, is that how it is?


    Meine has known Jin for a long time, but there are still some things she is not used to.


    "I''m glad to know what the is capable of," she said. ......Ah, this is delicious."


    Vivienne''s eyes narrowed as she took a bite of the bread with plum jam on it.


    Jin and Elsa were listening to the conversation between the two friends and were silently putting the bread in their mouths.


    "Kuhu, you two don''t seem to be in good spirits, do you?


    Saki notices this and calls out to her.


    "Are you tired of being so close?"


    "No, it''s not like that."


    Erza, teased, blushes and denies it.


    "It was a little late yesterday," Jin explains.


    Jin explains.


    "So, it''s fine that you and your wife get along well, but you have to keep it in moderation ......."


    "No, Saki."


    "I went ...... to say hello, and only came back last night."


    "Greetings, where to?"


    Saki''s question is quite understandable, since she has already greeted the Shoro Empire and the Lesser Clan .......


    "To the demon tribe."


    "Oh, I see. I see."


    The demon tribe lives on the continent of Gondor, beyond the Pazdekst isthmus. They are a race that bears the blood of the , who migrated from the planet Hale long ago, more strongly than those who live on the Loren continent.


    No formal diplomatic relations have been established yet, only a personal relationship with Jin.


    Therefore, after the wedding party, Jin and Erza flew to the north in <> to pay their respects.


    "I was going to come back in a day, but I was held up."


    "Well, I guess so."


    Saki knows this because she once spent a few days in the demon territory when she went looking for the skin of an ancient dragon.


    They were greatly indebted to Jin, and their trust in him was very high.


    "Kuhu, then tell me what happened.


    "Oh, I want to hear it too!


    I''d love to hear what happened."


    Hannah and Vivian came over to listen.


    "We want to hear it too!"


    Marcia and Rodrigo came too.


    "Why don''t we listen to them over a cup of tea after dinner?


    Martha said, and they all nodded their heads and hurriedly swallowed the bread and sandwiches they were about to eat.


    They finish the juice they were about to drink, say <>, and lunch is over.


    The maid golems cleaned up the mess, and cold sencha (green tea) was brought to us instead.


    The temperature outside was 33 degrees Celsius (33 degrees Fahrenheit), and inside the ship was air-conditioned at about 27 degrees Celsius (27 degrees Fahrenheit), but still, the cold tea was very special.


    "Well then, where shall we start?


    Jin took a sip of his tea and opened his mouth again.


    "On September 6, after the party in the Kingdom of Franz, we have fulfilled our obligations to each country, but we have not informed the demon tribe yet, so I decided to go and report to them after discussing it with Elsa.


    "Yes. The after party in the Kingdom of Franz was really a small one and I was not too tired, so I decided to go and greet them the next day.


    Elsa took over Jin''s words and explained.


    "I did so, and I was welcomed with open arms. What was supposed to be a one-day trip turned into an overnight stay.


    "So tell me more about that."


    Vivienne asks curiously.


    "I know what you mean."


    Jin nodded and began to speak slowly.

 1184 - - 32-02 September 7th Greetings to the Magic Territories

    "Well, let''s get going."


    "Nope."


    Edgar becomes the pilot, and Jin and Erza decide to go to the demon territory in to pay their respects.


    Of course, they are accompanied by Reiko. They loaded up a lot of commemorative koban as gifts, and some other cargo for trade.


    .


    The old lord saw them off and they set off for the north.


    If they flew at about 500 km/h, they could reach there in one hour.


    There is a time difference of about three hours, which means that although they left at 10:00 a.m., they arrived at 8:00 a.m. local time.


    First, we need to get to the < clan.


    "Jin!"


    Zion was the first one to come running up to as it landed.


    "Hello, Xiong, it''s been a long time."


    "Yes, it''s been a while. By the way, ......"


    "Jin-dono!��Is this the airship?


    Yes, it can fly!


    Bardius and Radeous, who had come running breathlessly after Theon, were wide-eyed as they saw the for the first time.


    It was not surprising since they had only arrived in the demon territory with .


    <, the clansmen gathered one after another.


    Almost everyone had gathered.


    Jin took this as a good opportunity,


    "It''s been a while, everyone.


    He decided to use it as an opportunity to say hello.


    "Well, I''m here to report that ...... myself and Erza got married.


    There was a big gasp.


    "Jin, Erza, congratulations!


    The first to speak up was Zion.


    "Congratulations!


    Istaris was next.


    "Congratulations! I congratulate you."


    Then Bardius. Radeous says...


    "Congratulations!��...... ah."


    Maricka says.


    "Congratulations!


    < clan congratulated Jin and Erza.


    Marikka said, "Congratulations!


    "Once again, congratulations on your marriage.


    The couple moved to the village of the < clan, where Jin and Erza were congratulated once again at the clan leader''s house.


    I''m going to go and greet the other clans now," he said,


    "We have already contacted the other clans, and I am sure the representatives will be here soon.


    Bardius replied, "I have already contacted the other clans.


    "The other day, I received a manaphone. We are now able to communicate with all the clans.


    Radeous explained that the <> clans had given them out to all the clans.


    "That''s very convenient, isn''t it?"


    Since the clans are small in size, the <> for each clan is sufficient for information transmission.


    I''m sure most of the clans will be here this evening.


    "I see.


    Jin had planned to just say hello and leave by the end of the day, but it looked like he might have to stay overnight, so he prepared to stay longer.


    "Mr. Jin, if you have time, why don''t you take a look around the farm?"


    Lorona, the agricultural manager, made a proposal.


    Jin agreed without hesitation.


    "Oh, that sounds great. I''ll have a look."


    Immediately, he takes Elsa, Reiko, and Edgar outside.


    "We had a good crop this winter, thanks to the frost protection and the greenhouse.


    "That''s good to hear."


    "So, this year we have added more legumes.


    Many of the beans have rhizobium symbiosis in their roots, and they are self-sufficient in nitrogen fertilizer.


    Therefore, if they are used well, they can fertilize the soil.


    "We plan to cut it down, leaving the roots, and plant leafy vegetables."


    This is useful, since nitrogen fertilizer helps the leaves to grow. Lorona was taking full advantage of her agricultural knowledge.


    "Soon it will be time for the greenhouse."


    <>, which do not like the rain.


    When it gets cold, the walls will be closed and the greenhouse will be used as a greenhouse.


    "The food situation has improved. We are now self-sufficient.


    So the next step is to improve the quality.


    Yes, that''s right.


    For now, Jin is buying cubic zirconia, which he can then use to buy various goods from other countries in the subregion.


    These include food and crop seeds and seedlings, and it seemed that the food problem would be completely solved in a few years.


    "Now all we need is formal diplomatic relations. ......"


    Jin has no idea at the moment what to do about that.


    "I guess there''s no need to rush."


    As long as the demons can live peacefully, they do not seem to have any major complaints about their current lives.


    "We can start by solving the mystery of the distribution of free magical elements (ether)..."


    If we know why there is more free ether in the northern hemisphere and less in the southern hemisphere, we may be able to take countermeasures.


    Then, the demons would be able to live further south.


    (It is said that humans do not live in the southern continent.)


    In any case, it is just a matter of time.


    Jin hopes to find a clue to solve the mystery of the distribution of free magical element (ether) on his honeymoon.


    * * * *


    As expected of the demon tribe, representatives from all the clans gathered that night, regardless of the distance.


    It seems that those who could use transfer magic cooperated with them.


    "Congratulations, Jin-sama!


    "Congratulations, Erza-sama!"


    Jin and Erza received congratulations from the representatives of the clans that had gathered.


    Most of them were handmade mascots. It seems to be a custom of the demon clans.


    Jin likes dolls like this, so he is frankly happy.


    He is even thinking of building a special shelf in his room on Horai Island.


    The party is about to start.


    "We don''t have much trouble finding food these days," he says.


    "I''ve been sick less and less.


    We also hear about recent developments in the various clans. Jin was happy to hear that everyone seemed to be enjoying a stable lifestyle.


    The party went on until late at night, and the next day Jin and Erza returned to Horai Island, feeling sleep deprived, to make final preparations for their honeymoon.

 1185 - - 32-03 September 9th Travel Day 1 Battle begins

    "It''s like ......."


    "Hmm, so you live ...... and your diet has improved. Good, good, good."


    Saki said happily. She knew some people in the demon territory, so she was happy to hear that they were living peacefully.


    "Onii-chan, isn''t the name <> wrong in the first place?"


    Hannah, who had been silently listening to me, said what came to her mind.


    "What?��......Oh, I see. < has a bad image, doesn''t it?


    They are genetically the same as humans, with the only difference being that they have a strong bloodline.


    "Maybe we should make them <> or something like that. ......"


    Jin mutters. I don''t know about that name, but I understand what he is trying to say, so we all nodded our heads in silence.


    At that time.


    was announced in the ship.


    <


    "Death Serpents? ......"


    Marcia frowned.


    <


    "I heard that it sometimes wanders in from the north on the ocean currents."


    Goose muttered.


    "You know a lot!"


    Saki was impressed,


    "I''ve done a lot of research," said Goose.


    Goose said.


    "Are they coming this way?"


    This is Rodrigo.


    <


    "That''s not good, Jin!"


    Marcia shouted.


    "I guess..."


    Jin thought for a moment and then gave his orders.


    "Alright, order the escorting cruiser < to take care of it."


    >


    "Yes, please."


    <


    The special cruisers < and are escorted by four cruisers <<<<>, guarding the front, right and left flanks.


    Among them, <, which was guarding the right wing, left its original position and changed course to the right, i.e., to the west.


    The right wing of the ship, which is guarding the right wing, left its original position and turned right, or west.


    "Oh, I see it, I see it!"


    A part of the wall of the dining hall where Jin and the others were standing was a , and it projected the ocean.


    <


    It is movable, so it looks as if you are looking at the sea from the bridge. No, it is more than that, since it can zoom in.


    <, there are seven of them in total.


    The air force is also escorting Jin and the others, which is especially reassuring in times like this.


    >.


    Jin thought that the term "battle speed" means the speed for combat, which is determined for each fleet .......


    The term comes from Jin, who learned it from the anime.


    Aside from that, the cruiser < headed west at about 60 kilometers per hour. The distance would be covered in five minutes.


    "It''s definitely the Death Serpent!


    Jin and the others looked at the Magic Screen and saw seven Death Serpents.


    "Jin, are you sure you can handle one ship?"


    Saki asked a little worried.


    "Yes, of course. The cruiser is not expecting a Death Sea Serpent, but a Sea Dragon that will eat them.


    Yes, I know that, but...


    Look, the attack has begun.


    * * * *


    <


    It turns 90 degrees to face <>.


    < was in danger, he raised his sickle and unleashed one of the largest magical attacks he could muster.


    It was a tidal wave of water-based magic.


    A tidal wave over 40 meters high hits .


    However, <, which was built to counter the sea-dwelling demons, uses its <> to float in the air.


    At a height of 100 meters, even a <> is ineffective.


    The magical wave quickly subsides, and <> lands on the sea.


    The <> raised its scythe again, aiming at it.


    However, the Tidal Wave is not a magic that can be used many times, even by the Death Serpent.


    The one that flew at <> was <>, an intermediate level of water magic.


    However, that much can be easily prevented by the <>.


    The continuous use of magic required even the Death Serpent to pause for a moment, and just as it was about to dive into the water, ''s secondary weapon, the , was called into action.


    <


    The main gun of a cruiser is mounted on the deck and cannot be aimed lower than the horizontal.


    However, the secondary cannon is an armament to attack the enemy underwater.


    The basic type is the <. There are several types of shells that can be fired.


    The one fired this time was a <, a shell that causes an explosion as soon as it touches the surface of the water.


    The explosion is not a gunpowder explosion, but an explosion based on <>, so there is no heat generated, but a pure shockwave is produced.


    The distance between the two is about 500 meters, and there is no sign of their being separated.


    The Death Serpent is knocked unconscious by the explosion that occurs above his head as he is about to dive. It floats helplessly on the surface of the sea.


    A second shot is fired at it.


    This time, too, it explodes. <


    Oh!


    Oh!


    "Wow!"


    < exclaim in amazement.


    The old man in command of the fleet explains the situation.


    "Yes.


    The current attack is too slow for Jin, who knows what kind of armaments are being used.


    "Ah, that makes sense."


    <


    Therefore, they do not use it except in an emergency.


    There is also the , a very powerful version of the engineering magic to lure fish out to sea, but this also affects the fish and is not to be used except in an emergency.


    In the first place, < and are more suitable for underwater enemies than cruisers.


    In this case, the battle was conducted with a single ship, the <, as a test case in considering the operation of a cruiser.


    If Jin''s ship <> had been attacked, she would have been destroyed with all her strength, but in this sea area, there was no one to be harmed except for the fish swimming around her.


    The commander-in-chief, , was leading this battle as an opportunity to conduct a valuable field test.

 1186 - - 32-04 September 9th Travel Day 1 End of Day 1

    "...... is overwhelming, isn''t it?"


    <


    "Hey Jin, is the sea full of demons like that?"


    Martha, who had been staring at the screen silently for a long time, opened her mouth.


    "No, we rarely encounter them on the coast.


    The demons that live in the sea eat mostly fish. They do not like shallow water, so they seldom come to the coast.


    "But it is rare for one to wander into the area, so you can never be too careful."


    The Death Sea Serpent that once appeared in Potrock was such an individual.


    "I see. I''ve seen and heard so many unusual things. I never thought I''d experience anything like this at my age."


    Martha said with a soft smile.


    "I don''t want Hannah to see too many cruel scenes. ...... I''ve seen enough, let''s destroy them all at once."


    <


    <


    Using them, they annihilate the ship in one fell swoop.


    It is hard to tell from the screen what is going on, but it seems that the last one has been exterminated as well.


    "So there is no more threat to the kingdom of Elias now, is there?


    "Yes, that''s right. Jin, thank you.


    Jin mutters something and Marcia agrees with him.


    "Jin-dono, are you going to keep the Death Serpent as a material?"


    Rodrigo asked.


    "Yes, indeed. It would be a waste and we should let them retrieve it. Let''s go to ...... and ask him to do it for us.


    Jin instructed the old man.


    He looked at the screen and saw that the Mermaid team had jumped on the Death Serpent and started to dismantle it.


    It seemed that they were collecting the blood as well, so the sea was not stained with blood, and in about 10 minutes, the Death Serpent became material.


    .


    "Thank you very much. Please tell the Mermaid Unit."


    After having thanked the old man for his work, Jin looked out of the window at the sky.


    The time was 2:00 p.m. The sky was blue. The sky was blue.


    "Well, what shall we do for the rest of the night?


    As Jin said this, Hannah raised her hand.


    "I want to swim in the sea!


    "In the sea. ......"


    As one would expect, swimming in the open sea seems a bit dangerous.


    "Well, there might be some danger around here, so I don''t think we should. We''ll probably reach an island somewhere in a couple of days, and then we can go swimming.


    I gave her a good reason and she agreed.


    "Yes, I understand."


    Jin was relieved to hear that Hannah understood him.


    (Come to think of it, luxury cruise ships have swimming pools. ......)


    It was ironic that he could not swim in the middle of the ocean. After all these years, Hitoshi now realized why cruise ships have swimming pools.


    "Well, what are we going to do ...... then?


    Jin suggested taking a walk on the ocean in the that came along as an escort,


    "Yes!


    "That''s a good idea."


    Everyone, including Hannah, agrees.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The is a series of destroyers.


    < series was developed as a destroyer and boasts a top speed of 150 kilometers per hour thanks to its magical water propulsion system, the Magi Water Jet.


    <, it can even fly for short periods of time.


    The 10-seater is currently piloted by Marin 541, with Jin, Erza, Hanna, Marcia, Rodrigo, Saki, and Goose on board.


    Jin was wearing a life vest and was taking care of the safety of the passengers.


    "Wow, it''s fast!


    Hannah was so excited.


    "This is just amazing!


    Marcia has also completely removed her helmet.


    "A three-hulled boat can go this fast. ...... Jin-dono is amazing!"


    Rodrigo was beyond impressed.


    "But how I wish I could have seen that Death Serpent up close.


    "I''d rather not, though."


    Goose looked a little disappointed and Saki unusually refused.


    Despite a few waves, <> returned to <> after a 30-minute cruise.


    Jin and his crew were brought on board by crane, and <> returned to escort duty.


    "Oh, that was fun."


    "Welcome home. "Oh, that was fun." "Welcome home.


    Hannah returns to the deck with a big smile on her face. Martha welcomed her grandson with a big smile.


    "I''m home, Martha."


    "Welcome home, Jin. Thanks for babysitting.


    No, I had a good time too. I''ve been having a lot of fun. ...... Would you like to join us next time, Martha?"


    But Martha shakes her head.


    I don''t think so. I''d rather chat with Meane and the others."


    "I see. ....... But if you ever want to try a small boat, just let me know.


    "Oh, thank you. I''m going to go to ...... now."


    Martha turned around as if she had just remembered something.


    "Hey, what can I do for you?"


    Martha smiled at Jin''s question.


    "Yes, I promised Vivienne that I would teach her the cuisine of the village of Kaina.


    < has a kitchen where the five colored golem maids on board prepare meals, but of course passengers can also cook their own meals.


    Of course, passengers can also prepare their own meals, especially if they want to enjoy it.


    Martha and Vivienne were looking forward to seeing what kind of dishes they would prepare for us in Kaina Village.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "This is delicious!


    "Oh, Hannah, I made that.


    Having lived alone for a long time, Vivienne''s cooking skills are reasonably good, if not quite good.


    This time, under Martha''s guidance, she made Kaina village-style barley porridge and bacon and eggs with mountain deer bacon.


    In addition, the cold tometru soup with tometru (tomato), marnegi (onion), and carrot (carrot), a dish from Vivian''s hometown in Korin, Kingdom of Selroa, was also a hit.


    Everyone was satisfied with the meal and looked out the dining room window at the setting sky and the sea.


    "...... is beautiful."


    "Yeah, it''s beautiful."


    The orange sky, the setting red sun, and the sparkling surface of the sea.


    Everyone was entranced by these sights that can only be seen on the sea.


    And when the sun set, the sky was full of falling stars.


    Jin and Erza refuse to join the others and return to , leaving the two of them alone.


    To be precise, there is a golem in charge of running the ship, Reiko and Edgar, but they do not disturb Jin and Erza.


    "You''re quiet."


    "Hmm."


    The only sound is the sound of the ship breaking through the waves. It is quiet because the speed is reduced to less than half at night.


    The sea is calm and you can hardly feel it.


    Just like on a honeymoon, Jin and Elsa enjoy their time together to their heart''s content.

 1187 - - 32-05 September 10th, 2nd day of travel

    The morning of the second day was also clear. However, the blue of the sky seemed to be whitish compared to yesterday.


    The air seemed to be a little more humid.


    This may be due to the fact that we are approaching the equator.


    The morning passed uneventfully, and just before noon, Reinhardt showed his face.


    "Hello, Jin.


    "Welcome, Reinhardt.


    "I''ve got some time to kill, so I thought I''d check in on you."


    Reinhardt stood at the bow of the Edo, staring out at the open sea.


    "No, this is a great view!��The horizon is to the right and to the left. We are truly in the middle of the sea.


    Because of the lack of established celestial navigation systems, ships in this world generally do not go so far out to sea that they cannot see land. Only Jin can see such a view.


    "I love it. I wish I could stay on the boat forever, but I have work to do.


    After enjoying the comfort of the for an hour or so, Reinhardt left with regret.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "It''s time to change course to the west.


    The << honeymoon fleet>, which had been heading southward, southwest to be exact, was now south of the Potrock and close to the equator.


    From here, a course to the west would take them to an as yet unnamed archipelago.


    "Kuhu, we''re finally going to reach an unexplored island, aren''t we?"


    Saki said with a twinkle in her eye.


    "Yeah, I''m looking forward to it!��I''ll never be bored when I''m with you, Jin!


    Goose, standing next to Saki, also looks happy.


    And that was the feeling of all the members of the group.


    "But Jin, are you sure about the concentration of free magical element (ether)?


    Erza said a little worriedly.


    "Yes, it''s fine for now.


    We have been navigating while recording the distribution of free ether, and the rate of decrease has been slow so far.


    "Maybe there is a line somewhere where the rate of decrease is too rapid."


    "...... are you okay?"


    Jin explains, trying to reassure Erza, who is now even more worried.


    "The four cruisers surrounding us are less vulnerable to the reduction of free magical element (ether) than the <> <> and >, so we don''t have to worry as long as they can sail."


    Even if that happens, the cruisers can leave with their emergency magi crystals, Jin adds.


    We are not going to sacrifice any of our ships.


    "I understand. I''m relieved.


    By the way, Mr. and Mrs. Toa will probably join us in the evening.


    Jin said to Elsa as they stood on the deck looking out to sea.


    They were unable to join us from the first day, not because of ......, but rather because the emperor had seen the report that Toa had written about Mitsuho during their recent visit and had personally asked her to join us.


    "She said she was going to leave there in the afternoon."


    The time difference between the waters where the < is currently located and the capital of the Shoro Empire, Leusert, is about two and a half hours.


    If it is 1:00 p.m. in Loisart, it is about 3:30 p.m. here.


    "It''s going to be lively again. I''m looking forward to it.


    "It''s going to be fun. I''d love to hear what you''ve seen in Mitsuho.


    "I agree."


    "Hey, Onii-chan!"


    Just then he heard Hannah''s voice.


    Jin turned around and saw Hannah waving at him from the bridge.


    "It''s time for tea!"


    "Okay. I''m coming."


    Waving back, Jin replied.


    "...... will not be boring on this trip, will it?


    "Yes."


    Elsa nodded as she took Jin''s arm as they walked away.


    "I think we''ll be able to see the island tomorrow."


    Sipping his tea, Jin began to explain.


    The location was the bridge.


    The only reason why he was drinking tea in such a place was because of the good view.


    In a world where there is a horizon, the higher the height, the better it is to see as far as possible, so the bridge is built at a high place.


    In the case of the Horaijima, the long-range search and rescue is handled by the air force and satellites, so the height is not so important, but the view from the bridge, which is about 15 meters high, is still very special.


    Of course, the bridges of <> and <>, which are <>, have been furnished so that such a tea party can be held.


    "<> have observed that we will reach the first island in about 300 kilometers."


    At cruising speed, it will take six hours to reach the first island, but at night speed will be reduced to half of that to avoid danger.


    "I''ll try to make some adjustments so that we can see the island tomorrow morning."


    "d*mn, I''m not going to be able to sleep for this!"


    Saki shouted after hearing Jin''s explanation.


    "I guess so. I''m looking forward to tomorrow.


    Goose was also excited.


    "Yeah, I guess we''ve come at the right time."


    "Yeah, it really is. I''m looking forward to it."


    I turned around to see Toa and Stearina standing there.


    "You''re early."


    It was exactly three o''clock in the afternoon.


    "Yes, I was already prepared and they told me I didn''t need to bring a lot of luggage.


    Stearina smiled.


    "So ...... will get you to the first island tomorrow morning?"


    Stearina confirmed as she sat down next to Elsa.


    "Yes, that''s the plan.


    "Yeah, I''m glad I could make it."


    At any rate, now that all the available members were present, Jin began to explain the plan again.


    "Well, anyway, you should be able to see the island tomorrow morning. First, the Mermaid and Stream teams will approach. The Raptors will be in the air. We will check for natives and any dangerous animals or demons.


    By that time, he says, and should be anchored very close to the island.


    In fact, we have already done our homework and know that there is no great danger. However, just in case, they want to check again before going ashore.


    "We are not going on an expedition this time, so even if we go ashore, we don''t intend to go too far from the shore.


    "Kuhu, it''s Jin and Erza''s honeymoon to begin with, isn''t it?


    "Yeah, that''s true.


    "The shore alone will be fun!"


    "I don''t appreciate recklessness, you know.


    Saki agreed, Goose nodded, Hannah was excited, and Martha expressed her opinion calmly.


    "If it comes down to it, we can use the barrier function of the bracelets."


    The old man could also remotely set up a barrier, so the danger level was much lower.


    After that, we took some more precautions and talked about what we would like to do when we arrived at the island, and the day was over.


    "Ah, what an eerie sunset!


    "......"


    The sunset that day was somewhat poisonous, with the clouds turning reddish-black in color.

 1188 - - 32-06 September 11th Travel Day 3 Rainy Morning

    Raindrops fell from the leaden sky.


    The wind was creating white, foaming waves, and the surface of the sea was undulating, tossing the floats about.


    Observations from <<<< watchers suggest that this rain cloud will pass in about half a day.


    <.


    "Well, there are days like this.


    "Yesterday''s sunset was a bit toxic, maybe because there were clouds in the west.


    "We came all this way, but we can''t see anything because of the bad weather. Disappointing.


    It was Bina who was grumbling like that.


    "Oh well. It''s supposed to clear up in the afternoon.


    Hitoshi soothes her.


    "Yeah, I guess so."


    Bina leans back in her chair. Her body finally seems to relax.


    Then Licia comes in.


    "Hello everyone, it''s been a while. Mr. Jin, thank you for inviting us today.


    Licia bowed deeply at the entrance of the cafeteria.


    "Hi, Licia."


    Jin greeted her lightly and Licia walked up to him,


    Jin-san and Erza-san, thank you for inviting us.


    She bowed deeply.


    "Well, enough with the formal greetings, please have a seat.


    "Yes, thank you very much.


    "It''s raining here, isn''t it?


    It''s raining, but it was fine out there.


    Reinhard and Bertsche also arrived.


    This meant that all the members except for Milowina were now present.


    The first thing to do was to meet in the cafeteria.


    "Well, according to the images from the <>, the rain clouds that are causing this rain are supposed to break up around noon. So we just have to be patient a little longer.


    Jin explains to Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt and Licia who have just arrived.


    "So, I think we should just pass the time until noon, especially those who are usually busy. Especially those who are usually busy.


    With these words, he looked at Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt, Licia, and Count and Countess Kuzma in turn.


    "Oh, yes. I have a little problem that I was wondering if you could help me with. I''d like to ask you all for some advice. ......."


    Reinhardt opened his mouth a little hesitantly.


    "Is something troubling you?"


    Jin asked and Reinhardt shook his head.


    "No, it''s not that I''m in trouble. I''m ...... hmmm... but I''m a little troubled?"


    "You, that kind of language won''t get through to the Djinns. Please explain in more detail.


    Reinhardt seemed to have made up his mind after being rebuked by Bertsche.


    "Uh-huh, okay."


    He thought for a moment and then spoke again.


    "It''s hot on this ship, but the season is heading toward autumn.


    Reinhardt started off with a preamble.


    "It gets quite cold in the village of Kaltz, my home village, in the winter," he said.


    "Yes, that''s true."


    Saki, our neighbor, agreed.


    "I''d like to think of a winter plan for the villagers while we''re at it. ......"


    Jin thought that it must have been difficult for even Reinhardt to ask for advice on how to deal with the cold weather in this hot environment.


    "Yes, we are heading into the cold season, aren''t we?"


    Licia agreed.


    I guessed that Licia, Hannah, and Martha were the only members of the group who lived in a region with cold winters, besides Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt.


    The climate in the Blue Lands is mild enough that there is no snow in winter, and Potrock is warmer.


    But..,


    But the winter cold is hard on them.


    Bina, who lived in poverty with her younger siblings, seemed to understand this feeling.


    "It''s a good idea to protect yourself from the cold in winter. Let''s talk about it until noon.


    Bina said and looked around at the faces of the assembled members. And no one objected.


    Everyone likes this kind of consultation and meeting.


    "Onii-chan put white mica on the window, didn''t she!"


    Hannah was the first to speak up.


    She put a plate of highly transparent mica (moschovite) she found in the mountains in the window instead of glass.


    This allows sunlight to enter the room and keeps the warm air out.


    "Mica or ......"


    Reinhardt looks at me with a difficult face. He knows of its existence, but the Shoro Kingdom does not produce much of it.


    "But glass is expensive," he says.


    Whether it is made by magical engineers or in a factory, there is no doubt that it costs a lot.


    "If it''s going to cost a lot anyway, why don''t we use <>?"


    Saki shows a direction.


    He suggests that we should put a thinly stretched board or sheet of GSP on the window.


    The image is that of transparent vinyl. Although the strength and heat resistance are not as good as those of GSP. Once put up, it would last for more than 100 years.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Reinhardt pondered.


    If we don''t mind the initial cost, the price per year should be quite low, assuming it will last for 100 years. In fact, the window frames might not even last.


    "We could import glass from Mitsho for a little while longer..."


    Guth says.


    Mitsuho has a manufacturing plant for what is commonly referred to as . Eventually, with the exchange of technology, it will be possible for the Shoro Empire and the Lesser Kommunities to produce glass at low cost, but that day has not yet come.


    "Reinhard, what about the threads of the subterranean spiders brought by Tenkunhan, though they are not as good as those from Horai Island?"


    Once, there was a row involving Goose.


    "Well, the unit price is not so good ...... and the technology to make transparent sheets is not so common yet."


    "Oh, I see. ....... "Oh, well, it''s a difficult thing, isn''t it?


    "But I think it''s meaningful to make products that benefit the general public."


    Jin interrupted. He then turned to Bina.


    "Hey, Bina..."


    "Yes, I think so. Yes, I wish I could be like that.


    Jin remembers helping Beena in the past at the Blue Lands, building lighters, water heaters, and refrigerators.


    "That was fun, wasn''t it?"


    "Yeah?��...... I did. It''s thanks to you that I met Mr. Lewis.


    After reminiscing a bit about the old days, Jin makes a proposal.


    "Then, a portable stove would be a good idea, wouldn''t it?


    "A portable stove?


    "Yeah, it means movable.


    "Movable...... means it''s not stationary or built-in, right?"


    "Yes. For example, you can put it in the dining room when you eat and take it to your bedroom when you sleep. ......


    "That''s a great use for only one!"


    "Yes, yes. If you have a wealthy family, you can have several of them.


    As Jin exchanged these words with Bina, he remembered his time in the Blue Lands.

 1189 - - 32-07 September 11th Travel Day 3 New Product Development

    Suddenly, Jin felt a gaze.


    Looking to the side, he saw Erza staring at him with a slightly puffy face.


    "Well, what do you think of these tools, Erza?"


    It was a terse line, but Elsa put her puffy face back on and opened her mouth.


    "Are you worried about a fire?"


    "Yes, I''m sure that''s a concern."


    When laundry is hung on the stove to dry, it is fine when it is wet, but when it is dry and light, there is a concern that a slight breeze ...... or updraft caused by the heat from the stove will cause the hangers to slip off and fall on the stove, causing a fire. The hanger may slip off and fall on the stove, causing a fire.


    Those of us who have heard of such accidents with the old-fashioned <> must be cautious here.


    "Martha, Hannah, what do you think?"


    Jin asks the two who can imagine the benefits of such a <.


    "Well, yes, if we had such a thing, we might cook with it.


    "In winter, it''s hard to dry clothes, so we hang them inside the room too.


    "I knew it. ......"


    Jin thought about it.


    For a moment, silence reigned in the room. Not a single sound was made so as not to disturb Jin''s contemplation.


    Then Jin slowly looked up and opened his mouth.


    "I think I can do it if I don''t get greedy.


    "Really?��Jin, I''d like to hear your thoughts. I''ve got a few ideas of my own.


    Reinhardt said smiling.


    "Okay, here we go. ...... Well, I was thinking that we could heat the room without using a lot of heat."


    Engineering magic<. If you control it well, you can regulate the temperature.


    If the temperature is not high enough to cause ignition, but only about 60 degrees Celsius, for example, fires can be avoided.


    "But you can''t use it for cooking, though."


    Most of the oil stoves Jin knew could be used for cooking with a kettle or pot on top, but that was a double-edged sword.


    If you can boil water, there is a possibility of starting a fire.


    "I see. That''s a very Gin-like idea."


    Tell me what you''ve come up with, Reinhardt.


    "Yeah. ...... I was thinking that we could add a function to detect overheating."


    "We could turn off the heat when it gets to a temperature where it could catch fire," Reinhardt said.


    "That''s a good idea. The downside is that the unit cost would be higher."


    Reinhard nodded at Jin''s criticism.


    "That''s true."


    "I see. That''s a good point.


    Stearina looked pleased.


    "I see that both of your ideas have their own advantages and disadvantages. I guess that if you want more functionality, the cost goes up, and if you want less cost, the functionality is limited. ......


    "Well, yes. Well, it can be solved to a certain extent by making some improvements, but fundamentally it is difficult to do so.


    It is even more difficult because the functions may conflict with each other.


    The two functions of preventing a fire and cooking are usually not possible at the same time.


    If we try to make them work, it is inevitable that the complexity will increase and the cost will rise.


    "Martha, Hannah, which one should I put first?"


    "Well, I guess. We already have the tools to cook in the first place, so what does it matter if we can''t cook?


    "Fire is dangerous!


    In a sense, the two representatives of the common people were in agreement.


    "We clean while drying the laundry, and cook while doing the laundry. If someone stays with you all the time, it would be good to be able to boil and cook.


    Martha added.


    "I see. Thank you, Martha. That''s very helpful.


    Reinhard thanked Martha. This kind of opinion from another point of view is welcome, even if it is not Reinhardt''s. "I''m glad to hear your opinion," Martha says.


    "...... is good for this kind of thing."


    Bina said.


    "Until I met Jin, I was alone. Now that I''ve met Master Luis, I''m not alone anymore. But when I''m working on magical engineering, I''m still alone.


    "Beena ......"


    Jin was speechless at this unexpected monologue.


    "Oh, I understand. Developing alone is free and carefree, but sometimes it can be lonely. It''s lonely when you don''t have someone to talk to, someone to ask ......."


    Stearina agreed with Bina''s words.


    "Hmmm... I guess that''s the way it is. It''s the same with research, I guess.


    Toa casually hugged Stearina''s shoulder.


    Marcia seemed to agree,


    "Yes, I agree. Being alone ...... has its good and bad sides, but I think it''s better not to be alone.


    He said as if muttering to himself.


    "Well, let''s get back to the topic."


    We were getting a little sidetracked, so Jin rejoined the discussion.


    "So, I guess that would be for safety."


    "Eaakon?"


    Someone asked back, as if not understanding a word Jin had just uttered.


    "Oh. It stands for <>, also called <>. In short, it is a device that regulates air, that is, temperature and humidity.


    "I see, <>. In other words, to make it warm when it''s cold and cool when it''s hot.


    Reinhard nodded and said. Jin affirmed that he was right.


    "So, the wind would be more efficient?"


    Erza said. Certainly, if the heat source is not high temperature, natural convection cannot be expected.


    It would be better to generate airflow to circulate the air, just like air conditioners in home appliances.


    "Well, then, it should face downward to heat and upward to cool!"


    "What, Hannah?"


    "Because warm air goes up and cold air goes down, isn''t that better?"


    "No, that''s right, but..."


    Jin is impressed by the fact that Hannah is taking scientific knowledge into her own hands.


    Jin wondered if a modern Japanese elementary school student could make the same kind of decision as Hannah.


    After about an hour of discussion, the concept of <> was completed.


    It is about the size of a household fan heater.


    The air conditioner can switch between cooling and heating, with the air blowing upward for cooling and downward for heating.


    It is not possible to control the temperature, but it is possible to adjust the relative temperature, such as <><>.


    The air volume is also infinitely adjustable from low to high.


    The most important feature of this product is that it can be supplied at a low price.


    It works with Magi Stones instead of Magi Crystals, and one standard Magi Stone can be used for about one month (10 hours of operation per day). .


    "I didn''t know there was such a way to conserve magic power."


    "Ah, as expected of Jin!"


    "That''s what I''d expect from a Magecraft Meister!"


    It''s the result of eliminating the effect of the <> magic used in the air blowing part to eliminate the recoil.


    To complicate matters, normal wind magic has no recoil. This means that no matter how strong the wind is, you will not feel any recoil.


    This is because the effect of canceling recoil works automatically, and if this effect is removed, the consumption of mana can be dramatically reduced instead of feeling the recoil.


    <


    Let me digress.


    The recoil of a blast of air is not enough to move the main body, and by not canceling the recoil, the consumption of mana was reduced to one-third of its original amount.


    At the same time, <><>, by narrowing the temperature range, the consumption of mana could be reduced to half.


    This will make it a magic tool that even ordinary people can afford.


    "Why don''t we distribute it to various countries as the <>?"


    Guth says with an idea.


    "Yeah, that might be a good idea!"


    Reinhardt agrees,


    "Certainly, it would be a good idea to start up the as a proof of reliability.


    Licia also agreed.


    Thus, it is up to Jin and the others to decide whether or not the <> will be introduced to the world after this .......


    By the way.


    (Actually, we wanted to popularize <>, but it''s difficult to do so without Japanese-style architecture. ......)


    ), Jin was secretly disappointed.

 1190 - - 32-08 September 11th Travel Day 3 After Rain, Clear

    "It''s sunny, everyone!"


    As Jin and the others were talking about the Kunlun brand, Meane looked out the window and shouted.


    "Oh!


    "It''s so clear, so clear!"


    Hearing her voice, everyone looked outside and sure enough, the rain had stopped, blue skies peeked out, and the sun was shining down.


    "Perfect timing, isn''t it?"


    Jin said, and everyone agreed.


    "Well then, it''s a good time, let''s have lunch. We should be approaching the island soon.


    "Kuhu, I agree."


    "I agree!"


    Saki was the first to express his approval, followed slightly later by the other members.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Lunch was sandwiches, and everyone was anxious to eat them in a hurry.


    The first to finish eating went out on deck.


    "Oh, I see it, I see it!


    They could see a small shadow of an island ahead of them.


    As they watched, it gradually grew larger.


    Then the old man''s voice echoed.


    "Let''s go."


    "Okay."


    Hearing this, the members hurried to the bridge.


    "One, two, three!"


    Hannah is the first to arrive at the bridge. Then Marcia. Licia and Goose followed.


    Finally, Martha arrives and everyone is present.


    The old man''s voice rings out, and a map is projected on a large magic screen.


    There were six islands, large and small.


    <>


    "Well, if there are six, why don''t we call them the Pleiades?


    The Pleiades is the name of a constellation, known in Japan as the Subaru.


    The Pleiades are the seven sisters in Greek mythology, but for some reason there are only six bright stars in the constellation.


    In Japan, they used to call them .


    Surprisingly, Jin likes such stories.


    "Oh, the myth of your hometown, Jin. You should have told me that earlier!


    Vivian bites my hand. She seemed to be interested in the myths of other worlds.


    He chides Vivian that he''ll get around to it, and names the islands of the Pleiades.


    "Let''s see... ...... Electra, Taygeta, Atlas, Merope, Maia, Alcyone."


    Interesting names.


    "Indeed. I''m intrigued by Jin''s homeland.


    Vivian and Goose said something like that,


    "I thought it was tasteful, even for Jin''s brother.


    Elsa said, "That''s terrible.


    "That''s terrible!"


    Jin protests with a wry smile, but inwardly, he is not so sure,


    (It''s a good thing I didn''t make it ...... Firth Island, Sekan Island, or Sir Island ......)


    (I''m glad I didn''t make Firth Island, Sekan Island, Sir Island, etc.).


    <


    The Mermaid, Stream, and Raptor units that preceded us surveyed the island.


    <


    "Southern island" means Hamir Island or Aof Island. I have been to Hamil Island.


    Rodrigo adds to Marcia''s words.


    "There is a tree there that produces black sap that can cause a rash if you touch it.


    "What? ......?"


    Saki frowned.


    "Is that the poison ivy tree?"


    "It might be."


    Jin answered Saki''s question.


    "If we find it, I''ll have Golem take a sample."


    "Well, that''s a relief."


    This is the fun part of being on an uncharted island.


    "Maybe there are some rare ores here!


    Toa said with a pleased expression on his face.


    <


    "Oh, yes, I''m sorry. Please continue."


    The old man resumes his report, which had been interrupted by the high-spirited conversation among the members.


    If we replace the free magical element (ether) with oxygen concentration, we may be able to imagine whether the 10% reduction is large or small. It is about the same burden as that of going to the top of a high mountain by a ropeway.


    "It''s nice to be free of demons."


    <<< Yes. The usual beasts, even large ones, are about one meter in length. Birds and small insects are also abundant.


    "Are there insects or ...... blood-sucking ones?"


    Malaria and dengue fever are the first diseases that come to mind when one thinks of insect-borne diseases in the south.


    <<< Yes. There are insects that resemble mosquitoes, so you will need to take precautions>>


    "Yes. ......"


    For this, we have prepared a weak barrier that can protect against insects and small animals by applying the Sterilize Barrier that we have made for Milowina.


    At the same time, it is also effective against pathogens, so it will be able to prevent unknown febrile diseases.


    "You may feel a little uncomfortable with the warding. ......"


    Jin explains. The fact that it can keep out small animals means that it is a physical barrier.


    "Think of it like wearing a glove."


    Jin explained that his hands would feel as if they were wearing a pair of thin gloves instead of bare hands.


    "Kuhu, I''d appreciate it if it would protect me from diseases and pests."


    "Yes, indeed!"


    "I''m amazed at your skills and ideas, Jin."


    Saki, Goose, Toa. The three who were most likely to benefit from it praised it highly.


    "Well, all we have to do is upgrade the functionality of the <>."


    Like a firmware upgrade. We can do this because there is still plenty of room for more functionality and capacity in the <>.


    Thus, preparations for landing on the unknown island progressed, and at the same time, the <> also approached the island.


    "Wow, there are some unusual trees growing here.


    Goose is impressed. As a naturalist, he must be interested.


    "I wonder what kind of land it is.


    Likewise, Saki is also looking forward to investigating the resources as an alchemist.

 1191 - - 32-09 September 11th Travel Day 3 Electra Island

    At 1:00 PM local time, the <> arrived at >.


    According to the survey, the south side of the island has a good cliff for berthing, so that''s where we are heading for.


    "It''s a natural harbor. Without it, we would have had to call in a stream instead of a barge."


    Coincidentally, the steps were just about the same as those on the cruiser''s deck, so we were able to land without difficulty.


    "Oh!��Unknown land!��Unknown nature!��I''m looking forward to it!"


    Jin nailed Goose, who looked as if he was about to run off at any moment.


    "Goose, even though there is a barrier, don''t act alone, okay?"


    Jin glanced at Lando''s team, which he had called in for support,


    "Make sure you take one rando with you."


    He said to all of them. Of course, Jin was accompanied by Reiko, who was holding a .


    Even though they have confirmed that there are no ferocious creatures on this island, it is still dangerous to go alone.


    Considering the short time it takes to confirm the existence of such creatures, there is a possibility that we may have missed something, or that they may be lurking underground.


    However, only Goose and Saki were thinking of going deeper, while the others seemed to be satisfied with the coastal area alone.


    Since the top of the cliff was deserted with little grass and trees, the group went around and went down to the beach.


    "This tree is interesting," said Goose.


    Goose looked up with interest at the trees growing along the coast.


    "What?��There are berries growing on them.


    With that, he suddenly kicked the tree. The tree shook and the berries fell.


    With a thud, the nuts fell into the beach.


    "Oh, they look heavy!"


    "Goose, you don''t want them falling on your head, do you?


    Jin warned,


    "No, I''m not that indiscreet.


    He replied, "No, I''m not that indiscreet.


    "I wonder if that''s true. ......?"


    Saki is skeptical.


    Anyway, Jin looked at the fallen fruit and asked Reiko to cut it in half with a peach blossom.


    "Okay."


    Reiko quickly pulled out a peach blossom and cut the fruit in half in an instant.


    "Oh, great!"


    Goose immediately picked up the fruit and observed it.


    "Hmmm, is it fibrous skin on the outside and seeds ...... inside?"


    Jin also picked up the other half.


    "Inside the seed is ...... pulp?��And the moisture ...... is similar to that of a <>.


    Yes, the coconut was just like the coconut that Jin knew.


    "Coconut milk......?��Can it be used for cooking and confectionery?"


    Jin had never used coconut-based ingredients so he had a vague recollection of it.


    "Well, okay. I''ll let you do your research."


    He secured a sample and asked Perid and the others to study its application.


    But he remembered that the fibers around the berries could be used to make a scrubbing brush, or mixed into the soil to improve it.


    I told this to Saki and Goose,


    "Hmmm, that sounds like a useful plant!


    "Yes, it''s very useful. Jin, that''s helpful.


    They each responded, "Well, it''s more interesting than that.


    "Well, I''m going to go look for more interesting trees.


    "Me too."


    To these two, Jin attached two lands.


    "Honey, look, there''s a beautiful fish swimming in there.


    "Oh, really. It would be fun to keep them, but I don''t think so..."


    Reinhard and Bertsche were looking at the fish in the tide pool. Just looking at the colorful tropical fish swimming in the water seems like fun.


    "It''s difficult to keep fish here because they are saltwater, but freshwater fish can be kept in glass or crystal vessels. ......"


    Reinhardt is trying to figure out how to keep fish for viewing.


    "Wow, the water is warm!��Oh, fish!"


    Hannah gets into her swimsuit and swims in the shallow water as much as she can.


    She is wearing goggles so she can see well underwater and is chasing small fish.


    Martha was watching Hannah in the shade of a tree, smiling at her.


    "Martha, Hannah is so cute, isn''t she?


    Meane is standing next to Martha, and they are having a leisurely conversation.


    I''ve never been this far from home before in my life, so I''m always surprised.


    "Hmm, you don''t seem so surprised to hear that, do you?


    "That''s because I''ve known Jin for a long time, isn''t it?


    "Perhaps you''re right.


    Licia, you can apply this.


    Thank you very much. ...... what''s this?


    Sunscreen.


    Sunblock?


    Nope. It''s a sunblock.


    "Wow, I didn''t know they made something like this!"


    Licia immediately applied it to her arms and face.


    "The sun is very strong in the south," she said.


    Licia had come later in the day and had failed to give it to her.


    "...... is this by any chance?"


    "Yes, my brother Jin made it with Kemeria oil."


    "It''s amazing. ......"


    "Bina, Luis, here you go. It''s called sunscreen."


    "Oh, sunscreen?��So if I put this on, I won''t get sunburnt?"


    "Yes. Yes, but you''ll still get a little sunburn.


    "But it helps."


    Bina immediately went to apply it and handed it to her husband Luis.


    "Ha, thank you. You first."


    "Thank you very much."


    So Bina applied the sunscreen first, and then Luis.


    "But going out with Jin-dono is full of surprises, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is, Luis."


    You two don''t swim?


    "Uh, no. I can''t swim. ......


    I''m going to relax with Bina. I''ve been busy lately."


    "Yes, I''m sure you will, Mr. Lewis."


    Count and Countess Kuzma, who had been busy until they joined the event, seemed to be relaxing in the shade of the trees.


    That''s one way to enjoy the southern island.


    "Father, it''s nice to do something like this once in a while, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is. "Yeah, it''s nice to get away from work and just relax."


    Marcia and Rodrigo are swimming and lounging on the beach.


    Everyone is enjoying the island.

 1192 - - 32-10 September 11th Travel Day 3 Night

    That night, after having enjoyed the island to the fullest, all the members decided to stay the night.


    After dinner, Jin decided to explain about the current status of the long-period planets.


    Martha and Licia did not know yet, so he began with a brief explanation.


    A certain star is approaching from far away, and if it continues at this rate, it will pass by our planet Ars around October 20.


    "What?��What?"


    "...... What do you mean, Jin?"


    Licia and Martha were unable to grasp the situation, so Jin used the magic screen to explain it to them in detail.


    "......Well, anyway, I kind of get it now."


    Martha seemed to have taken it all in .


    "......Wow, ......I guess you''re in some kind of trouble. ......"


    Licia felt a sense of urgency in her own way.


    "So,......"


    Jin reorganizes.


    "According to Jack from the moon (UNY), we''re going to pass by planet 5 soon. There is a possibility that their orbits will shift due to their mutual gravitational attraction."


    "Hmmm... the problem is what happens after that."


    Toa says with a slight frown.


    "It would be better if it shifts away from Ars, but if it shifts closer to Ars, it could be dangerous.


    Saki agreed.


    "Hmm, can''t we get closer to it with Jin''s spaceship?"


    Saki started to say something like that.


    "Even so, I don''t know. ......


    The distance between Ars and Planet 5 is about 900 million kilometers.


    The cruising speed of Jin''s spaceship is about 200 kilometers per second.


    It would take 52 days to get there, and there is no way he can manage that now.


    "Wow, it''s that far away. The universe is so big.


    Saki looks a little distant.


    "What?��Does that mean that the speed of the long period planet is faster than Jin''s spaceship?


    "If you compare it with the cruising speed, yes.


    Jin explains that it is possible to go faster, but it would be dangerous.


    "At that speed, even a collision with a small stone could cause serious problems."


    < would probably be extremely rough, he adds.


    "I think it will go faster as it gets closer to the sun, Celan. Eventually it will be about 400 kilometers per second.


    This speed is astonishing since Halley''s Comet is said to be moving at about 55 km per second near perihelion.


    Comet ISON, which has recently come to the solar system, is said to have a maximum speed of 375 kilometers per second, so it is probably close to <>.


    I''ll leave it at that.


    "At the moment, I can''t do anything about it ......, but I''m still observing it, and I''m working on the spacecraft."


    "I see. Jin, how big is a long period planet?


    "Oh, about the same size as this Ars, apparently."


    Jin answered Reinhardt''s question.


    "It''s pretty big, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it is. It''s a little difficult to manage something that big.


    In response to Saki''s question, "Can''t you do something about it? >>Saki''s answer to the question, "Can''t you do something about it?


    "Yes. No matter how many djinn you are, you can''t destroy a star. ......"


    Incidentally, a very popular science fiction movie series describes a weapon that destroys a planet and estimates how much energy it would take to do the same thing.


    According to the calculation, for a planet the size of the Earth, it would require 2.25 x 10 to the 32nd power of 10 joules.


    This can only be obtained by converting the entire mass of 2.5 x 10.15 kilograms into energy.


    For reference, this is about 7 days of energy emitted from the sun.


    "No <> can provide that kind of energy. ......"


    "Right. ......"


    Jin''s words were met with unanimous agreement.


    "The universe is so big, it''s on a different order of magnitude. Humans are so tiny."


    Toa muttered in a deep voice.


    Jin raised his voice to dispel the humidity in the air.


    "Well, let''s talk about this. I''d like to hear more about Saki and Goose. What did you find?"


    The two had ventured into the interior of the island of Elektra in search of something unusual.


    "Oh, we''ll skip the black sap tree since it''s already been reported, but we did find some herbs that could be used as spices..."


    "Well, Rand, who came with me, did a quick , so I don''t think they are toxic."


    "That''s interesting."


    Jin leaned forward at the mention of the spice on the southern island.


    "I hope you''ll take it home and study it carefully."


    Saki''s eyes were filled with anticipation as she wondered if she could develop some new ingredients with it.


    Jin, for his part, was happy to have more kinds of spices, so he agreed.


    Jin is not a cooking expert and does not know much about spices, but as someone who enjoys cooking to some extent, he has discovered or put to practical use several spices.


    Cinnamon, pepper, red pepper, turmeric, etc. are very close or have been found, but I would like to have more.


    Saki and Goose had found about eight different kinds, enough to give Jin some hope.


    "Thank you. I will study them carefully and let you know when they are ready.


    "I''ll look forward to it.


    "Oh, and I found an interesting tree. It''s a very light tree. It will grow fast. It''s probably not as strong as it should be."


    Jin looked at the sample Goose offered him and was convinced.


    "It''s balsa."


    "Balsa?"


    "Yes. As far as I know, it''s the lightest wood in the world. In my previous world, I used it a lot for model building."


    Since everyone knew that Jin had come from a different world, no one was surprised by his explanation.


    "I see, balsa. I can see a use for it."


    "Yes. It grows fast and it''s light ......."


    "It could be used on the ship, right, Gin?"


    Marcia''s voice was full of hope.


    She had been a silent observer, but now she was suddenly very enthusiastic.


    "I suppose so. For example, if we use it to fill the gaps in a ship, it will be harder to sink even if it gets flooded."


    "Yeah, it would be great for small boats."


    "It looks soft, so it would be better to use a different material for the outside.


    Rodrigo and Marcia immediately began to think about how to use this new material.


    Thus, the first day of our visit to the southern islands has been a productive one.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Late at night, after everyone has retired to their respective bedrooms.


    Jin and Erza are also relaxing in <>''s bedroom.


    "About what you said earlier..."


    Erza, who had been looking out the porthole window, turns around and speaks to Jin.


    "What will happen to the long period planet?


    "Well, we don''t have enough data to make a decision yet. We need at least another half month.


    <


    "...... but ......"


    Hmm?"


    "I''m sure Brother Jin will take care of it, I believe in him."


    "Ha, thank you, Erza."


    Jin hugged Erza''s shoulder and turned off the room light.


    "I have to live up to your expectations.


    The moonlight shone faintly through the window.

 1193 - - 32-11 September 12th, 4th day of travel, the island of Olivin

    < left and headed for <>.


    In order, they would have gone to <>, but since it was a small island with little vegetation and this was a honeymoon trip, not a research trip, they decided to skip it.


    > will be surveyed separately by the Marin and Land teams.


    "<> is so big too!"


    Goose looks like he can''t wait to get there when he sees the island.


    "Well, I''d love to go ashore, but I''ve got some business I can''t miss today.


    "I''ve already left Juliana with you, so I''ll leave you to it this time.


    Reinhard and Bertsche finished their breakfast and returned by the warp gate.


    "Jin-dono, I''m also concerned about the store, so I''m going back. I will come back tomorrow. I''ll be back tomorrow. ...... Marcia can stay behind."


    "Thank you, father."


    Rodrigo said no and left, but Marcia stayed behind.


    is the second largest island in the Pleiades.


    At 8:00 in the morning and get underway.


    There is no place for two vessels to berth here, so they anchor offshore. They drop anchor.


    This time, the crews move to by instead of barges.


    "Oh, so this isn''t a sandy beach, is it?"


    Stearina says with interest.


    The beach where they landed the stream is a fine gravel beach.


    "Oh?��The gravel here is ......."


    The gravel is not opaque, but has a transparent greenish color mixed in.


    "Jin-kun, could you try to it for me?"


    Toa scooped up some gravel in his hand and held it out to Jin.


    "There''s no need to do any <>. The marine team has already investigated it. It''s an olivine.


    Peridot is olive. The mineral name is olivine. It is named for its greenish color, which is reminiscent of olive.


    Yellowish green olivine, which is quite different from the blue-green of emerald, is considered a gemstone and is called peridot.


    The five-colored golem maid, <>, is named after peridot for its green eyes.


    "So this island, or rather most of the <>, must be volcanic in origin."


    Olivine is a rock-forming mineral that forms olivine and is sometimes found in granite and rhyolite.


    It is well known among enthusiasts that brownish iron olivine can be found on the shores of Miyakejima.


    "Hmm, you know a lot about geology, don''t you?"


    Goose asked, twisting a peridot between his fingers.


    "No, I only know the basics."


    His junior high school science teacher was a mineral enthusiast, so he sometimes talked about minerals in front of the class, which made him a little more knowledgeable about miscellaneous topics in this field.


    "So, is this island rich in minerals?"


    Saki''s eyes changed color. She is also a materials enthusiast and likes to collect such rare minerals.


    "I see. ...... Reiko, ask Rando which areas are rich in minerals."


    Later in the evening, Rand does some quick preliminary research.


    "Yes. ...... There is a place about two kilometers south of this beach where the strata have been exposed by the waves. That looks like a good place to start."


    "Okay!"


    Saki hurriedly headed south. Guth followed. Toa and Stearina followed.


    "Follow him!"


    Jin instructed the two Lands, and in response, Lands 401 and 402 followed the four. Rand 401 and 402 followed the four.


    "I''m sure there are some interesting ore deposits here.


    "Father, they say there are veins of ore exposed in the sea."


    The Mermaid team reported that the beach where Konin and the others are now located is an outcropping of ore towards the sea.


    This is probably the result of erosion by waves and currents over the years, which have scraped away the strata.


    "We''re in the middle of the ocean, so we''ll just have to leave it to the mermaid squad."


    As Jin was talking about this.


    "Onii-chan, I found one in this color too.


    Hannah held out a transparent stone in the palm of her hand.


    "I think this is ...... crystal. It must have been chipped and polished by the waves to make it round.


    "Can I look for more?"


    "Yeah, sure."


    Yes, of course. - Yes!


    Hannah seems to be picking up stones because this beach is rich in such gems and precious stones.


    Martha sat down in the shade of a tree to watch over Hannah.


    "Well, what shall we do?


    "Swim?


    Erza answered Jin''s question without a pause.


    They were now on the eastern shore of Atlas Island.


    A short distance north of there is a small cove with calm waves. The survey revealed that there were no dangerous creatures.


    "Well, let''s do that."


    Jin changes into his swimsuit, which he has prepared, and realizes that there is no changing room.


    "Okay. I''ll change in the shade.


    Since there was no one else around, Erza moved to the shade of the leaves. Reiko follows her to change. That''s good enough for an escort.


    Edgar stays with Jin.


    Jin quickly gets dressed in the .


    "Here you go."


    Elsa comes out in her swimsuit, holding the clothes she has taken off. Reiko is with her.


    They put their clothes away in the . Marine 61, the pilot of the boat, is watching the boat.


    "Well, let''s go swimming.


    But Jin can''t swim as well as Erza, so he calls for the mermaid squad.


    "Yes, master."


    Mermaids 17 and 18 arrived.


    "Come swim with us. Or rather, take me by the hand or carry me on your back.


    "Yes, sir."


    So Jin and Erza enjoyed riding on the backs of the mermaid golems and being pulled along by their hands as they sped across the sea at great speed.


    "Oh, you guys are so sneaky!"


    Hannah shouted when she saw Jin and Erza,


    "Hannah, do you want to come with us?


    Jin invited Hannah to come with him. Of course, Hannah nodded with a big smile on her face.


    She invited Licia, Beena, and Marcia, who were looking at her with envy, to join them.


    But....


    "I''m not ...... going to do it.


    Bina says she''s been doing a lot of restraining since she found out she was pregnant.


    "Okay. You and Luis can relax in the shade of a tree.


    Jin smiled and brought a folding chair and a table with a and set them up in the shade of the tree.


    "You too, Martha."


    "Oh, thank you, Jin."


    At the same time, Jin set up the drinks.


    Licia had not brought her swimsuit, so he had her send it from Horai Island.


    Jin had given Licia a swimsuit before, so she was able to wear it without any size problem.


    The mermaid group of 14, 15, and 16 had also arrived, so the five of us decided to have fun together.


    "Wow, you are faster than I thought you would be!


    "Wow, this is fun!


    "This is so different from the ship!"


    Riding on the back of the mermaid golem, Licia clung to it in amazement at its speed, and Hannah was excited. And Marcia was amused by the speed, which was different from that of a ship, and all three showed different reactions.


    Jin and Erza were also carried on the back of the mermaid golem and enjoyed the speed that could never be achieved by human power.

 1194 - - 32-12 September 12 4th day of travel New measures

    It was still 4:00 p.m. and bright outside, but Jin and the others, tired of playing, returned to the boat and took a bath to clean their bodies from the sticky seawater.


    "Ah-ta-ta-ta!"


    <.


    "Oh ...... even if you wear sunscreen, it will come off if you swim for a long time. ......"


    "...... hurts."


    "It''s a little sore. ......


    "I''m fine, though."


    The women who had swum in the water had also gotten sunburned.


    The only one who seemed to be okay with it was Marcia, who usually gets sunburned.


    "I''m fine too!


    Hannah, who often plays outdoors, also seemed to be fine.


    (......I''ll talk to my brother Jin about it. ......)


    Erza decides to do so while casting a healing spell on her tingling neck.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "That''s why it''s called ......."


    "Yeah, I know. I''m sore from the sun too.


    Jin looked back at Reiko,


    "Reiko, I need you to do a healing spell for me."


    "Reiko, do a healing spell for me.


    "Yes, Father. "


    This is an elementary healing spell for both internal and surgical use. It can heal minor abrasions, burns, and nausea.


    The redness of Jin''s skin after casting this healing spell fades away.


    "I feel better, thank you.


    Jin thinks that it is worthwhile to have Reiko do it for him, though he can do the elementary healing magic by himself.


    "No, I''m glad I could help you.


    Reiko was all smiles.


    "I''m at ......," she said. A sunburn is a burn caused by ultraviolet rays. ......


    "Warding against ultraviolet rays?"


    "That''s what it would be."


    Jin and Elsa began to consider the possibility.


    The other members of the group were helping to prepare dinner or had not yet come out of the bath.


    "A light-blocking ward, huh?"


    We can use the wards on the spaceship to cut off dangerous electromagnetic waves.


    "And if we cut out infrared rays as well, it would be a pretty good solution to the heat."


    "...... that was easy."


    "Yes."


    Now all we have to do is write the circuitry for the Magi Circuit into the bracelets of our friends.


    "Oh, so if you want to deploy it all the time, you only need the ultraviolet bandwidth?"


    Jin realizes that this way consumes less mana.


    "When we are out in space, we can use a barrier that allows only visible light to pass through, and on the ground, we can limit it to harmful ultraviolet rays.


    We can switch between the two.


    This barrier does not affect visible light and does not obstruct visibility.


    It also does not affect solids, liquids, or gases, so it does not interfere with your activities.


    "This is good. You can actually try it out tomorrow."


    "Hmm."


    I''m home.


    I''m home.


    Saki and Goose, who had gone to look for minerals, came back.


    "Welcome home. You should take a bath.


    "Yeah, I will."


    Goose nodded and looked at Jin.


    "I found some pretty rare minerals. I''ll report back to you when I get out of the bath."


    "Yeah, I''ll look forward to it."


    "You''re sticky with sweat and the sea breeze. I can''t wait to wash it off.


    Saki and Goose headed for the bathroom.


    Saki and Goose headed for the bathroom.


    After everyone got out of the bath, they gathered at 6:00 p.m. The sky was still light, but they were still moving. The sky is still light, but we are hungry after all the activity, so we have dinner first.


    Tonight''s menu is mainly Japanese.


    White rice or porridge, miso soup with tofu and deep-fried tofu, grilled fish, boiled vegetables, pickles, and meat topopo.


    "Yes, this meat topopo is delicious!


    "Saki, you have to eat other side dishes too.


    "Oh, Jin-san, this boiled rice is delicious.


    "Tonight''s rice is a little soft for everyone.


    "Eat it before it gets cold, or the grilled fish will get tough.


    It is a lively dinner. Jin''s motto is to have fun at dinner.


    While it is out of bounds to get wild and boisterous, friendly conversation is welcome.


    Elsa, who had been raised as a child of a noble family, was a bit confused at first, but now that she was used to it, she was able to eat with a smile and a conversation.


    Of course, she has mastered the manners for official occasions and can use them according to the occasion.


    "What did you find at ......?"


    Difficult and complicated discussions are usually held during the after-dinner tea time.


    Jin turned the conversation to Saki and Goose, who had found a rare mineral.


    "Thank you very much for listening."


    After a few words, Goose began to speak.


    "There were a lot of minerals that we don''t see on the continent very often.


    Goose asked Land 401, who had come along as his escort and assistant, to bring him a collection.


    They were soon brought in and laid out on the table.


    "Here''s one to start with.


    A round shape. Hexagonal prismatic crystals with pointed sides.


    "The mineral is quartz, or crystal, but it is highly transparent and smooth, and it is rare that it has two pointed ends.


    "Wow, I didn''t know there were crystals like this."


    Jin had never heard of such crystals.


    In fact, such crystals are called < on earth, and are produced in Herkimer, New York, U.S.A. They are not diamonds, but other crystals are produced in Herkimer.


    It is not a diamond, but it is more transparent than crystals from other places, and its pointed ends somewhat resemble octahedrons, which are diamond crystals, hence the name.


    "This is the next one."


    It was a pink crystal.


    "I had it analyzed and found it was made up of aluminum, lithium, silicon and oxygen.


    "Hmm?��Lithium?��Pink?"


    Jin had an idea.


    "...... Kunzite?"


    "What?��You know about this?"


    "Yes. If I''m not mistaken.


    The reason why Jin knows about it is that there was an antagonist in a shoujo manga that was kept in the facility who was named after a gemstone, which led him to research about several kinds of gemstones.


    "Hmm. Kunzite, right?


    "Lycian pyroxene, to be exact."


    "What, Lycia?"


    Licia, who had been listening silently, spoke up.


    "Yes. Because it contains lithium. Maybe that''s not the spelling of Licia''s name.


    "Still, it''s interesting."


    Licia stared at the pink kunzite.

 1195 - - 32-13 September 12th Travel Day 4 Tenka Powder

    Goose and Saki''s report continues.


    "And then we found this.


    Dark yellow columnar crystals.


    They say it''s topaz.


    "Hmm, this island seems to be rich in gemstones. I''m sure collectors will be flocking here in droves when they find out."


    Jin replied seriously to Saki''s half-joking comment.


    "Maybe, but they won''t be able to come this far.


    "Well, that''s true, but..."


    Then, as if to cover his words, Goose showed him more minerals he had found.


    "Finally, here it is."


    A white lump.


    "It''s very soft. You can scratch it with your fingernails."


    Goose scratches at it, and it has several marks on it.


    "Pebbles. ...... That''s good!"


    Jin''s eyes light up.


    For some reason, no known mines have produced talc.


    "Hmm?��What''s the use of such a soft mineral?"


    "It''s sweatless."


    Sweatshop?


    Sweatshop is what the director called it when he was at the facility, and it was originally the name of a product.


    It is generally called talcum powder. Ciccarol, Tampafun, and baby powder are also in the same family.


    Talc is made by adding starch, boric acid, and fragrance to talc powder.


    It is powdered and put on the baby''s bottom, which is prone to heat rash. Oh, and adults can put it on their armpits and nape of the neck, too."


    "Wow. I''ve never heard of ...... before. Is that how they do it in Jin''s place?��In the village of Kaina, we sometimes use a powder made by grinding and soaking the roots of the pulsed pea in water.


    Martha, who had heard Jin''s explanation, mentioned a custom in her village.


    "Alemame?��But I don''t think I''ve ever heard of it.


    Jin questioned Martha''s words.


    "Of course you haven''t. Ever since the hot springs were built, we don''t have to worry about heat rash anymore.


    "Oh, I see."


    The high altitude and low humidity of Kaina Village originally made it difficult for rashes to form, and the hot springs keep the surface of the body clean, so rashes and other skin diseases have been drastically reduced.


    Furthermore, because of the presence of a healer named Sally, not only adults, but also children and babies were no longer suffering from rashes.


    "But it''s good to make them.


    "Yes, yes, Jin, it''s hot and sticky at my place, so it would be nice to have some.


    Saki and Marcia said yes.


    "Okay. I''ll tell them to mine for talc later. I''ll tell them to dig for slipstone later, and I''d also like to collect the roots of the heirloom bean.


    Actually, this alemame is what we call kuzu in modern Japan.


    The starch extracted from the root becomes kuzu kuzu ko (kuzu flour), which is used to make high-quality Japanese confectionaries.


    Kuzu is a highly transparent jelly-like substance, and unlike gelatin or agar, its hardness and elasticity can be adjusted with the amount of water used.


    Kuzuyu is also said to be effective when one catches a cold.


    It will be a little while before a new confectionery is born using kuzu bean powder, which is extracted from the roots of the bean.


    "Hopefully, it will be a new product.


    "Oh, I heard that there are some of these beans around the village of Toka. I heard it''s a rescue plant.


    "That''s good. When you get back, I''d appreciate it if you could dig it up for me.


    "Yes, I''ll do that."


    Licia answered Jin''s suggestion. Now there is one more product from Toka Village.


    "One more thing. It''s not a mineral, but I found this plant.


    It has long yellow fruits in clusters.


    "...... banana?"


    It seems to be a wild banana.


    "Is this called a banana, Jin?"


    "No, there was a similar fruit in my world."


    "Hmm. Well, look. It''s a strange fruit.


    When you peel it, you find a seed in it.


    "They''re big seeds. The bananas I know didn''t have seeds."


    Originally, the bananas we eat on earth today were bred.


    The original species had small fruits and large seeds.


    Then, a mutation occurred and seedless bananas were produced, and these were multiplied by stock division to become the bananas that we eat today.


    "I see, if you look for it, there might be such a < banana!"


    This will also be an issue for the future.


    If such a strain is found, we will have one more delicious fruit.


    With that, Goose and his group finished their report.


    After a little more idle chitchat, Jin and the others retired to their respective rooms.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "It''s been a fruitful trip in many ways, hasn''t it?


    * * * "It''s been a fruitful trip in many ways.


    At night, Jin and Erza were talking in <>''s bedroom.


    "But Erza, are you sure this is the right thing to do?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Elsa''s face was puzzled, not understanding the meaning of Jin''s question.


    "No, this honeymoon was mostly planned and executed by me as my hobby. Perhaps Erza would have preferred a different kind of trip. ......


    Elsa smiled and shook her head.


    "No, that''s not true. I''m really enjoying this trip that my brother Jin has planned for me. I couldn''t have planned such a fun trip myself.


    Erza''s eyes seemed to be filled with truth as she said this, which made Jin feel a little tickled.


    To cover it up, he dimmed the light in the room.


    "Reiko, what time is it?"


    "Yes, it''s just after 9 pm."


    "I see. I''m going to go to bed. I''ll leave you in charge of the security.


    Yes, I''ll leave it to you.


    Reiko bowed and left the bedroom, standing motionless in front of the door.


    In fact, since her body is secured by the force field generator, she should not move even slightly even if the ship is overturned.


    However, the waves were calm that night, and the ship did not sway much.


    * * * *


    "...... dreamy"


    <


    The sky was full of stars. The sound of gentle waves can be heard.


    "Not so long ago, I had no idea that such a world existed.


    I knew from the moment I met Jin that he was an extraordinary magecraftsman, but I had no idea that he was capable of changing the world.


    "But I''m glad to be a part of your group," he said.


    Licia renewed her determination to do her best in whatever she can do, even though she has nothing to offer.

 1196 - - 32-14 September 13th Travel Day 5 Fishing

    The next island they visited was Merope Island.


    Since this was Jin and Elsa''s < and not a research or exploration trip, they could not spend much time on a single island.


    All the members of the group were aware of this.


    "Kuhu, let''s see what the next island is like."


    "I heard it''s a little bigger than the island we left out."


    Goose answered Saki''s question.


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    Hannah also shouted with an innocent smile on her face.


    "Well, then, I''d like to give you a brief explanation as a preliminary information.


    Jin opened his mouth.


    We have already learned a great deal from the investigations of the Marin and Land teams during the night.


    "It seems that there are no dangerous animals on Merope Island. So the equipment is the same as before. And ......."


    After a pause, Jin asked the old man to explain.


    The old man began to speak.


    Relief comes over the members'' faces when they hear this.


    The old man has finished his explanation.


    "You heard me right. I think there is probably something on Archeone Island. Not knowing what it is is not good for my sleep, so I''m going to let Rand and the others look for it."


    "Hmm, I think that''s a good idea."


    Erza agrees, so the precautions are taken and the group goes ashore by stream as before.


    It was decided not to go too far from the landing site that day.


    By the way, Rodrigo, who was supposed to return that day, could not because he was busy at his store.


    Still, it is a fatherly figure that he told his beloved daughter Marcia to <.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Let''s go fishing.


    Jin suggested that we do something fun that we haven''t done before.


    "Yeah, that sounds good, Jin."


    Martha was the first to agree. She was a little bored after all.


    "Yes, that''s right. Let''s see what we can catch here.


    Marcia agreed.


    "Okay, I''ll send a fishing rod.


    Jin himself had never fished in the sea, only in rivers, but he had seen Potrock''s fishing equipment and had made a prototype plan to fish in Horai Island as well.


    Now, I could see the light of day here.


    When Marcia saw the fishing tools sent to her, she said


    "Jin, is this based on the one in Potlock?


    She asked.


    "Yes, it is. You know a lot about this, don''t you Marcia?"


    "Of course. ...... I''m not very proud of it, but I did fish for food before I met the Djinns and won."


    Marcia thinks for a moment and then opens her mouth again.


    "Maybe, but the fish around here are not so different from the potlocks, are they?"


    Marcia was fishing mainly with a trap net, though.


    "If it''s a fish that can also be fished, it''s a halibut."


    A fish similar to a flounder or flatfish, found on the bottom of the sea.


    "You have to bait them with sandworms."


    Saying this, Marcia digs in the sand around her with a fallen branch.


    "Oh, there they are!"


    Sandworms are not what we call "sandworms.


    In modern Japan, they are called "sandworms" or "sandworms.


    "......!"


    Elsa shuddered when she saw this.


    It seems that this species, called <>, is not popular with the ladies.


    "Are you going to use this as bait ......?"


    Licia''s face changes color.


    But...


    "I''m fine with this.��Here."


    Hannah picked it up and showed it to her.


    "If you don''t stab or bite me separately, ...... hey?"


    Saki is not afraid to put it in the palm of her hand.


    "I don''t want to touch ...... woo ...... much."


    "I agree."


    But Stearina and Vivienne backed away.


    "Well, let''s have Marin do the baiting."


    Seeing the reaction of the women, Jin makes a compromise.


    "Well, then, ......".


    He also asked Marin to remove the fish from the hook.


    < boats and cast a line near the shore.


    "It pulled!"


    "I caught it!"


    The fish were not rubbing against each other, and we had chosen a spot where the fish were in good shadow, so the fishing was almost continuous.


    "All right, let''s race!"


    It was beginning to look like a fishing contest.


    "I''m going to make meuni��re of halibut tonight," he said.


    Sashimi is good, too.


    Sashimi''s good, too. Sushi''s good.


    We have soy sauce and wasabi, so that''s one way to eat them.


    In the end, Marcia took first place with 12 fish. Even Elsa, who came in last place, caught 6 fish, making it a very successful fishing tournament.


    The last place finisher, Elsa, caught 6 fish.


    "Yes, it''s fresh.


    "Ugh, the horseradish was too much ......".


    For dinner, we had sashimi, sushi, meuniere, and grilled fish as requested by everyone.


    Jin mainly enjoyed sashimi and sushi, while Erza enjoyed salted fish and meuniere.


    Saki enjoyed sushi and salted fish, and Hannah enjoyed all of them ....... They all enjoyed their own Haribou dishes to the fullest.


    "Oh, I''m so full!"


    Licia sipped her hojicha (roasted green tea) with a satisfied smile.


    "I can''t believe I have to go home tomorrow. ......"


    She too has a job as the lord of Toka village, so she can''t be away for such a long time.


    "By the way, didn''t Jin-san say that there is such a thing as a <> (......)?"


    A <> is a faithful imitation of the target person.


    While it is relatively easy to imitate the appearance of a person, it is necessary to accumulate a certain amount of data on the actions and thoughts of the person.


    In the case of Licia, this data is still insufficient.


    Even if it is sufficient, there are others like Count Kuzma, who do not like to entrust their territories to such entities.


    Perhaps they are afraid of becoming accustomed to such replacements.


    "It''s fun enough just to be able to come and visit from time to time like this, isn''t it?


    Licia, too, was hesitant about such a change.

 1197 - - 32-15 September 14th Travel Day 6 Trolling

    "Thanks for the food."


    < and looks around at the faces gathered here.


    Jin, Elsa, Meane, Hannah, Martha, Marcia, Goose, Saki, Tor, Stearina, and Vivian.


    Reinhardt and his wife, Count and Countess Kuzma, Licia, and Rodrigo had gone home.


    "Let''s go trolling today," Jin suddenly said.


    Jin suddenly said.


    "Trolling?"


    "Yeah. Is it a kind of fishing ......?��You run a boat with a fishing line and catch fish. You can catch fish that eat live bait. ......?


    Jin was not sure, since he only had knowledge of it, but he thought it was about right.


    "Hmmm, <>!��Driving a boat sounds interesting. Maybe it could be a new way of fishing.


    Marcia is enthusiastic. The idea of using a boat for fishing seems to have caught her interest.


    "Let''s see what kind of fish we can catch.


    Jin asked, seeing Marcia''s enthusiasm.


    "Well, maybe some fish that are a little offshore," she replied. I guess it would be something like the Gilera (a fish that looks like a horse mackerel).


    Marcia describes the Gilera.


    About 50 to 70 centimeters long. They live slightly offshore. They feed on seaweed and small crabs.


    "I see. What other kinds of fish might we catch?"


    "Well... <


    A fuko is a fish similar to sea bass, and can grow to about one meter in length. They eat small mysids (crustaceans similar to shrimp) and sand worms.


    "Sea bass, sandworms."


    Elsa''s face changed color at the mention of food. But..,


    "I''ll put the bait on it for you," Jin said.


    Jin said, and she seemed to calm down a little.


    "Yes, yes, it''s nice that you two are so close, but the only other thing I can think of is <, but it doesn''t taste good. On the contrary, they break the nets, so they are a nuisance."


    Barram is a large coastal carnivorous fish, similar to the barramundi on modern Earth.


    "I think I''m going to release that one when I catch it."


    Jin said a fishing term that he had heard only a little bit.


    * * * * * *


    "Master, is this enough?"


    <, asks Jin.


    However, even Jin does not know the optimum speed for trolling.


    "Yes, I guess so. Let''s start out slow and gradually increase the speed. Eventually you will find the right speed.


    "Yes, sir."


    "Hey, Jin, we''re ready!"


    "Okay, let''s throw it in."


    Two vessels will be used for trolling. The two boats used for trolling are a trimaran type destroyer, <> and <>.


    Jin, Elsa, Hanna, and Reiko are on the <>, and Goose, Saki, and Marcia are on the <>.


    The others passed this time and remained in <>.


    Then the two boats increased their speed from a walking pace to a running pace.


    "Oh, here they come!"


    Marcia tugged on her rod.


    "Here it comes!"


    Jin also pulled his rod at about the same time.


    "This is a great pull!"


    The fishing rod, which has been toughened by Jin, bends like a full moon, but does not break.


    The fishing line is originally from an underground spider, and even a single line is strong enough to lift a weight of about one ton.


    The reel is also of Jin''s special design, not motorized, but it is reeled in by a golem arm.


    "Can you get me a net?"


    "Yes, Father."


    The fish he caught was a fry nearly a meter long.


    Reiko easily scooped it up with a huge net.


    At about the same time, Marcia also caught a 70-centimeter class Gilera.


    "Hey Jin, let''s keep going!"


    Marcia yells from , which is running alongside the boat.


    It seems that fuko and guilera migrate in schools of dozens to hundreds of fish, so it''s best to catch them when you can.


    "Oh, here they come, too!


    Saki''s rod seemed to get a bite, too.


    "Hey, big girl, I think I caught something!"


    And to Hannah.


    Reiko, support Hannah.


    "Yes, Father."


    The rod was chained to the boat, and he was wearing a life preserver and a lifeline, so he was sure he wouldn''t be dragged overboard, but he was still very careful.


    "Ah, Jin, this way too."


    "What?


    If two people on one boat get hit at the same time, depending on the fish''s behavior, the fishing line may get tangled up in the water.


    "Jin!��You have to reel it in as fast as you can!"


    Marcia sees this and gives me a piece of advice.


    "Okay. ...... Elsa, Hannah, wind it up at once."


    Yes.


    "Yeah!"


    The fishing rod, line and reel didn''t wiggle even after all that recklessness.


    Within a few dozen seconds, Erza caught a 90-centimeter-class fish, and Hanna caught a 70-centimeter-class fuco.


    <.


    They were only a little more than 10 meters apart, but they each seemed to hit a different school of fish.


    "The fish are so thick!��Let''s keep going!"


    * * * *


    After spending all morning in <>, Jin caught three fluke, Elsa caught two fluke, and Gilera caught one. And Hanna caught 4 fucos.


    In <>, Saki caught 4 fish, Goose caught 5 fish, and Marcia caught 4 fish and 1 fish. Saki caught 4 Gilera, Goose caught 5 Gilera, and Marcia caught 4 Gilera and 1 fuko.


    "Oh, that was fun!"


    Hannah is very happy.


    "I''m going to make the fuco into sashimi tonight. Should I freeze the rest?


    By the way, Jin liked the sashimi of fuko, so there will be more fish tanks for fuko and girella in Horai Island.


    I tried to grill Girera as Marcia''s recommendation, and found that the seasoning with butter and soy sauce was a perfect match for the sashimi.


    The butter and soy sauce was a perfect match.


    "Let''s go to in the afternoon.


    We spent not only the night but also the morning to investigate, and the report was that Maia Island was not in any danger.


    The south side of Maia Island has a calm sea surface and beautiful sandy beaches, partly because the waves are blocked by <>.


    "All right, let''s go and have a watermelon splitting ...... or even a <>."


    Jin made such a suggestion.

 1198 - - 32-16 September 14th Travel Day 6 Watermelon Cracker

    In this ars, watermelons are distributed under the name <>.


    It is red inside and has seeds. It is not as sweet as the watermelons known to Jin, but it is edible enough.


    "Cracking open a shika?��What do you do with the watermelon?


    Saki questioned.


    "Oh, you don''t just crack it open. It''s one of the summer games in the world where I was ...... blindfolded and guided by the voices around us, we smash the squid."


    "Really?"


    Saki didn''t seem to get the point,


    "Sounds interesting!


    Hannah is enthusiastic.


    "Okay, let''s get ready to go ashore.


    All we need is a swimsuit, a watermelon, a sheet, a blindfold, and a stick.


    The sheet is to put the watermelon on the beach and prevent the watermelon from getting covered in sand.


    "Yes, yes, keep going around ten times. ......"


    First of all, Saki, who did not understand how it was done, had to experience it firsthand.


    "Ugh,...... my eyes are rolling."


    "That''s okay. ...... keep walking straight. ...... a little more to the right. ...... too far right, a little more left. ......Good, two more steps. ...... stop right there. Swing it down!"


    Saki walked as Jin instructed and swung the stick as hard as she could.


    "Yes!"


    But the stick was swung down at a place 10 cm next to Sakiya.


    "I''m sorry, sir."


    "Oh, so this is what happened."


    Saki took off her blindfold and finally looked at me as if she had reached an understanding.


    "Next is ......."


    "Yes, me!


    Hannah raised her hand cheerfully.


    "Okay, you know how to do this?


    "Yes!"


    Hannah was blindfolded and made to turn ten times at a suitable distance.


    "Come on, go!"


    Hannah, a little more to the left!


    A little more to the left!��...... keep going, keep going!


    Okay, there it is!


    Yeah!


    Hanna swung the stick and it smashed into the shika.


    "Yes!"


    Hanna jumps up and down with joy.


    Reiko exchanges the shika.


    The broken squid is stored in a cooler box. They will all eat it later.


    "Elsa, a little more to the right!��...... too far, too far, left, left!��...... Oh, too far again!"


    Elsa was dizzy after 10 turns and wandered off, heading for the sheikah.......


    "Ei!"


    She was banging about 50 centimeters next to Sica.


    Stearina and Vivian declined, so Marcia blindfolded them.


    She went around ten times, but she didn''t wobble a bit, probably because she had trained her semicircular canals on the boat.


    "Keep going two more ......1 steps ...... ah, go back half a step!��......Good, swing straight down!"


    Yeah!


    Nice work!


    Marcia also cracked the sheikah with aplomb.


    And, after all, it was Jin at the end.


    As per the rules, he went around 10 times blindfolded. .......


    Jin bro, right.


    "Oniichan, you turned right."


    "Oh, I went too far left this time."


    "Four more steps. ......3 ......2 ......."


    "You''re missing a half step. Just go a little further.


    Okay, that''s good.


    "Oh my God!"


    "Oh ...... that was so close!"


    Jin swung his stick down, but it only narrowly grazed Siica.


    * * * *


    "That was pretty fun, wasn''t it?


    "<>, this kind of game is fun too.


    "It''s nice to eat the broken squid, isn''t it?


    Everyone chats while eating shiitake under the shade of a tree.


    By the way, the shiitake is cooled by <.


    "Cooled shiitake is delicious, isn''t it? Let''s try it with potlocks.


    With refrigerators becoming more common, people are beginning to chill food, but it still seems to be a trial-and-error process as to what should be chilled.


    It is not possible to cool everything.


    We decided to collect the eaten seeds by throwing them on the plastic sheets instead of scattering them around.


    These seeds have a high probability of sprouting if left unattended.


    Because of this, the garden at Jin''s facility was once covered with watermelon vines.


    However, none of them bore satisfactory fruits, whether because they were bred watermelons, lack of fertilizers, or lack of sunshine.


    * * * *


    "Oh, you''ve had a lot of fun. ......


    "Yeah, I agree."


    The honeymoon is now six days old. Jin and Elsa felt they had enjoyed their vacation to the fullest.


    "We were aiming for seven days, what do you think?"


    "Well, I''m satisfied."


    Elsa replies with narrowed eyes, her expression showing that she is truly satisfied with her vacation.


    "I see. Well then, can we make tomorrow the last day?"


    "Yes, of course."


    "Sure."


    Jin gently hugged Elsa''s slender body and whispered in her ear.


    "This past week has been a lot of fun."


    Erza, leaning back against Jin, replies in a quiet voice, "Me, too.


    "Me too. I''m very, very happy.


    The two of them snuggle together.


    The night passed peacefully.


    In the background, the Rand team, which had been investigating the Pleiades, had found something of interest.

 1199 - - 32-17 September 15th Travel Day 7 Underwater Tour

    The morning of the 15th is clear.


    <.


    "Normally, we would be heading for .


    Jin explains the information he has just received this morning.


    "I just heard about it myself, but I don''t know all the details yet.


    He prefaces his explanation with the following words,


    "Please explain to me in detail, old man.


    He urged him to explain.


    > with Lando''s group, and we found something of interest there. This is it.


    < were a sight to behold.


    It looked like an ordinary pebble.


    "It''s not so much what it looks like, but what it is, isn''t it?"


    <


    Astonishment spread across everyone''s faces.


    Artifacts have been left on an island that was thought to be unexplored. What does it mean ......?


    "Do you have any idea what it is made of?"


    "Molecularly compressed. ......"


    Jin also uses a special process to create <>.


    This is a supermetal with a standard compressibility of 10 and a specific gravity of about 200, although it varies depending on the conditions. Its strength is 20 times that of the original adamantite.


    "You mean there are or were other people who have such technology besides me? ......"


    "......, another mystery."


    Goose, who had been silent up to that point, muttered.


    "You recovered that material, didn''t you?"


    This is Saki. She is now devoted to the study of physical properties and has been analyzing various materials with the old man, so this must be an interesting sample for her.


    for now.


    "Was there anything else?"


    Jin asked again.


    <


    "I see. ......"


    The material has been recovered and is not a threat.


    However, I am still afraid to go to <> with this group.


    "We won''t go ashore on Archeone Island, but we''re thinking of an interesting twist."


    Jin wants to end this honeymoon on a happy note.


    "We''re going on an underwater cruise."


    "Underwater cruise.


    "Wow, that''s amazing!"


    Hannah exclaimed, sticking to the window.


    We are in the Orca. This is a submersible built by Jin.


    The submersible can accommodate eight passengers, so it is a bit cramped for Edgar, who is in charge of piloting, Jin, Elsa, Hannah, Saki, Goose, Vivienne, Marcia, Meane, Martha, Stearina, Tor, and Reiko.


    However, as with all of Jin''s creations, it is designed with plenty of room, so a maximum of 15 people are expected to be on board, and all can safely ride in this way.


    For Jin, it is normal to take more than 2 as the usual safety factor.


    < is 2 tons. However, the reason for setting this figure is also the purpose of exploitation of undersea resources.


    < is quite deep. This is because the gently sloping seafloor drops at a steep angle after the archipelago.


    Hence, they are ideal for underwater excursions.


    The humidity problem has been solved, and there is no condensation inside the orca, and changes in atmospheric pressure are minimal, so there is no lack of oxygen.


    "Wow, interesting fish!"


    Hannah exclaims to herself, but the others seem to be excited as well, though they don''t say so.


    The others seem to be excited as well, though they don''t say so. As proof, they are all staring intently out the window.


    The current depth is about 10 meters below the sea surface.


    The water is clear, allowing plenty of sunlight to shine in, and the swimming fish are clearly visible.


    "Oh, beautiful fish!


    A school of colorful fish, which I would call tropical fish, disappeared behind a rock.


    "No, this is fun."


    Saki''s face was relaxed as she muttered.


    "Looking underwater like this, it''s like a different world. ...... No, it''s a different world on land and underwater, isn''t it?"


    Goose''s eyes are shining, despite his calm demeanor.


    "It''s a different view from the surface of the sea. ...... Oh, that rock has an interesting shape.


    Toa also seems to be interested.


    "This is not what you get when you dive. Jin is amazing."


    Marcia shrugged her shoulders.


    "I wonder what kind of materials they can get?��There must be a lot more resources at the bottom of the sea.


    "This view is legendary. ...... It''s hard to put into words."


    Excited words were coming out of Stearina''s and Vivienne''s mouths.


    "Well, I feel like I''m going to live a long time with Jin!"


    Martha looked happy too.


    "Yes, Grandma, live long!


    Hannah smiled at this and looked at Martha.


    "Jin-sama''s power exceeds that of humans. ......"


    Meine was both amazed and impressed.


    Jin and Erza were in the very back seat, cuddling together and looking out the window.


    "Oh, a big fish!"


    "What?"


    Hannah''s voice caused everyone to look to the starboard side of the boat and see a long, thin fish over 10 meters long coming toward them.


    "Death Sea Serpent?


    Saki''s face turned ...... pale, but Jin denied it.


    "That''s not the Death Serpent. His face is different.


    True to his words, the approaching fish had a small head and, therefore, a small mouth.


    "I think it''s an eel."


    "Yeah, they look like that."


    "They''re big, though."


    However, the dragon eels in the Shama Marsh in the Kingdom of Klein can grow to about three meters in length.


    "It has <> and weapons. Don''t worry about 10 or 20 Death Sea Serpents.


    At Jin''s words,


    "Jin is right not to say ''one or two''.


    Saki was also relieved.


    The giant eel swam off down the starboard side of the orca without incident.


    "Oh, another big fish!


    Hannah''s voice again. There was a.


    "A ...... sunfish?"


    Jin couldn''t help but let out a voice.


    There was a school of about ten giant fish that looked like sunfish.


    "They look so quiet."


    <


    They swam leisurely as they passed by.


    "There are so many different kinds of fish."


    "I don''t think I could cover all the creatures of the world in my lifetime," Goose said sincerely.


    Goose said sincerely.


    "But you can work toward your goal. That is the purpose of life.


    These are the words that Dr. Jin was told many times by the Director when he almost failed in the past.


    "Striving is the purpose of life, huh? I see.


    "Kuhu, that''s a good phrase."

 1200 - - 32-18 September 15th, 7th day of travel, 1 break

    "Oh, that was fun!"


    "That was fun, wasn''t it?"


    Hannah, who has returned from her undersea excursion, is smiling with satisfaction in the dining room of the <>. Martha is smiling next to her.


    It is now 1:00 p.m.. They are having a late lunch.


    "Now that we''ve covered most of our itinerary, I think it''s time to go back.


    Jin says as he eats his sandwich.


    "Yes, today is the first week of our trip. ...... It''s about time to go back," Martha said nodding her head.


    Martha nodded and said.


    "Thank you, Jin. I''ve enjoyed every minute of it."


    "No, thank you.


    "Thank you, Grandma!��It was a lot of fun traveling with you, Grandma!


    Hannah thanked Jin as she finished her Citran juice.


    "We still have a long way to go on the way home."


    As Jin said this, a thought occurred to him.


    "Shall we fly back?"


    "What?"


    "It would be no fun to go back the way we came, so I was thinking of flying home in the Conlon 3."


    Is that all right?


    Yes, of course.


    He was concerned that he might get tired of looking at the sea all the time,


    "Jin, can you fly?��By all means!"


    Marcia was also interested in flying.


    So, after the meal was over and they had enjoyed their tea.


    "Father, <> has arrived.


    Conlon 3, which had left Horai Island at Jin''s request, was stopped on the deck of the <>.


    <>.


    "Well, you all know about this, don''t you?"


    Jin asked somewhat unsurely, pointing to <>.


    "I guess I''m new here," Marcia said.


    Marcia said.


    It was true that she had used the warp gate, but she had never ridden on <>.


    Although he is not here, his father, Rodrigo, was in the first airship that Jin built when Marcia was in distress.


    "Whoa!��Wow!��We''re really flying!"


    Of all the members, Marcia is the only one who has never flown before. Even Martha had flown with Jin for a short time before, when he took a scenic flight in the village of Kaina.


    Martha was calm enough not to make as much noise as Marcia did.


    "The ocean is blue from above, isn''t it!"


    Marthia is sticking to the window.


    "What''s that?��Is that <>?


    This is the same monster that attacked Marcia and the prototype catamaran earlier.


    It is basically docile, but it has a habit of looking at floating objects as hostile.


    "If it swims that way, I doubt it will affect land. ......"


    Conlon 3 looks off at the 20-meter-long Bowall swimming leisurely below, and continues to fly north.


    "Oh, that land ...... is the Elias Peninsula!"


    Marcia''s homeland comes into view, and it gets closer and closer.


    "Ah, I see the island of Io!��Oh, there''s Potrock! Potrock!"


    She looks like a little girl with all the excitement in her life.


    We were amazed that Marcia had such a side to her, but at the same time we were smiling.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    "See you later, Onii-chan!"


    "Jin, it was fun. Thank you!


    After dropping off Hannah and Martha, takes to the sky again, heading for Horai Island.


    This time, they go a little faster and arrive at Horai Island in a few minutes.


    Once there, they went to the institute''s cafeteria to drink Persian juice and celebrate their safe return.


    "Congratulations on a successful trip".


    Glasses were raised and everyone looked relieved as they drank the juice.


    "Yeah, it was a lot of fun. Thank you, Jin!"


    "No, thank you for taking me on this trip. I had a great time every day."


    "...... Well, my dad will miss me, I have to go home."


    Marcia passed through the warp gate and returned to Potlock.


    "Thank you, Jin-dono, for everything.


    "Jin-kun, it was a pleasure. Be good with the young mistress. See you later.


    "Jin, it was a very fruitful trip. Thank you.


    Toa, Stellina and Vivian also left with a few words.


    "Well, we''re going home too.


    I''ll have to write this up!"


    Saki and Goose also left.


    "Well then, Jin-sama, Erza, you two enjoy yourselves."


    Even Meine said such words and left the laboratory.


    The remaining members are Jin, Erza, Reiko, and Edgar.


    "......"


    "...... suddenly became quiet."


    "Hmm."


    The quietness after the merrymaking is somewhat lonely. Both Jin and Elsa were silent for a while. But...


    "...... we have to do what we have to do."


    Jin muttered a few words and stood up with a shake of his head as if to reset his thoughts.


    "Brother Jin?"


    "Erza take a good rest. I''m going to the workshop.


    With these words, Jin walked out of the cafeteria. Reiko followed him.


    "I''m going to prepare dinner.


    Elsa whispered in a low voice and got up to go to the kitchen. Edgar followed her.


    * * * * * *


    "What was this material at ......?"


    As a matter of fact, Jin was concerned about the mysterious object found on .


    "Is it lead ore or ...... tungsten lead ore?"


    <


    "Then the cause of this weight must be ...... molecular compression?


    Why such a substance was found in such a place is a mystery.


    "I don''t think we''ll ever know," he said.


    <


    "Well, keep on going."


    <

 1201 - - 32-19 After the trip,

    Dinner was not at , but at the institute''s cafeteria.


    This time, Elsa''s cooking was the main course.


    "Ah, it''s so relaxing, isn''t it?


    Jin and Elsa, plus Meane, Reiko, and Edgar.


    This is the latest family lineup.


    "Well, I''d like to do a quick review.


    This is the reason why we had dinner in the laboratory cafeteria.


    The old man activated the magic screen on the wall.


    "No, let''s start with the equipment and the way of doing things, rather than the island."


    .


    Jin began by explaining what he felt.


    "First of all, I thought again that what we need for a long boat trip is ."


    "I understand. ......I don''t think that''s the right way to put it, though."


    Elsa agreed with a wry smile.


    "You know, Hannah said she wanted to go swimming, right?"


    "That''s true. It''s hard to be surrounded by water and not be able to swim, isn''t it?


    The old man concludes.


    "Yes, it will be. ...... Can''t we divert the water we use for ballast?"


    <


    "Yes, I think that would be fine.


    It would make a big difference.


    <


    "I guess so."


    We are on our way to fulfilling our desire to swim in the boat. Now, let''s move on.


    "I was thinking that we could form a golem orchestra to relieve the boredom.


    "Yes,...... I''d like to make an orchestra ...... with little craftsmen (smith) or mini craftsmen (smith), but I don''t know much about orchestras, but I''d like to make such an orchestra and have it play.


    "Brother Jin, the Shoro Kingdom also has a military band, is that what you mean?"


    Erza asked, tilting her head.


    "Yes. It has nothing to do with the military, and it doesn''t play only marches, though."


    Jin''s knowledge of music is limited. He wished for a moment that he had a friend who had the talent to compose .......


    "We should also develop string, wind, and percussion instruments."


    He would like to make the orchestra as close as possible to the one he envisions.


    "You got it."


    After reviewing the items that he had noticed during the trip, including some very small ones, it was time to talk about the <>.


    <


    "Yes. First of all, plants. Balsa, poison oak, palm trees, spices, I think.


    And banana trees.


    Oh, yeah. Thank you."


    Jin thanked Elsa for her addition.


    "Let''s collect some saplings and try to cultivate them in Horai Island.


    .


    These will serve as five-color golem maids, Topaz.


    "Gemstones are also plentiful, I have seen peridot, quartz, kunzite, topaz, and some slipstones that are not gemstones."


    <<


    "I see. We should avoid overexploitation, but it might be a good idea to extract some of them as raw materials.


    <


    "Yes, that would be a good idea.


    Jin agreed with the old man''s suggestion.


    We may not be able to sell them in the market, but the materials are essential for the island of Horai to support this world behind the scenes.


    <


    "Oh, I knew it."


    The mermaid squads were almost totally outnumbered in the Atlas Island where Jin and the others enjoyed their swim.


    "I''m sure we''ll be fine, though, since we''ve got the warding in place."


    "Father, we are still worried about you.


    At Jin''s words, Reiko, who had been silent until then, interrupted.


    "So ...... you are. I''m sorry, Reiko.


    "No, it''s not your father''s fault. No, it''s not your father''s fault, it''s just our own.


    <, and this is an identity that cannot be compromised in any way.


    "Thank you."


    The old man took care of the follow-up, so Jin decided to think again about the last remaining riddle.


    "Now, the biggest mystery. Why was the compressed tungsten lead ore located in that place?"


    The old man has a good point.


    "You''re right, ......, but you didn''t find any other clues, did you?"


    A larger and larger RAND team searched , but failed to find any of these mysterious substances.


    In the first place, finding them was also a matter of chance.


    <.


    "I guess that''s what I thought."


    "...... Jin brother, I said hello to the demon people, but not to Mr. 700672. I don''t think so."


    Erza points out.


    "Well, you know.


    I had been to the demon territory before, but I didn''t have enough time.


    "Let''s go there just to say hello."


    Jin was curious.


    "Well, maybe tomorrow..."


    Erza agrees.


    Since there is a warp gate at 700672, it will not take long to get there.


    Just when Jin thought that this was the end for today, the old man spoke to him.


    "Yes, what is it?"


    <<


    We can''t know much about it at such a great distance. ''s action was justified.


    "Okay. Report back to me as soon as you have the results."


    <


    This time, the day''s work is done.


    After the preparations, Jin and Erza go to bed.


    "Good night, Mother."


    "Good night, mother-in-law."


    After saying good night to Meane, Jin and Elsa went back to the house. Meine went to her room at the institute so as not to disturb the newlyweds.

 1202 - - 32-20 700672 Greetings

    Jin and Elsa took a rest at , and the next day, September 16, Jin, Elsa, Reiko, and Edgar visited under 7006 They visited the bottom of No. 700672.


    "Oh, welcome!"


    No. 700672 greeted Jin and the others with its usual smile. On either side of him stood and .


    "Today, I''ve come to report on the marriage of Erza and me."


    Jin hugged Elsa''s shoulder and told her.


    "Oh, that''s great news. Let me congratulate you.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin and Erza bowed their heads.


    "Well, that''s not all, is it?"


    After the greetings were over and the usual souvenir of Persica juice was handed over, No. 700672 began.


    "You must have something to ask me, don''t you?"


    "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do."


    Jin told the story of the supposedly molecularly compressed azurite ore he had discovered on his honeymoon on the island of Archeone.


    "Fumu ......."


    Neither Jin nor Erza could open their mouths as No. 700672 seemed to be thinking seriously. Neige and Rouge also looked at him in silence.


    After five or ten minutes of deep thought, No. 70067 No. 2 looked up and opened his mouth.


    "It may have been caused by the process of planetary remodeling.


    "Planetary modification?"


    Jin asked back at the unexpected words.


    "Yes. I don''t know the details myself, but this Arus is the planet where the Masters moved to in the first place.


    The story of No. 700672 can be summarized as follows.


    When the Masters decided to move to , there were several problems.


    One of them was that had a little less gravity for < to move in.


    Therefore, <> modified it to have the same gravity as their home planet <>.


    The modification was carried out slowly over a period of 100 years, while watching the adaptation of the current inhabitants.


    The remodeling of the planet was carried out by <> and <>. The remodeling was carried out by <> and <>.


    Migration to , which had been remodeled, also took place in 100-year increments.


    The information on the followers before the number 500000 is not available for 700 No. 672 does not have the information of the followers before 500000. Therefore, we do not know the details of the remodeling.


    This is what I mean.


    "That''s why ......"


    "That''s just my guess, based on what little information I have."


    Jin sensed from behind the words of No. 700672 that there was apparently a gap or disparity even among the followers.


    "So, to compensate for the lack of gravity, I guessed that heavy elements were injected into the nucleus. I suspect that what looks like compacted azurite may be the product of such an experiment."


    This is just a guess, says 700672, but it makes a lot of sense to Jin.


    However, it was an explanation that made a lot of sense to Jin.


    "After all, the fact that this star has a large gravity for a small planet is the result of such modifications, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. There is no doubt that modifications were made. But I don''t know the details of the modifications, so I can only speculate.


    Still, it was an interesting story about the origin of stars, Jin thinks.


    "Do you know how your were molecularly compressed?"


    Jin asks the few remaining questions.


    "Only in my imagination, yes."


    With that, No. 700672 began to explain .


    "You determine the target location and perform a multi-layer multi-layer compressive transfer."


    "Multilayer Multilayer Compression Transfer?"


    Jin asked back at the unfamiliar word.


    "Multilayer Multilayer Compression Transfer is a magical technique developed by the Masters to generate high-density matter.


    Jin listened attentively.


    "I am not privy to the details, but it is difficult to actually do so, although the density can be increased by piling matter on top of matter.


    Apparently, there is a gap in information as well.


    "It seems that they do this by creating a boundary that makes it possible and sending matter inside of it."


    I don''t know anything more than that," said the apologetic 700672.


    "No, that was helpful."


    Jin is using a compression boundary to forcefully compress the molecules, while the masters seem to be doing it a little smarter.


    However, Jin''s method leaves a gap after compression, and the mass does not change in the first place.


    If you want to increase the gravity of a planet, you have to bring in material from somewhere and add it, which is not to say that Jin''s method is impossible, but it is too much work.


    "Perhaps they increased the gravity by a factor of about twice the original amount?"


    "I see. ......"


    Although the planet was originally as heavy as adamantite, the gravity was still about 0.5G, so they must have modified it to double the original gravity.


    "I do not know how this would have affected other creatures. When I and my came here, the gravity was already the same as it is now.


    Planetary modification may have been done as a test case tens of thousands of years before the migration," 700672 said in a further bombshell. He dropped another bombshell.


    "I do not know the whole truth. In fact, compared to the 100,000 number, I know nothing at all.


    "Haha ......"


    Jin wondered if this world had been created by such followers of the 100000th and their masters.


    (It''s not worth thinking about, though.)


    (It''s not a good idea to think about it, though.) This might be the origin of myths and legends, reminded Jin of the science fiction and anime of his days in modern Japan.


    "By the way, what about <>?"


    The 700672 also seemed to be concerned about this matter.


    "Yes, we sent out an observation rocket to investigate the details.


    "Oh, that''s good. After all, the planet has an extraordinarily long period of time, and it goes away and comes back far away, so there''s no guarantee that it''s the same as the last time.


    "I guess so. ......"


    The sun Celan is one of the foci of the long elliptical orbit, but we do not know what is near the other foci.


    I am taking some steps to deal with it, though."


    What are they?


    A small gravity stabilizer and a large gas field.


    <


    And if the atmosphere is lost to a , it would be a big deal.


    This is what 700672 explained.


    You are right. I have to do something.


    "Then, Jin-dono, you may accumulate your free magical element (ether). After all, it is energy that we need when the time comes.


    "...... understand."


    I understand what you are saying, 700672.


    If we were to set up a planetary scale warding, how many ordinary <> would be needed.


    Reiko''s Magi Reactor would have to be multiplied by millions, Jin could not imagine.


    Still, the secure energy supply would be useful in many ways.


    "I''ll work on it right away."


    "Oh, I''m sure you can do it, Jin-dono. I''m counting on you."


    We can''t risk this world, 700672 said.


    "I''m sorry to be so formal with you, ma''am. Yes, accept my congratulations."


    700672 went to the back of the room and came back with something that looked like a small box.


    "This is for the both of you. It is called a camera.


    "A camera?


    That''s right. You look through it, point it at what you want to project, press this button, and after a while, a sheet will come out with a picture that looks exactly like the projected image.


    It was, after all, the that Jin knew.


    "The principle is ...... no, I''ll save that for Jin-dono''s enjoyment.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin gladly accepted it.


    He had often wished he had a camera, but he could not make photographic paper.


    Jin received the camera from No. 700672, confident that if he studied it, he would be able to make it.

 1203 - - 32-21 Cameras

    "Camera or ......"


    After leaving the 700672, Jin rushed back to the lab.


    "Brother Jin, you look happy."


    Elsa said, seeing Jin''s lively face.


    "Yeah, I just couldn''t make photographic paper. I wonder how this works. Let''s try ...... first."


    Jin pointed the camera at Elsa and pressed a button.


    "What?"


    Erza''s face was filled with surprise.


    Then he pulled out a piece of photographic paper from inside the camera, and there was a picture of Erza.


    "Oh, it''s there, it''s there!"


    The operation seems to be similar to that of an instant camera.


    "Here''s ........."


    The image quality is quite good. As expected, it is a gift from No. 700672.


    "Let me see ......."


    Erza snatches the from Jin''s hand as if snatching it halfway. Her face turns red.


    There is a startled look on Erza''s face when the camera is suddenly pointed at her.


    "...... tease."


    Erza''s face swells up.


    "Sorry, sorry. But Erza with a natural face like this is cute, too. No matter how she looks, Erza is still Erza.


    "...... already."


    I can''t be mad at you if you talk like that," Elsa grumbled and put the photo back in her pocket.


    "Oh, wait a minute. I haven''t checked it yet."


    Jin rushed to retrieve the photo.


    "...... no."


    But Elsa held his pockets and refused to give him the photo.


    Reiko, who could not bear to watch them arguing, gave them some advice.


    "Father, why don''t you take another picture?


    "...... Oh, I see..."


    "If it is all right with me, please take as many pictures as you like."


    Elsa stepped forward as if to intercept Reiko, who was puffing out her chest.


    "...... copy me."


    Behind Erza, Reiko was smiling a pleased smile, but neither Jin nor Erza noticed the expression on her face.


    Jin takes another picture of Erza with a composed face, and applies to the picture in his hand.


    Her face was colored with surprise.


    "This is ...... that way!


    But surprise is replaced by frustration.


    "Brother Jin?


    "Father?"


    The two look worried,


    "...... No, this dye was the same kind as . ......Oh, I wonder why I didn''t think of that!"


    Magical dyes change their color from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, and red-violet depending on the amount of magic power applied to them.


    Jin guessed that the color of the material used here can be changed to a more intense one.


    "The wavelength of light is converted into magical power to produce the color. I think they also change the intensity of the light by converting its intensity into magic power. I thought of that very well, didn''t I?"


    Jin explained in a tone that still had a hint of regret in it.


    "I''ll have to look into it more closely to make the same thing, but the principle is as I just said."


    In principle, there is no <> involved. It is exactly like an .


    If we can take <>, it will be convenient in many ways to keep records. Yes, even data on <>.


    Jin has decided to study this method and try to reproduce and mass-produce it.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, the point is that the color changes with the wavelength of magic power and the density changes with the intensity of magic power. ......"


    We were able to identify the characteristics of magical dyes, but we had no idea of the key magical dyes.


    The existing magic dyes change from red to red-purple, but the magic dyes used for photographic paper seem to have coloring characteristics similar to the spectrum of light.


    "Brother Jin, is this also a biological material?"


    "Hmm, that is a strong possibility.


    It is hard to imagine a material found in nature having such characteristics.


    "Then it must be Mr. Goose."


    Edgar spoke up, which was unusual.


    "Well, let''s go to ...... and ask him. Saki seems to like this kind of research."


    So Jin took Reiko and moved to Saki''s house.


    * * * *


    "I''m going!��I''m coming!"


    Sure enough, Saki bites.


    And Goose?


    "...... hmmm...... maybe it''s an <>...... or maybe it''s a <> (rayoti worm)>>?"


    "You know, Goose?"


    "Yes. The pigment Jin is talking about could possibly come from the rainbow worm.


    According to Goose, the rainbow worm is the larva of the rainbow butterfly, an insect that lives deep in the mountains of Huso.


    "The larva changes color depending on the type of magic it possesses. The adult is a beautiful butterfly with a tail as thin as a string.


    "Oh, ....... Does the butterfly change color too?


    "No. When they are larvae,...... or rather, just before they turn into pupa, their wings are the same color. It is only when they are larvae that they change color.


    "I see."


    "I see." "There must have been villages that used them as a dye."


    That was good news.


    "Can you share it with us?"


    Yes, ....... It''s not so rare, so a small amount would be fine, right?


    "I see."


    Then, since we can''t overfish, Jin wants to think about aquaculture.


    "Anyway, I''ll go and ask them to share it with us."


    Jin said and left the room.


    Goose stops him.


    "Of course I''ll go with you.


    Jin nodded silently.


    "I''ll go with you, then."


    Saki came forward.


    "Okay. Then let''s go to Horai Island and take the Conlon 3.


    So the three of them moved to Horai Island.


    "I''ll go with you.


    Naturally, Erza followed them.


    In the end, with Edgar as pilot and Reiko as escort, Jin, Erza, Goose, and Saki took off for Fusor in the <>.


    On the way, Jin gave Goose and Saki a detailed explanation about the <>.

 1204 - - 32-22 Butter

    < was going 1000 km/h. It was a speed that could be called subsonic.


    The reason for this is that the only passengers on board are the members of the , so they don''t have to be shy, and they want to get the materials as soon as possible, and also because of the time difference.


    Finally, there was also a reason to shorten the flying time for Goose, who is not good at flying, but Jin kept quiet about it.


    The time difference between Horai Island and Fuso is about 7 hours. When we left Horai Island around 11:00 a.m., it was 4:00 a.m. in Fuso.


    Since the distance is about 2,300 kilometers, it would be about 6:30 a.m. local time when we arrive in Hsaw.


    "But are we going to get there soon?"


    "The clouds will be behind us in no time!"


    Saki is excited, in contrast to Goose, who is still getting used to the idea.


    And then, without incident ......, <> approached the sky over Fusor.


    The speed is reduced to about 100 km/h. The altitude is also lowered to about 50 meters. The altitude was also lowered to about 50 meters.


    At that altitude, Goose finally seems to be getting used to the idea.


    "Where do you think we should land?"


    Jin asks, and Goose thinks for a moment before answering.


    "Well, ...... the most reliable place would be good. In other words, the town of <>.


    "I think the mayor is Mr. Fadon, isn''t it?"


    Jin also remembered that there was a girl named Nalie who was very fond of Goose.


    "That''s right. I haven''t been back for a while, so it''s not a bad idea to say hello.


    "That was April ......, wasn''t it? I visited there looking for a clue from a wise man, right? That''s when I met Goose."


    "Yeah. I was so hungry I couldn''t move."


    "Ugh. ...... give me a break."


    Jin and Saki laughed at Goose''s embarrassed look.


    "Brother Jin, something''s wrong!"


    Erza, who was looking out the window at that time, raised her voice unusually loudly.


    "What''s wrong ......?


    Jin also looked up, looked at the window and exclaimed.


    "What the hell is this?


    < were covered with a huge number of insects.


    "...... grasshoppers?"


    It was a bug about 10 cm long, similar to a grasshopper. They were so thickly clinging to the surface that we could not see anything in front of us.


    <


    "What''s wrong?"


    Jin asked Edgar, who was in charge of the controls,


    "The propulsion system is jammed. <


    He replies.


    "The jet thrusters are jammed, even though there are boundaries that repel solids?"


    Jin was surprised. That means there is enough < to break through the boundary, or it has enough to nullify the boundary.


    "Goose, what is this worm?


    "It''s a ravenous grasshopper. ......"


    Goose answered with a pale face.


    "It''s a pest that eats all the crops......, no, it''s a disaster bug!"


    Jin wondered if it was something like what we would call on modern Earth.


    They are called flying grasshoppers or cotton grasshoppers, and there are records of them damaging rice and other crops.


    "Reiko, can''t you catch a few and send them to Horai Island?"


    "I''ll try."


    Reiko opens the window just a little and grabs a handful.


    The ravenous grasshopper sets its sharp teeth to bite Reiko''s hand, but is unable to break through the leather of the ancient dragon, which stands at the top of the living world.


    "<>"


    Reiko stuns it and stops it from moving.


    After repeating the process a few times, I got about 10 binge-eating grasshoppers.


    "Okay, let''s hurry up and investigate on Horai Island.


    Jin and Reiko grabbed the binge-eating grasshoppers and tried to move to the laboratory by the warp gate equipped with <>.


    "Jin, I''m coming with you.


    Me too.


    Me too.


    Erza, Saki, and Goose also said they would go.


    So they told Edgar to send up to 10,000 meters above the ground to stand by.


    Even the cannot follow us up to that altitude,


    The ground is observed by .


    "Okay, let''s go!"


    Jin and the others have finished giving their instructions, and have moved to Horai Island.


    * * * *


    "...... This ravenous grasshopper is still imbued with magical powers."


    Jin and his team begin their investigation at the laboratory.


    "Hmm. Could this be the reason for its unusual fertility?"


    "I don''t know, but this thing''s jaws are ridiculously strong. It''s like a gigantopod.


    "So it''s a demon even if it''s small. ......"


    A cold chill ran down Jin''s back.


    "How is the ravenous grasshopper doing, old man?"


    While ordinary demons feed on free magical elements (ether), this ravenous grasshopper seems to be an omnivore.


    It seems to eat anything and everything it sees.


    Also, grasshoppers usually undergo incomplete metamorphosis.


    In other words, the newly hatched larvae look just like their parents, only smaller, and they have the habit of devouring everything they see.


    "They probably mature and reproduce according to the amount of food they eat," Goose said darkly.


    Goose said darkly.


    "I''m curious to know how it started, but right now we need to do something about it."


    The northern part of Huso was already almost finished with its crops, so there had been less damage, but as they moved southeast, the harvest would be in the coming months.


    "If we don''t contain it as soon as possible, it will reach Mitsho and the Shoro Kingdom."


    Last year we had a mold scare, and this year we have a ravenous grasshopper infestation.


    If we don''t do something to stop it, people could starve to death.


    "But how can we do that? ......"


    One by one, it''s not a big deal. The problem is the number.


    The number, which could be in the millions or even tens of millions, is what is troubling.


    No matter how many Reiko is, she cannot be present in several places at the same time.


    And unless more than 90% of them are destroyed, the damage cannot be contained.


    Based on the information from the who is observing from a very high altitude, the old man has concluded that there is only one day left for the ravenous grasshoppers to reach the area where the fields are located before the fall harvest.


    "One day, or ......."


    A grace period that takes into account the time difference.


    "In the meantime, we need to come up with effective countermeasures."


    Jin, Erza, Saki, and Goose shared their wisdom and thought.

 1205 - - 32-23 Research and Countermeasures

    The grasshoppers were trapped in a spherical ward, and Jin and his colleagues were holding a meeting.


    "If we are dealing with insects, we should use insecticides, right?


    First, Jin voiced his opinion.


    "Well, do you mean to fumigate them with the leaves of plants that insects don''t like?"


    Saki asked. Apparently there is no such thing as insecticide in Ars.


    "There is that, but it''s an insecticidal ingredient ......, well, it''s a poison. I''ll spray it on you."


    "Jin, isn''t that harmful to humans too?"


    At Goose''s surprised look, Jin smiles back.


    "That''s true. However, due to differences in body size and metabolism, humans do not get sick immediately.


    Still, direct inhalation or ingestion of large quantities can lead to death.


    "...... is a bit dangerous."


    "Yes."


    I think some of the pesticides can accumulate in crops," Jin said, recalling the environmental pollution problem.


    "......, so pesticides are out."


    "Nah, I agree."


    Before that, it was difficult for Jin, who was not familiar with chemistry, to develop a suitable insecticide in a short period of time.


    "Even if we tried to catch them, their powerful jaws would probably chew us up."


    Nets and cages may not help, fears Saki.


    "Then, ......"


    Jin wonders what the insect''s weak point is.


    "Low temperatures might be good."


    Jin remembers that there was a spray that cools down the kitchen quickly for pests.


    "I see, insects slow down when it''s cold. That might be a good idea."


    Goose agrees.


    "So, we catch them when they slow down?"


    Elsa concluded.


    "Maybe we could use a vacuum cleaner or a ward to suck them up and get rid of them."


    We had a good idea of what to do, but Saki had a question.


    "By the way, what is the cause of this outbreak?"


    "Indeed. Is there some kind of condition?


    The prospect of extermination gave Jin and the others the mental space to make such considerations.


    "Muuu......"


    Even Goose, who was the most knowledgeable about insect ecology among the current members, seemed to be at a loss.


    "Well, Jin, why don''t you take a closer look at this ravenous grasshopper we caught?"


    "That''s one way to go."


    Jin nodded at Erza''s suggestion.


    "<>...... hmm?"


    "Jin, what''s wrong?"


    "Erza, can you analyze it too?"


    "Nn. ......<>. ......


    What''s wrong, Erza?


    Jin and Erza both looked at her curiously, so Saki asked why.


    "It contains a lot of ...... free magic element (ether)."


    "What?��Not mana?


    Yes.


    The reason why living creatures take in free magical element (ether) is to convert it into magical element (mana) in their bodies and use its energy.


    Therefore, this binge-eating grasshopper, which contains a large amount of free magic element (ether), has a very special ecology.


    "I wouldn''t be surprised if it was a vegetative non-living thing, like Persica juice. ......"


    "Hmmm, interesting."


    Goose leaned forward and looked at the ravenous grasshoppers with a wry smile.


    "I wonder if that trait might have also broken the warding on ."


    The wards are basically a web of free magic element (ether).


    Jin guessed that the free magic element (ether) might have been captured.


    Jin wondered, "Hey Jin, how does this ravenous grasshopper keep the free magical element (ether) in its body?


    Saki, on the other hand, asks a question that just popped into her head.


    "What?"


    What?"


    Jin and Erza both raised their voices and looked at Saki''s face.


    "What''s the matter, both of you?


    "I was careless. Saki pointed it out to me. Thank you!


    "Huh?��Huh?"


    Saki is not a mage, so she may not have understood, but normal creatures cannot use free magic element (ether) as it is even if they take it in, so they convert it into magic element (mana) in their bodies.


    A binge-eating grasshopper that does not do so and accumulates it is clearly abnormal.


    Saki nodded her head in understanding, and Goose thought about it more.


    "What is it, Goose?"


    "...... hoarding...... aethe...... abnormality...... ecology... ..."


    Goose mumbling and thinking.


    Not being familiar with the creatures that inhabit this ars, it was unlikely that Jin would be able to offer any useful advice, so he silently watched Goose.


    Goose, who had been pondering for about 10 minutes, slowly looked up and began to speak in halting tones.


    "......This is just a theory. The ...... binge-eating grasshopper itself is an abnormal creature to begin with."


    Jin, Erza, and Saki listened.


    "How does the free magical element (ether) affect the creature? I have had the opportunity to examine the leather of an ancient dragon for a short time.


    Goose paused there to consider his next words.


    "......The ancient dragon''s leather also contained free magical element (ether)."


    "Yeah, to enhance ...... the ......."


    Jin also thought of it, while he was listening to the conversation.


    "So you noticed it too. Yes, my hypothesis is that the free magical element (ether) is the secret of the strength of the ravenous grasshopper.


    "That sounds plausible."


    Saki agreed with this theory.


    "Hmmm...they slowly accumulate free magical element (ether), and their bodies are strengthened by it, is that it?


    "Maybe a certain amount of it is accumulated to become a binge-eating grasshopper."


    Guth reasoned.


    "If ...... so, we can take away the free magic element (ether) that he has accumulated ......."


    Erza said.


    "So a ravenous grasshopper becomes just a grasshopper?"


    Goose nodded.


    "Probably. But there are so many of them that they could devour the crops. However, the difficulty of eliminating them will be greatly reduced.


    "Well, let''s check first."


    Can we take away the free magic element (ether) contained in the captured ravenous grasshoppers or not?


    Reiko holds the ravenous grasshopper in her hand and uses a magic which consumes a large amount of free magic element (ether).


    As a result, if the free magic element (ether) of the ravenous grasshopper is greatly reduced, then .......


    "Let''s do it outside the institute."


    Gravity magic is the first magic that comes to mind when we think of high-consumption magic. However, using it indoors is not a good idea.


    Jin and the others went outside the institute.


    "Okay, let''s use it."


    Reiko took the container containing the binge-eating grasshoppers and used gravity magic to levitate. She rose about 50 meters, then came back and landed on the ground.


    "Okay, let''s check it out. ......Oh, the free magical element (ether) is decreasing.


    "Does that mean that the free magical element (ether) stored by the ravenous grasshopper can be used by others?


    "Yes, it does. It just means that the concentration of free magic element (ether) is high.


    "Jin, so the ravenous grasshopper is a natural ether tank.


    Goose''s expression was quite appropriate.


    "That''s right. Now we can take other countermeasures.


    "Brother Jin, what is it?"


    Jin answered Erza''s question with a slight frown.


    "For example, ......<>.

 1206 - - 32-24 Start work

    "Brother Jin, that''s ......!"


    <.


    "Yes, I know what you mean. Aether Stampede is too dangerous.


    Jin calms Erza down.


    "Father, what do you have in mind?


    Reiko, who had returned the ravenous grasshopper to the ward, turned to Jin and asked again, "What do you have in mind?


    "Yes. In short, the free magical element (ether) that the ravenous grasshopper possesses is the same quality as the free magical element (ether) contained in the Magi Crystal. No, since the purity is different, it might be better to call it a magi stone."


    Then Erza, looking satisfied, spoke up.


    "Okay. Anyway, I''m going to do something with the free magical element (ether) that the ravenous grasshopper has.


    "That''s right."


    Jin nodded to Erza,


    "Let''s go back to the laboratory first.


    He said, "Let''s go back to the laboratory first. Elsa, Saki, and Goose followed.


    Reiko walked next to Jin.


    "Well, what should we do?


    Jin sat down on a chair in the workshop.


    "You haven''t thought about ...... what to do yet, have you?"


    Saki asked with a doubtful look on her face.


    "Oh, no, no, no. No, no, no. We have a plan. ...... a gradual <>. That''s the goal.


    "A slow runaway ......."


    Erza parrots back.


    "I don''t think that''s a anymore."


    Jin chuckles at Erza''s unusual comment.


    "That''s true. The point is to use the free magical element (ether) of the ravenous grasshopper to activate a big magic.


    "I see. So that would mean burning them to death or ...... freezing them the way you said at the beginning."


    Goose chuckled.


    "Yeah. "Yeah. I think that''s a good idea too. Two birds with one stone. Fire affects the surroundings, so I think we should freeze it.


    "Jin, it''s good to freeze them, but won''t they start moving again when they melt?


    Saki said worriedly.


    "Yes, that''s a concern. That''s why we''re going to collect them while they''re stuck. ......"


    "What are we going to do with them after we collect them?"


    "...... should we put them in tsukudani (food boiled down in soy sauce)?"


    What?


    What?


    It seems that he really meant what he said as a joke, and Erza and Saki were taken aback.


    "No, in my world, there is such a thing as inako tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce).


    "...... Jin, that kind of joke doesn''t suit you."


    "Yes, yes, it''s true!"


    "......"


    Jin was beaten to a pulp by Erza and Saki.


    "But it''s a waste of time..."


    "What?"


    "I thought it was a waste. He has been collecting free magical elements (ether) for us, and I can''t let him consume them.


    Saki was probably half joking, but Jin and Erza seemed to have an idea.


    "Tsukudani ...... or ......."


    "Are you still talking about that, Jin?


    Saki looks at me rather coldly.


    "No, I mean, as Saki said, I was wondering if there''s a way to effectively use the free magical element (ether) they''ve collected.


    "Sure, that kind of magic would be the best."


    Wait, there''s a !��There''s ......!


    What?��Jin, what is it?


    We''ll apply the Free Magic Element Condenser to steal all the free magic elements (ether) from them.


    "Ah. ...... can store the free magical element (ether) we have taken away in the magical element storage (ether tank)."


    Erza seemed to understand the meaning of Jin''s statement.


    The ether tank is a technology that was once used in Elena. Although it is an old technology, it may come in handy in the oddest of places.


    "Yes, that sounds good. But what will happen to the binge-eating grasshoppers that have been deprived of their free magical element (ether)?


    When Goose asked the natural question, Jin said, "Let''s try an experiment.


    "First of all, I will modify the free magical element condenser (ether capacitor) so that the collected free magical element (ether) will be stored in the magical element reservoir (ether tank)," he said.


    The work itself takes only five minutes, since this is what Jin does.


    "Okay, let''s do this."


    I activate the free-magic condenser (ether condenser) near the three carnivorous grasshoppers I''ve caught.


    Although we can''t see it, the surrounding free magic elements (ether) should be condensed and flowing into the ether tank.


    "Okay, pause."


    After running it for a minute or so, Jin stopped the free-magic condenser (ether capacitor) and checked what happened to the free-magic (ether) contained in the binge-eating grasshopper.


    "<>...... Oh, you guessed right. It worked."


    The ravenous grasshopper had all of its free magic element (ether) sucked out.


    "It stopped moving."


    And the ravenous grasshopper stopped moving.


    "Hmm, it won''t be able to revive now, will it?


    It means that the free magic element (ether) in the body can be taken away by taking away all the free magic element (ether) in the body.


    It''s the same as the mage who was in an "ether stampede".


    We are on the verge of defeating the mages.


    "We can collect them and feed them to the fish.


    That''s a good idea.


    Since these monsters are out of the ecosystem, this kind of treatment is inevitable.


    Jin vaguely thought that it would be good if the fish could return to the natural world by being used effectively until the end.


    "All right, then, let''s make a magic tool for countermeasures.


    I''ll help you.


    "Jin, is there anything we can do to help?"


    Saki, who had been waiting for a while, offered.


    "Well, we''d like to collect and dispose of as many of the ravenous grasshoppers as possible in a real situation, so if you could find out about their ecology..."


    What do they like and what do they hate?


    How strong are their jaws, and how hard can they bite?


    How well can they adapt to changes in temperature and environment?


    I asked them to collect as much data as they could using the remaining six animals.


    "Okay, I''ll leave it to you.


    Goose is very enthusiastic.


    Laozi, the mobile terminal of the old man, also cooperates. This is the pattern that Saki follows when he investigates physical properties.


    "Let''s first find out what they prefer the most, vegetable matter, animal matter, or mineral matter.


    "Yes, that''s right. I think it would be good to narrow it down that way.


    Saki and the others immediately begin discussing the procedure of the experiment.


    "Let''s leave the other side to them and we''ll do it ourselves.


    "Right."


    Jin and the others also started to work.


    "Reiko, please get me the magi crystals with the dark attribute.


    Yes, father.


    Jin chose the dark attribute, which has a high affinity with magic that affects space.


    "Brother Jin, please explain to me the flow of magic control (Magi Sequence).


    "Okay. First of all, ......"


    Jin, Erza, and Reiko also started to work.

 1207 - - 32-25 Ecology

    "The basis is the <>."


    Jin explained the basic magic control flow (magi sequence) to Erza.


    "...... amazing way of thinking."


    "Father, what about the <>?"


    "I''ll have to prepare that as well.


    I''ll take care of that.


    Okay, I''ll take care of it.


    Reiko, who had been Elena''s assistant when she repaired the tank, remembered the structure of the tank.


    Jin felt confident in entrusting her with the work.


    "Make a little extra, please."


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin had some thoughts about it, and decided to have more ether tanks prepared.


    "It''s not something that will go to waste."


    Jin, Elsa, and Reiko, with > as their assistant, began their work.


    "We don''t want to collect them in a haphazard way, we want to prioritize the concentrated ones first."


    "So, this is how the Magi Formula works here?"


    Yes, that''s right. And this one is like this.


    "Brother Jin''s ideas are amazing as always."


    Reiko glances at Jin and the others who are exchanging such ideas, and proceeds with her work.


    "We''ll prepare 200 pieces, since you asked for a large number. Craftsman 25, please.


    Yes, ma''am.


    Since this is based on an existing one, there are no difficulties in the work, except for a few modifications to increase efficiency.


    However, since this is a product of Horaijima, it is written precisely on a small magic crystal (magi-crystal) in which it is usually impossible to write a magic formula (magi formula).


    In other words, in a sense, it is also the utilization of waste products.


    In this way, the preparations necessary for the binge-eating grasshopper were completed on the same day.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "This one is ready. What about you?"


    Late that night, Jin and his team gathered at the command center.


    "Yeah, we didn''t get much done in half a day, but we made some progress.


    I guess that''s what you have to do when you''re dealing with someone.


    "Well, let me explain what I found out.


    Goose looked at Saki. Saki opened her mouth in response.


    "First, let''s start with your food preferences. The first thing he likes to eat is vegetable matter, followed by animal matter. Minerals are not so much. They do nibble, though."


    "Hmm. Well, then I guess we have to worry about crop damage."


    "That''s right. I''ve done some comparisons, and it seems that barley, wheat, and rice prefer the berries to the leaves. ......


    "Oh, that''s not good. ......"


    "And for animal matter, when they compared fresh meat to dried meat, they preferred fresh meat."


    "That''s even worse."


    It''s too dangerous.


    "As for the strength of its jaws, it can gnaw through steel without difficulty. Adamantite it can''t. It''s somewhere in between. I don''t have time to go into that yet."


    No, thank you.


    We still have a long way to go before we know if the environment has changed.


    That''s all," Saki concluded.


    "Thank you. That was helpful. ...... but we''ll have to hurry up tomorrow."


    Then, the old man gave an interesting report.


    "Oh, I see. Then the damage will not spread during the night.


    Jin announced that he would begin his activities before dawn the next day.


    "I hope the will be able to do this kind of work eventually.


    This was an emergency situation, and Jin could not just ignore it.


    "Well, since there is a time difference, we should move at 9:00 a.m. Horai Island time."


    "Kuhu, that''s right."


    Since it is good to have some time to spare, Jin and the others decided to take a hot spring bath to recover from the work and rest for the night.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    On the other hand, the old lord is active day and night.


    A mobile terminal << Lao Tzu> was sent to the area by a transporter to continue further investigation.


    Just then, there was a group of about 50 animals that had strayed from a larger group.


    <<......After all>>


    As soon as the magic light was turned on, the ravenous grasshoppers began to move.


    Having found out that the reason why the ravenous grasshoppers stop moving at night is not because of the temperature but simply because they are blind at night, Lao Kun started further investigations using <>.


    <>.


    It was found that the ravenous grasshopper reacts most strongly to light in the blue, violet, and ultraviolet regions.


    If we can make a powerful ultraviolet generator, we may be able to gather the ravenous grasshoppers in one place.


    The old man is not satisfied with this achievement and continues to investigate further.


    >


    The old man manipulates < to collect data on the ravenous grasshoppers.


    <


    It will be dawn soon.


    >>.


    captures about fifty of the ravenous grasshoppers with her warding and sets them aside for Saki and the others to study.


    Saki and her team had caught about 50 grasshoppers and had secured them for Saki''s research.


    "What''s going on?��The number of grasshoppers is increasing.


    "There''s no way they multiplied ...... overnight."


    The next morning, Saki and Goose are puzzled by the increase in the number of grasshoppers for their experiments.


    "Oh, I see. But thank you."


    "Yeah. Let''s start the experiment."


    Saki and Goose were satisfied with the explanation from the old man and started their research after breakfast.


    The old man explained the data on the wavelength of light.


    "I see. I see. You have saved us a lot of trouble.


    <


    "No, I think it''s a good thing we''re wasting time right now."


    Jin adds.


    "Okay, let''s get today''s plan together."


    In about two hours, we will be on our way.

 1208 - - 32-26 Thank you for this world

    >.


    Eleven are completed and installed on 1~10 respectively.


    The Falcon is a Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft for covert maneuvering and support.


    The remaining one is mounted on Jin''s beloved <.


    The Pegasus 1 is a five-seater, so Jin, Erza, Reiko, Saki, and Goose get on board.


    "Okay, let''s go!"


    A total of eleven airplanes float into the sky of Horai Island and fly toward the west.


    The speed of the Falcon is 300 kilometers per hour with its normal engine, the , but it can exceed the speed of sound by using the . .


    Pegasus 1 can also reach a speed of 800 km/h with a normal engine, and supersonic speed with a force field generator.


    Since Pegasus 1 flies at low altitude, the speed is limited to 1,000 km/h because of concerns about shock waves.


    The sky is getting darker and darker as they head west.


    It is still before 5:00 a.m. in the Shoro Kingdom. The sky has finally begun to lighten.


    After passing over the Shoro Empire, the 11 planes split off in their respective directions. Further to the west, it is not yet dawn.


    Jin and the others headed for the first group they spotted.


    "We should be able to see them by now.


    Jin said as they slowed down to about 100 km/h.


    "Father, there''s a ravenous grasshopper three kilometers ahead.


    Dawn had not yet broken around them.


    "All right, let''s turn on the trigger lights."


    < is a magical tool that Jin made in a hurry after receiving the old man''s report, and it emits light in the wavelength that is favored by the ravenous grasshoppers.


    It seemed to be particularly effective in the dim light, and the ravenous grasshoppers began to gather like a cloud and haze.


    They fly up with their wings and fly toward Pegasus 1. Then they are blocked by the wall of the < and come to a stop.


    "You are doing well. <


    "Yes, sir."


    At Jin''s instruction, Goose turns on the ether eliminator.


    At that moment, the carnivorous grasshoppers stop moving and fall to the ground.


    "Oh, it worked!"


    "...... is amazing!"


    "Thank goodness Jin is here!��I shudder to think what would happen if a swarm like that consumed all the grain.


    "No, indeed. Usually, a swarm like that has strength in numbers. ......"


    Saki and Goose praise Jin.


    "Strength in numbers is at its best when it is dispersed. It would be impractical to defeat such small demons individually, wouldn''t it?"


    "Your father is right. The most effective tactic is to attack at a range or to destroy them all at once in one place.


    While we were having such a conversation, the binge-eating grasshoppers were crashing down one by one.


    After about 15 minutes, not even a single predatory grasshopper came close to us.


    < was changed, but no more grasshoppers came to the site. It seems that we have exterminated them.


    "Reiko, what about the ether tank?


    All the free ether we took from the ravenous grasshoppers is stored in the ether tank.


    "Yes, father. The ether tank is 80% full."


    "Well... ......, every little bit counts."


    "Well, how many of them were there, anyway?"


    "Well, I''d say no less than ......1 ten thousand of them."


    Jin then looked at the dawn sky,


    "I wonder what happened to the rest of the world?


    He wondered what was going on in other areas.


    There were six flocks observed yesterday.


    There are only five left.


    * * * * * *


    <>. Falcon 2, activate the <>.


    Based on the images from the <>, the old man divided the 10 Falcon units into 5 groups of 2 units each, and gave instructions to each group.


    The "Mere Old Man" assigned the odd-numbered and even-numbered Falcon units to operate the <> and <>, respectively, because it was easier to respond immediately if the units were operated separately.


    <> to a wider area. Keep it there. Falcon 4, do not activate the <> yet. We''re going to round them up.


    Some of the grasshoppers seem to have spread over a fairly large area.


    <> in place. Falcon 6 activate the <>.


    The small flock is destroyed in no time at all.


    <> a little further east. ...... will do. Falcon 8, activate the ether eliminator.


    With precise instructions, the swarms of ravenous grasshoppers drop to the ground one after another, motionless.


    <> remains in place. Falcon 10,<> activated.


    The main swarm of the predatory grasshoppers was destroyed in half an hour before dawn.


    <


    It is inevitable that one or two of them will escape.


    The old man also remembered to give instructions to reduce the damage caused by such stragglers as much as possible.


    <


    It is important to leave data for future generations.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......It seems that you did not cause any serious damage.


    "......Good."


    Jin and the others had moved from to and were listening to the old man''s report in the cabin.


    "It was really lucky that we happened to go to Hsaw to look for the ."


    Goose was also relieved.


    "Still, some forests and grasslands seem to have taken a beating.


    From the air, some of the forests in the area where the ravenous grasshoppers passed through have been eaten away.


    Some animals were reduced to bones, and even their bones had been gnawed away.


    "I wish I had noticed and dealt with it a little earlier. ......"


    Jin looks very frustrated. His face shows a hint of sadness.


    As if to encourage Jin, Goose opened his mouth.


    It is true. But it''s a miracle that he survived. Jin is really amazing.


    Goose said that in past legends, something like the had appeared, and that two or three villages had been destroyed at one time or another.


    "Kuhu, we can''t thank Jin enough, can we?"


    Saki muttered these words half jokingly but sincerely, but Jin looked puzzled.


    "I''m the one who ...... thanks ...... you."


    "What?"


    "Brother Jin?"


    Erza and the others are surprised at Jin''s unusually somber tone.


    "In the world before, I was supposed to be dead. But Reiko called me out, and here I am.


    Jin gently pats Reiko''s head.


    "And before I knew it, I had a place to stay, a friend I could trust and ......."


    Jin looks alternately at Saki and Goose''s faces.


    "...... I''ve found someone I care about."


    Gently Jin hugged Elsa''s shoulder.


    "I''m not a saint, and I can''t be a hero or a friend of justice, but..."


    He broke off and opened his mouth again.


    I love this world. I want to protect this world, which has become my second home.


    Jin ......


    Jin ......


    Jin ......


    "I can''t and won''t say I''m going to make this world a better place because my hands are too small. But if I can make it so that the people I know don''t have to cry, I''ll do what I can."


    Jin gave a small laugh.


    "...... all of this is selfish of me, though."


    But when Erza heard that, she hugged him tightly.


    "......Erza?"


    "...... Jin, don''t go anywhere."


    "...... what?"


    "I''m afraid you''re going to go away."


    Jin gently hugged Erza back.


    "I''m not going anywhere. I''m not going anywhere without Erza.

 1209 - - 32-27 Revisiting Nade

    "......Ehen."


    At Saki''s deliberate coughing, Jin and Erza untied their arms from their embrace.


    "Well, it''s fine to be friendly with each other," she said.


    "I''d rather you do that when it''s just the two of us."


    Saki and Goose looked at me warmly.


    "Well, that''s why..."


    "I don''t know what''s the reason, but I can tell you''re trying to cover it up."


    "Hey!"


    Jin interrupts, but Goose keeps smiling.


    By the look on his face, Jin realized that Goose was only teasing him.


    "Hey, Jin."


    The goose now turns to Jin with a serious look on his face.


    "You don''t have to take on everything, Jin. I joined the <> later, but <> is about helping and supporting each other, isn''t it?"


    "Goose......"


    Saki also smiles and tells Jin.


    "Yes, yes Jin, you have us. I know we''re not the most reliable family.


    Saki......


    And then Erza said...


    "Jin, you hold on to too much. He needs to rely on us more."


    And finally Reiko.


    "Your father gets depressed on a regular basis. But I am here, the old man is here, and so are the people of Bongnae Island. They are all your father''s children. All of us will help your father.


    Jin looked down silently as they spoke to him,


    "Thank you, ......."


    Eventually he looked up and thanked them.


    "Goose, Saki, Elsa, Reiko."


    His face lit up.


    "I can''t get rid of the feeling that I''m a gentile ...... or even an alien in this world.


    "Brother Jin, that''s ...... it."


    Erza was about to say something, but Jin interrupted her,


    But lately I finally feel like I''m getting used to it. I think it''s thanks to all of you. Once again, I would like to say thank you.


    Jin then stood up,


    "Come on!��Let''s go look for the rainbow-colored caterpillar again!


    He declared.


    "Well, not the rainbow worm, but the dye.


    Goose corrects him.


    "The iridescent caterpillar is probably already a chrysalis by this time of the year, so it''ll be a chrysalis for the winter."


    "I see. ...... that?��If that''s the case, can we cultivate them on Horai Island if we collect the pupa?"


    "Let''s see ......, we can probably do that. They should be able to eat most of the citran plants."


    "Hmmm..."


    Jin thought, "Then, there are many citran trees in Horai Island, so it would be easy to cultivate them.


    At that time.


    "We''re over the town of Nade.


    Edgar called out.


    "Okay, let''s land on the outskirts."


    At that moment.


    "Whoa!"


    Goose screamed.


    "What''s going on?


    "I didn''t realize until just now that I was flying ......"


    "Hey!"


    It was pitch black and he had been nervous because of the extermination of the "binge-eating grasshoppers," but he had been fine until now, and as soon as he looked outside, he remembered that he was in the sky.


    "Oh dear, we''re going to land now, don''t worry."


    The aircraft landed on level ground about a kilometer from the town of Nadeh.


    "Oh!��Goose!


    "You look good!��...... you look a little pale, don''t you?"


    "Oh, it''s been a while. ......


    < from afar because of its rarity.


    Among them was Fadon, the mayor of Nad��.


    "Oh, Goose!��And Mr. Nido. Did you make this?"


    "Yes. Mr. Mayor, it''s been a long time.


    In the meantime, why don''t you come to my house?


    Thank you.


    Jin and the others, who were almost surrounded by the residents, decided to go to the mayor''s house.


    "But after the horseless carriage, you now have a flying vehicle. That''s what I''d expect from a Magecraft Meister."


    Fadon was impressed as he walked along the road.


    The residents were following him and the others, keeping a distance of about 5 meters between them.


    Many of them seemed to know that Jin and the others had visited here before in a horseless carriage, but they were too shy to talk to him, which was a relief.


    Jin thought that the disposition of Huso might be different from that of other countries.


    * * * * * *


    "Oh, to look for the rainbow-colored caterpillar (labyrinth worm).


    Yes, the dye, to be precise.


    Jin and his group were welcomed at the home of Mayor Fadon.


    "Hmmm......... I think it is a specialty of the village of Khoihel."


    The village of Khoikhel is located further north of Nadeh, southwest of the Oguni marshland.


    "I know someone there, I can write you a letter of introduction.


    "Thank you very much.


    Just when Jin thought he was getting closer to his goal, he heard footsteps.


    Then he heard footsteps and suddenly saw a small shadow hugging Goose.


    "Ah, Nalie!"


    It was Nalie, Fadon''s daughter. She was very attached to Goose.


    Go away, Nalie, I''m telling you a very important story right now.


    Fadon rebuked her, but Nalie shook her head as if she didn''t want to.


    He shook his head as if he didn''t want to. "Ha, you want to sit here then?


    Guth sat Nalie down between his knees.


    Goose, are you sure?


    "I don''t have anything to say to you that you don''t want me to hear. Hey, Hitoshi?


    "Yes, it is. Nalie hasn''t seen Goose in a long time.


    Nally nodded in agreement with Jin''s line. He has not changed his reticence.


    "Well, what were we talking about?"


    Goose is so amazed that he forgets the flow of the conversation.


    "I''m talking about writing a letter of introduction to a friend of mine in the village of Khoikhel," he said.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right."


    Nally looks up at Goose, who scratches his head and smiles up at her.


    Saki looked at the two of them and felt a little uneasy.


    "The acquaintance in the village of Koihel is my wife''s cousin.


    "Yes, I have heard of her. Annette, right?


    Goose had heard of her too.


    "Yes. You are the grandson of the elder of the village of Koyihel, aren''t you?


    Yes, that''s right.


    Well, I''d better get to writing.


    Fadon got up and was about to go to his study when his wife, Frade, appeared.


    I''m home. I''m back. ...... Oh, Goose. It''s been a long time. And Mr. Nido, welcome.


    It''s been a while. I''m glad to see you''re well. Oh, by the way..."


    Jin had forgotten that he had brought a souvenir.


    He takes it out of the baggage Reiko brought for him.


    "Soap again..."


    Since he was so pleased when I gave him soap last time, I gave him soap this time, too.


    This time, however, it was from Horai Island.


    "Oh, this is great!


    "I''m so happy! Thank you, Mr. Nido!


    Jin was relieved to hear that they were pleased.

 1210 - - 32-28 The Story of the Night

    We were invited to stay the night at Mayor Fadon''s house.


    At dinner time.


    "Oh, fortunately we didn''t get any damage from the . ...... I didn''t know that. ...... Did Nido-sama exterminate them?"


    Hearing Goose''s explanation, Mayor Fadon bowed his head to Jin.


    "Please don''t do that. I only did what I could do."


    "No, it''s something only Nidou-sama, the Magecraft Meister, can do. I was worried about you. When I saw them flying away from the fields that had just been harvested, I felt a chill run down my spine.


    Fortunately, the outbreak in this area occurred after the harvest, so there was practically no damage.


    < was slightly off the cultivated land.


    Guth, who was born and raised in Huso, was relieved to hear that not only Nade, but also the towns and villages of Tauro, Romune, Kyd, and Ulun suffered only minor damage.


    Located in the north of the Laurentian continent, Hus? has a cold rather than cool climate, and most of the crops are harvested by early September.


    Therefore, the passed through the fields where the harvest was finished, devouring only the leftover rice, wheat, and potato vines.


    "It''s a bit of a problem that we ran out of straw, but we can get some from other villages for free, you know.


    Fadong said, his face reddening slightly with alcohol.


    "Did you get enough for the fermented soybeans?"


    "Yes, we got it at the same time as the harvest.


    The most important use of rice straw for them is to make natto.


    The spores of the bacillus natto are attached to the rice straw and are awakened by passing the straw through boiling water. At the same time, other bacteria are sterilized and only the natto bacillus remains.


    The natto is fermented by wrapping steamed or boiled soybeans and keeping them warm at a certain temperature to make natto.


    Natto is made in this traditional way.


    Therefore, it is customary to secure rice straw that has little damage from insects for natto production, so there were no problems with natto production that year.


    "That''s good."


    Guth loves natto.


    Jin also likes natto, but since Erza doesn''t like it and it is rarely served at the table, he is secretly looking forward to eating it here.


    "......"


    Erza looked at Jin with a sideways glance as he ate the natto with relish.


    Saki is eating it normally without much aversion.


    "You didn''t bring Hannah with you this time, did you?


    "No, she was only with us for a short time this time."


    It seemed that Frede remembered Hannah as well.


    With such conversation, the dinner was peaceful.


    Nalie was as quiet as ever and stuck to Goose. Saki was looking at her with a complicated expression on her face.


    "Saki sister, I knew it... ...... about Mr. Goose."


    In a whisper, Erza whispered into Jin''s ear.


    "I guess so. I''m sure Goose isn''t too happy ...... about it, but he''s a simpleton, you know."


    "I don''t think Goose would want to be told that by his brother Jin alone."


    Why?


    "...... that kind of thing."


    Jin was about to ask something else when Hwadong spoke up.


    "By the way, it''s amazing to see a vehicle that can fly. As expected of Nido-sama.


    "Ah, yes..."


    "I don''t remember how many generations ago my grandfather''s grandfather''s grandfather''s grandfather''s ...... grandfather''s grandfather, <>, once spoke of a flying vehicle, I remember reading in the family tradition."


    "Yes, the <> did."


    No wonder, since airplanes already existed in Shuki''s time.


    "By the way, have you found any clues for the <>?"


    It was here that I had learned about , and from there I learned about Adriana Tierra and Shuki Tsetsi.


    "Yes, I found them."


    "Oh!��Please tell us about it!


    Jin was wondering what he should do since he had to explain to Mags that he was a stray from another world,


    "Leave that kind of thing to me," Goose said.


    Goose said.


    "Jin, just correct me if I''m wrong in my explanation.


    "Okay. Okay. Please."


    Goose was much better suited for this kind of talk than Jin. Especially since he and Vivian had put together the stories of and , the previous magical engineer.


    "First, at the foot of Mount Funisys, <> met the woman who would be his lifelong companion, <>. ......"


    From then on, the story goes on, blurring the details where necessary.


    Nalley was also interested in the story and listened to it with a twinkle in his eyes.


    "...... and <> went on a journey to spread his knowledge to this world. ......That''s about all I found out at the ruins at the foot of Mount Funisys. ...... Jin, do you have anything to add?"


    "No, I think that''s fine. Mr. Fadon, that''s what I mean.


    "Ummm, <> has such a past. ...... No, thank you, Goose. Thank you, Mr. Nido. You''ve put an end to my long-standing doubts."


    Fadon took Jin and Goose''s hands and bowed, a little excitedly.


    Nally and Phrede also seemed to be impressed, and their eyes were slightly moistened.


    Jin was surprised that Nally, who is still a little girl, was also moved by the news about <>.


    All of us in Huso are thankful to the Wise One every day," said Fadon.


    Fadon said.


    Jin agreed that this was not surprising, since he was a half-deified <>.


    They talked until quite late that night, and it was around 11:00 p.m. when they went to bed.


    "Good night, Elsa.


    "Good night."


    Of course, Jin and Elsa shared a room.


    "I''m going home for the first time in a while. There''s nothing left."


    Goose said and went back to his old house.


    And Saki said.


    "Hey, uh, Goose... ....... I''d like to see the house you used to live in.


    And she went with him.


    At that time, Goose said,


    "You''re a curious guy, aren''t you? What''s so interesting about it?"


    But his face was a little red, which no one could see in the darkness.


    I was just saying, "Come on, here we are.


    "Well, here we are."


    A cozy two-story wooden house on the outskirts of town. It was Goose''s parents'' house.


    "I don''t have anything to worry about being stolen.


    Saying this, Guth unlocks the front door.


    "...... I didn''t know they had a key like that."


    The key was a kind of "marquetry" key that could only be opened by sliding the parts in a certain sequence of steps.


    After more than 20 complicated steps, the front door opens.


    "Well then, Saki, come in."


    "...... sorry for disturbing you."


    They entered the house.

 1211 - - 32-29 Fusaws

    "Wow, so this is Goose''s parents'' house.


    The room, illuminated by the magic lamp borrowed from Jin, was relatively tidy.


    "I don''t have anything of value, but it''s the house my father left me, and it''s nostalgic.


    Goose''s face looked more forlorn than ever as he muttered these words.


    "Can I see it tomorrow when it gets light?"


    "Yes, but I don''t think there''s anything interesting to see.


    That''s up to me.


    Well, I guess it''s up to you.


    Goose climbs the stairs with his magic lamp.


    "This is the guest room. It''s a little dusty, but there''s still some bedding here, so we''ll make it work.


    Thank you for your hospitality.


    Saki is a real character.


    And Goose went to his room.


    The next day, on the 19th, Saki went to her room.


    The next day, the 19th, Saki woke up unusually early and cleaned the room she had rented.


    A broom was propped up in the hallway outside her room.


    "Hmph, it''s been years since I''ve done something like this.


    He said to himself as he gathered the dust in one place.


    It''s a pity that there is still some dust in the corner of the room.


    "Hey, Saki, are you awake or what are you doing ......?


    Then Goose came in. He opened the door without knocking, but Saki was already awake, so there was no problem.


    "Good morning, Goose. I''m just going to clean my room.


    "You didn''t have to do that."


    "No, you don''t."


    But Goose took the broom out of Saki''s hand.


    "No problem. He said he''ll take us to Mr. Fadon''s house for breakfast, so let''s go!


    "Yeah, I don''t want to keep you waiting."


    So they headed for the mayor Fadong''s house together.


    As they went down the street,


    "Hey Goose, long time no see. When did you come back?


    "Goose, have you been away again?


    "Is the man next to you your wife?


    and "Is the man next to you your wife?


    And Goose would say,


    "Long time no see, Auntie. No, she''s not my wife yet.


    and then he hurries on.


    "Well, <> ......"


    Saki was fidgeting by herself.


    Good morning, Saki, Goose.


    When they arrived at Hwadong''s house, Jin greeted them.


    "Good morning, Jin."


    Jin, good morning.


    "How was it at Goose''s house?"


    "Well, it was nighttime, so I didn''t get a good look at it. I stayed in the guest room.


    "What, you didn''t stay in Goose''s room?"


    "No way, I would never do such a thing!"


    Jin made a joke and Saki turned red and denied it.


    "What about Erza?"


    Saki asked about Erza, who was not there.


    "Erza is helping Mr. Frade in the kitchen. Reiko is with her.


    "Well, Jin, after breakfast, I''d like to stop by the Goose''s house for a while."


    "Yes.��Okay, but what''s going on?


    "I stayed at Goose''s house last night, but it was dark and I didn''t get a good look at him, and I''d like to do a little cleaning ......."


    "Oh, Saki cleans?"


    Jin''s expression said he had heard something unusual,


    "What?��Why can''t I clean?"


    Saki looked a little puffed up.


    After such an incident, Jin and his friends arrived at Goose''s house on the outskirts of town.


    "Ah, this is ......."


    Although the architecture was typical of Fuso, it was somewhat in the style of the Shoro Empire.


    Jin looked at the building and thought for a moment,


    "Goose, shall we take the whole building to Horai Island?


    He asked.


    "Jin, that''s a tempting proposal, but please don''t do it because the town will be in an uproar if the house suddenly disappears.


    The answer was sensible for Guth.


    "Ummm ...... Oh, in that case, could you please let me install a warp gate at Goose''s house?"


    "Yeah, that might be a good idea."


    "So, I was thinking of having the five colored golem maids maintain the house on a daily basis.


    "Maybe not on a daily basis, but once a week would be fine.


    We''ll discuss that later, but Jin and the others were invited into Goose''s house.


    "If we are going to set up a warp gate, we might as well do it in the basement.


    The basement is said to have a warehouse used for food storage.


    "Yeah, that sounds good.


    Jin goes down the stairs to the basement, looks at the warehouse, and decides on the location of the warp gate.


    "Reiko, please contact the old man and have him send the parts of the standard type warp gate to us.


    "Yes, father."


    Fifteen seconds after that conversation, the parts of the warp gate were sent to Jin and the others.


    "Okay, let''s assemble it."


    If Jin, Reiko, and Erza do it, the work will be completed in two minutes.


    "That was fast!"


    Saki, who was watching, was also a little surprised.


    I''m used to it.


    "...... Now, Mr. Goose can easily go back home."


    "But I''m sure he''ll get suspicious if you keep coming back so often.


    They''ll wonder how you can come home all the time," Goose said.


    "Well, that''s the hard part."


    It will be different when warp gates become common, but the time is not yet ripe.


    "But to be honest, I''m glad to know that I can return home whenever I need to.


    "Also, I''ll have the five-colored golem maid maintain the house from time to time, so let me know if there''s anything I shouldn''t mess with, or if there''s a room that I shouldn''t mess with."


    "Hmmm...well......... I''d like you to just dust my parents'' room...it''s on the second floor, on the south side."


    "I guess so. Basically, I''ll make it strictly forbidden to throw things away. Wouldn''t that be safer?


    I''d appreciate it if you did.


    Thus, a warp gate was installed in Fusor, and Guth no longer had to worry about his parents'' house.


    This place will become one of the most important bases in Fusor.

 1212 - - 32-30 The Hidden Place

    Finally, Jin and the others decided to head for the village of Koihel.


    "Well, as expected of a !"


    "A flying vehicle!��Just as the said!


    <.


    In such a situation, Jin greeted Mayor Fadon.


    "Thank you very much for your hospitality. I''ll see you soon.


    "You are always welcome, Mr. Nido."


    The townspeople were excited, but did not rush to see him off.


    Perhaps it is the people''s spirit in this area.


    The people of the town were excited, but they did not rush to see us off in a rush.


    Look, there is the village of Koihel.


    We are there in a few minutes.


    We decided to land at a distance out of sight of the village so as not to cause a big commotion.


    Fortunately, there was a small rise and we were able to descend in the shadow of it.


    "Are they watching us?"


    "No, I''m fine. <."


    Edgar''s explanation convinced everyone.


    "Okay, let''s go."


    Edgar is left in charge this time, and Jin and the others get off the .


    The cargo is supplies to be exchanged for . The reason it was not money was Goose''s advice.


    As they walked to the village, a villager working in the fields approached them.


    "Are you a traveler?


    "Yes, I am. Do you know any of the people at ...... Annette?"


    The conversation is left to Goose.


    "Annette?��Oh, you must be the elder''s granddaughter. She''s supposed to be at home today.


    Where do you think the house is?


    "Outside the village. ...... No, by the woods a little ways from the village. Go all the way down here and take a left at that big tree and you''ll see it.


    "Thank you."


    I thought they were in the village, but it seems they live outside the village. They seem to be living in seclusion.


    Jin and the others walked as they had been instructed, and they came upon a medium-sized house on the side of a forest.


    "The style of the house is a little different from the others.


    It looked more like a Japanese-style house.


    As we approached the house, a middle-aged man who was plowing a small field in front of the house looked up and saw Jin and the others,


    He looked up, saw Jin and the others, and said, "Well, that''s unusual. You have a visitor?


    He said without an accent.


    "Yes. Is there a person by the name of Annette?��I have a letter of introduction from Mr. Fadon in Nad��."


    "Oh, Mr. Fadon. Is he a good man?


    Yes, he was very welcoming.


    I see. Well, that''s very kind of you. I''m Annette''s husband, Gawel.


    My name is Goose. This is my friend Saki. And this is Jin and his wife, Elsa.


    Nice to meet you.


    Oh, thank you for coming. Well, please come on in.


    Sorry to interrupt your work.


    No, I was just reforesting the fields for the winter. Don''t worry about it."


    With these words, Gawel opened the door of his house and invited them in.


    Here, too, they had to take off their shoes at the front door. This must be the influence of .


    "Oh, Gawel, you have a visitor.


    "Yes, Grandfather, I know Mr. Fadon and he has a letter of introduction to Annette.


    What? For me?


    An old man with white hair and white beard came out from the back. A small middle-aged woman came out from behind him. This woman must be Annette.


    "Ms. Annette, it''s been a long time.


    "Uh, ...... oh yes, it''s Goose, isn''t it? I remember seeing your face a couple of times in Nad��.


    Here, Annette, why don''t you show me to my room instead of standing around talking?


    Yeah, sure. This way, please, ladies and gentlemen.


    We were shown to a room that looked like a parlor.


    It was a wooden room with a low sofa and a table.


    Elsa, Jin, Goose, and Saki sat down in that order. Reiko stands directly behind Jin.


    Annette was sitting with her.


    "Why don''t you sit down over there, little girl?


    Annette, who does not know that Reiko is an automaton, calls out to her, but Reiko does not respond.


    "No, I am ......".


    Probably she was going to continue with <>, but to avoid any trouble, Jin called Reiko.


    Reiko, come here.


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko obeys Jin''s words.


    "Sit here."


    Jin points to his lap.


    "Yes, but ......"


    "No."


    "...... yes."


    Goose saw this and took out the letter of introduction that had been entrusted to him and handed it to Annette.


    "It''s definitely Mr. Fadon''s handwriting. Do you want the dye of the ...... rainbow-colored caterpillar (rayochworm)>>?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "So you can use magic?��Because that dye won''t change color unless you apply magic power to it.


    Yes. Jin and Erza-san are mages and magi-smiths.


    It was Goose who introduced them as the common <> in Huso and Mitsuho.


    "I have something like this in mind as payment for the dye powder.


    Jin took out some tools and magical artifacts from the baggage he had prepared.


    "This is a lighter. Press this button to light it.


    Since it is powered by a instead of the that he and Bina had made, it can last for 10 years if it is enough to make a fire like this.


    "And this is a <. If you put it in muddy water, it will become clean in a few seconds.


    It is a magical tool developed with sanitation in mind, and has the magical effect of <><>.


    It is originally used in drains, sewage reservoirs, and permeated toilet tanks.


    "And ......"


    "Wait a minute. We don''t have that much rainbow caterpillar dye in stock."


    "What?"


    It seemed that the magic tool Jin had brought had received a high evaluation.


    "Then, is it all right if I exchange this lighter and the water purification stone for 500 grams of dyed dye from the rainbow-colored caterpillar?"


    "Yes, that''s enough. Thank you.


    The lighter and the water purification stone would certainly be useful in such a secluded life.


    "Anyway, aside from the lighter, I''m surprised you believed me about the effect of the purification stone.


    Annette smiled at Jin who said what he had to say.


    "Mr. Fadon told me that you are the second coming of the .


    Apparently, the letter of introduction had written about Jin in detail.


    "If you could, I would like you to tell me about the <>.


    "Yes, that would be great."


    Knowing that <> was well respected in Mitsuho and Huso, Jin, who had gotten what he was looking for, thought he would tell him about him as a way of thanking him.

 1213 - - 32-31 Dyeing powder

    When Annette heard that Jin was going to speak about , she called her whole family.


    Annette called her entire family: Hazavance the elder, his grandson Annette, and her husband Gawel. Gawel was her son-in-law.


    The elder Hazavance''s companion is deceased, and his children are living with Annette and Gawel''s children in the village of Koijel.


    "Well, let me introduce myself again. My name is Jin Nido. <


    "Magecraft master? Not <>?"


    Husavance raised his voice in question.


    "Yes, I will tell you that as well."


    Jin looks at Goose.


    "Then I''ll tell you first.


    As expected, Guth was more used to this kind of talk.


    He explains as he did to Fadon, the mayor of Nad��.


    "Oh... ......"


    "I see."


    "I see", "I didn''t know that ......".


    Goose''s story proceeded, with each of us responding with "I see" and "I didn''t know that was the case.


    When Goose''s story was over, I asked him a few questions, and the story of <> ended.


    "Umm, <> has such a past ......"


    "That''s very informative!"


    "So the disciple of <> is the Magecraft Meister, the Magecraft Master!


    All three of them seemed to understand.


    "You mean that the generations of the Magecraft Meister are you, Jin-dono? I understand now.


    The elder Hazavance nodded his head repeatedly.


    It was already lunchtime.


    "In my house, we have a simple lunch, is that all right with you?


    "Yes, that''s fine.


    When you are busy working during the daytime, it is hard to have a leisurely lunch.


    When Jin was working for a black company in modern Japan, he used to eat only bread or standing-only noodles, which did not take much time.


    "Here you go."


    What was served looked exactly like or .


    However, the broth was not soy sauce based, but salt and meat based. It might be similar to tonkotsu-shio (pork bone broth).


    "Yes, it''s good."


    Jin had had tonkotsu ramen before, but this was his first cold barley.


    But it was surprisingly good.


    "Oh, it''s delicious."


    "Yes, it''s delicious."


    "This was my first time too, but it''s good."


    Elsa, Saki, and Goose seemed to like the taste too.


    Reiko was also analyzing the sauce and sending the data to the old man.


    "Thank you very much for the food.


    "It was delicious!"


    Jin and the others put down their chopsticks in satisfaction.


    "Now, please check the effect of the water purification stone.


    "You''re a very disciplined person."


    Jin wanted to make sure that they were satisfied before making a deal.


    "Well then, let''s see if the water in this vat will do the trick.


    Hazavance brings a bucket of water from in front of the house and places it in front of Jin.


    It looked like a rain barrel, slightly greenish and stagnant.


    "I understand."


    Jin takes out a stone about the size of his thumb and throws it gently into the tub.


    "Oh, oh?"


    Hazavance and Annette look on in amazement as the green water turns clean even as they watch.


    In less than 10 seconds, the water is completely clean. Even the moss on the vat had broken down and was gone.


    "That''s wonderful!"


    Hazavance claps his hands in delight.


    "One can be used about 20 times. When they are no longer clean, you can use new ones.


    Jin hands over 10 .


    "That''s a cheap price for 500 grams of <> dye!"


    Hazavance, clearly aware of its value, looks apologetic.


    "You also have this other magical tool, don''t you?��That would be too much of an advantage for us. I wish there was something I could do.


    "...... Then, if you have any pupa of <>, I''d like to have a few of them."


    "I see. <


    Hazavance called Gawel and told him to do so.


    "Okay, I will go. I''ll be on my way.


    "Now then, I will give you 500 grams of dyed powder from the rainbow caterpillar.


    While Gawel went to look for chrysalis, I would like to start with the dye I have on hand.


    "Here it is."


    A small bottle was placed in front of Jin and the others.


    "Try it."


    He took a small amount, about an earful, on a plate and dissolved it with a drop of water.


    "If you add magic power to it, it will change color.


    "I see."


    Jin holds up his hand.


    Not magic, but magical power.


    Actually, this is surprisingly difficult.


    But Jin has done this in various situations, so he is used to it.


    "......"


    "Oh?"


    The water that had been clear turned from light red to yellow to blue, and then darkened in color.


    "I see, now I understand that the color depends on the intensity."


    Jin said, removing his hand,


    "Well done," said Jin, removing his hand.


    Hazavance bowed his head in admiration.


    "As expected of a <>. ......


    Having confirmed the magic tools and Jin''s abilities, the elder Hazavance was truly impressed.


    "If you soak the cloth in the dye and let it dry, the color will not fade, nor will it change color if you add magic power later."


    Hazavance explains.


    "Be careful if it gets on your hands, especially if you are a mage, because it will stain your skin.


    "I see."


    Jin thought to himself, "I''ll make sure to wear rubber gloves when handling it.


    "If you accidentally swallow it, you may get diarrhea or vomit, so be careful about that, too. On the other hand, the cloth dyed with this has insecticide and antiseptic effects.


    Saki was beaming as she was given some useful information.


    Meanwhile, Gawel came back.


    "I''m back. We caught a lot more than we expected. I also brought some branches for them to eat.


    "......?"


    Jin sensed a familiar smell from the branch that Gawel offered.


    "Uh, what''s this smell ......?"


    The branch had small leaves attached in a row, so-called .


    "It''s a member of the citran ...... family, which means citrus ...... tangerine ...... family, right, Prickly Ash?"


    I picked a leaf and rubbed it, and it smelled even better.


    "Yes, it''s Prickly Ash, I''m sure. There must be some fruits, too.


    Jin was pleased to find another spice.

 1214 - - 32-32 Hitoshis goal

    "Hmm?��A fruit?


    Yes, the fruit of this tree.


    You know it well. We also use them to flavor our food.


    Jin was talking about the nuts that Gawel had picked, which he thought were Prickly Ash.


    "How do you eat it?"


    Jin knew that Prickly Ash was used as a spice, but he did not know how to process it.


    "There are several ways, though."


    Annette answered me.


    "The green peppercorns are harvested before summer, washed, boiled, drained, and used.


    "I see."


    This is how they are used in modern Japan to make tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce) such as sansho kelp.


    "Also, the ripe fruit is sometimes picked, the seeds are removed, and the peel is ground and sprinkled on grilled meat.


    "Oh."


    Jin had once been treated to an eel bowl by his boss in modern Japan, and he had eaten it sprinkled with powdered sansho (Japanese pepper), and had loved the aroma.


    I would like to have some of that powder, if you don''t mind.


    Jin offered,


    "Oh, sure. I have some freshly made ones.


    Apparently, he had just made it recently.


    But, you know, the aroma is better if you grind it just before use.


    "Oh, then I''d like to use the unground ones, not the powdered ones. If possible, please share some of the seeds as well.


    "Sure."


    In this way, Jin obtained not only powdered Sansho, but also seeds of the Sansho tree. He would eventually cultivate it in Penglai Island.


    Furthermore, the old man would like to get some saplings from a place that will not disturb the residents.


    The day when Sansho will be added to the table of Horai Island is coming soon.


    * * * *


    "Thank you very much for everything.


    "No, no, you are the one who helped us.


    A little after 2:00 p.m., Jin and the others left the elder''s retreat.


    They returned to a short walk away. <, <> slowly soared into the sky.


    "Goose, you were shouting in surprise when you first got on board, weren''t you?


    Saki said in a derisive tone to Goose, who was sitting next to her.


    "Oh, that''s because it was the first time I flew in the sky. ......!"


    "I remember the look on your face when you did that."


    "Shut up!��I''m used to it now!"


    "Oh?��But you don''t want to look outside, do you?"


    "......"


    "...... are good friends."


    Elsa, who had been listening to their exchange, blurted out.


    "Yes, they are."


    Jin thought that Saki was probably a good match for Goose, who could express his emotions so directly.


    I''m sure he''s a good match for Goose.


    "Well, now we can finally get started.


    Jin returns to Horai Island and brings <> to the workshop.


    Topaz is in charge of the chrysalis of the <> and the seeds of the Prickly Ash.


    I left the powdered sansho to Perid. Soon we will be able to eat kabayaki.


    "First, an experiment.


    A small amount of dye powder is dissolved in water and impregnated into the wooden paper.


    "When this dries, will the color remain the same?"


    "Father, that''s the problem."


    With Reiko as his assistant, who has no problem getting the dye on her hands, Jin proceeds with his experiments. Elsa and Saki were observing.


    Jin wondered if this would be a photographic method of wetting, so to speak.


    The first photographs taken on earth were called "wet plate" photographs, in which a colorless, transparent glass plate was dipped in silver nitrate solution to make a photosensitive film.


    As the name implies, the process required photographing while the plate was still wet, which made it less convenient to use, and it was replaced by the later development of the .


    The dry plate has been replaced by celluloid film, and now digital photography is in full swing.


    A quiet word.


    Jin thought about it, because it was a little different from the <>, but as it was now, it was only going to make a very unwieldy photographic machine.


    "Jin, why don''t you try dissolving it in <>?


    Saki then came up with an idea.


    Aethenol is a synthetic substance made by dissolving free magic element (ether) in water made of magical isotope (magiisotope), and is an extremely powerful energy source.


    Assuming that the fact that the color does not change after drying is due to the volatilization of magic power, we can use ethenol-impregnated paper as photographic paper, and erase the free magic element (ether) after taking a picture.


    "I think we can try diluting the ethenol with water instead of pure ethenol."


    "That would certainly be a good idea."


    I was also curious to see how the free ether would react with the dye from the rainbow caterpillar.


    "I''ll give it a try, then."


    Reiko prepared pure ethenol and diluted ethenol 10, 50 and 100 times. She dissolved dye powder in each of them.


    They are then applied to wooden paper and allowed to dry.


    "Father, try to add some magic to it."


    "Okay."


    As he had done with Hazavance, Jin put magic power into his hand.


    "Oh."


    The color of the undiluted and the diluted version changed in the same way.


    "You did it, Jin."


    "Yes, thanks to Saki. Thank you.


    "You''re so shy. But I''m glad I could be of help.


    This exchange of ideas and mutual complementation is what Jin hopes for.


    "......We are now one step closer to our goal."


    "Hmm?��What goal?


    Goose heard Jin''s muttering and asked him a question.


    "The technology of the <>.


    "That''s also ......."


    I was about to say, "That''s crazy," but Goose kept his mouth shut. He had a feeling that Jin would be able to pull it off someday.


    "First of all, I''d like to take pictures with the whole family when the camera is ready," he said.


    "Yes, I agree."


    "Yes, that sounds great!"


    Elsa and Saki agreed without hesitation.


    "Yes?��Isn''t that a camera?"


    But Goose blames them for the slight difference in the name.


    "Yeah. A similar machine in my world was called a .


    "I see, so you call it by the name of your world because it was made by Jin.


    "That''s what I meant."


    As he answered, Jin knew that he would finally be able to devote himself to .


    It was a day when the wind blowing on Horai Island was somehow giving a hint of autumn.

 1215 - - 32-33 Quiet talk 66 afterwards

    > concluded so.


    Since it was an urgent matter, Jin, Erza, Saki, and Goose settled the matter together.


    After that, as usual, he went on with his own hobby.


    The old man decided to have a few sets made for himself for recording purposes, and it was immediately realized.


    And then, he asked the old man to make a few sets for his own records, which was done immediately.


    And then....


    "This is the damage caused by : ......"


    The old man, who had prepared several sets of specimens of the grasshoppers, iron rods with gnaw marks on them, and <> of the damage, sent them to major countries in the name of Jin.


    "They eat iron too? ......"


    "You eat every last blade of grass. ......"


    When the leaders of the nations saw this, they trembled. At the same time, they were also relieved to see Jin''s annihilation.


    "Indeed, I can see why the <> is necessary."


    In the Shoro Imperial Kingdom, the sense that the damage had been contained was exceptionally strong, and the female emperor let out a sigh when she saw the report.


    "If Jin-kun''s response had been a few days later,...... no, it''s a miracle that you noticed it before that."


    Jin happened to be on an errand to the north of Mitsuho.


    The purpose of his visit was to develop a method of recording the attached <>.


    "<>...... is a true capture of the truth, isn''t it? It''s a wonderful magical tool."


    You''re right, Your Majesty.


    Jin-kun says it''s still under development. I hope he''ll sell it to our country when he''s finished.


    "Yes. There are many ways to use it. It is a little small for ...... instead of a portrait.


    I''m sure Jin-kun can handle that too.


    "Perhaps..."


    The emperor and the prime minister had complete confidence in Jin, a rare engineer, a magical engineer "Magi Craft Meister".


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, <> or ......."


    In the Kingdom of Celuloa, King Cesar was looking at the documents he had received with a difficult expression on his face.


    At the end of his desk, Mr. Lambreaux, Secretary of the First Ministry of the Interior, is looking over the materials handed to him by the King.


    "I thought I found it in the records about 150 years ago," he said.


    "Yes, I believe so.


    After reading the documents, Lambreaux got up from his seat and went to the reference room adjacent to his office.


    A few minutes later, he came back with a record in his hand.


    "Your Majesty, it says here that in the year 3310, a quarter of the land was destroyed by a swarm of insects that came from the north.


    Is this the same thing?


    Is this the same thing?��I''m comparing the illustration to this photo, and it looks like the same thing.


    "Yes. But this is a marvelous thing."


    "Truly. It will be of great help in keeping records."


    "Korun says he''ll distribute them to our country when they''re finished. I''m looking forward to it.


    Yes, sir.


    "So, going back to the matter at hand, I heard that the grasshopper was exterminated by the Korlun-kun, and I hope that in the future the World Guard will be able to take on such a role.


    "To that end, ......"


    * * *


    "<>. What a scary bugger.


    Your Majesty.


    Even in the Kingdom of Klein.


    "<>" is a ....... I''ve only heard of them in the records, but they''re real?


    Yes, and if these pictures are true, they are a threat.


    "But since it was vanquished by the Kun Lun, we can rest easy for a start."


    In the Kingdom of Egelea, too.


    And in the kingdoms of Franz and Elias, the threat of the was accepted with reality.


    At the same time, the fact that Jin exterminated them.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "<> has exterminated the <>!"


    "Hurray!"


    Everyone in Mitsuho was praising Jin''s achievement upon receiving the news that the Magecraft Meister had defeated the ravenous grasshoppers.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The old man was indeed stunned by the amount of grasshoppers he collected from the exterminated ones.


    <


    100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.


    >


    Grasshoppers that take in free magic element (ether) mature and reproduce rapidly.


    Moreover, as long as they have free magic element (ether), they can grow without organic matter from the second generation onward, just like other demons.


    "Yeah, I didn''t think it would go this far either."


    Goose helped me with my research on the ecology of the <>, and this is the result.


    "Ordinary grasshoppers mutate in areas with a high concentration of free magic element (ether), and from the second generation onward, they multiply only with free magic element (ether) and eventually head for other areas."


    <<


    This is a question that even the "Mere Old Man" could not have guessed.


    "Yes, I have a hypothesis about that."


    .


    "Yes. "......1 the concentration of free magical elements (ether) per animal."


    With that, the old man knew what Goose was talking about.


    <


    "Yes. And they are insects, too. They seem to be weak against the cold, so they probably go south instead of going north where the free ether is thicker.


    <<


    "Well, that''s my theory."


    "Now if we could only identify the point where the concentration of free magical element (ether) is high.


    <<>.


    "I guess. So there''s no point in looking for them now."


    Goose nodded to <, his bodyguard and driver in place of the old man.


    <


    "Yes. I''ve had enough of the sky."


    <


    "Not this time, anyway."


    Goose uses the warp gate of the he landed on to return to Horai Island.


    The empty wilderness was just the wind blowing.

 1216 - - 33-01 Commemorative Photos

    "Yes, smile ......OK"


    September 21 was Vivian''s birthday.


    The whole , including Milowina and Martha, had gathered on Horai Island.


    Jin is taking a commemorative photo with his newly completed camera.


    First, a group photo of all the members. Edgar is pressing the shutter.


    "Say cheese."


    "Cheese."


    "One plus one?"


    "Two!"


    As they exchange these words, Jin now begins to take portraits of each one of us.


    Edgar and Reiko are given cameras as well, and they are allowed to take relatively free snapshots.


    The <>, which he received from No. 700672, is similar to an instant camera and produces a picture as soon as it is picked up. However, it does not have a negative, so it is difficult to make prints.


    However, the <> developed by Jin was a so-called (=slide photograph) made of a transparent base material impregnated with , and the idea was to use this film to make additional prints.


    Therefore, the number of people in the group would be increased as soon as the film was re-burned.


    Moreover, since it was done with <> and not <>, there was a big advantage of not needing a darkroom.


    "Wow, this is fantastic!


    "It looks so real!"


    "It''s not a picture, it''s a ...... picture!"


    "It''s great that we can document it together like this."


    They were all surprised and pleased.


    "Jin, this is very versatile, isn''t it?"


    Marcia asked.


    "Such as?"


    "For example, it would be useful to keep a record of the production process so that I can teach it to my students.


    "Yes, there are technical uses."


    Rodrigo agreed with Marcia''s words.


    "Yes, but it''s nice to be able to keep a record of the children.


    Reinhardt showed his parental foolishness.


    "Yes. Even in my former world, parents kept records of their children''s growth like that ......."


    "......"


    Erza sensed the slight sadness on Jin''s face when he said that, and gently took his hand in hers without saying a word.


    "I''ll develop a personalized version, just give me a minute.


    But Jin didn''t show any such sign and explained cheerfully.


    "I''m looking forward to it. I''m counting on you, Jin.


    I''ll take care of it."


    And now a few of us took pictures of the group.


    "Hannah, line up next to Martha."


    "Yes!��Then I want to take a picture with you and your sister.


    "Luis, hold Beena by the waist. ......


    "Hey, I''m a little embarrassed."


    "Come on, Saki and Goose, get tight."


    "Come on, get close to me. ......"


    Bertje, snuggle up to Reinhardt. ...... yes, yes, yes."


    "Come on, Mr. Toa, don''t be shy, put your hands on your wife''s shoulders."


    Like this?


    Marcia, come closer to Mr. Rodrigo.


    "Yes, ...... more?"


    Marcia?


    I''m just kidding, Dad.


    I''m just kidding, Dad." * * * *


    After a great deal of fuss, everyone is finally satisfied.


    "Oh, this has been such a fun birthday! Thank you, Mr. Jin.


    Vivian said.


    "No, what?"


    Jin answered while scratching his head and held out a small package.


    "Happy birthday, Vivian."


    "Thank you, Jin-kun."


    Vivian accepted the package, and judging by its weight and shape, as well as by the birthdays of the other members who had attended the party,


    "This is the ...... clock, right?��Thank you!"


    He had guessed exactly what was in the watch.


    "I''ll take good care of it."


    Vivienne said to Jin with a big smile when she opened the package and confirmed that it was a pocket watch.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The birthday celebration was drawing to a close.


    "Hey, did you find out anything about that ?


    Vivian asked.


    "Yeah, a little. We''re all here today, so I thought we could talk about it later.


    "Oh!��Then I''d like to hear about it right away.


    Toa said with great enthusiasm, and the other members agreed.


    "Okay. Well, some of you may not know what''s going on. ......"


    Jin began by telling the story of how the Land team had found a mysterious substance during their investigation of <>.


    "It was a molecularly compressed azurite ...... lead ore."


    Jin then explained that even the old man couldn''t guess more than that because of the lack of original information, and that he went to No. 7006 to report the marriage as well. I explain that I went to No. 700672 to report my marriage.


    "Planet modification ......?"


    "I didn''t know that was possible ......."


    Everyone seemed surprised.


    "Can Jin do it too?"


    "No, I don''t think so.


    "<> ......"


    And then, each of them was filled with emotion, ruminating over what they had heard.


    "So, why is there so little free magic element (ether) in the south?"


    Goose asks.


    "No, I didn''t ask that. Maybe, but I don''t think 700672 knows either.


    He even said that he didn''t have any information before the 500000 series.


    "I guess you''ll have to find that out for yourself."


    "I see. So the fleet just kept going, right?��What happened?


    "Oh, that''s what I was going to tell you."


    After a pause, Jin began to speak.

 1217 - - 33-02 The Mystery

    "<> continued south after we returned. First, from , we headed further south. ...... old man!"


    In response to Jin''s voice, the magic screen on the wall lit up.


    There is an even larger archipelago to the south of the Pleiades.


    "Oh!"


    Someone''s voice echoes.


    "Oh!


    "This is it!"


    Jin was not sure if he had shown it before or not, and he thought that some people might not know about it, so he displayed the whole map as a prerequisite for the discussion.


    <, so some details are still ambiguous.


    He explains that there are some areas, especially in the southern hemisphere, where detailed surveying by < is not possible due to the free-magic element (ether) distribution.


    .


    <


    "I see. So this is how the world works.


    Toa muttered with deep emotion.


    .


    "That''s for sure."


    Vivian agrees.


    <<


    "Yes, it is true that the cells are strengthened by the free magical element (ether).


    Goose again. It seems that he is more interested in unknown organisms than anyone else.


    <


    "Okay. Thank you."


    Jin nods and looks around at the members.


    "I have recently noticed that a big question has arisen concerning the distribution of free magical elements (ether). Will you listen to me?"


    "Sure."


    "Let''s hear it."


    I''d love to hear it.


    No one objected.


    "Okay. ...... First, let''s review the distribution... the further north you go, the higher the concentration of free ether... and the further south, the lower."


    "Right."


    "The degree of change is not constant. There''s a three-fold difference between the northern limit of the demon territory, where people live, and Potlock, the southern limit.


    "That''s right. The last trip we took was near the equator, so even though the temperature dropped, it wasn''t enough for us to feel it.


    Reinhardt says, sounding convinced.


    "I think that the horizontal distribution of the free magical element (ether) should look something like this.


    Jin gave a signal, and the old man projected the graph on the magic screen.


    "The horizontal axis is latitude and the vertical axis is the concentration of free magic element (ether). The South Pole is 0 and the North Pole is 10. ......


    "Hmm, it doesn''t change in a straight line, does it?


    Saki comments.


    Indeed, the graph shows an upward and downward convex curve.


    "Well, I think you can understand this. Next is the vertical distribution, and once we go out to outer space, there is almost no bias in the concentration of free magical element (ether), is that right?


    "I think I heard that before."


    Toa nodded and everyone agreed.


    "Yes. So, taking Antarctica as an example, at what altitude does the concentration of free magical element (ether) start to decrease? This is roughly below the stratosphere."


    "Hmm. Nothing strange in what you''ve explained so far?


    No.


    Tor, Goose, and the others all nodded.


    I know. It starts here."


    Jin looked around at all the faces again.


    "If the free magical element (ether) is a particle, it is probably smaller than a hydrogen atom. This means that it can move at a considerable speed.


    "That''s because it has less mass!"


    Hannah, who had been silent until now, interrupted.


    "Yes, Hannah is right. That''s why it''s strange that there is a bias in the free-magic element (ether) distribution.


    "...... Oh."


    Erza, who understood the meaning of Jin''s words, raised her voice.


    "Erza seems to have understood."


    "...... you mean, perhaps the free magic element (ether) is still being consumed?"


    "Huh?��......Ah, ah!"


    Saki seemed to understand after hearing Erza''s statement.


    "So that''s how it is!"


    "Surely we can think that way!"


    One after another, the voices of those who were convinced rose to the surface.


    "You seem to be getting the idea. What I wonder is, is the reason why the free-magic element (ether) distribution in the southern hemisphere is small, is it because the free-magic element (ether) is still decreasing around the Antarctic?��I mean."


    "No, I can''t deny that."


    Reinhardt agreed with a hard look on his face.


    "So that''s what you''re saying, isn''t it, Jin?��If the free ether in the southern hemisphere has decreased due to something that happened in the past, then the current distribution should be evened out by now.


    "Yes, Bina is right."


    "...... So, Jin, you are saying that there are still factors that cause the free magical element (ether) in the southern hemisphere to decrease, right?"


    Stearina traced Jin''s thoughts with a look of understanding.


    "That''s right. Whether it is due to consumption or something that eliminates the free magic element (ether)...... we don''t know."


    "Hmm......"


    "Nope. ......"


    They all again realized the question and kept their mouths shut.


    "If there had only been something in the past that reduced the free magical element (ether), then we should have been back by now."


    "Huh?��Jin, what about the Aether Stampede?


    "Oh, yes. I heard that since then, the concentration of free magical element (ether) has decreased by one third.


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes, I wonder about that too. Let me tell you another fact that I have observed at ....... The current free-magic element (ether) concentration near the village of Kaina is almost the same as the free-magic element (ether) concentration in outer space.


    "What?


    "Does that mean that the concentration of free magic element (ether) was higher than average in Ars in the past?"


    The surprised Reinhardt had guessed what Jin meant.


    "I think Reinhardt is right."


    "Well, I can see why ...... Jin said it was a question."


    "Right?"


    Taken as a whole, the distribution of free magical elements (ether) in Ars is abnormal. Jin didn''t like the fact that we don''t know the cause of this anomaly.


    "It seems that they didn''t know about 700672 either."


    "Yes, he did. I don''t think ......<> knows about it either."


    Milowina added.


    The <>, where she lives now, was originally an asteroid, which was once set up as a satellite of Ars by the .


    It is said that there is no record of the development of Ars on .


    So, there are some hypotheses that the old man and I have made. Let me tell you the most likely one of them. ......, Mr. Lao, please."


    Jin motioned to the old man and left the explanation to him.


    <> have a thicker free magic element (ether) concentration. Therefore, the concentration of free magic element (ether) in Ars must have been raised by some means.


    "This is one."


    Jin joins in.


    "Two things are now true.


    to do with the northern hemisphere rather than consume free magical elements (ether).">


    "That makes three. What do you think, guys?"


    Jin looked around at all of the <> faces.

 1218 - - 33-03 Exchange of views

    "No, I''ll check again, before the <>, Ars clearly had a higher concentration of free magical element (ether) than the average in space, right?"


    Saki asked a little unsurely.


    "That would be the case."


    "Hmm, could that be the reason why you call them ?"


    "What do you mean, Goose?��What do you mean, Goose?


    Goose''s words made Jin and the others wonder.


    "It means that since the amount of free magical elements (ether) has increased, the demons have also become stronger.


    A good example is the just a few days ago. It can be exterminated by depriving it of free magical element (ether).


    That means that free magic element (ether) is indispensable for survival.


    "Isn''t that similar to what happened to most of the mages who died in the Aether Stampede?"


    Guth slowly explained his thoughts.


    "Indeed. So you are saying that the process of remodeling Ars to be like ''s home planet ......<> had a great impact on its ecosystem."


    "I think Jin is right. It''s just a hypothesis, though."


    <<


    The old man also supports Goose''s theory,


    "Hmmm...... terraforming...... or even <>, which has reduced the diversity of life and turned the survivors into demons?"


    <


    This is still just a guess," the old man concluded.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    "You guys just keep on grunting, don''t you?"


    Bina said in a cheerful voice.


    "I think it is important to know the past. I think it''s important to know the past and to use it for the future. But the important thing is now. <


    You can''t change what happened. So let''s accept it and connect it to the present and the future, Bina said.


    Maybe Bina is right.


    We are living in Ars now.


    "The past is the past. We need to know what happened, we need to record it. But it''s for the better future.


    So what should we do?


    The faces of those who had been shocked by the great and heavy facts of planetary transformation and the resulting ecological changes returned to their brightness.


    "First of all, we need to find out if there is something that is creating the bias in the distribution of free magical elements (ether). If so, where is it and what is it?


    Jin rejoins.


    "Yes, I think so. Before we do anything else, we would like to know if there is something that is causing the current situation.


    Toa agreed.


    "Assuming that there is something, will it ever stop or malfunction? What happens if it stops? I''m curious.


    Saki has a good point.


    "If it stops, the distribution of free magical elements (ether) on Ars will be the same as that of the surroundings. In other words, the same as in the village of Kaina.


    "Hm, then the demons have stayed in Kaina village before, right?��It wouldn''t have a big impact on the world, would it?"


    Saki said but Reinhardt denied it.


    "No, Saki, that''s only for the human race, including the demons, isn''t it?��We don''t know what will happen to the demons in the northern lands, do we?"


    "Yes, that''s right. We can''t ignore the impact on the ecosystem, can we? ......"


    "If we''re not careful, it could move further and further south. ......


    "Then I guess it''s better to maintain the status quo for now."


    Goose said a little regretfully.


    "Goose is right. The current organisms on Ars have adapted to the environment in which they were created.


    Jin also looked a little disappointed.


    "It won''t be a matter of today or tomorrow, but I think we need to check the Antarctic. And that is impossible without using the power of Horai Island.


    "But Jin, isn''t it possible to get to the South Pole that easily?


    That''s true. But what about the North Pole?


    What?


    "I mean, there is a high possibility that there is something at the North Pole as well as at the South Pole. So, I think there is a way to investigate the North Pole first. ...... Well, this just came to me."


    "Ah, ha ha."


    Saki giggles at Jin''s joke, but what he says makes sense.


    "There is the matter of the long-period planet, but we have to be sure to keep our feet on the ground, otherwise who knows what might happen.


    Jin was afraid of the unexpected crises that he had seen in cartoons and animations.


    We must protect this world at all costs.


    "Jin, I''ve been thinking..."


    Marcia spoke to Jin.


    "You said that the free magical element (ether) is very small, right?��How small is it?


    "Hmmm, so small you can''t see it?��...... Anyway, it''s small enough to go through walls and rocks."


    Marcia nodded in agreement,


    "Then I guess it could pass through Ars, too," she said.


    I said.


    "What?"


    Jin was astonished to hear that statement.


    "No, no, look, I can''t use magic and I''m not learned, so you don''t have to listen to me.


    Marcia was flustered, but Jin seemed to have an idea.


    "......Maybe that''s the . ......"


    Erza hears a murmur of <, and asks Jin.


    "Brother Jin, did you find out anything about the <>?"


    Jin nodded broadly and began to explain after a pause.


    "If you hadn''t asked Marcia''s question, there was a high possibility that you would have almost wasted your time."


    "What?"


    "There is a possibility that there is nothing at the North Pole. It is possible that the free magical element (ether) is only being sent out from the South Pole. I doubt that they would install important equipment in a land full of such powerful demons."


    "What does this have to do with the Singularity?"


    "Even though free magical element (ether) permeates through matter, there may be some resistance depending on the matter. Well, it may be easier or a little harder to pass through, but that''s about it.


    "I''m beginning to understand. So?"


    Erza seemed to have realized what Jin meant.


    "In other words, I think that the free magical element (ether) that should have blown out at the North Pole, blew out through a branch path that was <>.


    "One of them is Horai Island ......"


    "So that''s what I''m thinking."


    Jin then looked at Goose,


    "The last time I saw a ravenous grasshopper. That too, maybe there''s a small somewhere ...... deep in the mountains of Huso ......."


    "Right!��Maybe the dense free magic element (ether) coming out of there causes them to become binge eaters!"


    I heard some of the members say, "Ah," or "I see.


    "Maybe the unstable creates demons at irregular intervals."


    Guth spoke up with a further theory.


    <, and we came to this conclusion. However, we have not been able to find the singularity.


    The old man adds.


    "So we can''t say for sure that the is creating the demons.


    At least is a strong possibility," Goose concludes.


    "Why don''t you all take a break?"


    Reiko calls out. Before I know it, it''s 3:00 in the afternoon.


    "Let''s have some tea."


    Jin says, and the golem maids quickly get ready.


    "I''ve decided on kuhe today," says Jin.


    "Oh, that''s nice!"


    Marcia was pleased. Cujohe is a specialty of the Kingdom of Elias as well as Potrock.


    In fact, Vivian liked it too, which is probably why she chose it for her birthday.


    "Wow, that calms me down."


    "Yes, it''s good at times like this."


    Drinking it with a little more sugar, Jin felt that it would help his tired head .......


    "This kind of exchange of opinions is very meaningful, isn''t it?"


    Saki looks satisfied.


    "It''s not only the <> problem, but also this one seems to have a high priority, so it''s a lot of work.


    Toa also looks a little tired.


    "But, I''m sure Jin-san will do something about it!


    Jin replied to Licia''s strangely forceful words with a wry smile.


    "With everyone''s cooperation, I think we can ...... do it."

 1219 - - 33-04 Mana tank consideration

    "Well, the Antarctic survey is probably at the bottom of the ocean, right?


    Since we can''t find anything from the sky, the only place to look is under the sea, Jin says.


    "Then that''s where the killer whales come in.


    "Your father should not go."


    "I''m sure they''ll say ......."


    I knew the old man and Reiko would stop him. < smiled wryly.


    .


    "I guess that''s what I''m going to do. ......"


    Mermaids can handle deep-sea exploration with no problem. Jin decides that we should start with a wait-and-see approach.


    "I understand. However, I''m still concerned about the situation as it is now. ......"


    We don''t know what''s in the Antarctic Ocean, but we can''t afford to lose the free magical element (ether) and have it stop.


    "Kuhu, we don''t want it to be like the last time we had a binge-eating grasshopper, do we?


    Saki seemed to be aware of this and agreed with Jin''s idea.


    "Then it should have a reserve energy source, but it should be a mana tank instead of an ether tank.


    If it is mana, it is not afraid of <> being used.


    Jin guessed that what is in the South Pole is probably a magic tool that works in the same way as the <>.


    In order to convert mana back into free magic element (ether), a < must be used, but it is hard to imagine that such a thing is equipped.


    "If we can give them mana tanks like oxygen tanks, they can work even in the Antarctic.


    Jin is about to start thinking about it, but then he remembers that today is Vivian''s birthday party, and he almost stops himself.


    Everyone looked at him with a smile.


    "Well, a lot has happened, but here''s my last report. < at .......


    I will leave this to you to explain.


    <>, the guiding mind of the moon, sent out an unmanned probe. It will be approaching soon. Then we will know more about it.


    "Where is it now?"


    <


    "600 million or ...... how fast is it moving?"


    "That''s fast. ......"


    Even the spacecraft <<> built by Jin is limited to 300 km/sec so far.


    If it gets closer to the sun Celan, it will be over 400 km/sec.


    <<<< Pengolta>> seems to be a rather large planet, so it is likely to affect the orbits of <>.


    "That''s my main concern."


    At the moment, we don''t know what effect the change in orbit will have on Ars.


    This is not only because Jin is not familiar with astronomy, but also because we do not have sufficient data on the masses of <> and <>.


    Hence, even 700672 has not been able to make an accurate prediction.


    Therefore, information from unmanned spacecraft is awaited.


    "I guess we can''t start worrying about that now. ......"


    Thor said a little ruefully.


    "Indeed. It is frustrating that we have to rely on Jin-dono."


    Count Kuzma also sounded frustrated.


    "No, of course not. I''m ...... here because you''re all here."


    Oh, Jin thinks. He had remembered saying this very line just recently.


    But it was definitely true.


    One can do one''s best for someone. We can live for someone. It is a blessing to have that someone.


    The Director''s words suddenly came back to Jin''s ears.


    (After all, the Director is my parent, isn''t he?)


    "Jin?"


    "Oh, I''m sorry."


    Jin came back to himself at the sound of Goose''s voice.


    "Anyway, I''m sure we''ll find out a lot more in a few days. Then we''ll be busy."


    Until then, we''ll be ready," Jin said.


    "It''s Vee''s birthday today, isn''t it?"


    Stearina patted Vivian on the shoulder.


    "Yes, yes. Let''s not talk about the hard stuff, now let''s have some fun.


    Toa says in a cheerful voice.


    "Yes, we are.


    "Yes, yes."


    "Yes, yes."


    Everyone agrees, but it is inevitable that a small thorn named worry remains in the corner of their hearts.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After everyone returned to their respective countries and homes, they went to Horai Island.


    Erza, accompanied by Edgar and Meene, went to Shoro with Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt to go back to their hometown. Jin is alone with Reiko for the first time in a while.


    "Well, really, where should we start?


    In the control room, Jin folded his arms and pondered.


    "I guess we should start with the emergency mana tank.


    Jin put his thoughts together, "Not only for mermaids, but it should be usable for other golems as well.


    "Can''t we make it so that it can store more mana than before?


    This is an area that has not been fully researched due to the fact that it is an old technology.


    "In short, it would be good if we could compress mana. ......


    "Didn''t your father''s world have a similar technology?"


    Reiko offered her advice, which was rare. Jin is happy to know that this is another development of his ego. And then.


    "Wait, ...... that''s right, <>!"


    Jin is not good at chemistry, but he has a broad, though not deep, knowledge of metallurgy.


    One of them is called <>.


    "I remember it was something about taking hydrogen in a gaseous state and putting it into the crystal structure.


    I don''t have the exact knowledge, and my memory is a little fuzzy, but that''s all right now. It''s the idea that counts.


    "The mana that is stored in the mana tank is probably also stored in the gaps of the crystalline structure ......."


    Jin''s thoughts continue to wander.


    "Then, what do you call the opposite of ...... tightness than a tight-lattice crystal structure?��......Well, you can try to prepare and experiment with a mana tank with a structure that is not tight-lattice."


    Muttering to himself, Jin has settled on a rough policy.


    "Reiko, old man, do you have any magi-crystals that are not tight in crystalline structure?"


    "I guess so.


    This is something I had not expected.


    "Hmmm, what kind of material other than Magi Crystals (Magi Crystals) can be used to store Magi Elements (Mana)? ......"


    I can think of various materials that can store free magic element (ether), but when it comes to magic element (mana) ....... Jin.


    Generally, mana can be used only by the magician who created it from free magic element (ether), but exceptionally, the lowest <> or <> mana has <>.


    If we compare it to real energy, it would be something like static electricity, or direct current electricity.


    It is difficult to use it as it is, so it must be converted into alternating current, and then into kinetic or thermal energy to be used.


    Since magic is to be used directly from free magic element (ether) by converting it into desired energy form, it is easy to imagine that this two-step method is inefficient.


    However.


    This is not the case with the children created by Jin ...... Reiko and other automata (automata) and golems, since they have the same magic pattern as that of Jin.


    Jin tried to remember the materials that could store neutral mana.


    "...... ancient dragon''s leather, huh?"


    We know from Reiko''s remodeling that the efficiency of using mana is extremely high.


    This is because it contains a lot of mana and can efficiently utilize the power and energy that mana emits.


    "Let''s think along those lines. ......"


    Jin was again lost in thought.

 1220 - - 33-05 Success and Failure

    (New)


    "Even if the operational efficiency is high, it is meaningless if it cannot be mass-produced. ......"


    Jin then decides to select a bio-based material that he has on hand and that is likely to store a large amount of mana.


    His assistants were the old man and Reiko.


    "Yes, the more powerful the demon is, the more likely it is to be so.


    <> or <> would be a good choice.


    "Yes. Let''s try those two."


    So Reiko brought out those two kinds of materials from the warehouse.


    "Since they are not alive, I think they will store <> magical element (mana). ......"


    <>.


    Anyway, the first step is to conduct a verification experiment.


    "I think size is more important than weight."


    Jin decides to see which one can store more mana in the same volume.


    "Father, in this case, you are prioritizing volume over weight, right?"


    "Yes. Yes. It''s a matter of how compact we can make it.


    Jin separates the two types of materials by .


    He cut them into dice about 1 cm square.


    The reason for the cube shape is to increase the filling rate.


    "Hmmm, how to fill it with mana?


    Jin thought it would be better to do it in a practical way, so he quickly prepared a standard type of <>.


    "Okay, let''s run this for a certain period of time and see what happens.


    Jin wanted to find out which one would store more mana by giving it more than enough mana.


    "Father, your research is fine, but it''s time for you to go to sleep.


    "What?��Oh, is it that late already?


    It was already 10:00 p.m. when he came to.


    "Okay. We''ll continue tomorrow."


    Jin obediently followed Reiko''s advice and decided to take a rest to recover his energy.


    The next day, Jin went to bed in the morning.


    The next day, as soon as Jin finished breakfast, he conducted the verification he had thought of the day before.


    As a result, he found that the gigantopod material stored about 20% more.


    "The weight is almost the same," he said.


    The specific gravity of both materials was around 1.


    "So, how much can it store?"


    Since there is no unit of measurement, this will be a comparative experiment, but in conclusion, it seems that the AAA type mana tank can store about 2.5 times as much mana as the previously standardized AAA type mana tank.


    "This is practical enough, isn''t it?"


    Jin decided to make it cylindrical, like a battery, so that it would be easy to replace.


    "The image I have in mind now is an AAA battery."


    This is to differentiate it from the previous AAA type mana tank.


    It was also found that the golems of Horai Island can operate for 24 hours on average when equipped with 10 mana tanks.


    Of course, this is without using extremely violent movements or consuming magic during the operation.


    "30 pieces of equipment, plus 2 for emergencies, I guess."


    The emergency one is used for , for example, one for transfer to the sea surface in case of an accident in the deep sea and escape becomes impossible. And one to send a distress signal to Horai Island and to maintain the current situation.


    "Also, I would like to have a supply ship standing by nearby, and have that ship carry a large amount of mana tanks and be able to recharge them.


    Jin pondered and came up with an idea.


    "I wish we could transfer energy.


    He had learned from the science fiction novels and manga he had read in modern Japan that energy could be transferred to a remote location.


    "I wish I could do that," he says.


    The "Mere Old Man" had tried several experiments to see if it could be done by using a warp gate, but they did not work out.


    A warp gate connects two points by a . The , which we tentatively call , passes through a space that is not real space, allowing travel between the two points with virtually no time loss.


    This is all we know about how the warp gate works.


    The next question was whether it is possible to exchange something other than objects by using the tunnel.


    For example, to send water to an area with water shortage. Drainage of water from flooded areas. This was the next question.


    The conclusion was that <>.


    At the exit of the warp gate, the velocity of the object becomes zero. No matter whether the velocity at the entrance is fast or slow.


    The reason why this happens has not been clarified, but for this reason, even if water is pumped into the warp gate, it simply overflows from the exit, and the momentum of the pumped water is not maintained.


    "I suppose it is the same with free magical element (ether), although we cannot see it."


    If the object has its own propulsive force, like an aircraft, it can immediately depart from the exit gate (warp gate).


    Also, it seemed to me that if we pointed the outlet downwards, we could probably drain the water.


    "But free magic element (ether), right?"


    <<


    "It seems so. The reason is unknown at this point.


    <


    "No, it can''t be helped, the experiment was short."


    Jin instructed the old man not to worry about it, and thought about it again.


    "For the time being, we will have to communicate with them in the form of <> or <>. ......


    Jin did not like the idea of sending them in this way and exchanging them for the right things, because it was very time-consuming and not very smart.


    "But father, I don''t have a choice, do I?"


    "Yes, but I''m sure I can do something about it if I can just ...... find one more thing to spark it. ......"


    <<


    "Yes, there are priorities, aren''t there? ...... hmm?��Yushin?��Yushin ...... wired, or ......"


    <>


    "My Lord, please experiment to see if you can connect the warp gate with a wire. I will make a mana cylinder.


    The old man knew what to do just from Jin''s short instructions and started the experiment with <> and the craftsman(smith)1.


    <


    First of all, we need one pair, that is, two warp gates. I prepared ordinary steel wires for them.


    We activate the warp gates and confirm that they are connected from the entrance side to the exit side.


    Then, I inserted the wire from the entrance side.


    But nothing happened.


    "...... still no luck."


    The current warp gate is not designed to transfer <> of the body for safety reasons.


    For example, it is not possible to transfer <> of a human being.


    It can be said that the transfer is performed after confirming that <> is within the transfer range.


    This <> is limited to solids, and liquids and gases are considered to have a certain range of tolerance.


    This can be understood from the fact that the air around the object or person being transferred also transfers with it.


    In other words, it is impossible that <>.


    This is something that even the old man could not do anything about.


    Then, Jin, who had finished making a prototype mana cylinder, came in.


    "How do you like it, Mr. Mana?


    <>


    The old man explained the result of the experiment to Jin.


    "Well, I guess so. ......".


    From the results, we can guess why it did not work.


    Jin realized that he had to change his mind that this method of energy transfer was unlikely to work.


    (Old)


    "Even if the operational efficiency is high, it''s meaningless if it can''t be mass-produced. ......"


    Jin then decided to select a bio-based material that he had on hand and that would be able to store a large amount of mana.


    His assistants were the old man and Reiko.


    "Yes, the more powerful the demon is, the more likely it is to be so.


    <> or <> would be a good choice.


    "Yes. Let''s try those two."


    So Reiko brought out those two kinds of materials from the warehouse.


    "Since they are not alive, I think they will store <> magical element (mana). ......"


    <>.


    Anyway, the first step is to conduct a verification experiment.


    "I think size is more important than weight."


    Jin decides to see which one can store more mana in the same volume.


    "Father, in this case, you are prioritizing volume over weight, right?"


    "Yes. Yes. It''s a matter of how compact we can make it.


    Jin separates the two types of materials by .


    He cut them into dice about 1 cm square.


    The reason for the cube shape is to increase the filling rate.


    "Hmmm, how to fill it with mana?


    Jin thought it would be better to do it in a practical way, so he quickly prepared a standard type of <>.


    "Okay, let''s run it for a certain period of time and see what happens.


    Jin wanted to find out which of them would accumulate more mana by giving them more than enough mana.


    "Father, your research is fine, but it''s time for you to go to sleep.


    "What?��Oh, is it that late already?


    It was already 10:00 p.m. when he came to.


    "Okay. We''ll continue tomorrow."


    Jin obediently followed Reiko''s advice and decided to take a rest to recover his energy.


    The next day, Jin went to bed in the morning.


    The next day, as soon as Jin finished breakfast, he conducted the verification he had thought of the day before.


    As a result, he found that the gigantopod material stored about 20% more.


    "The weight is almost the same," he said.


    The specific gravity of both materials was around 1.


    "So, how much can it store?"


    Since there is no unit of measurement, this will be a comparative experiment, but in conclusion, it seems that the AAA type mana tank can store about 2.5 times as much mana as the previously standardized AAA type mana tank.


    "This is practical enough, isn''t it?"


    Jin decided to make it cylindrical, like a battery, so that it would be easy to replace.


    "The image I have in mind now is an AAA battery."


    This is to differentiate it from the previous AAA type mana tank.


    It was also found that the golems of Horai Island can operate for 24 hours on average when equipped with 10 mana tanks.


    Of course, this is without using extremely violent movements or consuming magic during the operation.


    "30 pieces of equipment, plus 2 for emergencies, I guess."


    The emergency one is used for , for example, one for transfer to the sea surface in case of an accident in the deep sea and escape becomes impossible. And one to send a distress signal to Horai Island and to maintain the current situation.


    "Also, I would like to have a supply ship standing by nearby, and have that ship carry a large amount of mana tanks and be able to recharge them.


    Jin pondered and came up with an idea.


    "I wish we could transfer energy.


    He had learned from the science fiction novels and manga he had read in modern Japan that energy could be transferred to a remote location.


    "I wish I could do that," he says.


    The "Mere Old Man" had tried several experiments to see if it could be done by using a warp gate, but they did not work out.


    A warp gate connects two points by a . The , which we tentatively call , passes through a space that is not real space, allowing travel between the two points with virtually no time loss.


    This is all we know about how the warp gate works.


    The next question was whether it is possible to exchange something other than objects by using the tunnel.


    For example, to send water to an area with water shortage. Drainage of water from flooded areas. This was the next question.


    The conclusion was that <>.


    At the exit of the warp gate, the velocity of the object becomes zero. No matter whether the velocity at the entrance is fast or slow.


    The reason why this happens has not been clarified, but for this reason, even if water is pumped into the warp gate, it simply overflows from the exit, and the momentum of the pumped water is not maintained.


    "I suppose it is the same with free magical element (ether), although we cannot see it."


    If the object has its own propulsion, such as an aircraft, it can immediately depart from the warp gate on the exit side.


    It also seemed that if the exit was facing downwards, water would probably be able to drip out of it.


    "But what about free magic element (ether)?


    <<


    "It seems so. The reason is unknown at this point.


    <


    "No, it can''t be helped, the experiment was short."


    Jin instructed the old man not to worry about it, and thought about it again.


    "For the time being, we will have to communicate with them in the form of <> or <>. ......


    Jin did not like the idea of sending them in this way and exchanging them for the right things, because it was very time-consuming and not very smart.


    "But father, I don''t have a choice, do I?"


    "Yes, but I''m sure I can do something about it if I can just ...... find one more thing to spark it. ......"


    <<


    "Yes, there are priorities, aren''t there? ...... hmm?��Yushin?��Yushin ...... wired, or ......"


    <>


    "My Lord, please experiment to see if you can connect the warp gate with a wire. I will make a mana cylinder.


    The old man knew what to do just from Jin''s short instructions and started the experiment with <> and the craftsman(smith)1.


    <


    First of all, we need one pair, that is, two warp gates. We have also prepared an ordinary steel wire.


    I activated the warp gates and confirmed that they are connected from the entrance side to the exit side.


    Then, he inserted the wire from the entrance side.


    If Jin''s prediction is correct, the wire should come out from the exit side.


    And it succeeded with flying colors.


    If the iron wire goes through, the next step is the mithril conductor.


    Mithril could be passed from the entrance side to the exit side in the same way.


    <


    The old man connects an ether tank to the exit side of the mithril line.


    <


    And the experiment starts.


    The old man was almost sure of success.


    >


    However, contrary to his expectation, the free magic element (ether) did not flow.


    <>


    <


    The "Mere Old Man" was at a loss, not knowing what was wrong.


    Then Jin, who had finished making a prototype mana cylinder, came in.


    "How do you like it, Mr. Mana?


    <>


    The old man explained the result of the experiment to Jin.


    "Well, I wonder why?"


    Jin also twisted his head.


    "My Lord, let''s leave aside for the moment the question of why we can''t send free ether or mana, and let''s try one more experiment.


    >


    "Instead of wires, I''d like to run a pipe through it and see if it''s possible to pass water or air through it.


    .


    The "Mere Old Man" immediately started the experiment.

 1221 - - 33-06 Energy Transfer Experiment

    ��New)


    An experiment to see if fluid can flow between warp gates.


    "No?"


    .


    As it turns out, it was a failure.


    No matter how much pressure was applied, the fluid did not blow out from the exit side.


    I guess it would be better to say that the applied force was escaping somewhere. ......"


    Jin, who had actually used the < at its weakest setting, muttered with his hand on his chin.


    < ......>> he said.


    "Yes. The intrinsic speed at the entrance is zero at the exit. That means it is absorbed between the entrance and the exit, or it is running somewhere."


    "Hmmm ......"


    It is a very difficult problem.


    "So you''re saying that energy transfer is not possible until we figure out the reason for the energy transfer. ......"


    <<>


    At that moment, the old man offered a suggestion.


    "Oh, that might be a good idea. Let''s do it right away.


    Whenever he has an idea, he immediately does it.


    This time, let''s put wind thrusters on the entrance and exit sides of the warp gate and experiment to see what happens.


    "Okay, let''s go!"


    Jin activates the two magi-machines.


    "What?"


    Wind is coming out of the wind thruster on the exit side.


    "Okay, let''s try sending smoke and see if the air is really coming out.


    Since he could not immediately think of a magic tool that could produce smoke, Jin decided to burn a dead leaf.


    "Reiko, please."


    "Yes, Father."


    He filled a metal container about the size of a can with dead leaves and set it on fire. Immediately a plume of smoke rose from it.


    "Okay, let''s see if we can make it inhale. ......


    The smoke that was sucked in from the wind thruster on the inlet side was properly discharged from the wind thruster on the outlet side.


    "Yes. I guess we are almost there.


    However, it is unlikely that we will be able to miniaturize it at this point, so it is a half success.


    "First of all, if we equip a ship with it, it will give us a lot of freedom of action."


    >


    Yes, please.


    Thus, large naval vessels are to be equipped with .


    The battleship <><><>, the cruiser <<<<<<<<<>, and the special cruisers <> and <> were actually deployed.


    Of these, <><><><<><><<> have not yet returned to Horaijima, so we will start with the other ships.


    "In parallel with the improvement, we will mass-produce mana cylinders, and after that, we will start the Antarctic research.


    <<>


    Jin regretted that he would not be able to go and see for himself, so he had no objection to using his doppelg?nger.


    "Yes, please do."


    As for the mana cylinders, I had split up with the craftsmen (smiths), and we had the required number of mana cylinders plus more than enough on the same day.


    The mana cylinders are carried on the back like a backpack and secured with a waist belt to prevent them from falling off.


    Mana is taken in through the mouth via a flexible mithril silver cable.


    This is used in the same way as an oxygen cylinder.


    Jin also made a mouthpiece out of magi crystals at the end of the silver mithril cable, and put a magi formula in the mouthpiece so that he can release some magic.


    I mainly used the ones that are effective underwater.


    "Yes, Master."


    Jin explains to Mermaid 1 how to use it.


    "<>, <>, <>, and <>.


    All of them are directional and have been adjusted to have an effect only in a small area.


    "There is also room in the mana cylinder to store small items. You can put mana bombs or knives or something in there if necessary.


    "Yes, I understand."


    With this, Jin has done all he can do.


    The next day, on September 23rd, the "Mere Old Man" was sent to the hospital.


    The next day, September 23rd.


    "Well then, old man, the Antarctic research fleet, let''s go.


    <


    Using the transporter, send them to the sea area where the <> is currently investigating.


    Then, we will let them continue to investigate beyond that point.


    In turn, the < will be sent back to the island and remodeled.


    "Well, I guess we''ll just have to wait for the report.


    Having done what he had to do, Jin took a sigh of relief and thought about his beloved wife who was back home.


    "I wonder if Elsa is relaxing at home.


    * * * *


    The same day, in the town of Exi, Shoro.


    This is the town where Erza''s parents live.


    Erza and Meine, who moved to Shoro with Reinhardt, stayed at Reinhardt''s house, Lankenhaos, for the night, and the next day, they borrowed Reinhardt''s carriage and went to their parents'' house.


    The next day, he rented a carriage from Reinhardt and went to his parents'' house.


    "Time differences are so complicated. He explained it to me, but I still don''t understand it. Does Elsa understand it?"


    "Yes."


    "Yes. Yes. Erza is really great.


    There is a time difference of about five and a half hours between Horai Island and the Shoro Kingdom.


    Even though it''s 7pm in Horai Island, it''s only 1:30pm here. It is a bit confusing if you are not used to it.


    "I''m more thankful that my brother Rai had the wagon remodeled.


    "Yes. It doesn''t shake too much.


    Once you get used to riding in Jin''s horse-drawn carriage, it is hard to ride in a normal carriage because it shakes so much.


    However, I have already given the specifications of the to the guild, so I am sure it will gradually spread.


    We''re almost there.


    "Hmm."


    A familiar, familiar sight. Elsa couldn''t help but lean back against the window and take in the view.


    The carriage comes to a stop in front of the Randall house.


    "Miss Elsa, Miss Meane, we have arrived!"


    "Thank you, Edgar.


    Elsa says a few words to Edgar.


    First Meine and then Elsa got off the carriage.


    "Welcome home, Miss Elsa!"


    The group was greeted by a familiar face.


    "I''m home, Cedric."


    Elsa''s eyes welled up as she passed through the gate of her parents'' house.


    ��The old)


    An experiment to see if fluid can flow through the pipes that pass between the warp gates.


    "No?"


    .


    The conclusion is that the experiment was a failure.


    No matter how much pressure was applied, the water in the pipe did not flow.


    "Or perhaps it would be better to say that the applied force is escaping somewhere. ......"


    Jin, who had actually used the < at its weakest setting, muttered with his hand on his chin.


    <......>


    "Yes. The intrinsic speed at the entrance is zero at the exit. That means it is absorbed between the entrance and the exit, or it is running somewhere."


    "Hmmm ......"


    It is a very difficult problem.


    "So you''re saying that energy transfer is not possible until we figure out the reason for the energy transfer. ......"


    <<>


    At that moment, the old man offered a suggestion.


    "Oh, that might be a good idea. Let''s do it right away.


    When he had an idea, he immediately did it.


    This time, let''s put wind thrusters on the inlet and outlet sides of the pipe and see how it works.


    "Okay, here we go."


    Jin activates the two magi-machines.


    "What?"


    Wind is coming out of the wind thruster on the exit side.


    "Okay, let''s try sending smoke and see if the air is really coming out.


    Since he could not immediately think of a magic tool that could produce smoke, Jin decided to burn a dead leaf.


    "Reiko, please."


    "Yes, father."


    He filled a metal container about the size of a can with dead leaves and lit it on fire. Smoke immediately rose from the container.


    "Okay, let''s try to inhale this ......".


    The smoke that was sucked in from the wind thruster on the inlet side was properly discharged from the wind thruster on the outlet side.


    "Yes. I guess we are almost there.


    However, it is unlikely that we will be able to miniaturize it at this point, so it is a half success.


    "First of all, if we equip a ship with it, it will give us a lot of freedom of action."


    >


    Yes, please.


    Thus, large naval vessels are to be equipped with .


    The battleship <><><>, the cruiser <<<<<<<<<>, and the special cruisers <> and <> were actually deployed.


    Of these, <><><><<><><<> have not yet returned to Horaijima, so we will start with the other ships.


    "In parallel with the improvement, we will mass-produce mana cylinders, and after that, we will start the Antarctic research.


    <<>


    Jin regretted that he would not be able to go and see for himself, so he had no objection to using his doppelg?nger.


    "Yes, please do."


    As for the mana cylinders, I had split up with the craftsmen (smiths), and we had the required number of mana cylinders plus more than enough on the same day.


    The mana cylinders are carried on the back like a backpack and secured with a waist belt to prevent them from falling off.


    Mana is taken in through the mouth via a flexible mithril silver cable.


    This is used in the same way as an oxygen cylinder.


    Jin also made a mouthpiece out of magi crystals at the end of the silver mithril cable, and put a magi formula in the mouthpiece so that he can release some magic.


    I mainly used the ones that are effective underwater.


    "Yes, Master."


    Jin explains to Mermaid 1 how to use it.


    "<>,<>,<>,<>.


    All of them are directional and have been adjusted to have an effect only in a small area.


    "There is also room in the mana cylinder to store small items. You can put mana bombs or knives or something in there if necessary.


    "Yes, I understand."


    With this, Jin has done all he can do.


    The next day, on September 23rd, the "Mere Old Man" was sent to the hospital.


    The next day, September 23rd.


    "Well then, old man, the Antarctic research fleet, let''s get going."


    <


    Using the transporter, we will send them to the sea area where the Honeymoon Fleet of Horai Island is currently investigating.


    Then, we will let them continue to investigate beyond that point.


    In turn, the < will be sent back to the island and remodeled.


    "Well, I guess we''ll just have to wait for the report.


    Having done what he had to do, Jin breathed a sigh of relief and thought about his beloved wife who was back home.


    "I wonder if Elsa is relaxing at home.


    * * * *


    The same day, in the town of Exi, Shoro.


    This is the town where Erza''s parents live.


    Erza and Meine, who moved to Shoro with Reinhardt, stayed at Reinhardt''s house, Lankenhaos, for the night, and the next day, they borrowed Reinhardt''s carriage and went to their parents'' house.


    The next day, he rented a carriage from Reinhardt and went to his parents'' house.


    "Time differences are so complicated. He explained it to me, but I still don''t understand it. Does Elsa understand it?"


    "Yes."


    "Yes. Yes. Erza is really great.


    There is a time difference of about five and a half hours between Horai Island and the Shoro Kingdom.


    Even though it''s 7pm in Horai Island, it''s only 1:30pm here. It is a bit confusing if you are not used to it.


    "I''m more thankful that my brother Rai had the wagon remodeled.


    "Yes. It doesn''t shake too much.


    Once you get used to riding in Jin''s horse-drawn carriage, it is hard to ride in a normal carriage because it shakes so much.


    However, I have already given the specifications of the to the guild, so I am sure it will gradually spread.


    We''re almost there.


    "Hmm."


    A familiar, familiar sight. Elsa couldn''t help but lean back against the window and take in the view.


    The carriage stops in front of the Randall mansion.


    Miss Elsa, Miss Meane, we''ve arrived.


    "Thank you, Edgar."


    Elsa says a few words to Edgar.


    First Meine and then Elsa got off the carriage.


    "Welcome home, Miss Elsa!"


    The group was greeted by a familiar face.


    "I''m home, Cedric."


    Elsa''s eyes welled up as she passed through the gate of her parents'' house.

 1222 - - 33-07 Return home

    Come in. Your brother is waiting for you.


    "Yes."


    The new Randalls, as they are now called, are the successors of the baronet''s family founded by Elsa''s brother Moritz.


    All the servants know this, so they remain respectful.


    "Please come in, Miss Meane."


    "Yes, yes."


    They were also informed that Meene, who had once been a fellow servant, was in fact Erza''s biological mother.


    In other words, Meene was Erza''s biological mother who had rebuilt the once defunct Randall family.


    Please don''t be so formal. She''s your mother now, isn''t she?


    No one seemed to be jealous of this fact.


    However, Meine was not accustomed to being served by her former colleague and she was not happy about it.


    "Edgar, is it?��Come this way, please."


    "Yes, thank you."


    It seemed that they had been informed about Edgar, the automata created by Elsa, in advance, and they accepted him naturally.


    These were all arranged by Reinhardt.


    Erza, Meine, and Edgar were led by Cedric, the family''s representative, through the front door of the Randall house.


    "First of all, the Grand Master and the Grand Mistress are waiting for you.


    "And my brother?"


    "Yes, sir,...... Mr. Moritz is still preparing for the arrival of the messenger from Leuthert today."


    "Yes."


    She was curious as to what the messenger was, but it seemed strange to ask at this point, so Elsa decided to first meet Cedric''s <......, that is, her own father Georg and her stepmother Marlene.


    "Come in."


    The door to the room was already open and Marlene was standing at the entrance.


    "Welcome, Elsa. Welcome, Miss Meane."


    "Mother, I''m home."


    "Hello, ma''am, it''s been a long time."


    Marlene smiled at Meine,


    "You''re not a servant anymore, Mme. Meine, you should be more at ease."


    She said kindly. Meane replied with a slight smile.


    Yes, thank you. ...... because this is my land. ......"


    Erza stepped into the room, looking sideways at the two <>s as they exchanged such pleasantries.


    "Hello, Elsa..."


    "Father, I''m home."


    Father Georg looked much better. But his slurred speech has not been cured.


    (I guess he has brain damage ......?)


    Unfortunately, even Elsa''s healing magic is not a panacea.


    Unfortunately, even Elsa''s healing magic is not a panacea; she could not regenerate the brain cells that had been damaged.


    Even so, Georg''s father''s face was calm,


    "How is your life going?


    I could tell that he was doing much better.


    "Yes, I''m happy every day."


    "Yes, you are. That''s good to hear."


    For the next few moments, Elsa and her father Georg exchanged idle words.


    Their mother seemed to be out of the room, and the soft autumn sun shone through the window, making for a peaceful moment.


    "Honey, it''s time to eat".


    Around 11:30 a.m., Marlene herself arrived pushing a wagon with our lunch.


    "Mother..."


    "It seems we had a nice talk. Go on, Mrs. Meine is in the dining room.


    Marlene tells Elsa in a whisper Georg can''t hear.


    "Leigh..."


    "Yes, dear."


    Georg looks at Marlene and breaks into a smile. Her face seems to be completely numb.


    Elsa leaves Marlene in charge and goes to the dining room.


    "Mother!"


    Elsa went to the dining room and found Meane sitting there.


    I thought she was helping me prepare lunch," she said,


    "That''s what I thought, but she won''t let me help her.


    "I''m a customer."


    The chef''s voice came from the kitchen.


    "You see?"


    Erza giggles and sits down next to Meane.


    "...... how was it?"


    Erza quickly realizes that by "how was it" she means Georg.


    "Yeah, it seems pretty good."


    "Yeah."


    For Meane, this reaction is not surprising, since she does not have a very good impression of Georg.


    "Erza, I''m sorry."


    Then a voice called out to her. It was Moritz, Elsa''s older brother and the head of the Randall barony.


    "Oh, my brother. Are you finished with your work?


    "Yes, I''m done. I mean, it''s time for lunch.


    Yes, that''s right.


    Mr. Moritz, it''s been a while.


    Oh, Meine. You''re looking well, Mr. Meine.


    Thank you, sir.


    You''re a hard man. You''re not my maid of honor anymore.


    Yes, thank you. The First Mistress told me so, but it''s a habit that''s been ingrained in me over the years. ......"


    Meine, who used to be a lady-in-waiting, is now the mother of Erza and the object of Moritz''s respect, but she is still not used to it.


    It was the first time for her to be seated at the same table with Moritz, the head of the family.


    "Well, it can''t be helped. Please get used to it little by little.


    Then the meal arrives.


    White rice porridge, miso soup, a small steak, and vegetable salad.


    "Lately I''ve been eating this for lunch," Moritz says.


    Moritz says.


    "Somehow it suits my palate. This also suits my palate.


    Jin has been giving them a lot of guidance on pronunciation, and it seems that voices like < or are becoming less and less common in the Shoro Kingdom.


    "Yes, it''s delicious."


    Moritz eats a bowl of porridge and then a bowl of soup, in that order.


    ��Erza felt that the soup was a little too soupy.)


    Erza felt that the soup was a little too soupy, but she kept her mouth shut.


    Still, the soup was at a level where she could say that it was < enough. It is just that Horai Island is special.


    There is no chattering, but light conversation at the Randall family table.


    "Brother, I heard that a messenger from Loisart is coming.


    "Oh, yes. I received word by pigeon mail that they will arrive in the afternoon.


    The pigeon messenger is basically organized by the lord or his direct subordinate.


    Here in the town of Eksi, the Randalls, the lords, have a pigeon house and are in charge of the communication with the capital, Leuthart.


    "What''s the trouble?"


    Elsa asked when she saw that her brother did not look well,


    "Apparently so," Moritz answered.


    Moritz answered, "Apparently so.

 1223 - - 33-08 Emergency Call

    According to the information we have received in advance, we have received a report of an outbreak of <> in the far west of the country.


    "The information came from a gentile country called Mitsuho, which is located further out in the Harihari Desert. He said to be careful."


    Yes.


    Erza wants to say that Jin has already solved that problem, but she can''t.


    "There is one more thing, but it was not mentioned in the pigeon mail.


    The pigeon messenger is fast, but its disadvantage is that it can only carry a very limited amount of weight, so the amount of information it carries is limited.


    "I heard that an envoy with this detailed information is coming this afternoon.


    As they are talking, the butler announces the arrival of a visitor. Speak of the devil and he will come.


    I''m on my way. I''m on my way. ...... Elsa, see you later.


    "......"


    The remaining Erza looked a little difficult and was thinking about something.


    "Oh!"


    Then, unusually, she hears Moritz''s voice.


    "Brother, what''s going on?


    Unexpectedly, Elsa also went to the direction from where she heard the voice, towards the front door, and her eyes widened.


    "Brother?"


    There stood her second brother Fritz.


    "Brother, it''s been a long time. Elsa is here too. ...... where''s Jin-dono?


    Just me this time. Back home.


    I see. ...... brother, I have an urgent message.


    Oh, yeah, sure. Come inside.


    The three siblings went to Moritz''s office.


    "Is it okay if I stay?"


    Elsa asked, just in case she was technically an outsider, but Fritz laughed and answered, "Yeah.


    "Yes. I would be very grateful for your opinion.


    "What the hell is wrong with you?��<?"


    I heard that the problem has been solved.


    Reuthert was the first to receive such information.


    "...... Elsa knows anything about this?"


    "......"


    Elsa wonders for a moment if she should say that she was there when Jin exterminated the .


    But Fritz seems to take her silence as an affirmation.


    I understand. If you don''t want to say it, don''t say it. I''m not at all ...... what my sister''s son-in-law is ......."


    I didn''t know what he meant by that. Fritz started another conversation.


    "Brother, here''s another story."


    Fritz was a man who called people <>> in public and in the presence of others, but when it was just the family he called them <>>. By the way, he only calls his mother Marlene <>.


    "Yes, let''s hear it."


    "We''ve received word that a band of vicious thieves have entered our lands. They came to Randall''s territory with a few of my men.


    The other men were sent to Banne, in the heart of Randall''s territory.


    "I came here because I wanted to say hello to your mother.


    Fritz laughed and said he was allowed that kind of discretion.


    "The bandits?"


    "Yes, that''s right. Rich merchants or thieves who are willing to break into the homes of lords, village chiefs and mayors and hurt people.


    "...... scary."


    "Indeed. The problem is that they don''t care if there are guards on duty.


    Are people being attacked even if they have security guards?


    ......, yes. They are very good at what they do.


    Moritz nodded, his face turning slightly pale.


    "Okay. Let''s reinforce the security.


    But Erza stops him.


    "Wait, brother."


    What''s wrong?


    I don''t know what to think of this band of thieves. They''re not normal.


    Yes, they are.


    Maybe we can''t handle them alone.


    With these words, Mauritz and Fritz realized what their sister-in-law was trying to say.


    "Elsa, are you saying that the bandits are using golems?"


    "Yes.


    "Indeed. ......"


    Moritz ponders.


    "I don''t think our finances can afford to buy a golem right now. ......"


    Elsa saw her brother''s condition and said,


    "Brother, Edgar is here."


    She said.


    "Edgar. ......"


    She felt that she could not rely on him much considering his slender boyish figure.


    Erza thought it was understandable to see her brother in such a state of uncertainty.


    It is true that Edgar is not as good as Golem, the automata of Horai Island created by Reiko and Jin, but Edgar is also an automata created with the highest level of technology using rare materials.


    Despite their appearance, they are capable.


    However, Erza did not say such a promotional thing, but only said.


    "Don''t worry, I got it."


    "...... is that so?"


    "Well, Reinhardt''s got his black knight (Schwarzlitter) and his neon lights."


    Fritz looks a little worried.


    "Well, I''ll be with you for a while, don''t worry.


    Fritz said cheerfully and got up to greet his parents.


    "But... a band of thieves..."


    We have just finished collecting the fall taxes, so we certainly have things.


    However, the tax in Randall''s territory is on wheat and other .


    It would take more than 20 men to transport them.


    "I suppose we can assume that there is a golem in that sense as well."


    "Still, it would be difficult to sneak that much stuff out, I think."


    "That''s true. The means of transportation. But there doesn''t seem to be any information on that.


    "...... empty?"


    What?


    If we could fly in a hot air balloon or something, it might be possible.


    "Hmm. ......"


    The principle of a hot air balloon itself is simple. Just make a strong, airtight bag, point the mouth downwards, and hang a gondola for people to ride on.


    Then, heat the air by a fire under the bag, and fill the bag with the warmed air. If the buoyancy exceeds the weight of the bag, it will float.


    It is not surprising that someone has created it.


    "Let''s increase the security."


    Moritz sat up.


    "......"


    Elsa returns to her room.


    She took a small breath as she entered her old room, which still had the furniture from her daughter''s time.


    Then she sits down on her bed and activates the communication function of her <>.


    For a while after that, Elsa had a conversation with the old man.


    Fortunately, the night passed uneventfully.

 1224 - - 33-09 The Mysterious Man

    Day after tomorrow, the 24th.


    "I see nothing happened last night," Fritz said at breakfast.


    Fritz said at breakfast.


    "Yes, it did. "Yes, I''m glad it was uneventful."


    Moritz replies.


    Elsa remains silent.


    Only Erza and her three siblings are present, along with the maid of honor.


    Georg and Marlene usually take their meals in Georg''s sickroom, and Meine is in the kitchen eating a bribe meal with the cooks.


    She says that it is the < thing to do, and she asked for it a lot.


    She is able to listen to my requests because she is back in her hometown.


    By the way, Moritz said that <>, but that is only for this territory.


    Last night in Fluid, in the Marquisate of Theoderic, a gang of thieves, who were probably the bandits in question, had attacked a landowner, robbed him of his property, and fled.


    Fortunately, no one was killed. The reason is that the family was out of town.


    There were only two elderly security guards looking after the family. It seems that they were asleep at the time of the crime, so they were overlooked.


    Well, they will be punished by their employer in the future. .......


    But I digress.


    When the Marquis was informed of the incident, he was understandably furious.


    "Ugh, what a disgraceful bandit!"


    And he ordered his men to arrest the bandits.


    "You must capture the bandit and bring peace to the people! Good!


    Sir!


    The soldiers and knights under his command immediately move into action.


    * * * *


    Meanwhile, the brain of Horai Island, the old man, received a report from Erza.


    As soon as he received Erza''s report, he instructed the members of the 5th Quinta to go to Shoro to gather clues about the bandits.


    Furthermore, Regulus 49, a.k.a. , was assigned to guard the village of Kaltz in Randall''s territory, and Deneb 22, a.k.a. Jumi, also a ranger, was assigned to guard the village of Exi in Randall''s territory.


    He also ordered Capella 8<> to guard Banneh in Randall''s territory.


    And on the night of the order, the bandits were not in Randall''s territory, but in the neighboring territory of the Marquis of Theoderic.


    Their means of escape were unfortunately not observed by the due to the thick cloud cover.


    The old man concluded so and ordered the fifth column (Quinta) to be more vigilant.


    Especially, the area around Randall''s house where Erza is located should be emphasized.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The town of Sagina, also in the Marquisate of Theoderic, on the eastern outskirts of the Marquisate. This town is adjacent to Count Randall''s territory and is a prosperous town for its size, with many people coming and going.


    Deneb22, a member of the 5th Column (Quinta), a.k.a. , had come all the way from Eksi, Randall''s territory, to check on the situation in Sagina.


    She is a village girl in her early twenties. Her chubby figure is due to the water in the layer of goulashvam (sponges of binge eating) under her skin.


    Her face is full of pimples and freckles, and she looks like no one would give her a second glance.


    "Well, how about some airbert jam?


    Jumi looks around the town as if he were a peddler with a load on his back.


    "Oh, that''s very unusual.


    Yes, thank you very much.


    "Oh, it''s a jam.


    "Thank you very much."


    As he went around the town selling jam like this, his eyes caught a glimpse of a certain "presence".


    (...... that''s...)


    It was a man who looked to be in his late twenties.


    (The way he walks is lean.)


    His center of gravity was not shaky, and his torso was not swaying.


    (It is not a martial arts master or ...... who can walk like this!)


    Jumi quietly follows him without being noticed. At the same time, he reports back to the old man with the built-in manacam.


    ��I wonder where he''s going.)


    The man leaves the crowded street and heads for the outskirts of the town. Gradually, there are fewer and fewer people.


    (At this rate, they will know we are following him. ......)


    Jumi timed the man''s arrival around the corner, and activated the <>.


    At about the same time, the built-in manacam (manacam) is contacted.


    ()


    Immediately after that, two invisible bodies were sent by transporter to the left and right of Jumi.


    ��Thank you. That''s reassuring.)


    Jumi and the two lando disappeared and followed the mysterious man.


    (......?)


    As they approached a vacant lot on the outskirts of town, the man stopped.


    "What do you want?"


    "You don''t think he knows, do you?��Jumi wondered if he had been discovered, but the mysterious man was staring in a different direction from Jumi and the others.


    Jumi senses another presence around the mysterious man.


    (Is this a ...... human being?��and ...... looks like a golem).


    Keeping a distance that they think is undetectable, Jumi and Lando decide to observe first.


    The vacant lot, which was probably the remains of a mansion, was quite spacious, covering an area of about 1,000 square meters.


    "I am the deputy commander of the security force in the service of the Marquise Theoderic. I would like to know your name and identity.


    The man who introduced himself as the deputy commander had two battle golems with him.


    The two golems quietly move around to either side of the mysterious man, cutting off his retreat.


    Behind them is the wall of an abandoned house. The left and right sides are fortified by battle golems.


    "Hmmm, I see. You have judged this situation to be to your advantage.


    Answer the question!


    "Don''t panic. Names and affiliations are mere symbols. If I answer your questions, how will you judge their truth or falsehood?


    Enough of your nonsense!��Don''t answer me!


    "Don''t be so rash, <>.


    The mystery man smiled wryly.


    "My name. ."


    The next moment. > disappears.


    He flew to the right, too fast for the human eye to follow.


    A clunk.


    It''s the sound of a battle golem being hit and falling.


    "What!"


    echoed the startled voice of the deputy commander of the Theodelic Family Guard.


    The other battle golem is overturned next.


    Then the mysterious man <> snatches the vice captain''s side and vanishes into thin air.


    The vice captain collapses into a heap a few seconds later, unconscious.


    It seems that he had received a strong blow to the abdomen.


    (He had great physical strength, didn''t he?)


    ��Yes, we are closing in on the RAND team.)


    Jumi and the others had moved further away and attached their lances.


    (They are not going to ...... outside the town, but to an abandoned house.)


    (Maybe that''s their hideout.)


    Jumi and the others watched Lance go into the house and discussed with the old man about what to do next.

 1225 - - 33-10 Overwhelming Guards

    After a brief discussion, the old man concluded.


    Soon, Lands 783, 784 and 785 783,784,785.


    Let''s keep an eye on that abandoned house.


    "Yes, sir."


    That''s what they said.


    And so the night comes.


    11:00 P.M., when the town was asleep, there was movement.


    ��Someone came out.)


    A figure comes out of an abandoned house.


    (Is it the bandit group ......?��(Is it a bandit group ?)


    From the way he was walking, Jumi concluded that it was Lance from earlier.


    Following Lance, Jumi and the other six headed for the center of the town.


    (He seems to be wearing the magic of <>, doesn''t he?


    <


    However, it is quite effective when going through a deserted town at night.


    On the other hand, Jumi and the others are using the advanced magic of invisibility. It provides concealment in the infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet regions, as well as sound insulation, so it is unlikely to be noticed unless there is physical contact.


    Jumi and the others were not the only ones chasing Lance.


    About four figures are chasing Lance.


    These four were moving in a way that could be said to be too ...... much in vain compared to Lance.


    (Could they be the guards of the Theoderic family?)


    (Perhaps they are.)


    (I hope they don''t get in our way.) (I hope they don''t get in our way.)


    (That would be hard to do.) (I hope they don''t disturb us.) (That would be hard to do.)


    In fact, they do not use any magic of concealment, but only follow us stealthily.


    Jumi knew that they would be noticed at some point.


    And that time came sooner than expected.


    The five of them stopped walking.


    The location was, coincidentally ...... or perhaps as planned, the vacant lot where they had been played by Lance during the day.


    The vacant lot is about 3,000 square meters. It is covered with dying grass and there is no place to hide.


    "They''re following us, they know we''re following them.


    Lance stops, turns around, and says these words to me.


    "Oh, they know we''re here."


    "No, they don''t even notice you, if you''re spreading such a blatant sign ......."


    Lance''s voice seems to have a hint of dismay in it.


    "You are so noisy!��Who the hell are you?


    Lance let out a sigh,


    "Good God, so there are some low class people in this place.


    Lance sighed and said in a more exasperated manner.


    "I think you''re mistaken, I''m not a bandit.


    "Can you prove that?"


    Lance shook his head.


    "I can prove that I am by giving you one example, but it is practically impossible to prove that I am not."


    What nonsense!


    The outraged deputy commander of the security force.


    ��No, you don''t understand me well enough.)


    Jumi, who was watching from the sidelines, also chimed in.


    (But he doesn''t seem to be a bandit, as Lance himself says. Then, what in the world is his purpose ......?)


    "Enough!��Let''s have him come with us."


    The exasperated second-in-command said, but Lance refused to go along.


    "No, that''s not going to happen. I have my own objectives.


    "That''s why I''m asking you to tell me!"


    No, you just said that for the first time.


    That''s not true!


    (No, you''re right, but ......)


    (No, that''s true, but it''s not true!) No one heard Jumi''s comment.


    "Well, we''ll have to take him in, even if it''s by force."


    "Well, there are people who don''t understand things like that. I''m learning a lot.


    "What nonsense!��Go!"


    The second-in-command instructed his three companions.


    Although they were ......, Jumi and the others already knew what they were ......, battle golems, if you look closely enough.


    Each of them held a stick with low killing power and struck at Lance.


    "Hmmm, a low grade golem."


    Lance took on all three of them at the same time and did not take a step back.


    In fact, he is dealing with them with a comfortable margin.


    (It''s not a problem,...... but that automaton Lance,......?


    (I agree. (I agree. I can''t read the lineage.)


    Jumi and Lando are talking with a built-in manacam.


    (It seems to be a little different from the lineage of their predecessors, but not the mainstream of today. (This is not the same as the Elena of the past.)


    (It may be that it is a completely different technology.)


    Such a conversation took less than a second.


    But the battle between the golem and the lance had advanced considerably.


    "Nah!��......"


    Golem''s sticks were all crushed and broken, unable to strike a single blow to Lance''s body.


    "Oh, no. ...... is what a golem is now."


    What the hell?


    Boring. Has the passage of time degenerated technology?"


    What ......?


    I told you I have a purpose.��But tonight, that seems to be impossible because of you. We''ll come back."


    With that, Lance jumped up to the roof of the abandoned house behind him.


    "What the ......?


    The vice captain was surprised at his lightness.


    "Look, I''ll tell you what. Don''t get in my way. My purpose is not to your detriment."


    With that, Lance vanished from the roof of the abandoned house.


    ��He jumped to the other side.)


    ��We should go too.)


    ��But what the hell does he want ......?)


    ��I guess we''ll have to ask him.)


    Jumi and the others use their force field generators to jump over the abandoned house at once so as not to make a sound.


    (Which way did they go? ......?)


    But Lance is already gone.


    ��We''ll have to split up.)


    (It can''t be helped...)


    Jumi and the others split up and chased after Lance.

 1226 - - 33-11 The Thieves

    As it turned out, Lance was in the direction Jumi and Lands 781 and 782 were headed.


    "...... can''t make it tonight."


    He muttered a few words, as if he wanted to be heard, and Lance turned around.


    "Well, what do you want from me?"


    Apparently, he had been caught off guard.


    "You don''t look human. Are you one of them?


    If they can see through the illusion to that extent, there is no need to be more subtle about it.


    "Oh, one is an automata and two are golems. They are also quite ...... wonderful, very wonderful.


    I am Jumi. Let me ask you simply. What is your purpose?"


    Lance gives a wry smile.


    "Well, before I answer that, let me ask you one more question, more of a confirmation. ...... are you not chasing a band of thieves?"


    It was an unexpected question, but not something to hide.


    "Yes, we are. And I think you are suspicious.


    "I knew it. ...... certainly isn''t entirely irrelevant."


    Lance now smirked. Very human.


    "Then let me answer your question. My objective is also a band of thieves. Or more precisely, the golem that is supposed to be among them.


    "What?


    Jumi is surprised at the unexpected reason. Lance is impressed by her.


    "Oh. <


    So why are you chasing a golem?


    "That''s easy. I don''t want it to be used for anything other than what it is supposed to be used for. Besides, I want to get back what was stolen from me.


    Stolen?


    "Stolen?" "Yes. The automata (automata)...... used by the bandits, the golem, was made by my maker. I''ve come to get it back."


    "To get it back?"


    But then Lance keeps his mouth shut.


    Finally, he says,


    "I think I talked a little too much. I''m glad to see you''re in good company, even if you''re not from the ...... lineage."


    With that, he turned his head and disappeared into the darkness of the night.


    Jumi and the others did not dare to follow him.


    Jumi and the others did not dare to follow him.


    "Well, this is interesting.


    In the command center of Horai Island, Jin was listening to the report from the old man.


    "An automata that is different from the previous generation''s lineage. It''s not impossible.


    There is a precedent of Elena.


    There is also the possibility that there are excellent engineers buried on the streets.


    Jin thought about this and then asked another question.


    "How is Elsa doing?"


    "Well, that''s good."


    Jin thought that the next month or so would be very busy on the long-period planets.


    It would be better if he could stay at his parents'' house, but that was not likely to be the case.


    "I''m sure Erza will want to come back soon."


    * * * *


    "Brother, is there anything unusual going on?"


    "Yes. So far we haven''t received any complaints of burglary. I hope everything is going well.


    "Brother, I just got word from my guy that there''s nothing going on at Reinhardt''s so far either."


    "I see."


    Elsa, Moritz, Fritz. It was a rare sight to see the siblings meeting together and discussing the situation, and even the old servants were glancing at each other from the side.


    "If nothing happens, that''s the best thing, but just in case ......."


    Moritz says with a difficult look on his face.


    "It''s best to catch the bandits.


    Fritz says simply and simply.


    "That''s right," says Fritz. But that''s easier said than done.


    "Well, yeah."


    Fritz knows what he''s talking about. But he had to say it.


    "...... If nothing happens tonight, I think I''ll go home tomorrow."


    Elsa said slowly.


    "Yeah, I see. ......, yeah."


    "Are you getting lonely sleeping alone?��Or are you worried that your husband is cheating on you?


    "My brother, you idiot."


    Elsa blushed when Fritz teased her.


    * * * *


    And that night...


    "Erza-sama!"


    Edgar whispered to the sleeping Erza.


    "...... Hmm, what?"


    Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Erza wakes up.


    "I''m sorry to disturb you at your rest, but there is an emergency. It''s an emergency.)


    "...... emergency?"


    At these words, Elsa sat up in bed.


    "Yes. There is someone approaching the house."


    Elsa wakes up completely at those words.


    "...... could it be a band of thieves?"


    "Perhaps. But don''t worry. Deneb22 and Rand of the fifth column (Quinta) are also with us. But there is also a mysterious golem, so please put up a barrier just in case.


    Okay.


    "Okay, that''s fine."


    What is Edgar going to do now?


    "If you tell me what to do, I will help you to intercept them. If you ask me to stay here, I will escort you.


    Erza thought for a moment and then motioned for him to stay.


    "Yes, sir."


    It was just after 10:30 p.m.


    "I don''t think we have that much money in the house.


    There is only wheat and barley in the warehouse as taxes paid, but not yet converted into money.


    Thinking about this, Elsa remembers the rumors about the bandits.


    "...... grain and carry it away."


    With this realization, Elsa stood up and quickly put on her gown.


    Then she walked out of the room.


    "Edgar, follow me. The warehouse is in danger.


    "Yes, Miss Elsa."


    Elsa and Edgar run down the hallway and down the stairs to the kitchen door.


    They walk out into the courtyard where the warehouse is located and find themselves in the midst of a chaotic battle.

 1227 - - 33-12 Three ways

    Let''s go back in time a little.


    Fritz, the second son of the Randall family, is currently guarding the warehouse where the most is kept.


    (Normally, I wouldn''t think he would target grain, but the information was there.)


    Then he hears a faint noise.


    (There you are! ......!)


    He could see five figures.


    Fritz steps forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword.


    "That''s enough, bandits! "That''s enough, bandits!


    Trespassing on the grounds of a lord''s house is a sufficient offense.


    They have no excuse to say they haven''t stolen it yet.


    "Piss off."


    One of them throws a knife at Fritz. Fritz manages to avoid it with a little time to spare.


    Fritz also fires a spell in time.


    "<>"


    "Thunder!"


    The man who threw the knife is hit and knocked out. Fritz is not only good at martial arts, but also at lightning magic.


    "What a nonsense!"


    Now the two men leap at him with knives in their hands.


    Too late!


    One of them thrusts a knife at you and you knock it away from its sheath without drawing your sword, and then you slam the hilt into its tail, causing it to scream in agony.


    The other one cleaved the knife to the side, aiming at his neck, but he ducked by lowering himself.


    Then, with the force of a leap, he strikes the man in the jaw with the bottom of his palm, causing him to roll over and fall into a stupor. A total of three people were knocked unconscious.


    "There are no soldiers in the Shoro Empire who can only respond in a straightforward manner, you know?"


    Fritz faced the two remaining men again, this time with more distance between them.


    "You''re a military man ...... and you''ve screwed up. , buy us some time."


    "Yes, sir."


    The man called Sword stepped forward and closed in on Fritz.


    In the moonlight, it is not a man, but a golem. Its silver-black exterior glowed dully.


    "No matter how good the soldiers of the Shoro Empire are, they can''t defeat a golem!


    "I doubt it!"


    Fritz stepped to the side and leaped forward, as is customary in such cases, to <>.


    The sheath of his sword seemed to be about to strike the remaining man in the throat, but...


    With a "clang" sound, the sword sheathe was released.


    With a clang, the attack was blocked. The golem intervened.


    "Can you judge yourself? You seem to be a good golem!"


    Fritz sheathed his sword and drew it to face the golem.


    Then he hears a third voice.


    "I''m afraid you''re going to have to give this place up.


    What appeared was a golem that looked exactly like the bandits'' golem <>.


    The only difference was that <> had red eyes, while the new golem had blue eyes.


    The golem is the one I was looking for.


    "Hmm."


    Fritz knew instantly what he meant and focused on the remaining man.


    "You''re not going to get away with this!"


    But the man laughed.


    "Hmmm...<> is something that is saved until the last minute!��......<!"


    In response to his voice, another man in black appeared out of nowhere.


    "What?


    The man in black silently kicked Fritz in the face.


    Fritz barely catches the kick with his sword, but the force of the kick blows him away.


    Fritz, too, falls to the ground, but still fires his magic.


    "Thunderbolt!


    The magic strikes the black-suited man who is closing in for the chase.


    But the black-robed figure leaps up to crush the fallen Fritz, despite the thunderbolt.


    "Whoa!"


    For a moment, Fritz twisted his body to avoid the direct hit, but he was stepped on by the right ankle.


    "Aghh!"


    Fritz''s ankle is shattered. Fritz pushes through the pain and draws his sword.


    There is a loud clang. The steel sword could not cut the black-clad man''s leg.


    "What!��Are you a golem too?


    The black-suited man silently fires a kick.


    "Geef!"


    Fritz is hit in the abdomen and is blown about two meters off his feet, and then rolls around some more.


    "G...... uu...... f*ck, I''ve been hit in the ribs."


    Fritz coughs, unable to breathe properly, and a man in black, who looks like a golem, approaches him.


    "d*mn it!��<


    But the man does not care about the magic.


    But the clothes he was wearing were scorched and torn to shreds.


    "I knew it ...... was a golem ......."


    The golem is coming at Fritz, who is slowing down.


    "d*mn it!"


    With only one leg, Fritz is unable to make a satisfactory evasive maneuver, and just when he is about to take the blow, the golem comes at him.


    "Brother!"


    Erza''s voice rang out, and the golem was blown away.


    "Are you okay?"


    Elsa rushes over to him,


    "Idiot, look out!��Don''t come here!"


    Fritz shouts, but Erza doesn''t stop.


    "I''ll be fine."


    "This is not the time to say that. ......?"


    doesn''t come over and looks at her.


    Edgar will take care of him.


    "What?


    Edgar is a boy automata. Compared to Erza, he is of similar size.


    I didn''t think Edgar would be able to beat .


    "So, don''t worry. ......First, I need to heal my brother''s wounds. ."


    The broken ankle and ribs heal.


    "Thank God. But it''s not safe here. Go inside."


    Fritz gets up, takes a couple of steps to check his ankle, and runs toward the man who was trying to escape.


    "Wait!��I''m not going to let you get away!"


    "d*mn, he''s persistent!"


    The man stopped and fired a spell at Fritz.


    "<>"


    "Whoa!"


    Fritz dodges it in the nick of time.


    The fireball falls into the garden. The dead grass begins to burn brightly. Fritz sees out of the corner of his eye that Elsa is hurriedly putting it out, and fires back.


    "Son of a b*tc*!��<


    Fritz vs. the bandit, Edgar vs. the , and the mysterious golem vs. the .


    A three-way battle was taking place.

 1228 - - 33-13 Assistance

    "<>, do you understand me?"


    "......"


    A red-eyed golem and a blue-eyed golem are struggling.


    No, the red-eyed golem ......<> is attacking unilaterally, and the blue-eyed golem is parrying.


    "Sword!"


    No matter how much we called out, there was no response, and all we got in return were attacks.


    "What did they do to you? ...... This might not be good."


    The blue-eyed golem didn''t want to hurt <>, while <> didn''t care about hurting him.


    "Ugh."


    Finally, the blue-eyed golem''s right arm is caught in the elbow joint and bent backwards.


    Since the golem has no sense of pain, it is not slowed down by the pain, but the gap in combat power widens even further.


    "Sword, stop!


    But does not stop.


    The blue-eyed golem''s expression does not change, but the damage is accumulating, and its movements are clearly slowing down.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "<>!


    "You son of a b*tc*, what are you going to do if there''s a fire!��<


    Fritz and the bandit were repeatedly exchanging magic.


    Both of them lacked decisive moves due to their superior physical skills.


    "Then we''ll have to settle for close combat!"


    Fritz, annoyed, closed the distance in a single leap. The bandit rushes to intercept him.


    "Fireball!"


    But Fritz caught the fireball with his sword.


    He slashes at the bandit.


    "Whoa!


    <


    Knowing this, Fritz sacrificed his sword to catch the fireball.


    Of course, this is not a move that can be used many times.


    But, with all his might, Fritz took this chance.


    The bandit was caught in the face of the flaming sword and lost his balance as he dodged wide.


    Fritz''s follow-up attack came close.


    "d*mn!"


    The bandit caught it with his left arm. The thief caught it with his left arm, which had been fitted with a metal cage.


    Fritz tries to follow up with his sword ......, but the sword, still covered with the fireball, is red-hot and finally bends.


    "d*mn!"


    Fritz throws away his useless sword and pulls out the dagger he carries at his waist for emergency use.


    In that short time, the bandit has regained his position and has his knife in his hand.


    In melee combat, a < is likely to cause damage to you as well.


    <.


    Fritz and the bandit begin to cut each other with short daggers and knives.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "This golem is quite impressive.


    <.


    The difference in physique between the two is that of an adult and a child, or even more than that, but Edgar did not give in a single step.


    Even though it was made by Erza, it was made under the guidance of Jin and using a lot of rare materials from Horai Island.


    It was no less than an ordinary golem.


    "Erza-sama is watching us. I can''t fight like a fool."


    Nevertheless, the other golem is also quite powerful.


    Edgar was unable to gain an advantage in the striking game, such as fists and kicks, due to the difference in their physiques.


    "Then, I will use my weapon.


    <


    The knife was thrust at the right eye of the , who had expected a fist strike and only pulled back slightly to connect with the next counterattack.


    The shell of the Gigantopod that had been drained of magic power was only slightly weaker than adamantite. It is harder than the magi crystal used for the eyeball.


    !"!!!


    but <> does not seem to mind, or does not show much of a reaction.


    Still, since he now has one eye, he is less sensitive to distance, and Edgar''s attacks are now more likely to hit him.


    * * * *


    "......"


    Erza simply deployed her barrier and watched Mitokoro fight.


    She was disappointed and a little frustrated that she could not help.


    She thought about contacting Jin and asking him for advice, but considering the time difference, it was around 4:00 a.m. in Horai Island, and it was not yet dawn yet.


    So Erza decided to deal with the situation a little more on her own.


    Then Moritz arrives, having heard the commotion. He is accompanied by two male servants.


    "What the hell is this?


    "Brother, this is ......."


    Moritz can''t hide his surprise as Elsa explains the situation.


    "I understand the situation, but ...... how can you be so calm?"


    "What?"


    Erza, who had been through a lot of turmoil with Jin, seemed to have lost her composure over a few things.


    "So, what should we do?"


    Moritz is a competent man when it comes to political matters, but he is a complete novice when it comes to such matters.


    "I can''t do anything now. "I wish I could cover for my brother Fritz and Edgar, but it''s difficult.


    Both of them are moving so fast that it is unlikely that an outsider will be able to help them.


    "No, we should have hired guards or escorts.


    Moritz says regretfully, but it is too late.


    "I don''t know what we can do. ......"


    Neither Moritz nor Elsa are good at offensive magic. And the servants were too cowed to help.


    But...


    "A Change of Idea: ......"


    Erza recalls Jin turning engineering magic into a weapon.


    "Yes, at least I might be able to help my brother.


    Erza watched the battle between Fritz and the bandit.


    Then she waited for Fritz to turn his back on her,


    "<>"


    She shines the light on the bandit''s face to blind him.


    "Whoa!"


    Fighting with only moonlight, a nightlight in the garden, and the occasional magical luminescence, Elsa''s dazzling light caught the bandit completely by surprise.


    After a second or so of illumination, the light was extinguished, but the dazzled eyes did not return so quickly.


    "<>"


    Erza immediately turns on a light that is not too bright.


    "Well done, Elsa!"


    Fritz has successfully subdued and neutralized the temporarily dazed bandit.

 1229 - - 33-14 Confusion

    "f*ck ......!"


    "Shut up!"


    Fritz twists the bandit''s arm, ties it with his belt, stands him up, and brings him over to Moritz and Elsa.


    "Take care of him."


    One of the servants brought a rope and carefully bound and gagged the bandit.


    Fritz says,


    "That''s first. Now we go over there.


    Fritz muttered to himself and was about to intervene in the battle between Edgar and .


    "Wait, brother. ......<>"


    Erza casts a healing spell on her brother.


    Fritz had been wounded again, albeit shallowly, in the previous battle.


    And then..,


    "Fritz, take this.


    Mauritz offered Fritz a shortsword he had been carrying for protection.


    "Thanks for the loan, brother."


    It is a little slender, but has more attack power than the short sword.


    "Brother, wait a minute. ......<>"


    Elsa toughens the shortsword.


    "Oh, thank God!"


    "But if you''re going to help Edgar, I think it would be better to help him with magic."


    The battle between automata and golems is a battle in a realm reserved for those with reaction speeds many times faster than humans.


    There is no room for flesh and blood to intervene.


    "Maybe ......."


    Fritz then decided to hang the stunned bandits.


    The servants help him tie them up with ropes and gag them to prevent them from using magic.


    Erza secretly thought that she would borrow a from Jin during the interrogation.


    Meanwhile, the battle between the remaining two groups was becoming increasingly fierce.


    < and the blue-eyed golem trying to suppress it.


    The blue-eyed golem is now wounded to the bone.


    It has no sense of pain, so it will not be inhibited in that respect, but its bodily functions will be devastated.


    The right arm was already gone from the shoulder, and the left leg was bent from the middle of the tibia.


    Finally, the left leg broke off from the shin.


    "d*mn, that''s it. What a pity."


    The blue-eyed golem slumps to the ground.


    ignores the golem and heads for Edgar and , who are still fighting.


    had lost the function of one of his eyes, and had been hit by more than half of Edgar''s attacks.


    As a result, it is slowing down just like the blue-eyed golem.


    < entered the battle, when Edgar''s knife pierced <>''s right elbow, causing him to malfunction from the elbow onward.


    "Edgar, be careful!"


    But even Erza''s warning was too late, for the golem was too fast.


    "Whoa!"


    Edgar, who had been focusing his attention on the <> in front of him, is blown away by a kick from the <>.


    Fortunately, he does not seem to have sustained any serious damage.


    "......2 to 1, huh? That''s a bit of a disadvantage.


    Edgar quickly stands up, glances at Erza, confirms that she is out of harm''s way, and turns to face the two golems again.


    A <> is released between the two golems.


    Fritz released them at Erza''s request.


    "Thank you very much.


    With this magic, the two bodies instantly move apart, one leaping to the right and the other to the left.


    One jumps to the right and the other to the left, thus reducing the possibility of a coordinated attack.


    "I''ll crush them first!"


    Edgar pulls out his second knife and takes on the slow-moving . He aims for the leg. The knee joint.


    The knife successfully pierces the right knee joint. He successfully hits it through the gap in the metal armor.


    This visibly slows down <>''s movements. Edgar can now concentrate on the red-eyed golem, <>.


    Erza, who was watching the battle, was relieved.


    However, the situation became even more chaotic.


    "Excuse me, Miss Erza."


    "Who is it?"


    Erza looks around as she is suddenly called by name.


    A figure appears next to her.


    < and of the , who have been freed from their .


    This time, Erza has been escorting her in the shadows as she is going back to her hometown.


    And there is another automata.


    Deneb22, aka Jumi, is from the fifth row (quinta). Jumi opened his mouth as a representative of the group.


    I am Jumi, Deneb 22. The chief of staff has asked me to respect the wishes of Erza-sama and to interfere as little as possible, but it seems that the situation has calmed down now.


    Jumi bowed and gave a brief report of what had happened so far.


    "While investigating the bandits, we found a mysterious golem and an automata, and we followed them until we arrived here.


    "Mysterious automata?"


    So far, the only thing I''ve seen is a golem.


    "Yes, that''s it."


    Jumi pointed to a blue-eyed golem that had become immobile.


    "It seems to be called <>. It''s disguised to look like a golem."


    "...... still don''t have a good grasp of the situation. We need to get this under control."


    I understand. This is Elsa''s parents'' house. We''ll get this under control as soon as possible."


    Just after Jumi said this, three shadows appeared next to Edgar. Lands 783, 784 and 785.


    "Mr. Edgar..."


    "Lando''s unit?


    "Yes. Elsa-sama asked me to take care of the situation immediately. I''m with you.


    Thank you, sir.


    Three members of the Rand team, each more capable than Edgar, have joined them. < and were quickly neutralized.


    "I''m sorry to hear that, but they won''t listen to us."


    Both of them had their legs broken from the knees down and their arms broken from the shoulders, rendering them inoperable.


    At last, calm had returned to the room.


    To clarify the situation, we divide them into three groups: the bandits, the bandit''s golem, and <>, and question each of them or ask them what is going on.


    "You are the bandits who have been trolling around the Shoro Kingdom lately, aren''t you?"


    "......"


    Fritz begins to interrogate the bandits.


    Erza slowly approaches the golem, which seems to be named .


    Edgar and Jumi flanked her and put up a barrier.


    Are you called ?


    ...... yes.


    I need you to tell me what the hell is going on here.


    "No need to tell me."


    <


    "That''s not true. This is the Randall family property. You have the right to ask me what''s going on.


    Erza reiterates, and <> seems to understand the meaning of her words.


    "Well, you have a point. I see. I''ll explain it to you briefly, if you don''t mind."


    "Please, I will."


    Moritz, who had no experience with such negotiations with automata, could only watch his sister in silence.

 1230 - - 33-15 Hitoshi, go out.

    "I am called ."


    Lance touches the back of his head with his remaining left arm.


    The full-face mask he was wearing came off and fell off.


    "So you were an automata after all.


    Underneath the mask, a human-like face appeared.


    "I have come to retrieve my friends who were created by as I was."


    "You mean, you came to ...... to get them back, you mean they were taken from you?"


    "That''s right. They were stolen by the head of those you call ."


    Now the background is a little clearer.


    Who the hell are these bandits?


    "...... I don''t want to talk about it right now."


    Apparently, the thoughts were more human than Erza had expected.


    So what are you going to do now?


    "Nothing. I can''t do anything... not like this.


    With all but her left arm immobilized, there is certainly nothing that can be done.


    What if he could move?


    I don''t see the point in making such assumptions.


    "Still, I would like to hear it."


    Again Erza begged, and Lance began to speak in a frustrated tone.


    "Of course, I will bring the <> and <> back to their creator.


    Hearing this answer, Erza pondered for a moment.


    "Elsa?"


    Moritz, seeing her, asked worriedly.


    "...... don''t worry, brother."


    Erza said to reassure her brother Moritz and turned to Lance again.


    "What if I told you that I could fix you up if you gave me some more information?"


    "Hmmm, you''re offering to fix me. What kind of information do you want from ......?


    I want you to tell me about the man who made you.


    That''s no good. I can''t give you any information that would be detrimental to the creator.


    "......"


    In this respect, they seem to be very hard-headed. That''s how loyal they are.


    Elsa decided to bring another angle to the conversation.


    "Over there is the golem you tried to recapture. If we can analyze it, we can find out who made you.


    "Yes, that''s true. But there is a difference in meaning between me revealing it and you extracting information from it.


    "......"


    Erza thought, "Maybe you''re not so hard-headed, maybe you''ve been programmed with orders that prevent you from divulging such information.


    "I don''t have a choice. I''ll have to."


    "If I could, I would."


    With a hint of scowl, Lance said this and kept his mouth shut.


    "Jumi, Rand. Can you keep an eye on them for a while?"


    Erza wanted to talk to her brothers.


    "Yes, sir. I''ll take care of it."


    Jumi assured her, so Elsa pulled on Mauritz and Fritz''s sleeves and went back inside the house.


    "What is it, Elsa?"


    "Brother, did the bandit say anything?"


    "No, he didn''t say anything. I was beginning to think we''d have to hurt them a little.


    "Yes."


    You got an idea?


    Yeah. Uh, ......."


    Elsa explains that if we analyze the golem''s , we should be able to find out a lot of things.


    "I see. Can you do that?"


    "Yes."


    "I see. Then I''ll ask you to do it.


    I''ll have to ask you to do it. ......


    Elsa returns to her room and changes her clothes. It was a little after midnight.


    Jin should be awake by now.


    Erza decides to contact Jin, knowing that she will not be able to handle the situation on her own from this point on.


    If she didn''t tell him about the interesting thing of analyzing the unknown golem, he would probably hold a grudge later.


    >


    A voice sounds a little worried about Erza, who has been in touch with me since early morning.


    "Hmm, actually, ......."


    Elsa explained the situation briefly.


    Jin''s reply came back and the communication was cut.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The old man was right.


    In fact, Jin was already awake and watching Erza''s condition with a sense of anxiety.


    "You woke me up at dawn, so I wondered what was going on, and this is what happened.


    .


    "No, that''s okay. No, that''s all right.��The old man was only doing what she wanted him to do."


    .


    "But, as expected, you can''t go any further than ......?"


    Jin had already received a report from the old man about the series of disturbances.


    He had already received a report from the old man about the disturbances. He respected Erza''s wish to stay at home and let her do as much as she wanted to do.


    In addition, Jin had also received reports from <>, so he knew a little more about <>''s background than Erza did.


    "I''m sorry to have to go through Reinhardt''s place."


    It is still midnight in Shoro.


    "We could transfer Conlon 3 to the Shoro Empire and pretend that we were just in the vicinity for a survey.


    <


    "I guess so. ...... Reiko, let''s go!


    "Yes, sir!"


    Thus, Jin headed for the Shoro Kingdom in <>.


    What is it?


    What is it?


    Moritz shouted in surprise when he saw the airship floating in the night sky.


    "Brother, don''t be surprised. That is the airship of the Korun.


    Fritz, who had seen it several times, was not as surprised as Mauritz.


    "Seeing them coming so quickly, they must have been in Leuthart."


    "I see."


    Meanwhile, landed in a clearing next to the Randall house.


    "Brother Jin!"


    Erza, who had heard of their arrival, ran out to greet Jin and Reiko.


    "Erza, long time no see!"


    I missed you so much.


    "<>, welcome. I''m sorry to call you at this time of night.


    Moritz says hello to Jin.


    "Don''t mind me, brother-in-law."


    "Jin-dono, it''s been a long time. Please do not mind.


    Fritz also greeted Jin briefly.


    "Yes. ...... Erza, where''s the golem?


    "Over here."


    There is in the fifth row (Quinta), as well as Lands 783, 784 and 785, 784, 785.


    "Thanks for your hard work."


    Jin says a few words to them and walks up to the mysterious golem.

 1231 - - 33-16 Analysis, interrogation

    "So this is the golem."


    Jin looked down at the red-eyed golem, <>.


    "+*&%... (!"


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about. I don''t know the <> to stop it once and if it''s ......."


    Jin looked at Reiko.


    "Reiko, try using <>."


    "Yes, father."


    This magic tool forces mana to be converted back into free magic element (ether). A smaller version of it is placed in Reiko''s bracelet.


    The magic canceller is directional. Reiko fires the magic canceller at .


    <''s red eyes goes out. It did not return even if Reiko deactivated the magic canceller.


    "Okay, it looks like this guy is using a mana tank too.


    Once the mana in the mana tank is converted back to free mana (ether) by the magic canceller, the golem runs out of energy and stops working.


    Jin can examine the golem slowly.


    "Hmm, that''s an interesting structure. It has some similarities to its predecessor, but there are also some differences. Some parts are similar to Elena''s. ......"


    Jin removed the exterior of the and analyzed it.


    "Father, is this enough light?"


    "Yes, it''s fine."


    Three small balls of light illuminate Jin''s hand.


    Reiko asked to secure a light for Jin, who was busy with disassembling and analyzing.


    Reiko asked him to hold the light for her.


    "Yes, father."


    "Elsa, look here."


    And Jin calls Elsa.


    This is .......


    It''s unusual.


    The structure of the chest.


    <


    "A mana tank for the lungs and a mana driver for the heart. ......


    You mean, as close to human as possible?


    "That would be the case."


    There are no organs unrelated to the golem, such as the spleen and pancreas, but there is a mana tank for emergency use in the area corresponding to the liver and a magi crystal of unknown use in the area corresponding to the kidneys, which shows the care taken.


    "Naturally, the control core must be the head.


    The skull was able to be divided into front and back sections, so we opened it up to check it out, as we had expected.


    "Okay, let''s read (decompile) the control core. Reiko, please forward the results to the old man.


    "Yes, sir."


    "Okay, let''s do it. Let''s do it. ......<>"


    <<> is an engineering magic developed by Adriana Barbora Zetsi when she was young, which reads the instructions given to the control core of a golem or other object as a "Magi Formula".


    "Hmmm..."


    <, looked at the scrolling display at ultra-high speed and instantly read the necessary information.


    "You''re really good at this, Jin."


    "You get used to it. You don''t need to look at the information that doesn''t matter, just the information that you need.


    "That''s the hard part."


    However, Erza also showed a great deal of skill and was able to read at least what she wanted to know.


    "I''ll leave the rest for you to put together.


    After the reading (decompiling) was finished, Jin started to analyze another golem, <>, which had the same basic structure as the other one.


    "This one has the same basic structure.


    After quickly analyzing the information, Jin started the next stage.


    That is, the investigation of the maker.


    The control core could not provide any information on the maker of the device.


    The first clue is the structure.


    "Hmmm... ...... I''ve never seen this before... ...... It''s quite an original structure."


    The body is divided into front and rear sections, with the dorsal side being stiff and the ventral side being relatively soft.


    It is not an endoskeleton of the Adriana type. On the other hand, it is not an exoskeleton either. At worst, it is a halfway house. At best, it is a good combination of the two.


    "Brother Jin, what does this mean?"


    "...... Maybe it''s because they''re easy to make."


    Easy to make?


    "Easy to make? According to this structure, the back side of the torso of the exoskeleton system is made first. From there, the arms, legs, and head are attached based on the back side of the torso.


    "Ah, ......, that may be so."


    "The arms are not armored on the inside, only on the outside. <."


    "In other words, the back side is hard and the belly side is soft?"


    "Yes. And they use armor to protect their belly side."


    "Interesting."


    Jin thought this was a reasonable structure.


    It''s not a very good analogy, but it might give you an idea of the way in which an engine, transmission, seats, steering wheel, etc. are installed on top of the basic frame of a car, and finally the body is placed on top of the frame.


    "But I don''t know of any other builder who does it this way," he said.


    "Father, I don''t see it in your database either."


    "I guess ...... and, then, some engineer who has been living in hiding or ......?"


    There were technicians who had the technology to make a golem using the other day, so it would not be surprising if there were others.


    "Do you know anything about bandits?"


    "Well, let''s ask them."


    Moritz watches them and one of them from a distance.


    Fritz, on the other hand, continues to interrogate the bandit.


    He holds a knife to his throat so that he can cut them off whenever they try to chant a spell.


    "Are you sure you don''t want to speak?"


    "......"


    "You want to get hurt, don''t you?"


    "......"


    "He''s a stubborn one, isn''t he?"


    Then came Jin, Elsa and Reiko.


    "Brother, I need you to take care of this for a minute."


    "What?��Do you have any idea what to do?


    Yes. But ......


    Erza glanced at Jin before opening her mouth again.


    "My brother Jin wants to ask you something."


    "Okay."


    Fritz shifted a little to the side and turned Jin to face the bandit.


    At the same time, Reiko activates her magijammer, blocking the use of magic.


    "Where did you steal that golem from?"


    At this question, the bandit''s body slightly jerks.


    "It seems to respond to ......, let''s scare it a little."


    Jin glanced at Reiko and decided to assign the role to Jumi of the fifth row (quinta).


    "Jumi, a minute."


    "Yes, Chief."


    "Here you go. ......"


    Jin explained in a whisper what was going on.


    "Okay."


    Jumi stood alongside Jin.


    "Now, I''m going to ask you again. You''d better speak frankly."


    Beside Jin, Jumi bent the blade of the knife that the bandit had used to show off his skill.


    "?!


    The blade was folded in two and then folded in two again. Jumi is laughing as he does it.


    And when he gripped the knife once more in his hand, there was a piece of scrap iron, whose original shape was no longer recognizable.


    Jumi throws away the scrap knife and reaches for the bandit''s face, .


    "Wait!"


    For the first time since his capture, the bandit opens his mouth.

 1232 - - 33-17 Amorphous

    Jin left Jumi and Fritz to interrogate the bandit, who seemed to have become a little more honest, and decided to interrogate the remaining Lance.


    "......Who are you?"


    Lance, who seemed to have been observing Jin, asked in a surprised voice.


    "I didn''t know you could take it apart so easily. ......"


    "Your father is a ."


    Reiko answered the question for him.


    "<>?"


    "Have you never heard of it?"


    "No, I haven''t. You are ...... a magecraft master?��Are you ...... an automata too?"


    Yes. I am an automata made by my father and mother.


    "Your father and mother made you an automata. You can call me that."


    said in a slightly sad voice.


    "And your father?"


    "The man who made me is no longer ...... with us."


    "What?"


    The bandits there took ...... my life.


    I didn''t know that.


    Surprisingly, Reiko and I are able to have an easy conversation.


    Jin wondered if the two automata were on the same wavelength. So he decided to watch them.


    Who are the bandits?


    "One said he was the son of the maker''s spouse''s brother.


    A bloodless nephew, Jin thought.��Jin thought.


    "He stole a < before it was completed, and one more golem, which has not yet been given a name."


    "I see."


    <> confides honestly to Reiko, wondering what Fritz and the others have been going through all this time.


    Where was the place where you were born?


    "In the basement of a high mountain to the south of a lake northeast of here.


    What is the name of that lake?


    I don''t know. He simply called it "the lake."


    As Jin listened to the conversation, he thought of the map of the Shoro Kingdom.


    Indeed, there is a lake near the border with the Kingdom of Franz. The river flowing out of the lake must have been flowing toward the north.


    To the south of the lake, there was a high mountain that divided the three kingdoms of Shoro, Franz, and Cerroa.


    "It would not be ...... surprising if there was a faction that holed themselves up there and continued their research."


    If it had been before the Great Magic War, it might be the ultimate hermit, Jin thought in his head.


    "Who is there now?"


    "Just the son of the man who made me and a few golems to take care of me."


    "I see. ......"


    Now the background is pretty clear.


    The search for the culprit and the retrieval of the stolen golem are simple enough.


    Now I am a little concerned about the level of skill of the .


    "Can you take me to the place?"


    "...... if that''s what you want."


    "Well, I''ll ask you eventually. But first, I must fix your body.


    But at Reiko''s words, <> shakes his head.


    "Hmmm. I don''t think the engineers of ...... this country can do it."


    "I doubt it. I would have to leave it to my father, who made me, to fix it.


    I expected to hear words of opposition or rejection, but what came out of <>''s mouth was, "You say that,


    "If you say so, then I will obey.


    I''ll do it if you say so.


    * * * *


    Jin brought <> and his parts into >.


    <


    Erza, by the way, is standing by Jin''s side watching him work, refusing to listen to him even though he has told her to go home to rest.


    "What is the magic key word (key word) to pause?"


    "......"


    Lance glances at Reiko.


    "Please tell me."


    "......<>."


    What''s the activation?


    It''s going to be a start.


    Okay, I got it. ......<>"


    The words were true, and Lance stopped.


    "You have a lot of attitude problems, but you''re honest with Reiko.


    I mutter to myself as I diagnose Lance.


    "Oh ......."


    "?"


    No wonder Jin shouted out unintentionally.


    The structure of the golem was completely different from that of the golem he had just analyzed.


    "I would have thought that if they were made by the same creator, there would be some common parts. ......"


    "No."


    "No." "Oh, I don''t understand. I don''t understand."


    Jin''s hands were moving without rest while he was talking, and his eyes were filled with a light that seemed to see every detail.


    "But there are similarities in the materials. At least we can be sure that they were made in the same place."


    Jin pointed out the skeleton to Erza, who looked interested.


    "It may be hard to tell from the outside, but you can examine the crystal structure."


    "Hmmm..." she said. ......<>......What is this?"


    For ordinary metals, there is something called a crystal lattice.


    The crystal structure is a regular arrangement of atoms according to the type of metal element.


    "It''s not crystalline?"


    "Correct. This is probably ."


    Amorphous?


    "Yes. A metal without a crystalline structure. It must be difficult to make, but they must have worked some magic."


    Jin asks himself how he would have made it.


    "I guess <> or ......."


    Amorphous alloys are made by cooling a molten metal all at once.


    By not allowing time for crystallization, the metallic structure becomes <.


    It has high toughness, corrosion resistance, and soft magnetic properties. Due to the high cost of production, few large scale products are made on the modern earth, but with the help of magic technology, these applications are possible.


    "Perhaps free magic elements (ether) are added between the metal atoms to further increase their strength.


    But this kind of technology has never been seen or heard of before.


    "I''m curious about the maker''s roots."


    Jin muttered in a low voice. But then he regained his composure.


    "First, we need to repair it. ...... muscle tissue is a living material, isn''t it?"


    Jin muttered to himself as he dismantled the broken arm.


    "This seems to be a ......< type of material.


    Siamese dragons are the lowest rank of dragons, but they have high combat and defense capabilities. Its leather is thick and resilient, and the skin of its wings is thin and tough. Its fangs are strong and durable against impact.


    Its flesh, on the other hand, is tough and tasteless.


    While other dragons were drastically reduced by the outburst of magical elements, their numbers increased slightly, so it is no wonder that they are used as a material.


    The skin of the regenerated Reiko was made from this feather membrane at the time of her first strengthening. In other words, it is a very strong material.


    "Interesting. It''s a good reference."


    Talking to himself, Jin proceeded with the repairs.

 1233 - - 33-18 Obsession

    "This <> uses an ether converter and a mana driver.


    The fact that the other golems are not like that, but rather use mana tank technology, shows that the Lance is of a different construction.


    "That doesn''t make it any stronger. ......"


    It is also evident from the fact that the lance was destroyed by a lower-ranked attack, although it could not attack on its own.


    Combat and defensive abilities do not necessarily correspond to the structure and materials.


    Jin was repairing the lance while saying this to Erza,


    "The one made by ...... Jin''s brother is different.


    Elsa''s hand was interrupted by Reiko''s nodding.


    "Well, the structure is an endoskeleton, similar to the previous generation''s form. However, there is a little too much waste.


    "Jin, what do you mean by ''wasteful''?"


    Jin pointed at Erza''s question and explained.


    "Erza would understand. "Elsa would understand. Like the ribs."


    "Oh, really."


    Such a structure is effective for humans who breathe through their lungs, but it has the disadvantage of reducing the strength of an automata.


    "But..."


    But what?


    "I was thinking that the creator of this Lance may have been trying to create an automaton that is as close to a as possible."


    "Somehow, I understand."


    Erza nodded in agreement with Jin''s line.


    "But, you know, human beings are not necessarily a complete life form.


    "What do you mean?"


    "You see, it''s good that we can use our hands dexterously because we walked upright. It''s also good that our brains have developed because of it, but we''ve also had to deal with disadvantages like back pain, a dropsy stomach, and difficult childbirth."


    "...... I see. That makes sense."


    All of these symptoms are rarely seen in quadrupedal mammals.


    Seeing the same number of spinal columns as humans and the same pelvis shape, Jin and Erza felt the creator''s care.


    When Jin was in modern Japan, he was a when it came to models, preferring to move and play with ships, cars, and tanks.


    On the other hand, it is true that there are people who are concerned with how precisely to reproduce the real thing.


    Jin imagined that the creator of this Lance must have had such a mindset.


    "He must have been concerned about the finished product, with performance being of secondary importance.


    Thinking of this, Jin was even more curious about what kind of person he was.


    "The muscles are arranged so that they are as similar as possible to human muscles.


    And the internal organs were made to look more like a human than a golem.


    "Don''t get hung up on it. ...... I can''t overlook the fact that it''s going to lose performance because of it."


    Jin is impressed, but not sympathetic.


    "I still think it''s good. It is more complete than any other Golem automata I have ever seen.


    "Except your father, of course?"


    "That''s more than Elena, isn''t it?"


    Reiko and Elsa asked almost simultaneously.


    "Yes. I don''t know if I can say that myself. I''m better than Elena.


    Jin analyzed that although she might be as good as Elena in appearance, she might have more power than Elena, partly because of the difference between the adult male form and the girl form.


    "That''s because they use < for muscle tissue."


    This is the reason.


    If there are <, they would be located in the northern part of the Kruger Mountains. The fact that they can go that far is proof of their extraordinary technology.


    "Anyway, let''s finish the repairs.


    Jin is repairing the ripped off arms and bent legs as he goes.


    "However, amorphous material feels strange.


    Jin comments on the engineering-magical feel of a material he is handling for the first time.


    "Is it?"


    "Yes. It feels viscous, or muddy, or something. Do you want to try ...... for a bit?"


    "Yes.


    I decided to let Erza, who seemed to be interested, try to correct the crooked legs.


    "<>......Yes, I can see that."


    "Right?"


    It''s not that it''s hard to deform, it''s just that it has a unique when it deforms.


    "I don''t intend to use it, though."


    Saying this, Jin repaired all the remaining parts.


    "I guess that''s it."


    "Brother Jin, the magic machine in your body has changed, did you understand it all?


    Yes, I did.


    "As expected of your father!"


    Reiko praises him with open arms, and Erza looks at him with surprise.


    "The lungs are the ether converters. The heart is the mana driver. The liver is an emergency mana tank.


    I can see that.


    The stomach and intestines can simulate eating.


    Reiko and other automata in Horai Island also have this function.


    "Spleen is a magical tool for . The kidneys are magic tools for ."


    It is true that they couldn''t have assigned all of them to the same functions as humans, but this is still quite a feat.


    "Then, the control core is the head?


    "Yes. As far as I''m concerned, it is easily damaged.


    In addition, there is the problem of distance differences in the transmission of commands to the limbs.


    The arrival time of signals from the arm to the leg is slightly different.


    This is a subtle issue that only becomes a problem when the speed is increased to the limit.


    "But it might be a good way to quickly capture and process visual information," Elsa commented.


    Elsa commented.


    "Yes, that''s true. There are advantages and disadvantages, of course.


    However, as Jin heard stories of people in extreme situations where they could see but not move their bodies, he wanted to emphasize the importance of <.


    is Jin''s motto.


    Naturally, there are exceptions. Jin is not so narrow-minded or inflexible that he does not accept such exceptions.


    "Well, that''s it."


    The repairs are almost completed as before.


    If it were a golem or an automata of his own making or of someone close to him, Jin would have taken this opportunity to enhance it, but this time he seems to have refrained from doing so.


    Rather, it could be said that he was unsure of the relationship between <> and himself.


    "<>"


    <> opens his eyes.


    "Oh, it''s really fixed. And it seems to be a little better than before. You were right, Reiko.


    Jin was secretly surprised that Lance pronounced like a native.


    That meant that the performance of the <, which was the brain, was quite good.


    "Thank you, Jin-dono."


    Lance bowed his head toward Jin.


    "No, that''s fine. So ...... no, Reiko, you go ahead and ask him."


    "Yes, father. ...... Mr. Lance, will you take us to the place where you were made?"


    "If that''s what you want."


    After all, Lance had agreed so readily.


    Then, when the sun comes up, I''ll ask you to come.


    Yes, sir.


    It was still 2:00 a.m. local time.


    Jin suggested that Elsa take a nap.


    But I have to check on Edgar.


    I''ll take care of that. You need to get some sleep, or you''ll get sick.


    With that being said, Elsa could no longer refuse to sleep.


    "I''ll do it then.


    Erza then took a nap in .


    While she was napping, Jin helped Edgar with his maintenance work.

 1234 - - 33-19 Sujin Mountain

    At 6:00 a.m., it was light outside.


    Jin and Elsa had breakfast at the Randall house and returned to <>.


    "Well, I''m off."


    "Yeah, go ahead."


    I''d like to go with you, but it''s not going to happen.


    Erza, be careful. Jin-sama, please...


    I''m sorry that your trip home had to end this way.


    "No, no, I''m glad that Kunlun-kun was able to help us."


    "I''m relieved to hear you say so, brother-in-law."


    With the Randalls seeing them off, Jin and Erza headed northeast.


    "Wow, they are really flying. This speed is quite impressive."


    does not seem surprised by the fact that they are flying. But he seems to be impressed by the speed of the flight.


    "It''s fast. But <> would be even faster."


    ?


    ...... I knew it.


    Father?


    Brother Jin!


    < come out of Lance, but Jin, who had been expecting it, simply nodded his head and said, "I knew it.


    This surprised not only Elsa but also Reiko.


    "No, because this technology was commonly used around the time of the Magic Wars, wasn''t it?��The only reason Elena doesn''t know about it is that the creator didn''t tell her. ......"


    Erza is convinced by Jin''s explanation.


    "Speaking of which, yes..."


    Erza recalls that a huge warp gate still remains at the Keowan ruins that she visited before.


    "Hmm, you also have a means of transfer, don''t you, Jin-dono?


    Jin nodded, and Lance seemed impressed this time.


    "I see. I see. The outside world has a wide disparity. That''s informative.


    "You didn''t get out much, did you?"


    "Yes. This is my first time.


    As usual, Lance answers Reiko''s questions with ease.


    "I myself was only ten years old when I was made."


    Is that so?


    "But I have inherited the knowledge. But I''ve been around a long time.


    I''m sure you''re right.


    The knowledge of golems and automata can be copied by transinfo.


    If passed down from generation to generation, the knowledge will be enormous.


    However, there must be a lot of useless knowledge and duplicated information, and if such knowledge is added without sorting it out, it may end up consuming storage space and not be very effective.


    It is like cleaning up the hard disk of a personal computer.


    "We''re almost in the area!"


    Edgar, the pilot, called out.


    Looking down through the floor window, I saw snow-capped high mountains.


    "<>," the creator called it.


    "Mount Suhonto, is it? Where should we land?


    There is a small flat on the southwest side. There is a small flat on the southwest side.


    Edgar, who had heard this, moved <> to that spot and landed without a hitch.


    "That looks like a high altitude. You might want to put on a jacket.


    Jin said and took Elsa''s and his jacket out of the locker provided.


    There were several kinds of clothes in the locker for such an occasion.


    "It''s snowing or icy out there. You''d better put on your snow gear or you''ll be in danger."


    "Hmm..."


    Jin had prepared special shoes to prevent slipping on the ice.


    One of them is a pair of shoes for mages.


    These shoes have rubber soles on dirt and rocky paths, and spike pins that pop out when the path is covered with snow or ice.


    They are for mages because of the application of << forming>.


    Of course, they are cold- and water-resistant.


    "......It''s still cold."


    Although Erza is more tolerant of cold than Jin, the temperature in the high mountains during this season only rises to about 0 degrees Celsius during the daytime.


    Her breath was white. The rocks were covered with ice.


    The group went outside, leaving Edgar to look after them.


    On Lance''s back, two motionless golems are compactly packed and carried on his back.


    "Where do I go from here?"


    "This way."


    Lance, not bothering with the weight, stands up first and walks away. Jin, Elsa, and Reiko followed in that order.


    Although it was hard to see from a distance, the path was well-maintained and easy to walk on for a mountain path.


    After walking for about 10 minutes, we went around the path and came to a small terrace of about 2 tatami mats.


    "Is this the entrance?"


    Reiko asked quickly, and Lance nodded his head.


    "Yes, it is. Wait, I''ll open it now.


    She put her hand on the rock wall and did something, and a small round hole opened up, just big enough to fit the palm of her hand.


    Lance stuck his hand in there and did something else, and suddenly a doorway opened up next to it, a doorway that could easily fit a human being.


    "I''m sorry, but I''m going to report this to the maker''s son. If you give me permission, I will welcome you in.


    Lance said looking at Reiko''s face.


    "Yes, sir. As soon as possible, please."


    "Of course."


    Nodding to Reiko, Lance went inside with the broken golem on his back.


    The door closed immediately and the entrance and exit were out of sight.


    "Is this another illusionary type of warding?"


    Jin was still analyzing the situation.


    "Well, it''s simpler than the illusionary wards of the old Leonard''s Kingdom. There is no sense of touch. It''s just a deceptive appearance."


    "Does that mean it can be erased with <>?"


    Reiko asked, and Jin nodded.


    "That would be the case. But don''t do it, okay?"


    "Yes."


    "Brother Jin, how do you think the opening/closing and locking mechanisms work?"


    Erza asked.


    "I can''t say without seeing them, but I think they are double or triple-locked. The first key is hidden to access the main key, and the main key is locked by personal identification and a mechanical lock, I think.


    "Yes, I see. That combination would be quite secure.


    While we were talking, the door opened again and Lance appeared.


    "The maker''s son has given his permission. I hope I don''t betray his trust.


    "It will be all right. Father, Elsa is not a belligerent woman. But don''t try to trap me either, okay?"


    Reiko said, and Lance nodded seriously.


    "I believe you, Reiko. I would never do anything to betray her. Then, please."


    Jin and the others followed Lance, who turned himself around. The doorway leads to an airlock-like area.


    When the door closes behind them, they feel a light floating sensation.


    "An elevator. We''re going underground?"


    "That''s right. Our living space is underground.


    The elevator continued to descend for about a minute before finally coming to a stop.


    "Come on."


    Lance got off first and beckoned Jin and the others to come down.

 1235 - - 33-20 Underground Visit

    "Well, well."


    The elevator descended to a beautifully furnished residential facility.


    "It looks a little like the one on the moon, doesn''t it?"


    "Hmm. It looks a bit like the interior of the ruins of the old Leonard''s Kingdom.


    "Father, it also looks a little like the headquarters of the Unification Party (Unifiler)."


    In other words, it has something in common with the technology of the past. From this, Jin guessed that this place was a facility from the past.


    "This way, sir."


    takes the lead and leads the group.


    The walls, floors, and ceilings are a combination of polished stone and metal. The room is well maintained, but it looks old.


    I would like to take a closer look, but I can''t because I have to follow Lance who is walking at a brisk pace.


    Lance turned the corner twice and stopped in front of a door.


    Here is the maker''s son.


    He pressed the button next to the door, and after a beat the door opened.


    "Thank you, Lance," he said.


    You have a guest.


    Yeah. Welcome to ...... from the outside. My name is Gimnas. I''m the owner of this facility.


    The man who introduced himself as Gimnas was a boy who appeared to be 14 or 15 years old. His hair was light gold and his eyes were red. His skin was almost white and his body was slender.


    He was sitting at a simple wooden desk. The image is that of a junior high school student studying for an entrance examination.


    This is Jin Nido.


    Elsa Nido. ......


    My name is Squire Reiko.


    Jin and the others introduced themselves.


    "Please have a seat."


    Gimnas offered them chairs. The wooden chair had an old-fashioned design.


    Jin and the others looked around the room.


    The interior is mainly made of wood and has an antique atmosphere. The magic tools placed here and there are mismatched.


    There is a large bookshelf filled with books. Jin thought that he would like to take a look.


    Two ladies dressed as attendants came out from the back of the room, carrying drinks. Jin saw that they were automata.


    They silently put their drinks on the table and walk away.


    Slowly Gimnas opened his mouth.


    "I think you probably have a lot of questions. First, let me give you a brief explanation of the situation, and then you can ask your questions.


    "Yes, that would be fine."


    Jin also tries to answer politely.


    "First of all, this facility was built about 400 years ago by digging deep under the mountain. It was originally intended as a shelter for evacuation.


    Gimnas began to speak. His tone is clear and easy to understand. His tone was clear and understandable, indicating that he had been well educated.


    "The underground here seems to have a rather high concentration of free magical element (ether)>>, and there were dozens of researchers and their families living here, who said that it was ideal for various kinds of research.


    The ability to efficiently obtain energy must have been attractive.


    "Later, according to the records, there was a war called the and many mages died. However, since the free ether here was thicker than outside, they didn''t suffer such a loss.


    Jin thought as he listened to the story that this was a kind of hiding place.


    "After the magic war, we lost all contact with the outside world, and since our free magical element (ether) was reduced, we completely lost contact with the outside world. However, we had underground farms and ranches for food, water and resources, and golems for manpower, so we had no problems at all. If there was one, it was ......."


    Gimnas paused and let out a small sigh.


    "The ...... problem is the decrease in population."


    I knew it, Jin thought. It was hard to believe that the population could be maintained.


    "The blood is thicker. It was also hypothesized that in a closed and enclosed space, the organisms would gradually weaken.


    Jin, having seen Mitsuho and Huso, or rather Newell, can relate to this.


    "My father was the last one," he said. So he went out into the world and found a mate."


    Gimnas smiled sadly.


    "My mother''s brother ......, who is an uncle to me, had a background in magical engineering and moved here with my mother. From what I''ve heard since then, he was a blood brother to my mother, but from what I''ve seen, he and my mother were very close."


    Gimnas'' mother would have felt more comfortable having her brother, even if only in-law, with her than marrying into a strange land alone.


    "After my mother gave birth to me, she was in poor health and fell ill the year before last. After that, my uncle settled here and helped my father in various ways.


    Jin nodded inwardly, thinking that at a time when they were short of labor, a reasonably useful person, especially one who was a relative of his, even if only in-law, would be willing to help out.


    "My uncle, however, seemed to have had an evil thought and came up with the idea of abusing ...... the facilities here."


    This may have been the beginning of the current turmoil.


    "It seems that the culture of the outside world has regressed a lot after the magic wars.


    Gimnas quenched his thirst with the drink brought by the attendant golem and opened his mouth again.


    "Well, I''ve explained the situation in a rush. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.


    "Well, let me ask you a few questions.


    Jin decided to ask the questions he wanted to ask, including confirmation.


    "The labor force here ...... is covered by golems and automata, isn''t it?


    "Yes.


    "And some of them were stolen, is that correct?"


    "Yes, sir. I need a and a for security, and some parts."


    Parts?


    "Yes. Control core for the golem, ether converter for the golem, and control core for the warp gate.


    "...... and then ......"


    A couple of things came out of Jin''s question.


    First, there are a number of unused golems and automata in this facility, which are activated and used as needed.


    Two of them were stolen. Two of them were stolen, <> and <>, which are used for security purposes.


    The <> is a backward-compatible automata of the <>, and can be treated as a golem by attaching an exterior.


    <>Gimnas did not know why.


    "Is that why you called it a golem or an automata when you got it back?"


    Jin, who had heard the story from Jumi, understood.


    "So, what happened to your uncle?"


    Gimnas looked down at this question. Lance answered for him.


    "When the creator got sick, he took the things I just mentioned and disappeared. When he did so, he put poison in the water. Because of that, the creator died."


    "......Yes. I was in danger too, but I managed to survive.


    Gimnas'' father, who was sick and weak, did not survive.


    What can I say about that?


    "No, it''s nothing to worry about, Master Jin.


    Gimnas forced a smile.


    "But if that''s the case, we haven''t found the uncle yet, and the control core for the warp gate is ......."


    "Yes. But we do know about that one.


    What?


    Lance found it. He chose to retrieve the abused golem first.


    "I see, so that''s how it is."


    This explanation made sense to Jin.


    "Well, if you don''t mind, could you tell me about Jin-dono?��Lance told me that he holds the title of "Magecraft Meister".


    "Well, that''s what he said. Well then, let me introduce myself a little.


    Jin briefly introduced himself and explained his current position.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    I see. ...... you are such a man.


    No, I didn''t do much myself. It was my predecessor who was a great man.


    "Your predecessor ...... was Adriana Barbora Zetsi, you say? I think I''ve heard of her.


    "Oh, yes!"


    Gimnas'' words caught Reiko''s attention.


    "Yes. "Yes. I have his name in the old records. Our golems and automata are supposed to be aiming for his realm, or something like that. ......


    Jin, Reiko, and Erza were a little happy to hear the name of their predecessor unexpectedly.

 1236 - - 33-21 Technical Exchange

    After that, Jin and his colleagues had a brief technical exchange.


    The technology that Gimnas and the others were sharing was an achievement, albeit not a mainstream one.


    "I see, you have accumulated knowledge and experience with golems and automata."


    "You understand quickly, Jin-dono."


    .


    According to what I have heard, he is the head of the Golem automata in this facility.


    His body was updated about 10 years ago, but he has 400 years of knowledge and experience.


    However, they are inefficient because they are simply being added to.


    When Jin points this out,


    "I had a feeling about that," he said. But this is the creator''s decision. I don''t want to change it now.


    The response was, "I don''t want to change it now.


    Since this was not an issue for Jin, he decided to leave it at that. He then decided to confirm the issue that concerned him the most, the <.


    "Can you tell me what type of warp gate you have?


    "You said that Jin-dono and others have their own warp gate. How about a comparison?


    Jin had no objection.


    "Well then, let''s look at ......."


    First, he showed us the warp gates used by Gimnas and the others.


    "This is one of them. It connects the underground mine to here.


    "I see."


    From what Jin saw, the basic structure was the same.


    "It''s about the same."


    "That''s to be expected. This kind of technology has gone so far that there is little room for improvement.


    "That''s right. The only thing that could be improved is energy efficiency.


    In Jin''s case, since he is willing to make such small improvements, the energy efficiency alone should be 30 percent better than the one shown here.


    "Then I don''t think we should bother asking you to teach us yours."


    Lance quipped. That would be easier for Jin as well.


    We compared various other magical tools and machines, but there seemed to be no major differences between them.


    The biggest difference seemed to be the < material we confirmed yesterday.


    Of course, the technology that only Jin has cannot be compared, so I have left it out of this technical comparison.


    "By the way, you said that this place has a higher concentration of free magical element (ether) than the surrounding area.


    Jin and the others were facing Gimnas again after the technical exchange.


    "That''s what I heard.


    "Have you done any research on that?"


    Yes. Yes. The free magical element (ether) gradually becomes more concentrated as you go underground. Therefore, I think it comes from underground.


    This is also consistent with the hypothesis that Hitoshi and his group made about the singularity.


    "I hypothesize that the free magical element (ether) may be generated along the veins that contain a lot of mithril."


    "I see."


    This is a new theory.


    Horai Island is also rich in silver mithril, light mithril, magi crystals, magi stones, and magi isotopes.


    Also, underground are cultivated the ground spider (grand spider) and the ground caterpillar (grand caterpillar), which, due to the high concentration of free magical element (ether) underground, have a performance that sets their materials apart from the rest.


    "Then, it may mean that such a vein exists in <>. ......"


    "<>, is it?"


    Yes. We call these points where the concentration of free magical element is higher than others.


    Singularity, indeed. It''s an appropriate term.


    We''ve observed that the concentration of free energy element (ether) decreases the further south you go, but we still don''t know the cause.


    I see.


    Jin had hoped that they might know something about this, but he was disappointed to find that they did not.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and the others are served lunch during the midday break.


    "This is ......"


    "It tastes strange. But not bad."


    Bread made from a kind of wheat that has been grown in this basement for 400 years. The color is slightly darker.


    "It''s a bit different from rye ....... It''s delicious."


    Rye is said to have originally been a weed in wheat fields. After a series of artificial weeding ......, the relatively superior ones remained and began to be cultivated.


    It is likely that rye was adopted for cultivation in this underground environment because it can withstand a poorer environment than wheat.


    Rye on earth contains little protein called gluten, so it does not expand much when made into bread, but rye here?��But the rye here was different.


    "It''s good, but not that good."


    Erza says it tastes much better than the rye bread she had tasted several times during her trip with Reinhardt to the Kingdom of Elias.


    I wonder if that''s the breed.


    "I guess so."


    Jin did not know much about the taste of barley, so he listened to Elsa''s explanation in silence.


    "I heard that there are many more delicious foods in the outside world," Gimnas said.


    Gimnas said.


    "Yes, in terms of diversity.


    "...... should I go out there, too?"


    Now that he is the last one in the group, he wonders if he should stay or go out.


    "If I do go out, I also have to decide which country to go to."


    The summit of Mount Suhonto is the border between the three kingdoms of Shoro, Franz, and Selroa, and this facility is probably located just below the summit.


    "The entrance is on the southwest side, so it''s the Shoro Kingdom. Shouldn''t it be the Shoro Kingdom?"


    Erza offered her opinion.


    "Yes, ......."


    Jin agrees. I don''t mean to be a patron, but the Shoro Empire would certainly make it easier for Jin to help them.


    "Besides, there is no need to abandon this place. If you have a house outside and set up a warp gate there, you can easily come and go between here and there.


    "Ah, yes."


    Jin, who is a < in this kind of life, gave Gimnas a lot of advice.


    "Thank you very much."


    In the evening, Jin and the others decided to leave the underground facility.


    Lance accompanied Jin and his group.


    "I need to take the parts of the warp gate and set it up in an appropriate place. Please help us. Besides, the stolen parts have not been found yet.


    He also says that the murderer of the creator has not been found.


    "All right. If you want to live in Shawlo, I''ll help you as much as I can.


    "Thank you."


    Jin and the others left the underground facility.


    Conlon 3 flies against the evening sky.


    At first, they head for Leuthart. The next day, they plan to have an audience with the emperor and report back to him.


    Their golem technology and warp gate will benefit the world in the future.


    The Warp Gate has been found in the Kingdom of Celuloa, and it is said that they are just a few steps away from reproducing it, which will accelerate the process a little.


    Golem technology is another example.


    Depending on one''s point of view, it could be said that a time capsule of past technology has been unearthed.


    If this is the case, it is easier for Jin to feel at ease because it is a rediscovery of a technology that originally existed in this world.


    "Father, I can see it now.


    Reuthert came into view.


    "Okay, let''s land at the house."


    In the twilight, <> descended slowly.

 1237 - - 33-22 Report to the Emperor

    The morning of September 27th.


    After the meal, Elsa is supposed to go back to her parents'' house and come back with Meane to pick up her belongings.


    Then Jin had a meeting with Lance.


    "......I knew it. Lance has the knowledge of the generations of ."


    This is probably the reason why he seems somewhat arrogant in his tone and attitude.


    On the other hand, his original characterization as a lance also makes his personality quite complex.


    "That''s what it comes down to. The name is <, but this is only because this body was a security automaton. It was supposed to be a teacher, but we ran out of stock."


    "Hmm."


    "Couldn''t you have created a new teacher-type body?"


    Reiko asked curiously.


    "Yes, Miss Reiko. We ran out of the necessary materials.


    What kind of material?


    "The material for the skin. It''s thread from the ground spider, but we''ve run out of it. The creator went to the outside world to look for it, but he couldn''t find the material.


    Reiko did not say, "So you have found a mate, but at the same time you have taken on the seeds of trouble.


    "Didn''t you cultivate ground spiders?"


    "They were, but they became extinct during the past 400 years.


    Jin thought that the situation seemed to be different from that of Horai Island.


    "I see, so their skin is composed of subterranean spider resin (GSP).


    "GSP?��GSP? That''s a pretty good name, isn''t it? I''ll call it that from now on."


    Lance chuckled.


    Teachers are automata that teach the next generation of researchers, and since there was little demand for them, there were not many bodies in stock.


    "Come to think of it, they look the same as the we were looking for, don''t they?"


    "Yes, Reiko. The Sword, which has a purely security control core, is better at controlling this body. Besides, we didn''t want to hurt them as much as possible, so we had to fight hard."


    "I don''t think that was much of a struggle, though."


    "Ugh, don''t say that. I''m aware of that.


    "Well, what about the parts that were stolen and who stole them?"


    I have a rough idea. One of the parts emits magic. It seems to be in the northwestern part of the Kingdom of Selroa, near the border with the Kingdom of Franz.


    He got this from the results of checking the direction from different places.


    It is a good thing that he has a good grasp of the basics of surveying.


    "Well, ...... Reiko, do you have a map?"


    "Yes, we do.


    I have given out maps of the world before, so I guess we have a copy here at the mansion.


    Here it is.


    "Oh, Miss Reiko, this is wonderful."


    Lance looked at the map and exclaimed in admiration.


    "Well, this is Mount Suhonto, and you can go north this way to ......."


    Lance pointed to a small lake and some old buildings to the north of the lake.


    "This is the site of a fort."


    "Hmm. ......"


    ��Maybe the culprits are remnants of the Unification Party (Unifiler).


    Jin intuitively thought so, as an organization using the ruins of the fort.


    The former Unified Party (Unifiler) had a base in the ruins of Kasimunore, the place where Elena once slept.


    There were quite a few people who were not brainwashed by Elena, but took advantage of their goal of world domination, and some of those who escaped capture after the destruction of the Unifilers still had ambitions.


    The Unification Party (Unifiler) and the Nostalgia Party (Nostalgia) have been pursuing such people who disturbed the world peace, but there must be some who have not been captured.


    I suspect that the man who started the series of incidents may be one of them.


    When I told this story to Lance,


    "Hmm, interesting story. I didn''t know there was such a case.


    He seemed to be thinking about it.


    "I only know what I know, but there must be more such forts and bases. Some of them may be useful to us if we make use of them.


    "I''d like to know about them when this whole mess is over.


    Lance looked at Jin and Reiko alternately and nodded broadly.


    "And one more thing. This has nothing to do with this case, but I want you to listen to me.


    "Hmm, what is it?"


    "There''s a celestial body approaching Ars. We call it <>. ......"


    Jin explained the <> to Lance.


    "Hmmm......... it would be a terrible thing if it were true."


    "Your father is not lying!"


    "Oh, oh."


    Reiko bites back Lance''s skeptical words. Lance is flinching.


    "No, no, if Miss Reiko says so, then it must be true. ...... but what can we do?"


    Jin explains to Lance.


    "I''d like you to think about it. For example, assuming there is some damage on the ground, what if we evacuate underground?


    "I see. That facility can accommodate approximately 50 people for a long period of time, or 300 people for a short period of time, about one month.


    That''s reassuring in an emergency.


    "But for that, we need a warp gate. I want you to decide where we should install it as soon as possible.


    Jin nodded.


    "That is why we are going to have an audience with His Majesty today.


    "I see. I look forward to working with you."


    At 9:00 a.m., Jin was in the hospital.


    At 9:00 a.m., Jin took the Conlon 3 to Miyagi Prefecture, piloted by Reiko. Edgar is with Elsa at her parents'' house. Lance is on board, of course.


    "Welcome, Mr. Kunlun!"


    As usual, Prime Minister Jung Forss von K?bsler greeted Jin.


    Jin decided to let Lance stay in the ship for the time being, and he and Reiko headed for the office of the Empress.


    "Welcome, Jin-kun."


    The queen is as frank as ever. The Prime Minister let out a secret sigh.


    "What can I do for you today?"


    "Actually, ......"


    Jin began by explaining about the bandits, the incident at Elsa''s parents'' house, and the facilities under the Suhonte Mountains.


    As the story progressed, the smile on the emperor''s face faded and his face became serious.


    And then,


    "You are more than just an interesting ...... person, you are a wanted man", she said clearly.


    She said clearly.


    Gimnas is the last of a family that has passed down the 400 year old technology without any decline.


    Considering the country, he would be a man we would like to have.


    "<> Jin and his Gimnas. And Lance, the automata. We would love to take care of them here in our country."


    "I understand. Then, may I bring Lance here?


    The Prime Minister interrupted the emperor, who was about to express his approval.


    "Your majesty, this will have to wait for a while. I will see her first.


    "That''s right. Then I''ll leave it to the Prime Minister. ...... Jin, take good care of him.


    Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    Thus, arrangements are made for Lance to meet with the Prime Minister first.


    The conversation went smoothly from then on.


    The conversation proceeded smoothly from then on, and in conclusion, <> was assigned to the Shoro Kingdom.


    The Minister of Magic and Technology of the Shoro Empire, Degauz Furt von Manischlus, was in charge of negotiating with him, and Jin was released from this problem.


    As for the search for the culprit, Lance insisted <>.


    Although some concerns remained, Jin and Erza were now able to take care of their own problems.


    However, Jin, being a godless man, had no way of knowing what the outcome of this encounter would be in the future.

 1238 - - 33-23 Antarctic Research Fleet No. 1

    The date and time will be back a little.


    The Antarctic Survey Fleet has been replaced by the Penglai Island Honeymoon Fleet.


    The Honeymoon Fleet is returning to the island.


    The Antarctic Survey Fleet has advanced to 40 degrees south latitude and 80 degrees west longitude.


    Because they were approaching an area where the concentration of free magical element (ether) was low, the vessels that were not equipped with <> decided to turn back for safety''s sake.


    The dispatched by Jin continued its steady march southward.


    On September 25, the fleet headed for the South Pole with a view of the islands that would later be named the on its starboard side.


    At the same time, a small number of <> were dispatched to observe the situation on land.


    The receiving Raptor analyzed the images and came to a conclusion.


    At the same time, he calls Jin.


    "What''s the matter, old man?"


    <


    No, that''s okay. I was just servicing my tools. I was just working on my tools. ...... But what''s more, what happened?"


    <


    The old man first shows the image in question without giving any unnecessary information to avoid giving any preconceptions.


    "This is ......"


    >


    The images shown on the screen are of various animals. They are various kinds of animals, which Jin had never seen before.


    An elephant-like animal. A giraffe-like animal. Animals that look like rhinos. Animals that resemble hippopotamuses, monkeys, squirrels, .......


    There were also bears, wild boars, and other animals that Jin had seen before. However, they looked somewhat different from the ones Jin remembered.


    The flora also seemed to be more abundant than in the Pleiades, which Jin had visited the other day.


    "Is this the biota of the southern islands? ......"


    >


    "Hmmm. ......"


    Jin is not a biologist. But he knows the name of the Galapagos Islands. He has heard of the Ogasawara Islands.


    "Did they develop their own biota because they were isolated?"


    <<>.


    "<>?"


    <>


    The "ark" that the old man is talking about must be Noah''s Ark mentioned in the Bible, Jin thought.


    And then it occurred to him what it meant.


    "Are you saying that you are protecting the species?"


    "I see. ......


    The old man sometimes comes up with outlandish ideas.


    This is not a problem of thought process but because his thinking speed is so fast that he can handle a huge amount of information at the same time.


    Therefore, they can instantly consider several times or dozens of possibilities that are several times or dozens of times greater than Jin''s.


    It is not the same as having an idea that Jin cannot have.


    If only he took the time, he could do it .......


    "Maybe they were trying to preserve as much of the current inhabitants as possible when they <> Ars."


    It was thought that at least some of the creatures had not been demonized by the high concentration of free magical elements (ether).


    "Still, I wonder how many of them were able to overcome the doubled gravity."


    "That would be nice."


    It is possible that the doubling of gravity has reduced the size of the body, Jin thought, but did not say it. He did not say it out loud, because he had no proof and it was just a hunch.


    Jin asked about something else that had been bothering him.


    "Have you checked the continent?"


    "I see. It is true that the current members are not enough. We should increase the number of members. ......"


    Jin thought for a moment and decided to increase the number of members. He is not sure if he will need more mobile air force in the future.


    "Let''s increase the number of skies to 1,000. We will increase the number of aircraft on board to 1,000.


    .


    Land force is 1 to 1000, Marine force is 1 to 50. Mermaid squadrons are also available from 1 to 1000, but Sky squadrons are only 10 Mermaids have 1 to 1000, and Marines 1 to 50 0.


    The Mermaid team also has 1 to 1000, but the Sky team has only 10 to 1000.


    With the help of 1000 craftsmen (smiths), the Sky 1000 were ready in half a day, and the Sky 1000 are already in place. In another day, the Raptor as a passenger plane was manufactured up to the number 500.


    I''ll leave you with this.


    "What is it?"


    <


    "An island?��Something special?"


    <


    "180 degrees west longitude and above the Tropic of Cancer ......, no way!"


    "Yes, it''s ......, isn''t it?"


    According to the map defined by Jin, 0 degrees west longitude is Horai Island. Moreover, Horai Island is on the Tropic of Cancer.


    This means that the island in question is on the opposite side of Ars.


    "I guess so."


    Jin pondered.


    Although it was just a hunch, he could not help but feel that there was some important secret hidden on the island.


    After thinking about it for 10 minutes, Jin came to a conclusion.


    "Okay, let''s investigate the island at the same time.


    "Yes, that''s right. It''s not that urgent, so it''s fine.


    It would be inconvenient to have a name for what we are going to do.


    "Let''s see ......, how about <>?"


    <


    Onogoro Island is an island mentioned in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), which legend has it that when the land and sea were still in chaos, the gods stirred and lifted the heavenly floating bridge with an ama no ukihashi (heavenly spear), and the tide that dripped from the bridge accumulated and became an island. .


    When Jin was at the facility, the director told him a myth about this island, so he remembered it.


    It was a name he came up with as a name for a mysterious island.


    "Perhaps it is a counterpart to Horai Island."


    <


    "It could be a clue to the singularity of the free magical element (ether).


    <<


    "Right. Vivienne will sulk later if we don''t call her too."


    <<


    Thus, the survey of the southern hemisphere progresses.


    Later and .


    It seems that the planet Ars is not yet ready to reveal all its mysteries.


    "I wish I had more time. ......"


    Now that the long-period planets are approaching, Jin has begun to think that he needs more time.


    "I guess you could say that the bill for everything I''ve done is coming due."


    Jin reflected on the fact that this was the result of putting it off when he had the time to do it.


    "I used to finish my summer vacation homework as soon as possible ......."


    There is no use in grumbling about it.


    Jin renewed his determination to do his best.

 1239 - - 33-24 Toas Birthday

    "Happy Birthday!"


    September 28th was the birthday of Saki''s father, Toa.


    The Jin family was all gathered at Horai Island to celebrate.


    "Thank you!"


    It was Toa Eschenbach''s 45th birthday.


    "At my age, I never thought I would have such a happy birthday.


    Toa is standing next to Stellina.


    "Father, aren''t you happy that it''s just you and me on this birthday?"


    Saki looked into his face and Toa blushed.


    "No, no, that''s not true. I''m also very grateful for this birthday, just the two of us.


    "Don''t flatter me. I can see it in your face."


    "......"


    "Well, Juliana, you''re looking good. You''re not shy, are you?"


    In Bertsche''s arms is Juliana, the child of Reinhardt, who is excited by the lively atmosphere.


    "Yes, she doesn''t cry at night anymore, and she''s much heavier now.


    "It reminds me of when Marcia was a little girl.


    Vivian and Rodrigo looked into Juliana''s face, and their expressions were broken.


    Meanwhile, Reinhardt was talking to Jin with a glass of wine in his hand.


    "Jin, since we are all here, you must have something to tell us, right?"


    "Yes, of course. We''ve learned some new facts. I''ll tell you when the feast is over.


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    The banquet continues to go on in harmony.


    The highlight dish this time is broiled eel.


    "It smells good, doesn''t it?"


    Saki, who has a good nose, smells it.


    "Here you go."


    Immediately after that, the golem maids bring in the broiled eel.


    "Oh, what''s this?


    "Is it fish ......?"


    "It''s a soy sauce type sauce.


    "It smells very fragrant ......."


    Jin begins to explain to the surprised and interested crowd.


    "Well, this is a dish called kabayaki. It is a long, thin fish that is split open, grilled once to remove excess oil, then baked again with sauce.


    "Long thin fish or ...... what is it?"


    Goose is twisting his head.


    "It''s a fish, not a snake, right?"


    Saki wondered what he was imagining and reminded Jin again.


    "It''s a fish."


    Jin nodded reassuringly and continued.


    "This fish is an eel. Not a dragonhead eel?��It was found in the southern hemisphere ocean by the Mermaids and sent back to us."


    "Oh, from the southern hemisphere ......?"


    Goose is eager to hear more.


    "Well, you should try it first. "Well, try it first. If you like, you can sprinkle some of this pepper powder on it to make it taste even better.


    "Oh, that''s the herb we got at Huso the other day, isn''t it?"


    Saki, who was accompanying me, seemed to remember.


    "That''s right. This is the grounded berries.


    "Oh, it smells so good!


    Bina''s nose twitched as well.


    "I think it''s good for pregnant women because of its nutritional value.


    "Oh, really?"


    I have done some research on it.


    Even if it looks like eel, it would be bad if it is poisonous.


    "Well, let''s eat!


    Toa first puts the chopsticks on the table. As a result of practice, he is now able to eat Japanese food with chopsticks.


    Seeing Toa put his chopsticks on, the other participants started to eat as well.


    "Yes, it''s delicious!


    "It''s delicious! It has a lot of fat, but not too much.


    "The smell of this powder sprinkled on top of the fish is delicious.��It has a nice aroma if you sprinkle some of this sansho powder on it.


    "Sansho" is fine, but "sansho" is more accurate.


    "Yes!��Grandma, it''s delicious!"


    "It really is, isn''t it?"


    "This sauce, right?��It''s sweet and salty, with a hint of umami.


    Jin was relieved that the kabayaki was well received.


    "You don''t see this over here on the continent. ......"


    Goose muttered as he refilled his kabayaki.


    Jin thought it was time to talk, so he started to explain.


    Since he is eating, he starts with a non-serious topic. Mainly, it is about the biota reported by the <>.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "It''s called ......."


    Jin explained slowly and took a sip of his tea to moisten his throat.


    "Well, I don''t know what this is, but I agree that the island was used to preserve the species."


    Goose agreed with the old man''s guess.


    "The old man also wants to discuss some things with Guth, so you go over there later.


    "Okay. I''m looking forward to it.


    "Mr. Jin, may I join you?"


    Sure enough, Vivienne also volunteered to sit in.


    "Of course. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them with me.


    "We don''t have free magic element (ether) in the south. Is that why this didn''t become a demon?"


    There is a reason why Licia asked this question.


    The Shama Marsh in the eastern part of the Klein Kingdom, and Lake Manuse into which the river flows.


    The that lives there is a herbivorous monster that can grow up to three meters in length. Because of its weak magical power, its skin is used as a material for magic tools.


    Licia is from the Kingdom of Klein, so she is familiar with the dragon-headed eel.


    "It is possible that the dragonhead eel is a normal eel turned into a demon.


    Goose mentioned a possibility.


    "I see.


    "So, we haven''t been able to get to the continent yet, but we''ll be adding more skyscrapers, so I''m sure we''ll get more information later on. If you are interested, ask the old man in a few days."


    That was the end of the story about the Antarctic research fleet.


    "And, as a more recent matter, ......"


    Jin then talked about the and the . Erza added her own comments as needed.


    "Hmmm... ....... I did hear about that. It was resolved, wasn''t it?"


    Reinhardt nodded broadly.


    "But what I''m curious about is this automata called Lance and the researchers who were living in hiding.


    "Yes. This time, His Majesty is in charge of ......, or rather, Mr. Degauze is in charge."


    "You have the technology of the warp gate, don''t you?��If it is put to practical use, it will revolutionize distribution and transportation."


    Jin half agrees with Reinhardt''s opinion and half expresses doubt.


    "It''s not going to happen that fast. I didn''t tell you, but their warp gates are designed for high free-magic concentrations, so they can''t be used satisfactorily in the current world.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. So, it will be placed only in key locations and its use will be restricted to those with permission.


    It is inferior to Jin''s warp gate. Still, it would be desirable to revive a technology that was interrupted by the Magic War.


    "It will take time to spread. The key component, magi crystals of the dark attribute, are rarely found in ordinary places.


    The dark attribute has a great influence on space, but because of this great effect, it is almost impossible to obtain.


    Though they are abundantly available from the underground of Horai Island.


    Jin thinks that it is probably related to the singularity of free magical element (ether).


    Thus, the exchange of information proceeded smoothly.

 1240 - - 33-25 Latest Reports

    "But there was a family that had been in seclusion for 400 years?"


    Reinhardt was impressed.


    "And so they perished. ...... I can''t believe it''s someone else."


    Milowina sympathized.


    "But that''s unusual. But it''s unusual for Jin not to take care of them until the end."


    Reinhardt looked a little puzzled.


    "Yeah, there are several reasons... one is because of the Antarctic research fleet and the other is because of the long period planets..."


    I understand that.


    Besides, Lance didn''t seem to want to be bothered.


    "Is that so?"


    Reinhardt looks at me as if he doesn''t understand.


    "If you knew how good Jin is, you''d know how grateful we are to have his help.


    "...... Hmmm, he seems to have taken in some knowledge of <>, maybe that''s why he''s so proud."


    "Hmm, is that possible?��Is it possible that his personality is influenced by his knowledge?


    "I''d like to find out more, but I couldn''t."


    Jin thought that it would be disrespectful to the maker to do so out of curiosity, even if he was confronted by a hostile person.


    And it seems that Reinhardt understood this feeling.


    "Yes, I understand that feeling, Jin.


    I would not feel good if my work was disassembled and analyzed without my permission. That''s what I mean.


    "It''s not like it''s urgent. I didn''t want to get involved now because of the possibility of such discrepancies.


    "I suppose that''s true."


    Reinhardt smiled and sipped his wine.


    * * * * * *


    "And then there''s the long-period planet.


    When the party was over and everyone had started to drink tea leisurely, Jin decided to make another report.


    It was the information from the unmanned probe sent from the moon.


    "Old man, please.


    <


    The magic screen on the wall of the cafeteria lights up.


    There, against the backdrop of the blackness of space, the approaching is projected on the screen.


    It gradually gets bigger and bigger.


    "Oh!"


    The long period planet is rapidly approaching.


    "...... Hmmm...what can I say, it''s full of pockmarks?"


    Saki gives an honest impression.


    Yes, the planet''s surface is covered in pockmarks.


    "Perhaps it was caused by a collision with cosmic dust floating in space.


    At the tremendous speed of hundreds of kilometers per second, even a grain of sand would have had a tremendous impact, Jin says.


    "Even so, it''s a very rugged surface."


    From the clarity of the view, there seems to be no atmosphere. There is no ice, and the planet is truly desolate.


    It seems to be slowly rotating, with craters forming all over the surface.


    "I don''t think there is any life on this planet.


    The vacuum-like appearance of the planet led us to believe that not even microorganisms could survive.


    While Jin and the others were saying this, the planet in the image was rapidly growing.


    The speed of the planet began to slow down slightly. It seems to be synchronizing its speed.


    The old man explains the situation.


    "I see, this is a recording.


    Jin and the others remember that after all this time.


    "How many days ago was it?


    The old man answers Licia''s question.


    "I see. So we are in orbit now?"


    The image shows the surface of a long period planet. It seems to have entered a satellite orbit.


    "It''s still full of craters."


    "I don''t think we''re going to find any life."


    "On the contrary, there is no air. No water. No ice."


    The group becomes quiet as the old man explains the situation to them.


    The image changes and the surface of the earth approaches. Then the image changed again and the horizon became visible.


    "Looks like we''ve landed," Jin muttered.


    Jin muttered.


    The image moved sideways. It seems to have rotated 360 degrees. The same wilderness is visible in both directions.


    The image then turns downward.


    The convex part is full of craters and collapsed land. The concave part is filled with rickety debris.


    But...


    "Is that a magical crystal?"


    Saki shouted, looking at the rock debris that seemed to fill the valley.


    <


    "I knew it. I think the silver-colored rock over there is mithril silver ore."


    <<< That''s also correct>>


    Saki, who is a first-rate alchemist and a mineral enthusiast, seems to have the keenest eye of all the members.


    Some metallic minerals, such as natural silver and copper, oxidize and lose their luster and color, but in a vacuum they do not, and retain their original color.


    "Hmmm, resources must be plentiful."


    This is Tor. It is a sign of the alchemist in both father and daughter that they are interested in the material first.


    "But I don''t see any plants. Probably no microorganisms either.


    The old man confirms Goose''s statement.


    "Of course."


    Milowina agrees.


    "It is a scorching hot world when we are close to the sun Celan, and an extremely cold world when we are far away from it. The impact of a collision with cosmic dust would be extraordinary. ...... I''d be surprised if there is life on such a planet."


    "You''re right, Milowina. You see that silvery plane over there? Isn''t that a solidified pond of molten tin or lead?"


    The surface temperature of the surface would rise to several hundred degrees Celsius as it approached the sun. Therefore, tin and lead, which are metals with low melting points, would have melted.


    And as they move away from the sun, they cool down and solidify. It is very significant that we can see such a situation.


    The presence or absence of life forms will make the choice of how to cope with the situation extremely different.


    <>.


    "It would be great if we could mine it and recover it."


    This is a stearina. The abundance of resources must be very attractive to creative engineers.


    "Let''s see where we go from here.


    Jin expressed his biggest concern.


    <


    "2 million kilometers or ......"


    Compared to the solar system, the average distance between the earth and the sun is 150 million kilometers.


    Comet Rexel, the closest comet to the earth in history, came the closest to the earth at 2.19 million kilometers.


    Probably, the mass of the comet will be much larger than that of the comet, so it is not likely that Ars will be completely unaffected by the comet.


    "What do we need ......?"


    Jin pondered.

 1241 - - 33-26 Countermeasures No. 1

    "Brother Jin, now is Toa''s birthday."


    It was Erza''s voice that brought Jin back to reality as he was about to think.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right. I''m sorry, Elsa.


    "Nn."


    The screen has not changed. It is almost exactly the same as it is now.


    But one thing stood out.


    That planet is .......


    <.


    "It''s going to pass pretty close, isn''t it?"


    <


    "A few hundred kilometers... ...... that would affect its orbit."


    <<


    "You still don''t know how it will change?"


    I have little knowledge of astronomy, so I cannot make these orbital calculations at this time. It is only a guess.


    If the orbit changes even slightly, the current prediction may become meaningless. Jin was afraid of this.


    (I will ask 700672 about this later.)


    (I will ask him about 700672 later.) In the current state of emergency, he would like to take all possible measures.


    We still have a little more than half a month to go, but I don''t know if we have half a month or only half a month.


    Right now, Jin is the only one who can exert influence in space here in Ars.


    "Yes, I understand the situation now. Thank you, Jin.


    Reinhardt''s voice seemed to bring everyone back to reality, including Jin.


    "Jin, thank you for today. Thank you all."


    Toa bowed to everyone.


    "I will treasure this pocket watch.


    The party ended, and Licia, Bina, Luis (Count Kuzma), Marcia, Rodrigo, Reinhard, and Berthe (plus Juliana) went back to their homes.


    On the other hand, Milowina, Meine, Vivian, Guth, Saki, and Tor remain.


    And Hannah and Martha.


    "Jin, I don''t know what''s going on, but it''s a lot of work, isn''t it?


    Martha laughed and said, "I don''t know anything about the technology," but she was still concerned about Jin.


    "Don''t be too hard on yourself. You have people to protect.


    "...... yes?"


    Jin has a habit of keeping to himself. Erza, come to me anytime you need help.


    "Yes."


    Be good with your sister and sister.


    "Thank you, Hannah."


    With a smile and a wave, Hannah and Martha also returned to the village of Kaina.


    * * * * * *


    We moved from the cafeteria to the command center for a brief meeting.


    Of course, it was under the influence of Martha''s advice. Jin had planned to think alone.


    "Well, I''d like to think about countermeasures against disasters.


    Jin says the agenda.


    "Do you think there will be a disaster?"


    Guth spoke up.


    "I hope it won''t happen, but I''d like to take measures in case it does.


    "I think I know what you mean, Jin. I guess it depends on what you have in mind."


    Thor voiced his opinion in a calm voice.


    "Then, what kind of disaster do you think will happen?


    This was Saki. She must be concerned about it.


    "Yes, I guess so. I can only tell you what I imagine. ......


    Jin started to explain, wondering if anyone had ever experienced this before.


    "There might be a storm. High waves at the seaside. Bad weather, heavy rains, rivers overflowing, landslides..."


    That''s scary."


    The climate here in Arus is relatively mild. Is it because the earth''s axis is less tilted than that of the earth?


    But more than that, Jin is secretly thinking that there might be some kind of control in the southern hemisphere.


    "So we should be prepared for such disasters," he says.


    "Stockpiling food and improving warehouses.


    Erza mentions the countermeasures she has come up with.


    "Kuhu, and maybe we should strengthen the levees and prepare the boats?"


    "I don''t know about a boat. A small boat would make no sense at all.


    A spaceship, of course!


    "Hey!"


    It is true that evacuating to space in a spaceship will avoid a disaster limited to the surface of the planet.


    However, it is impossible to evacuate all the inhabitants even if Jin and Horaijima do their best.


    Jin family, Kaina village, and acquaintances ......


    Jin felt sick to his stomach at the thought of abandoning the others.


    Seeing Jin in such a state, Erza calls out to him.


    "Brother Jin, don''t worry. I won''t leave you alone if something happens. I''ll take responsibility with you.


    "Thank you for ......."


    Jin thanked Erza for her thoughtfulness, though he did not want her to do so.


    "It''s important to preserve food. ......


    Jin wondered if it would be a good idea to use wards to protect against water and fire.


    "And also wind protection.


    "Yes, that''s right. That''s another way to protect against wind.


    Basically, Jin thought, it would be practical to protect them with strong wards.


    "In case of a disaster, you decide on an evacuation site and protect that evacuation site with wards.


    "Yes, your idea is very realistic.


    For example, in the case of Kaina Village, people should be evacuated to Nido Castle or a shelter.


    Jin felt that it would be necessary to notify each country of such evacuation sites.


    So, he decided to issue an official letter from <> to each country.


    Jin and Lao-kun will draft the document together.


    The gist of the letter is to ask them to think about emergency preparedness.


    The reason is that the country needs to consider the possibility of a major disaster and take measures to protect its people.


    At the moment, no further information can be given.


    Since the documents alone are not convincing enough, I have also added a magical device to generate wards.


    "That should be enough for a start. The best we can hope for is that a will pass by in the distance.


    Praying for that is just wishful thinking.


    "Now we just have to figure out what to do ......."


    Jin received a piece of good news the next day.

 1242 - - 33-27 Grace Period

    "Disaster Preparedness,Ne......"


    In Shoro, the female emperor was looking over a letter from Jin.


    "I''m sure Jin-kun wouldn''t say something like this without any evidence. What do you think, Prime Minister?


    The Empress showed the letter to the Prime Minister, who was sitting on the other side of his desk.


    "......This is ...... indeed, I understand the contents. But is there any urgency?"


    "Yes, I suppose there is. But is there an urgency?


    I guess so. <


    Prime Minister, can I leave this to you?


    please give me 3 days. I''ll make a decision during that time.


    Yes, please.


    Similar reactions were seen in the kingdoms of Cerroa, Franz, Klein, Egelea, and Elias.


    The fact that Jin''s experience had been proven, and that the magic tools were included in the package, made each country start to seriously consider disaster countermeasures, even if there are differences among them.


    "Disaster: ......"


    "<> has contacted me, let''s take immediate action."


    Mitsuho immediately took countermeasures.


    At the same time, Huso was also informed and it seems that some countermeasures were taken.


    Then came the demon territory.


    It seems that the 700672 clan had also been contacted via the <>, and countermeasures were immediately taken.


    Jin was relieved to hear the news.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    Then, Jin had a conversation with No. 700672.


    "So, you mean you and Pengolta will have a near miss tomorrow?


    "Yes. I can''t predict the outcome.


    "No, you can''t."


    700672 confides that he doesn''t know either.


    I don''t have much knowledge of the universe to begin with.


    He says that such work was the specialty of his followers before the number 200000.


    "In any case, we should continue our observations."


    Yes, of course.


    Jin then explained the results of the Antarctic fleet.


    "Hmm. You are doing a good job."


    The 700672 praised Jin.


    "At first glance, it may not seem to have anything to do with the long period planets, but I think the research is meaningful. Jin-dono, you may continue."


    Thank you, sir.


    "If we want to eliminate this threat to Ars, we have to know a little bit about it. That''s what Jin-dono is doing."


    The 700672 acknowledged and praised Jin''s policy.


    "But you mean to say that the singularity is a formation through which free magical elements (ether) can easily pass. I see."


    Again, No. 700672 accepted Jin''s guess.


    "That''s almost right. But then, ......."


    After a pause, 700672 dropped his tone a little and spoke again.


    "If there is something to the south, there must also be a <> in place. Be careful.


    "A <>, is it?"


    Jin knew that a golem or a special golem was called a "guardian," literally meaning a "guardian god.


    "Yes, you''re right. A Guardian has only one purpose: to protect the facility. There are no exceptions.


    "So you can''t be persuaded."


    "Yes.


    < is, but I will be careful, Jin thought.


    After receiving a few more detailed warnings, Jin left the 700672.


    "Thank you very much. I will come back to report.


    "Well, be sure."


    * * * * * *


    "How about the Antarctic fleet, old man?


    <


    On the earth, it was said that the expression when heading for the South Pole was <><>>.


    This means that the area is in a storm zone and the sea is rough.


    This Arus is relatively calm, but there still seems to be a storm zone.


    "Don''t take it too hard. So, what about <>?"


    "That''s good. ...... Is that just Goose?"


    <


    "Okay then."


    Jin felt a little uneasy when he heard that only Goose would participate in the expedition plan, but then he recalled that he was relieved to hear that Toa would be participating as well.


    As the finally approaches, Jin thinks about what he should do.


    There are many things to protect, and his hands are small.


    "Still, I have to do my best.


    "Yes, father. I will help you.


    Reiko cheered up the brooding Jin.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    "Yes, I am your father''s shadow. I am always with you.


    While patting Reiko''s head, Jin asked Lao-kun about something that had been bothering him.


    "Old man, what happened to <> and the others?


    The answer comes back immediately.


    <


    "Heh?��Heh? Still no word on Gimnas?"


    <<


    For Lance, Gimnas is the only remaining <. He must be cautious.


    "I understand. So, what have you done about the bandits?"


    "I see. I guess it was the remnants of the <> after all."


    <


    There are many people who belonged to the Unification Party (Unifiler) without being brainwashed.


    Also, brainwashing tends to weaken willpower and reduce creativity. It is good for them to use existing technology, but it is not good for them to research new things.


    <<


    "I see.


    "How is Elsa doing?"


    .


    "Oh, I see. That''s what I''m talking about."


    Jin stood up from his seat and said, "I''m going to tell her to take it easy.


    Reiko followed him.

 1243 - - 33-28 Shoe Relay Ruins

    "How can something that has left the party be that bad? ......"


    At the headquarters of the <> and <>, Elena, a beautiful girl automata, was talking to the top two.


    "I''m sure that''s the place.


    Elena said in a voice that sounded like rolling bells.


    "Yes."


    That place is generally called .


    In fact, it was the site of a fortress during the Great Magic War, which was developed and used as a base by the former .


    It is located further west of the headquarters of the <, and was a base that mainly focused on development and research.


    It was one of the bases abandoned due to its reduced scale now that it has become <>.


    "So, the head is probably ......."


    Ronder.


    First of all, I''m sure of it.


    Londer used to work for them and was a rather brilliant magical engineer.


    However, his ambition was too strong and he lacked cooperation. However, it was not a good idea to brainwash him and reduce his creativity by half, so they had him work in a remote laboratory developing magic tools and improving the golem.


    So, what are we going to do?"


    Jules Rolland, the head of Nostalgia, asks Elena.


    "Prepare two golems for battle. I''m coming.


    "Elena?��Isn''t it dangerous?


    "No, for now I am the only one who can act in the Nostalgia party..."


    "...... I understand. But take four combat golems with you, plus one all-purpose golem. I''ll also provide two hot air balloons.


    Donald Callow, number two and head of the technical department, said pleadingly.


    "Yes, sir. My Lord, Donald, thank you for your concern.


    * * *


    Elena and her four battle golems, two <>...... nostalgia party, as they have been called since the days of the Unifilers.... ...and departed...


    Elena, two combat golems, and a plane. The allocation is one for Elena, two combat golems, and one for the all-purpose golem.


    The distance between the headquarters of the Nostalgia Party and the Shuleri Ruins is about 60 kilometers.


    After about two hours, the ruins came into view below Elena and the others.


    "Let''s go down to a place about two kilometers away.


    The area was rocky. There was no shortage of places to hide the hot air ball.


    They found a suitable flat area and the two hot air balloons landed.


    What are you going to do now, Miss Elena?


    the all-powerful golem asked.


    "First, let''s check the most remote emergency exit."


    I see.


    Since the base was originally remodeled by Elena and her team, we know all the entrances and exits to the base.


    That rock was a landmark.


    A 10-meter rock rising like a spire. A squat rock five meters to the west of the base is the emergency entrance at the outermost edge.


    "This place doesn''t seem to have been tampered with.


    No wonder, it is a doorway known only to the top management.


    I don''t know if Rhondda was informed ......, but I didn''t find that in the records.


    The all-powerful golem adds.


    "Anyway, let''s enter the base from here.


    It''s too risky to do it yourself, Elena. I''ll go myself.


    It''s okay. You can trust me.


    I can''t replace you, Elena, but I can replace you in any number of ways. So I''ll do it myself. Besides, in terms of combat power, I''m better than you now. ......


    <, but the current Elena, defeated by Reiko and regenerated by Jin, has only the same level of arm strength as a human, not to mention reaction speed.


    In contrast, the all-powerful golem is more than fifty times more powerful than a human being.


    "Hmmm...yes. But I''m sure Ronder doesn''t know that I''m weaker now than I was before.


    Even at that time when he was defeated by Jin and the Horai Islanders, Ronder was still studying at the Shurrei Ruins ......, or rather, at the base.


    I understand why. Then I''d like to join you. This is non-negotiable.


    "Well, I guess that''s about as far as we can go. But then, let''s all go together."


    That''s the deal.


    Elena knew how to open the emergency exit, and when the necessary steps were taken, the hidden doorway ...... rock shifted slightly and a passageway opened.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    They stepped into the passage in the following order: battle golem, battle golem, all-purpose golem, Elena, battle golem, battle golem. The door closed behind them.


    The passage was almost completely dark, but this did not inconvenience them since they all had night vision.


    The group carefully moves forward, trying not to make a sound.


    Elena checks her memory: "This is an emergency passageway, so there should be no surveillance cameras or alarm systems.


    Then we arrived at the door separating the emergency passage from the normal compartment.


    (So far so good, but here comes the problem. ...... I don''t hear any noise.)


    (Elena, I''ll open the door myself. Please step back a little.)


    The all-powerful golem has stepped forward. Elena decides to let him do it.


    The all-powerful golem opens the door as noiselessly as possible.


    (There is no one here.)


    Unlike before, the normal compartment is illuminated by a magic lamp, although it is a little darker.


    The brightness made it easier to see, but it also meant that we could see ourselves.


    And the corridors are straight and there is no place to hide.


    (It''s not popular. ......)


    It''s quiet, no noise. The corridor was lightly covered with dust.


    ��It''s not good.)


    (That''s not good.) The dust leaves footprints on it. Elena has no choice but to use her wind magic <> to blow up the dust and cover the footprints. This was a rough trick since the dust did not cause them to cough.


    The group finally arrived at the center of the base.


    (Let''s be more careful.)


    But there is no sign of anyone here either.


    (I think it''s ......)


    In case you are wondering, most of the base is not so-called as it is made of hollowed out and reinforced .


    You can think of it as a very small-scale rock-modified facility at Ayers Rock.


    The of that time added a basement to it and used it as a base.


    Elena was referring to such a floor.


    (Yes, that''s right. There is a laboratory down there. (Yes, there are laboratories down there. I think that''s where Ronder is.)


    Elena decides so and goes to the stairs. There is no sign of anyone.


    ��There is still no sign of anyone.)


    Elena and the others descend the stairs cautiously. But there is still no sign of anyone.


    (Have they been mistaken?).


    Just when Elena had her doubts.


    Just when Elena had her doubts, she heard a noise in the laboratory.


    Someone''s in there.


    I''ll go check.


    The all-powerful golem said one word and stepped out without waiting for Elena''s reply.


    He stopped in front of the laboratory door and listened carefully.


    After a while, he suddenly opens the door, surprising Elena who was watching him.


    The all-powerful golem jumps into the room and stays there for a minute.


    Elena-sama!��This way!


    the all-powerful golem called out loudly to Elena.


    What the hell is going on?


    As she replies, Elena also senses that something unexpected has happened.

 1244 - - 33-29 Ruins of Fort

    "Ronder?"


    There was a bed in the lab, and Londer was lying on it.


    His face was white and he looked lifeless.


    Elena rushed over to him and confirmed that he was no longer breathing.


    "Check to see if there are any other survivors."


    Elena also instructs the combat golem.


    And 30 minutes.


    "Lady Elena, there are no other humans here.


    The all-powerful golem reported on behalf of the others.


    "Yes. Ronder''s probably been dead for over a week. I wonder what happened to him.


    What happened to the other researchers?


    Maybe they got away. ......


    Looking around the lab, Elena answered.


    "A lot of the main equipment is missing.


    Not even the golem that was supposed to maintain the facility is missing.


    Someone must have taken it out.


    "Yes, that''s right. The question is, who are they?


    Elena was investigating the laboratory, looking for clues.


    "I don''t see any ....... ...... Then we have to think about what to do with Ronder''s body first."


    He had not yet decomposed, but it seemed only a matter of time.


    "Let''s get him out of here and bury him somewhere.


    Elena ordered the battle golem to carry Ronder out.


    At that moment, a notebook fell to the floor from Ronder''s pocket. Elena picked it up.


    "There is something written on it. ......"


    Something was written in very faltering letters.


    "It seems to be something that Ronder left behind. Let''s see... ......"


    The writing is blurred and faint in places, but it seems to be decipherable.


    Elena frowned.


    "This is ......!��We have to get back here as soon as possible.


    Elena buried Ronder''s body, got into the hot air balloon and flew back to the headquarters at top speed.


    "Look at this."


    Without even greeting her return, Elena holds out her notebook to Jules.


    Jules Lorrain took it, looked it over, and frowned. She then shows the notebook to Donald Callot.


    "This is ......!"


    Donald also changed color.


    "I didn''t know you were thinking of ...... this."


    "That''s why you wanted the facilities of our ...... then ."


    Elena tells the two top leaders as they exchange this.


    "But judging from the Shoo-relay ruins, I think it''s safe to say that Ronder has transferred his knowledge to an automaton and regenerated it."


    "Hmm. If there was no equipment or materials left, he must have taken them out.


    "I wonder what he''s going to do with it. ......"


    And again Elena speculates.


    "If Ronder was the leader of the bandit gang, he was probably just banditry to raise money."


    "Mm. ......"


    "A serious problem, but I''m afraid we''ve completely lost track of his whereabouts."


    * * *


    Naturally, this fact was conveyed to the brains of Horai Island, <>.


    And he also has some information that the <> does not have. Taking all these information together, I was able to make a more in-depth guess.


    The old man made a guess from the little information he had.


    The same thing happened to No. 600012, a.k.a. <>.


    And also, he had caused a split in his ego.


    And there is a chance that <> knows where he is.


    <


    With his preparations ready to go out at any time, the old man decided to wait for things to start moving.


    * * * * * *


    said Lance, standing by the Kasaka River, which flows out of Lake Mijimo on the border between the Shoro and Franz kingdoms.


    "We''re almost there."


    The goal is the north. There, according to Lance''s memory, is the ruins of an unnamed fortress.


    "That''s where the warp gate is."


    Lance had tracked the magical power leaking from the stolen warp gate parts and had almost pinpointed the location.


    It is a backward compatible device of the Magi Detector developed by Jin.


    From the Warp Gate, the magic power connecting it to its counterpart extends, and the Magi Machine is capable of detecting the aftermath of the Warp Gate.


    Although they could only determine the approximate direction, they succeeded in identifying the location by combining the strength of the magic power, measurements made while moving, and the remains of the fortress.


    In a sense, it is a dumb story, but the parts of the warp gate that were stolen had to be in a pair, and only one of them was used, which is meaningless.


    This is why Lance was able to locate the location of the warp gate components.


    "Perhaps that''s where Ronder must be."


    Lance does not know that Ronder is already gone.


    He walks from one rock to another, from rock to rock, approaching the remains of the fort to avoid detection.


    "Well, it''s been modified. They must be here for sure."


    The ruins of the fort seen from a distance. Ivy and wiggly vines are tangled around the outer walls, but the windows have been neatly trimmed.


    "I guess they were trying to keep an eye on the outside."


    Lance thought to himself, human-like, and wondered how he could sneak in.


    "Catching them off guard, that''s the only way."


    Only the bandits would know that they were in the ruins of the fort. That would catch them off guard, Lance thought.


    "They''ll have a lookout, but at night."


    Ronder was not among the bandits captured in the previous round of hunting.


    Lance knew that the bandits were led by the man who had been Ronder''s assistant.


    <.


    "I guess there are fewer of us now, so I guess there are some things we can''t handle..."


    Lance waited for night.


    At 8 p.m., the sun had completely set.


    At 11 p.m., as night falls, Lance begins to move.


    He moves quickly from rock to rock, taking into account the possibility that a golem with night vision is watching over him. He wears a black cloth that he has prepared.


    In this way, he successfully reached the outer wall of the fort without incident.


    "Now, where do we break in from?


    In order to maintain the appearance of a fort, some of the windows have been left untouched. Assuming that the rooms with such windows were probably abandoned, Lance began to climb up the ivy as a clue.


    Lance, who has good night vision, climbs up without any difficulty, but it would be impossible for a human being to do such a feat.


    After about five minutes, he reached a window about five meters above the ground.


    I listened carefully, but there was no sound. Gently peering in, I saw the floor covered with dust and fallen leaves.


    "Okay, let''s sneak in through this room.


    Lance climbed over the window and entered the ruins of the fort.

 1245 - - 33-30 Found and

    "Great. This room is definitely not being used.


    Looking around the room, Lance is convinced that the first stage has been successful.


    But the problem is yet to come.


    Listening closely, he hears no sound.


    "So we''re underground."


    The main rooms must be located in the basement, since the aboveground area would be more visible if something were to happen.


    Lance quietly approaches the stairs leading to the basement. Again, he listens carefully, but again he hears no sound.


    "(Are they careless and asleep, or are they understaffed?)"


    Either way, Lance has no choice but to go, so he steps onto the staircase.


    He descends noiselessly.


    The first basement floor. No sign of anyone.


    Basement level 2. No sign of anyone.


    And basement 3.


    "I hear breathing. 1 person ......2 ......3 One person 2 people 3 people. (...... oh?)"


    As Lance made his way to the hallway leading to the floor, a golem on patrol appeared before his eyes. It was a stocky humanoid.


    "(That''s an old-fashioned golem, ...... the type that can only serve a single purpose.)"


    This time it''s more convenient. There must be intervals between patrols, Lance thought, hiding in the shadows to see what was going on.


    He measures the intervals of the patrols with a patience that is unmatched by humans.


    "(They come around every 15 minutes, right?)".


    As soon as you know, you do it. Once the golem is out of sight, Lance walks away, his footsteps stealthy.


    "(The breathing sounds are coming from this room. ...... bedroom, huh?")


    (I can hear two people sleeping.


    "(One more in ...... this room?)"


    It sounded like a bedroom, too.


    "(Is Ronder in the room with ......1 people?)"


    Lance, who still didn''t know what happened to Ronder, imagined that.


    "(Anyway, we have to retrieve him first.)"


    He went further down the corridor. There was a laboratory.


    "(A noise ......?��Is someone awake?��(But there is no sound of breathing.)"


    Hiding behind the door, I quietly peeked inside and saw a back view of an automaton working on something.


    "(Is that a part of ...... the transition gate (warp gate)?��Can an automata handle it?


    Lance arrives at his goal, but thinks for a moment what he should do.


    "(That automaton was no doubt made from stolen parts. If that''s the case, it would be best to stop it and bring it back, but will it be ...... possible to neutralize it?)


    Lance''s fighting ability is high, but not enough to overwhelm the battle golem. That much is clear from the last battle.


    And it is not always just one automaton at work.


    The golem in standby mode does not make a heartbeat or a breath sound.


    "(However, if we hesitate, the patrol golem might come around...)"


    Lance stepped boldly into the room.


    "What?��...... are you ......?"


    The automaton looked at Lance and sounded surprised.


    "Ron......dar......?"


    The face of the automaton was that of Lance''s memory of Ronder.


    "Do you know my name?��You''re ...... well, you''re from Gilder''s place, aren''t you?"


    Gilder was the name of the creator of the lance, Gimnas'' father.


    "You know that, are you ...... still a Rhonddaa?��Or are you just an automaton with Londer''s knowledge?


    The automaton let out a sad laugh at the question.


    "I don''t have a precise answer to that question.


    "What do you mean?"


    Ronder began to answer Lance''s question with a wry smile on his face.


    "It is true that I have knowledge of Ronder. I also think that I am a ronder. But I also know that I am an automaton.


    "...... And?"


    "What am I ......?"


    "I knew it. I ...... was still imperfectly transcribing human consciousness, and I was still working on it."


    "I ...... didn''t have time for that."


    Anyway, let''s get back what we stole."


    "That''s exactly why I''m not going to listen in."


    Ronder''s mood changes.


    "I am ...... Ronder, I have gained this body and have become immortal. I will not give it up. If you insist, do it by force.


    "If you insist, I have no choice."


    Lance suddenly stepped forward and thrust his fist at Ronder''s chin.


    But...


    "You''re late!"


    Ronder dodged the punch with a little time to spare.


    What!


    "...... This body is wonderful. It is better than Gilder''s automata.


    Ronder''s automaton seems to be faster than Lance''s, though by about 20%.


    Therefore, all of Lance''s attacks are evaded.


    Kicks, fists, body blows. They don''t hit him at all.


    "Hmmm...you are an instructor after all. You can''t seem to master your body, or even your abilities."


    It is true. Lance''s basic control magic formula (control system) is not designed for combat, but for the primary purpose of protecting and passing on knowledge.


    His body is for security, but he cannot use his abilities because there is no combat sequence in his basic control formula.


    And it is Lance who knows this best.


    "I don''t get it. Why did you come with one?��There are still automata and golems left in the facility, aren''t there?"


    "That''s ...... not what I need to tell you!"


    Lance repeatedly strikes out. Ronder = automata is on the defensive, only evading.


    "Hmmm, I see. There is no one who can activate it?


    It''s your fault!


    Yes, it takes a certain amount of magical engineering to activate the automata golem in the underground facility.


    But Gimnas, the sole survivor, is only 15 years old. <


    Only Lance can move freely with his own will. That''s why Lance is out there last time and this time too.


    "Hmmm, I see. That''s a relief. You have no backup!"


    This was the fact that Lance did not want you to know.


    <


    "Then, no hesitation. I''ll test the performance of this body to my heart''s content."


    "Nuh-uh?


    Ronder-Automata turned on the attack.


    "G...... empty!"


    This time, Lance is on the defensive.


    "Ha-ha-ha, this body is wonderful!��Now, this is a place that no human being could ever reach!"


    While just barely dodging the attack, Lance analyzes Ronder=Automata.


    The body is not the method of the <>. Probably, it is a hybrid of technologies other than those of the facility, that is, the technologies of the Unifiler.


    "That''s why ...... is so strong."


    Lance was unable to avoid Londer''s attack, though Londer was still <> Lance''s attack.


    "Not yet!"


    The speed of the attack increased even more.


    Lance is using his arms, legs, and back to catch and handle the attacks.


    "This is ...... not good!"


    Lance decides to play his trump card.


    "<>!


    "Oof!


    A mass of wind blows Ronder and the two automaton away from each other.


    "Hmm, you can use that kind of magic, can''t you?"


    Ronder-Automata smirks.


    "Well then, I''ll be right with you. !"


    "Whoa!


    Ronder (automata) returns with a magic more powerful than the one Lance had fired.


    He seems to be enjoying his physical abilities.


    Lance is blown away and slammed into the wall.


    "This is not good. ...... I guess I can''t win after all. ......"


    Then.


    "Do you need a hand?"


    A voice was heard right beside Lance.

 1246 - - 33-31 Relief and sentimentality.

    "You are ...... Miss Reiko?


    Lance is startled by the sudden appearance of Reiko.


    "We''ll talk later. I''m sure you want me to stop him, right?


    "Ah, yes. But I''d appreciate it if you could do it without hurting him.


    I''ll do it.


    What are you talking about?��Who are you?


    Ronder = automata was wary of the sudden appearance of Reiko and kept her distance from her.


    She may look like a girl, but the fact that she appeared out of nowhere and the fact that Lance is treating her as an equal, he must have guessed that she is not an ordinary person.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Reiko. Pleased to make your acquaintance.


    Ronder, the automaton, looked at Reiko with a dumbfounded look on his face as she gave a little tug on the hem of her skirt and made a short curtsey.


    And Lance next to her.


    "......, you mean, if you are a former leader of the Unification Party (Unifiler), you don''t know me?"


    "What ......?"


    Ronder (automata) looked at Reiko again and said, "Oh, you!


    "Oh, you?


    A look of astonishment crossed his face.


    "You are the Jet-Black Princess of Destruction!


    She must have seen the battle between the Unification Party (Unifiler) and Horaijima''s army. He seemed to remember Reiko.


    "...... interesting. With this body, I should be able to compete with you. ......"


    "Are you stupid?"


    Reiko interrupted without letting them finish. Her tone was one of dismay.


    "I''ve been watching you from the middle of the show, and you''re even weaker than was at that time, aren''t you?"


    "No, that''s not possible!��This body is based on the all-purpose golem, the combat golem, and has been further improved!


    But Reiko shakes her head.


    "No, I know what I''m talking about, having actually faced Elena. Elena was a much better automata than you, wasn''t she?


    "Shut up!


    "...... you''re a little unstable, Mr. Lance. What do you think, Mr. Lance?"


    Lance is surprised when Reiko suddenly turns to him and answers her question.


    "Ah, ah, Miss Reiko is right. Perhaps the original thought process is poorly designed.


    This is where the skill of a magecraftsman comes into play, Lance says.


    "So you are not using a sophisticated template?"


    "<>, huh? I see, that would work for a completed thought process, but in his case, it''s probably self-made."


    Seeing the two calmly conversing with each other, Ronder-Automata becomes even more agitated.


    "The fact that he can''t control his pseudo-emotions is another proof of his incompleteness, isn''t it?


    "You''ve got to be kidding me!"


    Ronder = automata" finally lost his patience and jumped at her. His right fist struck Reiko.


    What?


    However, Reiko easily caught Ronder''s right fist.


    Then, she caught another left fist from Ronder.


    "Koo, koo, koo!"


    Reiko repelled another front kick with her right leg with a kick of her left leg.


    "Kuh, ah, let go!"


    Ronder=Automata''s fist was still clenched by Reiko, and it seemed that she could not pull it off even if she tried.


    Looking closely, Reiko''s slender fingers are digging into Ronder''s big fist.


    "Mr. Lance, I told you not to break it, but it''s hard to get it completely unharmed.


    "Oh, yeah. A little bit is not a bad thing.


    "I see."


    Hearing those words, Reiko put pressure on her hand.


    "Uh, oh, oh!"


    With that, both of the automaton''s fists cracked.


    Reiko then unleashed a series of blindingly fast thrusts to both shoulders and both hip joints.


    "Gah!"


    Both shoulder joints and hip joints of both legs were dislocated by the attack.


    Ronder = automata was unable to move.


    "This is the power of the <>...I couldn''t ...... read it......... regrettable..."


    Slowly, Ronder collapses to the floor.


    "Is this okay?"


    "Oh, yeah. Oh, thank God. But you are very strong, aren''t you Reiko?


    Father made her that way.


    "Is that so ......?"


    Lance looked a little thoughtful.


    "The relationship between the maker and the automaton (automata) has nothing to do with the structure of the ...... automaton (automata), does it? ......"


    "What?"


    "No, I''m talking to myself. I''m talking to myself. ...... but I''d be happy to talk to Miss Reiko about it."


    With that, Lance started to speak.


    "Um, is it okay if I just leave it here?"


    Reiko looked at Lance and said.


    "That''s true. ...... but how do we stop it?"


    "Kuu......!��<......."


    Londer = automata, which only lies on the floor and scratches at the algae.


    "It''s a little aggressive, but it''s the only way.


    "Well, wait!��What ........................?"


    Lance grabbed the automaton by the neck and twisted it 180 degrees.


    With a snapping sound, the ronder-automata stopped moving.


    It seems that the connection between the control core in its head and its body was severed.


    Naturally, the supply of mana will also be cut off, which means that the automata will stop.


    "The rest of the components are stolen. ......"


    It seems that most of them were used to assemble the body of the automata.


    "The only thing that was stolen was the parts for the warp gate, which they had been playing with until just now. ......


    "Yes, but this is ......."


    Reiko is an expert in setting up warp gates, so she noticed that something was wrong with the warp gate.


    "Do you understand, Reiko? This warp gate does not have a control panel. The parts were not taken out, and they could not have been made.


    Lance smiled wanly, "It''s not possible to master all the technology in a decade or so at best.


    "Is there anything else you would like to bring back?"


    Reiko asked and Lance nodded.


    "Mm. There was a golem on patrol, but I think we can ignore that one."


    But Reiko refuted that.


    "That''s no good. We have to make them stop.


    With that, she leaves the room.


    She returns about two minutes later.


    "There were two of them, but I made sure they were stopped and put them down in the spare room."


    "...... Reiko, why are you so concerned about a low-class golem?"


    "There''s nothing low class or high class about it. I just felt sorry for him.


    "Pity ...... or ...... you have such feelings ......?"


    "What?"


    No, it''s nothing.


    "Oh, and there were three of your bandit friends, so I knocked them out and tied them up.


    "Thank you for saving me the trouble. Now let''s go pack up."


    Lance packs up the main parts of the stuck Ronder automata and the warp gate.


    The parts for the warp gate are few, however.


    Then I am going home. ......Yes, Miss Reiko, the reason I was going to say that earlier was because you were so dazzling."


    "Yes?"


    I was speaking metaphorically, of course. I felt a strong parent-child bond between Miss Reiko and her father, Jin-dono, the ...... creator of Miss Reiko.


    "Yes, I love your father and he loves me."


    Hearing this, Lance let out a sad smile.


    "I envy you a little. ...... No, it''s just a sentiment, don''t listen to it."

 1247 - - the opening of the season, and had ended, 32

    Reiko and Lance walk out of the fort. The silhouette of floats in the sky.


    Reiko carries the three fainted and tied-up bandits above her head. It is quite a surreal sight. Lance, on the other hand, is carrying a large bundle on his back.


    "What should we do?��Shall I take you back to Mount Suhonto?"


    Reiko offers, but Lance shakes his head.


    "No, there is no need for you to go that far. I''m going to walk back."


    "I see. I guess this is where we say goodbye.


    "Yes. Thank you.


    No. Good bye."


    Reiko jumps toward Conlon 3, which has dropped in altitude, while lifting the three bandits. They successfully jumped into the open doorway.


    Of course, she is supported by the <>, but Lance is unaware of this.


    And as Lance watched, <> gained altitude and eventually melted into the night sky.


    "...... Miss Reiko, huh?"


    Lance, talking to himself, walks towards his base, Mount Suhonto, carrying a large baggage on his back.


    The first thing he did was to take a look at the picture of the man he was going to meet.


    "Father, I''m home!


    < and is returning to Horai Island via the warp gate.


    As for the bandit, Edgar has secretly transported him to the Shoro Imperial Palace, where he is to be handed over to the guards under the name of <>.


    "Thank you, Reiko.


    Jin welcomed Reiko and thanked her for her efforts.


    "When I repaired the lance, I recorded its magic pattern. I had no problem sending her out with the transporter.


    Then, the old man reports.


    "Oh, I see."


    Furthermore, Jin had the fifth column (Quinta) Mila 5 and 6, also known as and , who had disappeared due to <>, keeping watch at Mount Suhonto.


    Therefore, they were able to track Lance and know what had happened at the fort ruins.


    "What is the breakdown?"


    "It would be a waste to let the materials decay, so please collect them and hand them over to the Nostalgia Party. The materials will be useful for something, so collect them as well.


    .


    Thus ended the series of disturbances.


    In the Shoro Kingdom, the matter was settled before any action was taken to arrest the bandits.


    * * * * *


    < reached the Pole on the 30th, the last day of September.


    The Mermaid team immediately started the underwater survey. The Sky Squadron is flying overhead and the Marine Squadron is patrolling the sea, just in case.


    At about the same time, a survey of <> was also launched.


    Jin decides to take this opportunity to name the unnamed part of the world map.


    Guth has just arrived, so he consults with him.


    In case you are wondering, Toa, who helped him plan the survey, has gone home.


    "Well, how about the archipelago where the biota has been preserved called ?��That''s the name of a naturalist from about a hundred years ago."


    "Yes, that sounds good."


    "What about this continent: ......"


    A continent that sits solidly in the southern hemisphere to the west of the human-inhabited continent of Laurent.


    "I think we should name it after an adventurer.


    Goose ponders over Jin''s words.


    "How about <>?��This one is said to be an adventurer who crossed the Hariri Desert alone about 500 years ago.


    "Not bad."


    That leaves the continent to the north. It is somewhat smaller than the other continents and has a large archipelago to the east.


    "What about the continent of Pandor?"


    Erza came to him and advised him to go there.


    "The name of a wizard in a fairy tale I heard long ago. It is said that he came from the north.


    Is this fairy tale famous?


    Jin has never heard of it, so I ask him.


    "Hmm, I think he is quite famous.


    The old man then reports


    or .


    "Oh, I see. That''s good.


    And so, the unknown continent had a name.


    "So, we''re finally going to start the survey of Onogoro Island, right?"


    After the irregular discussion of naming the island, Goose looked curious.


    "I guess so. Guth must have discussed this with Mr. Toa and the old man, right?"


    "Yes, first of all, we need to understand the topography from the sky. Then we will decide on the exploration route.


    "Oh, I see."


    The island itself at the center is surrounded by rocks in the shape of a crescent moon. The opening faces east and is connected to the main body of the island on the west side.


    There appear to be several rocks or islets in the opening.


    The main body of the island in the center is about 15 kilometers across, and the surrounding rocks are probably up to 50 kilometers in diameter.


    The location of the island seems somewhat unnatural.


    "Do you think so, Jin?��I think so too. I''m having a hard time coming up with a reason.


    Well, yes.


    But it is too close to the continent ......<> and has no relation to the other islands, and the shape looks a little unnatural.


    The same is true of Horai Island.


    "If it were an artificial island, it would be ......"


    "What?"


    Erza, who had been silent, mutters something.


    "No, I''m just imagining. I just thought that an entity that can free ...... free magic element (ether) would be able to create an island.


    That''s true.


    "I can''t deny it."


    Jin and Goose thought about it.


    "Please be careful when you investigate the island."


    As Jin told the old man, he was aware of the existence of the that he had heard about from No. 700672.


    "If you can''t investigate without antagonizing them, I''m willing to hold off.


    The old man said in a quiet voice.


    "Then let''s recheck the topography. If we examine the quality of the rocks, we can determine if it is an artificial island or not, can''t we?"


    Jin agrees with Goose.


    "Yes, that''s right. Let''s start by examining the rocks around the perimeter."


    The Mermaid Corps is the right team for this.


    The old man instructed them to work carefully and report closely.


    Now, one of the veils of the mystery of Ars is about to be lifted.

 1248 - - 33-33 Progressive Survey

    >.


    First report.


    .


    "Well, it could be a volcanic eruption, so that still doesn''t rule out the possibility of a naturally formed island."


    <<


    "What do you mean?"


    >


    According to your explanation, the part of the rock that is out at sea is a single rock, but the part that is submerged in the sea is not.


    <


    These are the names of the rocks that Jin is familiar with.


    Granite is igneous rock that solidified deep underground, basalt is igneous rock that solidified at shallow depths or at the surface. Slate is a sedimentary rock formed by the accumulation of clay.


    Just because these rocks are found in the same place, it is very likely that they did not form naturally.


    Please check to see if there are other rocks of the same type on nearby continents."


    .


    As it turned out, it was found immediately. The coastline was basalt, a rocky hill about 3 km inland from the coast was a granite mountain, and part of the seafloor was exposed slate.


    "This makes it even more likely that it is a man-made island.


    Jin, Erza, and Goose watch the images sent by one of the mermaid squads.


    Golem and the others are quick and sure of their work.


    Not long after, Utsumi approaches.


    The wards have been set.


    Mermaid566 reports.


    "Warding... ...... is proof that there is something there..."


    "Brother Jin, if we find out what kind of wards they are, can''t we get some clues as to who made them?"


    Erza made a suggestion.


    "Yes, that''s a good idea. "Yes, that would be great.


    .


    Then they waited for 5 minutes.


    Master, I have never seen anything like this before.


    Mermaid 566 reported directly to me.


    Can you analyze it?


    Can you analyze it? ...... Yes, I think it''s a detection system.


    "...... I see."


    Wards are, so to speak, nets made of magic.


    There are several types, but < is the most used in Horai Island. In this case, depending on the size of the mesh, it can be used for solid, liquid, gas, or a combination of them.


    What we have to pay attention to here is how to realize the selective boundaries such as <> or <>.


    Since the size of molecules is larger in solids than in gases, it is relatively easy to bounce solids through a large mesh and let liquids and gases pass through, just as in a sieve.


    But how can we do the opposite, that is, allow solids to pass through but not gases?


    One answer is <><><>> is the keyword.


    Molecules of gas cannot pass through the net, but the mass of the solid can break through the net and pass through. In this case, the mesh adheres closely along the perimeter of the solid, preventing the passage of gas in the confusion. The hole through which the solid has passed is instantly repaired.


    This type of construction is common.


    On the other hand, the wards here are detection wards. It is said that if the magic net is broken, it will be detected and an alarm will be issued.


    This type of warding is suitable for narrow places such as corridors.


    "So if they force their way through, an alarm will be triggered.


    We have no idea what will happen, and neither do we want that to happen.


    "What should we do ......?


    Jin thinks of using the transporter to go to the other side of the boundary.


    "Old man, send the necessary transporter to Mermaid 566.


    Most of the magic tools are stocked with spare parts, except for one item.


    The "Mere Old Man" sends out five short-range transporters for Mermaid 566 and her colleagues. With transporters, of course.


    Master, I have received them. I will now infiltrate with the other four.


    Mermaids 566, 567, 568, 566, 567, 568, 569, and 570 moved to the other side of the detection field.


    Incidentally, I would like to add that since they could not be transferred underwater, they had to go into the air, float in the air with the <>, and then slowly dive into the water, which was a very troublesome procedure. Of course, in doing so, he was invisible. When I received the transporter, I was still at the surface of the sea.


    "So we''ve barely completed the first stage..."


    Jin said with a slightly disgusted look on his face.


    "But we have no choice. We have to be as stealthy as possible.


    "That''s the way it is, Jin."


    "Brother Jin, why don''t we have lunch while we''re at it?"


    Yes, father. We need a change of scenery.


    Goose, Elsa, Reiko. Jin got up from his seat.


    He thought about having them bring the meal to the control room, but Erza and Reiko might get angry with him, so he decided to go to the mess hall.


    After finishing his meal, he came back to the dining room and received a report from the Mermaid team.


    When he returned after finishing his meal, the report from the Mermaid team had just come in.


    There are no large fish in the inland sea. There are only small fish, shrimp and shellfish. The waves are calm and the sea grass is thriving.


    "I see. I see.


    Goose nodded.


    All the rocks inside seem to be basalt.


    "Then, the original rock ...... or <> might be a volcanic island."


    The cause of the volcano is a secondary question.


    "And the concentration of free magical element (ether) here is close to zero.


    So we''re still looking for a ...... negative singularity?


    "If so, it''s a mystery how the wards get their magic power. ......


    Jin nodded in reply to the old man''s words.


    "Take your time and search underwater. There may be traps or something hidden in the water."


    As expected, the search is not going to be finished by the end of the day.


    As night fell, Jin, Elsa, and Goose left the command center, had dinner, and retired to their rooms.


    "It bothers me."


    <, let out a few words.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Well, the long-period planets and the Antarctic survey are not progressing as well as I had hoped."


    "Don''t be in a hurry. You''re the only one who can do this, so just stay calm and composed.


    "That''s right, father."


    Reiko offered him a cup of hojicha tea and added, "I''m sure there will be a breakthrough.


    "I''m sure you will find a way out of this. So for now, please rest in peace.


    "I see. I see. ...... Thank you, Reiko, Elsa.


    Jin sipped his green tea and smiled.


    "It just occurred to me that there might be some gravitational effects if a <> comes close to us. We may need to take such countermeasures.


    "You mean a gravity control device?"


    Yes. We may need to prepare a large scale, a very large scale.


    "I see. How about mining resources from a long-period planet and sending them to us?" "Yeah, that''s another idea.


    "Yeah, that might be a good idea.


    The night went on with such conversations.

 1249 - - 33-34 SP input

    It is nighttime on Horai Island, which means it is daytime on Onogoro Island on the other side.


    The Raptors of the Sky Squadron provide support from the sky while the Mermaid Squadron surveys the undersea environment.


    The main island of Onogoro is a cone-shaped island. It is surrounded by <> shaped rocks that form a barrier wall, and is connected to the west side of the main island by a narrow isthmus.


    There are two islands in the <>-shaped opening, like gateways.


    Another small island floats on the east side of the main island as if accompanied by a small island.


    It was surprising that there were no golems or other underwater guards.


    The remaining unexplored areas are the main island and the three accompanying islands.


    <<


    The old man thought that he would place the main magi-machine on the main island and the control unit on the islets.


    .


    The old man reminded them and waited for their report.


    However, the mermaid team is not suitable for land-based investigation because of its mermaid shape. Therefore, they survey the islands from underwater, circling around them.


    Since each island is small, it takes less than an hour to go around.


    We are careful and confirm that there is nothing of interest after circling the islands three times.


    The remaining target is the main island.


    Meanwhile, the Sky team dropped down to a lower altitude and surveyed the onshore portion of the islet.


    Because of the small size of the island, there were only mosses, grasses, and a few shrubs. There is no obstacle to check from the air.


    After receiving the report, the old man instructed the staff to continue the survey of the main island.


    In this case, the Shinobi Unit would be the best suited, but as expected, they had not prepared a special super-compact mana storage device.


    <>.


    Since the reorganization of the <>, we have changed our policy of deploying them as needed, so they are no longer attached to Jin and other members of the family at all times.


    Therefore, there are members who are not available.


    <> available. Let''s leave it to them.


    After fully equipping themselves, the two bodies are sent out by the transporter.


    * * * *


    Immediately after arriving at the main island of Onogoro, Elm and Ash sensed that the free magical element (ether) that should have filled the space was almost gone.


    Of course, they have mana cylinders, so there is no problem with their activities.


    The two units begin to act according to your instructions.


    "First, check the surroundings.


    Then we will investigate the basement.


    Elm and Ash use the magic of the mana cylinder to activate <>.


    "...... is this ......?"


    "There seems to be something underground."


    The existence of a cavity was detected.


    Let''s try to find another location.


    That''s a good idea.


    The two of them try to get a general view of the island, focusing on one area at a time.


    While moving around the island, we explore the ground.


    When we had surveyed about a quarter of the island, it appeared.


    What are you doing, you live puppets with a will?


    It was a golem about 2.4 meters tall, its entire body a dull copper color. It may be made of orichalcone.


    This is an inviolable sanctuary. You must leave immediately!


    Elm and Ash keep sending you images of this golem.


    The old man instructs them to negotiate with the golem.


    "Please tell us what role this island plays," Elm asks.


    Elm asks, but Golem''s response is indifferent.


    There is no need. Leave quickly!


    Ash insists.


    "I''ll figure something out. That''s what we''re here to find out.


    He''s right. If you don''t follow my advice, you''ll be removed by force.


    At this point, the old man tells the two of them to try one thing.


    "What does this have to do with your low free magical element (ether)?"


    The copper-colored golem reacts a little differently.


    You know that much, don''t you? Yes, I do. This is a controlled island. Now leave.


    "Thanks for the info. How can I learn more?


    "Please tell me what to do, please tell me what to do."


    Elm and Ash are following the old man''s instructions.


    I told you. This is sacred ground. No one is supposed to be allowed here.


    What is your role here? A guardian?


    Do you know what it''s called? Otherwise you would not have come this far. But I will not allow you to violate my sanctuary. Get out of here.


    Why not?


    By all means.


    It seems the will of the golem remains unchanged.


    All right, I''ll leave.


    I think we should leave now.


    The old man instructed them to leave, and Elm and Ash used the transporter to transfer a short distance.


    They were transferred to a cruiser waiting near Onogoro Island.


    <


    The old man prays for both of them.


    This information was immediately reported to Jin.


    "...... so there was a guardian after all?"


    <


    The Guardian that was warned about by No. 700672. The old man had analyzed its performance and role.


    <


    When making a golem, depending on its purpose, the old man guessed that if it was for security, it would be made a little bigger than them.


    But at the same time, if it is too big, it would be inconvenient for them to act in their living space (for example, they would not be able to support themselves on the ceiling or go through doors, etc.), so it would have to be a moderate size.


    "The performance seems to be good.


    From the images sent to us, the overall balance seems to be good.


    It is not at all bulky in appearance, giving the impression of a knight in light armor.


    Also, although I could observe only a few movements, the movements are sophisticated.


    <


    The old man also gives his opinion.


    "Right."


    Although the information obtained was not much, the old man took the initiative in deciding the future course of action.

 1250 - - 33-35 Visible Policy

    "Father, if you just want to get information, why don''t you kidnap that Guardian?"


    Reiko makes a radical remark.


    Certainly, if we take the Guardian to a place that is not Onogoro Island, there would be no point in <> him, and he might be able to answer our various questions.


    "I hope it works out that way. ......"


    If you take them off the island, there is a possibility that they will stop, go out of control, or have other guardians (guardians) appear, or worse, be declared hostile.


    In addition, there is a possibility that you do not have the necessary information.


    "Yes, that''s right. ...... I didn''t think it through."


    When I explained this to Reiko, she sank into a sigh. Jin patted her head.


    "No, it''s okay. We''re trying to get various opinions and consider them.


    "Yes."


    At the old man''s comment, Jin looks at the old man with a sullen look on his face.


    "Well, I don''t know. I am sure he told me about the Guardian, but I am not sure if he knows any more details than that. ......"


    After thinking about it, Jin decided to ask if no other idea came up.


    "I wonder if you have any other ideas."


    "Convince ...... is the reason for their visit to the as they call it?��But there''s a good chance that the Guardian is not so flexible.


    < for security, it may be difficult to negotiate.


    "I guess so. ......"


    After an hour of thinking and no good ideas, Jin and Reiko decided to visit the bottom of 700672. Reiko and Jin decided to visit the bottom of No. 700672.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Welcome, Mr. Jin.


    We''ve made some progress.


    After handing over his usual souvenir, Persica juice, to , Jin got right down to business.


    He tried to describe the discovery of Onogoro Island and the events there.


    However, he said.


    "First of all, I would like to ask you about the long-period planets.


    "Uh, yes."


    Jin, at the request of 700672, explained what he had learned so far.


    "Hmmm, interesting. I have been making some observations from here, but hearing Jin-dono''s story confirms them.


    The 700672 nodded in satisfaction.


    "First of all, let me tell you something. If we pass each other on our current trajectory, there will surely be a disaster. There is a possibility of a gravity anomaly.


    "That''s why we''re taking what measures we can. The contents are available at ......."


    Jin explained that they are stockpiling food, producing medicine and energy.


    "Mm, that''s good."


    The 700672 nodded in satisfaction, then urged him on.


    "Now, tell me about the island."


    Yes.


    Yes, sir.


    "The situation is as follows: ......."


    "Hmm, so there was a guardian god after all.


    Yes. Yes. Is there any way to be recognized by the Guardian?


    At this question, the 700672 looked at me with difficulty.


    "Probably not ....... The Guardian would be inflexible. It''s not like they''re designed to make that kind of decision in the first place."


    Is there anything we can do to make them trust us?


    "That''s not going to happen either. A late-born servant like myself has no knowledge or information about them. I''m sorry I can''t help you.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin''s shoulders slump.


    "But it is still too early to give up. Besides, ......"


    What?


    "If disaster can happen on Ars, their technology for planetary modification is absolutely necessary. It''s not wrong to try to get their cooperation.


    I see.


    If they have the technology to modify the planet, then they will be able to face natural disasters, he said.


    "But from what you''ve just said, it doesn''t sound like it''s going to be a simple matter.


    "That''s right."


    Jin made a difficult face.


    "Yes, it is. ......<> inflexible, but ......"


    The 700672 seems to have had an epiphany.


    "There must be some entity that controls or directs the Guardian. If it is such an entity, we should be able to negotiate with it.


    "Ah, I see!��The only problem is, how do we find such a person?


    "That''s right. I can tell you that such beings are difficult to deal with and do not show themselves.


    If all the Guardians are gone, will they appear?


    Jin made an unusually radical comment.


    Jin-dono, what are you thinking?


    "No, I was thinking about what would happen if we let it shift, even if we don''t destroy it.


    He remembered Reiko''s comment earlier.


    "Would it self-destruct?"


    To this question, No. 700672 shook his head.


    "No, I don''t think the <> would think that way.


    Since they were originally in an environment where there were no enemies, they would not take belligerent measures.


    Hearing this, Jin was quite relieved.


    "If they are transferred and they have no more pawns, such beings will have no choice but to come out.


    No. 700672 reads Jin''s thoughts and encourages him.


    "That''s right."


    Anyway, once the Guardian is neutralized without destroying it, we may be able to negotiate with the beings beyond it.


    "If we can obtain some useful technology for countermeasures against <>..."


    "I''m not saying that, but we certainly have it."


    To counter storms and tsunamis, the 700672 assured that the technology of planetary modification possessed by the <> would be of great help. "Thank you very much.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin then confirmed some questions he had about <>''s way of thinking, and returned to Horai Island.


    * * * *


    "The elimination of the Guardian?


    "Yes, how to do it."


    When Jin returned to Horai Island, Erza had also finished the process of making recovery medicine and cure.


    "So we don''t destroy it and can put it back later?"


    "That''s what I mean."


    "Besides taking the guardian out by transferring it as brother Jin said, I think there is also a way to stop it.


    "That''s true."


    "Can we use an ether eliminator?"


    "Well, I don''t know. Since they are working on an island with almost no free magic element (ether), they must have taken some measures. ......"


    Jin said he wanted to eliminate uncertainty.


    "So, is it metastasis?"


    "Yes."


    I made a before. Jin thought of using it.


    "We need to review the energy supply system and decide where to transfer the energy.


    "The rocks surrounding the outside or the island at the entrance of the bay would be good."


    Jin looked at the map.


    Even if the island was set to self-destruct, the idea was that if the location was part of the island, it would reduce the likelihood of that happening.


    "I agree. There we can also prove that we have no hostile intentions."


    "Good."


    The transfer gun also requires free magical element (ether). Therefore, we need to modify its energy supply system.


    We also need to decide exactly where to send the transporter, so we decide to place a marker just in case.


    We prepared 10 cartridges for 100 transfers so that no matter how many markers appeared, we would have enough cartridges for 100 transfers.


    Thus, the climax of the second act of the investigation of was steadily approaching.

 1251 - - 33-36 vs. Guardian

    "Okay, let''s finalize the plan."


    Jin finished preparing the transfer gun and called up the members on Horai Island.


    They were Jin, Elsa, and Goose.


    "I heard from No. 700672 that the way of thinking of the <> is different from ours in many respects. We have to be careful about that.


    "Indeed. It is possible that what is natural to us is not natural to them. And vice versa.


    "Brother Jin, is there anything in particular we should pay attention to?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes. Let''s talk about that first. < are extremely averse to murder, perhaps because they have experienced a decline in population.


    Or it may be a moral issue, Jin adds.


    "On the other hand, they seem to have a sort of ''we are the best'' or ''electorate'' mentality.


    "Well, if they have that much technology, I guess that''s understandable.


    Here the old man gave the results of his analysis. He found it out from the way they move, the concentration of free ether around them, the materials they are made of, etc.


    <


    You still have to be on your guard, though."


    Back to the subject, and we begin to discuss the plan.


    "Anyway, there are too many uncertainties.


    Jin said. Goose also responds to this and offers his opinion.


    "We can use the transfer gun to transfer the guardians, that''s good, but how many of them will appear?


    "For the time being, we have prepared 10 guns and 100 cartridges.


    "Even if that''s enough, I don''t know what will happen after that."


    This is not really a plan at all, but a haphazard course of action.


    .


    "That''s right. ......"


    should have the technology to modify planets. Therefore, in order to prevent disasters caused by the approach of a long-period planet, we want that technology.


    At the very least, Jin wants to ask for their cooperation.


    "I guess we''ll just have to do it.


    Jin decided to give it a shot.


    He decided to write to No. 700672,


    <<


    I am sure they will help us if this planet is in danger.


    "We need to prepare evidence of the approach of <>."


    <


    The old man also gave me some advice. Perhaps the <> is reflecting the light.


    Jin and the others pool their wisdom to do the best they can with the little information they have.


    That night, they decide to go for it.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    < is at night, Horai Island is in the daytime.


    The Lando team is on its way. They are Lando 11 to 15.


    One of them has two modified transporter guns, each carrying 20 cartridges.


    As before, the five were sent out using the transporters.


    What are you doing here, you live puppets with a will?


    As before, a guardian appears.


    "This planet is in danger. I want you to listen to what I have to say."


    First, I''ll tell you why I''m here.


    No need. Leave quickly!


    As before, your response is unhelpful.


    Now, if you''ll excuse me...


    Rand 11 readied his transporter and fired.


    In an instant, the guardian vanishes.


    .


    The old man reports after checking the images sent by Sky Raptor. The first step was successful.


    "Please ...... let it work!"


    What have you done, you live puppet with a mind of its own?


    A dozen seconds later, another Guardian appears.


    "Listen to me. This planet is in danger. ......"


    Leave!


    Looks like our new guardian isn''t listening.


    Lando 11 has fired his transporter.


    Live puppet with a mind of its own, you will antagonize us!


    Live Puppets with Will, leave before they are eliminated by force!


    Now two guardians appear.


    But, as usual, they do not listen to you, so you transfer them with your transporter gun.


    Live Puppets with Will!


    Live puppet with a will!


    Two or three more guardians appear, but none of them will listen to him, so he has no choice but to use his transfer gun.


    Some of them attacked Lando to get rid of him, but as the old man analyzed, they were not his enemies and he was able to shift them by the transfer gun.


    After transferring the 32 guardians, the "Mere Old Man" and the "Dancer" were able to transfer them to the other side of the island.


    What is your purpose, live puppets with a will?


    Obviously, a golem appeared, whose appearance was different from that of the previous guardians.


    About two meters tall. Its silhouette resembles that of a human being.


    It was thought that it was probably a higher being than the Guardian.


    "All right, let Land 11 take the lead in the negotiations.


    "We are here to protect this planet, Arus. I need you to listen to me.


    I''d like to say what a joke you''ve been, but you''ve done a fine job of taking out the Guardians. Let''s hear what he has to say.


    "Thank you. Now, I''d like you to look up at the sky.


    Land 11 pointed to the zenith.


    "A little north of the zenith, near the moon, you will see a bright star."


    I can see it.


    "That star is a long period planet. It''s approaching Ars at high speed.


    If this long-period planet is Modine, then it is indeed in the information. It is a planet that orbits the sun Seran in a 1203 year and 10 month cycle.


    The Origin had information about the long-period planet, after all.


    Now comes the third stage.

 1252 - - 33-37 Helente

    is approaching. I see. That''s a big deal indeed.


    You didn''t notice?


    It''s not normally activated. I don''t come out unless it''s beyond the Guardian''s control.


    I see, Jin thought as he listened to the conversation. This time, this golem came out only because all the guardians were transferred.


    In this respect, the operation was correct.


    So, do you have any countermeasures?


    We need more information.


    Of course we need more information.


    "So, do you want to give them our information?��Or you can go to .......


    No, thanks. I''ll make my own observations.


    "Okay. Can you let me know when you''re ready to take action at ......?"


    I don''t see the need for that.


    A curt answer. But the old man will not back down.


    "All your guardians have been transferred. Since we couldn''t prevent them, I''d like you to evaluate our abilities as well."


    I see. You have a point. ......Good. Just one of them, come with me.


    This is going to be more successful than he expected, the old man instructed Land 11.


    "Then I''ll go with you."


    Lando 11 is equipped with two transfer rifles (10 cartridges remaining), a standard-issue ultra-high-speed vibrating sword, and a mana cylinder.


    The remaining operational time is also sufficient.


    * * * * *


    "...... So far, as expected, or rather, the most desirable development.


    Jin, who is monitoring the situation, is relieved for the moment.


    <


    "Let''s hope for Land 11."


    * * *


    You''d better get over here.


    "Okay. By the way, what do you want me to call you?��I prefer to be known as Land 11.


    Right. You can call me Hellente.


    "Yes, sir."


    Land 11 follows <> through the ...... virgin forest at the back of the island. Suddenly, a bright light appeared in front of them.


    "Is this the <>?"


    That''s right. There''s a doorway in the back here. You will not find it and you will not get through unless you''re with me.


    I know.


    Helente stepped into the warp gate, a structure not unlike a ...... structure in the middle of a virgin forest. Rand 11 follows.


    His vision changes and he realizes that he has moved.


    We are in the basement of the island.


    What did you say?


    He said, "The island.


    I can''t hear you. If you mean the island you''ve been on, can we call it Onogoro Island?


    It doesn''t matter. It''s just an identifying label.


    Underneath the island of Onogoro, there is a facility that is also an elaboration of magical technology.


    The cavity Elm and Ash detected the other day may be part of this facility.


    This way, come on.


    Lando 11 follows her as she is told.


    Get in!


    After walking down the corridor and opening the door to the room at the end of the corridor, she invites Rand 11 in.


    The room looked like a laboratory and a command center.


    To her surprise, about ten golems of the same type as hers were standing along the wall.


    When she noticed Rand 11 staring at them, she said, "They all look like me,


    They are all just terminals, just like me.


    "You mean ...... a tool controlled by a higher being?"


    Yes. You seem to know your stuff.


    In short, he''s like the Lao Tzu to the Lao You.


    "You mean that Helente is a puppet controlled by a higher being?"


    That''s right. That being is the brain that controls this facility.


    Nevertheless, it is clear that he is not a mere puppet by the way he speaks, including his personal name.


    "Come on, check it out."


    In order to accomplish what we came here to do, we must first make sure that HELENTE is aware of the dangers of the long-period planets.


    Okay, okay. Wait a minute.


    Herenthe operated some kind of machine or magi-machine. Then a part of the wall glowed and became a monitor.


    As she operated the machine further, outer space was projected on the screen.


    The position of the projected stars changed rapidly, but when it stopped, it showed the = .


    "How is this ...... doing?"


    The old man asked, borrowing a phrase from Rand 11, as he saw how easily the image projected out into space without any telescope-like facilities.


    The light wave is captured by using the magic wave as a carrier wave. The images are being delivered here via a virtual relay point.


    "You can do that ......?"


    Hmmm, now you understand at least the concept. Well, you seem to have a fair amount of technical knowledge.


    Parente seemed to be a little impressed.


    After that, he silently observes and seems to be doing some kind of calculation.


    Land 11 is not at liberty to speak, so he observes the work in silence while observing the interior of the room.


    The room is filled with equipment whose purpose is unknown even to Rand 11.


    It seems that more advanced magical technology is used than in the room 700672.


    In addition, the air in the room is almost 100% nitrogen.


    This seems to be to prevent deterioration of the equipment and materials.


    Hmmm, this may not be good.


    After working in silence for about 10 minutes, Mr. Herrente opened his mouth.


    Indeed, <> is on a trajectory that passes near Ars. Moreover,<>


    "Moreover?"


    Tomorrow ......, in 13 hours, it will have a near miss with the fifth planet. And when it does, it will have some effect on the fifth planet.


    What are the ramifications?


    Unfortunately, we don''t know that much. We don''t know the structure of the fifth planet, so we can''t speculate.


    Could it be a giant mass of hydrogen and helium?


    Rand 11 pulls out what Jin knows about Jupiter and says, "It''s a huge mass of hydrogen and helium, isn''t it?


    Helente could not hide her surprise at the contents. You know so much about Jupiter? Yes, we know from spectral analysis that the hydrogen and helium are present near the surface. But we don''t know the interior.


    Jupiter, too, is said to have a core, but neither its size nor composition is known.


    Either way, it will happen in about 13 hours. We will just have to wait and see. We must do everything we can to prevent the disaster that will follow.


    "......"


    * * * *


    Herente said he would not watch for another 13 hours.


    Jin saw that she seemed to have gotten to know Rand 11 a little better and decided to ask her a question to confirm her doubts.


    "Why is there so little free magical element (ether) in the southern hemisphere of Ars?


    That''s the question.


    The truth was about to be told.

 1253 - - 33-38 Truth of the Past

    Helente began to tell his story.


    Long ago, my chose this planet as his home, but to do so, he had to modify the environment.


    "I know."


    Free elemental ether concentration. It was lower than the master needed, so he tampered with the free-magic element distribution to eliminate it.


    "I still think ......"


    It''s almost exactly what we talked about with 700672.


    And gravity. Originally, this star was small and had only about half the gravity of the original star. So they compressed the cosmic dust and asteroids and packed them into the core.


    Although Herrente makes it sound so easy, it''s not that simple.


    I mean, even Jin would have a lot of difficulty. Well, it can be done.


    And one more thing. Climate.


    "...... orbit of the planet!"


    This statement was made in response to Jin''s words, who was also shouting in Horai Island.


    That''s right. Among several options, <> decided to let it take the same orbit as the home planet.


    That is a very natural choice. The same orbit as the mother star means the same distance from the sun.


    In other words, they receive the same amount of light and heat. Therefore, the climate will be similar.


    The position of the two suns is just opposite to each other across the sun Celan. This would be the most stable position.


    He says this casually, but this is not possible for Jin now.


    This is not possible for Hitoshi now, mainly because of the accuracy of the orbit calculation.


    In this respect, we can understand the technological prowess of the , or of the Helente.


    "How in the world did you move a mass the size of a planet?


    Well, do you at least understand the difficulty? All right, I''ll give you the concept.


    Herrente felt that Rand 11 could understand some of this.


    If you reduce inertial mass enough, you can make even the biggest and heaviest things move. Stars are no exception.


    In other words, the originators did what Jin is doing, which is to reduce inertia to zero.


    However, the problem is not only a technical one.


    "Theoretically, we can imagine that it could be done. But I can''t ...... imagine the magic that could be exerted on a planetary ...... scale as large as a planet."


    If you can figure it out theoretically, that''s a big deal. Scale, in other words, is effort. It''s possible, if you put in the time and effort.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin is not willing to give any more details, but he is still thankful that the mystery is being solved, and he listens attentively on Horaijima.


    "What kind of ...... brain is capable of calculating that many ...... orbits?"


    Hmm, you know how hard it is. Brains, huh? That''s the heart of this facility. I can''t tell you any more than that.


    "So you''re telling me that it''s the brain that manages this facility, that controls the Helente, that projects the images of the universe, as you just said, all of that?"


    Well, ......, yes. You really have a good grasp of things, don''t you?


    Helente looked straight at Rand 11 and said, "I think you''re getting the hang of this.


    To begin with, on the home planet where the <> was located, everything was provided by the inexhaustible energy of free magical element (ether). However, he was unable to create matter, and when he was forced to leave his home planet due to the depletion of its resources, he chose this planet, <>, as his new home.


    Helen Te recounted the past.


    * * * * * *


    "It was just as No. 700672 said, wasn''t it?"


    No. 700672 had told Jin that <>.


    <, or , were an old race and did not like to fight.


    Their creatures also inherited their ideas.


    As far as I can tell, the information I have gathered and the information I have heard from the 700672. And the inference I made from that information is almost the same.


    "But I didn''t think they had changed the orbit of Arus as well. ...... But I can see why they would want to keep the climate the same if they were going to emigrate."


    Jin took off his helmet in admiration of the technology that could actually do this.


    Then he listened again to the story of Helente.


    * * * * * *


    The was concerned about the extinction of the original species, so he did everything he could to preserve them. The archipelago''s flora and fauna.


    "You mean some species were able to withstand not only the increased gravity but also the environmental changes?��Some of the species couldn''t adapt, could they?"


    That''s clever. You''re right, I''m afraid. We estimate that about 80% of the original species of plants and animals were protected and quarantined, but only half of them survived.


    "As expected."


    The remaining species were unable to adapt to the changing environment, they withered, they fell, they perished.


    Just the islands?��What about the continents?


    The continents? We let nature take its course. We only watched over the flora and fauna of the archipelago. We couldn''t take on the whole world.


    And you know about the creatures we call demons that live here?


    Of course I do. They were originally inhabited by creatures that mutated and became fixed as a species due to the effects of gravity fluctuations and the increase in the concentration of free magical element (ether). That''s what demons are.


    "I see. It''s almost identical to our hypothesis."


    So you''ve come to the point where you can formulate a hypothesis. Very interesting.


    I sense that Helente''s tone of voice is somewhat amused.


    This is probably because she is not a hostile entity but a guardian of the planet.


    If all the guardians are eliminated, the beings beyond them will have no choice but to come out, and this is what I guessed.


    The said that he was sorry for what he had done to the inhabitants. It was their own sin.


    "So that''s what you''re aware of. ......"


    Yes. did not like conflict. He wanted us to live in peace. ......


    By the way, are you aware of an incident some 300 years ago when the concentration of free ether in the northern hemisphere plummeted?


    Yes, I''m aware of it. That was a widespread chain reaction of free magical elements (ether) turning into secondary energy.


    What is secondary energy?


    That''s the definition of secondary energy. He called the tremors of matter including sound waves as primary tremors and electromagnetic waves including light waves as secondary tremors. Waves that travel through free magical elements (ether) are called third-order tremors.


    "I see. I understand."


    The energy of the second quake is called the secondary energy. ...... so you''re saying that the free magical element (ether) has been converted into light, right?


    "It seems so. We call it the Aether Stampede.


    I see. Aptly named.


    Since then, the free ether on the planet has plummeted and still seems to be recovering.


    Of course I do.


    What is the reason?


    I can''t tell you that much.


    Apparently, they can''t tell us everything. However, it''s a big gain just to know that the reason why the concentration of free magical element (ether) is not fully recovered is because of what they are doing. So far, it hasn''t gotten out of control of Jin and the others.


    "So, can you tell us something else?��...... From the distribution of free ether on the planet, there must be a flow of free ether through the planet from the south pole to the north pole, how does it work?"


    Hmmm....you''re looking into it that much...very interesting. ...... That''s a good guess. I can tell you that. Originally, the northern hemisphere was chosen by the Master as his home, so he is increasing the concentration of free magical element (ether) there.


    "I know that, but there doesn''t seem to be anything at the bottom of the South Pole."


    You''ve done your research. But to no avail. There is no free ether that penetrates the planetary core from the South Pole to the North Pole, and there is no magi-machine on the seafloor that produces the flow of free ether. We will not set up in such an unstable and uncertain place.


    No wonder the Mermaid team sent by Jin could not find anything on the seafloor no matter how hard they searched.


    Then where is it?


    I can''t tell you that either. It''s a very important magi-machine.


    No wonder, Land 11 gave up any further pursuit of the matter.

 1254 - - 33-39 Signs of disaster

    "I see. ......"


    In the command center of Horai Island, Jin nodded repeatedly.


    "I''ve pretty much solved the mystery of the free magic element (ether) distribution."


    <<


    The old man agreed.


    "By the way, by the way, you are probably a magic brain, but your calculation ability is quite impressive.


    "That''s what I''d expect from an originator."


    <


    "I won''t know until it happens."


    * * * * *


    We have to wait for a long time. Jin has not been sitting in the command center for a long time.


    Eating, bathing, chatting with Elsa.


    Then he called all the family members and convened them.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    October 3, 3458, 1:00 p.m. Horai Island time.


    All the members of the <>, including Milowina, are gathered in the command center.


    They are staring at the images sent in synchronization with the eyes of Land 11.


    Listening is the voice that Rand 11 also heard.


    The magic screen in the control room showed a large image of a fast-approaching = .


    Pengolta''s gas cloud is distorted by the attraction of .


    "That''s really powerful," he said.


    "I didn''t expect to be able to see this image without being there."


    You must have more technology than Mr. Jin. It''s scary."


    Technology that builds a virtual telescope in space and sends images through it. < is remarkable.


    1:30 p.m.


    < and the fifth planet is rapidly closing.


    "What?


    "Nope. ......"


    2:00 PM.


    "Whoa!"


    This is ......!


    It is now clear to all that Modine is on a collision course with Pengolta.


    * * * *


    In the basement of , the exact opposite of Horai Island, <> and Rand 11 were staring at the images.


    This is not a near miss. It''s a collision.


    "How is this possible?"


    In the vastness of space, the probability of two celestial bodies colliding is close to zero. But I''d say it wasn''t exactly zero.


    "...... gravity is also a factor."


    Herenthe made a gesture as if to laugh.


    Yes, that''s right. You are right. The fifth planet attracted Modine because of its enormous gravity. And this is the result.


    On the screen, Modine and Pengolta are about to collide.


    It will not be a head-on collision, but more of a snatch-and-grab collision, but even so, the result is completely unpredictable.


    Even Herrente has to agree.


    This is a clear indication of how improbable this collision is.


    A collision between planets on a cosmic scale. It looks like slow motion to the human eye, but it is actually happening at several hundred kilometers per second.


    There seems to be a tremendous amount of lightning in the gas cloud.


    There are flashes of lightning that can be clearly seen from the outside.


    Moderne has disappeared into Pengolta''s gas cloud.


    That trajectory, if there was a nucleus, would have resulted in a glancing impact.


    Most of the impact seems to be with Pengolta''s gas cloud.


    And then Modine appears again.


    "Oh!"


    Rand 11 also gave an involuntary yelp.


    Modine''s orbit had changed diagonally ...... upward ...... from the planetary orbital plane of the Celanese solar system.


    It looks like the orbit was changed by the collision.


    And the next moment.


    "Is that ...... debris?


    Rocks of various sizes were ejected from the gas cloud.


    The smaller ones seem to have been caught in Pengolta''s gravity.


    "Hmm, the smaller pieces could be satellites.


    "But what about the larger pieces?"


    Looking at Modine as it moves away, about a quarter of it is missing and appears distorted.


    On the other hand, it is impossible to see how much of Pengolta''s core is missing due to the thick cloud of gas.


    Some of the larger pieces appear to be on a near original trajectory, maintaining most of ...... Modine''s intrinsic velocity.


    Isn''t that a pretty bad situation?


    "Isn''t that a pretty bad situation?" You''re right. With the size of that piece of debris, there''s a good chance Ars'' gravity will catch it and send it hurtling down.


    "As I thought."


    I have no idea how big the pieces are, but the number of pieces that would fly away from Pengolta''s gravity would be about 20 large ones. The medium-sized ones are about 50. The small ones are uncountable.


    Most of the small ones, however, are no more than 10 meters across. The big ones must be at least 10 kilometers across.


    If even 10% of them fell on Ars, it would be a catastrophe.


    They''re not just dust particles floating through space, they have kinetic energy of hundreds of kilometers per second.


    "What should we do?"


    It will take a couple of days to calculate and confirm how much debris will reach Arus.


    So, what''s the estimated arrival time?


    I''ve done a rough estimate, taking into account the momentum change at the time of impact, around October 15th.


    "That''s less than half a month from now. ...... In the meantime, what kind of disaster could happen?"


    Even the smallest fragment could endanger life on this planet. A few pieces could destroy life.


    There is a nuclear bomb called Tsar Bomba.


    It is the largest hydrogen bomb ever developed by the former Soviet Union, and its energy is 3300 times greater than that of the Hiroshima bomb.


    It is calculated that a fragment of a bomb with an approximate diameter of one meter has more kinetic energy than the Tsar Bomba.


    "What should we do?"


    We will have to deal with all that debris. And that''s going to be a hell of a challenge.


    What''s the plan?


    First, we''d have to get 700 million miles out into space.


    And then?


    Then we have to capture the debris.


    And then?


    We have to have a way to deal with the debris. If we don''t get all this done before October 15th, ...... this planet will be finished.

 1255 - - 33-40 Resolution

    "What should I do?


    "Jin, Jin, can we do something?


    "There''s less than half a month left!��What should we do?


    After watching the video and listening to Helente''s explanation, the women in the group, mostly women, began to panic.


    "Everybody, calm down!


    Jin shouted.


    "We have a spaceship. We can catch up with the debris. It''s just a rock. We can destroy it.


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    Jin can do something!


    "Yes... So calm down."


    The members of the Jin family have managed to calm down after Jin''s persuasion.


    "As I said, we have a way. We''re going to prepare carefully,...... and we''re going to go out in three days. So you can rest assured."


    Okay, okay.


    Jin, I''m counting on you.


    Jin-san, good luck. ......


    I''m going home for now, but if you need anything, call me, I''ll be there no matter what.


    "Onii-chan, don''t be too hard on yourself, okay?"


    "Jin, if you make Erza and Hannah cry, I won''t understand.


    Each member has his own life.


    One left, two left, and the only ones left are Jin, Erza, Milowina, Goose, and Meene.


    "...... wind."


    Jin let out a big sigh.


    "Brother Jin,......."


    Erza called out to him worriedly. Her face was paler than usual.


    "Don''t worry, Erza.


    "But ......


    "It''s like I just told you guys. It''s not impossible. It''s ...... difficult, though."


    Then Milowina called out to her.


    "Jin, I will help you in any way I can. Please let me know.


    "Jin-sama, please don''t do anything rash, okay?


    Meane was also concerned and nudged him.


    "I understand. But we have to do what we have to do first.


    "...... what are you going to do?"


    "We''ll figure out what to do about it. ...... old man!"


    "Do you know how many rocks are coming in?"


    <> "Do you know how many rocks are coming? I''ve analyzed the images from the Hellente. 1 extra-large, 21 large, 56 medium. The smallest is 15 to 200 and the smallest is 500 to 10 The smaller the size, the more difficult it is to identify.


    The smaller the object is, the more difficult it is to confirm, and the more errors there are, the better.


    <<


    "I see."


    Then we have to deal with something larger than <>.


    "Destruction is out of the question. ......"


    Jin thinks that even if we destroy it, the damage will be a little smaller if the velocity remains the same.


    "If it''s small enough, we could vaporize it."


    If they are reduced to the size of an atom, they should not cause any disasters.


    "Brother Jin, what about the transfer gun?"


    "The distance that can be transferred is too short. ......


    Jin thinks that a few kilometers at most will not be enough.


    "It takes a lot of energy to increase the transmission distance, doesn''t it?"


    "How long will it take to modify it, Jin?"


    Goose joined the conversation.


    "Well, we can do it in ......1 days. Let''s consider it. ......?��Wait a minute.


    What''s wrong, Jin?


    What''s wrong with me?


    What?"


    Jin shakes his head and says what he noticed.


    "The thing you transferred has an intrinsic speed of zero.


    "What do you mean?"


    Erza didn''t seem to understand immediately, but the old man reacted immediately.


    >


    "That''s what I mean."


    Jin then explains again.


    "Now, we have some problems, but they will be solved once the speed is reduced to zero.


    That buys us time to get to Ars. Maybe forever.


    "Yeah, sure."


    I hadn''t thought that far ahead because of the seriousness of the situation, Erza said.


    "We could make a transporter gun...... transporter< and mount it on the spaceship and shoot it."


    Even if the transfer distance was 100 meters, the intrinsic velocity of the object would be zero after the transfer.


    To be precise, the object would be stationary with respect to the space, but Jin, who is not a physicist, does not know that much.


    Anyway, all we can do is to stop the damage.


    "I guess we can go as far as <>."


    "Is <> difficult?"


    "It''s not that difficult, but it''s impossible unless you have a ...... big transporter gun ...... transporter gun.


    After all, it''s a chunk of rock that''s about a kilometer across.


    "How about we break it up first, Jin?


    "That would be more difficult. It would be more difficult to capture it because it would fly apart when it is destroyed."


    "Hmmm ......"


    are those with an approximate delivery weight of less than 1 to 10 kilograms. He said there are 21 of them.


    "Brother Jin, what does Helente say?"


    "Yes, Jin, if you are protecting this planet, don''t you have something to do with it?


    So far we had been consulting our own affairs and had not heard anything about it.


    But the old man must have heard it all through Rand 11.


    After a little hesitation, the old man started to explain.


    * * * *


    "Can''t you do something about it?


    No, I can''t.


    "Why not?"


    Because there''s no way to get to space.


    "What do you mean, ......?"


    After all the lecturing he''d done, Rand 11 barged in, as if to say, "That''s not going to happen.


    I can''t help it if you can''t. < didn''t give me the means to do this.


    "But if this planet dies, won''t all we''ve done be for nothing?"


    No, it won''t.


    How can you be so sure?


    Yes, I can.


    "Mm-hmm. ......"


    Having been told that much, Rand 11 could not pursue the matter any further.


    "Why is that?��<


    No, it won''t.


    "I suppose you won''t tell me why?"


    No.


    Wasting no time in further questioning, the old man directed Rand 11 to ask a question from a different direction.


    "Then can you offer any assistance?"


    I cannot. I have no authority to do so.


    By all means?


    By all means.


    Even if this planet is on the brink of extinction?


    Even if it is.


    And you, my master, would you be okay with that?


    I don''t say so. But he doesn''t say it''s wrong either.


    What do you mean?


    You don''t have to tell me.


    <


    The old man decided to give her a further jolt.


    "Is it not because the <> is no longer with us?"


    [Claire] Yes.


    Herrente''s voice sounded impatient. It seems that he had hit the nail on the head.


    "I see, since we no longer have a to serve, we are forced to follow our original instructions."


    [......]


    There is no answer. But the old man decided that the lack of answer was the answer.


    "Okay. Thanks for the information."


    With nothing more to gain, the old man decided to withdraw Rand 11 from the area.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "I see, thank you."


    The island of Horai was now enveloped in the cover of night.


    Jin went outside the institute. Elsa and Reiko quietly followed him.


    The sky was filled with stars.


    "It''s beautiful."


    "......"


    Jin looks up at the sky and mutters to himself.


    "Maybe I came to this world to save it from destruction.


    "Father ......"


    Reiko, who has summoned Jin, tries to say something. Jin interrupts her and says


    "No, it''s okay. Reiko. It''s just what I want to think.


    Slowly he spins his words.


    "I love this world. That''s why I have to do what I can only do."


    Jin hugged Elsa, who was standing next to him, and gently placed his hand on Reiko''s head.


    "I will protect this world ......."


    There was no more hesitation in Jin''s eyes.

 1256 - - 34-01 再始動

    , a long-period planet, collided with the fifth planet Pengolta, changed its orbit, and disappeared into the far reaches of the universe.


    However, even if the threat of the main body of the planet disappears, debris from the collision will attack Ars.


    The predicted date is October 15, 3458.


    On October 4, Jin was in Horai Island, racking his brains.


    "Hmmm, what should I do? ......"


    "Father, are you all right?��You''ve been up all night, haven''t you?��Moreover, didn''t you get a good night''s rest the night before last?"


    Reiko asks with a worried look on her face.


    "I''m fine. I used to stay up all night for about two nights.


    Jin answered with a slightly tired look on his face.


    "...... Jin, at least rest your body for a little while."


    Erza, who had also worked all night, brought him a cup of strong green tea to help him sleep.


    "Oh, thank you, Elsa.


    Feeling a little tired, Jin leaned against the back of the chair.


    "...... wind."


    But his eyes were staring off into the distance, as if he were out of his mind.


    "Father, the tea that Erza-sama took the trouble to brew is getting cold.


    "Uh, ah, ah, okay."


    Reiko warned him and he hurriedly picked up the cup of tea. He took a sip.


    "...... delicious."


    "I''m thirsty, I thought. ...... pick some up if you like."


    He also offers her a taro...... or, as the Shoro Empire would say, a as a teaside treat.


    "Yes, thank you."


    Erza had made them for him, as she knew he needed some sugar when his head was tired.


    She was acting on the assumption that Jin would never eat a proper meal at a time like this.


    He must have been hungry, because once he started to eat, he ate the takaimo one after another.


    After two more cups of tea, he finally seemed to be satisfied with his meal.


    "I guess I was hungry after all. Thank you, Elsa and Reiko.


    After thanking them, Jin started to think again.


    "Brother Jin, please tell me what the problem is.


    "What?"


    "I think it would be better to sort out the problem once."


    Jin nodded at Erza''s suggestion.


    "That may be so. In a situation like this, it might be a good idea to change our approach a little."


    Jin turned to Erza and began to explain slowly.


    "What I''m struggling with now is how to deal with the fragments that are classified as <><>."


    "Hmm, that''s good. <> is for pieces between 1 and 10 kilograms, and <> is for pieces larger than that."


    "Yes, that''s right. So I''m wondering what I should do.


    Jin takes a breath before continuing.


    "There are two main methods. Either we can make it disappear, or we can change its trajectory."


    "Each of these has its own problems?"


    Yes. That''s why I''m having a hard time.


    Jin gathered his thoughts in his head for a moment and then spoke again.


    "There are two ways to erase them, one is to turn them into plasma using a laser or something, and the other is to transfer them.


    "Hmm?"


    "Changing the orbit is still the same. Perhaps, if we change its trajectory even slightly, we can avoid a collision.


    Elsa nodded.


    "So each of them has its own problems?"


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin''s shoulders slumped.


    "First we have to transfer them. To do this, we need a huge amount of energy, because the thing is so huge. 21 <> and 1 <>. With the method at hand, it will be just in time or not in time, taking into account the time to generate mana from free magic element (ether).


    That''s a lot?


    It might take nearly a day to accumulate enough energy for one transfer.


    "......"


    It takes that much energy to transfer an object that weighs about one kilogram.


    "The method of heating the object with lasers, heat rays, fire magic, etc. to vaporize or plasmaize it is also an energy problem."


    "...... understand."


    "And changing the orbit, that''s a time issue."


    Time?


    Time? - Yeah, yeah. If you wanted to move a rock block that size, it would have to be Adriana.


    "Maybe, maybe not."


    <.


    If it takes a day for each one, we won''t make it in time. Can you do it in half a day?��The question becomes, "Can you do it in half a day?


    It is not enough to say, "We tried it and it didn''t work. You can do it in 22 pieces at ......."


    "...... I can certainly understand why Jin would be worried."


    "I mean, we have the means to do something, but we don''t have the time.


    "......"


    "The day after tomorrow is the deadline. The day after tomorrow I will fly out with and the fleet. < and as well."


    "...... I know it''s a lot of work."


    Erza was also lost in thought as he explained the situation.


    "......"


    "......"


    Jin and Erza, both of them were thinking silently,


    The old man reported.


    "Hey, Jin, Erza......, what''s going on with you two?


    "What?"


    Both Jin and Erza had dark circles under their eyes.


    "Don''t tell me you''ve been thinking of countermeasures for a long time?"


    Reinhardt, who had returned from the previous day''s meeting to find that the situation had become more serious.


    "If Jin is so worried, the situation must be more serious than I thought."


    "Well, ...... but don''t tell Bertsche, okay?��It will only make her feel uneasy."


    "I won''t tell Jin if that''s what you want, but ...... is there anything I can do?"


    "Oh, well, then listen to me."


    Jin explained again to Reinhardt what he had done to Erza.


    "<> and <> processing or ......?"


    "Yes. It''s also a race against time."


    "Why don''t you talk to the 700672?"


    Hitoshi and Erza are startled when they hear this.


    "Oh, yes. Oh, that''s a good idea. Besides, I''ll have to report this to them.


    Jin decided to go over there right away.


    "Reiko, let''s go. ...... Erza go rest. Reinhard, take care of Elsa."


    "Yes, I''m in charge."


    He knew that if he didn''t tell her, she''d stay up until Jin came home.


    "See you later."


    "Bye." "Bye."


    After Jin left, Reinhardt told Erza to get some rest.


    "Erza, rest now. If you fall ill, Jin will have even more things to worry about.


    "...... Okay, I understand. Thank you, brother Rai.


    After Reinhardt''s persuasion, Erza finally seems to be ready to rest.


    She leaves the control room and heads for her bedroom in the <>. She was worried, so Reinhardt accompanied her on the way.


    After confirming that Erza is lying down, Reinhardt returns to the control room and waits for Jin''s return.

 1257 - - 34-02 教示

    "Hmmm, I see... ......, you''ve taught me well."


    Jin met 700672 and immediately explained the facts he had discovered so far.


    "This who said he was my is probably one of my ''s compatriots, isn''t he?"


    "I see.


    "What I''m more interested in is the treatment of the fragment of <>...... or was it <>? What about the debris?


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin also explains the measures he has in mind.


    "Well, if it''s a small one, Jin-dono can handle it by himself. The problem is that it is a huge one, isn''t it?


    Yes.


    "I suggest that we change its trajectory. Not up and down, but left and right.


    What do you mean?


    As expected, Jin could not understand what 700672 was saying with his all-night head.


    "The here refers to the planetary orbital planes of the Celanese solar system. Thus, <> as well."


    "......"


    Even Jin, whose mind had been dulled by lack of sleep, could understand the hint.


    "<> would mean that the direction is away from Serang. But if we do that, there is a possibility that the gravitational pull will bring it back again."


    "That''s right."


    700672 smiled.


    "And it would be inefficient because it would be going against the gravitational force. You might as well change its trajectory to one that will plunge it into the Celan."


    "I see. ......!"


    The original orbit is a long elliptical orbit that grazes the sun. If we can get it a little closer to the sun .......


    "It should be easy to change the orbit since it is not against the gravitational force. No need for complicated calculations. Just make it go straight for Celan."


    This would require two thirds to half the work that Jin had originally planned.


    "However, it is certain that we will pass by this ars, so we should take precautions against that.


    "Yes, I agree. Thank you for your advice.


    Jin thanked him and was about to leave when No. 700672 stopped him unexpectedly.


    "Wait a minute. I''ve been thinking ...... about this being''s , and there''s a chance he''s not on this planet to begin with."


    "What?


    "It is only a guess, a possibility. It is a possibility considering what I know about my and his philosophy of conduct.


    It is said that <<, i.e. of 700672 was a very thorough individualist.


    In the worst case, it would be <, but the 700672 could not use such an expression.


    "Not originally on Ars, which means ......"


    Another planet, or outer space.


    "Yes. Perhaps they are or were staying on Hale?"


    There was a faction that opposed the migration, 700672 says.


    "So you don''t mind if this Arus is destroyed?"


    "That''s what I mean. Well, this has nothing to do with the incident. It is just for your information, Mr. Jin.


    I understand. Thank you very much."


    Jin thanked him and left the 700672 this time.


    * * * * * *


    When Jin returned, he was greeted by Reinhardt.


    "Welcome back, Jin. ......You have a glimmer of light on your face?"


    "Yes, but only barely.


    "Yeah, barely, but I''m glad. Oh yeah, Erza''s getting some rest. Jin should get some sleep.


    Yeah. I''ll just give you a few instructions first.


    Jin ordered the old man to build a large force field generator, a propulsion device to change the trajectory of the debris.


    "Yes. I''m counting on you."


    Jin then turned to Reinhardt,


    "I''ll take a little nap, if you don''t mind.


    "Okay," he said.


    "Yeah, yeah, that''s a good idea. I''ll stay in the command center until Jin wakes up.


    I''m sorry.


    Don''t worry about it. I''ll just be here. I won''t be able to give you the same instructions as Jin.


    But still... Thank you."


    After saying these words, Jin turned and walked back to his house.


    He entered the bedroom, threw himself down, and fell asleep instantly.


    Reiko gently pulled the futon over him.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    It is 3:00 p.m. Penglai Island time.


    After sleeping for about 5 hours, Elsa woke up.


    "N......?"


    She was surprised to see Jin sleeping on the futon next to her.


    She almost screamed, but she suppressed it in haste.


    "...... since when?"


    I saw his sleeping face and realized that my worries must be gone.


    Not wanting to wake Jin, I quietly slip out of the futon, open the sliding door so as not to make a sound, and step out into the hallway.


    "Ah, Reiko!


    "Miss Elsa, you''re awake. Where''s your father?


    "He''s sleeping well. I''ll let him sleep a little longer.


    I''ll let him sleep a little longer. Are you preparing dinner?


    Yes. I''ll make him whatever he wants.


    I''ll stay here until your father wakes up.


    "Yes, you do that."


    Elsa went to the kitchen and Reiko again kept watch in the hallway.


    And at 4:00 P.M..


    "Sleep well."


    Jin woke up.


    "Are you awake, father?"


    Reiko opened the sliding door.


    "Ah, Reiko. You slept well. I feel refreshed. ...... where''s Elsa?"


    Elsa-sama woke up about an hour ago and is preparing dinner.


    "I see. The time is a little after ......4. I think I''ll go take a bath at ...... and wake up."


    I''ll wash your back.


    Jin and Reiko go to the bathroom.


    Since it is a hot spring, the water is always flowing, so they can take a bath immediately.


    "Oh, this will wake me up."


    Jin stretches out in the bathtub.


    "Father, please don''t take it too hard.


    "I know. This is the last time.


    I hope that''s all right.


    Jin felt a little sorry for worrying Reiko.


    He thanked Reinhardt as well, smiled and said, "Don''t worry about it.


    * * * * * *


    "Yes, it''s delicious!


    Dinner consisted of white rice, miso soup with fried bean curd and tofu, boiled greens, grilled toroto (a fish similar to loquat trout), and stewed sweet potatoes.


    All of them were Jin''s favorite dishes.


    "Oh, it was delicious. Thank you, Elsa.


    I''m glad Jin was pleased.


    I''m sorry for worrying you. I''m sorry, Elsa.


    No, that''s okay. Brother Jin, good luck. But don''t forget that we''re with you.


    Elsa''s kindness soaked into him.


    Jin renewed his determination to do his best again tomorrow.

 1258 - - 34-03 Start!

    The next day, October 5.


    After a good night''s rest, Jin began by sorting through the information.


    "Old man, the drone that <> had landed on >......<<>, right?��What happened to it?"


    I don''t think it will be safe after the impact, but I thought it might be useful to get some last minute info.


    >


    The old man said that he did not dare to report it because the probability was somewhere around 50 percent.


    "Yes, that''s fine. Let me hear it."


    <<


    "What is it?"


    ......


    .


    "Ummm ......"


    <> collided with one of the satellites. The satellite was shattered, and the velocity of <>, added to its own orbital velocity, caused it to fly out of the gas body.


    "And that''s the debris that''s coming toward Ars this time?"


    <<


    Jin was impressed by the old man''s reasoning.


    "Then how did <> fly diagonally upward?"


    <


    "I see. ......"


    But even if this is true, it does not change what Jin is trying to do.


    <


    "No, that''s fine. Thank you."


    Jin thanked the old man.


    "Next, we need to explain the situation to the other countries.


    Now that we have a policy in place, we can do that, since we have some idea of what side effects might occur.


    "We can handle <><><<>, but we don''t know about some of the <> and >."


    There are too many.


    "What happens when that happens?"


    Perhaps we will see <> and <> even in the daytime.


    Jin recalled the night of the Leonid meteor shower in 2001.


    He was lying on a blanket in the yard with many children at a facility in the suburbs, looking up at the sky.


    The younger children fell asleep before the date and were carried to their rooms, but the older children and Jin spent the whole night looking up at the sky.


    "That was awesome. ......"


    Perhaps it would be many times the meteor shower, or even a <, that it was then.


    If that happens, we must do something to prevent people from panicking.


    That is what I want to ask the leaders of each country to do.


    "I will ask Reinhardt to explain the situation to His Majesty, and then he will inform the nations.


    Jin thought that he would leave the explanation to Reinhardt.


    There is no time to think about the details.


    After exchanging messages via manacam, Reinhardt readily agreed to the request.


    "Thank you, Reinhard. If you need any information, please consult the old man.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin then went into full operation.


    "We''re not just going to make the transfer gun bigger, we''re going to make it more efficient at using mana.


    <.


    Jin has no more hesitation, and there is no time for hesitation.


    <


    I understand.


    * * * *


    The large force field generator that I had instructed you to make the day before.


    It is the same as the propulsion system of the starship .


    <


    An engine that can fly a with a mass of about 10 million tons at an acceleration of more than 20G.


    It is 1 meter in diameter and 2 meters long. It weighs about 500 kilograms and its maximum thrust is estimated at 1 million deadweight tons.


    It has nearly 10,000 times the thrust of the modern Japanese domestic rocket, <>.


    Jin tried to calculate the thrust with what he knew.


    Let us apply Newton''s equation of motion, F=ma.


    If 100 units are installed, the thrust is 1,000,000 x 10 0 = 100 million deadweight tons.


    The force F is 100 million deadweight tons = 1 x 10 to the 11th power of weight kilograms = 9.81 x 10 to the 11th power of N (81 x 10 to the 11th power of N). 81 x 10 to the 11th power N (Newton).


    "Let''s see, how much does a piece of <> weigh ......"


    The mass m of the fragment <> can be approximated by a cube of 10 kilometers on a side, with a specific gravity of 3, 3 x 1 12 squared tons = 3 x 10 squared kilograms.


    Therefore, the acceleration a is F/m = 3.27 x 10 to the minus 4th power meters per second per second to the 4th power.


    What happens if this amount of acceleration is applied for 5 days, 120 hours = 432,000 What happens if this amount of acceleration is applied for 5 days, 120 hours = 432,000,000 seconds.


    Since the displacement y = 1/2at^2, it is about 30,000 kilometers.


    "It''s subtle. ......"


    30,000 km is much closer than the distance between the moon (UNY) and Ars, 380,000 km.


    It is hard to imagine what kind of cataclysmic event would occur if a huge mass were to snatch such a distance.


    We would like to keep the distance at least as far as the moon (UNY).


    This is also true for the debris <>.


    The effect of <> is expected to be smaller than that of <>.


    Therefore, if the mass m of <> is 1/10 of <>, we would like to install 20 units of large force field generators. I would like to install at least 20 units of large force field generators.


    However, Jin calculated that the quantity should be 300 units in total, since only 2 fragments are that large and the rest are much smaller.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The first large force field generator "Force Generator" was completed by the old man.


    "Yes, no problem."


    Jin nodded his head in satisfaction after finishing the check with Reiko.


    "For now, we need to prepare at least three hundred of these.


    .


    Jin was determined to have the old man and his team of craftsmen (smiths) do their best to produce them.


    Now, the fact that Jin had strengthened the production capacity of Horai Island without cutting any corners came to life.


    The old man and the Smith team managed to complete 300 large force field generators ��Force Generator��.

 1259 - - 34-04 Breakdown

    After giving the order for the production of the large force field generator, Jin started the next preparation.


    "All right, next is the transfer cannon.


    The transfered or shifted object has the characteristic of stopping relative to the coordinates of the exit.


    We are going to use this to render the debris harmless.


    The most important issue now is the speed of the object, i.e., the time it takes to approach Ars, so if it stops, we will be able to process it slowly.


    However, it is unfortunate that we cannot process all the debris in the same way, because the difficulty increases rapidly if the mass of the target is too large.


    The transporter cannon can be mounted on 10 reconnaissance spacecraft of 10 meters in diameter, or on <>.


    The reconnaissance spaceships are manned by 1 to 100 <> of 40 centimeters in height. They will be in charge of dealing with <>.


    Even though they are classified as <>, they are rocky masses weighing several to several dozen tons, so they will require a large amount of mana to be transferred.


    Although it is a <, it does not fire actual bullets, but there is something that looks like a cannon muzzle in order to fire so-called < toward the target object.


    Two 30-centimeter caliber cannon are mounted on each reconnaissance spacecraft, and 20 one-meter caliber cannon are mounted on the Adriana.


    All the craftsmen (smiths) are working on the large force-field generators, and this work will be done by other personnel.


    However, the <<> crew members could also use engineering magic, though not as well as the craftsmen (Smith), so the work progressed reasonably well.


    They managed to finish the outfitting by midnight.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Okay, we''ll leave tomorrow morning as planned.


    It is preferable to do the work in space as far away from Ars as possible.


    And to do that, we should leave as early as possible.


    "Please, old man."


    Father, please get some rest.


    "Yes, I will."


    Satisfied, Jin went to his house to rest his tired body.


    When he opened the sliding door of his bedroom, the light was still on and Erza was awake.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Brother Jin.


    Erza greeted Jin as she sat on the futon.


    "Erza, you haven''t slept yet, have you?


    "No. I was worried that Jin might be overworked. ......I couldn''t help him this time, so this is the least I can do for him."


    Jin patted Erza on the head and smiled.


    "Don''t worry. The preparations are done. The old man is making a final check now. All we have to do now is sleep until morning.


    "Well, that''s good."


    Seeing Jin''s smile, Elsa let out a small sigh of relief.


    "Well, you should get some rest now."


    "Yes, I will."


    Jin changed into his nightgown and lay down on the futon.


    Tiredness overtook him at once.


    When Erza turned off the light and looked at Jin, he was already sleeping.


    "Brother Jin, good night," she whispered in a small voice.


    She whispered in a small voice, and Erza also lay down and closed her eyes.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    6:00 a.m., October 6.


    Jin is in the command center of the institute, having a meeting with the old man.


    "How are the preparations going, Mr. Old Man?"


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    There is no need to launch it from the surface.


    All ten of our scout ships are already aboard .


    We also have a warehouse full of spare, or rather, auxiliary .


    <


    <


    "All right, let''s get started!"


    <>


    The countdown begins.


    <<7......6......5......4......>>


    Jin''s face is tense. Once this starts, there is little more he can do.


    <<3......2......1...... 0!


    The huge body of , which was visible in the magic screen, has disappeared.


    "Fu."


    Jin realizes that the mission has finally begun.


    Jin, thank you for your hard work.


    Erza gives Jin a warm welcome.


    "Yeah, it''s finally happening. But the hard part is just beginning.


    Jin looked up at the ceiling. He imagines the blackness of space that lies beyond.


    "About three-fifths...... of this is based on the distance in a straight line between where the debris is now and Ars, and that''s where we''re going to flip it. Otherwise, you can''t synchronize the velocity with the debris swarm."


    In order to properly handle the debris swarm, they need to be traveling side by side at the same speed.


    Otherwise, they would pass each other in an instant. A speed of a few hundred kilometers per second is a lot.


    "If we could synchronize our speeds faster and further away, it would reduce the risk to Ars."


    is flying at maximum power, her speed is 350 km per second. Anything more is too dangerous.


    The speed of the debris near Arus is estimated at 250 km/sec.


    But this is because it is being pulled by the sun Celan and is accelerating, and by the time <> synchronizes with it, it will still be going less than 200 km per second.


    "I think the day after tomorrow it will catch up with the debris and synchronize its speed."


    "Until then, ......"


    "I guess there''s nothing more we can do."


    Taking a deep breath, Jin leaned back in his command chair.


    "When the time comes, I''ll use the doppelg?nger I''ve got on board to give you instructions."


    Erza nodded in reply.


    "Then, rest a little."


    "What?"


    "Brother Jin, you''re pushing yourself too hard. You should take care of yourself a little.


    Seeing the sad look on Erza''s face, it was hard to simply say that she was fine, so Jin nodded silently.


    "I know that only my brother Jin can do that. That''s why you have to take care of yourself.


    From her words and expression, it was clear that Erza was deeply concerned about Jin.


    Jin gently took Elsa''s hand.


    "Thank you. I will."


    Holding her hand, he stood up.


    "First, let''s finish breakfast.


    "Hmm, Peridot3 is making breakfast this morning, I think."


    I wonder what''s on the menu.


    I''m looking forward to it.


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    Jin and Erza walk to the cafeteria hand in hand.


    The warmth of their hands on each other''s is the most loving feeling.


    Erza wished. No matter what awaits them in the future, at least for this moment, she wishes for the same moment as usual.

 1260 - - 34-05 The busy village of Kaina

    The Kingdom of Klein is located at a high latitude within the continent, and although it has many cold areas and the yield is slightly lower, spring wheat is often grown in the area, sown in spring and harvested in fall.


    The village of Kaina, which was once part of the region and is now part of Jin''s territory, was no exception, and was busy harvesting spring wheat.


    "Let''s harvest while the weather lasts!


    "Let''s reap what we can while the weather lasts!" "After you''ve reaped, keep drying it!


    You, leave this to me!


    "Oh, please. I''ll start the reaping on the other side.


    Under the clear autumn sky, all the villagers were reaping in unison.


    "But this sickle is very sharp, isn''t it?


    "I probably haven''t sharpened it once in the past two years.


    Jin is using a sickle coated with adamantite.


    "You, chop some wood for me!"


    "Oh, sure!"


    The machete, which splits the firewood with a scorching sound, also has an adamantite blade.


    "Dad, I''ll carry the cut wheat away."


    "Oh, don''t turn it over."


    The hand-pushed wheelbarrow, known as a "cat wheel," pushed by a child helping him, was also made by Jin.


    * * * * * *


    "......Wow,......we''ve come at a terrible time,......"


    Jin was invited by Erza to come to the village of Kaina for a change of scenery, but what he saw before his eyes was the entire village working together.


    "This reminds me of two years ago. ......"


    "Brother Jin?"


    Erza, I''m going to go help out. Reiko, let''s go!


    Yes, Father.


    Jin...


    Sorry, Elsa, I''ll do whatever you want today!


    Jin thought there was no way he could let Erza, who had never harvested wheat before, help him, so he went to help her alone (though with Reiko in tow).


    Looking at Jin''s shrinking back, Elsa let out a wry smile, as if to say, "You''re such a good-for-nothing person, aren''t you?


    "Hey!��I''m here to help you!


    "Oh, Jin!


    Jin-chan!"


    The year before last, Jin had spent nearly eight months in the village of Kaina, and of course he had experienced the harvest.


    Jin, I''ve never heard of an estate that requires the lord''s help.


    Giebeck, the village head, said to Jin in disgust.


    "Why can''t you have at least one person? What do you want me to do?


    "Well, then, go to Martha''s," he said.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin went to Martha''s house as the village head told him.


    "Oh, Onii-chan!"


    On the way, he met Hannah, who was pushing an empty cat-cart.


    "Hannah, I''m here to help you."


    "Really?��Then come with me!"


    "Okay, I''m coming."


    I followed Hannah and found a pile of wheat that had already been harvested.


    "I''m going to take this to the square."


    "Okay, I''ll do my best. Reiko, help me.


    "Yes, Father."


    Hitoshi loads the wheat onto the spare cat-cart. Hannah did the same. But Reiko...


    Reiko is using a force field generator to lift the pile of wheat.


    "Wow, that''s amazing!"


    Hannah rolls her eyes.


    "Well, let''s go."


    "Yes, this way!"


    Hannah leads the way, carrying the wheat. On the way, some villagers were a bit surprised to see Reiko''s wheat clumps floating above their heads, but when they saw Jin''s face and confirmed that Reiko was carrying the wheat, they muttered <> and went back to their work.


    The drying of the wheat must begin immediately after the harvest because the quality of the wheat will deteriorate if it is left to dry for a long time after harvest.


    Unlike rice, the wheat brought to the central square of the village is first threshed.


    "Ah, Jin-chan!"


    The threshing was mainly done by children.


    Some picked them off by hand, some with two sticks, some by slamming the whole bundle down on a stump.


    "Oh, I guess they''re harvesting about three times more than when I was there."


    With good quality farming tools, improved health, better soil, golem horses, and the support of Gon and Gen, the production of wheat and barley in the village of Kaina has tripled in the last two years.


    Manual labor as usual is no longer enough to keep up.


    "We don''t have time to make tools ...... Reiko, call the five-colored golem maids."


    "Yes, Father."


    As soon as Jin requested, the five colored golem maids, each number five, arrived.


    "Master, I''m here."


    "Wow, Jin-chan, the maids are helping you?"


    The mischievous Kurt rolled his eyes.


    "That''s right. We''ve got a bumper crop this year, so we''ll have to make it in time."


    The children are not too surprised to see the golem maid at Nido Castle. That''s good for Jin.


    "Thank you for your hard work. Thresh this wheat. Don''t mix wheat and barley, okay?"


    "Yes, sir."


    The golem maids began to work quickly.


    The speed of their work was so fast that the mountain of wheat was threshed in the blink of an eye.


    "Brother Jin, is there anything I can do to help?


    Then Erza came in.


    "Oh, Erza," she said.


    No, I''m Jin-san''s housekeeper now.


    "Oh, I see!"


    It seems that for some children, Erza has a strong image of a teacher who taught them how to study.


    "Please, let me help you. Let me help you with something."


    Elsa doesn''t like the idea of just watching. She wants to help in some way, even if she has never done it before.


    "Oh, well... ...... then use your engineering magic to dry out the threshed wheat."


    "Yes, okay. ......<"


    Jin looked at the drying wheat, and thought that he would build a dryer in the near future.


    All the piles of wheat are threshed and dried.


    "All right, everyone go and help with the reaping.


    Jin instructed the five-colored golem maids again.


    They thought that since the 101s of the same model were in Nido Castle, they would be accepted by the other villagers.


    And just as they had planned, the five-colored golem maids began to join the villagers in harvesting the wheat.


    "That''s it!"


    Jin let out a laugh as he carried the threshed wheat to the milling place with the cat-cart.


    "Jin, you have a good face.


    And seeing Jin''s smile, Erza also smiled with relief.

 1261 - - 34-06 Under the Autumn Sky

    "Oh, that''s Jin''s maid."


    "She''s even more skillful than I am."


    These women are involved in the harvesting of wheat and rice on Horai Island as well. Naturally, their manners were refined.


    "You''re holding your hands still!


    "Oh, yeah. I can''t lose!"


    No matter how inhuman the work of the golem maids was, and no matter how much they showed it, there was not a single person in the village of Kaina who felt foolish for doing their job.


    Everyone loved their work and took pride in their labor.


    "Lerna, come here a minute."


    Yes, kun��?


    "Look..."


    "Oh ...... is that Jin-sama''s golem?"


    The girls from the village of Rario, who had once been sold into slavery in the Kingdom of Celuloa, had become quite at home in the village of Kaina.


    They are harvesting wheat.


    "Hey, Kana!"


    "Rick, what''s wrong?��You can''t be late."


    Kana greets her boyfriend with a questioning look as he comes running up to her, breathless.


    "I''m not skipping work. Jin is here right now, and he''s helping me by sending out a maid golem. So we''re making a lot of progress.


    "Oh, I knew it. I thought I saw you earlier."


    "Yeah. So, at this rate, we should be able to finish reaping and threshing today. That''s why we''re short on manpower for the milling."


    "What?��What about drying?


    "Yeah, Elsa''s doing her magic on the drying.


    So, everything''s possible in this village.


    You don''t like it?


    Of course not. It''s Rick''s village.


    "Yes, yes, I know you two get along. ...... Well, Rick, so we''ll just go to the mill?


    Sonia, the leader of the group, asked.


    "Yeah, that''s right. We''ll stop at the end of the day and you can come to the mill.


    "Okay. I''ll finish this section and then I''ll go.


    Okay.


    Rick ran off again.


    Sonia stood up tall and shouted cheerfully, "Come on, let''s go.


    "Okay, then, let''s finish this section quickly!"


    "Yes!"


    The girls'' voices echoed through the barley field, no less energetic than the others.


    * * * * * *


    "The mill seems to be working properly. ......"


    Jin and Reiko had come to the mill.


    This was a handmade facility that Jin had built by himself before he returned to Horai Island.


    Last year, he had modified it to improve its efficiency.


    "Oh Jin, you''re here.


    Martha appeared.


    "Yes, just for today, but I came to help you since you seem to be busy.


    "I see. I''m glad to hear that.


    Martha must have known what Jin was going through at the moment, but she seemed to sense it and did not say anything.


    "Jin-sama!"


    Then the girls from Lalio village came running in.


    "Hey, everyone. You look well.


    "Yes!��Thanks to you!


    The most cheerful voice is Seema''s. Brown hair, brown eyes. Rumor has it that she is good friends with Jeff.


    "Well then, listen to Martha''s explanation and help her out.


    "Yes, sir!"


    "Yes, yes, that would be great. Listen, first we have to sort the wheat by using this feature called to remove sand and other debris. Then we go to ......."


    Jin headed for Nido Castle, knowing that Martha would take care of the rest.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Get some rice balls and lots of tea!


    "Yes, master."


    Jin entered Nido Castle and ordered to prepare lunch for the villagers.


    The time was 11:00 a.m.


    Nido Castle rings bells in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, so Jin guessed that lunch would be served at the noon bell.


    "That''s how it was when I was there."


    Jin knew from experience that the ladies would be able to prepare only a simple meal since all the workers were working together.


    So he had the old man cook a lot of rice for them in advance.


    All the five colored golem maids working at Nido Castle were there, so by half past eleven, there were more than enough rice balls and the tea was ready.


    "All right, each of you bring them in."


    "Okay, each of you bring it in." "Yes, sir."


    Butlers B and C carrying a huge warming barrel of tea and holding paper cups in their hands.


    The five colored golem maids are holding large baskets of rice balls in their hands.


    "Come on, let''s go!"


    Reiko holds a huge basket of hand towels in both hands. Jin, too, had a reasonably sized one.


    "Mr. Mayor, I''ve come to bring you some lunch."


    "Oh Jin, thank you very much.


    Here''s a hand towel. I thought you could clean your hands before you eat.


    "Oh, that''s great. I''ve just recently gotten into the habit of washing my hands before eating.


    "Oh, Dr. Sallee, it''s been a long time."


    Sally, the healer who became Gibec''s wife, had been helping with the harvest a while ago and had straw dust in her hair.


    "Brother Jin!"


    Just in time, Erza also arrived.


    "Erza, thank you for your hard work. Aren''t you tired?


    "No, I''m fine. ...... sir, it''s been a while.


    "Hi, Elsa, glad to see you''re doing well."


    At that moment, the bell rang to signal noon.


    Everyone stopped working and came back from the fields and the square one by one.


    "Hey everyone, Jin brought us some goodies. Eat as much as you can!


    Giebeck loudly announces to the villagers.


    "Someone tell the people who are not here. "Tell anyone who isn''t here that we brought you some gin!


    I''ll get it!


    I''ll go with you."


    And so all the villagers ate the rice balls that Jin had brought, drank tea, and took a leisurely lunch break.


    The blue autumn sky over the village of Kaina was clear.


    Jin forgot his worries and enjoyed his time in Kayna to his heart''s content.

 1262 - - 34-07 Mission Start

    "Oh, I''m so tired."


    Although he had not worked as hard as the villagers, Jin still felt pleasantly tired after a full day of physical exertion.


    "Jin, thank you for your hard work. Thank you very much.


    "I don''t think you can come tomorrow.


    "No, no, I''m almost done for the day. I''d be punished if I let you help the lord any longer.


    "Thank you, mister!"


    Jin, have a good night. Thank you, Erza-chan.


    The villagers see Jin, Erza, Reiko, and the others off to Nido Castle. From there, they returned to Horai Island via a warp gate.


    "Wow, this feels so good!


    Bathing after a hard day''s work is a special experience. Jin stretched his arms and legs in the bathtub.


    "My muscles might be sore tomorrow. ......"


    It''s a weakness of being back in the flesh, but it''s also a comfort. Jin smiled with satisfaction.


    And that night, he slept soundly without dreaming.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    October 7th. As expected, Jin has a pleasant morning, though he suffers from muscle aches all over his body.


    Elsa, his neighbor, also had a little pain in her shoulders and legs. It was a reaction to all the help she had given him.


    The couple moves their sore muscles slowly and comfortably, and have breakfast.


    "Brother Jin, what are you going to do today?��We won''t get close to the debris until tomorrow, right?


    Jin asked the old man in response to Erza''s question.


    "What about that, Mr. Jin?"


    "Right!"


    The sooner we start dealing with it, the better.


    Keep going. Any more news?"


    <


    "Okay."


    The critical moment is only about half a day away. Jin pulled himself together.


    Neither Jin nor Erza seemed to be able to get anything done that day.


    They wandered around the laboratory and tried to make healing potions endlessly.


    They tried to take a nap, thinking of the possibility of an all-nighter ahead, but they never got sleepy, so they gave up.


    Time passes slowly and frustratingly for Jin and Erza, and finally the time has come.


    >.


    "I see!��<>, slow down as planned!"


    <>


    <


    If she were flying at 400 kilometers per second, she could come to a standstill in a little over 33 minutes.


    And now we go in the opposite direction. This time, the speed will be in sync with the speed of the rock mass, which is at most 250 kilometers per second, which means 21 minutes or so.


    We''ll be ready to go in an hour.


    Jin then plans to take command on site using the doppelganger that has been preloaded onto <>.


    This is the critical moment.


    * * * * *


    In space, a spaceship < with a diameter of 300 meters is slowing down using all of its capabilities.


    The tremendous acceleration of 20G......196 meters per second per second is only possible because of the force field generator The force field generator is the only thing that can achieve such a tremendous acceleration.


    And while they are decelerating, they pass by a piece of . So far, so planned.


    After stopping at 33 minutes, the turns 180 degrees and begins to accelerate, this time in the direction from which it came.


    The target of the chase is a piece of the <.


    In order to avoid any accidental contact with the tiny pieces of debris, the ship has adopted a trajectory perpendicular to the direction of travel, at a distance of more than 100 kilometers.


    * * * * * *


    "This is it."


    In the command center of Horai Island, a tense-looking Jin is sitting in the pilot''s seat of the <>.


    "Okay, doppelganger, activate."


    * * * * * *


    Jin D, Jin''s <>, opens his eyes. The location is the central bridge of the <.


    <


    <


    "Great Sage, how are things going?"


    <


    "All right, then launch all ten of the scout ships onboard."


    <


    This time the time passes in a blink of an eye.


    <


    "Good."


    , all 10 meters in diameter. meters in diameter, named <>.


    "Process the <><> as planned."


    "Yes, please."


    Jin D. and begin to deal with the large and extra-large ones.


    The gold-colored Space Force golem, <> and its crew members work in teams to install the large force field generator, <>.


    The largest of the <> units has 25 force generators. The number is reduced according to the size and estimated mass, and five units are installed in the smallest of the <> units.


    Now, we should be able to move the <>.


    However, Jin notices an unexpected oversight here.


    "It''s spinning, you say ......?"


    Yes, the debris was slowly rotating on its own axis.


    "I should have thought of that ......!


    This means that we can''t determine which way the thrust of the large force field generator will be directed, so we can''t determine how much the effect will increase.


    "We''ll have to do something about this. ......"


    Jin, who was piloting Jin D, desperately thought of a way out.


    "Right!�� If we attach one at a time and let them control it ......!"


    He used several large force field generators for attitude control, and once they were stable, he would use them for orbit change as well. This would be a good idea, Jin thought.


    Jin is relieved when he comes up with a solution.


    "All right, let''s start with the first."


    Since the <> is so huge, Jin thinks of using all the remaining large force field generator "Force Generator" after treating the <>.


    approaches the nearest rock mass classified as <>.


    She does not force herself to land. She uses her onboard force field generator to lock onto a relative position.


    .


    < gives a status report on the situation.


    The large force field generator ��Force Generator�� weighs 350 kilograms under 1G, but it can be easily carried in space where it is almost weightless.


    <<>They have the same amount of power as Sky Squad and Marine Squad, so even at 1G, they can be carried by a single unit.


    <


    It took about an hour to move the 25 units out and set them up.


    "Okay, then, I''m sorry, but the Cosmos 500 will stay there and adjust its trajectory to run into Serang.


    And so the mission began.

 1263 - - 34-08 Measures in progress

    "...... amazing."


    The command center on Horai Island is receiving images from <>.


    Now, in front of Erza''s eyes, she can see the debris <> disappearing one after another.


    All of them are being shifted backward by the transporter cannon of the reconnaissance spacecraft.


    The debris, which had been shifted, lost its intrinsic velocity, though I do not know how it works, and came to be < in the space where it appeared, or rather, at the coordinates specified by the spacecraft.


    In this case, since the coordinates are those of the Celanese solar system, the debris will be virtually stationary in its orbit.


    Observations indicate that it has definitely lost its original velocity, which we will be able to deal with slowly later.


    One by one, the process proceeded smoothly.


    First, the treatment of the <> 56 pieces was completed.


    <>.


    The number of fragments classified as <> is 187 so far.


    If we assume that it takes 5 minutes for each piece to be captured, sighted, and transferred, it will take about an hour and a half for 10 vessels to process them.


    For that long, Erza stared at the screen without moving her body.


    * * * *


    Jin''s body is in the command center of Horai Island, but his consciousness is with , Jin D on .


    "Okay, things are going well."


    The pieces < and are being processed smoothly. They are almost all collected in one place, and Jin hopes to use them as resources when he has time.


    And then there are the pieces of debris <.


    There are various kinds of <>, the largest weighing nearly 10 kilograms and the smallest about 1 kilogram. For the larger pieces, 25 units are installed, and for the smaller ones, large force field generators ��force generators�� are installed according to their size.


    "I''m glad we have plenty of time to do this. ......"


    The installation of the <> is going well, but there is a problem with its operation.


    Since the debris was spinning on its own axis, the direction of movement was not constant.


    This is being addressed by deploying one Space Force Golem <> to each of the debris and activating a large force field generator ��Force Generator�� for attitude control.


    It may take a little longer than originally planned, but we can afford it.


    How is it working out for you?"


    Jin D. asked the brain of , the <.


    <


    In other words, it takes 20 hours to stop the rotation using the large force field generator. After that, decided that everything would go as planned.


    "...... But it looks like we''ll still manage to get it done in time. The problem is the ."


    The problem is that it is a huge piece, with a maximum length of 15 kilometers. Even the thinnest piece is 9 kilograms. It is spinning slowly as it aims for Ars.


    "Yes, that might be the fastest way after all. The sooner, the better."


    Jin told himself that there was no use in being hasty now.


    "Oh, yes!��<, we can make up for some of the delay, can''t we?"


    <


    Jin feels a little better now.


    "How is the debris <> being handled?"


    "That''s about right. Okay, keep going."


    <


    Fifty-eight minutes later, the large force field generators had been installed on all the debris.


    "Okay. Are the in each fragment properly managing and controlling the large force field generators?


    If we can get out of the trajectory towards Ars, we''re good to go. If possible, it would be even better if they were on a trajectory to enter the sun Celan.


    "Now it''s time to deal with the debris.


    <


    <


    "Okay."


    After 15 minutes of observation, the approximate direction of rotation is determined.


    In order to generate a propulsive force in the direction to offset the rotation, we decided to install 20 of the remaining 105 large force field generators ��Force Generator��.


    Once the rotation stops, they will be used again for propulsion.


    "I''m glad I prepared 500 <> ......."


    Jin was relieved inside. If he had prepared only 100 or so, he would have been forced to operate 300 large force field generators, which would have required the personnel of <> to be replaced. Adriana would have been left without personnel.


    The <> team gets to work.


    Jin, who is piloting Jin D, is getting a little tired.


    "I''m going to take a nap. and , please cooperate with us and get on with the work.


    .


    >.


    So, Jin decided to take a nap in the command center of Horai Island. The command center is air-conditioned, so he will not catch a cold.


    "Brother Jin, I prepared a sofa bed for you.


    "Oh, that''s great, thank you."


    Elsa and Reiko, who had been thinking of something to do for Jin, cooperated and the sofa bed, which had been made in a rush, was ready in time.


    Then, around the time the date changed.


    "Ah, I feel so refreshed."


    After taking a three-hour nap, Jin woke up refreshed.


    He looked over and found Elsa sleeping on the sofa right next to him.


    ��Thank you, Elsa.)


    Jin used Reiko''s < to carry him to the sofa bed where he had been sleeping so as not to wake up Erza.


    "That''s it. Next is ......."


    Jin returned to the cockpit of his <>.


    The <> begins to report to Jin D., who has returned to the bridge of the <>.


    <>.


    "I see. ......20 units are not enough?"


    <<


    "I see. ......"


    When you push an object floating in space, unless you apply a force along a straight line through the center of gravity, a force called a moment is generated and the object begins to rotate.


    "Okay, let''s add 10 more units."


    .


    The installation of the large force field generator, "Force Generator," seemed to have taken a bit of a backseat, since it could not be done without Jin''s instruction.


    However, there is still time to spare.


    "Second wave?"


    <>


    How big are they, what''s their trajectory and speed?


    <


    "Then we''ll have to wait and see ...... No, we''ll use the same transporter cannon to deal with it when we can afford a <>."


    It might not cause unimaginable contingencies, Jin thought.


    he thought.


    Now, the immediate problem was to get the pieces < and .


    Whether things would turn out as Jin had planned or not remained to be seen.


    That remained to be seen.

 1264 - - 34-09 Busy and quiet

    "Fu ......"


    In the command center of Horai Island, Jin stood up from the pilot''s seat of his "doppelganger".


    It is already morning outside.


    Erza, who was supposed to be taking a nap, is nowhere to be seen.


    "Father, it is already 6:30 in the morning.


    Reiko told Jin the time.


    "Oh, it''s that time already..."


    I''m sure Elsa-sama is preparing breakfast.


    "Speaking of which, I''m starving. ......"


    Jin stood up and stretched,


    "I''ll leave you alone for a minute. You take care of the rest. Let me know if you need anything."


    <


    He left the control room and headed for home.


    "Ah, Brother Jin!"


    In the kitchen, Erza is preparing breakfast.


    "Why don''t you go take a bath, it''ll take a while?"


    "Yes, I''ll do that."


    Jin loves taking a bath in the morning.


    The Nidou family''s bath is a hot spring, so he can take it anytime.


    "I''m so tired."


    Jin stretches his arms and legs in the bathtub and turns his head.


    "Father, I guess that''s all over for now, isn''t it?


    Reiko, who was waiting to wash Jin''s back, asked.


    "Yes, I think so. We won''t know how effective this treatment will be until a little while longer.


    "Even so, those people on Onogoro Island are very strange, aren''t they?"


    "Yes, they are. ...... But that long-range telescope was informative. Can''t I build one too? I''ll try later.


    I have only heard of the principle of sending light waves using magic waves as a carrier wave.


    As for Jin, I know the principle of radio, i.e., transmitting sound waves using radio waves as carrier waves, from my school lessons.


    I wonder if it is possible to do the same with light.


    I thought I would give it a try in my free time.


    "Oh, miso soup tastes good.


    "Good."


    It was miso soup with fried bean curd, Jin''s favorite.


    Dried plums, pickled vegetables, grilled fish. It was a standard breakfast.


    "I''m feeling calmer now," he said.


    Jin let out a small breath as he drank some hojicha (Japanese green tea) after his meal.


    "What are you going to do today?"


    We''ll have to wait and see for a day or so before we can do anything about it," he said. So I''m going to start working on the other side.


    "Another side?"


    Jin explains to Erza. Jin explains to Elsa about the telephoto device that will allow them to see far into the distance without leaving the house.


    "Surely, <> ......?��said such a thing, but can it be ...... done?"


    Even Jin can''t complete something completely new in a short period of time, not even for a day. Elsa was concerned.


    "At any rate, I have a vague idea of the principle of ....... I''ll give it some thought. If we can complete it, it would be a very effective device.


    Then I''ll help you.


    Father, I''ll help you, too.


    Thank you.


    I''ll take care of it.


    And then, at the end of the morning.


    "...... seems to be a little too much for me.


    It was impossible even for Jin to develop it in such a short period of time.


    "Even if we try any harder, we won''t be able to do it by the end of the day. Then let''s just give up.


    "Too bad."


    I''m sorry, father.


    "Well, you know... but we don''t have much time to prepare.


    But that doesn''t mean I give up, Jin said, and stopped the work.


    "Shall we have lunch?"


    "Yes."


    Since Jin, Erza, and Reiko had their hands full, Soleil and Luna were preparing lunch for the day.


    "Oh, three-color buckwheat noodles."


    Soba water is also available.


    The three colors of Horaijima soba are << Sarashina>><><>.


    When buckwheat seeds are ground on a millstone, the first flour that comes out is white and has an elegant aroma, and the soba made from this first flour is called Sarashina. It is a name only for Horai Island, based on Jin''s hazy memory.


    The buckwheat with the outermost husk removed and the sweet peel attached is called Hikigurumi-gurumi in Horai-jima. If the hulls are ground together, the buckwheat is too dry.


    Chasoba is a type of Sarashina-based buckwheat noodle mixed with powdered green tea. You can enjoy the subtle aroma of tea.


    In addition, there are wasabi, nori, and green onion, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors.


    "Yes, it''s delicious."


    "Yes, it''s delicious. I like ground soba."


    Jin, who loves buckwheat, could not say which one was the best, but he thought the ground buckwheat was the one with the best buckwheat flavor and aroma.


    After finishing his buckwheat, he drank soba soup mixed with soba-yu (buckwheat water) and finished with soba tea.


    "Well, I enjoyed it. Thanks for the food.


    "Thanks for the food."


    Erza seems to be satisfied, too.


    Now, the old man said to her, "Well....


    "Well, I checked with the old man and things haven''t moved yet. He said there is still about seven hours to go.


    "Well, what are you going to do?��Should we continue with the telephoto equipment?


    No, I think I''ll do something else.


    What are you going to do?


    "Strengthening the air defense system."


    Jin was thinking of taking countermeasures in case some of the debris got close to Ars.


    "It''s too small, we may not be able to handle all of it, but I hope we can reduce it."


    If it burns up in the atmosphere, fine, but some of it might reach the surface. We wanted to avoid that.


    "Specifically?"


    "Attach the transporter cannon to the <>. Then we''ll add five to ten more 10-meter class starships to be on the lookout."


    "...... Okay. I''ll help.


    Thank you. But take it easy. The old man will take care of everything."


    All of them are things we have made before, and Jin can tell us how to install them on the watcher.


    Or rather, he has already given instructions.


    What about you, Brother Jin?


    "I''m going to upgrade the old man''s functions."


    <


    Jin was thinking of making it a superior magic brain.


    And this will eventually save Jin.

 1265 - - 34-10 Non-attribute

    "How do you mean, ''make you better than you are now''?"


    It seems to Elsa that he has been improved in almost every conceivable way.


    "That''s right. If anything else can be done, it would be to increase the clock speed and enhance the peripherals.


    Jin explains with an analogy of a personal computer. However, Jin is not that familiar with personal computers.


    Clocking up was a common practice during the development of personal computers.


    In digital processing, one measure of performance was the number of operations a central processing unit (CPU) could perform in one second.


    Newer models were all claiming to have a higher clock speed.


    The rest was an increase in the capacity of the internal hard disk and an upgrade of the OS.


    These are the only performance improvements of personal computers that Hitoshi knows of.


    In magical engineering, the attribute of the control core determines the clock frequency.


    Increasing it means that more projects can be considered per unit of time.


    Jin used selected magic crystals (magi crystals), but natural ones inevitably contain impurities.


    So Jin came up with the idea of applying , , and to the highest quality magi crystals.


    Since <> is Jin''s original engineering magic, this series of procedures is unprecedented.


    Let''s start with an experiment to see what kind of results we can expect.


    <>"


    Jin removes a small amount of impurities from the magi crystal of the light attribute. Then and .


    This eliminates defects in the internal crystal structure.


    The result is a colorless, transparent magi crystal. The dazzling radiance characteristic of the light attribute is suppressed, and a subdued light is emitted.


    "<>...... What is this?"


    "Brother Jin, what''s wrong?"


    Erza asks if something is wrong.


    "No, no, I don''t know what to tell you. ...... Elsa will know if she checks it out."


    "?��......<>......A"


    "Right?"


    "What is this?"


    No matter how much I looked into it, I could not sense any attributes.


    "Can we say that ......<> is an attribute for all attributes?"


    "Hmm, sure."


    "So if we remove the slightest impurity and the attribute disappears, does that mean that the impurity was determining the attribute?"


    That''s right.


    "This sounds like something Saki would be very pleased with."


    Jin!


    Jin!��What a discovery!


    I called Saki over, and sure enough, she was jumping up and down with joy.


    "Ummm, what exactly is the nature of the impurity that determines its attributes?


    If we can find out, we may be able to artificially create magi crystals of each attribute.


    "At the moment, we don''t know. I mean, it didn''t come out when I isolated it."


    "Hmm, I see. ......"


    Saki ponders.


    "So, you mean to say that other magi crystals with other attributes will become attribute-free if they are processed in the same way?"


    "Yes. Actually, I tried it. The magic crystal (magi crystal) of the fire attribute became non-attributable."


    Impurities ...... or in that case are also unknown, Jin said.


    "Well, it''s difficult. But it''s worth studying. ...... So, what happened when you used <> in the control core?"


    "Oh, yes, yes. I tried to replace Edgar''s control core to test it out.


    "What?��Why Edgar?


    "No, because Erza insisted.


    Elsa felt that Edgar, the first automata she had created, had not been maintained recently.


    Edgar has been working behind the scenes, or rather, doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work. One of the reasons is that his Golem automata are not as good as the Golem automata that Jin made.


    So, at the same time that Jin was trying to improve the old man, Erza thought of improving Edgar''s performance.


    "So, what happened?"


    "Well, don''t be surprised, his thought-processing speed has increased by 1.5 times!


    "That''s great!


    "That''s not all. <


    That''s a great discovery!


    "Yeah, I think the presence and type of impurities and the crystal structure are the factors that determine the magic frequency. And ......"


    Simply speeding up the process may result in a loss of ability due to the inability to keep up with the exchange of information, but this <> Magi Crystal did not seem to have such a drawback.


    Jin imagined that it was the effect of the elimination of unnecessary resistance.


    "Hmmm, that''s a possible theory. I''d like to study it.


    "I''ll leave that to you."


    "Well, I''m sure Jin is busy right now. I''m in charge.


    Thus, the research on the magi crystal of <> was entrusted to Saki, and Jin and Erza were to strengthen the old man and Edgar, respectively.


    Saki was to be in charge of the study of the Magi Crystal.


    "What do you think, old man?


    "Not 10-20%...1.5 times is quite a lot..."


    <


    Jin then exchanged Reiko''s control core and magi reactor.


    The other golems and automata were to be replaced one by one.


    How are you doing, Reiko?


    "Yes, it''s going great. Thank you very much.


    The island of Horai is steadily being strengthened.


    * * * *


    Meanwhile, Elsa and Edgar.


    "...... is ready."


    Although she is not as fast as Jin, Elsa''s technique is also very close to Jin''s.


    Everything from the skeleton to the muscles and skin has been reviewed, and she has achieved the same level of performance as the fifth row (Quinta).


    "Thank you, Miss Elsa.


    Thank you, Edgar.


    "Yes, sir."


    Erza, thank you.


    "And you, brother Jin."


    After exchanging these words, Jin half-heartedly rubbed Erza''s shoulder.


    "Brother Jin?"


    "...... hmm, Erza''s shoulders don''t get stiff much, do they?"


    Jin, who had occasionally massaged the director''s shoulders and back when he was at the facility, was surprised to see that Elsa''s shoulders were not stiff.


    Then he remembered that <>.


    "But that''s just because she doesn''t realize it. ...... Erza must be young, yes, I''m sure she is."


    "Brother Jin?"


    "...... is nothing."


    "Yeah?"


    And so October 8th passed.


    In the evening, Jin took a short nap and prepared for the mission at night.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    At midnight, around the time the date changed.


    "<>, what''s the situation?


    <


    "Okay, good."


    The mission has reached its climax.

 1266 - - 34-11 Strict Value

    Continuing the observation, the <> debris has almost stopped spinning.


    "All right, let''s install the large force field generator for orbit change.


    Finally, the installation of the large force field generator "force generator" is started.


    Once the work began, the rest was quick. In about 30 minutes, all of the remaining large force field generators had been installed.


    "Okay, activate."


    <


    Nothing seems to have changed as far as the eye can see, but force is indeed being applied to the debris.


    There are 105 large force field generators with an estimated maximum thrust of 1 million tons. In other words, 105 million tons.


    < piece is 30,000,000 tons, assuming a specific gravity of 3 since it is an irregularly shaped rock mass and not a metal. 000000000000 tons = 3 x 10 to the 12th power.


    Even if a force capable of lifting a 105 million ton object under 1G were applied to a piece of <>, no visible change would be seen immediately.


    The same is true for the <> debris; only a slight change in orbit is observed.


    However, that small fraction is significant.


    In the previous calculation, it was calculated to pass 30,000 kilometers from Ars.


    At this short distance, it is impossible to predict what will happen, and Jin wants it to pass farther than the moon (UNY), that is, more than 380,000 kilometers away.


    "We should either increase the force F or decrease the mass m."


    Jin thinks frantically.


    <


    Using these, we can increase the current force field three times ......, or 90,000 kilometers. But it is still not enough.


    "Maybe we should reduce the inertial mass ......."


    The name can also change the inertial mass.


    If the mass is reduced by a factor of 10, the acceleration will be increased by a factor of 10 and the displacement will be increased by a factor of 10.


    "But I guess. ......"


    Changing the inertial mass of a rock mass of that size is quite a challenge.


    The other day at <>, >, the voice of the brains, said that he had reduced the inertial mass of Arus to near zero when he moved it, but it was next to impossible for Jin to have an effect on something the size of a planet.


    >


    The old man advised.


    "Yes. We have taken measures. But they are not effective enough. He will understand that."


    Jin thought that if he could make one more effort, he might get a more favorable response than the last time.


    "All right, send Land 11 immediately."


    Jin decided that it would be better to negotiate the same way as last time.


    "The rest is either < or ......."


    * * * * * *


    "<>, move the shrapnel <> with <> as well."


    <


    You can''t pull it, so you have to push it.


    First, let <> land on the opposite side of the debris from the direction of travel.


    Then we reverse the thrust of <>.


    approaches the debris slowly and chooses a suitable place to land. It landed near the center of gravity.


    < has locked onto the landing legs. Thrusters reactivated in reverse thrust.


    < sinks momentarily and the landing legs retract.


    The lowest part of the hull touches the surface of the debris, and a chunk of rock is broken off.


    The < continues to thrust forward. The landing legs creak, but not enough to break.


    The ship''s hull vibrates slightly, but the vibration subsides.


    The <> then gradually increases its thrust.


    After an hour or so, <> was able to push the debris with maximum thrust.


    "Okay, let''s keep it like this for the time being."


    <>.


    Jin also instructed the <> debris to select a larger piece of debris and use the <> for auxiliary propulsion in the same way.


    "Right, leave the <> alone for space observation, and use the nine ships for auxiliary propulsion."


    <


    The nine 10-meter class also land on a selection of the larger pieces, and like <>, they use their thrust to help change orbit.


    * * * *


    <


    And Land 11 was in the same place as last time.


    There you are again, Lando.


    Instead of the Guardian, it was Helente.


    "I came here to see if I could get a little help."


    What a waste of time!


    "Don''t say that and listen to me. Now, my master, the one who made me, is trying to deal with the Modine debris on his own.


    I know this because I have observed it. The debris heading for Ars right now is not from Modenus, it''s from the core of the fifth planet. It''s from the core of the fifth planet.


    "I knew it. There was a small star system in the core, wasn''t there?


    That''s right. That''s what I''m talking about.


    Now Rand opens his speech with.


    "Tell us about some of your technology. Specifically, how to use light waves as a carrier wave for magic and how to eliminate the inertial mass of the debris."


    ......


    There was a slight pause, probably because he was communicating with his brain.


    Only the master has the technology to eliminate the inertial mass of a star. Even if I wanted to tell you, I couldn''t.


    He gave an honest reason. But I am not at all pleased.


    "Then, at least use magic power as a carrier wave, or at least the principle of it."


    ...... is impossible. It is forbidden to give such technology to others.


    "Is that so? ......


    The old man on Horai Island was a little disappointed.


    He could only receive a part of the information.


    "So, how much do you know about the moon?"


    The old man tried to take advantage of this opportunity to gather as much information as possible about the .


    I don''t have any information about it, since it was handled by a completely different group than my <>.


    "Well, what do you know about the people who migrated to the north in ......?"


    I know a little bit about them. I know a little bit about them. They seem to have shared blood with the natives. I don''t follow what happened after that because I''m not interested.


    The old man wondered if he thought that if they had mixed blood, they would no longer be the .


    "So, what do you know about the people who are still in Hale?"


    But this word seemed to be taboo.


    I can''t talk about it. You must leave quickly.


    Herrente''s demeanor hardened visibly.


    No matter what Rand 11 says,


    "There''s no need to talk about it.


    "There''s nothing more to say.


    The old man had to give up.


    "Okay. Thank you for the information."


    To these words, there was no more answer from Herrente.

 1267 - - 34-12 What can we do?

    "I guess it didn''t work. ......"


    To be honest, Jin was more than a little disappointed that all his requests were not fulfilled.


    But there was no time to be discouraged.


    "In the spirit of <>," he said.


    Jin thought about what he could do now.


    1. use the mole to chip away and transfer as much debris as possible.


    2. turn the debris into plasma little by little


    3. build an additional large force field generator ��Force Generator��.


    "In the case of plasmaization, the subatomic particles ...... are called, right?��Anyway, they don''t just disappear. ......


    He decided not to go ahead with the second one, because he did not foresee any adverse effects.


    "Then, it must be 1 and 3.


    First, Jin instructed the old man to build an additional large force field generator, <>.


    Next, he decided to use the <>.


    The <> is a cylindrical object 2 meters in diameter and 3 meters long. It resembles a shield machine used to dig tunnels in modern Earth.


    There are two methods of excavation: digging with the < tool and excavation using a chip made of hyperadamantite.


    The excavated earth is discharged to the surface by a transporter.


    The excavated sand and soil are transported to <> and sent somewhere through a warp gate.


    Since there are not many places to go to, the idea is to carry the sediment to Horai Island for the time being.


    "If we can make it as light as possible..."


    Five <> were sent to > via the warp gate, and started to chip away at the < pieces.


    "Old man, how effective do you think the mole will be?


    <


    "Please."


    Three minutes pass, and the old man reports


    .


    "That would be ...... in one day."


    <


    "Yeah, ......, that''s for sure."


    It was too bad that it took a year to remove 10% of the debris.


    "Let us keep working on it for now, because we may be able to extract some useful resources."


    It seems that adding large force field generators would be the most effective.


    In half a day, we can add 100 large force field generators.


    Then, with the assistance of <>, we can roughly calculate that the distance through Arus will be about 100,000 km.


    It was thought that this would be manageable, since the object is much smaller, i.e., less massive, than the moon (Uni), although it is closer to it.


    "But I wonder if we can rest easy with ......<."


    Jin wonders if there is any other way.


    "Ars''s defense is also ......."


    He thinks of a countermeasure against the <>shrapnel that will probably reach the night sky, or perhaps the <shrapnel that will reach the <shrapnel.


    There will be visible meteor showers in the night sky, or even in the daytime, and some of them may reach the surface of the earth.


    The means to eliminate them as much as possible in advance.


    1. equipping the air force with transporter guns


    2. install transporter guns on Conlon 3.


    These would be used to transfer the dangerous debris entering the atmosphere.


    Jin immediately decided to develop a small-caliber transporter gun.


    The key point is the variable range of the transporter.


    If the range of the transfer is made wide, the transfer distance will be shortened because it consumes magic power, but this can be solved by using a mana cylinder as a cartridge.


    The destination should be the island of Horai for the time being.


    After sorting, it is up to you to decide whether to use them as stone or dispose of them.


    In this way, 500 Skylark and 500 Raptor were equipped with transfer guns one after another.


    * * * *


    "......Now, Marcia''s birthday is on the 10th.


    The debris approach is calculated to be on the 15th. So there is no problem.


    "No problem!"


    When I asked her about it, she was in a panic and refused.


    "Ars is going to be in trouble in 5 days!��And Jin is the only one who can do something about it!��It''s not even my birthday!


    She turned him down with great force.


    "Well, I appreciate that you were thinking about me, but ......"


    Marcia looked a little embarrassed,


    "So, when you''re done with this whole mess, will you open the door for me?"


    She said to Jin.


    "Yes, okay, Marcia. I''m sorry for making you feel uncomfortable.


    This was conveyed to all the members of the Jin family.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, what else can we do: ......"


    Jin thinks with Elsa as he drinks the tea Reiko made for him.


    "Brother Jin, are you sure that <> didn''t know how to eliminate inertia after all?


    It is not a question but a confirmation.


    "Oh, that''s right. The masters of <<<< found it before and gutted it to build this facility. After that, I heard that it was moved to its current location. They did not tell us how they did it."


    "Too bad."


    "Too bad."


    < did not seem to want to leave the technology behind. It is a pity.


    "Maybe <> will have it..."


    Erza says.


    "Maybe the technology of <> still remains in Hale," Erza said.


    "I hope I can visit there someday."


    Yes, Jin thought again, when the turmoil was over.


    But that is still a long way off, he thought again.


    "Old man, what is the situation at the moment?"


    When 50 are ready, send the first batch via .


    <


    Jin wanted to increase the propulsive force as soon as possible.


    "Also, we can do ......."


    <


    It was good news.


    "Oh, I see. Can''t we use it for something ......?"


    The crystals, temporarily called , were discovered about 100 years ago and are famous for their ability to amplify magic power. The standard amplification rate is 20 times.


    The name of the crystal was <>, and subsequent exchange of information revealed that the substance name was <> and the mineral name was << Mithianite.


    It is characterized by a light blue glow in the sun and a green glow under artificial light. Because it is so rare, it has been distributed as a gemstone with little technical use.


    Amplification is a kind of amplification by transistors, which is meaningless without a power source.


    But Jin said.


    "What''s the best use for ......?"


    Jin began to think.

 1268 - - 34-13 Barrier and Cohealer

    "Oh yeah, a barrier!"


    After half an hour of thinking, Jin finally looked up.


    Then he drank the tea that was in front of him.


    "Hmm?"


    The tea was still hot enough to drink.


    He looked in front of him and saw Erza smiling at him. That''s when Jin realized.


    "Erza, did you put on the tea so that it would not get cold?


    Erza did not answer, but only smiled softly. Next to her, Reiko had a similar smile on her face.


    "Thank you."


    After saying this and drinking the tea, Jin asked Lao-kun to do the calculation.


    "Old man, how long do you think it will take for the shrapnel to affect Ars?"


    <


    "Yes, 300,000 kilometers, until it enters and leaves the inner orbit of the moon.


    1,000 seconds, or just under 17 minutes.


    "If we can put up a strong barrier for 30 minutes, we might be able to lessen the impact.


    "What kind of impact do you think it will have, Brother Jin?"


    Erza, who had remained silent until now, asked a question.


    "There might be a slight effect on gravity. Then, detached fragments may fall on Ars. Or the atmosphere of Ars could be taken away by the debris. ......"


    "None of this is good."


    Elsa said with a frown.


    "Yes. I was wondering if we could put up a barrier between us and the debris to prevent that from happening."


    "But wouldn''t it have to be pretty big?"


    "Yes, but it would have to be very large. I want it to be at least 100 kilometers in diameter. If possible, about 1,000 kilometers.


    When Elsa heard the words "1,000 kilometers," she was taken aback by the sheer size of the project.


    "I think the moon (UNY) is 1700 kilometers in diameter, so ......!"


    "Yeah, that''s pretty big."


    "I don''t think it''s quite that big."


    Erza tried to imagine the amount of magic power that could be supplied by such a large barrier, but she had no idea.


    "Well, it''s about the same amount of free magical energy (ether) that is consumed in Ars in 100 years.


    "That much?


    "Yeah, that''s what you get when you increase the size."


    Jin looked as if nothing was wrong, but inwardly, he was worried about the amount of money he was consuming.


    The difference in the amount of magic power required for a < with a diameter of 10 meters and a with a diameter of 1,000 kilometers is The difference in the amount of magic power required is 1 x 10 to the 10th power.


    This is a tremendous difference.


    "That''s what is supposed to do."


    "What do you mean?"


    <.


    "It is not often noticed, but the compression effect includes the alignment of the phases of the magic power to increase its efficiency. That''s what we need in this case."


    Erza thought for a moment and nodded.


    "The same idea as a laser beam."


    "That''s right. Sunlight is an incoherent light, while laser light is a coherent light. In other words, the efficiency is different.


    "I think I get it."


    "It will probably consume three to four orders of magnitude less."


    That much?


    Yes. Yeah. But it''s hard to control. I''ll have to ask Golem to do it for me again."


    Still, there was a glimmer of hope.


    "Four digits is a lot."


    1 x 10 to the 10th power = 10 billion and 1 x 10 to the sixth power = 1,000,000,000.


    I think we can do something like this.


    "I agree."


    Jin immediately tried to make a <> using <> about the size of his pinky finger.


    "What do you think?"


    Immediately, Jin tries to start up the barrier projector with the <>.


    "What?"


    <, and it seems to have more intensity than the highest output, even though it is the lowest output.


    "Success!


    That''s what I''m talking about, Father!


    "Brother Jin, that''s great!"


    <


    The aligned, or <>, magic power at this time is just as effective as laser light.


    The effect is approximately 20 times greater than that of <>. Oddly enough, it was the same as the standard amplification factor of <>.


    "But it''s still not enough. ......"


    Six squared of 10 is still a long way off.


    "...... difficult."


    "It''s hard." "It''s hard indeed."


    Jin seemed to have lost his train of thought.


    "In times like this, I think it''s a good idea to change your way of thinking."


    Hearing Erza''s muttering, Jin also remembered something.


    "I remember someone saying that standing on your head is a good way to get an idea.


    And.


    "Stand on your head ...... stand on your head ...... reverse ...... reverse ...... I see!"


    Jin''s face lit up.


    "Brother Jin, did you come up with something?"


    "Yeah. "Yeah. It''s a reversal idea. Instead of putting the <> on Ars, we can put it on <> and fly between them."


    "What?"


    Jin explains, "The point is that the size of the <> should be smaller if it is closer to the debris.


    "In the middle, it would only need to be about 500 kilometers."


    "Besides, it has the advantage of being mobile."


    Jin nodded at Elsa''s comment.


    "That''s right!��The point is that it is a . If we can protect the most affected areas, we should be able to get by."


    By the time they approach Ars, the addition of the large force field generator ��Force Generator�� will be sufficient, and they will not need <>''s assistance.


    Then <> can protect Ars with this <>.


    "Somehow we''ll manage around that."


    I think I''m just barely seeing the light.


    "Okay, let''s get to work."


    It''s just after 6:00 p.m.


    "Brother Jin, after dinner..."


    "Oh, yeah, right."


    Erza puts Jin''s body first since it''s not a time-sensitive situation. The same goes for Reiko.


    After a proper dinner, Jin enters the workshop.


    "Father, I''ll help you."


    "Me too."


    "Yes, please. Reiko, you take care of the materials. Elsa, take care of the frames over here.


    Thus, on Horai Island, they did what they could, not stopping until the very end.


    There are only five days left until the debris passes through the vicinity of Ars.

 1269 - - 34-14 Reinforcement

    < was named .


    The name of the shield is derived from the Greek goddess Athena.


    The English reading is Aegis. The name "Aegis" is taken from the name of the Aegis ship.


    "What is the use of a wave regulator (coherencer) still ......?"


    <


    "Brother Jin, you have to take a rest today.


    The time is 10 p.m., and tomorrow he will have to start early again to take charge of the mission.


    "Yeah, all right. I''ll take a bath and go to bed."


    "Yeah, sure."


    Jin went to his bath.


    "Oh, that feels so good."


    As he stretched his arms and legs in the bathtub, he realized how tired he had been.


    "Father, you mustn''t strain yourself.


    Reiko, who is washing his back, also complains to Jin.


    I understand, Reiko.


    "You say that with your mouth, but I''m sure you''ll do something reckless again, father.


    Maybe... ......


    "Please don''t worry about Elsa-sama."


    "...... I suppose so."


    I got out of the bath and went to my bedroom.


    The bedroom is a Japanese-style room, separated from the rest of the house by a sliding door.


    "Brother Jin, thank you for your hard work today.


    "Please lie down there, father."


    Reiko?


    Reiko followed me into the room for the first time tonight and said something unusual.


    "I''ll give you a massage."


    "What?��Why all of a sudden?


    "After consulting with the old man and Miss Elsa. I thought it was for the elderly, but the other day you massaged Lady Elsa''s shoulders, didn''t you?


    "Oh, yes, that happened."


    So I decided to do the same for your father.


    She had taught Jin most of his knowledge, including the knowledge of massage that she had given to the director of the clinic.


    Reiko heard about it from him and decided to give Jin a massage using her own body which has a sense of touch.


    "I''m going to study too."


    "What?��......Oh, I guess I''m tired after all. ......"


    Since manufacturing often involves long hours in unnatural postures, localized fatigue can build up.


    In Jin''s case, it was his back ...... between the shoulder blades.


    "Oh, that feels good ......."


    <


    In the meantime, Jin had fallen asleep.


    "You are tired, aren''t you?


    "Well, Reiko, thank you. I''ll practice next time.


    "Good night."


    Reiko sat down on her knees, bowed, and left the room.


    Erza turned off the light in the room, put the futon on Jin, and lay down herself.


    "Five more days......."


    Then she muttered something and closed her eyes.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    It is now October 11.


    Jin was thinking about how to use his ample supply of and .


    "It''s great that just by inserting a coherencer in the magic circuit, the efficiency of using mana can be increased more than 10 times, isn''t it?"


    This is mainly true with regard to the effects of magic.


    "Of course, it would be good to use it for Reiko and the old man''s magic circuits (Magi Circuit), but it would not be a bad idea to equip it for the golems of Horai Island."


    The found this time weighs approximately 3 kilograms. Since I used about 1 kilogram for the <>, that leaves me with 2 kilograms.


    "For something the size of a golem, we should only use about 5 grams per golem."


    So, the first step is to attach it to Reiko''s magi-circuit.


    This will not increase the power. The upper limit of her power depends on her Magical Muscle.


    However, the power of the magic she can use will be increased tenfold, and the consumption of mana will be reduced to one-tenth.


    If it is limited to normal operation, it means that even in the low free-magic element (ether) concentration in the southern hemisphere, it is now possible to move sufficiently without relying on mana cylinders. This is a big advantage.


    Since the mana consumed in the overall operation is also used efficiently, we can expect an improvement of about 3 percent in terms of operation.


    "The last time you improved it, it is now even better. Thank you very much.


    "Reiko has been very helpful to me. Please keep up the good work.


    Yes, of course.


    Jin makes the same kind of improvement to the old man. Although there is no power-related improvement in this case, the consumption of mana is reduced, and the efficiency is increased by about 3 percent.


    On the other hand, the operation efficiency of the mobile terminal < is improved as well as that of Reiko.


    * * * * * * * * *


    "Yes, what is it?"


    "Oh, I see. Then we can use the large force field generator for the extra large ones."


    <


    Yes, the large force field generator is being carried by <>.


    "Couldn''t it be carried by a reconnaissance spaceship?"


    "We can''t afford to lose the propulsion of the Adriana right now. If it takes longer, you can do it there.


    .


    It was frustrating that Jin, on the ground, could not do anything more.


    "I''d like to make good use of that large force field generator when we''re done. ...... Shall we build another spaceship?


    Jin was thinking such thoughts as "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no....


    "No, no, no, now we have to tackle the problem at hand.


    Jin shakes his head and returns to his lost thoughts.


    The threat to Ars is, for the moment, a <>.


    have been dealt with. <> is in the process of being dealt with.


    For <>, see .......


    "Okay, this is the one. <


    <


    "I know. Give the highest priority to the ones closest to the trajectory to Ars."


    <


    It was clear that the <debris that had not yet been processed had flown such a considerable distance that their mutual spacing had increased, and that omissions were bound to occur.


    "Still, we want to minimize the risk as much as possible."


    Jin further pondered whether anything had been overlooked or left undone.


    "Well, I think it''s time to contact the other countries.


    He now had a rough idea of what might happen.


    Jin and the old man began to compile the contents of the contact.

 1270 - - 34-15 Quiet talk 67 countries

    ......" was sent to each country by Jin.


    Of course, there is a supplementary explanation.


    >>.


    This was about the contents of the report.


    Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shawlo, the empress of the Shawlo Kingdom, acted immediately upon receiving the report from Jin.


    "<>......<>. Make sure that the lords of the various regions are informed, as well as the mayors of the towns and villages.


    Yes, sir, I''ll get on it right away.


    The Prime Minister took his orders, and quickly set about his task.


    No one doubted Jin''s words.


    Many of the heads of state and the aristocrats in the castle were receiving lectures from the Fuhrer, a teacher''s automaton that Jin had donated to the government.


    And it was easy to imagine the panic that would ensue in such an eventuality among the uninformed residents.


    It was on the 14th that the news was sent out to all parts of the country by fast horse and pigeon mail.


    * * * * * * * * *


    <>, you say?


    After receiving the news, a special meeting was called in the Kingdom of Klein.


    "A message from Jin Nido, Magecraft Meister and Lord of Kunlun. You cannot ignore it."


    The news came as a bolt from the blue, and the majority of the nobles could not conceal their consternation.


    "Isn''t it the end of the world that the stars are falling?


    Such was the reaction of some of them.


    "Wait! <, not itself. <


    The throne quiets a little at the words of King Alois III.


    "Imagine. Imagine the stars in the night sky. The degree of astonishment is as great as the difference between heaven and earth if you have not been informed of it beforehand. says not to put yourself in danger by making a fuss.


    "Indeed, in the darkness of the night, it is possible to fall and hurt yourself or fall off a cliff by running away.


    "That''s right. We must notify the various regions in advance to prevent such things from happening.


    Your Majesty, how reliable is this information?


    A young nobleman who has just recently joined the company as a senior advisor.


    "You know nothing of the Korun. Then I can see why you say that."


    "I see."


    Most of those present are aware of <>''s achievements and do not doubt his words.


    They were at least considering the possibility of taking action.


    This is the result of the accumulation of his accomplishments since he came to this world.


    * * * * *


    "<>, huh?


    An emergency meeting was held at the royal castle of Egelea. Count Kuzma''s face is also there.


    "This information comes from the Magecraft Meister and the Lord of Korun, Jin-dono. It is highly credible."


    "Yes. has stepped forward and said that he will do his best to prevent any damage to the surface, but it is our duty to ensure the stability of the people''s hearts and minds."


    "The Home Minister is right. We must notify the various regions as soon as possible.


    But then, what kind of damage could possibly occur?


    Count Kuzma replied.


    "In my opinion, it would be something like a Stone Bullet made hundreds of times stronger, plus the effects of a Flame Buster.


    "Hm. Count Kuzma was a close friend of the Kun Lun lord, wasn''t he?


    Yes. His friend Baron Reinhardt of the Shoro Kingdom is a close friend of Jin-dono, and his wife is also acquainted with Jin-dono.


    I cannot mention that he is a member of the Jin family, so I try to keep my expression casual.


    "I see, I can imagine that. Isn''t ...... a tremendous amount of damage?"


    "Yes, that''s why said he would take care of it. Still, there could be a leak, so he wants you to stay out as long as possible. ......"


    "Yes, I understand. We have to be careful."


    * * * *


    In the Kingdom of Elias, a countermeasures meeting was convened immediately after receiving the report.


    "Make sure that each lord takes thorough safety precautions.


    "I ask that you do so with the mindset of never letting anyone get hurt."


    In place of the sickly King Blitzen Skala Elias XII, the Dauphin Alphonse presided over the meeting and led it from start to finish.


    "At ......, that''s how it''s done."


    Therefore, the measures that Jin wished for were taken without much confusion.


    It is the same in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    "<


    Your Majesty!


    Send pigeons! Do whatever you can to frighten the people.


    And it was the same in the Kingdom of Franz.


    "We cannot take the information from the Magecraft Meister lightly. We will hold a countermeasures meeting immediately.


    * * * *


    You mean the news from the Magecraft Meister?


    The nations of Mitsuho and Huso reacted in the same way, or rather quickly, and countermeasures were taken.


    "Around the 15th, there will be many meteors. It''s not a natural disaster or anything. Do not overreact and do not get hurt.


    This was the notice given to all the residents.


    And in the northern lands, the lands of the Magi.


    "Word from the Magecraft Meister..."


    "Message from Master Jin."


    The fewer the number of inhabitants, the quicker and more thorough the countermeasures were taken.


    The trust and experience that Jin has built up over the years is now bearing fruit.


    No matter where you are, whether in a foreign country, a different tribe, or a demon tribe''s territory. Even if there were some doubts, there was no one who raised an objection, and the measures were smoothly taken.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The status of the measures taken by each country was brought to Laojun by the <> and reported to Jin.


    "......Fu, it looks like we''re going to make it."


    It is said that in the past, when information about a huge comet snatching the earth was spread, there were rumors that it was the day of the destruction of the earth''s human race, and there was a great deal of confusion.


    Jin was a high school student who was told by his science (geology and astronomy) teacher that the earth would run out of air for five minutes,


    <>.


    Some people have committed suicide because of their pessimism.


    Jin wished he could prevent such meaningless panic.


    "The rest is up to me, huh?


    Jin left the laboratory and looked up at the sky.


    The sky was full of stars, and there was a faint glow.


    "It''s starting to look like a comet ......."


    Yes, the scattered fragments of the fifth planet Pengolta included what are called <> fragments and even smaller particles, some at the molecular level.


    They glowed like a comet''s tail in the light of the sun.


    Jin has never heard of such a phenomenon.


    "Maybe there is an effect of free magic element (ether).


    Staring at the starry sky, Jin thought to himself.


    * * * *


    "A mysterious light has appeared in the night sky.


    There is a position called "Astronomer.


    In the past, they used to use the movement of the stars to determine fortune-telling and good fortune, but now they are mainly in charge of making calendars.


    However, they are the ones who look up at the night sky every night and are the first to detect the appearance of a mysterious light in the night sky that had not been there before.


    "This may be the omen of the starburst that <> was talking about. ......


    The leaders of the nations tightened their hearts.

 1271 - - 34-16 The night before, and

    October 14, 3458.


    The island of Horai was in a flurry of activity.


    In less than a day, the would reach Ars.


    "Well then, I''m off."


    Jin said in the Horaijima command center.


    <>...... Jin D to virtually transfer into .


    "Hmm, I''ll support you here."


    Elsa was also packed in the command center, and was going to do whatever she could to help.


    In addition, Sky Squadron, the <>, had 300 Raptors with small transporter cannons attached, 20 Skylark and 10 <> aircraft with small transporter cannons attached, and the <> Land Force was ready to dispatch to each country at any time, in case of emergency. .


    At sea, the battleships <<<> are deployed to intercept the debris falling into the sea.


    Reiko and Edgar will be aboard Jin''s beloved aircraft <> and <>, respectively, to protect the airspace over Kaina Village and Horai Island.


    * * * *


    Jin D opens his eyes at the central bridge of the <>, and he is already surrounded by outer space.


    The role of the as a propulsion aid for the debris <> has been completed.


    "Ah, I think we can manage that now."


    The initial calculation was 30,000 kilometers, but after that, they used < to push the debris and increased the number of large force field generators <>, and this was the result of their steady efforts.


    Still, since nothing is certain, <> plans to deploy her newly developed <> to protect Ars from the effects of the shrapnel << extra-large>>.


    Right now, <> is flying alongside the debris. Her speed is 290 kilometers per second. The distance from Ars is about 13 million kilometers, and in half a day it will be at its closest approach to Ars.


    "As for the debris, are they all harmless?"


    Jin makes a final check.


    <. Everything is going straight to the star Celan. The large force field generators have been deactivated and will be retrieved after passing through the orbit of Ars.


    "What about the people we dispatched to each of them?"


    <


    "Good, everything is going well. And the debris?


    <


    "Right. I hope there will be plenty of usable materials."


    The Houraishima island has used a lot of resources in the recent disturbance.


    About 100 years worth of materials have been consumed.


    "Well, it''s not like it''s gone. ......"


    "Are the fragments<alright too?"


    "Okay, that''s good. The problem is the smallest one."


    Jin decides to try a method he has been thinking about for a while.


    "I''ll order one of the reconnaissance spacecraft ......, or rather five of them, to shine a powerful light in the direction of the incoming debris. It should include ultraviolet light."


    The idea was that it would be easier to detect the presence of materials that fluoresce in ultraviolet light.


    Since the searchlight function was installed in all reconnaissance spacecraft, this plan was immediately put into action.


    "Oh, it''s spreading out like a cloud over there.


    A cloud of particles emitting light in the intense light.


    "Let''s just transfer them to the direction of the sun.


    The dust is a few microns to a few millimeters in diameter and can''t be used effectively.


    Once it is transferred to the inner side of the first planet''s orbit, it will be pulled by the gravity of Celan and will definitely fall down.


    Thus, one by one, the debris corresponding to the < was removed.


    "But there are so many. But with that many, there will be some that are missed. Do not let your guard down.


    .


    moves through the blackness of space. Beside it, about 500 kilometers away, floats a piece of debris, an oversized piece of debris.


    The speed is synchronized so that it appears to be stationary, but in fact it is flying at a speed of over 290 km per second.


    By the time it passes through the Ars orbit, it will be traveling at over 300 km/sec.


    "Eight hours to go, huh?"


    Jin stopped controlling Jin-D for a moment and returned his attention to the Horaijima command center.


    "Welcome back, Brother Jin. Everything''s the same over here.


    "Yes. Everything is fine over there for the time being.


    Jin decided to eat and take a nap while he could.


    After using the bathroom, bathing, and eating, Jin sat down on the sofa bed that Reiko and Elsa had made for him the other day.


    "I''m going to sleep a little...wake me up after two hours."


    Elsa sits down beside Jin.


    "It''s ......, if you want, my ......."


    Elsa said, blushing, and slapped her knee.


    "What ......?"


    Jin was puzzled for a moment, but quickly reconsidered and laid down, resting his head on Elsa''s thigh.


    "I''ll ...... give you like this for about two hours."


    "Oh, oh, thank you."


    Jin closed his eyes, feeling the soft elasticity in the back of his head.


    I was worried that he might not be able to fall asleep, but, lo and behold, he fell asleep immediately.


    Looking down at Jin''s sleeping face, Elsa smiled.


    Elsa looked down at Jin''s sleeping face and smiled.


    Two quiet hours passed.


    "Brother Jin, wake up."


    Erza lightly pecked Jin''s cheek.


    "Oh, it''s time..."


    Jin woke up and got up slowly.


    "Thank you, Elsa. It was heavy, wasn''t it?"


    Erza shook her head silently.


    "Well, now it''s time to go."


    "Here, father."


    Reiko handed the Persica juice to Jin, who had just woken up from sleep.


    It was moderately cold and pleasant to the taste.


    "Delicious. Thank you, Reiko.


    "No, thank you. I''ll be aboard the Pegasus.


    Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you."


    The mission that Horaijima was devoting all of its energy to was about to begin.

 1272 - - 34-17 That night.

    <, Jin''s doppelganger, Jin D, opens his eyes.


    .


    "Great Sage, what''s the situation?"


    The brain of the Daishonin explains the current situation to Jin D.


    <


    "Okay. <>?"


    <<<< confirmed again that <><<> has been neutralized. If there is anything, it''s <>.


    "I guess."


    Jin thought that there would inevitably be some oversight.


    "We''ll keep trying to find them until the last moment using our reconnaissance spaceships. We''ll just have to leave the rest to the troops in Arus."


    .


    And the hour passes quickly.


    "Alright, <>."


    <


    <


    At 4:00 a.m. on October 15, Horai Island time.


    It will pass 130,000 km away from Ars. The impact is expected to occur around that time, so about 15 minutes is all that is needed.


    Other debris will also pass around that time. Considering the spread of the debris, Jin judged that the next six hours would be the crucial time to hold on.


    Oh!


    "Oh!


    Such a voice echoed in the night sky of the Shoro Empire. It was the astronomical officer at the Palace of the Imperial Palace.


    "The stars are falling......<>, just as you said."


    That night, the emperor and all the other important people stayed up all night staring at the sky. Of course, they put up magical wards.


    Stars fell in lines of light in the dark night sky.


    One, two, three....... Soon it became an uncountable torrent of light.


    "This ...... is ......!"


    "Indeed, if I hadn''t heard it, I would have thought it was the end of the world.


    "It''s a beautiful view," he said. "It''s so beautiful, it''s almost disastrous.


    It''s the kind of view that makes you think all the stars in the sky are going to fall.


    In the capital city of Leusert, knights patrolled the streets, keeping an eye out for panicked residents who happened to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.


    "I knew this was ...... going to happen, but it''s amazing ......!"


    Reinhardt stood in front of his lord''s mansion << Ivy''s mansion (Lankenhaos)>> and looked out at the night sky.


    "The area is clear!"


    The soldier patrolling the area reports.


    It seems that my prior explanation that the stars were not falling but only a few stars were coloring the night sky had paid off.


    Three people were injured in the Shoro Kingdom that night.


    All of them fell down or fell into the river while they were walking around looking up at the shooting stars.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The same view was seen in many places.


    Kingdom of Cerroa.


    "It''s a beautiful view if you know you''re not in danger."


    "Yes, sir."


    kingdom of franz.


    "Oh, this is ......"


    It''s not so much beautiful as it is terrifying.


    It really isn''t the end of the world, is it?


    Kings and ministers alike looked up at the night sky, some in admiration, others in awe.


    Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    "Hmmm, is this the light emitted by a piece of star?"


    "I think Jin-sama says so, Your Highness."


    "Each one of them is just the tip of a fingernail. It''s amazing."


    The Kingdom of Egelea, the Blue Lands.


    If Jin hadn''t told me, I might have run away.


    "That''s true. Wherever we ran to would''ve been pointless.


    But the view is both frightening and beautiful.


    Yes. I''m glad to see that everyone seems to have calmed down.


    Potrock, Kingdom of Elias.


    "It''s a great view, Marcia."


    "It really is, Dad."


    The light from the meteors reflected on the sea, it was as if the whole world was filled with particles of light.


    It was a majestic sight.


    The Royal Castle in the Kingdom of Klein.


    "Hmmm, so this is the scenery created by the star particles..."


    "That''s what I think, Father."


    Surely, if this happened out of the blue, it would be the end of the world, I can imagine.


    "But we''ve been notified in advance and there are still knights and soldiers patrolling the town, including the Kingsguard. There''s no sign of any disturbances among the residents."


    "Mm. <."


    The capital city of Alban.


    Captain, everything is fine here.


    We''ve been informed beforehand, so there''s no one in a panic.


    Yes, sir. Many houses are looking up at the sky from their windows...


    Well, it can''t be helped at least.


    Toka village.


    My Lord, are you sure everything is all right?


    "Yes, don''t worry. <


    "I hope so. ......


    I''m sure the neighboring villages are looking up at the sky and enjoying the scenery.


    * * * *


    "Grandma, it''s a great view!"


    "Yes, it is.


    It''s like a meteor storm.


    I can''t believe Jin is doing something about this.


    "Well, it''s Jin, isn''t it?"


    In the village of Kaina, all the villagers had gathered at Nido Castle, looking up at the night sky, just in case.


    "This is a scene shown to us by a tiny piece of star that Onii-chan judged to be not dangerous," he said.


    "About the size of your fingernail?"


    "A fingernail?" "Yes. If it''s bigger, it might not burn up in the atmosphere and reach the surface. That would cause a lot of damage!


    "You''re smart, Hanna. Thanks to Jin."


    "Yes, I love reading books. ......


    Oh!


    "Wow!"


    At that moment, a huge meteor called a "fireball" ripped through the night sky.


    It was only for a moment, but its brightness surpassed that of the setting moon (Uni) in the west.


    * * * *


    "That was a little big, wasn''t it?"


    At 100,000 meters above the village of Kaina, Reiko''s Pegasus 1 was dealing with a slightly larger piece of debris mixed in with the smaller pieces.


    They are firing the at debris that is too large to burn up in the atmosphere.


    "We have about five hours left.


    It is impossible for a human being to remain tense for that long, but Reiko, an automaton, has nothing to worry about.


    Reiko was instructed by Jin, and she was determined to protect the village of Kaina, Jin''s second home.

 1273 - - 34-18 That night.２

    <


    <, has contacted us.


    Horai Island is in the morning. The debris are coming from the night side.


    In other words, the debris was caught in the gravity of Ars and came around.


    is a space ship. That is, it can operate outside the atmosphere.


    Now <> is intercepting debris at 100,000 meters above the surface.


    <> that have reduced the number of <>.


    Ten <> were handling the debris <> and <> in far outer space.


    * * * *


    Two dazzling fireballs were observed over the Kingdom of Selroa. At the same time, numerous meteors were seen.


    "Oh, fireballs!


    "Stars are falling, fireballs are falling. Are you sure this isn''t the end of the world?


    "Don''t worry. This is what is expected.


    King Cesar was looking up at the sky with his ministers.


    The older generation is terrified, but Cesar stands calmly, staring at the sky.


    Yet, even he was not truly unconcerned, for inside he was afraid and wanted to scream out, but he suppressed his emotions with the force of his will.


    (, I must leave it to you now. ...... Please, protect this world.)


    * * * *


    There are three battleships and ten cruisers deployed at sea.


    There are not enough of them by any means, but they seem to be able to reach the surface ...... in time to shoot at the debris that is about to fall into the sea.


    "<> 1st main gun, <>. Elevation angle 76 degrees. Fire!"


    One piece of debris, which was expected to fall into the sea 200 kilometers east of the Elias Peninsula, has disappeared.


    "<> No.1 main gun, <>. Elevation angle 82 degrees. Fire!"


    One piece of debris disappeared in the sea near the middle of Horai Island and Kunlun Island.


    "<> main gun,<>. Elevation angle 89 degrees. Fire!"


    300 kilometers south of Egelea. One piece of debris is gone.


    "<> main gun, <>. Elevation angle 65 degrees. Fire!


    250 kilometers south of the Kingdom of Selroa. Another piece of debris is gone.


    "<> No. 1 main gun, <>. Elevation angle 45 degrees. Fire!"


    400 kilometers east of the isthmus of Pazdekst. One piece of debris is gone.


    "<> main gun, <>. Elevation angle 59 degrees. Fire!


    180 kilometers south of Onogoro Island. One piece of debris is gone.


    <


    The debris has been collected at the north shore of Horai Island, but at the same time, it is being sorted out in the strong physical boundary.


    We are also screening for dangerous microorganisms and dangerous radiation.


    If any are found, they will be sent to the Sun Selangor by the transporter on Horai Island.


    Fortunately, nothing like that has been found so far.


    * * * *


    That''s the debris. That''s a lot of speed."


    On the moon, Milowena was staring at the debris reflected on the magic screen.


    "And over there is Jin''s , isn''t it?"


    There are no debris that would come toward the moon.


    If there were, they would have been captured by and secured as materials.


    "Two and a half hours to go. ......"


    < and the debris crossed the orbit of Ars.


    "Ah!


    The shards split apart. No, they broke up.


    The elongated stony meteorite had been forcibly driven by a large force field generator, a force generator. It is thought that the force was too much for them.


    The orbit of Ars has passed, and the orbit of the main body itself has not been significantly affected. The large force field generator has already stopped, and is only moving due to inertia. However.


    "There are small fragments ......"


    The fragments that scattered when it broke off maintained their own intrinsic velocities.


    A quarter of the pieces continue to fly on their original trajectory.


    But three-quarters of the shards were still heading for Ars.


    * * * *


    "Adriana!"


    Jin D sends out an instruction, and the <> reacts immediately.


    He deployed his <> for just such an occasion, and flew near the debris.


    And as he had planned, most of the shards were prevented by the Aigis.


    However, a few pieces were not prevented and flew toward Ars.


    "Old man, plot a course for us!"


    The old man reacted immediately.


    <. Fortunately, most of them will fall on the uninhabited continent of Rasil.


    However, there are three dangerous shards.


    One of them goes to Mitsuho, one to the western part of the Shoro Empire, and the other to the territory of the Demon Tribe. The other was aimed at the territory of the Demon Tribe.


    Once and are returned to Horai Island, the old man sends them by transporter to the sky over their respective lands.


    * * * *


    "<>, we will now intercept them.


    Pilot Edgar intercepted the shard above the stratosphere, which glowed red due to the adiabatic compression of the atmosphere.


    "Fire the transfer cannon ......!"


    The sighting plane that Hitoshi had built and adjusted sent the dangerous shard back into space, this time as expected.


    * * * *


    The piece entered the atmosphere and began to glow, and from the ground it appeared to be a large fireball.


    "Oh, what is that?


    I think another moon has been born.


    "Oh, is everything all right?��......


    It''s gone!


    Pegasus 1, we found the fragment. Transporter cannon, fire!


    Reiko''s reaction speed and <>''s flight speed, as well as its targeting accuracy and the wide area of effect of its transfer cannon.


    Thanks to these, the piece that was to fall in the western part of the Shoro Empire was captured in the stratosphere, and was processed by the transporter.


    * * * *


    This is Sky 101. Sky 102 and I will intercept with the transporter cannon.


    above the demon territory, in the stratosphere. The force field generator is capable of providing sufficient mobility even in a thin atmosphere.


    Raptors 51 and 52 were near the shard. They fired their transfer cannons at almost the same time.


    The Raptor 51''s transfer cannon missed, but the 52''s hit the target and the fragment disappeared.


    Thus the danger was over.

 1274 - - 34-19 Morning

    And the Skylark team from the Racir continent.


    We found the shard.


    Let''s get to work!


    Although it''s uninhabited, it''s still home to life.


    Plants, animals, insects.


    Skylark team did their best to protect them.


    One rather large piece of the shard slipped through the Skylark Squadron''s <.


    "Skylark 151, take care of it!"


    But the old man had had ten planes waiting at low altitude, just in case something like this happened.


    Skylark 151 received the order and captured the piece in two seconds and disposed of it in one second.


    At an altitude of 2,000 meters, they were right on the edge.


    "Piece found."


    It''s a big one. Look out!


    For the next hour, the Skylark team continued to deal with the piece.


    Piece found.


    Deal with it!


    The last piece was transferred at 11:00 a.m. local time.


    <


    The old man thanked the Skylark team.


    The damage was caused by the shock wave from the debris entering the atmosphere at very high speed, but fortunately it was only minor.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    "Is it over? ......"


    Jin in Horai Island sighs deeply. The time is 11:00 a.m.


    The old man told Jin.


    "Yes, I will."


    Jin D stood up from the pilot''s seat and yawned loudly.


    Jin stood up taller and noticed Erza staring at him.


    "Brother Jin, thank you for your hard work.


    "Erza, good work."


    The two smiled at each other.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    It is just after six in the morning in the Shoro Kingdom.


    The sky was white, and one by one, the stars were disappearing.


    "We can''t see the stars anymore.


    Reinhard sighed in relief.


    "Are you finished?"


    <


    "Yes, I think it''s over."


    "Everything is fine, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it did. Thanks to Jin.


    Thank you, Jin.


    Everything''s fine.


    I''m glad you''re all right.


    Yes, Grandma.


    Dawn had already broken in the village of Kaina.


    No one has gone out to work in the fields yet, just in case.


    Even if we can''t see the stars anymore, meteorites can still fall.


    * * * *


    According to reports from <<<< watchers, there were no human casualties from the fall.


    "Oh, yes!"


    <


    "That''s ...... unfortunate, but it can''t be helped. There was no meteorite that crashed, was there?"


    The old man, who knew the hard work, praised Jin.


    "No, I don''t take credit for this. Elsa, Lao-kun, Reiko, Sky, Marin, Land, Cosmos, and Smith ...... all did it."


    <


    "...... Thank you. I''ll leave it at that.


    "Yes, that''s right. Let''s go with that. But for the rest of the day, stay alert."


    I think that''s a good idea.


    "Jin, you did it. ...... is great."


    In the moon, Milowina looked at the screen and praised Jin.


    "I hope we can go back to Horai Island when things calm down."


    Milowena murmured as she gently stroked the pendant-shaped sterilization barrier generator.


    "I''ll bring you a souvenir ......<> then, I wonder if there are any fragments recovered?"


    Yes, Milowena. There was no danger of them falling on us, but we recovered eleven pieces that could be used as resources.


    Yes. And are they actually usable?


    Yes, two were iron, three contained copper, and six were stony.


    The iron and copper are usable?


    Yes.


    Jin-kun must have used a lot of materials this time, so we should replenish them as much as possible.


    I understand.


    * * * * * *


    <<<< Adriana>>,We will start retrieving the large force field generator "Force Generator" and the Cosmos Unit>>


    The old man reported to Jin who was relaxing in the control room.


    "Yes, that''s right. The large force field generator cannot be wasted, and the Cosmos Squad must be recovered as soon as possible.


    <<>.


    "Yes, that will be fine."


    <


    "Please do so."


    After all, we have used more than 100 years worth of resources mined on Horai Island.


    Although we still have some stock, it would be better to replenish it.


    "What about the second wave?"


    <


    "I see."


    It is 4:00 p.m. Horai Island time.


    There were no more debris or pieces of debris falling on Ars.


    "Okay. I''ll go take a hot spring bath.


    Thus ended the <>.

 1275 - - 34-20 After the uproar

    went around the debris and retrieved the <> team and the large force field generator ��Force Generator��.


    It takes time to go around all of the debris, since the distance between the debris is quite wide due to their speed.


    But the benefits were worth it.


    ,


    I was surprised to find that it was a whole adamantite ore.


    About one-fifth of the stony meteorites were titanium dioxide, or light silver ore, and a few gold and silver ores were also found.


    It was an ore of ......< that weighed nearly one ton.


    There was enough ore to fill all the golems and magi-machines on Horai Island, even if they were all equipped with <>.


    This is sure to stimulate Jin''s spirit of craftsmanship.


    < team and the large force field generator "force generator", heads for the <> debris collected between the 5th and 4th planets.


    There are many, but this time 500 <<> are present. The efficiency of the sorting is an order of magnitude better.


    But while almost all the metal materials or their ores were found, there was one metal that was not found.


    It is mithril silver.


    It is an indispensable metal in magical engineering, as it is mixed with other metals to make <-type alloys, and is used in the magical nerves of golems and automata.


    Only mithril silver has not yet been found.


    >>>


    Thus, the and the worked together to replenish the materials they had used.


    * * * * * *


    "Brother Jin, what do you think?"


    Jin was working on the maintenance of <> at the research institute in Horai Island.


    "Yes, everything is fine. Next, we''ll move on to Conlon 3."


    Jin is relieved to see that there is no abnormality anywhere after a long time of heavy use in space.


    >


    Jin was alone in checking the aircraft and the Sky team that had joined the mission.


    "Yes, I''m fine. I''m fine. I''ve pushed you guys too hard this time. I should at least check on them myself."


    Even though Jin''s ability allows him to 10 golems at once, it is still a very difficult task.


    Even when I point this out to him, he says,


    "It''s okay, I want to do it.


    Jin was the one who, in his own way, was not satisfied with this project.


    In his own way, Jin felt that he had been helped by the Horaijima people in the recent disturbance.


    I see..." * * * * * * * * * *


    "I see, so there is practically no damage?


    "Yes, my lord."


    Reinhardt was relieved that there was no damage or injuries in the village of Kurtz, Reinhardt''s territory.


    "You are very lucky, aren''t you?"


    "Oh, thanks to Jin, I guess."


    "No, that too, but it was you who saved the territory.


    "Bell ......"


    Then they heard a baby crying.


    "Oh, my goodness, little Yuri, you''re awake!"


    Bertje ran out of the room to feed the baby.


    Reinhardt, who was left behind, let out a small sigh with a wry smile.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, Erza!


    "Hello, Hannah-chan."


    Erza had come to the village of Kaina on behalf of Jin.


    "Where''s Onii-chan?"


    I''m still holding on to it. I came before you.


    "I see... it''s hard for you."


    Hannah looked a little disappointed, but since she understood Jin''s position, she didn''t complain any more.


    "So, how was the village?"


    "Yeah, everything was fine!


    "Good."


    The village of Kaina was kept safe by the Koshin, and could have been destroyed with laser cannons and magi cannons if the need arose.


    I had heard the reports, but I wanted to see it with my own eyes.


    Of course, Jin wanted to do the same, but he couldn''t let go of his hands, so Erza came to him.


    "Jin brother will probably be here later in the evening.


    "Well, that''s good. Look, lady!��It''s already snowed on the other mountain. It''s the first snow.


    "Oh, really. It''s beautiful."


    The high mountains in the distance ...... are covered with snow all year round, so Hannah is referring to the mountains in front of them.


    "I wonder if winter comes early this year."


    If you look at the annual trends, you can predict the climate by the amount of snow that falls on the mountains and how well it melts.


    "But there are hot springs!"


    The winters were freezing in the village of Kaina, but since Jin had dug a hot spring, it had become much easier to get through the winter.


    "Hello, Elsa. Welcome."


    While I was talking with Hannah in front of Martha''s house, Sally walked by.


    "Oh, Dr. Salie, hello.


    "Are you making a house call?"


    Erza guessed so, since her adopted daughter Ru was accompanying her with a bag in her hand and seemed to be making a round of the village, but she was right.


    "Well. We rarely have sick people in this village.


    "That''s true.


    "Environment and diet are important. I agree with you. A healer is not a panacea. He can only help the patient a little with his healing power.


    For a healer of Sally''s stature, Elsa thinks this is a bit condescending.


    "But the doctor is ......."


    Sally controls Erza, who is about to open her mouth.


    "Oh, it''s okay. It''s not that I''m tired or anything. It''s just ......"


    "?"


    "I was just looking at the starry sky last night and thinking how small we are. But I guess I like such tiny people."


    Sally smiled brightly this time.


    "I think so, too. People are people. We can''t be anything else."


    "Yeah, I guess so. ...... Well, I''ll see you later. Luu, let''s go."


    Silent Lou bowed silently, and quickly followed Sally as she started to walk away.


    "Ru-chan, you seem to be having fun every day now that you''ve been adopted by Sally and the village chief."


    Hannah said as she watched them walk away.


    "You can tell?"


    "Yes, because you''re always smiling."


    "Yes."


    The sun was setting and the wind was getting colder.


    "Hey, Hannah, Elsa."


    "Oh, Brother Jin."


    Jin came from Nido Castle.


    "Hey, Onii-chan!"


    Hannah ran toward Jin.


    It was dusk in the village of Kaina.


    The sky was a sunset, and the clouds were billowing.

 1276 - - 34-21 Quiet talk 68 After that...

    "Well, if you hadn''t told me, I would have thought it was the end of the world."


    "But it was beautiful. But it was beautiful. And scary, too.


    "It was." "Yeah, it was. I''ve seen the stars fall from time to time, but never like that."


    "My husband was just stumbling around, looking up, and he fell down the bank."


    My son fell and hit his head.


    On a civilian level, things were largely peaceful.


    "I didn''t think it would be that bad."


    In the Kingdom of Cerroa, the leaders had gathered for a kind of review meeting.


    "I''m sure there was no confusion since we were notified in advance."


    "No damage, Your Majesty. No damage was done.


    So far, so good.


    But Your Majesty, are you sure that Korun-kun prevented that star?��I find that hard to believe.


    A young nobleman made such a statement.


    That''s understandable. Without knowledge, meteorites and meteors would be incomprehensible.


    And more importantly, we don''t know how difficult it was.


    "According to the reports that came in afterwards, Korun and worked together to prevent it."


    Cesar, the king of Selroa, looked at the documents in his hand.


    The old lord also used the name of his <> deus ex machina, saying that it would be too much to say that Jin alone had dealt with the nationwide meteor storm.


    "<> and <>? I wonder how much power they have. How can we be sure that they won''t turn their power against us?


    King Cesar was surprised that anyone still held such an opinion. It was not an emotional question, but a logical one.


    "It is a meaningless question. If they really want to conquer or destroy the world, there is nothing we can do to stop them.


    "But even they have their weaknesses. For example, family and friends. ......"


    "Nothing more. This is a royal decree.


    The king and most of his ministers know that there is nothing to be gained by antagonizing them.


    But it is also true that some of the new men who have been promoted from the ranks of the old and corrupt are still unfamiliar with the Koronun.


    King Cesar thought that such people should be made to understand from now on.


    This meteor will be a good opportunity to do so.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "So in the end, Jin-kun and worked together on this.


    A debriefing session was also held in the Shoro Imperial Palace.


    I''m glad to hear there was no damage.


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    I wonder how much power you have, Jin-kun. ......


    We should be glad that it is not directed at us.


    The queen replies to the prime minister''s mutterings.


    "Jin, you yourself are a very friendly person. As long as we do not betray him.


    "I understand that. I hope this relationship will last forever.


    "Don''t worry. As long as we have the desire to do so.


    These words may be a little too hopeful, but they are also the true feelings of the female emperor.


    * * * * * *


    "Oh, you got through it all right, didn''t you?


    "Thanks to Jin-sama, I guess."


    Even in the alien lands of ...... Mitsuho and Huso, there were people who were relieved to have a peaceful day.


    * * * *


    The brain of Hourai Island, , is aware of the reactions of the people in each country.


    Too much power is sometimes an object of fear.


    Too much power can sometimes be feared, and certain forces may try to capture it and use it as their own power.


    We must avoid that the <<<< Jin Family>> will be targeted. ......>>


    The old man will try his best to keep the good relationship between this world and Jin forever.


    The old man will try his best to keep a good relationship between this world and Jin.


    * * * * * *


    Hmmm, you made it through after all. ...... That and his master are quite a force to be reckoned with, it seems.


    Yes.


    I had no idea about this planet, but should I be a little concerned?


    No, we''ll take care of everything. There''s no need to worry about it.


    I see. Then leave it to me.


    Yes.


    <


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "I see, you managed to avoid the situation.


    After the situation had calmed down, Jin had taken Reiko to the basement of 700672 to make a report.


    "But this island you named Onogoro Island, Jin-dono, I''m a little curious about it."


    Is that so?


    "Yes. <


    What''s that?


    It''s a reaction to danger.


    700672 says that his , or , are overly cautious when it comes to danger. They are too cautious to deal with danger.


    I don''t understand why they sit back and do nothing, as they did this time."


    I see. ......


    "Is there something wrong with him, or is he being told to do something about it?"


    What?


    "If you are receiving instructions, it is possible that the person you are talking to is not on this planet.


    The 700672 made a surprising guess.


    "That would make sense. , his master may be on another planet. And he may be sending free magic element (ether) there. This is just a possibility.


    Jin had some thoughts on the 700672''s speculation.


    "I understand. I''ll be careful.


    "Yes. That''s the best thing to do.


    Jin left the 700672.


    "Father, shouldn''t you have asked 700672 about the telephoto device and free ether transfer? ?"


    Reiko asked me when I returned to the laboratory.


    "Yes. I''ll figure it out on my own eventually."


    Jin smiled.


    "Yes, that''s why you''re my father.


    Reiko smiled back.


    "Well, all we have to do now is to go and explain to the countries.


    Why don''t you leave that to Makina?


    Reiko advised.


    Jin thinks that since Makina''s presence is fading, this might be a good time to make an appeal.


    "I''ll do that."


    The old man also offered his advice.


    "I should write him a few words of advice on how to prepare for disasters."


    <


    Emergency evacuation, stockpiling emergency food and water. It can only be done if the country can afford it, but Jin would like to help in any way he can.


    It was an afternoon when a fresh autumn breeze was blowing on Horai Island.

 1277 - - 35-01 Material availability

    "Hmmm, I''m not sure if we have enough mithril silver in stock."


    Jin was receiving a report from the old man on the inventory of materials in Horai Island.


    > riot, but only mithril silver could not be replenished>>.


    "Hmmm ......"


    < as a resource to replenish the materials we used up for the spaceships, the large force field generator, and the transporter cannon, but for some reason we could not find mithril silver.


    > he said.


    "Then, I wonder if mithril silver itself is a metal that has very few reserves."


    "That''s too bad."


    "I see. What is its orbit?"


    up at an angle of about 40 degrees to the orbit of the Celanese solar system. Even if pulled by Seran''s gravity, it is likely to disappear into space by now.


    "Then I''d like to investigate it one last time."


    <>


    "Shall we send Adriana to investigate?"


    <


    Yes, please.


    And so <> leaves for space again, in search of mithril silver.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Now, what''s next?"


    Jin began to think about again.


    "It''s weird to think that this Ars where we live is being managed by some unknown entity.


    <>


    < was not friendly either.


    It is not the kind of being that would protect the human race here in Ars.


    "In the first place, we don''t even know what they''re doing with the free magical element (ether) they''re collecting.


    "Maybe. If so, what are the possibilities?


    "But for what purpose?"


    <<>"Yes, but for what purpose? But if you need free magic element (ether), don''t you have to send it from here in Ars?"


    <<>


    "......Oh, I see. Yes, that''s true.


    There could be other facilities like that.


    "But then, how do they send the free magical element (ether)?


    The technology to send free magic element (ether) beyond space is something that Jin does not have.


    "I would like to study it."


    If it can be done, it would be possible to make golems and magi-machines that can operate in places with low free-magic element (ether) concentration without <>.


    "A warp gate, perhaps."


    "Yes.


    In any case, Jin thought it would be an application of the transfer technology.


    This is also an issue for the future.


    "Brother Jin, if you want to replenish your supply for now, why don''t you use the ?"


    Erza, who seemed to be preparing for a meal, expressed such an opinion as soon as she appeared in the command center.


    "Ah, I didn''t know there was such a thing."


    < is a magical tool that Adriana had created in the past to extract materials from seawater when she urgently needed them.


    Jin had never used it before, since it is usually more efficient to obtain materials from underground resources such as ore.


    "That''s right. I''ve never used it, but it''s a good opportunity for me to try to make it.


    And so, Jin began to build the .


    This is a magical tool created by the previous generation of Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, in her youth. As for Jin, he was a little interested in it.


    However, there is no way that Jin would have made it as it is. He had to make his own arrangements.


    "Like this..." "Like this..."


    "Brother Jin, why do you do it that way?"


    "Oh, this is originally a magical circuit that stores information about the target material, but it doesn''t seem to be very flexible. That''s why ......"


    I agree. ...... but it''s almost noon."


    "Oh, okay. I understand."


    Erza had actually come to call him to say that she was ready for lunch, but she seemed to have been drawn in by the unusual things Jin was making. The wife is becoming more and more like her husband.


    "Father, I am sure that this part can be completed by a craftsman (Smith).


    "Well, I''ll ask him to do it.


    Jin gave instructions to the craftsman (Smith) and moved to the dining room with Elsa and Reiko to have lunch.


    * * * *


    "Continue where we left off at ......."


    Ah, yes. Uh, it''s a magi-circuit that stores information about the target material. I made some modifications to it. I changed it to a circuit of comparison and judgment, and tried to extract the same thing as the sample."


    "So you are saying that if you put gold in there, gold will be extracted, and if you put adamantite in there, adamantite will be extracted?"


    That''s what it means.


    That''s great. That''s my brother Jin.


    Your father is amazing!


    The one that Adriana Barbora Zetsi had created in her youth was quite troublesome to adjust to a specific substance, but this improved version can be used by anyone.


    "I''m sure the golems will be able to handle it."


    Jin thought that it might be effective if the Mermaid unit used it in the deep sea.


    "First, let''s make 10 units and try them out.


    Three of them will be tried in the west, east, and north of Horai Island. The south is Tatsumi Bay (southeast to be precise), so he did not want to harm the fish in the fishpond by any chance.


    The production itself was not a problem, and 10 units were completed in one hour. Ames 20, 21, and 22, five-colored golem maids, installed them in the north, east, west, and west of Horai Island. They also manage them.


    These three units are set for the extraction of mithril silver.


    The remaining seven units, four of which are set to mithril silver and the other three to adamantite, are to be tested in the deep sea by the Mermaid team.


    "Here we go."


    Jin was immersed in a sense of fulfillment after completing his work on Horai Island as dusk was falling.


    "Well, tomorrow is Marcia''s birthday party.


    "Hmm, I''ve put it off..."


    Besides, some of the family members were in important positions in their hometowns and had to deal with the debris incident, so it had taken several days to get back to work.


    "But I think it''s a nice change of pace in a way."


    "I guess so."


    The same goes for Jin.


    After all the work we''ve been doing every day to deal with the aftermath, it''s nice to spend time with friends.


    I''m looking forward to it.


    "Yeah."


    Looking up at the sunset sky, Jin and Erza smiled at each other.

 1278 - - 35-02 On Marcias birthday,

    "A little late, but happy birthday!"


    Happy birthday!


    Happy birthday, Marcia!


    "Thank you!"


    On October 19, Marcia''s birthday was celebrated by the whole in Horai Island.


    Originally, it was on October 10, but 5 days later on October 15, the day of the closest approach of the debris, we were not in a psychological condition to celebrate it. The celebration was postponed to the 19th because the debris was not in a state of mind to celebrate.


    "Well, I didn''t think they would actually open it."


    Marcia had thought it would have to be next year.


    "I can''t not open it, you know.


    Jin smiles.


    "I''m grateful to all of you, and I have to show it.


    "I don''t know. I feel like I''m always being taken care of by Jin.


    I guess it''s a win-win situation.


    Reinhardt interrupted.


    "We''re all in this together."


    That''s true.


    "That''s true." "That''s true."


    In his hand was a glass of wine. It was Reinhardt''s favorite white wine, Erlich 3454.


    When it is empty, the maid golem immediately pours it.


    "But this time it was hard..."


    Reinhardt opens his mouth as he recalls the night of the 15th.


    "We could do nothing but look up at the sky.


    But Hitoshi contradicts him.


    "No, Reinhardt and the others did everything they could to prevent the residents from panicking.


    "Brother Rai, that kind of low-key backup is very important.


    Erza and Hitoshi also spoke up against Reinhardt.


    "I''m sure Licia had a hard time too."


    "Oh, I''m sorry?


    Licia was flustered by the sudden rejection.


    "Yes, that''s right. ...... It''s true that the villagers were upset, but they managed to calm down when I explained that there was no danger.


    "It''s people like that who make you feel safe to go out on a sortie."


    Meanwhile, another member tells another story.


    "Oh, Juliana, you made me laugh.


    "Oh!"


    "Your cheeks are so soft. She''s so cute."


    Some of the women were looking at Juliana, the daughter that Bertsche was holding.


    "She''s already grown up so much, hasn''t she?


    Stearina says admiringly.


    "I guess a child this size grows up quickly.


    Martha looked at Juliana with a smile.


    "She doesn''t cry at night, she''s a good girl, thank God.


    Bertsche said shyly that she used to be a night crier.


    "Everyone grows up with parents who take care of them in some way, don''t they?


    "Grandma!"


    "Ah!"


    Martha''s comment was interrupted by Hannah, who was standing nearby.


    Hannah looked at Hitoshi with trepidation.


    "...... thank goodness."


    Jin was now chatting with Goose.


    (It seems that the old man didn''t hear her.) Hanna was relieved.


    Hannah was relieved.


    Then Reiko came to Hannah''s side and poured her a glass of citran juice.


    "Thank you, Reiko!


    Reiko smiled gently,


    "No, Hannah, thank you for your concern for my father.


    she whispered in a small voice.


    I''m sorry...


    "Well, now that we''re all here, there''s something I wanted to tell you."


    When the party was over, Jin looked around at everyone and opened his mouth.


    Jin, what is it?


    "Let''s hear it."


    Everyone looked at Jin.


    "First of all, I would like to add Zion and the rest of the demon tribe to the . You may think it''s too late for that.


    No one objected to this.


    "Kuhu, it''s really too late."


    Some agreed that it was a little late for that.


    Since they had visited and interacted with the demon territory many times, there was a strong feeling that it was <>.


    "Also, I''d like to investigate Onogoro Island more. Without any heavy-handedness, of course."


    "Oh, you know what I mean."


    Reinhardt agrees with Jin''s words.


    "I don''t think they are the ones to protect this planet.


    "I know. They didn''t do anything this time.


    Saki agrees with me.


    "I see. I guess I''m not the only one who feels that way. ......


    Jin muttered to himself in a self-deprecating manner.


    "No, you''re not."


    "No, you''re not."


    "No, it''s not true." "No, it''s not true."


    "No, it''s not true," "No, it''s not true," "No, it''s not true," etc.


    and so on, the words of denial came pouring out from everyone.


    "Jin explained his origins clearly to us, and above all, he is doing everything he can for this world," said Reinhardt.


    Reinhard said.


    "That''s right. Jin-kun could conquer the world as he pleases.


    Toa.


    Jin, you saved me when we first met. You''re nothing like that golem.


    said Bina.


    "Jin, you know, in retrospect, you were very kind to accept my invitation even though it didn''t benefit you much, and thanks to ......, you won the race!


    Marcia said.


    "Yes, yes. Jin, you and that are just a bunch of fools.


    And Stearina.


    "Yes, that''s right!��Jin-san is the one who suggested the way of my life to me!


    And Licia.


    "You''re my grandma, you''re my grandma!


    "Yes, Jin is Jin.


    And Hannah and Martha.


    "Everyone is ......."


    Jin was happy.


    "Jin is my husband. He is an indispensable person in this world."


    Finally, Elsa took Jin''s arm.

 1279 - - 35-03 Plan Consultation

    Marcia''s birthday party ended a little after 8:00 p.m. Penglai Island time.


    Because of the time difference, the time is the most advanced in the known world in Penglai Island, so it was still early in the local area of the members of <>.


    So all of them were relaxing in the cafeteria to sober up.


    Since Hannah is a child and Bina is heavy, they only drank juice and did not need to sober up, but the other members drank cold water.


    Some of them were in a bad position to go back to their hometowns too red-faced.


    "So, Jin, what''s the plan?"


    Reinhardt asked Jin as he put his glass on the table.


    "Are you going to continue solving the mystery of the Antarctic?"


    "No, that''s on hold."


    Jin also drank out of his glass of water before answering.


    "As I told you earlier, I''m not convinced by ''s attitude, so I''m not sure what to do.


    "Well, I guess you''re right. As a former diplomat, I have to say that ''s attitude is obviously not right. At least, it doesn''t seem like he is protecting this world.


    Reinhardt offers his opinion.


    "I have a feeling that they are pursuing some specific goal. This is just a hunch on my part.


    "A specific purpose, ...... for which they are collecting free magical elements (ether), you mean."


    "That''s what I think."


    Jin and Reinhardt nodded at each other.


    "I don''t understand why they are still clinging to it even though there is no reason for their existence since their <> is no longer with them.


    Guth also raises the question.


    "But we don''t have enough information, so it would be dangerous to make an immediate decision.


    "That is kind of creepy, isn''t it?"


    Bina said with disgust.


    "After all, you didn''t do anything about the debris incident, did you?"


    "Yes, I suppose so. From what I''ve heard, it sounds like they don''t care if this world is destroyed or not.


    Count Kuzma agreed.


    "You mean to say that life on Ars has nothing to do with the act of collecting free magical elements (ether)?"


    Guth spat out with disgust.


    "Then why are they doing it in the southern hemisphere, where it will have less impact on humans?"


    The question was raised by Toa.


    "Isn''t it simply because the was in the northern hemisphere when they started operating?"


    Saki also expressed her own view.


    "No, that''s not necessarily true. It could also be because it would be troublesome if they came to investigate us by doing something unnecessary."


    In fact, Jin-kun sent a survey team this time," Toa said.


    Various other opinions were also raised, but again, a conclusion could not be reached due to the lack of information.


    "In any case, there is no doubt that they have technology that Horai Island does not have. At the moment, we have not been able to reproduce <> and >, and we have not been able to reproduce these two things."


    "Hmmm, there are things even Jin-kun can''t do, aren''t there?"


    Milowina looked at him in a funny admiring way.


    "Of course there are."


    Jin replied with a wry smile.


    "I''m sure Jin-kun will be able to make those two things happen somehow.


    Stearina also joins in,


    "I told you that. ...... Oh, I see."


    "What?��Is it already done?"


    "Oh, no, no, no, no, I''m just trying to change your mind.


    "Change your mind?"


    "Idea?" "Yes. Instead of trying to reproduce the techniques shown to me, I should try to create the same effect in my own way.


    Stearina seemed impressed by his answer.


    "I see...you are Jin-kun after all."


    I see..." * * * *


    When everyone had sobered up considerably.


    "Since we''re here, let''s take a group photo.


    Jin suddenly thought of an idea. <


    "Oh, that''s nice."


    Everyone knew (and had forgotten) about the existence of a <>, so they nodded.


    "Yes, I''ll take a picture. ......"


    Reiko took the camera and took a group photo with all of us in it.


    Later, she plans to make more copies for all of us and give them to each of us.


    "Well then, Jin, thank you for today. I will take good care of this watch.


    Jin has given a pocket watch to each family member as a birthday present this year.


    "Well, Jin-dono, see you later.


    Marcia and Rodrigo left,


    "Good night, Mr. Jin. Good night."


    Licia left.


    Jin, see you later.


    "Jin-sama, I had a good time today."


    Bina and Count Kuzma left too.


    Well then, we''d better go home too.


    "Yes, my dear. Juliana seems to be asleep.


    Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt returned to their estate.


    Hannah and Martha, Saki and Tor, Stearina, Vivian, Goose, and Milowina remained.


    None of them needed to rush back to their hometowns.


    "So, what are you going to do, Jin?"


    Milowena asked Jin. He looked as if he was expecting something.


    "Well, I haven''t decided yet, but I''d like to go to Hale.


    "I see."


    Milowina listened unconcernedly, but the others seemed more than a little surprised.


    "It''s the planet where the ancestors of the human race came from, and there still seems to be something there, so I''m kind of curious about it.


    "That''s true."


    Surprisingly, Elsa did not object.


    "For that reason, I was thinking of preparing two 100-meter class spaceships using the large force field generator we have built this time."


    "What?"


    That was unexpected, apparently.


    "We don''t know what''s in Hale, so it''s better to have a force."


    "...... I understand, but..."


    "Then you can use the materials at <>. I don''t think we''re going to use it anyway."


    Jin bowed to Milowina''s offer.


    "Thank you very much. If I need them, I will do so.


    Jin then told her about the recovered materials.


    "So, we have been able to replenish most of the materials, and we have more iron and nickel in stock than before.


    What is missing is mithril silver, which we are trying to extract from seawater," Jin explained.

 1280 - - 35-04 Two means of transition

    "I see, only mithril silver can''t be replenished.


    Saki says with a difficult look on her face.


    "In the first place, silver mithril is a magical isotope of silver, isn''t it?


    A magical isotope is an element in which the neutrons in the nucleus of an atom have been replaced by magicons, and it has a very good affinity with free magic element (ether).


    Mithril silver, in particular, is the most effective conductor of magic among all metals and materials.


    Because of this characteristic, it is used for magic nerves and mana-conducting wires.


    It can also be alloyed with other metals in small quantities to increase its reactivity to magic power.


    Magi-adamantite is a typical example of such an alloy, in which mithril silver is added to adamantite at a ratio of 1.5 percent by volume. When strengthened with magic power, it is five times stronger than adamantite.


    "I have some money, so I can buy some of it. Too much of it would drive up the price."


    "That''s true."


    "A kilo of this stuff would be gone after a few golems."


    One of the reasons for the high performance of the golems and automata that Jin makes is that he uses such rare materials in abundance.


    Of course, this is only possible with the skill to use them.


    "I''m sending <> to see if she can''t find a distant <>......<<>."


    "Oh, I see."


    There, no one will be harmed if we mine there. If we can find them.


    So, when we''re ready, we''ll head for Hale.


    Of course, Jin explains that we will sail unmanned until we get close to , and once we get there, we will search with our doppelg?nger, and once we are sure there is no danger, we will try to go there with the warp gate.


    "If that''s the case, I''d love to go there.


    "Me too.


    "Me too!


    "Me too!


    Goose, Vivian, Saki, and Hannah.


    "When you know you''re out of danger..."


    The distance between the two planets is twice the orbital radius of Ars, since Ars and Hale are located on opposite sides of the star Celan. That is, about 300 million kilometers.


    The actual distance between the two planets is a little longer, since they will have to bypass the star Celan.


    "Even at 300 kilometers per second, it would take about 12 days."


    It''s much more efficient to travel once you get there than it is to ride.


    "Well, only Jin can travel that way," said Saki with a laugh.


    Saki said with a laugh.


    "Well, we''ll probably leave after the convoy is completed, so that''s still a long way off."


    "...... In the meantime, do you want to complete the <> and the <>?"


    Elsa, who had been silent until now, opened her mouth. Jin nodded.


    "Yes. It would be nice if we could."


    "That is for seeing things in the distance, right?"


    Stearina opened her mouth.


    "And it looks like it has a ......<> that can see a great distance."


    "<> or ......."


    The mention of the <> reminds me of Princess Rieschen.


    "I remember that Riesh has a <>, right?


    However, it seems that the magnification is about the same as that of a normal telescope, so I can''t use it as a reference.


    "They are both technologies related to , aren''t they?"


    Vivienne said.


    "Yes, they are. When it comes to space, I''m only familiar with the system."


    "What?"


    A voice questioned Jin''s words. It was Milowina.


    "Jin-kun, you know about the warp gate system, don''t you?


    "Yes, I do. But they are slow to start up and consume a lot of magic power.


    "Oh, really?��I know it''s slow to start up.


    When a transfer magic circle is activated by flowing magic power, magic power circulates through its circular magic circuit (Magi Circuit).


    As it circulates, it absorbs free magical energy (ether) from its surroundings, amplifying the magic power, and when it exceeds the required value, it is transferred.


    It is often thought that since it only needs to be activated, it consumes little magic power, but Jin''s research has shown that this is not true.


    "Warp gates are always activated for their operation, so they consume a certain amount of magic power, but this is not the case with transfer magic circle, isn''t it?


    Jin explains.


    In other words, the warp gate is connected all the time, so it consumes a lot of magic power but reacts quickly, while the transfer magic circle is connected only when it is used, so it consumes less magic power but reacts more slowly.


    Jin explained, however, that if we take out only the transition itself, both warp gates and magic circle consume the same amount of magic power.


    "In a warp gate, we give free magic element (ether), but a magic circle takes in free magic element (ether) by itself. In terms of labor, the transfer magic circle may be easier.


    "Oh, so that''s what you mean."


    Milowina seemed to be convinced.


    "After all, it seems that the amount of magic power consumed during transfer is not much different between a warp gate and a magic circle.


    They replied to Jin''s conclusion in silence.


    "But there might be a different effect between a warp gate and a magic circle, right?" said Saki.


    Saki replied. Jin answered in the affirmative.


    "Yes, that''s true. I haven''t completely compared them either.


    "Then why don''t you give it a try?��I''ll help you."


    Stearina raised her hand.


    "Sounds fun."


    Saki was also enthusiastic. Saki was used to such comparative experiments. Jin thought that she might be able to give him some advice.


    "Looks like fun, isn''t it?


    Hannah said a little enviously.


    "I can''t use magic, so you girls are so nice.


    Martha quieted Hannah down.


    "Hannah, don''t beg for something you don''t have. Instead, think about what you can do to help.


    "Yes, Grandma!"


    Martha then tells Jin.


    "Jin, I''m going home to take care of Hannah.


    Yes, of course.


    "Hannah, don''t get in Jin''s way."


    Yes, Grandma.


    And Martha left.


    "Well, it''s already late at night here in Hourai Island, so we''ll have to wait until tomorrow for such an experiment.


    Before I knew it, it was around 11:00 p.m..


    It was around 9:30 p.m. in the village of Kaina, and Hannah looked sleepy.


    "Auntie Meene, can I sleep with you?"


    "Yes, you can."


    Hannah sleeps with Meene.


    Jin and Erza will stay at home, and the rest of the group will rest in the guest room of the institute.


    "Well, good night, Hannah."


    "Good night, Onii-chan."


    The round moon (Yunie) still hangs over Horai Island.

 1281 - - 35-05 Discovery

    The next day we started experimenting and experimenting again in the morning.


    As a result, we found out something interesting.


    "Miniaturization...... is more advantageous to the transition magic circle."


    The distance that can be transferred becomes shorter when a general warp gate is made too small.


    Specifically, a warp gate of the size used by a <> of 5 mm in height ......1 centimeter square would be limited to 50 The limit was 50 meters at most.


    On the other hand, the distance of the transfer magic circle did not decrease noticeably, even when the diameter was reduced to 1 mm.


    "This may be due to the characteristics of each."


    The transfer magic circle has an impulse-like behavior, whereas the warp gate has a flat behavior.


    This may also be the reason for the difference in the consumption of free magic element (ether).


    "Saki, thank you very much for your help.


    Jin thanked her while summarizing the results of the experiment.


    "No problem. It was fun for me too.


    "I learned a lot, too.


    Hannah was also smiling for some reason. And then she asks a question.


    "Hey, honey, don''t magic tools give off heat?"


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin decided that this question meant that when a magic tool works, does the energy that cannot be fully utilized become heat due to its efficiency?


    "I wonder if Hannah is studying enough to ask such a question. ......I should say that ordinary magic tools < don''t generate heat."


    The energy used by magic tools is mana.


    Unused mana is released into the surrounding space, so no heat is generated.


    To a greater or lesser extent, magic tools emit such unutilized mana into the surrounding space.


    A mage can sense it somehow, and a magic detector (magi radar) can also detect it.


    However, there are exceptions. This is the case when there are mechanical moving parts. In such cases, it is inevitable that frictional heat and heat generated by deformation will be generated.


    The same can be said for magi-machines. Strictly speaking, therefore, <>.


    "I see."


    Hannah seems convinced.


    "There aren''t many books on magic in the castle library, so I didn''t know that."


    "Oh, I see."


    There are no mages in the village of Kaina, so books on magic and magical engineering were rarely available there.


    "But it''s not a bad idea to study them. Okay, I''ll get more books next time."


    "Wow, thank you!


    Seeing Hannah''s happy face, Jin was also happy.


    At that time, the old man reported


    <


    It was good news.


    "Jin, that''s great!


    Now the shortage of materials will be solved.


    But the old man''s report did not stop there.


    <


    "Okay, I understand. <<>All aircraft ...... No, this is the time, send in 10 more aircraft."


    With this, the stockpile of metal and mineral materials on Horai Island would not only be restored, but would be increased by more than 100 years.


    "Now we can build without any worries."


    Since the amount of materials was going to increase rather than decrease, Jin decided to start the construction of a 100-meter class starship as he had planned.


    The basic design is the same as that of <, but the number of human facilities such as living quarters will be reduced.


    The spacecraft will not be a 10-meter-diameter <, but something much smaller.


    "The outfitting will come later.


    At 100 meters in diameter, it would take a long time to build the hull.


    And even more so, since it is a multi-layered structure.


    However, since it is Horai Island, the level of <> is not the same as what is generally said.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and the others return to the consideration of the telephoto device and free magic element (ether) transfer.


    "But it''s not that easy.


    "That''s true.


    "Even Jin can''t do it so easily. ......


    "Well, it''s really difficult."


    Jin was unable to think about it, perhaps because neither of them could be realized even with modern earth science.


    "I think I''ll take it slowly."


    It was almost time to drop Hannah off, so Jin decided to call it a night.


    "I''ll think of something, too, honey."


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    Jin nodded with a smile when he was told this as they parted when he dropped Hannah off at the warp gate in the basement of the workshop in the village of Kaina.


    After taking a glance at the blue sky of Kaina village, Jin returned to Horai Island again.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Brother Jin, welcome back!


    Erza greeted Jin.


    "The first shipment of mithril silver just arrived via <>.


    "Oh."


    Since the silver has been roughly refined locally, ingots, not ores, have been sent.


    The amount of the ingot, about 200 kilograms, is literally a shining white and silver ingot.


    The specific gravity of the ingot is about 10.5, so its volume is only a cube of less than 30 centimeters square.


    "That''s great."


    At that rate, we will exceed our original inventory in less than half a day.


    are definitely very abundant.


    "Okay, we will mine as much as we can, and that will continue."


    <


    Then Milowina arrived.


    "Jin, it''s time for me to go back to the moon.


    "Oh, already?"


    "Yes. I''m gradually getting used to the environment here, but the gravity is still a little rough.


    Milowina was weak due to her advanced age, so , the management brain of the moon (UNY), had adjusted the gravity to a slightly lower level to reduce the burden on her body.


    Now that he is healthy thanks to Jin and Elsa, he is gradually adjusting his body to 1G.


    "Yes, you mustn''t overdo it, right?


    "Yes, I will visit you again soon.


    Milowina passed through the warp gate and returned to her home in Yunie.

 1282 - - 35-06 Bold hypothesis

    Saki, Toa, Stearina, Vivian, and Goose were the only ones who remained.


    "Jin, when are you going to the demon territory?


    Saki asked.


    "If you''re going, I want to go too.


    "Oh, me too.


    "Me too."


    Saki, Goose, and Vivienne all offered their candidacy.


    "Yeah, I''d love to go. I''ll be there in a day or two. Before winter.


    The demon territory is in the north, so it would be best to visit before the snow falls.


    Toa and Stearina had decided not to go this time, and both returned to the Shoro Kingdom.


    "Well then, let''s go and retrieve the other one.


    "The other one?"


    Saki asked at Jin''s words.


    "You know, the material extractor we put in the ocean."


    "Oh, the one developed by the previous generation."


    Jin ordered the golem maid in charge to retrieve it.


    This was immediately carried out, and five minutes later, the "Material Extractor," a magical material extraction device, and the materials arrived at Jin''s hand.


    "Well, you have quite a lot of materials.


    About 250 grams of mithril silver and 90 grams of adamantite were extracted from the seawater.


    "That''s quite promising for two whole days.


    "Not in large quantities, but I think we can get a little of everything, Jin."


    "Your predecessors are very good."


    Saki and Goose were also impressed.


    At that moment, the old man spoke to him.


    "What''s the matter, My Lord?"


    What do you mean, "Can I have one?"


    <


    Tell me.


    and<> with this Ars, it seems that Ars has less underground resources.


    The debris is, after all, an internal satellite of the 5th planet.


    <


    <<>.


    "...... I see."


    <


    "<>, right?"


    Saki adds.


    <


    Someone who has a base on the island of Onogoro may be distributing not only free magical elements (ether) but also the resources of this planet, the old man concluded.


    > remained in Hale, that would be a good enough reason>>.


    "I see. ...... I see."


    One of the reasons why <> abandoned its home planet, Hale, was the depletion of its resources. If this is how they are compensating for it.


    <


    Therefore, they mined the resources with moderation and sent them to Hale.


    <


    As an additional note, the development of the southern hemisphere should not have progressed due to the lack of free magical element (ether).


    If they did some exploratory drilling somewhere and the resources were abundant, it would confirm the hypothesis.


    "...... is great, old man."


    Jin was impressed by the old man''s ability.


    "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!


    Beside Jin, Saki was also impressed.


    "Hmmm.... That''s a very likely story. After all, <> must have been the base of the <> ...... or at least a faction of them on this planet."


    Goose was also compiling his own information.


    "I wonder if they served both the who emigrated and the who remained in Hale?"


    Vivian questioned.


    "Perhaps they did. But the priority would be Hale, who was on the verge of extinction.


    Jin felt somewhat the same way since the recent debris incident.


    "Kuhu, we can no longer avoid investigating Hale, can we?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    It is still good for now, but if things continue as they are, there may eventually be a conflict between Ars and Hale over the resources.


    This is something that Jin would like to avoid.


    And if there is a conflict, .......


    ��I will protect Ars.)


    No doubt about that, but I didn''t want it to turn into an interplanetary war, something that would be out of a science fiction novel.


    "Well, that''s a story for after we investigate Hale."


    For that investigation, Jin wanted a telephoto device.


    "Brother Jin, the point is to observe things from a distance, right?"


    Yes, that''s right.


    Then, why don''t we make a super-compact magic eye and control it remotely?


    "...... sure."


    This is a typical example of how we should not confuse the means with the end.


    "We should build that one first.


    And we can definitely make that one. It is an extension of the existing technology.


    Thinking about this, Jin had an epiphany. < is not because it is an extension, but because it is an interrupted technology, a technology that does not exist.


    "Maybe we have aimed too much at a single step.


    We have to clear the problems one by one toward the realization. I had forgotten such a basic principle and set too high a goal all at once.


    It was Jin who reflected a little on this.


    So, first of all, a remote-controlled camera, which he named <.


    Finally, the camera was processed and assembled by <> into a spherical shape with a diameter of 1 cm.


    The , an ultra-compact force field generator, enables short-range flight and attitude control, and the field of view can be zoomed.


    Like the original , the images are sent to a counterpart .


    Theoretically, the distance over which images can be sent is infinite, but in practice it is probably tens of thousands of kilometers.


    This is sufficient performance for a start.


    I think it''s safe to say that retrieval will be impossible."


    "Well, it''s a bit of a waste, though."


    Elsa''s typical opinion came up.


    "Based on this, I would like to think of something with even better performance."


    "I agree."


    That was all for the day.


    The rest of the meeting was to be held the next day.

 1283 - - 35-07 Pre-production is going well

    The next day, i.e., October 21.


    Saki, Goose, Vivian and others began a deeper study of the relationship between <> and the >.


    Jin, Erza, Laokun, Reiko, and others examined the <>.


    "Hey, Brother Jin, about the illusionary wards..."


    Erza suddenly interrupted, "I''ve been thinking about it since yesterday.


    "Is that the magic technique to make something appear to be there where it is not?"


    "Yes. Is that what ............ is about?��Oh, I see!"


    Jin clapped his hands together, realizing what Erza meant.


    "Now I see, Jin brother, that''s great."


    "Kuhu, it''s called ''heart to heart'', isn''t it?"


    Saki, who was supposed to be discussing the relationship between and , replied in a mixed tone.


    Erza''s cheeks flushed a little at that, but it seemed to be invalid to Jin, who was in the mode of making things.


    In short, Jin thinks that the <> used by <> and the others is a device that allows them to see distant images by using magic power to build something like a <> at a distant location.


    As a first step to approach this technology, Jin had been thinking about various <> type technologies, but he had reached a dead end.


    But then he realized that he had to go to a faraway place.


    "It is illusionary magic that draws an illusion of a distant place using free magic element (ether) waves as a carrier wave.


    "Hmm."


    The image is somewhat similar to that of a laser hologram.


    "If you write a magic circle or a magic formula (Magi Formula) instead of this illusion, you can create ......."


    "Yes, yes, I can see that it looks something like that."


    Saki is impressed, although she doesn''t understand.


    "Okay, let''s give it a try."


    Saki, Goose, Vivian, and the others stayed in the cafeteria to continue the study, while Jin and Erza moved to the workshop.


    Jin and Elsa moved to the workshop.


    "The scope of the experiment should be very narrow. It''s just an experiment.


    Erza helped a little, and the prototype was completed in about 30 minutes.


    "This should have the effect of emitting a ball of light at a distance of 20 meters.


    "Even if there is a wall in between?"


    Jin nodded at Elsa''s question.


    "Of course. The free etheric wave won''t be affected even by planets. Let''s give it a try."


    Jin points the prototype out of the lab and activates it.


    Erza ran to the window of the workshop and looked out.


    "Jin, it works. It glows.


    "Yes."


    That''s your father.


    "Now, let''s see if we can develop it from here. We need to increase the distance, and we need to be able to use more complex magic formulas and magic circles.


    "Brother Jin, can I try the one to increase the distance?"


    Jin thought for a moment and nodded.


    Then, please do it. It will probably come down to the convergence of the free elemental waves, so you might want to have a mini craftsman (Smith) help you with that.


    "Hmm, okay. Thanks for the hint.


    Jin then decides to try a magic that requires a more complicated formula than the <.


    "Well, <> doesn''t change the difficulty much. ......"


    Jin thinks of a magic that is easy to confirm the success.


    And.


    "......<>."


    That is the purpose.


    Jin <<> the magic crystal (magic crystal) that is the source of the illusionary wards.


    "This is also very detailed ...... prototype is fine, but let''s have a mini craftsman (Smith)...... or even a millimeter craftsman (Smith) do the real work."


    Millimeter craftsman (Smith) dedicated to microfabrication. He is a super-small craftsman (smith) of 5 mm in height.


    On the other hand, Elsa was also doing various things to extend the effective distance.


    She seems to be able to reach up to 10 km without any problem, but her performance becomes doubtful from about 20 km.


    The <> checks the <>, but it is sometimes activated and sometimes not.


    And one more thing, the place of activation is unstable.


    A slight tremor at hand can be a tremendous tremor at a distance of 20 kilometers.


    So first of all, Erza prepared a solid base and set the magic tool on it.


    This eliminated most of the oscillations, but they were still on and off.


    "After all, convergence ......"


    "What do you think, Erza?"


    As Erza was pondering, Jin came in.


    "Are you done with that one?"


    "Yes, I''m done with that one, and now I''m going to ask Millimeter Craftsman (Smith) to do the work."


    "Millimeter Craftsman (Smith) ......"


    Elsa gazed at him, wondering how precise the machining was.


    She realizes that in order to connect the tremendous distances, it is necessary to aim for a zero error rate.


    "The stability of the activation position can be solved by fixing the magic tool. But the activation is ......."


    "Ah, so it''s a convergence problem after all."


    "Yes."


    Then ......


    It is a part of the magecrystal that serves as a to project illusions.


    It is essential to form its physical shape as precisely as possible, Jin said.


    "Indeed, I think so.


    "So, first of all, let''s make sure the crystal is free of defects. ......<>"


    "That''s what I''m talking about. I was going to ask the mini-craftsman (Smith) to do the geometry, but I hadn''t thought of the crystal structure."


    "No, I''m an engineer.


    Jin laughed, "I have experience and intuition when it comes to making things, but I''m no match for Erza when it comes to ideas.


    "Thank you. I''m flattered."


    "No, I''m not flattered. ......"


    Jin thought he was genuinely helped by Erza''s ability to come up with her own original ideas.


    "And anyway, let''s try this one."


    A little embarrassed, Jin looked at the magic tool in front of Erza.


    "The actual machine is adamantite ...... or maybe even hyper adamantite."


    "What?"


    You''re going to go that far?��Jin continued to Erza who seemed to want to say.


    "Oh. It''s an engineer''s dream to have a perfect . And I think that would be a pretty good idea.


    The slightest distortion or deformation is a non-negligible error hundreds or thousands of kilometers away.


    Elsa thought she knew this in theory, but when Hitoshi told her, she realized it all over again.


    A telescope with a high magnification is like a blur when hand-held.


    "Fix the telescope firmly and with high accuracy.


    And so Prototype #2 was completed.


    "Let''s try it. Check it, please, Mr. President."


    Let''s start with 20 kg.


    Then, 30 kilometers.


    It was OK, too.


    And it is confirmed that there is no problem up to 100 kg.


    Meanwhile, Jin''s millimeter craftsman (Smith) informed us that the machining was finished.


    "Okay, let''s give it a try."


    Jin activated his magic tool.

 1284 - - 35-08 Tangent

    Jin''s prototype was also a success.


    The images obtained were the same as if a magic eye had been placed 20 meters away.


    And it doesn''t matter if there is a wall or a rock in between.


    This is an unexpected effect.


    Come to think of it, it''s not surprising since we are using free-magic element (ether) waves instead of light waves.


    "It''s clairvoyance in the true sense of the word, isn''t it?"


    Reiko also has a function called "clairvoyance". However, it uses infrared rays, etc., and is only <>.


    It is not possible to obtain such a clear image.


    It would also be possible to see through it from a distance.


    "You''ve made something amazing!


    Jin thinks for a moment.


    "I wonder if <> can do the same thing to us.


    Jin thinks about how to prevent it.


    "A barrier, after all.


    Jin thought that it would be good to have a barrier that can cover the laboratory, the house, and the old lord individually, if not the whole Horai Island.


    <<<>.


    The old man says.


    "Yes, it would be. < separately."


    Jin was relieved to have one less thing to worry about, though he had to take a short detour.


    "Let''s combine it with Elsa''s prototype.


    "Yes."


    With a little work, it was done.


    "Okay, launch."


    We''re headed for the Kunlun Islands. It''s about 300 kilometers away.


    "Hmmm, I think we''re almost there."


    The most difficult thing was to adjust the direction.


    Even a 0.1 degree change in the direction would result in a large error at a distance of 300 kilometers.


    "Brother Jin, how close is it?


    "What?��You know what trigonometric functions tell us, don''t you?"


    "Uh... ......"


    It seems that Elsa had never used the trigonometric function even though she knew it.


    "tan�� = b/a," she said.


    "Oh, so a is 300 kilometers, �� is 0.1 degrees, and the error you want is b, right?"


    "Yes, yes."


    Jin thought about the trigonometric functions in his mind without saying it out loud.


    "Then ......b = 300 x tan 0.1 degrees."


    "That''s right."


    There was a way to have the old man calculate the trigonometric function table, but Jin was saved by the fact that it was included as an appendix at the end of the book that <> Shuki Tsetsi had brought in.


    <


    The old man calculated it for me by showing the formula.


    "An error of just over 500 meters at 0.1 degree. ......"


    Elsa looked at him with difficulty.


    "I understand that my brother Jin wants the error to be zero."


    "Right?"


    Jin thought, "If this is extended to a distance on the scale of the universe, it may not be possible for a human to operate it.


    "A special golem or a semi-automated golem?"


    "Brother Jin, at any rate, I see an island that looks like Kunlun Island.


    "Oh, great!"


    While Jin was lost in thought for a moment, Erza had finished the adjustment.


    The image was a little shaky, but it was enough for confirmation.


    "Well, if we make it right, it will be practical enough.


    There seemed to be no problem with the near to medium range use.


    "And it also has a see-through function, or ......."


    Jin named this device .


    He really wanted to call it <>, but decided to hold back a little.


    With this device, I can look through the walls and see what''s going on in the room.


    We have to be careful not to use it too much."


    "Yes, I agree."


    Due to moral issues, Jin and Erza have vowed to refrain from using it lightly.


    Now, the main purpose is for space observation, in other words, for long- and ultra-long-range use.


    "Above long-range use, we need to make a larger and more rigid structure.


    Since the principle is the same, there is no problem in making it.


    "Old man, please consider the strength, the size, and the range.


    Jin and Erza took a rest, leaving the design to the old man.


    "Father, what would you like to drink?


    "Well, Citran juice.


    "Yes, Citran juice. What about you, Miss Elsa?


    I''ll have the same.


    Reiko brought them some cold Citran juice.


    But we managed.


    "Yes, we did."


    "Father, you''re the best!"


    Elsa and Jin lightly touched glasses and toasted each other.


    Reiko also gives her compliments.


    "Now all we need is <, ...... but to be honest, it''s not that important."


    < has a lot of weight in his mind.


    "More than that, we can make a powerful weapon by applying the <>."


    "...... indeed."


    "I don''t intend to use it much, but I''ll make one just in case something happens."


    We can use attack magic instead of <.


    It is also effective against the opponent at a distance where normal magic cannot reach, or through a wall.


    "It would be nice if we could select the magic we want.


    "Then, healing magic too."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    As Erza said, it would be very effective if healing magic could be used at a long distance, Jin thought.


    "Since we know about the healing magic, let''s add this device to all the people in Horai Island.


    First, Reiko, Laiko, Soleil, Luna, 5 colored golem maids, land, sea and air forces, craftsmen (Smith), undersea forces, space forces .......


    And even larger ones for aircraft and ships.


    "I know it''s a lot of work, but please."


    Craftsman Smith is very busy.


    In this way, the war potential of Horai Island was further increased.

 1285 - - 35-09 Summary

    Saki, Goose, Vivian and others arrived.


    "Jin, I heard you made a telephoto device.


    Goose spoke to him.


    "Yes. <


    "Oh?��Why is that?"


    Saki wonders.


    "Actually, it''s ......."


    Jin explained,


    "And, the clairvoyant function ......."


    "What do you mean, it''s ......"


    Both Saki and Vivienne were a little taken back.


    "That''s why I was talking with my brother Jin about not using it casually."


    "Yes, I know. People are skeptical, so it''s better not to talk about it with anyone outside the <>."


    Goose said to be careful.


    "But I think if we use it right, we can find out what''s wrong with the body."


    Yes, it should replace X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc.


    "Oh, medical use. Yeah, that''s a good idea."


    Saki seemed to agree with me on this point.


    "Well, let''s leave the medical use to Erza.


    There are no accuracy or structural problems since it is for close range use.


    Since it is mainly a matter of ease of use, Jin decided to leave it to Erza, who would be the user.


    "Yes, sir."


    I''ll concentrate on developing the long-range version.


    Jin and the others are doing well.


    What about Saki and the others?


    < and .


    "Yes, it is just a theory, but I have summarized it, including your speculation.


    Guth spoke on behalf of the group.


    "<> came to Arus from Hale where the resources were depleted. There is no doubt about that. But from what I have heard, the individualistic <> lived in groups of families, or at most neighborhoods."


    "Hm."


    That was an interesting hypothesis.


    "Of course, when they migrated, many such groups would have gathered together to form <>. < might have gathered together to form a ."


    In this case, "territory" does not mean a territory, but rather a group of towns.


    It would not have been a <>. The would not like such an ."


    Jin listened with admiration, thinking that this was a very perceptive observation.


    "And then, someone arrived on the island of Onogoro as an advance party.


    Guth concluded by saying that they must have remodeled Arus and changed it into an environment that they could live in comfortably.


    "So much for the ."


    I''ll tell you next."


    Vivian spoke up on Goose''s behalf.


    "And then the advance party landed in the <> as well. < are individualistic, I doubt that the people who landed in the < didn''t care about the .


    Jin agreed inwardly.


    "On the other hand, is still collecting free magical elements (ether) to make its habitat more habitable. ...... and"


    Vivian continued, saying that it would be a leap forward from here.


    "They are sending free magical elements (ether) and ...... resources to Hale."


    "That''s your guess, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. And the rest is our guess."


    Vivian nodded.


    "We need materials to build a ship to emigrate from Hale, where the resources are depleted. They mined and sent mithril silver to this planet. That is why there is so little mithril silver on this planet.


    "I see."


    It''s a bold theory, no doubt. But it makes sense.


    "And the materials we sent out were effective for the who refused to emigrate. And even now, free ether is being sent to Hale.


    That''s all," said Vivian.


    "Well, that''s an interesting theory."


    "Well, it''s an interesting theory," said Vivian, "though I have my doubts. There is so little information available that the later we have to resort to fictions and guesswork.


    "I guess so."


    Jin can understand that. However, when you give us this much background information, it gives us a guideline for our actions.


    "I don''t know the reasons or motives, though. For example, why is the free magical element (ether) being sent to Hale? Moreover, if free magic element (ether) is sent, it doesn''t have to be from this planet.


    I wouldn''t think of going to check it out if such a mystery could be solved without us even being there.


    "That''s true. I''m sure that Jin will reveal that to us in the future.


    "If I could, yes."


    "And ?"


    Finally Guth spoke up.


    "You are the administrator of , one of the strongholds that the established here in Arus. However, your allegiance is to only a small portion of the <>."


    "What?"


    "The fact that he did nothing about the < uproar is proof of that. Perhaps the <> is not here in Ars. I''m sure of it, since he stiffened when I tried to ask him."


    "If he is, it''s either Hale or ......."


    "That''s what I''m saying. That doesn''t mean he''s on Ars'' side. Worse, they may not even be neutral.


    That means that they would do anything to the detriment of Ars for the sake of their master in Hale.


    "Okay. Thank you, guys."


    Jin looks at his watch.


    "It''s late already. Let''s have dinner.


    It was 6:00 p.m. according to Horaijima time.


    "Oh, this is delicious.


    The menu for dinner consisted of white rice, miso soup with fried bean curd, chilled tofu, boiled tofu, vegetable and white fish tempura, and fried eggs.


    All of them were Jin''s favorites and Saki''s favorites, too.


    "Hmmm, maybe I should learn to cook too.


    Saki mutters as she drinks the miso soup.


    "Aaru is so talented. ......"


    Jin chuckles and Erza offers a word of advice.


    "Saki, if you are willing to do it, don''t be greedy, learning one by one is a shortcut in the end.


    "I see. Hearing it from Erza''s mouth, it has a lot of weight to it.


    Elsa, who grew up as a young lady and couldn''t do anything, is now an accomplished housewife.


    "A work of love, huh?"


    "......, yeah."


    "Ah, Elsa. You''ve grown in stature, haven''t you?


    Saki couldn''t help but giggle when he nodded at her with a straight face.


    "By the way..."


    Goose, who had finished eating first, opened his mouth as he sipped his hojicha.


    "Hmm?"


    Jin, who had also finished eating, looked up.


    "What happened to the story about going to the demon territory?


    "Yes. Let''s go to the demon territory tomorrow with <>. I don''t think this will be the end of our research, especially since the free ether transfer is going to take some time.


    "I understand."


    I''ve been here many times, so I know what it''s like over there, so I''m comfortable with this kind of thing.


    "I don''t think we need to prepare anything in particular. Well, let''s go easy."


    "Kuhu, only Jin can say that, right?"


    Saki says with a wry smile.


    "It''s not something we should be talking about now..."


    "That''s terrible."


    Jin, who knew that she did not mean it, laughed merrily.


    Jin is more than happy to be able to have such a casual conversation with Saki.

 1286 - - 35-10 Emergency Call

    October 22, 8:00 a.m. Horai Island time.


    Jin, Reiko, Elsa, Edgar, Saki, Goose, Vivian and others are about to board .......


    The old man''s voice echoed in the plaza in front of the institute.


    "This is unusual. What''s wrong?"


    <


    "A typhoon?"


    This was the first time Jin heard this word since he came to this world.


    "Wait a minute."


    Jin dredged up his limited knowledge of meteorology.


    Low-pressure systems basically move from lower latitudes to higher latitudes.


    Tropical cyclones that develop south of the equator should move toward Antarctica.


    "You mean ......, right?"


    "Yes. ......"


    <


    "Is this possible in this world?"


    <


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin thought for a moment and looked at Erza, Saki, Goose, Vivian and the others.


    "I''m a little concerned. Can we postpone our departure for now?"


    "Yes."


    "Yeah. I''m curious too.


    Yeah. I''ve never heard of anything like this.


    Of course. Let''s check it out, Jin.


    Reiko and Edgar had no objections, and Jin and the others headed for the control room.


    The magic screen showed a swirling mass of clouds.


    "Right-hand side ......?"


    On the earth, low-pressure systems in the northern hemisphere rotate to the left, while those in the southern hemisphere rotate to the right. This low pressure was right-handed.


    "So why is it moving north?"


    <<


    The old man shows the past course and the projected course together. The Shoro Empire was indeed on the extended line.


    "Wait a minute. 150 meters at that size?


    <


    "......"


    "Jin, as far as I know, we''ve never had strong winds, at most 15 meters per hour."


    < had, there is a bit about weather, and it says that a wind force of 7<> will cause <>. It says that wind force of 7<> makes it difficult to walk into the wind. >>The wind speed was <13.9 to 17.1 meters per second>.


    This is a relatively calm world, and it may be that the Goose lived inland, but the difference is too great.


    The fleet on Horai Island is retreating, but the fishing boats and other vessels of the nearby residents are a concern.


    "Jin, from what I''ve seen, ordinary people''s houses can''t withstand such a storm."


    Guth says with a sullen look on his face.


    "I wonder if even a castle can withstand a wind speed of 150 meters. ......"


    Not long ago, the Japan Meteorological Agency''s radar atop Mt. Jin recalled that its dome was said to be designed to withstand wind speeds of 100 meters.


    One and a half times that speed is unimaginable. It would be easy to blow away a human being, he thought.


    "How long, old man, before the Shoro Kingdom is affected?"


    <


    "A day. ......"


    An unprecedented disaster could happen.


    "Jin, you think you can handle it?


    Goose says doubtfully.


    Whether or not he would be able to stop Mother Nature''s fury. Jin does not know. But...


    "At least, if we don''t do something, we''ll be in trouble.


    That much is certain, Jin said.


    "But ......"


    The energy of a typhoon is said to be thousands of times that of a nuclear bomb. This is the same level of annual power generation in modern Japan. I wonder if we can stop it.


    "Brother Jin, what are you going to do ......?"


    Elsa looks worried.


    "In principle, it would lower sea water temperatures. ......"


    Typhoons occur in areas with high sea water temperature. And when water vapor is not supplied, they shrink rapidly. ...... is all Jin knows about typhoons.


    Then, <>?��Or <>?"


    "I don''t think you need to go as far as <>. At the most, <>."


    <> is -70 degrees C, <> is a magic to lower the temperature to absolute zero.


    "But the range is too large...... to see how far it will work. I guess we should try ...... anyway."


    Jin thinks about how to do it.


    "Old man, let''s send out 500 Mermaid troops.


    <


    Jin ordered the Mermaid Squad to be dispatched.


    "We''ll think about the cooling devices. Send them there first."


    < will send them to the nearby sea area, and then they will swim underwater to approach.


    The coordinates were sent to us by the , so we were able to determine them easily.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well."


    Meanwhile, Jin begins to consider countermeasures.


    "I don''t think we need to lower the temperature to minus 70 degrees C, but I have no idea how much would be effective. ......"


    "Father, is it more troublesome than <>?"


    Reiko asked, looking at Jin with a difficult expression on her face.


    "In terms of lack of time, it is definitely more troublesome."


    The lack of preparation time is a disadvantage. That''s for sure," Jin said.


    "Then what do we do?"


    "First of all, we need to stir up the local seawater.


    Jin remembered hearing on TV that the warm seawater at the surface mixes with the cold seawater in the depths to suppress the evaporation of water vapor and cause the typhoon to fade away.


    He thought that it would be bad if the sea water was suddenly cooled down and the effect was unexpectedly felt in unexpected places.


    "How is the sea water temperature?"


    "There is a big difference in temperature. ...... Okay, try stirring the seawater with a "wattlestorm".


    <


    Operation to cope with the abnormal typhoon has begun.

 1287 - - 35-11 Typhoon Countermeasures

    Mermaid unit started stirring seawater for 1 hour.


    "Oh, it''s working."


    But the joy is short-lived.


    "Hmm, I see."


    It means that they have been able to weaken it a little, but it is still not enough.


    Jin thought further.


    "Can we eliminate the clouds ......?"


    Clouds are created by updrafts.


    "It''s impossible to make a downburst ...... with a downdraft ......."


    Jin gave up on that side, saying that even if gravity magic could create a downburst, the scale of the target was too large.


    "Then how about cooling the thing itself?"


    Jin had read about the artificial rainfall method of sprinkling dry ice to make it rain.


    "Maybe <>...... or <> from the stratosphere would be better."


    "Okay, <> launch. Launch a series of <> shots from the stratosphere towards the typhoon."


    <


    Again, the shortened the travel time to the vicinity of the Shoro Empire, and 300 aircraft were sent out.


    <


    The part of the atmosphere where typhoons and other weather phenomena occur is called the troposphere, and the calm part above it is called the stratosphere.


    Volcanic eruptions sometimes reach the stratosphere, but cumulonimbus clouds (thunderclouds), which usually develop to the highest altitudes, stay within the troposphere.


    On the earth, the troposphere is located at an altitude of about 17 km near the equator, and the stratosphere is above the troposphere.


    In other words, there are no clouds in the stratosphere, and the sky is blue all year round.


    <


    The stratosphere of Ars seems to start at about 15 kilometers. Three hundred Raptor aircraft were launched from the stratosphere into the sky above the typhoon.


    The 300 Raptors then fired a series of freeze shots at the typhoon.


    "What do you think, old man?"


    An observation satellite, floating further up in the stratosphere, is sending us real-time images of the typhoon.


    According to the satellite, it seems to be working.


    "Good."


    Typhoons also cause flood damage due to heavy rainfall. Attempts to reduce the size of typhoons by reducing their cloud cover and cooling the air at the same time seem to have succeeded, albeit partially.


    However, it is still not enough.


    "Hmmm, still not good enough."


    "Jin ......"


    Erza also looks sad, as if it is painful for her to see her birthplace, the Shoro Kingdom, hit by a disaster.


    <, is about 30 kilometers. It may not be a big typhoon, but it is too big for humans to deal with.


    It''s bigger than the oversized <.


    "We''ll just have to chip away at it, piece by piece."


    Jin also dispatched 500 <> and ordered them to be <> like the Raptors.


    Heavy rain was falling right under the typhoon, exceeding 300 millimeters per hour. With the participation of the Skylark team, that number has increased to 500 millimeters.


    The downpour, which could easily be described as a waterfall, pounded the surface of the ocean and cooled its temperature.


    "Oh, it''s starting to work."


    It would be another 18 hours or so before they would be able to come ashore.


    Elsa''s brow is open.


    "Keep going."


    <


    From the air, 800 aircraft were freezing the water, and underwater, 500 mermaids were stirring the seawater.


    After five hours of this, the typhoon was visibly fading.


    "Well, everything is going well."


    Jin sighed. At this rate, we should be able to make it.


    "Jin, that''s great!


    Jin, you did it!


    Jin, you did it!


    The three of them had refrained from getting involved in these measures, but now they were finally relieved and showed their joy.


    "We can''t let our guard down yet, though.


    Jin, however, relaxed his body, knowing that the biggest crisis was over.


    It was a little before 1:00 p.m.


    Have a bite to eat, father. You can have one, too."


    Reiko brought me a sandwich.


    "Thank you."


    Jin got a ham sandwich and Elsa got an egg sandwich. Guth got a topopo salad sandwich, Saki got a pork cutlet sandwich, and Vivien got a tuna sandwich.


    "Here you go, too.


    Citran juice with carbonated water was also served. It refreshed my palate and made me feel as if the heavy atmosphere of the past was completely renewed.


    "Oh, that was delicious. Thank you, Reiko.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    "It was delicious."


    After thanking Reiko, everyone stares at the magic screen.


    There they see a torn and disintegrated typhoon cloud.


    "...... got it."


    Jin let out a small sigh of relief, leaned back against the back of his chair, and stretched out.


    "Oh, I''m so relieved. ......"


    "Thanks for your help, Jin."


    "But how could such a typhoon have occurred?"


    Jin called it a for convenience.


    "Artificial......?"


    ......


    ......


    ......


    ......


    Everyone, including Jin, looked at me as if they were not surprised.


    "A typhoon crossing the equator. That''s not normal. ......<>?"


    More than that, it is a frightening feat of engineering to create a typhoon and determine its path.


    >.


    "Undetectable force, or ...... they still have some hidden technology."


    <


    "Yes. If that''s the case, there''s a chance they''ll try something else."


    "He''s a total pain in the ass!"


    Saki, I don''t think "nuisance" is the right word.


    "...... agree."


    Jin and the others braced themselves for a vague premonition.

 1288 - - 35-12 Finally Departure

    Well, it took you a while, but it looks like you were able to handle the storm. Do you have the knowledge and the technical means to do so?


    * * * *


    "......1... I''ve lost a day..."


    Jin blurted out while eating dinner at a restaurant on Horai Island.


    Erza asks Jin a question.


    "If that was a man-made typhoon and <> caused it, what was its purpose?


    "To see what we''re up to, in all likelihood.


    "...... You have a bad character!"


    Saki is indignant.


    <


    "......You''re right. If there were so many beings with such a technology, it would be irresistible.


    "In any case, it''s dangerous to think about its purpose.


    Goose says seriously. Jin agreed.


    "Yes, of course.


    "If it was who did it, it was to know the current state of this world, and more importantly, to know the power of rather than Jin''s ......."


    <


    The old man agreed with him.


    Jin also decided to think about it on the assumption that the other party is .


    "Mr. Goose, I want you to put the shield you put up between the laboratory and the island of Onogoro.


    He was not sure if this would prevent them from using their <>, but he did not want them to know about his intentions.


    "So far, <> doesn''t know much about us. ......"


    I am a little worried that they will find out about us in no time if they want to.


    "You should put up a barrier for yourself, too, old man."


    Jin thought about it.


    Jin thought about it.


    "I think we need to do something while they are still licking our chops, but I can''t find a way to do it.


    I mean, I can''t think of anything but all-out war," Jin said.


    "I guess. You said they wouldn''t listen to you."


    Goose also looked at Jin with a difficult expression on his face.


    "Can''t we negotiate with them somehow?"


    "Not unless they''re willing to do so.


    Saki also said with a sigh.


    "Brother Jin, why don''t you use the peepers?"


    Erza suggested.


    "Well, I don''t know. If they can sense us, we will be exposing one of our own.


    <


    "Then, <>...... can''t move freely, so ......."


    "I guess."


    It is a difficult choice.


    "If he tries to mess with me one more time, shall I use <>?"


    "Hmmm...in that case..."


    Jin let out a sigh.


    "I was going to go to the demon territory, but you interrupted me."


    "No, indeed."


    We''ll have to see what they say.


    "But I hope they won''t kidnap any of the <> members..."


    Jin says worriedly.


    "...... If they do, Jin will do his best to crush them.


    "Yes, I think he would."


    "I''m sure he will, Jin-kun."


    "You''re Jin, after all."


    I''ll be the one to lead the charge then.


    Even Reiko started talking nonsense.


    "I hope it doesn''t come to that. ......"


    * * * *


    The old man said.


    "But... ......"


    "That may be so, but ......"


    Jin is not convinced.


    "...... is that so?"


    <


    "That''s true."


    The old man''s enthusiastic suggestion was accepted, and Jin decided to go to the demon territory the next day, although the trip was postponed by one day.


    "We''ll go with you.


    "As long as we don''t go too far from the warp gate at Conlon 3.


    "I agree. I don''t like the idea of being pushed around by these people.


    As for me, I''m glad I wanted to go.


    The other members of the group, except for Jin, also wanted to go and were enthusiastic.


    As a last stand, Jin and Erza decided to use their .


    The two were in the same room, and they were both wearing the same clothes.


    "Well then, take care."


    With Jin and Erza watching over them, <> soared into the sky of Horai Island.


    After rising about five meters, it disappears.


    <, they used the Invisibles.


    Jin and Erza go to the control room and activate their <>.


    The two looked away, and this time they opened their eyes inside <>.


    "Come on, let''s go to the demon territory at top speed.


    "......"


    Goose and the others only chuckled.


    flew through the blue sky.


    * * * *


    At 10 a.m. local time, <> was above the demon territory.


    "First of all, let''s go to .


    They are the oldest and closest clan.


    Since they had visited us before to report their marriage, we were able to land without surprising them this time.


    Jin D. is the first to get off the and waves.


    "Oh!


    It''s Jin Dong!


    I''ve heard about you, but you really have built a flying vehicle!


    Some of them are seeing it for the first time.


    "As expected of the Magecraft Meister!


    < clan praised Jin.


    A familiar face made his way through the crowd.


    Jin!


    It was Zion.

 1289 - - 35-13 With the Magic Territories...

    Zion, it''s been a long time.


    It''s been a while. You should come visit us sometime.


    Jin and the others have left Conlon 3 and are on their way to the village of the Morura clan.


    "I''d love to, but I''m busy with other things.


    Jin says, to which Zion responds.


    "Ah!��I heard that Jin intercepted the meteor shower the other day so that it would not fall on the surface of the earth!��Thank you!"


    "Oh, no, what?"


    "What?" "You''re not making any sense, are you?"


    While we were having this conversation, we arrived at the village. The village was bustling with people.


    "It''s so lively. Is it a festival?


    "No, it''s not. They''re welcoming the ...... djinn because he''s here.


    What?


    What? Jin is a , so he''s always welcome here.


    Besides," Zion continued.


    "We had a good harvest this fall. Now that we are self-sufficient and on the right track, we can get through the winter in peace.


    Just as Sion explained this, Sion''s mother Rorona and Magecraftsman Marikka greeted Jin.


    "Jin-sama, welcome!


    Jin-sama, welcome!


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    It was just after the harvest that day, and a big feast was held from noon.


    "Thanks to Master Jin, we will be able to survive this winter. The same goes for the other clans."


    The greenhouse made of transparent cubic zirconia will also be put to good use from now on.


    "It''s nice to know that we can harvest crops even in winter."


    Lorona smiled and bowed to Jin.


    "And the <> are doing a great job!


    Marikka said while chewing.


    Jin was also happy that his advice and works were helping others.


    "By the way, where is Istaris?


    Jin suddenly noticed that one of the familiar faces was missing.


    "Oh, my sister. ...... ugh."


    "?"


    Zion smiles meaningfully and Jin can''t help but tilt his head.


    "Istaris is dating the <>, Mr. Belialus."


    Their mother, Rorona, quietly told Jin.


    "Oh, I didn''t know that."


    It was a bit of an unexpected combination. However, Jin thought that since his sister Archel had been found, Belial had been relieved of his burden and was now able to have this kind of relationship with her.


    "By the way, Mr. Goose, you know a lot of things, don''t you?


    When he looked at Goose, he saw him chatting with Bardius, the chief, and Radeous, Zion''s father, and others.


    Listening to the interrupted conversation, it seemed that they were listening to various folklore passed down in the clan.


    Similarly, Vivian seemed to be listening to the elderly members of the clan.


    "Brother Jin!"


    Then Erza arrives.


    < clan.


    Saki, too, is surrounded by many people and seems to have settled in well.


    At the right moment, Jin told the chief, Bardius, the purpose of his visit.


    "As a second step toward friendship, I would like to invite some of you to my territory.


    "Oh, that would be great! Who are you inviting to ......?


    Jin has an idea of who it is and why he has chosen them, and speaks up.


    "Theon, in the sense that he was the first person I met. And Marikka because I want her to learn many things as a magecraftsman.


    "Oh, I see. I understand.


    He had originally wanted to ask Istaris to join, but Jin thought it would have to wait until the next time.


    "What?��We can go to Jin''s territory again?��I''m looking forward to it."


    Zion, who was listening to the conversation beside him, smiled happily.


    Marikka was also called by the chief to hear the story, and answered with a chewing sound, "I am honored," though she was a little puzzled.


    After that, Jin and his group made appearances to other clans, such as <>, <>, <>, and so on.


    They had only been informed of his marriage to Erza, but they all congratulated him and his family.


    Three days later, Jin and the others returned to the clan of .


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, the level of technology seems to be somewhat distorted. ......"


    Meanwhile, in the Shoro Kingdom, there was a traveler dressed a little out of place.


    "I knew that culture and civilization had degenerated after the decrease in free magic element (ether) that occurred about 300 years ago, but I didn''t expect ...... so much."


    He wanders around the town, muttering to himself inaudibly to others.


    This is Toronum, a provincial city in the Shoro Kingdom. It is located to the west of the capital, Leuthart, and has intersecting streets, so it is quite busy.


    "Magic tools are low grade. The materials in circulation are second-rate. It was not considered a threat by any stretch of the imagination."


    After walking around for half a day, the traveler came to a conclusion.


    "I have to conclude that the golem called is clearly different.


    It sounds as if he is talking to someone.


    "If so, there must be who is the source of this foreignness.


    The traveler starts to walk slowly.


    "...... I guess we''ll find out when we get to the capital, Reuthert."


    His steps are sure, and he is heading out of the city, despite the sky that is beginning to darken.


    I wonder if he noticed that another figure was following behind him, hiding.


    The two disappeared into the darkness of the night.


    The two disappeared into the darkness of the night.


    "Well then, thank you very much for your help.


    "No, no, it''s nothing at all.


    Jin-sama, please take good care of Zion and Marikka.


    Of course.


    Zion, you''d better behave yourself.


    I know. I know. I''m off.


    Marikka, don''t bother Gin-sama.


    Hey!


    Saki, come again.


    Yes, thank you.


    "Mr. Goose, we''ll talk again.


    "Thank you."


    Vivien, you''re always welcome here.


    Thank you very much.


    After this exchange, Jin and his party, including Zion and Marikka, boarded the and headed south.

 1290 - - 35-14 Mysterious Traveler

    Leaving the demon territory, first sets out for the village of Kaina.


    On the way, Zion and Marikka are engrossed in the view.


    Zion had ridden in an airship before, but no matter how many times he had ridden in one, the view from the sky seemed to be exceptional.


    And then...


    "Wow, that''s amazing!��Oh, that''s the Great Gorge, isn''t it!"


    Crawling on the floor window, Marikka continued to look down.


    lands in the square in front of Nido Castle.


    Hannah has arrived there. She is the first one to spot the approaching and rushes over to it.


    "Hello, sweetie!��You have a visitor?"


    "Oh, uh, ...... Hannah-chan, right?"


    Zion knew Hannah''s face since she had come to the village of Kaina to help with the food crisis in the demon territory.


    "Ah, there''s Zion!��Welcome!"


    Marikka, on the other hand, comes down last, hiding behind Saki.


    "Vivienne!��Saki oneechan ...... Oh, is that you?��Is there another one?"


    "Oh, no, Marikka. I have to say hello."


    "Uh, um, I''m Marikka. I''m Marikka, Gin-sama''s ......


    I''m an apprentice, I guess you''d call me.


    "Oh, really?��I''m Hannah. Welcome, Marikka!


    Hannah''s a shy girl and Marikka''s a shy girl. Maybe it''s a surprisingly good match, Jin thought.


    There is a reason why Jin brought Zion and Marikka here for a while.


    He wanted to introduce them to the peaceful village of Kaina first, as he hoped to eventually bring about a reconciliation between the demons and our countries.


    Jin is unaware that the village of Kaina is too special.


    "Jin, we are going home.


    After a short break at Nido Castle, Saki, Goose, and Vivian said they were going back.


    "I want to summarize what we heard in the demon territory.


    "Hmmm...okay. "Well, I''ll see you later."


    "Yeah, see you later."


    The warp gate is the reason why they can say "see you later".


    By now, the members of the Jin family were accustomed to doing so.


    "Well, let me show you around the village."


    "Yes, please, Jin.


    "Come on, Marikka."


    "Uh, yes."


    Hannah leads Marikka by the hand along the road to the village of Kaina.


    Marikka is a little taller than Hanna, but Hanna is 50 years old, which is 10 years older than Marikka on our side of the world. She and Hannah are a perfect match.


    "You look like you''re having a good time, Hannah-chan.


    As he walks with Jin and the others, Zion looks at him as if he is seeing something unusual.


    Hannah is a good girl. This is a nice village too.


    "It really is."


    Sion had not seen much of the village life since he had stayed at Nido Castle before.


    He had not seen much of the village life since he had stayed at Nido Castle before.


    "Hmm, the material is carbon steel. But the quality is poor. Too much phosphorus and sulfur."


    The mysterious traveler entered a passing arms shop and looked at the swords on display.


    "...... sir, how about this sword?"


    The shopkeeper, a little offended by his muttering, offers him another sword.


    "Hm?��This one. ...... hmm, it''s a little better. But the metallurgy is not refined enough.


    The traveler gives a negative comment at the first glance.


    After such a series of comments, the owner of the store could no longer remain silent.


    "Hey, you keep on asking me questions, even though you have no intention of buying!��Get out of here!


    But the traveler was unperturbed,


    "I''m leaving without your say-so. There is nothing more to see."


    He left the store at a quick pace, saying, "What the hell is this?


    ......What the hell is this?"


    With a sharp snort, the owner swore at the traveler''s back.


    This is Leusert, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom.


    Surprisingly, the mysterious traveler had walked all night, not sleeping or resting for more than 100 kilometers, and had arrived in Loizart.


    He had arrived in Reuthert and was looking around the town of Reuthert.


    "The culture seems to be a little more advanced than in the previous town, but that''s within the margin of error. This is to be expected in a capital city.


    The traveler walks around talking to himself in a voice that no one can hear.


    "I wonder where I can find a golem?"


    No answer.


    The traveler walks slowly. Passing through the merchant district, he heads for the noble district, and in front of him is a guard station.


    "Hmm, you are a man of combat. It''s not a bad idea to see what he can do.


    The mysterious traveler does not stop walking. A guard in the guard station comes out.


    "What do you want?"


    The guards of Leuthart are like policemen in modern Japan.


    Even though there is a guard station at the border between the noble district and the merchant district, it is not a guard.


    Ordinary people can go to the noble district without being subjected to any kind of punishment.


    However, there are exceptions. There are exceptions, however.


    And the mysterious traveler was too suspicious. He never stops walking, never replies to anyone, and just walks <>.


    "And stop!"


    But the mysterious traveler does not stop.


    I said stop!


    "What''s wrong?"


    At the guard''s loud voice, another soldier appears from the back of the cell. He is startled.


    A man walks up to him with no expression on his face. It''s creepy, to say the least.


    "I can''t stop no matter how much I tell you!"


    The mysterious traveler had walked so close to the station that no explanation was needed.


    "It''s unavoidable."


    The guard drew his sword.


    "Come any closer and I''ll cut you down!"


    But the traveler kept moving.


    "d*mn!"


    The guard slashes at the legs of the oncoming traveler. It was supposed to be .......


    "What?"


    Heaven and earth seemed to be upside down. The guard is thrown away.


    And he falls back to the ground.


    "Gah!"


    All the air in his lungs was expelled, and the guard fainted.


    "What the hell!��What the hell is he doing?


    The other soldier drew his sword, and this time he took it easy on the guard.


    But...


    "What ......?"


    The mysterious traveler had caught the sword with his bare hand.


    "Aaaaah!"


    And then he twisted it.


    The soldier''s arm is broken.


    "Too weak. How is this going to help the security?"


    No one answered.

 1291 - - 35-15 Courtesy and impolite

    "Go, golem!


    A soldier, his sword caught and his arm broken, shouts, and a golem for general security emerges from the back of the room.


    "Take that man into custody!��I don''t care if you hurt him!"


    The golem silently moves toward the mysterious traveler.


    The traveler releases the soldier''s arm and turns to face the golem.


    "Let''s see what you can do!"


    Then he stretched out his arms.


    "What?


    The soldier looked at him, holding his broken arms.


    The mysterious man and the golem are clasping each other''s hands in a contest of strength.


    Yes, a contest of strength. A golem and a human.


    No, at this point, we know that the man is not a man.


    The golem is outmatched.


    "Well, this is about as good as it gets. It looks like it''s made of carbon steel.


    The man says this, and then he twists off the golem''s arm. At the same time, he fires a front kick that blasts the golem away.


    The golem was kicked, and the man blew the golem up to the packing room, destroying it and stopping it.


    "Boring. This is how you protect your country. ......?"


    The mysterious man''s gaze turned to the sky.


    "Is that a ...... hot air balloon?��Is this the level of civilization you think you have?"


    It was two hot air balloons patrolling the town of Leuthart from above.


    "Hmm, it''s still a bit odd, but I guess that''s what a ...... crappy civilization is like."


    The tone of voice returned to normal and the mysterious man turned himself around.


    "Wait ......, wait ......."


    A soldier with a broken arm calls out, his face twitching in pain.


    But the mysterious traveler walks away without looking back. He heads for the noble district.


    "If he''s a nobleman, maybe he can still give us some information..."


    "I''m going to ...... to ........."


    The soldier fainted from the pain.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    On Horai Island, the old man was watching the mysterious traveler''s every move through the eyes of the fifth column (Quinta), Regulus 46, a.k.a. <>, who had followed him.


    <


    The fifth column (Quinta) in charge of Reuthert, Capella 7, a.k.a. <>, was just there, so I had him healed with healing medicine and intermediate level healing magic that can also heal broken bones.


    He gave her a healing potion and an intermediate level healing spell < that can heal broken bones.


    "Hmm, I don''t see anyone walking around. The building doesn''t look any different. ...... hmm?


    The time is 3:00 pm. A mysterious traveler, or rather an automaton, stops in front of a certain house.


    "This mansion ...... looks a little like any other, but the strengthening magic on the walls is on a different level from the others.


    The owner of the house was Jin.


    "Should we enter through the gate or climb over the wall?


    After a moment''s hesitation, the man suddenly punched the wall. But the wall did not budge.


    "As I thought. It''s going to take a lot of effort to break it down, even if I do my best.


    muttered the man ......, and the mysterious automaton seems to have decided to enter through the gate. But the gate is closed.


    "Hmm, the gate is not made of carbon steel. It is nickel-chromium steel. And it has been carefully reinforced.


    Then Ames 102, a five-colored golem maid who had been tending the garden, came in.


    "Can I help you?"


    She responds through the latticed gate.


    "...... I would like to see my master."


    Her tone is arrogant.


    "Do you have an appointment?"


    "No, I don''t have any."


    "I''m sorry, sir. My husband is not at home at the moment. ......


    Then let me wait inside.


    No, sir.


    Why not?


    I don''t understand your intention. I''m not a good squire to let such a man in.


    The mysterious automaton chuckled at this part.


    "Hmmm...this place is really different from the others. I''m getting more and more curious. Open this gate.


    "I can''t. You''re trespassing.


    That''s your law. They don''t apply to me.


    No, it applies to you when you''re in this country.


    But the mysterious automaton snickers.


    "Hmph, this ?��You degraded descendant, you talk big!"


    Then he puts his hand on the gate and tries to force it open.


    "......?"


    But no matter how hard the mysterious automaton tried, the gate didn''t budge.


    "What?


    "We can''t do anything about that gate. Only you can destroy it."


    Amez 102 said with some pride.


    "Hmmm, it seems that your masters are not to be underestimated. I''d like to meet him more and more.


    Before he could finish his sentence, the mysterious automaton instantly crashed the gate and entered the garden.


    "This is nothing compared to what I can do."


    You''re trespassing, aren''t you?


    I told you I am not bound by the laws of this country. I am a puppet with a will.


    "You are arrogant. How could you be so ...... arrogant?


    At that moment, a small shadow appeared from the house.


    "Ames 102, thank you. I''ll leave the rest to you.


    "My lady."


    Upon hearing these words, the mysterious automaton''s eyes widened.


    "Miss?��You?��You may be made to look like a person, but you are a live puppet with a will of your own!


    It seems that she has recognized at a glance that Reiko is an automaton.


    "What about it?"


    Reiko''s voice is cold.


    "Your father called me his daughter. That''s all."


    "Stop laughing. A creature should not call her master her parent.


    "That''s your logic. Please don''t compare me with your father.


    "Hmm. ...... but where is this you speak of?"


    "Do you think I''ll tell you?"


    Reiko''s words became even colder.


    "I don''t think so, but just in case."


    With those words, the mysterious automaton grabbed Reiko firmly with both hands.


    "What are you imitating?"


    "Well, you know very well about this <> thing, don''t you? And with you here, I''m sure that <> will have to come out as well."


    "I''m not saying that guess is wrong, but ......"


    Reiko twisted her body and escaped from the mysterious automaton''s shackles.


    "What?


    "It doesn''t work the way you want it to."


    "What?"


    The freed Reiko pushed the mysterious automaton away.


    The automaton stopped, crashing into a gatepost.


    "As I thought, you and I are incompatible. It''s just as your father said.


    Reiko said in the same cold voice.

 1292 - - 35-16 解析と比较

    Shortly before the mysterious automaton arrived at Reuthert''s house, the old man called out to Jin.


    "What''s the matter, old man?��Is it an emergency?"


    At the sound of the old man''s voice, Jin picks himself up from the control seat.


    The doppelganger that Jin is controlling is taken over by the old man.


    Then the old man told him about the mysterious automaton.


    "Indeed."


    .


    "I''m sure."


    Jin agrees.


    Jin braced himself for the possibility that, for some reason, <> might be trying to interfere with this world.


    The magic screen in the control room was showing the image sent from the eyes of the fifth row, Quinta, Regulus 46, a.k.a. <>.


    "Then, I''d better have them underestimate us as much as possible.


    <


    Since has been reporting every action of the mysterious automaton to the old man, it is clear that he is still unaware of Jin''s abilities.


    It is a natural conclusion, since it is not a secret.


    "Do you want to catch him?"


    "Okay. ...... Reiko!"


    Yes, Father.


    Reiko is naturally here since Jin himself is still on Horai Island.


    "We don''t know how good he is, so we want to give him our best. Will you go?


    Of course.


    "And this is something only you can do, don''t use any special magic, but use only your strength to overpower him, and when you see an opening, use the Aether Eliminator."


    The Aether Eliminator is a magical tool that removes the free magic element (ether) of the target.


    It is the same tool that killed the before, and if used on a golem, it can make it stop its action.


    Jin gave one of them to Reiko.


    On the screen, a mysterious automaton breaks through the gate and enters the house.


    This function was also installed in the giant golem, an ancient artifact of the Shoro Empire. It is not surprising that the mysterious automata have it.


    <


    The old man''s instructions. I don''t want to give you as much information as possible.


    This call confirms that the mysterious automaton has been sent from the island of Onogoro.


    "It''s a sure thing. Reiko, go!"


    Yes, Father.


    Reiko quickly transitioned.


    And then I heard her say...


    <>


    And then the battle begins.


    At the same time, a is put up over the entire house. And of course, in the garden.


    Reiko flips off the mysterious automaton and activates the ethereal eliminator as instructed.


    "What?��What''s this?��I''m losing power .................."


    The mysterious automaton stopped moving.


    "Okay, that''s good. Just as I thought.


    Jin was relieved that the ether eliminator worked.


    He had not expected to run out of free magic element (ether).


    "Now, what should we do?


    If we stop the ether eliminator, there is a possibility that it will start working again. Therefore, I want to neutralize it as it is.


    "Okay, Reiko, can''t you check its structure and ......?"


    As long as the ether eliminator is working, we can''t use magic in general, including engineering magic.


    >


    "Oh, I see."


    While an ether eliminator removes free magical elements (ether), an ether jammer works to keep free magical elements (ether) under control within a certain range.


    In other words, only Jin and things made by Jin can use the free magical element (ether).


    Let''s go with that."


    The old man tells Reiko.


    I understand.


    Reiko switches from the ether eliminator to the ether jammer without a moment''s interruption.


    The mysterious automata remain deactivated, but Reiko is now able to use her engineering magic without any problems.


    "<>"


    Reiko first examined the structure.


    "Is the control core the type in the head? And it has a ...... Magni Reactor.


    The Magi Reactor is a Magi Device that works by combining an ether converter and a mana driver into one, and is used only by Jin and the originator.


    Even Jin mastered this technology under the guidance of the 700672.


    "For now, let''s disconnect the Magi Reactor.


    With this, the mysterious automata are completely neutralized.


    Reiko brings the mysterious automaton into the workshop, as instructed by the old man. The automaton is now optically unseen.


    Then Jin arrived.


    "Reiko, you did a good job."


    First, Jin repaired the broken gate.


    "I knew it was broken by < ......".


    There is no way to prevent this for now.


    Jin then begins to analyze the mysterious automata.


    The first thing he does is to duplicate the control core. Information is more valuable than anything else.


    After that, we analyze the body structure.


    "Hmm, so this thing imitates a human body.


    This is the same idea as the golem we met a while ago before the "ether stampede".


    Of course, this one is much better made.


    "The skeleton is ...... amazing, 64 light silver. The muscles are synthetic. But the performance looks good."


    Roughly speaking, it was thought to be capable of producing about 10 times the force of a human.


    "<> threat. ......"


    Jin has an advantage in this respect, since it would not be a problem if compared to the golems of Horai Island.


    The wiring of the magical nerves was also very precise.


    Even though he was made to resemble a human, there was no needless restraint in contrasting the positions of the organs and the magickal devices.


    "But it''s a big magick reactor. It must be able to move even with a thin concentration of free magic element (ether).


    One by one, the structure of the reactor was revealed by Jin''s hands.


    Then, as expected, a magical device that seemed to be a communication device was found.


    Jin immediately disconnected it.


    However, there was no other remarkable structure, and it was not helpful.


    Conversely, the Golem automata created by Jin are that much more complete.


    "In this way, it seems that it cannot be said that our technology is inferior to that of .


    Jin is glad to see that we seem to have technology that is more or less on par with theirs.


    "Yes, that''s a possibility. ...... Let''s stop here first. Now we have to extract information from this control core.


    Jin left the mysterious automata in the workshop and returned to Horaijima with Reiko.

 1293 - - 35-17 Owing

    "So this is a copy of the control core. Thank you, Reiko.


    Jin decided to analyze it immediately.


    "Old man, please take care of it."


    <


    The "Mere Old Man" immediately started to analyze the information stored in the control core.


    But....


    .


    "What?��You''re early.


    What?


    <


    "What? ......"


    Jin........


    The old man explains that there is no such information, and that the purpose of the survey would be to find out the culture, technology, and military strength of the countries.


    <


    "Ummm ......"


    Even if they are captured in this way, the information of the mastermind will not be known.


    "You are very careful, aren''t you?"


    <


    "I guess."


    We don''t know what they are going to do next.


    Increase the vigilance of the fifth column (Quinta).


    Please."


    The information was disappointing.


    Jin decides to take control of the doppelganger again.


    * * * *


    Theon and Marikka were enjoying life in the village of Kaina.


    Since the wheat harvest was over, they were enjoying collecting nuts with Hannah and the other children, as it was the off-season.


    Of course, with Gong leading the way, there was little danger.


    Besides, the that Jin had created was keeping a close watch around the village.


    "This is Kemeria''s fruit, and this is Maruon''s."


    "Hmmm, interesting fruit."


    The naughty Jessie is explaining to them.


    "Kemeria is for oil. Maruons are for eating. They''re delicious.


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    Rita and Luluna, two girls from the village of Lalio, are also present.


    The main goal is to pick maruons.


    The wind had blown last night, and they had come in droves to see if any of the maruons had fallen.


    "Look, there they are!"


    Hannah pointed.


    "What?


    Zion sounded panicked. It was no wonder, for it was covered with sharp thorns and did not look very edible.


    Even before that, it was hard to believe that he would be able to grasp it with his hands.


    "So, here..."


    Hannah took out a pair of fire shears from the basket on Gon''s back.


    . They are also written as "fire scissors", and are used to pick up charcoal extinguishers and small pieces of firewood when making a bonfire.


    They are also used to pick up trash, hence the name <> or <>.


    Using them, Hannah picked up Maruon''s <.


    Maruon is a , so to speak, and is contained in a ball. When ripe, the ball opens and the chestnut inside falls out, but after a strong wind, the whole ball often falls out, and such fruits are less likely to be eaten by insects.


    Gon will peel off the insides for me."


    Gon, the golem, would not prick his finger with a chestnut ball.


    "If you want to keep the chestnuts inside, put them in their own bags."


    The chestnut balls are supposed to be boiled as soon as they are brought home, since they may have insects on them.


    "Take the balls to Gong''s place."


    "Okay."


    The demon territory was not lacking in mountain produce, but it was scarce, so Zion had never participated in such a joyous event.


    "There it is!"


    Maricka was no different, and the two spent the rest of the day enjoying each other''s company.


    And then.


    "Okay, everyone. I''m going to cook rice with chestnuts.


    This is the square in front of Nido Castle.


    Jin was about to cook rice with chestnuts using the large amount of chestnuts he had gathered.


    Mix glutinous rice and non-glutinous rice properly. In Jin''s case, he mixes seven parts glutinous rice to three parts Uruchi rice.


    The chestnuts should be peeled off their skins. The golem maid did this for me,


    "If you boil the chestnuts quickly after cutting the end with a knife, and then roast them on the stove for a while, it makes them easier to peel," said Martha.


    Martha also showed us her own trick.


    Add a pinch of salt and a spoonful of sake, place the chestnuts on top of the rice, and cook.


    "Now it''s ready!


    "Yay!"


    Jin serves the chestnut rice to all the children in the village of Kaina.


    "Jin, can we feed the children who didn''t participate in the festival?"


    Zion wondered.


    "No?"


    Zion shook his head.


    "No, on the contrary. I''m rather glad. But don''t people usually eat them alone?"


    That''s how it is in the human town I asked.


    "Yes, I suppose there are towns and villages like that. No, there might be a lot of them. But here in the village of Kaina, this is the norm.


    "Is it?"


    "Is it?" "Yes. Everyone contributes to the village by doing what they can. We share the harvest and overcome hardships together."


    "Hmm. ..........


    The small population of the demon tribe has a similar sense of solidarity. Zion once again felt a sense of kinship with the village of Kaina.


    "Brother Jin, the soup is ready. Please taste it.


    "Oh, thank you."


    Jin thinks that rice is a soup.


    This time, the soup was made from a type of matsutake mushroom. It is an aromatic mushroom sometimes found in the village of Kaina.


    He made a soup stock with soy sauce, kelp and dried bonito flakes, and a little bit of sake as a secret ingredient.


    "Yes, it has a nice taste."


    The rice is lightly salted, so it tastes light. At the same time, the aroma of the matsutake mushrooms is not spoiled.


    "Okay, everyone, let''s eat!"


    "Yes!"


    I''m hungry!


    "Oh, it smells so good!"


    The wind is kept out by the wind shield, and the light is bright enough thanks to the light ball.


    "This is delicious, Jin.


    "Jin-sama, I love it."


    "Ha-ha! That''s good. But Marikka, you shouldn''t talk while you eat.


    Autumn is in full swing in the village of Kaina. In the darkened eastern sky, the moon (Yunie) appears as it always does.

 1294 - - 35-18 And finally,

    Zion and Marikka are at Nido Castle after spending a pleasant day in Kaina Village.


    Jin and Erza are facing each other in the dining room.


    "Jin, thank you. It was fun."


    "Jin-sama, it was fun!


    "I''m glad to hear that. I''ve got something to tell you both at .......


    "What is it?"


    Jin decided to start by telling them where he came from.


    "I''m from ......."


    I am from a country called Japan, on a planet called Earth. I was probably dying there.


    That I was summoned by Reiko at a critical moment because I had the same magic pattern as my predecessor, Adriana Barbora Tsezi, the Magecraft Meister.


    And, to this day, <: .......


    "......"


    "......"


    Theon and Marikka were speechless when they heard this.


    Marikka, in particular, looked like she was having trouble processing the information.


    "What ...... are you talking about, really, right?"


    Jin nodded to Zion, who finally responded.


    "It''s true."


    "......Well, I know Jin is a little ...... unusual, no, a lot unusual, but I couldn''t imagine that he came from another world."


    "I guess that''s normal."


    "I think that''s normal," she said, "but when I think about it more and more, it makes sense. And Erza is married to Jin, and more than anything else, this village considers him a ...... well, I can''t say it well, but I think of him as a friend,...... or maybe not quite. ......"


    Zion tilts his head and thinks of the right words.


    "Oh, anyway, it doesn''t matter where Jin is from, or what he can do, or anything like that, he accepts you!"


    Then, after a pause, he continues.


    "I''ve come to understand why Jin is so great."


    At that moment, Marikka also reactivated.


    "Jin-sama is Jin-sama!��I respect you, that''s all!


    "Oh, thank you."


    Jin was relieved.


    "You trust us, don''t you? Thank you too, Jin.


    Sion bowed his head toward Jin.


    They talked for a while about many things.


    Among them, Zion wanted to know,


    "What did Jin do during the last meteor shower?


    And so on,


    "Is it true that <> came from another planet?


    and so on.


    As Jin needed this information to let people know about the current situation, he explained it without concealment.


    "That ?��...... that place is kind of fishy, isn''t it?"


    "Do you think so too, Zion?"


    "Yes. From what I''ve heard, there''s something fishy about it.


    Theon also senses in his gut that Onogoro Island is not to be trusted.


    "So now I''m wondering what I should do. This is what happened, you know."


    Jin finally decided to explain the latest incident.


    "It''s called ......."


    "What the hell!��That''s just unreasonable!


    What''s going to happen now?


    Zion was indignant and Maricka looked a little worried.


    "I guess we''ll have to see how the other side reacts .......


    If they were to openly confront each other, Jin would definitely be at a disadvantage.


    Jin has to protect all human inhabited areas, while the other side only has to protect the island of Onogoro.


    "But doesn''t that mean we should only attack ?"


    Theon makes a good point, but it is not so simple.


    "That''s true in a way. But from another point of view, it''s dangerous."


    "What do you mean?"


    "You said that Onogoro Island collects the free magic element of this world, the ether.��And you''re sending it to us.


    "Yes."


    "There''s a chance that the person you''re sending that to will enter the war."


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    Jin said that if it was someone in , they might have far better technology than we do.


    "You mean, better than the ...... Jin?"


    Jin nodded.


    "I''m ...... almost certain of that possibility. That''s what we should think and act on."


    "......That''s scary, that''s for sure."


    Theon seemed to be beginning to understand the gravity of the situation.


    "So, I''m thinking of going to check out first. I''m still preparing."


    "But it''s amazing. Space. ...... I honestly can''t imagine. I''d love to go.


    I''m sure you would."


    At this point, Jin finally tells them the purpose of his invitation.


    "I want you to help me with that as well."


    "What?��We can''t do anything, can we?


    "Yes, that''s right!��Jin-sama may be able to help us, but there is nothing we can do to help you!


    Theon and Marikka were demeaned, but Jin denied it.


    "That''s not true. I make mistakes too, and there are things I can''t do. In fact, Erza and my friends help me a lot.


    Jin looked at both of them in turn,


    "I want you to be my friend.


    He told them, "Please join us.


    Welcome, welcome, welcome!


    "Welcome to Horai Island.


    Jin says his usual line.


    Theon and Marikka were a little embarrassed, but said they would join us.


    So, using the warp gate, they came to Horai Island.


    "Wow ...... this is Horai Island ...... Jin''s real base ......"


    "Wow, it''s amazing......"


    "It must be very warm."


    The island of Horai, located on the Tropic of Cancer, is much warmer than the village of Kaina. Theon took off his coat made of the fur of a falling fox.


    "Come on, let me show you around the laboratory first.


    Due to the time difference, it was already evening here, so Jin decided to show them the facilities first, leaving the island tour for the next day.


    "This is literally my base. This is where I built and ."


    "Wow, that''s exciting!"


    "Yes, it''s exciting."


    Zion and Marikka have no idea how many more surprises are to come.

 1295 - - 35-19 Welcome party and telescope

    After spending a whole day guiding visitors around Horai Island, Jin.


    "......, I feel like a lot of common sense has been destroyed. ......"


    "That''s great, Jin."


    Zion looked tired, and Marikka''s eyes were shining even though she was limping.


    "Anyway, I want you guys to join the Jin family. What do you think?"


    "Of course!


    "Of course!" "I''d be honored."


    Both of them readily agreed.


    "I see. Thank you. I look forward to working with you.


    "Thank you, too, Jin."


    "It''s nice to meet you, thank you very much. ......"


    Marikka is still nervous, but that''s to be expected when you consider that she is about 10 years old, which is about the same age as a human being.


    * * * * * *


    Have you lost contact with her?


    Yes. That is only disposable. He must have overdone it and destroyed it.


    You won''t leak any information, will you?


    Of course not. We have no information about them. And since it''s an older model, even if it were analyzed, it wouldn''t hurt us.


    If that''s the case, good. Are you doing anything else?


    Of course. We won''t use the same method. The other way is to have them gather the information more carefully.


    And?


    Yes, sir. <


    Konlonkun?


    That''s right. <


    What else?


    He''s taken up with the royal families of various countries, and it seems he has a lot of influence.


    What about technology other than hot air balloons?


    They have live puppets with airships and invincible will ......, or as they call them, automata.


    Do you think we need to destroy them?


    No, they don''t seem to have any ambition.


    Then I''ll do some more digging, and if I have to, I''ll contact them.


    All right.


    Okay.


    I''m Xiong of the <> clan. Pleased to meet you.


    "Oh, I''m Marikka as well. Please take care of me!


    On the island of Horai, everyone was suddenly gathered for a welcome party since Zion and Marikka had joined the Jin Family.


    "Welcome. Please help Jin. Please help Jin.


    "Oh, thank you!"


    Reinhardt also rushed in despite his busy schedule, said his greetings and congratulations, and left again.


    Bertsche stayed behind to take care of Marikka in particular.


    "Here, Marikka, try this.


    "Here, Marikka, try some of this. ...... Oh, it''s delicious."


    "Mmmm, eat it slowly."


    Bertje, the youngest daughter, was enjoying this encounter as if she had a new sister.


    "Look, Yuri, it''s your grandma!"


    "Oh!"


    "Martha, let me hold her too. ......"


    "Oh, babies are really nice."


    Meanwhile, their daughter, Juliana, was being loved by Martha, Meine and Milowina.


    Juliana, who is not shy, is very popular among the women.


    "...... But even though she''s a child of the demon tribe, she''s no different from us, isn''t she?"


    Marcia was looking at Zion from a little distance and muttering honest thoughts.


    "Yeah. < was a war started by the malicious to incite the two peoples."


    "It was an unfortunate event, wasn''t it?"


    Rodrigo muttered deeply beside me.


    "Yes. So I hope to be able to build a bridge between the two peoples. If we can do it."


    "Yes, that sounds like Jin. I''ll do my best to help you then!"


    Marcia declared in a cheerful voice.


    "Thank you."


    "...... But I don''t know what those <> people are going to do to you."


    Count Luis Wurtz Kuzma says reproachfully.


    "We''ll soon have a large peeping telescope, and then we''ll check out Onogoro Island."


    Stearena responded to Jin''s words.


    "I heard that you are clairvoyant?"


    "I''m not clairvoyant, I can see beyond the walls. I usually try to keep this to myself because I don''t want any privacy, but this is special.


    Know your enemy, know yourself, and you''ll be safe in a hundred battles," Jin says.


    "We know too little about our opponents. On the other hand, they''re probably getting information about us.


    It is inevitable that they will know about the Magecraft Meister Jin Nido, or .


    "Even in that case, they''ll think we''re based in the Kunlun Islands. That''s where they can take advantage of us."


    I see. That''s for sure.


    There are various dummy facilities in Kunlun Island, so they will be fooled.


    "So, when will the peepers be ready?"


    "Soon. The hard part is that we have to set the main body of the telescope with a diameter of 10 meters into the bedrock 100 meters below Horai Island, so it is not easy to work with."


    Jin explains that they wanted to make the body as large as possible to achieve the highest precision possible, but also to eliminate distortion.


    "The base is hyperadamantite. The body is a composite of magi adamantite, 64 light silver, and magi invar.


    Jin also explained that the object is set underground, where temperature changes are minimal, in order to reduce deformation and distortion caused by temperature changes as much as possible.


    While he was saying this, the installation was completed. The magic screen on the wall of the cafeteria lights up.


    "Oh, what is that?


    <


    As he said, Reinhardt''s voice was heard.


    Reinhardt waves his hand. Horai Island and Lanken Hoth are about 80 degrees apart in longitude, which means that they are about 1600 kilometers apart in a straight line.


    "Okay, there is almost no motion blur. We made it!"


    "You can see very well, my dear. Your technique is very good, Master Jin!


    Reinhardt can only hear the voices, but he is happy to hear the report from his beloved wife Bertsche.


    "Okay, go."


    The magic screen went dark for a moment, and then the blue sea appeared on the screen.


    <<<< Onogoro Island is located right behind Horai Island, so it is now 6:00 a.m.


    The image is looking down from above,


    The direction of the <<<< peepers can be changed freely.


    The "Mere Old Man" explains.


    The advantage of configuring a <> at an arbitrary location is that the direction of the camera can be freely changed.


    Now the camera is set to look down from above.


    Then, an island comes into view.


    Surrounded by a crescent-shaped reef, it is the isolated island of <>.


    The time has come to lift the veil of secrecy.

 1296 - - 35-20 Secrets of Onogoro Island

    The image of projected on the magic screen grew larger and larger.


    And then they arrive at the surface of the island.


    <


    "I see... ...... means that there is a possibility that this one can be peeped at too."


    Jin mutters.


    "We need to quickly study the wards that can be deployed regardless of the underground.


    He then turned his attention back to the image in front of him.


    The image is of the surface of Onogoro Island.


    "The vegetation looks very different. ......"


    Goose says with interest.


    "It looks like there are some small animals and insects that have evolved on their own.


    Then the screen goes dark.


    >.


    The screen remained dark for about 10 seconds, and then suddenly changed.


    There seems to be no light on.


    Since the magical isotope (magi-isotope) emits weak magic waves, we are in night vision mode using it as a light source.


    We cannot discern the colors, but we can see what is there.


    "This is ......<, isn''t it?"


    There, along the wall, was a row of golems that seemed to be the <> he had once seen.


    "Maybe it''s a spare warehouse."


    <>


    The image moved to the side and went dark again. There must have been no room next to it. Then something appears again.


    "Is it the material warehouse ......?"


    "Looks like it. Is the important stuff a little lower?


    The image went dark again. This time for about 15 seconds. And then.


    "Is this ......?"


    The room was in such a state of disrepair that it looked like a living facility.


    "Dust accumulates even in the basement, I guess.


    Even the furniture looks like it''s deteriorating.


    "Wouldn''t it be strange if it was used by the originals?


    Goose countered Jin''s words.


    "No, considering <> they lived here ......."


    "Oh, I see."


    I mean, how long has it been out of use? In other words, it must have been quite a long time since the < that supposedly lived here disappeared.


    "It seems that the that created this place is no longer around, including the descendants of the .


    "It seems that there are no documents left."


    "But their lifestyle doesn''t seem to have changed much from ours."


    Vivian gave another impression.


    The hierarchy of the rooms was full of residential areas, and they all looked the same, so we decided to go on to the next level.


    The image went dark again for about 15 seconds, and then something was shown again.


    "Hmmm, what is this?


    Toa tilts his head.


    "It''s a strange shape. ......"


    Stearina doesn''t seem to understand either.


    "...... Jin brother, what is this ......?"


    But Erza seems to have realized what it is.


    "Ah. It''s probably an ether condenser.


    It has the function of collecting and condensing free magical energy (ether) existing in space.


    "What is different from the one I made is that it seems to have directionality."


    The old man made a precise comment.


    "But it''s huge."


    <


    According to a rough comparison, the magi-machines seem to be about 10 meters high.


    There are more than 10 of them in a row.


    "Is this how they collect free magical elements (ether) ......"


    The old man said that it would be so, considering the fact that the distribution of the free aether is almost unbiased.


    Jin agreed with him.


    "So there is such a facility underground?


    "I see."


    <


    I see.


    Jin thinks it might be possible to attack from the rear, but for now we need to investigate the facilities.


    "What about other magic machines?"


    This is the only Magi machine found on that level.


    Then, we investigate a deeper level.


    After a 30-second blackout, an image appeared on the screen.


    "What is this ......?"


    Jin had never seen a magi-machine before.


    "If Jin-kun can''t figure it out, we''re at a loss. ......


    Vivian gave up too soon.


    "Can you see inside, old man?"


    .


    Only you can control it so precisely at such a distance.


    The image came close to the magi-machine and passed through its outer covering.


    "This is ......."


    Jin, do you understand?


    "It''s partially ....... This is probably a device for transferring free magical element (ether).


    But that was as far as Jin could go.


    "The combination is complicated, and there are some aspects that can''t be understood without seeing the actual thing. ......


    "I see."


    A black box is a device that can be used without knowing its inner workings, or a device that is sealed so that it cannot be seen.


    Since it cannot be easily analyzed ......, it is possible that the itself, which created it, is using it without understanding it.


    It means that modern Japanese who are familiar with PCs and smart phones do not necessarily know the internal structure of the system.


    "I heard that <> also showed signs of degeneration, so ...... it''s not unreasonable."


    Jin, not knowing what he did not know, turned his attention back to the screen to get more information.

 1297 - - 35-21 Previous Generation Story

    I tried to go further down the hierarchy, but .......


    >.


    It seemed that the lowest level, perhaps the most important facilities such as the magic brain, could not be seen.


    "But isn''t there a barrier there, too, from underground?


    <


    "I see. ......"


    The magic barrier does not protect against physical attacks. That is, it is not affected by solid matter = it does not matter if there is solid matter, so it is possible to put it up even in the ground or in rocks. Theoretically.


    I wonder if they were thinking of these situations?"


    <>


    Anyway, this is the end of the information gathering on <>.


    * * * * * *


    "Well then, Zion, Marikka, keep in touch.


    See you soon.


    The party was originally a welcome party for Zion and Marikka.


    The members of the who had attended the party returned to their respective homes.


    The remaining members are Jin, Erza, Zion, and Marikka.


    Erza''s real mother, Meene, usually helps Martha in the village of Kaina.


    "Hey Jin, I wonder if that is safe.


    Theon said a little anxiously.


    "Danger ......? I think there is. I don''t know what they''re thinking in the first place. The last time we caught an automaton they might have sent, we didn''t know anything about it."


    "So ......"


    "So we want to be prepared to deal with whatever they do to us. I feel bad that I called you here at ...... such a hectic time, though."


    But Zion shook his head.


    "No, I''m rather glad. It''s just that I''m horrified to think that those people are in the same world as us."


    I can''t believe my ancestors made this," Zion retorted.


    "I hope you can get rid of the threat as soon as possible. I''ll help you.


    The statement was a bit extreme.


    "Remove it, huh? Whatever form it takes, we have to get rid of it.


    Jin declared again.


    "Yes, that''s right.


    Jin is thinking of taking measures so that the old man and the institute will not be < by any chance.


    * * * * * *


    Hey Jin, I have a favor to ask you.


    What is it?


    While taking a break in the cafeteria, Zion asked Jin for a favor.


    "I want you to tell me about Jin''s predecessor, ...... the first generation of Magecraft Meisters.


    "Oh, I want to know too!"


    Marikka raised her hand.


    "Sure."


    Jin thought for a moment about what to say.


    Then Elsa brought him some tea.


    "Thank you."


    Jin quenched his thirst with the tea and began to speak.


    "First of all, I have to talk about . What is <<> ......?"


    Jin began by telling them about <> Shuki Tsetsi.


    "He developed various magical tools and laid the foundation for engineering magic."


    Zion and Maricka listened with bated breath.


    "...... And in his old home, Shuki Tsetsi took care of his beloved Adriana Tsetsi."


    Jin gulped down the warm tea.


    "Yes! ...... that person was also from the same world as Jin. ...... fate, I wonder."


    "......"


    Zion admiringly, Marikka exclaiming.


    "Fate, huh? I don''t know. ...... and ......."


    Jin takes a breath and continues.


    "Soon, <> goes on a journey and is entrusted with a baby girl ....... The child is called . <> continues his journey and ......"


    Now he tells the story of Shuki Tsetsi''s journey and Adriana''s growth through the journey.


    "And then Adriana started making her own golem: ......"


    "I knew she was great even when she was young..."


    Zion and Marikka listen to the story with a little help.


    "...... and finally the day came when we had to say goodbye to Shuki Tsetsi. ......"


    When I told them about Shuki''s last days. Zion''s eyes were moistened and Marikka was shedding tears.


    "Giggle......Genjya-sa-atta......."


    "Yes, yes, Marikka, wipe your tears and blow your nose."


    Zion takes care of Marikka as if she were his sister.


    "Uu...... are you okay?"


    "Now, do as you''re told."


    She wiped her tears and blew her nose. Marikka''s eyes were still a little moist, but she seemed to straighten up a little.


    Jin smiled and continued.


    "When he was alone, he buried Shuki Tsetsi and set out on a journey with a retinue he had created himself.


    Jin tells the story of his predecessor who sailed out to sea from the kingdom of Leonard and traveled northward.


    "...... and he ended up in the demon territory."


    That''s where your ancestors are!


    "Yes. First, they went to the clans of the Azure Sky. There they learned form drive, and then they visited the clan of Shinra.


    "Wow!��Our clan?


    "Oh, I didn''t know that!"


    Theon and Marikka were even more intrigued when they heard that their predecessors had visited the clan earlier.


    "So?��Jin!"


    Jin laughed and continued.


    "...... when my predecessor visited the Morura clan, he was shown the village storerooms. He also analyzed your and repaired the ones that had stopped working."


    "Oh, I knew it. I knew there was a legend about that.


    Zion corroborates Jin''s story. It seems that such events were also handed down to the Morura clan.


    "Adamantite, which was called ''immortality metal,'' was processed by engineering magic, and as many as 38 ancient relics (artifacts) were analyzed and made usable."


    "......The first Magecraft Meister, the first magical engineer, was amazing, wasn''t he?"


    Right?


    She''s your mother.


    Jin and Reiko are proud of themselves.


    "But even Jin has done many more amazing things. A Magecraft Meister is an amazing thing.


    "Ha-ha, thank you."


    "....... And beyond that?��How long have you been in the demon territory?


    Yes, I guess.


    Jin, Erza, Reiko, and the old man had read the diary of their predecessor, but they had not told the rest of the group yet.


    The reason was that the contents of the diary were not very pleasant and the descriptions were more clerical than in the past.


    Nevertheless, Jin decided to speak.


    Theon and the other believed in and respected Adriana Barbora Tsetsi more than the human race.


    And it was undoubtedly thanks to them that she was able to achieve great success.

 1298 - - 0001 drift

    Jin tells us.


    "The previous generation, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, stayed for a total of five years in the demon territory ......, or whatever it was not called at the time. She left those who were reluctant to part with her and arrived at the present Kingdom of Klein by land through the Pazdekst isthmus."


    * * *


    "I am going to fulfill the dream that your father kept on asking for."


    With these words in her heart, Adriana Barbora Tsetsi joined F-002,003, M-002, 003, and finally, after crossing mountain after mountain, river after river, and mountain pass after mountain, she looked down on the village where people lived. They looked down on the village where people lived.


    "Ah, we''re finally in a place where people live. I''m tired. ......"


    Adriana Barbora Zetsi sat down for a moment.


    Below her she could see a small village. It is small, but there are some fields and it seems to be self-sufficient.


    "I wonder if I can stay the night. ......"


    The sun was still high in the sky, so Adriana decided to take a short rest and lay down on a bed of freshly sprouted young grass.


    "...... blue sky...... sky is over every country. ......"


    Adriana ordered her four companions not to disturb her rest and closed her eyes.


    "...... it''s so cold!"


    I was going to take a short rest, but I must have slept for more than two hours. The sun was beginning to set and the wind was blowing cold.


    "...... you''re not going to wake me up. ......"


    It was I who ordered him not to interrupt his rest.


    "I wish you''d be more resourceful and considerate of the Lord at times like this."


    It sounds like a bad person''s comment, but it is a statement made by a researcher.


    Someday I will make a golem like that.


    Adriana got up and walked down the mountain toward the village.


    "Whoa, whoa!��Demons are coming down from the mountain!"


    Seeing the four golems, the community was in a panic.


    The four golems approaching in the darkness were an object of fear for the people living in the remote village.


    "Uh, sir!"


    Adriana hurriedly calms them down.


    "No, no!��This is a golem I made!��It''s not a monster!


    The people finally regain their composure when they see Adriana trying desperately to quiet Adriana and the golem just standing there doing nothing.


    "Are you sure ...... you''re not a monster ......?"


    "Who the hell ...... are you?"


    Are you sure you''re not a witch?


    "No, I''m not!"


    Adriana denies it desperately, but the skeptical crowd is not convinced.


    "If you''re not a witch, then get the hell out of here!


    "Yeah, ......?"


    These words were painful to hear, as they had finally reached the village and thought they could rest under a roof.


    "I understand. ......?"


    With that, Adriana left the village at a slow pace with four golems.


    * * * * * *


    "What is that!��That''s too much!"


    Zion shouted angrily when he heard the story.


    "I feel so sorry for Adriana!


    "Calm down. That''s why I didn''t want to tell you.


    Jin calms Zion down. Meanwhile, Marikka was crying inconsolably, and Erza was comforting her.


    "Oh my God, I can''t help it. ...... Let''s not talk about this anymore."


    No, let me ask you this. I still want to hear about the path that you, the esteemed Adriana, have taken.


    He begs.


    He added that if he was told halfway and then stopped, it would make him curious.


    Since he could understand the feeling, Jin decided to explain a little more briefly.


    However, Jin had been telling stories to the younger children when he was at the facility, and his explanations tended to be in the style of a story without his knowing it.


    "After leaving the village, Adriana went south, but she caught a cold because she dozed off.


    * * *


    "...... I''m so lazy. ...... My joints hurt. I must have caught a cold. Your father will be angry with you if you can''t even take care of yourself as an adult. ......"


    It was almost night when Adriana found a nice cave at the foot of the mountain, far from the village, where she decided to spend the night.


    The golems had provided her with food and supplies for the journey, so she had no trouble.


    With her head a little dizzy from the heat and her body sluggish, she casts a < and <> spell inside the cave.


    Next, they lay out blankets and make a bed.


    At the entrance, branches with leaves are placed and M-002 and M-0 03 to manage the entrance and be prepared for any attacks by animals.


    < magic.


    She then cooks herself some barley porridge as a sick man''s meal, and when she has finished eating it, Adriana falls asleep under her blankets.


    When she woke up, it was light outside the cave.


    "My body is still a bit lazy. ......"


    After making and eating another bowl of barley porridge, Adriana lay down once more and closed her eyes.


    The fatigue of the trip seemed to have left her at once and she fell asleep like a mud.


    When she woke up it was completely dark.


    "Oh, I slept so well!


    The temperature in the cave was just right.


    Adriana stretches. She is still a bit lazy, but her fever seems to have gone down and the pain in her joints has disappeared.


    "I think I''ll stay here one more day, for now.


    Finishing her third bowl of barley porridge, Adriana sighed softly.


    "I only have enough oats for two more meals. ...... I have to leave here after breakfast tomorrow.


    With the oats gone, all that was left was the emergency ration of dry bread.


    With the future uncertain, he did not want to be left without emergency rations.


    "It would be nice if we could reach a village somewhere tomorrow. ......"


    Adriana lay down on the blanket, talking to herself.


    * * * *


    "So?��What happened to Adriana?"


    Zion asks hurriedly.


    "Yes. The next morning I left the cave and headed south, and made it to another village without incident.


    And this time, perhaps because it was broad daylight, they were not frightened by the golems and were able to share their food with them, Jin said, reassuring them both.


    "So the previous generation continued to move further south. Then they settled down for a while, probably in what is now the town of Charles, or near the town of Rakham."


    "Did you find anything there?"


    "Yes, it doesn''t say much, but I heard that the lord liked me so much that he gave me the job of tutoring his daughter."


    Somehow, Adriana''s diary was different in the details and the parts that were not, Jin explained.


    "It''s not simply that she didn''t write about painful things.


    Jin told Zion that only he would know the difference, and continued the story again.


    "It seems that the previous generation spent about a year there. ......"


    Jin began to tell the rest of the story.

 1299 - - 0002 Settlement

    After about a year of tutoring, Adriana Barbora Tsetsi left again.


    Her diary does not contain any details, so it is impossible to know what happened during that time.


    We can only assume that her days were not so bad, since she only writes that she was able to obtain <>.


    Then she heads west.


    The area that is now called seems to have been just a region, still dotted with towns.


    "According to what your father told me, there is a larger country called a little further west.


    According to the present-day Ars, this is the Kingdom of Franz.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "This is the capital of the Kingdom of Galandia, Rakapo.


    Adriana with four golems stands out in her own way.


    "Well, what shall we do now?


    She still has enough money, but she can''t decide on a course of action. Then someone calls out to her.


    "Miss, can I help you?"


    "Uh, yes."


    He looks like an old gentleman, and his clothes look expensive.


    I am Sein, a servant of the royal family. I am a servant of the royal family. Are you some kind of magecraftsman?


    "I am Adriana Barbora Zetsi. <


    "Magecraft Master"?��That''s a title I''ve never heard of. ...... but you say you''re traveling? Well, that''s convenient. Would you like to come with me?��The royal family is looking for a good magecraftsman.


    Adriana thought for a moment. Sein saw her thinking and said with a smile.


    "I know that it is hard to trust something that is said so suddenly. If you feel so inclined, please come to the castle. If you are so inclined, please show this to the gatekeeper and he will let you through.


    Sein held out a handkerchief bearing the coat of arms.


    "Thank you. ......"


    Adriana accepted the handkerchief with thanks.


    "If you would like to stay the night, I suggest you stay at the just down the road. It is a bit expensive.


    Thank you again for your hospitality.


    Bowing her head, Adriana walks away. The four golems follow silently. The four golems follow silently. Thane smiles as he watches them go.


    The <> was indeed a luxurious inn, but for Adriana it was a soothing place to stay after her long journey.


    Because it had a <>.


    "Wow ...... happiness."


    When she was a governess, she had built a bath because she really wanted to bathe in it.


    The bath here was rather small, but still big enough for several people, and she was happy because she could stretch her arms and legs as much as she wanted in the bathtub.


    (I don''t know what to do. ......)


    It would be easy to find out that the royal family invites magecraftsmen.


    If it is true, the question is whether they will accept or not.


    "If we can find out what they are inviting them for, it will help us make a decision. ......"


    There are not a lot of banks on the street. Adriana decided to go into town the next day to gather more information.


    The food at the inn suited her taste.


    "It''s been a long time since I had a good meal. ......"


    The bed in the room was not made of straw, but of animal hair cotton, so she was able to get a good night''s rest without feeling any pain in her body.


    The next day.


    Adriana was touring the town, gathering information. She is accompanied only by F-002, because having four of them with her makes her stand out from the crowd.


    "There are golem-like creatures out there, too. ......


    However, we did not see any full-fledged golems. Only rudimentary stone golems.


    (Ah, no wonder they stand out so much. ......)


    Even a single precise golem like F-002 stands out... I think about how much I stood out yesterday when I had 4 golems with me... It was Adriana.


    Adriana looks at the foodstuffs and browses in the tool shop.


    (There are hardly any magic tools after all. ......)


    Adriana thinks that the Kingdom of Leonard is probably the most advanced in this respect.


    (If only I could make these countries better this time with my help...)


    (If only I could make these countries better this time with my own power.) This would mean following in the footsteps of her father, Shuki Tsezi, and at the same time surpassing her father. That is what Adriana thought.


    After a day of walking around the town and gathering information, Adriana knew that what the man Sein had said was true.


    The king of this country is recruiting people from all over the world to improve the lives of his people.


    Adriana thought that her golem technology, or rather <>, could help in this regard.


    The next day, Adriana set out for the castle with her four golems.


    She showed the gatekeeper a handkerchief with a crest on it and, true to Thane''s words, was allowed to enter immediately.


    I was taken with the golem to a parlor-like room.


    We waited there for 20 minutes, drinking fragrant tea, when Thane entered.


    "Adriana, you have come!"


    Adriana stood up and bowed.


    "Yes. I have thought about it a lot and I have come.


    "You are welcome."


    Sein first gave Adriana her room.


    She had a bedroom and a living room ...... and a workshop a little further away.


    "Are you sure?��I haven''t done anything yet.


    But Thane laughed,


    "I can tell how good you are by looking at the golem you are carrying with you. I will show you around the castle later today. Tomorrow you will have an audience with His Majesty.


    "I see..."


    When she was with her father, Shuki, she had many chances to meet with powerful people, so she was not too nervous about it. She just thought it would be <>.


    Adriana packed up her belongings and went outside the castle to buy what she needed.


    Since the bedding and furniture were already provided, she focused mainly on clothes.


    "We don''t have formal wear, but it''s ...... nice."


    The golems are placed in the workshop, and it is decided that one of them will be assigned to look after them and keep them in their rooms on a daily basis.


    What will be made in the workshop remains to be seen.


    "It''s nice to have a bath. ......"


    Adriana was glad she had come here just for that.


    The bedding was even more luxurious than the one she had stayed in yesterday, making her think that she could settle down here for the time being.


    (But the final decision will be made tomorrow ......)


    Adriana braced herself for the audience with the king.


    The next day.


    Adriana had an audience ...... with the king in his office.


    "I am Harodulf Siraj Garandia, King of Garandia. Welcome, Magecraft Meister Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    I look forward to working with you.


    Your Majesty wants to make this country a better place. To that end, he has decided to recruit from all over the world.


    Next to the king was Sein, who explained the situation. He was supposed to be a kind of secretary. In layman''s terms, he was a pocket sword.


    "Adriana, I am looking forward to working with you.


    What can I do for you?


    Do what you think is in the best interest of the country and its people. Please do what you think is in the best interest of the country and the people. Then you will get a budget, and you can do it within that range.


    Adriana was secretly filled with motivation, thinking that if they gave her that much freedom, she would be able to do quite a lot of things.

 1300 - - 0003 standing

    Adriana thought.


    First of all, she thought, she should start by getting herself recognized.


    <, she was still a nobody, so she decided to take it one step at a time.


    "First of all, I think I should ...... stand out a little."


    So she decides to create a . She wanted to call it <, but she was not quite there yet, so that was an understatement.


    When I told this to Sein, he immediately gave his permission.


    It was only natural, since it was Adriana''s suggestion with four golems in tow.


    "Oh, that''s wonderful. We would like you to build it. We will do everything we can with our budget.


    Thus began the creation of a golem using the materials currently available.


    "<><>>"


    The skeleton is made.


    "<><><>"


    Attach muscles.


    <>"


    He created a control core.


    Adriana has the control core of the golem she created for her master data, so she is able to simplify this process.


    <>"


    Finish the bronze exterior and you are done.


    "......4 time ....... Not quite there yet."


    Adriana was painfully aware of her inadequacies, saying that it had taken longer than she had expected because she had added new touches here and there.


    Nevertheless, after finishing the operation check after lunch, she immediately went to Sein to report the results.


    "Oh, my dear Adriana, what is the matter?��Are there any materials missing?


    Sein looked up from his paperwork and smiled.


    "No, I just wanted to report that it was done.


    "What?"


    Sein''s smile faltered.


    "Well, what have you done?"


    "Yes, a generic golem."


    "Yes!


    Thane rolls his eyes. Seeing this unusual situation, the female clerk standing next to him also rolled her eyes.


    "Uh, Miss Adriana.


    "Yes."


    "Yes.��You completed one golem in half a day?


    Yes.


    "......"


    Sein is absolutely stunned by the nonchalant reply.


    "Well, anyway, let''s see the completed Golem. Tanya, I need you to do something for me.


    Sein said a word to the female clerk and headed for the workshop with Adriana.


    And what they saw there made them speechless.


    "......!"


    There lay a golem with a copper color that was lighter than pure copper, since its exterior was bronze.


    "This, in just half a day, ......?"


    "Yes."


    "I don''t mean to be rude, but does it work?"


    "Yes, of course. ......<,<>>"


    "Hi, Adriana."


    "Whoa!"


    The golem named M-005 responded and got up, which made even Thane gasp in surprise.


    "What do you think?��I''ve made a lot of adjustments to ......."


    "Wait a minute!"


    Adriana was about to start explaining, but Sein interrupted her.


    "I will report to His Majesty. And perhaps His Majesty will come to hear the explanation, so please wait a moment.


    "Oh, yes."


    Adriana stayed where she was, wondering if even the king would come.


    Ten minutes later, the king, Sein, and three people she had not seen before arrived as if in a hurry.


    "Adriana, you have completed the golem?


    "Oh, yes, Your Majesty..."


    I want to see it!


    A mature man standing next to the king pressed Adriana.


    "Yes?"


    Adriana is taken aback by his brazenness.


    This is the crown prince. This is the Dauphin. He is currently the Prime Minister.


    Sein told me.


    In this country, a prime minister would be the prime minister of modern Japan.


    The other two are his bodyguards.


    "Oh, this is it!


    Everyone was surprised to see the standing golem.


    Let''s move it around a bit. ......M-005, walk."


    "Yes."


    "Oh, he talks!


    And M-005 starts to walk.


    "Oh, he''s walking!"


    "Mmm, it''s moving smoothly."


    "I hope there''s not a person in there..."


    M-005, come back.


    Yes.


    M-005, make a U-turn and come back.


    "That''s a great one."


    Their amazement does not end there.


    M-005, show me how you lift that desk.


    "Yes."


    What?


    They are all amazed at how easily he lifts a desk that looks like it weighs more than 50 kilograms with just one hand.


    And then...


    "M-005, please clean up a bit."


    Adriana hands him a broom and M-005 begins sweeping the floor of the workshop.


    "Oh, my God!


    The group was astonished and amazed that he could do such a thing.


    "Yes, that''s enough.


    M-005 was stopped.


    "And that''s about it."


    Adriana opens the chest exterior of the deactivated M-005. There, the control core and several other magi-devices were visible.


    "This is truly a golem that I made.


    This was in response to his earlier statement that there might be a person inside.


    "No, no, I understand. It''s a beautiful thing."


    "Ummm ...... our country is lucky to have such a great technician."


    As Adriana Barbora Zetsi had intended, from this moment on she became a well-known name in the Kingdom of Galandia.

 1301 - - 0004 Talks

    Adriana from then on .......


    Creates 4 golems of the same type as M-005.


    Develops a magic lamp that lights up even without a supply of mana.


    <


    Developed the practical use of Magi-resin.


    In less than a year, he announced such works as the following, and established himself as a magecraftsman in the Kingdom of Galandia.


    * * * *


    "......I knew they were great, my predecessors too."


    Sion said to Jin, who was taking a breath and moistening his mouth with tea.


    "Amazing!��Adriana!"


    Marikka''s cheeks flushed with praise.


    "And then my predecessor opened a school of magical engineering in the kingdom of Galandia. At first, some people stayed away from it because they didn''t want to be taught by a young woman.


    "I don''t know about that. ...... we''re a meritocracy."


    "Maybe. People ...... especially aristocrats are obsessed with such trivial things."


    Jin also had a lot of bitter feelings about that, so he agrees with Zion.


    Four years have passed. What happened during that time is really only the gist of it. I don''t know if it was because I was busy or if there were other reasons.


    During those four years, Adriana Barbora Zetsi had established herself as an educator in the Kingdom of Galandia.


    * * * *


    On April 8, 2368, Adriana Barbora Tsezi turned 28 years old.


    She is recognized as a and has more than 50 students.


    She has received offers of marriage from the nobility of the royal castle and from powerful merchants, but she has turned them all down.


    She could not forget her foster father, Shuki Tsezi, the only man she ever loved as a man.


    Besides, she was passionate about training her students.


    "Sir, I''m not sure what''s wrong with this golem. ......"


    "Oh, it''s not . In this case, look at it in a mirror. You can clearly see that it is distorted.


    "Oh, really!��Thank you, doctor!


    "Good luck."


    "Sir, this magic control flow (Magi sequence), shouldn''t we omit this part?"


    "Yes, when it is working properly, it is fine. But what if something causes it to run out of control?"


    "...... uh, ...... oh!��The operation will increase endlessly!"


    "Yes, that''s right. That kind of control is called feedback.


    "Yes, I see.��Thank you very much."


    In this way, she taught her apprentices in a very detailed manner. As a result, her students were making rapid progress.


    On the other hand, Adriana herself was not able to do much research of her own.


    One day, a delegation from the neighboring Kingdom of Galandra arrived.


    The Kingdom of Galandora is located in the area of the present Kingdom of Cerroa, and is the mother country of the Kingdom of Dinar.


    It is said to have the most advanced culture among the nations.


    <


    "Will you be there, Lady Adriana?"


    The crown prince came to him with such a request.


    "Me?��What can I do for you?


    "The other one is a bit snobbish about being an emissary of a great power. I would like you to use your knowledge to break their noses.


    "Well, I don''t promise that I can ...... do it.��There''s a lot I don''t know.


    "Of course not. Of course not. I would never reprimand you for that.


    The Dauphin laughed.


    Adriana was dressed in her formal attire and joined the two countries at the end of the meeting.


    (...... bored ......)


    The procedure of greeting each other and discussing the events of the two countries was a tedious one for Adriana.


    As she listened to the conversation, it seemed that the Kingdom of Galandia, where Adriana was from, had been established as a separate kingdom from the Kingdom of Galandra.


    Adriana muttered to herself, "I wonder why Galandra and Galandia have similar names.


    The rest of the conversation was boring, but little by little the content of the conversation became more and more interesting to Adriana.


    "...... resource development is ......"


    "...... refining...... a lot of firewood......"


    "...... but cutting down forests for it is ......"


    "......No, if we plant trees, we can ......"


    Afforestation. That is one of the teachings that ?wi?cie Tsezi was preaching.


    If you cut down a tree, plant a sapling in its place. After a few decades, the forest will be back to its original state, and we will be able to get timber from it.


    But that is not all. The bald mountain, i.e. the area where the trees have been cut down, has less water retention capacity. This is not to be overlooked on a continent with little precipitation.


    "Water availability ......, right?"


    Someone overheard his mumbled soliloquy.


    Mariosa de Fores, one of the messengers from the Kingdom of Galandora.


    "Oh?��It seems that there is an intellectual in the Kingdom of Galandia, isn''t there?��What was your name again?"


    What is your name?��I am Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    "Hmm, your name sounds like a name from the East. And now you have said the word "hydraulic". I would like to ask you what you think of this problem.


    "Yes. ......"


    What they were discussing was how to secure more water for more fields, which would require more water.


    Adriana answered, remembering a story her father, Shuki Tsetsi, had told her a long time ago.


    "First of all, we need to dig ...... a reservoir. Then, if there is a river nearby, we should build a canal. Then dig a well, I guess.


    Hearing this, Mariosa de Fores grinned.


    "In any case, we''ll need manpower," she said. But if we send the people out to do that kind of work, we will lose productivity for a while. What do you think about that?"


    "......I think that''s where the Golem comes in."


    Hearing the word "golem," Mariosa''s face seemed to twitch a little.


    "Oh, a golem. I admit that it would save us a lot of manpower, but a golem? But have you ever thought about the cost of a single golem?"


    Generally speaking, Golem is expensive. It may be worth more than a jet fighter plane on modern Earth.


    But.


    "Not so much. The Golem has a lot of potential. If you manage it right, it can be quite effective.


    It was one of the subjects Adriana had been studying for a long time.


    "What is the method?"


    The Dauphin responded to this question.


    Our country does not have the luxury of discussing such details here.


    With these words he looked at Adriana. Adriana kept her mouth shut, interpreting this to mean that she should say no more.


    "Well, that''s true. Now for the next question: what do you think is the best way to increase the power of the country?


    Mariosa looked at Adriana and her mouth twisted into a smile.


    Adriana did not like the way Mariosa laughed and again shared the knowledge Shuki had given her.


    "Agriculture, you mean. By increasing production, the country can afford it. If you have enough food and clothing, you will know how to be civilized.


    "What?"


    Hearing Adriana''s comment, Mariosa frowned for a moment and then her face lit up.

 1302 - - 0005 shift

    "Now, you said that you have enough food and clothing to eat and know how to be civilized, didn''t you?��That is a saying of the ancient Magus Shuki Tsezi. How do you know this?"


    "I don''t know why ...... Shuki is my father ......."


    Mariosa de Fores rolled her eyes in surprise.


    "My God!��You are the daughter of a !��I was wondering if you were, since your family name is Tzetzis. ......"


    You knew my father?


    Yes, I am your father''s granddaughter. My father learned directly from your father, and he bragged about it to me from a young age.


    "I didn''t know that."


    At this point, another messenger spoke up.


    "My name is Jortez de Lubaan. I am not a pupil, but I have seen your father twice when I was a child.


    Jortez looks over 50 years old. Adriana thought that it was no wonder that her father had met him when he was touring the country.


    The meeting was sidetracked, but Adriana thought that it was probably a good thing that the Kingdom of Galandra was no longer insulting the Kingdom of Galandia.


    "So, I heard that they are making advanced golems in this country, and that''s why we were sent here.


    "Oh, so you are here to see how good they are.


    Well, to put it plainly, yes.


    In fact, we were sent to investigate the recent development of a small country that is almost a vassal state.


    "So, as I was saying before, we are going to use golems for simple tasks to improve the efficiency of work.


    The Dauphin spoke up.


    Adriana thought that the earlier warning was probably a result of the timing of the announcement.


    These words surprised not only the emissaries of the Kingdom of Galandra, but also the leaders of the Kingdom of Galandia.


    Let''s have the developer explain it to us," the Dauphin urged.


    At the Dauphin''s prompting, Adriana now began her explanation.


    The golem does not get tired. It does not need sleep. It has power. Why should we not use this characteristic?


    Adriana becomes more eloquent when it comes to her field.


    "But the golem is expensive and ......"


    "I''ll use the stone golem."


    "It doesn''t allow for precise movements!"


    "It can be done to some extent.��It''s just not the right way to do it."


    Adriana''s list of difficulties is overturned by saying that it is very easy to do.


    "......fumu......"


    "Well, it seems to be very beneficial," she says.


    "I wonder if it''s going to work out as it should. I''d like you to make that stone golem tomorrow.


    Yes, sir.


    Of course, Adriana did not mean to be blunt.


    The next day, Adriana gathered some poor quality magi stones and showed them to the public to make a stone golem.


    First, she lined up the magi stones, each about the size of a pickle stone, and then <> them together.


    "Oh, wow!


    "This way, I can make good use of the poor quality magic stones."


    He then carved the Magi Formula into the body and created a golem.


    "...... and this is how it looks like. What do you think?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    The mother rock after the extraction of the magi crystal and magi stone was of poor quality and had been discarded with little use, but being able to use it as material for the stone golem in this way was a great innovation.


    "However, it is true that the quality is poor, so complex instructions are impossible. The uses are simply to plow fields or mine ores, aren''t they?"


    "No, no, that''s enough, we can replace manpower!"


    The ability to work day and night without a break makes them about three times more efficient. With three to four times the strength of a human being, it would be able to do about ten times as much work.


    This is truly a revolution.


    "This is truly a revolution. You are indeed the daughter of the <."


    Thus, the meeting''s purpose of attempting to promote friendship and increase national power was successfully completed.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......Wow, wow, wow!��Your predecessor is really great!"


    Adriana Barbora Tsetsi, who was also a thrilled listener.


    "So that''s how my predecessor made the Kingdom of Galandia rich and prosperous.


    "At first I was worried about what would happen, but you have found people who understand you. I''m relieved.


    "By the way, the developed Stone Golem is still mining ore in the underground of Horai Island.


    "Oh, really?��......, and it''s been running for 1000 years?


    Maricka''s eyes widened.


    Jin nodded.


    "That''s what''s so great about it. The extra magic power is used to maintain the body. So it literally keeps moving as long as the magic power doesn''t run out.


    Jin then continued.


    * * * *


    Years pass, and it is the year 2371. Adriana is now 31 years old.


    Adriana''s class now has more than 200 students, and more than a dozen graduates.


    The graduates were all in the service of royal families or great nobles and used their skills for good.


    Others dreamed of making a name for themselves in other countries, and the name of Adriana Barbora Zetsi, <>, was well known both at home and abroad.


    Then one day in May.


    The king, Harodorf Siraj Garandia, who had favored and supported Adriana and other Magi Engineers and Magi Craftsmen, passed away.


    The Dauphin, Aiars Llaneth Garandir, immediately takes over the government.


    The accession to the throne will take place three years after the end of the mourning period.


    "Why three years?"


    Adriana asked Thane.


    Adriana asked Sein. "It takes three years for a child to become unattended, doesn''t it?��That''s why the parents mourn for three years to repay the debt.


    "I see. ......"


    Adriana Barbora Zetsi, who respected and loved her father, could understand why.


    The crown prince, who became the head of the kingdom, inherited his father''s policies, but also began to develop his own ideas.


    One of them was to lower the price of magic tools.


    Under the policy of supplying magic tools at a price that ordinary people can afford, Adriana devoted herself to the research of magic tools every day.


    "The way to make them cheap ...... is to cut costs, as your father taught you,...... and that includes mass production and,...... what else? "


    So far, the only magic tool barely used by the average person is the <>.


    Adriana has tried to make a minimalistic magic lamp without unnecessary decorations and without functions such as dimming. But this is not what she is aiming for.


    "Let''s see... ......<>, wasn''t it?"


    Adriana recalls her father Shuki''s words.


    "You said <>."


    Division of labor is a method in which the manufacturing process is divided into different tasks, each of which is carried out by a different person.


    The work that one person is responsible for is simple and can be quickly mastered, and the work can be divided among workers who are not suited for it.


    I see. Let''s give it a try.


    When he asked Sein about it, he immediately adopted the idea.


    By this time, Adriana had a lot of say.


    "Oh, you mean that productivity has increased more than tenfold?"


    The Dauphin Iarus smiled with satisfaction when he heard the report.


    "As I thought, Adriana is a wonderful woman. The wisdom of the previous king in favoring her is to be commended.


    During the next ten years, the Kingdom of Galandia would dramatically increase its national power.

 1303 - - 0006 Movement

    "Yes, you are indeed the Magecraft Meister!


    "That''s what I''m talking about, Adriana!"


    Theon and Marikka are in raptures.


    "At this time, there were more than 500 disciples of the previous generation. Among them, there were about 20 who were called high disciples, and I guess you could say that they were in fact the pioneers of magical engineering in the small group of countries."


    "What?��If the high disciples are the pioneers ......, how does that make Adriana-sama a pioneer?


    Jin looked a little pained at the question.


    "Yes, that''s the thing ......."


    "What, you don''t make it clear."


    Jin decided to tell the truth to Zion.


    "......The predecessors are gradually becoming less and less respected after this."


    "What is that?��Why on earth?"


    "...... you want to hear it?��This may sound a bit heavy..."


    "Let''s hear it!��It''s about our esteemed first Magecraft Meister, Adriana.


    At Jin''s question, Zion answered immediately.


    "I understand. It was ...... when my predecessor was 35 years old. ......"


    * * *


    The newly enthroned King Aiars Llaneth Garandia suddenly collapsed.


    Naturally, the kingdom was in turmoil.


    The most serious problem was that no official crown prince had been chosen.


    King Ials had four children, two of them boys.


    The eldest son, Jacqui Tighe Garandia, was frail and lived a life of sleep and waking.


    In contrast, the second son, Leoger Raie Garandia, was reputed to be intelligent and brilliant.


    Both are in their late twenties, old enough to be the next king.


    The eldest and second daughters had already married and were in a position unrelated to the succession to the throne.


    Naturally, the royal castle was divided into two factions.


    The first-born son faction and the second-born son faction.


    Adriana Barbora Zetsi, who hated political disputes, did not support either side and remained neutral.


    It could be said that she was so absorbed in her research that she ignored them.


    At the beginning of the new year, the political dispute came to an end.


    Jacky, the eldest son who was frail, passed away.


    While mourning his father and brother, Leoger Raie Garandia changed the regime.


    He purged or demoted those who had been in favor of the eldest son and removed them from the political arena.


    The aftermath of this change reached Adriana.


    Neutrality, Leogar thought, meant neglect.


    He cut the budget and harassed his students.


    Then someone visited Adriana.


    "Mr. Thane, it''s been a while.


    "Yes, Adriana, I''ve been busy taking over.


    "Are you leaving to take over ......?"


    "Yes, I am. Yes. I am old enough and the new king does not like me.


    "......"


    Thane is now 70 years old, an age at which he would normally be comfortably retired.


    "I have served two kings, King Haroldorf and King Aialus, and I think it is time for me to retire."


    "I would not be where I am today if I had not been approached by ...... Sein. Thank you again."


    "No, no, no. If you were as talented as Adriana, I am sure you would have made your mark sooner or later.


    So, what are you going to do after you retire?


    I come from the Kingdom of Galandora. I have a son and a grandson there, and I''m thinking of taking care of them.


    "The Kingdom of Galandora? ......"


    Adriana remembered the meeting they had last year.


    "Maybe I should go with you. ......"


    Sein smiled at her words.


    "In that case, would you like to join us?��If you are as good as Adriana, you will be promoted soon.


    Sein knew that Adriana had been treated coldly recently, so he spoke kindly of her.


    Adriana''s resignation was immediately accepted. The word spread quickly among his disciples, and more than 50 of them decided to come with him.


    Four days later.


    "Take care, doctor."


    "Thank you, doctor, for everything you''ve done for me.


    "I can''t follow you, but take good care of him."


    Adriana was seen off by the remaining disciples of the Kingdom of Galandia, and she left Rakapo, the capital of the Kingdom of Galandia, with Thane and his 55 disciples, and headed west.


    They were accompanied by two golems, M-010 and F-0-10. M-010 and F-010.


    * * * * *


    What a ...... selfish king. Oh, you haven''t become king yet, have you?"


    Jin breaks off the conversation, and as expected, Zion reveals his anger.


    "Yes, but there are a certain number of people like this.


    Jin recalls his days at the black company.


    "It''s like they can''t see what''s going on around them, or they feel too much like they are the only one who can do it. ......


    Jin looks a little distant.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After more than ten days, the group arrived at the Kingdom of Galandora.


    Word of their arrival had already spread, and an envoy was waiting to meet them at the border.


    "Welcome, <>, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, and your disciples.


    The Kingdom of Galandora welcomes you.


    Thank you for your hospitality.


    Among those who greeted Adriana and her disciples was Mariosa de Forres.


    Mariosa was now the secretary of the interior of the Kingdom of Galandora.


    His father is of the generation that learned directly from Shuki Tsetsi, Adriana''s father.


    Adriana, his daughter and <>, was welcomed with open arms in the Kingdom of Galandora.


    "I am happy for you, Adriana.


    "It''s all thanks to you, Mr. Thane!


    No, it''s all thanks to you. Well then, let''s meet again sometime.


    Sein said smilingly and left the group, heading for the town where his son lived.


    A few days later, the group arrived at the capital city of Fouders.


    Adriana''s place had already been prepared for her.


    This is your workshop.


    "All this?


    Mariosa de Fores herself showed Adriana and her apprentices to the workshop.


    It was a place so large that it would have been out of place in a lowly nobleman''s mansion.


    We are going to build a new classroom and we would like you to train our apprentices.


    Yes, of course.


    The day after tomorrow, I''d like you to give a speech to His Majesty the Emperor.


    Yes.


    Here, Adriana Barbora Zetsi once again found a place of peace and devoted herself to the training of her successors.


    At the same time, it seemed that the prosperity of the Kingdom of Galandola was about to begin.

 1304 - - 0007 Religion

    "Oh, thank God! Adriana is welcome here."


    Theon and Marikka were relieved to hear that Adriana had been accepted in the Kingdom of Galandora.


    "I heard that the previous generation who settled down in the Kingdom of Galandora also gathered disciples and produced many talented engineers. For some reason, not much detail is written about what happened in between."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. It''s just a very brief description of what happened.


    Jin imagined that the absence of any particulars meant that the days were ordinary, or at best, peaceful.


    "But then, the previous generation got involved in the turmoil once again.


    "What?��What do you mean?"


    "It was the fifth year after my predecessor settled down in the kingdom of Garandola. ......"


    * * * *


    It began abruptly in 2381.


    "Is it a church ......?"


    "Yes, sir."


    It all started when a church official came to Adriana''s workshop.


    We are here today to ask you to join us, Adriana.


    "Oh, ......."


    Two people arrived: an elderly priest and a young sister.


    "God came down from heaven and made the earth. ......


    "The angels watch over this earth ......"


    "Blessing is magic. ......


    The priests and sisters took turns delivering their impassioned speeches.


    In short, magic is a grace from God. To be able to use magic is to be blessed. On the other hand, those who cannot use magic are proof that they have been abandoned by God.


    Therefore, to help those who cannot use magic more than necessary is to go against God''s will.


    "I have heard that you are an excellent mage, Lady Adriana. I would like to ask you to join our church and use your skills for the benefit of the church.


    I am sure that Adriana will soon become a high-ranking priestess.


    "...... huh?"


    Adriana sighs heavily and deliberately.


    "Magic is just an ability. It''s the same as being fast or having good eyesight. God?��Maybe there is. Maybe there is no god. A higher being that we humans can''t sense, that would be God. You who talk about God should be ashamed of yourselves.


    She was able to say these words because she had been trained by Shuki Tsetsi.


    Religion is something that should be the foundation of one''s heart, not something that binds one.


    But the priest''s face turned pale when he heard this.


    "You say the same thing as <>, don''t you, ......!


    "<>?��...... Oh, I''m sure your father would say so."


    At these words the priest''s face twisted even more.


    "Oh, ...... you ...... are the daughter of a !"


    "You can tell by my last name, Tsetsi, can''t you?"


    Adriana was a little taken aback, but she was actually missing the point.


    After the visit of Shuki Tsetsi, there were many influential people and branch nobles who took the family name of Tsetsi because of their admiration for him.


    "I didn''t know you were related to Shuki Tsetsi. ......!��You will not regret refusing our invitation. ......!"


    With such a slap in the face, the two left.


    "...... huh?"


    Adriana sighs loudly again.


    "Religion is ...... troublesome, ...... your father used to say that."


    Adriana, who had heard stories about religious wars, disliked intrusive religion.


    "I''m just going to be me."


    Adriana returned to her research.


    Around this time, Mariosa de Forres, who had been a good friend of Adriana''s in the Kingdom of Galandora, suddenly lost her position.


    She was accused of embezzling and embezzling the budget.


    "That''s absurd. ......"


    Adriana was astonished. She knew that Mariosa was a man of integrity, as she herself claimed to be a granddaughter of her father Shuki.


    "Could it be a conspiracy ......?"


    But Adriana, a technician, had no way to prove his innocence.


    After this, the kingdom of Galandra rapidly became more and more religious.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "It''s a religion ....... We believe in and fear , but it''s not forced on us.


    Jin corrects Zion''s statement.


    "Isn''t that more of a faith than a religion for Zion and the others?


    "Oh, maybe."


    Zion affirmed Jin''s explanation.


    "But that''s why I don''t want such to be forced on us. ......"


    "In the world I was in...... I mean, in the world where <> was, there was a past where religion and power were linked and it even led to war."


    "......I really don''t like that."


    "I remember it was said that there is as much justice as there are people.


    ...... sounds like a nice thing to say, but I don''t know, it sounds like an excuse to keep the fighting going.


    Jin smiled at Zion''s comment.


    "Maybe that''s how Zion and the others feel.


    "So, what happened to Adriana-sama after that?"


    Marikka pulled Jin and the others back from their side-tracks.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. ...... Actually, it''s just a brief description of what happens next."


    Jin thought that since it was a diary, he did not want to write about things he did not want to write about in detail.


    * * * *


    For the next two years, Adriana remained in the kingdom of Galandra, but the church''s disapproval grew stronger, so she decided to go on another trip.


    With 34 disciples who wanted to accompany her, and the new golems M-017 and F The 34 disciples who wished to accompany him, along with the new golem M-017 and F-017, left the capital city of Fouders at the beginning of October 2383. It was early October 2383.


    The group continues westward.


    After staying for about half a year in a town corresponding to Astan in today''s Kingdom of Selroa, they moved further west.


    It was the summer of 2384 when they crossed the southern edge of the Hariri Desert, crossing the land that is now the Shoro Kingdom.


    By that time, the number of disciples accompanying them had decreased to 15, less than half of the original number.


    Finally, the group entered Mitsuho, a land of a different tribe.


    "Oh my God! <!"


    The group was welcomed by people who still remembered Adriana''s father, Shuki Tsezi.


    "Oh, there were people who loved your father so much!"


    Adriana''s fragile heart seemed to be healed by the warmth of the people of Mitskho.


    After settling down in Mitskho, Adriana traveled to Huso and devoted herself to the people of the region.


    It was at this time that she expanded and renovated the semi-automatic factory that her father Shuki and his family had built in Miyako, the capital, over a period of three years.


    He also maintained an automata called , which was made to serve as an instructor.


    It was also at this time that Adriana replaced the warp gates that were used to get to and from Akitsu''s base in the Great Sahara Desert with the latest models.


    Thus, Adriana spent 20 years in Mitskho.

 1305 - - 0008 Westward advance

    Adriana settled in Mitsuho and was active here as well.


    However, her activities were not focused on education, but on creating what she wanted to create.


    This was largely due to the fact that there were few mages in Mitsuho, which was not conducive to the spread of magical engineering.


    Adriana was thinking about the land to the west, which she had not yet seen.


    "There seems to be a lot of land to the west, but what is there?


    In the year 2390, Adriana, now 50 years old, has not lost her interest in the unknown.


    However, she was also aware of the limits of what she could do in the flesh, and planned to make the most of what she could do to investigate.


    "M-030,F-03 M-030,F-03,F-03,F-03,M-030,F-03,F-03,M-030,F-03


    "Hi, Adriana."


    Adriana sends two golems westward on her behalf.


    The golems are moving at an average speed of 10 kilometers per hour. This speed is due to the fact that they are doing some light research.


    Rocky terrain, wasteland, forest, river, marsh. The two bodies move across them.


    They traveled about 200 km in one day, and set up a warp gate at the end of their journey.


    Using the warp gate, they returned to Adriana and reported back.


    He then returns with the parts for a new warp gate and continues west the next day.


    In other words, the two golems continued westward and westward, installing warp gates every 200 km.


    "Wow, that''s the isthmus."


    The distance was about 1,600 km from Mitskho, or 1,800 km by road.


    The western edge of the Laurentian continent lay before Adriana''s eyes. Beside her was the F-030.


    "But it''s true, I feel like I have less free magical element (ether) than I thought.


    Compared to the town of Miyako in the center of Mitsuho, the concentration of free magical elements (ether) in this area seems to be about 30% less, Adriana felt.


    "I wonder if the free magical element (ether) decreases as we go south."


    She remembered that the free ether was thicker in the north and the magic was more effective in the demon territory.


    "The north is thicker and the south is thinner. Is it the influence of geomagnetism?


    Adriana''s question was not answered.


    * * * * * *


    "Wow, that''s how the ancestors went west!


    Theon looked impressed.


    "Well, let''s go ahead and set up a warp gate. ....... I''m tempted to say, "What is exploration?


    "Well, I know the feeling."


    I don''t want you to say that to me.


    "Why not?"


    "Why?" she said, "Because of ......?"


    Zion looked at Marikka''s face and said.


    "What?��What, uh, ......?"


    Marikka was surprised to be suddenly asked to talk about something.


    "Oh, forget it. I''ll tell you the rest of the story."


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Adriana, aware of the semi-foul nature of this expedition, did not name the places along the way.


    Therefore, it is somewhat difficult to compare the names of the places with those of today, but she arrived at the western part of what is now called the . It was thought to be somewhere on the Tropic of Cancer.


    "Well, it seems that no one really lives here. Is it because of the lack of free magical element (ether)?


    No human beings had been seen on the western continent.


    "If there are no people, there is nothing to refer to......... at the most there are some rare materials.........!��What, this feeling!"


    Adriana, who was walking slowly, shivered with a sensation she had never felt before.


    "What?��Was that an illusion?��No, no way. And, then, a place?"


    Adriana takes a step back. And then.


    "Wow, wow,...... what''s that feeling? I feel like I''m in a waterfall of free ether. ......We''re in trouble!"


    With a leap, Adriana left the place.


    "I don''t feel ...... anything anymore. ...... is there something wrong with the free ether in that small place?"


    Just to be sure, she quietly walked forward and found that the concentration of free magical element (ether) was abnormally high.


    It seems that such an anomaly is occurring on the ground about one meter in diameter and above it.


    "Strange things happen, don''t they? ...... could this possibly be the reason for the low concentration of free ether in the south?"


    Adriana mutters to herself.


    "I''d like to check it out, but ...... I have a feeling this place is dangerous. I have a feeling that it will hurt us if we are not well prepared.


    Adriana trusted her instincts and left the place for the moment.


    Of course, she set up a warp gate so that she could visit the place again.


    However, the warp gate seemed to have been lost for some reason, and Adriana Barbora Zetsi never visited the place again.


    Adriana Barbora Tsetsi never visited the place again.


    "Well, that''s weird, isn''t it?


    "That''s what I thought when I read the diary of my predecessor."


    But the location is unknown, and it was 1000 years ago, so it is almost impossible to verify.


    So I left it as it was.


    "Now I think that Onogoro Island might be the clue."


    "I think so too."


    Theon agreed with Jin.


    "So..."


    Jin resumed his explanation.


    "The warp gate that was set up on what is now called the has somehow been rendered unusable.


    * * *


    "Well, ......, there is definitely something going on."


    Adriana Barbora Tsetsi folded her arms and looked at me with a difficult expression.


    "The warp gates on this continent are fine, but the ones on the other continent have been wiped out. This smells like something man-made. ......"


    But Adriana recognizes that she is not mature enough to verify this.


    "I don''t want to make weapons ......."


    Is this a feeling that comes from Adriana''s instinct as a woman, or from her desire not to make weapons for destruction as a person who is involved in making things?


    Even Adriana herself did not know.


    In the end, Adriana never solved this mystery.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "From our point of view, I think that someone related to probably eliminated the warp gate.


    Yes, I think so too.


    "I''m sure of it."


    Zion and Marikka agreed with Jin''s opinion.


    "I heard that the previous generation did not go westward after that, but explored the north. After that, he returned to Mitsuho and devoted himself to the development of magical tools and the study of golems."

 1306 - - the last years of 0009

    In 2404, at the age of 64, Adriana left Mitsho, where she had lived for 20 years, She left Mituho, the land of a foreign tribe where she had lived for 20 years.


    Her destination is the Kingdom of Leonard on the eastern edge of the continent.


    She is still in good health and hale and hearty, thanks to the scientific knowledge and healing magic inherited from her father Shuki, but recently she sometimes feels that the memory of her beloved father Shuki is fading.


    "In my later years, I want to ...... be near that land where my father rests ......."


    With these thoughts in mind, I went to the Golem M-033,034, 035 and F-033,0 Adriana left one day in July with six golems, M-033,034,035 and F-033,0,035.


    From the perspective of the Mitsukho people, this was Adriana going to a foreign land.


    She was accompanied by no one but the golem.


    Even so, the people of Mitsuho gave her a warm send-off.


    "Adriana, please come back sometime!


    We are always waiting for you!


    "Thank you very much. Yes, I''m sure we''ll see you again sometime."


    By that time, one of the results of her research, the , including security, had been completed to its final form, and once installed, one could visit Mitsuho in an instant.


    Adriana set out for the Kingdom of Leonard, having the Warp Gate installed in discreet places and by trusted friends.


    But it seems that 20 years were enough time for the world to change.


    In the Kingdom of Galandora, the national power was growing, but the power of the church had become much stronger than that, and church-affiliated mages were prevailing.


    The common people who cannot use magic are oppressed and exploited.


    (......That''s why I don''t like religion. ......)


    Without saying it out loud, Adriana muttered in her mind as if she was going to spit it out.


    "Are you staying with us?��Are you, uh, with the church?"


    The innkeeper looked somewhat sneaky and intimidated.


    "No, I''m just a traveler," Adriana told him.


    Adriana tells him, and his face lights up a little.


    (...... I can''t believe a religion can make people look like this...)


    But Adriana no longer had the spirit to do anything about it.


    She simply stayed, ate, and departed.


    And in the Kingdom of Galandia, which she passed through next.


    "......What is this?"


    The town was full of vagrants.


    I asked the owner of the inn where I stayed about it,


    He told me that "the large number of cheap golems on the market had left many people unemployed."


    He told me that the number of unemployed people had increased because of the large number of cheap golems on the market.


    "......!"


    This came as a bolt out of the blue for Adriana.


    (Golems are taking away jobs. ...... I didn''t mean to do that.)


    * * * *


    "I don''t ...... get it."


    Zion muttered with a puffy face.


    "It''s not Adriana''s fault.


    Jin agrees.


    "Yes. "Yes. What should a person who has obtained cheap labor do next, what should he do next? I think that the leadership is to blame for not clearly setting such guidelines and only spreading them.


    In fact, in Mitsuho, a society that did not rely too much on such golems was being created.


    Yes, that''s right.


    First of all, the golem doesn''t pay taxes.


    The cheap stone golem may have increased productivity in primary and secondary industries such as agriculture, mining, and industry.


    However, the tertiary industry did not benefit from the cheap stone golems, and the social structure became distorted.


    "There''s very little written about this," he says. I guess they were concerned about it."


    "...... even though it wasn''t his predecessor''s fault."


    Jin smiled at Zion, who was still not convinced, and went on to tell the rest of the story.


    * * *


    "It''s sad. ......"


    Old Adriana, realizing that she could no longer change the situation on her own, passed through the countries at a quick pace.


    Traveling is like a journey.


    "Oh, here come the ducks! Hey, old lady, if you want to save your life, leave your money and baggage ...... here!


    Who''s an old lady?


    Adriana is perfectly protected by her six golems.


    "Excuse me!"


    Once or twice after that, bandits attacked us, but we were able to fight them off without difficulty with our six golems.


    "......"


    First, they inquired about villages in the northern part of the Kingdom of Leonard, but were unable to find the village where Krull and Marle had been.


    We were told that a war had broken out more than a decade ago and the small village had been destroyed.


    Even more discouraging to Adriana was the fact that a stone golem had been used in that war.


    "Golem in war ...... such ......"


    Put a cheap stone golem on the front lines and let it march. That is all it takes for the human infantry to be overrun.


    Unless you are a high ranking mage, you will not be able to stop the march of the stone golem.


    "I''m tired of ....... ......"


    And it was late November, with winter just around the corner, that I arrived at Cape Magus, as it is now called, on the eastern edge of the Kingdom of Leonard, dragging my heavy feet and without knowing the whereabouts of my friends and acquaintances.


    "Father, ...... I have returned."


    After greeting Shuki''s monument, Adriana looked out over the sea from the top of what is now Cape Magus. There she could see the small island where Shuki was buried, now the island of Tsetsi.


    "Maybe I should go to ...... and live on a small island somewhere away from here.


    Such thoughts came to my mind as I looked out over the ocean.


    The warp gate is there, so coming to the continent is not a problem.


    What was important was that they needed a quiet place to retreat.


    Adriana built a ship with the materials she had on hand and set out for the sea.


    First she stops at the island where her father Shuki was buried.


    "Oh, you guys, you''re doing great!"


    The old woman is greeted by two automata.


    They were made in the image of her father Shuki Tsetsi and the young Adriana herself.


    "I''m getting old too. ......"


    Adriana smiled sadly, looking at the automata, which were the reflection of herself at the age of 18.


    She then reconstructed it with all the technology she had at her disposal.


    "Please protect this island after I''m gone. Please?


    Yes, Adriana.


    I''m counting on you.


    Adriana then set up another warp gate here, and using the materials she had secured on the island, she strengthened the ship and took it out to sea again.


    Whether by virtue of the currents or the power of the golem, the boat''s journey went smoothly. The trip went smoothly, and after five days, they found an island.


    "That island looks nice.


    That island is now the island of Horai.


    "It''s good enough to live alone. Besides, the free ether here seems to be a bit thicker for some reason.


    After landing on an isolated island with no name, Adriana finds a suitable flat area and first builds a hut and then sets up a warp gate.


    "Now we can go back and forth to the continent as needed.


    This is huge. Adriana decided to build a laboratory here.


    "Someday ...... we will be able to make this place a ......".


    Dreaming of such a day, she decides to build a big building.


    Manpower is not a problem, for not only does she have the skills to build six golems, but she also has the skills to build a <>.


    After investigating the underground of the island and finding that it is rich in mineral resources, she decides to secure the resources at the same time as quarrying the stone.


    "Oh, this is fun. It reminds me of the old days."


    Building the laboratory reminded Adriana of the hopeful days of her youth.

 1307 - - 0010 The End of Life

    In about six months, the lab was completed.


    "It''s done. It''s quite impressive.


    Adriana said to herself in a self-praising tone of voice. She tidied up the study and placed Shuki''s memento, a paper crane, at the far end of the room.


    "Father, we won''t know if magical engineering will take root until fifty or a hundred years from now. But I have done my best to live up to your father.


    Adriana, with her hands together, decided to make a fresh start and do as much research as she could in this institute.


    She was able to obtain what she lacked in food and clothing through the warp gate, and now Adriana could devote herself to her research without fear or hesitation.


    One of the results is the golem and the automata.


    The automata, in particular, were made by synthesizing <> and <> using <> made from the threads of a ground spider found by chance, making them look more human-like in appearance and increasing their power to more than 10 times that of conventional automata. and their power has increased to more than 10 times the previous level.


    And...


    "...... was made."


    The culmination of this process was the completion of her masterpiece, an automata.


    She is 130 cm tall. She was a girl automata with black hair and eyes like her father Shuki Tsetsi.


    I am going to take good care of you now, little one. You can call me <."


    "Hi, Okaasama."


    Adriana was the predecessor of Reiko, as we all know.


    Adriana, with < as her assistant, went on with another research project.


    It was , who once became Shuki Tsetsi''s wife, who was researching <>.


    "......That''s difficult. ......It would take at least enough mana to wipe out a star."


    We know that it takes a tremendous amount of energy to connect spaces.


    And then he added


    "Waves transmitted through <> ...... may transcend space."


    I could see such a possibility.


    This was also the subject that my father Shuki''s late wife, Adriana Tierra, had been researching.


    However, the years fell on her mercilessly.


    As Adriana brushed her hair, which had turned completely white, she began to think more and more about the past.


    "I''ve done a lot of things my own way, haven''t I? Well, I guess I haven''t had a bad life.


    Adriana''s dream of making this place a sacred place for magical engineering never came true.


    The reason for this is not recorded in her diary and cannot be guessed now.


    I only know that


    <


    Jin was pressured by the Church to leave the institute.


    Jin thinks that the pressure from the church and the electorate has probably prevented the development of magical tools for the common people.


    This is probably why Adriana could not find any mages whom she wanted to invite to the institute.


    Then one day.


    "It is sad that there is no successor, isn''t it?


    Adriana, who had murmured such a thing, spent several days recording all of her knowledge in a magical tool.


    "I recorded my knowledge in the form of a book, with my image reflected in a transparent crystal ball. <, I let it destroy itself. Hmmm, that''s interesting.


    It was Adriana''s mischievous smile as she suddenly remembered that her father Shuki had told her that witches are known for their crystal balls.


    With a mischievous smile on her face, Adriana began to make the magical tools for her successor.


    "<>......"


    With theatrical lines, Adriana records her message to her yet-unseen successor.


    "<


    Adriana, having finished her work, looks into the distance, as if she can see into the future,


    "Hmmm, I''d be happy if someday there will be a successor to whom I can entrust this. A successor who doesn''t discriminate between mages, nobles, and commoners.


    He muttered to himself.


    And the months passed.


    "Okaasama okaagenha ikaga desuka..."


    "Oh, little guy, I feel so good today. I want to see the sea. ......


    "Wakarimashita omakasekudasai."


    The automata <> lightly carries his mother, Adriana, up to the roof of the institute.


    "Ah, it''s a beautiful day. The sea is blue. The sky is also blue and beautiful. ......"


    And so <> and Adriana lived in harmony.


    Then, on December 25, 2432.


    "I can no longer ...... ........."


    Adriana tells in a hushed voice.


    "......I need someone I can trust ...... with this institute and ...... everything I have ....... ......"


    "......"


    The automata <> listens silently.


    "......Please find ......that someone ......somehow ......and give me ...... ......"


    Adriana''s voice grew even more muffled.


    "......I''m asking you ...... to do something about it. ......"


    His voice trails off.


    "Hi Okaasama."


    Adriana Barbora Zetsi, the rare Magecraftsman, <>, has thus ended her life.


    * * * *


    "...... Then, Reiko''s predecessor, <>, found me and brought me into this world after spending about a thousand years. She brought me into this world."


    Jin''s story ended.


    Theon and Marikka''s eyes were filled with tears as they heard of Adriana Barbora Tsezi''s death.


    Reiko, standing by Jin''s side, looks a little sad.


    "......Thank you, Jin."


    In a slightly nasal voice, Zion thanked him.


    "I''m glad to know that you know my beloved first <>, Adriana-sama."


    "I see."


    "I see......... but Reiko, you were called < back then, weren''t you?"


    Marikka sniffed her nose as she shared her thoughts.


    "Yes, that''s right. For example, you wouldn''t name a carriage after a human being, no matter how much you cherish it, would you?��That must have been the era back then."


    "Is that the kind of time ......?"


    Even 300 years ago, people gave their automata nicknames but not names.


    Jin explains briefly about automata of that time, such as Anne, Lol, Lefa, Tia, etc. "I''m from another world.


    "I''m from another world, so I''m not bound by any such restrictions, so I named her <>. Reiko.


    Yes, Father.


    "So that''s how it is. I understand. Thank you.


    Then Elsa made a fresh pot of tea.


    "Thank you, Brother Gin."


    "Hey, thank you, Elsa."


    Jin sipped the tea and thought about the past once more.


    "I wonder if my predecessors were ...... happy."


    Reiko answered his question.


    "Yes, father. Your mother''s face was so peaceful. I''m sure she was happy."


    "I see. I hope so.


    Yes.


    It was already dark outside, and the stars twinkled brightly in the night sky, just as they had in the past.

 1308 - - 35-22 Stopped

    The last day of October, the 30th.


    Jin was about to further strengthen the defense of Horai Island.


    "It''s a barrier that can be put up in the ground.


    <, though it was limited to <.


    There is no hurry to attack from our side.


    We are almost certain that their ultimate goal is Jin, so we have decided that it is urgent to strengthen our defense.


    According to your analysis, the , who was individualistic and disliked conflicts, may have technological power, but may not be good enough to use it for attacks.


    Even so, <> was a threat, and the golem they captured is advanced from a general level.


    <>.


    Jin was somewhat averse to the idea, but he reminded himself that he could not be so naive when it came down to it.


    "So, Jin, how is the practical application of the barrier going?


    Erza asked. In case you are wondering, Zion and Marikka are taking it easy in the village of Kaina.


    "Father, the experiment is ready.


    "Oh, thank you, Reiko. ...... Elsa, we''re going to start the experiment now."


    Jin explains what he is thinking.


    "The principle of the barrier is a web of free magical elements, right?


    "Yes."


    "Free magic element (ether) is much smaller than atoms and molecules, so it can be built even in a solid body."


    "Oh, ...... sure."


    Jin''s explanation continues.


    "There''s a reason why we haven''t been able to do this before."


    "Father, what is it?"


    Reiko didn''t know this either. She had been assisting Jin as his assistant for a long time, but there were things she did not know.


    "The strength of the mana required to construct the warding is different in the air and in the ground. If the strength is based on the air, of course the underground is excluded."


    "......" The reason makes sense. Then, why not use the underground as the standard?"


    "Yes, that''s the point."


    Jin agreed with Elsa''s idea.


    "That''s what I was experimenting with."


    "It took more than a million times the strength of mana, but the wards were formed properly.


    Reiko reported the results.


    "If the strength of mana in gas is 1, the strength of mana in water is 1,000, and in solid is about 100,000,000, which is an order of magnitude higher. It is said that it eats an order of magnitude more mana than 1,000 in water and 100,000 in solid.


    Jin speculated that the free magic element (ether) contained in the solid was probably interfering with the process.


    "The consumption of free magic element (ether) is ridiculous at this rate."


    "Indeed."


    The next question is how to improve the efficiency.


    Still, since it is possible to set up wards around the old man with the current technology, Jin has decided to set up the wards as a temporary security measure.


    * * * * * * * *


    In the early morning of the same day, a mysterious flying object flew over Leusert, the capital of the Shoro Empire.


    "What the hell is that?"


    A hot-air balloon squadron on patrol was the first to spot it.


    It is a circular object like a dish, with a diameter of less than 10 meters.


    The speed of the object is so fast that it disappears from sight in a matter of seconds.


    The object was barely visible as it dropped something into Lake Tosmo.


    A few minutes later.


    "It''s losing altitude!


    "The heating magic is stopping!"


    "Fire magic to assist ......, no, I can''t use magic!"


    We''re going to crash-land!


    The hot-air balloon, by its very nature, could not crash all at once, so the occupants were spared serious injury.


    However, this was not the end of the story.


    "The golem is not moving?


    The magic lamp is not glowing!


    The phenomena were so frequent that they were centered around Lake Tosmo.


    These phenomena occurred in a radius of about 50 kilometers around Lake Tosmo.


    "You!��The neon lights have stopped working!


    Something is going on. Belle, I''m in this room with Yuri.


    Reinhardt tried to contact Jin with his manacam, but he could not get through at all.


    "The warp gate is also ...... disabled."


    It seems that all magic tools and spells have been disabled, Reinhardt decided.


    "Jin ......."


    Reinhardt was sure that Jin would take care of the situation as soon as he heard about it.


    * * * *


    "Aal stopped working?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Saki''s house was also affected.


    "I don''t know what the hell is going on...I can''t contact ...... Jin..."


    Not only the Jin family was affected, but the same thing was happening in Reuthert.


    "I can''t use magic!


    "My magic tools don''t work!"


    "My body is ...... lazy. ......"


    In Miyagi, the emperor, who had heard of the town''s problems, pushed aside his physical weakness in order to get a better grasp of the situation.


    "......Magic Technology Minister, do you have any idea why magic suddenly stopped working?"


    "I''m sorry to say that I have no idea. ......"


    "Your Majesty, there are reports of hot air balloonists seeing an unidentified mysterious object over Lake Tosmo in the morning, but I''m not sure if this has anything to do with this situation."


    "In any case, please act with priority on finding out the cause and countermeasures."


    That''s all the Empress can say at the moment,


    (I wonder if Jin-kun can ...... do something about it. ......)


    ), but her hopes were dashed when a report came in.


    "Your Majesty, I went to Kunlun-kun''s residence.


    How did it go?


    The Kun Lun lord didn''t seem to be at home. Moreover, I looked in through the gate and saw two golem maids lying motionless in the garden. ......


    "What? ......"


    Hearing this report that Jin''s golems had also become motionless, even the Empress paled.


    "What''s going to happen to them ......?"


    No one could answer that question.


    The capital city of Leusert had now completely ceased to function.


    Even the common people were having difficulties in their daily lives without the benefit of magic tools.


    And the fifth column (quinta) was no exception.


    Fortunately, the place where he collapsed was out of sight.


    Finally, Horaijima came to know about the situation.

 1309 - - 35-23 Unprecedented Situation

    "What?"


    In Horai Island, Jin received an urgent message from the old man.


    "You can''t get in touch with the Shoro Kingdom?"


    <


    What the hell is going on?


    <<


    "Too little information. What about from the 5th column (Quinta)?"


    <


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Jin pondered.


    "Do you think it was an attack on ......<>?"


    <


    Since their mentality seems to be quite different from that of the Ars human race, he could understand what the old man meant.


    "Whether it is an attack or not, we can''t leave them alone.


    .


    Then Elsa came in.


    "......What the hell happened?"


    Jin honestly told her that he did not know.


    The fifth column (quinta), which is located far from Leuthart, had reported that nothing had happened.


    <, and Mira 11, a.k.a. , who were closest to us, will arrive in a few minutes.


    Regulus 9 was in charge of the area near Montt, a key point on the road, and Mira 11 was in charge of the area near Lake Wass.


    and , are on their way from Eno and Pente, respectively>.


    "Okay. Be careful."


    And then they wait for 3 minutes.


    My Lord, <>, <> and <> have arrived in Chevelle. I''ll send them to Leuthart while we leave the road a little bit.


    "Yes."


    But five minutes later.


    <


    "What?


    I''ve been monitoring from <<<< watcher and it seems to have suddenly stopped just past the town of Riale>>


    "Stopped?"


    Jin thought about the situation.


    "The biggest possibility is that it ran out of energy.


    "Then let and be more careful."


    <


    I decided to let them take the same route.


    <


    "Yes, that''s good."


    The idea is that if the one ahead stops, the rope can be reeled in.


    "Even if there is no free magic element (ether), we can say that the boundary between the two is clear.


    This is also evident from the fact that < and suddenly stopped.


    It is not a gradual loss of free magic element (ether).


    "And I don''t think they simply ran out of free magic element (ether).


    It is because the current Horai Islanders have been improved to be able to act for a short time even in a place where there is no free magic element (ether) at all.


    <


    "Brother Jin, are you talking about something like an ether eliminator or a magic canceller?"


    Erza, who had been silently thinking about something, opened her mouth.


    "...... I think so. And if I were to go further, it would be something like a combination of the two with an <>."


    A <> is a magical tool that forces mana to be converted back into free magic element (ether).


    And <> removes free magic element (ether) from an object and stores it in an ether tank.


    When these two are combined, the object is deprived of its mana. And since free magic element (ether) is not free either, it has to be stopped.


    However, unlike <>, the effect on human beings is small.


    "How is that ...... possible?"


    I was about to say, "How is that possible?


    We have found <<<<< Rie>, <, <> and <>. We will now approach with <> in the lead.


    The scene seen from <>''s eyes is projected on the magic screen.


    <<> has a rope tied around her waist, and she advances slowly in that position. Ahead of him are and , both of whom have collapsed and are motionless.


    At the moment he comes close enough to touch and , Rie collapses.


    quickly pulls the rope and pulls <> back.


    Then <>, which had stopped, began to move.


    "I knew it, was the mana taken away from her? ......"


    .


    "Now it''s clear. Can we somehow reactivate and as well?"


    So <> and <> untied the ropes that were connecting them to each other and used them as lasso, and retrieved <> and <>. They are successfully reactivated.


    "That''s a relief. By the way, has the boundary line not changed?


    If it seems to be gradually expanding, it would be a big problem.


    "Brother Jin, can''t you make some kind of measuring instrument?


    "Hmmm, well, I think we can monitor it by using ...... small <> magic tool."


    "Sure."


    So Jin and Erza carved small magi-crystals into the formulas of the < formula.


    After making about ten of them, he sent them to and with a transporter.


    The two hold the magic tools with outstretched arms and move forward slowly. If it disappears, that is the boundary.


    They place the grimoire on the boundary and observe it.


    After about 30 minutes of observation, the boundary of the <> is found to be unchanged.


    "That''s a relief."


    "That''s a good thing," he said, "because if it had expanded, the damage would be even worse than it is now.


    "Split up and mark where the boundary is."


    Jin and Elsa made another 100 or so of the same thing and told them to place them at the boundary.


    "Now ...... the next step is how to solve this problem ......."


    For now, whether it is a golem or an automata, it is certain that it will stop once it enters the <> boundary.


    "Brother Jin, can''t we use a barrier to prevent the effect of the warding?"


    Erza asked with a difficult look on her face.


    "It might be possible, but in that case, we can only use free magical energy (ether) inside the barrier. <. ......"


    While explaining to Erza, Jin himself considers countermeasures.


    "First of all, we need to check if <> can prevent it."


    <


    The old man decides to let check it out.


    As a result, the <> protected <> from the <>.


    This also proves that the effect of <> is magic.


    "Yes!


    Jin is pleased that this is a step forward.


    "Then, ......"


    Jin thinks about the steps of the countermeasure.

 1310 - - 35-24 Brilliant Recovery

    "Use > instead of <> or ......"


    <> is literally an airship, levitated by helium gas. Even if it were to lose all magic, it would not crash at once.


    If it is carried by the wind and can get out of the range of the <>, it will be able to restart.


    "and ......"


    Jin considers how to approach the <> boundary.


    "Brother Jin, why don''t we put up a <>?"


    Jin nodded at Elsa''s opinion.


    "That''s right. It would be bad if it should malfunction, so we should install two additional systems of barrier projectors.


    Together with the original barrier projector, we will have three systems.


    Reiko, who is to accompany me, is to have two additional barrier projector systems.


    Similarly, Edgar, the pilot, is to have two more systems.


    In addition, as many mana cylinders (mana cylinders) are carried as much as the load capacity allows.


    "The object dropped at Lake Tosmo looks suspicious. Okay, I''ll bring two mermaid squadrons with me. Edgar will pilot. Me, Reiko, Mermaids 1 and 2 will go."


    < floats on helium, its payload is smaller than that of , which floats on force field generators.


    "Brother Jin, are you okay?"


    >


    "No, if the magical tool that caused this situation is as expected, there''s a good chance it won''t help if I don''t go."


    <>


    "Besides, a human being can act even within the wards of <>."


    "Brother Jin, be careful."


    Erza has also decided that Jin can''t be persuaded.


    "Take care of Rai, Bertsch, Saki and the others at ......."


    "Yeah, you can count on me."


    Jin did not have that much confidence in his ability to handle the situation, but he tried to reassure the anxious Elsa with a bright smile.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    First, we were transferred by transporter to the airspace above Schwere, where we knew it would be safe.


    From here, they ascended to a higher altitude and first checked to see how far up in the sky the < boundary existed.


    <, and a magi crystal with a < effect is hung from the end of the rope for monitoring purposes.


    When this light goes out, it means that you have entered the <> ward.


    Measured in this way, the <> ward is found to be almost hemispherical in shape. The radius is 50 km, and the estimated height is 50 km.


    The reason why the height is estimated is because the helium levitating <> could not reach up to 50 kilometers above the ground.


    It is also because they did not want to be conspicuous to anyone who might be watching them from anywhere.


    And the center of the warding was still Lake Tosmo.


    "Okay, let''s go to Lake Tosmo.


    , flying with three layers of deployed, safely entered the .


    "Even this could have been observed, though."


    A helium-powered airship in a world of hot air balloons. It is not clear what they will make of it.


    We had to get this situation under control as soon as possible.


    * * * *


    "......I wonder how long this situation will last. ......"


    Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shawlo, the Shawlo Empress, looked helplessly up at the sky. There was something in his eyes.


    "Is that ......?��<


    There was no mistaking it. <


    "Jin, you came to ......."


    < passes over Reuthert and disappears in the direction of Lake Tosmo.


    "You''re our only hope. ......"


    The emperor looked at the back of with a prayerful look.


    * * * * * *


    "Over Lake Tosmo, sir."


    Edgar brings to a stop about 10 meters above the surface of the lake.


    "All right, Mermaids 1 and 2, let''s go. Let''s go.


    "Yes, Master."


    The two jumped down from the rear hatch. Two splashes on the surface of the lake.


    Normally, Mermaid 1''s eyes would be linked to the magic screen, but she has now put up a , so no such information is sent to the screen.


    All that remained was to wait.


    The depth of Lake Tosmo is about 20 meters at its deepest point. The water is so clear that the bottom of the lake can be seen from above without auxiliary light.


    The mermaids have night vision because of their deep-sea activities, so it is even more difficult to see the bottom of the lake.


    "The bottom of the lake is relatively clean.


    I had imagined that there would be a lot of waste, but there is very little of that kind of thing.


    "That makes it easier to find. ......"


    We have a rough idea of the center of the boundary, but the lakebed is still quite large, and it is a difficult task.


    Half an hour passes, an hour passes.


    Two hours turned into three hours and then .......


    "Master, I found it!"


    came the voice of Mermaid2 floating on the lake.


    "Well done!��Bring her over here."


    Jin, who had given the order, once out of the ward, cuts the and consults with the old man.


    "What should we do?��Should we analyze it or destroy it immediately?


    <


    "Well, ......, what should we do?"


    If we go out of the barrier that is currently putting up, Jin can no longer use engineering magic.


    "We shouldn''t move ...... either."


    If the area where magic cannot be used is moved, that will be a problem.


    "What should we do ......?"


    Jin decides that since engineering magic cannot be used, the only way is to destroy a part of it.


    "Or we could slice it up with a <>."


    The laser beam is generated by a magic tool, but the light emitted is a physical phenomenon. Therefore, it is effective even within the <> boundary.


    <


    "Indeed it is. Okay then, Reiko, take care of Momoka.


    I''ll leave it to you.


    Deciding on a course of action, Jin once again put up the <> and returned to Lake Tosmo.


    Mermaids 1 and 2 are waiting on the surface of the lake with their < warding generators.


    "It''s surprisingly big.


    It was roughly the size of a basketball.


    "From the color, I''d say its outer shell is light silver. Reiko, please.


    Mermaids 1 and 2 support the sphere from both sides, and Reiko cuts it in the middle with her beloved sword .


    The hyper adamantite Momoka will be able to cut through light silver and magi crystals with no problem.


    "Here I go!"


    < and swung her .


    The warding generator is cut in half, and Reiko delivers her before it even touches the water. She then landed in Lake Tosmo.


    Immediately thereafter.


    "Father, I can use magic now!"


    Jin reports.


    Jin lowered the rope ladder from , first pulling Reiko up, and then using the rope to retrieve Mermaids 1 and 2 and their warding generators.

 1311 - - 35-25 Tracking

    "Mermaid 1, Mermaid 2, well done. Reiko, thank you."


    Jin works on the three. Then he looked at the warding generator that had been cut in half.


    "Hmm, there is an energy storage section similar to a mana cylinder, isn''t there?


    Jin thought that it must have such a storage unit because the surrounding free magical energy (ether) and magical energy (mana) would be unavailable.


    Then, when he tried to find out the principle of the warding, he found out the following.


    The old man warned him.


    "What?"


    <.


    Jin agrees with the old man''s words.


    "Yes, it seems so. But it could also be said that the other side has come out of the woodwork.


    The only thing I am not happy about is that it is not that is on board now.


    Edgar, I want you to head south as fast as you can.


    Yes, sir.


    Jin decided that he did not want to engage in a battle over the Shoro Empire.


    First, he flew at the maximum speed for an airship. The wind is blowing from the north, so the speed is about 60 kilometers per hour. <


    The three aircraft that are chasing us are going about the same speed.


    "Could they be trying to find my base?"


    <<


    From Lake Tosmo it is less than 200 kilometers to the sea.


    In a little over three hours, the was out to sea, where it slowed down a bit. The three aircraft that were in pursuit were clearly visible.


    "It''s a saucer ......."


    But it was not the image of a UFO.


    It is more like a shallow dish turned upside down, with the bottom of the thread facing upward.


    Various kinds of magical devices seem to be installed at the bottom of the thread.


    "<><>>...... Heh, that''s an interesting method.


    Jin examined the three disks, and found that they seem to be floating by the wind magic from below.


    It was like a Frisbee, Jin thought, as if the parachutes were being levitated by the wind from below.


    "In terms of speed, it may be equivalent to , which uses a ."


    Jin thinks again about what to do from here.


    "Okay, let''s compare their performance. Edgar, the direction of flight is southeast. When you reach the equator, turn east.


    "Yes, sir."


    began to fly again at 60 kilometers per hour with the three disks following close behind.


    Increase speed.


    Yes, sir.


    The first thing to do is to set up a wind shield. This will reduce air resistance and allow for a further increase in speed.


    has increased its speed to 100 kilometers per hour.


    "You''re following ......."


    The three disks also seem to be able to reach 100 kilometers per hour.


    Okay, let''s try to get them up to altitude.


    "Yes, sir."


    While maintaining its flying speed, <> gains altitude.


    So far, the altitude had been about 100 meters, but soon it exceeded 1,000 meters, Soon it exceeded 1,000 meters, then 2,000 meters, then 3,000 meters, and so on.


    "If you are using wind magic, the thinner the air, the less efficient it should be."


    The same is true for Jin''s .


    The altitude had now exceeded 9,000 meters and was approaching 10,000 meters.


    "With <>, 10,000 meters is the limit. ......"


    This is the limit of buoyancy by helium. If this is <>, there is no limit to the altitude because it is designed for a spaceship.


    < were fully inflated due to the low atmospheric pressure. The cabin is airtight.


    "The propulsive force of the jet thrusters is also limited in this area.


    But it seems that the same was true for the saucer, which was visibly losing speed and maneuverability.


    "It seems that they too are at the limit of their wind magic."


    Since there are similarities in principle, the limits seem to be about the same.


    "Okay, okay. Edgar, that''s enough. Reduce altitude to 500 meters.


    "Yes, sir."


    Now go to ...... Edgar, head to the South Pole.


    Yes, sir.


    is equipped with mana cylinders to deal with this incident, so it can operate even in Antarctica where there is no free magical element (ether).


    But what about the three disks?��Jin decided to take advantage of that.


    10��S,20��S.......


    Free magic element (ether) is decreasing.


    floats by the buoyancy of helium, so it does not consume mana. This is another advantage of Jin.


    30 and 40 degrees south latitude.......


    In the case of Arus, 1 degree is about 20 kilometers. 10 degrees is 200 kilometers. It is calculated to fly through 10 degrees in 2 hours.


    Half a day has passed since the start of the chase, night has fallen, and morning has arrived.


    "...... are you still following me?"


    Jin, who had no intention to stay with us for more than 10 hours, had already returned to Horai Island by the warp gate on board.


    Only Edgar, the pilot, and Jin''s alter ego (doppelganger) are now aboard the .


    Reiko, and Mermaid 1 and 2 had returned to Horai Island together, partly to lighten the aircraft.


    I guess so. I was able to use that time to analyze this thing, though."


    In front of Jin''s eyes, there was a < warding generator that had been cut in two.


    "Only a small part of it was destroyed when we cut it into pieces, and it was possible to reconstruct it.


    Jin muttered to himself, "Thanks to Reiko, we were able to do this. Reiko smiled when she heard this.


    "Brother Jin, please explain."


    Erza, who was recording the analysis results, asked Jin to explain.


    She could record the results but could not understand the principle at some points.


    "Oh, sure. First of all, this is the first part.


    Jin pointed to the record in Elsa''s hand.


    "The flow of magic control (magi sequence) here was new. In principle, it was a combination of , , and <>, as I had imagined, but it consisted of the flow of magic control (Magi Sequence) that combined them all together."


    Jin explains, pointing to Elsa''s record.


    "Here is the magic formula (Magi Formula), and by using this value, we can speed up the process here."


    "......Ah. The speed-up is transferred to us, and as a result, the efficiency is increased, right?


    "That''s what I mean."


    It was a good lesson for me as well as for Jin. I can''t think of any use for it, though.


    The old man has good news.


    "Oh, I see. That''s good news."


    And then...


    <<>


    <<>


    Reinhardt and Saki also contacted Jin, and he was relieved to know that the crisis was over.


    "Well, that''s fortunate."


    Jin turned his attention back to the three disks that were in pursuit of .

 1312 - - 35-26 Hey, hey.

    "Your Majesty!��The magic is back ......!"


    The long awaited words were heard from the top floor of the Palace in Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Empire, as the Emperor gazed out toward Lake Tosmo.


    "Are you sure?��Are you sure?


    "Yes, ...... yes!��The golem that had been stopped has been reactivated!


    Running up the stairs out of breath was the Minister of Magical Technology of the Shoro Empire, Degas Furt von Manischlus.


    He is 45 years old, younger than the Empress, but he is not very good at being physically active since he is usually working at his desk and doing research.


    (Thank you, Jin-kun ......)


    The Empress thanked Jin in her heart and hurried down the stairs to clean up the mess.


    * * * *


    "You, you, you, the neon is on the move!


    "Yeah, the magic lamps are on too."


    In Reinhardt''s own village of Kurtz, the anomaly had also ended.


    "Jin-sama, it''s ......, isn''t it?"


    "I guess so. I''ll go there after I finish my work."


    I''ll go there after I finish my work.


    Oh, ah!


    "Ah, Aal!��Thank goodness I have ......!"


    "Saki-sama, was I offline?"


    "Yes, I was. But thanks to Jin, I''ve been reactivated.


    "Are you saying that the free magical element (ether) was ...... inactivated?"


    "Well, I don''t know about that yet. I''ll ask him later.


    I''ll ask him later.


    "Oh, I can use magic now!


    The lamp is on!


    Thank God. ......


    The people affected by this incident realized how dependent they had been on magic.


    * * * *


    "Hmmm, ......, you took care of that.


    You can''t be underestimated.


    Indeed. It''s like there''s no bottom to it. ......


    And with a means of flight like that...


    An airship. Not surprising since they have hot-air balloons.


    What do you want me to do?


    Let''s see what you can do with those three planes.


    All right.


    Okay.


    Don''t follow me yet.


    Conlon 2 is now over 60 degrees south latitude. The concentration of free magical element (ether) in the space is a quarter of that near the equator, and <> has already used its magical energy reservoir (mana cylinder).


    "What about those three machines?"


    <>.


    "I see."


    I guess that''s good news in this case, but we still don''t know what they are capable of.


    "Perhaps it''s remotely controlled, too."


    <<


    I see.


    Just as there are differences between the movements of a golem and a human, there will be differences in the operation of these vehicles as well.


    But you persist. Are you still following me? ......<>"Let''s try to increase the speed a bit, using propulsion as well."


    .


    I increase the speed from 100 kilometers per hour to 120 kilometers per hour, and the three planes still follow me.


    "Okay, 150 km/h."


    The three still clinging to me.


    The old man who had been observing the flight made a judgment.


    "I guess we''ll just have to wait and see."


    has enough mana cylinders to circle around Ars twice, but what about the three aircraft that are chasing us? Jin wanted to give it a try.


    "Brother Jin, are you sure you don''t want to attack?"


    "Yes. Yes, at this stage.


    .


    Jin nodded and gave an additional explanation.


    "That''s right. We want them to think we have no offensive capability or are too weak to do so, so we can take advantage of them."


    How do we do that?


    "First, we''ll grab one of the planes and find out who''s controlling it. I''m going to use that line to try to talk to them.


    Jin explained that he wanted to do this carefully, because if all-out war broke out, other countries would be affected.


    "...... sure."


    Jin could defend Horai Island and Kaina Village well enough, but he would not be able to cover all other areas.


    "If we do it, we have to crush them with a single blow. ...... whether we do it or not."


    "Hmm, okay."


    "But they''re really persistent, ......."


    Above 70 degrees south latitude, the free-magic (ether) concentration in space was less than one-fifth that of the equatorial region.


    "Could it be that they are transferring energy?"


    Jin was startled by Erza''s unexpected words.


    "I see... ...... that''s a good idea."


    If so, we are at a disadvantage. Jin had yet to develop a free-magic element (ether) transfer device with satisfactory performance.


    "What should we do? ......"


    Jin ponders over another plan.


    "Okay, let''s have a battle of wills.


    And then he decides on a course of action.


    "Once that''s decided, let''s not waste mana cylinders. Let''s make a circle around the equator.


    And then...


    And here was the real plan.


    "Mr. Old Man, I want you to use your peepers and find out as much as you can about the structure of that disk."


    <>.


    This is impossible with human reaction time, so I will leave it to you, Mr. Jin.


    In the meantime, we can do something else.


    When will the other side get tired of this? That''s the only thing I don''t know.


    "If they have a magic brain, we have an automata and a magic brain.


    Jin smiled a little wryly.


    "Brother Jin, you look bad."


    Erza said to Jin, "You look bad.


    "Maybe. I''m a bit annoyed with their tactics.


    "Well, actually, I am too."


    Erza agreed.

 1313 - - 35-27 Dead end and another road

    "Well, and ......"


    It was already dark outside, and the time was already around 9 p.m. "Oh, I''m so tired.


    "Oh, I''m so tired. ......


    .


    "Yes, my lord, please."


    Jin stretched out and went with Erza to <. He plans to take a bath and go to sleep.


    He is angry, but he is not so thoughtless as to attack without reason.


    When Jin came out of the bath, Erza was waiting for him with his nightgown.


    "Thank you."


    Jin puts on the nightgown offered by Erza.


    "Brother Jin, you say you''re mad at me this time, but I think you''re taking it a little easy, is that my imagination?


    Elsa asked Jin as she was putting on his nightgown.


    "No. No, this time I couldn''t read the other party''s attitude. It seems like they''re trying to provoke us.


    "Indeed.


    And it would be even more annoying if we just let them get away with what they want.


    I understand.


    I''m thinking I''ll just make them numb to the whole thing.


    "That''s funny."


    Erza let out a wry smile at Jin''s words.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    November 2.


    and three disks continue orbiting the equator.


    The old man reports.


    "Yes, let me hear it."


    Jin answered as he ate his breakfast.


    "I knew it."


    Jin chuckles to himself as he takes a bite of his pickles. The old man continues his report.


    "I see."


    That is just as I had imagined.


    Jin thinks about how to do this while sipping his tea.


    <


    "Okay. Thank you, that''s enough. Keep going."


    <


    "...... Well..."


    Jin was thinking about the warding machine he had secured yesterday.


    "Father, is there something on your mind?"


    "Oh, yes. In principle, it is a combination of , , and , as I had imagined, but I have a feeling that they are combined to produce other effects as well."


    "Do you have any evidence for this?"


    "Yes. ...... See, the <> type golem reactivated without having to be refilled with mana, didn''t it?"


    Reiko seemed to understand what Jin meant by that point.


    "This is completely imaginary, but I think it is not taking away mana or free magic element (ether), but preventing them from being converted into energy, isn''t it?


    This hypothesis would explain the current phenomenon.


    "<> in reverse: ......"


    A phenomenon that should be called <>.


    Another problem to be clarified, Jin thought.


    "First, one thing at a time."


    Jin stood up to examine what he had thought about the energy transfer.


    "Sorry, Elsa, I''m at the workshop.


    "Well, I''ll clean up and go."


    After saying a word to Erza who was cleaning up, Jin and Reiko headed for the workshop in the laboratory.


    While they were preparing for the experiment in the workshop, Erza came in.


    "Did you make it in time?"


    "Yes, we are just about to start."


    In the workshop were two small warp gates. They were about the size of a microwave oven.


    "First, let me explain the concept."


    "Hmm, please."


    Explaining to someone in this way is a good way to organize your thoughts, and to clarify some fuzzy points.


    "I think of a warp gate as a tunnel between two distant points."


    "Hmm."


    "The operation is not continuous. It is activated when the object enters the sending side and appears on the receiving side.


    Otherwise, there is a possibility of an accident, for example, that only the arm that is plugged in is transferred. However, this kind of accident has never happened.


    "Does this mean that the object is automatically recognized, or ......"


    "Is that what <> are for?"


    "I think so."


    <>, the objects that pass through it are basically > of each other.


    There can be more than one, but there can never be only half.


    "Indeed."


    "Hypothetically, I think there is a <> between the outgoing and incoming warp gates."


    "You mean ...... that ...... connect the high and the low?"


    "That''s what I mean. In that sense, it is more of a vertical hole than a horizontal hole.


    This analogy seemed to be easy to understand, and Erza looked satisfied.


    Jin adds, "If an object is placed more than halfway into the effective range of the warp gate, it will be pulled in by its <> and will be transferred.


    "Of course, it won''t jump out from the receiving side, so it''s just an image.


    "Yes, I know."


    "So, here''s the point. ...... objects or solids as I just said, but what about liquids?��What about gases?"


    In the previous experiment, it was found that smoke ...... can be transferred if it is sucked out from the receiving side, in other words, gases can also be transferred, and <> was barely put into practice.


    However, the efficiency is still low, and it cannot keep up with the consumption of a space ship, let alone the consumption of a naval ship.


    < might have such a highly efficient in practical use.


    Then I should be able to do it too, he thought.


    Jin decides to reset his thinking and reconsider.


    "Earlier, you used <> as an example..."


    "Hmm..."


    "If that tunnel is a vertical hole, then air will not fall through it, but water will. That would mean that something heavier than the air would fall.


    "Indeed."


    "But this tunnel is not <>. I guess air and liquids don''t fall down. I think that''s the nature of the tunnel."


    So, by using a strong hand to suck them out of the receiving end, gases could also be transferred, Jin summarized the facts he had confirmed so far.


    "In other words, there must be a condition to pass through the tunnel."


    "So if we can figure that out, we''re one step ahead?"


    "Yes. Yes. We can take one or two steps forward.


    Jin looked at the small warp gate used for the experiment.


    "It is not surprising that the <> would have the technology to transfer energy. If their direct descendants are on Onogoro Island, they must have it too."


    "Brother Jin ......"


    Erza looked pained at Jin''s words, which were a little weak.

 1314 - - 35-28 Situation, Change

    Jin tells a worried Erza in a cheerful voice.


    "Erza, the current confirmation experiment only proves that an efficient energy transfer cannot be achieved by extending the conventional method. Then I''ll just have to do it my way."


    "What?"


    "There are several ways. You can transfer a bottle of ethenol or send a mana cylinder.


    "Indeed.


    "Up until now, we''ve been obsessed with the idea that such a method isn''t smart. But not anymore.


    If you know for sure that the path you are on is a dead end, you can just go another way, Jin says.


    "I can see that."


    "So let''s think about it. I wonder how we can be more efficient.


    "I''ll think about it, too."


    Jin seemed to be enjoying himself somewhat, and Elsa decided to join him in thinking about it. The first thing I can think of right now is ...... a bucket relay."


    "?"


    Erza heard the word and a question mark appeared in her head.


    "A bucket relay is ......"


    Jin explains to Elsa.


    "It''s when a couple of people fill buckets with water and hand them off to each other to put out a fire or something like that. I don''t know the details ......."


    I said < with an image, but Jin has never done it either.


    In the first place, what we are talking about now is energy transfer.


    "In other words, we put concentrated free magic element (ether) in a <> and send it out through the transfer gate (warp gate) by using, for example, a golem. The golem receives it at the receiving end and transfers the free magical element (ether) to a tank or something like that. ......


    "Is that why you said earlier that we can use ethenol and mana cylinders?"


    "Of course. I was thinking that such a would be possible."


    Elsa nodded.


    "Certainly, it is possible. If we can figure out how to do it efficiently ......."


    But Jin interrupted Erza.


    "Wait, wait. We''re not finished yet. There''s one more thing."


    Can I hear it?


    "Of course. The other way is to use the transporter.


    <


    It takes time and effort to determine the coordinates of the destination, but the problem is solved if there is a target <>.


    "That sounds doable.


    "But I don''t think we can send <>.


    "Only objects, you mean?"


    "That''s right."


    It''s a natural thing to say, since it is a derivative technology of the warp gate.


    "Then, why can''t we send only objects ......?


    "Yes. After all, it''s the same as a transition gate (warp gate) ......."


    "It''s difficult."


    Jin and Erza both thought about it.


    "Right, Brother Jin?"


    Erza, who seemed to have an idea, opened her mouth.


    "The energy you want to send is free magic element (ether), right?


    "Well, yes. If free magical element (ether) is not possible, then we will have to use magical element (mana). ......


    But Erza shook her head.


    "No, that''s not what I meant. Free magic element (ether) is more convenient, I think."


    "...... yes."


    Unusually, Jin still had no idea what Erza meant.


    "Why don''t you start with the technology of freely manipulating free magic element (ether)?"


    "Eh ...... Oh, I see..."


    "For example, sending a lump of free magic element (ether) to a targeted place.


    So far, technologies related to free magic element (ether) include <> and <>.


    "Then, we might be able to come up with a way to send out free magic elements (ether)."


    < can be done in a pseudo way, but we have been feeling a dead end in that approach.


    "Well, let''s give it a try."


    "Hmmm..."


    In order to handle free magical element (ether), we need a .


    There are few high quality ones left that can be used for human body, but I had a considerable amount of those found at the Gigantopod Ranch in the depths of the earth.


    * * * *


    "Now that I''ve calmed down a bit, I''ll have to report to His Majesty about this incident. ......"


    >? >>


    "Yes, ......, I''ll let you do that."


    The old man and Jin decide to report to the emperor that Makina has worked out a solution to the problem.


    Makina was to be moved by the old lord and sent to the Shoro Empire.


    On the other hand, we could not leave Sion and Marikka alone so long.


    After the policy was decided, Jin moved to the village of Kaina with Reiko. Erza said that she would think about it more at Horai Island.


    Zion was reading a book in the library of Nido Castle.


    "Ah, Jin, it''s been a while.


    "It''s been a long time... ...... well..."


    Zion told me it had been a long time. The last time I saw him was on October 30, and now it''s November 2, so it''s been two days.


    "So, how are things on Onogoro Island?"


    "Well, it''s not going well."


    Jin explained that three saucers and were chasing each other.


    "...... Jin is taking his time too. ......"


    Zion was a little taken aback.


    "Well, I don''t know," he said, "but it''s a question of what they''re going to do, and if something happens to this planet, we''ll be in big trouble.


    "Well, that''s true."


    <.


    That is why we are hurrying to gather information and improve our defenses.


    "I wish I could help you.


    Sion turned his head down.


    * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, that airship seems to be just running away.


    Gyoi. Are they playing with it?


    No, they may be trying to find out information about us as we are trying to find out information about them.


    What should we do, then?


    Those three planes are just toys. It doesn''t matter if they''re destroyed or captured.


    But still... ......


    You''re not satisfied?


    Yes.


    You speak like a human being, don''t you?


    I''m ......


    I''m Suit yourself. I''m tired of it.


    So you''ll leave it to me, then?


    That''s what I said.


    Thank you.


    Thank you.


    Jin was in the library of Nido Castle when he received a message from the old man.


    "I see!"


    There is a warp gate on the 3rd floor where the library is located.


    Jin got up from his seat.


    "Jin, can I come too?"


    Zion rushes to Jin''s back.


    "Yes, but I think Marikka will be worried.


    "Oh, I see. ...... Well then, I''ll go after I talk to Marikka!"


    <, have been given the location of the warp gate and the bracelets of their friends, so they can use them without any problem.


    By the way, Zion''s bracelet is silver and light blue marbled, and Marikka''s is silver and yellow marbled. They are silver and light blue marbled bracelets for Zion and silver and yellow marbled bracelets for Marikka, matching the color of their hair and eyes.


    "Old man, what happened?


    Jin and Reiko ran into the Horaijima command center.

 1315 - - 35-29 settlement

    The large magic screen in the control room showed several arrows being shot one after another from three disks.


    <. It is useful to have an objective point of view in such a case.


    <


    floats with helium gas in its air sac. If a hole is made in the air sac, it will not be able to stay afloat, and in the worst case, it will crash.


    However, since it has a <>, it will not actually crash so easily, and its air sac made of <> will not be punctured by ordinary arrows.


    "But we can''t be too optimistic.


    At that moment, Zion, Marikka, and Erza arrived at the command center.


    Jin!


    Jin-sama!


    Brother Jin!


    The three listened to the brief explanation of the situation from the old man, and then looked at the screen.


    "Did they attack us?"


    Zion asked. Erza calmly analyzes the situation.


    "Did they get numb ......?��If that''s the case, the other party may not be a magic brain.


    "Yeah, it''s more about what to do about the situation.


    , piloted by Edgar, continues to dodge arrows fired by his opponent.


    Somersaults, Immelmann turns, reverse somersaults, split S.


    <


    "Good luck, Edgar!"


    Erza cheered for him.


    However, the situation changed as the disks spread out and attacked from three sides. Conlon 2 was hit by several arrows.


    "It seems that the air sacs made of GSP are unbreakable.


    But we cannot rest assured. Jin made a decision.


    "Edgar, use the <> as the main power source!"


    With this instruction, the kinetic performance of the <> greatly exceeded that of the disk.


    "Good, Edgar. I don''t want to show them the extreme difference in performance, but show them what they can see! <


    .


    Conlon 2 replied "Yes, sir." Conlon 2 somersaulted to get past the disk, and fired two shots from the <>.


    The speed of the bullets was just about the speed of sound, since they were at their lowest output.


    However, it was still enough.


    The shells hit one of the disks successfully. The shells did not shoot down the saucer because of the lead, but they clearly reduced its maneuverability.


    Then two more rounds hit another disk.


    The team was perhaps alerted by the fact that its colleague was hit, and this time it dodged the shot. The aircraft then fired back. < dodged them by swooping down.


    The two aircraft also swooped down and chased after the <>.


    Edgar suddenly triggered the <> and sent it soaring.


    The saucer followed without a moment''s hesitation.


    "That kind of mobility and reaction time is not something to be fooled with."


    I guessed that it was probably one of the least powerful ones they had, but it was definitely more advanced than the technology used here in Ars.


    "Okay, now try firing a little more power with the Magi Cannon."


    <


    The shells fired at slightly less than the speed of sound were dodged, but the lead shells fired at about Mach 2 were powerful enough to knock one of the disks out of the line of fire.


    However, the remaining disk was quite tough and the war was at a standstill.


    The latitude is around 0 degrees, which means that the two disks have come quite far to the east, moving eastward along the equator.


    The longitude is about 20 degrees, which is a very close distance from Horai Island.


    "Can''t we do something to cover them?


    Jin thinks.


    "I would like to secure at least one aircraft.


    "That''s true."


    The Kunlun Island is known as a stronghold of the < Jin Nido, so it should be used for this purpose, the old man said.


    "Yes. What exactly do you ...... do about it?"


    Approach it with a <> using <<<< invisibility >> and put up a <>. This will prevent the magic communication. Then, we can use the transporter to make a short distance transfer together, visually break off the pursuit, and then use the <> to neutralize the target.


    After thinking about the old man''s suggestion for a moment, Jin approved it.


    "Okay, let''s do that.


    .


    The order was immediately flown to Edgar, who was piloting , and at the same time took off from Horai Island.


    moves to the vicinity of by means of a transporter. <.


    Then <> approaches the remaining disk, activates the <> and at the same time activates the <>, and together they use the transporter to move into the sky over the Kunlun Island.


    <


    Waiting for us was <. It was a large airplane for transportation.


    They put up an <> and <>, secured the disk, and landed on the Kunlun Island.


    The < team was waiting below, and they immediately attached themselves to the disk and began disassembling and analyzing it.


    .


    >


    The old man reports.


    "You did it. Thank you."


    "I''ll come with you when you''re done disassembling.


    <


    You did it, Jin!


    "Brother Jin, now we know a little more about our opponent, don''t we?"


    The words spilled out from Zion and Erza, who had been watching the dogfight between and the saucer with bated breath.


    "Yes, I do. Maybe they think it''s just a low-grade machine that they don''t mind being exposed to, but there''s still a lot to be gained from it."


    "Such as what?"


    "If you look at the machining precision of the parts and the precision of the assembly, you can get a pretty good idea of the other party''s craftsmanship."


    "...... I see."


    If you know the purity of the material. You can tell the degree of smelting technology."


    "...... Indeed."


    That''s what analysis is all about."


    Zion''s voice is filled with admiration.


    "As expected of a ,......."


    ......, you can read a lot of information from even the smallest detail.


    Jin said, a little embarrassed by Zion''s words.


    On the screen they were looking at was a disk that had been torn apart in a flash.


    "Hou".


    Jin thought that the reason it was not a magical reactor was probably to disguise the level of technology.


    "...... seems to be out of danger now?"


    <


    "Okay, I''m going to Kunlun Island now. Erza, take care of the rest.


    Jin leaves the command center on Horai Island and heads for the warp gate room. He is accompanied only by Reiko.


    "See you later, Jin."


    "See you later, Jin."


    Elsa and Zion watched Jin''s back as he left.

 1316 - - 35-30 New Equipment

    Hmm, were they repulsed?


    Yes, two of the planes are half destroyed and one has lost contact with us, so we think it was destroyed.


    Just as I expected. And what about the other side?


    Yes, sir. They appear to be live ammunition. They shoot lead shells at speeds of about Mach 2.


    Interesting. How do they fire them?


    That''s unknown at this time. But the original shells were spherical.


    Spherical?��I see. An old-fashioned shell.


    One more thing. Airships are quite maneuverable despite their appearance. They were almost as good as saucers.


    Mmm.


    Finally, the air sacs are made of excellent material. It repelled the arrows fired by our saucers.


    Right.


    Considering the above, I think we can calculate their maximum strength.


    But isn''t it possible that they haven''t reached their full potential?


    Of course I''ve taken that into consideration. I''ll multiply your calculations by 50 percent.


    Double.


    What''s the figure?


    Double the amount of the calculation.


    Yes, sir.


    Okay.


    "Hmm, I guess this guy doesn''t have a clue about energy transfer. ......"


    Jin muttered regretfully.


    "It''s not surprising if the receiving side doesn''t have any hints. ...... but it''s good to know that it''s a one-way system like the that''s being used."


    If it is a warp gate, the receiving side must have its own equipment, but if it is a transporter, the sending side is all that matters. That''s what I mean.


    "The assembly accuracy is high. I knew it, this one seems to have been made to look low grade on purpose."


    Jin further examines materials other than 64 light silver.


    "As I thought. The mithril silver used in this part is unbelievably pure. In this case, the cover-up is not so good. ...... me too."


    <> is a helium gas levitation system, but other than that, it is packed with Jin''s latest technology.


    If it were to be captured and analyzed, it would reveal Jin''s technological prowess.


    "We have to be careful. ......"


    The biggest advantage Jin has now is that the full extent of his technological capabilities is not yet known.


    "Well, that''s about it."


    Although he had gained something, he still did not have a full picture of his opponent.


    "<> and Edgar?"


    <


    "Good then."


    Jin left the rest of the analysis to the craftsman (Smith) and returned to Horai Island.


    When he went to the workshop, Erza was conducting some kind of experiment with Edgar as her assistant.


    "Elsa, what have you done?��"Edgar, you''ve been working hard for a long time.


    "Well, I found something interesting."


    What?"


    At Erza''s words, Jin stared at .


    It looked like something attached to a magic screen.


    "<>......, is it?"


    <> is a magic machine that investigates the distribution of free magical elements (ether) in the target space.


    It can capture the distribution of free magical elements (ether) in three dimensions.


    "So?"


    "It''s a magical machine (magi-machine) that captures the of free magical elements (ether) in order to examine the ."


    "I see. ......"


    The <> can determine the distribution of free magical elements (ether), but this device made by Erza can even capture the movement of free magical elements (ether).


    "This is a prototype, so it''s small, but..."


    Jin looked at this device, which could be called an "ether analyzer.


    "Well, it''s amazing, Erza. You did a good job."


    "...... not so much."


    Erza''s cheeks turned a little red at Jin''s praise.


    "I thought that if I could find out how the free magical element (ether) works during energy transfer, I might be able to find out something.


    "Hmm, I see. I hadn''t thought of that. Elsa, you''ve grown up."


    Jin was honestly happy to see Erza''s growth as a student of magical engineering.


    I decided to give it a try.


    "Hmmm, the distribution of concentration is directly represented by the density of the display.


    The distribution of free magic elements (ether) in the room is shown on the screen.


    The slightly lower concentrations of Jin, Erza, and Reiko are probably due to the consumption of free magic element (ether) for the generation of mana.


    "Reiko,...... well, try to use <>."


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko''s palm lit up.


    "Oh, there is a change.


    At the same time, the screen of the Aether Analyzer changes.


    "Is the free magic element (ether) slowly moving toward Reiko?"


    It is hard to see because the concentration does not change much, but it appears so.


    "......As I thought, there is still room for improvement."


    Elsa mutters a little regretfully.


    "No, that can''t be helped. After all, we have developed something new. We can use this as a basis to make something better in the future.


    Jin encouraged Erza.


    "......"


    "Hmmm, should we make it possible to change the <>?"


    "<>?��Cooking utensils?"


    "Oh, <> doesn''t mean that, it means ......<>, right?"


    "......Oh, okay."


    Erza must have known this, but she was probably more familiar with the range as a cooking utensil, and therefore asked the question.


    In this case, <> means a range of measurement, or something like that.


    In order to display the change from <10 to 15>, we need to distinguish between the < and the <. range>> and <>> from 0 to 20, the readability is totally different.


    "Improvement point No. 1."


    Elsa nodded.


    "And then we can make the ...... measurement range variable, right?"


    Elsa nodded. Improvement number two."


    If the detection range could be changed in steps of 10 meters, 100 meters, 1 kilometer, 10 kilometers, etc. It would be useful for measurement.


    "Also, it would be good if the direction could be determined."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    The ability to measure free magical elements (ether) in any direction, not just 360 degrees around the entire circumference.


    "Improvement point 3"


    And as for Jin,


    "It would be nice to have something that can measure distances as far as the ...... universe, as far as this Ars, and as far as a country."


    "I understand. Each one has a different size for accuracy."


    "Yes, yes. That''s right.


    <


    "I''ll get right on it. Jin, will you help me?"


    "Of course. But it''s Erza who''s taking the lead.


    What?


    Because Elsa''s the one who developed this. I''ll act as her assistant.


    Erza looked at Jin who laughed at that,


    "...... something''s wrong. You''re so shy."


    She smiled.

 1317 - - 35-31 ether flow

    "But Elsa is amazing."


    What?


    You developed an ether analyzer.


    That''s not true. Brother Jin is much, much more amazing."


    "Well, I don''t know if that''s true. ......"


    Jin considers himself neither a researcher nor an inventor, but an engineer.


    What he has created so far is mostly a combination of the knowledge he has inherited from his predecessors and the scientific knowledge he has learned in modern Japan.


    The things that I have created so far are mostly a combination of these things.


    "Maybe so, but isn''t everyone like that? But I think everyone is like that."


    Erza affirmed Jin''s thoughts, but also criticized them.


    "No one can make something out of nothing. I think that everyone makes things by referring to something, learning from someone else, and combining various things. It''s just a little bit of their own ingenuity.


    "I guess that''s how it is."


    "I think so. But I think it''s great that Jin brother is not conceited like that.


    Jin smiled shyly at these words.


    "Thank you, but please don''t flatter me. But please don''t flatter me."


    While exchanging such conversation, Jin and Erza made a new <.


    The first prototype was a second machine that could cover the whole area of Horai Island.


    If it succeeds, they plan to build one that can cover the whole of Ars.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, this explains a lot..."


    "Hmm."


    Jin and Erza discuss while looking at the screen of the second prototype.


    The flow of free magical element (ether) in Horai Island is visualized on the screen.


    Of course, the movement is in the same plane,


    As the old man said, "I would like to leave the 3-dimensional <> to you," Jin thought.


    "But really, this Horai Island is a singularity, isn''t it?"


    In the screen, free magical element (ether) seems to be gushing out from the top of Mt.


    Also, a small amount of free magical element (ether) is gushing from the ground of Horai Island.


    "That''s why they are the Grand Spider and the Grand Caterpillar.


    These two types of demons live only on free magical element (ether). They are gentle in nature, and the threads they spit out are a rare material unique to Horai Island.


    "Perhaps the underground resources are abundant..."


    "Perhaps."


    Based on this success, Jin and his team finally decided to build a large scale <.


    * * * * * * * * *


    November 4th, the day to test the large-sized "Aether Analyzer" installed in the basement of Horai Island, which took a whole day.


    "Okay."


    That''s what I want to know now.


    What is the distribution of free magical elements (ether) in Ars and its surroundings.


    This will also help us find out what <> is doing.


    Jin, this line has been checked.


    "Father, the Magi Reactor has been activated."


    Okay, start scanning the area around Ars.


    And 1 minute.


    This time, the scanning results can be displayed in pseudo 3D under the control of the "Mere Old Man", so that Jin and the others can easily understand the results.


    In front of Jin, Elsa and Reiko, the movement of free magical elements (ether) in Ars and its surrounding space was displayed.


    "I see. ......"


    From Ars and its surroundings, free magical elements (ether) converge and flow toward the top of <>.


    "So this is how it flows. It is true that there is less free magical element (ether) on the surface of the earth."


    The image is like a high-pressure system and a low-pressure system. If we were to superimpose rain clouds and precipitation images on them, it would be a little closer.


    < is a super high-pressure system. And there were two more super highs as well.


    Or perhaps the visualized geomagnetic field is closer.


    "Now we know where the facility that collects the free magical element (ether) is located."


    on was hidden, but this makes it obvious.


    But there was a more disturbing trend.


    "What is this?��What is this? ......"


    There is a slight shimmering in Antarctica, where there should be nothing.


    "<> said there was nothing, but that doesn''t mean it''s true, does it?"


    There are no continents in the Arctic and Antarctic of Ars, both are oceans.


    Deep below the surface of the Antarctic Ocean, we could see fluctuations in the free magical element (ether) that made us think that there might be something there.


    "But according to the investigation by the Mermaid team, there was nothing on the sea floor."


    .


    "fumu......"


    .


    "Oh, yeah. ......!"


    It was the seafloor that was surveyed at that time. The sea floor at the Pole is difficult to see from the observation satellites, so if there is something a few dozen meters below the sea surface, there is a possibility that we may miss it, the old man guessed.


    "Indeed."


    Jin agreed with his guess.


    "I said that I would not set up in an unstable and uncertain place. ......"


    Elsa also made a guess.


    This was an assumption based on the fact that they had recently installed a measuring device in the underground of Horai Island.


    "Brother Jin, or if it was not on the sea floor, but further under the sea floor: ......"


    "I see!��That would make sense."


    The old man agreed with Elsa''s guess.


    "We''ll find out soon enough, won''t we?"


    <


    Free magic element (ether) is not affected by ordinary objects. It penetrates rocks as if they were nothing.


    "I knew it. Elsa, that''s great!"


    "...... by chance."


    Erza, embarrassed by Jin''s praise, turns her head down, her cheeks tinted.


    "But then,...... I think the depth of the Antarctic is about 2,000 meters, right?"


    "Then we would have to use a submarine, but even then, we can''t just dive further beneath the ocean floor, can we? ......


    Erza asked Jin as he thought about it.


    "Brother Jin, is it possible that there is a way in or out somewhere?"


    "Well, it''s ...... rather possible that they could go in and out by transitioning. ....... Worst case scenario is that it''s just left there after installation."


    <>


    "Yes, I guess so. ...... indeed."


    I will consider the old man''s advice.


    Certainly, going to the device in the Antarctic is not going to do anything.


    "It''s not like we''re going to break it. ......"


    At that moment, Erza looked at the screen and shouted.


    "Brother Jin, look at this."

 1318 - - 35-32 Spaces

    "Huh?"


    Jin looked at the screen Erza was pointing at,


    He could see a concentration of free magical elements (ether) at a place slightly off the South Pole.


    "What is it?��Here."


    <> in combination.


    "Oh, that''s a good idea."


    A little later, the magic screen becomes brighter.


    A block of ice is projected on the screen. It is probably sea ice in the Antarctic Ocean.


    <


    "That''s huge. Is there a concentration of free magical element (ether) here at ......?"


    The image changes.


    "Oh!


    "What is this?"


    Jin and Erza exclaimed in surprise.


    The interior of the ice was a man-made structure.


    "Is this ......?"


    <


    is a huge man-made floating island. Because it is an island, unlike a ship, it cannot navigate on its own.


    However, this huge structure looks as if it could navigate on its own.


    It is circular in shape with a diameter of approximately 2 kilometers. It is about 100 meters thick.


    "Anyway, is the free magical element (ether) concentrated in this thing? ......"


    "Yes."


    It is because it looks incomplete from the outside. That means it is still under construction.


    In order to do it secretly, they are building it under the ice in Antarctica where there is almost no free ether.


    For this purpose, they have consumed more than half of the free magical element (ether) of Ars.


    "What in the world for?"


    <


    <


    <


    "If it''s under construction, there must be someone building it. ...... you don''t think so?"


    <


    On the screen, a small, shuffling thing appeared.


    "What is this ......?"


    A caterpillar-like thing with 10 legs. a ball with 3 legs. A cube with wheels instead of legs.


    A golem, which looks nothing like a human being, is at work.


    "Hmmm ......"


    I understand that function comes first, but it''s a little creepy not to see any humanoid form.


    "Is it a golem controlling them?��Is it a magic brain?


    .


    The old man answered.


    "Is it in the <>?"


    <


    "Yes."


    The icy Antarctic Ocean. The area has almost no free magic element (ether).


    It is reasonable to assume that the controlling magical brain is inside where the free magical element (ether) would have been transferred.


    "Yeah. ...... what?"


    The old man immediately found a magic brain that looked like it and projected it on the screen.


    But when Jin looked at it, he could not hide his discomfort.


    "What is this?"


    The had a strange shape.


    The body, or should I say the main body, was roughly spherical in shape. It was supported by a sturdy-looking structure.


    However, Jin had the impression that there were some foreign objects attached to it.


    "It looks like a pimple. ......"


    There are five hemispherical bumps attached to the surface of the sphere.


    The irregularity of the spots makes them seem even more foreign.


    "If they''re attached to each other regularly, it seems to me they''re appendages. ......"


    The color, or rather the appearance, is also very different.


    The original spheres are a subdued silver-gray, but the attached hemispheres are black.


    "I wouldn''t say it''s a bad combination, but ......"


    The surface condition of the spheres may be the most disconcerting factor rather than the color.


    The surface of the silver-gray sphere is smooth and not uneven, but the black hemisphere to which it is attached has several smaller hemispheres protruding from it, making it grotesque, depending on one''s point of view.


    The old man also described the black hemispheres as such.


    "But it''s not so clear that we don''t know the purpose of the device," Jin thinks.


    Jin thinks.


    "I guess we should ask about it. ......"


    "Yes, what is it?��Is something wrong?"


    What?


    What?


    Time goes back to the day before.


    The fifth column (Quinta) in charge of Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, Regulus 2, a.k.a. Leiber.


    He found a suspicious person.


    For several days now, he has been relentlessly asking vagrants in bars and back alleys, and sometimes even suspected criminals, about the .


    (If you are an intelligence agent, you should have done better.)


    (If he is an intelligence agent, he should have done better.) The behavior of the person was so blatant that Leiber thought, "Why is he doing this?


    (If he was an intelligence officer, he could have done better.) He did not ask around openly, but it was easy to spot him.


    He reported this to the old man and was trying to find out who this person was, but he had no clue.


    We called in Spica7 a.k.a. Bago, who was also in charge of Alban, and Deneb2 a.k.a. Fawumi, who was in charge of Charles Town, to assist us.


    In the evening, when Fawumi arrived in Charles Town, the three began to take action.


    "......That''s him."


    The target was soon found.


    They had heard rumors about while buying drinks at a local tavern.


    "How do I lure him out?"


    Bago asks.


    "The old man tells me that if he''s related to , he''s a complete amateur at roughing it. Let''s start by baiting him."


    How?


    "Well, we just have to let him know we have information he wants, and he''ll come to us."


    Ryber smiled wryly.

 1319 - - 35-33 turning points

    "Is it true that you have information about ......<?"


    The person approached him after hearing a casual remark made by Regulus 2, a.k.a. "Reiver".


    The words were


    .


    <<>.


    (I don''t know how much of a fool he is. ...... or is it just that he is not familiar with such information warfare?��But still ...... is a bit strange).


    But it''s a good thing that I was able to lure out the man who should be secured.


    >>


    At a signal from the old man, the three of them, Ryber, Burgo, and Fawumi, started to move at once.


    First, BARGO puts up a magic barrier that envelops the three women and the man to be secured.


    At the same time, Faumi activates the ether jammer. The ether jammer prevents the free magic element (ether) from reacting except in the same magic waveform as Jin, so the fifth row (quintas) are unaffected, but if the man to be secured is an automata, his energy supply is cut off.


    Then the driver restrains the man.


    "What are you doing?


    The man feigns panic, but once he is restrained like this, there is nothing he can do.


    The rope made from the threads of a ground spider is several times stronger than steel, and is so strong that no one on Horaijima, except for Reiko, can easily break it.


    The man who was tied up with the rope was unable to move.


    "An automaton, after all. <


    What are you talking about?


    Unlike humans, the man does not seem to be upset when he is tricked.


    He must have some kind of auxiliary device like a mana cylinder, since he never stops moving.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter. Anyway, let''s check it out and see what we can find out.


    The Leibers picked up the man ......<>''s automata and, hiding them with <>, went out to the outskirts of Alb��n.


    There, the landed.


    "Let''s check it out in here."


    The old man sent the Pelican 10 because he thought it would be dangerous to take it to Horai Island.


    Inside were craftsman (Smith) 701 and 702, and arrangements were made for analysis.


    * * * *


    One of the minions we''ve dispatched is out of control.


    Hmm. Did they get him?


    Perhaps.


    You''re incompetent.


    I''m sorry.


    That''s enough. You go there this time.


    Me, sir?


    Yes.


    Where am I going?


    Kaina village, you say? <


    Yes, sir. What if there''s no Kunlun-kun there?


    Call him. If we destroy half the village, they''ll have to come out.


    Where are the people?


    Hmm?��I see. So there''s a limit to what you can do.


    Yes.


    It''s no use. It''ll be a demonstration even if it''s just a building.


    Yes, sir.


    Go!


    Okay, let''s go.


    "...... I knew you couldn''t get any information out of him."


    <


    "And?"


    Jin asks the old man who is unusually hesitant to say anything.


    >.


    "...... I see."


    Jin understood what the old man was saying.


    The actions of the automaton that seems to have been dispatched from Onogoro Island, or the instructions given by the magic brain, are too lame.


    For example, it is too obvious to investigate about Jin.


    There is no trap to make Jin and the others capture them to get some information.


    It is a poor tactic that seems to be simply to exhaust the handholds.


    The old man says that even if they are trying to catch Jin off guard, it is too blatant.


    In other words, it is the level of a child''s idea.


    "Hmmm, I see."


    Jin, I understand what you are saying.


    The way they are doing things on Onogoro Island is too poor. Their actions are unbalanced compared to their technological prowess.


    "It''s a contradiction."


    "Cause ....... If we know that, will it be a little easier to negotiate?"


    "I guess so. ......"


    Without further progress, Jin left the control room and went out into the yard.


    There, Zion and Marikka, who had left earlier, were lying down on the grass and looking at the sky.


    "What are you doing?"


    "I''m ...... thinking while looking at the sky."


    Zion answered Jin''s question.


    "I''m thinking about <>,...... or rather that they are going crazy, I guess.


    "So, does that mean anything to you?"


    Zion, who grew up in a culture different from our own. Jin asked if there was anything he had noticed.


    "Yes, of course. I''m not sure, but don''t you think that''s similar to how we react when we''re being ?"


    "......Hmmm, a bit like that, maybe?"


    "Jin may not understand it, but I think it''s like that when the <> is weak.


    Jin was a little surprised at Zion''s insight.


    He remembers the slightest discomfort of his clansmen and is able to apply it to other ...... magical brains.


    Indeed, <> type magic had the side effect of increasing emotional ups and downs.


    In the case of <>, according to Zion, it seems to have the side effect of reducing one''s ability to think.


    Jin felt that he had seen a part of Zion''s ability that lived up to the name of the <> clan.


    "Um, Jin-sama."


    And now Marikka.


    "Is something wrong?"


    "No, it''s just... ......"


    What''s wrong?


    Seeing Marikka''s uncertainty, Zion pushed her back.


    "Oh my God, Marikka, speak up! You want to learn more about engineering magic, don''t you?"


    "But, Jin-sama is in a difficult time right now. ......


    Marikka bit her lip in panic and Jin nodded.


    "Of course. I''m not thinking about from morning to night, and I have friends."


    Jin smiled at Marikka.

 1320 - - 35-34 Magic Machine Tool

    "Oh, um, Jin-sama, I have a proposal.


    Jin and the others moved to the workshop to teach Marikka engineering magic.


    "Yes?��What is it?


    "Well, it''s about Hannah.


    Hannah?


    Yes. Hannah is very smart, isn''t she?


    Yes.


    I think it''s a shame.


    "Yes, yes."


    "So, can''t we give her access to engineering magic?"


    "...... that''s what you mean."


    "Brother Jin, Hannah is very smart, so I think that would be a good idea."


    Erza agreed.


    Jin had also thought about it a little when he had seen the in Mitsuho.


    "If we put it in my workshop over there, Hannah can use it too. ......Good!"


    Jin decides to try his hand at making a <> with Marikka as his assistant. Erza observes this time.


    First, the machine dedicated to <>.


    "Here, we write the Magi Formula, and it processes the information that is input from here. Then, using the optimized data, activate <>."


    "Ugh, please try again. ......"


    "Sorry, sorry, that was a little fast."


    I was explaining to Erza in such a tone of voice that Maricka couldn''t follow me.


    "This Magi Formula connects the operator and this Magi Machine. This is called an interface.


    Is it an interface?


    Yes. In other words, it is responsible for transmitting the will of the human being to the magical machine. Without it, a person who cannot use magic will never be able to use this magical machine.


    "Ah, yes!


    Marikka understood as I slowly explained the structure, composition, and purpose of the machine.


    Jin spent the rest of the day building the machine with explanations.


    The image of the machine is a stand-alone 3D processing machine.


    "First things first, I guess."


    The size of the machine is about that of a small study desk. The top board is 90 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters deep.


    On one side is a magic screen and an input device, which resembles an all-in-one desktop computer.


    The display is a magic screen and the keyboard part resembles a game controller.


    The rest of the top panel was engraved with a magic circle.


    "Amazing, Master Jin!��With this, even those who can''t use magic can do all kinds of processing by <!"


    "That''s my brother Jin!"


    "No, there were similar machines in modern Japan when I was there. What''s really amazing is that Marikka thought it would be a good idea to make something like this.


    "Huh!"


    Marikka blushed at Jin''s praise.


    "I''m an engineer, for better or worse. If I were an inventor, I''d be third-rate or worse."


    "I don''t think so. ......"


    Erza is not happy with Jin''s self-evaluation.


    "Well, well, that''s not important."


    Jin changes the subject.


    "Let''s take it to the village of Kaina tomorrow."


    "Yes.


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it."


    * * * *


    On November 5, Jin, Erza, Reiko, Zion, and Maricka moved to the village of Kaina.


    They set up the completed <<<< transforming (forming)>>special machine in a corner of Jin''s workshop.


    "What''s this?"


    Hannah asks, as she should. Marikka answers.


    "You know, Hannah, this is ......."


    "What?��A magic machine?


    "That''s right. You can tell it what you want to make here: ......."


    Marikka explains.


    Her tone seems to change a little when she is talking to Hannah.


    "At ......, put the ingredients on this magic circle and press this <> button, and the engineering magic in the device will work and you''ll be done."


    "Amazing!��Did you make it, Marikka?"


    Marikka looks a little embarrassed at these words,


    "No, it was Master Jin who made it. I just helped a little.


    She answered honestly.


    "Really?��Thank you very much, Onii-chan!"


    Jin explained.


    "This Magi-machine can only do forming. As for the size of the object it can make, you see the magic circle here?��The size of the object you can make is limited to something that doesn''t extend beyond the magic circle.


    "Yes, I understand!"


    The body is 50 cm wide, 40 cm high, and 40 cm deep, but the magic circle is in charge of the processing. The body is 50 centimeters wide, 40 centimeters high and 40 centimeters deep, but the magic circle is in charge of the processing.


    "Copper, bronze, iron, and clay are the materials. Wood cannot be processed. Crystals can be processed, but not ordinary stones. ...... Well, there''s no danger of making a mistake, just that nothing will happen."


    "Yeah."


    "Let''s give it a try first."


    Jin brought a block of silver from the workshop and placed it on the magic circle.


    "The excess will be splashed properly, so it''s better to put more on top. If there is not enough, the shape will be as instructed but the size will be smaller.


    Jin makes Hannah sit down as he explains.


    "Let''s make a plate for the easy part. Use this button: ......."


    A button similar to the arrow button on a game controller and a joystick-like lever.


    Using these buttons and levers, Jin drew a three-sided view. Hanna already has knowledge in this area.


    "You can specify the size here: ......"


    Hannah listens to Jin''s explanation with a serious face.


    "And when you are satisfied with it, press the button."


    The magic circle glows faintly and the silver nugget is quickly transformed into a plate. The remainder remains as small silver nuggets.


    "Wow, that''s great!


    Hannah is very excited.


    "And finally, there is a function to return it. When you press this button, ......"


    The magic circle glows faintly again, and the plate returns to a silver nugget.


    "Wow!"


    "You can do it over and over again. You can practice. This is a prototype at ......, so if you notice anything while using it, please let me know. We''ll improve it."


    "Yeah, okay!"


    "When I get used to it, I''ll make a magi-machine that can do other kinds of processing.


    "Thank you, girl!��Thank you, Marikka!


    Seeing Hannah''s smiling face, both Jin and Marikka were glad that they had made it.


    "Marikka-chan, let''s try it together!"


    "Oh, you sure?"


    "Of course!"


    Hanna immediately tries out a few things with Marikka.


    "Yes, of course! Marikka, let me know if you notice anything. I want to make it as good as possible.


    "Yes, Jin-sama!"


    < took its first step.


    This was the beginning of the generalization of magical engineering.

 1321 - - 35-35 Dialogue

    If you cross the mountain pass ahead, you will come to a remote village called Kaina. Is Koron-kun there or not?


    A shadow follows the mountain road to the Togo-Pass.


    It is midnight, but his steps are sure.


    If he is not there, he will destroy the village and lure them out.


    When we arrived at the Torgo Pass, it was not yet dawn, and in the pre-dawn silence, the village of Kaina seemed to be sleeping.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The people are asleep, but there are those who do not sleep.


    My Lady, someone is approaching.


    The village watchdog of Kaina village reported.


    "Yes, it seems so."


    The closer they get to the Togo-Toge, the clearer the image becomes.


    "......Wait, what?��Isn''t this guy ......<>?"


    approaching.


    The old man confirmed this, too.


    "I didn''t expect to see <>. Is the purpose of ...... me?"


    <>.


    Then, <> reported to us.


    A golem that looks like has arrived at the Togo-Pass. What should we do?��What are your instructions?


    "Well, ......"


    Jin tried to recall the means of defense in the village of Kaina, but was unable to do so.


    The last time he had heard of it was when the criminal slaves from the mine had attacked, which was last May, no wonder.


    "Okay, let''s have Z pick them up from Land W first. After that, use nets and lasers as needed."


    Got it.


    Okay.


    Hmm, strange building. ...... is it a castle?��This kind of architecture doesn''t seem to be in the data.


    The golem looking up at Nido Castle before the Erme River. Four shadows appeared in front of it. They are the golems, Land W, X, Y, and Z, guarding the village of Kaina from the shadows.


    "Stop! Who are you?��What do you want with this village?


    Hmm?��Are you Lando?


    Yes. I ask you again. What do you want?


    My name, as you know it, is Helen Te. <


    What do you want?


    I want to talk.


    What do you want to talk about?


    ......


    You can''t answer?


    No, it''s not that. No, it''s not that. I just can''t put it in one word. ......Hmm, why don''t I ......?


    Rand Z was the first to notice that something was wrong with <>. 0.5 seconds later W, X and Y also noticed.


    "What''s wrong, <>?"


    "<>?��I''m not ......, I''m ......!


    My Lady, something''s wrong with her.


    "It seems so. Let''s get a net and tie her up.


    Yes, sir. Defense mechanism 7, net level 3.


    The nets are woven from the threads of the ground spider. They are ranked from level 1 to 3, and their strength differs.


    Level 3 is the strongest level, which even a land spider cannot break.


    Incidentally, level 1 is for binding humans, and level 2 is for ordinary golems.


    <.


    What a nonsense!


    By the time he realizes it, he is covered by the net, and with the four lands cooperating in capturing him, even is unable to escape.


    Her movements are blocked, and she is captured without a second thought.


    "Okay, let''s talk about it.


    "Okay, let''s talk."


    Reiko stops Jin who starts to say so.


    "Father, are you all right?��You shouldn''t ......"


    "No, I''m not talking to him directly. No, I''m not speaking to you directly, only in my voice.


    <>


    The old man, guessing Jin''s thoughts, says.


    "Yes. First, by voice. Then through a magic screen or a doppelganger.


    "Then we''ll be safe."


    Reiko seemed relieved.


    Borrowing a phrase from Rand Z, Jin decided to talk to <>.


    "<>. I''m <> Jin Nido."


    What?


    The struggling captive goes quiet.


    "I''m sorry to say that I can''t trust you a hundred percent, but I can''t trust you.


    I understand. How do you know it''s real?


    "No. No. Proof doesn''t mean anything since you don''t know me. You''ll have to trust me.


    All right. I''ll trust you. In the first place, there is no point in trying to deceive me under the circumstances.


    For the moment, is quiet.


    Jin feels that was unusual when he said < just now.


    "So, what can I do for you?"


    <>. I have a reason. I''m here in anticipation of the power you showed the other day when you defeated the threat of Modine.


    What is it?


    At Jin''s question, <> answered after a short pause.


    "There is something I need your help with.


    What is it?


    It''s about the maintenance of a certain facility.


    Jin had an idea of what it was. So I''m going to make a move.


    The underground facility on Onogoro Island?


    How did you know that?��...... No, it''s because it''s the Koronkun, isn''t it?


    is surprised, but quickly accepts the fact that Jin knows about it.


    "I know, but that''s all it is. "I only know that it''s there. What the hell is that?"


    Let''s just say it''s an important base. I can''t tell you any more than that yet.


    I see. Well, I can see that.


    By the way, why am I being held here?


    By the way, why am I being held?��Don''t you remember?"


    Jin asked in surprise, and received an even more surprising answer.


    I don''t remember anything, I just came here and Rand appeared and suddenly detained me, didn''t he?


    "...... No, he didn''t."


    Jin smelled something unusual about .

 1322 - - 35-36 Memory

    Jin sensed that there was something wrong with <>''s memory information.


    The immediate question is whether or not he will point it out.


    < will react is unknown.


    "Still, let''s give it a try.


    After muttering to himself, Jin decides to tell .


    "<>, do you realize that you are crazy?


    Me?


    "Yes."


    Are you kidding me?��There is nothing wrong with me.


    Do you really think so?


    Jin reiterated. At this, <> seemed to sense something.


    He then continued, "I don''t think so. Do you have any proofs for what you are saying?


    "Yes, I do. I asked you earlier why you''re being held captive, didn''t I?


    Mm-hmm.


    You suddenly went crazy and started acting out.


    I''m ......?


    Yes, you did.


    "Yes." "Ummm... ......, that can''t be it, but I don''t see why you should go to the trouble of giving out this much false information.


    "Can''t you diagnose yourself?"


    It''s possible, but it would take some time.


    "That''s all right. If you can do it, do it.


    Okay.


    stopped her movement.


    Ten minutes passed. In the meantime, Land W, X, Y, and Z remain vigilant.


    Five more minutes pass.


    has made a move.


    We cannot yet determine whether it is an anomaly or not, but there is definitely a break in the continuity of memory information.


    You mean there''s a gap?


    Yes. If it''s not a malfunction of the ...... storage area, as you say, then there''s something wrong with me.


    What are you going to do about it?


    If you help me out, I''ll be able to look into it a little more closely.


    What do you want me to do?


    I need the Magi Crystal. I want you to copy my memory information area into it. You can examine it.


    I see. What are its attributes?


    All attributes are preferred.


    All attributes are preferred.


    * * * * * *


    <''s words.


    It is difficult for a magic brain to examine its own memory.


    It is because the memory area is <>.


    <


    Once you have copied the part you want to examine externally, it is easy to examine it because it is <> information.


    "Okay. Let''s prepare good quality magi crystals of all attributes.


    Jin immediately instructed the old man to prepare them.


    Twenty seconds later, the magi crystals arrived at Jin''s hand.


    "Yes, this is good. Let''s move the ...... Land W to a place a little farther away and send it to him with a transporter."


    .


    The order was carried out immediately.


    "How''s that working out for you?"


    LandW presented the magi crystal to .


    "Oh, it''s quite good. I can copy this.


    And then said,


    I''m sorry, but could you free my hands?


    He said, "I''m sorry, but could you free my hands?


    Thinking for a moment, Jin replied.


    "I''m sorry, but I can''t do it until the cause of the abnormality is clear.


    Hmmm...that makes sense. In that case, can you help me with the preparations?


    "What do you want me to do?"


    Put the Magi Crystal by my side ...... or on top of my head.


    "No, it''s hard to put it there."


    ''s head is adorned with what appears to be a Mohawk, perhaps resembling a knight''s helmet.


    "Then let me put it in my mouth."


    A golem entangled in a net with a magi-crystal in its mouth.


    The picture is quite comical, but no one laughs.


    That''s good. Wait a moment. --Copied.


    The magi-crystal glows for a moment.


    The necessary information should now be copied.


    "Okay. I''ll take care of it.


    Rand W received the magi crystal and ran to Nido Castle.


    Using the warp gate there, he delivered the Magi Crystal to Jin.


    "Thank you very much.


    Jin received the magi crystal and gave it to the old man to analyze.


    "I wonder if the cause of the instability is a <>.


    There was a magic barrier, albeit a weak one, around the village of Kaina.


    This may have weakened the instructions to <>, which may have caused the instability.


    "In any case, we''ll have to wait for the results of the analysis.


    Jin muttered and leaned back in his chair.


    Then Zion and Marikka arrived.


    "Jin, there you are. You seem to be busy, don''t you?


    "Jin-sama, Hannah-chan is amazing. She''s already mastered the Magician''s Tool!


    "Heh. I guess Hannah is smart after all. ......"


    "So, what have you been doing?"


    "Oh, actually ......"


    Zion and Marikka''s eyes widened when they heard Jin''s explanation.


    "What?��< on ?"


    "Yes, you can see it on the magic screen over there."


    He''s sending us a visual feed from Land Z, so it''s not the main screen in the control room, but the sub-screen.


    "Wow, that''s . ...... that?"


    Jin asked as Zion tilted his head.


    "What''s wrong?��Did you notice something?"


    "Ummm...yes. ......Marikka, is that ......?"


    "Yes, Mr. Zion, I noticed it too."


    "So what''s wrong?"


    "...... Jin, you know, I''ve seen that before."


    "What?"


    Marikka too, right?


    Yes.


    Yes. Where did you see her?


    Jin asked, hearing the unexpected words of the two.


    "Where is it?" ......<>"In the treasure room of the clan."

 1323 - - 35-37 Helente

    "<>...... means..."


    "Yes, the previous generation , Adriana, saw it and fixed a lot of things, there."


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Jin ponders.


    "Are you sure about ......?"


    "I''m sure. Marikka says so.


    "Is there a reason you''re so sure?��A feature or something.


    Jin looked at Zion and Marikka alternately.


    "There is."


    "What''s that?


    "It''s the shape of his head."


    "What?"


    Jin looked at on the screen again.


    Its head has a protrusion that, according to Jin''s image, resembles a .


    However, since this design is also found on knight''s helmets, Jin did not pay attention to it.


    Then, the old man affirmed their opinion.


    "What?"


    "Is that so?"


    Jin himself was not aware of such a thing, but now that you mention it, it seems so.


    Gon, the golem from which Gen.


    The Black Knight.


    The golem of the Unifiler.


    "Maybe so. ......"


    All of them are either massive in stature or have the appearance of wearing armor.


    That is why Jin''s golem is described as .


    "Is that so ......?"


    I see. ......


    Again Jin looked at with that intention.


    "Surely, a golem that imitates a human being would not have a mohawk. ......"


    Jin himself thought it was a familiar design, but it makes sense now that you mention it.


    "If so, what does that mean?"


    It means that it is more probable that <<<> was created by the Origin>>.


    "Well, that''s true."


    "Well, I guess so." "Right?


    Zion, who had been listening to the exchange between Jin and the old man, turned his chest.


    "I understand. I don''t think it matters.


    "Yes, it does, but... But we''re concerned about it too!


    "I understand that, but ......"


    Then the old man reported.


    "Zion, Marikka, wait a moment, please. ...... My Lord, so?"


    <


    "What is the cause?"


    "What kind?"


    <> inside <>.


    "What is in that <>?"


    <>


    "I see. ......"


    Jin changed his mind, "If the language system is different and there is some kind of processing to convert it into data, it will take a long time even with your analyzing ability.


    "Hey Jin, can''t you meet this and talk to him?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, if it''s the same as the golem that''s passed down in the clans of the <>, I thought it might be of some use."


    "What do you mean?"


    Jin tilts his head at Zion''s words.


    "There is a <> to the golem.


    "Password or ......"


    It would not be surprising if there is such a thing to determine the master or to clarify the priority of orders.


    However, it is not certain whether it is effective against <>. No, it is more likely to be ineffective.


    Nevertheless, Zion said this out of a desire to be of some help and out of ...... curiosity.


    "Well, in your current state, there is not much danger, is there?"


    In addition, the bracelets of the friends can also provide a .


    Reiko is with him, as Jin was planning to go with him.


    "Well, let''s go then."


    "Okay, thanks, Jin."


    Jin prepared himself and moved to Nido Castle with Zion, Marikka, and Reiko.


    * * * *


    "You''re a worrier too,...... old man,...... no, that''s how much you think of me."


    To Jin''s surprise, when he went to , he found that all of the Landeswehr A to Z, the guardians of the village of Kaina, including E and below, were there.


    A to D are in charge of guarding the village of Kaina.


    "...... thank you."


    Jin then called out from a short distance away.


    "<>, I am Jin Nido.


    "Oh, it''s you. I''ve missed you.


    "I''d ask you what''s so interesting about meeting me ......, but I''ll tell you first. I''d like to ask you what''s so interesting about , but first let me tell you... the information I just received from your memory... there''s something wrong with it.


    "Oh my God!


    Jin briefly told him about ......, or rather about ......<>, which he had no way of explaining.


    "Ummm, I have something like that in me.


    "Do you have any idea what it is?"


    "Do you have any idea what it is? I would never voluntarily do such an inefficient thing.


    That''s true, but... ......


    Jin can''t ask anything more than that.


    "But <> or ......


    "I think the concept is <>."


    "But I don''t think I have such a function.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin then decided to change the subject for the time being.


    "On a different note, there''s someone who''d like to take a look at you."


    "What?


    "He''d like to take a look at you, just like you''ve been looking for me. May I call him?


    You don''t have to ask my permission.


    But, you know, it''s not safe for you to go on the rampage again.


    "Muu. ......


    "Well, okay. I''ll call him. ...... Zion, Marikka."


    Jin calls out and the two men come out of the shadows.


    "Are you sure?��Jin."


    "Uh, hello?"


    The two stopped about three meters away from .


    Then, <> starts to act strangely.


    <>


    But it was not that she was out of control, but she seemed to be in a state of shock.


    And then..,


    You ......


    suddenly bowed his head.

 1324 - - 35-38 Instructor

    Before they had even used the password, suddenly bowed down to them, and Zion and Marikka were flustered.


    "What, what, what?


    What is this?


    ''s. ......


    says, keeping her head down.


    It''s very surreal, since they are still entangled in nets and ropes.


    "Uh, uh..."


    Can you tell me your name?


    "Wow, it''s me!


    looks at Marikka and says, "Yes.


    "Yes.


    "My name is Marikka, isn''t it?"


    "Marikka, is it? I''m waiting for your instructions.


    "My?"


    Yes.


    < paid her respects.


    "I''m like your master?"


    Yes.


    What do you mean?


    There''s a common denominator in your magic waves. And because of that, I recognized you as one of the commanders.


    One of the commanders?


    Yes.


    "......"


    Jin, who was listening to the exchange beside me, was analyzing the situation.


    He thought that the demon tribe had inherited the blood of the origin strongly.


    And the follower golems, such as <>, are identified by magic waves.


    In the case of <>, it is likely that he is judging some characteristics from the magic waves.


    It is important to note that he is one of the <<<<< orderlies>, not a <>.


    < on must be one of the .


    How far can this "one of the commanders" allow to go?


    Jin called Marikka away from .


    "What is it, Jin-sama?"


    "It''s something that only Marikka, one of the <>, can ask."


    Yes.


    "Ask her to show you the control core of the Hellente."


    "The control core (control core) at ......?"


    Jin nodded and began to explain in detail.


    "If there is something wrong with the memory area and you are not aware of it, you need to suspect the control core first and foremost. Maybe it is malfunctioning."


    "Oh, I see."


    "I''m not sure that "Herenthe" would listen to me if I told her that, so I''m going to ask Marikka to do it for me.


    "Okay, okay. I''ll try."


    Once Marikka was satisfied, the two returned to Helente''s side.


    "<>?


    "Yes.


    "Uh, would you mind if I check your control core?"


    In that case you will need your password.


    "Uh, yes, <>. ......?"


    Okay.


    The answer came more easily than I had expected.


    But I do not want to leave it to someone else. But I refuse to leave it to someone else.


    "......"


    Marikka glanced at Jin. Jin nodded.


    "Well, I understand. Let''s see... ......"


    Marikka had studied the golems of the <> clan after she had learned engineering magic.


    We will proceed on the assumption that it is the same.


    "I''ll open ...... then, but don''t you want me to stop it?


    Please leave it as it is.


    "Okay. ......<>"


    (Houhou)


    Jin, who was watching from behind, was impressed with Marikka''s growth.


    Compared to when he first started teaching her in the demon territory, her skill has improved by several orders of magnitude.


    < style projection opened.


    (I see, that serves to protect and strengthen the top of the head. (I wonder what my predecessor would have thought if he had seen the same type of golem. ......)


    Jin pondered for a moment.


    "That ......."


    What''s wrong?


    "This ...... is the control core, right?��Jin-sama."


    "Hmm?"


    Marikka looked back at Jin with a doubtful look on her face.


    Jin, who had been thinking, looked up and saw what Marikka was pointing at.


    "What?��What is this?


    What''s wrong?


    "There seems to be something strange attached to the control core (control core).


    Marikka explains to .


    "Marikka, here, use this."


    Then Zion, also a girl, takes a hand mirror out of her pocket and hands it to Marikka.


    Marikka holds it up so that can see it.


    What''s this?��What is this?


    Suddenly starts to struggle.


    "What''s going on?


    "Marikka, stay away from him!"


    Jin made Marikka stand back and instructed Reiko to use her .


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko''s bracelet releases a wave of <>, and <> stops moving.


    Then Jin looked at the control core of the <> again.


    "What is that?��Is this ...... somewhere?"


    "Father, this looks like the one that was attached to the magical brain of the we saw with the ."


    "Oh, I see."


    This one was much smaller, but it had a blackish protrusion attached to its control core.


    "This is most likely the cause of the problem. Let''s try to remove it."


    "Father, I''ll do it."


    "I see. Reiko, be careful.


    Yes, sir.


    Reiko, not wanting to risk anything, reached out and plucked the prongs instead of Jin.


    "It''s ...... soft."


    "Heh?"


    <


    <


    "Let me try to remove it."


    Reiko pulled off the protrusion.

 1325 - - 35-39 Unexpected Truth

    "Father, what is this?"


    Reiko picked it up with her fingertips and held it out to Jin.


    For now, the <> has been turned off and the <> turned on.


    Only Jin and his creations can use magic.


    "<>...... this!��Again <>"


    Jin makes a difficult face.


    "Father, what''s wrong?"


    Jin, what''s wrong?


    Jin-sama, what was that all about?


    "Well, it''s a collection of micro-magic machines. I''d call it a micro-magic machine,...... or even a kind of golem already."


    "It''s so small!


    As for that point, Jin has also created a small golem.


    > is 5 millimeters tall, so it''s comparable to this super-small magic machine (Magimachine).


    "Now all we need to know is what this guy was doing."


    Jin turned off the <> so that could see the investigation that followed.


    Then...


    "Father, this little Magi-machine is on the move!"


    What?


    It was like a pea, but then it changed shape, and like a jelly, it slipped through Reiko''s fingers and crawled up the back of her hand.


    "That''s weird."


    "What the hell is that?


    Reactivated, "What the hell is that?


    "It''s a super-compact magi-machine that was removed from Mr. .


    What!


    "Perhaps it was a parasite in your control core. I think that''s what that < meant, didn''t it?"


    Hmmm......... Indeed, my thoughts are clearer. Noise is gone, I feel clear.


    "I knew this thing was interfering."


    Thank you, Marikka.


    What?��I can''t believe I''m doing this.


    "No, Marikka, without you we wouldn''t have been able to respond so quickly, so I have to give you credit for that."


    "I see..."


    "Is that so?" "Yes, that''s right, Marikka.


    Since there was no end in sight, Jin decided to further inspect the still buzzing micro-magic machine.


    "<><>...... Eh?"


    "Father!"


    "Jin-sama, what is this?"


    What is this?


    What is this?


    Theon is the only one whose reaction is not good because he could not read the Magi Formula, but the others are all surprised.


    "You mean domination...... erosion......?"


    "Reiko, put an <> on it ...... or a <> and lock it in the ward."


    "Yes, Father."


    Jin instructed Reiko after going to the other room so that wouldn''t hear him.


    "......, but I don''t think this is a good idea."


    * * *


    After the removal of the micro-magic machine, <> became completely cooperative.


    Of course, the presence of < is also significant.


    After returning to normal, < is released from her restraints and is talking with Jin and the others in the lounge on the second floor of Nido Castle.


    Before the restraints were lifted, the control core was examined by the copyist to make sure that there was no intention to betray.


    It is safe to assume that is now completely on our side.


    This clears up some of the questions we had been having.


    was originally a mobile base to protect this world.


    It was not originally planned to be that huge, but the magical brain that has been under construction for about 1,000 years began to have abnormalities.


    At about the same time, the brains of <> also began to develop abnormalities. Specifically, they no longer recognize the anomalies of <> as anomalies. Furthermore, they have lost interest in the Arus.


    The reason why <> was so eager to find <> was to see if he could do something about the abnormality of <>, and also because he was looking for someone who could do something about the occasional abnormal behavior of the brains on <>.


    On a side note, <> could not explain <>. The reason is simple. He did not know how to do it.


    And the role of <> is to protect Ars, where <> moved to.


    However, Herente said, Herente said that he had become less conscious of such a role after the abnormality in his magical brain.


    It is impossible to stand by and do nothing in the world of Ars after the "Aether Stampede". ......


    The fact that the only means of attack for the disks was arrows was a remnant of that, he said.


    "Then, can''t such equipment be modified?"


    Yes. Yes. We do not have the authority to do so.


    Another small mystery solved.


    What the hell is that little Magi-machine?


    I don''t know either.


    At least it''s not friendly.


    Jin-sama, 1000 years ago was around the time of Adriana, right?


    Yes, that''s right.


    "Which is later?��, do you know the exact number of years?"


    I am sorry, but the information is too vague for me to calculate the exact number of years.


    apologized to Maricka.


    "No, no, no!��Don''t worry about it!"


    Marikka was very sorry.


    "After all, the first thing we have to do is to free your brain, right?"


    "Yes, that''s right. <


    Zion agrees with Jin''s words.


    Mm-hmm. That''s good. Mega-Float won''t be completed in a day or two.


    "Then we''ll have to go to Onogoro Island, won''t we?


    "Leaving aside the means, can you infiltrate?"


    It''ll be difficult. We''ll be on high alert.


    says.


    But I can get in no problem.


    "Of course you can."


    If I tell them that I''ve taken prisoners, I can get up to two of them in without suspicion.


    I see. I see.


    I don''t think you should do that, Marikka. It''s too dangerous.


    Right?


    Reiko and I will go. <


    No problem.


    Then tell us as much as you can about the inside of Onogoro Island.


    That''s a fair request. Do you have anything to write with?


    I''ll get it for you.


    Thus, the plan to infiltrate Onogoro Island and Operation Brain Liberation proceeded.

 1326 - - 35-40 Onogoro Island infiltration

    "So you''re sure that we need a <>?"


    Yes, that''s right. We are not allowed to create.


    "I see."


    It is a difficult question how much freedom to give to the creature.


    Jin does not give the old man and the other craftsmen the authority to create new creations.


    "Even repair?"


    No, I don''t trust a golem for repair.


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    It''s highly likely that the micro-magic machine is in control of it.


    The fact that they were looking for the engineer must be due to the ego that was left in the control brain.


    "So that''s how it is."


    "So if he brought the Magi Smith with him, he should be able to enter without any problem.


    Then we should have no problem getting in.


    The problem is the next step.


    What do you want me to do with him?


    First, the safe thing to do would be to maintain the internal facilities. We''ve got the materials, so it won''t be a problem.


    Yeah, I''m sure it''ll be fine. And then?


    Then you''ll have to do my maintenance.


    That won''t be a problem either. And after that?


    The next step will be decided by the general manager, but the way things are going now, they''ll probably make me do something to speed up the completion of the mega-float.


    "Maybe they can make a construction golem, or follow up on the technical aspects of the project ......."


    "That''s quite conceivable.


    "Will there be a chance to get in touch with the ?"


    <


    "To be honest, I don''t know about that.


    I guess we''ll have to wait until we get there ......."


    There is one important point to be made here.


    "What kind of performance do the wards of <> have?"


    It has both physical and magical wards. Usually they only have physical wards. I can''t go into details.


    "No, that''s enough."


    Jin thinks about it.


    <


    He can''t imagine what would happen in that case.


    I guess I''ll have to go myself.


    "No."


    No!


    Jin was thrown back in his seat when he was suddenly confronted from behind.


    "Erza!


    "It''s ...... late, I came to check on you. ...... don''t do anything dangerous."


    "I knew you''d say that."


    I''m sorry to interrupt, but the magical wards of Onogoro Island allow ether waves to pass through?


    What?


    Otherwise we wouldn''t be able to keep sending free magical element (ether) to the mega-float.


    "Oh, I see."


    Now, one of my concerns is gone.


    After that, Jin and his team made preparations by asking several detailed questions.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    November 7, deep in autumn.


    Jin and his friends......, Reiko, and <> headed for > on a <.


    This <> is the same type as the one that chased <>, and <> rode it to the Klein Kingdom.


    The maximum speed of the <> is 200 km/h. The distance from the Kingdom of Klein to <> is about 3,000 kilometers, which means it would take a little over 15 hours.


    But because of the time difference, they arrived at <> at around 2:00 p.m. on the same day.


    <


    I''m back.


    Thank you.


    We''ve captured Kun Lun and his retinue.


    Why even his retinue?


    They''re the so-called hostages to make the Kun Lun listen to what they have to say.


    I see.


    What do you want me to do first?


    I''ll have the equipment ready.


    All right. I''ll make sure I''m with you when you''re servicing the equipment.


    That''s all right.


    * * *


    That means ....... First of all, it''s going well. You''ll have to do the maintenance, though.


    "I know. You want me to maintain this facility?


    Yes.


    All right. Let''s do it. Reiko, help me.


    Yes.


    Thus, Jin''s doppelganger begins to maintain the underground facilities on Onogoro Island.


    It was a huge amount of work, but the old man was doing most of it for him, and Jin had much to gain.


    "Yes, please do."


    Jin himself is in the Horai Island command center, continuing to analyze the facilities on Onogoro Island.


    "Hmm, the main metal materials used are light silver and mithril silver. And a little phosphor bronze and adamantite. That''s an unusual combination. They are all very pure."


    He begins by identifying the materials,


    "The technology used in this area is on the same level as what the previous generation saw in the demon territory. ......


    Structural analysis. But.


    "Well, ...... there is no new technology."


    So far, there seems to be no new technology that would attract Jin''s attention.


    "Well, Jin-dono seems to have some advanced knowledge and skills.


    , who is working with Jin''s doppelganger in the name of surveillance, is also impressed.


    "You should take a rest soon. If you keep working, you will be suspected of that.


    Reiko advises.


    The doppelganger of Jin, controlled by the old man, can work not only 24 hours but also 48 or 72 hours, but there is no such person.


    We need to show him a proper rest.


    All right, come here.


    leads Jin''s doppelganger into the living quarters.


    It seems to be the same place Jin had observed with the Peeper.


    I think it is dusty because it has not been used. Clean it up and use it.


    "Okay."


    Reiko and Jin''s doppelganger clean up the place with engineering magic.

 1327 - - 35-41 Magi Plastics

    "Well, things have been going well so far..."


    Jin said to himself on the island of Horai.


    had predicted, wasn''t it?


    "Yes. The question is after tomorrow.


    .


    That''s what Jin thinks.


    So far, I haven''t had a chance to touch any important equipment yet.


    "I guess I should rest first."


    and are located on opposite sides of the island, so the day and night are completely reversed.


    < and his friends are active without distinction between day and night, they seem to have a sense of time, and Jin''s alter ego (doppelganger) gets a rest time at .


    Therefore, Jin takes a nap to prepare for the night.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, it''s about time."


    Oh, Jin-dono, please!


    Jin''s doppelganger rises from the bed, and at about the same time, appears on the bed.


    Today, it''s the golems that will be serviced.


    "The from before?"


    "That''s part of it. For combat, security, and maintenance.


    Maintenance?��You mean maintenance personnel?


    Yes, that''s right.


    I see. ......


    Jin felt a little disappointed. If the maintenance staff was restored, there was a good chance that they would be in charge of maintaining the brains.


    Still, Jin had no choice but to refuse, and he also had the advantage of being able to analyze the Golem.


    This way!


    Guided by hernte, Jin''s doppelganger stepped into the Golem''s hangar.


    "Oh ......!"


    He exclaims. There, lined up in a row, were about 100 Golems, including the familiar .


    I want this done as soon as possible. The warehouse is in the next room. I don''t think there''s anything missing.


    "Okay."


    The thing I''m most concerned about is whether or not the golems here are being eroded by the <.


    We will find out if it is.


    Jin''s doppelganger begins its maintenance together with Reiko.


    Oh, you are fast!


    It is enough if you can do about 20% of what Jin can do.


    Most of the golems were only <.


    "<>"


    The oxide film is removed by the engineering magic of reduction. For sliding parts,


    "<>"


    and surface treatment was used to reduce frictional resistance.


    Muscle tissue is a synthetic material.


    This material is unknown to Jin. <.


    He tells this to who is watching him,


    He replied, "The is more powerful than I am.


    He replied, "I have been in this situation before," he said.


    "What about the automata that were dispatched to the Shoro Kingdom before?"


    As for this,


    "They are in the room next to the one we put there. I am going to ask you to maintain it after this.


    I''m going to ask them to maintain it afterwards.


    "Okay."


    Jin''s doppelganger decided to concentrate on his work, not to ask any unnecessary questions until he had done all the maintenance and analysis.


    As a result, the maintenance of the 100 golems took half a day, and the remaining half a day was used for the maintenance of the automata.


    Jin, the main body of the Golem, operated the doppelg?nger only about one-fifth of the time, while the rest was done by the old man.


    Still, there were many things to be gained.


    First of all, the Golem automata here had not been eroded.


    "Well, that''s a relief, first of all.


    remains.


    Secondly, I secretly attached a set of monitoring devices, that is, a and a , to the maintenance golem.


    This way, even if Jin could not be entrusted with the maintenance of important equipment, he could know the contents of the equipment.


    Third, we were able to learn about the golem technology of the <> method.


    Although Jin seemed to be more advanced in this respect, it was a good thing to know that they were making muscles and skin of automata from synthetic materials, and to be able to identify the materials used for them.


    * * * * * * * *


    "Let''s call it Magi Plastic."


    Since there was no name for it, Jin named it himself.


    Magi Plastic is a macromolecule, just like plastic on Earth. The only difference is that the atoms contained in it are magical isotopes.


    As expected, Jin did not know the chemical structural formula of plastics.


    However, he had learned ethylene C2H4 and polyethylene made from it in high school chemistry, so he was able to understand only <>.


    But there was a problem.


    "But where are they going to get the magical isotopes (Magi isotope) carbon C and hydrogen H?


    Procuring the raw materials was a mystery.


    <


    The old man advised me.


    "Yes, that''s it!


    Magi resin is, in other words, pine resin with magic power. The chemical structure is almost the same.


    However, since Jin did not know the chemical structural formula of pine resin, he could only determine the ratio of carbon C, oxygen O, and hydrogen H contained in it.


    However, once we know that much, we can carbon C and hydrogen H, which are magical isotopes.


    At the same time as extraction, it is now possible to produce ethylene gas by .


    This was Jin''s original engineering magic, an application of and .


    "I''m almost ready to make polyethylene from ethylene. ......"


    >.


    The old man rebuked Jin, who was getting very angry.


    "That''s right. Let''s take a rest for now.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    Yes. I can maintain golems, live puppets, and low-level facilities with no problem.


    Whether you want me to maintain the intermediate level facilities or not?


    I think I can handle it.


    Yes, I think so. Even if they know a little bit about our secrets, as long as we don''t let them leave.

 1328 - - 35-42 Not Alone

    On November 9 Horai Island time, on <>, Jin''s alter ego, Doppelganger, was working on a new facility.


    "Brilliant, Mr. Kunlun.


    , who is supposed to be a watchdog, is also impressed.


    But we haven''t yet reached the ether transfer station.


    That is an advanced facility.


    The one I''m in charge of now is an intermediate facility.


    There are five disks in it.


    These disks are ...... or so you already know. They are used for simple missions.


    At this point, Jin decided to ask what he had suddenly noticed.


    "By the way, what do you know about <>......<<>?"


    "Well, I think someone did something to it, or something like that.


    What the hell is that?


    It seems that his judgment and values were very vague or contradictory when he was undergoing the erosion.


    "Hmmm... ......, did you get your memory back during that time?"


    "Well, I mean, I can read your memories now, too.


    "I didn''t know that."


    Jin imagined that he was able to read them now, probably because the source of the memories, the <>, was gone.


    It''s a very dangerous situation. The reason why the maintenance of this place has been neglected, and why we have been indifferent to the threat of <>, is all because of that <>.


    This can only lead me to believe that the creator of the <> doesn''t care if this Ars is destroyed, in fact, he would rather it be destroyed.


    "Who the hell is the mastermind behind this? ......"


    I tried to disassemble and analyze the <, but I could not obtain any such information.


    It is merely a child machine.


    However, its super high-definition technology is definitely on the same level or higher than Jin''s. "We will not only give in, but we will not give in.


    "I will not give in!"


    Jin himself is on Horai Island, continuing his analysis to see if he can get anything more out of the <>.


    "There is a slight reaction of <> from this one too. ...... is it because it works on free magic element (ether) or ......?"


    Then Erza comes in.


    "Brother Jin, how are you doing?"


    "Oh, Erza. Not much progress. This <> was nothing special either. <.


    "So you''re working on the free magical element (ether)?"


    "Yes. Or perhaps it is easier to control."


    "Oh, sure."


    Jin guessed that since the magic wave travels through the free magic element (ether), if the <> is used properly, it may be able to go <<<>> into the control core.


    "If so, is it more troublesome than <>?"


    Jin nodded with a slight furrow of his brow.


    "Yes, that''s a possibility.


    "What are you going to do?"


    "That''s what I''m trying to figure out."


    The shield case is not enough. Jin thought that he needed a more powerful shielding method.


    "At least, we have to give it to the old man and Reiko."


    Even if all the forces of Horai Island were combined, Reiko would probably be able to handle it.


    On the other hand, if Reiko is taken over, there is nothing we can do to stop her.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Erza speaks to Jin, who is pondering.


    "Oh, um, brother Jin, I''m sorry to interrupt you while you''re thinking, but there''s something I need to tell you.


    "...... what?"


    Jin looked at Erza''s face.


    "Well, Zion and Marikka are in the village of Kaina right now, and Hannah and I are discussing the ."


    "What?"


    "Zion-san and Marikka-chan know that Jin-brother was worried about it, so they told Hanna-chan about it."


    "......"


    "Brother Jin?"


    Erza wondered at his silence and looked into his face, Jin had a little sad smile on his face.


    "Thank goodness for that. It tells me I''m not alone. You could have asked Saki about the ...... magi plastic, too."


    Because of his background, Jin tends to go it alone.


    He often relies on Reiko and the "Mere Old Man," but that is within the scope of own self.


    The half of his life that he could not depend on others had set the direction of his character.


    "......Yes. So, when Jin almost forgets, we will remind him."


    Erza walked up to Jin and gently cradled his head.


    "Thank you, Elsa."


    The sound of Erza''s heartbeat in Jin''s ear was a comforting reminder that he was not alone.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    An eye for an eye.


    What''s that?"


    Jin, who had Erza sitting next to him, was once again planning his countermeasures.


    In the process, a word suddenly came to mind.


    "Well, it''s a ...... word in the world I was in."


    It is used in various situations and with various meanings, but Jin now wanted to say that <> can only be countered by <>.


    "In other words, ......"


    "If <> is added to metal, wouldn''t it increase the shielding effect?"


    "...... seems possible."


    <>


    The old man, who was keeping silent, agreed with the idea.


    "There are still plenty of derived from gigantopods. Let''s experiment with them."


    "Since you''re not here, Reiko, I''ll help you."


    "Yes, please."


    Thus, Jin repeated the experiment with Elsa.


    As a result, they found that the most effective ratio was 0.000001% by weight added to mithril silver. It was late that night when they found out that the most effective ratio was 0.000001% by weight added to mithril silver.


    "One in a hundred million, huh?"


    "Given the effectiveness of <>, that''s about right."


    "I guess."


    When I had cured Elsa''s hypermagic before, I only needed 1/1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 grams of .


    In terms of body weight, that''s on the order of one hundred billionth of a gram. Jin thought that it might be reasonable ...... to think of it as a thousand times that.


    "Let''s name it Psi (mental) Mithril ......."


    "Let''s replace your shield case with this one first."


    >


    Reiko is on Onogoro Island and cannot be replaced at this time.


    "I will make it so that it can be done at any time."


    I know the dimensions.


    Jin uses <> to make a shield case for Reiko.


    "Jin, I''ve got an idea."


    What is it?


    You know... ......


    "Oh, I see. That''s a good idea. I''ll give it a try.


    Jin and Elsa discussed something and laughed at each other.

 1329 - - 35-43 Hostages

    Korun''s very capable.


    Yes. We''ve already completed the construction of the intermediate level facilities.


    And the advanced facilities?


    Yes.


    Let''s just let him try one first and see how it goes.


    All right.


    Okay.


    Jin-dono, we''ve been instructed to try one more advanced facility first.


    "Depending on the results, will you be able to entrust me with other facilities as well?"


    I think so.


    I think so. What do you want me to do?


    First of all, follow me.


    Jin followed behind and started to walk.


    descends the stairs and continues to go down. Jin''s doppelganger wonders if they are already about 100 meters below the ground.


    Here we are.


    "This is ......."


    There are five golems of the same type as <> standing side by side.


    My <>. It hasn''t moved since it was made.


    "No wonder they look so shabby."


    The surfaces are matted and dull.


    Where are the materials?


    In the back room.


    But this time, it was not so easy.


    Metal materials and magicrystals were fine, but some of the materials were made from demonic materials, in other words, biological materials.


    Naturally, the materials in the warehouse have deteriorated.


    Specifically, they were materials for muscles.


    "You use synthetic materials, so why don''t you use synthetic materials for the same type of machine?


    I don''t know. I don''t know, because it was who made it.


    "Is that so? ......"


    < was created by , the , the , the background and circumstances of its creation are not known to you.


    "Or perhaps a spare is just a spare. ......"


    For example, Reiko, if we were to prepare a spare for her, the specs would probably be inferior to the original.


    Jin''s doppelg?nger (doppel) maintains five golems while thinking such a thing inwardly.


    (Is there a < attached to this one? ......)


    Jin thought that it was useless to attach a < to a spare machine that might not work anytime soon.


    "It''s done."


    About two hours later, the maintenance of the five machines was completed. Jin himself would have finished in less than an hour, but there was no reason for him to work that hard.


    I also thought about what I could get out of it, but I didn''t get anything in particular.


    You are still very good. ...... If I do well now, I might be able to get a higher facility. But it also means you''ll never leave here again.


    I see. So you can''t let anyone who knows your secret go free.


    That''s what it means. What do we do now?


    "I don''t think we can leave. Let''s show them the advanced facilities.


    By the way, the old man made me say this line. If it were Jin himself, he would not have said such a line.


    The old man, in his own way, was not pleased with the way <> was doing things.


    * * * *


    "Here you are, Mr. Kunlun.


    Jin''s doppelganger hears the voice of the Supervisor for the first time.


    You seem to be quite capable. It''s too good to leave you as an inhabitant of this planet.


    You''re the brains of this island?


    Yes. I''m also the administrator of this planet.


    "If you''re the administrator of ......, then you''ve been appointed by someone, haven''t you?��By whom?


    To the one who made me.


    That''s a bit abstract.


    I don''t need to know any more details than that. All you have to do is what you''re told. Or else. ......


    Or else?


    "Or else your <> will be sorry?


    "Is he with you?"


    Yes. Laco, you say? You don''t care what happens to her, do you?


    What?


    If you don''t do what I say, I won''t be able to guarantee Laco''s safety.


    What?


    We already have Laco.


    A part of the wall seems to have been used as a magic screen, and Reiko''s image is projected on it.


    Except for a small hole for air and food, she is locked in a room covered with steel 30 centimeters thick.


    "When did that happen?


    When?


    When did this happen?


    Jin makes a surprised voice on purpose in the cockpit of Horaijima.


    He had already received a report from Reiko that the room where they were waiting had been covered with steel walls before they knew it.


    This means that they are planning to use Reiko as a hostage to force Jin to do what they say.


    "So far, it seems that they think that I ......, or rather my alter ego (doppelganger) and Reiko are human."


    < seems to be cooperating with us in this regard, but after all, it seems that doesn''t have much of an analytical function.


    "Is that so?"


    <<> is like ...... a <>.


    He knows what he is, but how can he go about it? But I don''t know how to do it.


    But I don''t have anyone to ask.


    >.


    "I see. If that''s the case, then, just like with <>, if I let him see Marikka, he might react to her."


    <>


    "Yeah, I know. We have to get rid of the < that''s attached to it."


    * * *


    "...... Got it. We''ll do what you say. For now.


    That''s good.


    So?��What do you want me to do?


    Ask her. He''ll take care of everything.


    I understand.


    Jin''s doppelganger turns to face her.


    First, let''s get this facility''s Magni Reactor serviced, shall we?


    Jin felt that he was finally getting to the heart of the matter.

 1330 - - 35-44 Plan Progress

    First things first.


    took Jin to the advanced facility.


    "Is this a ...... warding generator?"


    "That''s right.


    "Yes, the principle has not changed. But the method of synchronizing the magic power is ...... ah, I see."


    Jin has been developing the super technology of the past and making it his own.


    It may be done in a different way, but it''s similar to when the previous Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, raised the level of technology in the Demon Territory.


    This is next.


    I don''t know how she feels about Jin acquiring their skills, but <> is performing her duties - having him maintain the advanced facilities - in a nonchalant manner.


    "Hmmm, the flow of magic control here (Magi sequence) is informative ......."


    This is the work of a Magecraft Master at his best.


    "I didn''t know about this magic formula (Magi Formula). ......"


    "Ah, I think the method used by my predecessor is better here.


    "Oh, this is good."


    "Hmmm... so this is how to use the magic circuit (magi circuit). The idea is interesting.


    It''s a bit eerie to say the least to see him muttering to himself as he proceeds with one maintenance project after another, but <> is paying no attention and watching the scene.


    Naturally, Jin himself is controlling the doppelganger in this scene.


    "That''s it," he says. It''s done.


    I''m surprised you could finish in two hours.


    What''s next?


    This way.


    led Jin into the next room.


    I''ll be right back.


    "Yes, yes, thank you. This is a chance to learn their techniques.


    <<<> seems to be paying attention to us.


    The old man is also recording the visual information sent by Jin''s doppelganger.


    He is going to edit it later and make a documentary about it.


    "...... cut out my soliloquy, please."


    <<>


    * * * *


    And November 10.


    <, we''ll end up at the facility we''re going to.


    "Okay."


    The door is opened, and Jin is astonished to see what is inside.


    It was a huge metal hemisphere.


    "What is this?


    It is the magical brain that maintains and manages the entire facility here.


    Is it different from the control brain?


    No. This magical brain doesn''t have a will.


    I see.


    Jin is a little wary and approaches the brain.


    "<>"


    He uses engineering magic from a little distance away,


    "......<> is not attached?"


    If it is a magical brain that manages the environment in the facility, Jin thought that it is worthwhile to <> it.


    (Or, are there a limited number of micro magi-machines?


    I don''t know that much.


    "So, we just need to maintain this?"


    Yes.


    Immediately, Jin''s doppelganger began its work.


    "Well, it can control temperature, humidity, and even sulfides in the air.


    Jin thinks that the golems and magic tools he has seen so far are not in a good state of preservation.


    But the reasons for this become clearer as the maintenance progresses.


    "Oh, this place is damaged.


    One of the several air intake points was clogged.


    "This is the part that monitors ...... the unwanted elements in the air.


    This means that even if there is an increase in sulfides and dust in the air, it does not work to reduce them.


    Neither Jin''s doppelganger nor Reiko need to breathe, which is fine, but the air here is quite stagnant.


    It is hard to understand why they built only one system for such an important facility.


    But then again, there are probably no or few people living in such an underground facility, and the atmosphere in Ars was originally clean, so perhaps they didn''t pay much attention to it.


    "I''ll make sure the air purification system is reinforced."


    I will carefully maintain and enhance the functions that will improve the environment here in anticipation of Jin''s visit at some point in the future.


    "That''s it."


    The work was completed in about an hour.


    Thank you, Mr. Kunlun. Now our work is done.


    <


    "What?"


    Jin thought... At least we still have the ether transfer device and the ether condenser, aside from the brain.


    I know what you mean. But the <> says this is fine.


    "I see. ......"


    Are they being watched closely, or is there a dedicated maintenance staff for the most important equipment?


    Here we are, stumbling on the final step.


    "Well, what should we do?


    Once Jin''s doppelganger returned to the room where he had been assigned.


    Reiko has not returned, but there is no problem since they keep in touch with each other via manacam.


    It is not yet time for Reiko to use her power.


    Then arrives.


    "I''m sorry, Korun.


    "Aside from the facilities related to free magic element (ether), can''t we maintain the ?"


    <


    Hmmm. It is certainly something that bothers me and is definitely evil, so I would like to get rid of it if possible. ......


    could not go against the because of the way it was set up.


    However, she can do what is in her interest, so this kind of conversation is not a problem. However, it is impossible to actually act.


    It seems to be a difficult position to be in.


    "Then, ......"


    At this point, Jin''s doppelganger changes its control from Jin himself to the old man.


    "So, without the help of <>, we have to check the <> without harming it, and if <> are attached to it, we have to remove them and return it to normal function?"


    That''s right.


    If that''s the way the old man used to put it, <> will listen to me without any problem.


    This is,


    If you use phrases like, "We''ll take the <<<< generalization brain by surprise, and remove the micro magi-machine,


    I wonder how <> would have reacted if I had said something like


    "It''s to restore the <> to normalcy. I don''t mean directly. Just help us indirectly."


    I understand. I''ll help you as much as I can.


    But first, tell me how I can get to the brain.


    To do that, you''ll need to go to ......


    In this way, Jin''s doppelganger, manipulated by the old man, obtained the necessary information from .

 1331 - - 35-45 raid

    "Okay. That''s enough."


    <.


    I see. I don''t think I can help you any more.


    With that, leaves the room. When she was out of sight,


    "Okay, we''ll do it tonight."


    Not the old man, but Jin, decides so.


    * * * * * *


    "I agree.


    "Yes, I think so. We also need invisibility generators, magic jammers, ether jammers, and magic cancellers.


    < has told me, the golems belonging to <>, including <>, are set up so that they cannot kill <.


    However, there seems to be an exception for unintentional actions, such as an accidental hit ...... by a swinging arm that hits a wrong place, so we cannot be too careful.


    The energy supply system is also independent, so it is unlikely that we can interfere with it.


    "If there is a possibility, please contact us at ......"


    "That would be the case."


    If we could send it close to the < with a transporter, then maybe.


    Unfortunately, the around the is in place, so we can only send the transporter up to the front of the barrier.


    We need to get to the brain and see if it is attached to a <>.


    If so, we need to remove it. For the sake of peace in this world.


    But there is one problem.


    "I can''t use the transporter without you, can I?"


    Unless Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko, who are now on , return to Horai Island, they will not be able to benefit from the transporter.


    "I have a transporter for emergency escape, so ......"


    The transporter was developed when the demon territory was liberated from < in the past, and it allows those who have it to be transported a short distance.


    Using this device, you will have to go through the area of , return to Horai Island using the warp gate installed in , for example, and then transfer again.


    "That''s right."


    It will take a few minutes ......2 to 3 minutes no matter how fast we hurry. That''s enough time to put the on alert.


    We needed to do something about this problem.


    "Is that so?"


    <


    "I guess so."


    "I guess that''s the only way. ......"


    Probably deeper underground from where we are now. We need to prepare carefully.


    "Momoka, transporter, magic jammer, ether jammer, magic canceller ......?"


    Reiko has a built-in mana cylinder, so there is no need to worry on this front.


    "And then there is a powerful magic barrier."


    wards.


    "All right, let''s start preparations right away."


    ** **


    After an hour of preparation, Jin and the old man were ready.


    At the same time, they informed Reiko of their plan by manacam.


    He received a reliable answer.


    "Well, let''s go."


    Reiko stands up in her and first activates her special transporter.


    Instantly, Reiko is outside the cell.


    <.


    < state and headed for the <> that had told her about.


    "It should be this wall.


    At first glance, it seems to be just a wall, but using the sonar, we can see that there is a cavity in it. It is an emergency passage.


    "<> says it''s around here ......"


    Reiko is staring at the floor. Her eyes catch a faint indentation.


    "Just above this depression: ......"


    Now she looks at the ceiling.


    "That''s it, isn''t it?"


    There is a protrusion on the ceiling. Reiko lightly jumped up and lightly pushed the protrusion.


    Then an opening appears in the wall.


    "This is the entrance to the passage, isn''t it?


    Without the slightest hesitation, Reiko jumped into the opening.


    "The fact that we have opened the emergency passageway will probably be known to the supervisory brain.


    Reiko runs down the spiral staircase at the end of it, literally flying down it.


    "......This is too slow, isn''t it?"


    The next moment, Reiko''s body floats in midair. <


    Reiko pushes forward into the basement, increasing her speed even more.


    After diving about 100 meters, she comes to an abrupt stop.


    "A bulkhead. This place can only be opened in an emergency ...... when the free magic element (ether) is depleted, right? Your father was talking about this ......."


    <<


    When the free magic element (ether) runs out, the door will open, and so on.


    You said, "If the door is open, then it is open. Then..."


    Reiko irradiates the magic canceller to the area around the door.


    After about 10 seconds, the door opens.


    "Just as your father predicted..."


    Reiko went down.


    She must have gone down about 200 meters. When Reiko stopped walking again, a sturdy-looking bulkhead stood in front of her.


    "...... This place can be opened by entering a password, right? And only knows it."


    Furthermore, it can be easily opened from the other side. Since it is an emergency passage, it must be set up to be easy to escape.


    "We can''t afford to dawdle, can we?"


    Reiko pulled out a peach blossom from her back.


    "Ha!"


    Four times in the space of a moment, the yayaba blade made a square hole in the 20-centimeter-thick bulkhead.


    A moment later, with a roar, the cut-out wall falls to the floor.


    Who the hell are you?


    Beyond the hole, there was indeed a .


    It was a metal hemisphere about one meter in diameter.


    And Reiko confirmed that there were about seven black protrusions ......<> adhering to its hemispherical surface.

 1332 - - 35-46 Eliminated

    My name is Reiko. Please take care of me."


    < as she sees him.


    It seems that now that Reiko is not human, the finally realizes that she is not a human.


    A hail of electric shocks rains down on Reiko.


    I commend you for coming this far. But this is it. You''ll burn in the dark.


    No!


    No!


    Reiko catches the blasts without a care in the world.


    "Don''t think you can stop me with just this much, will you?


    Then this is it!


    ?"


    Reiko''s weight has increased fiftyfold. Gravity magic.


    Let''s crush her!


    I don''t like that either!


    Reiko used gravity magic to offset the 50 Gs.


    What?


    Reiko''s going for the brain!


    Then!


    A magic circle glows on the floor, and between the Golem and Reiko, a rugged Golem appears.


    "Is that what we''re dealing with this time?"


    Reiko stops and braces herself.


    That''s not all!


    Dozens of <> sprouted from the ceiling and from the floor.


    "...... I see, it''s a bit tricky indeed."


    Reiko cuts off the <> that try to restrain her with <>.


    A golem lunges at Reiko.


    !"


    Reiko instantly ducks, but her legs are caught by the that sprouts from the floor, and she is knocked off her feet.


    Then the golem kicked her.


    "Don''t lick me!"


    Reiko, who had increased her output to 50 percent, instantly tore off her <> and caught the golem''s kicking leg with her left hand.


    At the same time, she slices up the <> with her right hand from below.


    But the golem, despite its appearance, quickly ducks.


    What a guy. ......


    Reiko had now slashed away all the <> on the floor and ceiling.


    "I feel so much better now."


    The golem attacks Reiko again as she kicks the severed scattered on the floor and pushes them to a corner of the room.


    Reiko intercepts it with .


    But to her surprise, the golem blocked her attack.


    "...... buckler, is it?"


    A small shield (buckler) attached to the golem''s left arm blocked ''s slash.


    "It''s pretty hard, isn''t it?"


    But Reiko''s eyes did not miss the scratches on the buckler.


    "So it''s weaker than the hyper adamantite your father developed!"


    The more he slashed at it, the more scratches appeared on it.


    "No, you mean it is harder than the reinforced adamantite!


    Finally, the buckler was cut in half.


    Fearful, Kunlun! But what about this!


    !


    A huge wave of free ether hit Reiko and the golem.


    The golem shudders and stops moving. Then it slowly falls to the floor.


    How does a thousand times more concentrated free magic element (ether) taste? Can''t the ether converter withstand it?


    "......"


    This attack was unexpected, not only for Reiko, but also for Jin.


    She had been prepared for an attack that reduced the amount of free magical element (ether), but she had not imagined that it would be increased.


    Magic materials exposed to a concentration 1,000 times higher than normal creak and the weakest ones explode.


    < was no exception, its ether converter shattered, and it was unable to get up again.


    And Reiko, too.


    It was supposed to be .......


    < in front of the was moving ...... at least, apparently, without a care in the world.


    "......The attack just now was a close one."


    The body of his beloved daughter, Reiko, which Jin had carefully selected materials and put his heart and soul into, the Magi Reactor withstood a thousand times the concentration of free magic element (ether).


    Who the hell are you?


    My name is Reiko. I am an automata.


    Reiko walks over to the general brain, holding Momoka in her right hand.


    Don''t come!


    When they were about 5 meters away from each other, the air between them shook.


    "Is it a barrier ......?"


    Yes. It is strong enough to withstand a direct hit from a meteorite. This is unbreakable!


    "Yes, it''s a pain in the ass. But there are several ways.


    Reiko decides to use the power of the bracelet.


    "<>"


    If visible light is transmitted through it, it should work, so the first step is to test the laser.


    The beam of light pierced a small hole in the side of the hemisphere dome of the <>.


    "Oh, ......!


    "I guess there are ways to do this."


    There must be another way, digging a hole from under the floor.


    I don''t think a physical barrier can be deployed in the material.


    "Oh, no...... this is the power of .


    Give it up already.


    No, I won''t!


    The temperature in the room is rising rapidly.


    Can you stand the temperature at which steel melts?


    It''s too warm.


    Why?


    The threads of the ground spider used for Reiko''s clothes and hair have a higher melting point than steel.


    And...


    "<>"


    Countless cracks appear in the cooled room in an instant.


    "Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.


    "Give up already. <


    Reiko overheats the area around the <> with the heat generated by the electromagnetic induction.


    After a few tens of seconds, the generator seems to have fallen off, and the barrier disappears.


    It''s no use. ......


    There is nothing separating Reiko and the "controlling brain.


    "Then let''s get rid of it."


    Reiko picks up the that are clinging to the hemispherical dome.


    When he had picked up six of them and was about to touch the seventh, he said, "No!


    No!��It will invade you!


    Immediately after that, all seven of the Magi Machines were attached to Reiko''s body.

 1333 - - 35-47 Finding out the Truth

    "Reiko!"


    <, let out an involuntary yelp.


    Reiko''s body was covered with Magi Machines in seven places: her head, face, neck, chest, back, abdomen, and right shoulder.


    Oh, no!��They have taken over the control core and brought it under their control!��Moreover, a few shields are meaningless. ......!


    "......"


    Reiko doesn''t move. No, she can''t move.


    Then arrives.


    Since the <> has been eliminated and the <> has returned to normal, they have been allowed to come to the most important facility.


    Ah, Reiko-dono!


    who had rushed to the scene screamed in grief.


    But...


    "...... it''s all right..."


    Reiko picks up the clinging Magi Machines one by one and crushes them.


    "My shield could not be broken."


    "Why?


    "Because your father made it that way."


    * * *


    On the island of Horai, Jin was patting his chest.


    "Yes, indeed."


    I''m amazed that you could send a shield case made of <<<< Psi Mithril through a transporter and have it replaced by a doppelganger.


    "You can never be too prepared, can you? I thought I was safe from the experiment, but I was in a hurry when seven of them were stuck on me. I should reflect on that."


    Jin reflected on the fact that he had been somewhat prideful.


    > because they were dangerous, but we copied some of their information.


    Reiko then contacted me.


    The period of silence was because she was working on it.


    "Oh, I''ve done it."


    The information is recorded on <<<< MagiRecorder. Would you like me to send it to you immediately? >>


    After thinking for a moment, Jin replies.


    No, not until things have calmed down a bit. For now, let''s concentrate on >."


    .


    Let''s send the doppelganger there as well.


    * * *


    *****


    "That''s all."


    < should be free from their control.


    "Thank you, Live Puppet with Will,...... no, Automata.


    "Are you now able to make normal decisions?"


    Of course.


    That''s good.


    <


    There''s nothing wrong with the machine?


    No. No. - It''s all right. The


    "What?"


    <<>, <>, if you will.


    A control unit?


    Yes. It was preventing us from thinking and restricting our actions.


    Then came Jin''s doppelganger.


    "Everything is finished.


    Reiko makes a brief report .......


    <....... I''m sorry for everything. And thank you again for your help in maintaining the facility.


    "Is everything all right now?"


    No. I''ve reconstructed the information in the blanks of my memory, so I know what happened.


    I hope that''s all right.


    * * * *


    Then, <> explained the situation to Jin''s alter ego (doppelganger).


    According to the report, <> was manipulated but resisted, and was working for the benefit of Jin.


    This was the reason why there were as many as seven attached to it.


    I think they managed to act in your favor, though not completely.


    "......Well, sure, yeah."


    That seems to have been the reason for the small-scale research methods that were used in the sequential deployment of forces.


    The most difficult thing was to deceive the public about Korun''s ability.


    "Deceive?"


    Yes. You''re good enough to handle the pieces of Modine, aren''t you?��That means you have the means to get into space.


    That is logically correct. Or rather, it is obvious to anyone who thinks about it for a moment.


    "Yes, I thought it was strange."


    Nevertheless, the world has forced the perception that hot air balloons are a means of flight.


    < and the .


    If they wanted to, Onogoro Island could have used more powerful weapons.


    But they couldn''t hold back that typhoon.


    "Indeed. That one was very hard to deal with. ......


    I apologize for that. But it was also very difficult to conceal the skill that made it disappear.


    I''m sure you''re right.


    At this point Jin decided to ask about the mastermind.


    "You''ve been saying for a while now, who or what have you been hiding information from?"


    Well, that''s a difficult question to answer. We do not know who or what they are. That is why we have been avoiding this topic. ......


    "But you can at least guess, can''t you?"


    It is certainly possible. Perhaps the inhabitants of .


    "Hale?��Did they not migrate to this Ars?


    No, there are those who remained. I don''t know if they are the descendants of those who remained or if they are the descendants of a mutation.


    Jin understood.


    "But if they are Hailians, why are they doing this?"


    That''s exactly what I don''t understand. My hypothesis is that it is because Hale, which was originally lacking in resources, has become even more difficult to live in.


    "That''s for sure."


    Jin continued to receive various information from the <>.


    And then the story came to its core.


    A mobile base under the Antarctic ice has been taken over. If possible, we would like to take it back. Can you help us?

 1334 - - 35-48 Alliance

    "Are you asking me to lend a hand ......?"


    Yes.


    "What''s in it for us?"


    Peace.


    Peace?


    Peace? The final goal of the beings who created the biherusha is to exploit the resources of this planet. There is no consideration for life forms.


    What?


    I understand. <


    < resisted them as much as possible and changed them into gentle instructions.


    "If that''s true, it''s a very serious matter.


    I have no way to prove it, but you''ll just have to take my word for it.


    Jin pondered.


    In any case, he was going to investigate the mega-float under the ice in the Antarctic Ocean.


    < tells us more.


    The was supposed to be used for the maintenance of this world. It seems to have been converted into a weapon.


    "That''s not good. ......"


    That''s why I want to take it back.


    It''s a bad idea to destroy it, isn''t it?


    It would be bad to destroy it, wouldn''t it? It would take a hundred years to build a base that big. But I''m not asking you to take it back completely intact.


    "I don''t have a choice."


    But Jin thinks inwardly that if it breaks, he can just fix it.


    The priority is to avoid human or golem damage.


    "Okay. I''ll help you as much as I can."


    Thank you.


    I''m afraid you''re not much help when it comes to attacks.


    I don''t deny it. The masters who built this place didn''t like conflict... or at least they weren''t very good at it.


    "I see. ......"


    < were a race that did not like to engage in such rough and tumble activities, so he was able to nod his head in agreement with this information.


    After that, Jin''s alter ego (doppelganger) had various conversations with the <>.


    In the process, more and more things came to light.


    The <> had several factions, or groups that differed in their principles and claims.


    The Residualists were divided into and , the Migrants into and , the Radicals into and , and the Moderates into , and <>. The moderate faction was divided into the , the and the <.


    "So many different factions."


    Jin wondered if they were that individualistic.


    Of course, all the immigrants participated in creating a livable environment, such as adjusting the gravity.


    That''s true, Jin thought. First of all, it is urgent to make the planet habitable, so we can''t afford to be fighting among the factions.


    "To sum it up, it was the that came to Arus, and it was the of the that crossed paths with the natives, wasn''t it?"


    "That''s pretty much what I''m thinking.


    And the moderates became the ancestors of the present human race?


    That''s right.


    "......Magic......No, the northern ...... continent of Gondor was inhabited by the independent faction, and the continent of Laurent was inhabited by the fusion and coexistence faction? Is that right?"


    That''s right.


    "The coexistence group lives west of the Harihari Desert, and the fusion group lives east.


    That''s almost right.


    This would explain why the residents of the current demon territory have stronger blood of the origin.


    "What happened to the <>?"


    The pioneers used to live here.


    "Oh, I see."


    They chose Onogoro Island as the base for their settlement.


    The settlement area is a remnant of that time.


    The people who lived here were settlers, weren''t they?


    That''s right. Unfortunately, none of them live here anymore.


    Jin imagined that it must have been difficult to sustain the species in terms of the number of people, even more so than in terms of the blood.


    "...... So what happened to the invaders?"


    They moved to another continent in the northern hemisphere. I don''t know what happened after that, but considering there were only 13 of them, I think they perished.


    "Thirteen?


    Jin shouts in surprise. He had expected that there would be fewer, but the number was much smaller than he had expected.


    "...... So the radicals who are invading the <> have nothing to do with it?


    I heard you and I really want to confirm this point.


    It has nothing to do with them. I can assure you of that.


    "I see. Good."


    There are some other things we have learned about the .


    < was a race that did not keep many records, and not much is known about their past.


    <>.


    The most shocking thing was that the <> had selected candidate sites other than here in Arus.


    The second planet Zipert and the fourth planet Tetrodos.


    This numbering is based on the assumption that both Hale and Ars are called the third planet.


    At this point, Jin decided to ask a question that occurred to him.


    "By the way, I heard once that you came from Hale to Ars in a few months or years.


    Yeah?��...... is that what is being said?��...... maybe it was misinformed that it took the <> many round trips to get everyone to emigrate?


    "Oh, that''s what you mean."


    Jin agreed that it was certainly possible that he meant that the entire migration was long.


    I honestly appreciate getting answers to questions like these, which are somewhat lower on my priority list because I don''t have to know them by necessity.


    "Thank you. It was helpful."


    Jin concluded his question with these words.


    * * * * "Reiko," he said.


    Reiko, thank you.


    Jin thanked Reiko for her contribution.


    "No, I am happy to be of help to your father.


    "I was licking the control device."


    "No, thanks to the new shield case your father sent me, nothing happened to me.


    "Still. I''m sorry, Reiko.


    No, I understand. I know that your father cares about me and that he relies on me as an asset. That is why it is my pleasure to be of service to you. Please make me stronger and stronger. And please help me more and more.


    Jin hugged Reiko.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    * * * *


    Marikka was the one who held the key to the finishing touches of this .


    Oh!��<


    "Ha-ha-ha."


    From now on, all of Onogoro Island will be under Marikka''s command.


    I''m counting on you.


    And things calmed down on November 12.


    Jin obtained permission through Marikka to set up a warp gate at the ground level of Onogoro Island.


    This will make it easier to come and go.


    "......The next step is to retake the <>."


    Jin was on the shore of Onogoro Island, staring out to sea, the wind blowing in his face.


    The sky was endlessly blue and the sea stretched far out.

 1335 - - 36-01 Operation of Shock

    November 17, 3458.


    < and begin a campaign to retake the under the ice in Antarctica.


    The battleship <> and cruiser <><><> backed them up in the vicinity.


    In the sea, the and Mermaid 1 to 100 of the Mariner force are deployed.


    The ship is equipped with a countermeasure against the shortage of free magical element (ether), so there is no problem in its operation even in Antarctica.


    Adriana is floating in the stratosphere where there is no shortage of free ether.


    In addition, there are 10 VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft of Air Force, <>, ready to be sent by transporter at any time, were waiting on Horai Island.


    And on .


    "<>, are you ready?"


    the doppelganger piloted by Jin asked.


    I''m always ready.


    <


    The first group to infiltrate the mobile base was the Shinobi Unit, 10 shinobi from Shinobi I to Shinobi II.


    They will be transferred from Horai Island to an iceberg near the <> by transporter.


    After checking the inside, they set up a <> to welcome the second group.


    The second group is made up of , Jin''s doppelganger, and the Rand team. This team is waiting at .


    And Reiko is ready and waiting at Horai Island as a ranger. Such is the formation.


    Reiko had been improved by Jin, and her power had been further increased.


    In addition, it was planned to stop the supply of free magical element (ether) from <> at the same time as the first group was sent out.


    Jin himself is in the command center of Horai Island.


    Erza asked Jin a question.


    "Brother Jin, can''t we transfer directly to the <> that we confirmed with the <> and remove the <>......<<>?"


    Jin nodded reluctantly.


    "I''ve thought about that too, and I think it would be best if we could. But I can''t do it.


    "What?"


    Elsa tilted her head.


    "Didn''t we liberate the <> on Onogoro Island?��Right after that, a barrier was put up at the mobile base."


    ...... Did they sense it?


    "Yes. I don''t know if they were in contact with each other, or if there is an entity that controls the <> on both sides."


    "...... yes."


    Then the old man reports.


    that I copied the other day.


    "Oh, you did it."


    The contents of the memory of <> when it was controlled by <> were not written in any known language, and it took some time to parse them out.


    was under the influence of , but some of them are its directives>.


    "Yes, and?"


    >


    "I see......... wait?"


    Jin suddenly thought of something.


    It is possible that the mastermind is not the origin if the language is different. Or rather, it is highly possible.


    The old man also supported Jin''s hypothesis.


    "Would we know that if we had released the ?"


    And now the time for the final decision was approaching.


    <


    <


    <


    "I''m not sure if this is an iceberg or sea ice."


    <.


    A pea-like being on the ice. They are Shinobi 1 through 10.


    We will now begin our infiltration operation.


    Good. Be very careful."


    Jin replies, and concentrates on the images from the peepers.


    We start by chipping away at the ice, using a .


    The ice was nothing compared to what the < could dig through the bedrock, and the ice layer was broken through in less than 30 minutes.


    "Now, what about the armoring of the <>?"


    There are no physical boundaries on the ice-covered part, so it can be cooked in any way.


    It''s the least likely way to alert the enemy.


    <


    "Yes.


    The reason is that engineering magic has a narrower area of effect and is therefore less likely to be noticed.


    Shinobi I followed the instructions and used <>.


    As might be expected of a super-small golem, it takes a certain amount of time.


    In about a minute, a hole had opened up that was big enough for them to get through.


    "Okay, that''s good. Fix."


    <


    In this image, the boundary is the surface of the ball, and the fixation (fix) corresponds to sticking a thin pipe into the surface of the ball.


    Since this pipe is homogeneous to the boundary, it fuses with the boundary and acts as if it were an .


    With this <, even if a magic barrier is put up, it is possible to communicate with a manacam and to travel through a warp gate.


    However, you cannot use <. The waves of the <> have a high linearity, so it is impossible to see the places that cannot be connected to the main body of <> in a straight line.


    "Alright, contact <>. Cut off the free ether supply.


    <


    Here, the fire for the recapture of the mobile base is set.


    Led by Shinobi I, ten of them descended into the mobile base.


    The passageway was dimly lit only by emergency lights.


    However, the darkness is not a great advantage.


    <


    Instead, they rely on their speed, small size, and emergency .


    If they act separately, the chances of being found increase, and if they are grouped together, the risk of being rounded up increases.


    <


    "Is the outer shell made of nickel-chrome-molybdenum steel?


    <


    "This is a very extravagant use of steel, isn''t it?"


    Jin thinks to himself.


    The image on the magic screen that Jin is looking at now is linked to Shinobi 1''s vision, so it changes as he moves.


    Since Shinobi 1''s eyes were small, if they were enlarged to match the magic screen, the image would be dark, so it was magically processed to create a bright image.


    "Hmmm, it''s almost a completed plot. Although it is not popular at all.


    <


    "Yes, they are. They may be confused since we have stopped supplying them with free magical element (ether)."


    This is the best advantage.


    <

 1336 - - 36-02 Start of infiltration

    In fact, since the supply of free magical element (ether) had stopped, the chain of command inside the mobile base was temporarily disorganized.


    ��Who the hell is interfering with me?]


    ��Commander, we are currently investigating. However, the supply of free magical element (ether) has stopped. We are switching to pooled magical element (mana), so please wait a moment.]


    ��Please be ready as soon as possible.]


    ��Yes, sir.]


    * * * * * *


    Shinobi 1 reports.


    Jin had confirmed the situation with two sources of information: Shinobi 1''s visual information and the information from the Peeper Telescope.


    But then...


    "Whoa!


    <


    >.


    "Is it in response to the interruption of the supply of free magical element (ether)?"


    "Yes."


    Now all we have is Shinobi I''s visual information.


    "<


    <


    Through this hole, we can send and receive magic waves = ether waves.


    <


    "Right. Please contact me."


    <


    Be careful.


    Shinobi leader Shinobu I calls out a warning.


    The passageway ends at the end of the corridor and becomes a partition wall.


    In fact, the Shinobi Forces are most unfamiliar with such partitions.


    Since the bulkheads are designed to fit the original users of the facility, the smaller are at a disadvantage.


    The opening and closing mechanism of this bulkhead was a lever type.


    Use the force field generator.


    Understood.


    Shinobi Nisso and Sansan worked together to operate the opening and closing mechanism of the bulkhead, and the door opened shortly after.


    They carefully checked the other side, but there seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary, so Shinobi Nyu and Sangami decided to proceed first.


    No abnormalities.


    All right, let''s all proceed.


    After confirming that there was no danger, the ten continued to advance.


    After passing through three similar bulkheads, the atmosphere has clearly changed. They are now brightly lit.


    Please be more careful.


    Copy.


    Not knowing how far their invisibility will go, the ten of them proceed cautiously.


    We should look for a passageway or a staircase that leads down.


    According to the results of our preliminary inspection with the Peeper Telescope, we should be three floors down.


    After an hour of searching without being detected, Shinobu Riku finally found the stairs.


    Finally, Shinobu Riku found a place that looked like it.


    I think it is a hatch.


    The wall of the hatch protrudes slightly, and a rectangular joint can be seen.


    There is a control panel at the level of a standard human waist.


    Ancient characters ......<> are displayed in the same script used by .


    The people of Horai Island have been educated by < beforehand, so they can read it without any problem.


    "Open" and "closed"? I''m sure of it.


    Shinobi I uses the force field generator to levitate and operates the panel.


    The door opens.


    Hmm, it seems that the energy in this base has been restored.


    The fact that it works like this even though the supply of free magical element (ether) has been cut off indicates that the reserve energy reserves are sufficient.


    The fact that it''s spreading to such an unpopular section of the city ...... is not to be underestimated.


    Shinobu I peeked inside the door with caution.


    As he had hoped, it was what could be called an <>.


    There was an elevator leading up or down.


    First of all, I and the rest of you will go down. I''ll call you if everything''s all right.


    Understood.


    The five "Shinobi" slowly make their way to the door and board the elevator that is supposed to take them downstairs. ...... is...


    It''s stuck.


    <


    Well, this is not good.


    Shinobi 1 and the others look around the elevator room.


    There is a hatch here.


    Shinobi San found a round hatch.


    It has a hand-cranked handle.


    It is marked "for emergency use".


    It seems to be an emergency or maintenance passage.


    Okay, let''s use this.


    It was more difficult to turn the handle, but it took five of us to turn it, and we managed to open the hatch.


    Inside is a vertical hole. There is a ladder attached to it.


    As I suspected, it seemed to be for emergency or maintenance purposes, and the vertical hole was barely big enough for a single person to pass through.


    But it is too wide for the Shinobi Forces.


    Since ladders cannot be used, we descend slowly using the force field generator.


    However, they could only reach two floors down in this vertical hole.


    One more floor to go. We need to find a way to go down again.


    We exit the shaft. It was the same place as the two floors above.


    Since nothing was happening, Shinobu I called up some pickups from the land and started to investigate.


    The first floor of the building was a small building.


    "Well, it looks like an office building.


    Jin who was watching the images in the Horaijima command center thought to himself.


    In the company building where Jin was working, the <> was separated from the office room by a door or something.


    It seems that the place where the Shinobi Unit is now located is also separated in such a way.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    The old man advised the Shinobi Forces.


    All right, let''s go out for a while.


    <


    Carefully.


    And then they opened the door and found a deformed golem waiting for them.

 1337 - - 36-03 Second Platoon.

    Evacuate!


    A moment before the attack from the deformed golem that was waiting for them, the <> was able to hide behind the door.


    The attack that flew in was of the electric shock type. They did not seem to be very powerful, and their intention not to destroy the inside of the base was clear.


    There was no way they could hide here. The deformed golem was slowly approaching us.


    But I can withstand this level of electric shocks. Shinobu Ichi decides, and tries to jump out.


    <


    Then the old man gave him a command.


    So, what should we do?


    While you are doing this, the deformed golem is approaching you.


    .


    I have been given permission to use the first of the three special weapons I have been given.


    Use weapon #1. All of you, get ready!


    At Shinobi 1''s instruction, the ten mini-golems hold a small ball in their hands.


    They are about one millimeter in size.


    Ready, three, two, one, throw!


    <


    It was just as the first of the deformed golems came to the door.


    A burst of light.


    The sphere was an <>.


    Although it has the name of a bomb, it does not cause an explosion, but rather it releases free magical energy (ether) compressed to the utmost limit all at once, filling the surrounding space with free magical energy (ether).


    This attack was prepared by Jin, taking a hint from the attack that < had recently launched on Reiko, in which the concentration of free magical element (ether) was increased by 1000 times.


    A normal ether converter or magi reactor converts the surrounding free magical element (ether) into magical element (mana) to power a golem, etc. The conversion rate is constant.


    The conversion rate is constant.


    If the concentration of free ether doubles, the converted mana also doubles. The power that the magical muscle can produce and the power of magic will be doubled accordingly.


    However, this is only up to a factor of 5 at most.


    If the concentration of free magical element (ether) becomes 10,000 times higher, can the ether converter generate 10,000 times more magical element (mana) and can the mana driver convert it into physical energy?


    The answer is no.


    Suppose that the ether converter is a wind turbine generator and the mana driver is a motor.


    If the wind is strong (more free ether), the wind generator (ether converter) generates (converts) more power (mana).


    And the motor (mana driver) given it will show high rotation and high torque (powerful magic, etc.).


    However, this is only a matter of degree.


    There is no wind turbine that can withstand a wind speed of 10,000 meters (although such a wind ...... would not blow at all because it exceeds the speed of sound), and there is no motor that can withstand a voltage 10,000 times its rating. (Although it is virtually impossible for a motor to withstand a voltage 10,000 times its rating because it exceeds the speed of sound.


    < is unlikely.


    The same is true even if it is a Magi Reactor instead of an Ether Converter and a Mana Driver.


    All of the deformed golems had their power systems destroyed and stopped moving.


    Incidentally, the <> are unaffected since they are all using mana cylinders to prevent <> and free magic element (ether) shortages.


    All enemies are silenced.


    Okay. Let''s use this time to set up a transfer magic circle at this location.


    The location is an elevator hall, if you will.


    There may be more suitable places than this, but there may not be.


    Shinobu Ichi chooses to set up the magic circle here, since the conditions are not too bad.


    Shinobi Riku to Pickup work together to carve a magic circle on the floor.


    Ichi to Ko are on guard.


    It is completed.


    Good.


    The work is reported to the Master, who then sends word to .


    At the same time, the magic circle that had already been set up was activated and emitted a pale light.


    "The transfer magic circle has been set up. Let''s go!


    Yes, Master.


    Yes, Master.


    Jin''s doppelgangers, Lands 11 through 15, and answered shortly and stepped into the magic circle.


    * * * * * *


    "Finally, the second group has set out."


    Jin muttered to himself as he stared at the magic screen on Horai Island.


    The image on the magic screen was switched to the one from Jin''s doppelganger.


    It shows the inside of the <>. The RAND team and <> are also shown.


    Incidentally, they have all changed the material of their shield cases to <>.


    "It''s a pain that we can''t use the <>."


    It seems to be a very strong barrier, and neither free magic element (ether) nor ether waves can penetrate except through the fixed holes.


    The direction of the hole does not face Horai Island, so the image of the telescope cannot be moved.


    Thank you very much.


    "Thank you very much. After this, please stay here as a backstop."


    <, instructed the to work hard.


    Understood.


    The group then exited the elevator room. It is a huge hall.


    Dozens of the deformed golems that had just stopped were lying around.


    "Hmmm, the shape is not consistent. ...... I wonder what concept the designer had in mind when he made it."


    Round body, square body, conical body, cylindrical body. Wheeled, rod-shaped, doughnut-shaped.


    Arms, legs slender. Four, six, eight, eleven .......


    Large, small.


    Even if there were multiple designers, would they be so different in appearance?


    As Jin was twisting his head through the doppelganger, <> was also looking around and sighing.


    "Hmmm, it''s quite different from what we''ve been informed.


    "They must have spent quite a few years remodeling it."


    "Mmm.


    There''s no point in talking here. Let''s move on."


    Jin''s doppelganger and the group proceeded cautiously.


    For the time being, they proceed along the walls of the hall, checking for doors.


    ��.........�� We can''t find it.


    "Oh."


    Finally, he has gone around the hall once.


    "Then the next possibility is that there is something in the center of the hall, isn''t there?"


    "Yes, that''s true, but it''s dangerous. But it would be dangerous.


    A huge hall has a good view. But that also means that there is no place to hide.


    If we are discovered, there will be an immediate battle.


    But there is no other way. The group heads for the center of the hall, keeping a wary eye out.


    "Master, I hear footsteps!"


    Land 11, who was leading the group, issued a warning. It seems that a second group of deformed golems is approaching.


    "Shouldn''t they be here by now?


    "Okay, Land 13, 14, and 15, deploy the barrier. Let''s get them."

 1338 - - 36-04 Successful Move

    The second group of enemy golems was, as expected, a full array of deformities.


    One with a large right arm and a small left arm.


    One with three arms on its right side and only one arm on its left side.


    Those with eight arms and three legs.


    With three heads, one arm and eight legs.


    And so on, and so on, and so on.


    They appear suddenly on the floor.


    * * * * *


    "......What in the world is the meaning of this design?"


    The words of questioning poke out of Jin''s mouth.


    >.


    "What?��Yes, yes, I suppose so.


    As the old man said, it might indeed be a . Jin thought.


    But before he can think about it, the battle begins.


    First of all, there was the odd-shaped goa''uld goa''uld.


    First, the deformed golems attacked.


    "Another lightning attack!


    All of them are repelled by Lando and his team''s barriers.


    They probably don''t want to destroy the facility as much as possible.


    I understand that, but isn''t there any other way?


    Jin''s doppelganger instructs.


    "Land 15, use the Magi Cannon.


    Each of the members of the Land team brought this time is equipped with special equipment. Land 15 is a small magic cannon.


    It is an advanced version of the one Reiko used in the previous battle against the Unification Party.


    The caliber is reduced to 20mm. The bullets can be lead balls or steel balls. The total number of bullets in the magazine is 50.


    It may no longer be a but a .


    First, lead balls are fired with .


    A deformed golem is blown away.


    "...... even if there is an anti-magic ward, it doesn''t seem to be able to protect against real bullets."


    "At least we rarely use weapons that use live ammunition.


    "Is that so,......?"


    Jin wondered if such a development was possible, but now was not the time to ponder.


    The golems were shooting lightning magic at Jin, but he was able to repel all of them with his magic barrier.


    "Is it not a physical phenomenon but magic? ......"


    This was a surprise to Jin, who had thought that lightning magic = . He secretly decides to analyze it later.


    And before Land 15 can fire off a single magazine, all the deformed golems are silenced.


    "That didn''t take long."


    Jin''s doppelganger mutters, and <> denies it.


    No, <>''s weapons are superior. It is strong to have a powerful means of physical attack.


    "But the saucer shot arrows at us, didn''t it?"


    But the saucer fired arrows at us.


    "What?��Then what''s more powerful than that?


    Magic, of course.


    "What? ......"


    As far as combat is concerned, it seems to have developed in a rather unbalanced manner.


    Perhaps the mentality of the originals is different from that of the earthlings.


    Let''s move on.


    "Yes."


    Since no more enemy golems seem to appear, the group decides to continue on.


    Jin would have liked to analyze the deformed golem, but decides not to do so this time.


    Then, they arrived at their destination, the center of the hall.


    "Of course."


    "Of course.


    There was a magic circle of transfer engraved there.


    Okay, let''s go.


    Wait a minute. ...... It''s a trap.


    "A trap?"


    It doesn''t have much of an effect. It''s marked ......<>.......


    "Sugoroku!"


    ''s explanation, Jin and Jin''s alter ego (doppelganger) unintentionally raised their voices.


    I don''t know what this backgammon thing is, but since we''re going down, we can redraw here.


    pointed to a part of the magic circle.


    "Can <> read?"


    I can read without any problem.


    Jin could not read it. After all, this was not a language system that Jin knew.


    "Is this the language used by the <>?"


    Jin asked .


    "Yes and no.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I would say that the language used here is not the language used by the Masters, but rather the language used by their companions.


    "Let''s see... ......"


    Jin tried to imagine.


    In short, it would be like English for the Japanese, he concluded.


    "In other words, like the language of another country on the same planet?"


    nodded.


    Well, that''s a good point. Well, that''s a good point. It is close to the language used by the people who remained on <>.


    Hearing this, Jin was now more convinced that the mastermind of the enemy was in <>.


    "Well then, tell me what I need to do to fix it."


    I understand.


    Helente pointed to a part of the magic circle and explained it to Jin''s doppelganger.


    "Let''s see, I need to fix this here...?��......<>"


    "Hmm, <>. That should do it.


    Then let''s go.


    "Mm-hmm.


    Master, I''ll go first.


    Rand 12 stands up and is the first to step into the magic circle.


    At that moment, a faint light shines and Land 12 disappears.


    Then, a report was made by the built-in manacam.


    <<


    In addition, it was reported that it was clear from the surroundings that this was the more important floor.


    It seems certain from the contents. Let''s go.


    Okay."


    Thus, Jin''s doppelgangers, Lands 11 to 15, and were transported by the transfer magic circle.

 1339 - - 36-05 Trap

    Is this the hierarchy we''re looking for?


    "It should be.


    Jin and his group had finally reached the level where the magical brain that controls this is believed to be located.


    Now, let''s see what we can find.


    The group was now standing in a hall that was smaller than the one they had come from.


    "I don''t know which way to go!


    The hall is a circle with a diameter of about 10 meters. It looks the same no matter which way you go. There is no door.


    At that moment, Jin''s doppelganger (Jin D) senses a change in atmospheric pressure.


    Or more precisely, a .


    "Is the air being removed?"


    The current atmospheric pressure is about 0.8 bar.


    That''s a pretty effective ......?


    If we''re dealing with a human being.


    There are no humans in the line, so even if there''s a vacuum, it won''t bother us.


    "Yeah, but we won''t be able to talk to them."


    Jin D. and Lando and the others can talk to each other through the built-in manacam, but not <>.


    Conversation in a vacuum is only possible by making contact and transmitting <> directly.


    (If <> had a built-in manacam (manacam), it would be ...... but that would be too much to ask for.)


    In the meantime, the atmospheric pressure dropped to 0.2 atmospheres.


    But that seemed to be the end of it, and there was no complete vacuum.


    "Is it possible to have a conversation?"


    "Yes, it seems so.


    Their voices are muffled by the low air pressure, but this is not a problem for those with good hearing.


    "Not quite a trap ......, but it''s a measure to keep out <> or >."


    "Yes, that''s probably it.


    Then we''d better get out of this hall.


    I agree. Then we should leave this hall as soon as possible.


    Jin D. and had a brief discussion and agreed to leave this hall.


    But it is a little too late.


    Hmm?��Gas?


    A gas flows into the room at once as the air pressure drops. It was hydrogen sulfide.


    Not only is it deadly if inhaled by humans. It also corrodes metals.


    Hmm, with this gas, ......


    worked her magic.


    Neutralizing hydrogen sulfide is difficult in reality, but it is possible with magic.


    The hydrogen sulfide is decomposed into hydrogen and sulfur, and the sulfur is deposited on the floor as a solid.


    "<>"


    Jin D. combined the hydrogen with what little oxygen remained in the air <> back into water.


    This rendered the hydrogen sulfide harmless.


    "That''s quite a feat."


    Mm. We''d better get out of this hall as soon as possible.


    However, in spite of the diligent search by the five Lando''s, the exit was still not found.


    Jin D concentrates on searching for a way out with the RAND team.


    Then, the third attack is unleashed.


    The hall is quickly filled with liquid.


    Now ...... the water attack?��No, this is ...... acid!


    < has various analyzing functions and said <>. In other words, it is <>.


    "That''s just awful."


    The hall''s walls, floor and ceiling are coated with adamantite to prevent corrosion by hydrogen sulfide and hydrochloric acid.


    The exterior of the land is made of light silver, whose oxide film is not affected by hydrochloric acid.


    Jin D can also withstand hydrochloric acid without any problem, but <> has a stainless steel exterior.


    Stainless steel is not compatible with chlorine ions.


    In other words, it is dangerous to soak it in hydrochloric acid for a long time.


    "Uh, I think it''s ......."


    Jin recalls what little chemical knowledge he has left.


    "Hydrochloric acid......Hydrogen chloride HCl is electrolyzed to hydrogen H2 and chlorine Cl2. ...... Rand, all of you <>!"


    "Yes, Master."


    Lando and the others release lightning magic from their hands.


    It is an engineering magic as well as a lightning magic.


    A negative charge is generated on the right hand side of Rand and a positive charge on the left hand side.


    On the right hand side, hydrogen ions H+ gather and gain charge e- to form hydrogen atom H, which bonds with other hydrogen atoms to form a bubble of hydrogen H2.


    On the other hand, on the left hand side, chlorine ions Cl- gather, lose their charge e- and become chlorine atom Cl Cl-, and the chlorine atoms bond with each other to form chlorine Cl2.


    Normal electrolysis takes a certain amount of time, but the engineering magic also accelerates the reaction by increasing the speed of the ions, and in a short time, the hydrochloric acid becomes just water.


    Thank God, Master Jin!


    Your voice will be heard in the water.


    I thank . But the surface of his body has lost its luster.


    Jin D. then uses sonar to find a cavity on the other side of the wall.


    "<>"


    No need to risk being in this hall any longer, Jin D. makes a hole in the wall by engineering magic.


    The water, which used to be hydrochloric acid, flowed out through the hole.


    "I wonder what the management brain of this thinks when he sees this..."


    I don''t know. <


    "Indeed. It is indeed difficult to guess such thoughts.


    Eventually all the water drained away.


    "There seems to be a drainage system on the other side."


    Jin D guessed as he watched the water being sucked into a hole in the corner of the floor that looked like a drain.


    Jin-D guessed so, because a vehicle that floats on water should have such a drainage system.


    "I guess we''ll just have to go for it.


    I''ll take the lead.


    Land11 came forward and JinD seconded the motion.


    Land 11, Land 12, Jin D, <>, Land 13, Land 1 4 leave the room in that order.


    Land 15 is not in position and is in a ranger position.


    They exit the room in the corridor. The group continues on their way.


    "I don''t know if this is correct. It could be that they are going in the opposite direction.


    Yes, that''s true. But according to the information I have on the mobile base, it''s not completely the other way around.


    "Hmm?��Do you understand?"


    Unless the invaders have changed everything, I don''t see why they would go to such lengths.


    leads the way down the passage and turns left.


    This should be the right way.


    It was about 90 degrees off the path.


    walks carefully. Jin D followed behind her, but observed that her movements were somewhat awkward.


    "<>, are you not feeling well?


    "No, I''m fine. Not yet to the point of malfunctioning.


    It seems to have been slightly affected by hydrogen sulfide and hydrochloric acid.


    The seams on the exterior are affected. Maybe some corrosion inside as well.


    As you know, I have a replacement. Don''t worry.


    After saying this, <> continues silently down the passageway.

 1340 - - 36-06 Aisles and rooms and

    Through the eyes of Jin''s doppelganger (Jin D), Jin examined .


    "Well, I''d say it''s about 70% to 80%.


    Probably, the exterior joints were not sealed well enough and were damaged when hydrochloric acid seeped into the interior.


    Hydrogen chloride, the main component of hydrochloric acid, is volatile, so there is probably no residue left, but the damage is still there.


    However, it is not something that will cause the machine to stop immediately, so we will take a look at it for the time being.


    We cannot disassemble and repair it because it is in the hostile area.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    This way!


    leads the group without hesitation.


    The passage turns to the right and to the left, sometimes changing direction by 180 degrees. There are countless side passages, so if it were not for <> leading the way, the group would be completely lost.


    "Is this maze part of the trap too? ...... No."


    Jin D. stops and touches the floor.


    "......<>...... I see."


    <


    The < ahead of him stopped and looked back. Jin D. stood up,


    Jin D. stood up and answered, "I thought this passageway was made this way on purpose.


    Jin D. replied.


    What do you mean?


    "I was wondering why this passageway was so winding. I found a conductor embedded in the floor that I think is mithril."


    What does that mean?


    "Part of it is a giant magical circuit."


    I see.


    Jin considered the possibility that it might be used for the purpose of amplifying the waves of a specific frequency band of magical ...... ether waves,


    "Even if that''s the case, this shape is impossible,......."


    If it were circular like a magic circle, one could imagine a method of circulating it to increase its intensity, but the circuit here is curved.


    "But if we follow this circuit, we might be able to reach our destination.


    But denies it.


    No, that''s not possible. A control mage brain would not take such a risk.


    "Risk?"


    "Danger? If we channel another magic power into that mithril conductor, the genie''s out of the bottle.


    "That''s for sure."


    It''s easy to locate it, and it''s more susceptible to electric magic.


    "Let''s cut it out for now."


    Jin D. puts his hand on the floor and uses engineering magic.


    "<><>>...... okay."


    Now that we''ve broken it in a way that is easy to understand, we can easily fix it later.


    "This should give you some peace of mind."


    I see.


    The group started walking again.


    After five minutes, they found a door in front of them.


    What is this place?


    Probably a way station.


    A way station?


    It''s probably a room to screen out those who follow this passage.


    You mean it''s a trap?


    But she denies it.


    It''s not exactly a trap. It is something that can be passed if certain conditions are met.


    But there''s no guarantee it''ll stay that way.


    That''s for sure.


    What happens if the conditions are not met?


    "According to the information I have, the doors simply won''t open for us to proceed. ......


    I don''t think it''ll stay that way.


    Considering that we''ve made it this far without any interference, there''s a good chance that there''s something in this room.


    "However, I guess I''ll have to go."


    "Yes.


    I''ll go in first, Master.


    Rand 11 came forward.


    Thank you.


    Yes, sir.


    Jin D. and move back about 5 meters.


    Rand 11 then opens the door and quickly checks inside.


    "There seems to be nothing in there.


    There seemed to be no danger of a sudden attack.


    "Okay, let''s go in. ......Land11 goes outside and waits. Be ready for anything."


    "Yes, sir."


    With that gesture, Jin and the others stepped into the room.


    The door they came in through never closed ...... and, in fact, nothing happened.


    The room itself is a square room about five meters square.


    There is a door on the other side of the door that we came in through, which must be the exit.


    "Well, it won''t open.


    Jin D tries to open the door, but it seems to be locked and cannot be opened.


    If he tries to force it open, some kind of security device will be activated.


    We''re still a long way from our destination, so I''d like to get through this quietly if possible.


    "Well, that''s what we''re going to do at ......."


    * * *


    At Horaijima, Jin, who was piloting the doppelganger, was also twisting his head.


    "There must be a condition to open it, right?"


    .


    "Ah, that''s a possibility."


    Land11 is outside the room now, preparing for any contingency.


    "So if we bring Rand 11 into the room and close the door, something will happen?"


    "It is also possible that the result will be the activation of the trap?


    Jin thought for a moment about what to do,


    "I guess we should go.


    He concludes, "I guess we have to go.


    "If something happens, we can use the ...... transporter to escape.


    He then gives instructions.


    The magic screen linked to the doppelganger''s eyes showed Rand 11 stepping into the room and the door closing.


    At the moment the door closed.


    On the surface of the door, which seemed to be the exit, something like a pattern or letters appeared.


    At the same time, the walls of the room began to move as if they were crushing the group.

 1341 - - 36-07 Solving the Mystery

    "The wall is closing in!"


    Jin''s doppelganger (Jin D) shouts.


    The walls on either side of the room begin to move slowly.


    The walls on either side of the room start to move slowly, but the speed is quite slow.


    Hmmm, this seems to have something to do with the letters floating on the door.


    says in a calm voice. They look like patterns to Jin, but to <> they are letters.


    The top one is a number. 188......187... 188......187...186...... countdown.


    Perhaps that''s the time limit for this wall to crush us.


    I concluded after a quick guess based on the speed at which the wall was closing in on us.


    Then what do the other letters mean?


    "Well, I''ll leave that to you. It''s a logical question.


    What do they say?


    <<


    "Heh ......"


    Jin had heard of this famous problem. However, it was not a jewel but a coin that Jin knew.


    "You have a similar way of thinking. ......<<2 times>."


    "Mm.


    operated what appeared to be a button in the middle of the door and typed <<2>>.


    Then the wall stopped moving.


    "I guess you were right."


    "Yes.


    It seems that these quiz-like questions were one of the games for <>.


    It seems I have to solve one more question to open it.


    "What''s the problem?"


    <


    "What?"


    The masters liked to play with these thoughts. ** and ++ are the lapdogs that are not here in Ars.


    "No, that''s fine, but ......"


    Jin had heard a similar <. And he knows the answer. However, he had a slight concern about whether it would be enough.


    "Is <> the right thing to do?"


    "Yes, that''s the right answer. You understood me well.


    confirms his answer by typing it into the input area of the door. Then the wall that had been closing in returns to its original position.


    One more question.


    "Is there more?"


    You say that. What is it that belongs to you but is used most by others?


    Jin knows this too. He''s done it many times with younger children.


    A name.


    Yes, you''re right. is a big deal.


    "......"


    Jin was not sure whether he should be happy or not.


    Regardless of his thoughts, the front door finally opens.


    Let''s go.


    "Okay."


    , Rand 11, Jin D, Rand 12, 13, 1 4,15 and left the room in that order.


    Beyond that was a similar passage.


    "Are the traps gone?"


    I can''t guarantee that. If it is the same as before, there should be no traps, but I don''t know what is happening now. ......


    Before he could finish his words, something moving appeared on the other side of the passage.


    I was thinking of carving a shifting magic circle, but it seems that time is running out.


    "Is it a deformed golem or ......?"


    The group is preparing themselves.


    No, it is a golem of my type. Perhaps it was sent by the brains of this place.


    What exactly is its purpose? Jin and the others braced themselves.


    ��What is the purpose, intruder?]


    To normalize this facility.


    stepped forward and answered.


    The other golem also has a Mohawk on its head, indicating that it is the same type as the other golem.


    ��Thank goodness for that.]


    What?


    An unexpected word came out.


    ��I know there is something wrong with the central brain. If you can fix it, or rather, if you can fix it for me, I will be happy to help. I am auxiliary golem 066.]


    I see, 066, I am . This is my partner, Mr. Koroppo, and the Rand team.


    ��Okay. Pleasure to meet you.]


    Can you take us to the central brain?


    ��Of course. Follow me.]


    The 066 started back the way they came. Jin and the others followed.


    * * * * * *


    "Old man, do you think you can trust him?"


    On the island of Horai, Jin, who was wondering about this development, was discussing with the old man.


    <


    "I guess so. What should we do?"


    "I see.


    I see.


    Okay.


    Away from the group that was moving forward, Land 14 remained in place, hidden from view by invisibility.


    It seems that the invisibility was not detected.


    "Do you want me to engrave it here?"


    Land 14''s special equipment is a . It can release specific magic without loss of time.


    <, it is possible to engrave a magic circle on a metal or other material.


    It is in the shape of a large gun, and fires the magic recorded in the cartridge.


    <, a will be fired.


    <, will be fired.


    In this case, <. What it forms is a shifting magic circle.


    As expected, it took a few seconds, but we were able to carve a shifting magic circle on the floor.


    This will make it easier to send in reinforcements.


    * * * *


    How far are we going?


    ��We''re almost there. The destination is beyond that door.]


    Okay.


    Jin D,<>,land 11,12,13,1 5 were going to the door.

 1342 - - 36-08 Round 1

    Behind the door was a large hall.


    The diameter of the hall was about 50 meters. The ceiling is about 10 meters high.


    The walls, floor, and ceiling are all metal.


    Is this it?


    ��Yes. This is your graveyard.]


    What?


    As soon as the door closed behind them, a number of golems with massive physiques that looked like they were made for battle emerged.


    "It was a trap after all."


    Jin''s doppelganger (Jin D) and the four lands were calm.


    * * * * * *


    "It was a trap, after all."


    On Horai Island, Jin and the old man nodded to each other.


    "Father, shall I go now?"


    Reiko is standing by fully equipped.


    "Yes, please."


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    Reiko, start from the beginning in mana-bomb mode.


    "Yes, sir."


    <


    Okay. Please be careful.


    Once synchronized, it can be operated in the same way as a warp gate, but the disadvantage of a transfer magic circle that is engraved at an arbitrary location is that it takes time to synchronize its magic wave (etheric wave) frequency.


    In this case, it is easier to synchronize the Horai-jima side with the transfer magic circle engraved by Land 14, so this work takes only this much time.


    * * * *


    "......"


    "What is this?


    Jin D''s movement suddenly stopped.


    Land 12 immediately follows him, but his reaction is sluggish.


    "Is it an ether jammer or a similar attack?


    Lando and the others are working in mana-bomb mode from the start, so they are unaffected.


    Jin D''s operation should not be affected, but his ether waves have been disturbed and he has lost the ability to control his ship.


    Since Jin-D is not autonomous, it cannot engage in combat. Therefore, Land 12 and Land 13 followed him.


    Then the enemy golem attacks. <.


    There were 20 of them.


    All of them came at them at once.


    Aah!


    has a similar auxiliary function, but it is not designed for combat, and its movement has been slowed by corrosion.


    The malfunction rate has exceeded 50 percent,or .......


    The impact of being kicked and slammed against the wall seems to have severed the magic nerve and she was unable to stand up.


    But fortunately, the enemy golems did not pay attention to and were swarming around Lando and the others.


    They don''t use magic...... I see, so they can''t use magic either, since they are disturbing the free magical element (ether).


    The golems were attacking using only physical techniques.


    Land 11 and 15 are fighting back. 12 and 13 are protecting D. 12 and 13 are protecting Jin D.


    "<>, leave this to me."


    Land 11 says to , who is standing by the wall.


    A hand-to-hand battle ensues.


    Lando''s unit is for land battles. They are strong in this kind of situation.


    "Come on!"


    Land 11 and 15 are fighting an oncoming golem to protect Jin D, who is out of action.


    It is a one-on-ten battle.


    The enemy golem is powerful in its own way, but it is slow and cannot keep up with Lando''s speed.


    And Lando, who is built by Jin, is more powerful than Golem.


    In addition, the enemy golem''s attack means are simple blows and kicks. It did not use any technique-like moves.


    "They just come at us in the dark, without any technique.


    Lando had techniques, even if he was outnumbered.


    It''s a great thing. ......


    watched in amazement as the two fought.


    Speed, power, and size are usually opposites, but Jin had achieved all of them at a high level.


    This is the power of . ......


    Once again, Herenthe realized that what he had shown before in front of the forces was less than half of what he was capable of.


    Lando 11 and 15 were using fists, elbows, kicks, throws, and every other technique they could think of to take on the enemy golems.


    However, the number of opponents was too large, and they were generally evenly matched.


    They were just one step short of gaining the upper hand.


    While protecting Jin D, Lands 12 and 13 independently decided that the stalemate would continue.


    If one of them entered the game at this point, they would be able to break the deadlock.


    And so they began to act accordingly.


    Land 13, I''ll leave you in charge for a while.


    "Yes, sir."


    Land 12 first landed a powerful kick on the enemy golem that had attacked Land 11 from behind.


    The golem was hit from a completely unexpected direction and was blown away.


    Land 12 then caught one of the enemy golems attacking Land 15 and threw it with an <>, knocking it to the floor.


    The floor is slightly dented by the impact, and the enemy golem stops moving.


    The balance was easily broken, as the ratio of one against ten became one against nine.


    The extra 10% margin increased the time to keep an enemy golem away by 10%.


    This time is equal to an increase in attack time, which further increases the damage to the enemy golem.


    This positive spiral increased Lando''s advantage moment by moment.


    Then 1-9 became 1-8, 1-8 became 1-7, 1-6, 1-6, 1-8 became 1-7, and so on. Then 1-6, then 1-5. .......


    The enemy Golem had no chance to win the battle.


    Within two minutes of the start of the battle, Lando and his team had driven 20 enemy Golems into irreversible damage.


    this strong?


    was astonished at the strength of the Land troops. But Rand 11 has not yet let down his guard.


    "There is no sign of ...... auxiliary golem 066. Stay alert."


    And just as he predicted.


    ��It''s scary strong for something made by the natives. But how about this?]


    Just as the voice of auxiliary golem 066 rang out, eight new enemy golems appeared.


    Although fewer in number, they were larger in stature than the previous 20, and they also had weapons in their hands.


    In their left hand was a large shield, a tower shield.


    In his right hand was a sword or a club.


    ��Don''t underestimate them! I will slaughter you with all my might.


    The bell for the second round has just been rung.

 1343 - - 36-09 Land activity

    The standard equipment of the RAND team is the <>. This weapon is highly powerful and can cut through almost any material.


    However, since it is difficult to hold back, we are not carrying it this time.


    Instead, I have equipped myself with the .


    They are made of hyperadamantite, 20mm in diameter and 50cm long.


    Since they are too heavy as they are, they have been hollowed out to reduce their weight, but they still weigh 20 kilograms.


    Because of its weight, it could not be used in a one-on-ten battle, which requires quickness, but not this time.


    Using the sword, Lando and his men charged at the enemy golem.


    Lando11 caught the sword with his ten hands and turned his wrists.


    The sword caught between the hooks of the ten hands easily snaps off due to the principle of leverage.


    The enemy golem, having lost its sword, falls back, and another rushes forward with a shield in its place.


    This is a technique known as a in some circles, in which the enemy is struck with the shield.


    Land 11 barely dodged, but the other one came at him from the side with a similar shield bash, and he was hit by it.


    Land 11 was knocked off by a shield bash from an opponent who weighed about twice as much as Land 11, but with his agility and body movements, he was able to regain his position without falling down.


    However, another enemy golem thrust its sword at him.


    Land11 barely managed to block it with his ten hands.


    Land 11 barely manages to get out of the way for now, but it is clear that he is outnumbered.


    And Land 15 was also struggling.


    He is using ten hands because empty fists are not effective against a foe with a sword and a shield, but it is undeniable that Lando''s speed is slightly slowed down by this.


    This makes him lack the decisive power to overcome the outnumbering of his opponents.


    If Land 12 and 13 could join the battle, the situation could be reversed at once, but since they are protecting Jin''s doppelganger (Jin D), who is stuck, and also protecting <>However, it was difficult for them to actively participate in the battle because they were protecting the stuck doll (Jin D) and also protecting <.


    However, various battle information was transcribed to the RAND team.


    "15, come on."


    Lando 11 called for Lando 15, who was fighting a short distance away.


    "I got your back."


    "I''ve got your back."


    With that exchange, the two changed their tactics.


    In other words, they turned their backs to each other.


    In this way, they are less likely to be attacked from the rear. They only need to watch out for attacks from the front and from the left and right.


    Moreover, the opponent will have a more difficult time fighting. The front side will remain the same, but if you try to attack from the side, the two of them will get in each other''s way.


    Inevitably, one by one, they will attack.


    This means that there will be four enemy golems against lands 11 and 15, and the rest can only sit on their hands.


    However, this strategy also had a drawback.


    The enemy golems that were left behind would head for Jin D and .


    "12,13, bear with me a little longer!"


    Land 11 calls out.


    Land 12 and 13 nodded silently.


    "Now then, let''s get serious!"


    Rands 11 and 15 increased their speed. Since they had been fighting at 30 percent output, they increased it to 50 percent because they could not expect to replenish their free magical element (ether).


    They aimed for a short term battle.


    The results were dramatic. The increase in power means an increase in speed and power.


    It can repel sword blows that it used to catch with its ten hands, and it can withstand shield bashes.


    This means that the two that had been on the defensive can now go on the offensive.


    "Phew!"


    I don''t have to say it out loud, but since the original information included not only the movements but also the way of breathing, I end up uttering the sound that accompanies such breathing.


    Since there is no harm in it, Jin and the old man have left it unedited.


    Land 15''s ten moves broke off the enemy golem''s sword.


    Land11''s ten moves put a hole in the enemy golem''s shield.


    Rand 11''s ten moves slam into the head of an enemy golem that has lost its weapon.


    Rand 11 puts his hand through the hole in the shield and swings it around.


    The hyperadamantite ten-handed blow dents the head, and the enemy golem, swung with the force of Rand at 50%, falls down with a golem of the same type beside it.


    When the enemy golem''s movement is slowed down, a further blow is delivered.


    A blow to the neck with ten hands and a stab through the chest with ten hands. Two enemy golems are now immobilized.


    With their numbers reduced, the equilibrium is quickly shaken.


    Two more are stuck, and then two more.


    The Golem that Land 12 and 13 were facing has stopped moving as well.


    The situation is now one-sided.


    Soon all eight enemy Golems are neutralized.


    Well done, Rand!


    praised.


    "No, not yet. Unless we get out of here, we''re going to be outgunned.


    Indeed.


    "We could go back the way we came, but I''m not sure that would accomplish what we want."


    That''s right. But I can''t move.


    I can''t move.


    And three times the enemy golems appear.


    There are three of them.


    They were about 2.5 meters in height and had four arms.


    They have swords, hammers, spears, and shields on their arms, and look quite formidable.


    Land 12, who is guarding Jin D and , looks disappointed.


    "...... they seem to have a lot more pieces on their side. If we keep moving at our current output, we will run out of mana sooner or later.


    answered.


    It would be good if we could find out the location of the magic machine that is blocking the flow of free magic element (ether).


    "I see. But that doesn''t mean it''s in this room.


    That''s right. ...... here they come!


    One in Land 11 and one in Land 15. And now we have to deal with one on Lands 12 and 13 as well.


    "...... this golem is strong!"


    Having four arms is simply equivalent to taking on two of them.


    Lando and the others were having a hard time, as it seemed to have the know-how to manipulate its four arms at will.


    If they blocked the swords, hammers would fly at them.


    If they avoided them and kept their distance, spears would be thrown at them.


    If they dodged the spears and attacked with their ten hands, they were deflected by their shields.


    It was hard to fight.


    Seventy percent output!


    Land 11, realizing that he would be crushed before he could achieve his goal, sent out a command.


    Thanks to that, the battle was evenly matched. No, more than even.


    The ten hands of hyperadamantite flip and snap the enemy golem''s sword.


    The ten hands of the hyperadamantite flick and snap the enemy golem''s sword.


    Dodging hammers and slamming into shields, the enemy golem steps on its flailing legs.


    As soon as the golem falls down after another body blow, you follow up with two or three blows with your ten hands.


    Finally, the enemy golem is silenced.


    "Well done, Rand!


    < praises it with the same words as before.


    "Even with ......, we don''t have much mana left in reserve. I hope there will be no more of them."


    But five new enemy golems appear. This time they are heavily armored golems that seem to specialize in defense. They have maces in their hands.


    "This is not good. But we''ll just have to take it as far as we can."


    Reducing their power output to 40 percent, Lands 11 and 15 intercepted the enemy golem.


    But they are still outgunned. They receive a mace blow with their ten hands, but are unable to catch it and are blown away.


    The enemy golem also aims at Jin D and .


    <.


    So much for ......


    < says in resignation. But Land 12, who was standing beside her, repels the mace with ten hands.


    Then he shouts.


    "The free ether has returned!


    At that moment, the entrance through which they had entered was blown open.


    A small shadow appeared.


    "Sorry for the delay, but we have destroyed all the warding generators that were blocking the free magical element (ether). Thank you for your hard work, Rand team. Leave the rest to us.

 1344 - - 36-10 Reiko Relief

    Reiko arrives at the using the transfer magic circle.


    She is dressed in her usual samurai costume and a white headband.


    She is greeted by Land 14.


    "My lady, you are welcome.


    "Thank you for setting up the transfer magic circle. So, what''s the situation?


    Reiko immediately asked about the situation.


    "Yes, Lands 11, 12, 13, 15 and , and the master''s alter ego, Dorothy. It seems that a ward similar to an ether jammer has been set up in the room where Master''s doppelganger was headed.


    "I understand. I think we should destroy the generator first.


    We''ve already identified some of the locations.


    Land 14 was not sitting idly by. He was on the outside, doing what he could.


    And when he told Reiko about it, things got better.


    "The first one is over there.


    The first warding generator was located in the wall above the entrance to the hall where Jin''s doppelganger (Jin D) and the others had entered.


    "...... I''m sure your father will be interested in this, but this time it can''t be helped."


    The metal of the wall was sliced open like cheese or butter by the vibrating mode of his beloved sword, .


    "This is it."


    The Magi Machine was exposed. Reiko cut it in two with her Momoka without hesitation.


    "Next, this way."


    Pointing to the wall in front of her, Land 14. There was a seam running through it, indicating a passageway for maintenance.


    "We''re running out of time, so let''s do it this way."


    Reiko put her small hand on the seam. Her fingertips gradually sink into the seam.


    The nickel-chrome-molybdenum steel walls yielded to Reiko''s force.


    "Ei!"


    Reiko plunged into the maintenance corridor that appeared.


    "Miss, about 20 meters back, on the right."


    "Okay. I''m on my way.


    Take care."


    The passage was so narrow that an adult would have had to bend down to walk through it, but it was just right for Reiko, who was 130 centimeters tall.


    Reiko stops where Land 14 tells her to.


    It was a maintenance corridor, so it was not disguised, and she recognized it at once.


    She opens the hatch for inspection and sees a field generator.


    Reiko pulls it out. The conductors connected to it are torn off. She takes it out as it is for reference and deposits it in Land 14.


    "I think there are at least two more.


    If they are irradiated from all sides of the hall," said Land 14.


    "I guess so. Let''s go to ...... from the ceiling."


    Reiko floats up with the force generator and uses the sonar.


    "There it is."


    There was a maintenance passage in the ceiling.


    Reiko pried it open by force, and jumped in.


    Three minutes later. Reiko went through the ceiling to the corresponding area, and successfully destroyed the warding generator.


    She also destroys the other one placed further in the room.


    "Now Lando and the others will be able to wield their full power, but I''m going to go help them.


    "Go on, my lady."


    Lando 14 stayed behind to defend the place, while Reiko kicked open the doorway to the hall.


    There, Lando and the others are engaged in a fierce battle with a large enemy golem.


    Reiko tells them in a quiet voice, "I''m sorry I''m late, but...


    "It''s a little late, but we''ve destroyed all the warding generators that were blocking the free magical element (ether). Thank you for your hard work, Rand team. Leave the rest to us.


    Reiko," "I''m so glad you''re here.


    Reiko, you did well.


    In Horai Island, Jin was giving his compliments to Reiko.


    The connection with the doppelganger had been restored, and it was clear that the boundary that had blocked the free magical element (ether) had disappeared.


    Reiko is now dealing with several large golems, which seem to be her enemies.


    Her fighting style is not to overwhelm them, but to neutralize them with just a little more power than they have.


    It is mainly a slash with .


    What makes the hyperadamantite the strongest is its ultra-high-speed vibration.


    Blades vibrating at high speeds in the ultrasonic range can easily slice through softer materials.


    Combined with Reiko''s physical strength, it can cut through any known substance, except for hyperadamantite of the same quality.


    To prevent this, a solid physical barrier must be magically deployed instead of material.


    The heavy armor of the enemy golem and the mace in its hand were no better than ears of reed before <>.


    Slashing down arms, slashing maces, and slashing torsos, Reiko shows her lion-like strength.


    Soon the five enemy golems are silenced.


    ��Not bad for a barbarian''s creation!]


    A voice echoes through the hall.


    ��Have you come to reclaim this mobile base?]


    "Who are you?"


    Jin D asks.


    ��"I am the master of this base.]


    What''s the ruler? A usurper, isn''t he?


    retorts.


    ��You''re a ...... live puppet with a will made by a bunch of wimps?


    Wimps?


    ��That''s right. Wimps who ran away when they couldn''t live on their home planet.]


    With this question and answer, it was almost certain that the masterminds behind the incident were the people on Hale.


    They seem to despise those who emigrated, calling them weaklings.


    Are you a pawn of those who stayed in Hale?


    ��I''m not quite a pawn, but ......, that''s a fair assessment.]


    Why are you doing this?


    ��Why, what?��Because we need it.]


    Even if it does this planet a disservice?


    ��I don''t give a d*mn about the colony.]


    These words made her a little angry.


    It''s not a colony!��It''s a colony! It''s a second home for the people who settled here.


    ��That''s your logic. From our point of view it''s just the logic of weaklings who ran away on their own.]


    ......!


    Jin felt that the direction of this conversation was not fruitful, so he asked a question through the mouth of his doppelganger.


    "What did you intend to do by occupying this ?"


    ��That''s a foolish question. Naturally, we were going to bring the resources of this planet back to our home planet. Somehow, we are not making much progress.]


    * * *


    "Hmmm...arrogance...how can I put it?"


    "Yes."


    <


    Jin thinks that the reason why they are not making progress is because the <> side, including the <>, is resisting as much as they can.


    "But still, ......"


    Jin wondered if he had any sense of time, but the old man answered his question,


    it.


    I mean....


    "What do you mean?"


    is the time it takes for Ars to make one rotation. But we cannot < whether it is longer or shorter.


    "I don''t understand."


    .


    "Hmmm ......"


    Jin is lost in thought.


    "Is it something like ''experience time''?"


    When you are absorbed in something, time seems to pass quickly, and when you are listening to a boring speech, time seems to slow down.


    You are not like that, and a minute is a minute.


    The old man affirms Jin''s words.


    or if you have something to compare it with. However, we cannot evaluate whether it is long or short when we simply take out of it.


    "Well, I think I have an idea."


    Meanwhile, behind the magic screen, the question-and-answer session was still going on.

 1345 - - 36-11 Battle of Struggle

    ��What more do you want?]


    This planet, Arus, does not belong to Hale. It belongs to all life now.


    ��Nonsense. Do you know how many lives we took when we made it habitable?]


    It is ......


    is at a loss for words.


    ��You are no better than we are. Then we, the ancestors, must take precedence.]


    No, I do not agree with you.


    ��What?]


    Jin''s doppelganger (Jin D) interrupted.


    "Living things strive to live. That''s all."


    ��What do you mean?]


    "Don''t you understand?��I''m saying that if their lives are threatened, they will resist.


    ��The barbarian?]


    Which one of you can''t even touch a barbarian?


    ��You''re a man of your word, aren''t you?]


    That''s you. ......


    Jin D. is also disgusted.


    "If you want us to help you, just say so. If that''s the case, we''re more than willing to help."


    ��Speak nonsense. What can we ask of barbarians who fight amongst themselves on the same planet, and in the process, drastically reduce its population?]


    The voice seems to know about the war.


    "It was a conspiracy. Now the nations are trying to join hands.


    ��He calls them barbarians. Joining hands?��Is it not the act of the weak?]


    It seems that mutual understanding with the owner of the voice is difficult.


    I thought we had left that phase tens of thousands of years ago, when we were all competing for our survival.


    spoke up again.


    The must have broken away from such practices and were living on free magical elements (ether) supplied by the stars. Are you denying that?


    ��Don''t talk nonsense, you ignorant piece of junk. As for myself, I only follow orders.]


    * * *


    You''ve given up all thought.


    <


    On Horai Island, Jin and the old man are analyzing the exchange.


    "I knew it."


    <


    "I see."


    <<


    The "Mere Old Man''s" analysis. You are very different from the "Mere Old Man" who is a magic brain that can think and behave freely, although there are some limitations.


    * * * * * *


    is not only on Ars, but on other planets as well.


    did not give up and tried to persuade him.


    ��I only follow instructions.]


    Don''t you have free will?


    ��Stop laughing. There is no such thing as a creature.]


    Unexpectedly, the mysterious voice was confirmed to be a , or at least not a human being.


    ��If you interfere, I''ll show no mercy.]


    That''s our line. If you endanger this planet and its inhabitants, I will not remain silent.


    is and has been instructed by its to protect this planet, and there can be no compromise between the two.


    ��What can a planet of degenerates, weak people and barbarians do?]


    Here again Jin D interjects.


    "You call us barbarians and savages, but do you think you are so superior?��If so, it''s ridiculous."


    ��What?]


    "What were you doing sneaking around in fear of those barbarians?"


    ��You. ......]


    The old man is controlling the doppelganger now.


    They are deliberately trying to provoke and elicit a different response.


    ��The barbarian is being cheeky.]


    "You''re doing something that will make that barbarian think you''re a fool. Don''t you think it''s pathetic that we have to depend on a planet with barbarians in the first place?"


    [......]


    "Oh, you can''t reply anymore?"


    Indeed, as if at a loss for words, the mysterious voice fell silent.


    "Lando and the others, be on the lookout. Reiko, you take care of the guards."


    In the meantime, Jin D. got to work on the problem of .


    "Yes, sir."


    When he finished giving the instructions, Jin D. took this opportunity to start examining the immobilized .


    "Well, the joints are corroded and the movement is not good. The muscle fibers are intact, but their attachments are dissolved. This is why he is unable to move.


    He then invokes engineering magic.


    "<><><><>......"


    The work is completed in about 5 minutes.


    "Thank you, <>.


    "It''s just a stopgap measure, so don''t overdo it, okay?"


    Then, as if waiting for the repairs to be completed, the mysterious voice echoes again.


    ��I still think you are dangerous. We will exterminate you here.]


    How can you come to such a conclusion?


    * * * *


    The old man concluded so at Horai Island.


    "It seems so."


    <


    "I understand. But where should we go?


    We can''t do anything until we know.


    "Up there?"


    >.


    The old man guessed the floor level, taking into account the images he had seen with the telescope.


    "I see. Let''s leave the arguing to and let Reiko go on."


    Jin used the manacam to give instructions to Reiko.

 1346 - - 36-12 Isolation

    "Rand and the others, I''ll leave your father''s doppelg?nger and to you."


    Reiko sheathes and runs off without hesitation.


    ��Wait!��Where are you going?]


    Without answering his question, Reiko runs straight ahead.


    ��I said wait!]


    Reiko kicked through the front door without saying a word.


    The door blows open with a tremendous roar. Beyond it was a small hall.


    Standing there was a four-armed golem.


    ��I won''t let you go any further!]


    But Reiko kicks the floor and hits it with her tiny body.


    The four-armed Golem, not expecting a body slam out of nowhere and unable to react to the subsonic speed of Reiko, took a serious hit.


    Blown to the edge of the small hall, the golem slammed into the wall and never moved again.


    ��What the ...... are you!]


    "My name is Reiko. I will liberate this base."


    ��Stop it!��Stop it!]


    Reiko floated up with her force field generator and put her hand on the hatch in the ceiling.


    It seemed to be locked, but when Reiko pulled a little harder, it came off its hinges and fell noisily to the floor.


    ��"Don''t come!]


    "I''m coming!"


    Reiko steps through the open hatch. There, just as the old man had predicted, was the main body of the mobile base''s administrative brain.


    It is spherical in shape, about one meter in diameter, and is supported from the top, bottom, left, and right by 10 centimeter-thick rods. Reiko guessed that it was probably a pipe, through which a magic nerve or the like was running.


    On its surface, there were six black protrusions.


    The "Mere Old Man" was right.


    "You were right. You were right.


    <


    I thought there were five when I saw them with the peepers before.


    "Yeah. It was hard to see, and that''s not a big problem. We''re just getting started."


    * * * *


    "Now I''m going to make you normal."


    As Reiko approached, there was a near scream.


    ��No, stop!��Get away from me!��Get away from me!]


    "It''s okay."


    ��Oh, my God!]


    Reiko doesn''t grab the black prongs with her bare hands this time, but rips them off with her Momoka.


    ��No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. ......]


    "Be quiet."


    Reiko rips off all six of them, and slashes the <> with <>.


    "It seems like a waste. ......"


    She took safety over a little information.


    ��......]


    "How are you feeling?"


    < at the .


    ��...... Thank you. I feel better.]


    "You''re free now, aren''t you?"


    ��Yes. Thanks to you. But...]


    What?


    ��The invaders are still inside this base. Be careful.]


    Before he could finish his sentence, the base vibrated.


    * * * * * *


    <>


    The old man switches the image to the one from the <>.


    "What is this?


    What was shown on the screen.


    <


    Is it separating?


    <


    The , 2 kilometers in diameter, is separating from its surroundings and from its center.


    The diameter of the center is 300 meters.


    The center has been removed, and the doughnut-shaped perimeter has been separated from the center.


    .


    "Yes, it seems so."


    < had built an additional doughnut-shaped facility around the original .


    And it seems that the additional part was the base that <> needed.


    >


    "I hope everyone is okay."


    The ice that had adhered to the base had cracked, and the 300-meter-diameter center had lost its stability and was sinking.


    <


    "Then we can use the transporter."


    <


    Good.


    * * *


    "Ugh, what''s this shaking?


    <


    Abnormal vibrations occur, and the floor tilts.


    Then Reiko returned.


    "We have succeeded in releasing the brain!


    "Oh, Reiko! What''s that shaking?


    It''s probably just a desperate attempt by the person who attached the control unit.


    Then the old man called and Reiko and the RAND team found out what was going on.


    "......The barrier seems to have disappeared. Let''s evacuate for now."


    But what about this mobile base?


    "We''ll figure something out later. First we need to evacuate. Lando, take Mr. Helente and evacuate to Hotaka.


    "Yes, sir."


    Even if the floor is tilted, there will be no problem if we use the force field generators. Lands 11 through 15 grabbed the and activated the transporter.


    The transporter was specially designed to go to the battleship , which was standing by nearby for emergency evacuation.


    Reiko also contacts the Shinobi Forces with a manacam.


    My Lady, the old man has also contacted us. We will now all leave.


    Thank you very much.


    After confirming that everyone had escaped safely, Reiko went back to the brain.


    ��What''s wrong?]


    "No, all my colleagues have escaped. What about you?


    ��Don''t worry about me. Once the separation is complete, the original base will be exactly where I want it to be.]


    True to his word, the vibrations cease and the tilt gradually returns to horizontal.


    ��Originally, this could navigate both above and below water. Even though it is not yet complete, a few hours of navigation is not a problem. Be more careful of the base that the <> have built.]


    "Let me know if you know anything."


    [Yes, I do. First of all, ......]


    Reiko stays alone at the mobile base and tries to get information from the <>.

 1347 - - 36-13 "Disaster"

    "Oh, it looks like a little donut with a little hole ......."


    On Horai Island, they were watching the enemy <> through a <>.


    Then, using the warp gate of the battleship , the < and Land 11 to 15 returned.


    "Thank you for your hard work, everyone. There are no vacancies, are there?


    Yes, everyone is fine.


    Land 11 replied on behalf of the others.


    By the way, had returned from to by a transfer magic circle.


    And the enemy <> had shaken off the ice and was fully revealed.


    "What is that sphere attached to the donut?"


    One sphere about 50 meters in diameter is attached to the edge of the doughnut.


    "Is that some kind of a sign that it will be in front of us?"


    The old man denied the question.


    "No, sir.��What do you mean by "no"?


    "What?��...... I see. And Reiko?


    "I see. Put Reiko on.


    <


    Jin wanted to work on Reiko directly.


    <


    <


    "Oh Reiko, welcome home. You came back safe and sound, didn''t you?


    <


    "Thanks for your hard work. I see you got some valuable information. Thank you."


    Jin thanked Reiko for her help, even if it was brief.


    <<


    "Yes, thank you. I''m not sure what''s going on right now. You can wait there a little longer.


    <


    Jin then contacted the Mermaid unit in the water.


    "How are things at the original ?"


    <


    Mermaid 1 immediately replies.


    Mermaid 1 quickly replies. We don''t know what the enemy <> will do. Keep a good distance for now.


    Jin then turns his attention back to the image from the <.


    The old man tells us the information he got via Reiko.


    "That''s a blessing in disguise."


    Still, the enemy <> is two kilometers in diameter. It is huge.


    <


    "That''s a nasty name. ......"


    Jin associated a word with it.


    "disaster." means . Jin can''t help but feel bad about the name.


    < seems to have started to move northward. However, from the viewpoint of Antarctica, it is northward in either direction.


    <


    "That would mean it''s headed for a continent inhabited by humans."


    Then comes urgent news.


    <


    What?


    Jin, who had not given such an order to SkyTeam, thought ......, but then he looked at the screen and understood.


    "A saucer."


    It was a saucer from Onogoro Island. There were two of them. They were sent to check out the island, or to scout it out.


    "Does Marikka know about this?"


    <


    Marikka is not directly involved in this operation. She was only instructed that she would basically be under Jin''s command and that she should use her own judgment to some extent.


    The latter was an instruction that was given because there was a possibility that they would not be able to respond in time if they had to ask for instructions every time something happened, but it seems that <> really did make his own decisions.


    "I guess he also got information from <>."


    < is to protect this planet. < must be unforgivable.


    But.


    "It''s impossible with the fighting power of <>..."


    <> has.


    "That''s ...... true, too."


    Jin knows. Jin knows what the saucer machine is capable of.


    "That''s going to end in a blink of an eye."


    < who created may indeed have surpassed Jin''s.


    However, its direction had nothing to do with battle.


    From the looks of it, <> has not inherited such an idea of <>.


    "Maybe it was made by someone other than <> after all. ......"


    At that time.


    <.


    "Is that a <>?


    On top of the wind magic of the beginner class, it uses whirlwind to gather and scatter the target (group). This magic is also used for garbage collection, but its power and scale are far beyond the ordinary.


    "What?


    On the screen, the saucer machine trapped in the tornado was being whittled away as fast as it could be seen.


    "Maybe it''s fine particles of adamantite."


    There is a process called sandblasting.


    It is a process in which abrasive materials such as sand are blown onto the surface of hard materials with compressed air, and is used for rust removal and stone work (such as lettering).


    This is probably the same concept.


    The fine particles of adamantite acted like a file, and we saw the exterior of the disk machine being scraped away in an instant.


    And when the tornado disappeared, the battered saucer was left behind, and it crashed.


    "Hmm?��Where''s the other plane?"


    Only one plane crashed.


    <


    The other saucer had escaped the tornado and was heading for from a low altitude.


    "It''s hard to use a tornado at low altitude."


    It was thought that if the seawater was blown up together with the wind, it would weaken the power of the winds and reduce the effectiveness of the abrasive.


    "Oh, it fired something."


    Jin wondered if it was the equivalent of armor-piercing bullets on Earth.


    The spear hits , but does not pierce it. But it did not pierce the , and it ricocheted and fell into the sea.


    But the old man did not miss a scratch on the surface of the <>.


    <> is also nickel-chrome-molybdenum steel or its equivalent.


    At least, it does not seem to be a strong metal like adamantite.


    That was good news, but <> attacked the discus machine with another weapon.

 1348 - - 36-14 And the war.

    "What is that!"


    Flameball is the upper level of fire magic. It is a higher level of fireball and has a higher temperature, over 1000 degrees Celsius.


    "You''re going to launch it?"


    The saucer was burned a third and crashed into the sea.


    <<<< Disaster>''s armament seems to be a basic magic weapon>


    "It seems so."


    The armament of Horai Island is mostly magic + physical.


    I didn''t know if it would be effective against the huge < unless I tried.


    with Erza and the rest of the family.


    "What do you mean, old man?"


    There is a possibility that one of the weapons of <<<< Disaster may contain something that can cause an <>. Moreover, it is enough to cover the whole area on this ars>>.


    "......"


    <


    However, many of the members of the Jin Family are mages, and the old man says that he cannot guarantee their lives in the event of an "ether stampede".


    "Nun......"


    <>.


    "<> or ......"


    <> attached to the <> escapes, only <> can pursue it.


    "......I''ll be d*mned if I''m going to go that far. Okay, I''ll do as you say."


    Jin instructed the old man to gather all the members of the Jin family in .


    Of course, there is a conflict about what to do with the rest of us. But even Jin is not omnipotent.


    "The first priority is to deal with them so that they don''t cause an "ether stampede".


    "After this mess is over, we should consult with <> and <>.


    <


    "Yes."


    After exchanging these words, Jin moves to .


    The entire was already there.


    "Jin, the told me what happened."


    Reinhardt was the first to speak.


    "I also heard that Jin-sama is worried about us.


    Bertsche, who was holding Juliana, added.


    "But where are we, anyway?��I don''t like the idea of us being alone here.


    Martha says.


    "Grandma, we are in space. We''re way up in the sky."


    Hannah explains it in a simple way, but I wonder if Martha understood it.


    After all, there are no windows where they are now, so they don''t know where they are.


    I guess you can believe me when I tell you that they are somewhere on Ars.


    "The situation is as the old man explained. There is a man who wants to destroy the world and we are trying to do something about it, but we asked you all to come here so that you can fight him without worrying."


    Jin explained the background in a way that was easy for Martha and Meane to understand.


    "Of course, we have no intention of letting them touch us. But if something should happen to me, I''m sure I''d regret it, so that''s why I asked them to come here.


    No one said anything more to that explanation.


    "If you want to know what is going on, come to the central bridge.


    "Well, let''s go there.


    Following Jin''s words, the <>, namely Reinhardt, Berche and Juliana, Hannah, Martha, Saki, Goose, Luis (Count Kuzma), Bina, Marcia, Rodrigo, Tor, Stearina, Vivian, Licia, Sion, Marikka, Milowina, Meene, and Elsa was to go to the bridge.


    For some reason, the central bridge is the safest place to go.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    "Yes, yes?��I heard a voice!


    Martha is immediately startled.


    "Grandma, that''s the Great Sage, the magical brain behind this ship.


    "Oh, I didn''t know he was a .......


    <


    The Great Sage''s voice is heard and chairs are pushed up from the floor. There''s enough for everyone.


    Space is projected onto the magic screen in front of the room.


    "Wow, ...... is beautiful."


    "Wow, that''s amazing."


    "Oh, ......


    "I''m speechless!"


    Those who have been in space for the first time are overwhelmed by the view.


    In a corner of his mind, Jin wondered who had said that the jet-black velvet ground was covered with multicolored jewels.


    "Well, we have to find out what''s going on in Ars.


    Jin moved in front of a rather small magic screen. Erza and Reinhardt followed him.


    "Let us have a look at it."


    I don''t want to burden my brother Jin with this.


    Thank you.


    Jin and the others looked at the magic screen.


    * * * *


    The two saucers were completely silent.


    ��What an old-fashioned flying machine!]


    < looks at them and smiles.


    Then he declares.


    ��I''m going to conquer this world. Try to stop me if you can. In that case, there will be no mercy.]


    It seems that there is an external speaker, and it echoes through the surrounding waters.


    * * * *


    "Oh, that''s easy to understand."


    <, Jin and the others were indignant.


    "We must do everything we can to stop this.


    Then the old man calls.


    <


    "All right, cruisers, fire at long range."


    <


    The three cruisers, <>, <>, and <>, which had been dispatched earlier, turned their port side toward the <> and opened fire simultaneously.


    The distance between the three ships was 10 kilometers, and their shells were armor-piercing.


    All 27 shells of 9 guns x 3 ships, fired at subsonic speeds, hit the without missing.


    < vibrated.

 1349 - - 36-15 Reply

    ��Ooooooooh!]


    Twenty-seven armor-piercing rounds rocked the Disaster and pierced its armor.


    ��How can such a tiny ship threaten the Disaster?


    A 100-meter-long cruiser is tiny compared to the , which is two kilometers in diameter.


    Even though all 27 rounds pierced the armor, it was like a mosquito bite for the <>.


    At this stage, the central brain of <> still underestimated Jin and his men.


    ��Such an insignificant ship was no match for <>.]


    But another volley was fired, and this time 26 shots hit the target.


    ��"Cheeky! We''re on the attack!]


    <.


    <


    The three cruisers deploy a physical barrier as ordered by the Master.


    <>


    Next, use the force field generator to stabilize the fleet so that it will not be swayed by the wind.


    ��What?]


    The three ships that should have been hit by the tornado were still floating in the sea, apparently unchanged.


    ��Did they survive it?��......]


    The next moment after the tornado disappears, the ship is hit by another 27 rounds of bullets.


    <.


    ��Don''t be a fool!��Take that!]


    < uses a new weapon.


    <.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <, minor damage.


    The report was also sent to Jin in <.


    "Hmmm, is that the same type of magic as the ?"


    What was being deployed was a physical barrier (solid barrier). It does not prevent magic.


    "Are you using an ether analyzer?"


    <


    He replied immediately.


    >.


    "Indeed."


    Jin had developed a similar weapon, so he had an idea of how to defend against it.


    "An ether jammer.


    <


    * * * *


    The slightly damaged retreats a little, and the battleship joins the battle in its place.


    First, the main guns, six 30cm laser cannons, fired in succession. Then another and another.


    They were sucked into the without fail.


    Noooooooooo!


    ��Noooooooo!��This light!]


    < had a magic barrier, but the optical weapon hit the target without any problems.


    ��It is not to be underestimated. ......]


    However, this is also a small damage. It was far from a fatal wound.


    And then a further vibration shakes Disaster.


    ��What is it this time?]


    An investigation into the cause and location of the explosion reveals that the cause has not been determined, but the location is underwater.


    ��Undersea force ......?]


    The Mermaid unit attached a mana bomb to the ship and detonated it by remote control.


    ��There has never been such a report before. ...... They have been deceiving this central brain!]


    Finally, the central brain began to realize that the information he had was incorrect.


    Then, another explosion hits .


    ��Air power?]


    It is a mana bomb dropped by the squadron.


    They are larger than those of the Mermaid squadron, and their explosions are more powerful.


    Finally, some of <>''s armor is blown off.


    ��Mm......, you dreadful barbarian!]


    The central brain, which still does not stop calling him a barbarian even after all this, surrounds the area with a barrier.


    The mana bomb explodes on the surface of the barrier, and only a slight vibration is heard from the <> itself.


    ��I never thought that I would be shut up inside the barrier.


    The central brain was absorbed in its contemplation in order to break through this situation.


    * * * *


    <<<< Disaster>> has put up a barrier. It seems to be quite powerful.


    <, the old man judged that the optical weapons would be scattered or attenuated.


    <


    To repel such an attack, the "Aegis" shield could be used, the old man thought.


    Aigis, which has been developed to protect against meteorites, can defend against most of the physical attacks.


    <


    If we used a mana bomb that could destroy it all at once, there is a possibility that it could damage the planet Ars.


    <


    * * * *


    ��


    < had an accurate grasp of such a situation.


    ��At the current pace, we can go six months without replenishing our supplies.]


    The amount of free magical element (ether) that had been intercepted over the past thousand years had reached a tremendous amount.


    ��It''s a pity that we can''t use it for its original purpose, but it can''t be helped. First of all, we must conquer this planet.]


    prepares to launch a new weapon.


    ��First, a tsunami.]


    <


    It is effective against ships. But only against ordinary ships.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The old man observes the situation with his "peepers" and gives appropriate instructions.


    "Yes, sir. ......<>"


    The battleship <''s <> roared.

 1350 - - 36-16 vs. Disaster

    < and collide head-on.


    The waves collide with each other with a spray of water.


    At the same time, the magic causing the waves also collided and canceled each other out.


    The waves disappear, and the battleship is at leisure on the sea.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The old man, the brains of Horai Island, looks satisfied.


    And he ordered more attacks.


    <<<<


    ��What a surprise!]


    The central brain of <> grits his teeth.


    Then, an attack from Hotaka landed.


    ��What the hell?]


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The battleship <>''s <> can handle almost any kind of magic.


    This time it was gravity magic.


    The barrier of < is also gravity-piercing. This was the target of the attack.


    The structural material of creaked as the gravity of 100G was generated locally.


    Then two more shots were fired.


    The hull of the <> was ripped open and seawater poured into the ship, though it was only a small amount compared to the whole.


    The barrier became unstable for a while.


    The old man will not let such an opportunity pass him by.


    The battleship "Hotaka" fires a full volley of guns.


    Then, the cruisers <, , and , which had retreated to the rear, unleashed their magi cannons at full power.


    <''s main gun, in addition to six 46cm caliber Magikanon cannons, was armed with six 30cm lasers. Then, 27 magic cannons (Magikanon) from the cruiser were fired in succession.


    The unstable barriers succumbed to this onslaught.


    And the barrier, which had become even more unstable, finally collapses.


    >


    Not wanting to miss this opportunity, lasers and magi cannons are fired.


    The light weapons and live ammunition literally chip away at <>, destroying it.


    .


    After two minutes, the old man has them pause their attack.


    < is still floating, albeit slightly tilted.


    About a fifth of it was destroyed.


    <


    It is still sailing towards the Laurentian Continent.


    The old man then gave a renewed order to the Mermaid squadron.


    The Mermaid Unit''s combat power is low.


    Their raison d''etre is underwater exploration, and combat is an afterthought.


    However, once in battle, their capabilities are unparalleled.


    Regardless of their fighting ability, their true value is revealed once they have a weapon in their hands.


    Sent by transporters, there is no shortage of supplies.


    Hundreds of mana bombs are placed on the bottom of the .


    They are ignited simultaneously by a magic signal.


    ��Oh, oh, oh, oh!]


    <.


    And this time, it was at the bottom of the ship.


    The bottom armor is breached, and seawater flows in at once. The emergency bulkheads were not enough to stop it, and the <> tilted further.


    ��Hurry up with repairs!]


    The central brain orders the various golems under his command, or rather under his command, to repair the damage.


    [What is an underwater attack? ......]


    < was unfinished. It was completely defenseless against underwater attacks.


    During the repair work, another explosion occurred and half of the 20 propulsion units were shut down.


    And again.


    All of the propulsion units were shut down and the <> was left adrift at sea.


    >, pursuit!


    The battleship ''s laser cannon makes a new hole in the Disaster''s hull.


    < is not responding, and calls off the bombardment.


    * * * *


    That was awesome.


    "......, indeed."


    Bina''s words were followed by sighs from those who were watching the scene from in space.


    "I think it''s amazing that the didn''t sink even after being hit by that many attacks."


    Jin analyzes his opponent.


    "But I think it would be a waste to simply let it sink, or perhaps we can get more information out of it."


    Reinhardt offers his calm opinion.


    "That''s what I''m thinking. The question is whether it is possible."


    At this point, the old man called.


    <


    "Oh, that''s good news."


    <


    Please do so."


    The sub-magic projection window brightened, and the interior of the Disaster was projected on it.


    "This structure is a little different."


    The original < was the one we entered, so we can see the difference.


    "Is it because it was designed by the Hailians?"


    Elsa also expressed her doubts.


    "I doubt it. < was originally Haelian.


    Jin cannot help but wonder if there is a reason for the oddly shaped golem.


    Then, the image showed a magi-machine.


    "This is ......."


    "It''s a mana driver.


    Jin determined that it was a mana driver.


    "So you don''t use the Magi Reactor so that you can use the Mana Tank if you don''t have free magical element (ether). That''s an interesting idea.


    "If we detach this, will <> stop completely?"


    Jin thinks for a moment before answering Reinhardt''s question.


    "Well, I don''t know.��But is it worth considering?


    The battle against was about to reach a decisive stage.

 1351 - - 36-17 New equipment

    < completely, Jin and Laokun consulted with each other and decided to send a stop command to stop .


    The members of the command are the seven members from Land 21 to 27 and Reiko.


    Reiko is returning to Horai Island from the battleship using the warp gate.


    "Reiko, I''m counting on you."


    <


    <.


    She was not dressed in her usual apron dress.


    "Jin, Jin, what''s that look?


    I''ve never seen her before!"


    Most of the family members were seeing Reiko''s outfit for the first time.


    In a word, it was a battle suit.


    The basic concept was designed by Jin, but the design was Erza''s initiative.


    The basic material is ancient dragon leather, and the helmet is a composite of gigantopod shell and hyperadamantite.


    <


    The breastplate, hand armor, and shin armor are also made of the same material.


    In addition, it is equipped with a variety of magical armaments as additional equipment.


    The total weight is 20 kilograms, which is not a problem for Reiko.


    "Reiko was still in her samurai uniform when she was fighting, you know. I made it as an auxiliary equipment, rather than a power-up.


    In preparation for this battle, Reiko herself had made minor adjustments to increase her power by about 20%, but the main focus was on this one.


    "How can I say ...... that she is truly a ."


    Goose muttered with a look of admiration on his face.


    "A war maiden,...... indeed. And I was going to get Rand and the others some equipment, but I didn''t have time to get the numbers together."


    "Oh, so there are seven of them."


    The seven Lands were also dressed in battle suits of the same concept as Reiko''s, albeit of a different design.


    Unlike humans, they do not need to breathe, so they are completely airtight and watertight, and do not need oxygen tanks.


    For that reason, they are equipped with <.


    "So, the first thing we have to do is shut down the energy system," Jin said.


    Reinhardt nodded.


    "That''s certainly the way to do it. If we suddenly hunt down the brain, we don''t know what it will do.


    "That''s right. I''m just afraid of what they might do if they do something like an "etheric stampede" or something like that.


    "Oh, so that''s why you''re going to shut down the energy system."


    Saki nodded her head in agreement.


    "Yes. So, I want to confiscate <> and make it useful for us."


    And it seems that everyone on Horai Island is ready to go.


    <.


    * * * * *


    With the voice of the old man, Reiko and the seven Lando''s disappeared from Horai Island and appeared in the engine room of <> at about the same time.


    "There seems to be no mistake. This is the destination itself.


    Reiko said as she observed the gigantic Magi-machine that was there.


    "It is definitely a mana driver. The reason why they don''t use ...... the Magi Reactor is because, as your father said, in areas where there is no free magical element (ether), they use the mana tanks."


    "My lady, the enemy is here."


    Rand 27 says.


    Ten golems, also deformed, are coming with what look like weapons in their hands.


    "We will intercept them!"


    Reiko pulls out her . Lando and the others grab their as well.


    "My lady, we''ll take care of them. We''ll take care of the mana driver.


    Land 21 told Reiko.


    "I understand. I''m counting on you."


    Reiko swung Momoka and slashed it at the outer cover of the mana driver.


    There was a loud "gaaan" sound, and the outer jacket was cut open. The mana driver was cut open, but not enough.


    "It''s quite strong, isn''t it? Again."


    After slashing it four times, the outer covering was finally peeled off, exposing the inside.


    Is this the inside? I''ll ask the old man to record it at ......."


    Reiko asked Lao-kun to record the inside of the house, as it might be helpful for Jin later on.


    At the same time, she took a piece of the outer covering.


    This is also a souvenir for Jin.


    * * * * *


    "Oh, Reiko is really great, isn''t she?


    <


    "I don''t see the point of the battlesuit. ......"


    Jin is thinking about that kind of thing.


    Meanwhile, Lando''s team is fighting against 10 deformed golems.


    "No, it''s 7 against 10, but we''re not losing at all. That''s just great ......."


    Count Kuzma roars.


    The <> used by the Land Squad slashes through the deformed golems without difficulty, and the battle is over shortly afterwards.


    "...... the end?"


    "Oh, that was quick."


    Bina and Licia sounded dismayed.


    "No, it''s better than struggling, isn''t it?"


    Jin said with a wry smile,


    "That''s true."


    Bina answered with a wry smile.


    Reiko''s voice echoed.


    "Okay, do it."


    "Yes."


    Reiko cut the input part of the gigantic mana driver with a "Momoka".


    Next, the thick mithril conductor is severed.


    The control core is disconnected, the mana from the mana tanks is cut off, and the mana drivers are shut down.


    According to his investigation, there were still eleven such facilities.


    "All right, let''s go around and destroy them all."


    The members of the team respond to Jin''s instructions.


    Jin sends everyone back to the battleship , which is backed up by a , in order to improve efficiency.


    From there, they return to Horai Island via a warp gate, and then use the transporter to go to the location where the ''s mana driver is located.


    This may seem complicated at first glance, but the process is quicker because they do not encounter any enemies along the way.


    Thanks to this method, we were able to shut down all 12 mana drivers in an hour.

 1352 - - 36-18 Escape

    "Now that you''ve disconnected all the mana drivers, how is <> doing?


    <


    "I see."


    Jin nodded his head in understanding since the old man had similar security measures in place.


    "Well, let''s take out the moving facilities next.


    "Well then, let''s take down the moving facilities next, just in case the <> does something crazy.


    <


    The old man decided so, and sent Reiko and the Land troops as before.


    Reiko and the others are transferred to a place where a <> of some kind is installed.


    "This must be the main cannon.


    Reiko muttered, looking up at the huge cannon.


    Reiko reached out her hand gently, but was blocked by a boundary.


    "I guess there is a physical boundary after all..."


    "Miss, they''re here."


    Reiko turns around at the sound of Land 22''s voice to see five deformed golems protecting the Magi Transcription Cannon.


    "I''ll leave it to you."


    Reiko first of all concentrates on breaking the physical wards.


    "It seems that the wards here also have independent generators.


    Now that we have disconnected all the mana drivers, we can assume that all the facilities in operation have an independent energy supply.


    "In such a case, it is decided that they are inside the warding."


    It is a logical conclusion that if there is a generator outside of the boundary, it would be destroyed and that would be the end of it.


    "Then we just have to find it with magic and destroy it with magic."


    One of Reiko''s new equipment, an ultra-compact <> is built into her helmet, and the results of the scan can be read directly by Reiko.


    The range of effect is limited to a radius of 20 meters due to its ultra-small size, but in this case it is sufficient.


    "I thought it was the floor, but it''s the ceiling."


    I soon found out by following the flow of free magical element (ether).


    "<>"


    I used the pistol-shaped <> equipped on my battlesuit for a quick examination.


    The gun did not seem to be strong enough to protect against optical weapons, and a hole was made in the ceiling.


    As Reiko continued to fire her laser beam, the boundary in front of her wavered and vanished.


    "Now we can disable the , can''t we?


    Reiko first carelessly rolled up the outer cover.


    "It''s similar to the that your father made, but ...... this one seems to be less efficient."


    As might be expected, the construction lacked any enthusiasm for weapons development.


    Reiko ends the disabling of the weapon by cutting off a part of the internal magic circuit (magi-circuit).


    And Lando''s team also neutralized all the deformed golems that seemed to be used for security.


    "It''s over, isn''t it? Let''s move on."


    The tireless Reiko and the Land team, under the leadership of the old man, neutralized the facilities one after another.


    * * * *


    ��Mmmm... ...... Can''t we do anything about it?]


    The central brain tries to grasp each facility, but the supply of mana has been cut off and no response is forthcoming.


    ��How can we be disturbed by barbarians in the exercise of our noble mission? ......!]


    But no matter how much we gnash our teeth, there is nothing we can do.


    The few remaining facilities are being cut off one by one.


    ��It''s a shame. ......]


    The central brain has given up now that it has come to this.


    ��Even barbarians are not to be underestimated.]


    And they think about what they should do now.


    ��If we continue as we are, we will be destroyed, and we will not be able to fulfill our mission.]


    And we think about what we must do to avoid that.


    ��Strategic retreat.]


    There was no other way.


    And the central brain takes the necessary measures.


    * * * *


    has been completely neutralized.


    The old man said after checking the inside of the disaster with his "peepers".


    <


    < is the donut-shaped that partially protrudes.


    <>


    The old man''s words were unusually broken off in mid-sentence.


    "Oh, what is that?


    < is slowly coming off.


    "Don''t tell me ...... you can still fly?"


    The had told him that that part of the ship had once been the spaceship that had come to Ars.


    But the old man did not expect that it could still fly.


    <


    "No, it can''t be helped. <


    "I see."


    While he was saying this, a sphere of about 50 meters left the < and floated up. Then it slowly ascended.


    "Where do you think it''s going?"


    Reinhardt tilted his head.


    "Maybe they''re running back to Hale. It looks like it''s our turn. , be on the lookout!


    <


    The sphere gradually increases its speed and crosses diagonally far below <>.


    <


    "Now what do we do?


    We can''t just send them back to Hale and hope they bring back all kinds of information.


    On the other hand, I would like to confirm whether we are really going to Hale or some other place nearby.


    "What should I do?"


    Unable to decide, Jin consulted the members of the <>.


    In the meantime, <> slowly followed the sphere so as not to lose sight of it.


    "I think it would be better for me to catch it and get some information out of it..."


    "Yes, I agree with Reinhardt.


    Reinhardt and Count Kuzma, who had learned from the previous battles that they could overpower the enemy, said.


    "What about just sticking the markers on and letting them go?"


    Erza was somewhat reluctant.


    "That''s a difficult question."


    Saki is also wondering.


    "I''m not sure what we should do. ......"


    Licia looks puzzled.


    But then something happens that prompts them to make a decision.


    .


    <

 1353 - - 36-19 Re-insertion

    "Are you going to attack me?"


    shifts from alert to battle stance. Adriana puts up a defensive shield between her and the enemy sphere.


    "I think it is mainly a magic attack, so you should also deploy <>."


    .


    Thus <<> deploys the magic barrier outside of the shield.


    The enemy sphere, coming straight at you, fires something at you.


    <>.


    <.


    In the vacuum of space, it is difficult for lightning magic blasts to travel through the air, so they are fired in the form of <> or <>.


    It is a mass of high voltage produced by mana.


    However, it is of no consequence as long as it does not directly hit the target.


    Even if it is a <, its core is a kind of mana, so it can be prevented by a magic barrier.


    And the electric discharge was also perfectly prevented by the shield.


    "Amazing ......"


    Count Kuzma...... Lewis sounds impressed.


    "That''s amazing. ......"


    His wife, Beena, had the same reaction.


    No wonder, since no one has any experience in space combat.


    No, not even Jin.


    "The main thing is that we don''t want to destroy it. ......"


    Jin thinks that it is better to have as much information as possible, and the old man agrees.


    If we hit the enemy sphere at maximum acceleration with the defensive shield (aigis) deployed, it will probably break apart, but that does not guarantee that the brain part of the enemy is safe.


    "Maybe it''s from the inside after all. ......"


    replies to Jin''s muttering.


    "Well,...... I''m sorry for the continuous battle, but I''ll ask Reiko to do it for me."


    I''m sorry, but I''m going to have to ask Reiko to do it for me.


    "Father, leave it to me!"


    Reiko returns to Horai Island using the warp gate of the battleship , and declares loudly.


    Since the < infiltration had ended halfway, she must be thinking that this time is the right time.


    "I see."


    <


    However, they are not equipped with oxygen generators, so it is a little difficult to send a human being into space.


    However, Reiko, Lando, and the others have nothing to do with it.


    "Then you can use ."


    Jin gives his permission. Pegasus 1 is Jin''s private aircraft and seats 5 passengers. It is the most powerful aircraft in Horai Island''s fleet.


    < and are two-seater, so only one person can ride in them except for the pilot.


    The <> can carry 10 passengers, but it is not as maneuverable.


    "That will be fine. And send out two <> to support them.


    <


    Pilots will be selected from Sky squadron, and Pegasus 1 will be piloted by Sky 1. <


    "Okay Reiko, Lando and the others, please. Neutralize the spheres and bring back the information."


    Yes, Father.


    Yes, Father. - Leave it to me, Master.


    While the preparations were being made, the enemy spheres continued to attack without pause.


    All of them were protected by ''s magic barrier, but their persistence was astonishing.


    "Hmmm, why are they so vindictive in their attacks?"


    "Normally, I would think that they would retreat once they realize that their attacks are not working."


    Jin and Reinhardt looked at each other.


    Reiko and the others are ready to go out.


    They appeared by transporter about a kilometer behind .


    "Father, I''m coming!"


    "I''m off, master."


    A report comes in on the manacam, and Jin replies.


    "Yes, I will. But don''t be too hard on yourself, okay?��Everyone come back safe and sound!


    And the three jumped out.


    Raptors 1 and 2 are a diversion. They fly in all directions in front of the enemy sphere to attract its attention.


    The spacecraft is free of air resistance, and its occupants are not human.


    The Raptor 1 and 2 can withstand acceleration of up to 10G, making their flight unpredictable to humans and even to you.


    The enemy spheres that are targeting the two Raptors are disappearing into the void.


    "Now!"


    Judging that their attention has been completely diverted, <> launches itself into the sky, clad in <>.


    It approaches from the opposite side of the two Raptors.


    Then it passed through the magic barrier.


    Please hurry!


    Reiko thought that even though they were out of sight, they would be recognized if they passed through the Magic Barrier.


    When they were less than 50 meters away from the enemy sphere, Reiko and the others jumped out of the .


    "Thank you, Sky 1. Please return your father''s safely to Horai Island.


    With these words, Reiko and the three Lands aimed at the enemy sphere with their force field generators.


    In the blink of an eye, they closed the distance of 50 meters, and Reiko and the three Lands landed on the surface of the enemy sphere.


    "Whether there is an emergency hatch or not, we need to get inside, don''t we?


    After looking around for about two seconds, Reiko and the others confirmed that they did not see any emergency hatch.


    "Let''s do this."


    Reiko pulls out her .


    < mode.


    There seems to be no air inside, so there is no outpouring of air from the hole she made. Reiko continues to swing her .


    The armor was about 30 centimeters thick, so she could make a square hole of about 50 centimeters on each side without any problem.


    The hole was a little too small for the three randos, so he used engineering magic to widen the hole a little.


    Only Land 21 remained, and the spherical <> was to be crushed.


    Good luck.


    "You too."


    After a few seconds, Reiko and the two lands slipped inside.


    "The old man said... "The old man said that if it is spherical, the important equipment should be near the center.


    Then let''s go for the center.


    Reiko and the Lando team are communicating by manacam, so there''s no problem even if there''s a vacuum inside the ship.


    "They''ve already noticed us, and we''re running out of time, so let''s force our way. I''ll take care of it, miss."


    Land 22 fired a <> at the floor.

 1354 - - 36-20 Will

    Reiko and the others go through the hole in the floor to the center of the sphere.


    The interior of the ship is light, and Reiko and the others have no trouble navigating.


    This sphere, like , is also divided into layers. Reiko thinks that it must have been built in a place with gravity.


    "There was a staircase here.


    If there is a stairway, there is no need to make a hole.


    Reiko and the others are steadily approaching the center of the building.


    "Nothing happened..."


    Reiko mutters to herself, as she is able to proceed so easily that she is almost lost in thought.


    "Isn''t it a good thing if we can proceed easily?


    "That''s true, but..."


    Reiko nodded in agreement with Land 23.


    We went one level deeper.


    "We should be there by now.


    If the diameter is 50 meters, it is 25 meters to the center. I figured it had to be about 5 levels.


    "Isn''t it that way?"


    The cables and pipes on the wall are extending toward the direction Rand 22 pointed. It looks like there might be at least one important facility there.


    We walk slowly toward it.


    "It''s a bulkhead, isn''t it?"


    I am sure this is the right place.


    I''ll open it.


    Rand 22 steps forward and puts his hand on the bulkhead.


    "......?"


    "What''s wrong?��It won''t open?"


    Reiko asked Land 22, who sounded curious.


    "No, it''s not. No, it''s not. It''s just that I didn''t get any response.


    True to her words, the door opened with a slight creak.


    "By the way, there is air in this compartment, though it is thin.


    Reiko and the others had been talking on the manacam, but now they could hear noises.


    "There must have been some kind of air-trapping ward somewhere."


    Reiko and the others walk on, thinking that it does not matter so much.


    And then the magic brain appears before them.


    ��At last you have come this far, live puppet with the will of a barbarian!


    The brain uttered a voice.


    "You are the brain of this sphere?


    ��That''s right.]


    What was your purpose?


    ��It was obvious. To extract resources from the planet Arus.]


    What are you going to do with the resources?


    ��We''re sending them back to their home planet of Hale.]


    After all...


    So far, this is a confirmation.


    As a resident of Ars, I cannot allow that.


    ��We don''t need your permission. We''ll just take it by force.]


    But Reiko smiled at him.


    "You can''t do that anymore, can you?"


    ��Indeed. "Well done, I must say, even for a barbarian.]


    What''s in Hale anyway?


    ��My master awaits resources.]


    "Your master?��After all, are there still people left in Hale?


    ��Yes.]


    "I see."


    "I see." I have gained some valuable information.


    "Why from Arus?��When in the world did that happen?��Couldn''t it have been from another planet?"


    Reiko asked questions one after another.


    ��Since 1108 years ago. Of course, we have been to other stars to secure resources. But this one is the most suitable.]


    "Why is that?"


    ��I don''t know. It''s just that my master told me he was relying on this planet.]


    "I see. ......"


    Reiko feels a little sympathy for this magic brain. She is willing to serve her master, but only in that one way.


    "But there''s something I can''t give up either.


    ��Yes. A live puppet with a small will.


    Can you repel my attack?


    ��No. No, I cannot. But ......]


    But?


    ��But first, one more thing. Even if I am defeated, my master will eventually send someone better than me to represent me.]


    "Is that all you have to say?"


    [Yes, ....... Is there anything else you''d like to ask?]


    "I can''t think of anything right off the top of my head. "I can''t think of anything right off the top of my head, but it would be useful in a number of ways to take you home in pieces."


    ��I''m afraid I can''t allow that.]


    "What?"


    ��Disperse with me, you barbarian creature, a puppet with a will.


    !


    Oh, the attack!


    Oh, the attacks have stopped.


    It seems that Reiko and her friends did a good job."


    <, Jin is relieved that everything seems to be going well.


    "Land 21 seems to have taken out the attack weapon.


    "Well then, I guess we''ll be hearing a report soon.


    Saki is also a little excited.


    But then...


    Suddenly, the magic screen went completely white.


    "Whoa!


    "Kyaaaah!"


    Then, even in the vacuum of space, a vibration is felt.


    < stated the results of his analysis.


    <


    However.


    "The enemy sphere is not ......!"


    "Did the explosion just now explode the enemy sphere?


    "No way ...... self-destructed?"


    The members of the family are also pale.


    "Jin, where''s Reiko?��Where''s Lando''s unit?"


    "......"


    Jin did not reply.

 1355 - - 36-21 Summary Story

    Jin believed that Reiko was safe, but the sudden explosion caught him by surprise.


    He was about to think that Reiko was also .......


    <


    A sigh escapes everyone''s lips.


    < with it.


    "How did you manage to escape?"


    <


    That''s one of the functions of the battlesuit. Using the emergency transporter, he was transferred under the backup Raptor.


    "I see. I''ll see you on Horai Island."


    >


    After that, the old man sent a small spaceship to pick them up, and all the Reiko and the others made it to Horai Island safely.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Half an hour later, all the members of the Jin family returned to Horai Island. Reiko and her family returned to Horai Island at the same time.


    I was about to say ......, but <> returned to the island a little later.


    "What in the world is going on?"


    I asked Sky 1 who had returned late,


    "Yes, Master. "Actually, I noticed a small flying object after I saw the young lady off.


    He replied, "A flying object?


    A flying object?


    "Yes. It was a sphere about 50 centimeters in diameter. It jumped out of the spaceship and tried to fly away in the direction of Hale.


    Hearing this, Jin had an idea.


    "Hmmm...a communication spaceship to deliver information to Hale?"


    He couldn''t understand why the enemy''s brain had suddenly come to , but if it was a diversion to let the spaceship with the information go, it would make sense.


    "Yes. The old man guessed as much and I tracked them down with my . As a result, I judged that it would be impossible to capture him unharmed, so I shot him down.


    Sky 1 apologized for the delay, saying it was urgent.


    "Oh, yeah. Don''t worry about it. You did good.


    "I''m honored."


    Jin then praised Reiko.


    "I''m sorry for all the trouble I put you through this time, Reiko."


    No, I''m glad I could be of help to your father.


    Next was Lando''s group.


    Lando and the others, thank you for your hard work.


    "No, thanks to the new equipment, it was easy."


    "Well then, let''s hear your report."


    <


    "Yes, first of all, ......"


    Reiko began to speak slowly.


    At the same time, she transmitted the information to the old man using . The "Mere Old Man" keeps a record of the information and analyzes it on his own.


    Reiko''s explanation confirmed what we knew so far and clarified some unknown items.


    "I see. I''ll summarize what we know so far: ......"


    The originals were individualistic and divided into many factions.


    Most of them emigrated to Arus, but some remained on their home planet of Hale.


    They came to this planet 1108 years ago and began to divert resources.


    They have been trying to secure resources on other planets, but they have not been successful, and it is said that Arus is the most efficient.


    The mastermind of this project may be an individual or a family unit, since the singular form of <> is used.


    It is said that they do not like to fight, but their brains have learned rudimentary combat skills while they have been observing in Arus.


    Because they do not like to fight, their strategies and tactics are childish.


    He has the technology to block .


    They have the technology to modify the environment of the planet.


    "So that''s about it."


    Jin looks around at the members.


    Then Goose said.


    "Jin, tell me what you found out from your research on Onogoro Island.


    "Oh, yes. They use synthetic materials, don''t they?


    "They don''t use biological materials?"


    Saki was the first one to get on the subject.


    "Yes, they do. I thought Saki would be interested in this, but they have created a magical synthetic resin.


    Jin briefly explained about the <> he was developing.


    "Wow, that sounds interesting. Okay, I''ll take care of the development."


    "I knew you''d say that. I''m counting on you, Saki.


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    After a short detour, they decide to let Saki take charge of the project.


    "And now, I''m not sure about the . < either."


    "Hmmm... ...... but it''s not really necessary at the moment."


    Reinhard says. Certainly, now that <> and <> have been normalized, it is no longer an urgent problem to be solved.


    "Hmmm, but maybe we can do something about it, Oniichan."


    "What?


    What did you just say?


    Hannah''s sudden remark made everyone look at her at once.


    "You mean the <>?


    "Yes, that''s right.


    "You know, basically, the movement by <> is like pulling the <> of the object to be transferred, and the object that comes with it is transferred."


    "......"


    Hannah''s explanation makes sense to me, Jin.


    "That''s for sure. ......"


    "Hannah-chan, that''s amazing."


    Erza also shouted in admiration.


    "So in the case of <>, if free magic element (ether) is a particle, I''m sure < of them will be transferred, right?"


    "......"


    The others present were speechless, listening to Hannah''s explanation.


    "To use another example, if you want to transfer water, I think if you submerge the entire transition gate (warp gate) into the water, there will always be a pool of water inside the receiving transition gate (warp gate)."


    "I''ve never tried that, ......."


    Jin was surprised at Hanna''s idea, though he had tried to see if he could get a pipe through.


    "One more thing. I think we should focus on what we are recognizing and transferring."


    "Okay, thank you."


    Jin had come up with a new method based on Hannah''s words.


    "I''m glad I could be of help to you, Onii-chan."


    Hannah nodded with a big smile.


    I''m glad I could be of help to you," she said with a big smile.


    "Well, if you have any more questions, you can ask the old man.


    "So, what I''m more concerned about is the mastermind..."


    Jin opened his mouth again.


    "The mastermind. ......"


    Reinhardt folded his arms and looked at me with difficulty.


    "I''ve made a lot of hypotheses based on what they''ve done so far, but I can''t help but notice how childish they are. He is childish, isn''t he?"


    As someone who worked with children in an institution, Jin can understand some things, but in this case, anyone would have to say that he is childish.


    "Or it could be that he is physically an adult but mentally a child.


    "You could say that."


    Surprisingly, Vivien agreed.


    "Mental age seems to depend on the environment," she said.


    As a parent of a daughter, Toa agreed.


    "In any case, I think we''ll have to go to Hale sooner or later to settle this.


    "That''s for sure."


    "Well, that will be necessary."


    I''m worried about that.


    They all reluctantly agreed on the necessity of an expedition to Hale.

 1356 - - Report to 36-22700672

    Horaijima was busy with the aftermath.


    Fifty craftsmen (smiths) were dispatched to repair the damage to the original <.


    In the process of repairing, they are naturally allowed to study the technology.


    The information obtained was sorted out by the old man and categorized into those that were worth learning and those that were not.


    Jin himself is working with Marikka on the redevelopment of <>.


    Without Marikka, the "superintendent brain" of Onogoro Island would not have allowed him to do anything.


    "<>, it''s hard to call you as it is now, so can I give you a name?"


    One day, Marikka said something like that.


    Yes, of course.


    "Good. I''ll call you from now on."


    Okay, I understand. From now on I will call myself .


    Jin was later told by Zion that < means <.


    <>''s permission and ''s cooperation, the living facilities were remodeled.


    "It''s a much better place to live now, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, yes, that''s just like Jin!"


    Sion also came to support Marikka and lent his wisdom to remodel the house in the style of the <> clan.


    * * * * * *


    "The only thing left to do is to stop the free magic element (ether) condensation, but this is the hard part ......."


    Jin returned to Horai Island via <> using the warp gate provided, and consulted with the old man and Erza.


    <>.


    "Yes."


    <>. Mages convert free magical elements (ether) into magical elements (mana) on a cellular basis to obtain energy to cause magical events, but the conversion rate is constant from person to person and does not change rapidly.


    The conversion rate may increase with training and growth, but the increase is gradual.


    What would happen to such a mage if he were suddenly exposed to dense free magic element (ether)?


    Since the conversion rate is the same, if the concentration of free magic element (ether) is doubled, the amount of magic element (mana) produced will also be doubled. However, since the amount of mana to be consumed remains the same, there will be a surplus of mana.


    This excess mana is transformed by the slightest stimulus and becomes uncontrolled magical energy that torments the body.


    It may be a little easier to understand if we compare it to acute diabetes.


    Or perhaps it would be easier to compare it to oxygen concentration. A little is fine, but when exposed to too much oxygen, the body quickly runs out of energy.


    Too much of a good thing.


    "We have to think in terms of not years, but centuries. ......"


    "But where are we going to send the collected free magical elements (ether)?"


    <<


    Thinking for a moment, Jin understood what the old man meant.


    "I see. So it is as it is now.


    "I guess so. ......"


    The first thing that comes to my mind is that ferocious monsters and beasts will move south. If that happens, normal animals will become extinct.


    "Indeed."


    There are also ether tanks, mana tanks, mana cylinders, and mana cells.


    The stockpiling of energy could be useful ...... in case of emergency.


    "I''m thinking about it. I''ll be there when things calm down over here."


    * * * * *


    True to his word, Jin visited No. 700672 the next day and explained in detail what had happened.


    "...... and so on."


    "Well, that was an interesting story.


    When he had finished listening to Jin, he praised him.


    Jin-dono, you did a good job.


    He then expressed his own opinion.


    "It seems that my master was indeed a member of the .


    < were divided into and , the Residuals into and , the Emigrants into and , the Radicals into and , and the Moderates into , and <. >>The moderate faction was divided into the and the .


    The faction that migrated to the current demon territory and became the founders of the demon tribe was the <>, as Jin had guessed.


    "Couldn''t the first number of 700672, 7, represent such a classification?"


    Jin asks what comes to his mind.


    "No, I haven''t heard anything about that, but it is quite possible.


    It seems that 700672 was also unaware of this.


    "The 600012 that Jin-dono met before, that is, the ones starting with 6, may have been pioneers," he said.


    But he is not sure.


    "Next time, could you bring this Marikka over?"


    "Yes, of course."


    He is curious about the presence of someone who has inherited the characteristics of his masters.


    "Well, I think it''s a wise decision not to mess with the distribution of free magical elements (ether).


    "I see."


    I think it''s best not to mess with a biota that has been stable for tens of thousands of years.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin was relieved that the 700672 said so.


    "But I am surprised that you know about <> or ...... the <> who have remodeled this planet."


    "Is that so?"


    "Mm."


    Although 700672 was made on Hale, it was in an incubator at the time, so I don''t know much about <> at all. Therefore, I do not know much about <> at all.


    Therefore, he says, he has a desire to know about <>, if only a little.


    "I never thought such feelings would arise in me," he says.


    Jin, however, affirms this feeling.


    "No, it is the land of your fathers, isn''t it?��I think it is natural that you would want to know about it.


    Hearing these words, No. 700672 smiled.


    "Thank you, Mister Jin."


    "No, thank you."


    "...... Well..."


    The 700672 changed the subject.


    "What are you going to do about that mobile base?"


    "I''m going to leave it as it is for now. I think we should leave it as it is for now.


    "Yes, that''s true."


    At this point, Jin decided to ask for advice about something he had been thinking about for a long time.


    "There is one thing I would like to ask you.


    "Yes, let''s hear it."


    "Actually, ......"


    Jin began to speak slowly.

 1357 - - 36-23 Road ahead

    "Sometimes I wonder what I''m supposed to do in this world."


    "Yes, I understand that."


    In today''s world, Jin''s level is too extraordinary.


    "I''ve confided in a limited number of friends, but I''m not sure if that will be enough ...... in the future."


    "I see."


    Hearing Jin''s confession, No. 700672 fell silent. He then remained silent and thought for a moment. Jin waited without rushing.


    "Let me give you my opinion.


    After about two minutes, No. 700672 opened his mouth again.


    "Let me start with a general statement. Too much power is either feared or revered.


    "...... Yes, that''s right."


    Jin nodded.


    "From another aspect, it can be said that people tend to rely on their .


    "Yes."


    "In Jin-dono''s case, I don''t think he has anything to be afraid of. The most likely scenario is that he will rely on you.


    "...... understand."


    No. 700672 analyzes Jin''s position.


    "The most likely scenario is that someone will try to gain supremacy in the world by surrounding Jin-dono.


    "Oh, I wouldn''t like that."


    "Oh, I wouldn''t like that. ...... the next most likely scenario is that we''ll be depended on at every turn.


    "Yes."


    "It may not seem so bad here, but it''s not. It will stifle people''s aspirations and hinder their development."


    The future doesn''t look too bright for the 700672.


    "A worse possibility is that people will compare themselves with Jin-den and feel inferior. This is not the way to develop a healthy mind."


    "......"


    "In conclusion, I think we should keep Jin-dono''s true power a secret for the time being."


    "I guess so."


    The 700672 nodded.


    "After a few more generations, dozens of generations, when the level of the people catches up to the current level of Jin-dono, either by themselves or with a little help, then and only then can you tell us everything.


    "But that won''t happen while I''m still alive, will it?"


    No. 700672 smiles wryly.


    "That will be the case. Jin-dono and his descendants will have to keep up the pretense for the time being, of course.


    "I see. ......


    It is true that the human heart is weak.


    (If there is someone who is far superior to you, you will inevitably rely on, envy, fear, and be jealous of them. ......)


    Jin reminded me of a foreign special effects show I saw in an institution a long time ago.


    It is a story about a superhero from another planet who solves many difficult cases.


    In that story, too, the main character had a hard time hiding his true identity.


    (Is that the same thing?)


    In his childish mind, Jin thought that he would not have to go through the trouble of hiding his true identity if he came out as a rumored metahuman.


    (It also made sense for the protagonist of the transformation series to hide his true identity. ......)


    ) It was Jin who made a strange conclusion at an unexpected time and place.


    "So, you can mingle with people as you are now, while hiding your abilities?"


    "Yes. Yes, it will be hard.


    Thanks for the ...... advice.


    The way I see it, it''s just the way it is.


    It will be easier once the mess with Hale is over. Jin decided to think so.


    And then...


    "What are you going to do with the base you''ve confiscated?"


    700672 asked.


    "I''ve been thinking about what to do with it.


    "I know how you feel. It''s not good to leave things hanging in the air."


    "Yes. ......"


    < side says they don''t need it because they have the original . He said, "Do as you please, Jin.


    "What use is a mega-float with a diameter of 2 kilometers ......"


    Even if it is operated in Horai Island, it would be difficult to use.


    We can''t just send it to some other country ......."


    At that moment, an idea flashed through Jin''s mind.


    "Oh yeah!��<!"


    "What?��What is this "rescue team"?


    The unknowing No. 700672 asks Jin a question.


    Oh, I''m sorry. My name is <> to be exact. ......"


    Jin, who had inadvertently referred to them in the manner of a TV show he used to watch at the facility, reiterated.


    "It''s called the ...... World Guard, and it''s a concept of an organization that recruits personnel from various countries and contributes to world peace beyond national borders."


    "I see, interesting. And you''re going to use it as a base?


    Yes.


    Jin came up with the idea of having each country provide materials or funds for maintenance, and after repair, contribute to the world from a location on the sea in the middle of nowhere, with the mention that deus ex machina had discovered the ruins.


    "That might be a good idea. I will leave it to your discretion.


    Jin felt much more at ease now, but he had one more concern.


    "Last but not least, what should we do about the Hale problem?"


    "Hmmm ......"


    It''s a difficult question," said the 700672, who was indeed at a loss for words.


    I don''t know anything about Hale. I don''t have enough information to make a judgment. But if I were to put myself in Jin-dono''s shoes, I would need to confirm it.


    "I see. ......"


    If the beings in Hale need the resources of Ars, there is a good chance that they will react in some way now that their predecessors have been routed.


    And it will probably not be a friendly one.


    I for one would like to see them avoid a fight, though."


    < side of the 700672.


    "Really, I wonder what''s going on with Hale. ......"


    As for Jin, he doesn''t want any interstellar war.


    "No matter how much I think about it, we don''t have enough information. Maybe we should be well prepared and check the situation in Hale."


    "......"


    "There is no need for you to go yourself, Jin-dono. I''ll make sure of that."


    "Yes, sir."


    If possible, it would be good to set up a temporary relay station along the way.


    The 700672 is to place and operate a warp gate or a transfer magic circle at the relay base for backup, evacuation, and other emergencies. I recommended that a warp gate or a transfer magic circle be installed and operated at the relay station for backup or evacuation in case of emergency.


    "I see, that would be quite safe, wouldn''t it?


    "Yes. And you named the brain of the moon ......<>?��......, you might want to take some advice from that as well."


    With his knowledge of the universe, <> might be able to give you some different advice," concluded 700672.


    "Thank you very much for your help."


    "Well, it was a good time."


    The meeting ended up being quite satisfactory, and Jin returned to Horai Island with a sense of relief.


    "Well, I will be busy again.


    From the window of the institute, the sea was shining in the distance.

 1358 - - 36-24 Quiet talk 69 Post-processing Various

    After talking to No. 700672, Jin had been working on the modification of at a fast pace.


    Repairing the broken armor was easy, but the problem was the inside.


    There were many magical devices that did not seem to be appropriate for the current Ars. The majority of them were <<>.


    "After all, this design looks like a child''s drawing. ......"


    Jin thought to himself as he supervised the work of the craftsmen (smiths).


    In the end, most of the interior was replaced or newly built.


    Living quarters, meeting rooms, infirmary, and mess hall were necessary.


    Since there was no command center, a new one was set up, and lines were arranged so that every corner of the base was known.


    A dock to receive ships, a flight deck to land hot air balloons.


    Warehouses for food, materials, hangars, archives, and so on.


    "Oh, what a pain in the ass!"


    It would be much easier to build a new one," Jin blurted out.


    However, since the old man is supporting him, Jin''s workload is less than half.


    Despite his grumbling, Jin went on with his work.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Now it''s time for deus ex machina."


    On the day when the base was 90% repaired, Jin had a discussion with the old man.


    "Yes, ...... wherever you place it, there will be countries near and far."


    This will be made known to the nations in the near future.


    Jin was planning an expedition to Hale as soon as the Ars was somewhat organized.


    "What do you think about the relay base?"


    "I see. That would be nice."


    <


    It seems that even free-magic waves cannot penetrate the source itself.


    We also know that even if we set up a <>, the distance is too large and the position of the repeater is unstable, as expected.


    <


    "Yes."


    If the coordinates can be fixed in space, <> should be stable.


    Once this is completed, we may be able to observe the situation in Hale without leaving Ars.


    "Why don''t we get one of those crafts?��A 10-meter class ship won''t be able to carry enough materials.


    <


    "Yes. About 100 meters in diameter.


    All right, let''s get to work.


    Thus, the construction of a new starship was started.


    * * * * * *


    Oh, um, ......


    "Marikka-sama, you have undoubtedly the same magical power as ."


    Jin visited 700672 with Marikka as promised.


    And just as he had expected, 700672 accepted Marikka as the successor to .


    "After so many years, I never thought I would find a man I could serve again."


    "Yes, yes."


    Maricka was in an uncomfortable mood.


    "Please, give me your orders."


    Marikka can''t think of anything to say.


    "Oh, yes."


    "Yes?"


    "...... may this world be at peace forever. And please cooperate with Master Jin in a friendly manner.


    Yes, sir.


    Marikka''s wish is granted, and the 700672 will continue to help stabilize this world.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "...... is nice to have a home away from home."


    "Yes, it is."


    Count Kuzma and Bina were relaxing in the living room when they returned to the Blue Lands.


    "I didn''t know gin was such a great thing to do."


    "Yes, he is. ......


    "It''s hard work, isn''t it?"


    "It''s hard work. I am trying to protect this world, not because anyone asked me to, but just because I can. The mental strain must be quite heavy."


    "We have to back them up."


    I agree.


    I agree.


    "Ah, the sea."


    Marcia gazed at the sea in front of the workshop and muttered to herself.


    "I wonder what happened on the other side of that ocean. ......"


    "Yes, indeed."


    My father Rodrigo agreed in a tired voice.


    "The world is full of surprises that we don''t know about, isn''t it, Dad?"


    "Yes. We must do what we can to help.


    Yeah.


    Yes.


    "Jin-san, you were fighting an enemy like that without anyone''s knowledge or recognition. ......


    Back in Toka village, Licia was staring at papers in her office, ruminating in a corner of her mind about the events in space the other day.


    "Licia-sama, the next document is here.


    Fred, a former boy soldier who had become a secretary, came in with a stack of papers.


    "Thank you. Put them there. Put the ones you''ve finished with there.


    "Yes, sir."


    Licia stops writing and looks out the window.


    "I have to work hard, too," she said.


    She then renews her motivation.


    * * * * * *


    "Happy Birthday!


    December 5th is Rodrigo''s birthday.


    < gathered to celebrate despite their busy schedule.


    "Well, I''m embarrassed ...... to be celebrated at my age," he said.


    "I think someone once said that a birthday is not to celebrate being old, but to celebrate the anniversary of one''s birth."


    At Jin''s words, Rodrigo bowed his head to everyone, embarrassed.


    "Thank you ......."


    Incidentally, Jin also gave Rodrigo a . He was a very conscientious man.


    * * * *


    Nothing has changed in the village of Kaina.


    "Ah, it''s nice to be on the ground, isn''t it?


    <, muttered to herself after every step.


    Soon it will snow in the village.


    Hannah said as she looked at the white mountains in the distance.


    "Yes, but thanks to Jin, winter will be easy to live with. But thanks to Jin, winter is getting easier to live with.


    "Yes. We have hot springs and golem horses!


    The wind blows cold, but the village of Kaina is full of warmth today.

 1359 - - 37-01 "Avalon"

    On December 8, 3458, a special was held at the that Jin had seized.


    The deus ex machina invited the leaders of the world.


    Jin cooperated with the meeting, as it was supposed to be.


    Makina played a leading role in this event.


    Considering the future, he has created a special magical brain for Makina and entrusted its operation to him.


    < is an independent magic brain, it is under the control of the who is the head of Horai Island.


    "You have found a great thing, ......."


    Gerhard Hilde von Rubies, the Shoro Imperial Princess, exclaimed in admiration.


    "No, indeed. I didn''t know there was anything like this in the south. ......"


    Cesar Valois de Cerlois, King of the Kingdom of Cerlois.


    "Mmm, this is truly amazing."


    King Harold Luan Autoclase of the Kingdom of Egelea also expressed his admiration.


    "This is also, what can I say ......".


    King Alois III of Klein was absolutely thrilled.


    "I am as much in awe as you are," said the Dauphin Elias.


    The one who is exclaiming is Alphonse, the Dauphin of Elias.


    "I never thought such a thing existed in this world."


    Lotharus de Lafayette, King of the Kingdom of Franz, was also astonished.


    In a world where large wooden vessels were finally being built, this huge all-metal structure was far beyond anything that could be imagined.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!


    A deus ex machina voice rang out.


    Everyone turned their heads in that direction.


    "I will now begin the explanation.


    After confirming that the five-colored golem maids brought by Jin had prepared chairs and that everyone had sat down on them, Makina continued.


    "I have been exploring in the south where free magical element (ether) is scarce, and I found such an ancient relic (artifact). It was badly damaged, but with the help of Jin-dono, we were able to repair it and move it here.


    is at 50 degrees west longitude and 10 degrees north latitude. This is the sea west of the Elias Peninsula.


    The depth of the water is about 100 meters, which was suitable for anchoring the base.


    "This artificial island is 2 kilometers in diameter. It can sail at speeds of up to 10 kilometers per hour.


    Oh," he said.


    "The inside of the island was damaged so much that we haven''t been able to repair it, but we think that we can develop it from now on.


    Makina explains that they will be able to make improvements as needed.


    "Fortunately, we have a lot of waste materials from repairs, and we can recycle them using engineering magic, so we don''t have to worry about running out of materials. We don''t have to worry about fish food since we are surrounded by the sea.


    The leaders nodded to each other.


    "You can use engineering magic to build buildings on this deck, or you can use the empty rooms inside. We would like to use this artificial island for the benefit of mankind.


    Makina looks around once more at the leaders. They all seem to have no objections.


    "I think it would be a good idea to set up a to hold the world congress and the headquarters of the <> here."


    There were no objections to this statement.


    After a short pause, Makina continued.


    "For now, we have placed this island in this area because it is easy to fix, but if you think there is a better place, please let us know.


    But no one speaks up.


    That is true. <, you will not be able to give your opinion unless you are familiar with the undersea conditions.


    "Thank you for agreeing with me. Now, let me give you a brief tour of the interior of this artificial island.


    As soon as Makina said this, the heads of state stood up and followed her with their guards.


    Only Jin and Reiko remained.


    "So far, so good."


    "Yes, father. < is doing well, isn''t he?"


    Yes. I''d be very grateful if you could make this work the way we want it to.


    "It will be fine. The old man assured me.


    Yes, he did.


    This is a story with little disadvantage to each country.


    In addition, if they do not accept this offer, this mighty artificial island will remain in the hands of a deus ex machina.


    The old man''s view was that the leaders of the world would not remain silent on this matter.


    "If they approve it, we will have a gift for them.


    "Yes, that''s right.


    I''m sure you''re right.


    About three hours later, the leaders returned from their tour of the artificial island.


    "Thank you for your hard work.


    Jin thanked them for their hard work and ordered the five-colored golem maids to prepare tea for them.


    "Ah, it was a tiring but worthwhile time.


    "Mmm. I''m looking forward to the future.


    "Just the fact that this base won''t belong to any particular power makes it worthwhile to have the world conference here."


    Everyone is talking freely, and from what I can hear, they have a good grasp of what is going on.


    At this point, Jin decided to make a final announcement.


    "Gentlemen, I have a proposal of my own.


    At this statement, everyone stopped talking and turned to Jin.


    "I think the problem with setting up the headquarters of the and the here is the traffic.


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    "So, as for myself, if the headquarters of the is to be located here, I have a plan to provide each country with an airship of the same type as the <, with a pilot. With a pilot, of course."


    This statement caused a stir among the participants.


    < is 200 kilometers per hour, which means that each country will be able to arrive here within a day.


    "Jin-dono, is this true?"


    Prime Minister Shoro asked urgently.


    "Yes. We had materials on this artificial island, so it was just a matter of time and effort.


    This is actually incorrect. Some rare materials were brought from Horai Island.


    However, since I would have been pestered about the source of the materials if I told them, I decided to conceal the fact this time.


    Even so, Jin who obtained the fragments of the long-period planets has more materials than he can use.


    He also intended to use them at a time like this.


    Six airships were moored at the edge of the man-made island, one for Klein, one for Egelea, one for Elias, one for Franz, one for Cerroa, and one for Shoro.


    An automaton of the same model as Edgar, who had recently become an accomplished pilot, was given as a pilot, and a golem of the same model as Smith, a craftsman, was given as a mechanic.


    Of course, since they are detuned, their performance is slightly inferior to the originals.


    Even so, they have a performance that ordinary automata and golems would not have a problem with.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "Then, tentatively, I hereby declare the establishment of the <> and the <> headquarters, <>!


    Deus ex machina declared in front of the heads of state and government.


    Avalon, by the way, is an island that appears in the legend of King Arthur.


    This, Jin thought, was a great step forward in uniting the human race.


    "We can look to Hale with no regrets."


    The sky was almost dark, and the brightest star was shining.

 1360 - - 37-02 Ready, steady, steady.

    "I went south the other day to follow the saucer and happened to find this."


    "That''s right. ......"


    Jin was giving a detailed explanation to the emperor at the palace in Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom.


    Since Leusert had recently been damaged by the <> wards, Jin had been looking for an opportunity to explain to her.


    "So that''s how you ended up at those ruins.


    "That''s right. And then, in cooperation with Machina,...... or rather, Machina neutralized him.


    Are we out of danger now?


    Is there no more danger?


    "Yes. I can assure you of that, myself and Makina can assure you of that.


    I am relieved to hear that.


    Jin explained that the malfunction had caused this << malfunction> in the first place.


    He also said that they had to destroy some of the original equipment to correct the malfunction.


    "So, nothing should happen anymore. On the other hand, it would take about 100 people to operate the properly.


    He explains that this is because he has destroyed all the control mechanisms that caused the malfunction.


    "We were able to move them there with our maid golem and Machina''s golem, though. It''s still not enough to make it function as it should."


    Jin said, "We should train the to include such things in the future.


    "Yes. That''s a positive idea.


    The queen nodded.


    "For my part, in addition to the <><>, I''d like to create a <> as well.


    "A world school, huh? I like it. So regardless of nationality, one can learn the best of the best.


    The empress immediately understood Jin''s intentions.


    The meeting between Jin and the empress continued with small talk for about 15 minutes,


    "Thank you for today. If I stop working any longer, the Prime Minister will be angry with me.


    The day ended with the woman saying regretfully, "If I stop my work any longer, the Prime Minister will be angry with me.


    The day ended with the female emperor saying regretfully, "Well, I guess I''m done now.


    "Well, I guess I don''t have to worry about it anymore.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Brother Jin."


    Jin returned to Horai Island and was relaxing in his <>.


    "When are we going to Hale?"


    "Well, it''s not me that''s going to Hale, but the spaceship.


    After your mother''s birthday. ......?


    That''s the plan.


    Meine''s birthday is December 13th. <.


    "Thanks for the ......."


    "What are you talking about, you wouldn''t dare to forget your mother-in-law''s birthday, would you?"


    It was a bitter memory that I had forgotten Hannah''s birthday.


    "After the new year, January 28th is Martha''s birthday and February 8th is Hannah''s birthday.


    Jin reminded himself not to forget.


    "Have you already made the clocks?"


    "Of course."


    <," Jin said.


    "They should be the same color as the bracelets.


    "Brother Jin is a good worker.


    Jin''s temperament must have been nurtured during his time at the orphanage. Small children do not like to be left out.


    After relaxing, Jin, accompanied by Elsa and Reiko, asked the old man to check the progress of the craft.


    "Oh, that''s great."


    Yes, we have been building on the moon from the beginning.


    The weight of the components is reduced, so the strength of the scaffolds can be reduced as well.


    If the weight is reduced to zero, the members will not be stable, so the "Mere Old Man" said that the "moon" is just right.


    The mass does not change, so the inertia remains the same, but the < weight improves the work efficiency.


    Although the craftsman (Smith) originally had sufficient physical strength, the work efficiency was improved by 30% to 50% in the moon (Yunyi).


    "Okay, thank you."


    Jin was relieved to know that he could now take another step toward Hale.


    "Brother Jin, what are you going to do when the craft is finished?"


    Jin is back at once again, eating the lunch Erza made for him and talking.


    Today''s lunch is tempura soba. It is hot soba with tempura of prawns from Tatsumi Bay.


    The dipping sauce is a little light in flavor.


    Drinking the sauce, Jin answered.


    "First, I will send out the craft. Then we will build a simple base between the orbit of Ars and Hale.


    "What kind of simple base?"


    "What kind of simple base?" "I haven''t explained it yet. ......The basic structure will be a disc about one kilometer in diameter, with a force field generator for orbital correction, a large transfer gate (warp gate) for transporting supplies, and a small accommodation facility.... ... we think."


    "...... supply base?"


    "You could say that, and it''s also a safety backup. It''s got a little combat power and a barrier."


    It is an unknown territory.


    In the end, it would be Jin''s doppelg?nger that would actually go to Hale, but even so, he wanted to take all possible measures.


    "You also said that they are building a spacecraft for exploration on the moon (UNY).


    That''s encouraging.


    That''s reassuring.


    As Jin, I was a little curious to know what kind of spaceship <>, the brains behind the moon, was building.


    He thought about taking a peek at it, but on second thought, he decided to wait until it is completed and unveiled to the public.


    "Well, I''ve finished my lunch," he said.


    "...... have you got any plans?"


    "I''m going to the village of Kaina. Do you want to go too?


    "Oh, Hannah said she''s going to do some experiments.


    Yes, that''s right.


    "Yes, I''ll go."


    So, Jin, Erza, and Reiko moved to the village of Kaina through the warp gate.


    Incidentally, I use the one in Nido Castle for official visits as a lord, and the one in the basement of Jin''s workshop for private visits.


    Of course, this is not the case in case of emergency.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Ah, Onii-chan, welcome!"


    Due to the time difference, it is a little before 11:00 a.m. in the village of Kaina. Hannah had just started to prepare for lunch.


    "Hannah, let me help you.


    "Thank you, Erza!


    "I''ll help you, too."


    "Yes, Reiko!"


    With no way out, Jin decided to wait in the workshop.

 1361 - - 37-03 The flowering of talent

    "Hey, girls, have you had lunch?"


    "Oh, we''re fine, we''ve already eaten."


    Hannah is convinced by Jin''s answer.


    "There''s the time difference, isn''t there?"


    Hannah and Martha have lunch.


    Jin, Elsa, and Reiko are waiting in the workshop.


    "Hey, honey, thanks for waiting..."


    Hanna comes out of the house after lunch.


    And then Hannah said..,


    "I know I said I was going to experiment, but first I wanted to show you something.


    She said, and started walking toward Nido Castle.


    "Something you wanted to show me?��I wonder what it is.


    Jin, Elsa, and Reiko followed.


    Less than 10 minutes later, they arrived at Nido Castle.


    "Well, you know, it''s in the lounge on the second floor.


    There is a lounge by the window on the second floor, where people can chat, have a snack, or read a book.


    Few people use it, though.


    And what did Jin see there?


    "Drawings?"


    "Yes, it''s the first drawing of the Free Aether Transfer Device!"


    Hannah said something shocking.


    "What?


    "Did you draw this, Hannah?"


    Jin, Elsa, and Reiko were surprised.


    Hanna had created the Magi machine, which Jin had worked so hard to realize, but had been unable to do so in a satisfactory form.


    The mobile base and the that had been confiscated had been destroyed and could not be analyzed.


    Jin felt that it was too late, and that was all.


    However, if Hanna had reproduced it, it would have been a different story.


    "Oh, this is just a drawing, and there is a possibility that it would not work if you actually made it, right?


    "That''s true, but ......."


    Jin stared at the drawing, still half-amused.


    "Let''s see... ......"


    Hannah explained.


    "I''ve been thinking about it a lot too. First of all, I asked the old man how the warp gate works.


    "That''s great, Hannah."


    "So, I thought that the warp gate is a subspace tunnel connecting two locations. And the tunnel has a spatial gradient and is normally set to one-way traffic."


    "Yeah."


    This is the same as what Jin also guessed. Hannah is thinking independently, and it can be seen that her ideas are extraordinary.


    "So, when an object enters the starting point of this , it is forced to move through the , but I think it pulls the of the object to be transferred, and the object following it is transferred, didn''t I tell you before?"


    "Yes, I heard that."


    If the object is wet, the water on the surface will be transferred along with it. Also, if it is fur or feathers, the air between them will be transferred together.


    "Based on this, I thought about how to send free magic element (ether).


    "Mm-hmm."


    Jin was drawn into Hannah''s explanation.


    "First of all, we have to increase the concentration of free magical element (ether).


    "I understand that."


    By increasing the concentration of free magic element (ether) in the sending side, we can create a difference from the receiving side.


    If there is no difference in concentration, there is no meaning in the transfer of free magical elements (ether).


    "You can raise the concentration of free magical element (ether), right, Onii-chan?


    "Yes, I can."


    Jin has made an ether condenser in the past.


    "Using it, we can increase the concentration at the sending side to at least 10 times that of the receiving side."


    In this case, the concentration is the ratio of the space allowance.


    The highest value of 100 percent of the concentration of free magic element (ether) is, of course, the maximum amount of free magic element (ether) that the space can accept.


    According to Jin''s assumption, free magic elements (ether) are one of the elements that compose the space, and they are arranged in a cubic grid.


    Then, what happens when the number of free magical elements (ether) increases from a state of 100 percent free magical elements (ether)?


    The answer is <.


    I call it < for the time being, but it is actually not the same thing.


    If there is an object, it enters its interior and creates <>, or creates <> such as <> or <>.


    If there is no object, only free magic element (ether) precipitates and crystallizes. This is the .


    "Well, I hadn''t thought of that."


    "Hannah, that''s great!"


    Hannah''s explanation was beyond Jin''s imagination. Especially the part about the creation of magi crystals.


    "I thought that magi crystals were free magical elements (ether) that had entered the in the crystalline structure of pure matter.


    Hannah nodded at Jin''s words.


    "Yes, I think that''s the case with ordinary . What I imagined was a crystal of pure free magical element (ether).


    "Is there such a thing?"


    "Well, I don''t know. It''s just my imagination. Maybe someday you will find it somewhere in the universe. ...... But more importantly, let''s talk about free etheric transfer!


    Hanna herself says she is not sure how accurate her theory is. Her attitude was already that of a top-notch researcher, Jin thought.


    "Let''s see, <> and what follows is transferred>>, only one particle of free magical element (ether) is sent in a single transfer."


    Indeed, that would be the case with this theory. It would be the same for air molecules.


    "So, we just need to devise a way to put the free magical element (ether) together."


    "I''m getting the idea.


    "The first thing I can think of is to prepare a container for free magic element (ether), put free magic element (ether) inside ......, and place it in a place with high concentration of free magic element (ether), the concentration inside will naturally become the same as the surrounding area, right?"


    "That''s right."


    Jin could imagine what Hannah was saying and waited for her next words.


    "If we transfer the container and open it at the receiving end, the free magical element (ether) inside will overflow outside, right?��I''ve never done that before."


    "Yes, Hannah is right.


    In fact, it is more of an ether tank than a container, but it does not affect Hanna''s theory at all.


    "We send that container back through <> warp gate, and send it back when we fill it with free magical element (ether) again."


    Can we call it a piston transport by two warp gates?


    Certainly, the method Hannah describes seems to work with reasonable efficiency.


    "......I think anyone can probably come up with that much."


    "What?


    To my surprise, there was more to Hannah''s story.


    "What you really want to do is to transfer free magic element (ether) directly without using a container, right, Onii-chan?


    "Yes, well, that''s right. ......


    "So I was thinking. That''s the second one, but this one is still just a theory.


    Jin listened to the explanation, beyond impressed, astonished that Hannah could really think freely.


    "Didn''t you ever think of using a transporter to send free magic element (ether)?"


    "......"


    Jin exclaimed. Elsa was also at a loss for words.


    That was the first thing she had thought of, but Jin recalled that the experiment had been ineffective.


    He had not approached them since then.


    "You know, I think we can do something if we change the magic formula of <> and <>. ...... this one is completely in my imagination."


    "That''s great, Hannah!"


    "Kya."


    Jin realized that the method had a good chance of success and picked Hannah up in his arms.


    "Let''s experiment right away!


    Elsa looked at him smiling.

 1362 - - 37-04 The Vulcan

    As it turns out, <> was right on the mark.


    By adjusting the flow of magical control (Magi Sequence) for <> and devising the Magi Formula for <>, Jin was finally able to realize free magical element (ether) transfer.


    However, <> and <> involved an extraordinary amount of trial and error and hard work.


    <, the was finally completed.


    "It''s done!"


    Congratulations, Jin-brother.


    "Congratulations, Jin-brother." "Congratulations, Onii-chan!"


    It''s all thanks to Hannah.


    Erza and Hanna, who had rushed over to congratulate Jin on the completion of the project.


    "Congratulations, father!


    Then Reiko and the old man also congratulated Jin.


    "No, again, this is thanks to Hannah.


    Jin expressed his honest feelings.


    "But this will give me a wider range of activities.


    We can replenish our supply of free magical elements (ether) in the southern hemisphere, where free magical elements (ether) are still scarce, and we can deal with situations where we need a large amount of free magical elements (ether).


    "To distinguish it from the one I made before, let''s call this one and the other one .


    Naturally, we plan to replace them with this one in due course.


    And on the same day, the <> was also completed, and was being tested by the Space Force Golems.


    The old man requested.


    "Yes. ...... then ."


    <> is a Roman god who is identified with Hephaistos, the Greek god of blacksmithing.


    Jin named it so because <> = manufacturing = craft ship.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, now can go to space at any time."


    Jin muttered with satisfaction after finishing the final check.


    , the old man declares.


    The old man declares.


    We are going to the planet Hale, which is supposed to be on the other side of the sun Celan. It would be better to start at noon, but since Ars is spinning on its axis and we are not heading straight for Serran, but rather 90 degrees ahead in the orbit of Ars, this is a good time to start.


    "So, let''s see... ......"


    <


    "A little over six days."


    We''ll look at seven days, to allow for acceleration and deceleration time.


    And then.


    "Tonight we''re having a party."


    December 13th was Meane''s birthday.


    Birthday, birthday, birthday... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Happy birthday, Meine."


    Happy birthday.


    Happy birthday to meine!


    On the night of the 13th, all the members of the gathered on Horai Island to celebrate Meane''s birthday.


    "Thank you very much, everyone. ......"


    Her voice is shaking a little from emotion.


    "Happy birthday, mother!"


    Elsa, her own son, was pouring the wine.


    "Thank you, Elsa.


    For once, she is dressed in a dress instead of the usual chambermaid''s outfit.


    Meine, with her chestnut-colored hair pulled back in an updo, looked so young that she could not have been more than 36 years old.


    "Mother-in-law, this is a present from me.


    "Thank you very much, Mr. Jin."


    Meane, who even to this day still used the name "Sama," was a true samurai woman at heart.


    "This is for me."


    "Thank you, Elsa."


    "This one''s for me."


    "This one''s from me."


    This is me.


    "Thank you very much, ......."


    Meine was so moved that she broke down in tears. Elsa is at a loss for what to do as she sees her mother for the first time.


    Then, Jin comes in,


    ��Erza should hold her in her arms.)


    (Elsa should hold her in her arms.) Jin advised her in her ear.


    "Nn."


    Erza gently hugs her mother.


    "Elsa......"


    "Mother ......"


    Mother and son hugging each other.


    Everyone gathered in the room looked at them with tender eyes.


    "......I''m sorry for showing you my embarrassment."


    After a few moments, Meine calmed down and apologized to everyone with a blush on her face.


    "No, no, you don''t need to apologize at all.


    Reinhardt spoke for everyone.


    "Thank you for ......."


    From then on, the conversation was friendly and relaxed.


    Jin also took the opportunity of the gathering to explain about to Meane.


    "...... So, we built a 100-meter-diameter craft and sent it out. The purpose is to build a simple base in the middle. Once this is done, we will be able to transfer to the Hale area."


    According to Jin''s current research, even free-magic waves that can penetrate a planet cannot penetrate a star that is generating free-magic elements (ether).


    Therefore, they thought it would be a good idea to make the transition in stages, going around the sun Celan.


    "I see."


    Everyone seemed to agree. However, Saki made an unexpected remark.


    "If we use ......, you know, the ?��That would mean that the destination to which it was sending out free magic element (ether) was not Hale, right?"


    "......"


    "Sure, right.


    "So you are saying that Hale might also have a relay station."


    That would be the case.


    "Hmm. ......"


    < really encounter the relay station set up by Hale?


    Jin did not know.

 1363 - - 37-05 Findings

    The spaceship was hurtling through space at 400 kilometers per second.


    Nothing was noticeable except for the stars, and only the occasional space dust particles crushed and shattered against the indestructible shield <> that had been deployed.


    Six days have passed since the craft left the planet Arus.


    "The ship is sailing smoothly. We should be slowing down shortly.


    <, Golem Cosmos 501, sent a regular message to the old man on Horai Island.


    <, Golem, made a routine call to the Captain of the , Cosmos 501. Continue with your mission.


    "<> Roger that."


    Retrograde acceleration is applied and <> is decelerating at 3G.


    The first target point is on the orbit of Ars, a quarter, or 90 degrees, ahead of Ars.


    The intermediate point is on the other side of the sun Celan, which is one-half, or 180 degrees, ahead of Ars.


    "If the speed drops to 50 kilometers per second, the shield stops. Switch to normal barrier."


    "Roger that."


    According to the contact we received after our departure, there is a strong possibility that the Hale side has a relay base as well.


    Whether it is on this side of the orbit or on the other side, i.e., 270 degrees ahead, is unknown.


    If there is a relay base, the probability of meeting is 1 in 2.


    aimed for the planned position while mobilizing all of his detection magi-machines.


    "There is an object in front of us at a horizontal angle of 10 degrees and a vertical angle of 15 degrees.


    This report came from the department in charge of detection when the speed had slowed to 5 kilometers per second.


    "Okay, change course. Let''s approach it carefully."


    "Yes, sir."


    decides to approach the object with inertial navigation at a speed of 5 km per second.


    At this speed, it can stop or break away at the maximum acceleration of 30 Gs if the need arises.


    "Distance, 100,000 meters."


    The distance is now sufficiently far to be observed by optics.


    <


    At the same time, the image was also sent to the old man on Horai Island.


    "This is an interesting shape.


    The object was hemispherical. The detailed dimensions cannot be measured yet, but it must be approximately between 5 and 20 kilometers in diameter.


    It is a rather large structure.


    Distance, 50,000 meters.


    When we got close to this distance, we were able to observe details.


    Perhaps because we are approaching without using the power system as much as possible, no reaction is observed.


    "<> activated.


    From this distance, even a small telescope can observe the object without blurring.


    <


    * * * *


    On the morning of December 20.


    A report was received from on Horai Island. Jin receives the results in the command center.


    "I see, there it is after all.


    <


    "But it is hemispherical. Is it man-made?��Or was it a modified asteroid?"


    And as they watched, the distance closed in and <> activated his <>.


    "Yeah, I think we''re good at this distance."


    <>.


    "But this is ......."


    It looks like a half sphere, with a cut flat surface facing the sun.


    There were some buildings and other facilities scattered on the surface. The design was familiar.


    It looks like a mobile base.


    <


    The old man agreed with Jin''s idea.


    The images coming from the screen got closer and closer until they finally reached the surface.


    The hemisphere is also made of metal and does not seem to be made of an asteroid.


    The image switches to the interior of the facility on the flat surface.


    "It''s from the sky."


    It looks like a warehouse or something.


    And then the video continues.


    "Oh, so we are finally inside the hemisphere.


    There were numerous small rooms. There are no doors attached, so the interior can be seen clearly.


    "Magi crystals, iron ore, copper ore ......?"


    <>


    "But not as much as I thought. ...... after sending it out to Hale?"


    And then the image goes on to show yet another compartment.


    "Is it stopped ......?"


    .


    "Are these lights ethereal luminaries (AL)?"


    "Anyway, let''s be careful and investigate thoroughly."


    For another hour, the interior of the hemisphere was thoroughly examined by <>.


    "Hmmm......... I''m still pretty sure it''s stopped. The question is whether or not there is a possibility of restarting it."


    The old man added to Jin''s words.


    he said.


    <


    Jin gave up early and decided to leave it to the old man.


    It is several times or even dozens of times faster to leave it to him than to check it himself.


    Another 30 minutes passed.


    .


    The old man reports. At the same time, the image was projected on the magic screen in the control room.


    "Is this the ...... hole?"


    "Is it debris from the long period planet ......<>?"


    <


    The hole projected on the magic screen is estimated to be about 10 meters in diameter. There are some fragments of meteorite around it.


    "But would that be enough to shut down this huge base?"


    Jin knows that important facilities and equipment should not be concentrated in one place to avoid the risk of failure.


    Jin and the old man decided to wait for more information.

 1364 - - 37-06 Research and

    The investigation of the mysterious base discovered by in space proceeded slowly.


    It took another two hours for <> to complete almost the entire interior survey. As a result, no moving objects were found inside.


    The old man, who was analyzing the images on Horai Island, concluded so.


    If it had been destroyed by a foreign enemy, it would be troublesome to deal with it.


    "Do you think there is a foreign enemy ......?��The old man."


    Jin asks the old man.


    <


    I see.


    Jin nodded his head in agreement with the old man''s reasoning. It is true that the Hailians are not monolithic. Or rather, they are a group of individualists, so it is not surprising that they have differences.


    Whether they would commit the folly of sabotage is another matter.


    "So, did you find any evidence of sabotage?"


    <


    "Indeed. I''ll leave it to you to decide.


    I am not the kind of person to give orders to your well-meaning actions. He knew that.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Floating in space, the was stopped relative to the mysterious at a distance of 3 kilometers.


    "We have been instructed to investigate this base carefully."


    The captain, Cosmos 501, told his second in command, Cosmos 502.


    "Then, shall we send in a survey command?"


    "Yes, we will. <, will react to the investigation command. You are requested to be careful and to expect it.


    The old man thought that if there was some kind of reaction, he would be able to obtain further information.


    "Then, let''s send in ten men wearing battlesuits.


    The battlesuits have already proven their usefulness. <, Jin had mass-produced dozens of the battlesuits worn by the Land team.


    Due to the materials, it is impossible to make enough for all of the Horaijima Golems, but he has prepared 20 battle suits for each of Sky Squad, Land Squad, Marine Squad, Mermaid Squad, and Cosmos Squad.


    The Cosmos Squadron had 10 battle suits for , and 10 for this .


    Ten of the 560 from Cosmos 551 in battle suits were equipped with <>.


    ��We have just arrived. I don''t feel any gravity.]


    Copy that. Please continue your investigation.


    After a brief exchange of views, the ten bodies decided to investigate the flat surface first.


    ��The material is nickel-chrome-molybdenum steel. The same quality as the disastor.]


    ��There are many fine scratches, probably caused by cosmic dust.]


    The plane faces the sun, so the sun is shining down on it tremendously.


    In the midst of all this, we arrive at one of the facilities that look like a warehouse or hangar.


    ��The facility appears to be little deteriorated.]


    The facility is made of metal, so there was little deterioration due to ultraviolet rays.


    We know that the interior is empty through the Peeper Telescope.


    ��Still, there may be something to discover by visiting it in person. Let''s check it out.]


    ��Roger that.]


    Cosmos551 and the others slowly open the door to the facility. The door is unlocked and there is no corrosion, so there is no problem.


    ��It''s empty after all.]


    ��It seems so. ......?]


    Cosmos551 stared at a stain on the floor of the facility.


    ��This stain looks relatively new. ...... what do you think?]


    ��I wouldn''t say it''s new, since we''re in outer space, in this facility where there''s no ultraviolet light.]


    ��That''s true. But what is it?��Oil?]


    Dark brown, fatty luster stain.


    ��Analysis.


    Since the Cosmos Unit can all use engineering magic, I''ll try to analyze it.


    ��It''s some kind of oil ...... grease.]


    ��That''s unusual.]


    That''s because there have been no examples of Hale-related technology using oil with a high viscosity like grease for lubrication.


    ��This might also suggest something.]


    Cosmos 551 would send this kind of information to the old man.


    Most of the facilities on the plane were warehouses or hangar-like buildings. It is surprising that they were all empty.


    ��It could have been after the sortie.]


    ��Indeed.]


    Cosmos 556 and 551 looked at each other.


    ��It is quite possible that the went out from here.]


    And, with nothing more to see on the flat surface, the Cosmos team finally decided to examine the inside of the hemisphere.


    ��Should we start with the periphery?]


    ��No, that would take too much time, and the investigation with the peepers only found a material storehouse. Therefore, we will focus on the central area.]


    ��Understood.]


    And again, search, search, search. And so on and so forth.


    ��Nothing in particular.]


    We found a deactivated ether converter, a mana driver, and an emergency mana tank. However.


    ��I can''t find the brain that was supposed to be in charge, the golem for maintenance, or the warp gate for receiving materials .......


    ��And the amount of materials we collected isn''t much either.]


    ��I guess so.]


    * * * *


    Here, the old man proposed a bold hypothesis.


    "How can that be?"


    <


    The old man explains in detail.


    There is one more intermediate point between Arus and Hale. It is in the opposite direction of the orbit.


    I see.


    Jin thought that he would have to look into that when he had time.


    "But it''s a relay station now. What should we do ......?"


    Jin thinks that it would be quicker if he could take what he has found and modify it.


    But at the same time, we are taking a risk.


    "Let''s go ahead with the original plan, after all."


    .


    Taking certainty over schedule, Jin decides to build his own relay base with the craft .


    * * * * * * * *


    ��We will build a simple base as originally planned.]


    ��Understood.]


    ��Work will begin immediately.]


    and the Cosmos Corps began to fulfill their original role.

 1365 - - 37-07 Completed Magi Plastic

    < was running through space aiming for the scheduled position, there was movement on Horai Island as well.


    "Jin!��It''s ready!"


    <.


    "Saki!"


    Erza frowned at her outfit. Her hair was shaggy and she had dark circles under her eyes.


    "Did you stay up all night again?"


    Jin also chides her.


    I''m not sure what to do. I was ...... just getting excited ......, but!��You see, it''s finally done!"


    Saki, looking flustered, held out the sheet in her hand and showed it to him.


    "Oh?��Is this ...... plastic?"


    "Yes!��This is the Jin was talking about!"


    "Hmmm... ...... what''s this?"


    Jin picked up the sheet. Indeed, it felt light and soft to the touch, with a smoothness characteristic of plastic.


    "That''s great, Saki."


    "Hehehe...... did my best,......."


    After saying this, Saki collapsed like a threadbare doll and began to breathe in her sleep.


    "......Saki''s sister......"


    "You''re still a reckless guy. ......"


    Jin and Erza covered Saki with a blanket as she fell asleep and quietly left the place.


    "If you had done it in the lab in the first place, wouldn''t the old man and Aaru have said anything?"


    "That''s right, it''s not right."


    Jin and Erza exchanged such words as they walked toward the institute.


    "What do you think, Mr. Old Man?"


    As soon as they entered the workshop, Jin immediately called out to the old man.


    <> "Yes.


    "Yes. Why did you make him do such a reckless thing?"


    "And Aaru?"


    "Oh, I see we''ve crossed paths."


    <


    I wonder if Saki wanted to be useful as a member of the "Jin family" in her own way.


    <


    "I see. So, what did you make?"


    .


    "That''s true."


    The old man said that Saki would want to explain herself, so Jin decided to wait for her to wake up.


    "Well, then, I''ll try to give you some insight into Hale," he said.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    And when it was time for lunch.


    "Brother Jin, sister Saki woke up," said Erza.


    Erza came to call Jin, saying that lunch was ready.


    "Oh, is it that time already?"


    Jin had been discussing with the old man about his future with Hale, but then he stopped the discussion and left the room.


    "See you later, old man.


    .


    When Jin and Erza returned to the house, Saki woke up and was already at the table.


    "Jin, Erza, I''m hungry. ......"


    "Sorry, Gin-sama, Erza-sama."


    Despite Saki''s high spirits, Aaru looked apologetic.


    "Saki-sama insisted on it this time. ......


    "Oh, forget it. The old man told me. I know you''ve been working very hard on this, Saki.


    Jin quieted Aalu''s bowed head.


    "Saki, did you wash your face?"


    "Yeah, Aal told me."


    Saki replied with a smile to Elsa''s question as she carried her lunch.


    "Yes. ...... porridge for lunch today."


    It seems that the menu was prepared with Saki in mind.


    It was not just any porridge.


    It''s an authentic porridge made in an earthenware pot and served with various toppings such as vegetables, dried bonito flakes, seaweed tsukudani, pickled plums, pickled vegetables, and bubu arare (a kind of sweetened rice cake).


    Hitoshi is quite fond of the seaweed tsukudani.


    "Well, they all look delicious, but what''s this?"


    Saki pointed at the bubu-arare.


    "They are bubu-arare."


    "Bubu arare?


    Jin had heard that "bu-bu" in "bu-bu-arare" means "hot water" or "tea" and that it is a women''s word used mainly in Kyoto.


    "It''s something you put on ochazuke, but I think it''s also good on porridge."


    "Really?"


    Jin poured a teaspoon of bubu-arare onto the porridge in a small bowl.


    He uses a lotus root, or more precisely, a lotus flower, to put it in his mouth.


    "Yes, it''s delicious!"


    The trick is to eat it before the bubu-arare absorbs the water and wilts.


    You can enjoy both the thick porridge and the crunchy arabesque texture.


    It is lightly seasoned with salt and soy sauce.


    "Let''s see... ...... Oh, this is good!


    "Right?"


    Saki tried it and liked it too.


    Erza is also eating it with relish.


    Jin said,


    "You should eat vegetables, too.


    Jin nudges Saki to eat vegetables too.


    The vegetables are cooked quickly like the rice porridge with the seven herbs, so there should still be some vitamins left in them.


    "Yes, I know."


    Saki is no amateur when it comes to nutritional balance, but she seems to eat only her favorite foods without saying a word.


    "Saki-sama, the citric acid in pickled plums is also good for your health.


    "Ugh, I don''t like sour food.


    Jin stopped saying anything else and concentrated on eating the porridge.


    "It was delicious.


    "Thanks for the food."


    "Thanks for the food." "Thanks for the food." "Thanks for the food." "Thanks for the food."


    After the meal, buckwheat tea was served.


    It is caffeine-free, fragrant, and gentle on the stomach.


    "Well, Saki. Now that you''ve calmed down, please explain to me what''s going on.


    "Yes, first of all. ......"

 1366 - - 37-08 Psakis efforts and achievements

    "The first thing we had to work on was the biodegradability."


    "Oh."


    is the property of a material to decompose into inorganic substances without emitting harmful substances after disposal.


    Many plastics remain in the soil and water for a long time without decomposing, causing environmental pollution.


    Saki has learned about the story of Jin''s former home on Earth, and has worked hard to make it have these properties.


    "<> are plastic. They do not deteriorate as long as they are supplied with magic power.


    Saki explained that when the supply of magic power is cut off and the magic contained in them dissipates, they begin to deteriorate.


    "Isn''t that great?"


    "Hehehe, I can''t lose to Hannah-chan.


    Saki continued her explanation.


    "The reason why Magi metals and alloys are so strong is because the magical isotopes (Magi isotopes) in them react with free magical elements (ether) to increase their strength, and you wanted to do the same thing with resin.


    "I can understand that."


    Jin had guessed that much.


    The biggest problem was what to do about the molecular structure of plastic.


    When I mentioned this to him, he said,


    "Yes, I honestly decided that <>. So I checked out <> book. In the end, I asked Marikka to help me and talked to Mr. 700672.


    Saki replied with a smile.


    "So ...... you went through a lot of trouble."


    "No, no, I''m doing what I love, so I don''t think it''s hard work, but I don''t think it''s painful!"


    Saki is positive to the last.


    "So I did some research. I found the molecular structure, but there is no way I can reproduce the whole thing. Besides, we don''t want to emit toxic gases when we burn it.


    "Yeah."


    Saki had a firm idea.


    "So, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, and polyethylene terephthalate were the candidates. I could say ...... like that without chewing."


    Saki smiled as she said all the difficult names at once,


    "I don''t fully understand it either.


    She stuck out her tongue.


    "So you chose a plastic made only of carbon and hydrogen," he said.


    "I can understand that."


    Jin was aware that plastics containing sulfur, nitrogen, chlorine, etc., could produce toxic gases and pollute the environment, depending on how they were burned.


    Saki really gave priority to environmental concerns.


    "So, among the candidates I just mentioned, I selected those that could be reproduced by engineering magic," he says, "polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyacetal. These were the limits."


    In fact, the other plastics were complicated by a structure called a benzene ring.


    "No, it''s still amazing!"


    Jin was honestly impressed.


    "One unfortunate thing is that all of them are not very transparent.


    Saki looked frustrated as she said, "They can''t be used for windows.


    "But I''m sure we can work on that in the future."


    Jin followed Saki''s lead, "It''s not like there aren''t other transparent materials out there.


    "Yeah, ......, I guess so. From now on!"


    Once again, Jin looked at the three types of Maggi plastics that Saki had developed.


    Maggi Polyethylene. Jin was one step away from developing it, but Saki had done an excellent job.


    Magi Polypropylene. It is harder than polyethylene and can be used in different ways.


    Magi polyacetal. The strongest of the three.


    "My guess is that it will be ruined in about 10 to 20 years under normal use."


    "I guess so."


    The plastics Jin knows are similar in terms of durability.


    "But it can also be burned, and with the <>, it can be broken down into carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen!


    "That''s amazing."


    Saki''s hard work and efforts were evident.


    "So, what did you do with the raw materials?"


    Jin was also at a loss.


    "Kuhuh, it''s ethenol!


    "I see!


    <


    It should contain large amounts of the magical isotopes (magiisotopes) of hydrogen H2 and oxygen O2.


    "I didn''t have much trouble finding C."


    The magical isotope of carbon (maggi-isotope) is found in many things.


    For example, it is found in the flesh and skin of demons. It is also found in magic resins.


    What would Jin make with this?


    A baby bottle, I guess.


    "What?"


    Saki''s eyes rolled back in her head at the unexpected word.


    "There are more babies in the village of Kaina, and there must be a demand for them in the world."


    "Hmmm, a baby bottle, then. I wonder if Jin has become a little more self-aware now that he has a family.


    Saki smiled mischievously and patted Jin on the shoulder.


    "Aware?"


    "...... Oh, dear. Jin will eventually become a father too.


    "Oh, I see what you mean."


    Jin blushed when Saki interrupted him.


    "Thanks anyway, Saki."


    "Kuh, for Jin''s sake, but I hope it''s for the world''s sake too!"


    "Yeah, I guess so."


    Jin''s face broke into a smile when he saw Saki smiling so radiantly.


    * * * * * *


    "So, what are you doing, Jin?"


    Jin and Saki were talking over Citran juice in the institute''s cafeteria.


    "Oh, I don''t know if there''s a mess with Hale or not, but I''m going to focus on the points to reflect on from the last battle with ."


    "Reflections?"


    "Yes. I realized that I didn''t have a decisive move against a huge opponent."


    "Yeah, that''s true."


    Saki was with me in Adriana, so I know what you mean.


    "Well, what exactly?"


    "Well, we need to make it possible to release <> with the Magi Transcription Cannon, and prepare a high power <>.


    "It''s not a very fun development."


    Saki smiled as she saw the bitterness on Jin''s face.


    "Indeed. I can''t wait to get out of this mess.


    "I''ll cooperate with you, even if it''s not enough. Jin, good luck. For Erza''s sake and for the sake of this planet.


    "Of course I will."


    Saki looked at Jin with narrowed eyes.

 1367 - - 37-09 Trojan Group

    In the jet-black space, <> was constructing a simple relay base.


    <


    It is a flat disc-shaped structure, and its position can be controlled and somewhat moved by the <>.


    It has a simple living facility and can accommodate 10 people for about a week.


    However, the main purpose is to serve as a relay point for magical equipment such as a . At the same time, it is a landmark of the transition.


    It is equipped with physical barriers (solid barriers) and defensive shields (aigis), and is also capable of dealing with meteorites.


    Of course, it is also equipped with a magic barrier (Magic Barrier) to resist magical attacks.


    In about two days, built it.


    The ship is also equipped with a magic barrier to resist magical attacks.


    "I guess it''s different when you can send materials by transfer.


    Jin nodded in satisfaction at Horai Island.


    By sending the materials that had been pre-processed on Horai Island to by transporter, the construction period was drastically shortened.


    "I''m counting on you, old man."


    <


    As soon as the relay station was completed, the "Mere Old Man" used the "Peeper" telescope to look at Hale, but he could not see the area where he thought the planet Hale was located, because it was covered by a strong barrier.


    Do you want <<<< Vulcan>> to move into the Hale area? >>


    In a way, we had planned for this, as we had anticipated it.


    "Yes."


    The plan is simple: we will place near Hale, close enough to use it as a foothold for our advance.


    <


    "It will be. Please.


    We have to be careful. Jin knows that.


    We don''t want an interplanetary war because of a misunderstanding.


    * * * *


    By the way, two days ago, on December 20th.


    The old man asked Jin.


    "Where to?"


    The position is the opposite of the direction that <<<< Vulcan>> was headed.


    The old man explains that his guess is that Hale''s relay base is in that direction.


    "Indeed. We need to check it out."


    <


    "Yes. What is the formation?"


    <<<<<<<<> I''ll send six ships.


    Jin thought for a moment and then gave his approval.


    "...... because there might be a danger. All right."


    After this meeting, a scouting team was dispatched.


    * * * *


    >


    December 23. In the position of the last apex of the equilateral triangle with the sun Seran and the planet Arus at its apex.


    <


    A reconnaissance party of six ships detects something huge floating in space.


    The orbital points of the two objects and the equilateral triangle are in stable equilibrium. This is called the Lagrangian point, but Jin did not seem to know it.


    The brain of Horai Island, the old man, after a mathematical consideration, had a renewed recognition that this point was a suitable place to place a relay base.


    > went.


    The old man immediately contacted and told him to be careful about the 120 degree position. Since the 60 degree position has already passed, he thinks it is enough to check it on the way back.


    He said, "Mr. Mere Old Man, I have to tell you that the position of 120 degrees has already passed.


    "I have heard what you said, Mr. Mere Old Man.


    Half a day later, the reconnaissance team was approaching the object.


    "Yes. I knew there was out there."


    Jin is satisfied that his decision of three days ago was correct.


    An image from the flagship of the reconnaissance team, the <>, was projected onto the large magic screen in the control room.


    A group of asteroids was projected on the screen.


    >.


    This is also called <>, and the one in Jupiter''s orbit is especially famous.


    There were asteroids of various sizes, some of which looked like they could be used as bases.


    "Hmmm, if there was such a place, why didn''t they collect resources from here?"


    <


    I could only imagine.


    "Any reaction?"


    "I see. Proceed with caution. If there is no base, there may come a day in the not-too-distant future when we will have to get the resources of Ars from here."


    .


    * * * *


    "...... has a lot of problems."


    Jin blurts out.


    "Here is your tea, father."


    Reiko brought him a cup of hojicha (roasted green tea).


    "Oh, thank you, Reiko."


    Jin sighs as he takes a sip of the properly cooled hojicha.


    "I wonder if we''re going to encounter this much trouble just because we''re going to Hale to scout.


    "I''m sure your father will be fine!


    "I hope so."


    With a wry smile, Jin drank down his cup of hojicha tea.


    Then Elsa came in with a cup of tea.


    "Brother Jin, tea ......... Oh, what''s that?"


    Erza looks a little disappointed when she sees the finished cup of tea.


    "Oh, I''m thirsty and just wanted another cup.


    "Well, that''s good."


    Jin takes the tea that Erza made for him. It was brown rice tea.


    "Yes, it''s delicious."


    The sky of Horai Island was so clear and blue that it was impossible to imagine what was happening in the universe beyond.

 1368 - - 37-10 Completion of boundary

    For two full days, six reconnaissance ships checked the asteroid field.


    From the largest to the smallest.


    The number of asteroids checked was about 2000.


    But still, we could not check even half of the asteroids.


    < here, and the remaining five ships go back 60 degrees in orbit. That is also probably the stability point.


    The old man gave these instructions, and the five ships of the scouting party set off ahead.


    As a side note, the term in this case refers to the direction of orbit. If we look at the Ars North Pole from the top, the direction of the orbit is counterclockwise. In other words, means clockwise movement.


    As a side note, in terms of Lagrangian points, the asteroid group was found at a point called L5 from Ars, and the five vessels are aiming at a point called L4 from Hale. The five vessels are aiming at a point called L4 from the viewpoint of Hale.


    The five vessels are aiming at a point called L4 from Hale.


    "Now, all that remains is ......."


    After receiving the report at Horai Island, Jin started the meeting with the old man.


    "Now that we have given the airships to the countries, it is possible to go to and from the Kunlun Island, isn''t it?


    ? >>


    The old man understood what Jin meant.


    "That''s good news."


    "A phantom ward. It is an important ward for the future concealment of Horai Island.


    .


    The old man began to explain.


    "Yes.


    <


    Since it includes not only visible light but also ultraviolet and infrared rays, it is impossible to detect with optical instruments. However, it has a disadvantage that no light can penetrate into the inside of the field, resulting in total darkness.


    >


    The old man further explains to Jin.


    >.


    "Yes."


    This is a countermeasure against the possibility that objects such as boats or demons may come by accident.


    <<.


    "I see."


    >.


    <<


    <


    "But we need to keep monitoring it 24 hours a day."


    Jin immediately replies to the old man''s request.


    "Yes, sir."


    As he was told by No. 700672 the other day, it is important to hide Jin''s true ability.


    .


    Jin immediately started to make a special magic brain for warding.


    He was not at ease unless he was working on something.


    The brain was completed in half a day.


    "You will be treated as your servant, old man."


    >


    "How about the name ......<>?"


    I thought about Mirage, but decided against it because it didn''t sound good.


    <<<< Kagero>>? It means "elusive.


    Thus, the auxiliary magic brain that controls the Horaijima ward, <>, was born.


    "By the way, Brother Jin."


    When Jin reported this to Erza, a question came back.


    "I thought it would be completely dark inside the <> ward, but why isn''t it so?"


    "Oh, I guess Elsa didn''t hear me. That''s the part I''ve been struggling with the most. It''s not in the first place."


    "What?"


    At first, I had thought of <>, >, and > as countermeasures, but I didn''t like any of them because they all had their pros and cons.


    So Jin was working on developing a <> like the ones in the old Leonard''s Kingdom as an alternative to <> warding.


    "The point is, you can see things because the reflected light enters your eyes, right?"


    "Yes."


    Elsa nodded.


    "So I thought. I''m going to process that light."


    "Oh, I see."


    It would be more like using image processing software to remove electric wires and other obstructions in a photo.


    Such a is the in this case.


    < is being played with and replaced by the light reflected by the background.


    The incoming light is left as it is, but the reflected light and the outgoing light are modified.


    So the incoming light is not blocked at all.


    "I see."


    Elsa smiled.


    "By the way?"


    Jin asked Elsa.


    "You''ve been out of the house a lot lately, what''s going on?"


    But Erza laughed and shook her head.


    "No, nothing. I went to visit your mother the other day to see how she was doing."


    Elsa calls her <, referring to her foster mother, Marlene. Her own mother, Meine, calls her .


    "How are you?"


    "Yes. Father is feeling much better, I''m relieved to hear that.


    "That''s good to hear. But you could have invited me if you wanted to go back to your parents'' house.


    At Jin''s words, Erza said,


    "But now is a difficult time for my brother Jin.


    Jin replied with a smile.


    Jin was happy to hear Elsa''s thoughtfulness,


    "Thank you.


    He sat back down next to her and gently hugged her shoulder.


    He sat back down next to her and hugged her shoulder gently.


    "Well, there are still some things that need to be done.


    After taking a break, Jin went back to the workshop and started to prepare with the help of Reiko.


    "Father, what are you going to do?


    Reiko asks, to which Jin replies with a smile.


    "We are going to improve the performance of the air force.

 1369 - - 37-11 Measures to be followed

    Jin announced to Reiko that he would begin upgrading the performance of the air force.


    "What exactly are you going to do?"


    "We will make it usable in space."


    At present, all air power is equipped with a , so it is possible to operate in space as long as there are no humans aboard.


    "But it''s only at the level of <>, isn''t it?"


    "That''s true, but..."


    "We don''t know what will happen with Hale. So we have to be careful."


    Jin thinks that the power and defense are enough for the space force, but the simple < are not enough.


    "The last long-period planet <, you know. When we dealt with that debris, it was in the atmosphere, so we could handle it, but I don''t know what would happen if it were in space."


    "I see what you mean.


    Fortunately, the aircraft, the child of magical engineering, has plenty of space available to store additional equipment.


    "We will add barriers and long-range artillery."


    <> and >.


    With these additions, Sky Squadron can operate as a space fighter squadron.


    "That''s it."


    Jin, who had created the template for the work, instructed the craftsmen (smiths).


    <<.


    It will only take a couple of days.


    "All right, let''s go this way."


    Jin decides to make some modifications to the himself.


    He could carry a human being into space for a short time, but he was afraid of harmful cosmic rays.


    Therefore, he installed a strong optical barrier (barrier) in three layers.


    Only visible light is allowed to pass through the barrier, and the light intensity above a certain level is cut off.


    This will reduce the risk of being hit in the eyes by flashes of light from explosions and the like.


    Father, thank you for your hard work. You might as well call it a day."


    "Oh, it''s almost that time."


    It''s almost 6:00 p.m.


    Jin took a bath to relax his body, enjoyed Elsa''s cooking, and took a good rest.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Father, what are you doing today?"


    Reiko, his assistant, asked.


    "Today we are going to make a lei."


    "A lei?"


    "Yes. Machina''s followers. You''ve been inside and moved before, haven''t you?"


    The female knight who came to the rescue of Elsa''s brother Fritz when he was attacked by a monster in the old Leonard''s Kingdom.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    She was wearing on her arms, on her legs, a full-face helmet, and armor, which disguised her size by about 20 centimeters.


    "I still have the armor from that time, and I''m going to make an automata that can wear it, and I''m going to make it Machina''s assistant.


    Reiko smiled happily as Jin added, "You''ll have to stay by my side.


    "I understand. I will help you."


    This was another familiar task for Jin and Reiko.


    "I''d say they''re about the same or better than Rand and the others.


    They''re below Reiko.


    The structure is similar to Reiko''s, and the rest depends on the material.


    She is 5''5" tall and petite. Her hair is silver with bluish tint. Her eyes are ice blue.


    Father, do you have an agenda?


    "No, this time, just like Anne and the others, I''ve chosen a color that is unlikely to be found among humans.


    "I think there are demons..."


    "They might, but I don''t think so."


    There is silver hair and light blue eyes, but no silver hair with a bluish tinge.


    "I don''t think anyone has eyes this blue, either."


    Her hair is shoulder-length and semi-long.


    "Okay, that''s good."


    The order was as follows: No. 1, Jin; No. 2, Laojun; No. 3, . Elsa comes in fourth, and Reiko fifth.


    Rei, I''m counting on you.


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    You may not have many opportunities to appear in public, but as the leader of the World Guard, you will be working hard together with Machina from now on.


    * * * *


    "...... wind."


    In the evening, Jin was relaxing in the hot spring at his <>.


    "I''ve done pretty much everything I need to do. ......I wonder if there''s anything left to do."


    Reiko answered his soliloquy.


    Your father is working very hard. Please take care of yourself.


    Jin replied as he stretched out in the hot water.


    "Oh, yes. It would be bad if I were to get sick when the time comes.


    Jin muttered to himself and looked out the window of the bathroom.


    The moon had just risen in the twilight sky.


    "I wonder if the spaceships are almost ready over there?"


    Jin says, "Let''s go take a look at it for rest and distraction.


    "Will it really be a rest?


    Reiko is a little skeptical.


    Then Elsa calls out that dinner will be ready soon, and Jin decides to get out of the bath.


    After a congenial dinner, Jin tells Elsa about the spaceship being built on the moon (UNY).


    It should be completed soon. So I thought we could go see it tomorrow.


    "Is that with a doppelganger?"


    Of course.


    Okay, I''ll be there.


    Okay.


    Erza also decided to go. Jin went to sleep with a feeling of excitement for the first time in a long time.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Let''s get connected.


    Yes.


    The next day, Jin and Erza were in the control room in the basement of the institute, at the controls of the <>.


    <


    Jin and Erza''s vision changes. However, they feel as if they are <>.


    Using the warp gate to the moon, the two of them move to the facility inside the moon.


    Welcome, Master Jin and Erza.


    The control head, Mr. Jack, greets them.


    Three accompanying ships are ready, sir.


    <>Yes, sir.


    Yes, sir. 100 meter class spherical ships. The basic structure is the same as the Vulcan.


    <


    was also built in Yuny''s arsenal, so it was only natural that < would use it as a reference.


    <


    Yes, I will show you.


    Jin was excitedly moving the doppelganger.

 1370 - - from 37 to December

    >


    ><>


    Three spherical ships were lined up in the arsenal of the Moon.


    The basic structure is the same as the Vulcan.


    Jack, the brain behind the management of the Moon, began to explain.


    Indeed, the basic structure is the same, so it is easy to understand.


    The difference is that this is not a craft but a destroyer.


    In other words, it focuses on combat and defense capabilities.


    >


    Yes. First of all, mass bombs. We have a large stock of iron meteorites, and we process them into bullets. Each bullet weighs about 500 kilograms.


    Jin acknowledged the power of the bullets, saying that 500 kg mass bullets would be quite effective.


    Especially, it would be ideal to break through magical barriers.


    And then <>. This is an application of the force field generator "Force Generator", an invisible rod. It can repel or push away flying objects.


    Now that I''ve heard about the principle, I''d like to try my hand at making one myself.


    I also equipped it with the Magitranscription Cannon (Magitrans Cannon) and the laser beam that Jin-sama is using.


    .


    The point is that while destructive power is necessary, it is also necessary to be able to cope when dealing with a large number of people.


    Jin had also been working on improving the air force on Horai Island until recently, so he understood what <> was saying.


    After the explanation of the low-power weapons and the defensive wards, the test flight is conducted.


    Master Jin, please name these three vessels.


    <<< Okay. ...... hmmm ......>>


    Jin and Jin D are thinking about it.


    The first thing that came to mind was the three stars of Orion, but Jin did not know the names of the stars, so he passed.


    The next one that came to mind was the Summer Triangle. Vega in Lyra, Altair in Eagle, and Deneb in Cygnus.


    At about the same time, I thought of the Winter Triangle. Sirius in Canis Major, Procyon in Canis Major, and Betelgeuse in Orion.


    >


    After much deliberation, since it is winter now, I decided to go with ,


    <<<><<<<><>.


    and decided to start with the Winter Triangle.


    Thank you very much.


    <><> floats up slowly in order.


    The three ships are first stationary at 2000 meters above the moon.


    No problems with engine power or control. Next, a flight test.


    The three ships began to move side by side.


    The three ships continue to move side by side in an equilateral triangular formation, hurtling through space.


    No problem at the normal maximum acceleration of 20 Gs.


    There is one fundamental difference between the three ships and Jin''s spaceship.


    There is one fundamental difference between these three ships and those built by Jin: they do not have a to operate them.


    That is to say, there is no humanoid , but there is a that controls the ship.


    It is the management brain of the same name as the ship. It controls every inch of the ship.


    Hence, the upper limit of acceleration resistance is also high.


    <


    Yes, Master Jin.


    Further tests were conducted on the armament, and no problems were found in any of them, thus the test flight was completed.


    Erza has stopped controlling her doppelganger one step earlier than Jin, and has returned to her <>.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin-sama, Milowina-sama wants to see you.


    The underground facility of the Moon is ahead. Jin D is replaced by Jin himself.


    "Jin-kun, it''s been about half a month. ......?"


    Yes, it has. I''m glad to see you''re doing well.


    The last time we met was on December 13th, Meane''s birthday, so it has been 13 days since our last meeting.


    "I''ve been feeling better lately."


    Milowina looked healthy, with good blood color and toned body.


    "Gravity is almost 1G now," she said.


    "That''s a good thing."


    Living under 1G was desirable because the weak gravity could reduce her bone density.


    His diet has become normal and his immune system seems to be working.


    Eventually, she will be able to live in Ars without the sterilization barrier.


    "But my home is still here.


    Milowina laughed softly.


    Jin, you seem to be very busy.


    "Yes, but it''s all over now.


    The two were relaxing in the room that Milowina called the "observation room" in the Moon facility.


    "Father!"


    Reiko comes in. She seems to be worried about Jin in the flesh. In her hand she holds a basket of sterilized Persica as a souvenir.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    Persica from Horai Island was Milowina''s favorite food.


    "It''s weird that you don''t know what''s going on with Hale.


    "Yes, it is."


    "We''ve been monitoring it on the moon, but so far we''ve had no luck."


    "I see. Thank you very much.


    < that the supplies and free magical element (ether) from Ars must have stopped after the capture of , and that there would be some kind of reaction if they were suspicious of it.


    "Even if they come from Hale, it will take about 20 days to a month.


    If you include the preparation time, it might take a little longer," Jin said.


    "That''s why we were strengthening our air power until just yesterday."


    "I see. I see. That''s why we''ve been strengthening our air power until just yesterday. ...... Oh, thank you."


    Reiko immediately peeled a Persica. Milowina''s face broke into a smile as she took a piece in her mouth.


    "Oh, it''s so sweet and delicious!


    Jin also took a piece.


    "Yes, they are very ripe.


    This is a time when Jin feels at ease.


    "Jin-kun, don''t overdo it."


    What?��...... yes?


    Don''t be tense.


    Oh, ...... yes.


    Once again, Milowina seemed to sense that Jin was about to run off on his own.


    "You''re not alone. If ...... you forget, I''ll remind you again and again."


    "Thank you."


    Jin chuckled to himself, thinking that he was still not very smart with the older, more mature woman.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, let''s make a fresh start.


    Jin returned to Horai Island and went back to the house of Loisart with Elsa.


    In the Shoro Kingdom, preparations were finally underway for the .


    "It seems that the airships are now in operation.


    The leading figures were boarding the airships one by one and testing their comfort.


    "I hope a new era will start ......."


    Jin looked up at the airship floating in the blue sky and muttered to himself.

 1371 - - 37-13 Trouble

    The space-bound <> was now flying along the orbit of Ars, rather than in a straight line to Hale.


    There was a possibility that there might be a clue in the orbit.


    It would be a detour of about a day, but it did not matter. Gathering information is important.


    And as it approached the position where something could be found, 60 degrees behind Hale''s orbit, L5 in Lagrangian terms, <> slowed down.


    December 27.


    <


    The Magni Reactor has gone haywire.


    The Cosmos team in the engine room, which is supposed to be controlling it precisely, also suffered the same phenomenon.


    "U......"


    The outburst subsides in a few seconds.


    With the reliability of the Magi Reactor that Jin had built, it had regained self-control through feedback.


    "Yes, what was that?��Is the ship damaged?��Check quickly!


    The captain, Cosmos 501, who was stationed on the central bridge, sent out instructions.


    Reports soon came in from various departments.


    "This is engine room 1. The magni reactor went out of order for a few seconds. It''s stable now.


    This is Engine Room 2. The Magni Reactor ran out of power for a few seconds. It''s stable now.


    This is Engine 3. The Magni Reactor ran out of power for a few seconds. It''s stable now.


    This is auxiliary engine room. The Magni Reactor ran out of power for a few seconds. Part of the maggireactor was damaged. There is no problem with navigation.


    Cosmos 501 requested a report from the observation room.


    This is observation room 1. No obstructions observed.


    This is observation room 2. No obstructions observed.


    This is the analysis team. We have measured the concentration of free magical element (ether) in the space, and it is more than 1000 times higher than in normal space. The number is not constant, but it is between 1000 and 1200.


    1000 times the concentration of free magic element (ether). It could be called a cloud of free magical element (ether). It seems that has plunged into it.


    As a result, the energy generated by the Magi Reactor is increased by a factor of 1000. The feedback was applied and the situation calmed down in a few seconds, but in those few seconds the various magi-machines were overloaded.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    This situation was immediately reported to Horaijima.


    <<1000 times the concentration of free magic element (ether). ...... It is hard to believe that it is spontaneous.


    It is a concentration that cannot be considered spontaneous, and is thought to cause various harmful effects.


    Reiko was once exposed to 1000 times higher concentration of free magic element (ether) when she confronted who is now .


    Reiko was able to save the day, but if she had made a mistake, it could have stopped or been damaged. 1000 times the concentration is such a dangerous level.


    What do you think?


    Jin also heard the news and came to the control room at 6 in the morning.


    <


    "A fixed point!"


    "I see."


    <<>


    "Yes. Especially carefully."


    * * * *


    At the old man''s command, <> has slowed down even further.


    Make sure you get a good look around.


    Copy that.


    Copy that.


    All departments are responding.


    How''s the repair status of the damaged part?


    The damage is minor, so repairs should be completed in less than two hours.


    The is originally a craft, so there is no shortage of materials, and all crew members can use engineering magic.


    It just takes time to check her because of her large size.


    An hour has passed since the start of the observation. All the damage to the ship has been repaired and the operation checks have been completed. < is as good as new.


    The high concentration of free magical element (ether) is working in the right direction.


    Two more hours have passed.


    "We have detected an object in the orbital plane, 2300 km ahead.


    The long awaited report came in. After all this time, the anti-detection warding is set up and <> moves silently in that direction.


    In a few minutes, the object reaches a visible distance and <> comes to a relative halt.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "This is a sphere, isn''t it?"


    It is a smooth sphere in appearance, different from the abandoned relay station which was a hemisphere.


    "Is this facility still alive?"


    "Let''s use <> carefully."


    * * *


    > activates the peepers.


    "The image is a little bad. Have you checked the operation?"


    captain Cosmos501 asked his XO Cosmos502.


    "Please wait a moment. ...... Ah, I found the cause. It seems that the communication waves are being interfered with or scattered by the too dense free magic element (ether).


    "I see. What is the concentration of free magic element (ether) in this area?"


    ...... is more than 3,000 times higher than in normal space.


    "That''s a frightening concentration. But there seems to be no doubt that this is the center of the anomaly in the concentration of free magic element (ether).


    Thereupon, began to show the inside of the sphere.


    The first thing that caught my eye was the warehouses.


    The first thing that caught my eye was the warehouses. About half of them are filled with materials.


    "This looks like a warehouse too.


    Jin of the Horaijima command center muttered to himself.


    The Peeper moved further toward the center of the warehouse.


    "Is this where the equipment comes from?"


    > he said.


    Then, the problematic magi-machine was projected on the screen.


    "Could this be a ?"


    The floor was covered with a layer of dust. From that, it seems that there is gravity and air inside.


    Then another magi-machine is shown on the screen.


    "This is also a .


    <


    "Is there a golem for maintenance?"


    And then, the screen shows a golem of a different shape. But all of them seemed to have been out of operation for a long time.

 1372 - - 37-14 Breaths

    "Yeah. And you didn''t even try to fix it. Or maybe they couldn''t."


    <


    "What is this ...... that is moving?��What is this Magi-machine?"


    <.


    <>.


    "What!


    Finally, he finds a great source of information.


    But...


    "Oh, ...... that''s too bad."


    The cause is unknown, but its control core was missing.


    "But we will be able to read the information, even if it is only in fragments. Let the Cosmos team investigate."


    <


    Since there seemed to be no threat, the stage was switched from observation by <> to direct investigation by the Cosmos team.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Ten golems in battle suits.


    The number is 600 from Kosmos 591.


    Arrive at the surface of the sphere from in a few minutes.


    ��Find a way in.]


    ��Copy that.]


    It was found in minutes. <


    The peepers also confirm that there are no visible traps or obstacles inside.


    The Cosmos team was able to safely enter through the emergency hatch.


    The area is an airlock, and the inside of the sphere is maintained at 0.8 atmospheric pressure.


    ��The gaseous component seems to be mostly nitrogen.]


    ��Maybe for the protection of metals.]


    The metal used was <. <, which used .


    The 10 cosmos headed toward the back of the room, staying close to each other, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings and making observations as they walked.


    ��This is unusual.]


    Cosmos 595 pointed out a material warehouse they found on the way.


    There, what appeared to be ...... biological materials, which were the first materials seen at the Hale base, were stored. However, it had dried up over the years.


    ��It looks like dragon leather.]


    I took some samples.


    Then we went further in.


    The corridor was separated in places by bulkheads, which served to keep it airtight. They were not locked and were easily opened manually, so there was no difficulty in moving about.


    ��It appears that one enters the critical facility from here.]


    The size of the bulkhead is clearly different. It was also unlocked, so it was easy to pass through, but the thickness of the door we checked at that time was three times as thick as it had been before.


    ��Mm, there is a magi-machine. It seems to be broken.]


    ��This breakage is inexplicable.]


    Cosmos597 and 598 checked out the nearest Magi machine.


    ��Although its purpose is unknown, the energy system ...... mana driver has been damaged.


    And there was more than one such mana machine.


    ��The same is true here.]


    ��Same here.]


    The mana drivers of all the found Magi Machines had been damaged.


    While taking a detour in the name of confirmation, the Cosmos Squad found <>. There were five of them.


    ��This is also an energy system ...... mana driver is damaged, isn''t it?


    Cosmos593 said.


    And Cosmos594 finally found what he was looking for.


    ��There was a magic management brain here!]


    ��Good.]


    Cosmos591 and 592 decide to analyze it.


    ��Hmmm... ...... the control core has been cracked after all.


    The cause is unknown, but there is no doubt that it is the cause of the shutdown.


    After removing the broken control core, Cosmos591 decides to run < on it.


    Lead info is an engineering magic. <, it does not transcribe but only reads. If you don''t have the processing power like the "Mere Old Man", it is not so useful because the readinfo is instantaneous.


    "Is this ......?"


    However, the information processing capability of the Cosmos Corps is fast enough.


    With a glance at the magic formula (Magi Formula), commands, and information text that flowed for a moment, Cosmos 591 learned of past events, even if only a part of them.


    * * * * * *


    "Yes, let me hear it."


    <>


    "300 years ago......"


    Jin thought to himself, "You mean around the time of the magic wars?


    Three hundred years ago was the time of the Magic War. And the external factor that affects the free magical element (ether) is the "Aether Stampede".


    "The Aether Stampede has affected this place?


    <


    "But how did it happen? ......"


    <> is a magic that makes you consume free magical energy (ether) in a very short period of time.


    "Does it affect us through the free energy transfer device?"


    <


    "Ummm ......"


    <<> is a strategic magic that transforms free magic elements (ether) into light by means of magic rays with special wavelengths and waveforms.


    At this time, mana is also decomposed back into free magic element (ether), which is fatal to dependent life forms.


    Jin wondered if this could damage the mana drivers at distant relay stations.


    "I can think of two problems. One is, can the mana furnace (mana driver) be damaged by the <?��I wonder."


    When the Dexiconai had a small-scale outburst of < in the demon territory in the past, Anne, who was nearby, only stopped.


    <


    I don''t think it is possible to transfer even magic waves.


    Jin and the old man thought about it further.


    "<> turns free magic element (ether) into light. Normally, the destructive effect would not occur, but what if the concentration of free magic element (ether) is higher than usual?"


    What if an <> were to occur in a place where the concentration of free magical elements (ether) is 1000 times higher?


    Even normally harmless < might show its destructive power when multiplied by 1,000.


    That was all I could think of at the moment.


    "I see. ......"


    also used a silver ball to cause an <>.


    If one of those magic tools that caused the <> in the past magic wars happened to get mixed in with the transporter supplies....


    "So that''s what we have to think."


    Jin sighed.


    Originally, <> was a magic technology developed by the Origin or its descendants.


    If it came around and destroyed this facility.


    "Causality, that''s all I can say. ......"


    Jin sighed once again.

 1373 - - the end of the 37-151 year

    The discussion on the reason for the shutdown of what seems to be a relay station continues.


    "Is the density of the free magical element (ether) dense because there is something like a <> that increases the concentration and is functioning?"


    <<


    "Coincidence or necessity?"


    The fact that the magical tools and magical machines (magi-machines) other than the free magical element (ether) acceptor and the free magical element condenser (ether condenser) have broken down.


    "<> must have been resistant to high free magic element (ether) concentration due to its function. ......"


    The truth of the matter could only be imagined now.


    "Anyway, that''s where the free magical element (ether) sent from Ars ended up, right?"


    "Then, ......"


    Jin thinks for a moment and then expresses his opinion.


    "Are you saying that it is not Ars that is sending the free magical element (ether) there, but another relay base?"


    This relay station is in the position of an equilateral triangle with the sun Serang and Hail. If there is another one, it would be the equilateral triangle between the suns Serang and Ars.


    "Should we investigate that one as well?"


    It is assumed that most of the equipment at the relay base on the Ars side is also out of order, probably due to the "ether stampede".


    In that sense, there is no urgency, but there is a possibility.


    "Shall we send out a reconnaissance spacecraft?"


    <


    "Okay, send out two ships, the <> and the <>. It''s just a reconnaissance mission. Don''t take any chances."


    <


    The old man sent out the reconnaissance ships according to Jin''s instructions.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    continues to inspect the deactivated base named <>, and reconfirms that all but the free-magic condenser are deactivated.


    >


    "Well, ......1000 to 200 I think it would be a waste to let what I''ve collected ...... dissipate."


    He is a very poor man.


    <<< If so, why don''t you leave it as it is? >>


    "That''s fine. I don''t think there will be any enthusiasts who will come all the way to this place, and if there are, they will take care of it themselves."


    If you come up with a use for it, we''ll see.


    "Yes, it will be. But we must be very careful, since there is a barrier."


    <


    Thus, on December 28th, <> was re-launched toward Hale.


    The speed is lower than before, the maximum speed is about 200 km per second, and we will be very careful.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, the two ships of <> and <> reached their scheduled positions on the 30th.


    <>


    There, as expected, <> and > of the same type were floating.


    "There it is, after all."


    Carefully.


    First, we''ll use the Peeper Telescope.


    <, so it''s very efficient.


    <


    After an hour''s investigation, the old man concluded so.


    .


    "Yes, I suppose so. The in Antarctica that was sending out free magical element (ether) was also addressed to this place, wasn''t it?"


    When he looks at what the former , or , have created in this way, he feels a sense of respect, but at the same time, he also feels that it is somewhat inefficient.


    He suspects that this is due to their individualism and lack of horizontal coordination.


    "I have to be careful, too.


    Jin listens to the results of the investigation with a sense of self-discipline.


    here is working. Perhaps the free magical element (ether) sent from is relayed here.


    "I suppose so."


    Jin agrees.


    "Supplies, too, I suppose."


    Jin said with a thought, "It is possible that the magic tools that cause the "ether stampede" were mixed in with such materials.


    "I agree. < team?"


    <


    "Okay, you got it."


    <


    * * * * * *


    By the way, according to the calendar of this world, the year ends on December 30, that is, New Year''s Eve.


    The five-colored golem maids were cleaning up the laboratory and < on Horai Island, the on Kunlun Island, Wujanggaku, Jade Hall, and Loisart''s mansion.


    The director of the facility, who took care of Jin, had told him that the original was on December 13th in the Edo period.


    He used to cut many bamboo branches from a bamboo thicket in a corner of the facility, bundle them up, and sweep the ceiling and the back of the eaves with them.


    "Ah, you are all set.


    <


    "Well, Brother Jin, I did it while learning from the old man," said Elsa.


    were Elsa''s words.


    She was preparing for New Year''s Eve and New Year''s in Japanese style on behalf of Jin who was very busy.


    "They say you shouldn''t make decorations for the New Year''s Eve.


    Overnight decorations are decorations that are hurriedly put up on New Year''s Eve.


    It is disrespectful to the god of the year, and funerals are generally decorated overnight, so it is considered an abomination.


    The director of the hospital told him these stories, and the old man also had such miscellaneous knowledge.


    "Kagamimochi was made by a peridot reader.


    Kagamimochi, which he used to see in Mitsuho.


    It was placed on three sides of a tree with a citran on top.


    Normally, an orange would be placed on top to wish for the prosperity of the family for generations to come, but since it is not there, there is nothing to be done about it.


    "The five-colored golem maids did their best to make you feel refreshed, even if only a little."


    This is a sign of concern for Jin, who never seems to get a moment''s rest because of the Hale mess.


    "Erza is also concerned about you, isn''t she?��Thank you."


    Jin thanked her frankly.


    "Well, why don''t you go take a bath?"


    "Yeah, sure."


    Before I knew it, it was dusk. The turbulent year 3458 was about to end.

 1374 - - 37-16 New Year

    Only a few days left in 3458.


    On New Year''s Eve, it''s just Jin and Elsa. The night goes on without the couple.


    In the tatami-matted room, a brazier made by Jin is placed, and a magi crystal of the fire attribute is emitting red-hot heat.


    Although charcoal was also made, it was an ingenious idea of Jin who did not want to get carbon monoxide poisoning.


    On the brazier, an iron (?) jar made of adamantite is emitting steam. On the brazier, an adamantite iron (?) jar is emitting steam.


    A basket of citrons was placed on the sunken kotatsu, instead of tangerines.


    Reiko is in the kitchen, busy making New Year''s Eve soba noodles.


    "Here you go, sir.


    "Oh, thank you, Reiko."


    Thank you, Reiko.


    "No, thank you."


    Jin made his specialty, morisoba, and Erza had hot tempura soba.


    "Yes, it''s delicious."


    "Delicious, Reiko."


    "Thank you."


    Jin drinks soba-yu (buckwheat water) and Elsa drinks soba-cha (buckwheat tea).


    "So much has happened this year. ......"


    Jin muttered.


    "I''ve been in the Kunlun Kingdom, there was a change of king in the Kingdom of Selroa, and I had a row with Rokure..."


    "Hmm. I went to ...... Mitsuho, met Mr. Goose, and learned about my predecessor and the wise man (Magus)."


    Erza also looks back on the past year.


    "I guess so. ...... I built a spaceship, went to the moon (Yunie), and met Milowina."


    "We had the World Congress, we built the monorail, we had the Golem competition.


    "The best part, of course, was getting married."


    "Yes, that''s right. We went on our honeymoon after traveling around the country.


    "Gobbling grasshoppers, golems of the past, long-period planets."


    Disaster...... on Onogoro Island.


    It''s been an intense year, Jin thinks.


    "It feels like a year and nine months have passed. ......


    Brother Jin, you''re right, that''s just my imagination.


    I''m sure it''s just my imagination.


    As Jin was thinking, "I really want to hear the bell ringing on New Year''s Eve," he heard the sound of bells ringing out of nowhere.


    "That sound ...... I thought that craftsman (Smith)1 has been doing something since yesterday.


    Apparently, Smith1 had built the bell and the bell tower on the instructions of the old man.


    Jin thanked the old man for his care and attention.


    "In my hometown, we ring that bell 108 times on New Year''s Eve to drive out the 108 worldly desires," he said.


    "Interesting. Interesting."


    Jin thought Goose and Vivian would be interested in this.


    And then it was midnight.


    <


    The old man''s voice rang out, marking the beginning of the year 3459.


    Happy New Year, Elsa.


    "Happy New Year, Elsa."


    Happy New Year, Reiko.


    Happy New Year, Father.


    Happy New Year to you too, old man.


    Jin then received New Year''s greetings from Soleil, Luna, and the other leaders of the Golems of Horai Island.


    "Well, after a nap, let''s go to the village of Kaina.


    "Hmm."


    Jin wanted to say a few words as a lord.


    "After that, we will go to Leuthart and greet the New Year at the imperial castle.


    As the husband of Elsa, a citizen of Shawlo, it was his duty.


    That should be the end of his official duties, Jin said.


    "In the evening we will have a banquet with all the family members.


    "Yes, I''ll be ready."


    I''ll get it ready.


    * * * *


    Because of the time difference, Jin and the others were able to get a normal six hours of sleep rather than a nap.


    It''s getting light outside.


    "Father, it''s almost time."


    Reiko tells me.


    "Okay, let''s go outside."


    Even though it is winter, it is not cold on the island of Horai, which is located on the Tropic of Cancer.


    Jin takes Elsa and Reiko to the front and heads for the laboratory.


    They climbed the stairs to the roof.


    The sky in the east was tinted with the color of Akane.


    It''s the first Akane.


    And the new year''s sun was rising.


    "It''s the first sunrise of the year."


    It''s beautiful.


    Aren''t you two cold?


    Yeah, I''m fine. Thank you, Reiko.


    Jin and Elsa watch the sunrise on the roof of the institute. Their faces are lit up by the sun that has just risen, and they are the same shade of madder red as the sky.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Yes, it''s delicious.


    Jin and Erza were eating zoni at home.


    It was a simple soy sauce-based soup made from chicken and pork stock, with kamaboko (fish paste) and leafy vegetables.


    The rice cake is rectangular.


    Jin had seven rice cakes and Elsa had three.


    "Oh, it was delicious!"


    Jin and Erza tasted the ozoni that Perid Reader had prepared with his best effort.


    The New Year''s festive dishes were black soybeans, tazukuri, lotus root stew, kinton, datemaki, red and white kamaboko, grilled prawn in devil''s shell, kinpira gobo, and kombu-roll (kelp roll), each of which looked exactly like the one at .......


    They were the joint work of all the five-colored golem maids.


    After picking them little by little, Jin rubbed his stomach while drinking hojicha (roasted green tea) after the meal.


    "Maybe I ate a little too much..."


    Next to him, Erza is smiling wryly.


    Around 9:00 a.m., Jin first moved to Nido Castle.


    A New Year''s party had been announced in advance.


    It was 6:40 a.m. in Kaina Village. Since it was not customary to see the first day of the year and there was a light snowfall in Kayna that day, all the villagers, including the children, were gathered in the hall.


    "Happy New Year, everyone!


    This was the New Year''s greeting that Jin had spread last year. All the villagers chanted in unison.


    "Happy New Year!

 1375 - - at the beginning of 37-17

    "Here comes the New Year''s gift!"


    Jin, as the lord of the village, gave out New Year''s gifts to the children ......15 under the age of 15 in the village of Kaina.


    "Yay!


    "Thank you, Jin-chan!"


    The children still call Jin "Jin-chan" and he does not blame them. In fact, he is happy that they call him that.


    For Jin, the village of Kaina is his second home.


    All the children in his hometown are his .


    Perhaps it is a feeling that only he who grew up in an institution can have, but he thinks it is fine.


    The gift is not money, but a beautiful magi-crystal that has been polished.


    It would probably be worth no less than 1,000 toles (about 10,000 yen) if it were exchanged for cash, but the children had no intention of exchanging it for money.


    "Wow, what a beautiful stone!


    I''ll take good care of it!"


    Jin looked at these children with a smile on his face.


    Rita, Ruu, and the other girls who had arrived last year seemed to have settled in well.


    "Thanks to you, Jin-sama, we are living happily.


    Barrow and Bele also seem to be living peacefully in the village, working as herders.


    Now, after the New Year''s greetings, Jin, the lord of the village, offers a drink to the villagers.


    "Oh!


    "I''m looking forward to this!


    "Oh, I know this sake!"


    Jin has been trying his best to accumulate goods instead of money, because spending his accumulated funds in this way will help revitalize the world economy.


    Sake is one of them, and I have been hoarding high alcohol content, shelf-stable sake, and releasing some of it.


    Even the wives, who usually complain about excessive drinking, do not say anything because it is a New Year''s party.


    Also, since there is a special recovery medicine made in Horaijima, hangovers and overdrinking can be cured immediately.


    Jin enjoyed the New Year''s party in Kaina village until 11:00 a.m. and then moved to Loisart. The doppelganger takes care of the rest.


    Erza had already returned to the house and was waiting for Jin.


    "Happy New Year to everyone in the house! "Happy New Year to everyone in the house!


    Jin calls out to the golem maids, and quickly prepares himself.


    At 9:00 a.m. Leutzert time, Jin went to the palace.


    He was one of the people who were to meet with the emperor''s chief advisors to welcome the new year.


    "Everyone, I am happy to welcome another New Year safely.


    The voice of the Empress echoed in the hall.


    "This year, too, we will face many problems. But we must keep moving forward to a better future.


    There is the issue of the World Congress and the World Guard.


    "......3459 Let us work hard to make the year ...... a good one."


    And the Empress''s speech comes to an end.


    "Today is just a meeting. I wish you good health and a happy new year of work for your country and your people."


    * * * *


    Jin returned to the <> in the morning, and moved to Horai Island again with Erza.


    They were going to have a New Year''s party with all the members of the at night.


    "Oh, everything is already in order, isn''t it?


    "Yes, master."


    The five-colored golem maids had been hard at work since the morning, and everything was already prepared except for the hot dishes.


    "Hey Jin, Happy New Year!


    Jin, Happy New Year!


    Saki and Goose were the first to arrive.


    We don''t have any official work, so we''re not busy," said Saki.


    Saki said.


    "Onii-chan, Happy New Year!


    "Happy New Year, Jin!


    "Happy New Year, Hannah, Martha-san."


    Next came Martha and Hannah.


    The greeting in the village of Kayna was addressed to all the villagers, so I greeted them again here.


    Jin-kun, Happy New Year!


    Then Milowina from Yuny.


    "Happy New Year, Jin!


    Happy New Year!


    And Marcia and Rodrigo, father and daughter.


    "Happy New Year, Jin-san!"


    Licia said.


    "Happy New Year, Jin-sama!"


    Jin, Happy New Year!


    "Hello!"


    Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt and Mrs. Bertsche with their beloved daughter Juliana.


    Happy New Year, Jin.


    Happy New Year!


    Toa and Stellina.


    Happy New Year! ...... is a nice way to greet the new year.


    Vivian said.


    Jin, Happy New Year!


    "Happy New Year, Jin-sama!"


    Bina and Count Louis Wurz Kuzma said.


    "Happy New Year, Jin-sama!" "Happy New Year, Jin-sama! ...... is this correct?


    Happy New Year, Jin!


    Marikka and Zion.


    Of course, Erza''s mother, Meine, had spent the morning preparing for the New Year''s party with the golem maids on Hourai Island, so now everyone was here.


    "Once again, Happy New Year everyone!


    "Happy New Year!


    The New Year''s party started with Jin''s greeting.


    The main topic of discussion was, first and foremost, the exploration of Hale, including .


    Without going into the technical details, Jin explained only the events.


    "Oh, so that''s how it is ......."


    "It''s quite complicated, isn''t it?"


    Marcia and Bina were the least familiar with the situation.


    "It will be interesting to see what happens with Hale.


    "Yes, it is."


    Theon and Maricka were curious about what was going on, since they were involved in some way.


    Then the conversation turned to Bina and Luis ......, the second generation that is supposed to be born this year.


    "We''re expecting around May, right?"


    "Do you want a boy or a girl?"


    "Well, he''s already grown up, isn''t he?"


    "This is an important time, you have to be careful. Come on, sit down."


    Jin, Reinhard and Luis were drinking in the corner while the women were busy.


    "Isn''t it about time at Jin''s place too?


    Reinhard asked.


    "As a cousin, I''m deeply moved by the idea of that Erza becoming a mother.


    "You''re jumping the gun. Erza hasn''t said a word.


    But I''m sure it''s just a matter of time.


    And then Elsa comes in.


    What are you talking about?


    She had heard the name Elsa mentioned.


    "No, no, nothing. Just chatting."


    "Yes, yes. Elsa, don''t mind if I do.


    "Yeah?"


    Elsa tilts her head.


    Reinhardt and Lewis thought it would be impolite to talk about children to their faces, so they made a fool of themselves.

 1376 - - 37-18 Thinking about the future of the demon territory

    The New Year''s party ended peacefully, and those who had work to do went to their respective houses, while the others stayed at Horaijima.


    Those who stayed over were Saki, Goose, Vivian, Hannah, Zion, and Marikka. Meene is not a sleepover group because this place is like a half house (she has her own room).


    Milowina went back to the house with a regretful look on her face.


    "I see..." she said.


    "There''s a lot of things to do, isn''t there ......?"


    Guth and Vivian are listening to the details of the story from the old man''s mobile terminal.


    They dig deeper into the details of their particular interest.


    Saki had fallen asleep after drinking too much.


    She was tired, and the alcohol had made her easily intoxicated.


    Hannah, Zion, and Marikka were playing cards with Jin.


    Erza reads the cards.


    "Dumplings are better than flowers."


    "Hai!"


    Surprisingly, Marikka is the stronger player. Hannah was next. Jin is not serious by nature, but Zion is surprisingly weak.


    "Even a dog walks, but a stick hits a pole."


    "...... yes!"


    The journey takes you where you need to go, but the world is kind to you.


    Yes!


    Let''s cross the street with our hands in the air.


    "Yes!" "Yes!��What is ......<>?"


    Jin wanted to make a 100 poems, but there was no way he could remember all 100 poems, so he decided to make a karuta.


    It is a pity that the karuta cards are mixed up with Iroha karuta, traffic safety karuta, and so on.


    At around 11:00 p.m., Hannah yawns and looks sleepy, so we call it a night.


    It is after 9:30 p.m. in Kayna village time. Hannah usually goes to bed at 9:00 p.m., which is understandable.


    "Well, let''s go to bed.


    "Yeah. ......"


    It''s not good to stay up endlessly on New Year''s Day. ...... was the advice I received from the director of the hospital when I was in an institution.


    "What about Zion and Marikka?"


    "Well, I want to take a bath."


    "Oh, wow, me too."


    "Sure, sure."


    The hot spring is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


    Erza went to take a bath with him.


    Jin went to check on Saki, who was drunk.


    "Ugh...... my head hurts, Jin.


    "I can''t help it."


    Jin asked Reiko to give Saki a detox.


    <


    It has the effect of speeding up recovery from a hangover by quickly breaking down and eliminating acetaldehyde and other substances created by the breakdown of alcohol.


    Saki became a little more composed after drinking water at the same time.


    "Oh, I feel much better now.


    "That''s good to hear."


    Goose and Vivian were still talking with Lao Tzu.


    Not being a child, Jin asked the golem maid to take care of them and went to bed, thinking that they would go to sleep if they got sleepy.


    "...... Saki?"


    But Saki had gone to Goose and the others to join the conversation.


    "Well, okay."


    Saki must have some things on her mind as well, so Jin heads for .


    Erza was already out of the bath and drying her wet hair.


    "Where are Zion and Marikka?"


    "They''ve already left and gone to the guest room of the institute."


    "I see. I see. ...... had a good time today, didn''t we?


    Erza nodded when Jin said that.


    "Yeah, I had a good time today."


    It''s not a busy time, but I''m honestly thankful to have a break like this when I''ve been so nervous about Hale day and night.


    I''m sure I''ll be busy again tomorrow.


    "I''ll be busy again tomorrow, but you can count on me for support.


    "I''m counting on you."


    Jin and Erza took a good rest.


    * * * * * *


    The morning of January 2nd.


    When Jin woke up, he heard Elsa washing her face in the bathroom.


    "Good morning."


    Jin gets dressed and goes to the bathroom.


    "Good morning, sir."


    Erza had just finished washing her face, and Jin went to the bathroom in her place.


    "What happened to the others?"


    After Jin finished washing his face, he went to the laboratory with Elsa.


    "Good morning, Onii-chan!


    "Good morning, Jin!"


    "Good morning, Jin-sama!"


    Hannah, Zion, and Marikka are already awake and have washed their faces.


    The rest of them ...... Saki, Goose, and Vivian are still sleeping.


    "Well, that''s okay. Let''s just eat Zoni first.


    "What do you mean by ''zoni''?"


    Theon asks curiously.


    "Yeah, he''s on his way.


    Hannah has already eaten it last year, and knowing that Zion and Marikka have very few likes and dislikes, Jin thinks that she will have no problem eating the zoni.


    Then Peridot3 arrived with the zoni.


    "Is this ?"


    "Yes. In the world where I''m from, we often eat it at New Year''s ......."


    "Is this what you call ......<?"


    "Yes, yes. We eat it in a special soup called zoni."


    "Oh, ......."


    Dexterously using his chopsticks, Zion popped the rice cake into his mouth.


    "Ah, ahyuii."


    It seemed to be hot.


    "Ha ha, be careful."


    Jin has a cat tongue, so he is especially careful when eating rice cakes.


    "...... but it''s delicious."


    "It''s really delicious!"


    It seems that the food life in the demon territory is becoming more affluent, but there are still many things to be done.


    At the moment, Jin, or Houraishima, exchanges food for furs and cubic zirconia, but this year, Jin hopes that formal friendship with the demon territory will be concluded at the <>.

 1377 - - 37-19 New Years Day 2

    "Oh, I''m so hungry......"


    When Jin and the others had finished eating Zoni, Saki and the others, namely Saki, Goose, and Vivian, woke up.


    "Good morning. You can eat Zoni anytime now.


    "What''s that, <>?��What is ......?


    Saki tilted her head, as if she had never heard of zoni. But Goose and Vivian seemed to know it, judging from their lack of any noticeable reaction.


    "I see, so this is ."


    But this was the first time Vivian had ever eaten zoni.


    "Hmmm, this is how they season it at Jin''s place..."


    Goose had eaten zoni in his Mitsuho days, but the seasoning was a little different.


    He also said, "I used to eat it with a lot of wild vegetables.


    He also said, "I used to eat it with a lot of wild vegetables.


    "Oh, that sounds delicious!


    Hannah''s eyes light up.


    "Hmmm, I wonder what would be good to put in it. ...... leeks are a bit too strong smelling, so maybe kalisu or koroko would be good.


    Kalisu is a wild plant similar to kanzou and koroko is a wild plant similar to butterbur.


    "Kaina village-style zoni" would be good, too.


    Jin recalled that there must have been a local zoni.


    There was also a zoni made with miso, with different types of miso (white miso and red miso) and different types of rice cakes (round and cut rice cakes).


    While I was thinking about this, Zion and Marikka seemed to have finished eating Zoni.


    The sun shining on Horaijima is warm.


    "It''s nice that it''s not cold. ......"


    Sion muttered sincerely.


    "I hope this is the year we can make peace with the demon tribe.


    Then they could leave the northern continent where they live now and move to a warmer place.


    But Zion is not so keen on the idea.


    "But I''m still attached to the land where I was born and raised," he says.


    "But I''m attached to the place where I grew up," he says. "So I guess I''d come here during the cold season.


    Maybe it''s good to be able to go to a place to escape the cold.


    "Yes, that''s true. That would be the best. Now, thanks to the djinn, we don''t even have to worry about food in the winter, we have a surplus, and it''s not too cold because of the heating apparatus.


    It''s just a rarity to be away from the land of snow and ice," Zion said.


    "I see. ....... So, would having a vehicle to get around make life more enjoyable?"


    "Vehicles like ......<>?"


    <<> is a quadrupedal ground vehicle. It was used in the past to explore the demon territory, and Zion is familiar with it since he has ridden it many times.


    "That one is good, but it''s hard to mass-produce.


    Mainly because of the materials.


    "But maybe we can make a smaller version, one for each clan. We could use them all year round to transport materials.


    Jin muttered.


    "So, what I''m thinking of is a .


    "A snowmobile?"


    "Yeah. <


    Is that a word from the djinn world?


    That''s right.


    Jin was thinking of a vehicle that could run on snow and ice using large tires instead of caterpillars.


    That way it could be used even when the snow disappears.


    < problem was over.


    "I look forward to it."


    Theon nodded, smiling.


    "So, honey, you mean you''re going to build a car that can drive on ?"


    Hannah, who had been listening quietly until then, spoke to Jin.


    "Yes, that''s what I''m going to do.


    "The requirements are as basic technology as possible, is that correct?"


    "Yes, that''s correct.


    <.


    Hannah''s comprehension is remarkable.


    "Hey Marikka, how much snow does the demon territory get?


    "Huh?"


    Marikka was momentarily taken aback when she was suddenly asked, but she immediately understood what he meant,


    "In the residential area, it accumulates within a meter or so. In the mountains to the north, there are places where it can accumulate up to 10 meters.


    He replies, "There are some places in the mountains to the north where it can accumulate up to 10 meters.


    Jin had an idea of what to expect, since he had been in a place close to that area with <.


    "So you want a vehicle that can withstand a meter of snow!"


    "That''s right."


    Hannah had done a good job of summarizing the necessary information. She then added


    "Why not a golem horse?


    she said.


    "Hmmm, I see. A golem horse. ......"


    Certainly, there is an option of a golem horse that can be used throughout the four seasons.


    Considering the cost per unit, there is not much difference between a golem horse and a snowmobile.


    Jin had to admit that < was an idea that he wanted to build himself.


    "I think I''ll keep the golem horse this time. ......"


    It can have a considerable amount of space for luggage in the torso.


    The material of bronze with < is cost-effective.


    It can also be used for farming.


    "The use of golem horses in the village of Kaina makes their usefulness obvious, doesn''t it?"


    "That''s right, honey."


    On Hannah''s advice, Jin decides to send a golem horse to the demon territory in the near future.


    "That''s a good idea."


    Theon had seen golem horses in the village of Kaina, so he knew how effective they were.


    "Well, I''ll make one when I can afford it."


    "Oh, and when you do, will you invite me too?


    Hannah also wanted to watch him cook.


    "Yeah, sure."


    "Yay!"


    Jin was both excited and a little scared, wondering what would happen in the future ...... if Hannah learned these skills.


    "But Jin, how are you going to pay for it?��I don''t think the demon territory can afford such a price.


    Sion said anxiously. It is true that the current demon territory does not have many products to export.


    The main products are demon pelts and cubic zirconia from the buried ruins of the past.


    They are nice enough for Jin, but certainly a bit weak in exchange for the golem horses.


    "Hmmm, I''ll think about it. ...... Well, Marikka could pull something out of Onogoro Island, couldn''t she?"


    "Oh, yes!


    Marikka was unaware of this.


    "Well, I''ll talk to her about it,...... but I don''t think that place belongs to the demon territory, I think it''s the other guardian of this Ars,......."


    One is Horai Island and the other is Onogoro Island.


    They are located in the northern and southern hemispheres, just on opposite sides of the planet.


    "Yes, yes, it''s a mystery!"


    Vivian joined in the conversation, not quite understanding what was going on. Saki and Goose are also there.


    On the second day of the New Year, Horaijima was peaceful.

 1378 - - 37-20 Planetary Hale

    On January 3, 3459, <> had advanced to a position where the planet Hale was thought to be.


    It took a long time because it was slowing down and proceeding cautiously.


    <>. We will be at our position in 6 hours.


    This is a communication through the relay base.


    In Horai Island, Hannah, Zion, Marikka, Saki, Goose, Vivian, and others who were staying there had returned home.


    And Erza went back to her parents'' home.


    Jin wanted to go with her, or should have gone with her, but he stayed behind because of Hale''s problem.


    "Hmmm, they are probably about 300 million kilometers apart, right?"


    The orbital radius is about 150 million kilometers, which means that Ars and Hale are separated by a diameter.


    "But there is no communication delay?"


    > "It would be strange if I didn''t think so.


    "It would be strange if I didn''t think so. In this world ...... or even in space, the speed of light is 300,000 kilometers per second, right?"


    <<


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    E=mc^2. This equation is said to be a consequence of Einstein''s special theory of relativity.


    E = mc^2. m is mass and c is the speed of light. It is possible that the speed of light in this world (not in the sense of planets, but in the sense of all space including the universe) is faster than the speed of light in the other world including the earth.


    "I can''t rule out that possibility, since there is magic."


    Considering the efficiency of converting free magic element (ether) into energy, there is a possibility that the speed of light c is 3 billion kilometers per second.


    At least, there is no perceptible time lag in communication with a place 300 million kilometers away.


    "Let''s leave that problem for another time, but first we have to deal with the immediate problem."


    Jin himself is not so dexterous that he can solve many problems in parallel. And, for this problem, even the direction of the answer is still unknown.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Five hours passed, and the planet Hale appeared before <>.


    <


    The wards that were said to be there were not there.


    Was the information wrong or have the circumstances changed? This will become clear in the future.


    In a word, the appearance of Hale resembles the fourth planet of the solar system, Mars.


    Reddish brown and light green earth, white snow or ice at the poles. There are some areas that appear to be oceans, but they are only about 20%.


    There were only a few green areas on the land.


    "It''s kind of ...... desolate looking, isn''t it?"


    Still, the old man ordered the use of the "peepers" to see if the ground might be more comfortable than he had expected.


    "I am also concerned that there are no barriers that are supposed to be there."


    The light green area is probably a grassland. They were scattered around the equator and the Tropic of Cancer.


    "Yes. Let''s check the images from the Peeper telescope.


    * * * *


    gets close enough to visually observe Hale.


    There are no boundaries or barriers, and no moving objects have been observed on the surface so far.


    "First, let''s observe the surface while circling, and at the same time, let''s use the <> and <> to search for free magical element (ether) activity."


    Cosmos 501 gave these instructions and checked the condition of the ship himself.


    * * * *


    "Oh, I see."


    Since it was not practical to stay in the command center all the time, Jin took a break on the way, but came back when he received a call from the old man.


    <<<> has circled Hale. As expected, no significant activity has been observed.


    "I see. ......"


    The video showed the surface of the earth.


    "...... is weathered."


    <>


    "As I recall, there were two groups, the emigrants and the remainers, and the remainers were the returners to nature and the hermits, right?"


    <<>


    "Wait, then what about the and the ?"


    "Nah. ......"


    Jin folds his arms and thinks.


    "What about the possibility that he went underground?"


    <


    "I guess so."


    Jin then fell silent and looked at the scenery of Hale projected on the magic screen.


    The landscape was mostly wilderness, but there were grasslands with short grasses and sparse bushes in some places.


    "It looks like an arid environment.


    >


    "I don''t know about that. ......"


    Jin had no idea about the life of a planet.


    Then the image changed.


    There are no high mountains, they are all rounded.


    "Yes."


    Or it is possible that they have all been used as resources.


    "Oh?"


    Something glowed.


    "Tell to expand over there."


    <


    The image is zoomed in.


    "...... the transparent dome?"


    Jin thought that it might be a dome made of cubic zirconia, which is considered a resource in the demon territory.


    "We finally found traces of human habitation, didn''t we?"


    The location is a plateau near the equator.


    There is a high mountain to the north, which makes clouds and rainfall moderate, and a grassland has developed.


    Three more what appeared to be broken former domes were found.


    "I wonder if a few houses were clustered together. I wonder if they were part of a faction. ......"


    then investigates another location.


    Along the way, Jin stopped to eat and rest.


    After 12 hours of observation, <> had completed his observations of the surface of the planet Hale. Here is what he found.


    .


    "Well, yes. Now it''s up to us to investigate underground, but I think it''s a long shot.

 1379 - - 37-21 Past Stars

    < was losing altitude and circling the area corresponding to the stratosphere.


    The old man added that Ars may be the same as Hale.


    .


    < is not good either.


    "My old man, the <>. Where was the receiving side of Hale?"


    Jin said, suddenly curious.


    "Please continue your investigation."


    .


    * * * *


    A whole day has passed, but nothing of the sort has been found.


    When Jin is not in the command center, he is examining the that he had mentioned to Zion and Marikka the other day.


    "The skeleton and exterior can be made of bronze.


    The <> is very effective.


    "Now we just need to figure out what to do with the muscles. ......"


    Recently, Jin has been thinking about <.


    The Horai-jima standard uses threads of underground spiders (ground spiders), but these are biological materials, and if they are not maintained properly, they will deteriorate over time and will not be maintenance-free.


    In Jin''s hands, however, the durability will increase to the point where such maintenance is no longer necessary.


    "Can''t you make it out of metal? ......"


    When Jin was working in modern Japan, an artificial muscle made of metal called <> was under development.


    The details are too academic for Jin to know, but he wondered if it could be realized by engineering magic.


    It is a good subject to think about in between the Hale problem, and Jin thinks about it whenever he has free time.


    .


    However, progress is slow because it is hard to find time to think about it.


    "Did you find anything?"


    <


    "I see. ....... Let''s bring the Cosmos team down to Hale."


    Let''s see if that makes any difference.


    The idea was that the landing of the Cosmos Corps might cause something to react that could not be detected by observation alone.


    "It would be too early for the Vulcans to land, after all.


    <


    "Yes, that''s right."


    I''d like to visit the place too, and Jin himself is interested in it.


    "Make sure it is fully tested for pathogens, toxins, etc."


    And so the search for Hale entered its second phase.


    * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, what would be the most efficient way to make it have the function of shrinking when magic power is given to it. ......"


    Jin then began to consider the metal magical muscle again.


    "Father, shouldn''t we use <>?"


    Unable to see Jin''s concern, Reiko also offered her opinion.


    "<> is a little weak in terms of output. ......"


    According to Jin''s estimation, the <> method would only produce less than half of the power that Jin wanted, when compared to the method used to create the magical muscle.


    "Why is that?"


    "There is a <> that uses <>, isn''t there?��If it is an arm, the arm itself is transformed (formed) to move, but in the case of muscles, it can only be pulled.


    "Well, muscles attached to the endoskeleton exert their force by contracting when bending joints, right?


    "That''s what I mean."


    <, one side contracts and the other side extends. In other words, < and <> are working, but in the case of magical muscles attached to the endoskeleton, the joints can only be bent by contracting.


    "In addition, the use of mana is not efficient. In addition, the reaction speed does not increase."


    Every movement is the same as using < magic.


    "It''s a difficult thing, isn''t it?"


    Reiko seemed to be convinced, and began to think about it together with Jin.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    < continued its exploration around Hale, 560 from Cosmos 551, dressed in battle suits, headed for Hale with various measuring instruments. Cosmos 551 to 560 in battle suits headed for Hale with various measuring instruments.


    ��We have now arrived at the target point on the equator of Hale.]


    The first step on the planet Hale was taken by Cosmos 551.


    ��The temperature is 27 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity of 24 percent.]


    The temperature is high and the humidity is low.


    ��The concentration of free magical element (ether) is comparable to that in the vicinity of the Ars demon territory.]


    The concentration of free ether is slightly higher than that of the Lesser Clan.


    ��We will now analyze the atmosphere and soil.]


    Cosmos 555 and 556 took out measuring instruments.


    When the soil sample is placed in the saucer of the analyzer, the magic of <> is activated.


    ��No unknown substances were detected. The only known substances are harmless ones.]


    < is not universal. We can detect what we know, but everything else is <>.


    And no < substances or bacteria have been detected in more than a dozen tests.


    ��Atmospheric analysis...... 79 percent nitrogen, 20 percent oxygen, 1 percent other.]


    ��Other composition ...... argon, helium, carbon dioxide, neon, methane, hydrogen. Trace components are not known up to percentages.]


    Almost the same as Ars and Earth.


    ��There are no microorganisms. It seems more like a sterilization chamber.]


    Is this the original condition of the environment, or is it because the environment has been improved?


    Conversely, it may not be a habitable environment for a wide variety of organisms other than humans.


    No, even human beings coexist with various microorganisms including lactobacilli, and I feel that a sterile environment is not ideal," Jin thought as he listened to the report.


    "But I guess we can visit Hale now."


    Of course, we will have to wait until we have done more research.


    "We can set up a warp gate."


    In any case, it is necessary to sterilize the area on the way so as not to bring harmful bacteria and viruses into Ars, since it is via a relay station.


    "Yes. But then again, there are mutants."


    "If we are going to build one, let''s make it large enough so that we can at least send in aircraft."


    "Oh, I see. I''ll take care of that, too.


    Thus, a large warp gate was constructed on the planet Hale.


    The investigation of Hale reaches its climax.

 1380 - - 37-22 Research Team

    On January 5, the installation of the large warp gate at Hale and the relay station was completed.


    At the same time, Erza came home from her parents'' house.


    "Welcome home. I''m sorry I couldn''t come with you.


    Jin apologized, and Elsa shook her head and said it was nothing.


    "How are your father-in-law and mother-in-law?"


    "Yes, they are fine. Father has recovered a lot and is able to do daily activities on his own.


    "That''s good to hear."


    But Jin could see that Elsa''s face did not look well.


    "But did she say anything to you?"


    "What?��You know what I mean?


    "Of course, I''m talking about Elsa."


    "...... Thank you?"


    Elsa thanks him with a slight blush on her cheeks. Something seemed off, but Jin asked again what was bothering him.


    "So, what happened?"


    "Well, it''s about my brother..."


    "Mr. Fritz?"


    "Hmmm... He told me about the ......<> that His Majesty has been talking about, and that he would like to join."


    "I see."


    Jin as a deus ex machina is planning to start a .


    I hear that there is a flood of people who want to join.


    "Your mother heard that your brother wants to join ......."


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin wondered if a mother would want to fulfill her son''s wish.


    And Elsa would not want to give a recommendation that would favor her own people.


    "But Mr. Fritz is very capable. I think it will be all right if we leave the selection to the leaders of each country.


    When Jin said this, Erza hurriedly supplemented her explanation.


    "Oh, no, I think your mother doesn''t want my brother to participate.


    "That''s it. ......"


    "Oh, no, it''s not that, it''s like your mother doesn''t want your brother to participate," he added.


    "I think I understand a little ......."


    "...... so?"


    At this point Jin changes the subject slightly.


    Hey, how is Mr. Moritz doing?


    "Brother Moritz, he''s doing great as head of the family.


    "And does he have a wife?"


    No.


    "No." "I see. ......"


    "Why not?"


    Jin explains his thoughts to Erza, who looks doubtful.


    "No, I was just wondering if your mother-in-law might be lonely too."


    "Lonely?"


    "Yes. Elsa is with me, Mr. Fritz is in the army and is away most of the time and never comes home, and Mr. Moritz is busy as the head of the family."


    So it will be different when Mr. Moritz gets married and has grandchildren, Jin said.


    "Well, well, grandchildren, then, my family too..."


    Elsa turned red and added to Jin''s story.


    "What?��Erza, perhaps?"


    But Erza shook her head vigorously.


    "No, no. I don''t ...... think she''s ready yet."


    "I see,......."


    Jin seemed a little disappointed to hear that.


    "Maybe you should think of something so that your mother-in-law will not be lonely.


    "......How should I do that?"


    "Let''s think about it together."


    "......"


    So Jin and Elsa decided to think together.


    "What about keeping small animals?"


    Dogs, cats, birds, etc.


    "Not too many creatures. ......"


    "I see."


    Some people are not good at keeping living creatures. Marlene, Elsa''s mother-in-law, seems to be one of them.


    "Well, how about flowers?"


    "Oh, that''s a good idea."


    "I see. Okay. ......


    Jin?


    I''ll build you a greenhouse.


    Greenhouses are already in use in the demon territory and are also used in the Kingdom of Klein for growing high quality fruits.


    Jin thought it would be fun to grow subtropical flowers and herbs there.


    "Elsa can choose the plants for you."


    "Hmm."


    He chose plants from the south, such as the plants in Penglai Island and the plants in Elias'' kingdom, and chose varieties that his mother-in-law Marlene would enjoy.


    "When the Hale problem is over, I''ll be there to apologize for my absence, so I''ll at least be prepared to plant then."


    We''ll plant them in pots and planters. Topaz, the five-colored golem maid, is an expert in this area.


    White flowers, blue flowers, red flowers, yellow flowers, purple flowers. It''s nice to see flowers of all colors.


    Elsa joyfully began to make a list.


    Jin and Elsa discuss the size of the greenhouse, the materials, and the heating method.


    Since he was a little tired of thinking about the metal magical muscle, he decided that it would be a good change of pace and started to think about the greenhouse.


    He was a little too tired to think about it.


    After dinner, the old man reported something new.


    The old man prefaced his report with the words, "This is a story that could have been told in the cafeteria.


    <<<< Skylark>> 50 planes toured Hale. There are no animals or insects in Hale. Only a few types of vegetation grow there.


    "I knew it. ......"


    Finally, Jin thought that even the natural environment must have been a controlled world.


    .


    Jin felt a little sad that he had gone to such lengths.


    "Even if they went that far, they still ended up on the road to extinction, didn''t they?"


    "But just as no life lasts forever, no civilization lasts forever, then ......"


    "I''d like to live a satisfying life, wouldn''t you?"


    Elsa echoed Jin''s words.


    "That''s right. If the accumulation of the present makes the future.


    I hope the present is good.


    Now Reiko followed Jin''s words.


    "Thank you, My Lord."


    A little sad, but as a New Year''s resolution, Jin said,


    "May I and all those connected to me be happy," he muttered.


    He muttered, "May I and all the people connected to me be happy.

 1381 - - 37-23 Appeal

    .


    The report came in on January 6.


    The report came from the <, which had been modified for space use.


    <


    With a diameter of 500 meters, it is so large that it would be overlooked in the vastness of space if one did not know that it existed.


    <.


    <


    The amount of consumption clearly indicated the presence of a large or many magi-machines inside.


    It does not seem to be a physical barrier against matter, but rather a detection system to detect the approach of intruders or enemies.


    If it detects, it may put up stronger warding.


    It is possible that the use of <<<< peepers >> may be detected in some way. Please give us further instructions.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, it''s a difficult question..."


    In the command room in the basement of the Horaijima Research Institute, Jin was troubled.


    There is a possibility that he might be detected using the <<<< peeping telescope.


    "I think so."


    But if we don''t do anything, nothing will happen, I think.


    "Well, can''t we make them call out to us?"


    Jin suddenly has an idea. Can''t we induce them to be interested and contact us?


    "Hmmm, I see."


    Jin wonders if there is a way to let the Hailians know that we are on their side.


    "Is that so?


    Then, I wonder if there is a way for them to ask who we are from the other side, and change my mind.


    Assuming that the existence of <<<<< Vulcan>> and <> is already known, it would be strange if they don''t show any response>.


    "Indeed it is."


    I almost wonder if this is another dead facility, but then I remember that there is a working magi-machine.


    "I wonder if we have to be proactive in our approach to get a response?"


    <>


    "I see. ......"


    Jin was impressed by the old man. Because Jin could not help but be curious about it.


    "You are showing them that you are not their enemy, but you are acting in a conspicuous way ...... that they might be concerned.


    It''s too difficult, Jin thought to himself.


    Why don''t you ask <>> about it?


    At least, he is the one who should know the most about the Hailians. First of all, get to know them better.


    That might be the best thing to do. ......"


    Jin agreed with the old man''s idea.


    * * * * *


    "Well, that''s what I was thinking, Mr. Tester, what do you think?


    That afternoon, Marikka, Zion, Jin and Reiko were on the island of Onogoro, asking questions of , the .


    "Oh, have you reached your master''s planet, Jin-dono?


    "Yes, but ......"


    Jin explained what he knew so far.


    I see, there are no more s left on their home planet.


    does not seem too disappointed to learn this fact. < in .


    This is what the old man expected. If there is a < to serve, it will not be unstable or out of control.


    "So, I found a spherical facility in satellite orbit, and I''d like to contact it and talk to it, but there''s been no response."


    Or so it would seem.


    began to describe the old ''s character.


    The has a first. And then, everything else is .


    "Yes, I understand that."


    The "others" are divided into three categories, one is friend, one is foe, and the other is irrelevant.


    Jin heard this and thought to himself, "That''s like liking, disliking, and indifference.


    If they don''t react, it''s because they consider them irrelevant.


    He said that others are first classified as irrelevant. They are then classified again according to the information they have received, and if they are considered enemies at this time, they may be attacked.


    "Then, what should we do to be considered as an ally ......?


    Jin asked, and <> interrupted him and continued.


    Wait, don''t jump to conclusions. Actually, there is a category of irrelevance called <>.


    "It''s complicated."


    Maybe we should aim for the irrelevance of the interesting.


    "It''s really complicated. ...... Specifically?"


    "Well, you''d have to show something that would be of interest to your <.


    "So what exactly?"


    It''s hard to say without knowing ''s principles, but it''s more likely that he''s a <> of the <>.


    < probably perished quietly on Hale.


    The are the least interested in the outside world. A half-hearted appeal would make no sense.


    Jin was getting a little impatient with the roundabout explanation.


    Something that''s not dangerous, yet interesting. That''s all I can say.


    What the heck is that ......, Jin thought, but it was still a little better than before.


    Then Jin decided to ask what came to his mind.


    "For example, how about a dazzling light in outer space?"


    I don''t think that would be enough to get his attention.


    "Well, how about pseudo-combat?"


    The point is not to attack the spherical facility, but to engage in a battle in the vicinity of the facility.


    We can play out a battle between spaceships in the form of a drill.


    Mm, that might be a good idea.


    "I see."


    Jin was just about to go along this line,


    "Well, what if we pay a visit?"


    Marikka asked.


    Jin realized that he had failed to ask the first thing he would have thought of.


    But...


    Well, in that case, I would probably ignore it. If we force our way in, we will be declared hostile.


    <> is nonplussed.


    "I see... ...... that''s difficult."


    Jin began to think about the quickest way to get a reaction out of them by conducting a mock battle.

 1382 - - 37-24 Simulated Battle

    Jin returned to Horai Island and had a meeting with the old man.


    > with a less powerful weapon. ......>>


    "Yes, but I want to do it as spectacularly as possible so that it attracts the eye."


    <> with >, you will not see any secondary effects such as flashes or explosions.


    The onlookers do not know what they are doing.


    <


    Yes, that''s what I was thinking.


    Flashbangs. On modern Earth, flashbangs are used for dazzling and signaling. I have never seen a real one, but I have an image of it, so it should be OK.


    "It emits light when it hits the target, right?"


    <


    "Oh, I see. I''ll do that.


    When the outer shell is broken by a barrier or by hitting the opponent''s armor, it emits a flash of light.


    <


    "Try not to generate heat.


    Light should be limited to visible light, and infrared and ultraviolet rays should be avoided as much as possible.


    "We should also make a timer."


    Jin thought that this might be a good idea for signaling.


    Once the idea was conceived, it was as good as complete. Jin mobilizes his craftsmen (smiths) and produces a sufficient number of .


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, let''s get started."


    On January 7, a mock battle between 50 <> and 50 <> was about to begin in orbit around the satellite of the planet Hale.


    "How do you decide who wins?��And what are the rules?"


    "That''s ......."


    Jin answers Erza''s question.


    < deployed a solid physical barrier and flew at a speed of 10 kilometers per second.


    < attacks the with flashbangs.


    If a ship hits <> with 50 flares, that is, if each ship hits one flare, <> wins.


    On the other hand, <> will be shot down if it is hit by even one flashbang, including through the barrier.


    In terms of mobility, <> is far superior to <>.


    However, is superior in firepower. And they can take up to 50 direct hits.


    Whether it is Jin or the old man, victory or defeat is unknowable," he concluded.


    "Well, I understand now. Thank you."


    When Erza was satisfied, the old man gave the signal for the start of the simulation.


    The <> sprints through space, moving left and right, making evasive maneuvers.


    In contrast, the <> forms an encircling formation and tries to push the <> into a tight corner.


    The first flashbangs from <> hit <>''s physical barrier (solid barrier), causing a flower of light to bloom in the blackness of space.


    "Beautiful ......"


    Erza gives an honest impression.


    Like fireworks blooming in the night sky, a dazzling light flashed in space.


    Thank goodness it is not a real battle and not a destructive one.


    And the number of flashes increases with each passing hour. The <> is hunting down <>.


    "Well, I''m far from experienced enough to know what to do in such a situation," he says.


    Jin himself has no experience in space combat, and is a complete amateur when it comes to battle methods and tactics.


    The same is true of No. 700672, and when I asked him about it before, he replied, "I don''t know.


    "Well, I don''t intend to start a space war.


    Jin watched the video while muttering something like that.


    The <> is flying in an irregular zigzag orbit that would be impossible for a human pilot.


    But the <> was even more maneuverable and was able to cope with its irregular flight.


    "Ah, one <> has dropped out!"


    Erza shouted. Yes, a flashbang hit the barrier of <>.


    And another one. One more.


    "The <> is good, too."


    Due to its structure, the <> cannot fire in succession.


    It requires an interval of a few seconds.


    Taking advantage of this gap, <> hit the target with a flashbang.


    "If that''s the case, then <> must be ...... ah, I knew it."


    After five planes had dropped out, Skylark 11, leading <>, changed his instructions.


    Forty-five aircraft shifted the timing of their launches little by little.


    This left the <> unable to lift the solid physical barrier and thus unable to counterattack, leaving them on the defensive.


    "I see."


    But has changed its strategy.


    Instead of the solid physical barrier it had been using, it deployed a defensive shield.


    Since < is a flat barrier, its flanks are unprotected. However, the <> moves its <> in time with the <>''s bombardment.


    Since the shields are massless, their movement is instantaneous.


    Moreover, the shield can be stretched not only on one side. It can be deployed in 6 directions, up, down, left, right, front, and back. In other words, it can be enclosed within a cube.


    However, the shape of the surface is not a square but a circle, so there is a gap between the two. From there, can target as much as he wants.


    "Oh, another one."


    The <> is now down to 21.


    Aiming at the gaps between the fast-moving <> is a difficult task. The <> side, on the other hand, synchronizes the movement of its <> with the firing of its <>.


    "<>, advantage?"


    "Yes."


    Jin and Erza are absorbed in following the course of this mock battle. Their original goal had slipped their minds.


    But the old man was not so sure.


    There was movement in the sphere they were monitoring.


    * * * *


    "The flow of free magical element (ether) has changed."


    The long-awaited report comes in.


    Ten Raptor squadrons, different from those engaged in the simulation battle, were standing by in a space far from the battlefield.


    The old man looks satisfied.


    From the spherical , three small spherical flying objects, also probably reconnaissance planes, flew out.


    <


    In other words, we hope you will see this as <>.


    The <> has decided that the reclusive Hailites would certainly not like to fight.


    On the other hand, they would be hungry for entertainment and would have an eye for the unusual.


    "...... Well, uh, so far so good."


    Jin, who had been completely engrossed in the space battle, hurriedly returned to his original goal.


    "Yes, that''s right. Let''s be more careful."

 1383 - - 37-25 Long-awaited Contact

    <> launched from the > seemed to be observing the mock battle between <> and <> at a sufficient distance.


    And the mock battle seemed to end in defeat for the <>.


    So far, 23 rounds have been fired directly at <>. On the other hand, <> has only 4 aircraft left.


    The fewer the number of aircraft, the more disadvantageous < will be, so it is safe to say that victory or defeat is in sight.


    * * * * * *


    "Old man, can we go to Hale with the <>?"


    Jin decided that it would be better to use an automaton than a golem to negotiate with the <>.


    "Okay, Reiko, will you go with me?"


    "Yes, I will."


    Normally, Reiko would never leave Jin''s side, but this is an exception.


    < and protects the doppelganger.


    "Well then, old man, please take care of your father."


    .


    Thus, aboard the Pegasus 1, Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko headed for the planet Hale.


    * * * * *


    Once they left the simple relay base, they went to <> using the warp gate once again.


    The exits the warehouse slowly.


    Once out in space, it accelerates and comes to the side of the <>.


    We slowed down as much as possible, so as not to provoke it unnecessarily.


    He waved his hand through the window at the time when it was probably observing us.


    We have confirmed from the 700672 that this gesture does not indicate hostile behavior.


    approaches more slowly.


    .


    "Old man, do you think he''s all right?"


    Jin asks anxiously. In a sense, this is the first contact with the <.


    . I have simulated it many times based on the information I got from Mr. 700672 and Mr. Tester.


    Jin felt a little calmer now that the old man said so.


    "Well, the scouting plane over there?��"Well, the scouts over there don''t react to anything.


    .


    "I guess so."


    Jin reminded himself again to take his time.


    * * * * * *


    "I''m not getting any response.


    "That''s true."


    <, Jin''s doppelganger (Jin D) and Reiko kept waving their hands.


    "Maybe they don''t know what to make of us either."


    "I guess so."


    < approached the scout very slowly.


    The reconnaissance plane does not seem to be avoiding it, and does not seem to be paying much attention to it.


    "Well, here we go."


    < and the reconnaissance plane has closed to about 30 meters.


    The visual equipment of the reconnaissance plane should be able to see <>, Jin D., and Reiko.


    "There must be some kind of reaction. They will not leave things as they are.


    Jin and the others thought that if they wanted entertainment, they would react to these visits as well as space battles.


    "But if he were the ultimate recluse, he would be ......."


    Jin and the others think, "But if he is the ultimate shut-in, he would deny it. If that were the case, the reconnaissance plane would have pulled out immediately.


    "They''re probably wondering how they should treat us."


    "I suppose so."


    It''s easy to imagine from a different perspective.


    There is a space battle in the vicinity of your home, and unknown people are approaching you waving their hands.


    It is hard to imagine that we would suddenly accept this.


    "Even so, they would have been interested."


    The strategy was based on the premise that they would never leave the people who had caused a stir in their boring days.


    More time passes.


    The old man had already taken over the control of Jin D.


    After all, it was already midnight in Horai Island.


    Jin D was warned by the old man and took a rest.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The date has changed to the 8th, and 15 hours have passed since the approach of <>.


    Finally, a reaction occurs.


    "Oh, something came out again."


    The reconnaissance plane was still in place, but a flying object came out of the <>.


    "...... golem?"


    It was humanoid. It flew straight for <.


    By this time, the simulation battle between and was over, and the space was quiet.


    The Golem comes to a stop about three meters in front of <.


    It is not equipped with any rockets, so one can imagine that it is equipped with a propulsion system such as a <>.


    Up close, it looks somewhat like <>. It is probably because it is a golem made of Hael.


    Hitoshi D. and Reiko wave again through the window.


    That seemed to be the deciding factor. The golem again slowly ...... comes closer to swim in space, and gently touches the outer covering of <>.


    Can you hear me?��If you can hear me, please wave your hand.


    The voice of the golem was heard through the outer covering. Hitoshi D. and Reiko waved their hands once as they were told.


    Good. It seems we can talk to each other. Are you from ...... Ars?��If so, wave to us.


    Hitoshi D. and Reiko waved to each other.


    I see. I want to know the purpose of your visit to ....... Do you have any intention to harm us?��If not, please wave your hand.


    Hitoshi D. and Reiko waved back at this question as well.


    That''s fortunate. Do you wish to see my at ......?��If so, please wave your hand.


    Jin D and Reiko waved without hesitation.


    Okay. I''ll make arrangements for you to see him. Follow me to .......


    With that, the golem turns itself around and heads back to the <>. follows slowly.


    The Golem turns around once, and when it sees that <> is following it, it increases its speed a little.


    <.


    Inside the hatch was a wide hall-like space, and <> was able to enter easily.


    When Golem saw this, he touched <>''s outer covering again,


    "I''m going to close the hatch now.


    The hatch was closed.


    Immediately after that, the hatch slowly closed, and the hall was filled with the sound of air.


    This is an airlock. Can you hear me?


    It seems that the air has been filled, and the golem''s voice can now be heard without passing through the outer covering.


    78 percent nitrogen, 20 percent oxygen. Breathable air.


    Golem''s description.


    After confirming with the attached equipment that the air composition was OK, Jin D. and Reiko decided to go outside.

 1384 - - 37-26 Fanatics

    The air in the hall was indeed breathable.


    The air pressure was almost one atmosphere. The temperature was about 10 degrees Celsius, which is not too low considering that we were in an airlock.


    Gravity was also about 1 G. This is probably the standard for Haleans.


    This way.


    With that, the golem turns around and leads the two men to the back of the airlock.


    After passing through the door, which was also an airlock, they found themselves in the interior of the <>.


    The walls and ceiling were made of metal, but the floor was made of resin, non-slip and almost silent.


    "Where are you going?"


    Jin''s doppelganger (= Jin D) asks, to which the golem replies succinctly.


    We''re going to .


    "Agente?"


    Yes. Everything here is under the control of the Agente.


    This satellite is called Kuna?


    Yes.


    What is your name?


    I have no name. My identification number is 1402.


    Then I will call you 1402.


    Suit yourself.


    As we speak, 1402 keeps moving.


    Get in.


    As you step into what appears to be an elevator, you feel a slight vibration and a slight increase in gravity. In other words, we are going up.


    < was housed was at the bottom of , so we must be heading closer to the center.


    In about 20 seconds the elevator comes to a stop.


    Get off. This way.


    1402 exits the elevator and walks further. Hitoshi D. and Reiko silently follow him.


    (They don''t seem to be in the center of the building yet.)


    Reiko reported to Jin and the old man in Horai Island by the built-in manacam.


    ��Let''s just wait and see.)


    ��I see...)


    Here. Come in.


    It was a brightly lit room, about the size of a school classroom.


    Inside are three golems of the same type as 1402.


    The door closes just as Jin-D and Reiko enter. Then they hear a voice.


    Welcome, visitor. I am Agente, the acting master in charge of this coona.


    Or should I call you Agente?


    No, it''s all right.


    I have some questions I''d like to ask you. ......


    I have a lot of questions for you. But first, let''s hear what you have to say.


    Four golems including 1402 moved, and two each held Hitoshi D. and Reiko from both sides. .


    "What are you doing?


    I told you to listen to me. I told you I''d make you do what I say! I''ll leave your will intact. I''ll leave you with your will.


    As Agente said this, a section of the wall opened and two golems appeared. Each of them is holding a Beheshah.


    "You''re using us as your puppets!


    Just in case. No hard feelings.


    You''ve got to be kidding me!


    It''s for your own good. Accept it.


    I''m not getting through to you.


    Jin, who had expected something like this, gave instructions to Reiko.


    ��


    ��Yes, father.)


    "Let go of me!"


    Reiko swung her arm and released the two golems, then kicked the two that were holding Jin D.


    Jin-D dropped down near the door he had entered and put up a barrier.


    In the meantime, Reiko destroyed the two that were lying on the floor.


    "What the hell do you think you''re doing!��Is enslaving customers the way you do it here!"


    Jin D shouts.


    It is my role to minimize any risk to my master. You''ll have to accept it.


    "I don''t like it!"


    Jin D immediately denied it.


    "Is that really the way to satisfy your ?"


    At least it''s not denied.


    "Not denied, that''s ......."


    No questions asked!


    Two Golems are coming for Reiko and two more for Jin-D.


    I''m not going to let them get away with it!


    I''ve already told you before that I don''t want to!


    Reiko punched them away. But the two blown away bodies quickly regained their positions and came closer to her.


    Jin D, who is not as strong a fighter as Reiko, only uses a barrier to prevent them.


    However, the barrier is so strong that two golems cannot break through it.


    In the meantime, Reiko silences her two opponents and takes care of the two that attack Jin D.


    "Don''t waste your time and stay quiet."


    The two bodies, thrown away by Reiko''s force at thirty percent, fly to the opposite wall and are knocked to the floor, finally immobilized.


    "Are you not going to do what I say?


    "We came here for the sake of friendship, but we can''t keep quiet when you suddenly try to enslave us.


    I''m not a slave. I''m not a slave. I''m just trying to make sure they can''t resist me.


    What''s the difference?


    There is a parallel. It seems that Agente''s perception is incompatible with Jin''s.


    My master is absolute. "My master is absolute. I reject everything that does not serve my master.


    "...... fanatic."


    * * * *


    "Yes, I know."


    The being who calls himself <> was clearly out of control in the eyes of Jin and the old man.


    "It looks like it''s out of control. ......"


    <


    "Let''s see how things go a bit more, and if it looks like there is nothing we can do, we may have to pull out. ...... unfortunately."


    "For now, Agente.


    "For now, let''s deal with the golem that Agente has sent out."


    * * *


    "Don''t waste your time!"


    "What''s the point?


    Reiko shouts after silencing Agente''s golem.


    "You can tell the strength of the golem by looking at the flow of free magical element (ether). The golem you are bringing out is not my enemy.


    You''re so cocky. Don''t get cocky.��Don''t think that the golem is my only means of attack!


    Reiko braced herself, and Agente launched another attack.

 1385 - - 37-27 inaccessible.

    < attacked Reiko.


    It is a magical attack. Surprisingly, it is similar to <>.


    However, it has little effect on Reiko.


    "That won''t work on me!"


    What?


    Reiko''s skin and muscles are made of Dragon Leather, the material of the Ancient Dragon, the pinnacle of the Ars ecosystem.


    And the skeleton is made of hyperadamantite. In addition, the interior is made of foam to reduce weight, and the voids are filled with scraps of dragon leather.


    <


    It uses the heat generated by the induced current to generate high heat in the object.


    The material of << ancient dragon> is an insulator.


    And hyperadamantite is also close to an insulator because it has lost free electrons due to molecular compression.


    In addition, the material of <> is inviolable except for the magical power flowing through its leather.


    <


    What?


    Agente sounded panicked.


    "I didn''t know you could make that kind of voice!


    Jin D. muttered.


    "Ugh, you''re a scary guy. All the more reason why we can''t let him near his <> anymore!


    Agente attacks again.


    The floor beneath Reiko''s feet begins to turn to dust.


    But Reiko is unconcerned.


    "<>? That''s not going to scare them off. The floor is starting to break, are you sure?


    <


    "This < will break first, won''t it?"


    "It was a mistake to invite such a person into our home.


    "You made a mistake in your judgment. I''m not happy that you''re passing it on to me.


    You''re so noisy!


    An electric light went off. It was probably lightning magic.


    But Reiko''s body is an insulator named Dragon Leather.


    Gumu...... then take this!


    This magic was a degraded version of the overheat magic that Jin had developed.


    "You''re wasting your time, aren''t you?"


    The heat resistance of the material that forms Reiko''s body is comparable to adamantite. Its melting point is over 3,000 degrees Celsius.


    Furthermore, it has been subjected to Jin''s best efforts to toughen it.


    <.


    And is a phenomenon in which the bonding force of molecules and atoms is loosened by thermal energy.


    In other words, a material that has been subjected to not only increases in strength, but also in melting point and boiling point.


    In other words, it was obvious that the materials of the room, such as the floor and the ceiling, would not be able to withstand it first.


    If that''s the case, how about this!


    Reiko''s weight instantly increased a hundredfold. It''s gravity magic.


    "Is that all?"


    The metal floor is beginning to cave in under the weight of Reiko''s 3,000 kilograms, but Reiko remains unconcerned.


    Reiko had withstood a thousand times the gravity of the battle with Lardus of in the past.


    Now that she is several times more powerful than she was then, a hundred times the gravity was nothing to her.


    Oh, you scary bastard. ......


    There was a hint of fear in Agente''s voice. Reiko''s power was that overwhelming.


    But you''re still powered by the free ether. Take it!


    ?


    Next, Agente launched an attack equivalent to the Aether Eliminator.


    This attack removes the free magic element (ether) of the object.


    It doesn''t work.


    What?


    Jin had already developed an equivalent magi-machine, and had already taken countermeasures.


    <


    This magic wave is much stronger than ordinary ether converters, so whether you are a golem, an automata, or a mage, you will be deprived of free magic element (ether) when you are exposed to it.


    In short, it is a tug-of-war for free magic element (ether).


    What if the Magi Reactor works with stronger magic waves than those of the <>?


    A meager < doesn''t work on Reiko right now.


    Mmmm, how about this!


    The concentration of free ether has increased 500 times around Reiko.


    "It can''t withstand a sudden increase in concentration. ...... What?


    "Is that all?"


    There was Reiko, looking unconcerned.


    Oh, scary. ......


    Agente''s voice seemed to tremble.


    I''ve brought in what kind of a being into my life. ...... Oh, @*sama, please forgive me!��......


    The voice faded out and was no longer heard.


    * * *


    >


    "They saw they were no match for us and retreated. ...... what do you think ......?"


    <<> is probably a magic brain. If so, I''m a little concerned.


    "Me too."


    Jin and the old man agree.


    "It''s too illogical, isn''t it?"


    Is it because of its imperfection, or is it a weakness of being more like a living organism? Or is there another reason?


    As an engineer, I am very interested in this.


    <>


    "Yes. Let''s do it."


    * * * * * *


    The hall is quiet, and Reiko and Jin D are the only ones moving. 1402, who guided us here, has also stopped moving.


    Jin D is unharmed, having deployed his <> and survived the aftermath of the battle between Reiko and Agente.


    "Well, let''s go a little further ...... and head for the center of this <>."


    Will there be ogres or snakes? That''s how Jin felt as he was piloting Jin D.


    "Okay, sir. Leave it to me to get rid of the dew.


    Reiko pushes the door of the hall.


    The door distorts with a sudden sound, leaving an opening just wide enough for a single person to pass through.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    Jin D. and Reiko went further and further ahead.

 1386 - - 37-28 seclusion

    >>


    >>


    <>


    No need to hesitate any longer, <> is investigating the inside of the satellite <> with a >, and based on the information, Jin D and Reiko are aiming at the center of the satellite.


    <


    "Okay. Thank you."


    Jin D and Reiko were facing the center.


    Warding.


    "They must be holed up in the back here."


    Now, in front of Jin D and Reiko, a wall of wards with a pale silver light was standing in front of them.


    "It''s probably a reflective type of warding."


    The silver color means that it reflects visible light.


    It would also repel ultraviolet rays and heat rays.


    What about physical attacks?


    Jin D took a piece of the golem he had picked up earlier out of his pocket and threw it at the warding.


    The piece hits the boundary in a parabolic path and falls right down to the ground.


    "Ho!"


    Jin thought, "It seems to have absorbed all the kinetic energy. This is an unusual effect of the warding.


    "In this case, we should add more physical energy than it can absorb. ......


    Jin D said, and Reiko tapped on the warding. And then.


    "Oh, it really kills the momentum, doesn''t it?"


    She then delivered a full-swing straight.


    Reiko''s fist was halfway into the boundary. Then, somewhere there was a clanging sound.


    And then the wards shook and ...... disappeared.


    "It was 20 percent power. ......"


    Reiko said calmly.


    * * * *


    "I guess Hailians are not good at fighting.


    In Horai Island, Jin was analyzing the data so far with the old man.


    <


    It was not much different from the enemy attacks that Jin, Reiko, and Horaijima had faced so far. Or rather, some of them were even inferior.


    "If there is no enemy, there is no development of military power, right?


    For better or worse, Ars has a lot of strife, necessity, and the technology of warfare has developed.


    "But I think the people on Onogoro Island were a bit stronger?"


    "That could be."


    It''s a common sense that things change in the environment. The Hale people who have spent a lot of time in Ars are already different.


    "All right, let''s move on."


    * * * *


    After the wards disappeared, we found ourselves in a brightly lit passageway.


    The air smells different, too.


    "Yes, it''s cleaner. ......


    Jin guesses that if there is a < at the end of the corridor, it is probably to improve the environment for that person. In other words, the target is beyond this point.


    "I''d like to hear all about it when I see him, wouldn''t you?"


    A genuine Hailian. What do they think, what do they think?


    "And I hope we can coexist."


    Jin himself has his own opinions, but to the human race of Ars, he is a descendant of our ancestors, a kindred spirit, no doubt.


    He has no grudge against them, so they can be friendly with each other.


    The floor is clean of dust and the soft material absorbs the sound of footsteps.


    But there is no response.


    "I guess will stay shut in at this rate. What should we do? ......"


    * * * *


    <


    "Yes, let me hear it."


    <


    "I see, so that''s how it is."


    is the golem of .


    < was originally a base built by the Haelians, it might be a little more interesting if , the golem from , could go there.


    It might be better if Marikka could go with him, but there are still too many unknowns, and we can''t send her there when Jin himself has not been there.


    This is where was the right person for the job.


    "I''ll send a messenger to get her right away.


    <


    I see.


    I see, this is an interesting story.


    Lao Tzu went to through the warp gate and immediately had a discussion with and .


    You are saying that there may be some developments?


    That''s what I''m saying.


    Good. Let''s go.


    After a brief discussion, both and understood the situation and agreed.


    * * * * * *


    < will only take a short time.


    and Lao Tzu exit the warp gate in .


    "Then let''s go."


    "Yes.


    Reiko has seen through her eyes and through her peepers, and remembers the way to get there. Lao Tzu leads on her way.


    The path is traced exactly as Jin D and Reiko followed.


    The elevator section is accessed by the emergency staircase seen through the peepers.


    Hmmm, interesting design. Indeed, it has something in common with <>.


    walks along observing.


    <>, or >, shows no reaction.


    Eventually they come to the hall where Hitoshi D. and Reiko were attacked.


    The door, of course, did not open.


    "Let''s open it by force to save time."


    Lao Tzu''s strength was about one-fifth of Reiko''s. She put her hand on the door and opened it with 80% of her strength.


    He put his hand on the door and put about 80 percent of his strength into the door, and the door distorted as it opened.


    "Come on, let''s go. Reiko-san and the others should be waiting for us up ahead.


    "Mm-hmm.


    Lao Tzu and hurried on.

 1387 - - 37-29 Nany

    Hmm?


    I think he''s here.


    They waited for an hour. Lao Tzu and arrived at Jin D and Reiko''s place.


    Thank you for waiting.


    Thank you for waiting.


    "Thank you for coming."


    Without even a word of greeting, Jin D begins to ask < a question.


    "Let me ask you a question right away. <


    Well, I have observed it on my way here, and it is similar to my former <>''s design in some aspects. "Well, I have observed on the way here that there are some similarities with my former design, but there are also many differences.


    "Is it correct to say that it''s in the same vein as ...... but designed by a different architect?"


    Yes. Yes, that''s correct.


    "If so, can we talk to Agente and Herente, who seem to be the magical brains of this place?


    This is the most important thing.


    Well, I can''t say without talking to them.


    Then raised her voice.


    Do you hear me, Agente?��My name is Helente. I am a magic doll made in the old days on the planet Arus.


    There was no response for a while, but <> called out repeatedly.


    And after the fourth call.


    Your name is "HELENTE"? What do you want?


    A voice, slightly different from Agente''s, rang out.


    I''m here to see your master.


    And what would you want with him?


    That''s a very astute question. I can''t just answer that I''m interested.


    Since they had not discussed this beforehand, what would <> say? Jin stared with bated breath.


    He wanted to know the roots of <> who had designed him.


    Oh, Jin thought. It was a good answer, not a perfect score, but not a failure either.


    I see. I can understand that thought. But ......


    What''s wrong?


    The three you''re with, who are they?


    They''re my allies.


    I see. So that makes you a traitor!


    How can you say that?


    I have nothing to say to you. I have nothing more to say to you.


    Wait!


    His voice trailed off.


    "I''m sorry, I''ve been of no help.


    I apologize. But Hitoshi D. says don''t worry about it.


    "But I''m afraid we''re stuck here," he says.


    "Shall we proceed a little more aggressively?"


    "Let''s try to scare him first."


    Jin D decided to let Lao Tzu play that role.


    "<>, or one of his friends. They must be able to hear us."


    Lao Tzu began to call out without raising his voice.


    "We have no intention of antagonizing you. That thing in the hall was just a defense against your attack of your own accord."


    There was no reply. Lao Tzu continues.


    "We were created by the inhabitants of the planet Arus, with the exception of . Therefore we represent the interests of Ars. ...... In recent years, a magical machine, which seems to have been ordered by Hael, has threatened Ars. Our , who deemed this to be unacceptable, has ordered this search for Hale."


    They decided to be honest about their purpose.


    This was a last resort, as it could have been perceived as a sign of hostile intent.


    "A long time has passed since the emigration. Arus belongs to the people of Arus now. We are willing to help Hale, but there are limits. But there are limits."


    Still no reply. But Lao Tzu thinks that Agente or his colleagues have heard these words.


    "I would like to discuss whether we can come to a mutual compromise. I would like to discuss it."


    They can be trusted. I assure you, they are trustworthy.


    has offered to help us.


    But still no answer.


    "Materials, free ether. And repair the malfunctioning magi-machine. And food. And treatment of the sick. I think we can provide that kind of support.


    Still there was no response.


    "At least give me a denial or a refusal. At least give me a response."


    What came back was silence, or rather stillness.


    "...... or ......."


    We waited for another five minutes, but there was no response, and we were about to give up, that''s when it happened.


    [...... isn''t it a lie that you can heal the sick?


    A voice, different from that of Agente or his companions. It sounded like a woman.


    "Yes, I can. I can''t guarantee it for every disease."


    That''s good. It would be more suspicious if you told me that you could cure me of any disease.


    My voice is getting closer.


    Let''s give him one chance.


    "......!"


    A human ...... or perhaps a homunculus appeared.


    It is also very damaged.


    Like Anne of old,...... or even more so.


    I could barely make out that it was a female form.


    But that''s all.


    Her dark hair, which had been glossy, had fallen out and only sparsely covered her skull.


    One of the two round eyes was cloudy and seemed to be unable to see anything.


    He seems to have difficulty moving, and he is dragging his feet.


    Her left arm is dried up and hangs limp, and her remaining right arm does not seem to be able to move.


    He is wearing what appears to be rags rather than clothing.


    What am I? <


    "I am Jin. I am an automata controlled by ......."


    I know you''re not a ...... person, but I''m willing to discuss this if you let me take a hostage as a guarantee of your safety.


    There was tension in his voice.


    "Then let me be your collateral.


    Lao Tzu offered.


    "If you are ready, the other one.


    Nanny, I would like you to take two of the four as collateral.


    I will not do anything to put a device on them. All you have to do is stay here.


    I''ll do it.


    has offered to stay with us.


    He, too, knows that the pair of Hitoshi and Reiko is the most suitable pair for this occasion.


    All right. You two will stay here. You two stay here with me.


    Nanny turns and begins to walk.


    Her steps were slow, so there was no problem in following her.


    Soon Lao Tzu and Helente were out of sight. The passage was not straight but slightly curved.


    Two or three weak wards are passed through.


    ��They look like sterile wards.)


    ��Yes. (Yes, and the first one seems to have been a ward.)


    Who in the world is Nanny going to let us see?


    Hitoshi D. and Reiko follow at a slow pace.

 1388 - - 37-30 Master of Nany

    First of all, this way.


    Hitomi and Reiko were led by Nanny to the end of the passage.


    The passageway was covered with a soft carpet so that no footsteps could be heard.


    At the end of the corridor, there were several doors in a row, and they were led to the leftmost one.


    The door was not made of inorganic metal, but of warm wood.


    Please come in.


    Inside the door was a room about 10 tatami mats in size.


    Please be careful not to touch it too much. Everything is my husband''s.


    The room was also covered with a long, soft carpet, and the light that illuminated the room was somewhat gentle.


    However, what surprised Jin D., the manipulator of Jin D., was what was scattered on the floor.


    * * * *


    "...... picture, right?"


    <


    In Horai Island, Jin and Ro-kun had the same impression.


    "This picture is ......."


    < and other places.


    "Did you draw this picture modeled after a golem of a different shape?"


    <>


    "Ummm ......"


    Jin and Lao-kun felt that a great mystery was about to be solved.


    * * * *


    Jin D. was observing the pictures scattered on the floor, taking care not to touch them as much as possible.


    "Nah, ...... my hunch is that he didn''t see the golem and draw it, but only that he made a golem modeled on this one."


    That''s right.


    I turned around at the sound of the voice and opened a different door from the one I had come in through, to find Nanny standing in front of me.


    "Nanny?��What did you say?"


    I gave him instructions to create a golem based on this picture that had drawn. All for the sake of making happy.


    "......"


    It''s okay. Golem is not a living thing. If it moves, even if it is a little unbalanced. It is much more important to please your master.


    "I understand.


    Reiko muttered to herself.


    I guess it is because Reiko has spent a thousand years of her life searching for her successor, Jin, that she feels sympathy for him.


    Don''t you understand?


    Nanny smiled ...... perhaps.


    Her face was distorted and material peeled off from her cheeks.


    Not much ...... time. did not reply today, but ...... I will ask him to do so at my discretion. Please look at <>.


    At that time, Nanny seemed to say .


    This way, please.


    I heard that the master is in the next room.


    At Nanny''s prompting, Jin D. and Reiko moved toward the room.


    There they found Nanny''s .


    * * * * * * * * *


    "This is ......!"


    When he saw the video sent by Jin D, he was astonished, and he knew what it was all about.


    What he saw was a facility similar to an incubator.


    Soft cushions and pillows. Water and feeding equipment.


    And there lay the , as she called him.


    Silent.


    * * * *


    "The Last of the Hale ...... maybe"


    <>


    "Because of its excellent facilities, it has never decayed and has always looked like that. ......"


    The mummy of a child was lying there.


    <<


    "Was it because of the Aether Stampede?"


    > is operating its own free magical element (ether).


    "I see."


    I see.


    Now, please see to him, <>. If you can''t fix him, I can''t guarantee the safety of the two remaining bodies over there.


    "......"


    Come on, come on!


    Jin D told Nanny, who was in a hurry, in as quiet a voice as possible.


    "I''m sorry, but it''s too late. Nanny, your has been dead for a long time now."


    What did you say?


    Nanny''s body jerked. Something is peeling off again.


    It can''t be!��Just a few days ago, my master painted a picture!��When I made a golem based on that picture, <> laughed!


    "That was at least 200 years ago, right?��Humans don''t live that long."


    200 years?��What the hell does that mean!��<


    "Nanny ......"


    It seems that this homunculus, Nanny, does not understand her master''s death.


    My master is only sleeping!��If you wake up, I can give you whatever you want!


    "That''s why you''ll never wake up again. ......"


    [You can''t cure me, so you say such deceptions, right?��I won''t allow it.


    Something peeled off Nanny''s body again.


    "Nanny, your body is nearing its limits, isn''t it?��Your is too.


    Are you trying to conspire against me?��I knew I couldn''t trust you!


    "No, Nanny. No, no, no.


    Enough!��I was created and exist to be of service to my master. < is there, I am ......


    Nanny''s knees fell off.


    I saw that she had collapsed from the knees down.


    "Nanny, don''t move any further. Your body will not be able to sustain it.


    Jin-D approached Nanny to apply the same healing magic that had worked on the homunculus 700672. But Nanny was not so sure.


    However, Nanny backed away to avoid him. And again, her body tissues fall off.


    I am the one with . Everything I do is for . ......


    Nanny''s right arm collapses and she falls on her back.


    Jin-D rushed to her and tried to heal her.


    However, it had no effect on the homunculus, which had already begun to disintegrate.


    <>...... my ...... boy(chico)......]


    Those were Nanny''s last words. The next moment, Nanny''s body crumbled away like a lump of earth.

 1389 - - 37-31 Where we got to

    "Nanny, and your . ......"


    Jin D looked at Nanny and muttered.


    "You couldn''t understand that your is no longer with you, and yet you still tried to serve him, and that was the result of your outburst."


    "It''s sad."


    Reiko also muttered a little downcast.


    "I was saved by your father.


    Yes, Reiko had once decayed at the end of a thousand years. Reiko is what she is today because Jin fixed it.


    "But <> had no one to save her.


    Sadly, sadly, Reiko continues her words.


    "Even after all these years, there is no one."


    * * * * * *


    "<>, I suppose you could call it.


    Jin on Horai Island muttered with a slightly pained look on his face.


    >


    "Yes. The heavier the imprint of serving a master is, the bigger the repercussions when that master disappears. For example, ...... Elena."


    Elena is an automata created more than 350 years ago by a genius magecraftsman.


    It was only two years ago that the creator of Elena created an organization called "Unifiler" to stand at the top of all automata, perverting the words of the creator on his deathbed and causing a stir in the world.


    "The stronger one''s love for one''s master is, the more one goes out of control when that master is gone. I''m sure he wouldn''t want that. It''s ...... ironic, isn''t it?"


    Jin then brings his thoughts back to reality.


    "Old man, let''s just deactivate the danger of that satellite ......<>."


    * * * * * *


    Jin D. put his hands together in front of his <> and his nanny <. Reiko followed suit.


    "Now Reiko, I don''t know what will happen to <> now that Nanny is gone. Let''s not be afraid anymore, let''s neutralize them.


    "I understand."


    But avoid destruction as much as possible.


    Yes, sir.


    But our fears were unfounded.


    The disappearance of Nanny meant that there was no one to give direct orders, and all the magical brains in the vicinity had been shut down.


    The control core has collapsed.


    "This one too."


    Jin D tried to contact Lao Tzu with the built-in manacam.


    He received an immediate reply.


    "The most likely explanation is that the control core of the main magic brain has collapsed due to the disappearance of Nanny''s magic wave.


    It would be a kind of security measure.


    "Then this satellite is no longer a threat.


    And the planet Hale.


    Jin D., Reiko, Lao Tzu, and split up to investigate the interior of .


    also assisted them by using the .


    After 5 hours of investigation, they confirmed that there was nothing moving inside <>.


    The only things that were in operation were the propulsion system and the magi-machine, which seemed to be an attitude control device.


    It is hard to imagine what will happen to the satellite <> without them.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "So the threat from Hale is gone now?


    On Horai Island, Jin lets out a deep sigh.


    "I''ve been through a lot, but this is where I ended up. ......"


    >.


    The old man expressed himself in an unusually poetic way.


    "Yes," he said. <<<>...... well was fortunate to have found a new named Marikka."


    <<<< Disaster>> could have been repurposed as a mega-float.


    "Well, yeah."


    Jin stared at the screen.


    There was now the planet Hale floating in the background of the jet-black space.


    "I hope all that has been done for Hale has not been in vain, but for the sake of Hale''s successor, ...... Ars."


    The old man agreed with Jin.


    * * *


    Jin D., Reiko, Lao Tzu, and <> returned to <> after completing their investigation of the satellite <>.


    "Then I and <> will return to Ars first.


    So, using the warp gate, Lao Tzu and move ahead of the others to Ars.


    "Okay, let''s get out of here too."


    Since he knew how to operate the airlock when he had investigated the inside of the ship, Jin D slowly moved < toward the hatch.


    Then, something like a proximity sensor was activated and the air inside was automatically sucked out. These devices did not stop.


    When the air pressure inside reaches zero, the hatch opens and <> flies out into space.


    <> orbits the satellite three times before heading for >, which is floating far away.


    Jin D looks back at the satellite as it shrinks in size behind him, and says a few words.


    "...... It''s not a cradle (Cuna), it''s a tombstone (Rapida). ......"


    As a side note, < taught me the meaning of the word.


    * * * *


    uses ''s warp gate to return to Horai Island.


    Jin greets him.


    "Reiko, I know you''ve been through a lot."


    "Yes, father. I will be happy if I can be of help.


    Jin hugged her tightly.


    "...... father?"


    Reiko was a little bit surprised at Jin''s unusual behavior, but when she heard him muttering, she guessed the reason.


    (......You''re not like Nanny. ......)


    Reiko rubs her face against Jin''s chest.


    "Father, my father. Reiko is a lucky girl."


    I don''t know what fate awaits me in the future.


    But cherish the warmth that is here now.


    A ray of wind blows over the institute.


    The sky of Horai Island is clear, and the sun Seran gently shines on the planet Ars.

 1390 - - 37-32 Their Epilogue

    "So this is the planet of the <s>, Hale. ......"


    Jin was visiting the planet Hale.


    Accompanying him were Reiko, Elsa, Zion, Marikka, 700672, Neige, Rouge, and .


    "It''s a lonelier planet than I thought."


    Neige said in a voice devoid of emotion.


    "Yes, but this is definitely where I am from.


    The 700672 has no memory of Hale.


    It was only on Hale that he was created, and it was on Ars that he was implanted with knowledge and his ego was born.


    Still, I wanted to come to Hale, 700672.


    "...... Indeed, there are few foreign substances in the atmosphere. No dust, no microorganisms.


    Elsa muttered as she finished her analysis.


    All but Reiko and are wearing space suits, just in case.


    "The air is similar to that of a sterile room. "The air is similar to a sterile chamber, but the humidity is lower. The air is not considered to be harmful to living creatures.


    As soon as he heard these words, 700672 removed his spacesuit helmet and took a deep breath.


    "......Oh, here we are. I don''t remember, but my body, my cells seem to remember. I am sure this is my home planet.


    Neige and Rouge looked at the tearful 700672 with some concern.


    "Marikka, do you feel anything?"


    "No, Mr. Zion."


    No, Mr. Zion. I guess we are more connected to Ars than to Hale.


    Sion gently opened his helmet and breathed in the air, but did not seem to feel any emotion.


    Jin looked at Erza.


    The sky of Planet Hale is a deep blue. The sky of Planet Hale is a deep blue, probably because the air is clear.


    The wind, however, was dry and cold, repulsive to all living things.


    "A dead star, huh?"


    Looking at the mountains with my own eyes, I realized that they were gentle because they had been cut down to make materials.


    What they consumed them for when the population was so small is a mystery. .......


    "Perhaps they built a < to travel to distant worlds."


    No. 700672 muttered.


    You''re probably right.


    agreed.


    "How can you be so sure?"


    Jin questioned, wondering,


    "I seem to have had some information in me that suggested such a thing," answered.


    The 700672 answered.


    It is the only possible explanation. To go beyond space would probably require a tremendous amount of resources, including free magical element (ether).


    Jin imagined that probably had some fragments of information left behind, and that they had been activated by coming to Hale.


    And as if to confirm his imagination, <> continued.


    "It seems that the primordial program in my mind described what would happen if I came back to Hale.


    I don''t know what his intention was in leaving such information behind, but I am thankful that the mystery did not remain a mystery to Jin.


    The reason why they needed a huge amount of materials was to build and operate a ship that transcends time and space. Whether it was completed or not, I do not know.


    This is the reason why they were ordering materials such as free magical element (ether) from Ars.


    The fact that the is not here suggests that it was completed and left, or that it was never built at all.


    We do not know that now.


    "If it had been completed, why didn''t they just stop getting materials from Arus?"


    Marikka says and <> replies apologetically.


    Marikka, I am sorry. But if you''ll excuse me, we can''t stop unless we are ordered to stop.


    "And after all that, you were robbed of your money by the "Beheshahr".


    Reiko said bitterly.


    Ah, so the creator of the Beheshah was not here, but on the satellite, wasn''t he?


    "That''s right. Or, to be more precise, it seems that his follower built the Beheshah."


    When Jin answers, 700672 says a little regretfully, "I wish I could have met him.


    "I wish I could have met him. It was probably one of the oldest homunculus.


    * * * *


    The group gazes out from inside Vulcan at the planet Hale and its satellite Kuna.


    "<>. I think it means "cradle."


    Upon hearing the name, 700672 explained.


    "So it was literally the cradle of the last Hailites.


    As Jin, I am also filled with emotion.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, the next problem is ...... and to be honest, it''s a hassle. ......"


    Now that the whole mess had been resolved, Jin was left to wonder how he would explain it to the outside world.


    "Brother Jin, we have Mr. 700672 and here. Why don''t you ask them for their wisdom?"


    Jin nodded at Erza''s advice.


    "Yes, that sounds like a good idea."


    Jin then explained what was troubling him.


    "How should I explain about Hale?��I think we need to unify the will of the nations first.


    Jin also explained the concept of the and the .


    "It''s ...... troublesome, isn''t it? We who know the true power of Djinn and the people of Laurent who don''t know. Do you think we can get along with them?


    Theon muttered with a truly troublesome look on his face. Jin could understand that feeling, so he just laughed.


    I think so. You can''t have a true friendship if you keep secrets from each other.


    "Well,...... I mean, my existence is still heretical,......."


    "I don''t mean it that way, Jin-dono. But it is certainly a difficult question.


    Jin is a little disappointed when No. 700672 also says so.


    "It''s too early to talk about Hale, isn''t it?


    "I see. ......


    "I think it''s more important that we get this whole "world congress" thing going first.


    "I agree. Unlike the Haelians, the Ars are relatively belligerent. On the other hand, they have strong vertical and horizontal ties. First of all, we must build a solid foundation and base, and then expand upward.


    "I can sort of see that."


    It seems that the next task is to .


    Jin would like to leave this to <, and will do so.


    "I''ll think about how to do it a little more: ......"


    I want to stabilize the world and live in peace.


    I want a world where my friends and their families can live in peace.


    I want the world to be safe enough to live in modern Japan.


    That is what Jin had in mind.


    He is not going to back out now, and he is not going to stop halfway.


    "One piece of advice: the more people who help you, the better."


    Mm-hmm. The original were individualistic, but we have seen their limitations. The new master, Marikka, cares for her family and has many friends. After all, people are connected to each other. It makes it possible to do things that one cannot do alone.


    also spoke about the importance of comradeship. It seems that since Marikka became the new <, there has been a considerable change of mindset.


    "One cannot live alone. I know that.


    Jin mutters to himself.


    "It''s not so easy for me.


    "Then I''ll help you."


    Erza responded to Jin''s monologue.


    "I''ll help you, too!


    Marikka also declared.


    I''m willing to help you too!


    Theon also showed his pride.


    "Thank you. It''s nice to know I''m not alone.


    Jin looks out into space.


    There were countless twinkling stars.

 1391 - - 37-33 Quiet 70 Greenhouse

    "How wonderful!"


    Marlene Randall, Elsa''s mother-in-law, exclaimed.


    On January 15, Jin had completed a greenhouse in the courtyard of Elsa''s parents'' house.


    The courtyard was large enough to accommodate the greenhouse.


    The shape is hemispherical. In other words, it is dome-shaped.


    Fifty meters in diameter and 15 meters high.


    It is made of quartz glass with a light silver frame.


    Equipped with an air-conditioning system, it can maintain a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 70 percent all year round.


    Of course, the temperature and humidity can be adjusted.


    It was also equipped with a solar lamp that utilized light-attributed magical crystals (magi crystals).


    "Jin-san was able to create such an amazing thing in a single night.


    Ten craftsmen (smiths) assembled the parts processed in Horai Island in one night.


    "Do you like it?"


    Jin asked, and Marlene nodded happily.


    "Yes, of course. Thank you, Jin-san."


    Jin was relieved that she was happy.


    "Mother, let me show you around.


    Erza offers to show him around. Jin was in charge of the dome, and Elsa was in charge of the interior layout.


    "Yes, please."


    There are entrances and exits at the north, south, east, and west sides of the dome.


    Erza and the others entered from the south entrance.


    "This area is a flower garden."


    "It''s beautiful."


    Some of them were already in bloom.


    And here are some herbs.


    "Well, it''s nice. I see you have mint, lavandula and pelargonium.


    There are also jasmine and lemon sage.


    "The mint will increase if you are not careful.


    "Well, be careful with the mint."


    "Hmm, I understand."


    Mint is a prolific grower and can spread all over the garden if you are not careful.


    Marlene knew this and knew how to take care of it.


    "In your right hand, medicinal herbs."


    "Well, that''s good."


    Swertia, Fulo, Zelani, etc. were planted, albeit at the level of folk medicine.


    "I want to increase the number of species little by little."


    "Yes, that''s right. Elsa is also a <>, isn''t she?


    The group went straight to the center of the dome.


    "Well, there''s a pond."


    Yes. And a fountain.


    "Oh, how nice."


    The pond and fountain help to raise the humidity inside the dome.


    The fountain is filled with tropical water plants. Water lilies and ...... gin brother, what''s this?"


    "I''ve never seen this plant before. Big leaves.


    It''s a lotus. It''s called lotus over here.


    Yes, lotus. It will have beautiful flowers in a little while.


    In addition, small fish are swimming in the pond, creating an environment similar to a biotope.


    "Turn to the east and you''ll see ......."


    "It''s beautiful!"


    In this corner, there were orchids, and Marlene''s favorite cattleya was in full bloom.


    In addition to cutlers, subtropical orchids had been brought in from Penglai Island and Kunlun Island.


    "Jin-san?"


    "Yes, he collected them and brought them here."


    "<> was very helpful."


    In fact, they also used a pelican and a warp gate.


    "I''m glad to hear that, thank you."


    "No, no. No, it''s just an apology for not showing up more often.


    On the east side, across the orchid bed and the path, there were cacti.


    "I''ve never seen this one before. ......"


    "It''s called a cactus. It''s a plant that grows in the desert.


    "It''s kind of cool in this corner."


    Marlene sensed a change in the air.


    "Yes. Cacti are arid plants, so we have kept the temperature the same and reduced the humidity to 40 percent.


    This is possible thanks to the gaseous warding. Because they are for gases, they do not affect human traffic.


    "Your technology is amazing ...... and there are so many plants I don''t know. I''m looking forward to learning more."


    Marlene''s face lit up.


    Seeing this, Jin and Erza secretly exclaimed their joy in their hearts.


    The group moved to the northeast area.


    "This one is a bush and this one is a vine.


    There were many azaleas and tessens, respectively.


    "Is this Murasakiazalea (=Murasakiyasio)? That one over there must be a daemari. Oh, there''s a peony, too.


    "Mother-in-law, you really know your stuff!


    When Jin praised her, Marlene looked a little embarrassed,


    Marlene looked a little embarrassed and said: "Oh no... "Oh no, it''s just common sense, isn''t it?"


    Marlene replied.


    "Your mother''s knowledge of flowers is like an expert''s."


    Elsa made a rare comment.


    She continued to turn counterclockwise.


    "Oh, there are so many trees here. I''ve never seen flowers before.


    We came to an area with flowering trees of about 5 meters in height.


    "We have planted subtropical flowering trees," Jin explains.


    Jin explains.


    "Most of them are trees that grow in the Kunlun Islands.


    "By the way, Jin-san is a , isn''t he?"


    The subtropical bougainvillea, jacaranda, and deigo trees were planted.


    Among them, the jacaranda was in full bloom with purple flowers.


    "You did a wonderful job transplanting a flowering tree without killing it.


    "I''m impressed."


    Thanks to the hard work of the five-colored golem Topaz and his friends.


    We continue around to the northwest to a place where fruit trees have been planted.


    "Well, this place is nice too.


    Rare fruit trees such as the zakr, a specialty of the Kingdom of Selroa, and plinia are planted here.


    "What''s this?"


    Sure enough, Marlene is surprised to see a plinia.


    It''s called a plinia, and this is its fruit.


    It is similar to a plant called jaboticaba or Brazilian grape on Earth.


    The many blackish-purple rounded grapes on the trunk look like eggs of insects or something.


    "Well, is that so?"


    "I was surprised when I saw them for the first time myself."


    Goose told me about this fruit tree.


    The flowers bloom directly on the trunk, so naturally the fruit grows attached to the trunk.


    "Look, they are delicious!"


    Not very polite, but Jin picks one and eats it. Then Elsa.


    "Mother, it''s delicious!"


    "...... Really?"


    Marlene was also afraid to put a piece in her mouth as they were eating it so deliciously.


    "Oh my!"


    It tasted surprisingly...... good, but then again, it was fruit, so that was to be expected.


    It''s delicious.


    "Isn''t it?"


    I am saying ...... but when Goose told me about it, I hesitated to eat it for more than half an hour because of its eerie appearance.


    By the way, Elsa turned pale just by looking at it at that time.


    Then he comes back to the flower bed.


    "I am so happy. Thank you, Ms. Jin, Elsa.


    "No, you''re welcome."


    Jin and Erza are relieved to hear from the maid of honor that Marlene seems to be more active every day after this.

 1392 - - 38-01 World Conference launched

    January 20, 3459.


    This was a memorable day for the countries of the Laurentian Continent.


    <


    The Kingdom of Klein, the Kingdom of Franz, the Kingdom of Egelea, the Kingdom of Elias, the Kingdom of Cerroa, and the Kingdom of Shoro.


    The participating nations have decided to pass the day as for posterity.


    The will be held on a huge man-made floating island in the sea west of the Kingdom of Elias, south of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    The floating island, named <>, has been developed by Jin''s hands, and officially began to operate as the base of the <> on this day.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Thank you all for gathering here.


    The initiator, <, addresses the audience in polite terms. His partner is standing next to him.


    "Today, the second will be held here in , and I will serve as the temporary chairman.


    First of all, Makina will serve as the provisional chairman until the official chairman is decided.


    "As a candidate for the chair, one representative from each country will be chosen.


    Jin is attending the meeting as a deputy advisor.


    As he watches the meeting, he is filled with emotion that we have finally come this far.


    (It looks like we can now move forward with our predecessor''s dream of creating a sanctuary for magical engineering.)


    "At ......, it is unanimously decided that the first chairman is His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the Shoro Kingdom, Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shoro."


    The whole room applauded.


    While Jin was lost in his thoughts, the election of the chairperson was over.


    The first chairman was the empress of the Shoro Kingdom.


    "Now, I would like to leave the chairmanship to Gerhardt-sama.


    Makina bowed and got up from her seat, placing the desk tag with <> written on it in front of the empress.


    The seats were arranged in a perfect circle, with no upper or lower seats.


    "I am Gerhard Hilde von Rubies-Shawlo, recommended by you. Although I am not a gifted person, I will do my best to serve you.


    He bowed and continued.


    Then, I would like to choose a vice-chairperson and a secretary.


    Thus, the began with the selection of positions.


    The vice-chairman is Alois III of the Kingdom of Klein. The secretary was to be Rey, a follower of Machina.


    The full-fledged meeting then begins.


    "Now then, I would like to codify the of this .


    The first thing to do. The first thing we need to do is to define what the should be.


    "So, please speak for yourselves in a clockwise direction."


    As a side note, the <> direction is the same on Ars as it is on modern Earth.


    This is because the direction in which the shadow of the <> moves is called <>.


    "The World Conference will be held with the participation of all friendly nations."


    "with the aim of maintaining world peace and security."


    "All members are equal."


    "Each member shall elect one or more members to participate."


    "Each country shall have one vote. "Each country shall have one vote, no more, no less."


    "Each country shall pay its share of the expenses for the operation of the World Congress."


    "In the event of conflict within or between countries, the World Conference will give priority to negotiation, examination, mediation and conciliation, with the use of force as a last resort."


    "The should be established as a subsidiary body of the World Conference.


    These opinions were discussed in turn.


    These were discussed in turn, and after further deliberation, the articles were finalized.


    The first day ended with the decision on the articles.


    Thank you very much for your hard work.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Your Majesty.


    As the participants leave the conference room, their guards greet them and take them to their respective rooms.


    Makina and Rei are the last to leave the conference room.


    The cleanup is being done by the golem maids assigned to .


    They are almost the same type as the five-colored golem maids, but their eyes are different, so to speak, and they have <.


    They are made of bronze, so they are only as strong and powerful as they can be, but they are still far above the world standard.


    Its name is . Because of his deep blue, sapphire eyes, he is called .


    They range from < to <, with 1 being the leader.


    They are treated as a gift from Jin and Makina.


    Of course, Jin and Makina are not the only ones.


    The Shoro Kingdom donated a set of tables and chairs for meetings, 10 years'' worth of wood for record keeping, and building materials for the facility.


    The Kingdom of Cerroa sent 20 golems for guards.


    From the Kingdom of Egelea, 50 sets of furniture and bedding for the lodging house.


    From the Kingdom of Franz, enough food to feed 100 people for a month, and drinking water.


    From the Kingdom of Elias, wheat, seafood and topopo (potatoes) as food for the duration of the conference.


    The Kingdom of Klein donated ores, magi crystals, magi stones and other materials.


    Each country donated mainly its own specialties.


    In addition, the people who work in the kitchen and other facilities will be selected in turn.


    Such donations ......, or rather contributions, or rather <> will be decided in the future.


    The <> will be moved by the goodwill of each country.


    * * * * * *


    "No, this way you can see that we are on the sea.


    It is 5:00 PM. Even though it is winter, the sun has not yet set on , which lies south of the Tropic of Cancer.


    Elsa''s brother Fritz was leaning against the railing on the western edge of Avalon, watching the sunset.


    "Oh, Mister Fritz..."


    "Yes?"


    I turned around at the sound of his voice and saw his light brown hair swaying in the sea breeze.


    "Gloria, it''s been a long time. I''m glad to see you are well.


    "You too, Mister Fritz."


    Gloria came next to Fritz and leaned against the railing.


    "The sea is a big place, isn''t it? We don''t have an ocean here, so when I get a chance to look at it, I come to admire it.


    "Ha, I see."


    The two of them then stood in silence for a while, staring at the setting sun.


    "...... Gloria, are you going to join the ?"


    Suddenly Fritz spoke up.


    "Yes, I hope so."


    "I see. Me too.


    "Well, I hope we can work together."


    "Yeah."


    The conversation was cut short again, and the two of them stood there until the stars began to shine in the sky.

 1393 - - 38-02 Dinner

    Jin and Reiko were looking around inside .


    When he peeked into the common room.


    "Ah, Jin-sama, it''s been a while."


    "Uh, Lyanna?"


    Yes. I''m now in charge of Avalon.


    Lyanna was the leader of the second team of the Royal Secret Maids. She is a master of self-defense.


    "Is that a promotion ......?"


    Of course it is. We''re the second team and we''ll be transferring directly to the new position.


    The second group is ......


    The Royal Secret Maids that I met when I visited the Kingdom of Egelea in the past.


    Yes, I am Mary, Kate, and Lisa. I am the only one accompanying you this time.


    "Lila is now with His Highness the Prince, isn''t she?"


    One more person, Laila Solu?, who was in Jin''s charge, is now with the third prince and will not be coming to .


    "Yes. ......And also, His Highness wanted to come with us to this meeting, but was not allowed. So I have a message for Mr. Jin to give his regards.


    "I see, thank you very much."


    Jin then saw a familiar face in the back of the room.


    "Jin-dono? It''s been a while.


    It was Pascoe Rush.


    He is the third son of Baron Rush, who worked with Licia to transport the cure for the magical exhaustion fever that once ravaged the Klein Kingdom.


    "I''ve just been knighted from apprentice. I''m sorry for all the trouble I''ve caused you,......."


    Pascoe bows his head lightly, and Jin thinks that he has changed a lot.


    Whereas before his aristocratic arrogance was on display in a bad way, now civility seems to have overtaken it. Or perhaps, as he has learned more about Jin, he has realized that he cannot treat him lightly.


    "I hear that you have maintained this <> together with Makina-dono. I respect your skill.


    "Thank you."


    Jin returned the polite words politely.


    At that moment.


    "Dinner is ready, sir.


    <> announces.


    The people in the common room all stand up at once, and Jin thinks, "Oh....


    In fact, the food served at the last <> had been so well received that expectations were high for this year''s event as well.


    Not only those who had eaten at the last conference but also those who attended the conference for the first time this time have heard about it by word of mouth and have high expectations for this year''s conference.


    The first time I ate there, I was very much looking forward to it.


    "Oh?


    What is this?


    What in the world is this?


    One of the main items on the menu this time was .


    It is a food made by kneading fish paste with salt, shaping it, and then heating it to harden it.


    "It is made by processing fish."


    Jin, the provider, explains.


    In fact, the Peridos, who are in charge of household chores in Bongnae Island, selected suitable fish through trial and error.


    They mainly use white fish from saltwater, and add salt to make it sticky. A small amount of starch is added to the mixture to give it a more even texture.


    This time we made <<<.


    Each of them is kneaded and then heated by .


    When Jin explains this to the group, there are shouts of "Oh!


    And one more dish.


    "Is this ......?"


    "......, it smells good."


    "What the hell kind of meat is this ......?"


    There was another new dish on the menu.


    "It is called . It is the meat of a juvenile dragon eel from the Kingdom of Klein.


    "My God!"


    The dragonhead eel (dragon eels) grows to over three meters in length as an adult, and its flesh is tough and difficult to eat, but the flesh of juveniles less than one meter long is delicious, much like that of eels from the earth.


    Perido and his team also took great pains to recreate the sauce for kabayaki, and this is the first time they have presented it to the public.


    "We can catch dragon head eels (dragon eels) in large numbers," said Peridot. If we are careful not to let them become extinct, they can be a good food source.


    "Well, my hat is off to you."


    Even Alois III, who loves raw river fish, was both amused and delighted by the broiled dragonhead eel (dragon eels).


    Of course, the others also enjoyed the kabayaki.


    The smell is very appetizing, isn''t it?


    "It will taste even better if you pour this on top if you like.


    Jin sprinkled powder in a small container and showed it to me.


    "Hajikami," he said.


    It was sansho (Japanese pepper) powder.


    "Oh, this has a nice aroma," he said.


    "It has a different aroma from that of pepper.


    I would like to try it with other dishes.


    The people gathered here were smacking their lips at the kabayaki and the fish paste.


    "Now, please try this with these dishes.


    The sake served was sake. It goes great with fish dishes.


    "I thought this sake was also sweet on its own, but when paired with food, it is excellent.


    Reinhardt, who is a wine lover, tasted this sake and gave his approval. It was no wonder the guests liked it so much.


    "I don''t think it''s a great taste, but it''s a very gentle taste.


    One of them described the fish paste as such.


    "You can eat it every day and not get tired of it. You can eat it every day and not get tired of it.


    As before, the rice was also well received.


    "Hmmm, is it the way you cook it differently? It doesn''t work like this at home.


    "You might want to polish the rice just before cooking."


    More and more aristocrats prefer white rice.


    The rice harvest seems to have doubled in the past two years, which makes Jin happy.


    Of course, we also welcome the delicious bread and noodles made from wheat.


    "Oh, here they come. I can''t forget the last time I had this!"


    A person who liked Miso Soup.


    "I''m glad to have this again!"


    Meat topopo was also a hit.


    The dinner passed in harmony.

 1394 - - 38-03 Information Announcement

    >Day 2.


    "I would like to begin today''s agenda with the ."


    The chairwoman of the conference, the Empress Shoro, declares.


    True to her word, the Shoro Empire makes a formal announcement first.


    "First of all, Mayas Kurdam von Skira, please.


    And now...


    The Minister of the Shoro Empire, Marjas Kuldam von Skira, began his speech.


    "In our country, there is the Hariri Desert in the west, and a different ethnic group lives further west.


    This is what is known.


    We, as neighboring countries, have established diplomatic relations with them on January 12 this year.


    A stirring response spreads through the conference hall.


    Official diplomatic relations?


    At last!


    However, the fact that we had already announced last year that we had established temporary diplomatic relations through the Manaphone was not a surprise. I am not surprised.


    We also understood that the past will to invade was a misunderstanding.


    "Yes. < does not have a . Instead, it has ......."


    The emperor explains the political form of Mitsuho. The crowd listened attentively.


    "I see, so this is exactly the way the is running the country.


    "But, in case of emergency, isn''t it sometimes too late to make a decision by holding a meeting?"


    Prince Arthur, one of the representatives of the Klein Kingdom, spoke up. This is a very sharp opinion.


    "It seems that the has a certain amount of authority for this purpose."


    "I see."


    But I don''t think we have to follow suit.


    "I see. Our political system has a long history. ......


    "We can improve it by adopting what is good and not adopting what is bad. ......


    A number of opinions were exchanged on the form of governance.


    The chairwoman, Empress Shoro, stopped the exchange of opinions at an appropriate point.


    She said, "I appreciate your active opinions, but let''s move on now.


    She was originally introducing Mitsuho.


    "If possible, we would like to invite the Emir of Mitsuho, Mr. Hiro Mutu, to the next .


    The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications continued.


    "No problem.


    "I would rather welcome him.


    The result of the meeting seemed to be generally favorable to the participants.


    This was also to Jin''s satisfaction.


    However, he thought it would be necessary to meet Hiro Mutu again and tell him to pretend to be a first-time visitor when he saw Jin''s face.


    But....


    (No, if we''re talking about official diplomatic relations, I can visit him alone. ...... Yes, let''s do that.)


    Jin had a better idea, and he made a mental note of it.


    * * * *


    The next presentation came from the Kingdom of Selroa.


    The speaker was the King, Cesar Valois de Cerroa.


    I have good news from my country.


    The people in the pews looked at each other, wondering what was going on, but he knew just when to say it,


    "We have finally succeeded in reproducing the Warp Gate!


    He made a bombshell declaration.


    What?


    The Warp Gate!


    That''s it!


    The leaders of the world were astonished.


    "Many of you may remember that there was a warp gate in the basement during the commemorative ceremony. We analyzed it very carefully."


    Jin thought that the Kingdom of Celuloa, with its advanced magical engineering, must have been able to do this.


    "However, there are still many problems.


    Cesar waited for the noise to die down and continued his explanation.


    "First of all, it consumes a large amount of mana. Even so, only two people can be transferred.


    "Still, that''s a great improvement, isn''t it?


    Someone said.


    "It still is. The distance that can be transferred is limited, currently 200 kilometers at most.


    "Why don''t you just keep improving?"


    "Of course. When it is completed, it will be a great contribution to the world.


    "Why don''t you ask for the help of the Lords Jin and Machina?"


    Lotharus de Lafayette, King of the Kingdom of Franz, spoke up.


    "We have thought about that," said Lotharus de Lafayette. But for the time being, let us do it on our own.


    He wants to do as much as he can in the country where he discovered it. Since I understand his sentiments, I did not make any further comments.


    "But I am very much looking forward to it."


    The chairperson of the meeting, the Empress Shoro, concluded.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The third presentation was by the Kingdom of Franz.


    "Well, you see, ...... we had a domestic debate about what we should do because it would bring shame to our country."


    He began in a strange way.


    "Since this is a problem for the whole of humanity, we decided to present it here."


    Everyone was curious as to what he was going to say.


    "It was the summer of 3457. The king at that time was Rijohn de Barkly. ......"


    Jin had an idea what had happened.


    There was a people from the north. ...... No, let''s be clear, they were ."


    "What?


    The demon tribe?


    Demon tribe?


    The place was in an uproar for a moment.


    It''s no wonder. 300 years ago they fought a war for their very existence.


    "...... Quiet!��Let''s hear what you have to say first.


    "It all started when two demons came to a town called Enak in the north.


    They were a young man and a young woman, one of whom was a demoness,


    <


    The current King Rottero explained that he had said these words.


    This is in line with what Jin heard from Catherine de Lafayette, the mother of the current king.


    Without a second thought, the Enak deputy, Kutaga Akhtar, pretended to welcome them and poisoned them.


    "The two men were killed during the convoy. It is said that this was the work of a faction that hates the demon tribe."


    "......"


    "......"


    Hearing the end, those in attendance seemed speechless.


    AC...... how did the attendees of the <> feel about the fact that they were tricked, captured, and even murdered simply for being <> when they had come here to at least discuss the matter?


    "It is a pity, isn''t it?


    The brief words uttered by the chairperson, the female emperor, were filled with deep emotion, which was felt by everyone in attendance.

 1395 - - 38-04 Discussions, topics and suggestions

    "...... though it happened in the time of the previous king, it is truly regrettable."


    King Lotharus de Lafayette sank to his knees.


    "What kind of people were these demons?"


    asked the Dauphin Alphonse, one of the representatives of the Kingdom of Elias.


    "...... They are not different from us in appearance. The male is slightly darker, with dark brown hair and eyes. The woman was fair-skinned with silver hair and light blue eyes.


    You were able to communicate with them?


    According to the report, they had no trouble communicating.


    How did you catch him?


    The next question comes from Prince Arthur of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "I poisoned his food."


    "Poisoned ......? But if you ate it without questioning it, doesn''t that mean you trusted us, or were about to?


    Rotaro laughed at Prince Arthur''s words.


    "That''s right. You have betrayed that trust."


    "Have there been any contacts from the demon tribe since those two?"


    Again the Dauphin Alphonse of the Kingdom of Elias.


    No. ...... unfortunately."


    Lotharus de Lafayette answered shortly, a somber look on his face.


    A few more questions were asked and Lotharus answered them one by one.


    "At ......, I think it is time to end the questions. And I think that this is exactly the right topic for a ."


    The chairwoman, the emperor, declared.


    "We cannot continue to avoid problems with the demon tribe. We need to discuss what we should do from now on.


    "Yes, Chancellor."


    At this point, the Crown Prince Alphonse of the Kingdom of Elias raised his hand and began to speak.


    "I think it would be better to have all the information from each country presented first, and then we will set priorities for discussion.


    "You are right. I was in a bit of a hurry. Now, is there anything else from the Kingdom of Elias?


    Yes. ...... My father, the current king, Blitzen Skala Elias XII, has been ill in bed for the past four years. Last year, he was healed by the wife of the Kunlun, but his failing health cannot be concealed, and I am pleased to announce that I will officially become king on March 1.


    "Oh, yes."


    Blitzen Skala Elias XII was more frail than sick. He had only one child, the Dauphin Alphonse.


    Since he was not ill, the healer''s remedies were ineffective and he was unable to see to the affairs of state adequately, so he decided to abdicate.


    "I see, then I must attend the coronation!


    King Alois III of Klein said in a cheerful voice.


    "As for the Kingdom of Egelea, ......"


    King Harold Luan Autoclase-Egelea opened his mouth and glanced at Alois III, King of Klein.


    When he saw that Alois III gave a small nod,


    "I am pleased to inform you that the betrothal of my son Ernest to Her Royal Highness Princess Rieschen Fusis Klein, the third Princess of the Kingdom of Klein, has been formally consummated."


    "Oh!"


    That''s great news!


    After a long period of gloomy news - the accession to the throne of the Dauphin Alphonse was a bright spot, but the current king''s condition was not so good - this announcement was a breath of fresh air.


    Jin was also filled with emotion to see the two of them finally .......


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, this taste!��I knew it was good.


    "We can''t make it taste the same.


    The bread must be different.


    Lunch was served just in time. The menu consisted of sandwiches and pasta.


    The sandwiches were again well received by the customers, who never get tired of the different ingredients.


    This pashta is a specialty of one of the regions.


    It was created by Licia and her family in the village of Toka.


    This time, Jin served a peperoncino-like dish.


    He used butter and soybean oil because he could not find olive oil.


    I also substituted garlic with wild leek root and pepper for chili. And a dash of soy sauce.


    <>I am sure I will be scolded for this recipe.


    The reason I used pepper is because it suits my palate better in this combination.


    "Oh, this is delicious!


    "It has a stylish taste.


    But it also seems to be well received.


    Citran juice and april juice were also well received.


    The participants forgot their worries and sorrows for a while and enjoyed the other world of .


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After a two-hour break, the afternoon meeting began.


    "First of all, we would like to discuss the <>.


    The chairperson of the meeting, the Shoro Imperial Princess declared.


    "First of all, we need information. Please tell us what you know about the <> after the War of Magic.


    "Well then..."


    At this point, Jin raised his hand.


    "In the year 3457, there was a magical engineer (magi engineer) named Marcus Grinwald under the command of Georg Randall, the then Viscount Georg Randall, the biological father of my wife Elsa. He was manipulated by a demon tribe and used poison to harm the bodies of Georg Randall and the Marquis G?ren Theodoric.


    Many people know about this, and it is no secret.


    However, in order to ensure the accuracy of the information, it was decided that it would be best for Jin, who was one of the parties involved, to tell his story.


    "The name of the demon who was controlling him is Marcosias. He has escaped and has not been captured.


    At this point, Jin paused in his speech.


    Many of us had never heard of him before, so we took time to digest our impressions.


    "I will tell you one more thing that I know.


    Waiting for the murmurs to die down, Jin opened his mouth again.


    The shadow of the demon tribe appeared in the Kingdom of Klein as well. They first contacted Count Walter, and spread the magical exhaustion fever by means of a carrier pigeon.


    "Oh, I remember. I have also been informed that Lysia Faarheit and Pascoe Rush were active in this endeavor."


    Alois III corroborated Jin''s statement.


    "Yes. The steward at that time told me that a mysterious man had tampered with the pigeons. It seems that the man was a demon.


    "Oh, I didn''t know that."


    Jin is the lord of the village of Kaina, so it is not surprising that he has been talking to the people concerned.


    More than that, Alois III was impressed by Jin''s intelligence and discernment.


    "...... is all I know."


    When Jin finished speaking, the heads of state were divided in their opinions.


    "Hmmm... belligerent, or wanting friendship," he said.


    Is it an internal schism ......?


    Or maybe we''ll let our guard down and then ......?


    No, we are, but there are several factions, aren''t there?


    Jin saw that the conversation was not going to come to a conclusion anytime soon,


    "......Would you please leave this matter to yourself and Makina?"


    He suggested.


    "I will go with Makina to the demon territory to confirm the truth and report back to you."


    "Ummm ...... Jin-dono and Makina-dono will make no mistake.


    I look forward to working with you.


    "I look forward to working with you."


    In this way, Jin once again became the bridge to the demon territory.

 1396 - - 38-05 Unexpected participation

    Now that the demon territory issue is settled, the next item on the agenda is the <.


    However, since ordinary people cannot understand the technical explanation, we will discuss the future operation of the Warp Gate.


    "As for me, I would like it to be used as a road connecting this to the continent."


    Cesar, King of Selroa, says.


    "At the moment, it is only 200 kilometers long, so I think it should be located either in the southern part of our country, on the southern coast of the Kingdom of Egelea, or on the western coast of the Kingdom of Elias.


    After that, Cesar concluded that he would like to install them in all countries if improvements could be made.


    Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom was next to speak.


    "I am very grateful for your offer, Your Majesty Cesar," said Prince Arthur of the Kingdom of Klein. I would like to add that I think it is necessary to set up some kind of security measures on the receiving end of <>.


    "Do you mean against intruders?"


    asked the Dauphin Alphonse of the Kingdom of Elias.


    "Yes. In such a case, I think we should prepare for the worst. What do you think?


    "Yes, you''re right."


    I have no objection.


    Prince Arthur''s opinion was not refuted.


    "It''s a meeting place for heads of state and government, and it''s one of the most technologically advanced places in the world. We must not allow any unauthorized intruders.


    Jin understands the usefulness of such measures because he uses the Shinkai for such purposes. So,


    "Yes, that''s right. First of all, we will make a special hall and install it there. It might be a good idea to keep that hall under strict vigilance and, in some cases, to make it possible to disconnect it from .


    He then expresses his opinion. Makina speaks further,


    "Or we could go to the lowest level of . We could pour seawater into the bottom of in case of emergency.


    He also made her say, "Well, that''s a good idea.


    "Well, that''s a scary idea.


    Lotharus de Lafayette, King of the Kingdom of Franz, said, "Well, that''s a scary thought," and I''m sure all of them felt the same way.


    "Anyway, the technology of the Warp Gate was in common use before the War of Magic, and I hope that it will become available again.


    King Cesar of Celuloa concluded.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, actually, there is one more announcement ...... that I would like to introduce to you.


    Cesar looked around at all the faces and then addressed the chairwoman, the emperor.


    "I would like to introduce you to the , if you will permit me to do so.


    To this, the Woman Emperor responded with a common sense answer.


    "I cannot answer that question unless you tell me who these people are.


    "You are right. I would like to introduce two of the most important figures of the Nostalgia Party, their advisors, Miss Elena, the Golden Princess, and the number two, Donald Callow.


    Jin had not heard of this, so he was a little surprised.


    "Well, well, well. How are you, ladies and gentlemen?"


    The chairwoman looked around at the faces of those present, but there were no nay-sayers.


    "Since no one seems to have any objections, would you please introduce yourselves?"


    "Yes, I will. Tell ...... my squire to bring the two members of the <> party."


    King Cesar of Celuloa gave the message to the golem maid who was doing the chores in the council hall.


    A few minutes later, the two members of the <> party arrived in the conference room, accompanied by the golem maid.


    "Some of you are new here, and some of you we have met before. I am . I am the advisor of <>.


    "I am Donald Callow. I am Donald Callow, a magecraftsman who once held the rank of in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    After the greeting, Elena continued.


    "I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me to such an important gathering and for trusting me so much."


    Elena makes a graceful gesture of curtesy.


    Cesar added.


    "Donald, you were once , the best magecraftsman in our country. No, I believe he still must be. I was at first surprised and then disappointed to hear that he had abandoned his technical position in the government and had become the number two of the <> party."


    At first I was surprised, and then disappointed, to hear that he had left his position as a professional to become the number two of the <> party.


    "...... I''m somewhat sorry, Your Majesty."


    "Haha, I''m just kidding. ...... My father was king back then and I''m sure he wasn''t a very ...... good king for you."


    "No, that''s not ...... true."


    "No, that''s ...... not true. I''d rather you appeal to everyone."


    "That''s what Elena said."


    As soon as Cesar and Donald had finished their exchange, Elena spoke up.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, as the advisor of the Nostalgia Party, I would like to explain something.


    Her voice sounded good.


    "The Nostalgia Party is a group that seeks the source of wisdom in the ancient times and makes use of it in the future. The world before the Magic Wars was a world where magic technology was more advanced than now.


    The remnants of this technology are the artifacts that still remain today. We hope to find and analyze such relics (artifacts) in order to reproduce the super technology of the past, even if only a little, and make it useful to the world.


    He bowed his head.


    "Yes, I know what you mean. The manaphone is very useful.


    The empress thanked the heads of state on behalf of all the heads of state.


    > is a magical device that enables long-distance communication between two pairs of devices, about the size of an office desk.


    It is the predecessor of the manacam used by Jin and the others.


    "Thank you very much. Today, I have brought an improved version of it to congratulate you on the inauguration of the World Conference.


    An improved model?


    Yes. We have succeeded in reducing its size so that it can be placed on a desk.


    Someone who heard this comment said in admiration, "That''s wonderful!


    "That''s wonderful!


    "That''s great!" "Thank you very much. Now I would like to make a call between and all countries.


    <>.


    < for each country.


    "The next task will be to be able to choose who to call.


    Elena expressed such an aspiration.


    Hearing this, Jin felt that the < was also working hard.


    The miniaturization was due to their efforts.


    So Jin decided to say what came to his mind.


    "Why don''t we allow the <> people to visit this <> in the future, and ask them to present the results of their research on such magical tools?


    Makina also made a proposal.


    "I think it would be a good idea to open an institute here in the near future. I would be happy if you could help me as a lecturer.


    "That sounds great."


    Prince Arthur of the Kingdom of Klein is the first to agree.


    "Yes, I would like that very much.


    The First Secretary of the Ministry of Technology, Latant of the Kingdom of Celuloa, who knew of Donald''s abilities, also gave his approval.


    The afternoon of the second day passed thus.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Elena, I''m looking forward to working with you.


    "Yes, it is my pleasure, Jin-sama.


    After the meeting, Jin, Makina, Reiko, Elena, and Donald met in the small conference room.


    Jin had not heard about the introduction of the < party, so he wanted to ask what the intention was.


    "It is the best way to reduce the burden on the Jin-sama, isn''t it?


    Also, it is easier for us to be out in the open than in the shadows.


    Elena and Donald explain their reasons.


    "Indeed. <.


    It would be even better if we could educate people at the same time. Jin thinks so.


    The participation of <> was a perfect fit for such a plan.

 1397 - - 38-06 Last day

    >Day 3. It is the last day.


    The heads of state cannot afford to be absent from their respective countries.


    We will now discuss the <>.


    The chairwoman, the emperor, declared, and the meeting began.


    "Is it correct to say that at the beginning, Lady Machina will be the advisor and guide us all?


    The basic premise of the meeting is that we have to start by building up the organization.


    "I am sure you can guide us, but I think it would be better to start with the training of the executives first."


    Makina answered. This is what I have decided after discussing it with the old man.


    First of all, we need to improve the leadership, and then increase the number of people who are actually engaged in the actual work.


    "I would like to invite two participants from each country for the first cohort. They will work as officers of the <> in the future.


    "I see. ......"


    Makina''s proposal seemed to have gained some traction among the heads of state.


    "So, the will work for the on a semi-permanent basis?


    "Yes, that would be correct. At the very least, they will be with us for several years.


    There will be classified matters, and confidentiality will have to be determined.


    We have airships to travel to and from the home country, and once the warp gate is put to practical use, the problem of returning home will be solved.


    "The leaders of the <> are all graduates of the company, aren''t they?"


    A hundred opinions were exchanged, and they were generally constructive.


    In the end, it was decided that two cadets from each country would join the World Guard. The duration of the program was one year.


    During this period, they will be under the guidance of a deus ex machina.


    Detailed regulations will be drafted in due course and formalized during the next year.


    Since this is the first attempt of its kind in the world, it was not possible to make detailed regulations from the beginning.


    Thus ended the morning session of the third day of the World Congress.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, it''s quite delicious, isn''t it?


    "Sipping is quite difficult.


    "I''m told it''s okay to make noise, but if I''m not used to it, I feel it''s not very elegant. ......


    Noodles were served for lunch that day.


    Soba, udon, pasta, and ramen.


    After much effort by Perid and his team, the ramen dish was finally completed.


    Soba and udon noodles are available in two different sizes: mori (colander) and kakge (rice bowl), which you can choose as you like.


    The ramen is also available in half-size portions so that customers can compare different kinds of food.


    "Mmm, the flavor of this soba is indescribable.


    Wasabi, was it?��Wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, wasabi. But it''s a refreshing taste that doesn''t linger in the mouth.


    "Hot udon with tempura is also good.


    "No, no, I''ve never had this ramen before, but I think I''m going to be addicted to it."


    "I like this <>!"


    "Ummm, will I be able to eat this kind of food every day when I work for the World Guard?


    They seemed to like it.


    * * * *


    "Ladies and gentlemen, there are only half a day left of the World Congress. Let us make the most of the time we have left.


    The afternoon session of the third day of the conference began with the words of Her Majesty the Emperor.


    I have a proposal for the agenda.


    It was Prince Arthur of the Kingdom of Klein who said, "I have a proposal on the agenda.


    "I think it would be a good idea to discuss the future of the former Kingdom of Leonard.


    Many people agreed with this statement.


    "I see. ...... It''s true, it''s in a state of neglect right now.


    "It would be a global loss to leave that place with so many ruins and mines.


    I have no objection to discussing it.


    Then I would like to discuss the future of the old Leonard Kingdom.


    First, is there any royalty or blood left in the kingdom?


    No, more importantly, does anyone know why it was destroyed?


    Makina answered the second question.


    "Yes. I will take this opportunity to answer your question.


    "Please, woman, come in."


    Thank you very much. ...... Uh, last year, didn''t Fritz and Gloria explore the former Leonard Kingdom?


    It was January, 3458.


    A powerful demon named <> was born as a result of the disposal of a mysterious liquid in a > found in the ruins.


    It was Makina and Rei who fought it off.


    "After that, I did some research on my own. During that time, we discovered ruins in the old royal capital, and according to these ruins, it seems that the country was destroyed by about 230 years ago.


    The actual time of the research was almost half a year before Fritz and Gloria''s visit.


    "Oh my God!��An epidemic?��And what is < ......?"


    Lotharus de Lafayette, King of Franz, sighed.


    "......That''s why I don''t think there are any survivors."


    Milowina has made it clear that she does not intend to rebuild the country, and there is no proof that the inhabitants of the village of Caina may be of the blood of the former Leonard''s subjects.


    "I have been looking for an opportunity to make an announcement, and it has been difficult for me to say so. I apologize for that."


    Makina bows her head. And then..,


    "I can tell you where the remains are, if you wish.


    She added, "I can tell you where those ruins are, if you wish.


    Lying beneath the ruins was a mere <. It was a magical brain created to tell the future generations what had happened, and it knew nothing about technical matters.


    "...... Hmmm, I didn''t know that was the case."


    They all ponder for a moment.


    "Well, then, it''s a land that belongs to no one.


    King Alois III of the Kingdom of Klein muttered.


    "Yes. In fact, such lands are more difficult to deal with. It could be a source of conflict, so we should be very careful.


    Cesar, King of the Kingdom of Celuloa, said, "Yes.


    "Yes, that''s right. There will always be territorial disputes. The more you think about your country, the more you think about it.


    King Alois III of the Kingdom of Klein agreed.


    "Free lands, in this case, favor the country closest to us."


    Minister of General Affairs Marjas Crudum of the Kingdom of Shoro, the farthest kingdom from the former Leonard Kingdom, said this.


    "There is a way to divide and conquer, but the distant countries will be at a disadvantage.


    "We could start a country that is not the Kingdom of Leonard ......."


    "Even in that case, there is the problem of who will rule the country.


    "The inhabitants would have to be recruited from each country, but if the number of inhabitants differs from country to country, that could be a problem.


    Indeed, the participants felt the same way, that this issue is a difficult one.


    Although Jin was basically just observing the meeting, he was reminded that this is not a problem that can be solved overnight.

 1398 - - 38-07 Honne of Honne

    "I think the biggest problem is the distance."


    The meeting is still going on.


    "<><>. <><>. The difference is great."


    Cesar, King of Cerroa.


    "Therefore, we will do our utmost to improve the warp gate.


    The participants agreed.


    Jin also once thought that <>.


    In modern Japan, the population is concentrated in urban areas because people choose to live in convenient places that are closer to their places of work and entertainment.


    However, cities are not easy places to live. These include the cost of living, land prices, and air pollution.


    The countryside is the best place to live, the city is the best place to live. Jin once thought about such a thing.


    However, no matter how advanced the transportation system became, it was rare for people to want to live in the countryside, even if it took two hours to commute to work.


    "If transportation is instantaneous, it doesn''t matter how far or how near a country is.


    Cesar''s words continued.


    "Let us think about the future of the former Leonard''s Kingdom on the premise that the Warp Gate will be put into practical use.


    There was a round of applause.


    "I see. This is exactly the kind of thing, this is the development of technology and its contribution to society."


    The Dauphin Alphonse of the Kingdom of Elias praised the project.


    "His Majesty Cesar, I would like to ask you to improve the warp gate.


    "Of course, of course."


    Airplanes, high-speed motorways and high-speed railroads. Even with all these, the world has not become much smaller.


    But a warp gate.


    It was not surprising that people expected so.


    Various opinions were expressed after that, but the final conclusion was


    .


    The final conclusion was that << it is better not to rush to a conclusion>>.


    Jin thought that the territorial issue is not a simple one.


    * * * * "No, no, no.


    "Well, it was a fulfilling three days, wasn''t it?


    "Yes, it was.


    A year ago, I would never have dreamed that all the representatives of each country would be gathered here in one place like this.


    Dinner on the third day was served in the form of a standing buffet party.


    This seemed to have brought about more interaction among the delegates than ever before.


    "Your Majesty, thank you very much for your hard work for the past three days.


    In the midst of all this, Jin went to thank the female emperor for her work.


    "Thank you, Jin-kun. But these three days have been hard but enjoyable.


    The emperor smiled and said.


    "I''m sure it was a lot of work for you too, Jin-dono.


    Prince Arthur arrived.


    "It''s a pity you couldn''t bring your sister this time," he said.


    "I agree. I regret that I could not bring my son along.


    Harold Luan Autoclase, King of Egelea, also came and said so.


    "I congratulate you on your engagement, Your Highness.


    Jin congratulated again.


    "It''s nice to hear you say so," he said.


    "When is the wedding going to take place?"


    Since this is an informal occasion, he could ask such a question.


    "I''m 14 this year, so I guess it will be next year.


    This is a natural schedule in this world, where 15 is the age of adulthood.


    Please let me know when that happens.


    "Of course I will. <.


    In another corner, there was a happy conversation.


    "I see... Gloria has passed the first screening too..."


    And you, Mr. Fritz?


    "Yes. Now all we have to do is to pass the final screening. <


    Yes, it would.


    It''ll be nice to have you as a colleague.


    Oh, yes, it''s my pleasure.


    Elena, the golden princess, was also very popular.


    "My dear Elena, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance."


    The person who is speaking to you now is Marjas Kuldum, Minister of the Shoro Kingdom.


    You are Marjas Kuldum, Minister of the Shoro Kingdom. It is my pleasure.


    The organization called Nostalgia seems to be quite impressive.


    I''m embarrassed to say. It''s a group of volunteers.


    Here came Cesar, King of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    "Volunteers, but you have a lot of talented people. ...... Hey, Donald?"


    The last words are addressed to Donald Callow, who is standing next to Elena.


    "Yes, no, Your Majesty."


    "Ha ha, don''t be afraid. Don''t be afraid, my dear. I, for one, think that our country has gone a little too far in the time of my predecessor. I don''t blame you for abandoning your post.


    "I''m sorry, sir."


    And Alois III, King of the Kingdom of Klein, conversed with Jin.


    "<>, I have not been able to talk with you for some time, but would you take a moment of your time?"


    "Of course, Your Majesty."


    Alois III laughed as Jin said this.


    "Looking back, I still wish ...... that I had welcomed you to our country ...... when you were in the village of Kaina."


    "...... thank you."


    "How many times have I wished that I had greeted him myself instead of leaving him to his incompetence?"


    Alois III''s face is a little red. He seems to be drunk.


    A short distance away from him is his knight-errant, Pascoe Rush, who is watching him anxiously.


    "But it is no use complaining. You are now on par with the royalty of the nations. Perhaps even more so."


    "Your Majesty. ......"


    You could unite the world by force. Why don''t you do it?


    As I told you before, I''m not interested in that kind of thing.


    "Hmmm, not interested. So you''re not interested in something that has been the dream of many nations and kings from the past to the present?


    "Well, I''m sorry?"


    No, I''m sorry. What am I saying? I''m ...... a little drunk. Forget it."


    With these words, Alois III left Jin''s side.


    (I wonder what he was trying to say. ......)


    (I wonder what he wanted to say...) Jin imagined that he wanted to keep himself at hand.


    Jin could not help but think of himself running a small workshop in some town.


    (Maybe there was such a way, though...).


    The path he has chosen now is a difficult and winding one.


    It may be tough for Jin, an engineer and a commoner at heart.


    However, Jin was determined to make it through because he had chosen it.

 1399 - - 38-08 Senro clan.

    The 2nd ended successfully.


    The participants returned to their home countries by airship.


    Jin also returned to Horai Island by .


    Then on January 23rd.


    "Well, let''s get going."


    Jin looks up at Vulcan. He has just returned yesterday after completing his mission.


    Jin is now on his way to the demon territory. < because of the harsh weather conditions in the demon territory in winter, and because of the large number of golem horses to be transported.


    The companions are Elsa, Reiko, Edgar, Anne, Makina, and Rei.


    Theon and Marikka have been notified in advance, so the first destination is the clan territory of .


    It is a small bay on the southeast coast of the Gondor continent.


    It takes only 30 minutes to reach the Gondor continent from Horai Island.


    "That''s fast."


    It''s a spaceship to begin with. If you go 100 kilometers per second, you can reach Gondor in 10 seconds.


    Jin said jokingly,


    "That''s not the speed you''re allowed to go in the atmosphere."


    Erza interrupted him.


    "Father, we are about to land!"


    Reiko''s voice makes me look at the magic screen, and I realize that we are almost at the surface of the earth.


    < clan is greeting us from afar. The <> clansmen are greeting them from afar, but all of them seem to have their faces scrunched up in astonishment.


    Using the force field generator, the lands without even lifting a flake of snow.


    The landing legs, which can expand and contract, absorb the slight irregularities, keeping the ship level.


    "It looks like we have about 20 centimeters of snow around here."


    The snowfall is light in this coastal area.


    "All right, let''s unload the cargo."


    The stationary opens its lower hatch and extends a ramp to make a path to the surface.


    ''s lower storeroom contains the golem horses.


    Makina and Rei walk out astride two golem horses, and eight golem horses follow them.


    The ten golem horses walked down the ramp in an orderly fashion.


    At the same time, Jin, Elsa, Reiko, Edgar, and Anne flew to the side of the tribe with <>.


    "Welcome, <>!


    < clan, greets Jin and the others. The others bow their heads in greeting.


    "It has been a while. As you may have heard from Sion and the others, I have brought 10 golem horses as promised.


    Jin returns the greeting.


    His breath is white. The temperature seems to be below freezing even in the middle of the day.


    Just then, the golem horses that Makina and Rei had brought with them arrived.


    "Oh, this is wonderful!��You are the MagiCraft Meister!" The others were also beaming.


    The others were also giddy.


    "Let''s get it out of here first.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Jin and the others walked along the plowed road to the clan territory of Morura.


    The clan territory was surrounded by a solid stone wall.


    "It''s amazing. When did you build it?


    "Last autumn, I think. It keeps out the cold winds and the beasts.


    Only a demon tribe with two to three times the power of humans on the Laurentian continent could create such a thing. If we combine this with gravity magic, the construction work will become even easier.


    "But still, this is ......."


    The stone wall that surrounds the village is at least 3 meters high.


    They were also three meters thick, filled with earth and planted with bushes and shrubs.


    "It was Zion''s idea," he said.


    "It''s nice and sturdy," he said.


    The wall was not just masonry, but was planted with plants and trees to soften the ruggedness of the wall.


    When we entered the stone wall, we found that it was much larger than we had expected.


    "How big is it?"


    "It''s almost a circle. I''d say about a kilometer in diameter.


    That''s amazing.


    "I''m sure the number of residents will increase in the near future. That''s why we''ve made it large.


    I see.


    The food situation had improved and the population was expected to increase.


    There was no snow inside the stone walls, so they decided to leave the golem horses in the square for now.


    "Well, let''s start with ......."


    "Oh, Jin, come here!"


    Then I heard Zion''s voice.


    "Here, Zion!"


    "Ah. Welcome to ......, Jin-sama."


    Rebuked by his grandfather, Bardius, Zion resumed his greeting.


    Marikka came up behind him.


    "Welcome, Mr. Jin.


    Zion and Marikka are looking well, aren''t they?


    Yes, thanks to you.


    After greeting everyone, Jin handed over the golem horses.


    Makina, Rei, Anne, and Edgar were in charge of the instruction.


    "If you do this, it starts walking. If you do this, it stops. If you turn this way, the path changes to that way.


    "Open this door and you will find a storage space. You can put small items and valuables here. Of course, you can also load them on the horse''s back."


    See, it''s easy, isn''t it?


    I see. I see.


    I see. I see. I will listen to simple instructions. >. This is good for pulling a sled or a cart.


    "Mmm, this is great!"


    "As for the maintenance parts, the joints and hooves need to be repaired. When they are worn out, they should be repaired or replaced. It is possible to do this with rudimentary engineering magic.


    "I understand."


    With such a simple lecture, the people of Morira were able to ride the golem horses in no time at all.


    "This is amazing!


    "It''s so comfortable!"


    The new model can reach a maximum speed of 150 km/h, which is equivalent to that of a motorcycle.


    The physical abilities of the demon tribe will allow them to ride it.


    The young men seemed to have immediately set out for a long ride on the golem horse.


    The young men were soon out for a long ride on their golem horses.


    "No, Master Jin, thank you very much.


    Jin and the others were being entertained in the clan leader''s house.


    "I am going to distribute the same golem horses to the other clans.


    "That''s good. So, I asked Marikka, would you be willing to pay in cubic zirconia?


    "Grandfather, and the pelts, right?"


    Theon added.


    Cubic zirconia is equivalent to gold by weight on the Laurentian continent. It was valued at 300 toles per gram.


    Jin stocked up on 10 kilograms of them every time. The market value is 3 million tolls, or about 30 million Japanese yen.


    It was enough to pay the bills.

 1400 - - 38-09 Technology Delivery

    Oh, so you''re finally going to establish a friendship between us and the Laurentians.


    "If it is possible, I would like to do so.


    Jin was discussing another goal with the clan leader, Bardius.


    Present were Bardius'' son, Radeous, his wife, Rorona, and Bardius'' grandson, Theon, daughter of Radeous and Rorona. And Marikka, the daughter of Bardius and of Ladeus and Rorona.


    The other clans knew that Marikka had become the new of the island of Onogoro, as well as the other clans. And they were blessed.


    "I assure you that the people of the Loren continent will not harm us."


    "Well, if Master Jin assures us, then we can rest assured.


    Bardius was enthusiastic.


    "The question is, who will represent us?"


    Jin glanced at Istaris, Zion''s sister.


    Istaris had come to the Laurentian continent with her sister Theon by a separate route in order to obtain food aid.


    While Zion had met Jin and promised to cooperate with him, Istaris had been captured in the Franz Kingdom and tortured together with her follower Netros.


    Jin rescued them and treated them. The two were supposed to have died at that time.


    The King of Franz at that time was L��gion de Barkly, and the current King is Lotharus de Lafayette, so there should be no problem, but for her sake, another person would be preferable.


    "From the Morilla clan, we will go."


    Radeous and Rorona stood for the nomination.


    "Well, I think you can handle it.


    Bardius nodded his head in agreement.


    "Well, it will be about six months from now, but I will let you know as soon as the date is set.


    "Thank you very much, Mr. Jin.


    Jin said, "I''ll contact you as soon as I have a date.


    Jin left the clan territory of Morura a little after noon the next day.


    First of all, he succeeded.


    "Next, let''s go to the clan at ...... first."


    < clan lives in the mountains to the north.


    > set out for the north.


    <, a snowstorm could not be an obstacle, but the day was unusually clear.


    landed near a rocky mountain where the Evangelicals live.


    The snowfall in this area is about 50 centimeters.


    For a human, it would be up to the knees.


    "The golem horse looks ...... fine."


    With its extraordinary power and resistance to low temperatures, it should be able to handle up to a meter of snow.


    All of Jin''s golems have <, so there is no need to worry about their skin sticking to the ground at low temperatures.


    They can also use magic for emergencies, so they should not be trapped in the snow and ice.


    "Oh, oh, this is Jin-sama!"


    > Alectus comes out from the rock wall where the clan lives.


    The area is warded off, so the temperature is about 5 degrees Celsius. There is no snow on the ground.


    "We have been contacted by <>, but this is another ......."


    The sight of <> towering behind Jin and the others seems overwhelming.


    And then there was the golem horse.


    "This is wonderful. It makes it easier to get around in the snow.


    "We could use a sled to pull it."


    Jin suggested that even though the golem horses could handle a meter of snow, the riders would not be able to resist the temptation to ride them.


    "Oh, sure. Well, there''s no need to stand around talking, so please come in.


    The village was built into the rock wall. The temperature inside is about 15 degrees Celsius, which is comfortable enough to live in if you wear a little thicker clothes.


    said the clan leader, Fabius.


    Jin and Erza are not cold and have enough warm clothes, so there is no problem at all.


    They decided to stay the night in the clan territory of the <> and talk with each other.


    "Hmmm... <>..."


    "That''s what I mean. has agreed to it.


    "If Master Jin gives his assurance..."


    < clans did not oppose friendship with the Laurentians.


    "However, the number of representatives should be small.


    He said that if there were two representatives from each clan, the number of representatives would be quite large.


    "I think it would be better to have the <> clan go as representatives in honor of the fact that they first established friendly relations with Master Jin.


    "I see."


    "Of course, it is necessary to hold a clan meeting and unify the will of the clans."


    The clans of the <> would be willing to make such a summary, Fabius concluded.


    "In any case, it will be in the spring or summer."


    In June, the snow will be gone and it will be a good time to keep in touch with the clans.


    "By the way, Master Jin, what do you require in return for the golem horses you have given us this time?


    <.


    Makina and Ray are teaching the clansmen how to handle them. Anne and Edgar are also helping.


    "I''m thinking about that, about the magical tools I saw here before..."


    "What?��Is there a magical tool that would be of interest to Master Jin, the Magecraft Meister?


    "Yes, there is. And there is a reason for it.


    Jin began to explain.


    "In a word, we would like to introduce you to the technology provided by the demon tribe.


    "Hmm."


    "Specifically, the <>.


    A communication device?


    Yes. The transmitter I found here is nothing like the manacam I made, and I think it can be used for broadcasting.


    Broadcasting?


    "Yes.


    Jin explains briefly.


    Receiving stations are installed at important places in the town, and broadcasts are made as needed.


    Usually, you can broadcast a time signal.


    Even in modern Japan, there are such public broadcasting systems in rural areas.


    They seem to have names such as "disaster prevention **" depending on the region (** is the name of a local city).


    I see. But, I wonder if you can make something like that, Jin-sama?


    "If you ask me if I can make it or not, I can make it. But the important thing is that the technology is provided by the demon territory.


    "Ah, so that''s how it is.


    Fabius seemed to be convinced.


    "If that''s the case, we will be happy to provide the technology.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin was relieved that the negotiations were successful.


    The communication of information is always important.

 1401 - - 38-10 Mystery Mercury

    "Hey, Brother Jin."


    Huh?


    I don''t think that''s the price.


    Ah...


    <


    "Hmm, but if I get it as a reward and use it to spread the word ......"


    "That''s a good ......, then?"


    Jin thought it would be fine as long as he did not do it for profit, but he was lost in thought when Erza unexpectedly interrupted him.


    "Hmmm... ......."


    "I''m sorry, I don''t know..."


    "No, that''s fine."


    Jin also regretted that he had not been thoughtful enough.


    Jin-sama, how about something like this?


    Seeing Jin and Erza in such a state, the clan leader Fabius offered a helping hand.


    "We started mining for ore the other day for the redevelopment of the cave, and this is what we have found. I have checked and it seems that there are large reserves."


    Fabius pointed to a container.


    "Is this ......"


    "...... mercury?"


    "No. <?"


    A magical isotope of mercury. I thought it had to be here somewhere, but now I know that it is produced in the territory of the Magi.


    (At the time, he said something about an island in the south, so there must be other places where it is produced.)


    ) My eyes are glued to the demon mercury, while I think to myself.


    "...... brother Jin, this mercury is different from what I expected."


    "What?"


    Erza, who had the mercury before Jin, reported to Jin.


    "No mercury vapor has been generated."


    "What?��......<>......I see. ......"


    Jin pondered. There was once an incident in which a golem using <> caused a commotion in the Kingdom of Cerroa.


    The fluid metal used at that time ...... seemed to be a magical isotope of mercury (Magi Isotope), and the mercury vapor was harming the user''s brain.


    But this one in front of me was different.


    "Hmmm......... Somehow, the melting point is the same as mercury, but the boiling point is higher..."


    "Hmm, I think that''s what it means."


    "It may be due to the magic molecule or the effect of free magic element (ether). ......"


    In any case, the good news is that there seems to be little harm to the human body.


    "This is wonderful, isn''t it?"


    Jin replied.


    "That''s good to hear."


    Fabius was also relieved.


    So, it was decided that the price would be the mercury.


    "What should we do about the unit price ......?"


    "I''ll leave that up to Jin-sama."


    "Well, even if you say so..."


    As for Jin, he was an amateur in the market of such metal materials.


    In the end, after consulting with the old man, I decided to call it the same as adamantite, because it is a valuable material. In other words, 10 million Touls per kilo (100 million Japanese yen).


    But when I suggested this to Fabius,


    "No way!��One-tenth of that amount will be fine!


    He said, "No, thank you!" So we settled on one million dollars per kilo.


    It is an afterthought that Fabius rolled his eyes when he saw Makina easily carrying a container full of more than 100 kilograms of <.


    "Saki is going to be very happy."


    "Hmm."


    Jin thought that he would ask Saki to study this .


    * * * *


    <, Jin and his party visit other clan territories in turn.


    >,<>>,<>.......


    All the clans were pleased with Jin''s golem horse and agreed to his proposal.


    "I wonder if the fact that the demon clans are grouped by clan is because they have inherited the characteristics of the individualistic Haelians."


    Jin spoke to himself in the moving .


    "That may be so, father."


    Reiko, hearing this, responded. Jin thinks that it might be the old <> that comes out in this kind of thing.


    "But still, I didn''t know you could get so much <>.


    The other clans were also mining for ore, perhaps because they could afford it, and Jin obtained an average of 100 kilograms of <> from each of them.


    As a result, he obtained about one ton of mercury.


    Although, the specific gravity is about 13.5, and the apparent amount is only the equivalent of a large barrel of mercury.


    "Hmmm, does from the north have a high content of free magic element (ether)?"


    The (supposedly) collected in the south, where free magic element (ether) is scarce, exhibits physical properties that are almost the same as normal mercury.


    "Brother Jin, there is a possibility of that.


    "You think so too. The threads of ground spiders also vary in strength depending on their origin, so I think it''s possible.


    "I think Goshujin-sama''s prediction is correct."


    Ann agreed.


    "Then, it might have something to do with the concentration of free magical element (ether).


    In this case, Jin would like to check out the mercury collected in the southern part of Japan.


    * * * *


    "Oh!��Jin, this is amazing!


    Sure enough, Saki was overjoyed.


    "Saki, it looks safe, but mercury is mercury. Be careful with it, okay?"


    Mercury poisoning is a real possibility.


    "Yes, I understand that. I''ll have Aal handle it."


    That''s a good idea. And ventilation. And don''t forget to wear a mask.


    If there is a possibility of doing experiments to determine the boiling point, we need to be careful not to inhale mercury vapor.


    "I''d feel a lot safer if you could put on a simple space suit."


    "Well, I''ll try."


    Saki smiled at Jin and Erza who looked worried.


    "Be careful, old man, will you?


    Jin was worried about her, so he reminded the old man as well.


    "Yes, please."


    Jin was finally relieved.


    Saki may have called him overprotective, but Jin, who knew her in the past, could not feel safe unless he did this.


    "Well, let''s go to Mitsuho next.


    Jin was still busy.

 1402 - - 38-11 First of all, the town of Seki

    Jin asked Reinhard, a former diplomat, to accompany him on his trip to Mitsuho.


    "Reinhard, please."


    "Okay, give me a day. I have to finish my work."


    "Yes, I''ll be leaving the day after tomorrow, so please do that. I''ll go ask His Majesty for permission.


    Although the order of events seems to be reversed, Jin once again heads to Miyagi to ask the emperor for permission to visit Mitsuho, the land of a different tribe.


    < and , Jin could request an audience with the queen without the need for an appointment.


    After waiting for about fifteen minutes, Jin was granted an audience with the empress.


    "Mr. Jin, welcome. What can I do for you at ......?


    "Uh, actually, ......."


    Jin explains that he would like to visit Mitsuho.


    "Oh, so you''re going to continue the conversation we had the other day."


    The sensible female emperor guessed the purpose of Jin''s visit.


    "Yes. And I would like to take Reinhardt with me as a diplomat.


    At this offer, the Empress looked at the Prime Minister.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. Reinhard Randall has no urgent business."


    The Empress nodded.


    "Yes, I do. I will allow you a certain number of days."


    "We are planning on seven days. With a day in reserve, we will have ten days.


    "You never know what might happen. ...... is fine, we''ll grant it.


    Thank you very much.


    Please come to Miyagi before you leave. I will prepare a letter for you.


    Yes, sir.


    Jin bowed and left the office.


    I''ll prepare a letter for you.


    "Well, I see you got the permission.


    Jin immediately contacted Reinhardt.


    "Well, I''m looking forward to it!��Who else is going with you?"


    "Let''s see... ......"


    The members are Jin, Erza, Reinhard and Reiko. And Edgar, as the pilot of .


    Since it was an official visit, they could not have more members. Saki, by the way, is studying the mercury.


    "Okay. We will leave the day after tomorrow, is that all right?"


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    If we visit here, it will not be a surprise that we know each other when we see each other later.


    Jin checked to make sure he had not forgotten anything else, and the day ended.


    The day of the meeting, that is, the day of the meeting, was the first day of the meeting.


    On the same day, that is, January 25, <> started for Mitsuho.


    First, they went to Miyagi. <> landed in the courtyard.


    "Reinhard, take this with you.


    "Yes, sir."


    Take care, then."


    Reinhard received a letter from Her Majesty the Emperor, and after a short farewell reception, he flew to Mitskho.


    "Well, it''s nice to be out for a while.


    Reinhard was excited.


    "I wish I could have brought Belle and Yuri with me.


    Reinhardt also shows off his loving wife and children.


    < hurtles through the air at 500 kilometers per hour.


    Before they know it, they have crossed the Harihari Desert and are over Mitskho.


    "Oh, that''s Mitsho!��I see, it''s paved.


    Reinhardt, looking down on the town from above, muttered with interest.


    descends slowly.


    The first destination was the town of Seki.


    Ignoring this town as a barrier or gateway could be a denial of Mitsuho culture. The old lord advised Jin to do so.


    Respecting his words, <> landed outside the town of Seki, in the square to the east.


    First Reiko, then Jin, Reinhardt, and Erza show up.


    "Ah, Jin-han!��Erza!��Reiko, too!


    A familiar face, Maya, spotted Jin and waved to him.


    Behind her, the mayor of the town, Crowe, appeared.


    "Well, Jin-dono, welcome. You have come on a great ride this time.


    < and is impressed.


    "Yes, it''s called an airship. It''s the latest model.


    "Oh, well. I''d like to ...... take the time to talk to you.


    I''d be very grateful if you could arrange it that way. This is Reinhardt, a diplomat of the Shoro Empire. He''s a friend of mine.


    "I see, so you have a diplomat with you, and you have something important to discuss."


    The perceptive Crowe gave a brief explanation to the assembled residents. The residents then all left with satisfied looks on their faces, and Crowe and Maya were the only ones who remained.


    "Darrow is in Kali now.


    Crowe explains as he walks away. So far, this is his attitude toward an acquaintance named Jin.


    Reinhardt is impressed by the stone walls and the gate.


    As they pass through the gate, Crowe''s face becomes that of the mayor.


    "Please come in, Mr. Reinhardt," he said.


    When they arrived at the two-story town hall, Crowe gave priority to Reinhardt and led the way.


    "Oh, yes."


    Even for Reinhardt, who had visited many towns as a diplomat and had seen a variety of architectural styles, the one in Seki seemed to be a rarity.


    "This way please, Mr. Reinhardt."


    The group was led to the reception room.


    Reinhardt sat at the head of the table, and Jin and Erza sat on either side of him.


    "Here is some tea.


    Maya served the three of them tea.


    "Well, Mr. Reinhard, what do you have to tell us this time?


    Reinhard had heard about Mitsuho from Jin and the others and knew about Crowe, so he told them the purpose of his visit.


    "There will be a in the near future, and we would like to invite Mitsuho''s representatives to the meeting.


    Reinhardt then explains what the is.


    "Oh, well. So the is like the in the teachings of <>?"


    Jin nodded silently. He left the speaking to Reinhardt.


    "Is that what you mean? We would like Mitsuho to participate in the at some point. First of all, you will introduce him to the representatives of each country, won''t you?


    Crowe nodded deeply.


    "I understand. In that case, I will contact Miyako in the capital immediately.


    "Yes, please."


    Thus, the meeting with Crowe, the mayor of the town of Seki, ended successfully.


    The rest of the meeting consisted mainly of small talk and information exchange.


    "Oh, you''re getting married to Mr. Oliver in a week!��Congratulations!"


    "Congratulations! It''s thanks to the successful conclusion of diplomatic relations with the Shoro Kingdom.


    Oliver and Maya, a merchant from Ithmar, were attracted to each other, but they had almost given up because of the lack of exchange between their countries.


    But when the Shawlo Kingdom approached them and formalized diplomatic relations, their dreams came true.


    "Congratulations!"


    Erza also congratulated Maya.


    Meanwhile, Reinhard and Crowe seemed to be eagerly discussing the differences in culture and customs between the two countries, especially the ceremonial relations.

 1403 - - 38-12 Miyako Arrival

    It took two whole days for a call to be sent from the town of Seki to Miyako and for a reply to come back.


    The distance between Seki and Miyako is less than 100 kilometers. It would take a carrier pigeon less than four hours to make the round trip.


    Jin guessed that it took more time to make decisions than the round trip.


    "Hiro Mutu of Mitsuho welcomes your visit and is looking forward to seeing you.


    Hearing this from Crowe, Jin and the others boarded .


    The residents of Seki were all out to see them off.


    Half of them are just curious to see a flying vehicle.


    "Well, it''s really nice to be able to fly, isn''t it?


    Maya is coming along as a caretaker. I wondered if she was ready for the ceremony, but she told me that Oliver was in Miyako for the paperwork.


    I am sure he will be surprised when he goes to Miyako with .


    "So it''s a great opportunity for you, huh?"


    "Yes, that''s it. <-sama used to say that from time to time.


    While they were talking, slowly began its ascent.


    "Oh, it really flew!��That''s amazing!"


    The familiar cityscape has a different feel when viewed from above.


    "Ah, this is what the town of Seki looks like. ......The town hall with the mayor is ......that one, isn''t it?"


    And begins to move forward.


    "Oh, fast, fast. But the roads are so small..."


    The gray streaks in the wilderness were the roads.


    Ehim, Temae, Nardo, Yashima. And when you see Lake Sayama, that''s Miyako.


    "Oh, that''s Lake Sayama," he said.


    "Looks like they''re doing something."


    Is it reclamation?��...... No, it''s not. They''re building a canal."


    It seems that they are building a canal that goes around the center of the town.


    "Reminds me of Reuthert."


    As Reinhardt grimly remarked, the scene was reminiscent of Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom.


    < began its descent.


    As it slowly descended, it could see people gathering in a plaza to the south of Miyako.


    "Looks like we should land there."


    Jin instructed Edgar, the pilot.


    "Yes, sir.


    Edgar, now a veteran pilot, skillfully maneuvered the aircraft toward the square.


    "Oh, I''m sure. Mii-san is right there."


    Hearing Maya''s words, I looked closely and saw that Mii was indeed dressed in formal attire and waving her hand, with what appeared to be staff members with flags standing on either side of her.


    In the center of the clearing, about 50 meters in diameter, Edgar brought the to a stop.


    He opened the door and lowered the ramp, first Reiko, then Jin, followed by Erza and Reinhardt.


    "Jin-sama, Erza-sama, Reiko-sama, welcome!"


    Mii Mutu, grandson of Mitsuho Sheikh Hiro Mutu, made a formal bow.


    "We have been waiting for your call. You must be Mr. Reinhardt. Welcome to Miyako, the capital of Mitsuho. I am pleased to welcome you."


    My name is Reinhard Randall von Adamas, diplomat of the Shoro Empire. Pleased to meet you.


    Reinhard returned the courtesy of a diplomat.


    At that moment, a voice came up from the crowd, which had been quiet until then.


    "Welcome!��<


    "Master Jin!��Welcome!


    They welcome Jin.


    Jin, you''re amazing ......, I didn''t know you were this good!


    "No, I''ve just realized it myself."


    "Brother Jin, if you remember the last time you left Miyako, you could have imagined it."


    Erza pointed out calmly,


    "No, I thought it was just a temporary thing."


    Jin thought that the enthusiasm would cool down over time.


    He had seen the "��� boom" come and go many times when he was in modern Japan.


    But it was different here.


    "Jin-sama!��Jin-sama!"


    "Long live the Magecraft Meister!"


    "...... is embarrassing."


    As Mii led the way, Jin muttered in a whisper.


    "I''m sorry, sir. I told them to keep it as small as possible, but when word got out that they could fly in, this happened.


    It seems that Jin had it all to himself.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Maya. Miyako will guide you from here.


    "Okay. ...... Jin-san, see you later."


    "Okay, Maya-san, thank you very much for your help here.


    So Maya, who had guided Jin and the others to this point, now finished her task and headed for Oliver''s place.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Welcome, diplomat. I am HIRO MUTU, Emir of Mitsuho.


    I am Reinhard Randall von Adamus, diplomat of the Shoro Empire.


    Reinhard and Hiro shook hands.


    Reinhardt then presented the letter from the Queen.


    Hiro Mutu took it and opened it. Reinhardt waited quietly while he looked it over.


    Then he said.


    "I see, your words are well taken, your majesty.


    Hiro Mutu nodded broadly.


    "The idea of a loose association of this world for the sake of peace and tranquility. < is a way to do this. <.


    It seemed that Shuki Tsetsi was teaching the idea of the after all, thought Jin, who was a bystander here.


    "First, I would like to introduce Mitsuho to your world, and then I would like you to participate in the . However, it is not a decision that I alone can make, and I will have to consult with the Council.


    The sheikh is not a dictator, although he has a great deal of authority, including the right to give orders in times of emergency.


    "Very well. How long will it take?


    "About two days, please."


    I will give you my answer on January 30, Hulo Mutu replied. That would be within the time frame promised to the queen. Reinhardt decided to accept.


    "Yes, I understand. I look forward to your good news.


    In the meantime, enjoy this Miyako.


    Thank you very much.


    Jin-sama, Erza-sama, Reinhardt-sama, please make yourselves at home here.


    Jin and his group were escorted by Mii to the guest house where they had stayed before.


    "Thank you."


    We will take care of you during your stay.


    "I''m sorry about that."


    No, I offered myself, so please don''t worry about it.


    Reinhardt, on the other hand, looked at the building, which was roofed with something similar to a tile.


    "Well, this looks a lot like Jin''s ," he said.


    "Yes, it is. The garden is also very well done, you should enjoy it.


    The Japanese-style garden is used as a reference for the garden of Jin''s house in Leuthart.


    "Wow!��This is quite good."


    Reinhardt, who had some knowledge of Japanese culture through Jin, seemed to find the culture of Miyako interesting, and his eyes were shining all the time.

 1404 - - 38-13 The village of Kaina is the village of longevity.

    January 28th is Martha''s birthday.


    Naturally, Jin has moved to the village of Kaina using the warp gate of . The same goes for Erza.


    Instead, Jin and Erza''s went to Miyako.


    Since Reiko is also in Kaina village, Edgar will be with the two doppelgangers in Miyako.


    Reiko is supposed to take turns in guarding with Edgar. Incidentally, the actual guard is Pance of the reorganized >. He is here temporarily from Kunlun Island.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Happy birthday, Martha!


    "Happy birthday, Martha!


    "Happy birthday, Martha."


    "Happy birthday, Grandma."


    "Happy birthday, Grandma."


    At Martha''s house in the village of Kaina, Jin, Elsa, Meane, Hannah, Reiko and others were wishing her a happy birthday.


    "Well, well, thank you. I never thought I''d be able to celebrate my birthday at my age."


    "I''m sorry I didn''t celebrate last year.


    Jin apologizes. Last year, on this day, I was busy with the unveiling of the new Conlon 2. It was on this day that the emperor, the prime minister, and Flora were brought aboard.


    "That''s good, isn''t it?"


    Martha said with a smile.


    Jin brought a white wine, Erlich 3454. We toasted with a fine wine called Auslese.


    It''s very easy to drink.


    "Jin-sama, isn''t this a fine wine?"


    "Reinhard gave me 10 bottles of this wine. So please drink as much as you like.


    "Really. It''s so sweet, you can drink as much as you want.


    I''d like to try some too. ......


    "Hannah, you can''t drink it yet."


    Yes. ......


    In case you''re wondering, Hannah drinks Citran juice. At the age of eleven when her birthday comes this year, she is too young to drink.


    "And here is my birthday present for you," she said.


    "Well, thank you, Jin."


    Jin gave Martha a pocket watch. <


    It was supposed to be Martha''s last .......


    "Martha, this is for me.


    "Thank you, Elsa."


    Elsa gave me a kappogi made from a cloth woven with the threads of a ground spider.


    It is resistant to heat and does not burn. It is also excellent at removing dirt quickly.


    This is an unusual design. But it''s easy to wear.


    Elsa has put her own ingenuity into this item, with pockets and embroidery in key places.


    "Here''s one for me.


    "Well, thank you for coming all the way."


    From Meine, a set of clothes for everyday wear. She made them herself.


    And for me, this.


    Hannah, thank you.


    Hannah had gone to the forest and arranged a vase of red and white Kemeria branches, which bloom at this time of the year.


    "...... So, how is Sarah doing?"


    Sara is a golem-maid created by Jin for the Martha family. She has almost the same specs as the one on Horai Island, but she has enhanced combat power in case of emergency.


    "She mainly takes care of the fields for me.


    "Oh, I see."


    In the village of Kaina, they work together in the common fields.


    "I work at home and Sara works in the fields. I see that you have been cultivating a new field recently.


    It''s not exactly the right place for the right person, but if Martha, the current owner, says it''s okay, then it''s okay.


    If Sarah, the golem maid, is cultivating the fields, she is probably doing the work of 10 or 20 people, and if she is cultivating the land, she is breaking large rocks and pulling out the roots of large trees.... I could see their activity....


    "But everyone is fine. ......"


    Because of the past history of sending young people to war, the population of Kaina Village is dominated by old people and has a small number of middle-aged people. The birth rate of babies has doubled in the past few years, though, so things will return to normal in 10 or 20 years.


    "Speaking of healthy, I heard Marky had a baby the other day.


    "Marky?"


    Jin thought for a moment and thought of the name.


    "Oh, he lives on the other side of the village across from the village headman''s house, right?


    It took him a while to remember since he had not had much interaction with Martha''s house.


    "......?��Wasn''t he already over 40?"


    "Kami''s Ede was 38, wasn''t it?"


    "......"


    Jin thought that in modern Japan, but in this world, it would be a very old birth.


    Erza tells Jin that


    "People in Kaina Village probably live a long time."


    "What?"


    "This land has a higher concentration of free magical element (ether) than other places. It''s been that way for a long time. And thanks to my brother Jin... our living conditions have improved dramatically. We also have Dr. Sally. And the bloodline."


    I am guessing, but the people of Kaina village must have a strong bloodline from the old Leonard''s Kingdom," he said.


    "And I am also guessing, but it is possible that there is some blood of the northern tribes as well."


    "......"


    "So, if the environment is good, they should have a life span about 1.5 times longer than other countries."


    Longer life expectancy, though not as long as that of the demons, means that they can have and raise children for a longer period of time.


    It was not surprising that Marky''s wife, Ede, became pregnant at the age of 38.


    "That means you''re still going strong, Grandma!


    Hannah said happily.


    "That''s right."


    Jin agreed with a smile.


    "We''ll be able to see our great-grandchildren''s faces, won''t we? Maybe even some great-grandchildren.


    Martha can''t hide her happiness at being told that she will live a long and healthy life.


    In the midst of such a friendly atmosphere.


    "Oh, snow!"


    Hannah looks out the window and screams.


    Powdery snow was fluttering.


    "I wonder if it will accumulate..."


    It hadn''t snowed enough yet this year in the village of Kaina.


    It is going to snow soon.


    "But we have hot springs, and we can store the snow in the snow room..."


    "And we have golem horses!


    Martha and Hannah said cheerfully.


    "We owe it all to Jin."


    "I''m embarrassed to hear you say that. This village is my home.


    The snow is turning the land white.


    It was winter in the village of Kayna, but it was warm inside Martha''s house.

 1405 - - 38-14 Construction site

    On January 29th, the day after celebrating Martha''s birthday, Jin, Elsa, and Reiko returned to Miyako without any problems.


    Yesterday, they were supposed to have stayed in the guest house, reading books in the library.


    In fact, the two doppelgangers had finished reading most of the books in the library, which could be said to be huge.


    Naturally, the contents of those books are stored in the old man''s memory device.


    "Master Jin, Master Erza, Master Reinhard, how are you today?


    Mii, the hostess, asked me after breakfast.


    "Well, they are working on the canal right now, aren''t they?��I would like to see it.


    Jin himself has little knowledge of civil engineering. What they are doing on Horai Island is heavy work. Therefore, he wanted to take this opportunity to absorb as much knowledge as possible.


    "Okay. I will make arrangements.


    Mii nodded and left the room, but returned a little later.


    The site supervisor was just in the town hall, so I told him about it. He said he would be honored if the <<<< Magecraft Meister would take a look at it.


    "Yes, yes."


    As usual, Jin, who is not used to being lifted up, felt a little uncomfortable, but he did not show any such signs to Mii, who had arranged the event for him.


    "So, would you like to come now?"


    "Yes, that would be great."


    Since they had no particular plans, Jin and the others decided to go and see the exhibition immediately.


    "...... This is a different kind of ride."


    One by one, Reinhardt got on the rickshaw and gave an honest impression.


    "Why not have a golem tow it instead?"


    Jin, in the car next to us, responded to this muttering.


    "No, in that case the car would have to be stronger or it would be dangerous.


    "Yeah, ...... that''s true."


    With this comment, Reinhardt recognized the danger.


    The speed of the car is only human now, but if a golem were to pull it, it could easily reach 50 km/h. At that speed, it would be like a rickshaw.


    At that speed, if the slender rickshaw-like body were to overturn....


    "Or we could make it a golem that can''t go that fast."


    If it''s dangerous, we could put a limiter on it.


    "I see. It has power and endurance. There might be a demand for them.


    While exchanging such conversation, we arrived at the outskirts of town.


    This was the place where they were starting to build a waterway through the town of Miyako.


    "Wow, that''s great!"


    Reinhardt exclaimed in admiration.


    No wonder, the construction work is being done entirely by hand.


    "Welcome diplomat and Magecraft Meister!


    A man who looked like a foreman greeted them.


    "Mr. D''Souza, I''m looking forward to working with you.


    Mii greeted him. The foreman''s name seems to be D''Souza.


    "Let me briefly explain that we are going to dig a canal first, and after the canal is completed, the water will be poured into it.


    "I see."


    The two most important things to take care of are to prevent the channel from collapsing and to prevent water leakage.


    "Certainly, if that is not ensured, it cannot be operated as a waterway, can it?


    D''Souza smiled as Jin answered,


    D''Souza smiled and said, "There is one more item that is quite difficult. Can you guess?


    He said, "Can you guess?


    The way he said it was a bit challenging, so Jin thought about it seriously.


    "Well, it''s important for the construction of the canal, isn''t it?


    Jin recalled the time when the hot spring was constructed in the village of Kaina.


    The construction itself was done by engineering magic, but the precautions should be the same.


    He thinks of ...... and thinks of one thing.


    "The slope of the channel, right?"


    If we don''t consider the slope of the channel, the water will not flow into it, or it will flow backward, or it will stagnate, and it won''t work as a channel.


    "Good answer. As expected of the Magecraft Meister."


    D''Souza also seemed a little surprised at Jin''s answer.


    * * * *


    The group moved a little closer to Lake Sayama and came to the very spot where they were digging.


    "There are many layers of stones in this area, so we are having a hard time digging."


    D''Souza explained as he showed them the construction work.


    Indeed, there were many stones, some of them larger than a watermelon.


    "The stones we dig out are processed and used to reinforce the walls and bottoms of the canals."


    "So they don''t waste it."


    The reason is that it is inefficient to transport heavy stones so far for disposal. That is reasonable.


    However, the stones are processed by hand using a tool.


    This may sound like the Edo period, but this is the Mitsuho way.


    Jin wonders if golems will eventually perform this kind of work as exchanges with the Kogun countries progress ......, he thought absentmindedly as he listened to the sound of the taganets chiseling the stones.


    At that moment.


    "Supervisor!


    came a loud voice from the site.


    What''s wrong?


    A huge stone came out!


    "No, it''s a rock!"


    Jin and the others joined in and looked at the site.


    There was a huge rock blocking the waterway.


    "It looks like a ...... chart."


    It is the same hard rock used in the research laboratory on Horai Island.


    "This is a hard rock.


    Duesa, the site supervisor, also looked reluctant.


    At that time, Mii asked Jin a question.


    "Jin-sama, what do you do in the East in a situation like this?


    "There are several ways. They all involve magic.


    Such as?


    "We could use engineering magic to break it up, or have a golem dig it up. ......"


    I can break it up.


    Reiko interjected from the side. Jin chuckled.


    "That''s true, but it''s not that common.


    D''Souza heard this and turned to Jin.


    "Jin-sama, is that true?"


    "What?"


    "It''s true that you can break that rock.


    "That''s easy."


    Reiko answered on Jin''s behalf.


    "Shall we ...... do it?"


    "By all means!"


    "Yes, I''ll do it. Father, may I?


    "Yes, it''s what you asked me to do. But not too much.


    Yes, sir.


    Reiko jumped down onto the construction site.


    "Everyone, please step aside, it''s dangerous."


    What?


    You are the servant of the Magecraft Meister. I look forward to working with you!


    One of the ingenious people in the room knew Reiko, and all of them hurried to get out of the way.


    "Well then..."


    Reiko fired a light blow.

 1406 - - 38-15 Visit the workshop

    Reiko swung her fist.


    The blow, which did not seem to take much effort, shattered the big rock.


    However, Reiko had managed to control the force of the blow so that it did not turn to dust, but was only of a small enough size to be easily usable.


    "Oh, wow!"


    "That''s huge!"


    They cheer.


    "That''s what I''d expect from a squire of the Magecraft Meister, the Magecraft Master!


    "Thank you!"


    With such voices in the background, Reiko jumps out of the under-construction canal and returns to Jin''s side.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    "No, was that good?"


    "Yes, it was good."


    "Reiko, you did a wonderful job!"


    Mii also praised him with open arms. And then.


    "The Magecraft Meister was amazing!"


    Duesa, the site supervisor, also gave a salute.


    It seemed that although he respected Jin, he could not show it honestly.


    Reiko seemed to be a little concerned about it, though Jin himself did not care much, and she smiled with satisfaction seeing D''Souza''s new attitude.


    ��Maybe we should build a rock drill.)


    (Maybe we should make a rock drill.) Jin, on the other hand, thinks so. (Maybe we should make a rock drill.) Jin, on the other hand, thinks so, but he could not find any such tool.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Despite such an incident, the group looked around the construction site with great interest and had lunch at a nearby rest area.


    "This is delicious, isn''t it?


    "It''s delicious." "Mmm, delicious."


    Reinhard and Erza were enjoying their lunch. And Jin, of course.


    They prepared freshly pounded rice cakes with grated daikon and soy sauce.


    Jin had also eaten rice cakes several times at the facility.


    Some of the children liked it sprinkled with sugar and soybean flour.


    When I told him that,


    "I see, soybean flour and sugar!"


    Mii immediately tried to order some, but Jin warned her.


    "Kinako (soybean flour) is not just powder. You have to roast the whole beans, remove the skin, and grind them into powder.


    Soybean flour and soybean flour are two different things. Jin explained this point carefully.


    "I see, I understand now. Thank you very much!"


    Jin knew this well because he had been trained by the director of the hospital.


    The lunch time passed peacefully as we talked about such things.


    * * * * * * * * *


    In the afternoon, we went to the Lake Sayama side.


    Here, a sluiceway with a sluice gate was 90% completed.


    "It''s a huge sluice gate.


    Jin was also impressed by the excellent workmanship. Of course, this is only on the premise that it was made without magic.


    "Come to think of it, I''ve taken it for granted that I have engineering magic.


    "...... Jin-sama?


    "...... Jin brother?"


    Mii and Erza responded to Jin''s mutterings. Reinhardt was too preoccupied with the structure of the sluice gate to notice.


    "No, I just wanted to make something without magic once in a while..."


    Mii suggested to Jin, who had honestly spoken his mind.


    "In that case, shall we visit a workshop somewhere after this?


    "A tour of a workshop?��I''d love to!"


    At the mention of a workshop, Reinhardt literally jumped in.


    What kind of workshops do you have?


    "Woodworking ......, metal carving ......, blacksmithing ......, architecture ......, and general work. I guess."


    Mii thought and thought and explained, and that was enough for Jin and the others to get a vague idea of what the atmosphere was like.


    Woodworking is furniture, knick-knacks, and sculpture.


    The metal carving type includes accessories.


    The blacksmiths'' work includes cutlery and pots and pans.


    The architectural field is so-called carpentry.


    The general category is a combination of technologies, such as rickshaws and boats.


    "I''d like to see all of them, but I think I''d have to go with woodworking. Or maybe woodworking... or even fingerworking."


    Jin thought that if he had to make something without magic, this would be it.


    "Fingerwork?��You know it well, don''t you? That''s what I''d expect from a master magecraftsman!


    Mii is impressed. <


    So Jin and his group are guided by Mii to a workshop <<> on the shores of Lake Sayama.


    Feeling a little familiar with the name of the place, Jin waited for Mii to talk to him.


    "Thank you for waiting. They said they would let us visit. But there''s no way I can refuse a tour in Jin-sama''s name!


    Beside Jin, Reiko looked proud.


    Then a man who appeared to be the owner of the workshop came out.


    "Oh, Jin-sama!��It''s a great honor to have you here!"


    Jin did not remember, but the man seemed to know his face.


    "Well, Jin-sama is a celebrity ......, the savior of Mitsuho, isn''t he?"


    "No, indeed. My name is Tazza Kroda, owner of the workshop by the lake.


    Tazer Croda was a small man in his late twenties.


    "Come in."


    Tazer led us into his workshop, and the smell of wood tickled our noses.


    "Ah, it''s the smell of cypress," he said.


    "Oh, you know what I mean, Jin-sama!��<


    Hinoki is a coniferous tree with a beautiful bark. It is resistant to humidity and mold, and Horyu-ji, a 1,000-year-old building, is also made of cypress.


    It is a first-class building material, but it is also excellent as a construction material.


    "A small chest in a cypress box?


    Jin looked at them on the shelf as samples.


    "No, it''s a wonderful technique!"


    Reinhardt was also impressed.


    "Over there, it''s ...... ah, paulownia chests, isn''t it?"


    Paulownia wood is not only light and resistant to moisture, but in case of fire, it protects the clothes inside by keeping them from burning when water is sprinkled on them to keep them from burning.


    Common chests of drawers were made of this paulownia-like wood.


    Scrap wood of paulownia and cypress seemed to be used for cutting boards.


    "Oh, these are toys for children.


    There were a Dokugaku and a Kendama, which Hitoshi had missed. This must also have been passed down by .


    Jin was even more excited because he had not seen them during his last visit.


    "Jin-sama, you know kendama?"


    Kendama was a specialty here in Miyako, while dokugakus (tops) were made in other parts of Japan.


    "Yes, I can play a little.


    Saying this, Jin picked up a kendama for the first time in years.

 1407 - - 38-16 Kendama Corporation

    Taking the kendama in his hand, Jin moved it back and forth, left and right, as if to check its weight and balance.


    The ball connected to the ball by a takoyo (octopus thread) swayed accordingly.


    And then...


    "Yo!"


    "Whoa!"


    "Oh."


    "Oh," "Oh," "Oh," "Oh," "Oh," "Oh," "Oh,"


    It''s called furiken. The ball is swung like a pendulum and caught by a sharp point called a kensaki.


    Jin succeeded on the first try.


    "Jin-sama, that''s great!


    "It''s been a while since I''ve done it, so I wasn''t sure."


    Jin tried again. This time he failed.


    "One more time."


    In the end, Jin succeeded 7 out of 10 times.


    "Let me try again.


    Reinhardt, who was watching from the side, said. Jin handed him a kendama.


    "You''d better start with a platter ......".


    But then Reinhardt suddenly played furiken and .......


    "Ouch!"


    He hit the ball in his own face.


    "Brother Rai, are you okay?��......<>"


    "Ouch!"......Erza, thank you. It''s ...... surprisingly hard to do, isn''t it?"


    "That''s why I was going to say you should start with the platter."


    Jin took the kendama from Reinhardt and held it horizontally this time and caught the ball in the largest receptacle, called the platter.


    "This is hard, too. You have to use your arms and knees as well as your hands to keep the ball from bouncing.


    "Brother Jin, let me try."


    Erza said she wanted to play, so Jin handed her the ball.


    "Let''s see,...... like this?"


    Erza swung the ball and caught the bouncing ball on a platter.


    In doing so, she made sure that her knees were well cushioned so that the ball would not bounce.


    "Oh, that''s good, that''s good!"


    Jin complimented. Elsa has good moves.


    She seemed to have gotten the hang of it after a few times, and was able to catch the ball on the opposite side of the big dish, called the small dish, without making any mistakes.


    Reinhardt, on the other hand...


    "Yo!��...... Oh, no."


    Surprisingly, he seems to be clumsy at this kind of game.


    After playing with kendama for a while, Jin remembers why he came to this workshop.


    "Uh, ......."


    Jin looked around the workshop and noticed a corner where some small articles were being made.


    "Excuse me, may I use this corner?


    Hitoshi asked the owner of the workshop, Tazza Kuroda, and when he received his permission, he immediately began to work on it.


    "So the saw is about the same. The saw is also a sawing type. ......"


    Most Western-style saws and planers are of the push-to-cut type, but this one was of the pull-type, which Jin was accustomed to using.


    "Well, let''s have this piece of square wood."


    As Jin produced something, Erza and Reinhard stopped practicing kendama and came to observe.


    "Jin, what are you making?��What are you making, Jin?


    "Well, just watch. Well, just look at it. To put these together at equal intervals, you need to use ......."


    Take two pieces of wood about 30 centimeters long. Then dig grooves in them at equal intervals.


    "...... ladder toy?"


    What Jin was making looked like a small little ladder.


    "This is definitely a ladder. But that''s not all."


    For the rungs of the ladder, he used square timbers of the right thickness for the groove.


    "Well, well, well."


    Jin is happy to see that his woodworking skills have not rusted.


    "Now I have to make the pieces. ......


    Jin moves his hands while talking to himself.


    Elsa and Reiko, who are standing by, watch him closely, knowing that this is when Jin is in a good mood.


    "It''s done."


    It took about an hour to complete.


    "Thank you for helping us with the materials, Mr. Cloda.


    Jin thanks the owner of the workshop.


    "So, what did you make?


    Those who had been silently watching were curious.


    "Well, it''s a toy called ''Hashigakudari''.


    A ladder stands vertically on a square board that serves as a base.


    When you place a <> on the ladder, you will see .......


    "Ah!"


    "Oh!"


    "Interesting!"


    Erza, Croda, Mii and the others exclaim in surprise.


    < are spinning and moving down the ladder. It looks like a light magician.


    "You got it right the first time. You haven''t lost your skill yet."


    Jin was pleased.


    "Oh ...... is this another toy from Jin''s hometown?"


    Reinhardt asked, looking at the structure.


    "Yes. I made a few of these in the past.


    "Heh. ......."


    Then Tatzer Kroda called out to him.


    "Mr. Jin, may I make one of these for the children?"


    Yes, you may. You may color the pieces and draw pictures on them.


    "I see.


    You''re the master Jin!


    For this idea, Jin received a large amount of miso paste and alum.


    He was grateful for the alum because it is not available in Horai Island, and the miso tastes different depending on the place.


    This was the end of the tour for the day.


    * * * *


    "d*mn, I can''t do it right!"


    As a souvenir of the visit to the workshop, Jin and the others received a kendama for each of them.


    Reinhardt has been practicing in his spare time, but he can''t seem to get any better.


    "Brother Rai, you have too much tension in your shoulders.


    Erza, on the other hand, has mastered the technique called , in which she moves the balls around a large plate, a small plate, a medium plate, and a kendo ball.


    She succeeded three times out of ten.


    And then.


    "Father, is this all right?"


    "Oh, yes, that''s it. ......"


    Reiko had already mastered all the techniques that Jin knew, with an almost 100 percent success rate.

 1408 - - 38-17 Drill

    After a little early dinner, Jin was leaning back on the sofa, thinking about the daytime.


    "Brother Jin?"


    Erza seemed to sense something when she saw Jin, and took some distance from him, saying that she would leave him alone.


    "Wedge ...... pickaxe ...... drill ......"


    The way he mumbled was a little strange, but Erza has long gotten used to the fact that this was Jin''s way of thinking.


    After about five minutes.


    "Okay, I''ve got a plan. Now we have to ask him.


    Jin stood up briskly,


    "I''m going to Mii''s for a while."


    and left the room. In a flash, Reiko was the only one who could follow him, but Elsa only replied with a .


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After about half an hour, Jin came back, his face full of happiness.


    "Did something good happen?"


    Erza couldn''t help but ask him.


    "Yes, I did. You know, during the day, there was a big rock that came out during the construction work, right?


    "Yes..."


    Reiko crushed it that time, but I asked her what she usually does.


    hmm, I know...


    I asked her about Mr. D''Souza, the foreman, who was staying here earlier.


    He said he was staying at the staff building because there was no good place to stay near the construction site.


    "Really?"


    Jin looked interested, so I knew something must have struck a chord. I didn''t think it was civil engineering, though.


    "So, when they break it up, they do it with a hammer or a hammer and trowel," he said.


    "......What are you going to do with that?"


    I''m sure you can guess by the look on her face, but Erza asked just in case.


    "Yeah. I''d like to be of some help, wouldn''t you?


    So Jin then returned to Horai Island.


    "If we use adamantite partially, it will be enough.


    "Father, what about the rest?"


    "Carbon steel ...... or maybe nickel steel?"


    "Yes, sir."


    With the help of Reiko, Jin made up a pickaxe. The tip is adamantite and bites into most rocks.


    The nickel steel has also been treated with toughening, so it should be strong enough.


    "Now, let''s make a hammer too.


    This is also made of adamantite at the tip, and the amount of excavation is estimated to be three times as much.


    The last one is .......


    A drill?


    Yes. I think I heard that you drill a hole with this and then drive a wedge into the hole to break it open.


    I see.


    Jin is making a hand drill. It is a type of hand drill called a "click-ball" or "kuri kogiri".


    The drill is designed to simply turn a crank handle, so it is hard to break.


    The tips of the drill bits are of course adamantite.


    After making 10 sets of each of these bits, Jin returned to Mitsuho.


    Welcome back.


    Welcome back.


    It is 8:30 p.m. in Mitsuho when Jin returns.


    Jin had Reiko take the samples and went to D''Souza''s office.


    "Jin, what do you have there?"


    Jin meets Reinhard and Mii in the hallway. They were discussing tomorrow''s schedule.


    "Jin, what is it?"


    Reinhardt was curious about the tools Reiko was carrying.


    "It''s a construction tool. This is a pickaxe, this is a hammer, and this is a drill."


    "Hmmm. The drill has an interesting shape!


    "We''re going to Mr. D''Souza''s now."


    Jin said,


    "Okay, I''ll go with you!"


    Reinhardt''s reply was quite natural.


    "Mr. D''Souza, are you there?"


    Jin asks D''Souza''s room in the staff building.


    "Oh, my God, Jin-sama, what is it yet?


    "I''ve prepared something nice for you, please take a look."


    In the lounge of the staff building, Jin showed Reiko the tools he had prepared for her.


    "Well, that looks interesting!


    "A hammer, a pickaxe, and a drill."


    Jin explained briefly.


    "I know what a hammer is, but what about this?


    "This is how to use it."


    Jin first teaches how to use the pickaxe.


    But all he does is swing it up and down.


    "Ha-ha, this is good. It seems to be an efficient way to dig up areas with pebbles.


    D''Souza, who seemed to be a person in the field, immediately understood the usefulness of the pickaxe.


    "And this is a drill.


    "A drill?"


    "A drill? Well, do you have anything I can use to make a hole?


    Mii thought for a moment, then went to the kitchen and came back with a big jar.


    "How about this jar?��It has a chipped rim, and I''m thinking of using it as a flowerpot.


    "Then I can make a hole in it.


    Bottles, or ceramics, are a very hard material.


    It is also fragile, so making a hole in it requires not only tools but also a certain amount of skill.


    Jin turned the bottle upside down with the bottom facing up. He places the tip of the drill in the center of the bottle and starts to turn it.


    "Oh!"


    The adamantite tip cut through the ceramic without any effort, and made a hole in no time.


    "This is amazing!��That''s just like Jin-sama!"


    "Jin-sama, will you give this to me?"


    Duzah jumped for joy, and Mii''s eyes lit up.


    "Yes, I will."


    "Yes, I will, and I will be very grateful!


    Mii then went into a meeting with Jin to discuss the price.


    "As far as I''m concerned, it''s a token of our friendship, so it should be minimal.


    But that''s not how it works.


    "But ......"


    After some back and forth, they agreed to increase the amount of miso and alum that they were going to receive in exchange for <>, and to share some of the wood they saw at the workshop, which was not available on Horai Island.

 1409 - - 38-18 Home

    January 30.


    At the appointed time, Reinhardt went as a diplomat to meet HIRO MUTU, the Emir of Mitskho.


    "I have been expecting you."


    Hiro Mutu opened the door and greeted Reinhardt.


    "I have accepted all the proposals made by Her Majesty, the Empress Shoro," he said.


    "Oh, that''s a big deal.


    Therefore, I have one favor to ask of you, Jin-sama.


    What is it?


    Jin is treated as an attendant on official occasions.


    I would like to ask you, Jin-sama, the Magecraft Meister, to certify that this World Congress is for the peace of the whole world.


    "Of course, of course. It is my wish as well."


    Jin immediately accepted Hiro Mutu''s offer.


    "Thank you very much.


    Thus, the Mitsuho, who were said to be a different people, and the nations of the East took the first step toward building a cooperative relationship for the future.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, Jin, it was a great success!


    At noon the same day, <> left Miyako.


    "But Jin''s popularity is amazing.


    This time Jin had not done much, but the send-off was even bigger than the last time.


    "But it was fun."


    Reinhard closes his eyes and is deep in thought.


    "That''s the good thing about being a diplomat, isn''t it?"


    Reinhardt has made it all the way to the Kingdom of Elias and back. Jin thought that he must be remembering those days.


    "Brother Jin, brother Rai. We''re about to cross the Harihari Desert.


    Erza''s voice comes out. The super-fast flying had returned to the Shoro Empire in a little over an hour.


    As it approaches the Shoro Empire, it slows down to less than half its original speed.


    In the end, Jin and his crew returned to Loizart in about two hours after leaving the town of Miyako.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Thank you, Reinhard.


    The emperor was in a good mood when he received the return letter from Hiro Mutu and checked its contents.


    "Thank you, Jin-kun and Erza, for your hard work.


    The emperor smiled softly and softly. It seems that her public face is over.


    "So, did you find anything interesting?


    It''s 5:00 P.M., the end of the day.


    "Would you like to have dinner with me afterwards?��Tell me about what you did over there then.


    Jin, Erza, Reinhard, Reiko, Edgar, and others moved with the emperor to the reception room of the palace.


    "Jin-kun has inspired us to expand the menu here.


    The emperor is a little happy. But...


    "But you know ...... it doesn''t taste as good as the food at Jin-kun''s place. And ......."


    And?��What''s wrong?


    "...... it''s getting cold."


    "...... Oh, ......"


    The Emperor of a country eats his meals, so I guess he has to taste the food.


    If the food is brought to them after that, it is understandable that it gets cold.


    In addition, grilled fish and tempura were served.


    Both of them would not taste half as good if they were cold.


    "...... at least <<> or <>".


    Jin thought that it would be better to heat up the whole food from the inside rather than just heating it up, so he used his original engineering magic <>.


    Like the microwave oven, this magic uses electromagnetic waves, which are classified as microwaves, to heat up an object.


    I used it because it was on a ceramic plate, not a silver plate.


    "...... Oh, it''s warm!"


    "Is it a little better?"


    The reheated grilled fish is not as good as the hardened one, but it is better than the cold one.


    The same goes for tempura.


    It is inevitable that the taste of reheated food is basically lost.


    (Hmmm, I wish I could do something about this point.)


    (Hmm, I wish I could do something about this) Jin thought as he put the reheated tempura in his mouth. Then he came to a conclusion.


    "A thermal barrier!"


    "What?"


    What?


    "...... have you come up with something?"


    Reinhardt and the female emperor were surprised to hear Jin suddenly speak up, but Erza remained calm.


    The reason she was silent was because she was thinking about something, and she knew that Jin would suddenly reactivate.


    "Oh. ......well, the flow of magic control (Magi sequence) over there is like this, so we can do the Magi Formula here and the Magi Formula over there like this ......Yeah, it looks like we can do it. Yes, I can do that."


    Now everyone waits patiently for Jin to explain.


    "Well, the one I just thought of is the . It keeps the object from getting cold by minimizing conduction, convection, and radiation except during poisoning. At the same time, it should be possible to keep cold objects from getting warm."


    "I don''t know, but that''s great, Jin!��Please make it!


    The emperor jumps at Jin''s suggestion.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin immediately accepted.


    "Then I''ll come and report back to you as soon as it''s finished.


    "Please do."


    At 7:00 p.m., Jin and his team left the palace. Reinhardt had to stay overnight because he still had to make a detailed report.


    With a jump, the Conlon 3 lands on the rooftop of the mansion.


    "Ah, you''re back."


    "Yeah..."


    Horai Island, Kunlun Island, the village of Kaina, and here in Loisart.


    Elsa and I spend the most time together here and in Horai Island.


    This is where I can relax and feel at home.


    "Father, Elsa, why don''t you take a bath?"


    And always and everywhere, Reiko is Jin''s number one attendant.


    "Yes. It''s been a while since I''ve had a bath at home."


    "Yes..."


    I''ll wash your back.


    Please do.


    The hectic days had come to an end.


    Jin was able to relax at home for the first time in a long time and healed from the fatigue of his trip.

 1410 - - 38-19 Unexpected Visitors

    "Well, first of all, I have some unfinished business to take care of."


    On February 1st, Jin had breakfast at Reuthert''s house and flew to Horai Island.


    "Brother Jin, what''s left to do?"


    Erza, who came with us, asks.


    "It''s about Akitsu."


    Akitsu is an automata that Shuki Tsezi had installed in the past for educational purposes.


    "I couldn''t maintain it this time, and above all, I couldn''t ......".


    Now that he has sent airships to other countries, the possibility of detection from the sky has increased.


    I have to take responsibility for this.


    "I know what you''re saying, Jin. So what are you going to do?


    We move it.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    So Jin dispatched to the site.


    "This will be a lot easier."


    They are going to move the dome, Akitsu''s base of operations, directly to the Kunlun Island.


    Adriana, with a diameter of 300 meters, was the perfect vessel for the job.


    The dome, 10 meters in diameter and 4 meters high, was pulled from its base using gravity control magic and a force field generator, and stored in the lower warehouse of .


    "I didn''t think you''d go this far."


    Elsa is a little taken aback.


    "But I don''t want to do anything halfway.


    "I understand that.


    "<>...... is a facility left to us by Shuki Tsetsi''s grandfather, you know.


    Reiko supports Jin.


    "I know. I thought this was a good idea."


    "For my sake, I''m sorry."


    The dome is in the warehouse, but Akitsu is on the bridge with Jin and the others.


    "No, aunt, this is nothing for your father."


    Akitsu is being attended to by Reiko.


    Akitsu wonders if Reiko is his aunt. ......


    "I wonder where would be a good place to ......."


    After some thought, she decides to set up in the woods on the west side of the island, away from the plains where the Wujinggaku and Jade Mansion are located.


    A force field generator ��Force Generator�� was used to level the area, and the dome was installed.


    The construction itself was completed in 10 minutes by the craftsmen (Smith) I had called from Penglai Island.


    "Well, how do you like it, Akitsu?


    "Yes, thank you. The place looks very cozy.


    Fortunately, the warp gate in Mitsuho has no distance limitation ......, or rather, it has enough capacity, so there is no problem at all for Akitsu to move to this place.


    The best part is that Reiko, other automata, and golems can come to see Akitsu.


    "I''m glad I''ve been alone all this time."


    Akitzu accepted this measure, expressing the slight emotion he had been granted.


    "Aunt, next time I come, I will bring the others with me.


    "I look forward to it."


    Since Anne, Lol, and Lefa were half-sisters or half-sisters of Reiko, Akitsu would be their aunt, and those whom Jin created would be his nieces and nephews, just like Reiko.


    It seems that Akitsu, who had few feelings, was happy to see an end to his long years of loneliness.


    Akitsu was happy to see the end of his long years of loneliness, even though he was not very emotional.


    "Ah, now I''m done."


    "Thank you, Jin-brother.


    The relocation took less than half a day. Jin was also relieved from the bottom of his heart.


    "To tell you the truth, I realized it yesterday when I was going back home on the < ......".


    Jin confides to Erza over a cup of tea at his house in Horaijima.


    "I understand. That''s why I was so upset."


    "Yeah."


    Just as Erza was about to say something more, Reiko came rushing in.


    "Father, Mr. Zion is here."


    "What?"


    What?


    "Zion, what''s wrong?"


    As soon as he saw Jin''s face, Zion dropped a bombshell.


    "Jin, my sister is gone!


    "What?


    Theon''s sister, in other words Istaris, had disappeared.


    "Why again?"


    "......The wedding is in half a month."


    After saying this, Zion turned her head down.


    "...... you don''t like it?"


    Zion nodded silently.


    "Well, what did Belials say?"


    I remember hearing that Istaris had been betrothed to the Belialus when they had been in the demon territory before.


    "...... and Belialis seems to have arranged it."


    "What?"


    Since he did not understand the background at all, Jin decided to sit down and listen to Zion''s story.


    There are a few things that came to light as a result of this.


    The engagement between Istaris and Belialus had been decided by their parents and grandparents.


    In other words, it was a marriage ceremony between clans, and the intentions of both parties were not reflected in it.


    "......I thought my sister was happy too. She was beaming."


    At the same time, Belial was also not happy about the engagement.


    The proof is that he was not in a hurry when Istaris disappeared and Zion saw him smiling at her from the shadows.


    "That''s not a look you can make when someone you love is missing, that one."


    So she secretly asked him about it, and he told her that it was Belial who arranged their escape to the south.


    "Uh, the one who arranged the getaway, was it Netros?"


    Yes. Yes. How did you know?


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin thought it was strange that he didn''t understand. He felt that his face was reflecting this thought,


    "Brother Jin, I think you might not be able to see them if you are too close to them.


    Erza chided him.


    "Because my sister and Netros have been together since they were little, and they''ve always been like that, you know?"


    "I see. ......"


    Jin thought that if they had been brought up like brother and sister, it might be possible that Zion, who was also his own sister, might not recognize that .......


    "Hey, help me find my sister!��At least let me know that she is safe and sound,......."


    Jin gently tells Zion, who has a desperate look on his face.


    "Okay. Leave it to me.

 1411 - - 38-20 Search and

    "Really?��Thanks, Jin!


    "Yeah, you can count on me."


    Jin nodded and headed for the lab.


    Erza, Zion and Reiko followed him.


    "Old man, do you know where Istaris is?"


    <


    "What?��How do you know?


    Jin explains to the astonished Zion.


    "Didn''t Istaris once get injured and had to be brought here?


    It was when he was tricked and captured in the Franz Kingdom.


    Yes, yes.


    I treated Istaris then, so I have her magic patterns on record.


    "Uh, ......?"


    Jin continued to explain to Zion who still didn''t seem to understand what he was saying.


    When he said that there was a Magi machine in Horai Island that could track the magic pattern, Zion''s face lit up.


    "What''s that!��Jin is making amazing things!��He is indeed a Magecraft Meister!"


    "Zion, didn''t you know about the Magi Radar?"


    "What about ......?��Well, I think I''ve heard something about it. ......"


    In short, he doesn''t seem to remember much because of his lack of interest in magical engineering.


    "Oh well."


    That won''t interfere with the search for Istaris.


    The more important question is: .......


    "What happened after you found Istaris?"


    Will they bring her back to the demon territory against her will or not?


    "Yes, I guess so. ......"


    Theon looks thoughtful.


    At that moment, the old man reported.


    "What?��Where, where, where?


    Theon bites his tongue.


    <


    "What?


    * * * * * *


    "......" I was blindsided.


    Theon and Lucas had come to the village of Kaina when they had previously requested assistance due to food shortages.


    This time, Istaris and Netros must have followed a similar route.


    "Ah, it''s been a long time.


    Jin, Zion, and Reiko emerge from the warp gate in the basement of Jin''s workshop.


    "It''s snowing here too, isn''t it?"


    The snow was deeper than when Jin had visited the other day. The snowfall was about 30 centimeters.


    However, most of the paths had been cleared of snow and were easy to walk on.


    The weather that day was light overcast. Jin put on his sunglasses to avoid snowy eyes.


    "Oh?��Jin, what are those?


    "They are glasses to protect my eyes. I have one for you too."


    Jin held out a pair of sunglasses.


    "Oh, thank you."


    The sunglasses were made of processed muscovite, which is lightweight and resistant to breakage.


    In addition, they are durable because they are coated with toughening agent.


    Mica also has the property of birefringence, and can be used in place of polarizers if used properly.


    Furthermore, the sunglasses are colored with a magic dye to prevent the transmission of ultraviolet rays, thus making them highly effective sunglasses.


    "Ah, Onii-chan!"


    Hanna came out of the room.


    "Hi, Hannah. I heard there was a traveler here. Do you know him?"


    "Yes. He''s staying at the chief''s house.


    I see. Thanks. I''ll check it out.


    "Okay."


    Perhaps sensing something when she saw that Zion was with them, Hannah unusually returned to the house without saying <.


    So Jin and the three of them head for the village chief''s house.


    "When did you make this ?"


    Zion asked on the way to the chief''s house.


    "Just a few days ago.


    "Well, it''s very easy to see. It''s hard to see the unevenness of a snowfield because it''s all white, but it''s different when you wear these.


    The polarizing properties of the glasses cut off a great deal of reflected light. This makes it easier to see.


    Polarized sunglasses are used for fishing, skiing, driving, etc. to cut reflected light and make vision clearer.


    "Are you there, Mr. Mayor?


    Soon after arriving at the village headman''s house, Jin knocked on the door.


    "Oh, Jin. What''s wrong?"


    Immediately, Guibec, the village headman, answered the door.


    "No, I have a visitor, or rather, I heard that a traveler is here.


    "I see. I see... as a lord, you are concerned about him.


    No, it''s not that. Well, that''s part of it...


    Come in anyway. ...... who''s that girl over there?��Uh,......, I think it''s Zion, isn''t it?


    Giebeck asks, noticing Zion behind Jin.


    Yes, that''s right. And I think that the traveler might be an acquaintance of hers.


    "Oh."


    Jin and the others were invited into the village chief''s house.


    "Hello, Jin-kun."


    In the living room was Sally, the healer and now wife of Giebeck, and .......


    "Jin-sama!��Theon!


    How did you find me?


    Theon''s sister, Istaris, and her follower, Netros, were there.


    "Sister!"


    Theon rushes to Istaris.


    I was so worried about you!


    "...... I''m sorry I left without telling you."


    "No, I just want you to be happy, that''s all."


    "Jin, will you please explain the situation to me?"


    Looking at Zion and Istaris, Sally and Giebeck asked Jin to explain.


    "Yes, of course. As a matter of fact, ......."


    Jin gave them a brief explanation of the situation. Of course, at this stage, he did not tell them that he was a .

 1412 - - 38-21 In Revisit

    "I see, so you kicked out of your parents'' marriage proposal and ran away together."


    "Is that why Mr. Zion came to bring your sister back?"


    Sally and Giebeck each opened their mouths, but the content was completely different.


    "No, I didn''t come here to bring her back, I came here to look for her because I was worried about her.


    "Zion ......"


    "Jin found your sister right away."


    "Oh, I see. ......


    Theon turned to Netros, who had remained silent the entire time.


    "I didn''t think Netros had that much love for you. But now that we are here, you will make my sister happy, won''t you?"


    Netros looks up.


    "Yes, Master Theon."


    "Yes, Master Theon. Yes, Master Theon. Take good care of my ...... sister, will you?"


    A little sadly, but resolutely, Theon addresses Netros.


    "But what should we do now?"


    Jin folded his arms and pondered. Then Sally came to his rescue.


    Jin, you seem to know their parents. It would be the least awkward for you to go to them and try to persuade them.


    "......I guess you''re right."


    Sally nodded.


    "I think so."


    This advice made Jin''s mind up.


    "I understand."


    He stood up and told Zion, Istaris, and Netros.


    "You can come to me first."


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Fifteen minutes later, Jin, Zion, Istaris, and Netros are at Nido Castle. Reiko brings tea for the four of them.


    After drinking the hot tea (only Jin''s tea was cooled down a little) and relaxing a little, Jin opened his mouth.


    "Well, I''m going to the demon territory in after this, and I want all three of you to come with me.


    "I don''t mind if I come with you. ...... sisters?"


    Theon said a little anxiously.


    "You two will stay with me in the Conlon 3 until we can come to some sort of agreement.


    "That''s fine."


    Jin then took a breath,


    "Now, Istaris, where did this offer of marriage come from?"


    "Well, I heard that your grandfather has been in contact with Maximus. ......"


    Istaris'' grandfather was Bardius, the clan leader of . Maximus is the clan leader of the <> clan, Maximus the <>.


    "A discussion between the clan leaders. ......"


    "Yes. I had no choice,......, I mean,......."


    "My sister accepted it at first because it would be good for the clan of <>, right?"


    Instead of Istaris who was at a loss for words, Zion explained.


    "When I saw you at the time of the engagement announcement, it didn''t seem like you were unhappy about it."


    Jin felt sorry for her, because she must have been killing herself.


    After all, Jin''s beloved wife, Elsa, had also left him in the past because she did not like the marriage proposal that her parents had arranged.


    When he told this story, Zion bit into his mouth.


    "What is that?��Even that ladylike and quiet looking Erza is capable of that!


    "Here, Theon. Erza-sama is Jin-sama''s wife now.


    "Oh, I see. ...... sorry, Jin."


    Jin laughed and forgave Zion.


    "Well, anyway, I''d still like to respect the person''s will. So I''m going to tell the clan leader that.


    Jin, I''m counting on you!


    Oh my god, Zion...


    And what about Belialus?


    To this Zion replied.


    "Well, I don''t have a choice, do I?"


    With a complete poker face, Zion said, "I don''t know.


    However, seeing that he helped Istaris to run away, it seems that he does not have much feelings for her.


    "How did Istaris feel about it?"


    "Yes, well, I felt that Master Belialis was suppressing his feelings. I think he likes someone else."


    "I see."


    It is possible that Belialus is also hiding his intentions.


    "Come to think of it, I don''t think I saw Belialus the last time I went to the clan territory of the .


    Anyway, Jin thinks that he has to go to the demon tribe territory first.


    I''ve just been there.


    So, although he had just been there, Jin set out for the demon territory by early the next day.


    He was accompanied by Elsa and Reiko. Of course, Zion, Istaris, and Netros are also on board.


    The pilot is Edgar.


    They arrived at the demon territory at 9:00 a.m. local time.


    "Let''s go to first. ......"


    landed on the outskirts of the territory of the Luo clan.


    The Morura clansmen soon gather.


    "Master Jin, welcome. What kind of ...... Zion are you today?��Why are you here?"


    Bardius, the chief of the Morura clan and Zion''s grandfather, greeted Jin and peered at him when he saw Zion with him.


    "I''ll explain it to you now."


    When Jin said this, Bardius could not say anything more strongly and first invited Jin and the others into the house.


    "Well, it all started when Zion came to me saying that Istaris had disappeared.


    At the house of the clan leader, Bardius, Jin immediately cut to the chase.


    "Sion told me that the marriage between Istaris and Belialus was decided between the clan leaders."


    "...... Yes."


    Bardius, who had no intention of hiding anything from Jin, immediately admitted this fact.


    "But Istaris seemed to be pleased, and Belialus agreed to it immediately, so I thought there would be no problem.


    "I see."


    Then Elsa spoke up.


    "Mr. Istaris is a family man and a clan man. I am sure that he did not want to go against a marriage proposal that was made with good intentions, much less one that was decided upon by the clan leaders.


    These are the words of Erza, who was once unable to accept her father''s arbitrary decision to make a marriage proposal.


    "......"


    "I think that Istaris was trying to pretend that he was doing it for the sake of the clan. I think that something made him lose his temper and he disappeared."


    Bardius replied,


    "Come to think of it, the day before he disappeared, he met with Belialus and they talked for a long time. I thought they were talking about the future or something. ......


    "I see. ...... Then again, maybe Belial knew about it."


    How is that possible?


    "Anyway, I think I''ll go to the clan now."


    Jin stood up.


    "Jin-sama, please take me with you!"


    Bardius pleaded with him, and Jin agreed.


    "Okay. ...... come with me, Zion."


    "Okay."


    And so Jin and his party, with Bardius in tow, set out for the clan territory of the <>.

 1413 - - 38-22 Confession!

    <


    So, what can I do for you today?


    Maximus, the clan leader, asked. The first to answer was Bardius, chief of the clan of Morura.


    "You may have guessed since I''m here, but I''m here about Istaris ......."


    "Hmm."


    How is Belialis?


    "How ...... is he, he''s just going about his daily life."


    At this point, Jin interrupts.


    "I''m sorry, but could you call Belialus?


    "That''s fine. ......Hey, someone go get Belial."


    The waiter who was standing nearby was sent to call Belialus.


    Soon after, Belialus came and looked at Jin and the group, and his face broke into a little smile.


    "Well, well, well, Jin-dono, Erza-dono, ...... Zion. Welcome."


    Belialus greeted them with a beaming smile.


    "What''s the matter today?"


    Jin asks him straightforwardly.


    "Have you heard about the disappearance of Istaris?"


    "...... eh?"


    Jin waited for the next words from Belialus, thinking that the slight pause was a bit unnatural.


    "I, Istaris is gone?"


    The tone of voice was a little ...... unnatural, but Jin was convinced.


    "What do you know about it, Belialis?"


    "What ...... do you mean?"


    Belialus is so deliberate in his attitude that even Jin can tell.


    "It''s all right, I''m here to do something about those wrong connections. You knew that Istaris didn''t really want to get married, didn''t you?


    "Yes, yes."


    At this point Elsa spoke up.


    "Mr. Belialus, my brother Jin knows everyone."


    "What?"


    "...... I escaped from an unwanted marriage a long time ago. It was my brother Jin who saved me. So you should be honest with me.


    "I am ......."


    At this point, Maximus and Bardius were speechless.


    Then Jin turned to Maximus and Bardius and spoke.


    "I know that both of you are thinking about your clans. But please think a little more about yourselves.


    The polite words seem to be weighing them down, and they falter.


    "Yes, yes, ......."


    "You''re right, you''re right. ......"


    And then, out of nowhere.


    "Maximus, we may have been a little hasty."


    "I agree with you, Master Bardius."


    It seems that they have taken this action because they are worried that the population of the demon tribe has been further reduced due to the recent uproar.


    "From now on, if we avoid unnecessary conflicts and improve our health, I believe that the population will start to increase.


    Elsa convinced him of this.


    "...... truly."


    "I''m embarrassed. ......"


    Apparently, Maximus and Vardius realized that they had been a bit hasty.


    "And then," said Belialus, "......"


    "I, well, from the beginning, I have felt nothing more about Istaris than a fondness ...... for his own kind. ......"


    He looked down and expressed his honest feelings.


    "And now, about Istaris..."


    Jin returned to the topic again.


    "I''d say that the marriage proposal has been cancelled ...... rather than broken off."


    "Yes. That would be better.


    I have no objection.


    The chief of the clan, Maximus, and Bardius were all adamant that the marriage proposal had never taken place.


    "I will explain to the others that the two of us were a little ahead of the curve," he said.


    I would be sorry to Istaris and Belialus if I didn''t at least do that.


    "I see."


    Jin was relieved. Now he had accomplished half of what he had come for.


    So Jin decided to move on to the next step.


    "And what do you think about Netros?"


    "How," he said, "is ......?"


    Bardius looked doubtful.


    "Well, in the <> clan, is there such a thing as a friendship with a squire?"


    Jin had meant it in a roundabout way, but Bardius seemed to have guessed it.


    "Don''t tell me, Istaris is ...... with Netros?"


    "Yes, Grandfather!��Please, admit her and Netros!"


    Here, Theon, who had been silent all this time, opened his mouth.


    "Ummm... ......"


    Bardius looked at him with difficulty.


    "It is true that there have been many who have married squires. But it is unprecedented for a clan leader to do so, and I cannot admit to it. ......"


    Istaris is the eldest daughter of Radeous and Lorona. If things continue as they are, her son-in-law will be the clan leader of .


    "Oh, no. ......"


    Sion wilted. But he quickly looks up and balks at his grandfather.


    "Well, then, why don''t my son-in-law become the clan leader?"


    His face turned red as he said this.


    "Well, that wouldn''t be a problem, but ...... I don''t have a partner."


    The person to whom he is dealing with is Zion, who is only 71 years old, which is the equivalent of 14 years old in human terms. Even according to the custom of the demon tribe, he won''t be considered an adult until he''s another nine years, or 80 years old.


    "It doesn''t matter. Ten or twenty more years. And you have the Lord Radeous."


    At this point Maximus, the puppet, interjected.


    "Maximus, you have plenty of grandchildren, so you needn''t worry about your successor, but we have our own ......."


    "Well, ......"


    At this point Belial interrupted.


    "Would it be bad if it were me and Mr. Zion ......?"


    "What?"


    "Yes?"


    Elsa and Jin were caught off guard by this unexpected comment.


    But...


    "What?


    Theon just jumped up in surprise. His face was even redder, like a ripe apr��s-ski.


    "Mr. Zion, to tell you the truth, I love you more than your sister Istaris ......."


    "Yes, ......?��Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!


    Belialus'' statement, which no one had expected, caused chaos in the room.


    But surprisingly, Zion does not seem to mind.


    "Well, I''m much more rustic than my sister, but ......"


    "I''m not rude. I''m just energetic."


    "I''m not even educated. ......


    Don''t be modest.


    "You see, I''m, you know, small in many ways. ......


    You have a long way to go, my dear.


    "......"


    Jin and Erza watched in amazement.

 1414 - - 38-23 Early Spring

    Hitoshi, Elsa, and Reiko quietly left the room, leaving Zion, Belial, and Maximus and Bardius behind.


    They decided to keep it to themselves and their relatives.


    "But I''m surprised..."


    "Yes..."


    "Father, it''s complicated when a person falls in love with another person."


    Hitoshi, Elsa, and Reiko each expressed their own thoughts.


    "...... Maybe Belial likes younger people."


    "What?"


    Erza tilted her head at Jin''s comment.


    "You know, Belialus was desperately looking for his sister Archelle, right?


    "Yes, indeed."


    "Uh, was it called "Sister Complex"?"


    Reiko said in a brusque tone.


    "......Yes, that''s right, but don''t say that in front of the two ...... no, Maximus and Bardius, don''t say that."


    "I understand."


    "......Theon also likes older, dependable people."


    Erza also gave her own analysis of the situation.


    "Oh, I see."


    If that''s the case, Jin thinks that the two of them might be surprisingly compatible.


    "Well, at any rate, I think we''ve almost achieved our goal.


    "Hmm."


    < clan will be Theon and Belialus.


    Then Istaris and Netros can be together without problems.


    "By the time Sion and the others become clan leaders, the <> barrier may be gone."


    "That''s true."


    Erza agreed with Jin''s prediction.


    * * * * * *


    "No, I''m very embarrassed to show you this.


    When Jin and Erza returned after the seats had settled down, they found an embarrassed Belialus, a red-faced Zion, and a smiling Bardius and Maximus.


    "No, I am pleased to see that we have once again bridged the gap between the two clans.


    "I''m glad to hear you say so."


    Maximus said with a happy face. Bardius, on the other hand, looked a little disappointed.


    "I pity Istaris. ...... I wonder what she is doing now.


    "Oh, I found her and I''m protecting her. < with Netros. Netros is with her.


    Oh my God!


    Jin-sama is indeed a man of his word.


    Jin then asked Reiko to call them.


    "Yes, Father."


    Reiko nodded and quickly disappeared.


    She quickly returned with Istaris and Netros.


    "Oh, Istaris!"


    "Grandfather ......"


    I''m sorry I didn''t think of your feelings.


    Jin looked at Bardius apologizing to Istaris and thought to himself that he was not so house-centered as the nobles of the Lesser Kingdoms.


    "I''m sorry for ignoring you and moving on. You can ...... do whatever you want."


    "Are you sure about that?"


    Bardius glanced at Zion.


    "It''s okay, sister. The future head of the clan is between me and ...... that, that, that Belialus..."


    Theon said in faltering tones with a red face.


    "Oh, Theon,...... you,......"


    "It''s okay, sister. I''m still happy."


    Theon leans against Belialus, who is sitting next to him. His face turns even redder.


    "Zion......"


    Then Jin called out to him.


    "That''s what I mean, Istaris. I''ve been through a lot, but I guess I''ve settled down.


    "But, but I did something bad to Zion ......."


    "Sister, being a clan leader is not a bad thing, right?��I''d rather do things for the clan, have them do things for me, and develop them."


    Zion is always positive. That''s what makes you a member of the ," Jin cheered in his heart.


    * * * *


    "Really. To my way of thinking, a clan leader is just a hassle, but someone has to do it, and Zion is a great guy for choosing to do it himself."


    "Heh heh, really?"


    After calming down, Jin was relaxing in with Erza, Reiko, Zion, Istaris, Netros, Belialus, and others.


    By the way, Bardius and Maximus are having various meetings.


    They have a lot of things to do externally now that they have a new fianc��e. Jin thinks this is troublesome.


    "By the way, I''m sorry if I''m remembering this wrong, but didn''t Zion and Istaris have a brother?"


    "......Oh, you mean my brother Clydesdale."


    Theon answers first and then Istaris takes over.


    "Well, my brother Clydes is to be groomed into the <> clan. That''s because we have different mothers. ......"


    The <> clan is a clan that has been reduced to about 20 members after the <> incident.


    He was engaged to be married to Donasia there.


    "It''s complicated."


    I don''t mean to get too deep into inter- and intra-clan affairs. This is an exception.


    "But ......"


    Jin said to Zion.


    "You''re right, Zion is good at being a leader.


    "You''re not going to get anything out of me if you praise me!"


    Now Zion''s cheeks are stained with embarrassment. He is blushing all the time today.


    "Yes, even I, your sister, think you''re great!


    "Oh, sister..."


    Maybe that''s why I''m attracted to men who are dependable.


    Jin looked at Belialus.


    "Haha, I will try my best to be like that."


    Belialus hugged Zion''s shoulder a little shyly.


    Jin is glad to see that they seem to be getting along well, and it seems that Erza was the same way,


    "I''m glad, Zion," she said.


    Elsa seemed to be the same, and congratulated him again with a few words.


    Then Bardius and Maximus arrived. They said that the meeting was over.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama, for all your help.


    Maximus bowed deeply. Bardius followed,


    "Thanks to you, we have been able to reestablish the bond between the two clans in a better way.


    "No, I only did what Theon asked me to do to make Istaris happy. The person who did the most is Theon.


    Yes, Theon, I''m sorry for everything.


    "Oh, Grandfather, ...... don''t do that to me."


    Baldius even bowed to his grandson Zion. Theon, on the other hand, is flustered.


    "And Istaris, Netros. I owe you an apology too.


    "Grandfather ......"


    "Master Bardius: ......"


    Bardius smiled.


    "It''s good to have more family. Hey, Belialus. Take care of Theon, will you?"


    "Yes!"


    For once, the clan leader Bardius seemed to be showing the face of a grandfather who loves his grandchildren.


    The winter was still freezing in the demon territory, but for the clans of the <> and <>, it seemed that spring had come early, Jin thought.

 1415 - - 38-24 Quiet 71 Preservation boundary

    "Well, it''s difficult. ......"


    Jin was now racking his brains to fulfill the request he had received from the Shoro Emperor.


    Yes, a <>.


    "Brother Jin, didn''t you say at that time that you could do it right away?"


    Erza sharply interrupted.


    "Yes, I did, but after thinking it over, there are too many functions I want to add.


    "You want to add features?"


    "Yes," he says, "I''ve been thinking about it a lot. ...... For example, the tempura the other day, after a while, even if it doesn''t get cold, the oil seeps in and it loses its crispiness. ......"


    This was easy to understand because Elsa remembered this too.


    The crispiness of tempura batter is important when it is freshly fried, and it will be ruined if the oil seeps into the batter after a long time.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right.


    "And since it''s a gift for His Majesty, I thought we''d add a layer of sterilization wards to prevent food poisoning. ......"


    "But?"


    "But?" "I wanted to add a poison detection function anyway."


    Brother Jin. ......


    "I was thinking that even if it''s something that the Empress would eat, ......"


    "I don''t know about that.


    Erza was a little taken aback by Jin''s obsessive nature.


    "So, I was wondering..."


    "...... understand. I''ll help you."


    Although she was temporarily taken aback, the wards that Jin is trying to create have a wide range of applications and are certainly practical.


    As Erza often handles foodstuffs, she thought it would be better to have it.


    "Sterile warding is no problem, is that right?"


    "Yes.


    First of all, since I was going to participate in the event, I started by sorting out what needed to be done.


    "And the heat retention, no problem?"


    "Yes.


    The dish should have been almost ready when I came up with the idea.


    "Then the oil problem and the poison detection are incomplete."


    "That''s what I''m thinking."


    This made it easier for Elsa to think.


    "As for the poison, I think it would be easy to find a specific poison."


    That''s what I thought. ...... arsenic, mercury, lead..."


    But what about unknowns?��It''s hard to say.


    It is relatively easy for the human body.


    Simply put, we only need to detect and exclude substances that are not naturally contained in the human body.


    < accessory does.


    However, in the case of cooking, it is not always possible to exclude all substances.


    "Elements are fine. Lead and arsenic, as I was saying."


    But copper, chromium, iron, etc. are necessary for the human body as minerals in small quantities.


    However, many of them become harmful when the amount increases.


    Taking chromium as an example, trivalent chromium is necessary for sugar metabolism, but hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic and harmful.


    "So now I''m thinking that I can use the same specifications as the < accessories that are based on the human body."


    "......, I think that''s fine, since detoxification is not the purpose of the wards. I mean, you can''t confuse the means with the end.


    Erza''s words made Jin reflect.


    "Yeah, that''s right. I was getting greedy and getting lost in the process. Thank you, Elsa.


    Jin''s hesitation is gone, and he has come to terms with the fact that the detoxification function is just an << extra>.


    "Then it''s a question of the oil.


    The request originally came from a female emperor who said that cold tempura did not taste good.


    Tempura soaked with oil does not taste good either.


    Jin wanted to tackle this problem.


    "Oil stain is a physical change, and oxidation changes the taste, so it''s a chemical change.


    "Hmm."


    Both can be stopped by lowering the temperature to absolute zero.


    "...... That''s no good."


    "No."


    That would take away from the purpose of keeping the temperature.


    Let''s think about how to stop the motion of atoms and molecules.


    "Hmm."


    Elsa has a middle school level of scientific knowledge, so she is fully capable of considering such a problem.


    Stop time.


    "You can''t do that."


    Jin denied what Erza had said.


    As an engineer, I didn''t want to use the word "impossible," but it would be impossible to do overnight.


    It was originally a < function of the storage warding for cooking, Jin thought.


    ��But it is a subject I would like to think about.)


    (But it is a subject I would like to think about.) He made a note in his mind.


    "Can you slow it down?


    "Well, I don''t know..."


    Jin thinks about it for a while.


    <


    "In principle, I think it is because the free magic element (ether) that enters the gap between atoms inhibits the movement of magic atoms, but I wonder if ordinary atoms are also inhibited."


    So I decided to try an experiment.


    I put ice into and heated it up.


    "Hmmm, it seems to take about 5 times longer to melt.


    It took about five times longer.


    "If we combine this with the thermal insulation, the performance will be quite good.


    "Is it more like than thermal warding ......?"


    Elsa gave me a good name for it.


    "Yes. . Now we just need to figure out how to make it work."


    For the time being, Jin and the others have made a about the size of a household refrigerator, and a for temporary storage.


    "Yes, I''ll give them to you.


    Jin thinks that he should give feedback on how he feels after using them.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh my!��That''s great, Jin!"


    The emperor was pleased when he reported the completion and presented the sample.


    "It took a little time, but I think you will be satisfied with it.


    When I explained to her the functions of the device, her good mood was further enhanced.


    "Yes, yes!��That''s wonderful. You''re being modest about the extra features, but a corruption-proof and detoxification ward?��They''re national treasures!"


    Thank you very much.


    Jin is rather flattered by the Empress'' unreserved praise.


    However, after actually using it, everyone in the kitchen was amazed at its usefulness and begged him to convert an entire room in the kitchen building into this five days later.

 1416 - - 39-01 Its spring.come on

    February 8th is Hanna''s birthday.


    It was snowing from the morning in Kaina village, but Hanna''s birthday party was being held at Martha''s house.


    "Happy birthday, Hanna!


    "Thank you, Grandma."


    "Happy birthday, Hanna."


    "Thank you, Grandma."


    "Happy birthday, Hannah."


    "Happy birthday, Elsa, thank you."


    "Happy birthday, Hannah."


    "Happy birthday, Auntie Meane, thank you."


    "Happy birthday, Hannah."


    "Happy birthday, Auntie Reiko, thank you."


    The guests of honor are Hanna, her grandmother Martha, Jin, Elsa, Meene, and Reiko.


    In case you are wondering, the children of the village came to the celebration in the morning.


    In the afternoon, it was Jin and the others.


    Everyone chats happily while cutting the cake made by Elsa and Meane and toasting with Citran juice.


    "Hannah is 11 years old, isn''t she?


    Jin mutters. I noticed that she was taller than Reiko.


    "Hannah, how are you getting on with your studies?


    Elsa asked.


    "Yes!��The old man is teaching me a lot of things. I have already memorized the formula for the quadratic equation.


    "That''s great, Hannah."


    That means she has already mastered the mathematics at the junior high school level.


    In addition to her natural spark, Hanna is learning scientific knowledge from the basics. We look forward to her future.


    "If a school is built in <>, I want her to attend it.


    Jin mutters to himself.


    It is like a parent''s heart that wants to develop Hannah''s talent.


    "If she wants to go there, she can use the warp gate.


    "Brother Jin, I don''t think so."


    Erza warned Jin, who always forgets to put his own weight somewhere when it comes to Hanna.


    "Then we''ll get a special plane ......."


    "That''s a bit of a stretch."


    "I see."


    Hannah giggled at the sight of Jin.


    Outside the window, snow was fluttering.


    "There seems to be a lot of snow this year.


    Jin said, "There is a saying that a year with a lot of snow brings a good harvest.


    "Brother Jin, why is that?"


    "Well, I don''t know. ......I think, in my country, rice is the main crop, and it needs water. When there is no water in summer, it is called and it causes a bad harvest. So, if we have a lot of snow, it means we don''t have trouble with water. ......?"


    "But once the snow melts, won''t it last until summer?"


    "Yes, because the high amount of snow on the plains means that there is a lot of snow in the mountains. So, the snow on the mountains will melt slowly and become groundwater or subterranean water to moisten the foothills. ......


    "Hmm, that makes sense."


    "The country where your grandmother was from is amazing!��Isn''t there any other legend like that?"


    Erza was convinced and Hannah was interested.


    "Hmmm, I guess so. ......"


    Jin recalled a story that his science teacher had told him in junior high school in a chatty manner.


    "When a dragonfly flies high, it''s sunny, and when a swallow flies low, it''s raining.


    Jin adds that both dragonflies and swallows are types of birds.


    "Well, when birds fly high, it means there is an updraft. And when they fly high, there is a lot of sunlight, so it is sunny. Does that mean it''s sunny?"


    Hannah makes a surprising guess.


    "That''s what I think. And swallows, birds that eat insects, don''t fly very high when rain is near and there''s a lot of humidity in the air, so I think it''s ......."


    "That''s interesting!"


    "That''s interesting!" "That''s what the ancients have been telling us from their experience. I think it''s called <>."


    "We have it in the village of Kaina. Uh, was it sunny in the morning when the birds are chirping, Grandma?"


    "That''s right. Yes, and also that it rains when you hear a distant sound.


    Hannah explained and Martha added.


    "What do you mean by the birdsong ......?"


    Jin thinks about it for a moment.


    "Brother Jin, on sunny mornings, it gets light earlier, so it could mean that the birds wake up .


    When it''s cloudy, the birds wake up at different times, Elsa says.


    "Yes, that may be so.


    Jin nodded.


    What about distant sounds?


    Jin had an idea.


    "Probably because sound waves are bent."


    "Oh, refraction!"


    Hannah shouted as if she understood.


    "When the air density on the ground is high and the air density above is low, sound waves are bent, right?


    "That''s right. And when a low-pressure system is approaching, warm air will flow into the sky.


    "I''m sure that''s true."


    It''s the same reason why, on winter nights, when the ground surface is cold, we can hear distant sounds better.


    "Hannah, you''re amazing!"


    Meane rolls her eyes.


    "No, I''m not. It''s all book knowledge."


    Reiko speaks softly to Hanna, who is still modest.


    "No, Hannah. No matter who you are, no matter how smart you are, knowledge alone is not enough. There must be to use knowledge properly. And Hanna-chan has it."


    "That tickles, Reiko!"


    Reiko praised her, and Hanna fidgeted. The gesture was so cute that it made everyone feel relaxed.


    "Oh, that''s right. Can I open what you gave me?"


    Hannah said shyly, and everyone nodded.


    "Uh, this is from your grandma. ...... Oh, a watch!"


    Hannah''s own pocket watch. It has a mithril silver chain so that she can wear it around her neck.


    "I''m sorry about last year."


    Hannah smiles at Jin as she apologizes.


    No, it''s okay, you''re busy. Besides, you remembered me this year."


    Next Hannah opens the gift from Elsa.


    "Oh, a doll!"


    It was a doll made by Elsa. Of course it is for decoration, but inside it is an air-purifying magical device that removes dust and even sterilizes the doll lightly.


    "Thank you!


    "When we sleep, we tend to be vulnerable to disease.


    It''s also for Martha''s sake. Hannah was glad to hear that.


    "Oh, it stopped snowing.


    Elsa muttered as she looked out the window. Everyone looked out the window with her.


    Against the blue sky that was beginning to peek out, we could see silvery white mountains.


    "Spring is coming soon, isn''t it?


    Martha muttered.

 1417 - - 39-02 The Great Dream

    "Wow, thank you, Auntie!"


    Meane''s gift was a dress for a formal occasion.


    It was a modest dress, but not too fancy for everyday wear.


    It is a grade worthy of the term "going out. It is designed for ease of movement and looks good on Hannah.


    And from Martha, a new pair of shoes. They are made of grape-brown leather and will go well with the outfit from Meene.


    "They are new products from Eric''s place," said Martha.


    Eric and Barbara''s store seemed to be doing well enough to launch new products.


    "I want to be able to make dolls like this. ......"


    Hannah said.


    "Shall I teach you?"


    "Yes!"


    Hannah jumps at Erza''s words.


    Even if she can''t use magic, she has a talent for engineering, so there is no better way to learn handmade techniques.


    This is what Jin himself felt.


    In other words, how much detailed image of <> you can have. In other words, it is important to have a handmade technique in order to develop this skill.


    "Oh, then, I would like you to teach them to everyone.


    Hannah, oblivious to Jin''s intentions, says, "Oh, in that case, I''d like you to teach everyone.


    In the snowy village of Kaina, outdoor play is limited, so this kind of indoor fun is very welcome.


    "Speaking of which, how''s the study group going?"


    Jin, who had recently left the matter to me, opened his mouth.


    "Well, the kids who have been participating since the beginning have already finished the four arithmetic operations," he said.


    "I see."


    I asked him about it, and he said that they had mastered most of the elementary school level arithmetic.


    "That''s great."


    However, there is another aspect to the small number of subjects.


    Japanese (reading and writing), arithmetic, and miscellaneous science. As for social studies, there is simple history and geography.


    There is no music, arts and crafts, or home economics. No physical education either, since they play around even if left alone.


    In this sense, the daily study hours for each subject are a little long.


    "But in general, I feel that the children in Kaina Village are very bright.


    Elsa, who had also taught the children, added.


    "So, then, it''s just a matter of human relations ......."


    "What?"


    "No, I think the main purpose of school is to teach knowledge and its application, as well as to build human relations before going out into the world."


    "......I see."


    However, there is no educational institution in the form of a yet in this world.


    <> or , and nobles are usually tutors.


    When an academy is built in , Jin would like to send the children of the village of Kaina to it.


    (There are unexpected talents buried in the ground, you know...)


    "Brother Jin?"


    While he was thinking about it for a while, Erza spoke to him with a doubtful look on her face.


    Erza could tell from Jin''s face that he was thinking about something, but this time it had been a little too long, so she asked him.


    "No, I was just thinking about establishing an academy in <>."


    "Oh, I knew it."


    I thought so," laughed Erza.


    "But I think it''s a good idea. "But I think it''s good that you have a dream.


    A dream of what wonderful things you could do if you could develop the talents that you have. Dreams like that.


    "Yes. It''s a great dream.


    But first, one step at a time.


    Yes, Elsa is right.


    Aim high and walk steady. If we don''t stop, we''ll get there someday.


    First, I''ll teach you handiwork at Nido Castle.


    Handiwork?


    When Elsa and I are not at ...... we can teach the craftsmen (Smith) woodworking, metalworking, sewing, knitting, etc...


    "Yeah, that sounds good."


    The people of Kaina village do not show any aversion to the Golem. Rather, they feel a sense of familiarity with it.


    This is because they are familiar with Jin''s Golem.


    "Oh, I want to learn to sew!


    Martha is rather good at knitting. So Hannah wants to learn from someone who is good at sewing.


    "Hmm, okay."


    Erza has learned sewing and knitting from Meane and can teach both.


    "Hannah-chan is very handy, so I''m sure she''ll get good at it soon.


    "The rest is design or ......."


    At the same time, Jin wished someone would tell him about the design.


    "How about the design, Mr. Stearina?


    "Oh, I see."


    Erza must have thought that since she was the creator of the crystal golem, she must have a great sense of design. Jin agrees with her.


    Thus, the idea for the <> was settled upon.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    That night, at Hannah''s request, Jin and the others stayed the night in the village of Kaina.


    Hannah sleeps with Meene.


    Martha teased her, "You''re still a spoiled brat at eleven, aren''t you?


    Martha teased her. Martha did not mean what she said, as you can see from her smile.


    "...... quiet."


    "Yeah."


    Jin and Elsa stayed on the second floor of Jin''s workshop, which stood directly across from Martha''s house.


    It is a bit simple to be called a house, and there are only a few household items, so for Jin, this is still a .


    The cold air hardly comes in through the double-layered white mica windows.


    Reiko controls the temperature outside the room, so it is about 20 degrees Celsius inside. The temperature is just right for winter clothes.


    The humidity is 70 percent, which is gentle on the throat.


    "This village is my second home ......, my home in this world.


    "I know. We all need ...... a place to come home to."


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    Jin speaks in a quiet voice as they huddle together, and Erza responds.


    "Can I be your brother Jin''s too ......?"


    "Of course."


    Jin answered Erza''s question without hesitation.


    "Wherever I go, my place of return is next to Elsa."


    After saying these words, Jin felt embarrassed and crawled under the covers.


    Elsa, who was also blushing, followed him under the covers.


    "Good night."


    "Good night."


    It was a quiet night, with hardly a sound to be heard, probably due to the snow on the ground.

 1418 - - 39-03 Drawing

    The morning of February 9 was clear.


    It was a special experience to see the silvery white mountains turning into madder red by the morning sun from the window of my room.


    This is even more so since such mountains are not visible from the vicinity of Loizart, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom.


    After rinsing their mouths and washing their faces, the two hurriedly get ready and sit by the window.


    "Beautiful .......


    "Beautiful."


    For a while, Jin and Erza admired the scenery.


    "Hey, honey, dinner''s ready!


    Hearing Hannah''s voice from downstairs, Jin and Erza stopped gazing at the scenery and headed down the stairs to Martha''s house.


    The mountains had already changed their color to silvery white.


    After eating a hearty breakfast prepared by Martha, Meane, and Hannah, Jin and Erza bid farewell to the village of Kaina.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Now, what shall we prepare?


    Jin returned to Horai Island and started discussing with Erza.


    Then, the old man reported to him.


    "Yes, what is it?"


    "Hou. ...... Oh, what about the Shoro Kingdom?"


    <


    "I see. ......"


    Jin thought that the wise Empress had decided that it would not be good for the Shoro Empire to make too many achievements.


    "I understand. Please keep me informed on the progress of the investigation and any other news you may have."


    .


    After a short pause, Jin and Erza resumed their discussion.


    "In my image, it''s a <>.


    "?"


    Since that didn''t seem to be enough to get through to Erza, Hitoshi explained further.


    "I could say it''s a class that teaches people who want to do hobbies in their spare time."


    "I kind of understand ......."


    Elsa seems to have understood, so we continue.


    "The contents of the crafts are diverse, but it''s no use to start with too many, so how about we limit it to two or four and let people go to the ones they like?


    "Well, I think that''s a good idea, but since it''s the very beginning, I think it would be good to teach them the basics and have them all do the same thing together."


    In short, it''s time for ," Elsa concluded.


    "Oh, I see. That''s a good idea."


    Up until now, the classrooms have been taught in a style, focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Jin agrees with me that it might be a good idea to have an arts and crafts class here.


    "And this can be a test case when we open a school in <>.


    "Oh, really.


    In that sense, it''s worthwhile.


    "<> or ......"


    This was Jin''s favorite subject. Drawing pictures, carving prints, kneading clay, making book stands.


    Remembering the old days, I pick up the contents that are suitable for this world.


    Elsa, who has inherited Jin''s knowledge, can provide some support.


    "Drawing is essential for studying design," she says.


    "Making plates out of clay is also a good idea.


    "Making chairs would be a good idea, too.


    Reiko also offered some advice.


    "For woodworking, I think you should start by assembling the parts.


    "Drawing should start with sketching.


    "For clay, I think it would be better to bake the clay properly.


    Thus, it was decided to start with (drawing), making plates out of clay, and assembling wooden chairs.


    "We can use saws, carving knives, needle and thread, and scissors at the next stage.


    "Yes, agreed."


    And Jin and the others started to prepare.


    It was a fun time for Elsa, but for Jin it was even more nostalgic and enjoyable.


    It reminded him of his elementary school days when he did not have to think about anything difficult.


    "Let''s get some drawing paper, too.


    He researched , which originated from Mitsuho, and paper similar to < could be made in Horaijima.


    The base of this paper is , which means that it has the same structure as , so it is very weather resistant.


    Do you need a pencil?


    "I want a dark one, like 4B. And an eraser.


    He can make a pencil out of hardened graphite. This will be used in later on, but Jin thought that he could use it first in the village of Kaina.


    The development of the eraser was somewhat difficult. The point is that rubbing with the rubber as it is does not produce eraser shavings and damages the paper.


    "They looked for an additive to make the rubber a little more brittle, but they couldn''t find it, so they used magic."


    Reiko tells me.


    "You used <> ......?"


    "Yes. It was difficult to add or subtract."


    <


    "But this kind of use is possible, isn''t it?


    "Yes, father. Give them credit.


    "Well, I see... the Ames did a good job. I''ll tell you later in person, old man. I''ll tell them in person later, but tell them the old man also praised me."


    The next clay is no problem. We make a few unglazed earthenware in the village of Kayna.


    The glue is the next step.


    "Yes, I think that''s a good idea."


    And the wooden chair.


    "I''ll make a sturdy stool that can also be used as a step stool.


    The stool will be made of a component and fitted together. The key is that no nails are used.


    "I hope this slightly different construction method will attract people''s interest.


    "I think it''s a good idea."


    The preparations are ready.


    We''ll call it the "arts and crafts class" instead of the "crafts class.


    "There''s still time. I''ll talk to the village head and ask him to notify the whole village. We can open it tomorrow at the earliest.


    He is a bit impatient, but he thinks that this time of year the children are bored and it will not be a problem.


    He decides to have Golem contact each of the houses.


    Butler B and C will take care of it.


    Thus, the was held in the village of Kaina.


    One miscalculation was that not only the children, but also several interested ladies expressed their participation.

 1419 - - 39-04 Nabe-yaki (grilled pot)

    The at Nido Castle was a great success.


    With snow on the ground and little farm work to be done, everyone had a lot of free time on their hands.


    "I didn''t know ...... you''d come this far."


    Almost all the children. Plus five ladies. There was even Barbara, the mayor''s niece and Eric''s wife.


    "Well, we don''t have an age limit," she said.


    Jin wondered if he should be treated like a small child.


    "We should divide them into two groups.


    The content will be the same, but the way of teaching will be changed. It''s not so much a change as a change of classroom.


    So, Barbara and the teachers are moved to the next room.


    It was Jin''s idea that it would be somewhat awkward for parents and children to be in the same classroom.


    So, on the first day, Jin was in charge of the children and Elsa was in charge of the adults.


    "Okay, today we are going to make clay vessels. You can make a plate or a cup.


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    The words of Jin, who was loved by the children, were accepted with open arms.


    "Then I''ll pass out the clay."


    The assistant is Reiko. She hands out clay to the children.


    The clay was chosen to be fine-grained and firm enough for beginners to handle.


    "Okay, now, put your weight on the table and knead it.


    "Yes, sir."


    "Wet your hands with the water from the tub beside you, and blend them in."


    Yes, sir.


    Jin has only done pottery a couple of times, so he is saying half of what he has heard from the old man.


    By the way, the clay used to make pottery must be kneaded well to remove air from the clay, or else the clay will form "soot" or crack easily when it is fired.


    "If you knead well, the air and particles in the clay will be homogenized and smooth, and it will not crack easily when it dries."


    "Yes. ......?"


    The last explanation seemed too difficult for the children.


    "Oh, and you can make it about 1.3 times as thick and ...... big as you feel like it, or a little bit bigger. The clay gets smaller as it dries."


    "Okay."


    Jin walks among the children, who are kneading the clay with all their might, and offers advice.


    "It''s a little hard to make a big plate. The weight of the clay changes the shape.


    "Yes."


    It was a simple advice, but the more dexterous children seemed to realize something and made their own vessels of their own design.


    (Come to think of it, maybe it''s just an extension of playing with the dirt.)


    As Jin thought, most of the children in the village of Kaina had made various things with clay as a pastime.


    Of course, they did not burn them, and they were not practical, but it seemed to be enough for them to learn how to handle clay.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, Elsa is teaching an adult group. Her assistant is Edgar.


    "Here is the clay. It is roughly kneaded, but please knead it well again.


    "Yes, sir. I got it."


    Even though they are adults. Most of them have played with clay in their childhood. They have no problem with their hands.


    Elsa''s guidance was no problem, and everyone completed a vessel of their favorite design.


    The children were all able to complete their favorite designs.


    "All right, let''s dry them off.


    "Okay, let''s dry them."


    Jin and Elsa were standing in front of the finished vessels in their respective classrooms.


    "<>"


    Engineering magic that dries the object. It does not start from the surface, and the water is evenly dispersed so that there are no cracks.


    "When you don''t use engineering magic, dry it slowly in the shade.


    "Yes."


    "If you try to dry it too quickly, it may crack or worse, break.


    I understand.


    Elsa''s work is also progressing smoothly, and both have finished drying.


    "Then let''s bake them.


    Jin puts the vessels made by the children and adults into the baking kiln ......, which is a modified bread oven.


    "<>"


    This is also a magic tool, so it works with a magic key word (keyword).


    "Well, this should be ready in a couple of hours or so. Until then, ...... we''re going to have lunch first."


    "Yay!"


    The time is about 11:40. It''s a little early for noon, but we decide to have lunch.


    "Anyone interested in helping me out?"


    "Yes!"


    Everyone in the classroom ...... raised their ...... hands, including adults.


    "Then let''s split up and get ready. Today''s lunch is nabeyaki udon!


    At this point, Jin realized that he should have shown the earthenware pot for nabeyaki udon before the class. And then...,


    (Okay, next time we have a pottery class, let''s make an earthenware pot.)


    (Okay, next time we will have a class to make earthenware pots).


    First of all, we washed our hands well and started preparing for the class.


    The group is divided into those who chop green onions, those who chop fish paste, those who boil greens, those who make soup stock, those who make sauce, those who fry tempura (adults), and so on.


    Jin and Erza proceeded with the preparation of nabeyaki udon, thinking that this was like a home economics class.


    "All right, let it simmer well before you eat it.


    "Yes!


    They prepared a cooking stove for each of us, and an earthenware pot was placed on top of the stove and started to simmer.


    "I think it''s time. Be careful, it''s hot. Oh, you can eat it in a small bowl.


    Jin has the bowls prepared for serving. Chopsticks and a bamboo ladle are also provided.


    The villagers of Kayna have become quite proficient in the use of chopsticks by now.


    "It tastes good with a sprinkling of kryptona (mitsuba) on top.


    Jin likes the smell of mitsuba, so he adds it to the hot udon noodle pot.


    Yuzu and shichimi (seven spice) are also available as condiments.


    Shichimi consists of <.


    >,<><> may be added depending on the restaurant.


    The original shichimi, by the way, was found in Mitsuho by Jin''s agent <>.


    It was probably named by from Tosa, so it was called in Kansai style (in Kanto and Tokyo area, it is called ). (In the Kanto and Tokyo area, it is often called shichishikarashi.)


    "Hot, spicy and tasty ......, good when it''s cold!"


    Barbara was eating them enthusiastically.


    "Wow, it''s delicious!"


    "It''s delicious!"


    "Look, you''re snotty!"


    The children were also sniffling as they ate.


    While watching such a smiling scene, Jin, who has a cat''s tongue, also enjoyed his nabeyaki udon at his own pace.

 1420 - - 39-05 To the Future

    Jin''s was a great success, as not only children but also many adults who had free time came to the class.


    After three days of , all the children of Kaina village (7 to 15 years old), 17 housewives with free time, and all the girls from La Rio village had participated in the class. All of the girls from Lalio village had declared their participation.


    "I like this kind of thing.


    Jin had heard about the development of folk crafts such as straw shoes during the off-season snowy winters, and he thought it would be a good idea to do the same in Kaina Village.


    Since the idea of trying various things was very well received, we decided not to divide the classes into different categories this winter.


    We only divided the classrooms by children and adults.


    "I''ll ask the craftsmen (smiths) to be the instructors when I and Elsa are not around."


    In the village of Kaina, there is no prejudice or aversion toward the golem. In fact, they are very friendly toward them, which makes this kind of thing possible.


    Jin is happy that he has succeeded in raising the cultural level of the village once again.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "So, today we will do sewing.


    Jin explained that even boys should learn the basics of sewing, since they may need to mend clothes outdoors.


    Therefore, everyone was listening to the lecture with serious faces.


    "What I handed out to you is a <, a cloth for practice.


    The white cloth has a light red line on it, and you are to practice moving the needle along the line.


    "There are long and short sewing needles, but let''s practice with the long ones first.


    "Yes."


    "Put the thimble on your middle finger and place it on the palm of your hand.


    In the case of short stitches, the thimble is placed between the first and second joints of the middle finger, the so-called .


    "The first thing to do is to do a "nami" stitch."


    This is the basis of sewing and should be practiced carefully.


    At first, some of the children have a hard time getting the stitches to line up.


    "Look, Lu, your stitches are crooked.


    "Oh, I shouldn''t ...... have done that!"


    "Hey, are you okay?"


    "Yes, yes. ......<"


    Ruu, adopted by Sally and Giebeck, is a master of healing magic and healed his own stab wound instantly.


    "Ow!


    Ow!


    "Ouch!" "Are you okay?��......<"


    "Oh, thank you!"


    And then, I also cured the child who had pointed her finger at the needlework she was not accustomed to.


    In Japanese sewing, the basic technique is to sew with a diagonal stitch. In Western sewing, it is also used for "gushi stitching" and "temporary stitching", so Jin decided to have her practice it carefully.


    "Well then, let''s try sewing a table cloth.


    However, Jin thought that the children would get bored with the needlepoint cloth, so he let them try something a little more practical.


    You can use it as a rag. You can take the rags home.


    "Yes, sir."


    The cloth is made of hemp, and the thread is hemp. Cotton from Mitsuho is still rare and expensive.


    However, Jin has applied engineering magic < to the fabric so that it is as soft and pleasant to the touch as cotton.


    The day ended with a practice of sewing and making a cloth.


    It was Jin who felt that arts and crafts and home economics had already been combined.


    * * * *


    When Jin was teaching arts and crafts in Kaina village, many countries were sending out survey teams to investigate the former Leonard''s Kingdom.


    One of them, the Cline Kingdom team.


    "Hmmm... I wonder if it''s so easy to walk on the path we had to walk so hard before..." said one of the members of the survey team of the former Leonard''s Kingdom.


    Gloria Allstadt, a female knight of the Kingsguard of Klein, one of the former Leonard''s Corps, muses to herself.


    The cold sweat still runs down her back when she recalls the incident in which she once prepared to die, but what motivates her even more is her will to become a employee.


    A glimpse of a wonderful world. If only I could spread it throughout the land.


    That is Gloria''s will as a knight.


    And...


    (I want to see ...... and beyond)


    That was Gloria''s will as a member of the human race.


    In addition.


    (A workplace where I could work with her ...... and everything would be ideal.)


    There was also a very human and personal motivation.


    "You can really see the topography from the air."


    Gloria''s pensive thoughts were broken by the voice.


    "Pascoe."


    Pascoe Rush, third son of Baron Rush.


    Recently knighted, he has been promoted from apprentice to member of the search party.


    "<> or ....... <> who can build such a thing. I am ashamed of how foolish I was in the past.


    It may have been a mere mutter, not directed at Gloria. But Gloria, as the leader of this research team, was listening to his monologue.


    "That''s all right. We all change. If we change for the better, that''s a blessing. The past is the past. Live in the present and build a better future.


    Yes, sir.


    Pascoe has changed. Gloria feels that, although they have only known each other for a short time, he has lost his former arrogance and gained a sense of humility.


    She is confident that she can count on him for the next leg of her journey into the unknown.


    "This is a place where the Kingdom of Egelea and our research team have met before, having traveled southward and northward by different routes. In other words, it is a known place. But what awaits us beyond this point is unknown. We don''t know what lies ahead. You''ll do me a favor.


    Yes, sir!


    The survey team is led by Gloria. There are eight members in total, including Pascoe. Two of them are female knights. Including Gloria, there are three female knights.


    Two of them are healers. Pascoe had befriended one of them, Tiffany Baldacci.


    "We''re about to land. Take your seats."


    Gloria instructed, and those who had been looking out the window took their seats and fastened their simple seatbelts.


    The pilot maneuvered the airship with a familiar hand and landed it on the ground.


    There was a small open space. It was once called the Botsuffa site.


    "The containers found here gave us a hard time. ......"


    I still dream about that time. But Gloria has the strength of mind not to be traumatized.


    "We''ll camp here today."


    We set up a tent and find a place to sleep.


    "Captain, are you sure there is no danger?


    Pascoe asked with a slightly worried look on his face.


    "No?��There are only rock wolves and saber boars at best. There are no magical beasts.


    "I see..."


    Pascoe Rush, who has little experience in actual combat, was a little reluctant to hear that. Seeing this, Gloria tried to cheer him up a little,


    "We have detection wards, so you won''t be caught off guard. Relax."


    She says to him, "Relax.


    "Yes, yes."


    Pascoe Rush, still uneasy, goes on patrol with a slightly pale face.

 1421 - - 39-06 The investigation team is...

    A survey team from the Kingdom of Egelea was encamped at the Soldrake Ruins, further east of the Botsuffa Ruins.


    The captain of the team was Paule Raid. They were almost overrun by Giant Ants that appeared from the depths of the earth because they had carried away the golem that had once protected the ruins.


    "That time was terrible.


    I still have the hairs on my back when I think back on it.


    < to block the entrance and exit, but you never know when they might come out.


    However, since no one has come out since then, I think there is little need to worry about it.


    The survey team this time was also meant to confirm that there is no such danger.


    < appeared.


    However, it seems that their fears were unfounded, as no nests of any kind were found in the ground, no matter how many times the earth magic users investigated.


    * * * *


    In Horai Island, the old man was observing such a research team with a <>.


    <> have been exterminated since then.


    When Jin checked the ruins, he found that the markers had been left behind and that blocking the entrances and exits would not interfere with the search, and as a result, the hundreds of eggs that had been left behind were all destroyed.


    We were also able to stock a large amount of formic acid secreted by <<<< giant ants (Gigantes)>> and analysis is progressing.


    The acid is so strong that it can even damage the skin of Reiko, who was using the wing membrane of a sea dragon at the time.


    Saki and the old man worked together to analyze it, and the secret was revealed to be the magical effect of <>.


    In short, it is a liquid with a <> effect.


    The fact that such a thing can be biosynthesized is probably the reason why < is a monster.


    It is now possible to synthesize and produce something of equal or greater value.


    At such a time.


    "Old man, I''ve almost finished analyzing the <>.


    Saki wandered in from the laboratory.


    <


    "I''m glad to hear you say so, but more than half of the credit goes to you, right?


    Saki is now a top-notch alchemist. She is now a top-notch alchemist, especially in the field of material analysis.


    "Oh, you''re a member of the research team?"


    "What about the Kingdom of Franz?"


    "They are not going to send a survey team because the country is not stable yet.


    "I see. <


    << is heading there herself.


    "Oh. That''s interesting. I''ll have to talk to Jin and Erza.


    <


    "That''s very good of you, old man."


    <


    Just as he said, Jin and Erza came from the village of Kaina. Reiko is with them, of course.


    "I heard that the Nostalgia Party has started to investigate the old Leonard''s Kingdom?


    <


    In the magic screen, an airship of <>''s own style was shown.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "There is the old capital, Diaa.


    Elena, the golden princess, opened her mouth.


    "It seems so. But it''s beautifully covered with grass. I wonder how long it has been there.


    Donald Callow, the number two of the Nostalgia party, chimed in. He is an excellent magecraftsman.


    "The former capital Diaa is located quite south of the former Leonard''s Kingdom, and it seems that there are many plants and trees that do not die even in winter. Therefore, it is likely that the area has been covered with more vegetation than we imagined."


    "I see."


    Donald nodded at Elena''s theory.


    "Where would you like to land?"


    the pilot of the airship asked. The sea of grass below seemed to offer no place to land.


    "Yes, there is. There seems to be a river running a little to the south, and there seems to be a riverbed. That''s where we should go.


    "Yes, sir."


    The nostalgia airship slowly headed south.


    There was a large riverbed. There was some grass, but not so much that it was impossible to land.


    "Let''s go there.


    There was a flat area the size of a baseball field away from the river.


    The airship made by Nostalgia landed slowly.


    "Any sign of evil?"


    "No response."


    Nostalgia has a magical device that reacts to magic and can be detected within a radius of about 500 meters.


    It can only be used as a warning since it does not know the direction or strength, but it is still useful. It is useful when camping.


    So we''ll camp here. We''ll do the survey tomorrow."


    "Okay."


    Elena is accompanied by only one pilot and one guard, in addition to Donald.


    The soldiers prepared the camp. The small number of people and the large number of useful magical tools made it easy for them.


    Because of the small number of people accompanying them, they had plenty of food on board, so they were able to have a decent meal.


    Donald, the pilot, and the accompanying soldiers were able to sleep soundly.


    The presence of the magic tool and Elena made it safe to be on the lookout for wild beasts.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, as soon as it was light, they set out to survey the ruins.


    "This is ......"


    "This is a wonderful technology.


    Elena and Donald are conducting the survey. The guards are standing guard around the site.


    "Wow, this is an interesting architectural style.


    "Indeed, there is a lot of ancient technology here..."


    Their voices were lively.


    * * * * * *


    ��You have good instincts, don''t you?)


    The old man said to himself, without saying it out loud.


    Right now Jin, Erza, and Saki are doing what they have to do, and the old man is the only one who is observing the survey team.


    The past investigations by the Horai-jima team have eliminated most of the major dangers.


    However, the ruins are still there, so the people of this world can find and analyze them.


    No, in fact, I thought it would be better to have them do so.


    If it is not something dangerous like the relics of the Magic War, I would welcome it.


    The Kingdom of Klein, the Kingdom of Egelea, and the Nostalgia.


    The three research teams were achieving results in their respective places.


    * * * * *


    The time goes back to the previous day.


    Jin and Erza were discussing with Saki.


    "It seems that this is loosely but firmly bound together by the free magical element (ether) it contains, just as we thought.


    Saki explains.


    "Therefore, the melting point is only 5 degrees Celsius higher than that of ordinary mercury, but the boiling point is more than 250 degrees Celsius higher. This is something else, isn''t it?"


    "I see. ......"


    "There''s more. The reactivity is unusually low. I''m surprised it doesn''t form compounds like dimethylmercury."


    "Wow."


    These compounds and their effects on the human body were revealed not through Jin''s knowledge, but through the scientific books brought into the world by Shuki Tsetsi.


    "Most of its physical properties are the same as those of mercury. Mass, expansion rate, viscosity, and so on.


    "It''s curious that the expansion rate remains the same even though the boiling point has increased."


    "Yes. Is it mercury atoms or molecules trying to become gas?��Molecule?��Maybe the free magic element (ether) is holding the mercury atom or molecule that''s trying to become gas together.


    "Well, the physical properties of free magic element (ether) are still a mystery. ......


    "If ......, is it possible to replace the contents of a mercury thermometer?"


    Saki smiled at Erza''s question.


    "Hmph, I expected that question. The answer is .


    This is good news. If we can replace it with a substance that is a little less dangerous and toxic, we will welcome it.


    Jin immediately instructed his craftsman (Smith).


    Within a few days, all the mercury in use would be replaced with witch-hard mercury.


    Mercury is only used in mercury thermometers.


    "Then there''s the possibility of using it to power a fluid-form drive.


    Jin seems to be more interested in this.


    "It''s just too heavy."


    Mercury has a specific gravity of about 13.6 at 0 degrees Celsius, making it lighter than adamantite but heavier than iron or copper.


    We need to find out the relationship between quantity and power.


    "Brother Jin, you should also thoroughly study its toxicity."


    Jin nodded at Erza''s advice.


    "I agree. I don''t want to do the experiment by myself. Thank you, Elsa.


    "Hmm... so..."


    "You two get along so well."


    Saki teases the worried couple.

 1422 - - 39-07 Cleaning up the rest of the business?

    "Well, that''s enough about <>."


    Hitoshi resumed.


    "It''s rare that I don''t have any urgent problems right now. So I''m going to take care of a lot of issues that I''ve been putting off."


    "That''s good, but what about?"


    Saki had been busy with Saki, so what Jin said did not seem to fit.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. It''s more my problem, isn''t it?"


    Jin scratched his head.


    "For example, about John Dinny who is still at Mitsuho."


    "Oh."


    "Or analyzing the processed debris from the long-period planet."


    "Indeed."


    "The Kingdom of Celuloa hasn''t said anything about it, but what''s going to happen to the monorail?"


    Jin said a few things that came to mind.


    "I don''t want to leave things half done so we can move on."


    "Hmm, okay."


    "That''s just like Jin."


    Father, let me help you.


    John Dinny first.


    Jin talks to the old man.


    "Can we get him to leave Mitsuho for a while, under the guise of going home?"


    <>


    Yes, please do so.


    <


    "Yes, that will be fine."


    With official diplomatic relations with the Shoro Empire and the presence of Jin, we will not have to worry about a shortage of magecraftsmen for the time being.


    Thus, the automaton <> disappears from Mitsuho a few days later.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "The next thing I want to do is to change the name of the <>."


    "Indeed, the name ''demon tribe'' sounds bad."


    "I agree."


    Elsa and Saki agreed with me.


    "I think impressions are important. The name "Demon Tribe" is a name given by the people of the Laurentian Continent, apparently.


    They do not call themselves that.


    "The northern clans ...... are not good?"


    "Then, the Northerners?"


    "Then, the Northerners?" "Yes, that''s exactly what it sounds like. But you''re right, aren''t you?


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin noticed something.


    "<> might be good, but we don''t have <>."


    "Oh, I see."


    "I see."


    They''re a tribe that lives in the north, so we can call them the Northerners. <


    We don''t get to decide the name of the country, do we?


    Naturally.


    We should go to the Demon Territory ...... soon to discuss this.


    We should also check on the monorail and see if there are any debris from the long-period planet.


    Should we go to the Kingdom of Selroa?


    "Yes, let''s do that."


    Then Saki said,


    "Then I''ll analyze the debris. I''ll go with you.


    Will you do that?


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you."


    Jin and Erza went to the Kingdom of Celuloa. Saki is to analyze the debris of respectively.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin, aren''t you a little impatient these days?


    "Impatient?��Me?


    Elsa asked as the headed for the Kingdom of Cerroa.


    "Hmm. Somehow, I feel like I''m trying to get this and that done..."


    Jin reflected on his own behavior.


    "I guess so. ......, but I think so."


    Seeing Jin''s slightly sad profile, Erza became a little worried.


    "What?"


    "Every time I go to the village of Kaina, I remember my origin."


    "My origin. ......"


    "Yeah. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had stayed in the village of Kaina and been a villager.


    "...... I don''t like that. Then I wouldn''t have met my brother Jin."


    Erza clutched at Jin''s arm without knowing it.


    "I know."


    Jin hugged Erza''s shoulder.


    "I could have met Erza because I had looked around the world. I know I got to know Reinhardt, Beena, Marcia, Saki ...... and everyone else.


    But," Jin continued.


    "There''s a part of me that wishes I could just relax and live in the village of Kaina.


    That''s what everyone thinks.


    People who work in companies yearn to live in the countryside.


    Workers yearn to be self-employed.


    People who live an unchanging life yearn for a life of upheaval.


    I guess it''s called "the grass is greener on the other side" or "the persimmon next door is red."


    When you look through the filter of longing, desire, and wanting, you see a better version of yourself than you do now.


    "It seems that even though we know this, human beings can''t help but yearn for things."


    Jin said, and Elsa''s arms tightened around him.


    "I don''t want to ...... let you go. I won''t let go."


    Jin was about to say something to her when she spoke up.


    "Father, Erza-sama, we will soon be over Essiaia, the capital of the Kingdom of Selroa!"


    Reiko''s voice called out.


    "I see."


    Jin answered with some dismay, and Erza pulled her body away from him.


    Below them, they could see the walls of the city, which are made up of many layers of fortifications. They are the iron wall that protects Esire.


    (But from now on ......)


    With airships, there is a way to attack from the sky.


    And the walls cannot protect them.


    Ten hot-air balloons appear before Jin''s eyes. They are the "sky defenders" of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    The crew members see the family crest on , <>, and Jin and Erza through the cabin, then salute and move away.


    Only one plane remained, beckoning to the others to lead the way.


    "Edgar, please follow that hot air balloon.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin instructed Edgar, the pilot, to follow the hot air balloon.


    The hot air balloon, which was traveling at a different speed by orders of magnitude, followed closely behind.


    Edgar''s extraordinary skill is evident.


    "Oh, that''s..."


    The track of the monorail caught Jin''s eye.


    "They must have extended it a bit."


    Not only the monorail that Jin had built before, but also the so-called that goes around the center of Esia.


    "I knew that the Kingdom of Celuloa has a high level of technology."


    The technical capability to create something equivalent to this, if there is an example to follow. It is now being used for the benefit of the world.


    Jin was pleased.


    And then, lands on the airfield. The king, Cesar himself, was there to greet them.


    "Welcome, <>."

 1423 - - 39-08 仁の眼力

    Jin and Elsa received a warm welcome from King Cesar of Celuloa.


    "<


    Cesar was standing at the head of the Kingsguard.


    "We have met before at the World Congress, but it is nice to see you here."


    is moored at the airfield and is managed by Edgar.


    Jin, Elsa, and Reiko are on their way to the castle in the same uncovered carriage as Cesar.


    A monorail track comes into view in front of Jin and the others.


    "The monorail that was developed by Jin-dono has now come to the point where it can travel around the royal city as a .


    "Yes, it''s amazing."


    Jin praised the Kingdom of Celuloa for its national power.


    "At this rate, I hope to extend the orbit little by little, but only if the world is at peace.


    A trajectory that extends outward can also be a path in from the outside.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    We want to keep the peace that we have, not only for a short time, but for as long as possible.


    I agree.


    With this conversation, the carriage entered the royal castle.


    The carriage entered the royal castle.


    Cesar''s office in the castle.


    "Welcome once again, <>. And your wife.


    "Your Majesty, how do you do?"


    Jin utters the standard phrase that Elsa taught him,


    "Oh, please act normal now, Jin-dono."


    Cesar returned to a frank tone.


    "Yes."


    "Today is a happy day. ...... it was yesterday, to be precise, that the warp gate, as you know, has finally been put to some practical use!"


    "Well, congratulations."


    Cesar nodded in satisfaction.


    "Well, I said at the time that we didn''t need to ask for help from other countries, including Jin-dono, but we''ve managed to get here. Would you like to take a look?"


    Are you sure?


    "Of course. I was embarrassed to show something so unfinished to the , but at this level, I don''t think I will be embarrassed at first.


    Cesar left the office with Jin, Elsa, and Reiko, along with the two Kingsguard guards.


    Thus, Hitoshi, Elsa, and Reiko were led by Cesar to the in the royal castle.


    The place, labeled <>, is located in the courtyard of the castle, and is about the size of a small elementary school.


    Two guards were standing there, but when they saw King Cesar, they straightened their posture and let the group through.


    "Now, may I?"


    Cesar called out to them, and a thin, mature man came out of the room.


    "Of course, Your Majesty, of course. ...... who are you?"


    "<>, Jin Nido, his wife Elsa, and his valet Reiko.


    The man jumped for joy when he heard Jin''s name.


    "My name is Jin Nido, I beg your pardon. I am Tobias Bellows Zeta. I am Tobias Bellows Zeta, director of the Third Institute.


    Jin Nido.


    Jin and Tobias shook each other''s hands.


    "So, Your Majesty, you''re with Jin Nido, is that a tour?"


    "Yes. Can I come?


    "Of course!��Please take a look!


    Tobias invited the group into the laboratory.


    "Take a look!"


    "Oh, wow!"


    In a large room half the size of a gymnasium, two warp gates were standing.


    Each of the two warp gates is an eight-meter cube.


    With six hours of free ether filling, it can send an object weighing approximately one ton to a distance of 500 kilometers.


    "Wow, that''s great."


    Tobias was beaming with delight at this compliment from King Cesar.


    "Yes. Four times more efficient. The range is 2.5 times greater. We can finally show it to His Majesty!"


    "......"


    Jin looked at the warp gate with quiet eyes.


    "Jin-dono, what do you think?"


    Jin is startled by the voice.


    "Yes, I think it''s a big deal. This will revolutionize the movement of people within the continent.


    Tobias'' face flushed with joy at these words from Jin.


    "I am honored!


    Although he was not allowed to see the inside of the building because it was a top secret, Jin had a rough idea of what it looked like.


    (The convergence and synchronization of the magic waves that connect the two units must be too lax ......, so it would eat up extra energy.)


    In the previous system, the two units are connected by a very thin thread ...... but very strong, say, hyperadamantite wire.


    In contrast, the method in front of us is like a paper string that is about to break, and tens of thousands of them are bundled together to make it stronger.


    Therefore, the connection distance cannot be extended, and the amount of free magic element (ether) consumed is an order of magnitude higher.


    ��But you should be commended for your ability to reproduce this much in just a few months. (But you should be commended for your ability to reproduce such a large amount of data in a few months.)


    Jin praised Tobias in his heart, saying that there were many things to appreciate.


    Jin himself had inherited this knowledge from his predecessor and had not developed it by himself. Thus, Jin sometimes reflected on himself.


    "I would like to have your opinion, Jin-dono, but that would be going against the policy of the country, so I will give up the idea.


    Jin thought that the fact that he could say such a line in front of the king was a proof that this country was being managed in a sound manner.


    At least, it was a scene that had never been thought of during the reign of King Richard.


    "You may consult with me about the other one.


    King Cesar told Tobias with a laugh.


    "Oh!��Yes, of course. Jin-sama, please take a look at this.


    Tobias led the group to another room. There sat a golem that appeared to be a new model.


    No, Jin intuitively sensed that it was not a golem.


    It was generally slender and flat.


    "Is it the backbone of an automaton ......?"


    Tobias was startled by these words.


    "Oh!��That''s my master Jin!��You are the Magecraft Meister!"


    As Jin had expected, this was the core of automata.


    The core of an ordinary automata is covered with skin to make it look human a human being.


    However, when touched as it is, the core of the body under the skin touches the skin, making it feel rough to the touch.


    High-end models are covered with cushioning material, but they still do not look as human as human beings.


    Reiko''s construction is very rare.


    "There was a man named Donald who used to work for our country, and he proposed an golem. But no one listened."


    "I see."


    "Now I see how advanced what he was advocating was."


    Tobias''s face looked disappointed as he said this.

 1424 - - 39-09 Hitoshis lecture

    "Automata are considered to be more of a , you know.


    Tobias said in a disappointed tone.


    "That may be so."


    If human-like appearance is not required, then a golem will suffice.


    With the same performance, it is no wonder that the golem, which costs less by comparison, is in greater demand.


    "So, what do you want to talk to me about?"


    Tobias stares at Reiko as Jin returns to the conversation,


    "I can tell from Miss Reiko''s honorary rank as an attendant that you have an extraordinary love for automata, Jin-dono. I would like to ask you to teach us the tricks of automata making, even if it is only one-tenth, or even one-hundredth, of your love for automata.


    He bowed.


    "Jin-dono, I would like to ask you to do the same. Of course, I''m thinking about the reward. Please, will you help me with this?"


    Tobias'' words and manner showed his enthusiasm, so Jin agreed to this offer with a condition.


    "Well, I can''t stay here for a long period of time, so if you could just give me some tips..."


    "Of course!��I know you are busy with many things, Jin-dono. Even if it''s just for one day, that''s fine.


    Jin could not refuse the offer if he was told that much.


    "Yes, I understand. "Yes, all right.


    "Oh, thank you!"


    Thus, Jin became an instructor for a day, teaching Tobias and the others.


    * * * * *


    Hearing that Jin was going to give a lecture, people from other laboratories came to attend his lecture, and in the end, 51 people attended his lecture.


    Since it was the first time for Jin to give a lecture to that many people and the time was limited, he wondered what to say and how to say it, and decided to give it as an in-house presentation.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Jin Nido.


    Jin Nido took the podium and opened his mouth a little nervously.


    Most of the audience knew Jin Nido''s face, and no one showed any signs of underestimating him because he was young.


    "Today I would like to talk about tips for making automata.


    There was a low voice and a gasp.


    "First of all, let me tell you something. The goal of my automata is not to make them <>, but to make them <>. On top of that, I am aiming to ."


    The audience nods in agreement as they see Reiko standing next to Jin as his assistant.


    "Now, let me explain a few tips on how to achieve this.


    At these words, everyone leaned forward.


    "First and foremost, appearance. This needs no explanation. But I have a word of advice. Perfect symmetry is too perfect, and it detracts from our humanity. The human face is not as symmetrical as you might think.


    Too much symmetry feels unnatural, Jin explained.


    "Next is movement. There is ambiguity in human movement. Golem...... advanced golem does not have it. If there is, it is slight. It is also far from human-like.


    About a third of the group tilted their heads at this explanation.


    "This may be difficult to understand, so let me show you an example. Reiko, please.


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko stepped forward to the podium.


    "First of all, you need to walk like a human being.


    Jin said, and Reiko walked from right to left on the stage. It is the walk of a human being.


    "Next, I will show you how to walk like a golem.


    This time, Reiko walked from left to right on the stage. It was a beautiful movement, but it seemed mechanical and cold.


    "What do you think? In a word, as I said before, there is a < in human actions. In other words, it is and ."


    I cut him off and looked at the reaction of the audience, all of whom seemed to be itching to hear what he had to say. Jin''s words seem to have been understood.


    "<> means, for example, when you raise your hand horizontally, you raise it a little too high and then bring it back down. In other words, <>. This is not always the case, but it is something that is not seen in the average golem.


    Jin felt a response as many nodded their heads in agreement with this explanation.


    "<> is the same thing. In short, it is the reproducibility of repeated actions. If you repeat the same action 10 times, the golem will be exactly the same all 10 times, while humans will inevitably show some differences.


    There was an inaudible sigh from the audience.


    "This kind of ambiguity is essential for creating a sense of ."


    Jin looked around the audience,


    "Are there any questions so far?


    Jin asked. He was really picking up the pace.


    "One question, if I may."


    A young female technician raised her hand.


    "Yes, please."


    "Yes. "Yes. ......, um, I was wondering if you could tell me how to create that ."


    Jin thought for a moment about how to answer.


    "Well, yes. There are many ways to do it, and it would be a technician''s pleasure to create his own .


    When Jin answered, the female engineer blushed a little and looked down.


    "Yes, ......, you are right.


    However, we will be discussing these issues later in the lecture."


    These words were heard not only by the female engineer but also by most of the audience.


    "If you want to look like a human being, you have to know a human being.


    Jin began to explain, remembering his predecessors and his father, Shuki Tsezi and his wife, Adriana Tiara.


    "The purpose of this project is to know the structure of the human body and to create an automata with a structure similar to that of the human body. To be more specific, the number of joints, the range of motion, and so on.


    He explains that the doll should not have joints that humans do not have, or that the joints should not be bent in a way that humans cannot.


    Everyone listens attentively.


    "You might want to ask a healer about the structure of the human body. When making something better, combining techniques from different fields can sometimes produce something unexpected.


    At this point Jin decided to begin an explanation that would give a hint to the previous question.


    "Now, let''s think about such as a golem. Let''s start with the most elementary golem, the <. Recall how it is made to move ...... its basic <> motion."


    All but a few seem to have that level of experience, and most remain staring at Jin.


    "Let me explain the most basic part of the Magick Formula. It is a formula for swinging the legs out, and the angle of swing should be a variable.


    Those who have made it before nodded their heads.


    "This variable determines the stride length, but what if the value of the variable is not constant?


    Everyone thought in their hearts that .


    "Even if it is not constant, if it fluctuates between 29 and 31 compared to 30, we should be able to correct it in the next step.


    At this point, the sensible person knew exactly what to expect.


    "Yes, to include these small variations. That is the first step toward . However, if you always fluctuate the same amount, ...... regular fluctuations will no longer be fluctuations at all."


    Back when personal computers were still called microcomputers and ran on the BASIC language. There was a function called random function.


    It was a function that generated pseudo-random numbers, and by using time as an input, it was made to be closer to real random numbers.


    Using a similar technique, Jin suggested a way to create <.


    "This is just an example. I think the way to be original is to try it out in your own way."


    * * * *


    Jin then continued his explanation, and by the end of his talk, he said


    "Automata is not a hobby. In human society, they are not meant to replace human beings, but to create a life together with human beings. I believe that this is what automata are. Thank you very much for your attention.


    He then bowed.


    The audience gave a thunderous applause.


    "Thank you, Jin-dono."


    King Cesar of the Kingdom of Celuloa shook hands with Jin as he came down from the stage.

 1425 - - 39-10 Consultation on reform

    Cesar, King of Cerroa, thanked Jin for his lecture and presented him with 10 kilograms of mithril silver. The market value of the gift was 50 million dollars.


    Upon receiving the gift, Jin had a flash of inspiration.


    Since he was planning to stay overnight in the Kingdom of Selroa that day, he returned to the guest room he had been given and began consulting with Elsa and Reiko.


    "I just noticed that magic materials are very expensive, aren''t they?


    "Well, as I recall, mithril silver is 4 to 5 million tolls per kilo, adamantite is around 10 million tolls, and mithril silver is around 10 million tolls per kilo. Adamantite is about 10 million tolls, and light silver is ......


    "That''s about 3 million tolls per kilo."


    Reiko added.


    "Yes. I heard that regular silver is about 50,000 tolls per kilo, so it''s 100 times more expensive. I think this is because it is difficult to refine rather than because of the scarcity of magical materials."


    The reserves are not 100 times greater.


    However, the materials that have become <> are difficult to separate from the ore.


    Therefore, they cannot be refined without the use of magic, which makes them expensive.


    "Considering the future, I think we should think about cost reduction.


    "Yes, I understand.


    "But if we cut costs all at once, it will probably confuse distributors, won''t it?


    "...... sure."


    Father, why don''t you leave that to the politicians?


    Reiko has a point. Jin is an engineer, and it would be better to leave the operation of the system to the experts.


    "The best is the one who makes the best, right?"


    Jin decided to follow the advice and leave the further work for tomorrow.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, the 14th, Jin, Erza, and Reiko left the Kingdom of Celuloa with their hair pulled back by the pleas of King Cesar and many other magecraftsmen to stay longer.


    "Shall we continue on to Reinhardt''s?"


    After the diplomacy the other day, he should have returned to his estate the day before yesterday.


    "Hmm. I''d like to see Bertsche and Yuri, too.


    "Yes.


    After reaching an agreement, <> went to the Shoro Kingdom. They skip over Lake Tosmo and head for the village of Kaltz in Reinhardt''s territory.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Welcome, Jin, Erza!


    Welcome, Jin-sama, Erza-san.


    "Hello, Bertsche. Thank you for the other day, Reinhard.


    "Hello, Berthe. ...... Yuri, you''ve grown up."


    She is now sitting on her head and even crawling.


    They exchanged brief greetings and soon started talking. They were concerned about Reinhardt''s busy schedule.


    "Actually, ......"


    Jin told them about his hope to increase the distribution of magical metal materials and lower their prices. Reinhardt reacted immediately.


    "I understand what Jin is saying. If we are going to do this all at once, we should first transfer it to the national government.


    "You mean monopoly?"


    "That''s one way. For the time being, the national government should stockpile the materials and release them while gradually reforming the distribution system.


    "I see."


    As expected of Reinhardt, he seemed to have come up with a strategy in an instant.


    "I''m sure there are other ways. Anyway, it would be bad for the distributors to suddenly lose their business.


    We must avoid mass unemployment, Reinhardt reiterated.


    "I understand. Employment is important.


    "Yes. It''s not up to Jin, but to the government to think about it.


    "I see. That''s very helpful. Thank you.


    Jin thanked Reinhardt.


    "By the way, as far as I know..."


    "What?"


    "Mithril silver is only about one-fifth the size of regular silver. On the other hand, light silver can be mined in fairly large quantities, but it''s very difficult to refine.


    As a lord, Reinhardt seems to have accumulated this kind of knowledge.


    is the old name for aluminum on earth, but on this world it is titanium.


    Titanium exists as an oxide such as <>, and if the oxygen bonded to titanium is removed, it becomes titanium (light silver), but this is very difficult to do.


    Even on the modern earth, the direct reduction is not carried out, but a two-step refining process is used, though the details are omitted.


    However, there is magic in this world, and it is possible to refine the metal titanium by means of a powerful <>.


    However, the number of mages who can use this engineering magic is limited, which is the reason for the small amount in circulation (and also the reason for the high price).


    "Would it be possible to create a refining device that uses <>?"


    "That would be the way to go. Djinn would be easy to make, but be careful how you operate it, okay?"


    I know. Thank you."


    It is not Jin''s intention to make more people unemployed.


    "I''ll ask Saki a few questions, and then I''ll go see His Majesty."


    * * * *


    After returning to Horai Island through the warp gate of , Jin and Erza visited Saki who was analyzing the debris of the long period planet Moderne.


    "Oh Jin, Erza. What are you two doing here today?


    "Oh, actually ......"


    Jin explains that he is thinking of various ways to reduce the unit cost of metal materials.


    "Yeah, yeah, that''s a good idea!��Jin has more materials than he can use here in Hourai Island, so he may not realize it, but the lower price of materials is something that researchers can''t wish for."


    Saki agreed with me with open arms.


    "Distribution is one thing, but from an alchemical point of view, I''m glad that the unit price of mithril silver is going down."


    Saki also expressed her own opinion. As for Jin, since it is necessary for making Magi alloys, he intends to proceed with this as well.


    "Well then, let''s try to lower the unit price of mithril silver and light silver."


    I will not mention gold and silver.


    In a world on the gold standard, a decline in the value of gold would mean the ruin of the economy.


    "I hope things will change little by little, but I''m not even a novice in economics."


    Jin himself was well aware that he was not a leader of the economy.


    Anyway, the direction of the project was decided, and Jin immediately set to work on the production.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Brother Jin, how is your progress?


    Erza came to the workshop.


    "Yes, it is almost finished. All we have to do now is to put the ore in and test it.


    "Well then, I''m ready for dinner.


    He looked at his watch and saw that it was already twelve o''clock.


    "Oh, it''s that time already. Then we''ll have the test in the afternoon."


    "Father, would you like me to do the test?"


    Reiko offered, but Jin stopped her.


    "No, I''ll do it after lunch. There is no need to rush.


    "Yes, I understand."


    With that, Jin left the workshop with Elsa and Reiko.

 1426 - - 39-11 Refining Reform

    On February 15, Jin, Erza, and Reinhard were at the advanced workshop in the Imperial Palace of Shoro.


    They were there to report to the queen on the completion of the . She was accompanied only by her knights Reiko and Edgar.


    Reiko is carrying the prototype, and Edgar is carrying the ore for testing.


    The advanced workshop with them is the most important research workshop in Miyagi, and is usually closed.


    It is used for special events such as this.


    "Jin, Erza, Reinhard, welcome!"


    "Jin-dono, I''ve heard a little bit about this. Is this the magic tool of refining?"


    In attendance are Shoro Chancellor Jung Forss von K?bsler and..,


    "If this is mass-produced, it will be a great thing.


    Degauz Furt von Manischlas, Minister of Magic and Technology of the Shoro Empire.


    "This is a prototype, so it is small, but if we make a bigger one, the production volume will go up.


    The prototype is a 60-centimeter square cube, large enough to fit on a workbench.


    The upper surface was mostly ore, with an outlet for the refined metal at the bottom of the front side, and an outlet for the non-metallic components on the opposite side.


    "Ummm, would you let me try it out?"


    "Yes, of course. Edgar, please.


    Yes, Master Jin.


    He takes out the ore he has prepared with that intention.


    "You don''t have to break it up into small pieces, just large enough to fit in this slot.


    This time, he prepared an ore the size of his fist.


    This is an ore containing light silver. Now let''s put it in.


    He puts the ore into the slot.


    "One is too little, so I''ll put it in ......."


    Jin puts 10 ores in total,


    "I''m going to activate it."


    He presses the push-button. < is so that non-mages can use them.


    Then the magic tool starts to move. .......


    A minute later, a piece of light silver about half the size of a fist was refined and produced.


    "Oh!"


    From the other side, 10 pieces of are ejected.


    "Only the light silver has been extracted from the ore and smelted.


    "Amazing!"


    The ore used is very similar to what is called on Earth. The main component is FeTiO3, a mineral composed of oxides of iron and light silver.


    The light silver content is about 10 percent by weight. It is the most common ore of light silver in the world.


    On Earth, ilmenite is collected in the form of sand, but on this world it is obtained as a ragged block of rock.


    The Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, Degauze, was looking at the refined light silver with a keen eye,


    "It is of excellent purity," he said with a small sigh.


    he said with a small sigh.


    After these amazements had subsided a little.


    "So, what do you want to do with it, Jin?


    the Empress asked Jin.


    "Yes, Reinhardt has advised me that if we put it on the market, the price of the material will plummet and the economy will be in turmoil. ......"


    "Hmm, that is true."


    The Prime Minister nodded in admiration.


    "So I have come to the conclusion that it would be better to leave the matter to the government.


    "I see."


    The queen nodded.


    "So, is it possible to make this for other metals?"


    "Yes, it is possible. I am thinking of making one for mithril silver and adamantite.


    "Hmm, magic materials. It might be a good idea.


    It would be better to sell them exclusively in the country in the beginning.


    "Yes, that''s right. Then we can lower the price little by little.


    Yes, we also need to give priority to the public development sector to get cheaper materials.


    "I don''t think it will have much effect on the unit price of mining."


    The heavyweights immediately begin discussing the issue.


    Just as they are about to begin, they stop talking.


    "Let''s discuss this in the conference room.


    I agree.


    "I agree." "No objections."


    Then they turn to Jin and the others.


    "Jin-dono, thank you for this wonderful development.


    Leave the operation to us.


    "I hope that in time, the nations will also benefit."


    The Prime Minister, the Minister of Magical Technology, and the Empress were respectively the Prime Minister, the Minister of Magical Technology, and the Empress.


    Jin did not want this technology to be monopolized by only one country, so he was relieved to hear the words of the female emperor.


    "Then I will leave it to you.


    "Yes. I will let you know the prize later.


    With a bow, Jin, Erza, Reinhard, Reiko, and Edgar left the advanced workshop.


    Jin, Erza, Reinhard, Reiko, and Edgar left the advanced workshop.


    "Jin, it looks like it''s going to work out."


    Reinhardt said to Jin on the way back from Miyagi by .


    "Ah, I guess Reinhardt was right, it''s a good thing we talked to Her Majesty the Emperor."


    "Yes. I didn''t even think about the ...... miners. You''re really great!"


    "That''s for sure."


    The price of ore varies a little with rarity and ease of mining, but that''s about it.


    Gold and silver are expensive because of their rarity, while iron and copper are cheap.


    The unit price of light silver ore, < (= ilmenite), is lower than that of iron. This is because light silver ore is brittle and crumbles easily, making it easy to mine.


    This is why light silver becomes expensive at the refining stage.


    "So if the price of light silver falls and demand increases, the demand for light silver ore will also increase, and as a result, mines and miners will be enriched."


    Reinhard explained a little happily.


    "I see......... I guess lowering the unit price of materials has a lot of effects on the surroundings."


    "That''s the way it is."


    While they were talking, arrived at the village of Kurtz in Reinhardt''s territory.


    "Well then, Jin, Erza, see you later."


    "Yes, see you later."


    "Take care, brother Rai."


    The ship carrying Jin and the others soared into the sky again.


    "Well, let''s head back to Horai Island. I''m sure the old man is tracking what the survey team from the old Leonard Kingdom is doing there.


    "Interesting."


    Erza agrees, so <> speeds up and heads for Horai Island.

 1427 - - 39-12 Dodora Ruins

    On February 17, a survey team of the Nostalgia Party started to investigate the ruins of Dodola on the eastern coast.


    This is a site that the "Mere Old Man" has not yet investigated in detail.


    "I wonder what we can find here.


    Donald said to the happy Elena as if to interrupt her.


    "Well, in my experience, ruins near the sea are not very interesting.


    "Oh, really?"


    "Oh, is that so? Except for a few exceptions, the lack of mineral resources makes it difficult for industry to develop.


    "Is that so?"


    Elena is skeptical.


    "Let''s check it out anyway."


    They are called ruins, but in essence they are the remains of an old city.


    They are called ruins because they have been weathered over the years and no longer look like cities, but they vary in size.


    The former Kingdom of Leonard was destroyed by about 240 years ago.


    In those 240 years, most of the cities, towns, and villages have been returned to the earth.


    "One of the reasons is the building materials."


    Elena looked at the remaining buildings and spoke to Donald as if to confirm her suspicions.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Donald replied, touching the wall of the remaining building.


    "It is made of stone, but it is quite soft. I think the Potrocks of the Kingdom of Elias used a lot of similar stone."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Oyaishi, a pumice tuff. It is easy to process, insulates well, and is fire resistant, but it is also brittle and easily weathered.


    Elena and the others have concluded that this is the reason why few buildings have survived, although there may be other factors as well.


    "The last time we were in Diaa was amazing, wasn''t it?"


    Elena muttered as we continued our investigation. Diaa is the former capital, so its scale cannot be compared to that of Dodola.


    "It must be because of the sea winds and the rain..."


    Donald muttered back.


    Oya stone absorbs water easily and seems to deteriorate when it rains a lot.


    Most of the buildings have crumbled beyond recognition and are covered with bushes and vines.


    Among them, there were a few buildings that had retained most of their original shape.


    "This is the wrong building material. ......"


    Donald touched the stones, which were obviously of different hardness, to make sure.


    "Maybe it was built in a different period."


    Elena also speculated.


    "If so, we might be able to get something out of it.


    Elena took the initiative to enter the building.


    There were no doors, probably long since decayed, and the windows were just holes.


    In other words, trash, dust, and other things were blowing in, and even bushes were starting to grow, let alone grass.


    "This place is as old as the rest, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it is."


    "But the buildings haven''t been weathered. Why is that?��Because it''s made of different materials. What''s the reason for that?


    "It must have been built for some special purpose."


    Elena and Donald had a light-hearted conversation and got to the bottom of the matter.


    "From its location, could it have been the residence of a lord or its equivalent?"


    "That''s a strong possibility."


    Then there should be something left of it. ......


    "Yes. Maybe there is a hidden room or a basement."


    Donald agreed with Elena''s opinion and decided to search the basement first.


    "<>"


    Elena used "<>" on top of her beginner''s level earth magic. It is a magic to search for underground veins, but it can also tell whether there are cavities or not.


    After several times.


    "There is a cavity under here.


    Elena has successfully found a cellar.


    However, the entrance and exit are unknown.


    It''s possible that the room was sealed off.


    "Yes, I suppose so."


    Jin told me that the old Leonard Kingdom was destroyed by , so I realized that this basement might have been built to escape from that plague.


    "If there were people sheltering inside at the time ......"


    Donald shuddered.


    * * * *


    On the other hand, in Horai Island, the old man found out about this discovery and immediately checked it with a .


    If something harmful was sealed inside, it would be dangerous.


    But....


    <>.


    The old man decided to go with the flow.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "In any case, I think we need to look into it."


    Elena said in a firm voice.


    "Yes,......."


    "But, Donald and the others, please stay away for a while. I''m the only one who can check it out."


    "But, Elena, ......


    "Don''t worry. What danger could there be in a 240 year old cellar in the first place?"


    Elena dared to ignore the events at the Botsuffa site to reassure Donald.


    "Okay. Be careful."


    "Yes. If there is no danger, I will call you as soon as I can.


    Thus, Elena started to make a hole in the floor by herself. She intends to pull out the ceiling of the basement.


    Instead of engineering magic, she uses earth magic <.


    This is a good idea, since stone is easy to process with earth magic. But Elena can hardly use engineering magic at all.


    In about 15 minutes, a hole is made in the basement, which is barely big enough for one person to pass through. It took a long time because the floor = ceiling of the basement was about one meter thick.


    "That''s enough for now. I have to do some reconnaissance first.


    Elena danced into the hole without hesitation.


    After a fall of about 5 meters, Elena landed on the floor.


    "This is ......."


    It was an empty room. In fact, it was the front room to the reference room.


    It looked safe enough, so Elena called Donald.


    "What''s wrong, Elena?"


    Donald literally came running. His guards followed him.


    "Oh, there''s a hole, Elena, are you in there?"


    "Yes. There is nothing where we are. But there is another room ahead. I don''t sense any magic, so I don''t think there''s any danger.


    Donald is delighted to hear that.


    "So I can come, too?"


    "Yes, you can come."


    "Yes, come." "Okay."


    So Donald ordered his guards to hang a rope down into the hole.


    "I''m going to go now, but keep watch. If we don''t come back for too long, you''ll have to make your own decision.


    With these words, Donald disappeared into the hole.

 1428 - - 39-13 The Mystery of Mystery

    Elena greeted Donald as he stepped into the basement.


    "It''s okay. I don''t know how yet, but the air is not stagnant.


    She had the know-how of having investigated many ruins in the past.


    "I don''t think there is any danger. You know, I''m curious about that door."


    But it was too dark to see what Elena was looking at with only Donald''s lighted magical tool.


    "Elena, it''s a little dark in here."


    "Oh, I''m sorry."


    Elena''s eyes were bright enough to see, so she apologized and turned on the light.


    "<>"


    The light was now brighter, and Donald could see the underground chamber more clearly.


    "I see, there is nothing in this room except the door. ......"


    On the other hand, there is one door at the end of the room, and I think there is something behind it as Elena said.


    "Let''s go there."


    "Yeah, ......."


    Either way, we will never know what it is until we go there. Donald and Elena went to the door.


    The door had an old-fashioned doorknob that creaked a little but opened slowly.


    As soon as the door was opened, a light went on inside. The magic device was still alive and the room seemed to be ventilated.


    "What is this place?"


    "This seems to be a reference room.


    The shelves by the wall are crammed with books.


    There is a bit of dust, so Donald covers his nose and mouth with a handkerchief.


    "It wasn''t so dusty in the hall earlier."


    "Yes, it was. I wonder if there is a reason for that, for preservation or something.


    Elena looks around the room. Her gaze stopped at a corner of the room.


    "That''s ......."


    There was what looked like a magic doll, which could neither be a golem nor an automata.


    It was female in shape.


    Elena approached the golem to confirm its shape. Donald followed her.


    This is a golem, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is. But it''s trying to look like a human being.


    If automata are what we call in modern Japan, then this golem would be a in its own right.


    It is made entirely of metal, and of course its hair is also made of metal.


    It may be closest to <> that Jin made for Prince Ernest of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    "It doesn''t seem to be broken."


    "It seems to be just lying dormant."


    Donald and Elena gently examined the golem. It looked old, but not broken.


    "I''d like to see this thing rebooted," Donald said with interest.


    Donald said with interest.


    "I''d like to see it rebooted. Maybe he''s like the librarian in the reference room."


    But I didn''t know how to reboot it.


    "Well, it doesn''t seem to start working automatically with ......<>."


    "<> doesn''t seem to work either. I''ve tried the old one, and the new one, but there''s no response."


    It doesn''t seem to have lost any of its internal functionality.


    "That''s right. Another possibility is that there is a grimoire to activate it.


    Elena''s guess leads them to check the room. And it soon pays off.


    "Elena, is this it?"


    Donald had found what appeared to be a control unit.


    It was not, however, like a TV remote control, but rather was more similar in size and shape to a cathode-ray tube TV.


    "It''s a magic tool, isn''t it?


    "Is this the mechanism to activate it?"


    Elena and Donald carefully analyzed the device.


    "I''m sure this is the right one.


    Elena pressed the activation switch, and a part of the control unit lit up. It seems to be a magic screen.


    "Elena, there is something written on it.


    "It''s a little bit old-fashioned. ...... um, <>.


    While she was saying this, the letters on the screen were changing.


    "<>?


    "A riddle, huh?"


    Elena read out the words and Donald groaned.


    "...... a chair, you know. The one with the backrest."


    As soon as Elena muttered this, the text on the screen changed.


    "I wonder if there are more riddles to come. ......<


    "What is it?"


    Elena tilted her head and Donald twisted his head.


    If Jin had asked, he would have immediately understood that this was an old Japanese riddle.


    "Isn''t that a sewing needle?"


    A voice came from behind Elena and Donald. It was a guard.


    "We have been looking for you since you did not come back. We''ve set up a rope ladder so it should be easy for you to get back.


    He told us to use our own judgment, so we could not complain about this.


    He also said that there was no danger and, moreover, that "if you stand up, you will be lowered,


    "<>"


    the next riddle was displayed.


    "The ceiling.


    Again the guard answered, and the screen switched.


    "Oh, it seems I was right. You''re a good man, aren''t you?


    Donald praised the silent guard.


    "No, I''ve only heard such riddles back home."


    "I see. Your hometown is ......."


    Donald, not now. I think we''re finally going to get it up and running."


    Elena interrupted Donald.


    Just as Donald said that, a light came on in the eyes of the halted golem.


    * * * *


    "......It''s definitely a riddle in the vein of <>."


    On Horai Island, Jin was watching the scene.


    "A riddle... ...... I miss it..."


    Jin remembers how the Director used to tell him riddles.


    The guards are the fifth column (quinta).


    The answer to the riddle was given by Jin through the old man.


    "But I''m a little curious about the librarian golem ......."


    The old man apologized, but Jin said he did not mind.


    "No matter how competent you are, the continent is huge. It is understandable, don''t worry about it."


    .


    Jin and the others then turned their attention back to the screen from the <>.


    * * * * * *


    "Are you a seeker of knowledge?


    "Oh, how do you know it''s been a long time since I''ve seen you?


    Elena interrupted Golem''s words.


    "Of course I understand. I''m the only one who has been idle, the ticking clock has been working all along. According to ......, this world has repeated the seasons 232 times since I paused.


    From these words, we know that this golem was put in abeyance after the fall of the .


    Elena asks him about that time.


    Do you know how the kingdom was destroyed?


    Yes, I do. Yes, I know. This underground facility was built to avoid that terrible epidemic.


    And then the golem spoke up: .......

 1429 - - 39-14 Near

    "An epidemic has struck the Kingdom of Leonard. It is called .


    "The disease spread throughout the land and was unstoppable, and all the people of the land ......"


    "I was created to at least bequeath to future generations the knowledge and some of the skills that have been developed in this land. ......"


    The old man listened to Golem''s story of the past, but there was nothing new in it.


    It was not so different from what he had heard before in the basement of the old capital, Diaa.


    The information other than the past told by the golem seemed to be more useful than that.


    "The air purifier is ......"


    "The tool that measures time is ......"


    "The metal that makes me is ......"


    * * * *


    These three were new to Horaijima.


    "Hmm, that''s an interesting way of thinking.


    The first one is <.


    This was probably developed at the last minute in order to prevent <.


    "So once the air is inhaled, it is heated to a high temperature, sterilized, cooled, and then exhaled."


    The temperature at this point is about 600 degrees Celsius. Dust and other particles would burn up.


    But metal and stone powders with higher melting points would not work, and the energy efficiency would be too low, Jin felt.


    Secondly, .


    In a word, it was a .


    Colored water flows out of a transparent container, and the time is measured by the way it decreases.


    The container is divided into two parts, and when one part is empty, the other part is full, so that the top and bottom parts can be switched.


    This tool was not so much used for telling time as for elapsed time.


    "Did you use it for experiments or cooking or something?"


    "Father, it could also be used to measure training time."


    Jin thought that it might have been used as a kitchen timer or a stopwatch.


    Third.


    "<>. ...... This composition is duralumin."


    It was an alloy of aluminum, a little copper and magnesium, very close to the alloy called A2017 in modern Japan.


    However, the surface of the golem was thought to have lost some of its shine due to its somewhat poor corrosion resistance.


    "It''s not anodized, I guess."


    Jin muttered a little out of focus.


    Anodizing is a process that creates an aluminum oxide (alumina) film on the surface. It has a high hardness and protects the material from scratches and corrosion.


    "But then, there is no legacy of warp gate technology. ......"


    The old man replied to Jin''s muttering.


    "I see. ...... Indeed, the technology of the transition gate (warp gate) is ideal for sending in troops."


    The same is true for food and materials.


    In that sense, we should be glad that the warp gate that the Kingdom of Celuloa has redeveloped at the moment is not very energy efficient and is only one step away from being put to practical use.


    "If the <> and the <> are established, we will not have to repeat the mistakes of the <>."


    Call it wishful thinking, but Jin could not help but hope that it would be so.


    "I also thought that you might have some information about <> Shuki Tsetsi, given the riddle."


    <


    "I see. That''s something we''ll have to work on in the future.


    .


    * * * * *


    "That''s some useful information, isn''t it?


    "Yes, Elena."


    Elena and Donald are pleased with their newfound knowledge.


    "Do you have any more questions?"


    Golem asked.


    "Well, what are you going to do when I say ...... no more?"


    "I''m going to have to go on hiatus."


    "I see. ...... how is this basement holding up?"


    "There should be a dedicated golem in the hall you came in from."


    "What?"


    I didn''t see any such thing," Donald told him.


    "This room was dustier than that one over there, you know?��Not a good place to store books, is it?"


    Elena also tells the truth.


    "I see. ...... It''s the passage of time. It is providence. If time tells me to , then I must obey.


    The golem utters a rather pessimistic line.


    Wait, wait. That''s a waste of time. I think you could make a great contribution to the world today. ......"


    "If that''s what you want, set the controller to that."


    "<>?��This?"


    The magical device that has been riddling us. It seems that Donald was right in identifying it as a control device.


    "That''s it."


    Can you teach me how to use it?


    "Yes. First, you''ll find it in the lower right hand corner of your screen at .......


    "Hmm."


    Donald follows Golem''s instructions and changes the settings on the controller.


    "And that''s it."


    "I see."


    Donald is relieved.


    "When you''re done, please give me a name."


    "Well, since you''re ...... like Elena''s little sister, ...... Elena, why don''t you name me?"


    "Am I okay with that?"


    "Yes, please."


    Donald begged Elena to give it to him, and she thought about it for a moment. Then..,


    Then she said, "Well, Nia..."


    "Okay. ...... you''re Nia, from now on."


    "Yes, thank you. I''m Nia. Master, I''m looking forward to working with you."


    Thus, by an unforeseen circumstance, Donald was able to acquire the information golem.


    "The sun is going down soon. Donald, let''s get out of here.


    "Yes, I think so. Nia, what is it that you''re taking out?


    I''ve memorized everything in this room. So just take the control unit.


    "Okay."


    The guards carried the control unit on their backs.


    The group, including Nia, returned to the ground using the rope ladders that had been reinstalled by the guards.


    "The passage of time can change the landscape like this, can''t it?"


    Nia, who had checked the situation on the ground, said in an indifferent tone.


    "Yes. Nia, is there any other place where we can get more information?"


    "Yes. If my information is correct, there should be a laboratory about 50 meters ahead.


    But all I could see was a ruin covered with vines and grass.


    "Well, I don''t know if the contents are safe. In any case, it''s going to be dark soon. We''ll do it tomorrow."


    Donald assured them and the group set up camp.


    Since Nia was a golem created after the magic war, it was adapted to the current concentration of free magic element (ether) and seemed to work fine.


    "Is there anything wrong with it?"


    Donald asked, and Nia shook her head. Such a gesture was a bit human.


    "No, nothing is wrong at the moment, sir.


    "I see. Good. Can I analyze your structure after ......?"


    "Of course, Master."


    "Well, that would be fun."


    Behind this exchange, only the guards noticed that Elena was a little bloated.

 1430 - - 39-15 To my parents house

    On February 18, the Cline Kingdom survey team was on its way home.


    Gloria, Pascoe, and Tiffany, the main members of the team, were holding a review meeting on the airship.


    "......I must admit that we are still not good enough."


    "Yes. This expedition has made us keenly aware of what is needed.


    "We do not have enough knowledge about the ruins. I am still inexperienced in dealing with unknown dangers."


    "Yes, I agree. ......"


    Gloria and Pascoe are the main speakers, with Tiffany occasionally adding her own comments.


    "This is why Jin-dono and Makina-dono are so great," said Pascoe. I wonder if individuals need wisdom more than military power.


    "I understand what you say. I understand what you mean. The golem can compensate for your military prowess.


    "Yes, Tiffany is right. Individual military strength is important, of course, but as a survey team, knowledge is essential.


    In that sense, it would be wonderful to be a member of the first class of the World Guard.


    "Yes, indeed."


    The sky was clear blue as the airship flew overhead.


    The sky was clear and blue as the airship flew by.


    The expedition returned to the capital city of Alban later that day and reported to the king.


    Alois III listened to Gloria''s report with a small nod.


    When he finished listening, he asked a few questions.


    "So there was no danger this time?


    "Yes. Yes. The only thing we did find was a stone tablet.


    "Oh, that. ...... honestly, it''s a mystery. We''ll have a debriefing sometime soon. Get it all together. You can go home today. Get some rest."


    "Ha."


    Gloria, Pascoe, and Tiffany bowed and left.


    Alois III tells his vizier, Powell Darner Hudson.


    "It seems that the ruins of this country are not so simple after all," he said.


    "It would seem so."


    Perhaps it would be best to wait for the establishment of the World Guard and let them handle it.


    "My king, does that mean we should give up the idea of incorporating his country into our territory?"


    Alois III smiled vaguely.


    "If I may speak not as a king, but as an individual, I think that the lands of the former Leonard Kingdom should be administered by the ."


    "That is ......."


    "I know. It is my personal opinion. No one is listening but the Prime Minister. I mean, forget what I just said.


    Ha!


    * * * *


    Meanwhile, a survey team from the Kingdom of Egelea also returned to Japan on the same day.


    They, too, had nothing to show for their efforts, and their report was neither good nor bad.


    * * * * * * * *


    >.


    In Horai Island, the old man reported to Jin that the survey teams of both countries had returned home without much result.


    "It can''t be helped. There is only so much you can do without any prior knowledge of the ruins.


    That''s why there is such a thing as archaeology.


    I wonder how Lukor is doing.


    Lukor is a former Unifiler archaeologist.


    Since his brainwashing was lifted, he has been traveling around the continent on his own, and the other day he was involved in a case involving a golem competition (gompetition) in the Kingdom of Selroa with Vivienne.


    After that, he left for somewhere else.


    "I wish we could invite him to the < too. ......"


    Jin had decided to call the school he was establishing in the .


    Academy" means an academic organization or society, but it is sometimes used as the name of a school.


    Jin named the school he was going to build in <> as the world''s first <>.


    <


    The old man said.


    "Indeed."


    Unfortunately, I did not record it because I did not think it would be necessary. If I had recorded it, I would have been able to find it immediately using the magi radar.


    However, it was too late to say anything now, so Jin gave instructions to the old man to search for Lukor.


    "Well then, Mr. Mere Old Man, please take good care of him."


    After this, Jin and Erza decided to visit his best friend Reinhardt in his home village of Kurtz.


    He was accompanied by Reiko and Edgar.


    "First of all, we should pay our respects to Erza''s parents'' house.


    hmmm..."


    * * * *


    We traveled by .


    The time required was about 15 minutes since we used a transporter to travel from Horai Island to the sky above Lake Tosmo.


    First, Jin went to Erza''s parents'' house.


    After parking the Conlon 3 in the large front yard, Jin and the others went to Randall''s house.


    "It''s been a while.


    Georg, Erza''s father, who had recently recovered to the point where he could lead a normal life, smiled at Jin and Erza.


    "Oh, you''re here, aren''t you?"


    Her speech was still faltering, but her pronunciation was firm.


    "Elsa, Jin-san, I''m so glad you came. You can relax, can''t you?"


    "Thank you."


    Jin could not just say hello and goodbye, so he decided to stay the night.


    "......It''s been a long time since I''ve stayed in this room."


    The room that Erza used to stay in is still there in my parents'' house, and I always stay there when I go back to my hometown.


    Of course, Jin is with her.


    (At first I thought the room would be more girly, but it is surprisingly simple.)


    (At first I thought the room would be more girly, but it is surprisingly simple.) Elsa did not seem to have a taste for decorating the room, so it is not bad for Jin to stay there.


    The only thing that I can say is that there are a few dolls in the room.


    The only thing I can say is that there are a few dolls on display, but they seem to be well taken care of by the maidservants and there is no dust on the dolls or in the room.


    "I''m going to see Reinhard tomorrow.


    "Hmm, thank you."


    Actually, Reinhardt called me to ask for some advice.


    "You said you had a little problem," he said.


    He did not say what it was, so Jin did not know.


    "Ask the old man if you need any help."


    "Yes, okay."


    And so the night at the Randall''s house goes on.

 1431 - - 39-16 This and that

    The day after staying at Randall''s house, February 19.


    Jin accompanied Reiko to the village of Kaltz in Reinhardt''s territory.


    <


    "Welcome, Jin!


    Reinhard and his beloved wife Berthe greeted Jin at the lord''s house, <>.


    It is still cold, so Juliana is inside the house.


    "Reinhard, I haven''t seen you since Leuthart.


    Well, please come in.


    "Yes, thank you."


    We were taken to the reception room.


    There, Bella, Reinhardt''s automata, came in with a cup of tea.


    Here you go.


    "Thank you."


    Bella has been improved by Reinhardt and now moves just like a human being.


    "Yes, it''s good."


    The taste of the tea he brews can now be adjusted to the customer''s preference.


    Jin, by the way, brewed a rather strong hojicha tea. Of course, the temperature was slightly cooled.


    "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"


    Jin asked, enjoying the aroma of the hojicha tea.


    "Well, actually ......"


    Reinhardt began to speak slowly.


    "Theft?"


    Jin asked in surprise.


    "Yes. Recently, there has been a string of thefts of stockpiled grain, and the villagers have filed a complaint.


    Naturally, the lord took steps to find the culprits and recover the stolen grain.


    However, after a week of searching, they still have not found any clues.


    "I''m sorry, but we need your help, Jin. I thought we could ...... do this on our own if possible."


    Reinhardt says he will do what he can because the villagers'' livelihoods are at stake.


    "Please, Jin."


    Of course, Reinhardt is not the kind of man to say no.


    "Okay. I''ll help you.


    "Thank you."


    "In a case like this, I''m honestly grateful for Hourai Island''s backup."


    Knowing that it was a cheat, Reinhardt still could not ignore the disadvantage of the residents without a word.


    "Then, how do we do it?"


    Reinhard folded his arms and began to think.


    "For my part, I think the quickest way would be to have the marked grain stolen on purpose and track it down.


    As long as the marker is attached, it can be tracked by <>.


    "Indeed. I mean, that''s all it would take.


    Reinhard laughs.


    "With the technology of Jin and Horaijima, I''m beginning to think this is going to be a very easy case.


    "But then again, there are still those bandit-like people out there, aren''t there?"


    "Unfortunately.


    So Jin and Reinhardt started to discuss the details.


    Reiko and, through Reiko, the old man joined the meeting and the details were worked out.


    However, there are many uncertainties, and about one-third of the work needs to be done in a flexible manner.


    "First, let''s map out the areas where the thefts occurred."


    "Right."


    At Jin''s suggestion, Reinhardt took out a map of the area around the village of Kurtz and spread it out on the table.


    "Here, here, and here."


    Reinhardt marked the locations, all of which were warehouses on the north side of the village, facing the forest.


    "We have seven warehouses where we store our grain. Three of them have been hit so far. If we lose any more, we will run out of food before the next harvest.


    "Well, it''s not like there''s any regularity to it. Anyway, let''s put markers on the grain in all four locations.


    Specifically, we just need to mix a little of the grain from Horai Island into the grain bags in the warehouse.


    Crops from Horai Island, including grains and fruits, all have high <> content.


    They are useful enough to be used as markers.


    "I see."


    Jin then used the warp gate installed in Reinhardt''s mansion to bring wheat and barley from Horai Island.


    "Let''s distribute these to each warehouse. And let''s make sure the doors are locked even tighter."


    "What?��What do you mean?


    Reinhardt did not seem to understand Jin''s suggestion.


    "Well, with all these thefts going on, it would be strange not to be vigilant, wouldn''t it?"


    "Oh, I see what you mean. Yes, it''s normal to be vigilant.


    "That''s what I mean. It would be meaningless if they think that there is some kind of trap.


    I understand. I''ll do that.


    This was Jin, who referred to the detective movies he had seen at the facility, as well as period drama "detective''s memoirs".


    * * * * * *


    A whole day passed, but nothing happened.


    "Well, did he give up?"


    "No, you shouldn''t make such a decision after a day or so. Let''s wait and see."


    Since Reinhardt had his daily duties during the day, Jin decided to go back to Horai Island and listen to Saki while Reinhardt was at his residence.


    "Hey Jin, I''ve almost finished analyzing the debris.


    "Oh, that''s convenient. Can you tell us about it?


    Of course. First of all, I suspect that a little more than half of the debris we collected was from the core of Pengolta''s satellite. Iron and nickel made up 72 percent of the metallic elements."


    "That''s rather useful."


    "Right?��I''d say ......, with the rest being 8 percent manganese, 6 percent vanadium, 3 percent molybdenum, and 2 percent chromium. . Rounded to the nearest whole number."


    All of these elements could be added to iron to make a high-performance alloy.


    "That''s good news."


    "That''s good news, isn''t it?��And then there was aluminum, titanium, magnesium, and lithium, each at a little less than 2 percent. The rest is gold, silver, platinum group metals, lead and zinc, one percent each.


    "I wonder if the distribution is different from Ars."


    Jin said and Saki nodded.


    "Something like that. The rest is calcium, potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, etc., at about 0.3 percent. And if we add the rest of the trace elements, it seems that most of the elements below uranium in the periodic table are present. No artificial radioactive elements, though."


    "Well, are there any radioactive elements that are not man-made ......?"


    Jin asked, a little concerned. Saki smiled and nodded.


    "Yes, there were about 0.001% uranium and radium. Of course, I didn''t check that myself.


    Jin patted his chest.


    "I''m relieved to hear that.


    He had been so engrossed in the analysis that he had been worried that he might have been exposed to radiation.


    "Well, thanks to you, I guess. I have stored those radioactive elements in a deep hole at a specific place on the moon.


    "Well, that''s a relief."


    If the metallic element system is probably a fragment of a satellite of <>, what about a fragment of <> Modenu?


    "There were many magic crystals among the debris of <>Modernu. There was also quite a bit of unibasium."


    This is also a useful resource.


    "I have decided to prioritize the purest ones for storage on the moon."


    "Yeah, that''s good."


    When Jin needs a large amount of materials, he can bring them from there. This means that he doesn''t have to use resources from Ars.


    In terms of mineral resources, we can assume that we now have more than enough for the next few hundred years.


    Now that the waste of free magic element (ether) has been eliminated, the future of Ars is bright in terms of resources.

 1432 - - 39-17 Rough events

    On the night of February 20, there was movement in the village of Kurtz.


    On the morning of the 21st.


    "Jin, last night, grain warehouse number 3 was hit."


    The four warehouses are numbered for easy identification.


    Number 3 is the northernmost of the four.


    "Okay, I got it."


    Jin immediately contacted the old man and moved to Horai Island with Reinhard.


    The old man had already started the pursuit.


    Once the location is identified, it''s time to use the peepers.


    "Oh, I see them."


    They''re at .......


    There are two golems that look somewhat old-fashioned, and they are carrying a lot of sacks of grain.


    "Oh, so there''s a golem," he said.


    "Well, that makes it easier to move around with the bags."


    Unaware that Jin and Reinhardt were watching them, the bandits continued northward through the forest.


    "Hmmm, that golem looks like something I''ve seen before. ......"


    Jin had such a feeling, but he could not remember where he had seen it.


    In the first place, it was a rather primitive structure, so he would not have had a chance to see it very often.


    "Well, maybe I''ll remember it when I see it in person."


    Jin reviews the video of the Peeper.


    There are five bandits. It seems that they are based on the north side of the forest.


    The bandits were apparently based in the north of the forest.


    "Okay, let''s go!"


    <


    The army consists of only two guards, a black knight, and five volunteers from the village.


    The rest will be assisted by Jin (his doppelganger) and Reiko.


    The location of the base had been determined by looking through a <>.


    We spent about two hours carefully approaching the base.


    The bandits had made good use of the small rocky hills that dotted the area to make their base.


    "There''s one guard," Reinhardt whispered.


    Reinhardt whispered.


    "Let''s take down the guard and then overrun the place at once."


    Knowing that there were only five bandits, it was easy to take control. Reinhardt gave the black knight (Schwarzliter) a spell and gave him instructions.


    Immediately afterwards, the Black Knight darts off at blinding speed, knocking the guard unconscious. <


    "Go, go!"


    As expected, Reinhardt cannot fight directly.


    The black knight (Schwarzlitter) leads the charge into the bandit stronghold, followed by two guards. The five village volunteers wait outside and secure any escaping bandits.


    Reinhardt and Jin put up a barrier and wait for the bandits to be overpowered.


    One of the bandits jumps out.


    "d*mn golem!


    At his words, a golem emerges from the shadow of a rocky hill, which is different from the bandit''s stronghold.


    The golem was not in the bandits'' stronghold, but hidden elsewhere.


    "Get back!"


    Reinhard shouts to the five volunteers in the village. They are no match for him.


    "Yes, sir!"


    Fortunately, the golem belonging to the bandit is slow-moving, and the five are able to get away without being injured.


    "<>!"


    After confirming that there were no allies around, Reinhardt took out his wand and fired a spell at the golem.


    The Flame Lance that he had fired at the Death Serpent with the potlocks landed on the Golem, blowing off its outer armor and melting the magical resin inside.


    Naturally, the golem is destroyed and stops moving.


    "I thought there was one more golem. ......"


    Reinhardt tilts his head. Then Reiko calls,


    "Mr. Reinhardt, the other one is in the base. The black knight (Schwarzlitter) has already defeated it.


    "Oh, I see. Thank you, Reiko.


    <


    Soon two black knights (Schwarzritter) come out with their arms bound.


    Two guards also come out, tying up one bandit.


    Thank you.


    Five bandits, including the guard. So we got ''em all.


    "Huh. ......"


    Reinhardt sighs.


    "We made it. ......"


    He knew there was no danger since Jin and Reiko were with him and they had the <>, but he was nervous since it was the first time he actually led such a <>.


    "This is also the work of a lord, you know."


    Reinhardt''s father, Wolfgang, had also actively participated in these types of attacks when he was younger.


    Reinhardt said that he had been taught that morale was different when a superior took the lead.


    "Well, I''ve learned that I''m not cut out for rough work."


    However, Reinhardt added that he would accompany the group if necessary, since there was a barrier.


    The five volunteers of the village and the black knight (Schwarzlitter) collect the grain that the bandits have stored up. Since little had been eaten yet, the loss was minimal.


    "That''s good for now. I''m going to report to my father now."


    The captured bandits are sent to Count Wolfgang Randall von Morgan, the lord who rules this area, in other words Reinhardt''s father, for punishment.


    After escorting the bandits with two guards and a black knight (Schwarzlitter), Reinhardt heads for his parents'' house for the first time in a long while.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    As Reinhardt went to his parents'' house, Jin also returned to Erza''s parents'' house.


    took off into the sky.


    "It seems that Reinhardt''s problem has now been solved.


    "Yes, father."


    In the cabin, Jin and Reiko are talking.


    Jin didn''t remember doing anything in particular, but he thought that having Horaijima as his backup must have made Reinhardt feel more secure.


    "But where did the bandit and the golem come from?"


    "Father, it seems that the old man who has been watching through his peepers has a guess."


    "I see."


    And then, they were already at Elsa''s parents'' house.


    "Brother Jin, welcome back. How was ......?"


    Erza greeted Jin and the others.


    "Yeah, we''ll talk inside.


    "Yeah, we''ll talk inside.


    So, Jin explained the circumstances over a cup of green tea in the living room of Elsa''s parents'' house, the Randalls'' house.


    "I''m glad the bandits were caught.


    Erza was also relieved.


    "We''ll be in trouble if they come to our territory."


    "Yes. I''ll leave it to Reinhardt''s father to deal with the bandits. And I see that the old man has guessed the bandit''s true identity or origin.


    "Yes."


    Reiko began to explain the details on behalf of the old man. Erza listened to her and understood.

 1433 - - 39-18 Reunion after a long time

    "That golem seems to be the earliest type of golem that the Unification Party (Unifiler) used experimentally in the past.


    "Oh, I see."


    The old man''s explanation through Reiko is clear.


    In terms of design, it was similar to the original golem of <><>, the guardian golem of the village of Kaina.


    "So that''s what I thought I had seen somewhere before."


    This made Jin feel better.


    "So, at least one of the bandits must be related to the Unification Party (Unifiler). Probably a low-level person who was in charge of the experiment."


    I see.


    And when the Unifiler disappeared, they started misbehaving with the golem that had been entrusted to them.


    "Oh, I see, that makes sense. Thank you, Reiko. Thank you, Reiko, and tell the old man I said thank you.


    Yes, Father.


    Jin praised the old man for his guess.


    When the Unification Party (Unifiler) became the Nostalgia Party (Nostalgia), the organization was reorganized and made healthy, but the reality is that they did not pay attention to the end of the organization.


    In the first place, the staffs at the bottom may not even know that they were being used by the Unification Party (Unifiler).


    They simply started to do whatever they wanted because they had not received instructions from the top for a long time.


    "I guess there are still like this."


    "......"


    Erza also looks a little worried, and her face is slightly furrowed.


    "I guess we''ll just have to catch them steadily."


    Of course, we need to get the old man and to cooperate with us and do something about it while as little damage as possible is done to the public.


    "......But when one thing is done, there is always an aftermath. ......"


    Jin realized this once again.


    They stayed the night and said goodbye to Elsa''s parents the next morning at .


    * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and his friends headed for the village of Kaina.


    <


    "Edgar, I''m sorry.


    I''ll send a replacement later.


    Edgar, the pilot, cannot come with them, so when Jin and the others arrive at Horaijima, Sky87 is sent as the pilot instead, and Edgar comes back to Horaijima in exchange.


    "Okay, let''s go then."


    "Okay, let''s go." "Yes."


    And the four of them headed for the village of Kaina.


    "Master, welcome to our village.


    As they exited the warp gate of Nido Castle, they were greeted by Butlers B and C, who were in charge of the group.


    This time, they used Nido Castle for their official visit.


    So, what''s going on?


    "Yes. The Raglan Trading Company''s carriage is scheduled to arrive in half a day.


    Butler B explained the situation.


    Butler B explains the situation. "The men who will be coming are Mr. Roland, Mr. Boote, and Mr. Raglan Eastwood.


    Butler C also explains the situation.


    "Raglan Eastwood, ......?"


    Yes, he''s the founder of the Raglan Company.


    I knew it. He''s that guy.


    Yes, he''s a very successful merchant who built up the Raglan Trading Company in his own lifetime. He gave up his position as a baronet to become a merchant.


    I had met him once before when I visited Alban.


    While Jin was asking him about other things as preliminary knowledge, he received a call from <>, the guardian head of Kaina village.


    I apologize for interrupting. My lady, the carriage of the Raglan Trading Company has just crossed the Togo Pass. It will arrive in about two hours.


    They must have made good time. They''re a little ahead of schedule.


    "All right. Keep an eye on them and make sure nothing happens to them.


    Yes, sir.


    "Speaking of which, what''s the head of the Raglan Trading Company coming to this village for?"


    Jin asked a simple question. Butler C answered.


    "Yes, we received a letter regarding that in advance.


    "Oh, you received it when we were at Erza''s parents'' house?


    Yes. It was not a particularly cordial letter, but on the contrary, a letter from a merchant, so we decided that it would be worse to delay our response. So, if you''ll excuse me, I checked the contents of ......."


    "You want to have a business meeting?"


    Jin anticipated the answer and spoke first. But Butler C denies it.


    "No, <>."


    "......"


    For a moment, Jin was taken aback, but when he thought about it, he realized that Raglan Eastwood was over 60 years old and that he would like to see how his lovely grandchildren were living if he did not have to work. I think.


    "Eric has sold us many things we need in the village, and we should welcome him.


    "Brother Jin, you should ...... be moderate, right?"


    Erza, seeing Jin''s face with a lot of energy, nailed him.


    "Oh ...... that''s right."


    Jin also understood what Erza was trying to say and relaxed his shoulders.


    "Well then, I''ll pick you up at the Ermee River.


    "Yes, that''s about right."


    < was in charge of safety.


    Hearing from < that the carriage of the Raglan Trading Company was approaching, Jin and Reiko got on the golem horse <> and rode out to the bank of the Herme River.


    The carriage was just about to cross the bridge.


    "Oh, Jin-san...... no, Jin-sama."


    Roland called out to Jin, who noticed and corrected him.


    "Mr. Roland, it''s been a long time. I myself haven''t changed at all, so please talk to me as you used to.


    Jin approached Roland with an attitude of not caring.


    "Oh, really?��Thank you very much."


    Raglan Eastwood then greeted him.


    "Jin-sama, it''s been a while since we last met. It''s been a while.


    It''s been a pleasure.


    "Did you know Mr. Boote?��He is the peddler who took over from me.


    Uh, I don''t believe we''ve had the pleasure. Nice to meet you, Mr. Boete.


    It''s my pleasure, Mr. Jin.


    Since further conversation was not to take place outside, Jin led the carriage to Nido Castle.


    "Well, well, it''s a great building, isn''t it?"


    Mr. Raglan, the chairman of the board of directors, looked up at Nido Castle and was impressed by it.


    "Then, please use this room.


    "Thank you, sir."


    Jin showed the group into Nidojo''s guest room, and inwardly exclaimed with pleasure that he could use this room for the first time in a long time.


    It was a good thing that he had built the room on the spur of the moment, but since not many guests came, he felt that he had wasted a bit of money.


    They greet each other again in the reception room.


    Over a cup of Perhia tea brewed by the golem maid, I asked her about her visit.


    "The main purpose of my visit is to see my grandchildren," she said.


    Jin smiled a little at his grandfather''s love for his grandchildren.


    "Besides, I''m still hoping to conclude a new business deal.


    This is Roland.


    He is now a mid-level executive.


    "Oh, and I have one more thing to report.


    Finally, Bote spoke up.

 1434 - - 39-19 Among the hot springs

    "Is this the report ......?"


    Curious, Jin leans forward a little,


    "Yes. "Actually, it has been decided to rebuild the road to Toka village.


    "That''s good."


    If the highway is improved, it will make it easier for people to come and go, and it will also lead to the development of the villages and towns along the highway.


    The concern is that the roads will be more easily trafficked out, leading to depopulation.


    However, since it is forbidden in the Kingdom of Klein for a family to migrate without the permission of the lord, there is no need to worry about the sudden depopulation of the area.


    However, this does not apply to the patriarch, the second and third sons other than the legitimate son, and the daughters.


    But I digress.


    "A month ago, an announcement was made that the road from Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, to the town of Charles was to be improved.


    Roland explains.


    "Her Royal Highness the Princess suggested that the road be extended to the village of Toka," explains Roland.


    Princess Rieschen?


    "Yes. ...... Kaina village belongs to the Kunlun Kingdom, so she said we should go as far as the village.


    "I see."


    The old man probably knew this, but Jin had not been told.


    "When it is completed, it will be easier for people to come here and Toka village will be developed.


    "I hope so."


    As for his concern about depopulation due to the exodus of people, this was not the time to mention it.


    After all was said and done, Jin decided to start over.


    "The sun is still high, what would you like to do?


    The time was 3:00 p.m.


    "Yes, I would like to visit my grandson''s store.


    "Yes, I would like to visit my grandson''s shop." "Yes, father-in-law, that would be nice.


    Grandfather and father agree.


    I would like to relax a little.


    Bote looked tired, as if he had been forced to play the role of a servant for a long time.


    "Then you can relax in your room, Mr. Bote. The golem maid will take care of you. ...... ruby 101, please."


    Yes, sir.


    And so, the Beauties relax in the castle of Nido. Roland and Raglan go to Eric''s store.


    Jin and Reiko show them around.


    "There''s not much snow, is there?"


    "No, it has snowed, but we''ve been doing a good job of clearing the snow.


    They also explained that the snow is stored in a snow room and used in the summer.


    "Ha ha, that''s a great idea.


    Roland was impressed and Raglan seemed impressed.


    "No, no, Jin-san, you have an amazing idea. You are indeed a magecraft master.


    "Ah, it''s the old man from the store!"


    The children in the village wave when they see the group.


    The children of the village of Kaina call Roland "Uncle Roland of the showroom.


    "Oh, Onii-chan!" he says. ...... and the peddler''s uncle."


    But Hanna doesn''t call him that any more, and calls him <>.


    "Hi Hanna. You know Mr. Roland, don''t you? This is Mr. Raglan. This is Eric''s father and grandfather."


    "Oh, yeah!"


    And..,


    "Well, Eric''s brother and Barbara''s sister are at the hot spring right now, right?"


    He gave me some information.


    "Oh, okay. Thank you."


    "Yeah."


    Jin turned to Roland and Raglan.


    "They''re at the hot springs. Would you like to go there?��Or do you want to wait for them to come out?"


    Roland answered immediately.


    Mr. Jin, please take my father-in-law to the hot spring.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin changed the destination and headed for the hot spring.


    There was no problem, as the hot spring had towels for the pretend guests.


    "Oh Jin, you have a visitor?��Oh, you must be Mr. Roland. It''s been a long time.


    "It''s been a while."


    At the entrance of the hot spring, I pass the woman who comes out of the room.


    "Barbara was there, I''m sure Eric will be there too.


    And with that he left.


    "Well, let''s go in."


    Roland had been in there before, but this was his first time in Raglan.


    "Oh, Reiko, I think Barbara is over there.


    "Yes, I''ll do that."


    "Yes, I understand," she said, so that Eric would not worry if she was running late.


    "Well, well, well."


    Raglan looked at the dressing room.


    "It''s spacious. And the ambience is nice.


    "Please use these towels. Then put your clothes in this basket and put them on the shelf.


    Kaina is a safe village, so it''s not a locker. It is just a shelf and a basket.


    However, the eyes of <> are shining here, too.


    Therefore, no one can steal or peek into the bathrooms.


    When they enter the bathhouse, they are met by several villagers and .......


    "Father!��And Grandpa!"


    There was Eric with a surprised look on his face.


    It''s been a long time, Eric. ...... Well, you look good. You look like a man."


    "What?"


    Raglan looks at Eric''s face in the bathtub and compliments him.


    "I wondered how you were doing since you''ve been on your own, but you seem to be doing well.


    "Uh-huh?"


    Eric is confused by his grandfather''s sudden appearance and praise without warning.


    "Eric, let''s have a nice talk when we get out of the hot spring."


    "Yeah, ...... dad."


    In contrast to his grandfather, Roland and Eric are having a quiet conversation.


    "...... who is that?"


    Rock, who had come to soak in the hot spring, asked Jin in a whisper.


    "You know Mr. Roland, don''t you? The other one is Eric''s grandfather.


    "Ah, you''ve come to see your grandson. And you also wanted to see your daughter-in-law, didn''t you?


    "That''s what I meant."


    Jin and Locke are in the bathtub, a little distance away from Eric and the others.


    "But that old man has a nice body. He''s not exactly a merchant.


    "He used to be a baronet. He may or may not have been in the army.


    That''s quite a resume. ......


    But when you''re not in business, you''re a grandson and a grandfather.


    "Well, I guess so. ......


    As they soaked in the hot spring, they talked about various things, which made me feel that they were a grandfather and a grandson, a father and a son, all connected by blood.


    Seeing this, Jin felt a little envious.

 1435 - - 39-20 What is a highway station?

    "...... I''m soaked."


    You''re an idiot.


    I''m sorry, Barbara.


    No, Father.


    I''m sorry.


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.


    Eric, Roland, and Raglan were all overturned after a long talk in the hot spring.


    Barbara is now taking care of them in the common room attached to the spa.


    <> or >>, it was Jin who dared to let Barbara take care of them here.


    He left it to Barbara.


    "Oh, I''m sorry.


    "I''m sorry, Barbara.


    Thank you very much for your help tonight, Mr. Jin.


    That night, Jin invited not only Roland, Raglan, and Beaute, but also Eric and Barbara to Nido Castle.


    The menu for the dinner was a Kaina village-style meal.


    Barley porridge, grilled river fish from the Erme River, stew with vegetables from the village, and smoked mountain deer.


    Tempura of wild vegetables, miso soup, and grilled rice balls were also served.


    The tea was perilla tea.


    However, the cooking and seasoning were Perido 101''s best work.


    This is delicious.


    The porridge and salted fish are seasoned with algae salt, not just salt, and the stew is also seasoned with dashi.


    The smoked fish was made only with aromatic query chips, and all the other dishes were also elaborately prepared in a way that could not be seen.


    Jin-san is involved in many things, isn''t he?


    "Yes, I am. Father, I have learned a lot from you.


    The nibs and rubber balls that were a hit product of the Raglan Trading Company in King''s Landing were now processed and sent out by Eric.


    "Well, well, Eric is growing up to be a magecraftsman as well.


    Raglan is so good-natured that it makes me wonder if he changes so much when he leaves the business .......


    "So, what Mr. Bote was saying about the roads..."


    Jin unusually took the liberty of broaching the subject with Bote. He was sitting at the end of the table, looking self-conscious, but chewing his meal with relish.


    "Whoa!


    Bote choked on his food in his panic at being talked to.


    "Gee, gee, gee!"


    Roland and Raglan looked at him and held their heads.


    "Well, you know... ......"


    After a while, Bote calmed down and began to speak in halting tones.


    In short, the road construction was to be carried out as a public works project of the Kingdom of Klein.


    As a first step, or the first phase of the project, the area from Alban, the capital, to the town of Charles was targeted.


    The first phase of the project was from the capital, Alban, to the town of Charles,


    The public works project was also a public works project.


    Furthermore, he said that this public works project would be funded not only by the state, but also by donations from merchants, in exchange for a reduced tax for a certain period of time.


    "Our Raglan Chamber of Commerce has donated 3 million TL (approx. 30 million yen) to the project, Our tax rate will be reduced to half for the next three years.


    Roland explained the last part.


    "So, we would like to make a big deal during the three years when taxes are low."


    Bote added.


    "Oh, no!"


    "Ow!"


    A fist-bump to the head of Bote, who had just exposed all of his secrets in a moment of honesty.


    That''s why they say you''re not cut out to be a merchant.


    I''m sorry. ......


    "Oh, come on, Roland. You''ve got nothing to hide from Mr. Jin. I''m sure you don''t have anything to hide from Mr. Jin."


    "That''s true, but if you don''t educate them at a time like this, they won''t learn."


    While Raglan was in his grandfatherly mode, Roland, his son-in-law, was not neglecting the education of his men even at a time like this.


    "Well, where were we? ...... Oh, you were talking about building a road to the village of Toka, weren''t you?"


    Roland took over and resumed his explanation.


    "The village of Kaina is Jin-san''s territory, so he can''t do anything he wants, so it looks like they''re going to reestablish the road up to the village of Toka.


    "I see."


    "The main thing that needs to be done is to smooth out the unevenness of the road and widen the road in some places.


    "...... I see."


    Then we''ll replace the old bridges, and that''s about it.


    "I understand."


    Jin thought that in a world without pavement technology, maintenance would be limited to that level.


    Cobblestone pavement would be out of the budget, and asphalt pavement would be too expensive to transport from Mitsuho, far to the west.


    We will have to make do with just paving the ground.


    "...... At the very least, why don''t they build a <>?"


    Roland bites back the words that Jin whispered in his ear.


    "Jin-san, what is a "Kaido no eki"?"


    "Oh, I''m sorry. Uh, it''s a free rest area set up at strategic points along the road, I guess.


    "Free ......?"


    As a merchant, the word "free" seems to catch his attention. Jin immediately realized this.


    "Yes. "Yes. We''ll make it easy to use and attract many travelers. That''s where we''ll set up store."


    "I see!"


    That''s a good idea!


    Not only Roland but also Raglan jumped on board.


    "By making the rest stop free of charge, we will attract more travelers. It would be a good way to advertise, especially if we put some local products there. Of course, there must be local products.


    "That''s wonderful!"


    Roland, a merchant by nature, and the others seemed to realize the potential of what Jin was talking about.


    "Water is free, but food and medicine are charged ......"


    "Information on the roads would also be ......"


    "I''ll let the state do that for me. ......


    "We could also set up a cafeteria and a simple accommodation ......."


    Jin laughed as the two of them immediately began discussing the matter.


    "Dad, Grandpa, you''re being rude!"


    Eric, who couldn''t help but notice them, warned them.


    "Oh, oh, I''m sorry."


    "...... Jin-san, I''m sorry."


    Although he was addressing Frank, Jin was a lord. Roland and Raglan apologized for their impoliteness. Jin laughed and forgave them.


    "That''s all right. "But could you make such a proposal to your country?"


    "No, I think it would be better if you make your own proposal to the kingdom.


    Yes, that is correct.


    ...... is that the way it should be?


    Jin didn''t want to go through the trouble, but he had a lot of acquaintances in the Kingdom of Klein, so this time he had no choice but to do the heavy lifting.


    "Then, I''ll take Hannah with me. ......"


    It was Jin who decided to go to Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein.

 1436 - - 39-21 To the Kingdom of Klein

    Having decided to go to the Kingdom of Klein, Jin started preparations the next day.


    Of course, he would use .


    He is accompanied by Elsa and Hannah. Edgar is of course the pilot, and of course Reiko is with him.


    "Maybe we should ask Licia to join us. ...... Elsa, what do you think?"


    "Yes, I think it''s a good idea."


    The plan is to take the road to Toka village, and Kaina village will have to suffer some changes if that is the case.


    Licia is also a member of the Jin family, so we don''t have a choice but not to inform them, Erza said.


    "Okay," Elsa said. <


    The old man will be in charge of the contact. We leave tomorrow, February 24th.


    Until then, Roland and Raglan are to enjoy the village of Kaina to the fullest.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Thank you for the invitation, Jin-san!��Hannah-chan, Erza-san, it''s been a long time!


    Licia, long time no see!


    Licia-san, long time no see.


    As scheduled, in the afternoon of the 24th, landed at Toka village and picked up Licia.


    "I know it was short notice, but did you get the job done?"


    Jin asks after all this time.


    "Yes, it''s the off-season and there''s not much paperwork to do.


    Licia replied with a smile.


    "Yes, you are flying ......."


    "I''ve learned that there are still many things in this world that amaze me at my age. ......"


    "......"


    Roland and Raglan are looking out the window of and remain excited. Bote is silently biting at the window.


    In case you were wondering, the carriage they rode in was the one that Jin had promised to deliver them safely using the golem.


    arrives at Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, without even going full speed. They headed directly for the landing bed of the royal castle.


    "Jin-san, are we with you?


    Roland, a civilian, shouted impatiently.


    "Oh, that''s right. What should we do?


    Now that the balloonists of the Klein Kingdom have identified as such and are leading the way, we can''t just land anywhere else.


    "We''ll have to explain the situation and ask you to leave the landing pad. ......"


    "Well, that''s the only way. ......"


    Roland''s shoulders slumped,


    "Well, do you still know him?"


    Raglan, a former baronet and former military man, was unconcerned.


    And then, the landed.


    The first to land is the squire, Reiko.


    "Oh, Reiko!��Long time no see!


    Princess Rieschen, it''s been a long time!


    Princess Rieschen herself greeted Jin.


    Jin and Elsa came out next.


    "Her Highness Princess Rieschen, it has been a long time."


    "Jin, it''s been a while. I''m glad to see that Elsa is doing well.


    Your Highness, it''s a pleasure to see you again.


    You''re stiff. Well, I guess that''s just the way it is in this situation.


    Your Highness, excuse me.


    Oh, you said your name is ...... Licia. You were with Jin?


    Yes, I am.


    Licia shrinks back in fear,


    "Good. I''ll treat you as a friend of Jin''s today.


    "Thank you very much."


    Then Hannah said.


    "Princess, it''s been a long time!"


    Oh, Hannah!��You''ve grown up a bit!


    Princess Rieschen jumped up and hugged Hannah.


    "Welcome! You can relax now, can''t you?"


    "Yes, I have some matters to discuss with you, once I''m done."


    "Mm-hmm, I''m looking forward to it."


    Princess Rieschen nods in a good mood.


    And then.


    "Your Royal Highness, it''s a pleasure to meet you for the first time. My name is Raglan Eastwood, former baronet and vice-captain of the 3rd garrison.


    Raglan......Eastwood............Oh, I''ve heard of you. You''re the second-in-command of a unit that once served in the conflict with the Kingdom of Franz!


    I''m ashamed to admit it, sir.


    Jin, who was standing next to him, was surprised, because he had no idea that Raglan Eastwood had such a background.


    "Is that your family beside me?"


    I am Roland, your daughter-in-law, and Eric, your grandson.


    My name is Roland.


    Eric.


    Roland is calm on the surface. Eric, in a slightly hushed voice, saluted each of them.


    "And over there is your servant, Bote."


    "My name is Beaute."


    Raglan Eastwood said the closing words.


    "And now, please, make your acquaintance."


    A salute.


    "Well, the Raglan Trading Company has done a great job of popularizing the pump. I look forward to working with you in the future.


    Thank you very much.


    * * * * * *


    After the greeting on the tarmac, the members of the Raglan Trading Company were allowed to return to their stores.


    Jin and his party, including Edgar, were then taken to the reception room of the royal castle.


    "First of all,...... it''s been a long time, Jin!��......Speak easy now!"


    "......Yes, long time no see, Rhys."


    Princess Rieschen nodded her head in satisfaction when she heard them call her that.


    Then the natives congratulated them on their engagement.


    "And now, congratulations on your engagement. Ries, congratulations on your engagement.


    Congratulations!


    Congratulations!


    Congratulations, sister!


    Mm-hmm, thank you, guys.


    I brought you some tea.


    Then Tia comes in with tea.


    "Ms. Jin, Ms. Elsa, Ms. Licia, Ms. Hannah, Mr. Reiko, Mr. Edgar, welcome!


    Tia, how are you?


    "Yes, I''m as good as ever."


    Yes, I''m doing well. - That''s good to hear.


    So, what can I do for you today?


    Princess Rieschen asked over a cup of tea.


    "I heard from the Raglan merchants about the road improvement project.


    "Oh, that''s a good story. That''s good news, isn''t it?"


    Public works projects like this were being undertaken in many countries in order to create jobs and stimulate the economy.


    The construction of the monorail in the Kingdom of Cerroa was for the same purpose.


    "Since then, more plans have been made. This is a good opportunity to hear the opinions of the Djinn.


    Princess Rieschen then spoke.

 1437 - - 39-22 Meeting

    Princess Rieschen explained the plan of the road improvement as follows.


    The roads that extend from Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, are to be built one after another.


    First, the road to Toka village (in the direction of Kaina village) will be built.


    The road to the Kingdom of Egelea was built.


    The road to the Kingdom of Franz is to be improved.


    The first of the maintenance is to make the width of the road more than 4 meters, so that carriages can pass each other easily.


    The second task is to reduce the unevenness of the road as much as possible and increase the speed of carriage travel by 30%.


    "What do you think of ......?"


    "Basically, I think it''s good."


    Hitoshi said honestly.


    "Mm-hmm. How about ......?"


    Princess Rieschen smiled, "Basically," she asked, "what do you mean by that note?


    "I know very little about politics and I don''t want to talk about it. "I know little about politics and I don''t want to talk about it, so I''ll give you my opinion from another angle.


    Jin then decided to speak his mind.


    "First, we need to make it easier to use the roads. Second, we should promote the development of each town. I think we should incorporate these two things."


    "Well?��What exactly?


    "I''ve talked to the Raglan Chamber of Commerce a bit, but I think we should build a <>."


    "A highway station?"


    Here Jin gave the same explanation to Princess Rieschen that he had given to Raglan and the others.


    "Hmm. So you want to set up a free rest area for the convenience of travelers, and at the same time, you want to set up facilities and stores for a fee, so that you can make a profit. That''s quite a plan!"


    The idea seems to be well received by Princess Rieschen.


    "However, it would be difficult to incorporate this into the budget. ......"


    The Kingdom of Klein is in the midst of financial difficulties. Rieschen was understandably worried.


    "I''ll have to talk to the merchants and get them to come up with a budget. ......


    As we know from talking to Raglan and Roland, the merchants are also interested in this idea.


    It was thought that many merchants would be willing to invest in the project if they were given preferential treatment, such as being allowed to open stores when the project was completed.


    "And then, about the facilities and equipment. Water and toilets. I think I can help with that.


    "Yes, I''ll be counting on you!��Of course, I will thank you.


    "Now all we need is some ....... I hope there is a cheaper way.


    Pavement not only makes it easier for carriages and other vehicles to drive on, but also prevents the road from becoming muddy after a rainfall.


    "That''s something we''ll have to work on in the future. Thank you, Jin!"


    Rieschen made a note on a piece of paper and handed it to Tia.


    "Keep it with you."


    "Yes, Princess."


    "Well."


    Princess Rieschen turned to Jin and the others again.


    "Enough of this complicated talk," she said.


    Princess Rieschen smiled.


    "Tell me all about it!"


    They talk over the lunch brought to them.


    In the Kingdom of Klein, lunch is eaten in a convivial atmosphere, and the conversation is lively.


    "Last time, the survey team led by Gloria came back, but we felt that we were not strong enough. < was formed, she would be glad to join and be trained by them.


    Jin had heard this through the old man.


    "Oh, Gloria-san, I''m sure you''ll make a great leader.


    At this point, Elsa said something.


    "Isn''t Gloria going to get married?


    To this Princess Rieschen replied,


    "Well, she is a knight of the Kingsguard. I''m sure there are many troublesome things to deal with.


    "Yes, as a knight of the Kingsguard, you are privy to a lot of the country''s secrets.


    Licia used to be a knight of the guard. She is familiar with the situation.


    "I think it''s in the knight''s code that if you want to get married, you have to apply for it two years in advance.


    "What, there is such a thing?


    Jin was neither surprised nor amazed when he heard this.


    "It depends on the country. The Shoro Imperial Army doesn''t have that kind of restrictions.


    Her brother Fritz was a military man, so Elsa knew a little about that.


    "When he came home, he told me many stories about his time in the army."


    "What about that too?"


    "Of course, I don''t tell him anything confidential. Besides, my father was a soldier too.


    Yes, that''s true.


    Jin thought that the father and the son must have talked about such things.


    In response to such a topic, Jin asked,


    "Hmmm...I wonder how the <> would feel about workplace marriage..."


    Jin started to think about it.


    "Well, well, let''s talk about it some other time.


    Princess Rieschen looked at Jin thoughtfully and said in a flustered voice, "Brother Jin, what do you think about this?


    "Brother Jin, come back here."


    "...... Oh, I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I got lost in thought. It''s a bad habit of mine.


    "Never mind. ...... Well, tomorrow we''re going to have a debriefing session on the archaeological site.


    "Yeah, sure."


    "That would be great. You can stay at the castle today.


    Yes.


    It was good that they agreed to stay the night, but it was 1:30 in the afternoon, and there was still plenty of time left.


    "Gin, will you accompany me to the castle?"


    "Yes?


    "Yes?" "This is what is called a ninja. Normally Gloria comes with me, but she''s busy preparing for tomorrow.


    Well, does His Majesty the King ...... know about this?


    "Of course."


    Jin is a little relieved to know that he is not going to sneak out of the castle unannounced like in the historical dramas on TV.


    "Well, you mean me, Elsa, Licia, Hannah, Reiko, Edgar, and Tia will be accompanying you?


    There are eight of us. I don''t think that''s a bit too many people.


    Jin-san, that''s normal for a high ranking nobleman.


    Licia explains,


    "Then what''s the point of being a guest of honor?


    I denied it.


    "Hmm?��Jin, what do you mean by that?"


    Princess Rieschen looked at me as if she didn''t understand.


    "Before that, what''s the purpose of this little escapade of yours?


    Jin asked, "Is it just to relax, or is it to actually see how the people live?


    "I''d like to say that I want to ...... see how the people live, but I can''t deny that I also want to relax ......."


    Jin smiled at the honest answer.


    "Then I think you should hide your identity. Even if they are not royalty, ordinary people will change their attitude when they are dealing with high ranking nobles."


    "Mmmmm ...... that''s how it is?"


    Licia explained.


    "That''s right, Your Highness. I myself have hardly any attitude change among the townspeople, but if you are a person who is instantly recognizable as an aristocrat, everyone will be put off by it.


    "Is that so? ......"


    "Perhaps, when His Highness went out of town, he was accompanied by an escort or a warning was sent to the town beforehand.


    "Umm...... that is undeniable."


    Princess Rieschen seemed to have a lot on her mind and turned her head.


    "Well, this time let''s do some real <."


    Jin said with a mischievous smile.

 1438 - - 39-23 Stealing 1

    <, Jin tried to disguise himself as Princess Rieschen.


    "First of all, I want you to dress as simply as possible."


    "Hmm."


    "Let''s try braiding her hair, shall we?"


    "Oh, so you and Hannah have the same hair color."


    And we''ll temporarily change the color of her hair.


    "Oh, that''s interesting."


    And then there''s the tone of voice. Can''t you speak like Hannah?


    "I think I can do it. ...... think I can do it."


    I think so.


    Jin himself changes from his robes to his regular clothes. Elsa and Licia do the same.


    Hannah is left in her normal attire, as she is going out.


    Jin himself has a free pass for his companions as well, so he has no problem leaving the castle with the princess in this state.


    "Now, how can I explain this large number of people? ......"


    A large group of ordinary people. No doubt they would stand out once they got out of town.


    "Brother Jin, why don''t you talk to Mr. Roland?"


    "Oh, that''s a good idea.


    The Raglan Trading Company would be familiar with the town and would have a good face. And if we assume that he is guiding guests from far away, it will not be so strange to have this many people.


    "That''s a great idea!


    Hannah agreed.


    "Now we need to temporarily change the color of Tia''s blue hair as well.


    The disguise was thus completed.


    Jin and the others greeted the guards and left the castle, whereupon the soldiers tilted their heads when they saw Princess Rieschen in disguise.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The location of the Raglan Trading Company was soon discovered thanks to Reiko''s inquiry to the old man, and the group was able to go there without making a mistake.


    "I see...so that''s how it is."


    Roland immediately led the group to a reception room in the back and listened to Jin''s explanation in silence, but when he had finished listening to it all, he bowed to Princess Rieschen and tapped his chest.


    "Leave it to me. ...... will you wait here for a moment?"


    With that he went to the back and came back in about a minute.


    I have received permission from the chairman of the board of trade. Is there anywhere you would like to go?"


    At this question, Jin looked at Princess Rieschen''s face.


    "Yes, ...... well, any place with a lot of people is ...... fine."


    Princess Rieschen still looks a little uncomfortable, but she tries very hard to change her tone.


    "Yes, from now on you can all call me Ries ......."


    Jin and Elsa had been calling her Ries when they were not on official business, but she wanted Roland and Licia to start calling her that as well.


    "Yes, big sister Rys!"


    "Yes, Mr. Reese. Let''s go."


    Thus, Jin and the others left the Raglan Trading Company together.


    "The most crowded place is the central street. Our third branch has recently opened on Chuo-dori, so let''s head there. It is about a 15-minute walk.


    "Oh, that''s a good ......."


    Princess Rieschen...... Ries is walking slowly, looking around, but no one complains.


    "The town seems to be ...... different today, doesn''t it?"


    I guess they had been informed that the princess was usually out of town, even on her own time.


    Today she is not doing so, so we can see the town as it really is.


    "Everyone seems to be having fun ....... That''s a good ...... thing."


    It''s funny because I can tell that he''s still getting used to the tone of voice.


    "Oh, sister Reese, there''s an interesting store over there!"


    Hannah is walking hand in hand with Ries, and she pulls him towards the store she found.


    "Which one is it?��......How, this is ......."


    Jin and the others followed a little later.


    The store seemed to have been recently opened, and its design was innovative.


    "Wow, a store of knick-knacks."


    The shop was crammed with ornaments, wall hangings, and framed pictures.


    All of them seem to be for the general public and of modest quality.


    Elsa is looking around with Licia and Edgar, Jin with Reiko, and Reese with Hannah and Tia.


    Roland was watching them from a distance.


    "This is so cute!"


    And then, Elsa found something.


    "It''s so cute."


    Licia''s face breaks into a smile. It was a mascot doll.


    It seemed to be made of ceramics, and was a deformed figurine of a horse. There were also a cat, a fox, a rabbit, and what looked like a deer.


    "Oh, this is a nice ......."


    "Yeah, it''s cute!"


    Meanwhile, Rhys and Hannah also found dolls. These dolls are like bisque dolls and seem to have more or less movable joints.


    "Can you make one, Onii-chan?"


    Hannah turned around and called Jin.


    "Here ...... is a cute one. Do you want one?"


    "Yes,......."


    "Straw......, I want one too."


    , Jin realized that he had no money on hand.


    He usually doesn''t carry much, and this time he didn''t intend to go shopping.


    <, he could use the warp gate to get some money.


    "I can do that," Roland offered.


    Roland offered. It seems that the chairman of the merchant association has entrusted the money to me in case of such an eventuality. Such shrewdness is typical of a merchant.


    "Mm-hmm. ......"


    But Reese was reluctant.


    As royalty, he is not comfortable accepting such help from a merchant.


    "Master Rhys, you can borrow it for now, but you will pay me back later.


    Tia advised Reese.


    "Oh ......, yes, that''s right."


    Thus, Roland replaced the money and Rhys got the doll.


    "Was Hannah OK?"


    Jin asked, and Hanna nodded her head. What was the reason?


    "Because I''ll have my sister make it for me later."


    She said, "I''ll have my nanny make it for me later. ......


    Jin smiled and accepted the offer.


    After that, the group left the restaurant and headed back to Chuo-dori.

 1439 - - 39-24 Stealing 2

    "So this is Central Avenue ......."


    Reese muttered as he looked around.


    "It''s more lively ...... than before, or rather more cluttered ......."


    "Ah, I guess they took care of it ."


    Jin imagined that at least the bad characters had been removed.


    "This is what people''s lives are ...... like, isn''t it?"


    "That''s what I mean."


    Now, on Elsa''s advice, Licia is leaning in close to Reese to explain. The idea is that Licia, who has a family home in Alban, is the right person for the job.


    "It''s a complicated place, for better or worse.


    I see.


    At that moment, Roland, who was watching over Reese and his family, was lightly confronted by someone.


    He was a young man of about 20 years old. Roland was almost knocked off his luggage, a doll that Reese had bought for him.


    "Oh, excuse me."


    "No, it''s nothing."


    Roland, who barely managed to avoid dropping the doll, looked away, but someone grabbed him by the shoulder and stopped him.


    "Wait a minute, sir."


    "What the hell?"


    Please give me back what you just took.


    It was Tia.


    "What are you talking about?��What are you trying to do to me?


    I''ll let you off the hook right now.


    But the man seemed to think she was easy to deal with.


    "Are you kidding me?��You think you can get away with this?��What?"


    But Tia remained calm.


    Then what is this?


    In a blindingly fast motion, she pulled out a wallet from the man''s pocket.


    "Oh, you son of a b*tc*!��That''s my ......."


    "This is Mr. Roland''s wallet."


    You got proof?


    He''s not gonna take this kind of crap.


    The guards must have heard the commotion.


    "What''s all this racket?"


    "Oh, sir."


    "Hm?" "Hm?��It''s Cabrera, isn''t it? What''s going on?


    The pickpocket''s name is Cabrera.


    They''re the ones who tried to kill us!


    "What?"


    The guard stared at Jin and the others.


    "No, sir. This Cabrera has stolen Mr. Roland''s wallet.


    "So you have proof?


    The guard interrupts.


    "Okay, okay. But this is a busy street. Can you come to the guard station?��I''ll hold on to this wallet until then.


    The wallet in Cabrera''s hand is now in the guard''s hands. There was no way he could refuse.


    "...... is fine."


    Jin nodded, though he had a feeling that there was going to be a commotion. Erza and Licia also nodded. Rhys and Hannah nodded, too. Reiko and Edgar naturally followed.


    Tia and Roland, who were involved in this project, would not refuse. Cabrera nodded his head, and the group headed for the nearby packing house.


    On the way, Rhys asked Jin in a whisper.


    (Hey Jin, I think we should just let each of them tell us what''s in their wallets before we check them.)


    (Yeah, I think that would work too. (Maybe ......)


    ��Maybe?)


    (No, maybe I''m just imagining things, so I''ll come back a little later. (......, look, there''s a stuffing station.)


    (Okay. ......)


    The group arrived at the station at the north end of the central street. From there, the royal castle is in sight.


    Licia, who had a bad feeling about this, casually and quietly left the group and headed for the castle.


    "Now, let''s listen to what you have to say.


    The room was about 6 tatami mats in size, with a square table about 1 meter square in the center.


    The guard pushed Jin and the others toward the back of the room and stood blocking the entrance.


    "As I told you earlier, this man ...... Cabrera bumped into Mr. Roland, and while he was bumping into him, he pulled out his wallet."


    "No!��No! There''s no proof.


    "Well, let''s see if there''s any evidence in the wallet."


    The guard threw the contents of his wallet on the table.


    "Oh, ......."


    Reese lets out a short, guttural sound at the sudden barbarity of the situation.


    "Hmm, 10 gold coins, 25 silver coins, and 12 copper coins. There''s nothing else in the bag that can be used to identify the owner.


    "What are you suddenly doing? If you had asked each of us to tell you how much money was in the bag, you would have been able to identify the owner.


    Tia protests, but the guards are having none of it. But...


    "...... What is this?"


    Edgar quickly pulled out a small piece of leather paper from the guard''s left pocket.


    "Oh, what are you doing?


    "That''s our line, sir."


    Edgar took out the receipt that he had received when he had just bought the doll to pay for it later.


    "This is the receipt that Mr. Reese received when he bought the doll at the store that sells knick-knacks. You were quietly pulling this out of your wallet, weren''t you?��I saw it.


    "What are you talking about?"


    The guard is furious.


    I don''t know anything about this stuff. ...... haha, you''re trying to trick me by making it look like you''re out of my pocket, aren''t you?"


    What the hell are you talking about?


    "Look, Ledda''s husband. They''re all in on it.


    Cabrera is getting excited.


    "Yes, I guess so."


    By this time, Jin had pulled Erza and Hannah close to him, with Edgar and Reiko in front of them.


    And by this point, even the naive Princess Ries-Rieschen could see what was going on.


    "Don''t be a fool. You''re the ones who are in on it."


    What?


    What are you talking about, you little b*tc*?


    Guards Lederer and Cabrera looked down on Princess Rieschen from above.


    "What is this about our own guards? Who is your boss?"


    What?��What is a little girl talking about?��How dare you talk to a member of the Klein Kingdom''s guard?


    Princess Rieschen let out a sigh.


    "It''s pathetic. Are there still people like this in our country? ......"


    The guard became more and more arrogant.


    "If you keep talking to me like I''m a child, I''m going to have to ask you to stay the night, okay?"


    The guard pointed with his chin to a holding cell at the back of the jail.


    Then...


    "Idiot!


    Lederer''s face was punched off with a yell.


    "No!"


    "Mister!"


    Cabrera, who didn''t know what had happened, was also hit and fell on her ass.


    "Oh, Jessica!"


    Standing there is Jessica Norton, captain of the Kingsguard.


    Behind her was Licia Faarheit.

 1440 - - 39-25 Stealing 3

    "It''s ......, Jessica!"


    Jessica Norton is a famous face and name.


    Not only because she is the captain of the Kingsguard Ladies, but also because she is a <> fire mage.


    It is said that recently, her fire magic, which was too good and out of control, is getting better.


    Aside from that, when he saw Jessica''s face, Lederer''s face was cramped up and he seemed to have forgotten the pain of the beating.


    In the first place, it is rare for the captain of the Kingsguard to show his face at a guardhouse in a town like this.


    Behind her, there are not only Licia but also about five other Kingsguard members.


    "So, what brings you to this place, Miss Jessica?


    She is acting very suspicious.


    "Yes, I''ve heard that one of your acquaintances has been the subject of some unspoken suspicion.


    "Oh, the princess... ......?"


    It''s the princess.


    Princess ...... Princess Rieschen?


    There''s no other princess now, is there?


    "A princess?��Here?"


    Lederer''s face is pale.


    "Yes. ...... Hey, where are you going?"


    "Oh no!"


    Jessica caught Cabrera by the collar as he was trying to sneak away and tossed him into the stuffy room.


    "Well, Princess, so much for sneaking around."


    She then bowed respectfully to Reese.


    One look at her and one would think that she would know who the "Princess" was.


    "What!��This guy ...... is the princess!


    Yes. Yes. <


    Forgive me!


    Lederer gets down on his knees.


    "No, I don''t blame you for saying that without knowing I was your mistress."


    Oh, ......!


    But I can''t overlook the fact that you obviously protected a criminal and tried to incriminate an innocent person.


    Oh, ......!


    Take Lederer Maoe and Cabrera into custody.


    Yes, sir.


    Lederer and Cabrera were taken away by four Kingsguard.


    The remaining Kingsguard is to take temporary charge of the station until a replacement arrives.


    "Thank you, Jessica, for your hard work. Lysia, you have been very attentive.


    Princess Rieschen thanked Jessica and Licia.


    "Thank you very much."


    Licia bowed her head in gratitude.


    "Princess, would you like to go back?"


    Jessica said a little reluctantly.


    Before they knew it, it was around four o''clock in the afternoon, and the sky was beginning to darken as the days were still short.


    "Yes, okay. ...... Well, Jessica, do you have the money?"


    What?��...... Yes, if you have some.


    "Can I borrow a gold coin for a moment, to return it when I get back to the castle?��Roland there bought me a doll.


    Is that what you mean? I understand. ...... Roland, the princess has been indebted to you."


    I thanked him and handed him a gold coin. The cost of the doll was about 980 dollars, which was more than ten times the price of the doll.


    "For showing you around and for the trouble you''ve caused. Thank you for all you have done for me today.


    "Thank you, I am very happy."


    Roland thanked him and accepted the gold coins. He decided to keep it as a souvenir.


    They left Roland there, and Jin and his friends returned to the royal castle.


    Jin," he said, "I''m so sorry.


    Jin, I really learned a lot today.


    "I''m glad to hear that."


    Jin and his friends were relaxing in the reception room.


    "That''s the real face of the town. ......


    "I don''t think pickpocketing is rampant, okay?��Don''t get that wrong, okay?"


    "Yes, I know. But some of the guards are not very good. ......


    "I''m sure today''s excursion was worth it just for you to know that, princess."


    Tia narrowed her eyes.


    "Well, yes,...... I learned a lot today."


    With that, Princess Rieschen took out the doll she had bought.


    She rifles off the wrapping paper and .......


    "Aaahhh!


    She screams and sighs.


    "Oh, it''s broken. ......"


    The doll''s body was broken, as if it was made of brittle material.


    "Oh, that time..."


    The only time I can think of is when the pickpocket Cabrera ran into Roland with the doll.


    "......"


    "Which one?"


    Jin held out his hand to Rhys, who looked sad.


    "Oh, oh!��Yes, Jin!��You''re going to fix it?


    "I can''t stand by and watch you make that kind of face!"


    Jin examines the broken doll with a slightly playful look on his face.


    "It''s not ceramic, but dry clay with paint on it. No wonder it''s so fragile."


    After confirming the material, Jin joins the broken body together by hand,


    "<>"


    He joined them together with engineering magic.


    "Okay, let''s make this part a little more like this. ......<>"


    After fine-tuning, they are joined. And then..,


    "<>"


    and voila, it''s done.


    "Here, it''s fixed."


    "Oh, thank you, Jin!"


    "That''s great, princess!"


    Hannah looks happy too.


    Reiko, Edgar, and Tia are also smiling. Even though they are just dolls, they must be happy that Jin has repaired them.


    After that day, they took a bath.


    Princess Rieschen, Hannah, Licia, and Elsa went to the bathroom together.


    Jin asked Edgar to take Reiko to the bathroom with him, since he could not take Reiko in the bath with him.


    Incidentally, Reiko followed Elsa instead.


    The bathroom in the royal castle was also spacious enough for a relaxing bath, though not as spacious as the one in Horaijima.


    Then, Jin and Princess Rieschen alone had dinner.


    After dinner, we had a chat and went to bed.

 1441 - - 39-26 Report Meeting

    February 25th is the debriefing of Gloria and her research team.


    Before the debriefing, Jessica came to Jin and his group''s room.


    "Good morning.


    "Good morning. Is something wrong?


    "No, not really. I just wanted to finish up yesterday before the debriefing.


    Oh, I see.


    Yesterday''s conclusion, that is, the interrogation of the pickpocket, Cabrera, and the security guard, Lederer, who was in league with him, and his treatment.


    The two confessed to all the other crimes they had committed as soon as the interrogation began.


    "Eleven more like yesterday...Both men will be sent to the mine."


    < and be sent to the Pygmold mine, one of the most remote mines in the country.


    "We would like to compensate the residents who caused us trouble, but we don''t know their names, so we have to let them go," he says regretfully.


    With that regretful remark, Jessica returned.


    "First of all, I''m glad to hear that... ......?"


    "Yes."


    The time passed, and finally the debriefing was to begin.


    The king, prime minister, and other ministers, the heads of knighthoods and other high-ranking military officers, and the lords of the various regions gathered in the large conference room.


    Jin and Erza attended as guests of honor, and Licia participated as a lord of Toka village.


    From outside of Japan, William Hex Sard, Minister of the Interior of the Kingdom of Egelea, our closest friend, was attending as a guest of honor, as was Jin.


    The Prime Minister, who was the facilitator of the meeting, announced, "The time has come for the debriefing.


    The Prime Minister, who was the facilitator, announced this, and Gloria, who was the leader of the survey team, stood up.


    I am Gloria Allstadt, the leader of this survey team.


    She bowed and began her presentation.


    We have been reexamining the Botsuffa site," she said. ...... Yes, the ruins that were attacked last year by a monster called <>."


    There was a brief flurry of activity in the conference room.


    "First, we observed the site carefully from the air, and after confirming that there were no abnormalities, we landed. We have set up a detection ward and encamped.


    There was a collective gasp from the crowd. They know that Gloria was seriously injured in the same place.


    They are surprised that she was able to visit and camp again without being traumatized by the past events.


    "This time we did not encounter any wild animals and I think we were able to conduct our research in a calm and peaceful way. However ......"


    He explains that a large part of the site had been destroyed by the previous disturbance, and that he had not found anything of interest in other areas.


    "The only thing that can be called an achievement is a stone tablet."


    Pascoe Rush, sitting next to Gloria, walked over and removed the cloth that had been hanging from it in the corner of the conference room.


    "Oh!"


    A small voice rose.


    It was not just a stone slab with words engraved on it, but it had been <>.


    As you can see, half of it is text and the other half is a picture. I thought it would be best not to make any judgments about what this means, so I had it brought here."


    "Well, does anyone know anything about this?"


    When the Prime Minister said this, everyone inclined their heads in unison.


    Jin knew about it because he had received a report from the old man, but he could not hide his surprise when he saw the actual thing.


    The picture on the stone tablet was a picture of an airplane. It was shaped like a .


    The fuselage is painted green and the Japanese flag is painted on it.


    However, it is rather sketchy and is at the level of a child''s drawing, if I may say so.


    (I am sure that it is related to Shuki Tsezi, the << wise man (magus) >>.)


    But since it is an incomplete picture and I could not explain it, I have decided to keep my mouth shut.


    "...... This must be another ancient magi-machine. It''s a very deep thing.


    Gloria began to explain again when someone muttered something.


    "I spent a lot of time looking for it, but I couldn''t find anything else. This investigation has made me realize how inadequate I am.


    Gloria looks truly disappointed.


    "I sincerely hope that experts in this kind of archaeological research will grow up. That''s all I have to say.


    Gloria bowed and took her seat.


    "Well, thank you. Now we will hear a few words from the other participants. Let''s start with Pascoe Rush.


    "Yes, sir."


    Pascoe Rush stands up next to Gloria. He looks a little nervous.


    "Pa, my name is Pascoe Rush. I''ve been selected to be a member of the archaeological survey team, and I''ve never seen or heard of anything like this before.


    He seems not a little, but a lot nervous.


    "Well, under such circumstances, I think that Captain Gloria''s instructions and judgment were appropriate. I am inexperienced, so I was in charge of safety confirmation rather than site investigation, but I realized that I should have been more competent.


    After that, the participants continued to present their impressions rather than reports.


    "If there is a next time, I would like to be of more help. That is all."


    Pascoe bowed and sat down to a warm round of applause.


    "And you, Tiffany Baldacci, would you like to join us?


    "Yes."


    Tiffany, the healer from the survey team, stood up and began to speak.


    "No one was injured during this investigation because Captain Gloria''s instructions were appropriate. So there was no need for me as a healer.


    He did not have to heal, which is something to be happy about.


    "In my opinion, after having seen the entire survey, I think that it is better to have one of the so-called experts accompany you to investigate these unknown sites. That is all."


    Tiffany bowed and sat down.


    "Thank you. Now that we have heard the report, I would like to turn the floor over to the question and answer session. Gloria, is that all right?


    "Yes."


    "Yes. Okay, let me start with a question. Did you notice anything about flying in the sky?


    The Prime Minister is indeed a facilitator. It was an item that Gloria and the others had failed to report.


    "Yes, we failed to report it. I am sorry."


    Gloria, as the captain, apologized on behalf of the group and began to answer.


    "The advantages of traveling by air ...... are that it takes less time, there is no danger of wild beasts and monsters, and the terrain is easier to understand. Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages, such as the difficulty in understanding the vegetation and creatures along the way.


    "I see. Well said. I see. ...... Anyone else have any questions?


    Okay, I''ll go first.


    Jin raised his hand and the Prime Minister looked a little surprised.


    "Oh, Jin-dono, come in."


    "Yes, then. I would like to hear your evaluation of the airship through ...... this survey. Please give me your honest opinion.


    "Well, as the creator of the airship, it is only natural. As is expected of you, Mr. Jin, you are full of ambition.


    "I''ll go first. I have no complaints about the speed of ...... movement. I have no complaints about its usefulness either. I only wish it could carry more people.


    The helium-fuelled levitation of the boat inevitably limits its payload capacity. Jin knew that.


    I see. Thank you very much. I will use it as a reference for my next work.


    However, the is already not helium-powered.


    "May I join you?"


    "Yes, by all means."


    Tiffany raised her hand and began to speak.


    "The ride was very comfortable. I would like to add one luxury: it shook when it was windy. No one was hurt, but some people got motion sickness.


    "I see. Thank you very much. It is an improvement in stability, isn''t it?


    Incidentally, it was Pascoe Rush who got motion sickness, blushing and looking down.


    "Well then, Mister Pascoe, is there anything I can do for you?"


    Jin pointed water at the prone Pascoe.


    "Uh, well, let''s see... ......"


    Pascoe opened his mouth in a manner as if he was trying to get a good look at Jin.


    "I think it would be ...... more secure if you could cover the ground from the air."


    "Does that mean you want us to carry weapons?"


    Yes. ......


    I see. I see. I will take that into consideration. Thank you very much.


    That was the end of the questions from Mr. Jin.


    After that, a few more questions and answers were exchanged, and the day''s debriefing session was over.


    Thank you very much.


    "You have given us a lot of useful information, haven''t you?


    The main points of improvement for helium-based airships are to improve their stability and buoyancy.


    As for weapons, Jin thought that for the time being, he would like to leave the matter to other countries.

 1442 - - 39-27 Request

    After the debriefing, Jin and the others were stopped by the Prime Minister and Princess Rieschen.


    "Mister Jin, may I have a word?"


    "Yes, what is it?"


    Without any reason to refuse, Jin and the others were taken to another room ......, a small conference room.


    "Did you know that the Kingdom of Egelea also sent a survey team to investigate the ruins?


    "Yes, I have heard about it.


    "Yes, I have heard about it. So, the Kingdom of Egelea is also going to hold a debriefing session, would you be interested?


    Jin, who was beginning to get the drift of what was going on, said, "Yes, I am interested,


    "Yes, I am.


    The Prime Minister''s face broke into a smile when he heard this.


    A smile appeared on the Prime Minister''s face when he heard this.


    "I see. In that case, I have a favor to ask you: ......."


    The Prime Minister''s request was that Princess Rieschen, Tia, and Harvey Sotos Flegrode, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology, would be taken to the Kingdom of Egelea.


    They said they would only need to go there.


    "At the speed of <>, it would be possible.


    Of course, there is enough room in terms of capacity.


    "Then, please do it!��Of course, I''ll thank you."


    "Yes, of course. So when does it start?


    The day after tomorrow.


    Then we can leave tomorrow morning and be there in time.


    Yes. I''d like that very much.


    Jin wanted to know what the survey team from the Kingdom of Egelea had found, and since he knew some people there, he gladly accepted the offer.


    "Oh, and Lysia Faarheit. You may accompany her."


    The Prime Minister gave Licia permission to accompany him.


    "Oh, thank you!"


    The Prime Minister knew that Licia and Mrs. Jin were close friends, so he gave his permission.


    "Will this be an official visit?"


    "No, it''s just that we''re going to take advantage of your , so it doesn''t matter who Jin-dono brings with him to the Kingdom of Egelea."


    The Prime Minister, anticipating Jin''s desire to take Hannah with him, explained. The Prime Minister explained, "I will ask her to go with him because he is going to the Kingdom of Egelea.


    "I understand."


    Jin agreed. The only question is where to send them.


    "I heard that <> can come and go freely to the royal castle of each country, so I would like you to send them to the royal castle.


    Since that was also known, Jin agreed.


    "Yes, sir."


    At this point Princess Rieschen smiled happily.


    "Jin, please take care of her!"


    Princess Rieschen was also looking forward to visiting the Kingdom of Egelea with her fianc��, Prince Ernest.


    So it was decided that Jin, Elsa, Hannah, Licia, Reiko, Edgar, and the others would go to the Kingdom of Egelea with Princess Rieschen and Undersecretary Harvey of the Ministry of Magic and Technology.


    I''ve never been to the Kingdom of Egelea before. I''m so excited!"


    Hannah looks happy.


    Jin wanted to take this opportunity to show Hannah a country she had never been to before, so it was the perfect time for him to do so.


    "I wonder if I can go, too. ......"


    Licia, on the other hand, was a little reserved.


    "The Prime Minister said it would be fine. The rest is just business in Toka village."


    "......That''s because we don''t have much work to do now, and Fred has learned to do a lot of it."


    "Fred, that soldier boy, right?"


    "Yes, that''s right. I think he''s better suited for clerical work and I''m thinking of officially making him a secretary in the near future.


    "Really?"


    Sometimes people have unexpected talents that they are not even aware of.


    Attending an educational institution is a way to increase the chances of discovering such talents.


    "Licia was better suited to be a rescue knight than a knight, and Erza had a hidden talent for engineering magic.


    The most surprising is Hannah, but Jin says.


    "Thanks to you."


    Hannah answered with a little bit of a smile.


    That night, Jin''s group stayed at the Royal Castle of the Kingdom of Klein.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well then, Mr. Kunlun, take good care of my daughter, will you?


    "Yes, I''ll take good care of her.


    The next day, Jin and his team were preparing to leave for the Kingdom of Egelea by .


    Then King Alois III appeared, accompanied by Princess Rieschen. Tia was also with them.


    A little later came Harvey, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology.


    "Take care, Jin-dono! "Go ahead, Your Highness."


    "Yes, thank you, sir."


    "Yes, I''m off."


    With these words from the Prime Minister, Jin, Princess Rieschen, and Tia boarded the ship. Elsa and Hannah are already on board.


    "Licia, you take care of yourself."


    Yes, sir!


    Licia gets on board too, and finally Reiko bows and gets on board, closing the hatch.


    Then the aircraft slowly begins to ascend. It gradually gained altitude.


    After a few minutes, it completely disappears from the sight of those who are watching it.


    * * * * * *


    "Oh, it''s flying!


    Most excited is Harvey, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology.


    He is 170 centimeters and 65 kilograms, which is the standard build in this world, with brown hair and brown eyes. Brown hair and brown eyes.


    According to his age, he is 35 years old. According to the prime minister, he was quite capable.


    "Mister Jin, I have only been in one of our airships once, but it was so much more stable. Is there some secret?��...... Oh, I probably shouldn''t have asked this."


    He seemed to be a rather busy character, asking Jin various questions in a somewhat excited manner, and then taking them back himself.


    "Harvey, calm down a little."


    Princess Rieschen even said to him.


    Yes, I''m sorry.


    "It''s true, I never get tired of the view from the sky no matter how many times I fly. Especially when they are made by gin.


    Princess Rieschen says as she looks down through the floor window. is flying at an altitude of 3,000 meters at about 100 kilometers per hour. Clouds occasionally drift below.


    The distance from Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, to Asund, the capital of the Kingdom of Egeria, is about 300 kilometers, which takes about three hours.


    The departure time from Alban is around 8:00 a.m., which means that they will arrive at the destination by 11:00 a.m.


    The <> should have been informed of its destination by the <>, so there is no need to worry about anyone being caught in mid-air.


    Before that, there is no way that they could have mistaken for him.


    Jin and his group arrived at Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea, at 11:00 a.m. as planned.


    They were greeted by a hot-air balloon of the Kingdom of Egelea, and led by the , they landed at a special airfield in the courtyard of the royal castle.

 1443 - - 39-28 In Asund, the capital.

    "Gin!��Rhys!"


    At the royal castle of Egelea, the third prince Ernesto also greeted the group.


    "Your Highness, it''s been a long time.


    "It''s good to see you again, Gin."


    Prince Ernest looks a little mature. He has grown to about 170 centimeters in height.


    Jin thought to himself, "I was 15 years old this year.


    "Mr. Nest!"


    "Welcome, Mr. Rhys!"


    Prince Ernest smiled at Princess Rieschen, but his face was the same as before.


    "Harvey Sotos Flegrode, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology, welcome!"


    But his attitude towards Harvey is that of royalty.


    He speaks to Jin in the same frank tone he used to use.


    Jin, please stay at the royal castle. We have a lot to talk about.


    <. Jin knew that.


    If he wanted to visit the castle town in secret, he could just come here through the warp gate.


    "Thank you very much.


    Since there were many knights and soldiers in the room besides Prince Ernest, Jin used honorifics.


    "Princess Rieschen and her party please come this way. Prince Jin''s group is this way."


    The one who appeared to guide Jin and the others was Lyanna, the leader of the second group of the Royal Secret Maids. She is an excellent maid who will soon be working for .


    "Hi Lyanna, I''m looking forward to working with you.


    "Yes, it''s nice to meet you too.


    "Well then, Jin, Elsa, Hannah, Licia, Leco, Edgar, see you later.


    Calling everyone by name, Princess Rieschen was escorted out with Undersecretary Harvey of the Ministry of Magic and Technology.


    "This room is yours."


    "Thank you."


    Jin and the others were shown to a large living room with four adjoining bedrooms.


    One of them was a double room, two were singles, and the other was a twin room.


    It seemed to be a guest room for a large family.


    A couple would have a double room, and if they had a small child, they would have a twin room with a nanny.


    Of course, Jin and Elsa were to have a double room, and Hanna and Licia were to have a single room each.


    Since we do not plan to stay for a long period of time, we do not have much luggage. If they need more luggage, they can have it sent from Horai Island.


    "Would you like to have lunch?


    It was almost noon.


    "Shall I have it brought to your room?"


    Jin nodded to Lyanna''s words.


    "Yes, please do."


    Lunch had been prepared according to Jin''s taste.


    "We''ve been adding a lot to the menu lately.


    Lianna said smiling as she brought the food.


    "Since Jin-sama''s guests came back, they have become very particular about the taste, and for a while the kitchen was in turmoil.


    "Did I do something wrong?"


    But Leanna laughed and shook her head.


    "No, everyone says it''s a good thing that people are becoming more conscious about food. Even the head chef himself.


    "That''s all right then."


    "Come on, let''s eat!"


    Since Jin didn''t touch it, Erza and Hannah had to leave it alone.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. ...... Bon app��tit."


    "Bon app��tit!"


    "Oh, it''s delicious."


    Elsa ate a barley porridge.


    It was quite good, with a hint of salt, spices and herbs.


    "This is delicious!"


    Hannah is eating pasta-like noodles.


    Butter and pepper, with a hint of herbs, give the noodles a simple yet tasty flavor.


    "Yes, it''s cooked well."


    Jin tried the grilled fish and liked the seasoning. He was more impressed by the fact that the fish had not yet cooled down.


    When grilled fish gets cold, it becomes tough and tasteless.


    "Oh, this fish is delicious!


    Hannah also liked the grilled fish. It was also made with butter, salt and pepper, but more than that, it was a fish from the sea, which was very unusual for Hannah, who was from the Kingdom of Klein.


    "It''s true, it''s delicious.


    Licia also seemed to like the grilled fish.


    "Are herbs abundant in the Kingdom of Egelea?"


    Elsa asked Jin as she ate.


    "No. ...... don''t you know more than Elsa?"


    "I don''t remember much."


    At this point Lyanna explains.


    "Well, you see, in the last half year or so, cooking with herbs has started to become popular, and this year we started to use them in the royal castle.


    "Oh, I see."


    I wondered who was behind it, but the answer came from an unexpected source.


    "(Deneb 10, Irina from the 5th row (quinta))".


    Reiko''s voice sounded so clear that only Jin could hear it.


    "(As a young landlady of a restaurant in the town, Deneb 10 heard from the old man and went to various places)".


    The fifth column (Quinta) is scattered in various countries, not only gathering information but also contributing to the community.


    In this case, it is to improve the diet.


    The most important reason seems to be for the time when Jin visits us like this.


    Thanks for the food.


    "Thank you for the food, it was delicious!"


    "Thank you for the food!" "Thank you for the food!"


    "It was delicious. Thank you for the food.


    After finishing their meal, Jin and the others drink Taeye, a specialty of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    The tea leaves used in the royal castle were of the highest quality, and the aroma and taste were exceptional.


    "How would you like to spend your afternoon?


    Lyanna asked after setting down the dishes.


    "Well, ...... tomorrow we will have a debriefing on the archaeological site, so I would like to go sightseeing around the castle today.


    "In that case, I''ll accompany you ...... no, I''ll show you around."


    Neither Jin nor Erza, nor Licia and Hannah, were familiar with the capital city of Asunto, so they were grateful for this offer.


    If it had been just Jin and the others, we would have asked Mira 1 and Mabel from the fifth row (Quinta).


    "Then I will ask them.


    "Yes, I will. Could you please wait for about 5 minutes while I go to my supervisor to say no?


    "Yes, I''ll get ready to go out in the meantime.


    Thus, Jin and his friends decided to visit Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea, with Lyanna as their guide.

 1444 - - 39-29 Watching Asund

    This is the main street.


    "Wow, this is great!"


    The central street of Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea, is as wide as a 10-lane road in modern Japan.


    There was a ceremonial sidewalk in the center, and trees were planted on both sides, a little like the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine in Kamakura, or danzura, for example.


    This part of the street is used by the nobles and above when they go to or leave the royal castle, and it is usually closed.


    After receiving such explanation from Lyanna, Jin and his group had started to visit Asunto.


    "How about a clothing store?


    Jin asked, thinking of Elsa, Hannah, and Licia''s interest, and Leanna immediately replied.


    "Yes, I do. This way."


    The group was led to a store in a prime location on Chuo Dori.


    "Wow. ......".


    The design of the Egelea Kingdom is somewhat different from that of the Shoro and Klein Kingdoms.


    Compared to the function-oriented Shoro Kingdom and the climate-oriented Klein Kingdom, which are more concerned with protection from the cold, the designs of the Egelea Kingdom are more open and ornate.


    Erza, Hannah, and Licia were excited to pick up and try on blouses and jackets.


    Jin, on the other hand, could understand the excitement of the women, but it was a little hard for him to stay with them until the end.


    So he quietly told Lyanna,


    ��"Is there any magic store nearby?)


    ("Is there a magic shop nearby?").


    ��She replied, "Yes, there is.)


    ) He left the rest to Leanna and Edgar, and quietly slipped out of the store. He was accompanied only by Reiko.


    "Oh, I''m not good at this."


    "Hmm, I guess your father doesn''t like that kind of restaurant after all.


    Reiko smiles and says to Jin. She''s in a good mood since it''s been a while since they''ve been alone together.


    "This is the place.


    The store is quite magnificent. It''s even better than the Raglan Trading Company in the Kingdom of Klein.


    The store is about the size of two school classrooms, and half of the shelves are used for displaying goods.


    When Jin entered the store, he found about 10 customers. Half of them were accompanied by a clerk, who was explaining the products to them.


    A clerk came up to Jin, but he declined, saying that he wanted to take his time to look around the store.


    "Well, you have a pretty good selection.


    The store was divided into sections for weapons, accessories, daily necessities, hobbies, etc., and each section displayed several to a dozen different kinds of goods.


    "Oh, there''s a refrigerator here, too.


    Jin approached a familiar magical tool.


    "This must have been made by Beena.


    It seems to have come from the Blue Lands. It has the mark of Bina''s work on it.


    Jin thought that the economic situation in the Blue Lands was not so bad, since they were supplying such magic tools to the capital city. Of course, he could not be sure of this on his own.


    "Father, it looks like this one was also made by Ms. Beena.


    "Let''s see. ...... Oh, this one..."


    It''s a water heater. It was made by Jin when he and Beena were developing something to sell at the stalls in the Blue Lands.


    But what you see before you is much more sophisticated.


    Instead of a vat, it was a <> ceramic jar that was simply sealed to prevent dust and debris from entering and to improve thermal efficiency.


    "Haha, a heating element is built into the bottom of the jar and baked?"


    If we use a heat-resistant plate, it can certainly withstand the baking temperature of ceramics.


    "Bina must be working hard too."


    < recently, Jin did not know that they had developed such a magical tool.


    "It would be nice to live with everyone in the <>, but ...... that''s a dream. It''s not realistic."


    Everyone has their own life.


    "We have warp gates and manacams.


    Jin reminded himself that he would always be able to contact them if he needed to.


    "Father, let''s take a look over there too.


    Perhaps she was concerned about Jin''s feelings, Reiko invited him to the accessory corner.


    "Hmm............huh............"


    Since this was not her area of expertise in a sense, Jin forgot about his depression and looked at the items with great interest.


    "It''s a magical tool, so it seems to have various effects.


    The brooch had a very slight magical effect.


    (It seems to prevent motion sickness, at least with this on.)


    Jin is a little impressed by the idea.


    (But with this quality, the effect will wear off within two years. ......)


    (But with this quality, the effect will wear off within two years.) The magic crystal attached to the brooch will only last once the free magic element (ether) inside it is depleted.


    (I would configure it so that it is activated only when necessary.)


    However, there was no one but Jin who could have written such a detailed description, so it had ended up as a rough magic tool like this.


    "This is a weapon. A dagger."


    It is not a weapons shop, so it seems to have only a dagger as a magical tool.


    "This is ...... eh?"


    Jin < and the dagger, which activates > magic.


    (The same level as the <> that Bina was carrying when we met her, or ....... Maybe the maker is the same.)


    ) Nevertheless, Jin did not understand the meaning of having a paralyzing effect on a dagger that could kill.


    "Father, if it paralyzes the opponent even if it only grazes him, it would make sense, wouldn''t it?"


    Reiko advised in a whisper.


    "Yes, indeed. Thank you, Reiko. I feel much better now."


    As Reiko had guessed, the paralyzing effect is triggered just by grazing or touching them, so these swords and spears with paralyzing effects are surprisingly useful.


    Jin and Reiko then went to the hobby corner.


    "Oh, this place is interesting.


    A place filled with the most miscellaneous, the most messy goods.


    "But it''s not magic tools, is it?"


    It really is just a hobby corner.


    "Dolls, stuffed animals, and what''s this ......?"


    There were several things that looked like faces painted on eggshells. The colors are colorful and seem to be for children.


    "That''s a , isn''t it?"


    "Oh, Lyanna."


    I noticed that Elsa, Hannah, and Licia had arrived as well.


    "We put sweets in the eggshells and give them to small children. Recently, I''ve heard that there are more and more lovers who put rings and other things mixed in with the sweets."


    "Hehe ......"


    Jin wondered if it was a custom like in the modern earth. Well, Jin was not familiar with Easter eggs.


    "Jin, this is interesting.


    Erza seemed to have found something.


    "Oh, these are so cute!"


    A little further away, Hannah is also picking up something from the display.


    "Wow, this is nice!"


    And Licia, too. .......


    Jin smiles at the sudden bustle of activity around him, but he feels happy that he is not alone.

 1445 - - 39-30 Report Meeting in the Kingdom of Egerea

    In the end, Jin and his friends returned to the castle with a mountain of shopping after visiting Asunto until the evening.


    Reiko and Edgar carried their luggage.


    "I had a good time. Thank you, Jin-bro.


    "Thank you for buying so many things for us, Onii-chan!


    "Jin-san, am I allowed to go to ......?"


    Jin, who had bought Erza, Hannah, and Licia each something that they liked, was quite content in his own way.


    He had only bought a few things for people in his life, with the exception of a small child in an institution.


    Before that, he did not have the financial resources to go shopping.


    As a matter of fact, Lyanna had told him that all the purchases would be paid for by the Kingdom of Egelea, but he had refused her offer and paid out of his own pocket.


    "It''s nice not only to make something, but also to buy something for someone like this. ...... The person who bought it seems happy."


    Jin was relaxing in his room, feeling a bit out of focus.


    Elsa and the others unwrapped the items they had bought and looked around sullenly at them as if they were <>.


    "When I picked it up at the store, it was still a product of the store, but now it''s mine, or ......."


    Thinking about this, Jin takes a sip of the tea (taeye) that Reiko made for him.


    Leanna is now reporting for her outing.


    Soon it was time for dinner.


    Jin, what are you doing here?


    "Jin, it was so boring that I couldn''t make it to the last .


    "Me too."


    Dinner was served in the small dining room of the castle, with Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen in attendance.


    Even though it is called a small dining room, it is luxuriously decorated as if it were for royalty and guests.


    <> sounds like an amazing place. ...... Did Lyanna go there?��That''s nice."


    "Thank you.


    Lyanna, Kate, Lisa, and others had accompanied King Egelea and his attendants to the last World Congress.


    "I''d love to go there next time!"


    "Master Nest, a world congress is not a place for fun and games.


    "I know."


    Prince Ernest, who was making innocent remarks, was rebuked by Princess Rieschen, who was sitting next to him, but the dinner went on peacefully.


    "Tomorrow, the debriefing will start at 9:00 p.m."


    Lianna told Jin and the others when they returned to their rooms.


    "Will breakfast be served around 7:30 a.m.?


    "Yes, that''s fine.


    Since Jin and the others were all early risers, 6:00 a.m. would not be a problem.


    I''ll be with you the rest of the way, so please leave Lyanna-san alone.


    Reiko said, and Leanna bowed and left the room.


    "Well, it''s still early for bed, let''s play a game or something.


    "Yes!"


    Jin suggested, and Hannah was the first to agree.


    "I brought a small Sugoroku (a Japanese traditional Japanese game of Sugoroku) with me."


    Jin took out a set of Sugoroku from his baggage.


    The Kingdom of Egelea is known for its Sugoroku. Jin remembered the <>.


    At that time, he had enjoyed playing Sugoroku by drawing squares on the table to pass the time.


    "Well, is this called Sugoroku?"


    A set of Sugoroku board, pieces and dice.


    "Yes. Is this Licia''s first time?


    Yes, it is.


    "Licia, honey, the rules are easy!"


    Hannah explained to Licia how to play.


    "I see, I understand. Thank you, Hannah!


    Licia seemed to agree, so Jin finally decided to begin.


    "First, let''s decide the order.


    The order is decided by rolling the dice.


    Erza, Hitoshi, Licia, and Hannah are chosen in that order.


    Reiko and Edgar, let''s do it too.


    "Are you sure?"


    "Yes, father."


    Since all they had to do was roll the dice, the conditions for Reiko and Edgar were the same as for Jin and the others.


    "Oh, one break."


    "Wow, back five."


    "Yay, I''m back!"


    Jin and the others enjoy playing Sugoroku with the six of them.


    The night of the Kingdom of Egelea is over.


    * * * *


    The next day, Jin had breakfast at 7:30 a.m. as scheduled and moved to the main conference room at 8:30 a.m. where the debriefing session was held.


    Incidentally, although he almost stayed up late playing Sugoroku, he was able to get a good night''s sleep thanks to the admonition from Reiko and Edgar.


    However, Hannah and Licia could not be present this time, and Elsa did not feel the need to attend, so only Jin and Reiko were present.


    The large conference room was about the size of six standard school classrooms.


    There was a large table in the center of the room with seats around it.


    Some people had already taken their seats.


    "Oh, Mr. Jin, it''s been a long time.


    The person who called out to me was the Prime Minister, the Marquis Boyd Norse Galuelli.


    "<>, thank you for all you did for me the other day," said King Harold of Egelea.


    said Harold Ruan Autoclase, King of Egelea.


    The third prince Ernest sat next to him, and the princess Rieschen sat next to him. Jin waved back in the same manner and took his seat.


    Jin was looking forward to this debriefing session.


    He knew that there were still some facilities in the basement, but he did not know what they were because he had left the investigation to the survey team that had visited the site.


    The attendees gathered little by little and the debriefing session started at 9:00 a.m. on time.


    The briefing will begin at 9:00 a.m. on time.


    The facilitator was Mr. William Hex Sard, Minister of the Interior.


    Rapporteur, please begin.


    Yes. My name is Paule Raid. I''m Paule Raid. I''m the captain of the 3rd knighthood. I''ve been asked to lead this expedition.


    Paule Raid bowed and began his report.


    "We have set our sights on the ruins of Soldrake. These ruins are the place where Giga-Ant was once trapped.


    Pohl gives a brief account of the former events and the devastation.


    His explanation was specific and precise, and all who heard it were reminded of the devastation of that time.


    However, he skipped over the problems with the survey team from the Kingdom of Cerroa.


    The relationship between the two countries is completely different now than it was then,


    "......, but this time nothing happened at all. With great care, we went inside the ruins, little by little, to investigate. And ......."


    Paule Raid finally began to talk about the results of his investigation of the ruins.

 1446 - - 39-31 Report Meeting No. 1

    Inside the ruins, nothing seemed to have changed since my last visit.


    Some of us breathed a sigh of relief at Paule Raid''s words.


    "As you may have guessed, no giant ants have appeared since then, so we were able to conduct our investigation with peace of mind. Of course, we are not letting our guard down. We are always thinking about all possible contingencies."


    Everyone is listening intently.


    But then a voice came up.


    "I''m sorry. I believe you said earlier that <>.


    "My apologies. I will explain about that in the next few minutes and continue with my report.


    Paule Raid bowed and continued.


    "The members of the survey team thought that such large ruins could not have simply contained giant ants.


    And this was the same thought in the home kingdom of Egelea.


    "After two full days of investigation with no results, we put our heads together and discussed the possibility of changing our minds.


    As Jin listened to the explanation, he wondered in a corner of his mind if this chronological explanation, as if he were reading a diary, was a characteristic of the knight.


    And it is correct. It is customary for a knight, or at least a knight of the Kingdom of Egelea, to give his report in the style of a diary.


    "The conclusion was that there must be some clues in a different place from the cave where the giant ants were sealed up.


    Jin thought that was a correct inference. There was no way that they would put any materials in the place where the GIGANTH was sealed.


    It is also hard to imagine a place too far away from the Giant Ants. It would make less sense to put the materials there.


    "Then we searched for two whole days again. Just when I was about to think that it would not work again, one of the members of the team came up with a funny story. One of the men found something strange."


    Everyone listened without coughing. Jin knew what it was because the old man had told him.


    It was a magi crystal polished into a perfect sphere. ......The meaning of making a sphere of magi crystal is, as some of you may know, one is a control core for golems, etc., and the other is a control core for magic tools such as a paralyzing wand (stun rod). The other is the core of magic tools such as a paralyzing staff (stun rod).


    Actually, as far as Jin knows, there are two more. One is to use it as the pole of a barrier-generating magical tool, and the other is to use it as the detection part of a magic detector (magi radar).


    In both cases, it is polished into a perfect sphere in order to emit a ray of magic power with the same intensity in all directions.


    "In any case, the discovery of artificially polished magical crystals (magicrystals) means that there are artifacts hidden nearby. We searched the entire area under the setting sky.


    The old man had told Jin about the area.


    "And before it was dark, we found a hollow buried in the ground.


    There were shouts of "Oh," from everywhere.


    "We were afraid to excavate in the dark of night, so we decided to call it a day and started excavation early the next day.


    Then the wait was over.


    "Wait a minute. You said you found a hollow in the ground.


    It was Defense Minister Jude asked the question.


    "I beg your pardon. ...... We had a long spear-shaped sonde and used it to pierce the ground. As a result, we found a cavity about 1.5 meters deep in the ground."


    Jin thought this made sense. He had not heard about this point from the old man in detail.


    According to the whole story, the sonde was a magical tool with an earth magic < on the tip of its long stick.


    <


    (You got the reference, didn''t you?).


    For example, if you put this effect on the tip of an arrow, you can make an arrow that can penetrate most things.


    "......We had confirmed that there was nothing dangerous inside through the hole we had made earlier, so we all set to work excavating. After about three hours, we were able to excavate the desired cavity."


    Jin stops thinking and concentrates on listening again.


    "It was originally a one-story or semi-subterranean building. We don''t know if it was buried in the ground over the years, or if it was buried to contain the giant ants.


    His listeners are intrigued.


    "The inside of the building where they were buried was cleaner than I expected. It was probably because it was sealed up."


    The building has seen the light of day for the first time in hundreds of years.


    "There were some documents inside. There are some documents in there about the threat of giant ants and the installation of golems.


    A voice said, "Oh, I see.


    "I''ll leave the details to the specialized department, but I''ll give you a rough idea of what it''s about. It seems that ...... giant ants are a mutant species of giant ants (mega-ants).


    Jin and the others were aware of this.


    "Giant ants (mega-ants) have become gigantic for some reason and have become ferocious ......, and these are called giant ants (giga-ants)."


    Jin and others believe that this lies in too much free magic element (ether).


    The mana produced in excess in the cells causes in humans, while in the case of mega-ants, it seems to encourage them to grow even larger.


    Jin and his colleagues thought that most of the creatures called "demons" were caused by the uneven distribution of free magical elements (ether).


    "This demon appeared from the depths of the mine, causing damage, but was contained and a golem was placed to hold it down. In addition, they piled up a large number of magical crystals (magi crystals), which act as attractants, to prevent the giant ants (gigantic ants) from going elsewhere, in order to prevent them from making holes in other areas and entering the ground."


    The large number of Magi Crystals found in front of the building had such a meaning.


    "I should have said that the giant ants crawled out, but I said that they were contained, because I read this record.


    Paule Raid offered an additional explanation.


    "The golem, as you know, was to counter the giant ants that crawled out. And the document seems to have written about the golem.


    Pohl closed this section by saying that he could not go into details about the golem.


    He then gave a brief report on his return,


    "That concludes my report," he said.


    The meeting ended with the words, "That concludes my report.


    Any questions?


    The facilitator, William Hex Sard, looked around the room and said, "Any questions?


    First, a man who looked like a knight raised his hand.


    "Here you go."


    "Yes. ...... I know you went to the ruins on foot before, but this time you did it from the air. How did you find your destination?"


    A good question, Jin thought. Jin and his team could use < and observation satellites <>, but how did they do it?


    "I was going to report on this point separately, but I think it''s a good time to explain it now. ...... As you say, the way you know where you are on the ground is different from the way you know where you are in the air. In other words, it is very difficult to know your location in the air. In a town, you can use a conspicuous building as a target, but in an unknown land or over an unchanging forest, it is not so easy.


    "Hmm."


    "So we used the compass on board the airship to determine our direction and to set up landmarks along the way. The landmarks were made of <><><<<>, etc., and were worked or marked in such a way that they could be recognized."


    Jin recalled stories of lumberjacks and others who went through the forest and carved machetes into the trunks of trees to mark their paths.


    "It took a long time, but we couldn''t think of any other way to do it now. ......"


    "Okay. Thank you."


    This should have been the same when we sailed on the open sea.


    <


    However, the art of navigation is still in its infancy.


    Just as lighthouses are useful for sea routes, Jin thought it would be good to have such a < for air routes as well.


    "What kind of materials were the walls and floor of the buried room made of?"


    Another person asked.


    "Yes. We are not experts, so we don''t know, but they were relatively soft stones."


    Jin knew about the stone. <.


    This stone was found in many places in the former Leonid Kingdom and was widely used because it was easy to process.


    So,


    "Is this the same kind of stone used in the potrocks of Elias Kingdom?


    I advised him.


    "Oh, yes. I have been there and I think it is the same. Thank you for your advice.


    The facilitator, the Minister of the Interior, thanked Jin briefly and continued.


    "Are there any other questions?"


    A mature man who appeared to be a technical expert raised his hand and opened his mouth.


    "Are you going to announce any details about the golem?


    "We will announce it this afternoon.


    Listening to this exchange, Jin remembered the man''s name.


    ��Jade Nephroy, as he recalled. <, or something like that.)


    I had talked with him for a while at Duke Bruu''s place, so I vaguely remembered him.


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    Jade Nephroy sat down with a really happy face.


    After a few more questions and answers, the morning session came to an end when all the topics had been discussed.


    The technical report would be given in the afternoon by another person in charge.

 1447 - - 39-32 Report Meeting No. 2

    After lunch, it was another debriefing in the afternoon.


    Jin met Licia, Hannah, Erza and the others briefly and confirmed that all three were doing well.


    "We will now have a debriefing session on the results of deciphering the golem materials found at the ruins.


    As in the morning, the Minister of the Interior is facilitating the meeting.


    The attendees were almost the same as in the morning, but there seemed to be no knights or other military personnel present.


    Jin thought that it was useless to listen to a technical talk.


    And this became a certainty when he heard the report.


    "...... skeleton is endoskeleton and muscular tissue is ��������. The surface treatment is done �������� as a surface treatment to prevent corrosion."


    It seems that �������� and �������� are parts that cannot be deciphered or are missing from the material.


    "At the very least, materials that are resistant to strong acids should be carefully selected."


    There is no doubt that these contents are measures against giant ants.


    "The shields should be made large, and also be protected against strong acid. Biological materials are strictly prohibited.


    Jin nodded his head in agreement, "Indeed, it will dissolve almost all living materials.


    Even Reiko''s skin and the wing membrane of a sea dragon dissolved.


    "...... and its control is ����������. ......The above is what was written in Document 1."


    Jin thought that Document 1 must have described the concept of a golem for use against giant ants.


    "Next is Document 2, which has a lot of missing material and is even more unintelligible," he said.


    If the leather paper is not well preserved, it can become moldy or, in the worst case, eaten by insects.


    In this case, it seems to have been both.


    "Well, I could only read that the golem was replenished, or that the core was something..."


    Jin speculates that the large amount of magical crystals (magi crystals) found in the ruins may have been used as bait to lure the golem, as well as for the control core to create a new golem.


    "Documents 3 and 4 are almost entirely covered with mold and are indecipherable. Document 5 describes the situation in which giant ants (Giga-ants) appeared in the mine at that time.


    According to the brief description, when the tunnel where the magi crystals had been mined for many years reached about 200 meters underground, giant ants appeared.


    At first it was just one or two ants, but after 10 days, the ants became so numerous that they pushed back into the tunnels, causing a great deal of damage.


    Since insect-type demons are vulnerable to low temperatures, they were weakened by using magic such as <>.


    ��I see, that makes sense.)


    Jin was impressed by the wisdom of the people of the former Leonard Kingdom.


    "Document 6" was a facility, i.e., a floor plan of the ruins. According to this, there is another place like a reference room, but according to the investigation at that time, it was under rubble, so I assume that it suffered from some kind of disaster in the past."


    Jin also thought that it was a pity that there would be no leather paper or other materials left in the area.


    "...... is all I have to say."


    There was a round of applause.


    "Well, do you have any questions?��...... Jin-dono."


    Jin was the first to raise his hand, because there was something he really wanted to know.


    "Yes. The first part of the document that is not decipherable, is it all because you couldn''t read the <>?��Or could you read the letters but not understand the words?"


    "I will answer. The musculature is the part of ...... that reads <>?��but I did not understand the meaning at all. Similarly, after ...... as surface treatment, it is <>, which I could not understand. The rest of the text was completely unreadable due to insect bites, etc."


    "That''s unfortunate. I understand."


    Jin thanks him and thinks for a moment.


    (Is ......<>METAL?��METAL?��You mean ...... metal muscles?)


    That''s possible, Jin thought. (The other one is <, because metal seems to be more resistant to the body fluid of giant ants than biological materials.


    (The other one is <> or ...... might be <> over here. PASSIVATE>>?)


    PASSIVATE treatment is a kind of rust inhibiting treatment for stainless steel.


    In stainless steel, the passive film naturally formed by the chromium content is very thin, so this treatment is to artificially thicken it.


    (If you think about it, it is a surface treatment to resist strong acids. ......)


    Jin, who is quite familiar with metallurgy, had a rough idea.


    (But I don''t think he would understand me even if I explained it to him. ......)


    This made him a little bit impatient.


    "Is there any other ...... way?"


    While Jin was pondering, another question was already asked and answered.


    No further questions were raised, and that was the end of the debriefing.


    "After this break, we will have a review meeting with the officials of the Ministry of Magic, if any of you would like to attend.


    Before dismissing the meeting, the Minister of Magic, Mr. Kelihidole, made a declaration.


    Jin wanted to attend the meeting, but since he had left Erza, Hannah, Licia and the others alone since this morning, he decided to forgo it this time.


    Then, he came to the door.


    "Jin, now we can talk at leisure!"


    It was Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen.


    "I''m going to have tea now, would you like to join me, Jin?��Of course, Erza and your friends who came with you will join us."


    "Nest-sama, it''s interesting that you say ''with the friends who came with us''."


    "Ah, ha-ha-ha."


    The two were good friends.


    The two of them were very good friends.


    "Wow, I''ve never been in a room like this!


    "Haha, I''m glad you like it."


    Jin and his friends were led to the living room in Ernesto''s living area in a corner of the royal castle.


    The living room was a room that made us want to ask how it was different from a reception room, and we were reminded that it was indeed the prince''s living room.


    "Wow, what a beautiful wall hanging!


    "Wow, that''s a beautiful wall hanging!" "It''s a tapestry from the South, I believe. It''s ......, isn''t it, Mr. Nest?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Hannah is very excited to see the Egerian furnishings. Princess Rieschen looked at Hannah with sisterly eyes.


    Elsa, who had been to Egelea several times and was originally a baroness, was drinking tea in a calm atmosphere.


    On the other hand, Licia was drinking tea with a lot of tension because she was a new noble and the prince of Egelea was present.


    And Jin was talking to Lotte, a golem standing diagonally behind Prince Ernest.


    "Lotte, how are you feeling?


    "Yes, Jin-sama, not bad.


    "I see. I''ll check on you later.


    "Yes, thank you."


    Jin''s gaze then turns to Princess Rieschen, who is sitting next to Prince Ernest, and Tia, who is standing diagonally behind her. .......


    ��Ah!)


    Suddenly, he remembered his past promise.


    (When was it that I promised Tia that I would take her to see her sister, Refa?)


    Jin notices this and quietly tells Reiko about it in a whisper.


    Reiko tells the old man with her built-in manacam, and Jin hopes that the old man will take the best course of action considering the current situation.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The old man was on the move on Horai Island.

 1448 - - 39-33 The Things You Meet

    "Hey Jin, can you tell me briefly what you thought of this debriefing?"


    Prince Ernest asked Jin.


    "Well, I thought ...... that <> was a good tool."


    "<>?"


    Erza tilted her head, as did Hanna and Licia, so Jin gave a brief explanation.


    "Hmmm...... it would be nice if there was a function to look through the hole after drilling it."


    "Yes!��That would be great!��I''ll tell Kerichdole about it later."


    Prince Ernest seemed impressed by Hannah''s casual remark.


    "Hannah is a smart girl."


    Princess Rieschen looked at Hannah with narrowed eyes.


    "I also thought that the large amount of Magi Crystals found there must have been used to manufacture additional golems.


    "Oh, you thought so too, Jin. I thought so too. But if that''s the case, how do you explain the fact that no materials were prepared for the main body of the golem?


    Ernest agreed with Jin''s opinion, but also pointed out the weakness of his assumption.


    "Well, ...... for example, it could be that they couldn''t prepare it, but it could also be that they intended to reuse the broken golem, right?"


    "Yeah, that seems likely."


    Other speculations were also made, such as the possibility that there might be some kind of storage facility if one looked hard enough, or that the place where the golem was buried might be the same, but none of them were conclusive, and it was somewhat disappointing that they could only end up imagining things.


    Then, the news from the old man arrived through Reiko.


    (Your father sent Ann, Lol, and Leffa to <>.)


    (All three of them? ...... Well, okay...)


    Jin turns to them and speaks to them in a low voice.


    "Hey, you two, listen to me for a second."


    "Hey, you two, listen." "Yeah?��Jin, what''s going on?


    Jin, what is it?


    Jin thought up a plan on the spur of the moment,


    "Actually, I have a surprise for you two."


    Jin said.


    "Oh, a surprise?"


    "A surprise?"


    "Yes. <, do you mind if I go get them?"


    Prince Ernest, of course, could not possibly deny this.


    Of course. ...... Oh, may I ask Lyanna to follow me?"


    If Leanna, a member of the Royal Secret Maidens, accompanies him, he will have a free pass to the castle''s facilities within the normal range. Jin gratefully accepted the offer.


    "Well, I''m going to go now. Erza, take care of the rest.


    I''ll take care of her.


    Jin-sama, what exactly are you going to get?


    Well, you''ll find out when you get there.


    I''ll find out when I get there. ......


    While talking like this, they went to the special airfield in the courtyard of the royal castle.


    Jin had Lianna wait outside and went into the Conlon 3.


    There were three blue-haired automata, including Anne, Lol, and Leffa. They were all wearing the same clothes.


    Lol is the general manager of the Jade Pavilion, and Lefa is the proprietress of Wujanggaku, but this time they are dressed in the standard Horai Island courtesan uniform.


    Lianna''s eyes widened when she saw Jin coming out with the three of them.


    "Jin-sama, who are those people?


    "Look closely. Look, don''t they look a lot like Princess Rieschen''s tier?


    Oh, yes, that''s right.


    That''s what I meant. I''ll introduce you over there. Come on, let''s go.


    Yes, yes.


    Jin and Lyanna walked ahead of the others, and the three of them followed silently.


    In the corridors of the castle, everyone who passed them looked back at them.


    "I''m back now!"


    Jin and Lyanna returned to the living room where Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen were waiting.


    "Oh, you''re back early, Jin. So, what is it you want to show me?


    "Yes, I''ll show you now. Come on in at ......."


    And then Anne, Lol, and Lefa show up.


    "...... Wow."


    "Oh!"


    You''ve seen Lol and Lefa at the first before, but now with Anne and the three sisters in the same clothes, it''s a spectacular sight.


    "My name is Anne."


    My name is Lor.


    "My name is Lefa."


    Each says her name and the three of them bow in curtsey.


    "Tia, this Refa is your sister. Maybe a little older than you.


    Jin explained.


    "Are you Refa''s sister ......?"


    You must be Tia. I''m pretty sure you and I are automata of the same lot. I''m glad we still have sisters.


    "Me too, sister Lefa."


    Princess Rieschen and Prince Ernest are looking at them smiling.


    "Sister Anne, sister Lol. May I call you ......?"


    Anne and Lor nodded, smiling.


    "Yes, of course. Yes, of course. It seems that our lot predates yours.


    Jin added at this point.


    "Perhaps lots with three-letter names like <> or <> came first, and then lots with <><> came second. REFA>><>, and 4-letter names like <> or <> are for the later lots. I think the lot with 4-letter names like <><> is the later lot. But they are both based on the template left by Adriana Barbora Zetsi, so I am sure they are sisters.


    "But Jin is a very good man."


    Yes, she is.


    Princess Rieschen and Prince Ernest looked at each other and nodded.


    "I envy you a little."


    Prince Ernest''s maid golem, , said something.


    "Lotte?"


    Jin heard this and quietly said to Reiko,


    ��"Tell the old man to send one more golem maid.)


    "Tell the old man to send me one more golem maid").


    And then,


    "If Lotte says so ......"


    and headed for <> with Lianna again.


    As before, he soon returns. He takes <> with him.


    "Lotte, this is your sister, Amez 1.


    My sister. ......


    "That''s really great, Jin."


    Ernesto is a little surprised.


    I explained that Princess Rieschen and Prince Ernest were also going to join the Jin family in the near future, so I was putting them on the <>, even though it was a bit of a stretch.


    "Ames1 has been here since the beginning, like the other 5 colored golem maids, Ruby, Topaz, Perido, and Aqua. I guess that makes me the best sister among the golem maids."


    "I see, Sister Amez1."


    "It''s nice to meet you, Lotte."


    The two golem maids also seem pleased with this encounter.

 1449 - - 39-34 Suggestions from Hitoshi

    "You are very kind, Jin-san."


    Licia said in an impressed voice.


    "Well, Jin-san takes very good care of his golem and his automata."


    "That''s right. You always say , don''t you?


    Yes.


    "Ah, you don''t say ''one or two''. That''s just like you, Jin-san."


    "Yes. You''re very kind.


    Jin''s stock had risen a little, unbeknownst to him.


    "Well, Jin-san has always liked dolls."


    "......"


    Erza''s comment made Jin''s stock drop again.


    * * * * * *


    After the emotional (?) reunion with his sisters, Jin is down. After the emotional (?) reunion with the sisters, everyone has calmed down.


    Then Lyanna brought tea.


    "Miss Elsa, it''s been a while.


    She was the Royal Secret Maid, and Kate, who used to be in charge of Elsa, had arrived with something on a tray.


    Here you go.


    "Oh, what is this?


    It''s a baked april.


    It is made by hollowing out the core of an april, adding sugar and cinnamon, and heating it in a frying pan or in the oven.


    The water is drained out and the sweetness is enhanced, and the soft texture is also favored.


    "......," he said.


    Prince Ernest explained.


    "Count Kuzma of Breuland told me about it."


    "Heh, heh. ......"


    He taught her this way of eating when he used to help Bina to make a living.


    It was probably made by Bina and passed on to us by Count Kuzma who ate it.


    The aroma was similar to that of cinnamon, so I could see that he had devised a way to make it.


    "Mmm, it''s delicious.


    "It''s sweet."


    "The aroma is good."


    "Delicious!


    "Today''s product is very good."


    It was a hit with everyone.


    The tea was, of course, Apulul tea.


    Yes, it smells good.


    "Master Nest, how do you make this tea?"


    This is.... ...... uh, Lotte, do you know it?


    Yes. You put the peeled april skin in boiling water. Then the aroma is transferred to the water and you can enjoy this kind of tea.


    "......," he said.


    Princess Rieschen laughed and drank the tea.


    "Would you like another cup?"


    "Oh, by all means."


    Then Laila, who had just become the prince''s maid of honor from the Royal Secret Maidens, arrived with a bowl of popcorn.


    "Yes, this is good too, not only sweet things.


    Prince Ernest immediately reached for the popcorn.


    "Your Highness, if you eat too much, you''ll miss dinner.


    "Yes, ...... I''ll eat in moderation."


    After being rebuked by Lotte, Prince Ernest listened obediently.


    * * * *


    Dinner was served by the same members.


    The same members served him.


    We''ve recently added some new items to the menu," said Prince Ernest.


    Prince Ernest said.


    The food at Jin''s was delicious. I was inspired by them.


    The menu consisted of white rice, consomm��-like soup, various tempura, steak, and vegetable salad.


    Jin would have said that the combination was difficult, but he swallowed his complaint, saying that it was not unreasonable this time.


    "But I haven''t been able to recreate the taste of the food I had in ."


    Jin consoles a somewhat disappointed Prince Ernest.


    "Anne, Lol, and Lefa are here today. I think I can give you some advice.


    Even if I can''t give you advice on ingredients, I can give you advice on cooking methods, such as how to properly cook rice or porridge that is boiling in front of you, or how to cook tempura that is too squishy even though it has just been fried.


    But first you have to eat.


    "......This , it''s always like this. I hear they are experimenting with the amount of water and the intensity of the fire.


    "Well, it''s all soggy.


    Jin smiles wryly. If this is the case, it would be better to make porridge from the beginning.


    Then came the tempura.


    It is made of white fish and vegetables, but it is not crispy at all. Even Jin could tell that the batter was definitely over-stirred when it was made.


    On the other hand, the soup and steak were excellent.


    Thank you very much for the food.


    After the meal, hojicha tea was served.


    "It must be hard to import all these ingredients," Jin said.


    Jin said, and Princess Rieschen nodded.


    "I suppose so. That''s why we are building a highway.


    "Ah, Rieschen''s place doesn''t have a sea, so they have to transport by land. My place is thinking of shipping. We''ll tie up with the Kingdom of Elias.


    "I see, that sounds good.


    "I don''t think we''ll be able to build a ship as big as a gin all of a sudden, but we can start by increasing production of 20-meter class ships, right?


    The idea is not to build a large ship all at once, but to step up production.


    "The size of the vessels will be easy to handle, and their transportation efficiency will be much higher than it is now."


    The advantage is that more seafarers will be employed.


    "The Kingdom of Elias has already built ships of that size.


    The Kingdom of Elias, a maritime nation, already has several docks that are capable of building 30-meter class ships.


    "I''d like to go there, wouldn''t you?"


    Prince Ernesto''s words were casually muttered, but Jin felt that it was a good opportunity.


    "Your Highness, with your permission, why don''t you and the princess go to the Kingdom of Elias?


    He proposed, "Your Highness, with your permission, why don''t you go to the Kingdom of Elias with Her Royal Highness?


    "Yes, I would like to go there.


    I would like to go there too.


    Princess Rieschen agreed.


    So Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen stood up to use the manaphone to get permission from their respective countries before the end of the night.

 1450 - - 39-35 at Potlock

    Jin accompanied Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen to the Kingdom of Elias.


    As it turns out, permission was easily granted.


    After all, <> Jin Nido is accompanying them. There is no safer and faster means of transportation.


    However, it is inevitable that the official permission was given only for the sake of .


    By the way, last night, I taught the chef from Ames1 how to cook rice and how to make the batter of tempura quick and easy.


    Thanks to this, the rice served for breakfast was cooked well, I should add.


    "Well, I''m off now.


    "Well, Ernesto, study hard."


    "Take care, Princess."


    "Yes, Harvey, take care."


    Prince Ernest is pleased to announce to his father, King Harold Luann of Autoclase-Egelea, that he has been granted a royal wedding.


    Princess Rieschen is seen off by Undersecretary Harvey of the Ministry of Magic and Technology.


    "<


    "Yes, I''ll take good care of him."


    And then <> floated into the skies of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    The members were Jin, Elsa, Reiko, Edgar, Hannah, Licia, Princess Rieschen, Prince Ernest, Anne, Lol, Lefa, Tia, Ames1, and Lotte.


    "Wow, they''re flying!


    Prince Ernest is excited. Princess Rieschen is also happy to be with Ernest.


    "That''s fast. How fast is it?


    "About a hundred kilometers per hour, she says."


    Princess Rieschen was amused by the fact that she did not use her "no-ja" so much when she was with Prince Ernest, but the fact that she sometimes did was also cute, Jin and Elsa thought as they listened to her.


    The destination is not the capital Borgia, but Potrock, where the shipbuilding dock is located.


    The distance is about 300 kilometers, and it will take three hours to get there.


    "But, although all four of us have blue hair in common, we have very different atmospheres, don''t we?


    Prince Ernesto commented upon seeing Anne and the other four sisters.


    "It''s hard to say, but I guess it''s their individuality.


    Jin answered this question.


    "Your Highness, even though we were born the same, our subsequent experiences change us, because we all have our own past.


    Anne had been converted as a comfort woman and Tia as a nanny, but Jin refrained from explaining that much, but Prince Ernest was satisfied with that explanation alone.


    "I see ...... that''s right. It''s the same for humans, isn''t it?"


    Jin felt good about such a prince.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Just before noon local time, <> arrived at Potrock in the Kingdom of Elias.


    Since there is no airfield here, they landed on the beach.


    "It''s kind of crowded, isn''t it?


    "Hmm, there seem to be a lot of tourists."


    This is the first time Jin and Elsa have been to Potrock. The atmosphere is different from the usual, so they are fidgeting around.


    Then Reiko points at them.


    "Father, they are coming for you."


    There was the Marchese Florenziano, who had received the call, himself welcoming the group.


    "Welcome, Your Highness Ernesto, Princess Rieschen, Sir Zin Nidor and your wife and friends.


    "Thank you for your hospitality."


    After a brief greeting on the beach, we went to the guest house.


    The guest house is adjacent to the Lords''.


    Welcome, Your Excellency.


    The Marquis of Florenziano, looking as dignified as ever, bowed lightly before Jin and the others.


    First, lunch.


    As is typical of potlocks, the menu was rich in seafood.


    The menu included grilled fish, tempura white fish, seafood salad with peeled shrimp and cucumber with wine vinegar, and so on.


    Of course, there were also freshly baked bread and barley porridge, and the waiter would serve you whatever you wanted to eat, as if you were at a buffet.


    The tempura here was well-done, although it was a bit of a surprise.


    Satisfied with their meal, the guests had a leisurely meeting after the meal.


    "Your Highness Ernesto would like to learn more about ships, wouldn''t you? There will be a ship competition just tomorrow, and I would like you to watch it.


    The word "competition" caught Jin''s attention.


    "Well, the ship competition, you mean the ?"


    "Yes, that''s right.


    Jin felt a sense of nostalgia.


    It was early spring of 3457 when Marcia approached me and we took on the challenge together.


    There was a lot of turmoil surrounding the smuggling of Elradorite and the attack of the Death Serpent, but it was because of those events that I met my best friend Reinhard and my beloved wife Elsa.


    And it turned out that the bustle we felt on the beach was due to the competition.


    The same was true for Elsa.


    The Marquis continued.


    "The preliminary round was held yesterday, and today we have a day in reserve, with the main competition tomorrow.


    Usually the tournament is held in the middle of February, but this year it was delayed a little due to the ocean currents.


    But for Prince Ernesto, it was a blessing in disguise.


    "I''m looking forward to it.


    Prince Ernest said with pleasure.


    "Ummm ...... why do you have one day in reserve?"


    Jin asked. Because they didn''t do that in the past.


    "This year''s competition is a little ...... harder than the last two, so we want to make sure that the boat operators are well rested and the boats are well maintained."


    "......What are the details of the competition?"


    This time the question came from Elsa. As a former participant, she too was curious.


    "The distance has increased. Specifically, it has doubled. So, the burden on the operator and the ship is great.


    "I see. ......"


    Because of the increased speed and stability of the ship, the distribution of the stages has been changed so that the audience can see more scenes of overtaking and being overtaken.


    In short, he has reduced the number of reef areas and increased the number of speed-driven stages.


    "The tourists have been very positive about the event."


    The dead-heat teams in yesterday''s qualifying rounds were also very excited.


    "That''s exciting!"


    Prince Ernest is also a bit excited. Princess Rieschen said nothing, but her flushed face said it all.


    "I''ll make room for you in the guest of honor section."


    Marquis Florenziano told them. Then he added,


    "I would like to invite Mr. Jin to give a commentary as a special guest.


    He started to say.


    "Yes, of course.


    Jin accepted the offer.


    "Thank you, I''m glad. This will make tomorrow''s party even more exciting.


    "Well, Your Excellency, how many people are left in the finals?"


    Licia asked. Jin and Erza both thought they had forgotten to ask that.


    There are eight players in the final. ...... Jin''s former teammate, Marcia, is also in the finals.


    "What, Marcia?"


    Jin had been traveling with Erza and her family for the past few days, so he had not received any detailed report from the old man. That''s why he had not heard from the old man.


    "Marcia drives the horizontal waterwheel, and the other seven drive the regular waterwheel, right?"


    "I see."


    The horizontal water wheel drive, or .


    Jin was even more excited to watch the competition.


    "Hey, Marcia, are you in the competition too?


    "Yes, I guess so.


    I''ll be cheering for you tomorrow!"


    Hannah was also a little surprised to learn this fact, and seemed to be looking forward to tomorrow.


    "So you know Jin. I''m looking forward to seeing it too.


    "I''m looking forward to it too.


    Princess Rieschen also seemed to be looking forward to it.


    "When this competition is over, I will show you the dock for large ships.


    "That would be a pleasure."


    Prince Ernest smiled cheerfully.


    After that, the guests continued to relax in the guest room, exchanging various stories with each other.


    The sky over the Potrock was tinted with the color of an azure glow at sunset, indicating that the next day would also be a fine one.

 1451 - - 39-36 Watching the finals

    Finally, it was time for the finals of the 12th Golem Boat Competition!


    A large crowd had gathered in the central square of Potrock.


    As before, the spectator seats were arranged in a staircase pattern, with the Marquis of Firenziano, the lord of the city, sitting at the highest position, with Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen, the guests of honor, next to him. Elsa, Licia, and Hannah are seated next to him.


    One step below them are the hostesses and the hostesses.


    The nobles are seated below them, and the tourists are further down.


    The guests of honor here today are His Royal Highness the 3rd Prince Ernest of the Kingdom of Egelea and Her Royal Highness the 3rd Princess Rieschen of the Kingdom of Klein.


    The MC introduces the guests.


    "In addition, we have a special guest, the winner of the 10th Golem Boat Competition , their Magi Craftsman and Magi Engineer , who is also the winner of the 10th Golem Boat Competition. , Jin Nido, is here!


    The crowd cheered. Jin and his team''s victory was still fresh in people''s minds.


    "You''re very popular, my dear!"


    "Well, it''s great that you won.


    "Jin-san has done a lot of things, hasn''t he?"


    Hannah, Erza, Licia and others were talking with each other in the guest of honor''s seats.


    In the midst of all this, the loudest cheers were heard.


    "Eight boats in the finals, all as good as each other!��We are now at the starting line!


    The MC began a brief explanation.


    "Number 1, in the red swimsuit is Miss Reece, 2nd place qualifier!��She is one of the favorites to win!


    For the finals, it seems that the numbers will be reassigned. Jin recognized the small sailor named Reece.


    (She was on Valentino''s team, right?)


    ) He had nothing to do with Valentino''s plot, so he was not charged with any crime and was still participating in the competition.


    "Number 2, the orange swimsuit is Miss Adelie, 4th place in the qualifying round!��She is a veteran of the competition, having competed four times!


    Number 3, in the yellow swimsuit is Miss Einey, who qualified in 8th place!��This is her first appearance in the finals and she is a promising newcomer!


    "Number 4, green swimsuit is Miss Debonera, 3rd place in qualifying!��She is a very solid sailor!


    "Number 5, in the blue swimsuit is Miss Nohlun, who qualified 7th!��This is her second time competing and we look forward to seeing what she can do!


    "Number 6, in the dark blue swimsuit is Miss Marcia, 1st place qualifier!��She is also a shipbuilder (Shipwright) and is competing in a boat she built herself!


    When Marcia was introduced, the cheers were especially loud.


    "Number 7, in the purple swimsuit, is Miss Mowbull, who qualified 5th!��She has not yet reached her full potential!"


    "Number 8, in the white swimsuit is Miss Trine, in 6th place!��She is from the Kingdom of Egelea!


    "Wow, that Trine is from the Kingdom of Egelea!


    Elsa has participated in this tournament before, so there is a rich international flavor to this event.


    "Mr. Bernardo, the commentator, what are your predictions for today?


    Yes, I think that number 6 will be strong. I think number 6 is still strong. In the qualifying round the day before yesterday, he seemed to be a little out of tune, but still, his speed was that fast. Since all the boats are the same type of trimaran, the deciding factor may be the driving method.


    "I see. How about a ...... guest, Jin-san, with a horizontal waterwheel drive ...... screw?"


    At this point, the conversation turned to Jin. Jin was waiting for the explanation.


    Yes, I developed the waterwheel drive myself, but that one splashes water, doesn''t it?


    "Yes, that''s right.


    Yes, that''s right." "The splashing water doesn''t help to move the boat. But that is not the case with the horizontal water wheel drive ...... screw. Do you know what this means?"


    "Well, it means that there is no waste?"


    "Yes, that''s right. That means that if you drive them with the same force, they will be the fastest ......"


    "You mean it''s the fastest?"


    At this point Jin laughed.


    "I wish it worked that way. The results will be proven by the competition.


    Jin was getting better at speaking up in such a situation.


    "Thank you very much. ...... will be starting soon."


    * * * *


    "...... Jin?��Gin?"


    Marcia heard the voice on the boat.


    "Jin, you came!��But are you at the commentary table?


    Although Marcia was also a member of the , she had not been informed of his visit, so his visit came as a complete surprise to her.


    At the same time, she understood that since she was visiting as a semi-official, her personal friendship with him would take a back seat.


    As for Jin, he had a surprise event in mind.


    "Oh well. We''ll just have to wait until after we win!"


    And so the countdown to the start begins.


    "5......4......3......2......"


    * * * *


    "......1...... start!


    "Now, it''s all starting at once!��The first one to jump out is number 3! The first stage was a 2-horse race.


    The first stage is a narrow channel where two boats cannot pass side by side.


    The first stage is a narrow channel where two boats cannot pass side by side.


    The number 3 boat seemed to be going the fastest, and was literally out in front of the second place boat.


    "Mr. Bernardo, number 3 is playing a good game, isn''t he?


    "Yes, it is. In the first stage, it''s a disaster if you get behind the slower boats.


    Even if they wanted to go on, they could not go on, and the stress was getting to them.


    "The first boat, number 3, has left the channel!"


    The second stage is in the open sea. There are no lateral restrictions of any kind. It is a speed competition of approximately 10 kilometers.


    The boats jump out of the narrow channel and speed up as if they were being bounced.


    "Oh, number 1 is fast!��Number 6 is catching up!��3, 1, 6, 4, 8, 7, 2, 5... ...ah, now 8 and 7 have switched places!


    The images projected on the huge are very powerful. The live broadcast was carried out while switching the , which corresponded to a camera, from time to time.


    "Marcia-san, 3rd ......"


    Elsa muttered. In her mind, she recalled the competition two years ago.


    "Even then, I kept my speed low in the first half of the race. ......"


    Since the conditions of each stage were unknown, he had two boats ahead of the other boats as a <, so to speak, and he watched them to see how they were doing and vigilantly watched for any opportunity to take advantage of them.


    "I am sure that this time, too," he said.


    "When you entered the wide area, all the boats increased their speed at the same time, didn''t they, Mr. Bernardo?


    "That''s right. In the case of water wheel drive, as Mr. Jin mentioned earlier, there will be splashes. Therefore, we do not want to be directly behind the boat.


    Since the operator is a human being, there is a disadvantage of being covered by the droplets, which can obstruct his vision and make it difficult for him to breathe.


    Therefore, in large areas, the boats are spread out to the left and right.


    "But what awaits you at the end is commonly known as a . But what awaits us at the end is a gate so narrow that boats cannot pass through it side by side.


    The < is made of floating boats. It is dangerous when many boats are concentrated in order to pass through the gate.


    It is also a show to maneuver the boat as far as possible to get through the gate.


    "Oh!


    Go!��Go! - Number 6, there it is!


    Hang on, number 3!��Don''t let them get past you!


    The crowd is heating up.


    Jin, Elsa, Licia, Hannah, Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen were all glued to the screen.

 1452 - - 39-37 Trouble

    The scene reflected on the large <> was the highlight of the first half.


    This time, instead of going around the island of Io, we will go around the island of Trieu, which is one more island away from Io.


    In this case, the route is set to go right between Io and Tru Island, then left around Tru Island, then left again between Tru and Io Island, and back again, in other words, the route is set to draw a << figure of 8>>.


    The eight boats were now speeding toward the island of Io.


    "Ganbareta!"


    Marcia, don''t lose!��I''m right behind you!


    "Reece, this is your year to win!"


    The crowd on Io was also full of spectators, cheering for their favorite boats and sailors.


    The current standings are 3,1,6,7,4,8,2,5. 7, Mauble, wearing a purple bathing suit, is moving up in the standings.


    The waterwheel of her boat is wider and smaller in diameter than the others. The golem that is driving the boat is also designed to be fearless.


    "That doesn''t look like a Marcia Workshop ship, does it?


    When Jin, as a special guest, made a comment, the moderator immediately responded.


    "As Mr. Jin said, the basic design of the ship of number 7, Miss Mauvre, was made by the workshop of the Kingdom of Celuloa, although it was designed by the Marcia Workshop.


    "I see, that''s why the shape has been slightly modified."


    The eight boats passed through the <> without a hitch, and took a course around Io Island.


    * * * * * *


    "You''re doing a great job, Marcia!"


    "Yes, I am. ...... everyone, you''re all doing great."


    Hannah and Licia were transfixed by their first glimpse of a boat race.


    "The ship made in the Kingdom of Selroa ...... is still very high quality."


    Erza, on the other hand, was carefully observing the ship with the number 7.


    (Certainly, there are some signs that the ship was made in the Kingdom of Celuloa. (Indeed, there are some signs that the ship was made in the Kingdom of Selroa, but the most important point is the material.)


    Jin is also silently observing and analyzing the ship with the number 7.


    (The surface is metal. (The surface is metal, probably light silver.)


    Wooden framework and light silver exterior. Jin thinks this is a good way to reduce the viscous resistance of water.


    And when it comes to strength and weight, light silver is better than wood. This is because the percentage of strength increase by engineering magic < or is higher for metals than for wood.


    This is probably due to the difference in molecular structure.


    The degree of strengthening by of free magic element (ether) is more effective for light silver with simple metallic bonding than for wood, which is a complex organic material.


    This is an ingenious idea that only the Kingdom of Cerroa, with its advanced magical technology, could have devised.


    (And the shape of that waterwheel: ......)


    Except for the one made by Marcia, it is a very sophisticated shape. The shape of the waterwheel is very sophisticated, except for the one made by Marcia. It is likely that the shape of the waterwheel was repeatedly tested to find the optimum shape.


    The small diameter and the wide width of the golem means that it is a high-rotation type.


    (I see, the golem is also small. (I see. Golem is also small. But the smaller size means less power. (But the smaller size means less power, so the rpm is increased to compensate for it.)


    Jin thinks that the result will be shown at the end of the competition, since it is hard to say which is better.


    And.


    (I wonder if it is the screw rather than Marcia''s ship ......?��It seems to be slightly shaky ...... and maybe out of balance).


    The screw that Marcia uses is a 4-blade screw. If the 4 blades, their size, weight, twist angle, surface condition, etc. are not balanced, the screw will shake when rotating at high speeds, vibrate, or put stress on the shaft (I was adjusting it yesterday, and it seemed to be a little off.


    (He was adjusting it yesterday, too. ...... must have been a spur-of-the-moment setup.)


    ) This was a little worrisome for Jin.


    * * * * * *


    "We''ve been overtaken!


    Now, the boat of number 6, Marcia, had been overtaken by the boat of number 7, MOBLE.


    "You''re doing great!��But we''re not going to lose. Arrow!"


    Yes, Miss Marcia.


    Marcia decided to increase her speed by one notch, knowing that Arrow, the golem that Jin had built for her, would not be defeated.


    Marcia decided to increase her speed by one step.


    "Now they are all circling Io Island!��...... is passing number 7 and number 6. They''re going fast, fast!"


    They''re cheering.


    "They''ve passed!��Number 7, Miss Mowbray, in third place!��But number 6, Miss Marcia is not to be outdone!��She''s going faster!��They''re in line!��They''re in line!


    The magic screen was showing the dead heat, and the crowd was excited to see this mid-competition showcase.


    Numbers 6 and 7 rounded the island of Io and turned toward the island of Trieu, running side by side.


    At that moment. The boat of number 6, Marcia, seems to vibrate slightly and then suddenly slows down.


    "Ah!��What''s wrong, Zec 6?��She suddenly stalled!


    ��The screw shaft is broken, isn''t it?)


    Jin guessed from the behavior.


    A rotating object vibrates when it is unbalanced. This depends on the rotational speed, and there is a rotational speed at which vibration increases the most.


    When dehydrating an electric washing machine, if the tank is not filled properly, the tank will shake, which is the same phenomenon.


    This vibration caused the fatigue failure of the screw shaft of the Marcia.


    The shaft of the screw of the Marcia caused the fatigue failure.


    "Oh, shoot!"


    Marcia checked the screw shaft and bit her navel.


    Yesterday, she had carefully adjusted the screw and found a slight distortion of the screw shaft.


    He was angry at his own carelessness in not taking any countermeasures when he had noticed it.


    "I have to fix it as soon as possible."


    But the tired screw shaft was on the verge of breaking.


    And I don''t have the materials to fix it.


    "I''m in trouble. ...... I''d like to make the shaft one size bigger if possible. ......"


    Marcia blurted out as she stared at the screw shaft that was about to break under the torque (rotational force).


    "Marcia-sama, temporarily, let''s use my left arm."


    Then Arrow made a crazy suggestion.


    "What?


    Marcia is astonished, but Arrow tells her in no uncertain terms.


    "My skeleton is made of light silver. My skeleton is made of light silver. Fortunately, it is the legs that turn the screws, so the absence of one arm will not be a problem.


    "Arrow......"


    "And since Mr. Jin is here, I''m sure he will be able to fix it right away after the competition."


    As we were having this conversation, other boats were passing us one after another.


    "Marcia, please make a decision."


    "...... got it. Arrow, I''m sorry.


    "No, please don''t be sorry."


    The Arrow is capable of elementary engineering magic.


    And a beginner''s level was enough to fix the problem.


    In less than five minutes, the screw shaft was restored, or rather strengthened.


    "It''s not too late. Let''s hurry."


    Arrow sat in the drive seat, and Marcia nodded in the cockpit.


    "No more detailed plans," said Arrow. We''re in last place anyway, so we have to go all out. Arrow, I''m counting on you!


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it!"


    Arrow stepped on the drive pedal and the screw started to turn. The number 6 is ejected from the boat as if it had been shot.


    The emergency repairs have been completed.


    "The emergency repairs have been completed, and Number 6 is sailing again!��But he is already in last place, more than a kilometer behind 7th place!


    "Let''s see how they will recover from this."


    The MC and the commentator were saying these words, but Jin saw that Arrow and Marcia had resorted to what could be called a "kenkonshiki-gurayaku" (a kind of "kenkonshiki-gurayaku").


    ��Go for it, Marcia. Arrow, I''m counting on you.)


    Jin, who could not cheer aloud because of his position as a guest, cheered in his heart.

 1453 - - 39-38 Catch-up

    "After the first aid repair, number 6, fast!��Too fast, I''d say!"


    Marcia seemed to be driving the ship at full speed, without any regard for the strategy.


    (Yes, the screw seems to be working well. (Yes, the screw seems to be working well.)


    ) Even if the balance is a little off, if the boat is strong enough, it should be able to hold up well enough for the duration of the competition.


    Jin judged so by looking at the ship with the number 6 on the screen.


    (However, the vibration seems to be coming quite a bit. ......)


    Jin guessed that the vibration would be tremendous since the ship was turning the unbalanced screw forcibly.


    * * * *


    "We can go!��Arrow, I''ll keep going!"


    "Yes, Miss Marcia!"


    The lead ship has just rounded the island of Trieu.


    Marcia, number 6, is now in last place, less than a kilometer behind in 7th.


    "We''re not going to give up!"


    Marcia is not concerned about the vibration coming from the screw shafts, but she is trying to reduce the drag as much as possible by lying down on the hull and looking ahead through the transparent shield.


    Waves rocked the hull, and splashes drenched the hull.


    With a single white wake, the boat, number 6, pushed forward.


    The boat was going forward.


    The hull of the number 6 is a good one, isn''t it?


    "Is that so?"


    The presenter got into Jin''s words.


    "Yes. One of the telltale signs of a good or bad boat is that white wake it makes after running.


    "Yes," said the moderator.


    If the boat is balanced, it will be symmetrical. And the less drag, the smaller the wake.


    "Ha-ha-ha, I see."


    The presenter nodded.


    "I see that the number 7 is equally well done."


    "Thank you. ...... Magecraft Meister Jin-san explained.


    * * * *


    "Marcia, are you okay?"


    "Yes, I''m sure she''ll be fine."


    Hannah and Licia look worried,


    "I have the arrow. I''ll be fine."


    Elsa assured them.


    "Arrow is a golem that my brother Jin made especially for Marcia. That''s why Marcia won''t be defeated.


    The Arrow is a golem made by Jin''s brother, and it is specially designed for Ms. Marcia.


    The eight boats returned to Io without missing a single boat.


    The standings are 3,7,1,8,4,2,5,6.


    Marcia is still in last place, but the distance between them is now less than 50 meters.


    "Number 6, he''s catching up!


    "Come on, Marcia!"


    Come on, number 6!


    Marcia is cheered on by the crowd.


    After the technical stage with floats near Io Island, the rest is an unlimited high-speed stage to the goal.


    Here, the number 1 driver, Reece, sped off.


    "Oh, number 1, he''s picking up speed!��He''s going fast!��He''s right on the line with number 7!"


    "That boat has a nice finish too!"


    Jin said in admiration.


    The boat Reece is sailing is a genuine Marcia Workshop boat. The workmanship is still very different.


    Einey, wearing a yellow swimsuit, is competing for the first time. Einey, wearing a yellow swimsuit, is competing for the first time.


    They have been in the lead ever since the start of the race.


    7 and 1 are in hot pursuit of number 3.


    The battle for the lead in the top group is intensifying.


    In the second group, number 8 is trying to overtake.


    "Oh, Miss Trine of the Kingdom of Egelea is finally getting serious!


    "I heard that the Kingdom of Egelea is also putting a lot of effort into ship development. Let''s hope for the best.


    I''m sure we can expect a lot from them.


    "Well, I didn''t know that. ......"


    Ernest, the third prince of the Egelea Kingdom, was tilting his head in the guest of honor''s seat.


    "Master Nest, even royalty does not know everything. You seem to be concerned about that.


    "Yes. ......"


    It seems that he cannot hide his shock at the fact that his own ship, which he did not know, was competing in a competition in the Kingdom of Elias, where he had come to learn about ships.


    * * * * * *


    "That''s the last boat!��Number 5, huh? I think it''s called Norun. Let''s go!


    The course around Io Island is almost over.


    Marcia''s boat swings slightly to the right in a big arc, and she will try to pass from the outside.


    Noln was keeping an eye on the inside of the arc, and he was staring sideways at Marcia''s boat as she passed him from the right side.


    "We did it!��We''re in seventh place!��If we can get past six more boats, we''ll be in the lead!"


    Then the stage was set for a long straight course.


    The eight boats increased their speed and headed for the finish line at Potrock.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    ��Arrow is in good shape. (Arrow is in good shape. The screw shafts are just barely reinforced, but they will keep it until the finish line.)


    Jin, who was sitting in the special guest seat, let out a sigh of relief in his heart.


    "Everyone has entered the straight line stage. We''re going to race at speed until the finish line!


    The host''s voice rose in tone.


    The crowd is getting excited.


    And it is the participants who are the most excited.


    "Here comes the spurt!��We''re going to put everything we''ve been saving into it!


    We''re not going to lose!��We''ll give it everything we''ve got!


    Let''s go!


    Each of the competitors was determined to give it all they had.


    But when it comes to a pure battle of speed, the performance of the boat is the deciding factor.


    "Arrow!��Is the shaft okay?


    "Yes, Miss Marcia. It will hold until the finish.


    "Yes, we''ll do our best!"


    Yes, I''m on it.


    Marcia, number 6, is now making her last spurt.

 1454 - - 39-39 After a fierce battle

    "Fast!��Number 6 is starting to show his true potential!��He has just passed number 8 and is now in 4th place!


    The current standings are 3,1,7,6,8,2,4,5.


    "The speed of the horizontal waterwheel drive ...... screw is one rank higher."


    Bernardo, the commentator, is also tongue-tied.


    "Yes, it seems that the efficiency is the reason why it is so strong at the very beginning.


    Guest Jin added.


    On the giant magic screen in the central plaza of the Potrock, the images of the boats running fast are projected one after another.


    Seven boats are running backward with a big splash, which is a spectacular sight.


    Among them, only one boat is running without splashing. It is the well-known boat with the number 6, Marcia.


    Most of the rotational force of the screw shaft is used to push the water backward, and the boat is pushed forward by the reaction.


    In principle, a water wheel drive has a lot of power loss because more than half of the drive is on the water.


    Of course, it is more efficient than the oars or paddles of the previous generation of propulsion systems, but it loses out to the screws.


    "Fast!��Number 6, up to 3rd place!��He is chasing down the second-placed number 1!


    Go, Arnold!


    Go, Arrow!


    Two more boats in front of Marcia. Numbers 1 and 3.


    In fact, both boats were built in Marcia''s workshop. The only difference is the drive system.


    It is a sister ship duel.


    The Marcia boat is slowly closing the gap.


    They are 10 meters away from second place, number 3. ......5 meters... ...2 meters......1 meters.......


    "We''re in line!��Number 6, now, along with number 1 in 2nd place ......, we''ve overtaken it!


    * * *


    "Holy shit. ......"


    Yeah, that''s awesome, that''s number 6.


    He came from the bottom of the standings to come in second place.


    "No, he''s right on top."


    The crowd was also watching Marussia''s pursuit.


    "Marcia, that''s great. I knew that screw was efficient."


    "Yes, it is!"


    "To be honest, I don''t know how hard it is, but I can honestly say that Marcia is doing a great job. I am very impressed."


    Elsa, Hannah, and Licia were also amazed at Marcia''s effort.


    "Mr. Nest, that''s amazing, that number 6. It seems he is an acquaintance of Jin''s.


    "Yes, that golem was made by Jin, wasn''t it? I don''t know what else to say. He used his own arm to repair the ship. That''s Jin''s work!"


    Prince Ernest''s mind flashed back to the image of Lotte, who had protected him during the past , even though she had been battered and bruised.


    ��Arrow is in good shape, even without his left arm, he is not off-balance.)


    Jin was checking the condition of Marcia''s ship and Arrow through the magic screen.


    (The screw shaft seems to be OK. Well, we used the Arrow''s left arm. That''s why it''s over-specified.)


    After some maintenance and modification by Jin, Arrow''s skeleton is now 64 LBP. Its physical specs are 10 times greater than those of an ordinary golem.


    The Arrow is turning its screw axis almost at full power. How can it not be fast?


    However, in the light of Jin''s knowledge of modern Japan, the <> is still incomplete and is operated in a lossy manner.


    However, we respect Marcia''s intention of <>.


    This has led to the appearance of defects such as the blurring of the screws and the lack of strength of the screw shafts.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Arrow, good luck!


    I''m on it!


    We''re almost to the top!


    "...... You''re still very good, Ms. Marcia. But..."


    Einey, number 3 in the lead, glanced back and smiled wryly at the number 6 in hot pursuit.


    "That''s the champion I''ve always wanted to be and surpass!"


    The boat on which Einey rides belongs to the Marcia workshop, but the golem that drives the waterwheel is a special order item.


    Due to its characteristics, the legs that pedal the pedals are strengthened, and those above the waist are poorly built.


    As a result, it boasts a power output nearly three times that of an ordinary golem.


    However, the mana in the mana tank is not enough to keep it running for long periods of time, so the output has been reduced to half.


    "This is where the fight begins!


    There are only 4 kilometers left to the finish line. We''ve just passed the line where we can give it our all and still have enough mana.


    Let''s go!


    Let''s go!" * * *


    "Oh, number 3 has picked up even more speed!��It''s going as fast as number 6!��That''s great!"


    "It looks like he was just saving up. Considering the distance to the finish line, they decided to go full speed."


    Is that what you mean, Mr. Jin?


    Yes, I think so. If they start at full speed from the beginning, they will probably run out of mana.


    * * * *


    "Increased speed?��You''re doing a good job. I''m not going to let you down!


    Just when we thought we were almost through, the ship with the number 3 speed increased rapidly.


    Marcia praised her opponent and redoubled her fighting spirit.


    "We''re almost there, Arrow, can you make it?"


    "Yes, I''m ready."


    Arrow began to display power beyond the limits allowed only to a golem created by Jin.


    "Ugh!��There was still power on the other side?��...... This is just like when Marcia won the first place!"


    Elsa and Marcia competed in the 10th Golem boat competition.


    At that time, Elsa''s boat and Marcia''s boat were in a dead heat near the finish line. And it was Marcia who won the race.


    Coincidentally, Elsa was also wearing the number 3 and the same yellow swimsuit at that time.


    "I remember chasing after Elsa''s boat that time too!


    Marcia also remembered two years ago.


    * * * * * *


    "It''s a hell of a race!��The two boats are almost touching each other port side to port!��It''s a fierce battle worthy of the final stage of the finals!"


    The MC''s announcement was almost a scream.


    Less than two kilometers from the finish line, the leader is still undecided.


    It was truly side by side.


    The crowd''s enthusiasm knows no bounds.


    "Go, number 6!


    Don''t lose, 3!


    The battle for the lead is now between Marussia and Einy, with third place more than 500 meters back.


    It''s a real battle, just like two years ago!


    Bernardo, the commentator, also seemed to be remembering that fierce battle.


    "Good luck, Marcia!


    "Good luck, Marcia!"


    "Good luck, Marcia!" "Good luck, Marcia!"


    The two boats were now within visual distance of each other. The leader is .......


    "Number 6 is in the lead!��He has finally overtaken all the boats from the bottom and is now in the lead!


    At that moment.


    The boat with number 6, Marussia, veers to the right.


    "Ah!


    The hull could no longer withstand the vibration transmitted from the screw shaft, and the right side of the three hulls cracked.


    The hull is flooded. The inside of the hull is not submerged because of the bulkheads, but a great deal of resistance was generated.


    "We''ve come this far!��We can''t lose!��Arrow!��Don''t slow down!


    "Yes, Miss Marcia."


    Marcia turned the rudder to the left and leaned her body to the left, trying desperately to keep the ship heading toward the goal, which was going off to the right and to the right.


    This was slowing her down, of course.


    "Chance!"


    Einy saw this as his chance and ordered Golem to increase the speed even more.


    But...


    "Ah!


    ZEK-3 also begins to slow down.


    The mana contained in the Golem is running low. In short, it ran out of gas.


    "Ah!��Zec 3, it looked like we had a chance, but it''s starting to slow down!��Number 6, you have a slight advantage!"


    Number 6 and Number 3 both drive their boats, which are in far from their best condition, to the finish line.


    "We are so close to the finish line!��Who will win this fierce battle!


    200 meters to the finish line.


    150 meters.


    100 meters.


    50.......


    "Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!��Number 6, you are the winner!

 1455 - - 39-40 Celebration Day

    On the evening of the day of Marcia''s victory, a victory party was held.


    The place of the party was the home and office next to Marcia''s workshop.


    The guest of honor was, of course, Marusia. Next to her is her father, Rodrigo, with a smiling face. And his employees, Bacchus and Jeremy, are sitting in the corner with nervous faces.


    "Congratulations, Marcia!


    "Thank you, Elsa."


    "Congratulations, Marcia."


    "Thank you, Jin."


    "Congratulations, Marcia!"


    "Thank you, Hannah."


    "Congratulations, Marcia!"


    "Thank you, Licia."


    "Marcia, that was wonderful!"


    "Marcia, that was amazing."


    "......, why are there a prince and a princess here?"


    Marcia''s forehead was covered in cold sweat. Bacchus and Jeremy, commoners by nature, were shrinking.


    "Don''t worry about them, they''re just ninjas."


    "Yes, yes. I''m only here because I''m a friend of Jin''s."


    "Even if you say don''t worry about it, ......"


    "By the way, His Highness Ernesto paid for the entire victory party."


    Erza reveals the backstory.


    "What?


    You should use the prize money for yourself.


    "That''s right. Celebrations are for those who celebrate, not for those who are celebrated.


    Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen seem to understand.


    "Hey, hey, let''s eat!"


    Hannah''s right.


    They toast to their newfound good mood.


    Cheers!


    Cheers!


    Hannah drinks Citran juice and the rest of us have sparkling wine.


    "Wow!��This is very smooth!


    However, the alcohol content is so low that Princess Rieschen can drink it ......, or rather, the royal family sometimes drinks wine at the age of 12.


    "It''s a specialty of the western part of the Kingdom of Elias," he said.


    Prince Ernest had gathered this information in advance.


    "It''s delicious.


    Elsa seemed to like it too.


    "It''s sweet and pleasant on the palate.


    Jin also found it an easy-drinking wine. I thought about giving it to Reinhardt, a wine connoisseur, as a souvenir.


    "It''s delicious. Maybe it''s good for beginners.


    Licia was also smacking her lips.


    After that, we had a chat while eating.


    Not only in the Kingdom of Klein, but also in the Kingdom of Egelea, it is said that chatting while eating is bad manners, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do, and in the southern part of the Kingdom of Elias, they eat while chatting happily.


    But this is only the case when they are close to each other and at an auspicious occasion such as a celebration.


    "I came to the Kingdom of Elias to learn about ships.


    I followed Master Nesto.


    "That''s why I was wondering if you would allow me to visit tomorrow."


    "I know Jin, and above all, he''s His Highness, so ...... I''ve accepted!"


    Thank you, Marcia.


    "But it sounds like you have a lot of work to do on the practical application of the screw.


    "Yes, I was fine with the outboard motor."


    "That''s right, Master Jin. This time, in order to make it golem-driven, we extended the shaft and brought it inside the ship. ......"


    "That''s why there was vibration and ...... not enough strength."


    Jin has begun to analyze the trouble. Marcia and Rodrigo are also enthusiastic, Elsa and Hannah laugh and say, "Here we go again," while Licia can''t keep up and her eyes are black and white.


    "Well, this inquisitive mind is a djinn after all."


    "Yes, it is. ......"


    Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen looked enlightened.


    "This time, we paid the most attention to the waterproofing of the shaft. It was not strong enough. ......"


    Rodrigo explains how it happened.


    The pipe through which the screw shaft passes is called a stanch tube, and there is inevitably a gap between the stanch tube and the shaft, through which water can enter the vessel.


    To prevent this, various methods have been devised, ranging from a simple method of filling the stanch tube with grease to advanced sealing methods.


    "I tried something called a grease box."


    "Heh, ...... that''s great."


    A grease box, or grease box, is a method of inserting a box-like component filled with grease where the screw shaft protrudes into the vessel from the stanch tube.


    The grease box is used to insulate the stanchion from any water that rises up from inside the stanchion.


    This method is relatively used in ship models.


    In this case, it is necessary to use rust-resistant materials for the stun tube and screw shaft, and Rodrigo used light silver.


    Rodrigo used light silver, but the shaft diameter was too small because of its high cost, and the lack of strength was a mistake.


    "I will use the prize money to buy light silver and make a more complete boat.


    Rodrigo declared enthusiastically.


    "Marcia, how is your store going?"


    As Jin was talking with Rodrigo, Elsa spoke to Marcia.


    "Yes, very well!��The trimaran is easy to maneuver, and the balance of the power installation is good.


    They are developing the boat with the concept of using as little magic engine as possible.


    In this case, a golem is rowing the boat, but it can also be rowed by a human. However, in that case, the speed and cruising range would be extremely reduced. .......


    "The fact that it can run even if it runs out of mana is an advantage, isn''t it?


    "Indeed, it is."


    Unlike Jin, the general public does not have the backup of Horaijima, so such a characteristic is important.


    "By the way, what does the prince want to know ......?"


    "Haha, you can use the same tone as everyone else while you''re here. ...... Well, I''d like to build a 20-meter class transport ship eventually, and I''d like to learn a lot of things for that."


    "Oh, I see. Well, in that case, I might as well start with the basics of the ship.


    "Yes, please!"


    Marcia and Prince Ernest seem to be getting to know each other.


    Prince Ernest was originally interested in making things, especially golems, so he was able to follow the conversation.


    "I''ll come back tomorrow for more details.


    "Yes, yes."


    Marcia was a little surprised by his vitality.


    "I want to know more about the ship, too.


    "Well, Hannah, if you stay with me and stay close to Nest-sama, you will be able to hear many things.


    "Oh, yes!��Thank you, princess!


    Princess Rieschen looks a little confused when Hannah says this to her.


    "Well, I hope you don''t call me ''princess'' in an informal setting."


    "Well, then, can I call you ...... Ries, big sister?"


    Princess Rieschen''s face lit up at this suggestion.


    "Oh, oh, that''s good!��No, you can call me that!"


    Princess Rieschen, the youngest, was happy to be called by Hannah.

 1456 - - 39-41 Maintenance

    It was the last day of February in Ars, the 30th.


    Jin and his friends have been at the Marcia workshop since the morning. Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen had not arrived yet.


    "First we have to fix the Arrow.


    I''m sorry, but I had a victory party last night and I had to put it off.


    Jin, please.


    "Yeah, I''ll take care of it."


    Jin first puts Arrow down on the workbench and stops the movement.


    Then, with Elsa, Reiko, and Edgar as his assistants, he begins to disassemble the Arrow.


    Meanwhile, Licia and Hannah are being shown around the workshop by Marcia.


    After removing the exterior and musculature, Jin first checks the skeleton.


    Yes, the skeleton is in good shape. The joints are all fine.


    That''s my brother Jin!


    Now, ......


    Then a voice rang out.


    "Ah!��Jin, you can''t start without me!


    "Ne, Nest-sama," said another voice in a quiet voice, "......."


    It was Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen. It was only 8 a.m. when they arrived.


    They were accompanied only by Lotte and Tia. Reiko guessed that there were a few people around to escort them.


    Prince Ernest strode up to Jin,


    "So this is Marcia''s arrow. She''s going to be my Lotte''s sister, isn''t she?


    He said with interest.


    "I guess so."


    Jin answered, but did not stop.


    "Reiko, give me 64 light silver."


    "Yes, father."


    Edgar, you hold this side.


    Yes, Master Jin.


    With two assistants, the work is fast.


    In no time at all, the left arm was regenerated and the muscular system was reattached.


    Of course, all the joints in the body have been checked for clearance and adjusted.


    "It''s always brilliant to see ......."


    Prince Ernesto admires Jin''s skill.


    "Yeah, no problem."


    After a full body check of the Arrow, Jin begins the reassembly and finishes it in less than two minutes.


    "It''s fast. ......"


    "......"


    Prince Ernest mutters a single word, and Princess Rieschen is absolutely mortified.


    Jin restarts the Arrow and asks how it is.


    Yes, Jin-sama, everything is fine. I can be of more help to Marcia than ever before.


    "I am glad to hear that. I''m glad to hear that. ...... Your Highness, this would be a good time to check on Lotte and Tia as well, wouldn''t it?��Marcia, would you mind?


    "Yes, of course."


    Marcia nodded her head in agreement. And there was no way she could deny the two princesses.


    What?��Oh, yes, we''d love to have you!


    "Yes, by all means!


    So, Jin decided to borrow Marcia''s workshop to overhaul the two machines.


    Since Tia had a lot of work to do, he asked Elsa to disassemble her.


    In less than five minutes, the two bodies were disassembled to skeletal state, and Jin was checking them in front of them.


    "Yes, the adamantite coated joints are not worn down at all. They are in good shape."


    He then reassembled them, adjusting the clearance and balance.


    The muscular system seemed to be in perfect condition, as if he had not done anything rash.


    However, Jin does not intend to simply assemble them as they are.


    Originally, the muscular system of both of them were made of materials from powerful demons. In other words, their power can still be increased.


    Jin increased the efficiency of Tia''s ether converter and mana driver, and loosened the limiter of her magical muscles by the same amount.


    This should have doubled the reaction speed and increased the power by about 1.5 times.


    At the same time, Lotte, who had been a mana tank, was upgraded to an ether converter and a mana driver similar to Tia''s at this opportunity.


    "Wow, I don''t know what I''m doing. ......"


    Prince Ernest sighs, while Princess Rieschen remains silent.


    Jin then begins the assembly. Erza was left to install Tia''s magical skin, while Jin assembled Lotte.


    Time required, approximately 10 minutes.


    "How are you doing, Tia?


    Jin asks the two reactivated bodies.


    "Yes, very good. Thank you very much.


    "Yes, even better than before. Thank you very much.


    Both of them seem to be in good shape.


    "Okay, that''s it. Let''s get to work."


    "What?"


    Prince Ernesto asked,


    "No, no, no, you''re going to ask him about the ship, right?


    Jin said,


    "Oh, that''s right. I was so caught up in Jin''s skill that I forgot about it.


    Prince Ernest scratches his head.


    The first thing is, what is it that you want to know?


    "I think it''s important to know what you want to know first.


    Jin said, "I want to be clear first, because time is limited.


    "Yes, I understand that, but I''m ...... getting confused."


    Prince Ernesto makes a good point. Marcia''s workshop is filled with materials, documents, and actual items related to the ship.


    "I''ll leave it to Jin and Marcia. I can only be here until the end of the morning ...... or rather until 11:00 a.m. I have a luncheon with Miss Trine at 11:30 a.m. I''m meeting Miss Trine for lunch at 11:30."


    "Yes, I understand."


    Prince Ernest laughed as he said that it was his royal duty to help out Trine, who came from the Kingdom of Egelea.


    Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen had to make time in their busy schedule.


    Jin thought a little about how to teach them everything about boats in a short time and concluded that it would be better to start from the basics.


    "Well then, let''s begin. First, do you know why a boat floats?


    "What?��Uh, because they are light?


    "I''m not saying you''re wrong, but ...... let''s start there."


    Jin prepared a whiteboard made of a kind of subterranean spider resin (GSP), a gift from Marcia in her workshop, and began to draw a diagram on it.


    "First of all, when you put an object in water, the object becomes lighter by the amount of water you push away. I want you to remember this as a premise. I can''t explain it, even if you ask me why.


    "Yes, I understand."


    "Well," he said, "that is, objects lighter than the weight of the water you push away will float, and objects heavier than the weight of the water you push away will sink. This is true even if the ship is made of iron."


    "Ah, so that''s why those boats we saw in the Kunlun Islands floated!"


    "That''s what I mean."


    "I see... so that''s how it is!��I had a hunch about it until now.


    "What?"


    I noticed that Marcia and Rodrigo were also listening to Jin''s lecture.


    "Jin''s talk is very informative. Can we listen in too?


    "Of course we can."


    Jin nodded to Marcia and continued his explanation.

 1457 - - 39-42 Lectures on Ships

    Jin''s lecture on ships continues.


    "There are two types of water resistance applied to a ship: , , and . < as the force expended by the ship to create waves, and < as the stickiness of the water."


    Jin''s knowledge is shallow and full of holes because he got it from model magazines when he was building a model ship, but no one else in this world can explain it so systematically.


    "<> is the resistance of the low-pressure area behind the ship that tries to pull the ship back."


    "......?"


    I can''t go into any more detail than that, as Jin also has a vague recollection of it. Fortunately, however, all of the < listening were practitioners.


    "When you move your hand in the water, if you spread your palm out in the direction of movement, the resistance will be greater, and if you twist it 90 degrees, the resistance will be less, right?"


    They were convinced by these explanations.


    "Yes, I think I understand."


    With no time to waste, Jin continues his explanation.


    "The stability of the ship is ......."


    "The shape of the bottom of the ship is ......."


    "The structure of the hull can be found at ......."


    All of these were taken from model magazines, but both Marcia and Prince Ernest were listening intently. And Hannah, Elsa, Licia, and Rodrigo.


    "Well, your talk is quite informative, Jin-dono.


    "Onii-chan''s explanations are easy to understand.


    "I haven''t heard your explanation in a long time, but I understand a lot about the ship."


    "I hope that''s the case. ......"


    Jin looked at Prince Ernest, who was writing down what he had heard on a piece of leather paper.


    "Jin, then you must be very careful when you build a large ship."


    "That''s what I think."


    In this respect, Jin, Elsa, and Rodrigo had experience in building the in the Shoro Empire.


    "The bigger it gets, the greater the forces on the various parts of the hull. This is good, right?"


    "Yes. The effect of the waves.


    "The shape of the bottom is also important."


    In this way, Jin explained all the basics of boats that he could think of.


    After an hour and a half of explanation, he took us to Marcia''s workshop to show us the actual ship.


    "See how smooth the surface is?


    "Oh, that''s right. <


    Ordinary wooden boats are made of water-resistant, rot-resistant wood, without any surface treatment or preservative treatment, but not here.


    "Wood gets moldy and rots when it''s wet and exposed to air," he said.


    "Oh, really?


    "That''s right. If it had been submerged in water for a long time, it wouldn''t rot.


    The fact that a sunken shipwreck retains its shape is also an indication of this.


    "That''s why we treat them so they don''t absorb water, and we paint them so they repel water," he says.


    "That''s why they have to be treated so they don''t absorb water, and painted so they repel water, especially if they''re big."


    We don''t want large vessels that can''t be easily built new to rot.


    "I won''t go into the details of how to do that ...... because it''s a bit of a Marcia contraption."


    But Ernesto laughed and nodded.


    "Yes!��Of course. Everyone has their own way of doing things."


    "Catamarans and trimarans work well for smaller vessels, but for larger ones, the strength of the joints becomes a problem.


    "Oh, because the force exerted on each part of the hull by the waves is different, isn''t it?


    "That''s right."


    It seems that Prince Ernest had understood the content of my earlier lecture.


    Princess Rieschen seemed to have lost her patience and was chatting with Licia.


    Hannah, however, looks serious so as not to miss any of Jin''s explanations. Princess Rieschen looks a little sad.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The last step is to be taken on a boat.


    The first one is Cygnus, the former winner.


    The boat can just barely fit three people if it''s packed.


    "Wow, it feels so good!


    The Shiratori (Cygnus) runs around the bay with the sea breeze on its face.


    "Your Highness, please remember how it sways, how it moves, how it accelerates..."


    Marcia said to Prince Ernest while running Cygnus at about 80% speed.


    The winning boat, number 6, is still there. He did not give her a name.


    "No, I know it''s different somehow!"


    The three-hulled boat is a little shorter than the catamaran, which makes the boat more maneuverable.


    Also, the longer distance from each < makes the period of swaying longer.


    "And the acceleration seems to be good too."


    "Yes, that''s the effect of this ......<."


    "I see. But it would be bad if algae or seaweed got entangled in it.


    Marcia is a little surprised when Prince Ernesto points out the weak points of the screw in a short time.


    "...... Yes. So we have to be careful where we run.


    "If it''s a small ship, we can remove it manually if it gets tangled up, but I''m not sure about a large ship. ......"


    Prince Ernest was thinking about such a thing.


    * * * * * *


    "Jin, Marcia, Elsa, Hannah, Licia, thank you. Thank you, Reiko, Edgar, Arrow, for all your help.


    At 11:00 a.m., the two high lords bid farewell to Jin and the others.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll have Elias take you home."


    Princess Rieschen says with a smile. She then says a few more words to Hannah.


    "Good luck, Hannah. We will meet again.


    "Take care, sister Ries!"


    In front of Marcia''s workshop, the carriage and guards arranged by the Marquis of Firenziano are all there.


    "<>, I will now escort the two of you to the capital city of Borgia."


    Jin thought that he would take <>, but when he listened carefully, he heard that an airship would come to pick them up at the guest house.


    "Well then, I''ll leave you to it."


    Jin, see you later!


    Thank you, Jin!


    The Marquis and their Royal Highnesses waved their hands out of the carriage window, and Jin responded.


    Then the carriage started to move slowly and left before those who saw it off.


    "He''s gone, isn''t he?"


    "Hmm..."


    "I''m kind of sad."


    Yeah. ......


    Yes. ......


    The time spent in the company of friends will one day come to an end.


    Marcia, Elsa, Jin, Hannah, and Licia expressed their loneliness in their own words.

 1458 - - 39-43 The Dolls

    Jin and his friends stayed at Marcia''s house, refusing to go to the Marchese Florenziano''s. The next morning.


    The next morning.


    "It''s March today... ......3 March means the Dolls'' Festival..."


    "What''s that, Onii-chan?"


    Hannah heard Jin''s mumbling and asked him a question.


    "Hm?��It''s a festival for girls on March 3rd.


    "Heh?"


    It seemed that Hannah had never heard of such a modern Japanese event, as it was not compiled in the book.


    Erza had not heard of it either, and Licia and Marcia were also eager to hear about it, so Jin explained about the Hinamatsuri.


    "Originally, it was an event to transfer bad luck to dolls to get rid of it..."


    "Hmm."


    "Somewhere along the way, the dolls were floated down the river and then displayed."


    Yes!


    "It became a girls'' festival because of the dolls."


    "Heh. ......"


    "There are two types of dolls, male and female, and some of the more luxurious ones are ...... well, let''s say, dolls."


    "That''s amazing, isn''t it?"


    "Oh, what?��So, by "retainers" you mean that the Obina and the Mebina are the king and queen, Jin?


    "That''s what it means."


    In fact, they are not kings, but rather emperors and empresses, but that would take too long to explain, so Jin omitted that part for now.


    "I''m a little curious, aren''t I?"


    "Yes.


    "Okay, I promised Hannah that I would make her a doll, so I guess I''ll make and display a doll."


    "Yes!"


    Once that''s decided, all''s well that ends well.


    We returned to the guest house and decided to leave the Kingdom of Elias in <>.


    Marcia promised to invite them to the village of Kaina when the dolls were ready, and the Conlon 3 took off into the sky with Jin and the others aboard.


    And, sorry to the pilot, Edgar, but Jin and the others went to Horai Island through the warp gate.


    However, Edgar and will be back in three hours.


    * * * *


    "......It looks roughly like this."


    Jin drew a rough picture and explained.


    "Strange. But it''s nice."


    "It''s true. Is this what they wear ...... in ?"


    Elsa was honestly impressed, and Licia seemed to be intrigued by the costumes.


    "No, I think they are based on ancient Japanese clothes."


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    And Hannah is genuinely looking forward to seeing the finished product.


    "I think I''ll have Elsa make the face.


    I think she can do it better than Jin.


    Even Jin can''t reproduce every detail of the dolls.


    If he is going to rearrange them, he should do it in the style of this world, so he left the faces to Elsa.


    "Old man, do you have any luxurious silk fabrics?


    The old man, who knew what Jin was going to make, responded appropriately to such a vague question.


    <


    "Oh, that''s good."


    <


    "I understand. I am happy to have a man who can do it, I am.


    .


    Jin then sends his compliments to Soleil and Luna, who brought the cloth to him,


    "Thank you both for your hard work. I appreciate it very much.


    He thanked them both for their hard work.


    "Thank you very much.


    "I am honored."


    Indeed, the fabrics they brought were diverse, including satin, habutae, crepe, and Nishijin-ori style.


    "There are many kinds, but the quantity is small."


    He said, "We have about five lots of each in stock.


    "One lot is enough, thank you very much.


    There are a wide variety of patterns: plain, Japanese, Western, and gold brocade.


    "I like fine patterns.


    Because dolls are small.


    Having decided on the fabric, Jin began to make the doll''s body.


    Not knowing the formal structure of dolls, he made the doll''s body in his own way.


    The doll is not made of clay, but of <. This is because it is easier to fine-tune the doll afterwards.


    Then, the body is clothed.


    The basic garment is the juni-hitoe (twelve-layered kimono).


    The bottom layer is a hitoe, which serves as underclothing, and over that are five hitoe of different colors, called itsutsuginu.


    The five garments are combined so that there is a beautiful gradation of colors on the cuffs and collars. This is called "kasane-no-irome," and is said to have been changed depending on the season and status of the wearer.


    On top of this, an uchi ginu, then an uhagi, and finally a karaginu, an elaborate garment, are worn.


    The bottom is a long hakama (legless hakama), and a gown is attached at the waist.


    However, they do not actually wear that many garments.


    The garments are piled up around the visible part of the body, in other words, around the collar.


    "Elsa, have you finished the face or the head?


    "Yes."


    "Oh, this is good.


    I put it together with the body. The size is perfect.


    The hair style is usually called "ousuberakashi," but it is too unfamiliar in the Ars world, so we decided to go with the safe style of "suihatsu" (lowered hair).


    The male dolls are made in the same way, but in the style of a koro-kanna-sokutai.


    The women''s dolls are finished in red, so I decided to use blue for the men''s dolls.


    Licia looked at Jin''s work and was impressed,


    "That''s an interesting collar. Is that a traditional costume?


    She said.


    The shape of a maru-eri is probably not found in this world, so it is not surprising that it is unusual.


    "Yes, I suppose it could be classified as such."


    There are very few people who wear it on a daily basis, except for a few priests and people involved in traditional performing arts.


    Jin also does not remember the formal structure of the doll, but it is enough to make a doll.


    The crowns are made in a proper shape, and the male dolls are given a scepter and the female dolls a fan.


    The rest is completed by making the pedestal and the gold folding screen.


    Compared to the modern Hina dolls, there are a few things missing, but this is how we have completed our version of for Ars of Another World.

 1459 - - 39-44 Silent Story 72 Dolls Festival

    "Shall we have a big Hina Matsuri on the 3rd? ......"


    Jin decided to hold the Hina Matsuri at Nido Castle and began preparations.


    He set up a stand for the dolls in the hall, spread a scarlet carpet, and seated automata dressed as male and female dolls. .......


    The dolls are dressed as male and female dolls.


    "For the male dolls, I''d like of the >."


    "Hmm. And for the female dolls, ?


    "Also, as I recall, there are three courtesans, the Minister of the Right, the Minister of the Left, and the five musicians. ......"


    I''ll assign <> to them as well.


    Since Jin doesn''t know the order or even the official names, he focuses on the appearance.


    The preparations were completed over the course of the day.


    On March 2, all households in the village of Kaina are notified of the Doll Festival.


    < in the hall of Nido Castle. It is a girls'' festival, but boys, parents, and everyone is welcome to attend.


    Since we could not prepare white sake, we will only serve various kinds of juices. No alcohol since it is a daytime festival.


    "Oh, that''s right, since it''s also called "Peach Festival", we should also display Persica flowers.


    A Persica orchard growing on Horai Island.


    From there, he brings in persica flower branches for pruning and decorating.


    "Hmmm, I forgot the shape of the Bonbori.


    Jin smiles bitterly, but compromises that the banquet will be held in the daytime, so there will be no problem even if it is not necessary.


    "Shall we put a red carpet on the floor?


    However, Erza waits for him.


    "Brother Jin, I''m sure that would be painful to the eyes.


    "That''s true... ...... then I guess we should put tatami mats on the floor."


    I''m sure it will hurt your eyes.


    The hall is used by switching between a wooden floor and a tatami floor depending on the purpose.


    This time we decided to use tatami mats and cushions.


    "And then there''s the food. Hishimochi and hina arare ......?"


    As expected, I don''t know how to make them.


    "You can make arare, but you can''t just sweeten them. ......"


    Jin thinks about it for a while, but decides to compromise on this point as well, because it''s the world of Ars.


    "Then, what to ......?"


    He started to think about it and immediately thought of a food.


    Let''s make a sandwich.


    In other words, he decided to make it with bread cut into a diamond shape instead of a rectangle, and use it as a rice cake.


    We should prepare as many kinds of ingredients as possible, such as vegetables, ham, salad, and so on.


    Peridot is in charge of the preparation.


    "Then, instead of Hina-arare, we should make popcorn.


    Popcorn is not popular in the village of Kaina because of the low corn harvest.


    However, Jin thought that since Eric''s store was located there, it might be a good idea to buy corn for popcorn as one of the ways to use the money he had earned.


    "It would be nice if we could make it taste like caramel, instead of just the usual salty flavor."


    Jin did not know how to make caramel, but he did know how to make <>.


    "Come to think of it, what''s the difference between caramel and caramel?


    Jin muttered to himself in the kitchen of Nido Castle while making caramel with Reiko as his assistant.


    The process of making caramel is simple. Just dissolve sugar in water and boil it down until it turns brown.


    If you boil it down too much, it becomes bitter, and if you heat it further after the water has completely evaporated, it just turns to charcoal and becomes bitter.


    "I remember when I was scolded by the director for a prank I played a long time ago.


    It was no wonder he was scolded, since he had ruined one of the pots at that time.


    "Okay, that''s about right."


    Jin made the caramel sauce for the pudding and poured it over the popcorn Reiko had prepared for him. .......


    "Hmmm, it doesn''t stick."


    It stayed sticky forever.


    "If I boil it down any more, it''ll become bitter. ...... I''ll try mixing in some syrup or something, or try using less water.


    Jin tried to make it work.


    Then Elsa and Licia came over.


    "Oh, it smells so good!


    "Hey, you two, are you done with your preparations?


    The two had been entrusted with decorating the venue, including the flower beds.


    "Yes, we''re done."


    "So, what are you making?"


    Jin explained to them.


    "It looks delicious. But it looks difficult. ......


    "...... If it looks too difficult, why don''t you use engineering magic this time to make the water go away?"


    Elsa offered a compromise.


    "Yes, ......."


    Elsa is right when she suggests that the stickiness is due to the high water content, which should be eliminated.


    Let''s give it a try. "


    I try to eat the food that has lost its stickiness.


    "Yeah, I guess it''s alright.


    The texture is crispy and slightly sweet, accented by a slight bitterness.


    It was slightly different from the ones he had eaten in the past, but Jin thought it was delicious in its own way.


    "Oh, it''s delicious, isn''t it?


    "Mmm."


    Licia and Elsa seemed to like it too, so Jin decided to try it tomorrow.


    As a side note, the Peridos would later use brown sugar and syrup to complete the dish, but that would come a little later.


    In addition, Jin decided to prepare fried tofu and fried topopo.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Shall we invite the children from Toka village too?


    "Is that OK?"


    In the evening, Jin proposed to Licia.


    "Of course, it''s short notice, so we may not be able to get all of them, but you can bring them here tomorrow morning in the <>.


    "Thank you!"


    "And then, I''d like to invite Saki, Marcia, and above all, Yuri.


    "Yes, I''ll do that. We should also invite Theon and Maricka.


    In the end, they decided to invite the entire <>, including Luis Vina and his wife, Stearina, Vivian, and Milowina.


    The day of the Dolls'' Festival.


    The day of the Dolls'' Festival.


    "Wow, it''s beautiful!


    "Wow, it''s so beautiful!" "It''s so nice!"


    Most of the residents of Kaina Village, the entire Jin Family, and 15 children from Toka Village gathered in the hall of Nido Castle.


    "Well, today is the Girls'' Festival. It''s a girls'' festival. By the way, the boys'' festival will be held on May 5th.


    Jin explains the purpose of the festival.


    "It is to wish for a healthy upbringing. It is also a festival to celebrate the coming of spring.


    Everyone listens in silence.


    "Well then, please enjoy today with our guests!"


    Jin sums it up shortly. He knows that people don''t like it when he makes a long speech at a time like this.


    "Oh, wow!


    "Wow!"


    Everyone cheered in unison after Jin''s greeting.


    "It''s a great atmosphere, isn''t it? I want to have this event in my village next year.


    Licia looked a little envious.


    "Yes, yes, you''re a djinn, aren''t you? The shorter the greeting, the better.


    "I think I''ve read that Mags also talked about this kind of thing.


    "Interesting costumes."


    Saki, Goose and Vivian are looking at the dolls.


    "Juliana, you''ll be a good girl!"


    "Yuri, you laugh a lot now, don''t you?


    "Yes, she doesn''t cry so much at night, thank God."


    Reinhard, Mine and Bertsche are looking after Juliana.


    "This is delicious!


    "Try this one too."


    "Yes, thank you!"


    Hannah seems to be enjoying the company of the village children and inviting the children from Toka.


    "It''s a very peaceful and happy scene. Thank you, Mr. Jin."


    "No problem. Please take your time.


    Milowina was receiving Jin''s greeting from a little distance away.


    "I like this kind of gathering," she said.


    I''d like to have one at our place, too!


    "If you do, give me a call. I''ll help you."


    Theon and Maricka were talking with Elsa.


    "Well, when I heard about the doll, I didn''t think the festival would turn out like this.


    "But it sounds like you guys are having a good time."


    "Yes, they are."


    Marcia and Rodrigo squinted at the happy children as they ate their sandwiches.


    "It''s nice to be in this kind of atmosphere.


    "It really is."


    Toa and Stellina were also enjoying the atmosphere.


    This popcorn is delicious!��I''ll ask Jin how to make it later.


    "That''s a good idea. That would be a good idea. It would add variety to our specialties.


    Bina and Luis are talking over a bowl of popcorn.


    "Oh, this is fun. I really didn''t think the village would be this lively until Jin came.


    "Really. Martha and Hannah found Jin and that''s why the village is what it is today.


    "Yes, indeed, Jin, you''re a wonder man, aren''t you?


    Martha was enjoying the Dolls'' Festival with the village chief Giebeck and Sally.


    "Hmmm, we don''t have a festival like this in King''s Landing either.


    "Hmm, this village is a nice place, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is. Your father and grandfather would be envious if you told them about it."


    Eric and Barbara seemed to be enjoying themselves as well.


    "Hey, hey, try this.��It''s delicious."


    "Wow, thank you!"


    "Look, there''s a nice view from the window over there. Wanna go there?


    "Yes!"


    Rita, Sonia, Lou, Kana, Seema, Berta, Coone, and Luluna had all settled into the village and were chatting and eating happily.


    The village of Kaina in the northern part of the country was about to welcome spring.

 1460 - - 39-45 Straw Pancakes

    "I see, this is good."


    Jin muttered as he examined the ground.


    On March 4, Jin, together with Erza, Licia, and others, had come to the Demon Territory...... or <>.


    It was to send Zion and Marikka, whom he had invited to the Dolls'' Festival the previous day, on their way.


    Or, more precisely, to observe the paving method of the <>.


    "Hey, it''s nice."


    "You don''t have to be so hard on yourself, Zion, it wasn''t your idea."


    Now Jin, together with Zion and Zion''s mother, Rorona of Morura, had come to the village square.


    "But I was surprised. I thought you knew everything.


    "That''s not true. There are many things in this world that I don''t know.


    You are very humble.


    "More importantly, how to pave this place ......"


    I happened to mention in front of Zion and Maricka that a road was going to run through to the village of Lycia and that it would be nice if it was paved,


    He muttered something along the lines of "It would be nice to pave it.��"Can''t you just put gravel on the road and pave it?"


    I heard Zion say,


    "Well, if you put crushed gravel on the ground and push it into the ground, it will harden. I don''t know why ......."


    I don''t know why," I heard Maricka say.


    I know a lot about making things, but I''m an amateur in the field of civil engineering.


    Lorona explains to me. She had some background in civil engineering as well as agriculture.


    "This pavement is made by breaking rocks, scattering the broken stones, and then hardening them.


    Lorona thought and thought as she explained.


    "Well, I heard from an older colleague that when the crushed stones are pushed together, they engage tightly with each other due to friction or something.


    It is said that water is sometimes sprinkled on the stones.


    This method corresponds to what is known as "macadam paving" in modern Japan. It was often used before and during the war.


    This method is effective because there are no heavy trailers, trucks, or dump trucks running on the road.


    "I see, I get it."


    Jin thought that if he named this method and spread the word about what he had learned from the northerners, it would be a good opportunity for them to be accepted.


    "Licia, this is going to be useful, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, yes, yes!


    It would have been nice if we could have brought Princess Rieschen with us, but it was not possible.


    Since Reiko is with her, the information has been sent to the old man.


    We''ll have to try it out at Horai Island or Kunlun Island soon.


    "Are you leaving already?"


    Theon says in a frustrated tone.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. I''ll come back later.


    He had reached the end of his rope with Lysia.


    "I''m sorry.


    Jin drove Licia back to Toka village by .


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    ......Spring is almost here.


    "Hmm."


    Jin and Erza took a walk in the village of Kaina.


    There were still patches of frozen snow here and there in the shade, but the roads and fields were already covered with soil.


    The green buds of wheat were beginning to grow, indicating that spring was definitely on its way.


    "There was also a lot of snow in the snow room."


    Elsa had looked in the snow room.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve been so relaxed."


    "Yes. ......"


    The two of them walked slowly through the village, stopping to greet the villagers as they waved back.


    The sky was blue, the wind was still cold, but the sun was warm.


    "Really, we''re taking it easy today.


    I had been somewhat busy for the past half month or so, taking care of all the various things I had to do.


    "Oh, mommy, Elsa!"


    Hannah, who had gone to the bank of the Ermee River to pick newly sprouted mugwort, came back with a basket in her arms.


    "Look, there are so many!


    "Oh, my gosh!"


    Last year, when he took Hannah to visit other ethnic groups, Jin found wormwood in the town of Ismar and made grass cakes with it.


    Hanna remembered this and found out that wormwood was also found in Kaina village, so she picked it up.


    Of course, we have confirmed that it is non-toxic.


    "All right, we can make rice cakes with this.


    They rent a kitchen at Martha''s house and start to make grass cakes.


    The recipe for the grass cakes that Jin made in Ismar is as follows,


    1. boil the washed wormwood. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda.


    2. Soak the boiled mugwort in cold water and grind it in a mortar.


    3. Knead up the rice flour and boil it in hot water.


    4. Mix the ground mugwort with the flour in a mortar and pestle.


    5. roll the dumplings into pieces and eat them with soybean flour or sweet bean paste.


    The process is as follows.


    The dumplings will not be ready in time for lunch, but they are good enough for a 3 o''clock snack.


    Elsa is boiling red bean paste and Reiko is making soybean flour.


    After eating lunch while the red bean paste was cooling down, Jin and the others continued to prepare the Kusamochi.


    And then...


    "Oh, this smells so good, Jin!"


    Martha, who had never tasted grass rice cake before, also liked it.


    "It''s delicious, Jin-sama!"


    Erza''s mother, Meene, said the same thing.


    "I also like it with honey and yellow powder on it!


    Hannah is also enjoying the cake.


    It is the greatest joy for the bakers to see their customers eating them with such relish.


    "I''ll make some at Nido Castle and give them out to everyone.


    Jin then thinks about spreading the Kusamochi in the village of Kaina.


    "Brother Jin, if we don''t eat them soon, they will be gone."


    "Oops."


    The rice cakes were well received and there were only a few left in the pile.


    Jin hurriedly put the one with red bean paste in his mouth.


    The aroma of mugwort filled his mouth.


    "I''m so happy right now. ......"


    Jin is deeply moved as he watches Hannah eat the Kusamochi.


    Erza, who is sitting next to him, leans her shoulder against him.


    (Hopefully, this small happiness will last as long as possible.)


    A single white cloud was flowing in the sky of Kaina village.

 1461 - - 40-01 Spring is coming

    March 15 is Elsa''s birthday.


    The place is the big cafeteria in the institute in Horai Island.


    "Happy birthday, Elsa.


    "Thank you, Brother Jin."


    Happy birthday!


    Happy birthday!


    On the island of Horai, the Jin family was celebrating his birthday together.


    On a large table covered with a white tablecloth was a large birthday cake.


    Perid and his family had painstakingly completed this cake.


    The most difficult part was the sponge cake.


    Jin did not know how to make it, so it took many trials and errors.


    It took him several times until he realized that he should use light flour.


    If you don''t sift the flour, it will be lumpy, if you don''t whisk it properly, it won''t expand, etc. Several times before he tried adding butter and milk as well as flour, eggs, and sugar.


    Then, after adding the butter and milk, it takes about a dozen times. Dozens of times to find the best mixing ratio, baking temperature, baking time, and so on.


    The fish in the fish pond ate the failed ones. It is a relief that they did not go to waste.


    Next to sponge cake, whipped cream was the most difficult to make.


    For some reason, they had never made cream, even though they had a culture of making cheese.


    The fat content of milk is usually around 4 grams per 100 grams (depending on the season). Therefore, even after centrifugation, only a small amount of cream can be obtained.


    This is probably why cream was not eaten in the Arus world.


    For the same reason, butter was not widely used.


    As a side note, cheese is made mainly in mountain villages like Mochto in the Kingdom of Elias.


    The basic cheese is cottage cheese made by adding vinegar to warmed milk to separate the protein content.


    The use of lactic acid bacteria seeds called "bulk starter" increases the variety.


    A quick aside.


    This cake is made with a lot of airbert (strawberries), Elsa''s favorite.


    This cake is full of the fragrance of spring.


    "Woohoo!"


    "Brilliant!"


    Elsa is applauded for blowing out the beeswax candle in one breath.


    "Thank you, ....... I''m going to go now."


    Elsa herself cut the huge whole cake into pieces.


    "Yes, it''s delicious.


    "If Reinhardt says so, this wine is a winner."


    Reinhardt took a sip of the sparkling wine Marcia brought and seemed to like it.


    "Most sparkling wines are sweet, but this one is on the dry side.


    In Ars, sparkling wine is often made sweeter for women and children.


    "It''s delicious."


    Elsa is drinking a non-alcoholic sparkling juice.


    It is made from the juice of ripe bitis (grapes) and carbonated.


    "It''s delicious!"


    Hannah seemed to like this taste too.


    "No, I didn''t know there was such a wine!"


    Count Luis Wurtz Kuzma, a nobleman from the Kingdom of Egelea, Blueland, also praised the wine.


    "I didn''t know this was made by an unknown winemaker!"


    Yes, a wine made by an up-and-coming winery, unnamed.


    "This wine tastes better than the wine served at Prince Ernest''s birthday party the other night!


    Louis had attended the birthday party in the capital.


    "We should promote more industry in our country. ......"


    He glanced over at Beena, one of the standard-bearers of industrial promotion.


    "Topopo chips are good, too."


    Bina, who is pregnant and strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, is sipping a Ramon squash (lemon juice mixed with carbonated water and added sugar) and eating snacks. Her stomach was becoming more and more prominent.


    "Oh yes, thanks for the other day, Gin. The caramelized popcorn you taught me about is going over very well.


    "That''s good to know."


    It seems that selling not only salty foods, but also sweet foods has been well received by a wider range of customers.


    These foods and magic tools are stimulating the industrial world of the Kingdom of Egelea in a positive way.


    "And you want to see your grandchildren, don''t you?


    "Yes, well. But this is the only thing that even Jin-sama can ...... do."


    "Well, it''s a gift, so I can''t say for sure.


    In the corner, Milowina, Meane, and Martha were talking about something.


    Jin instinctively decided it was best to stay away and moved in the opposite direction.


    "Jin, this is delicious!


    "Jin-sama, you''re so cute!"


    Marikka, it''s not polite to talk with food in your mouth.


    Zion and Marikka were enjoying fried chicken ...... or deep fried kokarisk.


    Elsa is not fond of kokarisk, but today she has prepared it for her guests.


    I have used several different spices so that you can enjoy the different aromas.


    Don''t eat too much. There will be more to come."


    "Yes."


    True to their word, the golem maids appeared with trays of food on them.


    "Here they come!


    "Wow!"


    Sushi dishes such as Gomokuzushi, Inarizushi, and Kappamaki. No nigiri-zushi this time, as it is not to everyone''s liking.


    Rice dishes such as sekihan (red rice), rice cooked with wild vegetables, and rice cooked with chestnuts.


    Sandwiches, jam buns, pancakes.


    "I can''t get enough!"


    "Eat whatever you like, as much as you like. We also have tea.


    Green tea, hojicha, genmaicha, taeye, kuhe, percha.


    "I think she likes porridge."


    Bertsche is spoon-feeding porridge to Juliana, whom she has brought with her.


    "She can even stand up and walk now," she says.


    I can''t take my eyes off her.


    "She''s so cute!"


    Stearina and Vivienne are looking after Juliana.


    "It tastes like old times..."


    Guth muttered to himself as he ate the rice with wild vegetables.


    "Did Mitsuho and Fusoh have okowa?"


    Jin heard him muttering and asked.


    "Yes, they did. They didn''t taste as good, though."


    It was not as good as this." This is not surprising in a culture where rice and rice cakes are available.


    "But I never thought of putting maruon in it.


    "I see."


    As a lover of chestnut rice, Jin could not miss this dish, which was somewhat surprising.


    "I think it''s also because there are not many maruons in the market."


    Guth gave his own analysis.


    Reiko took pictures of everyone enjoying themselves with her camera. It seems that she has already taken more than a hundred pictures.


    Jin goes to Erza''s side when the time is right.


    "Ah, Jin-bro!"


    Elsa was eating cake at her own pace.


    "I''m having fun today."


    "Yes, it is."


    Jin went outside with Erza.


    The sun was shining softly and the sky was blue.


    Spring has already come to Horai Island, which is located on the Tropic of Cancer.

 1462 - - 40-02 Preparation

    After Elsa''s birthday party, everyone was having a leisurely chat.


    "Jin, you seem to be buying a lot of light silver.


    Reinhardt asked with a somewhat expectant look on his face.


    Reinhardt knew that Jin had been buying large quantities of light silver, the price of which had recently dropped.


    "Ah. The price has been falling since the refining magi-machine seems to have become popular.


    Another reason for this is that they are hoping that buying light silver here will lead to an increase in the production of refining machines.


    "So, back to the subject, what are you making?"


    Airships for the World Guard.


    "For the World Guard?"


    Reinhardt asked in return.


    "Yes. I''m building it based on the improvements I heard about the other day."


    "What''s it like?"


    "Seeing is believing.


    "I''d like to see it!


    Jin and Reinhardt move to the back of the laboratory.


    There they find a huge structure.


    It is a huge tent, 100 meters by 100 meters and 50 meters high. It is a huge tent.


    The framework is made of thin but strong light silver, and the covering is made of cloth woven from the threads of a ground spider, making it stronger than most buildings.


    Ships are built at the dock in Tatumi Bay, but airplanes and airships are built here.


    When Reinhardt entered the building, he was astonished.


    "Wow, this is amazing!


    Jin is building a catamaran airship.


    The air sac section is 50 meters long, longer than the Conlon 2. However, it is slightly slender, with a maximum diameter of 10 meters.


    They are connected with a distance of 20 meters between them.


    When viewed from the front, the air sacs and cabins are arranged in an isosceles triangle.


    Of course, the cabin is suspended downward.


    "The longer length is to prevent pitching and yawing, and the twin air sacs are to prevent rolling."


    The twin air sacs are a countermeasure against the yawing that Pascoe-Rasch said was caused by the large amount of swaying.


    In addition to the sway itself, the period is also related to the comfort of the ride. Generally speaking, the larger the period, the slower the shaking.


    "If it shakes slowly, it would be easier to take measures to counteract the shaking.


    Since the golem is the main control system, the reaction speed is several to several dozen times faster than that of a human, which is more than enough to cope with the situation.


    I see.


    "The reason I made it slender is to reduce aerodynamic drag and make it more resistant to strong winds."


    I don''t know how effective this will be," Jin added.


    "And the catamaran design was also to increase the payload capacity."


    This was also pointed out.


    It is also equipped with wind thrusters for flotation and overloading.


    <, but its speed is expected to increase by about 20%.


    "So, it''s not coated yet?"


    The airship in front of me was in a skeleton state.


    "Oh, that''s right. For the covering, I have sent them to the Shoro Kingdom to buy , but it seems that they are having difficulty in getting the right amount of it.


    GSS is imported from Mitsuho and is expensive. It costs as much as 100 tokens (about 10,000 yen) per square meter.


    "Hmmm, how much would it take to cover all these air sacs?"


    "I did some rough calculations, and two air sacs would be about 1,570 square meters."


    "That would be ......157 million dollars."


    That''s about 15.7 million yen, which Jin can afford. It would be better to spend it instead of saving it to stimulate the economy.


    However, it is still a bad idea to waste money.


    "I see, so you''re using only materials that are available to the public.


    I see.


    What about the name?


    "Well, how about ......<?"


    But Reinhardt dismisses this as too easy.


    "Well, I''ll take my time and think about it."


    "Well, I''ll take my time and think about it," said Reinhardt. I''ll think about it slowly. ...... No, I''ve seen some good things.


    Reinhardt and Jin went back to the main dining room of the institute.


    "Oh, Jin, just in time.


    Erza found Jin and came running to him.


    "What''s wrong?��What''s wrong?


    "The old man asked me to order a trimaran from Ms. Marcia."


    "What?��Oh, I see.


    <.


    In short, they are backward compatible with the series used in Horai Island.


    Ordering from the private sector will bring economic benefits, and above all, it makes sense to order from Marcia''s workshop, which recently won the .


    "Oh, at my place?��That''s fine, but what are the specifications?"


    "Well, we can work out the details later, but it should be between 7 and 10 meters long, with a seating capacity of 5 to 10 people. Aqua thruster propulsion with a maximum speed of about 70 kilometers per hour.


    Marcia thought for a moment before opening her mouth.


    "We built a new dock this year, so I think we can make it to 10 meters. But we are too short on manpower. ......


    "Then I can temporarily loan you a <> for a year or so, and you can train him during that time. ......"


    "Oh, that sounds good. So, how many?"


    "Two to start with, I think."


    "Then the hull could be done in a month. But we''ve never handled an aqua thruster before, have we?"


    "Yes, we have a craftsman who can handle that."


    "Then I''ll take care of it.


    "I''ll take care of it." "Makina will go to Potlock for more details. ...... tomorrow, okay?"


    "Yes, okay."


    Thus, Marcia''s workshop is to manufacture a new trimaran.


    "Do you want to order a large ship from the Shoro Kingdom?"


    Elsa asked.


    "Well, it would be nice to have a ship on the level of ......<>, but there seem to be a lot of restrictions if it is made of wood, so we should build it at the dock in <>."


    "That might be a good idea."


    This one will be a 50-meter class ship. The image is that of a destroyer.


    < is a man-made island, air and sea defenses will be crucial.


    It is decided that three destroyers will be built on .


    The materials are to be used from the Moon.


    "What are the specifications?"


    Reinhardt had arrived before they knew it.


    "Will the crew initially be golems?"


    And Stearina joined in.


    "I think so at first. Then we''ll train the crew and eventually we''ll have a ......."


    So the instructor will be a golem too?


    Yes, that''s right. We don''t have to force them to be automata. ......


    We had a nice conversation like this.


    < and were steadily underway.

 1463 - - 40-03 On the other hand, at that time,

    "Let''s see what we can do."


    At the home base of <, the two top leaders were discussing.


    "I hope we can make use of all the knowledge and skills we have accumulated so far.


    "Yes, that''s right. In that sense, we should also select members to participate in the project.


    No, not two, but the third is a beautiful blonde-haired automata, <>.


    "If I were ten years younger, I would have run for the board," said Jules Laurent, the head of the board.


    said Jules Rolland, the top executive.


    ......I''m sorry.


    Elena is drooping.


    "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!��It was an unfortunate accident.��It was an accident!


    <


    "Yes, yes!��I''m having a lot of fun now, too, which more than makes up for it!"


    Donald Callow, the second runner-up, followed in a panic.


    "That''s a relief to hear you say that."


    "Yes, it is!��Let''s put all that backward-looking talk away and talk about something positive!


    "Yes, I agree!


    (...... Thank you very much.)


    Elena thanked them in a small voice and resumed the discussion.


    "The recent survey of the ruins of the Kingdom of Egelea and the Kingdom of Klein was too poor. I think we can guide you in this aspect as well.


    Yes, we can.


    That was a little pathetic.


    Both of them had read the minutes of the meeting through the old man, and both of them were disappointed at the lack of content.


    "It''s not surprising that they have little experience in such investigative work.


    Elena summarizes.


    "And then there is the matter of education. < will have to spend a lot of time on education in the beginning."


    "That''s true."


    Elena agrees with Donald.


    "I think that the Nostalgia Party can help in terms of human resources."


    "Yes, let''s take that route.


    * * * *


    "I see that official diplomatic relations with the Shoro Kingdom have been established.


    I''ve been looking forward to this day.


    In the village of Kali, the eastern gateway to the Mitsuho Nation, which is known as a foreign nation, Oliver, a Shoro native, and Maya, a Mitsuho native, huddled together and exchanged words.


    "The dried bonito flakes and the wooden paper are selling well," he said.


    "The other day they said they sold a lot of GSS (ground spider silk).


    "It seems so. We''ve had inquiries too. It''s too bad we don''t carry it.


    "Well, why don''t you try to handle it?��I''ve got contacts."


    "Really?��We''d love to have you.


    I''ll take care of it."


    It was not a very s*xy conversation.


    I''m sure you''ve learned a lot.


    I see you''ve learned your lesson, Ernesto.


    Yes, father.


    In the Kingdom of Egelea, Prince Ernest was reporting to his father after returning home.


    "I have learned a lot, especially about ships. I''ve learned a lot, especially about ships. ...... So, Father, did you know that our ships were competing in the Golem boat competition in the Kingdom of Elias?"


    No, I did not.


    No, I don''t know. Then who would know?


    Maybe Kelihidole, the Minister of Magic, might know.


    So Harold Ruan Autoclase, King of Egelea, summoned Kelliheridore and asked him a question.


    I have certainly heard about it, but it is not official. However, it was not an official one, and I participated in it only in my personal capacity, so I did not bother His Majesty''s ears.


    "I see. It is all right that you did not report it. But Ernesto told me that the ship was quite a piece of work. Find out who built it and report back to me."


    Yes, sir.


    * * *


    "Princess, did you enjoy your trip this time?"


    Tia asked Princess Rieschen, who was relaxing in her room in the Kingdom of Klein, while serving her tea and tea sweets.


    "Yes, it was a lot of fun!��I never get tired of being with Jin. Hannah is cute too. And ......"


    "Ernesto-sama has become more dignified, has he?"


    "Gumm ...... yes, that''s right."


    The princess nodded, blushing.


    "But when you talk to him, he''s still Mr. Nest.


    The occasional gesture is the same as in the past, she says.


    To Princess Rieschen, Tia held out a rolled up piece of leather paper.


    "And you have a letter from Master Jin," she said.


    "Oh, I see. What is it?


    Princess Rieschen took it, opened the seal, and looked it over.


    A smile spreads across her face.


    "Oh ......!"


    "What''s the matter?��Did you find something good in it?


    "Yes, it did. Jin said that there is a relatively easy pavement in the <> area. He will check it out in detail.


    Princess Rieschen felt her prospects for the road improvement project brighten even more now that Jin had said so.


    "That''s good, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. What a good thing to have a friend.


    * * * *


    What happened to ......?


    In the moon habitat, Milowina was summoned by the brain.


    Yes. Far away in the distance, space seems to have vibrated.


    Vibrations?


    Vibrations? I''ve determined that from the fluctuations in the gravity field.


    Are you sure?


    It was only 1/10,000th of a second, so I can''t be 100 percent sure.


    So what am I supposed to do?


    I need your advice on what to make of this phenomenon.


    That''s unusual. You don''t know what to do?


    Yes. I''ve never seen anything like this before, and I don''t have the resources to know what to do.


    "I see. ......"


    This may have been the limit of this kind of artificial intelligence.


    Jin-kun seems to be busy with various things. ...... Well, if you experience a similar phenomenon again, please let Horaijima know."


    I understand.

 1464 - - 40-04 Nord Commonwealth

    "You can go to the Kingdom of Klein with <>."


    Jin accompanied Reiko to the territory of the <>.


    He decided that it would be better to introduce the <> at the <>, but rather than introducing them at once, it would be better to first introduce them to the Kingdom of Klein, which is the nearest country, and then to .......


    However, the nearest place is the village of Kaina in Jin''s domain.


    However, this was a convenient situation. It can be said that they met <> when they went northward from the village of Kaina.


    This would also explain the familiarity of the representative Zion and his group with the village of Kaina.


    "And, however, what should we do? ......"


    Radeous of <> is the one who says such things as "I am the next head of the tribe. As the next chief, he is visiting the Kingdom of Klein with his wife, Rorona, and daughter, Theon, as a representative of the <>.


    "Now, now, now, you must calm down a little. You don''t have to worry about anything since Jin-sama will be with you. ......?"


    Rorona is calmer than Radeous. Even though Rorona is the star of the show this time.


    Yes, this visit is partly a lecture on <<>=<>, too.


    First, he will be formally introduced at the <> after having established a track record in the Kingdom of Klein.


    It can be said that it is a counterpart to the Shoro Kingdom in the West, which introduces the ...... Mitsuho to the world.


    "By the way, have you decided on the name of the country?


    is a term of address from the point of view of the small group of countries, and not an official name.


    "Yes. I apologize for the delay. We are now the Nordic Federation.


    The Nordic Commonwealth. I understand.


    As a representative of his country, he decided to speak with the proper honorifics from now on.


    "So, you are Radeous-sama of the clan of the Nordic Federation, is that correct?"


    "I''ll have to get used to ...... that."


    Radeous looked disgusted.


    "Jin-sama, the clan of the <> has something to tell you.


    A report came to Jin.


    "Okay. I will go there.


    "I''ll go then."


    Radeous, who had been slackening off from the preparation, language practice, and etiquette training, raised his hand just in time.


    And before anyone could argue, he was gone, accompanied by Hitoshi and Reiko.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin-sama, I am sorry to have summoned you.


    < clan, greeted Jin.


    "Is something wrong?"


    Seeing the slightly worried expression on Jin''s face, Fabius says in a cheerful voice, "No, nothing is wrong.


    No, it''s good news for us. In fact, Alectus and Milonia have just had a child.


    He wanted to tell this news directly to Jin, without any messages or phone calls.


    Milonia is 181 years old this year. The life span of the demon tribe is five times longer than that of humans, so she is about 36 years old.


    Originally, the northern tribes have a long life expectancy and age slowly, so they can have children until they are about 200 years old.


    Fabius seemed to be happy to have more clan members, and he was beaming all the time.


    "The living environment and food situation have improved dramatically. I think more will be born in the future."


    "That''s good to hear."


    Jin was happy to hear this.


    At the same time, the thought of ...... also came to Jin''s mind.


    "Oh, I should also visit No. 700672 now that I''ve come this far..."


    Jin suddenly thought of an idea and, on the spur of the moment, he visited the via the using the warp gate of the <.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, Jin-dono, it has been a long time. And you have come to the right place."


    No. 700672 greeted Jin with a smile and a serious expression on his face.


    "It''s been a while. Is something wrong?"


    "Well, no, it seems that a strain was observed in space. It only lasted about 1/10,000 of a second."


    The white room where 700672 lives was originally a spaceship. It is said to be equipped with such measuring instruments.


    "I don''t know what this means yet, but I thought I''d pass it along."


    "I see."


    As a person who has read many books and manga and watched anime in modern Japan, I can tell you that the space has become unstable,


    "Does it mean that the space is unstable?


    I conclude.


    "Hmm. You are right. That''s true, but since we don''t know the cause, we can''t speculate further."


    "Should I send a ...... survey boat?"


    "That would work, but we couldn''t pinpoint where it occurred. The direction is almost parallel to the ecliptic plane, and if the solar celan is 0 degrees, it is only about 30 degrees.


    "Well ......, maybe they are also measuring at Moon (UNY). If you know the direction there too, ......"


    "Well, I can find the approximate point."


    Jin then contacted the old man and asked him to work with Jack at UNY to find the location of the outbreak.


    "I think that''s a good start.


    "Well, that''s a quick response.


    The 700672 praised Jin.


    If you find anything out, please let me know.


    "Yes, of course.


    At any rate, Jin left the 700672 for a short stay, as the communication with the <> was still in progress.


    * * * *


    He is with <>. Do you have any information? >>


    Meanwhile, the old man, who had received instructions, was exchanging information with <, the head of the moon management team.


    We observed this phenomenon yesterday. Since it is not reproducible, I have refrained from reporting it until I know for sure.


    <


    Yes, sir.


    The old man digests the information together with <> and constructs it with reasoning.


    <


    That''s what the calculations say.


    Certainly.


    <>


    Jack knows more about the universe and its facilities than the old man does.


    I don''t think so. Even if the base exploded, the space would not be shaken.


    <


    The "Mere Old Man" decided that it would be a waste of time to continue the discussion and reasoning.


    This is the time when the "peepers" come in handy.


    The old man activates his peepers.

 1465 - - 40-05 Welcome and entertainment

    < telescope.


    It is very difficult to fix the viewpoint on the target due to the large distance.


    A camera with a super-telephoto lens cannot be hand-held. It is just like a camera with a super-telephoto lens cannot be hand-held, unless it is fixed on a tripod, a sturdy tripod at that.


    Even with the Peeper, which is installed as solidly as possible underground on Horai Island, the slightest distortion or deflection will result in huge errors at a distance of tens or hundreds of millions of kilometers.


    In other words, the viewpoint cannot be fixed at one point, and it is difficult to see the target object, and if it were a human being, he/she would surely get <.


    On the other hand, the reaction speed of the old man is several hundred times faster than that of a human being, and a momentary visual information is enough for him.


    However, Jin does not leave the matter to the power of the old man, and to prevent this, he has also set up a relay station to observe the direction of the planet Hale.


    By passing through this relay base, the distance will be shortened and the blur will be reduced.


    But first of all, since Jin is not going to see the planet, he used the Peeper telescope instead of the relay station.


    This is because it is faster with less time lag, even if only a little.


    >.


    There is a huge area of space to study. The old man has been studying it tirelessly and carefully.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    .


    That was his report.


    Well, thank you very much for your efforts. Please keep your eyes open."


    Yes, Master (My Lord)>> * * *


    Since there seemed to be no pressing problem, Jin instructed the old man to be careful and returned to the issue of the <>.


    "I have already contacted the Kingdom of Klein, and I will fly to the capital city of Alban by <> tomorrow.


    Jin will also be staying with <> that day.


    "Okay. I''ve already made most of the preparations.


    Rorona nodded.


    "Uh, can I come too?"


    Theon said a little nervously.


    "Yes. The contact person on the other side, ......, or rather the hostess, is the third princess, Rieschen. He is very close to Theon''s age, so I think this is a good opportunity for you.


    Theon''s actual age is 72 years old, but since the Northern tribes grow and live about five times longer than humans, he is 14 years old in human terms, which is the same age as Princess Rieschen, who is also 14 years old this year. Princess Rieschen is also 14 years old this year, so we are the same age.


    In other words, the three people who will visit the Klein Kingdom this time are father and son, Radeous, Rorona, and Sion.


    Theon has visited the human sphere with Jin before, so he is relatively at ease, but surprisingly, Radeous is restless.


    Rorona says to him, "You, as the next chief of the tribe, you should show a little more dignity.


    Rorona was saying to him, "You should show a little more dignity as the next head of the tribe.


    I''ll support you in the negotiations and you can explain the pavement to Rorona.


    "That''s right, honey. Just make sure you say hello.


    "Yes, yes."


    Radeous seemed to be thinking about the greeting until late that night.


    On the morning of March 17, the ship carrying Jin and his crew lifted off into the skies of the Nordic Federation.


    "Wow, it''s amazing!


    Rorona is excited.


    "Mmmm, it''s great to fly, isn''t it?"


    Radeous looks out the window a little nervously.


    "Wow, you''re going fast. We''ve already passed the isthmus. I see the village of Kaina."


    And Zion, who had ridden the boat several times and was used to it, was enjoying the view of the ground from the floor window.


    "Ah, we passed the village of Kaina. ......"


    And so, after about two hours of travel, arrived in Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein.


    Everyone changes into formal attire.


    Jin wears the robes of the Magecraft Meister, and Reiko the cloak of the Knight.


    Radeous, Rorona, and Sion are dressed in the traditional garb of the clan.


    Sorry Edgar, but this time you are the pilots and will not be stepping off the .


    "Oh, there are so many hot air balloons!


    Sion exclaims as he finishes getting ready and looks out the window.


    < to .


    Escorted by them, <> slowly landed in the front yard of the royal castle.


    "Welcome, <>. And <>. My name is Rieschen, third princess of the Kingdom of Klein.


    The group was greeted by Princess Rieschen. She is dressed in a dress and wears a silver tiara on her head.


    "Your Highness, today we have brought with us members of the <>."


    Jin said, and the three members of the <> bowed their heads.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Radeous of the <>, representative of the >.


    My name is Rorona, his wife.


    And my daughter, Theon of Morura.


    Radeous seemed to be good at this, and announced himself proudly.


    "You say you are from the Nordic Federation. Welcome to the Nordic Federation. This way first."


    Princess Rieschen stands first and walks away, followed by Jin and Reiko, with the three members of the <> at the end of the line.


    As the knights of the Kingsguard take the honorific salute, the group heads for the royal castle.


    They were ushered into the guest room.


    We were ushered into the guest room.


    As hostess, Princess Rieschen''s usual tone of voice was hushed.


    The time was 11:30 am.


    A light lunch was served. It was a sandwich.


    The fillings were varied. Smoked meat like bacon, vegetable salad, egg salad, blueberry jam and cranberry jam.


    The drink is apr��s-juice.


    "Oh, this is delicious.


    "Thank you very much.


    The bread must be freshly baked, soft and fluffy.


    "This juice is also freshly squeezed and delicious.


    Lunch ended with a half-social exchange of pleasantries. In fact, Jin observed that the Klein Kingdom seemed to take great pains to provide hospitality.


    "Father King Alois Lux Klein will be with you from 1:00 p.m. Please wait until 1:00 p.m. Please wait until the time.


    Princess Rieschen announced the appointment.


    "Until then, I will be your hostess, if only for a short time."


    "No, it would be an honor to be the companion of the highly esteemed and talented Princess Rieschen."


    Rieschen blushed a little and glanced at Jin. It was clear that Jin had put him up to this. And to be able to judge that in an instant, Princess Rieschen must be exceptionally talented.


    Theon, seeing her (almost) the same age as him, had something on his mind and hardly speaks during the pleasant talk, only giving a short answer when asked.


    Then 1:00 p.m. came.

 1466 - - 40-06 First meeting

    The meeting started at exactly 1:00 pm. The meeting took place in the middle conference room of the royal castle.


    My name is Alois Lux Klein, King of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "My name is Radeous, ambassador of the Nordic Federation. I am accompanied by my wife, Rorona, and my second daughter, Theon.


    I thank the Korun for the honor of accompanying the Ambassador and his party.


    "Thank you, sir."


    After the usual greeting to ......,


    "My name is Powell Darner Hudson, and I am the Prime Minister.


    I''m Jackson Red Vados, Minister of Industry.


    "My name is Clarotho Vados Keris, Minister of Magic.


    The names of the important people were announced.


    Then, Jin first explained about the .


    "Beyond the mountains north of the village of Kaina, rolling plains spread out to the sea, and beyond the sea was the continent.


    The geographical explanation is best given by Jin. He does not have to explain how he got there.


    "I was told later that the continent was called the and was connected to our by a narrow isthmus. The isthmus is called the Great Pazdext Isthmus."


    "Hmm."


    Jin spread a map drawn on a piece of wooden paper on the table and pointed it out with his finger as he explained.


    "After crossing the isthmus, we went along the sea and met the clan."


    At this point, Jin paused in his explanation and handed over to Radeous.


    "We, the , are not a nation, but a . We are the . There are other <, etc."


    Here, he omitted the rather radical names of the clans, such as and .


    "I see."


    The Prime Minister nodded and the scribe recorded the minutes.


    After a brief explanation of the Nordic Federation, it was time to get down to business.


    "Let us take a break.


    Before that, Jin brings in some carbonated beverages to quench our thirst.


    Carbonic acid is produced by dissolving carbon dioxide in water.


    In magical engineering terms, carbon dioxide contained in a specific range of air is <> and dissolved in water.


    Squeeze the juice of a Ramon (lemon) with soda water and you have Ramon squash.


    Jin brought a drinkable version with a little sugar added to make it easier to drink.


    "Oh, this is delicious!


    "I can''t describe the fresh aroma of Ramon and the sizzling sensation on the palate.


    "Gin, this is delicious!


    "This is just as I expected."


    "...... is delicious."


    The reception was generally favorable.


    After a short break, it was time to get down to business.


    "Mr. Jin told me that you are looking for a way to pave the road.


    "Yes, that''s right. We are going to start road maintenance as part of a national project, but it is not easy due to budgetary restrictions.


    I see, Mr. Jin said the same thing. My wife Rorona knows a lot about this, so I will explain it to her.


    This is where Lorona comes in.


    I will explain it to you.


    Lorona spread out on the table a piece of paper with a drawing on it that she had prepared in advance.


    "We call this paving with crushed stones. In other words, we use crushed stones and stick them together.


    "That''s it?"


    The Prime Minister, perhaps taken aback by the simplicity of the plan, let out a startled voice.


    "Yes. You must use crushed stones for this. Round stones like those found on the riverbanks are no good."


    "Hmm. ......"


    At this point, Jin adds the following explanation.


    Well, crushed stones have corners or ridges, don''t they? It seems that the ridges are fixed in such a way that they interlock with each other.


    "Oh..."


    Everyone seemed to be satisfied. Then Lorona began to explain in detail.


    "Of course there is a way. It will be easier to understand if you know the cross section.


    Lorona pointed to a piece of paper.


    "Here you can see the cross section. We put about 5 centimeters of fine crushed stone on the surface and about 20 centimeters of rough crushed stone underneath to press it down."


    "We tried a little bit in Kunlun Island, and there was no problem with horse-drawn carriage traffic. It''s enough to make the golem stamp its feet to push it down.


    "Oh, as expected of ."


    Magic Minister Keiris exclaimed in admiration.


    Rorona and the others are using to harden the area, but that is still to be kept a secret at this stage.


    "I have other ideas about the tools to solidify them."


    "Oh, that''s a good idea!"


    Princess Rieschen exclaimed with delight.


    "Well, then, I''d like to give it a try right away.


    Perhaps she had lost her mind, but Princess Rieschen had returned to her usual tone of voice.


    "In that case, a place where there is abundant rock from which to produce crushed stone would be good, I think.


    Rorona advised her and Princess Rieschen nodded her head in agreement.


    "Well then, how about we start from the end of the road, Toka village, and follow it in the opposite direction?


    There are rocky areas around Toka village, and there is no shortage of materials.


    As long as we have manpower, we can start work immediately.


    "Oh, that sounds good.


    The Prime Minister agreed.


    "Let''s pave part of the road between the village of Toka and the town of Charles as a trial.


    "Well, is that all right?"


    Jin was a little concerned.


    He wondered if it was okay to pave such a section that would not be used by many people.


    "I understand your concern, Jin-dono. I understand your concerns, but if we go ahead with a construction method that is completely unknown in our country, in a section with many users, and it should fail, the repercussions will be great.


    Industry Minister Jackson Red Bados explained.


    "Oh, I see what you mean."


    He wanted to try it first in a place where the number of people who would be affected would be small, even if it failed and the road became impassable. That was understandable for Jin.


    "Now that we''ve got the gist of the construction, we''ll try it in a slightly busier section and check its durability.


    "I see. I think that''s a good idea.


    The Minister of Industry''s approach was quite reasonable. Jin agreed.


    The Kingdom of Klein is now slowly moving forward. And unlike Jin, the Kingdom of Klein can only move forward step by step.


    All Jin can do is to support them a little in the shadows.


    "You have the golem I made for you before, don''t you?


    "Ah, yes. It is a general-purpose golem ......."


    The Prime Minister is at a loss to understand the meaning of Jin''s sudden question, and he is at a loss to say anything.


    Of the 20 high-performance general-purpose golems that Jin had made for him in the past, 10 of them had been destroyed.


    They had been used to extract as much ore as possible from the mine that was to be transferred to Jin before the deadline, when a gigantopod appeared from the mine shaft.


    It was his own fault, so to speak.


    Jin did not say anything about it at the time, but I assume that he must have been very angry.


    Now, Jin mentioned a general-purpose golem. The Prime Minister was understandably nervous.


    "Let''s strengthen it a little more.


    "What?"


    Therefore, the Prime Minister did not immediately understand what Jin had just said.

 1467 - - 40-07 Redevelopment

    "Uh, Jin-dono, what did you say?"


    Prime Minister Powell Darner Hudson was unsure of the true meaning of Jin''s words.


    "No, so I was thinking of strengthening the <> general-purpose golem a little.


    "Well, why is that?"


    The Prime Minister''s forehead is sweating even though it is not hot.


    "Well, to prepare crushed rocks for pavement. We have to carry the rocks, crush them, and push them into the pavement.


    "I see."


    "It would have been better if we had 20 of them (??????)."


    Hearing Jin''s words, which could be taken as sarcasm, the Prime Minister breaks out in a cold sweat.


    All of the ministers of the time who had done such a dirty deed had been removed from office, but the prime minister and the king were not free from responsibility in that they had given their approval.


    Now that they know the power of Jin, they understand how much risk they are taking in incurring his displeasure, and they are sweating cold sweat.


    On the other hand, Jin, on the other hand, does not care about it anymore because he has heard from the old man that it was almost two years ago and the corrupt nobles who were the ringleaders have already been removed from office.


    Therefore, the proposal was made out of purely goodwill.


    However, there is no denying that he is also calculating that he can take advantage of the development of Toka village, where Licia, a member of the Jin family, is a lord, and by extension, the villagers of Kaina village as well.


    "It''s just a little bit, really. Well, you can think of it as redevelopment."


    "Ummm... ......, I''ll ask for your help sooner or later."


    * * * *


    "Well, why don''t we take a break?"


    Princess Rieschen suggested.


    We have been talking for two hours straight and everyone is getting a little tired.


    This was a good idea.


    Since we had been sitting for so long, we were all led to the back yard of the castle.


    Only Alois III remained behind. A king is not allowed to walk around so casually.


    The inner garden is reserved for royalty and important guests, and now the early spring flowers are in full bloom.


    I admired the flowers while sipping tea prepared by a lady''s maid.


    Flowers resembling narcissus, crocus, snowdrops.


    "Nalthus, crocus, snowdrops..."


    Zion, who had been quiet as a borrowed cat, opened his mouth.


    "You know them very well, don''t you?"


    Princess Rieschen smiled.


    "I love flowers."


    "I''m glad to hear it. In another month it will be even more colorful.


    "I''d like to see them when I get a chance."


    "Please come."


    Jin felt that although they were still strangers to each other, they seemed to be getting to know each other better, perhaps because of their close age.


    Jin-dono seems to be busy these days.


    "Yes, well..."


    "I''m sure it''s about the World Congress and the World Guard. I can imagine how you feel.


    The Prime Minister also spoke to Jin.


    "If only the world were at peace. That is what I want.


    You have said so before.


    The sun was setting and the wind was getting chilly, so we all left the inner garden.


    Before returning to the conference room, Jin and the others were taken to the workshop of the royal castle for a tour.


    It was a different workshop from the one where Jin had made the golem before.


    "So, this is the workshop of your country, is it?


    Radeous looked at him with interest.


    "It is quite extensive.


    Jin also commented after taking a tour of the workshop.


    "Compared to Kunlun''s, it must be embarrassing.


    "That''s not true."


    Now Jin knows how special his environment is.


    The workshops of the Klein Kingdom were well-equipped, especially in the area of metal materials.


    "Is it because Mr. Boulton is here?"


    I asked, confirming the reason that had just occurred to me,


    "That''s one of the reasons. Baron Boulton has the to distinguish between good and bad materials."


    However, whether or not he can make use of it depends largely on the skill of the magecraftsman. In this aspect, metallurgy in the Kingdom of Klein was behind.


    "Yes, can you call the 10 golems here?��All of them if possible.


    "Yes, I can. We''re putting them on hiatus for now.


    "I see. Then call me. Let''s do what I said before.


    "Oh, oh, I see..."


    The Prime Minister, a little dismayed, gave instructions to the Minister of Magic.


    The Minister of Magic, Clarotho Vados Keris, scurries out of the room to activate the device.


    Theon and the others looked around the workshop with curiosity.


    Five minutes later, the magician returns with ten golems.


    "Oh!


    "They look very strong."


    "Wow!"


    Radeous, Rorona and Sion marveled at their majesty.


    "Nick 11 to 20. How are you doing?


    "Yes, Mr. Creator. I have found nothing wrong with it.


    Well, that''s good.


    The adamantite coating has been applied to all the important parts, so the product is maintenance free under normal use.


    "All right, let''s strengthen it then."


    "Jin, Jin-dono, are you going to start now?��I would like to resume the meeting soon. ......"


    The Prime Minister said hurriedly.


    The time is 4:00 PM. According to the schedule, the meeting would continue until 5:30, followed by dinner.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll only be a minute."


    "What?"


    The Prime Minister''s words are somewhat stupid, as he does not believe Jin''s words about reinforcing ten golems in one minute.


    "<>"


    Jin casts engineering magic <> on ten golems at once.


    This is Jin''s original engineering magic, which strengthens the bonding power of the free magic element (ether) contained in a substance, making the substance tougher. It is a supercompatibility of Toughening (Tahun). It is especially effective for magic materials.


    The most important feature is that it is also effective on biological materials such as magical skin and magical muscles.


    The increase in bonding strength does not only mean that the material becomes stronger.


    The melting point and boiling point also increase, and in the case of Magical Muscle, the upper limit of the power that can be produced also increases.


    This was what Jin meant by <.


    The material used in Horai Island, it depends on the ratio of free magic element (ether) that contains ...... about 1.5 to 10 times. It will be enhanced by .......


    To give a more concrete figure, it is more than 10 times for ancient (ancient) dragon hides, and 4 to 5 times for magi type metal materials.


    The increase in the price of the five-and-a-half nickel steel used for the general-purpose golem of the Klein Kingdom was 1.5 times, and the leather of the dragonhead eel (dragon eels) used for muscle was twice as high.


    "Now, let''s go back to the meeting.


    "Uh-huh."


    "......"


    Once again, the heavyweights of the Klein Kingdom recognized that Jin was out of the ordinary.

 1468 - - 40-08 Magical Melon

    After being surprised by Jin''s out-of-standardness, the meeting resumed.


    "Will you be present at the construction work in Toka?


    "Yes, of course.


    Rorona answered the Prime Minister''s question with a smile.


    "I will be staying with Master Jin."


    "Ah, the village of Kaina. It''s right next door, so it will certainly be convenient.


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes, I will let you relax.


    Actually, there is another problem for the to stay in the Lesser Antilles. It''s the concentration of free ether.


    As we know from the humorous Lardus'' activities under Count Walter in the past, their activities are limited to the free-magic (ether) concentration of the Klein Kingdom.


    It is similar to living in a high mountain or a place with low atmospheric pressure.


    They can get used to it up to a certain level, but they can only live in places with extremely low concentration of free-magic elements, or in the case of humans and oxygen, in the Himalayas above 8,000 meters where the oxygen concentration is one-third of that on earth, commonly known as the "Himalayas. It is like being in the Himalayas at 8,000 meters or higher, commonly known as the , where the oxygen concentration is one-third that of the ground.


    Just by staying there, one''s physical strength is depleted and drained, and one never recovers.


    The role of mana in the body is different from that of oxygen, so it is not immediately dangerous, but if magic is used, the mana in the body will be depleted immediately and the person will become physically ill.


    Kaina Village is a good place for <> to live on the Laurentian continent.


    (If you stay here for a long period of time or attend the <>, you will need an <>. ......)


    If it is enough to affect one person, Magi Crystal is more than enough to make a change.


    (I hope they wear it like a pendant and a brooch.)


    Jin had already started to prepare in his mind that it would be better to have two or more Magi Crystals as a backup, since it would be difficult to lose or have them stolen if he had only one.


    In the latter half of the meeting, they talked about the , explained the situation in the Kingdom of Klein, and talked about each other''s living environment.


    Jin was in charge of following up in some places.


    The second half of the meeting, away from the technical points, was conducted in a friendly atmosphere from start to finish.


    * * * * *


    The meeting ended at 5:30 p.m. as scheduled, after which everyone took a relaxing bath.


    Jin took a bath with Radeous and Lorona took a bath with Zion.


    After a relaxing and refreshing soak, the dinner was held at 7:00 p.m. The place was the grand dining hall of the royal castle.


    The place was moved to the grand dining room of the royal castle.


    "So, in celebration of the friendship between the Nordic Federation and the Kingdom of Klein... Cheers!


    Cheers!


    Cheers!


    The toast was made by King Alois III.


    The glass was filled with low-alcohol white wine. It was slightly sweet and chilled, so it was pleasant to the palate.


    The first dish was tempura.


    By the way, the water in the Klein Kingdom is mostly hard water, and many of them contain baking soda.


    Baking soda produces carbon dioxide when heated, which makes the batter swell up. (However, if too much baking soda is added, the carbonate (sodium carbonate) that is produced at the same time causes a bitter taste.)


    I don''t know if this is the reason or not, but the batter was quite crispy.


    "It''s delicious!"


    The salt alone was good enough.


    Vegetable kakiage, freshwater prawn kakiage.


    Other vegetables included sliced natuli (pumpkin), bisna (eggplant), and marnegi (onion).


    There was also tempura river fish.


    It was clear that all countries liked the tempura that Jin had served at the and had begun to make it.


    Besides tempura, rice porridge and barley porridge are available as options.


    A cow beef steak was also served. It was served with a special sauce, apparently based on red wine, and was quite tasty.


    It was a moment that showed that the Kingdom of Klein puts a lot of effort into its food.


    This dinner was especially meaningful for the Radeous, since they have limited foodstuffs.


    * * * * *


    Naturally, they stay at the castle that night.


    Radeous, Rorona, Zion and their children were in the same room, while Jin was in a separate room.


    "I hope today went well."


    When Jin was alone with Reiko, he threw himself onto the sofa in the room.


    "I''m a little tired.


    "Thank you for your hard work, father."


    Reiko also thanked Jin.


    "Tomorrow we will go to Toka village and then to Kaina village.


    "I guess so."


    At that moment, there was a knock at the door.


    "Yes."


    Reiko answers.


    "Jin, may I have a word?"


    "May I have a word with you?" came Princess Rieschen''s voice.


    "Come in."


    "Yes, excuse me."


    "Hello, sir."


    I thought it was just the princess, but it turned out that Zion was with her.


    "Hey. What''s up?


    "It''s, uh, ....... It''s a little early for bed, so I invited Zion to come and play with us.


    Yes, that''s right.


    "I see... I understand."


    Princess Rieschen has made a friend her own age. Since Princess Rieschen had made a friend of the same age (?), Jin guessed that she wanted to deepen their friendship ...... or, to put it more simply, she wanted to have some fun.


    "Hmmm, I wonder what I should do.


    We don''t have anything to play with here. Even if he wanted to make something, he had neither the time nor the materials.


    "And then there''s Shiritori.........no, that''s right, there was that one."


    Jin remembered a TV show that used to be popular in the past.


    "Let''s try Magical Melon.


    "Magical melon?��What''s that?


    "It''s a kind of association game. For example, when I say "melon" you say "sweet", right?


    "Mm-hmm."


    "The next person would say, for example, ''sweet'' and I''d say ''sugar''."


    "Mm-hmm."


    "And the next person would say, ''When I say sugar, you say white.


    "I''m starting to get it."


    "And I say white, you say snow.


    So you''re just going to keep adding things one after the other, huh?


    That''s how it works. And if you say something far from the association, you lose. If you say the first word, you lose. You clap your hands and keep doing this. And if it doesn''t come out right away, you lose.


    "Sounds interesting."


    But why is it called magical melon?


    "I don''t know."


    "I don''t know. ......"


    Princess Rieschen and Zion were a bit shocked at Jin''s simple answer, but it was nothing more than a small matter.


    "Well, let''s try me, Ries, Theon, and me ...... again."


    "Okay."


    Okay.


    Okay. When I say ...... melon, I mean round.


    When I say round, I mean ball.


    "What?��What?��What is a ball ......?"


    It seems that Zion did not know what a ball is.

 1469 - - 40-09 Second vibration

    "...... When I say blue, I mean the sky."


    "When I say sky, I mean balloon."


    "When I say balloon, I mean ...... and when I say balloon, I mean ...... ahhh, I lost again!"


    After an hour of <, Jin lost three, Leith five, and Zion nine.


    "Father, ladies and gentlemen, it''s about 9:00 PM. I think it''s time for you to go to bed.


    Reiko warned me.


    "Is it that late already?"


    "No, it was fun. Jin knows how to play many games.


    Not so much.


    Well, good night, Jin.


    Good night.


    Princess Rieschen and Zion left Jin''s room.


    "Father, the old man has something to tell you."


    As soon as they left, Reiko immediately told Jin.


    "The old man?��What is it?


    "The space seems to have vibrated again."


    I understand. Since we can''t go back to Horai Island, Reiko can ask the old man with the built-in manacam to explain it to us.


    "Yes. ............The oscillation was about three ten-thousandths of a second, and the direction was slightly off, as a result of integrating the data from the moon. The direction was slightly off. It is near the intermediate base that your father built. No damage.


    It could be that they came a little closer, but as usual it was only for a short time and no damage was reported. Jin pondered.


    "What would happen if these vibrations were to get louder and last longer?"


    The question was passed on to the old man through Reiko''s ears.


    And after a short pause.


    "Yes. The old man said that the objects in the range will be destroyed.


    "......, of course."


    And that it will require the application of gravity magic to prevent it.


    I see.


    Jin agreed that it would be the only way to prevent the effects of gravity fluctuations.


    "It''s not impossible. <.


    Jin thought about this idea until he fell asleep that night.


    * * * * * *


    The next day, at tea time after breakfast.


    "What are your plans for today?"


    Jin asked, and the Prime Minister gave him an explanation.


    "At 9:00 a.m., the three members of the Nordic Federation, Princess Rieschen, and I will be heading to the village of Toka.


    Jin wondered if it was the Prime Minister himself, but he guessed that it was out of concern and duty to Radeous and the others.


    "I will go in the hot-air balloon, and you will take care of the three of you and the princess, won''t you?


    "Jin-sama, please take care of them."


    Jin, please take care of them!


    "Yes, of course."


    Jin''s proposal is understandable, as his ship is faster and safer.


    Also, considering the means of return, the use of a hot air balloon is understandable.


    However, the speed is too different. So, Hitoshi suggested the following,


    "Even if you are going back by hot-air balloon, why don''t you come with us on the way back?


    He suggested, "I see.


    "I see, if you allow me to do so, we will not waste time.


    The Prime Minister agreed, and it was decided that the hot-air balloon would be taken by the pilot alone.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and his team departed from the royal castle as scheduled, landing at Toka Village twenty minutes later.


    "Welcome!


    A slightly nervous Licia greeted the group. She had contacted them yesterday by pigeon mail.


    "Farheit, I''ve given you the gist of what I''ve told you by pigeon mail. We are now going to discuss the details.


    "Yes, this way, please."


    We are all led to the recently renovated lord''s house.


    It is a newly built two-story wooden building with the scent of wood.


    "Thanks to you, Toka village is gradually developing.


    With these words, Licia invited everyone into the main conference room.


    The interior is simple but elegant, with seasonal flowers in vases.


    The window facing south is large and bright.


    The table was a single piece of maruon (chestnut) from the neighborhood, a gem with a beautiful grain.


    "It''s a nice table," Jin complimented.


    When Jin praised it, the Prime Minister and Princess Rieschen also seemed to notice its beauty.


    "Well, this is ......!"


    "It must have come from a rather large tree. The grain is interesting."


    The wood is colored brown by applying a coat of , also from the bark of the maroon tree, and then finished with , an oil that hardens over time.


    It seems that some craftsmen are quite skilled. This kind of woodwork will become a local specialty, Jin thought.


    The tea brought by the maid was Perhya tea, and Jin was surprised when he took a sip.


    "This one is roasted, too, isn''t it?


    Yes, half of the tea leaves are roasted.


    It seemed to be a blend of roasted and unroasted leaves.


    "It has a very nice aroma, Licia, I must say.


    "Thank you, sir."


    Princess Rieschen addressed Licia in a friendly manner, as they had become good friends since their the other day.


    "Now, to the main topic: ......."


    After a short break, the main topic, <>, is discussed.


    * * * *


    The general outline of the plan was decided as discussed at the royal castle.


    The construction work will be carried out using a general-purpose golem enhanced by Jin.


    The section is a few kilometers from Toka village to Charles town out of the 70 kilometers between Toka village and Charles town.


    This is not an operational test, but rather a study of construction methods, so it is not possible to pave the entire section.


    The schedule is that the general-purpose golem will arrive in Toka village the next two days, and then the work will begin.


    Collecting rocks for materials as well as reorganizing the exposed rock zone.


    The rocks are crushed into crushed stone.


    In parallel, preparation of the section to be paved.


    Paving.


    This is the procedure.


    Then it was time for the question and answer session.


    "Well, which is more efficient, breaking the rocks in advance or carrying the rocks to the site and breaking them?


    Licia immediately asked.


    "Yes, it is better to crush and sort the crushed stones in advance, because the particle size of the crushed stones needs to be consistent to a certain degree.


    The questions and answers were given, and a meaningful time passed by.


    Jin was looking forward to seeing the actual construction work.

 1470 - - 40-10 Kotatsu (Japanese kotatsu)

    "Thank you, Jin-sama, for your help."


    On the evening of the 18th, Jin took Zion and his son to the village of Kaina. Of course, they were going to Nido Castle.


    Princess Rieschen wanted to come too, but this time she was on official business. They gave up in tears.


    But this building is amazing.


    Lorona was amazed when she saw Nido Castle for the first time.


    Jin is happy to have more opportunities to use Nido Castle these days.


    "We''ve been waiting for you."


    Erza greeted him here.


    "Welcome, Zion!"


    Hannah is with her.


    "Hello, Hannah!"


    Zion and Hannah had not seen each other since Elsa''s birthday. It''s only been three days, though.


    "It''s a peaceful place, isn''t it?


    Rorona commented on the appearance of the village of Kaina.


    "Thank you very much.


    Jin, the lord, thanked her for the recognition, which he himself wished he had received.


    Jin-sama, you take good care of this village, don''t you?


    "Yes, I do. This village is my hometown.


    Jin led the three of them to the castle, exchanging such conversation.


    Erza returned to the castle ahead of the others and prepared the guest room.


    When Jin entered the drawing room, the preparations had just been completed.


    "Please come this way first.


    "Thank you, Miss Elsa."


    Rorona thanked him on behalf of the three of them. But...


    What kind of furniture is this?


    What had been prepared was a kotatsu.


    Yes, Erza had prepared a set of kotatsu in the guest room.


    The guest room at Nido Castle has a Japanese-style room and a Western-style room.


    The Japanese-style room is equipped with a kotatsu, which can be used as a sunken kotatsu.


    When one of the tatami mats is removed, a half-tatami-sized horigotatsu is revealed. You can re-lay the half tatami mats that are missing.


    Place the kotatsu stand, cover it with a kotatsu futon, and put a board on top. The final touch is to place a bowl of citrons in place of the tangerines.


    Even though it is March, the mornings and evenings in Kaina Village are still cold, so the kotatsu is very useful.


    "This is called a kotatsu. ......"


    Jin explained.


    "Oh, so this is a heating device like that. Thank you very much.


    "Oh, this is nice.


    "It''s easy on the legs, too. I like it, Jin."


    Jin was relieved to hear that all three of them liked it.


    There is another type of kotatsu that does not have a sunken kotatsu, but we decided that this one would be easier for the three of them to use.


    Incidentally, Hitoshi prefers the orikotatsu to the sunken kotatsu.


    The reason is that he can hide under the kotatsu and take a nap.


    But since Radeous and Rorona have never lived on tatami mats, they decided to use the sunken kotatsu.


    "Citran, it''s delicious!


    Zion immediately peels and eats it.


    "Oh, really. Jin-sama, it''s delicious!


    Rorona also started to eat.


    "Ha-ha, you can relax today."


    "Thank you very much."


    Radeous thanked her on behalf of the family.


    "If you need anything else, please let this butler B know.


    Thank you for everything, sir.


    "Dinner will be ready in an hour, so don''t eat too much," he said.


    He nailed Zion, who was reaching for his second citran, and Jin left the guest room.


    "Erza, thank you for preparing."


    Jin checked on Elsa in her private room.


    "You''re welcome.


    Now we''re going to have dinner.


    The golem maid will take care of that. ...... Oh, why don''t you go take a bath?��I''m already in. ......


    "I see. I''ve already taken a bath. I''ll take a bath."


    There are two bathrooms in Nido Castle and a hot spring in the village of Kaina. Or you can go to Horai Island through the warp gate and take a bath.


    "Let''s take a bath in Horai Island today.


    So Jin moves to the warp gate.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "The food at Jin''s place is delicious, isn''t it?


    Zion, who is getting used to the village of Kaina, is enjoying the rice with relish.


    The menu is very typical: rice, miso soup, oshinko (pickles), grilled fish, fried eggs (sweet), meat topopo (potatoes), and hamburger steak.


    This hamburger steak is delicious.


    Lorona seemed to like the hamburger steak.


    Lorona seemed to like the hamburger. "I like the sweet omelette," she said.


    Radeous seemed to like the sweet tamagoyaki with lots of sugar very much.


    Jin was pleased to have his favorite miso soup with fried bean curd for the first time in a long time.


    And, over a cup of hojicha tea, they discussed their plans for the next day.


    "I''m going to let you relax...do you have any suggestions?"


    Since no one from the kingdom was present, Jin spoke as usual.


    "That''s fine. Kaina village, was it?��I''d like to take a leisurely look around."


    "Yes, of course. It would be very helpful for us.


    "Oh, I''ll show you around, then."


    Theon has visited the village of Kaina many times, which is why he makes this suggestion.


    "Oh, that''s a good idea.


    "Well, I guess we can have breakfast tomorrow around 8:00 a.m.".


    With a rough plan in place, we disbanded for the night.


    Jin and Zion decided to relax on their own.


    "So I''ll see you tomorrow, Jin."


    "Yeah. Theon, you take care of it.


    "I''ll take care of it!"


    Theon is a member of the Jin family and knows how to use the facilities at Nido Castle.


    Jin felt confident leaving the job to Zion.

 1471 - - 40-11 Kaina Village View

    The next day, the 19th, Radeous and Lorona were touring the village of Caina.


    "What is this?"


    Radeous tilted his head when he saw the wheelbarrow.


    "It''s a wheelbarrow for carrying goods.


    The village headman, Giebeck, was leading the way.


    Zion is playing with Hannah and her friends.


    And Jin says: .......


    The results of the measurement?


    Yes.


    He was called to 700672.


    "You said that you know that there was a second . I compared the results of the second oscillation with the results of the previous one and came to this conclusion.


    In this respect, the follower of the Origin, No. 700672, is superior to all of you.


    Although his thinking speed is not as fast as yours, he has more knowledge and experience than anyone else in the known world.


    "The point of origin is approaching Ars. I think you understand this."


    "Yes. But it''s too early to say for sure. ......


    The frequency of two occurrences is too low to say for sure, Jin says.


    "That''s true. But we should consider the worst case scenario.


    "I understand that. I''m currently working on something called a "spatial barrier.


    "Well, that''s great. That is to prevent the destruction of matter due to gravitational fluctuation, isn''t it?"


    700672 immediately understood.


    Yes, sir.


    "Yes, that''s good. I am going to send out an observation plane after this.


    An observation plane?


    "Yes. <


    According to the explanation of No. 700672, it is a kind of ultra-compact reconnaissance aircraft that specializes in measuring the state of space.


    They are sending about 100 of them out into space.


    "We built them for such an occasion. We have plenty of time."


    Saying this, 700672 laughed.


    "I''ll let you know the results as soon as I get them."


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin-dono, please think about what else you can do.


    I will." "Yes, sir."


    Jin then left the 700672.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    It was just noon when we returned to the village of Kaina.


    Under a clear sky, the villagers had stopped plowing and were returning home for lunch.


    The bell tolled noon from Nido Castle.


    "This is a good system.


    Radeous was impressed.


    "Let''s have lunch together."


    Jin returned with a nonchalant look on his face and said to Radeous and the others, "Let''s eat lunch together.


    "Yes, with pleasure."


    By the way, where is Zion?


    Jin looked around and saw Rorona smiling at him in a puzzled manner.


    "He''s gone away with the village children. ......


    But the bell has rung for lunch, so I''m sure she''ll be back soon.


    Before he could finish, he heard Hannah''s voice.


    "Oh, honey!"


    Jin turned around to see Hannah, the other children from the village, and ...... Zion. They were covered in mud.


    "Oh my God, Zion, what have you been doing?


    It was Hannah who answered.


    "Well, we went to the bank of the Erme river to pick koroko buds, and Jessie slipped and almost fell into the river. Sion saved him. That''s why we are both covered with mud.


    Koroko is a butterbur. Butterbur sprouts are butterbur sprouts. It tastes bittersweet when tempura is made, and before Jin came, people used to eat it boiled and soaked in soy sauce.


    It is a springtime delicacy that provides the body with vitamins it tends to lack during the winter.


    Jesse was covered in mud as well. He does not seem to be hurt.


    "I didn''t get hurt because Sion covered me up. Thank you, sister.


    "It''s okay."


    Instead, Zion seemed to be chafing all over.


    "Oh, you can''t leave him like that!"


    A loud voice rang out. Jin looked to see that it was Sally, the wife of the village chief and a healer.


    "Come on, let me take a look at you.


    "Oh, yes."


    "Hmm, it''s just an abrasion, isn''t it?


    After examining Zion''s wounds, Sally first washed the wounds with clean water.


    "Oh, it hurts.


    "Be patient."


    After that, she casts a healing spell.


    "<>"


    Beginner''s level surgical healing magic. It is neither too much nor too little, but enough for an abrasion. Soon the wound is healed nicely.


    "Thank you, doctor."


    Rorona bowed her head.


    "Come on, you should thank me too, Theon."


    "Yes. Thank you, ...... doctor."


    Sally smiled and waved.


    "It''s okay. Sion, is it?��You saved the village girl. And it''s our fault that you got hurt. ...... hey, my lord?"


    The last line was addressed to Jin.


    Jin nodded with a wry smile.


    "That''s right. Thanks, Theon. I want to thank you too.


    "It''s no big deal!"


    Zion turned bright red.


    * * * *


    After a bit of a delay, Jin and Zion have lunch together at Nido Castle.


    "Porridge is delicious, isn''t it?


    The lunch menu consisted of white porridge, stew with bacon made in the village, sauteed vegetables, and apples.


    In fact, it was a dish that was tailored to Zion''s tastes.


    And like Sion''s parents, Radeous and Rorona liked it too.


    "This village is a very good example for us.


    After lunch, Radeous said sincerely.


    "I think it depends a lot on the character of the villagers," Jin said.


    When Jin said this, Radeous nodded his head.


    "We should learn from them as well," he said.


    "I am glad to hear you say so.


    It seems that the village of Kaina was a good place to live from the point of view of the <> as well as the <.

 1472 - - 40-12 Crushed Stone Preparation

    The next day, Jin takes Radeous, Rorona, and Zion to the village of Toka by . He also took Gon and Gen with him, thinking that they might be able to help in some way.


    "Good morning, Mr. Jin. Good morning, Mr. Gin. Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Radeous, Ms. Rorona, and Mr. Zion.


    Licia greets the group.


    Behind her were ten general-purpose golems. They had walked through the night.


    "Good day to you."


    Princess Rieschen and the Prime Minister had already arrived.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you.


    I will begin at once.


    Without even a word of greeting, Rorona began to preside over the event.


    First, let''s decide on the width of the road.


    The basics of the basics.


    "We want to make it easy for ordinary carriages to pass each other," said Licia.


    Licia said.


    "Well, it''s just a trial, so that''s fine.


    The Prime Minister gave his permission.


    "And, I think ......5 meters wide would be fine."


    Lorona said, "The width is for the future, too.


    "It would be a waste of effort to add a meter to the width of the road afterwards, compared to extending the pavement.


    "I see."


    For this reason, it was decided that the test pavement would be five meters wide.


    "Next is the rock. It should be as dense and hard as possible.


    This statement was answered by a mature villager standing by Licia''s side.


    "The rocks in this area are hard, so I think they would be suitable.


    Jin saw that there were indeed many hard rocks.


    Rorona also seemed to have guessed this, and was rummaging through the scattered rocks,


    "Then, let''s use the same rock as this blackish-gray stone," she said.


    He decided to use the same rock as this blackish-gray stone.


    This blackish rock is called basalt, which is hard and dense.


    "The next thing to do is to prepare the rock. The next step is to break the rock and prepare the crushed stone, and dig down the road to lay the crushed stone.


    Princess Rieschen, Licia, and the vizier are writing down what they have heard in notepads made of wooden paper.


    "This time we have the golem, and since time is limited, I think we can do it at the same time.


    "The quarry is a specialized mine ......, but I think it would be better to build a quarry."


    Lorona nodded as the Prime Minister said this.


    "Yes, that''s right. That would be better.


    "In that case, it would be good to have a good quality rock quarry and at the same time a rocky hill close to the town.


    Princess Rieschen also made a sharp remark.


    "Yes, that''s right. It would be even better if we could make use of the area after the mountain has been broken down.


    "Oh, yes!


    Licia also spoke up with an idea and Princess Rieschen agreed with her.


    "A mountain to be broken down and reused. That''s a good idea. We don''t do it here because of our small population.


    Rorona was impressed by the idea.


    Let''s start with the easy one first. Let''s dig ...... the road to a width of 5 meters and a depth of 25 centimeters."


    "Is that the right depth?"


    Licia asks.


    "Yes. That''s about right for us. If something heavy is going to pass through, we may need to go a little deeper.


    "Hmmm. I would like to hear your opinion, Mr. Jin, ......."


    Jin, who was probably familiar with the , asked for the Prime Minister''s opinion.


    "Well, considering the horse-drawn carriages that pass through here and the luggage that they carry, why not make it 30 centimeters long?"


    < territories, there were no horse-drawn wagons, but only man-drawn carts.


    "Oh, I think that would be better.


    Hearing Jin''s opinion, Rorona agreed.


    "Okay, let''s dig down to a depth of 30 cm this time. ...... golems 11 to 15 are ......."


    The Prime Minister instructed five general-purpose golems.


    (Golem 11 to 15,or ......)


    In his own naming it was <11 to 15, but it was Jin who did not say anything because it would not be a problem.


    "Finally, let''s get to work on the production of crushed stone. Please take us to the rock pile."


    Lorona said and the older man nodded.


    "Yes, sir. This way."


    The group headed north toward the village. They were followed by Nick 16 to 20, as well as Gon and Gen.


    A narrow village in the mountains, 10 minutes'' walk from the edge of the village. Beyond that is an open rocky area. Beyond that is a rocky hill.


    "Oh, this rock."


    Lorona stroked the rock face as if to make sure.


    "So, let''s decide on a rough location to cut out the rock, transport and store it, a space to work on breaking the rock, and a place to store the broken rock."


    "So, here''s the place: ......."


    The older man, who seemed to be a stonecutter, answered Lorona''s request precisely.


    "Okay. Then let''s get started.


    First, all the golems cut out rocks. To be precise, they smashed the rocks from the rock pile into pieces of appropriate size by beating them or using a hammer, and then stocked them.


    Jin and the others watch from a distance to avoid flying fragments of fine rocks.


    Of course, Gon and Gen were also helping. Reiko, however, stays by Jin''s side.


    "That''s enough for a start. Let''s make some crushed stone.


    Rorona said and stopped the quarrying for a moment.


    "We''re going to break up this rock with a hammer and a hammer and trowel. Roughly speaking, we will need two types of crushed rocks, one the size of your fist and the other the size of your thumb.


    The fist-sized pieces are placed on the bottom and the finer pieces are placed on top as a finishing touch, Lorona explained. Princess Rieschen and the others took note of this.


    "The golems can be crushed with their hands!"


    Jin says. We''ve improved it so that they can do that.


    True to their word, the Golems smash the rocks into pieces with their fists.


    "I knew you were fast!"


    In Rorona''s place, i.e. the , the work is done by human power. However, since they are done by people who can strengthen their muscles, they are more than twice as efficient as ordinary people, but as expected, they are defeated by golems.


    When the stones have been crushed to a certain extent, Lorona instructs them to sort one-third of the crushed stones.


    The crushed stones were piling up rapidly.


    "I think this is a good instruction. All we have to do now is wait for the necessary amount to accumulate.


    "In the meantime, let''s have lunch," Licia suggested.


    Licia suggested.


    Before we knew it, it was 11:30 am. We decided to have lunch even though it was a little early.


    Licia said, "Oh, this is great!


    "Oh, this is delicious!


    It''s called "Pash...... pasta". We are going to make it a specialty of Toka Village.


    "I see. Pasta."


    For lunch, Licia served a pasta dish of her own devising.


    Three different kinds of pasta with different herbs and flavors were served, and everyone enjoyed them.

 1473 - - 40-13 Welcome to Kaina Village

    After lunch, we all realized that there was nothing to do for a while.


    The digging of the road and the preparation of the quarry stones could not be finished in two or three hours.


    Only Jin,


    (That''s usually the case. ......)


    He was aware of this again.


    "It looks like we won''t be doing anything for the rest of the day," Licia said.


    Licia said,


    "Mm. ......"


    "Half a day left in the afternoon, to be exact.


    Princess Rieschen and the Prime Minister nodded.


    "Are you sure you can be away from King''s Landing for so many days, Prime Minister?"


    Licia asked, looking a little worried,


    "I''ve left it in the hands of my deputy. There are no urgent matters at the moment, so I''m sure he''ll be fine.


    Licia replied, "There are no urgent matters at the moment, so I''m sure it will be fine.


    "Well, Powell should take a break from work once in a while.


    Judging by the way Princess Rieschen spoke to him, the Prime Minister seemed to be a bit of a workaholic.


    "If you say so, Your Highness. ......"


    Powell nodded a little shyly and looked a little happy.


    Princess Rieschen''s face broke into a smile at his answer. It was a slightly evil smile.


    Princess Rieschen turned to Jin,


    "Jin, I would like to visit ...... the village of Kaina," she said.


    Jin turned to Jin and said, "Jin, I would like to visit the village of Kaina.


    "Haven''t you been to the village of Kaina yet, Princess Rieschen?


    "Uh-huh."


    "Yes, I understand. Yes, I have.


    "Oh, yes!"


    Princess Rieschen is delighted. Then the Prime Minister added his own words.


    "Well then, Kunlun, may I join you?"


    "Yes, please."


    Princess Rieschen is said to have frowned a little behind her back.


    Oh, my God!


    "Oh, oh!��What is that building?


    That''s my castle, Nido Castle.


    "Well, seeing is not the same as hearing. ......


    <, Princess Rieschen and the Prime Minister look out of the window at Nido Castle.


    Radeous and his son and Lysia remained in Toka in case something happened to the construction work.


    "Welcome to the village of Kaina.


    When they landed in front of Nido Castle, Jin uttered his usual line.


    "Well, thank you for your hospitality.


    Princess Rieschen joined in with his theatrical tone,


    "Well!��Well, well, well!"


    The Prime Minister looked up at the keep and exclaimed in admiration.


    "I''ve never seen this architectural style before. It is also wonderful in a different way from the architecture of the Kunlun Island."


    "Powell, I''ll let you show me around the village, what about you?"


    "Yes, I think so. ......"


    "There is a library in the castle with all sorts of materials.


    Jin offered a helping hand, and the Prime Minister jumped at it.


    "Oh, that''s a good idea. I would love to see them. ...... Jin-dono, please take care of the princess."


    "Leave it to me."


    Jin called Butler C and entrusted him with the Prime Minister''s guidance and care.


    It was a small gesture of concern from Prime Minister Powell for Princess Rieschen, who was looking forward to enjoying herself.


    Princess Rieschen immediately set out with Jin to visit the village of Kaina.


    "Wow, there are pumps everywhere. This is Jin''s village.


    Princess Rieschen found the pumps with her own eyes. Then Hannah came along.


    "Ah!��Big sister Ries!"


    "Oh, Hannah. You''re looking well.


    Hannah was surrounded by village children,


    "What, who......?"


    "Some nobleman ......?


    and so on.


    "You know, the princess."


    When Hannah tells the correct answer,


    "What?


    "What!


    were the natural responses.


    "What''s wrong with you today, big sister Reese?"


    "Well, I was on an inspection tour in Toka village, but I''m done for the day. I asked Jin to bring you here.


    Hannah, will you show me around the village with you?


    Jin followed up.


    "Yes, sure!��Come on guys, let''s go together!"


    "Yes, ......"


    "But I don''t want to get in trouble with the princess.


    Princess Rieschen giggles at some of the more serious lines.


    "No, no, no, this is Jin''s territory, you don''t have to be so formal.


    "Really ......?"


    "Yes, really. Can you all tell me your names?


    With that, each child gave his or her name.


    "Mario!"


    "...... Patty."


    "Kurt."


    "I''m Jesse!"


    "Mario, Patty, Kurt, Jesse. I''m new in this village. Can you show me around?


    "Yes!��Let''s go, princess!


    While you''re in the village, please call me Rys, not Princess.


    Okay, big sister Rhys!


    Come on!


    And with that Princess Rieschen ran off with the children of the village, including Hannah.


    "...... Well, okay."


    There was no danger, and Gengshen would be watching them, so Jin looked after Princess Rieschen and the children.


    Of course, I should add that Jin had learned the lesson from the previous day and had called in the <> to escort them behind the scenes.


    * * * * * *


    "Reese sister, that''s the snow room!"


    "Yukimuro?��What are you doing in there?


    "You see, we keep the snow in there, and when it gets hot, we preserve vegetables and meat!"


    "Oh, a natural refrigerator!"


    "This is a hot spring!"


    A hot spring?


    "There''s warm water here, and it''s very comfortable.


    So it''s a natural bathhouse.


    That''s the village headman''s house


    That''s the bokjo.


    There''s .......


    Everyone is well, isn''t ......


    Yeah, we''re fine!


    After being dragged around by the village children for a good three hours, Princess Rieschen was exhausted by the time the sun went down.

 1474 - - 40-14 Multilayer

    "Ah, I''m coming back to life!"


    Exhausted, Princess Rieschen soaks in the hot springs with her children.


    "Come on, Ries, I''ll wash your back!"


    "Oh, yes."


    The children are still in high spirits in the hot springs. One by one they rubbed Princess Rieschen''s back with the bath towels.


    "Oh, oh, rub gently ......".


    Her Royal Highness had delicate skin.


    "Oh, this is delicious!"


    Fruit juice after a bath. It cools down my burning body.


    "It''s delicious!


    The children are drinking it together. By the way, since we played with Princess Rieschen and took a bath together, today''s bath is free of charge (normally it costs 5 tol, about 50 yen).


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    While Princess Rieschen was relaxing in the hot spring, Jin was called by No. 700672.


    "Recently, the third spatial oscillation occurred. The epicenter is almost the same as the second one. In other words, Ars has moved closer to the epicenter as it orbits.


    The old man had also reported the occurrence of these tremors to Jin.


    "The frequency is increasing, isn''t it?"


    The interval between the first and second was two days, but the interval between the second and third is one day. I''m curious."


    No. 700672 gave me a hard look.


    "<>?��What''s going on with that?"


    "We sent it out, but it hadn''t reached the area of space yet, so we don''t know much about it."


    I see. ......


    But it is certain that the location of the outbreak is a little closer to Ars.


    The old man also mentioned this.


    The danger has increased.


    "Yes. I hope you can complete the warding as soon as possible.


    I understand.


    Jin has no interest in sitting back and waiting for danger.


    In his spare time, he and the old man have been discussing the matter, and they have come up with a plan.


    Spatial blockage is the essence of this project.


    It is the and the transition magic circle that connects space to space.


    The is a way to reverse the effects of the warp gate.


    Since the transition magic circle seems to be more applicable than the warp gate, we are playing around with it.


    Jin''s specialty is magical engineering, so rewriting magic circle is a little different and time-consuming.


    "The complexity of this process is far more complicated than that of erasing the recoil.


    "Hmm... I see..."


    700672 thought for a moment and opened his mouth again.


    "I don''t know if this will help you, but I have a suggestion. The ...... magic circle does not have to be ."


    "Ah!


    Jin had a flash of inspiration from this advice.


    "Hmm, you have an idea..."


    "Yes, I did. Too many things."


    Jin answered a little excitedly.


    "When you write a formula, it can be multi-layered, but it never occurred to me with the magic circle.


    "That''s one of the aspects that can''t be helped. Originally, magic circle was written on a flat surface.


    It is said that the most primitive magic circle was made by carving it into the ground with a stick.


    "But it is also possible to draw a magic circle on two pieces of paper and superimpose them on top of each other, for example."


    "I understand. If the two magic circles do not interfere with each other, we can expect a superposition of effects.


    "That''s right."


    Jin bowed his head to show his gratitude to the 700672.


    "Actually, the biggest problem was that the magic circle would be too large. If we make it multi-layered, we can make it much smaller.


    By making it smaller, it would be portable. This is important.


    "I''m glad I could be of help."


    700672 looked somewhat pleased.


    Then a voice called out to him.


    "Father, the spatial monitor has arrived at the area in question.


    "It''s on the screen now."


    < and have become good assistants for the 700672.


    "Okay, I see. You can take a look at them too, Jin-dono.


    "Yes."


    <, and part of it, have gone . The screen was activated.


    It is only natural, since it is space that is being projected. It is divided into multiple sections.


    "The screen was directed to a total of 15 locations."


    Most of them are in outer space, so it''s hard to tell which is which.


    So far, so good.


    And 700672?


    "I''ll call you when I know something, but for now, I want you to go back. I''ll let you know what I find out.


    He said his request to Jin. Jin nodded,


    "Yes, sir.


    and returned to Horai Island.


    * * * *


    "Yeah. I didn''t notice it either.


    Since the magecrystal is three-dimensional, Jin had been writing in multiple layers when he was making magic tools, but it had never occurred to him to write magic circle in multiple layers.


    "This way, the density of information can be dramatically improved."


    <


    "When will you finish ...... if I let the mini-craftsman (Smith) do the writing?"


    <<<


    .


    After the meeting with the old man, Jin went to the village of Kaina.


    "Hey, sweetie, where have you been?"


    At Nido Castle, dinner had just been prepared, and Princess Rieschen, Hannah, and the Prime Minister had just arrived.


    "Yes, I''ve just finished a little work.


    Jin simply says and takes a seat. Elsa, sitting next to him, smiles at him as if to say, "I know what you mean.


    The bubbly wine from the Kingdom of Elias, which is becoming the standard these days, is poured for each of us. Of course, Hannah and Princess Rieschen are non-alcoholic.


    "Well, let''s toast to the success of the construction!


    Cheers!


    Cheers!


    Jin stared at the table lined with the food, thinking of what Zion might say to him tomorrow.

 1475 - - 40-15 Hitoshis suggestion

    On the morning of the 21st, Jin flew to the village of Toka with Princess Rieschen and Prime Minister Powell using .


    "Good morning!"


    Licia greets the group.


    "Good morning, Jin."


    "Good morning, Mr. Jin."


    Theon and Rorona had also come out to greet them. Radeous was said to be at the site.


    "It seems we''ve made a lot of progress."


    Rorona said she had checked the site early in the morning.


    "Oh, that''s exciting!


    Princess Rieschen shouted in anticipation as they walked to the site.


    <.


    "Oh!"


    When they arrived at the site, about 100 meters of the road had been paved.


    Jin and Licia bent down to the road and checked the surface.


    "Well, it''s very well done."


    "Yes, I think the carriages will be able to drive on this road without any problems.


    The Prime Minister kicked the road surface with his shoes and was surprised at how solid it was.


    "No, this is amazing."


    All but Rorona and Zion were satisfied with the durability of the pavement. Then Radeous came running up to them.


    "Good morning, Your Highness, Your Highness, Prime Minister, Mr. Jin..."


    "Good morning, Your Highness. Good morning, Your Highness. You''ve made a lot of progress on .......


    Yes. The golems are tireless. They worked through the night.


    All the experience and data gained here will be used in the future. The Prime Minister takes note of the approximate number of man-hours involved, thinks about it for a moment, and then gives instructions for the future.


    "Now that we have ......, we will stop the project after two more days of work. Can you keep track of the progress, efficiency, and problems ...... Licia, during that time?"


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    "After that, we''ll continue with the busy section as planned. I think the construction period should be short here, so how about between Soki and Riou?


    "Oh, it''s the road that runs southeast from Alban.


    The distance between Soki and Riou is about 10 km.


    It is part of the road that runs from Alban to Soki to Riu and finally to the town of Dekbo on the shores of Lake Manousse.


    It was an important road for transporting fish products from Lake Manouseh to the royal capital.


    "Yes. It''s a great logistics route for endurance tests.


    "Yes."


    After a brief discussion, the Prime Minister and Princess Rieschen decided on a course of action.


    "In any case, could you please come to the royal castle for a moment?"


    The Prime Minister politely asks Radeous and the others.


    "Of course. That''s what I promised.


    "Thank you, Your Excellency.


    Then I will take them myself.


    So it was decided that Jin would take Radeous, Rorona, and Zion to the castle in Conlon 3.


    Of course, Princess Rieschen and the Prime Minister are with them.


    Departure is in an hour.


    "And ......"


    Before the departure, Jin went to the Prime Minister and made a proposal.


    "Since we have paved all the way here, why don''t we at least pave all the way to Charles Town?��I''ll provide the manpower ...... and the golem.


    I''d be happy to do that for you.


    I mean, will you do it for free? Now, the Kingdom of Klein is on a tight budget, and various policies are being implemented on a shoestring budget.


    "Yes. This road will facilitate the distribution of goods to Toka village. This means that the village of Kaina will also benefit.


    "I see. Then I''ll be counting on you.


    Jin, let''s get this in writing.


    Princess Rieschen makes a proposal. Since this is a matter of course, Jin and the Prime Minister decide to sign the document at Lyshea''s place.


    "The section between the village of Toka and the town of Charles is fine.


    "Yes."


    "The construction method will be the same as this test pavement, and the width of the road will be the same."


    Yes, that''s right.


    We''ll use the rocks from Toka village, right?


    Yes, that''s fine.


    With the Prime Minister, Princess Rieschen, Licia, and the other three, Jin finalizes the contract.


    He does not set a specific date, but only decides that it will be for a maximum of one year.


    "Is this okay?"


    "I think so."


    Half of the agreement was made for formality, and the other half to clarify the contents, but as long as it was official, it was signed.


    If you think about it, this might be the first time that Jin had signed a contract as the .


    Anyway, now Jin can practice <> outside of Horai Island and Kunlun Island.


    Of course, he will not cut corners just because he is practicing. Rather, it should be done more carefully, that is Jin.


    On time


    Conlon 3 left the village of Toka on time and headed for the capital city of Alban.


    The general-purpose golems stopped paving and headed for the next construction site, the town of Soki.


    "Let''s go to the town of Soki tomorrow, then.


    At the castle, the schedule for the rest of the day was confirmed.


    It was also decided that Lorona would provide guidance for the first two days of construction, after which the engineers of the Kingdom of Klein would proceed alone.


    That afternoon, eight young engineers were selected to learn about <> and met with Lorona and his team.


    Then, "Well, I''ll take my leave.


    After being served lunch and staying at the castle until tea time at 3:00, Jin decided to leave.


    "Well, I''ll be sorry to see you go."


    Princess Rieschen said with a truly disappointed look on her face.


    "I''ll be back in three days."


    Jin reminded her that he would be back in three days to pick up Radeous, Rorona, Zion and their children.


    See you in three days, Jin.


    Sion, who seemed to have gotten used to the place, said in a cheerful voice, "Jin-sama, I''ll see you in three days.


    Jin-sama, I''ll see you in three days, thank you.


    Rorona bowed her head in agreement.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama, for everything you have done for us.


    Radeous also said his farewells for the time being.


    "Yes, bye."


    Jin then boarded the and took off into the evening sky.


    * * * * * *


    "That''s what I''ve been saying. Old man, I want you to use your craftsmen (smiths) to pave the road from Toka village to Charles town ...... and schedule it to be completed in about 10 days."


    <


    On the way back, in <>, Jin gave instructions to the old man.


    "I want to make the best of this technology, too.

 1476 - - 40-16 Experiments and applications and new ideas.

    The next day, Jin was in Horai Island.


    "Well then, I will send 410 from craftsman 401.


    "That''s good. Gon and Gen are continuing to work on it, and as soon as the craftsman (Smith) arrives, we will return to the village of Kaina.


    That''s good about the pavement.


    "Well, now we have to do what is most necessary."


    .


    "Yes. After I found out that the magic circle should be multi-layered, I''ve been trying to come up with some ideas.


    Jin explains some of his ideas to the old man.


    "First of all, this would require a large amount of free magical elements (ether), so the first one is an ether converter.


    "The second layer would be a magical control flow (Magi Sequence) to set the range and intensity of the effect.


    <>


    "The third layer is ......."


    In this way, Jin explained his plan.


    "On the ninth layer, we will use the collected free magical elements (ether) to generate a transition space. This is an application of the shifting magic circle.


    "The tenth layer has the effect of reversing the transition space.


    "The boundary created by this should be a break in space."


    In short, it would be like having <> with no enclosure, but with very small intervals between them.


    Theoretically, the gates are connected by a space called subspace, in which the physical phenomena on the other side become almost meaningless.


    In other words, physical phenomena on the other side are not transmitted to our side.


    The only exception is the movement of matter, which is placed at very small intervals, so it should appear that nothing changes.


    However, since the intrinsic velocity that the material had before it entered the room would be reduced to zero, it would appear as if it stopped instantly, Jin guessed.


    "I doubt it. It might be worth a try.


    Jin worked out the details of the project while exchanging such conversation.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The magic circle is not a mature system that can be completed by theory alone.


    Experimentation and practice are essential.


    "Okay, let''s start the test."


    "Yes, father."


    Jin was now about to test the spatial barrier he had created on a trial basis.


    The size of the field to be generated is a disc of one meter in diameter.


    The size of the generator needed for this is about the size of a box of tissues. It could be made a little smaller, but this was done for the sake of ease of analysis, such as checking the operation.


    "<>"


    Reiko and Hitoshi are standing about 5 meters apart, Hitoshi is right next to the warding generator and Reiko is in front of it. Reiko is attacking the warding generator and Jin is observing.


    "Yes, the warding is working fine.


    The warding is black.


    "The reason why it looks black is because no light is emitted. ......?


    Jin imagined that the blackness is due to the fact that no light is emitted and no light is reflected back.


    In a sense, it is the same as a black hole. This one does not absorb matter.


    "It''s a disc shape now, but I''d like to make it hemispherical or spherical eventually.


    "Father, where would you like to start?"


    Reiko asked Jin who was thinking about something.


    "Oh, yes, first of all, try throwing a stone lightly.


    "Yes.


    Reiko throws a stone with one percent force. The stone hits the boundary with the speed of an adult throwing it as hard as he can. .......


    "Okay, that''s what I thought."


    The velocity becomes zero, and the stone plops to the ground, pulled by gravity.


    After that, I tried three more times with different sized stones, but all of them lost speed when they touched the boundary and fell to the ground.


    "Okay, so far so good. Let''s try magic next.


    "Yes. ......<>"


    Reiko fires a <<>.


    The fireball aimed straight at the boundary, and when it touched the boundary, it dissipated.


    "I see. Reiko, one more time.


    "Yes."


    Jin repeated the experiment five times.


    "Yeah, in the case of magic, I wonder if it loses its < to maintain ......?"


    However, even Jin could not understand why the magic was fading away.


    Reiko, who is powered by magic, is not affected by the warp gate, nor is the blood that flows through the human body affected in the first place.


    "I guess we''ll just have to leave it as for the time being."


    Being a practical person, Jin decided to focus on practical application for the time being, thinking that the theory would come later.


    The experiments are done," he said. Now let''s work on the second prototype.


    "I see. I''ll take care of it then."


    The old man offers, and Jin gives his permission.


    "Yes. We can have a craftsman (Smith) help us with that."


    >.


    ** ** "I think we can call it a success first.


    With this first success, Jin started to work on the application.


    "If we make it spherical, there is a possibility that we will not be able to replenish free magic element (ether). ...... In that case, we can use ethenol or magic element storage stones (manacelles)."


    <<


    "Yes. But it will probably make it impossible to see anything outside."


    It will be impossible to use any electromagnetic waves, including infrared rays.


    "So that''s why it goes dark for a moment when you use the warp gate."


    Reiko said, as if impressed.


    "Yeah, I guess that''s what it means."


    Jin also had an idea about this phenomenon.


    The inside of the Warp Gate is illuminated and bright, but it was not his imagination that it seemed to get darker for a moment at the moment of the transition.


    Reiko must have had a clearer perception than Jin.


    "But if it could be the strongest barrier, it wouldn''t be a bad idea to be able to deploy it even for a short time."


    >.


    Hearing these words of the old man, Jin came up with an idea.


    "Is it possible to predict <>?"


    If it is possible to do so, it would be possible to deploy the boundary a moment before the vibration and release it when the vibration subsides.


    Then, perhaps it would be possible to cover the entire Ars.


    The old man agrees with me.


    The expectations on Jin''s shoulders are growing.

 1477 - - 40-17 Elza Disorder

    "Brother Jin, dinner!"


    Erza came to call Jin, who was absorbed in his research.


    "Oh, is it that time already?"


    The next thing he knew, it was dusk. It was almost 6:00 p.m.


    "Don''t push yourself too hard."


    "Okay, I''ll be careful."


    Erza rebuked him as he returned, and Jin apologized.


    "We''ve been waiting for you, Jin-sama.


    "You''ve come, too, Mine?"


    Yes, I helped her cook dinner.


    The dinner was a purely Japanese menu consisting of rice, miso soup with fried bean curd and okara, grilled fish similar to horse mackerel, oshinko (pickles), and natto (fermented soybeans).


    "Oh, okara miso soup.


    "Hmm."


    It may depend on the region, but eating fried bean curd in miso soup with okara is surprisingly tasty, as the bean curd absorbs the miso soup to a moderate degree.


    The director of the hospital used to make this dish for me when I was in the facility, partly because it is inexpensive.


    Jin also likes the combination of taro and okara.


    "Yes, it''s delicious!"


    His favorite menu makes his chopsticks move forward.


    At ......, Jin notices that Elsa''s chopsticks are not moving.


    "Huh?��Erza, are you not eating?"


    "....... ......I''m kind of hungry."


    Jin knew that Elsa was not the kind of person who would eat while she was cooking, so his answer was strange.


    Then one possibility occurred to him.


    "Is there something wrong with her?"


    However, it is impossible for Erza, who is also an excellent healer, to be sick.


    "...... not bad, I think."


    However, Erza''s complexion was not so good when she answered so.


    "......I''m sorry, Sai. ......I was smelling the food and I felt sick. I''m really sorry."


    Erza apologized and hurriedly got up from her seat and ran out of the cafeteria.


    "Elsa ......"


    After swallowing the last mouthful, Jin also got up to leave the diner after Erza.


    But Meane stopped him.


    "Jin-sama, it''s okay."


    What?


    "Erza''s not sick.


    What?


    Meane looked at Jin, who was twisting his head in confusion, smiling.


    "I could explain it to you, but I''m sure Erza would prefer to talk about it herself.


    "?"


    Then Erza returned. She looked paler than before.


    "Erza, are you all right?


    This time Jin got up from his seat and rushed to Erza''s side.


    "No, I''m fine."


    Then Erza squeezed Jin''s hand.


    I''m sorry for worrying you. I''m ......, um... ......."


    After saying that, Erza blushed and turned her head down.


    "Elsa?��What''s wrong with you?"


    Jin asked, more concerned, and finally Erza looked up.


    "...... baby."


    "What?"


    "...... baby ...... is born."


    Erza said and turned her reddish face down again.


    "......"


    "............"


    ".................."


    A silence passed between Erza, Jin and Meine.


    The silence was broken by Reiko''s voice.


    "Congratulations, father."


    Hearing her voice, both Jin and Erza come to their senses.


    "Elsa."


    "......"


    "Thank you."


    With short words, Jin let go of Erza''s hand, put his hand behind her back, and hugged her gently. Meane and Reiko quietly left.


    "Jin ......"


    "Thank you, thank you."


    That was all Jin said, and he hugged Erza tenderly. Erza hugged him back.


    Erza hugged him back.


    "Well, when did you find out?


    "...... yesterday. I was feeling kind of lazy, so I talked to my mother about it, and she said that it might be possible.


    After hugging each other for a good fifteen minutes, the two of them talked in the <> without water.


    They were sitting side by side, not facing each other, with Jin holding Elsa''s shoulder.


    In case you are wondering, Meane and Reiko are cleaning up the mess.


    "So, I gave myself a <> and ......"


    "I had a child."


    "Hmm."


    "I see. ......"


    I was going to tell you when Jin brother was free. But Mother told me to tell you myself.


    "Yes, that''s what I wanted to do. I''m glad you told me."


    Jin put his hand on Elsa''s shoulder.


    "Are you cold?"


    "I''m ...... fine."


    From now on, you take even better care of yourself than you have in the past.


    "Yeah, I know."


    "Oh, have you seen your mother-in-law in the Shoro Kingdom?"


    "...... not yet. I thought I''d tell my brother Jin first.


    "I see. Then let''s go tomorrow.


    "......?��I thought you were busy."


    But Jin laughed and shook his head.


    "I''m not so pathetic that I can''t take that much time.


    Now that we have a good idea of what to expect, the main thing is to conduct experiments and verify the results, and the old man can take care of that.


    After that, we''ll inform the whole <>."


    "......?"


    Erza nodded her head, her cheeks flushed.

 1478 - - 40-18 Report and Name

    In the early morning of March 23rd, Jin asked the old man about the progress of the .


    >


    The report from the old man was satisfactory to Jin.


    The time lag before activation has been shortened by 25% by revising the Magi Formula.


    The consumption of free magic element (ether) was also reduced by 15%.


    It is easy to deploy hemispherical wards.


    This was only half a day''s work, but still a significant improvement.


    "You should also consider downsizing."


    .


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    At 9:00 a.m. local time on the same day, Jin, Erza, Reiko, and Edgar arrived at Erza''s parents'' house in the town of Exi, Shoro, in <>.


    "Welcome, Erza, Jin-san!"


    Marlene, Erza''s foster mother, greeted them.


    "It''s been a while.


    "Mother, I''m glad to see you are well.


    After exchanging brief greetings, Jin and his wife were ushered into the parlor.


    Marlene herself brewed a pot of green tea.


    After taking a sip of the fragrant tea, Jin opened his mouth.


    "The main reason I came to see you today is because I have something to tell you.


    "Well, what is it?"


    From the looks on Jin''s and Elsa''s faces, it was easy to see that the contents were not bad. Marlene waited for Jin''s words with faint hope.


    "Elsa has a baby!


    Jin reported frankly.


    "Oh, really?��Congratulations, Jin-san and Elsa.


    Marlene, with a big smile on her face, got up from her chair, came down to Elsa and hugged her gently.


    "I''m so happy for you, Elsa.


    "Yes, mother."


    As her mother-in-law hugged her, Elsa let out a single tear.


    "I can''t believe how big you''ve grown since you were a little one. ......"


    Marlene was also moved to tears and had tears in her eyes.


    Seeing such a mother and daughter, Jin quietly left the place.


    Marlene was also moved to tears.


    "I''m really happy today.


    Marlene smiled at Jin and Elsa throughout lunch.


    "So you get to see your grandchildren before Fritz and Mauritz do."


    "......"


    Perhaps she was so happy that Marlene kept repeating the same thing over and over again that Jin and Erza were so embarrassed that they could not taste the food.


    After lunch, they met Georg Randl, Elsa''s father, and reported to him.


    "Oh, you came well.


    He was in a good mood and welcomed them with open arms.


    Lara, an automata that Elsa had created earlier, was taking care of him.


    "Lara, thank you for your help.


    "No, this is my role."


    After saying to Lara, Erza reported that she was carrying a child,


    "I see, I see. ....... If you''re happy, that''s all that matters."


    She was moved to tears.


    Hearing this, Elsa''s eyes lit up with tears as well.


    Jin was happy that peace had finally come to the family.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    That night, they stayed at the Randall residence.


    Elsa was going to sleep in the same room with her mother-in-law for the first time in a while.


    She is going to ask her a lot of questions about how to be a mother.


    Edgar is waiting in front of the bedroom as a guard.


    Jin was in the guest room with Reiko.


    Now that they are alone, Reiko is happy to take care of Jin.


    "Congratulations again, father."


    "Yes, thank you, Reiko."


    "Have you thought of a name yet?"


    "What?��...... isn''t it a little bit early?


    I guess so. ...... would you prefer a boy or a girl at first?"


    "Oh, come on."


    Reiko''s question was like a flurry of questions, which made Jin flinch.


    "If it''s a girl, Yuki or Sakura. ....... If it''s a boy, maybe Yu or Ryo.


    "Isn''t it taken from <>?"


    Reiko, who knew the origin of Jin''s name and her own, asked curiously.


    "Yes. Actually, the other characters are already in use."


    Jin''s younger brother is Yoshiyuki. The younger one is Tomomi. < was not yet in use, they could name her .


    In case you are wondering, <> was used as a present for Erza, <> (a nickname for Nobuko, Noriko, etc.).


    "I see."


    Reiko understood this explanation.


    "But what does your name mean?"


    "Yuki is ......."


    Jin showed her what he had written on a piece of notepaper in his baggage.


    "Yuki," he said, "is Snow. It sounds beautiful but cold as it is, so you could also use the same sound for Yuki. This one has the meaning of "Nozomi is there. Sakura, I don''t have to explain anymore.


    Sakura, that''s nice.


    Yu, which means "excellent" but also "kind. Ryo means good, but Ryo means far, and Ryu means dragon.


    Jin''s explanation seemed to make sense to Reiko.


    "The language and script of your father''s country are very deep, aren''t they?"


    "Well, it''s still too early to tell."


    Jin chuckled and patted Reiko on the head.


    "What other names are there?"


    Reiko''s knowledge of Japanese as a written language had been transcribed, but the meaning and usage were only briefly explained, so questions like this were also asked.


    "Well, ......<. It''s a girl''s name, but it''s <>, or is it ......, a pillow word, I think. ...... yeah, it''s a pillow word. It''s a pillow word for <>, I think. It sounds beautiful, doesn''t it?"


    It''s a word used in waka poetry. <> is a word for tin bamboo, meaning a mountainous country where such bamboo grows thickly.


    Incidentally, there is an artificial lake called Lake Misuzu in Shinano Province, present-day Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture.


    "What about the others?"


    Reiko seemed pleased to hear this kind of talk from Hitoshi, and asked him to continue.


    "Mio, that would be nice. I think it was ...... a route on the water, suitable for ships to pass through. You know Nagisa ....... And maybe Erika, the name of a flower.


    Jin explained as he remembered. Reiko listened with interest.


    * * * * * *


    On Horai Island, the old man was detecting the spatial vibrations and working with Jack from the moon to determine the point of origin.


    Since the position is close to the orbit of Ars, Ars itself is getting closer to the Moon by its orbit.


    <<<


    It is hard to say for sure since it has only happened 4 times.


    <


    So far, only Jin has had direct contact with the 700672.


    >.


    And the old man started to consider again.

 1479 - - 40-19 Ready...

    Please come back again."


    The next day, Jin and Erza left Randall''s mansion with their hair in their backs.


    "Well, we''re going to get busy."


    "Hmm..."


    "Oh, but Erza, don''t be too hard on yourself.��It''s an important time."


    We are planning to have a debriefing party at Horai Island in the evening.


    The Jin family will be there.


    "......?"


    Erza nodded a little disappointed.


    * * * *


    Jin returned to Horai Island and told Erza to rest and instructed her to mobilize the five colored golem maids to prepare for the party.


    "Brother Jin, let me at least give you instructions.


    He couldn''t stand the thought of doing nothing. Jin thinks about it for a moment and gives his conditional OK.


    "Well, ...... that''s fine. Edgar, make sure you support me."


    "Yes, sir, I will."


    And Luna and Soleil, you guys go with him.


    Yes, father.


    I''ll take care of it, Father.


    Relieved, Jin went to the command center to hear the report from the old man.


    "Now, please give me a detailed report."


    The large error is only due to the distance.


    <> of <700672> has produced.


    "Yes, ....... Should I go and ask them right away?"


    <<>.


    So Jin, accompanied by Reiko as usual, moved to the bottom of 700672 by the warp gate.


    Of course, the old man asked Erza to tell him that they were going out.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Welcome, Jin-dono!"


    It seems that No. 700672 has been waiting for Jin''s visit.


    "You want to know the observation results of the spatial monitor, don''t you?"


    "Yes."


    Then 700672 immediately began to explain.


    "This oscillation lasted seven ten-thousandths of a second. It''s getting a little long, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it is. ...... is it getting longer and longer?"


    The question was met with a disappointed look on No. 700672''s face.


    "It''s only been four times, so it''s hard to derive any regularity from it, and I guess it''s not very probable."


    "But that''s not the main problem."


    "What?"


    Jin stiffened at the more serious tone of 700672.


    "First of all, the most important problem that we need to focus on is that the material there has disappeared.


    "What?


    This is new to me. Jin thought that it was only because the 700672 sent a into space that they were able to find out about this.


    "By coincidence, one of the spatial monitors we sent disappeared in an instant.


    "Disappeared?"


    Jin asked, as if to make sure.


    "Yes, annihilation. Not destruction. Not just the body. Not a single atom remains, that''s why I called it <>."


    "Annihilation ......"


    We have a new threat.


    "The <> was in rough formation, so we have a rough idea of its range. According to this, the radius is somewhere between 100 and 1,000 kilometers.


    The large margin of error is unavoidable, 700672 added.


    "Is it safe to say it''s a large area?"


    "Yes, from the point of view of the size of the universe, it is very limited.


    The more important question is the effect.


    It''s not a gravitational destruction, is it?


    Jin reconfirms.


    "Yes. Such a thing may happen depending on the scale of spatial oscillation, but the phenomenon observed this time is ."


    "Are you saying that it is not a mere fluctuation of gravity?"


    "It would seem so."


    But we don''t have enough information on this yet. 700672 will send out more , he said.


    "So far, the position of the outbreak has been almost constant.


    He said that he would send out many of them around the area of space.


    "So, what about you?"


    Jin guessed that by "how," he was referring to the .


    Thanks to you, the prototype has been completed and is working well. We are considering further improvement in efficiency and larger size.


    After saying this, Jin explained the detailed specifications.


    "That''s great," he says.


    "That''s a big deal, but in a worst case scenario, it would be dangerous if we don''t have enough warding to cover the Ars."


    That''s possible.


    "After all, ......"


    Even though the planet Arus is smaller than the Earth, it has a diameter of about 2,400 kilometers.


    If it were to cover the entire planet, it would have to be 3000 kilometers in diameter. At the same time, Jin thinks it would be necessary to stretch the moon (UNY) as well.


    And he adds.


    "If we are not careful, there is a possibility that Ars and the moon (UNY) will go out of orbit. ......"


    "Hmm. That would cut off gravity."


    Ars''s orbit is not a perfect circle. The slight error will be absorbed by the astronomical distance, but it is still a concern.


    "I''d like to make this as quick as possible."


    "I''m sure."


    Then, instead of a spherical boundary covering the entire area, it would be a hemispherical or disc-shaped boundary facing in the direction of the spatial oscillation," he said.


    "But that would be difficult without knowing the point of occurrence in advance."


    Jin''s concern was conveyed to No. 700672.


    "Yes, that''s right. I will do what I can.


    Regarding the collection of information, 700672 said he would do his best.


    "Please do."


    Jin feels that he has no choice but to leave it to him.


    "I will do my best to develop a spatial barrier.


    "Yes. Can I assume that technically there are no more problems?


    "Well, there is still the problem of energy supply if we continue to increase the size of the machine, but I think we can manage that as well.


    "Hmm, I see.


    "Worst case scenario, we can transfer it from the etheric cloud."


    < is a highly concentrated etheric region near the Lagrangian point of the planet Hale.


    From there, we will be able to obtain an almost inexhaustible supply of energy.


    I will cooperate with you whenever I can.


    Yes, I will be happy to do so.


    After such a meeting, Jin returned to Horai Island.

 1480 - - 40-20 Celebration

    It was a little after one o''clock in the afternoon when we returned to Horai Island.


    "Hey Jin, congratulations!


    His best friend Reinhardt had arrived and congratulated Jin.


    "You are early, Reinhard. I thought I specified 5:00 p.m. Horai Island time.


    According to the Shoro time, it should be around 8:00 am.


    "Yes, of course. But congratulations to Jin and Erza!


    "Since I heard about you, he hasn''t seemed to be able to get any work done, so I thought I''d just come over.


    It was Reinhardt''s beloved wife, Berthe, who told him this. She was holding his daughter Juliana in her arms.


    "Hello, Bertje.


    "Mr. Jin, congratulations on your wedding."


    "Thank you. Well, make yourselves at home, both of you.


    But Bertsche denied it.


    "Yes, that''s fine with my husband, but I''m going to help you."


    "What?"


    "It''s strange that Elsa is preparing for a celebration for the two of you.


    Following these words, another voice came up.


    "That''s right. Let me help you with that."


    "What?"


    "Jin-san, congratulations!"


    "Congratulations."


    I saw that it was Stearina and Tor. She said she came early to help too. And then...


    "Congratulations, Mr. Jin."


    Vivien came over.


    "Thank you."


    Then Belce, Stearina and Vivian went to the kitchen.


    The remaining guests are Jin, Toa, Reinhard and Juliana.


    "I feel bad," Jin muttered.


    Jin muttered, and Reinhardt denied it.


    "No, I don''t feel bad. "I told you that, didn''t I?��Jin and Erza are the ones who are supposed to be celebrating, so it''s only natural for us to help them.


    That''s right, Jin-sama.


    What?


    I''m a little late to the party, aren''t I?


    Congratulations, my dear!


    I turned around to see Meane, Martha, and Hannah standing there.


    "I came to help you, but I didn''t know you already had company.


    Martha and Martha''s friends went to the kitchen together.


    "Thank goodness for that ......."


    Jin muttered to himself.


    "Jin, congratulations!


    Jin-dono, congratulations!


    "Congratulations, Mr. Jin!"


    Marcia, Rodrigo, and Licia came over. They had just arrived together in the warp gate room.


    And then, moreover...


    "Congratulations, Jin!


    Jin, I know it''s a little early, but I thought I''d help you out.


    "No, don''t do that Bina. ....... No, don''t do beena.


    Beena and Luis came over, even though they were expecting a baby themselves.


    "Oh no, you''re late. That''s what I told you. Jin, congratulations!


    I''m sorry. ...... Jin, congratulations!"


    Saki and Goose also showed up, talking animatedly.


    "Congratulations, Jin-sama!


    Marikka also showed up.


    "Zion said he had a hard time getting out of ......," she said.


    "Yes, I know."


    Now Zion is in the Kingdom of Klein with his father Radeous and his mother Rorona. And today, they are supposed to pick him up.


    It is now 2:00 p.m. on Horai Island. It would be just before noon in the Kingdom of Klein.


    "I didn''t specify the exact time, so I guess I should go pick him up soon.


    He is a busy man.


    <


    the old man suggests.


    "That''s right. All right, I''ll take care of it... send the three of them once to the evil ...... or to the Nordic Federation."


    <


    "Yes, that would be quicker. Yes, that would be quicker.


    <


    So, <> goes to pick up the three of them, and only Zion is dropped off at the village of Kaina on the way.


    "Hello. Thank you for inviting me.


    At 4:00 p.m., Milowina arrived from the moon.


    She is looking young again and full of energy. We are happy to see her.


    "Congratulations, Jin.


    "Thank you very much."


    As expected, Milowina does not go to the kitchen, but relaxes in the reception room of the institute.


    Shortly before 5:00 p.m., the last guest, Zion, arrived.


    "I''m the last?


    He looked a little apologetic.


    "No, Zion was on official business, so it can''t be helped."


    Jin quieted Zion, who looked uncomfortable.


    "Yeah. ......"


    "That''s right, Mr. Zion, I didn''t help you either.


    Marikka follows up, but Zion counters with a wry smile.


    "You shouldn''t be so arrogant.


    Then they were ready, and Hannah came to call for them.


    "Onii-chan, everyone, we are ready, please come to the cafeteria!


    "We''ve been waiting for you!"


    Someone said, and everyone headed for the dining room.


    "Now then, let''s congratulate Elsa on the fact that she and Jin are expecting a child together. Cheers!


    Cheers!


    Cheers!


    Reinhardt led the toast.


    Glasses filled with sparkling wine and sparkling juice are raised.


    Of course, the glasses are made of cubic zirconia, which were purchased from the .


    "Thank you all for coming here today.


    "Thank you very much, everyone."


    After the toast, Jin and Elsa made brief remarks.


    Then, sekihan (red rice) was served.


    "This is the rice we serve on the occasion.


    Jin explained briefly.


    "Mmm, it''s quite good.


    "The aroma of sesame and these beans is good.


    "It''s chewy and tasty."


    It seems to be generally well received.


    Surrounded by his trusted friends, Jin enjoys this moment, forgetting about that is coming his way for the moment.

 1481 - - 40-21 Explanation and Consultation

    "Well, Jin, let''s hear it."


    At 9:00 p.m., after the party was over, Reinhardt approached Jin.


    "I hear something is going on, don''t you?"


    all stared at Jin.


    Jin could not remain silent any longer and began to explain.


    "Space vibrated in the far side of the universe. So ......"


    However, since the truth is still unknown, Jin''s guesses are also included in the explanation.


    "That''s why ......."


    Therefore, it is understandable that he cannot fully understand what he hears.


    "Well, I don''t know, but I guess they''re on the lookout for something that might happen?"


    Marcia tilted her head.


    "Well, to put it simply, yes. But if it did happen, it would be a terrible thing, so we are investigating and taking countermeasures."


    Jin then explained the details of the countermeasures.


    "......Well, only Jin can do that. ......"


    After the explanation, Reinhardt said something. This must have been the feeling of almost everyone.


    "Don''t say that, but do you have any opinions that would be helpful?"


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Everyone thought seriously about Jin''s words. Then, Goose opened his mouth.


    "Hey, Jin, you said that 700672 is a material that is disappearing, right?"


    "What?��Yes, that''s right. < disappeared in an instant, without a trace."


    "Don''t you think it''s like ......?"


    "What?"


    <


    He was also with <> and <> when they visited the ruins during their trip to Huso.


    I can say that he is an authority on <>.


    The words of Guth, <>.


    "<>. ....... Certainly, we cannot deny that possibility.


    Perhaps the object or person in question would have vanished from the world.


    "In addition, I think it''s possible that it''s not a replacement."


    What do you mean?


    "I mean that it''s a one-way street. I don''t think there was any mention of anything disappearing from Adriana Tierra''s lab in the case of Shuki Tsetsi, either.


    "I see. ......"


    I''m surprised you noticed that.


    "That''s true. That is true. We are certainly similar in that respect.


    Jin and the others were impressed by Guth''s point of view.


    "Thank you. ......I''m not familiar with magical engineering, but you know the technology Jin is using, the warp gate?��When it works, it''s a one-way street, right?


    "Certainly, yes.


    The system allows for reciprocal traffic, but not simultaneously. It can be automatic or manual, but you have to switch between the two.


    It''s a bit like being in a godforsaken state, don''t you think?"


    This statement clarified what Guth was basing his argument on.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin tried to imagine a science fiction-like situation.


    What if we think that when two different worlds come into contact, the contents move from the one with higher <> to the one with lower spatial potential.


    That would explain why it is not an exchange of matter, but a one-way movement.


    What is the , I cannot explain.


    And the contact must be instantaneous and localized.


    Therefore, it is only the movement of a single person.


    Such a thought was dashed by the following words.


    "But it may be on a larger scale than the "godforsaken".


    "What?"


    "I don''t know of any examples, but wouldn''t it be possible to have a godforsaken place on a scale larger than a single person?"


    Goose''s imagination was big. And Jin knew of such a phenomenon.


    "The Bermuda Triangle or ......."


    On Earth, this is the triangular area of water that connects the tip of the Florida Peninsula, Puerto Rico in the Atlantic Ocean, and the Bermuda Archipelago.


    There are many speculations about the missing ships and aircrafts, and even the wreckage has not been found.


    Jin imagined that there might be a possibility of a large scale "godforsaken" area there as well.


    And what if an even larger "godforsaken area" was about to arise?


    Jin shared his imagination with the members of the group.


    "Well, I can''t deny it."


    Goose was the first to confirm Jin''s theory as a possibility.


    "What if it is?"


    Bina looked worried.


    "If it happens on Ars, there is a possibility that the town will disappear.


    "No, I''m scared.


    Bina turned pale and clung to Luis. They all felt the same way.


    "Worst case scenario, if we take the Adriana and evacuate to space, I think we''ll be okay.


    Jin consoled them, but that did not dispel the uneasiness that spread through everyone''s hearts.


    "So once again we have no choice but to rely on Jin.


    Reinhard muttered regretfully.


    "That''s right. I wish I could help in some way.


    Milowina, a resident of the moon, also looked disappointed.


    "Thank you, everyone. I''m glad to hear you say that.


    Jin also intended to do his utmost to protect his second home, Ars.


    "Anyway, I''d like to hurry up with the completion of the spatial barrier and the prediction of the occurrence of the blindfolded area. If you have any ideas, please let me know."


    "Hmmm ......"


    However, no one could come up with a good idea all of a sudden, and everyone turned their heads down and thought about it.


    At that time.


    "Jin-sama, shall we also ask the island of Onogoro?"


    <


    "Ah, there it is."


    < doesn''t keep much of a record, but its may have some information.


    "I''ll check it out later. Marikka, I need your help.


    Of course, of course.


    "...... is there anything else you can do?��We have to try everything we can.


    Now Hannah spoke up.


    "Hey, honey, don''t you know anything about the world you''re coming in contact with?"


    "Yes, I do. It''s a completely one-way street."


    "I see. ....... If that''s the case, then the world is different from the world that Shuki Tsetsi and Oni-chan came from, isn''t it?


    "I guess so."


    If you are in contact with the world where modern Japan is located, things from the Earth side would come to Ars, but in this case it is the other way around.


    "What kind of world is it?��Can''t we observe them when they are connected for a moment?"


    Hannah asked more questions. Jin answered after prefacing his question with the words, "I''m afraid not.


    "I don''t think it was possible according to the story of 700672."


    Assuming that the transition was by means of a warp gate, it would be completely dark during the transfer, so it was understandable that they could not understand anything.


    When Jin said this, Hanna seemed to agree.


    "Well, it''s a problem if we don''t know anything about the ...... other side, isn''t it?"


    Then there was silence again.


    It was serious, because it was not a problem that could be solved immediately.

 1482 - - 40-22 Progress

    The day after the party, Jin and Marikka moved to Onogoro Island.


    Welcome, Marikka!


    <


    "I''ve come here today to ask you some questions."


    Please feel free to ask me anything.


    Jin-sama will explain it to you.


    "...... Actually, there has been an occurrence of <> for the past few days. ......"


    Jin explained the circumstances, explained the danger, and speculated.


    "Do you know anything about this?"


    "How about ......?"


    There is no record of any such phenomenon, Marikka.


    I see. ......


    I am sorry I cannot be of more help.


    In addition, since <> is mainly managed by the planet Arus, they were not monitoring the space.


    * * * *


    "I''m sorry, Jin-sama."


    On the way home, Jin consoles Marikka, who is a little wilted.


    "No, on the contrary, I have learned that it does not happen that often. So cheer up."


    "Thank you for ......."


    Jin then sent Marikka and Zion back to the , and began to devote himself to his research again.


    Because of the circumstances, Erza has a hard time telling him not to do too much. So she came up with a plan.


    "Hannah, can you be my brother Jin''s assistant?"


    "Yes, sure!"


    Erza thought that since Jin had a soft spot for Hanna, he would not force her to do anything, and that her ideas would be useful to Jin.


    And she was right.


    "Hey, sweetie, it''s almost lunchtime."


    "...... Oh, yeah, right. Let''s take a break."


    Jin honestly stopped his research and got up from his seat. Reiko saw him and smiled.


    Jin, you''re just in time. Lunch is ready.


    When I went to the cafeteria, Erza and Meane had just finished preparing the meal.


    Today''s menu was morisoba. It comes with freshly fried tempura.


    "Erza, are you sure you can smell the oil?


    Jin worried about his morning sickness.


    "No, I''m fine today. Besides, my mother fried the tempura for me.


    Yes, that''s right. Besides, it seems to be all right as long as you eat a little at a time, not just three meals.


    This method that Meane mentioned seemed to be effective for Elsa, since a full stomach could make her hyperemesis worse.


    "Persica, citran, and april juices also seem to be good.


    All fruits from Penglai Island are high in nutritional value. It was one way to consume less solid food and get more calories from the juices.


    "It''s much easier now."


    "Well, I''m glad to hear that."


    Jin ate up the soba noodles served to him. Hannah slurped down her soba as well.


    "It''s delicious."


    "Good. You can have another one, too.


    In the end, Hitoshi had three pieces of soba and Hanna had two more.


    As a side note, I heard that at a soba restaurant, if you eat a lot of soba, you should ask for a second helping instead of ordering a large serving.


    This way, the aroma of soba would not be lost and the soba would not be stretched.


    Thank you for the food.


    After the soba-yu (buckwheat noodle soup), we sipped soba-cha (buckwheat tea).


    Erza also drank buckwheat tea with the group and asked them a question.


    "How is your research going?"


    After taking a sip of the buckwheat tea, Jin opened his mouth.


    "Well, I guess so-so... ......?"


    < is going well," Jin explained.


    "We''ve more than doubled the efficiency compared to the prototype, and we have a good prospect of deploying it in a hemispherical shape."


    "That''s good to hear."


    "But I can''t predict the <> at all."


    "That''s right. We don''t have enough data to make a prediction.


    Hannah also looked a little tired.


    "That''s a problem.


    "The next best thing I''m thinking is to set up warding as soon as I detect a vibration, but I can''t react faster than 1/10,000th of a second. ......"


    "That makes sense."


    It would have to be at least 1/100,000th of a second, since it would have to be at least an order of magnitude faster than that to be meaningful.


    "I think it''s theoretically possible."


    "What?��Is that so?


    Erza could not imagine how such a short time could be measured.


    "In my former world, there was a world where time was measured in nanoseconds ...... billionths of a second.


    "Ten billionths?


    Erza was astonished at the number.


    "I think it''s possible with ether waves. But ......."


    "Is there a problem?"


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin replies to this question with a sullen look on his face.


    "If you want to make it react faster, you have to make it smaller, and then you can''t deploy a wide range of wards.


    When Jin had said all that, an idea popped into his head.


    "Relay or ......!"


    "Relay?"


    "Onii-chan, what''s a relay?"


    Neither of them knew what a relay was. Jin had only replaced them in the past for system maintenance.


    "Well, a relay is a component used to control a large output with a small signal.


    "...... means that the detection part is made small and the field generation part is made large. And connect them with the , is that correct?"


    Elsa gave us a concrete description of Jin''s idea.


    "But aren''t you worried that the reaction will be delayed by the in between?"


    Hannah voiced her concerns.


    "Yes, but if the total reaction time of the detection unit and the relay is short enough, I think we can manage it."


    "Ah, yes!"


    "Yes, that makes sense."


    "Let''s try this experiment right away."


    * * * * * *


    Jin went to the workshop immediately. Hannah and Erza follow him. This time, Erza is just watching.


    "I''m feeling a little better so far.


    Her hyperemesis seemed to be lessening.


    "Okay, I''m going to ask for Little Craftsman Smith''s help to make it smaller.


    Little Craftsman (Smith) is a small golem, 40 centimeters tall. He is good at precision work because of his small size.


    "I want to make something called ....... Can you do it for me?


    "Yes, master."


    Little Craftsman (Smith) replied in a small but high-pitched voice and immediately set to work.


    However, it is not a mechanical part but a magical part, so the main task is to write on the magecrystal.


    It''s done.


    Thank you.


    The necessary write-in was done in one minute.


    "Okay. This is the detection part, and this is the part that acts as a relay. This is the detection part, and this is the part that works as a relay.


    Jin did the work on this side.


    "This completes the prototype, but we can''t test it here. ......"


    Since we can''t test it indoors, we decided to take the prototype out front.


    "This will do."


    Jin sets up the prototype in the vestibule of the institute.


    "The field is supposed to be generated 5 meters above this thing, with a diameter of 10 meters," he said.


    But then Jin notices a problem.


    "How can we stimulate this detector and measure the time it takes for the warding to occur? ......


    It does not seem to be that easy.


    Jin and his colleagues ponder further.

 1483 - - 40-23 Measurement

    While Jin and the others were thinking about the measurement of micro-time, Erza opened her mouth to ask if they had thought of something.


    "Brother Jin, there is a fact that the 700672 can measure 1/10,000th of a second."


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    Since this is an emergency, he said, we can ask him to show us how to do it, or to measure it for us.


    "I''ll do that for now."


    "Well, you shouldn''t try to do everything by yourself."


    "That hurts my ears. I''m going to go to ...... now.


    Hannah said she would stay at home and prepare dinner with Elsa.


    Jin gave the prototype to Reiko and moved to 700672.


    Jin took the prototype and moved to No. 700672.


    "Oh, Jin-dono, have you made any progress?"


    The 700672 greeted Jin and Reiko in their usual manner.


    Jin handed them a souvenir of Persica juice and explained the situation so far.


    "Hmmm. Since it is difficult to predict the onset of vibration, we should deploy the warding the moment we detect it, right?


    "That''s the next best thing, though."


    But No. 700672 praises the idea.


    "No, I think it''s quite effective. So what''s the problem?


    "I can''t verify that it''s working properly. We don''t have any measuring instruments.


    Jin explains this exactly, too. 700672 sees right through his intention.


    700672 saw exactly what he intended to do. I will help you with that.


    "Thank you very much."


    Thus, with the cooperation of No. 700672, we were able to verify the <> magic tool.


    Since No. 700672 gets sick when she goes out of the white room, her adopted daughter, , accompanies her in the experiment. .


    Jin, Reiko, and Neige use the magic tools of transference to get to the surface.


    The afternoon light glints off the lingering snow.


    Jin and Reiko set up the prototypes they had brought on the flat ground, and Neige placed the measuring mage right next to them.


    Father, we are ready.


    Neige reported back to the 700672 using a magic tool similar to a manacam, and received an immediate reply.


    <


    Jin then instructed Reiko to throw a small piece of the prepared Magi Crystal to the target, and caused it to <>.


    A localized but intense explosion occurs with a deafening roar.


    Jin and the others are protected by a solid physical barrier, so they are unharmed. The prototype is also safe, thanks to the wards it has deployed.


    However, the aftermath of the explosion causes an avalanche in the nearby mountains.


    A heavy, low-pitched thud, characteristic of a bottom avalanche (a full-layer avalanche), echoes through the air.


    "Wow! ......"


    Jin turned pale when he saw it. But..,


    "Don''t worry. It''s almost bottom avalanche season, so it happened sooner or later.


    Neige says with a nonchalant expression on her face, which makes Jin feel a little better.


    700672 called. Jin and the others returned to the white room.


    "Here are the results."


    700672 projected the results on a screen embedded in the wall.


    It was like looking at an oscilloscope.


    Two lines are shown, one flat line that suddenly becomes a violent wave, then decays and becomes flat again.


    "This is the situation in the outer space."


    The violent wave part is the explosion of <>.


    And here is the inside of Jin-dono''s prototype.


    This is the place that should be protected by the warding.


    The waveform there rose slightly from flat to flat and then back to flat again. This is because it was blocked by the warding.


    "From here to here is about one millionth of a second."


    That''s megahertz in frequency. That''s about the clock frequency of an early personal computer.


    Although it may not seem like a big deal when you think of it like that, it is a hurdle for someone like Jin who wants to build something from scratch.


    On the other hand, for those who have been using high magic technology for a long time, such as No. 700672, it is not a big deal.


    The frequency of gamma rays, 10 to the 16th power ......10 PHz (petahertz), which is the frequency of gamma rays.


    Aside from that, Jin is relieved to hear the words of No. 700672.


    It turns out to be useful enough.


    "Jin-dono, it is nothing short of amazing that you have created such a thing in such a short period of time.


    "Thank you, sir."


    Beside Jin, Reiko also looks happy.


    "I feel like I can do something with this. There is still a lot of work to be done.


    If it is simply a matter of labor, Jin thought, we will be able to do something.


    The most difficult technical hurdle had been cleared.


    "In the end, I want to prepare a that covers Ars and the moon.


    "Yes, that''s right. In that case, the gravity will not work on the objects inside the boundary, so you want to make the deployment in a short time.


    The 700672 took Jin''s intentions into account correctly.


    < is deployed for a longer period of time, it is impossible to predict how the trajectory of Ars will change.


    "But is there enough energy?"


    Even if it is limited to a very short period of time, the free magical element (ether) to be consumed will be an order of magnitude larger than the size of the als.


    "I am thinking of using the <> for that."


    "Yes, I heard that before, but that''s certainly a good idea.


    No. 700672 again praised Jin.


    "I haven''t decided yet whether to use energy transfer or ethenol.


    "Hm?��What is this aethenol?"


    It seemed that No. 700672 had never heard of Aethenol (it was named by Jin in the first place), so Jin gave a simple explanation.


    "I see, it''s free magic element (ether) dissolved in water made of magic isotope (magiisotope). That''s quite amazing."


    But," continued the 700672.


    "The aethenol you have created, Jin-dono, is a near-ideal energy source. In that it is neither solid nor gaseous, but liquid.


    This means that it is easy to handle.


    If we compare it to energy sources used in Japan today, solids are coal, charcoal, coke, etc. Gases are LP gas, propane gas, etc. Gases are LP gas and propane gas. Liquid is petroleum.


    Liquids are easy to handle because they are easy to store in tanks, transport, and replenish, and because they are visible.


    Oil, which can be said to be the second easiest to handle after electricity, has been widely used on the modern earth in the form of kerosene, diesel fuel, and gasoline.


    Aethenol can be used in the same way as petroleum.


    "Another reason I recommend ethenol is that we don''t know how spatial vibrations will affect energy transfer.


    "Ah."


    Jin had not thought about that. Indeed, if we take into account the phenomenon of space distortion, it is quite conceivable that the transfer could be affected.


    "I understand. Thank you for your advice.


    "Yes, I''m glad I could be of help."


    After the meaningful meeting, Jin returned to Horai Island.

 1484 - - 40-24 Misunderstanding and Reorganization

    The next morning, a fifth spatial oscillation occurred.


    <


    on the Moon reported back to us and gave us a detailed direction.


    "Hmmm, it seems to be getting a little closer after all. ......"


    Jin reaffirms that the current measures are still essential.


    The time of occurrence is getting longer. That would mean that the time for the two worlds to overlap is getting longer.


    What if Ars enters the place where the two worlds overlap? I don''t want to think about it, but I will do my best to avoid such a situation.


    "Let''s go into mass production of Aethenol, old man."


    ? >>


    "That''s what I mean."


    "Yes, I''ll take care of that.


    The question is how to generate a of the size to cover Ars and the moon.


    < itself is no longer a problem. However, since the scale of the is so huge by orders of magnitude, it is difficult to know what is the best way to do it.


    "Brother Jin, will Moon (Yunyi) and Ars deploy their wards separately?"


    "Huh?"


    Erza''s sudden comment seemed to make Jin unable to understand what she was saying for a moment, but he immediately understood what she was trying to say,


    "Oh, yes, of course!"


    He smiled.


    "It''s too big to cover the orbit of the moon (UNY), no matter how you think about it."


    The thought of a 400,000-kilometer-radius boundary is frightening to contemplate. Mainly in terms of energy consumption," Jin thought to himself.


    "If we just cover Ars, we only need a radius of 40,000 kilometers, or one tenth of that.


    Since the surface area would be 1/100th, the free magic element (ether) consumed would also be 1/100th. The surface area is 1/100, so the free magic element (ether) consumed is also 1/100.


    However, this value includes the <> of the satellite orbit. If the <> is ignored, the radius can be smaller.


    "The Moon (UNY) would only need a radius of 1,000 km."


    I feel a little better now that I think about it.


    "One moon (UNY) would be enough, but in the case of Ars, it would be impossible to have only one moon.


    After all, it has a radius of 40,000 km. The surface area is approximately 2 x 10 squared meters.


    The surface area of the boundary covering an individual is about 28.3 square meters with a radius of 1.5 meters, which means that more than 700 million times as much free magical element (ether) is consumed. That means it consumes more than 700 million times as much free magic element (ether).


    "700 million times more. ......"


    One way to understand the 700 million number is to express it in terms of time. 100 million seconds is approximately 1157 days.


    It is definitely a value beyond the realm of the imagination.


    One of the largest wards Jin has ever built is the defensive one for the spaceship <. Its radius is approximately 200 meters. Its surface area is about 500,000 square meters.


    That''s 40,000 times larger than this.


    That gives you some idea of the scale.


    Brother Jin, explain it to me.


    Erza, who was standing beside him, tilted her head, so Jin decided to explain in a simple way.


    "The size of the magic machine (magi-machine) used to generate <>''s defensive wards can be thought of as a sphere roughly 10 centimeters in diameter."


    "Hmm."


    "Simply put, we would need a magic machine (magi-machine) 40,000 times that size. Well, considering the efficiency and transmission of magic power, it could be made a little smaller, but it would still need to be about 10,000 times larger.


    "You''re talking about volume, right?"


    "Yes. That means the diameter would be 10,000 times the cube root. ...... How many is that, old man?"


    Although it is not that tremendous, a magical crystal of such a size does not exist in nature.


    However, since <> uses a multi-layered magic circle, it is not possible to make a general comparison, but it was thought that there is not much difference in the volume of the required magic crystal (magic crystal) and the free magic element (ether) consumed.


    "...... convinced me. It''s very, very hard."


    "You can make it by synthesizing it, though. ......"


    > in the last year, it would be more than enough.


    In other words, we would need 100 years'' worth of magi crystals. Even though we have some in stock, it is still a tremendous amount.


    "But we can''t be stingy with them at a time like this.


    Jin assured us. Elsa said nothing either. She is painfully aware of the emergency situation.


    Besides, it''s not like it''s going to be consumed away.


    The main reason for the growth is the supply of free magical energy (ether) required by the multi-layered magic circle.


    Since a huge amount of free magic elements (ether) must be consumed in a very small amount of time, the magic circuits should have enough room to spare.


    "It''s not always a one and done deal, you know."


    There is no guarantee that one defense will avert a crisis. Spatial oscillations may occur several times or even dozens of times.


    "Would it be a good idea to install it around the summit of Horai Island?"


    <<>


    The old man says that it would be better to put it on a satellite and place it in space if we consider the flow of detection and activation of the spatial vibration.


    Jin agrees with him.


    "Yes, I agree. ......"


    Jin will consider how to deploy the wards, including the shape of the wards.


    "I think we should place them over the north and south poles, and each of them should deploy the wards in a hemispherical shape, right?"


    "Good."


    The old man agreed with him, so Jin decided to put his thoughts together in that direction.


    "Let''s equip the spaceship first."


    Jin thought, "If we put a hemispherical boundary in the direction of travel, it would be safe from collisions with any objects.


    "Brother Jin, for example, what happens if we collide with something bigger than the spaceship?"


    "Eh ......"


    I know what Erza''s question means.


    Jin had never thought about it, and he often pondered over it.


    "Well, ...... I''m not sure anymore. ......"


    "I''m sorry, I don''t know."


    Erza apologized when she saw Jin in distress.


    "What do you mean, old man?"


    <


    "...... is right."


    Jin reflected that it was a mistake to start thinking of it as a barrier.


    "I''m sorry, Elsa. I mean, thank you. My thoughts were going off on a tangent."


    Jin honestly admitted his mistake, apologized to Elsa, and thanked her.


    "No, I''m glad I could be of help in an unexpected way."


    Erza shook her head. She shook her head, because she was puzzled by the idea of being told that a statement she had not intended at all was useful.


    "Anyway, I think it''s worthwhile to make one for spacecraft. Anyway, I think it is worthwhile to make a spaceship, since it will not be affected by space distortions and gravity anomalies."


    "Okay, let''s make a prototype of it and have it ready for before we send it out."


    <.


    At last, the island of Horai Island has begun to take measures to deal with the situation.

 1485 - - 40-25 Installation Initiated

    Early in the morning of the 27th, the fully equipped departed three hours behind schedule.


    The first thing to do was to transfer to the <.


    Adriana, with a diameter of 300 meters, could not make the transfer, but Vulcan, with a diameter of 100 meters, could.


    has traveled 212 million kilometers in one stroke. All that remains is the flight to the <>.


    However, it is about 75 million kilometers long, so even if we fly at 300 kilometers per second It would take 70 hours even if we fly at 300 kilometers per second.


    However, this is where the new equipment that Jin has been working on, even delaying his schedule by three hours, comes into its own.


    The new equipment is the .


    When an object in the forward direction is captured, it is shifted to the rear.


    The effects range from cosmic dust to micrometeorites. Large obstacles are to be avoided visually, but small collisions that could not be prevented by the previous can be nullified in a shorter time than before.


    This is largely due to the improved reaction time.


    The upper limit of the flight speed is determined by taking into account the inevitable collisions with cosmic dust and micrometeorites, and consequently the upper limit depends on the reaction speed of the boundary.


    It is now possible to more than double the limit, to 800 km/second.


    In other words, we can reach the in a little over a day.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "Tomorrow, Aethenol will arrive from Vulcan.


    >


    The old man takes Jin''s intentions into account and begins to move quickly.


    Aethenol itself is not toxic, and there is no danger of explosion. Therefore, an ordinary water tank is sufficient.


    There are many holes in the ground where the ore was mined. Most of them are backfilled with tailings, but some of them are used as warehouses or farms for <><>.


    In modern Japan, water tanks have been installed here and there for disaster relief, ranging from 60 cubic meters to 1500 cubic meters. The tanks vary from 60 cubic meters to 1500 cubic meters.


    Mr. Lao decided to construct 10 tanks of 100 cubic meters each.


    The tanks are made of 18-8 stainless steel and the inside is plated with mithril silver to prevent oxidation and deterioration.


    One tank will be completed at the same time as the ethenol is delivered, and the number of tanks will be added one after another.


    "At the same time, it''s a generator of ......"


    There is much work to be done, Jin said as he began his work.


    This continued until Erza called for him at lunch time.


    "Is Elsa OK with her hyperemesis already?"


    Jin asked Elsa, who was eating a sandwich with him.


    "No, I''m fine now," she said.


    "I''m also relieved that it''s only a little bit worse."


    Meane, Erza''s mother, answered. Meane told us that her hyperemesis gravidarum had been light as well.


    On the other hand, Marlene, Elsa''s foster mother, had a severe case.


    "Don''t overdo it. Don''t get cold.


    I''ll be fine.


    "Don''t worry, Jin-sama, I''ll be with you. Jin-sama, please do your work as you please.


    Thank you very much. And please don''t call me "sir" anymore.


    I don''t think so.


    Ever since Erza had a child, Jin has repeatedly asked Meane to stop using , but Meane stubbornly refuses to listen to him.


    She barely sits at the table with him and eats with him.


    But she is going to be the < of my unborn child, and it''s not good for her education if she stays like this forever.


    Finally, Jin played his trump card.


    "Well, that''s certainly true. ...... I''ll try my best. ...... Jin, sir."


    It seems that he could not resist the fact that he was going to have a grandchild.


    * * * *


    After lunch, Jin went back to the workshop.


    In the morning, the main components such as the link board, the link core, and the operational core had been completed.


    "These parts are common.


    The size is also small. What is different is the <. This is, for example, an antenna.


    The <> is the part that activates the effect of a complexly conceived system.


    It consumes less mana than an all-in-one system, so it is especially effective to make it separately in the case of a huge system like this one.


    In addition, in this case, we want to increase the reaction speed of the sensor to activate the device to the utmost limit.


    "First, let''s install it in Horai Island, and then in Kaina Village.


    .


    If the scale of the warding is that large, we can cover it with the ethenol we have now.


    Jin carefully assembled the two units, reviewed them three times, and then instructed the old man to install one of them at the top of Mount Horai.


    "Oh, we''re going to test the operation, so you don''t have to install the other one, just take it with you."


    .


    Lao Tzu himself took control of the Raptor 2 and headed for Mount Horai.


    Two minutes later, he was informed that the preparations were complete.


    "Okay, the one for Horai Island is on the way. Start the test run.


    Almost at the same time as those words, a huge magic circle was deployed in the sky above Mount Horai. Its diameter is about 100 kilometers.


    "It worked."


    The other one was also tested successfully.


    "Okay, let''s set one up at Nidou Castle in Kaina Village. I''ll take that one."


    The top of the castle tower would be good, Jin said.


    Thus, the was installed on Horai Island and in the village of Kaina.


    Incidentally, I would like to add that the 100-kilometer-diameter wards would include the village of Toka, where Licia is located, in their area of effect.


    At the same time, the amount of ethenol consumed was also estimated.


    "One 100-meter-diameter field, generated for one second, consumes 0.1 liter of ethenol. I see."


    Since the amount consumed is proportional to the area, a sphere covering Ars would consume 63,700 liters per second.


    The weight is nearly 64 tons.


    It is a tremendous amount, but not so much that it is unmanageable.


    The "Mere Old Man" is currently building a tank that can store 100 cubic meters, or 100 tons of ethenol. The problem is that Ars is oscillating in space.


    The question is whether the preparations will be completed before Ars is hit by the spatial oscillation.


    Jin renewed his determination to do all he could.


    * * * * *


    Jin then installed a generator on and on all the spaceships.


    And just like that, the current stock of Aethenol is empty.


    But...


    <


    More than we have consumed so far. That''s good news.


    You are early.


    <


    Indeed.


    Using a free-magic condenser (ether capacitor), it is possible to produce Aethenol even with normal concentration of free-magic element (ether).


    In other words, <> is flying while producing aethenol.


    Jin felt that he had a glimmer of hope for the future.

 1486 - - 40-26 First, complete

    The sixth spatial oscillation occurred late at night on the 28th (Penglai Island time).


    It occurred near the relay station that Hale had built in the past. It was in the vicinity of the L4 Lagrangian point.


    Jin was awakened in the middle of the night, and instantly woke up and listened to the report.


    <


    "Is <> safe?"


    <


    We must avoid damaging <> now.


    In a few hours, <> will send a large amount of Aethenol, which will be used to drive the wards protecting Ars and the moon.


    "I''m off to 700672. ...... Reiko, let''s go."


    "Yes, father."


    Jin prepared himself and went with Reiko to visit No. 700672.


    "Oh, I knew you''d come."


    700672 welcomed Jin and Reiko.


    "Once again, spatial oscillations have occurred. I fear that if this continues, it will occur in the vicinity of Ars in three or four days."


    "That''s what I''m worried about too."


    Jin then confided that he would finally be able to start mass-producing the generator.


    "That''s good news. Please hurry. If there is anything I can do, I will cooperate with you anytime.


    "No, I would like you to continue your observations.


    Probably by the end of today, the 28th, we will have a warding generator that can cover Ars and the moon.


    The problem was Aethenol, which would probably be ready by the end of the day.


    "Well, we just barely made it in time. You''re the real Jin-dono, aren''t you?


    "No, I''ve learned a lot from you.


    You''re very reliable. ...... Jin-dono. I hope you will protect this planet and this world. This place where my former sleeps as his second home.


    Jin replied without a pause to the unusually sentimental line spoken by No. 700672.


    "Of course. This is my second home, too.


    This was also Jin''s sincere feeling.


    After exchanging a few words, Jin returned to Horai Island.


    * * * *


    "Well, everything is going well. Let''s get ready to go."


    At last, the warding generator that will cover Ars and the moon is ready to be built.


    However, the control part is already completed since it is common to all of them. What remains is the activation part.


    "The first step is to synthesize the magi crystals.


    Even if multilayered technology is used, the final stage, the warding generator, will have to be of a certain size.


    Furthermore, if energy efficiency is important, it is also necessary to prepare high-quality magi crystals.


    "Father, is this enough?"


    Reiko came in carrying a mountain of magical crystals. She needed them to make a composite magi crystal with a diameter of 2.2 meters.


    All the crystals are of the dark attribute.


    They are perfect for me, since they have a high intrinsic free magical element (ether) frequency and a large inventory due to their limited usage.


    Thank you, Reiko. ......<<<><>......aze"


    First, a cylinder-shaped object with a diameter of 2.2 meters and a thickness of 1 meter was synthesized.


    "It''s indeed a lot of work to make something this big. ......"


    <


    "Father, please don''t strain yourself."


    Reiko looks worried.


    "Oh, I''ll be fine. Now, let''s try again <>"


    Jin...who makes five identical ones.


    Repeating the same process over and over again, even Jin is beginning to feel tired, as he has been doing it continuously since last night.


    "Jin, dinner!"


    Elsa arrives at the office to inform Jin of her lunch.


    Jin, too, stopped his work. Reiko looked at him with relief.


    It was tempura udon for lunch.


    "You smell the oil, okay?"


    She had heard somewhere that when you have hyperemesis gravidarum, you become sensitive to such smells, and the smells that you used to be fine with become no longer acceptable.


    "Hmm, I''m fine. Thank you for your concern."


    But Elsa seemed to be fine.


    However, she seemed to be right about her craving for sour food, which she had also heard about, and after eating a small bowl of udon, she had eaten five pieces of citron.


    "How''s your progress?��Are you pushing yourself?"


    Elsa asked Jin over a cup of buckwheat tea after lunch.


    "Yeah, I''d say things are going pretty well."


    Jin was a little vague. I''m tired, but not too tired.


    He thinks that it should be a little easier since all he has to do now is to combine the pieces.


    "I''d like to help you, but ......"


    No, Elsa, you take care of yourself.


    Jin told her that was more important.


    "......"


    Erza nodded her head.


    After this exchange, Jin and Elsa began to talk.


    After this exchange, Jin resumed his work.


    This time, he used two cylindrical magi crystals of 2.2 meters in diameter and 1 meter in thickness to create <><><><><>>. Stransform>><>.


    Make another one. The cylindrical shape is for easy writing of multilayer magic circle.


    Leave the other one as it is.


    "Father, the two big ones are for Ars and the small one is for Moon, right?"


    Reiko asked to make sure.


    "Yes. Now we have to load them on the spaceship.


    Then Elsa came over to check on them.


    "Brother Jin, isn''t the only spaceship that can carry this?"


    The result was a cylinder 2.2 meters in diameter and 2 meters thick. There is no room for it on the , which has a diameter of 10 meters, or any other small spacecraft.


    There is no time for modifications, so existing spacecraft must be used.


    With the 100-meter-diameter < in position in the etheric cloud, that inevitably leaves only < left.


    "I''m thinking about it. You see, there are three ships built by <>, aren''t there?"


    "Yeah, I think ......<<<<>?"


    The three ships are of the same type as the , but are more powerful and armed, so to speak.


    And you''re going to use them?


    "That''s what I mean. This will save us the trouble of building one."


    Erza agreed.


    "Good idea."


    "I''ve already made a request through the old man. It would be easier to install it on the moon instead of here, since the gravity is weaker there.


    Jin said that it would be more efficient to do the installation under the gravity of the moon (UNY), since the work would be much worse under the weightless condition.


    "I''ll go with my doppelganger.


    "Nah, I''ll be there."


    "Yeah, I''ll take care of it."


    Thus, Jin sends three units of the spatial barrier generators to the moon. Next, he sent a hundred Smiths as workers, and finally his own doppelganger.

 1487 - - 40-27 Hypothesis and New Ideas

    Jin-sama, we are ready for you.


    Jin''s doppelganger emerges from the magic circle of the moon, and immediately, the brain speaks to him.


    Three spaceships stood silently in front of them.


    The vacuum makes audio inaccessible. We use the built-in manacam (magic element communication device).


    < and are equipped with a for Ars, and < with a for the moon (Uni).


    Both of them are installed at the place where the wall of the warehouse in the lower level was made wider by punching through the wall.


    The work itself takes only an hour.


    "Now all that''s left is Aethenol.


    <.


    The tanks installed on the three vessels have a capacity of about 200 tons, which can be activated three times.


    However, it will still take some time for the 600 tons of ethenol to reach us.


    We can only hope that no will occur in the vicinity in the meantime.


    <


    At that moment, the old man received a message.


    < had forwarded enough Aethenol to fill each ship, but not enough for a single use.


    "I guess we made it in time.


    Jin himself on Horai Island was also relieved.


    "But I think it would be better to keep Milowina here for a while.


    "That''s true. ......"


    The old man said.


    "To be honest, I would like to evacuate the Jin family and some of the others to a safe space in the universe with until this phenomenon is over."


    <


    Even if we were to evacuate to Hale, there is no guarantee that or even would not occur there.


    "I can understand that, though."


    Jin had a vague sense of this as well, but when it was actually put into words, he felt uneasy.


    "I wonder how this happened in the first place. ......"


    >


    The old man started to explain.


    "Yes, as I recall, <> is like a bubble in the water, floating in a larger world, and that bubble is this <>, isn''t it?


    This was what I had learned when I had explored the roots of the <> before.


    >


    The old man tells us his own theory.


    <>


    "Yes, that''s right. I have heard of it."


    It is only natural that the old man''s knowledge is inherited from Jin.


    <


    "Yes, I think so too.


    .


    "That''s true."


    <<> "Yes.


    Yes.


    At this point, the old man started to explain another model.


    "It is like a piece of paper, isn''t it?"


    >.


    Jin understood this.


    <


    "Is that what happened here?"


    <


    "Is that ...... so?"


    <<>


    "Is that a godforsaken ......?"


    <<


    "That''s an interesting hypothesis. I''m impressed."


    Jin praised the old man. Then he said.


    "I''ve been thinking about your hypothesis. Will you listen to me?"


    .


    "I''m thinking about the contact between bubbles, what happens when a big bubble and a small bubble come into contact with each other."


    .


    "Yes. In that case, the transition would be one-sided. Not an exchange, but an absorption. That''s what I was thinking.


    <


    In an experiment, when two rubber balloons of the same size are inflated and connected by a tube, the air from the smaller balloon is sucked out by the larger inflated one.


    The sizes of the two balloons are never in balance.


    Jin wondered about this phenomenon when he saw such an experiment in his elementary school science class.


    This experiment can be done by elementary school students, but it requires high school-level physics knowledge to explain the phenomenon.


    This phenomenon also occurs when soap bubbles stick together, and can also be seen with water droplets on a desk.


    "It''s the potential of space, or the hierarchical relationship. ...... In this case, this one is higher than the other one, so the inclusions may go to the other side."


    <.


    "Yeah. ...... but even if we think about it, we can''t take any measures against it."


    < is, we might be able to avoid being sucked out to the other side.


    "Indeed. But we can''t experiment on it, and we can''t confirm it.


    Jin said regretfully.


    .


    "Singularity...... Oh, yes!


    Adriana Tierra''s laboratory used to be located there because of its singularity.


    .


    "Yes, that''s true.


    <


    That analogy was easy to understand.


    "So, the place where the occurred and the < is occurring this time is also the of the ?


    <


    "That''s true."


    < at the ? >>


    "Hmm?��In ...... paper, you mean, you mean, to level the protrusion?"


    <<> with Ars and the moon.


    "I understand what you mean. I am not so sure."


    < is a passive measure, this is an active measure.


    This model of contact between spaces, which seemed to be a thought game, seems to have been worthwhile.


    There are several possible ways to influence space.


    There are several possible means of influencing space, such as transfer magic, gravity magic, powerful explosions, etc. "I guess it is transfer magic.


    "I guess it could be transfer magic."


    I think gravity and explosion are secondary effects. If we think of space itself, then it must be a transfer type of magic.


    "Okay, this is the time...let''s ask 700672 about it."


    Jin thought that he would like to share this idea with the 700672.

 1488 - - 40-28 Imagination

    "Hmm, interesting."


    After listening to Jin''s explanation in silence, No. 700672 muttered.


    "Indeed, there is no guarantee that <> will prevent this disaster."


    "...... that''s right."


    Jin himself had been feeling this for some time, but being told so clearly increased his anxiety.


    "But this Adriana Tierra''s theory is wonderful. My former had a similar hypothesis."


    "Is that so?"


    "Is that so? It was said that this world ...... is floating in a larger universe or space.


    It seems to have been modeled in the same way.


    "Furthermore, there is a from higher dimensions to lower dimensions, which determines the higher and lower levels of space. I honestly don''t know what ......me is talking about."


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin can''t understand it either.


    "You also said something about a multiverse and that the world is nested.


    When Jin heard that, he wondered if he meant parallel universes .......


    "But I don''t think we can do anything about the current situation just with theories.


    "That''s right."


    "But I don''t think that theory alone can do anything about the current situation," he said, "that''s right.


    "I just think that places with high potential are the easiest to contact.


    It is similar to the case of a piece of paper, where a protruding part is more likely to come into contact with another piece of paper.


    "A place with high potential: ......"


    Jin recalls that Adriana Tierra also referred to a .


    "What exactly is this potential?"


    "I''m afraid I don''t know."


    Jin was also disappointed.


    "It doesn''t seem to be simply a high concentration of free magic element (ether) or something like that.


    Because then the ether cloud should be the singularity.


    "Yes. If we knew that, it might help us to take countermeasures."


    Jin looked back at the record of Shuki Tsetsi.


    When he was caught in the overturned tram, the tram did not shift, only he and the objects around him shifted.


    I wondered if this could be a clue to what was going on. .......


    "Ummm, for example, the that opened at the time of the transfer was small, so that or something like that did not pass through, right?"


    "Maybe, maybe ......."


    The hypothesis of #700672 seems to make sense.


    "That''s fine that only he and his bicycle passed, but why would he, of all people, pass at that time ......?"


    "I can only speculate on that. Something about ...... people may be the key to transcending space."


    "Not related to magic?"


    Jin said, remembering how Reiko had found him in a world without magic or anything else.


    Unfortunately, the control core of Reiko at that time was so damaged that she could not salvage the memory of the most heavily used area ......, that is, the area filled with the knowledge to search for the successor.


    It may be possible to reproduce the same situation in 50 or 100 years.


    "The only thing Shuki Tsetsi and I have in common is that we are ...... Japanese. ......


    Then one more thing occurred to me.


    "Maybe the time line is distorted, too. ......


    "What?"


    Jin''s mutter was overheard by the 700672.


    "No, the person named Shuki Tsetsi who was mentioned earlier seems to have come here from the same world as mine. And it was about 50 years ago over there, but it''s been a thousand years here."


    "Hmmm.........2 does this mean that time moves differently in the two worlds?��I can''t say anything about that either.


    "So, I guess so. ......"


    With too little data to even verify, we can only imagine, 700672.


    Jin agrees.


    "We are at a complete loss."


    "Yes, it''s unfortunate."


    Since no further progress could be expected, Jin left the 700672 and returned to Horai Island.


    * * * *


    After returning to Horai Island, Jin took a rest and resumed his consultation with the old man.


    <


    I thought you said that the radius was from 100 to 1,000 kilometers.


    "That is just a guess. Even if the area of effect is that large, the area where you are <> may be small."


    <> would take place. I think it is possible.


    "I''m getting less and less confident. <


    Jin fears that he is about to face a disaster far beyond his own strength.


    >


    Even the old man was shocked. But Reiko was different.


    "Don''t worry, your father is not wrong!


    The loyal and faithful Reiko raised her voice to strengthen Jin.


    "Thank you."


    Jin was cheered up by her words.


    * * * * *


    "...... godforsaken,another world,time line...... honestly,I don''t know anything about it."


    "I guess you don''t. So you don''t have to take it too hard."


    Once Jin returned to his < on Horai Island, Erza insisted on explaining the current situation to him.


    Jin did not want to talk to Elsa about something that would make her mentally uneasy, but when she told him that they had to share the burden, he gave in.


    "But, really, how could this ...... happen?"


    Jin looked at Erza, who was lying on her face and thinking, and felt like saying something to her.


    "For example, there is a being that is looking at the universe and he did something to it.


    Jin says something that sounds like something out of a comic book.


    "What?"


    "No, so, if you compare the microcosm to a fish tank, there is a looking at it, and that did something to it, like throwing a rock or something."


    "......"


    "You can''t be serious, can you?"


    "...... are those beings so big, they don''t even notice us?��Like ...... we don''t know about microorganisms."


    "Well, yes. "Well, maybe we''re too big for the microorganisms to see the whole picture."


    Jin mentioned the idea in a playful manner, but Erza unexpectedly took a bite out of it.


    Jin said it was a good thing if thinking about this kind of thing distracted her, and he went along with the conversation.


    Thanks to this, Erza''s color improved a little.


    It is very good to relax mentally, even if it is only mildly, as she is probably suffering from some hyperemesis.


    So Jin made a suggestion.


    "Erza, wouldn''t it be better if you went to Kaina village instead of here?"


    "......"


    "I''ll try to go there too."


    "......, then I''ll do that."


    At first he was a little reluctant, but when I told him that Jin would also visit the village of Kaina as much as possible, he agreed.


    "Martha will be there, and Dr. Saly will be there, too. I''ll feel more secure if you do.


    It is not that the old man and the golem maids cannot be trusted.


    It is because even they do not have direct experience in such a big event as childbirth.


    They have some information about the birth in the village of Kaina, but it is not enough.


    Of course, Meene, the mother of the child, will go with us.


    This made Jin feel more secure.

 1489 - - 40-29 Expansion and Moving

    On March 29th, Jin and Erza go to the village of Kaina. Reiko and Edgar are carrying a large baggage.


    Jin and the others go to Martha''s house first.


    "Jin, Erza, come here. What''s all that stuff?"


    Martha was weeding in the garden, but she got up and welcomed Jin and the others.


    "I thought Erza should stay here for the time being," Jin said.


    When Jin said this, Martha nodded her head in agreement.


    "Oh, that''s a good idea. It''s already spring, and the weather in this village will be nice. Jin seems to be busy, so I can keep an eye on him.


    "My mother-in-law will be here later, though.


    "Especially if Meane is coming too. And Dr. Sally will be there, too, so it''s a good decision, Jin.


    Martha welcomed me with open arms.


    "So that''s a lot of furniture you''re bringing?"


    "Yes, sir."


    The main items are bedclothes and clothes, but there are also some small household items.


    Jin, Reiko, and Edgar were about to move their luggage to the second floor of Jin''s workshop, which is directly across the street from Martha''s house.


    "Jin, Elsa, it''s okay for now, but in time you might want to sleep and wake up on the first floor instead of the second floor, okay?"


    Martha advised. Jin realized that he was right.


    "Yes, that''s right. Then I''ll start building the first floor!


    "That''s a good idea."


    Jin says nonchalantly, and Martha accepts it without a care in the world.


    "Well then, Elsa, come in my house.


    Martha invites Elsa in, knowing that the construction will be finished in less than a day.


    The luggage will be temporarily moved into Jin''s workshop.


    Jin immediately contacted the old man to call a craftsman (Smith) from Horai Island.


    "Ah, Elsa, come here!


    Hannah, who was helping with the dishes in the kitchen, noticed Erza''s arrival and greeted her, wiping her hands and welcoming her.


    "Hi, Hannah!


    "Hannah, Elsa said she''s going to stay here until she has the baby.


    "Really?��I''m so happy!��Where''s your brother?


    Jin is building a new house.


    Can I go check it out?��Can I go check it out, Grandma?


    Yes, of course.


    Martha gave her permission and Hannah ran outside.


    "Hi, honey!"


    "Hi, Hannah."


    When Hannah went outside, she found five other craftsmen (smiths) besides Jin, who had already finished laying the foundation for the addition.


    "Erza-chan, are you going to live here for a while?"


    "Yes. Yes. That''s why we''re building an addition on the first floor. I''m going to go and say hello to the village chief now.


    The lord is Jin, so there should be no problem no matter what he does, but he thought he should make it clear in an adult manner or out of courtesy.


    I''d like to make it clear that it''s an adult thing to do.


    "Hmmm...so that''s how it is. That''s good. I''ll tell Sally about it.


    The mayor of the village, Giebeck, beamed and said he would welcome Erza. He also said he would tell Sally, who was on her way to the hospital.


    "I look forward to working with you.


    Just as Jin was saying this, Sally and Ru came home.


    Ruu, their adopted daughter, is 13 years old this year. She is currently undergoing training as an apprentice healer.


    "Oh, Jin-kun."


    "Hello, Dr. Sallee. Lou, you''re doing great."


    "Hello, Jin-sama. Thanks to you, I''m making the most of every day."


    Jin told Sally that Erza would be staying in the village for the time being.


    "I see. That''s good. Even though she is a good healer herself, she doesn''t know herself so well. Leave it to me."


    Sally took care of Elsa as well. She also said that she would like to discuss healing with Elsa in her free time.


    Jin felt relieved because he was willing to have her as a companion.


    When he returned from the chief''s house, he found that the extension had been completed.


    "Oh, thank you very much.


    The craftsman (smith) golems were now finishing the interior.


    Elsa is giving them detailed instructions.


    "Elsa, are you okay?"


    Erza replies to Jin''s worried look, "Don''t worry about it.


    Jin worries too much. But thank you for ......."


    Since Sara, the golem maid, is also here, Edgar and I are able to follow her up.


    In about half an hour, the interior will be done, the furniture will be moved in, and we''ll be all set.


    "Let''s see..."


    Jin and Elsa quickly check out the interior.


    There are two four-and-a-half-mat Japanese-style rooms, a four-and-a-half-mat kitchen and dining room, a toilet, and a small bathroom. There is also a toilet and a small bathroom. Everything is barrier-free.


    "The tatami smells good. The wood smells wonderful."


    Elsa said she did not mind these smells, even when she was in the throes of morning sickness.


    Two rooms are furnished with Japanese-style beds that can be used as sofas. Of course, one room is for Erza and the other room is for Meane.


    If you need anything else, I''ll get it right away.


    Thank you.


    In addition, I put a roof over the corridor from Martha''s house so that people can come and go without getting wet on a rainy day.


    Jin is very particular.


    "That''s how much Onii-chan cares about Erza-chan!"


    Martha and Hannah each said something different.


    "It''s already done? As expected of Jin-sama ...... Jin-san, isn''t it?"


    Then Meane arrived. I called her because I had finished it. All she has with her is a small personal baggage.


    "Well, it looks like a very comfortable house. We will take care of it for a while.


    "Mother-in-law, will you take care of Elsa?"


    "Of course. Of course. Leave it to me.


    Martha smiles at Jin.


    "I never thought I''d see you like this, Jin.


    "You''re a loving wife, aren''t you, Onii-chan!"


    Jin blushes silently and scratches his head.


    "You can have lunch at my place."


    Just as Martha said this, the bell rang to signal noon at Nido Castle.


    Jin, Elsa, Martha, Hannah, and Meane gather around the table.


    Reiko, Edgar, and Sarah are serving us.


    "It''s delicious when we eat together like this, isn''t it?


    I''ll try to come here as much as possible.


    "Brother Jin, don''t be too hard on yourself because of the time difference.


    Erza was concerned about Jin, who was concerned about her.


    "Yes, thank you."


    Spring is in full swing in the village of Kaina. The sky was blue and clear, and a pleasant spring breeze was blowing.

 1490 - - 40-30 Humanity is a worry

    Early in the morning of the day after Erza moved to the village of Kaina, the seventh spatial oscillation occurred.


    This time, it lasted for an unprecedentedly long time, 27 thousandths of a second.


    This time, it occurred at the old relay station at the L4 Lagrangian point.


    The problem is that a part of the relay station has disappeared.


    Is that true, old man?


    "What was it that disappeared?"


    I got a surprising answer.


    "Waste?"


    I am afraid that the waste has been hidden from the public, but I can''t help but laugh at it.


    "Inside the base, is that right?"


    "So, what kind of damage was caused by the gravity fluctuation?


    Jin thinks that the objects that were hidden will disappear, and the effects of the gravity fluctuation will remain around them.


    "None?"


    Jin thinks about how this should be considered. It is only a hypothesis,


    "If the time of occurrence is long, the gravity fluctuation is small?


    > occurs, the gravity fluctuation does not occur.


    Certainly, we do not hear of any destruction of objects in <<> that Jin knows of. ...... if we assume that the that occurred in Japan in the past was a similar phenomenon.


    "Yes, it does. And maybe it is more likely to happen when the time of occurrence is long."


    Or maybe there are holes in a wide area, Jin thought.


    "So, we have gathered more data than we did at first, but there are still many things we don''t know."


    <<> in the area where the <> is likely to happen?


    If we can locate the position, it would mean that we can transfer to another space.


    "Sounds interesting. But it would take quite a few of them, right?"


    <>


    If they are caught in the middle of the "godforsakenness" during that time, the old man said, we can verify whether or not they will serve as <>.


    "I see, then a piece of magecrystal ...... or even sand would be sufficient."


    At the same time, we can write down the Magick Formula so that it functions as a .


    Since it is a Magi Crystal with a diameter of 1mm, Jin decides that a Mini Craftsman (Smith)...... or even an Inch Craftsman (Smith) can do the job well enough.


    Inchmakers (Smiths) are 25 millimeters tall. For them, one millimeter in diameter is equivalent to 64 millimeters for a human being, so it is just as easy to work with.


    "We could scatter them between the relay station and Ars."


    Jin then immediately gave the order and began to produce the marker particles.


    "Well, now that I''ve given the instructions, I''m sure that 1,000 inch craftsmen (smiths) will be able to produce them in an hour. I''d say 10,000 grains to start with."


    Jin''s estimate of one hour, including the work of processing the highly pure magecrystal into spheres of one millimeter in diameter, comes true.


    One hour later, he received a report that <<10,000 marker particles>> had been completed.


    "All right, transfer them to a designated area in space and scatter them.


    <


    The process of transferring the 10,000 grains to the space areas that had been shifted little by little was extremely tedious and patient, but the magic brain of Horai Island, the old man, did it without a hitch, and completed it in three hours.


    It means that each grain was transferred in a little over one second.


    Incidentally, these grains disintegrated while emitting free-magic wave <>, and were adjusted to return to free-magic elements (ether) and atoms after a week.


    This prevents it from becoming space debris.


    * * * * * * *


    At the same time, Jin is discussing with the old man to take further measures.


    Hey, Mr. President, is it selfish of me to keep Milowina here until this phenomenon is over?


    "I hope so. ...... The problem is that we don''t know who is more dangerous, the moon (Yunie) or Ars."


    < happens, and if we know it, then we can make a decision.


    Jin nods regretfully.


    "That''s right. We don''t have enough data yet.


    There is the idea of spreading the risk, but Jin also wants to be in a place where he can be seen. It may be because Jin hates loneliness.


    <>


    The old man gave him some advice. The old man advised Jin to tell the truth about what he thought and let him decide whether he would stay in Yuny or come here.


    It seemed like a good idea, especially for a small child. Jin immediately contacted Milowina.


    >


    "Yes, actually ......"


    Jin explained what he thought.


    <


    "Will you do that for me?"


    Jin was relieved, though he had a vague idea that Milowina was concerned about him.


    Jin-kun, here she is. I''ll be staying with you for a while.


    I''m sorry if I asked too much of you.


    I''m sorry if I''m asking too much of you, but don''t worry about it. I know you were thinking of me.


    I''m relieved to hear that.


    Milowina, who was accustomed to a quiet life on her own, settled into the guest room of the institute.


    "I like the view from the window.


    She laughs, saying that she can only see the stars on the moon.


    * * * * * *


    "Father, I have an interim report."


    "Yeah, how did it go, Reiko?"


    Reiko has been investigating the and the beyond space when she summoned Jin.


    It seems that Reiko (or more precisely, her predecessor) developed them after the death of her predecessor, but they have since been lost due to overuse, and have become <>.


    However, I think that it is possible to develop it again if it was developed once, so I instruct Reiko to do so.


    "I am sorry. So far, we have had no success.


    Jin patted Reiko''s head as she sagged.


    Don''t worry, I don''t expect to know in a day or so.


    "Thank you for ......."


    "I wonder if Adriana Tierra, rather than her predecessor ......, left something behind."


    Your grandmother, sir?


    We know that Adriana Tierra was working on a project to return Shuki Tsezi to his original world.


    We could use the results of her research ...... as a reference, even if they were incomplete. Jin suddenly thought so.


    "But it is not here, is it?"


    "That''s right."


    The most likely place is Adriana Tierra''s laboratory, but I don''t think Reiko''s predecessor visited there.


    "Maybe there is a clue somewhere close by.


    "I''ll look for more."


    That''s what happened.

 1491 - - 40-31 Finding Lost Things

    "They say a drowning man will grasp at any straw."


    <.


    "No, I haven''t drowned yet, so I guess I''ll just have to wait and see.


    What he is looking for now is his predecessor''s study. But Jin suddenly realized something.


    "Hey Reiko, didn''t you say before that you can''t enter this study without permission?"


    This was when Jin had just been summoned. At that time, Jin visited this study to become the <>, and I believe that Reiko (the predecessor of Reiko) told him that only the new master could open it.


    "If that''s the case, it''s highly unlikely that it''s in here, isn''t it?"


    "If you say so, you are right.


    "Then where would ...... be?"


    Since Horai Island is an isolated island, the possibility of it being anywhere but here is extremely small.


    "Hmmm ......"


    Jin did not inherit all of Adriana''s memories, but was limited to the knowledge that his predecessor thought necessary, and there was no knowledge of other spaces among them.


    The location of the materials is also not perfect. In fact, it seems that Adriana herself, in her later years, did not have a complete idea of where the materials were kept.


    "The most likely place is ......, after all, the reference room?"


    The two rooms on the other side of the corridor are the reference rooms.


    The two rooms together are about the size of an elementary school library. It is a huge amount of material for an individual to have.


    "You know a little something about it, don''t you?


    "I know most of it, too."


    Jin knows where to find the materials that Adriana used to browse in her later years.


    Reiko also knew about the materials that Reiko''s predecessor had helped her clean up and organize.


    "You mean we should look for something we don''t know?"


    "Yes, that would be it."


    "And then this area..."


    I know that corner.


    I see. ......


    "If this is the case, I should have copied all the books in the reference room into the old man''s information bank.


    It is too late to say that now.


    The places related to his predecessors, including the archives, are off-limits to the public without his permission.


    "Well, I thought it was a good idea... ...... It''s meaningless if we can''t find it."


    Just when Jin was about to get fed up with this difficult task, he heard a voice saying, "This is .


    "This is ......"


    Reiko picked up a book.


    "Got it?"


    Reiko flipped through the book and closed it with a snap.


    "No, it wasn''t. This seems to be a memorandum on the prototype of the Transition Gate.


    The two began to search through the archives again.


    A little after noon, Reiko told Jin that they should stop for a while.


    "Well, I can''t find it. ......"


    Jin blurted out on the way to the cafeteria.


    "I''m sorry, Father. ......"


    Reiko is disappointed, but Hitoshi does not forget to tell her not to worry about it.


    "It''s not your fault. We''ll look for him again after lunch.


    Yes, sir!


    Yes!


    After lunch, Jin, who was drinking Persica juice, said he would reconsider.


    "That''s what I always do when I can''t find what I''m looking for.


    It depends on the person, but in Jin''s case it was this.


    "First, empty your mind as much as possible, and eliminate your preconceptions."


    Yes.


    "Then, think about where you would put it."


    Jin continues.


    "If you think about it carefully, ...... the material may not have been written by your predecessor. He must not have done any research on different spaces. At least, not in his later years."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "That''s why I thought it would be treated differently. I mean, maybe not in that archive."


    You may be right.


    What if it is?


    The warehouse.


    That''s a good possibility.


    There is a warehouse where they keep things that are not likely to be used immediately, things that are valuable, etc.


    The first basement floor is a storage room for valuables.


    Jin and Reiko hurried to the basement.


    "This shelf over here is magi crystals.


    The other one is ancient dragon''s leather, so it''s different.


    Jin and Reiko split up to search.


    "Father, it might be this one."


    Reiko found a tightly sealed mithril silver container.


    A box to keep the most precious of treasures.


    "Let''s open it."


    "Yes."


    ...... but the box did not contain what I sought.


    "No. ......


    Jin''s shoulders slump. But he thinks again.


    "I thought it was because Reiko was able to find it at that time, but maybe she < about it."


    It is possible that Reiko''s missing memory includes the location where the documents were stored.


    "But basically, I return materials to their original location after I take them out."


    "I see. I guess so."


    This is different from people who leave things out after taking them out.


    Jin is more the type of person who sometimes moves the place where he puts things away and loses track of where he put them.


    However, since he came to this world, Reiko and other golem maids have been supporting him, so this has not been the case anymore.


    The old man spoke to me, as if he couldn''t help but notice me.


    "But, you know, ......"


    Jin was reluctant. He was afraid that he might have dropped it.


    It was not so much that he did not trust the golem maids, but more because he knew their limitations.


    They are not, by their very nature, skilled in magic (although their skills are higher than those of ordinary people).


    Therefore, Jin thought, they might miss what they were looking for.


    "Hmmm, that sounds good."


    .


    "Oh. Let me search the archives first."


    One of the tricks to finding what you''re looking for. Be thorough and without preconceived notions.


    <


    "Master, is this different?


    "Master, is it not this one?


    Twice Topaz 24 and Ames 33 came to tell me that they had found something like that in the archives, but it was not the one they were looking for.


    "Master, what about this one?"


    "Hmm?��...... uh, this is the one!


    And after the third attempt.


    At last, they found the desired material.

 1492 - - 40-32 subethers

    The documents they sought were, after all, in the reference room.


    The reason why Jin and the others could not find them was because of their preconceived notions.


    It was not what they expected.


    "I''m glad I listened to you, ......, thank you, Mr. Old Man."


    The desired document was filed in a nondescript file along with other documents.


    Jin looked at the first few pages and decided .


    "I think I have this one. ......"


    Jin reflected.


    .


    It is said that Julius Caesar said, "Man sees what he wants to see. It is said that people try to interpret things in their own way.


    For example, the baseless confidence that <.


    When I was in the company, one of Jin''s seniors was not afraid to declare that he has never had an accident even if he drank alcohol and drove.


    Let''s not talk about it.


    Jin recalled those words when he made a decision that <> after looking at only a few pages of the book.


    This is a typical case of being in a hurry and checking only a few pages, thus wasting more time.


    "Uh,......<


    It seems that even his predecessor took good care of it because it was written by Adriana Tierra, who was related ...... to Shuki Tsetsi, or rather his beloved wife.


    "......If I had known that, I might have searched the study."


    The result of overthinking.


    "What''s done is done."


    Jin changed his mind and started to read the documents.


    "Well, first of all, the configuration of space," he said.


    According to the data, there exists free magical element (ether) in the space which seems to be a vacuum. Furthermore, it says that there must be a lower level of free magic element (ether) ....... This is consistent with what Jin imagines.


    This is consistent with what Jin imagines.


    "It would not be possible to transcend space without being able to free the sub(sub)free magic element ��Ether��,or ......".


    Both seem to be particles or waves that are not defined by the old physical laws, Adriana Tierra wrote.


    Reiko and Ro-kun listen quietly as Jin reads out.


    "...... Next is the modeling of space."


    She says, "I would like to think of a model in which the universe including the world we are in is a and the gathers to form the .


    This is very similar to the model of the universe that modern science fiction writers of the Earth have in mind.


    "It can be likened to a bubble in water, or a drop of water floating in the air. ...... I see."


    "And now, the means."


    The focus was on how to connect these bubbles or droplets.


    "For that, you have to master the sub-free magic element ''ether'', right? Because the sub-free element "ether" is not bound by the laws governing space. ...... Amazing, isn''t she?


    Jin praised Adriana Tierra, saying that she was definitely a genius for having considered so much about an event that could not even be satisfactorily verified.


    Jin has also summarized some of the ideas of <> before. This is a particle that is presumed to be the medium of magic waves. I have no way to confirm this, so it is unconfirmed.


    "To transcend space, you have to change your point of view...... I see, it''s like you can see the whole picture better from a higher position."


    The use of relatively easy-to-understand examples made it understandable even to a non-expert like Jin.


    "In the end, the first key is whether or not you can handle the sub-free magical element "ether"," it says.


    For this, it is speculated that tremendous energy will be needed first.


    And Adriana Tierra says more.


    But even if sub-free elemental "ether" waves can be generated, there are additional technical hurdles to overcome in order to handle them.


    This is because the sub-free element "ether" is considered to have a high linearity due to its nature and can penetrate through any matter.


    The density of matter that can refract sub(sub)free-magic element ��ether�� waves must be several hundred thousand to several million.


    Incidentally, the companion star of Sirius (Sirius B) is said to be made of such super-dense matter and has a mass equivalent to that of the Sun, even though it is about the same size as the Earth.


    Such a star is called a white dwarf, and its density is 1 x 10-9 kilograms per cubic meter, or 1 million times that of water.


    "Can you manage it if you compress ...... it?"


    Hyperadamantite is a material made by compressing it in a boundary. Jin thinks that it might be possible to do the same, but he does not yet know if it is possible to compress it to that extent.


    Adriana Tierra concluded that it might be possible to transcend space by using the sub-free element "ether" wave as a carrier wave.


    The use of the term "carrier wave" must have been inspired by Shuki Tsetsi.


    AM radio transmits sound using radio waves on the order of kilohertz as a carrier wave, so it was assumed that she had heard about this concept.


    "Now, the last item is the summary."


    According to the summary, it would be impossible for human beings to handle sub-free magical element "ether", and a magical brain with tens or hundreds of times more processing power than human beings would be necessary.


    The generation of sub-free magical element "ether" would require tremendous energy, and there are still many technical problems to be solved in order to handle it.


    Considering these facts, Jin did not think that he could do anything about it right now.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Father, have you searched in vain?"


    Reiko opened her mouth, concerned about Jin who seemed to be troubled.


    "...... No, I don''t think it was a complete waste. I was wondering if it was possible to generate a sub-free elemental ether wave.


    Jin blurted out, "I think I could at least push it back, but I don''t know how the law of action-reaction works, or doesn''t work, or even if it does.


    "Above all, I was hoping to find a way to plug the <> or prevent the <> from opening.


    The old man responded to his words.


    <>


    "That''s very good, my lord. I was wondering if we could not only do that, but also the space."


    <> "Yes.


    "Yes. If sub-free magic element "ether" can permeate through most of matter unlike free magic element (ether), then even if we use it to create wards, there should be no problem in our daily life, right?


    This explanation made the old man understand.


    "I just don''t know how to generate them and how to handle them. ......"


    Jin thinks that we cannot rely on 700672 for this. However, in order not to be swayed by preconceived notions, we will have to wait and see what happens with the 700672, Onogoro Island''s <> tester, and the Moon''s (Yunie''s) <>>. I will also ask of UNY for his opinion.


    It is time.


    <


    What?


    It happened at dawn and again in the afternoon. Twice in the same day, what does it mean?


    "Where?"


    <


    Okay.


    This is the area where we sprayed the ether waves a while ago.


    "So, what''s the status on the marker?"


    <


    Jin listened to the old man''s explanation.

 1493 - - 40-33 Harness

    esponse. Unfortunately, we were unable to detect it.


    "I guess ether waves can''t do it after all."


    If we could use sub-free elemental "ether" waves as a carrier wave, we might be able to .......


    "Still, we can''t be sure yet, let''s leave the scattered <> as it is."


    .


    "Also, I just thought of ......, what about <> in the case of a hole in space?"


    <>


    The expression did not seem to make sense to the "Mere Old Man.


    "Yes, that''s right. In the case of a warp gate, the object has to be completely inside the gate to be transferred, right?


    For example, if a person enters a warp gate and a <> is connected to the outside, what will happen?


    The answer is <>.


    This is a safety measure.


    Otherwise, if a person''s <> enters the warp gate and is transferred the moment he/she enters the warp gate, he/she will be transferred. .......


    It is scary just to think about it, but such an accident has never happened in all ages.


    <. There has never been a case in which only one part of a person or an object disappeared and the other part was left behind.


    In the case of a warp gate, what happens if a person or an object that enters the gate has a < attached to it that leads to the outside?


    The answer to this question is also .


    The part that determines the continuity of objects is incredibly precise, so much so that even Jin had nothing to do with it.


    Therefore, clothes and hats are not left behind, and the floor where our feet touch remains intact.


    If they hold hands, they are transferred together, and to some extent, the air around them is also transferred together.


    It''s more of a harness than a cord. ......


    Jin knows a little about this. Such products were made to prevent small children from running out of their parents'' hands on their own and getting into accidents on the road.


    There were two sides of the argument: some said it was necessary for safety, while others said it treated children like pets.


    However, such harnesses are also used for rock climbing and cleaning windows of buildings, and are not limited to children.


    "If it is as good as a belt, it should be considered continuous."


    "Let''s give it a try, father."


    At Reiko''s urging, Jin immediately decides to give it a try.


    The preparation was simple: he put on a belt about 5 meters long and tried to use the warp gate.


    The experiment was conducted not by Jin but by Reiko''s subordinate, Luna.


    The result was a great success. When the edge of the belt was outside of the transfer range, the belt was not transferred, but when the belt was moved forward and came close to the hand, the belt was transferred.


    This was a very useful experiment. Unless it is a very large , the facilities of Horai Island will not be taken away.


    It was highly unlikely that the old man, his , and the research institute would be taken away.


    For the same reason, it was also unlikely that the cities themselves would disappear.


    "But there is still the possibility of individuals being kidnapped, so we cannot be too careful.


    For the time being, the generators covering Ars will not be removed, in other words, and will not be removed.


    "Then, until this disturbance is over, should we make the golems on Horai Island wear harnesses? ......"


    They are required to wear them unless they are in the way, and Jin and Reiko are no exception to this rule.


    "I will inform the Jin family."


    It may not look good, but Hitoshi decides to contact them if it will reduce the risk as much as possible.


    At the same time, he decides to send them a harness.


    The design is not too bulky, but more or less fashionable (......).


    We sent the harness to Milowina, as well as to Elsa, Hannah, Martha, and Meene, instructing them to wear it at all times.


    The problem was the residents of the village of Kaina.


    They would not understand the meaning of the instructions to dress like this without any explanation, and I am not sure if they would listen to them.


    Above all, it would be a hindrance to their activities, which is fine for office work, but not for outdoor physical labor.


    I don''t want any of the villagers to become victims, but there is no end to it, so I have decided to give up the idea of making sure that everyone in the village is aware of it.


    With about an hour and a half left before dinner time, Jin headed for the bottom of 700672 to take further countermeasures. He headed for the bottom of 700672 to take further countermeasures.


    "Oh, Jin-dono. You''ve been busy lately. Have you come up with something else?


    "Yes, actually. ......"


    Jin explained about the sub-free element "ether" wave and its possibilities.


    "Hmm. ......."


    When the 700672 finished listening to the last part, he shouted a little excitedly.


    "Jin-dono, is that the theory of the great Adriana Tierra?��That''s wonderful!"


    Jin was a little surprised at his unusual appearance.


    "I remember that my had also studied a little about the sub-free magic element, ether. According to him, he said that the sub-free magic element "ether" wave might be emitted when the magic atom (magiatom) collapses.


    "Collapse?"


    What Jin imagined by that word was .


    When a nucleus such as uranium splits, a powerful electromagnetic wave called radiation is emitted. ...... Jin is aware of this.


    He analogized that when the magic atom disintegrates, it does not emit radiation, but rather sub-free magic element "ether" waves.


    "But that is all I know. < didn''t study it any further."


    "Still, it was helpful. Thank you very much.


    "Well, I''m sure you''ll be able to make something up with just the hints you''ve given us. I''m counting on it.


    "Yes."


    Jin then explained about the <> to No. 700672.


    "I see. It might work for a single person. I see. I, Neige, and Rouge will wear the harness until the threat is over.


    Jin is a little relieved that this is another small step forward.


    "See you later, then."


    "Well, I know it''s a lot of work, but good luck."


    With that, Jin left the 700672 and returned to Horai Island.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After having dinner, Jin immediately thinks about the decay of the magic atom.


    "If the method is the same as that of radioactive elements ......, then, uh, I think they hit neutrons, don''t they?"


    Jin dredges up his memory and wonders if there was something called an for that purpose.


    The actual accelerator was designed to accelerate charged particles, not neutrons, which do not have an electric charge.


    However, such discrepancies do not affect the science of magic.


    Furthermore, he does not know the structure of the accelerator at all.


    "Hmmm......... I wonder if mithril silver or light silver is the right type of magic atom......... I think I heard that the larger the atomic number or atomic weight, the easier it is to decay."


    Simply put, the nucleus is a collection of positively charged particles = protons, and the larger the nucleus is, after the atomic number 26, iron, the more they repel each other, making them more unstable and easier to disintegrate.


    "I wish I could get my hands on a magic atom (Magiatom) ......"


    A magiatom is an atom composed only of magatrons, protons, and electrons, or magielementals.


    "What!


    The old man''s voice made Jin literally jump.


    "Ah, that time."


    Serum produced from the blood of creatures with magical powers is the raw material for powerful restorative and healing medicines.


    At that time, Jin''s body was mostly supplemented with magical elements. In other words, it was made of magical atoms (magiatoms).


    Therefore, blood should also be made of magical atoms (magiatoms).


    It was good news.

 1494 - - 40-34 Hour Competition

    Jin''s blood when his body was made of Magiatom. It was also made of Magiatom.


    "Well, prepare about 10 cc of it first."


    .


    Jin intuitively decided that if the reaction was going to be similar to fission or fusion, he would have to try it with as small a quantity as possible.


    "First of all, ...... this much?"


    A little bit of blood on the tip of a toothpick is rubbed on the magecrystal.


    This cautiousness is based on the traumatic memory of a child who once tried to make Jin a cup of mint tea and put a spoonful of huckleberry oil in the tea, which caused him a lot of trouble.


    If you want to put it in your tea, just a little bit on a toothpick is enough.


    "How can I make this fall apart? ......"


    "Father, how about <>?"


    Reiko suggests.


    "Well, let''s give it a try. Then we should put it on a wooden board instead of a magecrystal.


    Once again, the blood on the tip of a toothpick is applied to the wooden board.


    The estimated volume is about 0.001 cc.


    Jin and Reiko take it out of the laboratory. Since it is already dark, they turn on the light with a <.


    When it is bright, they put up a solid barrier around it.


    "Okay, let''s go. ......<>"


    It seems that the explosion ...... did indeed occur, but there was no sound or blast. However, a blackish < of about one centimeter in diameter formed there and disappeared in less than ......1 seconds.


    "What happened?"


    "A hole?"


    <


    "U...... I see."


    I don''t know if the substance was affected or not, but from what I can see it doesn''t seem to make any difference.


    "Well, I don''t know if it was a success or a failure."


    "That''s right."


    Even if all the mass were to be converted into energy, I don''t see how a hole could be made in space.


    It is true that <> has unparalleled destructive power. It is because it releases an extreme amount of energy in a very small amount of time.


    "If it were done in an even shorter period of time..."


    <, but .


    The old man made a calm analysis.


    "I see. ...... That''s right."


    Since the goal was to collapse, this method was a failure.


    However, Jin had one concern.


    If we ask whether a large amount of energy can create a hole in space, the answer is probably no. There must be another factor.


    "Was a sub-(sub)free magical element ��Ether��wave released when the explosion occurred?"


    It may be a step, or perhaps half a step, forward, but it is of no practical use.


    Jin is not trying to make a hole in space, but the opposite.


    "If space was affected, does that mean that a sub-(sub)free-magic element ��Ether�� wave was generated?"


    <.


    But I can''t see the way forward from here.


    <


    "What is it?"


    <


    "Oh, I see."


    It doesn''t seem that anything was sucked in there. Nor did anything come out of it.


    <


    Jin did not intend to do the same experiment again.


    "Also, the method is ......."


    Jin continues to think about to the best of his knowledge.


    <. Tokyo Tower is more familiar to Jin than the Skytree. ......Waves are sent out from the antenna.


    Throw a pebble on the surface of the water. ...... ripples spread.


    Jump rope. ...... hold this side of the rope and swing. The rope wiggles and the are transmitted.


    Speaker. Seems ...... to be a coil that vibrates .......


    Spring. When ...... pulled and released, it repeatedly expands and contracts.


    "Hmmm, is it a ...... that vibrates when a <> is applied to it and then removed?"


    In this case, adding and removing a <> acting on space would cause space to vibrate, wouldn''t it?


    "This is similar to the case of free magic element (ether) waves, isn''t it ......?"


    Then, what about the sub-free-magic element "ether" wave?��Jin asks himself.


    There is no doubt that the frequency is very high.


    "But light is ......"


    It gets more and more confusing.


    Tomohito wonders if free-magic (ether) waves and sub (sub) free-magic "ether" waves are completely different things.


    Are they completely different like sound waves and light waves, or are they just very different in frequency like visible light and ultraviolet light?


    "Somehow, I have a feeling that they are completely different. ......"


    Jin felt so, not theoretically but intuitively.


    "Frequency, or ...... oh, come to think of it..."


    The possibility reminded Jin of the .


    "I feel that mental waves are more like sub-free-magic element (ether) waves than free-magic element (ether) waves.


    There is no doubt that the frequency is extremely high.


    "I wonder what would happen if we raise the frequency of mental waves ...... even higher."


    Jin wonders how to do it. The idea was to use light or dark magic crystals as a medium.


    "If we think about how to generate the mental waves ......"


    In principle, it would be more like vibrating some of the atoms of the magic crystal (magicrystal) rather than using ...... it.


    "If the upper limit of frequency is determined by the attribute of the magical crystal (magic crystal), then ......"


    Jin wondered what would happen if he vibrated crystals of <>.


    However, such a Magiatom does not exist.


    "Hmmm, I wonder if there is any suitable material ......."


    Reiko made an unexpected comment to Jin.


    "Father, how about <>?


    "Mithianite, ......!"


    It is also called erradorite. Its mineral name is univacium. It has the effect of amplifying magic.


    Let''s do it.


    It''s Jin who''s lost his nerve.


    Mithianite is said to amplify magic power, but in reality it is meaningless unless magic power is supplied.


    In this respect, Jin thinks it is like a transistor amplifier circuit. Well, Jin knows little about electronic circuits.


    "I''ve never really tried to figure out why it amplifies. ......"


    <


    "Oh, that is a possibility.


    You are indeed a quick-thinking old man.


    Excitation is a transition from a low energy state to a high energy state. When it returns to its original state, it releases energy by the difference.


    In the case of mithianite, this may be well utilized," speculates Jin.


    "Verification can wait. Let''s try it first."


    Jin thinks it is a race against time.


    Jin immediately started the verification experiment with Reiko and Lao-kun.

 1495 - - 40-35 Tips

    Experiments using mithianite were started.


    "Speaking of vibrations, sound waves, light waves, and electromagnetic waves are the most common. First, let''s try to generate high-frequency electromagnetic waves as orthodoxly as possible.


    Jin wrote the necessary magic formula in the main magi crystal (magi formula), and attached a mithianite as an amplification device to the generating part.


    "That''s it."


    Since he could not conduct experiments inside the workshop, he decided to go outside. It was 9:00 p.m. and pitch-dark.


    "Father, please don''t take it too hard. Whether this succeeds or not, please go to sleep today.


    Finally, Reiko pleaded with Jin.


    "...... I know, but I''m the only one who can do it now. But now is the time to do what only I can do. Please understand, Reiko."


    "...... yes. I will help you as much as I can.


    Jin''s determination was so firm that Reiko had no choice but to give in.


    "Okay, let''s start the test. You monitor the situation.


    "Yes, father."


    <


    At Jin''s instruction, Reiko activated the prototype in her hand and the old man started to observe the test situation.


    "Electromagnetic wave, firing."


    The test is conducted in the sky with the operation time limited to 0.1 second in order to reduce the risk.


    "Fire!"


    Instantly, the blue-white beam disappeared into the void.


    "What was that ......?"


    Normal electromagnetic waves would be invisible to the eye. The old man answered.


    "I see."


    This would be a good application as a weapon, but it is not what we are aiming for now.


    "This is not the way to use it, ......?


    Jin decides to try the next idea.


    "Father, what is it?


    "The one I just tried was a transverse wave, but this time it''s a longitudinal wave."


    It''s called a dense wave, and sound waves are it.


    When free magic element (ether) is vibrated instead of air, it becomes a free magic element (ether) wave, and magic waves are included in this wave.


    However, ordinary free ether waves are transverse waves, not dense waves.


    Jin is wondering if it is possible to make free-magic elements (ether) vibrate like sound waves.


    >


    The old man seems to have no idea.


    Jin gave an explanation to the old man as a way of verifying his own idea.


    "First of all, the first step was the .


    We know empirically that the space vibrates at that time, and we asked No. 700672 to measure the reaction speed of the . When we asked the 700672 to measure the reaction rate of the , we used it as the epicenter.


    "But it is too uncontrollable."


    <


    "But... I have been trying to figure out why < causes space to vibrate, even if only slightly. ......<, I think."


    <>


    Harmonics are frequency components that are integer multiples of a wave with a certain frequency component. In music, they are called harmonics.


    The original frequency is called fundamental wave, and if the frequency is twice as high as the fundamental wave, it is called the second harmonic wave, and if the frequency is n times higher, it is called the nth harmonic wave.


    Jin was desperately trying to remember what he had learned in high school physics.


    "Fourier something," the teacher said. ......


    Although this was something he had learned at the college level, Jin''s high school teacher had occasionally brought up such topics in order to get the students interested in mathematics.


    One of them explained that a sine wave with different frequencies can be superimposed to form a square wave.


    <>.


    Jin recalls that he said ....... He did not remember the ***** part, by the way.


    In fact, as you superimpose harmonics in Fourier <>, the sine wave gradually approaches a square wave.


    In other words, the square wave contains harmonics.


    In reality, devices that handle square waves need to devise ways to suppress the effects of external noise.


    Let me digress.


    By mobilizing all this qualitative knowledge, Jin is wondering if it is possible to create ultra-high frequencies.


    "I think the reason why <> can vibrate space is because square waves are mixed in the waveform of the explosion.


    <


    "Father, how exactly do you do that with a square wave in a sparse wave?"


    The old man agreed and Reiko asked for a concrete example.


    "I''m thinking of using a force field generator."


    The force field generator radiates a force similar to that of a gravitational wave.


    "If we reverse the polarity in a short period of time, it will become a sparse wave, right?"


    <


    The idea is to repeat <> and alternately.


    "I was thinking that if we could control this in a square wave manner, perhaps the space could be shaken."


    I understand, father.


    >


    "You could say that."


    Controlling square-wave-like oscillations requires a fairly large output power. For this, Jin used mithianite.


    "There we go."


    At 10:00 p.m., the second prototype was completed.


    "Okay, let''s test it."


    As before, this was done outside. Once again, Reiko picked up the prototype and activated it.


    "It works!"


    This time, it seemed to take less than a second to reach a stable square wave.


    "Oh?


    For a moment, in the darkness of the night, I thought I saw something .......


    Then, after a second, the movement stopped.


    "My old man, what was that?


    <


    It seemed to be similar to, but completely different from, the magic circle or magic formula that sometimes appears when magic is exercised.


    <


    "You think so, don''t you?"


    "Yes, I think so.


    I am sorry to say, but the difference cannot be made up overnight.


    "Oh well. ...... free magic element (ether) luminescence, so can we expect a little?"


    <<< I don''t know. Free ether luminescence can be seen in many cases.


    When an ether converter converts a large amount of free magical element (ether) into magical element (mana), the surplus free magical element (ether) or magical element (mana) may emit light.


    "But I think I can do something along these lines. We have to try as much as we can.


    Although he still cannot vibrate space intentionally, Jin thinks he may have at least found a clue.

 1496 - - 40-36 Desperate Footscratching

    In the early morning of April 1st, Jin woke up.


    It was only 5:00 a.m., but it was already light outside. Jin got up, feeling a little lonely without the warmth that was supposed to be next to him.


    "Father, are you awake?


    "Yes, Reiko, good morning."


    After getting dressed, Jin rinsed his mouth and washed his face. The sky was lightly overcast.


    After eating breakfast prepared by Soleil and Luna, Jin went to the workshop.


    "Well, let''s continue where we left off yesterday.


    After a short break, Jin headed for the 700672.


    "Jin-dono, what''s going on today?


    "Last night, I conducted this experiment. ...... first. ......"


    Jin described the experiment using mithianite.


    "Hmmm, interesting."


    No. 700672 pondered for a moment. His knowledge of higher mathematics far surpassed Jin''s.


    "Jin-dono used square waves, that''s quite an ingenious idea. And no wonder <> vibrates space. Have you ever heard of ......<>?"


    "...... No, I am ashamed to say that I do not."


    On earth it is called <> or >.


    It is a function that describes the state of an extremely large wave at an extremely small time. It is said to include sine waves of any frequency.


    In other words, it includes ultra-high frequencies, and the effect of these frequencies is said to cause space to vibrate .......


    The article 700672 was explained in an easy-to-understand manner, and Jin was able to understand it, albeit dimly.


    "Impulse is difficult to generate, but square wave can be controlled. I would like to commend you for that."


    "Well, thank you very much."


    "Now, do you know any little tricks for creating square waves?"


    "What kind of trick?"


    Jin asked back honestly.


    "To make it easier for you to understand, let me use an electrical analogy. In this case, the voltage is controlled to form a square wave, but if the voltage is set too high, it takes time for the voltage to rise, so not only does the frequency not rise, but it does not form a clean square wave.


    "Then what should I do with ......?"


    "Well, that''s the trick. Keep the voltage to a minimum and increase the current. Power is the product of current and voltage, so if you halve the voltage, you double the current.


    "...... In terms of magic power, you are saying to increase the magic element (mana) and reduce the peak value of magic power, right?"


    That''s right.


    Jin was an amateur in the field of electric circuits, so this advice was very useful.


    "I''ll give it a try as soon as I get back.


    "Yes."


    At that moment, Neige reported back to him.


    "Father, the space is vibrating again."


    "What?"


    It was the ninth spatial vibration.


    The location is ...... in the orbit of Ars, about 15 degrees away.


    The fact that Ars is orbiting may have helped, and it is getting very close.


    "Hmm, that''s creepy."


    "Hmmm, spooky. I''ll go back to ...... and continue the experiment."


    "Mm, be sure."


    Jin decides to return to Horai Island. He has a lot of things he wants to try now.


    "Let''s start the experiment.


    He incorporated the tips he learned from No. 700672 into Prototype No. 2, which he made yesterday.


    "I can amplify the smaller amplitude of the magic wave with mithianite.


    The work was completed in a short time because I knew how to do it.


    We perform the experiment as we did the day before.


    "Reiko, take care of this, will you?"


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    Reiko activated Prototype 3 in her hand.


    "Oh?


    This time, even though it was bright daylight, the luminous phenomenon was clearly visible.


    "It is definitely getting brighter.


    Jin decided that this was probably due to the effect of the increased frequency.


    "Let''s see how far the frequency can be raised at this rate.


    Jin played with Prototype 3 for a little while.


    After about three minutes, it was done. "I set it to a level that is just one step short of the limit. Reiko, please.


    Yes, Father.


    Reiko takes the prototype again and activates it.


    Fire!


    "Oh, my God!"


    It took less than a second, but the clouds in the sky seemed to be distorted.


    "My Lord, was that ......?"


    "Yes. ......"


    <


    "I see. ......"


    The output of the force field generator is a force of the same system as gravity. It may be natural that it can distort space, Jin guessed.


    "If we continue to increase the output or increase the frequency, can we make a hole in space?"


    .


    "Hmmm ......"


    Jin smiled slightly at the thought of being able to artificially create spatial vibrations and <>.


    That is interesting, but it is slightly different from what Jin is looking for now.


    "It''s not that I want to make a hole in the space ...... but rather, I want to plug the hole."


    Having said that, Jin has a flash of inspiration.


    "What would happen if I hit this output to the place where the hole is about to be made?"


    In the case of aircraft wings, there is a technique of intentionally generating to disrupt the airflow and make it difficult to detach. In this way, it is difficult for a to occur.


    Jin remembered this.


    >.


    Either it weakens the space more, or it disturbs it and makes it harder to make a hole.


    Or there is also the possibility of forcibly drowning out the <> that might be in contact with it.


    "But we can''t test it," he says.


    Jin sighs, "It will be difficult to bring it to completion in a short period of time.


    "If we can add vibrations in opposite phase, it might prevent spatial vibrations. ...... hmmm."


    Analyzing the waveforms and frequencies of spatial vibrations also takes time, and I doubt it can be done in 1/1000th of a second. I don''t think it can be done in 1/1000th of a second.


    "Is there any effective way to do something in this direction ......?"


    We are running out of time, but I would like to do something, even if it is just one more thing. Jin thought so.


    "It may be a futile attempt. But I don''t want to just sit and watch.


    Jin thought desperately.


    "I wonder if it''s possible to push the approaching universe away.


    If only that were possible, Jin thought further.


    "Even if we can''t push the universe itself away, what about leveling the space that is about to stick to it?


    Using a bubble as an analogy, Jin imagines that the space where the bubbles are about to stick together can be made concave.


    Since the contact is very slight to begin with, even if the space is concaved, it would only be slight, right?��Jin thought.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin started to think about what he could do with the application of gravity magic.

 1497 - - 40-37 On my birthday

    .


    The old man gave his opinion.


    "Yes, that is true. But how many G''s would it take for the gravity to distort the space? ......"


    .


    "Yes, I see."


    Jin wanted to bet on that possibility.


    "Then, if I can get about 100G, will that help?"


    No one can say for sure about this.


    "That''s true. ...... wait?"


    Jin thought that if a bomb that generates instantaneous gravity is sent by a transporter,......


    "What would happen in that case?"


    <<


    "I see. ......"


    It takes time to locate a position in 3 dimensions, not something that can be done in less than a second.


    "Then you can''t just spray ...... that kind of bomb."


    It''s too risky," Jin said, denying it himself.


    A misdirected bomb might cause damage to us.


    "It won''t work that way. ......


    Still, Jin was not going to give up.


    At that time.


    "What?��It''s only been about two hours.


    "Where is it?"


    . ...... is out. Ars orbit, about 7 degrees away.


    The ninth spatial oscillation was about 15 degrees away, so it is quite possible that the eleventh is at Ars.


    Jin felt that time was finally running out.


    He was running out of time.


    "Well, what should I do?


    "It''s difficult, isn''t it, my dear?


    "Really, I don''t know. I can''t make a decision lightly because of the situation.


    "But it''s only once a year."


    The three people who are worried about the situation are Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt, Saki, and Goose.


    "No, I wonder what Elsa thinks about that?"


    "I''m sure she hasn''t forgotten. She''s very ill right now, and she''s moved to the village of Kaina.


    "Well, we don''t know if we''re safe either. ......


    "I wish we could all at least wish them a happy birthday."


    Yes, April 1 is Jin''s birthday. They were discussing whether or not to have a birthday party tonight.


    "Bell is right. No matter where you are, you are still in danger. Then why don''t we all gather on Horai Island or at Nido Castle in Kaina Village?


    "That''s true, isn''t it?


    "What, to celebrate Jin''s ...... master''s birthday?"


    "Yes."


    Reinhard had come to the village of Kaina alone to talk to Erza.


    "I''m glad you guys feel that way, but..."


    "Yes, I know. But now is not the time, is it?"


    "......"


    "But it''s also true that we can''t do anything about this situation, leaving it to Jin. That''s why."


    Reinhardt looked a little disappointed.


    "So it''s okay if we just meet face to face," Reinhard said. For Jin, who is having a nervous breakdown, I just want to say <> and > and those two words would be enough.


    "Thank you, brother Rai."


    Erza bows her head. She knew exactly how Reinhardt felt.


    "I think Brother Jin is probably still packed in Horai Island tonight. That''s why ......"


    "Okay. Let''s all get together on Horai Island.


    I don''t mean to disturb Jin. I just want to say a word of thanks to Jin who is struggling alone for the sake of this world.


    "I''m kind of happy.


    Knowing how she felt made Erza happy as well.


    "Then, we will meet there at 6:00 p.m. Horai Island time, okay?"


    "Yes, that''s fine.


    I''ll prepare dinner.


    "Yeah, that''s a good idea. I''ll get the dinner ready. - Yeah, that''s good too. ...... but take it easy, okay?��Yeah, I''ll send Belle to help you.


    "Thanks."


    Reinhard returned. Erza talks to Meane, Martha and Hannah.


    "Oh, in that case, we should all go together. Jin is too much of a one-woman person.


    "I was hoping I could at least say something to Jin-san," said Martha.


    "Onii-chan, it''s hard being on your own, isn''t it?"


    All three of them immediately agreed. And as for preparing dinner,


    "I''ll help you, too.


    Meane also volunteered to help.


    Soon after that, everyone moved to Horai Island.


    "I guess you haven''t come back yet, old man..." "I haven''t come back yet..."


    "My dear, ...... is your husband out?"


    <


    "......Oh, that''s what I mean."


    Erza heard this and sensed that Jin was continuing to do what he could to find clues for countermeasures.


    At that time.


    .


    The old man reported in a slightly panicked manner.


    >


    "What?


    This was in the direction of where Jin was headed.


    What?


    Reinhardt, who had just arrived, shouted loudly.


    "Is my brother Jin safe?��"Are you sure my brother Jin is all right?


    Erza, unaware that she had been called back, pestered the old man.


    and it is safe.


    Hearing this, Elsa felt a little better.


    >


    The old man''s panicked voice. Then comes the shocking report.


    <

 1498 - - 40-38 And then he didnt go back.

    .


    Horai Island was shaken violently.


    A little time passes and .......


    and Reiko came back.


    Reiko''s agitation was something I had never seen before. She is drooping and not saying a word.


    >


    "Reiko, what in the world ...... happened ......?"


    Reiko opened her heavy mouth to be asked again and again.


    "I''m ...... moderately happy that you''re ...... here," she said.


    "What?


    Reiko entered Adriana Tierra''s laboratory, and Jin was waiting inside .


    Then, for the eleventh time, a spatial oscillation occurred, and Reiko returned to find that <> was still there, but only Jin had vanished.


    "Watashi no ...... sekinin desu. I''m not sure if I should be ...... responsible for your motto."


    With that, Reiko fell silent and never opened her mouth again.


    "Lies!��Lies!��My ...... brother Jin would never leave without telling me!


    I heard a screeching voice and turned to see Erza in Meane''s arms.


    "Erza, calm down. It''s okay, it''s okay. I''m sure Jin-san will be ......"


    "......"


    * * *


    ......


    Meane is with her.


    Not long after that, all the members of the Jin family gathered to find out what had happened.


    Erza is sobbing so hard that no one knows what to say to her, so they leave her alone for now and let her mother, Meene, take care of her.


    "Are you sure Jin is gone?��Are you kidding me?"


    Marcia is skeptical.


    "It''s been five hours since then and I haven''t heard from him. ......"


    Reinhardt answered weakly.


    "The old man has been looking for her all the time, but he can''t seem to find her..."


    Hannah sounded sad.


    "If he is in Ars ...... no, if he is in this world, he should have found him by now."


    Milowina is also faded and looks as if she has no energy at all.


    "She seemed to be in a hurry to get on with her life, didn''t she?


    Martha, who seemed to have aged ten years all at once, blurted out these words. It was a comment that struck a chord in everyone''s heart.


    "I wonder if the reason we rushed the development was because we had a premonition that this would happen. ......"


    Stearina, her eyes watering, spins the words with a sigh.


    "I''m sure ...... his haste to live is ......"


    Vivian choked, unable to get any more words out.


    "Stop it!��Jin will be back!"


    "Yes!��I''m sure Jin will come back ......."


    Bina and Saki shouted, unable to bear the gloomy atmosphere.


    "Yes, yes!��Jin-san will be fine!��I''m sure ......"


    Licia also declared in a cheerful voice, though her voice trailed off at the end.


    Then Erza arrived, supported by Meane.


    "Erza!


    "Erza, are you sure you''re ready?"


    Erza nodded her head silently.


    And then..,


    "...... she has made everything come true, no matter how crazy it is. All I can do is to believe in it and wait.


    He looked a little exhausted, but still said strongly.


    "Yes, that''s right!��Everyone, he will be fine!


    Toa agreed.


    "Yes, you have always been able to do what seems impossible. All we can do is wait and believe.


    Rodrigo said.


    You are Jin!


    said Goose.


    "Common sense is meant to be broken. I''m sure he''ll be back, because he reminds us of that.


    And Luis.


    "Yes, he will. Because he''s Jin, isn''t he?


    "I''m sure Jin-sama will be fine no matter what!"


    Theon and Marikka also raised their voices.


    They thought it would be better to cheer up the crowd, even if it was just to be cheerful now.


    "Thank you all for helping my husband today!"


    Erza bowed to everyone.


    Before she knew it, the sun was about to set on Horai Island.


    "I''ll be fine, I''ll be fine.


    "Erza-san, please call me if you need anything. I''ll be there as soon as I can.


    Thank you, Mrs. Bertsche.


    "...... we''re going to head back now."


    "Thank you, brother Rai."


    "Meane''s with me, and I and Hannah are here, so we''ll be fine."


    Martha tapped her chest. Martha tapped her chest. She was clearly pushing herself too hard, but no one pointed this out.


    "Well, I''ll see you later," she said.


    "Okay, good night."


    "See you later."


    One by one, they left Horai Island, and Meine, Martha, Hannah, Milowina, and Erza remained.


    "Maybe we should stay here tonight too.


    "Yes, Grandma!


    They decided to stay at Horai Island for the night so that Jin could come back whenever he wanted to, and so that they would be ready to receive his call if he came back at any time.


    I stayed at Horai Island for the night so that I would be ready to receive a call when Jin returned.


    A day passed, two days passed, a week passed, and a month passed.


    However, we have not obtained any clue about Jin.


    < have also completely faded away and no longer occur.


    It was as if Jin had taken the cause with him.


    "Elsa, you look well.


    "Thank you, brother Rai."


    Since then, members of the have been visiting Erza on a daily basis.


    So far, nothing seems to have changed, and everyone is a little relieved.


    Then, on May 10, all the members of the Jin Family hear the news that Beena has safely given birth to a baby boy.


    "Congratulations, Bina!


    "Congratulations!


    Congratulations!


    Elsa also opened her brow on this day and congratulated Beena.


    "Thank you ......."


    Beena and Luis standing by her side during the postpartum period.


    "Have you chosen a name yet?"


    "Yes. <


    "Yeah, that''s a good name."


    "Nice to meet you, Reggie."


    The cheerful topic brought smiles to the faces of those gathered.


    * * * * * *


    "Ugh......gosh......"


    In the darkness of the night, Erza was sobbing alone under the covers.


    "I wished it was a dream," she thought over and over again. If it was a dream, I wished she would wake up. But it wasn''t a dream."


    Elsa can vividly remember Jin''s face that day when he said he would come back.


    "...... He lied to me only once."


    Just when she was about to be crushed by despair.


    Elsa felt a slight movement in her lower abdomen.


    "...... what?"


    And again.


    "...... is it a baby?"


    Knowing what I knew, it was time to start feeling the baby.


    "It''s her ...... baby......."


    Elsa gently pressed her belly.


    "Mine and hers."


    Warmth seemed to fill her heart and body as she ran her hands over it.


    "I have to be strong. ......"


    After that day, Erza never cried again.


    Once again, Erza moved to the village of Kaina.


    Jin built a house for her.


    She was accompanied by Edgar.


    Reiko and the old man had not spoken a word to each other since that day.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Summer came.


    Elsa''s belly was growing visibly.


    A magical examination revealed that they were twins. Perhaps because of this, each fetus was a little slow in growth, but there was no other abnormality, and everything was going well.


    "Yes, I''m feeling good today. "Elsa, you''ll be fine as you are.


    "Thank you, Dr. Saly.


    Send Edgar to me if you need anything.


    Yes, sir.


    And then, on August 17th, at the end of the summer... A baby''s voice echoed through the village of Kaina.


    "......!"


    "Elsa, you did a great job!"


    Elsa gave birth to twins.


    They were identical twins, a boy and a girl.


    They weighed 2500 and 2600 grams respectively.


    They were a little smaller than the norm, but they were healthy and started drinking Elsa''s milk as soon as she gave birth.


    They were healthy little babies," said Elsa. Elsa, you did a good job."


    Sally praised Elsa.


    "What are their names?"


    "......"


    "How about <> and <>?"


    Suddenly a voice called out.


    "Reiko?"


    "Congratulations, Miss Elsa."


    "Thank you. ...... what was your name again?


    "I asked your father about it before. He told me that if it was a boy, it would be this and if it was a girl, that it would be this.


    Reiko said that she had also mentioned the names Ryo, Sakura, Misuzu, and so on.


    "Thank you, Reiko. Then I''ll settle on Yu and Mio."


    "I see. Chloe, Mio, my name is Reiko. I''m Reiko. I''m looking forward to working with you.


    "Reiko, a newborn baby doesn''t know anything yet."


    "Is that so?��I didn''t know that.


    A cool breeze blew in the village of Kayna.


    The sunset sky was beautiful, signaling the end of summer.

 1499 - - 40-39 Epilogue

    One day at the end of September, a cool breeze blew through the village of Kaina, sweeping away the lingering summer heat.


    Elsa and Meene were sitting on a bench outside, nursing the twins, when a voice called out to them.


    "Here, it''s ready. This is good, isn''t it?"


    What they had made was a baby carriage that could carry two people.


    Unlike today''s Japan, the sidewalks are not crowded with people, so it is very practical.


    "It has a sunshade, rubber tires, suspension, and dampers, so it should be comfortable to ride in."


    "Thanks. That''s what I''m talking about."


    Elsa and Meane quickly put the twins in the pram.


    "Do you want to take them for a walk?"


    "I don''t think they''re blind yet, though."


    Elsa is very enthusiastic. She puts her hand on the handle of the pram.


    "I''ll go. I''ll go."


    The pram drives off smoothly, without a single rattle.��Incidentally, taking a newborn out for a walk is normal in this world.


    "Be careful," he says.


    "Nah, I''m fine. Exercise is bad for your body.


    Elsa was recovering well, with no problems with her postnatal growth.


    "Well, I''m off then."


    * * * *


    The baby carriage with the twins in it moves slowly along a small street in the village of Kaina.


    "Oh, Elsa!"


    I meet Barbara.


    "Are you going for a walk?"


    "Yes. I got a baby carriage made.


    "Is this what you call a baby carriage? It''s nice!"


    Some of the nobles used baby carriages, but this is the first time in Kaina village. No wonder Barbara had never heard of it.


    "Mio and Chloe, right?��They are so cute!"


    Now they are sleeping peacefully.


    "They were awake just now."


    In many cases, the children fall asleep when they are rocked by a vehicle or held by a person.


    This was actually the case with Elsa, according to her birth mother, Meene. Even if she was fussy, she stopped crying and went to sleep as soon as I walked around with her in my arms.


    See you later.


    "Okay."


    After leaving Barbara, Elsa started to push the pram again.


    She feels much lighter and has regained some of her strength.


    We walked straight to the snow room.


    It was an open area with a clear view of the surrounding mountains.


    "Snow room. I miss ......."


    The day I accidentally entered the warp gate and wandered into the village of Kaina.


    I met Hannah and found out that she and Jin were mutual acquaintances.


    Jin came to pick me up, and we could stay in the village a little longer.


    Jin built this snow room for the village.


    It was summer and there was no snow to bring, so he made snow with his own magic and filled it.


    It seems a long time ago now.


    "Hello, Miss Elsa."


    "Hello, Mr. Mayor."


    Are you going for a walk?


    Yes.


    Yes. - Well, that''s interesting. You can carry a baby on your back?


    Yes.


    The village headman was loading vegetables he had harvested onto a wheelbarrow.


    "Oh, no! They''re for tonight''s dinner. Sally will get angry if we hurry.


    See you later.


    See you later. Erza... don''t take it too hard. Go home at your leisure.


    Yes, ma''am.


    Chief Giebeck pushed his wheelbarrow and walked quickly back to his house.


    Elsa also made a U-turn and started to walk slowly back the way she came.


    But then she turns left and goes gently downhill, passing by the side of the castle of Nido and near the river Erme.


    It''s the season when the river breeze feels good.


    The time is a little before 3 p.m.


    "...... Let''s go home soon."


    The twins are still sleeping peacefully, but soon they will wake up and start crying because they are hungry.


    Elsa turned the pram around.


    "Here we go!"


    The ride was a gentle downhill, but the return trip was an uphill one.


    It was a little tough for Elsa, who had not yet regained her strength.


    "Let me help you, Miss Elsa."


    "Oh, thank you."


    Lando A, one of the golems who was looking out for the safety of the villagers in various places in the village of Kaina, came forward.


    Erza, a little out of breath, gratefully accepts the offer.


    "Quiet, please."


    "Yes, sir."


    Land A slowly pushes the stroller.


    They go through the side of Nido Castle again to Martha''s house.


    "Thank you. Here''s fine."


    When the road leveled out, Elsa thanked Land A and took the pram back.


    "You can always call your friends," she said.


    Land A returned to his post.


    "Ah, you''re back."


    "Hello, I''m back."


    "How was the stroller?"


    "Great, great."


    "Ha, ha, that''s good. After all, I made one for Juliana and registered it with the Guild of Magi Engineers.


    "That''s my brother Rai. As usual, you are a crafty idiot.


    "......" is a compliment, right?


    Well, what do you think?


    This guy...


    Cousins Reinhard and Erza laughed.


    Then Chloe and Mio woke up and started crying.


    "Oh dear, you must be hungry. We''ve done everything for you.


    Meine came running out from inside the house holding a baby bottle.


    "Thank you, Mother."


    She also breastfeeds, but with two babies it is too much for Elsa to bear, so she uses both breast milk and formula in this way.


    "Oh, let me try it too?"


    "Yeah, she''s not ready yet, so I don''t think Hannah should do it.


    "I see.


    Martha rebuked her and Hannah listened obediently.


    So Martha and Meane decided to give her milk together. In fact, Elsa was still not very good at it either.


    "Oh, she''s drinking, she''s drinking!


    They were both drinking very well and had gained 4 kilograms in a little over a month.


    "I''ve already finished my drink."


    "It''s good that you''re doing so well."


    After patting them on the back and making them burp, Martha and Meane carried them into the house.


    "Hey, your diaper is wet.


    They changed their diapers in the house.


    "Oh, thank you very much."


    In a hurry, Elsa also put away the pram and ran into the house.


    "There, doesn''t that feel good?"


    The twins were in a good mood after getting their diapers changed. They were beaming.


    "Now that they''re full, I think they''ll go back to bed.


    "Speaking of which, what are you going to make for dinner tonight, Elsa?��How many people do you think I should cook for?


    "Uh, ......"


    There.


    I''m back.


    "Ah, Reiko, welcome back."


    Reiko says in her usual tone.


    "They''re having it here."


    Really?


    And then another voice.


    "Ah, I''ve finally finished collecting all the that we placed.


    Erza turned around and greeted Jin with a big smile.


    "Welcome back, my dear."


    In the dusk sky, the sardine clouds, tinted in a deep red, were shelving, softly announcing the arrival of autumn.

 1500 - - 41-01 New Prologue

    "Uu...... where am I?"


    Jin looked around. <, but now he was alone.


    "Reiko!"


    He called out to his faithful automata, but there was no response.


    Furthermore, no one answered when I used the function of the bracelet I wore on my arm, the <>.


    "Does this mean that ...... I''ve been <?"


    A cold spot ran down Jin''s back as he imagined the worst.


    At that time, a localized occurred inside Pegasus 1. I remember seeing the harness cut off in the aftermath and thinking, <


    It may be that <> occurred at that moment.


    It was a ridiculously low probability encounter.


    "Even so, it is fortunate that the air is breathable. ......"


    Jin thought it was fortunate that he had not been transferred to the vacuum of space, a scorching volcano, or an extremely cold land.


    The gravity was almost 1 G. The temperature was a little cooler, but it was tolerable enough.


    "But ......"


    Looking around again, he could not understand what was going on.


    The place where we were was a plain, or perhaps a plain, with a rough but generally level rocky terrain under our feet.


    There are some unidentifiable trash-like objects lying around, and rocks here and there that look like meteorites or cosmic dust.


    "Could this be the object I saw before?"


    Jin guessed that the trash-like objects must be the waste that had disappeared from the relay station.


    "Is the air pressure a little high?��And it''s pretty dry."


    He could feel that the air was so dry that his throat and nose were burning.


    "Well, I don''t know what to do. ......"


    Jin was surprised at how calm he felt. It was strange that he did not start panicking and screaming.


    "I wonder if people give up when they realize that there is nothing they can do about it. ...... or if it''s because they had an experience that might have killed them once. ......"


    After standing there for a while but nothing changed, Jin decided to walk around a little.


    "I don''t hear any sound. ......"


    All he could hear was his own breathing and footsteps. It is so quiet that he can almost hear a sound that is not a scene in the back of his ears.


    "There''s really nothing here. ......"


    There is nothing of interest except for the object that seems to have come here <, and the desolate plain just keeps on going.


    "This won''t last much longer, will it?"


    Jin stopped walking around and returned to his original place.


    If the space was going to be unstable, he thought, the most likely place would be the place where he had appeared.


    And he knows that Ro-kun and Reiko will do whatever they can to find Jin if he has disappeared.


    For now, Jin has no choice but to wait for them.


    "You are a complete stranger."


    Returning to his original location, Jin sits down on a rock, using it as a chair.


    He looks up at the sky. The sky was gray and there was no sign of the sun or the moon.


    "Come to think of it, there''s no wind either.


    Jin let out a sigh and wondered if there was nothing in the world.


    Did a thinking being fall?


    Jin heard a voice in his head. No, it was not a voice, but a that echoed in his head.


    * * * *


    They were an old, old race.


    By nature, they were gentle and not prone to strife. Because their desires were modest, they had no history of war and their population growth was slow.


    However, because of this, the development of culture and civilization was slow.


    However, over a period of tens of thousands of years in the Earth''s time, they reached the pinnacle of material civilization.


    After reaching the top, they would normally just go down.


    But their next choice was to move on to a spiritual civilization.


    And again for hundreds of thousands of years.


    At last they succeeded in giving up their physical bodies and becoming only spiritual.


    Since the mental body is powered by the sub-free element "ether", it does not starve and is able to live semi-permanently.


    Another millions and tens of millions of years have passed.


    Living in sub-permanence, gradually become bored.


    And then...


    Their universe began to < with another universe.


    < during the , but the time was very short because the density of the universe from the higher dimension was very low.


    Most of them lasted for a few milliseconds to a few nanoseconds, but sometimes an would arrive from the other universe.


    This was a great toy for them when they were bored.


    Tens of millions of years have passed, and in that time there have been 10 universes that have . Several to dozens of have occurred, and objects have been brought to our universe.


    In each case, objects came from the other universe to ours.


    Their conclusion, which they have nothing to do but speculate, is that <>.


    Their world has a low potential, and therefore, matter < into their world at the time of contact.


    They named this kind of superposition, in which there is a transfer of matter, as <>.


    At first, they enjoyed it, but after the superposition contact with the sixth universe, they began to neglect it.


    <


    They could not adapt to the environment of our universe and quickly died out.


    For their mentality, it was unbearable.


    The location of the contact point was almost always fixed, and the location of the <> was also almost always fixed.


    So they tried to adjust the environment of that place.


    They analyzed the body composition of the organisms that <> on the seventh contact, and created an environment that they thought would be suitable.


    The atmosphere is 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 0.03% carbon dioxide, An atmospheric pressure of 1100 hectopascals.


    Gravity of 1.02G.


    An absolute temperature of 290 degrees Celsius.


    The environment is almost suitable for organisms living on an Earth-like planet.


    However, the water vapor pressure in the atmosphere was not set, so the relative humidity remained low at around 5 percent.


    Despite these environmental arrangements, the organisms that < in the eighth and ninth contacts were not intelligent life forms, and could not communicate with each other.


    They lived for a moment too short compared to us, and perished.


    And now, for the tenth time, they are in contact with each other.


    Not only matter, but also a life form has fallen.


    They decided to observe it closely.


    It is emitting an extremely low frequency sound. The fluctuating frequencies and waveforms indicate that it is a <> or <>.


    The fact that there is a certain degree of logic in their behavior suggests that they have some kind of intelligence.


    The representative of the group is then asked to make contact with the organism.


    A thinking being has fallen?


    The representative spoke to it using the universal means of communication: .......

 1501 - - 41-02 Dialogue

    Did a thinking being fall?


    Jin was startled to the point of jumping.


    "Who is it?


    It seems that you do think. Do you understand my thoughts?


    "I know ......."


    Jin replied aloud.


    No need to say it out loud.


    "I kind of know that. But it''s easier for me this way."


    Well, you think logically a little bit, too. Interesting.


    "So, who the hell are you?��My name is Hitoshi Nido. I used to be an ...... earthling, but now I''m an Arsian."


    Ars-terrestrials, huh? You mean to say that you are a race with a material civilization?


    "Yes.


    Then the voice in Jin''s head seemed clearly pleased.


    This is wonderful!��Jin Nido, I am one of the spiritual life forms that originated and continues to exist in this world.


    "What is your name?��What should I call you?


    We do not have names or identification numbers. We can be identified by our mental vibrations. If you don''t like it, you can call me whatever you like.


    "Then I will call you ......ichi."


    Hmm. ...... numerals ...... are the first of the natural numbers. Well, you have an interesting naming convention. So the next one we meet will be called two or one or two?��I apologize for ....... I didn''t mean it that way.


    Jin senses that Ichi has read Jin''s mind and feels uncomfortable for a moment. Ichi immediately sensed this and apologized.


    We have nothing to hide from each other, and we don''t know what you, who have physical bodies, would find offensive. Forgive me.


    And..,


    We too had a body a long time ago, but we left it a long, long time ago. I remember it as knowledge, but I cannot feel it with my senses. I hope you understand.


    He explained.


    "No, I don''t care that much.


    As for Jin, he wants to take this encounter in a positive direction.


    In this world to which he had been sent alone, he had met someone he could rely on, or at least get information from.


    Well, there must be some hope for you. We have hopes for you, too.


    Ichi speaks to Jin in a friendly manner.


    First of all, let me say something. As I said before, we have long since abandoned our bodies. There is a strong possibility that you are not completely sure of what you need to sustain life. If there is anything you lack or want, please do not hesitate to tell me.


    Jin remembered that he was very thirsty.


    "Well, then, I would like some water. ...... drinking water. The air here seems to be very dry."


    Jin simply said water, then reworded it as drinking water. He then mentions humidity.


    I see. I didn''t take humidity into consideration. I thought that the higher the humidity, the better, because the higher the humidity, the more harmful it is.


    "You don''t seem to know everything, do you?"


    Jin asked, not with sarcasm or anything, but simply as a confirmation.


    Of course I do. It would take an infinite amount of time and countless experiences to become omniscient.


    The answer was not very convincing.


    Never mind. We are still thinking in such an immature way that we still have .


    With these words, Ichi made a glass of water appear in front of Jin.


    I have had the opportunity to read a few of your thoughts. Are you sure this is what you want?


    Jin grabbed the cup with both hands.


    "Is it ...... water?"


    It''s water. It''s a combination of what you call hydrogen and oxygen. A liquid with a few minerals and other impurities dissolved in it.


    It''s not ultrapure water, apparently.


    May I check?


    No, I don''t mind. I''m not offended by it in the least.


    Thirsty, Jin rushes to . It is definitely .


    Jin drinks it down.


    "Oh, ......, you did something interesting, didn''t you?


    "What?"


    Ichi seems to have seen the <> that Jin used for the first time.


    Hmmm, <>. Very interesting.


    Yes.


    I didn''t know such a method existed.


    I guess this will keep me occupied for the next few thousand years.


    "Wow."


    Jin sat up, his head suddenly filled with a flood of thoughts.


    I''m sorry about this. You''ve done something interesting, and your compatriots have been attracted to you.


    Jin realizes that these spirit beings do not seem to know about .


    From Jin''s point of view, their very existence seems more improbable than magic.


    [...... sorry for the confusion. From now on, I will be the only one to communicate with Hitoshi Nido.


    Through Ichi, all of Jin''s actions will be communicated to the others.


    Now, Jin Nido, what do you want to do now?��Do you want to go back to your world?


    "That, of course."


    That''s fine. We, too, have been wondering about this phenomenon.


    Is that so?


    Yes, that''s right. Our universe is old and therefore has low potential. Something is always falling from the universes with which we are in contact. That''s why we are annoyed.


    < comes from the first word. Jin takes this opportunity to ask.


    "What is this ?"


    To borrow a phrase from Hitoshi Nido, it''s something close to .


    Entropy.


    Jin has only a limited knowledge of entropy, which is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics, or to put it in a very simplified way, .


    Ichi must have read it into his mind. I think that Ichi must have read it and deduced it with their own thinking.


    In the young universe, there is a bias. The older the universe is, the less bias it has. The older our universe is, the less biased it is. Therefore, something comes to us from the universe we come into contact with.


    Ichi explained the concept in a way that was easy for Jin to understand.


    I would like to add one more thing. You may think that thoughts can convey anything, but you are wrong. The organ responsible for Nidohito''s thoughts, ...... the brain''s spinal cord, has a very limited function and would quickly exceed its capacity if it were to communicate in such a way.


    "...... understand."


    To use an analogy, an 8-bit computer cannot handle the amount of information in the Internet age.


    Memory, external storage, data processing speed, data transfer speed ...... all cannot handle it.


    Jin Nido, we will support your return. But to do so, we need your cooperation.


    "If there''s anything we can do, anything at all."


    Yes. We would like to know the physical and spatial characteristics of your world. Because we don''t have that information, we''ve had four overlaps in the last 100,000 years. Before that, it happened 6 times in 30 million years.


    Here, Ichi explained to Jin that is in a macroscopic sense.


    Ichi explains that the phenomenon of the universes coming close to each other and partially overlapping each other is called , and that the connection between the universes that occurs in a single is called .


    He also teaches that the multiplicative contact can be from a few degrees to a dozen degrees.


    It is fortuitous that an intelligent being like Hitoshi Nido has come along. Now we too can develop a means of preventing multiplicative contact.


    "Is that using ...... free magic element ��Ether�� wave?"


    Jin recalled the countermeasures he had taken against the .


    Sub-free elemental ether waves. ...... That''s right. We are sub-free elemental "etheric" beings to begin with.


    Is that so?


    If you yourself are an etheric being, then it is only natural that you can manipulate the ether.


    Jin was relieved and a little envious of Ichi and the others.

 1502 - - 41-03 Hours

    The conversation with Ichi lasted nearly a full day in Jin''s sensory time.


    Hmmm... ...... interesting.


    It was Jin''s fatigue that forced him to interrupt the dialogue.


    "I''m sorry, but could you give me a break?


    As one would expect, even Jin was showing signs of fatigue.


    Oh, yes, that''s right. Living things need rest, don''t they?


    Ichi said, remembering a long time ago.


    "Take a good rest. What do you want?


    A bed and a ...... room.


    Okay.


    As Ichi thought, a container-like room appeared. Inside there is a bed with comfortable bedding.


    There is also food and drinking water. Have a good rest.


    "Thank you very much."


    After drinking some water and taking a bite of bread, he collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep like a mud.


    * * * * * *


    Interesting life form, isn''t it?


    Indeed. A unique stimulus to our otherwise unexciting mental activity.


    I''d like to absorb what I can.


    I agree. And in return, it''s only fair to help them return to their world.


    I fully agree.


    * * * *


    "...... I don''t feel like I''ve slept much."


    Jin woke up and rubbed his eyes.


    He was no longer sleepy and his body was tired, but he felt a mental fatigue stagnating in the back of his ...... body, or rather, in the back of his head.


    He drank the water and ate a piece of bread. Anyway, I couldn''t fall down.


    "I''ve got to get back to Ars ...... Elsa, even if I have to bite down on a stone."


    I wanted to see my baby, who would be born in a few months.


    Ichi spoke to me as I left the private room that had been prepared for me.


    Did you have a good rest?


    "Uh, yes."


    That''s all right. Today I would like you to teach me about magic.


    "Yes, of course."


    The only thing that must be avoided is offending Ichi and the other spirit life forms.


    Jin recalled for the first time in a long time how to get along in his black company days.


    * * * *


    "......, like this."


    [hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ...... funny!��How interesting!


    Ichi felt a spiritual uplift that he had not felt in tens of thousands of years.


    The skill of dealing with free magic element (ether) ...... was so interesting!


    Ichi and the others, who were skilled in the art of dealing with the sub-free element "ether" instead of the free element "ether", were impressed by the magic shown by Jin, that is, the skill of dealing with the free element "ether".


    Magic. < against the . Or, because it is mysterious but too awe-inspiring to bear the name of God, it is called <>law.


    Since Ichi and the others had no concept of God or the Devil, they did not understand the name "magic" and took it as a skill to deal with free magical element (ether).


    And what surprised Jin the most was that they had mastered the skill of handling free magic element (ether) in the blink of an eye, as they call it, magic .......


    It is not a case of . I was just explaining the concept.


    However, Jin thinks that this is not surprising when he thinks about it.


    They are skilled in the art of handling the sub-free magical element "ether".


    And perhaps the handling of free magical element "ether" is even easier than that, Jin guessed.


    Yes, to the extent that a person who has mastered higher mathematics can understand the Tsurukame math.


    >, this is interesting.


    Ichi was delighted to have transformed a piece of meteorite ...... cosmic dust that was lying around into a complex atomic model in an instant.


    Thank you, Hitoshi Nido. I can spend the next 100,000 years or so researching skills to handle this free magical element (ether).


    "Well, that''s good to hear."


    As one would expect, Jin could only give a slightly twitchy smile.


    Well, I think it''s time for me to indulge in a new subject for thought. Jin Nido, I would like to talk about sending you back to your world.


    "Please."


    Yes. Sending you back to the world is not a problem in itself, and I am 99.9999% sure that you will succeed.


    Jin thought that they were being sincere in not saying "perfect".


    I''ll send you back to where you came from, that''s no problem. I know where you came from.


    "Yes."


    But the time line is not that simple.


    What do you mean?


    Let me tell you a story to make it easier to understand.


    I will give you an example of a lower dimension so that you, Jin, can understand it.


    Time flows from the past to the future. Let''s compare it to a one-dimensional line.


    "Yes."


    Mark the long, long line itself. Let''s say that this is what brings you back to the world. So, where do I mark the line?


    "Ah!"


    Jin understood. Indeed, it is understandable that we cannot identify the time period if we do not have something to guide us.


    Even Ichi and the others are not all-powerful.


    Moreover... Time is not one-dimensional. Think of it as having at least three dimensions.


    "What?"


    Jin couldn''t help but nod his head.


    Seeing him like this, Ichi tried to give him an easy-to-understand explanation.


    As an analogy, things begin as a . You call it the Big Bang.


    "Ah, yes."


    Time begins at a point and expands to include all sorts of possibilities.


    "Oh, so it''s three dimensional."


    Yes. Actually, it is a higher dimension, but you can''t imagine a higher space than 3 dimensions, can you?


    Ichi stated the facts without any apology at all.


    In this analogy, time is an expanding sphere. The center is the zero point where time begins. The spheres equidistant from that point are equally spherical after the passage of an equal amount of time. The surface of the sphere represents the possibilities.


    "Parallel worlds, you mean."


    Well, that''s all right. If we reduce the dimension further to two dimensions, the more time passes, the more choices we have, i.e., the more branches we have.


    Jin understood dimly.


    An expanding sphere, which means that the later you go, the more choices you have and the more possibilities you have. .......


    A point in the giant sphere. That is the place to which Jin should return.


    Jin could imagine how difficult it would be.


    But rest assured. There will be some errors, but I promise you that I will be able to return you to the world you came from.


    "Thank you."


    But Jin had forgotten. He had forgotten how much of an "error" a mental organism that has spent more than tens of millions of years in the world can make. .......

 1503 - - 41-04 Gate

    Just as Ichi and the other spirit life forms learned from Jin the skills to handle magic ......, i.e., free magical elements (ether), so Jin gained some knowledge from them.


    Much of it is the concepts of time and space.


    Time is too higher-order to understand. Space also requires a higher level of understanding, but it is of a lower dimension than time, so you may be able to understand some of it.


    With these words, Ichi explained to Jin the concepts of time and space.


    This knowledge would probably be of no practical use in Hitoshi Nido''s world. But they may be useful for some other purpose.


    Ichi explained to Hitoshi various things with such enigmatic words.


    * * * * * * * *


    Why are you giving that organic life form unnecessary knowledge?


    <


    Ichi, or rather @+*


    Jin Nido is indeed an organic life form, but he has used his skills to create a pseudo-biological brain, which he calls a magical brain. I thought that this brain might be able to put its knowledge to use.


    Ichi was the one who had the most contact with Jin, so he was the only one who could provide this information.


    A magical brain, huh? You think it''s comparable to ours?


    No, I wouldn''t say that. But its limits seem to be higher than those of an organic brain.


    You think you can do something if you just take your time?


    That''s what I''m saying. Nidohito is a lost soul. It is our duty to assist him.


    To these spiritual beings, Jin, or rather human beings, may be like puppies and kittens to humans.


    They remembered Jin as a kind of protector that they feel for a creature of lower rank.


    Of course, they felt indebted to Jin for teaching them the skill of handling free magical element (ether).


    But it is not so different from the feeling of being healed by petting a puppy or a kitten.


    Nevertheless, their mentality remains that they will do their utmost to bring Jin back to the world without fail.


    * * * *


    "Jin Nido, using the skills I''ve acquired from you, it looks like I''ll be able to prevent the two universes from having .


    "That''s good news."


    Three days have passed since Jin was trapped in this world. Ichi had given Jin some new information.


    He had been trying various methods ......, or should I say techniques, that you had been experimenting with on the other side of the world. Among them was your attempt to generate sub-free elemental ether waves, wasn''t it?


    Yes, we tried that, didn''t we?


    I wanted to make the margin of error as small as possible when I sent you back to the other side. I could use it as a landmark for that purpose.


    Sub-free elemental ether waves can be observed in other universes. We can use it as a reference and send it back in a few days.


    Jin was quite relieved to hear this.


    But still, there is always a margin of error. Yes, sorry to quote from your memory again, but it is like aiming a bow or a gun at a target from a distance. Inevitably, there will be a margin of error, and you will be slightly off.


    "I suppose that can''t be helped, can it?"


    Jin couldn''t help but nod his head.


    However, one of the promises of the higher dimension of time is to avoid the simultaneous existence of the same or homogeneous entities.


    This phenomenon is called the time paradox.


    Therefore, there is a possibility that the error may shift in a positive direction with the target point as zero.


    The point is that the situation with two Jin is not good, so there is a possibility that they may appear at a slightly advanced point in time, i.e., in the future.


    How far into the future that might be, we don''t know at this point.


    In your world, the margin of error is very small because you have a clear standard.


    In other words, you can specify not only how many years, but also how many years, months, days, hours and minutes.


    The other thing is that it takes a tremendous amount of energy to go beyond time.


    "I can see that too."


    Yes, I can see that, too. You are aware of something that says you can''t go faster than the speed of light, right?


    Yes.


    That is with the proviso that in higher space, with the energy available in that space. ...... Well, this is a partially simplified explanation.


    Ichi said that the laws including higher space would not be understood by organic life.


    It would be good to hear about the concept.


    "Haa......"


    Jin was forced to listen to Ichi''s explanation of the space-time concept for a long time.


    * * * *


    What do you think of that organic life form called Hitoshi Nido?


    Interesting. Interestingly, it has already crossed the world once.


    Oh, yeah?


    Whatever it is, some kind of artificial pseudo-living thing called an automata found a way to cross the world and called up Jin Nido.


    That''s certainly interesting.


    I don''t know if that''s possible.


    I''m sure there must have been some hints. And with some luck...


    [It may seem like a coincidence, but it''s ...... inevitable]


    We still can''t read the inevitability, though.


    I digress. So, are you going to be able to send me home?


    Mm-hmm. There''s a certain margin of error.


    That can''t be helped.


    Jin Nido will take care of the rest. After all, it''s his world.


    * * *


    On the fifth day of Jin''s sensory time, a spirit other than Ichi came to see him.


    Nidou Jin, we are ready to send you back to your world.


    "Oh, I see. Thank you!"


    If it''s okay with you, I''m available anytime.


    I''m particularly interested in .......


    You can take whatever materials you find lying around, if you like.


    "Is that so?"


    So Jin put a white stone the size of a walnut, a red stone and a blue stone, all of which were lying around, in his pocket, thinking that they would serve as souvenirs.


    Is that all right?


    "Yes."


    Good. Then come here, please.


    Jin''s eyes saw a vague, pale shadow of a spirit life form beckoning to him.


    I''ll tell you one last thing. We are not perfect. There is a non-zero possibility that the world we sent him to may not be the world where Nidohito was.


    "I don''t think that can be helped."


    As for Jin, he thinks that at least a world where people can survive would be better than the one he is in now.


    He has to go back to the world where Elsa, Hannah, Reiko, the old man, and Jin''s family are waiting for him at any cost.


    For this purpose, I was prepared to take some risks.


    If I did not take any action, there was no chance that we would meet again.


    Then there is the time error. This is also due to our limitations.


    I''m aware of that, too.


    Good. I can assure you that the destination is a suitable environment for Nidohito''s life activities.


    Fragile organic life forms are not likely to survive even a slight deterioration in their environment, the spirit said.


    One more thing. It might be hard for organic life forms to move against their potential. I''m just guessing.


    "I''m ready for it."


    [Okay. Let''s get started at ....... Are you ready?


    Yes.


    There''s nothing for you to prepare. He just means to be prepared.


    "Thank you for your help, Mr. Ichi and everyone else."


    Thank you, too. Thank you for giving me something to think about that I can enjoy for a long time.


    Then, a shiny white sphere appeared in front of Jin.


    A gateway to the other side.


    "Well, goodbye."


    "Good luck.


    Jin stepped into the gate without hesitation, and ...... fainted.

 1504 - - 41-05 Another world?

    "U...... here,ha......?"


    Jin opened his eyes and found himself in a dimly lit room.


    "Oh, did you notice?"


    When he turned his head toward the voice, pain shot through his body.


    "Oh, my God!"


    I screamed out due to the unexpected pain.


    "Are you okay?��You didn''t seem to be hurt. ......


    "I think I''m fine ......."


    The pain is not so much that I can''t move, but more like the pain you feel when you move a stiff body.


    It is more like the pain one feels when one moves one''s stiff body, which is also true, as it is a reaction to moving from a universe with low potential to a universe with high potential.


    There is no one in this world who knows this, nor will there ever be.


    Slowly I sat up and gently stretched my body, and little by little the pain eased.


    "Well, I think I''m getting around."


    "That''s good to hear."


    Jin looked again at the owner of the voice.


    It was a woman, dressed in simple clothes.


    "Oh, I am the daughter of the family, Helga.


    I''m Jin.


    Jin-san.


    The girl who introduced herself as Helga had chestnut hair and chestnut eyes. She looks to be about 20 years old.


    "What am I doing here?��I''d appreciate it if you could tell me.


    Jin tried to gather information first.


    "Okay. ...... Jin-san was lying by a spring in the mountains. My father found him and brought him back."


    "......I don''t remember....... Oh, and who is your father?"


    His name is Sergei and he is the chief of this village.


    "I see."


    Jin lightly nodded his head and asked a question to get more information.


    "Well, ...... my memory is not so clear. What year is it and what is this place called?"


    "Yeah?��Really?��...... this year is 320 years in continental history. This is the village of Tazi, on the continent of Pandor.


    "Oh, ......?"


    Jin was astonished.


    The year and place names were different from those of the Arus he knew.


    Since he could understand the language, he guessed that it was a very close parallel world.


    (Is this also an <> or ......?)


    Jin''s heart is about to break.


    Seeing his dismay, Helga calls out to him in a concerned voice.


    "Uh, Jin-san?��Are you still sick?"


    "Uh, yeah. Yes, it seems so. ......"


    Jin''s complexion was so pale that even the casual observer could tell.


    "You should lie down a little longer. I''ll get you something to eat."


    With that Helga left.


    (So ...... it was a different world here too......Elsa......Reiko......Mr. ......Hannah......)


    Jin cried tears of regret.


    (I''m ...... I''m ......)


    Nostalgia ran through my head.


    I missed that place, even though I missed him for less than a week.


    I guess it''s because it''s not a place where <><> but a place where <><>.


    (...... I''m a weak man, too. ......)


    Jin self-mocking.


    One cannot be alone. Jin learned this lesson the hard way.


    "Here you go..."


    About 30 minutes later, Helga arrived with a tray of food.


    By this time, Jin had calmed down a little and was able to think things over somewhat calmly.


    "Oh, thank you, Helga-san."


    Jin sat up in bed.


    Helga pulled out a simple side table and put the meal on it.


    Barley porridge, saut��ed vegetables, and water.


    "Bon app��tit!"


    Jin had thought he didn''t have much of an appetite, but his body was honest.


    One bite reminded him that he was still hungry, and in no time at all he had devoured the entire meal.


    "Thank you for the food. It was delicious."


    "That''s good to hear. It seems you''re feeling a little better. Can you talk to my father afterwards?"


    "Oh, yeah. Yeah, I''ll be fine."


    Jin chided himself for not being able to thank his father for his help.


    And once his hunger was satisfied and he felt at home, he felt more relaxed mentally.


    "Okay. Wait here for a minute then."


    "Oh, um, am I going to be okay here?"


    "Yes. "Yes. My father will be here in this room."


    With that Helga left the room with a tray with the dishes on it.


    (Well, how should I respond? ......)


    Jin, who has recovered some energy, tries to think logically.


    Food and water are adapted to Jin. < had also said that he would only guarantee that the place he sent him would be adapted to him.


    "And that would be ......."


    Perhaps they will ask me where I am from, and whether or not I should answer honestly.


    (I don''t know what kind of response I will get if I say that I am from another world. ......I might falsely say that I don''t remember at first.)


    Jin concluded that it would be better not to give them any unnecessary information.


    (Once you get used to this way, you can pretend to remember a little bit more.)


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin-san, it''s my father."


    Helga''s voice snapped Jin out of his reverie.


    Right behind her is a man in his forties, medium build. A man with slightly dark blond hair and gray eyes was standing there.


    Jin stood and greeted her.


    "My name is Jin. Thank you for your help.


    "My name is Sergei. I am Sergei, the chief of this village. I am the chief of this village. ...... You were lying by the spring in the mountains behind us. In that case you had no choice but not to help. ...... Let''s just sit down and talk about it."


    "Uh, yes."


    I think I''ll take this chair.


    Helga pulled out two stools from the corner of the room and sat Sergei on them.


    Jin sat down on the bed. Helga sat down on the other stool.


    Jin and Sergei faced each other, and Helga sat down beside them.


    "I see you are feeling better.


    "Thanks to you."


    "So, how in the world did Jin-dono come to be lying there?"


    "I don''t know ....... My memory is partly in disarray. ......"


    Sergei heard this and looked worried.


    "Hmm, I see. What do you remember about ...... other than your name?��What about your hometown?"


    "Yes. ...... almost nothing. I didn''t even remember what year it was."


    "I see. Well, that''s a problem.


    Sergei seemed to believe Hitoshi.

 1505 - - 41-06 Goals

    "I''m not sure, but the names Reuzert and Alban come to mind, do you know them?"


    Jin decided to probe.


    "Reuzert?��Alban?��......No, I''ve never heard of it. ......"


    "I see. ......"


    Once again, Jin was disappointed that this was not the world where he used to be.


    "But this is a remote part of the continent of Pandor. If you go to the capital, you may know some people there.


    Sergei said as if to cheer Jin up.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Sergei looked at Jin, smiling weakly,


    "You still don''t seem to be in good shape. I''ve heard at least what you want to hear, so I''ll call it a day. You have a good rest."


    He ended the conversation.


    "Ah, yes, thank you very much. ......"


    Jin managed to squeeze out a few words of thanks and lay down on the bed.


    "Um, Jin-san, are you all right?��Did I push you too hard?"


    Helga, who still remained in the room, was concerned about Jin.


    "Oh?��Oh, I''m sorry, I''m fine.


    Jin, who had forgotten Helga''s presence and had shown his pathetic side, forced himself to smile.


    "Really?��Well, you can use this room as you like for the time being. The bathroom is at the end of the room to the left. The bathroom is just in front of it. It''s just after 2:00 PM. Dinner will be served around 6:00, same as before.


    Helga burst out at once, perhaps on purpose.


    "Yes.


    Jin was so taken aback by her force that he momentarily forgot his melancholy.


    "Well then. My room is at the end of the hall on the right, so if you need me, just let me know.


    "......Thank you."


    Helga''s cheerful smile made Jin feel a little better.


    I''m sure you''ll be fine here.


    "I wonder if this is another ...... or a parallel world after all.


    If you don''t know the capitals of countries such as Reuzert and Alban, you have to make a judgment.


    "And I wonder when ...... the bracelet went missing."


    The bracelet that Jin always wore on his arm.


    It has a communication function and can be remotely operated by the old man to create a barrier. Of course, he can do it by his own will.


    "I thought it might be ...... but there''s no way to be sure. ......"


    Instead, in his pocket was a white, red and blue stone. <.


    "Maybe the bracelet shattered when I crossed the world."


    On second thought, that seems like the right answer.


    "I was told that moving against the potential ...... would be too much for some."


    < and others said that moving against the potential might be hard for organic life forms.


    Jin resigned himself to the fact that it would be better if it was in the form of a missing bracelet rather than his own body.


    "I could have moved around in all five of my bodies," he said.


    If it''s a different world, I don''t need to be able to communicate, and if it''s a barrier, I can put it up by myself.


    If you have magi crystals, you can even create a magical tool to put up a barrier.


    "But communication is ...... difficult.


    Jin''s method to precisely match the frequency of the magic wave.


    That was to split a single magic crystal (magi crystal) in two and use it for both sides.


    In this way, it was possible to achieve a precise synchronization.


    Incidentally, this method is used only in .


    The old man, the brain of magic in Horai Island, Jin''s base, can easily synchronize the magic waves.


    <


    "Make it, contact ......, and then what happens?"


    There is a possibility that Horai Island exists in the parallel world.


    But its master would be Jin, not Jin.


    It would be good if it accepts Jin and cooperates with him, but since he does not know what kind of characterization it has, he decides that he should avoid taking things too lightly.


    "But, I see. ...... that''s right."


    As he repeatedly asked himself these questions, a vision began to emerge.


    "To build a base,......."


    It can be very small and does not need something as robust as Horai Island.


    "Well, it''s more of a place to stay than a base.


    Even if this is a different world for Jin, he should be able to settle down by creating a place to stay. Just as Ars did in the past.


    "I guess we''ll just have to take our time and go slowly.


    <.


    "If this is a different world for me, I need to find a way to get back to my original world. I have the minimum information necessary for that from .


    When you move between worlds, you can set the time line, so it is theoretically possible to go back to the time right after you disappeared, even if it''s been 50 years here.


    "At that time, ...... everyone will see the old me again."


    The old man himself and the twenty-year-old Elsa. Grandfather and grandson.


    "No wonder they don''t like me."


    The old man and Reiko are the only ones who will not abandon him, Jin thinks.


    "......It''s not good. ......It seems that my thoughts are drifting in the wrong direction."


    Jin shook his head to shake off the bad thoughts.


    "Anyway, I''ll have to start moving tomorrow to make a place for myself.


    Jin thought to himself, remembering how Martha and Hannah had saved him in the village of Kaina, and he felt lonely.


    "No, no, no, it''s okay to be nostalgic, but backward thinking is not the way to go now.


    Jin slaps his cheeks with his palm to get back into the swing of things.


    "Then, how should I go about it ......?"


    Jin can use engineering magic.


    Fortunately, there seems to be an abundance of free magic element (ether) in this world.


    "<>"


    I tried to make a ball of light, and there was no problem.


    However, when I tried to make a ball of light, there was no problem.


    "Kyaaaah!"


    I heard a shout and turned around to see Helga at the entrance with a surprised look on her face.


    "Jin-san, you''re a mage?


    "Oh, oh, I''m sorry. I guess so."


    Jin was forced to answer. Jin hoped that he would not be scared or disliked by this.


    "Great, great!��That''s great, Jin-san!"


    Helga, on the other hand, was excited.


    "There are no mages in this village. No, not only in this village. It''s the big towns and cities that have mages."


    "huh?"


    "Oh. ...... but Jin-san, you''re going to leave one of these days, aren''t you?"


    Helga is excited, but then suddenly she wilts.


    "No, I''m not going to leave until I repay you for saving me, and I''m not thinking about anything after that. ......


    Helga''s face lit up when Jin told her honestly.


    "Really?��I''m so happy. Jin-san, if you can, I''ll always ...... be there for you.


    Helga trailed off.


    "Oh, by the way, I boiled a bath.


    "Yes, by all means."


    Apparently there is a bath in this village. Jin, who loves taking a bath, responded immediately.

 1506 - - 41-07 Biwa

    "Ah, it''s nice hot water."


    Jin soaked in the bath, though it was not a hot spring, and stretched his arms and legs in the bathtub.


    "This feels ...... like they are making the water with magic tools instead of firewood."


    Jin, as expected, had figured out the method of the bathtub.


    "And ...... there''s soap too?"


    Soap was not yet common in Ars when Jin was there, although it was beginning to spread through trade with Mitsuho.


    "Is it a similar but different world ......?"


    Jin wonders what he should do in this world first.


    "Well, let''s take our time.


    It''s been a while since he took a bath, and he is thankful for the soap. After washing his head, he feels much better.


    I soak in the water again and warm myself slowly.


    Jin forgot to ask what month it was, but he guessed that it was not mid-summer or mid-winter, since the weather was quite pleasant.


    After getting out of the bath, Jin put and on his underwear and put it back on.


    "Thank you. The water was nice."


    Jin thanked Helga when he got out of the bath.


    "Well, that''s good. ...... Oh, Jin-san, did you change your clothes?


    "What?"


    "Your clothes are looking kind of clean."


    "Yes, because I cleaned the dirt off them with engineering magic."


    Jin answered casually, but Helga''s reaction was unexpected.


    "What?��You can do that too?��Mages are ...... amazing, aren''t they?"


    "No, I''m not a mage, I''m a ."


    Instead of calling himself a "Magecraft Meister," he calls himself a "Magecraftsman," which seems to be a more common name.


    "Magecraftsman?


    But Helga did not seem to know that word either. Jin explained simply.


    "Oh, a technician who can make various things with magic ......?"


    "Hmm......... Oh, so you can make chairs and tables, for example?"


    "If you have the right materials."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Helga heard this and seemed to be thinking about something.


    "Oh, no. I have to prepare dinner. Jin-san, it looks like you can eat normally now. Is there anything you don''t like?"


    "No, not really. I think ......."


    "Okay. Well, that''s good. Wait for me for another hour or so.


    With that Helga turned around and went to the kitchen.


    Jin returned to the room assigned to him.


    "Well ......, and ......."


    Jin sat down on his bed and closed his eyes to collect his thoughts.


    "Jin-san!


    Helga came in, letting out a loud voice that broke his reverie.


    "Hey, can you fix a chipped knife?


    "What?"


    "I was trying to shave off the meat and caught the bone.


    Helga held out the meat knife in her hand so that Jin could see it. The blade was pointed toward him. She did not point it at Jin.


    "Let me borrow it.


    Jin takes the knife and examines it.


    "<>...... I see. 1.5 percent carbon. That''s a lot of carbon. It''s too well tempered. It''s hard, but too brittle."


    "What?��What?��What did you do, just now?


    Helga, who has never seen engineering magic before, tilts her head.


    "Wait a minute. ......<><><>> and then <>. That''s it."


    The knife was too brittle due to too much carbon content, and the carbon was removed, the spills were corrected, the blade was hardened, the blade was shaping, and it was even toughened.


    Helga was amazed at the fluidity of his work,


    "What?


    Her mouth was agape.


    But Helga could not stay like this forever, so she took the knife and went back to the kitchen.


    "...... mages can do this kind of thing ......"


    She muttered something like " mages can do this.


    * * * *


    Then it was time for dinner.


    "I went to ......, and it''s amazing!��The knife Jin-san fixed for me, it cuts through the bone so easily!��And it doesn''t even spill!"


    "You''re such a naughty boy. Jin-kun, please give him a break."


    Seeing Helga in such a high state of excitement, the older woman sitting in front of Jin smiled bitterly.


    She was Sergei''s wife, or Helga''s mother, named Mina. She has the same chestnut-colored hair and eyes as Helga''s.


    "No, I don''t know what she''s talking about.


    Jin himself recalls that when he inherited his knowledge as a from his predecessor, he was eager to try out the various methods.


    "But Jin, I didn''t know you were an excellent mage."


    For some time now, Sergei has been calling Jin <.


    He probably called him "Jin-kun" to match his daughter Helga and his wife Mina.


    Jin thought it was more comfortable for him.


    The dinner menu consisted of barley porridge, stewed potatoes, grilled smoked meat, and some kind of fruit.


    By the way, he called the potatoes <. Jin was inwardly surprised at this coincidence.


    "What kind of fruit is this?


    The fruit is oval-shaped and slightly pale orange.


    "It is a loquat fruit.


    "A loquat, is it?


    Indeed, it looks just like the loquat Jin remembers.


    "The skin has been peeled off, so you can pick it up and bite into it by hand. Oh, there are big seeds inside, so be careful.


    Meena showed him how to eat it, and Jin took a bite of the loquat.


    ��Yes, it was a loquat.)


    It was definitely a loquat.


    The taste of early summer. It has a delicious flavor that sets it apart from other fruits.


    The disadvantage is that the seeds are large and the flesh is small.


    Isn''t it delicious?


    Yes, very good.


    Since there are only a few parts to eat, each customer gets three pieces.


    They are easy to grow because they sprout when you sow the seeds. It''s a specialty of this village.


    Meena explained while eating a loquat herself.


    "If it grows like this, does that mean it''s early summer ...... now?"


    Yes, it is. Today is July 2nd.


    "Mom, it''s not fair that you''re the only one talking to Jin-san!


    A slightly bloated Helga complained to Meena.


    "That''s fine. It''s like my son came home. ......"


    Helga looked a little sad when she heard that line.


    Sergei just looked at his wife and daughter silently, smiling. He was a taciturn man by nature.


    "Jin-san, tomorrow I will show you around the village!


    "Yes, yes, thank you."


    Jin could only nod in agreement as Helga''s momentum carried him away.

 1507 - - 41-08 Information

    The next day......7March 3, Jin was given a tour of the village by Helga.


    The village of Tajee has about 200 houses and a population of about 1,000 people.


    They were now standing on a hill northeast of the village, looking down on it.


    "It''s a big village, isn''t it?


    "Is it?"


    The only villages Jin knew were Kaina, Toka, Yada, and Karutz.


    The largest of these villages, Karutz, has about 150 households, so it was natural for him to think that Tajee, with its 200 households, was a big village. The area of the village is also large.


    The area of the village is also large. From what Jin could see, it was about four times larger than the village of Kaina.


    In terms of Jin''s territory, however, the area of Kayna Village extends as far as the mountains to the north.


    Tazi village is located in a large plain. But it is part of the Great Plain of Flot, which also contains forests and swamps.


    "I see. So the mountains are only in the distance.


    Jin muttered as he stared at the mountain range rising in the far north.


    "I see. The river over there is called the Northenia River, and it flows from north to south through the center of the plain, dividing it into two parts. The developed part is on the west side.


    The east side is undeveloped?


    "Yes. There''s a lot of wildlife, so when we need pelts or meat, we send out expeditions.


    Okay.


    Okay, let''s move on.


    Helga started to walk quickly down the hill.


    Jin looked at her back and remembered what Helga''s mother, Meena, had said to him last night.


    <


    Jin recalled that the number of young generation in Kaina village had been decreasing due to the epidemic and the war.


    "Jin!��What are you doing!


    Helga, who had gone down quite a ways, called out to him.


    "Oh, sorry, I''m coming."


    Jin replied hurriedly and ran down from the high ground.


    "As you can see from above, there is our ...... village headman''s house in the center of the village, and from there the roads run east, west, south, north and south. There are three other roads that go around in a circle.


    Radial roads and ring roads, you mean.


    "Oh, that''s ......."


    What caught Jin''s eye was a pump. It was a pump.


    It is the same type as the one Jin built in the village of Kaina.


    "Oh, that?��It''s called a pump. It''s useful for pumping water, but there are a few that are broken. That one over there is broken too.


    "Helga, may I take a look?"


    "Sure. ...... Jin, do you think you can fix it?"


    Helga had been calling him today. Jin called her by the same name.


    "I can''t be sure without seeing it, but ...... maybe."


    "Yes!��That would be great. Please fix it!


    I''ll see what I can do."


    Jin walked over to the pump and performed an analysis.


    According to the analysis, the cylinder inside the pump was worn down and a gap had formed.


    "The material is ...... bronze, but it hasn''t been hardened or toughened. No wonder it''s not very durable."


    "Well, I don''t know what Jin is talking about, but do you think you can fix it?"


    "Yes. I''ll fix it right away. <>"


    Jin adjusts the piston side by forming to fix the gap between the piston and cylinder, and then strengthens it.


    The reason for using hardening instead of toughening is to minimize wear and tear.


    "That''s it."


    "Oh, you fixed it already?"


    "Yes. "Yeah. Try priming the water and running the pump."


    "Uh-huh."


    Helga got some water from a nearby well and used it as priming water, and started to pump the pump that Jin had fixed.


    "It''s fixed!��Jin, thank you!"


    "No, no. You said on ...... that some of the pumps were broken, didn''t you?"


    "Yes. Can you fix those too?


    Of course.


    Of course.


    So, with Helga''s help, Jin went around repairing the broken pumps scattered all over the village of Taj. There were six pumps.


    "They seem to have been in use since this village was built, so it''s no wonder they are broken.


    "When the village was founded ......, what is it, about 200 years ago?"


    "Well, that''s too bad...it''s 124 years old."


    Jin was rather impressed that it had been in service for that long.


    "It''s almost noon. Let''s go home.


    While they were repairing the pumps, it was almost noon.


    Jin and Helga returned to the village chief''s house.


    "Welcome home. Here is soba for lunch. Do you like it, Jin-san?


    Meena had prepared lunch. It seemed that "Jin-san" had taken root in Meena''s mind.


    Yes, I love soba.


    "Yes, that''s good."


    Meena looked relieved and started to boil soba in a large pot.


    "Oh, Helga, please put out the dishes for me.


    "Yes, Mom."


    "Well, what should I do to help ......?"


    Seeing Helga starting to help Meena, Jin also came forward.


    "Oh, you don''t have to do anything, Jin-san. You don''t have to do anything, Jin-san. Besides, I heard. I heard you fixed the pump. I don''t know how I can thank you for this.


    "Yes, Jin. Just wait and see!


    After hearing that from Meena and Helga, Jin had no choice but to withdraw his hand.


    As it turned out, the soba was delicious enough to satisfy Jin.


    It was not "zarusoba," but rather "dish-soba. A platter of boiled buckwheat noodles, cooled in water before serving, and soba sauce made with soy sauce as a base.


    The only disappointment was that there were no condiments such as wasabi (Japanese horseradish).


    Thank you for the food. It was delicious.


    "I''m glad you ate all of it."


    Jin, who loves soba, had eaten all of the four or so servings of soba that were left over.


    "I''m sorry.


    "Don''t apologize. You don''t have to apologize. If you leave soba for too long, it loses its flavor.


    Meena said with a smile.


    After finishing lunch, we went to the restaurant.


    After lunch, we were given another tour of the village.


    "The fields are on the south side of the village.


    The fields are on the south side of the village. And a topopo field with purple flowers.


    "Is it a common property?"


    "Yes, it is. My father laments that it is difficult to assign the work to each family.


    "I guess so."


    It is very difficult to assign work to each family without complaints.


    Not to mention the distribution of food according to the work done.


    The village of Kaina is unusual in that it is able to do this so easily.


    "The orchard is on the east side of the village.


    Loquat and april are the main fruit trees, Helga said.


    Jin looked at the small green fruits and thought in a corner of his mind that apples are called aplulu in this world, too.

 1508 - - 41-09 A childhood friend

    After lunch, Jin continued to ask Helga to show him around the village.


    "Are there any stores?"


    Jin asked.


    "There is one store that sells daily necessities. Other than that, a peddler comes around once a month.


    "I see."


    Jin remembered with nostalgia how Roland used to come around in Kaina Village.


    "You see, that''s the place."


    His musings were interrupted by Helga''s voice.


    "Heh..."


    The store has the atmosphere of a general store with a wide frontage.


    "Hello, auntie."


    Helga approached a middle-aged woman tending the store in the back. She was small and chubby, and her hair was beginning to have some white in it.


    "Oh, Helga. Who is he?"


    "His name is Jin-san. Is he our ...... houseguest?"


    Helga said such a line, which made Jin laugh.


    At least call me a customer.


    Helga turned to the lady with a mischievous smile.


    "Yes, I am.


    "I don''t understand, you are here to see the chief, right?��Would you like to buy something?"


    "Well, I don''t have anything with me right now.


    Well, I don''t have any money with me at the moment.


    "Well, I don''t have any money with me at the moment. ...... Jin, no kidding, is there anything you need?


    "I can''t remember offhand,......."


    "Well, why don''t you check out the store?��Let me know if there''s anything you need."


    "Okay."


    So Jin decided to look around the store.


    Farm tools such as hoes, plows, sickles, and machetes. There were also colanders and baskets.


    Kitchen utensils such as pots and knives, brooms, dustpans, and mats. There were also cleaning utensils similar to a tawashi (a kind of scrubbing brush).


    There were also dishes and small bowls, wooden spoons and forks, and wooden chopsticks. There were also wooden chopsticks.


    In the back of the room, there are grains such as flour, barley, and buckwheat.


    Work clothes and shoes in various sizes were also available.


    "You deal in a lot of things, don''t you?


    "Well, yes. We have everything you need in the village.


    The lady shook her big belly and laughed.


    "Oh, don''t you sell Magi Stones or Magi Crystals?


    Jin asked as a test,


    "We don''t have such expensive things. There is no one who can use it. You''d have to ask Lorenz, a peddler, to get it.


    He said to me.


    "Magi stones are not so common on this continent," Helga adds.


    Helga adds.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin was disappointed.


    "Auntie, are you here?


    Just then, another customer came in. He was a young man with a bow on his back and a machete on his waist. He was about 6 feet tall and solidly built.


    He said, "There''s one!


    It would be scary if there were two of them. ...... Oh, it''s Helga! You''re here too. Who''s that?


    "Oh, Isak. Is he back?


    "Oh. I got a couple of horned deer.


    "That''s great. ...... Jin, he''s my childhood friend Isak. He''s a hunter. ...... Isak, this is Jin, he''s a mage. Are you one of our ...... guests?"


    "I don''t know why you use the question form, but ...... it''s nice to meet you, Jin."


    "Nice to meet you too."


    Then the lady at the grocery store interrupted.


    "Isak, what can I do for you?"


    "Oh, yeah, yeah. I chipped my machete. I came to buy a whetstone.


    A whetstone. Hold on a second. ...... Oh, I''m afraid we''re out of them.


    "Yeah, right."


    Isak took the old machete from his waist and looked at it ruefully.


    "Why don''t you get a new one?"


    Helga suggested, but Isak shook his head.


    I like this one my father gave me. I''m going to use it until it''s useless, then I''m going to buy a new machete.


    You''re stubborn, just like your uncle.


    "We''re father and son."


    The two exchange casual conversation, as if they have known each other since childhood. Jin was a little concerned about something and interrupted.


    "Isn''t there much stone around here?"


    Isak answered.


    "Stone?��Well, we can''t get any. When you dig it up, it''s just dirt and sand.


    "Well, ......, you said there''s a river, right?��Can''t you find rocks there?"


    "Of course, there are stones in the riverbed, but what are you going to do?"


    What do you do?��What do you do?" "What?


    What?��What? Grinding stones are in the river?��Can you make one in the first place?


    "Yes, you can make them ......, or rather, that''s how you get them in the first place."


    "Is that so ......?"


    I was a little worried about the education in this village, and even before that, what kind of wisdom of daily life they have.


    I see.


    "I see, so this is the riverbank.


    Jin, Helga, and Isak had arrived at the banks of the Nosina River.


    It was about an hour''s walk from the village of Taji.


    "We were in the middle of the river, maybe a little upstream.


    Jin judged this from the size of the stones lying around.


    The average size of the stones was about the size of a baby''s head, and some of the larger ones were more than a hundred pounds.


    "Is it possible to tell by looking at them like that?"


    Isak looked at Jin curiously as he stroked the surface of the stones.


    In fact, he was using to check the quality of the stone.


    "Yes, I think this one and this one will make good whetstones.


    Jin selected two huge rocks.


    "Hey, hey, we can''t take something that big home with us," he said.


    "No, I''ll process it here. ......<><>>>>>>"


    "Huh!"


    Isak watched in amazement as a large rock was shaped into a block in no time.


    "The stones here are good. Not only quartz, but also corundum particles are mixed in, and the grain size is almost uniform."


    "......"


    Jin produced a dozen grinding stones from the two rocks.


    "This one is a rough grindstone and this one is a medium grindstone. I couldn''t find any for finishing. ...... hmm, what''s wrong?"


    "......"


    Helga and Isak were speechless at the sight of Jin''s skill.

 1509 - - 41-10 Opening

    Jin and the other three return with a total of 12 whetstones, four for each of them.


    They give one rough whetstone and one medium whetstone to Isak and Helga, and take the rest to the general store.


    "Wow, these look like good whetstones. Okay, I''ll buy it from you. ...... I''ll give you 50 dollars for each one."


    Not knowing the value of money, Jin said that was fine, and bought four rough grinding stones and four medium grinding stones from me. The total price was 400 tol.


    (I guess the currency unit is the same. ...... Maybe it is a very close parallel world after all.)


    As Jin received the money, he thought.


    But at any rate, Jin now had a little bit of money in his pocket.


    "Would you like to buy something?"


    The lady at the grocery store ...... Sonya laughed with a businesslike smile.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "I''ve got a ...... thing going on!"


    At dinner Helga reported to her father Sergey and her mother Mina about what had happened during the day.


    "Wow, Jin-san can do so many things!


    Meena was frankly impressed,


    "Then, why don''t you open a <> or something like that?"


    Sergei said something about the future.


    "A workshop ......?"


    As for Jin, that is what he would like to see. First of all, it would serve the purpose of creating a place in this world.


    "In the beginning, I think it will be mostly repair-related," he said.


    It is inevitable, after all, since materials are scarce. Jin was aware of this.


    "I think we can get the funds from the village budget. I''m sure Jin-kun will be able to pay us back in no time.


    I''ll do my best.


    The conversation proceeded just as smoothly as it had started.


    "But I''m not sure I can trust you that much.


    Jin felt a little sorry.


    "If you were fooled, it''s only because I have no discernment.


    Sergei laughed.


    "Jin fixed my knife and helped Isak find a whetstone. If you were a bad guy, you wouldn''t have done that.


    Jin wondered if that was true, but he did not say so.


    "Thank you very much.


    He bowed his head.


    He bowed his head and said, "Thank you very much.


    A week later.


    Jin''s was completed.


    The reason it was done so quickly is not because of the magic of .......


    It was because we found an empty house and added some work to it.


    The location is prime.


    It is at the corner of a radial road running west from the village headman''s house and the first ring road.


    "This is such a nice place ....... I feel bad."


    Jin was a little afraid of the situation,


    "What? It''s the only mage store in the village. It''s not even enough.


    Sergei answered half jokingly. His wife Meena was silent and smiling at him.


    Then came .......


    "Hey, Jin."


    "Oh, you''re Isak!"


    For some reason, Helga answered for Jin.


    "Congratulations on your opening. I''ve got a job for you right away.


    Isak said, and held out a knife with a splintered blade.


    "Helga told me that you fixed the chipped knife.��If so, you can fix this knife too, right?��It''s too much trouble to sharpen it.


    Jin took the knife and checked it. Indeed, the blade was chipped so badly that it would be difficult to sharpen it.


    "Let''s see, <>. ......Yes, I can fix it.


    "Good. It''s my favorite knife. When will you fix it then?��Tomorrow?��The day after tomorrow?


    No, I''ll fix it right now.


    "He?"


    With Isak''s speech slipping out, Jin performed a series of engineering magic.


    "<><>>, and <>,...... and..."


    "What the hell is that,......?"


    "It''s just a knife that''s been used a lot and the carbon content was right at one percent. But it was a little too hardened and brittle, so I made some adjustments. I also applied some toughening to it, so it should be less prone to spills."


    "That''s a big help ......, no!"


    This is the second time he''s seen Jin use magic, but Isak''s excitement is far from over.


    "Isak, that''s why Jin is like this. You have to get used to it."


    Helga seems to have already gotten used to Jin''s out-of-this-world personality even though they have only known each other for a short period of time. Or maybe she just accepted him as a mage because she had no preconceived notions of what a mage should be like.


    "...... I get it. Anyway, I just know that Jin is awesome. So ......, how much does it cost to fix it?"


    "Uh, ......."


    Jin ponders. It is difficult to set a price for such work.


    "You haven''t decided. ...... Then I''ll leave you 300 tol for the half of the knife. That''s fine, Helga."


    "Yes, I think half is reasonable."


    That''s the deal.


    Jin-san, I''ll tell you what. Hire an assistant.


    "What?"


    After Isak left, Mina, who had been watching silently, spoke up.


    "From the looks of it, Jin, I don''t think you''re suited for this kind of business.


    Even Sergei said something like that. Jin couldn''t even utter a sound.


    "Is anyone here?"


    Sergei asked his wife, Mina,


    "How about you, Katya?


    The answer came back.


    "Yes, Tanya''s daughter, niece of Sonya, the grocer?"


    "Yes. Yes. She can do the math, and she''s a good girl.


    "Katya. Yes, that''s good, isn''t it?


    Helga agrees.


    "Let''s see... ......"


    Jin was amazed at the way the conversation was progressing without him.


    "Oh Jin, I''m sorry. Ka-cea is a friend of Helga''s, and she is the niece of Sonya, the grocer.


    "Is that so?"


    She''s a quiet girl, but she''s smart. How about some help?


    Well, I''m not in a position to judge, so I''ll leave it to Sergei and the others.


    That was all Jin could say.


    "Okay. Then let''s talk about it right away.


    I''m Katya.


    "My name is Katya. It''s nice to meet you.


    "It''s nice to meet you too."


    That same day, he and his parents had an arrangement, and on the first day of business, Jin''s workshop had an employee.

 1510 - - 41-11 On-site repair

    Katya is 19 years old this year, the same age as Helga.


    She had semi-short blond hair, blue-green eyes, and round glasses.


    Jin''s first impression was that this world already has glasses.


    And his slightly frightened way of speaking reminded Jin of Erza.


    "Well, I was told that I could work as an accountant.


    "Yes, that''s right. I''m looking forward to working with you.


    "Yes, my name is Ka-Chair. Nice to meet you.


    I''m Jin. Nice to meet you.


    Jin-san, is that correct? Or should I call you manager or boss?


    Jin thought, "I don''t want to be the boss just because I''m the owner of the workshop,


    "<> is fine.


    Jin replied.


    "Yes. Jin-san then. Do you have a ledger?


    "I don''t have ......."


    Then, paper and pen and ink are at .......


    "No, not that either."


    Then Katya sighed.


    "Okay. No wonder Meena is ...... worried. I''ll go to my aunt''s store and get some. Don''t worry, I''ll have her pay for it.


    His face became a little stern and his tone of voice changed a little.


    After saying these words to Jin, Ka-cea quickly left his workshop.


    "......I don''t understand this girl. ......"


    "Cachair is usually quiet and withdrawn, but when he tries to do serious work, he gives it his all."


    "Whoa!"


    Jin was startled by a voice behind him.


    "Oh my God, that''s so rude!"


    "No, you just came up behind me and started talking to me."


    "I''ve been here since a while ago.��I''ve been here since when you went shopping."


    Was I?


    Actually, she had been trying to surprise him by quietly approaching him, but Helga kept quiet about it.


    "So, I got you a job.


    The daughter of the village chief, indeed.


    "Oh, really? And?"


    The bathtub is not working well at Mr. Bertrand''s house.


    The bathtub... ......


    Most of the bathtubs in this village use wood.


    They are roasted by a flame, which produces smoke and soot.


    Jin stopped to take a look first.


    "Oops, I guess we''ll have to wait until Katya comes back.


    "That''s true."


    Jin and Helga spent about ten minutes in idle conversation.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting.


    KaChea came back with her luggage.


    "Hi, Helga.


    "Katya, you''re working hard right away."


    "Yes, yes, thank you ......."


    "You know, I got a request to fix the bathtub at Mr. Bertrand''s house."


    When Katya heard this, her face tightened a little.


    "A repair request, huh? ...... Jin-san?"


    "Yes. I''ll go down there first.


    "Okay. I''ll go with you.


    What about the restaurant?


    I''ll watch the store for you. Come back as soon as you can, okay?


    I was thinking of closing the door when Helga came forward.


    "Okay. Thank you.


    I''m off, Helga.


    Do you know where the house is?


    Yes, yes, I know .......


    Without hesitation, Katya led Jin to the Bertrand house.


    "Hello.


    First of all, as they knew each other, Katya greeted him.


    "Oh, that''s unusual. It''s you, Katya. What''s wrong with you today?"


    A woman who looks like the hostess comes out.


    "Well, I''m here to ...... fix ...... the bathtub."


    What?��Oh, Helga-chan told me!��That''s Jin-san, isn''t it? Thank God. Please take a look.


    Yes, okay... And which way is the bathtub?


    This way.


    Jin was led to the back of the house.


    "This is it..."


    "Oh, this is ......."


    It is quite old, but it has a water heater that uses magi crystals.


    In other words, it doesn''t need firewood. It is a high-class bathtub in this village. Incidentally, the chief''s house used the same type of bathtub.


    "How is it?��Do you think it can be fixed?


    "I''ll check it out."


    Jin bent down and used .


    "Well, ...... the magecrystals are not broken. It seems that the heat conduction of the heat-generating part is not good.


    Jin checked various things.


    "Jin-san, what do you think?"


    Katya asked softly.


    "Yes, it will be fixed without any problem.


    "That''s great!"


    Hearing this, Bertrand''s wife looked relieved.


    My husband likes to take a bath, and he gets in a bad mood if he doesn''t take a bath for a day. Yesterday and the day before, we went to our neighbor''s to borrow a bathtub. Now he''s happy.


    "Then let''s get it fixed right away.


    Jin started to say, "Let''s fix it right away," but Ka-cea stopped him.


    ��Wait a minute, Mr. Jin. How long will it take you to fix it?)


    (What?��(What? With engineering magic, about 5 minutes even if you do it slowly.)


    (With engineering magic, it takes about 5 minutes even if you do it slowly.


    ��Please take 15 minutes to fix it. Can you do it?)


    ��Yeah, no problem.)


    Then, Katya turns to the owner.


    "Well, I''d like to give you an estimate of the repair cost. May I?"


    "Yes, of course. I bought it second-hand from Lorenz and it cost me 19,900 dollars.


    I bought it secondhand from Lorenz, and it cost me 19,900 dollars. Mr. Jin, please fix it.


    "OK."


    Jin started the repair work.


    He adjusted the heat-generating parts, repaired the heat-conducting parts, and even improved the overall efficiency and reduced the oxidized metal parts (dioxygenation), finishing in 16 minutes.


    "Now it''s fixed. If you need anything else, please come to Jin''s workshop.


    Thus ended the first on-site repair service at Zinn.

 1511 - - 41-12 peddlers

    Jin''s workshop has been receiving repair requests one by one after hearing of his reputation.


    Repairing knives, farming tools, and magic tools.


    Most of the requests are for repairs because the materials are not available at the moment, so new products cannot be made.


    Even so, the average number of repair requests is two per day, so the company has been steadily accumulating funds.


    However, I had to borrow money when I built the workshop.


    The repairs are done with engineering magic and require almost no capital, but the debt is significant.


    In five days Jin had done thirteen repairs, earning a total of 20,000 TL, but..,


    "Still, at this rate, I don''t know when I''ll be able to pay off my debt.


    Jin said to himself.


    The total amount of his debts had reached about 250,000 dollars. In addition, he also owes money to Katya.


    Jin-san, uh, uh, maybe today or tomorrow, Mr. Lorenz, the peddler, will come.


    Katya spoke to Jin. She knows a lot more about management and accounting than Jin does, and can be relied on.


    I''m sure you can get some materials, and if you ask her, I''m sure she will bring more next time she comes.


    "I see."


    "Besides, if you have something to sell to Mr. Lorenz, we can get some foreign currency, or money from outside the village."


    For now, the money is only circulating within the village, and it is hard to say that it will make the village richer, said Katjea. When he talks like this, Cachier is very eloquent.


    "It is impossible to make money only in the small society of the village. ......"


    "That''s true, too. ......"


    Nevertheless, there is little that can be made because of the lack of materials.


    "Who is this Mr. Lorenz and what kind of goods does he deal with?"


    "Well, he is a merchant in a large town called Lawhon, about three days'' ride south from here.


    "Speaking of which, what is the capital of this country?��Oh, I don''t even know the name of the country.


    "Oh, you don''t even know the name of the country.��Is that where you are from?"


    As expected, this question seemed to have taken him aback a bit.


    Still, Katya explained the situation well.


    "This country is the Principality of Mercana. The capital is in the south, near the seaside.


    "Thank you for ......."


    After all this time, Jin regretted that he had not asked the important information earlier.


    The next day, after such a conversation, he asked me if I had heard anything about the "Maharigu".


    The next day after the conversation, Lorenz came to Tajee village.


    It was 8:00 in the morning. He opened his store in the multipurpose plaza to the south of the village.


    Remembering Roland''s visit to the village of Kaina, Jin also went there.


    "Wow!"


    I couldn''t help but let out such a voice as I saw the huge stalls spread out.


    Clothing, daily necessities, luxury goods.


    Foodstuffs, seasonings, preserved sweets.


    Tools.


    Tools, tools, and a small amount of various materials were laid out on folding tables.


    There were not one or two sellers, but five, and each seemed to have a different role to play, such as store keeper, treasurer, and so on.


    Jin thought that they probably came with several horse-drawn wagons.


    "Isn''t it amazing?"


    I turned around at the sound of his voice and saw Helga.


    "They call it peddling, but this is a caravan.


    Jin agreed.


    "By the way, who is this Lorenz?"


    Jin asked Helga, taking advantage of the opportunity.


    "Oh, Mr. Lorenz is talking to my father right now.


    Helga pointed to a simple but sturdy carriage in which they were meeting.


    It was the carriage that caught Jin''s attention.


    "A plate-spring suspension. ...... It''s quite well thought out."


    It is also called leaf-spring suspension, which consists of several plate springs of different lengths stacked on top of each other.


    Friction is generated when they bend, which also acts as a damper.


    This system is still in use in Japan today, and is used in trucks and other vehicles.


    There was something that caught Jin''s attention even more than that.


    It was a golem.


    Although it was called a horse-drawn carriage, it looked like a golem, not a horse that pulled the carriage.


    In other words, it should be called a cart, not a carriage.


    Golem is about 2 meters tall. In a word, it is a stout man. They look powerful.


    It was assumed that five of them would be towing a cart.


    "If the golem is going to tow the cart, the number of guards will be minimal.


    Jin was positive about the idea.


    "Hey, isn''t that a great golem?"


    "Yes, it''s always scary ......."


    Helga and Katya had arrived at Jin''s side.


    "They say they are ten or twenty times more powerful than humans."


    And another one, Isak.


    "Yeah. ......"


    Jin gave a vague nod.


    Actually, I think it''s a pretty good golem. But that''s all.


    "Is this a golem for hard labor?"


    So I let out a soliloquy like that.


    "What?"


    "For hard labor?"


    "How ...... do you know that, huh?"


    "Because the power source is distributed in a way that emphasizes power over speed, and the center of gravity is low, isn''t it?"


    The center of gravity is especially useful to distinguish such applications.


    The higher the center of gravity, the more emphasis is placed on movement, or speed, and the lower the center of gravity, the more it is suited for heavy work, such as carrying heavy objects.


    "How can you tell that just by looking at it? ......"


    "Who are djinn?"


    "......"


    As expected, Isak, Helga, and KaChea looked at me with dismay.


    * * * *


    "I see, an unidentified mage, huh?"


    "I don''t think he''s dangerous, though. I''ve been watching him for the past few days and he''s been doing some good for the village.


    "Hmm."


    "I asked Katya, who is helping him with his work, and she told me that he is not a dangerous man. He said that he didn''t seem to know the name of the country or its capital.


    "I see. If that''s true, ...... I really wonder where he came from.


    So, what do you want to do?


    I''ll meet him later and talk to him myself.


    "That would be best."

 1512 - - 41-13 Questions and Answers and the inside and outside of the story

    "Excuse me, are you Jin-san?��My name is Lorenz and I am the head of this merchant company.


    As Jin was looking around the stalls, it was Lorenz who approached him.


    "Oh, hello there. Yes, I''m Jin.


    "That''s great. May I have a moment of your time?


    Yeah, sure. Can I help you?


    No, I''ve heard that you are a very skilled magi engineer and I''d like to talk to you.


    With these words, Lorenz invited Jin into one of the carts.


    Inside the cart was a small living space with a table and chairs for business meetings.


    The man asked, "Would you like something to drink?��We have tea, juice, and wine.


    "Oh, tea, then."


    "Tea." "Yes, sir."


    Lorenz put the tea leaves in the pot and poured hot water.


    The nostalgic aroma tickled Jin''s nostrils.


    "...... green tea?"


    Lorenz looked at Jin''s face.


    "You know it well, don''t you? You seem to be very familiar with green tea, you can tell just by smelling it. Where are you from?��Are you from the south?


    "No, I don''t really know. ......"


    "Oh, well, the mayor told me about you. I heard that he was lying by the spring.


    As he places a cup of tea in front of Jin, Lorenz spins his words without hesitation.


    "So it seems. I don''t remember. I found myself in the village headman''s house.


    "Oh."


    Lorenz takes a sip of tea himself. Seeing this, Jin also took a cup of tea.


    "Ah, it''s delicious.


    The nostalgic taste and aroma of green tea. It must have been only 10 days since he last drank it, but it tasted very nostalgic to him.


    "That''s good. Let''s go to ...... and, well, let me get down to business."


    "Yes."


    "I''m a merchant, so I''m always on the lookout for products that will sell.


    Yes, I understand.


    Jin nodded.


    "And now, Mr. Jin. You say you don''t know where you came from. I think that means you have knowledge that is not available around here, don''t you?


    "I see."


    "So, to conclude, I was wondering if you could give me some information about something that could be sold. Of course, I will pay you for your ideas.


    This was not a great opportunity for Jin, but it was a good development for him.


    He would be able to earn money while gathering information about this world.


    Jin decided to ask, as he thought of it, if such things were being made.


    He was told that lighters, refrigerators, and thermal mugs are available.


    He also heard that water heaters and hot water heaters are also available, although they are high-end items.


    "Magi crystals are expensive because they are rarely found in this country. For this reason, magical tools made of magi crystals are also expensive.


    Lorenz explained to Jin.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Jin was a little worried.


    Then he decided to change the subject for the time being.


    "Then, you have a very impressive golem, don''t you?


    "Yes, yes..."


    "How is it that you can use a golem for heavy labor to pull a wagon ...... or even a cart?"


    "What ...... do you mean?"


    For a moment, Jin felt Lorenz''s face tense up, but he did not care and continued on.


    "No, I mean exactly what it means. If magi crystals are expensive and magic tools are expensive, then how much is a golem worth? I think it would require a national budget.


    "......"


    "Perhaps the golem is also used as a guard, but since you own not one but five golems, I thought you must have spent a lot of money on them."


    * * *


    Lorenz could not understand the young man in front of him, Jin.


    He knew green tea. That means that he is from a very high class family or has connections with someone in such a position.


    However, even he, who was known to have a good knowledge of people, had no idea who Jin was.


    Even if it was an alias, he had no recollection of such a person with whom he was talking face to face.


    With such an unusual appearance of dark eyes and black hair, even a glimpse of him should have remained in a corner of his memory.


    The more we talked, the more puzzled I became.


    I tried to make him think that it was a product that could be sold. I thought this would give me a glimpse of Jin''s knowledge.


    But what was the result?


    Words such as lighter, refrigerator, thermal mug, hot water heater, water heater, and so on.


    All of these things could only be made by a highly skilled <.


    And all the Magi Engineers in this country are controlled by the government. No, they are supposed to be.


    And yet, this Jin, who seems to be a Magi Engineer, is a freelance Magi Engineer. That''s impossible.


    And then, Jin drops another bomb.


    <


    Until then, Lorenz had explained that magic crystals (magi crystals) are very expensive and so are magic tools.


    Based on this, a man named Jin had figured out that the golem was worth a national budget.


    In other words, Jin, a magical engineer (magi engineer), has < knowledge about the golem.


    And his next words reveal that he is not only <>, but <>.


    He says that he can also act as an escort.


    A golem that can also serve as an escort is not a low-class golem that can only do the simple tasks that we tell it to do.


    In other words, it must be autonomous enough to act against an incoming foreign enemy with just a few words such as <> or <>, or it cannot be an escort.


    Who in the world is a freelance magical engineer (Magi Engineer)...... who knows so much, Lorenz''s vigilance grew even stronger.


    * * * *


    "......"


    Jin was puzzled. Not at the merchant Lorenz in front of him.


    It was more about the level of technology in this country rather than in this world .......


    So I decided to ask him the big question that came to my mind while we were talking.


    "By the way, Mr. Lorenz, what do you know about countries outside of this continent?"


    "What?��How did you know that?


    For some reason, Lorenz''s behavior became even more suspicious, which made Jin puzzled.


    "Mr. Lorenz, did you hear something bad?


    * * * * * *


    Lorenz was puzzled by Jin''s question about the Pandor continent.


    The question is incoherent.


    Or, more precisely, the of the question.


    One minute you are asking questions that even a child knows, and the next minute you are talking like a top-notch magi engineer.


    Even Lorenz, a man of a thousand men and women, could not understand the person of Jin.


    And the next words that came out of Lorenz''s mouth were so insane that even the man himself thought he was insane.


    "Mr. Jin, where do you come from?"

 1513 - - 41-14 Doubt

    "Is it ...... where you are from?"


    "Yes."


    What do you mean by that?"


    Jin was surprised that Lorenz, whom he thought of as a merchant, asked such a direct question.


    "No, your knowledge seems to be so varied that I was wondering if you were not originally from this country."


    "I see. ......"


    It is true that I understand that the questions I asked were at different levels.


    However, Jin could not decide if there would be any problem if he told the truth here.


    If Reiko or the old man were around, Jin was literally on his own now.


    If something beyond his control occurred, he would have no way to deal with it.


    Jin remembered the time when he was surrounded by the soldiers led by Count Walter in the village of Kaina.


    (What would have happened if Reiko had not been there at that time?)


    If he had been falsely accused, how long would it have taken to prove his innocence if he had been captured, and what would have been done to him in the meantime?


    Jin could not decide whether Lorenz, who was in front of him, was a person to whom he could confide honestly or not.


    Therefore, he decided to explain the facts in a somewhat blurred manner, although he would not tell a lie.


    "I think that I might have been involved in some kind of transition, some kind of accident. I don''t have a clear memory of it.


    Jin thinks that even if he is lying about not having a clear memory, he can make an excuse like <>, so he will be able to handle it.


    "Are you a transference system ......?"


    Lorenz looked surprised when he heard the word "transference".


    "All of the transfer magic circle or warp gates are supposed to be controlled by the state. In other words, Jin-san was in a position to obtain such permission, right?


    "Is that so?"


    Jin maintains his attitude of not knowing for sure.


    "If this country ...... is not from the Principality of Mercana, then it must be from the country on the other side of the river, <>. ......"


    Jin was disappointed inside. He had never heard of the Principality of Juggs.


    (A parallel world, after all. ......)


    Jin renewed his determination to establish a new base.


    * * * * * *


    More and more, Lorenz could not recognize the young man Jin.


    It is difficult to determine whether his vague memory is true or false.


    And even if it is a lie, we cannot unilaterally condemn it.


    It depends on what Jin said next.


    .


    Lorenz is told that this is a magical technology that was put to practical use several hundred years ago.


    Its benefits were great, revolutionizing logistics and the movement of people.


    On the other hand, since it could also be used for military purposes, it has a history of being controlled entirely by the state, as discussed among the nations at that time.


    It should not be possible to use the transference for personal use.


    Not because of the law, but because it is too advanced in terms of maintenance and technology.


    If it is true that he came to this village by means of this transfer, then Jin may be a person of global importance.


    It was beyond the level of Lorenz, a mere intelligence agent, to make such a judgment.


    Yes, Lorenz was not only a merchant, but also an intelligence agent who investigated and reported the situation in various places.


    * * * * * * * * *


    Anyway, even though they are on the opposite shore, they are more than 2,000 kilometers apart by sea. It is not easy to come and go.


    "That''s a long way. ...... Is there no way to fly there?"


    After he said this, Jin thought he had lost it, but it was too late. Once the words were out of his mouth, they could not be taken back.


    "Means of flight?��Are you talking about airships or balloons?��That''s the kind of thing that should only be owned by the state. ......"


    Lorenz''s eyes grew hard.


    "Is that so? ...... No, I''ve just heard of them."


    Jin had no choice but to deceive.


    "Even if that''s the case,...... I wonder who Jin-san really is."


    At any rate, the discussion between Lorenz and Jin had to end for the time being.


    They could not continue any longer due to time constraints.


    It was almost lunchtime, and the vendor had to report to Lorenz about the items sold and the sales.


    But..,


    "Would you like to have lunch with us?


    and he agreed to do so.


    "This is delicious."


    Jin is engrossed in eating the . White rice.


    <, would be pleased with this as well.


    "Hmmm, maybe Jin-san is not from this continent after all.


    "So ...... is it?"


    Jin replied vaguely to Lorenz''s line.


    "If you have a chance, you should visit Mahaliegh.


    "That''s the capital, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. The culture is ...... very different from that of a provincial village, if I may say so.


    I''m sure it is.


    Lorenz seemed to be thinking about it as he watched Jin pick up a piece of grilled dried fish.


    * * * *


    "Ah, Jin-san, how was the business meeting?"


    "What?"


    Ka-Chea asks Jin, who has returned to the workshop after lunch.


    "Well, ...... what have you been doing?"


    "Oh, ......."


    Jin explains that he ended up being asked about himself and many other things.


    "Hah ...... Jin-san is really not good for business."


    "That''s a shame."


    KaChea sighed and Jin scratched his head.


    "I''ll go back."


    As Jin was about to turn around, Katya stopped him.


    "Oh, no. There''s a repair order."


    "Oh, I see."


    The village headman says the pump at the east end of the village has broken down and he needs you to fix it.


    Okay. I''ll be right there."


    Jin has been contributing to Tajee village in his own way and is getting to know the villagers well.


    (I would like to set up a base in this village if possible, but I don''t know if ...... is possible.)


    On his way to repair the pump, Jin is thinking and worrying about many things.

 1514 - - 41-15 Golem Repair

    The day after the conversation with Lorenz, i.e. July 12.


    Jin thought that there was some kind of commotion in the square.


    Then Sergei, the mayor of the village, came in.


    "Jin, may I have a word with you?


    "Yes, yes. Can I help you?


    Sergei led Jin to the back of the workshop, out of sight, and asked him a question in a low voice.


    "Jin, can you repair that ...... golem?"


    Jin wondered for a moment how he should answer,


    "I won''t know until I see it. There are some malfunctions that can''t be repaired without materials.


    He answered in a safe way.


    "That''s right. As a matter of fact, one of the five golems that Mr. Lorenz has with him has gone bad.


    "Is that what you mean?"


    Jin thought that was the case in all probability. There was no other golem.


    Then, please do it right away.


    I''ll get right on it. ...... Katya, will you take care of the store?


    Yes, sir.


    After leaving the store to Katya, Jin and Sergei head for the plaza.


    "How are you, Jin? Have you gotten used to this village?


    Yes, thanks to you. It''s a nice village, isn''t it?


    I''m glad to hear you say so.


    While exchanging such words, the two arrived at the plaza.


    "Ah, Mr. Jin, thank you for coming!


    Laurenz came running up to them.


    "Did Sergey tell you what happened?"


    "Yes, he said something was wrong with the Golem.


    "Yes, he did. I have to go home tomorrow, but I can''t manage to load a carload at this rate ......."


    The merchant was pushing himself to load the goods, and if he couldn''t carry a cartload, he would lose a lot of money even if he came back later to pick it up.


    "Please!��Considering the loss, I don''t care if it costs a lot!"


    "Let''s just take a look."


    Jin decided to first diagnose the golem that was in bad shape.


    "Is this it? ......How about this<><>......I see..."


    An endoskeletal golem. A little like Adriana''s golem. Information such as ...... that it has an ether converter was revealed.


    "So you can tell?"


    "Yes, it does. ...... Mr. Lorenz, this golem has worn down every joint ...... especially the hip joint. It is on the verge of dislocation. No wonder he can''t exert his strength.


    "Oh, really?��So, can you repair it?


    "To do that, we need materials. Considering the skeleton of this golem, it is steel. Do you have any ...... steel material?"


    "Steel ......? No, not as a material. For products, there are machetes and iron pots.


    Jin thought for a moment and decided to use one of the machetes.


    "Well, I''ll take it apart first, Mr. Lorenz.


    "Uh, yes."


    Lorenz does as Jin instructed. A spare piece of cloth to display the goods is spread out on a flat surface. It is on the ground, but it does not matter because it is not a precision job.


    Then he makes the golem lie down,


    "<>"


    Lorenz chanted the key word and made it stop.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin finally started to disassemble the golem.


    Around this time, some villagers who were not busy came and started to watch Jin''s work from a distance.


    "Wow, that''s amazing," he said.


    "I didn''t know Jin could do this.


    "Wow, I didn''t know a golem could do this."


    And then Helga and ...... Katya, who was supposed to be tending to the store, arrived. Well, there''s nothing to steal.


    "Wow, that''s amazing!"


    Jin Jin is an amazing person, isn''t he?"


    Jin first disassembled the golem from the waist down.


    "It looks like Adriana''s lineage. ...... I guess we can come to the same conclusion when we try to make it behave like a human being."


    The golem was not much different from the golems Jin had known, although it had some uniqueness that was typical of this world.


    "What do you think?��Jin-san, do you think you can fix it?


    Lorenz looks worried.


    "Yes, this will be fine.


    Jin replied in an extraordinarily cheerful voice, as if to cheer her up.


    "Well, ...... muscles are not made of ...... biological materials, are they?"


    Jin removes the metallic magic muscle (magical muscle) at once.


    His deftness is fascinating to watch.


    "Yes, it''s quite impressive, isn''t it?"


    (I knew it! ...... where in the world did he come from?)


    Lorenz stares at Jin''s work, half wanting to have it repaired and half wanting to take this opportunity to gather information.


    "It''s still badly worn. ......"


    <, when he actually saw the joints, the degree of wear and tear on the joints was noticeable.


    "Look, look here. It''s in such a bad shape.


    Jin said to me,


    I see. Can you fix ...... this?"


    "That''s easy."


    Jin picked up the machete he had been offered,


    "<><><>>>"


    He used engineering magic in succession.


    "Na,na,na,na ......"


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah!"


    What the hell is that?


    All onlookers were astonished at the feat.


    The hip joint was repaired in five seconds.


    "Also, my knee joint was pretty rickety," he said.


    The knee joint had been strained by long hours of walking.


    Jin repaired that joint as well.


    "The other joints can be managed just by adjusting the gap.


    Jin then works on all the joints in his body.


    "That''s it.


    This takes about five minutes.


    Jin then attaches the Magical Muscle to the body as before, and assembles the exterior.


    He also cleans up the parts that are starting to rust and finishes the work.


    "It''s done. Please try to move it. ...... Mr. Lorenz?��Mr. Lorenz!"


    Jin called loudly to Lorenz, who froze and did not move.


    "......, ah, thank you very much.


    The golem began to move. From what Jin could see, the movement was smooth, a far cry from what it had been before the repairs.


    "Yes, it seems to be all right."


    Jin nodded his head in satisfaction.


    Jin was also satisfied to be able to experience the golem technology of this world.


    Lorenz, on the other hand, was even more wary of Jin, who had repaired the Golem so quickly.

 1515 - - 41-16 Prosperity

    "Thank you very much, Mr. Jin. You''ve been very helpful."


    Lorenz bowed deeply to Jin.


    "No, sir. I''m glad you could make it.


    So, how much do I owe you for the repairs?


    "Well, ......."


    Jin thought for a moment and then realized that Katya was coming.


    "Oh, Cachair, you''re in the right place. I wonder how much ...... this repair is going to cost?"


    "Yes,...... you''re asking me that?"


    I''m not sure how much it will cost me,


    "I''d say 20 to 40% of the cost of a new one," he replied.


    I replied with a general answer.


    "That is also true. Then I will give you 30 percent, or 60,000 dollars.


    Lorenz took out six gold coins.


    Jin, who had also understood the approximate value of the currency over the past few days, realized that one toll was about 10 yen. One tole was about ten yen, which was about the same as its value in Ars.


    This was one of the reasons why Jin guessed that this world was a parallel world.


    "They were used and disposed of, so I got five of them for one million dollars."


    Cach��a looked at him as if to say, "Isn''t that too cheap? >>Lorenz explained as if to add, "I see.


    "I see. So it was used. In that case, it would be better to have the other four serviced later.


    Hearing this, Lorenz thought for a moment,


    "Mr. Jin, can you help me?"


    He asked again, "Mr. Jin, can you do it for me?


    "Yes, that would be fine.


    Then, please take care of it!


    Considering the possibility of a breakdown on the way home, it was obvious that it would be desirable to repair and maintain the car on the spot.


    Jin gladly accepted the offer.


    The same procedure was repeated four times.


    All five golems were now running smoothly.


    "How about 50,000 dollars for each one, since they are not repaired but serviced?


    Katya is charging Lorenz.


    Lorenz accepted it with a smile.


    "Ha, you are a very clever young lady, aren''t you?


    He then offered her 200,000 dollars.


    With this income, Jin was unexpectedly able to clear his debt.


    "Well, that was fortuitous," said Jin in a good mood.


    Jin was in a good mood.


    "No, no, it was just a coincidence, but it was only because of Jin-san''s skill.


    He was able to pay Katya, who corrected him.


    "But still, Mr. Jin, the repair time is too short."


    Jin was warned by Chair.


    "It should have taken about 10 times as long to repair it."


    "Yes. ....... I''m sorry."


    Because it was a golem, Jin forgot himself.


    "But, well, I was able to sell the material at a reasonable price.


    Jin got a few bronze ingots and the rest of the machete he used to repair the joint.


    He also promised to find a few small magic crystals for me the next time he comes to the village.


    * * * * * *


    The villagers'' reactions to Jin''s skill were divided into two.


    "Amazing!


    "I didn''t know he could do that. I''m glad Jin came to this village."


    Some were honestly impressed,


    "It''s kind of scary..."


    "I wonder if magic can do anything?��...... maybe even bad things."


    and those who have an inexpressible fear.


    However, even though they were afraid, it was not a big problem because everyone was relieved when they learned of Jin''s good character.


    Jin''s life changed a little after that. The number of requests for repairs increased dramatically.


    Jin-san, we have nine requests today. All of them are for repairs.


    "Okay. I''ll have to be quick about it.


    I''m slowly building up my reserves.


    It seems that we are making progress toward the goal of establishing a base.


    The problem was Lorenz''s evaluation of Jin.


    * * * *


    "...... is undoubtedly a first-rate, top-notch magical engineer (Magi Engineer)."


    "It seems so."


    On the return carriage,...... or rather in the golem car, Lorenz was talking with his men.


    I have never known anyone who could do such a thing.


    "I wonder if they are from the next continent.


    "That''s very likely. I also doubt that he claims to have a hazy memory.


    Indeed. We haven''t been in contact with the neighboring continent for almost 200 years now, have we?"


    "That''s right. Yes. We''ve been in seclusion, if you will. It is said that they decided to go their own way about 200 years ago, not wanting to be interfered with by the other continent.


    "But looking at his skills, I''m not sure that''s really true. ......"


    "Don''t say it."


    Lorenz interrupts his subordinate.


    I was out of line.


    I''ve heard that the continent has seen its fair share of wars in the past. But considering that, I''d say our country is at peace.


    "That is true."


    The cart pulled by the golem moved forward, cart by cart.


    The cart went on and on.


    "You''re really good, Jin!"


    Helga visits Jin''s workshop every day.


    More than half of the time he spends chatting with his friend Ka-cea, but sometimes he also brings him work, so Jin can''t complain.


    "Today, I need you to maintain a large pump on the northern edge of the village.


    "Okay. I''ll do it right away.


    "Mr. Jin, when you are finished, please go to Mr. Neska''s house in the northern area. He says his hoe is broken and he''s in trouble.


    "Yes, sir."


    KaChea''s management was going well, and Jin was enjoying his days to the fullest.


    However, the storm was gradually approaching.

 1516 - - 41-17 Invitation

    A week after repairing Lorenz''s golem. Jin has been busy.


    His work consists mainly of repairing tools and magic tools.


    However, after working so hard, it seems that most of the items that need repairing are gone, and after one day, the number of requests has drastically decreased.


    Now we receive only one or two simple repair requests a day.


    "Mr. Jin, what are you doing at ......?


    "Yes, I''m making a golem.


    "You''re making a golem?


    "What?"


    "Oh, Helga!"


    Helga''s loud voice came out of nowhere, and Jin and Katya looked at her in surprise.


    "Hey, Jin, can you make a golem?


    "Well, if you ask me if I can or can''t make one, I can. But that''s impossible because we don''t have the materials right now.


    "What?��I told you that I''m making it right now. ......"


    I didn''t say that. I was just about to say that we''re getting ready to make a golem.


    It''s not the same thing.


    It''s very different.


    In the first place, since we can''t get the magi crystals to make the control core, we can''t make a golem in any way.


    Therefore, Jin was thinking of various new innovations in preparation for this.


    How to make a golem with only one control core, not <>, but <> golem?


    How can we make a golem that can control the movements of its limbs without using magical nerves?


    How to obtain speed, strength and accuracy of movement without using magical muscles?


    etc, etc, etc, etc.


    <.


    Therefore, in his spare time ......, or rather, since he has been having free time recently, Jin has been working on this problem.


    Since he had never considered a golem with such restrictions on materials, it was a good subject for him.


    "The Stone Golem ...... is out of the question."


    It can only do simple tasks, and even if it has power, it does not have speed.


    The crystal golem of Stearena is worth considering.


    The joints are softened by < to give it a smooth movement.


    "Still, I can''t do without at least a magic stone (magistone) ......."


    Even after asking Helga and Katya, they did not know how to obtain magi stones or magi crystals.


    "I should have asked Mr. Lorenz. ......"


    Jin feels that they may have been imported from somewhere.


    "I''ll ask him next time I see him. I''ll ask him next time I see him. ...... if I haven''t forgotten. And also about the currency."


    I was wondering where the currency is made in this world.


    "Is it because it''s the same design ...... parallel world as Ars, or ......?"


    Jin wondered, even though it was still three weeks away.


    * * * *


    However, the turning point came unexpectedly quickly.


    It was the 19th of July when the sun was shining brightly.


    "Jin, is that you?"


    A mature man visited Jin''s store. He had dark brown hair and blue-gray eyes. He was tanned and had a rugged appearance.


    He is flanked and flanked by four lightly armed soldiers.


    "Yes, sir, I''m Jin.


    "I see."


    The older man stared at Jin intently.


    "You mean ......?"


    "Oh, I''m sorry. My name is Jed Alamordo. I am the secretary of Paelova Sondvik, the regional administrator who manages this region.


    "And what ...... does this secretary have to say for herself?"


    "Well, ...... I don''t want to stand around and talk. Is there somewhere we can talk in peace?


    "Oh, please come in then."


    Jin invited the man who introduced himself as Jed Alamoldo into the store. Two of his guards stood guard outside the store while the other two followed him inside.


    "Mr. Jin?"


    Inside the store, Ka-cea was cleaning.


    "Oh, sorry, Katya. Could you leave me alone for a moment, please?


    "Yes, yes."


    Sensing the strange atmosphere of being followed by an escort, Katya walked out of the store with a broom and a dustpan.


    "I''m sorry."


    No, thank you. I''m ...... sorry I can''t offer you a drink."


    That''s okay. That''s fine. ...... Well, let''s get right to it.


    Jed Alamord spoke slowly.


    Lorenz, the peddler, tells me that you are a mage?


    "In a manner of speaking."


    "Yes. ...... so, in this country, mages are very valuable.


    huh?


    Paelovasama wants to keep the mages in such a remote place.


    huh?


    Jin, who had somehow gotten the drift of the conversation, replied vaguely.


    "I talked to the village chief before I came here.


    Jed cut him off,


    "I''m sorry, but could you please meet with the regional administrator? Then you can decide what to do."


    He bowed lightly.


    "Of course, I can assure you of your safety on the way and there.


    It seems that he was not going to take them away without asking them if they wanted to go. Jin was a little relieved.


    He couldn''t help but think back to the uproar in the village of Kaina.


    "Well, what is this place where the regional administrator is located?


    "Lawhon, about three days south of here by horse-drawn wagon. I''ve prepared a carriage for you.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin was a little worried. It would be difficult to gather any more information in this village. Nor would he be able to gather the materials needed for magical engineering.


    On the other hand, a remote place is better suited to establish a base than a busy place.


    In addition, he felt indebted to this village for the help he had received.


    Seeing Jin, Jed Alamoldo said to him


    "I want you to think about it for a day. I won''t force you to do anything.


    He left the store with his guards.


    "Hey, Jin, what are you going to do?"


    As Jin was thinking alone in the store, Helga came in with a lively voice.


    "I heard that, didn''t I?��What are you going to do?"


    He had heard it from his father Sergei. Jin thought that the village head was not so talkative, but he kept quiet about it.


    "Well, I''m still wondering."


    Helga looked surprised.


    "What?��Because this is your chance, isn''t it?��It might be a chance to fill in some of Jin''s fuzzy memories."

 1517 - - 41-18 Rapid Deployment

    "Memory ......? I remember that."


    Helga looked at Jin as if he was talking about something else.


    "What?��You forgot?"


    Jin was inwardly flustered. He had forgotten.


    "No, no, it''s not that, it''s just that I was so familiar with this village..."


    "Oh, that''s what I meant."


    Helga also recalled that Jin had recently been going around the village asking for repairs and had gotten to know the villagers well.


    "As the daughter of the village chief, I''m glad that you like the village, but I think it''s important for you to find yourself, or at least make yourself clear.


    Helga speaks to Jin with a serious face, as if admonishing him, though she might be offended if she says so.


    "I''d be most happy if you said you''d like to stay in this village.


    "Helga, you''re so cool!


    KaChea praised Helga.


    "Isn''t she?��The future wife of the village chief, right?"


    "...... yes."


    Jin wished he hadn''t had that last big rush, but he didn''t say anything about it.


    "Well, I''ll take the day to think it over."


    Jin replied ......, but his mind was already made up.


    He had to go to Lawhon and meet the lord before he could move forward.


    "Hey, what do you know about the Regional Administrator ......?


    At first, I was just gathering information.


    "Well, I don''t hear anything bad about him.


    "Well, yes. ...... Well, I''ve heard that you are over 40 years old and that you have two children. A son and a daughter, 19 and 16.


    "Thank you ......"


    Smiling at the difference in information between Helga and KaChea, Jin looked around the workshop.


    "It''s safe to say there''s nothing here yet. ......"


    A stranger would not think it was a workshop. Jin thought with a wry smile, "It won''t be much of a problem if I''m not here.


    "I''ve got a few repair orders coming in, and I''ve been ......"


    "...... Jin, does that mean you''re ready to go?"


    "It hasn''t been a day yet,......."


    Jin nodded.


    "Yeah, I was hoping to get some information and ......"


    "Of course."


    "But ......"


    Katya looked like she wanted to say something. She hesitated for a few moments and then opened her mouth.


    "The regional administrator ...... is a cousin or a second cousin of the king, and the king is ...... a cousin of the king.


    But he kept his mouth shut.


    "Are you sure?��What is it?"


    "I don''t ...... know!"


    Katya turns around. Jin wondered why, but then he noticed one of Jed Alamordo''s guards standing outside the store.


    But as soon as Jin turned around, the man turned around and walked away.


    Jin thought that the man did not have good eyesight.


    * * * * * *


    That night, Sergei, the mayor of the village, invited Jin to have dinner with him.


    It was the first home-cooked meal in a while, since Jin had been cooking for himself recently.


    After dinner, we talked about many things over a cup of wild plant tea, which is unique to this region.


    And then.


    "Jin-kun, what are you going to do about the invitation from the regional administrator?"


    Jin laughed inwardly.


    "Yes. Anyway, I''d like to get some information now, so I think I''ll go there.


    "I guess so. Well, you can do whatever you want. If you need anything or have any questions, don''t hesitate to ask.


    Sergei nodded, half regretfully, half understandably.


    "Thank you. Well, I still don''t know the geography very well, so I was wondering if you could help me with that."


    "Well, it''s only natural for a traveler. Wait a minute."


    Sergei got up from his seat and went to the back to bring a piece of paper.


    Jin noticed now that was widely used.


    He had been accustomed to using wooden paper when writing on Horai Island or in the Shoro Kingdom, so he had overlooked the fact that wooden paper was widespread in this world.


    "I know it''s hard to read because it''s handwritten."


    Sergei spread out a simplified map on the table.


    "This is the village of Taj. As you can see, we are at the end of the road. A little to the north is Lake Norigi, which is the source of the Norsina River."


    "Haha ......"


    Although hand-drawn, the map clearly showed the location of rivers, roads, villages and towns.


    "Along the Nosina River, a road has been built. The next village to the south is Fan. It will take you about a day or less.


    Jin guessed that it was about 30 kilometers.


    "From Fang, it''s another day to Novella and another day to Lawhong.


    From Novella, there are three roads: the westernmost road takes you to the village of Kosis, and the eastern road to the village of Lihot. Lawhon is on the middle road.


    The villages of Tazi, Fan, Novella, Kosis, Likhot, and Lawhon are in the middle of the road. And the villages of Lileaz and Sogyeong across the river. This is all under the jurisdiction of the local officials.


    "I see. I understand now."


    From the villages of Kosis and Lohfon, roads extended all the way to the capital city of Mahaliegh. The journey took about three days.


    "So from here to the capital is six days by horse-drawn carriage."


    Yes, that would be correct.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin thanked him. Now he understood the geography of the country quite well.


    If you want to know more about this country, you should go to Lawhon. ...... I''m sorry to say."


    "True. I wanted you to stay in this village for a long time, Jin-kun, but you can''t help it if you''ve been invited by the ...... regional administrator.


    Not only Sergei but also Meena looked disappointed.


    "Well, I guess you can''t make use of your talents in this small village, can you?"


    "No, I''m not going there all the time. ......


    But Sergei denied it.


    "What are you talking about? The regional administrator has invited me, that''s what I mean."


    "Oh, really?


    "Well, your case is unique, and to be honest, I don''t know what will happen.


    Sergei seems to have some knowledge of the situation because of his position as village head.


    Perhaps if he refused the invitation, the four men who were supposed to be his escort would take Jin into custody.


    Jin wondered if that was what the guards had meant when they had been staring at him during the day.


    "......"


    Jin could not do anything if he came out to the country. So he decided to assume for the time being that he could not come back.


    "I''m sorry, I''ve been indebted to you."


    Jin tried to bow, but Helga stopped him.


    "Don''t do that. I didn''t mean to help you. If ...... you feel that way, it would be nice if you came back once in a while."


    Jin stopped bowing and instead nodded broadly.


    "Yes,...... I would. I''m sure I will."


    Jin sighed inwardly, wondering how long it would be before he could have a base of operations.


    The sudden turn of events had thrown Jin''s schedule out of whack.

 1518 - - 41-19 Toward Low Phone

    "Jin-dono, I am sorry for your decision.


    The next day, when Jin went to Jed Alamordo and told him that he had decided to go to Lawhon, he looked relieved and then in a good mood.


    He was relieved, and then in a good mood. He imagined that he was happy that he did not have to go through any trouble to take Jin to Lawhong.


    "Then I want you to spend the day preparing, and I want to leave at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Is that all right?"


    "Yes."


    There was no turning back now.


    Jin was a little sad, because he had spent a little more than half a month in the village, and he was finally getting used to it.


    "So, this workshop will end today.


    "......It''s a pity, sir."


    "It can''t be helped..."


    Katya looked down sadly.


    And Helga, who has been showing up every day like a second employee.


    "If you need anything repaired, I''ll take it for the rest of the day.


    I understand.


    "But Jin has been fixing things for the past half month.


    Helga said, "It has made my life a lot easier.


    "Thanks to Jin," said Helga.


    "No, I''m the one who should be thanking you for saving my life.


    "But I think Jin can live on his own without your help..."


    What do you think I am?


    Jin is Jin, right?


    "......"


    I couldn''t go into it because I wasn''t wrong.


    Thank you for everything, Katya.


    "Thank you, too. I''ve earned a lot of money."


    "Oh, and tell Isak I said hi."


    Yes, of course.


    Isak had gone hunting across the river the day before yesterday. Once he goes out, he doesn''t come back for a week or so.


    Jin then made a round of the village. He checks the repaired pumps and night-lights.


    "Well, this should last for another 30 years or so without maintenance.


    Jin went around the village, satisfied with the workmanship.


    "Hey, Jin-kun, are you making rounds today?"


    "Yes, I went to check on the pump I fixed.


    "It''s working great. It doesn''t make a squeaking sound anymore.


    "That''s good to hear."


    After exchanging such conversation here and there, Jin returned to the workshop.


    He returned to the workshop, where Cachair and ...... Jed Alamoldo were waiting for him.


    "What is it?��Is something wrong?


    "Yes. I''ve asked Katya to go with me to Lawhon.


    "Oh, is that so?"


    Jin asked Katya, and Jed Alamold answered on his behalf.


    "I''ve talked to him a little, and he''s quite good at math and accounting and so on. I decided to take him to Lawhon for a good opportunity."


    "...... and that''s what I''m going to do. ......"


    With a slightly pale face, Katya nodded to Jin.


    * * * *


    At night, Jin was lost in thought.


    (......Elsa ......I wonder if the child has been born yet.........I hope it is safe...) .......No, I''m sure it''s all right, because my mother-in-law, Martha, Dr. Sally, and the old man are all here... ......)


    I can''t help thinking about it, but I can''t help thinking about it when I''m alone.


    (What I try not to think about, I am already thinking about. ......)


    (I''m already thinking about the things I''m trying not to think about. ) Still, during the daytime, I can forget about it by working on repairs, but at night, when everything is quiet around me, I can''t help but think about it.


    ��Tomorrow, I will leave for Lawhong. (I wonder if there are any clues in Lawhon.)


    While Jin was thinking about such things, he fell asleep.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, the clock in the multipurpose plaza of the village reads a little before 7:00 a.m. (Come to think of it, there is a clock like this.


    (Come to think of it, the presence of such a clock is a little different from that of Ars. ......)


    Jin secretly checked the clock and found that it tracks the movement of the and reflects it in the hour hand. Only the hour hand, though.


    (I guess they are following the slight gravity fluctuation. ...... Come to think of it, the moon in this world looks just like the moon in Ars (Uni).


    I have not noticed it since I don''t walk around at night, but the moon in this world looks just like the moon in Ars (Uny).


    (I guess it''s a very close parallel world. ...... No, no, no, you must not have strange preconceptions when you go to Lawhon in search of new information).


    "Jin, good morning,......, sir."


    I turned around at the sound of his voice and saw that it was Katya. I''m not sure what to do.


    "...... you have a big baggage."


    While Jin was carrying only his personal belongings, Katya was carrying a bag in each hand.


    "Girls have a lot of luggage!"


    Helga has also arrived. She is carrying a large bag in her hand.


    "What, Helga''s coming too?"


    but Helga laughed and shook her head.


    "Of course not. This is Ka-cea''s luggage. Here, take it for her."


    "Me?


    "You have your hands full!"


    ...... Okay, okay.


    Jin-san, I''m sorry ......


    Sorry, Mr. Jin," said Katya with a sorry look on her face.


    "No, I''m fine, but did you get Jed''s permission for the luggage?"


    "Yes, yesterday.


    "Yes, yesterday. ...... would be fine."


    The time was exactly seven o''clock. Jed Alamordo arrived. He was leading two carriages, himself and four guards on horseback.


    "Oh, you''re here. "Oh, you''re here. Jin-dono and Ka-CHEER take the front carriage. Put your baggage in the carriage behind.


    Yes, sir.


    The carriage seats four. So Jed, Jin, and Katya can ride in it. The carriage in the back was more like a spare carriage than a luggage carriage.


    But Jed seemed to be going on horseback. That means Jin and Katya in the carriage. Jin thought that he would not be bored if he had someone to talk to.


    As they finish loading the luggage, Sergey, the village headman, and his wife, Mina, arrive. Behind them were Katya''s parents and her aunt Sonya, a grocer.


    "Go on, Mr. Jin," they said.


    "Jin, I hope you find some clues.


    "Jin, it was a lot of fun. Chair, stay with me!


    Careful, chair!


    Jin, take care of her.


    "Thank you very much. Thank you for everything you''ve done for me.


    Bye, Dad. Bye, Mom. Bye, Helga.


    And so on. Jin and Katya said goodbye to those who were seeing them off.


    "Well, let''s go!"


    Jed Alamordo gave the signal, and the carriage began to move slowly.

 1519 - - 41-20 Mathematical discourse

    The carriage rattled along.


    This carriage, like Lorenz''s cart, was equipped with a plate-spring suspension system, and Jin was barely able to avoid getting carsick.


    The road was dirt mixed with gravel. However, there were no ruts, and the carriage was moving smoothly.


    Only Jin and Ka-cea were in the carriage. Jin decided to take this opportunity to ask Katya about various things.


    "I may ask you some crazy questions, ......."


    Jin prefaced his question with the words, "I may ask you some crazy questions, but I''m not sure... ." Cach��a nodded her head a little warily.


    "The moon is round, right?


    "What about ......?"


    Cachier looked at Jin with round eyes.


    "Have you ever seen a square moon, ......?"


    "What?��Oh, no, it''s okay if you haven''t ......."


    Jin realized that the moon here does not wax and wane.


    He had not been observing it every night, but it had remained round for the past half month.


    However, there might be a moon with a waxing and waning cycle of about one year, which led to this question.


    However, it was clear from Katya''s response that she had never seen such a moon.


    "Jin-san ......?"


    It seemed to be a question that made Katya question her own common sense, and she looked at Jin with a cold stare.


    "Umm...... moon (Yunyi) is <?"


    "...... is ah ......?��Moon (Uny) is Moon (Uny), right?��Is there any other way to call it?"


    His usual tone of voice has dropped and he is concentrating on his work.


    "Yes, there is. or ......."


    "What''s a satellite?"


    "......, that''s where it starts. ......."


    Jin had a vague feeling that his knowledge was low compared to the level of the tools.


    "That''s why I said you might hear some strange things."


    "......Yes, indeed, I did. Are you ...... having trouble remembering?"


    This time Jin looked at me with a little worried eyes. I felt a little ashamed of that, but I decided to continue with my question.


    "On a different topic, how do you learn to read, write, and calculate?


    "In my case, my ...... parents taught me to read and write. Calculation came naturally when I helped my aunt with her store.


    "By calculation, do you mean addition, subtraction, multiplication and division?"


    But even this question was not answered,


    "What else is there?"


    He replied, "What else is there?


    "Like squaring ......."


    "What''s that ......?"


    Katya looked a little interested, so Jin decided to explain it to her, since he was free anyway.


    "It''s a term used when you multiply two numbers by the same number, like two times two is two squared," she said.


    "Well, 3 times 3 is 3 squared, 10 times 10 is 1 square of 0?"


    "Yes, yes."


    "...... what does that mean?��Can''t I just multiply 3 by 3, or 10 by 10?"


    "Ummm ......."


    Jin was stumped.


    Not being a math teacher, Jin did not know how to explain such questions.


    Especially since there was no step-by-step explanation to begin with.


    "...... Let me digress for a moment, do you know what area is?"


    "You mean the size of land, right?


    "Well, it is not limited to land. ...... So, how do you find the area?"


    "In the case of a rectangle, it is the length multiplied by the width.


    "In that case, if the length and width are the same, you can use it."


    "I understand it somehow, but it doesn''t make sense to me."


    "I''m stumped. ......"


    On the topic of numbers, Katya gets very angry.


    Jin decided to attack with a different approach.


    "Well, how many sides of a square with an area of 2 square meters are long?"


    "Let''s see... ........."


    Katya was puzzled.


    "If one side is 1, the area is also 1,2 is 4.1.5 is 2.5. 25......1.4 would be 1.96. ......1.41 gives, uh, 1.988. 1.1.42 is ......2.01 64......"


    Jin was amazed at Katya''s math skills, but interrupted her.


    "Stop. You know that ...... addition and subtraction are pairs, right?"


    "Yes, yes. Multiplication and division are also pairs. ......In that way, there is something to be paired with squaring, isn''t there?"


    Katya shows her keen insight.


    "Exactly. It''s called ."


    "A square root, is it?"


    "Yes. Yes. It''s because square is another name for square.


    I see. ......The square root is useful for finding the length of a side from its area. So the square root is useful for finding the length of a side from its area.


    That''s what it means.


    "That''s interesting!��Jin-san, you know a lot of amazing things.


    "Not so much, I think. ......


    "I don''t think so," he said, "but I''m modest. ...... is there anything more?"


    It seemed that Katya had a strong interest in mathematical things, Jin decided. He imagines what would happen if he gave her a chance to learn mathematics properly.


    But there is nothing he can do now. So, Jin asked a question that came to his mind in the mathematical field.


    "Do you know how to find the area of a circle?"


    "A circle? ...... That''s a difficult question. The radius multiplied by the radius......oh, you can get the approximate area by multiplying the square of the radius by 3. ......Jin-san, do you know a more accurate way to get the area?"


    Jin laughed.


    "No, I don''t know if it''s accurate or not, but 3.14 or 3.14 instead of 3 would be more accurate. 159 would be more accurate."


    "3.14159. ...... How many digits are there really?"


    "Infinite, they say."


    Infinite?��How do you know it''s infinite?��If you are calculating it, ...... even if it goes on to 10,000 digits, you might be done with it at the eleventh ten thousand digit."


    I knew that Katya had a good mind for mathematics, Jin thought to himself.


    "I''m not an expert, so I can''t explain it that well. By the way, that value is called pi.


    "Pi, you say? ......"


    Katya looked impressed.


    "You''re a wonder, Jin-san. He knows things that everyone else knows, or knows things that no one else knows."


    "Is it a memory confusion after all?"


    "I don''t know. I don''t know.


    Then she looked at Jin again with sparkling eyes,


    "Please tell me more!"


    He said, "Please tell me more!


    Jin smiled inwardly at the reversal of his position as a listener, and after thinking for a while about what to talk about, he decided to talk about the <>.


    It could also be called <>, but I don''t think the name <> is well known in this world, so I decided to go with <>.


    "It''s called <>."


    "The theorem of three squares?"


    "Yes. Well, do you know what a right angle is?"


    Yes, you mean 90 degrees, right?


    Jin knows that in his former world, Ars, the metric system and other units of measure came into use in the past when Shuki Tsezi spread the use of mathematics on Earth.


    I wonder if something similar happened in this world in the past?��I wondered in a corner of my mind.


    However, outside the carriage, one of the guards was listening to this conversation.

 1520 - - 41-21 仁の考察

    "When you know the lengths of two sides of a triangle, don''t you ever wish you knew the length of the remaining side?"


    <, Jin decided to start by explaining its usage.


    He felt that Cachier would prefer a more practical theory.


    "No ...... I don''t have one. ......"


    Since he was told that there was none, Jin decided to give an example that he knew.


    For example, when you make a roof, you know the height and width or depth of the roof. What do you do when you need to find the length of a diagonal girder?"


    "I don''t build houses, but I understand your analogy. It would certainly be useful to be able to calculate the lengths of the diagonal sides."


    "Right?��The theorem of 3-square is a theorem that holds for right triangles and says that the square of the length of the oblique side is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the two remaining sides.


    The equation is a^2 + b^2 = c^2.


    This is a theorem that students learn in junior high school.


    "...... Oh, so that''s when comes in handy?"


    "That''s what I mean."


    After that, Jin explained that the square root also has a sequence of numbers after the decimal point, and that it is difficult to calculate them one by one, so he referred to <>.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin-dono, Katya. Let''s have lunch soon.


    The carriage stopped. A voice called out from outside.


    "Oh, it''s lunchtime already?"


    Jin and Chair got off the carriage. They were on a large grassy plain, overlooking a vast plain below. There was a large river running through it.


    "That''s the Nosina River, isn''t it?"


    "That''s ......, isn''t it?"


    When Katya got off the carriage, she was back to her usual self.


    Lunch was a loaf of bread soaked in a meat broth.


    "Are you accustomed to eating ...... Jin-dono?"


    Jed Alamold asked as Jin ate in silence.


    "No, it''s not like that.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    The lunch was served half on purpose. It''s the kind of thing that a wealthy person would never eat.


    Although the dried bread would soften if soaked in the soup, the soup is lightly seasoned and lacks umami.


    Jin, however, ate his share of the soup with a seemingly unconcerned look on his face.


    (I don''t know more and more)


    The report of Lorenz, the information from Sergei, and the image of Jin that I had seen with my own eyes were not quite the same.


    (If he was a mage, he must have lived a reasonably wealthy life. ) From what I heard from my subordinates, he was well educated. In other words, he was not likely to be an upstart. And yet he acts like a commoner. I don''t understand.)


    I don''t know.


    The wagons started moving again, and we arrived at Fan Village, our next stop, at 3:00 p.m., which was relatively close.


    This was partly because the road was gently descending.


    "So this is Fan Village."


    "......I''ve been here before."


    Jin''s impression was that it was not much different from Tazie Village. The same was true for Katya,


    "I like Tazy Village better," she said.


    I like Taj village better.


    We stayed at the chief''s house. The villager''s house was a large detached house built for this kind of situation.


    Jin and Katya were each assigned a private room.


    The sun is still high.


    We arrived at 3:00 p.m., and it had only been half an hour. Jin was about to go for a walk,


    "Jin-dono, may I have a word?


    Jed Alamold appeared.


    "Yes, is there something wrong?


    "No, nothing. No, nothing else. We have a broken pump here in Fan Village. If you don''t mind, I was wondering if you could repair it for me. Yes, of course I will pay for the repair. ...... Well, how about 1,000 dollars?"


    "Yes, sure."


    Hitoshi readily agreed.


    "Okay, then."


    When he and Jed went outside, an older man was waiting for them. He was Rasnikov, the village head.


    His hair was white, and if you looked closely, you could see that his waist was beginning to curve a little.


    He said, "Thank you for your hospitality.


    He greeted Jin and Jed and led them away.


    "It''s this way."


    A little further into the village was a pump of the same type as the one in Tajee.


    "Oh, I can fix this in no time.


    However, as far as repairing the pump was concerned, Ka-cea had already nailed me for a long time, so I took my time to repair the pump.


    It took him about 20 minutes to complete the repair.


    "It''s done!


    After confirming that water comes out properly, he reports that it''s done.


    "Oh, oh, thank you very much!


    After receiving a thousand dollars from Jed Alamordo, who thanked him profusely, Jin told the chief that he would take a walk around the village and return home.


    "Then it would be better to have someone to guide you," he said.


    "Then I will."


    The village head came forward.


    Jin frowned a little, but said nothing and gave a small nod.


    "That''s the communal washing area," he said.


    "Do you use soap?"


    "No, no, we can''t afford such expensive stuff, so we use sapo nuts.


    He showed me the sapo nut, which looked very similar to the rita nut used in the village of Kaina. Jin thought that they might be closely related plants.


    "That''s the public bathhouse, isn''t it?


    "Is there a hot spring?


    What is a hot spring?��What is a hot spring? The water is pumped.


    This is the storage room.


    A snow cellar.


    You know it well. The snow that falls during the winter is stored here and remains until the fall. That''s where we store the perishable foodstuffs.


    * * * *


    Jin thinks in his room at the inn.


    The level of culture is about the same as that of Ars where Jin used to be. However, the magic tools are expensive.


    He wonders what to think about this.


    (Are there no engineers or have they disappeared?).


    And what is the reason for their absence?


    (What is the reason for their absence?). Why are magical crystals so expensive? I wonder if we can go to ...... Lawhon to find out).


    He must return to the world where Erza is waiting for him.


    But Jin is still in the middle of the maze.


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 1521 - - 41-22 Commonality and differences

    The next day we left at 7:30 in the morning. We had a lunch of bread and soup on the way and arrived at the village of Novella in the evening without incident.


    This was the first time for Katjea to come this far.


    "This place is not so different from ...... Tazie village, is it?


    "Not at all. I guess a village is not so different, is it?


    Jin agreed with Ka-cea''s impression.


    The atmosphere of the buildings is similar. Apart from fruit trees, the crops in the fields were the same: wheat, barley, topopo, beans, and leafy vegetables.


    (It would be nice to have a little more local color, but ...... well, let''s not pry).


    Jin felt that his many questions would be answered once he arrived at Lawhon, so he decided not to think about them any further.


    Instead, he enjoyed the hot springs in the village of Novella.


    "Ah, hot springs are so nice, aren''t they?


    According to Jin''s analysis, the water in the hot spring was simple, but it was different from a simple bath in terms of mood.


    The bathtub was wide enough to stretch out your arms and legs because of the free-flowing water, Jin thought.


    Incidentally, they do not call it a "hot spring," but simply recognize it as "hot water from a well.


    This is the reason why the word "hot spring" was not understood by Rasnikov, the mayor of Juan village.


    Here in Novella Village, no requests for repairs were made, and Jin spent his time at leisure.


    This gave him a lot of time to think, and it was not surprising that he felt nostalgic.


    "......Lohon will finally be here tomorrow. Hopefully we''ll find some clues or something that will make things better."


    If we could get at least one magic crystal, we could make a <>, Jin thinks.


    Even if the quality is bad, he can improve it by <>.


    Anyway, tomorrow ......"


    * * * *


    On July 23, Jin and his team departed for Lawhong.


    "Finally,...... we are in Lawhong. I wonder what kind of place ...... it will be."


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    In the carriage, Jin and Ka-CHEER engage in a kind of mathematical discussion.


    On this day, the main topic was doubling the area.


    "It''s not about attaching another object of the same size, but about doubling the size of a square or a circle.


    "...... So we can use square roots and squares for this too!"


    "That''s right."


    Jin then decided to ask something that had been bothering him.


    "By the way, do you know the size of that paper that Katya bought for me before?"


    "Yes, it is 21 centimeters by 29.7 centimeters.


    "Yes, it''s A4. ......"


    The standard was established by Shuki Tsetsi based on his knowledge of modern Japan. In this respect, too, we found similarities with the former Ars.


    Incidentally, A5, A4, and A3...... are similar in shape (aspect ratio is constant), but the area doubles. The area of A5, A4, A3, and A3 is doubled.


    So, by cutting an A4 sheet of paper in half, you get two A5 sheets of paper.


    "Yes. This is very well done, isn''t it?"


    Like this, Jin and the others proceeded in the carriage, passing the time well.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    At 2:00 p.m., Jin and the others were approaching Lawhon.


    "By the way, we didn''t encounter any demons or dangerous animals, did we?


    "What?��What do you mean by demons?


    "What?"


    I heard that there are no dangerous animals called "demons" on this continent.


    (Is that one of the reasons why the golem''s muscles are not made of living material?)


    Jin learned an unexpected fact.


    And then the town of Lawhon came into view.


    "Haha ......"


    The surrounding area is dotted with wheat fields and farmers'' houses, a landscape that is aptly described as idyllic.


    What caught Jin''s eyes more than that was the horizon line that could be seen faintly in the distance.


    Yes, the town of Lawhon is close to the sea.


    Jin thought that grilled fish might be served there.


    It is not a fortified town, but a quiet town.


    There is a fence, but it is only to avoid vermin.


    (Are there any bandits or brigands?)


    Jin thought, but for some reason he was hesitant to say anything about it, so he kept his mouth shut.


    And then the wagon goes into town.


    There was Jed Alamoldo going by horseback, so it was a face-pass.


    "Wow. ......"


    Curious, Jin looks out the window of the carriage.


    The town of Lawhon was neat and orderly.


    As in the village of Tazy, there was the residence of the local administrator in the center, from which radial roads extended in all directions, connected by concentric ring roads.


    The residents are heading toward the center from the radial road on the north side.


    The roads were not paved with cobblestones, but with gravel macadam pavement.


    "Here and here: ......"


    Jin, who finds similarities here and there, reminisces about the old days.


    The carriage was passing a stone, three-story building. It was the residence of the regional administrator.


    The carriage stopped at the square in front of the mansion.


    "Mister Jin, Katya, get off!


    Jed Alamordo called out to them and they hurried to get out of the carriage.


    A cobblestone square. In front of the carriage, there is a large gate that looks like an entrance.


    Jed Alamordo urged Jin and Ka-cea to go to the gate.


    A man of mature age stands in front of the gate, flanked by guards.


    He is nearly two meters tall. He is quite thin and not very intimidating.


    He has brown hair and eyes of the same color, narrowed and slightly slanted, somewhat reminiscent of a fox.


    "My lord, I brought the mage Jin-sama. And her name is Katya, and she has a talent for calculation.


    "Thank you, Jed. Welcome to ......, Master Jin. I am Paelova Sondovik, the regional administrator for the area north of the town of Lawhon. I welcome all talents, Katya."


    Jin Nidor''s polite manner was a little surprising to him, but he decided to greet her politely in his own way, using his skills as a member of society.


    My name is Jin Nido. <. My memory is a little confused, so please forgive me if I am rude at times.


    My name is Ka-CHEER. I know I''m not very good at this, but please accept my best regards.


    Katya greeted him with a stutter.


    Paelov�� S��ndov��k, the regional administrator, nodded her head in an exultant tone of voice.


    "Well, don''t just stand there talking, come in.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin and Katya were invited into the mansion.


    Jin followed Paelov�� S��ndorv��k ahead, a little nervous.

 1522 - - 41-23 The Truth to Be Revealed

    Jin and the others were shown into a reception room.


    Across a large table sat Paelova Sondovik. Jed Alamold sat next to her. Behind them stood four of Paelove''s guards.


    Jin and Ka?ea sit on the opposite side. Behind them stood four of Jed''s guards.


    "Let me introduce myself again. I am Paelova Sondovik, the regional administrator in charge of the northern region from here in Lawhon.


    I am Magecraftsman Jin.


    "My name is Ka-ka-cea, and I''m Ka-ka-cea..."


    Ka-CHEER is very nervous.


    "Don''t be so nervous," Paelova said.


    Paelova said to her.


    Soon a glass of cold juice was placed on the table.


    "Thank you for coming such a long way. Drink it."


    Saying this, Paelove took a sip herself first. Then Jed.


    Jin and Katya also took a sip.


    "It''s cold ......!"


    It is relatively cool in this area, but it is still summer, and a cold drink tastes good on the palate.


    "Is it chilled in the refrigerator?"


    Jin asked, and Paelova looked surprised.


    "What?��Jin-dono knows what a refrigerator is?


    Jin thought, "Oh, shoot," but once the words left his mouth, he could not take them back.


    "Yes, I do.


    He had no choice but to answer honestly.


    "Umm...... that you know about the existence of a rare (...) magical tool like a refrigerator. ......"


    Paelova Sondovik looked at me with a difficult face, but she seemed to change her mind immediately,


    "Let''s talk about it after dinner.


    She turned her smile to Katya and said, "We can talk about that after dinner.


    "Katya, this town ...... is in need of a good man, and this country is in need of a good man. I hear you have a flair for math. ......Well, let''s not hide it now, Lorenz has been gathering such information under my direction."


    Jin understood that he was not an intelligence agent, but he was gathering information from all over the place.


    He also guessed that it was probably because of Paelova''s support that he was able to possess such a golem.


    A peddler is a good way to get information about the economic situation and other things wherever he goes.


    "No, no, I''m not ......."


    Cach��a was modest, but he said, "No, no,


    "No, Cach��a, you have a great talent for mathematics. You should be proud of it.


    Jin interrupted him from the side, causing him to turn red and look down.


    "Oh, mathematics?��That''s interesting. That raises my expectations even higher.


    "Yes, yes. ......"


    Ka-cea replied in a fading voice and glared at Hitoshi with a reproachful sideways glance.


    "Well, we''ll talk about that after dinner. I know ...... a little bit about you guys. I''ll have him show you to your room.


    After a short chat, Jin and Katya were shown to their rooms.


    Jin was assigned a room of about 8 tatami mats with a bedroom of about 4.5 tatami mats, which was a duplex room.


    The room was on the second floor and had a good view from the window. It seemed to face south, and in the distance he could see the glow of the ocean, which was reddening in the setting sun.


    Jin gazed at the glow of the sea at dusk, thinking of his two hometowns, Earth and Ars.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    As Jin had expected, grilled fish was served for dinner.


    "Is this ...... a halibut?"


    Jin asked, looking at the large, flat fish.


    You know it well, don''t you? Yes, it''s a halibut caught off the coast."


    "It''s delicious, with a good amount of salt."


    "I''m glad to hear it."


    Dinner here is not a formal affair, but a friendly one with conversation. This is the reason why Jin was so light-spoken.


    Jin said, "I see that you like fish. Have you ever eaten ...... this before?


    "What?"


    Paelov�� Sondov��k said with a mischievous look on his face. He motions and what comes out is .......


    "...... sashimi?"


    It was Halibut sashimi. A small plate with a brownish liquid that looked like soy sauce was placed next to it.


    "May I have some?"


    "Of course."


    "......, I''ll take it."


    Chopsticks were also provided, so Jin did not hesitate to bring the sashimi to his mouth.


    "......!"


    It was a nostalgic taste.


    Jin ate the five slices of sashimi served to him in no time.


    "I''m glad you liked it."


    Paelova''s eyes seemed to light up for a moment as she said this.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    After dinner, Jin had a meeting with Paelova Sondovik alone.


    Jin, Paelove, and one butler and one lady-in-waiting are present in the room.


    A cup of green tea was placed in front of Jin.


    "Now, Jin-dono, is it true that we don''t know exactly who you are or where you come from?"


    "...... Yes."


    After a slight hesitation, Jin answered in the affirmative.


    "Well, let''s assume that''s the case."


    Paelova smiled thinly and took a sip of tea herself.


    "A mage. Transference accident. Green tea. Sashimi. Magickal tools. These are the key words."


    huh?


    You''re probably not from this continent. So you''re not from the Principality of Mercana.


    "Yes, I guess you are ......."


    Jin affirmed somewhat vaguely.


    "How much do you know about this continent?"


    "I know almost nothing."


    "I see. I will tell you at ...... to the extent that it will not be to our disadvantage.


    "Thank you. What is ...... disadvantageous ......?


    Well, listen to me.


    Yes.


    Then Paelove Sondovik began to speak slowly.


    The Principality of Mercana is the only country on the continent of Pandor.


    I knew it, Jin thought. He had a feeling that this was the case. Helga had also mentioned when he first heard about it.


    He did not say Tazy village in the Principality of Mercana.


    "As for the history, we became independent 320 years ago. That''s why we use the continental calendar now."


    "I see."


    Finally, I met someone who could answer my questions.


    Jin listened attentively, trying not to miss a single word.

 1523 - - 41-24 New Speculation

    "His Majesty Mikhailinov Hangazone of Mercana, the King of Mercana, rules over the Principality of Mercana."


    Yes.


    Our country was formerly a colony of the Duchy of Jagus on the continent of Laurent.


    Is that so? By the way, do you know the name of any other country on the Laurentian continent besides the Duchy of Jagus?


    There are countries called the Duchy of Norway and the Duchy of Dalat. There is another kingdom beyond the mountains to the east, but I don''t know that much about it. May I continue with ......?"


    "Yes. Yes. I''m sorry for interrupting.


    "Don''t worry about it. If you have any questions, just let me know.


    Thank you very much.


    "......We became independent from the Duchy of Jagus in the year 231 of the continental calendar. The year after that, we began to <."


    Jin raised his hand.


    "Yes?"


    "Do you know what year is used on the ...... Laurentian continent over there?"


    Paelova Sondovik thinks for a moment before answering.


    Paelov�� Sondov��k thinks for a moment and then answers, "I think they use the continental calendar too. So our continental calendar is actually the Pandorian continental calendar, abbreviated as PC.


    "So, what year is it in the other continental calendar?"


    "Well, I''m sorry, I don''t remember exactly, but it should be about 3900 this year. I''m sorry, I don''t remember exactly, but it would have been about 3,900 this year.


    "I see, but it was helpful.


    Assuming 3900 years, it has been 441 years since Jin''s arrival in 3459. 441 years have passed since 3459, the year Jin was born.


    It would not be surprising if a new country has been established.


    (Maybe it is the same world and we just came to the future.)


    Jin has a glimmer of hope.


    However, there was one thing that bothered him.


    "Well, if the country is closed off, isn''t information from outside of the country restricted?"


    "That''s right."


    "So, the fact that you are telling it to me is ......."


    Paelova Sondovik chuckled.


    "I will certify you as a and eventually take you to King''s Landing."


    "......"


    I knew it, Jin thought.


    (Now he''s completely taken in. ......)


    There was no way for Jin to escape now. He thinks it would be better to follow him quietly for the time being.


    And I will get more information if I do so.


    "So, you cannot go back to Tajee Village anymore. No hard feelings. There are not enough mages in our country. The best mages must be managed by the state or the foundation of the nation will be shaken.


    "...... understand."


    On the surface, Jin nodded his head in agreement.


    Paelov�� Sondov��k sat back in her chair.


    "Well, that''s the way it is. If there''s anything you want to know, I''ll answer."


    * * *


    After finishing his discussion with Paelove, Jin returned to his room and was left alone to reflect on the events of the day.


    Of course, he had been thinking about everything that had happened since the day he had woken up in the village of Tazy.


    "Even though I didn''t have any information, I guess I was a little too conspicuous, wasn''t I?"


    I think we went too far in repairing the village.


    "But I think ......"


    There are people in need, tools that are broken. And I can fix it.


    I can''t just stand by and do nothing in such a situation.


    Well, as Kachair has told me many times, I have overdone it in terms of working hours, but...


    "And then there''s Lorenz. ......"


    There was something fishy about that. But...


    "Well, I guess I got a little carried away with the golem."


    But it did give us an idea of the current level of technology and materials.


    "And then there''s Jed Alamordo.


    What if he had refused at that point?


    "He would have probably forced me to go with him.


    Then, the current situation where we are being welcomed amicably is not the best, but it is not the worst. In fact, it is better.


    We have gained some useful information, Jin thought to himself.


    "But I didn''t know that this continent is poor in magical resources. ......


    This was the information he had just obtained.


    Magi crystals and even magi stones are scarce.


    No wonder the magic tools are so expensive."


    The magical tool of the bathtub in the village of Tajee is said to have been used since the pioneer days.


    Now that the country is closed to the outside world, they will probably never be available again.


    "Lorenz''s golem was also disposed of. I wonder if it is more of an investment in advance as an informant than a ......."


    Now that we know more about the historical background and the situation of the country, we can see some things.


    "If there are few mages, does that mean that the Principality of Jagus is a country that came out of Mitsuho and Huso?"


    Paelova did not know that either, so she would have to go to the capital to get the answer.


    "The continent of Pandor was also the continent that was called the continent of Pandor on the Laurentian side, wasn''t it?"


    Either the name has changed over the years, or they have changed it a bit in their own way.


    "In any case, the possibility that this is the future of Arus, where we used to be, has increased.


    In that case, there is something to be concerned about.


    "According to my memory, the continent closer to the Pandor continent is not the Laurent continent but the Rasil continent. ...... I wonder why they colonized this continent."


    First of all, it is possible that they colonized the Rasil continent as well.


    The other possibility is that the Rasil continent is not suitable for colonization because of its lack of resources or dangerous wild beasts.


    "......" Either way, that''s not the problem.


    This is another question for later, since it is not something that can be figured out by thinking.


    The most interesting thing, that is.


    "......What about Horai Island?"


    This is the most important question.


    If the old man is still alive and well, Jin, the creator of this site, thinks that the old man may detect Jin''s magic power and approach him in some way.


    However, he has not heard from the old man for more than 20 days since his arrival here. Jin is forced to wonder what this means.


    "Is it malfunctioning or stopped for some reason?"


    Jin does not want to think about it, and it is hard to imagine.


    It is hard to believe that Horaijima, which has been carefully built, would break down.


    "If so, why on earth? ......"


    The most likely scenario is <.


    It is not needed any more, so it stops functioning and lies dormant until the day when it is needed again.


    "I guess that''s possible," says the old man.


    But then there is Elsa and the Jin family. And probably Jin''s children and his children''s children.


    What does it mean to be no longer needed?


    "That''s exactly what I''m trying to figure out. ...... Then maybe our next goal is not to build a base, but to go to Horai Island. ...... No."


    If this is the continent of Pandor like I thought, there should be a warp gate if we go to Mitsuho, Jin reconsidered.


    "In any case, we must find a way to cross the sea.


    At last, Jin had a concrete goal in mind.

 1524 - - 41-25 Certification

    The next day, at breakfast, Jin was served by a lady-in-waiting and left alone, since Katya was in a separate room.


    After that, Jin had a meeting with Paelove Sondovik again.


    Then Jin had a meeting with Paelove Sondvik again.


    Jin decided to cooperate as much as he could on the surface, and once he gained their trust, he would find a way to cross the sea.


    "Not so fast," he said. Well, first of all, let''s have you stay in this house for a while.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin was not so discouraged because he knew that he would not be trusted so much.


    "Oh, by the way, how is Katya?"


    "Oh, that girl. I believe the person in charge has been interviewing her since this morning."


    * * * *


    How many is the sum of one through ten?


    Fifty-five.


    That''s fast.


    Yes, that''s about right.


    Katya had switched to math mode.


    "Well, then, please add from 1 to 100."


    "That''s 5050."


    What?


    The person in charge was astonished when Cach��a instantly came up with the answer.


    "No, you didn''t do it by heart, did you?��Did you know?"


    He changed the question.


    "I did the math. 1 + 2 + 3 + ...... + 98 + 9 + 100 and vice versa. 9 + 100 and vice versa 100 + 99 + 98 98......+3+2+1, written in opposite directions, and adding the top and bottom, we get 101 + 101 + ...... + 1 01. That is 10100. If we halve it, we get 5050. Therefore, we have "


    "I see."


    The person in charge of the project was astonished.


    In fact, this method of calculation is a famous episode from the boyhood of the mathematical genius Gauss.


    It was one of the stories related to arithmetic and mathematics that Mr. Gauss had heard from Jin during the carriage ride.


    "So, let me change the question. Do you know anything interesting about numbers and calculations?


    To this, Katya immediately responded.


    "Well, ......, think of a number you like.


    "What?"


    "Well, just try to think of it."


    Yes, .......


    Now, add three to that number.


    Yes.


    Multiply that number by two.


    Yes.


    Add 4 to that number.


    Yes.


    Divide that number by two.


    Yes.


    Subtract the first number that comes to mind from that number.


    "Yes."


    Here, Katya pauses for a moment,


    "You got 5, didn''t you?"


    He said, "Yes.


    "Yes, how do you know?


    Again the person in charge was astonished.


    This was another number game that I had heard while talking with Jin in the carriage. In fact, the answer to any number is 5.


    When you add 3 to the original number and double it, you have added 6. If you add 4 to it and divide by 2, you have added 5.


    It is only natural that subtracting the original number yields 5.


    "No, no, I am surprised. Mr. Katya, you have a great talent for working with numbers!


    The person in charge praised him with open arms.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    At lunchtime, Jin and Katya met each other.


    "How was it?"


    "How was ......?"


    I''m kinda, like, certified.


    I''m also ......


    That''s great.


    I''m happy for you. ......


    We congratulated each other on being recognized by the regional administrator, whether we wanted it or not.


    "But I won''t be able to go back to my village for a while. ......


    "Yeah, that''s right. I guess I don''t have a choice in a way, but what about Katya?��Isn''t she half involved in this?"


    This is immediately denied by Katya. His attitude switches.


    "That''s not true. I have four brothers and four sisters in my family, so sooner or later I had to become independent."


    "I didn''t know that ......."


    "I didn''t know that." "Well, because three of my brothers and four of my sisters are already independent.


    In other words, only the heirs of the family, the elder brother and Katya, remain in the family home.


    One brother and sister who left home have a family in Taji village, but the other six are not in Hwang village, but in the villages of Lileaz, Sogyeong, and Lihot across the river.


    "I''ve said goodbye to my parents and aunt for now," he said.


    "How ...... resilient you are!"


    Yes, thank you.


    As for Jin, he was saved by Katya''s attitude. Although he had been introduced by Helga and her colleagues, he felt that he might have been involved because he had hired her as an employee.


    "For the time being, I''m going to help with the accounting here, and depending on what I can do, I may even be able to go to King''s Landing," he said. It''s ...... a big promotion."


    "I see."


    What about you, Jin-san?


    I don''t know if I can go to King''s Landing yet. I guess we''ll see how things go here for the time being.


    At this point, Katya, after confirming that no one was listening, said in a low voice: "You know, I''m not sure if we can go to King''s Landing.


    "Well, ......, this may be unnecessary, Jin-san, but I think you should use your magic with at least a tenth of the degree of restraint you think you''re using yourself. I think it would be better to use magic with about one-tenth the amount of effort you think you''re putting into it."


    "I see. ....... I''ll be careful.


    I''ll be careful.


    But Jin''s chance to make his mark soon came.


    "Jin-dono, I want to show you something.


    On the evening of the same day, Paelova Sondovik herself approached Jin.


    "What is it?"


    Jin followed her as she led the way. He walked out into the courtyard. It was large, about the size of four tennis courts.


    In a corner of the courtyard, there was a thing.


    "This is it.


    "This is ......."


    What was there was a car.

 1525 - - 41-26 Automotive Repair

    "It''s an automobile ......, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, you know what this is, don''t you, Jin-dono?"


    Paelov�� S��ndorv��k looked half in surprise and half in anticipation.


    "Yes. It''s a car powered by a Golem engine, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Jin is going to push the <> of the car for the time being.


    "Does it work?"


    Some of the parts have rust on them, and they look quite old.


    "No, unfortunately it doesn''t work. If you can fix it, would you fix it?"


    Jin answered immediately.


    "I''ll try. But I may need some materials.


    "Well, of course. Can you make a list of them for me?��I''ll order them all at once.


    "Yes, sir."


    The weather was fine and it was not going to rain, so Jin decided to go to the courtyard to check.


    "Hmm, the tires are made of rubber and there is no tube. The rubber is deteriorating. ...... Well, it''s not impossible to run.


    First, the suspension. The tires, made of natural rubber, had deteriorated over time.


    "The suspension is a ...... plate spring. It''s a little rusty. ......<>>"


    The steel parts were rusty, but only a little, so I remove the rust on the spot.


    "The body is ...... oh, it''s light silver. There are no distortions, and I like it just the way it is."


    Jin gets under the body and continues checking. It is dark, so he lights a ball of light.


    The courtyard is grassy, and the car is high enough that he can easily get under the car.


    "......The structure looks vaguely familiar here and there. ......"


    The ladder frame is a ladder-shaped frame (chassis).


    "Unlike a monocoque, it''s easy to maintain. ...... but it''s dirtier inside."


    Jin checks the car while muttering to himself.


    The steering is fine. However, it seemed to be a little out of oil.


    "Okay, the suspension and chassis checks are done. ......


    As Jin crawled out from under the car, he saw someone''s foot there and his head hit it.


    "What ......?"


    "Oh?��Kyaaaaaah!"


    The owner of the foot fell on his butt on the grass.


    "Ka-cha-cha?"


    "Jin, Jin-san?��What are you doing ......?"


    She was lucky that her underwear was not visible because of her long skirt.


    "Why are you here, Katya?"


    "I was looking around the house after today''s lecture. Then I saw something interesting in the courtyard, so I went out and found Jin-san at ......."


    "Oh, I didn''t know that. ...... This is a car, it''s a car that works in the same way as the golem."


    "Is it a carriage ...... that moves without horses?"


    "Well, yes. It''s not a carriage because it doesn''t have a horse. That''s what they want me to fix."


    "So is it ...... going to work?"


    "Now all we have to do is check the engine, which is the most important part."


    The outside had been checked from the underside.


    "...... and it''s dark. Here''s another <."


    "It''s brighter ...... now, isn''t it? That''s very convenient, magic ......."


    Since she had used it several times at the workshop in Tajee Village, a ball of light was no longer enough to surprise Katya.


    The light ball was no longer surprising to Cach��a.


    But those who were watching from the side were not so sure.


    "What is that magic?


    "Sir, you are speaking too loudly!"


    Paelova, who had been watching Jin''s work from afar, was rebuked by Jed Alamordo, his confidant.


    "Uh-huh, I''m sorry. But ......"


    "Yes, I''m sorry. I''ve been traveling with you in the carriage for three days now.


    "Yes, I have heard of him, but I did not expect such a thing. ......"


    They continued to observe Jin''s work.


    Jin and the girl are close?


    "I don''t know. She was an employee of the workshop and was in charge of accounting.


    "Hmm."


    Paelov�� Sondov��k thought for a moment.


    "If your memory is hazy and you believe that you were sent here from another continent, then you must not have any family members, right?


    I think you''re right, sir.


    Then that girl is one of the few family members we have. I don''t know if she can be of any use, but she could at least be a check.


    huh?


    "Then let her meet with Jin freely. I''m sure you''ll be able to use him later on.


    I understand.


    I''ll do it.


    The engine works fine. It''s pretty good."


    Jin closed the hood and wiped the sweat from his forehead.


    "So it works ......?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Yeah, the wire from the gas pedal to the engine was broken, so I connected it. It was easy because there was plenty of length to spare."


    Jin was disappointed to find that the problem was simpler than he had expected.


    ��The body of the car was slender compared to the precision of the engine. (The body was slender compared to the precision of the engine, and there was no differential ......, so maybe the engine was custom-made.)


    While I was thinking about that, I was approached by Katya.


    "Mr. Jin, it''s about to ...... dusk. I think it''s almost time for dinner ......."


    "Oh, yes. Anyway, I have to report that the work is finished.


    Just then Paelova Sondovik and Jed Alamold arrived with her.


    "How are you doing, Mr. Jin?"


    "Oh, uh, ...... sir, we''ve made some repairs. The tires are deteriorating, but I think they will be okay for a while.


    He has already applied the "toughness" treatment to the tires.


    "Oh, I see!��Can you try running ...... for a little while?"


    "Yes, sure. Yes, sure.


    Since it was a test run, Jin got into the car alone.


    "I''ll start it up."


    He pulled the start lever in place of the magic key word, and the Golem engine woke up, and a small light appeared on the console panel.


    "Here we go."


    Jin slowly steps on the accelerator pedal.


    The Golem engine''s torque characteristics are similar to that of a motor, so there is no need for a clutch or transmission.


    "Oh, it''s moving!


    "It''s running."


    Jin showed the car running slowly at a speed of about 10 kilometers per hour.


    It was getting dark, so he turned on the headlights to test the car. During the test, he also checked the brakes and confirmed that there was no problem.


    The car went around the courtyard and came back and stopped in front of Paelova and the others.


    "That''s all.


    Jin got out of the car and bade them farewell.


    "Well done."


    Paelov�� Sondov��k greeted Jin with a small clap.

 1526 - - 41-27 Golem Repair

    That night Paelove Sondovik was in a good mood.


    The car, which had been in his garage for a long time, was now working.


    "No, Mister Gin, you are more than first class!


    He opened about three bottles of wine and smiled with a red face.


    "Actually, I still have some useless magic tools. I would like you to repair them for me."


    "Yes, with pleasure."


    This was his true intention.


    Repairing them will reveal the quality of the materials, and from that we can get information about the current level and the maker.


    If we are successful, we may be able to obtain the Magi Crystal.


    Before that, it suited Jin''s character to repair and use the materials that were still usable.


    Jin hoped to find out what kind of magic tools were available, and if he could get something that could be used.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin Nido is useful, isn''t he?


    "Yes, sir."


    After Jin took Jed back to his room, Paelova and Jed were discussing.


    "Should we take this opportunity to let him train?"


    "I don''t know about that. I''m not sure he''s a good teacher.


    Jed looked at him with reluctance.


    "...... It''s true, <> is not very cooperative."


    Paelova said, thinking of the face of the mage she was managing.


    "I think we should give him a day or two more to see how he reacts."


    "Yes. Tomorrow I''ll have the golem repaired."


    * * * *


    "......This is ......"


    The next day, Jin was taken to a warehouse.


    The next day, Jin was taken to a warehouse where a dozen or so Golems were lying on the floor.


    More than a dozen Golems were lined up, lying on their sides or leaning against the walls.


    "Check it out, and if you can get one or two of them to move, I''d be happy to help. Good luck."


    Jed Alamordo, the guide, saw the frown on Jin''s face and patted him on the shoulder to encourage him.


    The reason for Jin''s frown was not because the demands were too demanding or impossible.


    It was simply because he felt indescribable when he saw the golem that had been used up without any maintenance.


    "......, but it might be a chance, depending on how you think about it."


    Jin began to examine the golem with some hope that he might be able to get some used Magi crystals.


    "Hmmm, should I really just use it and throw it away when it stops working?"


    First, Jin tried to sort the golem into different categories, but gave up because it was too heavy.


    "I''d love to have an assistant. ......"


    Jin thinks about his beloved daughter, Reiko, who is not next to him at the moment.


    "I can''t help it if she''s not here," he said. I''ll have to temporarily maintain the best one ...... and use him as my assistant."


    Jin selected the one in the best condition out of the 15 golems and began emergency repairs.


    "First of all, we need to get rid of the rattling in the joints," he said. ......<>"


    Jin works quickly.


    "Connect the broken magic nerve line. <<>"


    The most advanced golem can move with just this, but Jin takes one more step.


    "<>," and "


    Jin lightly toughens the body. This will slightly increase the strength of the muscles.


    "Let''s also play with the control core: ......<<......<...... that''s it. >"


    Hi, Master. Douzo gomeireiwo!


    Golem is on the move.


    "All right, now, I want you to get those Golems on the floor. I''ll tell you the order."


    "Okay.


    "...... that one''s on the far right. That one is the third one,...... and that one should be the sixth one."


    Jin has them sorted in order of degree of success. 9 out of the 15 cannot be repaired without the materials.


    The golems that could not be repaired without materials were as follows: <<>.


    "We''ll have to get the materials or gather several of them together to make one body."


    Jin decided that the rest could be repaired somehow.


    Since one of the Golems was now working, that meant that five Golems could be repaired.


    Jin had the repaired golem assist him as he proceeded with the repairs.


    This time, with the advice of Kachea, we took our time and went slowly.


    Therefore, by the time of lunchtime, we were able to repair only three bodies, including the one that was temporarily repaired.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    At lunch, not only Jed Aramold, but also Paelova Sondovik, the regional administrator, showed up.


    "What do you think, Mr. Jin? Do you think you can fix it?"


    Paelova asked with interest.


    "Well, no matter how much you think you can do it, Jin-dono, you must tell me clearly that you can''t do it.


    Jed also showed his concern for Jin by saying that.


    "Well, ...... I took a quick look at them, and there are nine that can''t be repaired without materials. Conversely, six of them can be repaired in a hurry.


    "Oh, really?"


    Paelova stopped eating her lunch and leaned forward, apparently not expecting this answer.


    "You mean that six of them will be able to move?


    "Yes. I know this may sound like an after-the-fact agreement, but one of them is actually undergoing emergency repairs and is being used as an assistant."


    "What the ......?


    Paelova is so startled that she drops the spoon from her hand.


    I''m sorry. I couldn''t carry the golem by myself for a moment.


    Jin explained the situation and apologized again.


    "No, no, I don''t want to question you about that.


    Paelova dismissed Jin''s apology.


    "...... You already got one of them to move!��That''s great!"


    "Oh, no, not one, but three."


    "What?"


    It took Paelova a few seconds to understand what Jin had just said.


    "You fixed three of them?"


    "Yes.


    "And when you say fixed, you mean they work now?


    Yes.


    "......"


    "Yes, yes, they work, yes? Can I go take a look at it afterwards?"


    Yes, of course.


    Paelov�� Sondov��k ate the rest of her lunch in a good mood.


    She rushed Jin and Jed Alamold to the golem warehouse, without stopping for an after-lunch break.

 1527 - - 41-28 Golem Repair 2

    "Oh?��Oh, oh, oh!"


    Paelova was half thrilled and half surprised to see the warehouse with 12 golems lying on the floor and 3 golems standing upright.


    "We don''t have the materials to repair them, so they are only at the level of emergency repairs. ......


    Jin''s explanation seemed to fall on deaf ears.


    "This is amazing!��......Lord Jin, the golem here is one of the most powerful golems ...... in our country, or so I''ve been told."


    Indeed, Jin feels that there is a big difference from the one Lorenz has with him.


    The golems here are all of near-human proportions.


    Moreover, the internal structure of the golem is very different from the one Lorenz has with him.


    It was a structure in the vein of Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    "I never thought I would see this golem move again with my own eyes. ......!��Thank you, Jin!"


    Jin, however, is still unsatisfied.


    "We can make emergency repairs to three of them, but the remaining nine cannot be repaired due to lack of materials. If it is possible, could you please order the materials?


    "Oh, oh, yes!��Yes, I will make arrangements as soon as I can get them.


    "Well then, here you go."


    Jin handed Paelova the list of materials he had prepared in the morning.


    He did not give it to her at lunch because he thought it would be more effective to give it to her after she had seen the repaired golem. It was an unusually fine play.


    Magi crystal (high quality) 8 pieces


    500 grams of mithril silver


    10 grams of adamantite


    3 kilograms of iron (steel)


    10 kilograms of bronze


    200 grams of nickel


    100 grams of chrome


    These are the materials Jin picked up for repairs.


    Paelova looked them over and groaned.


    "Well, there are some things we can''t get right away. Adamantite and magi crystals will take time. I''m not sure if I can get them, especially since all the good quality magi crystals are kept in King''s Landing.


    "That is fine. In that case, we will just wait until we can get them.


    In that case, we''ll just wait until we get it." "And the mithril. ...... hmmm, I think I can manage to get about 100 grams of it.


    If so, I''ll take what I can get. I will repair it accordingly.


    Hearing Jin''s explanation, Paelova nodded.


    "Okay. I''ll make the arrangements right away. ...... and what is nickel and chrome?"


    Paelova did not seem to know what nickel and chrome were.


    "It is a kind of metal. When you mix it with iron, it becomes a rust-resistant alloy."


    Jin decided to take this opportunity to make the skeleton stainless steel.


    "Hmmm, I see. ...... Anyway, I''ll make the arrangements right away."


    "Yes, please."


    Paelova hurried back.


    Jin began emergency repairs on the remaining three.


    "Jin-san, are you going to repair the golem this time ......?"


    Katya comes in to replace him.


    "Hey. Are you sure you want to come to ...... here?"


    Katya nodded.


    "Yes. The lectures are only ...... in the morning, and in the afternoon you can do whatever you want.


    "Then you don''t have to come here."


    But Katya shook her head.


    "No, ....... I''m not very good at walking around by myself. ...... I''ll have to get used to the house first. ......


    "So that''s how it is."


    So far, the only familiar face is Jin. So, in her free time, Katya feels more at home here.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter. I don''t think it''s interesting to watch.


    "No, no, it''s ...... not."


    "No, no, it''s not.��Well, I hope you like it.


    "Yes. I''ll just sit here and watch, ...... don''t worry about it."


    "Okay."


    And Jin went back to work.


    The fourth body was repaired.


    "This one is a bit of a pain in the ass.


    When he removed the exterior, he found that the lumbar vertebrae were broken.


    "It looks like it was originally very thin."


    Although the golem is of Adriana''s lineage, it seems to be a mass-produced golem. Either there was some kind of mistake, and there was not enough material for the lumbar part, or it was misshapen. In any case, the defect seems to have been overlooked.


    "For the time being, we should connect them and ......<><>...... strengthen them.


    Jin quickly proceeds with the repairs.


    "<>. ...... now 4 of them are done."


    Repairing the fifth one.


    "This one is easy."


    According to Jin''s assessment, the magic nerve line is severed and some of the magical muscles are torn.


    "<>......<><>...... nerves are good. Now let''s get to the muscles......"


    "...... amazing."


    Katya doesn''t know the first thing about engineering magic, but she does know that what Jin is doing is very advanced and not something that just anyone can do.


    He was using magic as if he was breathing and repairing the golem, which was nothing short of amazing, thought Cachier.


    "Now, what about the sixth one? ...... Oh, I see. ......."


    The sixth one had a broken link board in its chest armor, and the magi crystals that had been placed there had been removed, rendering them useless.


    "The exterior is also dented, and it must have taken a hard blow to the ...... chest."


    Jin, who tried to imagine such a thing, since the armor, which is made of bronze, is heavily dented.


    "That''s what happens when you don''t put in a buffer."


    Jin proceeds with the repairs, muttering to himself, forgetting that Ka-cea is present.


    "<>. ...... this magic crystal (magi crystal) is an ...... ether converter? Then here it is. This one is a mana driver, so here. ...... Okay,<>"


    After fixing the link board, Jin continued to reconnect the broken nerve wires and applied <>.


    He then adjusted the rattling of the joints and fixed the dents on the exterior by <> to finish.


    "That''s it. ......<>"


    "......Wow."


    The sight of six golems, each measuring two meters in height and resembling a knight in full armor, standing side by side in a row is quite spectacular.


    KaChea couldn''t help but let out a voice.


    "That''s it for today!


    The other nine remnants were all broken and could not be repaired without materials.


    Jin clapped his hands and turned to Katya.


    "Your advice has been helpful, Katya," he said.


    "Advice?"


    "Advice?" "Yeah. I''ve been working very slowly on this golem.


    "What? ......"


    Katya was astonished. Even to the untrained eye, it seemed that he had repaired it at a ridiculously fast pace, but now he seemed to be an inhabitant of a distant world who said he had done it slowly.

 1528 - - 41-29 The Wizards

    Since there was still time before dinner, Jin decided to continue repairing the remaining nine pieces that could be done without materials.


    Ka-CHEER looked at Jin who started repairing again even after saying <>, and thought that he must like this kind of work.


    "Well, if I just repair the magical muscle, it will save me a lot of trouble when it comes time for the real repair.


    Jin works on the repair work while talking to himself.


    (I wonder if Jin-san had a small family. ......?)


    As one would expect from a member of a large family, Ka-Chea. She seems to have realized that Jin, who talks to himself a lot, was not blessed with a family.


    "Here we go," he said. ...... Oh, Katya, do you know what time it is?"


    "Uh, uh, ......."


    Katya is a bit nervous when Jin suddenly asks her. There is no clock in the warehouse, so there is no way for Chair to know what Jin doesn''t know.


    "It''s almost 5:00 p.m., isn''t it?"


    Jed Alamordo entered the warehouse.


    "Mister Jin, take the rest of the day off. ...... I just placed an order for materials with the Lorenz Trading Company, so if they have them in stock, they should arrive tomorrow morning.


    "Thank you, sir."


    "Thank you very much. I repeat, take the rest of the day off.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin bade Jed farewell and left the warehouse. Jed closed the door of the warehouse, locked it, and returned to the house. As he did so, he also called out to Katya.


    "How are you doing?��Have you gotten used to it?"


    "Ah, yes. Thanks to ......, a little.


    Katya answered in her usual timid manner.


    "I wonder, after the training, how about assisting Mr. Jin for the time being?


    "Assist him, sir?


    Yes. From what I''ve seen, Jin-dono seems to be the type who gets carried away and runs away. If someone doesn''t manage his time, he''s likely to stay up all night and push himself too hard.


    In a short time, Jed Alamold had gained a good understanding of Jin''s personality.


    "Well, that''s true, that may be so,......."


    "Besides, it would be easier for Katya to be with Jin-dono, wouldn''t it?"


    "Ah, yes.


    "After you get used to the house, I''d like to assign you other jobs as well."


    Yes. Thank you very much.


    Katya bows her head to Jed Alamordo''s concern.


    * * * *


    "......God, it''s a nice bath."


    Jin was taking a bath.


    There are two large baths and three small ones in this pavilion.


    There is no rule as to which bath is for whom, and anyone can take the bath of their choice. Usually, however, only one of the large baths is filled with hot water.


    Jin is bathing in the smaller bath.


    This bathtub is only enough to fill the bathtub with three people, but one person can stretch his/her arms and legs in it.


    However, when I am relaxing by myself like this, I am reminded of Erza and the others.


    I know that worrying about them will not solve the problem, but I can''t help thinking about them.


    (For now, I''ll just keep my feet on the ground ...... and find a way to get home.)


    Then, I force myself to change my mind, Jin.


    (...... magic crystals that could be used instead of ...... magic circle, or ....... But will it work that way?)


    I have been thinking about it since I was in Tazy village. If this works, it might help us to return home.


    It is the idea of a golem or a magical tool that does not use magecrystals.


    As there is such a thing as a transfer magic circle, a magic circle can store magic and release it at will.


    (But there is one big problem.)


    (But there is one big problem.) It is the slow activation time.


    The magic circle is mostly circular. The reason is that the magic power is circulated through the circle many times in order to amplify the small amount of activation magic.


    With each circle, magic power is generated from the free magic element (ether) existing in the space, and the circulating magic power becomes stronger.


    (But it is this circulation that creates time loss.)


    The magic circle that appears with magic is fundamentally different from the magic circle that appears when magic is used.


    The magic circle that appears with magic is, so to speak, a phantom of <> projected into .


    Since magic is the invocation of the < recorded in the world, the magic circle that appears when magic is exercised is the illusion of the < projected into <.


    Let''s take a break from this.


    Even if the activation of magic using a magic circle is slow, it is only a few seconds. It is usually within 3 seconds, but it is fatally too slow to be applied to golem''s operation.


    (The process with the Magi Crystal can be done in a few nanoseconds or less.


    "...... is going up?"


    Jin realized just as he was about to get overtired if he soaked in the bath any longer.


    * * * * * *


    That night, Jin, Paelova, and Jed sat around the table for dinner.


    "Well, Jin-dono. You are indeed beyond my expectations.


    Paelova was in a good mood.


    "I didn''t expect you to fix six of them. I''m very happy about that.


    A very happy Paelova told us that half of the golems in the warehouse were from the time of the founding of the country.


    "There were some conflicts in order to gain independence. Golem soldiers played an active role in those times."


    I could not get a detailed explanation, but it seems that most of the battles were fought by golem soldiers at that time in order to minimize human casualties.


    Jin asked silently if it was possible to use them in such a way.


    "There are twice or even three times as many golems lying motionless in the capital. What a waste!"


    Paelova''s eyes lit up.


    "We can get the stuck golems off the street and have them repaired by Jin-dono ......."


    "Oh, that''s a good idea, sir."


    Jed Alamord agreed.


    "Speaking of which, how are you going to manage the golem?"


    Jin asked what he had wondered about earlier.


    "The golems in the royal capital are managed by the high king, and those in this region are managed by me."


    Paelova answered.


    In response, Jin said what he had been thinking.


    "......, would you allow me to gather several golems that have stopped moving and make one of them move?"


    "What?��Can you do that?


    The response was as expected.


    "Yes, I can. As a rough estimate, three out of the nine pieces are badly damaged, so we will have to use a lot of materials to repair them. However, I think we can finish a decent golem by combining the available parts of each one.


    "Hmmm, I didn''t know there was such a way ......, but I didn''t know it was possible."


    Paelova was astonished,


    "Can you fix the golem that way, Jin-dono?"


    Jed asked a question that was new to Jin.


    "Yes, I can. "I can do it, if I have the materials.


    Jin affirmed, since it was nothing to hide.


    "Well, it was a good decision to invite Mr. Jin to ......."


    "We are very lucky."


    Paelova and Jed nodded their heads in agreement.


    In a country where mages are scarce, it is not possible to repair even a single magical tool.


    Jin remembered his previous visit to Miyako, the capital of Mitsuho.

 1529 - - 41-30 Golem Repair 3

    The next morning, Jin received word that the materials had arrived.


    "What, it''s only 8:00 a.m.?


    Lorenz must have been in a great hurry.


    Jin thought that Paelova must have been impatient rather than ...... because of the request from the regional administrator, but he did not say it.


    He went with Jed Alamoldo to the side entrance, which corresponded to the kitchen door, to pick up the materials.


    "This is Mr. Alamold. And Mr. Jin."


    Lorenz bowed.


    "Jin-dono, congratulations on your national certification. I look forward to working with you in the future.


    "Oh, that''s very kind of you."


    Lorenz, how much material did you have?


    Yes. Here is the delivery note. It would be quicker if I told you what we didn''t have from the inventory you gave us at ......."


    "Yes. ...... Jin-dono, please look it over.


    "Yes. ...... haha, you''ve got a pretty good lineup.


    Jin looked through them,


    4 Magi Crystals (high quality) (4 missing)


    300 grams of mithril silver (200 grams missing)


    Adamantite: None (10 grams missing)


    Iron (steel) 3 kilograms (6 500 gram ingots)


    Bronze 10 kg (20 500 g ingots)


    Nickel 200g


    Chromium 100 grams


    The following is a list of the items that were used in the study.


    "We can manage without adamantite, and we can manage with the magi crystals and mithril silver since Nicoichi gave us permission last night."


    Jed Alamold nodded.


    "Mm. ...... So, Nicoichi, that is, you combine a few of them into one, right?"


    "Uh, yes.


    "Ah, yes. Lorenz, you''ve done a great job on such short notice. So, what''s the estimated delivery schedule for the missing pieces?"


    Yes. ....... Magi crystals will not be available unless you go to King''s Landing. The same goes for adamantite. Mithril silver can be purchased by regular mail, but if you go to King''s Landing, I think it would be quicker to purchase it at the same time.


    Jed nodded his head in satisfaction.


    "Okay. I''ll let Ms. Paelova know. I will sign the invoice and send it to the accountant."


    With the repair materials now in hand, Jin''s repairs proceeded.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Now, what should we do?


    Jin came to the Golem warehouse and started to think with his arms crossed to decide the procedure.


    This is because Jin wants to take this opportunity to do something about his own personal assistant Golem.


    Not a high-performance one like Reiko''s, but just enough to be a real < for the time being, he thinks.


    "I''ll talk to her at lunch."


    Jin guessed that Paelova would probably have lunch with him to find out how the repairs were progressing.


    At that time, he wondered if he could get permission to make a golem for himself, using the three that could not be repaired in any way.


    "I guess I''ll have to make progress on this one."


    By emphasizing the beauty of a well-maintained golem, he hoped to make people think that emergency repairs were not necessary. That''s what Jin thought.


    "Okay."


    Once the decision was made, there was no more hesitation. Jin immediately set to work on the repair.


    "Now that I have mithril silver, I can repair the magical muscle.


    Since the magical muscle is made of metallic material, it is easier to repair than biological material.


    "Make up for the low content of mithril silver," he said. <"


    Even a difference of 0.1 percent makes a difference in performance.


    "There we go. We can now repair the thin part of the nerve wire.


    Jin repairs the six bodies one after another.


    So far, he had consumed 70 grams of mithril silver.


    "Since we couldn''t get adamantite, we''ll have to use to deal with the joints.


    The effect of <> can be boosted by adding mithril silver to the <> material.


    After repairing the six magical nerve wires and magical muscles, the individual defects are dealt with.


    "Uh, this guy is ...... oh, right. He doesn''t have enough skeletal structure."


    The golem with a broken lumbar vertebrae is repaired with steel, nickel and chrome.


    "That''s it," he said. The next one is ...... the one with the cracked link board."


    The golem with a broken link board was repaired using bronze because the exterior was more damaged than the interior.


    The link board itself was restored by Jin''s engineering magic.


    Thus, the six pieces that had been repaired in the emergency are now almost as good as new.


    Jin then sets about the next task without a break.


    "Of the remaining nine, I think I''ll fix the one with the damaged skeleton first," he says.


    Two of the skeletons were broken and distorted.


    If there was a broken part, it could have been connected, but for some reason, I could not find it and could not fix it.


    "<>...... I knew it was a 13-chromium type."


    The skeleton was a type of stainless steel containing 13% chromium and no nickel.


    "<>......<><>...... that''s it. Finish with <>"


    A little toughening and durability is added.


    "Seven more to go. Three of them are eliminated. ......"


    Then.


    "Jin-dono, what do you think ...... about this?


    Jed Alamordo came to check on them and was amazed to see eight golems looking as good as new.


    "We were able to repair them so far because we were able to order the materials. These eight golems are almost as good as new.


    "Mmm, this is amazing. ......"


    Jed''s face was flushed and he looked at the golems excitedly.


    "Oh, yes. It''s a little early for lunch, but Mr. Paelova would like to have lunch with us.


    Jin exclaimed inwardly with pleasure as the situation was turning out just as he had expected.


    "Yes, I will join you.


    "Yes, I will join you.


    "Yes, well, eight of them are as good as new!��I''m so glad we called up Mr. Jin!


    Paelova exclaimed excitedly, "And the damage is done!


    "So, the three that are badly damaged, what do you think about taking the usable parts and combining them into one decent piece, as I said before?"


    "Mm ...... I think it''s a good idea. What do you think Jed?"


    "I think it''s a good idea. I think it''s better to have one that works than three that are half-baked or don''t work.


    With these words, Paelova made up her mind.


    "Alright, Mister Jin. I give you my permission. I will give you my regards."


    I will use the three of them to make one that is as good as new, if not better than new.


    "Oh, I''m looking forward to it. You can count on me.

 1530 - - 41-31 Golem Repair 4

    After finishing lunch, Jin went to the golem warehouse early.


    Paelova Sondovik was expected to come with him, but she said she had some unavoidable work to do and would come to see him after she finished it.


    "Okay, let''s do that first."


    Three of the pieces were damaged beyond repair.


    One is missing its right arm, one is missing both legs from the knees down, and the tips of both elbows are missing. Another was missing its neck and right arm.


    "The exterior of the body is also quite damaged, so they must have been in a battle," Jin said.


    From what Jin saw, the golem here was not a combat golem, but a general-purpose golem. The bronze exterior is also evidence of this.


    "What happened to it doesn''t matter now. It needs to be repaired. ......<"


    Jin, as the temporary master, gave the order, and the two golems began to move.


    "I think I''d like an assistant golem that''s a little smaller, after all.


    In the sense of having them help with detailed work, the smaller the assistant Golem, the better.


    In that sense, Reiko was ideal.


    "If you can''t find one, you can''t help it. ...... keep that in mind."


    Jin worked quickly and had the three pieces in pieces in no time.


    "Jin-san, konnichiwa...... wow!"


    After the morning training, Katya came in and looked at the dismantled golem and exclaimed in surprise.


    "Oh ...... surprise,...... I was surprised."


    Since the skeletal structure is similar to that of a human being, Caciea''s surprise is understandable.


    "It''s okay that the muscles are metallic. It would be even creepier if they were made of living material."


    A memory of Hannah''s not being creeped out came to Jin''s mind.


    "Well, are you going to fix this ......?"


    "It''s not quite the same as fixing it. I''m going to take the usable parts and make one up.


    Jin is very blunt. But Katya seems to understand what he is doing.


    "I see......... it''s called using waste ......, or putting it to good use, isn''t it?"


    "It''s not waste, though. It''s not waste, but close to it.


    While Jin is talking, his eyes are sorting out the usable components from the non-usable ones.


    "Okay, help me."


    "What?��Is it me, ......?


    No, it''s not.


    Then ...... you are!


    Katya is surprised to see the Golem moving.


    "You saw it move yesterday, didn''t you?"


    Jin said,


    "Yesterday it was just moving, but today it is moving according to Jin-san''s instructions!��Do you think Golem listens to you that easily?"


    "No, they don''t. There is a distinction between who is giving orders and who is not. They''re identified by their magic patterns, so there''s no room for deception.


    Then why do you listen to Jin-san?


    "Because when I repair it, I register it as a temporary master."


    Master. In this case, it is inconvenient that the device cannot be stopped or activated in the absence of its original master, so some (good) magecraftsmen can add a setting to the control core that allows the device to follow specific instructions only.


    In the case of a golem created by Jin, he has the right to give orders as the < of the golem.


    "The golem here has long since lost its original master.


    "Is that so? ......"


    Jin had the repaired Golem help him put all the usable materials in one place.


    "It''s more efficient to have them help me carry these heavy parts," he said.


    This was his line to Katya.


    "Yes, that''s true. ...... they are heavy. ......"


    "Well..."


    After rearranging the parts in one place a little, Jin said, "I don''t want to have any doubts,


    "I don''t mind the duplicates, but I''ll have to make the missing parts."


    In common with all three of the figures, the right arm was missing from the elbow onward.


    "I have enough legs for two of them, so I guess I''ll use them.


    Jin muttered to himself, and quickly remade the skeleton of the right arm. The remainder is kept as an ingot.


    "Now I can make the skeleton.


    Jin first assembles the skeleton.


    (Well, it''s the Adriana way after all. ......)


    It is almost the same ...... as the golems Jin has made so far, or rather, it has not changed at all.


    (The method of the previous generation was that much more complete, I guess.)


    The skeleton was assembled in a few minutes.


    "Adjust the rattling of the joints, and since there is no adamantite, <> and ......."


    While KaChea rolls her eyes, Jin begins to assemble the muscular system.


    "I will mix this with some of the mithril silver recovered from one of the magic nerve wires to compensate for the deterioration of the silver. <<>"


    Then it is time to assemble them.


    Since Katya is watching us, Jin assembles it slowly and consciously. At the same time, the magic nerve wires were wired up, and the work was completed in about 30 minutes.


    "Okay. Now the link board.


    Since all three of them were safe, he used the best one he could find.


    "Put this one here, and this one here: ......"


    Muttering to himself, Jin finished wiring to the link board.


    "And the head."


    He used the better of the two heads.


    "That''s about it. "


    Now the golem looks much more like a golem.


    "Now we need an exterior: ......"


    The exterior of this golem is both skin and armor.


    "What about the design?"


    It seemed to be based on actual human armor, not Adriana''s armor, and not like any armor Jin had ever seen.


    "I guess I could just use a relatively decent one as a reference and duplicate it," he said.


    So, using the eight that had already been repaired as a reference, Jin started to assemble them while repairing the crumpled and broken parts.


    "...... is done."


    About an hour and a half after starting work, a golem is assembled from the parts of three bodies.


    "Oh, wow!��Jin-dono, is that it?


    Paelova Sondovik arrived just in time. She seemed to have run all the way here from her office, judging from the fact that she was a little out of breath.


    "Yes, I just finished it. As you can see at ......, the parts for the two bodies are just as you see them."


    The pile looks like a pile of scraps.


    "Well, that can''t be helped.


    Paelova''s eyes are glued to the newly completed golem as she replies, "That''s nine!


    "That''s nine!��Jin-dono, you have done well.


    Of the fifteen golems, nine have been restored. Of the remaining six, two are in pieces, so only four remain.


    Seeing Paelova in a good mood, Jin took the opportunity to make a request.


    "Master Paelove, I have a favor to ask you..."


    "Yes?��Yes, Jin-dono?


    Yes, nothing else. We have four more bodies to repair, and in order to continue this kind of work, I need an assistant golem.


    An assistant Golem?


    Yes. It has a wide range of uses, such as carrying heavy parts and helping when support is needed.


    "Hmmm, I see. You want one repaired at ......?"


    This sounded promising, Jin said, saying the way he had been thinking.


    "No, I was thinking of assembling it using leftover parts."

 1531 - - 41-32 Humanity Golem

    "Make a golem ......?��Jin, Jin-dono, can you do such a thing!"


    Paelova was more surprised than Jin had expected.


    Jin had only thought that since he could repair things, it was only natural that he could make them, but that was not the case.


    It would be like being able to repair a household appliance but not being able to make a new one.


    Anyway, it was a surprise to Paelove Sondvik when Jin said he could make a golem.


    Paelove Sondvik''s head was spinning.


    (Not only to fix it, but also to see if ...... Jin could make a golem. But we don''t know how good a golem it is,...... so let''s give the golem permission and see how it goes.)


    "Good. Make an assistant golem. But don''t use too much material, okay?"


    Jin was relieved that permission was granted.


    "Yes, sir. I understand that.


    "Yes, sir. Then continue with the repairs.


    Paelova returned, saying that she was in the middle of her work.


    This was also convenient for Jin.


    "All right, let''s do it.


    Jin felt his spirits lifted for the first time in a long time.


    "...... Jin-san?"


    Katya was a little surprised to see Jin''s lively face for the first time.


    (He can make a face like that too! ......)


    Then, she is even more surprised by Jin''s skill when he gets a little more serious.


    "I''d say he''s about the same size ...... as me. The body shape should be ...... neutral."


    After deciding on the concept, Jin quickly assembled the parts. All of the parts are left over from the three dismantled bodies.


    "<><>>>>"


    "Eeeeee!"


    This is Katya, who has seen firsthand how much care Jin''s work had been taken in the past. I was beyond amazed and could only be stunned. I guess this is what I mean when I say that I am stunned.


    After completing the skeleton in two minutes, Jin began to attach the muscles.


    "The smaller size will give us some extra mithril silver, so we can strengthen it by adding more of it. ......<<>"


    We can also add toughening to strengthen the muscles.


    "The problem is the control core. ...... I guess we have to do one thing here."


    Jin took out two deteriorated control cores from the dismantled materials.


    "<><>>"


    The two pieces are combined into one piece. Further crystallization resets the engraved information.


    <. It is like a memory card.


    This allows us to create a control core with superior processing power.


    Jin wanted to make the control core at least satisfactory.


    "And then there''s ...... this one."


    Jin took out two Magi Crystals. The two crystals are an ether converter and a mana driver.


    This time, we are not going to make a Magi Reactor.


    "That''s it. Now we just need eyes, ears, and a mouth."


    And then I realized something.


    "The remaining magi crystals (magi crystals), they all have different attributes. ...... The ones for the ears are too small to be used."


    There is only one head left. I have just used the better ones for the repair, so the remaining ones are as follows.


    One eye: 1 light crystal


    Ears: 2 wind crystals


    Mouth (speech): 1 piece of water attribute


    Aether converter: 1 piece of lightning attribute (cracked)


    Mana Driver (Mana Driver): Fire Attribute 1 piece (chipped)


    "Hmmm ......"


    Jin pondered.


    "The cracks can be repaired, but I''d like to use the ears and mouth as they are. ...... then I should use the lightning attribute because of its magical frequency."


    The color of the eyes, called "odd eyes", would be different on the left and right sides, but Jin gave up the idea that it was inevitable.


    (I''d like to get one extra fire attribute or ...... and make a >.)


    Jin thought that he would make it when Katya was not looking, just in case, and concentrated on the golem first.


    "<><><>"


    After fusing the cracks, raise the quality of the magi crystal.


    Repeating this process, the magi crystal to be used is prepared.


    "Okay, place it, and write the magic formula (Magi Formula) ......<>"


    The magic circle of pale light floated in and out, floating and disappearing, the intervals between them so impossibly short that Katya, looking at it, was speechless.


    "Okay, now the main body is complete. Now all that''s left is the exterior."


    Thanks to the miniaturization of the body, there are enough parts to make this one as well.


    "<><><><>>......<>>......All right."


    The exterior design is based on Horaijima. In other words, it looks like a human being, not like a suit of armor.


    "Jin-san, is that a golem too?"


    Katya finally spoke up.


    For her part, she had only seen Lorenz''s heavy-duty golem or the light armor-like golem in front of her, so it was understandable that she was surprised to see a golem with a body line that resembled a human''s. "Yes.


    "Yes. This is the golem I''m going to make.


    Jin puts the final touches on it.


    "<>"


    He transfers simple knowledge.


    It is not as good as the <> or <> of Horai Island, but it has enough knowledge to help him in his daily life.


    At this point, Jin remembered that Cachier was right in front of him.


    "Cachia, may I transfer your common sense part to this golem?"


    "...... yes?"


    Cach��a tilted her head, not understanding what was being said.


    "Well, I''d like to impart some of your knowledge into this golem. Using ...... magic. Do you understand me if I put it this way?"


    "Yes. Yes. ......"


    "Because there''s no danger."


    "Yes, yes,...... it''s good, but,......


    Unsure, Katya approves.


    "Thank you. ......<>level 3,<>"


    The <<> option makes the transfer a little slower, but it also makes it easier on the subject.


    "Thank you, Katya. ......<>"


    Since it is not possible for a third party to <> directly to the < control core, Jin once transferred the necessary information to the remaining magi crystals of the fire attribute, and then transferred them to the control core of the golem again.


    Incidentally, when he created <<> in the Kingdom of Egelea, he was able to transcribe directly from Lyanna, the knowledge model, because the control core had not yet been completed.


    The difference is whether or not the < <> is written.


    <, you can freely add the command, but the control core, which is in a half-written state, can easily react to magical power that is not a writing command, and there is a danger that the written data will be messed up.


    So, although it may be a little time-consuming, if we <> each time we write, such a thing will not happen and the reliability will be increased.


    "There you go. Check ......, just in case."


    Normally Reiko or the old man would do it for him, but now he had to do it himself. Once again Jin felt lonely.


    "......Okay, OK. ......<"


    "Yes, master."


    "Wow. ......"


    Katya was thrilled to see the golem she had been building start to move in front of her.


    "......How''s your body feeling?"


    "Yes, there is nothing wrong.


    "Good. ......Your name is .


    Yes, my name is Hope. Pleased to meet you."


    Here is born <>, a golem equipped with neither a force field generator nor any specific weapon, but only Jin.

 1532 - - 41-33 New jobs

    "Golem, do you speak that fluently?


    "Yes, they do."


    Jin answers simply.


    "It has to have a speech device and a language processing function, but this one has a control core made by Niko-ichi, so even if the quality is a little poor, the functionality is good enough.


    "I see. ......"


    "Well, now that you''ve got a good assistant, you''ll be able to work more efficiently. <


    "Yes, Master."


    "Yes, and call me by my name."


    Yes, Master Jin.


    He somehow thought that it would be better to avoid <> in front of Paelova and the others.


    Jin''s own golem was used as his assistant, which made his work much more efficient.


    He understood the nuances of the work and took the initiative.


    "Okay, take care of this one."


    "Yes, Mr. Jin."


    "How about that one?"


    "Yes, just about done."


    The remaining four are being repaired in no time at all.


    "Wow. ......"


    No wonder Ka''Chea is amazed. The work is progressing several times faster than when he had the repaired golems helping him.


    Still, Jin seems to be taking it easy.


    "......After all, work efficiency is something that should be done with ...... in mind."


    In the evening, before 5 p.m., thirteen golems had been repaired and were in line.


    The surplus was 700 grams of iron and 3.3 kilograms of bronze.


    And four used magi crystals that were deemed unusable.


    "Oh, oh, oh, oh!��You''re done already!


    I heard a loud voice and turned to see Paelova. Jed Alamordo had come with him and was looking at the completed golem with wide-eyed amazement.


    "Yes, I just finished it just now. You gave me permission to make an assistant golem, so I''ve been working on it.


    "Oh, I see!��Which one is the ...... assistant golem?


    Yes, this one. ...... Hope, say hello to Master Paelova.


    "Nice to meet you, my name is Hope, Master Paelova."


    "Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!��You speak?


    "Yes. Yes, I''m your assistant, so it''s not convenient if I can''t talk.


    "That''s not what I meant, but ...... well, that''s okay. You did a good job, Mister Gin!


    Paelova is in the best of moods. She says that there will be a banquet tonight, and Jed rebukes her.


    "Jin-dono, it is a great pleasure to have you with us.


    Paelov�� Sondov��k, who had straightened up her residence, shook Jin''s hand, and Jin responded in kind.


    The first time he shook Jin''s hand, Jin responded in kind.


    "But this is the first time you''ve made a happy mistake, isn''t it?


    Yes. I was surprised that he had such a great skill.


    After tomorrow, I''ll let you see the important facilities in town.


    That''s a good idea. ...... but you won''t be able to avoid meeting someone like that.


    "That''s not an option. Someone ...... should go with you. That way there won''t be any commotion.


    I''ll be right with you.


    I''ll be right with you.


    "The missing fire magic crystal (magi crystal) or ......"


    Normally, they would have been discarded, but Jin was able to get them from Paelova and Jed.


    "With this size and quality, even with <>, it is impossible to make a <>. <."


    Guard ring can create a barrier against attack magic of advanced level, and protect ring can create a barrier against attack magic of intermediate level.


    Of course, Jin himself can also put up a barrier, but with these items, he can rest and sleep with peace of mind, and he can allocate his resources to other things.


    "<><>><>><>...... now, okay."


    Assistant golem and protection ring. Jin sighs in relief, now that he can rest assured of his own safety.


    "I heard that tomorrow we''re going to look around at all the magi machines in town. I''m looking forward to ...... that."


    Our immediate goal is to cross over to the Laurentian continent. To do so, we must gain their trust and secure our freedom of movement.


    (Elsa......Reiko......Mr.......Hannah......... ...just wait for me......I''ll return at any cost)


    Looking up at the night sky through the small window, Jin renewed his determination.


    The next day, July 27th.


    Jin left for the town of Lawhon with Cachier and his officer in charge, Karlich Gawler, and Jed Alamold.


    Hope, the assistant golem, was not allowed to accompany them.


    "It''s a nice town, isn''t it?


    It is a little too neat. Jin thought that this was probably due to the fact that the town was planned and built.


    It is a bit of an exaggeration to say that the town has a long history, but in an old town, extensions, renovations, and new constructions are all mixed together, giving the town a chaotic feeling.


    This is not the case here. Almost all the buildings look the same age.


    Knowing the background of a new town built on a new continent, it is easy to make such assumptions.


    Let''s go to the community center first. I want you to take a look at the mana stand there.


    The word came up unexpectedly. <


    "I understand."


    On the surface, Jin is trying to appear nonchalant, but inwardly he is looking forward to it.


    He was eager to find out what the system looked like at the moment.


    "First of all, here. Actually, there are four of them in the town, where you can replenish your mana at a reasonable price.


    "I see."


    Jin looked at the < in front of him. However, even Jin could not understand it just by looking at it from the outside.


    "Do I have to maintain this?


    "If it can be done, yes.


    "Let me take a look first."


    Jin walked up to the mana stand and looked at it from top to bottom.


    It was about the size of a drum. It was cylindrical and had a thick conductor attached to it like a hose.


    When the end of the conductor is pointed at the mana tank and activated, it seems to be able to fill up with mana.


    "<><><>...... hmm?"


    "What''s wrong, Mister Jin?"


    Jin turned around and looked at Jed.


    "Jed, please don''t make fun of me. This thing isn''t working. It''s not maintenance, it''s repair."


    "Ummm...I didn''t think you could tell that much right away when you saw ....... ....... No, I apologize. If you can fix it, I''d like you to fix it."


    "Okay. Let''s take a look inside anyway."


    Jin quickly removed the exterior.


    "The ether converter is broken. It must be due to overuse.


    Jin recognized the problem at a glance.


    "Can you fix it with ......?"


    "Yes, if you have the Magi Crystal."


    Hearing Jin''s words, Jed Alamold made an immediate decision.


    "Okay, let''s go see Lorenz."

 1533 - - 41-34 Another Wizard

    It was only a little after 8 a.m., but Lorenz''s store was open.


    "It''s big. ......"


    It was much too big to be a peddler''s store.


    Jed Alamold opened the service entrance for the employees at the side of the front and went inside. Jin, Cachier, and Karlich Gawler waited out front.


    (Well, the peddlers are probably half volunteers, and I guess they are caravaning because they are gathering information requested by the country, or rather by Paelova.)


    While Jin was thinking about this, the door of the store opened and Lorenz came out. He was accompanied by Jed.


    "Mr. Jin, Ms. Katya, welcome. Mr. Karlich Gawler, it''s been a while.


    Mr. Lorenz, good morning.


    "Good morning."


    Jin and Katya greeted each other and Karlich nodded.


    "Well, Jin-san, I heard that you need some Magi Crystals.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "Ummm... ......."


    Lorenz made a difficult face.


    "The four we delivered yesterday are the last of our stock. We only have five more that are less than half that size."


    "I see. ......"


    As expected, Jin doesn''t say, "We can make a bigger one by fusing magi crystals.


    "Are Magi crystals that scarce?"


    "Yes, they are. As you probably already know, they are not available on this continent at all.


    There were plentiful deposits on the Laurentian continent, Jin thought.


    "I placed an order with King''s Landing right away, but it won''t arrive yesterday or today.


    "That''s a problem. ......


    "That''s a problem.


    At Lorenz''s words, Jin and Jed Alamordo also looked at each other with a scowl. But then..,


    "Oh, maybe..."


    Then came the voice of Kalrich Gawler, who seemed to have had an idea.


    "Kalrich, do you have an idea?"


    "Yes. Yes, Eila Shearer. I''m sure she has a few of these for research.


    "Oh, that''s him. ......."


    Jed Alamordo''s face turned even more sullen at the mention of that name.


    "I''ve bought a total of ten ...... in the past on request."


    Kalrich remembered that only the treasurer could do that.


    "...... we''ll have to meet up at some point. All right, I''ll go."


    Seeing Jed''s somewhat reluctant attitude, Jin sensed that something was up.


    So he asked Kalrich secretly.


    "Well, what kind of person is Eira Shearer?


    "EIRA?��She is a woman in her mid-twenties and a mage with a passion for research. ......"


    "I see."


    As far as Jed was concerned, he did not understand why Jed was so reluctant to talk to him.


    However.


    "Um,...... Mr. Jin, do you think you might be...?


    "Hmm?"


    Ka-kea seemed to have an idea.


    "Well, I may be wrong, but he''s in his mid-twenties and single, so he''s probably a man of high ...... stature."


    "Oh, I see."


    "...... and is very studious, which means he probably doesn''t socialize much ......."


    That''s a good insight.


    "I''m sure that ...... Jed must be more than he can ...... handle, that ...... oddball."


    "Wow."


    When KaChea said that, Jin also felt that way.


    "...... Jin-dono, shall we go?"


    "Ah, yes."


    Jin and the others followed Jed Alamordo, who was obviously not very excited.


    "......Dono Eira-dono wa paerova-sama no ka?"


    I asked as we headed back the way we came, but Jed shook his head.


    Jed shook his head. No. It is located next door in the research building. I''m sure that ...... Jin will be given a room there sooner or later."


    We walked on, and the research building came into view. No, I had seen it and knew it as a building since it was next to the residence of the regional administrator. It was just that I knew what it was.


    It is about two times smaller than the residence of the district superintendent, but large enough compared to other buildings in the town.


    It is a two-story stone building. It is about the size of a small elementary school.


    "I''m going to go and say no to Mr. Paelova, please wait for me."


    It will only take about five minutes, since we''re right next to each other," Jed Alamold said.


    "Oh, in that case, can I bring my assistant golem with me?��It would be more efficient to have him with us to do the repairs.


    "Okay," said Jed Alamold. I''ll tell Mr. Paelove that too.


    Thank you very much.


    So Jin also went to the mansion.


    Wait for me...


    Jin was the first to return. Of course, he was accompanied by his assistant golem .


    "So that''s the assistant golem I''ve heard about. It is hard to believe that it was made from scrap wood. Jin-dono seems to be a very skilled engineer.


    Karlich praised Jin.


    Then Jed returned.


    "Thanks for waiting. I have reported to Mr. Paelove. I''ve also gotten your approval for Jin''s golem.


    "Thank you, sir."


    Jin thanked Jed.


    "Let''s go."


    The group of five, including Hope, headed for the research building next to the mansion. The grounds are connected, so they are close together.


    "Eira is on the first floor, right in front, I think."


    All the rooms are quiet with the windows closed.


    When the group entered through the front door, they found a series of doors facing the corridor. Each of them must have been a room assigned to a particular person.


    "How many people live here?"


    "How many people live here?��So far only Eira is a mage. There are also two woodworkers, three blacksmiths, and three office workers.


    The ratio showed how valuable mages are.


    "Here we are."


    A handwritten nameplate with the name hung next to the door.


    Jed knocks, but after waiting for no response, he knocks again and again, harder and harder.


    "......, you''re being too loud."


    After about five minutes, the door finally opened and a red-haired woman with shaggy hair, probably waking up from sleep, came out. This was Eira Shearer, it seemed.


    She had a grim expression on her face.


    "Ah, Mr. Jed. What do you want?"


    The red-haired woman''s face relaxed a little when she saw Jed, the secretary.


    I''m sorry to bother you this morning. I have an urgent need for some magi crystals from ....... Karlich said they might be at your place."


    "Nn...... magic crystals?��Yes, I have about three of them. What do you use them for?"


    "Well, ...... do I have to tell you?"


    Well, since you''re going to give us research materials, you should at least tell us what they''re for.


    "Sure. We need it to repair the ......<>."


    Eira''s eyes widened slightly at this answer.


    "Repair the <>?��Is that even possible?��Who can repair it ......?"


    After saying that much, his words were cut off mid-sentence.


    He seems to have noticed Jin and the others behind Jed Alamold.


    "Hey!��Do any of you have engineers who can do the repair?��If so, tell us!"


    Overwhelmed by his words, Katya hid behind Jin.


    Jin thought to himself, as if he were a stranger, that Cachair''s guess was right. .......

 1534 - - 41-35 Aira Sheata

    "...... hmm?��Is that you?"


    Kachair, who had been spotted for hiding.


    "No!��......That''s ...... wrong......."


    Eira snickered when she heard that.


    "...... I guess. I don''t think he''s a mage if he can''t feel any kind of high energy."


    She then looks at who is standing next to Jin.


    "Hm?��What is this golem?��This golem!


    I thought he shouted out loud,


    "Well, ...... the joints are almost perfectly aligned. ...... it''s surely well done, but I don''t understand the concept. ......"


    I''m sure it''s good, but I don''t understand the concept ", he mumbles, circling around Hope. He''s dangerous, to say the least.


    "Hey!��Who made this golem?


    "...... me."


    I could see why Jed Alamordo wasn''t so keen on the idea, but I couldn''t back out now.


    "You got me!��...... hmm?��You don''t look familiar.


    It is only natural that they would notice me since there are only a few people living in this research building and Eira is the only mage.


    "I just came to Lawhon the other day.


    Jin responded in a manner appropriate for a man of his age.


    "So, you made this golem?��You can do such a thing?


    "Yes, well..."


    "If you are ......, why do you make such a half-baked thing?"


    "Half-baked?"


    "Halfway?" "Yes!��If it''s for combat, make it bigger. If it''s for civil engineering, make it sturdier. If it''s for civil engineering, make it sturdier. If it''s for miscellaneous use, make it of a lower grade, don''t you think?


    Jin felt that this female mage, Eira, was not only noisy, but also had a solid insight into the use and configuration of the golem.


    "I tried to make it as current as possible," she said.


    And at the same time, he is quite a theorist.


    "The current situation?


    "Yes. Yes. We make the best golem under the assumption that we don''t have enough materials. That''s the concept."


    "Ummm ...... this country is still wrong!��We''re doing it wrong!"


    Eira shouted loudly.


    "Eira, that''s enough. That''s enough.


    Jed Alamordo, his face serious ...... no, stern, said quickly.


    "...... okay."


    Eira complies, albeit reluctantly.


    "But this is not a good environment for a researcher, okay?��I want you to understand that.


    With these words, he turns and walks back into the room,


    "Here."


    He gave him two magi crystals.


    I''ll use the other one for my research, so give me a break. And please replenish the magi crystals as soon as possible.


    Then he said. She then puts the Magi Crystal in Jin''s hand and closes the door without hearing his reply.


    "......"


    Jin stared at the Magi Crystal in his hand and exclaimed.


    "Are you surprised?��That is Eira Sheeter. Are all researchers like that?��Anyway, she says what she wants to say without hesitation.


    Jin couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Well, I guess we can fix it now."


    With that, the group turned on their heels, but behind them, the door opened with a bang.


    "Wait, wait, I''m coming too!��I''ll show you with my own eyes how to fix it using the Magi Crystal!


    He had changed his clothes. He also had a stack of papers in his hand, perhaps for notes.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmm, so you''re going to repair this mana stand. It''s true that it''s been in bad shape for the past two years. And it finally stopped the other day.


    Since Hope was with him this time, Jin instructed her to remove the exterior of the stand.


    "Well, you''re very dexterous."


    Eira began to take some notes as she watched.


    Jin proceeded with the work at his own pace.


    "......This part is broken..."


    Still, only when he removed the ruined magi crystal did he turn to Eira and explain.


    "This is the most important one, but it has deteriorated due to overuse and finally chipped. That''s why we have to replace it now.


    Jin showed Eira the chipped and cracked magi crystal. Eira looked at it and seemed to lose interest in it, and did not pick it up to look at it.


    "I will exchange this for the magi crystal you offered me.


    Jin inserted the magi crystal into the base as he explained.


    "So, in this structure, the basic control system is engraved on a magical board (plate). Interesting."


    Eira hurriedly takes notes.


    Jin, who had learned of this, slowed down his work a little.


    "It''s a little degraded here too, but I think it should last for the time being with <>......."


    "...... Oh?"


    Jin also paid attention to the conductor that sends out the mana.


    "There are too many impurities. About 20% of mana is wasted on the way. ......<"


    "......oh?"


    And to the last part.


    "This guy is funny. ......"


    In short, this is the part that makes this mana stand as a <>.


    "Haha ....... One copper coin will flow mana for one second? I don''t know if it''s expensive or not, but it''s an interesting structure ......."


    Jin looked at the structure for a while, memorized the configuration, and then repaired it.


    "Here we go. The whole thing is now ."


    "Oh, wow!"


    Hope, get me some armor.


    "Yes, Master Jin."


    Jin stretched his hips, which had been bent forward while he worked.


    "Jin-sama, is this fixed?"


    "Yes, Mr. Jed. Yes, Mr. Jed. I think the performance is about 20% better than before.


    "Well, that''s great."


    Jed was pleased, but Eira was not.


    "Jin, you say!��What was that all about?


    "What can I say? ...... repair and maintenance, sir."


    You''re talking about a lot of magic I don''t know?


    "Well, you just don''t know it, Eira, but engineering magic has been around for a long time, hasn''t it?


    "Engineering magic?��......<> used to use that magic?


    What?


    Jin was surprised to hear the words "Magecraft Meister" come out of Eira''s mouth.


    Magecraft Meister?


    "Yes, that''s right. That''s what my mentor said.


    Eira-san''s master?


    Yes. My master told me that he studied at Avalon when he was young. Avalon is an educational institution founded by the Magecraft Meister, a magical engineer.


    "Eira-san''s master is ......."


    "That''s enough chitchat. Thank you for your hard work on the ...... repairs, Jin-dono. Eira, when you''re done, go back to your room.


    Jed Alamold, whose mood had changed, admonished them.

 1535 - - 41-36 Moving

    That day Jin repaired another mana stand and finished his work.


    * * * * * *


    Jin-dono, thank you for your hard work. Thanks to you, the town''s magick machines and tools will be in good working order.


    At dinner, Paelova is in a good mood after receiving the report.


    "Jed told me that you went to the research building today. Just in time. Starting tomorrow, I''ll give you a room there and you can move in?


    "Yes."


    I''ll be honestly grateful to have a private space where I can do whatever I want. Jin agreed.


    "The same goes for Katya. We''ll move in tomorrow, right?


    "Yes, yes. ......"


    As he said, Jin and Katya moved out of Paelova''s mansion to the research building on the 28th of the following month.


    "Jin-san, thank you ...... for your help."


    Jin''s belongings were few, and the move was completed quickly. So Jin decided to help Katya with her large luggage.


    Of course, the heaviest luggage was carried by the golem <. Jin and Ka-cea each had to carry one medium load.


    "I see. ....... I thought it was a lot of luggage, but I guess that''s the premise of settling down like this."


    I thought it was too much luggage, even for a girl," Jin said.


    "Jin-san, you''re too late to realize ...... that."


    I should have realized it when I told him the other day that I had to become independent.


    "Ha-ha-ha ...... I''m so slow sometimes, I hear."


    "Yes, you may be, ......."


    "Deny it, please.


    "No, it''s the truth. ......


    "That''s terrible."


    With such conversation, the move was successfully completed.


    "Well..."


    Jin looked around the room.


    The rooms consisted of one large room for research, as the building was called a research building. It was about the size of a high school classroom, which Jin wanted to use as a workshop.


    There is also a living room. This room is about 8 tatami mats in size, with a large table and four chairs, and can be used for meetings with others.


    The last room is a bedroom with a built-in bed, about 4.5 tatami mats. Jin would not feel comfortable if it were too large, so this was just right for him.


    This seems to be the first time for Jin to use this room.


    However, the room is not so spacious.


    (...... What is it?��(What is this magic tool? ......)


    There are magic tools in each room, or rather in the walls.


    "<>"


    Naturally, Jin checks ...... to find out.


    (Eavesdropping?��(...... in short, surveillance. ......)


    Considering the state of this country, it''s not surprising.


    (But I don''t like it. ...... Yes!)


    "<>!"


    At least the bedroom should be a private space. Jin leaves the magic tools in place and erases the contents from outside the wall.


    To revive them, we need to be able to or them from a distance like Jin did.


    And to do so, it would be impossible to repair it without doing some work, as if to declare that there is something in the wall.


    (I''d better not do it in the living room and the laboratory.)


    If all three rooms are out of order, it is likely to be suspected at any cost.


    Jin decided to settle for just the bedroom.


    (I can''t ...... do the room of the ka-chair.)


    (It is not possible to do this in Cachier''s room.) For the same reason, Jin thought that it would be bad if such a malfunction occurred in several rooms.


    (Oh, but it might be OK if we could at least reduce the sensitivity.)


    Jin thought it would be less suspicious if it was hard to hear what was being said, so he decided to visit Katya''s room.


    He was nominally helping to clean up the mess. He takes Hope with him.


    * * * *


    Cachier''s room is next to Jin''s.


    Incidentally, Eira is at the very front end of the first floor of the research building, Jin is next to her, and Katya is next to her.


    Are they just packing from the end, or do they have some kind of plan?


    Jin knocked on the door of Cachair''s room while thinking about this.


    "Ah, Jin-san."


    "I thought it would be hard to clean up, so I came to help."


    Thank you. ......, uh, ......."


    "Yeah, I''ll have Hope help you with the stuff you don''t want people to see."


    "Oh, thank you. ......"


    Jin helps her wipe down the living room, and then the bedroom, which is still untouched.


    (<>......There it is. ......<!��(...... there we go)


    I''ve reduced the functionality by a third, so you shouldn''t be able to hear me clearly unless I shout.


    "I''ve finished cleaning up."


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin."


    In turn, Katya and Hope carried their belongings into the bedroom.


    Jin also searched the living room for magic tools,


    (And also this one: ......<!


    ) He played with it so that there would be a little noise.


    * * * *


    "I finished before lunch. ....... Thank you very much."


    At 11:30, Jin and Katya were in the cafeteria at the back of the research building.


    They were told that they could eat here for free from 7:00 to 8:30 in the morning, 11:30 to 1:00 in the afternoon, and 5:30 to 7:00 in the evening. However, the food was only served on the day of the exchange.


    However, only the set menus, which seem to change daily, are served.


    If you want to eat other dishes, you have to go outside.


    Today''s menu consisted of bread, cold vegetable soup, and ginger yaki with smoked meat. The portions are small.


    Jin thought that it was probably a measure to reduce the amount of leftover food, since he was told that he could order more if he needed more.


    Since it was a little early in the day, Jin and Katya were the only ones eating.


    "It''s rather tasty, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is. ......


    "I guess the government must be paying for this free food."


    Jin can''t point out exactly what is wrong with this country''s system, but it seems a little different from the monarchy he once experienced.


    However, as he eats, he suddenly realizes a part of this feeling of discomfort.


    This is because I noticed that the magic tools of are buried in this cafeteria as well.


    (......Management, Surveillance or ......Maybe it''s the system of state control of the people ......skilled citizens that is catching on...) (......)


    As a person born and raised in modern Japan, I am sure that this is a system that I am not familiar with.


    (However, we have to be patient for now.)


    Now is the time to save his strength. Jin decided to make up his mind.


    "Oh, isn''t that Jin and Katya?


    Then Eira came in.


    "Oh, I see, you''ve become residents here too. This is going to be fun.


    <".


    "Jin, right away, after we finish eating, I''d like to have a little talk with you. Is that all right with you?


    Eira told Jin with a firmness that was unquestionable.


    Jin nodded and drank the rest of the soup.

 1536 - - 41-37 Information Exchange

    Jin will meet with Eira after lunch. Since Katya has not been invited to the meeting, she is going to clean up the details by herself.


    Jin insists on inviting her to his room.


    "It''s an empty room," he says.


    "We just moved in today. So, what can I do for you?


    Eira chuckled.


    "Hmmm, I''m interested in your knowledge. I''m interested in your knowledge, not only today, but also in the future.


    "Well, we are neighbors and ...... colleagues living in the same research building?��Colleagues?��I guess so."


    Eira then gave a slightly mocking laugh.


    "Colleagues, huh? Sounds good to me. You don''t realize it, do you?"


    "Don''t know what?"


    The reality of this country.


    Eira said something I didn''t expect to hear.


    (The line was a whisper, so I guess he wasn''t eavesdropping. ......)


    Jin''s mind raced through his thoughts.


    "......Yes, there was something I wanted to discuss with Eira-san, who is a senior here."


    "Hm?��What is it?"


    "Well, about the bedding, could you come here for a moment?


    "Bedding?��Bedding? What does it matter?��As long as I can sleep."


    Jin moved to the bedroom and Eira had no choice but to get up from her seat and follow him.


    Jin sat down on the bed and offered Eira one of the chairs he had brought.


    "I don''t know what you think you''re doing, inviting me into your bedroom.


    Eira says this line without showing any embarrassment.


    "I don''t mean anything else. I just thought it would be better to be less public if we were going to talk about something critical of the country.


    The bedroom has no windows. If the door is closed, it will be a closed room. And with Hope as the gatekeeper, she would be able to respond immediately if someone came to visit.


    When Jin said that..,


    "Well, she''s a brainy research idiot, isn''t she?


    Eira says.


    "I don''t know about myself, but I don''t want to be used for any other reason than convenience.


    Hearing Jin''s words, Eira smiles.


    "Well, you seem to know something about me. What''s your real identity?


    "I am ......."


    Jin hesitates for a moment and then decides to give the same explanation as before.


    "...... Hmm, <>, huh. That''s interesting. The accident has caused some confusion in his memory. It''s hard to say whether it''s impossible or not.


    Eira seems to half believe and half doubt Jin''s story.


    "Well, that''s okay. I''m happy to listen to what you have to say.


    "As for me. I''d like to know more about this country.


    That''s an exchange. Well, that''s all right. I''ll tell you first.


    From there Eira spoke in a hushed voice.


    The room is not perfect, and Jin does not trust Eira enough to tell her about the wiretap, so he listens to her.


    "This country, ...... the Principality of Mercana, is often thought of as a dictatorship ruled by a duke, but in fact it is not."


    "What?��What do you mean?"


    It is actually the Parliament that has the power.


    Congress?


    Congress is made up of 10 members, each of whom is responsible for economic, magical, military, and other matters. Each one is the head of the economy, magic, military, etc."


    "Hahaha. ......"


    "The king is just a decoration. ...... but that''s not good enough for Paelova Sondvik, the administrator here in Lawhon."


    Jin was surprised. Not by its content. It was Eira''s knowledge of it.


    "Paelove is a cousin of the king. She is older than the High King. So it''s no wonder she has ambitions to one day replace him. He has no queen, much less an heir."


    "......"


    As for Jin, I''m not so sure I want to hear this.


    I am not good at such political talk, but now that I am already involved in it, I think I should know about it.


    "Well, I guess that''s why they want the best pawns."


    You think that''s how they''re keeping us in?


    That''s what I''m saying. Do the mages have to be managed by the state?��You''re managing them yourself. Well, since you are a local administrator, I guess you are not wrong.


    "............"


    Jin had no idea what to do with the information he had heard.


    Eira snickered at him as if she could see right through him.


    "Well, you look like you don''t know what to do. Well, believe it or not, it''s your choice.


    Eira sat back down.


    "Well, now let''s hear what you have to say."


    Jin did not know what Eira wanted to know,


    "Well, why don''t we use the question format: ...... you ask a question and I answer it?"


    Eira seemed to like this.


    Eira seems to like this.


    "Yeah, that''s not bad. Let me ask you ......3 a few questions. Let''s start with the first question. ......The term "Magecraft Meister" that I mentioned yesterday, does it mean anything to you?


    "...... I think I have."


    Jin is a little wary and gives a curt answer.


    "Well, then, how much do you know about ?


    "At least a little.


    "If that''s true, then I guess I''m more than a master.


    Jin was interested in the person of Eira''s master.


    "This master is ......."


    Jin was about to say,


    "It''s still my turn to ask questions.


    He was cut off with a single word, "It''s still my turn to ask questions.


    "Third. < mean anything to you?


    "......!


    Now there was a connection to the former Ars. But now Jin was more cautious than ever.


    "I think I''ve heard of ...... that too. Was it the name of a country?"


    "Well, I don''t know if I''m being silly or if I really don''t remember, but whatever. Well, we''ll take turns asking you questions after that."


    "Great. ...... then. Tell us about your mentor, Eira.


    "Oh, a master. He is from a country called ...... and studied for two years at an academy on an island called <>. ......This is what you''re talking about, isn''t it?��I want to hear it."


    "Yes."


    Jin was impressed by Eira''s perceptiveness, since he didn''t want to ask her name, appearance, or age.


    "Well, now I have a question for you. You seem to have made a golem, but can you make an automata?


    "Yes, I can, just in case.


    "Just in case"? I don''t know what level you''re talking about, so let''s just say it''s okay.


    Next it was Jin''s turn.


    "Well, Eira, where did you learn from your master?"


    "Well, where did you learn from your master?" "Well, that''s an interesting question. You ask interesting questions. "Not in this country, but in the other side of the sea.


    I see.


    I see... Then I''ll be next. What''s your teacher like?��You wouldn''t tell me you''re self-taught, would you?


    "Of course not. My teacher was ...... yes, the world''s greatest magecraftsman.


    "Hmm, you must be proud of your master. ......<?��By any chance, you''ve already been to ......?


    "Oh, he''s not here anymore."


    "Oh, I see. I''m sorry. Well then, please ask me something.


    Thus, Jin and Eira exchanged information in the form of questions.

 1537 - - 41-38 Aira and Humanity

    The questioning between Jin and Eira continues.


    "How did you come from the other side of the sea to this continent?


    By ship, by balloon, or by airship. But Eira''s answer was.


    A warp gate?


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    Jin was a little disappointed. A warp gate would definitely be controlled.


    "Then it''s me. Jin, do you know the geography of any continent other than this one ...... or, let''s face it, the Laurentian continent?"


    "Well, I don''t know. I think I know more than I know about this continent.


    "Hmm."


    "Then, Eira-san, why did you come to this continent?


    I was recruited.


    "Scout, huh?"


    Eira smiles.


    I''ll answer your question as a service. Although the Principality of Mercana is closed off from the rest of the world, it does import magic crystals and magical tools. Or rather, we have no choice but to do so."


    "Of course."


    "At the same time, they have publicly stated that they will invite intellectuals and give them preferential treatment."


    "Ha ha ......"


    Jin reminds us that similar stories existed in the earth''s past.


    The Edo Shogunate had closed itself off from the rest of the world, but only opened a limited number of ports to trade with the Netherlands and China.


    Jin is unaware of the controversy that has arisen in recent years over the use of the term "seclusion.


    "I wanted to do as much research as I wanted in a new place, so I accepted the invitation. That was six years ago. ......The point is that I was naive."


    Eira laughs to herself and asks the next question, "Where are you from?


    "You are from a country called Mituho, aren''t you?"


    "Mitsuho, I think I''ve heard of it ......."


    To this question, Jin gave a vague reply.


    "Hmm, you are not responding well. ......Well, that''s all right. You can''t ask me to trust me out of the blue, can you?


    "No, I don''t ...... think so."


    I''m sure there is.��You''re just being cautious of me."


    "......"


    Eira seemed to be a research idiot, but she also seemed to have a keen intuition.


    "Well, I won''t deny it."


    "You''re honest. I have my doubts about you too, so we''re even.


    At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Jin and the others keep their mouths shut and listen carefully.


    "Jin-sama, Mr. Katya is here. He''s invited us for dinner.


    "Oh, is it that time already?


    I got carried away with the conversation. Jin, let''s exchange this kind of information again sometime soon.


    Eira said and left the bedroom. Outside the door was Katya.


    "...... what?"


    "Oh, sweetheart. You''re going to have dinner now, aren''t you? Then let''s go out to eat. I''ll buy you a drink.


    She said this and went to her room without waiting for a reply. I think she went to get her purse and other things.


    "Oh, no. ......"


    What was she thinking? She looked at Eira''s back and blushed.


    "Hey, Katya. Is it that time already? ...... I got carried away, didn''t I?"


    "Yes, I''m crazy...... about it."


    His face turns even redder.


    "Jin-san, you''re doing that kind of thing in your room. ......


    "What?"


    I missed it!


    "What?��What is it?��What''s going on, chair?


    When Jin approached her, she backed away.


    "Don''t touch me!"


    "What?"


    "Jin-san, Jin-san, what are you doing with that man ......?"


    "......"


    Dull Jin finally realized what Katya had misunderstood.


    "Wait, Katya. That''s a misunderstanding."


    "What misunderstanding? It couldn''t be more ...... clear!"


    "That''s why ......"


    Then Eira came back. She is wearing a short-sleeved summer dress and a hat.


    "What''s all the fuss?"


    "Oh, Eira, you''re in the right place."


    "Hmm?"


    Jin explained that they had just been talking in the bedroom and that Katya had misunderstood.


    Eira seemed to realize it at that,


    "Oh, girl, you have a funny misunderstanding. I prefer older, strong, smart, and dependable men. Unfortunately, Jin only meets the criteria of being smart.


    He explained.


    "......"


    "Ha, ha."


    Whatever the expression, the misunderstanding seemed to have been cleared up.


    "Now, if you understand, let''s go eat dinner.


    Eira started to walk with big steps. She was looking very unfashionable in her one-piece dress.


    Jin left Hope to look after Eira and followed her. Katya followed a little later.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    This is the place I recommend.


    Eira left the research building and headed straight for the restaurant. The summer evening sky was still bright.


    The restaurant, about a three-minute walk away, had a small frontage but was deep and spacious inside.


    The cafeteria in the research building is not so bad, but they serve the same menu every three days.


    The menu changes every day, but it seems to be rotated every three days.


    "Well, it''s free, so I can''t complain. That''s why I like to eat out once in a while. Well, what do you want?"


    "Well, let''s see... ......"


    There is a menu, but I don''t know what it is, just <><<>>>, etc., so I decide to choose a safe choice, <>.


    "Well, you are a connoisseur, aren''t you? Well, I''ll have that one too.


    "I''ll have that one, too."


    All three of us ordered the same thing.


    We asked the waiter to prepare them, and they were ready in about five minutes.


    "One of the good things about set menus is that they''re fast, aren''t they?


    Eira thinks to himself.


    "Wow. ......."


    Jin''s eyes widened.


    Brown rice...... probably 7 minutes polished rice, soup, grilled fish, and vegetable pickles. And meat topopo.


    Jin wondered why there was no miso when there was soy sauce, though it was a pity that it was not miso soup.


    He took a sip of the soup and found that it tasted salty, so he was not mistaken.


    "But it''s pretty tasty even with salt because of the dashi broth."


    "......You know soy sauce and miso, don''t you?"


    Eira sees right through him.


    "Hmm, I guess you are from the Laurentian continent, aren''t you?


    "I guess so.


    Eira''s confident tone was met with a vague response from Jin.

 1538 - - 41-39 Replacement

    How is Jin?


    "Yes, I''ve been in contact with Eira, but she doesn''t seem to have been affected too much."


    "Well, that''s good to know. ...... but why is that woman so insubordinate?


    You''re not a spy, are you?


    "I''ve made sure of that many times. It''s just her personality, that''s all.


    I hope so. One of the complaints ...... seems to be a lack of material for research."


    "But the way things are going right now, we can''t even import what we want.


    "And you think the zines will solve that?"


    "Yes. Yes. In fact, the golem is being regenerated. <


    Indeed it has.


    Do not relax your surveillance. But fulfill any requests that will result in our benefit as much as possible.


    Yes, sir.


    I understand.


    A few days after moving in, it was August, and Jin was beginning to spend his days doing research, as the name suggests.


    "......It''s difficult to configure this place, you know."


    "Well, if we don''t manage to connect ...... at least a series of connections, each one will run amok on its own."


    "Can''t we devise the shape of the base and place them at the shortest distance possible?"


    Eira, Jin, and Cachea.


    Cach��a is mainly supported by calculation. Eira comes up with the idea, and Jin takes it down to a practical level.


    Jin and Cachier were already accustomed to Eira''s foul mouth.


    "It''s hard not having magi crystals, isn''t it?


    "I heard that this continent is poor in mineral resources to begin with. I don''t know if that''s the reason, but there are no demons either.


    Eira gave me an interesting piece of information.


    "No demons?��Not even one?"


    "Yes. There hasn''t been a confirmed one for at least 300 years."


    "Hmm. ......"


    Jin let his imagination run wild.


    < migrated to Ars, they filled the planet''s core with superheavy matter in order to create the same gravity as that of Hale.


    What did they do with the large amount of magical crystals (magi-crystals) that they used in that process?


    Jin thought that this continent might have been the source of the crystals.


    < would be able to dig out the magi crystals from the ground.


    I don''t know what kind of relationship this has with demons, but what if the existence of magi crystals has a close relationship with the ecology of demons?


    I thought of such a hypothesis, but being unfamiliar with biology, I could not think beyond that.


    "....... Hey, Jin!��Are you listening to me?"


    Eira''s voice interrupted Jin''s thoughts.


    "Yes, I''m listening. I''ve been thinking about something for a while now. I was wondering if we could use magic circle instead of ...... magic crystals."


    "Huh!��How could such a foolish thing ...... be possible?"


    "Well, I don''t know, but if Jin-san says it can be done, then it can be done.


    Jin looked at them alternately and then slowly opened his mouth.


    "The magic circle is all about the written <>. It is true that if a <> magic circle were written on a piece of paper and activated on the spot, the paper would burn. That is why the <> is so important."


    "Well, I understand what you are saying, but ...... it is inevitably <>, isn''t it?"


    Eira is aware of the same shortcomings of the magic circle as Jin and is concerned about them.


    "That''s right. But it depends on how you use it.


    "Use? ......"


    Yes. It''s not suitable for operating the golem, but what about the mana stand we fixed last time?"


    Eira nodded in understanding.


    "That''s right. It is not required to be fast!"


    "We can take out the control core from such a magi-machine and attach a magi-board with a magic circle engraved on it instead.


    "That saves on the magi crystals. I think we need to get permission from ......."


    Katya looks worried.


    "That''s right. I don''t know what will happen if they find out.


    When Jin nodded, Eira added,


    "The penalties for criminals are very severe in this country.


    Eira said threateningly, "This country has strict penalties for criminals.


    Putting aside the issue of crime, Jin and his group started researching to realize their idea.


    "Paper is out of the question for engraving magic circle, but can we use any metal?"


    "No, it should be easier to transmit magic power. I think an alloy with a little mithril silver added would work."


    "So, it would be ...... better to use an inexpensive metal for the base, right?��How about bronze?"


    Kachair seems to have such a market in mind and is very reliable in such a case.


    "Bronze would be fine."


    "Okay, then. ......."


    Their teamwork was better than expected.


    * * * * *


    What?��What?��...... that will save the magic crystals (magi crystals)?��Really?"


    When he had some idea of what to expect, he told Paelova about it.


    "It seems there is nothing to worry about."


    "Yes. But it is still too early to say for sure. But it is too early to say for sure. ...... Give permission for the modification of the mana stand.


    huh?


    * * * *


    Permission granted.


    "Okay, let''s start modifying it."


    Jin and Eira, accompanied by Hope, went to the mana stand that was to be remodeled.


    The modification was completed as planned.


    "Now we have two used magecrystals.


    One used for the ether converter and the other used for the control core to control the vending machine.


    "Yes, that''s right. Jin''s idea has come to fruition.


    "At this rate, if we modify every mana stand in town, we should be able to get at least ten of them.


    "Then you''ll be able to make all kinds of things.


    "I''m looking forward to it, Jin!"


    Eira smiled unusually.


    "We''ll go back today and have another study session. "I''m looking forward to it, Jin!" Eira said with a rare smile.


    "Yes, yes, of course."


    Eira was not only dour, but studious and curious about new ways to use ......<>.


    Unfortunately, her aptitude is low and she is unlikely to learn more than the elementary level.


    Still, they were more enthusiastic than others, and with KaChea in the group, <> had become a daily routine for the three of them.


    "Well, what shall we do today?


    "We''ll continue where we left off yesterday, won''t we?


    "Yes, I think so. Jin, make the magic circle smaller and faster. This is fun.


    And you too, Katya...


    I''ll do my best.


    The three of them were becoming a good team.


    It was mid-summer. A hot wind is blowing through Lawhon.

 1539 - - 41-40 Silent Story 73 What Hitoshi wanted

    "...... Oh, Yu and Mio are crying. Wait a minute."


    Erza stood up, and a moment later Meene stood up as well.


    This is Horai Island.


    Jin has returned and is going to explain what he has done so far, so the <> is all here.


    "...... Fu."


    Jin stopped talking for a moment and sipped a Ramon (lemon) squash.


    He really wants to go over to where Elsa is breastfeeding the twins, but he hasn''t been able to do so yet because Elsa is too shy to let anyone see her breasts.


    At least, it seems that it is only possible when I am alone with Jin.


    "......Waiting for you."


    Elsa and Meene are back. Erza has Chloe in her arms and Mio in Meine''s arms.


    The sleeping twins seem to have woken up now, and are excited even though their bellies must be full.


    "That''s right!"


    Jin took out a toy he had made.


    "Jin, what''s that?"


    Bina asked, holding her son Reginald in her arms, just like Elsa.


    "It''s a denden-daiko," he said.


    "A den-daiko?"


    "Yes. Here, ......, look, Chloe, Mio."


    Jin put one in each of Yu and Mio''s hands, and they both swung them around.


    They both swung them around and made a sound of "de-den-den-den".


    They seemed to be amused by the sound and waved them around some more. They are still in a good mood because of the sound.


    "I didn''t expect babies to have such a strong grip," he says.


    So the drum never fell off, and the twins never got tired of playing with it.


    In fact, denden-daiko are usually played by babysitters to soothe babies rather than for babies to play with, but Jin had made one for babies.


    <.


    Well, he seems to be happy with it, so I guess it''s not a problem.


    "That''s nice," he said.


    Bina looked at Reginald with interest as she held him in her arms.


    "Do you want one too?��I''ll give you one.


    From somewhere Jin pulled out a denden-daiko (a Japanese drum).


    "Oh, thank you, Jin!


    Jin, I''m sorry.


    Bina and Luis thanked him.


    But Jin shook his head and said it was nothing.


    "They''re made so that little kids don''t get hurt. I made a lot of them so they wouldn''t break.


    He was a crafty fool and a parental idiot in his own right.


    * * * * * *


    Chloe and Mio woke up, so we couldn''t talk for a while.


    So we all go outside. It was a clear day outside, and a cool September breeze was blowing.


    We sat down on the grass in front of the institute.


    "Wow, your baby is so cute!


    Reinhard and Bertsche are letting Juliana, who is now waddling, walk around on the grass in front of the institute as much as she can.


    "Come on, Juliana, your father is over here.


    "Come on, Yuri, mommy''s over here."


    "Good walk, good walk."


    "Come here, come here."


    Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt were competing over which way to walk.


    Jin received Mio from his mother-in-law, Meene, and held him in his arms.


    "Oh, he laughed, he laughed!


    "Jin-san, you''re good at that. You''re better than Elsa.


    I took care of a lot of small children when I was in the orphanage.


    "That''s your father!"


    Reiko was watching with a smile on her face.


    "Oh, I''m so glad."


    Milowina, watching the happy scene from a little distance, loosened her cheeks.


    "It really is, isn''t it? Jin is like a grandchild, and Yu and Mio are great-grandchildren.


    Martha was also all smiles.


    "Kuhu, seeing them like this, it''s nice to have children.


    "If that''s what you think, then go ahead and marry Mr. Goose."


    Dad?


    Mr. Toa!


    Saki and Goose were in a panic as their father Toa urged them on.


    "Oh, I''d love to hold a baby myself..."


    "Why don''t you ask Mr. Toa to do it?


    "Vivien?


    I have to find the right man as soon as possible.


    Stearina and Vivienne were also talking like that.


    "I can''t wait to see Zion''s baby.


    "What are you talking about?


    Marikka teased Zion, and Zion''s face turned red.


    "It''s lonely being single, isn''t it?


    "......I agree. ...... I love babies."


    "I can''t help it if I''m alone in this.


    I agree.


    Marcia and Licia seem to share something in common and have been getting along especially well lately.


    "Marcia ......"


    Rodrigo looked at his daughter Marcia with a complicated expression.


    <


    The five colored golem maids were preparing the tea, as instructed by the old lord.


    Tables, chairs, and tables are brought in, and everyone enjoys their tea in their own way.


    "Oh, it''s so delicious!


    The sky of Horai Island is clear and blue, and everything is quiet. The peaceful scenery that Jin had hoped for was there.

 1540 - - 42-01 Team Start

    "......I was desperate to gain ground back then, anyway."


    Jin spoke again.


    * * * *


    The position of Jin, Eira, Siata, and Cachea in Lawhon...... was becoming more and more solid day by day.


    First of all, the lives of the residents have been improved by the repair of the mana stand, which is considered as the infrastructure of the town.


    The supply of mana per copper coin (......) increased by a factor of five. In other words, the unit price has dropped to one-fifth.


    This is largely due to the revision of the internal sequence using the magic circle.


    Then there is the maintenance of the Golem cars.


    Paelova Sondovik had 23 old Golem cars in her possession.


    All of them had been acquired at a reasonable price because they had stopped working, and they had been repaired by the < of Jin, Eira Siata, and Ka?ea.


    They did not use magi crystals, but magic circles.


    Unlike the control core of a golem, which requires high reaction and processing speed, a golem car''s reaction speed is the same or a little slower than that of a human being, but it is still practical enough.


    * * * *


    "No, no, this is the first time I''ve been pleasantly surprised.


    Paelova Sondovik sipped her wine in a good mood.


    Not only Gin, but even Eira has made a difference. Now we have a team with Jin and Katya.


    "Indeed. I thought he was a drone... but with the right guidance he can turn into something more.


    "Yes. That mage Jin may not look like much, but he''s a real expert. Do not treat him roughly.


    I''m aware of that.


    That girl Katya was a bargain too. I thought she could be used as a check on Jin, but it seems she''s extraordinarily talented.


    "Indeed."


    What are they doing now at ......?


    "Yes, they''re making new magic tools or magic machines or something."


    I see. I''m looking forward to it.


    I''m looking forward to it.


    "Well, it''s difficult without the right materials.


    "Jin-san, are you sure you can do it?


    "Jin, what are you going to use it for?"


    What Jin is trying to make is a degraded version of <. It is a degraded version of .......


    "It uses wind magic to gain propulsion."


    "Oh, you can do that?"


    "Yes, it can. Can you use ...... Eira, can you use <>?


    Yes, I can.


    "Yes, I can use that.


    "But what can you move with it?


    Eira says, "It''s not going to be as good as the Golem car. That''s right.


    But Jin has something else in mind.


    "A ship!"


    "A ship?��...... I see, a ship. ...... but..."


    But what?


    But? - Building a ship is restricted.


    In the Principality of Mercana it is forbidden for any individual to have a ship over 5 meters long, 4 meters wide and 3 meters high.


    "We only use them to catch fish off the coast, and there''s talk of demons offshore."


    "Demons?"


    That''s new to me.


    I thought there were no demons on this continent.


    "Well, that''s what I heard too."


    But Eira shook her head.


    "Not on the continent. But there are demons in the sea. The Death Serpent, I think they call it.��A giant sea serpent.


    "The Death Serpent... ...... is certainly a monster..."


    Jin-san, you know about this?


    "...... Oh, yeah. It seems so,....... ......."


    Jin pretends that it just popped into his head.


    "Hmmm, another memory comes back to you?��What kind of a guy is the Death Serpent at ......?"


    "Well, it was a ferocious carnivorous monster that grew to more than 10 meters in length.


    "More than 10 meters... ...... That''s more than amazing, it''s scary."


    "There are tales of such creatures in the sea north of here. That''s why no one wants to go out to sea by boat."


    "Hmm. ......"


    Another new fact came to light, but Jin was not pleased.


    (I was thinking of building a bigger ship little by little, so that we could eventually cross to the Laurentian continent ......)


    ) Jin was disappointed, thinking that this line of thinking was reckless.


    "But it''s applicable."


    If we can get up the river, we can be useful for logistics, Jin thought again.


    "As I recall, this kind of propulsion system is used.


    Jin drew a diagram on a piece of paper.


    "Hmm?��...... The suction port is this way?��It''s very wide."


    "Is the outlet ...... this way?��Why is it narrow?"


    "That''s the ingenious part. You see, when you blow out with your mouth, you blow harder if you have narrow lips, don''t you?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "I see!"


    When the two were satisfied, Jin added that such a propulsion device could be made using a magic circle.


    "Indeed. It doesn''t require fine control, and even if the response is sluggish, it won''t be a problem.


    "That''s what I meant."


    Thus, Jin and his team set to work to develop a ship that could travel on the river.


    "Is it okay if we use bronze for the propulsor body?


    "Iron tends to rust easily, isn''t that right?


    "The bronze we can use now weighs about 22 kilograms, so the prototype should weigh no more than 10 kilograms.


    The prototype is completed in one day because of Jin''s presence.


    <


    "Activate."


    "Oh, oh!��It is indeed generating propulsive force.


    Eira held the prototype propulsion device with his hand and realized that it would be useful.


    "Jin is amazing. He must have been doing this kind of work."


    "Well, maybe ...... he did."


    Jin replied vaguely again.


    "Well, you are the same as always, but that''s OK. I can''t wait to see the look on Paelova''s face when I show this to her.


    And that night.


    "This is amazing!"


    Paelova Sondovik''s loud voice rang out.

 1541 - - 42-02 Air jet ship

    On August 8, a hot and sunny day, Jin and his colleagues came to Lihot Village.


    They were there to test their prototype air jet on a ship.


    "I''m looking forward to it!


    "It''s going to be a lot of fun!"


    Paelova Sondovik and Jed Alamold are with us.


    There was a big commotion in the village of Rihot, as all the bigwigs had arrived.


    "Well, well, well, Mr. Superintendent, welcome to our village!


    While Paelova and Jed were being greeted with greetings like these, Jin, Eira, and Katya moved to the landing area.


    They look around at the boats of various sizes tied up there.


    "Hmmm, not so many good boats. ......"


    "Why don''t you stop worrying about the quality of the boats, Jin?��Why don''t you just pick out the newest one you can and be done with it?"


    "Yes, Jin-san. This time it is just a prototype. ......"


    Jin thought back to what they had said, and decided that was a good idea.


    "Okay. Let''s try ...... that one then."


    Jin pointed to what seemed to be the newest boat.


    "Yeah, it looks good, doesn''t it?"


    The size of the boat looks good and I''m sure Paelova will give us permission as soon as we ask her for it.


    "What do you think, Jin, Eira, Katya?


    Speak of the devil, Paelove has arrived. Jed and the village chief are with her.


    "Oh, yes. I think that boat is the right one.


    "Hmm, that one. ...... chief, what do you think?��I told you how to use it on the way here.


    I have no objection.


    I have no objection. ...... Jin-dono, you may use it.


    Thank you very much.


    Thank you.


    "...... this is another great ...... ......."


    "...... as you say."


    "......"


    Paelova, Jed, and the village chief watched in amazement as Jin got more serious and modified the ship.


    Eira and Katya seem to have gotten used to it over the past few days, at least they don''t show it in their expressions.


    "There we go."


    Jin''s modified vessel is a shallow-bottomed, wide boat about 4 meters long and 1.5 meters wide.


    Two prototype air jets were installed on both sides of the boat.


    In other words, they intend to use them not as <> but as <> to move the ship.


    This is because we are using a magic circle instead of a magic crystal, which makes the control rough, so we decided to use an engine that injects air instead of water.


    Also, we could not incorporate a warding function to prevent the inhalation of solids.


    In this respect, most of the solids in the air would be dust and sand, and even if a bird or some other object were to get stuck in the engine, it could be quickly repaired.


    Lastly, a magical board (plate) with a magic circle engraved on it, which has the effect of <>, is attached to the bottom of the boat. This would reduce the water resistance.


    "Mr. Paelova, we are now going to test run the ship, would you like to get on board?


    Jin called out from the boat.


    The ship accommodates five people. Since Jin, Eira, and Katya are on board, there are only two more people to accommodate.


    "Well, I''d love to, but I don''t think Jed will let me.


    "I''m sorry, Master Jin. We''ll watch from the shore.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin sits in the center of the boat. Eira sits near the bow and Katya at the stern.


    "<>!"


    Jin activates the air jet. The ship starts to move slowly.


    "Oh, it''s moving, it''s moving!


    Eira exclaims.


    "Katya, I need you to steer the ship as I showed you.


    "Yes, sir."


    Katya, sitting in the stern, turns the rudder slightly and steers the boat away from the shore.


    "Okay, we are going to increase the speed.


    The air jet we have built this time cannot be controlled precisely, so the air volume is adjusted with a lever instead of <>.


    Jin hoped to eventually use a wire cable or a rod to control the air jet like an accelerator.


    Still, the power output was considerable, and the boat could run at about 10 km/h against the current of the river.


    It seemed that the boat would be able to reach the village of Lileaz, which is located in the middle reaches of the Nosina River.


    "I wish I could make it more powerful: ......"


    The output is proportional to the input.


    In this case, the input is free magic element (ether).


    The efficiency of the magic circle is 1/50th to 1/10th of that of the magic crystal (magicrystal). The efficiency is 1/50th to 1/10th of that using magic crystals (magi crystals).


    "Even if I wanted to improve the quality of the plate, I don''t have the materials, so I guess I can''t go any further.


    "No, no, no, Jin, this is quite something!��Look at the shore. Paelova is looking at me like she wants a ride.


    Eira is not a talker. She calls out to everyone if she knows they can''t hear her.


    Jin looked at the shore with a wry smile.


    "Yeah, really. ...... but he should improve a bit too."


    "Well, since Jin says so, you already have a good idea, don''t you?"


    "Of course. I''d like to increase the diameter and the speed of the airflow.


    This method, of course, cannot go faster than the speed of the wind.


    Therefore, Jin decided to increase the speed of the jet in order to increase the speed of the ship.


    Let''s give it a try. ......<>"


    Jin widened the bore diameter by a factor of 1.2.


    This is the limit, since there is a combination of the thickness of the material and its strength. But...


    "Oh?


    The speed had increased to the point where he could actually feel it.


    "1.2 times the diameter means 1.44 times the area. That means that the amount of air that is sucked in has increased 1.44 times, which means that the jet speed has increased 1.44 times as well.


    Katya did the calculations instantly.


    "Yes. Well, it won''t necessarily be exactly as calculated, but I''m sure it''s about 1.4 times faster."


    At the very least, the wind shear is noticeably different.


    "I''d like to be able to go back to the middle basin."


    As soon as Jin said this, Katya immediately started to calculate.


    "If the river is flowing at 3 kilometers per hour here, the current speed is about 14 kilometers per hour. The current in the middle part of the river is about 15 kilometers per hour, so the boat should be able to reach a speed of at least 20 kilometers per hour.


    "Oh, really?"


    "Then we would need to increase the bore ratio by a factor of 1.2.


    Dividing by 20 (16), we find that we need an aperture ratio of 1.25 times the area ratio. The square root of the diameter is about 1.118. Considering the loss of efficiency, he said 1.2 times.


    "Cach��a is amazing. How could you do the calculations so fast?


    Eira, sitting near the bow, was impressed.


    "Okay, let''s go back."


    "Yes, sir."


    Katya turns the rudder as far as it will go. The flat, shallow-bottomed boat is stable.


    The boat makes a 180-degree turn and is now running with the current of the river at a speed of 17 kilometers per hour.


    The prototype of the air jet is good. Now we just need to control it.


    "We need to figure out how to make it more maneuverable!


    "That''s right."


    Jin agreed with Eira''s opinion.


    Jin had never piloted a real motorboat before, so he decided to let it be as long as it was easy to use, even though it might be a unique way of piloting the boat.

 1542 - - 42-03 Special Rewards

    Over the course of two full days, Jin and his team remodeled the boat.


    First, a pilot''s seat was installed so that the boat could be steered with a wire cable.


    Then, the output of the left and right air jets could be adjusted with levers.


    The intake ports are protected by wire mesh as a safety measure and to prevent the intake from sucking in unnecessary objects. And then..,


    "Jin, we can''t fall back if we keep going like this, can we?


    Eira''s comment, the first prototype was attached to the bow in the opposite direction for the purpose of retreating.


    The entire wooden boat was reinforced with a few bronze fittings to complete the project.


    "Wow, this is great!"


    Paelov�� Sondov��k, still in the village, exclaimed with satisfaction as he took a test ride on the completed .


    "Well done! Jin, Eira, Kacea."


    From this time on, Paelova began to call him "Jin. Jin was relieved that Paelove was becoming less cautious.


    "If we build a ship of the same type as this one, we will be able to transport goods by water!


    The Principality of Mercana is developing roads and villages along the mighty Norcina River.


    The lack of waterfalls along the river has not helped the development of water transportation.


    This is because they did not take the time to travel up the river.


    The only way to go down was to ride the current of the river, but to go back up required power or labor, and in this developing country, the roads that had already been completed were used more often than not.


    However, the developed by Jin and his team is expensive to build, but its maintenance cost is not much different from that of ordinary boats, and it can travel up the river at a speed only slightly slower than that of a carriage. And when they return, they can run almost twice as fast as horse-drawn carriages.


    "Okay, let''s try mass-producing them.


    And because it does not use any special technology, it is suitable for mass production.


    The pace of production, however, is about one ship every five days.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Back in Lawhon, Jin and the other three were given a special reward of 50,000 tokels (about 500,000 yen) apiece.


    "It''s like a ...... dream."


    This was more than the monthly allowance of 10,000 Tall. Katya was very grateful, even though she had not done much.


    "That''s not true. You''ve done a lot of calculations for me, and you''ve helped me a lot.


    "Is that so ......?"


    "Yes, it''s true."


    Jin explained that if you make something on a hunch without doing any calculations, you will have to rework it, and the biggest problem is that you will often end up with something that others cannot copy.


    "I think I might understand ...... somehow."


    "Yes."


    Jin, too, has learned something very clearly after working here.


    "The importance of going back to the basics, what is the purpose of making things, and what is ......."


    In particular, the last point, "consideration for mass production," is something that Jin has long since forgotten.


    Jin was once again aware of a different kind of fun than making a masterpiece.


    "Hey, Jin, now that we have some extra income, let''s go out to eat.


    "Yeah, sure."


    Jin was in his room thinking about something when Eira called out to him from outside the door, and he got up to answer.


    When he opened the door, he found Katya next to Eira. She seemed to have adjusted to the place.


    It''s still light out, isn''t it?


    "It''s summer. ...... I know a great place. I think Jin will like it.


    I''m looking forward to it.


    Jin and Ka-cea followed Eira as she walked swiftly.


    Eira led Jin and Katya to a small store in an alley near the outskirts of town.


    "Welcome!


    The interior of the store was somewhat Japanese in style.


    I made a reservation for you.


    Yes, we have been waiting for you. Please come in. We have a private room ready for you.


    The waiter greeted the three of us in a polite manner and led us to the back of the restaurant.


    "We have a private room here. You have to take off your shoes, which is a pain, but the atmosphere is very relaxing.


    "Take off your shoes?"


    "Take off your shoes?" "Yes. Here, here is where you take off your shoes. The waiter will take off your shoes and put them in the shoe box for you.


    EIRA points to the shoe rack.


    "Interesting."


    Katya is the first one to take off her shoes and go through the fish tank to the back. Jin and Eira followed her.


    "This way, this way.


    We walked through the wooden corridor and crossed the hallway. The courtyard seemed to be much larger than it looked from the outside.


    The three of us were shown into a private room that looked like a detached house.


    "May I bring you some food right away?"


    "Yes, please.


    "Yes, sir. Please make yourself at home."


    The waiter bowed and returned.


    The private room is about six tatami mats in size, with a wooden floor. There is a zataku (a Japanese low table) and a zabuton (a Japanese cushion).


    "This is nostalgic, somehow.


    "I thought so.


    Eira muttered and sat down on the cushion.


    Katya blushes a little and tries to imitate him, so Jin stops her.


    "Don''t force yourself, Katya, it''s okay. You can sit on your side or on your duck.


    "What is duck-sitting ......?"


    "Like this."


    Jin actually sat down and showed them. The duck-sitting is to sit on your buttocks from the knees down, from an upright position. < or .


    "Oh, my God. ...... got it?"


    It was hard for Jin, who had a hard body, to sit on the ducks for a long time.


    "Yes, like this."


    But Katya sat down easily.


    "Oh, like this?"


    Eira tried to imitate her. But it seemed to be a little difficult to sit down,


    ...... this is better than this one."


    In the end, Eira sat down again on the floor.


    Jin also sat on a hut.


    "Thank you for waiting.


    Just then the food arrived.


    The waiter put down the food for three people,


    "Please ring this bell if you need something or if you want to order something else.


    He put down the handbell and left.


    "Come on, let''s have a toast!"


    Eira pours a drink into Jin and Ka?ea''s glasses.


    It is clear with a slight yellowish tinge and smells like fruit.


    "Here''s to our team''s achievement!


    "Cheers!"


    They make a toast and sip from their glasses: ....... And then.


    "...... is this alcohol?"


    I thought it was juice, but was surprised to find it was sake,


    "...... Ginjo-shu?"


    Jin was surprised in another way.

 1543 - - 42-04 Drunken

    "......I knew it Jin, you''re from the other continent. I brought you here because I thought you might have missed it, but I guess I was right.


    Seeing Jin''s reaction, Eira gulped down a glass of ginjo sake.


    This sake goes exceptionally well with fish.


    Eira ate a piece of sashimi.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!


    Jin''s chopsticks are moving forward with this nostalgic combination.


    Ka-cea does not seem to be averse to raw fish either,


    "This is delicious!


    She bit into a piece of sashimi, saying, "This is delicious.


    "......Somehow, though, the recent djinn seem to be thinking about something."


    Eira said as she sipped her sake. It is a manly gesture for a woman.


    "...... is that so?"


    Jin answers vaguely as he sips his ginjo sake.


    "Yes. I thought maybe you''d like to go back to your hometown. I thought maybe you would like the food and sake here.


    "Yes, it tastes good, thank you."


    Jin picks up a piece of sashimi that looks like squid or octopus.


    "I guess you must be from the Mitsuho area, seeing as you eat them without a care in the world.


    "Mitsuho ......?"


    I have a feeling that if I can make it that far, I can make it.


    "......You must be aware of it, but this country is very strictly controlled from the top. Not so much if you''re making a difference, though."


    "I guess so."


    "Besides, it''s a good thing they tried to bring in Jin, since he could be an important person in some other country."


    "......" "Well, that''s true."


    This is a matter that would normally be an international problem.


    "That''s because they think that since we are closed off from the rest of the world, they can''t know about it."


    Eira was even more talkative than usual, perhaps because of the alcohol he had consumed.


    "I even think that the colonizers abandoned the continent because it was so unappealing to them.


    Is he not only talkative, but also venomous?��Jin feels a little threatened. Eira''s life is in danger if she is being tapped.


    Unless he knows what the government is thinking, he can''t take any further action.


    This is reality, and Jin is an engineer, not a warrior, and if he makes a mistake, he will never see Erza, Hannah, Reiko, or the old lord again.


    ��Don''t be hasty, don''t be hasty.)


    You may be tempted to take over the golem of Paelova, steal the car, and escape.


    But I don''t know where to go.


    How to cross the sea?


    Where will we get food from?


    What is there beyond the crossing?


    Can we avoid all the dangers?


    Jin was too cautious to act haphazardly.


    He was too bold when it came to making things, but when it came to his own safety, he had to be very careful.


    Jin was so depressed that he seemed to be intoxicated even faster than usual.


    < and thus had no detoxifying effect.


    "Hey Jin, don''t sleep here. Me and Katya can''t carry you."


    "Woo......"


    He only grunts and doesn''t seem to wake up.


    "It''s rare to see you this drunk, Jin-san."


    "Yes, it is. I''ve only been with him for about half a month, though.


    Eira looks at Jin, who has fallen asleep on his side, with a wry smile on his face.


    Eira looks at Jin who has fallen asleep lying down with a wry smile on his face. "In a sense, he trusts me enough to show his unguarded appearance like this.


    "Yes, that''s ...... right.


    But how did a man like Jin come to this country ......?


    "Oh, you know, the accident at the warp gate. ......


    Eira smiled thinly and shook her head.


    "Jin''s story is a little hazy on a lot of things. It''s not a good idea to just believe everything he says.


    "Well, what do you mean ......?"


    "What I mean is that Jin really is from some faraway land. That''s a fact, isn''t it?


    "Yes, that''s true. I have a very biased knowledge base.


    Then why do you falsely claim that your memory is hazy?


    "What, are you deceiving me?"


    Katya looks surprised.


    "I don''t know what''s really going on, but for someone who says he''s confused, he''s not lost in the technical details. So conveniently, you only forget certain knowledge?"


    "...... sure, to ......"


    "I can understand that part of it a little. Jin''s knowledge and skills are extraordinary. They must be wary of him. But then, he''s not very good at hiding his abilities.


    I agree.


    "I once thought he might be a secret agent, but it''s just too unlike him."


    At that moment Jin turned over and hit his arm on the table.


    "Oh, Jin-san, are you awake?��...... Jin-san!"


    "......Woo......El,......A little more,......"


    "...... eru?��What''s an ''eru''?"


    Katya tilted her head and Eira looked as if she didn''t understand.


    "From the way it sounds, I think it might be a person''s name.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right."


    "I''d like to ...... ask her when she wakes up, but I don''t think we should ...... do that."


    "Yeah, right."


    Both of them decided not to pry into Jin''s affairs.


    "But you are very good at calculation and logical thinking, aren''t you, Katya?


    "Is that so?"


    "...... Yeah. If I could get a better teacher, I could become a scholar who could change the world.


    Katya turns red.


    "You''re joking too much!"


    "I''m not joking."


    Eira pours another glass.


    Katya, who seemed to be getting very drunk, said a line she would never say.


    "If ......, I would say it too. ......I thought you were a difficult person, Eira-san."


    "Well, I''m certainly difficult, aren''t I?"


    But Katya shook her head.


    "No, the real Eira is a person who cares about her friends, is enthusiastic about her studies, and takes good care of her juniors.


    "......"


    "How did someone like Eira-san come to be in a place like this, that''s ...... more ...... mysterious ...... and ......... ..."


    With a thud, Katya collapsed. It seems that he has finally passed out.


    "......, they''re all weak when it comes to drinking, I tell you."


    Eira continued to drink for a while,


    "......Why are you here,....... That''s your business,......."


    He muttered and looked up at the ceiling. Then he whispered in a whisper.


    "A country,....... I wonder what a country is. ......

 1544 - - 42-05 Shopping

    "Woo ...... my head hurts."


    Jin was in his room with his head in his hands.


    He feels nauseous. He thinks that he drank too much last night, but it''s too late.


    (If only Elsa were here, she could fix me. ......)


    The thought crosses my mind, but it is drowned out by the headache.


    "Uh ......<>"


    The headache had to be alleviated at any cost, or even healing magic would be too much.


    "Then ...... detoxification (detox) doesn''t work for me. ....... It''s no use<><><>"


    After using a series of elementary healing magic for both internal medicine and surgery, Jin finally calmed down a little.


    "......I guess I''ll have to stop for breakfast. ......So, what about Kachea and Eira?"


    I vaguely remember the three of us staggering back last night, so they should both be in their rooms.


    Jin decided to check on KaChea first and ...... reconsidered, and ordered Golem < to go check on her.


    (It would be a pity if she was disfigured ...... and she is a girl.)


    Jin washed his face with the leftover water.


    Hope returned soon after.


    "Jin-sama, Kachea-sama was not in your room."


    "I see. "Well, what about Eira?"


    This time Hope went to Eira''s room,


    "Master Jin, Eira-sama is not in her room either."


    "I see."


    The time was 8:00 a.m.


    Eira, who had never had a hangover, had dragged Katya out of the room halfway by force and was eating breakfast in the dining room.


    "Ugh ...... I can''t eat ...... enough!"


    "Look, don''t leave any food. If you can''t finish it, I''ll eat it, so put some in your stomach.


    "Ugh ...... is good ......."


    "I decided to take the day off today. I''m going to ...... take care of myself."


    He left Hope in charge of responding to anyone who came over, and Jin went to the bedroom and lay down on the bed, possibly muttering to himself.


    (......If crossing to the Laurent continent is too difficult, how about the Gondor continent?)


    Jin thought of the whole picture of Arus.


    (It is possible, considering that we can cross through the islands.)


    If 400 years had passed, Zion and Marikka would be well over 450 years old, which is more than 9 Theon would be over 100 years old. Theon would be over 100 years old.


    (It is also possible that he is still alive.)


    (It is also possible that his life expectancy has been extended due to his knowledge as a member of the Jin family, his hygiene, and the improvement of his living environment.


    (I am sure that No. 700672, Neige and Rouge are still alive.)


    I thought it would be more possible than going to the Duchy of Jagus, which is hostile to this country ...... Principality of Mercana.


    (Still, it would be a long distance to cross, and a little difficult in winter.)


    (Even so, it would be a long distance to cross and a bit difficult in winter. It is hard to know what is the best way.


    (I still need to develop airplanes. ......)


    The sea is too dangerous, Jin decided.


    (But airplanes and blimps seem a little too far away. (But airplanes and airships are also too far away. ......)


    Jin rolls over on the bed and thinks about it.


    (Yes!��If the old man and Reiko are dormant, can''t we wake them up with some kind of signal?)


    In this case, the magic key word (keyword) and the authentication key (password) are important.


    It would be "Who made it dormant? At least I don''t think it was me, or one of my ...... descendants."


    Then, we have no idea of the authentication key (password).


    "Ugh ......."


    I know that I am in a hurry to get a good result. But I can''t help but be impatient.


    While I was thinking about such things without much time to think, Hope called out to me that Eira and her friends were calling for me.


    I hurriedly prepared myself and went out to find Eira and Katya waiting for me.


    "Oh Jin, you''re up. From the looks of you, you don''t feel too bad, do you?


    I''m sorry for the trouble I caused you last night.


    Don''t worry about it. Don''t worry about it. You''re off today, right?��Do you have any plans?


    When Jin answered that he had no plans, Eira smiled at him.


    "That''s good. I''m thinking of going into town, would you like to join me?"


    "What do you want?"


    "Shopping and stuff."


    "Sure, I''ll go with you."


    I''ll go with you. - Okay.


    Jin regretted his decision to take the easy way out.


    * * * *


    "......How did this happen?"


    Jin just watched Eira and Katya picking out clothes.


    No, he was not just watching them, he was also asked to evaluate the clothes they tried on to see if they looked good on them or not.


    (At times like this, I thought I knew from novels, anime and manga that women shop for a long time. ......)


    (I should have known from novels, anime, and manga that women shop for a long time in these situations, but I was not aware of it.


    "Jin-san, what do you think, does this suit you?


    "Jin, what do you think of this?"


    Surprisingly, and it would be rude to say this, Eira also enjoys choosing clothes. Her tastes, however, are quite different from those of Cachair.


    Caciea seems to be more interested in the variety of clothes than when she was in the village ().


    (......Elsa didn''t think long when choosing what to wear. ......)


    While I was thinking about this in a daze, both of them seemed to have finally finished their selection.


    "Come on, Jin, let''s go next!


    "Are you still going to look at it?


    "Of course not!"


    Jin regretted it.


    * * * *


    "I''m tired of ......."


    Jin-san, thank you very much for today.


    Jin, thank you."


    Jin is having dinner at their expense.


    "Are you a little distracted?"


    "......?"


    Last night was a bit of a mess.


    Jin realized that Eira had taken care of him in her own way.


    I''m sorry about that.


    "Haha, don''t worry about it."


    Eira laughed it off.


    "Thanks to Jin, my days have been full of life lately, too.


    "Yes, it''s true. When I was in the village, I never thought that I would be able to serve in such a role.


    Jin could not remain silent when both of them said that.


    "That goes for me too. It is thanks to the two of you that I have found a place here in ......, a world where I don''t know what''s left or right.


    Well, then, I guess we''re on the same team.


    We''re a team!


    Jin was happy to hear their concern, and at the same time, he was beginning to think that one day he would have to tell them the truth.

 1545 - - 42-06 Original automobile manufacturing

    Jin and his < next worked on .


    A large amount of metal materials were delivered from Lorenz''s store.


    "I think we can make a golem engine with this.


    "I heard that Jin fixed the car, but you can still make it?��I only heard about it from my master, but ...... it''s amazing!


    "It''ll make getting around ...... a lot easier."


    "Yes, it is."


    Jin secretly wonders if he can use this to get to the capital. Using the warp gate there, he can cross over to the Laurentian continent.


    But he keeps it to himself,


    "Anyway, it would be nice if we could make a car," he declared.


    He declared, "Anyway, it would be nice if we could make a car.


    First of all, there is nothing we can do if we cannot make an engine.


    But as long as he had the materials, Jin could do it.


    "Let''s mix nickel and chromium with iron and use it as stainless steel.


    Nickel and chrome are available in small quantities in the market.


    "I''ll leave that to Jin. What should we do?


    We can use a horse-drawn carriage for the body.


    Carriages in this country are highly standardized and can be classified into large, medium, small, or S, M, and L.


    The large carriage is a large carriage that can accommodate eight passengers, while the small is a small carriage that can accommodate three passengers.


    In this case, we decided to use the medium-sized five-seater carriage.


    Eira and Katya went to the carriage shop together.


    "How can I ...... help you?"


    Katya asked. Eira laughed and said, "I''ll give you a discount.


    "You can bargain for a discount.


    "I can ...... do that."


    They can buy metals and other materials for their research, but they are supposed to buy the supplies they need for research and development on their own.


    The money spent for this purpose is basically paid later.


    They receive a receipt and submit it to the designated office, where it is reviewed and paid.


    In other words, we are supposed to buy with our own money at the time of purchase.


    "It''s a funny system. ......"


    The accounting whiz that is Katya keeps tilting her head. However, it is not for a newcomer to say, so for now he just does what he has to do as a member of the <.


    "This carriage looks good. Jin said he wanted something with a solid undercarriage."


    Jin said he didn''t want one with fancy seats or a lot of ornamentation. Eira and Katya agree.


    "Oh, but the wheels are old. Jin-san said to take a good look at the wheels, too."


    "Yeah?��Yes, that''s true. "Yes, it''s true..." "You have a good eye, Katya."


    "Oh, don''t flatter me."


    They picked out a carriage, exchanging such pleasantries.


    "This one looks good."


    "Yes, I think so."


    From that point on, it was up to Katya.


    Interrupting the owner''s offer of a two-cent discount, she began to talk with the same gusto as if she were standing on a plank.


    He began by explaining that the house had been left out in the rain and that there were marks where people had stepped into the house with their feet,


    "It''s a little old by the looks of it. That means it''s unsold. It''s certainly halfway big, so if you miss this opportunity, you won''t be able to sell it anytime soon, right?"


    He was right. Medium-sized carriages are not selling well in this town.


    "Okay, four off.


    And please put a spare wheel on it, okay?"


    "...... can''t be beat."


    Thus Eira and Katya got a carriage that would serve their purpose with a large budget left over.


    In case you are wondering, <, who accompanied them to the research building, is the one who carries the carriage.


    "It looks so slender, but it''s so powerful!"


    "It was made by Jin-san, wasn''t it? ......"


    When Eira and Kaechea tried out the carriage, Hope pulled it along without a hitch.


    "By the way, I''ve heard that there are countries that let golems tow cars."


    "Heh,...... I''m a little curious. Oh, but Mr. Lorenz had his car towed too.


    I know that I''ve been to the other continent.


    "Oh, ...... Eira is from there, isn''t she?"


    The two men were having such a conversation, unaware that they were attracting a lot of attention.


    In the meantime, they arrived at the research building.


    "Welcome back. ...... Oh, you picked a good one."


    Jin, who had completed the Golem engine, was waiting for them.


    "Kachair is working for me. ...... Jin, is that the engine?"


    "Yes. I think it''s a pretty good one.


    Jin looks at the carriage with a sidelong glance.


    "Well, I like it. The frame is solid and the suspension is good. Let''s get to work.


    "Yeah."


    "Well, what about me?"


    Eira nodded and Katya asked what her assignment was.


    "Take care of the paperwork. When you''re done, you can start thinking about the interior design."


    "Yes, sir."


    Katya took care of the paperwork while Jin and Eira worked on the carriage.


    "Nice wheels!"


    The undercarriage is modified and the steering wheel is made to be used.


    "The axle needs to be strengthened.


    The shaft was carburized and the bearings were replaced with ball bearings.


    "The differential can''t be ......".


    The load on the rear wheel side (drive side) was reduced a little. This will make it a little easier to curve.


    "Jin, all the seats are facing the direction of travel.


    "Oh, that''s good. ...... now we need brakes... ...... what should we do?"


    Since the car is originally a horse-drawn carriage, it was not designed to be fitted with brakes, unlike the car I had repaired earlier.


    "If we use the engine brake in combination with the engine brake,...... I guess we should use the type that stops the engine by clamping the rim."


    Since the original horse-drawn carriages, the part to which the tire is attached was not called a wheel, but a rim.


    In other words, the brake was designed to apply braking by clamping the rim, just like a regular bicycle.


    * * * * * * * * *


    By nightfall, their was nearly complete.


    "We have a lot of complaints, but first of all, it''s finished.


    "Jin, let''s go for a ride!


    Eira is very excited.


    "Yes. Let''s go for a ride!


    Katya is also unusually excited.


    "Okay."


    Jin gets in the driver''s seat, and Katya and Eira get in the back seat.


    "Start!"


    Jin pulled the startup lever. The Golem engine should start, but the car does not move yet because of the direct connection.


    "Here we go!"


    Jin slowly stepped on the accelerator pedal. The car started to move accordingly.


    "Oh, yes!


    It''s moving!


    "Jin, can''t you go any faster?"


    "Well, just wait and see."


    Jin tried various behaviors, such as turning the steering wheel left and right, accelerating and decelerating repeatedly, and checked the results.


    "Yes, it looks good. Let''s go!"


    Then he stepped on the accelerator pedal and the car accelerated.


    "Wow!��That''s fast!"


    "Wow. ......"


    At a speed of about 30 kilometers per hour, the car drives around the courtyard of the research building.


    The car stopped when the sun went down and it was dark, and they noticed that the headlights were not on.


    Five days after Jin and his < completed the original car, the car was driven to the royal capital.


    "To the royal capital?"


    The three were instructed to go to the royal capital.


    * * * *


    ��This is our chance.)


    The night before leaving for the capital, Jin was thinking in his bed.


    (If we can use the warp gate in the capital, we can cross over to the Laurentian continent.


    ) What would happen after that, he had no idea.


    We will be able to obtain various information other than the warp gate. Yes, the current situation of the Laurentian continent.


    ��First of all, information. And the warp gate.


    Jin warned himself not to be in a hurry.


    * * * *


    "Ummm ...... where did the information leak from?"


    Lorenz is also monitored by ...... counterintelligence, isn''t it?"


    "I can''t hide it now, and I don''t like the fact that ...... I''m only bringing one golem with me, the one Jin made."


    "I must be prepared for that, sir.


    "No, not yet. Watch, the committee members ......."


    Unbeknownst to the various thoughts and feelings, the round moon (Uny) was shining outside.

 1546 - - 42-07 Duchy.

    The journey to the capital takes 3 days by carriage.


    Jin and the others travel in the original car. Jin is the driver. Jin, Katya, Eira, and Golem< are on board.


    They are accompanied by Paelova Sondvik, the regional administrator, her secretary, Jed Alamold, and two guards. They were in a car that had been repaired by Jin.


    The group arrived at the capital on August 22nd, just as summer was ending, without much to report.


    "Wow, the royal capital is really big!


    "Well, this is a town after all.


    "Hm?��Jin, what do you mean by that?


    While Ka-cea was honestly marveling at the size of the city, Jin was a little relieved at the chaos of the city. When he expressed this feeling, he received a shove from Eira.


    "How should I put it ...... my image of is that it has no sense of unity, or a sense of history?


    Jin explained that he was used to the messy mix of old and new.


    "That''s an interesting thought. It''s true that this country has a short history, and the local towns were built in a planned manner, so they don''t seem as chaotic as Jin describes."


    "......, but Jin-san who says that''s normal, you''re from far away, aren''t you? ......"


    Jin was about to say something back,


    "Stop!


    He heard a loud voice saying, "Stop!


    It appeared to be a checkpoint, and a soldier in light armor was blocking the group.


    "This is Paelova Sondovik, the regional administrator.


    I beg your pardon!


    The soldier saluted and the group was quickly let through.


    After passing one more such checkpoint, they arrived at the royal castle of Prince Mahaliegh.


    They parked their cars at the designated parking lot and entered the castle on foot.


    Paelova seemed to know the castle well, having been there many times.


    Jed followed her, making sure that Jin and the others were following.


    Paelova went to her room in the castle.


    As a cousin of Prince Mikhailinov Hangazonet Melkana, he is the third in line to the throne and has a great deal of power within the castle.


    The first in line is Paelova''s brother, the second is Paelova''s father, and the fourth is Paelova''s son.


    In other words, the Sondviks are candidates for the next duke.


    The Sondviks were allocated their own rooms in a corner of the castle, which consisted of more than 10 rooms.


    Each of the Jin was assigned a room. Although the rooms were for servants, they were more comfortable than those of a hotel.


    Only Jed and I are allowed to see the king. ...... Oh yes, Jin, could I borrow your golem for a moment?"


    How could I refuse this request?


    "Yes. ...... Hope, follow him."


    Yes, sir.


    Yes, sir.


    It''s a bummer not to be able to get out of the castle.


    It sure is.


    I hear the food is good.


    Jin, Katya, and Eira gathered in Jin''s room to kill time.


    "I wonder what I was invited here for in the first place."


    "I bet it''s not a big deal, anyway."


    Eira was as tongue-tied as ever.


    "Even if we can''t get out of the castle, we can walk around inside, can''t we?


    Eira stood up and looked around the hallway.


    "I''m staying here today, can you tell me how far inside the castle I''m allowed to look around?"


    "...... Oh, yes. This is the floor where the rooms of our guests and high-ranking officials are located, so you are free to go through all the corridors. You are not allowed to enter the rooms without permission.


    "Well, even if they say we can only walk in the corridor, I don''t get it. Is there any room that I can look at?"


    "Then feel free to visit the common room, the recreation room, and the archive room on the first floor. I''m sure it''s a bit noisy with all the soldiers from the castle.


    "Okay. Thank you."


    "....... That''s all I meant. Let''s go!"


    And so, Jin and the three of us headed for the first floor of the castle.


    "What the heck is this ...... exhibition room?"


    Eira muttered in a disappointed voice.


    "Normally, when you hear the name of the exhibition room, you would expect to see the history of the country, the armor of the knights of the Kingsguard, and old maps of King''s Landing, wouldn''t you?


    "Well, I don''t know, but I agree with Jin-san."


    On display in front of the three of us were products of the country, poems and prose written by who knows who, and paintings.


    "It''s good that there are products on display. ......"


    Jin looked at them.


    Rice. Wheat, barley, rye. Round beans, black-eyed peas, red-eyed peas. Vegetables are not displayed. Is it because they would be shriveled up?


    Then some rare jewelry and a few small stuffed animals and birds.


    "The crops look the same ...... or the jewelry looks ...... of poor quality."


    The gemstones in the row were in the rough, but the visible parts were not very clear.


    "Well, I wouldn''t put a first-class piece in a place like this," Eira said from the side.


    Eira said from the side.


    "I guess that''s what you get in a public reference room.


    There was little to be gained, so I took a look around the common room and the recreation room.


    It seemed to be a hangout for low-ranking soldiers, and I didn''t really feel like going in there.


    "Let''s go back."


    "Yes, let''s go back."


    "Let''s go back." "Yes, let''s go back."


    Disappointed, the three of them turn back the way they came. They heard a loud cheer.


    "What the hell?"


    It sounded like it was coming from outside. And the sound of metal clashing against metal.


    "Is there a window anywhere?


    He paced back and forth in the hallway, but could not find a window.


    "Oh, Mr. Jin, look!"


    Meanwhile, the soldiers in the common room and the recreation room were all heading in the same direction.


    "Maybe they''re going outside?"


    "Let''s follow them."


    Trusting in Ka-cea''s judgment, Jin and the others followed the tail of the soldiers.


    Their decision was correct, and they reached what appeared to be a courtyard. It appeared to be a training ground or a training area for soldiers,


    From behind the crowd of people gathered in the courtyard, we could hear the sound of wooden poles colliding with each other.


    I wonder if soldiers are training there.


    Eira seems to have judged so, since all the people gathered there are soldiers.


    "I can''t see much. ......


    "Ah, Jin-san, over there!"


    Jin looked in the direction to which Ka-cea pointed, and saw a familiar face looking down from a window on the second floor. They were two of Paelova''s guards.


    "What, we could have gone to our room and looked down from the window.


    Let''s hurry back!"


    So they ran back to their room and looked out the window.


    "What?


    "What?


    "Oh, come on. ......"


    All three of them were absolutely stunned by the sight they saw from there.

 1547 - - 42-08 Simulated Battle

    A short time later, after Paelova and Jin and the others had parted, Paelova with Jed Alamold and went to the conference room.


    Paelova went to the conference room with Jed Alamold and .


    "Indeed, you have just arrived, but you have been very busy.


    "That''s why you''re so careful of me, sir."


    The two and one arrived at the conference room.


    "Regional Director Paelovna Sondovik, I''m here."


    "Thank you for coming."


    The person who called out to them was the current King of the Duchy, Mikhailinov Hangazone Mercana. He was Paelova''s cousin.


    He was surrounded by ten deputies. It was what is commonly known as the Committee of Ten.


    "Is that the new Golem?"


    The leader of the Committee of Ten, a bald-headed, obese man named , spoke up.


    "No, this is a new model, but it is a prototype. We can only do it up to this level because we don''t have enough materials.


    "Well, you needn''t be so modest."


    Peggin, let''s start the meeting.


    Your Majesty...


    Although he had no real power, he could not ignore the words of the king.


    From then on, the original agenda was discussed and information was exchanged about the tax revenues from each town, the crops, the increase and decrease of the population, the state of the roads, and so on.


    The meeting was filled with information on the status of the roads and the tax revenues from each town.


    "Well, everything seems to be going well. Then let''s move on to the last item on the agenda. <


    "Yes."


    Paelova handed out the materials she had prepared.


    "What?"


    "It''s a small vessel equipped with an engine called an air jet. It can travel up the Nosina River. So far we''ve confirmed that it can travel to and from Sogyeong and Rireaz villages."


    "Hoho ......"


    Everyone seemed intrigued.


    "It is slower than a horse-drawn carriage going upstream, but it can travel twice as fast going downstream. It would be perfect for transporting taxes from villages upriver.


    Indeed.


    "And if we carry something light and valuable on the way back, it will be less wasteful."


    That''s right.


    "And then there is the car with the <>. Due to budget and material constraints, the body was adapted from an existing carriage. ......"


    "Yes, well done. Paelova, did you bring the engineers who developed this?"


    "Yes. It was developed by a of three, led by a mage named Jin."


    "You must have some serious skills." "Yes, sir.


    "Yes. I think he is the best on the continent.


    Pegin Borntov responded to these words.


    "......It''s outrageous to say that you''re the best on the continent just because you''ve made a few new magic tools."


    "...... what?"


    Actually, the two are not good friends. In fact, they''re not so much at loggerheads as they are at each other''s throats.


    "No, I''m sorry. It''s no wonder you''re so narrow-minded in a provincial city like Lawhon.


    Narrow-minded?


    You''re right. The world is a big place. There are many good engineers.


    Even here in King''s Landing?


    Yes. Like ......!


    Gloma Trae?


    My lord, Glooma has created his own golem!


    "Hmm, my djinn could easily do that!"


    Peggin glanced at , who was standing behind him, and snickered.


    "Hmmm, an engineer who can only make a poor golem?"


    "Here, Peggin ......."


    The king rebuked him, but Pegin Bolntov would not listen to him.


    The other members of the Committee of Ten just grinned at this turn of events.


    "All right, if you insist, let''s have a sham fight.


    Without even seeing what the golem created by Gromma Trey looked like, Paelova slapped down the challenge.


    "I''m sure you can do it.


    Peggin Borntov nodded his head in agreement.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    ......That''s why we had a sham fight."


    "...... I see."


    Jin saw the scene from the second floor window and rushed down the stairs again to the site of the sham fight.


    Jed Alamordo found him and explained the situation to him.


    The soldiers, starved for entertainment, were delighted by the show.


    As a prelude to the show, three groups of soldiers had a sham fight, and now Hope was fighting the Golem of Groma.


    The first metallic sound that could be heard was that of soldiers engaging in a sham fight.


    Jin thought that if he had intervened at that time, he might have been able to manage a little better, but it was too late now.


    He had no choice but to stare at the match, thinking that a wooden stick would not be enough to destroy it.


    "...... Is that the golem that Gromma Tolley made?"


    "Yes. The two guys over there are ......."


    Jed explained to Jin that the small, obese, bald-headed Peggin Borntov and the skinny man standing next to him were Gloma Trey.


    "......I can''t help it. ......Hope is not for fighting."


    Jin could do nothing to stop him, and trusting that it was a <>, he could only watch and see what would happen.


    Jin''s <> is a slender figure, just under 160 centimeters tall. In contrast, Groma''s golem is 2 meters tall and burly. They are an adult and a child.


    The two were holding wooden sticks for mock battles.


    "Well, that''s pretty good," said Pegin Borntov.


    Peggin Borntov said mockingly, while Gromma Tolley, standing next to him, looked at the battle between the two with a stern gaze.


    (...... That golem was barely defending itself at first, but it seems to be getting more and more comfortable. Is it learning?)


    Yes, Jin did not teach Hope any combat skills. So, he hoped for this mock battle (sham fight) and tried to use his speed to defend himself.


    Groma''s golem is made of steel. Both the skeleton and the exterior.


    Even though it has an Adriana-style endoskeleton, its weight is a disadvantage, and it does not move very fast.


    However, each blow is quite heavy and powerful, and Hope would be blown away if she were to receive a serious blow due to the weight difference. Hence, Hope was able to parry the other golem''s attack. The difference in speed of the two golems was twice as great as half the speed of the other golem, which made such a feat possible.


    However, Hope was also too weak to turn into an attacker because she could only parry the opponent''s attack. This was because her movements were too wasteful.


    The reason why Hope is able to parry all attacks is because of her speed. Even if its movements were large and wasteful, its speed covered it all, and that was the < Hope.


    However, the fact that Jin made it is no exaggeration.


    Even if its performance is unsatisfactory for Jin, its learning ability is many times higher than that of an ordinary Golem. For Hope, the other golem''s attacks were just the right teacher.


    Her feet are sliding, and she does not lift her legs unnecessarily when moving.


    When dodging, try to get into the opponent''s blind spot.


    If you avoid in a straight line, you are likely to be followed, so handle your body in an arc.


    Hope''s movements will visibly improve by doing just that.


    The soldiers had been practicing such combat drills throughout the day, and they sensed Hope''s improvement.


    "Hey, isn''t that little golem getting better and better?


    "I thought so too. He''s definitely improving. You know, the way he uses his feet, the way he dodges..."


    Yes.


    Just as the soldiers had said, after Hope had learned the movements, she was learning the attack patterns of her opponents and looking for the right moment to attack.

 1548 - - 42-09 We won, but...

    "Well, did you say Jin-dono''s ...... Hope?��That golem is ...... kind of ...... awesome."


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin thinks it''s time to stop this, but no one wants him to stop. I guess they consider it a form of entertainment.


    "Are you that mage Jin?"


    A voice called out from behind me. I turned around to see that Gloma Trey, the engineer who had created Hope''s golem, had arrived before I knew it.


    I''m Jin.


    "Oh, you''re ......."


    Groma stared at Jin.


    "Yes, who are you?


    Eira''s voice. She seemed to have come downstairs too.


    "What is it, what are you?


    I''m Jin''s teammate.


    "Teammate?"


    Eira nodded.


    "Don''t you know what a team is?��A team is a group of people who work together to achieve a goal.��Oh, a mate is a friend."


    Gromma seemed offended by this comment.


    "I know that!"


    But Eira was not to be deterred.


    "If you know something, just tell me you know it. I''ve already explained everything to you. I don''t like a stupid, inconsiderate fool."


    Who''s a moron?


    You''re the only one. You''re not only a fool, you''re a moron!


    Eira''s tongue is getting more and more sharp.


    "Let him say it, he''s a ......!"


    Finally, Groma let his anger out.


    "Eira, don''t go there," he said.


    "Ha-ha-ha, he responds so well, I''m just going to go with it. I''m sorry about that. ......


    "I''m not Glo!��I''m Groma!


    "Yes, yes, you''re Groma, right?"


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.


    I''m not a grommet! What''s your business at ......, big Groma?


    I''m not here for you!��I''m not here for you! I''m here for Jin.


    In the background, Hope was finally fighting back.


    Behind him, Hope is finally fighting back, to the thunderous roar of the onlooking soldiers.


    "So, what is it?"


    So what is it, Norseman?


    Who do you think is interrupting us?


    Eira, that''s enough.


    Finally Eira seemed to have had enough and moved a little away from Jin and the others. Jin turned to Groma with a wry smile.


    "So ......"


    "Yeah, it''s kind of distracting, but ...... Jin, did you really make that golem?"


    "Yes, well..."


    "Hmmm,......."


    Jin affirmed, and Groma thought for a moment.


    "Yes?"


    "...... No, what. It''s been a long time since I met an engineer who could make me groan. ...... So, where are you from?��Mitsuho?��Or is it Fusoh?"


    Where are you from?


    "I''m from Fuso. And you?


    ...... I don''t really remember. I was in a metastatic accident and found myself in this country."


    Groma frowned at this explanation.


    "I have never heard of such a story. It is not impossible that a metastasis itself has happened in the distant past, but it is not possible, even according to the principle of metastasis, that it would cause memory confusion."


    "Do you know the principle of ...... transference?"


    "Only the principle. It''s a technique reserved for a very limited number of technicians.


    "Is that so?"


    Jin felt that he had to take another look at this man, Groma Tolley.


    "In the first place, a warp gate is a tunnel connecting two points. There''s no way that passing through it would affect your memory."


    Then there''s also the possibility that you received a shock to the head.


    That would make sense.


    At that moment, there was a loud thud behind me.


    I looked over to see that Jin''s Hope had just struck a blow to Groma''s golem.


    "Well, I guess we lost. ...... that''s it!"


    Groma stops the golem from fighting again.


    "Hope, don''t do this!"


    Jin also stopped Hope.


    "Jin, I guess I lost today. But that was just a prototype I made. The one I''m making now is several times better. Then I''ll be able to overpower your golem this time!


    With these words, Groma turned and left.


    "...... Really, what are you doing here?"


    Jin thought that Eira was probably telling the truth when she teased him about being discouraged.


    Somehow, he had the feeling that Gromma wanted to have a purely technical discussion.


    "That was brilliant, Jin!"


    Paelova came over to Jin and patted him on the shoulder.


    "You made me look good," she said.


    "That''s good," said Paelov��.


    Now I will have more influence in the castle.


    Paelova glanced at Pegin Borntov, who was standing off to the side.


    Pegin was glaring at her hatefully. When Gromma approached him, she saw him complaining about something with a terrible sword.


    However, after Gromma says a few words, his anger seems to subside, and now he is smiling faintly.


    Jin is not sure that he likes Pegin Borntov.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, I guess my joints are getting a little rickety after all.


    Jin is doing maintenance work on the returned Hope.


    The joints had been worn out due to the long hours of unexpectedly intense movement.


    <.


    "But it was great. At first it looked like we were going to lose, but then we got stronger and stronger. That means Hope has learned, right?


    "That''s right."


    Jin answered Eira''s question as he checked.


    "Jin-san, is it rare for a golem to be able to learn?"


    Katya also asked a question, and Jin wondered how he should answer.


    "Well, I don''t know.��I think it''s pretty common."


    And then Eira said,


    "That groper was talking a big game, but his golem can''t learn, can it?��He''s supposed to be a top-notch guy, you''d think.


    He dismisses me.


    "Oh, yes."


    Katya seemed to agree.


    "I think that perhaps there is not enough storage space in the control core, or that the flow of magical control (magi sequence) in the memory system is not well done."


    "Wow, you can know all that. ...... I really think that Jin is a mage too good for this country."


    What''s going on all of a sudden?


    "Not all of a sudden. It''s just, you know..."


    Eira looked thoughtful. Jin did not ask any more questions at that moment.

 1549 - - 42-10 Mystery of Price

    "Well, what do you think, Mr. Peggin Borntov?"


    "Gnu......"


    Pegin Borntov''s face is twisted in frustration.


    "Have you seen what I''ve discovered about mages?"


    Paelova boasts.


    At this moment the Prince interrupted.


    "That''s enough. Paelova''s mage skills are first-rate, everyone knows that.


    This may have been intended to prevent further discord between the two men, but it proved fruitless. Peggin uttered a line that could be taken as a sigh of defeat.


    "I admit that you are the best. But is it the best?��You''ll have to wait until you see the golem that our Gloma Tray is making."


    Paelova snickered at that.


    "I see. So you''re bragging after the fact. That''s quite a trick, isn''t it?"


    "I beg your pardon?"


    "......I understand your feelings, Sir, but we''ve already exceeded the time of today''s meeting. This is the end of the meeting.


    With that, the spoon-fed Duke turned and disappeared into the back of the room.


    "Indeed, we can''t afford to get bogged down in trivial matters, can we? I will leave you now at ......, Pegin-Borntov."


    Paelova also said this and left without waiting for Pegin''s reply.


    Behind her back, she seemed to hear and , but she ignored them all with the confidence of a victor.


    The winner ignored everything with an air of composure.


    You did good today, didn''t you?


    "Yes, sir."


    Paelova and Jed were talking alone.


    "I hope we''ve been able to keep the Committee of Ten in check a little.


    "It could be considered so. But there''s still a long way to go.


    "Yes, but there is still a long way to go. ...... that Peggin is not so easy to deal with. If we can handle him, the other nine will be no problem.


    That''s for sure.


    Jin, huh? I''m starting to have a hard time believing ...... that his memory is hazy. I don''t know what the hell he''s doing here.


    I have no idea. I can''t read it.


    Jed Alamordo also tilted his head.


    "The most likely explanation is that he is lost, but I still have no idea how he could have ended up in the village of Tadzie.


    "You have no idea either. ......"


    "Not at all."


    Good, at least we''re not enemies.


    Well, he''s not aggressive, so as long as we don''t try anything rash, I think we''ll be fine.


    I understand. But that''s not the point. Definitely get Jin to ......, and Eira and Katya too. Do not let them go. It would be a loss for our country."


    "I''m sorry, sir. We will do everything we can.


    "...... This is not going to get us out of this situation anytime soon."


    * * *


    Jin and his friends were having dinner together.


    "The food in Gongwang Castle is delicious!


    "It''s delicious.


    "The fish is fresh, the soup is rich in broth, and there must be plenty of seasonings."


    Jin thought, "It''s a good thing they have a warp gate for trade.


    "And the tea is delicious."


    As Jin sipped his after-dinner green tea, a question suddenly occurred to him about trade.


    "......How do they finance the purchase of these goods?"


    Katya took advantage of Jin''s words.


    "Oh, that''s what I was wondering too. I wonder what they pay for it?"


    The value of gold is almost the same in each country. The monetary economy of this world was based on the gold standard.


    Or rather, paper money does not exist.


    In the time Jin knows ......, that is, around the year 3460, the population was still in a state of decline due to the magical wars, so the gold coins issued before the wars and the silver coins and copper coins issued after the wars were in a state of surplus. The gold, silver, silver coins, and copper coins issued before the war were in abundance, and each country had to hold on to them to make adjustments.


    What about this period?


    The duchy can''t issue money. If they paid in money, there would be no money left in the country.


    Eira explained.


    "I don''t know much about economics either. I don''t know much about the economy because I''m not familiar with it, but I heard that the big countries have some sort of to decide what kind of money to issue. Don''t ask me what the criteria are or anything like that, okay?"


    "The World Conference, ......."


    Jin was deeply moved when he heard the word.


    The world congress proposed by the Jin and others, which is probably still going on today.


    "This country doesn''t have anything to be proud of, does it?


    Eira''s voice snapped Jin out of his reverie.


    "No matter how you look at it, I don''t think we have the goods to match the magecrystals and magic tools.


    "I think Eira''s opinion is correct. If they are not paid in money, it means that they are goods that can be exchanged equivalently. ......"


    He has no idea of such an item.


    "You don''t think it''s ...... people, do you?"


    "What?


    "What?"


    Eira and Kaechea responded to Jin''s jokingly whispered words.


    "People ...... or ......"


    "You''re encouraging high fertility. ....... I thought you were trying to grow the country by increasing the population. ......"


    "Oh, come on, I was only joking."


    It just reminded me of the stories you sometimes see in historical dramas, about the exfiltration of the Nanban trade, and the daughters who are kidnapped ...... in exchange.


    "It''s not funny because it''s not impossible," he said.


    "But how many people go missing?��Even Katya''s brothers and sisters are there, aren''t they?"


    "I think ...... is ......, but ......."


    The words came back to me in a halting tone.


    "Oh, and there''s also the possibility that they''re not really independent, and that they''re getting these supplies as a courtesy from the home country.


    Jin tried to make up a theory, but it was completely unconvincing.


    Then, he tried to forcefully change the subject.


    "......Since we are in King''s Landing, we might as well take the opportunity to ask them about it."


    Jin said that he would not dare to ask Paelova or Jed because he felt that they would be indifferent to the question.


    There was nothing to be gained by aggravating the relationship.


    "Yes, that''s true."


    "I agree with you on that."


    Katya and Eira agreed.


    "Why don''t you ask that guy ...... Gloma?"


    When Jin said this, Eira gave him a look of obvious displeasure.


    "I don''t like him. He''s kind of frivolous and I don''t know what he''s thinking. In the first place, a good mage wouldn''t want to come all the way to this country.


    Jin couldn''t help but laugh at that line.


    "Eira, you''re putting yourself on the shelf, aren''t you?"


    "What?��......Woo......You''re probably right. But I''m not happy with the way things are, and he seems to be happy with the way things are.


    "Yeah, sure. <


    "He said that?"


    Eira said as if to throw up, "This is getting more and more suspicious.


    In the end, the night in Mahaleague ended with many things remaining a mystery.

 1550 - - 42-11.

    The next morning, Jin and the three others were summoned by Paelova.


    "I''m sorry to bother you this morning, but we''ve got a situation we can''t talk about. ...... Jed, please."


    "Yes. ...... I''ll tell you what I''m going to do. First of all, in about an hour, you three will be consulted by the technical director.


    "Advisory?"


    In this case, consultation means to ask an expert for his/her opinion.


    What do you want from us?


    "Well... That''s the thing, you''ll probably be asked technical questions.


    Oh, about the cars and boats you''ve built?


    "Probably."


    That satisfied Jin and the others, but Paelova was looking at them with a difficult expression, so Eira, who could not remain silent at a time like this, opened her mouth.


    "Isn''t there something behind this?"


    Paelova''s face became even more bitter at that question. She was right.


    "Really?��What on earth are you talking about?"


    "...... Well, the short answer is that they want to manage you themselves."


    Jed Alamordo answered for him.


    "Us?"


    "......mm. ......I mean, not at my place, but at their place, you know, what ...... they want you to work for their convenience, that''s what they want."


    Paelova sounded like she had something subtly stuck in her back teeth, but Jin and the others went on to the more interesting part of the story.


    "When you say ...... in your place, do you mean here in King''s Landing?"


    "Well, I suppose so."


    "......."


    At this point, Jin, who had been silent until then, opened his mouth.


    "Well, in short, are you saying that you are trying to pull out useful engineers from your original organization?"


    As expected, he is a man who is not afraid to call anyone <, including himself.


    "...... You guessed right. Well, that''s what I mean."


    "Then, the best engineers and mages will be concentrated in the capital, right?


    Now Eira asked.


    But for some reason, Paelova''s face was dull.


    "...... So, if we are approved by the advisory board, we will be assigned to work in the capital?


    Eira''s unreserved words had been right on the mark, and Paelov��''s face was extremely frowned upon.


    "......That''s the way it''s going to be," Paelova said. I don''t know how they will treat me.


    . This comment bothered Jin. It seemed to be the same for Katya,


    "Oh, um,...... well, is it tough working in King''s Landing,......?"


    I asked modestly.


    "...... so I don''t really know."


    "You''re lying."


    Eira denied Paelova''s words.


    "Her Excellency Paelova ...... knows something."


    But Jed Alamordo stopped her from going any further.


    "Eira, please leave it at that."


    * * * *


    "...... something is bothering me."


    When the three of us were alone, Eira was the first to ask a question.


    "I can understand why Paelova is concerned. Just when we think we''ve got a useful engineer, the state invokes its authority and takes him away. It must be very hard for him.


    Jin agrees with Eira''s opinion.


    "Of course. It would be uninteresting if they just take away the results, ignoring all the hard work we did along the way.


    "So, right? That would be very aggressive, wouldn''t it?


    Katya agreed.


    "Well, I suppose it would be easier to use the budget and materials if they were under the direct control of the government, so I can welcome that. ......


    Eira looked a little confused.


    "I think that will limit our actions. ......"


    Jin agreed.


    "They won''t let us do whatever we want like we do now."


    "Well, I don''t know which is better, right away.


    "Is it going to be too hard?"


    Ka-CHEER looked anxious.


    Jin also reminisces about the past and says


    "We can gather the best engineers and make them work for the country ....... If that''s all there is to it, it doesn''t sound so bad.


    "...... they won''t let you sleep, or something?"


    "Oh, I don''t like that!��I like to do what I want, when I want!"


    Jin agrees with Eira in general.


    "Bosses who don''t know what''s going on on the shop floor usually make people do things that are impossible and reckless. As a result, they don''t admit it even though their efficiency is decreasing.


    "You know a lot about ......, don''t you?"


    Katya responded to Jin''s words.


    "You''ve been in that situation before, Jin.


    Even Eira said something like that.


    "Yes, I feel that way too.


    Jin did not dare to deny it, but softly affirmed it.


    There is a job that pays well but requires a lot of overtime and does not allow for vacations, and a job that offers a lot of time off but pays less.


    It is difficult to decide which is better. It can only be said that it is the judgment of each individual.


    "Which do you prefer, ......?"


    "Right now,......, I''d like to have some time to myself."


    When he first started working, he was so happy to be able to buy things for everyone at the facility that he was reckless, but now Jin is so immersed in the joy of doing what he loves that he can''t go back.


    "Oh, I agree with you," he said.


    "Well, I''ll just go to ...... and see what I can do."


    Katya argued rightly. But the reality is that there are always two extremes.


    "In that sense, the situation is pretty good right now."


    Although the lack of materials is not acceptable, the current situation where they receive certain benefits and do not lack food and shelter is a pretty good environment.


    "In any case, I guess it doesn''t reflect our will. ......"


    "I don''t like that.


    "Yeah, that''s exactly what I mean."


    Jin recalled the Shoro Empire.


    I think it was very much based on personal opinions. Even if it was for the sake of work efficiency.


    * * * *


    And so, as planned, Jin and the other three were referred to a high-ranking administrator directly under the .


    First of all, Ka-cea said


    "What do you think about the monetary economy?


    "What ......?��Yes. I think the gold standard is behind it. ......"


    Jin thought this was more of an interview than a consultation.


    "Yes, that''s fine. Now then, Mr. Eira, what do you think about the current distribution of magical materials ......?"


    "I have a lot of complaints. Not only does it hinder my research, but I can''t even make anything worthwhile. This situation is not good.


    Eira''s normal behavior was evident, even though Jin was listening on the side and was a bit nervous.


    Finally, it was Jin''s turn.

 1551 - - 42-12 Disturbing Problems

    "<>?��<>?��What is the role of the <> in ......?��What is the role of the <>?"


    "What?"


    Jin was dumbfounded.


    At first glance, this question seems difficult, but the active core is the part that activates the effect when a complex system is configured, so it has little relevance to the linkage.


    When I told him this, he took some notes and opened his mouth again.


    "So, what is the <>?��Please explain the <> in the <>.��Please explain."


    "Uh, yes.


    <


    "Free magic element (ether) existing in space can be taken in by applying a equivalent to a weak to it. For this purpose, ......"


    Jin explained the situation as if he were standing on a plank of water, but the supervisor who listened to him was taking notes with a look of confusion on his face.


    "Well, that''s all," he said.


    The superintendent closed his notebook and quickly left the room.


    "...... I bet he didn''t understand the questions," he said. Especially his question to Jin, it was as if he was reading from his notes.


    Eira muttered indignantly.


    "I guess that''s why he''s on the advisory board. Maybe someone somewhere has been listening to this exchange."


    Eira seemed to be convinced by Jin''s comment.


    "Well, that''s a roundabout way of doing things, isn''t it?


    I see.


    After two whole days without any news, Jin and the other three were enjoying their visit to the royal city with permission.


    "I knew you had a different ...... selection, didn''t you?"


    "Yes, they are."


    "Hey, Jin!��This is something amazing."


    Jin was tired and Eira and Katya felt cold, so they switched to window shopping on the second day. Of course, if they found something they liked, they would buy it.


    "Let''s see ...... what''s this?"


    The three of them, who have been looking around mainly at tool shops, magic tool shops, etc., had just arrived at a shopping street on the main street.


    "It''s a little old, but it''s an automata. I''d like to have one, but the price is ......."


    The price listed was 3.5 million dollars, or about 35 million yen.


    "Who''s going to buy it? ......"


    "It''s half a billboard, isn''t it?"


    It doesn''t look like it''s going to move in the first place," Jin added.


    Since there was no flow of magic power, I secretly it and found that the ether converter was damaged and the mana driver was missing.


    Jin imagined that it was just a mere ornament, or perhaps a collector''s item.


    "Jin-san, what is this?"


    Katya asked Jin, pointing to a magical tool displayed in another store.


    "Let''s see,...... ah, there are some interesting things here. This is not so much a magic lamp...... as a magic lamp stand. The design is interesting ......."


    As Jin said this, a letter that seemed to be a corruption of <> jumped into his eyes.


    "<>......?"


    "What?"


    "No, no, it''s nothing. It suddenly occurred to me that it might have been made by an acquaintance of mine.


    In his haste, Jin said almost verbatim.


    (But well, considering it''s been 400 years, maybe it''s the brand of the workshop that Bina started ......)


    "Jin?"


    "...... Oh, what is it?"


    "No, I was just wondering if something was wrong.


    I was just thinking about something.


    "......, what does that have to do with the name Beena?"


    I don''t know. I don''t know.


    "What the hell is that?"


    Eira laughed and did not ask any more questions.


    "Oh, I like this one," he said.


    "This is interesting.


    "It''s a bit expensive. ......


    Jin and the others continued to browse the stores in the city until dusk.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, the knowledge of the mage Jin is outstanding, isn''t it?


    Yes. It would be a shame to leave him here in this country.


    I see. I''m contacting the home country now. You will hear back from them soon. Then you can go to ......."


    * * * *


    "How can we reduce friction and wear on the sliding parts?


    On the third day, Jin and his colleagues had started a study session on their own initiative.


    "If you rub a hard object against a soft object, the soft object will naturally wear out, right?


    "Of course."


    Jin made a premise and Eira affirmed it.


    "Then, how about two objects of the same hardness?"


    ...... both of them will be reduced?


    "Correct, Katya."


    Jin further explained his theory.


    "By the way, wear resistance is not only determined by hardness.


    What do you mean?


    "Wear is the process by which a material is worn away, so the stronger the bonding force between molecules, the less likely it is to wear away. But it is not equal to ."


    "Well, I don''t know if I understand."


    Eira tilted her head,


    "Then, what is <>?"


    KaChea asked.


    "It is the resistance of an object to deformation, the resistance of an object to damage. Resistance to deformation depends not only on the bonding force but also on the molecular structure, and resistance to damage is the very idea of hardness.


    At this explanation, Katya looked at me as if she did not understand.


    It was not surprising, since even junior high school-level physics was not common knowledge.


    "You know, there are stones that are hard but easily worn away, right?"


    "Oh, yes, there is.


    "Typical of a hard stone with high hardness but low wear resistance."


    ......I can see why you say that.


    "Adamantite is hard and not easily deformed, and is also highly resistant to wear, so it is used as a thin coating on the joints of golems.


    Jin explained,


    "Then it can be used for bearings too!


    Eira said.


    "That''s right. It would also prevent seizure. It''s just too expensive."


    "Oh, cost-effectiveness, you mean?"


    Katya nodded in agreement.


    Jin thinks that these two are too good to be left in their current environment.


    However, Jin himself is now rootless and looking for a way back home.


    On the one hand, he wants to return to Erza and the others as soon as possible, but on the other hand, he worries about the future of the girls he has met.


    (It''s a difficult problem. ......)


    (It''s a difficult problem, isn''t it?) His worries are endless.

 1552 - - 42-13 Boredom.

    At night, Jin was alone in his bed worrying.


    (......Ah, should I go to work in King''s Landing or not?)


    At that moment, there was a knock at his door.


    "Master Jin, Jed Alamordo is here to see you."


    tells Jin.


    "Okay."


    Jin motioned for Jed to come through.


    "Excuse me for disturbing you at this time of night. But I really need to talk to you.


    "Well, come in."


    Jin led the way to the bedroom. Jin checked the room and found that there were no listening devices in the room.


    Jin offered Jed the only stool in the room and sat down on the bed. Hope stands guard outside the door.


    "I''ve been watching you since I''ve known you, and you don''t seem to have any ambition."


    "Yes, ...... power is just a pain in the ass."


    Again, Jin was honest.


    "Troublesome, huh? That''s the first time I''ve heard you say that ....... I guess that''s why he really meant it.


    Everyone wants power, status, and a better life, Jed said.


    "What I''m about to tell you, I''d like you to keep to yourself, if possible."


    "...... I understand."


    Jed Alamord took a deep breath and began to speak.


    "This country, the Principality of Mercana, is ostensibly independent, but in fact it is a puppet government ......, or rather a puppet dynasty.


    "A puppet ...... of the Duchy of Jags?"


    "That''s what I mean. ...... independence is just a name. The truth is, they couldn''t be bothered to rule this continent with its meager resources, so they set up a puppet dynasty under the guise of independence."


    "...... I see. ...... So, why are you telling me this?"


    Jed turned to him seriously.


    "Paelova has ...... ambition wrapped in the skin of her desire to do something about this country," he said.


    Behind his desire to have more say in the castle, Jed Alamordo said, he wants to make the country a truly independent state.


    "Of course, the position of power, that''s attractive, too. I don''t deny that. I don''t deny that. ...... No one is a perfect monarch."


    "I understand that. If the country is being steered in the best interest of the people, then it can be called a good monarch.


    "Thank you for your quick understanding. ...... Jin-dono, are you sure you are not from the future?"


    What?


    Your technology is not from ...... this country. And perhaps not even in the Principality of Jags. If there are ...... any, they may be in countries far to the ...... east, but to me, you seem somehow to be from somewhere else in the world. "


    "......"


    Jin could not answer.


    "No, if that''s the case, it''s understandable that you would have a hard time answering. That''s not what I want to talk about now."


    Jed Alamold shook his head as if to change his mind.


    "What do you think this country exports?"


    "Eh."


    Oddly enough, Jin was surprised to hear Jed say what he had discussed with Katya and Eira not long ago.


    "Agricultural products?��Mineral resources?��Those are just a pretext. The correct answer is ......<>."


    "<>? ......"


    Human trafficking, it seems, was not far off the mark.


    "<> are probably working for the Principality of Jags. And now we have to send out ten people a year who we think are the best."


    "Ten people ......?


    That''s a pretty tough number, Jin thought.


    "If two out of the ten are approved by the Principality of Jaguar, that''s good. If not, they will ask for more.


    "That''s a terrible story, isn''t it?"


    "It''s terrible, isn''t it?��That''s why the country is desperately searching for talent. But the loss of human resources is a factor in the decline of our country''s strength.


    Yes.


    I thought that Paelova-sama had given Lorenz strict orders to keep the Jin-dono and the others in the dark, but I wonder how they got into the royal capital.


    Jed''s shoulders slumped and he sagged, "I''m sure they''ve got a very clever agent in there.


    "That is definitely my fault.


    But he quickly looked up.


    "Jin-dono, you will probably be sent to the Duchy of Jagus, not to the royal city.


    Then, with a voice full of conviction, he said, "It has taken some time since the consultation.


    "The reason it''s taken so long for the Council, I think, is that even the Committee of Ten is divided in their decision."


    Jed told Jin his guess.


    "It''s too good to give Jin-dono to the Principality of Jaggu. I think that''s what they''re saying."


    "...... By the way, what do you think will happen to Eira and Kachea?"


    Here Jin decided to ask about them as well.


    "Perhaps they will not be sent to ...... work in King''s Landing. ...... that would be a shame."


    Because in the end they will be taken away from Paelova''s hands.


    "......What happens if you''re not recognized by that Jags Principality?"


    "Sometimes they send you back. That''s what happened to the Groma Tray.


    "Is that the one they send back? ......"


    As far as Jin could see, Groma Tolley is one of the best engineers in this country and on this continent.


    What is the Principality of Jagusu that he is being sent back to?


    "Jin-dono, this is my personal opinion, but I think it would be better for you to go to ...... the Principality of Jagus. In that country, you will have more resources to search for your homeland."


    "Mr. Jed ......"


    "But I''m sure Paelova will be disappointed. ......"


    "......"


    Jin was unable to reply.


    "But it would be interesting to see if Jin-sama might reveal the noses of the people of the Duchy of Jagus."


    "......Jed, what do you think this country ......Duchy of Mercana should be like?"


    "This is another difficult question. ......Yes, this is also a personal opinion."


    After a couple of breaths, Jed Alamordo slowly opened his mouth.


    "I think it would be better to be an at best, rather than an independent country."


    "I see."


    If it is an autonomous region, it is only natural that the home country, the Principality of Jagus, would support it.


    The prices of magical materials, magical tools, and magical machines will be lowered.


    "However, there is too little profit for the Duchy of Jagus. No matter how well they negotiate, they will not accept those conditions.


    Jed seems to have his eyes on the prize.


    "......By the way, ......Jin-dono, do you know the name <>?"


    "Yes, sir.��Yes, I do.


    "He was a great man who changed the world about 400 years ago. Jin-dono may be the second coming of that great man.


    Thank you, sir.


    Thank you very much.


    In the end, Jed Alamordo left without letting Jin come to a conclusion.


    Jin''s agony resumes.


    (...... But <> or ...... I wonder if that''s more famous than his real name in this day and age.)


    ) He is embarrassed and embarrassed.


    (I still have to go to the Laurentian continent. (After all, I have to go to the Laurentian Continent. ...... I''m not supposed to be here in the first place.)


    Finally, Jin''s mind is made up.


    (After all, I''m the one who shouldn''t be here in the first place.


    (Well, it is not yet decided that we can go there.)


    If we could not go there, we planned to use the warp gate secretly in the middle of the night.


    In that case, I thought it would be necessary to act as a spy and leave some evidence so as not to cause trouble for Katya and Eira, so I started to think of a plan.


    It was the night of the 25th, almost the end of August.


    A lukewarm wind was blowing in the capital.

 1553 - - 42-14 Legend of Jin

    On the morning of August 26th, a finally arrived.


    Jin, Eira, and Katya received the summons.


    "......Oh, my God. ......"


    Paelova Sondovik''s lament was extraordinary.


    No wonder, the excellent engineers she finally got her hands on were easily snatched away at the request of <>.


    It is exactly like being "snatched away by a steeplejack.


    After kicking the table, punching the wall and ...... taking it all out on Paelova, she was able to think a little more calmly.


    "I want to talk to the ...... djinns. Call them."


    She said to Jed Alamold, the secretary,


    "They''ve been waiting for you for a while.


    He replied, "They''ve been waiting for you for a while.


    "All right, let him through."


    "...... very, very, very sorry!��It''s a shame that a talented engineer like you should be taken away from us!


    Paelova said as soon as she saw the faces of Jin and the others.


    "I am so sorry for what has happened to you."


    Jin bowed his head.


    "Indeed. ...... Jin, Eira, Kacea. The <> has sent you ...... to ...... the country ...... or, rather, the <>."


    Here Paelova uttered a story similar to the one Jed Alamordo had told Jin.


    "......, and we may send you to the Principality of Jagus for that reason."


    "......"


    "...... Eira is from over there, though, so she might not care too much."


    Paelova finished grimly, then flopped back on the couch and kept her mouth shut.


    "......Master Paelova, I have a suggestion."


    Jin said something that had just occurred to him in the middle of Paelova''s conversation.


    "......What is it?"


    "I think one of the weaknesses of this Principality of Mercana is its lack of mineral resources, is that correct?"


    "...... Hmm. What about it?"


    "...... I can make a magical tool to find mineral resources."


    What?


    What?��Jin, is that true?


    Not only Paelova, but also Eira was biting.


    It''s true. ...... there is an earth magic called ."


    But Paelova frowned.


    "<>. I tried ....... We searched 1000 meters below the surface, but could not find any useful resources.


    "Then we should just search down to 1500 or 2000 meters. That''s all."


    At Jin''s words, Paelova shook her head.


    "That''s impossible. We can''t dig such a deep hole. Even if we did, we wouldn''t be able to mine it.


    But Jin did not back down.


    "That''s with the caveat that it''s only for humans."


    Jed Alamold immediately understood the meaning of these words.


    "Jin-dono, do you mean ......?"


    "Yes. The golem I fixed before, I can do that.


    When Jin fixed the golem, he knew exactly what it could do.


    The general-purpose golem''s capabilities were sufficient for mining ore.


    "All we need now is a grimoire."


    "......, indeed!��Jin-dono, please make one!"


    "Of course. Can you arrange two good quality magecrystals, a link board, some mithril silver, and some bronze?


    "Oh, oh, I''ll do it right away. I''m in the royal capital, so I should be able to get it by noon.


    Thus, Jin decided to leave behind as a souvenir a magical tool that would enable him to search for mineral deposits.


    Incidentally, the personal belongings of the three were to be sent from Lawhon. Since the instructions were sent by pigeon, it will be about three days before the package arrives.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Here, this way..."


    "Are you sure about this, Mr. Jin?"


    "Yes, lightly."


    That afternoon, Jin was using the materials delivered to him to make a magic tool.


    "Now we just need to figure out how to let people know what vein we found ......."


    "Why don''t you let him talk?"


    Eira, who was jokingly interjecting, said, "I think that would be best,


    "I think that would be best."


    "What?


    Jin takes the idea seriously and adopts it.


    "......"


    "After all, Jin-san, isn''t it? ......"


    Ka-CHEER was getting used to the idea.


    "Okay, it''s done."


    It looked like a large flashlight that used four AAA batteries.


    Jin decided to check the underground of his current location.


    He turns it on by pointing it in the direction he wants to check, in this case directly down.


    No response.


    "Let''s try to go deeper."


    By turning the dial, the depth to be investigated can be adjusted.


    500 meters.


    1000 meters.


    1200 meters.


    1500 meters.


    2000 meters. ...... has a response.


    "Metal vein discovered, small quantity. Iron ore and nickel ore discovered. Abundant. Manganese ore found. Small quantity."


    "Whoa!"


    Eira, who had been unusually silent, shouted.


    "Jin, Jin!��This is amazing!"


    "I knew it, there''s still a vein of ore lying deep down there."


    Now the question is how to dig to that depth.


    "Only a golem could do that."


    That''s how deep it is. Just thinking about ventilation and dust would require a mind-boggling investment in equipment.


    But a golem would require the bare minimum.


    Jin knows that the repaired Golem has that capability.


    "Well, we''ll need our own shovels, pickaxes, and trowels.


    Jin decides that Paelova can do that much.


    He was sure that Paelova would be able to do that.


    "Ummm ......, great!��Jin, Jin-dono, you are the second coming of the old Magecraft Meister, Jin!


    The normally calm Jed Alamordo exclaimed in excitement.


    "<>, Djinn?"


    "Mm. Haven''t you heard of him?��He''s a legendary figure who lived about 400 years ago. His alias is the Konlonkun I told you about yesterday. He is famous for his deeds.��Are you not one of them?"


    "I''m sure you are. What do you mean?


    It was very popular at one time to name a child <>. It''s much less popular now, but still one or two out of every hundred children in the upper classes are named <>."


    "Yes. ......?"


    "If you include the pseudonyms and <<<>, I''m sure there are more. There''s even a woman named and so on.


    Jin got unexpected information in an unexpected place.

 1554 - - 42-15 Moving again

    Jin was now convinced.


    It was strange that no one had said anything about the name <> when the words <><> existed and seemed to be quite famous.


    This was also one of the reasons that made me feel strongly that this was a <>.


    However, if it is just a common name, then it is understandable.


    I wonder if the name <> is common on the Laurentian continent.


    You will have to go there to find out.


    "Thank you, Master Jin.


    To his surprise, Paelova Sondvik also bowed her head.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    On the last day of August, that is, the 29th, Jin''s package arrived.


    We checked briefly to see if anything had been taken out during the transportation, but nothing was missing.


    The same goes for KaChea.


    Eira, however...


    "...... d*mn it ......, all the technical notes I''ve been writing down are gone!"


    It seems that some important documents had been left out. Whether to Paelova Sondovik or to the , I don''t know.


    "I have to rewrite it again!"


    It seems to have stuck in my head.


    Anyway, the package has arrived, and Jin and the others are moving out.


    The place is a research dormitory in a corner of Gongwang Castle.


    "I guess they want to keep their engineers close at hand.


    Jin''s impression.


    "...... Hmm, you guys are here too?"


    The person who greeted Jin and the others was, to his surprise, Groma Tolley.


    "I''m the head of this dormitory," he said. ...... I''m sorry, but welcome to the ."


    Jin barely managed to suppress the line, "I think it''s not as good as its name,


    "What''s with that name? It''s not a good name at all.


    Eira had said.


    "Well, I don''t blame you!��I didn''t name her!"


    Eira and Groma were at it again.


    Jin was beginning to think that the two of them might actually be good friends.


    As usual, Jin''s move will be over soon.


    So, he took <> out of the room to go help out with the ka-chair, and bumped into Gromma Trey.


    "Oh, Jin. What''s up?"


    "I just finished moving, and I thought I''d help you two out."


    "I see. I''m here to help them as a housemaster. At ......, Jin, you''ll help Eira. I''ll go help with Katya.


    "Oh, yes."


    If Groma went to Eira''s place, there would be more trouble, so Jin agreed.


    "Eira, come and help me ...... wow."


    Jin looked into Eira''s room and couldn''t help but exclaim at the mess.


    "Oh Jin. Thanks."


    The room he was given was almost the same as Lawhon''s, except that it had a general-purpose storage room attached to it. However.


    "...... is a mess."


    "Yeah, I''ve always been bad at cleaning up. ....... I have to keep things on hand that I know I''ll use."


    "I understand a little. If you''re ...... going to try three-dimensional tidying," he said.


    "Three-dimensional?"


    Jin is also a person who makes a mess on his workbench, so he could understand Eira''s feelings a little.


    "On the desk, for example, you don''t just put your tools on a shelf, you make a little special shelf and put them in there."


    "...... Hmmm... Jin''s workroom is certainly rather tidy."


    "I can build you a shelf if you like." "That would be great.


    That would be great. That would be great.


    Jin then made a small drawer, a so-called letter case, out of an unused wooden box.


    "What do you think?


    "Oh, this is nice!"


    Eira liked it so much that Jin made three more small drawers of different sizes.


    Eira''s workshop was now a little tidier.


    "Thank you, Jin. Maybe we should do the same for the ...... room."


    "Maybe we should get some furniture?"


    "...... I''ll go shopping later. Will you come with me?"


    "Yeah, sure, I''ll have to ask ...... where I can find a place like that."


    * * *


    The furniture store was soon found, thanks to the tour of the town the other day. Eira bought two pieces of wardrobes there.


    Hope took care of the transportation of the furniture, which made it easy for Eira.


    He returned to the dormitory and resumed cleaning up.


    By that time, Katya, who had finished cleaning up her own room, joined them, and Eira''s room was now ready for human habitation.


    "Thank you, Jin and Katya."


    Eira thanked them at dinner.


    "...... I''m just wondering, if we''re going to be sent to the other continent after this, is there any point in cleaning up the place too neatly?"


    "Yeah, that''s likely."


    "......I''m feeling a bit queasy about it. ......"


    The sound of footsteps approached the table of the three.


    "Excuse me while I eat."


    It was Gromma Tolley.


    "What, you want to have dinner with us?"


    "No, I don''t!"


    "No, I don''t!" "I know what you mean. You don''t have any friends to share a meal with. You''re a lonely guy."


    Eira says to herself, "I told you I''m not!


    "I told you I''m not!��I''m here for Jin!


    "I know, I know. Jin is going to be my friend, so I''m going to put on a good face while I still can, before someone else takes it away?


    "I told you it''s not that!"


    Jin finished his tea and said, "Well, let''s go,


    "Shall we go then?"


    He left the place halfway forcefully.


    "......, what is it?"


    Jin led Groma to his room. He had already confirmed that there were no eavesdropping devices in the room.


    "......mm. I thought I should tell you about ....... We don''t have much time."


    Gromma began to talk about what it means to be a <> official.


    The first half of the story was the same as what Jed Alamold had told him, but the second half caught Jin''s interest.


    "......Perhaps one of these days, at least, you will go to the Principality of Jagus."


    Gromma was about to tell him what was there.

 1555 - - 42-16 "Puppets"

    Gloma Trey had given Jin valuable information.


    "You know that this Principality of Mercana, though independent, is still ruled by the Principality of Jagus, don''t you?"


    "Yes."


    And that the Duchy of Jags is still in need of personnel?


    Yes.


    Then Groma lowered his voice,


    "...... that country is in a constant skirmish with its neighbors, the Duchy of Norja and the Duchy of Dalat. That''s why they need good mages and engineers."


    "I see."


    "If you go there, they will probably make you a golem."


    "......"


    After a short pause, Jin asked what had just occurred to him.


    "Uh, Groma ...... is back, isn''t he?"


    "Yes. ...... coincidentally, the pressure from the <> was on."


    "Pressure?"


    Jin summarized Groma''s explanation in his mind.


    The Duchy of Jagus has been engaged in skirmishes with the neighboring Duchy of Norway and the Duchy of Dalat.


    The wars and battles of this period are dominated by <> with battle golems, and the three duchies are in need of powerful battle golems.


    Meanwhile, the <> is concerned about the situation and has attempted to mediate, but has been unsuccessful.


    "As long as the representatives of the World Congress are present, they are quiet, but as soon as they leave, they start skirmishing with each other.


    "So, why don''t the delegates just stay there?"


    "I think so, too, but apparently there is an agreement within the World Congress not to interfere too much."


    "I see. ......"


    If there is such an agreement, it is the way of a nation ruled by law. If it is not in line with the current situation, the law must be changed.


    "But why did Mr. Groma come to this country?


    I don''t understand why you would go to all this trouble to work in a country where the environment is not so good," Jin said.


    "Why, you ask? I don''t ...... want to talk too much about it."


    "I see. ......"


    Jin changed the subject.


    "......Groma, do you know anything about ?"


    "Avalon. ......My teacher is a man who studied in Avalon and is from the continent of <. He is from the continent of Gondor."


    The continent of Gondor?


    You know the name of that continent?


    Yes, yes.


    I see. ...... hmmm...


    Groma thought for a moment and then opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.


    "Jin, if you ever make it to the Laurentian continent, you should pay a visit to your master. I am sure that he is being welcomed as a guest in the Duchy of Jagus.


    "Thank you."


    "I would like to leave you something at ...... that will show that I introduced you, but you will probably be caught in a search of your belongings. So I''ll give you the password. <.


    Puppet?


    You know that word?


    "There is ......."


    Groma laughed thinly.


    "......I know you didn''t want to talk about it earlier, but I came to this country at the request of my master. I''m here to find someone."


    "What does he look like?"


    "Dark eyes, dark hair, good at engineering magic, and his name is Jin. That''s all they told me at ......."


    Jin certainly fits the description.


    "But I''ve met two people who fit that description. You are the third. So I''ll leave the decision to the master. Remember, <>."


    "Thank you very much."


    Thank you very much.


    <>. After Gromma left, Jin pondered what the word meant.


    (Does it have something to do with the fact that the Principality of Mercana is a puppet government, or ......)


    Jin closes his eyes and thinks about the past.


    The land of his friends who were once called the <> and perhaps are now the <> and <>.


    ��Belialus the Puppet, Archel the Puppet.


    And.


    ��Zion.)


    The grandson of the chief of the <> clan, the girl who was supposed to be united with the <> clan''s Belialus.


    "...... Well, they''re not demons ......, they''re a northern tribe, so they must still be alive."


    I calculated that if we are in the year 3899 of the continental history, then Zion was 513 years old in 3458, when Jin was 72 years old. Zion, who was 72 years old in 3458, would be 513 years old.


    Their lifespan can be converted to about five times that of a human being, which means that they are about 102 to 103 years old.


    "Maybe we can meet them. ...... and Marikka."


    Marikka was younger than Zion, so it was more likely.


    While Jin was thinking about this, he fell asleep.


    * * * * *


    On September 1, as Gromma had said, Jin received a call.


    "You have one hour to get ready. You may take the golem with you.


    With that, the liaison, who said he had been ordered by the Committee of Ten, returned.


    "......"


    "I don''t know. ......"


    "Jin-san ......"


    Jin and his < were at a loss for words.


    The < can easily dictate our lives. The will of the individual is not reflected there.


    Jin felt a sense of frustration at such a situation.


    Originally, Jin had nothing but his baggage. It took him only three minutes to get ready.


    "Jin, thank you for everything you''ve done for me.


    "Jin-san, thank you for everything you''ve done for me. ......"


    "I never thought we would part like this."


    Jin said goodbye to Eira and Katya.


    "Jin, here''s a parting gift."


    Eira gave him five gold coins.


    "Oh, me too."


    And she gave him 3 gold coins.


    I''ve been saving them little by little.


    "No, I can''t let you do this to me. ......


    Eira''s voice was quieter than ever as Jin tried to refuse.


    "Jin, you may need money out there. Please take it."


    Jin had no choice but to accept the money.


    "...... Well, I''ll take it gratefully. Thank you so much.


    "I wish I could have learned more from you.


    Please take care of yourself.


    You too, take care of yourselves.


    The three members of , who had been together for a short period of time, had unexpectedly lost their core member, Jin.


    "Jin, right?��Okay, let''s go."


    When the time came, two soldiers came with Jin.


    "Well, good luck, both of you."


    Jin!


    Jin-san!


    Only followed them.


    Jin thus leaves the Principality of Mercana.

 1556 - - 42-17 Duchy of Jags

    Jin was taken directly to the basement of the castle.


    Pegin Borntov of the Committee of Ten was waiting for him in one of the rooms.


    "Welcome. You, Jin, will now use the warp gate to go to the Principality of Jags. The officer in charge over there will explain the details to you.


    I understand."


    "......Hmmm, maybe I''m being strong, but you''re calm, aren''t you?��Rest assured, this warp gate is stable. We have never had any accidents.


    These words must have come from Jin, who knew that he had come to this continent by a transfer accident.


    Jin did not reply.


    "I''m going to have to repack, just to be sure.


    The soldier next to Pegin-Borntov snatched Jin''s luggage and dumped the contents on the table.


    There was a change of underwear and a shirt. There were also three rocks.


    Jin said that the stones were a souvenir of the Tajee village, and Peggin nodded in a bored manner.


    "It''s rare to find a man with so little luggage.


    Pegin muttered in a slightly dismayed voice.


    A physical check was then conducted.


    The contents of the wallet were checked, but the gold coins were returned to their original state.


    The protection ring on his finger is also left in place.


    "Go on."


    He pointed to the next room.


    As Jin and Hope headed there, two soldiers with spears stood on either side of the warp gate, as if they were gatekeepers.


    (It''s a normal type.)


    It looks less efficient than the type Jin used on Horai Island.


    It seems to be less efficient than the one Jin used on Horai Island. Jin was relieved that there was no sign of instability.


    "Well, I''m off."


    Jin steps into the warp gate as casually as if he were going to the next room. Hope followed him.


    The two disappeared in an instant.


    "......He''s gone. But he didn''t show any reaction when he saw the Warp Gate. It''s as if it''s not unusual."


    * * * *


    <


    "Welcome to the Principality of Juggs. Follow me at ......."


    With these words, the man turns himself around.


    Jin leaves the warp gate room, accompanied by two soldiers. Hope is with him.


    They lead Jin up the stairs to a simple drawing room.


    "Have a seat."


    The man sat down first and then sat Jin in front of him.


    "Well, welcome again, Jin. I''m surprised that you share the same name as ...... the ancient . I hear that ...... you are quite skilled. I''ll be looking forward to it."


    Oh, hi.


    I haven''t introduced myself yet. I''m Rokou Bee Shiharou. I''m one of the technical managers and I''m in charge of you.


    ......


    Jin bowed his head and Rokou nodded his head in an eagle''s eye.


    "Well, let me start by explaining the current situation.


    Rokoh began.


    "To the east of our principality of Jagus is the principality of Norway, and to the south is the principality of Dalat. There is also a country called the Principality of Mimaka in the southeast, but first we only need to worry about the Principality of Norja and the Principality of Dalat."


    "......"


    Jin said nothing, so Rokou continued on.


    "As far as national power goes, the Duchy of Jagus is the strongest. However, it is not strong enough due to the fact that it is sandwiched between the Duchy of Norway and the Duchy of Dalat. Therefore, it is urgent to increase our national strength. Do you understand ......?"


    Yes.


    Yes. Our country needs a good Golem. I''ve heard that your Golem is very powerful despite its meager resources. I''m counting on you.


    "I understand."


    At this point, Jin asked the question that had been bothering him.


    "Well, I have a question for you, too.


    "What is it?"


    "What are the means of transportation ...... that exist in the Principality of Jaguar?"


    cars, hot-air balloons, airships, and mage ships.


    There was one word that Jin was unfamiliar with.


    What is a magic ship?


    "It''s a term for any ship that uses magic to navigate. Didn''t you know that?


    Yes, I didn''t know it was called that.


    I see. What else?


    "Oh, by the way, have you ever heard of <>?"


    Rokko was a little surprised to hear those words.


    "Yes, I know him. He is a guest of our country and instructor of engineering magic in general. Do you know him?"


    "No, I was told that you are the master of one of my acquaintances.


    I see. I''m sure we will meet soon in this line of work.


    After that, Mr. Rokko showed me around the research building.


    The basement and first floor were laboratories, and the second and third floors were residential facilities.


    Jin was given a room with a bedroom, living room, toilet, bathroom, washroom, and kitchen. It is a kind of bachelor dormitory, and is quite comfortable.


    No listening device was found.


    A little better than the Principality of Mercana.


    Meals are served in a cafeteria in a separate building.


    It is cafeteria style, and you basically pay with the ticket you are given.


    If you run out of tickets, you have to buy them with your own money. Jin received a ticket worth 5,000 tol (about 50,000 yen) for this month.


    Most of the employees eat here because of the high cost of living outside.


    Rokou, who showed Jin around, is also eating lunch with him.


    "From 12:00 to 13:30 is my break time. After that, I will take you to work.


    "Yes."


    The workday starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. The lunch break is from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., and the afternoon break is from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Lunch break is from 12:00 to 13:30, and the afternoon shift is from 13:30 to 17:00. After that, the evening break is from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and the night shift is from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The working hours are a net 9 hours.


    The total working hours are 9 hours.


    Incidentally, it is said that in this country they do not use the term "morning and afternoon" so much, but rather a 24-hour system.


    The working hours are normal, but Jin thought that the working hours are too long.


    However, it is much easier than the company he used to work for because he does not have to commute to work.


    However, he heard that he only gets one day off a week.


    (Well, considering that I had to work three months in a row, this is also easy for me.)


    Jin, who is a workaholic by nature, had some doubts about this working environment, but he accepted it as normal.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin told Rokou that he wanted to relax alone in his room during his lunch break, and he lay down on his bed in the bedroom until 1:30 p.m. Hope was the guard at the door. Hope is standing guard at the door.


    (We finally made it to this continent. (It''s been a long time. ...... Rhodes is next, I guess...)


    ) She fell asleep with such thoughts in her head,


    Jin-sama, it''s almost 1:30 p.m." Hope''s voice woke me up.


    Jin was woken up by Hope''s voice saying "Jin-sama, it''s almost 1:30 p.m.".


    "Oh, ...... I must have fallen asleep a bit. ......"


    Jin rubbed his eyes and got up to wash his face in the bathroom.


    Jin-kun, let''s go.


    Just then Rokou came in.


    "Take the golem with you, please.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin and Hope were led by Rokoh to the laboratory on the first floor.

 1557 - - 42-18 Start of analysis

    "Let me introduce you all. I''m Mr. Jin, and I''m going to start working here today.


    I''m Jin. It''s nice to meet you.


    Rokou introduced Jin.


    There were about seven members in the laboratory. A middle-aged man stepped forward and tapped Jin on the shoulder.


    "I''m Dr. Carrion, head of the laboratory. Welcome, Jin.


    "Welcome."


    "Welcome!"


    Everyone seemed to welcome Jin. On the surface, it was like.


    "Well, Carrion, I''ll leave the rest to you."


    With that, Rokko left.


    Jin, is that the golem you made behind you?��It''s quite a thing."


    Carrion said as he looked at Hope.


    "Thank you, sir."


    "We are working on two projects at the same time. We''re glad to have someone like you on board. Please come this way.


    Jin was led to the laboratory. The room was about the size of two tennis courts, and several Golems were lined up in one corner.


    Among them, there was a type that was vaguely familiar to Jin.


    "First, the team is analyzing the golems used in the eastern countries."


    About 10 damaged golems were lined up on the floor, as if they were being analyzed.


    "And then there is the team that develops the newest Golem."


    Carrion pointed to three golems lying on a workbench, which appeared to be in the process of being assembled.


    "I''d like you to join the analysis team first.


    "Okay, sir."


    Jin headed toward the damaged golem.


    Jin, welcome. "Jin, welcome.��I''m the head of the analysis team, Rig Armor.


    The leader of the team, Raig Armor, was quite a nice young man.


    Jin looked around at the ten golems.


    "I think I''ve seen this one and ...... this one."


    The two golems looked similar to the ones used by the Unification Party (Unifiler), according to Jin''s memory.


    "Hmm, that''s convenient. We, for our part, consider those two to be quite capable. We would like to analyze them as a priority.


    "They are quite damaged, aren''t they?


    Both of them were in shreds, one was missing its left leg from the base, and the other was missing its right arm from the shoulder.


    "They seem to be golems sent to stop a conflict that occurred five years ago. We were lucky to recover it, but we want to make a similar one, but we can''t."


    Raig Armor said in frustration.


    "Hmmm ......."


    Jin looked into the open chest.


    "There''s no control core (......)."


    "Yeah, that''s something else they''re working on. They''re not making much progress either."


    "I see. ......"


    Jin looks further inside.


    "Are you sure you don''t mind if I touch it?"


    He asked the head of the team, Raig, and he answered, "Of course.


    "Well then..."


    Jin quickly disassembled the exterior from the chest to the arms.


    "Oh?


    Raigh couldn''t help but exclaim at the vividness of it.


    "......I knew it, this one is made of bio-materials."


    "What?��What?��What is it?


    When Jin mentioned the word "biomaterials," Raig seemed quite surprised.


    "It''s a material that can be obtained from demons."


    "From demons?��......I see...... that''s what it is."


    Raig Armor then explained to Jin that he had no idea what muscle-related materials were until now.


    "Yeah, even the Principality of Mercana didn''t use biomaterials."


    "Hmmm. In the first place, there are not many demons in this area, so such materials are not distributed.


    For reasons unknown, there are apparently no demons in this area of the Laurentian Continent.


    Jin guessed that it might have something to do with the concentration of free magical element (ether).


    "Well, isn''t there any bio-material in the Principality of Jagus, as it is used for this golem?


    "I wonder if there is no ......?��I don''t even know how to use it in the first place."


    "Really?"


    Jin was surprised.


    "As for engineering magic, I have to say that this region is unfortunately very far behind."


    His tone was almost regretful.


    "I understand ...... somehow."


    Jin guesses the approximate location of the Duchy of Jagus.


    Since the Principality of Mercana is located on the continent of Pandor, this is probably at the western end of the Laurentian continent.


    It should be connected to the Racir continent by a narrow isthmus.


    In other words, to the east of this place, there are countries such as Mitsho and Fusor, which have little connection with magic.


    Therefore, it can be inferred that there are few mages in this country, and that there is not much material coming into the country.


    (I guess that means they are a backward country in terms of magic.)


    As expected, Jin muttered only in his mind, since it might cause discomfort to others if he mentioned it out loud.


    "Well, how do you get the magi crystals?"


    Jin asked, and Raig looked as if he was biting a bitter bug.


    "...... most of them are imported from the east.


    Apparently, even in this region, magi crystals are rarely found.


    The only thing better than the Principality of Mercana is that metal resources can be extracted to a certain extent.


    "But you can make golems even without biological materials, can''t you?��In fact, considering the maintenance, biological materials are difficult to use.


    This does not apply to Jin, but biological materials tend to deteriorate when the concentration of free magic element (ether) is low.


    Conversely, if they are stored in an environment with a high concentration of free magic element (ether), they will last longer.


    In response to this, the Golem and automata created by Jin are, without exception, highly functional in terms of their <> and > functions.


    In other words, they collect a lot of free magic element (ether) around them before converting it into mana.


    An < is a refrigerated storage with an ether ratio of more than 20 percent, and can store magical materials semi-permanently, but it is not far-fetched to think of it as having lost that refrigeration function.


    "Well, I guess that''s true. However, the output of the golem we have created is far below that of the combat golems I have heard about in the eastern countries.


    "Is that so?��Isn''t that a mistake in operation?"


    The words were uttered casually, but it was Carrion, not Raig, who took the bait.


    "Jin!��What did you mean by that?"


    Jin was a little overwhelmed by the force of the question.


    Yes, yes. ...... well, if you want to get power from metallic magic muscle (magical muscle), I think you need 1) material, 2) shape, and 3) treatment," he said.


    "What do you call it?��What do you mean? How much effect can you expect from that?


    "Well, I think it will make a difference of ...... to 3 times, don''t you?


    "That''s a lot!��...... Jin, I don''t believe it. Can you do an experiment and show us?"


    "Sure. Can you show us your experiment?


    Jin checks what materials are available.


    "You have enough mithril silver ......, copper, zinc, tin, iron, nickel, chromium, cobalt, and manganese ......," he says.


    From there Jin selected mithril silver, copper and tin.


    "I will make an alloy with this. The ratio is ......."


    "Oh, I see."


    "Five percent mithril in bronze?��Is such a small amount really necessary?"


    "More is not necessarily more effective."


    "Well, I''m learning a lot."


    Carrion looked at Jin, who was explaining in an easy-to-understand manner, with a bitter feeling.

 1558 - - 42-19 Continue Analysis

    "I see, the ratio makes such a difference!"


    "Jin, that''s amazing!"


    First, the magical muscle made with a near-optimal ratio was compared with the conventional one. Jin showed that it was about 1.5 times stronger.


    "Next is the shape.


    Metallic materials shrink and expand due to changes in interatomic distance and crystal structure, respectively.


    Expansion due to heat is the former, and expansion due to martensite formed by heat treatment (quenching) of steel is the latter.


    In the case of Magical Muscle, the interatomic distance is changed.


    The speed of this change is very fast, but the disadvantage is that the amount of change is small. To compensate for this, the distance between the fulcrum and the point of force is kept extremely close, as in the principle of leverage.


    Naturally, the distance between the fulcrum and the point of action is far apart for leverage, making it difficult to exert force.


    Jin points this out,


    "By lengthening the muscles, the rate of change is the same, but the amount of change can be increased.


    He explained.


    "That''s logical, but how do you do it?"


    "By twisting thin strands of wire and binding them together.


    His words came as a bolt from the blue to those who heard them,


    "Oh my God!"


    "......It certainly makes sense. ......"


    "How could no one have noticed such a simple thing ......?"


    Someone muttered.


    Yes, these things that Jin explained are the things that are explained at the end of the elementary level in the former engineering magic course in .


    If you want to increase the performance, you can add not only mithril silver, but also small amounts of special elements, or <>.


    In the latter case, the interatomic distance in the longitudinal direction is increased, albeit by about 10 percent. The amount of shrinkage increases accordingly.


    This is an intermediate level subject, and Hitoshi does not intend to explain it in detail.


    Even so, it is significant that the two processes performed by Jin were able to obtain a little more than twice the performance of the previous one.


    "Jin, you are amazing!


    "You''ve made my research much more advanced!


    The researchers in general praised Jin.


    The general researchers all praised Jin. ......, but only Carrion, the head of the laboratory, stared at Jin with a complicated expression on his face.


    * * * *


    "Well, you are amazing. I heard that you don''t have part of your memory?"


    "That''s hard work. But you must have been a very good engineer to have achieved so much so quickly.


    That night was a welcome party for Jin.


    However, no alcohol was served since we had to work from 7:00 p.m.


    "Was the golem you are using now developed in your laboratory?"


    Jin asked, a little curious.


    "No, there are such golems, but most of them are imported for combat use. Our dream is to one day create a golem that surpasses the imported ones by ourselves.


    "...... sounds good."


    Regardless of the purpose or motive, Jin could understand the enthusiasm with which they were betting on the development of the Golem.


    "Most of the golems we are analyzing this time were taken from the Duchy of Norway in the last battle. That country seems to be relying on imports from the east instead of development."


    "I didn''t know there were countries like that."


    Since this was a casual banquet, Jin was able to gather a lot of information.


    According to the information,


    There is a country in the east that has a high level of golem technology.


    Skirmishes occur about once every three months.


    Skirmishes are fought between 50 to 100 golems.


    The Duchy of Jagus is the strongest of the three skirmishing nations, but not strong enough to take on the other two at the same time.


    The Duchy of Jagus is rich in metal resources.


    The Duchy of Norway is rich in metal resources.


    I found out these facts.


    The researchers did not know why the three duchies were skirmishing with each other.


    (I should know, but I shouldn''t know, right?��...... to avoid giving them unnecessary information?)


    Jin was thinking about that.


    (And if he could meet someone named <>, there must be some progress in ......)


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    At 19:00, they returned to the laboratory.


    "You''re late, guys."


    Carrion, who was not at the welcome party, said irritably.


    "(I don''t like it because of your immediate success.)"


    A colleague standing next to Jin overheard him softly.


    (......I''m a little too conspicuous, aren''t I?��But I have a purpose too. ......)


    It''s true that there are bosses who are averse to good subordinates and bitter about their subordinates taking credit for their work, Jin thought to himself.


    "Now, the remaining items to be analyzed are the control core (......)."


    Raig Armor looked around at his team members.


    "The control core of this golem was destroyed and there was nothing we could do about it."


    Half confirmation, half explanation to Jin.


    "I see... ...... that''s unfortunate."


    Jin was unusually cautious, saying that it would be a bad idea to say that he could read information from the fragments, even if it was only a fragment of information.


    In the first place, this technique belongs to the advanced level of the engineering magic courses in .


    "The control cores removed from other golems are being analyzed in another lab.


    We''ll let you know when we have the results," Rig Armor explained.


    "So let''s start analyzing the next golem."


    Raigh Armor turned to the lined up Golems.


    "Well, which one should we choose?


    "Well, what about this one, Raig?"


    Cu Fenet, the first one in the lab, pointed at one of the golems. The exterior had been removed halfway, exposing the interior.


    "Oh, that''s it. That''s a good one."


    (This is ......)


    It is a burly golem with a clearly combat-oriented appearance. Jin does not recognize its structure. This means that it is not of Adriana''s lineage.


    So Jin was curious about it.


    "Its skeleton has an interesting structure," he said.


    "Yes, indeed.


    The forearm was shown. The forearm should be composed of the radius and ulna in a human.


    The same is true of the automata made by Jin, or rather Adriana.


    This is because the idea is that it is important to imitate the skeletal structure of a human being in order to make them behave like humans.


    The basics are the same for the golem. It is just simplified in some parts.


    As for the forearms, the Adriana system uses the radius and ulna.


    This allows a motion of the wrist.


    In order to twist the wrist without using the radius and ulna, it is necessary to rotate the forearm bone or wrist part around the axis.


    But that structure would lead to a reduction in strength.


    "It''s certainly an interesting structure, but ......."


    Jin trailed off.


    The golem in front of him had a structure in which the wrist part rotated.

 1559 - - 42-20 Tower

    The golem that Jin and his team started analyzing has a structure with a tightly separated axis of rotation.


    Jin is proceeding with his analysis, thinking that this has the advantage of making it easier to understand the motion control. Although the strength will be reduced.


    "What we should focus on is this material."


    Raig Armor said to the team members.


    "It''s a steel-based material, but it''s an alloy, and it''s very tenacious and hard."


    He seems to be able to use , but unfortunately his basic knowledge is limited.


    <> does not tell you what you don''t know. So,


    "I would like to know what metals are added.


    So, "I want to know what metals are added".


    Jin secretly <> the added metal is <.


    Vanadium is an element with atomic number 23 and is soft by itself, but when added to iron to make alloy steel, it makes the crystal grains finer and increases strength while maintaining toughness.


    The amount of addition is only 0.1 percent.


    ��You seem to know a lot about magnesium alloys.)


    (He seems to know a lot about Magi alloys, though.) In his heart, Jin decides that the scientific knowledge in this country is still biased.


    And, after the magical muscles during the day, Jin decides to keep his mouth shut this time.


    "Ummm, I know iron and carbon, but I don''t know the elements that are added only slightly."


    "......"


    Everyone is tilting their heads.


    "How about gin?"


    "I''m a bit ......"


    When Raig confirms that no one else can figure it out, he says, "Hmmm..,


    "Well,...... I guess this is inevitable.


    "Well, I guess we''ll just have to do this," he blurted out.


    "I guess we''ll have to ...... ask our guest, won''t we?"


    "Guests, sir?"


    Jin asked back at the unfamiliar word.


    "Yes, my guest," he said, "is Lord Rhodes. You have heard his name, have you not?


    "Yes, yes."


    Jin was startled by the unexpected mention of Rhodes'' name.


    "He can''t give me any advice on weapons, but he can tell me about these materials.


    His knowledge is so deep that no one can match it, Raig said.


    "...... Well, let''s go and ask him with some samples of the material. Me, Cu, and Jin."


    "Uh, yes."


    Raig says it would be good to see you for the future, and goes to tell Carrion, the head of the office, no.


    "Hmm, okay. But three is a lot.


    "......I understand."


    Rigg nodded and came back to the team members,


    "Did you hear me?��We''re going alone this time. "Right, then, Jin, let''s go.


    He asked Jin to go with him.


    "Am I all right?"


    "Yes. You''re the only one who hasn''t met Lord Rhodes yet. ...... Cu, I''m sorry."


    Cu Fenet showed Raigh one eye.


    "It''s okay. ...... Jin, go ahead. I''m looking forward to seeing your results.


    And with that, Jin and Raig left the lab with the skeleton of the golem''s forearm.


    It is already dark outside, but bonfires are lit in various places, and the path is barely visible.


    "This way!"


    Raig leads Jin in a direction slightly away from the research building.


    There, against the starry sky, a huge black tower rises.


    It is a circular tower with a base diameter of about 10 meters and a height of more than 50 meters.


    "Is there a man here named Rhodes?"


    Raihg nodded to Jin, who looked doubtful, with a slightly sad smile on his face.


    "Yes. ...... how can I say it,...... this tower is Lord Rhodoth''s home and all he can walk around."


    Jin wanted to say, "Isn''t that called house arrest?


    As he had imagined, there were two soldiers standing guard at the entrance to the tower.


    "Thank you."


    Raig pulled out a piece of leather paper from his pocket that looked like a permit and showed it to the two men.


    "Let''s go."


    Inside the tower there is a spiral staircase that goes up to about 20 meters above the ground.


    At the top of the stairs was a small landing, which was also occupied by two soldiers.


    Again, we passed through without difficulty by showing our permit.


    Inside the door, the atmosphere had changed drastically, and the space seemed to be habitable.


    Another flight of ...... stairs, this time up one floor, led to a door.


    "This will be Lord Rhodes'' ...... home."


    Raig told Jin and knocked on the door.


    The door opens after about 30 seconds.


    "Oh, Raig," he said.


    A man in his mid-twenties, about the same age as Hitoshi, shows his face. He had silver hair and light blue eyes. Jin felt a nostalgic feeling.


    "It''s been a long time. What''s your question?��...... Well, there''s a newcomer. Well, come in.


    He was invited into what appeared to be a living room with a sofa and a table.


    Please make yourself at home.


    Then an automaton arrived, carrying a tray with enough hot water for three people.


    (......!)


    Jin did not make a sound, but was surprised to see the automaton for the first time when he came here.


    The model is a girl. She had silver hair and light blue eyes, and was about the same size as Reiko. Jin remembered his beloved daughter fondly.


    "I''m not sure if it''s suitable for my palate," he said.


    But the sencha was quite tasty. The nostalgic taste made Jin feel relaxed.


    "Oh, it''s delicious, isn''t it?"


    Rhodes'' face broke into a smile when Jin commented on the taste.


    "Oh, you seem to know what it tastes like. I''m glad to hear you say that because I like this tea too. Do you want another ......?"


    "Yes, thank you."


    Jin answered, and the automaton poured tea from the teapot in his hand.


    Rhodes took a sip of the tea himself, and then spoke to Raig.


    "Well, Mr. Raig, why don''t you introduce me to your newcomer?


    After he had made himself comfortable, Raig was flustered.


    "Oh, I''m sorry!��I thought I had already introduced you!"


    Raig apologizes and introduces Jin again, saying that he misunderstood because Jin was drinking the tea so deliciously and even refilling it.


    "Well, this is Jin, who has been assigned to our lab today.


    "Nice to meet you, sir.


    "Oh, so you''re Jin-kun. ...... Jin?��......


    What is it?


    Jin asked if the name "Jin" meant anything to him,


    "No, it''s nothing."


    Jin replied, "No, it''s nothing.

 1560 - - 42-21 Road toss

    "Hmm, you want to know the composition of the metal?"


    "Yes."


    In front of Rhodes is a piece of the skeleton removed from the golem under analysis.


    "......<>"


    (Oh)


    The flow of magic power was so impressive that even Jin, who was secretly watching the situation with <>, was impressed.


    "Hmmm, perhaps the added metal you want to know about is <. It contains about 0.1 percent."


    "Vanadium, is that right?"


    "Yes. ......<>...... this is it."


    Rhodes applied <> to the sample and showed it a gram or so of vanadium metal.


    It was silver-gray in color, and Raig Armor stared at it intently.


    "This is vanadium, is it? Such a small amount has a big effect. ......"


    "Mm. ...... I believe it has the effect of and increases toughness."


    Jin sensed that Rhodes had a pretty deep knowledge of science.


    "<>...... hmmm......"


    Raig ran the vanadium through the Analyze several times to learn what it was all about.


    "Thank you very much. It is not too late, so I will call it a day.


    It was almost 9:00 p.m.. It was almost 9:00 p.m., the end of the working hours for Jin and the others.


    "Yes, come again. ...... Jin, I''ll treat you to some tea, too.


    Thank you very much.


    Jin and Raig left Rhodes.


    "He''s ...... a great guy. He''s younger than I thought he would be."


    "Yes, he is, isn''t he?��But there are rumors that he is older than he looks.


    On their way home, Jin and Raig returned to the research building, talking about Rhodes.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Returning to his room, Jin reflected on a hectic day.


    "I was in the Principality of Mercana in the morning, then came to the Principality of Jagus. At ......, analyzing Golem, and Rhodoth, or ......."


    Thinking back on Rhodoth''s appearance, I finally had an idea.


    "He has that silver hair and light blue eyes......, yes, he looks like Zion."


    . They now call themselves the Northern Tribe, but at the time they were called the , the girl who met Jin at the very beginning of their history.


    "Maybe she is a descendant of Zion. ......


    Theon must have taken Belialus as his son-in-law from the . No, as far as Jin knows, the wedding has not yet taken place, but it probably will, so it would not be surprising if the two clans unite in the future, and as a result, the clan will show Zion''s characteristics.


    "And that automata ......."


    It was clearly an Adriana type. I can imagine the relationship with Avalon in many ways.


    "But I didn''t think he was under house arrest."


    I understand that this country does not want to let him go.


    But if he is a member of a clan, this level of house arrest should be nothing to him.


    Magically and physically.


    But, well, maybe they are waiting for the right moment, just like Jin is now.


    "I''d like to hear your story slowly this time.


    This time, with the presence of the rogue armor, Hitoshi did not try to ask about the word .


    But the opportunity came sooner than he expected.


    * * * *


    The next day, Jin was working with his colleagues in the analysis team when a messenger came to him.


    "Is there a man named Jin?"


    Yes, Jin is me.


    "Is this you? ...... Lord Rhodes wishes to ask you a few questions. Please visit him as soon as possible.


    "Yes,......."


    Raigh turned to Jin and said,


    Jin, Lord Rhodes likes to talk to newcomers on a one-on-one basis. Go to him."


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin received a one-time visit permit from the messenger,


    "Well, I''m off."


    and left the laboratory.


    I know the way because I went there last night. In fact, there is no mistaking that big tower.


    Jin showed his permit to the two soldiers standing at the entrance ......, who must have been replaced, but were different from last night, and went inside.


    He went up the stairs, showed his permit again, and finally entered .


    "Hello, you''ve come!


    Rhodes greeted Jin in a good mood.


    "Would you like some of last night''s sencha?"


    "Yes.


    The automaton brewed him a cup of tea, just like last night.


    After taking a sip, Rhodes slowly opened his mouth.


    "Well, as you may have heard, every time a newcomer arrives, I invite him to come and listen to what he has to say.


    Rhodoth said a little self-deprecatingly, "That''s because I can''t leave this tower.


    "You say your name is Jin. What is your last name?"


    "Is your last name ......?"


    Jin was a little surprised. In this world of ......ars, family names are often referred to as first names, but few people call them last names.


    "My name is Nido ....... My name is Jin Nido."


    I might have called myself at some point, but basically I just called myself since I came here.


    "Nido!��...... ni Doujin, ka, you are!


    "...... what?"


    "Then do you understand ......?"


    "Do you understand the Japanese ......?"


    Rhodes'' words were unmistakably Japanese, albeit somewhat faltering.


    "Of course I understand it. It''s my native language.]


    Jin also replied in Japanese.


    "I see!��I knew it.��That makes me happy.��From now on, I''ll try to speak in Japanese as much as possible. This room might be watched.]


    "I understand."


    Jin nodded. There are probably only a few people in this world who know Japanese.


    And on this occasion,


    "Are you from a puppet clan, after all?"


    Jin asked.


    "Oh!��That''s right. Who told you that?"]


    "From a man named Groma Tolley. He said he was a disciple of Mr. Rhodes."]


    Oh, Groma Tollei.��I''ve missed that name.]


    Then he breaks off and looks at Jin seriously.


    "I think you''re probably the person I''m looking for, but I''d like to ask you a few questions to be sure.


    Please.


    How much do you know about Avalon?


    Avalon is a huge man-made island. < used to be held there ......, right?]


    At last Jin seemed to have found a big foothold.

 1561 - - 42-22 On that day

    "Now tell us what you know."


    The conversation between Jin and Rhodes continued.


    Incidentally, we have already confirmed that there are no magic tools in this room.


    However, it seems that literal <, that is, by is being conducted at any time.


    Therefore, Rhodes chose to speak in .


    "You are from the Nordic Federation, aren''t you?"


    Rhodes nodded, surprised.


    "Yes, I am. I am of the Nordic race."]


    You are of the clan of the Puppet?


    That''s right.


    Ah, I knew it, Jin thought. Then he also asked the same question as last night.


    "Could it be that you inherited your hair and eyes from Zion?"


    "Zion?��You know about Grandmother, don''t you?��After all, you''re the one I''ve been looking for!]


    You''ve been looking for me?


    Yes.


    Jin asked, and after taking a sip of his tea, Rhodes began to speak slowly.


    "I am the great-grandson of Lord Theon. <


    Is Zion ...... well?


    Jin called Zion by a familiar name, and I couldn''t help but call him Zion.


    "He will be 512 years old this year, but he is still very healthy."


    As a result of advances in public health, nutritional balance, living environment, and medical care, their average life expectancy is about to reach 600 years old.


    By the way, the average life expectancy on the Laurentian continent is currently about 100 years old.


    "There is a theory that the free magical element (ether) prevents changes in cells and genes.


    Jin had imagined it too. The higher the concentration of free magical element (ether), the longer the life expectancy tended to be.


    However, it remained a hypothesis, since the effects of sanitary conditions and other factors were too great to be determined, and we still had to wait several decades before we could confirm the effects of the improvements brought about by Jin''s knowledge.


    "[I see. Good."]


    "Well, you''ll have to see for yourself."


    What?


    Grandmother has asked me to find Jin-dono and bring him to her.


    Why would she do that?


    "That''s right, isn''t it?"


    Rhodes told us that Zion had asked him to do this because he remembered a story that Jin had told him when he was younger.


    He did not remember the exact date and time, so Rhodes said he had been in the area for three years.


    "It''s easy to get out of a tower like this if you want to," Rhodes says with a laugh.


    Rhodes laughs. Knowing the physical abilities and magic of the northerners, Jin nodded his head in agreement.


    However, he said that he had stayed because Zion had told him that Jin would be coming to this country.


    "Did you hear anything else?"


    "Not much more about it. ......


    Zion did not give many details, he said.


    "But he told me a lot about Jin-san. He is a benefactor of the Nordic Federation.]


    "Oh, I see."


    Mr. Jin, please don''t call me that.


    "...... all right, Rhodes."


    "And so it is."


    Rhodos has been told by Zion to bring Jin to the Nordic Federation when he finds him, but unfortunately he cannot use , so he will have to start on foot.


    "I have been ready for this for a long time."


    He had always believed that this day would come. He has no reason to doubt Grandmother Zion''s words.


    "You can leave right now.


    something like that. I thought it would be a good idea to escape in broad daylight,


    "The guards are more strict at night, sir," said Rhodes.


    Rhodes said. Certainly, one would normally think of nighttime as the best time to escape.


    The management may have to increase the number of people to cope with the lack of visibility.


    Especially when it is someone whom they do not want to let go.


    As for Jin, he only has a very small baggage, so he returns to his room to retrieve his baggage, which is light, and brings <> out, and he is ready to go.


    We''ll use the golem horses for transport.


    "Yes, a golem horse."


    I was told that it was a development of the golem horse that Jin had given to him as a gift for transportation in the past.


    "Marikka-sama popularized it."


    Jin was happy to hear that Marikka was .......


    After that, we had a few meetings and Jin left Rhodes for the day.


    * * * *


    "How was it?"


    Rig Armor asked Jin when he returned to the laboratory.


    "Yes, I spent a lot of time with him, he asked me a lot of questions. He''s great, isn''t he?"


    Jin replied, referring to the pattern he had heard from Rhodes about talking to most of the newcomers.


    "Isn''t he?"


    Raihg smiles briskly.


    Jin thinks it''s a bit of a shame to try to fool such a nice guy.


    But...


    "Hmph, you''ve been slacking off for an hour and a half. Stop talking and get to work!


    Carrion said sarcastically to him.


    It was noon and time for lunch and lunch break.


    After eating lunch with his group members, Jin went back to his room, saying that he would take a short nap in his room.


    He then packed his personal belongings. His personal belongings were packed in one small bag.


    Finally, he cleaned up his room and said goodbye to his room, which had only been there for one day.


    "Let''s go, Hope."


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    Jin left his room and headed for the place he had promised Rhodes.


    He wondered if he could trust him just a little bit, but after hearing about Zion, Marikka, and Avalon, he convinced himself that at least he was from the Nordic Federation, and that if he did not make a decision here, he would never know when the next opportunity would come along. I convinced myself that if I did not make a decision here, I would never know when the next opportunity would present itself.


    He also thought that even in case of an attack, his <> would protect him from an ordinary attack, and with Hope, he would be able to overcome most of the obstacles.


    "Mr. Jin, we have been waiting for you."


    I went to the appointed place, about ten meters away from the tower, behind a storage yard, where Rhodoth was waiting for me.


    "The soldiers on guard have been put to sleep for a while.


    It seems that they were put to sleep by magic rather than fainting.


    "Come on, let''s go. Please put these on first.


    He was given a pair of sunglasses. Jin immediately knew what they were.


    "These are glasses that allow you to see infrared rays, aren''t they?"


    "That''s right. I''m going to use the stealth glasses at ......."


    <


    However, the object is also invisible to the outside world.


    It is not effective against ultraviolet and infrared rays, so if you have a magic tool that converts such infrared rays into visible light, you can see what is going on outside.


    In case you are wondering, the higher compatible < covers the ultraviolet and infrared regions as well.


    Jin put on the glasses, but Rhodes remained naked-eyed. When I pointed this out to him, he said,


    "I am a , so I don''t need them.


    Rhodes replied, "I am a <> and do not need them.


    Jin remembered with nostalgia the time when his stealth had been detected during the conflict with the <>.


    Finally, it was time to escape.

 1562 - - 42-23 Eastward

    <.


    However, because they were seeing with infrared rays, the outlines of the objects were vague, and they could only walk slowly.


    "We have about an hour left.


    Jin and the others continued to head east.


    (At the end of this journey, I''ll be able to return to my own time.)


    I don''t know if Rhodes was aware of this, but the impatience in Jin''s heart was gone.


    From the information that Rhodes leaked, Jin guessed that he would be able to return to the original time sooner or later, and he found peace of mind.


    After a while, the houses and fields disappeared, and when he finally released his stealth, he could see again, and Jin let out a sigh of relief.


    Another 15 minutes passed.


    "It''s in this area, sir.


    Rhodes looks around the area.


    The surrounding area is a desolate plain.


    "This area is called the Plain of Ma?se, and it is often the scene of battles during the conflicts with the Duchy of Norway.


    "That''s why it''s so desolate. ......"


    There is only sparse grass and not a single large tree.


    "Oh, there it is."


    In the middle of the wilderness, there was a large red-colored stone lying on the ground.


    "They are burying a golem horse under here. Let''s dig it out now. ......<>"


    Rhodes digs into the ground. Two golem horses soon appear.


    "<>"


    After removing the dirt and mud, the two horses were cleaned up.


    "Oh, that''s pretty good work. Who made them?


    "Yes, a disciple of Marikka''s. Yes, a disciple of Marikka''s. Nowadays this kind of mold is becoming more and more popular.


    It was Marikka who started it, and it was his disciple who popularized it.


    By the way, each one is sold for about 100,000 Tall ...... million yen. It may be an image of a mini-car.


    These two cars were also purchased at an ordinary store.


    "Well, Maricka must have had a good apprentice.


    "Please tell her that. He will be pleased. After all, Marikka-sama has been telling her disciples about Mr. Jin at every opportunity.


    "...... What did she say, by the way?"


    Jin asked fearfully.


    "Well, that he is a person who is not bound by common sense, or that he is a person who doesn''t use common sense. ...... Of course, in a good way, you know?"


    "I see. ......"


    "I grew up hearing that too, so I was looking forward to meeting you, Jin-san."


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin was not ready to answer the question of how it would be to meet him in person, nor did he want to hear the answer.


    "Let''s finish dinner here.


    It was still about 4:00 p.m., but Rhodes said, "Let''s rest when we can, because we don''t know what''s going to happen next. Jin had no objection.


    He took out a portable meal from the luggage that Hope had left with him and ate it.


    "Oh, that''s pretty good."


    "Jin-san made it in the shape of something called ," she said.


    "What, me?��I don''t remember ......."


    <<> was indeed a portable behavioral food sold in modern Japan where Jin was living, but he had no recollection of trying to make it.


    (Maybe he would make it after returning to the original time period?)


    In that case, Jin would know that he made it and start making it.


    (Is this what you call a time paradox?)


    Thinking about this, Jin finished eating his portable food.


    After drinking a glass of water, he is finished with his meal.


    "Well, let''s go. I''m sure the pursuers will be out by now.


    "Chasers?"


    Yes. They''re probably after me rather than Jin-san.


    The Duchy of Jagus seems to want Rhodoth and his knowledge.


    However, he was adamant about refusing to be used for military purposes, so his knowledge was mainly used for peaceful purposes.


    "But anything can be converted into a weapon, though," he muttered somewhat self-deprecatingly.


    Rhodes muttered somewhat self-deprecatingly, his profile looking forlorn.


    Jin and Rhodes each mounted a golem horse and headed east. Their speed is about 20 kilometers per hour. Hope was following on foot.


    "By the way, where is the automaton who made the tea for us?


    "Of course I brought her with me. <


    In other words, they are not following him all the time, but they are following him from a little distance in case of unexpected situations.


    "Is she Rhodes?"


    "No, no, I can''t make such an elaborate automaton. She was made by Marikka-sama.


    "I see that Marikka is ......."


    "She said that she was inspired by an automata that Jin-san used to have. Her name is ."


    "I see. ......"


    The automaton that Jin had with him must be Reiko, he thought.


    I wonder what Reiko is doing now.


    Perhaps she is serving a new master, he thought.


    Likewise, the fact that the old masters have not appeared yet may be because of their new masters.


    ��If they are happy, so be it.)


    If they are his descendants, even more so ......, Jin let out a small sigh.


    "Let''s cross the border today."


    At our current speed, he says, we should be able to cross before nightfall.


    The two golem horses, the golem Hope, and the automata Hanako, though invisible. The group continued eastward without stopping.


    "We''re almost at the border, aren''t we? Oh dear, we managed to get out of the Principality of Jags.


    Rhodotos said with a relieved look on his face.


    The group continued to march eastward and camped until dark.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "It''s a simple warding charm."


    Rhodes took out a warding device that would keep out insects and small animals and keep out the rain, although there was no tent.


    It would not block the flow of air in or out.


    "As for large animals and pursuers, I''ll leave them to my and Jin-san''s ."


    "I guess so."


    They lay down a blanket as a cushion and drifted off to sleep.


    Before dawn, Jin and Yi were asleep.


    Before dawn broke, Jin and the others were awakened by ''s voice.


    "Jin-sama, Rhodos-sama, wake up. They are after us."


    The report was brief, but the urgency of the situation was clear enough.


    "Are they chasing us across the border? ......"


    Rhodes said with a look of disgust on his face.


    "Master, I am ready."


    Now reported.


    She is speaking fluently. Perhaps they had deliberately pretended to be less capable in the Principality of Jagus, Jin thought.


    "Twenty golems and one commander, sir."


    Hope reported additionally.


    Jin and the others finished their preparations and mounted their golem horses.


    At the same time, a loud voice rang out.


    "Lord Rhodes, I hope you will return with us.

 1563 - - 42-24 Followers

    A man who looked like a commander was wearing full body armor and was riding a golem horse.


    He was accompanied by two large dogs. They must have followed the scent of Jin and his men.


    (They use dogs? They were almost nonexistent ......400 years ago. Is this some kind of progress?)


    Jin thinks fluently. Meanwhile, the pursuer was talking to Rhodes.


    "Once again, Lord Rhodes, I ask you to leave with me.


    Are you his pursuer, Zelga Somundt?


    The pursuer seemed to know Rhodes, Jin thought.


    "Come on, go back."


    "What if I say no ......?"


    I''ll bring him back by force. Surround them!


    Twenty golems surrounded .


    "I''m sorry, but you''re going to have to take an arm or a leg!"


    "I don''t want to hurt you. !


    "Whoa!


    Rhodoth suddenly unleashed an advanced wind magic, the <>.


    Three golems are blown away.


    However, that did not do much damage, and the three golems, which had been blown away about 10 meters, got up as if nothing had happened.


    "......It''s not just for combat, is it?"


    "You''re not too late now. It''s not too late. Surrender.


    I refuse.


    Then we have no choice. Then we have no choice.


    Just before he uttered the last syllable, the two golems collapsed.


    "What the hell?


    Do it, Hanako!


    Yes, master.


    Hanako, the automata, had attacked from outside the siege, undetected by the golems.


    "Oh, that''s great!"


    Even Jin was impressed by her fighting spirit.


    The battle golem, which must have been 10 times its weight, was being blown away like a piece of wood.


    "Well, that''s a good move. Is the skeleton ...... magi-adamantite?"


    Jin observes Hanako''s movement and analyzes it out of habit.


    "Na,na,na,......."


    The commander''s face changed color when he saw this.


    "You mean to tell me that a battle golem is no match for you?��I can''t believe there''s such a strong automata!"


    Hanako, in the meantime, has managed to disable two or three of the golems.


    "You''re using engineering magic to disable them from combat. ...... That''s a good way to fight."


    Jin sees that Hanako is now using to destroy the joints of her opponent''s Golem.


    Without a fixed joint as a fulcrum, no matter how strong her muscles are, she will not be able to exert enough force.


    "There are no magical countermeasures, or ......."


    At that time, a golem attacked Jin.


    "Leave it to me!"


    Hope dealt with the golem with a little time to spare. After throwing it away twice, the golem stopped moving. The internal magical board (plate) must have been damaged.


    The previous << match> with the golem of <> had not been in vain.


    At the same time, Jin has activated his , so magic can be blocked with no problem.


    "A golem of that size won''t even be hit by a punch.


    Also, against physical attacks, he felt safe for the moment.


    "Uh-uh!��You''ve been hiding your ...... abilities!"


    "<> has warned you many times. Why are you fighting with your neighbors? Why do you not join the World Congress? You are closing your own future.


    "We will not accept such interference!��We will go our own way!


    Why are you so stubborn? You are a nation that came out of a congress.


    "Not anymore!��We have been independent for generations!


    "Independent?��We are not independent. < to survive, don''t we?


    We are paying for it!


    "That is true. It is true, but the do not insist on paying for it. Rather, we are trading with you for your assistance.


    "Ugh... ......"


    Zelga Somundt exclaimed.


    Jin, who was listening at the side, guessed that this Zelga must be a man of a certain rank.


    Meanwhile, the number of battle golems of the pursuers was decreasing.


    Hanako had 15 and Hope had 5.


    In the wilderness, which had begun to lighten up, there were now a number of stuck battle golems and Zelga, Jin, and Rhodes astride their golem horses. Hanako and Hope were also in the wilderness.


    Incidentally, the two dogs had run away the moment the battle began.


    "ugg......"


    "Come on Zelga, it''s no use. Give up and go back. And report back to us. ."


    "......"


    Zelga Somund does not answer.


    "Jin-san, let''s go."


    Zelga would have liked to have breakfast, but she could not eat it here.


    Jin and Rhodotos ignore Zelga''s refusal to move, and let the golem horse walk toward the rising sun of Serang.


    "Wait!"


    A voice called out to the backs of the two. It was Zelga.


    Do you really think you can escape?��You''re in the Principality of Norway now! Crossing the border is a mortal sin!


    Rhodoth answered without looking back.


    It is your law. I am a foreigner. I am not bound by such laws. Isn''t it a greater crime to kidnap and imprison me?"


    "Ugu......"


    This time, Jin and Rhodes walked away.


    "......That Zelga guy is one thing, but aren''t the people of the Duchy of Jagus a bit strange?��Oh, I mean strange in an ideological sense."


    "It certainly seems so. I heard that Jin-san liberated our clan from the brainwashing tool called the a long time ago.


    "Ah, that."


    <


    But we couldn''t find such things in their brains, though.


    Rhodes continued.


    "Then there''s the forbidden <<>, but there''s no sign of that either."


    "I see. ......"


    Furthermore, he said that he could not find any magic tools or spells that have the effect that Elena, who used to rule the , had.


    "Then, either the people who originally thought like that are gathered here, or they are ......"


    "So either they used unknown means or ......."


    It was not something I wanted to think about, but I could not deny the possibility.


    "I wonder if they are not aware of the folly of fighting on this narrow ars."


    "Maybe if you force these people out into space, they''ll wake up."


    How big is the universe? How small is the world we live in compared to it?


    How small it is to fight in that small world.


    If you realize that, you might change your mind. Jin said half jokingly.


    "Yeah, that might be a good idea.


    Rhodes agreed with a smile.


    The sun had been up for an hour.


    Jin and his friends crossed the creek to the other side of the river to fool the dogs'' noses.


    It was around 7:00 in the morning.


    Jin and the others stop moving and have breakfast.


    Hanako and Hope take a look around.


    "We will continue across the Principality of Norway.


    They say they have enough food. Water can be replenished by condensate.


    After finishing their meal, Jin and the others begin to move eastward again.

 1564 - - 42-25 Duchy of Norha

    The vast Maise Plain.


    The Norwegian side of the plain slopes gently toward the east, so we could see where we were going.


    "It really is an empty plain, isn''t it?"


    "It''s really an empty plain," he said. "This area has a short history since the founding of the country.


    The country was founded about 340 years ago and has been in existence until now.


    The development of the Americas on Earth, for example, would have been much faster, Jin thought idly on his golem horse.


    Maybe it was the population, or the tools.


    "Probably the main reason is that the underground resources could not be extracted as much as expected.


    Rhodes said.


    In the case of the Americas, Jin recognized the Gold Rush, in which settlers moved into Native American lands because of the discovery of gold deposits.


    "In reality, the resources in this area are buried so deep underground that they simply cannot be mined with half-baked technology."


    Jin thought that this area was similar to the continent of Pandor.


    While we were having this conversation, the golem horse was galloping along at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour.


    Since the horse''s center of gravity was lower than that of a real horse, both Jin and Rhodes felt less tired and were able to have a normal conversation.


    We had lunch in the shade of a rock and continued eastward again.


    As the sun began to set, a large lake came into view.


    This is Lake Kotsi. It is a border, so if you go to the other side, you are completely outside the principality.


    It seemed that we would be able to cross the border while there was still daylight.


    I thought .......


    "We have been expecting you, Lord Rhodes."


    Twenty battle golems of the Duchy of Norway stood in our way.


    "My name is Mada?m Ruha, Vice Commander of the 2nd Corps of the Duchy of Norway. Please come to our country."


    "......I refuse. You don''t say that while threatening me with a golem, do you?


    "No matter what?"


    No matter what.


    Then I''m sorry, but I''m going to have to get him by force. Go to ......!


    At the same time as Madaim''s order, 20 battle golems attack.


    The golems were not of the same type, but of different types.


    Eighteen of them were unarmed, while the remaining two had sticks.


    However, Hanako, who had released her <> and appeared behind the golems, aimed first at the two holding the sticks.


    She suddenly kicked them from behind, and when they lost their balance, she took the sticks from them.


    The two-meter-long stick was a little too long for Hanako, who was about 130 centimeters tall, but she used engineering magic to instantly transform it into a one-meter-long mace.


    "Oh, that''s brilliant!"


    Jin can''t help but be impressed.


    Hope!


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    In response to Jin''s voice, Hope also snatched the stick from the remaining one.


    Hope swung her stick at the same length as the other one.


    "What ......?"


    Hanako, Hope, the automata, and the golem ran wildly.


    Hanako''s mace breaks the golem''s legs.


    Hope''s stick crushes the Golem''s head.


    Hanako runs like the wind, and two golems fall.


    Hope easily picks up the golem and throws it down.


    Hanako and Hope quickly neutralize 20 Golems.


    "That''s stupid. ......"


    "Did you say madame Ruha? Look at the world with an open mind. Stop fighting and work for progress."


    Rhodoth said in a quiet voice to the stunned Madaim Ruach.


    What is the use of fighting for supremacy in a small world? Wake up!


    But the Mada?m would not listen.


    "Shut up!��Don''t think you can get away with this!


    With these words, he mounted his golem horse and rode off at full gallop.


    "Jin-sama, Rhodoth-sama, are you sure you can leave him alone?


    Hope said.


    "I wonder if it''s ...... okay?"


    Jin asked Rhodes to confirm.


    "I wouldn''t say it''s harmless. The other side of Lake Kotsushi is not in any country, so to speak, so it is an extraterritoriality.


    Jin thought that "extraterritoriality" did not mean that ......, but he somehow understood what he meant.


    "In other words, they can do whatever they want?"


    "That''s what it means."


    In any case, the first thing to do was to cross the border, so Jin and Rhodes decided to hurry the golem horses.


    They had hoped to get some materials from the stuck golem, but gave up because of lack of time, and left the stick they had taken to Hanako and Hope.


    The speed increased to about 30 kilometers per hour, and after crossing two roads, a lake opened up in front of us.


    "On the right, in the distance, is a town called Adaiz, I think. Let''s hurry, we don''t want to be spotted.


    It would soon be dark. Jin and Rhodes rounded the shore of the lake and passed through to the east.


    "We have crossed the border. From here on, it''s a stateless zone.


    In the twilight, all that can be seen is a wilderness, and beyond that, a forested area. Beyond that, silhouetted mountains could be seen.


    "Are we going to go over those mountains?"


    Jin asked, seeing that there was still quite a distance to go.


    "No, just up to the front. There is a magic machine hidden there.


    "A magic machine?


    Yes. We''ll head further east with it.


    Why did you hide it so far away?��...... Sorry. I''m sorry.


    I asked the question, but it was easy to imagine that he had hidden it in a place where it would not be found and confiscated or tampered with without permission.


    As the sun went down and it became dark, two people, two bodies, and two vehicles camped out in search of a suitable location.


    "By the way, <>-san''s ability is amazing."


    Jin said as if impressed.


    "No, I''d say that about <> sir. I have heard ...... that you were able to build it out of very scarce materials."


    Rhodes also praised Jin''s skill.


    "......Let''s leave it at that."


    A slightly embarrassed Jin changed the subject somewhat forcefully.


    "After all those battles, I think you should check it out.


    If we don''t do it when we can afford it, we can''t count on it if it breaks down at the critical moment.


    The same goes for the golem horses.


    "Yes, that''s right. Then, let''s take turns.


    Rhodes said that if we check both horses at the same time, we would not be able to handle any unexpected situations, and asked Jin to check first.


    "...... hmmm ...... I still think the joints are a little worn."


    The joints are not coated with adamantite, so they will inevitably be worn down during combat operations.


    Of course, wear occurs even with adamantite coating. This is because they are rubbed against each other with the same hardness.


    It is the same as using diamond powder to polish diamonds.


    However, the load and time required to reduce the same amount of abrasion are different between adamantite, which has high original hardness and wear resistance, and alloy steel, which has been <><>.


    Of course, adamantite is more resistant to abrasion.


    Jin proceeded with the emergency repairs and maintenance quickly.

 1565 - - 42-26 Advanced Magical Machine

    After Jin finishes repairing , it is Rhodes'' turn.


    "Let''s see, here, ........."


    Rhodes performs maintenance on <. Since he did not make it himself, it looked to Jin as if he was not very good at it.


    However, the maintenance work was completed in a short time because of the good quality of the original. Jin, who was watching from the side, had nothing to say.


    Jin was unable to fall asleep and gazed blankly at the sky.


    The moon (Yunie) appeared from the mountain in the east. Jin gazed at it with deep emotion.


    (I guess Milowina is gone too, even though it''s been 400 years. ......)


    But if <> is still alive and well, I can''t help but think that if only we could get in touch with him.


    (Well, if we go to the Nordic Federation, the way will be opened for us.)


    (Well, if we go to the Nordic Federation, we can find a way.) Lack of materials, lack of infrastructure, lack of social status, that''s the current Jin.


    (I didn''t know that I can''t do anything about it so far. ......)


    Jin reflected on the fact that he had been a little too much spoiled by the environment of Horai Island.


    While Jin was thinking about such a thing, he seemed to have fallen asleep.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    When the eastern sky had become light, Jin and Rhodes had already finished their breakfast.


    "Today we will be able to retrieve the hidden Magi machine.


    Jin was looking forward to it.


    Riding his golem horse, he headed east again today.


    "The landmark is a rock spire about 300 meters high.


    It is quite conspicuous in this wilderness. No wonder Rhodes marked it.


    After half an hour or so, we saw a spire that looked like that.


    "That''s it, isn''t it?"


    Jin and the others head straight for the spire.


    "It''s so big when you see it up close.


    The spire is the Tokyo Tower, in my image. There is a cave at the base of the tower where the Magi machine is hidden.


    "Ah, here it is."


    Rhodes pointed to a pile of large rocks, each more than a foot high.


    "They hid them in a small cave and then piled them up to make them invisible.


    At least seven rocks weighing more than 200 kilograms. I have to say, that''s the way of the Northerners.


    "Well, let''s move them out of the way."


    Rhodoth throws the rocks away with a "good deal" in his arms.


    Soon a small cave with a hidden magi-machine appeared.


    "There it is. It''s in here. ......"


    Rhodes pulled out a container the size of a wardrobe.


    "Surprisingly small, isn''t it?"


    "It''s an assembly line, you know."


    Rhodes opens the lid of the container.


    "Is it a ...... balloon?"


    "Something close to that. <


    "Blow up floater?"


    The word was unfamiliar to Jin as well. And this is confirmed by the following words of Rhodes: "Yes.


    "Yes, it is a vehicle developed by Maricka about 250 years ago.


    "Oh."


    It seems to be an assembled vehicle, and Rhodes assembles it with great dexterity.


    "I see. ......"


    In short, the idea was to make a balloon float by the wind.


    "I see, <>."


    In principle, it is similar to the Onogoro Island disc. Maricka must have arranged it further.


    As soon as he had finished assembling it, Rhodes started the <>.


    The air sacs inflated as soon as they were inflated.


    The shape of the air sac is more like a parachute than a balloon. It looks a little different from a hang glider.


    "Let''s go."


    First Rhodes and then Hanako get into the foldable gondola made of light silver.


    Jin and Hope get in too. .......


    "What about the golem horses?"


    "I don''t think we''ll be able to carry them that far.


    "We''ll have them run to the next destination. They can reach speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour in galloping mode.


    If they were not carrying people, they could run without worrying about the swaying of the center of gravity. Jin understood that.


    "Okay. ...... where is your next destination?"


    Mitsuho.


    The name of the country came back to me.


    "It''s about 800 kilometers away, so we should be there this evening.


    This blow floater can reach a speed of about 100 kilometers per hour.


    At last, Jin could feel the progress of the times.


    "Even if they are chasing us, we can''t catch up anymore.


    The speed of the pursuit suggests that the three duchies may be working together behind the scenes, but even so, Rhodes said, this will cut the ties.


    "We''re leaving."


    The gondola floats up, and then the blower engines start up.


    The gondola is exposed, so I thought it would be cold, but it is not.


    The gondolas have wind shields to protect them from the wind, so they can go 100 kilometers per hour.


    This was well thought out.


    "Wouldn''t it have been easier to move around if we had hidden the warp gate?"


    Jin said.


    That''s how Jin set up warp gates around the world in the first place.


    "It''s not that I don''t believe Grandmother''s words, but I wasn''t sure if I would be able to meet Jin-sama or not. ......"


    "I guess that''s true."


    Warp gates are not something that can be easily installed. In the first place, it is out of the ordinary for Jin to have installed such things so many times.


    Wind-powered floaters (blow floaters) cross mountain ranges. The air pressure inside the gondola is also safe because of the warding.


    "However, it is not safe to cross the Gondor continent with this.


    He says that it would be dangerous if bad weather were to strike.


    Jin agrees that it is understandable, since the aircraft is assembled in a low-strength structure.


    "So, where are we going to go in Mitsuho?


    Jin asked, to which he received a surprising answer.


    I''m sorry, I don''t know where. Anyway, I can manage if I go down to Mitsuho.


    Mitsuho is a (= a country participating in the ), so there are exchanges with the Gondor continent, he said.


    "Mitsho or ......"


    Jin thinks that if he can meet , he might be able to go to Horai Island via <>. But Rhodotos senses Jin''s thoughts,


    "...... Jin-sama, I ask you again. If possible, please see your great-grandmother first.


    He asked, "I would like to talk to you about something.


    "There is something important I need to tell you, yes?


    He said, "...... understand."


    Jin decided that although he wanted to return to his own time as soon as possible, he would have to listen to what Zion had to say.


    (If I had gone back to my own time in the first place, Zion would know about it, and that''s why he sent Rhodoth to me. ...... I guess I should ask him.)


    We have enough time to have lunch in the gondola.


    "This is the last time I''m going to have this bad meal..." Rhodes laughs.


    Rhodes laughs.


    <, so we had been chomping on dry bread (not dry bread) since last night.


    Then, in the evening of the same day, the land of Mitzvah came into view below us.

 1566 - - 42-27 Mitsuho Country

    In the twilight, we could see spacious rice paddies.


    <


    "Let''s go down to that town.


    He was heading for the shore of a lake with a familiar shape.


    Lake Sayama, I think.


    <


    It may have been due to the tailwind, but the speed was much faster than expected.


    "From the looks of it, it looks like the golem horses will be a little late to join us."


    Rhodes laughed.


    An airship floats in the darkening sky. < type airship.


    "Ah, that way we won''t be noticed."


    This sight calmed Jin''s slightly sullen heart.


    The blower-floater descends slowly.


    "If we''re going to go down, it would be better to go down with Miyako than with ."


    Miyako is still the capital of Mitsuho, apparently. Rhodes knew that much.


    "Along with Osaca, the big city to the west, Miyako is a representative city of Mitsuho," he said.


    The airport was located on the northeast side of Miyako. The airport is located adjacent to Lake Sayama, where it is possible to land in case of an emergency.


    Of course, the moat wall surrounding the town was still intact. Jin fondly remembers the time when he visited there with Elsa, Hanna, Saki and others.


    Meanwhile, the blow floaters landed.


    The officer and Golem came to move the Blow Floater into position.


    "This way, please."


    This is a hangar for small aircraft.


    The blow floaters (blow floaters) were placed in the hangar and locked with a chain lock.


    The officer takes down the lock number, and Rhodes and Jin sign it.


    Once these steps were completed, they were given a provisional entry permit.


    The temporary entry permit only allows a three-day stay, but it was enough for Jin and the others.


    In case you are wondering, Hanako the automata and Hope the golem were not allowed to enter the town with <>, so they will be assigned to watch over the blow floaters.


    "Will you take care of it, Hope?"


    "Yes, sir. I''ll take care of it."


    Hanako, I''ll see you later.


    "Bye, dear."


    Security seems to have changed since the days of ground transportation, now there is air transportation.


    Jin fondly remembers that there used to be many barriers to reach Miyako, the capital of Mitsuho, such as the Kali settlement and the town of Seki.


    * * * * * *


    The two stayed at an inn with futons instead of beds because they were in Mitsuho.


    "Ah, finally I can sleep on a proper futon.


    Jin lies down on the tatami mat and stretches out his limbs.


    The tatami matted room makes him happy.


    The food is Japanese style, which Jin has not eaten in a while, and he especially ordered three more bowls of miso soup.


    Jin-san likes that soup called "mososoriru," he said, half impressed by the loaded toast.


    Jin-san likes that soup called "mosoriru"," Roadtoss said, half impressed.


    "Oh, yes, and the miso soup, too.


    After the meal, Jin took a bath and stretched his arms and legs in the hot water.


    Four hundred years ago, Hiro Mutu and Mii Mutu met in this town. And many others.


    They have been buried in history for many years now.


    "I wonder if the <> is still working."


    In Mitsuho, where most of the people cannot use magic, I have fond memories of the time when the <>, which used engineering magic to create various tools, was put back into operation.


    "That was also in the northeast of Miyako. If you go to ......, it should be between the airport and the town, but I haven''t seen it. ...... Maybe it has moved?"


    Jin mutters to himself. It''s a good thing that I''m enjoying the hot water alone now, courtesy of Rhodes, but if there were other bathers here, I''m sure they would have been very disappointed.


    * * * *


    After getting out of the bath, Jin was chatting leisurely with Rhodotos.


    "What do you want to do tomorrow?


    "Well, let''s see... ......"


    He wanted to go home as soon as possible, and that desire remained unchanged.


    But now that my safety is almost assured, my natural curiosity is beginning to tingle.


    In other words, he was interested in the world 400 years from now.


    "What are your plans for the future?"


    On the contrary, I ask Rhodes a question.


    He is showing me around as a favor and I don''t want to bother him too much.


    "Yes. In the end, I would like to take Jin-sama to Grandmother ...... Zion-sama''s place.


    Jin nodded broadly to Rhodes, who reminded him again and again.


    "Yes, of course."


    Jin would also like to meet Zion and Marikka and hear their stories.


    <. Maybe even meet the 700672.


    "So, you see, there are two ways to get to the Gondoa continent. Private transportation and public transportation.


    I understand private transportation, but what is public transportation?


    "There is a monthly airship service from the Shoro Kingdom to the Nordic Federation. Seats are by reservation only.


    "Really. ....... Are there no other flights from other countries?


    "Yes. I don''t know why.


    "I don''t know why."


    I''m very impressed that the Nordic Federation is accepted now.


    "I don''t think it will make much difference in time which one you choose. "Oh, no, I think it would be faster to go on the road by yourself now.


    Rhodes said to me,


    "Why?"


    Jin asked back.


    The flight leaves on the first day of every month.


    Today is September 4, and there is still almost a month until the next flight. Hearing this, Jin was convinced.


    "I see, if we can get there by a blow floater, it would be faster.


    Right?


    "Right?" "Okay. Okay. I''ll tell you what I want. ...... I''d like to stay here for a day tomorrow and see the sights."


    "Okay. I will do so.


    Rhodes immediately accepted Jin''s wish.


    "In the first place, the golem horses haven''t arrived yet.


    When they arrive, Rhodes said, we will sell them here in town.


    It would be better if they were moved by a blow floater rather than a custom-made one.


    "That kind of used exchange is common now," he said.


    Jin wondered if this was the image of a used car. That would make it easier to spread the idea to the general public, he thought.


    "Come to think of it, what is the country like now?��Is it the same as it used to be?"


    Jin thought of taking this opportunity to ask.


    "Yes. ......"


    Rhodes thought for a moment and took out a piece of wooden notepaper provided in the room.


    He drew a simplified map on it.


    He showed Jin the map he had drawn quickly and Rhodes began his explanation.

 1567 - - 42-28 Current State

    "As far as I know, that''s pretty much how it is," Rhodes said.


    Rhodes began to explain to Jin the current situation in each country.


    "North of Mitsuho is Huso.


    Not much seems to have changed in that area.


    To the east of Mitsuho is the Shoro Kingdom.


    It seems that the borders have not changed here either.


    "And the Kingdom of Cerroa, the Kingdom of Egelea, the Kingdom of Franz, the Kingdom of Klein, and the Kingdom of Elias.


    These countries, which were called , are still alive and well.


    "......What about this farthest east?"


    I asked my second question. I mean .


    "I was going to explain to you, but I see that it is divided.


    "It is a divided ......?"


    Yes. Roughly speaking, it is divided into four parts, with the Kingdom of Klein in the north, the Kingdom of Cerroa in the middle, and the Kingdom of Egelea in the south. The archipelago, including the island of Fusor, and some coastal areas are ."


    The Autonomous Region of Conlon?


    "Yes. The area from there to the Kunlun Islands is an autonomous region, ruled by the deputies of the konglong kung."


    "I see. ......"


    I was tempted to ask for more details, but I decided to check what I was most curious about first.


    "Do you know what happened to the village of Kaina, which was supposed to be ...... located in the north of the Kingdom of Klein?"


    "Of course I do. Of course. That place is now . In the first place, you can''t get to the Gondor continent by land without passing through there.


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin thought for a moment that he would like to see the village of Kaina 400 years from now with his own eyes.


    "So, the north side of the Kruger Mountains has been preserved as it is nobody''s land. ...... I think it''s called or something."


    "Heh."


    It''s for the protection and preservation of animals and ecosystems. Anyone can enter, but collecting beyond the personal level is prohibited.


    < and is being monitored by the .


    Jin was somewhat relieved to hear that they seem to be making efforts to protect nature.


    Jin left his questions at that and went to bed.


    He slept soundly without dreaming in the tatami room for the first time in a long time.


    The next day, the 5th, Rhodes went to the shore of Lake Sayama to pick up the golem horses.


    Jin wandered around the town.


    There was nothing dangerous, and he was wearing his <>, so there was nothing to worry about.


    "Oh, yes. If you can afford it, you can buy magi crystals and make a <> out of it. Besides, if I can get the materials, I can strengthen Hope a little more.


    So, Jin goes sightseeing, looking for a material shop.


    "Is this a tool shop ...... or is that one ......?


    At any rate, Jin walks down the busy Chuo-dori Street.


    The street widens and we come to a place with a fountain.


    "Ah, there are places like this, aren''t there?"


    There stands a statue of a bronze statue.


    "There was neither a fountain nor a statue there before. ......Who''s statue is it?"


    I approached the pedestal and looked at the inscription.


    "......<>...... Wow."


    It was a statue of Jin.


    Jin quickly leaves the place. However, no one would recognize him because he doesn''t look much like him. .......


    About two minutes away from there, there was a material shop, so he went in.


    "Oh, this is ......."


    There were some good quality materials.


    "Ah, supplies are important to maintain the culture. ......


    I felt this way even more so since I came from the Principality.


    The shopkeepers did not call out to him, so Jin was able to look around slowly.


    "Well, I think it''s cheaper than before..."


    Jin was not familiar with prices, but he remembered that in the old days, one colt (about 1 gram, about 6 mm in diameter) of magecrystal (magecrystal) cost between 10,000 and 10,000,000 dollars. The reason for the wide range is the variation in quality.


    The reason for the wide range is the variation in quality and the value depending on its attributes.


    "That''s 5,000 to 50,000 Tall ...... well, I guess they don''t have the best of the best on the line."


    Jin picked up a rainbow-colored magi crystal.


    "So this is 10,000 Tall ......."


    A gold coin, about 100,000 yen. That''s all Jin could buy with what he has.


    In terms of quality, it is good enough to make a <>.


    Thank you very much.


    Jin bought the magi crystal and left the store.


    "Now all I need is metal material. ...... where can I find it?"


    Mithril silver and adamantite are not things that the average person would buy, so I didn''t think they would be in the stores in the first place.


    "A blacksmith or a ...... Oh, yes. What about the <>?"


    The < that Jin once fixed.


    It produced almost all of the tools and magic tools used in Mitsuho.


    I''m sure they have the metal materials Jin is looking for there.


    "But I wonder if they will sell it to us. ......"


    Jin decided to go for now and started walking toward the northeast.


    He had not noticed it when he came from the airport yesterday, but it had been built in its original place. A stone building the size of a gymnasium.


    It was just that it had been hidden from view due to the construction of larger buildings around it.


    As usual, people seemed to be able to come and go as they pleased.


    "Oh, it hasn''t changed much.


    <


    Welcome. How can I help you today?"


    A receptionist, an automaton whom Jin did not recognize, greeted him.


    "Well, I''d like to speak to the factory manager directly.


    "Yes, please wait."


    Jin''s request was accepted without refusal, and the receptionist retreated to the back of the building. She returned in about a minute.


    "Welcome, Mr. Jin."


    The factory manager, who had seen Jin, seemed to recognize him immediately.


    "Ah, it''s you. How are you doing?"


    "Yes, thanks to you, it''s doing its job."


    The factory foreman automaton that Jin has repaired does not seem to think it strange that <> is here.


    (Even at that time, they didn''t question the sudden increase in the amount of materials. ......)


    The point is that he is an old automaton and has poor judgment about things other than his work.


    "So, what can I do for you?"


    "Yes, I would like to share about 50 grams of adamantite, is that possible?


    Yes, conditionally. ...... spherical, is that correct?"


    "......, ah, yes, that''s fine."


    "Then please wait a moment."


    Jin had a vague idea of what were.


    Since this is a <>, it is a place where <> are shipped. Therefore, it is not possible to deliver the material by itself.


    Therefore, it is necessary to treat it as a <> of <<50 grams>><>>.


    Similarly, if you want, for example, 2 kg of steel, you can ask for <>, and so on.


    "Thank you for your patience.


    In about 5 minutes, Jin had what he was looking for.

 1568 - - 42-29 At an inn by Lake Tusmo

    After receiving the adamantite ball, Jin checked the condition of the < just to be sure.


    "Yes, we have been doing regular self-maintenance since Mr. Jin repaired it, and there is nothing wrong with it. The maintenance golem is doing a great job.


    "Well, that''s good to hear."


    Jin was relieved to hear this report.


    He put the 50-gram adamantite ball in his pocket and slowly made his way to the inn.


    It was almost noon. When Rhodes returned, he would leave.


    "Jin-san, are you home now?


    He heard a voice behind him and turned around to see Rhodes.


    "He just left. I sold the golem horse to a second-hand shop.


    The golem horse that he had ridden for a short time was being sold off. It was an act that Jin did not like, but he thought it was normal in this era.


    "Let''s leave after lunch."


    * * * *


    Jin and Rhodes went to the airport.


    Rhodes pays the fee to the officer, and the lock is unlocked.


    They pulled out their blow floaters and boarded the plane with Hanako and Hope.


    "Well, let''s go."


    Rhodes starts up the blow engine.


    When the air bladder inflates at once and the aircraft lifts off the ground, the blow engine for propulsion is also activated.


    The blow floater begins to rise slowly and diagonally upward.


    (...... Mitsuho, until the next day)


    Jin did not know if such a day would ever come, but in his heart he said goodbye to Mitsuho and wished to see him again.


    He wanted to look around more, but he was worried that he might not be able to return to his own time if he knew too much information that he was not supposed to know, a < type of worry that haunted him.


    Looking down from the blow floaters, a huge desert came into view on the left. This is the Hariri Desert.


    Seeing the desert reminded Jin of .


    Akitsu was created by a disciple of , who traveled around the world and enlightened people more than a thousand years ago.


    <


    (Akitsu was in the Sahara Desert, wasn''t he?)


    Carrying such thoughts of Jin, the Blow Floater flew eastward.


    "We have entered the Shoro Kingdom.


    The Hariri Desert was far behind us, and to the left of us was a very high mountain.


    I think it is the Baksa Mountain.


    If we continue on our way, we will reach the capital, Leusat,


    "Mr. Jin, since it is troublesome to go in and out of Loisart, I would like to go down to a suitable regional city or town," Rhodes suggested.


    Rhodes suggested.


    "That''s fine."


    Jin was a little curious to know how the Leuthart where he used to live was now, but he decided that it would be lonely if it had changed a lot.


    (I''m not supposed to be here, ...... I''m not supposed to be here.)


    "Okay. Let''s go down to the town of Beams on the north shore of Lake Tosmo.


    As dusk falls, the blow floaters descend into the town of Bearsus.


    There seems to be no particular airfield, so they land on an open beach by the lake. In such a case, <> (Vertical Take Off and Landing Aircraft) is very useful.


    The landing site was a small gravel beach.


    Lake Tosmo was beautiful in the afterglow on the calm surface of the lake as dusk approached.


    Rhodes quickly disassembled the blow floaters and put them together.


    "Oh, I''ll let Hope have it then," he said.


    "I''m sorry. Now let''s go find a place to stay.


    So Jin, Rhodes, Hanako, and Hope went to the town of Bearsheims to look for a place to stay.


    As it turned out, they found a place to stay within five minutes. <.


    It faces Lake Tosmo and is said to offer beautiful sunrises and sunsets.


    The air is somehow nostalgic.


    On the other side of the lake is Leusert, where Jin and Elsa lived for a long time.


    "I''d like to go there, but I''m not going to ....... If I can get back to the world, I can visit there with a big smile on my face.


    At this point, Jin has no idea how to get back to the past.


    There is a possibility that he may not be able to return ......, but rather, there is little chance that he can. He was aware of this, but he dared not to think about it.


    It was a pity that the room at the inn was not a Japanese-style room, but it was on the second floor, so it had a good view of the lake, and the meal was the first meal he had had in a long time, so Jin was satisfied.


    "The taste is more refined than in the past. ...... I guess they must have studied the use of seasonings and soup stock."


    Jin smiled with satisfaction as he drank some hojicha after dinner.


    After dinner, Jin soaked in the bath and relaxed, and went to his room to maintain Hope.


    He coated the joints and sliding parts with adamantite, which he had obtained in Miyako.


    This alone would more than quadruple the durability of the joints.


    "There you go. I hope we can upgrade it little by little."


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin."


    At that moment, there was a commotion downstairs.


    Mixed in with the sounds of people''s voices, there was a clattering sound like metal hitting metal. Hope used her excellent hearing to see what was going on,


    "Jin-sama, there seems to be an emergency. What should we do?


    Hope asked.


    "Let''s go to ...... and see what''s going on."


    Jin thought that if it was a life-threatening situation, he couldn''t just ignore it.


    He quietly peeked downstairs.


    There were two broken golems and three wounded men. All three men appeared to be unconscious.


    They have been treated, but the golem has been left alone.


    "What happened?"


    Jin asked one of the onlookers who had gathered.


    "Oh, I heard there was some kind of accident at Lake Tosmo.


    "I heard that two boats catching river shrimps collided with each other and sank."


    Lake Tosmo is a treasure trove of freshwater fish, and freshwater shrimps such as the tenagaebi can be caught in large numbers.


    Shrimps such as these are usually caught after dark, when they gather in the light of a boat.


    It is likely that the boat collided with the boat in the dark.


    From what Jin has seen, the two golems seem to be the boatman or rower of each boat. The rather slender build of the two golems was thought to be for the purpose of lightening the ship.


    "uu......"


    One of the unconscious people moaned and opened his eyes. When he realized that he and the other three were the only ones being treated, his bad complexion worsened and he screamed.


    "Oh, my God, ......!��Help me!��My daughter is still in the lake ......!"


    "What?


    Only three people were rescued. They were fishing two by two, and one of the men was in the boat with his daughter.


    The fact that they are not here suggests that they may have gone down with the boat.


    "I don''t know which part of the boat sank, even if you say so!


    It was pitch-dark in Lake Tosmo at night, and we had no idea where to look.


    At that moment, someone said to me.


    "Yes, ask the golem.


    "No, he said he was too busy bringing them here. They''re stuck."


    Jin could no longer remain silent.


    "Let me take a look. I''m a magi engineer.

 1569 - - 42-30 Modern Technology

    Jin hurriedly checked the condition of the Golem.


    This is the first type of golem Jin has ever seen. It is not a golem in the lineage of Adriana Barbora Zetsi, nor is it a <>, nor is it a primitive magic stone golem.


    Nor is it a primitive magic stone golem.


    "This is ......"


    This is a method that Jin has never heard of, but that doesn''t mean he doesn''t understand it.


    "I''ll admire it later. I have to fix it."


    As long as it is a Golem, there is a control core.


    This is no different for the new Golem. If a golem without the control core (control core) was created, Jin thought, it would not be ...... a golem.


    "<>"


    Jin starts with the information about the control.


    "Hm, basically the same. So the detailed control is dedicated. So we can do emergency repairs.


    And the emergency repair is done. <<>, and .


    "Oh!


    "Brilliant!"


    The people around him shouted in admiration.


    One body is repaired in about three minutes. Jin immediately asks a question.


    "Hey, do you know where the accident happened?


    "...... is a... I''m sorry."


    His voice still sounds a little funny, but it is enough to be heard.


    "Somebody with a boat, please!


    "Okay, I''ll go with the golem."


    The innkeeper came forward.


    "Please, I''ll go to ......."


    The man fainted again when he realized that he was going to help his daughter.


    Jin said he would stay here, but he would go with her to the shore,


    "Can you give me a general direction?"


    He asked the golem in the direction of the accident.


    He said, "Yes, about 200 yards that way."


    "Okay."


    Jin shot a ball of light in that direction.


    "Oh!��This is bright!��Well, I''m off!"


    The innkeeper, accompanied by Jin and onlookers, left with the golem in a boat for the lake at night.


    As Jin saw them off, he was ruminating in his mind about the information he had just obtained.


    (It''s not a golem, but a . ......)


    Adriana golems, like automata, have a skeleton that is a simplified version of that of humans, and their musculature is similar to that of humans.


    This is because they are made based on the idea of being .


    (But that is ......)


    Apart from the cheapness of the construction, it was the structure that caught Jin''s attention.


    (The movements were completely separated.) For example, the rotation of the wrist.


    For example, taking the rotation of the wrist as an example, the human forearm (from the elbow to the tip) has two bones, the radius and ulna, connected to the wrist and the elbow joint, respectively.


    The other side of each connection is, roughly speaking, (although ligaments, tendons, muscles, etc. are attached).


    This means that the forearm can around the wrist or elbow.


    This requires that the muscles are attached at an and are able to exert force not only in the longitudinal direction relative to the bone, but also in the axial direction.


    The Adriana golem and automata emulate these human body structures.


    However, the golem that Jin confirmed this time had basically one bone in each part of its structure.


    (What are you, a stick man? ......)


    Despite such ridiculing thoughts, Jin was satisfied with the structure of the Golem.


    The bone is basically a hollow pipe, <>.


    Taking the arm as an example, the inner pipe is for flexion and extension of the elbow, and the outer pipe is for rotation of the wrist.


    The muscles for bending and stretching were completely separate from those for rotation.


    (Sure, the control commands may be complex, but the motion control is easy to understand.)


    (Sure, the control commands may be complex, but the movement control is easy to understand.


    (It seems to be more efficient because there is no waste.)


    In the case of humans, there is a slight loss because of the diagonal attachment.


    Also, the force to rotate is not so great.


    (Perhaps the < force should not be underestimated. ......)


    But....


    (The movement is very artificial. ......)


    They do not feel human.


    (Maybe Groma''s new golem is the same.


    (Maybe the new golem of Groma is the same.)


    The last golem they were trying to analyze in the Principality of Jagus was something similar to this one.


    It was Jin who suddenly had such a thought.


    While he was thinking about this without much time to think, he heard a noise. The innkeeper had returned.


    "Thank God!��I was clinging to a piece of the ship!"


    He was clinging on to a piece of the ship!


    He was trying to reassure his worried father.


    By that time, his father had recovered and came out to greet the innkeeper and the others at the door.


    "Oh ...... thank you."


    At the innkeeper''s back was his daughter, whose complexion had turned blue. She looked at her father and smiled faintly.


    "The healer is here!"


    someone shouted.


    I looked and saw a young man in a white coat standing there with an automaton.


    (Nurse ......)


    Jin almost said out loud.


    The automata was definitely based on the nursing automata <> that Jin had once made.


    The significance of using automata as nurses is great. They can take care of the injured and sick day and night. Besides, they do not have to worry about contracting diseases.


    Seeing that the healer and the had begun to take care of him, Jin returned to his room with a sense of relief.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, Jin and Rhodes were about to leave,


    The next day, when Jin and Rhodes were about to leave, the innkeeper said to them, "Thank you for your hard work yesterday.


    The next day, when Jin and Rhodes were about to leave, the innkeeper spoke to Jin, "Thank you for your hard work last night. The innkeeper seemed to be able to use polite words to his guests, while he had used blunt words last night.


    "What?��I didn''t say anything ......."


    "No, if you hadn''t repaired the golem, we wouldn''t have been able to rescue you in time. You are a humble man."


    Jin said,


    "No, I just did what I could at that time.


    and left the inn. Not only because he was embarrassed, but also because he did not want to add too many more ties to this era.


    "The weather is fine, let''s make the distance in one go today.


    Rhodes said.


    "Esia, the capital of the Kingdom of Selroa, has a noisy immigration control system, so I''ll go as far as Tellurus."


    He says he can make it by midday with a good westerly wind.


    "Terlus?"


    This is the town where the Torres River flows, where Erza''s mother, Meene, who was seriously injured during the Unifiler riots in the past, was washed up.


    Come to think of it, it was in that town that he met Sally the healer.

 1570 - - 42-31 Tellurus

    With a tailwind, the flight to Tellurus, the eastern gateway to the capital of the Kingdom of Selroa, was smooth.


    "Oh, there are a lot of balloons and airships flying around. ......"


    Jin was literally in a different world when he saw many flying objects in the sky over the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    "I heard that there are instructions to change the flying heights of the balloons and airships."


    "I see, I guess it''s to prevent accidents due to the difference in speed.


    As I look around, I see a few of the wind-powered floaters (blow floaters) that the Jinns are riding in.


    It was a moment that made me realize that 400 years have passed.


    And the 10 airships cruising over the capital city of Esia are 200 meters long, which is truly gigantic in one word.


    However, in the modern Earth where Jin was living, there used to be a huge airship called the , which was 245 meters long.


    It was powered by four V-16 diesel engines from Daimler-Benz and had a top speed of 13.5 kilometers per hour. The maximum speed was 13.5 kilometers per hour.


    Incidentally, the airship of the Kingdom of Cerroa is said to have a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour.


    And we could see that there is a <> in Essaia.


    It is a circular line and seems to go around the city.


    However, Jin was a little disappointed that it did not become popular, since it is not seen in other cities.


    A quick word.


    A little after 2:00 p.m. local time, Jin and his group landed at the airport in Tellurus.


    Here, too, there was an officer to take care of Jin and the others. At the same time, a certificate was issued.


    With this certificate, you are free to enter and leave the town of Tellurus.


    In addition, a deposit of 1,000 tokens was required. The certificate is returned when you return it upon your departure.


    "Please don''t lose it."


    The officer said, then straightened his posture and said,


    "Welcome to the town of Tellurus!


    and he saluted with the back of his right hand on his forehead.


    The town has changed a lot.


    "You have changed a lot, haven''t you?


    "Is that so?"


    It looks quite different from when I visited with Reinhardt and the others.


    The streets are more chaotic than back then, and the old and new are mixed together.


    In a way, it matches Jin''s taste.


    "There are more people here."


    There were many people last time, but now the number of people has increased to the point where it can be described as a crowd.


    Jin thinks that the crowd is about the same as that in front of the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station.


    Whether that is appropriate or not.


    "I''ll have to get a place to stay.


    Rhodes seems to know his way around the area, and he moves along at a brisk pace.


    Again, and are with the blow floaters.


    The number of inns has increased as the number of people has increased, and rooms are quickly available.


    The hotel is 20 stories high, which must be one of the tallest buildings in the world.


    Remembering that the last hotel he stayed at was 10 stories tall (......), Jin got on the elevator, which is called < in this country.


    "Is it a golem engine ......?"


    Jin remembered that the last time he had been carried up to the 6th floor by a golem.


    This time, the room was on the 15th floor. It was not quite a view .......


    It was because there were many similar buildings in the area.


    I wondered if the building was earthquake-proof.


    I was so worried that I couldn''t stop myself from talking to myself like that.


    "Oh, I heard it''s all right.


    Rhodes overheard my soliloquy and explained.


    "All high-rise buildings are required by law to undergo .


    "Toughened?��...... I see."


    Engineering magic that increases the strength of bonds between molecules, making brittle materials more resistant to cracking. <


    "I guess that''s a relief then."


    However, the effect varies depending on the ability of the wielder.


    If Jin is serious and performs 10 times, the effect is increased by 1000%, i.e., 1 times as much as the original. This is the limit of the enhancement of this magic.


    However, at the general level, the range of enhancement is wide, from 5% to 200%, and it is possible to multiply it from 30 times to 4 times. (As one would expect, this building is located at .


    (As expected, this building is ......50 percent more, right? That''s enough.)


    A secret reveals that the overall strength and toughness of the building has increased by 50 percent.


    "It''s still early, shall we go and have a look around the town?"


    It is 3:30 in the afternoon. Dinner was served at 6:00 p.m., so Jin took Rhodes'' suggestion.


    Let''s go to the riverbank.


    "The riverbank?"


    Rhodes looked doubtful, but accepted Jin''s wish.


    "Ah, the view from here hasn''t changed much.


    Jin stands on the embankment and looks out over the Torres River.


    (I remember that time we found my mother-in-law who was dying.


    (I remember finding my mother-in-law (Meene) who was dying at that time.


    The town of Litu can be seen over the river, and the walls of Esia can be seen in the haze beyond it.


    A huge airship floats in the sky above.


    "Come to think of it, airplanes haven''t developed yet. ......"


    Jin thought that in 400 years, an aircraft with <> should have appeared.


    "I don''t know much about that. ......"


    Rhodes explains this question as well.


    "As I recall, there was a concern about making the same mistake with the development of more science than necessary, so they stopped teaching only simple science at Avalon.


    "What? ......?"


    Jin wondered if this meant that the development of science would become a spark of fire.


    (I don''t think so, though.


    (I don''t think so. ......)


    (I don''t think so, though. ......) However, Jin thinks that if someone after Jin made such a decision, it might be something to respect .......


    (In any case, it''s not a problem I can handle now. ......)


    (In any case, it is not up to me now...) Not to give up, but it is not the time for Jin to wield his power.


    "I guess the point is that we have taken a legitimate magical development."


    "Is that what you mean ......? I don''t know.


    "Well, it''s nothing to discuss now."


    Jin decided to end his sterile speculation for the time being.


    Whether or not he had made the right choice would be for a much, much later generation to decide.


    "I''m sure that ...... grandmother will be able to answer those questions more accurately."


    "I see."


    Jin was more and more convinced that he needed to meet with Zion.


    Of all the connections that remained in this time, the strongest ...... was Zion.


    ��The fact that we are in the Kingdom of Celuloa and the <> does not appear, I can only assume that there is something wrong with Horai Island.


    Jin thought that he would be able to get an answer for this if he met with Zion.


    "Well then, let''s look around the town.


    Like the golem before, Jin thought he might discover something new.


    Assuming that he could return to his former time, he was very uncertain if he could bring back the knowledge.

 1571 - - 42-32 Step by Step

    Jin and Rhodes were walking down the main street.


    "They say this is the second biggest street in Tellurus. And the busiest."


    "Yeah, I know what you mean."


    It reminded me of the crowds in Tokyo... people, people, people.


    "I wonder how big is the population of the Kingdom of Cerroa?"


    Rhodes answered this question, which I had not expected.


    "Well, according to the of the year before last, 500,000 people," he said.


    "Half a million. ......"


    According to Jin''s memory, four hundred years ago, the population was 200,000.


    "So it''s increased 2.5 times?"


    "Yes. All of the small group countries have doubled or tripled in population. This is probably due to advances in sanitation, medicine, and agriculture.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin was a little pleased to see that part of this was probably due to his own achievements.


    The people walking around the town were dressed a little differently than they had been 400 years ago.


    There is no drastic difference, but they seem to be more sophisticated and refined.


    "Do you know what fabrics are used for the clothes?


    But even Rhodes did not seem to know that much.


    "Well, let''s go to the clothing store.


    Jin is now wearing the clothes he bought in the Principality of Mercana. He can''t shake off the feeling of being somewhat old-fashioned or outdated.


    The clothes he was originally wearing were in his bag.


    "I think this is a good place."


    Most clothing stores have a selection of 60% for women, 20% for men, and 20% for children, but this one had about 30% for men.


    "This fabric is ......<>."


    It is considerably less strong than the one from Horaijima, but it is unmistakably GSS (Ground Spider Silk).


    It is a fabric with strength, flexibility, and beauty that synthetic resins cannot possess.


    (Indeed, it may be better for this world to promote magic technology than science and technology. ......)


    Science and technology destroy the environment to a greater or lesser extent. However, since magical technology is mainly based on biomaterials, it does not destroy nature except for mining underground resources.


    However, there is a risk of overexploitation to secure biomaterials. .......


    There were also many other clothes made of <, although the quality is lower than that of Horai Island.


    Shirts were mostly made of cotton, which made Jin realize that 400 years have passed.


    Prices of commodities had not changed much from 400 years ago.


    Rather, the prices of these daily necessities had probably gone down. That is a good thing, Jin thought.


    In the end, Jin bought a shirt and a jacket, and returned to the inn.


    There was still time for dinner, so Jin headed for the bath.


    "I''m glad it''s empty.


    There were about three guests in the large bathtub, which looked like a public bathhouse. Jin was able to stretch his arms and legs in the bathtub.


    Dinner was buffet style, probably because of the many guests from various countries.


    Jin chose white rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and omelet.


    While he was wondering what to drink, something called <> caught his eyes.


    I try it, and it tastes nostalgic. It was definitely the tea of the <> from the village of Kaina.


    Naturally, Jin decided to drink it.


    "It''s proof that the distribution system is working. ......"


    We can get specialty products from all over the world. It is good for cultural exchange. Especially foodstuffs,...... Jin thought as he sipped his miso soup.


    In case you were wondering, the road toss was a combination of bread, cowbread steak, vegetable soup, salad, and red wine.


    "Excuse me, may I come this way?"


    "Yes, please."


    The table for six was occupied only by Jin and Rhodes, so the old couple refused to sit with them.


    "Are you here for sightseeing?"


    the husband asked Jin, who had just finished eating and was drinking tea.


    "Yes, no, we stopped by on our way to our destination.


    "Oh, I see.


    Are you and your husband traveling together?


    Yes. After I retired from the military, I finally had some time to visit ...... with my wife.


    The old man''s smile was soft and kind.


    "You are retired ......, so you must have been in the military."


    "Yes, I am. I was a technical officer, however.


    "When you say technical ......, do you mean Golem?"


    Yes, that''s right. I wanted to work on airships myself.


    The old man told of his longing for the sky when he was young.


    I remember when I wanted to fly freely in the blue sky.


    Jin understands this feeling.


    "So, the golem is ......."


    For a brief moment, Jin and the old man enjoyed the conversation between the engineers.


    * * * *


    "I think I''m beginning to understand the times we live in.


    Jin returned to his room and lay down on his bed alone, staring at the ceiling and muttering to himself.


    Everything is not going well, but it seems to be going reasonably well.


    The people on the street were smiling. Magic technology seems to be progressing, though slower than expected.


    Above all, the growing population is evidence of a more comfortable life.


    Although the western duchies are a bit .......


    "That''s also a problem for those who are living in the <>. ......"


    The world was a little different from the one Jin had imagined, but that was also the path the people of this world had chosen, so he had no opinion on the matter.


    "But what about Horai Island and the fifth column (Quinta)? ...... I wonder if we can ask Zion about that.


    Jin was getting more and more eager to meet and talk with her.


    "And then there''s the golem ......."


    The golem we saw the other day, who developed the technology that led to it? I will ask that question when I meet Zion.


    Jin, who was too tired to think about it, fell asleep.


    Good morning.


    Good morning. I hope we can make it to the Kingdom of Klein today.


    The sky was cloudy, a far cry from yesterday.


    "I don''t want to fly in the rain too much with this blow floater.


    Considering its stability and power, Rhodes says it is dangerous in bad weather. Jin, who wanted to see Zion as soon as possible, agreed.


    "Yes, I agree. I want to see Zion, that''s for sure, but I don''t want to risk it. ......


    "I understand."


    Rhodes thinks for a moment,


    "Then let''s go north first to the Kingdom of Franz. Then go north over the low ridge. That''s the route I suggested.


    Jin confirmed the route in his mind.


    Jin confirmed the route in his mind. Since there were no high mountains in between, he thought it would be relatively safe in case of bad weather.


    "Yes, let''s go that way.


    Jin and Rhodes headed for the airport.

 1572 - - 42-33 Earth, sky and flowers.

    Wind-powered floaters (blow floaters) flying across the huge lake, Lake Asur.


    ��I wonder if the floating base is still at the bottom of the lake.)


    There is no way to check now.


    (That will come later, or ......)


    And then the blow floaters entered the territory of the Kingdom of Franz.


    It was not raining in the Kingdom of Franz that day, but it was covered with fog. The Blow Floater''s range of vision was only about 200 meters, so it was forced to slow down its speed.


    Even Hanako, an automata, and Hope, a golem, can barely see 1,000 meters.


    Naturally, the arrival time is delayed.


    "We''re staying in the Kingdom of Franz today, aren''t we?


    Rhodoth said, "We are going to Loron, a town east of the Franz Kingdom.


    "Roloon town. ......"


    "Any memories?"


    Rhodes asked with interest to Jin''s soliloquy.


    "Well, I visited there once with Zion," Jin said.


    Jin said,


    "What?��Your grandmother?


    Rhodes exclaimed in surprise.


    "Didn''t Zion tell you?"


    Jin asked,


    "Yes, I had never heard about it.


    Indeed, the purpose of Jin and his group''s visit at that time was to rescue Istaris, Zion''s sister who had been captured.


    Istaris had been severely tortured and humiliated, and Jin had begged her to erase her memory by using a forbidden spell, >.


    Therefore, Jin now realized that Zion could not have told such a story to his descendants without hesitation.


    So, he decided to make up a simple story.


    "At that time, I had just gotten acquainted with Zion. I was there as part of a tour of the countries over here.


    "Oh, I see."


    Lucas was with you, wasn''t he?


    What?��Mr. Lucas, is that you?


    I was wondering, how are Lucas and Netros doing?


    "Mr. Netros is Great Aunt Istaris'' husband, isn''t he?"


    "Yes, he should be."


    Jin remembered fondly the time when Istaris and Netros had eloped, but this time he succeeded in not mentioning it.


    If he talked about it, he would also have to tell the story of the other party, the Belialus, who had asked Zion to marry him. Then, the embarrassed Zion might complain about it later.


    "You two are still in good health.


    To my surprise, they are still alive. I guess it is because of the improved nutrition and environmental sanitation.


    What about Lucas?


    "Lucas is married to a madrasah from the same family and they are living far away from each other now."


    "I see. ......"


    Jin was satisfied to hear what had happened to his old friends.


    Rhodes saw the look on Jin''s face and did not want to hear any more about Zion and the others'' past.


    The town of Rolo-on still seems to be a window to the Kingdom of Klein, with its stone gate rising in the mist, just as it did then.


    However, there was no need to pass through it this time.


    In the evening, when the fog finally cleared, the blow floaters headed for the airfield to the north of the town and landed.


    Here, too, we were greeted by an officer, registered our names, and left our blow floaters in his custody.


    And again, Hanako and Hope were left at home. I feel a little sorry for them, but it can''t be helped.


    "Well, where shall we stay?


    "Well, ...... I think we stayed at a place called at that time.


    "H?tel Lunol? Let''s go to ...... and ask around.


    There was a booth at an intersection on the main street that looked like an information center, so Rhodes went there to ask. When he returned, he happily reported.


    "It''s still there," he said.


    Go straight down the central street and turn right at the intersection of another street. The corner on the north side of the town is lined with high-end houses, just as it used to be.


    "Oh, yes, this is what it used to look like."


    And even the big park was almost the same as it used to be.


    Adjacent to the park was a large hotel, the .


    I remember meeting the former duchess, Catherine de Lafayette, at that time.


    Catherine had described Jin as "quite a good-looking man" when he told her that he was staying at the <>.


    Visiting a familiar place like this, one is reminded of the old days.


    While Jin was still immersed in his memories, Rhodes went to the front desk to check in for the night.


    "This is room 3 on the third floor.


    It was a four-person room, he said. There were no other rooms available, Rhodes said.


    The third floor is reached by a golem elevator.


    In the elevator, Jin said


    "By the way, I''m sorry for paying for all your accommodations.


    Rhodes waved his hand. Rhodes waved his hand,


    "No, please don''t worry about it. It''s normal that Jin-san is not in good hands.


    Jin thanked him again.


    "Thank you."


    The room was equipped with a bathtub for one person, so Jin was allowed to go in first.


    The room was equipped with a bathtub for one person, so Jin was allowed to go in first.


    Jin was somewhat happy to know that public sanitation and infrastructure are in place.


    Here, too, dinner was buffet style, so Jin chose what he wanted, mainly rice.


    And Rhodes'' choice was mainly meat, except for bread. It is interesting that there is only one vegetable salad in the buffet.


    "I hope to get to the Nordic Federation tomorrow."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Jin and Rhodes were discussing their plans for the next day.


    There are no high mountains near the border between the kingdoms of Klein and Franz, so it is easy to cross them on the way north.


    "If it is sunny, I would like to leave early.


    "That''s fine."


    The thought of finally meeting Zion made Jin feel excited.


    "It''s about 500 kilometers away. As long as the weather is good, we should be able to get there.


    I''m looking forward to it too.


    "Yes, I''m sure your grandmother will be pleased.


    I hope so.


    Jin looks out the window.


    The night view of Lorong is beautiful.


    When he had been here before, the back streets were filthy and the gap between the rich and the poor was wide, but now there was nothing like that.


    It may be far from an ideal town, but I could feel that things have definitely changed for the better, and that was a pleasant change for Jin as well.


    (But the monorail did not spread. ......)


    It was not popularized in the Kingdom of Cerroa either. It was just an unusual vehicle.


    What was the cause that prevented it from spreading?


    Jin tries to analyze, but he doesn''t really know.


    From the window, he can see stars on the ground and flowers in the sky.


    (Was it Kenji Miyazawa ......?��I think it was Kenji Miyazawa (?) who called the heavenly flowers "stars" and the earthly stars "flowers.


    Staring at the night view, Jin tried to dig up his hazy memory.

 1573 - - 42-34 Zion

    The next day we left first thing in the morning after breakfast.


    The weather is beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. Almost no wind.


    "It''s better than being driven by a strong wind," was Rhodes'' line.


    Rhodes said.


    From the town of Lorion, we headed north along the border with the Kingdom of Klein. This is convenient because there are no high mountains in that area.


    Once they enter the Kingdom of Klein, they will have a hard time climbing over mountains such as Mount Taikazo and Mount Tahoka, which are over 4,000 meters high.


    In this area, the mountains are in the 2,000-meter range, so it is easier to climb.


    However, the area beyond the mountain range is a special protected area where there are no houses, so travelers are on their own.


    Rhodes chose this route because it was a calm day with no wind.


    A coniferous forest similar to that of the taiga spread out below Jin and his group.


    "You can see Lake Shilowa on your left," Rhodes explained.


    Rhodes explained.


    "And ......."


    "Ah, the great isthmus of Pazdekst."


    We could see the familiar terrain.


    "The air currents are bad in this area, so we''ll be flying low."


    Rhodes said and lowered the altitude.


    We were flying at a height of about 50 meters above the ground.


    The area becomes a reddish-brown wasteland as the coniferous treetops become sparse.


    We are almost at the Pazdekst isthmus. Beyond that point is the Nordic Commonwealth.


    The route from the air, the route from the land, the route we''ve taken so many times.


    "The view is the same."


    Jin muttered to himself.


    In the midday light, the continent of Gondor comes into view below.


    However, the view there was different from what Jin remembered.


    "There''s a lot of greenery, isn''t there?


    Yes, the place that was a wasteland in his memory was covered with greenery. It was a field.


    Yes, we grow a lot of cold hardy varieties. This area is topopo."


    "Oh."


    Rhodes said they also grow cold-hardy wheat and barley, buckwheat noodles, and an early variety of rice.


    "That''s good. So you are completely self-sufficient.


    "Yes, that''s what I mean. It''s a great grandmother ......<> clan''s Lorona-sama''s achievement."


    Rorona of the < clan is the mother of Zion and Istaris. She must be six hundred years old by now.


    "Master Rorona is still alive. She says that her legs and back have weakened considerably recently, but she still checks on the fields every day.


    "Indeed!


    It was a joy to see Lorona again.


    An orchard came into view below us.


    "These are cold-resistant aprils and queries, aren''t they?"


    Greenhouses and greenhouses were also visible.


    Thanks to Maggi Plastic, it''s easier to build greenhouses. Now we can harvest vegetables all year round.


    "That''s good."


    It seems that the food problem of the northerners has now been completely solved.


    And the wind-powered blow floaters are losing altitude.


    Two similar blow floaters approached us.


    They are not assembled but solidly built.


    <


    Rhodes applies his wind magic and reveals his affiliation to the two aircraft that appear to be guards.


    <


    He waved his hand toward the gondolas, and the two security planes moved away from the gondolas.


    "Now we can fly in peace.


    Rhodes said, and then dropped further.


    "<> aren''t we going down to the clan''s settlement?"


    Jin questioned, as the location did not seem to be the same as he remembered.


    "No, we are going to Grandmother''s."


    "Oh, I see."


    The former settlement of the was located almost directly north of the Pazdext isthmus, but the territory of the , to which Zion belongs, is closer to the coast.


    Theon and his sister Istaris were the daughters of the clan leader, and one of them had to succeed him.


    However, the elder sister Istaris chose to be with her follower Netros, and so Zion was supposed to be the son-in-law of the clan leader, Jin recalled the circumstances of that time.


    The clan''s Belialus was (should have been) Sion''s son-in-law.


    Hence, Rhodes, also of the clan, called Zion "grandmother.


    "I am no longer a <, but a clan."


    Rhodes said that he was embarrassed to say this, but he explained that he had been adopted as a candidate for clan leader because of his excellence.


    He was welcomed even more so since he was originally of the <> clan.


    "However, there is talk among the younger generation that it is time to stop creating barriers between ," he said.


    "I see."


    However, compared to the human race on the Laurentian continent, the northern peoples have a longer life span, so such changes will be slower. Rhodes laughed.


    "We are about to land.


    The altitude is now less than 20 meters and the surface of the earth is clearly visible. The speed is reduced to about 30 kilometers per hour, and the blower is ready to land.


    The plane is headed for an open space that looks like an airport, where about three blow floaters are parked.


    There, people who seemed to have heard of Rhodes'' return were waving to him.


    Rhodes landed the blower without a hitch.


    The first person to come running to him was a woman who looked a little younger than Jin.


    "Brother!��You''re back!��We''ve been worried about you!


    She had silver hair like Rhodes, but her eyes were a strong red. The color of his eyes reminded Jin of Archel.


    "I''m home, Vita. I''m back, Vita. ...... I''m sorry to worry you. But your grandmother asked me to do it for her.


    "That''s true, but ...... you''re back, that means you found her, right?"


    "Yes, this is the man."


    Rhodes introduced Jin to Vita.


    "Jin-san, this is my sister, Vita.


    "My name is Jin Nido. My name is Jin Nido, and I am very grateful to your brother for all his help.


    When Jin greeted her, Vita blushed a little.


    "Uh, ah, ah, I''m Vita of Vita......<!��Oh, um, are you really Jin-san?"


    Rhodes chuckled and clapped Vita on the shoulder.


    "It''s real. Let''s go to ...... and visit your grandmother."


    "Yes, yes."


    Vita had come in the Golem car.


    The car seats six, so Jin, Rhodes, Hanako, and Hope can ride in it.


    The group left the airport with Vita driving.


    We then headed for the clan leader''s mansion.


    It took about 10 minutes to arrive at the mansion, which was quite a splendid place.


    An old woman was standing in front of the entrance.


    She had shiny silver hair with a hint of white in it, light blue eyes, and white skin. Her back was straight and straight, showing no sign of aging.


    "Jin!��Is that you?


    Zion ......?


    Although he was old, he still had a trace of the old days, and Jin recognized Zion immediately.


    "You were right," he said. ...... Welcome back, Jin."


    Jin realized that the was referring to his return to Ars from another space.


    In short, Jin was reunited with an acquaintance for the first time since he had set out to deal with the spatial vibration.


    "I''m home, Zion."


    Jin may be said to have returned to Ars in the true sense of the word at this time.


    The sky of the Nordic Federation was blue and clear.

 1574 - - 42-35 Silent 74 Hours and Conflicts

    "...... I''m the one who greeted Jin."


    Zion''s cheeks are slightly reddish.


    Well, I guess it''s not good to hear that you have a grandchild out of the blue.


    "Oh, you saved my life that time. Thank you, Theon.


    "Thank you, Theon." "Let me thank you, too. ...... thank you, Zion."


    Following Jin, Erza bowed her head.


    "I don''t know what to say. What is in the past for Jin is in the future for us, and it hasn''t happened yet.


    "That''s true."


    "But maybe I heard Jin''s story and I remembered it well enough to give instructions to my descendants, right?"


    That''s what I''m thinking.


    "......That''s a lot of responsibility...I wonder if I''ll still remember it 400 years from now."


    "I trust you because you are Zion of the clan.


    < clan has a good memory, which is a characteristic of their race.


    "Ugh, it''s a big responsibility after all. ......"


    Zion frowned again.


    "But I guess it''s harder than I thought."


    Reinhardt shook his head in admiration.


    "How could you possibly be ...... alone in such a situation?


    Jin, however, shook his head at Reinhardt''s words.


    "Alone and helpless, huh? Not so much since I met Rhodes."


    Jin thinks of the that has connected the present era to the future.


    "I''m glad to know that everything I''ve done so far hasn''t been in vain ...... or at least that I''ve saved myself."


    "Sure, that''s the way it is, isn''t it?"


    "Uh, uh, what have I been doing?"


    Marikka asked Jin slowly. She must be curious.


    "Yes, I met with Marikka.


    We''ll talk about that later, Jin said and took a sip of Citran juice.


    "But ...... what can I say? For Jin it''s the past, for us it''s the future. It''s getting a little confusing when I think about it.


    Reinhardt let out a mumble that could have been taken as a blur.


    I''m sure that''s true. Even in ...... Jin''s former world, time travel was not realized, was it?"


    This time it was Goose.


    "Yes, that''s right. Well, there have been many stories about time travel.


    "Well, that''s interesting.


    Well, I''ll tell you about them when I get a chance.


    "Well, I''ll tell you about them when I get a chance. I''d like to hear about Jin''s own story now.


    "Yes."


    Jin took another sip of Citran juice.


    "Hey Jin, what do you think is going to happen to us?


    Bina asked, but Jin shook his head.


    "I''m not sure if I should tell you. ......"


    "What do you mean?"


    "It''s another fictional story, but there''s a theory that if you know the outcome, you may become unmotivated or stop taking the actions you need to take, and the future will change."


    "Is that so?"


    Jin then tells a parable.


    "For example, you hear that you will bump into someone and fall on a certain day, so you stay out of the house on that day.


    "Hmmm."


    "And that will not bump into you, but you might get hit by a carriage on the way there."


    "How can that be?"


    "How can that be?" "Because they won''t fall over, they''ll walk on ahead for a few seconds or a dozen seconds, right?"


    "Yeah, right."


    In that case, it could be worse, Jin said.


    "So you don''t collide with a person, but you collide with a carriage.


    If the result of such a collision is death, there will be no offspring, so it is no wonder that the future may change in various ways.


    "Well, in that case, maybe a completely different person will be in charge."


    In the end, it all comes down to the fact that we don''t know.


    "That''s why I''ve been trying to avoid such information as much as possible," he said.


    "Well, it''s really complicated.


    "That''s why some people say it''s better not to know too much about the future."


    On the other hand, there is a theory that you can''t change your destiny in any way, Jin added.


    "But there are some things that I''ve learned about the future, too," he said.


    One of them is that I am recreating <>.


    "You can also ...... against Reiko and the old man."


    "Father, is there a reason why we have not been mentioned in your stories so far?"


    >


    "Yes, I''m going to tell you that now. But there are some things I don''t understand, and I dare not ask them.


    "What is it?"


    "Future Zion told me that it''s fine to know the result, but it''s better not to try to know the process.


    "Heh?"


    Theon let out a stupid sound.


    "Oh, me?"


    "Yes."


    Jin nodded.


    "You said that when you know the process, you lose the desire to improve."


    "Is that so?"


    "That''s most likely because you heard me say it right here and now."


    "...... sure. I mean, time is so complicated!


    "I don''t know what to tell you. ......"


    The may have understood it to some extent, but he did not tell Jin about it. He would not have understood it even if he had explained it to him.


    "The paradox of time is so difficult, isn''t it, Onii-chan?"


    Hannah looked a little thoughtful.


    "If we don''t know the right answer, I guess we have to try not to do anything unreasonable."


    "That''s right. ......"


    "It''s easier to understand if we focus on Oni-chan, right?"


    "Hannah, what do you mean by that?"


    "Well, for Oni-chan''s time line, everything is in order."


    In short, it means that there is no contradiction such as Jin meeting Jin himself.


    "For us, it''s the future, but for Oni-chan, it''s the past in terms of time.


    "So that''s one way of thinking about it."


    Since we do not know the correct answer to these questions, we cannot reject these ideas in general.


    Jin just said,


    "......There are many things to do from now on.


    Jin just muttered, "We have a lot of work to do.


    It was almost dark outside the window.

 1575 - - the years 43-01 400

    "So, Zion finally told me what I was wondering about ......."


    Jin began to speak three times.


    I''m home, Zion.


    "I''m home, Zion."


    Jin was welcomed by Zion and invited into the house.


    There, he was first offered a bath. Being a bath lover, Jin accepted it without hesitation.


    Still, Jin got out of the bath without taking it as easy as usual.


    Jin-sama, please come this way.


    The maid working in the mansion led him to the hall.


    And there was Zion and another man.


    "Really, it''s Jin-sama. ......"


    There was an old woman with silver hair and yellow eyes.


    "......Marikka ......?"


    "......Yes, yes!��You remembered me!"


    Marikka still has a straight back and a dignified air about her.


    Jin looked at Marikka with narrowed eyes.


    "Oh, um, Jinshama?"


    ��Oh, I bit it.)


    In a way, Jin was relieved to see that such a thing has not changed no matter how old he gets.


    At a round table in the hall were Zion, Marikka, and Jin.


    There were three other attendants serving the guests.


    These three are my grandchildren, too," said Sion, who was looking unconcerned.


    Zion smiled carefreely.


    This gesture reminded Jin of her younger days and he smiled.


    "Well, let''s have a toast first.


    <


    "Jin, please lead the toast.


    "Me?


    "Yes. <


    Zion smiled as he said this, and on his arm was the bracelet of . Marikka''s arm also has a bracelet .......


    Jin raised his glass, disappointed that his own bracelet was missing.


    "To celebrate our reunion."


    "To our reunion."


    "In honor of our reunion."


    Glasses being clinked. It made a bright, clear sound.


    "Oh, I''ve heard ...... that I''m going to see Jin again like this, but it''s like a dream."


    Jin asked a question to Zion, who smiled softly, and decided to ask the question he really wanted to ask.


    "Zion, I guessed from what Rhodoth said, can I go back to the original time?"


    Sion smiles and answers.


    "Yes, as far as I know.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin leans back in his chair as if all the strength in his body has been drained out of him.


    Not out of despair, of course, but out of relief.


    "It''s a relief to hear that ......."


    "It sounds like Jin had a hard time, too."


    "I wonder if it''s a ...... hardship. No, I don''t care about the physical hardship. The most important thing was whether we would be able to go home or not.


    Again Zion smiles. Jin saw in his smile a shadow of his former self.


    "Let me take one more thing off your mind. Elsa will give birth safely. Mother and child are healthy.


    "Really!"


    Jin now jumped up from his chair.


    "I won''t tell you any more. "I won''t tell you any more, or rather, you shouldn''t ask me. You''ll have to wait until we get home to find out.


    Zion said with a mischievous smile.


    "Ah, yes. Yes, that would be better.


    Jin understood what Zion was trying to say.


    It would be boring to know everything just because you are in the future.


    "Jin who came back 400 years ago said. Keep information to a minimum.


    "......I''m not the one who said that. ...... Hmmm."


    I don''t doubt that. After all, it seems to be my line in the future.


    (I guess it''s better not to ask what happened to everyone in the family. ......)


    Honestly, I''m curious, but Jin reminded me that his first priority is to return home.


    "Somehow I know what Jin is thinking. I''m curious, aren''t I?"


    Zion read Jin''s expression and started to say something like that.


    "......Yes. I''m taking a test and there''s a piece of paper with the answers written on it within reach. It takes a lot of willpower to stay ...... away from it."


    Zion chuckled at the analogy.


    "......I''m sorry. I''m just glad that I''m talking to the old ...... young Jin."


    "...... I see."


    I thought to myself, "I know that Zion knows about his later years too. I didn''t dare to ask him what kind of an old man he had become.


    "Maricka hasn''t changed either. I''m relieved."


    "Jin-sama ......"


    "That golem horse and , they were good work."


    "I''m so embarrassed."


    Marikka blushed at Jin''s praise.


    "No, it''s true. < after Reiko, didn''t you?��But it wasn''t just an imitation, it had Marikka''s own unique twist.


    "Oh, uh, you noticed that?"


    Marikka is surprised by Jin''s words.


    "I know. Especially in battle. She was using engineering magic to destroy the joints of ...... enemy golems. Reiko can do it too, but Hanako seems to specialize in such operations.


    "Jin-sama is great, after all."


    Marikka said that Hanako was designed to be an expert in engineering magic.


    She also has the power to carry materials.


    "Her appearance is modeled on Reiko''s, though."


    "I see...so that''s how it is."


    Jin nodded his head.


    The meal proceeded in such a friendly atmosphere.


    Jin was pleased to see that rice, miso, and soy sauce were being eaten as usual.


    He ate sashimi, pickles, and pickled plums.


    For the first time in a long time, Jin enjoyed his meal to his heart''s content.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well then, I''ll give Jin the most important information he needs right now.


    Xiong said with a more serious face than ever as he sipped his after-dinner tea.


    "Liberate Horai Island."

 1576 - - 43-02 What happened?

    "What?


    Open a legal system.


    That''s what it sounded like to Jin.


    "Release the island of Horai!"


    Once again, Zion slowly repeated the previous words.


    "Release the island of Horai?"


    Jin recited the words as if chewing on Zion''s words.


    "Yes, that''s right.


    "......What in the world happened to Horai Island?"


    "I''ll explain it to you now."


    Theon took a sip of his tea and began to speak after a pause.


    First of all, the current situation. ...... Horai Island and related things are or . and the fifth column (Quinta) are also <> or ."


    "What?��Why?"


    Zion calmed the astonished Jin with his hand.


    I''ll explain it to you now. It''s a little difficult to know where to start ...... when I think about Jin''s return to his own world."


    "...... So you''re saying. If I''m back in my own time, you''re asking me something then, aren''t you?"


    "......"


    "You''re asking me, aren''t you?"


    "......Yes. But I don''t think you should talk to Jin now."


    Jin guesses that there is a complicated background. In addition, he doesn''t want to share too much with Jin, who is planning to return to the from the original time period......<.


    "I know. If you can figure it out eventually,...... I won''t force you to ask now."


    "Thanks."


    Jin let out a small sigh.


    So, you see, Jin who came back 400 years ago asked me to show you the way. <


    "Yes."


    And to do that, you must find Reiko.


    "What?��Reiko?��......It''s okay if we know the location of Horai Island, but what do you mean?"


    Jin was surprised by Zion''s answer to his question.


    Reiko has been missing for 150 years. She was living with Jin''s descendants at the time of ......."


    "Mine?"


    "Yes. I''m not sure how many generations ...... of great-grandchildren you''re after."


    That''s true, Jin thought. A human generation is 25 to 30 years.


    150 years ago would be 250 years after Jin''s time, which would be eight or nine generations later. That would be eight or nine generations later.


    "Didn''t you live on Horai Island?"


    "Yes. It was considered a sacred place.


    A sacred place?


    Yes. The Magecraft Meister.


    "Hmmm... ...... So what are my descendants doing now?��Just tell me the obvious."


    As Jin asked for more details, he had a feeling that he might be twisting fate to avert misfortune.


    "Well, ...... there hasn''t been a single Magecraft Meister since Jin. And now, there are no descendants of yours ......."


    "What?


    Jin was disappointed. He regretted that he should not have asked.


    But Zion hurriedly added.


    "Oh, <> doesn''t mean that it has ceased to exist. It literally means that they are gone.


    "What do you mean?"


    "They just disappeared one day."


    "......"


    Jin wondered if it might be a caused by the that accompanied the that had struck him.


    Or it could be another reason.


    But there is nothing I can do about that. I am curious about it, but I have decided not to ask him about it.


    "...... But you''ve heard about it from me back 400 years ago, haven''t you?"


    "...... That''s right. It''s a bit complicated, isn''t it?


    Jin agrees.


    Zion told him to find Reiko, but he knows where she is, in what condition, and how she is doing.


    He is wondering how much he should explain to Jin.


    "I returned to the original time and didn''t explain that much to Zion? ......"


    "...... that''s what I mean."


    Jin frowned.


    Even if Jin, who knew this information, went back to the original time and entrusted Zion with what would happen 400 years later, he didn''t say how far he could go ...... to . Or, in any way, this situation would be the same as it is now.


    Or it means that no matter how we do it, we will end up in this situation now.


    Jin does not know that either.


    Jin composed himself and continued his questioning. The bottom line is that whatever will be, will be.


    "Well, I''ll ask the questions, so answer them if you can.


    Jin chose to first resolve the big question.


    "Yes, let''s do that first.


    "Who was responsible for sealing Horai Island ......?"


    A mage about 150 years ago.


    Who is he?


    He''s the head of the magical supremacists.


    What do you mean "magical supremacists"?


    A group of people who have been infected with the idea that the world should be run solely by magic and not science.


    "...... I see."


    Now the background of the situation has become a little clearer.


    "How did that lead to the sealing of Horai Island?"


    "Yes, that''s what I''m trying to explain. How ...... Golbert Malkitas got wind of the existence of Horai Island is, well..."


    "I guess so."


    Jin flushes, "I can''t help you if you ask him now.


    "Well, ...... it seems he originally studied in Avalon. And after he left Avalon, he founded the League of Magic some years later." "The League of Magic?


    "<>?��The group of magical supremacists you were talking about earlier?"


    Half of them, yes. And the forerunner of the League of Magicians.


    "Hmm. ......"


    Jin pondered. It''s not that I don''t understand the emergence of such ideas. There should be a variety of principles.


    "...... means, they taught science at Avalon, didn''t they?"


    "Yes, of course. Originally Jin and now the old man are working on the curriculum.


    At this Jin silently closed his eyes and gathered his thoughts.


    "You mean that this Golbert Markitas, after studying science at Avalon, you decided that he was unnecessary?


    "Yes. And he rebelled."


    "That''s what I don''t understand. Are you saying that there was a threat to Horai Island?��Horai Island can''t be a threat in the slightest. Unless ...... you''re a mage far beyond me."


    "I think so too. ...... I''ll explain why in a moment."


    "Yes, please."


    Jin nodded and motioned for Zion to go on.


    "Okay, next. What about Reiko''s clue?��What was Reiko doing there in the first place?

 1577 - - 43-03 To complicate matters

    "You told me that you were living with the descendants of the djinn at the time, right, Reiko?"


    "Yes, that''s right. And then the descendants suddenly disappeared.


    Zion nodded.


    "Of course, there is a reason for that too, but it is not directly related to Jin''s return to his own time, so please don''t ask me about it."


    "Okay."


    Jin''s head began to get confused.


    Zion, perhaps sensing these thoughts, put a wry smile on his face.


    "Right?��I''ve been thinking about how to explain it because of ......."


    "Oh, I understand perfectly," he said.


    "I knew I should have just shown you the way like I said in the beginning."


    I don''t know what the taboo on time is, which complicates things," Zion said and sighed.


    "So, once we find Reiko, the rest should fall into place on its own."


    Sion sighed again, wondering if this was all he needed to say.


    "...... I see. Reiko should know what to do. So where do we go?"


    "First, go to Mr. 700672."


    Oh, him. I hope he''s all right.


    Yes. Yes, he is.


    <


    You''ll have to ask her about the rest.


    "Okay."


    "I''ll have Rhodes show you around, can we leave tomorrow morning?��Or do you want to take it easy for a couple of days?"


    "Tomorrow morning is fine."


    Jin answered, and Zion said, "That''s what Jin would say,


    "I knew you would say that, Jin."


    Jin smiled.


    They spent the rest of the time talking about nothing else.


    "Maricka must have done a lot of hard work."


    "No, I haven''t."


    No, it''s true. No, it''s true. But more than that, I''m glad you''re happy.


    Jin was relieved to imagine that he was surrounded by many disciples and grand-disciples.


    The peaceful moment reminded Jin of the time he once spent with the . However, he remembers something he really wanted to ask, and speaks up.


    "May I ask how Onogoro Island is doing now?"


    "Yes. Onogoro Island is currently dormant, with minimal activity.


    "Why is that? ......"


    Before Jin can finish, Marikka answers.


    "We''re just adapting to the current times."


    "The present?"


    "Now?" "Yes. The world today is moving away from science and is developing with magical technology at its core. That''s because that''s the path the people have chosen.


    "I see."


    Hearing those words, Jin smiled in his heart, thinking that the unreliable Marikka had come to have a firm idea.


    I''ll be right with you.


    "Well then, be careful."


    Jin-sama, I hope you are safe.


    "Zion, Marikka, I''m off then."


    At 8:30 a.m. the next day, September 9, Jin, after finishing breakfast, was seen off by Zion and Marikka, and departed with Rhodes.


    Hope and Hanako stayed at home this time, since they were scheduled to come back once.


    Knowing that Jin does not like to be ostentatious, Zion and the others are very considerate, so they are the only two who see him off.


    However, there were a few people who opened the windows of the house and peeked in. .......


    The two are riding on a golem horse made by .


    "It''s much more comfortable than the ones on the market, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it is."


    Even though the horse is running at about 40 kilometers per hour, he can hardly feel any ups and downs.


    Jin is impressed that it is comparable to his beloved horse, .


    Our goal is to reach the clan territory of the <.


    It is about 150 kilometers away from the < clan territory, which means that it will take about four hours to get there.


    Thank goodness it is not too cold yet, Jin on horseback thought.


    He had lunch on the way, so he arrived at the clan territory of <> at around 2:00 p.m. He was very happy that the weather was not too cold yet.


    "Oh, is that it?"


    Jin looked at the changes from 400 years ago.


    Whereas before, the living quarters had been carved out of the rock walls, now several buildings had been erected.


    "We''ve made contact with them, and they are on their way to you.


    At the sound of Rhodes'' voice, Jin looked over and saw several people waving at him.


    "I didn''t give them Jin-san''s details. I told them he was an important guest. Leave it to me to deal with them.


    "Okay."


    Jin and his team arrived at their place in a few minutes.


    "Welcome, my guests."


    Rhodotos, it''s good to see you.


    This is Mr. Bartos, the clan leader himself is here to welcome you.


    Jin realized that the current clan leader was called Bartodos.


    His gray hair and yellow eyes were the same as those of his former acquaintances, such as Alectus, Milonia, and Fabius.


    He was in his late seventies or so, a little thin, but dignified.


    Bartodos looked at Rhodotos and Jin alternately and said, "What?


    "Well, Lord Sion and Lady Marikka, when the two of you ask me to take care of your valued guests..."


    Then he dismounted from his golem horse and offered his hand to Jin.


    "Jin-dono, you mean. I am Bartodos, clan leader of the clan.


    Jin. Pleased to meet you.


    The two shook hands.


    That day, they were invited not to the cave, but to the clan leader''s mansion that had been built outside.


    From what Jin could see, the building was a blend of Japanese and Western styles. The most remarkable feature of the house was that all the rooms were strictly dirt-paved.


    After taking off his shoes, he entered a wooden floor, a carpeted Western-style room, and a Japanese-style room with tatami mats.


    It was a little pleasing to me to see that the enlightenment is expressed even in such a place.


    I was pleased to see such an enlightened person.


    "Hmm, I see, you want to have an audience with the <>, is that it?


    Jin immediately started talking with the clan leader, Bartos.


    "Since you have both recommended me, Lord Zion and Lady Marikka, there should be no problem. I will contact them myself. But..."


    But, sir?


    It''s up to you to decide whether or not you''d like to meet with them, sir.


    Yes, that''s fine.


    It may be days before I can see you. I''m sorry if that happens.


    Bartodos was saying such things, but...


    "Jin-dono!��Servant-sama wants you here immediately!


    He returned in a great hurry.

 1578 - - 43-04 Wings

    >A person who could use the magic of dislocation among the clans took Jin to No. 700672.


    "Thank you."


    An automaton, which Jin had never seen before, greeted him, and thanked him for his service to the Gospel Clan.


    "You can go home now.


    The Gospel Clan members looked a little disappointed and left in a transition.


    Jin-sama, please come this way.


    The automata leads Jin, who is left alone, down the aisle.


    Walking down the passageway, he arrived at the familiar white room.


    "Oh, Jin-dono!��It''s been a long time!"


    There was the same 700672 as 400 years ago. No. 700672 was there, the same as he had been 400 years ago, and he greeted Jin with a nostalgic look.


    "Master Jin, it''s been a long time.


    Jin-sama, it''s been a long time.


    Neige and Rouge, the two homunculus, also welcomed Jin, looking the same.


    "You guys look the same."


    Jin felt like he was back to the way he was 400 years ago, which made him happy.


    "I heard about you 400 years ago, but you really came.


    The 700672 was deeply moved.


    "Then I will do what Jin-dono asked me to do 400 years ago.


    "Well, what is it?"


    To hand over Pegasus 2.


    "The Pegasus 2?"


    Jin knows about his machine, the Pegasus 1, but not the Pegasus 2.


    He will build it after he returns.


    Jin was led by 700672 through the white room and up one floor.


    I''ve never been here before.


    "No, it''s not. It was originally an empty warehouse.


    And in the center of the warehouse, there sat <>.


    "This is ......."


    "With this, you can go anywhere in Ars. Conversely, you cannot go to Horai Island without it."


    700672 announced solemnly.


    <.


    "I wonder whose design it is. ......"


    It was a beautiful shape that he could not believe he could make.


    (Don''t tell me you remember seeing it here and making it ......?)


    (I don''t think he could have seen it here and remembered it to make it. ? ) It was Jin who felt that this was also a time paradox.


    He said that the method of operation was the same as that of Pegasus 1. The details are in this magic crystal (magi crystal)."


    No. 700672 held out a small magi crystal.


    Jin praises himself, "It seems that 400 years ago I was very well prepared.


    "<>"


    The details of Pegasus 2 poured into Jin''s head.


    "Magi Reactor, Force Generator, Barrier Projector, Gravity Control Device (......)."


    As for armament, <>,<>,<>,<>,<> etc....


    "What am I fighting ......?"


    Jin wants to rush into himself after his return, but then he reconsiders whether there are situations that require such a high level of performance.


    "And it can go to space, you know."


    Jin thought, "It can go to the moon without any problem.


    "You seem to like it."


    When he finished checking his knowledge, No. 700672 approached Jin.


    "Yes, I have made so many things since I came back, or I was 400 years ago," he said.


    "You look happy, Master Jin.


    That''s right.


    "Oh, yes, there is one thing I must remind you of."


    The 700672 gave Jin a piece of advice.


    "Before liberating Horai Island, don''t use the warp gate by mistake.


    "I understand."


    I am well aware of the dangers of jumping into a warp gate without a receiving side.


    ��I guess that means that the Shinkai isn''t working either.)


    Jin wanted to know the truth as soon as possible.


    "Take this and go to the westernmost point of the Rasheer continent, Jin-dono. There you will find Miss Reiko."


    Reiko!


    You''ll know what she''s like when you get there.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin nodded his head.


    "The westernmost point of the Racir continent, that means you are in the southern hemisphere, right?


    "That''s right. I''m sure you can find map information on Pegasus 2.


    At last, we would be able to make a big step forward. Jin was filled with anticipation.


    "Well, that''s all I''ve been asked to do. What are we going to do now, Jin-dono?


    Once back in the white room, 700672 asked Jin again.


    "Well, do you have any information that you wouldn''t mind telling me?"


    I would like to have some information, Jin thought.


    "Well, yes.


    700672 thinks for a moment and then opens his mouth.


    "Do you know that the imbalance in the concentration of free magic element (ether) has been slightly equalized over the past 200 years or so?


    "No, I had never heard of it.


    No, I had never heard of it. ......400 years ago, the concentration of free aether in the south was low and even close to zero in Antarctica, but now it has returned to normal.


    "Is that so?"


    After Jin answered, he remembered that Rhodoth was living a normal life in the Principality of Jagus.


    "Yes, that''s true.


    "I''m sure it does. The demons ...... are now called the Northerners, aren''t they? The concentration of free ether has recovered to the point where they can live without inconvenience up to about the equator.


    He says, "There will be many inconveniences if we do it all at once.


    I''m the one who''s been asked to make the adjustments.


    I see.


    Horai Island is sealed and Onogoro Island is dormant. Certainly the 700672 will be the most reliable in this situation.


    "We plan to restore it after 20 generations of human beings on the Laurentian continent.


    One generation is 25 years, that''s 500 years. In another 300 years, the distribution of free magical elements (ether) in Ars will be evened out.


    "Thank you very much."


    As one of the residents of Ars, Jin bowed his head to No. 700672.


    "Yes."


    "I''ll be back ...... after I liberate Horai Island. I''ll be back after we liberate Horai Island with some Persica juice.


    "Yes. I''m looking forward to it."


    700672 and Jin laughed.


    I''m looking forward to it.


    "This is a great performance, this is ......."


    Jin said to himself as he took off from the base of 700672 in the .


    This Pegasus 2 can use plenty of energy thanks to its high-performance magical reactor (Magi Reactor).


    The gravity-controlling magic device (Gravitation Reactor) was activated to completely cancel out the G-forces that would be exerted on the passengers during acceleration.


    "This seems more efficient than expanding the range of effect of the force field generator, doesn''t it?


    While we were thinking about this, Pegasus 2 had arrived at the clan territory of the .


    It made a soft landing using a gravity-controlled magic device.


    The clan members gathered around to see what was going on, but when they learned that it was Jin who had come aboard, they looked surprised.


    Jin gets off the Pegasus 2 and wonders how to explain the situation.

 1579 - - 43-05 Modified

    < and told the assembled people that he had received this from <700672>. received from <<700672>. There was no mistake.


    The people agreed, and dispersed, muttering words like <>.


    Rhodes was the only one left.


    "Jin-san, what is this?"


    "Pegasus 2. 400 years ago. Four hundred years ago I left it in the hands of 70067-2.


    This is amazing.


    With this, we can return to the clan territory.


    Now?


    It was around 5:00 p.m. and the sky had already begun to darken.


    "Yes.


    At Jin''s request, Rhodotos went to inform the clan leader of the clan.


    Rhodes soon returned with the clan leader Bartos.


    "Jin-dono, your departure has been very hectic.


    Yes, I am sorry. Yes, I am sorry, but we are in a hurry.


    Bartos gazes at Pegasus 2 with eyes half in awe and half in envy,


    "I envy you, Jin-dono, for receiving this many magical machines.


    I envy you, Jin-dono," he said honestly.


    "Well then, thank you for your help in the short time I''ve been here.


    "Take care. Take care of yourself and Rhodes.


    See you soon.


    Jin and Rhodes thanked the clan leader for his hospitality, said goodbye, and closed the door.


    "Let''s go!"


    Jin got into the pilot''s seat and first activated the gravity control system.


    Pegasus 2 floats soundlessly in the darkening sky.


    "What is this?


    Rhodes exclaimed in surprise.


    "It''s an application of gravity magic!


    Many of the northerners are users of gravity magic. Therefore, Rhodes was well aware of how it works.


    "Yes, yes. ...... This would be useful for aircraft, wouldn''t it?"


    Jin said lightly,


    But he was told, "It is not so common because it consumes too much free magic element (ether).


    He was told "It''s not so common.


    Jin wonders if the ether converters of the present age are still inefficient.


    And moreover, there might not be a magical reactor (Magi Reactor).


    In the meantime, when the altitude reaches about 100 meters, Jin activates the propulsion system.


    Since the distance is short, it is not a force field generator, but a magical jet propulsion engine.


    "Oh, wow, that''s fast!


    The distance we had covered in four hours the day before was covered in 10 minutes.


    Incidentally, the golem horses are supposed to automatically return to the clan territory of .


    In the still dim light, Pegasus 2 lands in the plaza inside Zion''s mansion.


    Hanako and Hope are waiting for him.


    "Welcome home, Jin-sama."


    Mr. Rhodes, welcome home.


    I''m home."


    Then Zion, Marikka, and Rhodes'' sister, Vita, came running out.


    "Welcome home, Jin. You''ve come on a ...... great ride!"


    "Jin, Jin, what''s this?"


    Marikka bites her tongue when she gets excited, like she used to do.


    "It seems to be a gift from me 400 years ago to me now.70067 No.2 kept it for me."


    "It''s very fast. < to here.


    "Amazing!"


    Rhodes'' sister, Vita, exclaimed loudly. Theon and Maricka are not that surprised since they have experienced not only supersonic speeds but also spaceships.


    They were just surprised by something unexpected. Jin thinks that there is a big difference between hearing and seeing.


    * * * * * *


    "So, you''re going.


    After dinner, Jin said that he had heard from 700672 about Reiko''s whereabouts, and Zion nodded with a serious face.


    "Once we find Reiko, the rest will go very smoothly," he said prophetically.


    He added with a prophetic tone.


    "But be careful."


    "Thank you."


    And then Zion, a little more reserved,


    "Um, ...... Jin, if, you know, if...?��...... if you ever get to go back to your own time, would you come see me one more time before then?"


    Jin asked Jin. Jin had no objection.


    "Yes, of course. I''ve done a lot for you."


    "I''m glad. I''ll be waiting for you.


    That night, Jin went to Marikka''s workshop.


    That night Jin was improving Hope in Marikka''s workshop.


    He had been working on Hope in Marikka''s workshop, because there were plenty of good materials available here.


    "I use it only as a hobby now," Marikka says.


    Marikka said, "I only use it as a hobby now," but why not, it was well organized and cleaned, and the materials were all good.


    "Well then, I''ll use adamantite, light silver, magi crystals, and ...... frost dragon leather.


    "Please, Master Jin."


    In return for these materials, Jin allowed several of his students to observe the workshop at Marikka''s request.


    "I don''t know if I can be of any help to you, but watch carefully.


    Yes, sir." (But is he really better than him?)


    "Yes, sir." (He seems unreliable. He''s from the Laurentian continent, isn''t he?)


    "Yes, Dr. Marikka." (I can''t believe she''s better than you.)


    "Yes, sir." (Well, let''s see how you do.)


    Jin, on the other hand, is in full Magecraft Meister mode.


    At any rate, he is able to use first-class, if not super-first-class materials.


    "<><><>>>>>"


    "na,na,na......"


    "Se, sir!��What is that?


    What is that?" "What is that? That is the ability of Jin-sama, whom I look up to as my teacher.


    "......"


    "<><><><><>"


    Jin is working as if he does not hear such voices from the outside world.


    He is a little slower than usual because of the lack of assistants, but it is still enough to keep the eyes of the observers on him.


    (Ah, Jin-sama, I thought I had improved a lot, but it turns out that I still have a long way to go.)


    Marikka was raising Jin''s level of worship one more notch in her mind.


    Jin, on the other hand, regretted that he had not been able to make because he did not have the super first grade.

 1580 - - 43-06 Eastward

    At noon on September 10, Jin was about to take Rhodoth to the westernmost point of the Rasheer continent.


    Rhodes was accompanying Jin because his parents (high grandmother?) wanted him to gain experience in order to become the future chief of a tribe. One of the reasons for Rhodoth''s accompanying them was to give them experience to become a future chief. The other is to serve as a guide to this period.


    Of course, his automata, <>, is with him. She is a guard, along with Jin''s <>.


    The new wing, <>, can carry eight passengers, so there is plenty of room for more.


    "Take care of Jin, Lo!"


    Lo," was Rhodes'' nickname, apparently. He nodded with a slight grin.


    "I''ll see you later, Great Grandmother.


    "Take care, Jin-sama."


    Marikka looked worried.


    "Yes, thank you. I''ll see you later.


    "Bye, brother!"


    Rhodes'' sister, Vita, had also come to see him off.


    "Yeah, I''ll see you later."


    And then they are on the plane.


    Pegasus 2 lifted off soundlessly in front of the people who saw them off.


    It gains altitude and accelerates at full speed. In the blink of an eye, Pegasus 2 is out of their sight.


    "It''s gone, isn''t it, Mr. Zion?"


    "Yes. ...... I wish you a peaceful path."


    That''s what Jin told me 400 years ago about the road back.


    Although there was nothing he could do to change it, Zion could not help but pray.


    * * * * * * * *


    Pegasus 2 with Jin and the others was heading east.


    <


    In other words, westward, the difference in longitude is 240 degrees.


    Since longitude is 360 degrees per revolution, we would only need to travel 120 degrees if we go east instead of west. This is the reason why the longitude is 360 degrees around the world.


    As a side note, this is because when Jin made the map of Ars, he set Horai Island at 0 degrees and placed it at the eastern edge of the map.


    Inevitably, it is more convenient to use the longitude in the west.


    120 degrees in longitude means 8 hours in time difference.


    The distance is about 2,500 kilometers.


    Now, Pegasus 2 was flying at about 2500 km/h. Supersonic.


    "That''s fast!"


    Rhodes is amazed.


    "It''s still nothing like this, though."


    If they use the force field generator to fly in spaceship mode, they should be able to reach speeds of at least 10 kilometers per second. Jin has no intention of doing so.


    At the current speed, it would take about an hour to get there. That would put him there around 5:00 a.m. local time.


    "Did Jin-san make this 400 years ago? ......"


    "Apparently so. I''m here now, and I''m about to build it."


    It''s still amazing.


    Outside the window, the sky is stratospheric and cloudless blue, or rather dark blue. Below us is a sea of clouds.


    As we fly, the sun in the background is rapidly disappearing into the horizon. It is a moment that even makes me feel as if I am speeding up time.


    * * * * *


    At 5:00 a.m. local time, Jin and his crew arrived at the western edge of the Rasil continent as scheduled.


    "Well, Reiko should be here.


    First, Jin uses the Magi Radar equipped on Pegasus 2 as usual.


    "There''s something here ......, but it''s not Reiko."


    Reiko and other automata and golems created by Jin have, by necessity, the same magical power as Jin.


    However, the ones we detected this time were not similar in magic power. Many of them.


    "...... Golem?"


    As Jin lowered his altitude, his eyes caught sight of numerous golems scattered across the wasteland.


    Here, he could feel the recovery of the free magical element (ether) that No. 700672 had mentioned.


    "Around here, it''s about the average of the old small group of countries.


    The concentration is high enough for Jin to make an ether converter. No wonder there are other magical engineers like him.


    What are they doing?


    Rhodes wondered as he looked down.


    "Are they looking for something?


    What do you mean by "something"? There is only one thing, Jin realized.


    Reiko.


    Are the mysterious golems also searching for Reiko? Jin tilts his head and wonders what for.


    "I don''t know, even if I ...... think about it. Then there is only one thing to do."


    Jin wraps Pegasus 2 in an invisible warding and drops even lower.


    "Which one do you think is better ...... Oh, I''ll take that one."


    Jin targeted one of them at a considerable distance from the target.


    <, Pegasus 2 moves silently.


    "<> activated. <> is activated. <> is activated. Activate <>.


    Jin activates all the anti-golem weapons, not knowing which of them will work, or if they will work at all. The target Golem instantly stopped and turned over.


    "Good."


    Now he uses his < to lift the golem up. Pegasus2 moves about 10 km to a place where there are no other golems.


    "Okay, let''s analyze it here."


    "Jin-sama, let me help you."


    "......?��Jin-sama?


    Jin looked doubtful when Rhodes, whom he had been calling , said .


    "No, not to mention Grandmother, but Marikka-sama also calls you <>, and I have seen your skills in magical engineering on the road, the trust you have earned from <>-sama, and your ability to use so many magical machines (magi-machines)......."


    "Ah,......, I''d be happy if you could keep it the same."


    I''m glad to see that we''ve made friends in this time and age. I didn''t want to put up too many walls. I didn''t want him to put up too many walls.


    "Are you sure?"


    I''d rather ask.


    "...... Okay, Mr. Jin, please let me help you. Mr. Jin, let me help you.


    "Yes."


    Jin then went down to the ground and started to analyze the golem he had captured outside Pegasus 2.


    Hanako is in charge of the perimeter. is in charge of the golem. Jin and Rhodes then begin to disassemble the golem.


    "<><>"


    Disassembling the chest reveals the control core. Jin quickly removes it. The golem will no longer move.


    "<>"


    Jin begins to decompile the information from the control core he has removed.


    The Magi Language, the Magi Formula, was displayed in the space, glowing faintly and flowing.


    "......No, I knew they were looking for Reiko."


    It was as expected. The purpose of the search is also revealed.


    "And ........."


    Jin frowned.


    "They want to find her and destroy her. That seems to be their ultimate goal."

 1581 - - 43-07 The bond between the two

    Jin was assisted by Rhodes and proceeded to analyze the golem.


    "This one is ......."


    The structure is clearly not from the lineage of Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    "You don''t mean < ......?"


    Rhodoth muttered when he saw it.


    "<>?"


    The other day, Zion had just told him about this word.


    "Yes. It is a group that opposes <> ...... and hates Avalon."


    "Dislike ......?"


    Jin continues to read information from the control core.


    "...... surely this golem belongs to the ."


    However, why they are trying to destroy Reiko remains a mystery.


    However, there is no time to spare.


    I won''t let them destroy my Reiko!"


    Jin leaves the disassembled golem there and climbs back into Pegasus 2.


    "I''m going to clean it up!"


    He is going to make them suffer the same fate as the previous golem.


    He circled the area, firing <>, <>, <>, and <>.


    Soon the moving golem is gone.


    Still being cautious, we checked with the <>. Nothing moved.


    "Good."


    All that remained was to find Reiko. But that''s the hard part.


    I wonder how they knew Reiko is around here.


    That information could not be read from the control core. Well, of course.


    "Anyway, we have to find Reiko before they do."


    At this point, Jin realized that Reiko is likely to be in < or mode.


    "In that case, ...... is good."


    Jin thinks for a moment, and then it occurs to him that Reiko is also wearing a bracelet.


    Jin adjusts his <>, thinking that he can track her magic ....... However, contrary to his expectations, there was no response.


    "Either he''s not wearing a bracelet, or he''s not ......."


    Jin pondered.


    "Or ...... they could be shielding them from easy detection."


    If so, how would he find out?


    "...... hmmm."


    Jin ponders.


    Reiko must know that Jin is coming to look for her. If so, she may have set a marker that only Jin can see. What could it be, he wonders.


    "I can''t think of any ......"


    I mean, there are too many and I have no idea how they are marked.


    For example, in that describes that only know.


    < that only Hitoshi and Reiko know?��And what is ?


    As you can see, there are too many variations to narrow it down to just one.


    "Perhaps it is something visual.


    Jin thinks of this, and sends Pegasus 2 into the sky.


    The night had just begun to dawn, and the surface of the earth was now clearly visible.


    "Let''s go up to an altitude of one kilometer.


    The air is clear and cloudless. Pegasus 2 was gaining altitude rapidly.


    Then...


    "Is that ......?"


    Something looks like a pattern on the surface of the earth.


    "Is it a geoglyph?


    Jin raised the altitude of Pegasus 2 a little more. About three kilometers.


    "Oh, I know what this is."


    No balloon or airship could have reached this altitude, so he thought that only someone with a high-performance aircraft, namely Jin, would have noticed it.


    A huge terrestrial painting far surpassing that of Nazca spread out below Jin''s eyes.


    "Horai Island ......"


    It was in the shape of Horai Island, although it was missing in some parts.


    There are unmistakable features such as Mount Horai and Tatsumi Bay. Especially, Mt. Horai was made of a natural small mountain as it was.


    Certainly, there is no one who knows the whole picture of Horai Island except .


    "So that would be ...... the top of Mount Horai?��...... No, I don''t think so."


    The summit is where anyone who stumbles across the painting is likely to aim for.


    "The Institute".


    The place where Jin and Reiko first met ......, or rather where Jin was summoned.


    Jin was sure that Reiko would be waiting for him there.


    "Reiko, I''m coming!"


    Jin slowly lowered the Pegasus 2 to the location of the research center, with the map of Horai Island in his mind.


    "It''s around here."


    After getting off Pegasus 2, Jin and Hope walked around the area and identified the location.


    There was a rock protruding enough for a person to sit on, and it could be imagined to resemble a laboratory.


    "I guess we can dig here," he said.


    "Oh, I''ll help you with that."


    Rhodes, who had been unable to do anything so far, offered to help.


    "<><><>><>>"


    Rhodes digs a hole with earth magic one after another. Jin alternately casts <> on them.


    Hanako keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings, and Hope is in charge of removing the dug-up soil.


    Ten minutes passed. The hole is 10 meters in diameter and 6 meters deep.


    "There''s something in there."


    Rhodes noticed first. A piece of what appeared to be metal peeked out of the soil.


    Its color was probably hyperadamantite. An indestructible metal.


    "Hope, move the dirt out of the way.


    "Yes, sir."


    From this point on, the work was done by hand by Hope.


    Another 15 minutes passed, and at the bottom of a large hole dug in the ground, an object reminiscent of an oblong egg was revealed.


    The length of the object was about 2 meters. Its width is one meter.


    "Reiko is in here.


    Jin was convinced. Because the hyperadamantite surface was inscribed <> in Japanese.


    (If I hadn''t come, ...... would this container have been Reiko''s coffin?)


    ) Thinking so, I examine how to open it. However, there was no way to open the container because it was one piece.


    Then, there is only one way to open it. Engineering magic.


    Hyperadamantite is highly resistant to magic. Only Jin and his associates can process it.


    "<>"


    Jin used engineering magic without hesitation. The container transformed and its mouth opened. Water poured out of it.


    It filled the container like amniotic fluid, but it was not just water, but <>.


    This liquid, which contains a large amount of free magical element (ether), is supposed to be for preservation.


    Demonic materials do not deteriorate if they are stored in an environment with a high concentration of free magic element (ether).


    And in the container from which all the ethenol had flowed out, a black-haired automata was lying.


    "......Reiko......"


    Jin finally found Reiko.


    Then, Reiko''s eyes are opened by Jin''s words.


    "Otou......sama......"


    "Reiko!"


    Reiko got up from the container and jumped on Jin.


    "...... I''ve met ...... your father again," she said.


    "I''m glad you waited for me."


    "Yes,......."


    For Reiko, it was a reunion after almost 300 years since the death of her ex-husband, Jin.

 1582 - - 43-08 Report from Reiko

    Hitoshi and Reiko were finally reunited. .......


    "Father, some tactless people have come to interrupt our reunion. I''m going to go clean up.


    Reiko was quick to say so, grabbing a peach blossom out of the container and running out of the hole.


    "Jin-sama, the remnants of the golem from earlier are gathering.


    As soon as Reiko disappeared, Hope reported from the top of the hole.


    "Okay. ......It looks like there''s nothing more in this container. ......<>"


    Jin closes the container and steps out of the hole. Rhodes follows silently.


    "I still don''t see anything."


    Hope nodded.


    "Yes. We''re about two kilometers out."


    "Okay."


    Jin and the others climbed into the and gained about 20 meters in altitude.


    They then deploy a barrier. This should stop most of the attacks.


    Reiko, on the other hand, runs across the land with the force of a gale.


    Two golems are coming toward her.


    "It''s <>, isn''t it?"


    Reiko pulled out her Momoka and with a single flash.


    With a single swing, the two golems split up and down, motionless.


    "Same as before ......?"


    Reiko stops for a few seconds to < the golem, decides she has enough information, and runs off again.


    "......<> deployed. <."


    Three of them come toward him. Magic is unleashed, but the barrier easily blocks it.


    "You haven''t progressed much, have you!"


    Reiko steps slightly to the right as she passes them.


    A second later, two of them split into two, and one of them is hit in the left arm, but barely avoids a fatal wound.


    "That''s the coup de grace!"


    However, another swing of the < split them in half vertically, and now five of them are immobilized.


    "The rest are still far from ....... Shall we attack them from here?"


    Reiko sheathed the <> and locked it behind her back, simultaneously kicking at the ground.


    "Activate the force field generator!


    Using the built-in force field generator, he flies through the air. Its speed is Mach 2.


    < are effective up to Mach 3.


    Despite their supersonic speed, the wards do not generate a shockwave.


    "There it is!"


    Reiko quickly spots the enemy golem, pulls out Momoka again, and slashes at it as she passes by.


    Without paying attention to the golem that was cut in half, she flew to look for the next enemy.


    In the end, all the enemy golems were destroyed in about 10 minutes.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After cleaning up the enemy, Reiko returns to where Jin is waiting.


    Father, I''m back.


    "Welcome home, Reiko."


    It''s been a long time since this exchange, Jin thinks fondly.


    "And who is this?"


    Reiko tilts her head at Rhodes,


    "This is Rhodoth the Puppet. He is the grandson of Zion.


    "Ah, you must be Rhodoth. Your father was very kind to me.


    Reiko bowed to Rhodes.


    She had heard about him from Jin four hundred years ago. However, she had never seen his face before, so it was understandable that she did not know who he was.


    "Oh, um, you must be <>."


    spoke to Reiko.


    "Yes, I am Reiko.


    "Yes, I''m Reiko.��My name is Hanako!��Marikka-sama made this doll for me, and she said that she wanted it to be as close to Reiko as possible, so..."


    It is rare for an automaton to be embarrassed and flustered. Jin learned that Marikka had built up a high level of intelligence.


    "I see, Marikka-san."


    Reiko was not satisfied with the praise. In Reiko''s case, however, she converted the compliment into .


    "And what about this one?"


    <. At a glance, Reiko recognizes who made .


    "This is . I couldn''t handle it on my own, so I made him my assistant. He''s Reiko''s youngest brother.


    "I see. ......<, I''m looking forward to working with you."


    "Yes, Miss Reiko."


    Hope, like the other Horaijima golems, calls Reiko <>.


    Jin explained to Reiko that he had her call him .


    "I understand."


    "Well."


    After the meeting was over, Jin finally started to ask Reiko questions.


    "Reiko, I have a lot of questions for you, but first let''s get out of here. In the meantime, what should we do with the container you were in?"


    "Well, ...... we can retrieve it after everything is finished, so let''s bury it as it is."


    "Okay."


    Hyperadamantite is heavy, so it is better to use the warp gate than to carry it by Pegasus 2.


    In other words, we can retrieve it after liberating Horai Island.


    Jin uses the < equipped on Pegasus 2 to backfill the island with soil as before.


    * * * *


    was heading for the Nord Federation at a speed of about 2,000 kilometers per hour.


    Reiko said that they should first make a base in one of the countries, and Rhodes suggested that they come to their own place.


    Since we were only going back along the route we had come, we could leave it to the autopilot. While letting Hope check the outside, Jin decided to talk to Reiko.


    "Well, let''s start with ...... ah, there are so many things I want to ask you, I''m not sure where to start."


    When it came time to ask, Jin wondered which to start with,


    "...... but first of all, this one. ......Reiko, what in the world happened to Horai Island?"


    He decided to ask about Horaijima.


    "Well, father, is the year 3899 correct?"


    "Yes, it is.


    "If it is ......, it has been 134 years since I fell asleep. I only know up to the time before I went to sleep, is that correct?


    Yes, please, Reiko.


    Yes, Father. You know that ...... Horai Island is sealed, don''t you?


    Yes. Zion told me.


    "And about who did it?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes. <


    "Yes, that''s right. He doesn''t want science to spread here in Ars.


    Why is he so concerned?


    "I don''t know. The ...... old man speculated that it might be some kind of <>."


    "Is the ancestor ...... an ?"


    "Yes."


    Jin imagined that the combination of the ...... gene might have resulted in the birth of a human close to the origin, although the probability was very low.


    Although the probability is very low, it is not impossible.


    "Golbert Malkitas first worked at for about three years and then left. About five years later, he split the into two and founded the <>."


    "So it was a part of the Nostalgia Party.


    Then it makes sense that they excel in magic technology.


    Jin urged Reiko to continue.

 1583 - - 43-09 Enemy Information 1

    Reiko''s report continues.


    "At that time, <> was a fairly well-known group worldwide. <."


    "I see."


    It seems that the <> became a major force at once because of such technical, economic, and human resource bases.


    "So to speak, it''s like the Unification Party without the ambition to conquer the world."


    "You could say that.


    The aims to contribute to the world with purely magical technology, while Avalon aims for even greater heights through the fusion of science and magic. In between them is the nostalgia party (Nostalgia).


    Such a composition came to Jin''s mind.


    "But the most amazing thing is that Golbert Malkitas found out about the existence of Horai Island. I can only guess how ...... he found out, but I''ll tell you later."


    "Yes, I know."


    The founding executives such as Donald and Jules must not have known about the existence of Horai Island. The only one who knew about it was Elena.


    Speaking of which, what''s going on with Elena?


    "She was alive and well when I went to sleep. As a symbol of nostalgia.


    It was a well-known fact that Elena was an automata because she never aged.


    And the creation of an automata like Elena was the goal of the magical engineers of the world.


    I digress. ...... So the <> developed a golem technology quite different from your mother''s."


    Jin guessed that this was the <>.


    "They were much easier to make than our mother''s, and quickly became popular.


    He said that the same structure and configuration can be used for everything from low performance to high performance.


    "It is true that the Adriana system is not suitable for low performance.


    Rather, if you build it, it will definitely be high performance.


    "Yes. That''s why beginners and intermediates are switching to them.


    Oh, so you''re saying they just went with the easy way out.


    Yes. That''s why there are now factions in the magical engineering world.


    I don''t think that''s a bad thing.


    "And because of this technology, the value of the Golem has dropped dramatically."


    It sounds bad, but the point is that the price dropped and it started to spread to the general public.


    "It would have been nice if the factions could have had a friendly competition, but instead, each had its own that wanted to kick each other down the road."


    Jin let out a sigh in his heart.


    "...... In the midst of all this, Golbert Markitas, the leader of the extremist faction and head of the League of Magic, has created a magical tool."


    "What is it?"


    It was called the Magi Emulator.


    "Magi Emulator"?��...... from the name, reproduce ...... magic power?"


    If that were possible, all authentication by magic power would be meaningless. Jin shuddered.


    "Yes, that''s right. The old man guessed that perhaps you used the magickal emulator to make the fifth column (quinta) follow you and extract the information from you."


    "What?" ......


    "After learning of the existence of this magical tool, the old man sent all the fifth column (quinta) back to Horai Island. There are two unreturned 5th line quintas. One is Spica 5, also known as . The other was Mira 2, also known as <.


    You mean those two were captured?


    "Yes. We can''t communicate with them and we can''t locate them.


    The old man decided that they had either disappeared or were inside the magic-impermeable wards.


    "Then, I took a countermeasure based on the assumption that it is more likely that it is inside the magic-impermeable field.


    Jin frowned.


    "But that would have been tough, wouldn''t it?"


    "Yes, it was. It''s a good thing that I and the old man recognized and identified not only your father''s magic, but also his voice and face. ......"


    So the fifth column has been captured.


    "Perhaps."


    Jin now had a rough idea of what was going on.


    The information on Horai Island must have been extracted from those two bodies.


    "Currently, the old man is protecting Horai Island by completely sealing it off. He is waiting for your father''s return.


    "I see..."


    Thus Jin understood the meaning of Zion''s words, <>.


    "Umm...... then, what about the Kunlun Island?"


    "Yes, that one is ......."


    On the other hand, the Kunlun Island is open to the public, with dignitaries staying at the Jade Pavilion and Wujinggaku, and has not been touched.


    "However, all the warp gates including <> have been stopped, so it is impossible to go to Horai Island by transfer. Akitsu-san has taken the precaution of moving the entire facility to the basement of the Great Sahara Desert.


    "Well done. And the Watcher?


    They''ve been deactivated and evacuated to the moon.


    They won''t make it to outer space, but they''re taking precautionary measures.


    "Okay. That''s fine."


    Now that we have a general idea of the current situation that Horai Island is in, the next step is to find out more about the enemy.


    As for this, Reiko, who was asleep, does not know the latest information. .......


    "Why don''t you retrieve the control core of the enemy golem you just defeated and check it out?


    "Well, I recovered the control cores from the two that came near the hole. I have no detailed information about them.


    "I see. ......"


    That''s not a problem, Jin said. It was impossible for a terminal golem to have detailed information.


    "Anyway, let''s go to Zion''s place and talk about what we''re going to do.


    "Okay."


    Pegasus 2 flew back to the Nord Federation in about the same amount of time as he had arrived.


    "Jin, welcome back!��Rako, it''s been a long time!��Lo, thank you for your hard work."


    "Jin-sama, welcome back! I see you found Reiko safely.


    <


    Jin is a little embarrassed by his rather grandiose departure a few hours ago, but Zion and the others do not seem to mind.


    They were honestly happy that Jin had found Reiko and returned safely.


    "I''m back. Thanks to you I found Reiko.


    "Yes, I''m glad."


    Sion looked at Reiko who was standing close to Jin, and Marikka looked at Hanako who was following right behind Reiko, and each of them narrowed their eyes.


    Jin, too, felt much better now that he and Reiko had Pegasus 2 in their possession.


    "I''m starting to understand the situation a little better now. I''d like to hear what Theon and the others have to say.


    "Yes, of course. Come on in."


    * * *


    At 6:00 p.m., Jin had finished bathing and was sitting in the dining room of Zion''s house, refreshed. Reiko was behind him. She was in a good mood, having washed Jin''s back for the first time in a long time.


    "Here you go."


    Zion came in. Maricka followed soon after. Rhodes has not arrived.


    When Theon took his seat, the maids prepared the dinner.


    The menu consisted of white rice, miso soup with fu and Japanese leeks, meat topopo, grilled toroto (loach), boiled shrimp in soy sauce, and oshinko (Japanese pickles).


    No sake as I have an important talk later.


    "This kind of menu can be found at ......."


    I learned it from an old djinn. ...... from a golem maid, to be exact.


    "I knew it."


    We can make fu since we have flour and the Nordic Federation is now a major producer of topopo.


    "Yes, it''s delicious."


    The miso soup was delicious, with a broth made from dried bonito flakes.


    Reiko looks at Jin as he eats his Japanese food, half happily, half regretfully.


    "Tell me more after the meal."


    "Yes, sure. Anything you can answer.


    Zion smiled softly, saying that they should enjoy the meal for now.

 1584 - - 43-10 Enemy Information 2

    Jin began to talk with Zion and the others.


    "Well, first of all, I would like to know the current status of the enemy, how much do you know about them?"


    "When you say enemies, do you mean the ?��Or do you mean ......?"


    "It seems that it was the that used the Golem to search for Reiko..."


    "Yes. ...... Uh, they''re based in the Kingdom of Elias. Oh, they''ve expanded their territory to the south since Jin knew them."


    "Huh?"


    Jin remembered that there was indeed an archipelago further south of the Elias Peninsula.


    "Yes. Jin named them the and they are based on one of them. ...... is the island of Electra, I believe."


    Electra... ...... is that where they''re based?


    Yes. As you probably already know, the League of Magic has taken over some of the equipment, materials, and personnel of the Nostalgia party.


    By this world''s standards, that''s quite a force to be reckoned with, says Zion.


    "But the founder, ...... Golbert Markitas, is gone, isn''t he?"


    "Yes, he should be. But it seems they''re working on his legacy."


    You''re a fanatic, aren''t you?


    Yes.


    Jin thought about it.


    It''s not a good idea to go head-to-head with them.


    "Then we''ll have to go around ........."


    "Around?"


    Zion responded to Jin''s muttering.


    "Yes. I was thinking of liberating Moon (Yunyi) and Watcher instead of liberating Horai Island out of the blue.


    Hearing this, Zion smiled happily.


    "That''s the way to do it, isn''t it Jin?"


    These words made Jin realize that Zion must have heard about this kind of action from Jin himself 400 years ago.


    When Jin told this to Zion,


    "That''s right. I know what Jin is going to do from what I have heard. But I also have a request from the Jin of 400 years ago. Let me do as much as I can of my own free will."


    "I see. ......"


    It is true that as Jin, it is not in his nature to solve things by doing as he is told.


    "So, how do we free the Watcher?"


    With Pegasus 2.


    Pegasus 2 is equipped with a force field generator and is also a spaceship.


    "Oxygen, water, and food will be no problem for the trip to the moon (UNY) and back, and cosmic rays will be blocked by wards."


    "I see...it''s Jin after all."


    Judging from Zion''s reaction, this seemed to be the correct answer.


    "Now we just need to find a countermeasure against the <>.


    Jin told them that he wanted to solve this problem before going to the moon.


    "I have a plan in mind," he said.


    "That''s your father!"


    Reiko complimented him without a pause. Reiko has been in a good mood ever since she met Jin.


    "I need your help for that."


    "Yes, anything you say!"


    Reiko''s tension rises even more because of her dependence on him.


    "Okay, first of all, let me ask you a question. ...... Reiko, can you hear my voice?


    "Yes, of course I can. Yes, of course. I can hear you even when I''m meditating.


    "Good. Then, Reiko, do you know the difference between my old voice and my voice now?


    "Yes, I do. But both are your father''s voice.


    Reiko said confidently. Jin nodded his head.


    "Yes. Then how do you know it''s my voice?"


    "That''s ...... yes, I know. Your father''s voice has a certain characteristic.


    Hearing this, Jin was satisfied.


    "That''s it. ...... voice has a that makes each person''s voice unique. I haven''t added such a feature, but Reiko has developed her own."


    "Is that so?"


    Reiko makes a puzzled face.


    "Yes. What I want you to help me with, at ......, is a routine that I use to listen for my voice.


    "Here you go."


    Thank you. ......<>......I see."


    Jin asked Reiko''s permission and proceeded to conduct a detailed investigation.


    (Oh, Jin-sama has permission to examine Ms. Reiko as well. ....... )


    Marikka, who was watching from the side, was impressed.


    (There is no way that Hourai Island, which Master Jin put his heart and soul into making, can lose to ...... a mass-produced golem.)


    It was neither logical nor logical, but Marikka was convinced that Jin had won.


    Well, that''s what Jin said 400 years ago.


    "Okay, okay."


    Already?


    "You''re the father!"


    Marikka is amazed and Reiko admires him.


    "Add ......< to <>. This will help us to counter the <>."


    If you have not studied science, you would not recognize <> in the first place. At best, we can distinguish the quality of a voice.


    Even if the voices sound similar to the human ear, the voiceprints are different.


    Combine the two, and the Magi Emulator will no longer be of any use.


    "I can only imagine how Golbert Malkitas obtained my magic waveform, but I doubt he could have obtained my as well."


    "Jin, how do you suppose he got it?"


    "Ah, that is, there must have been magic tools and machines made by me here and there in Avalon. If I had the technology, I would have been able to read from them.


    "I see."


    Zion is impressed. I guess he was right.


    "......Good, let''s get ready to go. Marikka, can I borrow your workshop?


    "Of course, Master Gin.


    Thank you.


    Jin was shocked to see Marikka, the same old Marikka.


    Marikka''s workshop was rented to conduct experiments.


    Jin borrows Marikka''s workshop to conduct experiments.


    "Here, let''s do it this way: ......


    Reiko is his assistant. Hope and Hanako observe.


    Jin is working with his longtime partner, so he is 50% more efficient.


    "Okay, that should do it."


    The experimental magic tool is completed.


    It is simply a combination of <> and <> that activates <>.


    "Reiko has the same magic power as me, but her voice is different. So if Reiko can''t use it, <> can''t use it either. Can you try ......?"


    "Yes, Father. ......<!"


    But the <> didn''t work.


    "Okay, use my tone."


    The fifth column (Quinta) also has this feature, which allows you to change the frequency of your voice to a certain degree.


    "<>"


    It still doesn''t work.


    Jin tries it next.


    "<>"


    <


    "It works!


    "You did it, Jin!��You did it!


    Congratulations, Jin-sama.


    "Thank you. Okay, we''ll make it smaller, more efficient, and more powerful, and we''ll attach it to Reiko. Hope is next."


    Thus, Jin now had a solution to his biggest concern.


    Now it is time to go to the moon.

 1585 - - From 43 to November

    On the night of September 11. Jin was going to the moon.


    "Are you sure you didn''t forget anything?"


    "Yes, I''m fine."


    Zion and Marikka were supporting Jin as he was going to the moon.


    Zion, in particular, was checking the loading of necessary supplies such as food and water, as if she were a mother caring for a child going on a field trip.


    "How long does it take to get to the moon (UNY)?"


    "Well, ......."


    The distance has not been precisely measured, but it is estimated to be about 370,000 to 380,000 kilometers.


    "Pegasus 2''s top speed is probably around 100 kilometers per second, so it should take a little over an hour to get there."


    "That''s amazing. ......"


    He can go out for breakfast and come back before lunch.


    I haven''t tried it, though."


    No, your father tried it when he made it.


    I see.


    Reiko, who knew the time of the production, added her own words of advice, which made me feel more secure.


    "Well then, let''s go."


    After confirming that the cosmic ray protection warding generator and the air conditioning system were working, Jin said with the ease of a short trip to the next town.


    "Oh, and the warp gate is working okay, right?"


    "Yes, I checked that first."


    Since the warp gate via Horai Island or might not work, the emergency escape gate that leads to the clan territory has been newly installed.


    This will allow us to return in case of emergency.


    "Then I guess we''ll be fine."


    Zion was very anxious.


    "Well, I''m off then."


    "Okay, be careful, Jin."


    "Take care, Jin-sama."


    The Pegasus 2 takes off soundlessly toward the moon shining brightly in the night sky.


    The pilot is Reiko. Her co-pilot is Hope.


    "Father, I''m going for top speed."


    "Yes, I''m on it."


    Reiko was the test pilot when Jin of the future built this plane, so she can be trusted to fly it with confidence.


    <


    The acceleration of 196 meters per second per second would have taken Pegasus 2 to a tremendous speed of 10 kilometers per second in 51 seconds.


    "The repulsive field is working properly."


    <


    "When I go back to ......, I''m going to have to build this?"


    Jin thinks it''s hard work, but he also thinks it''s worthwhile.


    "Your father can do it."


    Reiko''s words were not flattery or obeisance, but she knew him well, and Jin couldn''t help but nod his head.


    * * * * * *


    As planned, the moon approaches in an hour.


    "Can you contact <>?"


    "Yes, father. Yes, father.


    No matter how much information the has about Jin and the others, it is impossible for them to suddenly expand into space. That''s why the old man sent the Watcher to the moon.


    "<> from Horai Island. Pilot <. Control Magic Brain <, please respond>."


    Reiko called out, and was immediately answered.


    This is . Welcome to the moon, Reiko.


    "<


    Copy that. Opening airlock. Please come to the North Pole of the moon.


    The North Pole here is perpendicular to the plane of revolution of the Celan solar system and the same direction as the North Pole of Arus. This is because the moon (Uni) does not revolve around Ars.


    As Pegasus 2 headed toward the airlock, a large hole opened up below it. It is an airlock.


    "We''re landing."


    Reiko maneuvered Pegasus 2 skillfully and landed in the hole.


    The hole was a pit, about 100 meters deep, and as Pegasus 2 descended, the hatches closed over its head.


    When all four hatches were closed, Pegasus 2 reached the landing pad.


    "Father, it''s one atmospheric pressure outside, and there is air to breathe."


    "Okay."


    Jin put on his space suit and stepped off Pegasus 2, just in case.


    Welcome, Jin-sama.


    The voice of the management brain greeted Jin.


    "It''s been a long time."


    Yes, sir. Jin-sama, you have not changed at all.


    Jin smiled inwardly at these words, for it is only natural that he has remained the same since he arrived here 400 years ago.


    I''m here today to remodel the Watcher.


    "Alterations? What are the details? Do you need materials or help?


    "The modifications are for the magi emulator. I''ve been counting on you for materials, so I''d like to ask you for help."


    I understand.


    opens the bulkhead and invites Jin inside.


    Jin has a general idea of what is going on inside.


    By the way, who is the other attendant?��It doesn''t match the information in my memory.


    By "the other follower" I mean . She was silently following him so as not to disturb him.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. This is <. It''s an assistant golem I made recently."


    I memorized it. Thank you, Hope, for your help.


    "<>, please take care of it for me."


    In the meantime, we arrived at the factory in the moon.


    Please feel free to use the materials here.


    The moon (UNY) secures asteroids and cosmic dust that occasionally visit the moon, and processes and preserves them as materials.


    Fragments of , which has returned to Ars before, are also stored here.


    "Ah, this should be enough.


    Jin immediately set to work on his magic tool.


    "Father, the formula you are writing seems to be different from the previous one.


    Reiko asked, peering into Jin''s hand.


    "Oh, it''s okay. I''ve added another security.


    "More security, you say?"


    "We''ve added an authentication key (password).


    It is incorporated in some magic tools and magic machines, but it was not used much in Horai Island.


    This was because <> was used, but now that it was found not to be perfect, Jin decided to actively introduce other methods and combine them.


    "It''s still the same hassle when it comes to authentication," he says. All you have to do is recognize ......<> and say the > in <>."


    "I see, that''s true."


    "Let''s set the authentication key (password) to ......<>."


    Jin thinks that the name is in Japanese, and especially the person''s name, along with its exact pronunciation, would be unbreakable by an ordinary person in this world of Ars.


    "That''s certainly a good idea, father."


    Reiko agreed.


    Jin quickly makes a magic tool.

 1586 - - 43-12 The Road to the Liberation of Penglai Island

    "Let''s call this ."


    Jin renamed the completed magical device, and replaced Reiko and Hope''s with the new version.


    He puts off for the moment the question of when he will return to 400 years ago.


    "Now all that''s left is <>, <>, can I leave the control to you?"


    Normally, the who set up in Mount Horai would be in charge of this, but now that the entire Horai Island is sealed off, the only one who can be trusted is <>.


    Yes, leave it to me. But it will be difficult since we can''t see the noon side of Ars.


    "Yes, that''s right. ...... Okay, then, you can use the <."


    <


    Jin decided to install it in of the moon.


    Thank you very much.


    Until then, had been equipped with a "peeper telescope" to capture meteorites, cosmic dust, and asteroids flying from outer space, but since its purpose was long-distance exploration, its accuracy was not good enough to be used to look at a single point on the Ars. The purpose of the survey was a long-distance survey.


    The addition of the Peeper, which was optimized to control the orbiting around Ars, further enhanced the capabilities of .


    At the same time, Jin makes adjustments to have the images sent directly to the small magic screen of Pegasus 2.


    "That''s it."


    Now, launch the Watchers one after the other. I''ll put them on their original trajectory.


    "Yes, please."


    With this, Jin has achieved what he came to the moon for. But there are plenty of materials here.


    I''ll take some.


    Yes, please take as much as you want.


    So, Jin decides to take a number of top-grade magi crystals.


    "With these, I can re-create the bracelets of my friends."


    Marikka''s place had some first-rate magi crystals, but they were few and far between, and he felt that it was too brazen to ask for them.


    There was also the possibility of using <> to improve the quality, but he was concerned about the performance change caused by subtle differences.


    Jin made a <> and put it on his arm. This would allow him to communicate with his friends and <>.


    "Well, thank you for all your help. <


    Leave it to me, Master Jin.


    Jin thus returns to Ars with more success than he had planned.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Welcome back, Jin.


    "Welcome back, Jin-sama."


    When they returned to Ars, it was just morning in the Nordic Federation.


    "Everything went well."


    Jin reported briefly, and Zion and Marikka''s faces broke into relief.


    "Oh, thank goodness! Even though I know ...... about it, I''m still worried.


    "It''s true, Jin-sama.


    Jin listened with a slightly off-kilter impression, "It''s nice to have someone who cares about you.


    * * * * * *


    "Now we''ve finally taken the first step, I guess."


    By now, the should have returned to Ars and was being deployed to the position, Jin explained.


    "Once that is done, we will be able to see what is going on in Horai Island."


    First and foremost, we need to gather information, Jin said.


    After all, Zion, who was supposed to know about the island, was not telling us about it.


    "Yes, that''s right, Jin."


    But he assured Jin that his move was not wrong, and for that Jin was grateful to be spared the psychological pressure.


    "I''ll start observing in a little while."


    Reiko opened her mouth when Jin said this.


    "Father, I or Hope will take care of that.


    "Oh, really?"


    It is true that sitting in front of a screen for a long time is painful for a human being.


    "......Well, I''ll leave it to you, then."


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    "Miss Reiko, please let me do it."


    Then Hope opens her mouth.


    "Can you do it?"


    Yes, I can.


    Yes. Then I''ll leave it to you.


    Thus, Jin left the observation of Horai Island to Hope and decided to think about his next move.


    "Hmmm ...... what will it take to liberate Penglai Island?"


    The old man seems to be locked up with all the means that Horai Island has.


    Among those means, there must be some that <>. Jin thought so.


    "I should ask Reiko about that."


    The thought came out of his mouth and Reiko looked at Jin and tilted her head.


    "What is it?"


    "Do you know ...... the full extent of the measures the old man has taken?"


    "Well, up to about 90%. I hid in there and went dormant before the measures were finished."


    "I see. That''s fine. Tell me about it.


    Yes. First of all...


    Illusionary wards. It uses magic power to create an imaginary scenery, and in the case of Horai Island, it shows an empty ocean.


    "There is a barrier inside it, which prevents both magic and physics.


    This makes communication impossible.


    "Yes."


    The barrier alone was enough, but the cautious old man was not satisfied with it.


    "In addition, we have placed a wind shield inside the barrier and filled it with nitrogen."


    "Wow."


    A living organism would not be able to breathe. But, Jin reconsidered, it''s better that it''s not chlorine or hydrogen sulfide.


    "That''s all I know so far, but one thing I can guess is that and are also being used."


    "I see."


    The <> removes the free magic element (ether) from the object and stores it in an ether tank.


    <<> were used by the Onogoro islanders to disable golems, automata, and other magical tools.


    Neither of them can be broken through by half-hearted means. Of course, neither can Jin.


    But.


    "We don''t have to go for the straight way, do we?"


    Jin said confidently.


    "If I can get the old man to recognize me..."


    If Zion knew that Jin would appear in this time period, of course the old man knew it too.


    However, since this is a phenomenon related to time, there may have been some errors and there may have been some doubts whether he would really appear or not. The fact that Jin is confined in the house even though he has appeared is the proof of it.


    "Or perhaps I have returned to the original time and am tracing the events as I have described them.


    This is a time paradox theory, which Jin can''t help you with.


    "Then, how can I let you know?"


    If he has a network of information like the 5th column (quinta), he would have already known that Jin is coming.


    If he doesn''t have such a network, it means that he would not have known unless he had a good reason to know.


    "<> I don''t think he''d even notice if he was at least back."


    "That''s right."


    For some reason, Reiko seems to be unreliable in this matter, Jin thought, and then it occurred to him.


    Reiko knows what to do. She knows what to do, and she dares to respect Jin''s ideas and independence.


    Jin thought about it carefully.

 1587 - - 43-13 How to do that

    How to make the old man realize who he is. Jin was thinking.


    "Is there a physical barrier (solid barrier) under the sea?"


    He says it, but the answer is inside himself.


    "There is no solid barrier in the soil, but there must be one in the water, which is a fluid. ......"


    Not to mention in air, which is a gas.


    "Magic barriers would also be in solids."


    It would make no sense otherwise, considering that earth-based magic is not allowed to be used.


    "Hmmm."


    I was thinking of going underwater with Pegasus 2 and coming ashore from Tatsumi Bay, but that seems a bit difficult.


    "But the direction seems to be good."


    Jin thought that if he could identify and solve the problems in implementing the plan, he might be able to .......


    "The illusionary wards don''t exist deep underwater, and they don''t hinder the action in the first place."


    "Yes."


    "Then, the first barrier is a physical barrier (solid barrier). ...... this can be cleared by digging under the soil at the bottom of the ocean."


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko''s reply makes Jin realize that this is the correct answer.


    "As for the magic barrier, it will be non-interference if we also put up a magic barrier.


    "Yes."


    So far, so good. The problem starts here.


    As for the nitrogen, we can wear space suits.


    That should work.


    "<> and <>. This is the problem. But ......"


    Jin glanced at Reiko.


    "It doesn''t work on humans."


    Reiko seemed more than a little shocked by those words.


    "Father. ......"


    "Isn''t that right, Reiko?��Reiko. I have to go, don''t I?"


    "......"


    The silence was an affirmation.


    "Okay."


    Jin nodded his head in agreement and began to think about what it would take to make this happen.


    "A vehicle that can navigate through underwater soil or rocks," he said.


    This would be the biggest obstacle. Such a vehicle would not exist in today''s world.


    "<>, or ......"


    Yes, except for Horai Island.


    "I''m sure it exists there, but since it doesn''t exist here now, I guess we have to make it.


    "So, we will do whatever we can!"


    Marikka said with great energy.


    "Thank you. We will need to share the metal material.


    "Please, as much as you want."


    "Reiko, help me. ...... and Hope.


    For now, our priority is to create a way to return home, and Hope, who has been monitoring the area with the Watcher, will help us temporarily.


    "Leave it to me."


    Thus, Jin began to build a <> as a means to reach Horai Island.


    <


    The tip of the cylinder has a blade made of adamantite, which crushes the bedrock in the direction of its movement.


    The crushed debris is sent out through a warp gate.


    It can also send the debris behind itself to fill in holes as it moves forward.


    Based on such a <>, Jin is trying to build what he calls a <> that he can ride on. No, the journey is not limited to the depths of the earth.


    "Let''s make it as compact as possible.


    The entire structure is made of 64 light silver, and the main girders are made of magi-adamantite.


    The main girders are made of magi adamantite. The digging blades are also made of magi adamantite.


    The necessary magi crystals were brought from the moon.


    Jin works quickly, though not as quickly as he did at the workshop on Horai Island.


    "...... is amazing, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, Jin-sama is a after all.


    Sion and Marikka, who were observing Jin''s work, let out a sigh.


    "This is Jin-san''s real ...... work."


    "Amazing ......."


    Before they knew it, Rhodes and Vita''s siblings had arrived as well and were watching the work with rounded eyes.


    Reiko, hand me that piece.


    Yes, Father.


    Hope, hold it right there.


    Yes, Jin-sama.


    Jin was so absorbed in his work that he did not notice the stares from the gallery.


    However, it was different from his own workshop, so he was only working at 70% of his usual rate.


    Even so, the was being built at an astonishing speed.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "We''ll do the test tomorrow.


    The car was finally completed in the evening of the same day.


    Reiko stopped Jin from getting up in the middle of the night to go to Tsuki (Moon) or to build the .


    What was completed was not so much a subterranean vehicle as a <.


    It can fly short distances with its force field generator and can also move underwater.


    The "short range" is annotated because of its narrow interior, which makes it unsuitable for long-duration flights.


    "If this works, we should be able to liberate the island of Horai.


    Jin thought that he would be able to discuss what to do after that with the old man.


    Neither Theon nor Reiko said anything. Up to this point, Jin must have been following exactly what he had done in <>.


    And what about Jin himself?


    "Jin-san, that was amazing, just like your grandmother said.


    "You are truly a Magecraft Meister!��I respect you so much!


    Rhodes and Vita, his siblings, had captured him.


    Talking to them, Jin feels that Vita is similar to both Archel and Zion.


    "Tell me a story, tell me a story!


    Dinner and bath are already taken and they are just relaxing, so Jin has no problem. I don''t have a problem with that. .......


    "Jin, you''re going to start cooking early tomorrow, aren''t you?��You should get some rest. Vita, don''t be too hard on yourself, okay?"


    "Oh, grandmother!


    Vita cowered at Zion''s words.


    "......Well then, I guess I''ll do it."


    Jin listens to Zion''s advice. To tell the truth, she was feeling quite tired.


    Theon, on the other hand, was probably just afraid that Jin would expose him to the many blunders he had made in his youth.


    That night, a gentle sea breeze was blowing in the clan territory of <>.

 1588 - - 43-14 The night before departure

    On the morning of September 12.


    Jin was testing the .


    The test pilot was Reiko as usual.


    The Rocket Mole does not have a driving function. <


    "Wow, it''s flying!"


    Vita is excited to see it.


    I ask her how old she is, and she says 65, which is 13 years old in human terms. No wonder.


    "But it doesn''t look like it''s going to fly, that''s what''s so strange about it.


    Zion uses <, pronounced in the style of the Shoro Empire. Of course, <> means <>.


    "It''s a little late for that, isn''t it? Isn''t it the same with spaceships?"


    "Well, yes, they are."


    The spaceship that Jin built is spherical. Aerodynamically, it doesn''t look like it will fly.


    Still, this flying subterranean vehicle (rocket mole) is even more bizarre.


    It is a 1.5-meter-diameter, 4.5-meter-long cylinder that has been turned on its side. It is quite strange to see it flying in the sky.


    Because of its shape, it needs to be protected from the wind in order to reach supersonic speeds, but the practical test was a success.


    "Now we can fly to the vicinity of Horai Island.


    Since the cockpit is small, it is honestly nice to not have to ride for more than an hour.


    While Jin was thinking about this, Reiko was working on the underwater test.


    This could not be seen from the land. However, through the communication function of the bracelet she had temporarily made, she knew that it had been a success.


    The last step was the drilling function, which was the original purpose.


    With Zion''s permission, we decided to try it out in the clan territory.


    "<>...... there is a small vein of gold and silver 35 meters below here."


    "Oh, that''s perfect. I''ll take care of it, Jin.


    "Okay. ...... Reiko, please."


    <


    Reiko replies, and the rocket mole begins to dig downward at an angle. Its speed is about two meters per minute.


    "Not bad."


    Because it dug at an angle, it took about 20 minutes for the Rocket Mole to reach the vein.


    This time, the rock has been sent out to a pair of warp gates on the surface.


    "Is this it?��......<>. Oh, it has a high content."


    It was a very good vein, containing 0.5 percent gold, 2 percent silver, 7 percent copper, and 7 percent nickel. The disadvantage is that it is small in size, but even so, the gold reserves are large.


    "Thank you, Jin. This will make our clan rich.


    "I''m glad I could be of service, even if it was just by accident."


    And then the rocket mole returns to the surface.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    Jin quickly checks each part of the vehicle.


    There was no abnormality except for a few scratches on the outer cover.


    In case you are wondering, Jin fixed the scratches with engineering magic, and applied further over the scratches.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Now we are ready.


    Jin said with satisfaction over a cup of tea in the afternoon of the same day.


    "I think I''ll go to Kunlun Island first, what do you think?"


    "I don''t think you should go to ....... Or rather, don''t go there."


    "What?"


    Zion looked complicated.


    "It''s a message from Jin 400 years ago. <


    "...... I see."


    Jin guessed that there might be clues to the current generation of the Kunluns or to his own descendants.


    Knowing this would have a great impact on Jin''s actions back in his own time, he guessed.


    "I''m sorry, but I understand."


    Jin decided to listen to her.


    "Then we should leave here tomorrow morning, right?


    "Yes."


    This time, Zion did not object.


    Jin was then convinced that he had made the right choice.


    (But it''s hard to do. ......)


    Jin smiled and thought about the future.


    ��First, I will free the old man and Horai Island. The next thing will come after that.)


    For now, Jin decided to concentrate on the problem at hand, saying that the only thing to do now is to climb up the stairs step by step.


    * * * * * *


    That evening, there was a happy reunion.


    "Jin-sama, it has been a long time.


    "Jin-sama, it has been a long time."


    Sion''s mother, Rorona, and Sion''s husband, Belialus, the current clan leader of Morura, had returned.


    Lorona had gone to the Buamak River in the west to teach agriculture.


    Belialus had held various discussions in the Shoro Kingdom.


    He did not ask about the details of those discussions.


    "Really. I didn''t expect to see you like this."


    Jin was much happier to see them again.


    He added.


    "Sorry for the delay. ...... Jin-sama, it''s been a long time!"


    Istaris, Zion''s sister, had also arrived.


    "It really is Jin-sama, isn''t it? You are ...... so young!


    Istaris looked as good as she had over the years.


    Even so, she still retains the face of her former self, and as Jin, he feels nostalgic.


    It was a heartwarming moment for Jin to see his old friends again.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Finally, tomorrow. ......


    At night, Jin was alone in his bedroom, thinking.


    "If we liberate Horai Island, ...... something will probably change."


    He thinks about the people waiting for him in the original time.


    "Erza ......"


    Among them, I can see the face of his beloved wife Elsa.


    "I hope the child was born right. ......"


    Zion assured me of that, but I was still worried.


    And whether or not I would be able to return home before the baby was born.


    "I''d like to follow her if I could. ......"


    I worry that the birth will be a big deal for the slender Elsa.


    "...... wait for me. ......"


    Jin thought back to that time, which was his future and the past of this world, and before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

 1589 - - 43-15 To the Laboratory

    The morning of September 13th arrives.


    Jin has an early breakfast and gets into the "Rocket Mole". The pilot is Reiko.


    After much consideration, Hope decides to have <> provide backup from high in the sky.


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    With that, Jin had done all he could do.


    "Okay, I''m off."


    Jin waved his hand and closed the hatch of the rocket-powered vehicle.


    A few seconds later, the rocket mole begins to move. Using the force field generator, it flies away.


    At about the same time, Pegasus 2 is also launched.


    "Have a good trip. ......"


    Theon says in a small whisper.


    Marikka, Rhodotos, Vita, Rorona, Istaris, and Belialus all looked at Jin silently.


    "<


    Zion muttered in a voice so small that no one could hear him.


    Ahead of his eyes, there was a rocket mole that was getting smaller and smaller.


    * * * *


    All parts are all clear.


    Reiko, who was piloting the Rocket Mole, reported.


    "Okay. Keep it steady."


    Yes, Father.


    The inside of the rocket ship is so small that it is impossible to stand and walk.


    Reiko sits in the front toward the direction of travel in the pilot''s seat, and Jin sits in the passenger''s seat behind her. This is enough to fill up the living space.


    It can be said that it is because it is a magi-machine that such a large amount of living space could be taken up.


    Does Pegasus 2 come with it?


    Yes, it''s all right.


    "Okay, let''s keep going until we reach the front of the illusionary boundary.


    "Yes, sir."


    In about 25 minutes, the rocket mole arrived at the sea near Horai Island.


    Now, a false landscape created by the is unfolding in front of Jin''s eyes.


    And in addition to that, .......


    "What the hell, that''s ......."


    A number of 30-meter-long ships surrounded the wards.


    "Those are the ships of the League of Magic, aren''t they?"


    Is that it? ......


    Jin saw that the outside was made of wood. The structural material may be metal.


    It is powered by an aqua thruster.


    It is equipped with an ether converter and a mana driver.


    Is the crew ...... the Golem?


    Yes. Yes. Basically, it''s unmanned.


    This means that they can operate continuously.


    If they see even the slightest opening, they will launch a hijacking attack using a "Magi Emulator".


    "What about Pegasus 2?"


    Yes, it''s standing by at 2,000 meters.


    Good.


    <


    Neither Pegasus 2 nor Hope could be hijacked by the <> now, but just in case.


    "Okay, let''s go, Reiko."


    "Yes, Father."


    The rocket ship dives into the sea.


    We''re going to Tatsumi Bay.


    "Yes, Father. To the deepest part of ......?


    "No. It''s too deep there. It''s too deep there. Let''s avoid the center.


    I understand.


    Reiko drove the rocket-powered vehicle along the slightly westerly slope into Tatsumi Bay.


    "......This is the boundary of the boundary."


    About 10 meters ahead of the flying subterranean vehicle (rocket mole), there is an invisible barrier.


    "Okay, let''s start digging from here."


    "Yes!"


    The time has come for the Rocket Mole to demonstrate its true potential.


    The bedrock around Horaijima is hard but not brittle. It is convenient for digging a tunnel, but this time we will backfill the hole we have dug.


    The debris crushed by the tip of the blade is sent to the rear end by the warp gate mounted on the machine, and is then sealed using <> and <>.


    With this method, the speed is one meter per minute.


    For about an hour and a half, the rocket mole dug its way to the bottom of the sea.


    "It''s all right now. We''re out of the boundary."


    Reiko declares, and the Rocket Mole points upward.


    After another 10 minutes, the Rocket Mole emerged from the sea.


    "Above here is an area filled with nitrogen.


    While explaining this to Jin, Reiko continues to fly the Rocket Mole underwater.


    Gradually, the seafloor rises. We are approaching land.


    And then.


    "We''ve passed through the nitrogen area. I don''t know what kind of measures are being taken to protect us from this area.


    The flying submarine rose to the surface of the sea. Jin then sees Horai Island.


    "Ah ...... Horai Island. It hasn''t changed much. ......


    The appearance of Horai Island projected on the magic screen was almost the same as what Jin knew.


    "Yes. Father. Except for the fields and orchards that have expanded, little has changed.


    In Tatsumi Bay, they used to cultivate various fish using fishponds, but now it seems that the resident, Jin, has long since disappeared, and they do not cultivate fish anymore.


    "I see.


    I must see the old man as soon as possible. Jin realized it again.


    Reiko''s voice roused Jin from his reverie.


    "Father, take that!"


    "What?"


    Right in front of Jin''s eyes was his old laboratory.


    But in the vestibule, there was a huge golem that he had never seen before.


    "What the hell is that?"


    "I''m sorry. I don''t know.


    If Reiko doesn''t know, then it must be the latest Golem developed by the old man, or an enemy of .......


    "Father, there is no free ether around here."


    What?


    Assuming that giant golem is the enemy, you must have taken steps to stop it.


    Of course.


    In addition, the institute is surrounded by a very strong magic neutralizing barrier. There is also a physical barrier (solid barrier) in the laboratory.


    The situation was just as we had imagined. No, it''s worse than that.


    If we stop the warding, the golem will reboot and resume its attack.


    "Hmmm, what to do ......"


    The rocket mole is now powered by its built-in mana cylinder.


    Thanks to the magic barrier that surrounds it, it has barely escaped the effects of the <.


    "We can''t even attack with magic at this point.


    Jin was thinking desperately to find a way out of this situation.

 1590 - - 43-16 Penglai Island

    A huge golem that is about to attack the institute. It is about 15 meters tall, and about 20 meters away from the institute.


    What is holding it back is an and a .


    "...... But because of this, we can''t attack it with magic either.


    "Father, do you have a better idea?"


    But Jin shook his head.


    "No, that''s not it. I''m just wondering how the ...... old man allowed him to get so close."


    He could have eliminated him while there was still more distance, Jin thought.


    "For example, or . ......"


    "Father, I think I know what you mean."


    Reiko?


    "...... perhaps that golem is mimicking your father''s magical waveforms."


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    Basically, the golems and automata created by Jin are set up in such a way that they cannot destroy each other except in unavoidable cases of self-defense.


    This time, the enemy took advantage of this.


    "Was it all we could do to stop them?"


    "I think so. After that, they probably sealed off the whole island."


    Reiko''s guess seemed to be right, Jin thought.


    If that was the case, Jin was the only one who could solve this situation.


    "Do we have to deal with this guy before contacting the old man?


    Then Jin thought about what he should do.


    "He''s stuck by the <>. ......


    Jin considers several options.


    Roughly speaking


    Physical attack from a distance


    Contact, cover with a magic barrier, and then attack with magic.


    The two types of attacks are "physical attack," and "magic attack," respectively.


    "But physical attack seems to be tough. ......"


    If it is removed, it may cause damage to the laboratory.


    The surface has a metallic sheen, and it seems to bounce back some of the flux (laser). There is no guarantee that the reflected light will not damage the laboratory.


    "We could use a flying ground vehicle (rocket mole) to drag it down to the ocean and dump it. ......"


    "Father, why don''t you make a hole in it with this rocket mole?"


    Reiko suggested. Surprisingly not bad, Jin decided to adopt it.


    "Okay, let''s do that.


    First, they hit it with the rocket mole.


    The giant golem lost its balance and fell with a resounding crash.


    Reiko, go!


    "Yes!"


    Reiko drives her rocket-propelled vehicle toward the enemy golem''s torso.


    At the moment of impact, an unpleasant metallic sound is heard.


    It is a very hard metal.


    It seems to be a very hard metal.


    Jin had no idea what kind of material it was, since he was in an environment where he could not use magic.


    But at least it seemed to be weaker than Magi adamantite, and the flying subterranean vehicles (rocket moles) were chipping away at the enemy golem''s exterior with a cloud of dust.


    "The exterior has been breached!"


    The outermost layer of armor was only about five centimeters thick. Beneath that was an internal structural material equivalent to ribs.


    "Oh, this one is hard, too.


    Jin thought that it was probably made of the same material as the armor.


    The rocket mole''s cutting blades continued to chip away at the internal structural material while making a deafening metallic sound. .......


    "We did it!��The control core."


    The chest unit containing the control core was also destroyed.


    The control core, and the ether converter, which had contained the control core, rolled away.


    The magic nerve line is already in shreds.


    There is no way she can move with this.


    Reiko, shut it down!


    Yes, Father.


    The rocket ship has come to a stop. Silence envelops the area.


    The dust from the scraped metal has settled, and Jin prepares to step outside.


    "Father, please be careful!


    Reiko''s voice sounded concerned. Perhaps things are going as Jin had told her 400 years ago, but it seems that she is still worried about something.


    She is still wearing her space suit.


    (Pretty comfy, huh?)


    This is the one equipped in Pegasus 2. It is made of 5 layers of ground spider resin (GSP), with an insulation layer, a cooling layer, a heating layer, and an emergency repair layer made of soft magic resin in between.


    The outermost layer is made of << ancient dragon> leather, which shields magic by filling it with free magic element (ether).


    Hence, the magi-device inside the space suit is working properly.


    The helmet is made of impact-resistant magi plastic and cubic zirconia sandwiched between soft magic resin. Here, too, the outermost part is covered with thinly shaved << ancient dragon> leather, so that the shielding effect is not compromised.


    (I''ll have to make this one when I get home. ......)


    Moreover, the layer of soft magic resin seems to support the movement by <> (like an electric bicycle).


    (Like an electrically assisted bicycle. ...... I''ve never ridden one.)


    Admiring what he had made, Jin walked to the laboratory.


    "It hasn''t changed much, has it?"


    A little further away, a had been built, with a beside it.


    Jin glanced in that direction, but his feet were heading straight for the laboratory.


    As he walked, Jin took off the helmet of his space suit.


    "Old man ......"


    A small voice said once.


    "Mr. Lao..."


    Once more in a normal voice.


    "Laojun!"


    once more in a loud voice.


    <


    With his reply, the solid barrier around the laboratory disappeared.


    < and also disappear.


    The old man''s voice echoed.


    "Can I say I''m back ....... Thank you, old man, for protecting Horai Island.


    .


    Finally, Jin returned to Horai Island.


    * * * *


    Thus, the leadership of Horai Island was returned to Jin''s hands.


    Jin immediately equips the Magi Certifier to the old man.


    At the same time, he decides to start analyzing the enemy golem he has just defeated.


    "Reiko, bring it to me."


    "Yes, father."


    The rocket mole was placed at the back of the laboratory, and Reiko ran out of the laboratory.


    She immediately drags the destroyed enemy golem with her.


    "Okay, let''s analyze this one first. The old man will install a on the , and then we''ll analyze the golem one by one. After that, please install them on the golems one by one.


    Finally, the counterattack of Horai Island begins.

 1591 - - 43-17 Horai Island of Counterattack

    Half a day passed.


    Unfortunately, no useful information could be extracted from the giant golem. Its structure was an extension of the known one.


    Jin, together with Reiko and the craftsmen (Smith), installed Magi Certifiers on all of the golems and 90% of the main facilities on Horai Island without any rest.


    The only things that remain are the passive facilities ...... and the control cores for warehouse management.


    "Is it OK with you, Mr. Little Old Man?"


    <


    The old man is the magical brain to manage the satellite.


    "Okay, as of now, the magic barrier is lifted. Solid physical barrier only."


    >


    With this, communication with the outside world is once again restored.


    "Contact <> on the moon and take over control of <>. Then there should be <> in the sky. Check it out and keep me posted."


    > has been taken over. ......<,confirm. I will now contact you.


    Pegasus 2 was also built here in Horai Island, and the old man knew it.


    "The one who is piloting it is my assistant golem, <>, that I made here.


    <


    Keep her in the air.


    <


    "Okay, now the enemy fleet. Sir, what''s the status?"


    <


    < and the investigation by the <>.


    "I see. ...... Let''s neutralize those depressing people first."


    Jin thought about the order and method of attack and came to a conclusion.


    "First, let''s sweep in the direction of Tatsumi Bay as a preliminary check!


    There were 12 enemy ships in Tatsumi Bay.


    <


    "Use the transporter to send mana bombs to them. The smallest one will do.


    <


    As instructed, the old man sends the smallest mana bomb to one of the 12 enemy ships.


    The ship, which was mostly made of wood, could not withstand the mana bomb, and was wrecked and sunk by one shot.


    Jin, who was watching this through the magic screen in the control room, said to the captain, "All right, I''m going to make a series of mana bombs,


    "All right, fire in succession. Have the Mermaid and Marine units retrieve the sunken ships and golems.


    .


    Mana bombs are fired by the old man. The enemy fleet was wrecked and sunk one after another.


    The Marine and Mermaid squadrons are recovering them.


    Soon there were no more enemy ships in Tatsumi Bay.


    "All right, let''s check the recovered enemy ships.


    The warp gate in Tatsumi Bay is working fine, and soon we receive the parts of the wrecked ship.


    "Let''s see. ...... Reiko, help me."


    "Yes, Father!"


    Reiko was very excited at Jin''s request, and with Reiko as his assistant, Jin began to analyze the enemy ship.


    "The hull is ...... probably coniferous wood.


    The structure of softwood and hardwood is different, so it is possible to distinguish between them even in the state of wood.


    "Is the structural timber a <> treated bronze?"


    Since the strength is increased by only about 20%, we can conclude that the technique is technically poor.


    "Father, the control core is missing."


    Jin imagined that the ship had probably sunk to the bottom of the sea when it was wrecked.


    But it seemed that the Mermaid team had recovered it, and the second set of warp gates contained four control cores.


    "I hope this gives us some information. "


    "Well, I''ll look into it. >"


    However, this control core had only enough information to attack a specific target on instruction. Reiko''s control core seemed to be the same.


    The instruction was to <


    "...... You''ve got to be kidding me. What the hell did Horai Island do? ......All right, if you''re attacking with the intention of destroying it, you must be prepared to be destroyed."


    Knowing this, Jin made up his mind that there was no need to hold back anymore.


    "I will show them who they are fighting against."


    Jin concluded that the <> had declared war on Horai Island.


    "Then there must be someone somewhere who is giving them orders, right?"


    "That''s right."


    Jin then gave instructions to Lao-kun.


    "Old man, do you see any ship surrounding the island that is different from the others?��Size, model, movement, ...... I don''t know about that."


    .


    The old man''s eyes, the <>, are back, which makes the investigation easier.


    "I see. ...... Okay, let''s capture that one. At the same time, the rest of the fleet will be neutralized.


    The old man sent out not only , but ten of Sky''s ships by transporter.


    We must sink them with a laser strike from the skies above.


    At the same time, the old man sent the <> out to capture a large ship.


    His response is somewhat joyful.


    Perhaps because he had met the Creator once again, not only Reiko but also the old man was in high spirits.


    "Oh, good!


    The magic screen in the control room shows the decreasing number of the enemy fleet.


    Sky Squadron''s Raptor rained down a hail of laser attacks, piercing holes in the enemy ships.


    Enemy ships were being sunk at the rate of ten per minute.


    After about 10 minutes, the island was surrounded by no enemy ships.


    For a starship 300 meters in diameter, capturing a 50-meter ship is a piece of cake.


    The ship can be captured with a <> and lifted away, leaving it helpless.


    < and will keep the ship from attacking in a last ditch effort.


    "You caught him easily. ......"


    In the control room, Jin is disappointed.


    * * * *


    The captured enemy ship is lifted into satellite orbit by . This is a feat he can pull off since he is sure there are no living creatures on board.


    "I don''t think we can do anything with it in this condition."


    Jin himself can look inside using a <>.


    "...... hmm, the structure is basically the same as other ships."


    It was constructed of bronze structural material with a softwood exterior panel.


    Propulsion was provided by six aqua thrusters.


    Its armament was a magical device that could emit <> and >. It could be called a thunder cannon.


    Jin is not sure if they can be called the crew or not, but there are 10 golems on board, the same as the ones that opposed him when he was searching for Reiko, and he judges that they may be the suppression personnel.


    And...


    "Control core (control core) or ......"


    Since I wanted to examine this directly without analyzing it remotely, I instructed , who is the magic brain in charge of <>, to have the crew member <> retrieve the control core and send it via a warp gate.


    <


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin received it from the old man''s mobile terminal <.


    "...... is huge."


    It is three to four times bigger than the control core that Jin is using.


    "The quality of the magi crystals is bad, and the writing technique of the magi formula is poor.


    Jin was delighted, and immediately set to work on the analysis.

 1592 - - 43-18 Home

    Jin was analyzing the control core of the ship that was in command of the captured enemy fleet,


    "Well, there is not much information.


    There was no detailed information about the enemy organization either.


    "Well, I guess so."


    Even if it were me, I would not be so careless as to divulge important information.


    However, their home port ...... was where they left from.


    "Indeed. Considering all the supply and maintenance, it''s no wonder. But ......


    It was hard to imagine that the Kunlun Islands are now in enemy hands.


    Right?��right?


    It seems that the current manager is a human being.


    Jin hesitated to ask any more questions.


    "Hmmm ...... this case may be a dead end on this line ......."


    Jin changed his mind.


    "Well, first we have to restore Horai Island. ...... before that."


    Then he starts to discuss with the old man. Jin asked the question he wanted to ask the most.


    "Old man, I can go back to the original time, can''t I?"


    On this point, the old man assured him clearly.


    "Are those preparations finished?"


    "Okay."


    Jin thought that he would ask for more details later, but for now he would do what he had to do.


    "There are no more enemy forces around?"


    <


    "Good. Contact Pegasus 2, which is standing by in the sky, and have it land.


    Thus, Pegasus 2 landed in its birthplace.


    "Good work, <>. This is Horai Island. ...... Old man, this is Hope, the most recent golem I made."


    <>. I am the magical brain behind this Horai Island.


    "I have heard of you. I look forward to working with you.


    And so Hope became a member of Horai Island.


    "Okay Hope, come here. I''ll modify it to Horai Island''s specifications.


    "Please do."


    She had been highly modified at Marikka''s place, and as a final modification, she was equipped with a <> and the key parts of her skeleton were replaced with hyperadamantite.


    The output has been increased by 2.5 times since the magical power reactor (Magi Reactor) was replaced with a high-grade one. The reaction speed has also doubled.


    "Good. Hope will now serve as the pilot of Pegasus 2. And she''s to follow your instructions."


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin continues his instructions.


    "Send out the fifth column (Quinta) that has been prepared. The enemy ......<>, was it?��Gather that information as quickly as possible, as much as possible, and as accurately as possible."


    <


    Now that Jin is back, the old man is able to perform his function to the fullest.


    "That''s all for now."


    Relaxing his shoulders, Jin realized that it was already around 4:00 p.m. "That''s it for today," he said.


    "That''s all for today. ......"


    Then Reiko immediately said,


    "Father, the hot spring is ready!


    Reiko, who knew Jin''s character well, declared, "Father, the hot spring is ready! Reiko, who knew Jin''s character very well, was very considerate.


    She was very concerned about Jin''s personality.


    "Ah, it''s nice hot water. ......"


    Jin was relaxing at Horaijima Onsen for the first time in a while.


    Reiko was with him, and he was in a good mood as he could wash his back.


    "Now you''ve calmed down. ...... will I be able to go home in four more days?"


    Jin muttered casually and Reiko responded.


    "Father, you are leaving after all, aren''t you?"


    Her voice sounded sad, and Jin realized that he had said the wrong thing.


    "......Reiko, I''m sorry. But I still want to go back to the old days.


    Jin comforted Reiko as he stroked her head.


    "Yes, I know. I, ...... on the other side, am also waiting for your father''s return.


    Reiko understood, too.


    So Hitoshi decided to check.


    "I see... you mean that the third generation of Magecraft Meisters did not appear, and that no one with the same magical waveform as me appeared?"


    "Yes, that''s right. Your father''s children and grandchildren and their children were all ...... excellent, but there was no one with the same magical waveform as your father''s."


    "I see, I knew it."


    Reiko is designed to recognize those with the same magical waveform as Jin and her predecessor, Adriana Barbora Tsezi, as the <>.


    If who has the ability but different waveform of magic, tries to become Reiko''s , he/she will have to stop Reiko and overwrite her magic with his/her own.


    And there was no way Reiko would allow that.


    My father is the only father I have. Just as ...... your mother is only your mother."


    "I see."


    Jin continued to stroke Reiko''s head.


    * * * * * *


    After getting out of the bath and eating dinner, Jin finally realized that he was home.


    The island of Horaijima had been a that no one had visited since his death, and 400 years later, it was almost the same as Jin remembered.


    "Well, let''s see... ......"


    Jin changed into his nightgown and lay down on the tatami mats of his <>, lying on his back and thinking about various things.


    "What should I do now ......?"


    The first thing is to prevent Horaijima from being taken over after he is gone.


    The second is to retrieve the two fifth column (quintas) that will be captured.


    And the third was to greet the people who had helped him in this world.


    As for the Kunlun Island, Jin gives up the island in tears, thinking that it is not something that he should be involved in at this point in his life. He would not be able to return to the island in the next four days.


    As for the security of Horai Island, I thought that <> would be enough, but it would be a little bad to think about after Jin is gone.


    "We may have to give the old man more freedom.


    I think he should be able to decide for himself who is suitable to be his master.


    "...... I''ll discuss it with the old man later. ......"


    If he doesn''t accept any more like Reiko does, Jin thinks that he has to take other measures.


    "Well, we''ll see about that tomorrow."


    The fifth column (Quinta) is retaken.


    It is said to be about 150 years old, so he is not sure if it is still there, but he would like to take it back from the hands of the enemy if possible.


    "I''m sure the greetings won''t be a problem, so we''ll start with this."


    Jin thought about what he would need to do to get it back.


    "Father, the bedding is ready."


    "Yes, thank you."


    Reiko called out to him from the next room, and he got up and walked toward her.


    "Ah, it''s been a while since I''ve had my own bed. ...... feels a little different, though."


    Jin thought to himself, "Well, it''s been a while since I''ve slept in my own bed," he said, "but it feels a little different.


    "Well, I''ll take a good rest for now. We''ll see tomorrow."


    Jin pulled the quilt over him and closed his eyes.


    It had been a long time since he had been home. Jin fell asleep immediately and slept soundly until morning without dreaming.

 1593 - - 43-19 Demonstration of ones true colors

    On September 14, Jin woke up in the morning feeling refreshed.


    He felt more secure in his own house, his own room, and his own bed.


    "Father, are you awake?


    Reiko, who was waiting in the next room, opened the sliding door.


    "Oh, Reiko, good morning."


    "Good morning. Soleil and Luna prepared breakfast for you this morning.


    "Oh, I see. I''m looking forward to it.


    It had been a long time since he had eaten their cooking. Jin rinsed his mouth and washed his face before heading for the dining room.


    The menu consisted of rice, miso soup with deep-fried tofu and okara, grilled nori, omelet, natto, and oshinko. The tea was hojicha.


    All of them are made with ingredients from Horai Island.


    "Yes, it''s delicious!"


    Jin was satisfied with the taste that has not changed over 400 years.


    "Ah, I''m full."


    After eating four bowls of rice and drinking three cups of miso soup, he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach.


    When was the last time he felt this peaceful and relaxed ......, he thought.


    "Father, would you like some more tea?"


    "Yes, thank you. Then can I have another cup of tea?


    "Yes."


    The freshly roasted tea was fragrant and refreshing.


    In the end, Jin had three more cups of tea.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After taking a long lunch break of about an hour and a half, Jin decided to put into action the items he had been thinking about last night.


    "Old man, did you find any clues about the two missing fifth row quintas?


    "I see. ...... Okay, please continue your search. ...... I''ll be at the workshop. Reiko, help me.


    Yes, Father.


    Jin went to the workshop to give shape to an idea that had occurred to him under the covers last night.


    He searches for the missing fifth column (quinta).


    The Golem automata created by Jin are equipped with an emergency device in case they fall into enemy hands, and are designed to self-destruct or automatically erase themselves to prevent the loss of information.


    However, it is a different story if they use a "magi emulator. <


    Jin thought that, in the worst case scenario, the two bodies might have been "dismantled"...... literally.


    In that case, the most important things are <>, >, and >.


    However, the < used by Jin is interwoven with Japanese and Chinese characters, so it should not be possible to apply or even convert it without deciphering them.


    "But we can''t let our guard down, though. ...... uh..."


    Jin returns his thoughts that have wandered off track.


    "Father, what are your thoughts on this?"


    Reiko asks a question here. She has not yet heard what Jin is going to do.


    What is Jin''s answer to her question?


    "If the old man can''t find it, then it must either not exist or it must be blocked by a boundary.


    He said, "That''s true.


    "That would be the case. ......"


    Reiko looked a little sad when she thought about the possibility of <>.


    "But I don''t think so. I will not let an inexperienced mage destroy the fifth line of quintas that I have created.


    Yes, that''s right!


    The materials used are of the highest quality. Except for Reiko, there is nothing better in the known world.


    Naturally, it is also highly resistant to magic.


    <


    At this point, Jin changes his mind to go back to his original idea.


    "Let''s thoroughly analyze the <>."


    He realized that although he knew the principle of operation, he had not analyzed it properly until now.


    < itself had already been recovered from the golem and the ship that had been secured. Jin immediately set about analyzing it.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well,...... I didn''t get much out of it, but there were some interesting parts,......."


    "Father, what is it?"


    "Yes, this structure is a fixed magic wave ...... which in this case is mine. It''s the only thing that''s generating them. I''d make sure it''s adjustable. ......Well, let''s leave it at that, this generating element."


    Jin pointed to a small LED light-like element.


    "The base generates the magic wave, modulates it with a modulator in the middle, and adjusts it with a filter. I wonder if this idea can be applied to a magic biased guy. ......"


    Jin felt that he was thinking scientifically, even though he was a magician.


    However, there was no point in thinking about this point any longer, so Jin changed his mind.


    Let''s get back to the original work. After all, there was no doubt that the output of the <> was also a free-magic element wave of ether.


    Jin spoke up about the fact that he had confirmed.


    "To prevent this, it is possible to use a normal magic barrier. But at the same time, there is the problem that it cannot be detected by the Magi Radar.


    This was a natural conclusion based on the principles of the MagiRadar. Jin, however, proposed an idea that went beyond that.


    "So, we should be able to detect them even if they are blocked by wards.


    Jin said simply.


    "How in the world can we do that?


    "By using <>.


    Jin answered.


    "The sub-free elemental ether wave cannot be blocked by ordinary wards.


    "I see, as expected of your father!"


    The old man''s voice rang out.


    "That''s the right answer, isn''t it, My Lord?"


    <


    According to Adriana Tierra''s theory, in order to transcend time and space, it is necessary to master the use of sub-free magical element "ether" wave.


    For this reason, Jin has modified the old man .......


    .


    "I knew it. ......You have raised your processing power to be able to handle the sub-free element "ether" wave. ...... about a thousand times more than the original?"


    "I suppose it''s best not to ask how you did it now."


    Jin thought that he had one more thing to do.


    Although he did not want to think too much about it because of the time paradox involved, Jin thought that the current old man would be able to use the sub-free magic element "ether" wave.


    Furthermore, Reiko''s predecessor, the automata, probably also could use the sub-free element "ether" wave, though to a limited extent, to call Jin to her.


    "Perhaps the key is energy?"


    "I knew it."


    The free magical element (ether) that had been collected over 10,000 years had to be mostly consumed in order to cross space-time.


    This will probably be the first and last time for Jin to travel through time as he intended. Mainly due to energy constraints.


    If he wanted to do it again, he would have to spend tens of thousands of years to gather free magical elements (ether).


    In that sense, we should be thankful for the system that has continued to collect free magical elements (ether) in Ars even after it is no longer needed.


    "Indeed, you never know what will turn out to be a blessing in disguise, do you?


    Jin muttered with a sigh.


    Jin guessed that Reiko''s predecessor must have had a hard time collecting the free magical element (ether) and mana to connect to the other space.


    "Okay. I''ll modify the magi radar to use the sub-free ether wave as a carrier wave.


    The old man should be able to handle it.


    The mana consumed would not exceed space-time, so the magi reactor should be enough to handle the mana.


    "You can also emit sub-free magic element "ether" wave, can''t you, old man?


    <


    "Okay, I won''t ask how. I''m sure I''ll do something when I get back to my own time.


    With this reply, Jin started the modification.


    Three hours later, Jin, in his element, has completed the <>.

 1594 - - 43-20 Discovery

    "<> eats a lot of mana, so be careful."


    <


    After reminding the old man that he should have known, Jin went back to the control room to wait for the result. Then, Reiko made a suggestion.


    "Father, it''s a little early, but why don''t you have lunch?


    The time was 11:30 a.m.


    "Okay, then."


    Jin went to the mess hall instead of the command center.


    He had soba for lunch.


    There were two kinds of sauce, sweet and dry, and condiments such as chopped green onion, chopped nori (seaweed), grated radish, and wasabi.


    Jin tried both tsuyu and all the condiments in order.


    "......I may have eaten a little too much."


    He drank soba water with the remaining broth and finished with soba tea.


    As Jin was relaxing, he received a call from the old man.


    .


    "Oh, you did it!"


    Jin rushed back to the command center,


    .


    "Uchuto Island?"


    The island was unfamiliar to me.


    "It''s an island at the southern tip of the Principality of Mimaka."


    A map of the world was projected on the magic screen in the control room, and part of it was enlarged.


    "Ah, there it is."


    >


    "Hmmm... ...... no."


    Jin decided.


    "I''ll go."


    "Father, I will go with you."


    The old man said nothing. Jin decided that it was probably because his actions were exactly what he had heard 400 years ago.


    < and loads it with some materials, water, food, and medicine.


    Lastly, he brought .


    The reason why it is called "No. 1" is because some of the dolls in Horai Island today were used by Jin after he reached his prime.


    Therefore, it is said that the No. 1 has been kept in storage for a long time.


    "This is just as I know it.


    Jin is comfortable with the move.


    The piloting equipment is moved to Pegasus 2, and preparations are complete.


    The number of passengers has been reduced from eight to six, but that is no problem.


    And the pilot is the obvious choice, Hope.


    <


    "Okay, I''m off."


    The location is on the other side of Ars. More precisely, about 160 degrees longitude. The distance is 3,400 kilometers.


    It''s 1:00 p.m. now, about 2:00 a.m. there.


    If we can get there around dawn, that might be convenient.


    At 2000 kilometers per hour, supersonic speed, Pegasus 2 headed for Ututo Island.


    "I''m going to take a nap, wake me up when we get there."


    "Yes, Father."


    Less than an hour and a half later, Jin dozes off and takes a nap.


    Pegasus 2 flies through the void without incident.


    Pegasus 2 ran through the void without incident.


    "Wake up, father!"


    Reiko wakes Jin up after the scheduled time has passed.


    "Are we at ......?"


    "Yes."


    It was 4:30 a.m. local time, and it was not yet light.


    Below us was an island about one size smaller than Kunlun Island.


    Pegasus 2 is now enveloped in an invisible field and descends to about 500 meters above the island.


    "Activate ether radar."


    The Aether Radar detects the distribution of free magical elements (ether) in three dimensions, and can detect the presence of magical tools, magical machines, golems, and so on.


    There are four large reactions, two of which are golems and two of which are probably magi-machines.


    Can you tell if there are humans in the area?


    "Father, in that case, you''ll have to use the at ......."


    "I don''t think Pegasus 2 has one of those."


    Then I''ll get it.


    Reiko?


    "...... is equipped with a small one. It''s no problem for this distance.


    Please.


    It seems that the future Jin has equipped Reiko with a as well.


    "......"


    Reiko takes her time to look at the island below. After about 5 minutes.


    "I''ve got it pretty much figured out. This island is uninhabited. It''s controlled by a magical brain.


    "I see."


    <


    "You mean it''s not quite Horai Island, but it''s fortified close to it?"


    "No, it looks more like an abandoned laboratory from the past.


    Is there a fifth column (Quinta)?


    I mean, they should be there.


    "Yes. Both of them are in some kind of laboratory on the second basement.


    "I see!"


    He has found what was taken from him. Jin thinks of his next move.


    "Or we could use the doppelganger to get down there."


    I''ll go with you.


    So, Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko jumped down from Pegasus 2.


    Using the force field generator, they landed with ease.


    "Reiko, take the lead, will you?"


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    <


    "This way, please."


    The door was made to look like a rock pile, but when Reiko < pushed the door, it came off its hinges and fell inside with a loud noise.


    Inside was a staircase, and the rocks on the surface peeled off and rolled away, opening a doorway that was wide enough for a single person to pass through.


    "Are you okay to make a loud noise?"


    Reiko asked Jin''s doppelganger,


    Reiko replied, "No one is there.


    Reiko explained that there was no one there.


    She stayed there for about five minutes just to be sure, but nothing happened.


    It seemed that there was no doubt that it was an abandoned laboratory.


    "Okay, let''s go."


    Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko go down the stairs.


    It is almost pitch black, but it does not matter to Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko. 20 meters down the stairs, there is another door.


    "I''ll open it."


    This time the door was to be opened by pulling it toward us.


    This time it was a door that opened without much effort. Inside was a dimly lit hallway.


    "This way, please."


    Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko stepped toward the back.

 1595 - - 43-21 Restoration

    Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko walk through a supposedly abandoned enemy laboratory.


    "...... looks a little bit like Avalon, doesn''t it?"


    Golbert Markitas had studied at Avalon for about three years, Jin decided, so that must be the influence.


    "There are no traps, are there?"


    "Yes, father. I have checked inside the walls, under the ceiling, and under the floor, and there is no danger.


    "Then that''s good."


    Based on Avalon, the structure is a combination of concentric and radial corridors. At the center of the corridor are often important facilities such as a command center and a magical brain room.


    However, since the first priority of Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko is to find the fifth column (quinta), they are aiming at the basement room where Reiko found them.


    Structurally, the stairs or elevator is located near the center.


    "This way. The elevator''s not running, so we''ll take the stairs down."


    "Okay."


    The power system is mostly dead, with only a dimly lit emergency light using ethereal luminescent material (AL).


    Since ether luminescence (AL) continues to emit light until the free magic element (ether) runs out or the AL itself is destroyed, it is used for some emergency lights and nightlights.


    The ether luminescent (AL) lamps here were as bright as 5 to 8W incandescent lamps called <>.


    You were on the second basement floor, right?


    "Yes."


    They had just landed on the first basement floor, so one floor down was the destination floor.


    This way, sir.


    <


    "It should be in this room."


    Reiko stopped in front of a room not far from the stairs.


    "...... is locked, isn''t it?"


    This was a sliding door, but when Reiko put some force into it, it opened easily, crumpling.


    "This is .......


    "This must be a laboratory or workshop."


    The room was as large as four high school classrooms.


    "<>"


    Since it was dark, Jin''s doppelganger turned on the light to make it easier to find what he was looking for.


    The room was cluttered with workbenches and shelves. Some of the shelves had fallen over and their contents were scattered on the floor, giving the room a messy impression.


    Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko go to the workbench at the back of the room.


    "......!"


    On it lay a fifth row of Spica-type (quinta) without arms and legs, and a fifth row of Mira-type (quinta) with its thorax dismembered.


    "Is this and ?"


    Jin''s doppelganger confirms to Reiko,


    "Yes. Spica5<> and Mira2,<> are correct.


    "I see. I see. ...... d*mn you, you poor thing. You did this to me."


    While being angry, Jin''s doppelganger observes and checks on the two.


    "I can''t find the control core. ...... wait?"


    Jin thinks. <


    "Then the answer is ...... that!


    A container that shields magic. There is only one that looks like it.


    Reiko, open it. Be very careful.


    Yes, Father.


    Reiko carefully pried open the container ......, a jar-shaped vessel the size of a large pickle barrel.


    Fortunately, there were no traps such as explosions or gas emissions, and what was inside was revealed.


    "Oh, so the control core is in here after all.


    The control core, the Magi Reactor, and the Magi Devices were all contained within the control core.


    Jin, who was piloting the machine, was relieved to see that the machine could be restored to its original state.


    At this point, Jin casually and jokingly uttered a line from the doppelganger''s mouth.


    "Let''s see if there are any traps.


    Then he applied <> to the control core.


    "<>...... what the hell is this?


    "What is it, father?"


    "Is it a trap ......?��There seems to be some kind of magic formula (MagiFormula) mixed in. Let''s not fix it here, let''s go to Horai Island and analyze it first."


    "Understood."


    So Jin''s doppelganger and Reiko gathered up the two broken dolls and their parts, and left the laboratory for the moment.


    "Well, what are we going to do now?"


    Jin loaded the two bodies into Pegasus 2, which was waiting on the ground, and thought for a while.


    Should we go back to Horai Island, or should we investigate this facility further?


    "Okay. Old man, dispatch <> and <>."


    "Yes, sir."


    In the end, Jin gave the old man instructions to send a survey team to the site.


    He felt that it was not Jin''s place to take care of this place and confront the League of Magic.


    I''ll be ready for that, though."


    The transporter sends 5 <> and 5 <> right in front of Jin.


    At the same time, <> is in the sky.


    Jin ordered Hope to leave the island to them, and they took off from Uchuto Island in Pegasus 2.


    * * * *


    After returning to Horai Island without any problems, Jin left the analysis of the control core to Lao-kun and decided to repair the two fifth row quintas himself.


    "That''s terrible, this guy is ......."


    The "quinta" were torn off by force due to the inexperience of magical engineering.


    "I guess we have to replace the whole magical skin. ...... Reiko, please get me the materials."


    Yes, Father.


    Helping Jin in the workshop seems to bring back the old days, and Reiko is very happy.


    Thanks in part to this, the work proceeds at a brisk pace.


    The distorted skeleton was corrected, the deteriorated muscles were replaced, and the damaged parts were newly made. Of course, the magi certifiers (magi certifiers) were also installed.


    In no time at all, the two bodies regain their original appearance. All that remains is the control core.


    "How are they doing, old man?


    <


    What happened?


    <


    <> is a concept brought by Jin. I don''t mean the cause of the disease, but a computer virus.


    Jin thinks that he could probably create one if he wanted to. For example, a subsystem that starts up and then erases itself after a few days, or a control system that seems to be working properly but makes errors at critical points.


    For Jin, it just doesn''t make sense, so he doesn''t make it.


    "Did someone develop such a thing? ......"


    <


    "That guy again ......"


    Jin felt a certain madness in the way the mage, who was apparently nearly 150 years old, was still trying to haunt the place.


    Since he was worried about the possibility of just removing the <, he decided to prepare a new control core and write in only the necessary information.


    Since the control core was originally created by Jin, it is easy to reproduce.


    If the information including his past experience is added to the control core, it can be reproduced without any problem.


    Jin then built and set the two control cores as he had done before.


    "Okay, <>"


    Yes, chief.


    "Yes, Chief."


    Two of them are up.


    "<>, <>, how are you feeling?��Are you remembering things the same way?"


    Yes, exactly the same as before.


    Yes, everything is back to normal, including my memory.


    "Well, that''s good."


    When Jin finished the control core, he added the information about the rescue of Jin and Reiko, but there seems to be no contradiction between the two.


    "Keep up the good work."


    Yes, Chief.


    "Yes, Chief."


    Jin was satisfied to see the two bodies restored to their original state.

 1596 - - 43-22 Greetings

    Now that the two 5th column (Quintas) have been recovered and restored, there are no more vacancies on Horai Island.


    "Speaking of which, how is doing in Kunlun Island?"


    Taibai is the former head of the magic circle that controlled the fortress. After the conquest, he became Jin''s subordinate and was in charge of the Kunlun Island.


    Jin had been somewhat hesitant to ask about this, but now he had to.


    "You also said that the ship of the League of Magic came from the Kun Lun Island.


    <


    I see.


    After Jin''s death, <> has chosen to lie dormant until the one who should serve him appears again.


    "That''s why the <> couldn''t find him."


    <>


    The Kunlun Isle is a free territory open to all nations.


    "So the ships of the <> are also available ......"


    Jin realized that the line between freedom and freedom is a difficult one to draw.


    * * * *


    "Now all I have to do is say hello.


    This was the last of the things he had initially thought he should do in this era.


    Jin thought about it while soaking in the bath.


    "The security of Horai Island has been strengthened.


    < is a concern, but he wonders if he should meddle in the affairs of the as he is not from this era.


    "I don''t even know the current power of Horai Island.


    He only knew the specifications as of 400 years ago when he was there, and he did not dare to ask about the facilities that had been added since then.


    "Well, I guess I''ll see you tomorrow.


    It was almost dinner time, so Jin got out of the bath. Reiko wiped his back.


    After finishing his dinner of his favorite dishes, Jin sits down on the porch of his house and watches the sky go down.


    "I guess this is ...... before I go home."


    Security has been tightened, and <> has been reactivated for the time being.


    This means that some warp gates can now be used.


    "First we have the 700672, then Zion and the others.


    The next stop is the Principality of Mercana, but I''m sure Jin will be able to get there and back without any problems.


    "I guess it''s the equipment after all. ......"


    Jin realized once again how helpless he was without his clothes.


    Reiko did not say anything, but just stared at Jin.


    As if loving the few remaining hours they had together. .......


    * * * *


    September 15.


    Jin moved to the base of 7006-72, thinking in the corner of his mind that it was ...... a while ago. Jin moved to the base of No. 700672.


    "Oh, Jin-dono. It seems that you have successfully liberated Horai Island.


    Seeing Reiko standing behind Jin, No. 700672 smiled good-humoredly.


    "Yes, thanks to you. ...... here''s your regular Persica juice.


    Jin hands the package that Reiko had given him to the 700672.


    "Oh, I''m so happy, it''s the first time in about 300 years.


    The 700672, now in a better mood, accepted it happily.


    Neige and Rouge, who are standing nearby, also look happy.


    "......I don''t fully understand, but the relationship between time and space can be explained by the sub-free magical element "ether", can''t it?"


    "Yes, the old man said he was almost home."


    Jin had a meeting with the 700672.


    "I''m interested in that method, but it seems to ...... require a lot of energy."


    "Yes, it does."


    An energy that can only be provided by collecting free magical elements (ether) over many years.


    Jin almost imagined that it would be enough for one star, but stopped himself.


    "Well, I''m off to the clan territory now.


    After two hours of conversation, Jin decided to leave.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve had a good time. ......I guess we won''t be seeing each other again."


    "......Yes."


    700672 said a little sadly, and Jin affirmed with the same feeling.


    "Well then..."


    "Good luck on your path, Jin-dono."


    They shook hands and parted.


    "...... was so easy."


    Reiko said to Jin once they returned to Horaijima.


    "I don''t want things to get too wet."


    Jin knew that, but he did not want to make too big a deal out of the goodbye speech.


    "Well, shall we go to Zion''s place?


    "Yes."


    This time, they would ride the to Zion''s place.


    <


    "Oh, okay. I''ll take care of it then."


    <


    The transporter transports Pegasus 2 about 1,000 kilometers in an instant. The Paz dextro isthmus is already visible below.


    "We''re almost there.


    The village of Kaina should be close from here, but it would only make it harder for him to know what it is like now, so he manages to turn his attention back to the Nordic Federation.


    "...... Hope, let''s go to Zion''s place."


    "Yes, sir."


    Pegasus 2 set off for the clan territory of .


    Hope, let''s go to Zion.


    Jin, welcome!


    "Jin-sama, you are safe!"


    Theon and Marikka flew out to meet Jin and the others as soon as Pegasus 2 landed.


    Jin, Reiko, and Hope are now being welcomed at the clan leader''s mansion.


    "Jin-san, just when we thought we''d met again, it''s almost time to say goodbye, isn''t it?


    Sion''s mother, Rorona, also joined them,


    "Jin-sama, I regret that I could not repay you even one ten-thousandth of what you gave me so long ago."


    Zion''s husband, the current chief, Belialus, also joined in, looking a little sad.


    "Me too. But in this world, we are always supposed to part when we meet.


    It is called . It''s one of the four and eight kinds of suffering. I don''t know the other seven well, but this is the one that I remembered from the Director''s frequent mention of it.


    "......It''s sad, isn''t it?"


    "......Yes. ...... but because there are goodbyes, there are also encounters."


    "Is that Jin''s view of life?"


    Jin nodded at Zion''s question.


    "I''m afraid to say this to someone who has lived many times longer than I have.


    "......I would have said, ''That''s rude in the old days,'' but it''s true!"


    Zion gave a small laugh.


    This lightened the mood of the place that had been so somber.


    "I should be thankful that I got to see Jin again, even though we were supposed to be separated that day.


    The clear smile on Zion''s face as she said this to herself touched Jin''s heart.


    "Jin, I have to tell you this. I am glad to have met you. It was the same 400 years ago, and it is the same now. Thanks to you the demon tribe was able to make a fresh start as a northern tribe and united as the Nordic Federation. I am happy to be with Belialus.


    "Zion ......"


    "Well, Jin-dono, you are a benefactor of the Nordic Federation. It is truly fortuitous that we meet once again."


    "Yes, it is. ...... Mr. Jin, you have seen this, haven''t you?��Thanks to you, this country is now ...... self-sufficient in crops and has become wealthy."


    "Thanks to Jin-sama, magic technology has advanced and life has become easier. Thanks to this, the population is gradually increasing. ......


    Not only Sion, but also Belialus, Rorona, and Marikka thanked Jin.


    They all knew that if they parted this time, they would never see Jin again, but they still acted cheerful and thanked him at the same time.


    Jin felt his eyes burning.


    "Thank you for ....... I''m ...... glad to have met you all, too."


    These were words from Jin''s heart.

 1597 - - 43-23 An allele

    September 16.


    Jin has returned to Horai Island.


    He is thinking of going to the Principality of Mercana after this.


    "The problem is how to explain myself. ......"


    Jin thinks, "I don''t know if they will believe me even if I explain.


    "I don''t know what I''m going to do with it," he thinks. ......


    However, he still wants to say a few words before returning to his former life.


    "I don''t know what to do. ......"


    Then, the old man gave his opinion.


    "I think so too."


    Reiko stopped him.


    "Is that what you think?"


    The old man began to describe the problems.


    >


    "U......"


    Jin is at a loss for words from the start.


    <


    "Well, hey ......"


    <>


    "Indeed.


    "......"


    That was a very reasonable rebuttal.


    >.


    "Old man ......"


    Jin thanked the "Mere Old Man" sincerely for his way of stopping Jin with a righteous argument.


    >


    "Yes, I guess so. ......"


    Jin could use the peepers directly, but he would prefer not to, since it would literally be a peep.


    * * * * * *


    In the end, Jin decided not to visit the Principality of Mercana, following the old man''s advice,


    But he did not resist to ask the old man, "Hey, Mr. President, what do you think will happen to the countries of Ars in the future?


    This is the only question that Jin could not help but ask.


    <


    The old man replied with a slightly out of focus answer.


    "Well, do you think so?"


    "Yes, I did."


    Jin wonders if all Hourai Island can do for this planet is to watch over it.


    Then he asks another question.


    "...... And you''re not going to tell me how my descendants are doing now, are you?"


    <<


    "I see. ......"


    <<


    Hearing this, a smile appeared on Jin''s face.


    "I see. I''m glad to hear that.


    <


    "......"


    Jin closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair.


    To return to the original time, four hundred years ago. That was his main goal, and it was about to come true.


    "Everyone is at ......."


    Jin''s true place is not here, but 400 years ago.


    But now that he can return home, Jin is beginning to wonder about the future of this Horai Island.


    (Hmmm ...... what will the old man and Reiko do after I am gone?)


    Jin used to think that the island would continue to exist with his descendants.


    However, his descendants, for reasons unknown, seem to be living away from Horai Island.


    (The current Horai Island will not change its way of being without my magic power, voice print, and authentication key (password), or rather, the order .......)


    In other words, if Jin goes back to the original time, probably, Lao-kun and Reiko will act on their own.


    (That would be bad. ......)


    So, Jin comes up with an idea.


    (How about a copy of me will be activated right after I disappear from this era?)


    (How about that, right after I disappear from this era, a copy of me will be activated?) Without informing the old man and Reiko, Jin alone or with Erza''s help, will make an automata with his memories, knowledge and personality, and hide it somewhere secretly.


    Then, we can set the automata to start working when Jin returns to his own time.


    ��That''s a good idea.)


    The problem is that we can''t consult with the old man or Reiko, but we can consult with the other members of the .


    (Huh?) If that''s the case, we can make it now.��(Then, is it OK if I make it now?)


    (Then, can I make it now?) Jin felt that it is not necessary to wait until he comes back home.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    There is a question whether the old man and Reiko would welcome Jin as an automaton or not.


    Putting that question on hold, Jin wanted to discuss with the old man something that had occurred to him while he was thinking about it, and he mentioned it to him.


    "......Hey, Mr. President, is advanced technology...... or is heterogeneous knowledge and technology unnecessary on this planet?"


    Jin was caught in such a thought.


    "Civilization develops better when there are opposites. ......?"


    In that sense, I suddenly think that the human race of the earth has always been in conflict with someone or something.


    The three-stage argument is also like that,...... Jin thinks in his head, but it is actually a dialectic.


    There are two opposing arguments, thesis (proposition) and antithesis (anti-proposition), and the process of reconciling the two and coming to a third synthesis (synthesis) = aufheben, roughly speaking, is a dialectic.


    Jin imagined that the synthesis would become a new thesis, and at the same time, a new antithesis would be born and developed ...... and so on, repeating endlessly.


    "There is a scientific civilization as opposed to a magical civilization."


    Jin''s musings continued.


    "What emerged from the two was the Adriana system of magic, including magical engineering.


    Naturally, this gave rise to a new conflict. That would be the <>.


    In other words, the antithesis of <> is the <>.


    Then what is the antithesis?


    Jin was neither a thinker nor a philosopher, so he did not immediately come up with an answer.


    Maybe it is something that the human beings of this planet, not me, should find out.


    This realization made Jin feel a little better.


    "Then, our role is over. From now on, we can live more freely.


    Thinking this, his shoulders relaxed.


    Jin decided to see if what he had always wanted to do would come true.


    "Old man, is it possible to move Horai Island to ?"

 1598 - - 43-24 Appreciation

    Hourai Island was moved to .


    It is something that Jin has always had in his mind.


    He felt that there was a limit to his activities while trying his best to hide his existence.


    He thought about moving the base to the moon or outer space, but he was somehow uncomfortable with the idea of a base in a vacuum.


    <<


    , that is, the Hailians were forced to move to Ars because of the depletion of resources.


    <


    "That is true."


    <<


    We can also recycle them," the old man said.


    "We have resources recovered from the long-period planets, and we can go to the exoplanets to mine for resources if the need arises."


    < abandoned Hale.


    Certainly, there are many technologies that <> has and Jin does not have.


    However, there are also technologies that Jin has but <> could not develop.


    "I don''t know why < didn''t go to other planets to mine resources with a spaceship ......, though."


    <? >>


    "Hmmm ......"


    I can''t go any further than to say that it was because of this mentality.


    If they didn''t like the idea of plundering from other planets, why did they move to Arus?


    "First of all, maybe they developed their spaceship technology after they decided to move there.


    If they had it from the beginning, they might have sent their spaceships to get resources, Jin imagines.


    "Well, that''s something I can''t answer," he says.


    "In any case, there are no inhabitants in Hale now. Maybe we could consider a reverse migration, a return, something like that?"


    <<< Okay, I see what you mean. ...... would require a very large ship, or a very large transfer unit. If you want to move the whole Horai Island, that is.


    "I''ll leave that to you, old man.


    In any case, Jin is supposed to go back to 400 years ago tomorrow as scheduled.


    In other words, everything will happen after Jin is gone.


    Of course, the that I just came up with will remain a secret.


    "Well, ......"


    Jin thought again about what he had left to do in this time.


    After all, he knew he would never be able to come back.


    Is there anything he can do not only for himself but also for Reiko and the old man?


    Is there anything I can do for Golem and the others? .......


    And so Jin thought to himself,


    "Reiko, I''m going to look around Horai Island, will you follow me?"


    "Yes, Father!"


    Yes, Father!" Jin thought, "I''d like to meet the I''ve created once more.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting, Father."


    Reiko brings out a six-wheeled golem-engine car. Jin had built it for patrols, and Saki, Reinhard, and Hanna had ridden in it.


    "Okay, let''s go. We''ll start with the fields and orchards to the east.


    "Yes, sir."


    The drive is almost silent. The golem-engine car started to drive slowly.


    "The fields have expanded after all. And rice paddies.


    "Yes."


    The area under cultivation seems to have doubled since Jin knew.


    The early rice is almost ready for harvest.


    "I guess so."


    The early rice is already dropping golden ears.


    Jin waved to the golem maids working in the rice paddies.


    The same goes for the fields.


    Buckwheat, topopo (potatoes), itopo (sweet potatoes), black-eyed peas (cowpeas), red-eyed peas (adzuki beans), round peas (soybeans).


    Leafy vegetables, leeks. Corn.


    And of course wheat and barley.


    The harvest is stored in the ether stocker.


    When asked what they are doing with the harvest since there is no one to eat it now, I was told that they don''t want to accumulate too much, so they are secretly putting it into circulation.


    "We buy materials for a price and stock them."


    It is a good thing to convert currency into goods, since the economy will not turn if it is kept in dead storage.


    Again, Jin waves to the golem maids.


    "Hey, guys, looks like you''re not doing so bad."


    Yes, father. After all, your father made them.


    In addition, they are regularly maintained by a craftsman (smith).


    "It seems to be running well."


    It was so good that it made Jin''s heart ache to think about what would happen after he was gone.


    The Golem engine car approaches an orchard.


    Here, Persica (peaches), Apurul (apples), Citran (oranges), Ramon (lemons), etc., were all bountifully growing on the branches.


    "You''ll send me to 700672 regularly, right?"


    "Yes. Yes, sir.


    Yes, please.


    The fruit trees soon turn into chestnuts and walnuts.


    Golem maids were working here too.


    "Thank you, everyone."


    They are still working as they have been for 400 years. Just knowing that made Jin happy.


    Father, that''s our line. Thank you for bringing us into this world.


    The Golem engine car arrived at Tatsumi Bay.


    Here are the golem maids and the who are rebuilding the fishpond.


    "You are hard workers, all of you.


    "Your father made it that way for you.


    "......"


    For a while Jin gazed at the sea in silence.


    * * * * * *


    On the way back, we take a westward route.


    The same golem maids were hard at work in the fields and orchards here.


    "...... Thank you, Reiko."


    "Father?"


    For bringing me into this world. And for becoming my daughter.


    Jin tells Reiko his heartfelt thanks.

 1599 - - 43-25 Separation from Horai Island

    It was the morning of September 17th, the fateful day.


    "Father, do you have an itch?"


    Jin had taken his morning bath and Reiko was washing his head.


    "Yes, I''m fine. Thank you."


    After rinsing off the lather with lukewarm water, he rinsed his hair with a honey rinse.


    "...... Reiko."


    "Yes?"


    Reiko''s unchanged behavior made Jin feel sorry for her.


    Probably as of today, Reiko won''t be able to see Jin again. Yes, never again.


    Still, she has helped Jin, the <>, to return to his own time, and she is still taking care of him.


    Although Jin knew that he would be able to meet the Reiko of that time period if he returned to the original time period, he could not help but feel a sense of inseparability from the Reiko of this time period as well.


    "Thank you."


    "Yes, father."


    Seeing Reiko answer with a smile, Jin felt a pain deep in his heart.


    (I''ll definitely have to make my own automata when I get back home...)


    ) Jin made a mental note of this once again.


    * * * *


    After finishing the breakfast prepared by Soleil and Luna and served by Reiko, Jin was enjoying the after-dinner tea surrounded by Anne, Lol and Leffa.


    Then he heard a voice from the old man.


    "I see."


    Jin replied in a slightly trembling voice and stood up.


    "Okay."


    Jin went out to the vestibule of the institute with Reiko, Soleil, Luna, Anne, Lol, and Leffa in tow.


    "This is ......."


    There, a huge magic circle was drawn.


    However, that was not what made Jin exclaim.


    There, all the golems of Horai Island were gathered.


    The silver-brown Army Golem, Land Squadron.


    The silver-blue Air Force Golem, Sky Squadron.


    Mermaid Squadron, the silver-white Mariner Golem, was embraced by Marine Squadron, the silver-blue Navy Golem.


    On the shoulders of the golden Space Force golem, the Cosmos Squadron, is the copper-colored Astro Squadron, a small space golem.


    The five-colored golem maids, Ruby, Ames, Topaz, Perid, Aqua and others.


    Soleil and Luna''s men, Prane and Satella.


    Deus ex machina and his servant Rei.


    The silver and black artisan golems, artisans (smiths), little artisans (smiths), mini artisans (smiths), inch artisans (smiths), and millimeter artisans (smiths).


    The fifth column (Quinta), which should be scattered in various places.


    The Horai Island Covert Task Force (SP).


    Fingers, 5cm miniature golems under the direct control of Lao Tzu.


    Sam and the others, miniature golems of 5cm in length for intelligence.


    The same is the Ninja Unit.


    Lise, a doctor (healer) automata.


    Jack, a surgical mini-golem.


    Nurse, an automata for nursing.


    Command.


    Steward.


    Butler.


    The general-purpose golem.


    Titan and Daedalus show their huge bodies in the distance.


    And the golem we created in this world, Hope.


    Finally, ...... Laojun''s mobile terminal, Laozi.


    They were lined up in a row, filling Jin''s field of vision.


    "Everyone ......"


    .


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin''s voice became a little tearful.


    Lao Tzu said what Lao Kun said.


    With this voice, all the gathered people bowed their heads to Jin.


    .


    "Old man, everyone ......"


    Jin replied with tears in his eyes.


    I am proud of you all. I''m proud of all of you. ...... And when I''m gone, I want you to live on in peace until there is someone worthy to serve you."


    Jin dares to use the word .


    "If that is too difficult, move to <> and watch over ...... Ars."


    Basically, Jin left it to the people of Ars to do as they please, and to help them if they were in danger of catastrophe or destruction.


    "That''s all from me."


    Then Reiko stepped forward.


    "Reiko?"


    Reiko gently hugged Jin.


    "Father. I have served you and your children and your children''s children, but I still have only one father."


    Reiko then pulled away from Jin.


    "Father, it was a pleasure to meet you. Give my regards to the old me.


    Reiko.


    Jin patted Reiko on the head for the last time.


    "Oh, that''s all right, old man. I''ll take care of you one more time."


    <


    Lao Tzu, who was standing beside him, opened his mouth.


    "I see."


    <


    "I didn''t know that."


    >.


    If you want to do it again, you would have to collect free magical elements (ether) in units of 1000 years.


    "Okay."


    "Yes, I am aware of that.


    The magic circle beneath Jin''s feet began to glow faintly.


    The glow grew stronger and stronger, until Jin''s figure was obscured by the light.


    "Father!


    Reiko called Jin''s name.


    "See you all at ......!"


    Jin''s voice echoed.


    >


    The old man''s voice.


    A light fills the space.


    After a few seconds, the light disappears. Jin is not there.


    * * * * *


    Jin was enveloped by the light and felt as if his body were floating.


    The intense light seemed to burn his retina even when his eyes were closed.


    Perhaps that is why his consciousness is fading away.


    "Father!"


    I heard Reiko''s voice from somewhere far away.


    "See you all at ......!


    Jin shouted with all his might.


    Then darkness fell.


    Jin felt as if his body was being torn in two, and he let go of his consciousness.

 1600 - - 43-26 Return of humanity

    "......"


    I hear a voice from somewhere far away.


    "...... ni"


    I know that voice.


    "......Ni."


    A familiar voice. The voice you''ve been longing to hear.


    "...... Jin bro."


    Jin opened his eyes.


    "......I know that ceiling."


    Jin woke up in his room on Horai Island.


    "Jin ......"


    "Elsa,......"


    It was his beloved wife, Elsa, calling for him.


    Jin slowly pulls himself up from the futon.


    "Wake up, are you okay?"


    "Yes."


    Jin turned his head lightly. There was nothing wrong with his body.


    "Yes, that''s good. ......"


    Erza, who was slightly teary-eyed, told me that suddenly a transfer magic circle appeared in front of the institute and Jin appeared.


    Since Jin was unconscious, he was immediately taken to and treated, but there was nothing wrong with him.


    After that, Jin did not wake up for three days and three nights.


    "...... Are you sure it''s Elsa?"


    "Yes."


    "......What year is it?��What''s the date?"


    September 20th, 3459.


    Coincidentally, it was the same date as the day we left the other side.


    "Well, ......, you''re back. ......"


    "Welcome back, Brother Jin."


    And Jin''s foggy head finally cleared.


    "Elsa."


    Elsa.


    Elsa!


    Brother Jin?


    Jin hugged Erza, who was right in front of him.


    It was not an illusion, but a solid presence in Jin''s arms.


    "Oh, you''re back. ......"


    "Welcome home."


    I''m home, Elsa.


    "...... welcome home."


    Elsa was going to say welcome home as many times as she could until Jin was satisfied.


    And then there was another shadow.


    "Father!"


    Reiko can''t stand to just watch from the shadows anymore.


    "Welcome home!"


    Reiko jumped on Jin.


    "I knew you would come back."


    Reiko, I''m home!


    Then more people came.


    Jin-san, welcome back.


    Hey.


    Mother-in-law, ...... and ......?


    Meine and the baby in her arms.


    That''s Mio. It''s your daughter.


    Mio. ......


    "Welcome home, little girl!"


    And another one, Hannah, with a baby in her arms.


    "Abubu!"


    "Chloe, look, it''s your father!"


    "Chloe ......"


    The room around Jin became lively at once.


    "So these are my children. ......"


    Jin looked first at Mio in Meine''s arms and then at Chloe in Hannah''s arms. Both of them seemed to be in a good mood, as if they knew they were fathers.


    "Thank you, Elsa. ...... and I''m sorry I couldn''t be there for you when you were going through the hardest time."


    "No, that''s okay. I''m sure it was much, much harder for you, Jin. ......


    "But still. I''m sorry. And thank you for giving me such a good baby."


    Jin gently hugged Erza once more.


    He noticed that the people around them were smiling ...... and staring at them, Hannah''s face a little red, but Jin did not let go of Erza''s hug.


    Erza, Mio, Yu, Meane, Hannah, and Reiko.


    Surrounded by his close friends, Jin felt that he had finally returned home.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    That night, all the gathered to celebrate his return.


    "Welcome home, Jin!


    "Welcome home, Jin!


    "Welcome home!"


    Everyone was truly happy for Jin''s return.


    "Thank you. ......It took a lot of hard work, but I''m glad to be back.


    "I''d like to hear more about that."


    "Yes, yes, yes."


    "...... I know, I know. But ......


    But what?


    But first, we have to retrieve all of the wards that have been deployed.


    That''s right.


    Then we can talk about what happened. But ......"


    But what?


    There are parts of my memory that are hazy and hazy. Mostly magical-technical things, you know."


    <<< Is it interference from the world to prevent the occurrence of contradictions due to time travel? >>


    Here the old man starts to say something difficult.


    "Is it possible that a corrective force was at work to prevent a time paradox from occurring?"


    Hannah says something similar.


    "That may be so. ......"


    "But what happens eventually happens, right, honey?"


    "Yeah."


    Jin takes a sip of Citran juice to quench his thirst.


    "I also thought I came here without getting any unnecessary information to avoid ...... time paradoxes as much as possible,......."


    Jin wonders now if the ambiguity was superfluous information.


    "I can''t remember what the descendants of me and the rest of the ...... family have been up to."


    "That''s too bad."


    "Yeah, but I did have Zion and Zion''s descendants to take care of me over there. And Marikka.


    What?


    Is that so?


    Yes. I''ll talk to you when I''ve done what I have to do.


    I''ll look forward to it.


    I''ll look forward to it." Jin laughed and said, "Maybe tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.


    And just as he had declared, the next day or two later, Jin finished all the work of retrieving the he had placed and told the members of the < what he had experienced.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    ......."


    Jin''s long story is over.


    "Welcome back, Jin."


    Reinhardt said,


    "Welcome back.


    "Welcome home."


    < greeted him with renewed welcome.


    (This was definitely the place I was going to return to. ......)


    Jin thought sincerely.


    The season was autumn.


    A cool breeze blew through the island of Horai.

 1601 - - 43-27 Extra Story

    The year 320 of the continental calendar is 3899, in the Principality of Mercana.


    "I wonder what happened to Jin..." Eira Siata muttered as she stopped her work.


    Eira Siata suddenly stopped her work and muttered.


    I hope he is well.


    Stopping to fill in the ledger, Katya responds.


    "...... I guess it''s different to work efficiently without him, isn''t it?"


    "That''s true."


    The two look out the window.


    In the far distance should be the Principality of Jagus, where Jin was taken.


    The two looked out the window and saw the Duchy of Jagus, where Jin had been taken.


    What in the world is going on?


    In the Duchy of Jagus, Rhodoth, who had been kept under house arrest in the tower, had escaped, and there was a great commotion.


    Buried in the commotion, there is little mention of Jin, who escaped with him.


    It seems that all the golems he had sent were destroyed as well.


    "Unn, the automata he was carrying with him was that powerful!"


    We should have confiscated them and analyzed them.


    Don''t talk about things you can''t do, Carrion.


    What?


    "We can''t even analyze a generation-old golem by ourselves, can we?"


    "Gnu......"


    In some parts of the Duchy of Jagus, there was still a lot of confusion.


    * * * *


    "Master Paelova, we have discovered a vein of iron ore. It seems that some magi crystals are also being produced.


    "Oh, I see. And how deep is it?


    It''s 1,800 meters underground.


    Mm-hmm. ......


    In the northern part of the Principality of Mercana, new veins of ore have been discovered one after another using the Magi machine left behind by Jin.


    However, since all of them are deep underground, it will be some time before they are unearthed.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin-sama, you''ve gone. ......


    "Yes. ......"


    "I''ll miss you, too. ......


    "Yes. ......"


    In the Nordic Federation, Zion and Marikka were talking about how much they would miss each other.


    "What a cause and effect to have to say goodbye twice."


    "Yes. ....... He is a sinful man.


    * * * *


    And then, Horaijima.


    A whole day has passed since Jin was sent away, and the golem and the automata have been standing around the institute.


    The reason why the old man mobilized all the golems and automata was not only to see Jin off.


    <.


    Therefore, even the old man was temporarily malfunctioned, leaving only some of his functions.


    "......"


    Meanwhile, Reiko.


    She was conscious, but it took her half a day to accumulate enough mana to move her body.


    "...... father."


    She mutters sadly, and picks herself up.


    "����������"


    What he saw in his eyes was unbelievable.


    "...... Father?"


    A figure lies in the vestibule where the one-time transfer magic circle has disappeared. It was unmistakably Jin Nido.


    "Father!"


    Reiko rushes to him.


    Fearing that the time transfer may have failed, he picks Jin up in his arms.


    "Father!


    He calls out to him, but there is no answer.


    "...... He is alive, isn''t he?


    His heart is beating and he is breathing.


    I can''t leave him like this.


    Reiko picked up Jin and carried him into the house.


    She lays him down on a futon and lays him down there.


    "...... father,...... why on earth?"


    On the one hand, she is glad that they did not have to say goodbye, but on the other hand, she cannot be honestly happy when she thinks of Jin''s sadness at not being able to return to his original time.


    Jin slept for three days and three nights.


    In the meantime, the old man and the golems were reactivated and dispersed to their respective places.


    "Old man, what happened to your father?"


    "Then why is your father here?"


    At that moment, Jin, who had been bedridden, stirred. Reiko notices it with her own eyes.


    "Father?"


    "Uh, no. ......"


    Did you notice?


    Rei...... child?


    Yes, it''s me.


    Jin raised himself up from the futon and shook his head a couple of times.


    "Is this ...... the house on Horai Island?


    "Yes, it is."


    And it is the year 3899?


    .................. yes.


    So you couldn''t get back to ......?


    ........................ yes.


    Reiko could not reply immediately, thinking of Jin''s feelings.


    "But..."


    Eventually, Jin opened his mouth again.


    "Yes?"


    "For some reason, I don''t have much of a desire to go home."


    "Father, ......"


    "If you can''t go home, you can''t go home. I''m just going to be a man of this time period from now on."


    <


    The old man interrupted him.


    "My Lord?"


    >.


    "A duplicate?"


    <


    Magiatom. It is an atom made up of only magic particles, consisting of magic protons, magic electrons and magic electrons, and magic electrons (=magitrons).


    It is more stable than ordinary atoms.


    <


    The old man said, "There is a hypothesis that the magic atom (magiatom) compensates for the loss of the body during inter-world transfer, and this is the same effect.


    "But I wasn''t injured in any way this time, was I?"


    <>


    "Muu......"


    The old man says that a must have occurred in hyperspace. The reflection may have caused a part of the spirit to come back to our time line.


    <, it could be that something like a spirit ...... or a was at the core and reconstituted the body of the master (mylord).


    I can''t prove it, but it makes sense.


    "Then, 400 years ago, you would have ......?"


    The old man said that the unusual phenomenon of jumping through time might have caused the multiple phenomena in the mental body.


    "So, I am back to where I was 400 years ago, right?"


    "......"


    Jin looked down silently for a while, but then looked up and smiled with an expression as if he had just blown it.


    "Yeah, no doubt. The other ......< me is back to where I was 400 years ago. Because now I have almost no desire to go back."


    "Father ......"


    "I''m here. That''s all right, isn''t it?


    Yes!


    <


    Perhaps fate, in the name of coincidence, has smiled upon us just a little, taking pity on Reiko and the others'' pain.


    Or perhaps Jin''s desire to go back to his own time, but still having regrets about this time, made a miracle happen.


    Either way, Jin Nido, the Magecraft Meister, has decided to live in this time period again.

 1602 - - 44-01 Humanity of the Future

    October 1, 3459.


    Jin was keenly aware of .


    Most of the milestones he tried to make for the future were not successful ...... or even feasible.


    For example, if you try to make a <> to counter the <>, you will .......


    "Ugh ...... I have no idea what to do."


    For some reason, when he tries to make it, it is as if his mind is in a haze, even though he has definitely made it before.


    Or, when he tries to make a < in advance, thinking that it would be a little easier, .......


    "Honey, just watch Mio for a minute."


    "What?��...... um, yeah."


    I was interrupted in some way and was unable to work.


    The worst of all may have been that I lost the desire to create .


    After such repeated occurrences, Jin finally stopped trying to forcefully <.


    Hanna, with her rare imagination, describes this phenomenon,


    "I do believe that we can change the future. But for you, it''s the past, so you can''t change it.


    He was blackmailing her.


    "I guess we''ll just have to ...... take it easy and go easy. ......"


    "Abu..."


    "Oh!"


    Jin worked on changing Mio and Chloe''s diapers.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    October 1, 3899.


    "So all my descendants have taken refuge on Onogoro Island?


    <


    Jin had finally learned what he wanted to know.


    The old man advised him.


    "Yes, I know. Marikka didn''t hide it from me out of malice.


    I should rather thank her for sheltering my descendants.


    "But why are they taking refuge?"


    <


    "Hostages?"


    <


    "Oh, so that''s what you mean ......"


    Jin was convinced that if that had happened, Horai Island would have been easily overrun.


    "So we can''t even leave Onogoro Island without doing something about the <>."


    Jin was worried.


    "......Well, there are so many things I want to do, so many things I want to know, I don''t know where to start. ......"


    "Father, why don''t you greet Mr. Zion and the others?"


    Reiko advised Jin, who was troubled.


    "Yes, I think so. I''ve taken care of you in many ways, so let''s start there first.


    Once a decision is made on one action, the rest can happen without a hitch.


    Jin started his preparations with a little hope for this.


    However, he only loaded up some ripe Persica as a souvenir.


    Persica from Horai Island contains more free magic element (ether) and is more nutritious than those from other places.


    Such persica is literally stored in the ether stocker.


    The ether stocker is a refrigerated storage with a free-magic element (ether) ratio of more than 20 percent, which enables semi-permanent storage of magical materials.


    About 100 years'' worth of Persica and other crops and materials are stored there.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Hope, the pilot of the Pegasus 2, is ordered to take the Pegasus 2 to the Nordic Federation.


    He is accompanied by Reiko, of course.


    In the plane, Jin asks Reiko a question. It doesn''t matter what he asks her anymore.


    "By the way, Reiko, how is <> doing now?


    Edgar used to be the pilot of <>.


    "Yes. Edgar is now in the service of your father''s descendants.


    "Oh, I see."


    The descendants of Jin, who is also the descendant of Elsa. There is nothing wrong with Edgar serving.


    "Will I see you soon?"


    "Yes, I''m sure we will meet."


    Pegasus 2 flew under the blue sky at subsonic speeds of 1,000 kilometers per hour.


    Pegasus 2 flew under the blue sky at a subsonic speed of 1,000 kilometers per hour.


    "Jin!��You didn''t come back!


    I asked Zion first, which was a natural response.


    "No, I went back to ....... There were a lot of things ...... going on."


    Jin was at a loss for words,


    "Okay, let''s listen to it carefully.


    Zion invited Jin, Reiko, and Hope into the house.


    "...... and that''s why."


    Jin explained to Zion what had happened, speculating.


    "Well, you mean that something happened during the transfer and there are now two djinn?��One of them went back 400 years ago, and the other one is you.


    "Well, to put it bluntly, that''s what it means."


    Jin guesses that the memorial stone he brought from the other world may have done something, but there is no way to know for sure. There is no way to know for sure, because there is no more stone.


    "But is it a good thing that it turned out the way it did?��Jin will be in this world from now on." "I''m glad to hear that.


    "I''m glad to hear you say that."


    Then Rhodos, Vita and Marikka arrived.


    Jin-sama!


    Jin-sama!


    Jin-sama!"


    I gave the same explanation to the three of them as I had given to Zion, and they looked happy.


    "...... If you assume that the other Jin-sama was able to return to his own time, we would be very happy.


    Rhodes said, "The fact that Jin over here has little desire to return may be evidence that <>.


    "I hope so. Pegasus 2 exists, too, so I guess I went back 400 years and made it right."


    "Ugh, that''s complicated."


    Vita said with a frown.


    "So. ...... thanks again, Marikka."


    "What?"


    For sheltering my descendants on the island of Onogoro.


    "Oh, ......, uh, you''re not mad at me, are you?"


    "Why would I be mad?��You protected my descendants."


    "I''m glad to hear you say that."


    Marikka felt relieved.


    "So, what are you going to do now?


    Marikka asked Jin,


    "I''m going to say hello to the 700672, and then I''m going to prioritize what I''m going to do.


    With these words, Jin asked Reiko to bring him a Persica as a souvenir.

 1603 - - 44-02 Offer of cooperation

    "Oh, I didn''t know that was possible. That''s very interesting."


    Jin left Zion''s house and visited No. 700672.


    "Not only time transfer, but also space transfer is beyond our knowledge.


    It seemed that even No. 700672 could not explain what had happened.


    "But it''s a convenient situation in a way, isn''t it? It is possible that the ...... may have planted a little something in there."


    700672 also suggested that there may have been some interference.


    "I can''t prove it or verify it, but..."


    "That''s right."


    It was hard for Jin to believe that such a time-honored being had not thought about how to recover from any errors.


    The method of recovery was beyond Jin''s imagination, and he could not say anything about it.


    I am here now, and that is all that matters.


    When he told this to No. 700672, he said,


    "I guess that''s philosophy too," he replied.


    He replied, "That''s philosophy, too.


    So, what are you going to do now, Mr. Jin?


    "Yes. Well, there are so many things to do that it is difficult to prioritize them.


    "That''s true."


    The 700672 nodded, thought for a moment, and then spoke again.


    "Perhaps you don''t have enough information yet, Jin-dono. How about prioritizing learning more about this period for the time being?


    "Oh, you mean that ......."


    Jin can understand that. Or perhaps he was still a little impatient.


    "Thank you very much. I feel a little better now.


    "Of what? We got a lot of Persica juice today.


    Jin seemed to have gotten an idea from that comment.


    "We should also check out the situation in Kunlun Island.


    "Yes. Once we set one goal, we will be able to find out what we need to do one after another.


    "That''s right.


    Jin wanted to return his descendants to their normal lives as soon as possible.


    On the other hand, he was also hesitant to meet them face to face. I was afraid I would be blamed .......


    ��You''re the reason we have to go through all this!��I can''t get over it when someone says that to my face. ......)


    As Jin still hasn''t felt the blood family, he was a coward in a strange way.


    (I''m sure I''m looking at my children''s faces when I go back 400 years ago.)


    (I''m sure I''m looking at my child''s face when I go back 400 years ago).


    "One more thing. What do you intend to do in the current world, ...... Jin-dono?"


    What do you mean, what are you going to do?


    700672 smiled.


    "I mean exactly what I mean. You are a person who should not exist in this time period. In other words, there would be many problems if you were to appear in the public eye.


    That is certainly true.


    "If it were at Lord Zion''s or Marikka''s place, it would be acceptable. ......"


    At this point Jin decided to share his thoughts.


    "I''m thinking of going to <> in the end."


    "Oh, to <>."


    <


    "Will you live in seclusion there?"


    "No, that''s impossible."


    Jin''s personality is such that even he thinks it''s impossible.


    "I''m just going to move my base there, but I was thinking of sneaking over here and living among the ordinary people."


    "I see, that sounds interesting.


    700672 thought for a moment,


    "Would you like to join me in this plan?"


    He asked.


    "What?"


    "I have no memories of Hale, but it is the home planet of my creators, the Masters.


    If that were the case, he says, he wouldn''t have to stay locked up in his room like he does here.


    "There is nothing more to do or to be done here on Ars.


    I''d be happy to have your help, Mr. 700672.


    Then it''s settled.


    700672 smiles.


    But you can''t do it so quickly, can you?


    "I know that. I can wait a hundred years or so with plenty of time to spare.


    "No, I don''t intend to spend that much.


    Jin was really in a rush.


    For the next 30 minutes or so, Jin and 700672 briefly discussed the plan. about the with 700672.


    After all, he is a senior (?) in the field of immigration. He was a senior (?) in the field of immigration.


    Although he had not experienced the migration himself, it seems that there are many records of the time.


    "There is a warp gate, so basically there is no problem with the movement.


    "Yes, that''s true. As far as I''m concerned, the question is how big to move the research institute.


    "Yes, I understand that.


    "And then there''s the current resource problem in Hale.


    Originally, the originators moved to Ars because they were faced with the problem of resource depletion.


    "I have some ideas about that."


    In this respect, 700672 can be relied upon.


    "The second planet ......<> is even richer in mineral resources than Ars.


    According to 700672, the second planet, Zipert, has five satellites. The second planet, Zipert, has five satellites, one of which is very rich in resources.


    "But there is a problem."


    Of course there is, Jin thought. If the resources were easily available, the originals would not have emigrated.


    "The second planet has an unusually high concentration of free magical element (ether) due to its proximity to the sun Celan, or even more so."


    "More than ......<>?"


    < is an agglomeration of free magical elements (ether) located at L5 in the Lagrange point of Hale.


    The free magical element (ether) that the who emigrated to Ars in the past kept sending from Ars for the sake of their compatriots who remained in Hale has accumulated in space due to the inadequacy of the receiving side.


    The concentration of free magic element (ether) is so high that normal magic devices cannot work properly.


    Now that the old man has used most of it to send Jin back 400 years ago, the is virtually non-existent.


    "Yes. And one more thing. The space is filled with of so-called , which cannot be prevented by any kind of warding."


    "Then how do you know that there are abundant resources there?"


    Jin asked the first question that came to his mind.


    "That''s a good question. This information was brought back by chance by one of the more than 200 expedition teams sent to ......."


    The rest of the expedition never returned.


    "...... is it possible for you to do that now, Jin-dono?"


    "Yes. ......"


    < doesn''t have that would be useful?


    "...... I guess we have to use <> after all."

 1604 - - 44-03 Information Gathering

    "<> or ......"


    No. 700672 made a scowl.


    "So you''re going to do something that even your <> couldn''t do."


    "To begin with, was that second planet ......<>?��The originators couldn''t have done it even if they wanted to, couldn''t they?"


    At Jin''s words, 700672 smiled thinly.


    "That''s true. I know that you can do it,...... but can I do it?��< couldn''t do?"


    "I don''t know if it''s for me to say, but I think it''s a good thing that you, 700672, are going beyond ."


    "What do you mean?��What do you mean?


    "As a parent, it''s nice to see your child surpass you. ......


    This is what the director said to me every time when I was in the facility.


    In other words, it is the duty of children to surpass their parents ......."


    He added his own interpretation and pushed the 700672 back.


    "......Huh, I see. You mean to say that ...... will praise me if I accomplish something that even couldn''t do?��Jin-dono?"


    "Yes."


    The 700672 meditated for a moment, then opened his eyes and looked at Jin.


    "Thank you, Jin-dono. Let''s give it a try. I would ...... also like to say that I would be happy if those of <> blood would ...... live in Hale, if they wish. I would be happy if they could live in Hale."


    Although the <>......<> were forced to migrate for various reasons, reviving their home planet after tens of thousands of years is also an achievement their descendants can be proud of.


    "If it becomes easier to get to and from Ars, maybe some people will try to emigrate.


    Jin thought that if that were to happen, there would be many problems, but he kept his mouth shut, saying that now was not the time to discuss such things.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After the meaningful meeting, Jin returned to Horai Island.


    "......I guess we have a lot of work to do."


    Still, just because I''m a little worried doesn''t mean I don''t like the situation.


    "First of all, I need to gather information about this world.


    This is what No. 700672 said to me.


    Since Jin was in a state of so-called , he decided that it would be better to start by getting acquainted with the common knowledge of this world, and he took a rest for the day.


    The next day.


    "Mr. Yumiko, first of all, I would like to know what kind of position the has in this world. At the same time, I would like to know what the world is like now.


    <<


    "I see."


    I see..." "I see..." "So, although they are neighboring countries, they are far apart, and culturally very different, so that the <> situation would not be considered too suspicious.


    "......Then, first of all, the village of Kaina, I guess. ......"


    This is what I was most concerned about.


    He could have asked the old man about the current situation, but he was somewhat reluctant to do so.


    "Your father''s has been preserved, but the warp gate has been removed.


    "Well, I guess so. ...... is preserved?


    "Yes. .


    "Really ......?"


    Jin was so excited that he wanted to hold his head in his hands.


    "...... Nido castle?"


    <


    The old man explains.


    "Yes. ......?"


    B and C> and the 102nd unit of the <> are still maintained as they were, in case you are wondering. <.


    Each of them is faithfully fulfilling the role they played 400 years ago.


    "I see. I see. ...... Then I ask you, what about <>?"


    <


    Yes, I''m still working. However, it has been peaceful for a while now, so I don''t have much to do.


    Kaina Village is a and is recognized throughout the world, so the < did not bother them too much.


    "That''s good to know."


    Jin was honestly glad that the village of Kaina, which he recognized as his second home, was peaceful.


    "Okay, let''s go to the village of Kaina first.


    Jin decided.


    "Father, how would you like us to get there?"


    When Reiko asked him about it, Jin replied,


    "Oh, I see."


    < is too conspicuous.


    "What is a reasonable means of transportation that an individual should have nowadays?


    The old man answered.


    "Is that it? ......"


    In short, it''s the Ars version of ......, or rather the magical version of a motor paraglider.


    During my travels with Rhodes, I''ve seen several different types.


    The shallow dish-shaped air sacs (wings) are propelled by wind magic wind, and the propulsion is provided by wind thrusters. That''s all there is to it.


    Jin had a lot of room for his own originality and ingenuity.


    "Just using subterranean spider silk (GSS) for the air sacs would make it much more reliable," he said.


    In addition, the framework is made of 64 light silver, and the propulsion system uses a magical jet propulsion engine (magijet engine) instead of a wind magic propulsion system (wind thruster).


    Furthermore, we thought that if we used a wind-shield, we could increase the speed by a factor of five or so.


    "Let''s get to work on it!


    Jin is about to go to the workshop for the first time in a long while to make a . His gait reflected his excited mind.


    "Let''s say there are six people on board."


    The reason for this is to make Jin, Reiko, and the pilot hopeful.


    In addition, we will have room for three more.


    The size will be ...... umm ......"


    I don''t have any data for this project since it is my first time to make it. But I still manage to make it, as I am a .


    "I''ll just multiply the Rhodes one by 1.5."


    Since that prototype had a four-person capacity, the output of the engine and the area of the air sacs should have been doubled, but that was not the case. We will cover this by increasing the output of the engines and reducing the weight of the fuselage.


    In addition, a is installed for emergency use to prevent a crash.


    Furthermore, a warp gate can be installed for escape.


    "Oh, we should also carry a gravity-controlled magic device.


    The specs of the blow floaters are already looking like a blow floater, but that''s what Jin does.


    Neither the old man nor Reiko said anything. No, Reiko and others are actively bringing materials to the site.


    In case you are wondering, there are more materials in Horai Island now than there were 400 years ago ...... or <> when Jin was there.


    It is said that they purchased it with the increasing amount of assets.


    It''s because Ars is a treasure trove of resources.


    "Did my descendants not use much?"


    Or did they have more material than they used?


    "Well, the inventory of Persica and Citran and the like is growing. So we can sell those things."


    The old man later told me that fruits from Horai Island were sold at a very high price.


    The reason for the past tense is because they stopped shipping since the rise of the .


    "Well, never mind. Let''s start with this one."


    Jin was happy as he assembled the blow floaters.

 1605 - - 44-04 Accompanying the Road

    The completed blow floater was immediately test flown by Hope.


    "Well, it''s not quite there yet," he said.


    Jin, who was checking its light flight with the naked eye and the , let out a small complaint.


    "Father, what is it?"


    "It''s the shape of the wing or the air sac.


    The circular shape makes it stable, but it is not straight.


    "Unless you want to fold it up, it''s a vertical ...... tail wing ...... tail wing, isn''t it? A fuselage?��Let''s try to put it in."


    After landing, Jin immediately modifies the blow floater.


    "This way, it''s not an air sac anymore, but a wing.


    A circular ...... shape, yes, with a shallow dish turned upside down and a fuselage running through the center. It also increases the strength of the wing, so it kills two birds with one stone.


    I thought about making a triangular wing, but I thought it would stand out too much from the original shape, so I decided against it.


    "It looks like an old pot lid.


    Jin, who was influenced by the Director''s love of historical dramas, thought, "It looks like a pot lid that would have been used by Tsukahara Bokuden or something like that.


    A quiet word.


    The modified blow-floater soared into the sky again.


    "Oh, it looks good this time.


    It is obvious that the straight line stability has been improved.


    "It may not be as maneuverable as it used to be, but it''s still ......."


    I''m not too worried about that since the pilot is Hope.


    If it were a human, I''d have a heck of a time controlling the plane during landing.


    Also, folding is no longer a consideration.


    "Now it''s just a matter of comfort and overall balance.


    We''ve already taken care of that.


    The strength of the car has been reviewed and reinforced, resulting in a lighter weight.


    Considering the shape of the seat and the visibility of the cockpit, part of the <> were made of transparent material to ensure upward visibility.


    Finally, Hitoshi and Reiko got on board to check it out.


    "Oh, it''s a comfortable ride."


    Rhodes'' model was a portable type that folds up, while this one is a stationary type.


    It is not surprising since the basic performance is different.


    "I''ll make about 10 of the same model and send them to Zion.


    Jin thought that it would be easier to make the excuse that it was the latest model of the Nordic Federation.


    Of course, it does not have a warp gate and a force field generator, but it still has sufficient performance.


    The day we built 10 more machines, we decided to make a new one.


    The day ends with the production of 10 more machines.


    We decided to go to the Nordic Federation the next day.


    "Ah, it''s a nice hot spring.


    A hot spring is the only way to wash away the fatigue of the day, says Jin.


    "......, but if your whole body is made of <>, you shouldn''t have any physical or chemical abnormalities, right?


    Except for the mental ones," Jin says, renewing his awareness of his own body.


    "But I do get tired, don''t I?


    Lactic acid builds up, I guess, because the magic atom is stable and works no differently from a normal atom.


    Father, let me wash your back.


    "Oh, thank you."


    And so the day of many events came to an end.


    * * * *


    October 3rd.


    After breakfast, Jin slowly began to get ready for the day. Of course, he prepared to go to the Nordic Federation. It was the first time since the day before yesterday.


    Ten new wind-powered blow floaters (blow floaters), Sky 11 to 20, are on board.


    After the handover, they will return by the warp gate on board Jin''s blow floaters.


    The eleven blow floaters flew at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour.


    "Yes, even without the use of wings, this speed is stable enough.


    The increased wing loading seems to have made the aircraft more resistant to wind.


    Since Zion had been notified in advance, the clan territory of <> launched a blow floater to greet Jin and the others as they approached.


    Welcome, my friends!


    Led by the blow floaters, Jin and his 11 aircraft landed at the airfield without difficulty.


    "Jin!"


    "Master Gin!"


    Theon and Marikka greet us.


    "Wow, you have created something amazing!


    Marikka was impressed by Jin''s blow floater.


    "The maneuvering method is the same. But I''m not so good at small turns. But it''s faster.


    Jin briefly explained the precautions to be taken.


    Meanwhile, Skye and the others returned through the warp gate. Zion and Marikka know what''s going on, so there''s no problem.


    Rhodes and Vita came running in.


    Jin-san!


    Jin-sama!"


    It seems that Rhodes and Vita have decided to call him and , respectively.


    "Is this a blow floater made by ...... Jin-san?"


    "Yes. "Yes. I''m going to give you these 10 blow floaters as a gift for all the help you''ve given me.


    "Wow, that''s amazing!��I want to ride on one!


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin!"


    Zion explained the situation to the assembled clansmen and handed them over to the appropriate personnel.


    Vita, on the other hand, was eager to get on the boat.


    "Great-grandmother, please give me a ride just once!


    At her entreaties, Zion relented. So Zion said,


    "......You''re such a good girl. ......Lo, take a ride on this plane for a test drive."


    And Rhodes gave his permission.


    "Are you sure?"


    "Thank you, Grandma!"


    Zion was sweet on his granddaughter.


    She was so sweet to her granddaughter.


    "Wow, that''s great!��It''s much faster than the last one!


    "It''s very stable. ...... It''s not very stable, but it''s only a little. Good stability is important for flying ......."


    Vita and Rhodes each had their own honest opinion.


    "...... Well, first we need to gather information. That''s why we''re going to the village of Kaina. That''s good, isn''t it?"


    Looking up at the blow floaters that Rhodes was piloting, Jin told Zion about his plan.


    "Then I''ll put Law on as a guide. I think it will be more convenient in many ways.


    "Are you sure?��It would be a big help to me.


    Zion smiled.


    "That''s all right. She said she had a great time traveling with Jin, and now I want her to experience many things, you know?


    "I understand. If he wants, I''ll ask him to join us.


    "Yes, please let me join you!"


    "Oh, I love you, brother!"


    When the two came downstairs and heard what Zion had to say, Rhodes gave his consent without hesitation, and Vita envied him.


    Thus, Jin''s companion was decided.

 1606 - - 44-05 At Nido Castle after a long time,

    Since Rhodes had decided to accompany him, Jin stayed in the clan territory of for about half a day.


    During that time, Jin asked,


    "Jin-sama, what is the meaning of this structure?"


    "Master Jin, what kind of effect are you trying to achieve with this material?


    "Master Jin, this material is not just light silver, is it?��Could it be the legendary 64 light silver?


    Marikka''s disciples were asking her many questions such as "Is this the legendary 64 light silver?


    "This is an important part for stability. That''s why ......"


    "This component helps to keep the wings from twisting. ......


    "What''s the legend?"......64Light silver is ordinary light silver with 6 percent aluminum and 4 percent vanadium.


    Jin also teaches carefully.


    "Do you know what aluminum and vanadium are?"


    "Oh, yes!


    "Yes, I do!


    I know what they are!


    "Okay, then. ......"


    Maricka saw him smiling, remembering her younger self.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Now that Rhodes was ready and lunch had been served, Jin was ready to leave.


    "Well, I''m off," he said.


    "Grandmother, Marikka-sama, I''m off!"


    Bye.


    Take care of yourselves, you two.


    Jin''s blow-floater took off.


    It is about 300 kilometers to the village of Kaina. The blow float plane, which flies at 200 kilometers per hour, will take one and a half hours to reach the village.


    During this time, Jin was asked many questions by Rhodes.


    "Why didn''t you return 400 years ago?"


    Jin could not answer this question correctly.


    Perhaps the other Jin had returned, but there was no way to prove it.


    So, as a hypothesis, <>.


    "......"


    Was he satisfied or did he not understand?


    Rhodes remained lost in thought for the rest of the day until the blow floaters crossed the Pazdekst isthmus and the village of Kaina came into view.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Ah, that''s the village of Kaina. ......"


    Jin''s eyes caught a glimpse of the old scenery.


    Not much has changed. The number of houses has increased a little, and the area of fields has also increased a little.


    "Land in the front yard of Nido Castle, please.


    Jin instructs Hope, the pilot, to land in the front yard of Nido Castle.


    Since Nido Castle also serves as a lodging facility for travelers from outside the castle, the old man asks the castle''s administrators, B and C, and the Golem Maid of Unit 102, Goshiki. B and C, and <> of unit 102.


    Perhaps these visitors are rare, but the children of the village are chasing after the blow floaters as they fly low for landing, pointing at them.


    Jin looks for Hannah among them.


    "Master, welcome to the village of Kaina.


    When the blow-floater landed in the front yard of the castle, Butler B came out to greet him.


    "Thank you for all your hard work over the years. Keep up the good work."


    "Yes, Master."


    To Butler B, Jin tells him.


    "For the time being, call me by my name in public."


    I understand, Master Jin.


    Tell the other members to do the same.


    Yes, Master Jin.


    Leaving Butler B in charge of the blow floaters, Jin, Reiko, Hope, and Rhodes headed for Nido Castle.


    "Not much has changed.


    Not much has changed from the Nido Castle that Jin knew.


    Jin himself probably did not do much to the castle himself 400 years ago, and although it may have deteriorated over the past 400 years, regular maintenance has made it almost unrecognizable, There may have been some deterioration over the past 400 years, but due to regular maintenance, it was barely noticeable even to Jin''s eyes.


    "Yes. Basically, we were instructed to maintain the building in its present condition.


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    As for Jin, he does not like to see his familiar place being redecorated so often.


    With this thought in mind, he enters the building. Of course, he takes off his shoes.


    Rhodes knows what he''s doing and takes off his shoes before Butler tells him to do so. Not to mention Reiko.


    And Hope, after applying a engineering spell to her feet, put on the slippers provided.


    As a side note, most of Jin''s golems do this. The exception is the golem maids. The exception is the golem maids, because they wear clothes and shoes.


    "Ah, there''s a little more stuff..."


    Jin goes to the 5th floor apartment.


    The golem maids had worked hard to clean the room so that there was not a speck of dust.


    On the bookshelf were about 10 books that he had never seen before.


    They were made of wooden paper, and each book had about 100 pages. The front, back, and spine covers are made of leather.


    Jin casually pulled out one of the books and opened it.


    "An album?"


    It was indeed an album. And what''s more, it was an album.


    "Elsa ...... Hannah ......"


    Pictures of people I had missed.


    "Reinhardt......Berce......Saki......Licia......Marcia ......"


    There were a lot of photos taken in the village of Kaina.


    And.


    "Is this ......?"


    Elsa and Jin holding a small baby.


    "Is this ...... my ...... child?"


    Then.


    "Oh ...... is it ......?"


    A single tear fell from Jin''s eye.


    He had thought he had no regrets, and in fact, he had no desire to go back to the past.


    However, such feelings and nostalgia were two different things.


    "Elsa ...... looks so happy."


    Erza smiles next to Jin. Jin, who was standing next to her, was also smiling.


    "I guess I ...... was happy, too."


    When I think of this, I can feel a warmth spreading inside my chest.


    It is a proof that I was alive in that time. Proof that I was happy.


    "I see, you were happy. Then ...... is good."


    There must be a similar album in the study of the institute, though I haven''t checked it yet.


    When he gets settled down, Jin thought he would check it out.


    Perhaps there might be a video or audio recording of the event. Jin chuckled at the thought that it was him.

 1607 - - 44-06 In Kaina Village after a long time,

    After looking at the nostalgic album, Jin picks up another book and opens it.


    It was Jin''s production notes.


    "...... Hmmm, let''s not open it unless we need it."


    Jin thinks that he doesn''t need a small cup to enjoy making things.


    Other books, he finds, are the latest editions of maps or documents summarizing the situation in various countries.


    However, there was one book in particular that caught Jin''s attention.


    Jin looks through the book slowly. His face was colored with astonishment.


    "......Why ......?"


    What surprised Jin was the report on the research of the magical tool, the prototype of the <>.


    "It must have been written by the old me, because the ...... characters are definitely my own."


    Jin thought that it must be somewhere between 400 and 300 years ago, and opened the back cover.


    "Oh, there it is."


    He thought that he would have made sure to write the inscription on the back of the book.


    "June 10, 3506. ......?"


    Jin was 70 years old at that time.


    "Hmmm... ......."


    I look at the contents again.


    "Oh ......?"


    On the first page, there was a scribble <>.


    "Possibilities of knowledge transfer (transinfo) ......."


    A little further reading reveals that <> is a useful magic, but it is regrettable that it cannot be used by everyone.


    Therefore, it is suggested that it might be possible to make it more generally usable, and to do so, it might be a good idea to temporarily imitate the wavelength of magic.


    "Perhaps Golbert Malkitas used this as a reference to complete the .


    Such was Jin''s speculation.


    <Jin, the Jin speculated that the idea of the <> may have been based on the effective use of knowledge transfer (trans-info).


    However, there is no way to be sure.


    "But it would be ironic if that were the case. ......"


    What you develop for the best of your intentions ends up causing you pain. Jin chuckled at the irony of it all.


    Then.


    "Mr. Jin, Mr. Rhodes is waiting for you.


    Butler C called out, "Mr. Jin, Mr. Rhodes is waiting for you.


    In case you are wondering, I have instructed the butler and the golem maids not to call me in public.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right."


    I got carried away, but now Jin had a companion.


    Reiko and Hope would wait for Jin as long as he wanted, but it would be a shame to keep Rhodes waiting too long.


    Jin hurried downstairs.


    "Sorry. Did I keep you waiting?"


    Jin scratched his head and apologized.


    "No, not at all. It''s been a long time, and I''m sure Jin-san missed you."


    "Thanks for the ......."


    Rhodes was grateful for the consideration, so Jin thanked him frankly.


    "Well, let''s check out the village."


    There was still a lot of time before the evening. Jin wanted to look around the village of Kaina for the first time in a long time, or rather after 400 years.


    "In that case, I will show you around.


    Butler C offered. He said that he had been offering this kind of service to his rare visitors.


    "Okay. Thank you very much.


    Thank you very much.


    This is the Erme River.


    The Erme River flows by Nido Castle. In the spring, the riverbank is a place for gathering wild vegetables, and in the summer, it seems to be a place for playing in the water.


    It is a playground for the children of the village, and the collection of "Magi Sand" is said to be still carried out today.


    Jin fondly remembered Kurt, Mario, Patty, Jesse, and the other children he used to play with.


    From there, they continue north along a well-trodden path.


    The shelter is still standing. It has not been used for the past 400 years.


    We should be glad that it has not been used, since it is an emergency facility.


    "You have a shelter. You are a very well prepared village."


    Rhodes was impressed.


    The inside of the village reminded him of the old days.


    "Ah, it''s so nice, isn''t it?


    Jin''s eyes were moistened at the sight of the village of Kaina, which had not changed much in 400 years.


    "Father, there is a well."


    Reiko pointed in the direction of a well with a roof, to which a pump was attached.


    "Heh ...... which one ...... is it?"


    "Father, what''s wrong?"


    "This ...... is the pump I made."


    This is one of the first pumps Jin built in the village of Kaina. He was pleased and surprised to find it still in use.


    "We regularly do and other maintenance work on it, so it can still be used.


    "I see."


    Since it is the piston gaskets that wear out, it is only a matter of replacing them. The sliding parts are repaired by to prevent wear, or by adding material by when worn out.


    "The maker''s heart is in the right place."


    Again, Jin''s eyes were burning.


    "This is the village headman''s house.


    The place that used to be Guy Beck''s house is now the village headman''s house.


    The current village headman is a man named Geissack.


    Jin walked onward while listening to Butler C''s story, and finally arrived at the place.


    "This is the workshop of the .


    "...... Wow."


    The surrounding area is surrounded by hedges, and it is easy to see that it has been preserved as a memorial museum. In addition, the Martha House is included in the site.


    It is said that Martha was the and benefactor of the Magecraft Meister in the village of Kaina.


    Jin is struck with an indescribable emotion at Butler C''s explanation.


    "Mr. Martha ...... Hannah ......."


    For some reason, he remembers Hannah''s smile. It has long since been lost in the distant past.


    "...... is the one who is left behind, after all.


    Those who are left behind are lonelier than those who are going away. Jin thought he had heard these words sometime before.


    Rhodes was a little away from Jin without saying a word, looking out for him. Of course, Reiko and Hope, too.


    From outside the hedge, Jin looked at the old workshop for a while, but then turned on his heel.


    He changed his mind and resumed his tour of the village.


    "That''s the snow room over there," he said.


    "Oh, you''ve added more rooms?"


    "Yes. We have built another one just like it so that we can cool not only food but also drinks.


    It was done with no money and only ...... effort, Butler C said.


    We passed by a hot spring.


    "It''s the oldest hot spring in the city."


    The design of the building was almost the same as the one when Jin built it, although it had been rebuilt as expected.


    The place where Eric''s store was located was a small supermarket-like store, selling a variety of goods including daily necessities, food, clothing, and magic tools.


    Next was an orchard.


    The most common type of fruit is april due to the climate, but about 20% of the orchards are planted with kemelia trees, and the seeds are harvested and pressed to make kemelia oil.


    In addition, although not a fruit tree, the <, or as it is called in the Shoro Kingdom, is also planted and marketed under the name of <.


    The tea is said to be good for one''s health, and has been selling like hotcakes recently.


    Adjacent to the orchard is a regular field.


    Wheat, barley, leafy vegetables, beans, potatoes, corn, etc. were planted.


    The leaves of beans, potatoes, and corn were beginning to wither, reminding us of the changing seasons.


    The faces of the people working in the orchards and fields were full of healthy smiles, indicating that life in this village is easy to live.


    Jin was moved by the fact that the village of Kaina is still as peaceful as ever.


    A golem cat crossed Jin''s path.


    "Oh, is that ......?"


    Yes, it was built by Jin-sama a long time ago. It has been regularly serviced so that not a single unit is missing. They protect our crops from rats and other small vermin. In his spare time, he is also a playmate for the children of the village.


    Then we went to the north of the village.


    This is a pasture where horses, pigs, and cattle are kept.


    "Pigs came to Kogun from Mitsho about 350 years ago, and we started raising them in this village about 300 years ago," he said.


    "I see."


    "Nowadays, smoked pigs are a specialty of the village. The aroma of the query is very popular.


    I was honestly happy to hear that the smoked meat Jin had taught them had become a local specialty.


    Finally, Jin took Reiko alone to the cemetery in the northwest of the village.


    Surrounded by coniferous trees and lined with simple tombstones, it was a particularly quiet place in the village of Kaina.


    Jin and Reiko stop at one corner.


    "......"


    Jin silently puts his hands together.


    Reiko offers him a flower she picked from the field.


    The two of them stand there in silence throughout the scene.

 1608 - - 44-07 In Toka Village after a long time,

    The sun was setting and the wind was getting colder, so Jin and Reiko decided to return to Nido Castle.


    "Oh, you have a visitor?"


    "Oh, are you a visitor?" "This is very unusual. Please take your time in this empty village.


    Villagers who had finished working in the fields saw Jin and Reiko and greeted them in a friendly manner.


    This reminded Hitoshi of the old days, and he felt a twinge in the back of his nose.


    (I tried not to talk to them because of this.)


    Jin''s intention was defeated by the friendliness of the villagers. However, it was accompanied by a little sadness and a great comfort.


    At Nido Castle, the five-colored golem maids in charge of the castle were working hard.


    At Jin''s request, they prepared a dish typical of the village of Kaina, using local ingredients.


    Bread, barley porridge, vegetable and bacon soup, tempura of wild vegetables, and grilled river fish.


    The taste is nostalgic for Jin.


    "It''s quite delicious. Especially these wild vegetables.


    Rhodes'' palate seemed to be satisfied as well, and both of them enjoyed the dinner.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    That night, Jin stayed in his own bedroom.


    A nostalgic room. The bedding. Jin slept soundly. He felt as if he had dreamed something, but when he woke up, he had forgotten it.


    The next day, the 3rd, he woke up early and went up to the 6th floor. The weather was clear.


    The air is clear and you can see far into the distance on this autumn morning.


    "Ah, this is a view I''ve always wanted to see.


    There is a high mountain in the far north. Beyond them is the Pazdekst isthmus and the Nord Fjord.


    The sky to the east is reddish, and the sun is just about to rise.


    To the west, the coniferous forests were colored red in the morning sun and stretched as far as the eye could see.


    To the south, the surface of the Herme River glows, and beyond it is the Togo Pass and the village of Toka (......).


    Jin watched the village of Kaina in the morning light for a while.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Rhodes woke up and we had breakfast.


    Toast, bacon and eggs, vegetable salad, citran juice.


    This is about right for Jin, but Rhodes seemed to be a little short, so he had more bacon and eggs.


    "What would you like to do today?"


    Rhodes asks over a cup of after-dinner tea (teh-eh).


    "Well, let''s stop by ...... the neighboring village of Toka, and then go to the capital of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "The capital is Alban, isn''t it? I believe there is a big airport there.


    Rhodes explains.


    Yes, that''s right. There is an airport to the south of Alban.


    Butler B confirms this.


    "Okay, let''s do that.


    Having decided on a course of action, Jin and the others leave Nido Castle slowly.


    "Please come again."


    Jin''s blow-floater slowly soars into the sky, escorted by Battlers B and C and the five colored golem maids.


    "Father, why don''t you give this Blow Floater a name?


    Reiko said to me during the flight.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Reiko was the kind of person who always gave a name to her beloved aircraft.


    "Hmmm............let''s name it then."


    It means a pigeon in German.


    Jin may have thought it appropriate for this plane that flies so slowly, but pigeons fly surprisingly fast.


    In pigeon races, pigeons have flown more than 1,000 kilometers and returned home at an average speed of more than 70 kilometers per hour and a top speed of more than 150 kilometers per hour. The maximum speed is said to be over 150 kilometers per hour.


    Aside from that, when Jin landed at Toka village, he immediately used engineering magic to write <> on the plane.


    "...... and this is Toka village."


    The village looked even older than the village of Kaina.


    "Oh, are you our guests?


    A voice came from behind Jin and the others. It was a man of about 30 years old with a sturdy build.


    "My name is Yuzo Mayaka, the village chief.


    He was, indeed, the village head.


    "Well, I am Jin. This is Reiko. This is Hope.


    I''m Rhodes.


    Oh, you''re with the golem. How can I help you?


    "No, we stopped by on our way from the Nordic Federation to the Kingdom of Klein.


    Rhodes gives the explanation he has decided upon.


    "I see. So this is an intermediate landing. Well then, have a good trip.


    It seemed that he had only come to see his visitor, Jin thought. But...


    "...... can''t be too careful, that village chief."


    Reiko said.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Yes, Father. He was very alert in his movements, and when he approached you there was hardly a footstep or sign of him, was there not?


    "Yes, that reminds me."


    Reiko had noticed it from the beginning, though.


    "Well, let''s take a look around the village.


    Jin said, and Rhodes nodded. Reiko and Hope were in no doubt.


    "Master Jin, I am here to see ."


    Hope said she would stay at the airfield.


    "Well, then, please."


    <, Jin, Rhodes, and Reiko went to explore the village of Toka.


    "It hasn''t changed much more than the village of Kaina," was Jin''s impression.


    Jin commented. Reiko, however, is different.


    "Father, it seems not so much. There are magic tools hidden here and there.


    "Magic tools?��What do they do?


    Wait a minute.��...... is mostly a recording device.


    Reiko''s built-in peepers have revealed that more than 90% of them are recording devices.


    Jin thought that it might be a surveillance camera ...... like a drive recorder.


    Since he didn''t know the purpose of the cameras, Jin wanted to avoid being recorded as much as possible, and after thinking for a while, he came up with <>.


    In other words, jamming the recordings with magic power.


    The method is simple. A very weak <> is enough.


    The smaller the size of the magic eye for observation, the smaller the output and the worse the quality of the image.


    It is like the resolution of a digital camera.


    If noise is added to it, the quality of the image will no longer be good enough to distinguish between objects.


    The magic jammer is designed to dissipate the magic power during chanting, but it is not limited to the time of chanting.


    Reiko''s built-in Magijammer is discharged in all directions at minimum output while Jin and the others look around the village of Toka.

 1609 - - 44-08 Village Mayor

    Toka village seemed somewhat deserted after a long time.


    I asked Reiko about it,


    "It was lively when Licia was the lord, but when the next two lords took over, the drought continued for two years, and the village declined because of the mishandling of the situation.


    I see.


    I see.


    "One more thing, the surveillance equipment mentioned earlier may have been installed in the neighboring village of Kaina."


    The League of Magic?


    Yes.


    It seems that the League of Magic has deep roots in many countries.


    "So we should be careful in the city."


    Yes, that''s right.


    However, there is no information about Jin himself. He died about 300 years ago.


    "Shall we go to the Kingdom of Klein now?


    "Yes..."


    Jin and the others returned to the airfield. Then...


    May I have a word?


    The village head, Yuzo Mayaka, approached them.


    "Yes, what is it?"


    Jin answers, a little defensive.


    "No, of course, but the blow floaters that you were riding on were so wonderful that I was wondering if you could help me.


    "Thank you very much."


    Is this from the north?


    "Yes, it is."


    Now Rhodes answered.


    "It is the latest model of the Nordic Federation. There are only about ten of them, and they are very rare.


    "Well, that''s very good."


    It seems that the village head was an enthusiast of these flying machines.


    "Recently, there have been more and more of them. I have heard rumors that new models are being developed in various countries, but they are just rumors. I have never seen one in person. But this one!"


    The village headman points to the tauve.


    "I saw it coming down. It''s so stable!��I''m sure there are other new innovations in the works. ......"


    Yuzo Mayaka was not so sure, saying, "That''s classified.


    Jin and the others, though wary of the situation, made a short detour to the village headman''s house.


    The village head''s house was near the airport.


    They were served . After Reiko tastes it, Jin takes a sip. It was quite tasty, Jin thought.


    I have always loved flying magi-machines.


    The village head smiled, his eyes shining like a boy''s. "When I was young, I went to the royal capital.


    "When I was young, I once went to King''s Landing to become a member of the Flying Knights ......<> or <>," he said.


    But he couldn''t make it, and was sent to the Intelligence Corps. After a year, his dreams were dashed, and he came back to this village and is now the village head.


    Jin, Rhodes, and Reiko were convinced that there was a reason for his unique gait.


    "I envy you, Nord Federation. I hear that magical engineering is advanced there.


    "No, not so much."


    No, not so much. - No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Marikka workshop, is it not?��I''ve heard that their products are in demand all over the world.


    Marikka Studio. I never thought I would hear that name here. I was so happy as if it were my own.


    "Thank you very much for your compliments on ......."


    Rhodes does not seem to feel bad.


    "You said you were going to King''s Landing. Is there something urgent?


    "No, it''s nothing important. I''m here to see the sights, I suppose.


    I see. From what I hear, the culture here is different from that of Laurent''s continent.


    "That''s what I''ve heard."


    Jin was impressed by the fact that the village chief seemed to be quite knowledgeable about the situation in each country.


    So Jin decided to learn a little more about the situation.


    You said the capital is Alban, right? Do you have any recommendations for places to stay or places I should see?


    "Yes. ...... I don''t know if you like it or not, but if you are looking for a place to stay, the in the eastern part of the capital seems to have a good reputation.


    "The Red Brick Pavilion. I''ll keep that in mind.


    "...... And by the way, you should visit the state-run factory in the north of King''s Landing. The public should be able to visit.


    What do they do there?


    I believe they make nearly half of all the magic tools sold in the country.


    I see. That''s interesting. The only other one is ......."


    Yuzo Mayaka was surprisingly well-informed.


    Jin and his colleagues were able to obtain a lot of information about Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein.


    This was a happy miscalculation, since their knowledge of Rhodes was about five years old.


    And then.


    "It''s just that the <> is very noisy.


    It seems that one of the reasons for the slow progress in the development of the flying machine is the interference from the Federation of Magical Societies.


    According to them, the <> distort the true nature of magic.


    "They say so, but they seem to be using magic tools themselves.


    In short, a double standard.


    In spite of this, they have gained a certain amount of support.


    As for Jin, this information seemed to be more useful.


    Thank you very much.


    Thank you for the food.


    Thank you very much for the food.


    The conversation went on longer than expected, and Jin and the others were even treated to lunch.


    "No, we don''t have any problem with that.


    It was now around midnight, and Jin and his group decided to go to Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, as planned.


    "......By the way, by the way, did you know that the village chief has installed surveillance grimoires here and there in this village?"


    The village chief reacted to Jin''s words, who had declared a bomb because he was leaving, though not as a reward for a stopover.


    "What?


    Yuzo literally jumped up and down in surprise, and Jin thought, "I didn''t know about this. His surprise did not seem to be an act.


    "Where, where?


    Surprised by his fierceness, Jin pointed to a familiar place.


    In other words, at the entrance of the village headman''s house.


    "Here!


    Yuzo brought out a hoe from somewhere and started digging there. After digging for 50 centimeters, he found a magi crystal.


    "Is this it? ......!"


    The village head stared at the Magi Crystal with such force that he almost squeezed it.


    "...... who the hell are you!


    If it wasn''t the village chief, I would have wondered who had installed the magical device for surveillance. .......


    "It looks like a recording device, so I''m sure someone will come to collect it."


    Jin gave a little advice.

 1610 - - 44-09 At Toka Village Mayors house

    Wait a minute!


    Jin and the others were stopped by Yuzo Mayaka, the chief of Toka Village.


    "Excuse me, do you have any other surveillance devices like this?"


    "Yes.��Yes, well, ......."


    There are at least ten places that Hitoshi and the others have noticed. If we search properly, we might find twice that many.


    If you could, could you tell us where they are?


    "Well, ......."


    Jin thought about it.


    "What should we do?"


    Then he asked Rhodes and Reiko''s opinion.


    "Well, it''s not like we''re going to ...... go to Alban today. ......"


    Rhodes said he would be willing to help.


    Reiko did the same,


    "Toka is a neighboring village of Kaina. We should help them a little.


    She said.


    "Yes, okay."


    Jin himself was curious to know who had installed the surveillance equipment, so he nodded his head.


    "Okay. I will cooperate with you for the rest of the day.


    Yuzo Mayaka was pleased to hear this.


    "Thank you!��Please stay at my house today.


    Now there would be no problem to stay overnight.


    I will take care of the plane.


    "Thank you very much."


    The chief of the village let us stay in his hangar. Free of charge, of course.


    Now Hope could follow Jin and the others.


    Now, please tell me where it is.


    I know where it is.


    The light post at the airfield, the attic of the well, the base of the fence at the ranch.


    At the entrance to the road, in the middle of a crossroads, a monument on the outskirts of the village.


    Soldiers'' camps, under the eaves of stores, in the yard of inns.


    They were scattered all over the village.


    "......This is a total joke!"


    The village chief, Yuzo, is furious. Looking at him, it was easy to imagine that he had nothing to do with this magical tool of surveillance.


    If this were an act, it would have won an Oscar, Jin says with a strange admiration.


    In the end, he found 21 magical tools in the whole village.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, thank you very much!


    That night, a small party was held at the village chief''s house.


    "But I heard that many people in the Nordic Federation are skilled in magic.


    "Yes, well..."


    Jin was a little relieved when he wondered how he had been able to find the magic tools of surveillance and how he should explain it.


    "I checked a couple of them, and it looks like they were installed about 30 years ago," Rhodes explains.


    Rhodes explained.


    "That long ago? Before I became mayor. But who in the world would have ......?"


    "I don''t know. But if we haven''t recovered it in 30 years, that someone has either forgotten about it or is no longer in the world. ......


    < did this, we can''t be sure.


    "I''m totally displeased as a village chief."


    With these words, Yuzo offers Jin a glass of red wine.


    "We have recently started making this wine in the village. This is three years old. I would like to know what you think of it.


    Jin suddenly remembered his friend Reinhardt, who used to be a wine connoisseur.


    He tasted the red wine that had been poured, wondering what he would say.


    "Yes, it''s delicious.


    That was the first thing that came out of his mouth.


    "It also seems to have a good balance of acidity and astringency.


    So I added my impression.


    It is impossible for me to give a detailed critique, but I have tasted many wines in the past, so I am capable of giving my opinion on whether a wine is good or bad, plus a few other comments.


    Then, a middle-aged servant brought the dishes.


    When I asked, I was told that Yuzo Mayaka was single and that there were only two servants in the house.


    "......What was it like in the old days in Toka village?"


    Jin asked, curious about what was going on.


    "In the past, you mean. It seems that ...... this village has always been like this.


    Yuzo''s father was from this village and his mother from the neighboring village of Lac Noh.


    "The neighboring village of Kaina was once under the direct rule of a great man named Magecraft Meister, and it is still not part of the Klein Kingdom.


    "......Ho."


    Jin took a sip of wine and nodded.


    "The village of Kaina has developed in many ways, but the way of life has hardly changed at all. From my point of view, it seems to be a village of slightly different people.


    Yuzo laughed.


    "......Oh, yes, yes. Now we are talking about this village. Well, we don''t have any special products of note. In the past there was a dish called , but it has become more common now, and the larger cities produce better food.


    "I see, I see."


    "Kemeria oil is one of the financial resources of the village, even if it is not a specialty.


    It is used as hair oil and cutlery oil.


    "In any case, it is a small village in the mountains and there are no underground resources.


    "It''s difficult."


    The village is self-sufficient in food, but many daily necessities have to be purchased from outside the village, and that requires money.


    "Do the peddlers come?"


    Jin asked, remembering the old Roland.


    "Yes. "Yes, once a month. Sometimes Eric''s shop in the village of Kaina has a better selection.


    "I see.


    Jin regretted a little that he had not looked there carefully.


    "I wish I had a little more means to earn money," he said. ......Ah, this is a complaint. This is not for customers to hear. Forget it."


    A slightly drunken, red-faced Yuzo Mayaka smiled shyly.


    "What about the hot springs?"


    I remember digging my own hot spring a long time ago. Jin wondered if that was not enough to invite people.


    "Hot springs?��I heard that it stopped running...... long time ago. ...... No, there is a record of it in the village records."


    "No, there is a record of it in the village.


    The source may have been too small, or there may have been some underground fluctuation. I am not sure, but it seems that the hot spring is no longer running in Toka village now.


    "Hmmm ......"


    This village of Toka was once the domain of the <, Lycia.


    Seeing the young chief, Yuzo Mayaka, struggling, Jin wanted to help him a little.


    Community development.


    Jin began to think about what he could do in this Toka village.

 1611 - - 44-10 Its been a long time since I played in Alban.

    "Regional Revitalization (�������d(���������󤳤�) or ......"


    Regional revitalization, also called town revitalization or village revitalization.


    "Agriculture, mining, and tourism should be considered first."


    As for agricultural products, there is Kemeria oil, but it does not look very promising. This is because the area of arable land is small to begin with.


    Mining is also unlikely.


    The underground resources in Toka Village were mostly mined out about 200 years ago.


    Of course, if you go deeper than 1,000 meters below the ground, you will find something, but it is not realistic to revitalize the village.


    "Sightseeing is also ...... good."


    The scenery is not particularly nice.


    The hot spring had stopped running. It is possible to dig it up again, but if it does not run, that is the end of it.


    Unlike the village of Kaina, there is no source of hot spring water, so this will be difficult.


    "Now all we have to do is to create a specialty product. ......"


    Yuzo looked at Jin with difficulty.


    "We don''t have good craftsmen, and most things can be made elsewhere.


    He was right. <, it will be imitated soon.


    "Hmmm ......"


    We were at a loss.


    "The only thing left is to find a specialty."


    This way, they would not be easily imitated, but it would not be so easy to find.


    He was at a standstill.


    "Then, the only other thing I can think of is something made by ...... secret technique.


    There are many techniques that cannot be deduced from the finished product ....... The question is whether there are engineers or craftsmen who can master them.


    "All the good craftsmen have left for King''s Landing, haven''t they?


    "......"


    Jin was exhausted.


    In the first place, if he could get by with just a day or so of advice, he would have no trouble at all.


    "I guess it would be agricultural products. I''d like to grow something that can be produced here and is popular.


    "Will that be the case ......?"


    Yuzo Mayaka''s shoulders slumped.


    It seems that the discussion with Jin has reaffirmed how little value this village has. Rhodes sensed this and spoke up to follow up.


    "Don''t get too discouraged, Mr. Village Chief. It took us many years to become self-sufficient in food.


    "Thank you. ......"


    "Also, it is important to train and secure human resources. How about giving them a little tax break or some other preferential treatment to reduce the exodus of human resources?


    "I see. ......"


    He could not produce any results, but after talking with Jin and the others, he seemed to be able to get a better idea of what to do.


    "And then..."


    Jin said what he had just thought of.


    "There is a large area in Toka village. How about we turn it into an airfield and eventually invite tourists for sightseeing flights?


    "Oh!


    The mayor bites his tongue.


    "At that time, the Nordic Federation can cooperate with you.


    Jin implied that he would be willing to provide a new type of flying machine.


    "That''s right. We would be very grateful if you could help us then.


    The village head was surprised again at the end, because Jin had specified the clan leader of as the contact person.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next morning, Jin and his group departed for Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, as scheduled.


    Thank you for everything you have done for us. Please come again."


    Yuzo Mayaka said, and even wrote a letter of introduction to the inn .


    "It was quite worthwhile, even though we missed our schedule by half a day," Jin said.


    Rhodes nodded his head when Jin said this.


    Yes, it was. The village chief was quite a character. I could feel how much he cares about the village.


    "But still... ......"


    Jin looks at the in his hand. He had refused the mayor''s offer and received four of them.


    "Who installed them and what is their purpose? I don''t ...... know about that."


    "Well, ...... I can only think of <> who would do such a thing, but we have no proof."


    The distance between Toka village and Alban is about 100 kilometers in a straight line, and it takes less than an hour to fly there.


    It takes less than an hour to fly between Toka village and Alban.


    "The airfield is outside the town. From there, you will take a golem carriage into town.


    I see...the method, Jin thought.


    The airfield was empty in the morning.


    The plane landed with ease. Jin decides to rent a storage room for storage.


    "This is a new model, isn''t it?


    The still-young warehouse attendant said with a twinkle in his eye. And the immigration officer,


    "You are from the Nordic Federation. Welcome to Alban. Have a nice trip.


    and welcomed us to Alban.


    The time was 8:30 am. The free golem carriages would not leave until 10:00 a.m., so we decided to take the paid transportation.


    "Let''s take that one."


    Rhodes pointed to a <, i.e. a golem-powered car.


    (This one is quite popular there, isn''t it?)


    (This one is quite popular, isn''t it?) Clearly, this was a development of something he had developed, and Jin was a little pleased.


    It seats 6 people and costs 200 Touls, which is about 2000 Japanese Yen. Considering the cab, Jin thought it was a reasonable price.


    "Please take me to the Red Brick Pavilion.


    "Yes, sir.


    When Jin told the driver where he was going, the driver started the car immediately, as the Akarenga-tei was a well-known inn.


    The distance between the airfield and Alb��n is about two kilometers. It is possible to walk there, but few people seem to do so.


    The reason for this became clear as we entered Alban.


    ��Ah, the old city walls!)


    The walls of the fortress city of Alban are about 8 meters high, and the view is quite overwhelming.


    There are guards at the gate, who strictly screen anyone who tries to enter. .......


    "All right, let''s go through."


    "Yes, let me in." "Thank you."


    Surprisingly, almost everyone who took the transportation had a free pass.


    On the other hand, those who tried to enter on foot seemed to be subjected to a standard inspection and screening process.


    (Are they getting stricter than in the past? ...... or was it like this in the past?)


    I remember the time when I visited Alban with Elsa and Hannah. , Jin recalled.


    "You can get a free pass to the Shoro Empire, the Lesser Group of Nations, and the Nordic Commonwealth.


    Rhodes explained.


    Since they are our allies, they seem to be more relaxed in this area.


    "Thank you very much.


    Jin and his group got out of the car in front of the Red Brick Pavilion.


    "Wow, it looks very austere.


    The building, literally made of red bricks, looked just like the old Western-style house that Jin remembered.


    "Let''s just check in," he said.


    "Sure."


    Rhodes went to the front desk and filled out the form on his behalf, which made things easier for Jin.


    (Come to think of it, I was taken care of by Reinhardt when I traveled to the Shoro Kingdom.)


    Jin suddenly remembers the old days.


    "I got a good room.


    Rhodes returned and called out to Jin who was lost in his memories.


    It''s at the end of the second floor, quiet and with a nice view.


    I''ll go put my luggage down.


    < has a warp gate, we can have what we need sent to us right away.


    However, since it is an absolute secret, I had brought enough baggage so that it would not look strange from the outside.


    Reiko took Jin''s baggage and Hope took Rhodes'' baggage upstairs.


    "Oh, the view is really nice."


    The window of the room overlooked the courtyard of the inn, where a beautiful pond and flower beds had been built.

 1612 - - 44-11 Walking

    The current King Klein is called <>.


    "As far as I know, he has a good reputation. He is a direct descendant of the current king.


    Jin wondered if the direct lineage meant that the line had been continued from Alois III or so.


    "I''d like to know more about that and other things. Shall we go out to the town?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    So Jin and his friends decided to go out to the town.


    They left their keys at the front desk and went outside.


    The sky was lightly overcast and the weather was just right.


    Where should we go first?


    "Well, ......."


    Rhodes searches the map in his head.


    As a side note, Rhodes, who is descended from <>, has an excellent memory. Therefore, he can memorize the outline of a map once he sees it, which is very useful for traveling. ...... is a line from Zion.


    "The nearest one is the upscale shopping district just down the road. ......"


    "Well, let''s go through."


    Jin would have liked to see some more stores that are more closely related to the daily life, but he decided to go that way anyway.


    The street was paved with cobblestones and had a sewerage system.


    "Even if it is a street lined with high-end stores, it is very well maintained.


    In this respect, I think that things have progressed since 400 years ago.


    Come to think of it, I remember that the toilets in Toka Village were clean and the sewage was properly treated.


    "It seems that sanitation is thoroughly implemented."


    "Yes, it is. I think it has spread all the way down to the countryside."


    Rhodes agreed.


    This is probably one of the factors that have increased the average life expectancy in this world. Jin felt a little proud of himself in the past.


    After passing through the high-end shopping street to the east, one comes to a residential area.


    "This is the area where the residences of knights and barons used to be.


    Jin guessed that this was the area where Lysia Faarheit and Gloria Allstadt used to live.


    However, the houses had been rebuilt and the area had been rezoned at the same time, so there were no signs of the past.


    So, I went straight through. We came out to Chuo-dori Avenue.


    A little further ahead, a large sundial can be seen.


    (Yes, it looks almost the same as it used to be.)


    It may have been repaired, but the sundial in the central square was just as Jin remembered it.


    "From the central square, it is very convenient to go anywhere in the city," Rhodes explained.


    Rhodes explained.


    "I see. Then, where should we go? ......


    The goal is to gather information. In other words, the goal is to get used to this world, so there are no concrete guidelines.


    At that moment.


    I heard a loud noise and a scream.


    "What is it?"


    Jin looked over and saw a horse-drawn carriage and a Golem car overturned, apparently a collision.


    (I think we''re getting to the stage where we need to decide the traffic classification. ......)


    Jin walked toward the overturned car with this thought in his mind.


    "Wow. ......"


    The situation where a head-on collision was supposed to have occurred.


    The hood of the Golem car was completely crushed, and the car was still in its original state.


    It appears to have crashed into the wall of a house on the side of the road, and stones are scattered around.


    As for the carriage, it seemed to be a golem horse, and the horse seemed to have taken the damage, while the carriage itself just overturned.


    Please move out of the way!


    A woman and a golem appeared through the crowd of onlookers. The woman was dressed as a knight, and the golem she was carrying also had the appearance of a knight.


    "<>, wake up the carriage and the car."


    "Yes."


    At the order of the knight, the golem called <> slowly rouses the fallen carriage.


    "Ah..."


    Jin was a little interested in the power, which was not bad for a humanoid.


    Likewise, the overturned car also manages to get up.


    The female knight then rescues the injured from the carriage and the car.


    The residents of the roadside had kindly spread blankets by the side of the road, on which a total of six people were laid down. Two of them were seriously injured and four appeared to be slightly wounded.


    "The relief knight will be here shortly.


    The female knight encouraged the injured people with these words.


    Then, another female knight with two automata arrived.


    "These two are seriously injured.


    The female knight who had been there at the time said only that and began to examine the collapsed debris.


    "Are you okay?"


    Apparently, there was a person who was caught in a fallen fence.


    The fence is a combination of stone and iron grating, and seems to be quite heavy.


    The estimated weight of the car is 500 kilograms, and the estimated weight of the carriage is 800 kilograms.


    The golem that woke them up must be powerful enough to do so.


    However, the collapsed wall seems to be made of stone with an iron core, and its weight was estimated to be 2 to 3 tons.


    The knight-type golem seemed to exert its full power, but the collapsed wall did not move at all.


    The maximum weight that a human being can lift is around 250 kilograms, based on weightlifting.


    This means that the knight golem has the power of four to five men. This would normally be more than enough power, but in this case it was not enough.


    (It could lift about one ton...) Jin guessed so.


    Jin guessed so and gave instructions to Hope.


    "Hope, go help her."


    "Yes, master."


    I changed the way I call you before we left so that you don''t call me by my name, so now Hope calls me <> too.


    "I''ll help you."


    "Oh, thank you."


    The female knight was a bit taken aback by the sudden arrival of the golem, but quickly accepted the offer of help.


    "Well, let''s try again."


    This time, she and Hope would work together.


    "Let''s go!"


    The two knights put their strength to the task at the sound of Hope''s voice.


    ......, and this time the fallen walls lifted little by little.


    "We did it!


    "We did it!"


    the knight cheered, and the spectators shouted as well.


    The wall was slowly rising.


    Underneath was a man who appeared to be a gardener.


    Fortunately, he was not crushed to pieces because of a stuck garden stone, and he crawled out of the wall by himself.


    Seeing that the man had retreated, the two golems let go of his hands.


    With a loud thud, the wreckage of the wall collapsed again, sending up a cloud of dust.


    "Are you all right?"


    By this time, the rescue knight had finished treating the six people and now came over to us.


    "......That''s all right. Bruises and abrasions. No broken bones. ......<>"


    The relief knight first washes the wounds with magically created water,


    "<>"


    and healed the wound with intermediate surgical healing magic.


    Jin saw how skillful the knight was and realized that the level of medical care had improved from before.

 1613 - - 44-12 At the Viscounts House

    The wounded were all treated without incident.


    "Sir knight, we are so grateful to you for saving our servant".


    A middle-aged lady of good appearance came out and greeted him.


    "Is this the Viscountess Charnedo?��I am Femela Lance Dixon, of the Third Order.


    "I''m sorry. My name is Jeanette Mascow. I''m a member of the Guardians of the Rescue.


    Two female knights also introduced themselves.


    And whose golem is that?


    Hope''s appearance did not seem to belong to the knight corps, so this was a natural question.


    "My master is over there."


    Hope indicated Jin and the others with her palm.


    "Well, you''ve done a wonderful job!


    The baroness seemed impressed by Hope''s response.


    "Now, would you please go and get your master?"


    "Yes, of course."


    The Viscountess Charnedo was impressed as Hope bowed and walked away. The two female knights did the same.


    "Well, what can I do for you?"


    Accompanied by Hope, Jin, Rhodes, and Reiko arrived.


    "Are you the owner of this golem? We thank you for saving our servant.


    The baroness bowed. And then..,


    "I don''t mean to thank you, but it''s lunch time and I''d like to offer you a simple lunch.


    He said to Jin and the two female knights. One of them, a female knight who introduced herself as Femela, said to Jin and the other two female knights, "No, we are not interested in lunch,


    "No, this is our role and we are still on duty, so we respectfully decline.


    She declined.


    "Well, that''s too bad. I''m ......, you''re ......, uh, ......."


    "My name is Jin Nido."


    My name is Rhodes.


    Jin and Rhodes, staring at the baroness, rushed to identify themselves.


    This is Reiko, an automata. The golem is called Hope.


    "Well, she''s adorable!"


    The baroness looked at Reiko and smiled.


    "So you are travelers, are you?��I''d like to invite you to come with us.


    "Uh, ......"


    Jin and Rhodes had a short discussion and decided that it would be rude to refuse the invitation.


    The baroness was as happy as a child when they told her.


    "Well, I''m glad. Please come this way."


    The two knights bowed and returned. A few servants came out and began to clean up the broken wall.


    The injured gardener had already been brought back to the house.


    The onlookers had also dispersed, and the only ones left were the two guards who were checking on the accident and the two female knights from earlier.


    * * * * * *


    "Welcome, my Lord Jin, my Lord Rhodes."


    At the entrance of the mansion, the baroness bowed with a beautiful curtsy. She must have been paying her respects to Jin and Rhodes.


    The lady-in-waiting stands to her right and the butler to her left.


    "My name is Foire Lasca Charnedo, wife of the Viscount Charnedo, master of this house.


    Jin Nido,...... is a magecraftsman.


    Rhodoth, <>.


    <


    Well, well, well... You both have such distinguished titles, don''t you? So you graduated from the Bachelor of Arts program at Avalon, didn''t you, Lord Rhodes?


    Yes, I am.


    At this point, Jin and the other guests were ushered into the dining room of the house, as they were not allowed to stand around talking.


    The room was furnished with simple but elegant furniture and had a relaxed atmosphere.


    "I would like to thank you once again. Thank you for saving our servant."


    The baroness thanks him again. You are a very conscientious person, Jin thought.


    "Please have a seat."


    "Excuse me."


    Jin and Rhodes sat down in the chairs as the baroness motioned them to sit down. Reiko and Hope stood behind them.


    First, a chilled glass of lemonade was brought to them. The Baroness sipped it, and Jin and Rhodes took a sip.


    The taste was pleasant, with just the right amount of acidity and sweetness.


    The baroness continues.


    "So, if you are a Magi Craftsman and a Magi Bachelor, did you, Hope and Reiko, make the djinn yourself?"


    "Yes, this djinn made it.


    Yes, this gin made it.��Jin-sama must be very skilled.


    "I''m very proud of you, sir.


    Then lunch was served.


    However, it was quite different from what Jin knew.


    First of all, the volume of the sandwich was huge. The bread between the two sandwiches was about one centimeter thick, but the filling was more than three centimeters thick.


    It reminded me of the giant hamburgers that existed in modern Japan.


    However, there is also a more convenient version for Mrs. Yamanouchi to eat. The overall thickness of the hamburger was only about two centimeters.


    "Then, please eat as much as you like.


    Bon app��tit.


    Bon app��tit.


    This is used daily in Avalon, and it seems to have gained worldwide recognition by now.


    The bread was fluffy and baked, and the sandwiches included meats such as ham and bacon, tuna-like fish sandwiches, and vegetable sandwiches with tometru (tomatoes).


    To Jin''s surprise, there was even a croquette sandwich.


    The sandwiches were piled up so high that Jin and Rhodes could not finish them.


    On the other hand, the leftover sandwiches would fit into the servants'' stomachs, so it was easy for them to eat.


    "Thank you very much for the food.


    Thank you very much.


    After the meal, a cup of Kaina tea was served. While drinking it, the baroness asked Jin


    "Do you have more time?"


    Jin sensed that there was something she wanted to talk about. Then she said,


    "Yes, I''m fine.


    She readily affirmed that she was fine. The baroness''s face lit up.


    "Yes, I''m glad. I was hoping to hear a little more about you. May I have my daughter join you?"


    "Oh, yes, please."


    Thank you. ...... please send for the girl."


    The baroness motioned to the butler who was standing behind her. The butler bowed lightly and left the dining room. About three minutes later, he returned with a girl who looked about the age of 12 years old and was in the sixth grade.


    "This is my daughter Paula. ......, this is Jin and Rhodes. They may be able to answer some of your questions.


    The girl tugs at the hem of her skirt and bows in a curtsey.


    "My name is Paula Frau Charnedo. Please call me Paula. Please call me Paula.

 1614 - - 44-13 Beginners Courses

    The girl who introduced herself as Paula Frau Charnedo was a pretty girl with bright gold fluffy curly hair.


    Jin and Rhodes came up to her and introduced Reiko and Hope.


    "Wow, what a wonderful automata!


    Paula looked at Reiko with a twinkle in her eye.


    "Paula, Gin-sama is the Magi Craftsman who made that automata, and Rhodoth-sama graduated from the Bachelor Course of Avalon.


    "Wow!��Wow! That''s amazing, both of you!


    Paula''s eyes lit up and the baroness said in a gentle voice.


    "So I''m sure she will be able to answer all your questions.


    "Yes!"


    Jin had no idea what was going on, but it seemed that this girl, Paula, had questions about something and was waiting for someone to explain them to her. Jin guessed so.


    "Well, Mister Jin, Mister Rhodes. ...... Her question is, <>I mean..."


    "What?"


    Jin couldn''t help but to stiffen. The doubt, if ...... it is, is something that comes to mind. And then...


    "Are you saying that you have doubts about the philosophy of the <>?"


    Rhodes asked straight out.


    "Yes, yes. Yes, that''s right."


    The baroness was slightly dismayed,


    "Yes, yes!��Can you tell me about it?"


    Paula looked straight at her in the affirmative.


    "Oh, um, do the two of you have any connection with the League of Magic ......?"


    The baroness asked anxiously, and Jin denied it categorically.


    "No, I don''t."


    "I see. ......"


    Seeing her obvious relief, Jin thought that the Federation of Magical Societies was influencing people more than he had expected.


    Then, Jin thinks.


    (The flow of the ...... story seems to indicate that the two of you would like the League of Magic to deny its principles.)


    (Although the flow of the story seems to indicate that the two of you want to deny the principles of the League of Magic, we cannot deny the possibility that it is just a pose, a trap to flush out those who oppose the League of Magic.


    (Well, we''ll see then...)


    Reiko is here. Jin had an idea if he was going to hand her over to the League of Magic by force.


    However, that possibility seems to be very small.


    Jin started with a safe response and decided to respond according to the reaction.


    "It''s about magic and science, isn''t it?"


    Paula nodded her head twice when Jin said this.


    "They are two different fields, but at the same time they have something in common.


    "Oh?"


    It was the baroness who responded with a puzzled look.


    "I don''t know if this is easy ...... to understand, but let me give you an example. <> and <>. They are completely different, but share the common characteristic of being <>."


    "Oh, yes, they do."


    Again the baroness responds.


    "Magic and science are the same. Both are useful. And both can hurt people depending on how they''re used."


    "Oh, ......"


    Again the voice of the baroness.


    "In other words, I don''t see much point in making a distinction, is what I''m saying.


    "I understand!"


    The cheerful voice belongs to Paula.


    Jin continues.


    "<> is actually not a special study. ...... at least at the elementary level."


    "Is that so?"


    The baroness again.


    Jin wondered if not only Paula but also the baroness might be torn between and .


    "Originally, was developed to explain things around us, you know.


    "And what do you mean by that?"


    Here Jin remembered the old days and decided to explain the introductory part of his beginner''s course on science.


    "For example, science is the answer to the question, <>.


    "That''s interesting. Please tell me."


    The baroness was becoming more and more interested.


    "I understand. What does it take for a fire to burn?


    "What does it take for a fire to burn, ...... not fuel such as firewood or oil?"


    Jin nodded once and shook his head.


    "That''s only part of it. For a ...... fire to burn, you need <>, <>, and the fuel you mentioned earlier, i.e. >."


    "Heat...... is somewhat understandable. But what is <?"


    When I explained this to him, he asked a question that most people would ask.


    "Oxygen is an element found in the air. Since this is not a formal course, I will not explain it in detail, but you can think of it as a type of air."


    "There are different kinds of air?


    "Yes, there are. There are. ...... Let''s go a little off the beaten path and try an experiment. I''m sorry, do you have any wood paper?


    Yes, I do. Please bring me about 10 sheets of ...... paper.


    The baroness had the paper brought at Jin''s request. Apparently, in this day and age, they don''t say , just .


    "Thank you."


    Jin took two of the sheets,


    "<><><>"


    He had made a paper bag with his engineering magic.


    "If you don''t mind, could you put this bag over your mouth and breathe into it?"


    "Yes, that would be great."


    The baroness put the bag over her mouth and began to breathe. The bag swelled and deflated as she breathed.


    After about a minute, Jin stopped her.


    "You are beginning to have difficulty breathing, aren''t you?"


    She nodded.


    "Yes, I think so. Why ...... is that?��Air is air. ......"


    "That''s exactly the question that science has to answer. ...... Actually, humans need oxygen to live. The reason we are having trouble breathing now is because there is less oxygen in the air we breathe."


    "Well!"


    "I know it was a short detour, but I think you now understand that there are different kinds of air."


    Jin said and the baroness nodded repeatedly. She was completely absorbed in Jin''s conversation, ignoring her daughter Paula.


    "And, well, this is <. Next, you may be asking yourself what good it will do for you to know this. ......"


    Jin glanced at the baroness.


    "Yes, of course. What good would it do?"


    "Think about it the other way around. How do you put out a fire?


    "Pour water on it. ...... Oh!��So I can eliminate any of the three conditions I just mentioned?


    Correct. The reason for sprinkling water is to remove heat. In a fireplace, the fire is extinguished when the combustible wood is gone. And if you take away the oxygen, the fire goes out. When you put out a fire in an incense burner, don''t you put a lid on it?��That stops the supply of air ...... oxygen to burn."


    The Viscountess expressed her delight by clapping her palms together.


    "Oh, my God!��Well, well, well!��The darkness seems to have lifted!"


    Then she noticed and looked at Paula.


    "......, you see what I mean?��Paula?


    "Yes, Mother."


    Paula also seemed to be impressed by Jin''s explanation, though not as much as her mother.


    "So, when you use fire magic, you can use it better if you remember what you just learned!


    And he seemed to have a good understanding.


    "That''s right. So there is no need to separate magic and science ......, I think science is also useful to use magic better."


    "I understand very well. Thank you, Master Jin.


    He is so impressed that <> has become <>.


    Jin is a little embarrassed to be called by a small child.


    Reiko is smiling happily when she sees him like that.

 1615 - - 44-14 Student Street

    "It is said that the influence of the <> has decreased considerably in the last fifty years.


    After a brief <>, Jin and the others listened to Viscountess Foale Laska Charnedo.


    "You fell?��Is there a reason for that?"


    Jin thought it was fortunate that he had been invited to the house, as he would be able to get some useful information.


    "Well, that''s as far as ....... goes. Originally, the Kingdom of Klein was a country where the influence of the League of Magic was minimal.


    "Oh, I see. By the way, where is the country where the influence of the League of Magic is strong at the moment?


    "Well, I would say the Kingdom of Elias, which is the home of the League of Magic. The Kingdom of Egelea would be next.


    Jin was curious, so he asked another question.


    "What about the countries that are less affected?


    "Excluding the Nordic Federation, where you are from, it would be the Kingdom of Shoro. After that would be our country. The Kingdom of Cerroa is so large that it varies from region to region.


    The Kingdom of Franz is the next. Incidentally, Mitsuho and Huso are out of the League of Magic''s sphere of influence since they have few mages to begin with.


    "Thank you very much.


    Thanks to this, Jin had gained a little more knowledge.


    He was able to ask these questions politely because he was a member of the Nordic Federation. This is because the Federation does not have much contact with us.


    I honestly appreciate this, since I am traveling around the world in search of information.


    Jin continued to talk about the Federation of Magic in between small talk, and gradually gained information.


    "Where are you staying, Jin-sama?


    The time was around 4:00 p.m. The baroness said as she sipped her third cup of tea.


    Incidentally, her daughter Paula was listening to her the whole time. While she seems to be a vivacious person, she seems to be able to listen quietly in these situations.


    "I have a room at the inn called the Akarenga-tei.


    "Well, is it that place?��I hear it has a good reputation. I''ve heard it has a good reputation. ...... Um, if you don''t mind, could you come back tomorrow?��I would like to talk with you more."


    Jin thought about this offer for a while and decided to accept it. It seemed more efficient than walking around in the dark to gather information.


    "Okay. We have our own schedule, so if you could come tomorrow for one day, we would be happy to help you.


    "Thank you!��I will pick you up at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning at the Red Brick Pavilion.


    That''s the plan.


    "Thank you very much, Mr. Jin and Mr. Rhodes!


    As Jin and the others were leaving, Paula greeted them cheerfully.


    Jin, Reiko and Hope saw that and gave a small wave back. Rhodes also waved back hurriedly.


    * * * *


    "We got more than we expected."


    <, and across the table they summarized the day''s events.


    "Yes, I see. I didn''t know that the influence of the <> was declining.


    It''s something you wouldn''t have noticed if you didn''t live in an affected country," Jin said.


    "...... But I didn''t think Jin-san could explain it so well."


    The way Rhodes calls Jin is not consistent. Sometimes he addressed him as "sir" and sometimes as "Ms.".


    Well, since he considers Jin to be his superior, he often calls him in public and in other places.


    "Whether he is good or not, how are his lectures at Avalon going?"


    "Well, yes. ...... I''ve never seen an experiment like that before."


    Rhodes explained that the priority is to teach the text, and that the classes are not taught in such a way as to include chewing.


    "There are a lot of lectures where it''s like, ''If you can''t follow along, that''s okay,''" he said.


    "That''s a problem."


    Jin wondered if there was a problem with the teacher or the syllabus. However, Jin could not interfere with Avalon''s policies.


    However, there is a possibility that the Federation of Magical Schools has taken advantage of such a minor dissatisfaction.


    ��Education is always a difficult issue.)


    Jin let out a small sigh.


    (Ah, that''s why I used to think that if everyone could use transinfo and sendinfo, the education problem would be solved.


    (This reminded me of my own report that I had read in Nidojo a while ago.


    (Huh?��(Could <> be ......?)


    I imagine that Golbert Malkitas did not develop this machine alone, but that his past self may have worked on it as well. If so, it is ironic that Horai Island was attacked because of it.


    (In short, everything depends on how it is used, does it not?)


    "Jin-sama?"


    Rhodes called out, wondering what Jin had been thinking about.


    "Oh, oh, I''m sorry. I was just thinking about something."


    Jin explained that he was thinking about the difficulty of education.


    "It''s true. < clan, I have a relatively good memory, so it was easy for me to follow the lectures."


    Rhodoth chuckled as he said, "You can''t measure academic ability by memory alone.


    "Tell me a little about Avalon, will you?"


    Jin took this opportunity to learn more about the current Avalon.


    However, the current Avalon is out of Jin''s, or rather Horai Island''s, control.


    "Yes. ...... where should we start?"


    Rhodes knows a lot of things since he learned in Avalon. He seemed to know so much that he did not know where to start.


    "Well, let me ask you a question. ...... First of all, where is Avalon now?"


    Avalon is a mega-float, which means it can move.


    "It is now at sea, south of the Kingdom of Cerroa. It is fixed on its equator and its longitude there is established as 0 degrees."


    "Father, on a map based on Horai Island, that would be around 60 degrees west longitude."


    Reiko also added to the map, so Jin was able to guess the approximate location of the island.


    "I see. Then next, ...... what is the current organization structure of Avalon?"


    "First of all, to give you a brief explanation, there is the , which is a subordinate organization of the <>. The base of these two organizations is ."


    "Hmm."


    Jin urged on, saying that not much seemed to have changed in that area.


    "<> is good. ...... Oh, and Mitsuho, Fusoh, and the Nordic Federation are members now, too.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "The <> is directly operated and managed by the >. It is an organization that can operate without borders.


    Yes.


    So far, so good. Jin agrees.


    "To join the World Guard, you usually need a recommendation from your country. After that, you have to take an entrance exam.


    That is also what Jin thinks.


    "And then there is , which basically has the name of training the executives of the and the , but in reality it is the highest academic institution."


    "I suppose that''s possible."


    Since it is the best academic institution in the world, it would be a waste to open its doors only to those involved in the World Congress, you think.


    "<> has two schools: a three-year elementary school and a five-year high school. There is no secondary school.


    This is just as Jin had once envisioned.


    "The upper secondary school was divided into the regular course and the specialized course. The regular course was called ......<> and the specialized course was called <>.


    Jin heard the old name. Certainly, I remember that we used to call them that in the planning stage.


    "I wonder if the regular course is treated like a cadet for the World Congress or the World Guard?"


    Rhodes nodded.


    "I see. And the specialized courses are to study engineering magic and various other professions?


    "That''s right. It is a boarding school and there is a small town in <>.


    "I suppose that''s true.


    There is a wide range of needs for students such as boarding houses, apartments, condominiums, restaurants, bookstores, entertainment facilities, and so on.


    Jin reminisced a little nostalgically about the student districts around famous high schools and large universities.

 1616 - - 44-15 Water, Ice and Steam

    Jin and Rhodes are still talking about <>.


    "But there haven''t been any major events in the last 100 years or so, and the budget is supposed to be shrinking."


    "Where did the budget come from?"


    "Oh, that''s right. The budget of ...... is borne by the countries participating in the World Congress.


    "Of course they are."


    Jin nodded in agreement.


    "The World Conference is meaningful. Five members from each country have been appointed and are stationed in <>. Contact with the home country is made by an improved manaphone.


    Improved?


    Yes. It used to be as big as a desk, then it became about the size of a small drawer, and then it became possible to switch the destination of calls.


    It is said that something like a switchboard was developed. No, perhaps it was created by a man of the past.


    (......I guess it''s better to know what I''ve made so far by knowledge transfer (transinfo). ......)


    Jin pondered a bit.


    He felt that it would not be interesting if he knew what he had made in the past.


    However, when he thought about it, it would be a waste of time to try to develop something that already existed, or to make something that was inferior to something that already existed.


    Let''s discuss this with the old man the next time we return to Horai Island.


    "Mr. Jin?"


    Rhodes overheard what I had just said.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. Actually, ......."


    Jin explained to Rhodes what he was thinking.


    "I see, that''s very complicated.


    Rhodes chuckled.


    They decided to leave these discussions until then and relax for the rest of the day.


    < was spacious, and Jin was satisfied with the quality of the bath.


    The food was also refined in the sense that quality is better than quantity, and Jin was satisfied in this respect as well.


    The next day, after breakfast, I went to the hotel.


    The next day, after breakfast, Jin and his friends made arrangements to stay another night. The room was still available.


    At 9:00 a.m., five minutes before the appointed time, a golem carriage arrives to pick them up from the baroness.


    "Mr. Jin, Mr. Rhodes. I''m here to pick you up."


    The butler who had met them at the Viscount''s mansion yesterday appeared and invited the two men and two bodies into the carriage.


    The carriage took the group to the Viscount''s mansion.


    "It''s quite a comfortable carriage," was Jin''s comment.


    was Jin''s comment. It seems that not only the suspension but also the dampers have been properly adjusted.


    "Mr. Jin, Mr. Rhodes, welcome!"


    At the entrance of the Viscount''s residence, Baroness Foale Laska Charnedo greets the group.


    They were taken to the same dining room as the day before.


    Her daughter, Paula Frau Charnedo, was waiting there.


    "Welcome, Monsieur Gin, Monsieur Rhodotos."


    She picked up her skirt and bowed in a curtsey. Her gesture was still a little awkward, but it was elegant.


    "Thank you for inviting us today."


    Jin and Rhodes bowed too.


    We would like to continue where we left off yesterday.


    They took their seats and took a sip from the drinks offered, and then the baroness started.


    "Yes, please.


    "I would like to talk a little more about the connection between science and magic.


    "The interface... ......?"


    This was a bit vague, and Jin wondered what he should do.


    Then Paula came up with a suggestion.


    "Well, um, I''ve been wondering about something, can I ask you something?"


    "Yes, go ahead."


    Jin decided to ask Paula''s question first, thinking that it might be easier to ask in the form of a question.


    "When water is put on fire, it becomes hot water, doesn''t it? The hot water gives off steam, but it gradually disappears. Where in the world did it go?


    Jin was impressed by his keen sense of observation.


    "Yes, that is a phenomenon that can be explained by <.


    Jin began his explanation.


    "Not limited to water, everything in this world is made of small <. They are called , and water is made up of .


    "Molecules, you say? ......"


    Paula tilted her head cutely.


    "That''s what you think it is now. Now, those molecules are so small that you can''t even see them. But when a lot of them come together, they become visible. This is water."


    "Well, the grains of sand are so small that it''s hard to see them one by one, but when they come together they form dunes or beaches that are easier to see, is that right?"


    This is a baroness. That''s a good analogy, Jin thought.


    "That''s a good analogy," Jin thought, "but let''s start with that image. ...... Now, using the sand analogy, the sand is water. And rocks can be compared to ice.


    "Rocks are ice?"


    Now Paula asked the question.


    "Yes, that''s right. If you break rock into gravel, it becomes gravel, and if you break it into smaller pieces, it becomes sand, doesn''t it?


    "Oh, yes, that''s right.


    "If you grind sand more finely, it becomes like dust and even a little wind can make it fly up. This is steam."


    And now it was time to answer Paula''s question.


    "The dust is further crushed into invisible particles. This is called . This is invisible to the eye, so it looks like it''s gone."


    "......"


    Jin reflected a little on the fact that the explanation of molecules and grains was mixed up, making it a little difficult to understand.


    "Well, <> is a systematic study. If you follow the steps you should learn, it should be a little easier to understand.


    Jin finished his explanation for the time being.


    "I think I have a vague idea of what you mean. Well, Mr. Jin, what are the conditions or causes of water turning into ice, steam, or water vapor?


    The baroness asked.


    "Well, that''s exactly what you learn in the intermediate level of <, so it''s hard to explain in a few words. ......"


    Rhodes interrupted at this point.


    "In <> it is explained by <>. Think of energy as the <> of a molecule."


    "Genki ...... enerugi, is it?"


    Yes, it is. In the case of water, when it gets cold, the molecules lose their energy ...... and become still, shut up in a room. That''s ice."


    "Oh, and then when it gets a little more energetic, it starts moving around the room, is that water?"


    The baroness was quick to understand.


    "That''s right. When it gets warmer and more energetic, it runs out of the room. That''s steam, and when it gets more energetic, it goes off to play somewhere far away and doesn''t come back. That is steam.


    "That''s very clear!"


    Paula bowed her head.


    "By the way, ice is a solid, water is a liquid, and water vapor is a gas. All substances have these three states. It is just that the temperature at which they become so varies from substance to substance.


    Rhodes finished his explanation by adding that the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid is called the melting point and the temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas is called the boiling point.


    "Ah, that makes sense. So iron can become a liquid or a gas ...... and air can become a liquid or a solid?"


    Jin and Rhodes asked with pleasure that the baroness understood so much.


    "That is correct. You can imagine that metal becomes liquid when you make a casting. If you raise the temperature of the metal higher and higher, it becomes a gas. I don''t think there is any use for metal in such a state, though."


    "Yes."


    The morning ended with this exchange.


    Jin and Rhodes took turns explaining the connection between magic and science, hoping that their understanding would deepen.

 1617 - - 44-16 Conflict and Decline

    The , which had been held over lunch at the Viscount''s residence, came to an end when the daylight shifted a little to the west.


    "It was a very meaningful time. Thank you, Mr. Jin and Mr. Rhodoth.


    The baroness bowed her head in a graceful gesture.


    By the way, her daughter Paula looked tired and was rowing the boat on a chair.


    "Oh my goodness, what a girl..."


    The baroness giggled. But there was a hint of fatigue on her face, too. No wonder. Jin and Rhodes were tired too.


    Jin admired her enthusiasm, but he also wondered why she was doing so much.


    The answer would soon become clear.


    It is 3:00 p.m., tea time.


    While enjoying a cup of kuhe brought from the Kingdom of Elias, they are chatting.


    The butler says, "The master has returned.


    the butler says.


    The baroness says,


    "Excuse me for a moment.


    and went to meet her husband, the viscount.


    "I wonder if he works at the castle.


    Jin muttered to himself, and Paula, who remained behind, seemed to have heard his words with a keen ear,


    "Yes, my father is the director of the Ministry of Magic.


    She explained, "Yes, my father is the director of the Ministry of Magic.


    Jin imagined that Mrs. Kikkawa''s interest in magic and science might be due to the influence of such a viscount.


    "Welcome, my guest."


    Just then, the Viscount appeared with his wife. Jin and Rhodes stood and bowed.


    "Oh, don''t be so formal. I am Devair Nolas Charnedo. I am Viscount Devair Nolas Charnedo. I am the head of the second department of the Ministry of Magic.


    The viscount is about 40 years old, slight build. His body is toned.


    His hair was beginning to have a hint of white in it.


    "Thank you very much for your kindness. I am Jin Nido, <>.


    I am Rhodoth, Magi Bachelor.


    "Yes, my wife told me. My wife and daughter have taught me a lot, thank you.


    Thank you.


    You should take a seat instead of standing around talking.


    "Yes, I will."


    The Viscount will take the first chair, Mrs. Kornishko will take the second. Paula will take the third seat. Then Jin and Rhodes took their seats.


    A new kouhe was brought in, and the Viscount took a sip.


    "Well, my wife told me last night what you were talking about. I see that you are well versed in both magic and science.


    No, not really.


    No need to be modest. The reason why my ...... wife asked such a question has to do with the state of this country."


    "The way things ...... are?"


    "Mm-hmm. This is nothing confidential and I don''t mind talking about it, but there is a debate among mages about whether they should support <> or the >.


    "Is that so?"


    At this point, Jin wondered if he could use this opportunity to get more in-depth information. After all, in front of him were the mages of the Klein Kingdom, the people who belonged to its core.


    Rhodes was the first to speak.


    "I''m not sure about that, but <> does not intend to have any quarrel with the <>. It''s more like the League of Magic is unilaterally burning a sense of rivalry. ......"


    "Yes, I am aware of that. I studied at <> for a short period of one year.


    There is a system of study abroad. In many countries, excellent mages are often allowed to study in <> for a short period of time.


    "However, the organization known as the <> was a force to be reckoned with."


    The viscount used the past tense.


    "At the moment, the League of Magic is decreasing its power.


    "Is that so?"


    This is good news. Rhodes knows a lot about it, but since there is no <> power in the Nordic Federation, he inevitably misses out on the most current information.


    "Hmmm. Are you interested in ...... such a story?"


    "Yes, very much."


    Jin answered honestly.


    "I see. Then I will tell you a few words to thank you for the hospitality you have shown my wife and daughter.


    The baron took another sip of ku hee and continued.


    "The people in the federation like to get involved in everything, but recently something has happened and the number of people in the federation has decreased.


    "When was this?"


    I think it was after the middle of September.


    I see. ......


    This coincides with the time when Jin destroyed the fleet surrounding Horai Island.


    "Well, it''s refreshing to have fewer noisy people around."


    The viscount laughed.


    "Before that, about two years ago and maybe five years ago?��Before that, about two years ago and about five years ago, there was some sort of internal turmoil in the federation, and even then it lost some of its power.


    "So you don''t have much power now?"


    But at Jin''s question, the Viscount shook his head.


    "No, not really. It has always been very powerful. Even if it has declined a little, its influence is still strong. Besides, many of its members are fanatics, so it can''t be fooled."


    "I see. What kind of things do they interfere with you, ......?"


    "Hmmm. ...... most notable is the technical department. When it comes to magic tools, they complain about it to the point of annoyance.


    "Are there ...... people who, uh, ...... work there?��Are there any members?"


    The viscount heard Jin''s question and clapped his hands together.


    "Oh, you didn''t know that. At the moment, there are ten mages dispatched by the <> and stationed in the castle.


    And they are responding to various events and troubles.


    "The most important role is that of a , but I don''t like to ask for advice.


    This gives advice on a wide range of subjects, including politics and economics, welfare and medical care, magic and magical tools, etc. "It is true that I have knowledge of magic," he says.


    "He certainly seems to have a deep knowledge of magic. But he''s kind of ...... old-fashioned."


    "Outdated ......?


    Yes. You have not progressed in what you are talking about. You are too nostalgic.


    The word "nostalgia" reminded Jin of something.


    "Well, what do you know about <>?"


    "Yes, the <>. I know a little about ....... I think they are not as narrow-minded as the <>, but now they are in the minority. But now they are in the minority. Because the <> snatched away the <>''s personnel, equipment, and other things."


    "Oh, is that true after all?"


    The viscount nodded bitterly.


    "Yes, that''s true, isn''t it? I don''t know what kind of magic they used, but there are rumors that the <>''s guard golem and others became the property of the <> overnight."


    "Hah ......"


    Jin imagined that they probably used <>.


    (But ......<> time was the time of <> and <>. After becoming <>, it became <>. (Can we say that history repeats itself, or is it a matter of karma and retribution? ......)


    As Jin was thinking about this, the Viscount said to him.


    "Well, the sun is setting. What are you two going to do?��We would be happy if you would join us for dinner.


    It was around 4:30 in the afternoon.


    "No, no, we are going back to the inn.


    Jin refrained from being so brazen.


    "I see. Well then, I''m sorry to leave, but I think it''s time to call it a night.


    At the Viscount''s words, Jin and Rhodes left the table.


    "As for me, I am very interested in the golem and automata you have with you.


    He seemed to be giving Hope and Reiko a compliment in a roundabout way.


    "Well then, thank you, Mr. Jin and Mr. Rhodes, for all the information you have given us."


    "Thank you very much!"


    Jin and Rhodes received thanks from the Viscountess and Paula, and left the Viscount''s mansion.


    Incidentally, they were escorted to <> by a horse-drawn carriage.


    Jin and Rhodes returned to their lodgings, feeling good about their modest harvest.

 1618 - - 44-17 Southward

    October 6. After breakfast, Jin and Rhodes had a discussion.


    "I think we have gathered most of the information we can in the Klein Kingdom, so I would like to go to the next country.


    Rhodes nodded.


    Rhodes nodded. Is there nothing more to see in this town?"


    "Oh, then, is the Raglan Trading Company still around?"


    Since it was a familiar trading company, Jin was still curious about it.


    "Yes, there is. It is the best trading company in the kingdom.


    "I see. ......


    Jin remembered the faces of Eric and Roland fondly.


    He wondered how much it had grown since then, and once again felt the passage of 400 years.


    So, in the morning, I decided to visit the main office of the Raglan Trading Company. After lunch, we will go to the Kingdom of Elias.


    This was the plan.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The location of the Raglan Trading Company was immediately recognized.


    It is a four-story stone building with different products on each floor. It looks like a large electronics store, Jin thought.


    The first floor was mainly household goods with relatively inexpensive prices. There was also a special sales corner.


    "This is a good way to attract customers.


    Jin was impressed by the way the shop was set up.


    The second floor specialized in high-end household goods. The interior of the second floor was also decorated in a high-end style, indicating that the target customers were different from the first floor.


    The third floor, on the other hand, was filled with hobby-oriented products. Jin was most interested in this floor.


    "This is ......."


    The first thing that caught Jin''s attention was a <>. Moreover, it was a <>.


    It was the same type of kite that Jin had made in Mohut Village, a village in the Kingdom of Elias.


    It is deeply moving to think that these kites have traveled over the long distances (and borders) from the village of Mohut to here in Alban.


    There are many variations, from colorful ones to simple ones.


    Spools of thread were also sold together.


    The next item that caught Jin''s eye was a Sugoroku.


    It may have spread around the area where Jin and his friends used to play.


    The squares were sophisticated, and the difficulty level was considered to be medium. There are no random <> or <>.


    And then there is <<>.


    It was for children and consisted of letters of the alphabet of this world. This would be a good way to learn letters while playing.


    And then, of course, the <.


    "Ah, this shape. It''s so sophisticated."


    The first "photographic camera" that Jin made was a simple square box. It was a so-called "pinhole camera.


    It was because the sensitivity of the image receiving side was high and the shutter speed could be secured, but it was also true that the lens effect such as telephoto or wide angle could not be obtained with such a camera.


    "Zoom lens, or ......"


    The lens was a zoom lens with a slightly wide-angle to slightly telephoto effect.


    I felt that I would like to pay tribute to the developer of this camera.


    However, the price was quite expensive at 129,900 TUR (about 129,000 yen) per unit. However, they were quite expensive at 129,900 Tall (about 129,000 yen) each.


    Other than that, there were magic tools and just tools, which were very useful for Jin to know about the current technology.


    Then came the fourth floor.


    This is a memorial hall, not a <>.


    Welcome to the fourth floor. This room displays the historical products of the Raglan Company.


    There seems to be a caretaker or a guide, or perhaps a resident merchant on this floor.


    It was no wonder, for there were many valuable exhibits here. It was like a museum.


    "Wow!"


    The first pump made by Jin. Unquestionably an early model.


    A magic stove. This was also an early model.


    And...


    And then there''s this.


    A rubber ball made from the sap of the tea tree, a specialty of the village of Kaina.


    It was indeed deteriorated, hardened and cracked, but it was surprising that it had been preserved.


    Also on display were pen nibs, a refrigerator, a monocular microscope, a vacuum cleaner, and a distiller.


    "Most of these were made by Master Jin Nido, a rare Magecraftsman who died about 300 years ago.


    A merchant member comes to Jin''s side as he looks at them and explains.


    "All of them are novel and useful. They are precise and exquisite. They are all wonderful."


    Jin Nido was itching to see them all.


    "Since Mr. Jin Nido was a friend of the Raglan Chamber of Commerce, we have set up a room to display his works, and to pass on his achievements to future generations.


    "Ha, ha ......"


    "However, what you see here is only a part of Mr. Jin Nido''s achievements. I regret that we have not been able to convey even a fraction of his greatness."


    Jin wanted to leave this floor as soon as possible, but Rhodes, who was with him, was looking around with interest, and Reiko was smiling and rubbing up against him.


    Hope followed Rhodes around as if she did not feel anything, but she did not know what was going on inside.


    In the end, it was almost noon when Jin and the others left the Raglan Trading Company.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    After having lunch, Jin and the others departed for the Kingdom of Elias as planned.


    "Reiko, are you in a good mood?


    Jin had noticed that Reiko was in a good mood since they left the Raglan Trading Company.


    "Yes, Father. I was happy to see that you and your father''s work were recognized at the Chamber of Commerce."


    "Oh, I knew it. I was happy too."


    And Rhodes joins in.


    "I thought it was great too. I want to be a person who can leave a legacy for future generations like you, Jin-san.


    flies south through the clear sky.


    As he flew over the Kingdom of Egelea, Jin looked nostalgically down at the fortified city of what he thought was the Blue Lands.


    After passing the Blue Lands, the border between the Kingdom of Egelea and the Kingdom of Elias is just a short distance away.


    "The Kingdom of Elias..."


    Thinking back on it, it is one of the countries that can be said to be Jin''s starting point.


    "This is where I met Marcia, participated in the Golem boat competition, and met Reinhardt and ...... Erza.


    It is a fond memory.


    While Jin was thinking about this, the piloted by Hope passed through Borgia, the capital of the Elias Kingdom.


    "Where do you recommend?"


    Jin checked again with Rhodes.


    "Yes, Florenz, the capital of the province of Saus.


    Florence. Jin remembered with nostalgia that this province was once ruled by the Marquis of Florenziano.

 1619 - - 44-18 In the Kingdom of Elias after a long time

    The boat carrying Jin and the others looked down on the mountain ranges of the central Elias Peninsula below.


    The Hambaluf Pass, the village of Moft, the village of Flathead, and ...... Potrock.


    With the names of familiar places in his mind, Jin looked down from where he had started his descent.


    (I wonder if there is a memorial museum for me in Florenz. ......)


    (I wonder if they have a memorial museum for me in Florenz... ).


    "We''ll be landing in about three minutes," the pilot, Hope, announces.


    Hope, the pilot, announces.


    The town of Florenz is approaching.


    "I can see what looks like an airport.


    At the same time, a flying object approaches. A voice is heard from one of them. <


    In addition to the plane in front, there is one in the rear and one on each side.


    In total, four <> surrounded <>.


    I suppose some action will be taken if this recommendation is not followed.


    Without even trying, Jin followed the aircraft in front of him and slowly lowered the < into the air.


    The airport was as large as 500 meters square.


    It was divided into four square sections, and tourists were supposed to use section D of the four.


    Incidentally, the square airport is divided into four equal sections in the shape of a rice paddy, with the northeast section designated as A, the northwest section as B, the southwest section as C, and the southeast section as D.


    A and B are dedicated airfields for official planes, which can be used by air corps and ambassadors of various countries, C is for private contractors (merchants, tourists, etc.), and D is for general passengers.


    The airfield also had a warehouse for rent. Jin paid 1,000 Tall (about 10,000 yen) a day to leave <> in the warehouse.


    "Welcome to the town of Florenz in the province of Saus, Kingdom of Elias.


    The immigration officer greets us amiably.


    No passport or visa yet, just fill out the necessary documents and sign them.


    Jin filled out the forms, wondering if he would soon be required to register his fingerprints and magical patterns.


    "Oh, you are from the Nordic Federation? From the North to the South, welcome!"


    After submitting the paperwork, the administrator called out to him again in a friendly voice.


    Here is your guide.


    Finally, he handed me a booklet.


    The cover of the booklet read "A Tourist Guide to Florence," and when I opened it, I found a list of inns, stores, and points of interest.


    "It''s very well thought out.


    Jin thought to himself, "This is only the Kingdom of Elias, which knows well about tourist resources.


    "No, or maybe it''s just the province of Xaus.


    He remembered that they had always been good at attracting tourists and appealing to them, starting with the Golem boat races in Potrock.


    "This will come in handy."


    Rhodes is also impressed with the tourist guide in his hand.


    "First we have to find a place to stay, right?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    The two decided to go to the nearest accommodation to the airport, which was indicated in the guide. It was only a 10-minute walk.


    Reiko is walking beside Jin, and Hope with her baggage is walking behind them.


    "The road is beautiful, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, they seem to be well cleaned."


    The road leading from the airport is the one that tourists see, and it is important not to make a bad impression.


    Florenz seems to have put a lot of effort into such a point.


    The inn was a magnificent three-story stone building. Nevertheless, it did not seem too expensive.


    "Is this the Amber Pavilion?


    Well, let''s go in.


    At what appeared to be the front desk, a price list was displayed. This is a nice consideration for first-time guests. Although the luxuriousness of the hotel is not so much.


    "2,500 Tall (25,000 yen) per night with half board. Isn''t that fair for a place like this?"


    "Yes, it is. Let''s stay two nights first.


    So we decided to get a room here.


    "It''s on the second floor, number 203," he said.


    I received a key and went up to the second floor. There were rooms on both sides of a straight corridor. 203 was the second room on the right after the stairs.


    Upon entering, I found myself in a twin room with a large living room and two bedrooms.


    From the window I could see the airport in the distance over the town of Florenz.


    "It''s a nice room, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it is."


    After putting down their luggage, Jin and Rhodes discussed what they were going to do.


    It is 3:30 in the afternoon. The time is 3:30 p.m., which is halfway through the day.


    "We''ll see Florenz tomorrow. ......"


    Jin opens the tourist information sheet he received. Then he opened it.


    "Oh, this is good.


    It said that there was a workshop near the inn.


    "......It seems to be mainly jewelry, is that correct?"


    But as Rhodes pointed out, it seemed to be a workshop that made jewelry. Rhodes guessed that the point was to have guests buy souvenirs.


    "That''s good, isn''t it?��I''m kind of curious to see what kind of technology they use. ...... Well, maybe you could buy Vita a souvenir, huh?"


    "For Vita? ...... what kind of things would she like?"


    "I''m not the one to ask. ......


    Jin laughs. It seems that Rhodes is even more naive than Jin in this respect.


    "Why don''t you wear it as a pendant head or a necklace?


    Reiko, perhaps not seeing this, offered her advice.


    "Oh, yes. I think that would be a good idea.


    Jin agreed.


    "......I understand. Anyway, let''s go take a look."


    * * * *


    Leaving the key at the front desk, Jin and the others left the inn.


    "......This is it..."


    "<>. I''m sure of it.


    We had asked for directions on our way out, so we were able to get there without making any mistakes.


    It''s surprisingly clean.


    "I guess that''s because it''s an accessory workshop."


    There are no workshops specializing in accessories in the Nordic Union. They all make ornaments only as a side project of making practical goods. That is why Rhodes seems to have had an image of a workshop as dirty and chaotic.


    However, this workshop had a wide frontage and a large glass wall to allow a clear view of the inside.


    Samples of what they make were also displayed in the show window, which stimulated the desire to purchase.


    "It looks like a lot of silver-based items. These won''t be too expensive, so they will be affordable."


    After saying this, Jin realized that he was not familiar with the current market prices of metals.


    When he mentioned this to Rhodes, he said,


    "I heard that gold and silver have not changed much.


    He replied, "I have heard that gold and silver have not changed much.


    Jin agreed that it would certainly be bad if the price of gold fluctuated greatly in this gold-standard world.


    "But the price of light silver, in particular, has been falling.


    Light silver (= titanium) is a useful metal, but its price was high because of the difficulty of refining it, but since Jin had created magical tools and facilities for refining it long ago, the price had dropped dramatically.


    "Then silver bullion as an accessory should be about the same as it was in the past.


    With these words, Jin walked into the store.

 1620 - - 44-19 Its name

    Reiko followed Jin, and then Hope and Rhodes.


    "Heh. ......"


    The store is beautifully decorated, with white furnishings that are classy and complement the items laid out on black and dark blue velvet.


    I thought it might be for women, but it is not. There are also some male customers, and it is easy to look around for souvenirs and gifts for family members.


    (I guess you could call it a tourist attraction .......)


    Jin looked around the products with admiration.


    "There are a lot of silver-based accessories."


    In Ars, the unit price of silver is about one-tenth of that of gold.


    At one time in modern Japan, the market price of gold was 4,900 yen per gram, while silver was 67 yen per gram at the same time. The difference is largely due to the amount of reserves.


    The ratio of gold to silver production on Ars is about 1 to 10, which means that gold is less rare than on Earth.


    (On Earth, it is said to be 150,000 tons of gold and more than 1 million tons of silver.)


    As an aside, it is said that silver was more expensive than gold at one time in the Earth''s past.


    It is assumed that this is because gold, which is difficult to oxidize, was produced as <, that is, gold sand or gold in the mountains, while silver, which is more easily oxidized and sulfidized, was rarely produced as natural silver.


    In other words, the unit price of metals varies depending on the smelting technology.


    The planet Ars is rich in underground resources and produces a large amount of gold and silver ores.


    Nevertheless, to prevent the value of precious metals from plummeting, each country manages its state-owned mines and controls the amount of gold and silver in circulation. ......


    On a quiet note.


    "It seems to be treated in such a way that it is difficult to oxidize or sulfurize."


    It is possible with engineering magic. To be more precise, the free-magic elements (ether) are distributed between the metal atoms on the surface to prevent chemical reactions such as oxidation and sulfurization from occurring.


    Jin was impressed by this surface treatment, because silver tends to turn black by sulfurization.


    (...... but I don''t have anyone to give it to.)


    ) It reminded him of the time when he used to look at these things and wonder which one would look best on Hannah or Erza.


    "Jin-san, which one do you think is best?"


    Rhodes'' voice brought Jin back to himself.


    He is trying to decide between the green and purple pendant head.


    "I guess so. ......"


    Jin himself is aware that he does not have good taste in such things.


    "If it goes with my silver hair, it would be the purple one.


    "I see, that''s right."


    In addition, Vita has red eyes, so it would be difficult to match her with green, which is a complementary color.


    When I mentioned this, Rhodes said, "Well, I''ll take this one," and went to pay the bill.


    In the meantime, Jin casually walked around the restaurant.


    With Reiko by his side, he does not get any strange looks when he goes to the women''s section.


    "I don''t really understand what you mean by trendy design ......."


    However, there were few items that seemed overly decorated, and many of them were simple.


    "I guess this too is out of fashion."


    Then a voice from Reiko said.


    "Father, I think Mr. Rhodes has paid his bill.


    "Oh, I see."


    Mr. Jin. Sorry to keep you waiting.


    No, what?


    And just as Jin and the others were about to leave...


    "Um... ...... please wait a minute..."


    "Please wait a minute." A voice said.


    "Yes?"


    Jin turned around to see a classy woman in her twenties standing there. She was wearing a front cover with the store''s name on it, which suggested that she was a waitress.


    "Uh, you are the one who just paid the bill, aren''t you?


    "Uh, yes."


    Rhodes nodded.


    "I''m sorry, but you charged me 100 dollars more than you should have, and I would like to apologize and refund you the money. I apologize for the inconvenience, but could you please come to the office?


    "Oh, in that case..."


    I don''t know how much it cost him, but I like the fact that he was willing to tell me that he made a mistake of 100 dollars.


    Then let''s go out.


    "I''m sorry."


    Hitoshi offered, and Rhodes bowed his head, as did the waiter.


    "Well, please bring your companion with you. Please come this way.


    Jin, Rhodes, Reiko, and Hope were escorted by the clerk to the back of the restaurant. They enter through the service entrance there.


    "This way, please."


    Jin wondered if the office was in the basement. It was a little suspicious. Jin glances at Reiko''s face.


    Reiko seems to have guessed what Jin meant by that.


    (There seems to be no trick to it.)


    <, checked the basement in a hurry, putting Jin''s safety first, and stated her findings.


    "I see."


    Jin was a little relieved to hear that.


    At the bottom of the stone staircase, there was a heavy wooden door.


    "Please come in."


    The waiter opened the door and Jin and the others went inside. The waiter also enters the room, and the door is closed.


    There is the sound of the door being locked.


    "?"


    Before Jin had time to wonder what was going on, a voice came from inside the room.


    "Welcome, my dear."


    Jin and Rhodes braced themselves.


    She appeared to be a well-dressed woman in her early thirties. She had shoulder-length light brown hair and kind eyes the same shade of brown as her hair.


    She stands up from her chair and bows politely.


    She seemed to have no hostile or harmful intentions for the moment, Jin thought.


    "I am the manager of the back of the store.


    "Manager in the back?"


    Rhodes asked back at the unfamiliar word.


    "Yes. The front manager is the head of the accessories workshop. I am , and I am in charge of the back office, is that correct, Mr. Rhodes?


    Yes. I am Rhodes.


    Yes, I''m Rhodes. Please have a seat at ...... first."


    Rhodes and Jin sit down after being offered chairs.


    Rhodes again asked the woman who introduced herself as Leelia, "Do you know me?


    "Do you know me?"


    "Yes."


    < and having been recognized on the , it was no surprise that there were others who knew of her.


    "......A certain person has asked that if you should ever come to see me, I will be very gracious to you and take you with me."


    "...... Who is this ?"


    Leelia bowed her head.


    "I cannot tell you at this stage."


    "......"


    Jin, beside her, continues to think.


    In this day and age, Rhodes must be much more famous than he is. Therefore, it is not surprising that he is the target of a search for some purpose.


    But the question is what purpose.


    "Let me ask you something. ...... can you tell me the name of your organization, if you have one?"


    To this question, Leelia nodded her head and answered.


    "Yes. <."

 1621 - - 44-20 To the Kako Party Headquarters

    "<>!"


    Jin couldn''t help but ask back.


    "Yes. Do you know about it?


    "Yes, in a manner of speaking."


    His voice trailed off a little.


    "I see. Well, it''s not a secret society, so some of you may know ...... that you graduated from ?


    "Rhodes, yes."


    Leelia Madagascar had not heard much about Rhodes, Jin thought.


    She recognized him only because he had called her name in the store.


    "Then it''s only natural that you know him."


    Leelia seemed convinced.


    "So, what do you want from me, Nostalgia?"


    "Well, I''m sorry, but I can''t tell you right now. I will talk to you if you will join me at ......."


    "......"


    Rhodes consults Jin.


    "What should we do?"


    "Well, ......."


    If the person who invites Rhodes is a member of the Nostalgia Party, there seems to be no problem. Because the nostalgia party (nostalgia gear) does not have dangerous ideas.


    "It might be easier to get information if you go there.


    Then Reiko gives me some advice.


    "Father, Mr. Rhodes, first of all, you should make sure that you are really a member of the Nostalgia Party.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Jin then turned to Leelia,


    "I will accept your invitation if you can prove that you are really a member of the Nostalgia Party.


    He said to her.


    "I see. Then, please take a look at this.


    Leelia took out a card and presented it.


    It is an ID card of the Nostalgia Party.


    The card was made of thin metal and was the size of a business card. The owner''s name and portrait are engraved in a watermark.


    "It is certainly genuine, isn''t it?"


    Reiko confirmed.


    Reiko is more certain on this point than Jin, who has a 300-year blank.


    "Thirty-six percent nickel, twelve percent chromium, and the rest iron. It''s definitely Elinvar."


    Elinvar is an alloy whose elasticity changes little with temperature. It is used in springs for precision instruments and watches.


    And it was only Jin ...... who established it.


    By using an alloy with a combination and ratio that engineers in this world would not have thought of, he increased the credibility of the ID card.


    "What?��Why did you do that?


    It was no wonder that Lelia, who did not know the background of the project, was astonished.


    "Well, I can''t tell you about it until you meet the person I want you to meet. How about ......?"


    Jin guessed that it would probably be someone at the top level.


    "......I understand."


    After a few moments of hesitation and thought, Leelia nodded.


    "That''s fine.


    Jin nodded.


    "Then where should we go?��Do we need to prepare?"


    But Leelia shook her head.


    "No, it won''t take long. It won''t take long."


    With that he got up from his seat and inserted the ID card into the door behind him and the slit beside it. It seems that a watermark is read mechanically and used as a key.


    Jin looked at it, thinking that it looked like an ID card.


    "Oh?"


    The door opened without a sound.


    "Could you come this way, please?


    "Let''s go to ......."


    Jin secretly activates the barrier function of the bracelet.


    Reiko also increased her output from the usual one percent to ten percent, secretly preparing herself for battle.


    Rhodes was also on alert, and Hope was also on alert with her detection function fully open.


    In this state, Jin and the others passed through a door.


    There was another door, and Leelia used her ID again.


    "Whoa."


    Behind the door was a . It was rather large, and seemed to be able to send about six people at once.


    Jin saw that it was of the same type as the one he knew.


    "We''ll use this warp gate, so travel will be instantaneous.


    "I see."


    Both Jin and Rhodes agreed.


    Then, please come inside with me.


    "Okay."


    Leelia, Jin, Rhodes, Reiko, and Hope entered the warp gate.


    In an instant, their vision changed and Jin and the others were at the Warp Gate on the receiving side.


    "This way, please."


    As they exited the warp gate,


    "Thank you, Leelia. ...... are there so many of you?"


    A woman who appeared to be a member of the Nostalgia Party was standing there. She had dark blond hair and blue eyes, and looked to be about the same age as Leelia.


    "Yes. Yes. The one you were instructed to look for and her companion. They both seem to know a lot about the Nostalgia Party, so I''m sure they''ll be fine.


    "Yes, that''s good."


    Then the woman turns to Jin and the others,


    "Welcome to the headquarters of Nostalgia. My name is Arietta Aeolial, the head of the Warp Gate Management Department and your guide.


    I''m the head of the Warp Gate Management Department and your guide.


    Headquarters?


    Is this headquarters?��Is it safe for us to know that?


    Jin doesn''t know where the current headquarters of the Nostalgia Party is. Neither does Rhodes, of course.


    But Lelia and Arrietta nodded confidently.


    "That''s right. If we don''t know where it is, it won''t be a problem to tell you.


    Jin agreed with them.


    However, if the old man used Jin''s magic pattern as a marker and searched for it with his magi radar, he would be able to find it immediately. No, before that, it would not be surprising if the "Mere Old Man" knows the location of the headquarters of the Nostalgia Party.


    "Rather than that, I would like you to meet the man who was ordered to bring Master Rhodes.


    "Oh, yes, I understand. That was my original intention.


    Thank you. This way please.


    They walked down the corridor, with Arrietta in the lead, followed by Jin, Reiko, Rhodes, Hope, and Leelia.


    There were no windows at all, so we had no idea where we were. We are not even sure if we are underground or above ground.


    After walking about 20 meters down a straight corridor, I came to a metal wall and a metal door.


    "This way, sir."


    Arrieta opened the door with her ID card.


    Inside there were four golems standing guard, probably for battle.


    "Thank you ...... for your help."


    A feminine voice sounded from the back of the room.


    I looked and saw a large desk or table covered with a black cloth. The voice was coming from there.


    Reiko takes a half step toward the back of the room.


    "You are ......."


    Jin only thought the voice sounded familiar, but Reiko recognized the voice immediately.


    "Elena-san, right?"

 1622 - - 44-21 Reunion with Elena

    "Are you the ...... of ...... who''s ...... me?"


    The black-cloth-clad figure leaned forward slightly.


    "Are you ...... one of them?��No, yes, I have a ....... Are you Reiko ......?"


    "Yes, Elena. What''s going on?


    "Uh, well, do you know the Chief Advisor?"


    Leelia and Arrietta, who had been listening to the exchange between Reiko and the black-cloth-clad figure beside her, rolled their eyes.


    "Yes, we''ve known each other for a long time.


    Reiko''s eyes widened as she replied in a casual manner.


    "Reiko is there ....... And Rhodotos-san is there, too. Oh, how nice Kyou is ....... Riria, it was a gofrow......."


    "I''m sorry."


    Lelia and Arrieta bowed.


    "Please, please, please take care of me,......."


    The one who seemed to be Elena said.


    "What the ...... hell is going on? May I take the cloth?"


    "Nuno?��...... is the nuno in your head?��......Yes, go ahead. Please take the cloth.


    "Okay. ...... Hope, please.


    Yes.


    The table was a little expensive for Reiko, so she asked Hope.


    Then Hope gently removed the cloth.


    "Oh, ......."


    "This is ......."


    "Elena, this is ......."


    Jin, Rhodes, and Reiko each uttered a startled sound.


    Elena''s head had been severely crushed, and the upper half of her face was completely disfigured.


    Her right arm was missing from the elbow, her left from the wrist, and both of her legs were in such a state of disrepair from the knees down that it was obvious at a glance that they were unusable.


    The torso was burnt in some places, and the metal skeleton of the interior was partially melted in some places.


    The ears and mouth barely seemed to be intact, but this condition was worse than a wreck.


    "This is terrible, this is terrible.


    There is no trace of the beautiful Elena. It is only natural that she does not want to be seen in this condition.


    "What the hell happened to her?"


    Jin asks Leelia. But..,


    "Can we talk about that later?��...... Please heal Elena, Mr. Rhodes."


    She said, "Me?


    "Me?"


    "Yes. Elena is an advanced automata made with ancient technology. An ordinary ...... technician, or even a first-rate one, could not repair it."


    "...... So, I was trying to find a way to ...... repair the one I thought was the best one in Arboretum."


    "I didn''t know that."


    "But if you don''t have the material, I don''t think you can fix it, can you?"


    When Jin said this, Arrieta nodded as if she understood.


    "I''m sure we''ve taken all the necessary precautions. In the next room, the materials we collected as instructed by Elena-sama are ready.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. ...... in any case, we had plenty of jicama ........."


    Hm?��Plenty?


    I''m ...... sure. It''s been 12 years since I''ve been here.


    That''s a lot of .........


    We''ll talk later, Mr. Rhodes.


    It was Jin who was talking, but Leelia seemed to be concerned and asked him to fix the problem.


    "Okay, Rhodes, let''s do it. Rhodes, let''s do it."


    "I''m not sure. ......


    Rhodes said,


    "I''ll be your assistant.


    Jin pushed him back.


    The table on which Elena was lying was on casters, so she was moved directly to the next room.


    "Oh, you''ve got a pretty good selection."


    It had taken a long time, and there were first-rate and super first-rate materials.


    "I think I can fix this well enough."


    "So ...... is it?"


    Rhodes looked less confident than Jin.


    "Come on, let''s do it. Elena, we''re going to stop for a moment, okay?"


    "Yes, I''m going to ....... Please go to ......."


    "<>"


    Elena stopped.


    "What?��Just ...... the magic key word (keyword)?"


    Rhodes shouted in surprise.


    "Yeah. <."


    Jin is the one who transformed Elena, who was once the , into the Elena of today, so he can stop her with just a few keywords.


    If someone other than Jin who has the waveform of magic power does the same thing, <> is needed.


    Aside from that, Jin, Rhodos, Reiko, Hope, and others dismantled the deactivated Elena with the help of four people.


    Yes, it is now at the level of .


    Leelia and Arietta, who are worried about Elena, their chief advisor, look as if they are about to cry as they watch the work.


    They would like to shout out and stop Elena''s dismantling, but Elena herself is conflicted about not being able to interfere with someone she has trusted with her body.


    Before their eyes, Elena was dismembered into pieces.


    The dark-haired man, who called himself an assistant, proceeded to work quickly in front of Lelia and Arrietta, muttering unintelligible words from time to time.


    "The skeleton is as light silver as it used to be. No one has worked on it since then. ...... I think I''ll go with 64 light silver here."


    He took out the light silver and aluminum from the materials on the table, but as expected, he could not find any vanadium.


    He had no choice but to contact the old man via Reiko and ask him to forward a small amount of vanadium.


    Two minutes later, a kilo of vanadium was transferred to Reiko''s hand.


    ��Father, I know where we are. It is underground on the island of Trieu, east of Io, in the southern part of the Kingdom of Elias.)


    The identification of the position is essential for the transfer. Jin unexpectedly found out the location of the headquarters.


    "Okay, let''s mix this with light silver.


    Six percent aluminum, four percent vanadium, and the rest light silver (= titanium). This is the recipe for 64 light silver.


    Having made just under 30 kilograms of 64LB, Jin and Rhodes build up the skeleton.


    More precisely, Rhodes assembles the bones made by Jin. With the help of Reiko and Hope.


    "Okay, the skeleton is complete.


    In about fifteen minutes, a well-formed skeleton was completed.


    "It''s beautiful, isn''t it, Jin-san?


    Rhodes praises Jin in a whisper.


    "It''s still different from the mainstream structures of today," he said.


    "I think so, too."


    Jin thought it was unfortunate that the complexity of the structure prevented it from being widely used.

 1623 - - 44-22 Repair completed

    Elena''s repairs went smoothly.


    < was not as good as the Horai Island specs, it was still first class material, and the same goes for the material for .


    The <> was intact, so it was used as is, while the damaged ether converter and mana driver were replaced with new ones.


    Rhodes was in charge of the visual (eyes) and auditory (ears) systems, Reiko was in charge of the vocal system (vocal cords and mouth), and Hope was in charge of the head molding.


    Jin is in charge of the wiring of the magical nerve lines.


    "There we go."


    The shield case is embedded in the chest, and the Magi Certifier is also attached.


    Once the overall shape is set, the skin is covered, and hair is planted.


    "Rhodes, is it done?"


    "Yes, I''m almost there."


    Rhodes is impatient. Jin, who has done 10 times more work than he has, is faster.


    "Don''t be in a hurry, just do a good job.


    He continues to make minor changes to the figure. Reiko, who would most likely remember Elena''s face from the past, was entrusted with the facial modeling.


    After making the overall adjustments, Jin began to make the clothes. After all, Elena is completely naked now, which is a sight for sore eyes.


    "Jin-san can make clothes too. ......"


    Rhodes looked strangely impressed.


    "Father, it''s done."


    "Good, I''m done too."


    Jin made clothes out of the cloth woven from the threads of a ground spider, though it was only one-third as strong as the one from Horai Island.


    Reiko put it on Elena and the work was done.


    "Okay, let''s reboot. "


    "...... yes"


    Elena slowly got up.


    "Elena!


    "Elena-sama!"


    Leelia and Arrieta, who had been looking at her anxiously, jumped on her.


    "You must be Leelia ...... and Arrietta. I''m so sorry I worried you."


    "No, no. ......"


    "I''m glad you''re back ...... to normal!"


    But Elena denied it.


    "No, it''s not back to normal."


    "What?


    Leelia and Arrieta pulled away from Elena with a surprised look on their faces. Their faces were pale.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. Don''t worry about it. I didn''t mean it in a bad way."


    Elena smiled softly.


    "I am now fifty times better than I was before I broke down."


    "Yes!


    Fifty times more powerful sounds like a huge improvement, but the original Elena was detuned and could only show twice the physical ability of a human being.


    Now, Elena is 50 times more powerful than the original Elena, making her 100 times more powerful than a human being.


    Even so, her performance is less than one-third that of the golem and automata of Horai Island. This was due to the limitation of materials.


    Jin made it the best he could with the materials available today.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama, for fixing it."


    After calming Lelia and Arrietta down, Elena turned to Jin and bowed deeply.


    "I never thought I would actually meet you."


    "Really?��Really?"


    Elena said something that bothered Jin a little, so he asked her if she was sure.


    The old man had told me a little bit about you about 400 years ago. Jin-sama, who had gone missing, temporarily appeared 400 years later ...... in this time period, and then returned to the original time period."


    "Oh, I see."


    Elena is under the mistaken impression that Jin here is the . The old man may not have told her the exact age, or Elena''s broken sense of time may have been a little off.


    Jin thought that he would clear up the misunderstanding later. Because Lelia and Arietta looked like they wanted to ask him some questions.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    An hour later, Jin, Rhodes, Reiko, and Hope were chatting with Elena in a kind of reception room.


    "Leelia and Arrietta are the ones I''ve loved since they were little."


    "Oh, that''s why they were so desperate."


    Jin thought that their attitude made sense then. In fact, it made him smile.


    Jin then explained about his present self.


    "I see, Jin-sama <...... doesn''t understand you at all."


    Elena smiled at him.


    "In any case, I can only thank you for restoring ...... this body to its original, much better state."


    "But who the hell ...... is this person who did that to Elena?"


    Elena''s face tightened,


    I''ll tell you all about it, Jin-sama," she said.


    She began to speak slowly.


    The story began with the following words: * * * * * * *


    "It all started with ......, I see...do you know about Golbert Markitas?"


    "Yes, I know him.


    He took away the majority of our Nostalgia personnel and forces.


    Jin took the opportunity to ask Elena.


    "Elena, first of all, tell me about Golbert Markitas.��I''m having a hard time understanding what he really is."


    Elena nodded.


    "I understand. Certainly, very few people know about him in this day and age."


    After a breath ...... Elena didn''t need one, Elena began to speak again.


    "We do not know the childhood of Golbert Markitas."


    "Hmm?��I''m sorry, wait a minute. What do you mean?


    I''m sorry, wait a minute. No matter how much research I do, I can''t find his country of birth, his town, his parents, his family, anything.


    "Hmm. ......"


    He won''t talk about it, so this is a real mystery.


    "Okay. I''m sorry to interrupt you, but please continue.


    I''m sorry to interrupt you, please continue. ...... So he suddenly appeared on the stage as an adult. First of all, he will be enrolled in the high school of ."


    Jin nodded. I know what I''m talking about.


    "He was a genius. He was a ...... no, I mean, he was a very mysterious person. Yes, as if he had known all along and had dared to enter the school."


    "Hmmm... ......"


    "And three years of learning. Golbert Markitas was always in the first class."


    "That''s amazing."


    Having studied at Avalon, Rhodes knows how difficult it can be.


    "I dropped out at the end of my third year. He said there was nothing more to learn."


    Avalon''s high school is a five-year program. To drop out after three years of study is a very good sign. .......


    "Should we assume that he had a certain amount of knowledge before he entered the school?"


    "Yes. I think that is the most likely scenario."


    Elena agreed.


    "And for a year, Golbert Markitas did not appear, but the next time he appeared, he was carrying the Magi Emulator," she said.


    "So you think he developed it during that one year?"


    "I think so. And ......."


    At this point, Jin interrupted again.


    "I''m sorry. But before I forget, did Golbert Markitas ever give any indication that he was going to rebel while he was in school?"


    Elena shook her head in denial.


    "No, at least, I don''t think people around him were aware of it."


    "Well, I''m ...... sorry, please continue."


    "Yes."


    Elena''s story continues.

 1624 - - 44-23 Information from Elena

    "Golbert Markitas has changed a lot in the past year."


    Elena looked at him curiously and broke off.


    "That happens to people all the time," she said. Especially when we go through hardships and painful experiences.


    Elena nodded at Jin''s words.


    "...... is that the way it is? Anyway, Golbert Markitas was a changed man.


    Until then, he had been a sullen man of the world, but not anti-establishment, she said.


    I wonder what happened during that year.


    "Yes, I don''t know. But when he reappeared, he had definitely become a dangerous man.


    A dangerous man?


    Dangerous man, huh? ...... to continue.��...... Golbert Markitas reappeared and at first he seemed quiet. But in fact he was sowing the seeds of discord.


    He had no problem attending lectures because he was on a leave of absence, but that was a mistake.


    Golbert Markitas began to deny science in more than half of his lectures, shouting loudly against it.


    "The most important of his arguments was that <>.


    "<>, or ......"


    Jin thought that this was a rather astonishing viewpoint.


    Certainly, there is a tendency to do so, Jin admitted.


    It is not impossible to think that the earth''s civilization will also be ...... if things continue as they are, and above all, since the <> was destroyed.


    However, Jin thinks that <> was not destroyed.


    In his opinion, it was probably due to the scarcity of materials and the limitation of the species.


    "Huh?��If ......, does Golbert Malkitas know about <>?"


    "Yes. Everyone related to <> knows about it. In the first place, it is no exaggeration to say that is a facility that originated from .


    "Indeed it is."


    The question remains, then, where did Golbert Malkitas''s thought get twisted?


    Jin could not think of anything, so he decided to listen to the rest of Elena''s talk.


    "...... Golbert Markitas was a good talker, and gradually more and more people began to sympathize with him. Then six months after he appeared. ......Suddenly there was a <>."


    "<>?��<


    "Yes. I was not there, so I could not analyze the situation, but I think it is possible that some kind of subconscious induction (subliminal) magic was used.


    Elena once brainwashed people using <><>> and founded the <>.


    Her readings are not to be underestimated.


    "But if you use such magic in Avalon, it will be detected at some point.


    Rhodes, who had been listening in silence, interrupted.


    "If you want to brainwash people, there is ."


    "Oh, I see."


    Brainwashing magic, formerly known as , was once used by the aristocrats of the Klein Kingdom.


    It is the magic used by Lardus the Humorous, who once manipulated Count Walter, a nobleman of the Klein Kingdom.


    "That''s a different system, so we might not be able to detect it if we don''t know it. But even if that were the case, how could Golbert Malkitas use it?"


    "I don''t know that, but ......"


    Rhodes held his tongue, too, unsure of himself.


    "First of all, isn''t that magic forbidden in the Nordic Federation?"


    "Yes, it is.


    Then the big mystery is how he learned it.


    Yes, that''s true.


    Again, Jin put off the solution and asked Elena to continue the story.


    "......<> has not been confined to Avalon, but has spread to many countries. The kingdoms of Elias, Egelea, Klein, Franz, and Selroa....... The Kingdom of Shawlo was barely affected.


    Naturally, the same is true of the countries further west, such as Mitsho and Huso.


    "In the end, they occupied about a third of Avalon, seized some magical machines, and fled.


    "...... If you ask me that much, they''re totally criminals."


    Jin growled.


    "Yes, that is correct. That''s why Golbert Markitas is still wanted by the and the ."


    He is probably not alive anymore, but he is not confirmed dead, so he is still there.


    "Let''s go back to the story. The group led by Golbert Malkitas, who took the Magi Machine, went to the kingdom of Elias. They took over the headquarters of the Nostalgia Party there.


    Is that how it happened?


    Yes. Around this time, a group calling itself the League of Magic appeared.


    There was no doubt that Golbert Malkitas was connected to the , but without proof, the could not be condemned as a criminal group, he said.


    "The people involved with Avalon never came to the fore.


    "So they can''t be charged with any crime.


    As a nation governed by the rule of law, you can''t accredit people as criminals without proof.


    "And they began to raise the slogan, ''Let''s move from a material civilization that relies on science to a civilization that only uses magic to train the mind.


    But it seems to me that they are relying on material things, such as using golems and besieging Horai Island with ships.


    Jin said so,


    "This point has been raised by several countries in the past. However, the only response I received was, "It is a transitional period, so there is nothing we can do about it.


    Jin felt that this was a double standard.


    "I don''t see a clear purpose for this. ....... What on earth did Golbert Malkitas want?"


    "I don''t know now. But the is different these days. It is clear that they want power ......."


    Jin wondered if there might have been such a change since Golbert Markitas, the founder and head of the Federation, was no longer around.


    "I will continue the story. ...... We, the Nostalgia Party, are also trying to achieve a better future by combining the magical technology of the past and the wisdom of the present, but when we were the Unifiler Party, we had the slogan of returning to the days of the ancient magical kingdom."


    "That''s right."


    It was Jin, of all people, who destroyed that slogan.


    So it seems that there were a few people who shared Golbert Malkitas'' ideology. And, to borrow a conjecture from earlier, ...... brainwashing also took place, and almost half of the party members joined the <."


    It was 3748, five years after Golbert Markitas had reappeared.


    Elena said regretfully.


    "It was out of my power. I am sorry.


    "No, don''t worry about it. No, don''t worry about it.


    "Yes, I did everything in my power against the <>. And of course, <>. But for a while, their power only grew.


    He says that some of the nobles in each country supported them.


    "In the Kingdom of Elias, the king even declared that he supported the claims of the League of Magic and that he would spare no expense to help them."


    Elena says this also sounds like .


    "So it was a time of quiet for us for a while."


    Although not used publicly, there were many incidents in which the <> was supposedly used.


    "Flying machines crashed, hot-air balloons caught fire. A ship even ran out of control."


    "I see. <


    As expected, Jin had not taken that many countermeasures.


    "That''s what I mean. ...... probably Golbert Markitas got the information about Jin-sama from somewhere as well."


    "I guess so."


    It doesn''t make sense otherwise.


    "I''m thinking perhaps the island of Kunlun."


    Jin said, and Elena affirmed his opinion.


    "Yes, I think so too. Anyone can go to the Kunlun Island, so it would be easy if they were not attacking openly, but by hiding among the general public.


    Jin felt frustrated now that he had taken countermeasures against the slave rewriting magic and the ether jammer, but he was probably powerless in front of the <>.


    "However, around the year 3800, the power of the Magical League began to decline. Perhaps our activities were successful, but little by little we were really able to reduce their power until around the time when Golbert Malkitas stopped appearing in public.


    And now they are down to about one-fifth of what they used to be at the height of their power.


    "If brainwashing magic is a major factor, it could be because there are no more people who can use it.


    "I see. ...... So, why was Elena so wrecked?"


    Here, Jin asks what has been bothering him. In the first place, Elena was detuned at that time and was not suitable for fighting at all.


    "Yes, there is a reason for that.


    Elena begins to tell us the reason.

 1625 - - 44-24 Battle of Elena

    "In the year 3884, a man named Guillermo Marchitas appeared."


    "Guillermo Marchitas?"


    Jin looked doubtful when he heard the name for the first time.


    "Yes. He claimed to be the successor of Golbert Malkitas and began to rebuild the ailing Federation of Magic.


    "I never heard of him."


    However, this was at a time when both Reiko and Horaijima had ceased their activities, in other words, there was an information vacuum.


    "Guillermo Marchitas is definitely a direct descendant of Golbert Marchitas. I mean, he has the same face, the same body, and the same features. His face, his body, and his way of thinking are identical.


    Elena says that since Golbert Marchitas has been gone for 114 years, he must be a great-grandson or great-great-grandson.


    "Guillermo looks about 80 years old, and it is no exaggeration to say that he is the same person as Golbert Marchitas was when he disappeared."


    "Hmmm......... Maybe Golbert Malkitas somehow went to sleep and spent more than 100 years with his physical age intact."


    Jin speculates on the possibility.


    But it is only a possibility. Jin cannot do such a thing now.


    "Not even on Horai Island, you can''t."


    Reiko, who had been silent so far, opened her mouth.


    "Because we did not do such a study."


    "That''s right."


    But that doesn''t mean it''s impossible.


    It may be possible by other means.


    For example, if you fly around the universe at about 90% of the speed of light on <> and come back to Ars, according to the theory of relativity, many times more time would have passed in Ars than in <>.


    Going to the future is easier than going back to the past.


    "I will continue. ...... Guillermo Marchitas has tried again to attack us <> and we have intercepted him."


    That was 12 years ago in ......3885.


    * * * *


    "I am Guillermo Marchitas, the new leader of the League of Magic. Surrender your stronghold quickly, or I will make you a prey to my magic. What is your reply?


    The Nostalgia Party had invaded the island of Elektra, which was then the headquarters of the Nostalgia Party, along with 200 golems.


    "Go back to sleep and talk in your sleep. That''s a criminal act, isn''t it?"


    Elena stepped forward to confront him.


    "You''re just an old-fashioned doll!"


    Guillermo Marchitas snickered and pointed two golems at her.


    "Don''t lick me!"


    Elena drew the shortsword from her waist and slashed down the two golems in the blink of an eye.


    "Well, it''s an adamantite sword. And your swordsmanship was quite impressive. I''ll give you that.


    But the sneer on Guillermo Marchitas'' face remains.


    "What can you do against 200 golems? <


    Would you like to give it a try?


    "Hmph, you''re a smart one."


    Elena was saying this to draw attention to herself and buy time for the party members to escape.


    "Besides, we have at least a battle golem here.


    Elena raised her left hand, and four golems appeared, destroying the walls on both sides.


    "I see, this one looks strong.


    "It''s not strong, it''s strong!"


    With those words, the four golems leaped out of the water as if they had been shot.


    In the blink of an eye, the four, eight, and twelve Golems that Guillermo Malkitas had brought with him were defeated.


    I see, this is good. It is certainly stronger than the golem that I have been using.


    While he was saying this, 16 or 20 Golems were destroyed.


    "It''s about time. <


    "What?


    The four golems stopped moving.


    I''ve been trying to figure out who made your golem. Donald, you say?"


    "That''s nasty. ......"


    Elena was getting impatient.


    "Unfortunately, I didn''t bring the magi emulator for you.


    "That''s too bad, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, for you."


    Guillermo Marchitas smiles thinly.


    "If the Magi Emulator had belonged to you, it wouldn''t have been destroyed here.


    "What?"


    I meant exactly what I said. Go to ......."


    Go to ......!


    The battle golem sent by Elena attacks Elena in the opposite direction.


    The battle golem is twice as fast as Elena''s and five times as strong. Furthermore, they are outnumbered four to one.


    Elena is cornered.


    "...... I don''t have a choice."


    Elena makes a desperate move here.


    "<>!"


    This is an intermediate level earth magic that creates a pitfall.


    Three out of the four fell into the pitfalls.


    Elena followed,


    "<>!"


    She attacked Guillermo Marchitas, the clear leader of the enemy.


    "I see. He''s going after me. That''s a good move.


    However, the barrier in front of Guillermo Marchitas blocks all of his attacks.


    But that was something Elena knew.


    She steps in with her maximum speed, and right in front of Guillermo Marchitas, she unleashes her light magic.


    "<>!


    "Whoa!"


    The blinding light cannot be prevented as long as it passes through visible light.


    Guillermo Marchitas crumples, clutching his eyes.


    "<>!


    "GWAH!"


    Sonic bombs are the same thing. It''s a magic normally used underwater.


    This bought valuable time.


    Now that there is no one left to give orders, Elena swings her sword like a gale, trying to disable the enemy golem as much as possible.


    If even one of its legs becomes immobilized, its fighting power will be reduced to nothing. That is the target of her attack.


    But...


    "...... You''ve done it, you puppet!"


    Guillermo Marchitas, whose sight and hearing had been restored, ordered a full attack on the golem.


    ��A few more.)


    According to Elena''s judgment, two more minutes would be enough to evacuate the entire party.


    (If we play with them and disturb them with our speed ......)


    But the movement was stopped.


    "Ah!


    One of the remaining battle golems caught Elena''s movement.


    "Kyaaa!"


    Elena''s right arm with the sword was grabbed, and she was unable to break free or slash with the sword.


    "...... You''ve done it, doll!"


    Guillermo Markitas approaches, holding her ear.


    A cruel smile was on his face.

 1626 - - 44-25 Understanding the current situation

    From then on, it was a one-sided violation.


    With one arm in her grasp, even Elena could not do anything about it.


    "How dare you, you little doll! Do it!


    At that command, the battle golem slammed Elena to the ground.


    "GUN!"


    With the first blow, the sword flew from Elena''s hand.


    With the second blow, Elena''s right shoulder cracked.


    With the third blow, Elena''s face was crushed.


    "See, this is what happens when a mere doll defies you.


    "...... why?"


    "Why?"


    "Why are you ...... doing this?"


    "Doing this?"


    "You do ...... criminal acts with glee. There is something ...... wrong with you."


    But Guillermo Marchitas brushed it off.


    "Hmph, clever logic. What is a crime?��Is it a crime if you go against the laws you have made up?��That''s funny."


    Elena realized at this moment. Guillermo Marchitas was not of normal mind.


    "In the first place, justice and evil are relative. The laws you make are designed to suit you.


    Even though she thought the other party was crazy, Elena couldn''t help but to argue.


    "That''s not true. ...... In the first place, laws have been enacted over the years, and when there are flaws in them, they are corrected.


    "It''s been corrected and then what do you get? It would be better to tear it all down and rebuild it."


    Are you going to destroy the ...... world?


    "Hmm, that might be interesting."


    At this point, Elena realized that she had bought enough time.


    Using the emergency warp gate, all members of the party had been evacuated. She could have taken out the most important classified materials.


    "What are you going to do if you destroy the world?��People cannot live alone.


    But Guillermo Marchitas laughed arrogantly.


    "Ha-ha-ha, that''s not what I say to a man who has despaired of the world.


    "...... despair?"


    "Oops, I think I spoke too much. ...... Elena, you said, I''d make you my slave too, but you''re too broken to fix. ...... do it."


    "E...... kyaa!"


    Elena was slammed to the floor once more and kicked away by the battle golem.


    Elena''s body is crushed so badly that she is halfway into a wall, and she is rendered inoperable.


    * * * * *


    "......, but then, luckily, I was able to reboot and managed to crawl to where there was a warp gate for emergency use. ......, and here we are."


    Elena''s story ended.


    "You''ve had a hard time, haven''t you?"


    "What a guy!"


    Jin felt sorry for Elena. And Reiko was even more angry than Jin.


    "Guillermo Markitas or ...... another psycho?"


    Jin frowned. It''s not easy when you can''t communicate with people you don''t understand.


    And there was also the possibility that he was suicidal.


    "It''s not funny that he''s going to kill himself with the whole world involved.


    They have their own theories about criminal acts. This is the most troublesome person to deal with.


    "...... The , which had lost its momentum for a while, came back to life when Guillermo Marchitas showed up, didn''t it?"


    Rhodes said.


    "Hmmm......... But then, like Golbert Malkitas, this Guillermo Malkitas doesn''t know his origins, does he?"


    "Yes."


    "Suddenly, he appeared as an adult ...... and Guillermo Marchitas as an old man, or ......."


    Then Jin thinks for a moment.


    "Elena, earlier you mentioned the possibility that these two men are the same person?


    "Yes.


    How likely is it that they are the same person?


    I''d say it''s more likely that they are one and the same person.


    "Mr. Jin, but humans don''t live that long, do they?"


    Rhodes countered, but Jin shook his head.


    "That''s true, but that doesn''t mean there isn''t a way."


    "What?"


    "Under special conditions, it should be possible ...... to sleep for a long period of time while maintaining one''s physical age."


    He was only half joking earlier, but he decided that Golbert and Guillermo, the two , must be the same person.


    Jin once told us that <>......600012 was a <> of Archelle. Jin recalled that <600012 had once tried to create a homunculus of Archel.


    I was thinking a bit aggressively about traveling at nearly the speed of light earlier, but then I thought of homunculus and wondered if it would be possible to pass through the long years by <> in such a <> solution.


    On the Earth where Jin lived, artificial hibernation had been studied, and there were many such stories in science fiction novels.


    "<>, right?��...... Anyway, it''s not impossible."


    Jin himself has realized many things that had been considered a dream by science alone, with the help of magical engineering.


    "Yes, ....... If you dismiss it as impossible, that''s the end of it, isn''t it?


    "That''s what I mean. That''s what I mean. ....... If Guillermo Marchitas and Golbert Marchitas are the same person, why did they hibernate ...... in the middle of the story?"


    It is very difficult to guess what a non-normal person thinks. Jin and Rhodes, after five minutes of pondering, gave up thinking.


    "It''s more about what we''re going to do now."


    "Right."


    At this point Elena joins the conversation.


    "If that''s the case, we''d like to join you.


    I''m sure we''d be happy to join you.


    "Well, then, is Jin-sama the master of the legendary , that , Jin Nido himself?


    Jin thought about it, and confided in Lelia and Arrietta.


    "I guess you could say it''s him ....... Well, think of it as a transference accident that sent me back from the past.


    "So you thought Guillermo was the same person as Golbert Malkitas, didn''t you!


    "Well, that''s one way of looking at it.


    Jin decided to cut to the chase, thinking that he was not wrong in the broad strokes and that we could talk about the details later.


    "First of all, what is the current state of the nostalgia party (nostalgia)?


    Elena seemed to agree with him.


    "Yes, Lelia, Arietta, how are things going?


    Elena had not been aware of the state of the organization since the wreck.


    "Yes. Let me explain."


    Leelia opened her mouth.


    "Since the fall of Elena-sama, the organization has been in a state of collapse.


    "Of course. ......"


    It was the fate of a huge organization to fall apart when it lost its centripetal force.


    "Today, the members led by Arrieta and myself are probably less than one-fiftieth of the original number. Most of them are relatively young people who were able to escape at that time.


    "That is the current Nostalgia, isn''t it?"


    "I guess you could say that."


    Leelia and Arrietta nodded sadly.


    "So, the members absorbed by the <> are probably about one tenth of the total. The rest are scattered, some have found new jobs, some have started their own businesses, and some have gone into hiding.


    Now Arrietta began to explain.


    "There are also quite a few who have been reemployed in <>."


    "I see."


    The current <> is not a secret society, but a private volunteer organization.


    It is understandable that those who came from the < are given preferential treatment.

 1627 - - 44-26 Plan for the Liberation of Lunundo Island

    "......Do you know what''s going on in Kunlun Island?"


    Finally, Jin decided to ask what he was most concerned about.


    He could have just asked the old man, but he wanted to hear what the old man had to say, not from his own people, but from a third party.


    Well, he had to nod his head if Elena was a perfect third party.


    "Yes. Yes, I am aware of that.


    Can you tell us?


    Okay. ...... Kunlun Island is open to the public, is that correct?


    Yes, I''m aware of that.


    "It used to be used as a dormitory for the , but now that has moved there, it no longer serves that purpose."


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes, well, I guess so."


    "<> and <> are still in good condition. However, Mr. Rolle and Mr. Leffa are not here."


    Yes, I know that too.


    When <> returned to the past ......, or rather to his former time, he saw me off at Horai Island.


    "That''s why Kunlun Island exists today as a resort. ...... ostensibly."


    "...... I knew it."


    Since Elena says "ostensibly", it must have a <> role as well.


    "The <> now, unfortunately, is the forward base of the <>."


    Jin nodded silently.


    "They are planning to use it as a base to attack Horai Island."


    "Yes, I know that. I mean, it''s already been solved."


    What?


    I mean your father kicked them out, Elena-san.


    Reiko, who had been silent until then, interrupted.


    "I see. You are indeed Jin-sama, aren''t you?


    "No, how do they control the Kun Lun island?"


    "Taibai. They control Taebaek with the Magi Emulator.


    "What?"


    The old man had told me that Taihaku was completely dormant.


    < in the old days. After Jin conquered it, he added him to his staff and installed him not in the fortress but as the head of the Kunlun Island.


    "Yes, it had been dormant, but was awakened by the Magi Emulator and placed under his control."


    "I knew it. ......"


    When the "Mere Old Man" told me about this story, I had been wondering about it in a corner of my mind. Unless you stay indoors like the old man, you will be a prey of <>.


    No wonder that the old man, who has been shut up, does not know about it. But he must have realized it by now.


    "I guess the next step is to liberate Kunlun Island. ...... before that."


    Jin thought it would be a good time to ask a few questions.


    "Where are the bases of the <> and where are they located?��Of course, just the main ones."


    "Yes. The headquarters is on the island of Electra. Korun Island is the forward base. And the Kasimunore base in the Kingdom of Selroa.


    The Qasimunore base was once the headquarters of the Nostalgia Party when it was still the Unified Party. There is a rich vein of metal ore underground, and a golem factory is also located there.


    "I see, so you are saying that the Qasimnore base is a production center.


    "I guess you could say that."


    About three of them?


    Yes, the main one.


    "Well... ......"


    Jin thought about it.


    "Suppose we destroy those three bases, will the <> be able to overwhelm the <> and retake the organization and facilities?"


    Elena thought for a moment and nodded.


    "Yes, if not three, then two would be enough."


    "I see."


    Jin thought about it. Then Reiko asked him.


    "Father, if you want to release them, I think you should start from Kunlun Island."


    "Yeah, I think so too. But how would we do it? And if there''s one more place to go, it''s the Kasimunore base.


    There is still a on Lake Athol, a huge lake nearby. With this, we can deploy our forces as we wish.


    "But we can''t just abandon the island of Electra."


    "However, the island of Elektra is also a good option.


    "But first, the Kunlun Island."


    It''s not a good feeling to know that an island you''ve developed and maintained is being taken over.


    "Liberating Taebaek will be the first priority. Then we must eliminate the remaining forces."


    At this point Rhodoth interrupted.


    "But what about Guillermo Marchitas?��It is possible that he will intervene.


    That''s right.


    So, it''s a blitzkrieg mission.


    "Excuse me, are we having a strategy meeting?"


    Jin, Rhodes and Reiko were talking, so Elena wasn''t sure what to do, but she decided to check with them.


    "Oh ...... no, I''m sorry."


    I got a little pissed off," Jin apologized.


    "Well then,......, let''s take back the Kunlun Island first, is there anything we need to be careful of?"


    Again Jin asked Elena.


    It might have been enough to ask the old man, but the possibility of new discoveries from Elena''s unique point of view could not be dismissed.


    "Well, since most of the nobles and royalty from various countries stay at <><>, I think you should be careful about various things."


    "That''s right."


    Jin now has no proper acquaintances on the Laurentian continent.


    The current means of transportation is about half by sea and half by air.


    "Oh, I see."


    In the past, hot air balloons and airships were the main means of transportation, but nowadays ships have developed to a certain extent and some people enjoy cruising.


    Also, there are a certain number of members of the World Guard stationed here.


    "Is that right?"


    Jin thought that it was quite natural for the World Guard, which maintains security regardless of national borders, to be in the Kunlun Island, which does not belong to any particular country.


    "Lastly, there are about five of us from the Nostalgia Party, so if you need us, please let us know.


    "Oh, that would be great."


    After confirming a few other things, Jin decided to leave the Nostalgia headquarters.


    He went to the basement of the Mecilei workshop through the warp gate with Lelia and Arrietta.


    "Thank you very much, Jin-sama and Rhodos-sama.


    As they left the basement, Jin and the others were thanked by Leelia and Arrieta.


    "Thanks to you, Elena-sama has been restored to normal.


    "If you ever need anything in the future, you can count on us.


    Thank you. If there''s ever a time.


    Jin, Rhodes, and Reiko leave the workshop waving their hands.


    It was already dark outside.


    "Let''s have dinner."


    The two quickly return to the inn.


    The two of them walked quickly back to the inn.


    "Oh, this is .......


    "This is Florenz''s specialty, Topopo cuisine.


    <


    There were not only topopo chips and fried topopo, but also meat topopo, croquettes, and topopo salad.


    There was also stew, pork miso soup, and miso soup with topopo and onions.


    Jin enjoyed the variations of topopo dishes that seem to have increased over time in this country.

 1628 - - 44-27 Second Hitoshi Family

    The next day, Jin and Rhodes went around the town of Florenz to gather information, but they did not seem to get anything in particular.


    However, it was curious that there were signs everywhere in the town inviting people to join the <>.


    Moreover, a person who looked like a recruiter sometimes tried to approach me, and Reiko noticed it and took me by the hand and left the place ...... five times.


    "I guess this is the lap of the < after all. ......"


    "Yes, sir."


    "If you don''t mind causing trouble, I''d like to get rid of all of them."


    Not now, Reiko.


    Yes, if your father says so.


    That''s the way it went.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, shall we go home?"


    Yes.


    Jin wanted to stop by Potrock to see how Marcia''s workshop was doing, but decided not to for now.


    "Not until we finish the mess with the <>."


    So Jin refrains from going to <> to see his descendants.


    Jin, Rhodes, Reiko, Hope, and the others headed for the airport.


    They pay a late fee of 1,000 dollars and take out the from the rental warehouse. The car was still in the same condition as when it was left in the warehouse.


    However, the old man is probably keeping an eye on the place with his and will do something about it if there is an insolent person ......, Jin thought.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    Jin instructed Reiko and started the <>.


    "Father, are you sure the destination is the Nordic Federation?"


    "No, to Horai Island."


    What?


    What?


    Reiko and Rhodes both asked in surprise.


    "Are you sure you want to take Rhodes-san to Horai Island ......?"


    "Yes."


    Rhodes was flustered by this statement.


    "Jin, Jin-sama, are you sure you want me to go to Horai Island?"


    Jin nodded.


    "No, I think I''m ...... a little too late for that. I''ve been ...... taking care of you in many ways and I will continue to do so."


    Jin held out his hand.


    "Will you be a part of the second Jin family?"


    Rhodes squeezes his hand tightly.


    "It would be my pleasure!��I would be honored, Jin-sama!"


    The second Jin family is now established.


    "Wow. ......"


    Needless to say, Rhodes was stunned when he saw Horai Island for the first time with his own eyes.


    * * * *


    "Now, this is the for Rhodes."


    Jin handed Rhodes a white and light blue marbled bracelet.


    "Here, this is ......."


    "Oh, it''s the same as the ones Zion and Marikka have. It has a barrier function, a communication function, and a personal identification function.


    "Oh, thank you!"


    Rhodes bows deeply.


    "For a long, long time ......, my grandmother has been telling me stories about it and I''ve been longing for it!��Not only have I been invited to this Horai Island, but I''ve even been given a bracelet ......!"


    "Ah, ah!"


    Jin was a little taken back by the tension.


    "......"


    "Have you calmed down?"


    "Yes, yes, I''m sorry."


    Rhodes, who had finally returned to his normal state, was small in the control room in the basement of the institute.


    Jin understands how he feels, so he leaves him alone.


    "My old man, ...... is all the information I have got this time."


    "I see."


    <


    But it''s not surprising since we were confined to the fleet of the surrounding Horai Island during that period.


    <


    "So that''s what you''re thinking."


    <


    "Is that it?"


    <


    "Okay. If there is no problem, we will do it immediately."


    <<


    "Not too much."


    Thus, Jin gave the old man the go-ahead to retake Kunlun Island.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    .


    As he had declared, the Kunlun Island seems to have been recaptured in no time at all.


    "Good. So far, the <> hasn''t noticed us, has it?"


    <


    "Good, that''s good. For the time being, they will not be aware that we have recaptured it."


    At this point, Jin asks a question that has been bothering him a little.


    "Hey, old man, do you think I should know what I used to make?


    Jin thought, "Hey old man, would it be better for me to know what I used to make?


    .


    "What do you mean?"


    "That''s also true: ......"


    Efficiency is not everything. The old man was well aware of Jin''s crafty nature.


    >


    This was the concern of the old man, who thought that it would be better to put as few restrictions on his ideas as possible.


    Jin thought for a while before accepting the suggestion of the old man.


    "Yes, please do so.


    <


    "Well then, let''s get started...did I make something like this in the past?"


    Jin explains his idea.


    "I see, I did make a MagiDeciver after all.


    MagiDeciver. It is a device that the control core or the magical brain.


    The sensors used in magical engineering have physical quantities such as light, sound, and heat as input, but all output is magical power.


    The MagiDeceiver is a device that < the output of these sensors.


    It is a localized version of an illusionary ward.


    "Master Jin, what do you intend to do with this magical illusion device?"


    Rhodotos, who had finally recovered, asked.


    "Well, that''s ...... what I''m going to do."


    Jin gave his thoughts to Rhodes, the old man, and Reiko.

 1629 - - 44-28 Next Plan

    "In short, you want to use it to deceive the for the time being, don''t you?"


    Rhodoth spoke up, knowing what Jin was trying to do.


    "That''s what I mean. <."


    Reiko looks a little dissatisfied with Jin''s words.


    "Your father says it''s okay for you to be ?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes, I think it''s fine. I''m a person who shouldn''t be here, in a double or triple sense. That''s why I''m thinking of moving to Hale. ......


    Four hundred years ago, Jin was a and accomplished many things.


    From that experience, he has decided to live his life in secret this time.


    "Besides, when your whole body is made of >, you don''t seem to age well, do you? It would be bad if there were such a person in the mix."


    If it were with a semi-immortal homunculus like No. 700672, there would be no problem," Jin says.


    "If you''ve thought that far ......, I have nothing more to say. I will obey your father.


    "Thank you, Reiko. Anyway, from what Elena told me, Guillermo Marchitas is too dangerous. We must help him eliminate those dangers, or the world itself will be in danger.


    And once the immediate dangers are eliminated, Jin said, he plans to visit his descendants who have taken refuge on the island of Onogoro.


    "I''m ...... a little bit afraid of that."


    * * *


    "Well, I digress.


    Jin resumes.


    "For now, the ''s strength is the . If it turns out that it doesn''t work, I don''t know what Guillermo Malkitas will do, let alone the lower ranks.


    Many of the thoughts of the out-of-the-ordinary thinkers are incomprehensible.


    "That''s why I''d like to make preparations as far as possible without letting them know about it."


    The old man said confidently.


    "All right, I''ll leave it to you."


    <


    Thus began the plan against the League of Magic.


    * * * * * *


    "Now all that remains is to liberate one more place."


    Jin was thinking of liberating the Kasimunore base on the shores of Lake Asur.


    "This one won''t be as easy as the one in Kunlun.


    "I''m sure it will be. Just hearing about the structure of the base, it seems difficult."


    The Kunlun Island was easier because few members of the were stationed there, and virtually only had to be liberated.


    However, there must be dozens to a hundred or so members at the Kassimunore base.


    "I don''t know what their intentions are in joining the ."


    As far as Elena was concerned, it was hard to believe that Guillermo Marchitas, the second head of the League, had any charisma at all.


    "Is it brainwashing, after all?"


    Rhodes says. He is also curious about the magic of the northern tribes, <>, the brainwashing and subjugation magic of the <>, the <>.


    "I''ll have to look into that. But we can''t just go in there..."


    "Father, why don''t you go and kidnap someone?"


    Reiko says something dangerous, but I''m sure it''s not as bad as it sounds.


    It''s not hard to do.


    <


    Send a golem with a transporter to stun or paralyze the target, and re-transfer with the target using the transporter you gave him.


    The transporter cannot travel long distances, but there is a floating base in Lake Asur nearby.


    <


    That''s all. Of course, the details need to be worked out a bit more. .......


    "When you think about it, the facilities on Horai Island are dangerous. ......"


    I shudder to think what Golbert Malkitas, the former leader of the would have done with it.


    "I should really think about moving to Hale. ......"


    For now, he is leaving the planning to 700672.


    "When this mess is over, I''ll think about it in earnest. ......"


    But now is the time to focus on the problem at hand.


    "Let''s kidnap them one by one, unbrainwash them if they are brainwashed, and throw them out!"


    Reiko said something crazy again.


    "No, we can''t just throw them out. Let''s start with a hostile situation inspection.


    Gathering information is fundamental. Jin decides to activate the .


    "Hey, old man, this is also improved based on , isn''t it?


    <


    At the time of development, it used free magic element "ether" wave, but it was blocked by <>.


    In the past, Jin thought of and realized the use of <free magic element ether wave>> as a carrier wave, which cannot be blocked by the magic barrier.


    The principle is the same as that of radio.


    The radio uses radio waves as a carrier wave for sound waves, but this radio uses sub-free magic element "ether" waves as a carrier wave for light waves.


    With this method, it is possible to observe the inside of the Kassimunore base, no matter what kind of wards are set up around it.


    "The inside of the base is very neat."


    It is no surprise that the Nostalgia members who originally worked at the Qasimnore base have switched to the .


    "I wonder who they will bring.


    If a top-level member is noticed missing, there will be a big fuss. On the other hand, a low-level person does not have the information you want.


    "Maybe we can find someone in the middle management level, I don''t know."


    Jin spoke to the old man who was working on his observation work with the <.


    <


    He said that he is checking the candidates according to various criteria.


    <<>


    Hearing this, Jin felt a little better. No matter how he tries to explain it, what he is going to do is <.


    The old man, who seemed to have sensed Jin''s inner conflict, said


    "Hmm?��What do you mean?"


    < under normal circumstances. It is highly possible that they were brainwashed.


    "I see."


    The fact that the request came from Elena, his former boss, eased Jin''s burden considerably. The old man is very attentive in this area.


    After the declaration of the Master, Land 404, which had been waiting for him, is transferred and appears in a room in the Kassimunore base. It takes 0.5 seconds.


    Lando 404 appears behind the target and uses to knock the target unconscious and secure him when he is about to fall. Two seconds have elapsed so far.


    Using the transporter, Land 404 transfers with the subject to the <>. Three seconds have elapsed so far.


    <, and then to Horai Island again.


    The mission is completed in 12 seconds.


    "Please."


    The examination is performed by Lise, a doctor (healer) and an automata.


    Lise has inherited Elsa''s skills and her appearance is based on Sally Mireshan''s younger days.


    "She is brainwashed, after all. And ...... it seems to be the < used by the demons, or rather the northern tribes."


    Jin looked at Rhodes in surprise.


    Rhodes had predicted this possibility, but he was still surprised by this fact and his face turned a little blue.

 1630 - - 44-29 Rescue?

    "I thought it might be, but I didn''t expect it to actually come true."


    Rhodes says in seemingly contradictory terms.


    Jin interpreted this as meaning that he hoped it would not come true.


    "Rhodes, it has not been decided yet that the northerners are involved.


    Jin was a little disappointed that he could only say, "Rhodes, it has not been decided yet that the northerners are involved.


    Then Lise came to report.


    "Master, your examination and treatment are finished.


    "You''re early. Thank you. Well?


    Yes. As I reported earlier, he was brainwashed by Divieniunschiavo, and we have released him. He''s sleeping now."


    "I see. When will he be awake?"


    He will wake up in about half an hour.


    Lise went back to the room, adding that it was not a good idea to force her to wake up.


    "Well, what should we do now, Mr. President? I think it would be better to awaken them in Elena''s laboratory, ...... for example, rather than in this laboratory."


    <<>


    "Yes. What is she doing now?"


    <


    "That''s convenient.


    With the previous modification, Elena also has a built-in manacam, a magical elemental communication device that connects directly to Horai Island. This is out of Jin''s concern that if she had this, the situation would not have been so terrible.


    Through it, the old man made contact.


    ��I will send a person to the manor for an hour or so. Please come anytime.]


    He received an immediate reply and was told that he would be waiting for him.


    "Alright, Mr. President, let''s send the rescued party members to Elena''s place. ......Yes, Reiko and I will go with you.


    <


    Jin-sama, please take me with you.


    "Yes, let''s go."


    At Rhodes'' request, Jin, Reiko, Rhodes, and the party members who had been < were transported by transporter to Elena.


    "Welcome, Jin-sama."


    Elena greets Jin and the others.


    And then...


    "...... room?"


    Elena muttered, looking at the party members who were still asleep.


    Jin also looked at the person called Arum.


    "A woman?"


    Her shoulder-length semi-long chestnut-colored hair and her well-developed figure were definitely a woman.


    "This is Arum Pitt. She''s a mid-level technician I''ve been keeping an eye on.


    "I see you know her well, that''s good."


    I can vouch for him. May I confide in you, Mr. Jin?"


    Jin thought for a moment before giving his approval.


    "Fine. If Elena guarantees it.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin decided that Nostalgia would be an important part of his activities from now on.


    Jin then had several meetings with Elena.


    * * * * * *


    "Uh, no. ......"


    Ten minutes after arriving at Elena''s place, Arum seemed to notice.


    "...... where am I?��I''m ......."


    "Arum, do you recognize me?"


    "Elena ......, my lady ...... what?��Elena-sama?"


    Arum woke up with a start, his eyes wide open and rigid as if he couldn''t believe what he was seeing in front of him.


    "It''s really ...... Elena-sama, you''re ...... safe, aren''t you?"


    Tears spilled from her golden brown eyes.


    "Elena-sama!


    "Oh my goodness."


    Elena gently accepted Arum''s hug and gently stroked her sobbing head.


    "You''ll always be a crybaby, no matter how old you get."


    "De de ...... de ...... de ...... de ...... that''s the way to go ...... Elena, you''re a crybaby!"


    "I see, you saw me fight Guillermo Marchitas?"


    "Yes. ......"


    He said that he was one of the few who stayed until the end, although he could not see the end because they had all evacuated.


    "Then ...... sorry, the <> found him and brainwashed him ......, it seems."


    "I didn''t know that. But it''s all right now.


    "Oh, my dear Erena, ......


    After being released from the brainwashing, Arum had a little infantile regression, or perhaps she was remembering the past, and she hugged Elena for a while and sobbed.


    Aroom hugged Elena and sobbed for a while.


    "Well, I''m sorry to show you my displeasure..."


    After crying on Elena''s chest for a while, Arum turned to Jin, Rhodes and Reiko, still rubbing his slightly red eyes.


    "First of all, thank you for saving me. My name is Arum Pitt. I am a magecraftsman in training.


    Arum introduced himself to Jin and the others so briskly that it was hard to believe that he had been crying to Elena.


    "Arum, this is Master Jin and Master Rhodos. Especially Jin-sama, he''s <> Jin-sama, right?"


    "Yes, yes!��......<, Jin Nido-sama, is it?��Why?��Why?"


    Naturally, Arum was flustered by this revelation.


    "Calm down. I told you this ...... because I thought I could trust you."


    "Oh, thank you. ......"


    Arum seemed thrilled to hear Elena''s assurance that he could be trusted.


    "But why me?"


    "Well, ...... to be honest, I guess it''s just a coincidence."


    "Coincidence?"


    "Well, it just so happened that it was easier to get you out of the League of Magic, that''s all. But when I asked Elena about it, she said I could trust her, so I told her what had happened.


    "I didn''t know that. ...... I have mixed feelings about that. ...... Thank you very much."


    So, you were brainwashed, but do you remember what happened during that time?


    Here is the main question. If the answer is "I don''t remember," you need to confirm your memory by < with your consent.


    But that was not the case.


    "Yes, I remember everything.


    "That''s great. Alms, for the time being you''re the Operations Officer.


    "Chief of Staff?��Me?��I''m honored!


    It was funny how he was so fascinated with Elena that he overreacted to every single word she said.


    "First of all, I want to confirm something. What do you think the <> will do when they realize you are gone?"


    This is important.


    "I don''t think they''ll care too much about ......."


    A little disappointed, Arum answered.

 1631 - - 44-30 Conference Initiation

    Aroom had a complicated look on his face when he said that he did not care much if he was gone.


    "I''ve been in a quiet job, and I''ve been mistreated.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes, Elena. I was ......Well, I don''t know how to say it, I don''t care if you are there or not. ......Well, all the technical people were treated coldly.


    Hearing this, Jin leaned forward.


    "Tell me more about that."


    "Uh, yes. ......<> has a slogan: "We hate the development of technology.


    We all knew that, but what he said after that surprised and convinced us.


    "...... but there are some people who don''t like it and ......<> is internally divided."


    "Internal division, you say. ......That makes sense. I''ve been feeling that there''s been a lot of disunity in the policy."


    Elena nodded her head.


    "Yes. ......We had been on the verge of coming together since that Guillermo Marchitas became our leader, but he recently lost his fleet and we have lost our cohesive power.


    Jin thought that he must be referring to the fleet that had surrounded Horai Island.


    "You mean, there are two factions?" asked Rhodes.


    Rhodes asked, and Arum shook his head.


    "No, there are three.


    "What?"


    "Three. The faction led by Guillermo Marchitas, the faction aiming for supremacy in the Kingdom of Elias, and the ...... opportunistic faction.


    Surprisingly, there are many of these << opportunistic> factions.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Rhodes opened his mouth in thought.


    "Assuming that Guillermo Marchitas is able to brainwash people with , we can assume that his faction will gain strength in the future.


    I see... he''s brainwashing an opportunistic faction.


    That''s what I''m thinking.


    "...... I seem to be the one who was brainwashed by that.


    Arum sagged.


    We are going to start with those who have little presence and would not feel uncomfortable even if they were gone, in order to break them down little by little.


    "So neither of them are important to you. ...... ugh ......"


    "Oh dear, Arum, behave yourself."


    "Yes!"


    Arum was on the verge of despondency, but Elena''s words helped him to get back on his feet.


    "Yes, I know. Arum, you are now a treasure trove of information about the , if you don''t mind my saying so.


    Jin followed up.


    "A treasure trove, you mean. ......


    "Yes. And information loses its value when it becomes outdated. Therefore, we need to examine the information as soon as possible.


    Aroom''s face became sharp as if he had understood Jin''s words.


    "I understand!"


    Elena smiled,


    "Yes, that''s good. Let''s go to ...... and have a strategy meeting.


    Elena smiled and said, "Okay, that''s fine.


    * * * * * *


    Soon after, Lelia and Arrietta, who had also become acquainted with Jin and Rhodes, arrived.


    But...


    "It''s not Arum!"


    When did you come back?


    "Uh, well, I heard that Master Jin and Master Rhodotos rescued him..."


    For a few moments, the three female party members rejoiced at their safe reunion.


    "Come on, let''s start the meeting!


    Elena clapped her hands and the three became serious and took their seats.


    "I know it''s not much to call it an executive meeting ......, but we have a special guest today. It''s not often that we have such an opportunity.


    The meeting began with Elena, Arum, Lelia, Arietta, Jin, Rhodes, and Reiko.


    "First of all, is it better to recover the lost ground, or is it better to disturb the opponent?


    Jin summarized the agenda.


    "I think we can come to a conclusion after a detailed study of the current situation of the <>."


    Jin-sama is right. Specifically, should we retake the base in Kasimunore, or should we stir up confusion among them?


    Elena added.


    "I think it is still a little early to retake the base," Elena added. I think it is still a little early to take them back, because we are not ready yet.


    Elena started by stating her opinion.


    "So, Alm, please tell us what you know about the situation of the League of Magic.


    "Yes, Elena."


    Arum closed his eyes once to check his memory, then opened them again.


    "In a word, I am . Guillermo Marchitas, our leader, only shows his face once in a while, so the executives are doing what they want. ...... Well, I mean, some time ago, there was a lot of noise about a lot of ships getting out of control, and I think the confusion has deepened since then."


    "Well, that''s interesting. ...... Mr. Jin, do you know anything about this?"


    "Yes. Yeah. I think those ships are the ones that surrounded my base. I destroyed them all. I don''t blame you for making a big deal out of it.


    That''s just like Jin-sama, isn''t it?


    "Is that so?"


    Elena was impressed, but Aroom looked incredulous.


    "...... If that''s the case, the <> has lost nine-tenths of its maritime forces."


    "Oh."


    That is useful information for Jin. <


    "Originally, the headquarters is on the island of Electra. Without ships or flying machines, it will be difficult to move personnel.


    <, they are not free to use it.


    "We are one step ahead of you in this respect, aren''t we?"


    Leelia smiled and stuck out her tongue.


    The Nostalgia Party has its own warp gate. And it''s half-authorized by the world.


    "Let''s go back. There should be only two <> and about ten <> on the current Electra Island, and we are in the process of building battleships in a rush."


    Arum''s face contorted in frustration here.


    "...... I remember suggesting cruisers rather than battleships, but I was laughed out of the room."


    "Hmmm...... why do you suggest cruisers?"


    A question from Jin, who thought Arum''s opinion was interesting.


    "Oh, yes. Well, a cruiser can be completed in about a third of the materials and time of a battleship. In terms of overall strength, three cruisers are equivalent to two battleships, in my opinion. Therefore, ......."


    Jin nodded.


    "I see. Can you give me the definition of a battleship and a cruiser, by the way, ......?"


    "Yes. Battleships are over 30 meters in length, while cruisers are between 20 and 30 meters in length, with an emphasis on offensive capabilities. Cruisers are those that are more aggressive and have a more comprehensive range of capabilities.


    "I see. Thank you."


    The ships surrounding Horai Island were definitely battleships by this definition.


    "By the way, doesn''t Electra Island have a warp gate?"


    "Yes, there is.


    Elena answered.


    One leads to Avalon, one to Kunlun Island, and one to the base of Kasimunore.


    So they can come and go from Avalon?


    "Yes, but the Avalon receiving station is currently shut down, so transfers are not possible."


    It is a natural measure.


    "The warp gate of Avalon is very strictly controlled.


    Rhodes added.


    "Then we''ll have to make it impossible for them to get to Kunlun Island.


    Jin chuckled, as if he had just thought of something.

 1632 - - 44-31 Meeting Ends

    "...... Then, it would be interesting to confuse the island of Electra."


    Jin said with a mischievous smile.


    "Do you have any concrete ideas?"


    Elena asks.


    "Leaving aside whether it would be fun or not, it would be great if we could split up the <> internally."


    "Yes."


    At Elena''s words, Jin''s face returned to a serious expression.


    "First of all, the Kunlun Island will become unusable if we modify the warp gate and change the tuning value of the <>.


    The <> is a magic circuit that connects (pairs) two warp gates.


    "So, for example, if you adjust the <> of the warp gate placed in the prison of the Nostalgia Party, you will find ......."


    "We can catch them without any effort!"


    "Yes. But we''ll need to use the warp gate exclusively for receiving them.


    "Oh, that''s good. But we are not ready to accept them yet, so we will start accepting them in a week or so.


    Elena stated her plan in light of the current situation.


    "Yes, that would be fine. What do you need?"


    Elena immediately responded to Jin''s words.


    "I need a way to disarm <>."


    "Okay. I will dispatch a medical automaton.


    "Thank you very much."


    We discussed this matter again later.


    Next, we discussed Electra Island.


    "I have some ideas. ...... First, we should kidnap some of the people and unbrainwash them."


    "That would be very useful for us, wouldn''t it?"


    Elena was pleased. She would be able to bring back the party members who had been deprived of their brainwashing.


    Then we can play a little with the books and materials.


    "I don''t know how to do it, but if you can do it, it will certainly be confusing.


    Now all we have to do is disable the magic tools they''re using.


    Jin laughed, "Since they deny science, they don''t need magic tools, which are the product of the fusion of science and magic.


    "After all, magic tools are so ingrained in our lives that it would be a problem.


    The old man could think of more ways to harass them, and he might even take more serious measures.


    "Anyway, it will give us time to get our system in place, and if they get confused, that''s all that matters.


    Elena said seriously.


    "It would be even better if you could discuss this with the old man.


    "Yes, I understand.


    Yes, I understand.


    After the meeting, Leelia and Arrietta took Arum and moved to the basement of the Mecilei workshop in Florenz, Elias.


    The remaining members are Jin, Rhodotos, Reiko, and Elena.


    "Are you planning to stay off the stage for the time being, Jin-sama?


    Elena asked. Jin nodded.


    "Oh, yes."


    Jin nodded, "If appeared in this day and age, he would cause a lot of trouble.


    "Besides, I thought it would be better to stay out of the country this time."


    Jin laughed, saying that this was what he called a hermitage.


    "That''s why I''m thinking of a place to retire."


    "Well..."


    Elena looked surprised.


    "I heard that my descendants are taking refuge there now, so I''m going to make sure they don''t have to do that."


    "I see. I''m sorry to hear that. If there''s anything we can do to help, please contact us at ......."


    "No, you can just make the League of Magic harmless."


    "Oh, yes, of course. Oh, yes, of course. I''ll leave that to you. ......, though I''ll need help from Jin-sama.


    I''ll take care of it.


    Yes, I will rely on you.


    ...... but still...


    Yes?


    I was just thinking that even after 400 years, people still do the same thing.


    It''s true.


    Elena has seen almost 800 years of life, although she has been dormant for a while.


    "Human activities may change, but their essence remains the same. It is both foolish and enviable.


    "Envy?"


    "Yes. If you are stupid, it means that you still have room to grow.


    I see.


    Elena is an automata. Her specifications are fixed, and without modification, there is no way for her to .


    "But I know. Reiko, the old man, the golem maid, ....... My children are certainly . ...... Elena, of course, you too."


    "Am I ...... too?"


    "Yes, I am. It''s a sign of growth that you can think of something philosophical like that."


    "Thank you for ......."


    "You''ve probably talked to a lot of people, worked with a lot of people. That''s probably what made the control core grow."


    "I''m glad to hear that."


    Jin once again took his hat off to the high degree of perfection of the basic control magic formula (control system) created by the previous generation <>, Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    The basic configuration of the system that is currently installed in Reiko is the same as the original.


    The only thing that Jin has been able to do is to use Japanese as a description language and to improve the efficiency of the processing routines a little.


    Although Jin was able to make significant improvements in the hardware, he was not able to do anything about the basic control system.


    Yes, he could not add or discard anything.


    "Well, I''m going home now.


    "I don''t care."


    With these words, Elena sent Jin and the others off.


    It should be added here that Jin and the others returned home by using the small warp gate that the old man had sent to them by a transporter.


    Only Jin, his Golem automata, and members of the Jin family can use this gate.


    Elena can use it, but other members of the Nostalgia Party cannot.


    Therefore, only Elena knows the existence of this Warp Gate for now.


    Elena was very glad to have this warp gate, because it would make it easier for her to receive assistance from Horai Island.


    * * * *


    Jin returns to Horai Island and relaxes once again.


    "Jin-sama, did you really mean what you just said?"


    Rhodes asked Jin.


    "Hmm?��Earlier?


    He said he was going to retire.


    "Oh, that. ......Yeah, when the time comes."


    Jin answered with a smile.

 1633 - - 44-32 The descendants of Hitoshi are:

    "You might think I''m going to go into hiding, but that''s not the case, is it?"


    Jin said, as if to make sure.


    "I''m just going to stay away from certain countries.


    But Rhodes retorted.


    "You say that, but you''re going to stay with us, aren''t you?"


    "...... indeed."


    Jin was unable to respond to this point of view.


    "......Your father has a soft spot for his own people."


    "Hey, Reiko!"


    "It''s true. Isn''t it, old man?


    <


    "You guys... ......"


    He sounds dissatisfied, but in his heart of hearts he is happy to hear it.


    Both Reiko and the old man have the same as human beings, and they are talking with Jin.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Speaking of which, what do you think about the western continent?"


    Rhodes said unexpectedly, and Jin did not know what he was talking about for a moment, but he soon realized that he was talking about the continent of Pandor.


    "There. ....... To be honest, I haven''t gotten around to it.


    Indeed, Jin is a little concerned about it.


    I haven''t sent a fifth column (quinta) to those countries, so I don''t really know what''s going on there.


    >


    "...... I guess so."


    <>


    The old man used the telescope for about 5 minutes and observed the countries in the west. Then he reported back to Jin.


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin thinks that the country would be much richer than it is now if only it had underground resources.


    More importantly, it would stop the outflow of human resources.


    "Same as usual?"


    "......Mr. Old Man, do you know anything about the Gloma tray?"


    Rhodes asked. Rhodes was still curious about Gloma Trey, who had been his apprentice, albeit temporarily.


    "Yes, I see."


    Jin remembered that he and Gloma Trey had promised to have a match between golems someday.


    "Maybe someday you''ll get to meet him."


    "I guess."


    <


    As expected, he did not know all the details in such a short time.


    "Ah, Mr. President, how are Katya and Eira doing?"


    <


    "What?"


    No, no need to apologize. ...... So you are saying that the two of you are not in the lab?"


    "Jin-sama, didn''t the Principality of Juggs take them out?"


    "Ah. That''s a strong possibility.


    <


    Yes, please.


    Since the two had been good friends, Jin was curious to know how they were doing now.


    A minute later, the old man reported


    <


    "So that would be ......<>?"


    <


    Rhodes knew of the existence of such a laboratory.


    "The laboratory to which Jin-sama is assigned is analyzing golems and various other magical tools and machines (magi-machines). There is a department that designs them, and then there is a department that deploys technology for mass production.


    Is that the Mass Production Technology Laboratory?


    Yes, that''s right.


    Jin was a little impressed. Although he did not like what they were doing, it made sense as an organization.


    * * * *


    Rhodes was assigned an unused room in the institute.


    He is jumping up and down with joy and is now off to get ready.


    Perido28, the five-colored golem maid, seems to be supporting him.


    Jin, on the other hand, now that his concerns have been cleared up for the time being, decides to think about his future plans.


    "I''m going to try to get to 700672 in a little while."


    I''m leaving the Hale redevelopment project to him.


    >


    "Oh ...... that ......."


    Jin gave me a hard look.


    "I don''t know what kind of face I should make after all this time. ......"


    <>


    "No, it seems I''m the one who made them evacuate to Onogoro Island."


    <>


    "No, it''s the same thing."


    >


    Jin tilted his head at the old man''s words.


    "Eh...... didn''t they evacuate because they were afraid of being taken hostage or brainwashed and used as hostages when Golbert Markitas rose to power?"


    <>


    "No, because you will be cut off from your original environment, right?��Wouldn''t most of us be reluctant to leave our homes?"


    "No, don''t worry about it."


    Is that so?


    "...... I think I understand somehow."


    Even though there was no <, it is not difficult to imagine that he must have been outstanding in terms of engineering magic and scientific knowledge.


    "You must have gone through a lot of hardships."


    The old man said to Jin as if consoling him,


    "Is that so?"


    <


    I would like to know how he talked about them, but I don''t want to know.


    .


    "I wish I had ......"


    Jin was a little relieved to hear the old man''s assurance.

 1634 - - 44-33 Roads

    Jin was relieved to hear that his descendants did not think badly of him, but at the same time he began to wonder what kind of life he was leading.


    >


    What?


    "Is that so?"


    "I didn''t know that. ......"


    Jin felt his strength leave him.


    <


    "No, it''s okay. I didn''t dare ask."


    Jin smiled a little weakly.


    "Then you live at ......."


    "I see. ......"


    It sounds pretty easy-going when you think about it. Somehow, Jin thought of the word .


    When he told this to the old man, he said


    .


    He answered, "Yes, I think that image is pretty close.


    "Then, how do you earn your money?"


    >


    "Oh, I see."


    I guess they make money by selling what they make.


    Jin''s descendants seem to be living reasonably well.


    "So, how many people live on Onogoro Island now?"


    "So there are that many ......?"


    "I see."


    If you double the number of people in one generation, even if there were two people in the original family, it would be 2 x 2 to the 20th power. If the number of people doubles in one generation, it would be 2 x 2 to the 20th power, Jin thought in his head.


    "......, that''s absurd."


    Jin shuts himself up.


    That would be true. 10 to the power of 2 would be 1024.2 Ten to the power of two is 1,024.2, and zero to the power of one is 1,048,576.


    "There''s no way it''s over a million people. ......"


    Jin laughed bitterly.


    "Well, it doesn''t always work out as I calculated.


    It is possible that some of them never had children, and some of them never married.


    Some may not have married, and some may have had one or three children.


    >


    No, thank you.


    No," he says, a little curious, because the names of the descendants he has never seen before do not seem to ring a bell.


    "Better yet, I''ll come see you in person one of these days."


    Finally, the old man said, as if to assure himself.


    "...... I can understand that."


    Because over the generations, Jin''s blood has thinned out and now he is not much different from the average person.


    Half with the children. Great-grandchildren would be one-eighth.


    If you are a great-grandchild like Rhodes, you are down to one sixteenth. If you are one in tens of thousands, you are already .......


    And now that we have Jin himself, it is inevitable that his priority will be reduced.


    "And the Magecraft Meister didn''t show up either."


    Jin said a little regretfully.


    "You''re a court-appointed healer (Reichsartz)_...... Erza''s bloodline, aren''t you?"


    Jin remembered fondly the face of his once loving wife.


    "I see. I''d like to ...... meet them sometime soon."


    And with that, we called it a night.


    "Now all we need is a plan to move to Hale, and maybe our descendants will want to live there too.


    "Yes.


    Jin thought, "It seems that many young people yearn for a new environment.


    "Let''s go and see what the 700672 is planning.


    The time is 5:00 PM. But the time difference from the base of 700672 is about two and a half hours, so it''s about 2:30 p.m. It was about 2:30 p.m. over there. Jin decided that there would be no problem.


    The time difference is about two and a half hours, so it''s about 2:30 p.m. over there.


    Jin moved to the other side, carrying a souvenir of Persica juice and Reiko as his companion.


    "Oh Jin-dono, you have come well. You are here about the ...... emigration plan, right?"


    "Yes. I''m sorry for leaving it to you.


    But No. 700672 laughed and waved his hand.


    "Of course. These plans are fun. Don''t worry about it."


    With that, 700672 began to give an overview of the project.


    "The first thing we need to do is find a route to get back and forth, right?"


    "Oh, yes, that''s right.


    "I think that we should establish a route to the gate of transition."


    The gateway?


    Yes. I heard that there is a relay station in the middle of the orbit. We can establish it.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Jin nodded.


    The transportation of goods and personnel. First of all, we need to establish these.


    The next step would be to improve the environment. This will depend on whether or not we can bring the asteroid resources to the site.


    Yes, we have to work hard on that.


    "You seem to be quite busy."


    700672 smiled and looked at Jin.


    "Yes, really. I can''t have enough bodies,......2, I hear.


    "Ha-ha-ha, I guess there''s still room for more."


    The 700672 laughed, which was unusual.


    "In any case, we have plenty of time. Let''s be very careful not to stumble.


    This was a grand project, and failure was not an option.


    "Yes, let''s take our time."


    "Yes, let''s take our time."


    After that, Jin had a few more meetings with the 700672 and returned to Horai Island.


    * * * * * *


    Ah, Jin-sama.


    Rhodes, have you finished cleaning up your room?


    Yes, thanks to you.


    Well then, let''s have dinner.


    The day is drawing to a close.


    The sky of Horaijima was colored by the setting sun.

 1635 - - 44-34 The Mystery of Slavery

    On October 8, Hitoshi heads for the Nord Federation with Reiko and Rhodos.


    <.


    "Jin, welcome!"


    Zion greeted us as usual.


    I have something to tell you today, Zion.


    "What is it?"


    Theon, who is still the same lovely grandma with a tilted head, invited Jin and the others into the house.


    "You''re at ......?"


    "Yes, actually ......."


    Jin explained that he had welcomed Rhodes into the second Jin family. Rhodes looked a little embarrassed.


    "Oh, really?��Lo, congratulations!"


    Xiong is happy as if it were his own to have his grandson recognized.


    "Oh, my God!��I love you, brother!"


    Then Rhodes'' sister, Vita, appeared.


    "Vita, what a shame. Say hello first."


    "...... yes, grandmother. ...... Jin-sama, welcome!


    After being rebuked by Zion, Vita apologized and greeted Jin. Then she said.


    "Brother, you got that, didn''t you?��Let me see it!


    "That?��What''s that?


    Rhodes blurts out.


    "Oh my God!��I said that one!��...... what is it?��The sign of family!


    Zion watches her restlessness with a wry smile.


    Jin had not seen this kind of atmosphere for a long time, so he was curious to see how Rhodes would treat his sister.


    "Well, if that''s the case, just say so.


    "Ugh, you tease me!"


    Jin thought it was time to stop teasing her,


    "Sorry, sorry. Here, look at this."


    As expected of siblings, Rhodotos showed Vita what she wanted and produced the bracelet.


    "Oh, it''s this color, isn''t it?"


    Theon, looking from the side, also produced the bracelet on his left arm.


    Theon''s bracelet is marbled silver and light blue.


    Rhodes'' bracelet is white and light blue marbled.


    "Oh, they match your brother''s hair color and eye color," he says.


    The same is true of Zion. Both of them have silver hair, but it would be confusing if they had the same color, so Rhodtos'' hair color was white because his hair color is lighter.


    * * * *


    ...... and that''s it."


    Jin told Zion everything that had happened so far. Vita joined him, listening with a twinkle in her eye.


    "So, what are you going to do now?"


    "Oh, as far as I''m concerned, ......."


    Jin explained that he had decided to take care of some details that had been bothering him but he had not been able to confirm. Zion nodded silently.


    And then,


    "By the way, did you find out anything about the origin of Golbert Markitas?"


    He asked.


    "No, I don''t know. According to Elena, his descendant ......, or rather the man himself, Guillermo Marchitas, is now leading the League of Magic."


    "Guillermo Marchitas....... I''ve never heard of him.


    "Yes, but I heard that he uses Divieniunschiavo."


    "What?"


    This information seemed to surprise Zion.


    "It''s true, Grandmother. I was there myself."


    Rhodes corroborated.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Sion pondered.


    "<> is not for everyone, right?"


    "Yes, it is."


    "I think there was someone in the <> clan who was good at it. ...... I don''t think so."


    There should be no such extremists among the Nords and Northerners today.


    "But what about two hundred years ago?"


    Zion shook his head at Rhodes'' words.


    "More than four hundred years ago. Because it was the djinn that brought us all together."


    "Ah, that ..."


    Rhodes is listening too.


    "Yes. At that time, the radicals who didn''t listen to Jin''s advice got hit by the Aether Stampede.


    Zion looked a little distant.


    "That''s why, as far as I know, there are only about five users. But they are all trustworthy people, you know?"


    Jin gave up, it seemed that the mystery of the Markitas clan could not be solved along these lines.


    "Now we just have to wait for the information from the fifth column (Quinta)."


    Unless they suddenly appeared in the world, it is not possible to erase their origins even if they try.


    Jin thought that he would be able to obtain some information sooner or later.


    * * * *


    "......Well, let''s get going then."


    After being served lunch, Jin drank his after-dinner tea and sat up.


    "Oh, you''re leaving already?"


    Theon said regretfully.


    "Yes. I want to get some things done today. Rhodes can stay, okay?"


    Now Rhodes'' left arm was in the firm grip of his sister Vita.


    "...... we are going to Tsetsi Island," she said.


    At the mention of the name, Rhodes, who had been eager to follow her, decided not to.


    "Okay. Take care."


    Tsetsi Island. That was the island where Shuki Tsetsi, the adopted father of Jin''s predecessor ...... Adriana Barbora Tsetsi, <>, was said to be resting.


    Jin may not want anyone else to come to the island. Rhodes was concerned about this.


    "I''ll come back when I''m done," he said.


    "I''ll be waiting for you."


    I''ll be waiting for you, Jin.


    "Good-bye, Jin-sama!"


    Rhodos, Zion, and Vita saw them off, and Jin and Reiko boarded the Pegasus 2.


    Their destination is Cape Magus, southeast of the city.


    "What do you think is going on?��Reiko, do you know?"


    Jin asked Reiko, not afraid to ask about this.


    Yes, father. The last time I visited this place was about 300 years ago. Things had not changed since then. After that, the old man must have sent the fifth column (quinta) regularly.


    "Then, not much has changed, has it?"


    Jin muttered as he looked at the blue ocean below.


    < was fast, and within an hour they were in sight of Cape Magus.

 1636 - - 44-35 Rest of humanity

    Jin landed first to check out .


    There were no houses in the area and grasslands as far as the eye could see.


    It is autumn now, so the grass is the color of dead grass, but one can imagine the colorful flowers that will bloom in the spring.


    In order not to damage the plants as much as possible, <> was left floating in the air instead of landing on the ground.


    Hope held <> in place at a height of 10 centimeters above the ground.


    "Okay, I''m off."


    Jin took Reiko with him as they landed on the ground.


    In the afternoon sunlight, the breeze from the sea was pleasant.


    Walking slowly, Jin headed for the tip of the cape.


    There he found a stone monument. It was erected by Adriana Barbora Tsetsi in memory of her foster father, Shuki Tsetsi.


    More than 1,500 years have passed, but the monument remains, undamaged, looking out over the sea from the promontory.


    "I guess the magic of and that our predecessors cast is still in effect."


    Something was pressing on Jin''s heart.


    Jin bowed his head deeply toward the monument, and then cast and over it.


    Then, after gently touching the monument, he turned himself around and returned to <.


    Reiko did not speak a word during this time, but stayed close to him like a shadow.


    "Now we must go to Tsetsi Island.


    Jin ordered Hope to head east. But Reiko said..,


    "Father, Tsetsi Island is now surrounded by an illusionary barrier.


    She stopped Jin.


    "Oh, I see. Well, it would be better that way so that it won''t be disturbed. ...... Then, is the warp gate the best way to get here and there?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "Well, ...... then, let''s land Pegasus 2 somewhere."


    Jin turned a little inland and landed <> on a reasonable flat area.


    "Okay, we can use this warp gate to go back to Horai Island and then to Tsetsi Island, right?"


    "Yes."


    "Hope, I''m sorry, but I need you to stay with Pegasus 2 for a while."


    Yes, sir. Have a good trip.


    Jin and Reiko then disappeared from .


    <


    "My Lord, I was going to Tsetsi Island, but then I came back."


    <


    "Got it."


    The sequence was the same as the old one that Jin knew. However, there seemed to be more than a dozen warp gates connected to destinations unknown to Jin now.


    Then, Jin and Reiko move to the new location.


    "Welcome, Mr. 2nd generation!"


    "Welcome, Reiko!"


    The male automata and the female automata greeted them.


    "Second generation, you have grown younger, haven''t you?


    "Yes, actually, I''ve been through a lot..."


    Jin gave Nagi and Nami a brief account of himself.


    "I see, so you are now a duplicate of the second generation," said Nami.


    But they are exactly the same. But you are exactly the same, then nothing has changed for us.


    Jin was relieved that Nagi and Nami recognized him.


    "That''s why I came to pay my respects once again.


    Jin was thinking like a Japanese in this regard.


    Jin then went to Shuki Tsetsi''s gravesite and laid his hands on his hands. Reiko followed his example. Nagi and Nami prayed silently.


    When he was satisfied, Jin looked around.


    "There are a lot more flowers now, aren''t there?"


    Yes, since the second generation of the islanders decided to make this island bloom 400 years ago, we have been sowing flower seeds and planting flowers and trees.


    They''re still growing, aren''t they?


    "Yes, the query tree that the second generation loved so much has grown to such a size."


    There were several huge trees standing on the gently rolling hills. 400 years had made the young trees grow into giant trees.


    "I heard that queries can last for about 1,000 years, so I think they are still in good shape."


    Nami explained to Jin.


    "I see. That''s good."


    Jin then took Nagi and Nami to do some maintenance.


    "They are almost undamaged.


    "Yes, we are gravekeepers, so we don''t do heavy work.


    However, an ordinary golem or automata could not keep moving for 400 years. It is only because Jin has modified them.


    "Nagi, Nami. Thank you for your hard work. Please keep up the good work.


    Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    Jin stayed on the island of Tsezhi until the sky began to turn red.


    He had been busy recently, so he felt at home on this island where time seemed to have stopped.


    "Good bye."


    Take care.


    Reiko, take care of the second generation.


    Nagi and Nami saw them off, and Jin and Reiko returned to Horai Island.


    <


    "I''m kind of tired. I think I will take a bath and then go to the Nord Federation.


    Jin said and went to soak himself in the hot spring. Of course, Reiko went with him and washed his back.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    Jin said in a deep voice.


    "Father?"


    Reiko was a little confused, not knowing what Jin meant.


    "Like the old man and everyone in Horai Island, you''ve been waiting for me for 400 years.


    Thanks to you, I don''t feel lonely anymore," Jin told her.


    "If you say so, we should be the ones to thank you. It was your father who gave us this body that will allow us to live semi-permanently.


    With these words, Reiko rinsed the foam from Jin''s back with hot water.


    Jin soaked in the bathtub again.


    "I am a lucky man."


    Jin seemed to be a bit sentimental after his visit to Cape Magus and Tsetsi Island.


    Reiko senses this and soaks herself in the hot water beside Jin.


    Reiko sensed this and soaked herself in the hot water beside Jin. I am able to serve you once again like this.


    "Those were good times when we were all together..."


    Reiko understood that Jin was talking about the time when he was young, when he was what he is now.


    After all, Reiko had taken care of Jin in the past until he reached old age ...... or even at the end of his life.


    "It will be fun again from now on, I''m sure.


    Reiko could only say that. But that was also her true feeling.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes, I think so. Let''s have fun at ......."


    "Yes."


    Jin laughed a little.


    Reiko realized that Jin was a little mentally tired.


    So she concludes that it would be good for Jin to go to a place where he can be most comfortable with his .


    "Father, I think it''s time to go up and join Mr. Zion and the others.


    "Oh, right."


    Jin nodded and put on his clothes as he left the hot spring.


    "Well then, Mr. President, I''ll see you later.


    The old man saw them off, and Jin and Reiko were transferred to .

 1637 - - 44-36 Dragon Tracking

    , the old man had been moving to the north with his good intentions, so it took only 5 minutes to get to Zion''s place after Jin and Reiko had returned.


    This time Hope got off with him.


    "Welcome back, Jin. You look ...... refreshed."


    "Yeah, I took a bath at Horai Island."


    "......No wonder."


    I followed the slightly stunned Zion into the pavilion,


    "Jin-sama, welcome back!"


    "Welcome back!"


    Marikka and Vita welcomed me.


    "Uh, did you make that golem, too, Gin-sama?"


    Vita, who had seen him several times but this was the first time she had met him face to face, asked.


    "Yes, my name is Hope. I''m Hope, and I''m in charge of flying Pegasus 2.


    "My name is Hope."


    Hope greeted Vita.


    "Wow. ......."


    Hope looked like an ordinary golem, but inside it was an extraordinary specimen.


    Whether she realized it or not, Vita looked at Hope with great interest.


    "It''s my dream to have my own golem someday," she said.


    She said, "Marikka will make me one,


    "Why don''t you ask Marikka to make one for you?


    Jin replied,


    "I can''t, because I''m half a man.


    Vita answered a little sadly.


    On the other hand, Zion turned to Jin,


    "Isn''t dinner ready yet?


    Jin answered in the affirmative. Jin answered in the affirmative.


    "Yes, not yet.


    "I''m ready."


    Marikka continued,


    "Jin-sama, I helped cut the fruits and vegetables too!


    Vita said with great energy. Then Marikka said,


    "That''s right. She''s never helped me with any kind of work before.


    Vita turned red when Marikka revealed that she had never helped him with his own work before.


    "Oh, oh, please don''t tell!


    "I was just saying that if you don''t help Jin-sama, you won''t be allowed to join ."


    "Oh, Marikka-sama''s stupid!"


    Vita turned red and ran down the hallway.


    "Marikka, you tease me too much!"


    Theon chided Marikka.


    "I''m sorry. Her reaction was so cute and innocent.


    Jin could only laugh.


    "This is gorgeous."


    The dinner menu consisted mainly of topopo.


    "Is this a doughy potato?"


    In some recipes, the peeled potatoes are cut into large pieces, boiled, then drained, seasoned with salt and pepper, and shaken in a pot to blend the flavors.


    This time it was the former.


    "Jin-sama, I made that!"


    Vita, who had recovered, declared.


    "Well, thank you. It''s very well done."


    Jin had taught the younger children when he was at the orphanage. Sometimes I use curry powder too, so I don''t get bored.


    Jin even wondered if he had ever been able to reproduce the curry powder.


    Other dishes were topopo salad and meat topopo.


    Of course, there were not only topopo dishes, but also fried white fish and fried prawns.


    The barley porridge was well seasoned, and the soup was just the way Jin liked it.


    "Oh, it was delicious. Thank you."


    Jin is drinking his after-meal tea with sincere satisfaction. It was kaina tea, by the way.


    "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"


    Zion asked,


    "Nothing in particular," he answered.


    Jin answered, "Nothing in particular. Then Zion leaned forward,


    Then I have a favor to ask you. I would like to ask ...... Jin and Reiko to help me."


    Me too?


    "Is something wrong?"


    Zion nodded.


    "Yes. You see, the number of has been increasing recently, and it''s starting to cause damage."


    "The Grand Dragon...... is the dragon that Anne and I killed so long ago, isn''t it?"


    Yes. They''ve been migrating south to our area lately. Yesterday they destroyed one of our greenhouses.


    That''s a big deal.


    Yes, it is. Can you help me with this?��I''d rather leave most of it to you.


    Jin nodded.


    "In that case, I''ll give you a hand."


    "Thanks, Jin."


    Thank you, Jin.


    The next day, Jin took Zion, Rhodos, and, at his request, Vita aboard the Pegasus 2.


    "Fluffy,......, this is Jin-sama''s Magi machine,......."


    "You don''t have to be so nervous.


    Vita was so nervous that Jin called out to her.


    "You''re in, aren''t you?��Okay, let''s go. Hope, please."


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    Jin gave the order, and Hope slowly lifted the Pegasus 2 off the ground.


    "Wow, it flew!"


    Jin thought to himself, "I was being carried by Rhodes the other day,


    "I can''t believe such a lump of metal can fly in the sky. ......!��Jin-sama is really amazing!


    Vita''s compliments flew out of her mouth.


    The <> continued to fly slowly toward the north at an altitude of about 50 meters.


    "Can you move a little more to the west?"


    Hope.


    "Yes, Master Jin."


    Theon guided us closer and closer to the area where the ground dragon had appeared.


    "Oh, there it is."


    Theon pointed toward the area and saw several scratch-like lines on the reddish-brown earth.


    "That''s where the ground dragon ran. You can see them clearly from the sky.


    Near the end of the scratches, I saw a greenhouse that had been cruelly destroyed.


    "They''re carnivores, aren''t they?"


    "Yes. Natural enemies of the hecaton kale. But recently, I heard that the hecaton cail is on the verge of extinction.


    Hearing this, Jin wondered if something had gone wrong with the balance of the natural world.


    "Anyway, if we follow this trail in the opposite direction, will we find the grand dragon?"


    "Maybe so."


    "Okay, Hope. I''m counting on you.


    Yes, sir. I''ll take care of it.


    Hope maintained an altitude of 50 meters and followed the track of the grand dragon.


    The track turned west and headed toward the mountains.


    "Is their nest in the mountains?"


    "Yes. I believe they dig caves and build their nests there.


    "I see."


    turned to the west.


    "Oh, isn''t that it?"


    This time Vita seems to have found it. She pointed to a pile of rocks with many footprints on them that looked like they belonged to a grand dragon.


    has lost altitude. Now it is time to confront the Grand Dragon.

 1638 - - 44-37 Elimination

    "I don''t see any ground dragon."


    He dropped to an altitude of 30 meters and flew around the area, but could not find the ground dragon.


    "Maybe ......."


    Rhodes pointed to one of the footprints growing out of the rock pile.


    "Maybe they''re going somewhere else."


    It was a different set of footprints than the ones we had just followed.


    "That''s not good. Let''s hurry and follow them. Hope, go!


    Yes, Master Jin.


    Hope''s heading south.


    "This is not good. ...... If we keep going south, we''ll end up in the Topopo field!"


    Theon gave her a hard look.


    "Hope, pick up the speed."


    "Yes, sir."


    < increased its speed. This allowed them to see something moving in the distance.


    "Father, it''s the Grand Dragon!


    Reiko, who had good eyesight, reported.


    "Oh, good, you''re just in time!"


    While I was saying this, the distance between us was closing and the grand dragon became clearly visible. It was moving south at about 50 km/h.


    "Warning shot!"


    < is fired from .


    It lands 200 meters in front of Grand Dragon, scattering rock debris. This threat brought the three grand dragons to a sudden halt.


    "Okay, they''ve stopped!"


    I observed the ground dragons again.


    All three are adults. I wonder if they are stragglers ......."


    Grand dragons are grayish-brown land dragons. They look like giant iguanas. These guys were about 20 meters long.


    The ecology of the grand dragons is not well known, but it is known that they seem to form groups around a leader, Zion said.


    There are at least five or more in a herd, and they are said to behave in a controlled manner .......


    That would mean that the three animals here are stragglers, outcasts from the herd.


    "I heard that stragglers are free to do as they please. That''s why they are dangerous.


    Theon explained.


    "If we keep going south, we''ll be in a topopo field in less than 10 kilometers. I have no doubt that the fields will be wiped out."


    Rhodes agreed.


    "We''ll have to stop them here."


    "How are we going to do that?"


    Vita asked Jin with a slightly worried look on her face. Then..,


    "Let me do it, father!


    Reiko came forward. She wanted to play an active role in front of Jin since she had not been in the show recently.


    "Okay, I''ll leave it to you."


    "Yes!"


    Reiko opens the emergency hatch of the Pegasus 2, which is now airborne, and jumps out.


    "What?


    Vita looks panicked, but Reiko lands without incident.


    "Okay, let''s go!"


    The next moment, she was kicking the earth and jumping out of the plane.


    "Oh, Grandma, isn''t it hard for a grand dragon to work magic?"


    Vita asked Zion.


    "Yes, that''s true. But that doesn''t affect you, Reiko.


    "I had heard that, but ......"


    Vita still looked worried.


    When she and Anne had killed three grand dragons before, Reiko had used the Magi Cannon with Momoka.


    This time, she used only Momoka.


    However, Momoka was not the same as before.


    "<> or ......"


    It was a function added by the past Jin.


    Plasma that reaches tens or even hundreds of millions of degrees is trapped in the <>, and is formed into the shape of a sword.


    The size of the plasma can be varied from tens of centimeters to several meters. The sword vaporizes matter in the area it touches.


    The disadvantage is that it consumes too much mana.


    There is a mana storage stone (mana cell) in the hilt, and it can be used for about 30 seconds at a time.


    Reiko attacked Grandragon with the plasma sword.


    Grandragon, perhaps convinced of its absolute superiority, did not run away when it saw Reiko, but lifted its paw to crush her.


    However, in the next moment, its paw was cut off.


    Reiko then decapitated the grand dragon, which did not understand what had happened.


    A cry of "Gaaaah!" or "Gaaaah!" escapes from the mouths of the remaining two.


    They recognized Reiko as a danger and jumped on her.


    Instantly Reiko leaps. The height of the leap was 30 meters.


    One of the grand dragons lost sight of Reiko and stumbled, but the other noticed and got up.


    The 20-meter-long dragon rises on its hind legs and stretches out its front legs, its hands reaching over 35 meters high.


    Jumping and in the air, Reiko would have no way to escape .......


    "Look out!"


    Vita''s voice echoes.


    But just before the grand dragon''s paws reached her, Reiko dodged .


    "What?"


    Vita rolls her eyes.


    That''s right, Reiko was still floating in the air.


    "Well... ......<>?"


    "Not exactly. <. You see, it''s the same device as this <>."


    Vita''s shoulders seem to relax as Jin explains in a calm voice.


    "Here we go," he says.


    Reiko swings her plasma sword twice while still in the air.


    Two heads fall off.


    Thirty seconds pass, and the plasma sword disappears.


    Reiko flies through the air and returns to .


    "Father, it''s over."


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    The plasma sword burns the cut so no blood sprays out. That''s why Reiko looked the same as when she left.


    Grand dragon is a pretty good source of material, isn''t it?


    "Yes, scales, skin, horns, flesh, bones, claws. Basically, there''s nothing to throw away with dragons.


    Jin nodded his head, thinking, "Sounds like a whale.


    "Then let''s give them to the people whose greenhouses have been destroyed.


    "Oh, you mean?"


    "Of course. Of course. If you can share it with us, we''ll take some of the scales on your back.


    Theon nodded.


    "Okay. I''ll say so.


    As a result, a mountain of scales was delivered to Jin later that day.

 1639 - - 44-38 Hitoshi, level up

    "Oh, this is terrible!"


    After killing the grand dragon, Jin and his friends came to the destroyed greenhouse.


    The cubic zirconia panels had been broken in pieces, and the topopo field inside had been trampled and destroyed.


    "Let''s fix the greenhouse for now. Reiko, let''s collect the pieces.


    Yes, Father.


    I''ll help you.


    Rhodes said he would help,


    "Me too!"


    His sister, Vita, joined him.


    "Oh, Mister Zion, is that man ......?"


    the greenhouse keeper asked with a doubtful look on his face.


    "Oh, you mean Jin?��He''s ...... a very good helper."


    "Ha, ha."


    "You''ll know him when you see him."


    The gathered the debris in one place and mumbled something.


    "...... well, considering the strength,...... I don''t know what to do. ...... Zion."


    "What?"


    The greenhouse keeper was surprised that the <> was calling the clan leader''s wife by her name, and again surprised that she didn''t think anything of it.


    "What did the greenhouse look like?"


    "Well, most greenhouses are square with a roof ......<>?��...... is on top of it. Rarely there are single gable roofs."


    "I see. So, they used to grow topopo here, right?��Not fruit trees?


    Yes, that''s for sure.


    "Good."


    After hearing what Zion had to say, Jin activated his engineering magic.


    "<>"


    "Whoa!


    What?


    What?


    The pile of cubic zirconia pieces that had been piled up instantly became a single mass, startling everyone present.


    "......"


    And Jin, the magician, was also amazed.


    (...... now feel ...... more < than before, he could use magic ......)


    Jin wondered for a moment if it had anything to do with the fact that his body was now entirely made of magic atoms (Magiatom), but then he thought better of it and decided to finish the task at hand.


    "<>"


    After removing the impurities that had gotten mixed in,


    <>"


    Jin formed the greenhouse.


    "Oh, my, my, my... ......!"


    Everyone who was watching was speechless.


    It was no wonder, for all at once, Jin had created a dome with a radius of 20 meters.


    "Hmmm......... the scale of magic we can handle is getting bigger after all."


    Before, the part of the body including the brain cells were alive, but now the body is 100 percent magic atoms (magiatom). Jin imagined that it must be working somehow.


    (Well, it''s not a bad thing...)


    "That''s your father!"


    Reiko''s praise woke up the bystanders.


    "That''s great, Jin!


    "Jin, Jin-sama, I admire you!"


    Zion was impressed and Vita was moved.


    "Wait a minute. "


    Jin strengthens the dome.


    "Now we just need to lay the groundwork and the foundation. <>"


    The soil at the base of the dome has been consolidated and strengthened.


    "Now we just need a way in and out. ><>"


    Jin builds a door as if it were a side door.


    "Now, all that''s left is ......."


    Jin looked back at Zion.


    "Zion, what more do we need for the greenhouse?��How are we doing with the ventilation openings?"


    "Oh, uh, uh, what''s going on with ......?"


    Zion started to think, but then remembered that there was an expert right next to him.


    "Uh, ah, yes. If you make a hole one meter in diameter on the east, west, south, north and west sides of this shape, we can do the rest ourselves.


    "Okay. ...... Uh, Reiko, which way is north?


    Yes father, that way.


    Okay. <


    Reiko gave him the exact direction, and Jin opened ventilation openings in all directions.


    "Is this okay?"


    "...... is this okay?"


    When Jin did not respond, Zion asked again,


    "Ah, yes!��Thank you very much!"


    He replied with a thank-you message, as if he was getting down on his knees.


    Jin then checked with Zion.


    "Zion, is this all right?��I can''t help you much in the field.


    "Oh, yes, yes, that''s fine. Thank you, Jin."


    The field is bigger than the original one.


    "That''s good."


    Jin used his engineering magic with all his might and was satisfied that he now had an idea of how much he could do.


    * * * *


    "......, but I''m surprised."


    After returning to Zion''s mansion and having a late lunch, Zion made an exasperated remark during tea time.


    "Jin, isn''t the scale of your magic power more than before?"


    "I wonder ......."


    The magic power possessed by the magician has little to do with the activation of the magic. The difference is how much of the free magical energy (ether) surrounding the magician can be used as his/her own.


    In this sense, there was no doubt that Jin''s ability to handle free magical elements (ether) had improved even more than before.


    This does not mean that his magical power has increased.


    "Rather, I think he has become better at controlling free magic atoms (ether)."


    Jin concluded that this was probably a side effect of the fact that even his brain cells had been transformed into magical atoms.


    "I still haven''t fully grasped my current body ......."


    He thinks he probably has a complete resistance to poison and disease, but he''s not ready to try it out.


    "Oh, I was sure I was getting drunk."


    Drunkenness is probably closer to a kind of poisoned state.


    Alcohol did not seem to have any effect on his body.


    If Jin had been a drinker, he might have cried tears of blood, but fortunately he was not a drunkard, so I only felt a little disappointed.


    "Well, I guess Elena will be ready in a couple of days.


    Jin muttered to himself, and Zion bit the bullet.


    "About that, Jin, are you going to stop directly touching them now?"


    "Yeah, that''s right. Basically, he''s not going to act publicly anymore.


    He thinks it''s not good for people who aren''t supposed to be there to stand out so much.


    "That''s what I mean. <?"


    "That''s a difficult question. I have a feeling that we will have to confront Guillermo Marchitas, probably more than the executives ......, at least."


    As for Guillermo Marchitas, you can''t find him with your peepers.


    He thinks that he is in for a world of pain if he is underestimated.


    "There are still some mysteries about him that we haven''t solved yet."

 1640 - - 44-39 In the puppet clan territory

    The next day, Jin was begged by Zion to go to the clan territory of the .


    The clan of the <> was where Rhodes had adopted him.


    "I''m just trying to promote friendship between the clans and help the Djinn," he said. ...... and apologies."


    "Cooperation?��And an apology?


    "I''m looking for information to help solve the mystery of how Golbert Markitas can use the Divieniunschiavo."


    This is a magic used by the northern tribes, formerly known as the demon tribe, but brainwashing magic is forbidden and only a limited number of them can use it.


    Maybe you can find out something if you ask them."


    "I see. Thank you, Theon.


    You''re welcome. ...... and I apologize for borrowing Law for so long.


    You didn''t let your adopted son return home for a little over three years.


    I''m sorry. It''s my fault.


    "It''s not Jin''s fault. I did it on my own.


    So Jin, together with Zion, Rhodotos, and others, set out on a tour of the Nordic Federation using .


    First, they went to the landing pad in the clan territory of the <>.


    There were several blow floaters parked on the relatively large landing pad.


    < makes a spectacular landing with the pilot, Mr. Hope. After that, the aircraft was moved to a covered area where it was secured.


    "Welcome back, Mr. Rhodes!


    A woman who appeared to be around 20 years old greeted Rhodes and his crew. She was about to run up to Rhodes, but stopped and greeted Zion.


    "Welcome, Mr. Zion. ...... who are you?


    "This is Jin-sama, Grandma Zion''s most important guest. This is Master Jin, Grandma Zion''s most valued guest, as well as Master Jin''s automata, Miss Reiko, and her pilot, Mr. Hope."


    "Well, I see. My name is Ludmilla. I am the bride of Master Rhodes.


    The woman who introduced herself as Ludmila bowed deeply.


    "I am the only daughter of a puppet chief.


    She had long gray hair and golden eyes, a characteristic appearance of the puppet clans. She is a little shorter than Jin and slender.


    "What about Zicarato?"


    "Your father has been out on patrol since this morning, but I think he will be back soon.


    Can I wait for him?


    Of course, please. ......


    Ludmilla, the daughter-in-law of Rhodes, led Jin and the others into the parlor. There, Ludmilla sat down close to Rhodes.


    "It has been a long time, Mr. Rhodes.


    "It''s been about that long, hasn''t it?


    I thought you had forgotten about me.


    Ludmilla, I apologize for that. That''s why I came here today.


    Is that so?


    Yes. I will tell you when Zicarato comes back.


    And as he was saying that, "Speak of the devil...


    "The master has returned."


    The master has returned. Shortly after,


    "Oh, Lord Theon, you''re here. And Rhodoth, it''s been a long time!��Your guest is a new face to me. ......"


    < clan, was a man of mature years, just under six feet tall with a stout build.


    "Let me introduce you. This is an old friend of mine, Jin Nido.


    "Oh?��I''m very proud to meet you, Jin Nido. You share the same name as the legendary Magecraft Meister.


    Theon chuckled.


    "Yes. Because it''s him."


    "What?


    What?


    Both Zicarato and Ludmila were so surprised that they let out a loud yell.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me. <


    "Yes, he is. But there is a deeper reason for this. Please have a seat.


    Zion smiled wickedly and began to talk slowly to Zicarato and Ludmilla.


    * * * * * *


    ...... and that''s how it is.


    Sion finished his story while quenching his thirst with tea brought by the maid of honor.


    "A duplicate?��Or even before that, transference from the past?��It''s hard to believe that this is so far-fetched. ......"


    Zicarato frowned and said.


    "That''s a normal reaction, I suppose. But it''s true. ...... That''s why Rhodes hasn''t been able to come back for three years. I''m here to apologize."


    "Hmm. ......"


    "I believe you."


    Zicarato was still skeptical, but Ludmila said she believed him.


    "Master Jin, your Mistress Reiko is <> Mistress Reiko, isn''t she?"


    "I don''t know what ''that'' is, but she was and is my one and only ''Reiko'' in heaven and on earth."


    Jin stroked Reiko''s head as he invited her in.


    "Well."


    Ludmilla looked at him with a half-smile and half-envy.


    "......, assuming that''s true."


    Zicarato said as if to reestablish order.


    "I accept your apology, Lord Zion. Ludmilla seems to have already forgiven him.


    "Thank you, Zicarato."


    Sion bowed again.


    "And you have something to tell me?"


    Zicarato asked, to which Zion nodded.


    "I wanted to ask you something."


    "What''s that?"


    "First, let me tell you a little about the premise. ......"


    Here Zion took a sip of his nearly cold tea and talked about the <>.


    "Hmm, the <>. What does that have to do with your visit?


    "It has a lot to do with it. Its first leader was a man named Golbert Markitas, who used the name Divieniunschiavo.


    "What?


    "What?"


    Not only Zicarato but also Ludmilla was surprised to hear that.


    "<> is a forbidden spell. We don''t have many users. And you say it was used by a human mage?��Isn''t there some kind of mistake?


    To this Jin replies.


    No, it was definitely . And that''s what the person who deactivated it said."


    "Hmmm... ......."


    Zicarato folds his arms, a difficult look on his face as he considers.


    "There are indeed many users of <> in our clan, but I don''t know anyone called Golbert Markitas, do you?"


    "He might have lied about his name, you know?"


    "Yes, that''s true. ...... Alright, I''ll ask my father about it. ...... can we stay here today?"


    "Yes."


    Yes. Tonight we celebrate the return of our future son-in-law.


    Zicarato stood up.


    "Ludmila, you will be the hostess, can you do it?"


    "Yes, father."


    Thus the guests were entertained in the clan territory.


    Ludmilla was delighted to take charge of the preparations. Seeing this,


    "Ludmilla is going to make a good wife," Zion said.


    Rhodes blushed unusually when Zion said something like, "Ludmila is going to make a good bride.


    Jin, on the other hand, said,


    "Jin-dono, if you are the Magecraft Meister, I have a favor to ask of you.


    Zicarato pleaded with him.

 1641 - - 44-40 Generation

    "Is the request ......?"


    Jin was being escorted by Zicarato to the warehouse in the mansion. Of course, Reiko was with him.


    "I have something I need you to fix.


    Zicarato opened the door of the large warehouse.


    "This is ......."


    There was a golem horse.


    "My grandfather told me that it was a gift from the Magecraft Meister to us a long time ago.


    "As I recall ......, Maximus was the clan leader at that time, wasn''t he?"


    "Why do you mention your great-grandfather''s name ...... as if you were the real one?"


    "That''s why I told you so."


    Reiko interrupted.


    "Your father talked with Mr. Maximus and Mr. Famera at that time, and he is also acquainted with Mr. Lucilius, right?"


    "And my father?"


    Zicarato is surprised.


    "I''ve had a lot of dealings with the <> clans. Mr. Belialus, Mr. Archelle, etc."


    Reiko''s mouth was full of names,


    "Even the elders?


    "Reiko, that''s enough."


    Reiko said, "Reiko, that''s enough!" Jin stopped her, because it was going to be a long time if she left them alone.


    "So, you want me to fix this?"


    "Uh-huh. Yes, it''s ......."


    Zicarato seemed to be starting to believe half of what he was hearing.


    "I miss ......."


    Jin stared at the three stopped golem horses, wondering if they had been in service for 400 years.


    "I''ll have to check to see where the rattles are. ......<>...... haha, I see."


    Jin looked over at Reiko and gave her instructions.


    "Reiko, please contact the old man and have him send me 12 sets of standard <>."


    "Yes, sir."


    According to Jin''s assessment, his skeletal structure is still in good shape, but his magical muscles could not withstand 400 years of use.


    "I guess that''s how much use it got, though."


    Twelve sets of Magical Muscle suddenly appeared beside Jin.


    "What!��Transference ...... magic!


    Zicarato was astonished.


    "Not exactly. It''s a matter transfer by a transporter.


    Reiko was explaining, but I wondered how much Zicarato was hearing.


    Jin, with Hope as his assistant, quickly dismantled the golem horse.


    "I knew it! It''s in shreds!"


    When the exterior was removed, the Golem Horse''s magical muscle was in tatters and on the verge of tearing.


    "It would be faster to replace them all. Reiko, help me out here.


    "Yes, Father."


    With Reiko and Hope as his assistants, Jin''s work was fast.


    He finished replacing each leg in 30 seconds.


    Two minutes per body. In addition to the replacement, he adjusted the rattling of the joints, corrected the distortion of the skeleton, and strengthened it by applying <. In total, it took 5 minutes.


    He did this to three of them, and finished the work in 15 minutes.


    "It''s done, Mr. Zicarato. It''s a great honor for me to know that you use it so much.


    Jin believes that a practical product has value only when it is used, not when it is a work of art to be displayed.


    "Huh?��Mr. Zicarato?"


    Zicarato froze.


    "Hello, I fixed it.


    Then someone came walking up to him.


    "Oh!��It is definitely Jin-sama!


    The old man shouted with joy when he saw Jin. Jin recognized the atmosphere of the old man.


    "Uh, Endus the Puppet, right?


    He was the one who once controlled the Hecaton Cail and sent it to the Laurentian Continent, the wielder of the demon.


    "Yes!��I was skeptical when I heard about it from Lord Zion, but now that I see you here, I''m certain that you are the young Master Jin!"


    "Elder!��I knew it, this man is ......."


    After finally reactivating, Zicarato asked Endus to confirm his identity.


    "Oh, of course, <> Jin-sama, that''s the one!


    "Really?


    I''m sure of it, since I''m the one who told you.


    Yes, yes!��Zi Jin-sama, I am so sorry!


    Zicarato bent down and bowed deeply.


    "No, I''m not sorry."


    Jin waved his hand in front of his face, saying he did not mind.


    "I''m very sorry about fixing your golem horse.


    Theon''s husband, the current chief, Belialus, also bowed to Jin.


    "Please don''t do that. I was only taking care of the aftercare of what I made.


    Jin did not think that the golem horse of 400 years ago was still in use.


    * * * *


    "Long time no see, Jin-sama!��You really look so young!


    At the dinner that day, Belial''s sister, Archelle, had also come to the party.


    "The Magecraft Meister is a master of magic engineering!


    There was also Lucilius, who had given up the clan headship to his son Zicarato and was living a comfortable life.


    He is the same age as Zion.


    After a friendly dinner, Zion opened his mouth.


    "As I told you during the day, I need information about Golbert Markitas, the leader of the , who is interfering with the current Jin.


    "I see, it is indeed strange that humans can use ."


    Lucilius, who said he was one of the elders, said with a difficult look on his face. He was the grandson of Maximus and Famera, the clan leaders Jin knew from 400 years ago.


    "...... Do you have any information about the appearance of this Golbert Markitas?"


    Belialus questioned.


    "He is a man, and he appeared about 150 years ago."


    Reiko answered.


    "Oh, but ...... please wait a moment.


    Reiko, who seemed to have had an idea, kept her mouth shut and remained silent for a while, then opened her mouth again.


    She was of medium height and gray hair, with sharp eyes and a thin face.


    Reiko seemed to confirm this with the old man via the built-in manacam, and the old man confirmed it with Elena. And the old man must have confirmed it with Elena.


    After all, Guillermo Malkitas, whom Elena confronted directly, seems to be the exact copy of Golbert Malkitas.


    "Well, he is not very distinctive.


    Indeed, it is hard to convey the image verbally.


    "Shall I draw you a picture?


    Reiko said, so Zikarat, the clan leader of the <>, asked his lady-in-waiting to bring paper and pens.


    "Let''s see, like this, like this: ......"


    Reiko drew the image on the paper.


    "...... like this."


    "Hmm?��This is ......."


    Lucilius, one of the elders, tilted his head when he saw the finished portrait.


    "I think I''ve seen him somewhere ......."


    "Lucilius, please remind me."


    "Wait, wait, don''t rush me. ...... okay, this is Lardus''s son."

 1642 - - 44-41 New information, but

    Son of Lardus.


    <, Lucilius, certainly said so.


    "Lardus?"


    Rhodoth tilts his head.


    "I don''t think the young one knows. He''s an outlaw who ...... sowed the seeds of conflict with mankind long ago."


    My half-brother ...... was a childhood friend of Donaisia of the clan, whom Clydes of had groomed."


    It''s a complicated story.


    "Well, this Clydesus of the clan who married Donaisia of the clan is Zion''s half-brother, and Lardus was Donaisia''s childhood friend..."


    Jin asked for confirmation.


    "Yes, I see. That means that Lardus, the <>, is about thirty years older than me, but we are somehow the same age."


    Theon nodded. That means he is the same age as Lucilius, who is the same age as Sion.


    "And his son?"


    Jin asked Lucilius as if to confirm.


    "Yes. Lardus came back once after Jin-sama freed us from the curse of . At that time ......"


    Lucilius explained again what had happened in the past. Some of the young people did not know or were not familiar with it.


    "Well, I think I have heard about it in the past."


    That''s about the extent of Rhodes.


    However, those gathered here had at least heard the story and knew enough about the past to be able to guess how it happened.


    Lucilius told us that Lardus had been in existence for about 300 years,


    Lardus came back about 300 years ago and stayed for about a month in the clan territory of the <>.


    The <> clans had been devastated by the localized <> caused by the Negador, a.k.a. >, which then fused with the other clans and spontaneously disappeared.


    It is thought that this is why he visited the most easily accessible clan from the Laurentian continent, the Puppet Clan.


    "I hardly spoke to Lardus at the time, so I am afraid I don''t know what happened."


    Lardus was what is called an "outlaw" and did not get along well with his own people.


    Jin then confirms what has just occurred to him.


    "...... is it possible that Lardus still has his <> in him?"


    <


    "No, father, I don''t think that the so-called of that time had an aggach implanted in their brains," Reiko advised.


    Reiko advised.


    "Oh, I see. Then that''s irrelevant. ......"


    But <> or not, it doesn''t change the fact that the behavior is unreadable.


    "Did he tell you that he had a son at ......?


    Jin asked, and Lucilius nodded.


    "Yes, he did. I didn''t speak to him directly, but I overheard him talking to my father. I''m sure my ...... father would have known a little more about it. ......"


    Lucilius'' father had already passed away.


    "If Lardus were alive, he would be about 550 years old. ......, but if he lived in a land that is not the Nordic Federation, he probably is already ......."


    The average life expectancy of the northern peoples was originally higher than that of humans and was said to be more than five times longer than that of humans even 400 years ago, The human population was about to reach 600 years of age.


    Jin believed that the existence of free magical element (ether) prevented the aging of cells.


    In fact, under a high concentration of free magic element (ether), magic materials hardly deteriorate at all.


    "If Lardus had a child, how old do you think he would be?


    Jin wanted to know about that.


    "Well, I heard about it about ......300 years ago, and from his age, I guess he was born around ...... I guess he was born around 3460. ...... This is not based on any evidence, but on my guess."


    Still, this seems much more credible than Jin''s guess, for which he has little information.


    At this point, Jin asked Reiko for information on Golbert Markitas.


    "Golbert Malkitas entered in the year 3740, father.


    "That would make him about 280 years old. That would put him in his mid-fifties, humanly speaking.


    Yes. Some sources say that Golbert Malkitas was already past middle age at the time.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    This makes me think that the theory that Golbert Malkitas was the son of Lardus may not be far off the mark.


    "Come to think of it, could Lardus have used ?"


    "Yes, he could. Father, there was a fifth column (quinta) that chased him from Count Walter''s place four hundred years ago."


    "Ah, I remember now. <


    That''s right. At that time, Deneb 30 in the 5th column suffered from Divieniunschiavo.


    But that was another ......<> countermeasure against slavery magic, but it didn''t work on Deneb 30 who had been subjected to it.


    "Yes it did. If you ...... inherited it from your father."


    "It seems that Lardus has been working in the dark without our knowledge.


    Lucilius looked at Jin and Reiko with difficulty.


    "It seems that in various places, he has been sowing the seeds ...... of discord, or even strife, between humanity and us."


    Belialus also looked reluctant and muttered.


    "But if Golbert Markitas is the child of Lardus, then there is a good chance that Guillermo Markitas is the same person as Golbert."


    This is a reasonable line of reasoning given the longevity of the northern peoples.


    "If so, why do you hate material civilization?"


    Jin couldn''t understand.


    "Yes, I do. We have been indebted to the past ...... predecessor of Jin-sama, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, and we have been indebted to Jin-sama since then. Common sense tells us that the people of the Nordic Federation would not hate material civilization.


    "Yes, I agree with you."


    "Yes, I agree."


    Everyone present agreed with Belials'' opinion.


    "In the first place, since the body is a substance, isn''t what you are saying contradictory?


    Zicarato said.


    "That''s true, too. Isn''t that what you call a double standard?


    Zion also pointed out the contradiction in Markitas''s statement.


    "That''s true, but it''s also a mystery how and when he came up with such an idea."


    <, and it seems that Golbert Malkitas did not have any strange ideas during his time at . At least on the surface.


    "Oh, and there was one more strange thing..."


    Jin said as if he had just remembered.


    "What?"


    "At that time ......, that is, 400 years ago, after the Negador riot, I searched for Lardus with the Magi Radar, but I couldn''t find him."


    The magical power of Lardus was known because Deneb 30 had obtained the dagger he was carrying.


    Therefore, we thought at that time that Lardus was no longer in the world, but we were wrong when we found out that he came to the clan territory of the a short time later.


    Then the question becomes, why couldn''t they have been detected by the magi radar?


    "This Magi Radar can search for magic power, right?


    "Yes.


    At this point, there were some comments from those who did not know about it, but Jin was more interested in what Zion was going to say.


    "If that''s the case, it could be one of two things: either he was in a place where magic power is blocked, or he blocked magic power himself.


    "Well, I guess so."


    So far, so logical. Jin nodded.


    "There are only so many places that can be blocked, aren''t there?"


    "That''s right."


    "My guess is that the places that are blocked off are the only places that stand out, right?"


    "Oh, I see."


    Zion is saying that if there is an invisible box in a place with a clear line of sight, it will stand out.


    "If you take your time, there''s no reason why you can''t find it. On the contrary, ......"


    "The place could be moving," he says.


    Jin understood what Zion meant.


    "Yes. So maybe it''s not a place but a vehicle, but I don''t think it stays in one place."


    "I see."


    Jin agreed with this theory.


    "If they move around, it''s in a vehicle. A carriage, or maybe a ......"


    Or a boat.


    A new possibility has just emerged here. But the identity of Golbert Malkitas remains elusive: .......

 1643 - - 44-42 Lydmilla Participation

    Since we can only consider fragmentary information, we can only draw inferences in a fragmentary manner.


    "...... doesn''t seem to help much, does it?"


    Belials said regretfully. And then,


    "Rather, how about having someone who can use <> work with Jin-sama for a while?


    I suggested.


    "Oh, that might be a good idea.


    Golbert Markitas, or Guillermo Markitas, has the advantage of a <> and a <>.


    If these two can be blocked, it will be easier to deal with them.


    "Is there anyone who can help us?"


    Zion asked Zikarat, the chief of the "puppet" clan.


    "There is one person who is qualified," he said.


    "Is it ......?"


    "My daughter Ludmila."


    Ludmila. ...... She''s a good girl, that''s for sure.


    Rhodes, my daughter-in-law, muttered.


    "<> as well as a little bit of gravity magic, I think I can help you."


    Zicarato puffed out his chest.


    "Jin, I can assure you of that. Can you take Ludmilla with you and Law?��I think it would be a good experience for her.


    Theon gave his recommendation, so Jin nodded.


    "Okay. I''ll be glad to accept.


    "Oh, Jin-dono, thank you very much.


    Zicarato bowed his head.


    < is a kind of status.


    "Jin-sama, please take care of me for a while from now on."


    Ludmilla came to Jin''s side and bowed.


    "No, it''s my pleasure."


    Jin replied.


    "Master Rhodes, it is a pleasure to be of service to you, Jin-sama.


    "Yes, it is. Yes, we will do our best, Liu.


    Jin thought that Rhodes apparently called Ludmilla "Liu.


    Jin then talked with Rhodes, Ludmila, and the others.


    "Ludmila-san, have you ever been to the Laurentian continent?


    "Yes, once. ......More importantly, Jin-sama, please call me by my first name, just like Rhodos-sama.


    ......Ludmila, is this correct?


    "Yes."


    "......Ludmilla is very calm, by the way."


    Jin recalls the first time he saw her.


    It had been three years since he had seen Rhodes, but he had greeted her calmly.


    Jin thought selfishly that since she was his daughter-in-law, something a little more would be nice.


    "Jin-sama, Ryu is like this. She''s always calm and collected. She''s an intelligent lady.


    "Oh, Mr. Rhodes, you praise her too much."


    It''s true.


    "Thank you for ......."


    Jin looked at Ludmilla, who was lying on her face with a slight blush on her cheeks, and was impressed to see that Rhodes was also thinking about his bride.


    That was the end of the meeting that night.


    Jin told her that he would head for the Laurentian Continent in the day after tomorrow or the day after the day after tomorrow.


    * * * *


    With nothing much to do the next day, Jin decides to tour the clan territories of the .


    Accompanied by Reiko and Hope, he walked around the village.


    "It''s not a village anymore. It''s a big village.


    The population growth of the northern tribes is slower than that of humans due to their longevity. The main reason is that each generation lasts about 100 years, about five times longer than the human population.


    Even so, 400 years is four generations, so it is not surprising that the population has doubled.


    "Father, there''s a pump over there."


    "Jin-sama, they''re using golem horses here too."


    Reiko and Hope report back to me when they find something they think Jin has made.


    "Looks like it''s in pretty good shape."


    Either they have a good mechanic or they haven''t been used that much.


    "Oh, there''s a store."


    The Nordic Federation does not have a commercial system like the countries of the Laurentian Continent. It should have been .......


    "This store looks like a general store."


    Everything from daily necessities to food, clothing and farming implements were displayed in the storefront.


    "We''ve been doing this on a trial basis recently," said a voice from behind me.


    A voice called out from behind me. It was a woman''s voice.


    "Oh, Ludmila?"


    I turned around and saw Ludmila and Rhodotos standing there.


    "Jin-sama, if you were touring the clan territory, you should have asked for us," said Ludmila.


    Ludmilla replied,


    "No, I haven''t seen Rhodes for a long time, so I didn''t want to intrude.


    Jin replies.


    "Well, I appreciate your concern, but, you know, ......".


    As expected, Ludmilla was a little embarrassed and turned her head down.


    In the end, I asked Rhodes and Ludmila to show me around the clan territory.


    "......It is true that, as you seem to think, the clans of the Nordic Federation did not have the concept of <>.


    Then, how to obtain various goods was basically done by the clan leader.


    It is not too much to say that the clan leaders are there for that purpose.


    Other than that, they bartered with each other for what they wanted.


    This is a society unique to the small population of the northern tribes.


    However, with the gradual increase in population and the beginning of exchanges with the countries of the Laurentian Continent, this system seems to have begun to change little by little.


    "The germ of this system has been around for 400 years," Rhodes said.


    Rhodes said.


    "When Great-grandmother Zion went to the human race to negotiate during the food crisis, Master Jin served as the contact person and exchanged food for pelts and dragon skin, and from that moment on, Great-grandmother thought that she could not go on like this.


    I heard about Zion''s activities in an unexpected place.


    "I see. Zion doesn''t talk much about himself.


    Jin imagined that he kept quiet because he tended to brag.


    "It seems that foreign currency is also beginning to be acquired."


    Having studied in Avalon, Rhodes is familiar with the nations of mankind.


    "I hope to build the Nordic Federation by adopting the good and learning from the bad," he said.


    "Yes. You''re the future clan leader.


    I''m sure you''re a future clan leader.��I never thought I''d hear you say that ...... Jin-sama.


    Rhodes was embarrassed by Jin''s unexpected compliment.

 1644 - - 44-43 Retired Party Prepares to Counterattack

    Now, back in time to October 8th, at the temporary headquarters of the Nostalgia Party.


    Elena had called all the executives who could be summoned under the current circumstances.


    There were 15 members in total. Eleven of them were women, because many of them were Elena''s children.


    "Now, I would like to start the emergency meeting.


    Alietta Aeolial, who had been appointed chairperson, called the meeting to order.


    "As you may have already heard, the Federation of Magic has been weakened. In other words, this is our chance to make a comeback.


    <


    "In other words, now is the time to regain power," she said.


    A voice said, "Oh, I see.


    "In addition, we have received a promise of cooperation from a reliable source.


    This information also seemed to help boost morale. The conference room was suddenly filled with enthusiasm.


    "First, let''s have our comrade Arum, who was brainwashed until the other day, explain to us what''s going on.


    Arrietta nominated Arum.


    "This is Arum Pitt. Fortunately, I have been released from the brainwashing and am back where I belong. The situation with them is as follows: ......"


    Arum explained again what he had said the other day in Jin''s presence.


    "I see... I see..."


    "I see, I see," he said, "this is indeed an opportunity.


    "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"


    This time, on the contrary, they are noisily energetic. Mostly male executives.


    "Quiet!"


    Arietta, the chairperson, rebuked them.


    "Let''s hear your opinion, Elena-sama.


    The room fell silent as a voice said, "Yes, we need to hear your opinion.


    "As an advisor, I would like to give my opinion. Right now, the centripetal force of the <> has been drastically weakened. After fomenting internal division for a while now, I would like to take back first the base in Kasimunore and then the headquarters on the island of Elektra.


    "I see, that makes sense. But how long do you think it will take?


    One of the male officers asked Elena a question.


    "About five days to a week.


    "And why is that?"


    "We thought it would be appropriate to keep it that long, because if we were to do it for too long, the other side would notice. Also, we would only need that much time for preparation.


    "I understand."


    The questioner seemed satisfied with this explanation.


    "Is there anything else?"


    "Yes, I would like to ......."


    After a couple of questions, the meeting moved on to the next topic. After a couple of questions, the meeting moved on to the next item on the agenda, which could be described as a de facto strategy meeting.


    "What can we do to counter Guillermo Marchitas?"


    I thought this was going to be a ...... discussion with no one expressing an opinion,


    "He seems to be almost ...... completely uninterested in the current <," said Arum.


    Alm said.


    "So, I think we don''t have to worry too much about it, at least when it comes to the recapture of the Kassimunore base.


    "Hmmm, that''s interesting.


    Wattes Shrezza, the most senior male officer, showed interest.


    "The Kassimnore base has a mine and is a lifeline for materials. We want to take it back for sure.


    Wattes is interested in this operation because of his position as a general staff member in military affairs.


    "Since it is far from the Kingdom of Elias, we will have a good chance of winning if we can suppress the warp gate.


    "Certainly, it is important to make it impossible to call for reinforcements.


    Leelia and the other female executives agreed with her opinion.


    "But the problem is how to neutralize the brainwashed ex-party members.


    "In this regard, I have borrowed a magical tool from a certain source that can disarm the brainwashing.


    There is also an automata, Liese, but Jin and the old man thought that this would be more effective in carrying out the operation, so they hastily manufactured it and lent it to us.


    In short, it is a magic tool that gives an impact with a specific magic wave.


    "Oh, that''s good. If we can remove the brainwashing from one by one, our forces will soon be reversed.


    Wattes is pleased that his strategy seems to be working.


    "There are supposed to be five warp gates at the Kassimunore base, but there is another emergency warp gate that is connected to this one.


    This information was known only to a very few, and fortunately none of the brainwashed knew it. Their plan is based on this.


    "And once we''ve moved on, we have to shut down the warp gate.


    If we do this, we will not be able to call for reinforcements, and we will not be able to escape.


    "In case anyone notices the emergency gate and runs this way, we will take care of it.


    This is because the warp gate can be used in both directions.


    Now we need to know what they have on their side. ...... alm, what do you think?


    "Yes, as far as I know, there are about 50 people in there at any given time. In addition, there are about 10 battle golems.


    "hmm...... are those battle golems autonomous?"


    "Yes."


    Wattes Shrezza paused to think about it.


    "How do you distinguish between friend and foe?"


    "Oh, that''s easy. <, and those who have them are our allies, and those who do not have them are ......."


    "Enemies, huh? Hmmm, plain and simple. ...... if you know what that ID card looks like.


    "Oh, I do."


    Arum held up his ID card and showed it to me.


    "I see, you''ve been brainwashed, so it''s only natural that you have one. Can ...... it be duplicated or forged?"


    "Well, I don''t know. ......As far as I know, the waveform of an individual''s magical power is recorded."


    "I see. ...... but what if there is more than one of the same thing?"


    "I don''t know ....... There is no precedent for that.


    That''s the point I''m trying to make, I guess.


    "But it''s better than nothing. I''d like to make a duplicate of that ID and have everyone who comes in have one. Hopefully they''ll recognize us as allies, and maybe they''ll get confused. It''s better than doing nothing."


    But there was one problem with that plan.


    "But how can we duplicate it?"


    "Well... ......"


    Elena nodded her head.


    She had examined it once, but it seemed to be a highly sophisticated magical tool, and she had been unable to analyze it.


    But...


    "I have an idea.


    Elena had a reassuring backup.


    "Oh, that''s my girl!"


    "Wait a day or two for my ID. In the meantime, let''s get ready to retake the base.


    "Yes, sir. How many of our combat golems can we use?


    Yes, we have six at the moment.


    The young man in charge answered.


    "How many more can we get before the operation starts?"


    "Well, ...... I''d say about one every two days.


    "Six days would mean three."


    Yes.


    "Hmmm... ...... 9 in total. I think I can manage that.


    Wattes thought he could use them to his advantage.


    "Do you have non-lethal weapons and armor ready?"


    "Yes, we have enough paralyzing staffs (stun rods) in stock. As for armor, we have enough .


    "Well, that''s not a problem."


    Wattes drew up a plan.


    Elena reviewed the plans and pointed out any problems.


    The meeting went off without a hitch, and it was decided that the project would take place in one week''s time.


    The members of Nostalgia prepare for the coming day.

 1645 - - 44-44 The night before Operation

    The contents of the meeting of the Nostalgia Party were later passed on to the old man.


    At the same time, Elena requested him to analyze and duplicate the .


    <>


    The old man was a little impressed when he was lent the card as a sample.


    What impressed him was the card-like nameplate.


    The personal authentication had been developed by Jin with 400 years ago.


    It was very similar to the that Jin remembered, and that was the point that caught his attention.


    .


    At least, the old man thought that he might be a little careless in this world, even in the peaceful world where he was born and raised.


    It would be easy to be found, targeted and robbed.


    It is an idea that only an old man who has inherited the knowledge of Jin could have come up with.


    After the analysis, the old man started to duplicate it. His assistant was Craftsman (Smith) 101.


    "The key is the thinned magic crystal (magicrystal). If you apply the "toughening" process after writing, the contents will not be correct, so you need to apply the "toughening" process before writing.


    Smith 101 explained to the old man.


    But the effect of the toughening process makes the magecrystal very difficult to write on.


    <


    If we compare it to modern earth technology, we can say that high voltage or high energy is needed to <>.


    In the world of Ars, it would be impossible without someone with magical power to make it possible.


    <>.


    In a short time the old man had found out how the <> had created this identity.


    "If it were you or us, we wouldn''t need mithianite..."


    Smith 101 told the old man and continued his work.


    At the same time, the old man said, "I''m sorry.


    At the same time, the old man made a support plan based on the information from Elena.


    >.


    Jin also returned to Horai Island from the Nordic Federation with only Reiko on that day. He is still concerned about the success or failure of the operation.


    "......It''s a very haphazard plan, isn''t it?"


    <>.


    Still, they want to take this chance to retake the Kassimnore base.


    "What is the strength ...... of the force, or rather the personnel?"


    <> has about 50 members and 1 golem and 2 golems. 2 Golems.


    The Nostalgia side are all in their early twenties, and have some experience in rough-and-tumble operations.


    <>


    Jin guessed what the old man was trying to say.


    "A golem?"


    >, but there are actually two more, and one of them is not to be underestimated.


    "What kind of guy is he?"


    < type.


    <, also called a guardian, is a specialized golem that protects important land and buildings. Gon and Gen of the village of Kaina are such golems.


    "Are they strong?"


    "Hmmm ......"


    Jin decided that the Nostalgia party might lose in the final phase if the situation continued as it was.


    "Then we need to help them."


    Jin started to discuss with the old man how to do it.


    "Yes, that''s right. ...... Well, I think the current Elena can win."


    Jin thinks that the Elena that he has modified and strengthened will not be defeated by a golem like this one.


    "Well, that''s fine."


    He would rather get the guardian and check it out.


    When he told this to the old man, he said


    He said, "I will make a support plan with the master''s (my lord''s) wishes as the top priority.


    "Not too much, okay?"


    Jin was unusually restrained.


    "And the remaining one?"


    "Well, we''ll just have to take care of that ourselves. ......If something goes wrong, we''ll have no choice but to help.


    .


    * * * * * *


    At the temporary headquarters of the Nostalgia Party.


    Elena tells Arum a shocking truth.


    "......<> has one Guardian."


    "What?��Really?


    You didn''t know that. No wonder.


    It was only natural that Arum, who had been left in a quiet position, had been unaware of the existence of the Guardian, which could be called the last trump card.


    "...... Is that also from Jin-sama the other day?"


    Yes, that''s right. Yes, and so is this fake ID.


    Aroom looked a little puzzled.


    "Really, who is he?"


    Elena smiled a little and looked a little puzzled again.


    "Well, you can think of him as ......<>."


    "Yes, ......."


    Elena was right, but Arum was still skeptical about being <.


    "So, now that we have the fake IDs, we''re all set. Tomorrow is the day."


    Elena said in an emotionless voice.


    "...... be careful. I don''t want anyone to get hurt, but I don''t want anyone to die.


    Arum had joined the assault team because he knew the base best.


    "Yes, I''ll be careful."


    "Be really careful."


    Elena smiled kindly.


    "I took care of you and now you are all on your own, aren''t you? You will grow up, but I will not change.


    "Elena-sama ...... yes."


    Feeling Elena''s concern, kindness, and loneliness, Arum bowed his head and replied honestly.


    The mission to retake the base at Casimunore will be tomorrow.

 1646 - - 44-45 Operation Begins

    October 15, a little before 4:00 a.m. local time.


    The temporary headquarters of the Nostalgia Party is located in the basement of Tru Island.


    After this, the honorary advisor, Elena, was giving an instruction to the people who had gathered to use the warp gate to enter the Kassimunore base and launch the operation to retake it.


    "......That''s all from me. Please have a safe trip.


    Elena was here to see the whole situation and to give instructions.


    The magic tools for the call had been distributed to all the participants.


    This is not as small as a manacam, but it can be used to talk to specific people, so to speak.


    It is about the size of a walkie-talkie. They were lined up in front of Elena, as many as the number of people in the party.


    There were 30 members of the party who were going to enter the room. Elena was the only one who could handle the manaphone and process the information.


    And just after 4:00 a.m.


    Operation start!


    The 30 people enter the emergency gate (warp gate) in order.


    A golem transfers every three people.


    In three minutes, the 30 assault team members and the nine Golems have completed their transfers.


    "Please be safe and ......"


    Elena prayed for the success of the operation.


    And on Horai Island, the old man and Jin were watching the success or failure of the operation with the .


    * * * * *


    The emergency warp gate is located on the 10th basement floor of the Kassimunore base.


    Most of the base was originally built underground, so if they were to escape, it would be to the basement, not outside.


    The 30 members and 9 bodies once went to the warp gate room to take a look at what was outside.


    The size of the room where the assault team is located is about the size of an elementary school classroom. The emergency ether emitter (AL) was on, but it was dimly lit.


    They looked out the door, but no one was there, and the first stage of the operation seemed to be a success.


    "Okay, let''s go as planned.


    The three of us and one of us form a team and go into action. The extra three would protect the warp gate and secure the exit route.


    Gently, they open the disguised doors and the nine teams scatter to various parts of the base, making as little noise as possible.


    It is 3:30 a.m. local time at the base in Kasimunore. The majority of the teams were asleep.


    One of the teams was Arum Pitt.


    She had been brainwashed to work at the base and was up-to-date on the latest developments.


    "We''re going to the seventh basement!"


    The three of them and one of them ran up the fire escape.


    The seventh basement is the floor where Arum used to work, and where the Magecraftsmen are doing their research. ...... sounds nice, but it is a dumping ground for the idle.


    There is also a dormitory on the same floor, all of them brainwashed.


    "Aah!


    "Aaagh!"


    What the hell are you ......?


    "Are you crooked?��...... gah!"


    The almsmen went around disarming the four people on this floor.


    The disarming by magic tools was rougher than the one by Liese, the automata, so it took longer for them to come back to their senses.


    "I''ll stay here and explain.


    One of the team members volunteered to stay behind.


    "We will go to the third basement as planned.


    "Yes, and when we come to our senses, we''ll all follow you.


    Please do.


    Thus, Arum was the first to head for the stairs.


    The third basement floor is the most spacious floor, and also contains the command center. Therefore, it is the most heavily guarded, and a fierce battle is expected.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Yes, they are."


    In Horai Island, the old man was monitoring the situation with Jin in order to intervene if something happens.


    * * * * * *


    On the third basement floor, there was already a battle going on.


    "Golem, eliminate the intruder!��...... what?


    The members of the <> order their battle golem to intercept them, but the golem doesn''t listen to them ......, nor does it seem to recognize the enemy.


    (Fake IDs are working so far!).


    ) Three teams, nine men and three golems are deployed here. The <> is facing 15 men and 4 golems.


    So far, the <> side''s golems are not participating in the battle, so the Nostalgia side has the advantage.


    And then...


    "We''re going to join the battle too!


    The alums joined the battle.


    Now the game is tilted in favor of the Nostalgia side.


    "Whoa!


    Aaah!


    Those who may or may not be brainwashed are left unconscious for the time being.


    The command center was occupied in 15 minutes. Nostalgia has won.


    We did it!


    "There are wounded, but no one has dropped out. Lady Elena will be pleased.


    The most intense battle in the Casimunore base took place on the ground floor.


    Here were 10 young members of the . They were in charge of the so-called "rough work.


    Compared to the Nostalgia side, which is based on the principle of non-killing, the <> side is not so concerned about this point, and the Nostalgia side is being pushed back because of it.


    "<>!


    Thunderbolt!


    Nostalgia tries to push the <> side into the base, and the <> side tries to revive themselves outside the base.


    Outside the base, there was an exchange of magic ...... and a one-sided magic attack from the <> side.


    The golem accompanying them is blocking all of them, but the damage is accumulating little by little, and there is no telling how long they will be able to hold out.


    "Hold on!��Don''t let them get away!"


    Finally, one of the golems on the Nostalgia side exceeds its limit, stops moving, and collapses.


    "Uh-uh!��Hang in there!��I''m sure reinforcements will come!


    It is not just a wish.


    It was a half-convinced statement that the team that had conquered the other areas would come running here.


    And it came true.


    "You''re safe!


    Oh, we''ve been waiting for you!


    "d*mn, from behind!"


    Oh, shit!


    The team that took control of the basement floor has joined in. The fierce battle on the first floor above the ground is over.


    * * * *


    It seems that the team was able to conquer the building before the <<<< Guardian >> was activated. I''m glad to hear that.


    On the island of Horai, the old man who was entrusted with the task of supporting the <> has just returned with the <> that he had arranged to prevent the activation of the <>.


    If the <> does not move, the advantage of the Nostalgia Party will not be easily moved.


    The operation to retake the base in Kasimunore was now in its final stage.

 1647 - - 44-46 On the verge of control

    Shortly before 6:00 a.m. on October 15.


    The Nostalgia Party had almost succeeded in taking control of the Qasimnore base.


    , because one of the remaining sites is still stubbornly resisting.


    That one place was the mine.


    There are abundant resources beneath the Kasimunore base. In particular, copper-based metal resources and fire-based magical crystals (magi crystals) are abundant.


    There was a faction holed up in one of the tunnels at the deepest part of the mine.


    "They are probably not brainwashed.


    Arum said to the leader of the assault team, Arger Luana.


    "I''m sure they are. They''re quick and precise. That''s why they''re so tricky."


    > (Divieniunschiavo) is characterized by the fact that it leaves the subject with more power of thought than or , but it is still more limited and simplified than the normal, so it is easier to deal with. However, they are still more limited and simplified than the normal ones, so they are easier to deal with.


    This is the reason why we decided on this strategy.


    However, the people holed up in this mine seem to have joined the of their own free will.


    The reason why they chose the mine is simple and clear.


    <


    Mines are always subject to cave-ins. No matter how carefully they mine, it is difficult to eliminate accidents.


    The only exception is the Horaijima underground mine. There has been no accident for 1,400 years.


    Now, let me digress.


    In the last 100 years or so, some mines have been equipped with warp gates as a means of emergency escape when the exit is blocked by a falling rock.


    In the case of the Kasimunore base, it leads to the headquarters on the island of Electra.


    This information was unknown to Arum.


    This information was provided by those who had escaped the influence of <>.


    However, since they were installed in the form of parts so as not to interfere with mining and ore removal, they had to be assembled before they could be used, and there was a high possibility that they would not be ready in time for the outbreak of toxic gases.


    But this time, the nostalgics were lucky, and those holed up in the mine had not escaped yet.


    "How long will it take to assemble?"


    Arger Luana asks Arum.


    "Well, if I went alone, about 30 minutes.


    "I see. Since there are four of us holed up in the room, we can put it together in a little over seven minutes.


    In reality, however, the Nostalgia side is attacking, albeit non-lethally, and three people are working to defend themselves against the attack.


    In other words, one person is assembling.


    "We can''t wait any longer. Send two Golems to them.


    Two of the nine golems brought to the site had stopped working, and two were malfunctioning.


    Arger Luana sent the five remaining golems that had sustained the least damage toward the tunnels.


    But in the tunnel, the other magi-machine that the old man had been worried about was lying dormant.


    "Go on, smash anyone who gets in the way, Golem!"


    This is a mining golem.


    Unlike combat golems and general-purpose golems, it has no personal identification function, and is semi-autonomous, requiring only the user to set its commanders when it is activated.


    The tunnel is a straight path, and it simply moves in the indicated direction to clear obstacles.


    It does not have the intelligence to determine what those obstacles are.


    A golem and a golem collided.


    The mining golem is superior to the combat golem in this place because of its functional simplicity.


    Its only mission is to smash the obstacles in front of it and move forward.


    In other words, it is defenseless against flanking attacks, but this is a narrow tunnel, which covers the weakness of the mining golem well enough.


    "d*mn, they thought of that!"


    That''s how we know that the people holed up in the tunnels have joined the League of Magic of their own free will.


    They''ll get away if we don''t!


    That must be avoided.


    We would know in a day or two that the base in Kasimunore had been recaptured, but we did not want them to know about our strength at all costs.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "...... Okay, I''ll get it."


    Elena, who had been listening to the situation on her walkie-talkie-sized manaphone, made a decision.


    "Elena-sama!


    "Please stop!"


    The executives, who only knew her previous power, rushed to stop her.


    "It''s all right. Please trust me."


    With these words in a gentle voice, Elena left the control room and hurried to the warp gate.


    In an instant, Elena moves from the island of Trieu to the Kasimunore base, and hurries to the lowest level ...... mining area.


    "What is the situation?"


    "Elena-sama!


    Everyone looked surprised when Elena arrived.


    "Please describe the situation."


    Elena asks if the situation has changed in the minute or so it took to get there.


    "Yes. I can''t go any further because the mining golem is blocking my way.


    I see. I see. ...... there''s not a moment to lose.


    Elena stared at the end of the tunnel. In her hand was a new shortsword.


    "You didn''t do this yourself, Elena-sama?


    "Yes. Yes. The best way is to use the best we have at the moment. Then I''ll go!


    Elena rushed out into the tunnels before the others had time to stop her.


    "Elena!


    Elena''s voice echoed through the tunnels.


    Elena ran down the tunnel at a speed of about 30 kilometers per hour and saw a mining golem standing in front of her, blocking her way.


    It was 2 meters and 50 centimeters tall. This is one of the larger golems. Elena, on the other hand, is 150 centimeters tall. Elena, on the other hand, is 150 centimeters tall, no taller than an adult or a child.


    Elena jumped and aimed at the head of the golem. A fist is thrust toward Elena. It was thought that she would suffer serious damage if she took it seriously.


    But it was a feint. Elena puts her left hand, which is not holding a sword, on the ceiling of the tunnel, and this time she sinks her body down at once.


    She slips between the legs of the mining golem and moves behind it.


    In this situation, the large mining golem is vulnerable. Since it is not originally designed for combat, it is not designed to protect its rear.


    "Stay still!"


    Elena put her hand on the emergency stop switch on the back of the mining golem''s neck and poured her magic power into it.


    "That''s it."


    Leaving the stopped golem in place, Elena heads further into the tunnel.


    Fortunately, the tunnel is a straight path, and there is a straight line to the destination.


    In one minute, Elena reaches the place where the < has been assembled.


    It is a small room dug out of the side of the tunnel.


    Elena arrived just as the warp gate was about to be activated.


    "Just in time!"


    Elena throws a short sword.


    She misses, and it pierces into the warp gate before it is activated.

 1648 - - 44-47 Looking ahead

    When Elena''s shortsword destroyed the Warp Gate, the four of them turned on each other.


    "d*mn!��I''ve finally put it together!


    "You''re a monster doll!


    If it''s a doll, it should have been decorated like a doll!


    She seems to know who Elena is, and she doesn''t take kindly to those who call her a doll,


    "Go to sleep."


    Elena casts a spell on the doll.


    "Gah!"


    With a short scream, the four fall apart.


    Silence follows.


    "...... is it over?"


    Elena looked around cautiously, as any human would sigh in relief.


    "It seems that there are no more ambush soldiers or remnants.


    Since it was indeed impossible to carry the four men back home, Elena tied their hands and feet with the rope she had available.


    She then retrieved the shortsword stuck in the warp gate and returned to the tunnel entrance where everyone was waiting for her.


    Thus, the operation to retake the Kassimunore base was a success.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "I see. Elena and the others must have done well.


    On the island of Horai, the old man was reporting to Jin.


    "Yes. ...... but what about those who have infiltrated the centers of each country?"


    <<


    <. It is believed to be quite influential in its center.


    But such an organization is fragile when it loses its head.


    <<> In other words, once Guillermo Marchitas and the leadership are gone, the organization will naturally fall apart.


    Jin does not want to know what happened to those at the bottom. That is the role of the nostalgia party.


    "All I want is to restore a little bit of the world situation that Golbert Malkitas has stirred up, that''s all I want.


    That was Jin''s true intention.


    "Also, did anyone contact headquarters?"


    <


    "That''s good."


    <<


    .


    The old man''s comment was followed by Jin''s. "Yes, that''s true.


    "Yes, that''s right.


    "Are they in a spacecraft or something, in satellite orbit, or further out in space, or, I don''t think so, in another space?"


    <<?


    Jin has been working on it for 400 years. But it has not been completed yet.


    "According to the <>, if you travel between two warp gates in a very small amount of time, you should disappear from our world during that time, right?"


    <


    < and , or and , is called of the warp gate.


    This process inevitably takes about one second.


    The <> says that if we could switch the time in 1/10,000,000 of a second, we would be able to realize a <>.


    However, the current situation is that such switching has not yet been realized.


    Aside from that, Jin has come up with a new possibility.


    "Assuming that we are not on Ars, what about the possibility of <>?"


    <> ....... That''s deep, isn''t it? >>


    Yes, that''s right. You have not scanned, say, 10,000 meters underground, have you?


    <<


    "That may be it. Try looking deeper."


    The matter is in your hands now. It is not possible to get the result in a few minutes.


    Jin said,


    "Well, Reiko?"


    "Yes, Father."


    "I''m gonna go take care of something that''s been bothering me."


    "Yes, I''ll help you."


    "Okay."


    So he took Reiko with him and let Hope fly the Pegasus 2 to the moon.


    On the way to the moon, Jin explained to Reiko.


    "I want to reboot the spaceship and check for any glitches."


    Four hundred years ago, Jin built a spaceship that included a 300-meter-diameter spherical ship, the flagship , and a 100-meter-diameter craft, > with a diameter of 100 meters, the prototype spacecraft <<><<<<<<<<<>.


    In addition, there was a destroyer <<<> built by Jack of the Moon (Uny).


    Other than that, it seems that no other past human beings were built.


    "We are going to need more powerful spacecraft for the redevelopment of Hale," he said.


    It was essential to build a spacecraft that could travel to the orbit of Zipert, the second planet of the sun Serran, and return.


    The spacecraft would need to bring one of Zipert''s satellites to the planet in order to secure its resources.


    This was something that not even the had been able to do.


    Therefore, Jin wanted to use the arsenal of the moon (Yunyi) to build a new type of spaceship.


    The reason why he did not build it in Horai Island is that it is more efficient to build a large structure in a place with less gravity, and he did not want to add more burden to the old man who is working in various fields.


    As you can imagine, building a spaceship is not something that can be finished in a day or two, but it must be done in advance.


    * * * *


    Welcome, Mr. Jin. Mr. Jin


    The brain behind the management of the magic of the moon (Yunie), , welcomes Jin.


    "I''ve come here today to ask you a favor."


    What is it?


    "One is to make sure that the spaceships in our custody are in good working order. The other is to ask you to build a new ship for me."


    Yes, we can take care of both. ......The spaceships we have in our custody are regularly serviced, so they should be fine. The most recent flight test was conducted two years ago.


    "I see, that''s great. Now let''s talk about the new spaceships we''re building.


    Jin started discussing with .


    "The engine power is roughly tripled and equipped with <>. The hull is a shield structure of free magic element (ether). ......


    Jin describes his idea as it comes to mind.


    can build his own spaceship, so he considers Jin''s idea and makes a concrete design.


    How big do you want it to be?


    "That''s it. The effect of gravity on Celan should be quite large, so I think it would be better to make it smaller for durability."


    Yes, that''s right. <.


    "I guess so."


    "And structurally, I''d like to stop using the current semi-monocoque structure, and use only structural materials to ensure strength, with an additional outer panel to increase the strength.


    Is that in case of any damage?


    Yes. In extreme cases, for example, I would like to make the structure so that it can fly even if only the central bridge is left, to ensure safety.


    "Is that based on the past failure of the origin?"


    Yes, it is. I have some data on the ship at that time.


    "That''s very encouraging."


    Thus, Jin and <> continued to study the new spaceship.

 1649 - - 44-48 Blue

    On October 15, the Nostalgia Party retook the Kassimnore base, and two days later took complete control of it.


    "Even after all this, there has been no movement by the ."


    In the control room of the base at Cassimunore, Elena was talking with Arum Pitt. She had been appointed technical director of the base.


    "Yes. We have not heard from Elektra. It seems that their internal affairs are more complicated than we thought.


    "That''s what I can only assume."


    The Nostalgia executives thought it was somewhat strange that there had been no response after the loss of up to two of the three most important bases on the island: Kunlun Island, the Kassimunore base, and the Elektra Island headquarters.


    "If it''s ......, there must be a breakdown in their organization."


    Elena makes her guess.


    An overgrown organization. The original ideals and principles have been forgotten, and the members pursue only their own interests. The end result is division and corruption.


    "It seems that those who have infiltrated the centers of countries no longer have any influence," he said.


    The only problem seems to be the Kingdom of Elias.


    As Arum Pitt said, with the exception of the Kingdom of Elias, the countries seemed to have escaped the influence of the <>.


    Rather, those who were dispatched by the <> were already no longer fulfilling their roles.


    "It''s a far cry from what it was before I had my run-in with Guillermo Marchitas.


    This was not the case before Elena''s one-time wreck. < had a certain voice.


    "It is impossible not to rely on < in today''s world and society. In the first place, the claims of Golbert Malkitas are ridiculous.


    Elena''s words contained some contempt.


    "I think some of us have begun to realize that if we, who cannot live without relying on materials, abandon them, we will end up in decline and destruction."


    "Yes, Elena. <


    Arum Pitt said, remembering the organization he used to belong to when he was brainwashed.


    "Of course. "Of course. ...... Especially if you have the brains to think."


    Elena''s harsh words. Ironically, however, she did not remember that Elena herself had once led the Unified Party using .


    "The stronger the brainwashing, the less we can think of anything else. Going against the flow of the world means you have to apply the brainwashing strongly. But <> is a brainwashing method that makes you do what it says without compromising your ability to think. That''s why it fails."


    * * *


    And there was one more person who felt the same way as Elena.


    "<> is powerful, but it has its drawbacks."


    The only daughter of <> clan leader Zicarato and wife of Lord Tos, Ludmila, who had recently become Jin''s collaborator.


    "What is it?"


    Jin listened to this new information.


    "The ability to think means that we are able to notice self-contradictions. In other words, it requires frequent updates."


    "I see."


    Now Jin, accompanied by Ludmilla and Rhodoth, was staying in the clan territory of <>, that is, in Zion.


    It was for the purpose of countermeasures against <> (<<<>).


    "So, depending on the content, you have to call back every day."


    "Does that mean it''s not suitable for use by a very large number of people?"


    "That''s one way of putting it. From what I have heard, I think that Golbert and Guillermo Marchitas are not the right people to use.


    Ludmila said, "They are not very good at controlling a group.


    "I see. Is it possible that when Golbert Marchitas learned in the past, he was not given such attention?"


    "I am sure they did."


    This was good news. If the current <> is a group that is far removed from ideology, there is little harm done. Not necessarily, but better than <>. Jin thought so.


    "In most countries, they have become nothing more than a nuisance.


    <


    "The problem seems to be the Kingdom of Elias.


    < is nearby, and many of its leaders are said to be there.


    "I think we should probably separate Guillermo Malkitas from the ."


    Zion agreed with Jin''s comment.


    "That''s right. After hearing everything that has happened so far, I think it''s time for Jin to move on with his own affairs."


    "...... once the Marquitas thing is over, right?"


    Jin did not want to endanger his offspring at this point.


    "Yes. I understand how you feel.


    Having been blessed with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, Zion seemed to understand the special feelings he had for his blood relatives.


    Especially for Jin, who had been alone all his life, is very special.


    * * * *


    "As for the Shoro Kingdom, it seems that there is no influence of the on it.


    The members of the League of Magic in the Kingdom of Cerroa have been eliminated.


    Leelia and Arietta reported to Elena that they had gone to both the Shoro Kingdom and the Kingdom of Celuloa to identify and eliminate the members of the that had penetrated the heart of the two countries.


    The Shoro Kingdom has no problem because of its small influence and the fact that it is ruled by a competent emperor.


    The Kingdom of Cerroa, which was originally the top producer of magic tools and golems, was not in a position to accept the principles of the <>.


    Since the two major powers were in such a situation, the Kingdom of Franz, which was a dependency of the Kingdom of Cerroa, also followed suit.


    And as for the Kingdom of Klein, the country where the former <> Jin Nido was located, <>...... officially the village of Kaina is not in the Kingdom of Klein, but... Officially, Kaina is not a Klein Kingdom......but it does not follow the <>.


    "How was the Kingdom of Egelea?"


    Arietta answered Elena''s question.


    "Yes. The Kingdom of Egelea is currently about 30% ...... of the population.


    "Thirty percent of the Egelea Kingdom is with the ?"


    Yes. However, they are snobs who only covet rights, so I don''t think they will harm us.


    "Yes. <. But what about our country?


    Arietta looks disappointed,


    "There is a craft queen workshop in the great city of Bluerand," she adds.


    She adds.


    "And the Bluerands are more vibrant than the capital city of Asunto."


    This is probably because human beings have no choice but to depend on .


    In this sense, too, the principles of the are distorted.


    "It may take some time, but I think we can manage that as well.


    Elena nodded a little satisfied.


    "The ...... problem is, after all, the Kingdom of Elias?"


    "Yes.


    Arietta took out a document.


    "According to my research so far, 10 of the 24 ministers and vice-ministers are from the League of Magic. The most troubling is that the Minister of Military Affairs is one of them.


    "The Minister of War, huh? That''s a problem.


    The Kingdom of Elias is a maritime nation. It has more than three times as many ships as any other country.


    We can''t be optimistic just because Jin literally annihilated the ships of the that surrounded Horai Island and reduced the number of ships owned by the to one-tenth.


    No, we must not allow them to use our ships, because they are manned by .


    Compared to the ships, the army and the air force pose no threat.


    "Let''s start making plans to retake the island of Elektra.


    Elena declares.


    Some of the people at the base in Kasimunore were familiar with the situation on the island of Electra. Based on this information, they would formulate a plan to recapture the island.


    "Let''s call a meeting of the top brass. I''ll leave the date and time to you.


    "Yes, sir."


    Arrieta bowed and left the room.


    The battle that Nostalgia could not lose was about to begin.


    Elena looks out.


    The island of Tolu is surrounded by the ocean, Io Island is to the west, and beyond that is the Kingdom of Elias.


    The sky was blue, and the sea was a deeper blue.

 1650 - - 44-49 Silent 75 Golem Study

    "You won."


    <


    "It was worth it to block the <>."


    <, the trump card golem of the , had been disabled by the that Jin had dispatched.


    ? >>


    "It doesn''t work anymore, does it?"


    <


    "Well, let''s get him over here and study him.


    <


    < has a short transfer distance, but there is Lake Asur near the Kassimnore base, and there is a there.


    Once the transporter was sent to the floating base in Lake Asur after several transfers, it could be sent back to Horai Island without any problems.


    "Oh, so this is the of the ."


    Jin''s face breaks into a smile of happiness when he sees the brought to his workshop.


    "<> is a big guy, isn''t he? Maybe I should show it to ...... Rhodes and Ludmilla."


    Jin then instructed Hope to call them.


    Two minutes later, they arrive.


    "Jin-sama, you''re going to invite Ludmila here too?


    "That''s right. She''s Rhodes'' wife, and we''ll be working together from now on.


    With these words, Jin gave Ludmila the bracelet.


    "Ludmilla, will you join the <>?"


    Ludmilla looked at the bracelet with surprise, then accepted it with a big smile.


    "Yes, with pleasure!


    By the way, Lyudmila''s bracelet is white and gold marble. It is probably a symbol of her gray hair and golden eyes.


    "Now, here''s what I want to show you."


    "A golem!��This one is a bit different..."


    Rhodes said with interest.


    "Yes. It''s a Guardian of the League of Magic that I happened to get my hands on."


    "Oh, ......."


    "First, the materials. This exterior is very close to <18-8 stainless steel>.


    The ratio of each element is very close," Jin said.


    "Okay, let''s remove the exterior. Reiko, Hope, help me."


    Yes, Father.


    Yes, Master Jin.


    Even one of the parts looks heavy. Jin took it easy and let Reiko and Hope help him.


    "Muscle tissue is not a living material, is it?"


    Rhodes said, peering in. Jin nodded.


    "Yes, it is. I guess you could call this ......<>."


    Jin had thought about it.


    have the ability to , that is, reproduce a at a specific temperature.


    Even if it loses its shape, it will return to its original shape if it is above a certain temperature (recovery temperature).


    Suppose you make a spring with this spring and stretch it. When the temperature is raised above the recovery temperature, the spring returns to its original length.


    This is the reason why we are trying to use this technology for artificial muscles.


    In Jin''s case, he thought of a magic alloy that returns to its original shape when a certain amount of magic force is applied.


    However, since the development experiments at that time did not reach the level of biomaterials (materials used by demons), he did not conduct further research.


    Nevertheless, it had outstanding practicality and durability among commonly used muscle materials.


    Here, a of the same family was used.


    "It''s almost the same as the prototype I made before.


    Jin thought, "If this was developed independently, their development capability cannot be underestimated.


    He disassembled it further and proceeded to analyze it.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    This golem also had a control core in its head, an ether converter and a mana driver in its chest.


    "You are very disciplined in a strange way."


    In the Adriana style, the control core is also stored in the chest. This is because protection is the primary consideration.


    In a golem that is the fruit of magical engineering, there is plenty of room in the chest for such important magical devices.


    "The skeleton is not of the Adriana type, but of the method described above, isn''t it?"


    "That''s right."


    Rhodes nodded.


    "I''d like to meet the developers once, I really would.


    That may have been Jin''s true intention.


    Talking with the person who designed such a thing, and having a technical exchange with a non-Adriana engineer. Jin thought that it would surely be a fruitful meeting.


    "I don''t know if that''s possible, though, since he''s probably been dead for a long time."


    Jin knew that, too.


    "Well, there''s one more thing I found when I took it apart.


    Jin looked at Rhodes. Rhodes nodded.


    "So this is what you think it is?


    "Yes, it seems so.


    "Oh, um, what are you two talking about?"


    Ludmilla, who did not understand, asked Jin and the others.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. This golem had a countermeasure for <>.


    Jin had developed it with a certain amount of effort, and now it was applied to all automata, golems, magic brains, and magic machines related to Horai Island. It is called <>.


    "But I didn''t think that instead of using <>, they simply prevented it from accepting <>."


    Jin muttered half in admiration, half in dismay.


    "Well, ...... what do you mean?"


    Ludmila, who had no background in magical engineering, still had no idea what he was talking about.


    "It''s not that it knows its <>, it just knows what it is allowed to do."


    Because this golem is a <>,


    >.


    >.


    The two principles are inputted.


    They are willing to take orders from anyone as long as they do not violate those principles.


    "...... I think I see some holes."


    "Yes."


    Ludmilla said and Jin agreed.


    The old man expressed his opinion.


    "I see ......, but I don''t think you have such advanced processing and decision-making abilities that such persuasion would work."


    > is not built into the principle.


    "Is it?"


    <


    "I see."


    In this way, Jin and Horaijima were steadily analyzing the enemy''s technological capabilities.


    Incidentally, the that had been analyzed was secretly returned to its original location and added to the new strength of the Nostalgia Party.

 1651 - - 44-50 Quiet 76 Pegasus 2

    "Uh, something like this."


    Back in time, on October 10, 3459, Jin was making on Horai Island. 2> on the island of Horai.


    "I don''t remember the details of what was going on. ...... Well, never mind."


    He thought that if he had the compulsion of time, he could make the same thing as long as he did whatever he wanted.


    "How about you, you ......?"


    "How about you, Mr. Goshujin?"


    "Duh."


    "Ohhh!"


    Erza came to the workshop holding Chloe and Anne holding Mio.


    "Well, everything is going well."


    In front of Jin, a frame made of 64 shiny, silver-colored light silver was being built.


    "After carefully applying < to this, the engine and other magi-machines are installed, the interior is done, and finally the exterior panel is affixed to finish.


    "It''s very different from the first."


    "Yes, it is. This one is better in every way."


    When it''s finished, I''ll build a museum on Horai Island and put it there," Jin said.


    "Oh, that sounds good."


    Jin thinks that the museum should be built in the basement of Horai Island.


    The basement would make more sense as a warehouse.


    "Ah, but the ceiling should be openable, otherwise it would be difficult to bring it in..."


    The old man advised me.


    "Oh, I see. That would be fine."


    Jin''s hand does not stop as he continues to reinforce the framework.


    Jin does not use a so-called structure.


    Although it would reduce the weight, there is a disadvantage that if one part breaks, the strength of the whole structure would be compromised.


    (And it wasn''t monocoque either.)


    And the fact that , which Jin rode in the future, was not a monocoque structure is the deciding factor.


    When will it be ready?


    "By the end of the day. Then we can all take a scenic flight together.


    You mean, everyone, including Chloe and Mio?


    Yes, that''s right. The cabin maintains a constant atmospheric pressure and the main engine is a force field generator, so there won''t be any G-forces.


    "Hmm, that''s good."


    Erza thought it was outrageous to allow Yu and Mio, who were still infants, to experience accelerated G-force, but she was relieved to hear that Jin had thought it through.


    For the next half hour or so, Elsa and Anne held Chloe and Mio in their arms and watched Jin''s work, until the twins began to squirm,


    "You take it easy," she said.


    He then pulled the twins toward the house.


    Jin continued to work on the assembly,


    "Okay, it''s done."


    Finally, he had completed .


    "Father, how about a test flight?


    Reiko asked,


    "Well, ...... it''s already dark outside, let''s do it tomorrow.


    He stretched his legs and returned to the house.


    * * * * * *


    The next day.


    "Father, it was a great success!


    Reiko, who had been waiting for dawn to make a test flight, came back.


    "We''ve circled the moon!"


    "Yes!"


    Soon, in the past?��Jin of the past will go to the moon with this .


    Jin was satisfied with the result.


    However, he had one question.


    "The I rode that time was as good as new. ......"


    There are two immediate reasons for this.


    One is that it was a replica. In other words, Jin may have built two and entrusted one of them to 70067 and entrusted one of them to 70067-2.


    The other possibility is that Jin left it to No. 700672, and he continued to use as before. 1> as before.


    "Either one makes sense if it''s ......."


    Jin chose to build another one with a new design rather than build two identical ones.


    "First of all, I have to go and ask the 700672 for this."


    After breakfast, Jin refused Erza''s request and headed north with Reiko through the warp gate.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, Jin-dono, it''s been a while.


    It''s been a while.


    What''s the matter today?


    Jin handed Neige the Persica juice he had brought as a souvenir and turned to No. 700672.


    "Yes, actually. ......"


    Jin explains the situation.


    "Hmm. He said, "...... that about 400 years from now, Jin-dono will appear and he will need this <> thing. So you want me to take care of it for you."


    Yes, that''s right. How about ......?"


    700672 nodded.


    I don''t mind. I have a body with no life expectancy. I''ll take it.


    "Thank you!


    I''m curious to see what you have created, Jin-dono.


    After he had the location specified, he sent the body through the transporter.


    "So this is the . Interesting. It is indeed the work of Jin-dono."


    ...... I''m sorry, but I''ll be counting on you for the next 400 years.


    Yes, I accept.


    I''ll take care of it.


    "Well, I''ll make one for myself!"


    Jin returned to Horai Island and got back into the swing of things.


    "What, not yet?"


    Erza looked at him doubtfully.


    "That was for me in the future. Now we need to make one for the family.


    "Family ......"


    "Yes. Chloe and Mio can ride together, and it''s safer. ......Well, let''s call it <>, which means <>."


    "Taube......"


    "You can look forward to it!"


    Jin here doesn''t know that 400 years from now, Jin will also be building a <> named <>. .......

 1652 - - 45-01 Psaki No. 1

    May 3460.


    "Come on, Mio, this way!"


    "Come on, Yu, come here, come here."


    In the meadow in the village of Kaina, Jin and Erza were letting Yu and Mio play.


    They are not yet one year old and can only waddle around.


    Their faltering steps as they walked on the young grass toward their parents were nothing short of smiling.


    "Aboooo!"


    "Duh!"


    The grass is so soft that even if I fall down, it won''t hurt, and with Elsa around, I can quickly heal any scratches I might have.


    The early May sun was still soft, making it a perfect day to play outside.


    "Oh, Mi-"


    "Oh, Mio wins!"


    Mio jumped into Jin''s arms a second faster than Chloe.


    "Woo!"


    Chloe also jumped into Erza''s arms.


    Chloe is a blonde with light blue eyes, just like Elsa. Mio had dark eyes and black hair just like Jin.


    "Hey, little girl, it''s almost time to eat, okay?"


    "Oh, is it that time already?"


    Thanks to Hannah who came to call them, Jin and Erza, who had been preoccupied with playing with them, realized that it was lunch time.


    "Oh, you''re back. Hey!"


    Saki, who was visiting the village of Kaina, spotted them and waved from the dining room window.


    "Hey Saki, sorry to keep you waiting."


    "Yes, I''m here. You''ve been waiting a long time.


    I''m sorry. But Saki came back earlier than expected, didn''t she?


    Saki had gone to the mountains this morning to look for rare materials with Hannah''s help. Of course, using a golem horse.


    "Yes. That horse is good. Even I could easily make the rounds in the backcountry.


    "So, did you find anything?"


    Saki smiled at Jin''s question.


    "Well, I''m glad you asked. Look at this!


    Saki took out a bag from under her feet and laid it on the table, which looked like some kind of ore.


    "This one is silver ore and this one is zinc ore. This one is silver and this one is zinc, which means there is a high possibility to develop the mine!"


    "Oh, Saki, don''t put rocks on the table where we are going to have lunch, okay?


    Martha brought a pot and chided Saki with a wry smile.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. I''ll clean it up right away!"


    Saki hurriedly put the ore in her bag.


    Hannah wiped the table without saying a word. Martha put the pot down with a thud.


    "Jin taught me how to make oden!��Take the plate in your hand and eat as much as you like. ...... Oh, and Saki, go wash your hands again."


    "Yes, sir!"


    Martha told Saki, and Saki hurried out of the diner to wash her hands.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Even though it was May, oden was still delicious in the high latitudes of Kaina village.


    "Oh, this is delicious!


    Saki had a chikuwabu and seemed to like it.


    I like this!


    Hannah is eating a kelp roll.


    "I like this one!"


    Martha seems to like hanpen.


    "I like this dipping sauce soaked daikon radish.


    Jin ate the daikon while letting it cool because he has a cat tongue.


    I like tsumire.


    Erza seemed to prefer tsumire.


    Chloe and Mio were happy to have Reiko and Anne feed them Persica and Apurul paste as baby food now.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After the meal, we had a leisurely chat.


    Chloe and Mio are now hungry and it''s time for a nap. Elsa and Anne are with them.


    "How is Saki?��I haven''t seen her recently, is she busy?"


    Jin asked.


    "Yes, you are busy. I''ve been asked by the government to develop a new material.


    "Really? What kind of material?"


    "It''s a light buffer material. It''s supposed to be used for hot air balloons and the like.


    "Lightweight, huh? ......"


    Percha rubber and natural rubber are already available, and it is becoming common knowledge among some alchemists that the hardness of rubber can be changed by adjusting the amount of sulfur in the mixture.


    However, rubber is <.


    This is not a problem for ground use, but for hot air balloons, ship seats, etc., lightweight materials are required.


    The specific gravity of rubber is about 0.9 to 1.2, depending on the type (some are heavier than others). In other words, it is almost the same as water, and some even sink.


    "I''m wondering if we can do something good with the Maggi polyethylene we developed before."


    "That would be great."


    Polyethylene has a specific gravity of about 0.9 to 0.97 (depending on density). However, it absorbs very little water and is not easily affected by humidity.


    The physical properties of magi polyethylene are the same as those of ordinary polyethylene. However, when it is reinforced with magic power, its durability is dramatically increased.


    "I wish we could make it as scabrous as goulashvam," he says.


    "Oh, a foam material!"


    Hannah, who was listening to the conversation beside me, said.


    "Oh, yes. I want to make a foam material.


    Saki replies.


    "I thought we could melt it and mix it with air. ......"


    "Saki, why don''t you try applying pressure?"


    "What?"


    "This is just my imagination, but we can put pressure on the melted Maggi polyethylene and then put it back together. I think that would create a lot of bubbles like soda water.


    "That''s it!"


    Saki clapped her hands happily.


    "If we use a pressure cooker, we can do the experiment!"


    Saki was about to run to the warp gate when Jin grabbed her by the shoulder and stopped her.


    "Wait. ...... you''ve come here to rest after a long day of work, right?��I can forgive you for looking for minerals, but you''re going to stay here for the rest of the day.


    "Ugh ...... Jin, you''re killing ...... me, let me go home ......."


    "No... no..."


    Hannah consoled Saki, who sank to her knees.


    "Saki, cheer up. I''ll show you the way to the east forest this time."


    Saki''s face lit up at those words.


    "The east forest......is where there are a lot of trees, right?"


    "Yes."


    "Okay. Hannah, please show us the way!


    So Saki and Hannah set off for the eastern forest.


    Jin ordered Golem Gon, the guardian of the village of Kaina, to guard them.

 1653 - - 45-02 Psaki No. 2

    In the evening, Saki came back with a lot of leaves and cobwebs all over her body.


    When Erza saw this..,


    "Saki, let''s go to the hot spring first.


    and sent her straight to the hot spring. Erza prepared a change of clothes and brought them with her.


    "Oh, she''s coming back to life, isn''t she?


    Saki stretched her arms and legs in the hot spring.


    "Are you tired, Saki?


    Hannah was in the hot spring with her.


    "Yes, I''m tired. I know it''s because I usually stay in my room.


    Saki giggles.


    "It''s not good for your health.


    "I know, but... ......"


    Then Erza comes in.


    "It''s a bad habit of Saki''s that she can''t stop even though she knows it''s bad for her."


    "Hey, hey, Erza. Where are the twins?


    I left her with my brother Jin.


    Huh.


    Huh?


    Erza tilted her head, not knowing why Saki laughed when she came into the bathtub after rinsing herself off.


    "Erza, you''ve started calling Jin , but you''re still when you talk to third parties, aren''t you?"


    "Ah ......"


    Erza blushes when she realizes what Saki has said.


    "Well, in that case, are you or ?��Or ?"


    "Ha, Hannah-chan."


    Hannah even said this to her, and Erza turned bright red in the hot water.


    "Haha, Elsa is still as fresh as ever."


    Saki smiled softly as if she had seen something funny.


    Meanwhile, Jin was bathing the twins with the help of Reiko. The footbath in front of the changing room was shared by both men and women.


    They filled a large basin with hot water and let the twins soak in it. I was used to doing this when I was at the facility.


    "There you go, Yu, does it feel good?


    "Yes."


    When bathing a baby, never use water that is too hot. Jin loves hot baths, but he is absolutely sure to keep this rule in mind.


    After Chloe comes Mio.


    When they are older, Jin would like to take a bath together.


    As he was wrapping them in towels to keep them cool, Erza and the others came up.


    "You, thank you for your hard work. I''ll take care of you, so please take a bath too.


    "Oh, okay. Thank you."


    After switching places with Elsa, Jin hurriedly went to the changing room.


    "Ah, this is nice hot water.


    Jin stretches himself in the hot side of the hot spring in the village of Kaina.


    Then Rock, the older brother of the men in the village, came in. His son Mario is with him. Reiko is outside at the right moment.


    "Hey, isn''t that Jin?"


    "Ah, Jin-chan."


    "Hi, Mr. Locke. Hey, Mario.


    "I met your wife outside. The twins are getting big now, aren''t they?


    Thanks to you.


    Jin-chan, they''re going to take me hunting next time!


    Mario is now 13 years old. In the village of Kaina, the age of adulthood is 15, but at 13 it was time for Mario to learn various adult jobs before becoming a full-fledged adult.


    "Well, good luck," he said, "but be careful. But be careful."


    "Yeah!"


    The sky was beginning to turn red when Jin got out of the hot spring after soaking in the hot water and talking about various things. The twins had been brought home by Elsa.


    Jin returns slowly toward Martha''s house, his body burning in the evening breeze. Reiko quietly follows him.


    "Hey, Jin!


    "Is that ...... Goose!��Hey!


    It seems that Goose has come to the village of Kaina.


    "Have you come for Saki?"


    "Yes, that''s part of it, but I wanted to relax tonight."


    Goose smiled with a tanned face.


    "I''ve finished my research on the vegetation in the northern part of the Klein Kingdom.


    "Congratulations on that."


    As a naturalist, Goose summarizes the vegetation of the northern Laurentian continent.


    To avoid danger, Jin is accompanied by Lando 501.


    "Thank you for your help, Rand 501."


    "Yes, Master."


    Jin, Goose found some interesting plants.


    Saki came and reported to Jin.


    "What?"


    "Here, look."


    Goose showed Jin a large yam.


    "A yam!


    "A yam?��......Hohoho, Jin knows what this is, don''t you?"


    "Yes, in the world where I was ......"


    Jin explained to Goose.


    "I found some vines and had Rand dig them up for me. ...... Oh, yeah, they''re edible!"


    Just to be sure, he ran it through and found no toxicity, and it was definitely a yam.


    "It looks like there are still a lot of them growing."


    "I see. I''ll make yam soup with them tonight.


    Tororo soup?


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    Jin had eaten yam once before, when he was in an institution.


    "Well, first of all, I want you to roast this whiskers.


    He roasted the fine root of the whiskers over a fire.


    "Then I wash it with water."


    Then they rinse it in water to remove the mud. If you do it the other way around, the bearded root will contain water and cannot be seared off.


    "Then, grind it down with a grater......, but I don''t have a grater. Shall I make it? ......<>"


    Jin made a grater out of the mithril silver he had on hand.


    "Reiko, Elsa, please make a broth with kombu, dried bonito flakes, and soy sauce.


    Yes, sir.


    "Yes, sir."


    The yam is so sticky that it needs to be diluted three to five times in the broth.


    Jin transferred the grated yam to a mortar and pestle and carefully ground it while adding broth.


    * * * *


    "Now, try it!


    "Bon app��tit!


    "Yes, it''s delicious. I''m surprised there are potatoes that can be eaten raw.


    Yes, yam is one of the few potatoes that can be eaten raw.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!"


    "It''s so good, isn''t it?


    "Kuhu, it has an interesting texture."


    "Oh, yeah, Saki, don''t leave them around your mouth or they''ll itch."


    "What?


    The yam contains a substance called , which is crystallized into tiny little needles. These needles pierce the skin and cause an itching sensation.


    However, it is not an allergy (some people are allergic to yams), so there is no need to worry too much about it.


    When itching occurs, wipe with diluted vinegar or lemon juice to dissolve the crystals and speed up the healing process.


    At any rate, no one around Jin was allergic to yams, and everyone enjoyed the tasty yam.

 1654 - - 45-03 Marcia No. 1

    May 6th.


    Jin, accompanied by Reiko, comes to Potrock, a town in the southern part of the Kingdom of Elias.


    They use the warp gate in the sea-eroded cave.


    The destination was Marcia''s workshop.


    "Oh, it''s getting bigger!"


    The nearest store was vacant, so Marcia bought it and expanded her workshop.


    There is a warp gate in the basement of Marcia''s workshop, but it has been half-buried during the recent construction work.


    The reason is that we could not disclose the existence of such a gate in the basement, so we kept quiet about it, and the entrance/exit was blocked by the construction.


    Jin and Reiko came this time to celebrate the opening of the new store and to use the warp gate.


    The time is 8:00 a.m., the time when some stores finally open.


    "Good morning, Marcia.


    And Marcia''s workshop opens at 8:00 a.m.


    Good morning, Jin.


    I''ve been informed the day before, so I''m not surprised.


    "It really is a lot bigger now, isn''t it?"


    "It is, isn''t it?"


    "Now we can work on the final touches in the same place without having to rent a dock!"


    The next door was originally larger, and as a result, Marcia''s workshop has almost tripled in size.


    In one of the corners, the catamaran, <>, is on display. This is the ship that Marcia once raced with Hitoshi and Reiko and won the race with flying colors.


    For Marcia, it is the ship that changed her destiny.


    "It is beautifully decorated.


    The boat was polished to a shine and placed on a stand.


    "Yes, it is the ship that changed my destiny.


    Marcia gazes lovingly at the .


    "My Lord Gin, welcome!"


    Then Rodrigo, Marcia''s father, comes out of the back.


    "Good morning. I was wondering if you have any ...... artisans here?"


    "We had to close our workshop for the last six months for renovations. They have gone out on their own.


    "I didn''t know that. ...... so this celebration makes sense?"


    I prepared this for the opening of Marcia''s new workshop.


    "Reiko, call the old man and have him send them here."


    "Yes, Father."


    One minute later, two golems were sent to the workshop.


    "Oh, my God!"


    "Yeah, the margin of error is getting smaller."


    They were just above the floor, indicating that the coordinate error during the transfer was minimal.


    But that is beside the point,


    "Marcia, this is the celebration of the new opening."


    Jin indicated two golems that had not yet been activated.


    One is a female golem, similar to Marcia''s exclusive golem <>, but with a differently shaped head, not unlike Marcia''s. The other is a male golem, similar to Marcia''s, but with a differently shaped head.


    The other golem is male and slender. The other is male and slender. It would normally be classified as a chore/housekeeping golem, but it was made by Jin, and it is not difficult to imagine that it has extraordinary specs.


    "They will be Arrow''s sister and brother. Name them."


    "Names, ......."


    Marcia thought for a moment,


    "Let''s name this one and that one ."


    <> is a bow in the Kingdom of Elias, and <> is a sail.


    Jin activates the two and transfers authority to Marcia with the naming.


    The sisters Arrow and Arco are the <>. And the propulsion force, the ."


    Jin muttered in admiration.


    "That''s right. Thank you, Jin.


    Jin said.


    "Oh, this thing is fast!"


    Jin and Reiko had been given a test ride on the latest model of the Marcia Workshop''s ship. The name is .


    <


    "This is not for sale. It''s a hobby boat.


    Marcia laughs, "It''s only possible because the workshop is thriving.


    "I built it with my father on a rental dock when the workshop was closed for six months.


    The shape of the boat is a catamaran, but the bottom of the hull connecting the left and right hulls is also in contact with the water. The hull capacity is therefore larger, and buoyancy and carrying capacity are improved.


    "The propulsor is a transverse water wheel ...... screw and <."


    He uses the aqua thruster for high-speed propulsion and the screw for low-speed propulsion.


    "It''s not as good as Jin''s that I showed you before, but this is my masterpiece.


    True to his words, the boat has excellent stability and reached a top speed of over 60 km/h. It is also very maneuverable.


    In addition, in order to make it easier to maneuver around in small areas, the hull is equipped with so-called , in which the outlets of the aqua thrusters are attached to the left and right sides of the hull.


    This makes it easier to berth and change direction.


    "I guess the problem is the cost.


    Since the boat is completely for pleasure, he says he built it without regard to cost.


    "First of all, it''s very difficult to build a hull, and the propulsion equipment is expensive.


    Marcia laughed as she said, "We''ll have to find a way to reduce the cost.


    After a short trip around the island of Io, the returned to Potrock.


    "No, it''s been a long time since I''ve had fun."


    She wondered when the last time she had this much fun without something she had made herself.


    "When Yu and Mio are older, I''d like to bring them here and swim with them.


    "Oh, that''s great, that''s great!��"Hmmm...maybe they''d have to be around 3 years old..."


    "Maybe so. ......"


    I don''t mind if it''s a shallow pool, but I don''t want to push him too hard because of the waves in the ocean.


    "I''ll come visit you sometime!"


    In the basement of Marcia''s workshop is a small warp gate that only Marcia, Rodrigo, and Arrow can use.


    However, from now on, and will be added to the list of those who can use it.


    "Yes, we welcome them. Erza will be pleased."


    <.


    Returning to Potrock, Jin and his crew stowed the <> in a special dock and went ashore.


    After that, they returned to the workshop for what Marcia calls a <>.


    "Gin, did you notice anything on board today?"


    Marcia asked me over a cup of tea.


    "Well, I guess......... the seats are not very comfortable..."


    "Ha-ha-ha, I think so too."


    Then Jin said,


    "Actually, Saki is developing such a shock-absorbing material right now, and we''re finally getting close to a solution. I''ll let you know soon, so please keep your eyes peeled for it.


    I''ll let you know in the near future.


    "Oh, Saki-san!��That''s very promising. Yeah, I''ll be waiting."


    Marcia smiles and drinks her tea.


    Before the sun went down, Hitoshi and Reiko had rearranged the basement where the warp gate was located.


    The dirt at the entrance and exit is removed, and the room is once again disguised.


    Originally, the entrance was located at the back of the warehouse, but since the warehouse has been expanded during this construction, a wall has been added and a door has been installed.


    The inside of the warehouse will be used for storing valuable materials.


    Then we will check the operation of the warp gate and that''s it.


    "Okay, see you later."


    Thank you for today, Jin.


    "Thank you, Jin-dono."


    Using the reconditioned warp gate, Jin and Reiko returned to Horai Island.

 1655 - - 45-04 Beena No. 1

    On May 10, Jin and Erza took the twins to the Blue Lands of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    They did not use the warp gate, but <>. The pilot was Edgar, accompanied by Reiko, Anne, and Meene.


    It is the birthday of Reginald, son of Beena and Luis.


    landed at the airfield attached to Blueland.


    "Jin, and your wife, welcome!


    Count Louis Wurz Kuzma welcomes Jin and his crew.


    "Come on, come on, get in."


    < is left at the airfield, and everyone, including Edgar, gets into the carriage that picks them up. Reiko is carrying a large baggage.


    "Bina is looking forward to seeing you, too.


    Count Kuzma said in a good mood.


    The carriage passed through the gate of Bluerand and went straight to the Count''s house.


    "Jin, Elsa, it''s been a long time!


    At the entrance of the Count''s mansion, Bina greeted Jin and the others.


    In her arms was her son, Reginald.


    "Hello Beena, Reggie is looking well."


    "Yeah. You too."


    Beena looked at Chloe in Jin''s arms and Mio in Erza''s arms, and her eyes narrowed.


    "Come this way, please."


    Bina invited me to a room.


    "Whoa!


    "Wow."


    The room was a shoeless room with tatami mats on the floor.


    "I built this room after Reggie was born."


    "I see."


    Reginald was taken down from Bina''s hands and immediately began crawling.


    "I always keep it clean," he said.


    "That''s important, isn''t it?"


    Jin''s theory is that <>. To do so, the floor must be clean. Because the child will soon start sucking his/her fingers.


    At the same time, Jin remembers that the director said that <>, which is what he practices.


    Whether this theory is true or a superstition, it does not matter to Jin.


    He wanted his children to grow up freely.


    Chloe and Mio began to crawl when Jin and the others took them down, but when they reached the wall, they began to stand on their hands and knees.


    "Oh, the twins can stand up now, can''t they?


    "What about Reggie?


    Jin asked, and Bina sounded a little worried,


    "Not yet. I''m ...... a little late, aren''t I?"


    Jin replied.


    "Well,...... I can''t say for sure either, but children grow up differently."


    Jin could barely follow up.


    But...


    "Oh, you. ...... Beena, look."


    "What?"


    Erza''s voice made Jin and Bina look at Reginald.


    "Oh ......"


    Reginald was standing on his feet, perhaps imitating Chloe and Mio.


    "You!��Reggie is standing up!"


    "Uh-huh!"


    Luis ran out of the room.


    "...... what''s going on?"


    Jin asked,


    "I think he went to get his camera.


    Bina replied, "I think she went to get the camera.


    And just as she said, within a minute, Luis returned with the camera in his hand.


    However.


    "Oh ......."


    Reginald was already sitting down.


    "......I''ll leave the camera in this room from now on. ......"


    Lewis muttered regretfully.


    * * * *


    After that, Jin and the others were again chatting in the reception room.


    "Well, then. Reginald Cress Kuzma, happy birthday!"


    "Happy birthday!"


    Happy birthday to you.


    Hmm?


    Reginald is still not getting the congratulations from his friends, even though he has just turned one year old. Instead,


    "Thank you, Jin-dono, Erza-dono.


    "Thank you very much."


    Luis and Bina thanked him.


    "Here is a gift for you."


    Jin took the gift from Reiko''s hand and handed it to Luis.


    "Thank you."


    Luis and Bina immediately opened it.


    "Wow, there are so many materials!


    The gift from Jin and his friends was a rare material.


    Since Beena herself is an excellent magecraftsman, Jin and Elsa agreed that materials would be a better gift than something simple.


    "I''m very happy about the Magi Silk fabric ......, what kind of clothes should I make for them?"


    Magi silk is soft to the touch, so it is ideal for children''s clothes.


    "And magi crystals. Thank you, Jin and Elsa!


    "You''re welcome. I''m glad you''re pleased.


    At that moment, the children, who had been quiet, began to squirm a little.


    "Madame, we will take care of the children in the children''s room."


    Marm offered.


    "Mistress, we will take care of the children in the children''s room.


    "In that case, I''ll take care of them too."


    Anne and Meane also offered to take care of the children, so I decided to leave them to it.


    The three children were taken to the children''s room by Meane, Anne, and the Countess''s maid, Marm, and the rest were Jin and Erza, Luis and Beena, and Reiko and Edgar.


    "Well, Beena, this is a good opportunity for you to show us your workshop.


    "Oh, my workshop?"


    "Yes."


    But Beena is a little reluctant.


    "I don''t think it would be interesting for ...... Jin to see it."


    "No, I don''t think so. Besides, I might be able to give you some advice.


    "That''s true. ......Then this way."


    Bina stood up and led Jin and the others toward the backyard.

 1656 - - 45-05 Beena No. 2

    "Wow, this is Bina''s workshop."


    It was more than four times the size of the one that had made ...... Lotte in the past, and it had more tools and materials.


    "It''s ...... clean and tidy."


    "Of course, I put it away when I''m not using it."


    "Is that how it''s supposed to be?"


    Jin likes to leave things as they were when he used them.


    Even if it looks messy, tools and parts are placed in a convenient and accessible place for him.


    However, at the end of the year or when he gets a break, he cleans up the mess, and when he is tired of thinking of ideas or stuck, he starts to clean up for a change, so it is not really that messy.


    "Nice workshop."


    "...... what does that mean?"


    "What?"


    Jin was amused by Bina''s suspicious look at him, even though he was supposed to be complimenting him.


    "What do you mean by that?


    "...... Really?"


    "What, you don''t trust me?"


    "Because from Jin''s point of view, my workshop is nothing but a child''s play."


    "Don''t be so down on yourself. The value of a workshop is not in its appearance. It''s who and what they make there, with what passion and enthusiasm. That''s all that matters, isn''t it?


    Silence falls. And then.


    "...... Jin, did you eat something bad?"


    "...... is terrible. That''s the first thing he says.


    "Because, you know, ...... it''s gin."


    "Hey."


    "......You, Beena, I''m not going to get into it now."


    Erza stopped the exchange between Jin and Beena in mid-stride.


    "Yes, you''re right.


    "I''m sorry."


    They listened to what she had to say, stopped arguing, and went back to talking about the workshop.


    "I''ve been working on Reggie for the last six months or so since he was born. It was only this year that I started using the workshop."


    "Hmm, I know."


    Elsa knew exactly how it felt to be a mother with an infant on her hands.


    "So I started using it again when I finally had a little less work to do. And Marm helps me with the childcare.


    Mallum is 41 this year. She is the oldest head chambermaid who raised Luis with her own hands. She was a nurturing mother to Luis.


    She has also learned a lot from a lady-in-waiting named <>, who has experience in raising children.


    Normally, when a woman has a child, she leaves her job and often does not return to work, but Sheila was an excellent maid of honor who could take care of the house, so Lewis immediately rehired her.


    "It would be nice if there was some kind of maternity or paternity leave system. ......"


    "Three days?��A few days?"


    Bina noticed Jin''s mumbled words.


    "Oh, maternity leave is a system where female employees can take leave before or after giving birth, and childcare leave is a system where employees can take leave to raise an infant. ......


    "Hmm."


    Bina did not pursue the matter any further at that moment, but it is another story that Blueland would later become famous as the birthplace of the maternity and paternity leave system, thanks to the efforts of Lewis, who was listening.


    It is another story that Countess Kuzma came to be known as .


    * * * *


    "So, are you making something now?"


    "Yes, I''m making a baby carriage.


    Marm told him that it was time to take him out in the open.


    "I didn''t know that. ......"


    Jin had thought about getting a pram as a birthday present, but decided to use a material that he thought Bina might have already prepared.


    Jin regretted that he had thought a little too much.


    He offered, "I can help you if you want.


    He offered, "I''ll help you if you want.


    "Jin?��I''m sorry."


    Bina turned him down softly, but he said, "Bina, she''s the one who made it,


    "Bina, she wants to make it so much, let her help you," Erza said.


    Erza told her, "She wants to make it so much,


    "So ......?��I said, "Well then, let her help me.


    I said, "Well then, let her help me.


    Yes, since the baby carriage for Yu and Mio was a gift from Reinhardt, Jin did not have a chance to make it.


    Although it could not be helped that he was not in the Ars world at the time of the birth, Jin was dissatisfied with it.


    "Comfort and safety come first, don''t they?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "That''s why we want to use rubber tires, and the suspension and dampers are essential. We''ll need ball bearings for light weight, and we''ll need brakes and stoppers. We''ll also need a sunshade. ......"


    "Hey, hey, Jin!


    Bina hurriedly stops Jin as he starts to run off by himself.


    "You, be moderate, okay?"


    Erza also told Jin that he had to be moderate.


    So Jin decided to be Bina''s assistant after that.


    The frame is light silver. Do this ...... here and hold it down, Jin.


    "Okay, here we go."


    It was a new experience to be an assistant. Jin invited Elsa to join him.


    "Elsa, help me, please."


    "Yes."


    Elsa, who was almost bored just watching, accepted with a smile.


    Reiko, too, please.


    "Yes, Father!"


    Reiko was happy to join in.


    "......"


    Bina sighed secretly, but no one seemed to hear her but Reiko.


    And then .


    "It''s done."


    "It''s done."


    Within an hour or so, a beautiful pram had been completed.


    Four-wheel independent suspension with rubber tires and suspension dampers. Ball bearings.


    The frame is made of light silver, cushioned with goulashvam and lined with magi silk.


    Brakes are provided for safety on hilly terrain.


    Of course, it is equipped with a sunshade and a simple barrier projector to protect it from falling objects.


    "......<> helped me with the pram or ......"


    Bina, with a somewhat distant look in her eyes, muttered.


    "Now that you mention it."


    Elsa patted Bina on the shoulder and said, "It''s too late for that.


    She returned to the main building pushing a newly built baby carriage,


    "Ah!"


    "Uh-oh."


    "Ah!"


    Three babies greeted Jin and his family.


    "Reggie, welcome. ...... Look, there''s your pram. Uncle Jin, Auntie Elsa, and Auntie Reiko helped me make it!


    Uncle Gin?


    Auntie Elsa!


    Jin and Elsa were a little shocked, though they had children, so it was understandable that they were called aunts and uncles.

 1657 - - 45-06 Reinhardt No. 1

    On May 13th, Jin and Erza, together with Yu and Mio, Reiko and Anne, visited the village of Kaltz.


    Yes, this is Reinhardt''s territory.


    "Hey Jin, Erza, long time no see!��Chloe and Mio are looking well!


    Reinhardt is looking good too.


    "Brother Rai, long time no see!"


    After renewing our old acquaintance, Bertsch met us at the entrance of Reinhardt''s house, Lankenhaos.


    "Jin-sama, Erza-san, it''s been a long time."


    "Hello, Bertje."


    "Mr. Bertsch, where''s Yuri?"


    Juliana is taking a nap right now.


    So we all walked quietly down the corridor to the reception room. Chloe and Mio looked a little sleepy, so Reiko and Anne took them to the room where Juliana was sleeping.


    "I went to the Blue Lands with Potrock the other day."


    Jin gave an update.


    "Marcia has a new workshop, and they are building a new type of ship."


    "What a surprise!"


    Reinhardt was fascinated by the new ship.


    "Reginald at Bina''s place has grown up a lot."


    Yes, I see that.


    Juliana was born in 3458, one year older than Chloe, Mio and Reginald, which means she is the oldest. However, her birthday is on August 20, so she is the same age as Reginald now.


    "Ha, we all have children now," Reinhardt laughed.


    Reinhard laughed.


    "Matheus is going to have a baby soon too."


    "What?"


    "What?��You didn''t know that?��...... Mateus'' wife is the second daughter of Viscount Jorgens Heckerath von Paddock, who lives across the street from Jin''s mansion?"


    "Oh, right."


    Jin looked at Elsa sitting next to him,


    "Yes, that''s right. Her name is Ciara.


    When he heard that Ciara Geist, n��e Heckerath, was Matheus'' wife, Jin finally remembered.


    He had met her once when Reinhardt was knighted. He had also heard that she was pregnant.


    Jin really doesn''t know much about such things.


    Reinhardt''s line made Jin look down.


    "I can''t ...... argue with that."


    "Jin-sama is not a socialite, is he?"


    Bertsch follows up as if to intercede.


    "Well, you can tell Jin to ...... take care of that sort of thing, Master, you don''t have to worry about it."


    (Erza also took a step forward.) "Oh," came a look on Reinhardt and Bertsche''s faces.


    ��Erza seems to have taken another step toward being a wife.)


    ��Yes, it seems so.)


    In a low voice that Jin and Elsa could not hear, Reinhard and Bertsche exchanged words and smiled at each other.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Yes, I wanted to talk to Jin about something."


    Seeing that the situation had calmed down, Reinhardt spoke up.


    "What is it?"


    "Do you think there are hot springs in this village of Kaltz?"


    Jin thought for a moment.


    "Hot springs... ...... might be available."


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes. Since this place is close to Lake Tosmo, there must be an underground water vein. And the temperature is higher deep underground. So if we dig deep enough, I''m sure we''ll find it.


    "I see. ......"


    "If it''s not a hot spring but a cold spring, I think it would be easier."


    "Cold spring?"


    Reinhardt asked back at the unfamiliar word.


    "Oh, you can think of a cold spring as a hot spring with a low temperature.


    Jin did not know the detailed definition either.


    "I see, a cold spring.


    In that case, you have to boil it before you can use it as a bath.


    "That''s instructive. What about this village at ......?"


    "It''s hard to say without looking into it."


    In the case of Kaina village, there was a volcano-like mountain nearby, so they were able to dig up a hot spring that gushes out of the ground, but this is a plain.


    Jin added, "You would probably have to use a pump to get the hot spring.


    "That''s not a problem. I can make a pump. But finding the hot spring is ......."


    "Yeah, I''ll take care of it. And hopefully we''ll be able to find Reinhardt, too."


    "Well, that''s great!"


    <


    Reinhardt should be able to find a hot spring if he knows what a hot spring vein is.


    "Well, let''s start looking for it right away.


    Jin sat up and Reinhardt followed.


    "Erza, when the children wake up, please help me. I''m going out for a while.


    "Okay, go on."


    Erza nodded and gladly sent Jin off.


    "Have a good day, my dear."


    And Bertsch, too.


    * * * * * *


    Jin was guided by Reinhardt to a slightly open area.


    "It would be convenient if there were a hot spring here," Reinhard said.


    "I see."


    It seems to be a good place to build such a facility.


    "Well, let''s look for it. ......<>! ......mmm ......"


    Since he couldn''t find it once, Jin tried several times <<> in different places.


    Then, for the fourth or fifth time, he said.


    "There it is!��It''s a hot spring!��It''s not a cold spring!


    "Are you sure, Jin?"


    "Yes. Reinhard, try using ground search in this direction, at a depth of about 200 meters.


    Following Jin''s instruction, Reinhard decided to use earth magic.


    "This way?��Okay. ......<!"


    Not sure if it worked the first time, Reinhard used his magic once more.


    "<>!��...... Oh?��Is this ......?��This is it!��Jin, I got it!"


    Reinhardt now understands what a "hot water vein" is.


    "Yes!��Now Reinhardt can search for hot springs!


    "Yes, thank you, Jin!


    Let''s go digging then.


    "Okay."


    Jin and Reinhardt worked together to dig a hole for the hot spring.


    Reinhardt digs the hole, and Jin solidifies the walls of the hole.


    is Jin''s original engineering magic, which melts and solidifies materials without using heat.


    Thus, by the evening of the same day, a hot spring was dug.

 1658 - - 45-07 Reinhardt No. 2

    You, thank you.


    Yes.


    Thank you, honey.


    "Yes."


    Jin and Reinhardt were at the dinner table after taking a bath at the Ivy House.


    "So, they found you, right?"


    Elsa asked as she fed Chloe her baby food.


    "Yes, we did. Not only that, but we even went so far as to dig it up."


    Jin answered while feeding Mio baby food.


    "Oh my!��That''s wonderful!"


    Berthe said happily as she put a spoon in Juliana''s mouth.


    "I think tomorrow we will have a pump, a bathtub, a temporary hut, and everything will be in shape for the time being.


    Reinhard said as he sipped his favorite wine.


    "I''d like to help you get there.


    Jin said and Reinhardt bowed his head and said thank you.


    Erza said nothing and smiled at him.


    Reiko, who couldn''t help, was slightly depressed.


    The next day, Jin, Reiko, and Reiko went to the hotel.


    The next day, Jin, Erza, Reinhard, Bertsch, Yu, Mio, Juliana, Reiko, Anne, Neon, and others came to the place where the hot spring had appeared.


    It was only a five-minute walk from the Lanken Houses.


    There, they found the hot spring hole that Jin and the others had dug yesterday. It is a pit with a diameter of 20 centimeters.


    The steam coming out of the pit indicated that it was a hot spring.


    "We need to install a pump to pump it up, and at the same time, we need to build a bathtub and a shed. Oh, and we need to think about drainage."


    We can''t just let the dirty water seep into the ground or into Lake Tosmo.


    If we build a septic tank, let the dirt settle out, and then apply <> to the supernatant water, there will be no problem.


    Jin explained these precautions.


    "Okay, I''ll set up the bathtub," he said.


    "Okay, I''ll build the pump.


    "I''ll build the settling tank.


    "I''ll build the temporary hut," and "I''ll give instructions on how to build it.


    Their roles were assigned, and the work began.


    "Reiko, hand me that silver."


    "Yes."


    Reinhardt will get the materials. The pump is made of lightweight, corrosion-resistant light silver.


    A deep well pump. The golem pumps the hot water out of the well.


    "<>"


    Reinhardt is building a bathtub.


    There are four bathtubs, each about 2 meters by 4 meters.


    One for men and one for women, a hot tub and a warm tub.


    "<>"


    Elsa also uses digging, an earth magic and engineering magic, to create a settling tank.


    At the same time, she also made a hot water tank to temporarily store hot water.


    Yes, that''s fine. Put up some pillars around there. ......"


    Bertsche instructs the recruited workers to proceed with the construction of a temporary hut.


    "Yes, there, blindfold it with boards. ......"


    "Here, the fathers are working!"


    "Oh!"


    "Buuh."


    "Aww."


    In Anne''s arms are Chloe and Mio, and Neon has Juliana in the pram.


    The children watched their parents'' work with amusement.


    The children looked at their parents with amusement as they watched them work.


    "It''s done.


    "It''s done." "It''s done."


    "It''s done." "It''s done."


    "Yes, thank you!"


    As a result of the joint work, the spa was completed in the morning.


    It is only a temporary shed for now, but a proper building will be constructed at a later date.


    "Well, let''s go home and have lunch.


    It is a short 5-minute walk.


    Jin and the other workers break up and have lunch.


    "Oh, Jin, thank you!


    Reinhardt was in a good mood as he ate his lunch.


    "This will further improve the welfare of the villagers.


    "Ha ha, I''m glad I could be of help.


    "It would be nice if we could build two more public bathhouses."


    Yes, you''re right.


    "Then I hope we can have a hot spring in this house too."


    Jin was pleased to see that Reinhardt was always putting the residents first.


    In the afternoon, the adults try taking a bath together.


    No, the children were allowed to use the hot water in a large basin.


    "Ah, it''s nice hot water.


    Jin is soaking in the hotter bathtub. It''s about 45 degrees Celsius.


    "Yes, it''s very nice."


    Reinhardt is in the warmer tub. This one is about 41 degrees Celsius.


    According to the analysis of this hot spring, it is classified as a simple spring.


    Probably the same water vein as that of Lake Tosmo was turned into hot water by geothermal heat.


    "It''s nice hot water, isn''t it?"


    "Mmm."


    "Dah!"


    "Buuh."


    "Blow."


    Elsa, Berthe, Yu, Mio, and Juliana were in the women''s bath.


    Anne, Reiko, and Neon were with them, and the three of them were bathing their children in the tub.


    "Thanks to you, we now have a sanatorium in our village.


    "Hmm, that''s good."


    Thus, a health care facility was established in the village of Kaltz, Reinhardt''s territory.

 1659 - - 45-08 Female Emperor No. 1

    The day after the installation of the spa in the village of Kaltz, Reinhardt''s estate, i.e. May 15.


    Jin and Elsa are at the house of Reuthert with the twins.


    Just then, a messenger from the emperor arrived.


    "Your Majesty wants to see me?��I wonder..."


    But the timing was right and he had no choice but not to go. Jin hurried to get ready.


    "You, go see her."


    "Yes, I''m going."


    Only Jin and Reiko are going to the castle this time.


    They decide to accompany the messenger in the carriage he has brought.


    Jin and Reiko were the only ones to go to the castle this time.


    Jin-kun ...... no, Sir Jin Nido, thank you for coming. Welcome, Sir Leko."


    The Empress greeted Jin and Reiko in her office with an unusually serious face.


    Beside them, there was a woman with a somewhat similar look on her face.


    "I am Charlotte Alina von Rinal Shoro. My sister and current first in line to the throne.


    Jin Nido.


    Jin Nido introduced himself and bowed. Reiko silently bows.


    "Please don''t be so formal, Lord Nido."


    The younger sister said in a soft voice. Dark brown hair, lighter than the Empress'', and brown eyes similar to hers. Her figure is fuller and gentler.


    And there was another boy, about 10 years old. With dark hair and brown eyes, he too looked like the emperor.


    "Let me introduce you. He is my nephew, the last living heir of the previous emperor. You met him once, didn''t you?"


    Just after Jin and Elsa were married.


    Ernst Shawlo.


    Ernst bowed to Jin, looking somewhat more mature than before.


    "Your Imperial Highness, please to meet you."


    Then he said,


    "Ah, Sir Nido, Ernst is not yet an adult, so he is not officially the Crown Prince.


    The lady emperor said.


    "What?��<?"


    The Empress giggled.


    "Didn''t I explain it to you at the time?��I know it''s complicated, but that''s the way it is. When ...... Ern turns fifteen, he will officially become . I will be able to give up the throne with peace of mind."


    "Aunt ......"


    "......And that is why I summoned Lord Nido here today, because Ellyn here insisted."


    "Your Highness?��......?"


    The Empress nodded and began to explain.


    "The royal family is forbidden to have excessive contact with other people as much as possible until the age of ten.


    She said this was because the emperor must not treat them differently depending on their <>.


    "Let''s leave aside the good and the bad. In other words, our ancestors thought that childhood connections are often without profit or loss, and should be avoided by the rulers.


    As Jin, I can see your point. However, he could not make a judgment as to whether it was the best thing to do.


    It would be arrogant of Jin to make such a judgment and to give an opinion on it.


    "So, when Ernst turned 11 years old on May 2, I decided to let him get to know the world. As part of that, you thought it would be a good idea to meet Sir Nido."


    "I see."


    If you keep them in isolation, you can avoid any funny encounters. But they will be narrow-minded and ignorant of the world.


    For this reason, the age of 11 was set as the time for the royal family to make their debut in society, so that they would be able to make their own decisions.


    "In four years, Ern will be 15 and an adult. When that happens, I will officially abdicate."


    "You can find me at ......."


    Aunt!


    "No, this is what I promised my brother ...... the previous emperor. I am only a temporary emperor. One day I must return the throne to its rightful heir."


    Her voice has none of its usual gentleness, but is stern, as befits an emperor of a great nation. The Empress seemed determined.


    "Four more years!"


    She declared in a stern voice.


    "In those four years, our country will climb one more step into the future.


    Then the Empress smiled again.


    "Please, Mr. Jin, I ask for your cooperation.


    Her face and voice were the same as always.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "...... and why is this happening?"


    Now Jin is riding in a carriage with the emperor, Flora, and Ernst Shawlo.


    They are headed for Jin''s mansion.


    "This girl is a fan of Jin and Elsa. I wanted to take her to meet them.


    Sir Nido!


    Yes, Your Highness?


    May I call you Jin-dono?


    ......


    Thank you very much.


    You''re so cute, Mr. Rayko!


    Thank you.


    Ernst is in a state of maximum tension until he arrives at the villa.


    I''m home.


    "Welcome home. ...... Welcome, Your Majesty."


    I''d been informed, so when the carriage arrived at the gate, I was greeted by Erza, who was waiting for me.


    "I''m here on a personal visit. ...... Come on Ern, say hello."


    "Erza-sama, my name is Ernst Shawlo!��Nice to meet you!"


    "Ah, my name is Erza Nido, Your Highness."


    Elsa looks a little puzzled.


    "You know Flora. She has recently become the new head of the council.


    "Well, congratulations."


    After these words of greeting, they enter the house.


    "Welcome, Your Highness."


    The five colored golem maids bowed in unison.


    "Wow!


    Ernst gazed at them with sparkling eyes.


    "It''s like we''re out here for the first time.


    And the emperor.


    "Your Majesty, Your Highness, this way please."


    First, Elsa leads the guests to the reception room.


    Jin followed a little later. Flora quietly spoke to him.


    "......Between you and me, Jin-dono''s family is free from any desire for success or power, so His Majesty can be at ease in their company."


    Jin understood and understood a little.


    When Jin arrived at the reception room a little later, Ernst was asking Erza some questions.


    "Erza-sama, how can I use healing magic effectively?


    "Well, it is important to know how the human body works. ...... Your Highness, please don''t use the word ''like''."


    "No, I am here to teach you. ...... then <>!��Elsa-sensei!"


    Her Highness seemed to be a very studious person with a strong sense of humor.

 1660 - - 45-09 Ernst No. 1

    "Thank you very much, Miss Elsa."


    It seems that the title of honor has finally been decided.


    "Ern, I think it''s time for us to leave for today.


    Ernst Shawlo replied with some dissatisfaction.


    "Aunt, didn''t you just get here ......?"


    It''s already eleven o''clock. Are you going to treat us to lunch?"


    Oh, ......


    No, Your Majesty, I''ve already prepared it.


    Then Jin interrupted.


    "Look, aunt, Jin-sensei said so too!"


    "...... you are also < ......?"


    Jin was beginning to feel a little like giving up when he was called as well.


    * * * * * *


    "Wow, this is delicious, Sensei!


    "Here, eat a little more quietly. ...... Sir Nido, it''s really delicious.


    "I''m honored, sir. It was made by here at ......."


    The Empress looked at the Perid 101 with admiration. Then Ernst said,


    "Amazing!��You are more skillful than human cooks!


    He was honestly impressed.


    The dish was .


    It was not made from leftover rice, but boiled from rice. The soup stock was prepared properly, seasoned with miso, and sprinkled with kokarisk eggs.


    You can also sprinkle some of this on top if you like.


    Jin offered us < (green perilla) and kryptona (mitsuba), along with chopped green onion leaves.


    "I''d recommend the kryptona.��Because the Japanese leek makes your breath smell a little bit bad. ......"


    "Okay, I''ll try the Kryptona."


    Ernst put the kryptona on top of the rice porridge and popped it in his mouth.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!��What a fresh flavor!


    "Oh, really. ...... Jin, can you get this anywhere?


    "I think so. This is from the village of Kaina in the Kingdom of Klein.


    I''m sure you can get it anywhere.��...... should we give you a territory from our country too?


    "Please don''t."


    Jin seriously refused.


    "The land is too much to ask for."


    But the queen did not back down.


    "What is excessive? I don''t think I''m being rewarded for my work at all.


    Jin laughed.


    "Maybe that''s true from your point of view, but for me, I''ve received more than enough. I have a ......<."


    Jin was a rootless man in this world, but he had a family and a country that gave him a house like this was a big deal.


    "Is that so?"


    Yes.


    Sensing Jin''s true feelings of gratitude, the emperor said nothing more, and the conversation ended.


    The subject was now closed.


    I have learned a lot from you. Jin-sensei, please teach me engineering magic next time!


    "Yes, sir. Whenever you have a chance.


    Mr. Jin, Elsa, thank you for today. I''m sorry for the trouble I caused you.


    No problem at all.


    Then the emperor, Ernst and Flora left.


    ......I''m tired."


    Jin and Erza were somewhat tired.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Doctor!


    The next morning at 8:30, Ernst Shawlo arrived.


    As expected, the empress was not with him, but she was accompanied by Charlotte Alina von Rinal Shawlo, the sister of the former emperor of the Shawlo Empire and the sister of the current emperor.


    "Welcome, Your Highness."


    Jin was planning to return to Horai Island in the afternoon, but his plans were changed.


    He was escorted by a female knight who looked new to him.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Emilia Frot von Galarroa, a member of the Shoro Imperial Guard.


    Emilia bowed to Jin and Erza, bending almost 90 degrees at the waist.


    "Oh, I''m Jin Nido."


    "Elsa Nido."


    Jin and the others also introduced themselves.


    Emilia is a small girl, still a little bigger than 11-year-old Ernst, but she will probably overtake him within the next two years.


    "It is a great honor for me to see the faces of the renowned Jin Nido and his wife, the court-appointed healer (Reichsanstalt).


    "Yes, yes."


    He seems like a very serious man. That''s why he''s in charge of the future emperor.


    "Your Majesty doesn''t come here every day, that''s why I''ve followed you."


    Charlotte, the Empress''s sister and Ernst''s aunt, says,


    "......What is the first and second in the line of succession to the throne doing here ......?"


    Jin couldn''t help but sigh.


    At the same time, he instructed Ernst to contact Ro-kun through Reiko and have him send a "shinobi unit" to the site, just in case.


    Unaware of this, Ernst was being taught engineering magic by Jin.


    Yes, that''s right. Yes, that''s right.


    "...... like this!��<


    In Ernst''s hands the bronze deformed into a ...... distorted sphere.


    "Oh ...... no!"


    Ernst''s shoulders slump.


    "No, that''s a good point, Your Highness. Come on, try again."


    "Yes. ......<!"


    It''s better than before, but it''s still a distorted sphere.


    "It''s difficult. ......"


    At this point, Jin came up with an approach from a different angle.


    "Your Highness, do you know the properties of a sphere?


    "Properties?


    "Yes, I do. ......Yes, first of all, think of a <>.


    "A circle ......."


    Jin nods and chews as he explains.


    "A circle is a collection of points equidistant from its <, ...... that is, a figure enclosed by a line."


    "Yes, that''s right!"


    "Then what about a ?��...... sphere is also a shape bounded by a collection of points equidistant from the center ...... plane."


    "Ah, yes!"


    Ernst nodded his head in agreement.


    "Let''s try to imagine it like that. ......<>!"


    This time, it formed a beautiful sphere without any problem.


    "It''s done!��We did it, Jin-sensei!


    "Well done, Your Highness."


    And so Ernst Shoro took his first step.


    Ernst Shoro took his first step.


    "What?��I''m going to see Dr. Jin again today!


    Ernst Shoro''s voice echoed in a room in the palace.


    "No, Your Highness. For the time being, I''ll be touring the countryside."


    The future emperor had a tight schedule.

 1661 - - 45-10 Female Emperor No. 2

    Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shawlo is the Shawlo Imperial Woman Emperor.


    She is 52 years old. She is 154 centimeters tall and weighs 45 kilograms. Dark hair, light brown eyes.


    She is the interim emperor until her nephew Ernst comes of age, but she is also a great ruler who will remain in the history of the Shawlo Empire.


    "I''m going on an inspection tour.


    She suddenly mentioned that she was going on a secret inspection tour.


    Since the royal excursions to the provinces are usually made twice a year, the schedule is always reserved.


    However, it was unusual for the Prime Minister, Jung von K?bsler, and the Chief of Staff, Flora Heckerath von Merante, to be so abruptly announced.


    This time they headed for Schwere.


    It is a town at the end of the road that connects the Kingdom of Cerroa and the Shoro Kingdom, known as the Trockenbahn.


    Most of the towns along the road are under the direct control of the imperial family, and this town was no exception.


    It is about 70 km from the capital, Leusert, and can be reached in less than half a day by a fast horse-drawn carriage.


    Of course, hot-air balloons and golem carriages could reach the town even faster, but since these would have made the trip pointless, a common carriage was used.


    The two direct companions were Flora, the head of the court, and Juna Brantes, a female knight of the Kingsguard. In addition, there were ten other knights who escorted them in the shadows.


    Juna, you look good in that outfit.


    "Thank you, sir."


    Juna Brantes has been a knight for three years and a Kingsguard for one year. This year she is 19 years old.


    The emperor had the look of a lady of the town, Flora had the look of a merchant''s secretary, and Juna had the look of a town girl.


    Of the three, Juna, with her reddish brown hair in a ponytail, comes from a commoner''s family and knows the town better than the others.


    We left Leusert at 9:00 am.


    The road is well paved and the average speed is about 25 km/h.


    The carriage arrived at Schwere in about three hours, with a stop along the way.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "Your Majesty, ......, miss, come on, let''s go."


    Juna, with her dark brown eyes and slanted gaze, says kindly, "Let''s go. As it appears, the emperor is the manager of a large merchant family, Flora is the head of the household, and Juna is an employee.


    "Right, let''s go to a shopping street a little farther from the central street this time.


    We decided to visit an area slightly off the central avenue because the central avenue would be well monitored.


    Schwebel is a big place, and their time is limited.


    "Okay. Let''s go this way first.


    Juna headed down the alleyway, talking like a girl.


    (The trash is fine.)


    (The trash is fine.) The emperor thought it was acceptable, with only a few small pieces of trash.


    She continued down the alley to a street one block away.


    "It''s quite lively here too, isn''t it?


    The emperor murmured,


    "Yes, ma''am. This street is used more by the common people than the central street.


    Juna replies.


    It is true that there are more kinds of stores than those on Chuo-dori. Chuo-dori is lined with large stores, while small stores compete with each other here.


    "It''s so vibrant."


    The emperor is in a good mood, sensing evidence of a healthy economy.


    But .......


    "Shut up!"


    A vulgar slur rings out and the Empress turns around.


    I want you to pay for the cleaning!


    Three ill-looking men were making a racket in one of the stores. They were pulling a cart with several garbage cans.


    "What is it?��What is that?"


    the female emperor asks Juna, raising her eyebrows.


    "They are people who take unjustified profits from us under the guise of cleaning fees, aren''t they?


    Juna, a commoner, knew exactly what he was talking about.


    "They call themselves usurers. Their ostensible sign is that they unite the local gangsters and give them welfare activities. ......"


    "But in reality, they''re just bandits, right?"


    "Yes. ...... this time, it seems to be a ploy to get money for cleaning up the town."


    Of course, cleaning is just a formality, and the amount of money they demand is exorbitant.


    The emperor looked at her for a moment,


    "If you don''t pay me, I''ll leave a mess all around this place. I''ll clean it up myself!"


    "No, don''t ......"


    Joona, can you stop them?


    The emperor, unable to stand by and watch, asked Juna, a knight of the Kingsguard, "Can you stop them, Juna?


    "Yes. Three men of that caliber without hands is not a problem.


    Then I''ll leave it to you. Go stop them.


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    After exchanging a few words in a whisper that no one else could hear, Juna ran out almost without a footstep.


    "Stop! You''re making me uncomfortable."


    Juna grabbed the wrist of the man who was just about to lift the trash can.


    "Hey, ......, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!


    What are you?


    I''m just a passing town girl. I''m just a passing town girl. I''ve been watching you for a while now and I think you''re making unreasonable demands. I''ll call the guards.


    But the man who had his wrist slapped smirked.


    "Well, if you''re going to call them, call them!


    "What the hell, ......?"


    "I''ve given you plenty of snuff, you''re the one who''s going to get caught.��You''re the one who''s going to get caught for interrupting the cleaning."


    Juna frowned.


    "Are they that rotten?��How long has it been rotting?


    "Well, I''m afraid we''ve been cleaning up this town for two years now.


    "A purification team? That''s a very big name, isn''t it? And it doesn''t match what we do.


    "Mind your own business!"


    While I was saying this, two security guards came running in. In their hands they held wooden sticks about a meter long.


    "Hey, hey, what are you doing?


    "Oh, mister, you''re in the right place. They''re blocking us from cleaning..."


    What do you mean? You''ve been trying to get unjust money from us for cleaning!


    "Well, a cleaning fee is a fair remuneration.��You''re the one who tried to interfere with the public''s work!


    The guard held Juna''s shoulders as he cupped her wrists.


    "Get your hands off me. You''re a ...... traveler, aren''t you?��Let''s have you come to the guard station for a minute."


    "......It sounds like it''s true that you''ve been snorting nose drops."


    What?


    You''re the public servant in charge of the town''s security... and you''re bribing your way in... You should be ashamed of yourself!


    This guy!��Let him speak!"


    One of the guards raised his stick.

 1662 - - 45-11 Female Emperor No. 3

    "Rude!"


    Juna pulls the man''s hand from around his wrist. The man bends over as Juna pulls him back in pain. .......


    "Gee!"


    He caught the guard''s swinging stick with his face.


    It was not a very strong swing, but it was not a good thing to be hit in the face.


    The man fainted and Juna finally let go of his hand.


    "You''re guilty of assault!


    "What are you talking about? You''re the one who hit this man, aren''t you?


    Juna has kind eyes and a gentle demeanor, but she is one of the best in the younger generation when it comes to the physical arts. And that is why she was chosen to guard the emperor.


    The guards were a little frightened when they saw Juna, who had changed from her usual soft atmosphere and began to wear a swarthy air.


    "Aaah!


    "Aaah!"


    Two screams were heard, and looking over, two men were lying on the ground.


    Apparently, they had sneaked up on the emperor and Flora.


    (Who in the world is ......?��(Who in the world is the knight escorting them?)


    The emperor tilted her head a little. Then a loud voice rang out.


    "That''s enough!"


    "Oh, captain!"


    A stout man stopped the two guards.


    Juna could not recognize him because of his plain clothes, but he seemed to be the captain of the guard force.


    "You are a strong man, young lady. ...... can you leave it at that, please?"


    Juna, still not letting her guard down, glared at the man she called the captain.


    "Well. ...... okay. ......Hey you guys, back off for now."


    "Hey, captain,......?"


    This lady''s probably stronger than me.


    What?


    "Is she more ...... than you, captain?"


    This comment seemed to have an effect, and the three ruffians (one of them fainted) and the two guards walked away disgustedly.


    "...... may I have your name for your information?"


    Juna demanded the man called the captain.


    "...... Geleon Assman."


    "My name is Juna Brantes."


    After saying each other''s name, the two men separated to the left and right.


    "Thank you, Juna."


    No, it was an unexpected turn of events.


    Yes, it was. ...... Flora, let''s cancel our plans. I''m going to see the deputy after this.


    I understand.


    Each town under the direct rule is governed by its own mayor, but as an organization there is a deputy, not a lord, above the mayors.


    Schwere was a town where the deputy was stationed.


    The group once went out of the town.


    In the carriage outside the town, the emperor, Flora, and Juna, a knight of the Kingsguard, have changed their clothes.


    "Knights, this way!"


    "Yes!"


    Once again, they call for the knights to escort them. So, what had been a mere personal visit has now turned into a surprise visit by the emperor.


    After the carriage is washed down with water, the blindfold is removed, and the disguise is lifted, the carriage is transformed into a ceremonial carriage bearing the imperial coat of arms.


    The group heads for Schwere once more in this state.


    "His Majesty!


    The sudden arrival of the royal family causes a commotion in Chevelle.


    All the guards were mobilized and lined up on both sides of the central avenue. The carriages moved slowly between them.


    Eventually, the carriages came to the governor''s office in the center of the town.


    "It is a great honor for me to see you.


    Who are you?


    Flora asked.


    My name is Xanmu Xupe, deputy chief of police.


    Where is the deputy?


    He is recovering from an illness.


    I understand.


    After this exchange, the emperor and his entourage entered the governor''s office.


    The emperor entered not the reception room but directly into his office, and immediately pointed out the corruption of the town''s security system.


    "Why do you say that ......?"


    Pale, Xanmu Spee could barely manage to say anything else.


    "Then call the head of the guard here!


    Flora ordered Xanmu to send his men to fetch him.


    "You wanted to see me, sir?"


    Fifteen minutes later, the captain of the guard arrived. This time he was wearing a guard uniform.


    "What is your name?"


    "Yes, my name is Gereon Assmann."


    ...... I see. I''m sure you''re doing a great job guarding this town.


    "Thank you, sir."


    Gereon bowed his head. But then he was hit by another word.


    "Cleaning fee, is it? You seem to have a hard time keeping this town clean, don''t you?"


    "......"


    With his head bowed, Gereon began to break out in a cold sweat. How did the emperor know about this?��He was not at ease.


    "Gereon Assmann, have I left you out?"


    I looked up when I heard a woman''s voice and saw a young female knight of the Kingsguard standing in front of me.


    "I am Juna Brantes, Knight of the Kingsguard of the Shoro Empire.


    Gereon Assmann''s complexion went from pale to paper white.


    "Well, I won''t bore you with the details. ...... Xanmu Spee, you will clean up your own mess. Those are my last words to you."


    Ha, ha. ......"


    The emperor called a couple of clerks from the governor''s office.


    Where are the deputies?


    They are in a private room on the second floor.


    So the Empress went to the ward herself.


    "Oh, my God, Your Majesty!"


    The doctor, who was lying down, jumped up when he saw the face of the Empress.


    "Oh, leave her be. You still don''t look well, do you?


    I''m sorry to hear that.


    "Sickness is a thing of the past. But you should pay a little more attention to what you do on our behalf.


    What does ...... that mean?


    The emperor explained the situation to the officer, who looked at him doubtfully.


    "I''m sure they''ve been trying to keep you out of the loop, but it''s not like they don''t have a confidante, is it?"


    "Oh my God, ......!��That ...... is not a good thing to have no one on your side."


    The emperor was sobbing,


    "It is not to me that you apologize, but to the people. Remove the deputy from office immediately and replace him with someone else. If you feel responsible, get well as soon as possible and fulfill your duties as a deputy.


    "...... ha."


    Thus ended the emperor''s visit.


    In the carriage on the way back,


    "I wanted to ...... go out after Juna and Flora had made their grand stand, reveal myself, and wipe out all the bad guys,...... but that''s not going to happen," muttered the empress.


    I wish I could have gone out and done it , but it''s not that easy, is it?


    * * * *


    The old man was helping her just a little.

 1663 - - 45-12 Ernest and Leeschen No. 1

    May 19, 3460.


    Ernest Lilim Andrew, 3rd Prince of Egelea, age 16.


    The 3rd Princess of the Kingdom of Klein, Rieschen Fuchsische Klein. 15 years old.


    The two were to hold a wedding ceremony.


    The vows, the cornerstone of the ceremony, were said in the back of the castle by the royal family and their relatives only, but the reception that followed was a lively affair.


    The couple came to the hall where the wedding party was to be held, being congratulated by the people from the back of the castle.


    This is the place where the Golem garden party was held in the past.


    For a while, there were still scars from the destruction, but now it had been completely restored to its former glory.


    Congratulations, Your Highnesses!


    Congratulations!


    Thank you.


    Thank you!


    They are now old enough to be adults in this world.


    Prince Ernest has grown taller and more gallant as a young man, and Princess Rieschen has become a graceful lady.


    The two stood at the center of the platform set up at the front of the large hall, being congratulated by the knights and ladies who worked at the castle. Behind them, the kings of each country sat side by side.


    The wedding reception of His Royal Highness Prince Ernest of the Kingdom of Egelea and Her Royal Highness Princess Rieschen of the Kingdom of Klein is about to begin.


    The voice of the magic instrument resounded, and the large hall was filled with applause.


    First of all, we will have congratulatory speeches from the representatives of each country. ......His Majesty the Emperor of the Shoro Kingdom


    The empress stood up, smiled kindly at the two, and began to congratulate them.


    "Congratulations, Your Majesty! To the Kingdom of Egelea and the Kingdom of Klein, I extend my congratulations."


    The emperor breaks off and bows to the people in attendance. Then she continued her greetings.


    "...... I would like to share with all those present the joy of celebrating the young couple on this auspicious occasion. I wish you many years of happiness. Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shawlo, Emperor of the Shawlo Empire."


    There was a round of applause.


    Then Cesar Valois de Celuloa, King of Celuloa, Lotharus de Franz (n��e Lafayette), King of Franz, and Alois Lux Klein, King of Klein, offered their congratulations one by one.


    The last one is King Alphonse Alba Elias of the Kingdom of Elias.


    His father had been bedridden for a long time, so he used to run most of the country''s affairs, but now he has officially taken over the throne and is a very successful king.


    Thank you very much. Thank you very much. The distinguished guests have offered their congratulations. Please give them one more round of applause.


    The people gathered in the hall gave a hearty round of applause.


    The guests of honor continued their congratulations. ......


    The reception proceeded in a lively manner.


    * * * * * * * * *


    (As usual, this kind of ceremony is tiring.)


    Jin, one of the guests of honor, looked at the happy couple and grumbled.


    There was a wide space below the podium where they were standing, where various entertainment was being held.


    ��Oh, it''s the Ste-Arena!)


    (Oh, the ste arena!) Right now, three crystal golems in the ste arena are performing a song and dance.


    The red ruby golem, the yellow citrine golem, and the light blue topaz golem were singing, dancing, and performing in a spectacular manner.


    (I remember it was Ceres, the crystal golem, at that time.)


    Jin remembered with nostalgia the old golem garden party when he met Stearina for the first time.


    (Reinhardt this time, right?)


    The black knight (Schwarzlitter <>) is holding up a mock sword and shield, and is performing a dynamic demonstration. In the background, the military band of the Shoro Empire is playing magnificent music.


    Since Prince Ernest is fond of Golem automata, many of the performances were relatively related to them, but some of them were ordinary people singing songs or reciting poems.


    Among the human performances, the one that caught Jin''s attention was a skit.


    The skit reminded Jin of a .


    Next, the representative of the Nostalgia Party, Elena!


    "Oh?"


    Jin paid attention.


    To his surprise, Elena was present.


    "My name is Elena. I am the honorary advisor of the Nostalgia Party.


    Elena greeted the guests in the same voice as in the past, rolling bells, and began to sing while dancing slowly.


    Blue sky, white clouds


    The sun shining brightly, the moon shining quietly


    Twinkling stars, winds across the world


    Healing waters that flow around us Flames that burn


    The earth of blessings, the forest of harvests.


    Flowering meadows, sheer mountains.


    Quiet lakes ......"


    The audience all looked at Elena as if they had forgotten how to breathe.


    "On this good day, I wish for the best for the two souls who are joined together. ......"


    The speech ended with a congratulatory prayer.


    When Elena bowed in curtsy, the audience burst into applause and cheers.


    (Elena does it too!).


    She does not have eyes that have < effect now, but her gesture seemed to fascinate the public.


    * * * *


    After the performance, the gifts were presented. Jin is here.


    After the presentation of some magical tools and works of art.


    Sir Jin Nidor, Magecraft Meister, presents a car.


    "Oh," came the cry.


    It is the same type of car that was once presented to the female emperor.


    It is a classic car in design. <. In other words, it is a <>.


    Its top speed is about 20 km/h, so it is more of a hobby than a practical product.


    In fact, it is possible to make a horse-drawn carriage that can go up to 60 kilometers per hour, but it has to be detuned to the utmost to avoid injury to the royalty in case they are injured.


    If it becomes popular from such a point of view, I can''t help but think that it will be ...... someday.


    (It was not so popular even after 400 years...)


    (I hope it will not be so popular 400 years later...) Jin remembers that golem horses were more culturally acceptable and that carriages driven by golem horses were more popular than cars.


    * * * * *


    The reception continued into the night. It was a standing buffet party.


    "Jin!��We can finally talk!


    Jin!��You''ve come!"


    Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen came to Jin and smiled tiredly. It seemed that this party was too much even for the royal family.


    "Congratulations on your wedding!


    Jin greeted her in a rather formal way since it was a public event.


    "Thank you.


    "I would have brought Elsa, but she''s still too young..."


    "Oh, yes!��You told me you had twins.


    Yes, their names are Yu and Mio.


    I hope to meet them someday.


    Then Reinhard and Stearina arrived.


    "Oh, Reinhard!


    "Hello, Stearina, it''s been a long time."


    Enjoying a moment of laughter with their old friends, the two gentlemen smiled carefree smiles as if they were back in the old days.

 1664 - - 45-13 Elena No. 1

    Elena, please.


    Yes, my lord.


    This is the new headquarters of the Nostalgia Party.


    The island of Electra, one of the Pleiades (also known as the Pleiades Archipelago), is located further south of the Elias Peninsula.


    The Nostalgia has established a new base in the basement of the island.


    It has a that connects it to the former headquarters of the Nostalgia Party, .


    Elena was asked by Jules Lorrain, the party leader, to come to the former headquarters at the Qasimunore base to test the warp gate.


    "Oh, Elena. The test was a success.


    Donald Callow, number two and head of the technical department, greeted her. He was also the former head engineer of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    "Donald, are the warp gates adjusted?"


    "Yes, it''s perfect."


    "Yes, it''s perfect now." "I see. Now we can get the materials from the Qasimunore base.


    Yes, it will.


    Nostalgia is steadily gaining ground.


    Now that it''s no longer a backroom organization, it can assert its presence with pride.


    "That''s true."


    Elena agrees with Donald''s line.


    "But that''s only possible because of Elena. <


    "Oh, thank you."


    Elena smiled broadly and brightly.


    Elena''s public diplomacy has been successful, and the Nostalgia Party is gaining recognition.


    > The magical technology that is a step or two ahead of the rest of the world, except for Jin, is the focus of attention in many countries.


    And it was now a well-known fact that Elena, the representative of this group, was an automata, a driving force that impressed the Nostalgia Party with its technological prowess.


    "Well then, I''m going back to the headquarters."


    "Yes. Tell Jules I said hello. I''ll be back there in a few days.


    Yes, sir.


    Headquarters on Elektra Island became fully operational on this day. However, it is still only about 70% complete.


    The remaining 30% will be slowly put in place.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Golem development request?


    The next day, May 22nd, Nostalgia received a request from the Kingdom of Elias.


    It was a request for the development of a golem that could stand up to the Death Serpent.


    "Yes. There have been three cases of Death Serpent attacks this year, and the Kingdom of Elias wants to form a security force.


    Jules, the head of the security team, explains.


    "I see, that''s why they need the golem."


    Elena nodded her head in understanding.


    "It seems so."


    "What about the required specs?"


    "Well. The specifications are that it must be waterproof and swimmable. He said that the attack power is good, but that they can use magic tools even if they don''t have it."


    What did Donald say?


    He said to leave it to him.


    "That sounds like him. I''m going to go visit him later.


    "Mm-hmm. I''ll be back later for a little consolation visit. ...... Yes, Elena. I''m thinking of making Donald the base commander at Camp Casimunore.


    But Elena nodded her head.


    "I don''t know about that. Wouldn''t that take up too much of his research time?"


    "I see. Perhaps it would be best to leave Donald free to do his own research."


    "Yes, my lord."


    Unaware of this exchange, Donald was working on the new Golem at the Kassimunore base.


    "Well, waterproofing is the most troublesome. I guess I''ll have to use magic resin.


    Magi resin is a resin that reacts to magic power.


    It is often used for common golems. Resin extracted from a tree with magical power, <>, is a typical example. It is also the technology that the young Adriana put to practical use.


    "If the inside is filled with magical resin, the waterproofing is perfect. ...... but it lacks power and speed. ...... Okay, let''s try it in a combined form."


    Donald was, after all, a magecraftsman extraordinaire.


    The inside of the golem was constructed as a skeletal golem, and the outside of the golem was completely covered with Magi-resin to make it waterproof.


    "The problem is the synchronization of these two systems."


    It''s like having two different golems overlapping each other, so to speak.


    If there is a discrepancy between the skeletal golem''s movements and those of the magirezin golem, efficiency and precision of operation will be reduced.


    Donald took data again and again to eliminate the discrepancy between the two systems.


    "Finally, it''s done!"


    After two weeks of hard work, the first prototype is completed.


    "Congratulations, Donald."


    "Thank you, Elena. Let''s test it first."


    Donald had his assistant Golem carry Prototype 1 to the test site.


    The site is a converted underground mine. It is a huge space the size and height of the Tokyo Dome.


    <


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    "Yeah, you can count on it!"


    Elena has also come to see the project, and Donald is very excited.


    Since it is a prototype, it is not autonomous, but semi-autonomous, that is, it gives instructions on a case-by-case basis.


    "Okay, Prototype 1, try walking."


    It does not respond. This is because it is a prototype and has not been equipped with a speech function.


    But it nodded its head to indicate that it understood, and the golem began to walk.


    "Good, good, you''re in good shape."


    The movement is smooth and Donald is in a good mood.


    "Okay, try some light running."


    Since it is semi-autonomous, the golem interprets the vague instruction <> and starts running at 30% of full power. However, its movements are somewhat jerky.


    "Ummm...... run as fast as you can!"


    Following the instructions, Prototype 1 starts to run as fast as it can......, but its movements are clearly sluggish.


    "No ...... good, come back."


    Donald''s shoulders slumped a bit, and he called Prototype 1 back.


    "What''s wrong with it?"


    Elena asked Donald as he stopped Prototype 1 and began to adjust it again.


    "It seems that the output characteristics of the two systems do not match.


    Donald answered that the output characteristics of the two systems seemed to be almost the same at the time of walking, which was a weak output operation, but as the output was increased, there seemed to be a discrepancy.


    In fact, the output of the magical resin system grows linearly with the input and stops growing when the limit is exceeded, while the output of the magical muscles used in the endoskeletal system gradually reaches a plateau.


    "So the higher the output, the bigger the shift."


    "That''s right, Elena."


    "So, we can''t just put an auxiliary magic operator in one of the magic nerve lines?"


    Donald nodded.


    "That''s exactly what we''re doing. That''s exactly what we''re doing now, adjusting those operators."


    Elena smiled at that.


    "That''s great, Donald. Good luck with that."


    "Yes, of course."


    Donald Callow had found the best solution by the end of the day.


    With this, the mass production of the waterproof golem was now underway.

 1665 - - 45-14 Marcia No. 2

    Back in time, Elena and her nostalgia party (Nostalgia) were developing a waterproof golem on June 1st. The newly opened Marcia workshop in Potrock also received a request.


    "A fast and large ship?"


    The specifications required were a length of 20 to 30 meters and a maximum speed of more than 50 kilometers per hour. The crew was to be at least 10 and no more than 20 golems.


    Of course, the purpose of the vessel was explained.


    "For defeating the Death Serpent?


    Rodrigo was told.


    "Shouldn''t it be smaller and more agile?"


    It was fortunate for the Kingdom of Elias that the officer in charge at this time was an excellent person.


    Rodrigo has seen the < series created by Jin several times.


    It is propelled by the Magi Water Jet, a magical water propulsion system, and can reach a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour. It is 6 meters long.


    I have adapted it in my own way, and this is the that I presented to Jin the other day.


    And now he is explaining it to the officer in charge.


    "I see......... it''s a one-strike detachment or a distraction by a small speedboat. Certainly, it may be effective, provided that the speed and maneuverability are good.


    The officer in charge ponders. Then..,


    I understand. Can you give me a day or two to talk about this? I will discuss it with my supervisor.


    He left with these words.


    "......Well, that sounds interesting. No, I know I shouldn''t say interesting.


    That night, when Marcia heard the story from her father, Rodrigo, she was intrigued by it.


    "Right?��That''s why I wanted to cooperate with you in a way that is typical of our workshop.


    "That''s very typical of you," said Marcia.


    "But I''ve heard that the Death Serpent has indeed caused a lot of damage this year.


    "What about weapons?"


    "It would be nice if we could release <> or <> in succession."


    "I''m sure Jin could do it. ...... I''ll talk to him about it."


    Both Marcia and Rodrigo are craftsmen, but they are not obsessive about matters outside their expertise. Especially since this case involves a human life.


    He is a craftsman, but he does not get involved in matters that are outside of his expertise.


    That''s why.


    I see.


    That night, Marcia and Rodrigo were consulting with Jin on Horai Island.


    "<> or ...... came south in large numbers some years ago, didn''t they?"


    It was the year that Jin and Marcia met, rather than the year ...... when there was a golem boat competition in Potrock.


    "Are they being driven away by sea dragons again?��...... old man, how are you doing?"


    "I see. So I guess it''s within normal limits.


    <


    "I see. If it is ......, is there anything we can do to help?"


    "I''d rather have a propulsion system than a weapon. Only a propulsion device.


    "What?"


    Marcia looked puzzled.


    "No, not now. Forget it."


    She may have been trying to lighten the mood in her own way, but it was a complete slip.


    "......Hey."


    Jin coughs deliberately to reset the mood.


    "...... Is it bad if I don''t have a reason for offering it to you?"


    Rodrigo replies.


    "Well, Jin-dono is a man of the hour now. It would not be good to publicly support a particular country or individual.


    "I see.


    Jin shrugged his shoulders.


    "Then, how about giving aid under the name of Makina instead of mine, in the name of exterminating the Death Serpent?


    "Then there would be no complaints from anyone.


    Rodrigo agreed.


    "Okay. Then let''s work on that.


    I''m looking forward to it!


    Marcia was delighted.


    "If we can get a good propulsion system for the fast boat we''re building, we can make it ......!


    "Okay, okay. I''ll take care of it.


    Jin gave his consent, and Marcia and Rodrigo left Horai Island with satisfaction.


    * * * *


    The next day.


    "A new propulsion device has arrived from deus ex machina!


    There was a great commotion at the royal palace of the Kingdom of Elias.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. ."


    "Ummm... ......... Makina-sama has an ear for hell, doesn''t she? But we will use it gratefully."


    The new king Alphonse Alba Elias nodded deeply.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Four days later, on June 6, the long-awaited news arrived at the Marcia workshop.


    <. The propulsion system to be used for the boat would arrive soon.


    "You did it, Marcia."


    "Yes, father. We made our point!


    The development of a trimaran is underway at Marcia''s workshop. It is a type of boat that is stable from side to side and can also turn in small circles.


    Marcia and Rodrigo decide to build a hull based on it. <.


    "For the material, can we use a light silver skeleton with light silver plates attached to it?"


    "Yes, that would be fine."


    At this point, the price of light silver had dropped to 200 toles per kilogram (about 2,000 yen). (Incidentally, the price of aluminum ingots in modern Japan is about 230 to 270 yen per kilogram.)


    In 3456, the price was between 2 million and 300,000,000 tolls per kilogram. ) In 3456, the price was 2 million to 300,000 dollars per kilogram, which is a huge drop.


    However, this drop in price was the result of adjustments made by various countries, so there were no stores or marketeers who suffered from it.


    "I bet only zines make all-metal ships!"


    "Yes, that''s true."


    The new ship was built according to Rodrigo''s plans.


    Two days after the start of construction, the propulsion unit arrived.


    "Oh, this looks great!"


    This is the Aqua Thruster, a new propulsion system newly built by Jin.


    According to what he has told me, it has twice the performance of the ones used so far.


    "This is the best place to make the most of it.


    The center of the trimaran.


    Here, the propulsive force will stabilize the ship''s movement.


    "Yes, father."


    Marcia and Rodrigo are happy to be working on the boat.


    Only one week to go until the ship is completed.

 1666 - - 45-15 Yu and Mio No. 1

    "Boo."


    "Wow."


    "Look, isn''t it a nice view?"


    On May 26, Jin was flying in the family plane. The pilot was Edgar. Reiko and Anne are with him.


    The plane is designed for stability rather than speed, and is equipped with four magical jet propulsion engines (magijet engines) for levitation. It also has four magical jet propulsion engines (magijet engines) for propulsion.


    The front of the cabin and a part of the floor were made of transparent material in order to secure a downward view.


    Chloe and Mio crawled into the cabin and looked down.


    The altitude is about 50 meters above the ground. They can see many things clearly.


    The area they are flying over is the Nordic Federation. This is a region where there are no problems even if an aircraft made by Jin is flying.


    This is good, too.


    "Isn''t it?"


    "....... It''s a good thing he forgot his promise and devoted himself to this project."


    "Don''t say that anymore. ......"


    Elsa is pointing out that when they made <>, they said, <> and left it with No. 700672.


    Jin had no bad intentions, but he felt guilty for breaking his promise, and for a while after that he was busy trying to make Erza happy.


    "...... kidding. That''s what makes you who you are."


    "Well, ......."


    Jin, who had no idea what this meant, gave up thinking about it because he was afraid of getting into trouble.


    After enjoying the scenic flight for a while, Jin and his family returned to Horai Island.


    "Shall we take a boat next?


    "Hmm..."


    Who knows who they are like, Yu and Mio seem to love vehicles.


    Jin launched a six-wheeled golem car and departed for Tatsumi Bay. The driver is Edgar.


    Reiko and Anne are holding them in car seats.


    "Ooh!"


    "Oooh!"


    The twins are excited to see the scenery along the way.


    "Hey, isn''t it about time they started talking?"


    Jin asks Elsa.


    Technically, "babbling" is a word, but Jin is referring to meaningful words.


    Specifically, <<> or <>...... well, at first it would be <><>.


    By the way, Jin wants his father to be called instead of .


    "Well, they say that children start talking as early as 8 months or so.


    Elsa is new to child-rearing, so she is not an expert. She had heard about it from her mother-in-law Marlene and from Sally, a doctor in the village of Kaina.


    "I''m looking forward to it. I wonder how they will talk.


    Jin was completely fooled by his parents.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    By the time they arrived at Tatsumi Bay, the twins had fallen asleep, perhaps because the vibration of the car was so pleasant.


    "Oh, you''re asleep."


    "Hmm, it looks so comfortable."


    So we put a sheet on the beach and a tarp to make a resting place.


    The twins were sleeping peacefully in the soothing sea breeze.


    When I put my finger on their cheeks, they feel softer than freshly pounded rice cakes and more elastic than marshmallows.


    "It''s warm.


    "You''ll wake up!"


    Erza chides Jin.


    "Yes, you''re right."


    Jin turns from the twins to Erza.


    "You''re cute, aren''t you?"


    "Yeah."


    And then there is a moment of silence.


    "Hey, Elsa..."


    "Yes?"


    I got a lot of stuff from ...... Elsa and these girls.


    ......


    I''ve been getting ...... a lot of stuff.


    No, you don''t.


    No, I don''t mean stuff.


    Jin is more serious than ever.


    "Am I giving ...... back? No. Am I giving it to you?"


    "What?"


    "Well, ...... warmth, comfort, or ...... something."


    When Jin said this, Erza laughed.


    It''s just like you to be timid in ...... strange places.


    Elsa kissed Jin lightly on the cheek.


    "...... don''t worry. Your side is very warm.


    At that moment, the twins awoke.


    "OTOU...... CHA!"


    "Kaa......ssha."


    What?


    ?


    Jin and Erza looked at Yu and Mio in surprise.


    "Da..."


    "Uh-uh."


    "You just talked, didn''t you?"


    "Uh-huh."


    Jin picked up Chloe and Erza picked up Mio.


    "Dad,......," she said.


    "Mom,......


    "He talked!��Chloe has spoken!


    Mio has spoken!


    They were so happy they could not stop jumping up and down.


    "Congratulations, father!"


    "Congratulations, Your Highness!"


    "Congratulations to Jin-sama and Elsa-sama!"


    Reiko, Anne and Edgar congratulated them.


    "Thank you."


    * * * *


    The twins woke up and after feeding them baby food and rehydrating them, it was time to go boating.


    <, and Jin and Erza climb aboard with Yu and Mio in their arms. Reiko also gets on board, just in case something unexpected happens.


    Since the boat has a capacity for four passengers, Edgar and Anne stay at the beach.


    "Okay, go!"


    "Yes, master."


    Marine 1 launched the Hydro 1 with ease.


    "Ooh."


    "Oooh."


    Chloe and Mio are happy.


    "You can go faster now."


    "Yes, sir."


    Hydro 1 is now out of Tatsumi Bay and speeding along at a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour.


    It feels good to be on a boat.


    Yeah.


    The sky is the sky, the land is the land, and the sea is the sea.


    The Jin family enjoys boating to their heart''s content.

 1667 - - 45-16 Malicker No. 1

    Formerly known as the Demon Tribe, now the Northern Tribe.


    Marikka, whose clan name is <>, is the custodian of the ruins called <>.


    In more detail, she is the recognized master of the planetary administration base left behind by the who migrated to this planet Ars from the planet Hale in ancient times.


    "<>, are you alright?"


    Yes, Marikka. I''m quite capable.


    Then, please.


    Yes, sir.


    Marikka, are you sure you can do it?


    asked Theon, who was with her, worriedly.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t push you too hard.


    I''ll be fine.


    What Marikka is trying to do is to remodel Onogoro Island. Specifically, to make it habitable.


    "The concentration of free ether is adjusted to be high here, and it can also be used as a shelter in case of emergency.


    Marikka told Zion,


    "What do you mean by ''in case of emergency'' ......?"


    Marikka then retorted, "What do you mean by ''in case of emergency''?


    Certainly, with the presence of the outlandish and unorthodox Jin, it is unlikely that an emergency will ever come. However, it does not mean that a threat will not come from outer space or from outside the world, like the and of the past year.


    Maricka explains,


    "That''s true, but..."


    Zion also admitted that this is true.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The following are the details of the maintenance work.


    The size of the residential area is 20 square kilometers. (This is about one of the 23 wards of Tokyo.)


    The area around the residential area is not a primeval forest or dense forest, but a modified so-called .


    Rice paddies, fields, and orchards will be maintained, and the harvest will be stocked in an "ether stocker".


    A shelter for about 1,000 people is built 500 meters underground.


    Build 100 single-family houses above ground.


    Build a golem to maintain the house.


    Install water, sewage, sewage treatment facilities, and hot spring facilities to make the living environment comfortable.


    Make the community self-sufficient.


    Stock various materials.


    etc., etc., etc.


    Please let me know if you notice anything, Mr. Zion.


    "Okay."


    "Okay, Mr. Tester, I''ll leave it to you."


    I''ll leave it to you.


    Zion and Maricka returned to the clan territory through the warp gate.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin-sama, do you have any other instructions for us ......?"


    Marikka was consulting with Jin, who had come to the Nordic Federation for technical guidance at the behest of Zion.


    "Well, ...... it might be a good idea to think about using it like a resort."


    Onogoro Island is in the southern hemisphere, which means that it is in the opposite season to the countries of the Laurentian Continent, not to mention the Nordic Federation.


    "Ah, yes. May I refer you to the at ...... Kunlun Island?"


    "Of course."


    Thank you very much.


    "Also, it might be a good idea to create a system to control the above ground facilities. ...... Specifically, something like <>''s subordinates."


    is there, but it''s still not enough, Jin said.


    "Yes. <?"


    "Yes, I think so.


    After receiving this advice from Jin, Marikka went to Onogoro Island the next day and had a meeting with <>.


    I see, that sounds good. Let''s get to it.


    <> decides to make an automata to be a sibling of Helente''s. In about two hours, it is completed.


    It takes about two hours to complete. It was an automaton of medium height, with the appearance of an old man.


    Please give me a name, Marikka!


    "Yes, in ......, <."


    In Marikka''s language, it means .


    Yes, I am now known as Direk.


    Thus, was born to oversee and manage the ground facilities on Onogoro Island.


    * * * *


    "Jin-sama, please teach me ...... how to make a golem!


    In the afternoon of the same day, Marikka and three of her colleagues asked Jin for help. All of them were of the same age as Marikka.


    Their names are , <, and <.


    "Nice to meet you!"


    "......" "Thank you very much!"


    "Thank you very much."


    Catalina is a bit cocky, Miranda is a bit quiet, and Vanessa is very serious.


    "Yes, of course."


    Hitoshi readily agrees.


    "Let''s start with the basics. We''ll start with the basics, the concepts.


    Jin began to explain in front of the four of us.


    "The basis of the Adriana method is to be . To do this, we must understand the human body structure. The first step is the skeleton. ......"


    Jin thought in a corner of his mind that it would be great if these four would eventually become instructors of the that would be established in .


    "......, these bones here, the <> and <>, are attached like this so you can twist your wrist. The ankle is basically the same."


    "Jin-sama, I mean, what if I don''t use that ......<> and <>?"


    "Yes, that''s a good question, but we''ll cover that in the next step ...... when we talk about how to build muscle."


    "Okay."


    < clan, true to their clan name, are generally good at remembering things.


    On this day, Jin had finished the entire basic course on the structure of the golem.


    "I''m tired."


    But it seems that it was hard for them too.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama!"


    Marikka was the only one who was very excited.

 1668 - - 45-17 Marcia No. 3

    On June 13, Marcia and Rodrigo were testing a prototype ship.


    "This is amazing!"


    The prototype is a trimaran. It is the result of an attempt to achieve both high speed stability and mobility as much as possible.


    Compared to a monohull, the trimaran has a larger area in contact with the water, making it slightly less suitable for high-speed navigation, but this is compensated for with a new type of propulsion system provided by Jin ...... Machina.


    Compared to the same type of propulsion system, the new propulsion system has twice the output power, and the prototype ship was being propelled at a brisk pace.


    "That''s great, Dad."


    "Yes, it is. Jin-dono ...... no, Makina-dono''s technology is amazing."


    "Arrow, how fast is it?"


    Yes, Miss Marcia. Current speed, approximately 70 kilometers per hour.


    You''re clear of the target!��You still have time, don''t you?


    Yes, sir. Propulsion load is at 82 percent.


    Good. Arco, let''s test the maneuverability!


    Yes, Miss Marcia.


    This ship accommodates five passengers. Arco is the pilot and Arrow is the engineer. Marcia and Rodrigo are focused on checking the boat.


    The bay is ideal for such tests because the waves are calm.


    Arco starts with gentle curves and gradually cuts sharp turns. The speed is about 50 kilometers per hour.


    "No, the stability is not so bad.


    The catamaran''s expertise in lateral stability was put to good use.


    "How is the hull distortion?��How about the hull distortion?


    "...... Yeah, the girders are a little creaky. It would be better to reinforce it a little more.


    With that, we called it quits for the day.


    While returning to the potlock,


    "I think we can do it because we have enough power for the propulsor. Now we just need to find a comfortable seat.


    Marcia laughed.


    Marcia laughed, "Oh, hey!


    "Hey, Marcia!"


    "Oh, Jin!"


    When the prototype returned to the workshop, Jin was waiting for her.


    Marcia and Rodrigo went ashore. Arrow and Arco are the ones to bring the ship ashore.


    "I''ve finished the buffer material I promised you before, and I brought it with me.


    The buffer material is the <Magi Polyethylene Foam that Saki has developed. The abbreviation is . Expanded��Magi- PolyEthylene EMPE).


    "Here you go. ...... Wow, this is nice and light!"


    "Right?��It doesn''t absorb water, so you can put it in the cracks of your boat to prevent flooding.


    "Oh, I see."


    "By the way, you''ve built a prototype ship, haven''t you?"


    Marcia nodded happily at Jin''s confirming question.


    "Yes. "Yes. There are still improvements to be made, though. Jin, will you listen to me?"


    "Yes, sure."


    That''s when it happened.


    The Death Serpent is out!


    A frantic cry was heard from the ship returning to port.


    "What?"


    A guard gave the man a detailed account of what had happened, while Jin and Marcia listened in the background.


    According to the report, two Death Sea Serpents had appeared to the north of the island of Trieu, just beyond the island of Io.


    Three boats were fishing in the area, and one of them was capsized, but was luckily rescued by another boat that was nearby.


    However, the ship was chased by the Death Serpent, and the crew barely managed to escape by landing on the island of Trieu, but their ship was destroyed.


    The ship that contacted them was the furthest away from the Death Serpent, and the Death Serpent targeted two other ships, so the crew barely made it to Potlock.


    It was probably fortunate that the ships were fast boats made by the Marsyat workshop.


    "We will take a hot air balloon to the island of Trieu to rescue them. I see that there are five evacuees, right?


    Yes, sir.


    Then we can rescue them with two balloons.


    Then, Jin could no longer remain silent,


    "If we launch the Conlon 3, we will be able to rescue them right away."


    He said, "If we launch the <>, we can go to the rescue right away.


    On the same day, he had come to Potrock with the Conlon 3.


    After this, I was invited by Marquis Florenz Firenziano of Florenz.


    Since I can''t use <, I came to Potrock by Conlon 3.


    The time is 4:00 PM. If we were to prepare from now on, there was a high possibility that the sun would set by the time we reached the island of Trieu at the speed of the hot air balloon.


    "Koron 3? ...... Uh, so you''re the then?


    Yes, I am.


    Yes, I am.��My name is Druusen Batlle, captain of the Potlock Coast Guard. May I ask you a favor?


    "Of course."


    Druesen was an honest-looking man of about 30 or so.


    Jin instructed Reiko, who was standing beside him, to use the built-in manacam to contact Edgar, the pilot, and tell him to bring <> to us. The landing site is designated as the central plaza.


    "Father, they will be here soon."


    "Yes."


    Jin informed Drossen, the head of the security team, and hurried to the central square.


    Jin, Reiko, Drossen, and the other guards, as well as Marcia, arrived at the central square at about the same time.


    "Get back, it''s dangerous!"


    The security guards ordered the tourists and onlookers in the central square to stand back, and <> landed without any problems.


    "Come on, let''s go!"


    "Jin, I want you to take me with you. I want to see the Death Serpent in the flesh.


    Marcia said that it would be useful in building a high-speed boat to counter the Death Serpent, and Jin agreed.


    With Jin, Reiko, Marcia, and Drossen aboard, the takes to the sky.


    "Oh, wow, that''s great!"


    Drossen is amazed by his first ride in an airship.


    "Marcia, are you sure that Tru Island is that way?"


    Jin pointed to the opposite side of the setting sun.


    "Yes, that''s right. The island of Trieu is located further east of Io Island, as seen from Potrock.


    "Edgar, will you take care of it?"


    "Yes, sir. I''ll take care of it."


    flies away at about 100 kilometers per hour.


    "Oh, that''s fast!"


    Drossen is astonished, but neither Jin nor Marcia are concerned.


    Below them, they see two Death Sea Serpents approaching the Potrock.


    "Oh, that''s the Death Serpent, isn''t it?��Oh, they are big!"


    Indeed, one of them was about 30 meters long, and seemed to be one of the largest Death Sea Serpents.


    "That''s not good!��Two of them will come to Potlock if we don''t do something!"


    Drossen shouted, his face turning pale.


    "We''ve got to do something about them before we can rescue them!"


    The only thing we have to deal with now is Conlon 3.


    We''re on the wrong ship. Jin decides to kill the Death Serpent.


    Edgar, you''re on top of them.


    Yes, sir.


    Conlon 3, which was traveling east at 100 kilometers per hour, made a 180 degree turn. At 30 kilometers per hour, it was perfectly positioned over the Death Serpent.

 1669 - - 45-18 Marcia No. 4

    "Is the cruising speed of the Death Serpent (Death Sea Serpent) about 30 km/h? ......"


    Marcia observes the Death Serpent as she tracks it from above.


    "As I thought, it doesn''t seem to be able to turn on a dime."


    "Yes. But they use the Tidal Wave when they are dying, so if you want to defeat them, you need to do it all at once.


    While Jin was explaining this, <> came right on top of the Death Sea Serpent.


    "They are weak against lightning. But the effect is weakened in the sea, so you need to choose intermediate or higher level magic or pinpoint the target.


    He then said,


    "Reiko, this is Thunder Javelin."


    "Yes, father."


    <


    <><>"


    Thunder Javelin is one of the most advanced thunder magic. It is a magic that shoots lightning straight at the target. Its speed is about 200 kilometers per second. This is the step-leader level of actual lightning.


    It hits the Death Serpent without aiming too hard. The two animals hit by the high voltage stop moving.


    They are stunned or paralyzed, but not killed.


    This is because they are underwater, and most of the electric shocks escape into the conductor of seawater. It would be a different story if they were lured out to sea with a sonic bomb.


    However, if Reiko unleashes Thunder Javelin with , she can blacken Death Sea Serpent, but since the output of Magi Reactor is usually suppressed to 3% by Jin''s order, the power of magic can only be as powerful as it should be. The power of the magic is only equivalent to the output of the Magi Reactor. It is about the level of an upper-middle class mage.


    "But the effect is short-lived. It will move soon. We need to attack it before it does. If it''s floating around like that, it''s fire magic. ...... Reiko!"


    "Yes, Father. ......<<>!"


    The Flame Lance is a magic that shoots a spear-shaped flame under the advanced level of fire magic. It is a magic that shoots a spear-shaped flame. It is more effective when it is fired from a close distance, because its power becomes weaker in inverse proportion to the distance. Therefore, had dropped to an altitude of 30 meters.


    "As you can see, <> is enough to kill an immobile opponent. Thank you, Reiko.


    "No."


    Jin, you''ve been helpful. Thank you.


    "......"


    Drossen was speechless at how well he had done.


    "Come on Edgar, let''s go help."


    "Yes, Master Jin."


    turned around. They set out again for the island of Trieu.


    The floating Death Serpent can wait. With sunset approaching, rescue is the priority.


    Conlon 3 arrives at the island of Trieu before sunset.


    "Oh, there!"


    Marcia points to a piece of a ship floating in the water.


    "If this is where the ship was hit, then the crew that escaped must be somewhere around here."


    Most of the island of Tolu is a dense, overgrown jungle.


    The evacuees are not likely to go far, but they are not likely to stay on the shore either.


    "We should call out to them.


    Jin decides so and activates his loudspeaker.


    "Mr. Drossen, please call out to them yourself. ...... Mr. Drossen?"


    "Oh, oh, I''m sorry. I was a little distracted."


    Scratching his head, Drossen moved his mouth closer to the input to the loudspeaker.


    ��This is the Potlock Coast Guard!��The Death Serpent threat is over!��Come out and we will rescue you!]


    After repeating the same thing three times, he turned his head away from the input side and said, "Let''s wait a while.


    "Father, it''s a person."


    After about five minutes, four figures appeared on the darkened beach.


    "Okay, <>"


    Jin turned on the lights, and the figures were clearly illuminated, and even their expressions were recognizable.


    "There seems to be no doubt about it. But why are there four of them?


    "No, there is one more."


    Reiko objected to Drossen''s words.


    "The other one is carried by the person in the middle.


    "Is he injured or something?"


    While she was saying this, the was decreasing in altitude.


    "The coast is narrow. I don''t think we can land. ...... what should we do?"


    < is not a rescue craft, so it is not equipped with a winch, hoist, or any other rescue equipment.


    "Okay, let''s hang a rope and pull him up.


    That was the conclusion Jin came to after thinking about it.


    Ropes are standard equipment, as they are used for mooring and various other purposes.


    Jin modified the rope a little to make a loop at the end.


    "Edgar, drop as much altitude as you can. Then use the force field generator to fix your position.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin and Edgar exchange a few words in a voice that Drossen cannot hear.


    Finally, Edgar lowers to an altitude of 3 meters.


    "Okay, that''s enough."


    Jin opens the emergency hatch in the floor and lets the rope hang from it.


    Reiko is controlling the rope.


    "One by one, hang your legs on it and hold on!"


    At this distance, their voices are audible, and the four men respond immediately.


    "Yes, sir!"


    "Thank God!"


    Reiko easily pulled up one of the men who had his foot on the loop and grabbed the rope.


    The fourth time was the man who carried the injured man.


    "It looks like a piece of the boat was hit on the head when it was broken.


    A colleague explained.


    "Reiko, please."


    "Yes, father. ......<>"


    Reiko examines him with Shoro Imperial style chant used by Erza.


    "I''m fine. There is no brain or internal organ damage. She just fainted.


    "Well, I''m glad to hear that. ...... Okay, Edgar, let''s get back to Potlock!


    "Yes, Master Jin."


    < gains 30 meters in altitude and heads for POTLOC. The four rescuers are stunned by the speed.


    "Wow, that''s amazing!


    "I didn''t know they could fly this fast in the sky!


    What in the world is this vehicle?


    It was Marcia who explained to them.


    "Mr. Godunov, he is the world''s only Magecraft Meister and the Lord of Korun, Jin Nidor. This is the airship he built, the Konlon 3."


    "Ah, look who it is, Marcia. <


    Jin had become quite a celebrity by now.


    "We were lucky, Godunov and the others. It''s a good thing Jin happened to be here."


    "Yes, indeed. Thank you, Mr. Jin!


    Godunov bowed on behalf of the five rescued men.


    "May I thank you as well, Mr. Jin?"


    "No, I did what I could."


    Jin accepted the offer, scratching his head.


    Incidentally, the two Death Sea Serpents that were killed were recovered the next day and used as materials for the town of Potlock, since Jin had waived his rights to them.


    After this time, <> was equipped with a hoist for rescue.

 1670 - - 45-19 Gin No. 1

    Marquis Dominique de Zaus Firenziano is a lady lord of the province of Zaus in the southern part of the Kingdom of Elias.


    She is an intelligent woman with dark blonde hair usually pulled back in an updo and blue eyes slightly slanted.


    She was taught the usefulness of < by Jin and has popularized topopo dishes such as topopo chips, fried topopo, German topopo (directly from Jin), meat topopo, etc. Topopo was originally used as a savior food.


    Since topopo was originally an excellent relief crop, it helped to improve the food situation in the Kingdom of Elias and other countries.


    For this reason, the people called her or simply in her honor.


    The Marquis of Florenziano received Nido in his house.


    "Sir Nido, thank you very much for your kindness. I would also like to thank you for your help yesterday in killing the Death Serpent and rescuing those in distress.


    No, I was just there.


    No matter. Thank you very much.


    The Marquis bowed deeply.


    "And that''s why I''ve invited you here today.


    After some small talk, the Marquis finally got down to business.


    "I would like to ask for your help in the construction of a large ship.


    A large ship?


    Yes. I understand that you once participated in a project to build a large ship called the Bernstein in the Shoro Empire.


    Yes, that''s right.


    "I''m not asking you to stay on as long as you did then. I would like to ask you to participate only in the planning and design stages of the project.


    Jin thought for a moment before replying.


    "Only for a limited period of time, if you are willing to temporarily leave the project in some cases.


    The Marquis Florenziano''s face broke into a smile.


    Yes, that would be fine. Thank you for accepting.


    Thank you very much for accepting my offer.


    In fact, the project to develop a large ship in the Kingdom of Elias had already started.


    Jin agreed to participate in the project and was to return to Potrock on the same day.


    "That''s great, this airship is ......!"


    Jin took the Marquis aboard the and headed for the project site.


    "Good news, gentlemen. We have a strong helper today, albeit on a part-time basis.


    With a bit of mischievousness, Marquis Florenziano announced Jin Nido''s participation.


    "My name is Jin Nido. I''m Jin Nido, and I''ve decided to participate in the development project, although it may be irregular. I look forward to working with you."


    Jin Nido greeted as usual,


    "Who''s Jin Nido?��<


    "Wow!��I''m so impressed!


    "It''s nice to meet you too!


    The mood was one of welcome.


    From what Jin saw, there were many young people. In fact, all of them looked to be under 30 years old.


    Jin guessed that this might be the reason why Rodrigo, who used to participate in the development of the high-speed boat in the Shoro Kingdom, was not invited to the meeting, in addition to the request for the development of the high-speed boat.


    To Jin''s surprise, he saw the faces of Bacchus and Jamie.


    Both had been employees of the Marcia workshop. Marcia had said she was <, but in fact she had participated in this project.


    "Mr. Jin, it''s been a long time!


    "That''s reassuring!"


    They remembered Jin and greeted each other again.


    "Well, then, everyone, I look forward to seeing you again."


    After the Marquis Florenziano left, the project finally began.


    I am , the leader of this project. I will give you a brief introduction.


    After a few words of greeting, Sergio, the leader of the project, seeing that the atmosphere had calmed down, began to explain the current status of the project to Jin and to reassure him of their intentions.


    "It is 50 meters long and 10 meters wide. We are targeting a capacity of 50 people, a payload of 200 tons, and a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour."


    Except for the Horaishima, these are the highest specifications of the era.


    So, how far have you come?


    "Yes. We have already decided on the approximate shape of the boat. This is the model.


    "Oh..."


    A clay model had been made, just as Jin had demonstrated during the development in the Shoro Empire.


    According to the model, there is no problem with the shape as far as Jin could see.


    The ship has a round bottom with a dragon bone through it, which indicates that it is supposed to be made of wood.


    On Earth, as large ships were built, giant trees were cut down and their number was drastically reduced, but in this world where engineering magic exists, we do not need to worry too much because we can use <.


    As long as the supply and afforestation are properly managed, the risk of resource depletion can be avoided.


    "In my opinion, I don''t think there is any problem."


    Hearing Jin''s comment, a voice said, "Oh, I think so.


    < is taken that seriously.


    "The dragon bone also seems to be solid, so it will ensure the strength of the ship''s bottom."


    However, he says that this model does not show the internal structure of the ship,


    "That''s something we''ll have to work on from now on," he replied.


    He replied, "That''s something we''ll have to work on in the future.


    If Mr. Jin could participate in this project, he would be a great help to a hundred, or even a thousand people!


    With these words, the meeting turned to a discussion of the internal structure of the ship.


    "In the large ship we built before, the interior was divided into small sections to increase strength and to stop flooding in each section.


    First, Jin showed one of his previous know-how.


    "I see, then, in the case of a cargo ship, the size of the cargo needs to be determined first.


    "Yes, that''s right.


    Then he says,


    "If you don''t expect a large cargo, you can divide it into smaller pieces."


    "But even so, it would be a lot easier if we had a standard like for containers."


    "We also have to think about the loading of cargo," he said.


    "Heavy cargo should be placed at the bottom of the ship," he said.


    "If you''re going to be sailing for long periods of time, it''s important to store water and food. We need to make space for them first."


    "Shouldn''t we decide on the placement of the propulsion system first, and then decide on the placement of the other parts?


    Various opinions were expressed.


    These opinions were summarized and prioritized.


    The top priority this time was the placement of propulsion units.


    "There are two main propulsion units. We want to place them on the left and right near the bottom of the ship.


    "The one for turning around should be on the port side."


    What about the backward propulsion system?


    Heated discussions were held from the very first day.


    Jin, who loves this kind of atmosphere, sometimes expressed his opinions while imagining the era of large vessels that would soon come.


    But on the other hand.


    (......The fleet that surrounded Horai Island was also 50-meter class, wasn''t it?)


    Jin felt a little sad, imagining that if they spread, not only for peaceful purposes, but also for use as weapons like the <>.

 1671 - - 45-20 gin No. 2

    Jin participates in the of the Kingdom of Elias, and spends the next three days commuting to and from the project.


    He returned to the village of Kaina using a warp gate and spent the night with Erza and the twins, under the pretense of staying at a friend''s workshop in Marcia.


    The time difference between Potrock and the village of Kaina is about 20 minutes, so it is very easy for Jin to get around.


    June 17.


    Jin, Elsa, and the twins are staying at Nido Castle tonight. Anne is there to help with the babysitting.


    "How are you doing with your project?


    Erza asked Jin on the third night after putting Yu and Mio to bed. Elsa had also participated in the development of and was somewhat intrigued by the project.


    "Yes, it''s quite good, they are all very motivated, so it''s progressing very fast.


    The progress of projects in this world is faster than in the modern Japan where Jin was. The magic is there, and the people are, shall we say, a bit impatient.


    This can be a good thing or a bad thing.


    In this case, Jin thought it was a good thing.


    "It''s a 50-meter class ship, so it''s not as bad as the <>."


    "Hmm."


    Elsa took out a bottle of <> from a special cabinet. It is the sake reproduced in Horaijima. Junmai sake, of course. It is more refined than the sake served at Avalon in the past.


    "You will drink some, won''t you?


    "Yes, I would. Thank you.


    Jin took a wooden sake cup from the cupboard. It was sake, so he was in the mood.


    Erza poured him some sake, which he tasted first by sipping it, and then took a sip.


    It''s delicious. You drink too, don''t you, Elsa?


    "Yes, a little."


    Erza is not much of an alcoholic, but she drinks just for company. Jin produced another sake cup, filled it and offered it to Erza.


    "Thank you."


    Erza took it with a smile and took a sip.


    "Delicious."


    The sake was classified as a ginjo sake and suited Erza''s palate.


    "......It''s so quiet."


    "...... hmm."


    The two of them are in the bedroom of Nido Castle.


    The night in the village of Kaina passed quietly.


    * * * *


    On June 18th, the project was interrupted.


    "Are you armed?"


    The man who came first thing in the morning and made such a request was named Gaudino Granata, the Admiral of the Kingsguard Navy.


    Jin thought that he must be a military officer under the direct control of the king, since he was called "Konoe.


    About 60 years old. Gray hair, blue eyes. He was solidly built.


    "Our kingdom of Elias is a maritime nation. We need armed ships to defeat demons. I hope this ship can be used for that purpose.


    I''ve heard it''s a cargo ship.


    That was the original plan. Now we need a fleet of armed vessels to intercept the hordes of Death Serpents coming from the north!


    Gaudino insists.


    "But, Your Majesty, do you know about this?"


    Sergio, the leader of the fleet, asked.


    "I have been told that this project was personally ordered by His Majesty."


    "...... Of course!��You don''t believe me, the General?


    No, it''s not that.


    At this point, Jin decided to interject.


    "Sir, there are many types of armaments. What kind of armament do you have in mind?


    Depending on the type of armament, it may affect the design of the ship. On the other hand, if the armament does not affect the design of the ship, we can proceed with the project as it is now.


    "<>.


    "A ballista?


    Jin could not believe his ears.


    The ballista is a huge crossbow. It shoots out chunks of rock or pointed logs.


    It was one of the lost technologies used in the time of the Great Magic War.


    Being a purely physical weapon, it is powerful, but at the same time it has many drawbacks.


    The recoil is large, and the power depends on the mass of the projectile. These are the two major problems in this case.


    "There are a lot of problems in putting that on a ship.


    Jin countered.


    "Yeah?��You look familiar from ...... somewhere, don''t you?"


    My name is Jin Nido. I have been invited by the Marquis of Florenziano to participate in this development project.


    A foreigner. What can you teach me, Mr. Nido?"


    The snickering attitude made Jin furious, but he kept it to himself for the moment and began to explain calmly.


    The ballista is a huge bow, so to speak. To make it powerful, it needs to shoot out heavy objects.


    "I don''t need you to tell me that, I already know that.


    That''s a good point. A ballista that can shoot a Death Serpent would have to be quite large. That means the recoil will be correspondingly large.


    "And?"


    "Considering the way they attack, I''d like to put a few on the port side, but unfortunately that doesn''t make sense."


    Why not?


    "If we mount large ballistas on the port side, like the ones used on the Death Serpent, they will capsize from the recoil of the shot."


    "......"


    Gaudino was absolutely mortified by this.


    "The only places where the ship would not capsize would be at the bow and stern, but in that case we would only be able to use one of them for the attack."


    "Ummm ......"


    "Please, could you at least reconsider the armament?"


    "......"


    At Jin''s suggestion, Gaudino thought for a moment with a frown,


    "...... got it."


    With a scowl on his face, he accepted Hitoshi''s argument.


    "Let''s not install a ballista."


    The General seemed to understand what Jin had said. But...


    "So, you are okay with magical armaments?"


    He seemed to have not given up on the idea of armament.


    "Yes, well. But against the Death Serpent it would have to be a very powerful magic.


    "You don''t need to tell me. Then, I will be back!


    With these words, Gaudino left.


    "......."


    Jin sighed.


    "Thank you, Jin-san.


    Sergio thanked Jin.


    "If we had to install a ballista, we''d have to redesign it, wouldn''t we?


    "That''s for sure."


    Jin, however, was a little concerned.


    Four hundred years later, the fleet of ships that surrounded Horai Island had a shape similar to the ship he was currently planning.

 1672 - - 45-21 Gin No. 3

    <


    "We absolutely cannot accept any interference in the middle of the development process," Jin insisted.


    Jin insisted that he would never accept any interference in the middle of the development. However,


    "If we are planning to sail for a long period of time, and if we are planning to go to the northern sea area, we will need equipment against demons.


    He also adds, "If you are planning to sail for a long period of time and to go to the northern sea area, you will need equipment against demons.


    The first sea monster that comes to mind is the Death Serpent. It is a ferocious monster that appeared the other day.


    Next is <. It is a huge whale-like creature. It is one of the docile ones, but when it is angered, it is terrifying as it hits you with its huge 20-meter body.


    It is rarely encountered, but it is a <>. They are said to prey on <>, so you can imagine how scary they are.


    "These are the three types of bowsalls you should watch out for. Bowalls can swim at speeds of about 30 kilometers per hour, so it is possible for them to escape, but it is necessary to intercept Death Serpents and Sea Dragons."


    "......"


    Those who listened were speechless. They were amazed at Jin''s knowledge as well as hearing once again the horror of the sea monsters.


    "The best way is to attack them from the air. If we try to make port calls at night as much as possible and sail only during the daytime, we can choose to attack from hot air balloons.


    "I see."


    The danger of sailing is better to be reduced.


    The project members listened to Jin''s explanation.


    "The problem is that we will be attacked from underwater, but this can be avoided with the magic of acoustic sonar.


    "Acoustic sonar?


    Yes. It''s a kind of engineering magic that plays sound in the water. The creatures in the water will not like the sound and will leave.


    "I see."


    Jin explained the know-how of the Death Serpent.


    Everyone agreed and decided to incorporate what they could into the design.


    "But that admiral Gaudino was a bit strange," commented project leader Sergio.


    Sergio, the project leader, said in a low voice, "But that admiral Gaudino was a little bit crazy.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Of course, Jin also thought something was wrong and secretly ordered the old man to find out what was going on, and the result was reported the same night.


    "You''re early."


    Jin received the report at Nido Castle in the village of Kaina, where he was staying due to the time difference. In case you are wondering, Erza and the twins are on Horai Island tonight.


    .


    "Yes, and?"


    "What?


    "Ummm... ?


    "Well, if he''s a ......, what the hell does he want?"


    <<


    After thinking for a moment what to do, Jin decided to ask the old man''s guess, hoping it would be of some help.


    "...... Can I ask you a few questions for reference?"


    "Well, yeah. Well, yes, that is true.


    <


    Jin thought, "I see.


    <3>The third possibility is that they have come to inspect the soundness of the project, that they are not just a group of yes-men.


    "If that''s the case, it''s a bad person."


    <<


    It''s just that the possibility is not zero.


    I hope it''s the third one. ......"


    It is hard to believe that there is any hostile force against the Kingdom of Elias in the world today.


    "It will be a while before the <> is established."


    <


    "I will ask the Marquis of Florenziano tomorrow."


    What is it?


    What?��I have not heard of this.


    First thing in the morning, Jin visited the Marquis at the Lords of Potlock.


    "Besides, it is hard to believe that the Admiral of the Konoe Navy would do such a thing himself.


    "That''s right."


    It is not likely that the head of an organization would personally visit a project and add his/her requests.


    "...... sabotage, is it?"


    Marchese Florenziano pondered.


    "If so, by whom and for what purpose?


    That is the biggest question for Jin as well. He wondered if there were any hostile forces that even the old man did not know about.


    "I will look into it on my own. Then, as for the project, please pretend that you did not hear such a request and proceed."


    "Okay."


    The question remained, but Jin was relieved about the project.


    "I see, that''s a relief.


    After that, Jin explained the Marquis Florenziano''s words to the members of the project team, and they all felt relieved.


    * * * * * * * * *


    While Jin was visiting the Marquis Florenziano, the old man was searching for a suspicious man using the <.


    <>


    The same day, before noon, he finds a suspicious man. He was Regulus 6, aka .


    Yes. But there seems to be something wrong with him.


    <>


    He seems to be out cold.


    <>


    How can I help you?


    The old man thought for about two seconds and then decided on a course of action.


    .


    And the order was carried out.


    The man who called himself <>, bound with ropes and wards, was brought to the old man through the warp gate of the sea-eroded cave.


    <


    <, he was a little surprised. He was under the used by the northerners.


    <>.


    <>......? >>


    The one who can use <> that the old man doesn''t know about is Lardus, the missing <>.


    <


    I searched for Lardus with my magi radar based on the dagger I once took from him, but I could not find him. It is assumed that he is taking some kind of countermeasure.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    That night, Jin received a report at Nido Castle,


    "Hmmm, Lardus......... I can''t believe he just showed up. Mobilize the 5th line of rangers (Quinta) and keep an eye out for the Kingdom of Elias.


    However, nothing unusual happened after that, and the conclusion was that if it was Lardus, it was just a prank.

 1673 - - 45-22 Licia No. 1

    Toka is a neighboring village of Kaina.


    However, it is about 80 kilometers away from the village, so far that it would take two days to reach it on foot.


    Licia, the lord of Toka village, was thinking day and night about what she could do for the development of her village.


    One of them was <> (=pasta), which became popular for a while but did not attract tourists.


    However, <> itself spread around the world, especially in the Kingdom of Klein, as a dish that originated in Toka village.


    "The other thing is the specialties ......."


    Licia was still wondering today at the Lords'' Hall.


    There is not much that can be said to be a product of Toka village. The village was originally located deep in the mountains, so the land was poor and the water supply was poor.


    In a sense, it is a miracle that the village of Kaina has the Herme River, which is fed by the subsoil water from the melting glaciers that hang over the mountains to the north.


    "Then, of course, it must be the water supply," he said.


    With an abundance of water resources, it would be possible to make the village of Toka even richer. Licia concluded.


    "Next... What should we do?


    <, finds time to visit the island of Horai to study.


    "I think it would be best to draw water from the Naud River.


    We thought about building a reservoir, but the rainfall in this region is low. The mountains in the north receive rain and snow, but the plains do not receive much.


    "But it would be a big construction project ......"


    Nevertheless, Licia thought that if this could be done, it would enrich Toka village for years to come.


    "I''ll talk to Jin-san about it...... No, it makes sense to talk to the government first here."


    Licia decided that she would work under the guise that she was a servant of the Kingdom of Klein.


    So, first of all, she entrusted the letter to the wagons of the Raglan Trading Company, which had just arrived at the site, in order to inform the royal capital of her desire to carry out this construction work.


    "Then, please take this.


    "Yes, sir."


    These peddler''s wagons would also take care of the transportation of unclassified letters.


    Of course, the letters are sealed with wax to avoid any mistakes, and a <> is issued, and in case of any mishap, a penalty is paid in accordance with the contract.


    Since the letter was important but not confidential, Licia decided to use the wagon service.


    "We should be in King''s Landing in about a week, so the earliest we can expect a reply is half a month.


    In the meantime, there was much to be done. Licia set about her next task.


    A week later.


    A week later.


    "My lord, you have a visitor."


    "What?"


    Licia was absorbed in putting away her papers when she heard the voice of Fred, the secretary, and came back to herself.


    Licia has a tendency to be a bit of a workaholic, and when the switch is turned on, she can get carried away.


    On this particular day, if she had not been called, she would have been absorbed in the work for another two hours.


    "You have a visitor?"


    "Yes. Mr. Jin Nido.


    Mr. Jin?


    Licia got up from her seat and ran to the front door. Fred rushed after her.


    "Mr. Jin!"


    When they arrived at the front door, Jin and Reiko were standing there, a little out of breath. <


    "Hey, long time no see. I''m sorry it''s been a while since we''ve seen each other, even though we live in the next village.


    "No, it''s the same for both of us."


    Licia had also been busy recently and had not visited Horai Island except for reading materials, and Jin had also been out a lot, so they had crossed paths and it had been a long time since they had met again.


    "So, what''s going on today?


    "Oh, well, this morning I went to the Raglan Trading Company to distribute some magic tools, and it seems that a soldier who was there informed the royal palace about me. When I was about to leave the Raglan Trading Company, I was asked to come to the royal palace with a carriage to pick me up. ....... Well, I had some time on my hands, so I went to the palace to see what was going on."


    "Well."


    He was summoned by Prince Arthur, the second prince.


    In his office, Jin explained that he had been shown a petition from Lycia.


    "Prince Arthur asked me to give him a hundred kilograms of magiquartz crystal.


    Magiquartz is a white to transparent crystal with a weak optical property. It allows light to pass through it well, and its refractive index can be changed by magic power. It is used for Reiko''s eyes.


    Since it can hardly be found on Horai Island, Jin had recently asked the Raglan Trading Company to purchase it for him.


    It is thought that Prince Arthur II, who heard about it, prepared it as a reward.


    "The demand for magiquartz crystals will increase in the future for use in telescopes, spectacles, microscopes, etc. We should secure a sufficient amount of magiquartz crystals while we still can. I would like to secure a sufficient amount of magiquartz crystals for further research while we still can.


    Jin then breaks off the conversation.


    "At ......, I digress. I''ve read your letter, but can you tell me what Licia thinks about it?"


    "Yes, please ask."


    Licia explained to Jin that she wanted to draw irrigation water from the Naud River.


    "...... I see. Did the Naud River have a lot of water?"


    "No, not so much."


    "Hmmm...maybe I should go to ...... and see it in person. Okay, let''s go!"


    "What?"


    Jin invited Licia to join .


    <, but from too far away it would be difficult to distinguish the subtle differences in the elevation of the land.


    "Edgar, keep the altitude at 50 meters above the ground surface.


    "Yes, sir."


    Reiko, I need you to take pictures at key moments.


    Yes, sir. I''ll take care of it.


    While giving such instructions, <> arrived above the Naud River.


    "Well, there is not much water.


    "Yes, it is. ......"


    Licia''s face is clouded.


    "Besides, we can''t get water to Toka village from here, because of the difference in elevation.


    "Ah. ......"


    Licia is even more depressed. Jin can''t stand to see Licia like this and thinks to himself: "Hmmm....


    "Hmmm......... okay. Edgar, try to go a little further upstream.


    "Yes, sir.


    Edgar took the order and pointed <> upstream on the Naud River.


    "Well, ...... there is even less water."


    The headwaters of the Naud River originate in the low mountain range that separates the villages of Kaina and Toka.


    Now we go downstream.


    "Yes, sir."


    now heads downstream. There, he finds the Great Shama Marsh.


    "There is a lot of water there. ......"


    Licia looked at the landscape and sighed.


    "Edgar, please come back. Reiko, did you get the picture?"


    "Yes, Mr. Jin."


    Yes, father.


    Yes, father.


    <


    Jin had the photos taken by Reiko developed for the meeting.


    "Well, Licia, let''s talk about this again."


    Jin had an idea as he looked at the terrain from the sky.

 1674 - - 45-23 Licia No. 2

    "I noticed something when I looked at the topography of the area from the sky.


    He laid out the photographs on the table in his office and began to explain.


    "Something you noticed?"


    "Yes. ...... See, you can see that the Shama Marsh contains a vast amount of water, can''t you?"


    Yes, that''s right.


    Where do you think that water comes from?


    "What ......?"


    Licia looked at the picture Jin had spread out and pointed to a spot.


    "Well, isn''t it, uh, around here?"


    This was where the Naud River flowed into the marshland.


    "I''m not wrong, but that''s not the main part."


    Jin smiled and shook his head.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. I''m going to have to do some research later, but most of the water in the Shama Marsh is subterranean water."


    "You mean the water that flows underground ......?"


    Jin nodded.


    "I think that is correct. So ...... where does this underground water come from?"


    Licia twisted her head.


    "That would be my guess, but I think it comes from the surrounding mountains."


    There are a series of mountains to the east and north of the Great Shama Marsh.


    In the mountains to the east, moist winds from the sea to the east of the former Leonard''s Kingdom form clouds and cause rain to fall.


    The mountains to the north are not the ones just north of Toka village, but the high mountains to the north of Kaina village.


    Those mountains are capped by glaciers, and the mountains just south of them also receive a lot of precipitation. Not all of that water makes it into the Ermee River."


    "Oh, I can sort of see that."


    "Yes. So, there is definitely underground water in the village of Kaina. I''ve checked it out."


    It is this underground water that gives rise to the hot springs.


    "It''s a huge amount of water, so I don''t think it''s surprising that it flows deep underground into the Shama Marsh."


    "...... I''m starting to get the idea."


    Licia''s face brightened a little, perhaps because she was beginning to understand what Jin was trying to say.


    "So you are saying that there is underground water in Toka Village?


    Jin nodded.


    "That''s what I mean. But we can''t say for sure until we check it out, and we don''t know how much water we can take out.


    Too much water will affect the environment, of course.


    "Still, I have a glimmer of hope."


    "Okay, let''s check it out right away."


    Jin said and was about to go outside when he suddenly remembered.


    "Oh, by the way, ......"


    In the world 400 years later, he had made a magical tool for <>.


    "I guess we can also make a grimoire for detecting water veins and hot springs," he said.


    Jin remembers searching for hot springs in Reinhardt''s territory.


    Jin runs outside and heads for , which is parked on the outskirts of the village.


    He then uses the repair materials on board to build a magical tool for "water vein exploration".


    In addition,


    (It might be a good idea to be able to search for hot springs, ores, magicrystals, etc., by using a switchable system.


    ).


    "Ah, um, Mr. Jin?"


    Licia looked doubtful as she chased after Jin, who had jumped into when he thought he had gone outside.


    "Licia-sama, your father is making a magical tool to find the water vein.


    "What?


    Licia was surprised at Reiko''s explanation.


    But she quickly convinces herself that it is Jin''s work.


    "Okay, it''s done!"


    Jin emerges from with a large flashlight-shaped magical tool in his hand. He was quick because he had once (400 years later) made a similar tool.


    "So you can find the water vein with it?"


    "Yes, it does. If you point this at the ground and turn it on, the magi crystal here will glow green if there is a water vein. Then, if you turn on the switch over here, the approximate depth is displayed on this super-small magic screen.


    The depth of the discovered water vein is measured using <. Jin estimated the margin of error to be plus or minus 10 meters.


    "Wow, that''s great."


    "Well, let''s give it a try."


    First, he tried using it at the highest elevation north of Toka village.


    If there is a water source here, it will be easy to supply.


    "Let''s start it up. ...... Oh, there it is."


    "There it is!"


    Both Jin and Licia were delighted because they had not expected to find it in one shot.


    "The depth is ......250 meters. That''s pretty deep.


    Jin thought that it might be one of the deepest water veins, but he decided to give it a try and dig.


    "Reiko, I''ll dig the hole, you apply dissolute to the hole.


    "Yes, sir. I''ll leave it to you.


    "Okay, here we go. ......!


    Dissolve!


    Using Dig and Dissolve with even more skill than they had with Reinhardt, Jin and Reiko were able to dig their way to the water vein in two minutes.


    "It''s here!"


    "What? Already?"


    A hole 20 centimeters in diameter. Licia looked into it.


    "Now let''s see what the groundwater level is around here. ...... hmm?"


    "Kyah!"


    Suddenly, water gushed out of the hole.


    Jin and Reiko were fine, but Licia, who was peering into the hole, was directly hit and soaked to the skin.


    "Ugh, ...... it''s so cold."


    "You''d better change quickly...... or this will be quicker. "


    Engineering magic is basically ineffective on living creatures, so only wet clothes could be dried without affecting Licia herself. If this was , the water contained in it would become hot and could cause burns.


    "Oh, thank God!"


    Licia breathes a sigh of relief as she dries off.


    "Oh, but the water came up, didn''t it?"


    "Yes. It was lucky that the water seemed to be under pressure and gushed out on its own. It saved us the trouble of installing a pump.


    Jin said and hurriedly dug the reservoir.


    "Well, that''s good."


    The reservoir was about the size of a 25-meter swimming pool. It was about two meters deep.


    "Reiko, let''s work in groups to secure the sides of the reservoir.


    Yes, Father.


    The bottom of the reservoir will be left untouched, but the sides will be lightly hardened to prevent it from collapsing.


    "Also, build a fence to prevent children from falling in. ......


    "Oh, we''ll take care of that.


    Licia felt uncomfortable leaving everything in his hands.


    "Okay. Now we just need to make sure the water doesn''t overflow.


    We would have to build an outlet and a sluice gate to manage it.


    "Yes, we will do that too.


    It will take a couple of days for the water to fill up, so we will be ready in the meantime.


    "Thank you very much, Mr. Jin. This will improve the water situation in Toka Village.


    "Yes, good luck."


    When water is abundant, we can grow many kinds of crops. It was thought that rice production would be possible.


    After this year, Toka Village''s food self-sufficiency rate exceeded 100 percent.

 1675 - - 45-24 Gloria No. 1

    Gloria Allstadt is a female knight of the Kingdom of Klein.


    She was a knight of the Kingsguard until last year, when she was assigned to <>, where she will stay for two more years. Of course, I have about 20 vacation days a year to go home. In this case, he is obliged to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding what he learns and the details of .


    The work is to <>. And when the <> is held in <>, you will be in charge of security.


    <


    The dozens of people currently at <> are the <>, and are able to learn many things day and night.


    The first six months......3459 September to 34 The first six months of the program, from September 19459 to April 1960, was a basic education course, in which we studied various subjects in a universal way.


    As a result, depending on their aptitude and their own wishes, the students moved on to specialized courses.


    "Well, today is over.


    At 4:00 p.m., after her 6th period class, Gloria stood on the deck overlooking the sea, her hair blowing in the sea breeze.


    Her hair, which had been very short when she was a Knight of the Kingsguard, had grown long and was now pulled into a ponytail.


    "Ah, Gloria-san."


    "Ah, Lyanna-san."


    The one who approached Gloria was Lyanna, the Royal Secret Maid of the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    Her blonde hair, pulled back in a chignon, glistened in the autumn sunlight.


    "The breeze feels so nice here," she said.


    "It really is."


    Lyanna is 29 this year, three years older than Gloria.


    "Gloria-san, you want to be a member of the World Guard, don''t you?


    Yes, she is. And Lyanna, you wanted to be an instructor, right?


    Yes, well.


    Each of them has a common subject in common, and they attend the same lectures several hours a week.


    Swordsmanship, self-defense, etc. are the same, and they are both in the top ranks.


    These martial arts have been taught by an automata instructor, who has been using "trans-info" to synthesize the different styles of martial arts in different countries.


    The first students are expected to become instructors in the near future.


    On the other hand, there was not much in common between them in terms of classroom education, with Lyanna in the humanities and Gloria in science and engineering.


    "It''s getting dark soon. Why don''t we go inside?


    Gloria nodded her head as Leanna said so.


    "Yes, let''s do that."


    They went down the stairs leading into the ship. They headed for the bathroom.


    Of course, it is not a hot spring, but here on the they can take a bath every day.


    If it is just everyday dirt, you can put it in the special locker, and the engineering magic <> will work, and you will be clean while you bathe, so you don''t even need to change your clothes.


    Freshly washed towels are available for rent, so unless you insist on using your own, you can go to the bathroom empty-handed.


    "The facilities here are wonderful."


    Rhianna says as she undresses.


    "Really. I wonder if this was the norm before the War of Magic.


    Gloria also questioned, while she was also listening to the conversation.


    "No, I don''t think so.


    Rhianna, who has a liberal arts background, also knows a lot about history.


    "I think this is based on an earlier way of life.


    "The origin? ......"


    Gloria, who had only studied history in general, did not seem to have the slightest idea about it.


    After putting all their clothes in the locker, they went to the bathroom.


    Opening the sliding door, they found themselves in a bathroom filled with steam. It is about 100 square meters in size.


    "Oh, you''re the first one here.


    "Oh, the group leader."


    "Oh, no, not the leader of the group."


    The guests were Kate and Lisa, former members of the Royal Secret Maidens of the Kingdom of Egelea. The other Mary was not there.


    "I''m sorry. It''s just a habit."


    Leanna was their boss, the group leader. So they have not been able to get out of the habit of calling her when they call her.


    Lyanna and Gloria washed their bodies and went to the bathtub. The water temperature is 40 degrees Celsius, which is slightly warm.


    Incidentally, there is also a slightly hotter bathtub with a temperature of 43 degrees Celsius. There is no sauna, and Jin is thinking of adding one at some point.


    "It''s so relaxing, isn''t it?"


    "It really relaxes my body, doesn''t it?"


    "I did four laps of the Avalon today, you know."


    Gloria rubbed her calves.


    In the practical training, we sometimes do several laps around the perimeter of in order to build up our strength.


    But every day is fulfilling.


    "Really. I''m glad I was born in such a time.


    Lyanna nodded, her eyes narrowing.


    After warming up, they washed their hair.


    There was of course the secateurs, but there was also a honey rinse.


    Dissolve it in hot water, apply it to your hair, wrap a towel around it, and let it sit for a while to see results.


    Since coming here, the women''s hair has all become shiny and silky.


    "I thought long hair would be troublesome to take care of, but here it''s easy.


    Gloria, who used to have very short hair when she was a knight of the Kingsguard, was surprised at the difference in the quality of her hair after just rinsing it after washing it.


    "Hmmm, yes."


    Lyanna also undid her hair from the chignon and let the rinse in. Her wet blonde hair had deepened in color and shine, giving off a kind of glamorous scent.


    Leanna is looked at with admiration by the young women in her class, but she may or may not be aware of it.


    "Taking care of your hair is important. Kemeria hair oil is very effective, and you must brush your hair every day.


    She coaches Gloria on how to take care of her hair. But.


    "...... I can''t do it myself."


    Gloria had given up early on.


    "But it doesn''t hurt to take care of your sword, does it?"


    "Yes, it''s the same thing.


    "Yes, it''s the same thing."


    "......"


    The two, thoroughly healed, get out of the bath and wipe themselves down.


    <


    "Well, what''s for dinner tonight?"


    "Well, I''m sure the food will be delicious.


    Lyanna and Gloria headed for the dining room, shoulder to shoulder.


    "Well..."


    The cafeteria here is cafeteria style, in other words, self-service.


    You are expected to bring what you like from the menu.


    Basically, you are not allowed to leave anything behind. If you need more, just go get it again.


    Any leftover food is put to good use in the fish tank, so that there is no waste.


    The menu for the day consisted of rice with white rice, pig cutlet, meat topopo, cream stew, miso soup with green onion and tofu, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetable salad. In addition, citron and persica were served as desserts. The menu will be gradually expanded in the future.


    They chose rice, pig cutlet, miso soup with sharoto (leek) and tofu, grilled fish, pickles, and vegetable salad.


    For fruit, Lyanna chose Persica and Gloria Citran.


    "Oh, you two!"


    Good evening, Mr. Fritz.


    "Good evening, Mr. Fritz."


    They go to the dining room and run into Fritz. He had just brought in a tray with dinner.


    "Would you like to join us?"


    "Yes, yes. If you''d like."


    And so the three of us were seated at the same table.

 1676 - - 45-25 Gloria No. 2

    "Master Fritz, you want to join the , don''t you?"


    Lyanna asked over a cup of tea after the meal.


    "Yes, that''s right. You wanted to become an instructor, didn''t you, Miss Lyanna?


    "Yes. ...... well, you remembered me."


    Fritz chuckled.


    "I''m sure you won''t forget that much once you''ve heard it.


    "Still, it''s nice to be remembered."


    "Is that how it is?"


    Fritz said a little curiously as he sipped his green tea.


    "And by the way, are you taking any production courses?"


    Gloria, looking a little impatient, asked a question.


    "Production courses?��No, I''m not like my sister, I''m clumsy. I didn''t take it. I''ve taken one medical course, though."


    "Oh, the first aid course. I took it last year. It''s very useful.


    "I see. If you say so, then I guess it will be useful in the field.


    It will be useful in the field.


    "Yes."


    "...... I''ll leave you to it for now."


    Gloria finished her cup of Kaina tea, picked up her tray, and left the room. Then she said,


    "Oh, it''s late already. I have someplace to go, Lyanna, so I''ll leave you now.


    "I see. I''ll leave you to it.


    Fritz and Lyanna followed her and got up from their seats.


    "Mister Fritz, where are you going?��If you don''t mind me asking, could you tell me where you are going?


    Gloria asked Fritz boldly as she was returning the tray to the return slot.


    "Hmm?��Yes. I was just going to take a look at the archives.


    What are you doing there?


    "Oh, I heard that the next practical is all about the characteristics and usage of swords. I thought I''d take a look at the real thing and study it beforehand.


    Naturally, Gloria was taken aback by this.


    "A sword!��Jin-dono gave us a lecture himself once before!


    Her tone was back to her days as a knight of the Kingsguard.


    Fritz did not miss her words.


    "Oh, you know about this, don''t you Gloria? ...... I haven''t heard the lecture. I was wondering if you could tell me about it.


    "Yes, of course!


    Gloria replies with enthusiasm. Behind her, Lyanna is smiling at the two of them.


    The exhibition room.


    We have arrived at the exhibition room. This room is divided into several rooms, and in one of them, in the room, is the sword you are looking for.


    The sword is displayed in a transparent showcase. There are two forms of the sword, one complete and the other disassembled into the blade, scabbard, tsubasa, and hilt.


    "So this is the sword. I know the shape, but I don''t know the origin, the structure, or the usage. So I thought I''d read the attached material here."


    Fritz explains his motive.


    "I see. Then let me take care of it."


    Gloria is still speaking in a knightly tone, although she doesn''t realize it. Fritz does not seem to mind.


    "The first thing that strikes me is the shape. It''s slender and curved. It is no exaggeration to say that this is a shape that is specialized for <>."


    "Hmm."


    "You know that when you cut something with a knife, it cuts better if you slide the blade with a slight pull or push. This shape allows you to do that naturally.


    "I see, with this shape, it is true that even a mere swing of the blade will result in a pulling motion.


    Fritz nodded.


    "Yes," Fritz nodded. If you keep that in mind when you use it, you should be able to make a good edge line.


    "I guess so."


    "Now, the structure of the blade is not a single piece. The basic rule is to use a hard metal for the blade and a softer metal for the rest of the blade. Generally speaking, it is a three-layer steel, which is a sandwich of hard steel and slightly softer steel."


    Knowing the structure helps with care and handling, Gloria said. Fritz agrees.


    "Mister Jin showed us Miss Reiko''s favorite sword, the <>, which is not made of steel but of adamantite. He said it was not made of steel but of adamantite. It is too heavy for an ordinary person to handle properly.


    Fritz had seen the power of the <> before.


    "Some time ago, I had Jin-dono make me a sword with such a structure,......" he said. Thanks to ...... that, I was able to fight off ."


    "Oh."


    Gloria suddenly realized that she was speaking in the tone of her knightly days.


    "Well, uh, ...... something like that, what do you think?"


    "Yes, that was very helpful. That''s my Gloria. Let me buy you a drink on my next holiday."


    "A holiday?


    Gloria''s cheeks are slightly stained. But Fritz doesn''t notice.


    "Yes. There are a lot of new restaurants in the neighbourhood because of the recent increase in the number of inhabitants. I stumbled upon a place that has a pretty good wine selection. ...... or you don''t drink?"


    No, no, I have a little bit of wine.


    No, no, I have a little bit. Well, that''s fine. The food is good, too.


    Yes, yes.


    Thus, Gloria had an appointment with Fritz for a .


    On the day of the holiday, that day.


    The day of the holiday. 4:00 p.m.


    "Am I a little early?"


    No, no, no, not at all.


    Fritz and Gloria were walking through the living quarters in plain clothes.


    "Let''s hang out for an hour or so."


    "Yes, that would be nice."


    They went to a plot of land that had been set aside as a park.


    It was a green space with a pond.


    Fritz thanked them as they walked.


    "I got a good grade on your lecture the other day," he said.


    "Well, that''s good ......."


    Gloria is a little awkward because they are alone and she is conscious of the fact that they are alone.


    "I think it''s important to have a good edge," she said. It''s the same with swords, but especially with blades."


    But when it comes to the topic of blades, Gloria is very enthusiastic.


    "Exactly!��Personally, I feel that the sharpness of the blade is different if you swing it through the air <>."


    (...... What a colorless conversation!)


    They are not the only ones who have been in the same situation for a long time.


    "But I don''t think it''s a good fit for me. Swords are too delicate. ...... well, maybe Gloria would look good with a sword."


    What?


    No, I''ve seen Gloria''s sword before. It''s flowing and beautiful. I''m not so good with a sword. ......?��What''s wrong?"


    "......"


    Fritz noticed that Gloria had turned red.


    "No, no, it''s nothing. ......


    "No, no, it''s nothing, it''s ." "Really?��You look a little red.


    "Yup, it''s probably the sunset."


    It''s cloudy today, but ......


    Now, now, please take me to the restaurant!


    "Hmm, it''s about that time already."


    Fritz led Gloria to the downtown area of the residence.


    ��Oh, how I envy you!)


    Lyanna also went downtown. Of course, in a different direction.


    That day, their relationship might have made a little progress .......

 1677 - - 45-26 Stella No. 1

    Stearina, a former magical craftsman of the Kingdom of Celuloa, once defected to the Kingdom of Shoro and later joined the alchemist Thore Eschenbach.


    Now, she mainly lives in Eschenbach''s mansion, and occasionally goes to Horai Island to pursue her favorite research.


    Saki, Toa''s only daughter, is now on her own. She had nothing against her father''s marriage.


    How are things going there?


    "Yes. I''m trying out a few things with Saki''s help.


    Toa was now trying to develop a blue dye.


    "The juice of the purple orchid can only be dyed a light color."


    Although the juice of the purple ganoderma lucidum (anthocyanin as a pigment) can be changed into various colors by adjusting its acidity to alkalinity, it is not suitable for dyeing dark colors.


    Saki went around the fields and mountains, collecting various flowers and plants, and brought them back home.


    "The flowers of this plant turn a beautiful blue, but they are not lightfast and fade quickly," she said.


    "Well, is that so?"


    "This is the fruit of a flower called kusagi, which also has poor lightfastness."


    "I see. I wonder if we can use ...... blue stones?��Like lapis."


    Lapis lazuli. It is the raw material for a pigment called ultramarine. Its mineral name is blue gold (lazurite).


    It was called because it was imported from across the sea.


    It is indeed a beautiful blue color, but it is a pigment. It is not suitable for dyeing cloth.


    Pigments are dyes used in paints and pigments, and have the ability to hide the underlying color.


    Dyes are used to dye fabrics and threads and have little hiding power.


    Dyes are soluble in water and other liquids, while pigments are not.


    "It''s a difficult one, isn''t it?"


    Stearina let out a small sigh.


    "Magic dyes are used for expensive fabrics and yarns, but they are generally too expensive."


    There are ten tons of it on Horai Island, but it would be a big problem to sell it on the market.


    "I''m trying to find an inexpensive blue dye.


    "Yes, I understand.


    "Dyes from natural flowers tend to fade easily. I think the fastest way is to improve it.


    "Yes, that is one way to go."


    Stearina then adds her own opinion.


    "And then there''s ...... synthesis, right?"


    Toa nodded.


    "Yes. That''s the essence of an alchemist.


    Alchemy is a primitive form of what we call chemistry today.


    "To create synthetic dyes that are not magic dyes. That is also our goal.


    Then footsteps sounded and Saki appeared.


    "Dad. ...... Oh, Stearena, you''re here too."


    Saki held out the basket in her hand.


    "Dad!��I found these nuts in the village of Kaina, I think they can be dyed blue!


    The basket was full of round, indigo-colored berries.


    "In the village of Kaina, they call them . They are too bitter to eat, but when you crush them, they give off a bluish-purple juice.


    "Wow. It''s worth a try.


    Toa immediately took a mortar and pestle and ground the berries. Indeed, a bluish-purple juice came out.


    When he strained it, it turned into a dark bluish-purple liquid.


    I put it on a small brush and wrote on a piece of wooden paper, and was able to write letters of a very dark color.


    "Well, it looks usable," he said.


    "Now all we need is lightfastness, Dad."


    "Hmm. I''d like to use ......, but if I wanted, I''d have to make it a brighter blue.


    Saki came up with an idea.


    "Why don''t you try acidic or alkaline?"


    "Yes, indeed."


    Toa then took a small amount on a separate plate and diluted it with water. He took a small amount and diluted it with water in another dish, because it does not need to be very thick to see how the color changes with acidity or alkalinity.


    "First, acidity".


    Vinegar, a familiar acid, is added to the water. The bluish-purple colored water turns reddish.


    "Hmm, just like the purple-green orchid.


    Next, he adds baking soda to the light colored water he made in another dish.


    "Oh, this looks good.


    Then, the blue-purple color changed to a bright blue.


    "Baking soda seems to be effective.


    So far the baking soda has been extracted from natural baking soda springs. The main source is in the northern part of the village of Kaina.


    "What about lye?"


    I also tried lye, which is cheaper than baking soda, and this time it turned blue-green.


    "Mm...... this also seems to be the same kind of pigment as purple ganoderma. , you say?"


    Anthocyanins turn green to yellow in strongly alkaline water with pH over 13, so it is not surprising that the colored water with lye turns green.


    "So, can we adjust the color with baking soda and fix it? ......"


    Since a very thick solution can be obtained from icego, it would be practical, but the problem is light and weather resistance.


    The problem is light and weather resistance, because it is not practical if the color fades in a few weeks after being dyed or if the color fades when wet with rain.


    "Hey, is it still wrong to use magic to fix the color?


    Stearina, who had been silently watching the father-daughter experiment, opened her mouth.


    "Magic?"


    "Yes. The engineering magic such as or is a magic that strengthens the bonds between molecules and makes them more resistant to breakage, right?��Isn''t the color fading because the pigment changes into another substance, so to speak?"


    "......"


    Toa and Saki ruminated over Stearina''s words.


    "Hmmm, it is true that the dye molecules break down, which may cause the color to fade."


    At this point, Saki also opened her mouth.


    "But, Mr. Stearina, the engineering magic such as or strengthens the bonding force between molecules, doesn''t it?��It doesn''t make the molecules themselves more difficult to break, does it?"


    "Yes, that''s right. Yes, that''s right. So, we just need to create a new engineering magic. You know, the kind that makes the molecule itself stronger.


    He makes it sound easy, but it is quite difficult for an ordinary magical craftsman to create new magic, let alone a <>.


    However, Stearina is no ordinary magecraftsman.


    "It is enough if the structure of the molecule itself is not changed, isn''t it?��It''s the same principle as ."


    With that she began to think intently.


    "Well,...... it''s the atoms that make the molecule, so if we strengthen the bonding force between the atoms,...... then it might change into a different substance.... ..."


    Toa and Saki decided to keep their mouths shut for a while so as not to disturb Stearina.


    "In short, we can wrap it in free magic element (ether) and immobilize it. ...... immobilize it, huh? Let''s try it. That would ......"


    Stearina seemed to have an idea and tried applying the new engineering magic <> to the salt ...... sodium chloride.


    "What do you think?"


    <


    And the salt that has been <> is now insoluble in water.


    "Success!"


    Stearina was so happy she could hardly contain her excitement.


    "Oh, this can be applied to other dyes!


    The fade-prone dye was now ready for practical use.


    Although it could not be done without magic, they were on the verge of commercializing the dye for the time being.

 1678 - - 45-27 Stella No. 2

    "Long time no see, Vee."


    "Yes, Steere."


    On June 27th, Vivienne comes to visit me at the Eschenbach house.


    They have a friendly conversation in the living room, not in the parlor, as they are close friends. Stearina welcomed Vivien with a kooch.


    "How is Vee doing now?"


    Vivian had not been visiting Horai Island much recently.


    So Stearina asked what her friend was up to.


    "I just finished compiling an old tale from the nomadic tribes in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Cerroa.


    "Wow, that''s great.


    Did you do it all by yourself? No, I did it with that man, Lukor.


    "Lukor is ...... that old man?"


    "Grandpa ...... well, he''s not wrong. He''s older than he looks."


    That being said, Lukor will be 64 years old this year. In the world of Ars, that''s old age.


    "Hmm, I didn''t think Vee liked old men."


    "Oh, come on."


    "I''m kidding."


    Laughter echoes through the house of Eschenbach.


    Then Saki appears. In her hand she is holding a bag of ...... college potatoes.


    "Welcome, Vivien!


    "Saki, I''m sorry to disturb you."


    Saki put the thing in her hand on the table.


    I made it, what do you think?


    "You made it, Saki?"


    "Yes, I did. Saki said she''s been trying to learn how to cook lately, so she started with something simple.


    "For ...... goose?"


    Vivienne looks into Saki''s face with a mischievous smile,


    "What?��I''m not sure if that''s ...... right or not."


    Saki blushes a little.


    "Vee, don''t tease me too much."


    Stearina chided Vivienne.


    "Well then, since we''re here, let''s eat.


    Vivienne stuck her fork into the thing that Saki had made.


    "Oh, let''s make green tea.


    Stearina got up from her seat and was about to go to the kitchen,


    "Madam, I brought the tea for you.


    Aaru came in carrying a tray with a teacup, a teapot, and a pot.


    "Oh, thank you.


    So Saki, Stearina, and Vivian ate the food that Saki had prepared.


    "Yes, it''s delicious.


    "It''s really, really good."


    It was a hit with Stearina and Vivienne.


    "It''s not even a simple dish..." "It''s not that simple..."


    "It''s not that simple. It''s not that. It''s just that it''s so hot all the way through that it makes the meat really chewy.


    "Well, I''ve made a mistake a couple of times and the inside was raw.


    Saki was a little embarrassed and told a story she didn''t have to tell.


    "And the honey on it is delicious. It''s sugar, right?"


    Saki nodded.


    "Yes, this time I made the nectar from white sugar instead of maple syrup.


    White sugar or granulated sugar is dissolved in a small amount of water, then heated and boiled down to make nectar.


    Be careful not to boil it down too much or it will caramelize.


    When frying potatoes in oil, fry them slowly at a low temperature (about 160 degrees Celsius), and when a bamboo skewer easily sticks to them, fry them at a high temperature (about 180 degrees Celsius) until they are crispy and delicious. When the potatoes can be easily pierced with a bamboo skewer, fry them at a high temperature (about 180 degrees Celsius) until crispy.


    If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds (white or black) on them to give them a savory flavor.


    "It''s delicious. It goes well with tea.


    "Yes, it is."


    I''m glad it''s so well received.


    Then.


    "......?"


    Stearina clamped her mouth shut and abruptly got up from her seat. Then she ran out of the room.


    "Stear, what''s wrong?


    Vivian followed her. Saki was stunned and dumbfounded, but soon came to her senses,


    "Aal, could you call Elsa just in case?"


    He said and hurried after her.


    "...... is ......"


    "Are you okay, mother-in-law?"


    Saki asked worriedly as she ran to the blue-faced Stearina.


    "Yes, I''m fine. I''m sorry for worrying you."


    "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!��I''m sorry for worrying you. ...... Is it something wrong with my cooking?��Was it the oil?��Or ......?"


    Then,


    "Saki-sama, Erza-sama and Jin-sama are here!"


    Aaru''s voice echoed.


    "Saki, what''s going on?"


    "Oh, Erza!��Please, please, check on your mother-in-law!��I''m so worried that she got sick from eating my p*n*s ......!"


    "Okay, okay. Saki, calm down for now."


    After quieting Saki, Erza went over to Stearina, who was slumped on the sofa.


    "Stearina-san, are you okay?"


    Stearina replied with a blue face.


    "Yes Elsa, I think I''m fine ......".


    "Anyway, I will examine you. <>...... this, this is ......"


    "Oh my God, Elsa, what the hell is going on?


    "So calm down, Saki. Stearina is not sick. Congratulations.


    "I don''t know how you can say that and still be calm!��...... What?��What did you say?��"Congratulations?"


    "Hmm. Congratulations,......, sister."


    Erza patted Saki''s shoulder gently.


    "Two months."


    "Uh ...... that means ........."


    Jin then pulled Toa out of the lab.


    "Congratulations, Toa!"


    "What ......!��You!


    "You. You look like ......!


    "Oh, yeah, yeah!"


    The two of them hold each other''s hands and say, "Congratulations.


    "Congratulations!"


    Congratulations" were given by everyone present as they held hands in joy.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Leaving Toa and Stearina alone, Jin, Erza, Saki, and Vivian returned to the living room.


    "Oh, college sweet potato ...... thing?"


    I made them myself. I was so surprised that your mother-in-law got a stomach ache because she didn''t ...... make it.


    "Mother-in-law?��Saki, did you say mother-in-law?


    "Oh, ......!"


    Saki blushed when she realized that she had been calling Stearina her mother-in-law for a while when Jin pointed it out.


    "That''s good. It''s okay. I could have called her that naturally.


    "Is that so?"


    Saki looked down a little embarrassed, and Erza followed her up.


    "Saki, you said you couldn''t call me that even if you wanted to before, didn''t you?


    "I remember that." "Ummm... I remember that.


    "Well, then, it''s a happy ending. If it were a story, it would have a happy ending.


    Vivian said and smiled.


    It was early summer. Happiness is in the air at the Eschenbach house.

 1679 - - 45-28 Ernest and Leeshen No. 2

    The island of Kunlun is located in the sea east of the Loren continent.


    It is the domain of the Kun Lun lord Jin Nido and is open to the public as a resort.


    "It''s so relaxing here."


    "So ...... is it, Ness ...... you?"


    Newlyweds Prince Ernest and Princess Rieschen are on their honeymoon in the Kunlun Islands.


    Today is June 3rd. It has been more than half a month since their wedding reception, but since they are royalty, they had to go through various ceremonies and formalities.


    We are staying at the Jade Pavilion. Lol, a blue-haired automaton of the same lot as Anne, is the general manager.


    Lol is the sister of Tia, Rieschen''s favorite blue-haired automaton.


    Tia is accompanying her on this trip and seems to be talking with Lol from time to time.


    Also with them was Lotte, Ernesto''s golem attendant, who could be seen enjoying herself with the golem maids of the Jade Pavilion.


    The room they are staying in is on the second floor, with a view of the ocean from the window.


    Because of the season, there were few guests, and the two were relaxing.


    On the morning of the 4th, Jin came to visit them. He was accompanied only by Reiko. The reason was that he could not bring the twins with him because he wanted to greet their highnesses.


    "Your Highnesses, how do you like this island?"


    "Oh, Jin!��This is a nice place ......!


    Princess Rieschen is trying to fix her old man''s tone.


    Apparently, her brother Prince Arthur told her so when she married Ernest.


    I don''t doubt that Ernesto doesn''t mind, but I also think that it might be a bad idea for her to go out in social situations.


    (That part is a pain in the ass. ......)


    It was Jin who gave me his honest impression.


    "Hey Jin, I heard that you can ride on a boat?"


    Ernest asked Jin with a curious look on his face.


    "Oh, a cruise ship. We''re thinking of putting one in operation as a trial.


    The boat is not actually in operation yet.


    "Would you like to try ......?"


    "Yes, I''d love to!��You''ll ride it too, right, Reese?


    "Yes, yes, Nest. ...... you."


    "Yes."


    Jin, thinking somewhat calculatingly that having Ernest and Rieschen as the first passengers would be a good topic of conversation, instructed Reiko to prepare the boat for the cruise.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh!��This is amazing ...... isn''t it?"


    "Hmmm, Jin can make anything, can''t he?


    The prepared cruise ship was a wooden <> based ship, 10 meters long and 4 meters wide. The crew consists of a pilot and two golems who serve as guides. The maximum number of passengers is 10.


    The maximum speed is 50 kilometers per hour, although the performance is lower than that of the Shark.


    It does not have a warp gate, but is equipped with a small force field generator for emergency use.


    Here you go.


    At 1:00 p.m., a cruise ship was ready at the landing in front of the Jade Pavilion.


    This time, Jin boards the boat as . Of course, Reiko is with him.


    The boat slowly starts to leave.


    "Wow, this feels great!


    The weather has been clear, the wind is light, and there is only a big swell on the surface of the sea. It was a perfect day for a cruise.


    "This is really nice. ......


    The speed is about 40 kilometers per hour. The breeze across the early summer sea is pleasant.


    "The horizon is round, isn''t it ......?


    The planet Arus has a diameter of about 2,400 kilometers, which is quite small, so the horizon appears to be an arc.


    "When I look at it this way, I think the world is really round. ...... Well, Jin, have you ever been around the world in a circle?"


    "Yes, Your Highness. <.


    "Heh,...... you are a djinn after all."


    Prince Ernest is impressed.


    The cruise boat rounds the island of Kunlun.


    "This side of the island is also covered with trees ......, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it must be the right climate."


    Jin answers the questions of Princess Rieschen.


    (We need a golem or automata that can guide us in this way.


    The cruise boat rounded the Kunlun Island and came to the opposite side of the starting point.


    "Your Highness, would you like something to drink?


    The small refrigerator is equipped with a small refrigerator, where cold drinks can be taken.


    "Oh, I''ll have some Citran juice, then. What about Rhys?"


    "Uh, in that case, I''ll have the same thing.


    I''ll have the same.


    Jin poured the juice into a glass provided and handed it to her.


    "Mmm, it''s cold and delicious!"


    "Really."


    The sun was shining brightly on the unobstructed ocean. Actually, we have wards over the ship to block only the harmful ultraviolet rays, but not the heat rays, so it''s hot.


    (Maybe we should lightly air-condition the inside of the ship.)


    (It might be better to lightly air-condition the inside of the ship.) We did not air-condition the inside of the ship this time because we thought it would be better not to feel the sea breeze.


    (I am sorry, Your Highness, but it would be a good reference as a test case. ......)


    ) He was thinking about it.


    The circumference of the Kunlun Island is about 80 kilometers. Therefore, it takes about two hours at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour. The boat is now about three-quarters of the way around.


    "Father, Bowall is here."


    Reiko, who has good eyesight, spots a monster in the distance.


    Bowalls are huge whale-like creatures that live in the northern seas, but rarely migrate south.


    The largest is 20 meters long, and the average length is 10 meters. They are gentle demons, but they have a habit of striking large floating objects as if they were enemies. This is what got Marcia lost once.


    "There he is. ...... Oh, there he is. ......"


    <, seems to have found Bowall as well.


    "They are quite a distance away, so I think we should be fine if we continue on our way.


    "Yes, I think so. But full speed just in case!


    The speed of the cruise boat increases from 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. It is no longer a cruising speed, but it is to avoid danger.


    ��Reiko, call the old man just in case.)


    Jin whispered to Reiko.


    ��Yes. But the old man already knows.)


    ��I see.)


    The Old Man already knew that Bowall was in the vicinity of Jin''s location because he had a satellite for observation, and he had dispatched an aircraft unit just in case.


    Of course, Ernest and Rieschen are unaware of this because of their <>.


    Despite these measures, Bowall remained docile, and the cruise ship returned safely around the Kunlun Island.


    "Ah, that was fun!��Jin, thank you for today!"


    "It was a lot of fun. ...... Thank you very much.


    "Welcome home."


    Their escorts, Tia and Lotte, had also come to the landing to greet them.


    Lotte, I''m home.


    "Tia, thank you for welcoming us at ......."


    Their smiling faces were beaming with satisfaction.


    And this was the beginning of the full-scale operation of the sightseeing boat service.

 1680 - - 45-29 Psaki No. 3

    On June 20, the Shoro Empire was hosting the 12th Technical Exposition.


    This is a four-day event that begins on the day of the summer solstice (usually June 20).


    Until 3459, the exposition had been held every other year, but from this year, it was held every year. This year''s event will be held in the town of Trom, not far from the capital.


    It is located northwest of the capital, Leusert, and faces Lake Tosmo.


    Saki, an alchemist, was putting up a display of her wares.


    The items for sale were <(MPE) and (EMPE). .


    "Come on, take a look!��These are the best materials for cushioning!"


    This is Saki''s second time participating in this event, so she is getting used to it.


    "Wow, that''s an interesting material."


    Magi engineers are more interested in this material than alchemists.


    "It would be good for seats of carriages, ships, hot-air balloons, and other vehicles, as it is lightweight.


    Saki points to a sample made by Jin.


    It is a sample of a chair seat that has been placed under the leather and cut in half with a <>.


    I see, indeed. ...... but this sample is interesting. The structure is easy to understand and novel."


    "Yes, I asked for the cooperation of the Magecraft Meister, a magical engineer."


    "Oh, yes!��That makes sense. If ...... is the case, it means that <> is also paying attention to this material.


    The name value of <> is huge, and Saki''s booth is packed as word of mouth spreads and reputation grows.


    Saki and Aaru are doing their best to give explanations, but it is all they can do to answer the questions being thrown at them from all sides.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......Ugh......I''m tired......"


    The first half of the first day was barely over, but Saki was exhausted.


    "Hey, hey Saki, what''s going on?��Do you want some Persica juice?"


    Jin looked into the waiting room and called out to Saki, offering her a glass of Persica juice.


    "Oh ...... Jin, I thought you weren''t going to participate this year?"


    Saki asked as she sipped the Persica juice she had received.


    She knew that Jin was currently participating in the in the Kingdom of Elias and could not attend such an event publicly.


    "No, I''m not going to participate directly, but I''m still concerned about various things.


    On the other hand, Jin cannot use his "doppelganger" either. It would mean that there would be two Jin.


    "...... and you''ve been tired since day one, haven''t you?"


    "Yeah,...... actually,......."


    Saki explained that the show was more successful than she had expected.


    "I see, you''re a scream of joy, aren''t you?"


    "Yes, but ...... I won''t be able to keep myself up for another two and a half days."


    "I know. Okay, hold on a second. ......Reiko, call the old man and tell him to send two of the <> golems over here.


    "Yes, Father."


    Thirty seconds later, craftsmen 151 and 152 appeared in the waiting room.


    "Saki, you can borrow these two during the exposition. They will be of great help to you if you transfer the necessary knowledge from now on.


    "That''s not a big help, Jin!��Thank you!"


    Saki seems to be a little more energetic now that she''s had some Persica juice and her helpers have arrived.


    Saki seems to be a little more energetic now that she''s had Persica juice and helpers.


    "Is it easy to process?


    How about durability?


    What about the high price, which makes it impossible to use even the best materials?


    Many people visited and asked many questions in the afternoon, but with two <> golems, Saki''s workload was less than one-third of what it had been in the morning.


    After all, the <> Golems can hear questions from more than five people and answer them in order later. They were so capable that Jin would have said, "What kind of Prince Shotoku is this?


    "Thank you for your help, Craftsman Smith151, Craftsman Smith152.


    "No, I''m glad I could be of help."


    And so Saki managed to finish the first day.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The second and subsequent days were filled with visitors, but thanks to Smith, Saki''s workload was small.


    Thanks to the craftsman (Smith), Saki''s workload was small.


    "How do I get it to foam?"


    "Well, I can''t disclose that at this time."


    What are the ingredients?


    A special liquid. I can''t disclose that either.


    Is the Maggi Polyethylene process also available at ......?


    No, we have a special plant for that. No, we have a special plant for that, but it is too big to bring here.


    There was some back and forth, but the event was generally well attended.


    "Saki, you have done a very good job.


    "Ah, Mr. Degas."


    The Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, Mr. Degaus, also came to the conference and praised Saki''s presentation.


    But...


    "You will not participate this year, Mr. Toa?


    Saki nodded regretfully.


    "Yes. My ...... father is traveling around now, saying that he has something he really wants to do."


    "Well, that''s just like Toa."


    Degauze smiled and walked away.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Saki sighed with relief in the waiting room as the third day went off without a hitch.


    The fourth and final day of the competition was the review and awards, so Saki''s work was now done. Whether or not she would receive an award was not so important to her.


    "Ahhhh, it''s over!


    "Good job, Saki!"


    Then came Goose.


    "Here''s something for you. It''s the special Persian juice from Horai Island."


    "Thank you for the ......, Goose."


    Saki, who had been exhausted, felt a little better after drinking the cold juice.


    "Did Goose come today?"


    "No, he was here yesterday afternoon. I saw Saki''s booth and it was crowded with people, so I decided not to come.


    Goose laughed, "I know what you do," he said.


    "So I tried to come here yesterday after the meeting was closed, but I was told that only authorized personnel were allowed to enter.


    "Oh, I didn''t know that. I almost thought you were a heartless man.


    Saki laughed jokingly.


    "Ha, sorry about that. I told him I was done for the day and that I would help him clean up, and he let me through.


    "So that''s how it is. That''s no wonder.


    So where''s all the stuff?


    "Gin loaned me a craftsman151, craftsman152 and he''s already done it.


    "Well, shall we go get something good to eat?"


    "Okay, great. Goose bought it, didn''t he?


    Saki took Goose''s arm and stood up.


    "I''m sure Saki has more money than you. ...... Well, never mind. I''m going to launch a little early.


    "I''ll treat you to dinner."


    And the two of them walked into the town of Trom in the gathering dusk.

 1681 - - 45-30 Silent Story 77 Lardus No. 1

    < clans.


    "Why must I cling to this northern land?


    With these words, he left the northern lands and crossed over to the continent of Loren, the home of the humans with whom he had once been in conflict.


    His low concentration of free magical element (ether) meant that he had to adjust his body little by little, but the speed at which he walked helped him to adjust moderately.


    He was able to move around the area of the country called the Kingdom of Klein without any problems, probably due to his original qualities.


    "Humans are fragile, aren''t they?"


    Lardus is blown away by a light blow and falls into a coma. He scoffed at the thought of such a human being posing a threat.


    In addition to fear, with their unique, albeit inexperienced, , the demons could easily take control of a single remote village.


    "...... I see, so this is how humans think."


    He soon gets tired of just rampaging and easily abandons the frontier village.


    He decided to go to a small town nearby and learn a little about the human way of thinking.


    "I didn''t know there was such a thing as a golem.


    "Did the Aether Stampede reduce the number of golems among humans?


    "Is the kingdom of Dinar now divided into smaller countries?


    The more I grasped the current situation, the more I began to think that humans were not to be feared.


    "What would be interesting to do?"


    Lardus has no direct hatred for humanity. <.


    But he is annoyed that they live and prosper in a land of abundance and pleasant climate.


    "You''ll have to be my plaything."


    That was his conclusion.


    * * * *


    In Laxham, there is a villa of Count Walter, a nobleman of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "You are a learned man. You are skilled. All right, I''ll treat you as my guest."


    "Thank you, sir."


    Lardus had succeeded in winning over Count Walter.


    ��This was a solid foundation.)


    Although an outlaw, Lardus is quite clever ...... and wily.


    Ostensibly, he plays the role of a clever little villain trying to win Count Walter''s favor, but behind the scenes, he plays with and toys with mankind. Such is the position Lardus has taken.


    "We can raise the rural tax rate a little more. We had a good harvest this year.


    "Let''s collect taxes equally from those who live in the towns," he said.


    "Let''s put a luxury tax on alcohol and some foodstuffs.


    By imposing the tax, he would slowly make the inhabitants suffer and increase his income to gain the favor of the Count.


    Lardus'' plan had worked.


    Yes, until that moment.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "There is a skilled magecraftsman in a remote village called Kaina," came the news from the royal capital.


    This was the news from the capital.


    "Oh, a magecraftsman?"


    Lardus wanted to get rid of the magecraftsman, who had apparently defeated a powerful golem and repaired it to make it his ally.


    "It''s not good if he''s plotting treason. First, why don''t we forcefully take him in and make him do what we want him to do?


    "Yes, let''s do that."


    But that plan has completely failed.


    The Magi craftsman had played a trick on the Count''s men and disappeared into the mountains to the north.


    For this blunder, Count Walter was reprimanded by the king, and Lardus was also a bit affected.


    The king rebuked him because of you!


    I am ashamed of myself!"


    As he bowed his head reluctantly, Lardus thought that it was time for the Count to be of no more use to him.


    Lardus thought that the Count was no longer of any use to him.


    Then one day.


    A familiar face came to visit.


    "Hey, there you are, Lardus.


    It''s been a while.


    Bemi Aluche!��Bemiaroushe! Dogmaraud!


    They were childhood friends.


    Bemiarouche was of the clan and Dogmaloud of the clan, and the three used to misbehave together.


    To tell the truth, Lardus had a crush on Bemiarouche, but for some reason she preferred Dogmaraud, and Lardus had somehow grown distant from the two.


    "You''re looking good," she said.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Hmm, actually. ......"


    Lardus explained to them what had happened.


    "That''s just like you, Lardus. But some of the current chiefs want to make peace, don''t they?"


    "What?"


    Bemiaroushe''s words were not lost on Lardus.


    "It is rumored that the clans around Morura will soon be sending their daughters as envoys.


    "Well, that can''t be going well."


    Lardus was in no mood to believe in the good intentions of humans as far as Count Walter was concerned.


    "You''ve always been like that," he said.


    "You''ve always been like that..." "Why don''t you go easy on me?


    "Mind your own business. I''ll do what I want.


    "Okay."


    After a short conversation, Bemiarouche and Dogmaraud said they were uncomfortable here because the free ether was too low, and they took a transfer back north.


    "So you''ve made peace with the humans. What a nonsense."


    A few days later, Lardus broke the seal on a vial containing the virus of .


    "I''m going to find out if this stuff really works."


    It had been given to him by a mysterious man he had met when he was a boy in a strange old facility while exploring the northern part of the old demon territory with Bemiarouche and Dogmaloud.


    is a disease that is mild when there is a lot of magic, and severe when there is little. Therefore, it is not a threat to the demon tribe.


    However, Lardus did not want to seal the area near the clan''s territory, but he decided to try it here.


    The first time, he decided to try it out here.


    However, a miscalculation occurred.


    Someone had suspected that Lardus was the cause of the onset of <>.


    "<>!


    ��What the hell is this automata!��Is it a monster?)


    The overloaded Eladrite shattered in front of the automata, which did not succumb to the gravity magic that was its forte, and withstood the overlay with the Eladrite.


    "Bah, you idiot!"


    Lardus, now in the position of being pursued, was cornered by the frail human-made automaton, and was finally knocked unconscious by its body slamming into him.

 1682 - - 45-31 Silent Story 78 Lardus No. 2

    "Ugh ...... where am I?"


    Lardus woke up. His body ached all over, and it was hard to breathe.


    "Well, ...... I''m ........."


    I remember the part where I was hit by that monstrous automaton.


    "...... you lost."


    Then a voice called out to me.


    "Oh, Lardus, you noticed."


    I turned my aching neck to see that it was Bemi Arusha.


    It was Dogmaloud who brought you here after the automaton had killed you. You should be a little grateful."


    "...... Oh, thank you. So where are we?


    "In the northern part of the Laurentian continent. ...... Well, ruins."


    Ruins?


    Yeah, that''s right.


    Then Dogmaraud came out.


    "I don''t know, but there was a people who died out there."


    "Hmm..."


    "This place has a high concentration of free ether, isn''t it comfortable?"


    Well, yes.


    There''s still a light ward in place. We''re still lightly warded. No one will be able to detect our magic here. Well, we''re pretty far away from the place, so even that automaton won''t be able to follow us.


    "...... I see."


    "I''ve been beaten up pretty bad. But neither I nor Bemiarouche can use healing magic. You''ll have a good rest."


    Well, I thank you.


    Thus, Lardus, wounded all over, went to the ruins in the northern part of the Laurentian continent to heal his body.


    The next day.


    "I''m going to take care of him. Bemiarouche and I can''t stay with you until your wounds are healed.


    "What?"


    Dogmaraud brought a woman. She was a skinny girl, fourteen or five years old. Her dark brown hair is shaggy and she wears worn-out clothes. Her brown eyes were lifeless and clearly under a slavery spell.


    "I kidnapped her from a village about 200 kilometers away. I''ve put <> on them so they can''t resist me. And we''ve taken plenty of food and water, so don''t worry."


    Hey, wait!


    Hm?��Yeah, we didn''t find any good medicine, so give it up.


    That''s not what I meant.


    What, you still want something?


    No, I don''t, but ...... you want to leave me alone with him?


    "No?��Would you rather have another slave?


    "No, not exactly, but ......


    "Then be patient. I''ll see you later.


    Hey!


    Dogumaraud has shifted and vanished from the scene. All that remains is Lardus and the enchanted girl.


    "May I bring you your food?


    the girl asked in a flat voice characteristic of those under the influence of the spell of servitude.


    "Oh, yes, if you have it, bring it.


    "Yes."


    The girl left the room and returned shortly after with a tray of porridge and water. This is what Lardus has been eating every day for some time now.


    "Oh, okay. Leave it there. You can leave now."


    "Yes."


    He manages to move his right arm, so eating is not a problem. He also managed to use <>......<> to reduce his weight by a factor of 10, so that he was able to use the toilet by himself.


    The next day.


    The girl who brought the food wobbles and almost takes down the tray.


    "Oops!"


    She managed to prevent it from falling, but the cup fell over and water spilled out.


    "I''m sorry. I''ll get it back."


    The girl bows her head, takes only the cup, and leaves the room. Her steps were clearly strange.


    "Wait."


    "Yes."


    Lardus orders the girl to stop.


    "What''s wrong with you?"


    "......"


    The reply is silence. She cannot answer an ambiguous question.


    At that moment, Lardus finally realized.


    "You haven''t eaten, drank water, or slept, have you?


    "No, sir, I haven''t been instructed."


    "Oh my God. ......"


    Depending on the way the slavery spell is cast, the subject may suffer from a severe lack of judgment and autonomy. Dogmaraud, who would have cast a spell of servitude on her, apparently did not care much about that.


    Lardus lets out a sigh,


    "...... order. After I fetch you some water, you will get what you need to eat and sleep."


    "Yes, sir."


    The girl came back with water with unsteady steps and then left the room again. This time she did not come back. She must have eaten and rested.


    "......I''m going to clean up the mess? ......"


    Again, Lardus managed to clean up the mess by using to reduce his weight and the weight of the dishes to one-tenth.


    * * * * * *


    And one month has passed. The date is June 17.


    At last Lardus'' wounds have healed.


    "Ah, I finally managed to get myself moving again. d*mn you automaton!


    Lardus swears and leaves his old hiding place .......


    He noticed a girl standing there.


    "Thanks for everything," she said.


    With these words, Lardus left the room.


    "Ah, it''s been a while since I''ve been outside.


    The sunlight and the wind made him feel refreshed.


    "Well, what are we going to do now?"


    Lardus took a few steps and suddenly thought about the girl.


    (She won''t get her will back unless we release her ......<>. In other words, he can''t live alone.)


    After thinking that,


    "What''s the matter with one or two humans?


    Lardus said aloud, but he could not move his legs forward.


    (......I guess I''ve grown attached to him while I''ve been taking care of him...)


    Lardus stood still for a while, but then turned around.


    "......It''s just like a pet, a pet."


    Lardus returned to his hiding place, making excuses to no one.


    The girl is standing exactly as she was when he left.


    "Hey."


    "Yes, ma''am."


    You come with me.


    "Yes, sir."


    With the girl still under the spell of servitude, Lardus disappeared into the distance.

 1683 - - 45-32 Quiet 79 Markitas

    December 3, 3458.


    Date, a village at the eastern end of the region called Newer.


    It is a village overlooking the Dat�� River and is inhabited by about 20 people of the so-called <>.


    Jin and his team had previously traveled north to Naminthe, the town where <> was born, but they had stopped their search there, so they did not know about the settlement of Dathe, where barely a few people remained.


    Also, even the magic brain of Horai Island, <>, knew that there were still people living around there, but he did not dispatch <> to the area, but only observed from the sky.


    This was also because of the apparent rejection of the people of Battaghtaluf when Jin and his group had visited there before. We decided to leave it alone.


    In the village of Datte, the sound of a baby crying echoed.


    "Oh, a baby has been born!


    "There is a baby in this village, too. ......


    "This means that the house of Markitas will be able to survive for one more generation.


    Dathe village, like the others, was a marginal settlement, and if things continued as they were, there was no doubt that it would disappear within a few decades.


    "Oh, my baby is healthy!


    Galvani, the head of the Malchitas family, looked at the new life with narrowed eyes.


    * * * * * *


    "Who is this Master Lardus after all?"


    Galvani muttered to himself as he stared at the baby in his daughter''s arms.


    "......"


    But his daughter, holding the baby in her arms, gives no answer.


    It was sad to see his daughter as a doll, but his grandson was cute.


    And although she is such a daughter, she takes good care of the child, so there is no problem for now.


    If there is a problem, it is the slow growth of the children.


    But Lardus, who visits about once a year, seems to take it for granted.


    And when the child named <> turned ten years old, Lardus performed some kind of magic. As a result, Golbert''s mother, who looked like a doll, came to her senses.


    However, even at ten years old, Golbert looked at most three or four years old. When Galvani mentioned this to her, she said,


    No, it''s okay. I''m sure he will be more than we can imagine. I have a feeling."


    "Why do you think that?"


    "It''s a mother''s intuition."


    Galvani sighed.


    In such an environment, the baby grows up fast. .......


    But...


    In the year 3459, a natural cataclysm occurred, causing space to vibrate. But almost none of the inhabitants of Ars notice.


    Then, on April 1.


    A hole in the space around Mount Funisys, in the northern part of the Hariri Desert, opens up.


    It was only a few millionths of a microsecond in time, but during that time, this world was indeed connected to the other world.


    There was a spirit life form.


    For them, even a millionth of a microsecond is only a few minutes.


    This is because there is nothing to <>, nothing to <>.


    A world where nothing changes, it is as if time has stood still.


    One of the mental organisms, weary of such a situation, looked into the world of Ars through a hole.


    To be more precise, it stuck a part of itself into Ars and tried to see what was going on.


    (This is a great ......!)


    The world of Ars was a flood of information.


    Compared to their dead world, the world of Ars is a treasure chest full of life and ever-changing matter.


    Unlike their world, where there was nothing to compare and the flow of time was vague, there was a clear flow of .


    And this had an unexpected result for .


    The mental life form, which should have transcended the concept of time, came under the influence of Ars'' time.


    In a time shorter than a moment, even <> could not retrieve the protruding part, and the two worlds broke contact forever.


    (......! *@@;+~����("''}" = {......)


    A part of the spiritual life form was detached and drifted to the world of Ars.


    He realizes that he will not be able to exist for long if he stays in Ars, the material world, because he has more intelligence than an ordinary human being, even if he is only a part of it.


    (......$?��We can''t stay like this! (Translated* + not good ......)


    Some of the spirit life forms drifted around the world of Ars and managed to find a place to stay.


    And .......


    (Oh @ here is +; cozy. (Is this a juvenile organism from ......?)


    A part of the spirit life form decided to inhabit a baby it happened to find.


    The baby was covered with a much thicker free-magic element (ether) and sub-free-magic element (ether) than the other life forms around it.


    (We have to stay here for a while and wait for an opportunity.)


    Mental life forms are basically immortal. It was supposed to be so, even if it is only a part of them.


    But .


    (...... absorbed?)


    A baby becomes a toddler...... after four years in the world of Ars, some of the spirit life forms found themselves becoming less and less present.


    (Hmmm, this larval body is absorbing the I. ...... interesting)


    Since the idea of life and death had been transcended, the part of the spirit life form was not surprised and panicked.


    Rather, I feel joy in knowing that I will not have to spend eternity.


    (I don''t think my knowledge will be useful in this world, but ...... well, that''s okay.)


    A further part of the knowledge possessed by a part of the spirit organism is absorbed by the larva.


    At the same time, a part of the way of thinking and personality was also absorbed.


    And eventually, the part of the mental organism disappeared without a trace, leaving only the infant organism .......


    * * * *


    Golbert, what are you doing?


    "Fixing the golem."


    The mother''s question was answered by a toddler who looked about five years old. But he is fifteen.


    "...... You don''t have to do that. No matter what you do, the collapse of civilization is inevitable.


    But we can delay it, can''t we?


    Golbert, what is the point of delaying the collapse?��After all, we all end up in the same place. Then it is better not to waste time."


    The elder of the Dathe village laughed at Golbert''s words.


    Newell had long since become the land of the fallen, all of whom were trapped in a kind of madness that made them hate the world, even while they were trying to make the world seem better.


    Even in Dat�� village, most of the people are obsessed with nihilism, and only a few of the Markitas family do not approve of it.


    Golbert could not have grown up in such an environment and became a somewhat condescending character.


    In addition, Golbert''s growth was unusually slow.


    Even though he was 20 years old, he looked like a toddler, which made the other members of the family creepy and they kept him away from them.


    This may also have contributed to the distortion of Golbert''s character.


    When he turned 50, his mother was already gone.


    At that time he looked about 10 years old, and although people around him looked at him weird, he realized that he probably had a longer life span than others.


    He used this time to absorb knowledge.


    He had read almost all the books in the village and understood the structure of all the broken tools, machines, magical tools, and magi-machines.


    However, even this knowledge could not cure his distorted personality.


    For a time, his father took him away from the village. When he returned, he had accumulated more knowledge and had become more isolated.


    He was more and more solitary.


    I''m leaving this village.


    "......"


    He declared this in the year 3536.


    He was 78 years old. He no longer had a biological mother or grandparents, only an elderly cousin.


    Therefore, there was no one to stop him, and he never returned to the village where he was born.


    At that time, there was a man of mature age who came to pick him up, and he was said to look a lot like Lardus.


    Eighty-seven years later, the village of Dathe was uninhabited.

 1684 - - 45-33 Malicker No. 2

    "Here, thus ......"


    <, Marikka was making automata.


    She works for , who manages the above-ground facilities on Onogoro Island.


    <> was an elderly butler type, but the one she is making now is a lady-in-waiting type.


    It is a secret only for Marikka that they are modeled after Lao Tzu and the five-colored golem-maid, respectively.


    "It''s done. ......"


    Marikka sighs as she builds the first one.


    "How is it?"


    Just then Zion appeared.


    "Oh, Mr. Zion. It''s just finished.


    "Heh. ...... this is it?��Wow, it''s beautiful.


    "Is it?��......I''m a little happy to hear you say so, Mr. Zion."


    Zion gazed at the automata lying on the floor,


    "Maricka has improved her skills, hasn''t she?


    Marikka is getting better," he said with deep emotion.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. I''m not flattering you. Compared to the time when I first met Jin,...... the year before,...... the year before last, you''ve come a long way."


    "I can''t believe it''s been that long."


    "It was a big deal back then. ......"


    Sion looks a little distant. She went to the Laurent continent with her follower Lucas, and when she ran out of strength, she was rescued in the village of Kaina, where she met Jin.


    After that, she rescued her captured sister Istaris and liberated all the clans through battles against the <>.


    In the process, the former <> had its population further reduced due to the localized <> caused by the <>.


    "Hey, now that we''ve made this livable, it wouldn''t be a bad idea to have people live here if they want, right?"


    "Oh, yes."


    < who want to live here, there''s no problem," Marikka said.


    "We are on the Tropic of Cancer, so the climate is warmer here.


    In case you were wondering, 12 young people under the age of 100 (or 20 in human terms) wanted to try living there, They got bored after a month or so and returned to their clans.


    According to them, the situation is bleak and empty><<<>.


    "Maybe it''s difficult to change your living environment so suddenly," said Zion.


    said Zion.


    It seems that the northerners were more conservative than expected.


    It may also be because of Jin that their living environment has been improved and they have become more comfortable.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <>, <>, and <> were also doing their best.


    They had recently received a basic course on Golem automata directly from Jin, together with Marikka.


    "......Marikka, I''m having trouble here. ......"


    "Oh, it will be easier if you do this first.


    "I see, I understand."


    "Hey, hey, what about here?


    "There''s a little trick to it. ......"


    "Wow, you''re good!"


    "Excuse me, Marikka, can you show me this part?"


    "Yes, that''s the part, I think, in my own way, it would be easier to build it this way.


    "Yes, that''s true.


    Marikka is guiding them well as a senior.


    Zion looked at her with admiration.


    * * * * * *


    "Mr. Sion, is Rorona here?"


    One day, Marikka came to Sion''s house and said something like that.


    Yes, she is here. ......Mom!��Marikka wants to see you."


    Lorona came out of the back of the house and greeted Marikka with the same soft smile she always had.


    "So, what''s the matter today?"


    "Yes. I''m doing some maintenance work on Onogoro Island, and something just occurred to me.


    What does this have to do with me?


    Lorona tilted her head.


    "Well, sir, I''m thinking of building a field on <> that will be self-sufficient."


    "Yes."


    "We have plenty of land, so we''re going to use some ...... of the crops we harvest, no, most of them here."


    "Well, that''s great!��It''s going to make our food more plentiful."


    The climate of the Nordic Federation is subarctic to frigid, while Onogoro Island is subtropical. Naturally, the suitable crops are different.


    "So, I would like to ask for your guidance on how to cultivate the fields at ......."


    Lorona knows a lot about agriculture. Or rather, she is the first person in charge.


    "Okay. Leave it to me. Well, first we need to grow some rice."


    Rice is originally a southern plant.


    "Tea trees are also good."


    In this case <...... the tea tree cannot be grown in cold regions, so all tea consumed in the Nordic Federation was imported.


    "I want to grow natural rubber trees, Persica, Citran and other fruit trees..."


    Lorona''s vision grew and grew.


    "Mother, let''s ask Jin to help us with that.


    "Yes, I''m sure he will help us.


    Zion was convinced that Jin would definitely cooperate in this kind of future-oriented development.


    * * * * * *


    "If that''s the case, I''ll be happy to cooperate with you.


    "Oh, thank you very much!"


    Marikka chewed and thanked him.


    "I''ll add the know-how of cultivating such southern plants to ."


    < is a golem specialized for agriculture that Jin made and gave to the northerners.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama."


    Rorona also thanked him.


    "I think I saw some bamboo shoots on Onogoro Island when I was there before.


    He had seen a plant that looked just like moso bamboo.


    "Oh, yes, I''m sure I''ve seen it there.


    "Well, I''m glad to hear that."


    Jin explained how to eat them, thinking that bamboo shoots would also be a good product.


    Thus, along with the development of <>, the Nordic Federation became richer.

 1685 - - 45-34 Elena No. 2

    >


    "Hmmm, this is ......"


    In Horai Island, Jin was pondering for a while in front of the picture shown to him by the old man.


    The structure of the golem created by Donald. It looked very similar to the Golem of the <> that Jin had seen 400 years later.


    Jin told the old man about it.


    <


    "That''s right."


    As for Jin, I can''t help but think that the buds of what Horai Island will have to deal with 400 years from now will come from such a place as .......


    I think I should warn Elena now ......, but perhaps the corrective power of time will make it futile, I think.


    "But there are signs of a < in this day and age, aren''t there?"


    The old man reacted regretfully.


    "I wonder if Golbert Malkitas has already been born?"


    I can''t say for sure, since I don''t know the exact year of his birth, but after 400 years and considering the information I have heard, he should have been born about now.


    "If we educate them properly, will the future be changed? Or will it be unchangeable?"


    <>.


    The hypothesis is that another person will fill the role of Golbert Malkitas.


    Since there is no way to know and control the behavior of the whole human race, we have to admit that this is a possibility.


    "Hey, old man, what would you do if a man who calls himself Golbert Malkitas comes to ?"


    "I know, right? ......"


    I don''t know if this argument is sterile or not.


    "Is this discussion sterile?"


    "I see."


    <>


    "Yes, try it."


    .


    "We received a message from Horai Island congratulating us on the relocation of our headquarters."


    On June 29, 3460, one day ahead of schedule, the Nostalgia Party Nostalgia had moved its headquarters and its functions to the island of Elektra.


    "I''m so happy."


    "Oh, and you also received a message for Elena."


    Oh, what is it?


    What is it?


    Jules, the party leader, handed her not a piece of leather paper but a small magi crystal.


    "So I can read it."


    Elena''s magic waveform is the same as that of the Horai Islanders since Jin has repaired it, so there is no problem.


    "<>......fun......"


    Jules was concerned about Elena''s serious face and called out to her.


    "Elena, what did you inform me?"


    "...... Jules, it''s nothing, don''t worry about it."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yeah. Just some precautions to take as the organization grows and a vision of what we want to do in the future."


    Jules is relieved to hear that.


    "That''s true. As an organization grows, it is difficult to keep an eye on the details.


    The current Nostalgia Party is smaller than the old Unification Party.


    Even so, the communication to the end had already begun to be lost.


    "We must also establish a means of communication with each branch.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    While answering Jules, Elena was thinking about something else.


    (The bigger the organization gets, the easier it is to cause internal divisions. ...... It''s true, but I wonder why the old man is telling me this now. ......)


    Elena had to tilt her head, not knowing that the < would be born sooner or later.


    (...... should we speed up its establishment? But we mustn''t be hasty.)


    The World Guard is currently in the process of being constituted at the <>, and its members are being trained. It will be officially born in a couple of years.


    For now, a deus ex machina has been commissioned by the and is acting in its place.


    "There is a lot to do. I have plenty of time, but Jules, and Donald are ......."


    "Hmm?��What about me?


    Jules asked, his voice carrying.


    "No, it''s nothing, my lord.


    Elena answered with a smile, but inside she felt a little sad.


    ��....... I wonder how many more years I can call you that.)


    As an automata, I have a long, if not infinite, life span. But human life is short.


    ��Is it selfish of me to want to be with you forever?)


    Elena decided to have a long talk with the old man about this. She decided to have a long talk with the old man, who might have the same problems as hers. .......


    * * * * * *


    The opportunity came surprisingly quickly.


    No, as a matter of fact, the old man had been hoping to have a talk with Elena.


    This was written in the Magi Crystal for communication.


    "No, it is I who wanted to speak with you.


    The two bodies, which were created by Jin and deeply connected to their master, though in completely different forms and roles, began a dialogue without reserve.


    >


    "Yes. Is it strange for an automaton to have such feelings?"


    .


    The old man immediately answered in a definite tone of voice.


    <


    "That''s right."


    Elena, too, has not forgotten her mother who first created her, albeit as <>.


    "...... can''t we do something about it?"


    <>


    "Is it?"


    <<> level 10 to copy your knowledge, memories, thoughts ...... all of them>>.


    "It''s ......."


    <


    "Yes. It''s just for our own self-gratification.


    <>


    The old man denied his own idea.


    "What is it?"


    "What?"


    This is only self-satisfaction, the old man said.


    "The <> has the same knowledge and experience as you, but it is a given, and the original history of the <> begins after it is activated.


    Maybe that''s what I am now, Elena thought.


    <>


    The old man said to Elena a little sadly.


    "That''s true. ......"


    But Elena had something on her mind.

 1686 - - 45-35 Ernst No. 2

    Ernst Shawlo, the next Emperor of the Shawlo Empire.


    He is currently on a tour of the countryside.


    This is amazing!


    "Yes, Your Highness, it''s a thread made by a recently discovered subterranean spider.


    Tenkunhan Therese answered.


    This is the town of Bundalot in the Marquisate of Theoderic.


    A factory has been built there to process the threads of the ground spider, and Tengkhunhan is the technical director of the factory.


    Grand spiders were thought to be extinct, but they still live in the mountains of Mitsuho. We have bred them and imported them to our country.


    Do you have farms in our country?


    Yes. We are still only running a trial operation, but it is located on the mountainside of Mount Baksa.


    Baksa is a mountain further west of Bundarlot, also in the territory of the Marquis of Theoderic.


    "I''d like to see that, too. ......"


    But, as expected, that hope is unlikely to be fulfilled.


    "Your Highness, I''m sorry, but I can''t do that."


    "Hmm, I see... ......"


    After that, I was shown the products made from the threads of the ground spider, namely ground spider resin (GSP) and ground spider silk (GSS ), made from the threads of ground spiders (ground spiders).


    "Various products are made from these."


    The GSS is used not only for high quality clothing but also for knight''s coats, he explained.


    "It is not only strong but also flame-resistant. Moreover, it does not dissolve in the dissolving liquid that demons spit out.


    "Wow, it''s an amazing material."


    It is an excellent material that can withstand various acids, alkaline solutions, hydrogen fluoride, and gigantopods.


    We can even make cups like this.


    "Wow!"


    This is a GSP (ground spider resin).


    "The cost still has to come down before it can be widely used.


    * * * *


    Shoro is a large country.


    The climate varies from region to region.


    One day we went to Hatata, a town on the dry road (Trockenbahn).


    It is a dry area with little rainfall.


    You see how short the eaves are?��That''s because there is not much rain.


    "Oh, that''s why!"


    For His Highness Ernst, everything he sees and hears is unusual.


    "Ah, because of the scarcity of rain, water is precious in this town, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. Your Highness, please take a good look around.


    We are not just reading or hearing stories, but seeing with our own eyes, hearing with our own ears, and touching with our own hands. The wise Ernst had realized over the past few days that this was such a precious opportunity.


    "I''m staying at this inn today."


    The group entered the two-story inn, a rarity in the town.


    "Welcome!


    The innkeeper brings us a rinse.


    It''s a service unique to this dusty region.


    "I see."


    The girl went back to get the rinse once more, because it was not enough for everyone.


    As Ernst watched, she was pumping water from a pump in the courtyard of the inn.


    "What is that?"


    "That is a deep well pump that was installed by Reinhard Randall and Jin Nido a long time ago," the innkeeper explained.


    The innkeeper explained.


    "Heh. ......"


    Ernst felt even more respect for Jin, who was able to create such tools.


    And he deeply wonders what it means to improve the lives of the people.


    * * * * * * * * *


    One day, Ernst and his group visited Ismar, the gateway to the west.


    "Wow, it''s very lively!


    "It''s been growing since diplomatic relations with Mitskho were formalized about a year ago.


    "Your aunt is very impressive. ......"


    Ernst understands that this is the achievement of his aunt, the female emperor.


    "That''s great. What about me? ......"


    These thoughts are the groundwork for the next emperor, much to the chagrin of the man himself.


    Unaware of Ernst''s thoughts, the town of Ismar is bustling with activity.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    ......


    Are you tired, Your Highness?


    Emilia Float von Galarroa, a member of the Kingsguard, is concerned about Ernst, who sighs.


    "Yes, a little bit. ......"


    The next destination is Banne, but on the way there is the village of Kaltz.


    "Kaltz village?��Uh, the estate of Reinhard Randall?


    Ernst had a good idea of the route he was going to take this time.


    "Yes, they say there is a hot spring there.


    "Hot springs? ...... hot water gushing from underground, right?


    Yes. It was only about a month ago.


    "Well, ...... I''m looking forward to it."


    "Your Highness, welcome. My name is Reinhard Randall von Adamas, lord of this village.


    "My name is Reinhard Randall von Adamas and I am the lord of this village.


    The head chamberlain gently quieted Reinhardt as he greeted Ernst with the most respectful bow.


    "Your Highness would like to experience the recently opened spa facilities.


    "Yes, I would be honored.


    Reinhardt himself guided us to the newly built spa.


    "Well, it''s a very modest building.


    "Yes, the welfare of the residents is our primary objective, so we have decided to put practicality first, without putting on airs and graces.


    I see. That''s very thoughtful of you.


    I see. That''s a good mindset.


    And .......


    "Wow, ......, that feels good. ......"


    Ernst was alone in the bathtub, stretching his arms and legs.


    No, he is escorted by Emilia, who is wearing a thin bathing suit.


    "Hey Emilia, why don''t you join us?


    "No, Your Highness, I''ll stay here as your escort.


    "Yes?��...... when it feels so good.


    Ernst looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath.


    "......I think they call these facilities ......<>. It would be nice if we could build many of them and help the people of the territory. ......"


    "Gyoi."


    Ernst''s visit was going to be a fruitful one, as these days repeated themselves.

 1687 - - 45-36 gin No. 4

    "What does Hannah think?"


    "Well, it''s hard to say."


    Hannah and Jin are having a hard time deciding.


    The theme of the exhibition is .


    Jin, who has experienced the world 400 years in the future, was trying to figure out what time is based on his experience.


    "It is dangerous to think that the old man will eventually develop the means to go back in time if we do nothing now," he said.


    "Yes, I understand that."


    Hannah''s imagination is so flexible that Jin thinks he is out of his depth.


    "According to a theory, the future will have many branches..."


    "Well, we can''t verify that if we can''t go back and forth between these divergent futures, can we?"


    "That''s right."


    Jin thinks that what he is doing now will have a great impact on the world 400 years from now.


    But for now, it seems that Jin cannot try to change what he sees, hears, and experiences 400 years from now.


    On the other hand, for example, a large ship which will be the source of was about to be built in the Kingdom of Elias.


    Jin himself is a participant in the project, so there is no doubt about it.


    Jin, however, only became aware of this when the ship was nearing completion.


    (This is an inevitable path, isn''t it? ......)


    Jin sighs in his heart.


    Hannah looked at him and said, "Onii-chan!


    "Is there something on your mind, Onii-chan?"


    "What do you mean?


    "Because you look like you just sighed."


    Jin was amazed at Hannah''s insight.


    "Well, actually... ......"


    Since there was nothing to hide, Jin explained what he thought.


    Since this was originally a discussion on the time paradox, I thought it would be a good idea to have a discussion on the time paradoxes.


    "That means, on the other hand, you can do something for my future granddaughter, right?"


    "Wait, wait. What do you mean?


    "Well, I think that you can do anything that your present one doesn''t know about.��I think."


    "What?"


    Jin, who still didn''t quite understand what Hanna was trying to say, could only make a dubious face.


    "I mean... ......"


    < Jin didn''t experience something <400 years later>, it''s possible to do it in this time period, Hanna said.


    "In that case, it would have no effect on me who went to <<400 years later>>!"


    "Yes, that''s it."


    Finally, Jin understood what Hanna meant.


    "I think there are a lot of things I can do for your descendants, for example, rather than for you, who went to <<400 years later>>, don''t you?"


    "So that''s what you mean ......!"


    Finally, Jin understood what Hanna was trying to say.


    "Well, we don''t have to be too conscious of what we can do for the future, do we?


    Jin realized that his consciousness seemed to have been tied up by the fact that he had unintentionally peeked into the future 400 years later.


    (Perhaps Zion and the others knew this and did not dare to inform me of the details of their descendants.)


    After that, they exchanged various opinions, but there was no way they could reach a conclusion after half a day or so of discussion.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    While eating zarusoba for lunch in the dining room of Nido Castle, Jin listened to Hanna''s story.


    "I''ve started some things at ...... to try to increase the amount of we have in the hills behind the castle!


    "That''s nice."


    Cultivating yams seems to be a difficult task, but with Hannah in Kaina village, it seems as if she can handle it.


    "And the day before yesterday, was it?��Saki-san was collecting ice-gos. I think he''s going to make dye from them."


    "Ice go?"


    "Yes. They are inedible nuts, but when you crush them, they give off a bluish-purple juice.


    I see... it could be used as a dye.


    "I think there are more of these trees around Toka Village than here.


    Hearing this, Jin thought that if the fruits of the <> could be used as a dye, it would be a good idea to make Toka village the production center of the dye.


    "Also, the fields of wasabi have expanded a lot."


    "Oh, I see."


    Saki found this wasabi in the mountains in the northern part of the Shoro Kingdom. Since it prefers cold waters, it had begun to be cultivated in the village of Kaina.


    So far, it is only available in the Klein Kingdom, but it seems to be selling well, so I''m thinking of increasing the acreage.


    "Also, ......, Kana-san just had a baby."


    "Oh, yes."


    Kana is an orphan from the village of Lalio, in the Lebus region of the Kingdom of Selroa. She was being cared for in the village of Kaina, but now that she has become Rick''s wife, the couple is in charge of the ranch.


    The village of Kaina was becoming more and more crowded with children''s voices as new babies were born every year.


    "You guys are doing a great job, aren''t you?


    Seema, also an orphan from Lalio, became Jeff''s wife. Berta became Srey''s wife, and a new couple was born.


    Rita, Sonia, Kune, Lerna, and others seem to be getting along well with the young people of the village.


    "I''m sure there will be another couple this year!


    Hannah smiled happily.


    "By the way, where is Martha?


    Hannah''s grandmother Martha is 61 years old this year. She is still hale and hearty.


    "My grandmother teaches handicrafts to people from Lalio," she says.


    "I see."


    Martha is very caring. Martha must be very good at teaching the younger generation.


    "How are things at school?"


    The old man and Gengshen also grasped this kind of information and reported it to Jin, but the opinion from the villagers'' viewpoint is very valuable.


    Jin thinks that it is always dangerous to believe in one-way information.


    "Yes, everything is going well. Kurt and Jesse, who graduated, are helping out.


    "Well, that''s good to hear."


    "Oh, and Eric''s store seems to be doing well. He''s shipping the crops and products from Kaina Village to King''s Landing and buying a variety of goods in return.


    "Clothing, shoes, and books, right?


    Yes, that''s right.


    We should get more design-related commodities and books from other sources than from Jin.


    "Also, Ru-chan has turned 14 and is helping Dr. Sally. He''s an apprentice healer."


    "Oh, that''s good. I''m glad you and the village head and Dr. Sallee seem to be getting along well.


    "Yes, they are."


    Hannah smiled brightly.


    "So things are going well in the village of Kaina.


    "Yes. Since your arrival, the village has become more and more livable.


    "I''m glad to hear you say so. I was saved by the village of Kaina, too.


    Jin squinted his eyes under the blue sky, knowing that the village of Kaina would continue to get better and better.

 1688 - - 45-37 Jen

    "Ah, peace is so nice!"


    Jin was relaxing with the twins in the meadow in the village of Kaina.


    "Well, this is also your work."


    Of course, Erza was with him.


    "Otoo-chan!"


    "Otoshan!"


    The twins were playing, running around on the soft summer grass, Reiko following behind to protect them.


    "Oh, Jin-sama!"


    Then came Barrow, the herdsman, chasing after Kashmir.


    He was from the Shoro region and had been working in the Kingdom of Selroa, but when his master was politically ousted, he found himself on the street. He and his childhood friend and now wife, Bele, were picked up by Jin and became servants in the Nido household until now.


    Cashmirs are herbivores native to the former Leonard Kingdom, in essence cashmere goats. In recent years, they have been kept in the village of Kaina.


    The village of Kayna is close to the former Leonard''s Kingdom, and the climate is similar to that of the former Leonard''s Kingdom, making it easy to raise them.


    The goats are used to make the woolen fabric, which is also called in this world, but since the necessary amount of hair is only 150-25 The profitable production is still a matter of trial and error, since only 150 to 25 grams of wool is required from each cow.


    It takes about four goats to make one sweater, and they only have six goats.


    "Hey, Barrow. Is Behr�� here?


    "Yes, I''m spinning cashmere into yarn at home.


    The combing of the cashmere hair is done with the loose hairs that have been collected.


    On modern earth, cashmere goats with < in their hair are killed before they reach the age of two, and only the best are bred (50-80% of young goats are culled). (It is said that 50-80% of young goats are culled), but the Cashmere goats here are different.


    All six goats were pure white and had long hair, probably due to the good environment and grass. However, the hair used for cashmere is not the conspicuous bristles, but the fluffy soft hair growing at the base of the bristles.


    In short, it is similar to the difference between feathers and down in feathers.


    With Jin''s support in engineering magic, there will be no waste and the industry may be more friendly to cashmills .......


    Cashmir breeding and cashmere industry was still in its infancy.


    "Hey, honey!"


    Then came Hannah.


    "Mr. Eckert of the Tecles Trading Company is here!


    "Oh, the chairman of the board himself?


    Mr. Eckardt Tecles was formerly a wealthy merchant in the Kingdom of Celuloa, but he had been exiled to the Shoro Kingdom due to the oppressive rule of Richard Valois de Celuloa, the father of the current king, and had founded the Tecles Trading Company there.


    He is a man who is occasionally called upon by the palace to give advice on economic policy.


    "Hello, Mr. Jin, it''s been a while.


    Mr. Eckert is looking well, isn''t he?


    "Ha ha, thanks to you, my days are full of life.


    Jin and I have known each other for quite a long time, and we talk to each other easily.


    "Today, I have a business meeting with Eric''s company. I thought it would be nice if Jin-san was there, so I came here and he fit the bill perfectly.


    I was lucky," said Eckert in a good mood.


    "By the way, the other day, His Imperial Highness Ernst visited the GSP factory.


    "I heard so. I heard so.


    "Haha, you have a hell of an ear, don''t you, Jin-san?"


    He himself is also a man who values information and is using the that Tenkunhan brought back from Mitsuho to run a kind of in Morse code-like operation.


    This allows information to be transmitted to faraway places.


    Jin, or rather <>, will have this studied.


    "Ah, Mr. Eckardt, is it this way?"


    Then Eric came in. His wife Barbara was with him.


    "Mr. Eric, I''m sorry to bother you. Mr. Jin, I will leave you now.


    Eckardt bowed to Jin and left with Eric. But Barbara remained.


    "Barbara, what''s wrong?"


    Barbara, who is asked by Elsa, turns her cheeks a little and asks her.


    "......"


    Elsa nodded,


    "<>"


    She cast a spell of examination on Barbara. Then she said.


    She told Barbara, "...... congratulations.


    She told Barbara " is 2 months old, just a little while ago".


    "......!��I knew it!��Thank you, Elsa!"


    "Yes."


    Barbara smiled and walked away quickly after Eric.


    "The village of Kaina will be lively again."


    Elsa muttered as she watched Barbara''s back.


    "That''s right!"


    Hannah agreed. It''s nice to see the number of young children increasing these days.


    "Okacha."


    "Okaacha!"


    Then Chloe and Mio waddled over. Reiko was with them.


    Just then the bell of Nido Castle struck noon.


    "Shall we go home for lunch?"


    "Yes."


    Jin picked up Chloe and Erza picked up Mio.


    "Onii-chan, Chloe and Mio both started talking very early, didn''t they? And they''ve already started walking, I think it''s great. Maybe it''s because they''re your children.


    Hannah said as she looked at Yu and Mio. It is true that Jin is a little more precocious than the other children in Kaina Village, but I think that it is probably just a matter of personal differences.


    , and since it is said that children grow up to be "a great talent and a late bloomer", Jin has decided not to worry too much about it.


    On his way home, he came across the village headman, Giebeck, and Sally walking side by side. They were accompanied by their adopted daughter, Ru, who was now 14 years old. They were going from house to house, talking about medical examinations and taxes.


    "Hey Jin, Elsa."


    "Hello, Dr. Sallee. "Hello, Mr. Mayor.


    Hello, Lu.


    Hello.


    They greet each other.


    Erza took half a step toward them, but stopped what she was doing.


    "What are you doing?"


    Jin asked suspiciously, and Elsa answered in a whisper.


    ��I was going to tell you that Barbara had a baby, but I thought it would be better to hear it from her own mouth.)


    "Yeah, that''s true."


    Jin laughed and agreed.


    "Welcome back, Jin-san, Elsa, Hannah-chan. They are all ready for you.


    When I returned home, I was greeted by Meane. Today''s lunch was sandwiches.


    It was a sandwich with thinly sliced ham, vegetables, egg salad, etc., and had a lot of different flavors.


    It was a perfect summer lunch with a glass of cold lemon squash.


    The twins are weaned on soft-boiled porridge, apple and peach paste.


    "It''s so peaceful.


    These are the words that come out of my mouth.


    It is a little painful to think of the world 400 years from now, but it is also true that there is nothing Jin can do about it now.


    Then, I have no choice but to do what I can do now as best I can.


    "Maybe a support magic machine that will wake up after I come back here..."


    Such an idea suddenly occurred to me.


    At that moment, Chloe, who was sitting on my lap, turned around.


    "Otoo-chan!"


    "Oh, Chloe, let''s clean up around your mouth..."


    I wiped the area around his mouth covered with paste, and Yuu started to make fun of me.


    "Okasyan!"


    Mio, on the other hand, clutches at Erza''s breast, not wanting to be weaned yet.


    (Aren''t boys usually weaned later than girls?)


    (I thought boys usually weaned later than girls.) I am not that knowledgeable about this, nor have I seen statistics. It is just a myth that I have heard.


    "Life is the accumulation of living life to the fullest in the present moment, isn''t it?


    Erza agrees with Jin who unintentionally mutters to himself.


    I think so. I want to live my life without regrets."


    "That''s kind of philosophical, isn''t it?"


    Hannah laughs.


    Jin-san is always working very hard.


    Her mother-in-law Meane laughed and said.


    "Your father is in good hands with us. You have nothing to worry about.


    Reiko said proudly.


    "Thank you, everyone."


    Jin looked up at the sky through the window.


    "Shall we go to Milowina''s tomorrow?"


    "Yes. ...... is she in the moon right now?"


    She is now so strong that she spends half the month in her house in Yunie and the other half touring around on Ars.


    "It''s so peaceful."


    This is the third time today that Jin has said this.


    White clouds were floating in the blue sky, and the village of Kaina was about to welcome the full-blown summer.

 1689 - - 45-38 Silent 80 Gorbert

    I remember when I was a kid.


    My mother was like a doll.


    She said the minimum ...... or less, and moved slowly. But she was kind to me, to Golbert.


    That changed one day.


    No, not just one time. The day the man who claimed to be my father arrived.


    <


    From that moment on, my mother became a very emotional person. She spoke normally and acted like a stranger.


    The man who called himself my father ......, whose name was <>, looked at me and seemed to smile a little.


    My father Lardus soon disappeared from Dathe village where we, mother and son, lived, but he appeared once a year or so after that.


    As for me, nothing has changed.


    No, I was happy because my mother had become normal.


    One time I had a feeling that there was someone else''s consciousness inside me.


    "Who are you?"


    I asked, but there was no answer. After a month, I didn''t care, and after a year, the consciousness seemed to have gone away.


    Instead, his mind seemed to suddenly become clearer. In fact, he could understand most of what he read. A toddler, who was 15 years old and looked like he was 5 years old, said to him.


    "You are slow growing because you have my blood in your veins.


    My father said to me one day when I visited him.


    Indeed, my father looked young, while my mother had aged reasonably well.


    "Childhood is about three times longer than that of a normal human being. Once they are fully grown, they should live four to five times longer.


    My father''s information was gospel to me.


    I used every spare moment I had to accumulate knowledge.


    There were many old books in the village, and I read them from cover to cover, making the knowledge my own. On the other hand, he tried to repair golems and magic tools in the village as a practical exercise.


    "This is very useful, thank you, Golbert.


    My mother was pleased,


    "......What''s the point of delaying the collapse?��After all, we all end up in the same place. So it''s better not to waste time."


    The chief of the village was negative about what I was going to do.


    But I didn''t care about him, I could examine the golem and fix it ...... to create a new one.


    The people of the community began to look at me with half awe and half disgust.


    I realized that I was special.


    Long life. Memory. Comprehension.


    And by the time I looked the equivalent of a 10-year-old, I had the strength of two adults.


    "You are my son after all."


    My father Lardus, whom I saw every year, told me this.


    And little by little, he began to teach me things that I did not even know.


    One time he taught me the magic of <>...... gravity. This was wonderful.


    If I could handle it right, I might even be able to fly. I was intoxicated by the feeling of almightiness.


    One time he also taught me <......<>. This was a spell that had been cast on my mother, which had made her react like a puppet.


    My father lifted the spell, and my mother returned to normal. I have never respected my father more than at that time.


    I have never respected my father as much as I did at that time.


    For the next month, my father took me around the northern countries.


    There were people living outside the region called Newer.


    In a place called Husor, I don''t know if it was a country or a region, my father left me there.


    "I have nothing more to teach you," he said.


    "I have nothing more to teach you. What kind of parents would do that?


    In Fusor, I earned my daily bread by fixing golems and magic tools. This was also a way to increase my knowledge and improve my skills.


    In the process, I became convinced that I was one of the most skilled in the world. With this technology, I realized that I could turn the tables on the insanity of Datte village.


    I was delighted as I traveled from one settlement to another: Machiha, Zeoko, Rekai, and Mehra.


    Wherever I went, my knowledge and skills were the best, and I was appreciated and respected for repairing the malfunctioning magic tools.


    But the town of Nade was different.


    < was respected. And also a man called <>.


    He had repaired the relic of <> with great skill.


    He showed me the machine, and it was indeed a precision machine. I was interested in this Nidoujin. At the same time, I felt a sense of rivalry with him.


    As I recall, this was the same person who was called in most of Newell, and was hated and scorned.


    I wondered if the evaluation of a person changes as his position changes.


    I wonder if the evaluation changes as one''s position changes.


    I managed to return to my hometown, Date, but I was not comfortable there, so I decided to go on a trip. I had no desire to stay in a village.


    Slowly moving from town to town, I learned more and more.


    It took some effort to move to a country like Mitsho, but it was not a problem for my physical strength.


    And in Mitsuho, is respected as a , along with .


    Indeed, Mitsuho''s life is aided by magical tools and magi-machines. Surprisingly, there are few people who can use magic. They have to rely on tools and machines.


    And it is only natural that they respect engineers.


    * * * * * *


    I left Shoro once, traveled around the world, and came back to Shoro again, and before I knew it, I was over 160 years old. But I look about 30 years old.


    It seems that my father''s statement about my life span being five times longer is not a lie.


    However, this long life span has left me with one regret.


    I had been accumulating knowledge while making detours, and before I knew it, had died. I bit my navel. I wondered for what purpose I had been growing my rivalry and knowledge.


    I turned my attention to the <>, which was built on the floating island of <> under the leadership of <>.


    There, I would be able to find out just how much of a person <> was.


    I was told that it was very difficult to enter the <>, but with my abilities, it was easy.


    I became a resident of <> and was able to enter the <>.


    I will say this.


    Let''s be clear. I was a frog in the well.


    What they teach in the <> is on a different level from what most people are taught. It was too different.


    I studied there for 3 years, but the more I learned, the more I realized how great <> is.


    It was the first setback I had ever known.


    One day, I had a chance to see the structure of a golem that <> had built. It was just time for maintenance.


    I was astonished.


    The human-like structure, the strength that seemed to be over specs, the multiple layers of security measures.


    The golems I had seen so far seemed like children''s tricks.


    For the next few days, I shut myself away.


    I had a terrible headache.


    I blacked out and went to .......


    * * * *


    By the time I came to, it had been four days since I had fallen asleep.


    I was hungry, but my head was strangely clear.


    I remembered something I had forgotten.


    Or perhaps, what I had kept in the depths of my psyche came to the surface.


    It seems that in my previous life I was a of some sort.


    I did everything by the power of will, without relying on matter.


    <


    "I see, so this is how it is..."


    The words come out of my mouth involuntarily.


    A world that does not rely on matter. A world where anything is possible with the mind alone. We must recreate it on this planet.


    To do this, we must destroy civilization and life once and for all.


    The spirit, freed from the yoke of the body, will be able to reach higher.


    For the happiness of all life, all life must be destroyed.


    That is my goal from now on.


    To achieve this, I will use whatever I can. I don''t like it, but magic tools, magic machines...


    Let the salvation begin.

 1690 - - 46-01 Start

    In an underground facility, a man wakes up.


    His name is , also known as .


    "...... what year is it?"


    Yes, October 19, 3899.


    A support golem nearby answered.


    I thought I set the date to the 15th, but there is a slight error.


    Guillermo Marchitas stretched out, rolled his shoulders, and relaxed his stiff body.


    "Well, how are we doing on the attack on Horai Island?"


    Guillermo Markitas turned on the magic screen while muttering to himself.


    "What?


    The sea where he thought Horai Island was located was nothing but a calm sea, and there was no sign of the fleet that was supposed to be encircling the island.


    "What the hell happened?"


    I ask the support golem.


    "On September 13th of this year, the entire fleet was sunk."


    "What?


    Irritated by the golem''s nonchalant answer, Guillermo Markitas asked for a more detailed explanation.


    "Ummm ...... what in the world happened to Horai Island!


    Guillermo couldn''t believe that Horai Island, which had been on the defensive and not showing any reaction, had turned around and started to fight back.


    "Don''t tell me that a <> has appeared?"


    There was only one possible explanation, the Lord of Horai Island, who had been absent, might have appeared, Guillermo guessed.


    "But who in the world ......?��But still, it''s a d*mnation.


    Guillermo thought that he himself should be the new master of Horai Island. That would be the quickest way to < this world.


    However, while he was , someone had taken Horai Island for themselves. That was unforgivable.


    How well is your force prepared?


    Yes. We have 21 battleships, 50 flying ships, and 409 battle golems.


    I see. That''s a big increase.


    Guillermo Marchitas is the head of the League of Magic, but he has more power than that.


    "How is the League of Magic?


    Although he is the head of the organization, he has no great interest in it. It is just a stepping stone or a pawn.


    (It''s a pawn that my father ...... Lardus has provided for me.)


    His father, <>, taught <> and <>, and even sowed the seeds of the <> in the Kingdom of Elias, and disappeared.


    Yes, it was Lardus who created the predecessor of the <>.


    (I don''t care if it was just out of curiosity. Let us take advantage of it at best.)


    Thanks to him, we were able to attract the members of the <>, which helped Guillermo Marchitas to expand his power.


    Yes, and it''s only shrinking.


    "What?


    For the first time this day.


    The Kun Lun island base at Qasimunore has been retaken. All that''s left is the Elektra base.


    "What in the world is going on? ......!��Now that the puppet''s gone, the Nostalgia Party should have no appeal. ......!


    But apparently, Elena is back!


    "What?


    Not only has she been repaired, but her performance has been improved as well.


    It seems that some information was leaked during the capture of the Kasimunore base.


    "No, no, who in the world would have thought that was necessary. ......"


    I have no information on that.


    "I see."


    With a chagrined look on his face, Guillermo left the room. The support golem followed him.


    Are you eating?


    "Yes."


    Guillermo Markitas is a living being, so he needs to eat. The support golem went to the dining room ahead of the others and began to prepare the food that had been stored in a pre-cooked state.


    The food is stored in an ether stocker. This is similar to frozen food.


    < the food, it will be ready to be eaten.


    But Guillermo Marchitas does not care at all about the taste of his food. If it is palatable and effective in sustaining life, that is all that matters to him.


    "U...... still have a headache..."


    He holds his forehead and frowns. The support golem is unresponsive. It''s an everyday occurrence.


    (...... must destroy the world as soon as possible)


    After this headache, Guillermo Marchitas thinks even more catastrophically than usual.


    He is affected by a part of the spirit life form that possessed and absorbed him when he was a child, but he is unaware of it.


    "How is the construction of large aircraft?"


    Yes, a prototype was built and tested successfully about two years ago.


    "I see. That''s good news. Let''s see it."


    I''ll show it to you.


    It''s an aircraft that uses gravity magic to levitate. It looks like an airship. But it''s more than twice as big as the one Jin built.


    It looks like an airship with a 100-meter-long, 25-meter-diameter teardrop-shaped air sac, but in fact it is something else entirely. More than an airship.


    It may sound strange, but it may be the closest thing to an atmospheric spacecraft.


    Incidentally, the < reported earlier by the support golem is an airship that flies in the same way.


    "Oh, this is nice."


    The whole thing is made of light silver and shines with a dull silver color.


    "The maximum speed during tests was 300 kilometers per hour. The maximum payload is 2.5 tons."


    "Well done. Make another one."


    A flying ship that flies by the foul art of gravity magic. Guillermo Marchitas was sure of victory.


    Guillermo Markitas was sure of his victory.


    Meanwhile, on the island of Horai.


    Jin was discussing with the old man and Reiko about the future.


    "The biggest issue is the redevelopment of Hale, and the biggest problem is Markitas. Are you sure about that?


    <


    "But we don''t know where Markitas is, do we?"


    <<


    "That''s possible. It is possible. We don''t know all the remains.


    < was extremely individualistic, there is little coordination among the that were its administrative base, and there is little information about the other ruins.


    Therefore, it is unknown how many more undiscovered sites there are on Arus.


    "But if that is the case, it might not be on the Laurentian continent.


    "Yes, father.


    <


    It has been improved a lot now, but due to the distribution of free magical elements (ether), it is more likely to be in the northern hemisphere instead of the southern hemisphere.


    This means that we can assume the continent of Pandor, instead of the known continents of Laurent and Gondor.


    "There are still places on that continent that have not been explored by humans, aren''t there?"


    "The north. ......"


    Considering that the concentration of free ether is higher the further north one goes, the northern part of the continent is the most likely location.


    "But father, I think it could also be the continent of Gondor."


    Since the continent is originally inhabited by the former demon tribe, if Lardus of <> is related to them, there is a big possibility that it is somewhere on the continent of Gondor.


    >.


    Newell, is it?


    "I see. ......"


    This is the area that once harshly rejected the group when they traced the roots of the <>.


    "I think they called the <> demons, so I think it partly fits with the philosophy of the <>."


    In any case, we concluded that day that we had no choice but to strengthen our reconnaissance.

 1691 - - 46-02 Attacks on the Capital

    The continent of Pandor...... is called the continent of Pandor by the locals, and its highest peak is a mountain called Mount Nakyu, which rises to an altitude of about 5200 It is about 5200 meters high. It is a glacier-capped mountain with an annual snowfall.


    In the middle of the mountain, there were cleverly hidden ruins. The < referred to here are the facilities built by the <> in the past.


    The < here are not as large as those on Onogoro Island, but they are still quite large.


    It was a facility that functioned when the resources in the shallow areas of the continent of Pandor were mined and utilized. It has been reconstructed.


    The people who rebuilt it were Guillermo Marchitas, then known as Golbert Marchitas, and the leaders of the . It was more than 150 years ago, and Guillermo Marchitas is the only person still alive from that time.


    The settlement of the continent of Pandor had already taken place, but no one knew about this facility.


    "......It was fortunate that there was a magic machine (magi machine) for long-term sleep."


    Even though Guillermo Markitas is of northern descent, his life expectancy is limited. He decided that it would be best to leave the attack on Horai Island and the development of golems, aircraft, and battleships to specialized golems, and to sleep and wait.


    "This place is cleverly covered up, so even if they search it, they won''t be able to find it.


    The fact that no one is searching Horai Island even now is proof of this.


    "<> or something like that. The information we got from them was useful, though."


    Guillermo Marchitas knew that Horai Island had a <>.


    "But for the time being, this base will remain undiscovered.


    Guillermo Marchitas is unaware that this is an idea that runs counter to his own <>. Or perhaps he is pretending not to notice.


    Or maybe he sees it as a necessary evil in the process. Or maybe he has absorbed and his personality is splitting .......


    In any case. Guillermo Marchitas'' actions were full of contradictions .......


    "When we are ready, we will go out.


    100 battle golems were already ready. 20 50-meter class battleships were hidden in a certain place. Twenty 50-meter battleships are hidden in a certain place.


    He ...... had no more time left in his body.


    Win or lose, thinks so, but another wants to survive and make plans to destroy this world again.


    He considered transferring his consciousness to a golem or an automata, but he has given up that line of thought, since it is unlikely that he can do anything more than imperfectly with the technology he has at his disposal.


    Guillermo Marchitas has decided that the time to declare war on the world will come when he completes another large airship with gravity magic ......<>.


    There is no one here to admonish or stop his madness. .......


    * * * *


    The time is October 30, 3899.


    "Well, it''s a little too costly. ...... Eira, can''t you do something about it?"


    "I don''t know what to tell you. ......


    At the workshop in the national research dormitory in Mahaleague, the capital of the Principality of Mercana on the continent of Pandor, the development of the golem was being rushed.


    However, the people involved are struggling day and night because they cannot obtain the desired performance without using an abundance of expensive materials.


    "Why don''t you consult Mr. Groma?"


    "I''d hate to ...... to that guy."


    Eira Siata shook her head. Eira and Groma Trey, who is also the dorm head, do not get along well. They argue every time they see each other.


    But C��cea insisted.


    "He''s the head of the dormitory and he seems to know a lot about making golems. ......I see, if you don''t like it, Eira, I''ll ask her."


    At these words from Katya, Eira finally broke down.


    "Okay, okay!��I''ll go and ask her.


    "Okay, thank you!


    "...... seems like you''ve got me pretty well hooked, though."


    Scratching her head, Eira left the workshop in the research dormitory.


    At that moment, the building vibrated.


    "What is it?"


    A few moments later he did it again... and again... and again. A third time, there was a sound as if something was collapsing.


    "What in the world is going on?"


    Katya wondered and looked out the small window.


    And then...


    "What!"


    she let out a little squeal. That''s not surprising. What was outside was a golem she had never seen before. There were many of them, and they were destroying things at random.


    At that moment, a broadcast echoed through the dormitory.


    >


    "What should we do? ......"


    Eira has gone to Gromma''s and now only Katya is in the room. She had been told not to leave the room, but she was too nervous.


    The lab seems to have set up a ward and the noise has quieted down somewhat, but the golem that is attacking us is only about 20 meters away and is hitting the walls.


    "Will the warding keep ......"


    The room where Katya was located was on the second floor, so she could see well outside the wall.


    The warding does not seem to work well enough against the golem, and the sturdy stone wall is beginning to shatter.


    "What should I do? ......"


    Ka-cea''s face is pale.


    Then.


    Several golems were launched from inside the institute.


    "Oh, that''s Mr. Groma''s Golem!


    Matron Gloma Trey is the best Golem maker in the institute.


    Now, having activated four golems, including past prototypes, Groma deployed them in front of the main gate, where the attacks were the most intense.


    "Go!"


    Groma sent the oldest prototype golem in the lead toward the enemy golem attacking the main gate.


    Just as the wards were breaking, one of them entered. At about the same time, Groma''s prototype golem No. 3 was hit by the enemy golem.


    They are about the same size and weight. The enemy Golem was blown away by this unexpected blow, and was thrown out of the main gate.


    "Reestablish the wards while you still can!


    Groma shouted out an order, and Prototype Golem Unit 3 was also sent out the front gate.


    A few moments later, the warding was reestablished.


    "All right, Golem 3, rampage to your heart''s content!"


    There were three enemy Golems. Prototype 3 was putting up a good fight against them.


    The technology of Groma was learned from Rhodoth, that is, the lineage of Adriana.


    One of its advantages is its resistance to damage. Even if it takes a little damage, it will not suddenly stop.


    The Golem No. 3 that we are fighting now is the Golem that once fought a sham fight with Jin''s <.


    This time, it is not holding a sword, but a mace.


    A sword is inefficient against a metal golem. It is best to smash it with a bludgeoning weapon like a mace.


    Golem No. 3 was holding his own against all three of them.


    "Okay, I''ll leave this to you. ...... follow me, No. 1, No. 2, No. 4."


    Gromma led the remaining three to another location.


    Two enemy golems were attacking at the back gate. Groma sent No. 1 and No. 2.


    These two were inferior to Golem No. 3 in performance, and could be countered one-on-one.


    "Hmmm...quite a powerful golem. Who in the world would make such a golem, and for what ......?"


    Groma saw the government office with the , which stood a short distance away, collapse.


    "Hey ......!"


    Gromma turned pale when he learned that this mysterious golem was attacking not only his laboratory, but also the entire capital.


    "Perhaps our soldier golem has been dispatched as well. But they haven''t come here yet. That means ......."


    Either there are too many places to help, and the laboratories with means of self-defense are being put on the back burner. .......


    "......, or the enemy golem has gotten to them."


    Groma tried desperately to think of a way out of the situation, but he could not find a solution.


    "I hope the Duchy of Jaggs won''t come to our rescue ......."


    The thought of that country, which would easily abandon the Principality of Mercana in an emergency, filled him with frustration.

 1692 - - 46-03 The beginning of a long night

    "Hey, hey, what''s going on?��What happened!"


    The entire , aka the , the tallest ...... building in the capital city of Maharigu, was literally shaken.


    The whole building shook.


    There are almost no earthquakes on the planet Ars. Jin and Lao-kun guess that it is because the star itself is small and the mantle convection is very small or almost nonexistent.


    Therefore, the people were terrified when the earth shook.


    Golem is attacking!


    "What?��Which golem is it? ...... No, we need to intercept it. I want my soldier golem out too!


    Yes, sir.


    <


    From the basement of the , which is even more heavily guarded than the Kouou Castle, twenty soldier golems were unleashed.


    They are mass-produced autonomous machines with performance equivalent to that of Groma''s prototype Golem No. 2. They boast considerable performance.


    "Go!��Defeat the enemy Golem!


    The 20 soldier Golems, unable to reply, raise their swords (...) in their hands and scatter into the town, not ...... to protect the <>, but to protect the <>.


    It seems that they are only protecting <>.


    However, the soldier golem was still strong. Even though they are using swords, a weapon that is not suitable for fighting golems, they are barely defending the <>.


    "Wind ....... Now I can breathe a sigh of relief. Where the hell did these guys come from?"


    Pegin Borntov looked up at the sky through the window. His eyes widen in astonishment.


    Silhouetted in the dusk sky was a huge floating object. Yes, it was the flying squadron led by Guillermo Marchitas''s .


    Two 100-meter class in the center, and two 30-meter class . 4 ships.


    Floating against the red sky, they were enough to break the hearts of those who saw them.


    The sky was reddish and the sky was reddish.


    "-Hmmm, it''s not that easy."


    Guillermo Marchitas snickered as he looked down from his flying boat at the scene below.


    "A civilization that relies on matter is fragile. When there is no more material to rely on, there will only be decline and destruction.


    A civilization based on the spirit will not be so fragile, Guillermo Marchitas thought to himself.


    The darkness of night has fallen, and small fires are still burning here and there in the city.


    Master, something is flying this way!


    A golem, a member of the flying ship''s crew, reports.


    "It must be from the World Guard. They''re here after all!"


    It''s been about an hour since Guillermo Marchitas began his assault.


    A flare ......<> was released, illuminating the night sky.


    Two airships, sir.


    "What are airships of those who rely only on technology and despise magic?"


    Guillermo ordered his small airships to intercept.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Now, an hour before that.


    The westernmost garrison of the Laurentian Continent is located in Recode, the southernmost town of the Principality of Mimaka.


    Unlike the three bordering countries of Norway, Jaguz and Dalat, the Principality of Mimaka is not expansionist and is relatively calm.


    However, its power is much lower than those of the three duchies. However, because of this, they are willing to cooperate with the , and the <> has been able to establish a garrison there.


    The garrison received a call.


    "Mysterious airships and golems have appeared on the continent of Pandor and are laying waste to the inhabitants. We need to mobilize!


    "Ha!"


    So, two airships were dispatched. They are carrying five battle golems each.


    The news was also immediately announced to the headquarters of the World Guard.


    "A mysterious airship?��That sounds fishy. Let''s dispatch a squadron just in case.


    <.


    Each of them will use a warp gate that was installed about 200 years ago for emergency transportation.


    This is a huge warp gate that was developed without the Horai Island (= Jin) lineage, and the gate is 50 meters in both length and width, large enough for the airship of the <> to easily pass through.


    The exit from the Pandor continent side is cleverly hidden on the coast of Lihot Village.


    There is also one entrance, naturally, in <>. The entrance was located on the southeastern island of Mimaka.


    Using this, an immediate rescue is possible.


    It is rarely used because of the huge amount of mana it consumes, but this time it was decided to use it because of the emergency situation.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    The observation satellite orbiting in Ars orbit.


    The satellite provides the <, a magical brain dedicated to the satellite''s management, with all the information on what is happening on the surface of the earth. < selects and chooses the information, and then sends what he judges to be necessary to the .


    And this situation was immediately conveyed to the .


    .


    The Old Man was a little surprised to know that Guillermo Marchitas had been hiding on the continent of Pandor ......, which is called Pandor continent in this time and age. But I soon guessed the reason.


    < once mined for resources. Perhaps there is a base left over from that time and they used it.


    But the important thing now is that Guillermo Marchitas has shown himself.


    For the first time in years, if not a hundred or so years, the old man activated the magical brain under his command, the <>, and the <>, Jin''s surrogate, which the <> was piloting.


    At the same time, they contacted Jin and together they decided to see what would happen.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "What mobility!


    <


    The enemy airship was almost the same size as theirs, but it was more than twice as fast and could turn more than twice as fast. They attacked us with magic attacks in torrents.


    Although they were protected by wards, it was obvious that the Tsuga squadron, outnumbered, was going to be outnumbered.


    "Don''t hold back. We will fight back!"


    Of course, they are equipped with anti-aircraft equipment, namely, highly straight-ranged . The arrowheads are made of steel and are short in overall length. And the mechanism is designed to rotate.


    The structure is as follows.


    A string is wrapped around the arrow, which is enclosed in a metallic , and the arrow is rotated at high speed in the same way as a spinning top. It is then shot out with .


    <


    The range is about 500 meters. Because of its high straightness and penetrating power, it is a medium to short range weapon against airships.


    The disadvantage is that it does not fire in rapid succession.


    In the first place, the does not have a killing weapon. Therefore, they are inferior to Guillermo Marchitas''s fleet in every way.


    "Arrows don''t work?


    Some of the arrows they fired were definitely hitting the enemy airships, but no helium seemed to be leaking from them.


    That''s because they are not floating on helium.


    On the contrary, the attack from the side of MARQUITAS was so strong that it overtook the warding of the TSUGA squadron.


    "Rise!��Gain altitude!


    Unable to resist, Gaju Tuga ordered the airship to ascend.


    Airships, which are air power, have a lower cabin, so they have poor upward visibility and are less armed. In other words, it is more advantageous to take the upper side.


    ...... in general.


    Guillermo Marchitas'' flying boat is not floating on helium, but a so to speak. I mean .......


    "What about ......?"


    Just when Gaju Tugga thought he could breathe a sigh of relief after taking the upper berth, he was hit by a storm of anti-aircraft fire that left him pale.


    So far, no holes have been made in its air sacs. The air sacs are divided into many chambers, so even a small hole in the air sac will not cause the aircraft to crash.


    However, the enemy was so much better armed and more powerful that it was impossible to see any way to win the battle.


    The long night of the Principality of Mercana had just begun.

 1693 - - 46-04 Evacuation and preparation for counterattack

    "d*mn!��I can''t hold my air bladder any longer!��We''re going to crash land!"


    The airship on the <> side was unable to stay afloat due to the holes in its air sacs from the continuous attacks.


    < stationed in the Principality of Mimaka, made a decision.


    "Roger!��We are making an emergency landing.


    The only result was that the battle zone had shifted slightly to the south, over the wilderness instead of over the town.


    Get me a general-purpose golem, too!


    "Ha!"


    On the approaching land, several enemy golems could be seen.


    "All hands, prepare for battle and prepare for the impact of the landing!


    Gaju Tugga gives the orders one after another. The other ship''s crew could not be seen from here, but they could only hope that they were safe and sound.


    A few minutes later, there was a shock in the cabin of the airship.


    "Ughhhh!"


    A crew member endures the impact.


    "We''ve landed ......!"


    Golem here, let''s go!


    Is anyone hurt?��All those in one piece, get out!��But don''t go far!��Use the airship as a shield!


    The wards are still barely functional. The strength will increase as the area is narrowed down. Gaju Tugga said that he would try to lock himself inside the shield.


    In the darkness, only the footsteps of the approaching enemy golem echo eerily.


    "Go, Golem!"


    It''s not a good idea to let them get too close. Tsuga ordered the two general-purpose Golems he had brought with him to go into battle.


    The battle began immediately. The airship''s safe light illuminated the scene dimly.


    There are four enemy battle golems. We have two. However, the general-purpose golem of the was superior in performance.


    "Now we can breathe a sigh of relief..."


    Tsuga looked up at the sky. The moon had only just risen.


    * * * *


    "Whew! ......!"


    In the national research dormitory in the capital city of Mahaliegh, Ka-cea was alone, crouching, holding her head and trembling.


    It seems that the wards have been broken, and the sound of something being destroyed can be heard from within the premises. At that moment.


    "Kachair!"


    The door opened and Eira jumped in.


    "E-EIRA?"


    "Thank God you''re here. We have to evacuate quickly!


    "Evacuate to where?


    The basement warehouse!��Come on, let''s go!


    Eira helped her to her feet.


    She ran through the corridor to the stairs at the back of the building. She runs down the stairs as fast as she can and finds herself at the entrance to the basement warehouse.


    "Eira!��Katya!��Hurry!"


    Downstairs, Groma was waiting for them.


    As soon as Eira and Kaechea jumped in, Gromma closed the door.


    "It looks like we have everyone in the research building now."


    Besides Katya, Eira, and Gromma, twenty-one other people were sitting down, looking exhausted.


    "Katya, Eira, you are unlucky too. If you had stayed with the Duchy of Jaguar, you might not have had to go through this.


    Someone said to the two of them. They had been sent back to their old home here at the research dormitory a week ago.


    "Now is not the time to talk about this. We have to work together to get out of this predicament.


    Groma Trey rebuked him.


    "Groma, what''s wrong with your golem?


    Eira asked in her usual tone.


    "Yeah, I sent four moveable golems to the main gate, the back gate, and two service gates in the north, south, east, and west, respectively, but there were too many of them. We are outnumbered. It''s like they say, the enemy is too numerous to fight.


    "You say so yourself: ......"


    Normally, an argument would have started here, but even Eira, as expected, seemed to be unable to speak lightly under the circumstances.


    "But this is a cul-de-sac, isn''t it?"


    If they attack us here," said Katya, "there''s nowhere to run.


    "That''s true. But there is still hope. I glanced around before I locked myself in here and saw that the airship of the <> had arrived."


    There were only two of them, so their strength was low, but Gromma assured him that once they got in touch with headquarters, help would definitely be on the way.


    "My teacher is the one who studied in , which gave birth to the ."


    When Gromma gave the evidence, everyone seemed to calm down a little.


    "Well, that''s what we need to do, buy ourselves some time.


    Gromma pointed to a golem lying in the back of the warehouse.


    "It''s a state-of-the-art golem. It''s not finished, but fortunately this is a warehouse. We have enough materials.


    In other words, he wanted to complete it here and use it as an asset.


    Help me, Eira.


    Of course.


    The two are usually bickering, but they are doing their jobs well. Especially this time, when their fate is at stake.


    "Let''s put a on this.


    "We should make the three magic nerve wires parallel to each other to make them more reliable."


    We should reinforce them with adamantite.


    "Yes, let''s also install two lines of ether converters.


    With an abundance of materials, I use materials that I would normally never get permission to use.


    Losing track of time, Groma and Eira continued to work toward the completion of the golem.


    "Now all we need is armament..." "A shield is a must.


    "Shields are a must.


    It was only natural that they would be used for their own defense.


    We''ll make two of them and carry one on our backs as a spare.


    That''s a good idea.


    He decides on a mace as his weapon of choice.


    "It should be heavy enough to be wielded with one hand.


    Eira looks a little disappointed,


    "No, this one has more power than the old one," Gloma assured him.


    Gromma assured him.


    "So let''s use a mace of the normal level.


    Thus, the special golem that they had hoped for was completed.


    At the same time, the door to the warehouse roared open.


    "Ow!"


    Someone lets out a small scream.


    "...... finally!"


    Groma muttered bitterly.


    "It''s a good thing the golem is finished, I hope they don''t find it.


    "I agree."


    While I was saying this, I heard a knock on the door once again. The door seems to be distorted.


    "A door that has <> and <> overlaid on top of each other?��What stupid power!"


    After three more blows, even the door is distorted and a gap appears.


    "Here it comes: ......!"


    The special golem is already activated.


    The moment the door is breached, it will strike.


    One more hit, and the door is completely warped, leaving a gap for the golem to pass through.


    "Go!"


    Groma ordered, and the special golem jumped out.


    The first thing it did was to strike. A roar that was even louder than when the door was slammed, and both the door and the enemy golem were blown away.


    "Okay, that''s it! Keep attacking!"


    Even though they are autonomous, it is easier for them to fight if they are given detailed instructions. Groma then released a ball of light outside.


    The pitch-darkness of the outside becomes visible. There is .......


    "No way. ......"


    Katya gasped for breath.


    Outside the door stood 20 enemy battle golems.

 1694 - - 46-05 Hope and despair.

    "For an underdeveloped country, you have persevered quite well, haven''t you?


    Guillermo Marchitas muttered to himself as he looked down from inside his flagship, a 100-meter class <.


    The moon is about to reach the mid-sky.


    < airships had been destroyed.


    One crash-landed and the other crashed. There was no pursuit. They decided that the first priority was to destroy the capital city of Mahaliegh.


    < owned by the has been destroyed, and the members who may have been inside are buried alive in underground shelters.


    Without help, they would have lasted a week at most. They may have stockpiled water and food, but even so, it is finite.


    The royal castle is half destroyed. The royal family is not known if they are alive or dead.


    More troublesome for Guillermo Marchitas was the <>.


    It is a group of worshippers of matter and technology. No wonder Guillermo Marchitas was so keen on them.


    "Not to be underestimated."


    Guillermo Marchitas thought that the engineer who led the four golems to defend the gates was quite good.


    "......U...... head."


    Lately, Guillermo Marchitas had been suffering from headaches with increasing frequency.


    And with each headache, his will became more confused.


    But he is surrounded only by golems, and no <> to care for him. .......


    * * * *


    "d*mn, there are twenty of them, that''s too many!"


    Twenty enemy battle golems are waiting outside the door. It has driven those holed up in the warehouse to the brink of despair once again.


    Go!


    Now they have no choice but to fight. Gloma Toray ordered the special golem.


    The special golem rushes forward and leaps at the enemy golem just outside the door.


    "Good!"


    One of the features of this special golem is that it is . It weighs 1.5 times as much as a conventional golem. The power was doubled to compensate for this.


    This made it easy to bounce off enemy golems.


    The special golem then attacked the nearest enemy golem.


    It strikes the head with the mace in its hand.


    If the sensors that control vision go haywire, it is easy to counter the attackers. This was a strategy that was discovered at the expense of four prototype golems.


    A hard blow to the waist of an enemy golem whose movement has slowed down will cause the upper and lower body to fail to work in tandem, further slowing down the movement of the enemy golem.


    Finally, if you destroy either of the left or right knee joints, the golem will become immobile and the immediate danger will be averted.


    Three special golems are dealt with in this way.


    "Okay, that''s good!"


    But after the fourth golem, the enemy golem seems to have learned. They avoid, bounce, and dodge the mace aimed at their heads.


    "d*mn, they''ve learned to deal with us!"


    Groma looks frustrated. The special golem is now surrounded by five of them.


    But it is not without options.


    "Then, attack pattern 2!


    Then you give the following instructions. Pattern 2 is a ranged magic attack.


    A purple electric charge is sent out, and the stench of ozone wafts through the air.


    The special golem then fires a high-voltage lightning bolt.


    The special golem hurls them at its surroundings, including itself.


    This is especially effective against golems with metallic exteriors. The electric blasts that are applied to the golem''s body are released to the earth, but in the process, the joints, which have a high resistance value, generate heat due to Joule heat. The joints on the exterior are then welded together.


    The special golem created by Groma-Toray was designed to prevent the joints from having a high resistance value and was able to withstand this attack.


    A golem with a welded exterior becomes instantly sluggish.


    The special golem quickly incapacitated the five surrounding golems.


    "That''s eight ......!


    That''s amazing!


    It was worth all the effort!


    But there are still more than half of them left.


    "I could have managed to get at most 10 of them."


    The remaining 12 were wary of the , a ranged attack, and had switched to a strategy of attacking one after the other.


    Even so, two attacks crippled two of them. Now there were only 10 left.


    "I''m still in a tough spot.


    In order to release powerful , I need a high-performance ether converter and a mana driver.


    However, with the materials available now, it is difficult to use the two systems in parallel, so the mana tanks were also used.


    The mana tank was almost empty after three s.


    "The only thing left is the pattern 3 ...... method!"


    The special golem headed toward the enemy combat golem again.


    It was a matter of course to move around so that it could be one-on-one as much as possible, moving little by little from in front of the warehouse. This would ensure the safety of the evacuees, but it would also be bad if they were too far away from each other to be able to rescue them in case of emergency.


    In a difficult situation, the special golem did a good job.


    "If there were at least two more ...... or even one more..."


    The special golem, which had been struggling alone, took damage little by little.


    They had already used their spare shields, but those shields were now halfway useless.


    Finally, with only five golems remaining, he reached his limit.


    The left arm was ripped off along with the shield of the special golem.


    The mace on his right arm was no longer enough to stop the attack, and he was immediately attacked. It was only a matter of time before it was destroyed.


    "............!"


    A frustrated Groma. And most of the people, including Cacea, were in despair.


    "Oh, God, I can''t ...... ...... anymore."


    Whenever someone mutters this, the feeling becomes contagious, and finally many of them fall to their knees.


    As they are about to do so, an enemy golem approaches them.


    "d*mn!��<


    Someone who can use earth magic made a pitfall appear. The enemy golem falls into the pitfall. ......, but it is only stalling for time.


    The Groma''s special golem is almost immobilized, and two more enemy golems are approaching.


    "<>!


    However, there is a time lag of about one second before the magic is activated, and in that one second, the two Golems move two meters to the side. <


    "Run!"


    The only thing the researchers could do was to run away. But the speed of the human was too slow compared to that of the combat golem.


    "Aah!"


    Ka-cea, who was running at the rear of the group, stumbled and fell down.


    "Aaah!"


    An enemy golem is approaching, and a club is being thrown down. Katya closed her eyes and prepared herself.


    That''s when it happened.


    "d*mn it, I won''t let you do it!


    Eira returns and hits the enemy golem with her body, and the club goes off of Katya and strikes the ground.


    "<>!"


    Eira touches the golem and desperately releases engineering magic. The enemy Golem''s torso was twisted.


    "We did it! ......!"


    Her relief is short-lived. Although it is twisted, it does not mean that it has stopped moving.


    "Whoa!"


    The enemy golem bounced off Eira. Eira flew three meters into the air, and was knocked unconscious by the ground.


    Then, the golem, with its twisted torso, attacked Katya again, though its movement was slowed down.

 1695 - - 46-06 Deus Ex Makina and Guillermo Marquitas

    This time it was over, and Katya closed her eyes.


    A metallic sound echoes above his head. But no shock or pain comes, no matter how long he waits.


    "......?"


    Fearful, she opens her eyes, and there it is.


    "Golem......?"


    A silver-brown golem, which I had never seen before, was receiving the attack of an enemy golem.


    "Hope ......?"


    No, it was not Hope, but the atmosphere was so similar that Katya couldn''t help but say so.


    The silver-brown golem took the golem''s arm that had caught it, twisted it, and threw it to the ground. Ka''chia did not know that this was a Shoro Imperial martial art called the <>.


    The enemy golem, whose torso had originally been twisted, was no longer able to move.


    "Oh, thank God. ......?"


    Finally able to catch her breath, Katya had time to look around.


    "What ......?"


    There were a total of four silver-brown golems, including the one that had saved Cachea, and they had already neutralized the four remaining enemy golems.


    What was surprising was that they had done it with only their physical skills, not with any special magic or weapons.


    Then, Katya suddenly realized.


    "Eira!


    Eira was knocked unconscious by the golem. But then...


    "What are you doing ......?"


    One of the silver-brown golems had bent over Eira and was giving her something to drink.


    Half of it spilled, but somehow Eira managed to swallow the liquid and .......


    "Uh, no......"


    She realized.


    "Eira!��Thank God!"


    "Oh, Katya?��What''s ...... wrong with me?


    Eira woke up and was startled to see a silver-brown golem in front of her.


    "Eira, calm down. The golem is a friend. ...... maybe."


    "Katya, huh? You''re safe, aren''t you?��Thank God. ......


    At that moment, a silver-brown golem spoke up.


    "Those of you who are safe, please gather here. It''s hard to protect them if they''re scattered all over the place.


    "This guy can talk? ......"


    "This guy can talk? He''s just like Jin-san''s Hope.


    When Katya said this, Eira nodded in agreement.


    "Oh, I see. It looks like Hope, this golem."


    By this time, all the evacuees had gathered.


    "Gentlemen, we have been dispatched by . Please be assured that we are on our way to other places.


    Golem announced.


    "Deus ex machina ......?"


    Eira, Katya, and most of the others had never heard the name before, except for one person, Gromma Trey.


    "Deus ex machina?��...... You''re really here. ......"


    "Gloma, you know about this?"


    Eira asks.


    "What?��"Yeah, yeah. I really just know about it. My master told me about him.


    "What kind of man?"


    "I don''t know the details, but he was one of the founders of , ......?��He was also one of the best engineers in the world, had his own army, and was suppressing conflicts in many countries before the <> was formed."


    "...... If that''s true, he''s a hell of a guy. He is an extraordinary man if that is true. ....... If he wanted to, he could take over the world, couldn''t he?"


    Groma nodded.


    "That''s what I thought too. But according to my master, <>."


    "Ha ha ha ha!"


    Eira laughed loudly when she heard the answer.


    "Ha ha ha ...... No, sorry. I laughed because that''s the kind of line I''d like to hear from the top brass in this country.


    World domination...... means they are not interested in power. < would think if they heard that.


    "You could say that."


    Gromma seemed to agree.


    "But she really looks like Jin-san''s Hope, doesn''t she?"


    Ka-CHAIR said something to me.


    "Well, I guess they look alike because they are humanoid.


    Eira replied to Katya''s musings.


    "The enemy golem looks like it''s wearing armor, but the Hope that Jin created before was made to look just like a human for general use. This deus ex machina golem must also have been made to look like a human. First of all, it''s not the same size as Hope.


    Hope is about 160 centimeters tall, a small person. But the silver-brown golem was at least six feet tall.


    "That''s true, but... ...... but I think they have a similar atmosphere.


    "If you make a golem based on the concept of making it move like a human, it will look like a human, won''t it?"


    Gloma Tolley also expressed her opinion.


    "First of all, how can a djinn have this much power?


    "Yes, that''s true, but..."


    Eira''s correct argument was not answered by Cach��a.


    What is it?


    What?


    Guillermo Marchitas, who had been watching the ground from above, opened his eyes in astonishment.


    Before he knew it, a number of unidentified golems had appeared and destroyed his own battle golem.


    "Unu...... see what they do!"


    Guillermo Marchitas ordered his flagship, the , to move closer to the ground. But...


    It''s too dangerous. I advise you to stay in the air for a while longer.


    The support golem stopped them.


    "Dangerous?"


    Yes. We think it''s likely that whoever brought that enemy golem is nearby.


    Assuming they are using some kind of invisibility device, they must have world-class technology, so please do not take this lightly," he was told.


    "I understand that. ...... How many of our golems are left?"


    Yes. We sent 100 golems this time, but 78 of them were killed. ......Another one is down right now, so we have 21 left.


    "Unn......"


    At that moment, a support golem makes a new report.


    .


    "What?"


    Guillermo Marchitas looked at the corresponding magic screen.


    There were five airships approaching.


    "Hmm, so those golems are their advance party?"


    "No, Master Markitas, that golem does not match the type of the World Guard.


    "Yes, but could it be a new type?"


    No, it''s more of an older golem.


    What?


    Guillermo Markitas turned around at the mention of a support golem.


    "Did you forget?��It looks a lot like the golem from deus ex machina.


    "Ummm ......"


    Guillermo Marchitas had been temporarily in when he called himself Golbert Marchitas.


    At that time, he had the opportunity to listen to a lecture on deus ex machina and had seen the golem under his command. I had given that information to my support golem.


    "...... I remember now. But ......"


    Guillermo Marchitas stared intently at the screen.


    "It''s been over 150 years since then, remember?��Who the hell is this deus ex machina?"


    Guillermo Marchitas put himself on the back burner and asked the question.

 1696 - - 46-07 The Right Man

    Five airships of the <> have arrived on the continent of Pandor.


    The commander of the 2nd Airship Squadron, <>, who is in charge of this operation, immediately gave his orders.


    "It''s dark. Flares."


    "Yes. <


    Five balls of light were released from the airship in which the captain was riding. The night sky became slightly brighter, and they became clearly visible.


    "Captain!��We have spotted an airship that appears to be the enemy.


    "What the ...... is that huge airship?


    Jorda Carter is amazed.


    Then the call comes in.


    "Captain! <


    What?


    <, you must have heard this name at least once. He is one of the founders of <> and an honorary advisor to the <>.


    "......And what do you say?"


    "<


    "Mm. ......"


    Jorda Carter was troubled.


    She had heard of the deus ex machina, but the last time he had appeared to her was over a hundred years ago.


    "Is he a descendant, a successor, or a fake?"


    I don''t think it''s him.


    "All right, all ships, keep your distance from the enemy airships, and Nos. 4 and 5, lower your altitude and search the surface."


    Jorda Carter made the choice to trust the being who called himself a deus ex machina first, and to take stock of the situation.


    * * * *


    It seems that the airship squadron of <<<< Avalon>> has arrived>>


    On Horai Island, the old man was analyzing the situation.


    >


    It is inevitable to think that it is not him even if he appears now.


    <<<2nd generation......> No, it would be better to call it the third generation.


    In any case, we did not want the five airship squadrons that came along to participate in the battle. They judged that the power of Guillermo Marchitas was as great as that of the former Unifiler, or even greater.


    <


    Except for Horai Island, there is no way to resist the <>.


    The old man was relieved to see the five airship squadrons keeping their distance from the airship of Guillermo Marchitas.


    * * *


    "Hm?��< seems to have arrived, but they have kept their distance, haven''t they?"


    What should we do, Master Markitas?


    "Leave them alone for now. The deus ex machina is the greater threat now.


    Guillermo Marchitas had no respect for Avalon''s airship fleet.


    The ground troops have been wiped out.


    "Well, I thought they would be strong, but his golem is not that strong."


    At this point, Guillermo Markitas had some time to spare. <


    He thinks that if he can take the enemy golem that has destroyed his own golem and make it his own, he will have a stronger fighting force.


    "How many flying ships are equipped with <>?"


    Yes, three, including this flagship.


    Send one to me.


    Send one of them over.


    Help is on the way.


    On the surface, a silver-brown golem, which had been protecting the wounded, pointed to the sky and said, "It''s all right, sir.


    "It''s all right now."


    Relief spread across the faces of those who saw these words and the approaching airship of .


    "You''re saved. ......"


    And it was the same in the research dormitory.


    "Oh, it''s the airship of <>!


    Gloma Tolley was shouting as she looked up at the sky.


    That''s a World Guard airship. Thank God!"


    "...... Really?"


    "You''re saved by this? ......"


    From the descending airship, rescue soldiers with nurse golems scattered to various locations.


    "We are from <>, <>. Are any of you injured?


    They called out and gathered the injured, giving priority to those who were seriously wounded.


    Triage," he said.


    <


    Triage is to decide the priority of treatment according to the severity of the patient''s condition.


    The following are classified according to the severity of the patient''s condition: "Clearly impossible to save the patient''s life even if immediate treatment is given", "Life-threatening condition that should be treated as soon as possible", "Not immediately life-threatening but requires immediate treatment", and "Not immediately life-threatening but requires immediate treatment". The following classification is used: "not life-threatening but needs immediate treatment", "not life-threatening but needs immediate treatment".


    The classification is based on the following three categories: "not immediately life-threatening but requiring immediate treatment" and "not requiring immediate treatment.


    This classification has a long history, dating back to the time of Napoleon. The evidence for this is the French word <> or <>.


    This is not a human being, but something that was included in the teachings of <> Shuki Tsezi.


    The teachings that have not seen the light of day for a long time and have been buried only in the archives are being put into practice in <>.


    <


    Among the 27 were all the members of the <> and the Duke of Mercana, Mikailinov Hangazone Mercana. The collapse of the building was the result of their involvement in the collapse of the building. They were unable to evacuate to shelters in time.


    * * * *


    "The help is on the way, we''ll be going now.


    The silver-brown golem said and turned to leave the dormitory. At that moment.


    "Oh, sir!"


    Ka-cea stopped him.


    "Yes, sir?"


    "Uh, uh, ...... I''d like to thank the person who sent you!"


    But the golem turned him down softly.


    "No, that''s fine. My master does not want a word of thanks.


    But Katya insisted.


    "Tell them at ...... that we were grateful, at least!"


    "Okay. I''ll pass the word on."


    Thank you!


    This time, the silver-brown golem leaves.


    In its place, a soldier from the arrives and leads them to safety.


    The long night in Mahaliegh, the capital of the Principality of Mercana, was beginning to come to an end.

 1697 - - 46-08 One more.

    The 2nd Airship Squadron also rescued the Mimaka Principality Garrison, which had crash-landed.


    "Thank God! My name is Gaju Tsuga, deputy commander of the Mimaka garrison.


    I''m Jorda Carter, commander of the 2nd Airship Squadron. You arrived on the scene before us, didn''t you?��Can you tell us what happened?


    Yes, sir. We are ......."


    Gaju Tuga briefed Jorda Carter.


    We received a report that mysterious airships and golems had appeared on the continent of Pandor and were overrunning the inhabitants, so we were dispatched to the scene.


    We engaged the enemy airship.


    We were forced to make an emergency landing, helplessly facing the mobility, offensive and defensive capabilities of the enemy airship.


    After crash-landing, I protected myself with a general-purpose golem.


    "Hm, where is your generic golem?"


    "Yes, it has not returned. At first it fought off the enemy golems that attacked us.


    But it has not returned for some time now. Gaju Tsuga added that he had managed to save his life because the enemy golem no longer attacked him.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, first of all we got a general-purpose golem of the <>. That''s good.


    <> is the most advanced in the world. Guillermo Markitas, who had obtained four of them for himself with the help of the <>, smiled.


    "...... But what about the <> golem?��Still not ours?"


    Yes. ......, but I''ve learned one thing in the process.


    "What is it?"


    The deus ex machina''s magic pattern is the same as Jin Nido''s.


    What?


    <


    There are several ways to measure it, such as when magic is used, by examining the magical tools made by the person, or by examining the control core of a follower golem, but this time, I happened to be able to detect the healing magic <> used by the silver-brown golem.


    There is no way that their magical power patterns could have matched, even if they were siblings or blood relatives.


    "Hmmm, you are right. In that case... ......"


    Then there''s a good chance that < is the same person as Jin Nido.


    "Or is a creature of Jin Nido."


    Guillermo Marchitas''s hypothesis seems to have been almost right on the money. That doesn''t change anything, though.


    "We know that Jin Nido was human and that he died in 3537."


    So the deus ex machina must have been a creature made by Jin, concluded Guillermo Marchitas.


    "Hmm, just like the island of Horai. But these puppets without masters are working on their legacy ...... and it makes me want to vomit."


    But why doesn''t the Magi Emulator work? Guillermo Marchitas pondered.


    "...... I can only assume that it is because some countermeasure has been taken."


    Yes, Mr. Markitas, that''s what I think.


    A support golem can think with a high level of logic. Guillermo Marchitas decided that if it came to the same conclusion as he did, then there was no doubt about it.


    "It''s a d*mn shame, but you''ve taken measures!"


    But reality, however unpleasant, is reality. < become our pawn.


    We will have to resort to other means.


    Guillermo Markitas smirked. Yes, the Magi Emulator was not his only trump card.


    He decided it was time to use his other trump card, which he had never shown to anyone.


    How would you like to fight on the flying boat?


    I think I''ll save it for now.


    I''ll save it for now.


    "...... Well, there was one more thing I wanted to try before we use it. Let''s see what level of technology the enemy has.


    Is it just a pinpointed countermeasure against the <> or does it have a high level of technology?


    Guillermo Marchitas wanted to know.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Report on the status of the rescue operation.


    It was already around midnight and the date was November 1st, but the <> was still in Mahaliegh, the capital of the destroyed Principality of Mercana, doing relief work.


    "Ha. The treatment of the wounded is 70% complete. The remaining 30 percent are not in life-threatening condition."


    "The search of the town is almost complete with the help of the golem sent by the one who calls himself , and the rescue of the survivors seems to be almost complete."


    "I see."


    The soldier added that the golem of seems to be able to detect survivors by some magical means.


    "Ummm, is it really , sir ......?"


    Jorda Carter, commander of the second airship squadron, wondered for a moment.


    "Well, Jorda, I guess we''ll just have to live with the fact that he (or she) is on our side for now."


    "...... I guess so."


    Gaju Tsuga said and Jorda nodded.


    At least now was not the time to be thinking about the truth or falsehood of .


    Returning to the topic, they decided to assess the current situation.


    Gajoo reiterated that their golem had not returned.


    "There were a total of four general-purpose golems that we sent out, but they have not returned yet. Isn''t it possible that there are still enemies lurking somewhere?"


    "I can''t deny that."


    Jorda and his men had sent out ten engineering golems to clean up the debris and search for survivors, but so far they had had no luck with the survivors, let alone with the cleanup.


    The time is 2:00 a.m.. There is still time before dawn.


    "Do you know where the enemy air fleet went?"


    "Deus ex machina, sir. I''ll take care of him myself, you guys stay on the ground and help the wounded.


    "I see. ......"


    Gaju Tugga looks up at the dark night sky. There were only a few bright stars twinkling.


    * * * *


    <> technology, <> technology, and some unique technology.


    The old man was analyzing the images sent by the <> who was piloting the <>.


    Jin was observing the situation for a while,


    "Old man, I''ll leave this to you. I''ll stay in the workshop to think about something.


    He left the room saying, "I''ll stay in the workshop.


    Guillermo Marchitas''s flying fleet was now moving north-northeast from Mahaliegh, and the unit was also moving in pursuit of it.


    The current location is the area known as the "Great Plains of Flot".


    The forces of the Machina side consisted of five airships of the same type as the . These airships are 40 meters long.


    <


    The old man does not believe that Guillermo Marchitas would travel such a long distance without any preparation or planning. And moreover, the whole fleet together.


    At that moment, the enemy fleet radiated magic power.


    >


    It is magic. <


    In other words, ordinary magical tools and machines would also stop working.


    >


    The old man analyzes the situation without any hesitation.


    <> is a magic tool that Jin once made to prevent <>.


    It seems to have been made more powerful so that it can be applied to the operation of magic tools and magic machines.


    The old man recalls Jin''s assertion.


    Jin believes that by doing so, many things will come into view. It is like a thesis and an antithesis from which a synthesis is born.


    The old man had a feeling that Guillermo Marchitas was still hiding some trump card.

 1698 - - 46-09 Second

    "I guess doesn''t work after all. As I expected, you are quite skilled."


    The earlier attempt was just a teaser.


    "A little early, but let''s play the second card..."


    Guillermo Markitas instructed the support golem.


    "This is upwind, right?


    "Yes, sir, I think so.


    "Good. Have each ship prepare a corrosive solution."


    Yes, Mr. Markitas.


    "......<> doesn''t seem to be working, but what about this?"


    All ships ready to spread.


    All ships ready to spray, sir!


    The five flying boats under Guillermo Marchitas have begun spraying the corrosive solution.


    "Hmmm, it''s the corrosive solution synthesized from the "Carnivorous Grasshopper". The material of sea dragons is no exception. It will melt metals.


    Once every few decades or centuries, when the conditions are right, an outbreak occurs.


    It is now known that the secret of their insatiable appetite lies in the soluble fluid secreted by their bodies.


    This dissolving fluid gradually dissolves the stomach of the binge-eating grasshopper, and the grasshopper craves food to make up for the dissolved food, creating a sort of negative chain reaction.


    Gold, platinum, and even adamantite are dissolved in front of this dissolver.


    The biological materials that are resistant to this dissolver are the threads of the and the leather of ancient dragons.


    However, except for the ancient dragon material, they are not completely resistant, and even the threads of the <> melt little by little.


    "Hmph, ha ha ha ....... Dissolve away!


    As if in response to these words, the earth below can be seen to be rapidly corroding and beginning to emit white smoke.


    Rocks, trees, and even the earth are being dissolved by this corrosive liquid.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    But Guillermo Marchitas did not know.


    He did not know that there used to be a member of the Jin Family who was studying the .


    They were Mr. and Mrs. Guth Eschenbach and Saki Eschenbach. They had seen the threat of the and were studying them.


    In the process, they found out the following.


    < is a is the free magical element (ether) stored in its body.


    < is a natural free magic element (ether) tank.


    And that ether is the key.


    < is plant fruits, but it also eats animals. They also gnaw on minerals, as long as they are softer than adamantite, using their jaws and teeth strengthened by the free magic element (ether).


    This preference seems to be inherited from when he was not a <>.


    Therefore, if there is something to eat, plants and animals are preferred. Only when there was nothing to eat, they would take a bite of minerals.


    Then, how do they digest the gnawed minerals and convert them into energy?


    Saki and Goose''s research has revealed the answer.


    They produce a powerful corrosive fluid inside their bodies.


    It is a powerful corrosive fluid that, to their horror, breaks matter down into subatomic particles. It then takes a small amount of free magic element (ether) as its own, and the subatomic particles are expelled.


    The protons, electrons, and neutrons are appropriately combined to form hydrogen or helium, which is expelled into the air through respiration.


    However, this only works on solids and does not interfere with liquids and gases. Therefore, it does not decompose the corrosive liquid itself.


    Now, let''s take a break from the above discussion.


    The reason why the corrosive liquid has such an effect is that it has an effect similar to engineering magic called <>.


    < of Onogoro used in the past to break down compounds into molecules, and it even breaks them down into elementary particles.


    In order for this powerful magic to be effective, the < needed a large amount of food, making it a match-pumping creature.


    And if the dissolver''s effect is magical, it can be prevented by a <> instead of a <>.


    Saki and Goose had found out that much.


    Saki and Goose had found out that much.


    "No ......?��Why are they so unconcerned?"


    The <> airship is unperturbed, while everything around it is melting away in a cloud of white smoke.


    Guillermo Markitas is at a loss.


    "Is his technology that outstanding ......?"


    For the first time, sweat broke out on Guillermo Marchitas'' forehead.


    He would never know. What people can do when they work together. How much power they have together.


    Jin had a . He had predecessors who gave him knowledge. But Guillermo Markitas, or rather Golbert Markitas, was alone.


    <, to make friends, to do great things, but he closed that path to himself.


    Mr. Markitas, the dissolver is losing its effect on the surface.


    "What?"


    If the solution has magical properties, we can eliminate its effects.


    Saki and Guth had even developed a way to clean up after this dangerous solution.


    * * * *


    The old man thought of the former members of the and thanked them. Jin also remembered them when he heard that.


    "I didn''t know they got together. I hope they are happy."


    The result of the two, cleaning up the dissolver solution.


    is the answer.


    It''s a change of mind, or perhaps Columbus'' egg.


    Write-in is applied to create liquids with magical effects. On the other hand, < can be used to make a harmless liquid.


    However, as is the case with engineering magic, it is only effective when in contact or at very close range, so a method is adopted to wrap it by generating a boundary with <> effect.


    The method of "erase" is used to wrap the object by generating an "erase" effect.


    "Unno, fearful deus ex machina!��Fearless, Jin Nido!


    Guillermo Markitas is ready to give it his all this time.


    "I''m going to play my last trump card. I should have used it from the very beginning,...... but now I can''t predict what the result of using it will be... ..."


    Guillermo Markitas smiled coldly.


    "Prepare for the <>."


    Yes, sir.


    The last trump card was the Aether Stampede. Or more precisely, the magical tool that would cause it.


    Guillermo Malkitas had inherited it from his father, Lardus, when he called himself Golbert Malkitas.


    (He said that he got it from a ...... mysterious being.)


    ) Using this, the free magical element (ether) on Ars would decrease drastically, and the support golem and other golems under his command would stop moving, and Guillermo Marchitas'' own survival would be in jeopardy, so he left it as a last resort.


    "But I don''t care anymore.


    He decided that he would probably end up in the arms of <> if he did not do something about it.


    He was frustrated, but he was aware once again that <> and Jin Nido had more advanced technology than he did.


    Guillermo Malkitas does not know that the mysterious being is a <> and that he has already lost the battle against Jin and the others.


    What is the scale of the Aether Stampede?


    Maximum.


    Maximum. Aether Stampede at maximum output. The grimoire is configured. Activate. Start the countdown!


    It''s a large magic weapon. It''ll take a while to activate.


    It will take about 10 seconds.


    10......9......8... ...7......6......


    This is the end of the world.


    Guillermo Marchitas thought that without mages, the civilization that depended on magic would collapse.


    5......4......3......


    "At last, my long-cherished wish has come true."


    [2......1......]


    "Now ......


    Zero!


    At that moment, Guillermo Markitas'' vision was filled with light.

 1699 - - 46-10 Action taken

    Back in time, it''s midnight Pandor continental time on November 1st. It is 6:00 p.m. on Penglai Island.


    Jin has returned to the command center on Horai Island. Reiko is with him.


    He was taking some countermeasures after he heard from the old man that Guillermo Marchitas had attacked the continent of Pandor.


    "What''s the situation, Mr. Mere Old Man?


    >


    The old man summarized the main points and explained them to Jin.


    "I see. You still think he might be hiding something, don''t you?"


    .


    "Actually, I was thinking that too. And I imagined one of the worst ...... possibilities."


    <>


    A massive Aether Stampede.


    <


    If something of the same magnitude or greater were to occur, the population of Ars would once again plummet. No, Jin himself is in danger.


    It would also be in line with Markitas''s ambition to destroy the human race."


    In the past, <> also caused a localized one and massacred the northern peoples ...... who at that time were called demons.


    "So, hemispheric warding."


    This is something that Jin had proposed before, but had only made but had not yet put into practice.


    The idea is to generate two hemispherical separately and trap the object inside.


    It would be easier to understand if you compare it to holding two bowls in your hands and trying to trap an insect or something.


    "Now, with the help of Reiko and the craftsmen (Smith), we have just installed it in the spaceship."


    The plan was to operate it with a or .


    Since the spaceship was deposited on the moon, even the old man could not grasp what Jin was doing.


    "I attached <> and <> and we came here together. I''m <> and I''m in Pandor ...... right now on the >. I think I''ll head that way."


    <<<< Adriana is equipped with <>, isn''t it?��Have you checked it works? >>


    "Yes, it works fine. <> check it and I checked it twice on the way from the moon to Ars. Both the shield and the sphere are fine."


    The <> used to be deployable only as a disc-shaped shield, but with subsequent research and improvements, it can now be deployed as a sphere covering the spaceship, just like a normal <>.


    This is partly due to the research of <>.


    Hearing this, the old man reluctantly gave his OK.


    <<>


    In the first place, if a large scale <> were to occur, even if we were in Horai Island, we would not be exempted from the effects of it. Rather, it might be safer to stay in , where there is also a magical shield.


    "Ah. If Guillermo Malkitas is planning to make an etheric stampede, we must do everything we can to prevent it.


    We must avoid a situation in which all the people of the North, their descendants on the island of Onogoro, and the human race on Ars will perish.


    "Yes, you can count on me."


    It is a great advantage to know about the small-scale "Aether Stampede" caused by the "Negador" 400 years ago.


    < is not something that can be caused instantly, but there is a time lag of about 2 seconds between the activation of the magic and the time it takes for it to take effect.


    Reiko and the old man can put up a barrier in those two seconds, and can also release a magic canceller that they have developed to prevent it.


    The magic tools that Jin makes basically have a very small time lag, which is why he can do these things.


    "Okay, I''m off then."


    Jin and Reiko boarded the <>.


    "Adriana, launch!


    Three spheres, one large and one small, float into the dark night sky.


    "Rise to an altitude of 10,000 meters and deploy Aegis. We are heading for the site at top speed.


    Jin''s order flew, and the three ships quickly disappeared from sight.


    <


    The old lord uses his "peepers" to follow Jin and the others from Horai Island.


    * * * * * *


    By the way, the maximum speed mentioned by Jin is a fluke.


    By the way, the maximum speed mentioned by Jin is a bit of a stretch, because with the size of Ars, even < would reach her destination before she reaches the maximum speed. That is the extent of Jin''s enthusiasm.


    Be that as it may, the three ships carrying Jin, < and <, reach a position 10,000 meters above the Pandor continent in less than 10 minutes.


    <


    "Please do this."


    <


    "Oh?"


    Just as Guillermo Marchitas''s fleet of flying boats began to spray dissolving fluid.


    "Is that ...... dissolver!��That''s a pretty nasty thing to do!"


    But before Jin could give the order, the <> side nullified the dissolver.


    "...... I see...it''s the dissolver of the <>..."


    Jin remembered fondly the old <>, Saki and Goose.


    "Oops, now is not the time.


    But Jin reconsiders his resolve when he remembers the urgency of the situation.


    "Old man, which one is the airship of MARQUITAS?


    Jin calls the old man.


    Jin guessed that Guillermo Marchitas must be on one of the two 100-meter class airships.


    "Is that him? Can you look inside ......?"


    <


    Two seconds later, the sub-magic screen showed the inside of the building.


    Is that Guillermo Marchitas?


    I''ll have to work on that in the future, I thought,


    <


    The old man said.


    "Yes, please."


    There is such a thing as lip-reading. With his excellent processing skills, the old man reproduced Guillermo Marchitas'' lines almost in real time.


    And then, he wrote the following.


    <<<< Prepare for the Aether Stampede!


    The line was uttered.


    Jin heard this and acted quickly.


    "<>!��<>!��Contain the flagship of Malquitas with hemispherical wards!"


    This is exactly what happened.


    <


    and <> dive from an altitude of 10,000 meters.


    Within two seconds, they stopped at the same altitude as the flagship of Guillermo Marchitas and released a hemispherical field while maintaining a distance of 10 kilometers.


    <>


    With a countdown echoing, the warding was completed with one second to spare. Two hemispherical wards, like a pair of bowls, trapped the flagship of Guillermo Marchitas.


    At the same time, also deployed a barrier.


    This was one second before the <> was to be triggered.

 1700 - - 46-11 In a different place

    "Ah, it looks like we''re just in time."


    A sphere made of two hemispherical wards is projected onto the magic screen on the central bridge of the <>.


    Well, not exactly a true sphere.


    Because the wards projected by <> and <> are not exactly hemispherical, but parabolic,...... so to speak, with a slightly open mouth, like a <>.


    Jin has regained enough composure to think about such a superfluous thing in a corner of his ...... mind.


    "It''s going to be pretty miserable inside that ward, isn''t it?"


    "I''m sure of it."


    "That seems to be a good idea."


    It would be dangerous if there were any residual effects of the "Aether Stampede".


    So <> and <> synchronize their speeds and head into space. This is a precise maneuver that is possible only with Golem control.


    In doing so, they remember to put up a solid barrier around <>, <>, and the captured airship so that there is no internal decompression.


    Fifteen minutes later, the two spaceships have ascended to satellite orbit. They are located on the opposite side of Ars from .


    The old man wanted to make sure that Jin would not be affected in any way. Jin did not say anything about it.


    <


    "Yes."


    Jin was standing on the central bridge of the , staring at the magic screen.


    Against the backdrop of the jet-black space, <>, <>, and the combined hemispherical wards and the large sphere surrounding them can be seen. The inside is a solid barrier that keeps out cosmic rays and maintains a pressure of one atmosphere.


    The flying ship that had been the flagship of Guillermo Marchitas appeared.


    "It really is a spaceship when you look at it like this."


    Jin thought, "It looks like a cigar, or a teardrop, or a capsule, ...... though he could only vaguely see it through the barrier.


    .


    The old man used the to examine the inside of the flying boat. And after a minute.


    <


    "What?��Markitas?"


    <


    "A doppelganger. ...... You are very careful."


    <<


    I see.


    >


    "Well... ......"


    Jin thought about it. In any case, a confrontation with Guillermo Marchitas was inevitable.


    "First, let''s check out the enemy airship we captured."


    It would be a good opportunity to find out the level of technology of our opponent, Jin said.


    Since we have carried it into space, it would be quicker to examine it directly.


    "They captured and examined <> too, so I guess we''re finally even.


    Jin decides to leave it to <> and the Space Force golem <>, the crew of <>.


    And I, along with Reiko, returned to Horai Island from <> using the warp gate.


    * * * *


    "......Ummmmm...... is this place ......?"


    Are you awake, Mr. Markitas?


    "So this is ...... where you have been transferring your consciousness to a puppet doll (slave doll)?


    Yes. How are you feeling?


    Golbert Markitas-Guillermo Markitas was lying on his bed.


    His head was covered with a magical shroud, so that his face could not be seen.


    ......Well, well, well. But the body is still the same.


    Okay, I see. Activate the next <>.


    <


    It transfers through a magical tool attached to the head of the operator, and works in place of the operator''s own consciousness.


    <.


    < is that the consciousness is completely transferred. However, the operator does not feel any pain or shock.


    The second standing next to the bunk starts to move.


    The support golem reports again.


    Mr. Markitas, it appears that the <> has been captured.


    "...... I see."


    replied.


    He himself was so weak that he could no longer get up, and he was using this kind of to carry out his ambitions.


    It was a support golem that created the of Marcitas.


    The support golems were found at the same time when the ruins were discovered in the basement of Mount Nakyu.


    The total number of golems is 23. They were well preserved, and Guillermo Marchitas, whose name at the time was Golbert Marchitas, took all 23 for his own.


    The process of subjugating them was very simple. They simply obeyed the one who activated them.


    Master, what is your name?


    Markitas.


    I repeat. . I now pronounce you master, Master Markitas.


    These 23 were very capable.


    It was with the help of these support golems that Jin had discovered that Kunlun had been captured and that the Nostalgia had retaken the base at Qasimunore.


    Although Markitas did not need any companions, he was honestly grateful for the existence of this support golem.


    And then, Markitas obtained more and more information.


    "According to the information we have gleaned from the two golems we have captured from the , these golems were created by the ancestors."


    Markitas thinks this while looking at the support golem that is giving a report.


    The had a civilization far more advanced than the present one, but as a race, it had been destroyed.


    "After all, the end of material civilization is destruction, isn''t it?


    Markitas felt it again.


    "It''s a pity we lost one, but there are still 22 of them.


    One of them has been captured by the , along with the flagship flying ship.


    Well, now is the time to ask about the progress of the other one.


    The support golem in charge of the base, one of the remaining 22, approaches and reports.


    Mr. Markitas! The battle golem we sent out to overrun Tajee and Fan villages has just entered a battle with the Nostalgia golem.


    "What?��The Nostalgia are interfering with ...... us again?"


    Guillermo Marchitas gritted his teeth in frustration.


    "Is that wooden doll here?"


    Yes, Mr. Markitas. Elena is leading the way in destroying my battle golem.


    "Ugh......... what a bunch of bastards... <


    Yes, it doesn''t work.


    "I see. It didn''t work on the golem of ......<. I thought it would be solved sooner or later, but this is very early."


    Guillermo Marchitas was somewhat disappointed about this, but he did not dwell on it because that is how technology is supposed to work.


    "What is more regrettable is that I used a magical tool that causes an <>."


    A magical tool given to me by a mysterious being. I tried to use it a few minutes ago, but it was dealt with.


    "Hemisphere ...... or is it a bell-shaped ward?��I didn''t know they could be sealed together."


    The support golem had seen through that much, too.


    However, since and , who had done it, were surrounded by invisible wards, the existence of a spherical spaceship with a diameter of 100 meters was not known. The existence of a spherical spaceship with a diameter of 100 meters was not known.


    "Okay, let''s destroy Tajee and Fan villages later.


    We can do it whenever we want. Guillermo Marchitas decided.


    "You''ve come all this way. Let''s deal with the nostalgics. ......How many battle golems are left?


    Yes. Out of 409 golems owned, 200 are silent. The ones we sent to the two villages are 200, so we have 189.


    "I see. ...... Okay, leave 20 to guard here and send all the rest on their way.


    Are you sure?


    Yes, sir. This will be the final battle with Nostalgia. ...... Yes, you too, send one of you!"


    By "you" I mean the support golem. Guillermo Marchitas has decided to dispatch this precious Golem.


    In fact, the support golem was stronger than 10 battle golems.


    "When Elena comes out, let her deal with him.


    Yes, sir.


    Guillermo Markitas gave the order. The main body of the golem lay motionless on the bunk.

 1701 - - 46-12 Tazy Village Relief

    Shortly before Jin prevented the "Aether Stampede".


    "Guillermo Marchitas has launched an indiscriminate attack on the continent of Pandor, is that right?"


    Elena received a report at the base in Casimunore. Wattes Schrezza, the military chief of staff, was nearby.


    "This could be our chance to take back the Electra base, but this is ......."


    After a moment''s hesitation, Elena makes her decision.


    "As a nostalgia party, we can''t just let Guillermo Marchitas do what he did.


    "I understand."


    Wattes Shrezza agreed with Elena.


    "It would be a good idea to let the world know that we are the nostalgia party.


    Wattes, get ready now!


    I''m already prepared, sir.


    Good.


    Elena and Wattes boarded the flagship, a 60-meter class airship. Twelve airships of the same size, that''s the current strength of Nostalgia.


    "We will launch with 80% of our forces, and 20% will be used to defend the base.


    That''s good.


    As a result, 10 airships filled with combat golems and general-purpose golems floated into the sky.


    Thus, the Nostalgia Party was also sailing to the continent of Pandor.


    * * * *


    The nostalgia party (Nostalgia) did not go to rescue Mahaleague, the capital of the Principality of Mercana, but to the villages of Tajee and Fan.


    "There are battle golems here.


    How many are there?


    It is important to analyze the enemy''s strength. Wattes immediately activated his special magic equipment.


    <


    "There are about 20 of them. Ten in the village of Tajee and ten in the village of Fan.


    That should be enough to deal with them. We''ll send out our new battle golems to fight them. And send out the rescue golem!


    Ha!


    The ten airships split up.


    Five each will fly over the villages of Tazi and Fan. Then, two battle golems were dropped on each of them. In other words, 10 Golems were sent to Tazee village and the other 10 to Fan village for rescue.


    In addition, two rescue golems were dispatched.


    The golems landed easily from the airship, which descended to a height of about 5 meters from the ground.


    Elena and her team''s flagship was over the village of Taj.


    This is good. Let''s see what happens first.


    And so the battle began.


    The battle began.


    Aah!


    Run!


    Most of the houses in the village of Tajee had been destroyed.


    At night, a mysterious golem suddenly attacked.


    Helga, over here!


    Father!


    The village headman, Sergei, sensing the danger, quickly evacuated to a spring in the mountains behind his house.


    Most of the villagers have also fled.


    The mysterious golem seemed to have prioritized the destruction of buildings and facilities over harming people, so miraculously there seemed to be no human casualties.


    "......What the hell is it?"


    "I don''t know."


    The fire had caught fire in the village, which was visible from the hill behind the house, and was burning in several places.


    "Oh ...... there''s going to be a fire!"


    Someone shouted in grief.


    "But there''s no way to put it out. ...... d*mn it!"


    Helga''s childhood friend, Isak, hit the standing tree with his fist in frustration.


    The flames flared even more and it did not take long for the village to be engulfed in flames.


    "Oh ...... my house is ......"


    The stores are ......


    "Oh ...... for food!"


    Everyone''s shoulders slumped in disappointment. There was little that could be taken out of the houses, and everyone was left with nothing but their clothes. A few had machetes and sticks in their hands, but no food at all.


    There was a spring that provided water, but there was nothing we could do about it.


    No, before that, there was no guarantee that the mysterious golem would not attack us.


    "Oh, that."


    By the light of the fire, you can see something floating in the air. It is an elongated object.


    The villagers do not know that it is Guillermo Marchitas''s <.


    Then, with a cracking sound, a golem appears.


    "Kyaah!"


    "d*mn, it''s finally here!"


    Sergei, the village headman, used a stick in his hand to knock off the golem''s legs.


    It works, and the mysterious golem falls over.


    "Now!"


    The villagers, armed with weapons, strike at once. A club, a tree branch, a machete, a hoe, a found stone .......


    But they were not the kind of people who could be hurt by such attacks.


    "Aah!


    "Agh!" "Agh!"


    "Ow, that hurts. ......


    He got up and with a single swing of his arm, five of them were blown away, one with a broken arm and one with a broken rib. One of them had an arm broken, one had a rib broken, and the remaining three were stunned and motionless.


    The mysterious golem chose Sergei, Helga''s father, who had knocked her down, as its next target.


    "Father!"


    Helga closes her eyes tightly and covers her face with her hands.


    The mysterious golem''s fists growl, and Sergei''s blood sprays .......


    But...


    There was a dull metallic clang and the sound of a standing tree breaking.


    "Oh!"


    "Oh!" came the startled voices of the people. Helga gently opens her eyes.


    There is a startling sight.


    His father, Sergei, is alive.


    A tree has been snapped off, and a mysterious golem lies crumpled beyond it. The attacker seems to be a black golem of an unfamiliar shape.


    And beside Sergei stands another ...... silver-colored Golem.


    The new mysterious golem looks completely different from the fallen mysterious golem.


    The fallen mysterious ...... enemy golem looks like a heavy golem in armor, but the new mysterious ...... friend golem has a body line close to that of a human being.


    And moreover.


    "<>"


    The apparently friendly golem even used healing magic.


    The effect was that those with broken arms and ribs recovered.


    "Oh!


    "It''s healed!��It doesn''t hurt anymore!"


    The same treatment was given to those who had been knocked unconscious by the blows.


    "Oh, you''re saved. ......"


    Helga let out a sigh of relief.

 1702 - - 46-13 Close to the final round

    Jin returns to Horai Island and checks the situation in the command center.


    <


    Then, the Space Force Golem reported through the old man what they had investigated.


    "I see, of course."


    Jin looked satisfied.


    "That airship could not have been built with ordinary technology.


    <


    "<>. I see. So they''re flying with <> at ......?"


    <


    "Hmm. Did you develop an efficient way to use the <>? ......No, I think that part is the <> technology."


    < are a race that migrated to Ars from the planet Hale on the other side of the sun Celan in prehistoric times. The full extent of their magical technology is still unknown.


    The fact that the <> has made the past facilities ...... what we now call as their base, must mean that they have mastered the technology to some extent.


    There is one golem for < that has exceptional performance. Perhaps it is a relic of the .


    The old man explained that the support golem has a performance close to that of the golem.


    "I see. That must be the one who built the <."


    The old man explained that it was probably due to the concentration of the magical power of the "Aether Stampede" because of the confinement in the hemispherical boundary. He said that this was the reason why he could not get more detailed information.


    "I''m sorry, but it can''t be helped."


    Jin reviewed the situation and concluded that it was time to end this.


    "......It''s finally time for me to go."


    So far, he had been holding off, thinking that the <> and <> would be doing the de facto rescue work.


    However, Jin decided that he would only confront Guillermo Marchitas himself.


    "Father, it''s dangerous!


    Reiko, who had been silently following him when she heard the report, couldn''t help but interject when Jin said he was going to go out.


    "I know, Reiko. If they are using a doppelganger, we should use one too.


    "In that case, you can use ......."


    Reiko was satisfied, and then the old man reported further.


    "You are early."


    Since the Nostalgia Party has an official technological partnership with , they have access to such facilities.


    "A large transition gate (warp gate) or ...... I don''t know about that."


    <


    "Oh, I see."


    An ancient warp gate was once discovered after a ceremony in the Kingdom of Celluloid. It was analyzed and made into something unique.


    <>


    "I see."


    Elena had been so badly beaten by Golbert Malkitas that she couldn''t sit still, Jin thought.


    "Taji Village or ......"


    Jin thought of the faces of those who had helped him. Helga, Sergei, Isak, Meena, Sonya, and Katya. .......


    "Oh, Kachair was a mahaleegh. ......Oh, did I mention that I engineered the return of Eira and Cachair from the Principality of Jagus to the Principality of Mercana?"


    If I had known this was going to happen, I should have done it a little later, Jin regretted a little.


    The old man was concerned about Jin.


    "Well, yes, but it''s still ...... dangerous to have someone you know.


    It was only a few days ago, but it seemed like a long time ago to Jin.


    With a shake of his head to shake off such thoughts, Jin prepared for his departure.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......That''s just in time for the rescue of Tajee Village, isn''t it?"


    Elena was relieved in the airship.


    Guillermo Malkitas had already destroyed most of the battle golems.


    "The new battle golem was good enough for you, wasn''t it?"


    "Yes. But it should be, since we studied their battle golem and created this one.


    It was a new type of battle golem that was created based on the specifications of the battle golem of Guillermo Marchitas, whom Elena had faced in the past, and with the aim of surpassing it in performance.


    Nostalgia was beginning to function as the guardian of this world, just as Jin wished it to be.


    "The rescue golem is also proving useful. It''s a blessing in disguise that there were no fatalities, though some were seriously injured.


    Yes, that''s all that matters.


    The rescue golem can even use intermediate level healing magic, so it is fully functional if we consider first aid as a prerequisite.


    How''s Juan Village?


    It seems to be all right there as well. There are a lot of seriously injured people as well, but no fatalities.


    That''s good to hear. That''s good to hear.


    Probably because we prioritized the destruction of the buildings," concluded Wattes Schletzer, the military chief of staff.


    "So what should we do next?"


    "Tactically, we should confront Guillermo Marchitas, but strategically, we should protect the evacuated people.


    I see.


    Wattes Schletzer said that this is an opportunity for the Nostalgia party to raise its profile on the continent of Pandor. From a humanitarian point of view, this is reasonable.


    The concern is that Guillermo Marchitas will not stay in the same place.


    "Let take care of Markitas," he said.


    This was a decision that only Elena, who knew who he was, could have made.


    * * * * * *


    "......Another nostalgia party (nostalgia), you interrupt me ......, but this is the end of it."


    The puppet doll, moving under the will of Guillermo Marchitas, stared at the magic screen.


    There, 169 battle golems and one support golem were projected as they marched toward the shore of Lake Norigi.


    * * * * * *


    Enemy battle golems are coming. There are about 170 of them.


    In the airship of Nostalgia, Elena received a report.


    "Elena, they are probably going to fight with us!


    Wattes judged so.


    "...... I think they might be. Should we attack them before they attack the village of Tazie?


    "Yes, that would be better.


    Elena makes a quick decision.


    "Leave half of the battle golems that have been dispatched to the villages of Fan and Tajee, and send the rest to the shores of Lake Norigi. Then, each aircraft, unload all of the battle golems it is carrying, and send them to the shores of Lake Norigi.


    Half of the ten golems that had already been deployed headed for the shores of Lake Norigi.


    A little later, a total of ten new battle golems are unloaded from ten airships.


    Thirty battle golems made up the total strength of this year''s Nostalgia.


    No, there is one more.


    "I''m going down too!"


    "Elena-sama!��It''s dangerous!


    Wattes objects. But Elena shakes her head.


    "No, we can''t leave. Wattes, if I don''t come back, take ten ships and make them retreat. No casualties. Good."


    "Lady Elena. ......"


    I''m off then.


    With these words, Elena jumped off the airship.


    There are only two hours until dawn.

 1703 - - 46-14 even

    "Elena''s coming out!"


    Guillermo Marchitas, who was looking at the magic screen inside the ruins, smiled.


    "He can be made into a puppet with a . ...... Well, let''s see what happens."


    Golems were gathering in the meadow by Lake Norigi.


    On one side were 169 battle golems of Guillermo Marchitas and one support golem. On the other hand, 30 new battle golems of the Nostalgia party, and Elena.


    These were sent from a special flying ship that was released for filming. This was also the arrangement of the support golem.


    Then, <> were fired at the new battle golems of the Nostalgia party.


    But..,


    "It doesn''t work after all..."


    Guillermo Malkitas confirms this through the magic screen and nods his head in agreement.


    Then the battle began.


    Although the difference in strength was more than five times, the Malkitas side had a large number of players of good quality, while the Nostalgia side had more quality than quantity.


    Well, it is significant that the Nostalgia side had only that many golems that were equipped with countermeasures against <>.


    Incidentally, the Nostalgia''s countermeasure against <> is <>, if I may say so.


    In short, they change the waveform of basic magic power of each and every golem.


    This means that even if you use a <>, you can only control one golem at a time.


    And if the waveform of the <> is changed, the controlled golem will return to its original state.


    Before that, the waveform of magic power was difficult to read.


    "You''ve discovered the characteristics of the <>, haven''t you? Well, as long as they rely on matter, they will do at least that much."


    Guillermo Marchitas muttered words that could be interpreted as a sigh of defeat.


    The golems on the side of Markitas and the Nostalgia side entered into a full-scale battle.


    The performance of the Nostalgia golem was better. It is roughly twice as powerful.


    Golems on the side of Markitas outnumber those on the Nostalgia side. The ratio is 5.63 times.


    In terms of the ratio of strength, the Nostalgia side seems to be at a disadvantage. By a simple calculation, they would not be able to defeat a force of 3 at the same time with 2 times their strength.


    But then.


    Then, they should not be able to fight against more than three at once.


    The golem of the Nostalgia side, taking advantage of its 2x performance, defeats them individually.


    They are able to use this kind of strategy because of their superior judgment.


    On the other hand, the golem of the MARQUITAS side does not work so well. They were divided and disturbed, and were unable to act in an organized manner. They were being destroyed individually.


    "You seem to be doing well so far ......, but what about you, Elena-sama ......?"


    Wattes Schletzer looked down from the air and worried about Elena.


    Elena was running around the battlefield in all directions.


    With her new beloved sword in her hand, she is disturbing the enemy golems. Her figure was the same as that of the former .


    "Not yet!��Come on, come on, this way!"


    Like the wind, she weaves her way between the enemy golems and attacks their knee joints.


    The fact that this slows them down so much is due to the fact that they are mass-produced models that don''t place much importance on their skeletons.


    The golem on the side of MARQUITAS had armor to support its body.


    This is similar to the of modern Japanese aircraft.


    When in perfect condition, the armor is strong enough to support the body, while at the same time simplifying the structure and reducing weight, but if a part of the armor is damaged, the effect will affect the entire body.


    An exterior with a broken knee joint will be unbalanced due to tension from the opposite side.


    As a result, friction at the joint increases and movement efficiency decreases by a few tenths of a percent. This may not sound like much, but the broken knee joints also make them less of a threat.


    And so, Elena has < about 100 of them...


    ?


    Suddenly, her sword is stopped.


    Instantly Elena jumps back. A moment later, a mace slammed into the spot where she had been.


    "Is it a new model?"


    A appeared in front of Elena. It was the first one she had ever seen.


    Unlike the burly battle golem, it was about 170 centimeters tall, with a body line similar to that of a human.


    Then, a golem from the Nostalgia party pounced on her.


    However, the support golem dodged lightly and slammed its mace into the Nostalgia golem.


    The golem receives a blow to the back of its head, causing its head to crumple and rendering it incapable of action.


    "That''s quite a powerful weapon, isn''t it?"


    Elena told the Nostalgia golems around her, "I''ll deal with this one myself.


    I see, that''s wise.


    "You can speak, can''t you?��You''re not the golem Guillermo Marchitas made, are you?


    Yes. I am a support golem. I serve Master Malchitas, but I was created by a people called the Originals.


    The Originators?


    Naturally, Elena knew what they were called.


    "...... This may be a formidable foe.


    Elena decided to be cautious.


    However, the opponent has a mace. It is powerful, but with Elena''s speed, she can dodge it.


    The problem was how to damage the opponent without taking damage to herself. That was the problem.


    Let''s go!


    The support golem attacked first. A mace cleave to the side.


    Elena dodges it by keeping her stance low. If she jumped, there was no way to escape from the attack while she was in the air.


    Elena gets low and aims her sword at the ankle of the support golem.


    However, the support golem quickly backed up and dodged the sword strike.


    "It''s a tough one, isn''t it?"


    Elena was now using 80 percent of the power Jin had modified for her.


    "Then, I''m going to go for it.


    She increased the output to 100 percent.


    The reason why she was hesitant was because ordinary magi-machines often rattle or overheat when they are used at 100 percent output for a long period of time. This is not the case with Jin.


    This was not the case with Jin, but his past experience had made him hesitant to give Elena 100 percent output.


    "--!"


    Without uttering a sound,...... Elena is an automata, so she has nothing to do with breathing exercises such as kiai or breath blowing,...... but a sword was drawn.


    It was halfway into the hilt of the support golem''s mace.


    Amazing performance. Was it a deus ex machina who created you?


    "No, it wasn''t."


    Despite this conversation, the two creatures'' battle continued to intensify.


    The support golem is no longer catching Elena''s sword, but is parrying it, and Elena, at 100 percent output, has a speed advantage, allowing her to parry the enemy''s attacks with ease. Surely you are right, Markitas-sama.


    You certainly have the reputation of being an adversary, Mr. Markitas!


    "Thank you very much.


    The attack and defense accelerate.


    Elena with her sword and the support golem with its mace.


    Elena attacks with speed and manpower, even if each blow is light.


    The support golem sacrifices speed, but is superior in the power of a single blow.


    In one corner of the battlefield, an evenly matched battle continues.

 1704 - - 46-15 jet black

    <>


    "Yes. ...... that Elena is even with him, I guess the golem of the is as good as it gets."


    On Horai Island, Jin stared at the magic screen and roared.


    < are a race that does not like fighting. Hence, they did not make a golem for combat. It is simply a support golem with this performance.


    "Is this one ready?"


    <, we will be on site in 30 seconds.


    <


    Okay.


    After arriving at the site, send the doppelganger through the warp gate to Pegasus 2, and we will be ready to go.


    "I thought I''d leave the normal level enemies to you, but if they even have <> technology, I guess it''s our turn."


    >, ready.


    "Alright . ...... Reiko, what about you?"


    Jin asked, "Are you going to stay with Jin on Horai Island, or are you going to go out with your doppelganger?


    "I will."


    Reiko answered without a pause.


    "I''ll leave her with you instead."


    "What?"


    Reiko presented an automata doll about 30 centimeters tall. She looked just like Reiko.


    "What''s this?"


    "Mini Reiko," her father called her.


    "He called her that, so I made her 400 years ago, didn''t I?"


    Yes.


    If Jin who returned 400 years ago the other day made it after his return, it is only natural that Jin here does not know about it.


    "If you could keep me by your father''s side at a time like this..."


    <


    "Oh, you can speak?"


    Reiko nodded.


    "Yes. She is my little doppelg?nger, which I can control remotely.


    "Wow. ...... I made something interesting too."


    Reiko says, "At this size, you can even slip it into your carry-on luggage.


    "I see, that''s what I''m talking about."


    Jin was impressed in a strange way, perhaps in a self-praise kind of way.


    "That''s good, but I want Reiko to wear protective gear too.


    Reiko is made of the world''s strongest and most durable material, and Jin thought that if he was going to send her to the battlefield, he wanted her to wear protective gear.


    He had made one in the past, but never used it because Reiko''s own performance was too high.


    "Father made it again before," she said.


    Reiko took out and showed a breastplate, baskets, shin guards, and a bowl-shaped protective gear called a hachikane, which protects the forehead area.


    The balance with the apron dress is not so bad. It looks like .......


    Well, since they are both Jin, they have the same sense of design.


    "I''m 400 years old or ...... well done!"


    Reiko then donned her armor and carried her beloved sword, .


    "Well, I''ll be on my way."


    "Yeah, be careful."


    Jin''s and Reiko move to by the warp gate.


    * * * *


    It''s still dark.


    "It''s still dark, but the eastern sky is getting a little brighter.


    Pilot Hope replied.


    The time difference between Penglai Island and the Pandor continent is about six hours. It would be about 5:00 a.m. here.


    "Father, you can see Lake Norigi below. I will assist Elena and then head for the base in Markitas.


    "Okay."


    Reiko then jumped down from Pegasus 2.


    Reiko landed nonchalantly from an altitude of about 50 meters, and immediately started to hang the shortest distance in the direction from which Elena was fighting. The power output was 10 percent.


    The shortest distance, in other words, a straight line. The enemy golem blocking her path is bounced away.


    He runs to Elena and the support golem.


    For the time being, Reiko decides to get rid of most of the enemy golems surrounding Elena.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The battle between Elena and the support golem was at a standstill.


    Elena''s sword and the support golem''s mace are both in tatters.


    Both had shallow wounds all over their bodies.


    Even in this day and age, there are skilled engineers.


    The support golem, which had once kept its distance from Elena, opened its mouth as if looking at her.


    "You''ll lose your footing if you keep looking up at me like that, won''t you?


    Elena laughed.


    I can''t help it. I was made this way.


    The support golem begins to swing its mace like a windmill. It''s clear that he intends to strike a blow with speed.


    It''s time to settle this.


    (You won''t be safe if you get hit by that. ......)


    Dodging with a depleted sword is dangerous. Dodging is the only option.


    A human wielding a sword can make a gap, but a support golem''s swinging speed is extraordinary.


    It''s a physical barrier.


    Let''s go!


    The support golem steps into the room, swinging its mace. Elena takes one ...... or three steps back.


    The wind pressure from the mace ruffles Elena''s golden hair.


    (This is not good.......)


    Backing up, Elena thinks of a way out. However, she could not come up with a good solution at this moment.


    (At least in a smaller place...).


    But this is the plain by Lake Norigi.


    ��Yes, if the footing was bad.)


    Elena retreats to the lake side, thinking that the heavy support golem would be at a disadvantage in the muddy marshy area. But...


    That won''t work!


    An enemy battle golem attacks Elena from behind. Elena has no choice but to turn to the opposite side of the lake.


    This is not a one-on-one battle.


    (...... is getting tougher and tougher. ......)


    Three combat golems and a support golem, four in total, attacked Elena.


    The battle golems could be overcome without any problem, but the mace of the support golem would come at her while she was preoccupied with the battle golems.


    Once, Elena dodged the mace, and it grazed the head of the combat golem. The golem''s head was blown off with a crack.


    (I don''t want to see that happen to me. ......)


    The number of enemy golems was reduced to two, but Elena decided to focus on avoiding the mace.


    (If I can guide that mace to hit the enemy golem, I might have a chance to win.)


    ) She reduced the number of enemy golems for battle and at the same time depleted their weapons. That was the strategy that Elena took.


    It worked out well, and she was able to eliminate the two remaining enemy battle golems that clung to her.


    That''s quite a feat!


    the support golem said to Elena, without stopping wielding its mace.


    But that''s it!


    Behind Elena stood five new enemy battle golems.


    If you step forward, you will fall prey to their maces. If you step back, you will be caught by the battle golem. The same goes for the left and right.


    That''s it.


    The support golem slammed its mace down on Elena.


    And then there''s a dull metallic crack. .......


    The shattered mace shatters, and the five battle golems are blown to pieces.


    "You are ......"


    "Leave it to me, Elena-san, to deal with these a**h*les."


    < descended upon the battlefield.

 1705 - - 46-16 Battleground Winds

    Who are you?


    The support golem, throwing down its shattered mace, asks the sudden intruder a question.


    "I am an automata. My name is Reiko.


    The support golem responds in its usual emotionless voice to Reiko who bows in curtsey.


    Reiko?��That is the name of the follower of Jin Nido, isn''t it? Are you sure it''s the same one?


    "I am me. There''s only one of us.


    ...... I see. So Jin Nidoo is alive?


    You don''t have to answer that.


    Reiko looked back at Elena,


    "Elena, this golem should not be in this world. You should be dealing with a golem."


    "Leco,......, I understand,......."


    Elena nodded and walked away.


    The support golem did not follow Elena, but faced Reiko.


    "I am only obeying my father.


    The support golem responded to this answer in a mocking manner.


    I wondered what he would say, but it turned out to be a mere subservient automaton. Nothing to do with intelligence.


    But Reiko was having none of it.


    "My father made me this way. I''m not lacking in anything."


    I see. So you''re a blind believer. Very well, I will shut it down and deliver it to Master Markitas.


    With these words, the support golem reaches for the shortsword hidden behind its back.


    "You are just following the orders of Markitas, aren''t you?"


    Reiko also pulls out the from her back.


    Reiko and the support golem collided.


    No, I don''t know if I would call it a collision.


    <, the support golem''s shortsword was cut down without doing its job.


    The support golem, seeing this, jumped backward with its reaction speed, but Reiko was much faster.


    Faster than the support golem could jump back, Reiko stepped forward and with her left hand, which was fitted with a basket hand, she delivered a straight fist thrust to the chest.


    The support golem jumped back and received the blow, and was blown 30 meters off the ground.


    "That''s ...... Reiko. Jin-sama''s guardian automata."


    As Elena moved away from the battlefield, she realized once again how out of the ordinary Reiko was.


    [...... You''re a hell of an automaton, aren''t you!


    The support golem seemed to still be able to move, though its chest was slightly concaved.


    I''ll have to tell Master Markitas about this. ......


    He then turned and tried to leave the scene.


    "I won''t let you!"


    Reiko clutches at him.


    But... The support golems must be able to magically guide her, for ten battle golems stood in front of her.


    "You''re in my way!"


    <, Reiko clings to the battle golems, flicking them away with her basket-mounted arms.


    Some of the flung off battle golems fly through the air, others crash into the ground, and Reiko chases after the support golem as if she were << going through an uninhabited field>, as the classics say.


    Can''t you even buy us some time, our battle golem!


    For the first time, the voice of the support golem began to take on an impatient tone.


    Then, five seconds after Reiko blasts the support golem away.


    "I got you!"


    Reiko caught up with the support golem and grabbed its arm.


    You grabbed my arm carelessly!


    The support golem fires a few million volts of electricity at Reiko. <


    But it doesn''t work on Reiko.


    "So what?"


    He looks at Reiko, who is holding the support golem''s arm and looking unconcerned,


    You''re a ...... monster if that doesn''t work?


    "You''re so rude.


    "That''s rude."


    Reiko muttered quietly, pulled her hand from his grasp, and lightly kicked him.


    Agh!


    With that one kick, the support golem crumples from the right knee down.


    Tell me about yourself. Did ...... Jin Nido make you?


    The support golem, no longer able to run away, asked calmly.


    "You don''t have to answer."


    Reiko also said emotionlessly,


    "I will secure you.


    With these words, she activates the Aether Eliminator.


    This emptied his store of free ether, and of course the support golem stopped moving.


    "Father, we have the enemy''s high-performance golem.


    I reported back via the built-in manacam, and received an immediate reply.


    "We are waiting for you."


    Reiko kept her <> on, keeping an eye on the support golem.


    Then came and Jin''s came down.


    Is this the enemy golem?


    "Yes, father. I''m using an ethereal eliminator to stop it from moving.


    Okay. Let''s stop it completely first.


    Jin''s doppelganger activates its engineering magic at the same time Reiko turns off the Aether Eliminator.


    "<><>"


    By cutting the magical bonds inside the golem, it stopped completely.


    "That''s it. Let''s send it to Horai Island for study."


    <, the support golem is sent to the research lab on Horai Island.


    * * * *


    "So this is the Golem.


    Jin was very curious when he received it at the laboratory.


    However, the problem of Guillermo Marchitas is more important now.


    "You go ahead with your analysis of this golem, old man.


    <


    The "Mere Old Man" reluctantly entrusts the analysis to the "Mere Old Man".


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, now the situation is settled.


    At the shore of Lake Norigi, Jin''s "doppelganger" looks down at the ground from inside . Reiko is beside him.


    "Father, what are you going to do now?"


    "Well... We found the hideout of Malchitas. Let''s get in.

 1706 - - 46-17 Near dawn

    Mr. Markitas, the support golem you sent out has been deactivated.


    "Ummm ......, the Nostalgia Party can''t have that many golems."


    Yes, it could be a deus ex machina, or it could be Jin Nido.


    That''s the most likely explanation.


    If it''s ......, there''s a good chance it''s coming here.


    The support golem at the base predicted Jin''s move correctly.


    "I guess so."


    "What do we do, Mr. Markitas?��Should we evacuate?


    "...... No, we will welcome you. <


    I understand.


    But don''t make it easy for him. But don''t let them come easily.


    Yes, sir. Base is on maximum alert. All traps activated.


    All traps activated.


    Well, here we are.


    What a welcome.


    As the Pegasus 2 heads toward Mount Naqiu, it is met by 20 flying boats.


    "Flying boats, right?"


    "Yes. According to the memories of the captured enemy golems, they are not airships, but flying ships.


    "I see. It is floating by gravity magic, right?"


    Jin thinks as he controls the .


    (It would be troublesome with a single .)


    "Okay!"


    Jin makes up his mind.


    "<>, go!


    He gives the order from Horai Island, and , who was waiting in the sky above, swoops down and heads for the site.


    Adriana, who was standing by in the sky, swooped down and headed for the site.


    "First, 20 flying boats will meet us?


    Yes. We''ll have to let them get through this.


    Let''s see what they can do. Is that a small flying boat ......?��What do we do with ...... ......?��What is it?"


    MARQUITAS and his support golem were looking at the magic screen inside the base, when the screen shook for a moment, and at the same time, vibrations were felt in the base.


    "What''s going on?"


    This is a ...... shock wave. Something went supersonic in the atmosphere.


    What?


    Then a huge sphere appeared on the magic screen.


    Its diameter is about 300 meters. This is ...... a spaceship!


    "A spaceship?


    The of Markitas stared at the screen.


    "Is this a spaceship ......?"


    This was the first time that even Markitas had seen a spaceship.


    Even though he knew the concept of space, he had never even left the atmosphere.


    But...


    Here, the <> of <> have strengthened their influence.


    "......Hmmm...I see...so whether it''s ......<> or Jin Nido, it''s at this point in its development. ...... interesting."


    The atmosphere of the < of Malkitas has changed slightly, but the support golem is not particularly responsive.


    For, Markitas is Markitas, not an extra human being. In this respect, they are inferior to the Horai Island group that Jin has created.


    If Jin behaves like this, he will immediately ask in a worried tone, <>Or, .


    I''ll leave you with this.


    In the magic screen of the base of Markitas, a spherical spaceship was showing its power.


    Not a single magic attack from the flying ship could reach the outer covering, but was blocked far in front of it.


    The same goes for the arrows as powerful as rockets.


    Not a single one of them reached the spherical spaceship.


    And it seems that the spaceships were not just passively circling.


    One of the flying ships crashed with its tip in a heap.


    "What have they done to you?"


    Mr. Markitas, it probably collided with a rapidly expanding barrier.


    The support golem analyzes.


    "What?��...... I see, that''s one way to use it."


    While he was saying this, two flying boats crashed.


    "We''re going to be out of luck, aren''t we? ......<."


    Roger that.


    <


    Now, a total of 64 sonic breakers have been released from 16 flying ships.


    The "Hm?


    "Yeah?"


    <, and Jin, who is on Horai Island, sensed that the flying ship of MARQUITAS had attacked them with sonic waves.


    "I see, the barrier is also open to certain frequency channels to pick up sounds from outside.


    However, the outer covering of < is designed to fly at supersonic speeds through the atmosphere without any barriers, so it is not affected by such an attack.


    If the strength of the barrier is further increased, it would become a protective barrier that would keep out even sound waves.


    "But it sounds depressing."


    Jin did not want to be in a situation where he was mainly defending himself.


    is also armed.


    "Okay, let''s attack from here too."


    and .


    Jin''s doppelganger joined the battle with these two weapons.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Two flying ships crashed. And two more. And two more.


    "What happened?


    Guillermo Marchitas had no idea.


    It appears to be an attack from a small enemy flying boat.


    "What?��It was armed too?


    It looks that way.


    "Uh-uh. Where are they?��Where are you?


    It''s almost dawn, but it''s still pitch black. Moreover, since was cloaked in invisible wards, it was impossible for Markitas and the others to detect it.


    Four more ships crashed.


    "Spread out!��We are not good targets if we stay together."


    Guillermo Marchitas ordered.


    The eastern sky was beginning to lighten slightly.

 1707 - - 46-18 Base Intrusion

    The flying fleet of the Marquitas began to spread out. The old man did not miss the opportunity.


    "Yes. ,<> point and shoot."


    <


    But in that one second, the flying fleet was disabled and forced to make an emergency landing.


    "That''s good. We don''t want to cause unnecessary destruction.


    Both Jin and the old man think that they can do nothing about Markitas.


    Jin wanted to keep what could be a valuable sample of technology.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "In the blink of an eye, we''re all gone..."


    The screen went black. Even the aircraft that had been left floating a short distance away for the photo shoot had been shot down.


    Now, the air power of the MARQUITAS side was almost zero.


    The enemy''s combat power is formidable.


    A support golem analyzes the situation.


    I think they could probably obliterate even this mountain.


    "Umm......<...... no, Jin Nido?��Who is he?"


    As expected, the support golem did not have an answer to that question. However.


    The people who made me ...... have technology that rivals some of the , as you and Malchitas call them, and exceeds them in combat. I don''t think they would stand a chance in a head-to-head fight.


    "If you say so, then I guess so."


    But if we can lure that something into this base, we might have a shot.


    "I see. If I could see the enemy''s true face, that''s what I''d like to do."


    * * * *


    >


    "I guess we''ll have to go into the base."


    If < throws in all her weapons, she might be able to obliterate the whole mountain, but Jin doesn''t have that kind of destructive impulse.


    "Or we could use <> to get into the base."


    <> is specially made.


    Originally, the doppelg?nger was specially made, but there was a reason why the old man said so.


    <


    "I see."


    Jin understood what he had just done.


    "He made it at least half as good as Reiko''s, didn''t he?"


    "I see."


    It seems that Jin, as a human being, could not handle that much power. Still, it is more than enough.


    When Jin does something that he has never done before, in other words, when he has to do something strenuous or in battle, the old man will move him according to his will.


    "Okay, so you can jump down from the Pegasus 2?"


    <


    "That''s amazing."


    There is no more problem to get into the enemy base with Reiko.


    Reiko, let''s go. ...... Hope, I''ll take care of it."


    Yes, Father.


    I''ll take care of it. I wish you good luck.


    After a brief exchange of words, Jin''s (= Jin D) and Reiko jumped down from .


    * * * *


    Jin D. and Reiko offset their fall from an altitude of about 100 meters with a force field generator, and landed without a sound.


    "Oh, wow!"


    Jin was impressed by Jin D''s movements.


    "Father, from the looks of it, there seems to be no problem with the operation, is there?


    "Yes, the old man''s support is excellent. I can go on like this.


    Then let''s go.


    Reiko takes the lead and heads for the base of Markitas. We already know the entrance and exit of the flying fleet, so that is our target.


    It is about 10 meters above where they landed.


    Hitoshi D. and Reiko climbed 10 meters with a single leap.


    "Here it is."


    The cliff face is somewhat flattened. The flat part is the door.


    "Okay. There must be a human doorway nearby.


    The old man reports.


    <


    "Okay."


    The competent old man had already identified the entrance and exit.


    Jin D. went to the right toward the cliff. There was a large rock towering high above the cliff.


    There seemed to be a doorway for human beings near the base of the rock. A red stone the size of a fist is lodged at eye level.


    "Okay. Thank you."


    Jin D casts magic power to the red stone as instructed by the old man, and without making a sound, a part of the rock moves downwards and the entrance opens.


    "Oh, it''s open! Reiko, let''s go.


    I''ll go in first.


    Reiko jumped into the opening as soon as she said so. Hitoshi D. followed her.


    It was dark inside. It seemed to be lit only by emergency lights.


    "This must be the base of the too, right?"


    Jin D muttered as he looked around.


    "It''s very different from Onogoro Island and the moon.


    "It must reflect the thoughts of the that created it."


    Reiko expresses her own thoughts at his mutterings.


    "Maybe so. was an individualist, so this must have been a special base.


    Jin recalled the scarcity of resources on the continent of Pandor, since the base must have been built by the , who had a tendency to dig up all the underground resources on the surface.


    "Father, I hear footsteps."


    At Reiko''s words, Jin D. stops and looks at the end of the passage.


    From that dimly lit direction came the sound of multiple footsteps.


    "Oh, security personnel?"


    It was five golems. They looked like the battle golems that Elena and the others had just been dealing with, but they were not the same.


    "Is this one more powerful than the other one?


    "Yes, it seems so. Perhaps the one outside was a mass-produced one, and this one is for the purpose of guarding the base.


    Reiko measured the total amount of mana the other party possessed and came to a conclusion.


    "For security, then I guess we can''t discuss it."


    As soon as Jin D. said that, the five units rushed at him furiously.


    "I''ll take care of this."


    Reiko also jumped out to intercept them.

 1708 - - 46-19 Reikos advance

    Three seconds after Reiko jumped out, the five security golems were scrapped. But...


    "Father!


    Reiko, who had easily crushed the five Golems, turned around and saw the sixth Golem, the one that had captured Jin-D, pinning him to the ground with his legs tied behind his back.


    Jin D, however, was calm.


    "It seems ...... to be all right."


    By "seems", I guess the old man was telling Jin D''s performance and that this kind of opponent would not be a problem.


    And as he said.


    "...... Oh!"


    Jin-D twisted his body, and the security golem he was shackling was blown away. The power that is equivalent to 30 percent of Reiko''s is no joke.


    "This is still going to take some getting used to.


    "...... please."


    It''s OK if the power gets a little stronger, but when it gets dozens or hundreds of times stronger, it''s hard for the senses to keep up. Jin D was in such a state.


    He would be all right once he gets used to it, but for now, the old man is still supporting his movements.


    "Father, how do you feel?


    "Yes, I can operate it well enough with your support. Now it''s just a matter of getting used to it.


    Hearing this, Reiko nodded her head in relief.


    I understand. Then let''s go on."


    "Okay."


    Jin D. and Reiko started to go down the passageway, but soon came to a crossroads.


    "Right or left?"


    It would be foolish to split up at this point.


    "Okay, right."


    "Yes, father."


    Jin D., without any particular reason, chooses the right side just because he is right-handed.


    After turning right and going a little further, the passage turned left. A little further on, the passage turned left.


    It looks like a maze.


    Yes, it is.


    I don''t want to take too much time. ...... Reiko, check for reactions with the Magi Detector.


    I understand. ...... approximately, there''s a large mana reaction in this direction.


    Reiko pointed diagonally to the left.


    "Good. Then let''s go the shortest distance.


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko pulled out her Momoka and swung it four times at the wall.


    That alone left a hole in the wall large enough for a man to pass through,


    "That''s not very efficient."


    Reiko decided to try another method.


    "I''ll use <>."


    Glancing at Jin D, Reiko sheathed the <> once.


    "<>?��Was that also newly created by me 400 years ago?"


    "Yes. Please take a look."


    Reiko took a dagger from her pocket.


    "Is that the Plum Blossom?"


    "Yes.


    Plum, peach, cherry. They are Jin''s favorite spring flowers. The cherry blossoms, however, remind him of another weapon, so he will probably never wear it again.


    Reiko holds a plum blossom in her hand. Looking closely, she sees that it is not a dagger, but a sword with only a handle.


    "Could that be ......?"


    Reiko activates the Umehana, and Jin is sure of what he was about to say.


    A blade of light extends from the hilt, which had only a handle.


    "......Ah, a plasma sword after all. ......"


    Jin figured out that it was probably boosted by . After all, it was .


    And the energy was probably supplied by Reiko.


    ��The size of the hilt would not be able to incorporate a magical reactor that could supply that much mana.


    While I was thinking about such things, Reiko was moving forward, cutting through the wall. This way, there is no need for a maze.


    Jin D followed her.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Mr. Malkitas, the intruder is getting through the maze in an unbelievable way.


    Even the support golem seems puzzled.


    What in the world is that automaton?


    Isn''t that the Jet-Black Princess of Destruction?


    "It''s true that her appearance is just as I''ve heard, but wasn''t ......<> just a bunch of old-fashioned party gossip!"


    The Nostalgia Party (Nostalgia)...... formerly known as the <>.


    A legend passed down from its first term leaders. This was the Jet-Black Princess of Destruction.


    Malkitas, who had previously ordered Reiko to be found and destroyed because he thought she was important to the security of Horai Island, was completely unaware of her strength.


    Inside the magic screen that projected the passageway, an automata that seemed to be the <> was moving deeper and deeper, smashing through the walls.


    "Judging from the way she was moving, she must have known the right direction somehow."


    "Unnu...... is a fearsome, jet-black Princess of Destruction!��Who the hell is coming from ...... after that?"


    "The Princess of Destruction called you <>, didn''t she?"


    "<>?��...... You don''t think it''s Jin Nido, do you?


    From the information obtained from the fifth column (Quinta) we had captured earlier, we knew that Jin, the creator, had given names to the golems and automata, and that some of them called him "father.


    "So that''s Jin Nido!��That can''t be ......, no, it must be a puppet doll (slave doll) too.


    * * *


    Hitoshi D. and Reiko finally made it through the maze of floors and reached the stairs leading to the lower level.


    There, they find two security golems.


    "It seems that these two were the ones that reacted to the mana."


    "So it seems. There is a stairway behind them.


    Then I''ll take them down.


    Reiko said quickly and reaped a plasma sword in her hand to the side.


    With that, the two security golems split into an upper and lower section and fell. At the same time, the glow of the plasma also fades.


    "It seems that <> has reached its limit.


    After ten minutes of continuous use, the magi-circuit had overheated.


    "I''ll do the maintenance when I get back."


    "Yes, please."


    Jin D promised Reiko and headed for the stairs.


    "It must be downstairs. There is a larger mana reaction."


    There were stairs going up, but Reiko pointed down without hesitation.


    "I guess so. Okay, let''s go."


    Reiko stands first and goes down the stairs.


    "I''m sure the people in the base have their own passageway somewhere..."


    It''s hard to imagine the originals walking around this big base on their own feet. Jin guessed so.


    He added,


    "I can see repair marks here and there..."


    Jin D said to himself as he went down the stairs.


    "It looks like the base built by <> has been modified.


    And then the end of the stairs.


    The stairway was brightly illuminated, unlike the previous ones.

 1709 - - 46-20 Face-to-face

    "Is this floor ......?"


    The place where Jin D. and Reiko left was clearly different from the previous floor.


    "It doesn''t look like <>."


    Jin D immediately recognized the true nature of the atmosphere. The floor was made of metal. The previous floor was made of polished stone.


    "This must be the floor that Markitas renovated. Reiko, be careful ......"


    Before I could say, "Be careful," happened.


    The gravity of the floor increased tenfold at once.


    However, neither Jin-D nor Reiko are fazed by the tenfold increase in gravity.


    "I see, it''s a trap just like Malkitas who uses <>.


    As he said this, the gravity increased to 20G. It doesn''t make any sense.


    "The floor is made of metal to withstand gravity magic, isn''t it?"


    "That''s right."


    Hitoshi D. and Reiko are walking around looking for a way out of this floor while continuing such a conversation.


    Gravity increased to 30G, but stopped there.


    "It seems that 30G is the limit.


    Jin thinks that it must be a problem of mana to generate the gravity.


    "But it''s amazing that you can generate 30G consistently.


    Gravity magic is inefficient. The fact that he is able to use it continuously means that he is operating at a very high efficiency.


    Then, I noticed something as I walked around the floor.


    The gravity is different in different places. Specifically, the weakest point is around 20G near the entrance. The center of the floor is 30G.


    "Considering the nature of the trap, the exit must be in the direction where the gravity is greater."


    "That''s logical."


    A twisted enemy might do it the other way around, but we decided to check the most likely direction first.


    "The gravity is a little higher this way, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. Yes, but 30G just became 31G.


    If you continue to move forward, the gravity becomes 32G. Moving to the side, there is no change, and the gravity becomes 33G as we go forward.


    "It''s easy to understand, but I wonder if ...... is something."


    If you''re Jin, think ...... to trap the highest value and put the correct answer just a little bit off,


    (I wonder if I''m getting worse in character...)


    (I wonder if I''m getting worse in character).


    However, it seemed that Markitas had the same bad character, and a hole suddenly appeared under the feet of Hitoshi and Reiko as they stood at what seemed to be the highest point of gravity.


    Well, it took about 0.3 seconds from the time it started to open to the time it finished to open, so it was easy to deal with it.


    It took 0.1 second to notice, 0.2 seconds to jump back, and 0.3 seconds for the hole to open.


    It was a trap, wasn''t it?


    "Yes."


    The conversation appears to be leisurely, but that is only on the surface.


    Reiko is looking around her surroundings and Jin, who is piloting Jin D, is thinking about the meaning of the trap.


    Reiko, check inside the hole.


    "Yes."


    Reiko looks inside the hole with the Magi Detector.


    "There''s a high concentration of mana at the bottom of the hole.


    "I knew it."


    There is a possibility that the hole is not a trap, and there is a possibility that there is a trap inside the trap.


    <>


    The old man has a suggestion. Reiko should be able to use it for a simple purpose, but it is not so accurate. She can look beyond the wall, though.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right. We''re wasting time, please."


    Jin thought about using everything he had available to him.


    The old man answered, 3 seconds later.


    Okay. Thank you.


    Father, are we going?


    We''re going. But be careful. If we switch off the gravity spell on the way down to the hole, we''ll lose our balance.


    "It would be very troublesome if you switch in less than 0.01 seconds.


    And then, without any worries, Hitoshi D. and Reiko arrived at the side hole without incident.


    "If the side hole is a maintenance passage, it should lead to a proper passage or room, right?


    "You are right."


    Jin D. and Reiko started to go down the maintenance passage.


    The height of the passage is about 150 centimeters, so Jin D. bends down a little. Reiko stayed where she was.


    The only light was a dim ethereal luminescent substance (AL), but it was enough for both of them.


    * * * *


    "What is it with these people? ......"


    The Slave Doll of Markitas, who had been observing Jin D. and Reiko''s behavior, let out a disgusted voice.


    "U......"


    At that moment, the puppet doll of MARQUITAS let out a moan.


    The puppet doll itself does not feel pain, but if the person controlling it, Markitas himself, suffers, it will manifest itself in the puppet doll.


    For some reason, however, the support golem did not react.


    "...... wind."


    After about two minutes, Markitas regained himself.


    "Have you entered the maintenance corridor?"


    Yes, Mr. Markitas. How would you like it?��We have several options right now: pour molten iron down the passage, blow up the whole passage, or fill the inside with chlorine gas.


    The support golem suggested a solution, but Markitas shook his head.


    "Probably none of them will work. Enough. We''ll meet them here."


    Are you sure?


    "Yes."


    ......


    [Claire] [Claire] [Claire] [D] [D] [D] [Reiko]


    Jin-D and Reiko carefully make their way down the passageway.


    "Father, nothing''s happening."


    "No. I''m sure we can pour molten metal or poison gas into it in no time.


    "I think they realize it''s useless, don''t they?"


    It is a light conversation, but the content is full of problems. Jin D. and Reiko kept their guard up and proceeded down the maintenance corridor.


    "This way?"


    "Yes, the mana response is strong in that direction."


    At the fork, we used Reiko''s magi-detector to determine the approximate direction we should go.


    "There is a big reaction ahead..."


    "Yes, I can see it."


    The end of the maintenance corridor. There was a door.


    "We have to be more careful than ever ...... to see what''s on the other side."


    But just before Hitoshi and Reiko get there, the door opens.


    "Welcome, intruders!"


    Jin D. and Reiko were greeted by the puppet dolls (slave dolls) of Markitas and ten support golems.

 1710 - - 46-21 Dialogue

    "I am Guillermo Markitas. I''m Guillermo Marchitas. Can you tell me your name?"


    Guillermo Marchitas opened his arms as if he had no intention of fighting and welcomed them into the room.


    "I am Jin Nido."


    "My name is Reiko."


    This answer startled Markitas.


    Jin Nido!��You can''t be him!��...... No, no, I know that your body is a highly sophisticated puppet doll (slave doll). So is this body of mine."


    "I see."


    As Jin was thinking about what to say next, Markitas began to speak.


    "I have been wanting to meet you for about 360 years now."


    And then,


    "Do you also have long-lived blood?��Or is there another way?"


    He asks me.


    "No, I''m probably just a regular guy. I''m probably just an ordinary guy who got saved by chance and luck, and here I am.


    Jin-D gives a somewhat blurred answer.


    "Hmm. I envy you. When I think about it, I was not lucky enough.


    Saying this in a whisper, Markitas keeps his mouth shut. Now Jin asks a question.


    "Why did you do such a useless thing?"


    What do you mean by "futile"?


    Destroying civilizations does not advance mankind, does it?��We can see that in the wars of the Magical Wars. History has proven it.


    "I see, that''s your argument."


    Markitas listens to Jin''s words without making fun of them.


    "-First of all, what do you want the human race to for?"


    Jin asks. Evolution" here means liberation from matter.


    Markitas knew this and answered confidently.


    "For what?��It is obvious, isn''t it? For the happiness of the human species.


    Happiness, huh? Then what is happiness?


    This was the first time Jin had ever heard such a logical or philosophical question and answer. Normally, he would have left this matter to the old man.


    However, his intuition was telling him that he had to face this person himself.


    It is a state of mind.


    Then, what kind of condition is happiness?


    Jin continued his question.


    "In short, .


    There was a shred of truth in what Markitas said. Certainly, a state of contentment is happiness.


    <>, that is, <>. What is fullness and sufficiency?


    Markitas continues in his speech.


    "As long as there is a body, we cannot avoid depending on matter. And matter is not eternal or immortal.


    "......"


    Jin listens in silence.


    "In other words, we cannot seek eternal happiness in the things of this world, material things."


    "So we should become a spiritual being?"


    "That''s right."


    But Jin rejected this theory.


    "No. It''s useless.


    "What?


    "You''ll never be satisfied with a spiritual life form. It''s always craving, always looking for things that interest it. And it will never end.


    Jin remembered the he had met in the other space.


    "What?


    "It''s a delusion to think that you can be happy if you only exist as a spirit.


    How can you say such a thing?


    Because I have met such a being.


    What?


    This statement seemed to surprise even Markitas.


    "It was about four hundred years ago. Contact with another space occurred and this world was in danger. I flew around trying to do something about it and got ...... trapped in another space for a time. That''s when I met a <>."


    "What ...... is ......?"


    Markitas (the puppet doll) held his head in his hands. Jin continued.


    "They were an old, old race. From my point of view, they in a world of ."


    "......"


    Markitas kept his head in his hands, but Jin continued.


    "They were beginning to get tired of and were interested in the phenomenon of , the skill of dealing with free magical elements (ether). And I remember they said they had a subject to study for the next 100,000 years or so of their time."


    "......"


    Markitas still had his head in his hands.


    "You only have to look at them to see that. , if they can do that, they''re happy. But I think you should seek more than that, <>."


    "Peace of mind ......?"


    Finally, Markitas looked up.


    "Yes. You said it yourself, . If by ''state of mind'' you mean . That''s what you should be aiming for."


    "Peace ......?"


    Yes. You talk about matter and spirit, but in the end you seem to be stuck in matter.


    "I am?��You think I''m trapped in matter?


    Yes, you are. I think that''s what they call it.


    Jin uttered a word that he had heard from the director of the institute when he was in the institute.


    "You mean, ''obsession ......''?"


    "That''s right. As long as you have it, you''ll never find peace."


    "......"


    Markitas seemed to think about it and the puppet doll (slave doll) fell silent.


    Jin continued to speak as if he was about to fold up his words.


    "Humans have a habit of getting used to things. What satisfies us today may not satisfy us tomorrow. So I think the important thing is not contentment but peace."


    "......"


    "You say that, but it''s difficult. I haven''t reached such a state yet.


    "......"


    "But it''s important to try. Don''t you think so?"


    "......"


    But Markitas remained silent.


    "Father, what are you going to do now?"


    "Well, I guess. ......"


    Jin was somewhat discouraged.


    I was hoping it would all be over.


    "...... Jin Nido, you''re a frightening man, aren''t you?"


    "What?"


    Before I knew it, Guillermo Malkitas''s puppet doll (slave doll) had woken up.


    "You almost had me in the middle of this," he said.


    "No, I didn''t mean to.


    But Guillermo Marchitas would not listen.


    "Shut up!"


    The atmosphere has changed dramatically.


    "A spirit life form?��You''re talking nonsense ......."


    Jin sensed something disturbing through Jin D.


    "Markitas ......?��No, who are you?"

 1711 - - 46-22 Fission

    Who, you ask? ...... Jin Nido. You''re a scary man, aren''t you?


    The mood changed dramatically, and Markitas said in a barking voice, "I was wondering if you might be a .


    "I was wondering if perhaps you have more than one personality."


    Multiple personalities. Today we would call it dissociative identity disorder, but in the case of Markitas it would be more appropriate to call it multiple personalities.


    After all, there really are other personalities lurking in there.


    "<>. Well, in my case it would be <>.


    Jin looked at Markitas with a strangely satisfied face,


    "I see. You have been inconsistent and incoherent."


    "What do you know!"


    Markitas was furious.


    But Jin is not silent either. He borrows a word from Jin D and says what he wanted to say.


    "You can despair of the world all you want, but don''t bring others into it!


    But Markitas is having none of it.


    "He won''t listen to me."


    "...... if you don''t stop."


    What are you going to do?


    I''ll stop you by force.


    Markitas laughs.


    "That''s all right. Let''s see what you can do.


    "You ......"


    * * *


    Jin frowned in discomfort in the Horaijima command center.


    "I knew it, you''re crazy."


    "You don''t understand either?


    "I guess so."


    He said he had a dual personality, but as far as Jin felt, it was more like a triple personality,


    "Markitas with a desire to destroy and ......"


    <>


    "Yes. And then there''s the one who denies material civilization, Markitas."


    But the last personality is very ambiguous and relatively sane?��I had the feeling that I was about to be swallowed up by the relatively sane Markitas and the Markitas with a desire to destroy.


    "I can''t help it if I know that, though, can I?"


    Jin was a little depressed.


    <


    A word of command from Reiko would have done the job in an instant. However, Jin was afraid of this way of settling the case.


    "It''s arrogant of you to think that I can judge ......."


    He wanted the to make a judicial decision if the nation was to be governed by the rule of law and not by the rule of man.


    "If it were only the origin golem, I wouldn''t hesitate to do it.


    >


    Jin did not want to get used to the idea of taking a life face to face.


    But fate was on his side.


    * * * *


    Jin Nido, you dare to stand before me!


    Yes. To protect this world.


    Yes, to protect this world. - Yes. You defy me so foolishly, when all things are doomed to perish.


    "Yes, I do. It''s the instinct of the living.


    "Instinct, huh? Another primitive thing ......."


    Something has gone wrong with Markitas'' puppet-slave-doll.


    Lord Malchitas!


    The support golem is acting strange too. He seems to be in a panic.


    Several support golems of the same type have appeared, and to Jin''s eyes, they seem to be moving left and right.


    "Father, could it be that something happened to the main body of Malchitas?"


    "Oh, I see."


    Reiko seemed to be right, Jin thought.


    "Uh, a support golem, right?��Where is the main body of Markitas?��I can use some healing magic.


    I called out to one that was nearby,


    [You''re the one?��...... please wait a moment.


    and the support golem stopped moving. No, the other five golems in the vicinity had also stopped moving.


    "What are you doing?��...... might it be ......?"


    Jin wondered and came up with a hypothesis.


    "Does this support golem share consciousness or knowledge?


    And this is confirmed by the report from the old man.


    "Okay, thank you."


    Jin thanked him and returned his attention to the support golems. Just then, they began to move again.


    Jin Nido, you will come with us then. And I ask you to heal Master Malchitas.


    "Okay."


    Jin D. headed for the next room, surrounded by support golems. Reiko tries to follow him, but the support golem stops her.


    I''m sorry, but I need you to stay here.


    It seems that he has correctly evaluated Reiko''s fighting ability.


    "But I''m ........."


    Reiko, I''ll be fine. You know that, don''t you?


    Before Reiko could say anything, Jin D interrupted her.


    "...... yes, father."


    Reiko nodded reluctantly.


    If Reiko really wanted to, the walls of this base would offer only paper-thin resistance, but even so, she was reluctant to leave Jin D''s side.


    However, since it was not Jin himself, I obeyed him, albeit reluctantly.


    In the next room.


    In the next room, there was Markitas lying on the bunk.


    His head was covered with a helmet or a mask-like magi-machine, but when Jin D. and the others approached, the helmet was removed and his face became clearly visible.


    "Is that Markitas? ......"


    He looks a lot like a puppet doll......, well, the puppet doll did.


    But she looked much older. In other words, the man in front of me, Markitas, is old and about to run out of life.


    Two support golems were attached to the left and right sides of his bed, and seemed to be monitoring his condition. One of them asks Jin D. "Can you fix him?


    Can you fix him?


    "Let''s try ....... <<


    Jin D. tries both medical and surgical healing magic, thinking that if it is a life expectancy, it is only a comfort .......


    But fortunately, Markitas'' condition seems to have improved a little.


    "<><>"


    He tries again to cast a healing spell on her.


    His condition has stabilized a bit again.


    says the support golem that has been accompanying him.


    Thank you, Master Jin Nido!


    Jin felt that this was an unexpected turn of events.

 1712 - - 46-23 Mental life?

    "Jin Nido ......"


    A muffled voice rang out. It sounded like Markitas.


    "...... no thanks will ...... be given."


    He seemed to be going all the way.


    "But ...... I have something to tell you ...... before I perish."


    Let''s hear it.


    Surely, there is nothing magic can do about longevity.


    "I refused ...... the support golem''s suggestion of a ."


    I wanted to ask him what he meant by "switching consciousness," but he remained silent. For now, he thought it would be best to hear as much as possible from Markitas.


    "That''s partly because I didn''t want to rely on technology, but more than that, I was ...... concerned."


    "Fear?"


    "Fear. There is another personality lurking in ...... me. It is me, but it is not me."


    "......"


    Jin waited for Markitas to explain what he meant.


    "Even if my body perishes, perhaps that other I will not perish."


    "...... what does that mean?"


    "Literally, that''s what it means. That''s <> of <>, not to mention ......."


    "What?"


    Jin wanted to ask for more details, but then Markitas'' mood changed.


    "Gu...... Jin Nido, huh,...... you''ve finally come this far,......"


    "Are you ...... you another persona of ...... Markitas?"


    "You can call me that if you like, but ...... I''m probably not from this world."


    "What?


    Jin could not hide his surprise at the unexpected answer.


    "When the consciousness of the master of this body was strong, I was absorbed, but now I can finally come out to the surface.


    Gradually, the person who seemed to be another personality seemed to be able to speak fluently.


    "Who the hell are you ......?"


    When this question came from Jin D, Markitas laughed.


    "Ha-ha-ha!��Jin Nido, there are things you don''t know!


    "Of course. There''s a lot I don''t know about this world.


    "......?��You have an interesting way of putting it.


    "I try to know. It''s only natural.


    I agree with you on that one.


    Surprisingly, the other persona of Markitas, or another persona, and Jin were so far able to talk peacefully.


    "...... you meant who I am. I''m afraid I don''t know either. I noticed that when this man ...... was a juvenile, he was taken in by ......."


    "You mean the magic patterns match?"


    "Hmm, perhaps that''s the right answer."


    Jin imagined that it was like the relationship between himself and his predecessor, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, the "Magecraft Meister".


    "But a match in magical patterns can only occur with a very small probability."


    "Yes, that''s true. So maybe I was lucky. Maybe it was bad luck for this guy."


    So you''re saying he got possessed ......?


    Jin Nido, that''s an interesting expression. Possession. My condition is certainly close to possession.


    Markitas''s alternate personality seems to have understood the word .


    "Then what happens to you when your body is destroyed?


    Jin asked, as if to confirm the most pressing question of the moment.


    "I just leave. And when I''m free, I''ll go to ......."


    "What happens?"


    "I can move around as I please and do as I please in this world."


    But Jin was skeptical.


    "Are you sure about that?"


    What?


    "Because I have never heard, seen, or felt such a spiritual being on Ars.


    Even if we assume they exist," Jin said, "if they are not recognized by us, it''s as if they don''t exist.


    "Mmmmmm. ......"


    "It''s not a spirit life form, so it can''t interfere with matter, can it?"


    "What?��What did you just say?"


    Suddenly Markitas''s alternate personality became agitated.


    "A spirit life form?��Jin Nido, what do you know?"


    "What do you mean ...... you said before?��I guess you mean that in another universe, there is an old race of <> that have escaped the shackles of matter and are tired of their immortal selves ......."


    "......"


    With that, the other persona of Markitas fell silent.


    Since the support golem did not say anything, Jin assumed that there was no sudden change in his condition.


    Eventually.


    "......It seems that I was part of that . You pointed that out to me, so I remembered."


    "What?��You''re the ...... spirit life form?


    Jin was greatly surprised. But..,


    "Jin Nido, do you really know about spirit life forms?


    The other persona of Markitas was equally surprised.


    "I once into the other universe when this universe had a partial superposition with another universe," he said.


    "What?


    "There I met and interacted with a spirit life form, who sent me back to my universe ......."


    "Oh, no, that''s ...... not possible."


    "After that, the spirit organisms must have taken some measures to prevent this kind of superposition of contacts from occurring."


    "......How interesting."


    As Jin explained, he recalled his conversation with in that world.


    "You said something about using sub-free magic element "ether" waves.


    "I see. We ...... spirit life forms are sub-free magical element (ether) beings.


    But here is what Jin realized.


    "If superposition contact doesn''t occur, does that mean you can''t return to your original world ......?"


    Jin wanted the , which he could not seem to destroy, to return to its original world.


    "Oh, yes. Then it can''t be helped. I''ll just wait until someone comes along on our world who can take possession of them again."


    "...... when will that be?"


    "Well, maybe in 200 years, maybe in 200 million years.


    Either way, since it cannot be destroyed, there is no other way.


    But...


    But... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The old man quietly told Jin of Horai Island.


    "What?"


    "What is it?"


    It is a spatial oscillation device using <<<< Hanna Theory>>


    "<>?


    <>.


    "Hannah''s ...... right?"


    <<> in space>>.


    The old man said, "But you can''t use it to send Jin''s body back 400 years," he said.


    "But what if the hole is not the world you want?"


    "......"


    Jin said, "I''ll think it over," and pondered.

 1713 - - 46-24 inside out

    "By the way."


    Jin D, who is conversing with Markitas''s other personality ......<>, suddenly utters a question that he suddenly remembers.


    "You, the spirit life form, are ...... quite intelligent, aren''t you?"


    He adds, "I thought you might be a little more ...... or even more of a doomed personality.


    "Hmm. ...... might be a good way to look at it."


    The spirit organism itself admits.


    "Indeed, I remember that I used to think in a more maniacal way.


    Jin D. could not believe that this personality wanted to destroy the world.


    "......What''s going on?"


    "Nothing in particular. If I may ...... say so, Jin Nido, could you try to use healing magic on the main body of Markitas?"


    "Hmm?��Well, okay. ......<>"


    Nido, I''d like you to try to heal the body of Malquitas.


    "......As I thought."


    The spirit personality nodded his head in agreement.


    "What do you mean, I knew it?"


    "Jin Nido, your magic ...... contains <>."


    "What?"


    "Your magic power contains a small amount of sub-free elemental (etheric) wave component. It seems that I have regained my self-worth thanks to it."


    "By my magical power?"


    Jin couldn''t help but be surprised.


    "Will you try it again and see?"


    Jin was curious.


    "Yes, that''s good.


    "Well then. ......<>"


    Jin D. uses healing magic of advanced medical treatment with Shoro Imperial style chanting.


    "Oh, this is pleasant. No doubt. Your magic and magical power contain sub-free elemental ether wave.


    * * * * * *


    "My magic power contains sub-free magic element (ether) wave ......?"


    On Horai Island, Jin was filled with surprise.


    >.


    The old man affirmed this fact.


    "But isn''t it possible that ...... you''ve been to the other world and you''ve been able to use it, or perhaps you''ve been influenced by it?"


    Jin points out another possibility.


    In the first place, <> and others did not make such a point.


    <


    The words were returned to us.


    "...... I see."


    Jin thinks. < and the others, dealing with sub-free magic element (ether) waves was more natural than Jin and the others breathing, and perhaps it was not worth pointing out every single time. .......


    And this is the reason why did not appear among his descendants. This may be the reason.


    To have a magic pattern that contains a sub-free magic element (ether) wave component.


    It is easy to imagine that a person with such a quality would not appear very often.


    "Anyway, I''ll have to go see my descendants after all this trouble is over. ......"


    Jin vowed once again.


    * * * *


    "......<>"


    Jin D repeatedly casts healing magic on the main body of Markitas.


    Since Jin-D is a doppelganger, its energy source is a <>. Therefore, no matter how many times he applies it, it does not get tired.


    "Yes, my power is back!


    The piece of the that possessed Markitas seems to have regained its original condition.


    "So this character of Markitas was quite distorted. ...... and I''m partly to blame for that. ......"


    The puppet doll of Markitas drooped.


    It seems that the normalized spirit has a fairly decent personality, Jin thought.


    (they were a calm bunch, too. ......)


    "Jin Nido, Markitas himself has something to say. I''ll take over."


    "...... what?"


    Jin, who had been thinking about something, was surprised at the sudden revelation.


    "...... Jin Nido. You''re a real prick."


    "...... Guillermo Markitas?"


    "Yes. But that''s the name I gave my puppet doll, and the name my parents gave me was Golbert Markitas.


    "I see."


    Then Golbert Malkitas took a breath,


    "I hate you. You''re better than me in every way."


    "You''re above me in everything," he spat.


    "I went to Avalon with the pride of being the best in the world, having learned the super-technology of the past, and you made something even better."


    "The past?��...... This isn''t the only ruin of the you know about, is it?"


    "Of course. There was one in the town where I was born, and there are others nearby. Well, they were very small."


    "...... So, the place where you were born is the old name of the demon territory?��Or maybe you were born in Huso ...... or maybe in Newell.


    Golbert Markitas''s face contorted at Jin''s response.


    "You know that much ......?"


    Malkitas looks resigned.


    "I still don''t like you."


    "That''s what I thought. ......


    Surprisingly, however, Golbert Markitas laughed a little.


    "That''s just what I think."


    Jin understood that the point was that he was wrestling alone. Ars doesn''t seem to have a word for .


    "...... I feel like I''ve been having bad dreams for a long time, but it''s all my doing. I know that."


    Golbert Markitas admitted everything he had done.


    "...... your healing magic may have prolonged my life a little, but I don''t have long."


    Golbert Malkitas laughed again.


    "I am sorry. I don''t think I will be judged by your ."


    "Golbert Malkitas ......!"


    "I''m thinking clearer than ever now. So I admit that what I have done was wrong. But I don''t know why I did something wrong.


    I don''t know myself," Markitas said and laughed again.


    "I think it''s ...... since I was possessed by the I was telling you about, but a part of my brain is much clearer than ever. But another part of my mind seems to have become duller."


    The imbalance seems to have caused him to act out of character, Markitas said in his self-analysis.


    "I don''t expect forgiveness for this. I''m not going to ask for forgiveness because of that. I''m not going to give up on my point that ultimately living organisms should aspire to ."


    But humans are too immature to do so right now, Markitas added.


    "Jin Nido, I still don''t know who you are. But I do know that you are not an enemy of humans.


    I can''t say I''m on your side completely," added Markitas, and his came out again.


    "I would have liked to have had a long talk with you once, but you were gone when I went to ."


    "Yes, I suppose you were."


    "...... I don''t know how you are here now in the shape you are in, but I''m happy to talk to you."


    Hate is the opposite of love.


    In the case of Markitas, it was not love, but he seemed to have a feeling of respect for Jin.


    "I told you before. I don''t have long. I have no intention of being judged by your laws.


    With these words, Golbert Markitas closed his eyes.

 1714 - - 46-25 Dawn

    "Gu,uu......"


    "What''s wrong?"


    Jin asked, concerned as Markitas clutched his head.


    "......It''s just the usual headache. Don''t worry."


    He says this, but Markitas looks pale.


    "<>"


    Concerned, Jin D. casts a spell of examination on him. Then, he found out that the patient had a brain tumor.


    "...... brain tumor?


    There was a foreign mass inside the skull. There was a strong possibility that it was pressing on his brain and causing him headaches.


    Jin D. explains it to him.


    "...... What?��I have a tumor in my brain?"


    "Yes. It''s originally your body cells, so healing magic won''t be able to cure it.


    "......"


    * * * *


    However, Jin has never treated a brain tumor before.


    "...... what should I do?"


    <>


    "Well, yes, but I''m kind of concerned about it."


    * * * *


    "...... support golem. Can you remove my brain tumor?"


    Yes, Mr. Markitas.


    "Yes, remove it."


    Yes, sir.


    "What?


    Jin was astonished. Not that the support golem had such advanced medical technology.


    It was the fact that such a thing was possible, but they had left it unattended until today.


    Perhaps that is the nature of the .


    A passive golem that does not interfere excessively and does only what it is ordered to do.


    But it is highly capable and can do unexpected things.


    (Well, it would be possible if <>, >, and > were mobilized.)


    <> is a nursing automata, and <> is a doctor (healer) automata, a little like the Sally Mireshan.


    And <> is a miniature golem for surgery. It was named after a cartoon of a certain black doctor, so it was named after the brain of Moon (Yuny).


    Extraction complete.


    While Jin was lost in thought for a moment, the surgery was over. The procedure was as quick as that of Golem, the doctor of Horai Island.


    "Oops. "


    Jin rushed to have Jin D use his healing magic. Jin D. is not the only one who has been using healing magic, as his magic, including <, should work in the right direction.


    Thank you, Jin Nido!


    The support golem that took charge of the surgery thanked Jin.


    I''m sure Master Markitas will be aware of this shortly.


    You''re early.


    "Father, I watched the whole surgery. I''ve sent it to the old man so that he can perform similar operations in the future."


    Reiko reported in a whisper.


    "Well, that was worthwhile at least."


    But it did not end there.


    "...... that''s the culprit."


    What?


    He''s the one who caused Markitas to do what he did.


    Are you talking about the spirit life form?


    Yes. The body of Markitas is still paralyzed from the surgery.


    "Uh, ......."


    Jin tried to digest what he had just heard.


    "You''re saying that Markitas had a tumor in his brain that drove him to do what he did?"


    "In a nutshell, yes. But it wasn''t a tumor. It was his brain.


    The brain?


    The brain?


    "......<>......, I see."


    The examination (diagnose) confirmed that it was, without a doubt, the same brain cell.


    "This is probably the cause of Markitas'' erratic behavior."


    "......If you knew, why didn''t you point it out to him earlier?"


    Jin D said accusingly.


    "......I''m certainly sorry about that, but as for me, my consciousness ...... ego has only just become clear."


    Jin D could not continue to say any more when he was told that.


    * * * *


    "......Something funny is going on here."


    Jin D himself, who is controlling Jin D, is in the command center of Horai Island. And he was saying to the old man.


    That is true, Jin thinks.


    "There was too little data to base it on."


    "The result was all right, huh?


    <


    Fighting and overwhelming the opponent is not the only way to victory.


    Jin was reminded of this.


    "What should we do after this?"


    >


    "That would be good too. ......"


    He was a man who should not have been here at this time. I couldn''t help it, but I should leave this matter to <> or <>.


    * * * *


    "...... Jin Nido. I am no longer at ...... enmity with you, or with this world."


    Jin felt that Golbert Malkitas meant what he said.


    However, I can''t make a decision on my own.


    Jin answered honestly.


    "Of course. But I don''t have long. As I said before, I cannot be judged by your laws.


    "...... Maybe that''s a good thing."


    Jin had mixed feelings about this.


    "I''ll just sit tight."


    "...... is that okay?"


    Golbert Markitas looked surprised, as if he did not believe Jin''s words.


    "Yes. Well, the invasion is over, anyway..."


    Hitoshi D. turned himself around.


    "Reiko, let''s go."


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin Nido, farewell.


    Goodbye.


    The way home was uneventful, and Jin D. and Reiko walked out of the base.


    Outside the base, the night had already passed before they knew it, and the morning light was flooding in.

 1715 - - at 46-26 Avalon

    "Well, I guess this isn''t the best."


    In the command center of Horai Island, Jin sighed with relief.


    .


    The old lord praised Jin.


    "I didn''t do much, and I''m not really aware of it."


    <<


    "Is that so?"


    Father, I''m back.


    Then Reiko came back.


    <.


    The , piloted by Hope, was heading for Horai Island.


    It is flying at supersonic speed and will return soon.


    "Welcome home, Reiko. Thanks for coming back."


    Mini Reiko got up from Jin''s lap and jumped onto his shoulder.


    "Well, I''m going to go change."


    She puts the mini-reiko on her shoulder and goes back into the room. She returned in about a minute.


    She was dressed in her usual apron dress, disarmed, including the bowl.


    "Aren''t you tired, father?"


    For more than six hours since the Marquitas incident, Jin had been packed in the control room.


    "Speaking of which, I''m starving.


    Soleil and Luna are preparing a meal for you. Please go ahead."


    Jin got up from his seat and stretched.


    "Yes, I will."


    He then headed for the dining room. Naturally, Reiko followed him.


    After seeing Jin and Reiko off, the old man began to think about what to do next.


    <


    As a proof of this, he is even thinking of a <>.


    <> that has put this whole mess together. ...... can declare that Squire Rey is an automaton, so he can look as he did in the past.


    And moreover, I''m not sure that Rhodes would do so well,


    <<<>.


    * * * *


    Rhodes, a member of the second <>, the <>, was now in <>.


    "Long time no see, Tomax."


    And Marikka of Morura was with him.


    "This is the teacher!"


    Marikka had been a teacher here at Avalon about 20 years ago, and Tomax Bartmann, the Chief Administrator of Avalon, was a student of hers.


    What can I do for you today?


    There''s only one thing that''s urgent right now, isn''t there?


    Pandora''s continent?


    Yes, sir.


    The time is 5:00 PM. There is an approximate time difference of -11 hours from the Pandor continent, which means that it is around 6:00 a.m. there.


    In case you are wondering, the date line is drawn in the ocean between the Rasil and Laurent continents, called the ...... which is in essence the Kunlun Island.


    "It seems that a squadron is on its way, but it''s Guillermo Marchitas. They are no match for him.


    Tomax Bartmann was dismayed by Marikka''s assertion.


    "What?��That''s ......."


    Marikka smiled at Tomax.


    "Calm down, Tomax. 30 years and you haven''t changed that much, have you?


    "...... is, yes, sir."


    "Don''t worry, sir, the <> is on its way. In fact, the enemy golem unit seems to have been almost completely destroyed.


    "Really?��...... deus ex machina!��And the special advisor?


    "Have they not been seen in the last few decades,...... or even a hundred years?��Yes, that >>deus ex machina.


    "Oh, is that him?"


    Marikka smiles again.


    "That''s what I thought you would say, that''s why I''m here."


    Marikka is one of the founders of <> and one of the few living witnesses who has known it since its inception.


    "In a little while, the deus ex machina will arrive, and I will introduce you.


    "Uh, uh, really?��How old are you?


    With these words Maricka understood what Tomax Bartmann was trying to say.


    "Oh, so that''s what you mean. Of course, you are the third generation, not the first."


    Maricka explained that the succession is not hereditary, but rather based on ability.


    "Squire Rey is an automaton, though, so he hasn''t changed."


    "...... I see."


    Finally, Tomax and I, who had regained our composure, began discussing the future.


    "Rather, how about we support the Principality of Mercana, which has suffered damage, and take this opportunity to encourage them to join the ?"


    "Oh, sir, that is a good idea. I will immediately discuss and arrange for a meeting.


    Tomax is not a dictator. is a parliamentary system.


    Maricka nodded in agreement. She then addressed Rhodes, who was standing by her side.


    "Rhodes, you knew some people in the Principality of Mercana, didn''t you?


    "Yes, Marikka.


    "Go with the support group from Avalon and help us to persuade them.


    I will.


    * * * *


    <


    <


    The man was in the dining room.


    It was midnight in Houraishima, so the menu was easy to digest.


    "This rice porridge tastes good.


    When Jin praised the rice porridge, Luna was flattered.


    "Thank you, sir.


    The pickles here are delicious, too.


    "Thank you very much."


    Soleil bowed her head as well.


    "Father, please have some tea."


    Reiko then offered him a cup of hojicha (roasted green tea). Of course, the tea was cooled down just enough for Jin to drink.


    "Oh, it''s delicious."


    Jin finishes his ojiya and drinks the hojicha while chomping on the pickled vegetables.


    (I wonder what Eira and Katya are going to do now. ......)


    As the old man was concerned, Jin himself was wondering what he should do with his acquaintances in the Principality of Mercana.

 1716 - - 46-27 News

    "...... is that ...... what''s going to happen now?"


    Eira blurted out in front of the pile of rubble.


    "We should be glad that there''s still life ......."


    Katya responds.


    "I guess that''s what I''m saying."


    Gloma Trey interjected from the side.


    Now they are cleaning up the destroyed research dormitory. More precisely, they are digging out usable objects and personal belongings from under the rubble.


    The has set up temporary housing for them, so they have no need for a place to sleep for the time being.


    The same goes for food.


    And since they were provided with the bare minimum of clothing, they were able to manage food, clothing, and shelter.


    However, they could not take advantage of this. We are trying to recycle what we can use. The Principality of Mercana is resource poor.


    "......What''s going to happen now, ......?"


    And Eira complained again for the first time.


    "Hey, the flight from <> has arrived!


    At the sound of this voice, Katya and the others looked up.


    Ten airships were about to land.


    "This should make things a little easier for us," said Avalon.


    "I hope so!"


    Eira and Katya looked at the airships with tired faces.


    * * * * * *


    "Ah, Master!"


    <.


    "Oh, Groma. You look good."


    Rhodes raised his hand and walked away from the group to join Gromma.


    "Thanks for your help. Thanks to you we found the man we were looking for.


    "So, that''s the djinn, the master of ......?"


    "Yes. That''s who I was looking for.


    That''s ......!


    Rhodes smiled and patted Groma on the shoulder,


    "I''ve got things to do now. Let''s talk tonight.


    He walked toward the group of engineers.


    "Hey, Groma, what was that?"


    "What was that?��...... Oh, Eira. That''s my master.


    "Master of ...... you mean, of ?"


    "Yes. Everyone calls him "Master Rhodes".


    "I see. ......"


    Eira stared at the backs of the group of engineers as they moved away.


    * * * *


    That night, Rhodes appeared in the dining room of the temporary housing where Eira, Caciea, Gromma, and the other former researchers were staying.


    "Ah, master!"


    "Gromma, can I come in?"


    Gromma Tolley drank some tea,


    "Yes, I''ve already eaten.


    Rhodotos told Gromma that he was ready to eat.


    Rhodes looked at Gloma,


    Rhodotos asked Gromma, "Is there someone called Eira and Katya?


    Rhodotos asked Gromma.


    Cach��a, who was sitting back-to-back with Gromma, was startled when her name was called and choked on the tea she was about to drink.


    Eira, who was sitting next to her, was unperturbed.


    "Geez!


    "Kacea, are you okay?��...... Master, this is Katya and the one sitting next to her is Eira."


    "Oh. ...... excuse me for interrupting your meal. My name is Rhodos. < and also an adjunct technical advisor.


    I''m, uh, I''m, uh, I''m Ka-Chaire.


    EIRA SHIATA.


    She introduced herself as "Cach��a" and Eira as well.


    You guys ready?


    "Uh, yes."


    They had already finished eating and drinking tea, so there was no problem.


    "Well, come here, please."


    Rhodes, Gromma, Eira, and Katya left the temporary housing and walked under the stars to the airship where they had landed.


    "There were buildings all the way around here," he says.


    The area that was destroyed has been cleared and is now completely flat. It is no wonder, because the rescue airship cannot land without it.


    "Well, come on in."


    Rhodes invites them into a tent set up beside the airship.


    "Well, I''m sorry to bother you, sir."


    The tent is about 8 tatami mats in size and high enough that an adult''s head would not bump into it.


    It is illuminated by a magic lamp, so it is bright enough. Inside there was a table and about six chairs.


    "Well, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?


    "Well, I''ll have some tea. ......"


    Groma answered on behalf of the others. It was appropriate, since it was just after dinner.


    Okay. ...... Hanako."


    "Yes."


    Hanako, the automata, brewed a pot of tea and put it in front of each of us.


    "Oh, an automata(automata)......?��And such an elaborate ......!"


    Eira and Katya are amazed. Gloma Trey had seen Hanako before, so he was not that surprised.


    After taking a sip of his tea, Rhodoth spoke up.


    "Now, before I get into the details of what I asked you here for, let''s finish what you seem to be interested in."


    Rhodes kept his mouth shut for a moment and looked around at the three of them before resuming the conversation.


    "...... Jin-san, I''m talking about ...... Mister."


    "Jin-san!��Are you safe!"


    Katya was the first to bite.


    "Yeah. I was asking for Gloma Trey over there. < to my place.


    "So, Jin-san is at ......."


    "Oh, no need to panic, no need to panic. I''ll explain in order. First of all, Mr. Jin is a relative of someone I''ve taken care of."


    "I didn''t know that.


    And Ka-CHEER.


    "He''s missing and I''ve been looking for him. Don''t worry, he''s back home now.


    "I''m glad to hear that. ......"


    Katya let out a small sigh of relief.


    "No, Jin-dono was more worried about you guys.


    "Oh, Jin-san was?


    "Yes. Yes. This is the reason why such an uproar has arisen this time.


    "Well, um, then, Mr. Jin, are you in a position to receive such information immediately?


    This was a very perceptive question from Katya.


    "Well, yes. Well, let''s get to the reason why I called you here.


    Rhodes took a sip of his tea to quench his thirst and continued.

 1717 - - 46-28 Reached Hand

    "This country, the Principality of Mercana, is in turmoil. Is that clear?"


    Rhodes began to explain.


    "Yes.


    "The leadership of the royal family and the Committee of Ten are gone. Paelova Sondvik, who is related to the royal family, is working hard to rebuild the city, but it will take some time.


    "...... Yes."


    Here Rhodes paused for a moment before continuing.


    "Right now the is urging the Duchy of Jagus to stop interfering with the Principality of Mercana.


    Fortunately, the warp gate between the Principality of Juggs and the Principality of Mercana has been broken," Rhodes said.


    "The warp gate between the Principality of Mimaka and ours is still in good condition, so we should have no problem sending supplies."


    Rhodes explained that the Principality of Mimaka is more of a neutral ...... and understands the <> and will join in the near future.


    "And what would change?"


    C��cea asked.


    "Well, yes. As a nation, that''s what you want to know.


    Rhodoth nodded.


    "Paelova Sondvik wants to join the Council of Worlds once the Jags are out of the way," Rhodes said. Then we will be able to provide more support.


    Rhodoth said, and Ka?ea''s face lit up.


    "The support we''re giving now is for disaster relief, but we can continue to help with reconstruction afterwards, and we can send our own people to help."


    Groma''s face lit up at this.


    "That would be great!��The current situation in this country is terrible.


    "Yes. Yes, I''m aware of that. ...... and then there''s the resources. I hear that the resources in the shallows of this continent have been mined to the point of exhaustion.


    Rhodes looked around at the three of them and said, "So there''s not much we can do to develop it.


    "Yes, Master. If we go to ......, will < be supporting us with resources from now on as well?"


    "Yes, that is if this country joins the ."


    "I don''t think they would refuse in this situation, though."


    Eira opened her mouth.


    "In addition, we can invite you, for example, the best engineers ...... to join <>."


    "Oh, you mean, you mean, pull them out?"


    Cacacea asked a little uneasily. But Rhodes shook his head.


    "No, no, no. We''re just offering you a place to learn. You can always return to your homeland.


    "If that''s the case, I''d like to learn!


    Gloma Tolley was also very enthusiastic.


    "Yes.


    Katya nodded in agreement.


    "I don''t care if I get to go back to ...... or not. I don''t have a place to go, and I don''t have a family waiting for me.


    Eira says matter-of-factly.


    "Yes, such people will be given residency in if they wish, or they can live in another country. Of course, they can also come back here after their studies.


    "That''s very generous of you."


    Gromma smiled a little tiredly.


    "The outside world is so free, isn''t it ......?"


    "Yes, it is. But this country will change in the future. ......Oh, yes, the villages of Tajee and Fan were also attacked and almost burned to the ground, but there were no fatalities or missing persons."


    "...... I see, good ......!"


    Tazi village, where his childhood friend Helga is located. Ka?ea patted his chest.


    "Well, is there anything else you want to ask me?"


    Rhodotos said after he had finished his tea.


    Cach��a raised her hand.


    "Please, come in."


    "Um, um, do you think we''ll ever see Jin-san again?"


    "Hmm?��You want to see him?


    "Yes, yes."


    Katya nodded her head, her cheeks tinting slightly.


    "Me, Eira and Jin-san used to work together as a ."


    "Yes, I heard. I heard that you promised to have a rematch with Jin-san ......''s golem, didn''t you, Groma?"


    "Yes, sir."


    Rhodoth laughed happily.


    "It''s a rather reckless ...... promise, but with that promise, I''m sure you''ll be able to see Master Jin again."


    "Is that true?"


    Rhodes nodded silently.


    "Well, for now, our first priority is to rebuild our country.


    * * * *


    While returning from the tent in Rhodes, Katya and Eira were talking.


    "It''s good to know that Mr. Jin is still missing, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is. It''s good to know that he''s back home.


    Yes.


    And Eira looks up at the sky.


    "If you don''t mind, I''d like to study at ......<>."


    "Hmm, I knew you would say that, Eira."


    "What about you, Katya?"


    What about Cach��a?��I would like to learn, but I would also like to see my parents back home.


    Hearing this, Eira smiled kindly.


    "That''s like you, Katya. That''s good. Learn what you can and make the most of it back home.


    "Yes, ...... that''s right."


    Looking down at the two of them, the moon shines gently.


    * * * *


    Support was also extended to the destroyed villages of Tazi and Fan.


    "We are called . We are here to support you.


    Elena is leading the way.


    The first step was to and then to set up temporary housing.


    At the same time, the surrounding area is being cleaned up.


    "Thank you!


    Sergei, the village head, bowed his head on behalf of the villagers.


    "No, don''t worry about it. Are any of you sick or injured?


    "Yes, we are fine, thanks to you.


    The villagers were all in good health, as their injuries had been healed by healing magic on the first day of the rescue.


    "Village headman, do you have enough food and temporary housing?


    "Yes, Elena-san. Yes, Elena. Thanks to you, we are fine.


    Sergei looked around the transformed village. There, the golems of the Nostalgia Party were clearing away the rubble.


    "I see. The clothes will arrive tomorrow, so please wait until then.


    "No, no, we don''t ask for anything extravagant after all the support you''ve given us.


    The priorities of the nostalgia party were, in order, medical treatment for the injured, food, temporary housing, and bedding.


    The temporary housing, with a few more modifications, would be small houses that would last for a hundred years. Well, the designs are all the same.


    Among the aid, the food was provided by the island of Horai.


    In any case, the agricultural production in Horai Island is going too well, and it is only accumulating.


    <, so it remains fresh semi-permanently, but there is still too much of it, so we decided to take this opportunity to release it.


    "Thank you very much ......"


    Sergey, the village head of Tazy, thanked Elena again and again.

 1718 - - 46-29 Finally calm down

    In Penglai Island, Jin was receiving a report from the old man.


    "So, the restoration of the Pandor continent is going well, isn''t it?"


    <


    The old man explained that he, too, was glad to be able to make good use of the ever-increasing stockpile of food.


    "But still, it''s been half a month since then. ....... How fast does it go?


    Today is November 15.


    Half a month had passed since Golbert Markitas had launched his invasion.


    "Master Jin, I''m back."


    Just then Rhodotos returned from Avalon.


    "Welcome back. How are you?"


    "Yes, the Principality of Jagus has officially declared that they will no longer interfere with the Principality of Mercana. Now we can increase our support.


    No matter how much support we give, it is meaningless if it is taken away from us.


    However, the warp gate connecting the Principality of Juggs and the Principality of Mercana had been destroyed, making it virtually impossible to influence them.


    "That''s good to hear."


    "There was a bit of a commotion when Deus Ex Machina III appeared in Avalon.


    "Of course there was."


    After a long period of silence, the Deus ex Machina III has made his appearance. Not as one of the founders, but as his successor.


    "Marikka gave me her assurance, so I was accepted without any difficulty.


    After all, the words of Marikka, who has been a living witness since the founding of <>, are very important.


    "And this Marikka?"


    "Yes, together with ...... that?"


    <


    "Why doesn''t she come in?��Hey, Marikka!


    Hey, Marikka!


    What do you mean, "Hi!" ......


    Come on in. - Yes, sir.


    Marikka steps into the command center.


    "You used to come here every once in a while ...... 400 years ago, didn''t you?


    I was usually with Mr. Zion or someone else.


    Even today, Rhodes would be there.


    That''s true, but...


    In short, Rhodes would not be enough to support his heart, Jin thought to himself.


    "Thank you for your explanation on <>. ...... what''s that ......?"


    Is it Tomax Bartmann?


    Yes, that''s right. Your explanation to Tomax Bartmann was magnificent.


    "Oh, thank you very much."


    "I wonder why he bites. ......"


    <


    The old man helped him out.


    "......, does that mean I''m a traumatic level for Marikka!"


    "No, no, on the contrary, I''d say you''re an object of faith. ......"


    For Marikka, Jin, who saved her people, who were then called the , was the object of her admiration.


    Jin, who had never been aware that he was such an object of admiration, had no way of knowing.


    "When the situation on the Pandor continent calms down, I''m thinking of going there once, and I''d like you two to go with me then."


    "Me too, sir?"


    Marikka looked doubtful, but Jin nodded.


    "You explained that Rhodes is a , didn''t you?��That''s why."


    "Oh, so you''re going to say that they are Marikka-sama''s relatives?"


    "Oh, you''re going to say that I''m related to Marikka, aren''t you?


    It was actually Zion who had asked him to search for Jin, but Marikka was equally concerned about him, so it was not a lie.


    "I wonder what you''re going to do about your promise at ....... ......"


    "Promises?��With whom?"


    "Oh, you promised me a rematch against Groma and Golem, didn''t you?"


    "What''s the point of doing that now, Jin-sama?"


    Rhodoth says, a little taken aback.


    "Well, yes."


    Even if I take Hope with me, there is too much difference in performance between the Hope of then and the Hope of now.


    Once again, Jin realizes that he is floating in the air.


    "Isn''t ...... good?"


    Marikka called out to Jin.


    "From what Law has told me, this Groma is quite talented. It would be good if we let him fail once and give him a chance to learn at .


    Is that a possibility?


    "Yes, I think so. I think that''s the way to go. ...... I remember that Ms. Cachea and Ms. Eira wanted to study at <>. And Gloma Trey."


    Rhodoth reported as if to add.


    "I see. I''m sure the three of them will grow together."


    Jin seemed pleased to hear that.


    "Yes. When the reconstruction of the Pandor continent progresses a little more, we''ll send them out. There are a few other talented people who could be a good match for us.


    Yes. I hope they will study hard and rebuild their homeland.


    "Now all we need to do is redevelop Hale and visit Onogoro Island.


    Since Hale will take a little more time to prepare, Jin would like to visit Onogoro Island.


    "I would like to ask Marikka to follow me."


    Since Marikka is the master of Onogoro Island, this is a natural request.


    "Yes, of course, Shore......."


    "Do the inhabitants of Onogoro Island know about Marikka?"


    "Yes, of course.


    No longer needing to hide anything, Marikka gives Jin a brief explanation.


    "I show up a few times a year to a dozen times a year, so everyone remembers me."


    "I see. ...... So what do you want me to say when I get there?"


    I doubt if you would believe me if I suddenly said, , he thinks.


    At least I wouldn''t believe it myself.


    "I understand that. If I come with you and explain the situation, you will believe me.


    "But I''m still worried. ......"


    And this is Mr. Rayko.


    Is that me?


    Reiko, who had been keeping quiet until now, spoke up.


    "Yes. You all know who Reiko-san is and ...... well, in the course of our conversation, that is."


    She is legendary as a dark-eyed, dark-haired follower and an invincible automata.


    "Besides, I think it will be all right if you bring or a spaceship or something that no one can make and show it to him. After all, Jin-sama is a ."


    "I see. ......"


    Jin adds, "Even if I don''t reveal myself, it would be good to see the descendants of the <> living happily.


    But Marikka said, "Don''t say that,


    But Marikka said, "Don''t say that. I''m sure everyone would be happy to see their ancestors.


    "You can say that too ......?"


    Jin scratches his head.


    And little by little, he thinks, he will make preparations to visit <>.

 1719 - - 46-30 And then...

    "Speaking of which, what happened to Markitas?"


    Rhodoth asked Jin.


    "Wasn''t there a report made to <>?��< was supposed to have taken care of it."


    "No, I didn''t hear anything about it."


    "That''s funny. ...... Well, whatever. Markitas passed away a week ago from old age."


    I see. ......


    He was over 440 years old physically.


    "But your great-grandmother was 512 years old."


    Rhodes nodded his head.


    "That''s probably due to being half-Japanese and not being very fit."


    "No, I think it''s more because she lived for a long time in a land with a low concentration of free magic element (ether)."


    Marikka guessed.


    "Yes, that could be the case.


    Rhodes agrees with her theory.


    The free magical element (ether) has the effect of preventing the transformation and deterioration of substances containing magical atoms (magiatoms).


    "Oh, by the way, what happened to the piece of ?"


    "Oh, that guy. ......"


    * * *


    Lise, the doctor (healer) automata whom I had left by Markitas'' side, informed me that he was in critical condition, and I immediately rushed over to him.


    "I''ve put you through a lot of trouble.


    Those were his last words.


    His corpse was cremated in accordance with the instructions given to the support golem in advance.


    <, but no matter how long we waited, it never happened.


    Jin had no choice but to return to Horai Island, and a week passed without any news,


    I ordered the old man to make sure.


    Just to be sure, I ordered the old man to send out weak sub-free ether waves, but there was no response.


    "I wonder if mental life forms can''t make contact with normal creatures in this world after all.


    <


    Or, it may have possessed someone unknown to you, but for some reason it lost its ego.


    In any case, I am at a loss."


    .


    There seems to be nothing Jin and the others can do.


    "It can''t be helped. Let''s put this matter on hold.


    .


    .


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    What happened to the base he used after Markitas died?


    Rhodes asked.


    "I took over the management of ......."


    Well, of course you did.


    "But I''m going to leave the ostensible management to and the Nostalgia Party."


    He had looked into it, but there was no technology that Jin really wanted.


    No, there was one thing. It was an efficient method of operating .


    But this was something that the support golem that Jin had secured knew, and he had already transfused the knowledge to the old man.


    "Oh, yes, <>, right?��Did you find out about that?


    "Yes, I have. It is almost the same as what the homunculus <> tried to do before. This time it''s more like transinfo, the transfer of knowledge to an automata.


    When Jin heard these words, he had a rough idea of what he was talking about.


    "Then, you have almost eliminated all concerns, don''t you?


    "This way. <?


    No problems so far.


    "I see. I''d like to go see them once Cachet and Eira arrive in <>."


    Rhodoth hears this murmur and thinks for a moment before opening his mouth.


    "I guess we have about half a month to go. Once the situation in the Principality of Mercana settles down and the villages and towns are restored to a reasonable level, the girls will be able to come to without any worries.


    "I see. Thank you."


    Jin nodded.


    * * * * * *


    "Elena-sama, I''ve finished retrieving all the broken battle golems.


    "Thank you."


    The nostalgia party (nostalgia gear) was doing a lot of cleanup work.


    "We also recovered the golem of Markitas, so we have more materials..."


    "Yes, that''s good. That''s a relief.


    Remembering the support golem, which was a formidable enemy, Elena thinks back to the battle against the , which she had been struggling against for so long.


    (I wouldn''t be here if Jin-sama hadn''t come back, wouldn''t I?)


    Elena tries to do her part.


    "How is the <> going?"


    "Yes, the backup from Markitas has been completely cut off, so it will be easy to destroy them.


    "That''s true. But if we do it all at once, there could be chaos in the upper echelons of each country, so let''s take our time.


    "I understand. I''m sure there will be some who will turn to us.


    There must still be people who originally belonged to the Nostalgia Party, and Elena wanted to keep their positions if she could trust them.


    "How about the recapture of the Elektra base?"


    "Yes, everything has been recaptured and we are in full control.


    "Yes, that''s good news."


    Elena sighed with relief.


    It is a pseudo sigh, since she is not breathing.


    "It looks like peace is finally coming back to the world.


    As a nostalgia party, I can''t help but wish for such a peaceful world.


    (After all, we still need more help from Jin-sama. ...... In that sense, it is good news that Jin-sama seems to have become immortal.)


    Elena was created by a female magecraftsman, Shenna, and regenerated by Jin.


    She may unknowingly recognize Jin as her second parent.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "So this is <......"


    "This is <. ......, it''s amazing. ......"


    "I had heard about it from my master, but I never expected it to be this great. ......"


    A few days later, had a new population.


    "It''s warmer in the south, isn''t it?"


    Eira is not fond of the cold, so she was glad to be able to wear short sleeves even in January.


    "So this is my room. It''s a bit small. ...... What?��You have a separate lab and workshop?��That''s fine."


    "That''s good. In Eira''s case, it would be better to have a separate laboratory and living room, wouldn''t it?


    I agree.


    What the hell, guys?


    Eira, Katya, and Groma seem to be doing reasonably well as a new .


    Avalon, floating on the blue ocean, is at peace today.

 1720 - - 47-01 To Onogoro Island

    On December 1, 3899, at the research institute on Horai Island.


    Jin and Reiko were in the basement command center.


    "Now, it''s time to go to Onogoro Island."


    "I''m looking forward to it, father."


    "I''m looking forward to it, but I''m also ...... nervous."


    Jin had not felt this nervous since the last time he went for a job interview before he started working.


    Jin-sama, thank you for waiting.


    Then Marikka arrived. <


    <


    The life expectancy of the northern peoples, who originally had a long life expectancy, has increased dramatically due to good nutrition, public health, and medical care.


    The old man guessed that the increase in the concentration of free ether may have also contributed to the increase in life expectancy.


    "It is good to live a long and healthy life."


    "...... Yes?"


    Marikka, who had just come into the command center, asked him what he was thinking.


    "No, it''s nothing. I''m glad to hear that Marikka is doing well.


    Marikka was flustered to be told with a straight face, "Oh, thank you.


    "Oh, thank you very much."


    "......"


    Marikka has always had a habit of getting nervous and biting Jin when she is in front of him, a habit that has not yet been cured.


    Jin laughed inwardly at the fact that she could be so firm with others .......


    "Mr. Zion sends his regards. He says he can''t accompany you this time.


    "I see."


    Marikka and Zion have been alive since the time Jin''s descendants first moved to , so their words are persuasive.


    I am grateful that Marikka is able to accompany me, since I know she would not believe me if I suddenly told her that Jin is .


    "What about what I should bring with me?"


    Marikka looked at Jin as if she were a school child on a field trip,


    "Ah, well, the wards that cover the island are not closed as far as the <> is concerned, so you can get them as many times as you want later, so it''s okay if you forget something.


    Jin''s shoulders relaxed as he was told the obvious.


    "If <> is with you, I''m sure it won''t be a problem.


    Oh," Jin thought.


    Marikka and Zion were now able to pronounce the words natively from time to time.


    , whom Marikka modeled after Reiko, is pronouncing it correctly. <.


    But if we are not careful, we can''t help but pronounce it as .


    "Where is the warp gate to Onogoro Island located?"


    "There is none on Horai Island, so we are planning to add one this time."


    "I see."


    The main component of the warp gate, in other words, the . This is what connects two warp gates with a free magic element (ether) wave.


    So, the current Warp Gate is located in my house in the Nordic Federation. In the corner of my garden, to be exact.


    "Heh."


    Marikka was the administrator of Onogoro Island, so it was only natural.


    "Well, father, let''s go."


    "Yes. I''m going to go to ......."


    .


    Jin, Reiko, and Marikka were on their way to the clan territory of for the time being.


    "Jin, welcome."


    The warp gate room of the < clan territory was located in the clan leader''s house, where a special and robust building had been constructed.


    "Hello, Zion."


    It was nice to be greeted by Zion. .......


    "I thought you couldn''t come with us this time, Zion?


    Jin said and Zion smiled and nodded.


    "Yes, but that''s okay. We still have time."


    "Time?"


    "Yes. Today''s meeting of the elders will be held here.


    They are waiting for the members to gather at their house.


    So we have a little more time," explained Zion.


    "So I''ll leave it to Marikka for today. I just came to see Jin''s face. I thought he would be excited.


    "......Well, yeah. I''m looking forward to it."


    "Hmm, I guess so. ...... Marikka, nice to see you today.


    "Yes, Mr. Zion."


    After this exchange, Jin and his friends went to Marikka''s house. In a corner of the yard, there was a solid-looking building like the one they had seen earlier.


    There it is.


    Okay, let''s get going.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin, who had been looking forward to the trip, headed for the warp gate room at a quick pace.


    "Don''t be in such a hurry, I won''t run away.


    Marikka shushes Jin with the promised line. However, her steps were becoming hurried.


    Let''s get going.


    Once through the warp gate of the same shape as the one on Horai Island, they are instantly in the warp gate room on the Onogoro Island side.


    The golem in charge bows silently.


    It is a golem entrusted with maintenance and management, similar to the craftsman golem (smith golem).


    "Father, the concentration of free magical element (ether) is about the same as that of Horai Island, isn''t it?"


    Reiko said at first.


    "And the unevenness of the distribution of free magical element (ether) must have been corrected a lot.


    In the past, was responsible for sending the free magical elements (ether) of the planet Ars to the direction of Hale.


    Since that time, the distribution of free magical elements (ether) on Ars has been returning to its original state.


    "Let''s set up the warp gate to Horai Island first.


    Reiko said. Jin nodded reluctantly.


    "Please use this warp gate.


    Marikka showed a half-finished warp gate.


    "You can use it by setting the link core.


    It seems that she had prepared it in advance, thinking of Jin.


    "Thank you very much. Thank you. ............ is finished."


    Reiko is the best on Horai Island in setting up the warp gate.


    She finished setting it up in 5 seconds. "Now we will test it.


    Then he went to the warp gate. Then, just when you think he has disappeared, he comes back in about 10 seconds.


    "No problem. It works perfectly.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    Now that we are all mobile, it''s time to get out in the open.


    "I''ve never been to a well maintained island before."


    Jin takes a step forward, muttering to himself.

 1721 - - 47-02 Welcome

    "Welcome to Onogoro Island, ancestors!"


    Jin was greeted with applause as he exited the warp gate room.


    "Uh, uh..."


    Jin was surprised.


    "Thank you for welcoming me."


    Marikka thanked Jin on his behalf.


    "So this is your ancestor!


    An elderly man and a woman greeted us.


    "Jin-sama doesn''t like ostentation, so only the two caretakers are here.


    Marikka explained.


    "Caretakers?"


    "Yes. I am Trihard Randall and this is my wife Suzanne.


    As he introduced himself, Jin saw the image of his good friend Reinhardt in him. And his wife Suzanne looked somewhat like Saki.


    "You are so young. If Marikka-sama hadn''t explained it to me, I wouldn''t have believed it.


    Trihart said as he shook hands with Jin.


    "Of course. ......"


    Hitoshi nodded.


    "But, well, I grew up hearing many stories of our ancestors'' unorthodoxy and eccentricities, so I think we all agree that <>.


    "I see.


    Jin did not feel much praise for that.


    "And this is the legendary Reiko, isn''t it?


    Yes, I am Reiko.


    "Oh!��It''s an honor to meet you!


    It seems Reiko is also a legend.


    You, we''d better get going.


    "Oh, yes."


    Suzanne said to her husband, Trihart, and the group left the place and started to walk away.


    "My ancestors didn''t like ostentatious things, so I''ll bring you to my family first," she said.


    "Yes, yes..."


    Jin thought that it was better than being suddenly introduced to so many people.


    "Wow!"


    Ancestors!


    I''m so honored!


    At last!


    Here... you guys behave yourselves...


    "Gosenzo-sama!"


    And so we were greeted by a large number of our descendants.


    Apparently, they had been waiting for us for some time.


    This time there were two couples of about 30 years old, a boy and a girl, and a young girl...... totaling nine people.


    "A son and his wife, a daughter and her husband, and their children ......, that is, their grandchildren."


    The couple in their early thirties are Lackhardt and Milfe Landl, a son and his wife. They have three children, Grohart, Thorhart, and Mee Alice.


    A couple in their late 20s is Eugene and Mariesta Fahlheit. This is Trihardt''s daughter and her husband, and they have two children, Lilliam and Julius.


    (I''m going to have a hard time remembering them. ......)


    (I''m going to have a hard time remembering them. ) Jin was concerned.


    The children and grandchildren of the two caretakers already numbered eleven in total.


    Jin is relatively poor at matching faces and names. He is not suited to be an insurance salesman or an insurance saleswoman.


    (And yet, Farheit, or ......)


    Licia Faarheit. I felt that there was a trace of the earnest and hardworking girl in her offspring.


    As Jin was pondering this thought, he suddenly noticed a little girl coming up to his feet and staring up at him.


    "Yes, and ...... me Alice, was it?"


    "Yes."


    The short answer reminded Jin of his once loving wife, and he couldn''t help but pat Me Alice on the head.


    "I''m so happy to see you. ......"


    Mee Alice is smiling happily.


    "Ancestors......"


    Then another girl came in.


    "Liliam ......, right?"


    "Yes!"


    Lilliam smiled happily when her name was called and clutched at the hem of Jin''s jacket.


    This was the start of a crowd of small children gathering around.


    The fourteen-year-old Grohardt had indeed only just approached, but his younger brother, Thorhardt, came right up to him and looked up shyly at Hitoshi.


    "Everyone, ...... give me your regards."


    Jin said,


    "Yes, ancestors!


    the children nodded their heads in unison.


    "Now, now, everyone, if you keep sticking together, your ancestors won''t be able to move, so move away!"


    Suzanne clapped her hands and called out, and the children reluctantly left Jin''s side.


    In their place, their parents ...... Lackhardt and Milfe, Eugene and Mariesta, approached and shook his hand.


    "It''s an honor, sir.


    "Thank you!"


    When Jin shook hands with them, all four of them looked flushed and thrilled.


    They also shook hands with Reiko, whose face was also smiling, and after shaking hands, they were as excited as children.


    "Good work, Jin-sama!"


    Marikka chuckled as she helped Jin to his feet.


    "...... really."


    "But now you understand a little bit more, don''t you?"


    "Yes, I do.


    Jin felt that she was really happy to see him.


    "Well, let me show you around Onogoro Island.


    Marikka went first, followed by Jin and Reiko. Marikka went first, followed by Jin and Reiko, and then by their caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Traihardt Susanne.


    The children and grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Susanne smiled and waved.


    "Is it a car or a ...... golem engine?"


    A four-wheeled car was prepared. A convertible.


    "Yes, that''s right,....... ...... kohon."


    In the driver''s seat and the passenger''s seat are Mr. and Mrs. Trihard Suzanne.


    Jin, Reiko, and Marikka got in the passenger seats.


    "The residential area of <> is divided into several sections. If you are in a hurry, you can use the warp gate, but this time, let''s take it easy with the golem car.


    Jin knew the island of Onogoro 400 years ago. This suggestion was not a bad one.


    He had not expected such a large area of settlements to be scattered all over the island.


    "Well, let''s go."


    Triharto started the golem car.


    Now it was time to tour the island of Onogoro.

 1722 - - 47-03 Greetings Round

    The Golem car carrying Jin and the others drives along a gravel-paved road. Both sides of the road are forests of broadleaf trees.


    "Fresh greenery. ...... Well, it''s spring in the southern hemisphere, isn''t it?"


    Even though the island is located on the Tropic of Cancer, it seems to have four seasons in its own way.


    Even Horai Island has four seasons," Jin thought as he enjoyed the scenery.


    Soon, a village came into view.


    It is a village area. People who like this kind of life live here," Suzanne said.


    Suzanne explained.


    I could somehow feel the atmosphere of the village of Kaina. At the same time, there was a slight resemblance to the village of Kaltz, which used to be Reinhardt''s domain.


    When Jin mentioned this to her,


    "Yes, there are many descendants of such people living here.


    The car then drove to the central square of the village.


    The car stopped at what appeared to be the central square of the village.


    The residents soon gathered.


    Triharto used a loudspeaker, which seemed to be equipped in the car, and said, "As I told you before, I''m not going to tell you anything,


    "As I told you before, Nidohito-sama has arrived!��Today we are just showing our faces, so you don''t have to say each person''s name.


    Then he turned to Jin,


    "Gozan-sama, please say one word to everyone.


    He said, "What?


    "What?"


    Jin was taken aback by this out of the blue,


    Jin-sama, please!


    Marikka also asked him in a whisper, and he stood up from the car.


    "Everyone, this is Jin Nido...... Nido Jin. I''ve had a little accident and have come here from 400 years ago. I am very happy to meet you all.


    And then,


    "This is Reiko. Please take care of her!


    I introduced Reiko as well.


    Reiko bowed silently.


    Ancestors!


    Jin-sama!


    I''m honored!


    They were all waving at her in excitement.


    Jin was relieved, but at the same time his eyes seemed to burn a little.


    "Okay, let''s move on. Let''s move on to the next one. ......Thank you, everyone!


    Trihart said and started the golem car.


    The villagers make way.


    The villagers clear the road and wave to Jin and the others as they drive away.


    "What do you think?��Aren''t they all welcoming?"


    "Yes, they are."


    Finally, Jin felt a little relieved.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next stop was a slightly bustling town. The simple walls of the town reminded me of the town of Bluerand in the Kingdom of Egelea or Alban in the Kingdom of Klein.


    However, the gates were left open and there were no guards.


    "It''s just an atmosphere.


    Trihardt said.


    After passing through the gate, the golem cars proceed down the central street. In front of it is the central square with a fountain.


    "There''s a royal castle, too, isn''t there?"


    "It''s just an atmosphere. There is no king. There are those who enjoy the knightly life, though."


    Cosplay...... or role-playing, Jin thought when he heard that.


    "There are stores and a large population?"


    "Yes, about 70% are automata.


    "What?"


    It''s lonely with only humans, it''s the atmosphere, the atmosphere...


    "Well, ......"


    Jin imagined that they were NPCs in RPGs.


    The car stopped at the central square.


    Residents were already gathering.


    Here, too, Jin gave a brief greeting following Triharto''s call.


    The welcome is the same.


    Since we are just showing our faces, we pass through here with just that.


    "You all looked really happy," said Reiko.


    Reiko said.


    "I see. If Reiko says so, I''m sure of it.


    Reiko, who has much better eyesight than Jin, would be able to confirm the expressions on everyone''s faces.


    The next visit was to Ono.


    Our next stop is a port town-like area facing the inland sea of Onogoro Island.


    It reminds me of Potrock in the Kingdom of Elias and Nalneka in the Kingdom of Egelea.


    Here we parked our car in the square facing the harbor and greeted them.


    "Ancestors!


    I am so happy to see you!


    As expected, Jin was welcomed.


    The feeling that he had been neglected had vanished from his mind.


    "Oh, I''m so relieved."


    He is even more surprised to find that the town and village seem to be a comfortable place to live.


    "The automata for the inhabitants are based on <>" Marikka explains.


    Marikka explains.


    "Oh, I see. The fifth column (Quinta) lived undercover in each town, didn''t they?"


    "Yes. The old man helped them.


    I''m sure he did.


    Jin thought that the data collected by the fifth column (quinta), such as the know-how of various occupations, might have been used in this way.


    At the same time, he was a little happy to be of help in this way.


    After that, Jin continued to visit the three towns and greeted them in the same way.


    "Is that all?"


    Jin asked,


    "No, I have one last thing for you.


    He replied, "No, I have something special for you.


    "A special favor?"


    Yes, the direct descendants of Jin-sama.

 1723 - - 47-04 Direct lineage

    Direct descendants," Maricka said.


    "Is there ...... any criteria for direct descent?"


    Jin asked, curious,


    "A follower," came the short answer.


    The short answer came back.


    "When you say followers ......, do you mean golems or automata?"


    "Yes."


    This time Suzanne answered.


    "You must have inherited a follower made in the time of your ...... ancestors since 400 years ago, that is the qualification to call yourself a direct descendant."


    "I see. Then ......."


    Jin swallowed the words. Nostalgic names are running through his head. Without saying a word, Jin was looking forward to the <>.


    * * * *


    The Golem car drove through the woods.


    "Oh!


    There was a chalk building reminiscent of the research institute on Horai Island.


    And with the people gathered in front of it, .......


    "It''s them."


    Triharto said and parked the Golem car.


    "Everyone!��We''ve brought your ancestors!"


    There was a cheer. But there were only a few of us, so it was no big deal.


    "Come on, ancestors, get down!"


    "Uh-huh."


    "Jin-sama, I''d like to introduce you to ......."


    Marikka seems to know them well.


    Jin did not know any of the humans, but he knew the followers beside them very well.


    Among them, the biggest and the most burly looking .......


    "Black Knight (Schwarzritter), it''s you!


    "Jin-sama, it''s been a while."


    Next to him, on the other hand, is a small boy.


    Edgar ......!


    "It''s been a long time, Master Jin."


    And a neutral looking ........


    "Aaru, you''re looking well.


    "Jin-sama, you too, looking good."


    And then there were two female golems and a male golem.


    Arrow!


    Jin-sama, it''s good to see you again.


    And are you Arko and Vail?


    Master Jin, good to see you again.


    Jin-sama, it has been a long time.


    To tell the truth, this is the first time for the <> Jin to meet Arko and Vail, although he had heard about them beforehand. However, strangely enough, it did not feel as if it was the first time they had met.


    The blonde-haired, elegant-looking automaton was also there.


    "Are you Neon?


    "Yes. Jin-sama, it''s been a long time.


    And a maid golem of familiar design...


    Sara?


    "Yes, Master."


    And finally, the dazzling blue topaz golem.


    Serene ......, right?


    Yes, Master Gin.


    These are the followers, it seems.


    Those who are not here serve those who should serve them in the outside world, Jin thought.


    (Come to think of it, many of them were created by members of the other than me.)


    (Come to think of it, there are a lot of people who were created by members other than me.


    Besides, who worked at the residence of Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom, returned to Horai Island after Jin''s death.


    * * * *


    "Wow!��You really, really are my ancestors!��Fushigi!"


    A girl, who looked the youngest among the descendants gathered here, said excitedly.


    "If the Black Knight (Schwarzliter) says so, then there''s no doubt about it!��...... Oh, ancestors, my name is Stephanie Randall!"


    You mean you''re a direct descendant of Reinhardt?


    Yes!


    I''ve been separated from Trihardt for about three generations.


    It''s a pleasure to meet you. Strange things happen, don''t they? I''m Natalia.


    A slender woman in her early twenties greeted us.


    Are you a descendant of Marcia?


    "Yes, that''s right!"


    Arrow, Arco, and Vail followed her, so there was no doubt about it.


    Jin was thinking about how slender she was for a descendant of Marcia ......, something that would surely lead to s*xual harassment if anyone asked.


    Next was a man in his thirties.


    "It''s nice to meet you for the first time. My name is Alvin Eschenbach. It''s an honor to meet you, ancestor.


    "You''re descended from Saki."


    He had Aal with him. He had reddish-brown hair and violet eyes just like Saki. He was slender, too.


    And a girl in her mid-teens, full of energy.


    "I''m Edith Kuzma, nice to meet you, ancestors!


    "Bina and ...... the Reinhardts?"


    It was Neon she was carrying.


    "Yes, that''s right!"


    She was a descendant of Bina and a descendant of Reinhardt. As it turned out, her face resembled Berche''s, but her red hair looked just like Beena''s, and her gray eyes resembled Reinhardt''s.


    Then there was a dark-haired boy in his late teens.


    "I''ve missed you, ancestor."


    "You''re descended from me and ...... Elsa."


    It was Edgar who was following him.


    "Yes!��My name is Shu Nido!"


    And then a strange woman with Sarah in tow.


    "My name is Ada Nido."


    "You are descended from Hannah ......, aren''t you?��And you''re my descendant?


    Yes, it''s nice to meet you.


    Indeed, she has dark blond hair and brown eyes reminiscent of Hannah.


    The last one was a woman with Serene, a blue-topaz golem.


    "My name is Merlina Eschenbach."


    "You are descended from Toa and ...... Stellina, aren''t you?"


    Yes, my ancestors.


    "Yes, my ancestors." "We all inherit the characteristics of our ancestors, don''t we? No wonder you inherited the squire.


    I am honored.


    I''m glad to hear you say so, Ancestor.


    "Ancestors, tell me a story from the past!"


    Then Trihardt, the caretaker, came in,


    "That''s all I have to show you today, Ancestors. After this, we will have a discussion, so please make yourselves at home.


    He invited them to the laboratory.

 1724 - - 47-05 Talking

    "Hmmm, that''s a nice laboratory."


    Jin was impressed and spoke in praise.


    "Oh, thank you, sir."


    Marikka thanked him while chewing.


    "Jichu, this institute was built by me, based on the one in Horai Island. ...... but the actual site supervision was done by Testa, Helente, and Direk."


    "...... I see."


    So it is very similar to the research institute on Horai Island.


    "The inside has been slightly changed. Jin-sama''s study is not here, and the old man is in the basement. ......


    "Well, of course..."


    There is no point in copying so much.


    There are several workshops inside, and only technicians I''ve approved are allowed to use them.


    "I see."


    Marikka is now one of the best in the world. Any technician who can meet his standards is sure to be top-notch.


    "And all of them?"


    <.


    "No, I''m afraid not.


    Not all of them, he said. It seems that even the direct descendants who inherited the squire did not inherit the skill of engineering magic.


    "Besides, there are children with good skills even if they don''t have a squire.


    "I guess so."


    Jin and the others head for the cafeteria. The location of the cafeteria was the same as the laboratory on Horai Island.


    There was a maid golem there who brewed green tea for everyone.


    "Oh, this tea is delicious.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin praised the tea, and the maid golem thanked him.


    "This tea is from this island, and I hand-rubbed it myself.


    Green tea is made by plucking the sprouts of the chanoki tree, but if they are left as they are, they begin to ferment and eventually turn into black tea.


    So, as soon as they are picked, they are steamed to stop the fermentation process.


    The leaves, which still have a lot of water in them, are rubbed dry with hot air.


    The leaves are then dried further ......, which is the very rough process of making green tea.


    "I see, it is a deeply steamed tea.


    "Yes, it is."


    The taste varies depending on the steeping method. Shallow steamed tea has a good aroma but is astringent and has a light taste.


    On the other hand, deeply steamed tea tends to have a slightly weaker aroma but is richer and less astringent.


    Jin prefers deep steamed tea.


    "Well, Jin-sama, that''s enough tea talk for now. ......"


    Marikka called out to him with a sense of humility.


    "Oh, I''m sorry, I''m sorry. Well then, let''s get started.


    There was not enough time to talk about the old days if we were just rambling.


    Jin thought that he would ask for their wishes and tell them an episode related to their ancestors.


    "Marikka, you decide."


    Instead of Jin deciding, Marikka waved her hand.


    "Yes. Then let''s start with the timeline of when Jin-sama met her: ......"


    "Wait!"


    Marikka was about to nominate someone when an intruder appeared.


    She looked at the entrance of the ...... cafeteria where the voice came from and saw a girl of about ten years old standing there.


    "I''m the next !"


    "......"


    Trichardt and Suzanne held their heads together.


    "......Rubina......, that girl is a total ......."


    Maricka let out a sigh.


    The child, whose name was Rubina, had red hair and steeple eyes just like Beena''s, probably because of Beena''s blood.


    "Rubina, as always. ......"


    Edith Kuzma, who is also of Beena''s blood, sounded exasperated.


    "She''s a bit intuitive and a bit restless," she said.


    Trihardt also sounded apologetic.


    "Well, well, it''s good that she''s so energetic.


    At this point, Jin had no choice but to say so.


    "You''re a good boy. We''re in the middle of a discussion. We''re trying to talk to our ancestors about the old days."


    Suzanne, the caretaker, gave him a wry smile and said admonishingly, "Oh, really?


    "Oh, really?��...... I thought this was a gathering to nominate the next ."


    "You''re jumping to a conclusion. Besides, since the second generation is still alive and well, there''s no need to decide on the third generation.


    "Shut up!"


    Rubina complained with a laugh at Edith''s words.


    It seems that the two are close in age and have the same ancestors, so they seem to get along reasonably well.


    "If you''re here, I don''t blame you. Here, sit down there."


    "Okay."


    At Suzanne''s request, Rubina sat down in the vacant seat ...... across from Jin.


    "Well then, since we''re here, Rubina, why don''t you ask me a question?"


    Jin secretly thought that Marikka knew how to handle this girl, putting the one who seemed to make the most noise first.


    "Oh, is that okay?��...... then."


    Rubina looked at Jin with a sparkle in her eyes,


    "Are you really my ancestor?


    Rubina looked at Jin with a twinkle in her eye and asked, "Are you really my ancestor?


    "......"


    A silence fell on the floor.


    The silence was broken by Reiko.


    "Rubina, it is you, isn''t it? I assure you. Your father is your father.


    "...... Well, you ...... must be Reiko ...... by the looks of you. But you know, there''s also the possibility that you''re a fake made to look just like Reiko.


    Then how can I convince you that I am the real Reiko?


    "Well... If you fight against the golem I made and win...


    That''s fine. I''ll crush your opponent, whoever he is, whoever he is.


    Jin sensed that Reiko was angry. And then..,


    "Reiko, be moderate."


    he lightly nailed her.


    Reiko nodded silently.


    "...... really in moderation, huh?"


    Rubina told Reiko to go to the front, whether she knew what was going on in Jin''s mind or not.


    "......Good grief, it can''t be helped. Ancestors, everyone, could you please come outside again?


    Trihart said apologetically and got up from his seat.


    Jin and the others followed suit.

 1725 - - 47-06 Competition

    Outside the institute, there stood a golem that Rubina had probably created.


    It was a huge golem, about 15 meters tall.


    "Wow, it''s on par with <>."


    "Well, Master Jin, on this island, there are many people who major in engineering magic and aspire to become magecraft masters.


    Marikka explains.


    "Among them, that girl is quite outstanding."


    "Yes, if she can make something like that at her age, she''s already a top-notch craftsman.


    However, to become a "Magecraft Meister," one must aim even higher than the best.


    Furthermore, as we found out the other day, you need to include <> in your magic pattern.


    "I''m sorry, but her magic pattern is ......."


    Yes, it is very different from Jin''s before <>.


    (That''s why the requirements for ......<> are too strict.)


    Jin wanted to hold his head in his hands.


    (I''m here to be a , so maybe we can come up with some kind of equivalent title. ......)


    Jin suddenly thinks of something like that. But there was no way he could come up with a title right now.


    "Father, what should I do?��Do you want me to go out with him?"


    I was about to think about it when Reiko urged me.


    "Yes, let''s contact the old man at ...... and have him send <> here.


    "Yes, sir."


    <> is a giant golem 15 meters tall and weighing about 5 tons, built by Jin. The second unit was piloted by Reiko.


    Incidentally, Unit 1 is semi-autonomous and Unit 3 is remotely controlled.


    "So, what are you going to do ......?


    "Whoa!


    ohohohoh?


    Suddenly, <> appeared in the plaza where Jin and the others were, so it was no wonder that everyone was surprised.


    Marikka was the only one who seemed unperturbed.


    "Ah, it''s the transporter. You''re the master Jin.


    "This is the technology of our ancestors. ......


    "I''ve heard of it, but I must say, it''s even better than I imagined. ......


    "Hmph, hmph!��Well, yes!��That''s what I''m talking about!


    Despite her strong words, her eyes are swimming and she is fidgety and restless, which shows her agitation. In short, he is at a loss for words.


    "Well then, let''s play!"


    The game begins when Reiko gets into . .......


    "A match is good, but what are we competing for?"


    Jin asked.


    "Well, that''s the one, of course!��That thing!


    What''s that?


    "That''s what I''m talking about!��Here,...... let''s see,......


    It''s very funny to know that you are thinking about this right now.


    It''s .......


    "......When I say ''competition'', I mean fighting!"


    "I don''t think we should do that, do we?��If a golem of this size starts fighting, it will have a big impact on its surroundings. ......


    But before he could finish, Rubina interrupted him.


    "You''re scared of it!"


    "No, I''m not, but ...... you see, in fighting, if you lose, there''s a good chance you''ll be broken, right?��If you do that, you can''t compete in other sports. So I thought it would be better to compete in something else first."


    Jin said what he thought was a good argument.


    "Hmmm, you''re right. The more times I win, the better.


    Rubina seemed to be determined to win.


    Marikka smiled,


    "Then try the one-kilometer race first," she suggested.


    She suggested.


    If you think of 15 meters as 10 times the size of a person, it is equivalent to running 100 meters.


    The plaza in front of the institute is large enough to do it. ......Yes, it would be a little over a kilometer to the other end. ......"


    "Okay!��Let''s do it!


    Reiko, that''s the first thing.


    I understand.


    <


    Marikka took over the role of calling out the order. On the goal side, Trihardt drives the Golem car.


    A minute later, Trihardt sent a message to Suzanne''s manacam that it was ready.


    "Okay, let''s get in position ......, yay ......, don!


    While Jin was thinking about something as trivial as "I wish that had been the start,......," the two giant golems ran away with a resounding crash.


    And then..,


    >


    comes from the manacam.


    Well, it was a natural result, since < was about 3 times faster than <.


    "Ugh, ugh, well, we haven''t completely lost yet!


    Jin smiled at Rubina''s strength.


    Soon < and Rubina''s giant golem return.


    Jin stares at them.


    (As I thought, the balance of the weight of the limbs is not quite right.)


    Jin has found one problem with Rubina''s giant golem.


    "So, what''s next?"


    Rubina asks Marikka.


    "Well, why don''t you try to throw a rock or something a long way?��We are so close to the sea.


    She says it is about 3 km to the sea.


    That''s three minutes for a golem car or a giant golem, and less than a minute for Titan 2 to run.


    "That''s good!"


    That was the deal.


    * * * *


    There were three golem cars in the lab, so everyone in the room moved to them anyway.


    "...... what do you want me to throw?"


    The beach was not a sandy beach but a rocky shore. So there were rocks all over the place.


    "I''d prefer the same weight anyway," Maricka said.


    Marikka then selected two rocks that looked the same, <> them, <> them to make them the same weight, and <> them into a spherical shape.


    It was quite an impressive work, and everyone present was impressed by the skillful workmanship.


    "That''s great, Marikka. Nice job."


    Marikka''s face turned red when Jin expressed his honest opinion.


    "I''m honored, Kokoco!"


    "......"


    Jin laughed and the others looked at each other as if they had seen something unusual.


    Rubina was the only one who didn''t seem to notice,


    "So I can just throw this!


    She was very enthusiastic.


    "...... I guess so. Let''s have them throw them at the same time.


    Marikka said, and <> and Rubina''s giant golem held rock cannonballs in their hands.


    "Can you tell which one flew farther?"


    "I can probably see them. And you can tell by the way it splashes.


    Marikka answered.


    "Then get ready ...... to throw!"


    Reiko''s < and Rubina''s giant golem tossed the cannonball into the sea.

 1726 - - 47-07 Oshioi (literally, "greatness")

    They threw them all at once, and a few seconds later a column of water rose up in the distance.


    "Now, the rock thrown by Rubina''s golem has landed on the water," Maricka explains.


    Marikka explains.


    And a few seconds later.


    "Ah ...... I see that the rock thrown by <> has now landed in the water. I can barely make it ...... over the horizon after a little more flying."


    Jin wins.


    "......????......"


    Rubina looks very frustrated, and gives an indescribable scowl.


    "This time you will fight!��Go on!"


    Rubina suddenly orders a fight.


    The giant golem grabs onto .


    Reiko calmly maneuvers the Titan 2. Her hands clasped tightly together.


    They then engaged in a contest of strength.


    "Do it!"


    Rubina shouts, but <> is undaunted.


    Just when Jin thought that Reiko seemed to be taking it easy.


    "Oh, wow!"


    The onlookers cheered, and <> had twisted and turned Rubina''s giant golem.


    "............"


    Rubina stands stunned.


    Just then.


    A fist-bone lands on her head.


    "Oh, my God!"


    "What a child!"


    Rubina is being scolded by a well-dressed woman who looks a bit like Hannah''s grandmother, Martha.


    "Amanda,......, don''t be too hard on her, okay?"


    Marikka rebuked her, but the woman called Amanda picked up Rubina and lifted her buttocks .......


    And then she lifted her ass up and made a nice sound.��She made a nice sound.


    "I''m in!"


    But Amanda didn''t stop.


    "Oh my God, this girl!"


    Pop!


    "Ow!"


    Run! Run alone!


    Pop!


    I''ve always told you to think about the inconvenience!


    Paan!


    "I''m sorry!��I''m sorry!��Grandma!


    Pop!


    "Good!"


    Finally Rubina apologized and Amanda stopped spanking her.


    "I''m sorry, ancestors. My grandchildren are sorry."


    Amanda bowed her head.


    Her hair is red like Rubina''s, but her eyes are gray. She looks like Martha and Meene, divided by two.


    "My hips are itching!


    She cries, which Hitoshi thinks is appropriate for her age,


    "Please let her go that far," he said to Amanda.


    Jin then quieted Amanda down.


    Then he told Rubina, who was sobbing, "You don''t have to do this anymore,


    "You won''t do this anymore, will you?


    She asks,


    She nodded her head while crying, "...... yes."


    She nodded her head and cried,


    "Okay, okay. ......<"


    I cast a healing spell on him.


    "Your ancestors are very kind, aren''t they?


    Amanda says to him.


    "I can''t just sit back and watch a girl cry."


    He is more sweet than kind.


    "Smile. ......"


    "Here, don''t cry anymore."


    "......"


    Rubina, who had just been poking at Jin, is now clinging to him and squirming.


    Reiko, who had come down from < after helping the almost unharmed giant golem to its feet, looked on with a wry smile.


    "Reiko, thank you."


    Jin thanked Reiko.


    Amanda bowed to him.


    "I''m sorry, ancestors. I''m sure she''s a genius, but she''s just a little too pampered and ...... pampered for today''s sake."


    Amanda looks really sorry.


    "Even today, when I took my eyes off him for a moment, he was gone with the golem,...... well, I was surprised."


    Jin patted Rubina''s head as she clung to him.


    "...... don''t do that again, okay?"


    "......Yeah."


    Rubina seemed to have calmed down after being scolded by Amanda and crying a lot, and seemed to have become a little more honest.


    "Well then, let''s go back."


    The intruder came in.


    The meeting started an hour late because of the unexpected intruder.


    Rubina and Amanda joined the meeting as well.


    "Since we''re here, let''s start with Beena''s story," Jin begins.


    Jin starts off.


    Rubina sits on Jin''s lap for some reason, her eyes shining and ready to listen.


    "Bina lived in the Blue Lands of the Kingdom of Egelea ......."


    Jin began to tell his story.


    "I first met her at a stall outside the castle. She was trying to sell magic tools at the stall for her sick younger sibling, but she wasn''t very good at it at the time."


    Jin hesitated for a moment,


    "I looked at the tools she had laid out and said, <>," Jin said, scratching his head.


    Jin said, scratching his head.


    "Oh, I''ve heard something about it," said Amanda.


    Amanda said. She is also a Beena.


    "Well, we had a little dispute ...... and I decided to help Beena out," she said.


    "Tell me about this little thing.


    Rubina demanded. The others look as if they want to know too.


    It is often the little things that come in between the big episodes that are the most interesting to listen to.


    "Yeah,...... well,<>," I said, and he got even angrier,...... I think, Reiko said something to add fuel to the fire."


    "Yes. <. Then Ms. Beena got angry and said, <>. ......"


    Everyone listens with a wry smile.


    "...... then Bina finally snapped, <>?��He hit me with ...... and I went to ......."


    "I took it from her and broke it in half."


    As I expected, this kind of story seemed to be more popular, and everyone listened to it with great interest.

 1727 - - 47-08 Meeting 1

    "......I met Marcia at Potrock, which I visited because it was winter and I wanted to go somewhere warm."


    After finishing the episode with Bina, Jin then began to tell the episode with Marcia.


    However, since the old golem < is present, he tells an episode that Arrow is unlikely to know.


    "He wanted me to show him my skills as a magecraftsman, so I made him a figure of Marcia in a swimsuit, and the union leader liked it very much."


    The one-piece swimsuit became the official swimsuit for the Golem boat competition, Jin said,


    "Oh, I''ve heard of that!


    Natalia said happily.


    "After all, the Valentino guy had betrayed his country. I don''t know what the verdict was.


    The story continues.


    "At ......, I happened to meet Marcia''s father, Rodrigo, at the project. He was very sorry and ......"


    He reacted with tears and laughter when I told him that Marcia was lost and that Rodrigo, who went to her rescue, jumped out of the sky and got himself lost.


    This was probably because of his parental love for his daughter and because it was a very short-sighted action.


    Although Arrow knew this story, it was from Marcia''s point of view, and this was the first time he had heard the story from Jin''s point of view,...... that is, from Rodrigo''s side.


    "So, ......, you gave him Arco and Vale."


    After these two gifts, Marcia''s old story comes to an end.


    Incidentally, it was Jin who created the two bodies after his return 400 years ago, but Marikka had told me in advance so that the story would not be inconsistent.


    The next story is the one with Erza ...... in chronological order, which means that we will talk about .


    (What kind of public execution is this? ......)


    Jin shut his mouth. Then, a helper came to his rescue.


    "It''s getting late, let''s continue the story after dinner.


    Mr. and Mrs. Trihard Suzanne, the caretakers of the hotel, said, "It''s getting late, so let''s continue the conversation after dinner.


    The next thing I knew, it was twilight and dusk was approaching.


    Since the reception had originally been held in the dining room, the food was brought directly to the table.


    "Come on, come on, Rubina, get off Master Jin''s lap.


    "Yes, sir."


    Amanda told Rubina to get off Jin''s lap, and she did so reluctantly.


    The menu for dinner was ...... white rice, miso soup with deep-fried tofu and okara, grilled fish, sweet omelet, and pickled vegetables. .......


    It was splendidly Jin''s favorite.


    "Wow, I like this miso soup!


    Rubina was pleased.


    "I like it, too.


    Edith Kuzma was also happy.


    "I love this sweet omelet ......."


    Natalia seems to have a sweet tooth.


    Fish is good, isn''t it? I like sashimi, but grilled fish is my second favorite."


    Shu Nido said.


    "I don''t have any preferences.


    Ada Nido said ladylike.


    I can eat five bowls of white rice.


    said Alvin Eschenbach.


    I like rice, too.


    said Stephanie Randall modestly.


    I would enjoy anything if I could eat with my ancestors," said Merlina Eschenbach.


    said Merlina Eschenbach.


    I am very good at pickling pickles.


    said Amanda Garrett.


    Jin-sama, then, please.


    Jin said to Trihardt, "Itadakimasu,


    "Bon app��tit!


    Jin said, "Itadakimasu. Everyone chanted "Itadakimasu" and dinner began.


    "Oh, this rice is cooked well.


    Jin praised the rice, saying it was glossy and fluffy,


    "Thank you very much. I learned it from the golem maids of Hourai Island.


    Marikka said.


    "I have memorized all of Master Jin''s preferences.


    "I see.


    "...... by the way..."


    Jin opened his mouth as he sipped his after-dinner cup of hojicha tea.


    "Yes?��What is it, my ancestors?"


    Suzanne tilted her head.


    "...... don''t you stop being that ancestor?"


    Don''t you like it?


    "No, it''s not that I don''t like it, it''s more that I''m not used to it and it tickles me."


    "Well, some people on ...... have called you ."


    "Yes, that would be fine."


    Trihart nodded.


    "Yes, sir. I''ll make sure everyone knows to call you that.


    Please do.


    Please do.


    After dinner, they continued the discussion for a little while longer.


    "Chronologically speaking, Hanna and Martha were the first people I met.


    Jin decided to share his memories of Hannah and the others.


    Since Sarah was made much later, there are many episodes that we don''t know about.


    "At ......, I showed up in the village of Kaina after a transition accident, and Hannah was the one who found me and ......."


    "I dug hot springs, made pumps, and built a wheeled cart. ......"


    "Licia, who had just become a tax collector, came and brought wheat to the village of Toka."


    "The mysterious ...... was actually a prototype golem from the Unification Party (Unifiler), and we fought it off and ......


    "Reiko tracked me down and I was finally able to return to Horai Island. ......"


    "Count Walter took notice of me, and I returned to the island so as not to cause trouble in the village. ......


    The stories are endless.


    Before I knew it, it was already around 9:00 PM.


    Stephanie and Rubina, the younger ones, looked sleepy.


    "......That''s all for today. See you tomorrow.


    The adults looked like they wanted to hear more,


    "You must be tired, Jin-sama.


    Suzanne said, "You must be tired, Jin-sama," which seemed to convince them.


    "Jin-sama, please take a bath."


    "Oh, thank you."


    And so it was bath time.


    "Gose...... Jin-sama, let me wash your back."


    Shu and Alvin were with me.


    "Jin-sama, please tell me more about yourself tomorrow.


    "......, yes."


    Now it''s time to talk with Reinhardt and Erza ......, and that means I''ll have to talk about how I got to know them and other things that are more relevant to me.


    (...... how should I talk about it?)


    Jin was a little worried.

 1728 - - 47-09 Early rising

    Rubina was waiting for Jin when he got out of the bath.


    "......"


    "Hmm?��What''s wrong?"


    She looked down and didn''t say anything, so Jin asked her.


    "Well... ......"


    "?"


    "Hi, I''m sorry about the daytime!��......Ah......"


    Rubina bites the end of her apology and turns red.


    Jin said nothing and patted her head.


    "I''m sorry. ......"


    Rubina apologized again in a small voice.


    "Yes, you did well. I don''t care anymore."


    "Really ......?"


    "Yes, I''m sure. It''s late, good night.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin watched her back as she ran to her bedroom, thinking that she was really an honest girl.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Gose...... Jin-sama!"


    A voice called from behind him.


    "Ah, Ada ...... and Merlina."


    They were two of the older offspring. They too had wet hair, probably after taking a bath.


    "Would you like a cold drink after your bath?


    "Oh, that sounds good.


    So the three of us stopped by the diner. Reiko, who was waiting outside, joined us on the way. Reiko, however, did not drink.


    "Oh, it''s cold and tasty.


    "Yes, it is."


    There was something like coffee milk in the cafeteria.


    "It''s coffee milk made from coffee beans and cow''s milk..."


    "Wow."


    Jin was convinced that it definitely tasted like coffee milk.


    Coffee beans were discovered on the southern hemisphere continent ...... Rasil about 200 years ago.


    "It was the Eschenbach family who discovered them," he says.


    Merlina''s ancestor, a man named Graus Eschenbach, found them.


    "I wonder if he has Goose''s blood in his veins. ...... No, I think he would do something like that even if he has Toa''s blood in his veins."


    Jin thought.


    "But. There wasn''t one on Horai Island. ......"


    Jin muttered,


    "Yes, there is.


    Reiko said.


    "What?��Are you sure?"


    "Yes. There are still a few. ......I think that maybe, in honor of Mr. Glaus who discovered it first, he kept it secret until your father found out about its existence here."


    "I see, the old man was concerned about it."


    Jin understood.


    Indeed, I remember that I had ordered you to investigate the Rasheel continent before. Jin thought that he could ask the old man later when he had discovered it.


    Jin also liked coffee, but not as much as green tea. Jin imagined that the old man''s judgment must have taken this into consideration.


    There had been a beverage very similar to coffee called Kahi for a long time, but it seemed to be < compared to Kahi.


    "I didn''t know you could drink coffee milk even if you go to ......."


    I wonder if they have fruit milk too?��Jin muttered, "Yes, they do," was the reply.


    "Well, they have fruit milk on Horai Island too, so I guess they must have it."


    Jin decided not to drink two bottles of milk after taking a bath because he might wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.


    After leaving Ada and Merlina, Jin went back to the bedroom and lay down on the futon instead of the bed .......


    "You have a Japanese-style room, too?" he asked.


    The room was very well furnished.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next morning after a good night''s sleep.


    "Hmm, jet lag is fine. ......"


    Jin woke up refreshed. The time was around 6:00 am.


    Although Onogoro Island is completely half a day off from Horai Island, Jin is not particularly jet-lagged.


    He had adjusted his sleeping time since the day before.


    "Father, are you awake?"


    Reiko opened the sliding door and showed her face.


    "Good morning, Reiko."


    "Good morning, Reiko."


    She rinses her mouth and washes her face in the bathroom and goes outside.


    The layout of the house seems to be the same as that of the laboratory on Horaijima, so there is no need to be at a loss for what to do.


    However, the details are slightly different, so I still feel a sense of discomfort.


    There was a visitor outside.


    "Good morning, Mr. Jin.


    It was Marikka.


    "The morning comes early as I get older," she said.


    "No, I used to be an early riser, but ......


    "I used to be an early riser when I was younger."


    "Oh, I see."


    Then I heard another voice.


    "What''s that?��Marikka-sama and Gozoku ...... Jin-sama?"


    It was Shu Nido.


    Good morning.


    Good morning.


    You''re an early riser, aren''t you, Shu?


    Yes, I''m not a night owl.


    He said he tried to stay up late, but he was too sleepy.


    "Ha, you''re a morning person, aren''t you?"


    Then another voice said.


    "Hello, Jin-sama ...... and everyone."


    It was Ada Nido.


    "Oh my, you''re all early risers!"


    Merlina Eschenbach was there too.


    "Wow, you''re all early."


    "Oh, good morning!"


    Rubina and Amanda.


    "Oh, my goodness."


    Good morning, everyone.


    Stephanie, Natalia, Alvin, and even Mr. and Mrs. Susanne Trichardt were up.


    They''re all early in the morning.


    Jin was impressed by the fact that blood is no longer blood.

 1729 - - 47-10 Meeting 2

    After breakfast, the meeting resumed.


    Elsa and I talked,


    "Father, I know you have a lot to talk about yourself, so I''ll talk on your behalf," Reiko offered.


    Reiko offered,


    "Then, please do so. ......


    She said, "Well then, I''ll take care of it.


    "My father and Elsa met at the potlocks. Elsa was wearing a yellow one-piece swimsuit.


    The story starts off safely enough,


    "......Erza compared her breasts to Marcia''s when Reinhardt kicked her into the sea. ......"


    From something that Erza would want to seal as black history if she heard it,


    "......<<> rescued Erza from being kidnapped by the Unification Party (Unifiler)>>, and her father rescued her from the Unification Party (Unifiler)......"


    The episode is a kind of a play or a drama,


    "......Erza was brought back to her homeland and ......he finally proposed to her."


    Jin did not have to go into such detail, but he did, and he was applauded by everyone.


    (......)


    () Even Jin, who was listening to the lecture, was reminiscing about those days and feeling nostalgic.


    Jin''s talk ended after spending the whole morning.


    * * * *


    "Thank you for your hard work, Jin-sama.


    Suzanne, the caretaker of Jin, offered him a glass of lemon water with honey.


    Jin quenched his thirst with it.


    "Let''s have lunch.


    Then the maid golem arrived with a sandwich.


    Platters of sandwiches with a variety of ingredients are placed on the table.


    For drinks, the guests could choose from citran juice, ramon squash, cow''s milk, tehye, kuhe, etc. And since it was a light meal, the guests could enjoy the conversation while eating.


    And since it''s a light meal, you can enjoy conversation while munching.


    "I thought the Black Knight (Schwarzlitter) was in the Shoro Empire.


    Yes, I am retired, and I am now in the service of the Randall family as the Black Knight.


    Jin thinks that this is just a change from German to English, but since there is no Germany or England in this world of Ars, it is simply treated as a dialect.


    Especially, unlike four hundred years ago, the Shoro Imperial style words are perceived as a bit old-fashioned as a result of the increased exchange between the different countries.


    "So there are in style?


    "Yes, that''s how it is.


    By the way, who made this Black Knight?


    Yes, he is the grandson of Mr. Reinhardt, called Granhardt Randall.


    "He must have been an excellent magical engineer."


    Yes, he was.


    Jin remembered his former best friend fondly.


    "By the way, I think you had a name ..."


    "Yes, but the creator, Mr. Reinhardt himself was not accustomed to calling me that, so he usually called me <> after that."


    "......, you kind of get the idea."


    I guess it means that changing the name in the middle of a project doesn''t stick.


    Jin himself thinks that calling him <> is better looking than <>.


    Jin then spoke to Edgar.


    "How long has Edgar been on Onogoro Island?"


    Jin took a bite of his sandwich and asked the boy automata that his once beloved wife Elsa had created.


    "Yes, it''s been 98 years since the <> rose to power.


    "Until then?"


    "I served in the house of Reuthert."


    "I see."


    Jin remembered with nostalgia the house where he used to live.


    "Do you know how it is now?"


    "No, I don''t. Do you know what it looks like now?


    Maybe.


    Jin was not sure whether he wanted to know or not.


    Next he spoke to the Arrows.


    The Arrows have been helping Marcia in her workshop for a long time, haven''t they?


    "Yes, that''s right.


    Arrow answered on behalf of the others.


    Yes," replied Arrow on behalf of the others, "Marcia continued to work in her workshop even after her marriage.


    !"


    I heard a word I couldn''t understand.


    "Yes, that''s right. Marcia got married too, so that''s why Natalia is here, isn''t it?


    Jin was very concerned about his partner. Arko seemed to sense this and opened his mouth.


    "Marcia-sama''s partner is a Tiberio of the .


    "The northerners?


    "Yes. But he was a quarter, so his life span was not so long. He was 120 years old.


    I see. How is he and his wife?


    Yes, I remember they were very good.


    I''m glad to hear that.


    Jin remembers that the Kairi clan was neutral.


    "He was a quarter, so it was difficult for him to stay in the clan territory, so he wandered around the world and met Marcia-sama. ......


    "I see."


    He was a quarter, so he didn''t have to worry about the Elias Peninsula with its low concentration of free magic element (ether).


    "I''m glad you were happy, yes. I''m glad. ......"


    Jin nodded with a smile.


    "If the three of you are here, then the workshop in Potlock is ........."


    "Yes. Yes, there is, but there is no one of Marcia''s blood.


    This time Vail answered.


    "He came here to build a ship of extraordinary quality, and now he is building a very large ship, 100 meters long."


    "That''s amazing."


    Indeed, Jin himself remembers that.


    The frustration of not being able to present something even when you''ve put your all into it.


    I guess that''s why Marcia''s descendants moved here.


    "Hey ancestors, not ......, Jin-sama."


    <


    "Yes?��What is it?"


    "Were my ancestors and Edith''s ancestors close?"


    Stephanie Randall and Edith Kuzma were 12 and 15 years old, so it seems that they were close friends because of their age.


    "Yeah, they were. Reinhardt and Lewis were friends."


    "Wow, I see."


    Lewis took over the count''s family at a young age, and Reinhardt was the fourth son of a count.


    "Oh, I heard about that. After that ......."


    After that, according to Stephanie, Reinhardt became lord of the village of Kurtz, and then finally was given the title of count.


    "Reiko-san, it''s been a long time, hasn''t it?"


    Behind Jin, Neon was talking to Reiko.


    It seems that Neon still likes Reiko after 400 years.


    "Yes, Mr. Neon.


    "I''ve made a lot of improvements."


    I''m glad to hear that.


    "I''m not as good as Reiko-san, though."


    Jin thought he would let them talk on their own.


    "Merlina, right?"


    "Yes, what is it?"


    Taking this opportunity, Jin decided to ask her something that was bothering him.


    "You are a descendant of Stearina, aren''t you? Then, have you heard anything about her friend Vivian?


    I would have asked the old man about this as well, but I wanted to avoid this question.


    To ask the old man would be like browsing through , so he wanted to hear it from the person concerned if possible.


    Yes, I have heard of it.


    "What did you say?


    "Well, I heard that you were with someone quite a bit older than you.


    "A very old ......."


    When Jin was told this, he could only think of one person in particular.


    "The archaeologist Lukor ......?"


    "Oh, yes. I think his name is Lukor.


    "Oh, yes. ......."


    Storyteller and archaeologist. Maybe they are a good match, Jin thought.

 1730 - - 47-11 Aida Lottery

    At that moment, something touched Jin''s feet.


    "?"


    He looked at his feet and saw not a furball......, but a small animal grazing on him.


    "...... cat?"


    I don''t think he understood the word, but I heard a voice saying, "Meow!


    "Are there cats on this island?"


    "Yes, there are. They are descended from a cat that belonged to a man named Ekarto Tecles.


    It was Marikka who explained this to me.


    "Of course, <>, I took the opportunity to return the cat to Mr. Eckardt, but it multiplied while he kept it.


    Eckart Tecles, a wealthy merchant of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    , he was exiled by Richard, the tyrant king of the time. At that time, he had protected his cat on Horai Island.


    And his offspring are kept on the island of Onogoro.


    Well, I guess such things happen.


    Jin recalled that in the village of Kaina, Licia and Pascoe''s horses had been bred and their offspring had been bred.


    "Is there such a thing as overpopulation?"


    Jin recalled the problems he had heard about when he was in modern Japan, such as the <> problem and the isolated islands such as <>.


    "Oh, that''s all right."


    The next person to answer was Alvin Eschenbach. He is a cat lover, or rather a small animal lover, and has a cat and a dog at home.


    This cat was not a stray, but was brought here by him.


    "You don''t have any strays?"


    "Yes, that''s also fine."


    The breeding rate seems to be low, so they do not reproduce that much.


    Jin wonders if they are a little different from cats on Earth.


    But it is a good thing if the cats don''t feel small.


    "Jin-sama, please tell me about the man named Eckart Tecles who used to keep cats on this island.


    At Alvin''s request, Jin began to explain as he remembered.


    "He was originally a big merchant in the southern part of the Kingdom of Selroa,...... uh, the Korin region. But he dreamed of sailing out to sea on a ship, so he hired a man to build a big ship for him.


    And Jin helped a little, too, he says.


    "When I heard that he had a cat ......, I originally visited him to see if he could help me make a cat golem."


    They had never heard of such a story before, and everyone was very interested in hearing it.


    * * * *


    "By the way, how many people are majoring in magical engineering?


    When the conversation came to an end, Jin asked what he had been wondering.


    "Well, not ...... half of them, as they are not suited for it."


    The person who answered him was Trihardt, a caretaker.


    "I guess so.


    Jin agrees with me on that.


    In this environment where we can do what we want to do, there is no need to choose a career that we are not suited for.


    "But that''s why people majoring in magical engineering are aiming to become .


    "Well, that''s true, isn''t it?"


    But we all know that skill alone is not enough to become a <>.


    Then shall we establish a new title?


    "Yes?"


    I''m still alive and well as the second generation of Magecraft Meister, so I think I''ll start by establishing something as a title to go after that.


    "Oh, that''s a good idea!"


    Rubina, who was listening beside me, took a bite out of my hand.


    "Hey, Jin-sama, what kind of title are you thinking of?


    "Well, ...... Bina was called <, so maybe <> and <>. ......"


    Magecraft Maestro is a title that already exists, Jin adds.


    "Maybe we could have a competition or something, and decide on the results?"


    Of course, Jin is the chairman of the jury.


    "...... Oh!��That sounds interesting!"


    "...... I''ll do it!��I''ll be the queen!


    The offspring look happy.


    "Then let''s start thinking about it.


    Trihardt, the caretaker, is also enthusiastic.


    I wonder what the level will be?


    Jin asks Marikka.


    "Yes, ...... golems are easy to make, and vehicles such as carriages, golem cars, ships, and airships are no problem.


    "Oh, that''s great!


    Jin was pleased. So, I thought I''d give it a try,


    "What if I get out?"


    "Please don''t do that," he said,


    "Please don''t do that," he said.


    He was told, "Please don''t do that.


    "The subjects of the competition could be a human-sized golem, a giant golem, a speedboat, a golem car, or an airship. ......


    "It would be better if the spectators can enjoy the show."


    "Oh, yes. It would be good entertainment."


    Jin suggested, and Trihart agreed.


    "If we try to do everything at once, the scale will be too large, so it would be better to narrow it down, wouldn''t it?


    Suzanne also offered her opinion.


    "That''s for sure."


    For example, the playing field would be completely different for boats and cars.


    "I think I would prefer a boat competition."


    Natalia immediately expressed her wish.


    "I would also like to have a golem car," said Merlina Essien.


    Merlina Eschenbach said.


    I''d like to see the airship race," said Ada Nido.


    said Ada Nido.


    Rubina, of course,


    "The giant golem race!��I''m not going to lose this time!


    she says.


    "That''s right. We should compete in all these different areas and decide on the overall score.


    "I agree!"


    Jin said, and everyone agreed.


    Now we need to decide the order in which to hold the competition, which Jin decided to do by amicable lottery.


    "Amihodaku?


    "What''s that?"


    It seems that no one has ever heard of amidakuji. Indeed, Jin, looking back on his past, felt that he had never used amidakuji since he came to Ars.


    "I don''t know what amidakuji is. ......"


    Jin explained what he knew about amidakuji.


    "You draw a line vertically as many times as you want to choose, and write the object you want to choose at the end of each line. Then, a horizontal line is drawn between the vertical lines. There is a rule that the horizontal line must stop at the adjacent vertical line.


    Everyone is listening attentively. Jin continued.


    "Also, you must not draw a horizontal line from the same place.


    There are some local rules about crossing over a vertical line or going back to the top, but I''ll skip those for the sake of complication.


    "And when you have finished drawing, go to the opposite end ...... and follow it from the top in this case. The rule is that if you hit a horizontal line, you must turn. And if you hit a vertical line, you must turn. And of course, down."


    I drew a line to try it out and explained it to them, and they seemed to understand it well.


    "Oh, this is good!"


    "The participants draw the lines, so we don''t know which vertical line will eventually lead to where."


    Hiding the first line makes it more fair.


    "Let''s go with this!"


    With unanimous approval, Jin immediately drew up an amidakuji lottery.


    There are five vertical lines. <<<<<<>.


    Jin draws four horizontal lines and folds the paper to hide them.


    "Now, draw two lines for each of you.


    Then he asked everyone to add a line.


    "Okay. Then, let me choose."


    Jin agreed and chose the middle line out of the five.


    "Well, let''s see what it hits."

 1731 - - 47-12 Start!

    Jin followed the amidakuji lottery to determine the competition events.


    "......Ko de, ko,ko,ko ......To."


    "a,a,a,a......"


    Just when you think you are about to reach your desired event, it takes a sharp turn.


    And then...


    "A boat!��I did it!"


    Natalia shouted with delight.


    "Yes, I think we''ve got it!"


    Maricka closes the event.


    "This time it''s a boat competition.


    She added that she was glad to have a ship for the first competition, since there was no course for a golem car competition and the airship competition would require safety precautions such as crashing.


    He added that it would have been better to use a ship for the first competition because ship competitions have been held in many places including Potrock, and know-how on the operation and safety of the competitions has been accumulated.


    "I see, there are no car races.


    Jin said a little disappointed. Then he added,


    "There are circuits, which are a combination of curves and straight lines, and there are also those that are held on public roads or off-road," he added.


    Maricka heard this and said, "I''m not sure if you can do it on a track or off-road. Maricka heard this and asked, "A circuit?


    "A circuit? Sounds interesting. Shall we build it for the future?


    She is very enthusiastic about the idea.


    If we perform well in all the competitions, we can become the King of Magecraft or the Queen of Magecraft.


    "......A pity it''s not a giant golem competition at first. ......"


    Rubina is a little disappointed, but Jin is not,


    "If you want to be a queen, you have to be able to make anything.


    Rubina was a little pouty. Rubina was then suddenly in high spirits.


    "Yes, you''re right!��I''ll do my best!"


    She jumped down from her chair,


    "Let''s get to work!


    and ran to her workshop.


    It seems that she has her own workshop in this institute.


    "Master Jin, I am sorry for my noisy grandson.


    Rubina''s grandmother Amanda apologized,


    "No, don''t worry about it. A child should be as energetic as that.


    Jin gently stopped her from apologizing.


    "But before that, we haven''t even decided on the rules and regulations yet.


    That is more problematic.


    I''ll let you know when it''s decided.


    So, Jin and Marikka took the lead in deciding the details of the competition.


    "Shall the boat be less than 10 meters in length and less than ......8 meters in width?


    "Yes. ...... One pilot, can be a human, golem, or automata. The assistant can be a golem or an automaton, any number of them.


    The number of assistants can be any number of golems or automata.


    "The power can be freely ...... or with some restrictions?"


    < was brought into the race, it would no longer be a boat race.


    "Should we limit it to screws?��Or only jet propulsion systems (jet thrusters) ......"


    Too many restrictions would reduce the fun by half, so it is difficult to decide how much to limit the use of jet thrusters.


    "Let''s limit it to jet propulsion (jet thruster) systems."


    Marikka said that since the Golem can carry any number of people, the propulsion system should be such that it cannot be used to power the Golem.


    She said, "Let''s make it so that the golem can''t row for propulsion.


    "That''s a good idea. Yeah, let''s do that."


    "Besides, as a boat, it should be in contact with the water except when it''s bouncing.


    We also decide on the rules.


    "We can use any material we want. ......"


    At any rate, I wrote down on paper what had been decided.


    "Yes, I think this is good.


    Jin thought that it might be interesting even if there were some omissions.


    Jin was very interested in seeing the unconventional ideas that could be developed by taking advantage of such omissions.


    "And then, when is the event scheduled to be held?


    "About a week from now, I guess.


    When Trihart suggested this, Jin wondered if it was a little too short.��Jin thinks that it is a little short, but if he thinks about it in terms of his own schedule, it is more than enough.


    "Guys, two days should be enough time for production, but with time for adjustments and improvements, we''re talking about a week."


    "Yes, that would be fine."


    Jin nodded his head, and thus the <> was held.


    * * * *


    "...... I want to make one too.


    After announcing the competition to all of Onogoro Island, I had some free time.


    "You can''t go out, Gin-sama!"


    Marikka said to me,


    "Oh, no, it''s not that. <


    Jin explains.


    "Oh, so that''s what you mean. An example of production, something like that.


    "That''s what I mean."


    "Then feel free to use the materials in this laboratory. We also have a few more workshops with docks by the beach, so feel free to use those as well.


    Okay. Thank you.


    Thus, Jin also decided to build a boat.


    His assistant was, of course, Reiko. But..,


    "Let me observe."


    Marikka, Alvin, Edith, Stephanie and others came to the boat.


    Jin has just started to build the hull.


    The trimaran he is building is designed for stability.


    It is disadvantageous in the sense that it will increase the viscous resistance of the water, but we are planning to reduce that resistance by adding water repellency through <>.


    "A trimaran?"


    Alvin seems to know the format.


    The framework is 64 light silver.


    Reiko, hold this side.


    Yes, sir.


    It is the same type as the still in operation on Horai Island, but in a more sophisticated form.


    "I like the 64 light silver exterior plate."


    Jin is assembling the machine by using <> and <>,<> and so on.


    The speed of his work had everyone watching in awe.


    "Wow, that''s fast. ......"


    "That''s just what Jin-sama would expect."


    "This is the power of your ancestor ...... Jin-sama ......."


    After finishing the hull in about an hour, Jin checked the overall distortion and made slight corrections, and then started to build the propulsor.


    "I''ll use 64 light silver for this one too."


    The advantage of using the same material for all the parts is that the distortion caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient does not need to be taken into account.


    But usually we don''t go this far.


    "The main engine has three <>. There are four side thrusters for changing direction and one for retreating.


    Jin continued his work quickly.

 1732 - - 47-13 Each

    Jin''s work on the Magi Water Jet, a magical water propulsion system, was still ongoing.


    "......Hey?��The model is different from the one I know.


    Maricka says curiously.


    "Hmm?��Yeah, it''s just a new idea I came up with recently.


    The Magi Water Jet is a multi-stage magical water propulsion system.


    The propulsive force depends greatly on the amount of water being blown out, but the maximum speed also depends on the speed at which the water is blown out.


    For this reason, Jin has set up a two-stage Magi Water Jet in series in order to increase the speed of the propulsion system.


    To begin with, the present Jin does not know all the technology of 400 years ago. He does not know anything about the magical tools he may have developed in his mature to late years.


    If he happened to know them, it would be inevitable, but he tries to go beyond them with his own ingenuity as much as possible.


    "Hmm, I don''t think I can catch up with Jin-sama after all. ......"


    Marikka sighed.


    "Jin-sama, who is going to ride on this?"


    Edith Kuzma asked as Jin took a breath.


    "Well, I haven''t really thought about it. It''s not like I''m going to compete in the first place, is it?"


    Jin answered lightly.


    "Well, then, please let me ride with you!


    "What, ......?"


    "I''d like to try it!��Can''t I?


    "No, you can, but I''ll let Reiko do the ...... test, okay?"


    Yes, that''s fine.


    Jin was convinced that she was quite active because of her Beena blood.


    "Well then, I''ll ask you to take part in the demonstration before the competition.


    "Wow, thank you very much!


    Edith was smiling.


    Jin looked at Edith and resumed his work.


    "Father, there is nothing new in this ship except for the propulsion system, is there?


    Reiko asked to make sure.


    "Yes, I suppose so. We''re just trying to make each and every element as efficient as possible.


    Since most of the previous projects had been done with a lot of power and force, Jin thought that this time he would try to make the structure a little less extravagant.


    On the other hand, the applicants who wanted to participate in the event were not so eager to participate in the event.


    On the other hand, the prospective participants were also working on their boats.


    "Well, based on the data from ...... past Potrock boats, it seems that catamarans are more stable but a little less maneuverable," said Natalia.


    Natalia.


    Arrow, Arco and Vail have been working in the Marcia workshop for a long time and have accumulated a great deal of know-how about boats.


    Their experience is probably even greater than Jin''s now.


    Natalia was making use of her experience in shipbuilding.


    "If we''re racing in inland waters, stability is a secondary concern. ...... That''s unpublished. ......"


    In calm waters, Natalia would have designed the boat for speed and stability second, but since the course was to be announced on the day of the race, Natalia could no longer afford to neglect stability.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Some people thought differently.


    "If the control is left to automata or golems, the cockpit can be completely airtight and watertight. In other words, it is safe even if it is covered with water.


    It is Rubina who has designed the boat without regard for stability and with speed as the highest priority.


    Whether it is her personality, her youth, or the adventurous spirit of her inexperience, she is building to extreme specifications.


    "We could use half of the hull as a propulsion system."


    Now, what kind of ship will it be?


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    And then there are those who have yet to become personally acquainted with Jin.


    "I''m going to build this ship and get Gose ...... Jin-sama''s approval!"


    "I will be the first MagiCraft King ......!"


    I''ll do my best to see how far my skills will take me!


    Although they had different plans, they all shared the same hopes and ambitions.


    * * * *


    2 days to build a ship.


    One or two days to make a golem or automata to board the ship.


    The rest of the time was used for adjustments, checks, and corrections, and the seven days passed quickly.


    * * * * * * * * *


    On December 10, the <> was held.


    Spectator stands were set up in the biggest harbor, and many spectators gathered.


    It is said that is being done using the magic eye and the magic screen.


    The audience seats are basically free of charge, but are drawn by lot, so those who fail to attend are supposed to watch the event through the magic screen in their houses.


    > has finally arrived! >>


    The host of the event is Lackhard Randall, the eldest son of the sponsor, Mr. Trihard.


    He had heard about the Golem boat competition held in Potrock, in which Jin, Reiko, Marcia, Erza, Reinhardt and others were involved, and he had been longing for such an event since then.


    >


    Loud cheers are heard.


    <>


    The audience cheered again.


    , so we have a high speed boat competition! >>


    "Luckhardt is getting into the groove."


    Jin, who was seated at the special judges'' table on the top row, whispered in a low voice.


    "Yes, he looks calm, but he is a festive person by nature.


    Trihart, sitting next to him on his right, explained. Reiko is sitting next to him on his left.


    Marikka is at the broadcasting table with Luckhardt for commentary.


    >


    <. The course is simple. Onogoro Island is a coral reef called a barrier reef, so there is an inland sea around the island. This is where the competitors compete for the fastest time.


    The course is made by floating buoys in the inland sea.


    It is an interesting course with straight and technical courses.


    >.


    <<>


    I don''t think you understood Maricka''s explanation.


    , , , and , it is difficult to satisfy all of them>.


    <>


    <


    Jin was inwardly impressed by Marikka''s easy-to-understand explanation.


    The next step was to introduce the contestants.

 1733 - - 47-14 Onogoro Island First High Speed Boat Race

    >! >>


    <


    Not only Ruckhardt, but Marikka is on board as well.


    <<< Now, let the introductions begin! >>


    The super-sized magic screen lights up. The screen is divided into two parts, one for the ship and the other for its builder.


    <>


    A slender woman with blonde hair in a short bob waved her hand. The crowd went wild again.


    The boat is a catamaran. It reminds me of a Cygnus.


    <! >>


    The ship is a simple monohull with a V bottom, a practical speed boat that can be used in various situations.


    The assistant Golem had a simple humanoid body line.


    "Hmmm, it''s pretty good."


    Jin said to himself.


    is the golem, and his assistant is the golem! >>


    Eugene was a man around 20 years old with brown hair and dark eyes. The golem <> is female. <> is a male form. This one is also quite good.


    (Fowl ....... Someone must have brought his wife or son-in-law from the outside. (...... that ship looks quite stable).


    His work is a wide V-bottom boat.


    < and assisted by Golem <! >>


    Light brown hair and steeple eyes. She is 19 years old and has a good style.


    "The ship is ...... another catamaran. It''s a catamaran.


    The maximum width is 8 meters, just under the regulation. Stability must have been the first priority. Jin thought that it would be resistant to rolling.


    and assisted by Golem <>! >>


    She is a calm girl with rich copper-colored hair, probably descended from Toa and Stearina. She is a calm girl with rich copper-colored hair.


    "A solidly shaped boat."


    This is another V-bottom utility speedboat.


    <>


    A man in his late 20s. He had violet eyes that reminded me of Saki''s.


    "Oh, I see."


    The slender hull with floats protruding on both sides was designed for stability.


    < and assisted by Golem<! >>


    I don''t know if he is a Reinhardt or Elsa''s sidekick since he doesn''t look like either of them.


    "But ......"


    It has one step, a model called <>.


    It is a model that appeared in a model book that Jin read when he was in elementary school.


    It is a type with a stair-like <> near the center of the bottom of the ship in the front-back direction.


    Generally, small high-speed vessels tend to float as they reach higher and higher speeds. By floating up, the area in contact with the water is reduced and at the same time the resistance is reduced, but the boat lacks stability in the longitudinal (fore-and-aft) direction.


    As a countermeasure, a step is added in the middle of the hull.


    If a catamaran consists of two hulls connected right and left, this one is connected front and back.


    This type of hull cannot be used for large vessels, but it is effective for such small vessels.


    < and her assistant is a golem <! >>


    "Hmm, a shallow-bottomed ship."


    It''s a wide flat-bottomed boat. It was thought that it would probably float like a hydroplane when it picked up speed.


    <> and assisted by Golem<>! >>


    "Whoa."


    Jin''s eyes widened. His ship, like Jin''s, was a trimaran.


    "That''s quite something. ......"


    < and assisted by Golem <>! >>


    Jin thought.


    "What a cool name!"


    And then he saw the ship,


    "Oh, that''s an interesting idea.


    and says, "Wow, that''s an interesting idea.


    It was something like a .


    "It''s certainly not against the regulations. Besides, with that structure, even if it capsizes, it won''t sink.


    The only question is what the speed will be, since the water resistance will be high.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    >


    The loudest cheers so far.


    >.


    The applause was roaring.


    Then the screen of the magic screen changed to the trimaran that Jin had built. And there was another round of applause.


    This was as we had discussed.


    Jin began to speak into the microphone ......<>.


    <>


    The audience was surprised.


    That''s because the three-body boat that Jin built was neither an automaton nor a golem, but a human being. A face known to many.


    <. And her assistant was Neon.


    <. ...... This ship is designed to ensure lateral stability while reducing the area viewed from the front to reduce water resistance.


    The screen switches to the trimaran being built. The image switches from top to bottom and left to right so that the shape of the ship can be clearly seen.


    .


    The more hull we have, the more area we are in contact with the water.


    <>.


    <


    Jin tries to explain in a way that even a layman can understand.


    The residents had a basic education in <, so they seemed to understand well enough.


    <<>, we applied a water-repellent finish to the surface of the hull.


    Viscosity is the resistance to sticking, so we treated the surface of the hull so that it would repel without sticking," Jin explained.


    As for stability, in case the boat capsizes, the assistant golem will take measures to fix it.


    The screen now returns to Edith.


    Edith is wearing a yellow life vest. To Jin''s eyes, it looks like a padded kimono.


    <


    The audience cheered and applauded.


    Finally, it was time for the demonstration of the .

 1734 - - 47-15 Demonstration

    Jin''s < will run on the course set for the race.


    This course was set by Jin and Marikka last night, and is being shown for the first time today. In other words, no one has run this course before.


    The Dolphin will run this course to provide a reference for the participants.


    Since the Dolphin will be timed, it will be a model run in a sense, and its time will be the standard or target time.


    The audience stared at the screen with bated breath.


    >


    At the same time as the announcement was made, the Dolphin started furiously.


    A voice shouted, "Oh!


    The Dolphin is now speeding down the first straight line with a white wake behind it. The first straight line is about 5 kilometers long. Naturally, this is a test of the ship''s capabilities.


    >


    The speed of a boat race in Japan is said to be 80 to 90 kilometers per hour, which is about the same as the speed of the Dolphin.


    But the Dolphin is not at full power yet.


    >


    The noise turns into cheers.


    Boat racing boats are small, so going 100 kilometers per hour is considered dangerous, but the Dolphin is 9 meters long and has a trimaran, so it''s a little more stable.


    Hydroplaning was not possible with the Cygnus, which is driven by a water wheel.


    Incidentally, hydroplaning is a phenomenon in which a car floats on a wet road surface at high speed because the tire grooves are not able to expel water.


    The Dolphin is running at a very high speed while touching the sea surface at three points.


    It is mirrored by an airship floating in the sky above.


    This airship, built by Marikka, boasts a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. It can easily keep up with the speed of the Dolphin.


    Within three minutes, the first corner arrives. From a straight line, the Dolphin suddenly turns right at a right angle. The radius of the corner is 20R (20 meters), which is quite tight.


    The Dolphin slows down before the corner because it cannot make the turn while maintaining its maximum speed.


    <<>


    This is a comparison with a boat race. In a boat race, the Dolphin makes a turn at almost the maximum speed.


    >> * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "You''ve slowed down a lot!"


    Jin, who was watching the screen, muttered.


    "Father, I think you must be afraid of human body if you are not used to it, don''t you?


    Reiko''s comment was unusually sharp.


    "That''s true. And Edith is a fifteen year old girl."


    Jin agreed that even if she was an active ...... tomboy, she would still be afraid of scary things.


    "And the boat is set up mildly."


    "That''s right."


    * * *


    The Dolphin opened its side thrusters to full throttle.


    The floating hull is now at an angle to the direction of travel. Naturally, the propulsor force is also at an angle, creating what is called <>, a force that points inward at the corners.


    According to the laws of dynamics, the Dolphin changes course in the direction of the combined inertial force and centripetal force.


    <>! >>


    The crowd cheered loudly.


    After the right-angled curve, the high-speed course made a large arc. The radius of the arc changes slightly, so you can imagine that if you are too preoccupied with the speed, you will end up going off the course.


    >


    The Dolphin can make this turn at top speed, but it may be a little difficult if the ship is not stable.


    The circular motion at 120 km/h will create a large centrifugal force, which will cause the ship to lose its attitude.


    Since the centrifugal force is applied to the ship''s center of gravity, if the center of gravity is above the water surface, the ship will lean outward.


    Since a ship sailing at high speed is floating, its center of gravity is definitely above the water.


    Jin took this into consideration and, through several trials and errors, determined the position and angle of the side thrusters.


    Of course, since the test cruise was conducted by Reiko, the experiment was conducted at the maximum speed without any hesitation.


    <>


    After turning the 500R, the course is a straight line back to the island.


    And waiting for us before the island is a hairpin curve. The radius is 30 meters.


    "Oh!"


    The crowd cheers.


    Edith had slowed down a bit, but she made the turn much faster than in the first corner.


    "I guess I''m getting used to it.


    Jin mutters to himself.


    After taking the straight line again, the course entered the technical area.


    The course is a series of 10R zigzag curves.


    The direction changes rapidly from right to left. Those who are not accustomed to this course may get intoxicated, but Edith is not worried about that, since it is the Golems who are actually competing in the race.


    Then, after passing through an area that combines short straights and right-angle curves, it becomes a straight line again toward the island .......


    The goal is reached as soon as you make a 180-degree turn near the shore.


    Each lap is approximately 36 kilometers. At an average speed of 100 km/h, it takes less than 22 minutes.


    <>


    "Not bad, I guess."


    Jin seems to be satisfied.


    When Reiko tested the course last night after setting it up, she got 19 minutes flat. She averaged about 113 km/h.


    That''s a good enough time for Edith, who is a human being.


    In the race, she is supposed to run two laps around this course.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    >


    An announcement is made and the 10 boats are lined up at their starting positions.


    "Good luck, everyone!"


    As for Jin, he could not favor anyone.


    However, he is a little concerned about the youngest one, Rubina.


    >


    In front of the 10 boats, red ropes are lowered from the airships. They will be pulled up at the start of the race.


    "How do you see this race, Mr. Jin?


    Trihardt, sitting beside me, asked.


    "Well, ....... Everyone seems to have come up with their own ideas, so it will be hard to predict, but I''ll be keeping an eye on ......7 and 10."


    As for Jin, he said he would be interested in seeing how well the new attempts were brought up to a practical level.


    "I see, I understand."


    <<5......4......3......2......1......>>


    The project is about to begin.

 1735 - - 47-16 Race Start

    <


    At the same time as the announcement is made, the red ropes in front of the ten boats are quickly pulled up.


    Each ship is now at full power. A huge column of water rises up behind them.


    >


    It looks like ......, but number 10 is lagging behind.


    "I guess ...... the water resistance is too great, so rapid acceleration will be impossible."


    The number 10 is a semi-submersible, a torpedo from the point of view of Jin.


    But...


    "Hmmm... a ward against water..."


    Indeed, the use of wards is not forbidden.


    And another important point is that the warding Rubina is using is not <>.


    Yes, it is a rule that they must be <>.


    Since a <> condition using a perfect water-avoidance warding would be a violation of the convention, she was forced to use a half-way warding.


    The result is <>, a new discovery that defies the laws of physics.


    "You have a flexible way of thinking."


    Jin was impressed.


    >


    The boat built by Natalia is now in the lead. The next is 5,6,2,9,3,8,4,7.


    There is little difference between the boats.


    <>


    Number 10 is catching up fast. The top speed was about 20% higher.


    If the top speed of a high-speed boat is 120 kilometers per hour, the top speed of a semi-submersible was over 140 kilometers per hour.


    However, this is not a competition for top speed alone.


    The first corner is approaching.


    Even the golems who had probably seen the model navigation of the by Jin seemed to hesitate to make a turn while maintaining the maximum speed.


    All vessels slow down.


    All the vessels slowed down to about 70 kilometers per hour and plowed into the first corner.


    However, only the number 10 boat has slowed down to about 100 kilometers per hour, and it is the outermost boat to enter the first corner.


    >


    <> * * * * *


    "Yeah, that''s one way to do it. Everyone is taking the smallest possible turn to cut down on losses. That''s the problem. After the second group, they seem to be getting in each other''s way, forcing each other to slow down more than necessary.


    Jin spoke frankly.


    On the screen, the number 10s who were on the outside and gaining speed were passing the leaders one after another and moving up in the rankings.


    "So they are disengaging the waterproofing when they are going around curves. So they are taking advantage of the large resistance of the water to make the turn."


    Jin was impressed by Rubina''s idea.


    * * * * * *


    <>


    The next course is a large arc of about 5 kilometers.


    All the boats are going at top speed.


    >


    >> ** ** **


    "It''s the golem that''s controlling the ship. So we''re pushing the ship to the very limits."


    Jin says happily while looking at the screen.


    In fact, Jin was having a great time. The ten ships racing around on the screen are no less impressive than the <> that Jin had built the other day.


    He was pleased that his ......, or rather, <> descendants could do so well.


    * * * * * *


    At 130 kilometers per hour, a five-kilometer stretch takes less than two and a half minutes.


    Ten vessels plowed into the second corner and the 500R with only a slight drop in top speed.


    Marikka, the commentator, mutters.


    >


    <


    >


    <>That''s what I mean. It is not still water, but rushing water, so to speak.


    Natalia, number 1, was one of the first to recognize this.


    It was not only because of her direct descent from Marcia, Arco and Vail, but also because of her experience with the Arrow. Or, to put it another way, she had the experience of Arrow.


    They wanted to take the lead even if they had to suddenly overload the propulsor.


    Then, he would be able to maintain the top position without overloading the propulsor.


    Arrow, Arrow, Arrow!


    "Arrow, you''re doing great!"


    Natalia was communicating with Arrow at the participants'' table by means of a manacam.


    Natalia and Arrow had seen Edith''s model navigation and realized the disadvantages of getting behind a competitor.


    The overload at the start was much less stressful on the propulsors than trying to catch up against the jet stream of the opponent.


    Based on this judgment, he decided to bet on the dash at the start of the race.


    This strategy paid off as the leader, number 1, was 20 meters ahead of the second place finisher.


    The gap seemed to widen a little as he dropped down to third and fourth place.


    "I guess it''s not a good thing to be sailing in a jet stream," Natalia said.


    Natalia sends a shout out to Arrow.


    "Good luck, Arrow!"


    * * * *


    The ten fast boats were making a 30R 180 degree turn.


    While most of the boats made the turn from a slightly excessive deceleration, number 2, currently in third place, read the necessary deceleration correctly and moved into second place.


    "Way to go, Edgar!"


    Shu Nido, the boat''s builder, cheers.


    But there was someone else who had moved up even more.


    It is number 10.


    The semi-submersible boat was able to move through the water without being exposed to the jets of the boats in front of it.


    However, Rubina did not design the boat with this in mind, but by chance.


    Five meters below sea level. Five meters below the surface of the sea, where the jet stream had little effect on the boat, allowing it to navigate at its own pace.


    "Icky!"


    Rubina cheered.


    Although it is difficult to see clearly because of the sea level, the number 10 has moved up to third place.


    Rubina cheered for her.


    "Oh, Rubina''s boat is doing well!"


    Jin also saw the advantage of the submersible during the race, as it was less susceptible to the jet stream.


    "Good luck, everyone!"


    Jin''s voice was drowned out by the cheers of the crowd.


    The ten fast boats had now made a 180-degree turn near the shore and were once again accelerating down a straight course.

 1736 - - 47-17 Fierce Battle

    Still in the lead is Natalia-produced number 1.


    <>


    Lackhardt Randall''s announcement echoes in the background.


    The crowd is heating up.


    The 10 boats are now approaching the zigzag course.


    <>


    Number 7 is Werner Randall''s hydroplane and number 8 is Florence Fahlheit''s shallow bottom boat.


    Both of them are small hulls.


    A series of curves with a small radius of 10R.


    A dead heat was also fought there, with the boats passing and being passed.


    "Oh, ......?"


    Rubina, who was watching the screen, shouted in disbelief.


    The number 10 boat had begun to lag behind.


    As a semi-submersible boat, the number 10 was not as good at small maneuvers as the other boats.


    The slight difference appeared in the series of curves, and the boat, which had once risen to third place, dropped one position to fourth. He dropped one place to 4th and then to 5th.


    He was still just a kid.


    "I guess I''m still a child. I guess I''m still a kid...I''m not very good at predicting situations..."


    Jin muttered with an expression as if he was watching something funny.


    "I guess I''m still inexperienced. ......"


    Of course, I''m talking about Rubina.


    * * * *


    The ten vessels passed through a zigzag. The next section is a combination of short straights and corners.


    >


    All the boats use jet thrusters, which makes it difficult to get behind them.


    By moving the stern in front of the followers trying to overtake them, we can expect not only to get in the way, but also to slow them down due to the jet stream.


    <>


    Shallow-bottomed boats can turn left or right at will. Taking advantage of this, they weaved their way between the boats ahead of them and finally came up to second place.


    Oh!


    "Wow, you are making the most of the boat''s characteristics.


    Jin sees that the most suitable boats for this course are 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8.


    The hull that emphasizes maneuverability rather than stability is advantageous.


    "Almost a lap, huh?"


    Jin thinks that the second lap is the best part of the race, when the boats have figured out their course.


    The 10 boats then head for the final turn, the R50.


    The technical course is only about 30 meters wide, and three boats can barely run side by side.


    On the other hand, the straight line after the 50R is 200 meters wide, and it was an area where we did not have to worry about the jet stream of the preceding ship.


    <<10 boats have returned after one lap!��The leader is number 1, followed by numbers 2, 3, and 5! >>


    In the technical area, Jin seems to be in the position he thought he would be.


    <>And now the second lap is underway!��The boats are increasing their speed! >>


    The boats are accelerating rapidly with a huge splash.


    The crowd''s voices are getting louder and louder.


    The first boat, numbered 1, is speeding down the middle of the wide course.


    Each of the following boats chose a course that would not be subjected to the jet stream of the boat ahead of them.


    The slight course change will cause a slight delay, but there is more than enough opportunity to make up for it on the straight course that stretches for the next five kilometers.


    In fact, some of the boats seem to be squeezing out more than their full power, and the positions of the boats in 7th to 10th place are changing rapidly.


    >


    Number 1 is in position to run away as fast as he can. The top speed is over 130 kilometers per hour.


    Each of the following boats is also going about the same speed.


    This is already a dangerous speed for a ship controlled by a man, but the operator of the ship is a golem. It knows no fear and has a reaction time several times that of a human.


    Furthermore, the assistant who monitors the power output and the behavior of the hull is also a golem.


    This top speed is not dangerous as long as the stability of the mana driver, which supplies mana to the propulsion system, and the aether converter, which converts free mana into mana, are also monitored.


    After running a straight line of 5 kilometers in a little over 2 minutes, number 1 plunges into the first corner of the 20 R without slowing down much.


    But....


    <>


    Rubina''s semi-submersible had made up ground again in this straight line.


    The maximum speed of the boat was 140 kilometers per hour.


    The audience''s eyes were glued to the screen.


    The spectator''s eyes were glued to the screen.


    And Jin was also enjoying the race.


    "Well, it''s nice to race without any interference.


    I couldn''t help but say such a line,


    "Jin-sama, isn''t it normal if there is no interference?


    Trihardt, who was standing right next to me, quipped, "Well.......


    "Well, I guess so. But when I was racing with Marcia, there was Valentino''s interference and the Death Serpent. ......


    Jin muttered with a wry smile as if reminiscing about the distant past.


    Then he looked at the pursuit of number 10,


    "Rubina is really close. I am sure she will improve with more experience.


    I''m sure she will improve as she gains more experience.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The 10 boats make a big arc and head into the second corner of the 500R.


    >


    By this time, the first group was down to 4 boats, 1,2,3,5. 4, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were slightly behind.


    The differences were the result of a combination of factors such as hull shape, completeness, stability, power, and maneuverability.


    The differences in each of these categories are very small. However, when taken together, they have a synergistic effect,


    But when you put them all together, you can see the synergistic effects that led to this result.


    No wonder Jin and the spectators were so enthralled. In a sense, a head-to-head race is not so interesting. ...... It must be painful for Jin to hear this.


    At this stage, it was not clear what position Rubina''s number 10 was in as it was moving underwater.


    The 10 boats were leaving the high speed area and heading towards the technical area.


    The course is getting narrower, now about 50 meters wide.


    >


    The second group has started to catch up.


    <<>


    The semi-submersible boat built by Rubina has revealed its hidden power.

 1737 - - 47-18 settlement

    <>


    A roar of excitement comes from the audience.


    "Jin-sama, what is that?


    Trihardt, who was seated next to Jin, asked him with his eyes wide open.


    "They probably used the side thrusters to change direction for propulsion.


    "What?


    The simple explanation was not clear enough for him, and his voice came back with a question.


    "So, Rubina''s ship has a water-avoidance ward to reduce the drag?"


    "Yes, that would be the case.


    "That means, the shape of the ship doesn''t really matter. ...... So, we are not changing the direction of the ship, only the direction of travel.


    "I see."


    "They must have very powerful propulsion units on the side thrusters. ...... No, they don''t."


    Through the screen, Jin had a rough idea of the number 10.


    "It has a very powerful propulsion system, and its jets are open on the sides.


    Jin thought that such a structure should have a smaller aspect ratio, but this might be due to Rubina''s inexperience.


    Nevertheless, it is a little strange to see a long and slender semi-submersible meandering along without changing its attitude. Some spectators began to notice this.


    "Hey, that!"


    "Yeah, number 10. ......


    "......, it''s moving a little weird."


    If Rubina had heard that, she would have said, "Why? >>The audience murmured what they thought Rubina would say if she heard it.


    But the boat is definitely the fastest. It continues to meander without changing direction.


    The number 10 boat, which was in the 5th position, quickly overtakes two boats and moves up to the 3rd position.


    However, the series of curves ends there.


    The next area is a series of short straights and curves.


    Because of the higher average speed, sailing with side thrusters is a step behind.


    The number 10 is back to normal sailing again.


    He is already halfway through the second lap and has about six kilometers to go. At 120 kilometers per hour, it would take only three minutes to complete the lap.


    Everyone is making their last spurt.


    However, the course is too narrow for them to get through easily.


    There is light contact between hulls, but no dangerous collisions or overt obstruction of the course.


    This is a fair competition, as seen by the <.


    The number 10 boat again took advantage of its semi-submersible status and tried to pull out of the water.


    However, all the boats have begun their final spurt and will not let them overtake so easily.


    >


    A frenzy of excitement envelops the spectators.


    The 10 fast boats are racing on the course in an even more intense dead heat.


    >> "Arrow, Arrow, Arrow, Arrow, Arrow!


    Arrow, Arco, go for it!


    Woah, Blitz, Donner, keep up the good work!


    Edgar, come on!


    The boat builders, too, stared at the screen, their hands sweating.


    And then the last straight, four kilometers, and the ten boats were racing.


    All the boats are running at full speed, using all the strength they have. Their speed is approaching 150 kilometers per hour.


    However, at the end of the straight line is the final corner, a 50R hairpin curve.


    If they fail to make the turn, they may crash into the quay.


    However, all the boats do not seem to slow down.


    The final corner is almost upon us.


    The first boat, number 1, has slowed down slightly and is just barely making the turn.


    But the second placed car, number 3, seems to be determined to win the race, and drives into the corner without slowing down at all.


    >


    The car was going to be able to keep up with the leader, number 1, by cornering without slowing down, but halfway around the corner, the car couldn''t withstand the centrifugal force and went into a wide turn.


    <>


    Zecken3 skids towards the rock wall.


    >


    Ludwig slides his body between the rock wall and the ship and catches ZEK 3, who was about to crash into the rock wall.


    <<< Brilliant!��The number 3 is safe! >>


    Ludwig again boarded the boat, but this accident dropped him down to 6th place. He was overtaken by the next boat. The speed of the boat has dropped drastically.


    On the other hand, the remaining boats slowed down slightly and cleared the final corner without any danger.


    Only 200 meters remain to the goal.


    The boat is now only 200 meters away from the finish line.


    "Go, Donner!


    Rubina shouted.


    Perhaps she heard the shout, or perhaps they had already arranged it, and Donner, the assistant golem, emerges from the hull of the number 10 boat.


    "What?��What are you doing?"


    Jin had no idea what he was going to do here. But he would soon find out.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    >


    >> Donner gave more acceleration to the hull by kicking it out. Naturally, he will fall into the water.


    However, number 10, who had been running in 4th place, is now lighter by Donner''s weight, and the momentum of the kick has propelled him into 3rd place. .......


    <<<1st place goes to number 1, and 2nd place goes to the amazing number 10!��Number 2 was in 3rd place and number 5 in 4th place!


    Natalia, number 1, who was in the lead from the start, won the race.


    Natalia, who was in the lead from the start and kept going from start to finish, won the race with her number 1 car. Rubina, with her quirky design and strategy, came in second place.


    Third place went to Shu Nido in number 2, fourth to Shireen Eschenbach in number 5, fifth to Greenina Kuzma in number 4, and sixth to Eugene Eugene in number 3, In sixth place, number 3 Eugene Fowle.


    In seventh place, number 9 Elvis Alcott, number 8 Florence Fahlheit.


    In ninth place was number 7 Werner Randle, and number 6 Sidney Marek in tenth.


    There was a slight dispute among the jury about the eccentricity of the number 10 just before the finish, but it was concluded that it was not against the rules.


    The judges were not in violation of the rules.


    Mr. Jin is giving a speech.


    The audience cheers loudly.


    <


    Jin looked around at everyone assembled and continued.


    <>


    Natalia was then presented with the trophy by the hand of Jin.


    The audience burst into cheers.


    Thus ended the <>.

 1738 - - 47-19 Sightseeing

    After the fierce competition, the participants were seen running around in the sea where the course had been cleared.


    "Now that I look at it this way, everyone is improving."


    350 years ago...... or 750 years ago, magical technology was set back by the .


    400 years ago it had not yet returned to its original level, but now.


    "At least here in , I think we are back. If there''s anything missing, it''s ......."


    "What''s that, father?"


    Scientific knowledge.


    Jin said that 400 years ago, the groundwork had not yet been laid, and in general, the knowledge of elementary school students and even <> would have been at the junior high school level at best.


    Jin guessed that after the death of the ...... original Jin, the adjustment of the situation was not going well.


    "Hey, hey, hey Gose...... Jin-sama, let me on Jin-sama''s boat!"


    "What?"


    Rubina came to Jin, who was lost in thought, and begged him for a ride.


    "Well, that''s okay.


    "Yes!"


    Jin smiled and looked at Rubina.


    She was like Hannah and Beena added together and divided by two, was Jin''s impression.


    Reiko, too, seemed to be somewhat unappreciative of Rubina''s behavior, and she did not hold it against her for poking at Jin or for calling him a fake.


    Jin also had high hopes for this promising offspring.


    Jin, Reiko, and Rubina head for the pier where the Dolphin is kept. Just then Natalia arrives. She was blonde, blue-eyed, and slender, much like Marcia.


    "Hello, Jin-sama," Rubina said. Are you ...... going to get on Jin-sama''s boat?"


    It was obvious that Jin''s boat was on the way.


    "Um, if you don''t mind, may I ...... join you?"


    "Oh, sure, it''s a five-passenger boat.


    "Wow, thank you!


    "Okay, here, put this on."


    <.


    "Don''t worry, I''m a good swimmer.


    Rubina says to Jin,


    "No. You never know what might happen, so it''s important to reduce the danger as much as possible.


    "...... yes."


    Jin and Natalia also put on life jackets and board the Dolphin, only Reiko is not wearing one.


    Reiko is the only one not wearing a life vest. She undoes the rope and jumps on board.


    "Master Gin, will you allow me to pilot the Dolphin?"


    Natalia said, and Jin said yes.


    "Well, the rudder is here and the throttle is here.


    "Yes, I understand. It''s the same as my boat."


    I gave him a brief explanation, and he seemed to be okay with it, since it handled the same way.


    "Well, shall we go then?"


    "Yes, let''s go."


    Natalia started the Dolphin slowly.


    "Oh, it''s easy to drive!"


    "What do you mean?��What do you mean?


    Rubina was caught off guard by Natalia''s comment.


    As the Dolphin was slowly heading out to sea, Natalia asked, "Well, what can I say?


    "Well, I don''t know what to say. I would say that the throttle and rudder response is neither too sharp nor too slow.


    Natalia replies.


    "I guess so. This boat is not set up for racing only.


    Jin interjects.


    He explains that if it were set up for racing, the rudder and throttle would be set up to be more sensitive.


    "The settings are designed to be operated by a golem, not a human.


    "Oh, so this boat is exactly as it was when Edith piloted it."


    "That''s what I mean."


    Jin adds, "If Reiko is piloting, the rudder and throttle play will be very small.


    "But then, if a human were to try to control it, it would be difficult to handle, wouldn''t it?"


    "Yes, that''s true.


    That''s why we usually detune it.


    Rubina reacted.


    "What?��Then, didn''t you use your full strength during the model cruise?"


    Hitoshi affirms.


    "Yeah, yeah. Because it''s Edith who''s flying the boat."


    "Yeah, I see. ...... In the meantime, how much is the full power?"


    "Well, ...... it''s about 1.5 times what it is now."


    "......"


    "......"


    Rubina knew from their association over the past few days that Jin did not joke around at times like this and that he could afford to be generous with these estimates, perhaps even double them.


    And so did Natalia.


    Both of them had an inkling of what the "Magecraft Meister" was all about.


    "There is a safety factor. It depends on how and where it is used, so it''s hard to say how much you should take, but I take more than enough. I''m a coward."


    Reiko is the only one who realizes that her < has led to the ridiculous performance of many things.


    Natalia and Rubina were listening to Jin with serious faces.


    "The rudder will have more play and the hull will have more straightness. In other words, when you let go of the rudder, the rudder will return to the center and the boat will naturally run straight.


    "I see, I can learn a lot from that."


    Natalia nodded happily.


    "From what I''ve seen, what you all lack is experience. Not only do you need to know how to make things, but you also need to know how to use them in the field.


    While we were talking, the Dolphin was well out to sea.


    "Okay, let''s get up to speed," Natalia said.


    Natalia said and opened the throttle.


    The Dolphin accelerates.


    "...... Oh, it''s stable."


    "High-speed stability is also an important performance feature.


    Jin explains in a calm manner.


    "This also comes from our experience of building several boats. We never cut any corners or made any compromises."


    The trimaran of Horai Island is the .


    Jin has made modifications and upgrades based on the data obtained during the operation of the .


    The compilation of these changes is contained in the .


    "I see, that''s very informative."


    Natalia said in a happy voice as she steered the boat.


    "So, what do you do when you make your first one?��Jin-sama!"


    Rubina asked this time.


    "Well, it depends on the size of the project. It depends on the scale, but if it''s a big one, I start with a , like one-tenth or one-fifth of a model."


    "Oh, I see."


    "That''s how we accumulate data and make prototypes. It may seem like a roundabout way, but it''s surefire, and in the end, you''ll be able to complete it faster."


    "Is that so ......?"


    "Is it too hard for young Rubina?"


    Intuitive and impatient are good descriptions of Rubina.


    She is still too young to learn discretion.


    Jin thought that he had to teach her slowly.

 1739 - - 47-2080%

    The , with Jin and the others on board, is driving through a spacious area.


    "Okay, Rubina, you can try your hand at piloting."


    "Yes, thank you, Jin-sama!"


    Rubina replies happily.


    "Okay, let''s switch."


    Natalia and Rubina switched places.


    "If you do this here, you can change the height of the seat. This way you can move it back and forth."


    "About this high, I think."


    The seat was adjusted to fit Rubina''s body.


    "Okay, let''s go."


    Rubina, in a fit of excitement, suddenly opened the throttle to full throttle.


    "Whoa!


    The Dolphin shuddered and then jumped out of the water.


    "I''m sorry!"


    This time, he closed the throttle completely. This causes a sudden deceleration, and everyone falls to the ground.


    "I''m sorry!"


    Rubina panicked. Jin patted her on the head,


    "Calm down. Open the throttle slowly.


    She advised him to open the throttle slowly.


    "Yes, ......."


    Seeing this, Jin realized that Rubina had never done this kind of maneuver before.


    "Rubina, you are still too young, but I think you will be a great engineer if you get more and more experience.


    So Jin told her exactly what he thought.


    "Really?"


    Rubina''s face turned red and she looked down.


    "Mae!��Before!"


    "...... what?��Kyah!"


    Before she knew it, the reefs surrounding Onogoro Island were closing in.


    "It''s dangerous."


    Rubina stiffened. But Reiko quickly uses the force field generator to change the Dolphin''s direction and course, thus avoiding a collision.


    "Oh, thank you very much ......, Mr. Reiko."


    Rubina, her face pale, thanked Reiko.


    "No, don''t worry about it."


    Then Jin also called out to her.


    "Rubina, try to steer a little more carefully.


    "Yes, sir!"


    Rubina, who had been expecting to be asked to take over the controls, now seriously concentrates on piloting the boat.


    She seems to be experimenting in her own way by gradually turning the rudder, speeding up and slowing down. For the time being, Jin does not interfere, but lets her do what she wants.


    Then she says,


    "Okay, try some more drastic maneuvers.


    And he says, "Okay, try a more drastic maneuver,


    "Yes!


    Rubina responded with a cheerful "Yes!


    She made turns in a radius of 10 meters (=10R) and zigzagged. Full-speed sprinting.


    As expected, she did not make a turn from full speed.


    And then..,


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin!��I understand!


    and stopped the boat.


    "Are you done?"


    "Yes. I learned a lot. Thank you very much.


    "Well. I hope you get something out of it.


    * * *


    Natalia takes over the controls once more. She is a few steps more stable than Rubina. And then..,


    "Jin-sama, can you make the Dolphin into a racing version, just a little bit?


    I asked.


    "I can, but would you like to ...... experience it?"


    "Yes!"


    Natalia said, wanting to experience a more serious setting, one that would push the limits of what was possible, rather than the mild maneuverability of the present.


    "Okay."


    Jin adjusted the controls and the aft propulsion system. It took about a minute.


    "That''s good."


    Natalia and Rubina were amazed at how fast he did it.


    "Are you finished already?


    "Yes, yes. The ...... necessary settings are stored in the auxiliary control core, so all you have to do is call it up."


    "Huh. ......."


    Rubina sounded dumbfounded.


    "Well, the current settings are just about 80% of the limit. Go ahead and try."


    "Yes, yes!


    Natalia started the Dolphin with trepidation.


    "No!"


    Natalia had been so careful, but suddenly the hull shook. Then came the dash. The acceleration was similar to that of the first time Rubina had piloted the boat, but even greater.


    "I never thought it would be this hard to fly!��Kyaaaah!


    Natalia screamed. And then it stopped.


    "...... is ...... Jin-sama, I understand perfectly. That''s enough!


    Are you done?


    Yes. This setting is too severe to pilot without practice.


    I see. Okay, Reiko, take care of it.


    Yes, Father.


    At this point, Jin asked for Reiko.


    Reiko takes the pilot''s seat in front of Natalia. She adjusted her seat and looked back at Jin.


    "Please fasten your seat belt, sir."


    "I know, I know."


    Jin, Natalia, and Rubina fasten their seatbelts. Reiko confirmed that they were fastened,


    "Okay, let''s go."


    and opens the throttle.


    The Dolphin starts off with a smoothness that is in sharp contrast to Natalia''s. "Let''s go to the top speed first," she says.


    "Let''s go to the top speed first," she said again.


    Reiko said again, and slowly opened the throttle to full throttle.


    "Wow, wow!��That''s amazing!"


    The Dolphin is now speeding along at an estimated speed of over 150 kilometers per hour.


    (This is 80% ......)


    Natalia thought to herself that she had not yet reached 80% of Jin''s speed.


    The Dolphin, which was making a large arc, slowed down slightly and then made a sharp turn.


    "Kyaaaah!"


    The Dolphin is subjected to tremendous lateral G''s, but because the driver is wearing a seatbelt, he is not thrown out, and the Dolphin maintains a stable posture as it completes the turn.


    "I think it''s about 20R. ......"


    Natalia is amazed at the small turn from that high speed. So is Rubina.


    Reiko swings the Dolphin from side to side.


    "Wah, wah, wah..."


    "Kya, kyah!"


    The direction of motion changes rapidly. At the same time, the direction of lateral G-force is also switched. Rubina is on the verge of dizzying herself with the unfamiliar sensation.


    Natalia, on the other hand, is holding on.


    And Jin..,


    "......<>"


    He had cast a healing spell on himself to stop the intoxication.


    After a long and enjoyable high-speed cruise, they returned to the pier just as the sun was beginning to set.

 1740 - - 47-21 Hale Story

    The day after the speedboat race, i.e., December 11.


    Jin was not able to ...... relax on Onogoro Island.


    "Master Jin, what is it about my design that is lacking?"


    "Master Jin, what is it that I need to do to reach a higher level?


    Master Jin, how can I further my education?


    Master Jin.


    Master Jin.


    Master Jin, ......


    "......"


    Jin had to answer each of these questions, so he had almost a whole day without being able to do anything.


    "Jin, Jin-sama, I''m sorry!"


    Seeing Jin looking like he was thinking about something, Trihart bowed down to the ground as if he was on his knees. Marikka also looked apologetic.


    "No, it''s okay.


    But Jin let it slide.


    "Everyone was very enthusiastic, so it was worth explaining.


    "Yeah..."


    "But I thought that if I only knew the island, my perspective would be limited.


    "Perspective, you mean."


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes, that''s right. I was like that myself. ......"


    Jin recalled the time when he had just been summoned and had no idea how out of touch he was.


    "Well, I don''t think I have any common sense even now."


    He seems to be aware of this, as he puts it to himself.


    "At ......, you know. I''ve been thinking about a few things.


    Once again, Jin turned to Trihart.


    "I''d like to add a competition to choose a king and queen, but I''d also like to add a competition for skill in molding by <> or for precision processing.


    Jin said, "This one is so simple that we might as well just report the results without broadcasting them.


    "Certainly, we need to evaluate such techniques.


    "That would be interesting, wouldn''t it?


    Marikka agreed.


    "I think we should also ...... tell Trihart and Suzanne first. ......"


    "Yes, sir?"


    Just then Suzanne came in with a tray of green tea.


    "Here you go, Jin-sama."


    "Thank you."


    Jin thanked her and sipped the green tea.


    "At ......."


    Suzanne also took a seat, and Jin began to talk.


    The group present was Jin, Reiko, Marikka, Trihardt, and Suzanne.


    "First of all, what do you know about Hale?"


    This question was answered in the affirmative.


    "You also know about the universe, don''t you?"


    This was also answered . It seems that Onogoro''s education in science is, at a minimum, at the level of a modern Earth elementary school graduate, so he is doing OK.


    "Okay, then, let''s get down to business. ...... I''m planning to redevelop Hale right now."


    ".................. yes?"


    "So I''m trying to redevelop Hale so I can live there."


    "......"


    The hurdle seemed too high for the sensible Mr. and Mrs. Trihardt Suzanne, who looked blank.


    "Well, um, Hale is on the other side of the Sun Selangor, isn''t it?"


    "Yes."


    "So, the Haelians ......<> migrated to this Ars because they ran out of resources, right?"


    "That''s right."


    "Ji,Jin-sama, you are trying to do what that <> couldn''t do?��Are you trying to revive ...... Hale?


    "Well, that''s what I''m trying to do."


    Jin replies, realizing that this is not convincing enough, and adds a supplementary explanation.


    "By the time the Hale ......<> realized it, it was too late. Oh, I don''t mean the stars, I mean that the Haleans were beginning to degenerate."


    A Hailian in his prime could probably have done better than he did, Jin says.


    "But they didn''t seem to have much interest in the outside world, so it''s really a ."


    With that explanation, Mr. and Mrs. Trihardt Suzanne finally restarted.


    "Well, may I ask you a few questions?"


    "Sure."


    Thank you very much. ...... Jin-sama, do you intend to live in Hale eventually?"


    "Oh ...... yes. It''s not definite, but whether it''s my Horai Island or this Onogoro Island, as long as it''s on Ars, it will be seen by people at some point.


    They agreed.


    "Since there is a warp gate, we will be able to go back and forth between Ars and Hale as if we were going to the next house."


    "...... Jin-sama, isn''t it?"


    Trihart let out a small sigh.


    "If anyone wants to go to Hale as if it were a vacation home, I''ll ask him to let me know if he wants to go."


    "What?��Oh, you mean we can live here?"


    "I''m thinking that we can live more comfortably that way."


    "Perhaps so. ......"


    "I''m also thinking of reaching out to the northerners."


    "Perhaps," Jin added, "but I think there will be a desire to emigrate, especially among the young.


    "That may be so."


    "It''s not something we''re in a hurry to talk about, and it''s a plan that''s going to take generations. But just know that there is such a plan."


    I understand."


    * * * *


    "...... wind."


    Jin soaked himself in the hot water and stretched out.


    "I think we''ve accomplished a lot of what we set out to do. ......


    I''m alone today. ...... that is, Reiko is with him to wash his back.


    "Are you having fun, father?"


    "Yes, it''s nice to finally feel some peace here."


    Jin murmured deeply in the hot water.


    "What are your plans for the future?"


    "Well, ...... we''re going to enjoy the island a little more, and then we''re going to inspect the construction of the spaceship."


    "I understand."


    It makes sense for Reiko to know what Jin''s plans are.


    "Let''s think about tomorrow ......."


    Jin stretched once more in the bathtub, saying that he was tired today.

 1741 - - 47-22 To invite

    It was December 12.


    Jin had come to Rubina''s workshop at the Onogoro Island Research Institute. After breakfast, he was dragged in by force.


    "Hey Jin-sama, look at my golem!


    "Hmm?"


    On the workbench, two Golems were stopped and lying on the floor.


    "The day before yesterday, when I was taken on board Master Jin''s ship, I finally realized how inexperienced I am. So I want you to look at these two and point out what''s wrong with them."


    "Oh."


    Jin was a little impressed when Rubina said instead of . And then,


    "Okay, okay. Let''s see."


    he replied, patting her on the head.


    "Let''s see."


    The machine was lightly disassembled, so Jin could check the inside without much trouble.


    The skeleton is stainless steel. The joints are coated with adamantite.


    He seemed to have followed the basics in this respect.


    "Magical muscle is ...... an interesting material.


    This is the first time Jin has seen such a magical material.


    "That''s <>.


    "Bowall!��I''ve never used it before, so I didn''t notice it.


    Bowall is a giant whale-like monster.


    They live in the northern seas, but rarely migrate south. The largest are up to 20 meters long, usually 10 meters.


    They are gentle demons, but they have a habit of striking large floating objects as if they were enemies. They sometimes kill vessels. Their normal swimming speed is about 30 kilometers per hour.


    "Ah, because the distribution of free magical element (ether) concentration has been corrected."


    Jin remembers hearing from Zion or Rhodoth that more and more demons living in the north are moving south.


    "So, Bowall''s leather ...... or is it the muscle fiber itself?"


    "Yes. This is the main type of leather on Onogoro Island.


    "I see."


    <


    "I guess it could be the muscle itself," he says.


    But, Jin points out, muscle should have a lower shelf life than leather.


    Rubina confirms this.


    "Yes, it does...it will fall apart after a year or so, so we have to replace it each time."


    One Bowall can produce enough magical muscle for 100 Golems, so that''s how they can be used.


    "Indeed, it makes sense that they are attached in such a way that they can be easily replaced.


    Jin continues his analysis.


    "The accuracy and synchronization of the <> and <> are not quite right now."


    "...... so?"


    "Yes. This way, the conversion loss is a bit large. It''s ...... but if you can make this much at 10 years old, it''s a good thing."


    He thinks back to ...... and realizes that when he was 10 years old, he was still in Japan and could not use magic.


    There were some other minor points that Jin pointed out, but in general he thought it was a good work.


    "I''d give it an 85," he said.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama. Now I understand a little more about what I am missing.


    From Jin''s point of view, it is still a little rough. But it can''t be helped that she lacks the maturity that Jin possesses. After all, she is only 10 years old.


    "You can make a lot of things from now on," she said.


    "Yeah, I''ll do my best."


    Rubina reassembles the two golems under the watchful eye of Jin. Of course, the points that were pointed out have been corrected, so the performance is expected to be 20 to 30 percent better than before.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "I have an idea..."


    After checking Rubina''s golem, Jin consulted with Trihart again.


    "I''m thinking of taking the third place finisher from yesterday''s race to Horai Island for two days and one night.


    "To Horai Island, sir?"


    "To Horaijima, is that right?" "Yes. We can''t take a lot of people, so we''ll take the 3rd place finishers. What do you think?


    "I think it''s a great idea!


    Triharto was more delighted than ...... pleased.


    "I''m so jealous!"


    "Yeah, right."


    We''d like to take everyone who wants to go, but it''s going to be a big group, so we''ll start with a small ...... group.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Really?��To that legendary Horai Island?"


    "I want to go there!��By all means!


    "I''ll go, I''ll go, I''ll go!��Take me there!


    Sure enough, all three of them were very enthusiastic.


    "Okay, I''ll go tomorrow."


    "Okay!


    Hearing Jin''s voice behind our backs telling us that we only needed to bring our personal belongings for the overnight stay, all three of us rushed off to get ready for the trip.


    "You can take your golem and automata with you!"


    Jin added,


    "Yes, sir.


    came the reply from afar.


    Jin laughed and told Trihart that he would be his chaperone as well,


    "Will you come as a chaperone?"


    He asked him. Needless to say, he immediately agreed.


    * * * * * *


    At 8 o''clock in the of December 13th.


    < was already in place, so we used it to get there.


    "Whoa, what is this place?


    Rubina was curious to see the inside of the for the first time, but she couldn''t take her time, so she rushed to the warp gate to Horai Island.


    We emerged from the basement of the institute.


    "Come on, this way!"


    Jin takes the lead and leads the group.


    First, they went outside.


    "That''s ....... Oh, I see."


    It''s 8:00 at night on Onogoro Island, but it''s 8:00 in the morning here.


    For a moment, Rubina and the others were puzzled, but then they remembered the time difference and understood.


    "I see... I can see why Jin-sama said we should take a nap even if we don''t feel sleepy to prevent jet lag.


    Natalia nodded in agreement.


    Jin then said his standard words.


    "Welcome to Horai Island."

 1742 - - 47-23 Horai Island Guide 1

    "Wow, this is Master Jin''s laboratory!��It really looks just like the lab on Onogoro Island!


    "It should look just like that. This is the original.


    We are honored to be here.


    Then the golem maids from Horai Island appear.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!


    "I''m ......"


    There were 5 leaders of the 5 colored golem maids, Soleil, Luna, and Lao Tzu.


    The Lao Tzu said to me,


    "Welcome back, Mr. Edgar!


    The Lao Tzu said, "Mr. Edgar, welcome home.


    ......I''m home."


    Edgar also greeted in a somewhat choked tone.


    "Oh ......, I see!"


    Shu, the current owner of the house, was the first to notice.


    Edgar was born here, wasn''t he?


    "Yes, Master. ......I was born here ......3457 May 29th I was made by Master Elsa on the 29th of May, 953457.


    "Oh, yes."


    Yes. That was the first time Elsa created an automaton by herself. That was Edgar.


    After that, he had to go through several modifications before he became the Edgar of today, Jin explained.


    "Arrow was made by me in Potlock. Arco and Vail, too.


    As a matter of fact, Arco and Vail were not made by Jin, but he did not want to mention it because it would make the story even more complicated.


    * * * * * *


    After the introduction of the five-colored golem maids, Soleil, Luna, and Lao Tzu, Jin called <> for the tour of Horai Island.


    And then,


    "Edgar, will you fly for the first time in a while?��Shu, are you sure?


    Edgar said, "Shu, are you sure?


    Of course, neither Edgar nor Shu said no. Especially Edgar looked nostalgic and said, "I''ve missed you. Edgar, in particular, looked nostalgic as he headed for the cockpit.


    You haven''t changed, have you?


    "Come in, sir."


    Hope, who had been sitting in the pilot''s seat, gave up her seat to support him as co-pilot.


    "It''s an airship. Can it ...... float at this size?"


    Shu questioned. Indeed, it is natural to think that an airship of this size might not float if it carried all Jin and the others and even Golem, if we look at it as a helium-using airship.


    "<> doesn''t float on helium. <. The airship''s appearance is a disguise."


    "Is that so?"


    Wow, that''s amazing.


    "Wow!


    At least everyone seemed to know about the force field generator.


    "But no one knows how to make one.


    Shu explained on behalf of the others.


    "Even Marikka-sama didn''t tell us."


    Perhaps they decided that it was not necessary if they were going to live on Onogoro Island. Or maybe Marikka herself doesn''t remember ......, Jin imagined.


    Of course, there is no doubt that Onogoro has the technology, not to mention the <>.


    ��If we are going to Hale, we need to teach them.)


    (If we are going to Hale, we need to teach them.) Jin thought about it, but for now, he would first guide them to Horai Island.


    "Edgar, let''s get started.


    Jin instructed, thinking back to 400 years ago.


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    Edgar replied as he had done in the past, and launched the Conlon 3.


    "Wow, it floats!"


    Rubina is thrilled.


    < is made of cubic zirconia, which means it is transparent. When the cover is opened, it is suitable for observing the ground from the sky.


    "Wow, is this what Horai Island looks like?


    In size alone, Horai Island is larger than Onogoro Island.


    It is just right for looking around from the sky.


    Mount Horai, which rises in the center of the island, is an active volcano, although it is not emitting smoke. In modern Japan, where Jin was from, this volcano was said to be << dormant volcano> until a short while ago.


    1000 years ...... ago, or 140 years from now. It was a smaller island when Adriana Barbora Zetsi, the first <>, was born, but it has risen due to volcanic activity and become the size it is today.


    The current elevation is about 3400 meters.


    Jin gave an explanation such as ......, and Reiko added some details.


    took a slow circle around Mount Horai.


    It was a scenic flight, looking down on the coniferous forests and wasteland below.


    "What is that?


    Natalia''s voice. She was looking out of a side window, not the floor window, but the one she was pointing at.


    "That''s <>. It''s the <> of Horai Island."


    "Wow, that''s amazing."


    had traveled clockwise around Horai Island from the laboratory and was now over Tatsumi Bay.


    "Edgar, I need you to drop altitude a little."


    "Yes, Master Jin."


    Edgar lowers the altitude to about 50 meters. Then he could see the surface of the sea more clearly.


    "Oh, Jin-sama, what is that ......?"


    Natalia has found a ship. It was a trimaran, Hydro 1.


    "There are fish ponds in Tatsumi Bay, where they farm fish and harvest seaweed and wakame seaweed," she said.


    The five-colored golem maid Aqua and her team were hard at work, and the <> Marin and her team were supporting them.


    "I like it, this kind of thing. It has a lived-in feel to it."


    Rubina said in a cheerful voice.


    "Oh, you brought something back with you."


    "What?"


    In the direction Jin was looking, there was a mermaid team towing a huge demon.


    "Oh, what is that?"


    Rubina asks with some panic.


    "It''s a ......<. I heard it''s been tearing up the fishing grounds lately."


    Sea dragons are carnivorous and ferocious. They prey on the Death Sea Serpent.


    "They originally live in the cold northern seas, but sometimes they come south on the ocean currents and eat fish to the point that their ecosystem goes haywire, so we exterminate them like this."


    Jin explained that by using all of the fish as material, they also make offerings.


    "I see."


    Everyone from Onogoro Island scrunched up their faces at the sight of the giant monster for the first time.


    "Oh, you don''t get a chance to see these demons on Onogoro Island?"


    "That''s right, Master Jin."


    Arrow, who knew the Death Serpent and Bowall in person, replied.


    The materials for Bowall had also been prepared by Testa and the others.


    "So that''s how peaceful Onogoro Island is.


    On the contrary, it means that they are ignorant of the world. So much so that Jin is poking his nose into it.


    Jin thinks that he would like to show them the rest of the world in the future.

 1743 - - 47-24 Horai Island Guide 2

    Jin and the others returned to the front of the institute.


    Jin said,


    "We still have some time left. ......"


    He then muttered to himself,


    "All right, bring out the <>, Mr. Mere Old Man.


    He gave the order.


    <>.


    The old man replied immediately, and one second later, <> appeared in front of the laboratory.


    "Wow!


    "Wow, you scared me. ......"


    "Sorry, sorry. I just had some time to kill, so I thought I''d explain something that was bothering me the other day.


    "What was on your mind?"


    Rubina tilted her head.


    "Yeah. The problem with Rubina''s giant golem."


    "Oh, by all means!"


    Rubina''s eyes sparkled. Seeing her happy face, Jin thought it would be good to give such practical advice to others.


    "I was careful when I made this < at ......," Jin explains.


    Jin explains.


    The balance between strength and weight changes as it gets bigger.


    The motion around the joints can be expressed in terms of <, i.e. how many seconds it takes to move how many degrees, which means that for the same angular velocity, the end velocity will be greater as the angular velocity increases.


    "Okay. The area increases in proportion to the square of the size. The cross-sectional area is the same. But the weight is proportional to the cube, right?


    "That''s what I mean."


    At Rubina''s level, she still does not fully understand <>, and Jin is also unable to give a detailed explanation since he has only memorized some of the concepts and formulas.


    However, Rubina seemed to have understood what she needed to know, even though it was only a brief explanation.


    "I''ll try to improve it when I get back!"


    "Yeah, good luck!"


    Jin smiled at Rubina who was full of motivation.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Then it was time for lunch.


    The menu was tempura soba. You can choose between hot and cold soba.


    "The soup stock is very good.


    The batter of the tempura is crispy.


    The tempura batter is crispy." "Wow, the wasabi is good!


    Everyone seemed to be familiar with the dish and enjoyed the taste of Horaijima style.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After lunch, I decided to give them a tour of the institute.


    However, it was not so different from the one in Onogoro Island, so the tour ended soon.


    However, I only explained about the previous generation''s study from the outside of the door. Jin''s room, however, I showed him the inside.


    Then Jin decided to show a picture he had been thinking about showing or not.


    "Here, this is a picture of your ancestors."


    "What?


    It is a group photo taken 400 years ago.


    I''ve never seen it before!


    Since they moved to Onogoro Island after the dissolution of the <>, I thought they would not have any pictures of their ancestors from that period.


    Jin thought that they were probably kept in the family scattered in various countries, and it seems that he was right.


    Incidentally, the old photos of the family members, including Jin, have been kept in a secret place because of the old man''s concern for them.


    This is Bina and next to her is Luis. This is Bina, and the one next to her is Luis, Rubina''s direct ancestor.


    "Oh, he looks like me.


    Well, technically, Rubina looks like Rubina.


    This is Marcia.


    "She has a nice style. ......"


    Natalia let out a small sigh.


    "Reinhard and Berthe."


    "This is ......."


    Trichardt and Suzanne looked very pleased with themselves.


    "And this is Elsa. This is my wife."


    "She''s beautiful. ......"


    Seeing the picture of his beloved wife, Jin''s heart ached a little, but he managed to keep it from showing on his face, probably due to the fact that he was a duplicate.


    "Come on, come on, let''s move on."


    Let''s move on." * * * * *


    And he went to the workshop.


    "Wow, this is amazing!


    "This is Master Jin''s workshop?


    "This is where many legends were born. ......"


    Everyone was deeply impressed. Jin was a little embarrassed.


    "Ah!��There''s an unusual material!


    Rubina exclaimed.


    Curious, she walked around Jin''s workshop and found a shelf of materials.


    "Oh, they have sample materials there."


    Jin sometimes wonders what materials to use.


    In such a case, when he sees the actual materials, he sometimes gets a flash of inspiration. >>Sometimes it hits him.


    And what Rubina found was a shelf of metal samples.


    A 1 mm thick, 10 cm square plate and a 1 cm diameter, 10 cm long round bar.


    They were neatly arranged with name tags.


    "...... sterling silver, 925 silver, 950 silver, copper, platinum, brass, bronze, gunmetal, nickel silver, Beryllium Copper,Pure Iron,Mild Steel,Hard Steel,Carbon Tool Steel,Nickel Steel,Chromium Steel,Chromium Vanadium Steel,Nickel Chromium Vanadium Steel,Chromium Molybdenum Steel,Nickel Chromium Molybdenum Steel,Molybdenum Vanadium Steel,Invar,Tungsten Steel,Nichrome, KS Magnet Steel,MK Magnet Steel,High Speed Steel,Alloy Tool Steel,Silicon Steel,18-8 18-8 stainless steel,18-10 stainless steel,18-12 stainless steel,pure aluminum 12 stainless steel,pure aluminum,duralumin,super duralumin,ultra duralumin,magnesium alloys,solder,type alloys,pewter,light silver,64 light silver,mithril silver, Magi Mithril,Adamantite,Magi Adamantite,Hyper Adamantite,Iridosmin,Orihalcon......"


    Rubina reading the names of the samples on the shelves .


    "......Fu......, a lot of metals I didn''t know about."


    "So, it''s amazing ......."


    In modern Japan, Jin was in the metal industry.


    He made as many alloys as he could remember before forgetting them, and laid them out as samples.


    Once he got started, things got interesting, and he made all of these things.


    "Jin-sama, what is <>?"


    "Oh, it''s an alloy of tin and antimony. It was once used as a substitute for silver in tableware.


    Of course, in the history of the earth.


    The inferior ones were mixed with lead instead of antimony, which made them toxic, and some were made with less antimony and more copper.


    Jin has never used this metal for tableware, nor will he ever use it, but he has made samples of it and laid them out on the table.


    Other questions were raised, such as what is the difference between super duralumin and super-duralumin, and what is the meaning of high-speed steel.


    * * * *


    "No!


    Natalia''s exclamation rang out.


    Natalia''s screams were caused by the display of the and in the underground aquaculture farm.


    Natalia turned pale and flew to the surface. Arrow, Arco, and Vail rush after her.


    Rubina, by the way, is unperturbed. She seems to be fine with insects.


    Shu, Trihardt, and Suzanne are also a bit taken back, but do not show their disgust to the point of screaming.


    "So this spider is the source of those powerful threads!


    Again Rubina was curious. Jin likes the way she feeds on the rarity of what she sees and he is passionate about it.


    "It is important to know the nature of the material. In order to achieve your goal, you need to fully exploit the characteristics of the material.


    "Yes, I will study!


    Jin is relieved to see that Rubina is so obedient these days. It is difficult to educate a rebellious child.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After that, we have a short visit to the underground mining site where the stone golem works, and then it''s time for tea at three o''clock.


    Natalia, who had escaped from the underground farm, finally seemed to have recovered her color.


    "Oh, it''s delicious!


    It was gyokuro from Horai Island. It has a different taste from sencha.


    And for tea, chestnut yokan. It is a pure chestnut yokan made with a lot of maruon berries.


    These two were not available on Onogoro Island, and all the guests loved them.

 1744 - - 47-25 Next Day Schedule

    After the 3 o''clock tea, Jin asked everyone he had invited.


    "Well, there is still time for dinner, so if there is anything you want, I will ask you. If not, I would like to have you relax in the hot spring.


    "Well, you still have tomorrow, don''t you?"


    Rubina was the first to ask.


    "Yes, that''s right. With the time difference, tomorrow night around 7:00 p.m....... after dinner, it will be 7:00 a.m. on Onogoro Island."


    "...... I''m going to have a hard time sleeping."


    As a child, Rubina is not a fan of sleep deprivation.


    "If you are sleepy, take a nap for half an hour, and if you sleep early at night, you will be less likely to get jet lag.


    Jin advised.


    After that, since there seemed to be nothing else they wanted, they decided to soak in the hot spring and relax, and chat until dinner.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm..."


    "So this is a hot spring. ......"


    "I''ve been to a few of these in other places, and they are very nice.


    Jin, Shu, Trihart and the others were in the men''s bath. Trihart had been to the outside world many times because of his position, and he had been in hot springs before, but Shu had never been in a hot spring before.


    "Are there any hot springs on Onogoro Island?"


    I recall that it was not a hot spring that Hitoshi took a bath in on Onogoro Island.


    "I wonder if it''s possible to dig underground on Onogoro Island.


    If you dig deep enough, you might be able to find geothermally heated groundwater,...... Jin thought.


    "It could be that they decided that a regular bath would be sufficient without going that far."


    Or maybe he didn''t like the quality of the water, Trihart added.


    Some people do not like the smell of sulfur and cannot enter sulfur springs, while others have weak skin and cannot enter acidic springs, so it is also true that not everyone likes them.


    In reality, it is the underground structure of Onogoro Island that is the main cause of the problem, Jin imagined, albeit vaguely.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Rubina, Natalia, Suzanne, and the others came up 20 minutes after Jin and the others.


    The time was 4:30 PM. Since dinner was scheduled for 7:00 p.m., we decided to have a glass of cold fresh juice after the bath.


    "Wow, this is delicious!


    Ramon juice with carbonation. Not too sweet, but refreshing with just the right amount of acidity.


    "You''re probably used to drinking coffee milk over there," said Jin.


    Jin said.


    "That''s true. Too much of something sweet and you won''t be able to eat dinner, so it''s just right.


    Suzanne agreed.


    As dusk was falling, a peaceful time was passing in the dining room of Horai Island.


    Dinner consisted of white rice, miso soup with deep-fried tofu and okara, grilled dried horse mackerel, sweet omelet, hamburger steak, pickled vegetables, and tempura.


    No alcohol because of the children.


    I love hamburgers. ...... and this sweet omelet!"


    Rubina seems to like the sweet omelet very much.


    "Oh, this dried fish is very ...... flavorful."


    Trihardt is amazed by the dried fish. Seeing this, Jin asked him what he thought.


    "Don''t they make dried fish on Onogoro Island?"


    The answer to this question was, "Yes, we do.


    I asked him how they do it, and he told me that they bleed the fish they catch, open them, and then dry them by magic.


    "It''s quicker and it doesn''t attract insects.


    Jin heard this and thought, "Ah, that''s why.


    "Oh, that''s why."


    "Yes?"


    "Dried fish is not simply dried. Dried fish is not just dried fish, it is dried fish that has been exposed to the sun so that the proteins break down and become amino acids, which give the fish its umami flavor.


    Suzanne nodded repeatedly as if impressed by this explanation.


    "That''s right!��It''s not just a matter of doing everything in a short time. ......"


    "This salt is delicious!"


    Natalia said that the salt poured over the tempura was delicious.


    "Don''t they make algae salt?"


    "Mashio?"


    Her reaction revealed that they did not make it.


    "Oh, the inland sea of Onogoro Island has very little seaweed.


    Perhaps because of the coral reefs, there is not much seaweed. The water is clean enough to make good salt from the sea, but it is a step behind seaweed salt when it is used for tempura.


    Jin then explained how to make seaweed salt.


    "Oh, you add the umami taste of seaweed to it," he said.


    "Yes, it does. The animal umami is inosinic acid and the vegetable umami is glutamic acid ......, right?��Well, it''s not so much the name as the effect.


    As expected, Jin had a vague recollection of this part of the story.


    "Seaweed itself is not so abundant, you know."


    Jin looked at Natalia, who looked a little disappointed,


    "Good. Tomorrow we will go for a walk under the sea.


    "Tomorrow we''ll go for a walk under the sea," she declared.


    "Yes?"


    "A walk under the sea?"


    "Yes. It''s a submersible I built called Orca.


    It is 10 meters long, 3 meters wide, and seats 8 people.


    The outer panel is made of two layers of 64 light silver and the shell of a gigantopod. The inner surface is coated with soft magic resin to prevent water leakage and for emergency repairs.


    It is powered by an aqua-magic propulsion system (aqua thruster) and a force field generator (force generator).


    It is armed with two underwater magic cannons (for torpedo type shells), a magic bomb (mana bomb), torpedoes, and many other weapons.


    On the magic screen installed in the wall of the cafeteria, the old man wisely displayed the drawing of the .


    "...... is amazing."


    "This is also very ......"


    "That''s great, Jin-sama!"


    When I explained the specs to him, he was astonished and respected me.


    "It''s an eight-seater, so ...... Edgar will be the pilot again, and me, Reiko, Rubina, Natalia, Shu, Trihardt, and Suzanne ...... will be perfect for the job.


    Unfortunately, Arrow, Donner and the others will be away.


    But Jin didn''t need to persuade them; they all agreed that it was inevitable.


    "I can''t wait to ride it!"


    Rubina couldn''t wait to get on the boat.


    "...... tomorrow, right?"


    Jin nailed her to the wall.


    But Rubina might be too excited to sleep tonight, Jin imagined.


    Yes, like a child who has an excursion coming up the next day.

 1745 - - 47-26 Underwater Walking

    Jin''s prediction was wrong.


    What was it about, I mean, Rubina?


    Because of the time difference, she had been awake for a long time, and she could not overcome the urge to sleep.


    She started to doze off while chatting with Jin and the others.


    "Ah, you are still a child after all..."


    Suzanne smiled as she gently picked up Rubina and carried her to the guest room Jin had designated.


    "Is Shu okay?"


    Jin was concerned about Shu, who was the youngest after Rubina.


    Yes, I have to admit that I am getting a little sleepy.


    Natalia asked,


    "Actually, I''m ...... too."


    Trihart did not say anything, but she still seemed a little sleepy,


    "Well, let''s call it a night," Jin declared.


    Jin declared, "Well, let''s call it a night.


    The next day, at 5:00 a.m.


    The next day, 5:00 a.m.. Jin woke up earlier than usual.


    He woke up earlier than usual because he thought that Rubina and the others would wake up early.


    He was right. Rubina and Shu were already awake, and Natalia, Trihart and Suzanne were soon to arrive.


    "Ha, we are all the same, aren''t we?


    "Yes, we are all the same.


    Even Trihart and Suzanne woke up and everyone laughed at Jin''s words.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After breakfast, we drove the Golem car to Tatsumi Bay.


    "Now we''re going to race cars, right?��...... but cars don''t seem to be common."


    Jin asked himself.


    "I don''t want to cause a car accident......If we race, accidents will happen......."


    It was a difficult question and he arrived at Tatsumi Bay with no answer. Jin turned his head.


    "Now, this is the ."


    "Wow. ......."


    The ship has a streamlined hull that doesn''t look like much of a ship. It is black and white (matte silver-white) in the image of an orca on Earth.


    "Come on, let''s get on board!"


    Jin takes the lead and climbs aboard. Reiko and Edgar followed.


    Edgar, I''ll be counting on you.


    Yes, sir. I''ll take care of it.


    Edgar really used to be a pilot.


    Shu was impressed to see Edgar sitting comfortably in the cockpit.


    "Hope, I''m sorry."


    Jin called out to Hope as he saw her off at the pier.


    "No, don''t worry about it. Mr. Edgar, please take care."


    After such an exchange of words, everyone was on board.


    The orca started and immediately began to dive.


    "Wow! ......"


    The underwater view through the window caught everyone''s attention.


    "We''ve only just started diving," Jin says with a wry smile.


    Jin said with a wry smile,


    "Because it''s my first time.


    Rubina replies, "Because it''s my first time.


    The orca dives rapidly.


    "How do you dive?"


    Natalia asked.


    "When we are sailing we trim the fins to generate downforce, but in this case we are using the <> to make the hull ...... in this case the bottom. By making the ...... heavier, we''re making the specific gravity of the whole ship a little bit heavier than seawater."


    The heavier hull bottom also provides better stability, Jin added.


    "Jin-sama, how is the inside oxygenated?"


    Shu asked.


    "In short, the oxygen is separated from the carbon dioxide in the air by engineering magic .


    "I see!��That''s very informative.


    < had already dived to a depth of about 10 meters.


    "Ah!��What is that?"


    Rubina exclaimed as she saw a luminous object outside the window.


    "Ah, it''s the <>. This time we are going for an underwater walk, so they are following us with their lights.


    If we go too deep, it will be too dark for the sun light to reach us, and Reiko and Edgar, but not Jin and the others, will not be able to see anything. That would be meaningless, so they are accompanying us with lights. There are ten of them in total, by the way.


    Oh, that''s what I meant. ...... Oh, fish!"


    Rubina is excited to see the fish startled by the lights and run away.


    "We''re getting close to the bottom!"


    Tatsumi Bay is getting deeper, but as we are still close to the shore, the depth is only about 20 meters.


    "Oh, beautiful fish!


    "Is that a plant? ......Oh, that''s seaweed, isn''t it?


    Yes, that''s it. That fluttering thing is wakame seaweed. It''s delicious in miso soup.


    "Is that so?


    "That''s the one over there. It''s the one they use to make agar-agar."


    "I love anmitsu!"


    "That one over there with the fine leaves is hondawara. It is used to make salt.


    "I see."


    "That big, long thing over there is kelp, which is dried and used to make soup stock or boiled and eaten."


    "So there are many kinds of kelp."


    The underwater walk seems to have been well received. <


    "The ocean is getting darker and darker.


    That''s why we have a mermaid squad.


    "Oh, there''s an interesting creature."


    An arthropod like a hawksbill crab was moving. It has 12 legs. Jin had never seen this kind before.


    "It''s called a dozen crabs."


    Reiko explained. I think the name comes from "a dozen pencils," which means 12 pencils. Jin thought to himself that he was probably the same person he was 400 years ago.


    "Ah, a big shell!"


    "It''s a "shako mussel", isn''t it?


    Jin thought it was a terrible name, probably because it looked like a giant clam.


    (I bet there must be some reason why he couldn''t be bothered to think of a name for it. ......)


    Jin guessed almost exactly what he was like 400 years ago.


    "There are also mineral deposits on the seabed."


    Reiko explains.


    Everyone seems to be satisfied with this underwater walk, and Jin is also satisfied in that sense.

 1746 - - 47-27 Jumping in

    After spending the entire morning exploring the ocean with the orcas, Jin and his crew returned to Tatsumi Bay before noon.


    "Oh, it was a great experience!


    "There were so many beautiful fish!


    "The bottom of the sea is so mysterious!


    Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves, and Jin was satisfied.


    "Well, it will be past noon if we go back by car. ......"


    So, the return trip was made by warp gate.


    After returning to the institute, Jin and his colleagues had a lunch prepared for them.


    "Oh, it was so much fun, Jin-sama!"


    Rubina expressed her excitement in a straightforward manner,


    "I was inspired in many ways. I am going to build a submarine when I get back home.


    Natalia was eager to build a submersible.


    And Shu said,


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin, for giving me the opportunity to learn something valuable.


    She thanked him honestly.


    When I had finished my lunch, the old man spoke to me.


    "What is it, My Lord?"


    He knew that Jin was busy with the feast for his descendants, so he listened carefully to the old man''s words.


    "The Golem Competition (Gompetition)...... was the Golem Competition held in the Kingdom of Selroa?"


    <<


    "Yes, yes, yes!��Jin-sama, I want to go see it!"


    Rubina expressed her desire to go, even though she hadn''t said anything yet.


    "Does anyone else want to go?"


    Jin asked, just to be sure,


    "Well, I''d like to go, too.


    Shu raised his hand.


    What about Natalia?


    "To be honest, I''m interested, but right now I''m more interested in building a submersible.


    Natalia seemed to be more interested in boats than in golems.


    "Are you going, Jin-sama?"


    Trihart asked Jin.


    "Yes, I''m interested in going, too. I''m also interested to see how the Shoro Empire is doing now.


    Although we are in the middle of exploring Onogoro Island, I am also interested in the Golem competitions (gompetitions) since they don''t seem to be held very often.


    "Well, ...... let''s say we have a car or golem horse race as the next competition, and it will take about three days to prepare the course, so why don''t you go there during that time?"


    After thinking for a moment, Trihart made this suggestion.


    "That would be great. That would be ......."


    Jin, Rubina and Shu were to go. Natalia would return to Onogoro Island with Trihart and Suzanne.


    "But, Jin-sama, aren''t you unfamiliar with the current Shoro Kingdom?"


    Suzanne said a little worried.


    "Oh, there is that. ......"


    "In that case, let me show you around.


    I turned around at the sound of her voice.


    "Rhodes?"


    <


    "Oh, Lord Toss."


    Trihardt seemed to know him, too, and greeted him.


    "He has been to Onogoro Island several times with Marikka.


    "I see."


    "Rubina and Shu know each other too. Right?


    Yes.


    Yes. ......


    And I''m friends with LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius, Minister of Magical Technology of the Shoro Empire.


    Oh, that''s very kind of you.


    So, it was suddenly decided that Rhodes would lead the tour.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    In the afternoon, considering Natalia, they decided to go on board the battleship .


    It is a battleship of 250 meters in length and 30,000 tons of water capacity.


    "What the hell is this ......?"


    Natalia was absolutely stunned when she first saw it, but as she got on board and looked around, her eyes lit up and she became more and more enthusiastic.


    "I may not be able to catch up with you no matter how hard I try. But Jin-sama is my far-reaching goal!" declared Natalia.


    Natalia declared.


    "Of course he is. I will do my best to reach you, Jin-sama!


    Shu declared in the same way.


    But Rubina was different.


    If you set your sights on Jin-sama, you will never be able to surpass him. My goal is to surpass Jin-sama!


    Jin narrowed his eyes and patted Rubina on the head.


    "That''s the spirit! Good luck!


    "Yes!


    Rubina replied cheerfully.


    The tri-halts also looked at her with kind eyes.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After dinner. The time was 6:30 p.m.


    "So, everyone except Rubina and Shu will return to Onogoro Island after this, right?"


    Jin said as if to confirm.


    "Yes. And I''ll set up the racetrack afterwards. Is the oval course okay?"


    "Yes, that will be fine for a start."


    The track is also an oval.


    It is the basis for both golem horse racing and car racing.


    Because of its simplicity, it is a good opportunity to show your skills in how to devise a race course.


    "The golem competition (gompetition) is the day after tomorrow, so I will return to Onogoro Island with the two of you the day after tomorrow.


    "Yes, I understand. Please take good care of them, Mr. Rhodes.


    Rhodes nodded broadly.


    "Okay, I''ll take care of them."


    And at 7:00 p.m..


    Natalia, Arrow, Arco, and Vail returned to Onogoro Island with Trihart and Suzanne.


    After seeing them off, Jin and the others said


    "Well then, let''s take a hot spring bath and go to bed. Aren''t you tired today?


    Jin said, "You must be tired today, aren''t you?


    But they did not go to bed right away.


    "Mr. Jin, Mr. Rhodes. What kind of country is the Shoro Kingdom?


    he asked me.


    "Yes, it is. When I was there, it was ......."


    The current emperor is .......


    Jin and Rhodes talked about the Shoro Empire of the past and the present.


    And it helped Jin to know more about his country now.


    "The current emperor is Ernst Lupus von Richt-Shoro. He is called Ernst II.


    When I hear the name "Ernst", the first thing that comes to mind is the nephew of the female emperor.


    The name is said to have been given in honor of an ancestor who was a great ruler.


    "The Shoro Empire still seems to be developing its own culture, doesn''t it?"


    "Yes."


    Jin remembered with nostalgia that even 400 years ago, the Shoro Empire had developed a slightly different culture from that of the countries to the east.

 1747 - - 47-28 The present Empire of Shoro

    Jin, Reiko, Rubina, Shu, and Rhodes decide to go to the Shoro Kingdom in Jin''s .


    The pilot this time is Hope.


    Shu is accompanied by Edgar, and Rubina by Blitz and Donner.


    And Rhodes brought a golem that Jin had never seen before.


    "This is a golem I made, and it''s called .


    "I look forward to working with you all."


    <


    He was about 1.8 meters tall, much like the land forces of Hourai Island.


    When Jin pointed this out,


    "Yes, our target is Master Jin''s golem.


    Jin answered, "Yes, because our target is Master Jin''s golem.


    "By the way, Jin-sama, let us pretend that we, the northerners, are borrowing this ."


    Rhodes said that there was no way to deceive him since the hull of the ship was marked "Conlon 3" in the first place, and that the <> was known to have been Jin''s property.


    Jin, who is aware that he is not supposed to be in this time period at the moment, immediately accepted the proposal.


    And now he is in the sky.


    "fluaa...... high......"


    Originally, flying to high altitudes was forbidden on Onogoro Island due to its concealment, and although balloons and airships are known to exist, they are rarely used.


    Therefore, it was the first time for them to experience the view from an altitude of <4,000 meters> like the one they were in now.


    "I can see the clouds below. ......"


    "Oh, that''s Mount Horai. Is that white snow? ......"


    Jin knew exactly how they felt, so he decided to leave them alone.


    After half an hour, the excitement seemed to subside and Rubina and Shu became quiet.


    is now approaching the Laurentian continent. Its current speed is 1000 kilometers per hour. <


    "We need to gain a little more altitude."


    Not wanting to be seen flying at this speed, Jin has raised its altitude to 10,000 meters.


    At this altitude, an ordinary airship without a pressurized cabin would not be able to reach it.


    "I guess the number of airships is increasing."


    Jin spoke to Rhodes as he watched the scene below projected on the magic screen.


    "Yes. < class helium airship. Of course, the propulsion system is a wind-magic propulsion system (wind thruster), so the maximum speed is about 200 kilometers per hour at most.


    Rhodes explained that in addition to wind-powered floaters (blow floaters), there were other such large means of flight.


    "The same is true for the Shoro Empire, which we are heading to now. They also have several catamaran type airships that Jin-sama gave them before."


    Not only Avalon?


    "Yes. Each royal family owns one.


    "I see."


    Jin continues talking with Rhodes.


    < has hindered the development of magical technology, some engineers have worked hard to pass on and develop their skills.


    "Unlike other countries, the Shoro Empire is the home of the . <


    Even when other countries were stagnant, the engineers of the Shoro Empire continued their studies.


    The Shoro Empire has also grown in strength through trade with the countries of the west, ......<> and <>, he said.


    "The emperors have been very competent," he said.


    "...... I see."


    "Especially when it comes to < education. <


    "...... I see."


    Jin thought of the face of the empress with her generous nature.


    The path to that she had laid the foundation for was one of the driving forces that had made the Shoro Empire what it was today.


    "Ah, <> was useful. ......"


    I was also moved as a creator of the project.


    <> is now passing over the Kingdom of Selroa. What can be seen through the clouds is Lake Asur, a huge lake.


    The floating base there is still in good condition.


    It would have been faster to go to the Shoro Kingdom from the floating base, but Jin wanted to show the world to Rubina and her friends as much as possible.


    We then jumped over the border, looking down at the high mountain, Mount Onouni.


    It has been about an hour and a half so far.


    "Hope, I need you to slow down to 200 kilometers per hour and lower the altitude to 500 meters.


    "Yes, sir."


    As they entered the Shoro Kingdom, Jin had the speed and altitude lowered.


    It was less than 300 kilometers to Loisart, which would take less than an hour and a half.


    They left Penglai Island at 10:00 a.m. local time. The trip to Loizart takes about 3 hours.


    The time difference between Penglai Island and Loizart is 5 hours and 20 minutes.


    In other words, you will arrive in Loizart at 7:40 a.m. local time.


    Everyone understands the time difference, so there is no need to be embarrassed.


    "Let''s have lunch while we''re at it."


    It is breakfast time in the Shoro Kingdom, but for Jin and the others it is lunch time.


    For Jin and the others, it is lunch time, and they have prepared sandwiches and Citran juice for a light meal.


    "Oh, we''re almost there!"


    While they were eating their sandwiches, was approaching Reuzert.


    Lake Tosmo is visible in the distance. The sky over Shoro was clear.


    "We will be in Leuthart in about 20 minutes. ...... Road Toss, where should I land?"


    Four hundred years ago, the rooftop of a house in Leuthart would have been the place to park.


    "Yes, there is an airfield near Lake Tosmo."


    Okay. Hope, you''re on it.


    Yes, sir.


    <


    "Oh, an airship!"


    < is flying overhead.


    Hot air balloons were also flying, and we saw several wind-powered floaters (blow floaters).


    "Wow, they are really developing."


    Air traffic seemed to be more developed than it had been at least 400 years ago. It was a bustle that had never been seen in other countries.


    "Reduce your speed to 30 kilometers per hour.


    Jin instructed Hope, following Rhodes'' words.


    "The air force controller will be here shortly."


    It is said that aircraft not belonging to the Shoro Kingdom are subjected to such air force procedures before they land.


    "We are using wind magic.


    Wind magic is a magic that works on the air. Since voice is a vibration of air, it is possible to transmit a voice to a distant place if it is used properly.


    This is Tosmo Airport Security Officer, Shoro Imperial Air Force. Please identify your ship.


    We''ve been contacted by your wind magic.


    This is Conlon 3. This is Rhodoth, a <> of the Nordic Federation.


    Rhodes replied through the golem .


    Rhodes replied through the golem <>. , Lord Rhodes the Puppet, please land in airport area 2.


    Copy that. We are landing at airport area 2.


    As we discussed at the beginning, <> was borrowed by Rhodes and other northerners from Jin in the past.


    As instructed in this exchange, <> turns its nose toward the second area marked with a large <<2>>.

 1748 - - 47-29 Minister of Magic and Technology

    landed at the airport.


    "Welcome to the Kingdom of Shoro."


    An officer arrives at the airport to check in.


    "<>, is it? I believe that crest belongs to the Nido family?


    The officer was knowledgeable, and seemed to know a great deal about the Conlon 3 of 400 years ago.


    "Yes, yes. We are borrowing it from the Nido family.


    "I see. You are very well acquainted with them. I envy you. So, the procedure is at .......


    Rhodes took care of the procedures on our behalf, which is a big help to us as well as to Jin. < is stored in a covered warehouse.


    A similarly sized airship is seen here and there.


    "That''s a , isn''t it?"


    Rhodes says. Apparently < is the standard size for a class of airship.


    The procedure is quick.


    All of us were now considered relatives of Rhodes.


    "Here are your temporary entry passes.


    Jin, Rubina, and Shu receive their temporary entry passes. Reiko, Hope, Edgar, Uragan, Blitz, and Donner were also issued provisional permits.


    Rhodes, on the other hand, was acquainted with the Minister of Magical Technology of the Shoro Empire, LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius, and had a quasi-citizen status.


    Since he was related to Rhodoth, he was able to pass the troublesome screening process.


    Thank you for your help.


    "No problem."


    Jin was glad to be with Rhodes, who had a wide circle of acquaintances.


    And once again, he felt sorry for his lack of a foundation in this world.


    (I guess I''ll just have to make do in my favorite country from now on...)


    As Jin was thinking of this, a large covered carriage stopped in front of him. A golem horse is pulling it.


    "You''re picking me up from LeGray, aren''t you?


    He said he had called ahead of time.


    "Master Rhodes, it has been a long time.


    A golem acting as a guardian greeted him.


    "Hello, Prairu."


    The golem and Rhodes knew each other.


    Rubina and Shu were brought on board first, followed by Jin, Reiko, Hope, Edgar, Blitz, Donner, Uragan, and finally Rhodes.


    "What kind of person is this Mr. Legray?"


    Yes, he is 54 years old this year. We met in Avalon when he was young, and we hit it off after all.


    "Hmm."


    Somehow, Jin imagined that he and his former best friend Reinhardt were like him.


    "He likes golems and automata, so I think he is in charge of this golem competition (gompetition).


    "Hmmm... ...... Rubina has a lot to learn, doesn''t she?"


    "Eh?��Oh, yes!"


    Rubina and Shu are as docile as borrowed cats, as this is the first time in their lives that they have been in a foreign country.


    "Don''t be too nervous. Reiko and I will be with you.


    Jin reassured them.


    The golem carriage drove along the cobblestone streets.


    "This used to be a town called , but it became when Loisart grew too big.


    The town of Ali, which was a satellite city, has been incorporated into Leuzert''s expansion.


    "So that''s how prosperous it is."


    I suppose so.


    Wow, interesting building.


    Rubina pointed in the direction of a castle-like building with a spire.


    "It''s a lord''s house, I think it''s more than five hundred years old," Rhodoth explained gently.


    Rhodes explains gently.


    "Mr. Rhodes, what is that?"


    Shu asks, looking out the opposite window.


    "Oh, that''s the new building. It''s the best workshop in town.


    "Oh, I see..."


    Jin cannot sit quietly when he hears that it is a workshop.


    "Oh, I see."


    The image he had in his mind was that of an ironworks in town. An office-like building, a large warehouse, and a large work area are all together.


    Seeing Rubina and Shu''s eyes light up, Jin is glad that he brought them here.


    "I guess I need to see the outside world to broaden my horizons.


    Reiko nodded her head.


    "That''s right, father."


    Rubina and Shu are still sticking to the window.


    (...... I may have to dispatch the fifth column (quinta) again.)


    ( Maybe we need to dispatch the fifth column (quinta) again), Jin thought in his mind.


    * * * *


    After about 30 minutes, the golem carriage arrived at a house.


    This is the residence of LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius, the Minister of Magical Technology of the Shoro Kingdom. It is located on the outskirts of old Leuthart.


    Rhodes'' explanation made sense to Jin. This area seemed to be a quiet and luxurious residential area, so he had assumed that there might be residences of aristocrats or rich people here.


    The carriage slowly passed through the gate and stopped in front of the covered entrance.


    "Thank you for your hard work!


    Prairu, the coachman, opened the door to the carriage.


    Hope, Uragan, Blitz, and the other golems get off first to support their master.


    Reiko, Edgar, and Donner were the last to disembark with their baggage.


    "Oh, Rhodes, welcome!"


    An elderly man with gray hair comes out to greet them.


    "Hey, LeGrey!��Long time no see!


    Rhodes says to him in a friendly manner. Jin guessed that he was the Minister of Magical Technology.


    "It''s been about four years, hasn''t it?��You smell like water!


    "I''m sorry. I''ve been in the west for a while on some business.


    "Well, I heard something happened in the western principality. ...... Well, I''ll stop asking."


    But more importantly, aren''t you serving today?


    No, I''m not today. I''ve already finished the preparations for tomorrow''s golem competition, so it''s a rest day.


    You''re still very good at what you do.


    "And you, too."


    They smiled, shook hands, and talked about their recent activities.


    "Let me introduce you. ......First of all, I would like to introduce a relative of mine, Mr. Jin Nido. This is Shu Nido, and this is Miss Rubina Garrett."


    My name is LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius. I see you share the same name as the legendary Magecraft Meister. And another one with the same surname.


    "Why don''t you tell him it''s you ......?"


    Rhodes said with a mischievous look on his face, but Legray didn''t care.


    "Ha-ha-ha, I guess so. The surname Nido is quite common and there are many people who go by the name of Djinn. I know two djinns myself.


    Well, that''s all right.


    Oh, I''m sorry to interrupt you at the door. ...... Jin-dono, Shu-dono, Miss Rubina, welcome to my home."


    With these words, LeGray led the group into the house.


    They were first ushered into a large parlor.


    "Welcome.


    The person who brought the tea was a slender-looking automaton.


    "Thank you, Juna.


    "Come in, Master Rhodes," she said.


    Rhodes seems to be familiar with this automaton named Juna.


    "Jin-sa ...... sir, Legray is more of a golem lover than a misanthrope ......, and all the people working in the house are automata and golems.


    "Hohoho."


    Juna is a slender beauty.


    I wondered if she was LeGray''s favorite, and then a more glamorous automaton arrived with a wagonload of tea cakes.


    "Oh, is this a new one?"


    This automaton seemed to be the first one Rhodes had ever seen.


    "Yes. <. ...... Yuana, thank you. You can stay back now."


    Yes. Yes. I''ll leave you to it.


    As the two automata left, LeGrey turned to Jin and the others,


    "You have wonderful automata and golems with you!


    He said, "You have wonderful automata and golems with you!


    Jin felt that Legray Gibbs von Vesuvius, the Minister of Magic and Technology of the Shoro Kingdom, really seems to love golems and automata from the bottom of his heart,...... or so everyone there felt.

 1749 - - 47-30 Rooms

    "You have wonderful golems and automata!" said LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius, the Minister of Magical Technology of the Shoro Kingdom.


    LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius, Minister of Magical Technology of the Shoro Empire, said happily.


    "Your automata of a girl and a boy are especially wonderful ......".


    LeGrey looks at Reiko and Edgar and sighs.


    "The legendary automata, Miss Reiko, and Edgar, who was made by the fine master of Magecraft Meister Jin Nido, are modeled after Edgar!��The fact that they share the same name is maniacal and really good!"


    "LeGrey, you''re still the same."


    Rhodes said with some exasperation as he took a sip of his tea.


    "Ha, yes, that''s right. I hope the sea water doesn''t get too sweet!"


    LeGrey says without a hint of apology.


    Jin and the others, ...... especially Rubina and Shu, just looked at each other with their eyes black and white. It''s not surprising, since they have no experience in this kind of exchange.


    LeGray then tells Rhodes,


    "You are here to watch the golem competition tomorrow, aren''t you?


    Rhodes answered in the affirmative, of course. Rhodes, of course, answered in the affirmative.


    "That''s all right. There are plenty of seats available for guests of honor.


    It would be a national embarrassment if there were not enough seats for the guests, so it seems that the seats are set aside with plenty of room.


    At the same time, it is also a matter of public image to have a conspicuous number of empty seats, so the empty seats are filled under the guise of escorting the guests.


    In return for the escort, they are willing to take a seat under the guise of .


    Thank you.


    "Thank you for what? ...... After this, we''ll take a closer look at your new golem, <, you say?��Let me take a good look at your new golem."


    "Yeah, sure."


    Rhodes and Legray are having an easy conversation between old friends. Jin envied them a little.


    "The guests are ...... in charge, Juna. Please show them to their rooms.


    "Yes, sir. ...... sir, please come this way."


    The slender-looking Juna bowed gracefully and led Jin and the others into the guest room.


    ��She is quite an automaton. (Hmmm, she is quite a good automaton. But her power is just like a human''s or a little bit better.)


    Jin saw through Juna''s specifications with his discerning eyes.


    "Please use this room.


    We were shown to a large guest room with six bedrooms. There were three bedrooms on each side of the living room.


    In addition, there is a washroom, a toilet, and a shower room.


    "This is a modern room.


    Jin was impressed. This is indeed the residence of the Minister of Magical Arts and Technology.


    I''ll take this room!


    Rubina chose the bedroom in the east corner.


    Shu chose the west corner, and Jin chose the room near the west window.


    After putting their luggage down, Jin and Shu sit down on the sofa in the hall.


    Then the glamorous Yuana came in.


    "My name is Yuana, and I''m here to take care of your guests. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.


    YUANA stood by the door.


    The guests had nothing special in mind at the moment,


    "Where will Rhodes stay?"


    Jin thought of one question to ask.


    "Yes, Master Rhodes will be here shortly.


    While he was answering, Rhodes and Uragan entered the room.


    "Jin-san ......, I will stay here too.


    With these words, Rhodes put his luggage in the room near the east window.


    "Lunch will be ready soon. I told him that I ate a light meal on the way here, so there won''t be anything too heavy.


    True to his word, porridge was brought to the room.


    Of course, it was not just porridge. There was also miso soup, an ankake sauce, an egg, oshinko (Japanese pickles), tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce and soy sauce), and salt as accompaniments, so that the guests could enjoy their favorite flavors.


    "Tsukudani or ......"


    "Your father introduced it, didn''t he?"


    Reiko tells me in a whisper. It seems that Jin introduced it 400 years ago.


    Since dried bonito flakes and soy sauce are assumed to exist, Jin imagines that it must have been after the trade with Mitsuho was in full swing.


    "Oh, this bean paste is delicious!


    Jin tried it, too, and found that it was made with a Japanese-style broth. Of course, the word "Japanese style" does not exist in this world, but it seems to be "konlong style".


    "Oh, I spread this too in the past, didn''t I? ......"


    Jin was happy to know that he could now eat delicious porridge thanks to that.


    "It''s also good as rice porridge mixed with miso soup.


    The bowl was very small, so three or four cups could be easily eaten. So Jin tried mixing miso soup with the rice and making it like rice porridge, and it was also delicious.


    "I guess that''s why the miso soup is a little thicker."


    "Jin-sama, it''s delicious!"


    Shu also seemed to like the rice porridge.


    "This salt is also very good, isn''t it?"


    Rhodes said in admiration after eating the porridge with a simple salt taste.


    "Well, it tastes like algae salt," he said.


    Jin wondered if it was algae salt from somewhere in the region.


    Reiko takes a little taste of the salt. Reiko''s mouth is equipped with a sophisticated sensor for analysis.


    "Father, this salt is rock salt, isn''t it?


    "I see, rock salt."


    Rock salt is often formed when seawater evaporates and crystallizes due to the upheaval of an ancient sea.


    The salt is often crystallized from the evaporation of seawater from uplifted areas that were once seas in prehistoric times, and the salt is sometimes colored.


    "In addition to sodium chloride and potassium chloride, it seems to contain magnesium chloride, iodine, glutamic acid, inosinic acid, aspartic acid, etc."


    "I see. ......, Reiko, how did you know the names of those substances?"


    Jin was not good at chemistry, so his knowledge of chemical reaction formulas and chemical substances was limited.


    "Yes. <


    "I see... I see..."


    Shuki Tsutsui Tsezi wandered in from modern Japan, the same as or similar to Jin.


    As a medical student, he brought with him books on medicine, pharmacology, and nutrition.


    Reiko had accumulated this knowledge during her previous visits to the library in Mitsuho.


    "Oh, it was delicious.


    "Yes, it was."


    "You''re satisfied."


    Rubina, Shu, Jin, and Rhodes were all satisfied with their lunch.


    It seems that the Shoro Kingdom is putting a lot of effort into exploring food culture, partly because of Jin''s influence.


    After the meal, they finished with hojicha (roasted green tea).


    Yes, this tea is freshly roasted and delicious.


    Jin and the others were all satisfied with their lunch.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin-san, what do you want to do in the afternoon?


    "Well, let''s see. "Well, I''d like to look around the town a little bit.


    Jin thought for a moment before answering.


    "Okay. Then let''s rent a carriage from LeGrey.


    Rhodes said, "If you want to go to the center of Leuthart from here, it would be better to take a carriage instead of walking.


    "What about Rubina and Shu?"


    "I want to go with Master Jin!"


    "I want to go with Jin-sama!" "I want to go with ......, too.


    So I said,


    "Okay, I''ll go with you then, and I''ll be accompanied by Reiko and Edgar.


    Jin explains that touring the city with a golem is a little too conspicuous.


    "Right. I''m afraid Blitz and Donner will have to stay behind.


    Rubina agreed.


    But..,


    "I''m going to make an automata this time!


    she declared.

 1750 - - 47-31 The Old Rozart

    After borrowing a carriage from Rhodes'' friend LeGrey, the Minister of Magical Technology, Jin and his party set out for the capital city of Leusert.


    He lent them a playle.


    "Although it has become one, the border area is still not well maintained.


    The carriage continued on its way, listening to Rhodes'' explanation.


    The streets of the town are becoming more and more lively.


    "If we secure some land here while we still can, the price of land will probably go up in a decade or so, won''t it?


    "Maybe..."


    "Hey Jin-sama, what is land value?


    Rubina joined the conversation.


    "It means the price of land.


    "What?��Land is bought with money?


    Rubina was surprised, as if she had never heard of this before. Although she did not say it out loud, Shu seemed to be in the same boat.


    "Yes, it is. That''s what happens in populated areas. ...... there are a lot of other reasons."


    It was a difficult problem to explain in a few words.


    (For this kind of situation, in the past I would have considered <>. ......)


    <>, knowledge can be given directly by .


    Now that the threat of Malchitas had passed, Jin began to think seriously about reconsidering his plan.


    In the meantime, the view from the carriage is once again of a bustling town.


    "Ah, we are finally approaching the old city of Leuthart," Rhodoth explains.


    Rhodes explains.


    "So, Rhodes, how long have you known about this Reuthert?"


    "Well, I guess ...... the last 100 years or so."


    Jin''s impression was that Rhodes was 125 years old, so it was natural that he did not know about it before that, but he had known Leuthart since he was younger than he thought.


    "Now it''s the old Reuthert!"


    The moat that once surrounded the former Reuthert spread out before Jin and the others'' eyes.


    "Ah, this brings back memories."


    We entered Loisart from the west side of the road,


    "As I recall, this section was an inn area, and there was also a section for ordinary people.


    Jin digs up his memory.


    "Yes, that''s still the case.


    "Then, if we continue to pass through the south side of the palace and go to the southeast section, will we find a section where merchants and artisans live?"


    The answer to this question was also in the affirmative.


    "I see. Then let''s go that way.


    Yes, I understand.


    The carriage went straight down the main street. More and more carriages passed by each other, and the bustle of the street increased.


    There were some familiar buildings here and there, but there were also many newly built houses and buildings that had been remodeled or extended, and overall, the town looked new.


    "I''m sorry, but could you go to the bridge at the east end of the town?"


    I asked Praile, the golem,


    "Yes, sir. You mean as far as Horiwari?


    Jin nodded.


    "That''s what I mean."


    Then we arrived at the eastern outskirts.


    Jin squinted at the house to the north from there.


    "Jin-san, I think that house is ......."


    Rhodes seemed to have guessed it.


    "Yeah, it used to be my house. ...... Shu, that''s the former Nido family mansion.


    Shu Nido, who is a direct descendant of the Nido family, looked deeply moved when he heard this.


    "That''s the place, is it? ......"


    "Yeah, from the looks of it, it hasn''t changed in appearance."


    "Maybe Jin-san''s < is still in effect."


    Rubina, who had been quiet up to now, bites her lip when Rhodotos says this.


    "What do you mean?"


    Jin answered.


    "Strengthening magic such as <> or <> will lose its effect as time goes by.


    "What''s that!��I''ve never heard of that before!


    I''ve never heard of that before!


    Rubina and Shu had never heard of this before, so Jin decided to explain it to them.


    "Well, even if it weakens, it will only last for 10 years. In practical use, the material deteriorates faster than the effect wears off.


    But," said Jin, "this is where the explanation begins in earnest.


    "Strengthening magic, in essence, strengthens molecular bonds with a , but the net is not permanent, is it?"


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes, that''s right. But it is proportional to the skill of the surgeon.


    "What do you mean?"


    Shu looked doubtful.


    "Well, that''s the point, the permanence or rather the durability of the <> depends on the skill of the <>.


    Do you understand?��Jin looked at Shu and Rubina with a look that said, "Do you understand?


    "Umm...... in short, that <> is going to fall apart over time, right?"


    "Yes."


    Jin affirms Rubina''s words.


    "Synchronization ...... means that there is someone to synchronize with, right?"


    "That''s what I mean."


    Jin nodded at Shu''s words.


    "It''s not a material ....... It is possible to cast enhancement magic on non-magic materials as well.


    "Then there is only one thing left..."


    Enhancement magic itself!


    The net of free magic element (ether) itself!


    Despite Jin''s hints, they both arrived at the correct answer.


    "That''s what it is. That is, ...... which is more likely to collapse if the blocks are stacked properly or if they are stacked randomly?"


    Jin gave an easy-to-understand analogy.


    "Or should I compare it to the principle of ...... laser beams?"


    "Anyway, the durability depends on whether the phases of the free magic elements (ether) that make up the <> can be aligned properly."


    "I understand it somewhat."


    "I understand it."


    Shu and Rubina nodded in agreement.


    "By the way, the effect increases when you multiply them by , because the phases are aligned each time you multiply them. Of course, the net of free magical element (ether) itself becomes stronger.


    Rhodes nodded his head in admiration at Jin''s explanation.


    "Jin-san, you are indeed very good. < as well.


    "That''s good to know."


    Jin was relieved that they seemed to understand.


    * * * * *


    But I digress.


    "I wonder who lives there now?"


    Jin asked,


    "As I recall, it is still the Nido family.


    Rhodes replied, "As I recall, the Nido family has not changed.

 1751 - - 47-32 Continuing Bloodline

    Jin was surprised to hear that the house he had lived in 400 years ago was still the Nido family.


    "Undoubtedly, the head of the family is the one who is descended from Jin and Elsa."


    It seems that the family was passed down like the second son of the third son of the second son ...... of the third son, and now he has been given the title of Count of the Shoro Kingdom.


    "The Counts of Nido. ......"


    Jin smiled, "I don''t get it at all.


    "Well, we''re not here to see the house today.


    Jin had no intention of interfering as long as the offspring lived happily.


    "Well then, let''s look around the store.


    Yes!


    Yes!


    Rubina and Shu replied cheerfully to Jin''s words.


    "...... By the way, have you two ever shopped before?��There''s ......, isn''t there? Onogoro Island had shopkeepers, too."


    Even if it was a store run by automata, Jin thought,.......


    "No, I''ve never shopped there.


    Jin was surprised to hear Shu say, "No, I''ve never shopped there before.


    "What?


    I don''t need money on Onogoro Island."


    Rubina also explained in a few words.


    "...... Uh, you mean you can get things for free on Onogoro Island?"


    "That''s right."


    Shu''s words made Jin want to hold his head in his hands.


    (......Testa, Helente, and Direk are all strongly influenced by the origin (......).


    It is said that the Origin left everything to their followers on their home planet Hale, and they were absorbed in their hobbies.


    Jin imagined that this was also reflected in the care of the inhabitants of Onogoro Island.


    Marikka probably did not interfere in such a detailed manner.


    "Rhodes, we can still use this money, right?"


    Jin pulled a coin out of his pocket and showed it to her.


    "Yes, no problem. The unit of currency is still the toll, and I have heard that the value of the money has hardly changed at all.


    Jin wondered if that was true.


    Not being an economist, Jin could not decide whether it is good or bad from an economics point of view that the prices of commodities have remained unchanged for 400 years (well, economics of the earth).


    (Well, I guess we can''t apply the economics of the earth as it is.)


    The biggest difference between Earth and Ars is energy.


    Jin guessed in his layman''s way that a simple comparison would not be possible since the Ars world has a free energy source called free magic element (ether), which is free of charge and has no fear of depletion.


    Also, the existence of magic cannot be ignored.


    Combining the two, the existence of golems would give them an unparalleled advantage over Earth in terms of labor power.


    "Well, as long as it''s useful, it''s good enough."


    He brought five gold coins, or 50,000 tol (about 500,000 yen). Reiko also has about 200,000 Tall, which should be enough to buy most things.


    However, Jin, who had been thinking of giving her a gold coin each as pocket money, changed his mind when he heard that she had never been shopping before.


    "Let me know if there is anything you want, both of you. If it''s something you can afford, I''ll buy it for you."


    "Thank you!"


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin!"


    Seeing the two happy faces, Jin felt relieved in his heart that he had made the right decision.


    The group arrived at a shopping street.


    The group arrived at a shopping street.


    "Wow!


    Rubina''s eyes light up at the jewelry store.


    "Wow!"


    Shu is glued to the samples at the arms shop.


    Jin''s eyes were drawn to the show windows of a clothing store.


    (Is this what''s in fashion now? ......)


    The design of the shop was somewhat Showa-era style, or something that Jin had seen before.


    For example, the skirt length. As far as Jin knows, almost all skirts were long 400 years ago, but some of them here are knee-length.


    Or patterns. Patterns, which were rarely used before, are used. However, most of them are checkered or polka-dot patterns. This may be the reason for the Showa taste.


    The clothes worn by Rubina are almost the same as they were 400 years ago. The quality of the clothes is of the highest quality, but the designs are somewhat old-fashioned.


    On the other hand, the men''s clothes were almost the same as those worn by Jin, Shu, and Rhodes.


    So Jin thought of buying some clothes for Rubina, but she did not pay attention to the clothes and went into the accessory shop.


    "Well, I don''t care if it''s an accessory.


    Jin followed her into the store,


    "Ah, this stone looks so hard!


    Rubina was looking at a sapphire saying, "Well, sapphires are Mohs 9, so they are hard.


    "Well, sapphires have a Mohs hardness of 9, so they are hard.


    Jin agreed.


    "But this one is even harder.


    Then he pointed to the pink diamonds next to the three sapphires.


    "Oh, that''s right," he said.


    "It has a Mohs hardness of 10."


    Jin noticed something strange.


    "I thought you were looking at ...... accessories."


    "What?"


    Rubina was puzzled.


    "...... Well, that''s all right. Let''s go next time."


    "What?��......Yeah."


    Rubina, not quite sure what to think, followed Jin''s lead and walked out of the store.


    "Ah, Jin-sama, there seems to be a magic tool shop over there that I''d like to visit.


    Shu mentioned that he wanted to go there.


    "Oh, I''d like to go there!


    Rubina agreed.


    "...... but don''t say anything critical about the selection."


    Looking at Rubina''s face, Jin felt like giving her a warning.


    And then came the magic tool shop.


    "Wow ......"


    Various kinds of magic tools are lined up.


    Various old and new magic tools are fun to look at.


    "Oh!"


    Among them, there was a familiar trademark.


    Craft Queen Workshop. ...... Rubina, this is a product of a workshop related to Rubina''s ancestor, Beena.


    "Really? Really?"


    "Really?" "Yeah. Look at it. This is the mark.


    "Oh, this is ......."


    It must be a sign of trust, for the magic tool was one or two levels higher in quality than the others.


    "That''s what I''m talking about."


    It seems that rather than ...... founded by Bina, it is better to call it a workshop operated with Bina as an honorary advisor.


    While Bina personally engraved the initials <> in a broken letter, the design of the Craft Queen workshop is a combination of C and Q.


    Thinking of this, Jin wished he could take Rubina to the Blue Land someday.


    Jin and his group returned safely to the residence of LeGray, the Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, without major trouble.

 1752 - - 47-33 To Golem Stadium

    The next day, December 16th, was the opening day of the Golem Games (Gompetition).


    Jin and his team had breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and headed for the stadium with the Minister of Magical Technology, LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius.


    Accompanying them were Reiko, Hope, Edgar, Blitz, Donner, and Yuana.


    "Are we on the shores of Lake Tosmo?"


    Rhodes asks, looking at the path of the wagon.


    "Yes, well. We''ll see when we get there.


    "Hmm?"


    Seeing LeGrey''s chuckle, Rhodes stopped asking further questions. Meanwhile, Jin and the others asked,


    "I wonder what kind of competition it will be?


    "I wish I could have participated, too!"


    "I''m not a citizen, so I guess I can''t."


    They were talking about such things as "I wonder what kind of competition it will be?


    We arrived at the shore of Lake Tosmo. At first glance, there was no stadium that looked like a stadium.


    "Hey, hey, where is the stadium?


    LeGrey smiled at Rhodes'' question,


    "That''s where we''re going," he said.


    He pointed to a certain facility.


    It was a large gymnasium-like building. However, Jin analyzed the mana that he could feel from the building and sensed that it belonged to some kind of a large magi-machine.


    He then ordered Reiko to investigate with a .


    (...... Warp Gate.


    Reiko reported in a low voice.


    "I see, so it will be held in another place. Perhaps in a remote place.


    The huge Warp Gate is said to be capable of transporting a dozen or so carriages and several hundred people at once.


    (It is the same method as that found in the Keuwan ruins in the Kingdom of Egelea before.)


    In the past, Jin, Reinhardt, Erza and I casually visited the ruins with the intention of sightseeing on our way to the Shoro Kingdom.


    It was the site of a former fortress, a place of relaxation for the local people, but also a legacy of the past.


    The name of the legacy is . He is a mad warrior who absorbs magical powers.


    Unfortunately, Gigarth was unleashed, but thanks to Reiko''s efforts, he was able to destroy it.


    What remained in the ruins was such a transfer magic circle for mass transportation, although it was missing.


    Let me digress.


    It seems that the Shoro Empire has reproduced this magic circle for mass transportation.


    "My men and I have been working on it for two years.


    LeGrey was proud of his work.


    ��It''s quite a feat. Unfortunately, it''s only one ...... or two, but it''s a good one).


    Jin saw that the magic circuits around the perimeter of the magic circle were inadequate.


    Jin saw that the circulation of magic power was insufficient and that a large amount of mana would be needed.


    ��What a waste, father!)


    Reiko also noticed and spoke to Jin in a voice that only he could hear.


    (But it is a great achievement that you have reproduced it so well without anyone''s instruction.)


    Jin was in awe of the feat that LeGray and his subordinates had accomplished.


    While Jin and Reiko were having such a conversation, the carriage carrying them entered the area of effect of the transfer magic circle.


    Five minutes later.


    .


    A voice rings out, and mana is injected into the magic circle. The magical formulas that make up the magic circle begin to glow.


    It travels around the magic circle, and the brightness of the magic circle increases.


    And then...


    The light burst for a moment, and the 15 carriages and 120 people in the building disappeared.


    * * * *


    The next moment, the 15 carriages and 120 people were in a land far away.


    "This is ......"


    The people who had just emerged from the building with the shifting magic circle were astonished. The landscape had changed drastically.


    Jin and the others were ...... well aware of the transition, so their surprise was small, but they were amazed that they had moved to such a remote place.


    "We are in the southern foothills of Mount Baksa, on the outskirts of Bullek.


    Mount Baksa is a mountain that rises in the western part of the Shoro Kingdom. To the west of the mountain is the rocky desert of Harihari.


    Bullek was a town developed at the southern foot of Mount Baksa.


    We chose this location because of its suitability for our competition.


    "Hey, why don''t you tell us what the competition is all about already?


    Rhodes demanded of the smug LeGray.


    "Okay, okay. ...... In a word, it''s a <>."


    In this case, a battle royal is, in a word, a method in which all participants fight to determine the winner.


    "But it is not just a battle royal. But it is not just a battle royal, because it is not a competition in the first place.


    Rubina and Shu also listen to this explanation with shining eyes.


    "This is how it works as a competition. ...... Basically, the contestants make a lap around a predetermined course and come back, but there are five checkpoints along the way where markers are placed. You go around the course while keeping the markers and competing for position.


    "Sounds pretty interesting."


    Jin also thought it sounded interesting, although he did not say so.


    "So. There are about 50 golems competing, but only 20 markers are placed on each golem. That means there will be some who can''t get one.


    "Oh, I see."


    No matter how fast you finish, if you don''t have five markers, you don''t win.


    "So the rules allow you to take markers from others."


    "Sounds fun!"


    Rubina couldn''t keep quiet and shouted.


    "Ha, right?��We had a hard time coming up with the rules, didn''t we?"


    LeGray laughed.


    * * * *


    Of course, the audience had their own seats.


    Jin and the others were led to the seats for guests, just as LeGray had said.


    "fluaa......"


    The seats were only one step below the royal family and thus had a very good view.


    It was a box-like seat surrounded by transparent glass to protect it from the wind, and it was not cold at all.


    Inside there was a table with tea facilities.


    Jin and the others sat down at their leisure.


    Rhodes, Shu, Jin, and Rubina sat down, while Reiko, Hope, Edgar, Blitz, and Donner stood behind them.


    LeGray is seated in the boardroom as a convention official.


    There is a huge magic screen directly in front of him. The competition is projected on this screen.


    For this purpose, magic eyes are installed at various places on the course.


    There is also a golem dedicated to filming the competition, and it is said that images are sent to it as it moves along.


    "This could be used in the competitions on Onogoro Island.


    Jin secretly thought, "This could be incorporated into the competition on Onogoro Island.


    Finally, the competition began.

 1753 - - 47-34 Game Start

    ��Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience!]


    An announcement rang out. <


    ��The 155th Golem Competition will now begin!


    The audience cheers.


    "155th? ...... is amazing!"


    Jin is also frankly impressed.


    ��Let me give you a brief description of the competition. ......There are a total of 51 Golems participating. All are autonomous.]


    Jin and the others had not been told of the details, so they listened closely.


    ��The contestants will run a designated course of approximately 100 kilometers to reach the goal, and compete for the fastest time. However!]


    The announcer paused for a breath here.


    ��You will be at a disadvantage if you do not have the markers at the five checkpoints along the way, because 10 points will be awarded for each one!]


    "Oh."


    Jin and the others had not heard of the calculation method.


    ��In case you are wondering, the ranking points are 50 for 1st place, 49 for 2nd place, 4 for 3rd place, and 8 for 50th place. 8 points...... and 1 point for 50th place and 0 point for 51st place.]


    "...... I see."


    Jin calculates the points in his head.


    ��For an extreme example, 1st place with 0 markers is 50 points. For example, with 5 markers, the 51st place gets 50 points. ......This is an extreme example, but 5th place with 5 markers is a higher score than 1st place with 4 markers.]


    In other words, it is important to secure markers.


    ��Markers are made of magi crystals of different colors for each point, so it is not possible to have 5 markers from one place. It will result in immediate disqualification.]


    Jin nodded his head and said, "Of course.


    ��Each golem is expected to have its own storage space to hold the markers.]


    Some had a storage space in their abdomen, some swallowed them through their mouths, and some wore some kind of belt pouch.


    ��When the course reaches around one-third of the way to the end, the battle ban will be lifted, and the act of grabbing markers held by others will be permitted!]


    This was new to Jin and the others, but it was understandable that this was done to liven up the competition.


    ��The competition will be filmed by the magic eyes installed at each location, and by a special golem equipped with a magic eye.


    At this point, there was another round of applause.


    ��Now, finally, the players'' golems have assembled!]


    Below us is a ground-like area that has been leveled.


    There, 51 Golems are lined up in a horizontal line. It seems that the start line = the goal line.


    Since they are golems, their number is painted directly on their backs.


    ��It looks like a baseball player.)


    Jin thought to himself, "This looks like a baseball player.


    ��...... Number 1 is the number of the Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, the Honorable LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius, <>!��The winner of the competition!]


    "Oh, it looks very well balanced."


    "He''s very good looking."


    <


    The next three aircraft were introduced, numbered 2, 3, and 4, but none of them caught the attention of the group. And then...


    ��The number 13 is Gusleg Mivas, Golem <, who is participating for the first time this time!]


    "Oh, that''s pretty good. But I don''t know... ......"


    "It''s very big."


    "It''s very big."


    Two and a half meters tall, about the same width. He is 2.5 meters tall and about the same in width.


    However, his strength and the quality of the materials used in his construction were so apparent just by looking at him.


    And again, there was no golem in particular.


    ��The special entry this time was made by the Royal Factory of the Kingdom of Egelea, <>!


    "The Royal Factory was founded about 400 years ago by His Royal Highness Prince Ernest, the third prince at that time.


    Rhodes tells me secretly.


    "That Ernest is ......."


    Jin remembered with nostalgia the young prince''s love of golems.


    This also had a well-balanced figure.


    "This time, instead of a guest of honor, the guest of honor in the royal family is the third prince and honorary CEO of the Royal Factory, His Royal Highness Ernest XVII," he said. His Royal Highness King Ernest XVII, the third Prince of Wales and Honorary CEO of the Royal Factory.


    The Honorary CEO of the Royal Factory has been named Ernest for generations.


    I turned around to look at him and saw that the current Ernest XVII was, oddly enough, a 14-year-old boy.


    Ernest XVII waved his hand in a small gesture, as if he noticed that Jin thought that he had some resemblance to the Ernest.


    Jin was surprised to see a golem standing behind him.


    (Lotte ......?)


    It was Lotte, a maid golem in the image of Bina, Rubina''s ancestor.


    (You look well. (You look well. ...... It seems that your current master is taking good care of you. (Good).


    Lotte''s exterior has not a scratch or rust on her, she is shining and polished, and she is dressed in her maidens'' clothes. This shows that the Lotte has been well taken care of.


    Jin felt a warmth in his heart.


    [......] Now, the competition is about to begin. The countdown begins. 10,9,8,7,6,5......]


    The venue was as quiet as if it had been hit by water.


    ��......3,2......]


    I thought I heard the sound of someone''s spit.


    ��Here we go!]


    The silence was replaced by a loud cheer, and 51 golems began to run, the earth shaking.


    ��They all started running at once!��Ah, in the confusion immediately after the start, three ...... or rather four of them fell over!��Two more fell down due to the confusion right after the start!]


    As I thought, the dangling condition right after the start was the worst, and a total of 7 fell down, making us behind.


    However, one minute of time in a race over the total length of 100 kilometers can be recovered as much as possible in the future.


    The five golems, apparently thinking so, did not make a dash at the start of the race, but ran at their own pace. The seven that had fallen down chased after them.


    Then, the screen changes. The leading group is made up of seven Golems.


    Numbers 1,3,13,31,40,4 9,51.


    ��The lead group is approaching the mountain path!]


    This is a mountain trail leading to the summit of Mount Baksa.


    It is not a straight climb but a zigzag path. There are two checkpoints marked in the middle of the trail.


    It is about 10 km to the first checkpoint. For the Golems, who are traveling at about 30 kilometers per hour, it would take them about 20 minutes to reach the first checkpoint.


    "Oh, Aaron''s fast, too.


    Heavyweights are at a disadvantage on mountain roads because of their physique. On the other hand, and , who should be considered middle-weight, were running up the mountain path with a light touch.


    ��They arrived at the first checkpoint with number 1 in the lead!��They have the red marker in their hands!��Oddly enough, the smallest and the largest numbers are in first and second place!]


    After that, 13,49,31,3,40 in that order. The remaining markers are 13. There are 13 markers left.


    With the second group behind them, the seven golems ran down the mountain path.


    "This simply isn''t interesting, is it?��Isn''t there some kind of trick?"


    Jin muttered.


    "Jin-sama, what do you mean?"


    Rubina heard his words and asked him a question.


    "Hmm?��I have a feeling that the top team is going to be able to run away with the competition. So I was wondering if there is something that could make it a little more crowded."


    "Well, Mr. Jin. How about ...... here?"


    Rhodes overheard the conversation.


    There was a map of the course of the tournament on the box seat.


    "Uh, what''s ......?"


    "Well, it''s the route from this 4th checkpoint to the 5th checkpoint.


    "Oh, I see."


    The route to the 5th checkpoint and the route back were the same.


    In other words, it was a section where the lead and the followers were mixed up, and it was an area where battles were allowed.


    "This is certainly a confusing area."


    This is the perfect area to take away the marker that you got at the 5th checkpoint.


    Jin agreed with the Road Toss, saying that there would surely be a disturbance there.

 1754 - - 47-35 Snow Mountain Competition

    By the time the second group got the marker at the first checkpoint, the lead group had already gotten the yellow marker at the second checkpoint.


    "It''s amazing how much difference you can make just by running on a mountain road!"


    Shu was impressed.


    "That''s right. "Yes," said Shu, "It''s not a well-developed road, so there are various adverse conditions. How you deal with them will make a big difference.


    Jin-sama, what exactly?


    "First of all, weight. Just because it''s uphill, it''s difficult to balance it with muscular strength.


    "Yes, I understand that."


    Rubina nodded.


    "And the soles of your feet. They have to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of dirt, gravel, and rocky terrain."


    Rubberized soles like those on the soles of shoes is one way to go, Jin explained.


    "Or you could make it so you can stick spikes out. You know?"


    "Ah!"


    Jin points to the magic screen, which shows a group of people who are leading the way into the icy and snowy area near the summit of the mountain.


    Of the seven, the number 31 slipped.


    "Look out!"


    The ice is a thin layer of ice on top of the rocks, or as they call it in mountaineering parlance, . It is very slippery, so be careful.


    ��Ah, number 31, I''ve slipped!��I can''t regain my position!��I''m slipping!]


    The spectators were in a state of shock.


    The number 31 slipped and fell down several meters. And then he fell into a ravine.


    ��Oh, look out!]


    But...


    ��But then... the number 49 behind him barely stopped 31 from falling to the bottom of the ravine!��Brilliant!]


    The spectators applauded this fair play.


    However, the icy and snowy area caused the lead group to split into two. Numbers 1, 3, 51, and 40 were making good progress, while 31, 31, 49, and 13 gradually began to lag behind.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm...such a pitfall..."


    Jin was impressed by the oddity of the course selection.


    "So, you have to be careful about the specialized type," he said.


    Shu also seemed to have some thoughts on the matter.


    "Hey, what if it''s Jin-sama''s golem?


    Rubina asked me this question, and I thought about it seriously for a moment.


    "Well, ...... I basically take a general-purpose or all-purpose type and add additional functions to it, so I don''t think it would be that hard to adapt."


    The basic structure of Land, Marine, Sky, and Golem Maids is the same.


    The only difference among the Horai Islanders is the mermaids.


    "Slip is a minus in most cases. In my case, I''m either putting up a leather of a hexenbiest, or I''m trying to get a spike out of it ......."


    Friction between the soles is important for quick movement, unless you are faster on ice.


    Well, if you''re not competing, you can just fly with <>. .......


    "Then you can change the options and equipment. ......Ah, look."


    Jin pointed to the second group, number 17.


    Just before the icy and snowy area, he attached a snowshoe-like device on his shin to his leg.


    The effect was quite impressive, and the number 17 jumped out of the second group and ran up the mountain road at a pace close to the lead group.


    "I see, so that''s one way to do it. ......"


    Rubina is impressed.


    "Isn''t it the same for humans?��If it rains, we put up umbrellas and wear boots. When it''s cold, they put on jackets, and when they fight, they carry weapons.


    "So it''s the same with golems. I feel as if the scales have fallen from my eyes.


    Shu says happily. It seems that he has gained a lot from this.


    "I want to broadcast this to Onogoro Island as well. ......"


    Jin blurts out,


    "Father, I''m sure the old man is recording this, so why don''t you show it to him later?"


    In other words, it would be a recorded broadcast.


    "Yes, that would be fine."


    Jin thought, "Well, that would be good for the audience.


    (I will discuss it with the old man later.)


    * * * *


    ��We reached the summit at number 1,TOP!��I now have a green marker in my hand!]


    There was a snowstorm at the summit, and visibility was less than 5 meters.


    Still, the magic eye was doing its job.


    ��No, number 17 is coming up!]


    Number 17, who was equipped with a Kanjiki-style attachment, was fast and had moved up to 5th place.


    Number 1 continued to run down the route.


    Poles were set up along the route and the red magic lamps were lit so that even in the blizzard, the route was somehow visible.


    The visibility improved as we descended.


    A hundred meters down from the summit, the fog cleared and the blizzard stopped.


    The golems running down the mountain were now clearly visible.


    And then one of them slips again.


    ��Aah!��Another slip!��Number 3, he slipped!]


    The speed of the slip is so fast because it is running downhill, and it slides down to the bottom of the valley in no time at all.


    The other Golem reaches out to help him, but it is already too late.


    ��It''s down to the bottom of the valley!��Let''s hope the damage is minimal!]


    As expected, there is no magic eye at the bottom of the valley.


    What happened to the number 3 is unknown at this point.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Perhaps the golem in charge is retrieving it.


    There is a golem to check for fraud even at off-the-beaten-path locations. Jin thought that even if it was damaged, such a golem would probably retrieve it.


    (I mean, such an arrangement is necessary, isn''t it?)


    Jin told himself that it would be helpful for the management of the competition, and stared at the screen.


    "You are fast on the downhill. ...... Do you know what else is important in this kind of situation?


    Jin asked Rubina and Shu.


    "Huh?��Eh, uh, ......."


    "Is ...... the reaction time?"


    Rubina was at a loss for words at the sudden question, but Shu managed to speak his mind.


    "Oh, that''s a good point. It is true that a fast reaction time makes it easier to deal with various situations. Can you think of at least one more?"


    "......"


    I waited for a while, but no answer came,


    "It''s the flexibility of the body. You can call it freedom. In the extreme, a lump of iron in the shape of a human being can''t get back on its feet if it loses its balance, can it?"


    Jin replies.


    "I see!��If the body is soft, the recovery movement is easier or more effective. ......"


    Again, Shu answered, "That''s right.


    "That''s what I mean. The basic control is over the human body, but the greater degree of freedom is advantageous in many ways."


    "I''m learning."


    "Woo......"


    Shu nodded happily at the praise, while Rubina bit her nails in frustration.


    "The lead group is approaching the fourth checkpoint!"


    At the voice of Rhodes, Jin and the others looked at the magic screen.


    On the screen, they saw the number 1 with a blue marker in his hand.

 1755 - - 47-36 Brawl, Chaos

    ��Now, the lead pack has finally entered the battle zone!��However, there is no point in having a battle between the lead packs now!]


    The numbers 1, 51, and 40 are hurrying on, as it would be a loss in terms of time. The next to catch up is 17. 31,49,13.


    At this point, number 51 sped off.


    ��Oh!��Number 51, fast, fast!��...... has now overtaken number 1 to take the lead!]


    * * * *


    "Well, you''ve got dashing power at the critical moment!"


    Rhodes exclaims in admiration.


    "Yes."


    The advantage of being a middleweight is still alive and well.


    "But ......"


    "But?��What''s wrong?��Jin-sama?"


    Rubina responded to Jin''s unsettled words.


    "Huh?��Oh, yes. ......I was thinking that if I keep going like this, I''ll run into the next car when I come back with the fifth marker."


    "Oh, yes, that''s true. If that happens, we''ll be in a battle, and the medium weight class may be at a disadvantage. ......


    "Shu is right. We don''t know who will win yet.


    * * * *


    ��The lead pack now has the last marker!]


    Golems are picking up the purple markers one after another.


    The first to pass us was a group of four lone riders.


    The first to pass each other was number 17, who was in 4th place alone.


    Next to pass was the second group, also without trouble.


    The third and fourth groups were passing each other silently, as they had all the markers in their hands and a battle would have resulted in lost time.


    However, the fifth group was different.


    The fifth group consisted of four riders with numbers 11, 29, 37, and 47. The fifth group was made up of four individuals, numbered 11, 29, 37, and 47. As they passed each other, all four of them attacked the third body of the lead group at once.


    ��Oh, no!��The battle finally started here!��The leader, number 51, was attacked by number 11. Number 1 was attacked by 29, and 40 by 37!��Only 47 is watching the battle. What is he thinking?]


    As the three teams begin their battle, number 47 is watching on.


    The three pairs were fighting, and on the side of them, number 47 was watching the situation closely.


    "Probably trying to take advantage of the fishing business, aren''t they?


    Jin who was watching the screen muttered.


    "Jin-sama, what''s a <>?"


    "......Oh, it''s a saying that was made based on an event that happened a long time ago."


    "Oh, what kind of saying?"


    Rubina asked Jin, and he explained as he remembered.


    "...... fisherman was catching fish in his boat and a bird caught a big fish. But the fish was so big that the bird could not jump up and fell into the water. And the fish died, too, because the bird''s claws dug into its body. So the fisherman was able to get both the bird and the fish without any effort. ......


    Jin concluded by saying, "I think it was a story about a fisherman who got both the birds and the fish without any effort.


    "Well, that sounds very likely. And it certainly seems likely given the current situation.


    Actually, the bird is a snipe, not a fish, a clam, not a claw, but a beak, but the meaning is clear.


    In fact, in the battle between numbers 40 and 37, a red and yellow marker rolled out of the compartment of 40, and 4 7 quickly snatched them away.


    "Ah!"


    "See?"


    Rubina shouted, and Jin nodded in agreement.


    After taking the marker, Z 47 left the area with only the yellow marker, not paying attention to the red marker. He probably already had the red marker.


    On the other hand, in the battle between numbers 1 and 29, number 1 seemed to have the upper hand, and number 1 started to run while number 29 stopped moving. Number 1 started to run. However, he seems to have sustained some damage and his pace has slowed down a little.


    "...... I''d rather not have a battle, wouldn''t you?"


    Jin frowned.


    The number 19 car that was following the number 1 car attacked the number 1 car.


    "You''ll be at a disadvantage if you go at it seriously. ......"


    He may not have heard Jin''s muttering, "You''ll be at a disadvantage if you get into a serious fight with him!


    It seemed that number 19 had given up chasing number 1, since it would have lost a lot of time since it had not passed the fifth checkpoint.


    Number 51 won the battle with number 11 and started to run again.


    However, the followers started to arrive one after another. Most of them did not have a single marker.


    So all the golems were coming at him.


    "This is tough. ......"


    Jin wondered if 20 markers were too few for 50 golems.


    But the battle in this area is also the purpose of this competition.


    The spectators were very excited and cheered loudly.


    Finally, the brawl started.


    "Not very smart."


    "It''s ......, isn''t it?"


    Rhodes agreed with Jin''s comment.


    The racing part was interesting to watch, but as soon as the battle started, it became chaotic.


    It was a brawl, if you will.


    "What is this, ......?"


    The crowd began to murmur.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    ��Oops!��It''s a big brawl!��What''s going on?]


    The announcers are confused.


    ��Each golem is in a state of excitement!��What''s wrong with this Golem?]


    * * * *


    "Father, there''s something wrong."


    Then Reiko''s voice.


    "What?"


    "Those golems fighting over there, they''ve lost their will halfway through."


    What?


    "I can''t identify it due to the distance, but I felt vibrations similar to the Slave Rewrite Magic coming from the golem''s vicinity."


    "Slavery rewriting magic?


    This is the magic that was used by the Unification Party (Unifiler) during the golem garden party in the Kingdom of Egelea, and it drove most of the golems insane.


    Someone else has done the same thing.


    "......<> is the only one I can think of."


    Now that Malchitas is gone, the <> is losing power in many places.


    "Of all places, they have entered the Shoro Empire, which has been the weakest of all the powers. ......No, that''s why it was so easy for them to get in."


    Jin thought that this outburst was probably because they had not been warned.


    "What do we do now?"


    Rhodes asked,


    "Hasn''t the Shoro Imperialists done something about it?"


    Jin wanted to let the organizer, the Shoro Kingdom, deal with the situation first.


    * * * * * *


    On the part of the Shoro Empire, they said, "Well, this is a good thing.


    "Well, this is a little ...... unusual situation. I declare by the organizer''s authority that the competition is suspended! The competition is suspended!


    LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius, Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, decided. This decision is immediately conveyed to his subordinates, the tournament management officials.


    The Golems are ordered to stop.


    By the rules of the tournament, even if you are not the master of a Golem, you are programmed to follow these instructions.


    >


    The order rang out. But...


    ��End this madness!��Suspend!��...... Oh!��It won''t stop!]


    The brawl between the golems did not stop, but intensified even more.

 1756 - - 47-37 Initiated Action

    The brawl between the golems was raging.


    "A little ......, no, it''s quite extraordinary!"


    The organizer, the Minister of Magical Technology, LeGrey Gibbs von Vesuvius, had declared the competition suspended by order of the Emperor, but the Golems were no longer listening to their creator.


    No, it seems that even the four golems that were supposed to be assisting in the running of the competition have gone crazy.


    "This can''t be right. ......"


    Ernest XVII, one of the guests of honor from the Kingdom of Egelea, thinks of events far in the past.


    "Is this some kind of sabotage similar to <>?"


    The incident happened when Ernest I, the first Honorary CEO of the Royal Factory, was still a boy.


    Yes, Your Highness, I have a similar feeling to that time.


    The answer was given by Lotte, a golem, a maid of honor who has been handed down from generation to generation. She is a valuable witness to the past.


    "At that time, there was an antisocial group called the Unification Party (Unifiler). Now, the equivalent is the <>.


    The <>!


    The Kingdom of Egelea has also been eroded by the Federation of Magic, and in recent years it has finally managed to break its roots.


    "Yes, perhaps."


    "Ummm... ...... I am sure that < did not have a countermeasure against slave rewriting magic. I regret that.


    Ernest XVII reflects on his peace of mind.


    However, it also has the meaning of reducing weight, so it cannot be said to be a bad thing when it is used for competitions.


    "I think His Imperial Highness Ernest is right on the money," said Shoro.


    The Emperor of Shoro, Ernst Lubus von Richt-Shoro, a.k.a. Ernst II, agreed. He was Ernst II.


    The emperor was in his mid-thirties and full of vigor,


    "Let''s put our country''s prestige on the line and quell the chaos!


    "Let the prestige of our country be at stake!" he commanded.


    "Ha!"


    Legray, the Minister of Magical Technology, orders his golem to "apply rewriting magic measures.


    "Only the golems that have been protected against rewriting magic are to rush to that area. Only those Golems that have been given countermeasures against rewriting magic are to rush to that area and stop it, even if by force.


    With this order, fifteen golems are dispatched to guard the area.


    LeGrey thinks further.


    "......It''s a gamble whether you listen to your maker or not. ......"


    In a normal state, the maker''s order to follow the instructions of the tournament organizer would have been inputted, but from what he sees now, the effect seems to have disappeared.


    However, as far as we can see, the effect seems to have disappeared. No, it would not.


    In other words, taking the creator with him would have exposed him to danger in case he could not make it stop, and that was something that Legray, the Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, wanted to avoid.


    "I am sorry, but we have to stop it even if we have to break it."


    He wished he had been more proactive in his research of the < instead of assuming it to be forbidden, but it was too late now.


    Legray stares at the chaos projected on the magic screen with a grim face.


    * * * *


    There was a change in the chaos.


    The chaos, in which all the participating golems were fighting each other, was gradually subsiding.


    However, this was the beginning of the next upheaval.


    The golems who have stopped fighting all start heading south in the same direction toward the town of ...... Bullek.


    There, 15 security golems with <> countermeasures arrived.


    First, they stand ...... to stop them, but are attacked by Zekken 8 and 14.


    The two were particularly large and powerfully built, and two of the security golems were quickly blown away.


    The remaining 13 Golems were ready for battle ......, but were attacked by more than 20 at the same time, eventually wrecking all of them.


    Eleven of the controlled golems had also been eliminated, but the remaining 44 golems, including the security golem, continued their march south.


    "This is not good!


    Legray''s face twisted with impatience.


    There are still more than 20 golems, but since they are not protected by <>, they will probably be manipulated.


    And on the way to the town of Brulec, there is this tournament spectator''s seat.


    "Should the evacuation of His Majesty, the guests, and the spectators be the priority now?


    The decision is made to put the safety of the people first as the top priority.


    * * * *


    "...... Reiko, who is controlling the golems?"


    Jin, on the other hand, asked Reiko at the guest of honor table.


    "Yes, father. Please wait a moment. You are moving to ......."


    "Moving?"


    "Moving?" "Yes. At this speed, it can''t be a person.


    A golem?


    "Perhaps..."


    < or to control the golems that had participated in the tournament.


    "Jin-sama, what are you going to do?"


    Rubina peeked at him with a slightly worried look on her face.


    "I''ll be fine."


    Jin stroked Rubina''s head to reassure her.


    "By the way, was Uragan protected against slave rewriting magic?"


    Blitz and Donner had already checked with Jin the other day.


    "Yes, they''re fine."


    "That''s good."


    Jin said that such measures are standard for Jin''s Golem and automata.


    "No wonder I''m holed up on Onogoro Island because of Markitas."


    Jin then decided to wait and see how the Shoro Empire would deal with the situation.


    The golems were not moving fast now. It would probably take half an hour to reach the auditorium.


    "Guests, please come this way."


    Two minutes later, the Shoro Imperial Guard came to the audience seats and led the guests, including Jin and the others, to the evacuation area.


    They were working very quickly, indicating that they had been well trained.


    They moved from the high guest seats to the dining room on the ground level.


    Please wait here. Please wait here. We will return as soon as we confirm that the transfer magic circle is not out of adjustment.


    Jin was glad to hear that the Shoro officials had thought this through.


    (It is too optimistic to think that only the golem is being manipulated.)


    (It is too optimistic to think that only the Golem is being manipulated.) If the destination of the shifting magic circle had been changed, he would have been sent to a terrible place.


    The destination must not be a dangerous place or a hostage situation.


    And the mess hall is guarded by human soldiers.


    Although a little uneasy in terms of strength, I felt a sense of security in another way now that the golem was under control.


    Then LeGrey, the Minister of Magical Technology, and another man in his mid-thirties came and bowed to the guests.


    "It was our fault this time. We are very sorry for the danger we have put you in.


    "...... Your Majesty, please raise your head. I don''t think a head of state should bow so lightly.


    ��Your Majesty?)


    The man standing next to Legray is the current emperor of the Shoro Kingdom.


    "Your Highness Ernest, that is not true. I''ve heard that the female emperor whom I love and respect so much, Her Majesty Gerhard, did not hesitate to bow when she had to. Since this scandal is my country''s fault, an apology is in order.


    Hearing this, Jin was reminded of the female emperor.


    (I remember she also said that she was willing to bow down for the sake of something important. ......)


    At that moment Rhodotos stepped forward,


    "It seems that it was a golem that caused this mess. It seems that it is still moving around and adding to the chaos.


    I explained.


    This was based on my meeting with Jin, and I decided that it would be better to have Rhodes tell him rather than Jin.


    "Oh, I see. ...... you are Lord Rhodes, the . Thanks for the information.


    And the current emperor, Ernst II, immediately gives his orders.


    "LeGrey, find the source of this as soon as possible and end this chaos. I''ll take care of it."


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    Legray turns to Rhodes,


    "Can you give me some more information?"


    Legray turned to Rhodes and asked, "Can we get some more information?


    (This is from ......)


    Jin was secretly impressed by this attitude of choosing the best, without being concerned about his pride, and he made a decision.


    So, the guests and other spectators evacuated, but Shoro and Jin''s group remained there.

 1757 - - 47-38 New Axle

    <


    The < that LeGray gave was, of course, about the golem-like creature responsible for this mess.


    "But if the is behind this, then their claims are empty.


    Ernst II is talking to himself.


    Jin agrees with him. It is a double standard when they deny material civilization and use a golem as a pawn.


    (Well, these people have a difference between their real intention and their pretense.)


    (Well, these people''s real intention and pretense are different.


    Jin laughed bitterly in his mind at how many of them were so concerned with securing their own power that they were not even ashamed of their duplicity and duplicity.


    "...... over there."


    Rhodes, on the other hand, pointed to the northern sky.


    "The sky?��He''s flying in the sky!"


    Legray looked frustrated. It seems that even he had not ordered the security of the skies above.


    "Ummm...... even if we go back to Leuthart and call in the airship squadron, the crazy golems will have reached the town of Brulec before we get here......"...


    And LeGrey worries.


    "We can''t send a golem to the town just in case, so what should we do ......?"


    Seeing his anguish, Jin decided to carry out his earlier decision.


    "Mr. Legray, why don''t you leave that to me?"


    "What?��What about you?


    It was Ernst II who asked the question.


    "Your Majesty, forgive my direct answer. I am Jin Nido. I am a friend of the Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, Lord Legray, and a relative of the puppet Lord Rhodoth.


    "Oh, Jin Nido?��It is interesting that you call yourself that at ....... Don''t worry about the direct answer. It is an emergency. ...... So, you can do something about the golem that created this mess?


    "Yes."


    "Yes. Yes. We are in a time sensitive situation. Please don''t be offended if I ...... but we will be pursuing other measures as well.


    Although he has given permission to Jin, there is no guarantee that it will work. In fact, Ernst II has no way of knowing.


    So he declared that he would pursue other measures at the same time.


    Knowing this, Jin nodded.


    "Of course. Your Majesty is indeed the best.


    He replied,


    "Reiko, go and get them."


    Reiko, go and get them.


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko also answered shortly and ran out of the room. As one would expect, she did not suddenly take off in the middle of the crowd.


    She keeps her speed down to about 100 km/h while people are watching, and activates when she is in a place where no one can see her.


    Completely out of sight, Reiko uses her force field generator to soar into the sky.


    "Well, the target was at ....... That''s it."


    Reiko spots a flying at an altitude of about 100 meters.


    It seems to have a <> ward. Therefore, it is unlikely to be found from the ground.


    "<>... ...... I got hit by it a long time ago, didn''t I?"


    Reiko is referring to the incident in the early days of Jin''s journey with Erza to the Shoro Kingdom, when Erza and Meine were attacked by a bandit wearing an amulet with a Hide effect, which could not be detected.


    However, the current Reiko is not fooled by the <>.


    To begin with, there is the <> warding magic as a supercompatible of <>, and furthermore, there is the <> that Reiko is using now as a supercompatible of <>.


    "I can see you."


    Reiko aims the blow floater at a speed of about 300 kilometers per hour.


    The current speed of the Blow Floater is about 50 km/h. From Reiko''s point of view, it is as if it were standing still.


    Moreover, Reiko is approaching out of sight.


    "First of all, ...... this way!"


    In a flash, Reiko knocks the golem off the blow-floater. The Blow Floater crashes into the uninhabited wilderness with a whirring sound.


    And Reiko..,


    "Got it."


    She grabbed the golem by both shoulders with a little force.


    With that, the golem''s shoulders are crushed and its arms are rendered immobile.


    "Stop!"


    At the same time, he activates the Aether Eliminator. The golem comes to a complete stop.


    The built-in magic tool that emits an effect similar to is also stopped.


    In this state, Reiko returns to Jin and the others with the golem hanging.


    Reiko descends to the ground and returns to Jin and the others, dragging the golem with her.


    "Father, I''m back!"


    "Oh, thank you, Reiko. ...... is that the original golem?


    "Yes."


    "The source has been shut down, but the golems won''t stop. Let''s hurry up and disassemble this thing and see what kind of magic tool he used to control the golem.


    "Yes, I will help you."


    Jin and Reiko exchanged such conversation and set to work.


    "Wow, that''s great!��Jin-sama, can I watch?"


    "Yes, you can. Can I watch?" "Yes, you can.


    Rubina had been quiet in front of the Emperor, but she finally lost her patience and rushed to Jin''s side. Shu also approached him silently.


    Both of them are curious about the unknown golem.


    Rhodes was smiling as he looked at Rubina and Shu.


    "......"


    "............"


    However, Emperor Shoro and the Minister of Magical Technology seemed to be unable to keep up with the developments.


    "......LeGrey, if I''m not mistaken, it only took five minutes or so for the automaton in the shape of the girl to leave and return, didn''t it?"


    Yes, Your Majesty. About three minutes, I think.


    He returned before I could give him any further instructions. ......


    Yes, sir.


    Who the hell are you?��Who is this man who calls himself Jin Nido?


    Now, if you told me it was the Magecraft Meister himself, I''d believe you.


    Reiko, while working as Jin''s assistant, had a clear understanding of the conversation between the Emperor and the Minister of Magecraft.


    She had been communicating it to the old man by means of the built-in manacam.


    The old man started to think about the best way to settle the situation and to make it positive for the future of Jin.


    After 2 seconds of several simulations, he came to a conclusion and told Reiko by manacam.


    I understand. I will find an opportunity and try something like that.


    Reiko answered without saying it out loud and did not stop her work for a moment.


    Then, while helping Jin with his work, she briefly told him about the proposal from the old man in a whisper that only he could hear.


    ��I understand. That seems to be the best line. ......)


    Jin replied to Reiko without stopping his work.


    In the meantime, the captured golem was dismembered.


    "Hmmm, looks like this is the one. ......<......?"


    "What is it, father?"


    This guy''s a novelty, isn''t he?


    Jin said, "It''s a different method from both the <> and the <>.


    "Jin-san, what is it?"


    Rhodes seemed to be intrigued. Of course, Shu and Rubina also looked interested.


    Jin began to explain in a voice that the Emperor and the Minister of Magical Technology could hear.

 1758 - - 47-39 First Steps

    "In a word, ."


    After thinking about how to put it, Jin put it this way.


    "Loud orders......... You mean you are forcing them to do what you say?"


    "Yes, that''s what I mean."


    Rhodes, as expected, seemed to have guessed it right away.


    "......I see, in short, you mean that you are forcing them to do what you say by using not a specific magic wave but a magic wave with a wide frequency range?"


    Legray, the Minister of Magical Technology, seemed to understand what Jin meant.


    "That''s what I mean. The waveforms are just pushed through."


    It''s called forceful action.


    However, unlike the < that was operated using eladolite, Jin was impressed by the fact that this was made possible with a normal magic tool.


    "The operation time would be a few seconds to a dozen seconds. During that time, it seems that the method is used to raise the frequency continuously from a low frequency to a high frequency.


    Jin concluded his explanation by saying that if there was an appropriate frequency in the middle of the process, it would accept the command.


    "Jin-sama, but is it that simple to make them do what you say?"


    Shu asked.


    "I don''t think it''s so easy for an unqualified person to give an order to a golem.


    "Oh, I think so too. Jin-sama, how about that?


    Jin was glad that Shu and Rubina had noticed.


    "I''m glad you noticed. What you have just explained is just a summary. What you two were wondering about just now, that''s the key to this method.


    "What is it, Mr. Jin?��I''d be very interested to hear it.


    LeGray leaned forward and asked.


    "Of course. ...... Let''s start with a review. > is a form of writing by means of an extraordinary amount of magical power. Therefore, it required amplification by eladolite ...... mithianite. Is that all right so far?"


    "Yes."


    "On the other hand, the <> mimics the waveform of the magician''s magic and makes him do what it says. It does not require amplification of magic power, but the target magic wave must be understood."


    "That''s what I was getting at."


    Rhodes and Legray nodded.


    "Now, this may be a little off topic, but ......"


    Jin glanced at Rubina and Shu as he said this. Yes, Jin was giving them a somewhat roundabout explanation so that they could easily understand.


    They were listening to his explanation with serious expressions.


    "Why do golems and automata recognize their makers as ? Here is the key."


    "What?"


    "...... I think a magical engineer (Magi Engineer) would understand. The normal control system does not have the ability to select the maker''s waveform of magic.


    "Ah!"


    "Yes, indeed!"


    Rubina, Shu, Rhodes, Legray and the others shouted together.


    "So the creator is being recognized by a special ..."


    "That''s the key, isn''t it?


    Shu said hurriedly.


    "Hmmm... ...... what is it?"


    Rubina looked thoughtful and difficult.


    "Could it be ......<?"


    Rhodes whispered, looking unsure.


    "Yes, Rhodes, that''s the right answer.


    "It''s resonance, after all!


    Resonance. It is a phenomenon in which the vibrational energy of one object is transferred to another object.


    In the electrical field, it is often referred to as .


    The well-known experiment is that when two tuning forks with the same natural frequency are prepared and one of them is sounded, the other one starts to sound as well.


    The same thing happens with magic waves.


    The waveform with < can be said to be the waveform with the highest affinity for magic.


    Therefore, the creator is unconditionally the .


    "Then, how do we create resonance in the magic wave? It is, after all, <.


    The point where the magical wave is involved is different from the resonance of a simple tuning fork or the resonance of an electric circuit," Jin says, keeping his thoughts in his mind without saying out loud.


    "I guess you don''t have to have perfect resonance, you can just <>."


    That''s exactly what caused this mess, Jin assured me.


    For a moment, they misidentified him as <> and gave him false orders.


    Unlike humans, golems are able to communicate commands in less than a few tenths of a second, which is why it can be called a rough trick.


    "Loud commands and resonance ......"


    Rhodes pondered, muttering a few words as if something had occurred to him.


    "So you are saying that you used the resonance to interrupt the false orders, is that it?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes, that''s the conclusion I came to as well.


    Jin concluded that the goal was probably to disrupt the behavior by interrupting the brief period of resonance with a loud command.


    "I guess they didn''t expect it to be so well disrupted, did they?"


    Jin added that the order <> must have been overridden by something like <>.


    "So it would stop if the creator or the master gave the order?"


    "It should."


    This was good news. I had avoided letting the owner get close to the runaway golem because I didn''t want to take any risks, but that proved to be a false fear.


    "But I''m not a hundred percent sure, so I guess I''d better start with a few of them.


    I should go first." Jin''s advice was followed.


    At Jin''s advice, LeGray said he would go there himself and stop the number one.


    "Well, then I''ll send my ullagan to escort you.


    "Rhodes, thank you. ......, Your Majesty, I''ll be on my way."


    Uh-huh. Be careful.


    With Uragan as his escort, LeGrey, the Minister of Magical Technology, mounted one of the few horses available and rode away from the rampaging golems.


    As he watched his back, Ernst II, Emperor of Shoro, turned to Jin and said, "Jin Nido.


    You are Jin Nido, you say?��May I ask who you are, with technology and knowledge ...... that surpasses our own magical technology?"


    Jin Nido had finally arrived, he thought, half expecting it.


    He and the old man had talked vaguely about doing something like this, but no conclusion had been reached.


    However, the old man said to me.


    "Let me tell you something. This is the third generation of Magecraft Meister, Jin Nido.


    Reiko stepped forward and said.


    "My name is Reiko. I was once awarded the title of honorary squire in your country.


    This was the better plan that the old man had just suggested.


    The present Jin, who is a duplicate, can be said to be the third generation in this sense.


    And he is a Magecraft Meister, and that is why he calls himself .


    "I knew you were something else, but I had no idea that you were the third generation of . And you are that Lecoq Ehime. No, no, this is an honor.


    There is no one in the Nordic Federation who knew Jin, the second generation , when he was young, and it would be persuasive to assume that the resemblance is due to their descent.


    If there is a problem,


    "Sister, father, it has been a long time."


    It is a golem like Lotte, who knows Jin 400 years ago, but does not know what happened to him.


    "Lotte, you look well."


    "Yes, sister. The current master is taking good care of me.


    But at the same time it''s a witness that Reiko is still Reiko.


    "Since Lotte approves, there can be no mistake. You are that , and the person whom is working for is definitely ."


    Ernest XVII of the Kingdom of Egelea, who had somehow arrived nearby, nodded in agreement.


    "One of the qualifications to become a <> is that one must have a matching magic pattern. Therefore, this person and the person who created Lotte have the same magic pattern.


    Reiko''s explanation seemed to convince both Ernst II, Emperor of Shoro, and Ernest XVII, the third prince of Egelea.


    "That''s why I also call you out of respect.


    The declaration that Reiko also called him that also convinced Lotte to call Jin <>.


    This was the first step for Jin''s existence to be recognized in this world.

 1759 - - 47-40 Unexpected Face-to-Face

    Unofficially, Jin is recognized by the Shoro Kingdom as the third generation of >.


    Moreover, the royal family of the Kingdom of Egelea was present at the ceremony, and their attendant Golem recognized Jin as a <>.


    The < Rhodoth, a long-lived , also vouched for Jin.


    It is a well-known fact that there are those in the <>, the land of the Northerners, who knew directly his predecessor, the , who was also a <>. Hence, Rhodoth''s words carried weight.


    The most important thing was the existence of the legendary girl automata, Reiko, and her testimony.


    The more I look at her, the more she looks like a human being. The more you look at her, the more she looks like a human being. She is indeed the legendary Reiko Ehime.


    Ernst II, the current Emperor of the Shoro Kingdom, muttered in a deep voice.


    "I am glad to see you, even if it is on this occasion.


    Ernst II smiled. In his expression, Jin felt as if he had caught a glimpse of the female emperor.


    "If you can, will you come to the palace afterwards?"


    "......Yes."


    Jin hesitated slightly, but decided to take this opportunity to lay a proper foundation, so he agreed.


    "Well, you''re ...... no, you''re Reiko Ehime!��I''m glad to meet you too."


    After Emperor Shoro, Ernest XVII, the third prince of the Kingdom of Egelea, gave a benediction to Reiko.


    That is how legendary Reiko is.


    "It is an honor to meet you as well, Jin Nido, the 3rd <>.


    Ernest XVII then bowed to Jin as well.


    "If you have a moment, would you be so kind as to check on my Lotte?"


    "Yes, I would be delighted."


    Jin readily accepted the offer.


    After a short time, Rhodes came back to the house and asked for a few minutes of his time.


    A short time later, Legray returns with Rhodoth''s golem, Uragan, the Minister of Magical Technology. He is accompanied by the scarred and battered Zekken 1<>.


    "Your majesty, Jin-dono''s prediction was correct.


    "Oh, I see. Then you can give the order to stop with confidence.


    By sending out those with the authority to give orders with escorts, the runaway golem was finally stopped, and the commotion came to an end.


    As an aside, when Legray returned, he was surprised to hear that Jin had been recognized as the third generation <>,


    <


    The commotion was now over.


    The guests, the general public, the competitors, their golems, and the tournament officials returned to the shores of Lake Tosmo via the Warp Gate.


    All that remained were Jin''s party, the Minister of Magical Technology LeGray and some of his men, and the Emperor Shoro and his Imperial Guard.


    "Your Majesty, please leave this to us and go back."


    "Yes!��There may still be some of the League of Magic left!


    The knights of the Kingsguard pleaded with him, but Ernst II refused to yield his head.


    "I appreciate your words. But if I am to apologize to the rest of the world for this scandal, I must take it upon myself to remedy the situation."


    "Your Majesty ......"


    And such an attitude of the emperor reminded Jin again of the former female emperor.


    ��Reiko, is there anyone else suspicious?)


    So Jin secretly checked with Reiko.


    (Reiko, is there anyone else suspicious?) So Jin secretly checked with Reiko, because there is a big possibility that the person who sent out the captured golem is still there.


    ��No, not within a 20 km radius.)


    ��I see.)


    We know that Reiko is not within precise detection range now.


    ��Let and the old man try to detect him.)


    (Understood.)


    With his anger at having this event ruined, Jin decides to search for the culprit.


    The is an enemy of the descendants of Jin''s family in the first place.


    Two minutes pass.


    Meanwhile, Legray and Rhodoth are analyzing the captured golem of the League of Magic, and the Emperor is talking with the Kingsguard about various matters.


    Rubina and Shu seemed to be absorbed in the atmosphere, especially Rubina who was quiet as a borrowed cat.


    ��The old man reported to me. (The old man reports that there are no hostile golems or hostiles within a 200 km radius around the area.)


    ��I see.)


    Jin was satisfied with the results of the detection, perhaps even with the use of a .


    "...... Your Majesty, I have examined it in detail and found no evidence that this golem was sent by the <>."


    LeGrey reported. His face is disappointed.


    "I see. It''s a pity, but it can''t be helped. Even they don''t make it easy for us to catch them by the tail.


    Ernst II congratulated LeGray.


    To such an emperor, Jin..,


    "Sire, I''ve instructed Reiko to search the area, but there seems to be no enemy in the vicinity. Why don''t we leave the area for now?


    Ernst II accepted the proposal.


    Ernst II accepted.


    "Well, I guess there is no point in staying here any longer. I''ll take your word for it.


    "Thank you very much."


    Thus, the retreat from the southern foot of Mt.


    Incidentally, it was reported that the number 3 that had slipped and fallen was wrecked at the bottom of the valley.


    * * * * *


    "...... But this is an unexpected turn of events, isn''t it?"


    Jin was talking to himself in the drawing room of the Shoro Imperial Palace.


    "Well, I can understand the old man''s intention to remove the restriction of activities in the present age, so I have no complaints about it.


    Jin only thought that the visit to Onogoro Island was a very sidetracked one.


    "It''s a common story, though."


    Jin recalls that in the past, he had to destroy when he went sightseeing at the ruins, and that he had to destroy a secret organization during his trip.


    "Jin-sama, but I''m learning a lot of things and I''m enjoying it.


    Rubina, who was eating sweets in the same guest room, said in a cheerful voice, "I am the same way.


    It''s the same for me. I''m also enjoying the opportunity to experience the outside world in this way ......."


    Just then there was a knock at the door and Rhodes came in.


    "Mr. Jin, His Majesty wishes to speak with you."


    "...... I see."


    <, but still, what is troublesome is troublesome.


    Jin gets up from the sofa and goes to leave the room with Reiko,


    "Shu and Rubina are coming too," he said.


    As expected, Donner and Blitz, as well as Uragan, Hope, and Edgar, were away. <


    A Kingsguard is waiting in the corridor to show Jin and the others around.


    Jin walked down the corridor and was shown into his office, thinking that not much had changed since the old days.


    "Welcome, 3rd generation Magecraft Meister Jin Nido.


    Inside, LeGrey, the Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, welcomed Jin Nido. Next to him was the emperor, and an elderly man and woman whom Jin did not recognize.


    "I''d like to introduce you two right away. ...... well, introduce yourselves."


    LeGrey motioned to the two men.


    The first to open his mouth was an elderly man with dark brown hair mixed with gray and brown eyes.


    "Ha. ...... I am Daiki-Nido. I am the Count of the Shoro Kingdom.


    A woman with brown hair and brown eyes next to him introduced herself.


    I am his wife, Cocona Nido.


    And then they both said,


    "It is an honor to meet the third generation and Reiko.


    They bowed once again.

 1760 - - 47-41 Visit the Residence

    Daiki-Nido and Cocona Nido. That was the current Nido family. They have no children.


    "You really look like your predecessor," Cocona said happily.


    Cocona looked at Jin and said happily.


    She was an elegant old woman with some white in her hair.


    "Oh, Reiko-sama, you are really pretty.


    Daikki was very happy to see Reiko.


    He even pronounced her name natively.


    "...... I may be of the Nido family, but I am a distant relative, and I do not possess a shred of engineering magic talent."


    Daikie said apologetically.


    Then the emperor interrupted.


    "However, we cannot afford to lose the Nido family. I heard that about two hundred years ago, you searched for distant relatives and rebuilt the House of Nidor.


    Ernst II must have cared for the House of Nidor that much.


    "I am grateful."


    Jin replied shortly and bowed his head.


    "By the way, why did your ancestors leave the House of Nido?��Was it because of the League of Magic?


    "Yes, Your Majesty. That''s what I heard.


    Jin could not help but answer.


    "I see. I heard that the was active in many countries at that time. ...... No, this time too."


    The emperor frowns.


    "Yes. I heard that they were taken as hostages and that they didn''t want any interference in their lives, so they left.


    Jin also gives a safe explanation. It''s been a while since I''ve talked to the emperor, so I''m sorry if my tone is a little strange.


    "I see. But according to the information I have received, the head of the <>, a man named Markitas, is no longer with us.


    The Emperor is quick to listen.


    "It seems to be true. In fact, the power of the <> is rapidly declining.


    Rhodes added.


    "Yes, that''s why they are trying to invade our country, which they have never had a chance to do before.


    "Perhaps."


    Jin agreed with the emperor''s guess.


    "Well, that is a matter for us to deal with at home."


    Ernst II changed the subject somewhat forcefully.


    "The reason I asked you to come this time is to discuss your treatment of Mr. Jin.


    "Treatment?"


    "Well, since you are the third generation and have Sir Reiko as your squire, you have the right to live in the house of Leuthert, don''t you?


    The emperor asks with a slightly mischievous look on his face, and I think to myself that Jin is a lot like Ernst.


    Then he added,


    "If Jin-sama is here, we will gladly vacate the house!


    Daikie and Cocona also say.


    "No, no, we don''t intend to do that.


    Jin lightly replied, but then thought better of it,


    "I would be happy to stay at ...... when I come to this country," he added.


    He added, "I''d be happy to stay when I come to this country.


    "Oh!��Of course!��It was originally the residence of the previous Jin-sama, so you are welcome to stay here as long as you like!"


    "You are always welcome to stay with us. You are welcome to stay with us.


    Daikie and Cocona responded happily to Jin''s words.


    "We have refrained from remodeling the house as much as possible, so it will be a good place to remember the old days of our predecessors.


    "I see."


    Jin was a little taken back by this tension, but he was happy to know that he could now use the landing pad on the roof.


    "Well, it looks like we''ve come to an agreement. Then the third Jin Nidor is granted the status of <>."


    <


    It is a de facto honorary position and has no binding power. It is a de facto honorary position and is non-binding, but is treated as higher than a count and lower than a marquis.


    He has the right to enter and leave the palace without notification and to request a visit from the emperor without an appointment.


    Jin had no objection to this.


    "Thank you very much.


    Jin made the Shoro Imperial salute.


    Here, once again, Jin had earned his place as an honorary citizen of the Shoro Empire.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    So, Jin and the others came to the house of Reuthert. Of course, the Minister of Magical Technology, LeGrey, was aware of this.


    (...... really, little has changed...)


    (Yes, father...until about 200 years ago, the maid golems who worked for him were working hard to toughen, strengthen, and stabilize him...) (because they were all)


    All of them are engineering magic to reinforce the molecular bonds of matter with free magic elements (ether).


    "Wow, that''s amazing!"


    In front of Jin, Rubina exclaimed with delight when she saw the furnishings in the parlor.


    "Oh, that''s a sculpture made by a craftsman from Mitsuho," explained Reiko.


    Reiko explained.


    She knows Jin very well, but she is not the same Jin who was there four hundred years ago, but a descendant of a very similar one, so she has no choice.


    "Well, ...... you must have trained your modeling skills to make this."


    "Shu, that''s not magic, it was carved by hand."


    What?


    "Don''t forget that engineering magic is a just like a carving knife or a chisel.


    Jin says to Shu as if admonishing him.


    "You''re right, that''s true. ......"


    "There are few people who can use magic in Mitsuho. But the craftsmanship is as good as in other countries. We can learn a lot from them in terms of modeling.


    "I understand!"


    Then Daikie and Cocona arrived.


    "Your rooms are ready. You can go to ......, but only in the study room?��If you ask, I will give up my bedroom and living room.


    Jin shook his head.


    "That''s okay. I''m just grateful to have a place to stay when I drop by."


    Jin had vacated his former study for his own use.


    Daikie and Cocona were cleaning out their personal belongings in the study for this purpose.


    "Mr. Shu, Ms. Rubina, we have prepared a guest room for you, Mr. Rhodes.


    Rhodes and the other three, Edgar, Blitz, Donner, and Uragan were led by Cocona, and Jin went to the study with Daikki. Reiko and Hope followed silently.


    "This way, sir."


    Jin narrowed his eyes as he stepped into the study of the mansion for the first time in a long time.


    It had hardly changed at all from the days when he knew it.


    The only thing that was different was a picture of the old on the back wall.


    The pictures seemed to be taken when Jin was in his prime, and all of his friends had acquired a certain amount of age in their appearance.


    Nevertheless, since Milowina and Martha were also in the picture, it was clear that it was a picture of <> in the group.


    "In the center of the front row of that picture is the previous generation ......2<, Jin Nido. He looks a lot like you.


    Daikie addresses Jin with honorifics even though he is older than him. Taking his hand, Jin bowed gently.


    "Thank you, for protecting this house like this."


    These were sincere and honest words.

 1761 - - 47-42 Old Residence

    Meanwhile, Rhodes and the others are being guided by Cocona.


    "Are you really Mr. Edgar, the automaton created by your predecessor''s wife, Erza-sama?


    Cocona rolled her eyes in surprise when Edgar was introduced to her.


    "Yes, ma''am."


    Edgar answered.


    "I was made by Lady Elsa."


    "Well..."


    Cocona stood speechless, but quickly regained her composure,


    Oh, no. I''ll show you your room at ......."


    She resumes guiding the three and the four.


    Please use this room.


    Cocona led us to the west side of the second floor.


    There are three guest rooms across the hallway.


    Two rooms are on the south side of the corridor and one room is on the north side.


    "I''ll take the north one."


    "Then I''ll take the westernmost one."


    "Okay, I''ll be next to that."


    The room assignment was decided without much trouble.


    "...... hasn''t changed either."


    Edgar muttered as he looked at the guest room.


    "Yes, I heard it has been kept by the Nido family for generations.


    Cocona replies.


    "This is the room used by Erza''s mother, Meene, isn''t it?"


    Edgar pointed to the room next to the guest room on the north side.


    "Oh, is that so?"


    Cocona had never heard of it either.


    The room is empty at the moment.


    It was true that the room was a duplex, but Meane had requested a larger room, as she felt uncomfortable in such a large room, so she decided that it was not suitable for a nobleman. The room was not suitable for aristocratic guests.


    "Is that so?


    Would you like to see it?


    No, ...... yes, I would love to see it."


    Edgar hesitated for a moment and then begged to be allowed to see the mother of his creator''s room.


    "Yes, please."


    Cocona smiled and opened the door. Edgar looked in,


    "Ah, here it is again. Thank you for protecting us.


    He bowed his head to Cocona.


    "Uh, Edgar?��Is this the room used by Erza-sama''s mother who was the wife of Jin-sama?��It''s quite modest, isn''t it?"


    Shu, who peeked in as well, said a little curiously. Edgar explained in a quiet voice.


    "Yes, it might seem that way. Erza-sama''s mother, Meine-sama, used to be a lady-in-waiting, so it seems that she was a simple-minded person.


    "Oh, really?"


    Cocona had never heard of this before and seemed a little surprised to hear Edgar''s explanation.


    "Hmmm... ....... My grandma likes a simple room too."


    Rubina nodded her head when she heard that.


    * * * * * *


    After such a scene, the group settled down in their respective rooms.


    It was now dusk on this eventful December 16th.


    "Well, it''s been a long day.


    Jin said in a deepened tone of voice,


    Rhodes said, "It''s been a busy day, hasn''t it?


    Rhodes chimed in, "It''s been a busy day, hasn''t it?


    "You''re going back to the island tomorrow, right?"


    Rubina asked him to confirm, and he nodded his head.


    "I wish I could stay a little longer, but ...... I''ll miss you."


    Shu said.


    "I guess it can''t be helped this time. I''ll see you next time.


    Jin thinks their reactions are natural. It was a natural reaction since they had left the small world they had been shutting themselves away from and had seen the wider world.


    "The next competition is ...... so ...... oops."


    Jin almost mentioned the competition.


    (LeGrey seems to have thought up the competition himself, but when did he tell the participants about it ......)


    ) Jin thinks such a thing. Yes, it would be very advantageous for LeGray if he announced the venue and the rules just before the competition.


    (Well, I guess he told them with enough time for the other participants to be fully prepared. ......)


    "...... Anyway, when I get back, it''s on to the next competition. You have about a week to prepare. Good luck."


    "Yeah, I''ll do my best!��And then you''ll take me back to the outside world!"


    "I''ll do my best!"


    Rubina and Shu answered cheerfully.


    After dinner Jin took a bath for the first time in a while and stayed the night in the study.


    The sofa in the study was a so-called , which was made to be used as a bed.


    "It''s a great story that you can use it for the first time 400 years after it was made."


    I made it so that I could take a nap in my study when I was busy.


    "You can never be too prepared, can you, father?"


    Reiko made a funny comment.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter. I''m kind of tired today.


    I became again and formed a bond with the Shoro Empire.


    Jin was relieved to see that the current emperor was a man of character.


    "Father, please have a good rest."


    "Yes, I will."


    The next day.


    The next day.


    Early in the morning, Jin sent Hope and Edgar out to retrieve Conlon 3.


    Just as they were finishing breakfast, arrived on the rooftop landing pad.


    For the first time in about 400 years, is parked on the rooftop of Reuthert''s house.


    Daikie and Cocona are thrilled to see it.


    But when Jin told them that he had to leave for a while,


    "Jin-sama, are you leaving already?"


    "I was hoping you would take more time to visit ......."


    "No, I will come back again. No, I will come back again. I was planning to stay only for a short time this time.


    Daikie and Cocona saw Jin and his group off with extremely disappointed looks on their faces as they were about to leave Loisart.


    "So, Jin-sama, are you leaving soon?"


    "No, I''m going to Miyagi once in <>."


    "Why?"


    Rubina looked at him curiously.


    "I thought I''d check on Lotte, the girl Ernest XVII had with him. ...... and Rubina, Lotte is a replica of your ancestor Beena when she was young."


    "What?��Is that so?"


    Apparently Rubina had never heard of such a story.


    "That''s why. Let''s go.


    flew toward Miyagi.

 1762 - - 47-43 Happy Information

    "Oh, Master Jin, the 3rd , you have come well!


    Ernest XVII, the third prince of the Kingdom of Egelea, welcomed Jin with open arms when he arrived in Miyagi to fulfill the promise he had made yesterday.


    "I''ll be on my way back to Japan in a day or two, and to tell you the truth, I was about to give up on you," he said.


    "No, I promised you.


    Jin laughed and decided to rent the castle''s workshop to maintain .


    "......3They say you''re the <>."


    "<> has great skills, doesn''t he?"


    "I''d like to take a look."


    And so on, all the available magical engineers and civil and military officials on duty at the castle came to take a peek.


    Rubina, of course, was the closest to the castle. Shu and Rhodtos were also by the workbench.


    Lotte had already taken off her maid''s uniform and was in the workshop, ready to begin maintenance.


    "Now, Lotte, lie down there while I do the maintenance.


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    Lotte lay down on the workbench as Jin told her to.


    "<>"


    Jin stopped the function first.


    "Then, we will start disassembling."


    After declaring this, Jin removed the exterior of Lotte. The onlookers are awestruck by his deftness.


    "Oh, it''s in such good condition.


    Jin thinks to himself. He was relieved to see that the interior of Lotte was in better condition than he had expected, and was happy to know that it had been cared for by generations of masters.


    "However, the movable parts ...... especially the joints are a little rickety, aren''t they?"


    "What?��Jin-sama, is this it?"


    Rubina, who was watching, raised a surprised voice. She saw that the clearance between the sliding joints was less than one micron.


    "Oh. That''s about three times the original value."


    "Three times as much as this. ...... How much was it in the beginning? ......"


    Rubina looks stunned.


    Receiving a small piece of adamantite from Reiko, Jin quickly applied the coating to the sliding parts.


    The thickness of the coating brought the clearance close to Jin''s ideal value.


    "That''s it."


    The fit of the parts should be as if a line was drawn between them. That is Jin''s motto.


    "Next is the skeletal distortion. ...... no problem. No corrosion."


    Since there was no deterioration of the magical muscles, we should apply <> to strengthen them a little.


    "The magical nerve line is ...... a little damaged. ...... is done now."


    The part that had become thin due to the load is deformed and the thickness is aligned.


    "The ether converter and mana driver are ...... fine."


    Magi devices for speech, vision, and hearing were also checked and any damaged ones were replaced.


    The shield case for the protection against slave rewriting magic has not deteriorated either.


    "That''s it."


    "...... Jin-sama, are you finished?"


    "Finished."


    Jin checks the exterior and installs it.


    This time, in order to show the car to Rubina and Shu, the maintenance work was done at about one-third the usual speed, so it took about 15 minutes.


    Still, it seemed to be an amazing speed for the gallery members.


    "Did you see ......?"


    "......I can''t believe it, but I saw ......."


    "This is what a Magecraft Meister can do. ......


    "So the title is not for nothing. ......


    A few words were exchanged in the shadows. Most of them were inaudible to Jin, but Reiko heard them all, and she felt proud.


    "It''s over."


    "You were fast."


    In about 20 minutes in total, Lotte''s maintenance was finished.


    Ernest XVII, who had been watching the whole thing, was speechless.


    As he himself was familiar with engineering magic, he understood that the quick work Jin had done was not an ordinary one.


    (...... This is the ?)


    Once again, he was amazed at the insanity of it all.


    "Restart Lotte. ......<>"


    "Yes, <>."


    Lotte wakes up and gets up. She quickly puts on the maid''s uniform she has left by her side,


    "Thank you, Jin-sama.


    and bowed deeply to Jin.


    "No . I''m glad to see that ...... you''re being taken care of."


    Jin replied in a gentle tone.


    "Yes. I''m very grateful for your kindness to me."


    Lotte was humbled. Jin looked at her and said,


    "Lotte, what did you do with the tray and the mop?


    She said "Yes, I did.


    "Yes, they were broken when we had a riot a long time ago. I apologize ......."


    "No, you don''t have to apologize. Oh, it''s broken. ...... Okay!"


    Jin found an ingot of light silver in the workshop and added 6 and 4 percent of aluminum and vanadium, respectively, which he had smuggled in, to make <<64 light silver>>. The ingot was then processed and used to make a tray and a piece of silver.


    He processes them to make a tray and a mop. The mop tassels are scraps of magical fibers for magical muscles.


    We then carefully apply to increase the strength of the mop.


    "This is good. This will make it more resistant to breakage than before.


    Jin hands the completed tray and mop to Lotte.


    "Thank you very much. I''ll take good care of it."


    "Uh, yeah. ...... you know, don''t hesitate to use it when you have to, okay?"


    "Yes, sir, I know."


    Jin then turns to Ernest XVII.


    "Your Highness, the maintenance of Lotte has been completed without delay.


    "Oh, yes. ......, thank you, Jin-dono.


    "Your Highness, I hope I can be of further service."


    Lotte also bowed to Ernest XVII.


    "Yes, I look forward to working with you."


    Jin was relieved to see Ernest XVII clapping Lotte''s shoulder with a truly happy expression.


    Jin then decided to take this opportunity to ask something that had been bothering him.


    "Your Highness, may I ask you a question?


    "Hmm?��What is it?��Ask me anything you can. Oh, and please don''t use honorifics. We seem to be close in age, and above all, it itches me to be addressed as "Magecraft Meister" by you.


    "Ha, ha, thank you ...... thank you. ...... Well, the question I wanted to ask you is about an automaton named <>."


    Tia. It is an automata that belonged to Princess Rieschen of the Kingdom of Klein, who became the wife of Ernest <1>400 years ago.


    Since it was made based on the template left by Adriana, it boasts of a performance that sets it apart from other automata.


    Jin restored Tia, which was malfunctioning at the end of its useful life.


    "Well, you know about Tia, don''t you? You are the third generation, aren''t you?


    "Yes, Reiko is here."


    Reiko is like a cousin to Tia," Jin added.


    "I see. ...... Tia is still alive and well. She is taking care of my sister in the country."


    "Your sister ...... Princess?"


    "Yes. She''ll be three this year and she''s very fond of Tia.


    I didn''t know that.


    Jin was relieved to hear that Tia was doing well.


    Jin promised to maintain Tia when he had a chance.

 1763 - - 47-44th round of competition

    Having completed his business for the time being, Jin decided to return to Onogoro Island this time.


    On the way back to Onogoro, he said to himself,


    "Ah, it was fun, even if it was only for a short time!"


    Rubina relaxes contentedly,


    "Thank you, Jin-sama!"


    Shu is politely thanking her.


    "No, I had a good time too, and I missed some things.


    The trip was fruitful in many ways for Jin as well.


    On the way back, headed for the huge lake .


    They returned to Horai Island using the <> there.


    "Wow ...... how did you manage to build something this big in such a short period of time ......"


    Rubina was impressed with the fact that they could build such a big thing in such a short time.


    After getting off the Conlon 3 at Horai Island, the group went to through the newly built warp gate.


    "Oh, you''re back. ...... Oh, grandma!"


    "Welcome home, Rubina."


    Rubina''s grandmother, Amanda Garrett, had come to pick her up.


    Rubina''s parents had passed away early in her life, and she was a grandmother.


    "Miss Jin, it must have been hard for you to babysit your grandchildren, isn''t it?"


    "Ah!��Grandma, that''s terrible!��I didn''t make you work so hard!��You are ......, aren''t you, Jin-sama?"


    Jin laughed and nodded.


    "Yes, I guess so. Rubina has been a good girl, hasn''t she?"


    He patted her on the head and she gave him a squishy smile.


    "I wish that were the case. ...... Then, Jin-sama, please excuse me."


    "Yes. Rubina, go home and relax.


    Rubina, Amanda, Blitz, and Donner were seen off by Jin and left.


    Shu, who was 17 years old, did not seem to be welcomed back, so they went back to their own homes.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Edgar.


    Jin thanked Edgar for piloting .


    "No, Master Jin, it has been an honor to serve as your pilot after 400 years.


    "Well then, Master Jin, if you will excuse me."


    Shu and Edgar also headed home.


    And Trihard Randall greeted Jin.


    "I''m so glad you''re back safe and sound, sir.


    Thank you.


    About the next competition, is that all right with you?


    Yes, it''s interesting, isn''t it?


    Yes.


    Jin had contacted Mr. Trihart through the old man yesterday.


    "I think that would be very safe and exciting," he said.


    "Yes, sir. Can we make the announcement this evening?


    Yes, please.


    In the interest of fairness, Rubina and the others were not informed of the next competition. It will be announced this evening on Onogoro Island.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Rhodes."


    "No, it was fun."


    Jin, Reiko, Hope, Rhodes, Uragan, and the others headed for the laboratory on Onogoro Island.


    * * * * *


    Now, the time has come for the next proposed by Jin to be unveiled.


    Using the > and installed in every household, the entire island of Onogoro was informed of the event.


    <.


    This race was not a full-size car, but a 1/8th scale model car with a length of only 50 centimeters.


    Although the car is controlled remotely, the driver sits in a simulator-like cockpit and operates the steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake while watching a video image of the course transmitted from the car as if he or she were driving the car.


    The pilot must be the one who controls the simulator, which means that the skill of tuning the simulator to his or her own needs is also required.


    This was the conclusion that Jin reached after reducing the risk of accidents and pursuing the competitive aspect.


    The skill to keep the overall length of the car to a compact size of 50 cm was also tested.


    The course for this race was an oval course. It is just like a 400-meter track in Japan.


    The surface is a leveled dirt track with no pavement, which will also be a test of skill.


    The race will be broadcasted by the magic eye and the magic screen, and will be projected on a large screen and should be very powerful .......


    "Sounds awesome!"


    Rubina was suddenly enthusiastic,


    "It''s going to be worth it!"


    And so were the other descendants.


    And what will make the competition even more exciting is the fact that Jin will also participate.


    > is the reason.


    Of course, Jin''s ranking will not affect the King/Queen competition.


    As a matter of fact, Jin was not sure if it was ...... that made it difficult for him to come up with a regulation that would allow him to participate, since he was also reluctant to talk about it.


    Trihart explains.


    This is a car racing system that Jin is familiar with. However, Jin is not familiar with it, so he has set up the vague points in his own way.


    He also explained detailed regulations such as the overall length, width, and height, the car must have four wheels, must run on tires (no injection propulsion devices are allowed), and the car must be made of any material.


    These will be given to the participants in writing.


    "Well, I''m looking forward to it."


    It was Jin who couldn''t bear to just watch.


    "Well, we have a week, so we can take our time in making it.


    This was Jin''s first time making this category.


    "Jin-san, may I join in?


    "Wow, I''d like to participate, too.


    In addition to Rhodes, Maricka, who had just arrived, said something like that.


    Of course.


    This is going to be interesting, thought not only the residents of Onogoro Island, but also Jin.


    Incidentally, as Jin had hoped, the old man had recorded the video of the held in the Shoro Kingdom, so he broadcast it during the preparation period, and it seemed to be well received.


    Even though there was no winner.


    And the week passed in a flash.

 1764 - - 47-45 Practice Run

    December 23.


    <, the day of practice runs.


    The final number of participants was 13. This is because Jin, Rhodes, and Maricka joined the 10 who participated in the previous Golem Boat Race.


    The numbers were the same as the previous year. The numbers of Jin and Marikka, who are spot participants, are 11 for Jin, 12 for Rhodoth, and 13 for Marikka.


    Incidentally, there is no jinx associated with numbers such as 4, 9, and 13 in the Ars world.


    "Well, what kind of car did you guys make?


    "I''m looking forward to it, father."


    Reiko is walking next to Hitoshi, holding a the size of a small storage room above her head.


    And Jin is holding the finished car ......<>. The color of the car is black.


    He is taking it to the competition site.


    The shape of the cockpit looks just like the one in a video game arcade. It would be difficult to use it in any other shape.


    "That shape, which has been continuously improved for game use, is the ultimate and best, isn''t it?


    Jin muttered to himself in a slightly, or rather quite high tension.


    It was the result of repeated adjustments until ...... late last night, or even until dawn.


    Reiko couldn''t stop seeing Jin looking so happy for the first time in a long time.


    Since the main competition would be held tomorrow, Jin was expected to be put to sleep tonight, even if it was by force.


    The booth was dedicated to the pilot''s seat.


    After setting up the < in the dedicated booth, Jin decided to give it a test run right away.


    "Ah, Jin-sama!"


    Then Rhodes and Marikka arrive. So numbers 11, 12, and 13 are all here.


    The pilot''s seats are lined up side by side in numerical order from number 1 to 13.


    Their pilot''s seats are not much different from those of Jin. In the first place, the way of operating a car is the same as that in modern Japan, so there should be no major differences.


    Yes, unless you have an idea like Rubina''s .......


    "...... and what is that?"


    In addition to the monitor screen showing the images from the car, there was another screen in Rubina''s <.


    "Oh, this?��<


    "Overhead monitor?


    From the name, Jin guessed that it was a monitor for a bird''s eye view of the car. And then.


    "So that''s what it is!��That''s what I''m talking about, Rubina."


    "What?��You figured it out?"


    "Yes."


    In other words, apart from the driver''s point of view, a spectator''s point of view, or rather, a point of view looking down from right above the course, was added.


    In modern Japan, some vehicles are equipped with a similar function, which is extremely useful when parking the car in a garage.


    "But where are you getting this image from?"


    <.


    "You know, we''re going to send a blow floater up into the sky."


    "I see."


    It is true that there is no regulation that forbids such an act. If there is a next time, it will be forbidden or the same video will be sent to everyone, but this time Rubina''s idea won, Jin thought.


    Rubina''s idea won this time, Jin thought.


    "Yes, it''s going well."


    Jin built what the modeling world calls a .


    It was a Christmas present that he bought for a child at the orphanage with his first bonus.


    I can picture the scene of several people taking turns using one racing buggy, taking turns and playing together.


    Although Jin did not know whether such a real car actually existed or not, the size of the model could be reproduced without any problem at all.


    The car has large-diameter dirt tires and a four-wheel independent suspension with a large stroke. The body shape is a little F1-like. The rear wing is attached.


    This wing is movable, and when braking, the angle of the wing is increased to increase the grip of the rear wheels and also works as an air brake.


    The wing was not designed as an aerodynamic stabilizer. This is because the aerodynamic effect is small at this size.


    "Mr. Jin, that''s what I''m talking about. ......"


    Marikka''s car has an orthodox shape from Jin''s point of view. It is a design similar to what we would call a < in modern Japan.


    The body of the car is reminiscent of a kamaboko, with a board, and four wheels protruding from the body. The front wheels have mudguards.


    The tires are wide, the four wheels have independent suspension, and the body is made of light silver.


    "This is quite fun."


    The Road Toss also had the same orthodox shape.


    It seems to be based on Jin''s first horseless carriage.


    The other participants Jin saw had similar designs.


    But Rubina''s was different.


    "Hmmm..."


    Again, Jin let out a voice of admiration.


    Rubina''s car looked like a racing kart. However, the body completely covered the front and rear wheels, indicating that aerodynamics were taken into consideration.


    The tires are slightly smaller in diameter than those of other cars, but this does not seem to be a problem on this course.


    Since the inertia and gyroscopic effect increases at high speeds, the lighter the tires and wheels are, the better. This is probably the reason why the small-diameter tires were chosen.


    However, small tires have the disadvantages of poor drivability on rough roads and easy tire wear during long-distance driving.


    "...... Wow, this is so difficult!"


    Rubina seemed to be piloting the car for the first time and was quite confused.


    Rhodes, on the other hand, was able to drive the car quite well, thanks to his high physical ability.


    And as for Jin?


    "Well, it''s difficult when I do it by myself.


    He seems to be having a hard time.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Before noon that day, all the participants had gathered for a practice run.


    Since the course was originally designed for actual cars, there was enough space for 13 cars to practice and there was little risk of collisions.


    Everyone seemed to be driving their cars in their own way and trying to get used to the controls.


    "Oh, they are doing it.


    While Jin was taking a break, Trihardt came over.


    "This one looks interesting, even though it''s small," he said.


    "I guess so. It gives us a bird''s eye view of the entire course.


    It would be visible to the naked eye and projected on the magic screen, so it would be easier for the spectators to grasp the whole picture of the competition.


    "It will also make it easier to prepare the course."


    Jin nodded.


    "It also means that there is less danger, since the objective is to compete with each other''s skills.


    Trihart nodded.


    "That''s true. We need to have this kind of competition.


    Trihart then looked at the course.


    About six cars are practicing.


    "Oh, number 2 is Shu, isn''t it? He''s quite fast, isn''t he?


    "Yes, he is. But today is just a practice run, so I think everyone is still hiding their abilities.


    "No, I''m looking forward to tomorrow.


    Trihardt laughed as he said this.

 1765 - - 47-46 Qualification starts!

    December 24. In the morning is the qualifying round.


    < is about to start! >>


    Once again, the play-by-play announcer is Ruckhard Randall. He seems to like this role.


    <<Wonderfully, the guests of honor are Mr. Jin, Ms. Marikka, and Mr. Rhodes! >>


    The crowd is in a state of excitement.


    <>


    There was an even louder cheer.


    <


    More cheers, proving that Zion is also loved by the residents of .


    <


    <


    <


    A chuckle breaks out from the audience.


    <>


    <


    * * * * * *


    "Oh, Zion is here today too?"


    Jin heard Zion''s voice and thought to himself.


    Theon couldn''t make it to the last boat competition. He was looking forward to it this time.


    "Well then, let''s have a final practice.


    After yesterday''s practice run, he had a rough idea of the boat''s performance.


    After that, he had been trying to find the best setting for himself by slightly changing the maneuverability of the car and adjusting the gear ratios.


    He strengthened the parts that were worn out, and is now preparing for today''s qualifying round.


    This was not only Jin, but all the other contestants were thinking the same thing.


    "30 minutes left. That''s it for practice.


    Rubina muttered as she looked at the clock on the side of the course.


    "I think we''re almost set up the way we want to be.


    The car with the number 10 on its side sped down the course.


    The car with the number 12 in front of it overtook the car from the inside, and its performance was very consistent.


    "Well, Rubina''s car seems to be quite complete.


    Rhodes smiled wryly.


    "Ugh, it''s difficult."


    Marikka''s car was quite fast in a straight line, but it was not very stable, slowing down too much before a corner, or turning too slowly, or turning too hard without slowing down enough.


    >


    Zion, who is watching from the commentary seat, says this with a wry smile on his face.


    * * * *


    < to begin. Once again, the live commentary will be provided by myself, Ruckhardt Randall. And our guest is Mr. Zion! >>


    The introduction was greeted with even more cheers than before.


    <> The bell rings with a clang.


    The bell rings to announce that the qualifying round has started.


    <>


    At this point, there are 8 cars on the course. Numbers 1,2,3,4,7,10,12, 13.


    After all, he is the proposer of this race. It would not be surprising if he has a secret plan.


    <<>


    <


    The body looks like a slender canoe turned inside out, with four wheels sticking out of it. The body color is red and white.


    The design is similar to that of the early F-1 cars.


    <>


    .


    It would be a bit harsh to say that this is a common design or a safe design, but it is a solid design.


    Shu seems to have chosen a solid line, not to be eccentric. The body colors are blue and yellow.


    <>


    Eugene also has an orthodox design. His body color is white and green.


    <>


    The body is pointed. The body is sharply pointed. To put it simply, it looks like a carrot split in half vertically. The body color is orange and blue.


    <>


    This is another orthodox design. The body color is red and blue.


    >


    Her body color is red and yellow.


    <>


    The body color is green and yellow.


    <<>


    Body color is red on silver.


    The eight model cars run the 400-meter track in about 40 seconds.


    This is faster than the human 400-meter run. It would be about 40 kilometers per hour.


    The fastest among them are numbers 10 and 12.


    <


    Sion expresses his admiration.


    >


    Rhodes'' car is ahead, but Rubina is also trying to catch up to him. The time was under 40 seconds.


    "Both of you are doing very well."


    Jin was watching the qualifying rounds from his car parked in the pits.


    "Father, are you sure you can relax?"


    Reiko, who works as a pit crew (technical staff), seemed to be concerned.


    "Yeah, we still have 50 minutes to go."


    For Jin, the qualifying time is just a bonus, and he is aiming for a higher position in the main race.


    So, he is taking his time to see what happens.


    At the same time, he is analyzing the characteristics of each car.


    So far, the best time is 38.2 seconds by the number 12, RODOTOS.


    This is followed by the number 10, Rubina, with a time of 39.5 seconds.


    This is followed by number 2, Shu with a time of 40.1 seconds and number 4, Grina with a time of 40.9 seconds. Rubina''s car was in the top 10.


    "Watch out for Rubina''s car. ......"


    Jin seemed to have noticed something.


    Fifteen minutes had passed when a loud cheer went up.


    It was Rhodes who had set the fastest time.


    "36.9 seconds...that''s ...... good!"


    He was the top runner with a lead of more than two seconds over the second-place finisher. This is a record that can only be set by the Northern races with their superior physical ability and reflex speed.


    With this record, Roth ended his qualifying run.


    Rubina also qualified in second place with a time of 39.0 seconds flat.


    Shu was also satisfied with his third place finish with a time of 39.1 seconds.


    "All right, let''s get out of here.


    "Yes, father."


    Jin was waiting for the moment when the number of other cars on the course would decrease.

 1766 - - 47-47 Qualification is over

    with number 11, Gin-sama, has entered the course! >>


    The crowd went wild again.


    >


    The racing buggy-type speeds along the track at its own pace with few other cars around.


    And then the corner.


    Sion is impressed.


    "...... failed, didn''t it?"


    Jin is painfully aware of his mistake.


    "Father, what''s wrong?"


    Reiko asked anxiously at Jin''s muttering.


    "We are on the ...... course."


    "The course?"


    "Yes," Jin replied. It''s not a paved road, it''s a dirt road that''s been cleared, so you can scrape it."


    Some cars had tires with metal spikes on them, and everyone was aiming for the inside of the course, so it was very uneven.


    Jin''s had no problem on the uneven terrain, but his speed was slowed down.


    "On the other hand, it would have been better to push him away from the very beginning. ......"


    This was the result of overthinking.


    However, it is Jin''s work, so .......


    >


    He runs reasonably well.


    "But my vision is still blurred."


    The 4-wheel independent suspension, suspension and dampers have been carefully adjusted, but the visibility is still blurred when driving at high speeds.


    As a matter of fact, Jin, who is prone to motion sickness, wanted to finish the qualifying in a short period of time.


    "I''m going to play > while ...... Oh, I made such an accessory once before. ...... What is it?"


    "......Magic formula (Magi formula) is engraved, but it has not been activated. ......Ah, maybe."


    It may be that when the bracelet was duplicated by Magiatom as a <>, it also stopped working and had to be started.


    "<>......"


    I tried it, and it seems that I was right. I was feeling a little queasy, but now I feel much better.


    "I was careless."


    Anyway, now I can concentrate on flying to my heart''s content, thought Jin.


    <>


    <


    <<>


    Theon knows that Rhodes'' strength is his physical ability and reflex speed, but he does not intend to say so at this point.


    >


    Number 12 of the Road Toss is speeding down the course and .......


    <>


    Sion laughed and congratulated Rhodes on his good race.


    Jin, on the other hand, was not going to get any more enthusiastic and was going to run the whole race until the end of the time, still in second place in the qualifying. No time trial.


    And the other participants.


    <


    Shireen''s car is green and white. Her best course time was 39.1 seconds, the same as Shu.


    In such a case, the first one to set a time will be considered as the higher rank.


    <<


    The design of this car is orthodox, but it is quite fast. The body color was red and black. The time was 39.5 seconds.


    << Number 8, Florence Fahlheit!��Last time she finished 8th!��How about this time? >>


    As Sion said, Florence''s car was not very good and she finished the qualifying session with a time of 41.3 seconds. The body color is blue and white.


    <<< Number 9, Elvis Alcott!��Burning for revenge for his 7th place finish last time, he is participating this time with the smallest car! >>


    With an overall length of only 36 cm, it is indeed the smallest car. This means that the car weighs less, and if the power systems are the same, the lighter the car is, the faster it should be. The body color is black and yellow.


    The time was 39.9 seconds.


    The time was 39.9 seconds.


    At 11:00 a.m., the qualifying session was over. After a two-hour break, the final race will start at 1:00 PM.


    The next two hours will be used for lunch, rest, and car maintenance.


    Incidentally, since the course will be reconstructed, there will be no more practice runs.


    The final standings are as follows


    Pole position: The first qualifier is the Road Toss number 12 with a time of 36 seconds flat. The color is yellow on green.


    Second place was Jin, number 11, with a time of 36.2 seconds.


    Third place was Rubina, number 10, with a time of 39.2 seconds flat. The color is red and yellow.


    In fourth place, Shu, number 2, with a time of 39.1 seconds.


    In fifth place, Shireen, number 5, with a time of 39.01 seconds.


    6th place, Sydney, number 6. Time 39.5.


    7th place, Greiner, number 4. Time 39.7. Blue on orange.


    8th , Eugene, number 3. Time 39.8. Green on white.


    9th Elvis, number 9. Time 39.9. Yellow on black.


    10th, Natalia, number 1. Time: 40 seconds flat. She is red and white.


    Werner, number 7, time 40.01. Colours red and blue.


    The time was 40.2 seconds. Colour red on silver.


    The time was 41.3 seconds. Colors are blue and white.


    Although the first and second places are far ahead of the rest, the original contestants are competing in a very close race.


    <


    says Zion.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Ugh, it''s so difficult to fly.


    "Haha, that''s just like Marikka."


    Jin smiles at Marikka.


    "I envy ...... Road Toss."


    "Marikka-sama!"


    Jin and the other three guests were having lunch together.


    Sandwiches, hamburgers, and fried coca-cola.


    It''s a fast-food kind of menu, but it''s not bad.


    "I''d get fat if I ate this every day..."


    Jin thought, but did not say it out loud.


    After lunch, everyone starts working on their cars.


    The main competition is about to begin.

 1767 - - 47-48 Early Remote Control Car Race

    10 minutes before 1:00 pm.


    <> is about to begin! >>


    The live feed has begun.


    The final is scheduled to start at exactly 1:00pm, so the live commentary will start a little earlier.


    <>


    The crowd cheers and applauds.


    Luckhardt explained the starting positions of the contestants.


    The pilots, who had not yet taken their seats, stood by their cars, waving and bowing.


    Pole position is at the very inside of the course. The cars are lined up in a horizontal line, with the following cars facing outward in that order.


    <


    The remaining minutes are used for commentary.


    >


    The crowd cheered again.


    The female golem holds up a placard that reads <2 minutes to start>.


    The pilots take their seats.


    The countdown to the start of the race has begun.


    Only the sound of voices echoes in the silent stadium.


    <<10......9......8......7......6......5......>>


    From the fifth second remaining, the signal lights that indicate the start of the race are illuminated with red lights.


    They light up in order from the bottom to the top. .......


    <>


    At the last moment, it changes to green.


    <<<0!


    Just at 1:00 p.m., the race is about to start.


    <<>


    While Ruckhardt spoke excitedly, Zion stated in a calm manner. The contrast is quite good, Jin thought in a corner of his mind as he was piloting the car.


    The second place went to number 10, Rubina. Perhaps reflecting her personality, Rubina''s car had a lot of power.


    This meant that the tires could not transfer the power to the road, especially when accelerating, i.e. .


    And this course is not paved. I mean...


    "Whoa, whoa!


    "Whoa!"


    The car right behind me was getting rained on by a cloud of gravel.


    "Aah!��I''m sorry!"


    Rubina apologizes, but does not slow down.


    Shu and Shireen, numbers 2 and 5, had slowed down to avoid the direct hit from the gravel, and had fallen to the bottom of the pack.


    Zion saw this and laughed bitterly.


    >


    The reason why Jin and Rubina switched places is that when they were overtaken on acceleration, they did not want to stay behind Rubina and swung to the outside of the course.


    (Rubina''s tires were made of metal, probably because he didn''t want to wear them out. ...... That''s why gravel was flying.)


    This is what Jin noticed during the qualifying session.


    During the practice session, no one noticed because they were not accelerating as hard as they could, and during the qualifying session, most of them were so busy setting their best lap times that only Jin noticed it.


    But at this point, everyone knew.


    As Sion said, all the cars ......, that is, all the 12 cars except for Rubina''s car, were now running to avoid being right behind the number 10. The course is too big for the size of the cars.


    .


    In response to Zion''s comment, Lackhardt demanded a detailed explanation.


    >


    <>


    After a preface, Zion started to explain.


    <<


    <<< is ah. Since the diameter is multiplied by the circumference, it is 60 meters and 66 meters. So it''s 6 meters.


    <>


    <<< Well, 600 meters and 606 meters, so it''s still 6 meters.


    <<>


    <>


    The ratio of the former is 60:66 �� 0.91, the latter is 60 0:606 �P 0.99.


    In other words, Zion meant to say that the larger the corner radius, the smaller the influence of the in-course and out-course.


    To put it another way, a one-eighth scale automobile race on a 400-meter track is a mismatch in terms of scale.


    Everyone tries to take the inside track empirically, but taking the outside track does not affect the time that much.


    This brings us to Zion''s statement earlier, <>.


    I explained it in a roundabout way, but the point is that Zion meant to say that it would not be so much of a disadvantage to avoid running behind the number 10 car.


    However, the gap still exists.


    Would it be as Zion predicted? He did not know.


    * * * *


    And while the commentators and guests were talking, the race was still going on and the first lap was about to end.


    The standings were 12,9,11,10,8,6, 7,4,5,1,13,2,5.


    The Road Toss car was in the top position, as was the case in the qualifying session.


    Lap times were around 40 seconds. Everyone was still waiting to see what would happen.


    Meanwhile, the Road Toss car (number 12) is about to take the lead.


    ��Road Toss is the type of driver who can outrun the pack.)


    There are two types of runners: those who can do better than their abilities when they are chasing up, and those who can do better than their abilities when they are running away. Rhodes seems to be the latter.


    He doesn''t like pressure, so he can act spontaneously by taking the lead.


    This is the type that can get away with it.


    In fact, Jin is the same way. We understand each other well because we are the same.


    Jin was looking at the number 9 in front of him.


    "Okay, here it is!


    He slowed down before the corner and moved forward at once.


    With a sharp steering maneuver, he makes a sharp turn and heads for the exit of the corner, crossing in front of the number 10.


    "Kyaaa!"


    Jin''s car crosses in front of you. Rubina is far enough ahead, but in her haste, she abruptly brakes.


    "Oh, no!"


    Her slowdown allows 8, 6, and 7 to pass her.


    "Ugh, I''ve been hit!"


    He impatiently goes into full throttle, and the wheelspin occurs again, sending him bouncing off the gravel. This time there was no car behind him.


    "Oh, no!


    He rushed to pull back a little, but it was already too late, and the number 4 car had passed him.


    "Ugh!


    <>.


    <<> muttered Zion, who was watching the race.


    The race has only just begun.

 1768 - - 47-49 In the middle of a remote-controlled car race

    The race has just completed 10 laps.


    The current standings are: numbers 12,11,9,10,8. 2,6,3,7,5,1,4,13, 2,6,3,7,5,1,4,13.


    Sion muttered ruefully.


    Meanwhile, Rhodes is still in the lead. Rhodes is still in the lead, trailed by Jin by about 3 seconds.


    Rubina has also moved up to 4th place.


    >


    Lackhardt''s commentary is getting stronger and stronger.


    <<>


    Jin was also 2 seconds ahead of the 3rd place finishers. And he was using Rhodes'' car as a pacemaker.


    (Surprisingly easy ......)


    Yes, it was easier for him to follow the car behind since the performance of the cars were close to each other. As a run-away type driver, this was the first time for me to know this.


    Rhodes is a good driver. Better than Jin.


    And Jin was beginning to get the hang of how to make Rhodes run, albeit somewhat by following behind him.


    Rhodes knows this, too, but it is difficult to run fast enough to outrun Jin. At least for now.


    (I can go full throttle with less than 10 laps to go, though.)


    ) It was with this thought in mind that Rhodes drove his car.


    But for Rhodes, a northerner, it is not a burden to run at the current pace.


    Marikka, on the other hand, was not so sure.


    (ah, ah, ah, ah ......)


    Even at a young age, her athletic abilities were below average.


    But she was talented in engineering and magic, and as Jin''s first disciple in the Nordic Federation, she is at the top of her family in that field.


    However, although she has become more thoughtful with age, her athletic ability has declined.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    >


    <


    For Theon, Marikka will always be "that girl".


    But....


    As if noticing something, Zion lets out a chuckle.


    * * * * *


    Running second from last is the car of Greenina Kuzma, number 4.


    As we are now in the middle of the race, there is a tendency for the male participants to be in the top positions and the female participants to be in the bottom positions.


    It is simply a difference in driving ability. Since they do not usually drive vehicles by themselves, they are not good at this kind of competition.


    Although she was glad that she was not in last place, she was a little bit disappointed that it was her beloved Marikka.


    But then...


    "Huh?"


    Marikka''s number 13 seems to be catching up a little.


    >


    Sion let out a laugh, knowing that his prediction had come true.


    <<>


    Ruckhardt noticed this and asked a question.


    <<>


    Marikka was not taking the line particularly consciously. She did not even calculate that the in-course course is even slightly shorter.


    She was running approximately in the middle of the course.


    And there are almost no other cars running in that area. In other words, the road surface is not rough and easy to drive on.


    In addition, Marikka cars have mild characteristics. In addition, Marikka''s cars are mild in character, i.e., they are built with emphasis on , so they do not spin the tires with their powerful torque and therefore do not scrape the road surface.


    Therefore, Marikka was able to drive the car at her own pace, and therefore her lap times were gradually ...... improving, albeit slightly.


    Furthermore, Maricka, like Rhodes, is a genuine . Physically, she does not feel tired with this kind of load.


    And except for her unfamiliarity with the controls, Marikka''s concentration is unparalleled. That''s why she is the leader in engineering magic.


    The crowd went wild.


    "Go for it, Marikka!


    they cheered.


    Marikka was so focused on the race that she could not hear the cheers.


    The first lap of the race was a little slow.


    On the 15th lap, several groups were forming.


    The leaders are still 12,11,10,9 with a 1 to 3 second gap. The second group was 5 seconds behind.


    The second group is 5 seconds behind with 8,2,6,3.


    The third group is another 4 seconds behind with 7,5,1,4,13.


    No, 13 is running at his own pace, so it may not be a group. .......


    "Nah, I can''t seem to get past Jin-sama!"


    Rhodes, number 12, is in the lead and Jin, number 11, is in second place. Rubina, number 10, is running in third place. Just behind is number 9, Elvis Alcott.


    Now Jin and Rubina are going tail to nose.


    It was interesting to see them duke it out. Most of the spectators were watching the battle for second place.


    Jin was running what he thought was his best line.


    Rubina was following him, and she was following a line similar to Jin''s. But this was a mistake. However, this was a mistake.


    Rubina''s car, which was following a line similar to that of Jin''s car with completely different performance and characteristics, was not able to fully utilize its characteristics.


    Tires with metal spikes, plenty of torque.


    To make the most of these characteristics, the car should have entered the corner at an acute angle, spun the rear wheels to change direction at once after decelerating sharply, and then let the wheels spin down to get a grip and accelerate steadily.


    Such sharp cornering is suited to the car.


    But Rubina is still too inexperienced to realize that.


    That''s why Jin thinks this kind of competition will bring her a lot. And so do the other participants.


    Jin''s car has rubber tires, so it runs with a sure grip. He follows the theory of "throw-in-first-out" in cornering. Well, this part is taken from a manga I once read.


    At the end of the race, Marikka had finally overtaken the number 4 car and moved up to 12th place.


    "Marikka-sama, you are definitely getting a little bit faster!"


    By lap 18, Maricka had set a time of 37.7 seconds, equivalent to 3rd place in the qualifying round.


    However, the lap times of the top group were now in the 35-second range.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    >


    As the cheers of the crowd grow louder, numbers 12 and 11 go tail-to-nose. Jin seems to have mastered the art of running the best line.


    ��No, Jin-sama is not to be underestimated. We have to spurt here. ......!)


    ) Rhodes was even more motivated.


    It was now the end of the race.

 1769 - - 47-50 End of remote control car race

    After all, the best part of a race is a close battle.


    In a sense, it is a bit disappointing to see a single strong team win the race by a landslide.


    As the <> entered the final stages, close and heated battles were beginning to unfold in each group.


    The fiercest group was the second group. The numbers 8, 2, 6, and 3 were all mixed up, and the positions were changing rapidly.


    >


    Just as Sion said, the number 8 is gaining speed, spraying gravel, and following the number 2. Then, on the corner, he pulled out from the outside to cover the car, and was able to pull out in front of it.


    >


    The crowd is heating up. The dead heat between the two is a spectacular sight to see.


    However, the number 2 car is not going to stay in the same position.


    On the straight, the car slightly changed course to the outside and accelerated at full speed.


    However, he did not lose time by spinning the wheels like Rubina.


    Shu accelerates just before the tires lose grip. This is where we could see his sense of maneuvering.


    Meanwhile, in the battle for the top position, Rhodes was a bit early, but he had started to drive his car at full throttle, and the gap between him and the second-place finishers was about 4 seconds.


    "Rhodes, you''re good!"


    Jin thought it was time to give it his all.


    Unlike Rhodes, who is from the north, Jin himself is not used to this kind of maneuvering.


    He thought that he would only have five or six laps to go before he would be able to concentrate enough to drive at full speed.


    It is now lap 23. Only 7 laps to go.��Jin asks himself, "Can I do it?


    (Not that he has to maintain his best concentration throughout the seven laps. Let''s go to ......!)


    Jin comes to a conclusion in his mind and decides to use the full potential of the <>.


    >


    A serious battle has begun.


    Rhodes accelerates his car even faster. <120%>.


    Jin, on the other hand, was at <80%>.


    The difference between percent and percentage is the unit of measure in each of their consciousness.


    Rhodes is a runner who literally draws out performance beyond his capabilities.


    Jin ran at the very edge of what he could control.


    It was a close battle.


    When the number 11 car tried to push the inside, the number 12 car swung its tail and did not let him in.


    When the road tossers tried to push away and sped down the straight at more than top speed, Jin''s car was able to keep up with them.


    Zion, who was watching the situation, nodded his head repeatedly as if he was satisfied with the situation.


    >


    <


    Will Rhodes'' car reach its limit earlier or will Jin lose his concentration first?


    On the surface, Sion is calm, but inwardly he is excited to see how the race goes.


    * * * * * *


    Now, the battle was intensifying in the other groups.


    The third group was now numbered 7,5,13,4,1.


    Marikka was now running in the 37-second range, a victory for her own pace.


    Marikka was now lapping in the 37s, while Jin and Rhodes had already reached 35s.


    And with a time difference of 3 seconds, it would take 11 to 12 laps for the lead group to catch up to them.


    In fact, the third group has already been overtaken twice by numbers 12, 11, 10, The third group had already been overtaken twice by numbers 12, 11, 10, 9 and so on.


    And now the second group, numbers 8, 2, 6, 3 and others have caught up with them.


    >


    A one second difference in lap time is a big one, but not enough to overtake them all at once.


    If they had taken a course around the outside here, they could have easily overtaken, but none of the cars in the second group did so.


    <<>


    They entered the corner in a dangling situation. Cars with different lap times were jostling each other, resulting in contact between the cars.


    The cars were cornering and the lateral Gs were applied, making it easy for the cars to lose their balance.


    The two cars that made contact with each other hit three more cars, causing them to spin out. It was chaos.


    >


    Marikka, who is running alone on the outside, is not caught up in this chaos and has taken the lead of the third group. She is indeed not the leader of the second group.


    >


    Fortunately, no cars were turned over or disabled, so the race was not interrupted and continued.


    However, this accident caused a major shake-up in the standings.


    The top group remains the same with numbers 12, 11, 10, and 9.


    >


    Lackhardt was in such a hurry that he forgot that the third group was lapped.


    After a lap with the confusion cleared up, the order finally became clear.


    >


    <>.


    Thanks to my pace.


    But then comes the next confusion.


    The second and third groups were jostling for position when the lead group caught up with them.


    <>


    The dangling pack was back together again on the 27th lap of the race, which should have happened on the last lap.


    The two cars with the biggest advantage at this point were


    Marikka, number 13, was running at her own pace.


    The number 10, Rubina, who can be seen in the overhead video.


    "...... is in the way. Can''t you maintain your top speed indeed? ......"


    "I guess these things happen. ...... I guess I don''t have a choice."


    Rhodes and Jin slowed down, but.


    Marikka!


    Rubina!


    The two cars are driving through the empty out-course, while the in-course is crowded with cars.


    ��Oh, yeah!)


    Jin immediately realized the advantage.


    He turns the steering wheel of the car and sends it toward the out-course.


    A moment later, the Rhodes is on the same course.


    Shu, number 2, and Eugene, number 3, also noticed this and followed suit.


    However, due to this mix-up, Rubina''s number 10 finally took the lead.


    "Yay!��I''m in first place!


    Rubina is still young and therefore quite uneven. She is still young and can be more than capable, depending on her mood.


    And now was the time.


    As if to release the frustration of being in third place for so long, the number 10 car sprinted around the course with no one in front of him.


    His lap time was 35.1 seconds, a course record.

 1770 - - 47-51 Remotely controlled automobile race settled

    <>


    Rubina''s number 10 sprints to the front.


    "Yes!��There''s no one ahead of me now!"


    Number 10''s lap time is still in the low 36s. That''s pretty fast.


    Numbers 11 and 12 were close behind.


    "Rubina, you did well. ......, but we have our own reasons."


    Jin had a good time.


    Jin enjoyed the fact that he could give it his all in this way.


    <>


    Lackhardt shouts. The crowd is going crazy.


    * * * * * *


    The three cars of 11, 12, and 9 are chasing number 10.


    They are running hard as if it is the last time.


    (Rubina''s handling is rough. (Rubina''s maneuvering is rough. There is still room for her to overtake.)


    Although she has shown a lot of growth in this competition, she is still a child. She is still a child, and she is not without her unevenness.


    But what makes up for it is the overhead monitor. You can see at a glance which side of the course you are running, thus making the course easier to navigate.


    The disadvantage is that Rubina has to drive the car while watching the monitor.


    "Ugh ...... my eyes are getting tired!"


    Yes. To drive the car at full speed, we can''t stop looking at the front of the car.


    Then she glances at the overhead monitor and corrects her course. It was a heavy burden for Rubina, who was still getting used to it.


    Two laps to go. Rubina gritted her teeth to defend her lead.


    The lapped cars are far behind her in terms of timing, and with two laps to go, she will not be able to catch up with them. It should be much easier to keep an eye on the front .......


    "Aaah!"


    Rubina''s car scraped her stomach.


    Yes, the course was unpaved, and now, at the end of the race, it was gouged and rutted here and there.


    Rubina''s car was lower than those of Jin and Rhodes. Therefore, they were vulnerable to large gouges.


    The belly rub made the car unstable and slowed it down slightly.


    Jin and Rhodes did not miss this opportunity.


    "Oh, I''m hit. ......"


    * * * *


    >


    <<


    Numbers 11 and 12 are racing side by side instead of front to back.


    Jin''s car is on the outside and Rhodes'' car is on the inside.


    >


    <<


    Zion speaks calmly.


    <<>


    * * * * * *


    Jin suddenly decelerates at the entrance of the corner. This allows Rhodes'' car to temporarily pull ahead.


    However, Jin takes advantage of his reduced speed and makes a sharp turn. It was his signature sharp angle turn.


    Then he accelerates. The lines of Rhodes'' car and Jin''s car crossed.


    "Okay, now I have the inside track.


    "You did it, Jin-sama!"


    However, Rhodes was no slouch either. He skillfully maneuvered his car and successfully exited the corner alongside Jin''s car.


    "Rhodes, you''re good!"


    Jin grinned from the driver''s seat.


    Technique, not technology. Software, not hardware.


    It had been a long time since such a confrontation.


    One and a half laps to go.


    "Let''s go in a straight line!"


    Jin decided to give the Beetle full power.


    Not the 80% we''ve been giving you, but 10%.


    "Oops!"


    The <> lost its balance after passing the Roadtoss number 12.


    It bounced three times and ended up near the outermost part of the course.


    However, the road surface was not so rough as there were hardly any cars running in that area, and Jin managed to get his car back on its feet.


    (Phew, it''s a good thing I installed dampers properly.)


    Suspension is a spring. Without dampers, the shaking would not be dampened, and in a case like this, the car would bounce around, and in the worst case, it could even tip over.


    In this respect, Jin understood the importance of dampers in his bones from his carriage trip with Erza and Reinhardt 400 years ago.


    And Jin had once again experienced the ease of driving on the outer course (see !).


    (This is ......!)


    (This is from !) In theory, he knew that the outer course would not be too rough, but now that he had been driving on the rough surface for a long time, controlling the cars, he felt relieved and thought that this ease of driving would allow him to drive at his best.


    ��He was 90% there!)


    However, Jin is a cautious man who is afraid to drive at 90% power because he is afraid to drive at 10% as he did before.


    * * * * * *


    >


    Rubina''s number 10 is back in the lead as the cars of Jin and Rhodes get tangled up.


    (The Jin I know should be able to handle this kind of handicap and adversity. ...... Hey, Jin?)


    Theon does not say the latter half of the line, but mutters it only in his mind.


    And just as he thought, Jin''s car accelerated again.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "All right, go, go, go, go!


    The number 11 car accelerates furiously. Using the outermost part of the course, which even Marikka did not use, the car shows a steady drive.


    And he is faster than the other cars.


    He seems to be slightly faster even when he is going around the outer most part of the corner.


    "d*mn!��That''s Jin-sama!"


    <


    The acceleration on the exit of the corner was slightly faster.


    "Oh, no!


    The tires lose grip and the wheels spin. That is a loss of power and time.


    Number 12 of the RODOTOS, who was following diagonally behind, calmly swerved to avoid the flying gravel and overtook number 10.


    "I''m in the lead here!��There''s only the straight!��You can''t overtake me now!


    Rhodes is a bit excited. He was about to be beaten by the legendary Jin, the "Magecraft Meister," even if it was only for fun.


    It was hard not to get excited.


    But...


    "What, what, what?


    Jin, who had passed the number 9 from the outside at a dash, unleashed his power to the hilt as he came to the last straight line.


    ! >>


    <


    Number 11, with 10% of its power released, speeds along on a rough road surface, overtaking Rubina''s number 10, It was close to Rhodes''s number 12, and passed it .......


    The finish line was just ahead.


    And the checkered flag held by the female golem is now ......!


    <>


    The hall was filled with cheers.

 1771 - - 47-52 Next time...

    The winner was number 11, Jin.


    Second place went to number 12, Rhodes.


    Third place went to number 10, Rubina Garrett. (1st place).


    In fourth place, number 9, Elvis Alcott. (2nd place).


    In fifth place, number 3, Eugene Faure. (3rd place).


    In sixth place, number 2, Shu Nido. (4th).


    In seventh place, number 6, Sydney Marek (5th).


    In eighth place, number 8, Florence Fahlheit (6th)


    In ninth place, number 5, Shireen Eschenbach (7th)


    In 10th place, number 13, Maricka.


    In 11th place was number 4,Greena Kuzma. (8th place)


    In 12th place, number 7, Werner Randl. (9th).


    In 13th place, number 1, Natalia. (10th).


    (11,12,13 are guest entries, so the actual first place goes to Rubina.


    Natalia won in the boat, but came 10th in the car, probably due to the fact that she was piloting the boat, rather than the fact that she was in a different field.


    In this sense, the female engineers such as Florence, Shireen, and Gulina may have been ranked lower because they had problems in piloting their boats.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "No, we had a good time. I hope everyone gets used to using it as well as building it."


    After the awards ceremony, a celebration was held.


    At that time, Jin happily told the participants


    "As for the next competition, I think it should be held after January next year because of the year-end and New Year holidays.


    No one objected to this.


    "How about a model airplane competition for the next event?


    The main reason was that model airplanes have no human casualties in case of a crash.


    "Sounds fun!��Let''s do it!"


    Rubina was the first to express her approval.


    Rubina was the first to express her approval, and this was also the opinion of all the participants. No one objected.


    "Okay, let me explain what I''m thinking. Let me know if you notice anything."


    Jin began to explain his plan for the <>.


    "I''m still thinking about whether to use a propeller or a jet stream system. And we''ll provide auxiliary devices to help you control the plane. Let''s have everyone use the same one."


    The idea is that even amateurs will be able to control the aircraft well if they leave the delicate maneuvers for stabilization to the operator, since the aircraft is controlled in three dimensions in the air.


    Even with the radio-controlled model airplanes that are being played with in Japan today, it is difficult for beginners to fly them out of the box. Jin recognized that it is common to practice using a simulator on a personal computer or using a beginner''s plane called a trainer plane, which is easy to fly. ......


    "We''ll keep the practice period longer, maybe early February next year."


    No objections were raised to this either.


    "The size should be about 1 meter in length, 1 meter in width, and no more than 1 meter in height.


    I don''t think the height needs to be less than one meter, but for the sake of clarity, Jin added the following note: "I don''t think it needs to be more than one meter in height.


    "No gravity magic or other auxiliary means are allowed. No ballooning, either.


    We want to compete in the category of aerodynamically floating airplanes," says Jin.


    "As for the other events, I''d like to have a speed competition and a slowness competition," he says.


    "What?"


    "Jin-sama, what do you mean by that?"


    This was the first time a question was posed.


    "Oh, <> would be fine, wouldn''t it?��<> means that an airplane, which floats by aerodynamics, cannot float if its speed is too slow. That''s why, unlike cars and ships, it makes sense to compete in terms of slowness.


    "Oh, sure!


    "So that''s what you mean!"


    Everyone seems to have understood.


    and . It is difficult to reconcile the opposites, but that''s what makes it a competition.


    "And then there is aerobatics. But this is difficult to score.


    Jin did not want to compete in events that were difficult to quantify.


    "I would have them fly freely and have all the spectators score them," he said.


    Jin said that it might be a good idea to give them an extra percentage of points if they were going to be scored.


    He added that the weight would not be enough to turn the tables on the first place, but enough to turn the second place against the first place.


    "Then there''s the ...... design score."


    Jin said that it would be a good idea to have all the audience score this as well.


    "Hey Jin-sama!��Are you going to be in that race too?"


    Rubina asked. Their eyes were staring at Jin, which told us that they were all curious about him.


    "Yes. I had a good time at the auto race. I think I want to go."


    "Yes!


    <, is fun after all. Everyone looks happy.


    "I''d like to participate, too.


    Rhodes also said so, which made everyone''s joy even greater.


    "Wow, I''m not so sure, but ...... sounds like fun. I''d like to participate.


    Maricka also said she would like to participate, and everyone clapped their hands in delight.


    "I''m sure you''ll be fine, we''ll have lots of practice time and we''ll give you all golem assistive devices to help you out.


    Jin thinks that in case of a crash or wreck, a one-time transfer can be triggered. Of course, he would be disqualified if he triggered it.


    "And then there''s ...... I guess. ...... Well, what kind of image does everyone have of <?"


    Since the design of model cars was quite old-fashioned in Jin''s sense, he decided to check about airplanes while he was at it.


    "Well, it has a ...... fuselage with a main wing and a tail wing ...... horizontal tail and a vertical tail ......, I guess."


    Shu was the first to answer. And it seemed to be the same for all of them, and no one gave any additional answers.


    Then, what about attitude control?


    "Rise and fall is engine and rudder. The left and right are the auxiliary wing and directional rudder (......), right?


    "Yes, and for sideslip, upper half angle and directional rudder, I guess.


    It was Jin who passed on the original scientific knowledge, and even he does not have perfect knowledge.


    In fact, the aircraft that Jin has built is operated more or less by force, like a <>.


    This time, Jin wanted to go back to the basics and accumulate know-how as much as possible.


    You can do it. I wish you all the best for the technological development of tomorrow.


    Jin gave his words of encouragement.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    After the celebration, Jin was relaxing at the research institute on Onogoro Island.


    "You look happy, father."


    Reiko looks happy to see Jin in a good mood.


    "Yes, it''s ...... fun. It was fun, that''s for sure."


    Jin says he never thought the day would come when he would be able to compete with such feeling.


    "I never thought I''d be able to fly by myself, or really make something that was a ."


    Jin recalls how his heart fluttered when he saw a broadcast of a radio-controlled car competition on TV when he was at the facility.


    "Yes, that''s right. I''m a little disappointed.


    As for Reiko, she would like to be more useful to Jin.


    "I''m sorry about that. But you know... ......


    "No, it''s okay. Your father''s enjoyment is the most important thing.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    Jin consulted with the old man and started to compile the rules for the next competition, the model plane race.


    He would be able to give them to the participants tomorrow.


    Reiko smiled with satisfaction at the sight of Jin enjoying himself.

 1772 - - 48-01 Preparation for the New Year

    On December 27, 3899, Jin was in Horai Island.


    Since it was the end of the year, the competition on Onogoro Island was closed.


    "......I guess this is the end of the cleaning."


    He was cleaning up his laboratory and .


    "Yes, father. It''s all cleaned up."


    However, the five-colored golem maids have been cleaning the house every day, so the cleaning was more or less just for the sake of the mood.


    It is a kind of preparation for the New Year.


    "Now all we have to do is to make and decorate a kadomatsu," he said.


    Reiko and Lao Tzu were pounding rice cakes, and the kagamimochi were already made. The top was a citron. There were no oranges, so there was nothing to be done.


    (I hope my family will prosper from generation to generation, that''s why it''s an orange. ...... Is my family prosperous?


    No one will answer me, but I will assume that it is prosperous.


    Bamboos similar to moso bamboo had already been planted on Horai Island, and pine trees were also growing wild, so there was no need to worry about materials for the kadomatsu.


    "Here we go. I wonder if there is a in this world too."


    It''s a little late for that.


    <


    Jin-san, under the influence of a juvenile story he read a long time ago, prefers to call it <, but the director of his former institution called it , so he has followed his lead.


    I filled a white ceramic container with sake and placed it on the altar in my <.


    It is undeniable that there is a great deal of self-inventedness in this work. Half of it is his own self-satisfaction, and he thinks that''s all right.


    "In the past, I used to leave everything to you, didn''t I?


    >.


    This year, Jin wanted to do something that he could do by himself.


    "Well, this is the end."


    Jin said to himself as he finished setting up the shimenawa......<> for the altar.


    It must be in the Japanese blood to feel refreshed after all the preparations for the new year.


    "Now all that''s left to do is to make New Year''s Eve soba ...... tonight, right?"


    The preparations for the New Year''s festivities are in the hands of the five-colored golem maids.


    With Jin''s knowledge and information from Mitsuho, chestnut kinton, sesame seeds, kombu rolls, red and white kamaboko, datemaki, broiled eggs, and black soybeans were all prepared.


    The stacked boxes were made by Jin.


    "But it''s just one person''s New Year''s Eve. ......"


    As Jin is in this time as a composite, he has few regrets about the past. But I still feel lonely to spend the New Year''s Eve alone.


    >


    The old man suggested,


    But the old man suggested, "Well, it would be bad to invite someone who has a family ......".


    I am in a quandary.


    I would like to invite Rhodes, Zion, Marikka and others , but they have their own families.


    "And then, ......"


    What came to Jin''s mind were the friends he has had since he came here. That is, Katya and Eira.


    They should be in now.


    "Oh, but they are free to go back to their parents'' house now, aren''t they?


    Yes, their homeland, the Principality of Mercana, is now temporarily ruled by the , and is no longer under personal control as it used to be.


    > can afford to provide them with a leg up.


    "What?��......Oh, I see."


    I don''t think they can afford to send just the three of them to the Principality of Mercana by air, and I don''t think they''ll let individuals use the warp gate.


    "However, what is the actual situation?"


    < values its people, Jin thought that would be considerate enough to send the girls back to their parents'' homes as part of their official duties.


    >


    "Oh, I see."


    In the world of Ars, there is no such event called <>, except for Mitsuho and Huso.


    There are New Year''s festivals, but they are very different from the Japanese New Year.


    It is not surprising, since the religious backgrounds are completely different.


    In <<<<>, there is a one-week holiday during the year-end and New Year holidays due to the influence of the Master (My Lord), but most of the staff should remain in <> as they are.


    It is the same as the normal holidays. Just a little longer.


    "Hmm, is that okay ......?"


    Jin had hoped to welcome Eira and Kaechea into the at some point.


    So, this is a good opportunity for him to do so.


    "However, I''m sure they have their own feelings, too.


    It has been almost four months since we left Kachea and the others, and they have new lives.


    Jin had no intention of forcing them to join the group.


    "Let''s go to for now.


    Now that he is recognized as the third generation of in the Shoro Empire, there are few problems with visiting.


    "Rhodes will be enough."


    <> and a former lecturer at <>. He is officially a part-time lecturer and part-time technical advisor.


    .


    Jin nodded at the old man''s suggestion.


    Since the third deus ex machina and the third <> Jin appeared on the stage at about the same time, there was a high possibility that the relationship between the two would be probed in various ways. .


    "Yes, of course."


    By showing up at at the same time, we can prove that we are two different people.


    "I see."


    Jin then remembered that he had promised a rematch with Gromma''s golem.


    "...... Gloma is in too, right?"


    <<>.


    "I see."


    <


    "I see."


    Jin thought it would be a good idea to ask Marikka and Rhodes to accompany him.


    And if the third deus ex machina and the knight Rey showed up separately from Jin and the others, they would be more persuasive, he thought.


    So Jin instructed the old man to send the third deus ex machina to in advance.


    >


    Yes, that would be fine.


    The deus ex machina is originally a fickle creature. I have decided to leave Jin to the old man.


    .


    The actual operation of the machina is to be carried out by the "master" who is under the control of the old man and is the brain behind the machina''s magic,


    <


    The old man decided that < was not a good idea,


    <<<>>.


    This would explain why she does not show her face very often.


    Jin then spoke to Zion, Marikka, and Rhodes.


    All three of them had , so it was easy to contact them.


    >


    The three responded favorably.

 1773 - - 48-02 For some reason, a new airship

    , let alone .


    Zion said through the bracelet.


    "Oh, is that so?"


    <


    "Ah, ah, I see. ......"


    With snow and sub-zero temperatures, it''s hard to have fun.


    In Japan, there are snow festivals such as Kamakura in Akita and Sapporo, but the climate is much harsher in the Nordic Federation, and until Jin bailed them out 400 years ago, they lacked food, so they could not afford to hold such events. They could not afford to hold such an event.


    > and you can go to ...... Horai Island for New Year''s.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin was beginning to think about spending the three days with Zion and the others.


    But for the time being, he would be at <>.


    "Then I''ll pick you up tomorrow using the warp gate. Then we can go to together."


    "That''s what I''m counting on. I''ll see you tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. your time."


    <


    <


    And the call ended.


    "There we go. ...... old man, do you want me to go to <> in <>?"


    <


    Jin was a bit puzzled by the old man''s unexpected words.


    "What?��Why not?"


    .


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    It is only when you ride something you have made yourself that you are a <>.


    Do you have ...... time?


    The time is 1:00 PM. That''s plenty of time to build a new ride. ...... but only for Jin.


    "Shall we build <>?"


    Jin immediately began to formulate a plan.


    "Let''s make an airship unlike any other."


    Previous airships have had a gondola or cabin attached to the bottom of the air sac, but this one will have a cabin inside the air sac.


    The airship we are building this time will have a cabin inside the air sac. However, it is not designed for a vacuum.


    This idea was taken from the airship in which Markitas flew.


    And Jin''s original idea is that <>>.


    >


    "Yes, this is how it is structured.


    Jin started to explain to the old man.


    "The shape and size will be the same as the air sacs of . We will make only the framework and cover only the upper half of it.


    "That''s right. That''s right. This way, the cabin can be placed inside the main body."


    "That''s just like your father!"


    Reiko, who had been listening silently, praised him.


    "The framework is made of 64 light silver, and the covering is made of ground spider resin (GSP).


    In modern Japan, airships (?) with only a skeleton are used. In modern Japan, there is an airship-like drone that flies by turning a propeller inside an airship (?) that has only a skeleton, and this idea was similar to it.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The Horaijima Arsenal was in full operation.


    By the way, means a munitions factory, but Jin likes to use it because he likes the sound of it.


    Well, it is a factory for the Horai Island <>, so it is not necessarily a wrong name.


    <, but with more advanced functions. The size is 40 meters long and the diameter of the air sac is 10 meters.


    <<.


    The framework is made of 64 light silver hollow pipes.


    Materials are plentiful, and this construction requires only a small amount of material.


    "The propulsion system is a wind magic propulsion system (wind thruster).


    Jin is going to equip the boat with five powerful propulsion units.


    The main propulsion unit is mounted on the axis of the hull, and four sub-propulsion units are mounted on the ends of the four tail fins attached to the stern in the shape of an X. The other propulsion units are used to change course.


    In addition, there are 20 thrusters for changing course and for stabilizing the ship.


    The nozzles are movable so that they can be used to assist the propulsion system in case of emergency.


    "The lower half of the cabin."


    It will also lower the center of gravity and stabilize it.


    "We want to be able to accommodate up to 50 people."


    For levitation, there are 10 large blow engines.


    "For emergencies, we will also carry a force field generator and a gravity-controlled magic device.


    >


    "Yes, ......."


    After thinking about it for a while, I decided to load <> (a gun that can release specific magic without loss of time), <>, <>, and so on.


    In addition, various types of wards, <> and <> are also mounted.


    Of course, a warp gate is also provided for escape.


    In addition, <, , and are also installed.


    Since these parts are made by combining the standard parts of Horai Island, even the fast work is further accelerated.


    Eighty percent of the projector was completed in half a day.


    After dinner, Jin proceeded to complete the rest of the work.


    "We have enough mass on board to make it more habitable."


    "Father, is it called ?"


    Jin tried to nod at Reiko''s question.


    <


    The old man asked again.


    "Oh, I see."


    Four hundred years ago, Jin was , so it was natural for him to name his aircraft , but now he is different.


    "Then we''ll have to come up with something else to name it. ......"


    Jin looked at the new airship, which was about 90% complete, and thought of a name.


    "I want to name it something related to the sky. It could be a natural phenomenon or a bird. ......"


    I held off on the bird name because it has no feathers that look like feathers.


    How about ...... for a natural phenomenon?�� sounds good."


    I didn''t have any other good ideas,


    "Okay, I''ve decided. The name of this thing is !"


    Jin wrote on the air sac. and also drew his family''s crest, , on it.


    "I want Hope to be the pilot."


    "Yes, sir, I''ll take care of it."


    It is 9:30 at night.


    Jin launched the newly completed Hurricane to complete the test flight.


    "Sir, besides the safety test, I want you to check the maximum speed and the maximum weight that can be carried."


    <


    "Well, father, I leave the rest to you.


    Reiko takes Jin out and bathes him half-heartedly, saying that today''s work is done,


    "......Fu, it''s nice to take a bath, isn''t it?"


    Jin was still tired from his busy schedule of preparing for New Year''s in the morning and working on in the afternoon.


    Reiko was concerned about him and forced him to take a rest.


    The test of was completed smoothly.


    Stability is good.


    The normal maximum speed (without using wind deflector and force generator) is 400 kilometers per hour.


    The planned capacity of 50 people has been met.


    Hearing this, Jin was satisfied and went to sleep.

 1774 - - 48-03 Nord and Avalon.

    "Ah, I slept well."


    After a good night''s sleep, Jin sleeps soundly without dreaming and wakes up refreshed.


    .


    The old man reported to Jin after washing his face.


    "Oh, that''s good.


    He said, "Oh, that''s good." He had to test the safety of the product very strictly, because he had made it in a hurry and it would be dangerous if he had missed anything.


    If the old man assures me, it will be all right.


    <


    "I see."


    They did a very careful test flight.


    <


    "Oh, that''s great."


    < is a built by Jin. It can also be used as a VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing Aircraft) so that it can land in tight spaces.


    < and Horai Island is about two and a half hours.


    A little after 9:00 a.m. Horai Island time, Jin took off in the .


    "Oh, this is comfortable.


    The view is different from that of <>. The stability is also different from that of <>.


    "The wind shield is working well enough.


    The warding can handle up to Mach 3, so there is room for a speed of 800 km/h.


    Hope flew at a speed that would allow her to arrive at the clan territory at 9:00 a.m.


    Hope flew at a speed that would allow her to arrive at the clan''s territory at 9 a.m.


    "What''s this? You''ve made something amazing!


    "Jin-sama, it''s amazing!"


    "As expected of Jin-san. ......"


    <


    <


    "Is this Jin-sama''s new airship?"


    "...... but is this even an airship?"


    "It looks like a wind-powered blower-floater."


    It''s Marikka''s disciples who are the adulterers.


    "Haaaa...... would you say this is the latest <> ......"


    The airport officials, all of whom have free hands, come over and look up at the <.


    "This is a great idea!"


    Rhodes praised Jin.


    "Yes, I''m sure this will not be taken lightly when we go to .


    <," said Zion, "you will be underestimated if you don''t show the ability to do so.


    "That''s how respected the second generation is."


    "The second generation is me, too. ......"


    Jin chuckled.


    "I understand that. But we''re the only ones who understand. ......"


    "I can''t allow Jin-san to be taken lightly."


    "I''m sure Jin-san doesn''t want that. ......


    "Thank you, ......."


    Jin was pleased with the thoughtfulness of Zion and the others.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, back in time, a day later, in Avalon.


    "Deus ex machina III is coming?


    Why, why, why now?


    Didn''t he just get here the other day?


    The news of the arrival of the deus ex machina III had everyone in an uproar.


    No, actually, he hasn''t arrived yet, only that he will be here in an hour. However, there is too little time to welcome the visit of the most important person ......, no, the most important person.


    So, the whole of is in a flurry of activity.


    "I''m sure it''s the real one. After all, it was communicated via a dedicated line.


    A dedicated deus ex machina line. A line that only he or his valet, Rey, could (and should) use.


    It had been out of service for more than a century, and the call came through it.


    Marikka had informed me of this before my last visit, but this time I was contacted through a dedicated line.


    "And anyway, call everyone who is available and off-duty!"


    <> Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartman ordered his men.


    "...... I knew I''d be hearing from you sooner or later."


    Then he sighed.


    Then came the call for more chaos.


    "High Commissioner, a message from the Nostalgia organization!


    "What?��Turn it this way.


    The communications officer connected the line to the High Commissioner.


    "......<>Tomax Bartman, High Commissioner.


    <


    What can I do for you? ......I don''t mean to be rude, but I''m very busy at the moment and would like to hear from you later if at all possible."


    <<>


    "How did you know that?"


    "......"


    Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann felt sick to his stomach.


    "Yes, I understand. Makina will be arriving in approximately one hour.


    <


    "...... understand. How many people can come?


    <


    "Okay."


    Tomax Bartmann sighs as he hangs up the phone.


    Then he gets another call.


    "What the hell?


    this time! >>


    "...... what?��Put her through!


    <


    "Oh, Marikka-sensei!��It''s been a long time!


    <


    Tomax Bartmann felt sick to his stomach.


    Yes, sir, you and your party are always welcome. But today, a person claiming to be Deus ex Machina III and a group of <> are scheduled to arrive at ......."


    I had hoped that the meeting would be postponed for another day, but Marikka''s words were a disappointment.


    "...... I see."


    "Okay.


    "Okay. We will be waiting for you."


    The connection is cut off.


    <>Supreme Administrator Tomax Bartmann sighed deeply and profoundly.

 1775 - - 48-04 Makina III of Japan

    "You should be able to see it by now."


    <, important people were gathering at the airport for the arrival of the deus ex machina III.


    >


    A call came in from the control tower.


    "Oh, yeah. Right on time."


    Since the last visit was by a catamaran, which is used in many countries, Supreme Administrator Tomax Bartmann and the other members of the Avalon team had assumed that this would be the same this time.


    But...


    <>


    What is it?


    <


    What is it?��...... Well, well, it''s the latest in technology, Machina, I suppose that''s possible."


    Tomax Bartmann said, trying to look nonchalant.


    However, when he saw the approaching aircraft, he broke out in a cold sweat.


    It was a 100-meter-long airship.


    Moreover, the air sac was flat.


    It was a huge airship that boasted a hull one size larger than the hybrid airship , which is called the on modern Earth.


    This was a special plane for Machina, built by Jin 400 years ago, and like <>, it was designed to be a spaceship and could fly in a vacuum.


    The crew are all golems, of the same type as the Cosmos series, but in different colors, from <> 1 to 20.


    The name of the ship is . It is just a coincidence that the ship is named after Aristotle, the philosopher who criticized < as a means of organizing theater.


    "This, you own such an awesome airship ...... deus ex machina III is ......."


    Tomax Bartmann muttered to himself, which must have been the thought of everyone present.


    The giant airship landed at the airport as if it weighed nothing.


    Telescopic landing gear emerged from the lower part of the cabin to support the hull.


    The hatch opens, and ten black golems appear, five on each side of the hatch.


    "Oh ......."


    "That''s a great golem. ......"


    The people standing in line admire the black golems, which have human-like body lines.


    Then two figures appear.


    One is Deus ex Machina III, and the other is Rey, the knight-errant.


    "Deus ex machina III, welcome!"


    Tomax Bartmann, the Chief Administrator, stepped forward to welcome them.


    "Tomax, it''s been a month and a half. I''m glad to see you''re doing so well.


    Tomax Bartmann shook hands with Makina with a smile on his face, "My stomach is killing me," he wanted to say, but could not.


    "...... But you''re on something tremendous, aren''t you?"


    <. His voice trembled just a little.


    "I thought I''d show you some of my skills."


    "Yes, yes..."


    That''s more than enough!��Tomax Bartmann thought to himself.


    You made this yourself, didn''t you?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    In fact, Jin made it 400 years ago, but it is not a lie if Jin = deus ex machina.


    "...... What brings you here today?"


    Tomax asked as he led Deus ex Machina III and his valet Rey.


    Of course, they did not travel on foot, but in a golem car. This golem vehicle is a small car specialized for transportation within <>.


    "I would like to discuss with you about the inspection and future support.


    "Support? That would be very helpful, to be honest.


    Relieved that he was not being critical or critical, Tomax asked if he could give him some technical guidance.


    "Yes," he said. But I''d have to take a look at the current first.


    "That''s true."


    While they were talking, the golem car entered the building and proceeded down a wide corridor.


    After passing through the wide corridor, the car stopped in front of the office of the Chief Superintendent, Tomax Bartmann.


    "First, this way, please."


    "I''m sorry to disturb you, sir."


    Makina entered Tomax''s office. Squire Ray followed silently.


    There were two secretary golems in the office.


    "Ah, these are ......<>-based golems, aren''t they?"


    Saffi is a bronze golem of a lady-in-waiting donated by Jin and Machina when the World Conference was held in <<> 400 years ago.


    Nevertheless, Saffi was of the highest level in the world at that time, and is still < of the highest level today.


    Since the secretary golem was based on it, it was naturally of high performance.


    "Welcome, Machina-sama."


    By the way, there are few automata in <>. All of them are golems.


    This is because of the consideration that in case of emergency, the fact that they are hard to distinguish from human beings will not be a negative factor.


    The exception is automata engaged in childcare.


    I''ll leave you with this.


    "Here you go." "Thank you.


    "Thank you."


    The secretary golem placed a cup of tea in front of them.


    Tomax sipped the tea first, followed by Machina.


    "Actually, Elena of the Nostalgia party will be here in about five hours today.


    "Oh, that''s wonderful."


    "And tomorrow, Jin Nidoh-sama, the <3rd generation Magecraft Meister>, Marikka-sama and Zion-sama of the Nord Federation, and Rhodoth-sama of the will be coming.... ..."


    "We''re going to have a lot of visitors."


    Machina III laughed, but Tomax looked reluctant.


    "As a host, I feel sick to my stomach.


    "I see."


    Makina smiled wryly,


    "In that case, I think it would be better to have an important talk when all the members are present," she said.


    Makina said.


    Tomax''s face turned pale when he heard that.


    "Well, uh, ...... what exactly is the important thing?��Can you at least give us an overview?"


    He did not say he was not ready, but I could see from his expression that Tomax was not at ease.


    "......It''s okay. I would like to know what happened to the > and why I and the <<3rd generation Magecraft Meister>> are showing up now."


    I see.


    Well, in a word, it''s because the threat of the League of Magic has passed.


    Is that so?


    "I guess the main thing is to tell you how it happened."


    "......"


    Tomax''s face regained its original color as he realized it was not bad news.


    "So, that''s what you meant ......."


    He then gulped down the tea in front of him in one gulp.


    "It''s hot!"


    It was quite hot, but he barely managed to hold back his gulp.


    "So, shall we make an inspection?"


    "Yes, please."


    Makina, on the other hand, drank her tea gracefully and answered with a smirk.

 1776 - - 48-05 Those three

    Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann and Deus ex Machina III are touring the interior of <>.


    "This is where the living quarters are, isn''t it?


    Makina III asks, looking at the neatly trimmed rows of trees along the streets.


    "Yes, that''s right. The students'' living quarters are separated from the staff''s living quarters, but there is no qualitative difference between the two.


    The nature park is also beautiful, isn''t it?


    Yes. It is a place to rest body and soul during the holidays, so a professional golem takes care of it day and night.


    There are neatly trimmed shrubs, medium and tall trees with good branches, a pond and a small stream.


    The site was originally designed to look like a natural forest, but over the past 400 years, it seems that it has literally become .


    At that time, Tomax''s manacam (magical element communication device) received a call.


    < party will be arriving shortly.


    "Okay."


    Tomax looked at Makina.


    "You are right. I have to go to the airport now."


    "I''ll go with you."


    Just as Makina replied, a golem car, the exclusive means of transportation within <>, arrived.


    "Thank you. I''m in a hurry this time. We''ll take the underground passage to the airport.


    "Understood."


    Underground passageways are a network of passageways that extend 50 meters beneath the surface of <>.


    It connects important points in a straight line and is controlled by the management brain, so that it is possible to move at high speed.


    While the speed limit on the surface is 30 km/h, 100 km/h is allowed underground.


    The elevator section at the side of the park opened and the golem car carrying Tomax, Machina III, and Squire Rey headed for it.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Tomax and the others arrived at the airport in five minutes, using the underground passageway as a fast means of transportation.


    The airship of <> was just about to land.


    This is a standard 40-meter-long airship.


    The cabin door opens, and the first to step out is a beautiful girl with golden hair and red eyes. She is Elena.


    Next is Alietta Aeolial, with bob-cut dark blond hair and blue eyes. She is now one of the top executives.


    And another, bald-headed and gray-eyed, Wattes Schrezza, a military attach��.


    These three men visited this time as representatives of the party.


    "Welcome, Elena!"


    Tomax stepped forward to greet them.


    "We are sorry to disturb you."


    Elena, with a little pinch of her skirt, shows off her elegant curtsey.


    A sigh escapes from the executives of who are present to greet them.


    Arrietta is a softly spoken woman in her late twenties, and Wattes is a stern-looking man of mature years.


    Elena introduced them and then stepped forward. And then..,


    "Deus ex machina III, isn''t it?��It is an honor to meet you.


    and shook hands with Makina.


    That is to say, he showed that <> and Machina are equals.


    A murmur escaped from the executives of <> who were lined up in the hall.


    "I hear that the 3rd Magecraft Meister, Jin Nido, will be here tomorrow.


    Tomax and the other executives were surprised to hear these words come out of Elena''s mouth after she finished greeting them.


    "You are very quick with your information. ......"


    "Yes, well."


    Elena smiled devilishly and trailed off.


    "It is already late in the afternoon. I would like you to take it easy today, and when Jin-dono and his party arrive tomorrow, we can have a joint meeting to discuss the situation.


    Tomax offered this with some dismay, and both Makina III and Elena affirmed that they had no objection.


    * * * *


    "...... Is that the Lady Elena, the ?


    <<>Six eyes watching the group from afar.


    They are Eira Sheatha, Cachea, and Groma Trey.


    < and a former victim of Machina''s help, I was interested in the group.


    "The <> and Makina-sama fought off the soldiers of who had attacked us.


    The earnest Groma said, and Cachia nodded silently.


    "Elena-san is an automata, isn''t she?��Isn''t that amazing?


    Eira, however, had a slightly different impression.


    "And the deus ex machina III airship ...... is amazing."


    Gromma is genuinely impressed.


    "If I keep learning here, will I be able to make something like that someday?"


    Eira agreed.


    "Yes, I think so. I would like to.


    "Well, I''m interested in the third Magecraft Meister, Jin Nido, who will be here tomorrow."


    Katya said. Eira and the others seemed to agree,


    "Yeah, I guess so. ...... I don''t think so, but it''s not that Jin, is it?"


    Groma said with a wry smile.


    "I don''t know. I wouldn''t be too surprised if it was, would you?"


    C��cea said with a laugh, and Eira nodded.


    "Yes. I think so too.


    Then Groma said,


    "Oh, come on, am I the only one?��< is that djinn?


    I said. Eira and Katya nodded.


    I''ve seen glimpses of his greatness.


    "I see glimpses of his greatness.


    Hearing this, Groma laughed.


    "...... I can understand that. But a rematch between the golems ...... would be something I''d like to see happen."


    Groma had not forgotten the promise he had once made to Jin.


    "Oh, look, Elena and the others are passing by."


    Elena and the other three members of the < party, including Elena, were passing by in a golem car in front of Katya and the others, who had been watching them on the side of the road as ordinary people.


    Elena is smiling and waving. Arrietta gives a small wave with a little bit of a smile, and Wattes crosses his arms and meditates.


    "No, you''re still beautiful."


    Gloma Trey looks at Elena and blushes a little.


    "What?��What is it, Gromma, are you in love with Elena?"


    "No, I''m not in love with her. I was just wondering what kind of person created such a wonderful automaton.


    "Well, I don''t know. ...... I heard that Rey, the squire of Machina III, is also an automaton.


    Groma nodded at Eira''s words.


    "Yes, that''s what I heard. But I''m not sure what Mr. Rey looks like, since he''s wearing light armor.


    "You could say that."


    The three men from the Principality of Mercana were also doing well.

 1777 - - 48-06 Hitoshis arrival

    The time was back again on December 28th.


    At noon local time, the airport of <> was crowded three times.


    Marikka, a long-time lecturer at <>, and Rhodes, a <> and <>, were coming to the airport.


    In addition, Sion, the wife of the clan leader of , who has backed up since its founding, is also coming.


    And then there is <>, the third generation of the <>, Jin Nido.


    To top it all off, there was the legendary automaton Reiko, the first automaton in history to receive the rank of sub-noble.


    With the arrival of such a group, <> was in an uproar.


    At 11:50 a.m., the shadow of a plane was seen in the northern sky.


    "I see it!��<


    The air traffic control officer reported.


    Two minutes later, the shadow became visible to the naked eye.


    "Oh, oh, ......!"


    "What is that aircraft?"


    The people standing in line were taken aback by the strange appearance of the that Jin and the others were riding in.


    <. <


    <


    <<<< hurricane>> copy that. Landing in area 01.


    Meanwhile, air traffic control was going through the manuals.


    And as they watched, the hurricane was getting closer and closer.


    "Oh, it looks like an airship, but it''s not an airship. ......"


    "No way, is it a <>?


    Some people with discerning eyes saw that the <> was a huge wind-powered blower-floater.


    "It''s awesome in a different way than the Deus Ex Machina III, Sir. ......"


    Tomax Bartmann, the Chief Superintendent, who was standing alongside Machina III, blurted out.


    "As expected of a ."


    Elena had heard of Jin, but this was the first time she had seen this . She is again impressed by Jin''s technical skills.


    The rest of the welcoming ceremony members are watching from outside the fence,


    "...... This is also amazing ......"


    "A flying vehicle. ...... I''d like to build one too."


    "Hmmm, it''s just like Eira not to say <."


    Gromma, Eira, and Katya were also there to see it along with the general public.


    "Is it as big as the standard type?"


    Eira estimated its length at 40 meters.


    "But it''s definitely not an airship. It has no air sacs. Instead, it has a big blow engine. That''s what keeps the fuselage ...... afloat."


    Gromma has figured out the levitation system.


    At 11:57 a.m., the <> landed soundlessly in Area 01.


    The hatch to the cabin opens.


    The Rhodesian golem <> emerges first. Its powerful form took people''s breath away.


    Then Rhodoth himself, the . <. Then Marikka came out with .


    "That golem is my master''s ......"


    Groma let out a small sigh, knowing that his skills were not up to the task.


    "That little boy is an automaton, isn''t he?"


    "Looks like it. She''s adorable. ......"


    Finally, Jin came out with Reiko and Hope.


    They were dressed in their new Shoro Imperial-style tops and bottoms.


    "Oh, Jin-san!


    "Yes, it''s Jin!


    "...... So you mean to say that Jin was >Jin Nido after all.


    Although they had half-expected it, it was still a shock to Eira and the others.


    Jin Nido shook hands with Tomax.


    "Nice to meet you. <."


    "I am Tomax Bartmann, Chief Administrator of <>. Welcome, <>!


    There was a round of applause.


    "And this must be the honorary squire, Lord Racco."


    Yes, I am Reiko.


    Elena stepped forward. She bowed in a curtsey and greeted him.


    "Mr. Reiko, it''s been a while. Thank you for your help the other day.


    Reiko also responded to Elena in a curtsey.


    "Elena-san, it has been a while. Thank you for welcoming us today.


    Maricka shook hands with Tomax.


    "Tomax, you''re looking great.


    "I am glad to hear that you are doing well, too.


    Marikka had been a teacher at <> in the past, and Tomax was her student.


    Theon also greeted some of the female executives.


    "Mr. Theon, you look as young as ever.


    Yes, thanks to you.


    Theon had also taught at as a temporary instructor.


    Naturally, Rhodoth, who was also a lecturer, was greeted by some of the executives.


    "Master, thank you for coming today.


    "Thank you. You''ve all grown up, haven''t you?


    "Thank you, sir." "I''m very proud of you."


    We couldn''t possibly have such an endless exchange at the airport, so Tomax''s secretary, Golem, whispered in a low voice, "Sir, I think it''s time to go.


    "Sir, I think it''s time to go to ......."


    With that, Tomax seemed to realize.


    "...... gentlemen, we can''t stand around talking forever in this airport. Please, this way."


    A ceremonial carriage pulled by a golem horse is ready for us.


    The carriage can accommodate nearly 20 people, and it is of a size that is out of the ordinary for a carriage, and has no roof.


    Everyone, including Tomax and his secretary Golem, was allowed to get into the carriage.


    "Here we go..."


    The ceremonial carriage starts to move slowly.


    (Oh, that''s quite a golem horse.��That looks familiar.)


    Jin notices that the golem horse leading the carriage is a copy of the one he once gave to the Nordic Federation.


    (Well, it must have been donated by Zion or Marikka.)


    Jin imagines such a thing. And he was right.


    "Welcome, Magecraft Meister!


    "Welcome from the Nordic Federation!"


    The carriage heads toward the guest house, being seen off by the residents who welcome Jin and his party.

 1778 - - 48-07 Face to face

    The guesthouse is a simple and sturdy building without any showiness.


    <


    Jin and the others were in a small conference room there.


    They sit at a table commonly known as the , where discussions are held.


    The moderator was Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann.


    From left to right: Jin, Rhodotos, Zion, Marikka, Elena, Arietta, Wattes, and Deus ex Machina III.


    In addition, there are five executives of <>.


    "First of all, the third Magecraft Meister, Jin Nidoh, please.


    "Yes."


    Jin Nido sat down, bobbed his head, and opened his mouth.


    Incidentally, at such round tables, discussions are held while seated, and people do not get up from their seats unless there is something to be discussed.


    In fact, the act of "getting up from one''s seat" is used as a way of leaving the meeting.


    "So, I am Jin Nido, the third generation of ."


    Reiko immediately added.


    The third generation has the same magical waveform as the second generation. We are the ones who sense it and serve him. That is why we call him <>.


    Zion followed.


    "The djinn have been out of the public eye for a long time because of the threat posed by the League of Magic and its leader, Malchitas. It is said that Malquitas is capable of taking under his control any magical tool or machine belonging to another, and if he were to take control of Sir Reiko, the honorary squire, the danger would be immeasurable. That is why he was protected by us."


    Not true, but not a lie either. This explanation made everyone look satisfied.


    The evacuation of the family members, fearing that their relatives might be taken hostage, is a well-known fact, so it is omitted.


    "Your skill, Jin-sama, is beyond me, even if I don''t mean to flatter you. As you can see from the ."


    Marikka said firmly.


    Rhodes sums up.


    "Some of you may be wondering why he appeared at about the same time as the deus ex machina III. The answer is simple. Thanks to the recent destruction of the army of Malchitas, led by Deus ex Machina III, Jin-san can now appear in the world with peace of mind.


    I see," the <> leaders nodded silently.


    Jin closed the meeting.


    "That is why, through the arrangement of Rhodes, I went to the Shoro Empire, and although it was not my original plan, I was given the title of <> and <> by the Emperor himself."


    Originally, four hundred years ago, Jin was an honorary citizen of the Shoro Empire, so this was a perfectly normal and natural thing for him to accept.


    "Then, I will be next."


    Deus ex machina III spoke up.


    "The name deus ex machina is not hereditary, but is passed on to those who are qualified.


    Then, quite simply.


    "This time, I am the one who is qualified."


    But he must have thought that was not very kind.


    "It is a family tradition to avoid interfering in the world as much as possible, but when someone like the <> appeared who threatened the order of the world, I could not say so, so I lent a hand.


    Hence, the <<2nd generation> was shut up," he explained.


    At this point, one of the executives raised his hand and said.


    "So, are you going to cooperate with us from now on?"


    Since one of the founders was the first deus ex machina, it was natural to ask this question.


    "No, we would be more than happy to help you if you need it.


    The executive''s face was clearly relieved when he received this answer.


    "And last but not least, we are here..."


    Elena bailed and began to speak.


    "We, the , have been losing to the for a long time. The reason is the existence of Malkitas, who has taken control of magical tools and magical machines (magi-machines).


    No one could argue with this.


    "But now that the threat of Malquitas has been eliminated in the recent battle, we are rapidly regaining our footing.


    At this point Elena broke off and looked at Jin and Makina III.


    "We, the <>, propose an alliance with <>.


    There was a "Oh," from the leaders of <>.


    "That''s very kind of you."


    Tomax also felt that <> had more advanced technology than <>, so this proposal was a godsend.


    He then proposes that if <> would make a formal alliance with <>, Makina III and Jin would be free to offer their assistance.


    "Umm...... we can''t force them to do so, but ...... it is a little regrettable. Dear Machina III and Mr. Jin. If you two cooperate, <> will be much more powerful.


    "Tomax, what do you mean by ''more powerful''?"


    Marikka, who had heard Tomax''s comment, asked a little frustrated.


    "What?��Well, sir. I thought that if I could get more power, I could be useful to the world.


    "Then say so clearly. You sounded like a military supremacist.


    I''m sorry.


    Even the Chief Superintendent was still unable to bow down to his former mentor.


    "In any case, we can assume that the threat of the <> and > has passed, correct?"


    Tomax Bartmann said as if to confirm.


    "It will be so. Markitas will no longer exist.


    Makina III assured him, and once again there were shouts of "Oh!


    "The <> is no longer able to take over other people''s magi-machines. Nor can they brainwash others. Brainwashing was originally a special skill of Markitas.


    We have decided to keep <> under wraps.


    This is because it would be troublesome if this technology were to leak out.


    Even if that were not the case, the <> seems to be imbued with the idea of taking over other people''s magi-machines, as in the recent incident in the Shoro Imperial Kingdom.


    "However, there is a possibility that incidents like the recent one in the Shoro Kingdom may occur elsewhere as well.


    "Hmm, that is the role of the .


    As a side note, many people use the terms <> and <> to mean the same thing.


    However, <> is the name of this mega-float and the organization that manages it.


    The <> is an organization headquartered in such <>.


    In addition to being the headquarters of the , also serves as the home of the <>.


    Tomax Bartmann, the chief administrator of <>, is also the chief director of <>.


    A bit complicated, but that''s the way it is.


    "The , from the recent disturbances, seems to have outdated equipment, doesn''t it?"


    Marikka said, and Tomax leaned forward to answer.


    "Yes, sir!��We are trying to develop it, but we are lagging behind. Can''t you do something about it?"


    Tomax Bartmann glances at Jin and Makina III as he says ....... It''s all too obvious.


    "...... is ...... well, Graham Darby is responsible for that, of course."


    Malicka looks at Jin and Marika, who have a look of <>Malicka noticed Jin and the other members of the Nostalgia party looking at her, and began to explain.


    "Graham Darby is the person who was the chief administrator before Tomax. I''ve taught him a little myself. ......"


    Malicka is at a loss for words. Tomax looks at her and takes over the explanation.


    It would be difficult for you to say. Graham Darby was a smart man, but he was so self-righteous that he gave away all of his <>."


    <


    "Now that I think about it, I think Graham Darby was thinking more like the .


    That was about 30 years ago, when Tomax Bartmann was a youngster in his early 20s.


    "I have the F��hrer in my place, so there is no problem to bring it back.


    Tomax Bartmann''s face lit up when Maricka said this.


    "Oh, thank you, doctor!


    Tomax Bartmann bowed deeply to Marikka, looking truly happy.

 1779 - - 48-08 Avalon Guide

    After the meeting was over, we had a luncheon.


    A standard <> set meal was laid out in front of everyone except for the automata Reiko and Elena, Rei, Hanako, and the golems Hope and Uragan.


    This was because Jin and Zion wanted to know the standard of food in <>.


    "We serve better food for our guests.


    Tomax Bartmann, the Chief Superintendent, is satisfied with the food.


    No, this is good enough.


    The set menu changes daily, and basically all eat the same thing. It is part of their salary.


    Of course, you can also pay your own money and order whatever you like at the cafeteria.


    You can think of it as a kind of school lunch.


    On this day, I had the <> for lunch.


    Coppa bread, vegetable soup, hamburger steak, fried topopo, leafy vegetable salad, and fruit juice.


    After the meal, there was a choice of tea or coffee.


    Jin wanted to say, "What kind of family restaurant is this?


    "Oh, it''s good.


    "It''s delicious."


    "It''s delicious."


    Jin, Zion and Marikka thought it was delicious.


    "Mmm, very good."


    Deus ex machina III also commented as he ate.


    He is an automaton controlled by the old man''s servant, but he is eating this way so that his true identity will not be revealed.


    Jin, however, wished he had rice instead of bread.


    * * * *


    After the meal, Jin chose a cup of tea and sipped it slowly.


    "How would you like to spend the afternoon?"


    Tomax asked Jin. Jin thought about it for a moment.


    "Well, I would like to take a tour of ......."


    Not a visit," he adds. He was not looking at it from a superior perspective, but was genuinely interested in seeing the current state of .


    "Then we would like to visit, too.


    Rhodoth offered.


    "Oh, me too, then."


    Elena did the same.


    In the end, everyone except Machina III offered to see .


    "But haven''t the people who have been here since yesterday already seen a lot?


    Jin questioned,


    "No, only Makina-sama has been inspecting.


    Tomax Bartmann answered.


    I would like to go around again with such people.


    Makina III also said so, and in the end, everyone decided to visit .


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    This time, we are transported by a golem car. Since not all of us can ride in the car, we are divided into four cars.


    Jin, Reiko and Hope ride in one car. Rhodes, Zion, Maricka, Uragan, and Hanako will ride in one car. Elena, Arrietta, Wattes, and 1 car. Makina III, Rey, and one car.


    Tomax Bartman will be in Jin''s car, and the other three cars will be occupied by executives.


    The group exits the guest house and walks through a greenbelt.


    "On your left is the headquarters of the .


    < stands at the northern end of a 300 meter diameter opening in the center of .


    "The opening goes all the way to the sea and is used for swimming drills and ship trials because of the calm waves."


    Tomax explained.


    Incidentally, each vehicle is equipped with a magical device similar to a manacam (a magical communication device) so that they can communicate with each other even when they are on the move.


    < to the outer perimeter of .


    "We''re going to the outer perimeter now. This is a mega-float with a diameter of 2 kilometers, and there is a road that goes around the perimeter.


    (That part hasn''t changed. ......)


    Jin listened to the explanation and looked at the nostalgic scenery.


    The Golem cars go counterclockwise around the perimeter road.


    "This is the first residential area. This is the first residential area, where mostly students live.


    I miss it.


    Yes, it does.


    Rhodes and Maricka narrowed their eyes.


    Both had lived and taught in the settlement at one time or another.


    The Golem car arrived at the airfield.


    This is an airfield for public use. <. By the way, the airfield where Mister Jin landed is directly to the east, and the one over there is called , and is for official visitors.


    We continued to the left and passed through a small green area, which led us back to the residential area.


    "This is the second residential area for the public.


    It was explained to me that this was for people engaged in the general business of <>.


    Oh, and factory workers are also included.


    The group approached a large factory area.


    "This is the largest factory area in <>, including the underground. Everything from the armament of the <> to office notepads are manufactured in this area.


    "Oh, what is that green area to the north?"


    Jin asked.


    "Oh, that''s a field. We can''t be self-sufficient, but we try to get as much fresh vegetables as possible.


    This was something that had not existed four hundred years ago.


    "There are fruit trees too, aren''t there?"


    Reiko, who had good eyesight, asked to make sure.


    "Yes. Citran and Ramon, which prefer warmer climates, and some Persica.


    We arrived at a part of the circle that looked like it had been partially cut off.


    "This is Avalon''s only port.


    Ships larger than a cruiser use this port.


    Ships smaller than that use the piers on the side walls of the mega-float <.


    The cruisers in < are 50 meters long wooden vessels.


    The road around the perimeter of the ship turned in a key shape to avoid the harbor at this point, and after the harbor, it continued in an arc to the airfield on the east side where Jin had landed, known as the .


    The Golem car carrying the group stopped in front of the <> headquarters.


    They had almost completed a lap around the outer perimeter.


    "This is a quick tour of the above ground area of <>. Do you have any questions?


    There was a short pause, and no one opened their mouths. Then Jin spoke up.


    I understand what you mean. I would like to take a look at the school if I may.


    Maricka and Rhodes had been teachers there for a while. Jin wanted to see it for himself.


    "I see. But we are on winter break right now, so there are no students here.


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    At this point, Rhodes interrupted.


    "Aren''t there students and professors in some of the laboratories?"


    He had been a lecturer in the laboratory for some time.


    "Yes, indeed. Well, let''s get going.


    The golem cars started moving again, and the group headed for the .

 1780 - - 48-09 At Go Research Center

    Soon Jin and his group arrived at the area.


    Here, medium-sized buildings are scattered in a green area.


    Each building is divided into elementary, middle, and high schools," Tomax Bartmann explained.


    Tomax Bartmann explained.


    (......I think it used to be just primary and high school. ......)


    Jin was convinced that the number of students had increased and that there had been a disparity in the educational content.


    "In the advanced course, you are always assigned to a laboratory somewhere, and when you graduate, you have the choice of staying in the laboratory or getting a job somewhere else."


    This system is similar to the one at the that Jin knows.


    "What about the lab I was in?"


    Marikka opened her mouth.


    "Yes. <. Rasnat Heilbronn is the head of the lab now.


    "Well, that''s him."


    Rusnat Heilbronn was also a student of Marikka''s.


    "Well, what''s this GOR institute?"


    Elena asked.


    "The <> is a common name, and the official name is the <>.


    The executive member who was riding with her gave a supplementary explanation.


    Tomax also adds.


    "We are at the forefront of golem research in <>, and when it comes to golem research, we are the <>.


    There are many other golem research laboratories, but the <> refers to the <> where Marikka was working.


    One of the reasons for this is that it is one of the oldest golem research labs in the world.


    "I think some of them are still here."


    Hearing these words, Marikka said she would like to drop by, so the group decided to stop by the .


    "I''m kind of looking forward to it."


    Jin was also interested in what kind of research they were doing.


    "You must be Marikka''s student."


    Zion also seemed excited.


    The group parks the Golem car in front of the building and enters the laboratory building. Elena and the rest of the < group and Makina III stay behind to chat and wait.


    "It was at the far end of the second floor, wasn''t it?"


    Marikka went up the stairs and walked down the wide corridor.


    The hallway is cluttered with unintelligible magic tools, ores, and materials on either side, giving the impression of a laboratory.


    As Jin was thinking about this, Marikka was knocking on the door of the desired laboratory.


    "...... yes?"


    She opened the door and a girl with slightly dark blond hair and round glasses came out. That is to say.


    "Katya?


    Jin-san!


    I thought. And of course,


    "Jin?"


    Eira was there, too.


    Jin-dono!


    And Groma Trey.


    And finally..,


    "......What''s going on? What''s going on?


    It was Rasnat Heilbronn, the director.


    * * * *


    "......It''s cleaner than I thought it would be."


    The group is invited into the lab. Maricka looked around the room and said, "Yes, sir.


    I''m sorry. ...... well, KaChea is very talented."


    "I see."


    Jin guessed that Rasnat was like Eira and was not good at tidying up.


    Here you go.


    "Thank you."


    They began chatting over a cup of tea that Katya had made for them.


    "I''m glad to see that all three of you are doing well. I was worried when I heard that the Principality of Mercana had been attacked.


    Jin was the first to speak.


    "That''s my line," he said. But it seems you''ve regained your memory, and above all, I can''t believe that Jin was the <3rd generation of Magecraft Meister>!


    Eira also laughed and said.


    "So it was Jin-dono that Master was looking for. I''m glad I could be of help.


    Gromma Tolley said happily to Rhodes.


    "So you are related to Dr. Malicka."


    This is Rasnat Heilbronn. Brown hair, brown eyes, mid-30s.


    "Well, I guess so."


    "Well, that''s the way it is," replies Zion.


    "I met the second generation, the Magecraft Meister, about 400 years ago. We have been friends ever since.


    "Oh, I didn''t know that!��I didn''t realize you knew even the previous generation!


    Tomax sounded impressed.


    So what can I do for you today?


    "I was showing Jin-dono and Makina-dono around . On the way, Marikka-sama asked me what was going on in the laboratory, so I thought I''d drop by."


    Tomax answered Rasnat''s question.


    "I see. How are you doing at ......, doctor?"


    "Yes. You seem to be doing a lot of research. I''d like to hear your opinion on ......."


    Marikka''s firmness was ruined at the last minute.


    "Well, ......"


    Jin was not averse to such things, and since he knew that Katya and Eira were involved, he gladly accepted the offer.


    "......This is the drive system used for the golem."


    Jin muttered as he picked up the magical muscle that was not made of biomaterials.


    "Biomaterials would not keep well, so we are considering this kind of 100 percent artificial material."


    Rasnath explained. But...


    "What?"


    Marikka asked.


    "It''s the other way around, isn''t it?��Biological materials do not deteriorate as long as they have . Except, of course, for deterioration due to use.


    "What?"


    What?


    See, I told you so!


    In this order, Rasnath, Gromma, and Eira.


    "Most of the materials obtained from demons have a good affinity with free magical element (ether). I told you that they are also highly effective in strengthening and stabilizing with free magic element (ether), didn''t I?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    "...... perhaps you judged that the material simply has a poor shelf life?"


    Jin asked, and the answer came back, <>.


    "Of course, since it is a biological material, it will be damaged if left unattended. However, if they are stored with the proper concentration of free magic element (ether), they will not deteriorate as much.


    "I see. ......"


    "I see.��That''s right!


    Rasnat ponders, and Eira boasts that her theory is correct.


    "So, how about this one?"


    Groma brought out some kind of magic machine from the back of the room.


    Jin took it and began to analyze it with great interest.

 1781 - - 48-10 That Night

    "This is to increase the stability of the golem, isn''t it?"


    Jin, who had finished analyzing the Magi machine, said.


    "Yes, sir. You know exactly what I mean."


    Gloma Trey was a little puzzled as to how to deal with Jin.


    "It has a heavy rotating body inside to retrieve positional information and stabilize it, is that how you use it?


    "Yes, that''s right."


    In short, it''s like a .


    "There is still room for improvement, though.


    Jin thought that the fact that they had come up with this idea was a great feat in itself.


    And once again, he wished that he could welcome the three of them into the .


    * * * * * *


    Since there was not much time to spend, the group left the research building, deciding not to renew old acquaintanceships with the three of them until after dinner tonight.


    It was impressive that all three of them looked like they had many questions.


    "Well, Rasnath is still thinking in a short-sighted way. But I feel a little safer now that the three of them are in the lab.


    Marikka said.


    At the end of the meeting, we had a short look around the city.


    "It''s pretty well stocked, isn''t it?"


    A theater, a cafeteria, a snack bar, and various stores are housed in a large building,


    The idea was similar to that of a shopping mall.


    "I would like to see the assortment of stores ......."


    On this day, it was a little too late to go that far.


    "It was getting late, so I went to ......."


    We spent a surprisingly long time in the research building.


    It is almost time for dinner.


    * * * *


    In fact, it was time for a bath, followed by dinner.


    Naturally, the bath was boiling water, not hot spring water, but Jin was a little surprised to find a bathtub heated by sea water, which was a salt spring.


    The salt spring (sodium chloride spring) has a heat-retaining effect, and the water does not cool down easily.


    However, the salt remains on the skin (thus having a heat-retaining effect), so it is a little sticky, and Jin thinks that there are different tastes .......


    Therefore, the effect is lost when the bathwater is poured over the skin.


    Jin took a normal hot water bath.


    Rhodotos and Machina III were with him. Wattes, not liking baths, took a shower and left early.


    "Rhodes, why don''t you come to Horai Island for New Year''s?��You can bring Ludmilla and Vita too.


    Rhodes jumped at this without a second thought.


    "Are you sure?��By all means!��Vita will be so happy!"


    "I''d love it if Zion and Marikka could come too."


    "If it''s the great-grandmothers, I''m sure they''d be happy to come if Gin-san asked them."


    * * * * * *


    In the women''s bath, Zion, Marikka, Arrietta and others are taking a bath.


    "......"


    Arrietta was a little intimidated by Zion and the others.


    Sion felt it,


    "Arrietta-san, is it?


    She said to him.


    "Yes, yes.


    "Don''t be so afraid of me."


    Zion spoke to her as gently as possible.


    Thanks to his efforts, they became friendly enough for him to give her a back massage.


    "Mr. Zion, Marikka, you have beautiful skin. ......"


    "Is she?"


    Sion is 512 years old and Marikka is 492 years old, but they look like they are in their late 60s or early 60s. They look like they are in their late 60s or early 60s.


    It is assumed that their life expectancy has increased dramatically due to the improvement of their living environment and the effect of high concentration of free magic element (ether), but this has not yet been fully elucidated.


    He guesses that DNA and telomeres are closer to the origin.


    "Oh, that was nice hot water."


    Unfortunately, there was no coffee milk or fruit milk.


    After getting out of the bath and having a smoke, we had a dinner party.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Dinner was not a set menu, but a menu for guests.


    White rice, miso soup with wakame seaweed, grilled sea bream, sashimi of tuna and flatfish, tempura of shrimp and vegetables, deep-fried tofu, and oshinko (Japanese pickles).


    The menu was prepared in the "Avalon" style, he said.


    "Yes, it''s delicious.


    Jin rarely eats grilled sea bream, so he thought it was quite delicious.


    Theon, Marikka, and Rhodotos seemed to be accustomed to eating fish, and they skillfully avoided the bones of the grilled fish (the bones of sea bream are very hard).


    "This Agedashi Tofu is very tasty".


    Arietta seems to be eating many things for the first time.


    Wattes is eating silently, but I am sure it is not her imagination that her chopsticks are going so fast.


    Jin was secretly impressed by the fact that all of them seemed to be able to use chopsticks and that such a culture had spread in the past 400 years.


    After the meal, there was hojicha tea.


    Arietta seemed to like the taste of hojicha, which was different from green tea, as it was her first time to drink it.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    After dinner, it was free time to relax, but it was difficult for Jin to go out because of the distance between the Guest House and the student residence.


    While he was thinking ......, he found that Cachea, Eira, Groma and others came to visit him.


    It seems that Tomax Bartmann had taken care of it.


    "Ah, now we can talk at leisure.


    We decided to talk in the lounge of the guest house.


    Here, the golem maids serve us tea and other drinks.


    (This place is also a golem based on Saffy, isn''t it?)


    ) Jin orders buckwheat tea.


    The three ordered the same thing.


    "Ah, it smells good. But it doesn''t taste like soba.


    Katya commented after taking a sip of the buckwheat tea.


    "Well, Jin. Can you tell me something?"


    Eira said with a mischievous smile.


    "Yes, I will."


    Jin smiled, took a sip of his buckwheat tea, and began to talk.

 1782 - - 48-11 Old friendship

    "First of all, what shall we talk about?"


    Jin opened his mouth slowly.


    "......I''ll start by telling you that after we parted, it became clear to me that Rhodoth was looking for me. And together we escaped the Duchy of Jagus. We returned to Rhodes'' homeland, the , using a that Rhodes had hidden there. ......"


    He omits a lot of the middle of the story, but his listeners don''t understand it.


    "So I met the <> clan and found out exactly who I was."


    "So you have your memory back!"


    Ka-cea says with a happy face.


    "Oh, I''m sorry to worry you. I am Jin Nidor, successor to the second generation of Magecraft Masters, Jin Nidor.


    So you''ve inherited the title and the name.


    Eira looked relieved.


    "I suppose so.


    "So you got your memory back in the Nordic Federation?"


    "......"


    Jin was troubled here. To some extent, he wondered if he should tell the truth.


    He thought for a moment and then made up his mind.


    "...... Actually, I didn''t lose my memory from the beginning."


    Then he bows deeply.


    "I''m sorry for deceiving you!"


    Jin continued to bow, knowing that if he was not forgiven, his relationship with the girls would be at an end.


    "...... I knew it."


    The first thing he heard was Eira''s light voice.


    "I thought that was what you meant. ......At the very end, though."


    Katya said with a smile.


    "Yes. If the master was looking for you, he must have had his own reasons. I''m not going to say anything about that.


    Gromma also said he did not care.


    "Thank you for ......."


    Jin thanked him and raised his head.


    "I feel much better now."


    "I''m sure you''ve been through a lot."


    "Yes. If they had known at that point that Jin was a , I don''t know what the Principality would have done to him."


    Cachea and Groma both expressed their own opinions.


    "Well, there''s no doubt that you were sent to that village by a transfer accident.


    Jin said, and Eira nodded.


    "I can understand that. If you are suddenly sent to a place where you don''t know the left and right by yourself, the first thing you think about is your own safety.


    Eira continued, "For that reason, you should not reveal too much information about yourself, but get information about the people around you. Her words had an air of being backed by experience.


    Jin thought to himself that Eira must have gone through a lot of hardships.


    "So..." he said. has his own laboratory. I inherited it. Would you like to come visit me for the New Year''s holidays?��I just wanted to say that.


    "Oh, that''s great!"


    "Is ...... okay with you?"


    Eira was immediately on board, but Katya seemed to have her doubts.


    "Hmm, what is it?"


    "Well, the Magecraft Meister has been giving us a lot of favors."


    "...... Oh, so that''s how it is. What, it''s nothing to worry about. < is not a saint, nor does he have any obligations.


    Since I am not a public figure, I have no reason to be restricted in my actions," Jin said.


    "Well, I''m sure you''ll get a lot of attention.


    Jin laughed it off. I have all kinds of ways to stay out of the public eye.


    "......If you say so, Jin-san, that''s fine."


    "I''ve been saying I''m going from the beginning."


    I''m not sure if they''re going to invite me, too.


    Jin laughs and says to Groma, who is a little reserved.


    "That''s because I know Rhodes, and more importantly, thanks to Gromma''s advice, I met Rhodes.


    "When you say that, I realize that I was able to be of service to my master.


    Jin then decided to set a specific date.


    "Well, I''m leaving here tomorrow at noon, so I''ll come with you then. Pack your baggage. There''s plenty of room in the ...... hurricane, so you can bring your golem."


    The last words were to Groma.


    "...... what?��...... Oh, thank you."


    Gromma''s face broke as he remembered Jin''s promise to fight the golem again.


    "Even if it''s not even close, it''s something I said once."


    Gromma chuckled.


    "Let''s get back to the story at ....... The plan is to leave here tomorrow at noon for Shoro. That''s where I''m staying."


    "The Shoro Kingdom. I''ve always wanted to visit there!��I''m looking forward to it! We can go there now if you want!


    Eira is excited.


    "Are you a child?"


    "Shut up!��That''s how excited I am.


    It had been a long time since Eira and Groma had spoken to each other, Jin recalled with nostalgia. It had only been less than four months.


    Jin was planning to go to Horai Island via the warp gate from there, but he didn''t want to talk about it at this moment.


    After that, they spend time asking about what happened to Eira and the others, and what has happened since their arrival in <>.


    After 9:00 p.m., the meeting was adjourned. Eira and the others had to return to their lodgings.


    "See you tomorrow," Jin said.


    Jin said,


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it.


    "I''ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow."


    "Thank you, Jin-dono."


    They left with three different words.


    Jin went back to his room and visited Rhodes'' room again.


    "I''ve decided to call it ......."


    He explained the conversation he had had with them.


    "It''s all right. I''ll tell Grandmother about it."


    "Yes, will you do that for me?"


    <


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The 29th day of the month dawned.


    Jin is having a meeting with the leaders of <>. Makina III was with him.


    "......That''s why, please contact Machina if you need anything."


    Jin now was a private individual, and he made it clear that he did not want to be associated with the <> organization.


    "......I understand."


    He agreed to this, albeit reluctantly.


    However, after we had finished our discussion, he said to me,


    I have heard that the predecessor of Jin-dono and the first Makina-dono were brother and sister apprentices.


    What do you know about that?


    "Yes, they studied under the same master.


    No lie. I am not lying, for I have inherited the teachings of Adriana Barbora Zetsi, the great first generation .


    "And this generation is my brother''s apprentice. Both Makina and I are related to the second generation of ."


    Makina III nodded silently.


    "<> will have to improve its technology even further.


    Tomax Bartmann said.


    "Dr. Maricka is going to lend us <> again, so please keep your eyes open for him in the future."


    These positive words reassured Jin a little.


    When Jin left <>, he told his friends who had become close to him in the Principality of Mercana that he would invite them to spend the New Year''s holidays in the Shoro Kingdom.


    "Oh, you mean those three? ...... I''m a little envious."


    Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann seemed to think so.

 1783 - - 48-12 Fenglai, up there.

    "Wow ...... and, it''s flying ......."


    "Nah, it''s not like riding in a hot air balloon or a small wind-powered flotation device (blow floater)!"


    "......"


    Cachea, Eira, Gromma and the others were on the <, and they were all saying what they thought of it.


    They are on their way from to Shoro.


    Of course, the house of Leuthart has been contacted.


    (I said "my mansion" out of old habit, but it was actually the residence of Daikie and Mrs. Cocona.)


    Jin was thinking that he would take this opportunity to invite Daiki-Nido and Mr. and Mrs. Cocona to Horai Island.


    (Or, it would be nice to meet the other descendants on <>. ......)


    Jin thought that he had to go to Loisart first anyway, so he decided to consult with Zion who was riding with him.


    "Zion, why don''t we go to the observatory?"


    "Oh, is there such a thing?"


    "Yes. The top of the air sac is transparent and there is a ladder attached to it. But it''s so narrow that only two people can climb up.


    The size of the air sac was designed with Hitoshi and Reiko in mind, but it also seemed to be useful for this kind of confidential meeting.


    After Zion, Marikka.


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it!"


    So Jin and Zion were at the observatory.


    "Wow, it''s a nice view. The sky is so blue.


    Zion seemed to be impressed by the view of the vastness of the sky.


    "At ......?��What do you want to talk about?"


    Zion seemed to realize why I had brought him here. He was very old, he thought, but did not say it out loud.


    "I''m no match for Zion. I''m talking about ...... those three and the two Reuzerts."


    "You mean if I can join the <>?"


    "No, before that I was wondering if I could take them to Horai Island and Onogoro Island."


    "Oh, I see."


    Theon nodded in agreement. Then, after thinking for a moment, he opened his mouth.


    "I think it''s a good idea, don''t you?


    You seem trustworthy," says Theon.


    "It''s a different story if we bring him into the family, but if we just take him with us..."


    "You think so?"


    "Yes. You''re going to use a warp gate, right?��Then we don''t know where they are, and we just need to be careful beforehand.


    Jin''s shoulders lightened at Zion''s words.


    "I guess so."


    < is not normal, so a little bit of trouble should be acceptable to them, Jin decided to open his heart.


    "Wow, the sky is so beautiful!


    After Zion, Jin led Marikka to the island.


    He asks Marikka if she would like to take Daikie and Cocona to .


    "I think it would be a good idea. They are of the Nido family, aren''t they? I think it would be okay for them to live here.


    "I see. But I''m not sure about that.


    Jin then began to think that if they wanted to move to , he would have to replace them with automata.


    "Except for the three you brought with you this time, right?"


    "Yes. I don''t intend to take Ka-cea and the others to .


    <


    (Joining the <> could determine the rest of their lives. ......)


    Jin thought that it would be difficult to lead a normal life. He did not intend to make a hasty decision on this.


    In this sense, the members of the first were quite special.


    Jin recalls with nostalgia that they all had their own unique characteristics.


    After that, Rhodoth, Katya, Eira, and Groma were guided one by one, and after they had enjoyed themselves, the <> was about to fly over the Shoro Kingdom.


    The hurricane flew in the opposite direction at the same speed as the rotation of Arus, so it was 11:00 a.m. local time in Leuthart.


    The airships and hot-air balloons that are watching the sky above us are identified by using wind magic as well.


    "This is <> Jin Nido. I am visiting the house of Reuthert."


    >


    The soldiers are overwhelmed by the strange appearance of the they see for the first time, but they do their duty.


    I''m sure they''ll get used to Jin''s unorthodoxy after a few more times. ...... God only knows if that is a good thing or not.


    * * * * * *


    Jin-sama, welcome to our show.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Shoro Kingdom of Loizart.


    The lands on the rooftop of Reuthert''s mansion.


    Daikie and Cocona greet her.


    "Hey, I''ll be staying with you for a while.


    "No, Jin-sama is always welcome to stay with us.


    No, Mr. Jin is always welcome to stay with us.


    Mr. and Mrs. Daiki-kona had become the caretakers of the house.


    "Oh, you''re going to spend the New Year''s holidays here?


    It''s like a dream!


    When Jin told them that he wanted to invite them, Daikin and Cocona were overjoyed.


    "Well then, after lunch, you can get ready.


    "Yes, sir!"


    The time was about noon, but since Jin and the others had traveled two hours ahead of the time, their actual time was 2:00 p.m.


    <, but were feeling a little hungry.


    "I was told you were coming, so I have prepared something for you.


    Lunch was ready in the dining room.


    White porridge, dried plums, dried bonito flakes, wasabi, chopped laver, seaweed salt, kelp boiled in soy sauce, and pickles. The tea was hojicha.


    "This is delicious!


    "Oh, it''s delicious."


    "Mmm, it''s delicious."


    Groma, Katya, Eira and the others seemed to like this menu.


    Of course Jin liked it too. Jin had four more servings of this dish, saying that it would be nice to eat it in the style of wasabi chazuke with a little bit of wasabi.


    He had prepared a smaller bowl of rice for this purpose.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......"


    "......This is the warp gate. ......"


    <. < will be recovered later.


    And this time, as a special exception, we have decided to move directly to the basement of the institute without going through the relay base .


    "I should say that you are indeed a <<> at ...... that you can use the transfer gate (warp gate) so casually."


    Groma was overwhelmed by Jin''s technology.


    On the other hand, Cachea and Eira are impressed and accepting. They seem to be more adaptable.


    And Daikie and Cocona seemed speechless.


    They also did not say anything, but Zion and his wife are used to it, so they just did not get excited.


    After passing through the warp gate, they exit the basement of the institute.


    The old man''s voice,


    "Welcome, everyone!


    The five-colored golem maids greeted the group.


    Jin then delivered his usual line.


    "Welcome to Horai Island.

 1784 - - Its 48-13.

    "So this is Jin-san''s base. ......"


    The first one to open his mouth was Katya.


    "Well, let''s go outside."


    Jin stood first and led the group up the stairs and out of the institute.


    "Wow. ......"


    Outside the institute, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Navy Golems were lined up from one to ten to greet the group.


    In case you were wondering, the Space Force and the Mermaid Unit were nowhere to be seen.


    "Wow, that''s great ......!"


    Eira looks happy for some reason,


    "............"


    Glooma is mute.


    Theon, Marikka, Rhodotos and the others remain calm.


    And Daikki and Cocona are saying...


    "This is Jin-sama''s borite!��It''s really here!


    It was a legend among them, after all.


    Jin left them alone for a while.


    In the meantime, he had a brief meeting with Reiko, Luna, and Soleil.


    "...... excuse me."


    This time it was Groma who came back to me first.


    "Well, I''m excited for the first time in a long time!


    "Eira-san, it''s still up. ......"


    And then Daikki and Cocona said,


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry."


    They were sorry.


    * * * *


    "Oh!��This is Jin''s workshop!


    Eira''s eyes lit up at the workshop as I showed her around.


    "This is amazing...there are materials I''ve never seen before............"


    She then glued her eyes to the material sample shelves.


    "I''ve never seen anything like it. ......


    Groma is looking at the prototypes of the magic tools he is about to make.


    "Jin-san, how are you managing the materials and keeping track of the inventory?"


    And Katya, as always, had a firm grasp of the management system.


    And before I knew it, it was evening. No wonder there is a time difference of 5 hours and 20 minutes from Loisart.


    "Well, you can relax in the hot spring."


    Hot spring?


    "Do they have hot springs here? ......"


    "Hot springs are nice, aren''t they?"


    The reactions were varied, but none of them disliked hot springs.


    The golem maids spent about five minutes cleaning and ironing our clothes after we took them off.


    "......That''s a big help."


    "This is very nice of you."


    "Oh, thank you very much."


    Everyone was surprised and pleased with their respective reactions.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Dinner is served late.


    The menu consists of white rice, miso soup with deep-fried tofu and okara, grilled fish, various tempura, meat topopo, chikuzen-ni, sweet omelet, kiriboshi-daikon, steamed egg custard, tsukudani, and oshinko.


    The amount of each dish was kept small so that the guests could enjoy a variety of tastes.


    "This is also delicious.


    The tempura also included vegetables such as pumpkin, eggplant, shishito pepper, sweet potato, prawns, squid, and squid. And prawns, squid, white fish, and chikuwa (bamboo wafers).


    "This tempura of this is very different and tasty!"


    Surprisingly, the tempura of the bamboo rings was well received.


    "I like this one ......"


    Cocona said she liked the sweet omelet.


    Daikie seemed to like the chawanmushi and asked the golem maid to teach her how to make it later.


    "The rice at Jin''s is delicious. Is it the way they cook it?


    Zion says, but Jin honestly doesn''t know what the difference is. Then Peridot1, a five-colored golem maid, said, "Perhaps it''s the water,


    "Perhaps, the water is different. Isn''t the water in the where you live, Mr. Zion, hard water?"


    "Hard water?��What is that?"


    Theon did not know about hard water. Neither Maricka nor Rhodes nor ...... anyone else there seemed to know.


    (Oh, I guess it wasn''t in the ......<> section. ......)


    Jin adds a supplementary explanation.


    Hard water is water with high mineral content and soft water is water with low mineral content. I think the water of the Nordic Federation has a high calcium and magnesium content.


    Jin concluded by saying that he did not know the exact proportions that separate hard water from soft water.


    For reference, in modern Japan, water with less than 100 milligrams of calcium and magnesium per liter is considered soft water, and more than 100 milligrams is considered hard water (there is also a standard of 1 20 milligrams per liter).


    <


    The old man explained the situation to Zion and the others, and they seemed to understand it.


    "I see. So if we remove the impurities by purification, we can cook better tasting rice.


    "That''s true, but if you remove them completely, the taste may disappear.


    That means distilled water doesn''t taste good.


    "It''s difficult. ...... Well, I''ll try some things when I get home."


    "I''ll see what I can do when I get back.


    The water in Leusert, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom, is also hard water because of the subsoil water from Lake Tosmo.


    Especially when it passes through calcareous bedrock, it contains high calcium content.


    It is also said that hard water is suitable for so-called "Western-style" stews. It is said that this is because it is easier to remove the scum from meat.


    Soft water, on the other hand, is suitable for cooking in general, but does not provide minerals.


    "I wonder to what extent the water of the Laurentian continent also contains minerals. ......"


    Jin did not pay much attention to this.


    .


    The old man explained that the reason was that the taste of the food would not be reduced to an extreme level.


    "I see. I see. ...... So you are saying that Zion''s sense of taste is superior."


    "Why is that so?


    "No, I didn''t even notice ...... or rather didn''t care, because I noticed a difference in the taste of the rice."


    "Well, I guess so. ...... Well, I''ll take that as a compliment from Jin."


    The dinner ended in a generally friendly manner, although there were a few moments like this.


    "......Tomorrow, I''ll invite Ludmilla and the others to come over here and take Daikie and the others to ...... or..."


    Either one of these will be left to the doppelgangers, Jin thinks.


    "Well, I guess we can just leave Horaijima to the doppelgangers while we take Daikie and the others home."


    He is busy, but he feels that it is fulfilling and typical of him.


    "It''s the season of the teacher, isn''t it?


    Jin smiles to himself, thinking that as a <<>, it can''t be helped that he is running around so much.

 1785 - - 48-14 Face-to-face between descendants

    On the night of the 29th, Jin took Daikie and Cocona to .


    It was nighttime and the other guests were about to go to bed. No wonder it was convenient for them.


    The time difference is 12 hours, so it is still daytime on .


    Mr. and Mrs. Trihardt greeted us, as we had informed them in advance.


    "Mr. Jin, welcome to Onogoro Island. ...... is that you?"


    Yes, I am a descendant of the Nido family.


    My name is Daiki-Nidoh.


    This is my wife, Cocona.


    They introduced themselves briefly.


    My name is Trihard Randall, and I''m the caretaker. This is my wife, Suzanne.


    The two couples, who were about the same age, immediately became friends.


    "This way, please."


    Trihardt led the group out of the warp gate room.


    There, Shu Nido and Ada Nido were waiting for them.


    "Let me introduce you right away. This is Shu Nido. This is Ada Nido.


    "You must be a direct descendant of the Nido family!"


    Daikie sounded impressed.


    "Shu, Ada, this is Daiki-Nido and his wife Cocona. He is currently a count in the Shoro Kingdom.


    Shu had met Daiki-Nido and his wife Cocona with Jin the other day.


    "My name is Shu Nido. Thank you for your help the other day!


    "Oh, oh, you are ......!��I see that you are also a member of the Nido family ......."


    The last time we met, Shu did not use his family name, but not this time. This time, however, she proudly gave her surname as Nido.


    "My name is Ada Nido. Nice to meet you."


    "Oh, ......, it''s an honor to meet you."


    The four shook hands firmly.


    Here they met, bloodlines separated in the distant past.


    I take the surname Nido, but I can hardly use engineering magic," said Daikie.


    Daikie said.


    "Even so, I will not let the Nido family in the Shoro Empire die out, until this day ......."


    The rest of his voice was tearful.


    "......Oh, thank you for seeing me,......Nido family,......and everyone else for being alive here,......" he said. ......Thank you."


    "Mr. Daiki,......"


    Shu and Ada gently shook Daikie''s hand.


    "Thank you from us too. "Thank you for protecting the Nido family.


    "You must have gone through a lot of hardship. We bow to you.


    <


    But those who were left outside were alone and helpless. I can only remember how hard it was for them.


    Jin was happy and proud that Daiki-Kona and his wife were accepted immediately.


    (Everyone ...... our offspring have all grown up to be good children.)


    Jin thinks of his former <.


    It is strange to call his descendants, who are apparently older than he is, good children, but that was Jin''s honest feeling.


    * * * * * *


    "Well then, I''m going back to Horai Island.


    "Yes, Jin-sama, thank you very much for your help.


    His return to the Shoro Kingdom is scheduled for January 4th.


    Until then, Jin will stay with Katya and Zion and the others on Horai Island, while Daikie and Cocona will stay here on .


    "Well then, Jin-sama, have a happy new year."


    "Yes, I wish you all a Happy New Year too."


    After exchanging New Year''s greetings, Jin returned to Horai Island. It was already midnight.


    When he heard from the old man that nothing had happened, he went back to sleep, relieved.


    * * * * *


    The next day was December 30, which is New Year''s Eve in our calendar.


    After breakfast, Jin used the warp gate to call Rhodes'' sister, Vita, and Rhodes'' fianc��e, Ludmilla, from the Nordic Federation.


    "Brother!


    "Master Rhodes!"


    "Liu, Vita!"


    "Good for you, Lo."


    Zion smiles at Rhodes, who has flowers in both hands.


    Jin introduces Eira and the other three to their new guest.


    "It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of the people of the Nordic Federation.


    Eira and the three of them introduced the new guest to Eira and the others,


    "Well, I never get tired of being with Jin!"


    and the open-hearted Eira,


    "Yo, I''m looking forward to working with you."


    and the reserved Katya.


    Jin was hopeful that this year''s New Year''s holiday would be a lively one.


    "Well, let''s go to the beach today.


    "The sea, I like it. ...... Come to think of it, it''s warm here on the island. <.


    Jin explains to Eira.


    "Yes, it is. is closer to the equator. This island is not that far south, but the warm currents flowing nearby make it warmer in winter.


    "I see."


    While we were talking, it seemed that the golem car was ready for the trip to the sea.


    "Wow, that''s interesting!


    Vita is excited. Or rather, she seems to have been in high spirits ever since she arrived at Horai Island. To the point that Rhodes, who is with her, is amazed.


    The group is heading to the sea in two six-seater golem cars.


    In the first car are Jin, Reiko, Eira, Katya, and Groma. The driver is Lao Tzu. In the second car are Zion, Marikka, Roadtoss, Vita and Ludmilla. The driver is Hope.


    This time Lao Tzu is dressed as a butler.


    We arrived at Tatsumi Bay in about an hour.


    "Wow, beautiful sea!


    Vita''s tension was still high, even though she had been excited all the way to the car.


    "Well, the ocean is nice," she said.


    "It''s nice, isn''t it?"


    Eira and Katya had seen the sea several times, too.


    "Isn''t it?"


    Jin then pointed to the harbor.


    "Uh... ......"


    "Oh, that, what is it?"


    There was a 100-meter-long, all-metal ship, a cruiser , floating in the harbor.


    "This is the cruiser that protects this island. Would you like to board it?


    "Of course!"


    No one objected, so Jin quickly climbed aboard.


    "No, this is great!"


    "Jin-sama, this is great!"


    "Wow! ......"


    Eira and Vita were impressed.


    "All right, let''s get underway!"


    At Jin''s command, the cruiser slowly left the harbor for the coast of Tatsumi Bay.

 1786 - - 48-15 in two scenes.

    The same day that Jin and his crew departed Tatsumi Bay on the cruiser , the scene was again at .


    The deus ex machina III and Elena''s group were still in residence.


    "...... Is that true?"


    Tomax Bartmann, the Chief Administrator of <>, asks Elena while suppressing a pain in his stomach.


    "Yes, I''m afraid so."


    "......umm......"


    Elena told him that former Superintendent Graham Darby was a member of the <>.


    "This information came to light from the documents we secured when we took back the headquarters from the League of Magic.


    Likewise, such information had been passed on to the heads of state and, as a result, the influence of the League of Magic was being removed from the governments of various countries.


    "The reason for the delay is that all this information was encrypted.


    Elena explained that important information had been encrypted before being stored in storage.


    It took a long time to decipher it.


    "......Please understand that I told you this after Marikka and the others had left because I was concerned about them."


    Elena bowed lightly. Tomax took Elena by the hand.


    "No need to apologize. ...... I would have done the same."


    Graham Darby was another of Maricka''s students. He must have been a very difficult student, Tomax Bartmann recalled, because he was disobedient and self-righteous.


    Maricka had taught Graham carefully ......, but that was why she had taught him carefully and cared about him.


    "If he knew that he was actually working for the enemy, he would be very sad," she said.


    Graham and Tomax were classmates.


    "Sure, there are a lot of things that could be explained if he was working for the League of Magic," he said.


    Still, he was somewhat ...... reluctant to accept the fact that his classmate with whom he had studied together was a spy for a hostile organization.


    However, Tomax Bartmann is now a top administrator. He is capable of thinking logically and without personal feelings.


    "So this Avalon is still under his influence?"


    Elena nodded.


    "Yes. That is precisely the subject of today''s discussion, and the reason why I asked you to join us."


    "I see. To put it a little more bluntly, the very survival of is at stake.


    Makina nodded in an exaggerated manner.


    The who is controlling Makina III has apparently set Makina''s characterization to be somewhat pompous.


    "......, I think we need to question many of the members, including those who were in close proximity to that Graham Darby."


    "Yes, that''s right. But we can''t interrogate them one by one. It would take too much time and effort, and it would shake the unity of the group.


    "I understand that."


    Implicitly, Tomax Bartmann wants to know if there is a better way.


    Elena, apparently sensing this, spoke up.


    "I don''t think it''s a good idea to find out all at once, since it would be difficult to do so and might cause friction.


    "Ummm ......"


    Tomax''s stomach is still in knots.


    * * * *


    Meanwhile, Jin and his crew were enjoying the sea aboard the cruiser .


    "Wow ......, the horizon is round after all!"


    "The sea breeze feels so nice!"


    Katya and Eira were looking out at the sea from the observation deck next to the bridge.


    "It''s a very special view from this high up."


    "It''s different from a small ship, isn''t it?"


    Theon and Marikka also seem to be enjoying the view.


    "It''s a nice view, Mr. Rhodes!"


    Ludmilla is standing on the edge of the boat with Rhodes, looking out to sea.


    "I am so happy to be here with my grandmother!


    Vita was enjoying the boat ride flanked by Sion and Marikka.


    "......An all-metal ship 100 meters long? ......It would be a lot of work just to build a dock that could make that. ......"


    And Groma seems to have a lot on his mind.


    After having enjoyed themselves to the fullest, they set a table on the deck for tea.


    He served sencha green tea and yokan (a sweet bean jelly),


    What''s this?��It''s so sweet!��It''s delicious!"


    Eira seemed to like the yokan very much.


    "It is sweet. ...... It is delicious. ......"


    Of course, Katya liked it, too.


    And Groma too,


    "The yokan is delicious, but this tea is also delicious. ......"


    In the end, the tea and the yokan were very popular among the three of us.


    Jin warned them, "If you eat too much, you won''t have enough for lunch.


    Jin warned, but Eira''s hands did not stop. KaChea looked like she wanted some more, but stopped eating. .......


    On the other hand, Zion, Marikka and Rhodotos had eaten it before, so their reactions were not that exaggerated, but their faces showed that they liked it.


    "Yummy!"


    "It''s delicious ......!"


    But Vita and Ludmilla seemed to have eaten it for the first time and their faces were beaming with delight.


    "Ah, but Jin got this from his predecessor, didn''t he?"


    "Well, yes."


    Jin built the cruiser 400 years ago, so it is safe to say that he is the predecessor.


    "It originally started when the first Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi, who was active 1,400 years ago, found Horai Island and maintained it. But you know what?"


    "Adriana Barbora Tsezi, ...... that''s too long ago for me to imagine."


    Eira smiled and drank the rest of the sencha tea.


    "But it''s all those years of experience that made it possible to build a ship like this."


    Gromma muttered in a tone of voice that sounded both impressed and moved.


    "Gromma is from Fusor, isn''t he?"


    Rhodotos called out to Gromma.


    "Yes, Master. But I haven''t been back for more than 20 years now.


    "Is that so?"


    Eira asked in surprise. This was the first time they had ever talked like this.


    "Yes, that''s right. I was orphaned when I was a child, and I asked a peddler who had just arrived to take me to Mitsho. From there I asked another merchant to take me to the Shoro Empire, and after a few more things I was able to learn from a master."


    "......Groma must have gone through a lot of hardship."


    Eira looked a little surprised.


    "I don''t have any relatives either."


    Just as the conversation was about to turn somber, the captain, Marine 31, a Navy golem, came in with a report.


    <


    At the sound of this voice, everyone stared out to sea from the starboard side.


    A black dot is indeed visible just in front of the horizon.


    "Is that Bowall?��"Is that Bowall? I''m not sure.


    Gromma said,


    "You can use this one," he said.


    Marin and the other crew members handed out binoculars to everyone.


    "What''s this?"


    "This is how you use them."


    Eira and the others did not know how to use the binoculars, so Jin showed them how to use them.


    "Here, you adjust the focus ...... to see what you want to see."


    "Here ...... it is, it looks good. So this is Bowall!


    Magnification is 7x. This is the magnification that can be used by hand. If the magnification is too large, the field of view will be unsteady due to camera shake.


    Incidentally, there is also a golem-type telescope, which has an anti-shake function.


    "Oh, is this a Bowall?"


    We all enjoyed the occasional "Bowall Watching.

 1787 - - 48-16 New Years Eve, respectively

    December 30, 4:00 p.m.


    Jin and his crew had returned to the institute after their excursion on the cruiser .


    "Well, it''s New Year''s Eve today."


    "New Year''s Eve?"


    Yes, it is.


    Except for Gromma, who was from Fuso, he did not know how to say New Year''s Eve.


    "The last day of each month is called New Year''s Eve. Today is the end of December and also the end of the year, so it''s called New Year''s Eve.


    According to the lunar calendar, a standard month lasts 30 days. In other words, the end of the month is , so it is said that the character for was applied to it.


    In the solar calendar, a month can be 30 days, 31 days, 28 days, 2 The last day of the month is called "New Year''s Eve".


    "So on New Year''s Eve, we do a few things."


    Groma responded to this as well.


    "New Year''s soba!


    Fusoh, Mitsuho still has some Japanese customs. It was passed down to us by our senior who had wandered into the area before Jin, <<<< Wise Man (Magus) >> Shuki Tsetsi>>.


    There is a theory that it is to wish people to live long and thin like buckwheat, or to cut off bad luck because buckwheat is easy to cut."


    "Heh. ....... I didn''t know that either. Jin ......, are you from Fuso or Mitsuho?


    No, I only know someone who is. Or, to be more precise, ."


    Gromma did not ask any more probing questions, perhaps reading into the way he said it that there was something more to the story.


    "Well, let''s get back to the story. We are going to take a bath to cleanse ourselves and have New Year''s Eve soba for dinner. ...... would you prefer hot soba or cold soba?"


    As for Jin, he prefers morisoba.


    As a result, it was decided that Zion and the other members of the Nordic Federation would have hot soba and Eira and the other members of would have cold soba.


    Both are served with tempura. The morisoba also had soba-yu (buckwheat hot water).


    Aside from that, Jin and the others took a hot spring bath to rinse off their bodies, which were a bit sticky from the sea breeze on the boat.


    At the same time, the grime and fatigue of the past year were also washed away.


    The golem maids cleaned the clothes they took off today as well.


    "Thank you very much.


    "Indeed."


    "This is a luxurious way to use the golem. ......"


    Eira, Cachea, and Gromma seemed to have their own impressions.


    "Oh, that felt so good!"


    "As expected of Jin-sama. ......"


    The members of the Nordic Federation also felt refreshed.


    Now that they are all refreshed after the hot spring baths, and their clothes are clean and fresh.


    Tonight, they are sitting around the table in the living room of their .


    "Tatami mats... I miss ...... tatami mats..."


    Groma says happily.


    "Is it a mat made of a grass called Igusa? I''ve never seen it before, but it feels nice to the touch and smells wonderful.


    KaChea seems to like the tatami mats.


    "Yes. Sitting directly on the floor like this is so relaxing!


    Even Eira, who is a lazy person by nature, greatly appreciated the fact that she could sit directly on the floor.


    Theon and his friends have been here many times, and tatami mats are in small supply in the Nordic Federation, so there were no notable reactions.


    Then came the New Year''s Eve soba.


    "Wow, it smells good!"


    Soba made with freshly ground buckwheat flour has a wonderful aroma.


    Two kinds of sauce, sweet and dry, are served, and you can choose the one you like best.


    Hitoshi prefers a slightly sweet taste, so he mixed two sweet tastes with one dry taste. The soup was a gem with a broth made from dried bonito flakes.


    The condiments were wasabi and spicy daikon. Spicy daikon is an improved version of wild daikon.


    "Tempura is also very crispy!"


    Shrimp tempura and vegetable kakiage are included. They are freshly fried and quite hot.


    Jin was careful not to burn himself while eating.


    "The soba sauce at Horai Island is delicious, isn''t it?"


    Zion was slowly tasting the hot soba sauce.


    "Dried bonito flakes and kelp, right?" he said.


    "I heard they also add dried bonito flakes and kelp," Jin said.


    Jin said. It''s no secret. Especially to Zion and the rest of the family.


    "I see. I''ll try it next time.


    The night of New Year''s Eve slowly fades away.


    * * * *


    <.


    The time difference from Horai Island is about three and a half hours, so it is late afternoon here.


    Here, too, preparations were underway to welcome the New Year .......


    However, there are no special events.


    The most troublesome thing is to prepare files for the new year on the shelves.


    Each department was preparing for the new year.


    The deus ex machina III and Elena''s group were still in .


    Makina III in particular was inspecting the facilities in <>.


    (......I left it alone for a bit, but there are still many deteriorated facilities. ......)


    The original equipment was fine, but the equipment that had been added after Jin''s death was deteriorating.


    It means that the technology of Jin and the technology of could not be equaled.


    (I hope to see more of this in the future.)


    The <> who was piloting the third generation of Machina was quietly working on it with such impressions in his mind.


    And then...


    "This is ......!"


    What Makina III discovered was a suspicious magic machine (magi-machine) set up inside <>. There were four of them. There was an additional one.


    When they were analyzed, three of them were for eavesdropping, one was a bomb, and the extra one was a transfer magic circle.


    (I would be surprised if the < had the technology of transfer magic circle. ......)


    The master immediately reported to the old man. At the same time, he also made sure to disable the four magi-machines and the transfer magic circle.


    The last report was made to Tomax Bartmann.


    At the same time, Elena was reviewing the documents with permission.


    Elena was reviewing them to the best of her ability.


    Due to the strength of the leather and wooden paper, the search is done at about eight times the speed of a human being. At higher speeds, there is a risk of tearing the paper.


    As a result, three data falsifications were found.


    From a document from five years ago,


    "It seems that the budget was used for something else.


    and from a document from two years ago.


    And a document from two years ago.


    "Unknown cargo was entered into the warehouse."


    And finally, from this year''s paperwork,


    "I think there may have been a leak of information."


    It was discovered that four correspondence had been sent to an unknown destination.


    "Well, this is a serious situation!"


    Tomax Bartmann groaned with a bitter look on his face when he received the report.


    It seems that New Year''s has not yet come to him. .......

 1788 - - 48-17 Timers

    "In my hometown, the bell rings on New Year''s Eve.


    On the night of the 30th, Jin was chatting with Eira, Kaechea, Groma, Zion, Marikka, Rhodotos, Ludmila, Vita, and others in the sunken kotatsu at on Horai Island.


    Incidentally, the Nordic Federation group and the rest of the group are divided into two kotatsu.


    By the way, somewhat surprisingly, Eira and the other three did not inquire about Jin''s birthplace.


    It seems that they have learned the meaninglessness of prying after learning that Jin is a . ......


    "The bell is rung 108 times. It is said that the same number of times rings the bell to get rid of human''s troubles.


    "Hmm, that''s interesting."


    Eira, with a red face, nodded her head.


    She seemed to have been intoxicated by the sake she was drinking.


    Katya is eating a ...... bred Citran mandarin on the kotatsu.


    "Was it this ......<?��It''s nice because you can peel it easily by hand."


    Ordinary citrons have thick skins and are a bit difficult to peel by hand, but the ones from Horai Island can be peeled with ease. In this sense, they are similar to .


    In order to make the taste even closer to the of Jin''s memory, Topaz, the golem maid of five colors, and others were looking for mutations such as branch changes.


    It literally came to fruition, and had been growing on Horai Island for about 200 years.


    In addition, attempts were made to cross breed Ramon, and as a result, varieties similar to <> and <> were also produced.


    "I like this kotatsu. I think I''ll get a tatami mat and a kotatsu for my room too. ....... Oh, and a as well."


    "If you do that, Eira-san, you''ll never come out of the kotatsu in winter, right?"


    Eira scratched her head at KaChea''s words.


    "Well, the winter in Avalon is short and not so cold..." said Groma.


    Groma said. It''s a good argument. But...


    "You have such a hard heart. ......


    Eira said, as if she were trying to get him to shut up.


    "Shut up!��I know what I''m talking about!��...... a little."


    Gromma, too, seemed to know that he did not have much of a sense of humor.


    "You guys get along great."


    Theon looked at Eira and Gromma with a soft smile.


    "Yes, it''s said that they are . ......"


    Kaechea nodded.


    Marikka overheard this and looked at her as if she was smiling.


    Marikka asks Jin, "Saki and Goose were like that too, weren''t they?"


    Marikka asks Jin.


    Jin turned around and nodded.


    "Indeed. In the beginning they used to butt horns with each other a lot. ...... Eira and Groma were worse, though."


    New Year''s Eve is drawing to a close.


    Rhodes and Ludmilla snuggled into the kotatsu, and Vita looked at her brother and future sister-in-law with a smile.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    never sleeps.


    The magical brain that controls and oversees the whole system, , is monitoring every inch of this mega-float, which is two kilometers in diameter.


    Of course, it was Jin who installed it 400 years ago, and named it the same way.


    The anomaly was detected by on January 1, 3900 at 0:00:00:00 1:00 local time. It was at 3900 January 1, 0:00:00:00 1:00 local time.


    An anomaly is detected. A huge mana reaction. Second class alarm issued.


    At 0:00:00 minutes and 1 second on January 1st, 3900 years ago, a second class alarm was issued in Avalon. A second class alarm has sounded in Avalon.


    What''s going on?


    What is this?


    An alarm of this kind had not sounded in over a century.


    The top management of <> including Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann was astonished.


    (......) A second class alarm. Is there a foreign object inside?)


    But Machina III was the only one who understood the meaning of the alarm correctly.


    There''s an intruder! There is an intruder! They''re moving from Storage Facility 2 to the surface.


    "It''s close."


    Warehouse 2 is only about 50 meters away from the office.


    Tomax Bartman activated two security golems and went outside with the executives in the office.


    "...... Lord Machina?"


    Makina III was already there.


    "Ray, be careful. Something is coming."


    Makina gives instructions to her knight, Rey. It is not so much a sign of "watch out" as it is a sign of "be sure those around you hear.


    "Yes, Makina-sama."


    Rei puts his hand on the hilt of his sword and looks ahead. He senses something approaching from that direction.


    Rey is now equipped with full body armor and a short sword.


    Her shiny blue-silver hair peeks out from the hem of her full-face helmet.


    The silvery-white light armor covers his entire body. It is a composite structure made of a gigantopod shell and 64 pieces of light silver.


    The total weight of the armor is about 20 kilograms, which is surprisingly light.


    The short sword is made of magi-adamantite. It is equipped with a "vibrating sword" function.


    Rei, of course, is an automata, boasting a strength greater than Lando''s and less than Reiko''s.


    "What is this?


    someone shouted.


    What emerged from the second underground warehouse was a golem that looked like it was made up of a collection of rock debris and metal chunks.


    It was three meters tall. It was quick, despite its bulky appearance.


    (Gigarth ......?)


    Makina, who can also refer to the knowledge the old man has accumulated, notices that the golem looks very similar to the combat golem developed during the <> and used by the former <>.


    ��If it is of the same lineage as Gigarth, it should be able to absorb mana. We can''t attack it carelessly!)


    Yes, <> has the characteristic of absorbing mana from its surroundings and making it its own.


    At the center of it is a core of mana, and unless this core is destroyed, it will continue to regenerate, making it a troublesome <>.


    (Physical attacks are useless, and so are magic attacks. High-powered attacks are difficult within <>. (How should we deal with ...... now?)


    The who is piloting the Machina III ...... ponders.


    "Stop him!"


    Tomax Bartman instructed the security golem.


    "No!��Stop him!


    Makina III stopped them, but it was a moment too late.


    The two security golems leapt at the <> and .......


    "What?


    They fell to the ground, deprived of their mana.


    However, since it was designed to be an ether converter, it restarted after a few seconds.


    "Mister Tomax, that thing is very similar to the weapons of the past. If you touch it, it will steal your mana.


    "What?


    Tomax Bartmann turned pale at Machina III''s advice.


    So, how can we defeat him?


    "There are several ways, but they are all difficult in this situation.


    Makina III said he had no idea what the best move would be.


    The attack was so powerful that it would be considered overkill. That is the basis of defeating .


    But he did not want to make such an attack near the important facilities of , if possible.


    ��I will consult with the old man.)


    <

 1789 - - 48-18 Knight Ray

    At a little past 7:00 a.m. on January 1, 3900, Jin and his friends were worshipping the first sunrise of the year.


    "We pray for good health on the first day of the year," Jin explains.


    Jin explains.


    "That''s an interesting custom. ......"


    Groma is impressed, but since he has no background in folklore or cultural anthropology, he doesn''t ask any questions.


    "Well, let''s have some osechi then."


    "Yes, that sounds good."


    We all returned to the on Horaijima and celebrated the New Year with sake instead of toso (Japanese sake), and then we started to eat the osechi dishes.


    "Oh, there is something nostalgic here."


    There were many things that were familiar to Groma, who was from Fuso.


    "I miss these black beans. ......"


    Stewed black soybeans.


    The skin of soybeans is weak, so be careful how you cook them. If you make a mistake, the skin will wrinkle or even peel off.


    Sweet!��Delicious!


    "Ha ha, that''s great!"


    The peridos have worked very hard to make this product. Jin was honestly happy when he was told that his kites were delicious.


    After that, there was a kite-flying demonstration.


    He uses a flexible kite that he made in one day.


    "Wow, this kite flies well!


    Eira exclaims in admiration. The kites she knew were diamond-shaped.


    "No, I didn''t know that such a shape was possible. ......"


    Groma is also impressed.


    (I wonder if that kite never spread from Mohut Village (......).


    ) He was a little disappointed.


    Next to the kite-flying, there was shuttlecocking. The women are the main performers.


    After a little instruction, they all started to do it well.


    The shuttlecock boards were of course handmade by Jin. The feathers are of the type with five blades that fly slowly. The three blades fly so fast that it is difficult to get used to them.


    Eira is with Katya.


    Surprisingly, the two are competing well. Jin, however, thinks that the feather-pounding is more about enjoying the exchange of feathers than a contest.


    Theon and Marikka, and Ludmilla and Vita.


    Hanako and Reiko do it too. But only with the right amount of care. Otherwise the feathers will be destroyed in no time.


    Jin wished he had made furisode (long-sleeved kimono), but it was too late.


    Jin, Rhodos, and Groma competed in the frame-spinning game.


    Instead of kenkagoma, they compete to see whose tops have been spinning the longest.


    Jin, who had properly balanced his tops in advance, beat Rhodes by a small margin.


    The New Year''s Day of Horai Island passes peacefully.


    * * * *


    Time is back a little, three and a half hours ahead of ...... at half past midnight local time.


    At midnight, Avalon was busy dealing with the <>.


    < were said to have emerged from four different warehouses.


    "They must have set up a timed attack, targeting the end of the year and the beginning of the new year, when security is thin."


    Makina III analyzes the situation.


    In the meantime, the old man secretly contacted the Imam.


    (Attention to <<<< Imam. <. You can''t absorb mana through <>, so you should attack physically through the magic barrier. Then, use <> for a very short time and destroy the core when it stops.


    In the past, when fighting against two <s in a decisive battle against <>, <> would strike with a physical barrier (Solid Barrier) on his fist.


    In Ray''s case, he chose to use a magic barrier instead of a solid barrier because he could focus his attacks more pinpointly than Titan.


    The imam agreed with this instruction.


    Furthermore, the last instruction was a real eye-opener.


    < forces mana to be converted back into free magic element (ether).


    < would not be able to escape its effects.


    He immediately sends word to his knight Rey.


    "Yes, sir."


    Rei replied shortly, and immediately put on the magic barrier.


    Then he struck first with his body.


    The was blown away by Rei''s body blow, which had more power than the land forces of Horai Island, and moved away from the building where his office was located.


    However, it was not enough to destroy it.


    However, Ray also used the built-in .


    < stops moving in an instant.


    Aiming at this point, Rei''s sword pierced through the chest of . It destroyed the .


    With this, could no longer even retain its shape, and was reduced to a mere lump of rock and metal.


    The <> lasted only about 0.5 seconds, so Tomax and the others could not detect it.


    Tomax and the others could not detect it. They must have seen that Rey had defeated him with a body slam and a sword.


    "Well done, Ray!��There are three more Gigasumodoki on the loose. Deal with them quickly!


    Yes, sir!


    Makina III gave further instructions to Rey. Rey nodded and disappeared in a flash.


    Ten minutes later, Rey returns.


    "Master Machina, the defeat of <> has been completed.


    "Thank you."


    Tomax and the executives exhale in relief.


    However, the commotion continues.


    An unidentified magic circle has been activated. Please be careful.


    <, , has once again raised the alarm.


    A faintly glowing magic circle appears in the green area not far from where Tomax and the others are.


    "Was that ...... set up under the soil of the green land?


    It seems that they were installed and covered with soil before we knew it.


    "If this is possible, ...... must be the work of Graham Darby!"


    Tomax Bartmann is indignant, but Machina III calms him down.


    Tomax, now is not the time for such inquisitiveness. ...... that magic circle is a transfer magic circle. Something is ...... coming!


    Makina III judged so when he saw the Magi Formula flowing in the magic circle.


    And true to his word, a giant golem ....... appeared from the transfer magic circle.


    "A giant golem?


    Someone shouted. The voice sounded like a scream.


    What was sent by the transfer magic circle was a huge golem, perhaps 15 meters tall.


    (It is as big as < ......, but it seems to weigh more. Its movement is slow. Its strength is ...... weak.)


    Through the vision of Machina III, the Master and the old man guessed so.


    (I guess Rei can deal with it alone.)


    The giant golem <> is a work of art that Jin has completed through trial and error. Its size, weight, strength, speed, and precision movement are all of the highest order.


    However, the giant golem that appeared was only large and slow. It seemed to have a certain amount of power, but it lacked any precision movement.


    "Rey, aim at its legs first!"


    Makina III instructed.


    Squire Rei turned his short sword, made of adamantite, into the "vibration sword" mode and slashed at him.

 1790 - - 48-19 What Elena discovered

    Meanwhile, what was Elena doing when she didn''t show up?


    "......This is the place!"


    She was investigating a suspicious magical reaction.


    <


    At the very least, there must be to activate the transfer magic circle.


    The best is the best and the right person is in the right place. With this in mind, Elena was investigating to get closer to the source of this incident.


    This is also supported by the fact that Elena''s own fighting ability is far below that of Rei, Machina''s squire.


    She has come to investigate after identifying the flow of a weak magical reaction .......


    This is the private office of Graham Darby, who was once the Chief Superintendent. The room is now vacant.


    Normally, such an empty room would be cleaned and redecorated, and someone would move in, but for some reason, this room remained empty.


    "It''s locked. ...... It''s no use, it''s an emergency."


    Elena put her hand on the door handle and squeezed it firmly.


    "......Avalon, as expected. It is a strong door.


    Elena puts even more force into the door. Finally, with a resounding cracking sound, the handle is released from the door.


    But as a result, the door lock is rendered useless. Elena puts her slender hand through the hole in the door, and successfully unlocks the door from the inside.


    "Locked from the inside?"


    The realization of this fact saved Elena.


    Before she could open the door, a spear was suddenly thrust out from inside.


    Even Elena''s reaction speed was barely enough to dodge it. The fact that the door was locked from the inside would have made it impossible for her to dodge if she had not guessed that someone might be inside.


    "......Automata, is it?"


    Inside was an ordinary looking automaton.


    Basically, there are no automata in <>. They are either temporary guests like Elena and Rey, or infiltrators of .......


    However, their performance seems to be high. Elena braced herself for the attack.


    A moment later, a spear is thrust out.


    "!"


    Elena dodges and draws her shortsword.


    She swings her sword to cut off the tip of the spear, but a moment later, the spear is pulled back.


    "That''s quite a feat!"


    Even with the improved Elena, the automata is not so easy to defeat.


    Elena has decided to remove the limiter she has imposed on herself.


    Her senses have been sharpened by this, and there is a worrisome reaction.


    "......<>?��And ......<?��I see, that''s what you mean."


    The performance of Elena''s control core is high. It can easily handle parallel processing even in battle.


    "You drove away the approaching humans with and the maintenance golem with , didn''t you?


    Elena imagines that this is how they hid the secrets in this room.


    Meanwhile, the enemy automata attacked with their spears.


    However, the trajectory of the spear is quite limited in the small room. Therefore, it can be said that Elena, who has only a shortsword, is able to compete with the spear-wielding automata.


    However.


    When the limiter is released, Elena''s reaction speed jumps to twice as fast. It may not seem like much, but it is very effective.


    Even if she moves after seeing her opponent''s movement, she can still deal with him, which is a big deal.


    Finally, Elena''s shortsword catches the spear of the automata. The tip of the spear flies in the air.


    The automaton immediately releases its spear, which is no longer useful as a weapon, and retreats to the back of the room.


    Elena steps in after it.


    "What!


    But the automaton had another weapon from the back of the room and stepped into the room.


    Elena''s sword is repelled.


    The automaton has two short swords in its hands. In other words, she wields two swords.


    "I bet you know how to use them ......."


    Elena decided to attack more cautiously.


    Anyone can hold a sword in both hands and swing it alternately. But to use two swords in tandem requires practice.


    Elena concluded that since the enemy was an automata, it was more likely that they had the ability to handle such a situation rather than training.


    "But it doesn''t seem to be so troublesome, does it?


    The speed of the enemy automata''s sword blows was obviously slower than when they were handling spears.


    This must be the performance limit of the control core.


    Elena stepped deeply once and used her momentum to cut up with a short sword.


    The enemy automata caught her with the short sword in her left hand, but the sword was taken away by the force of the cut.


    Not paying attention to the sword in the air, Elena took another half step and returned the shortsword, this time cutting it down in a bamboo cut.


    A hard metallic sound echoed.


    The enemy automaton barely caught Elena''s cut with the shortsword in its right hand.


    But the sword was different.


    Elena''s sword was specially made by Jin. It is made of a thin adamantite core sandwiched between tough nickel-chrome molybdenum steel.


    The sword of the enemy automata, on the other hand, is simply reinforced steel. Well, it seemed to be reasonably well made.


    Though small and light, the steel sword could not withstand Elena''s weighted downward cut.


    With the force she had left, Elena sliced the enemy automata from the right shoulder to the chest with a shallow cut.


    "Now you won''t be able to use your right arm!"


    The enemy automaton''s movements slowed down, though it was far from stopped.


    Now they are no match for Elena.


    Elena throws a thrust with divine speed.


    It penetrates through the chest of the automaton, without missing the target.


    The lungs are the equivalent of human lungs.


    --There should be an "ether converter" or "ether tank" there.


    When the organ that produces magical energy was destroyed, the enemy automata stopped moving.


    "...... was quite a formidable foe."


    Elena sheathed her shortsword but did not let her guard down. But there seems to be no more enemies.


    "Well, let''s check this room again. ...... But first, let''s stop the Magi machine that is producing <> and <>-like effects.


    Elena quickly stops the magi machines on the floor at the back of the room.


    At the same time, she observed the room that used to be the private office of the former Chief Superintendent Graham Darby.


    The layout of the room is the same as the other rooms on the same floor: a living room of about 10 tatami mats and a bedroom of about 3 tatami mats in the back.


    "The bedroom is suspicious, isn''t it?


    Elena frowns at what she sees through the door she cautiously opens.


    "Transference magic circle ......"


    It peeked out from the carpet that had been rolled up.


    A small transfer magic circle had been carved into the floor.


    "It''s a tricky thing ...... to deal with someone with this much magic technology."


    * * *


    < was over, Elena asked Machina III, Tomax, and others to gather.


    The place was, of course, the room that used to be Graham Darby''s private room.


    "Ummm ...... this is a serious situation."


    Tomax Bartmann looked difficult.


    Former transfer gate supervisors Arietta Aeolial and Machina III were bent over on the floor examining the transfer magic circle, but when they eventually stood up, Arietta Aeolial was the first to speak,


    "The transfer magic circle itself is on the same level as the one discovered in the Kingdom of Celluloa a long time ago. In other words, it is not something that can be activated frequently.


    She reported that the magic circle itself is the same level as the one found in the Kingdom of Celuloa long ago. And,


    "After activation, it will take about an hour to accumulate enough mana for the transfer.


    Makina said.


    "In other words, if we knew it existed, we could deal with it.


    This was Wattes Schletzer, the military chief of staff.


    "That''s the only thing that helps. ......"


    Tomax Bartmann said, rubbing his stomach.


    "I guess I''ll have to check inside <> again. ......


    Makina III offers him a helping hand.


    "Let''s call in the golem to help us check it out.


    "Oh, that would be great."


    Tomax looks a little relieved.

 1791 - - 48-20 Avalon Again

    On January 2nd, in Horai Island, the old lord was reporting to Jin and the others about the events in .


    He was trying to make them relax on the first day of the year,


    "I wish you would have told us such an important story immediately. ......"


    The old man said to Jin, "I wish you would have told me such an important story right away,


    .


    <<>. However, Jin was relieved to hear that Machina III and Elena were able to cope with the situation sufficiently.


    "But I guess we''ll have to go to after hearing that..."


    "Yes. ......


    "Yes. ......"


    "Mm. ......"


    Eira and the other three seem to be particularly concerned.


    For the three of them, <> is home, even if only temporarily.


    And Marikka,


    "It''s ...... sad to know that Graham Darby was a stooge of the <>," Marikka said, a little depressed.


    Marikka was a little depressed.


    Seeing them, there was no way Jin could remain silent.


    "All right, let''s go.


    He expressed his intention to go to ahead of schedule.


    I was so happy to see him.


    The next day was quick.


    After preparing themselves in about an hour, Jin, Reiko, Hope, Zion, Marikka, Rhodotos, Vita, Hanako, Uragan, Ludmila, Eira, Katya, and Groma boarded the <>.


    As a side note, the <> had been retrieved by the old man from the Shoro Palace.


    Before his departure, Jin was alone in the basement of the institute having a meeting with the old man.


    "...... So, there is also a golem unit dedicated to Machina, is there?"


    > It means that 400 years ago, Jin prepared it separately from the Land Unit.


    Since it was not used in the previous battle against Malquitas, this is the first time it has been shown to the public.


    The reason is that Eira and the other three had seen the golems here in Horai Island.


    They had seen Lando''s group at the battle of Malchitas, but it was nighttime and Jin and the old man finally agreed that they would have to somehow deceive the others.


    "Okay, let''s go. Hope, you are allowed top speed."


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin was the last to board the and motioned to Hope.


    Slowly the floated up into the sky of Horai Island and started to fly towards .......


    It began to fly eastward. Its speed was Mach 3.


    The actual ground speed is about 900 meters per second due to the cooler temperatures above, but it still exceeds 3200 kilometers per hour. But it still exceeds 3200 kilometers per hour.


    It took only 20 minutes to reach , which is a little more than 1,000 kilometers away.


    "......"


    Eira and the others are speechless at the unbelievable performance of this machine, which they can understand.


    "This is aboard Jin Nido''s . Requesting emergency landing."


    Jin, who had reverted to normal navigation near <, requests permission to land. And it is granted immediately.


    <>. You are cleared to land in Area 01, same as last time.


    "<> copy that. Landing in area 01."


    The tone of voice was different from the last time because of the urgency of the situation, but the air traffic controller did not care and gave the order to land.


    The reason for the immediate permission was that Machina III had announced that the Magecraft Meister was on his way.


    Makina himself greets Jin and the group.


    The group moves with Machina to the multipurpose room attached to the airport.


    "...... What''s the situation?"


    As soon as everyone sat down in the room, which had been turned into a temporary meeting room, Jin opened his mouth.


    "It''s calm now. < and one automata with a moderately high performance, but Rei and Elena have already taken care of it."


    Makina III replied. Then he glanced at Marikka,


    "We have only circumstantial evidence, but we think that Graham Darby is involved in this whole mess.


    Hearing this, Malicka sank to her knees. She must be sad to hear that her former student has turned against her.


    "Marikka, but since you are not a teacher now, I think it''s fair to say that in a way I was not directly hostile to you," Zion consoles Marikka.


    Zion tries to comfort Marikka, but it doesn''t seem to have much effect.


    Jin would like to talk to Marikka, but the priority now is to confirm the facts, so he asks Makina an additional question.


    What made you decide that Graham Darby was involved?


    "The main reason is that we found various pieces of evidence in what used to be his private room."


    Makina III explained that Elena had found a magic circle, a <> and a magical tool that emits <> effects.


    Certainly, this was sufficient circumstantial evidence.


    "But did you check out the transition magic circle or ...... it?"


    If we do it right, we''ll know where the connection is. In other words, we''ll be able to find out who''s behind this whole mess.


    "Of course. But it seems that the magic circle on the other side has already been erased and there is no magical connection."


    "Too bad. If ...... so, what about the automata that Elena defeated?"


    I thought it would be that way, so I had it brought here.


    That''s a good move.


    The door opened, and an automaton on a worktable with wheels was brought in.


    The automaton being carried was a golem.


    When Ka-cea sees it, she lets out a small cry.


    It was the silver-brown golem that had saved her one day.


    Its appearance is similar to that of the Lands of Horai Island, but there are some differences. It is a design change made by Jin to differentiate them when he prepared them in the past.


    Specifically, their shoulders are slightly wider than those of Lando, giving them a more muscular impression.


    (Hey, isn''t that the golem that saved us from danger?)


    ��Yes, it seems so.)


    (Yes, it is the golem of Machina III, so there is no doubt about it.)


    Eira, Cachia, Groma, and the others seemed to believe him, just as Jin had intended.


    "Hmm, I have no idea who made it. ......"


    5''10" tall, masculine build. He weighs approximately 150 kilograms. Aether converter.


    It is very similar to Adriana''s model, but there are some differences. The biggest difference is that the < is located in the head.


    "The skeleton is light silver, or ...... the muscles are not made of biological material."


    Since there is no significant feature other than the control core in the head, even Jin and Makina could not guess the creator or the factory where it was made.


    However.


    "......Wait, ......?��I''ve seen this structure before.


    Jin suddenly thought of something. Then, based on this assumption, he reviewed the data and found a series of commonalities.


    "Makina, doesn''t this structure resemble that of Anne, Lol, and Leffa?


    Yes, there were many similarities among the blue-haired automata created after Adriana Barbora Zetsi and before the Magic War. Of course, there are some differences.


    "Certainly. There are some differences between the male and female forms, but you can see them without such preconceptions."


    From the above, Jin and Makina concluded that there were other blue-haired automata in existence besides Anne, Lol, Lefa, and Tia, and that they might have been created by analyzing them.


    However, this is not a clue to the mastermind.


    "......That''s all we need to discuss now. Let''s go there first."


    "I agree."


    Jin agrees to Makina III''s proposal.


    Then, using the emergency underground passageway, everyone moved to the administration building, which can be said to be the center of .

 1792 - - 48-21 What are you looking for?

    "...... By the way, are we allowed to be here?"


    Gloma Trey blurted out.


    "We''ve been swept along and ended up here, so it''s a little late for us to be here."


    It really was too late.


    "No, it''s a Type 3 emergency now, all the inhabitants of <> know about it. There is nothing wrong with being here. In fact, those of you who know Jin-dono and Sensei are more than welcome to join us.


    Tomax Baartman''s deputy, Ilmina Ratkin, looked at Groma, Eira, and Katya in turn.


    She is in her late twenties, semi-long blond hair, blue eyes and slender build. She is a student of Marikka''s.


    The third type of emergency means that a situation has arisen that threatens the peace and quiet of <>.


    Unlike Type 2, it is issued when the possibility of a battle is very low.


    All the inhabitants of <> except for some civilians in the commercial districts are subject to this type.


    Students are no exception to this rule, and they are required to stay in their rooms or follow the instructions of their professors, lecturers, or other administrators.


    So, if the executives say it''s OK, it''s OK.


    "At the moment, the remaining students are either working in the school district under the supervision of the president, or are assigned as apprentices to investigate the residential areas."


    Eira and the other three were asked to assist Makina III as the latter.


    All three agreed immediately.


    "We would like you to help us clarify the background of this disturbance, Jin-dono.


    "Of course, of course."


    Finally, Marikka, Zion, Roadtoss, Ludmilla, and Vita also decided to investigate the situation in on their own.


    "By the way, where is Tomax?"


    Jin asked. He had not shown up to pick us up, nor had he shown his face here, so we were curious about him.


    "The Chief Superintendent is currently forcing him to take a rest."


    According to Illumina''s explanation, he had been working for more than two full days straight, and the people around him had forced him to take a rest.


    ......That''s a lot of work, isn''t it?"


    Jin told her in a few words.


    * * * *


    Jin and Reiko were investigating the room that used to be Graham Darby''s private room.


    "So this is the transfer magic circle.


    It''s an old model, isn''t it?


    Yes. This type of magic circle can''t go from here to there, can it?


    Jin thinks that there must be a return magic circle because the old type of transfer magic circle is one-way and cannot go both ways.


    "There should be a return magic circle or a communication device.


    The old man has advised him that there must be a way to contact the mastermind, and he is looking for it.


    If there is, this room is the most likely place.


    "Yes, father."


    It seems to have stopped completely, and Reiko''s detection function has not found anything emitting suspicious magic waves inside . Therefore, a steady investigation is necessary.


    "So, the ceiling is all that''s left.


    After checking the floor and walls, Jin and Reiko started checking the ceiling.


    Incidentally, there is no ceiling in this building.


    "There is no ceiling. ......"


    However, no matter how hard they searched, they could not find even a trace.


    "......This means it was a one-way street."


    It means that the only purpose was to send out golems and automata. But that seems unlikely.


    "I don''t get it, do you?"


    Jin crossed his arms and thought for a moment.


    "......The enemy automaton we just checked did not have a communication function either. That automaton was moving based on instructions given to it in advance.


    I examined the control core, but could not obtain any useful information.


    "I guess we''re stuck."


    Jin looks frustrated. Reiko did not say anything, but her lips tightened tightly as if she was thinking the same thing.


    "......, but with the proviso that it''s only for here."


    Reiko''s face turns into a ">Reiko makes a face.


    "Yes, there is nothing more to see in this room. But there might be clues elsewhere. ...... Reiko, let''s go."


    "Yes, Father!"


    We can''t be doing research and development if we''re discouraged by the slightest thing. Not to mention the fact that Jin has experience working for a black-owned company when he was in modern Japan.


    "Former Chief Superintendent Graham Darby ....... Where would he go to plant something?"


    There are several possibilities, Jin thought.


    An unused room. An unused warehouse. < appeared from the warehouse, it is highly possible.


    <. There are areas around the perimeter and other spots where there is no flow of people. If he was the chief administrator, he would know about such places.


    There is also a possibility that they are covering them up with something, like sending a giant golem.


    "Is there any ...... way to know ......?"


    It was no use searching around in the dark, so Jin began to think about approaching the problem from a different angle.


    "We can just react to the hidden magic tools. ...... that''s right!"


    Jin came up with an idea.


    "That of yours..."


    Jin thought of the technique used by the mysterious enemy during the recent Golem competition in the Shoro Kingdom.


    The method of changing the frequency of the magic wave and forcibly twisting the order.


    "I hope we have that ready."


    Jin and Reiko headed for the office of the Chief Superintendent, thinking of the necessary measures to be taken at the same time.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Thank you for your cooperation, Jin-dono.


    Tomax Bartmann, who had recovered after a four-hour rest, greeted Jin. He was still looking a little pale, but he could not stay in bed.


    Then, he made a suggestion.


    "Well, I guess it''s worth a try," said Tomax Baartman.


    Tomax Bartmann immediately agreed.


    "Can we use the materials we have in the laboratory?


    Tomax nodded his head.


    "Yes, I saw them on the tour the other day.


    <.


    "I''m sure we can get by with a few magi crystals and a little light silver.


    What is more problematic is the personnel to check, Jin said.


    "I''m going to force the hidden magical tools and magical machines to react for a moment. I want you to deploy personnel as widely as possible so that we can confirm that reaction.


    "Then I will help you.


    I turned around to see Makina III coming toward me.


    "One hundred golems under my command have just arrived. I will let them help you.


    A golem can monitor an area five to ten times larger than that of a human.


    "That would be great. Then, at exactly noon, I''ll activate the modulation commander.


    It''s 11:00 a.m.


    That early?


    Tomax Bartmann is the only one surprised, while Machina III is understandably nonplussed.


    "Yes. "Yes. I''ll take care of it. I''ll take care of it.


    After saying a few words, Jin heads for the research building with Reiko in tow.


    * * * *


    < is located on the east side of the central aperture, which is 300 meters in diameter.


    To the north of the central aperture is the . The academic area, including the research building, was on the northwest side.


    Jin and Reiko walked for about 10 minutes and arrived at the research building.


    "Hey, Jin, what''s going on?"


    Eira looked at Jin with a surprised face. The others seemed to be out.


    They must have received instructions to go out and search for him.


    "Yes, I''m here because I want to make something.


    "Something you want to make?"


    "Yeah. It''s something that we''re all searching for with all our eyes, a magical tool that might help us find its location.


    Hearing that, Eira''s blood as a magecraftsman began to boil.


    "Okay. Use whatever materials you have here. But in return, you can watch me make it, right?


    "Of course."


    Jin walks around the lab, gathers the materials he needs, and places them on the workbench.


    "Also, I''d like to have some mithianite if possible, but that''s not going to happen. ...... Reiko, contact the old man and have him send me here."


    Yes, sir.


    Yes, I understand.


    Eira could not understand the meaning of the conversation between Jin and Reiko,


    Three seconds later, an ore suddenly appeared on the workbench, which crushed her heart.


    "Whoa!��What in the world!"


    Jin said he would explain later, and began to work on the modulation indicator "Modulation Commander.

 1793 - - 48-22 Abandoned

    Jin is now seriously working on .


    Eira is astonished at how fast he is working.


    "What, what is this speed, I can''t ...... keep up with it. ......"


    <><>>, carving <>, assembling <>, and shaping <>. Eira''s mouth dropped open as she watched Jin assemble and shape the <>.


    "So this is ...... how serious Jin really is. ......"


    In fact, it is about half. Jin can give his all in the laboratory on Horai Island, but he knows from experience that it is very difficult to do so in an ordinary workshop.


    It depends on the purity of the material, the strength of the workbench, and its resistance.


    When materials with low purity are deformed at ultra-high speed, parts with imperfect atomic and molecular structures, such as impurities and lattice defects, tend to deteriorate.


    Magical engineering theory explains that such impurities and defects slow down the propagation of the magic force due to resistance, which may cause cracks when the deformation speed exceeds the deformation speed.


    However, this is only a problem for <> or similar production speeds, and is usually not a concern.


    You can also use or to the material in advance, but this is time-consuming and labor intensive, so I did not use it this time.


    The strength and resistance of the workbench is also a matter of the aftermath of Jin''s magical power ......0.000.000. It may be deformed or become brittle due to the aftermath ...... of the magical power of Jin''s seriousness.


    All of the workbenches and tools in the workshop on Horai Island are highly resistant to magic, so they are unaffected even if Jin exerts his full strength.


    So, in about 10 minutes, Jin has completed <>.


    The time was 11:30 a.m.


    "Okay, I can spare another 30 minutes.


    Jin decides to check the operation of just to be sure.


    He didn''t want to affect the surroundings,


    "Reiko, put up a <>."


    "Yes, Father."


    This is a test after setting up a barrier against magic waves.


    This is a rare use of warding to keep out the magic waves from the inside.


    We are ready.


    Okay, let''s get started.


    For a moment, the <> is activated.


    "Whoa, whoa!"


    Eira presses her ears. But since the modulation commander only works for a split second, she quickly regains her composure.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Ah, ah. I felt like my ears ...... or rather the back of my head was shaken ......."


    "Hmm?"


    Jin wonders if Eira is sensitive.


    But he will not pursue that question until later.


    "Reiko, did you feel it?"


    "Yes, father. It seems to be working properly.


    I see.


    Reiko confirmed the operation of the Modulation Commander with her sensing ability while putting up the Magic Barrier.


    "I think we can manage this. Now we just need to choose the right location.


    Jin thinks it would be best to launch the device close to the center.


    "This is close to the center hole, so we can use it on a high place.


    "Yes, there is a control tower nearby.


    According to Eira, there are control towers about 200 meters high in various parts of for aircrafts passing overhead.


    "Okay, let''s go there.


    It was located about 100 meters away from the research building.


    It had an elevator to transport workers and materials, so Jin and Reiko used it to get up to the top.


    Eira stays behind. Rather, it would be better to have as many people as possible to search for enemy devices that would be revealed by the <>.


    "Yeah, it''s a nice view. This is a good place to be."


    At 11:50 a.m., Jin and Reiko are ready and waiting for the scheduled time.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    11:55AM.


    <, there are 100 Machina Golems and <500> land troops. And the eyes of 1,500 inhabitants of <> were shining.


    Incidentally, the Landes were secretly sent to the city by the old man using a transfer device. It is difficult to distinguish them from Machina''s golem at a glance, and there is no way to know for sure how many there are in total, so the total number is being increased in the midst of the confusion.


    What''s more, the old man is quietly resentful of the cause of Jin''s being unable to spend a leisurely New Year''s day.


    11:56 a.m.


    Four minutes to go.


    Tomax Bartmann muttered to himself as he looked at the clock on the wall. He is in charge of his office. His predecessor, Graham Darby, might have done something.


    11:57 a.m.


    "Three minutes."


    Elena mutters. She can tell the time accurately with the built-in clock function.


    She was in charge of the first floor of the guest house.


    11:58 a.m.


    "Two minutes to go."


    Makina III muttered to himself. He and Ray are at the airport.


    11:59 a.m.


    "One minute left."


    Jin muttered.


    "......59......58......57......"


    Reiko is counting down the minutes.


    "......30......29......28......27......"


    Part of is visible below. Jin himself is watching from this height.


    "......11......10......9......8......7......"


    Jin touches the . In this way, he could ensure that the surveillance under his eyes would not be interrupted and would be activated without fail.


    "......3......2......1......"


    Reiko''s voice echoes.


    "Zero!"


    "<>!"


    A moment later, the <> starts and stops one second later.


    However, several things happened during that one second.


    One, some of the golems in <> stopped working for about 0.2 seconds. This was due to by <>.


    Two, a part of the magi-machines in <> malfunctioned for about 0.1 seconds. This is also due to the , but no one is panicking, as it was already taken into account.


    And the third one. This is the reaction intended by Jin and the others.


    In other words, there were reactions of unidentified magical tools or magical machines in several places in <> ...... four places to be exact.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    One of them is in the green area adjacent to the commercial district.


    The one we found was one of the Machina Golems.


    It glowed faintly for only about 0.05 seconds. However, that much time is enough for the golem to react quickly.


    One of the Machina Golems secured it, disguised as a lamppost set up in a green area.


    The second was in a corner of an airfield ...... civilian airport, located directly opposite the <>.


    It was Elena who found it.


    "Here ...... is a place like this."


    Elena quickly dug it up.


    The third one was attached to the roof of the research building.


    It was Hitoshi and Reiko who found it.


    And the fourth one is .......


    The fourth one, an unidentified magical tool or magi-machine, was found in the office of the Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann, at the back of a drawer in his desk.


    One of the machina golems was found.


    It was so cleverly disguised that a human could not have found it.


    The board at the back of the drawer (......2cm thick) had a hole drilled in it, and contained a magi-machine about 1cm in diameter.


    Needless to say, it was covered with an ingenious lid that matched the grain of the wood.


    But the golem''s eyes could not be fooled.


    "This is where you hid it. ......!"


    With a curse, Tomax Bartmann snatched up the magical tool and placed it on the desk.

 1794 - - 48-23 Next move

    1:00 P.M.


    The people concerned--Hito, Reiko, Makina III, Rey, Elena, Arietta, Wattes, Eira, Cachia, Gromma, Zion, Marikka, Rhodotos, Vita, Ludmila, Hanako, and others --They were gathered in the office of Tomax Bartmann. Hope and Uragan are packed in a at the airport in case of an emergency.


    Four other executives, including Illumina, were also present.


    They also brought with them three of the magical tools and machines they had found.


    The reason why there were not four is that what Elena found in a corner of the airfield was a magic circle.


    The rest of them are here in the form of reproductions.


    Now let''s start analyzing them.


    Makina III said.


    "I guess we can start with any of them, but I''m interested in this one.


    Jin pointed to a magical tool found on the desk of Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann.


    "But I don''t need to analyze it again, it''s a kind of listening device," he said.


    Tomax Bartmann and the executives looked surprised at Jin''s conclusion, but Machina III and Elena nodded their heads silently.


    "But we won''t know the details until we analyze it. ......<><><>"


    Jin performed the analysis quickly. Tomax and the executives roll their eyes at his skill.


    "......I see. ......"


    After reading the details, Jin began to explain it in a way that everyone could understand.


    "This is definitely a . But it doesn''t seem to be sending information all the time. It seems to be compressing the recorded data and sending it all at once.


    "What?"


    Tomax, Kanbu-ren, and Eira and the others did not seem to understand Jin''s explanation very well.


    "In short, the recorded contents are boxed up and sent to the destination in a short period of time," Makina III added.


    Makina III added, but I am not sure if they understood it or not.


    "So you''re saying that the recordings were always active, but the transmissions were made only occasionally and for very short periods of time?"


    Tomax Bartmann says what he understands. Both Jin and Makina nodded their heads in agreement.


    "Since when ...... no, this is a foolish question. Graham Darby must have set this up, so it must have been at least three years ago.


    "During that time, most of what we have talked about here has been known to the enemy, hasn''t it?"


    The executive, with a scowl on his face, said in a snarling voice, "That''s what I''m thinking.


    "That''s what I mean. ......"


    "Let''s go to ...... and analyze the other one as well."


    Jin began to analyze the magi-machine they had found.


    "This is ......."


    Jin turned pale.


    "What was that?


    asked Katya, who could no longer remain silent at Jin''s unusual complexion.


    "It''s a ...... remote-controlled bomb."


    "What?


    Jin quickly disassembled it.


    "This is completely my mistake. I shudder to think what would have happened if it had reacted to that and exploded. I''m sorry ......!"


    Jin bowed his head.


    Jin deeply regretted that he had taken the situation too lightly, that he had been too conceited somewhere in his mind.


    "Of course, this is a bomb, but it is not something that can easily explode. Of course, this is a bomb, but it is not something that can be detonated easily. But it was a mistake to use the <> without considering the possibility of such things being hidden in it."


    "No, no, Mister Jin, I am responsible for that."


    Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann interrupted Jin.


    I was the one who asked for it, so if you are talking about responsibility, I have to take it.


    "...... I think you''re responsible for the fact that none of us here had even considered the possibility, right, Jin?"


    Zion, too, turned his head slightly and told Jin not to worry too much.


    Then it was time to analyze the other ...... machina golem found.


    This one was disguised as a street lamp, and although its prop was merely hollow, a mysterious magi-machine was installed in the part that lit the light.


    "......This is another outrageous discovery."


    Jin, with a frown on his face, reported in an angry voice.


    "This is a magic machine that gradually brainwashes people.


    "What!


    "The effect is only slight, and it doesn''t seem to matter if you don''t get exposed to it for a long time in total, but no matter how you think about it, it''s a piece of maliciousness."


    Jin spits out.


    "Thanks to this guy at ......, it''s clear. It seems that the enemy is definitely the .


    This is because the purpose of the brainwashing was to inculcate devotion to the <>.


    "It''s not that powerful, and it''s not that extreme. Still, we can''t overlook it."


    "That''s right."


    Tomax Bartmann firmly asserted.


    "Lastly, this magic circle is definitely a transitional magic circle. However, this end is broken, so it will not work properly."


    Elena''s copy is credible. Therefore, she did not overestimate the missing magic circle.


    "The last golem attack was supposed to take place at the airfield as well. But it just so happened that a part of it was broken, so it did not work.


    We were lucky," sighed Tomax and the executives.


    * * * * * *


    "Now, what are we going to do?


    After a late lunch of sandwiches and fruit juice, the group had another meeting.


    Jin answered.


    "...... we miscalculated a little, but we found the magic tool we were looking for, so let''s stick to our original plan."


    "Jin-dono, what is it?"


    Tomax and the executives did not fully understand the situation since we did not have enough time to explain it to them.


    They understood that the series of actions they had taken this time was to find the hidden magic tools.


    "Not only to find them, but also to use them to locate our enemies.


    Jin explained again.


    "The magic tool of this communication is activated periodically. As you can see, we are in luck tonight ...... and tomorrow?��I see that it is supposed to run for 0.1 seconds at midnight tonight tomorrow, and send information."


    So let''s replace the information with something meaningless and identify the receiver of the sent information, Jin explained.


    "I see. ......"


    "But will it work so well?��But will it work so well against something that can only operate for such a short time as 0.1 second ......?"


    But Jin nodded confidently.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll leave it to you."


    Jin sent it to Horai Island, intending to identify the opponent by <>.


    The bomb has already been neutralized.


    The magical tools of suggestion are no longer a threat.


    As for the magic circle, we have already arranged for it to be erased.


    Thus, the "flush-out" was a moderate success.


    * * * *


    For the time being, the state of emergency of the third kind is lifted, and the daily life is back to normal in <>.


    "......Well, I saw once again how out of the ordinary Jin is."


    Eira explains what she saw to the returning Cachia and Groma.


    "Yes, or ......."


    Gromma let out a small sigh.


    "It would have been unwise to say anything about a rematch ....... I guess I''ll have to sooner or later."


    Considering his own abilities, Groma made up his mind to study the golem once again.

 1795 - - 48-24 To Blue Land

    < time, that is, at midnight.


    The old man with the magical brain of Horai Island sensed the activation of the magical tool that Jin had given him. The time of the activation was 0.1 seconds.


    But it was enough time for him who was ready and waiting.


    The old man, who sensed the communication partner by the magic wave, contacts Jin, who is awake and waiting for him,


    .


    He receives an immediate reply.


    >


    <


    <>


    <


    <


    The communication is over. Five seconds later, the magic tool and the map are sent back. Jin disassembles the magic tool, disables communication with it, and checks the map.


    "...... the suburbs of Blueland...... is this a mine?"


    "I think it is an abandoned mine."


    Reiko, who looked at the map with me, said.


    "Probably. They must have secretly built a base underground."


    "That''s very likely."


    Satisfied with this result, Jin decided to take a rest.


    * * * *


    The next morning ......, or rather 8:30 a.m. that morning.


    After breakfast, Jin was in the office of the Chief Superintendent.


    "I''ve found the destination."


    "Oh!��What''s that?


    The Kingdom of Egelea, on the outskirts of Blueland.


    The Kingdom of Egelea. ......


    Since the base in the Kingdom of Elias has been recaptured, we do not know if they have established a second base, or if they have prepared a second base.


    "Jin-dono ......"


    Tomax Bartmann looked at Jin with clinging eyes.


    After all, he had spent more than three years without knowing that there was a listening device behind his desk, even though it had been cleverly concealed, so it was understandable that he felt self-loathing.


    "I understand. I know. I''ve come this far, and I''ll stay with you and Makina until we solve this problem.


    "Well, that''s great!


    Tomax bows his head against the desk.


    Then, the members who were going to the Kingdom of Egelea were selected.


    Jin, Reiko, Hope, Rhodos, and Uragan, of course.


    Theon and his group did not go with them, but were sent to the Nordic Federation by <>''s airship.


    "Theon, Marikka, Vita, Ludmilla, I''m sorry I called you."


    Jin bowed his head at the end of the meeting.


    "It''s okay, Jin. You''ll call me again, won''t you?"


    "Yes, of course."


    Theon and the others laughed and forgave him, and Jin was relieved.


    Makina III stayed in <> as a precautionary measure.


    The two members from <> are Tomax Bartman and Ilmina Ratkin.


    Illumina Latkin has a good command of engineering magic, and her martial arts are above average. She was an all-around type at best and a poor woman at worst, with clerical skills as well.


    However, she was appointed as the deputy to the chief superintendent because her abilities were perfect for a secretary or a general staff member.


    "Good luck, Illumina!"


    Yes, sir. Thank you for seeing me off.


    Ilmina bent her well-proportioned body deeply to show her respect for Marikka.


    Not wanting to take things too easy, the group decided to take Jin''s to the Kingdom of Egelea.


    < to Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea, and it takes about an hour by <.


    Since it is an emergency situation, we go straight to the Blue Lands and check out the stronghold that we think belongs to the <>.


    We do not go with a large number of people so as not to be detected and escape.


    Jin, Makina III, Elena, Sion, Marikka, Rhodes, and others have all assured me that Reiko, Hope, Uragan, and <> will be more than enough in terms of strength.


    In fact, the old man, Jin''s faithful subordinate and the brain of Horai Island, can send more forces at a moment''s notice, and observation satellites are monitoring the surface of the earth from space.


    However, the that were deployed in each country 400 years ago have all been returned to Horai Island, so they cannot be used for information gathering.


    As for the old man, that was his only regret.


    * * * *


    The time difference between the two cities is about 45 minutes.


    Just before noon local time, the <> landed at an airfield on the outskirts of Bluerand.


    The Duke of Bruu, Vargas Bruu Pyloid, the lord of Breuland, was there to meet them, as he had been informed beforehand by <>.


    "Welcome, <>, Ilmina Ratkin. And <> Jin Nido. Honorary Cavalryman Reiko Nido. < Lord Rhodes."


    The Duke of Bruu was a young man in his mid-thirties.


    Tomax Bartmann seemed to know him well and made a polite bow, which Jin and the others imitated.


    "So you are telling me that there is a secret base that seems to belong to the in the suburbs of ...... our Blueland?


    "Yes. <, but we are certain that it is the base of the enemy who attacked the other day."


    "Ummm... ......"


    Duke Breu''s face turns difficult.


    "May I accompany you?"


    "Yes, of course."


    Jin heard this and thought about it.


    <> on board the can carry six people.


    It could not carry Jin and his party, plus the Duke of Bulu, all of them. But it would be too conspicuous to go by <>. .......


    But it seems that the Duke of Bruu has already made his move.


    "Will three of our wind-powered blow floaters be enough?"


    Three wind-powered blow floaters, each with a capacity of four passengers including the pilot, had been prepared.


    This would be with Jin, Reiko, Hope, Rhodes, and Uragan.


    One with the Duke of Bruu, Tomax, and Illumina.


    On the other plane, 2 knights and a golem guarding the Duke of Bruu.


    That''s only two out of three.


    "Oh, so this is ''s blow floater!"


    < and his eyes widen.


    Time is of the essence, so they immediately get into their respective aircrafts.


    leads the way. He knows exactly where he wants to be.


    Slowly the blow engine starts. Buoyancy is created and the blow floater leaves the surface.


    The aircraft continues to ascend to an altitude of 30 meters. The course is set to the northwest.


    The target is an abandoned mine in the middle of Mount Garratt.


    Hope, you got it?


    Yes, sir. I''ll take care of it.


    Since the old man had given him precise positions and images of the site, there was no hesitation in Hope''s maneuvering. The plane flies in a straight line toward its destination. The two blow floaters follow behind.


    Mount Garratt, one of the highest mountains and mines in the Kingdom of Egelea, rises in front of us.


    The mines produce Adamantite, mithril silver, and other useful metals, as well as high-quality magi crystals.


    Among them, there are a number of mines that have been mined down to 500 meters below the surface, but have been abandoned because it was judged that further mining would not be cost-effective in terms of maintenance costs and the ore ...... extracted. There are a number of mines that have been abandoned because they were deemed to be no longer cost-effective to maintain and extract ore.


    One of them, <>, was our destination.


    The < and two blow floaters landed on a flat about 500 meters before the tunnel.


    "You can wait here, Your Excellency."


    The Duke of Brouw remains on board the blower-floater. That is, he is in a position to fly away immediately if something should happen to him.


    Meanwhile, Jin, Reiko, Rhodes, Uragan, Tomax Bartman, and Ilmina Ratkin have landed on the ground.


    "I think we should send Uragan to check on them first," Rhodes suggested.


    Rhodes suggested that Uragan should first check on the situation, and Uragan went on a reconnaissance mission on his own.

 1796 - - 48-25 Back of Discontinued Mining

    Uragan, the golem of Rhodes, approached cautiously.


    About 100 meters before the abandoned mine, it disappears.


    "It''s a stealth ward."


    "Oh..."


    "It can also muffle sound, so it can perform reconnaissance missions."


    Jin was secretly impressed that Marikka had taught him so well.


    And then..,


    We will now enter the tunnels.


    came a voice from Rhodoth''s magic tool.


    It seemed to be equipped with a communication function like a manacam.


    "Oh, this is amazing!


    Tomax Bartmann and the Duke of Breu, who were standing nearby, are impressed.


    Two minutes have passed.


    So far everything is fine. The tunnel is basically a single track with short side tunnels.


    Uragan is making good progress.


    ��Nothing is happening.)


    Jin felt a little disappointed, though it was natural since it was not a dungeon.


    Five minutes passed.


    Uragan is advancing cautiously, and has reached about 200 meters below the surface.


    7 minutes have passed. .......


    "Warding found!


    "What!"


    Rhodes, Tomax, Duke Blou and the others are all astonished by Uragan''s report.


    "There is a ward at the end of the tunnel that I don''t know about. ...... This is definitely someone''s secret stronghold."


    Since the duke, the lord of the house, did not know about it, it could be assumed that it had been set up without his permission, i.e., with malicious intent.


    (......)


    It was somewhat painful for me to hear this.


    "Well, at least we have to interview him. (......)It is good if this is the only way in and out, but if there is another way in and out, is there a possibility that they will escape?"


    Duke Breu pondered for a moment.


    Then..,


    "Okay. ...... hurry back to the Breuland and send the second guard to us.


    He ordered the pilot of the blower-floater he had brought with him.


    "Yes, my lord?"


    The blower floater, with Duke Blou, Tomax, and Irminah on board, immediately took off and flew at full speed toward the Blue Lands.


    "There you go,...... Lord Rhodes, please wait for a moment."


    "Yes, sir."


    Rhodes ordered Uragan to stand by.


    And they waited.


    In the meantime, Jin had contacted the old man through Reiko, and had the old man conduct an advance reconnaissance using a "peeper" telescope.


    ��So, what''s the escape route like?)


    We have already confirmed that this is a so-called . And we know there is an exit.


    ��Yes, my lord. We have just sealed it.)


    So, the old man sends two < golems with a transporter and seals the entrance.


    Now the only way in or out is the tunnel. We were literally rats in a bag.


    After 30 minutes of waiting, 10 blow floaters and 2 airships appeared in the sky.


    "Oh, here they come!"


    It seems that the duke intends to control the area while monitoring it from the air using blow floaters.


    The blow floaters are equipped with three guards each, and if they see any enemy escaping, they are supposed to rush to the scene and capture them.


    Although that will not be the case: .......


    And from the airship, five golems and 20 guards.


    They quietly deployed around the tunnel.


    "Well, Mr. Rhodes, would you please move your golem onward?


    "Yes, sir."


    At Duke Blou''s request, Rhodes instructed Uragan to proceed. However, do not proceed blindly, but as before, with caution.


    The warding has been passed. Nothing so far.


    Jin and the others guessed that it was not a defensive ward.


    (If it was probably a detection system ......, there must be some movement.)


    Right after Jin thought so, Reiko opened her mouth.


    "Father, there seems to be movement deep in the tunnels ...... underground."


    The old man had been monitoring the tunnel with a and told Reiko the result.


    "There are five people in the back. And 20 golems that look like battle golems.


    "There are a lot of them. ...... No, of course not."


    <.


    We''ve encountered a hostile golem!


    And Uragan has also begun fighting with a golem.


    * * * * * *


    Uragan, who had disappeared by stealth, was slowly advancing underground, using a sound deadening ward as well.


    However, the wards he had just passed seemed to be of the sensing type, and there was movement in the back of the room he was aiming for.


    "A security golem?


    It fired <> at Uragan, who was supposed to be out of sight.


    Uragan was not damaged by such a blast, but he knew that his position was completely known.


    Uragan breaks his "stealth" spell. At the same time, Uragan takes a large step forward and strikes the enemy golem with his fist.


    A dull metallic sound is heard, and the enemy golem falls over, its chest concaved. It seems to be weaker than the one sent to .


    However, the enemy golem seems to be made of sturdy stuff, and it rises up again, despite the dent in its chest, and comes toward Uragan. However, its movements were more awkward than before.


    Uragan struck again with his fist, this time in the same place.


    This time, the fist pierced through the chest armor and destroyed the internal magi device. The enemy golem slowly collapsed. It did not move again.


    But the commotion did not go unnoticed.


    The golem was not unaware of the commotion.


    It seems that they have sniffed out this place.


    It seems that they have found the brainwashing device as well.


    It was a prototype, but the effect was a little weak.


    "Now that we can''t contact Mr. Markitas, establishing a brainwashing method is our top priority, but ...... it''s difficult to say."


    "If it worked, I was thinking of building something like that lamppost in each country, but ...... it''s not going to work out very well."


    "<> had its own share of wise men and engineers. ......"


    "Isn''t that some kind of deus ex machina III or something?"


    "<> seems to be helping out as well."


    I thought this place would make a good base.


    It''s a pity we have to abandon it. ......


    At the back of the abandoned mine shaft, five figures were conversing without any sign of panic.


    "We''ll use the transfer magic circle to escape.


    "That would be a good idea."


    "Perhaps there will be soldiers watching the surroundings, that would be good."


    What about the golem?


    Let''s fire them all up and hit them.


    And then, after activating all the golems in their possession, they disappeared into thin air with a transfer magic circle.


    However, the old man who was the head of the administration magic of Horai Island knew exactly where they were going to be transferred to.

 1797 - - 48-26 Five People

    Enemy golem activated. Some of them are going above ground. Be careful.


    Uragan is on the line.


    Sir, did you hear that?


    "Yes. Have the ...... security golem prepare to intercept.


    Yes, sir!


    The five guard golems that I brought with me line up and take up arms against the abandoned mine.


    However, each of the five has a different weapon. They have a sword, a spear, a mace, a shield, and a bow. These five men would make up one squad.


    Behind them, ten guards formed a siege formation with swords in their hands. The remaining 10 men are free to move about as rangers.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Underground, Rhodoth''s golem, Uragan, is fighting hard.


    He has not lost a step against three enemy golems.


    The fact that they were in a narrow tunnel made it difficult for them to take advantage of their superiority in numbers and their lack of powerful magic attacks helped, but they still put up a great fight.


    Nevertheless, 16 golems had passed Uragan and were walking away.


    Sixteen golems out!��Please be careful!


    Uragan sent such a message to Rhodes.


    Uragan sent such a message to Rhodes.


    "Attention! Sixteen enemy golems are coming out!


    Rhodes announces after receiving the report from Uragan. Hearing this, Duke Breu gives the order.


    Immediately thereafter, golem after golem emerged from the abandoned mines.


    "All hands prepare for battle!��Here they come!


    The Duke then takes a wind-powered blower-floater and ascends to an altitude of about 10 meters. He will command the whole operation from that position.


    This is a good move because it is safer than being on the ground.


    "Reiko, will you cover Uragan?��Hope, we''re taking off too."


    Jin also instructed Reiko and Hope.


    "Okay, sir. I''ll be right back."


    Reiko, clad in invisible wards, a higher form of stealth, headed for the abandoned mine like a gale.


    On the way, the last of the sixteen golems got in the way, so she jumped over it.


    "......It''s not much of a golem, but the Duke''s golem is similar to it. ......Let''s hurry."


    As for Reiko, all she can think about is getting back to Jin as soon as possible.


    One minute into the abandoned mine shaft. She hears a dull metallic sound.


    "It''s an uragan."


    After passing through a slight curve, the view opens up.


    There, we saw Uragan, who was evenly matched in a three-on-one fight.


    Reiko, who had deactivated her invisibility, said, "I''m going to help you,


    "I will help you.


    "I will help you. She then struck one of the enemy golems head-on.


    Uragan''s fist strike required two blows to destroy the chest armor, but this time the golem was crushed with a single blow and blown away.


    Uragan, now down to two against one, overwhelms the enemy golem.


    Reiko joined the fray, and the battle was soon over.


    "Sixteen golems have gone outside. Let''s go back.


    Reiko said that since she knew from the Peeper that the five in the back had already escaped, it would be better to clear out the enemy golems, putting off the internal investigation until later.


    Uragan obeyed her advice and decided to return to the ground.


    * * * *


    "You''re pretty strong!"


    On the ground, the five guard golems prepared by the Duke of Bruu were engaged in a fierce battle with 15 enemy golems.


    The 10 guards were in the rear guard, providing covering fire with and at a slight distance.


    Although these magical attacks could only check the enemy golem, they were still useful to disturb it, and the guard golem was able to go toe-to-toe with it despite the threefold difference in strength.


    "There is no way that Markitas could have prepared such a large force by himself. He must have had a whole army. They must have built that golem."


    "Perhaps they did. From what I''ve seen, it''s close to the .


    Jin and Rhodes are analyzing the enemy.


    "I see. But it''s not as good as the one used by Markitas.


    Jin sees that it is not even close to the battle golem that Markitas used.


    (If so, the one used by Malquitas must have been made by the support golem made by , and this one was made by an ordinary engineer. And this one was made by an ordinary engineer.)


    This guess was right on the mark.


    There were engineers who supported the production of more combat golems and the construction of <>.


    They were the masterminds behind this incident.


    * * * *


    "......You managed to escape, didn''t you?"


    "Yes.


    But you''re saying you''re not ready yet?


    That''s what the results suggest.


    But now that we''re here, there''s nothing left to do.


    The five who had been in the depths of the abandoned mine had escaped to another location by means of a transfer magic circle.


    "This is the last stronghold of the that we have built with Mr. Markitas.


    In the true sense of the word, the last stronghold is the ruins on Mount Nakyu, the highest peak on the continent of Pandor, but they had not been informed of this.


    They are now in a stronghold built by Marchitas, the greatest engineer of the .


    <


    "Let''s think about what we''re going to do."


    The five of them are originally from a technical field, so they are not used to making plans and taking action.


    For this reason, the previous attack on was suppressed without much success.


    "I think I''ve heard that launching forces one after another is a bad idea."


    "...... I don''t know if you''ve heard that by now."


    Let''s just make the best of it next time.


    In any case, we have no choice but to build up our strength at this base.


    * * * *


    I''m here to help!


    Uragan comes out of the abandoned mine and joins Duke Bulou''s security golem.


    Meanwhile, Reiko, once again clad in invisibility, returns to Jin''s side.


    "Thank you, Reiko."


    Jin thanked Reiko for coming back.


    "Father, there is no one in the depths of the abandoned mine. What do we do now?"


    After receiving a brief report, Jin thought for a moment.


    "Well, I''d like to ...... check it out, but I don''t want to ruin the Duke of Bruu''s face, so let''s finish the battle first."


    Jin asked Reiko to join him. But limit the output to ten percent.


    "Yes, sir!"


    Reiko puts on her armament of some sort. Of course, it was brought from Horai Island by a transporter.


    A metal bowl, a breastplate, a brace, a trowel, and a shin guard.


    And in her hand she holds a .

 1798 - - 48-27 Invited by the Duke of Brew

    With Reiko''s entry into the battle, the situation quickly shifted to the Duke of Breu''s side.


    Although she was nailed by Jin and would not blow up the enemy golem with a single blow, she used her agility to distract the enemy, slashing at their knees and shoulder joints with .


    This slows the enemy golem down, and it is destroyed by the guard golem.


    "Oh, Squire Reyko, you''re the best!"


    Duke Breu must have heard about the legendary exploits of the past, and his eyes light up at Reiko''s success. He does not seem to be bothered by the fact that the golems under his command are not doing so well.


    Jin wonders what Reiko would look like if she knew that she is only putting out 10% of her power .......


    While he was thinking about this, the enemy Golems were being defeated one after another.


    In case of fighting against Golem, it is fundamental to completely <, i.e., stop its operation, since a bad <> would be troublesome later on.


    The most effective way is to stop the power source, that is, to destroy the mana-driver.


    However, this is something that everyone thinks of, and there are various countermeasures.


    There are ways to protect the mana driver and its accompanying equipment, to have two or more backups, and even to install it in unexpected places. .......


    In the case of this enemy golem, it was heavily protected.


    All the important magical devices (magi devices) were housed in thick steel protective cases.


    It would take an ordinary golem''s power to destroy these protective cases, but they were no stronger than a cardboard box in the face of Reiko''s .


    "It''s too fragile."


    Some of them were cut to pieces, others were pierced and stopped working.


    The golems that weren''t in Reiko''s hands were even more miserable.


    Reiko''s ability to destroy only the source of power is precise, but the security golem is different.


    The protective case is distorted by force, and the entire internal magi-device is destroyed, bringing it to a halt.


    (...... Well, let''s check out what Reiko has defeated.)


    Jin thinks that the control core is probably not safe from the damage.


    And with zero damage on our side, all the enemy golems were silenced.


    "Is it over, thank you. Jin-dono, Rhodotos-dono, we appreciate your help."


    About 35 minutes after the start of the operation, the abandoned mines were conquered.


    "Then I will send my Uragan ahead again. The main group will follow.


    "Yes, I understand."


    Uragan returned to the abandoned mine road.


    As the Duke of Brou watched him go, one of his men gave him some advice.


    If you are going to send your men, my lord, you should check if they can breathe. There is a possibility that a trap has been set.


    "Yes, of course."


    But..,


    Sir, the ullagans are equipped with an atmospheric analysis function. Leave it to me."


    Rhodes said, and the Duke nodded in satisfaction.


    "Oh, I see. That''s what I''m talking about!"


    Reiko is back by Jin''s side. She is disarmed and in her usual apron dress.


    It seemed that there was still some time before the report would come in, so the Duke of Breu spoke to Reiko.


    "Reiko, you were in the service of the Magecraft Meister some 400 years ago, weren''t you?"


    Yes, I did, but what of it?


    Reiko answers the Duke''s question without hesitation.


    "Oh, as I thought!��If you are ......, then you also know about the commotion at the birthday party of His Highness Ernest, the third prince at that time, don''t you?


    The disturbance at the birthday party ...... is the disturbance caused by the Unification Party (Unifiler) at the Golem Garden Party, isn''t it?


    "Yes, yes!��I heard that you were active in ....... Could you tell us a little about those days?


    The Duke of Breuland at the time, a distant ancestor of the Duke of Breuland, was also involved in the riot, and the story of that time has been handed down from generation to generation.


    "When I was a small child, I was also excited by the successes of Lord Leco when I heard that story," he said.


    The duke explained that since the man himself was here, he was eager to hear the story.


    "That''s right. ......"


    Reiko glanced at Jin. Jin understood her intention and gave a small nod.


    "At that time ......"


    Reiko began briefly. The duke listened attentively.


    "Then I noticed something unusual and left the room .......


    Then a messenger came running.


    "Report!��The enemy base has been overrun!"


    "...... well, thank you. ...... Reiko, I''d like to hear the rest of the story sometime."


    The Duke of Bulgaria, who had ended his conversation with Reiko with a look of regret, gave orders to his subordinates.


    "All evidence and materials are to be seized. The entrance will be sealed.


    Then he concludes by saying that he will send a team of investigators,


    "Thank you for your cooperation, Sir Tomax, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Jin."


    He then shook hands with Tomax Bartman, Rhodes, and Jin in turn.


    "Let us return to the Blue Lands for the time being," said the Duke.


    The Duke said he would leave the detailed investigation to the experts.


    I have no objection to that. After all, the old man had already confirmed what had been left behind with his peepers.


    "Lord Tomax, Lord Rhodoth, Lord Jin. Will you come to my house?"


    As is customary, the squires'' names are not called, but of course Illumina, Uragan, Reiko, Hope, and the others are invited.


    The duke''s eyes were on Reiko, however.


    Jin had no objection. The same goes for Rhodes.


    Tomax Bartmann, however, was a little reluctant because of the events in Avalon, but the Duke assured him that he would be kept informed of the results of the investigation, and he agreed to go with them.


    After that, the duke sent a survey team and a security team to the abandoned mine road, and returned to the Blue Lands with Jin and the others.


    * * * * *


    and the Duke''s blow-floater landed in the large garden of the Duke''s residence, at an airfield in a corner of the garden.


    Two hot air balloons are also moored there.


    "Welcome to my house!


    Duke Blou first showed Jin and the others into the parlor.


    Jin must have visited there once 400 years ago, but he did not recognize it at all, perhaps because it had been redecorated, or perhaps his memory had become hazy.


    But Reiko said,


    "It''s changed a lot, hasn''t it?


    Reiko said, "You have changed a lot.


    "Oh, Reiko, what part of you has changed?"


    Duke Breu asked Reiko hurriedly.


    Yes, there are more decorations on the pillars. And did you replace the flooring?��The colors are brighter than they were 400 years ago. And ......"


    The duke is extremely satisfied with the 12 differences that have been clearly pointed out to him.


    "Let''s restore it to its original state as much as possible," he even says.


    He even says, "I''ll try to restore it to its original state as much as possible. Jin wondered secretly if it was nostalgia.


    A little later, the Duke of Broux calmed down,


    "As a matter of fact, His Royal Highness Prince Ernest will be here tonight.


    He said.


    "His Highness is looking forward to seeing you again, Mr. Jin. That''s why I''ve invited him to the hotel.


    "Is that so?"


    When we informed the central government of this disturbance, Ernesto was to come to the Kingdom of Egelea to officially certify Jin as a .


    "......I''m kind of embarrassed to be here," Jin said.


    Jin said,


    Jin said, "I heard that you don''t like ostentatious things. That''s why he asked you to come here.


    Duke Bruu said.


    "I''m even more afraid of you, ......" he said.


    Jin was looking forward to seeing Ernest XVII again.


    On the other hand, Tomax Bartmann left the meeting after dinner because he was tired and went straight to his bedroom. He fell asleep as if he had fallen asleep.

 1799 - - 48-28 Little Lady

    On the evening of January 3, Ernest XVII arrived at the residence of the Duke of Breu.


    He said, "Mister Jin, thank you for your hospitality the other day. I have brought my sister and Tia with me today.


    Ernest XVII introduced the little lady.


    "How do you do? My name is Mimir. Please give us a warm welcome.


    The little princess greeted her with a little pinch of her pink skirt. She was a beautiful little girl with blond hair and blue eyes, just like her brother Ernest XVII.


    Her hair, tied in twin-tails on either side of her head, reminded me somewhat of Princess Rieschen.


    "<> My name is Jin Nido. Princess.


    I am the honorary squire Reiko Nido, and it is a pleasure to meet you.


    Jin and Reiko greeted back.


    "My Princess, it is a pleasure to meet you."


    Rhodes, Duke Blou and Ilmina Ratkin greeted her as well.


    And right behind the princess was a blue-haired automaton named Tia.


    "Oh..."


    Before she could say, "It''s been a while," Reiko acted quickly.


    She moved quickly in front of Tia and interrupted her words.


    And then,


    "You must be Tia. I have heard about you from His Highness. It is an honor to meet you.


    (Tia, your father is supposed to be the <3rd generation>.)


    At the same time she greeted Tia, Reiko conveyed her message in the ultrasonic realm, which humans cannot hear, and at 50 times the speed of the original message.


    Tia understood her message and said,


    "It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Tia, an automata of Her Highness Princess Mimir.


    She gave a simple greeting.


    Incidentally, it is the custom in the Kingdom of Egelea to be called by one''s childhood name until one is about 10 years old, but when one becomes a socialite, one is called by one''s real name instead of one''s childhood name.


    "Mimir had his birthday the other day, so he is now four years old. Please be good to him," Ernest XVII said.


    Ernest XVII says, his eyes narrowed. He is very fond of his youngest princess.


    "Yes, of course.


    Jin thinks back to the younger children from his time in the orphanage, squatting down to look them in the eye,


    "Does Your Highness like sweets?"


    I asked.


    "Yes, Jinshama, I love sweets!


    Jin took out a beautiful small box from his pocket and handed it to Mimir. It was a small box about the size of a pencil box, made of hard wood and silver clasps.


    "As a token of our closeness. But don''t eat too much, only if your brother or Tia says it''s good for you.


    Yes, I understand.


    Jin-dono, what is it?


    , Ernest XVII peeked in with interest.


    "It is a gift for the princess. Please take a look at ...... to see what''s inside."


    After giving Ernest XVII a brief explanation, Jin turned to Mimir.


    "Princess, I think it would be best if you leave the box with Tia.


    "Ai. ...... Tia, please take care of it.


    Yes, Your Highness.


    Tia also squatted down and received the box from Mimir.


    May I open it, Jin-sama?


    "Of course. Of course.


    So Tia gently opened the box.


    What is it?


    "Wow, it''s beautiful."


    Jin-dono, what is this?


    < ......<.


    The peridos, who were in charge of household chores, had perfected them through trial and error, relying on Jin''s memory of having read about how to make them in a gourmet manga.


    The kettle is tilted at an angle and called ......<>. The kettle is filled with a gong and slowly rotated. Then molasses is added and slowly stirred......, but it seems to require more know-how than can be put into words or written.


    Fortunately, two weeks of continuous work is not too much of a burden for these golems.


    Anyway, inside the box were small star-like kompeito candies in various colors: red, white, yellow, peach, orange, green, blue, sky blue, purple .......


    "These are called kompeito," he said, "and they are a sweet candy.


    "Mister Gin, can you eat it?


    Ernest XVII was surprised.


    "Yes. ...... well, Tia, why don''t you give him a piece of it?


    "Yes, sir."


    At Jin''s words, Tia immediately put a piece of white kompeito sugar in her mouth.


    "...... It''s mostly lumps of sugar. And a small amount of natural coloring. There are no harmful substances.


    Hearing this, Princess Mimir quickly reached out her small hand and popped a peach-colored kompeito in her mouth.


    "Oh ...... it''s so sweet!��Delicious!��Thank you, Jin-sama!"


    Ernest XVII, who was watching from the side, was also curious about the taste,


    "Mimir, can I have one too?


    He begged his sister, "Mimir, can I have one?


    "Yes, Mimir, can I have one? "Yes, mademoiselle, please!"


    Mimir placed a blue kompeito in her small, maple-like palm and held it out to her brother.


    "Thank you!"


    Ernest XVII accepted the sugar with a melt-in-your-mouth smile and immediately popped it into his mouth.


    "...... Mmm, this is delicious. Jin-dono, you gave my sister something good. Thank you.


    "Hey, Tia, give me another one!


    "Princess, one more for today, okay?"


    "Yes!"


    Princess Mimir, who seemed to like the kompeito, was so pleased that Tia, who was holding the small box, was forced to eat the second piece of kompeito for the day.


    Ilmina Ratkin watched enviously. .......


    * * * *


    Princess Mimir was excited for a while, but when it was around eight o''clock in the evening, she looked sleepy.


    "Princess, I think it''s time for you to go to sleep."


    "Yes. ......"


    Rubbing her eyes, the princess replied.


    "Well, come this way."


    The Duke of Breu''s residence had a bedroom reserved for the royal family, as they had visited the palace several times.


    Princess Mimir was taken there by the maid of honor who came with her.


    "Well, Mister Gin..."


    Ernest XVII turned to Jin again.


    "The other day, I asked you to check on Tia for me.


    "Yes, sir."


    "Jin-dono, then you can use my workshop.


    The duke''s residence seems to have its own workshop, albeit a small one. Jin was grateful to be allowed to use it.


    "Reiko, help me. Can Rhodes help too?


    After talking to Reiko and Rhodes, Jin and Tia head for the workshop. To his surprise, the Duke of Breu himself showed them around. Ernest XVII is also accompanying them.


    "You can use this room."


    The factory was much better equipped than Jin had expected.


    "Okay, then, Tia, lie down there."


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    Jin had Tia lie down on the workbench, and first instructed Reiko to remove Tia''s clothes.


    "Oh, oh ......"


    Ernest XVII and the Duke of Breu blushed.


    Jin removed the magical skin, wondering in a corner of his mind if they had followed him just to see such a scene.


    Tia''s interior is revealed.


    (......It seems that no one has made any changes since then. ......)


    By "after," I mean 400 years ago in the Kingdom of Klein, after Jin was begged by Princess Rieschen, Tia''s master at the time, to repair it.


    Even after 400 years, Tia''s body had not been damaged much.

 1800 - - 48-29 Tier refurbishment

    "...... Your Excellency, can I have about 10 grams of adamantite?"


    Jin, who had been working on the tier, turned and made his request to Duke Breu.


    "Duke, please. The royal family will pay for it."


    Ernest XVII also offered his assistance. Adamantite is expensive even in this day and age.


    Compared to light silver, which was used by Jin to make the magic tools for refining 400 years ago, adamantite is produced in smaller quantities and is more difficult to refine, so that the market price is around 70 The market price of adamantite is about 70,000 dollars per gram. In other words, each gram is worth 70,000 yen.


    Ten grams of adamantite was worth 700,000 yen, and Ernest XVII told him that the royal family would pay for it.


    "No, Your Highness, don''t worry about it. It is not every day that we have the opportunity to see the work of a magical engineer, the MagiCraft Meister, and the structure of an automata, which can be called an ancient artifact.


    Duke Breu also seemed to have an extraordinary interest in magical engineering.


    After receiving the 10 grams of adamantite, Jin said


    "<>"


    He plated the sliding parts of the joints.


    Adamantite has a specific gravity of 19.3.10 grams, which is not even the tip of a little finger.


    However, it is one of the hardest metals in the world (the hardest being molecularly compressed hyperadamantite).


    As usual, Jin plated it on the sliding parts of the joints to reduce rattling and wear at the same time.


    The skeleton was made of nickel steel, which is resistant to wear, but this makes it even more durable.


    "The magic nerve wires will be fine with the repair."


    Mithril silver is resistant to oxidation. And since it was hermetically sealed, the deterioration was slight. However, the metal had become brittle due to fatigue at the points where it had been bent many times, and Jin had repaired them.


    "The control core is also okay. The important magi devices are perfectly fine.


    This is the proof that Jin did his job properly 400 years ago. Jin was happy, if I may say so myself.


    "The magical muscle is still a little damaged. ......


    This can''t be helped.


    Even if biological materials are excellent, 400 years is a long time.


    The concentration of free magic element (ether) as high as that in the Kingdom of Egelea is not suitable for preservation of ecological materials, and magical muscles are consumable parts.


    In addition, Tia''s magical muscle is made of sandworm leather. It cannot be compared to the ancient dragon leather used for Reiko.


    "...... what should I do?"


    Jin thinks for a moment.


    In Horai Island, we can use all the precious materials we want. Even the leather made from the shells of ...... ancient dragons. Of course, we must not overexploit.


    Of course, he did not overhunt. It is because Jin does not like it.


    Rather, they are actively protecting them, and the total number of confirmed ancient dragons now stands at 30. The number has increased by 1.2 times from 25 dragons in the previous survey conducted 300 years ago.


    At the same time, the number of frost dragons, which prefer the shells of ancient dragons, has also increased from 220 to 240. I wonder what kind of protection they have given them.


    What kind of protection has been done was to reduce the mortality rate of juveniles.


    Specifically, some environmental improvements were made.


    Even the ancient ancient dragons, which stand at the top of all life forms in Ars, are helpless in their larvae.


    They are oviparous, but they lay their eggs in spring and hatch in autumn.


    The efforts of Guth and other researchers have revealed that the key to winter survival is how much the larvae can grow before the cold weather arrives.


    Since the diet of the larvae was also found to be freshwater fish, the old man farmed and increased the number of freshwater fish caught at the northern limit to improve the food situation.


    I''ll leave you with a short digression.


    As expected, we cannot use shells of ancient dragons, but we can use threads of <>, which is the standard in Horai Island.


    Nowadays, they are cultivated outside of Horai Island, and above all, it is an important industry of the Nordic Federation.


    Jin refuses the Duke''s request and takes two bundles of Grand Spider threads from the materials rack in the workshop, and transforms them into muscle tissue.


    First, the fibers are twisted together to make them thicker, and at the same time, the ends are < together to make them look like muscles. The process took 15 seconds. This is the skill of a skilled craftsman who has worked on thousands of Golem automata.


    Jin made 100 pairs of them in all. He started working on four pairs at a time, so the work was completed in about 10 minutes.


    The Duke of Breu and King Ernest XVII, who were watching, were frozen with their mouths open. Even Rhodes seemed to be speechless.


    "Well, let''s replace it with this one," he said.


    I''ll help you.


    With Reiko''s help, the work speeds up even more.


    The 100 pairs of muscles are attached to the designated points on the skeleton and wired with magical nerve wires.


    Incidentally, it is said that there are more than 600 kinds of human muscles. The human body has over 600 types of muscles, and only 100 pairs of them are needed.


    The functions are classified and shared, and also shared to reduce the overall number and to facilitate control.


    However, the <> is not lost. This is the superior point of the Adriana style.


    As a side note, Reiko has about 300 muscles, while the golems of Horai Island have about 200. This makes it possible for them to move in a more human-like manner.


    "There we go. The skin is still fine.


    In order to strengthen and improve the durability, the magical muscles and the magical skin are <.


    Finally, the control core and other magickal devices are fine-tuned to the new muscles, and the process is complete.


    "Tia, how are you feeling?"


    Jin asked Tia after she had been dressed and reactivated.


    "Yes, Jin-sama. "Yes, Master Jin. Thank you very much."


    "Yes, I''m glad."


    Jin then reported to Ernest XVII.


    "Your Highness, the maintenance of the tier you requested has been completed without delay. ...... Your Highness?"


    "...... ha!��Thank you. Thank you, Master Jin. My sister will be pleased. Thank you!


    Ernest XVII, who had been stunned, regained his composure at the sound of Jin''s voice and hurried to reply.


    Thanks to you, Your Highness, I have been able to have my body repaired. I would like to continue to serve you, Your Highness.


    Tia bowed her head and thanked Ernest XVII for his hospitality.


    "Yes, no, I''m glad."


    By then, the Duke of Bruu was back on his feet,


    "Thank you for your excellent performance, Mr. Jin!


    He was in a good mood.


    * * * *


    Jin and the others returned to the parlor.


    Ernest XVII started talking about how to thank Jin.


    "Tia told me that the best way to thank the Magecraft Meister is not with gold, but with materials. Is that so?"


    "......Yes, that''s true. I would be especially happy if it were a rare material."


    "Hmm."


    Ernest XVII thought for a moment and opened his mouth again.


    "The materials that can be found in our Egelea Kingdom are not that rare. ...... Yes,<> How about 10 standard pieces?"


    Elradorite is the name of the mineral on the Laurentian continent, and its official name is <>. Its mineral name is .


    Originally a mineral that does not exist on Arus, it was brought here in the form of a meteorite in the past, and has been dug up and utilized.


    The names "mithianite" and "univasium" are derived from it.


    No, I''m afraid it''s not that valuable. How about 100 kilograms of light silver?


    "Is such a small amount acceptable?"


    In the past, the price of light silver (titanium in this world) was high, but since Jin made magic tools for refining 400 years ago, the unit price has continued to fall, and now it costs 20 The price of titanium was high in this world.


    The time required for maintenance was less than one hour. Since the materials for the repair came from the Duke of Breu''s workshop, he calculated that he would be able to get 20,000 yen for the pure labor.


    "Yes, light silver has many uses."


    "I see. If that''s all right with you, Jin-dono, I''ll do it. Duke ......, may I borrow it temporarily?"


    Ernest XVII said that he would pay Jin the light silver that belonged to Duke Breu and make up the difference later.


    In the end, Jin received 200 (...) kilograms of light silver as a reward.

 1801 - - 48-30 Proprietary Analysis

    "Mister Jin, I cannot thank you enough for not only your hospitality but also for the maintenance of Tia-dono. Your Highness and I thank you for your hospitality.


    Duke Breu said.


    After Tia had been re-equipped, a short banquet was held.


    A low-alcohol, pleasant sake is served. Jin thought it was like plum wine. In fact, it was a distilled liquor soaked with plume fruits (a plant that could only be a plum from the southern part of the Kingdom of Klein).


    Princess Mimir was already dreaming and Tomax Bartmann was sleeping like mud, so those present were Jin, Rhodes, Ernest XVII, Ilmina Ratkin, and the Duke of Bruu.


    Reiko, Uragan, and Tia stand behind their respective masters.


    "No, it was a promise, and I like doing it."


    Jin was more concerned about Tomax Bartman.


    "Illumina, is Tomax alright?"


    "Yes, I''m just tired, that''s all."


    "After all, ......"


    The dark circles under her eyes and dulled reactions brought back memories of when she worked for a black company in Japan.


    "Did you stay up all night for about three days?"


    The answer to that question is exactly what I expected.


    "Oh, that''s about right.


    "......Tomax, you have a strong sense of responsibility. ......"


    As a human being, I have to say yes.


    "I wish I could assist you a little more."


    Tomax is the type of person who takes on a lot on his own, sighed Illumina.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Jin is thinking of making him a secretary automata, but then he thinks that it would be better to start with Machina III.


    "In the meantime, I''ll give you the recovery medicine that I always keep in <> tomorrow morning."


    "Thank you. ......"


    Illumina also seemed to be a hard worker.


    "So, will Jin-dono be leaving tomorrow?"


    Duke Blou, looking slightly regretful, asked Jin.


    "Yes. I still have some unfinished research to do.


    "Well, I''m sorry, but I can''t force you to stay.


    The duke looked truly disappointed.


    "Tomorrow, I will analyze the enemy golem that will probably be brought in and report back to you.


    "Well, thank goodness."


    Jin is very curious about the roots of the enemy golem.


    <, or is it from and other blue-haired automata, or is it neither? .......


    "We will know a lot more when we examine the control core."


    We''d like to do that in the presence of Tomax Bartmann," Jin said.


    "Yes. Perhaps the golem will be kept in the garrison outside the castle.


    We won''t bring it into the castle at once, the duke said.


    "I understand."


    And so ends the meeting for the night.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, January 4th.


    Jin and his men arrive by at the soldiers'' garrison outside the castle.


    They were accompanied by the Duke of Bruu, Rhodoth, Tomax Bartman, and Ilmina Ratkin.


    I took the restorative you gave me and my stomach feels better.


    Tomax thanked Jin as they walked along.


    "That''s good to hear. But it will come back if you don''t remove the cause. ......"


    "You''re absolutely right. ......"


    Tomax replied, rubbing his stomach.


    The stomach ache he had been feeling for a long time had been cured by taking the recovery medicine Jin had given him, but the action had become a habit.


    Irmina was laughing next to me.


    "This way, sir."


    The garrison commander led Jin and the others to a large tent.


    There lay the enemy golem they had captured yesterday.


    Tomax and Illumina went to the leader of the survey team to ask him about the results of the analysis so far.


    Jin, of course, has his own analysis.


    The control core had already been analyzed by the survey team, but Jin''s analysis of the structure and materials might reveal something.


    "Well..."


    Jin approaches the golem lying in front of him and begins his analysis.


    Rhodes and the Duke of Breu observe from the side. The members of the survey team also gathered to take a look at Jin''s skills, albeit from a distance.


    "<><>>>"


    "Oh, oh?


    In no time at all, the exterior of the chest was removed, exposing the important magical device (magi device) inside, and someone in the survey team let out an exclamation at the skill with which he began analyzing the device without a pause.


    Jin, however, was unconcerned,


    "<><><>"


    and the analysis proceeded apace.


    "Haha...... this guy is also a member of the family, isn''t he?"


    The golem that rampaged in < was in the same family, though the type was different.


    (I guess it was not a family. ...... I''m relieved about that.


    < has a performance that is different from that of ordinary golems, so that if one power has it, it may upset the balance of power.


    (...... I am one in that sense.)


    The thought of retreating to Hale, after all, crosses Jin''s mind.


    But for now, he turns his attention back to the Golem to focus on the problem at hand.


    "<>...... galvanized carbon steel. ......<>...... this one is a bronze mixed with mithril silver...... I see."


    Jin proceeds to analyze the material as well. Reiko takes quick note of his mutterings.


    "Muscle tissue is ...... a material for demons. <


    The members of the investigation team look at him with wide-eyed amazement at the speed of his analysis.


    "The ether converter and mana driver ...... are not very good ......, or maybe three at the moment. The conversion efficiency is poor."


    Jin''s hand does not stop while muttering to himself.


    "The structure of the skeleton is ...... ah, I see. < and didn''t use it as a reference?


    Jin saw that there was no pelvis and the waist was not flexible enough.


    "That''s why its movements were not human-like."


    Jin then analyzes the head.


    "The ears are reasonably good, but I wonder why ...... the eyes ...... did this?"


    The super wide-angle lens provided a field of view of about 200 degrees in front of the head, but without a zoom function, it would have been difficult to distinguish objects in the distance.


    "The light-receiving part seems to be more powerful for that purpose, but it''s ...... a bit odd."


    It is like a digital camera with a very high resolution. The performance of the photosensitive area is so high that the image quality does not deteriorate even when the details are magnified. .......


    "The night vision seems to be poor."


    Jin thought that this would be a disadvantage for use on an abandoned mine road.


    "Well, many of the copies are just imitations without understanding the design concept.


    No wonder they can''t surpass the originals," Jin said with a cold smile.


    He examined the other three in the same way, but found nothing new.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Thank you very much, Duke. That''s all I could find out.


    Jin handed over the notes that Reiko had written during the analysis and the report with his opinion.


    "Oh, this explains a lot."


    Duke Breu was pleased to receive the report.


    "Our golem has something to offer as well, doesn''t it?"


    "Yes. Yes. And I have written down its advantages and disadvantages.


    "I see, Master Jin, and thank you."


    "No, I have gained something from it too."


    Jin smiled as he said this.

 1802 - - 48-31 Old Man Move

    "Master Jin, I apologize for the delay. I have just received word from King''s Landing that you are to be the third generation of Magecraft Meisters.


    Ernest XVII and the Duke of Bruu told Jin this near noon.


    "At the same time, I also received a document appointing me an honorary nobleman of the Kingdom of Egelea."


    Ernest XVII told him bluntly that there was no obligation to pay taxes or serve in the military, and that this was just a way to allow him access to the royal palace.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin received the certificate.


    This expanded the scope of his activities in the Shoro and Egelea kingdoms.


    Then Princess Mimir arrived with Tia.


    "Thank you very much for fixing Tia, Magirafuto Maistajinsha," she said.


    Princess Meir bowed politely.


    "Please don''t worry about it, Your Highness. A good automaton like Tia is a treasure of humanity.


    Jin smiled at Princess Mimir.


    Then it was time for lunch.


    It was a meal usually eaten by the nobles and royalty of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    The menu consisted of freshly baked white bread, beef steak, pork cutlet, white fish meuniere, white stew, and vegetable salad.


    The number of dishes seems to be small, but the steaks of cow bull are huge. Princess Mimir''s steak weighed about 70 grams, but Jin''s was about 600 grams.


    The pork cutlet also looked like it weighed about 400 grams.


    Princess Mimir, however, was not affected, but King Ernest XVII ate it without a care in the world. So did Rhodes.


    Tomax Bartmann, who was holding his stomach, looked a little pale.


    "You shouldn''t push yourself when your stomach is upset."


    "I thought it was because I felt much better with the recovery medicine you gave me.


    Hearing this, Jin secretly thought that he would bring her some more recovery medicine later.


    Illumina also seemed to be having a hard time with the 600 gram steak.


    In this case, however, it was no disrespect to leave the leftovers. Leftovers are supposed to be fed to livestock.


    For example, it is said that the taste of cocarisque improves when a small amount of meat is fed to the animals.


    It is important not to waste food.


    * * * *


    After lunch, Jin decided to leave the Blue Lands early.


    Thank you very much for your help.


    Thank you, Jin-dono, for everything you have done for me. I thank you for showing me your many wonderful tricks.


    "Jin-sama, I hope to see you again."


    Ernest XVII and Princess Mimir waved us goodbye.


    I secretly gave Tia plenty of extra kompeito sugar as an afterthought.


    "......"


    Tomax Bartman sat back in his seat, looking tired.


    "Thank you for your hard work."


    Jin laboriously hands over the second bottle of recovery medicine.


    "Oh, thank you very much. ......"


    Tomax Bartmann took it without effort and gulped it down in one gulp.


    "......I feel like my stomach is getting better."


    Since it was a drink, it seemed to have an immediate effect in curing his irritated stomach walls.


    Tomax Bartmann then leans back in his seat and closes his eyes while we return to the .


    * * * * * *


    "Thank you very much, Jin-dono.


    <, and the plane takes off immediately.


    Tomax''s back was called as he watched the < dwindle in size.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Chief Superintendent.


    He turned around and saw Machina III standing there.


    "I see you didn''t bring ...... a gift. I have a gift for you."


    "Yes?"


    Tomax looked doubtful, and Machina III introduced an automaton standing behind him.


    "I am Manon, the secretary automata.


    "My name is Manon."


    The automaton bowed beautifully.


    "I have prepared this together with Jin to reduce the burden on you, Tomax-sama.


    "Oh, oh, that''s very kind of you!


    In fact, Jin had contacted Horai Island and had the old man prepare this for Tomax. He was going to present it to Tomax via Makina III.


    "I can do all basic office work. I have an excellent memory. I can also act as an escort.


    "That''s great!"


    To differentiate her from Anne, Tia and the other < series, her hair color is <...... dark green.


    Based on the five-colored golem maids of Horai Island, she has slightly detuned abilities, which would be equivalent to about five human secretaries. She looks somewhat like Illumina Ratkin.


    And...


    "I can also use <> and <>."


    "That would be great!"


    Tomax had made it possible for him to use healing magic as well.


    < the necessary information, but as a result, Tomax Bartmann''s workload was reduced to one-third.


    He manages the schedule, drafts documents, reviews documents including checking for typos and spelling errors, organizes documents, and handles visitors. It will be a few more days before Tomax Bartmann''s physical condition improves, as he will be reviewing his diet and even recovering from fatigue.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, it''s getting depressing now..."


    Jin muttered to himself as the returned to Horai Island.


    "I hope we can catch the ringleader this time."


    Jin is disappointed that he had to cut short his New Year''s Day.


    "Tomax Bartmann is getting close to his limit.


    Anyway, let''s go back and talk about it," said Jin, using the warp gate provided, he decided to return to Horai Island with Reiko, Rhodos, and Uragan.


    "Hope, I''m sorry, but I need you to take over for me.


    "Yes, I''ll take care of it."


    < was piloted by Hope and returned to Horai Island.


    Jin and the others return to Horai Island ahead of the and decide to discuss the future.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    On the other hand, the old brain of Horai Island had already started to move.


    to cause such a commotion when the master (My Lord) is relaxing. ......>


    < had escaped to with the transfer magic circle, we decided to first move the Shinobi Unit.


    <


    It is sent in using a transporter.


    When Jin came back and asked for a meeting, he had obtained a great deal of information.

 1803 - - 48-32 Audience

    After returning to Horai Island, Jin went straight to the command room and started the meeting with Rhodes.


    "First of all, Mr. President, where did they run away from?


    <


    "Mount Onouni......Mount Onouni......"


    The old man projected a map of the Kingdom of Celuloa on the magic screen.


    This time Jin understood.


    "Oh, I see. "Oh, that''s the mountain there.


    The mountain rises a little north of the Tropic of Cancer.


    There are three excellent mines there, and the Grafas Mine is located on the southern slope of Mount Onouni.


    <


    Jin nodded at the report from the old man.


    "That''s the old man. You''ve already done a lot of research on it.


    The old man added, "No one in the League of Magic should know about that one.


    "Indeed. The technology of the was also used there."


    "What is the size and equipment of the base?"


    Rhodes asked.


    <


    They also have an arsenal where they built most of the golems used by the .


    <


    "......I don''t know if I''m asking the right question, but may I ask how?"


    <.


    Then the old man explained the working principle of the peepers.


    Rhodes, who was also a magecraftsman, seemed to understand the explanation.


    "I see. ...... Sorry for breaking your back. Please continue."


    <>.


    The old man said, "The idea seems to be to avoid detection.


    Jin thought that with that kind of force, they must have felt safe.


    "So, how many people are there now?"


    "Not many?"


    That is the most troublesome thing, Jin thought.


    >.


    "Then, Graham Darby is not among them?"


    The old man explained that he was not very good at planning missions because of his technical background, and that is why he could only make poor plans like this one.


    "But you are sure that Graham Darby was working with the five of them, aren''t you?"


    <, and Graham Darby sent a golem and using the transfer magic circle which he seems to have set up.


    "Yes. ...... don''t those five people know where Graham is?"


    .


    "I see... ......"


    The remnants of the are scattered all over the world.


    It was going to be very difficult to find and deal with them all.


    "They were probably not brainwashed and joined of their own free will."


    Rhodes says with a sullen look on his face.


    "Perhaps they are not so much sympathizing with the philosophy of the as they are trying to secure their own interests by playing nice.


    "Yeah, I think there are people like that."


    Jin agrees with this opinion.


    "If that''s the case, it will be difficult to eradicate them.


    <


    "Foundation? ......Oh, that''s what you mean."


    Jin pondered over the old man''s words and realized what he was trying to say.


    Without funds, bases, backups, etc., we can''t do much.


    "Yes, it is. ...... did you find any such documents in the depths of that abandoned mine?"


    "I see."


    Even though they were technicians, they were not amateurs enough to leave clues that could be traced back to them.


    "Then, why don''t we let Makina do it?"


    Jin thought it would be better not to leave these five alone any longer.


    Makina III is a public face. He can''t do anything too far out of the ordinary.


    But if Horaijima moves on its own, we can put our all into it.


    But your servant, the Master, is aware of it.


    <


    And then we will say that he has been investigating on his own.


    "Let''s go with that."


    Jin did not want to be bothered by this any more. On the other hand, he could not just leave it at that.


    <


    "As expected of you, my old friend."


    <


    * * *


    What is our next target?


    <


    "Our forces have shrunk considerably. I think it is important to review our goals at this point.


    <


    < cannot pick up the voice.


    "In the first place, we were not sympathetic to the ideas of the , were we?


    "That''s right. We joined because they let us make what we wanted to make.


    That''s true. That''s me, too. ...... In the first place, what we are doing would not be possible without ."


    * * *


    "......Surprisingly, you have a decent sense of judgment."


    Jin muttered to himself as he watched the images being sent to him.


    But....


    * * * *


    "The completion of the final weapon ...... will still be a long way off."


    "Mm. So far, we''re at about fifty percent, right?


    Yeah, that''s right.


    The disturbing words came out of his mouth, and Jin pulled himself together.

 1804 - - 48-33 Final weapon?

    The word "ultimate weapon" was thrown out of the room, causing the group to raise their eyebrows.


    "Old man, do you know what this ultimate weapon is?


    It seems that even the "Mere Old Man" does not know.


    <


    <


    "Yes, please."


    No useful information was obtained from the subsequent meeting of the five.


    The <<<< Shinobi Unit will continue to lie low and investigate the final weapon.


    "Yes, please."


    Jin tried to imagine what the ultimate weapon might be, but the lack of information made it impossible.


    "A magical tool that causes <>, or a magical machine that can destroy a planet?"


    "Jin-san, isn''t the latter impossible?"


    Rhodes seemed to have thought about it, but said he couldn''t come up with anything.


    "Well, I don''t feel like making one either.


    Jin tried to imagine ...... though he could think of many ways to do so.


    "I could compound all the oxygen in the air at once and make the atmosphere unbreathable, or generate a deadly magic ray or something like that. ......"


    "Well, that sounds terrifying."


    Nevertheless, it is said that anything that can be imagined can one day be realized.


    Jin would rather have a countermeasure than create one.


    "The first thing to do with any weapon is to disable it before it is activated.


    The first thing to do would be to use a device such as a transporter gun that would send them to the appropriate coordinates and transfer them to the far side of the universe.


    "Then we could melt it down in an instant."


    Plasma swords or super-powerful lasers," Jin said.


    "Or we could wrap it in a so that it can''t affect the surroundings.


    There are many ways to do this," Jin concluded.


    "If we can understand the principle of operation, we can make a magic tool that interferes with it, can''t we?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    In any case, Jin and the others agreed that the idea of creating such a could not be left unchecked.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "However, it was a little painful that that man escaped from us.


    "That man ...... is, ah, that Graham Darby, isn''t it?"


    "It''s good that he became the chief executive of Avalon, but he only lasted about three years.


    "But he was easy to manipulate, though."


    The conversation among the <> is still going on, but it is becoming more and more like a chat. However, they are not to be taken for fools as they sometimes blurt out important information in the course of their chit-chat.


    "Why don''t we just get someone else and brainwash them again?


    "Don''t be silly. It is difficult to select . It is meaningless at the bottom, and difficult in a position with many colleagues. It is better to have someone in a position where you feel comfortable being alone."


    * * *


    "I see. You have thought this through."


    Jin says to himself.


    "Yes, he is. "Yes...and he''s been brainwashed after all..."


    "Yes, it seems so. Maybe that will help Marikka a little.


    Rhodes says that since Marikka was sad that her student has become a terrorist, it might be a little comforting for her. Jin agrees.


    <


    "What?"


    What?


    <


    One group, Shinobi I and II, were hiding in the meeting room of the <, while the other four groups were scattered throughout the base.


    And now, Shinobi Kusu and Pickup had come to the innermost part of the arsenal.


    ��There might be something in here.)


    <


    (In the innermost part of the arsenal, ......, there might be a < or something like that.)


    So the two of them decide to proceed more carefully. There might be a hidden room.


    As a result, they found an unnatural place.


    The dead end is a wall, but there is an unnatural space in front of it.


    It is an empty space of about 10 meters square.


    On either side of the vacant space, there are work tables, tools, and magi-machines.


    (Too unnatural. ...... what do you think?)


    Shinobu asked Pickup.


    ��It looks as if something has been carried away from here.)


    Pickup replies.


    (Or are they planning to put something here?)


    I think about it, but I don''t get an answer.


    (Or is there something behind the wall or in the basement?)


    Shinobu guessed so, but there was no way to confirm it.


    ��He wanted to use the acoustic sonar, but that would be too obvious. ...... Is there any better way to find out?


    Shinobu Ku contacted the old man.


    ��This is Shinobu Ku. We found a suspicious space at the back of the arsenal. <


    <


    The reply came immediately.


    Then he waited for 2 minutes.


    The old man called me.


    ��Shinobu Ku, you got it.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Old man, what in the world is this Magi-machine?"


    Jin asked.


    "What!


    Jin couldn''t help but yell out.


    "Well, if such a thing is completed, it will be a disaster!


    But the old man was calm.


    Is that so?


    .


    The old man began to explain.


    <<>.


    "Yes.


    It was after Jin''s death 400 years ago, a blank period of time so to speak, and it was natural that the present Jin did not know about it.


    It is also not surprising that Rhodes, who will be 126 years old this year, does not know about it.


    Jin and Rhodes listened to the old man''s explanation.

 1805 - - 48-34 The Old Mans Secret Activities

    The old man''s explanation of the ultimate weapon continues.


    <


    "Mr. Lao, that''s ......!"


    Jin felt a sense of crisis and involuntarily got up from his chair.


    .


    "I see. ......"


    At the old man''s words, Jin felt a little relieved and sat down in his chair again.


    <


    It erases memories from brain cells, but it was not practical.


    This is because it was impossible to find out which part of the brain cells stored the information to be erased with human abilities.


    However, the "Mere Old Man," who boasts of capabilities thousands of times greater than those of human beings, can do it. He can check the knowledge by <, and can affect only the part of the brain cells he wants to erase.


    However, Jin had designated this as a forbidden spell. He considered it too sacrilegious to tamper with a person''s memory.


    In fact, 400 years ago, Jin had decided not to use it without the approval of the entire <>, even if it was necessary in the end.


    However, if he used the Amnesia at its maximum power, it would erase all memories, in other words, dementia.


    This is what Jin feared.


    <> does not appear unless at close range. ...... Oh, this is the result of testing it on a demon>>


    "I see."


    For a moment Jin wondered if they had experimented on humans, but that was OK.


    >.


    <


    "I see, so that''s how it is."


    Jin sighed in relief.


    >.


    "I see."


    The old man assured him that it was just a piece of junk, which finally made Jin feel relieved.


    The old man added.


    "Oh, that''s a good idea."


    Jin agrees.


    The craftsman (Smith) can then use the transporter to escape from the base, and the Air Force can retrieve him.


    <


    Thus, the unfinished <> was turned into a completely useless piece of junk.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, what about the other ?


    Shinobi San and 4 had searched the warehouse for materials.


    There was not even a door, perhaps because there was no one else there, or perhaps because they thought there was no way they could find it.


    They report to the old man,


    <


    He said, "Let''s take it for the time being.


    Specifically, he sent <> and a craftsman (Smith) with a transporter to transfer all the objects.


    The craftsmen (Smith) will be transferred out of the base by the transporter, and the Air Force will retrieve the <> together with the disassembled craftsmen (Smith).


    <> or Machina III.


    Hourai Island has enough materials, so there is no need to secure them in such a place.


    And all the materials in the base disappeared.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Shinobi and Riku had found a golem warehouse.


    ��The number of golems in the warehouse was about 500 (including unfinished ones and those in need of repair). (...... what to do ......)


    They also reported to the old man and asked for his advice.


    After the remodeling, the old man said, we can sell them through <> or Machina III.


    <


    This was also done by <> and craftsmen (smiths), and all the unoperated golems in the base disappeared.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Shinobi Urushi and Soru found a pantry.


    There was enough food in the pantry for 100 people to live for a year.


    .


    The old man says that this food can be distributed to the areas where there is a shortage of food via <> or Makina III.


    The <> and the craftsmen (smiths) worked, and all the food in the base disappeared, leaving only enough for the <> to eat for a week.


    * * * * *


    What is the first thing to be developed in the future?


    "That, of course, would be weapons.


    <


    Since they are all in the technical field, they do not know when to stop talking, and when there is a conflict of opinions, they tend to get heated up and continue discussing endlessly.


    He even tended to enjoy the discussion itself, so much so that he often skipped meals.


    Jin and Rhodes had already stopped listening and gone to sleep, and only the old man was observing them.


    >


    <, came up with a hypothesis.


    <>


    <<


    The old man hoped that if the brainwashing was lifted, he might be able to do a little good for the world.


    <


    He thought that it would require a blitzkrieg operation, and started to prepare for it immediately.


    He decided that now must be the best time for them to let their guard down.


    If they are, he will release them, and if not, he will hand them over to via Machina III.


    >


    and asks for Reiko''s cooperation.


    "If that''s the case..."


    Reiko does not refuse if it is for Jin''s sake.


    < seems to have run out.

 1806 - - 48-35 Graham Derby

    First, Reiko and Lands 101, 102, 103, 104, 105.


    "This must be the enemy base.


    The six were sent to a materials depot. The simple warp gate was still in place, so moving around was easy.


    "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen of the army.


    He was greeted by Craftsman (Smith) 301, who was also present, so we knew that there were no enemies in this yard.


    "According to the Shinobi Unit, they are still in the middle of a meeting.


    "That''s convenient."


    Reiko, the leader of this operation, answered.


    "<>!


    The first step was to stun all five of them.


    The five fell down without making a sound. The five randos tied them up and restrained them.


    "If it was just brainwashing, this would be enough to break their bonds, but if it was just a brainwashing by Markitas, it may not be enough.


    But I have no intention of taking him to Horai Island. We will find out right here and now.


    "<>"


    Reiko reads out the information in her brain. The reading speed is so fast that humans can''t recognize it, but Reiko can.


    "What do you think?"


    Rand101 asked Reiko.


    "...... Yes, you were brainwashed after all. It was only a very mild one, and it seems to have been lifted by the stun.


    That''s good to hear.


    But what do we do now? ......


    Reiko thinks that it would be safer to let Makina III take the credit.


    "I can''t stand the fact that your father is treated so lightly,......, but it can''t be helped."


    It seems that Jin now wants to live more quietly than he did 400 years ago.


    He is even thinking of eventually retiring to .


    "All for the sake of my father.


    Reiko muttered and contacted the old man.


    * * * *


    It is 7:00 a.m. Horai Island time on January 5th.


    The early riser Jin is already up. Rhodes was up as well.


    He waited for them to finish their breakfast and reported.


    "Well, I see that the trouble is pretty much under control now.


    Any leads?


    The old man gave the credit to Reiko.


    "At ......."


    Reiko began.


    "I found those five people by looking them up on <. No one knew their specific whereabouts, but there were three places where we could find them."


    "Oh."


    The first is Florenz in the Kingdom of Elias, the second is Rakham in the Kingdom of Klein, and the third is Esaiah, the capital of the Kingdom of Selroa.


    All are large cities.


    The old man interrupted.


    "No, but we have a peep show telescope. Try to find him with it.


    "Yes, sir."


    Graham Darby''s appearance is known from the records of Avalon. The old man set to work at once.


    As expected, he could not find him quickly, so he decided to discuss the future with Rhodes.


    "I think I will visit Onogoro Island again in a little while," he said.


    Jin then plans to work out the details of the .


    "I''ll be with you. Let''s talk to Grandmother and Marikka too."


    Rhodes said.


    "Oh, yes."


    The two of them move on to discussing how the <> relationship should be handled, assuming that the <> relationship is fine.


    "Well, I think ...... we should leave the other side to Machina III.


    Rhodes'' opinion was based on the fact that he was aware that Jin did not seem to want to get involved.


    In fact, Jin thinks that it is enough to do as little as necessary.


    "Well, ...... I''m just a little concerned about the Graham Darby thing, you know."


    "Yes, I understand that.


    Jin thinks that it would be unacceptable for him to give up on the project once he is involved in it.


    The old man interrupted.


    <


    "You''re fast, that''s great. Good work."


    Jin said to the old man.


    It is fortunate that you were in the first city you checked, the old man said.


    "Are you hiding there?"


    Naturally Jin asked. But what came back was an unexpected answer.


    <


    "What?"


    "......"


    Jin was speechless at this unexpected situation.


    "Yes, that''s right. What''s the name of the disease?��Why is he in bed?"


    "Unexplained unconsciousness. ......"


    Jin frowned, wondering why this was happening.


    "Could it have something to do with Markitas?"


    Rhodes said with an idea.


    "It could be a side effect of the brainwashing and slavery magic.


    "Hmmm, you mean that Markitas was doing something regularly, and when he stopped doing it, that''s why he became unconscious?"


    <


    It sounds like a drug, but I think that''s a bit off the point, since there are substances called "brain drugs".


    Dopamine, endorphins, and other <> certainly bring about euphoria, but unlike most drugs, they do not have side effects such as making you a cripple if you take too much of them.


    I''ll leave you with this.


    >.


    "I see."


    My late beloved wife Elsa was an expert in healing. Therefore, based on the knowledge she had gained from Jin, she had left behind many research results, both magic-related and non-magic-related.


    "Is that what happened?"


    <<>


    "...... So you''re telling me that there''s a good chance you can fix Graham Darby?"


    <


    All of Elsa''s research results are stored strictly in your library and can be downloaded to your doctor (healer) automata <> or nursing automata <> as needed.


    "......Okay, let''s give it a try."


    Jin decided and had <> download the healing method.

 1807 - - 48-36 at Florentines

    "What?��You know where the Graham Derby is?"


    On January 5 at , Chief Superintendent Tomax Bartmann involuntarily rose from his chair.


    "Yes, sir. I have just received word from Jin-dono. He happened to find it in Florenz in the Kingdom of Elias.


    "By chance, or ......?"


    Tomax Bartmann had guessed that it was a ruse. But he was not foolish enough to ask how they found it.


    "They''ll be in touch with you shortly with more details."


    "I see."


    Tomax looked at the secretary.


    He looked at Manon, the automata given to him by Makina III.


    Manon had reduced Tomax''s workload by half by managing his schedule and sorting out the paperwork.


    In the future, the manualization of the office work would make the administrative work even easier.


    Tomax finally saw the light at the end of the long tunnel.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve been to Florenz.


    Last time I visited there was last October, just before the liberation of Kunlun Island.


    "That''s right."


    Rhodes, who is accompanying him, nods.


    "We brought back in the Blitz, didn''t we ......?"


    There were ...... signs everywhere inviting people to join the back then, and even now.


    However, there seemed to be fewer of them than before, and some of them were dirty or broken.


    "It''s only been a couple of months, but does this mean that the influence of the <> is waning?"


    "It seems so."


    Jin and Rhodes exchanged such words as they followed Reiko''s lead.


    Reiko was in the lead, followed by Jin and Rhodes, with the white-robed in last place.


    "This way, please."


    Reiko turns a corner from the main street and heads toward a medium-sized street.


    Reiko heads for an old two-story brick house. It seems to be a healing center.


    But...


    "Where are you going?"


    Two men with short swords on their waists blocked their way.


    "We''re going to the healing center at the end of the hall."


    Reiko answered, and one of the men said,


    "That clinic is not very good. If you want to be healed, you''d better go somewhere else.


    He said, "No, I''m in the hospital.


    Reiko reiterates, "No, I''m here to see a patient in the hospital.


    Reiko reiterated. A sword was thrust at her.


    "Kut!"


    The sword stops about five centimeters from Reiko''s throat. Reiko stopped it with her left index finger and thumb.


    Whether the man intended to stop short, or whether he intended to keep thrusting, we don''t know.


    "I can''t ...... move!��Why not?


    The man puts all his strength into the sword. But no matter how hard he pushed or pulled, the sword Reiko held in her hand did not move at all.


    But the other man pulls out his sword and swings it down at Reiko''s brain.


    "No way! ......"


    But the sword was caught by Reiko''s small hand.


    "If you interfere with me any further, I will show you no mercy.


    Rhodoth speaks to the two pale men.


    "Are you from the League of Magic?"


    Immediately the color of the two men''s faces changed. He had hit the nail on the head.


    "There is a man named Graham at the healing center, isn''t there?


    "Yes!"


    "How did you know that ......?


    This reaction was the same as a confession.


    "We''re here to fix Graham."


    Jin, reading that the two were probably trying to protect Graham Darby, decided to take a chance and tell them so.


    "What?


    "...... Really?"


    The two men look doubtful. But he does not let go of the sword yet.


    "...... may not be trustworthy, but it''s true."


    "......"


    The hostility has disappeared from both of them for the time being. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the hostility has diminished.


    "Reiko, let her go."


    Jin put up a barrier just in case and then instructed Reiko.


    "Yes, sir."


    Reiko lets go of his hand after seeing that he has put up the barrier.


    "Whoa!"


    The two were so surprised that they threw their swords out of their hands.


    "You see?��We could have forced them to go to the healing center if we wanted to.


    Jin insisted, "We''re negotiating with them instead of going there.


    "Hmmm... ......."


    He was still hesitating and groaning,


    "Reiko, get rid of that sword," he instructed.


    "Reiko, get rid of that sword," he instructed.


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko picks up both swords, and slowly twists them together.


    "Whoa!


    "You''re a lazy b*tc*, aren''t you? It''s not well tempered, so it can be twisted like this.


    "You can see that, can''t you?��You can see by this that we mean you no harm by not forcing our way through."


    Rhodes negotiates.


    "Okay, okay."


    Somehow he understood, and the two men gave way timidly.


    "Thank you."


    Jin thanks them and walks away.


    The two men watched in horror as Jin and the others passed by.


    The healing center was a rather tired building as they approached.


    "Well, it''s not what it looks like."


    Reiko took the initiative to open the door for us.


    The place we entered was a small and spacious lobby, which was as ...... tired as it looked on the outside.


    "It''s pretty shabby ...... inside too."


    Rhodes sounded a little dismayed.


    "If it''s a healing center, it should be a little cleaner like a healing center.


    As Jin says this, , who had been following him silently until now, says


    "<><>"


    and is quickly performing purification and sterilization.


    "The air in the building was quite stagnant, so we cleaned it up.


    "Yes, yes, thank you very much."


    Then a young woman in a white coat, who appeared to be a healer, came in.


    She had short bobbed dark blond hair and steeple eyes,


    "What''s going on?


    She was surprised at the suddenly clean lobby.


    "Well, I''m here to talk to a man named Graham Darby who is in the hospital.


    Jin told him straight away,


    "...... who are you?"


    The woman, with a look of alarm on her face, took a few steps back and asked a question.

 1808 - - 48-37 Liese and Sonja

    <>If Jin was thinking about how to answer the question,


    Rhodes answered, "I am here to examine Mr. Graham at his request.


    Rhodes answered, "I am here to examine Mr. Graham at his request. Jin nodded his head, as it was not a lie.


    The young female healer said,


    "I see. ......"


    The young female healer seemed to be in a quandary, but then said,


    I understand. Please do it."


    She seemed to have decided to trust Jin and the others.


    Then he added,


    "Um......... what about the automaton that is accompanying you?"


    He asked them a question.


    Of course, it is obvious that he is asking about who is wearing a white robe.


    <> has an appearance reminiscent of the young healer <> who once practiced in the village of Kaina with the village headman Giebeck.


    "It''s a healer-automata.


    Jin replied, looking surprised.


    "This is ......."


    The female healer led Jin and the others to the second floor.


    The last room, which was Graham Darby''s private room, was at the far end of the room.


    "So this is Graham Darby. ......


    He must have been bedridden for a long time, and he looked very thin.


    ��He has been bedridden for a long time.)


    (No IV either, I guess.) With only liquid food or juice in their mouths, it''s no wonder they''re like this.


    "Lise, please."


    "Yes."


    Liese answered Jin''s request shortly and immediately began to examine the patient.


    "<>"


    This is a magic to check if the patient is under the influence of brainwashing magic.


    "......It seems that a part of the frontal lobe is activated."


    "The frontal lobe or ......"


    The frontal lobe is said to contain the majority of dopamine-sensitive neurons.


    This fits with the hypothesis of the other day, <>.


    "Not only that. Conversely, there are also areas that are inactive."


    The frontal lobe is also responsible for emotion and thought. If some of these areas are inactivated, it is possible that the patient is acting out of his/her own will.


    Can you fix it?


    "Yes, I can fix it to this extent.


    "Yes, I''m sure you can."


    Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    The female healer listening in the back rolled her eyes, but Jin and the others had nothing better to do.


    "<>......<>......<>......<>"


    Liese was treated by breaking down the overproduced brain substances to normal levels, repairing the damaged brain cells, and restoring the normal function of the abnormal brain cells.


    Finally, the patient was examined again,


    "I am cured.


    He confirmed that the treatment had been carried out correctly.


    "Now, we have to heal his weakened body.


    As soon as he regains consciousness, we will be able to manage that by administering recovery medicine and Persica juice made in Horaijima.


    "There are some bedsores, so we will fix them as well. "


    Lise''s healing magic is based on Erza''s knowledge.


    In other words, it is not applied to the whole body, but to the brain cells, concentrating on the necessary areas.


    Therefore, it is possible to use the highest level of surgical healing magic <> on the brain, and then use the intermediate level <> on the back.


    "<>...... should do the trick."


    "Thank you."


    Even Jin can see that Graham Darby''s color is clearly better than before.


    His breathing, which had been erratic, had changed to deep and slow, and his heartbeat, which Jin could not understand, seemed to have become more steady.


    "It''s over. ...... what''s that?"


    The female healer who had led Jin and the others here froze.


    "Hello?


    Jin called out to her, but she didn''t answer. So he decided to let Reiko tap him on the shoulder.


    "Hello?"


    "...... ha!��What is this healing magic you''re doing now?��Most of them I had never seen or heard of before!"


    The rebooted female healer rushes to ask Jin a question. She seems to know that Jin is Liese''s master.


    "Calm down. What you just used ...... is a healing magic developed by the best healer in the world.


    The explanation seemed to bring the female healer back to her senses.


    "Oh, uh, I''m sorry. My name is Sonya Banaka, an apprentice healer here at ......."


    Rhodes.


    I''m ...... Jin."


    Rhodes said his real name without hesitation, and Jin followed his lead.


    "Uh, uh, and, uh, that''s the healing magic that your automata used,......."


    At this moment, Jin had a flash of realization.


    This female healer, whose name was Sonya Banaka, had recognized Liese as an automata at the first sight.


    "Sonya-san, how did you know that Lise was an automaton?"


    At any rate, Jin voiced the question that came to his mind. The answer came back even more surprising.


    "What?��You can see it when you look at it, can''t you?


    "No, normally you can''t."


    Unintentionally, Jin uttered such words.


    ��Maybe this girl has more talent in engineering magic than a healer?)


    Jin thinks like that.


    "Uh-uh. ......"


    Just then, the bedridden Graham Darby moaned.


    "Mr. Darby!"


    Sonya rushed over.


    "This ...... is ...... me ...... what in the world ......?"


    Sonya said to Graham, who was still a little dazed,


    "Don''t worry, this is a healing center. You''ve been bedridden and unconscious for a long time.


    She said in a gentle and calm voice, "You have been unconscious and bedridden for a long time.


    Graham Darby seemed to regain his composure,


    "Oh, I see. ....... I feel like I''m finally waking up from a long dream. ......


    He sighed.

 1809 - - 48-38 Honne and Honne

    "Let him drink this for the time being.


    Jin handed Sonya, the apprentice healer, a 500ml bottle of Persica juice he had prepared.


    "Thank you very much."


    Sonya seemed to trust Jin and his team because they had cured Graham Darby, and accepted the juice without hesitation.


    She transferred it into a provided and offered it to Graham.


    While lying down, Graham Darby drinks the contents of the sucker.


    "...... this is ...... delicious ......."


    In no time at all he had drunk the entire contents of the sucker, so Sonya filled the sucker three times with Persica juice and gave it to Graham Darby to drink.


    Graham Darby drank all the Persica juice that Sonya had given him, and his color seemed to improve considerably.


    "Thank God. I ...... feel like I have some strength back in my body."


    His voice sounds much different than it did when he woke up.


    Sonya, the apprentice healer, said,


    "Jin-san!��What in the world is this juice!


    she wanted to know again.


    "Jin ......?"


    Graham Darby, who was lying down, responded to Jin''s name.


    "Yes. I am Jin Nido.


    "What?


    You''re the third generation?


    Sonya''s surprised voice. Graham Darby was more relaxed.


    "Magecraft Meister? ......"


    Sonya''s legs seemed to be shaking a little.


    But Graham Darby is calm.


    "So the third generation has finally arrived."


    Graham Darby mutters quietly, closing his eyes.


    "...... So, what are you going to do with me?"


    "...... me?"


    "No!"


    Jin was about to open his mouth when Sonya, the apprentice healer, interrupted him.


    "I won''t let you touch her!��In the name of the healer!


    Sonya stands between Jin and Graham with her arms outstretched. Her face is blue and her legs are trembling.


    Jin stops Rhodes with a hand when he tries to step forward to say something,


    "You''re mistaken, aren''t you?"


    With a wry smile on his face, he spoke slowly to Sonya.


    "......?"


    "I, <>, am not a member of the Guard. I''m not going to do anything about Graham right now."


    He''s still half sick," Jin said.


    "Unless you want to antagonize him right here and now."


    When Jin finished, Graham Darby laughed weakly.


    "Well, I don''t see how I can be hostile to you under these circumstances," he said.


    "Very well, then. By the way, are you still in the mindset of the League of Magic?"


    "What?��...... well, come to think of it, ...... you seem to have a much clearer head now."


    "I guess so."


    Here Jin explained that Graham had been under the brainwashing suggestion of Markitas.


    He also explained that the suggestion had been broken, causing an imbalance of substances in his brain, and that he had fallen into unconsciousness.


    "......I knew it."


    Graham Darby''s face became difficult as he thought of many things.


    "......"


    And a moment of silence passes.


    "............Mr. Markitas is no longer here, is he?"


    Jin nodded silently.


    "Well, ...... that''s too bad. I used to enjoy debating with him."


    Apparently he likes to argue, Jin said of Graham.


    "...... but that''s secondary. ...... I''m sure I''ve almost destroyed the world."


    He even has a faint memory of it.


    Then Sonya, the apprentice healer, interrupted.


    "Oh, um, Mr. Darby, are you feeling better now?"


    "Yes?��...... who was it?"


    "Uh, my name is Sonya, and I''m an apprentice healer here at the Rosetta Healing Center. I don''t think Mr. Darby knows you."


    "I see."


    Sonya seemed to be in awe or respect of Graham. Jin mutters to himself.


    "...... That''s too bad."


    Her eyes recognized Lise as an automaton at the first glance. Perhaps Sonya is better suited to be a magecraftsman than a healer, Jin thought.


    But since she seems to want to be a healer, Jin does not intend to say too much. He only regretted it.


    "So, what are you going to do now?"


    Jin asked Graham Darby again.


    "Well, let''s see. First, I''m going to heal my body. ......


    Graham broke off and glanced at Jin.


    "...... Anyway, I''m not with the anymore. At least, that''s the plan."


    "I see."


    "I''ll turn myself in to <> as soon as I''m able to move."


    As Jin had predicted, Graham Darby had been brainwashed into acting by Malkitas.


    Now that he has come to his senses, he is at least no longer an enemy of <>.


    Jin is relieved that he is willing to go to on his own. Graham''s nature seems to be quite fastidious.


    But then again, he would never have been able to become the supreme administrator of , even temporarily.


    "I''m sure Maricka will be pleased to hear that."


    Graham Darby was more than a little perturbed by these words.


    "Marikka,...... you''re a teacher!��...... well, I''m sorry to have worried you."


    Jin was relieved that Graham Darby also seemed to respect or admire him as Marikka''s student.


    "You''re not going to capture me here and now, or hand me over to <>?"


    "Yes, in that case..."


    Jin scratches his head.


    "Well, I''m here as an individual this time ......."


    "What?��An individual?


    "I''m ......<>, and I''m not a public figure. I was not commissioned by <. If he says he''s going to turn himself in sooner or later, that''s all the better."


    "You''re an interesting character, Jin-dono," said Graham Darby.


    Graham Darby said.


    "Yes. I personally think it''s a good thing that he doesn''t disturb my peace."


    Jin now thinks that < should be the one to do the official stuff. He is even thinking of moving to at some point.


    He adds, however, that he would not overlook a situation that would endanger his friends and colleagues.


    "...... hmm, what is your peace, Jin-dono?"


    "Oh, well,...... I guess I like to make what I like and live a carefree life."


    "Haha, haha ......."


    Graham Darby smiles weakly.


    "You have the power to conquer the world, but you have no interest in it.


    "It''s just too much trouble, that''s all."


    "Well, you can''t be the world''s greatest and dismiss it with one word, ''trouble''."


    Somehow, I can see the look of dismay on Graham Darby''s face.


    "...... I don''t understand it."


    "I don''t understand people who want power, either.


    "......


    "Ha-ha-ha."


    Graham Darby and Jin looked at each other and laughed. Rhodes and Sonya laughed at them.

 1810 - - 48-39 After that...

    Reiko asked him to memorize Graham Darby''s magic pattern, just in case, and Jin left the healing center.


    As he was leaving,


    "This juice is good for your health, so give him a bottle a day.


    He left ten bottles of Persica juice made in Horai Island for Jin.


    "Thank you very much!"


    The apprentice healer Sonya thanked him and took them.


    Then Jin secretly memorized Sonya''s magic patterns.


    Somehow, he felt that Sonya was a person whom he could not leave alone.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <, Jin, Rhodes, Reiko, and Liese returned to the waiting in the sky above.


    The two guards or whatever they were were no longer there. Jin, too, had no intention of going after them too hard, so he decided to leave them alone.


    "Well, I guess that settles this whole mess, doesn''t it?"


    Jin decided to leave the matter of Graham Darby to <>, since it was his intention to do so.


    Since Jin himself will testify that Graham''s actions up to now were done under brainwashing, he will not be sentenced to the extreme.


    Rather, Jin thought that Tomax Bartmann''s skill would be tested to see if he could make good use of such a capable man.


    He would also take advice from Makina III, however.


    "I think it would be best to ostensibly get rid of him, and give him the status of a staff member of the <>."


    "Oh, that would be a good way for him to show what he can do.


    Rhodes agrees.


    It has been customary not to hold him accountable when he was brainwashed.


    However, it would be a shame to let him go.


    On the other hand, it would be emotionally difficult to ask him to work at <>.


    The old man seems to agree.


    "I hope so."


    Jin smiled in .


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <, a meeting was held to decide what to do after hearing the news from Jin.


    In attendance were Tomax Bartman, Ilmina Ratkin, secretary-automata Manon, Machina III, and Elena. In addition, four executives of <>.


    "......" The above is the information that I received from Mr. Jin.


    The secretary automata Manon reads out the report.


    "Hmmm... I guess Markitas has brainwashed them after all..."


    < executive says with a bitter look on his face.


    "It has always been the case that those who have been brainwashed cannot be charged with crimes, hasn''t it?"


    Illumina sighs.


    "But you can''t prove whether or not they were brainwashed when you planted the magic tool in this <>, can you?"


    Another officer spat.


    He seemed to be very upset with Graham''s behavior.


    "For now, since he''s finally regained consciousness, I guess we can''t arraign him. ......"


    "We can''t say that he didn''t have hostile intentions toward < before that," said another official.


    "That''s ......"


    Makina III interrupted, saying that it would be unwise to push this too far.


    "Then why don''t you leave it to us?"


    "Oh, Elena?


    "Yes. <


    "Mm. ......"


    Tomax Bartmann looked reluctant, since agreeing to this would mean making a backroom deal. Elena quickly retracts her previous statement.


    "Oh, I beg your pardon. Please, ...... secretary, erase my comment from the minutes."


    Elena smiled as she apologized.


    In the end, it was decided that Graham Darby would be monitored by <>.


    "I''ll make sure he doesn''t escape.


    Elena smiles seductively.


    Elena smiled bewitchingly.


    "Elena-dono, I have dealt a lot of blows to your Nostalgia while I was a member of the League of Magic, but you still accept me?


    "Yes, that''s right. We are a secret organization by nature, and if the law is against us, there is nothing to worry about here on the island of Electra, as we do not belong to any country.


    Although the current <> is more like a private volunteer group than a secret society, it was originally an antisocial organization called <>.


    For Elena, this was nothing new.


    "Work for the future, to clear the past."


    These words seemed to be gospel to Graham.


    "For the future,...... I understand."


    Thus, Graham Darby became a member of <.


    Ten years later, he became the number one of the <> under the leadership of Elena, but that is another story.


    This is another story.


    "Now, have we done what we need to do for the time being ......?"


    Jin was checking with the old man on the island of Horai.


    The old man said that he would take care of anything that might be left out.


    "I see. Then I guess I can go to Onogoro Island.


    <


    "Oh, yes. I don''t mean to be so arrogant, but ...... I see your point."


    The old man basically approves of what Jin is doing. That is, thoroughly.


    But when Jin tries to do something that is not like him, he will probably stop him. Just as Jin made the old man to be like that.


    I''ll leave you with a quiet question.


    "By the way, how is the <> going?"


    Hale is the home planet of the , the ancestor of the human race of Ars.


    A planet that ran out of resources and had to be abandoned.


    Jin''s plan to revitalize the planet as a and eventually emigrate there is called the .


    <


    "Well, there is no need to rush. Let''s be sure and steady."


    .


    We are going to secure the resources that Hale lacks in the form of a satellite of the second planet Zipert on the sun Celan.


    The space is so ...... strong with <> from the solar Celan that all magi-machines malfunction.


    It was such a troublesome phenomenon that even the could not prevent it.


    <, is needed.


    The development of this technology is taking a long time, even for the old man.


    >


    The old man was a little hesitant to say anything, but Jin did not question him. He just said,


    "I see, Hannah is ......".


    Jin recalled the brilliant girl who used to be a member of the <.


    "......It''s true, she''s been working on the sub-free magic element (ether) since <> returned. They''ve been doing all sorts of weird experiments."


    The old man''s compliments. Jin was as happy as if it were his own.


    "Yes, Hannah was great. Thanks to ...... her research on sub-free magic element (ether), we are going to be able to do something about it, aren''t we?"


    >


    "I see."


    The girl who has been left behind in the distant past of 400 years.


    Her smile has healed him many times.


    For the first time in a long time, Jin was immersed in nostalgia, thinking about the past.

 1811 - - 48-40 Silent Story 81 Graham and the Old Party

    "Graham, I see you are finally free from the spell of Malchitas.


    One day Maricka visited the in Florenz, in the Kingdom of Elias.


    Of course, it was to visit Graham Darby in the hospital.


    Accompanying her are Hanako, an automata, and Rhodes, who has agreed to be her guide.


    Sonya Banaka, an apprentice healer who had become acquainted with Rhodes on her previous visit with Jin, welcomed the two and one of them.


    "Doctor, ......"


    "Oh, you don''t have to get up. You don''t have to get up. Just lie down.


    Malicka stopped Graham with a hand when he tried to raise himself from the bed at the sight of his teacher.


    "You look good."


    "Yes, this healing center takes good care of me."


    Graham glanced at the empty bottles of Persian juice that Jin had left behind.


    "Oh, yes, here''s a souvenir," he said. I''ll leave it with you. ...... Sonya, right?


    It was the Persian juice that Jin had given her.


    "I''ll take it."


    Sonya gratefully accepted it. She knew well the effects of this juice.


    Over the past week, Graham Darby''s health had improved dramatically. There is no doubt that this Persica juice has helped.


    Healing magic is basically a way to increase the healing power of a living organism to the utmost limit. Therefore, it basically consumes the patient''s own energy to heal.


    However, there is a limit to this. Patients who are physically weak are less likely to be healed.


    A skilled healer is able to inject the energy for this purpose not from the patient himself, but from an external source. They fill the patient''s cells with energy via the maggi-mitochondria.


    However, the healing magic cannot restore the lost muscles. It must be done by the patient''s own metabolism.


    The Persica juice left by Jin had a positive effect on the patient''s metabolism and helped him recover at a rate many times faster than usual.


    (Hmmm......... I guess Elsa''s theory of healing has been lost somewhere along the line. (...... or perhaps the is responsible for this, though.)


    Erza, Jin''s beloved wife and a rare healer, must have passed on most of her research results to the training schools for healers all over the world.


    (Once, after Jin-sama''s death, we were not so interested in the affairs of the Laurentian continent. ...... Maybe it was that time.)


    There was no point in mourning, Marikka decided to look to the future.


    "Did you say Sonya?"


    "Yes, yes.


    I''d like to say hello to the director of this clinic, is she here?


    I thought that since this was the Roseka Healing Institute, there should be a director named .


    However, what came back to me was a surprise.


    "Well, uh, the director is not at ......."


    "What?"


    "He left ...... about six months ago and we haven''t heard from him since.


    "Is that so?��What about the other healers?"


    "No one ....... I''m the only one."


    I asked him about it, and he told me that Graham Darby is the only patient he has at the moment.


    "...... I''m so disappointed."


    No wonder it was filthy the last time Jin and Rhodes had visited. Marikka thought for a moment.


    "You, Sonya. Are you going to move out of ......?"


    "What?"


    "I think it would be better to move Graham to a better facility than to keep him here."


    "Yes, ...... that''s true, but..."


    Sonya looks a little worried. She looked a little worried,


    Sonya. This man is my mentor. You can trust him with your life.


    Graham added.


    "...... got it. Please take good care of Mr. Darby."


    "Oh, you''re coming too."


    Sonya looked sad, and Marikka realized that she must have misunderstood that she was taking only Graham with her.


    "What ...... me, too?"


    "Yes. I hate to say this ......, but it''s a bleak future for a healing center whose director has disappeared. Wouldn''t you like to learn more about healing magic?


    "Yes, of course!


    Sonya replied with enthusiasm in her voice.


    "Then come with me. I''ll come to ...... tomorrow to pick you up and make sure you have everything you need."


    Graham thanked Marikka for her hospitality.


    "Thank you,...... sir."


    "No problem. It''s for the sake of my students."


    * * * *


    The next morning, Marikka came to pick up Graham and Sonya as promised.


    I borrowed a from Jin.


    < to carry Graham, Sonya, and their luggage to the . Then we headed south.


    "Wow ......, that''s a great airship ......."


    Sonya is surprised by the <. Her reaction reminds Marikka of her old self and she feels a little nostalgic.


    "Doctor, where are we going?"


    "To the island of Electra.


    Graham knows, of course, that <> is the headquarters of <>.


    "...... So you mean it was recaptured and ...... no, it was?"


    Yes. < is that you will be placed in custody."


    "I see."


    The wise Graham guessed roughly from that.


    "Certainly, there are many people in the Nostalgia group who have been brainwashed like me, so it would be easier for them to accept you.


    I see.


    I guess that''s how it is.


    "Mister Elena, I''m sure that I dealt a lot of blows to your Nostalgia when I was a member of the , but you still expect them to accept me?"


    "Work for the future, to clear the past."


    Thus, Graham Darby became a member of <.


    * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, there is still room for improvement in the format of this document..."


    Graham Darby, who was checking the documents at the headquarters of the <>, looks up.


    Ahead of him is Elena, the .


    "Oh, what part?"


    "Oh, what part? When we are recording the budget, this way of writing is too much work and makes the calculations more tedious.


    "I see. It''s a good thing you''re here.


    Graham''s comments were not the only ones that drove the company to make improvements in everything from the way information was communicated within the organization to the way forces were allocated at each level, from the smallest detail to a complete overhaul of the entire organization.


    "That''s quite a feat."


    "You were the chief administrator of <>."


    Even the executives such as Arietta Aeolial and Wattes Schrezza recognized his ability and praised him frankly.


    Graham was brainwashed and used by Markitas, but since some of the members of <> are in the same situation, there are no complaints from anywhere or anyone.


    And .


    "...... how are you, Sonya?"


    "Yes, Elena. Every day I am amazed!"


    Sonya had also become a member of Nostalgia, and was absorbing advanced knowledge, especially in healing magic, on a daily basis.


    "I''m glad I came!


    "I''m glad you came, too.


    Sonya had high potential in healing magic as well as in other fields. In particular, she had a high aptitude for engineering magic, as Jin had discovered.


    Elena was relieved to have more talented people in her team.


    The successes of these people will be shared with you in the future.


    I will write more about their activities when I have a chance.

 1812 - - 49-01 Gathering

    The time has also moved back about 400 years, to April 1, 3464. April 1, 3464.


    It was Jin''s 28th birthday.


    Eight years have passed since Jin was summoned to Ars.


    "Happy birthday, my dear."


    "Happy birthday, Jin-san."


    "Happy birthday, Jin-sama."


    Jin''s birthday party was being held in the hall of Nido Castle in the village of Kaina.


    In attendance were Jin, the entire Jin Family, and the residents of Kaina Village.


    "Thank you, everyone!


    Jin, the guest of honor, thanked everyone.


    The early-blooming cherries planted in the castle garden are in full bloom. The petals of the flowers are occasionally blown in by the spring breeze.


    Jin was being poured a glass of sparkling wine by his beloved wife Elsa.


    His beloved son Chloe and daughter Mio are sitting down and drinking juice. Nearby is Juliana, daughter of Reinhard and Bertsche.


    Juliana will be six years old this year. She is older than Chloe and Mio. She seems to be aware of it, and she is taking care of the twins.


    She is usually taken care of by the maidservants in the << Ivy House (Lankenhaos) >>, so she seems to be eager to take care of them on such occasions.


    "Reinhard, you seem to be busy these days.


    Jin spoke to his good friend Reinhard.


    "Yes, I''ve been a bit busy with the new residents in the area.


    Reinhard replied, taking a sip of the wine in his hand.


    "Today is my first vacation in a long time."


    Although he has excellent secretaries and automata, the final decision must be made by his lord, Reinhardt.


    Reinhardt also hears important appeals from the people himself, which keeps him busy every day.


    Ah, this wine is delicious.


    Reinhardt sipped a glass of Erlich 3454, one of the best wines, and muttered happily.


    "You should moderate your wine".


    Reinhardt''s wife, Bertsche, reminded him.


    We can''t have you working with a hangover.


    "Don''t worry. I have this bracelet.


    <. Jin made this bracelet for the .


    It is a certificate of fellowship, and has many functions. One of these functions is detoxification.


    One of the functions of the bracelet is . Since caused by alcohol is considered a kind of poisoned state, turning on the detoxification function of the bracelet will sober you up in an instant.


    Since that would be tasteless, Reinhardt has turned it off for now.


    "Hmmm...<> have such a habit, don''t they?"


    Guth Eschenbach, the best naturalist in the <>, explains to his wife, Saki Eschenbach.


    They had just recently returned from the Nordic Federation.


    "By the way, ancient dragons... I miss them so much.


    Saki had once visited the northern boundary of Japan to search for the shell of an ancient dragon with Jin, Erza, and Sion of .


    "That time we went there with ," he said.


    "This time it was easier because I was lent <<>."


    <


    The crew consisted of a small space golem < 40 cm tall, but it was later modified to accommodate up to four human passengers, albeit in a cramped space.


    Although small, it is a spaceship, so it can visit extremely cold places without any problems.


    It is also equipped with a small Peeper Telescope, making it ideal for research trips such as this one.


    Goose remained at an altitude of 300 meters for more than a month.


    This is how he had been observing the ecology of the world''s most powerful dragon.


    "......Yes, that''s right. <.


    <


    Hanna was only 8 years old when they met, but now she is 16.


    According to Reiko, she has grown up to be a beautiful girl who is the spitting image of her <, Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    Her extraordinary talent has been especially demonstrated in the field of physics, and recently she has been working day and night to unravel the mysteries of space and free magic element (ether).


    Hanna had been asking Jin a lot of questions, hoping to get even the slightest hint of information from him, who had once wandered into another space and made contact with a , an inhabitant of the space.


    "Hannah, that''s enough. Today is Jin''s birthday party."


    It was her grandmother, Martha, who nudged Hannah.


    She is 65 years old this year, but her waist is straight, her skin is shiny, and she looks young.


    The development of sanitation and medical technology, including hot springs in the village of Kaina, as well as the improvement of the food situation in the village, are the reasons for her youthfulness.


    "Hi, Grandma!"


    Hannah, too, can''t resist Martha''s words. No, actually, so is Jin.


    In fact, Martha is respected as a sounding board of the .


    "Mmm, this food is delicious too!


    "Hats off to the Peridos for their housekeeping skills.


    Sion and Marikka of the are tasting the dishes.


    "Itopo, right?��Too bad we can''t grow it in the cold."


    Itopo is a sweet potato. Therefore, it is difficult to grow it in the cold regions of the Nordic Union.


    It would be possible to grow it in a greenhouse, but it is not cost-effective.


    It is much more economical to buy it from the local people than to go through the trouble of cultivating it.


    The price to pay is the recently discovered , which is a titanium dioxide, TiO2.


    Rutile is a crystal of titanium dioxide TiO2, and its refractive index exceeds that of diamond.


    On Earth, transparent crystals are rarely found, but here in Ars, huge, transparent crystals are produced.


    Jin wanted to use the high refractive index (2.62 to 2.90) to make optical instruments.


    The Mohs hardness is 6 to 6.5, which is lower than that of quartz, but this can be controlled by the method of use and <.


    Jin thought that if it was used for glasses, thinner and lighter ones could be made, as the first prototype.


    "Well, Jin, your acquaintances are very distinguished, aren''t they?


    Sally, a healer from the village of Kaina and wife of the village chief, Gibec, muttered with a slightly reddish face.


    "The nobles and their wives from the Shoro and Egelea kingdoms, as well as the powerful people of the Nord Federation. I''m afraid to say that even the lord of the neighboring village is a friend of mine.


    The noble couple of the Kingdom of Egelea is, of course, Count and Countess Kuzma, in other words, Lewis and Bina.


    Bina had brought her son, Reginald, who was almost five years old.


    "Here you go, Reggie, this is delicious, too.


    "Yes, it''s so sweet!"


    Bina was feeding her son the Persica that Jin had brought from Horai Island,


    ��Persica. (I remember ...... Jin cured Nana and Lardo of scurvy. ......)


    It is Bina who has become Countess Kuzma because of that time.


    "Beena, I''ll watch Reggie, go and talk to the others for a while."


    Count Kuzma, Louis said to Beena in a gentle voice.


    "Oh my dear, are you sure you don''t mind?"


    "Yes, of course. Yes, of course, since we are all here.


    Thank you very much.


    Bina left Reginald in Luis'' arms and walked quickly toward Elsa.

 1813 - - 49-02 The Story of Fritz

    In the hall of Nido Castle in Kaina Village, Jin''s birthday celebration was being held.


    "Jin-kun has turned 28, hasn''t he?


    The twins are five years old this year. No wonder we are getting older.


    Vivienne and Stearina are having such a conversation.


    Vivienne would be 40 years old this year and Stearina 38 years old, but both of them look young, in their late 20s. They both look young, in their late twenties or so.


    "It''s nice to have peace."


    "It''s nice to be at peace," she says, "now that there are no major conflicts anymore, even if there are some skirmishes.


    "It''s true. ......<> seems to be active as well.


    The <> and <> are beginning to take root around the world and are helping to keep the peace.


    Vivienne travels around the world as a , so she is often exposed to such situations.


    The known world today is much calmer than it was ten years ago.


    "The <> has been active in saving lives during disasters around the world and tracking violent criminals across borders.


    Vivian had heard these rumors as well.


    "Speaking of Mr. Fritz, I heard he was very active during the last snow storm.


    Stearina said and Vivian nodded.


    Vivian nodded. I heard that Mr. Jin also helped out from the shadows."


    "Yes.


    Then Elsa came in. She seemed to have overheard her brother''s conversation.


    "Oh, I''d like to hear about that.


    Stearina said.


    "Oh, me too.


    "Me too, I''d like to hear about it."


    Then came Zion and Marikka.


    "Well, since you''re here ......"


    <


    * * * *


    It was the morning of January 20, 3464.


    On that day, the old man spoke to Mr. Jin at a time other than the regular reporting time, which was unusual. This is a rare occurrence in normal times.


    "What''s the matter, Mr. Chairman?��Is something wrong?"


    Mr. Jin seemed to be suspicious and asked him in a sharper tone than usual.


    "Are you in some kind of danger?"


    <


    What?


    There are many of your acquaintances and friends in the Shoro Kingdom. Above all, it was the home of his beloved wife Elsa.


    <


    "What?"


    The old man projected the image from the satellite onto the magic screen.


    The area around the main artery connecting the Kingdom of Selroa and the Shoro Kingdom, known as the <>, where normally the land would be reddish brown and arid, was now painted completely white.


    "Is this snow ......?"


    The border between the Kingdom of Shoro and the Kingdom of Cerroa is a mountain range extending northward. The moist southwesterly winds blew against the mountain range and brought up clouds, which combined with the cold wave caused the heavy snowfall, the old man guessed.


    "We know what caused it, but where are you?"


    >


    "That''s a lot of snow. ......"


    <<< Yes. Traffic, production and social functions in the area are all paralyzed.


    "I''m sure ...... snow removal?"


    <<>


    "Hmmm......."


    After some thought, Jin decides to pass this information on to the <> first.


    "This is a serious situation."


    <, King Alois III of the Kingdom of Klein, called an emergency session of the Congress.


    All participants gather in using the warp gate that was installed last year.


    The Warp Gate was discovered in the Kingdom of Celluloid, and is only to be used in case of emergency due to the large amount of mana it requires.


    The villages and towns along the road must be rescued as soon as possible."


    This was unanimously agreed upon. < is up to the task.


    However, the is still in its infancy. The organization is not yet ready.


    But we still have to do it.


    Captain Fritz Randol.


    Ha!


    Lieutenant Gloria Allstadt.


    Yes!


    You two, take the golem platoon and fly to the site immediately. Relief supplies will be sent in a second convoy as soon as they''re ready.


    Thus, the two cadets, Fritz Randall and Gloria Allstadt, led the Golem Platoon to the site.


    Two airships of the same type as the were used. Each is captained by Ms. Fritz and Ms. Gloria, and each carries five Golems and some relief supplies.


    The two airships flew at 80 km/h and arrived over the area in less than 7 hours.


    "This is ......."


    The white world as far as the eye could see gave Mr. Fritz a shiver. He had no idea where to start.


    No, before that, it was impossible to tell where the houses were and where the roads were from the air. The snow was still falling and visibility was poor, although it had eased off.


    "......This is a big deal ......"


    Mr. Fritz is a former military man and is well educated in tactics and strategy.


    However, he has never experienced such a situation, and it is not in the instruction manual.


    As a captain, Mr. Fritz was at a loss.


    Vivienne was at a loss.


    Vivian paused in her narration and quenched her thirst with a glass of honey Ramon (lemon).


    "......, that''s what I''ve heard. Even my brother was at a loss.


    Elsa nodded.


    "I guess so. I don''t know where to start.


    Stearina said sincerely. She thought about what she would do.


    "Hmmm. "So, I thought you would be the one to take care of it."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes, that''s what I heard. Yes, that''s what I heard. ......"


    Vivian began to speak again: .......


    * * * *


    At that moment, a large catamaran airship approached.


    This is deus ex machina. This is deus ex machina.


    The airship is using wind magic to transmit its voice to a remote location.


    The snow cover is vast, but the most immediate danger is a little further north, in the city of Lockgaard.


    Lockyago is a town on the east side of the Great Divide River. The snowpack there is more than three meters high, and some houses are likely to be destroyed, Makina said.


    Many of the houses in the area are made of stone and seem to be able to withstand the weight of the snow, but there is no telling what will happen if the snow piles up any more.


    So Mr. Fritz followed Mr. Makina''s directions and set out for Lockgaard. .......

 1814 - - 49-03 Fritz and Gloria

    Vivian''s narrative continues.


    * * * *


    Clearing away a blanket of snow ...... is very difficult in a case like this, where there is no space to work.


    First of all, we needed to clear the snow, even if it was only enough for one golem.


    How could we do that? Mr. Fritz thought about it. And then he realized something.


    The Great Divide River flows to the west of the town of Lockyago. Its water was not frozen even in winter.


    Then it occurred to Mr. Fritz that it would be a good idea to dump snow in this river.


    "Okay, let''s do something about the snow on that riverbank first.


    A two-meter square area is nothing to worry about.


    The method Fritz adopted was <>.


    "<>!"


    Mr. Fritz is also a mage and can use fire magic. With his <>, the snow melted away in an instant.


    However, Mr. Fritz keeps shooting fireballs in succession.


    This is because, in such a case, it is not enough to melt the snow.


    The melted snow becomes water, which freezes again and becomes ice. Ice can be even worse than snow.


    So Mr. Fritz kept shooting fireballs at it until it evaporated.


    Thanks to his efforts, the snow within a radius of about 2 meters evaporated, revealing the surface of the ground ...... riverbed.


    "Okay, drop a golem!"


    First of all, we deployed one of the golems we had brought with us.


    The Golem drops snow from the riverbed into the Great Divide River at a tremendous speed. In no time at all, about 10 meters square of snow is gone.


    "All right, let''s drop all the golems!"


    Makina-san, who had been watching the scene, decided that Fritz-san could handle the situation, and flew away to another area.


    "Well, that''s just what I expected of you, Mr. Fritz. Golem descending too!"


    Gloria saw what Fritz was doing, was impressed by his rational approach, and decided to cooperate as well.


    The ten golems quickly created a space of about 100 meters by 200 meters on the riverbank. The two airships were finally able to land.


    If the airships could not land, not only Fritz and his team but also the following units would not be able to unload the relief supplies. It was important to secure the airfield.


    "Well done, Mr. Fritz!


    The captain, Mr. Fritz, and his second-in-command, Gloria, were able to meet each other.


    Then came the next step.


    First of all, we have to make our way from the banks of the Great Divide River, where we are now, to the town of Lockyago. What is the most efficient way to do that?


    Fritz has a great idea.


    It was to have the golem make .


    The snow falling now is wet snow, and snowballs can be easily made. Mr. Fritz ordered the Golem to make snowballs and throw them into the river.


    "Oh, I see. Mister Fritz is very smart.


    Gloria is impressed.


    The golems make snowballs as big as 3 meters and roll them into the river.


    As they roll the snowballs, the snow gets harder and harder. The volume of the hardened snow is much smaller than the snowballs, so the amount of snow that can be carried in one golem is much larger than the snowballs that are still snow.


    With 10 golems working, a road to the town of Lockgaard was made in 2 hours.


    The town of Lockgaard is closed by heavy snow and not a single person is left. No, not a single person could come out.


    It snowed so hard in the middle of the night that we couldn''t even get out of the house when we came to.


    Now, things get even busier.


    Golem and the others, using the shovels they had prepared for shoveling snow, cleared the roads and the roofs at the same time.


    At this point, the residents finally realized that help had arrived.


    "Oh, thank God!


    "Thank God we''re not going to be crushed by this!


    "Thank God!"


    The residents thanked each other in their own way. It really was a close call.


    Some residents had parts of their houses crushed, but no one was killed or injured because they had evacuated to another floor or room in advance.


    Mr. Fritz told them,


    "If you can spare some time, please help us shovel the snow!


    He responded to the residents'' call. In response to his call, the younger and physically stronger among the residents all volunteered to help.


    As a result, the snow removal work began to progress at a rapid pace.


    By the end of the day, the roofs of all the houses and half of the roads had been cleared.


    Half of the road, however, had been cleared enough to allow people to get in and out of their houses.


    "We are also planning to provide food aid after this," Fritz said.


    Fritz reassured the residents.


    Even after the town has been cleared of snow, food cannot be transported as long as the roads are closed.


    But with a means such as an airship, it would be possible.


    In fact, the next morning a detachment from brought the food.


    The snow stopped and blue sky peeked through the clouds.


    * * * * * * * *


    "So, this is how Mr. Fritz saved the towns of Denzana and Tox as well as the town of Lockgaw."


    Vivian finished.


    "I see, that makes sense now, Vee, thank you."


    Stearina looked satisfied.


    "Well, brother, you did a good job.


    And Elsa was also happy to hear the story of her brother''s success.


    "I''m afraid of the snow. It''s easy to get caught off guard when you''re in a place where it doesn''t usually snow.


    Zion said.


    "I''m thinking of making a magi-machine for snow removal.


    Maricka said something like that.


    "Sounds interesting. I want my husband to help me.


    Marikka waved her hand in a gesture of fear when Elsa said that,


    "No, no, I''m afraid to ask you to help me, Gin-sama!


    She chewed vigorously.


    "Oh, are you talking about Fritz and Gloria?"


    Licia Faarheit joined them.


    "Gloria-san, it seems that you are finally getting married.


    It seems that she had heard about Gloria Allstadt''s recent news, since they are from the same kingdom of Klein.


    "Oh, is he your brother, Elsa''s brother, after all?"


    Licia nodded at Vivian''s question.


    "Yes, of course.


    Elsa affirmed it.


    "...... that your brother is going to be her son-in-law."


    "Yes, that''s right. Gloria is his only daughter.


    Licia was taught by her instructor Gloria when she was an apprentice knight, so she knows a little about the family situation.


    "Both of them got permission from the government last year, I believe."


    "Heh. ....... So, what are they going to do about their new home?"


    I heard they''re getting a house there since they work in Avalon.


    "I see. That''s a good idea.


    They had been attracted to each other for a long time, and now it seems that they have finally made it to the goal.

 1815 - - 49-04 Gifts

    In another corner, Toa came to Guth, his daughter-in-law, and they were having a drink together.


    "I''m glad to see that you have achieved so much, Mr. Goose.


    "I''m very proud of you, sir."


    Toa''s face was red. It looks like he is very much ready.


    "But don''t get so absorbed in your research that you neglect your daughter. ...... like I did."


    I''ll be careful.


    Goose scratches his head. Hearing this, Toa nodded his head in satisfaction.


    Toa also seemed to be concerned about the fact that he was often away from home, traveling from place to place.


    Rodrigo had a rare conversation with Giebeck, the mayor of the village of Kaina.


    "This is a nice village, isn''t it?


    "It''s a nice village, isn''t it?


    "Vibrant and prosperous. The town is ...... more comfortable to live in than the royal city.


    Giebeck was happy to see that Rodrigo truly felt this way.


    "Well, thank you very much. I''m glad to hear that from someone who knows Gin."


    Giebeck is one of the few people who can call in the old-fashioned way.


    Most of the men in the village of Kaina and the ladies still call him .


    Marcia was enjoying a conversation with Barbara and the other young women of the village.


    Marcia also thinks that the village of Kaina is a nice village. However, she also thought it was a pity that there was no demand for boats because it did not face the sea.


    Then..,


    "...... So, Marcia, you are going to build a boat!��I hope you will make a boat that can run on the Erme River next time.


    one of the village girls said. Marcia replied with some surprise.


    "Yes, but I think it would be easier if you ask Jin to make it for you.


    "Well, maybe... but I don''t know...?"


    "Haha, what''s that?��Well, it''s okay.


    "Wow, thanks!"


    Marcia thought this offer was interesting.


    What kind of boat would be suitable for a fast-flowing river?��Her shipwright''s blood began to boil.


    Erza''s mother, Meine, is chatting with Lou, Rita, Sonia, and others whom Jin had brought from Lalio.


    All of them had married men in the village and had happy families. Some of them had children.


    Meine taught them how to read, write, do housework, and behave, and they still look up to her as their .


    "You still call me teacher, don''t you?


    "Yes, of course!��You will always be our teacher!


    "Thank you, guys."


    Surrounded by the smiling faces of her students, Meane was happy.


    "......"


    The party lasted well into the night, so the children, Chloe and Mio, began to row the boat.


    Chloe and Mio are about to go to sleep.


    Erza looked at the twins and said.


    "Yeah, I guess so."


    Jin gently patted their heads.


    "......fumyu"


    "...... unyu!"


    "Oh, we''ll have to put them to sleep now," Jin said.


    Jin said,


    "You, I''ll go put them to sleep."


    Erza stood up holding them in her arms.


    "Are you okay?"


    "Yes, I''ll take care of them."


    Still worried, Jin asked Reiko to take care of them.


    "Reiko, take care of Elsa and the kids."


    "Yes, Father."


    Respecting Elsa''s wishes, the two are held as they are, but in case they fall or are dropped, Reiko is there to support them within 0.1 seconds.


    However, Erza, their mother, reached Nidojo''s bedroom with them in her arms and laid them gently on the futon that had been prepared for them.


    "Reiko, please tell the master that I am already here with them.


    "Yes, Miss Elsa."


    Reiko returned to the hall by herself and reported to Jin.


    "I see. Then you can rest assured."


    Jin is the star of the show today, so he cannot leave early.


    * * * *


    A satellite of the planet Ars.


    A small world where a considerable number of people can live has been built inside. When the Originals came to Ars from their home planet in their , they used it as a temporary home until the preparations for migration were completed.


    After that, it was placed in satellite orbit as a refuge in case of emergency, and now it has become a moon (Uni), a satellite orbiting Ars.


    The current master is Milowina, a descendant who once descended to Ars and returned again.


    She has been in the sterile, low-gravity moon (Uni) for so long that she lacks physical strength, but she is slowly getting used to it.


    "Today is Jin''s birthday, isn''t it?


    Even though he had gotten used to Ars, he could not join the banquet at Nido Castle, so he had no choice but to stay at Yuny.


    In addition, he had been feeling a little under the weather for the past couple of days.


    "Let me at least congratulate you.


    Milowina ordered the magical brain , who was in charge of the moon.


    "Please tell Mr. Jin that .


    "Yes, sir.


    immediately connects the signal to the island of Horai to fulfill his master''s command.


    * * * *


    An isolated island in the ocean, <>.


    <


    The magical brain that oversees the island receives a message from outer space.


    This is Jack from the moon. Please respond, Mr. Yunie.


    <>


    Today is April 1st. As it is the birthday of Nidohito-sama, Milowena-sama asked me to give him a word of congratulation.


    then conveyed Milowena''s words to the old man.


    The old man thanked Jin on his behalf.


    <


    The communication was cut off.


    Needless to say, the old man delivered Milowina''s words to Jin through Reiko after this.


    The night of April 1, 3464 passed quietly.

 1816 - - 49-05 The future of the former Leonard Kingdom

    On April 1, Jin''s birthday, the was being held on , a mega-float floating on the sea.


    The chairman of the meeting was Alois III, the second king of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "So, the topic of this meeting is the treatment of the former Kingdom of Leonard, is that correct?"


    There were no objections.


    The former Kingdom of Leonard.


    It was once a country with an advanced magical civilization and the home of Milowina''s ancestors who lived on the moon, but it is no longer a country and there are only a few settlements.


    The topic of the meeting was to decide how to deal with the situation there.


    In attendance were the chairman, King Alois III, and Prince Arthur II from the Kingdom of Klein.


    From the neighboring Kingdom of Franz, King Lotharus de Franz (n��e Lafayette) and Prime Minister Ardarch de Hybl.


    From the Kingdom of Egeria, King Harold Rouen Autoclase and Vizier Boyd Nors Galuelli.


    From the Kingdom of Elias, Alphonse Alba Elias, the new king, and Godopher de Toves Rossi, Prime Minister.


    From the Kingdom of Cerroa, the King Cesar Valois de Cerroa and the First Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior Lambreaux, the position of Prime Minister in other countries.


    From the Kingdom of Shawlo, Emperor Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shawlo and Prime Minister Jung Fors von K?bsler were present.


    As a side note, the Crown Prince Ernst Shawlo turned 15 years old that year, and the Empress intended to abdicate the throne.


    As a last major task, she would like to decide peacefully what to do with the former Leonard kingdom.


    Let''s leave that aside for now.


    The former Leonard Kingdom is now treated as if it were the Antarctica of the earth.


    No country has any claim to it, and any development is forbidden.


    In addition, representatives from the <> and <> are participating in the conference this time.


    These two countries were allowed to participate officially since the last meeting.


    <> are Bardius, the clan leader of >, and his son Radeous, who are Zion''s grandfather and father.


    < are the chief of Mitsuho, Hiro Mutu, and the chief of the council, Mashaq Meghawala. They are dark-skinned, as is typical of the people of Mitsuho.


    "Now, there is a possibility that there are still unidentified ruins in the former Leonard Kingdom. Based on this, we will make a decision on the future.


    The , which began with these words from the chairperson, took a full day to decide on a rough policy.


    Later historians have analyzed that this speed of decision-making was largely due to the fact that many countries had monarchies or similar political systems.


    "Now, let us review the decisions."


    1,The former Leonard Kingdom is not a territory of any country.


    2. It is forbidden to bring conflicts between nations into the former Leonard Kingdom.


    3,The ruins of the Old Leonard Kingdom are the common property of mankind.


    4,The administration of the former Leonard Kingdom shall be conducted by an organization determined by the <>.


    5,Access to the former Leonard''s Kingdom can be freely made by notifying the organization decided by the <>.


    6,Any persecution of the people living in the former Leonard Kingdom is forbidden.


    7,Trade with the residents of the former Leonard Kingdom is not restricted as long as it is fair.


    8,The resources of the former Leonard Kingdom shall be regarded as belonging to the entire human race, and shall be managed by an organization designated by the <>.


    9,The use of the former Leonard Kingdom can be freely done if permission is obtained after notification to the organization set up by the <>.


    10,A station may be established in the former Leonard Kingdom, but it is not permitted to be used as a military base.


    These were the ten articles of the constitution.


    Based on these ten articles, it is expected that detailed agreements will be made.


    * * * *


    <


    "I see...that might be a good place to start."


    On April 2, in Horai Island, the old man reported the main points of the to Jin.


    As for Jin, he does not know much about how Antarctica is treated on the modern earth.


    However, he knew that Antarctica did not belong to any country.


    On the following day, April 3, a detailed agreement was made.


    Among them, the most notable ones were the <> and the >.


    < is an organization established in , and the is literally stationed in the former Leonard Kingdom to provide various services.


    Of course, since this was the first time for both organizations, various inconveniences were expected to arise in the future, but they could be corrected as needed.


    Jin was interested in .


    "Old man, how is this going to work?"


    He asked him what exactly he was going to do with it,


    The old capital, Diaa, is a pleasant place, so it will be easy for them to stay there for a long period of time, he said.


    "I see."


    "Well, I suppose that''s true."


    That''s exactly what the should do, Jin thought.


    is finally coming in.


    "Oh, I see."


    Fritz and Gloria were first-term students and executive candidates, but from this April they will officially become executives, and the new second-term students will become their subordinates as trainees.


    After two more terms, the organization will be in good shape for the time being.


    Now all that remains is to improve the equipment.


    <


    <


    "I hope so."


    However, Jin does not want money. If he wants money, he wants materials.


    There is a market price in the world, but the value of materials to Jin does not fluctuate much.


    "It would be nice if I could get it for mithril silver.


    Since both the amount mined and the amount in circulation are small, and since it is an indispensable metal for making <> alloys, Jin doesn''t mind having as much as he can.


    "Oh, I also need to prepare a wedding gift for my brother-in-law.


    By brother-in-law, he meant Fritz, of course.


    "Since we are not blood relatives but in-laws, I think it would be better to avoid knives like swords. ......"


    So Jin wondered what he should do, and decided to ask his beloved wife Elsa, Fritz''s sister, since it was just time for lunch.


    * * * * * *


    "What do you think about ......?"


    Elsa was feeding lunch to Yu and Mio. Jin and Erza followed.


    "Well, I''ve been thinking about it a lot. And I''ve come to the conclusion that I''d like a maid golem for housekeeping.


    "Oh, I see."


    Fritz and Gloria will be working in for the time being, so it is likely that they will be away from their new home ...... for a long time. A maid golem to guard the house during her absence.


    "Sounds good. I''ll go with that."


    "Nope. I''ll take that bedding.


    The bedding made of magi silk is still Elsa''s favorite. Elsa thought she would take this opportunity to give it to her brother and sister-in-law.

 1817 - - 49-06 Concessionary Ceremony

    I have one more thing on my mind.


    "What is it, honey?"


    After putting the twins down for a nap, Jin and Erza were talking in a whisper at a little distance from the twins so as not to wake them up.


    Reiko was by the twins'' side, just in case.


    "I''m talking about His Majesty. The abdication ceremony will be held on May 1st this year ...... or rather next month, right?"


    "Yes, indeed."


    Jin refers to His Majesty Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shawlo, the Emperor of the Shawlo Kingdom, and His Highness refers to Ernst Shawlo, the Crown Prince.


    Both Jin and Elsa had already met Crown Prince Ernst many times, and both of them had already evaluated him as a suitable, if somewhat impolite, person to be the next emperor of Japan.


    Last year, she announced to the public that she would relinquish the throne.


    "Well, maybe, but I think Her Majesty will continue to assist her for a while after she abdicates."


    Jin guessed that his nephew, who was only 15 years old, would not be so irresponsible as to suddenly entrust all political matters to his nephew, even though he had come of age.


    "I think His Majesty would do that.


    And Erza also agreed with Jin''s guess.


    "I am indebted to His Majesty to the extent that I can never repay him. ......"


    Jin has done more than anyone else could have done, but he is unaware of it, which is typical of him.


    "I was thinking that I would like to present His Majesty with a golem or an automaton.


    "I see. Then I think an automaton would be good for His Majesty.


    "I see."


    <, except for the followers of visitors, there are no human-like automata in principle, and all the people working there are golems. So, the gift to Fritz and Gloria is a maid<.


    However, there is no such restriction in giving a gift to a female emperor.


    The female emperor, who had to assume the position of emperor, was not allowed to have children and was 56 years old.


    "She also said that Reiko was cute, didn''t she?


    Jin thought that an automata doll in the shape of a girl would be the best choice.


    The idea of a girl automaton was still the right one, Jin thought.


    Once the plan was decided, Jin acted quickly.


    The maid golem is based on Horai Island. The material used is mainly light silver, making it light, and the exterior is a subdued copper color.


    At first glance, it appears to be made of bronze.


    In appearance, it is not so different from that Jin donated to before.


    Its physical strength is about a quarter of that of the five-colored golem maids of Horai Island, but it still has more than five times the basic performance of an ordinary golem. Even so, it has more than five times the basic performance of an ordinary golem.


    The color of her eyes is reddish purple to distinguish Sapphire Blue from Sapphire Blue of Saffy. Therefore, his name is <.


    And the automata for the female emperor.


    Jin works more carefully than usual. And Elsa helped him.


    The size of the doll is the same as that of Reiko.


    However, the power of the doll is reduced to about four times that of a human being at most. The speed is the same. The reason for not making them as fast as humans is to protect the Empress in case of emergency.


    For that reason, ......, we will provide a lot of everyday level skills.


    Healing magic, medical knowledge, cooking, laundry, cleaning, sewing.


    But we don''t want to be intrusive. I prefer to keep a low profile. ......


    These days, a little characterization can be done by default.


    "I''d like to keep it maintenance-free for the next 200 years or so."


    Jin thinks it''s possible since it''s not used hard.


    "I wonder if the face will look like this?"


    Elsa used the faces of the emperor and the crown prince as references, and sculpted them to look a little like them.


    The idea was that if they looked more or less like her, she would feel more familiar with them.


    The hair color was dark brown and the eyes were brown to resemble theirs.


    "Oh, it''s a good job.


    "Good job."


    This is how Jin and Elsa completed their joint work, an automata for a female emperor.


    The doll was completed.


    On May 1, the abdication ceremony is held as scheduled.


    The place of the ceremony is, of course, the Palace Ceremony Room in the capital city of Leusat.


    The details of the ceremony are too long to go into in detail, so I will try to give a brief description,


    Representatives from the kingdoms of Klein, Franz, Egelea, Elias, Selroa, Nord, and Mitsuho attended the ceremony.


    Of course, the grand ceremony was attended by the leading nobles of each country.


    Naturally, Jin and Erza were also present. They were seated at the very top of the table. .......


    The ceremony began at 9:00 in the morning with the Prime Minister''s address.


    "From now on, we will hold a ceremony of the transfer of the imperial throne from His Majesty Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shoro, Emperor of the Shoro Kingdom, to His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Ernst Shoro.


    The ceremony will be followed by speeches by representatives of various countries and words by citizens'' representatives for about three hours.


    In the meeting, Jin also had to give a few words of greeting.


    He did not have to climb up on the stage like the representatives of other countries, but only stood on his seat and gave a 30 second speech, which was very helpful for him.


    Furthermore,


    .


    The ceremony officer had given me a bean-jam cup to say <>, so I had no difficulty.


    In fact, there was another tape, which was about 10 times longer than this one, but I read the shorter one at the signal of the master of ceremonies.


    I guessed that it was because the speeches by the representatives of each country were longer than expected and the time was getting tight.


    At the same time, he thought about the difficulty of keeping the meeting on time.


    The greeting was concluded by the presentation of a bouquet of flowers by a representative ...... of the citizens, a boy and a girl of about 10 years old.


    "Well, thank you, you guys. I''m very happy.


    Jin was impressed by the smile on the face of the Empress as she received the bouquet of flowers.


    Then the main part of the ceremony, the abdication of the imperial throne, began.


    Witnesses were all in attendance.


    The crown prince walks to the female emperor standing on a high platform.


    When the Crown Prince stands on the same platform after climbing the seven steps, the Empress holds up the royal or imperial scepter in her hand.


    Then she touched the crown prince''s left and right shoulders with the scepter. The crown prince then knelt down in front of the empress.


    The Empress gently caressed his head with the scepter and placed the crown on his head.


    Finally, the succession was completed by handing the scepter to the Crown Prince.


    The moment the Crown Prince received the scepter with both hands as if to push it back into his hands, the crowd erupted in applause.


    "I hereby proclaim the birth of the new Emperor of the Shoro Empire, Weissberg Ernst von Shoro.


    These were the last words of the empress.


    From then on, she would serve as Grand Emperor and assist the new emperor until he reached the age of 20.


    "I, Weissberg Ernst von Shawlo, as Emperor, swear to protect this country and its people and to lead it to greater heights.


    These were the first words of the new emperor.


    The hall where the ceremony was held was filled with a thunderous cheer.


    Then the Emperor Taishang and the new emperor went out on the balcony of the Palace and waved their hands in front of the assembled people.


    The courtyard of the palace, where nearly 10,000 people had gathered, was once again filled with cheers.


    In the sky, hot-air balloons and airships floated, sending down confetti of recently commercialized gold and silver paper.


    There were no attacks or riots, and the abdication ceremony went off without a hitch.

 1818 - - 49-07 At a dinner party

    After the abdication ceremony, a late luncheon and a dinner party followed.


    The place is the hall in the palace.


    Jin, Elsa, and Reiko are also present.


    "I''m not used to this kind of thing.


    "I understand."


    The hall is filled with the important people of each country, the royal family, and the knights guarding them, so the word "crowded" is an apt description.


    Jin is also a celebrity, so he knows many people.


    "Hey, Jin, ma''am!


    The first to arrive was Ernest, the third prince of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    It''s been a long time.


    Yes, your highness is looking well.


    He was 13 years old when I met him, but now he is 20 years old and has become an imposing nobleman. He was a diplomat at home, and there were rumors that he would eventually become Minister of Foreign Affairs.


    "Rys wanted to come, too."


    "Oh, you''re happy for him, aren''t you?"


    Yes, I''m afraid so... I can''t force him to stay for another three months or so.


    The prince''s wife, Rieschen, is the former third princess of the Klein Kingdom and is 19 years old this year. She is expecting her first child.


    "Congratulations."


    Thank you. See you soon.


    Ernesto walked to another important person.


    "Hello, Jin, Elsa.


    "Thank you for your help the other day."


    The man who came in his place was Jin''s best friend and Elsa''s cousin, Reinhardt. He was accompanied by his wife, Bertsch.


    "Congratulations, Reinhardt."


    What?


    "I heard. You''re going to be a viscount?


    Where the hell did you get that from ......?


    That''s a secret.


    The new emperor was supposed to be a transition from the old regime to the new, and Reinhard was to be elevated to the rank of viscount.


    Reinhard was to be elevated to the rank of Viscount, and his position in the new regime was to be that of Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.


    I heard about this from the old man yesterday at ....... He had not been able to ask the old man through what channels the old man had obtained this information.


    "Is the territory still intact?


    "Yes, they will. I don''t know yet if it will be increased or not. ......"


    In any case, Reinhardt said, the estate would be run by the deputies.


    Fritz came in next to Reinhardt. <, apparently.


    "Jin-dono, Erza. As I''m sure you''ve heard, we''ve decided to get married and I wanted to tell you about it.


    Congratulations, brother.


    Congratulations, brother-in-law.


    I asked him if Gloria was not with him. He told me that in <> they send married couples together, but not engaged couples.


    I wonder a little about the criteria, since it seems that if the relationship is not public, they are often sent together, as in the case of the recent heavy snowfall.


    ��If they are good friends, it would be possible for them to be well-connected, but if they are lovers, it would be too much of a problem for them to carry out their duties. ......)


    "I''m going to take a leave of absence soon and report to my father and mother.


    Of course I will bring Gloria with me then, Fritz said.


    "Well, brother, my husband ...... and I are preparing a celebration for you. I will give it to you then, so let me know when you have fixed a date."


    "Oh, I see. Elsa, Jin-sama, I''m sorry.


    "Gin, Miss Elsa, it''s been a long time."


    After Fritz came the Marquis Florenziano of the Kingdom of Elias.


    Jin thought that the Marquis Florenziano of the Kingdom of Elias was as resolute as ever.


    "It''s been a while.


    Jin, you have been a great help to me in the past year.


    He seemed to be referring to his cooperation in the development of a small speedboat at the Marcia Workshop.


    "I wonder if it was good or bad that you didn''t serve my country at that time.


    I should have seen the world today and a happy Jin and Erza," the marquis muttered as he walked away.


    "...... there are a lot of people here, aren''t there?"


    "Hmm."


    Then came Cesar Valois de Celuloa, king of the Kingdom of Celuloa.


    "Hello, Jin-dono, madam.


    Since I have known Cesar since he was the crown prince, he speaks in a friendly manner.


    "The Shoro Kingdom will grow even more with the new emperor, won''t it?"


    Yes, I hope so.


    I''m not going to be outdone.


    "Under your leadership, the warp gate was put to practical use. That was a revolutionary technological breakthrough.


    About two years ago, the Kingdom of Cerroa had finished analyzing the warp gate found in the ruins, replicated the same one, and sublimated it to the point where it could be used for transportation.


    "Thank you. It makes me somewhat proud to hear you say so, Mr. Jin. However, there is still much work to be done.


    Yes, the current warp gate takes about five minutes to activate, and then another 30 minutes to accumulate enough mana for the transfer.


    The maximum number of people that can be transported is about two. The materials were limited to about 150 kilograms.


    However, it is a good thing that the only thing that prevents the transfer is the lack of mana, and there is no way that an accident such as transferring to an unbelievable place can happen.


    Then came Lotharus de Franz, King of the Kingdom of Franz, and his mother, Catherine de Lafayette.


    "It''s been a long time, Miss Elsa", said Catherine de Lafayette.


    Catherine de Lafayette said.


    "Thankfully, I''ve been feeling much better since you treated me that time.


    "Well, thank you very much."


    They had met when Istaris, sister of Theon, was captured along with her follower Netros, and Theon, sister of Istaris, begged her to come to the Kingdom of Franz to rescue him.


    King Lotharus de Franz is silent and smiles at his mother.


    He received two glasses of wine from the waiter and offered one to Jin.


    When Jin took it, King Rotaro said


    "To the development of the Kingdom of Shoro," he said and raised his glass.


    and raised his glass.


    "Cheers!"


    Jin responded to the toast. The glasses touched each other and made a faint sound.


    Without a word, King Lotharus de Franz celebrated.


    As ......, the dignitaries from all over the world came to Jin''s place, but the highlight of the day was the Emperor Taishang and the new emperor.


    "Thank you very much, Jin-kun and Elsa," he said.


    "Sir Nido and madam, please keep up the good work.


    The Emperor Taishang spoke in his usual friendly tone. And the new emperor was more firm than ever.


    "Your Majesty, I''m very happy for you today.


    "It''s my pleasure to meet you.


    Jin and Erza made a firm speech.


    "Jin-kun, would you take some time tomorrow or later to discuss some things with me?


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    The former female emperor seemed to have something to discuss. Jin immediately agreed, as it would be a good opportunity to present his finished automata to her.

 1819 - - 49-08 First meeting

    The day after the exhausting dinner party, i.e. May 2nd.


    In the early afternoon, Jin took Elsa, Reiko, and his new automata to Miyagi.


    First, he went to his usual office.


    The corridor we walked through had been replaced by new tapestries and some of the paintings had been replaced by new ones. This must be another symbol of the new regime.


    However, most of the maids and maidservants I passed were familiar to me.


    "It will be too much for us to replace them all at once.


    Jin nodded at Erza''s words.


    "That''s right."


    The majority of the courtesans at Miyagi were the children of low-ranking nobles such as knights, barons, and baronesses.


    In addition to being apprentices in manners and household chores, being a palace worker was a kind of status.


    They have the opportunity to make acquaintances with influential nobles, and in some cases, if they are lucky, they may be discovered and ...... made a wife.


    On the other hand, most of the female courtesans are the children of middle class nobles.


    "...... but it seems that Flora will no longer be the head of the courtesan''s office.


    She is a former knight of the Kingsguard who became a lady attendant to the emperor because of her earnest character and rose to the position of chief lady.


    Flora Heckerath von Merante''s family was a baroness, and she was a neighbor of Leuthart''s house. So Elsa can hear a lot of gossip.


    "She''s going to be with a knight of the Kingsguard. In other words, he''s retiring for life."


    "Oh. That''s a good news.


    When Elsa was staying at Reuthert''s mansion, she was invited to tea parties of the wives of the neighbors as a part of the neighbors'' social activities, and it was at such occasions that she heard about it.


    "I see.


    Jin was impressed by the fact that the wives of the nobles were fond of gossiping with each other.


    He arrived at his office.


    He said a word to the knight of the Kingsguard standing in front of the heavy door,


    He said, "I''m looking for you. Mr. Jin, Ms. Erza, Mr. Reiko, and ......?"


    "Yes, I brought her here to present her to His Majesty the Emperor."


    What?��......, so she''s an automaton!��Oh, that''s wonderful. Please ...... come on through."


    The knight opened the door.


    Jin Nido, come in.


    "Come in."


    Jin Nido''s voice was answered by the familiar voice of the female emperor ......, the Taishang emperor.


    "Excuse me, Your Majesty."


    "We''ve been waiting for you, Jin, Erza, Reiko."


    There were the Grand Emperor, the new emperor, the Prime Minister, and a female official whom he had never seen before.


    To my surprise, the Grand Emperor was seated at the center of his desk. But then..,


    "I''m sorry, Your Majesty. This is the last time. I wanted to welcome you and Jin by myself for the last time.


    He stood up and gave up his seat.


    "No, Aunt, don''t worry about it."


    The new emperor smiled at her and sat down in his own seat.


    "I''m glad you came so quickly. Please have a seat.


    "Yes, excuse me."


    Jin and Elsa sit down in the chairs prepared by the courtesan.


    "......Well, where should we start?"


    The emperor glanced at Reiko, who was standing behind Jin, and at the automaton behind Sara.


    When Jin heard this, he said,


    "Well, let me introduce you to this girl first," he said.


    He beckoned the automaton to him.


    "This is the newest child. I made it to present to His Majesty the Emperor.


    "My God!"


    The Emperor Taishang stared at the child intently.


    "He''s so cute. ......!��What is her name?


    "We haven''t named her yet. Please give him a name.


    The emperor thought for a moment,


    "You are Arul.


    He called her name.


    Yes, I am Arul.


    And the automata accepts.


    Here, the master-slave relationship has been determined.


    "Your Majesty, please take good care of her for a long time."


    "Yes, of course, Jin-kun, Erza, thank you."


    Jin and Erza felt happy to have given the gift to the smiling Emperor Taisho.


    And then...


    "Let me explain to you about the future of the kingdom," he said. ...... but first I have to introduce you to this girl."


    The Grand Emperor beckoned to his lady-in-waiting.


    "This is Lisette Auenm��ller. She is one of the children I was raising."


    She was a small girl with light brown eyes and hair. Small in stature but good in style.


    "My name is Lisette Auenmuller, Miss Gin, Miss Elsa, Miss Reiko. I look forward to working with you.


    Lisette seemed to have a serious personality and bowed her head to Reiko as she greeted her.


    "It''s nice to meet you too. ...... Your Majesty, what do you mean you''ve been raising them?"


    Jin, who was caught up in the question, asked.


    "Well, I should tell you that too. Well, that''s the subject of today''s talk.


    "Aunt, may I speak first?


    The new emperor, who until then had seemed to be the only one who had been left out of the conversation, spoke up.


    "Oh, yes. ......, Your Majesty, please."


    "At ........."


    With a deliberate cough, the new emperor, Weissberg Ernst von Shawlo, began to speak.


    "As your aunt has just told you, our country is beginning to see the results of the education we have received over the past few years. The teacher is, of course, the <> donated to us by Sir Jin-dono ...... Nido."


    Behind him, the Prime Minister nods silently.


    "Those who have been educated by <> are about to take on the role of teachers and begin teaching the students. And not only teachers, but also some of them are taking up important positions in the country."


    One of them is Lisette Auenm��ller, the new emperor said.


    "Is that what you mean?"


    "Yes. The importance of education has now spread to most of our nobility and even to the common people. So..."


    The new emperor paused for a moment and then looked straight at Jin,


    "I am planning to establish a new educational institution. I would like you to be my adviser.


    He said.


    "Is that what you mean?"


    Jin understood. He thought that the new emperor would take this opportunity to improve the educational institution. And he wanted to make it an achievement of the new emperor.


    "I don''t know. Of course, we will not detain him for a long time. I know Lord Nido doesn''t like that sort of thing."


    "I don''t know, Jin."


    Jin thought for a moment and then spoke his answer.


    "Okay, I will cooperate with you.


    At this, the Grand Emperor, the new emperor, the Prime Minister, and the court ladies all broke into a smile.


    "Oh, I am so sorry that you agreed to this so quickly."


    At this point, the Prime Minister opened his mouth and thanked Jin.


    The first meeting would be held at a later date at Jin''s convenience.


    "And one more thing: my place of retreat.


    The former female emperor ...... began with a smile.

 1820 - - 49-09 Prior to Plan

    In her retirement, the former empress, now the grand sangha, said.


    "I will be your assistant for about 5 years...... until you turn 20 years old.


    The Grand Empress began to explain.


    "I am going to step down little by little. The Emperor has already agreed to this.


    "Is that what you mean?"


    Indeed, Jin thought that if the Taishang Emperor suddenly stepped down from the political world, both in terms of age and experience, it would inevitably lead to chaos in this country.


    "Be that as it may, I too would like to spend the rest of my life in a leisurely manner."


    "......I''m sorry for your loss."


    Jin felt humbled by this nobleman who was not allowed to have children and who had devoted himself to the service of his country.


    "So, I was wondering if you could consult with me about a place to retire.


    "Sure."


    Jin replied immediately.


    "Thank you, I will rely on you.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After the audience with the Grand Emperor and the new emperor, Jin and Elsa were relaxing in the house of Leuthart.


    "Father, how are you?"


    Mommy, are you okay?


    Chloe and Mio look at the two tired-looking men with concern.


    "Yes, I''m fine."


    "Yes, I''m fine."


    Jin and Erza decide to take a bath with Chloe and Mio to relieve their fatigue.


    "Fu......"


    The baths in the mansion are not natural hot springs, but by using magical tools, they are simulated hot springs.


    < using baking soda, a specialty of the village of Kaina, and a using magic tools.


    Today''s was a carbon dioxide spring.


    A carbon dioxide spring contains a lot of carbon dioxide gas, or carbon dioxide, and the water is pressurized just before it gushes out, so the carbon dioxide is not released even at high temperatures, or it can be a cold spring, which comes out at a lower temperature.


    The magic tool in Reuthert''s house, of course, has the function of dissolving carbon dioxide in the hot water.


    Jin thought about using the method of generating carbon dioxide by the neutralization reaction of citric acid and baking soda, which is common in modern Japan, but he decided to use this method because it is easier and more economical to run.


    The carbon dioxide spring promotes blood circulation and relieves fatigue.


    That is why Jin chose this type of spring for today''s bathing.


    "It feels good!


    "It''s a nice bath."


    Chloe and Mio seemed to have Jin''s love of baths in their blood, and they really enjoyed the hot springs.


    Of course, Erza loves hot spring baths too, so she soaked herself in the hot water until her white skin turned cherry red.


    Reiko was in the tub with her, keeping an eye on the twins to make sure they did not get overtired or drown in the bathtub.


    The Jin family washed their heads carefully, since carbonated water is said to be good for the health of the scalp.


    ".........it''s delicious."


    "Delicious!"


    After getting out of the bath, the Hitos drink chilled Citran juice. The cool slurp is pleasant to their burning bodies.


    The golem maids are cooking dinner, so Jin and Erza read books to Yu and Mio, who had not been able to spend time with them while they were at the palace.


    The books were picture books of fairy tales that Jin had arranged in the style of the Ars world as he remembered them.


    Jin and Erza took turns reading it to them.


    Both Yu and Mio can already read by themselves, but today they were a little spoiled and were reading to each other.


    After an hour or so, dinner was served.


    The menu consisted of rice, hamburger steak, vegetable salad, vegetable and mushroom soup, and fried shrimp. These were Chloe and Mio''s favorite dishes.


    "Bon app��tit!


    "Itadakimasu!"


    Jin and Erza smile at the twins, whose pronunciation is still sometimes a bit questionable.


    Then they themselves slowly begin to eat.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After putting Yu and Mio to bed, Jin and Erza are talking across from each other.


    "About education and the place of retirement. What do you think?"


    "Yes. I''m thinking of having three years each of primary, secondary, and higher education.


    Primary education should cover basic knowledge such as reading, writing and arithmetic, common sense, and a minimum level of etiquette.


    Secondary education is divided into basic and specialized courses, with specialized courses providing education according to future goals ...... such as becoming a merchant, craftsman, soldier, etc.


    Higher education is more specialized ...... and educates students to become the best ...... in their field.


    "Well, I think it''s a good idea. I think it''s a good idea.


    I guess so."


    It''s still early days in terms of educating the public, so it''s a matter of trial and error.


    So, where do you want to hide out?


    "Well, I think a place by the water would be good. A lake or the sea. Well, maybe a lake."


    Why?


    Well, water is harder to heat and cool than land, isn''t it?


    So a place near water is good for a summer resort or a cold resort, Jin explained.


    "Besides, I think a place near water can calm us down," he said.


    Whether it was because humans could not live without water or because we evolved from sea-dwelling creatures, Jin believed that water had the power to soothe and calm us.


    "Then, I think an island would be good."


    In fact, Jin has a base in Horai Island, and Kunlun Island is now a popular resort area.


    "Yes, but it''s a hassle to move if something goes wrong. ......"


    Since they don''t have transfer technology like Jin does, it is difficult to come and go if the distance is too great.


    "Hmm, indeed."


    "Maybe the other side of Lake Tosmo would be better."


    Of course, he meant the opposite shore from Reuthert.


    Or Lake Wass.


    Yeah, that''s a good idea.


    Lake Wass is a lake in the southern part of the Shoro Kingdom. It is partially connected to the sea and is brackish.


    The distance from Leusert is about 150 kilometers, which can be flown by airship in about two hours.


    "Climate-wise, it''s close to the sea, so it might be nice."


    Jin decided to pick up the shores of Lake Tosmo and Lake Wasu as recommended destinations.


    In terms of climate, the shore of Lake Tosmo is closer to the familiar place of Leusert.


    The shore of Lake Wass would be warmer and milder.


    "In that case, I would like to give you a special vehicle.


    "I think that''s a good idea."


    An aircraft like a small airship would be good, Jin thought.


    "And a special manaphone."


    "Oh, that''s necessary."


    Jin liked to spend time thinking vaguely about something like this, which could be called the preliminary stage of the plan.


    Erza was the same way, and the two of them talked until Reiko warned them.

 1821 - - 49-10 Empress

    Emperor Taishang...... was considering the airship he would present to the Yuan empress.


    "It should be about half the size of and ......".


    He is very excited about the idea of a catamaran ...... because it would not be buoyant enough.


    Elsa didn''t say anything, but rather cooperated.


    "If you are going to make a catamaran, you might want to make the air sacs a little thinner," she said.


    "I see, you''re right."


    Jin is drawing a sketch with a pen on a piece of wooden paper. The purpose of this sketch is to summarize the concept of what he is going to make.


    Since Erza is also cooperating, it is necessary to share such visual information for the purpose of communication.


    Finally, we decided to make it about half the size of the catamaran for the <>. The capacity was also reduced to five people.


    "I think I''ll also use a force field generator for ...... safety.


    Jin thought that if the device could be programmed to be maintenance-free and to erase itself in case it was about to be dismantled, it would prevent the technology from leaking out.


    Jin and Erza also discussed the habitability and decided on a color scheme.


    After the rough idea was settled, Jin and Elsa decided that Reiko would be the one to make the house.


    Jin and Elsa were relaxing over a cup of green tea that Reiko had brewed for them.


    On their knees were Yu and Mio, who were picking rice crackers for tea, and the room was filled with the sound of crunching.


    They were thirsty and wanted to reach for the tea set in front of their parents, but Reiko was there to make sure the tea was cool enough to drink and offered to them.


    "Thank you!"


    The twins thank her and drink the tea. They seem to be well disciplined.


    While gently patting Yu and Mio''s heads, Jin and Erza continue their conversation.


    "Let me change the subject..."


    "Yes?"


    "Do you know that Hanna is doing some interesting research?"


    "Oh, you mean the doppelganger?"


    "Yes."


    A doppelganger, in layman''s terms, is a brainwave control system.


    The doppelganger moves according to the operator''s thoughts. There is also sensory feedback.


    However, the operator still has his/her own senses, so the feeling of <> does not disappear.


    So it took some getting used to.


    Hanna thinks it would be possible to make it possible to <> at the level of consciousness.


    "You seem to be doing a lot of things to see if you can do it using <> technology."


    "I think it would be great if you could do it," he said.


    "I wonder what happens to the consciousness of the original body then?


    Jin was curious to know if he would still be conscious, or if he would be asleep.


    After all, in modern Japan, where Jin was living, there were many imaginings of virtual reality (VR).


    It was similar to the one called .


    Jin recalled that it was something like ......, which sends electrical signals that stimulate the five senses directly to the brain.


    "Could it be possible to transfer consciousness to an automata or homunculus and live a long time ......?"


    "That''s a bit much."


    "That''s right ......."


    Although it was realized in the story, Jin remembers that there was a discussion about how to make the visual information and the voice come out in reality.


    However, Jin was not so interested in these issues, so he did not know much about them.


    However, Jin had a feeling that Hannah would be able to do something about it.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    On May 5, the airship, a gift for the Emperor Taesang, was completed in two days, notwithstanding what was to come of the <>.


    The airship is a silvery-white, moist plane. It is 25 meters long. It has two air sacs with a maximum diameter of 7 meters.


    The air sacs and the cabin are arranged in an inverted triangle when viewed from the front.


    This configuration reduces pitching and rolling.


    "Well done!"


    Not only Jin, but also Elsa wanted to return the favor to the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty, you killed yourself for the sake of this country and the world."


    "Yes. I hope His Majesty can enjoy a peaceful life after this."


    That was the feeling of both of them.


    What''s the name of this airship?


    How about <>?


    EMPRESS, which means "female emperor. As it is, Jin thought that it would be a possible name for a plane dedicated to the Emperor Taisho.


    "I think we should check ...... first."


    Erza agreed in principle, but decided to hold off just in case.


    I have also made a special golem so that I can leave the piloting and maintenance to him.


    The base is a craftsman (Smith), but it is made of light silver to make it lighter.


    "The name ......<...... is not good, is it?"


    "Hmm, that''s the guy who used to live with us, the servant."


    Is that right?


    "...... followed us on our wagon ride from Potlock to the country."


    Oh, that time.


    I''m talking about the trip with Erza and Reinhardt.


    The name "Jin" is taken from <>, which is not appropriate since Lilienthal crashed in the first place.


    <>...... would be confusing."


    Now Jin, from the Wright Brothers. This is also not appropriate because it is confusing with the magic <> (although the R and L are actually pronounced differently).


    "Well, how about <>?


    (From the name of the Wright Brothers'' plane, since it means <>,


    "Hmm, that''s a good idea.


    Elsa agreed.


    * * * * * * * * *


    On May 6, Jin and Elsa accompanied Reiko, Edgar, Yu, and Mio to Miyagi.


    "Oh my God, you gave this to me?


    "This is great, aunt."


    Not only the Emperor Taishang, but also the new emperor came to see it.


    By the way, the airship that the emperor has been using is the Conlon 2 type, which was donated by Jin two years ago. This one belongs to the new emperor.


    "I was thinking of naming it .


    "No, it is not."


    "There has only been one other female emperor in the history of the Shoro Empire besides your aunt.


    So Jin quickly used his engineering magic to write <> on the catamaran. > on the catamaran.


    He also introduces the golem <> who is in charge of piloting and maintenance.


    "You can trust <> to take care of it, sir."


    "Oh, I''m so glad. Jin-kun, Erza, thank you!


    Emperor Taisho accepted with a big smile.


    "Ah, twins, it''s been a long time!


    "Good day to you, Heika!"


    "Heika, how are you?"


    Emperor Taisho looked at the twins with narrowed eyes as they greeted each other in a lisping voice and gently patted each other on the head afterwards.


    Afterwards, Jin made a proposal for a possible hiding place in the palace.


    "Yes. ....... The other side of Lake Tosmo is a good idea. I''ll look for a place along that line.


    It seemed that the Taisho emperor wanted to live near his familiar place of residence, Leusert.

 1822 - - 49-11 Philosophy

    On May 7, Jin and Elsa were in .


    Of course, they were there to see Elsa''s brother Fritz. They had confirmed in advance that he would be off-duty on that day.


    "Welcome, Elsa. Jin-dono, welcome."


    "Welcome, Miss Elsa. Welcome, Mr. Jin."


    Fritz and ...... Gloria greeted them. Gloria had also taken the day off to catch up with Fritz.


    "Are the twins staying at home today?"


    Fritz was surprisingly an uncle idiot, too, and he was taking good care of Chloe and Mio.


    "Yes, we are celebrating their engagement today.


    "Oh, I see."


    "It''s a little embarrassing to hear you say it to my face."


    Recently Gloria''s language has become softer or less manly.


    Erza thinks this is because of the progress in her relationship with her brother.


    After talking to her for a while, Gloria told me that she is going to be working at home.


    "I''ll be teaching swordsmanship as an instructor," she says.


    She says that she will be teaching swordsmanship as an instructor.


    "I won''t change, but I''ll be half teaching, half working outside the office.


    By "teaching," he means teaching the second group of students who have newly joined the company this year.


    The first group of cadets have all become executives and are now in a position to mentor the second group of cadets.


    "It seems that the second cohort includes not only executive candidates, but also technical staff and administrative staff such as general affairs and accounting staff.


    Fritz laughed as he said that the place had become lively all at once.


    "So, what about the ceremony?"


    Elsa asked the most curious question.


    "It will take place in the summer at <>.


    "In <>?"


    "Yes. ......What can I say, we will be the first couple to be married in <>. ......"


    The first memorable married couple, apparently.


    "If you''re not satisfied, you can have it again in your hometown. ......"


    "Oh, ...... I see."


    "So what are you going to do?"


    Elsa asks again, seemingly curious.


    "No, we don''t really care, so we think it''s fine if we do it once in ."


    "Yes."


    Erza didn''t say anything in particular, and Jin thinks it''s fine as long as it''s not a religious commitment.


    "But I wonder if there are any good idols."


    "...... idols?"


    Erza overheard Jin''s muttering.


    "Oh, I''m sorry to say this, but in short, I''d like to report to you at the ceremony, or what I''m going to swear to. ......"


    "I kind of get it."


    At Reinhard''s wedding, he reported to his ancestors, and at Jin and Erza''s wedding, he reported to his predecessors and <> Shuki Tsetsi.


    Then, how about <>?��I mean, what about <>?


    "It is safer to avoid religious arrangements."


    "That''s right. ......"


    Even in modern Japan, there have been various types of weddings, including Shinto, Buddhist, and Christian.


    There is no way to unite them all into one.


    I don''t want to get involved in religion."


    "I don''t understand ......, but did they agree on something?"


    Gloria, who was watching Jin and Erza, said with a wry smile.


    "Well, yes,......."


    Since Erza knows that Jin is a transferee, she guessed that he must be remembering something about the original world.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, it''s difficult."


    Jin was pondering in <> on the way back from <>.


    Elsa and Reiko are watching him silently so as not to disturb him.


    And then...


    "Yes!


    Jin shouted out, as if he had just had a good idea.


    "You have a good idea?


    "Father, did you have an idea?


    "Oh. How about a ...... charter, or oath, or something like that? What if we put the philosophy of <> into words and swear in front of it?"


    It can be used not only for weddings but also for ceremonies.


    "Maybe ...... that would be a good idea.


    "I''ll ask His Majesty about it."


    "That would be good."


    Erza agreed, although she was not sure if this was the Grand Emperor or the new emperor.


    * * * * * *


    After returning to Reuthert''s mansion, Jin and his party did not go back to Horai Island, but headed for the palace.


    Half an hour later, they were in the emperor''s office.


    It seems that Emperor Taishang was also there that day, instructing the new emperor on various matters.


    "Welcome, Kunlun.


    What''s going on today?


    Their Majesties, who seemed to have had a break, took a breath and then spoke to Jin.


    "Yes, actually. ......"


    Jin explained what he had been thinking about in <>.


    "I see, you want to codify the philosophy of <>."


    Emperor Taisho understood exactly what Jin meant.


    "I would like to put this on the agenda of the next . Do you have a proposal for ......?"


    "Yes."


    Jin presented what he had in mind.


    Be right.


    2, Think for yourself and act for yourself.


    3, Believe in your friends and help your friends.


    4. Cooperate with others regardless of race and nationality.


    5. Uniformity of words and deeds


    6. Effort


    Sincerity


    "...... and so on..."


    Since Jin is not good at this kind of thing, he wanted to hear Emperor Taisho''s opinion.


    The draft was a collection of words that Jin had heard when he was in modern Japan.


    But the Emperor Taishang said,


    "Oh, that''s good. I understand exactly what you mean.


    Although their writing styles did not match, he understood what Jin was trying to achieve.


    "That''s right. If we decide on such a philosophy, we can frame it or engrave it on a metal plate and put it on the front of the World Congress.


    He also understood that various ceremonies would be held in front of the plaque.

 1823 - - 49-12 Zion Visit

    The next was to be held on June 1.


    Jin and Erza decided to ask Emperor Taigami to take care of the rest so that they could make it in time for Fritz and Gloria''s wedding.


    However, Jin was planning to show up on the day of the meeting, and if that was not possible, a deus ex machina could be sent to the meeting.


    "I think we''ve done everything we need to do.


    "Yes, I think so."


    On Horai Island, Jin and Erza are taking a break and looking at Yu and Mio. The location is on the lawn in front of the institute.


    The twins are playing with a rubber ball that Jin made. They throw the ball to each other and receive it.


    "Tow."


    "Hey!"


    Since they were about 10 meters away from each other, the balls could not reach each other without bouncing, so they exchanged one-bounces and two-bounces.


    Jin and Elsa were watching with smiles on their faces.


    "Education, or ......"


    Jin is also thinking about what the new emperor asked him to do the other day.


    "Early childhood education?"


    Erza asked to confirm if she knew what Jin was thinking.


    "Yes. In the world I was in, there was a where children between five and six years old attended to get accustomed to life in a group before entering elementary school.


    Elsa''s knowledge of but not was new to her, so Jin''s explanation was new to her.


    "But is it difficult for the common people?"


    "No, but it might be. I''m sure we can have ...... little ones who won''t be in the work force. ...... what?"


    Jin was impressed by Elsa''s insight.


    "No," she said. I''m just impressed."


    Then.


    "Are you in love with her again?"


    "Oh, my God!"


    "Wow!!!!!"


    Jin and Erza were taken aback when he suddenly called out to them from behind.


    "Oh, I''m sorry."


    "...... Zion."


    There he was, Zion of Shinra, a member of the Jin Family.


    "Oh, it''s Shion oneechan!


    "Oneesan!"


    The twins spotted Shion, stopped throwing the ball, and ran over to him.


    "Hello, Yu-chan, Mio-chan!


    "Hello."


    "Hi."


    The twins have come here many times to play with Zion, so they are very attached to him.


    They ran to him and jumped on him.


    "Wow, you two are getting heavy!"


    At this rate, in another year I won''t be able to take it anymore, says Sion.


    "Kids grow up so fast."


    Jin could no longer hold them in his arms for long periods of time.


    "So, what''s up with you today?"


    It was just time for lunch, so they all went into the <>.


    <


    Zion said that a light meal would be fine, so we decided to eat together.


    Since that was the case, the menu was Japanese soba noodles.


    Jin and Erza prefer morisoba, but this time we decided to have oroshi-soba at Zion''s request.


    The daikon of this world, which has not been improved, is short and small, but it tastes just like the modern Japanese "nezumi daikon" (mouse radish), so the island of Horai has been growing it.


    It has a spicy taste followed by a delicious daikon aroma.


    A little less buckwheat for Zion.


    And Yu and Mio had lunch with less grated daikon.


    "I knew Jin''s soba would be delicious!"


    Soba is also a food for the poor, so it is widely grown in the Nordic Federation, and buckwheat is also widespread. Despite this, Zion had never tasted soba as good as the one here.


    "Five-color golem maids are excellent. ......"


    Yes, it is all thanks to the efforts of the five-colored golem maids created by Jin.


    It is the result of their continuous feedback to reproduce the tastes of Jin and his friends (mainly Jin), such as "It was a little too light today," "It was a little too salty today..." and so on.


    Let me digress.


    To Jin''s question, , Zion replies.


    "Oh, yes. I almost forgot."


    Sion scratches his head and continues.


    "You know, a new ruin has been discovered in the Nordic Federation. That was ......3 days ago."


    "Ruins!"


    In this world, when it comes to <>, there are eight or nine out of ten that were left behind by the <>.


    In particular, in the Nordic Federation, there are many ruins from the early days when the migrated to this region, including the <.


    "So I thought you might be interested, so I came to talk to Jin."


    "I see, that''s good.


    "Well, half of me wants to ask for Jin''s help in the research.


    It was an honest Zion.


    "...... spring has come and the snow has begun to melt, hasn''t it?��That''s when we found cracks in the ground that had never been there before.


    Theon explained that he noticed it because melt water was flowing into the cracks.


    "I see. It''s possible for ice to widen the cracks."


    Jin imagined that the result was that the bedrock finally became unbearable and collapsed, revealing the ruins that had been inside.


    "What are the ruins like at ......?"


    "We have only been able to see the entrance area. We''ve only been able to see the entrance area, but we''re being very careful because we''ve never seen anything like it before.


    "That''s wise."


    "Yeah. ......"


    ?"


    Jin was curious about Zion''s brusque words and asked if there was something wrong.


    "No, nothing happened. It''s just ......"


    "Just what?"


    "I don''t know, it just feels different from the other ruins I''ve seen."


    I can''t say exactly what it is," Zion concluded.


    "Well, I''ll have to take a look."


    <.


    Jin thought, "There is a possibility that these could be the remains of a previously unknown faction.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    At any rate, he contacted the members of the whom he could contact at the moment, and Hannah, Saki, and Guth replied that they could go there at once.


    "They all seem to like this kind of thing."


    Jin decided to leave the next day.


    This time, Elsa would be away with the twins.


    "Me, Hannah, Saki, and Goose. I''ll go with Reiko.


    "I don''t think there''s any danger, so that''s fine. It''s just that it''ll be colder than here.


    "Oh, I see."


    < is much further north than Horai Island, or even Kaina Village, so even in early May, there are still many places where there is still snow.


    "Warm clothes are essential.


    Jin muttered to himself and started to prepare for the trip.

 1824 - - 49-13 Towards the ruins

    < is complicated.


    First, there are two groups: the who remained in Hael and the who emigrated to Ars.


    < were divided into and , but they have already died out.


    The , after having established themselves on the continent of Gondor, were divided into the < and the <, and the < into the <, the <, and the <.


    Of these, the went to present-day Mitsho and Huso, and the settled in present-day Koguryo.


    The <> became the ancestors of the <> on the continent of Gondor.


    And what of the <>?


    <> tried to develop independently in Ars, as represented by No. 600012, and failed .......


    Then, what about the <>?


    So far, no remains have been found that correspond to them.


    * * * *


    On the morning of May 11, on the island of Horai.


    In front of the research institute, the members of the who are heading to the <> are assembled.


    Jin, Hannah, Saki, and Goose. Reiko, Smith1, and Nurse Alpha, an automata for nursing, are accompanying them.


    Theon has already returned to the Nordic Federation through the warp gate.


    Are you ready?


    Jin asks just to be sure, since he can get what he needs by warp gate or transporter.


    "I''ll be fine."


    "Yes, I''m fine."


    When he received only affirmative answers, Jin boarded the <>, the leg of the trip. Everyone followed.


    Edgar was accompanied by Elsa and the twins, so Sky 10 was the pilot for this leg.


    "Bye!


    "Bye, baby."


    Bye!


    The <> floated up in the air as Elsa and the twins watched it go.


    Once it gained enough altitude, it flew north.


    Erza, Chloe, and Mio waved at the airship until it was out of sight.


    * * * *


    "......You finally got there. ......"


    Goose, who is not very good at flying, remained leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed.


    < arrived at its destination in about an hour, having also used the .


    Zion was waiting for them in the plaza in front of the clan territory of <>.


    Nearby, they see Zion''s father, Radeous, mother, Rorona, and friend, Marikka.


    Without a sound, the plane landed.


    "Jin, everyone!��Come here!


    "Hello Zion, it''s been a long time.


    "Sorry to rush you, but are you ready to head to the ruins?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes. <


    "Yes, it will be fine.


    "Who''s going that way?"


    Jin replied that Zion and Maricka would accompany him.


    Two researchers from the Shinra Institute will be there.


    "Jin-san, please take care of Zion for me."


    "Marikka, make sure you do your research.


    With these voices, Jin''s group, including Zion and Marikka, took off again in the .


    "Let''s continue north for about 50 kilometers.


    Saki heard Sion''s directions,


    Saki asked, looking at the map, "Well, is it around where we hit the Lugada River?"


    Saki asked, looking at the map.


    "Yes, that''s exactly right. About 400 meters away from the river.


    "Hmmm. "Well... if you are thinking about water convenience, you should have put it a little closer to the river," Goose said.


    Goose said.


    Hannah looked at the map with Saki,


    "But the river might have been changed for a long time there.


    Hannah said.


    When a river meanders in its middle reaches, the outer part is eroded and the inner part is sedimented.


    In other words, the outer part of the meandering area is being eroded and the inner part is being filled with sediments. As a result, the meandering becomes larger.


    If the meandering becomes too large, the upstream and downstream parts of the bend become attached to each other. When this happens, the river flows easily, in other words, it flows straight, and the meandering part is left behind.


    This is called Lake Mikazuki.


    The lake crescent was found near the river Hanna pointed out.


    "I see, it has been a long time since the time of the origin. That''s a strong possibility.


    Guth retracted his previous statement and agreed with Hannah''s opinion.


    In the meantime, arrived near the ruins.


    A wide plain spread out before them, with good visibility.


    In a part of the plain, a tent was set up.


    "Oh, there it is."


    "I see, I can see it clearly."


    The tent was a good landmark.


    landed about 50 meters from the tent.


    A man comes running toward us. He seems to be one of the researchers.


    "You must be Jin''s group.��Welcome. Thank you.


    He''s a leconaus. He''s an archaeologist.


    Theon introduced them.


    "Thank you, Theon."


    Reconaus was a serious-looking man with silver hair and light blue eyes, typical of the Shinra clan.


    "By the way, the other one is Tonelius, his younger brother.


    He is still in the ruins.


    Then let''s go with him.


    We''ve come here with that intention," said Zion.


    Jin and the others are eager to see the ruins, so they do not object.


    They had all the necessary equipment in their rucksacks on their backs, so they were ready to go.


    "I''m off then. You''ll take care of the rest, right?"


    Jin called out to Sky10 as he left.


    "Go ahead, master. Take care of yourselves.


    This way, sir.


    The ruins were located about 30 meters from the tent.


    There was a 5-meter-high rock rising up like a table.


    There was a crack at the base of the rock, and when we looked inside the crack, we found a small, large room-like space. It seemed to be the entrance to the newly discovered ruins.


    The floor of the room, illuminated by a magic lamp, had a square slit in the shape of a door if you looked closely.


    "This is the entrance. It was probably some kind of emergency exit.


    Reconaus said and lifted the door to show it open.


    "Oh, ......."


    There was a vertical shaft opening.


    A ladder was suspended from the wall of the pit. It certainly looked like an emergency exit.


    "About 20 meters down is a small hall. So far we have only gone that far.


    Now that you''re here, we can finally move on," he said, smiling expectantly.

 1825 - - 49-14 Investigation begins!

    Reiko first went down the ladder and jumped down the shaft without ...... assuring us that it was safe, so Jin and the others went down the ladder.


    Hanna, Saki, Zion, and Marikka were all wearing pants, so they went down the ladder with no problem at all and went to a lobby-like area at the end of the ladder.


    Tonelius, another researcher, was waiting there.


    Tonelius also had silver hair and light blue eyes, typical of the Shinra clan. He was a younger brother, with a face similar to that of Reconaus.


    "Well, I guess we''re all here now.


    Reconaus is in charge as the leader of the survey team.


    It was suggested that Jin should be the leader, but since this is the Nordic Federation, they wanted a member of the Shinra clan to take the lead, so it was decided that it would be LeConaus.


    "Jin-dono, we would like to go on from here, what do you think?"


    "Well, ......."


    Jin looked around the place where they were now.


    He reaffirms that he is right in thinking that this is probably an emergency doorway, and decides to check the material of the wall first.


    Everyone is looking at him with interest to see what he is going to do.


    "<>...... I see."


    Jin turns around,


    "As far as I can tell from the material of the wall, I think it belongs to the <>."


    Jin said, "Because the materials used and their molecular structures have their own <.


    "I see."


    Reconaus nodded and put his hand on his chin as if he was thinking about something.


    "That''s my Lord Jin!"


    Tonelius was impressed,


    "So that would mean that over there is a real ruin. ...... whether there is any danger or not. ......"


    He pondered.


    It was indeed important, but since Jin was going to check out the ruins, the old man had already checked it out with a beforehand and had confirmed that there was no danger at the moment.


    This was his duty as a husband and a father of two children.


    However, I did not ask for further details, as it would have been uninteresting even for Jin.


    "At least, there is no sign of any living creature, and there seems to be no moving magical tools or magical machines.


    Reiko tells them. Everyone seemed relieved to hear that.


    "Okay, let''s open it.


    "Yes, let''s open it." "Yes, let''s open it."


    The brothers Leconaus and Tonelius seem to be in agreement.


    "How to open it is ......".


    "Ah, here we go then. Reiko, take care of this.


    "Yes, Father."


    What we just found out.


    As Jin gave the order, Reiko turned the small handle on the side of the door, which seemed to be an emergency exit.


    The door slowly opens.


    "Oh!"


    "That''s just like Jin-sama, isn''t it!"


    If you know the internal structure, you can understand this kind of mechanism.


    Compared to the previous ruins, this area has both common and unique features.


    "It''s pitch black inside.


    It is pitch black because the power source has been completely depleted. Even the etheric luminescent substance (AL), which seems to have deteriorated, is not glowing.


    "<>"


    Jin threw a ball of light into the door when it was about a third open.


    "Oh, it''s brighter now."


    Knowing that there is no danger inside, he can turn on the light this way.


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    Saki, who had been silently observing her surroundings, could no longer contain her excitement.


    And it was the same with Goose, who was fidgeting so much that it was obvious that he couldn''t wait to get to the other side of the door.


    And Hannah is standing next to Reiko with a curious look in her eyes.


    On the other hand, Zion and Marikka seem to be relaxed.


    Then the door opens.


    "Come on, let''s go. But be careful.


    The leader of the group, Reconaus, said these words and was the first to step through the door.


    "Whoa."


    "......"


    "Heh,......"


    Each of them let out a short voice, expressing their admiration.


    It was no wonder, because inside the door was a large hall with various decorations.


    "From the looks of it, this hall must be an auditorium or something similar.


    The door through which you have just entered is literally an emergency exit, it seems to me.


    It''s about 20 meters square.


    It''s about five meters high. It''s a big room for a basement.


    The brothers Leconaus and Tonellius first assessed the size of the room.


    "Is that the mural ......?��It''s from the , isn''t it?"


    "Yes. Is the ceiling also painted with ...... celestial spheres?"


    Saki and Goose were intrigued by the mural.


    "......Yeah, it''s almost the same as the starry sky we saw from Ars. It must be the constellation we saw from Hale."


    Hannah advises. It seems to be quite balanced.


    "Hmm, the magic circuit (magi-circuit) here is not working. ......"


    Jin then proceeds to investigate from a magical-technical point of view.


    "There''s something unusual here, isn''t there?"


    "Mr. Zion, that''s probably some kind of terminal. Perhaps it is a light on the stage."


    Zion and Marikka look around the whole place.


    "That''s right. This is a meeting hall.


    After fifteen minutes, they came to that conclusion.


    "Well, let''s move on. Which one do you prefer, Mr. Jin?"


    There were three doors at the end of the hall. None of them seemed to be emergency exits.


    I think the right one is the best. That''s the one with the most circuits connected to it.


    There must be some important magical equipment there, Jin said.


    "Okay. I''ll do that."


    The door was unlocked, but had to be opened manually since all the power connections were down.


    Reiko, please.


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko put her hand on the door and opened it easily as if it were a shoji.


    On the other side was a passageway.


    The walls, ceiling, and floor were metal. Only the floor was embossed to prevent slipping, but the rest was matte and flat.


    "It''s not stainless steel. It''s light silver."


    The light silver used in Ars is titanium. It is probably used because it is light and resistant to corrosion.


    There were several rooms on either side of the passageway, but they were all empty.


    In the end, there was nothing left on the level where the meeting hall used to be.


    The group was in front of a staircase that led to the basement. There was also an elevator-like magi-machine, but it was not working because its power had been depleted.


    "There seems to be no particular magical activity in the basement.


    Jin''s findings came back,


    "Okay. Let''s go."


    Reconaus stepped onto the fire escape.

 1826 - - 49-15 Archives

    The fire escape was still alive and I was able to get down the stairs without any trouble because of the dim but luminous glow of the >.


    "It seems that the minimum necessary maintenance is being done."


    The air is not breathable otherwise.


    Since the old man had investigated the ventilation before the visit, Jin and the others were able to step into the depths of the ruins without any problem.


    "Watch your step!"


    Jin warns Saki and the others.


    "I''ll be fine. I''ve been out a lot lately.


    Saki, who had been an indoor person since she joined Goose, seemed to have been doing a lot of research outside.


    About 10 meters down was a landing with a door.


    "Now what are we going to do? "Well, what should we do? Should we open the door and investigate this level, or should we go further down?


    LeConaus turned around to get everyone''s opinion.


    "Well, I think we should go through the levels in order."


    "Well, I think we should go down one level at a time.


    "I agree with Jin''s opinion.


    Everyone agreed to open this door.


    Since there was no complicated lock on this door, we were able to open it immediately.


    "Well, I don''t know how many years it''s been here, but it''s amazing that it hasn''t been corroded.


    Besides, there was no dust on the floor. This is proof that the air conditioning is working properly.


    Only the lights have deteriorated and are dimmed, but it seems to be enough to be the result of superior technology.


    "The air-conditioning system is located near the surface, and it is bringing fresh air into the basement," Jin explains.


    Jin explains the structure. That''s why you can''t feel the movement of magic on this level.


    After opening the door, we see a small, spacious room of about 10 tatami mats, with a door at the end of it.


    "Is this a room like a buffer zone?"


    Guth looked at the writing next to the door,


    "Yeah, this level seems to be a living area," he said.


    He said. He was now able to decipher the <> script.


    As his research progressed, he learned that there are different kinds of characters and languages used by the <>.


    Whether this is an ethnic difference on earth, a dialect, or some other intention is still unknown.


    The letters and words used at the site are about the same as the difference between written and spoken Japanese, as an example.


    "A residential area or ......"


    LeConaus decided that there were likely to be cultural discoveries, but not technological ones.


    So,


    "Let me and my brother check this place out. Jin-dono and Zion-san, please work on the lower level.


    He suggests that they should go to the lower level.


    Since there seemed to be no danger, Jin had no objection. Nevertheless, he decided to have Craftsman (Smith)1 accompany them in case something happened.


    In other words, the brothers Reconaus and Tonelius and Smith1 explored the hierarchy of this supposed residential area.


    Jin, Hannah, Saki, Goose, Zion, Marikka, Reiko and Nurse Alpha went downstairs.


    After about 15 meters, they reached a dead end and a door. Goose read the words on the door.


    "......What is it?��<<


    This is an important equipment.


    It seems to say so.


    "This seems to be the technical hierarchy."


    "This seems to be the technical hierarchy." "If so, security might still be alive. We have to be careful.


    Yeah, you''re right.


    Jin is getting ready without Hannah''s help.


    "Reiko, what about the other side of the door?"


    "Yes, father. ...... There are no moving magical tools or machines. There seems to be no flow of mana.


    "Good."


    If there is no flow of mana at all, it means that there are no magi-machines in the standby state.


    If they don''t start moving unless we <<> them, we can say that there is little danger.


    However, with Reiko and the barrier projector in their bracelets, it would take a great deal of technology to put them in danger.


    Jin, however, remains on his guard and carefully inspects the door.


    "Hmmm... ......... it seems that without some kind of password, the security system will be activated."


    "Password, sir?"


    "Yes, that''s right. ...... should we ask Reiko to take care of this?"


    Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    Reiko put her right palm on the door and connected the information linkage (pass) by magic power.


    "...... is indeed asking for a password."


    Then, Reiko connects the pass with the old man at the same time. In this way, she can borrow Lao-kun''s information processing capability.


    Reiko, leave it to me.


    The old man begins to analyze.


    The alphabet of the Ars world consists of 26 letters and 10 numbers. There are many special characters, but we will start with 105 common ones.


    The "Mere Old Man" recombines them in less than a microsecond and checks their reactions. The response is slightly different for the corresponding characters.


    The first letter is <>. The next character is <>.......


    In about a second, the old man has finished analyzing the password.


    "Okay. The password is <."


    As soon as Reiko reported it, the door was unlocked.


    Reiko opens it gently. On the other side is a dimly lit small room.


    "This seems to be another buffer zone.


    Goose immediately begins to examine the room.


    "Oh, is this a map?"


    Hannah found what looked like a floor map marked on the wall.


    "Oh, it looks like it. "Nice, Hanna-chan."


    Saki slid over and looked at the map over Hanna''s shoulder.


    By the way, Saki is now 158cm tall and Hannah is 155cm tall.


    "Hmmm............this place looks interesting!


    Hannah pointed to the area marked <>. Hannah also seems to be able to read <>.


    "I see, that sounds like a good place to start."


    Jin agreed.


    Theon and Maricka had no objections, so they decided to follow the map to the archives.


    The corridor was still dimly lit.


    "Let''s have a look."


    Jin put his hand on a part of the corridor and used , then .


    Both are engineering magic to examine the flow of magic power.


    "...... got it. Here."


    Jin pushed in a part of the wall. Then the part is concaved into a rectangle.


    He put his hand on it and pulled it, and a part of the wall opened like a door.


    It was a maintenance door made of the same material as the wall.


    "Oh!"


    "It''s Jin-sama!"


    While his companions were impressed, Jin checked the part that looked like a switchboard.


    "Ah, here it is!


    Jin muttered to himself, and as he did something, the light illuminating the corridor increased in brightness.


    "You must have been in the nightlight mode. Now I''ve switched it to normal mode."


    Jin said, "It''s probably to save mana and to prevent the equipment from deteriorating.


    Now that it was brighter, it was easier to get around.


    "Follow the directions on the map, go straight down the hallway and turn right at the end of the hallway. ......"


    Hanna walks quickly, muttering to herself.


    "Here!"


    < was still open.


    "Is that ......?"


    She peeks in, and sees that the inside of the room has been ransacked. The shelves that seemed to contain materials were almost empty.


    "What is this ......?"


    "Oh, ......."


    Hanna and Saki, or rather all of Jin and the others, stood at the entrance, disappointed.

 1827 - - 49-16 Information recording

    "Well, let''s check inside."


    Jin said, "It would be great if we could find one or two useful documents," and started to examine them first.


    The floor was littered with pieces of something, so much so that there was no place to step. It seemed to be a broken shelf board.


    "What the hell happened here? ......"


    Zion mutters in disgust.


    "Really. Is it like this in the other rooms?"


    Goose responds to Maricka''s words. He runs out of the archive and peeks into the room on the other side,


    "Yeah, this one too ......!"


    he shouted.


    I checked the rooms on both sides of the room, which had also been vandalized to varying degrees.


    "What does this mean?"


    "......Well, the only thing I can think of is that ...... for example, they had to get rid of this place in a hurry, so they hurriedly packed up everything?"


    Guth looks as if he''s biting his tongue. No wonder. I came here with great enthusiasm, expecting to find some valuable materials, only to find them in this mess.


    "Or maybe some thieves or something came in and trashed the place.


    This may be closer to the case with this mess, Saki thinks.


    In any case, it was disappointing that none of the materials we wanted to see could be found. Everyone''s shoulders slumped.


    "Hey, girl, do you have any magic brain in here?


    Then Hannah opened her mouth.


    "It would be nice to have a magic brain or ......."


    < have a magic brain to manage them.


    However, this remains was limited to the lowest level of mana.


    So, it is highly likely that it is dormant even if it exists.


    "Hmmm...there must surely be some, given the lifestyle of the <>."


    Jin agreed with this idea.


    "Is it possible that they stopped maintaining this site ...... because there is no longer a need to maintain the facility?"


    "But the air conditioning and minimal light are still maintained, right?"


    Hannah countered with the word <.


    "It is possible that the roles are shared. Or maybe they are just maintaining the environment independently."


    Jin said, "Anyway, since we''ve come all this way, let''s look for them," to which everyone agreed, not wanting to waste time.


    "Then, this level or one more level down is probably the best place for us to look.


    "Well, that''s true. ......I''ve already searched all of this level, so maybe it''s down there?"


    "Yes, that''s right. ...... Maricka, can you check?


    "I''ll try."


    Marikka, who had heard Zion''s words, put her right hand on the floor and used her <> magic.


    "...... Oh, there seems to be a cavity."


    With that Marikka moved about 10 meters and used the sonar spell again.


    Then she moves about 3 meters and uses the sonar again.


    Jin watches silently. Marikka is doing what he was going to do.


    Even if it was a little poor, it was because it was a sign of Marikka''s growth.


    "There it is!"


    After several moves and attempts, Marikka found a large cavity downstairs.


    "There it is. I knew it. ......."


    Jin also tried using the sonar at the location. Indeed, there was a large cavity below the floor.


    "Yeah, it sure is. Marikka, you have improved your skills.


    Marikka is also Jin''s student. Jin was pleased with her progress as if it were his own.


    "Oh, thank you very much!


    Marikka blushed but was happy when Jin praised her. Theon patted her on the shoulder, saying, "Good for you, too.


    "Now then, what should we do? "Well, what do we do now, find a staircase or something to go downstairs, or make a hole in the floor?


    "Maybe there''s a maintenance staircase," says Hannah.


    Hannah said.


    "Yeah, ......."


    Now that the time had come, there was no room for hesitation. Jin contacted the old man and asked him to search for the staircase with a "peepers".


    A minute later, a report came through Reiko.


    "Father, I understand. It''s ...... here."


    Reiko led the group to the place, because she gave the actual point, not a verbal description.


    "This way."


    It was a place that seemed to be located at the opposite side of the staircase that led down to this level.


    Reiko put her hand on the wall, and the part of the wall popped out and became a lever to open and close the door.


    Reiko lightly pulled the lever.


    With a faint creaking sound, the door opened and the stairs to the bottom appeared.


    "Let''s go."


    The old man made sure that there was no danger, so Reiko led the group willingly.


    Reiko led the group down the stairs in the order of Jin, Hannah, Goose, Saki, Zion, Marikka, and Nurse Alpha.


    This is a spiral staircase, and after descending about 15 meters, you will reach the level you are aiming for.


    There was no door, and a dimly lit passageway opened up.


    "It''s just up ahead."


    The group followed Reiko who walked without hesitation.


    After walking about 20 meters through the narrow passageway, which was barely wide enough for one person, they came to a space about the size of a school classroom.


    There was only a depression on the floor about 2 meters in diameter and 10 centimeters deep. The view was aptly described as empty.


    "There''s nothing here. ......"


    Saki''s shoulders slumped in disappointment.


    "Perhaps this depression is where the magic brain used to be?


    Jin mentioned a possibility.


    "If so, does that mean it''s been removed?"


    Goose looked disappointed.


    "I wonder why it''s like this?"


    Hannah also tilted her head.


    And Zion and Marikka were silent with a slight frown on their faces.


    "Well, what should we do ......?"


    Jin thinks for a moment, but there seems to be nothing more he can do.


    "Oh, and I''ll ask < about this place!


    Marikka said.


    <> is, coincidentally enough, the magical brain that controls , the facility of the that Marikka inherited.


    If has been in operation since the distant past, it might be able to explain this situation.


    "Okay, let''s go back."


    Yes.


    "Right."


    Everyone agreed with Jin''s words.


    "It''s a pity that we lost the last part of the meeting," said Zion a little apologetically.


    Zion said a little apologetically. It''s not like a rat in a mine, but it''s hard to relax when you think you''ve made a great discovery, only to find out that it''s an abandoned ruin.


    No, this happens sometimes.


    Jin consoled Zion,


    "If we can learn more about how it happened, we may be able to understand more about the than ever before.


    Guth also expressed his opinion.


    "That''s right. In a sense, we can say that this is a new discovery.


    Hannah also said in a cheerful voice.

 1828 - - 49-17 Analysis Results

    The < did not contain any important documents.


    "They are going to be disappointed," said Zion.


    said Zion.


    "Well, that''s true. But we can''t fool them.


    "I guess we''ll just have to tell it like it is. ......


    Hannah laughed.


    So Jin and the others returned to the top and explained to the brothers Reconaus and Tonelius that they had not found ...... anything on the lower level.


    "That''s too bad. ......"


    Tonelius was disappointed, but his brother Reconaus was calm,


    "It''s a good thing if we know the background," he said.


    He was positive and did not show much disappointment.


    * * * * * * * * *


    Hannah, Saki, Goose, and Zion wanted to study the ruins some more, so they sent Craftsman (Smith) 1 and Nurse Alpha, as well as Rand 101 and 1 02 were sent to guard the site.


    Marikka went to alone. She asked the chief administrator <> about the ruins.


    Jin is curious about the results.


    "Let me know as soon as you find out something.


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    Jin and Reiko returned to Horai Island.


    * * * * * *


    What do you think, old man?


    Jin wanted to ask the old man''s opinion about the result of this investigation.


    The current performance of the old man is dozens of times higher than that of the through repeated remodeling.


    It can simulate all the possibilities in an instant.


    "<> had such feelings?


    <


    "Well, yes."


    "Hmmm, I see."


    <>


    The old man said that any further speculation is pointless because of the lack of information.


    "I guess so. Let''s wait for Marikka to contact us."


    So Jin went to his <.


    There, his beloved wife Elsa, his son Yu, and daughter Mio were waiting for him. Reiko stayed behind at the institute.


    "You''re back, sweetheart.


    "Welcome home, Otoo-chan."


    Welcome home, Otoo-chan.


    "I''m home."


    Jin hugged the twins who ran to him as soon as they entered the front door, and apologized to them.


    "I''m sorry I didn''t come here sooner after I got back," he says.


    But Erza smiled at him as if she understood.


    "Hmm, no problem. You found something terrible, didn''t you?"


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes, I did. I found it, or rather, I didn''t find it."


    "......?"


    Jin then explained to Elsa how the ruins were. ...... while dealing with the twins.


    "......Yes, it was a new type of, ruins."


    "It was. I''m a little curious."


    "And you, Marikka?"


    "Yes, she went to Onogoro Island."


    Oh, so you''re going to ask her?


    I guess so.


    I guess that''s what I mean.


    Meanwhile, Marikka was on Onogoro Island, talking to the head of the administration, <>.


    "We have to tell Jin-sama and the others about this as soon as possible!"


    After talking with Testa, Marikka rushed to the warp gate to inform Jin and Zion of this information.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    As Jin is relaxing in his ,


    The old man said.


    "Okay. Let''s go there."


    Jin replied immediately that he had gotten the information he had been waiting for, and got up to go to the laboratory.


    Elsa said she and the twins would stay at the house. She said she would explain everything to them later.


    Marikka," he said, "I''ll explain it to you later.


    "Marikka, you look like you''ve learned something new, haven''t you?"


    "Yes, yes, I did!"


    Jin, Zion and Marikka met in the control room of the institute.


    Marikka explained the information she had just heard from to Jin.


    "First of all, those ruins were a facility of the .


    The . A radical faction, even more radical than the pioneers who built the 600012.


    "The invaders had a large number of golems for battle. And although the timing is unknown, it seems that they were planning to conquer the world of Ars as soon as they were sufficiently prepared."


    "Including the descendants of their own people?"


    Jin asked.


    "Yes, Master Jin. I was curious about this point, so I checked it myself, and it seems that they were indeed a minority. It seems that they have been divided since they moved to Ars.


    The old man added, "I think that the change of environment may have brought about the change of mind. Jin is also understandable, so I will not pursue the matter further.


    "...... But I see, it was the base of the <>. ......"


    After all, <> had information.


    "And it seems that their ambition to conquer was thwarted by their own people.


    The rough terrain is probably the result of that, Marikka says.


    "I see."


    "It seems that the golem and other weapons in their possession were taken out. Some of them were used in the incident after many twists and turns, such as the and .


    is a gargoyle with wings, and <> is a golem made entirely of adamantite.


    "But <> also said that the <> had moved their base before that level was razed, that is, before the facility was attacked by the brethren."


    "And there was no information about where they went?"


    "Yes, it''s a bit hazy. <


    I''m sorry. ......


    Sorry.


    <


    "I see."


    This explains why there is little information about the <>.


    "<> or ....... The continent of Laurent?"


    "The continent of Racir...... cannot be called the northern hemisphere, so it could be the continent of Pandor."


    Theon offered a guess.


    "Yes, I think so. I''ll have to look into ...... sometime."


    "But as for the Nordic Federation, we need to get our feet on the ground first."


    The Nordic Federation is still recovering from last year''s events, when its population plummeted. No wonder Theon said so.


    And yet, their story continues.

 1829 - - 49-18 Over there and over there

    The meeting to discuss the < is still going on.


    <>


    At this point the old man asked Marikka a question.


    "Yes, please.


    <>


    They may still be lying dormant somewhere in the world, and you may not be able to unearth them and move them without knowing it, the old man said.


    "I''m sorry to say that < didn''t know that either."


    <>


    and the like cannot be stopped except perhaps by the forces of Horai Island. It would be too dangerous if they were to go out of control.


    But what we don''t know is what we can do. The old man decided to instruct the fifth column (quintas) scattered all over the area to keep this point in mind as well.


    "There was one more detail that you should not miss.


    Marikka began to explain further.


    "It seems that there is someone who was in charge of those ruins.


    Jin could not hide his surprise.


    "What?��I didn''t see anyone. You checked with your peepers, didn''t you?


    <


    But there seemed to be a good reason for this as well.


    "So, it seems that this person is < to you.


    According to <, it is highly likely that the mysterious administrator lives outside and comes by from time to time to check on things.


    The cycle is unknown...is it every other day, every other year, every 10 years, etc. .......


    Certainly, too, the interior ...... especially the first level was clean. It may be because of the occasional maintenance. The tunnels that had been trashed were probably considered obsolete and no longer subjected to maintenance.


    Wait a minute.��If that is the case, it might be dangerous to continue exploring those ruins, right?


    The old man agreed with Jin.


    "Right!"


    Jin stood up and called out to Reiko. The priority now was to protect the safety of Hannah and the others, even if it meant canceling the meeting.


    "Reiko, let''s go get Hannah and the others!"


    "Yes, Father."


    And to the old man.


    The old man, get Conlon 3 on the transporter and send him back to the Nordic Federation. We''re running out of time.


    <


    "All right, let''s go."


    Jin then said a few words to Erza, and they boarded the Conlon 3 and flew to the Nord Federation. Of course, Zion and Marikka were with him.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Then, Jin joined Hanna, Saki, Goose and others in the Nord Federation and explained the situation.


    "...... I knew it was the remains of the invasion group."


    "Oh, yes. I''m so relieved that we made it in time."


    It was not possible for the administrator to come back and attack Hanna and the others when Jin was not ...... around in time.


    Now they were all outside the ruins listening to the report from Jin.


    "Hmmm, I see. If that''s the case, it might be dangerous to stay here any longer.


    "I guess so..."


    "Well, I guess I''m satisfied for the most part."


    Both Hannah and Goose seemed satisfied with their visit.


    "Well, let''s go home," Jin said.


    Jin said, "Well, let''s go home," and there was no opposition.


    "Yes.


    So Jin returned to Horai Island with Hannah, Saki, Goose, Craftsman (Smith)1, Nurse Alpha, and Lando''s group.


    The Reconaus-Tonelius brothers were briefed by Zion and Maricka. < seems to have been well concealed.


    The two of them also said,


    "Well, from what Jin-sama told us, it seems dangerous to stay with them, so we''re going to leave too.


    They obeyed him.


    Marikka, however, has decided to have a golem sent from <> to watch over them.


    The only reason why she is going all the way from Onogoro Island is because she has decided that if the administrator of this place comes back, it would be best to deal with him using <> technology as much as possible.


    Maricka only told this to Zion, but did not tell the brothers Reconaus and Tonellius. Of course, I will explain this to Jin later.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The ruins were abandoned.


    However, because it is too good to let it fade away, a control automaton makes a << patrol>> once every 10 years.


    Yes, <>.


    There are three abandoned ruins in total, one of which was recently discovered in the , but the other two have yet to be discovered by anyone.


    One of the two was located in the former Kingdom of Leonard.


    One of the two was in the former Leonard Kingdom, on the coastline at its northern end.


    The remains were still alive. Or rather, usable weapons remained.


    What remained was what Jin would have called a .


    However, it was not a human passenger, but a golem with a control core.


    Because it was man-made, it could not be indestructible and required periodic maintenance.


    And this is carried out by the automata (automata) I mentioned earlier.


    Of course, there is more than one automata. Of course, there is not only one automaton, because then there would be no one to maintain them.


    Therefore, there are ten automata. And every one of them has the power to protect itself.


    They make their rounds once every ten years.


    Jin came to this world eight years ago.


    They and Jin do not know each other yet.


    1: <>


    2.


    1:��Are you all feeling all right?


    I gave it a thorough overhaul 20 years ago.


    1:��No doubt about it.�� 2: ��Well...��


    2.


    1: ��um...��


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    In the Kingdom of Klein, the reorganization of the leading figures had begun.


    The current king, Alois III, has announced that he will abdicate the throne in three years and hand it over to the second prince, Arthur.


    Alois III, Alois Lux Klein, was 58 years old, an age at which he could have retired.


    The first prince, Edmond, was to be given a dukedom and made a general, the commander-in-chief of the army.


    The capital city of Alban was bustling with activity in many ways as it was reorganized and the old was being abandoned in favor of the new.


    Merchants were also planning to take advantage of this opportunity to make as much profit as possible.


    "Well, things are busy, aren''t they?


    "I envy you because of your connections to the upper echelons of society.


    "No, no, I don''t know how I''m going to do it with this reorganization. ......


    What has worked for you in the past may not always work for you in the future. And vice versa.


    Merchants with a keen sense of profit are trying to identify the nobles who are likely to be promoted in the future and to establish a friendship with them while they still can.


    "......, there are more new faces..."


    "Yes, Mr. Chairman of the Board of Trade.


    "But the basis of business is . We must not get burned by trying to make a profit at every opportunity.


    The Raglan Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest merchant associations in Alban 1, was also discussing its future plans.


    Then..,


    "Mr. Eric has returned.


    The meeting was interrupted by the news that "Mr. Eric has returned.


    It was not because of the return of his blood relatives, but because they wanted to know the information about the as soon as possible.

 1830 - - 49-19 In the Kingdom of Klein

    "So, what kind of < are popular in the village of Kaina?


    Eric is surprised when his father Roland asks impatiently.


    "What kind of crazy things ...... father?"


    Eric is a little taken aback by his father''s tone.


    "Well, well, anyway, King''s Landing is in a state of flux right now. If there''s any money to be made, everyone wants to jump on it. You know that, don''t you?"


    "Yes, of course. I''m a merchant myself.


    Roland nodded, satisfied with his answer.


    "So ......, what did you come back for today?"


    Roland, who had calmed down a bit, resumed.


    "Oh, yeah. Oh, um, to tell you that Barbara has a baby.


    Eric said, a little embarrassed.


    "Oh!��I hope it''s a boy this time!"


    "You''re being a bit fast, Dad."


    Barbara had given birth to their first child, Linda, in March 3461.


    And now the news of her pregnancy.


    Congratulations, Mr. Vice President.


    "Congratulations, Mr. Vice President."


    "Thank you."


    Roland receives the congratulations with a smile. But then again, he is a merchant. When the excitement subsided, he told his son again about the business opportunity.


    "At ......?"


    Eric smiles at his father and gives him a piece of information.


    "Not in the village of Kaina, but in the neighboring village of Toka, they are working on a blue dye.


    Eric took out a blue-dyed cloth as a sample and showed it to the participants. He had prepared it.


    "Oh, it''s a beautiful blue color," he said.


    "I dyed it in Toka village."


    "Oh?��Tell me more about it.


    This blue dye comes from the fruit of the <> tree, which was discovered by Saki a few years ago and put to practical use by Toa and Stellina.


    Specifically, the color fades when left as it is, so Stearina has used her new engineering magic <> to stop the color from fading.


    The cultivation of ice-gos has been encouraged by Lycia, and in recent years, the industry has taken off.


    Therefore, it is a good thing that the Raglan Chamber of Commerce has taken notice of this, and it is also a good thing for Toka village.


    "Good, it would be great if we could dye cloth with this new dye and make it fashionable in the capital.


    Roland thought that if new ministers and officials were appointed, the new clothes would sell well. In that case, if this color would be fashionable .......


    Staring at the deep blue cloth, Roland wondered what the procedure would be.


    * * * *


    "We''ve saved up a lot of money, haven''t we?


    In the village of Toka, the lord Licia took the initiative in stabilizing the cloth dyed with icego nuts.


    The dyed cotton cloths are already piled up.


    Cotton cloth brought from Mitsuho is dyed here.


    The color is deep blue. Hitoshi described it as .


    The only way to achieve such a deep blue color is to use magic dyes, which are quite expensive and not available to the common people.


    Therefore, <> was regarded as a <> along with <> and <>.


    Just to be clear, it is not <> but <>. It does not mean that the common people were disrespectful for owning it, but simply that it was expensive.


    Such blue cloth was mass-produced in Toka village.


    The blue cloth was produced in large quantities in the village of Toka.


    One day in early summer, three wagons visited Toka village.


    They were the wagons of the Raglan Trading Company, who came to purchase the specialty of Toka Village, the .


    After unloading the white ...... cotton cloth, the wagons are loaded with the products.


    "Well, my lord, it was a good deal.


    "Thank you."


    The Raglan Chamber of Commerce purchased large quantities of white cotton cloth through its own channels, and then wholesaled it to the village of Toka in exchange for the blue cloth.


    In this way, Toka Village was able to obtain white cotton cloth at half the price of what they had purchased themselves, and the Raglan Trading Company had an exclusive contract for the purchase of blue cloth for the time being.


    Moreover, since the cargo was cotton cloth both on the way to and from the port, the transportation was very efficient.


    Thus, clothes made of this blue cloth became very popular in Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, and the blue color was named .


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    The Kingdom of Klein was full of such glamorous topics, but .......


    The underworld was also alive with activity.


    "Tonight is the Merdus Chamber of Commerce. They''re out of the country in force right now, trading."


    "Good."


    The bandits are on the run.


    They target medium-sized merchant ...... establishments that have amassed a decent amount of cash and are less ...... guarded under the watchful eye of the Royal Guard.


    In the past week, three houses have already been hit.


    And tonight is the fourth.


    "Well, this is a serious problem."


    Pascoe Rush, the third son of Baron Rush, has a grim look on his face.


    He is currently the commander of the 2nd Royal Guard.


    "It would be a shame for us if the residents cannot live in peace. Patrol with determination!


    Yes!


    The Royal City Guard is divided into four units, working day and night in half-day shifts to provide security around the clock.


    Tonight, Pascoe Rush''s second unit was in charge of night patrols.


    There are 19 members in the second unit, not including Pascoe. There were originally 20, but one of them was on leave due to illness.


    The time was 6:00 p.m.. After handing over from the unit leader who had been in charge during the day, he gives the order.


    Then, patrol your posts!


    The patrol is conducted in groups of three, or three-man cells.


    Pascoe, the captain, patrols the town as needed. Usually he is accompanied by two men, but tonight he is alone.


    He is accompanied by his second-in-command, Lelamie Northland. She is a petite woman with light brown hair pulled back in a short ponytail and lovely brown eyes.


    "Captain, the bandits, why can''t they find their way back to us?"


    "Well. If we knew that, we could do something about it.


    Pascoe replied, looking down.


    L��lamie Northland is 145 centimeters tall. Pascoe is 172 centimeters tall, a difference of almost 30 centimeters.


    Therefore, L��lamie would walk a little faster than Pascoe.


    "......Oh, bad."


    Pascoe noticed this and slowed down a little.


    "I''m sorry, captain."


    Walking side by side like this, they look like father and son, but Lelamie Northland is 20 years old this year and a grown-up. He is also the best healer in the group.


    It is not yet 7:00 p.m., and the early summer sky is not yet completely dark, but the eaves of the stores are lit and many people are walking by.


    "We should have more nightlights in the city."


    Pascoe thought to himself.


    "Yes, I agree. I think that the awareness that <> will curb crime."


    L��lamie agreed with him.


    However, even magic lamps are not free.


    The lights that are on the street now will be turned off by 9:00 p.m.


    Only a big business or a wealthy family would be able to keep their lamps on all night just to light up their store fronts.


    Thieves would take advantage of such darkness to steal.


    "We can''t afford to be tense right now. Shall we go somewhere for a quick meal?


    Yes, sir.


    Pascoe and L��lamie went into the dining room, where the crowd was beginning to thin out.

 1831 - - 49-20 The Robbery

    Pascoe Rush and Lelamie Northland were eating while listening.


    In places like this, it is useful to hear the real voices of ordinary people. ...... if the listener is willing to listen.


    And they were willing to do so.


    "...... Das Trading Company seems to be doing well."


    "Yeah, I heard that too. They said they need some help, so I''ll go and see if they can hire some people tomorrow.


    "Oh, that''s no good. Most of the people there have been out since yesterday, buying and stuff. I guess I''ll have to wait until the day after tomorrow.


    "Oh, really?"


    Pascoe was pleased to find out that he had gotten more useful information than he had expected, even though he had chosen the restaurant at random. Besides, the taste of the was not bad.


    "Thank you very much!


    After paying the bill and leaving the diner, the two whisper to each other.


    "So, the Merdus Trading Company is the same as the Merdus Trading Company, right?"


    "Yes, I think so."


    "......Hmm, if it is known to the general public that the employees are out, it is possible that the bandits know about it too?"


    "Yes."


    Of course, there is no proof that the bandits will attack there. And it is even less likely that they will do so tonight.


    Still, Pascoe thought, if the possibility was not zero, it would not be a waste of time to be vigilant.


    "Shall we focus on the area around the Merdus Trading Company tonight?


    "Yes!"


    The night was deepening and it was almost midnight when the sun was about to change.


    All the lights in the storefronts are extinguished and only a few night-lights remain, and darkness reigns.


    The moon in the night sky is almost in the south. Its light casts a small shadow on the ground.


    "...... has the date changed, too?"


    "Yes, it has."


    Pascoe and L��lamy were walking along West Middle Street, where the Merdus Trading Company is located.


    "I hope nothing happens tonight."


    "Tonight, too, right?"


    "Yeah, right.��Yes, that''s right."


    They were whispering as they walked, but Pascoe stopped and listened carefully.


    "Captain?"


    "......, I hear a noise."


    At these words, L��lamie also stopped to catch his breath and listen carefully.


    Indeed, footsteps could be heard coming from somewhere. They are coming from above.


    "They seem to be coming through the roof!


    Pascoe whispered. L��lamie hears this and looks up.


    Because of the low rainfall, the roofs of the houses in this area are sloped. This is because it is easier for construction and maintenance.


    At the same time, however, it also had the disadvantage of making it easier to walk along the roof.


    "Let''s see how it goes for now.


    Pascoe and the others hide in the shadows where they can see the back of the Merdus Trading Company.


    As they gazed at the roof through the night sky moon, two large shadows and one shadow half that size appeared on the roof of the Merdus Trading Company for a moment, then quickly withdrew.


    "...... are you here?"


    "Yes, ho, ho, really!��What do you want me to do, Captain?


    Pascoe is a little nervous and L��lamie is very nervous, not expecting his prediction to come true.


    "Don''t panic, calm down."


    Pascoe wished he had called for reinforcements, but it was too late.


    The two of them had to make do on their own.


    "It''s a bad idea to try to capture them all. Let''s try to catch one first. And if that''s not possible, follow him and find his base.


    Yes, sir.


    To be clear, L��lamie is the second-in-command because of his healing magic and clerical skills. Therefore, he is not suited for rough work at all.


    Pascoe is well aware of this, and he knows that he has to act with a reasonable attitude ......, but there are always some risks involved.


    He knew this when he joined the Royal Guard, but as a captain and as a man, Pascoe did not want to put L��lamie in danger.


    But more than that, he had to fulfill his duty as a member of the Royal Guard. These conflicts plagued Pascoe, but in the end his sense of duty won out.


    He was determined to let L��lamie go in case of danger and to deal with the situation on his own.


    After about 20 minutes of waiting and watching, three shadows, two large and one small, appeared on the roof and hung off in the direction from which they came.


    "Okay, let''s go after them."


    "Okay, let''s follow them." "Yes."


    Pascoe and L��lamie followed the shadows on the roof.


    But the roof is different from the road.


    The roof allows for diagonal shortcuts, even if they have to go all the way around, so in less than two minutes Pascoe and the others lose sight of the shadow on the roof.


    This was partly due to the fact that they could not use their lighted magic tools in order to avoid being noticed.


    "...... d*mn ......"


    Pascoe is disappointed. L��lamy is also dour. He is worried about his slow pace.


    "I''m sorry, captain. It''s because I''m slow. ......"


    "No, don''t worry about it. Even if there were more of us, we wouldn''t have been able to keep up."


    Pascoe''s eyes were fixed on the rooftop where the bandits had disappeared, even as he consoled L��lamie.


    * * * * * *


    (These are the bandits who are now disturbing the royal city, aren''t they? ......)


    Meanwhile, besides Pascoe and L��lamy, there were others who were chasing the bandits.


    (Are they two and ......1 body?)


    The fifth column (Quinta), a male Regulus 2, a.k.a. Reiver, is stationed in Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein.


    < and moves through the air by <> so that it cannot be noticed.


    (Although it is a few steps ...... inferior to the master''s, it is the key, isn''t it?)


    The rider is staring at a shadow about half the size of an adult male.


    (A small golem? (A small golem......... It would certainly be easy to sneak into that one, wouldn''t it?)


    A golem about 80 centimeters tall, with the physique of a child. It seems to be the bandits'' trump card.


    It can easily pass through gaps that adults cannot pass through, and if its strength is twice that of an adult ......, it is quite reassuring.


    (Seeing it running on the roof with little noise, it seems to have good mobility. They also seem to be light in weight).


    Regulus 2 and Leiber observed and analyzed them carefully.


    The two and one arrived at the outskirts of town. The time is 1:00 am.


    The bandits were looking up at the sky as if waiting for something. And there it was.


    ��A black hot air balloon (......?)


    A jet-black hot-air balloon that seems to have come to pick them up.


    (I guess you can''t find it unless you know it and look up at the night sky. In that sense, they were lucky ...... or unlucky, I guess.)


    In the first place, only bandits or guards would be outside in the middle of the night, since guards would normally keep an eye on the ground.


    In this case, the bandits had Pascoe and L��lamy in their sights without knowing it, but not Leiber.


    The two men and one of them boarded a hot air balloon that was slowly descending.


    Only one man was in the hot air balloon. The man asked them.


    "Good job. How did it go?"


    "Of course, I''m sure."


    One of the passengers held up a bag that appeared to contain gold coins and showed it to them.


    "Well, it must be no less than 50 gold coins," he said.


    They were not after precious metals that could be easily traced, but only money.


    "Well, that''s about right. Okay, let''s go home."


    The black hot air balloon glides through the night sky, slowly at first, then faster and faster.


    The fifth-row driver followed them, unnoticed.

 1832 - - 49-21 Settlement in the Kingdom of Klein

    After receiving the report from the fifth column (quintile) driver, the old man was pondering.


    <>.


    Ryber had even tracked down the bandit''s hideout.


    <


    The small golem used by the bandits. The old man guessed that it was probably lent to him by the remnants of the Unified Party.


    The old man thought about the best way to deal with the situation.


    * * * * * *


    "What?��Say that again.


    "Yes, Captain Rush. ...... I have just received a letter under the name of <> stating that the hideout of the bandits is located in the forest between >.


    Sipu is a village on the road that runs southwest from the capital Alban to the Kingdom of Selroa. The distance from Alban is about 18 km.


    On the way, there is a forest, which is unusual for a place near a capital city.


    There is a woodcutter''s hut to the west of the forest, which is said to be his hideout. He said he could tell because of the black hot air balloon nearby."


    Pascoe Rush smiled a little sadly at the report of his second-in-command, Lellamy Northland.


    "...... Well, ...... thanks, but I''m a little disappointed."


    We wanted to finish this ourselves," Pascoe said.


    "Yeah, me too. But..."


    "Yes, but the peace and quiet of the residents must take precedence."


    Yes!


    After this conversation, Pascoe Rush called his men together.


    "All of you, we are now heading for Sipu. Our goal is to capture the bandits who are causing trouble in King''s Landing. It will be tough on those who have been on the night shift, but I expect you to do your best for the people.


    Thus, twenty men, including Pascoe, departed from the capital.


    They were ordered to wear leather rather than metal armor and to make as little noise as possible, so as to be as inconspicuous as possible.


    The distance to Sipu is about 18 kilometers, and we have to travel about 9 kilometers between the two points.


    After reaching the halfway point in less than three hours, Pascoe and his men first sent out scouts.


    Two small, quick men head west into the forest.


    If they looked carefully, they could see that some of them were on foot.


    We searched for 30 minutes in the forest.


    ��Hey, isn''t this it?)


    ��Yes, I''m sure.)


    The two of them have a short conversation, using a speech technique in which they do not shake their vocal cords, but speak only with their breaths.


    There is an empty meadow in the forest, where a small woodcutter''s hut stands. They look closely and see what appears to be a black hot air balloon behind the hut, and they are certain that it is the one they are looking for.


    They hurry back, but with caution.


    The return trip took 15 minutes, compared to the time it took them to find it.


    "Thanks, guys. "Okay, when we get to the meadow, we''ll deploy to surround them and push them all the way in.


    After explaining the plan, Pascoe led the two scouts into the forest.


    A total of 20 men quietly follow the footsteps of the scouts as they walk back.


    It was fortunate that there were no large animals in the forest, since it was close to an urban area.


    There were only small animals resembling small birds and squirrels. Pascoe thought as he walked through the forest that this would have been a good place to set up a hideout.


    It took about 20 minutes of careful walking so as not to be detected, but the 20 men reached a clearing in the forest.


    When Pascoe gave the signal, his men scattered around the clearing as they had previously planned.


    ��All right, let''s go!)


    When he seemed to have finished the deployment, Pascoe gave the order by raising his right hand once and waving it down in front of him.


    (......!!!)


    (!!!) The assault began without a word.


    Two of them secure the black hot air balloons and cut off the retreat.


    The remaining 17, including Pascoe, close in on the hut. L��lamy is the only one who does not participate in the assault and stays in the rear.


    He does not raise his voice, but he does not make any effort to muffle the sound of footsteps and signs of life. The sound of stepping on grass and breaking twigs is enough to be detected.


    Four men come out of the woodcutter''s hut. Two use swords and two use spears. They are quite good with swords, but they are bandit warriors after all.


    But there was a golem.


    Though only 80 centimeters tall, it is stronger than an adult. Not to mention faster.


    "Whoa!


    Ow!"


    It is hard to defend against attacks from a low position, and it is hard for us to attack from a low position.


    Three of them were crouched down with their legs hit.


    However, the 18 to 4 ratio could not be overcome, and Pascoe''s team managed to capture four bandits, although five were wounded.


    The small golem was also heavily damaged by the concentrated attack, but was able to be neutralized.


    "...... managed to do something about it."


    Pascoe said, breathing hard.


    "Good work, guys. How many people are injured?


    "Five seriously wounded, three slightly wounded ......, no, four."


    The soldier who had reported the incident corrected his story when he saw that Pascoe had also been wounded.


    "Is L��lamie Northland safe?"


    L��lamie, the second-in-command and healer, was in the rear and was unharmed.


    "Yes, captain!"


    "Good, you take care of the seriously wounded first."


    Yes, sir!


    L��lamie Northland is able to use healing magic up to intermediate surgical level. It can heal major cuts, severe bruises, and broken bones.


    <>"


    "...... thank you, vice captain!"


    "<>"


    "Lieutenant, I feel better!"


    Since the severely wounded had only simple fractures (closed fractures) and wounds (cuts), they could be healed with <> without any problem.


    L��lamy also healed minor injuries with the extra strength.


    "<>"


    "Thank you, Captain."


    Pascoe also thanked him for healing his wounds.


    "No, this is what I''m here for."


    L��lamie replied, a little embarrassed.


    "Well."


    Pascoe looked at the bandit who was tied up. None of them seem to have any injuries that need immediate attention.


    He orders two scouts to search the hut. You do not want to be in case there are any bandit friends lurking about.


    They come back in about two minutes, since it is a small hut.


    "Captain, I have a report. There is no one inside. We found two boxes of gold coins, two swords and two spears. We think the swords and spears may be spare weapons.


    "We also found four black clothes, which we guessed were their work clothes. And some food and water. Four blankets. Nothing else.


    "I see."


    Pascoe nodded and checked inside the hut himself. It is a small hut, nothing overlooked. He checked the floor for hidden doors, but found none.


    "All right, let''s split up and bring it back."


    "Okay, let''s split up and bring it back." "Ha!"


    Thus, the bandits who had been raiding Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, were vanquished.


    But...


    "...... Hmmm, I wonder if it is possible to analyze it if it is so broken that it is no longer in its original state."


    When we reported the incident, we also handed over the wrecked small golem to our boss, who looked at it and said regretfully, "I''m sorry, sir.


    "I''m sorry, sir."


    "No, it''s all right. It was a big deal, Rush.


    "Thank you, sir. I owe it all to the work of my men.


    Pascoe Rush has grown up to be a good captain.

 1833 - - 49-22 Mysterious 10 people

    In Horai Island, the old man was submitting the results of the analysis to Jin.


    "Which one is it? ......"


    Even though it was destroyed, there are still many things we can learn. And if we include how it works, it would be quite informative for Jin.


    "Yes, I am sure. ...... would be the metal of the skeleton and the muscle material."


    >


    What could be derived from this fact was the possibility that he had obtained information about the materials used by <>, or that he had found the stock of the materials themselves.


    "It could be either."


    <> that we don''t know about.


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin nodded at the old man''s words. He recalled the ruins of the that he and Zion and others had surveyed the other day.


    "If so, are they from the old Leonard Kingdom or something like that?"


    <>


    That''s what happened.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    On the other hand, there was a conversation that took place somewhere, unknown to the people.


    3: <<<4>>You''ve been doing well so far, haven''t you?


    4. <<3>, are the others doing well?


    3: "I think they will be. There''s no reason why they wouldn''t be.


    4:��Yes, they are.


    This is the last time we''re in charge, right?


    9. Everything''s been uneventful so far, <<10>>.


    6.


    5. The next round will be in 10 years, <<6>>.


    What do you think?


    1. There are signs that someone has trespassed here, <<2>>.


    2:<>.


    That''s a strong possibility.


    2.��Should we call them all?


    1: No, I''ve checked and nothing has been damaged. Besides, this is an abandoned base.


    2.


    We''ll see how it goes.


    2:��All right.��


    1:��Wait and see��2����Wait and see��2����Wait and see


    2: <<1>>. <3><4><<5>><6><9><10>> and the others have done their job without incident, and returned home without incident.


    1: <>, where are <<7>> and <<8>>?


    2: "Yes, well, they reported that one of the bases they''re in charge of has been ransacked.


    1: <


    2:��I don''t know yet. It could be another faction.


    1:��When will you know for sure?


    2.


    1: All right, let''s wait.


    1:��Well, let''s wait and see��.


    This is an anomaly.


    I fully agree with you, <<8>>.


    8: <>.


    4.


    4: <


    6: "What base is that?


    9: "Who the hell is that?


    3: "Are they natives?��Or are they from another faction?


    1: ��Wait. It''ll be hard for <7> and <8> to answer if they''re all talking to each other.


    5:��Agreed. I''ll let <1> do the talking.


    1: ��Reinforcement. <<7>> and <<8>>, where are you guys now?


    7: Near Mount Funicis, in a mountain range the natives call the Kruger Mountains.


    I see.


    Yes, that''s right.


    What''s the situation?


    7:��Some of our maintenance materials are missing. And some of the structural data for maintenance.


    Are they natives?


    8. The other factions wouldn''t do anything halfway.


    1:��Yes,�� 7.


    7:��Well then, what do we do?��Retaliate?


    8:��By the way, considering the stock of materials, a loss of this magnitude is no problem at all.��


    But it''s not a good idea to just leave the goods stolen, either.


    7:��I don''t know if it won''t come back again.��


    8:��Well then, what are you going to do? <<1.


    1: <>get ready!


    2: <>, how many do you want to activate?


    1: "Three will do.


    2: "Okay.


    * * * * *


    Somewhere, in a place unknown to the people, three Golems begin to move.


    Naturally, people don''t know about it.


    But...


    >


    There was a being who knew about it.


    It is an old man of Horai Island.


    >


    The report came from the fifth column (Quinta). The one who reported to us is Regulus 19, aka Sean.


    The old man instructed the three to follow them and report back to him so that they would not be detected.


    At the same time, he also used his < to investigate the surroundings, and discovered that there were about 100 golems sleeping underground in the hills near Lake Aoba.


    . ...... I shall inform the Master (My Lord) of it.


    And the old man reported to Jin.

 1834 - - 49-23 Mono, Gee, Tet

    On the morning of May 16th, the old man told Jin that three mysterious golems had been activated near Lake Aoba in Newell.


    "Newell, or ...... I remember that place was where the investigation ended halfway through."


    He had returned halfway through the survey because it was too exclusive, most of the towns were dying, and he was running out of time.


    Jin was convinced that it was not surprising that there were such << ruins> in the northern part of the Laurentian continent.


    "And this golem is?


    <


    "What?


    Jin could not believe his ears. <


    "Old man, you mean he is running on the ground?


    <


    "I see. ......"


    If you have ever ridden a motorcycle on the highway, you will realize the risks of riding at high speeds.


    Even at speeds of about 100 km/h, it is quite painful to be hit by a flying kanabu.


    Also, you may have been surprised at the magnitude of the impact when you kicked a styrofoam box that rolled out onto the road as a joke, even in town.


    The faster the relative velocity is, the greater the impact of the collision.


    In other words, Jin was astonished by the fact that he was running at high speed on the ground where there were many obstacles.


    "Why aren''t they flying?"


    In fact, Regulus 19, a.k.a. Sean, of the fifth row (Quinta), is invisible, while flying through the air with his <> to track the three. He is tracking the three.


    <


    The old man''s opinion. Indeed, Jin also thought that this was the only reason.


    "But still, it must be very sturdy. ......"


    If the car hits the ground at 300 km/h, even a grain of sand, let alone a pebble, would be expected to cause considerable damage.


    If it is running on the ground in spite of that, it must have a very sturdy body, or it must have wards on it.


    The old man said as he looked at the magnified image from the observation satellite .


    <


    "...... is not to be underestimated."


    Jin stared at the image. The clouds were in the way, so he could not make out the details of its appearance, but he could see its movements.


    Although it has a sturdy body, it skillfully avoids large obstacles such as rocks and standing trees. Jin judged that its reaction speed and agility were both considerable.


    "But where are they going?"


    The old man agreed.


    * * * * * *


    The three golems are aiming at a certain .


    It is a magical wave emitted by the material.


    The stolen material for is a demon-type material that used to live in , and it generates weak but special magic waves.


    The < who detected these magic waves dispatched three golems to the site.


    Do you know how much longer we have?


    Mm-hmm. At this rate, six hours, give or take.


    That''s what you''re looking for, isn''t it?��Mono.


    That''s right.


    The three golems exchanged information in a language too fast for humans to understand.


    Mono, what do you have on the ground?��Mono, any news on the ground?


    No. The natives are building settlements ......, towns, I''ve heard.


    So it wasn''t the natives who stole it?


    That''s a possibility, Tet.


    Hmm. So if they''re natives, they can''t be targeted?


    Gee, you''re right. Our only enemies are the other factions. Not the natives.


    Mono, what if they turn against us?


    I don''t think the natives could do anything to endanger us. ...... Then you can fight back, Jee.


    All right.


    The three golems were engaged in a conversation along these lines.


    Because of the high speed language, the frequencies were in the ultrasonic range, but Regulus 19 and Sean, who were tracking them, were able to hear most of it.


    Unfortunately, they missed about 10% of the conversation due to the distance between them, but they were able to understand the content of the conversation well enough.


    Sean was able to understand the conversation well enough.


    <


    However, as a Hailese, they don''t seem to like to kill indiscriminately, the old man thought.


    If so, the old man thought, there is an unexpected connection.


    <>.


    Not to say that he could conquer poison with poison, the old man thought that he could use the three mysterious golems to root out the bandit gang.


    <>


    * * *


    The three golems kept running toward the east, then suddenly turned around and headed south.


    They passed through the border area between the kingdoms of Klein and Franz, and then entered the kingdom of Egelea. He then followed an unnoticed route to the Kingdom of Elias.


    The average speed is 200 kilometers per hour. They traveled 2,000 kilometers in 10 hours.


    Of course, Regulus 19 and Sean have been watching them closely the whole time.


    Around here?��Mono.


    Mono. Gee, don''t you think we should be able to detect it by now?


    Uh, yeah, sure. We''re getting close.


    They were in the province of Toves, in the southern part of the Kingdom of Elias. They were near the Dosa Mine.


    Do you see that flat-topped mountain over there?


    Mm-hmm.


    Looks like they''re going for something on that mountain somewhere.


    Gee said we won''t know the exact position until we get a little closer.


    Okay, here we go.


    Mm-hmm.


    The three of them are on the move again. In about 30 minutes, they were in the province of Xaus, standing on the summit of what the locals call Mount Flathead.


    From here, it''s only a short distance to the right spot, right?


    Mm-hmm. I''ve been surveying the area. It''s deep in the mines, Mono.


    Okay. Tet, go and survey the mine.


    I''ll do it.


    Each of the three has slightly different characteristics and thus different roles, and the one called Tet is said to be more stealthy.


    This information was also sent to the old man through Regulus 19 and Sean.


    < deployed a cloaking ward equivalent to the one called on Horai Island, and quietly approached the target point.


    Therefore, even Regulus 19 could not detect the details of the situation.


    However, he did say, "30 meters to the destination,


    30 meters to destination!


    This is Mono, copy. Proceed with caution.


    Tet, copy.


    We''ve only been able to intercept these conversations.

 1835 - - 49-24 Unwanted Conflict

    The location was the material dump of the Unification Party (Unifiler), which is related to the recently arrested bandit.


    It was a warehouse converted from the depths of an abandoned mine.


    The abandoned mine is convenient.


    Since the mine was no longer of use, it would not be looked at, and thus, unexpectedly, would not be the target of an investigation, or would be put off until later, giving us time to prepare whether to escape or hide.


    In addition, since some ore can be obtained, it is very convenient for some purposes, as mentioned above.


    Of course, it takes time and effort to reinforce and disguise the entrances and exits to prevent cave-ins from occurring.


    And it was such a warehouse that the three golems were aiming for.


    This way. No humans in sight.


    This is Mono. Still, proceed with caution.


    I know.


    And so Tet takes more careful steps.


    But it was not worth the effort. ....... There was no one ahead of him.


    This is <>. We have arrived at our destination. There is no one. No traps, no nothing. Just some materials.


    Copy that. I''m going over there now with Zee.


    When they hear that there is no problem, and head for the place where the materials are kept, and the three of them join up with the others.


    I see...nobody''s here. It''s good to know that there''s no trouble.


    But not too many, are there?


    Perhaps some of it has been spent.


    That makes sense.


    They don''t need to recover the rest.


    They are here to retrieve the stolen items because they cannot allow them to remain stolen, not because they are concerned about retrieving all of them.


    Then let''s get them out of here.


    Mm-hmm.


    So, we decided to take out the metal ingots and the materials for <>.


    The ingots are worth about 300 kilograms, and we are to carry 150 kilograms each for the mono and gi.


    <, which was placed in a special bag there.


    The structural data for maintenance were not found and were of little importance to them, so they were ignored.


    The three returned with their belongings.


    However, the tragedy began when they let their guard down because they were returning.


    * * * * *


    The Dosa Mine, located in the Toves Province in the southern part of the Kingdom of Elias, is one of the few excellent mines in the Kingdom of Elias.


    There are few mines in the peninsular kingdom of Elias, but here, metal resources such as gold, silver, copper, and iron can be mined in abundance.


    There are always guards patrolling the mines to watch out for thieves, but one of the guards found the three golems in question.


    "Hey, look at that!


    "Hey, look at that." "Hmm?��...... golem?��Is that some ...... ingot? They''re bringing ...... out."


    Where does it belong?


    "Idiot, where, in the world, was there ever a golem shaped like that in our ...... country, or in this world?"


    "Indeed. It has no head and four arms. ......Where in the world did they make something like that?


    They were right, the three had four arms and no head.


    "Let''s be careful here and send in the golem.


    This decision by the guard saved their lives.


    "Golem 23, go! Stop them.


    I understand.


    There are golems in the Kingdom of Elias. Most of them were purchased from the kingdoms of Egelea and Selroa. .......


    Golem 23 stood in front of three deformed golems.


    "Omatchikudasai!"


    "Omatchikudasai?��What do you want?


    They were confronted by Zee.


    Excuse me.


    I said, what do you want?


    Tet, you must speak slowly or this golem will not hear you.


    I see. A primitive golem. ...... okay, I''ll ask again." What do you want?


    "What do you want?"


    This was a complete misunderstanding.


    "No, I don''t want to."


    "I''ll take care of it."


    "I said no."


    "This is a great idea. I''m sorry, I''m sorry.


    "No matter how many times you say no, the answer is the same. I''ll say no."


    "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no."


    You''re a bunch of natives, like a golem.


    The last words were in the original, fast language.


    A metallic clang echoed through the dosa mine.


    "Oh!"


    "U...... are you kidding me?"


    The guards'' stunned voices.


    And so it should have been. Golem 23, the security golem they had sent out, was quickly turned into scrap metal.


    It was the golem known as who did it.


    He left the two arms that were carrying the ingot intact, and struck Golem 23 from above with the other two arms that were free.


    With the added weight of the 150-kilogram ingot, Zee now weighs nearly 600 kilograms.


    Golem 23, on the other hand, weighs only one-third as much, about 200 kilograms.


    The difference in weight, combined with the force of his muscles, had crushed Golem 23 to the point that no original form remained.


    "Oh, ......, this is bad!"


    "Oh ...... oh!"


    Guards are human beings and their lives are precious.


    And it is folly to stand against someone who is beyond the power of man.


    Let''s get out of here.


    It''s understandable if he ran away.


    But I''ll report you at .......


    There was one soldier who was somewhat loyal to his duty.


    He opened the lid of the pigeon house that contained the emergency pigeons.


    The emergency pigeons are supposed to let people know that if they come back without carrying any letter.


    What is that?��......


    Okay, okay.


    Zee picked up a pebble from under his feet and threw it at the pigeon.


    It hit the pigeon at about 500 kilometers per hour and bounced off just before ...... it hit the ground.


    Hmm?


    There''s something out there, thing!


    Mm-hmm. Watch out!


    Mono, sensing that someone or something had at least some power close to his own by the fact that Zee''s pebble had bounced off the pigeon, alerted Zee and Tet.


    (Well, what should we do? ...... I think we''ll be found if we don''t do something...)


    Regulus 19, a.k.a. Sean, from the 5th column (Quinta), who popped the stone because he didn''t want his pigeon to be killed in front of him.


    He is now , but three golems of different shapes can be warded in the same way.


    This means that they have the ability to sense things without being affected by the wards.


    Sean rushes up to the sky to make it harder for them to find him, and at the same time, he asks the old man for instructions.

 1836 - - 49-25 Confrontation and Dialogue

    Regulus 19, a.k.a. Sean, a member of the fifth column (Quinta), asked the old man, the head of Horai Island, for instructions on whether or not he should make contact with the three deformed golems.


    Just then, Jin was in the command room, although he had another matter to attend to,


    "What is this golem?


    He was just saying honestly, "What is this golem creepy?


    "Is it the golem of ......<?"


    <


    This decision was made because we know that < did not care about the humanoid form at times.


    "So far, no human casualties?"


    <<


    Stolen?


    <<


    Hearing this guess, Jin had an idea. The small golem we saw the other day.


    "I wonder if the people who made it found that warehouse and took it out?"


    .


    The skeletal metal and muscle material were used.


    From the conversations among the three deformed golems, we can conclude that this is the most likely explanation.


    <


    "But can you convince those three?"


    From my experience so far, it is unlikely that they would agree to the discussion from the beginning.


    <, they tend not to be able to enter the negotiation stage unless we show them our power to some extent.


    "Then, the fifth column (quinta) is a little bit insufficient, isn''t it?"


    The fifth row (quinta) is prioritized to be transformed into a human, so it is undeniable that it is inferior to a pure combat-use golem.


    "Yes. I will send three of them.


    Yes, sir.


    What is it?


    Something''s up here.


    "First time I''ve seen you, Master Golem of the Unusual Form."


    Lando 901, who was sent through the transporter, opens his mouth.


    "Who are you?"


    Land 901 speaks at a human-like tempo.


    "I am Lando 901, and this is my colleagues Lando 902 and 903. This is my colleague, Lando 902 and 903.


    "I see. So you''re a native golem?"


    "Yes."


    "Hmm, I''m Mono. This is and this is . What do you want with ......?"


    "Of all people, I''d like you to stop attacking the people of this land."


    I''m sorry, I didn''t realize that was what you meant. ...... We''re not going to attack the natives. I was just clearing a roadblock."


    "I know that. ...... so you''re just going to walk away?"


    I''ve always intended to do that. "That''s what I''ve been trying to do. ......, but I have one concern.


    What''s that?


    ...... give me information about you and the master who made you.


    The thing suddenly speaks in a high speed language. But Lando 901 heard it all.


    "No, thank you."


    Land 901 responded in high speed.


    It seems to think as fast as we do. How about this one: ......?��!


    Mono unleashed a lightning spell.


    The three lands do not avoid it, but catch it. The three lands did not dodge, but instead caught it, realizing that even with this small action, Mono and the others could find out information about them.


    [......��Couldn''t avoid it?��Or did they not care?��Either way, they''re built tough.


    The three lands took the lightning magic in stride, but even so, Mono and the others used it as a gauge of the lands'' performance.


    How about this then!��<


    Mono unleashes a white-hot fire spell.


    >


    At that moment, Jin''s voice echoed in the control core of Lando and the others.


    < cannot enter the stage of negotiation unless they show their power, so it is inevitable for them to know our power.


    However, Lando and his servants are hesitant to make a move because they do not want to divulge information about Jin. Knowing this, Jin gave them another order.


    "Yes, sir!"


    "Yes, sir!


    Just when it seemed like the white flame was about to engulf Lando and the others...


    It''s gone!


    Lando and the others disappeared from Mono and the others'' sight!


    That''s impossible!��There''s no way they could''ve accelerated in that fraction of a second!


    You can''t go from zero speed to top speed in zero seconds flat. This is a physical law common to both Earth and the Ars world.


    But what if it is possible to move without acceleration?


    Yes, Lando and the others have been transferred by an emergency .


    And then they counterattack.


    Behind you, thing!


    What!


    Zee pointed out Mono, who turned around. But it was too late, for the ingot in its hand had been snatched away by Land 901.


    You''re a little creepy!


    Mono is furious, in sharp contrast to her previous attitude.


    But...


    "Now you know what you''re capable of, don''t you?"


    Land 901 says in high speed, puts the ingot down on the ground, and jumps back about 10 meters.


    [Mwah?


    "This is not a battle, but a test, isn''t it?"


    Land 901 told the wondering Mono.


    ...... Indeed, it is.


    "I don''t want to violate my master''s dignity, that''s understandable."


    ...... Hmm, not just a golem. Perhaps it was created by another faction?


    "No, no. My creator is from another planet than yours.


    Oh, my...


    The old man put you up to this. It is not a lie, for Jin is from Earth. Even if some of the magic he uses is from the Origin.


    But with this, the feud between the deformed golems and Lando and the others is gone.


    In other words, we''re just here to recover stolen materials and have no intention of fighting with the natives.


    "Okay."


    Then we''ll go. We must remember that there are others who can make golems like yours, not just the masters.


    With these words, the three golems leave.


    Of course, Regulus 19, a.k.a. Sean of the fifth row (Quinta), is following them just in case.


    Land 901 followed the evacuated soldiers.


    However, the frightened soldiers ran further away when they saw the golem, Land 901.


    "It''s all right now! They''ve retreated!"


    Land 901 yells loudly, finally slowing down, but still running away.


    "I am the golem sent by the Magecraft Meister. You are safe now."


    When Rand said this, the soldiers stopped for the first time.


    "<> says ......?"


    "So there really is no more danger ......?"


    When the soldiers had finally calmed down, Land 901 told them the whole story.


    According to him, they had only come to retrieve stolen materials. It was located deep in an abandoned mine.


    Now that they had recovered it, they told us that they had no intention of interfering with others and left.


    After that explanation, the guards were finally relieved and went back to guarding the mine.

 1837 - - 49-26 Fate for the Future

    On the island of Horai, the old man and Jin are discussing.


    Of course, it is about the deformed golem that Lando and the others have just met.


    "Yes, we don''t know what they are doing at the moment.


    <


    "Yes, please."


    It would be some time before the deformed golem, <><><<>, and the others returned to their base.


    Jin leaves the command center.


    * * * * * *


    ...... and that''s how it is.


    "Hmm, a mysterious golem."


    "Hmm, what kind of golem was it?"


    Jin returns home from the laboratory and explains to Hannah and Elsa, who have come to visit him.


    The twins are napping, so Reiko is with them.


    "It has four arms and no head. ...... It looks like it was designed specifically for combat."


    "Yes, I agree. The head is an advantage and a weakness at the same time. If the design can cover the advantages, it is reasonable to eliminate the head.


    The head is the highest part of the body, and the is attached to it, which controls the most informative of the five senses, .


    < is located in a high place.


    Also, the movement of the eyeballs and the twisting of the head ...... neck would provide an almost 360-degree field of view.


    "Perhaps there is a sensor for full-surroundings surveillance with a super-wide-angle lens or fisheye lens, and a main optical sensor that is like a standard lens."


    And perhaps a telephoto lens function as well," he said.


    "...... And by placing them on the chest and back, the head is eliminated?"


    "I guess so. And four arms.


    "It would be amazing if it could be controlled properly. I sometimes think it would be useful if it had another hand.


    Hannah''s opinion was shared by Jin. Jin, however, has already managed to do so by using engineering magic.


    "......Well, anyway. The fact that someone can make a combat golem of such a design is not to be underestimated.


    If they can build a control system that can manipulate four arms at will, they must have some serious technology.


    At the very least, Jin thought that the general technology of the current Ars world would not be able to compete with them.


    "Should we close those ruins?


    Hannah said with a worried look on her face.


    "Yes, I think so. I''ve already done my research. I''ll talk to ...... Zion about it.


    Jin uses the communication function of the bracelet to call Zion and explain the situation.


    <>


    "Yes, that''s right. So we shouldn''t provoke them unnecessarily."


    <


    "Please do so."


    Theon immediately agreed to the request, since it came directly from Jin. Jin is relieved to hear that the Northerners are now in good hands, when he receives a call from the old man.


    "Yes, what is it?"


    <


    "...... early, isn''t it?"


    Jin wondered if the return time was too short compared to the trip there.


    "I see."


    Just as Jin has built a network of warp gates in various places in Ars, it seems that <> had also built something similar in the past.


    They did not use the warp gate on the way there because they were searching for their destinations, but on the way back, they did not need to use the warp gate, so they used it and returned home at once.


    <


    The old man explained the situation to me, and I was quite impressed.


    First of all, the place where I returned, Lake Aoba in the Newell region in the northern part of the Laurentian continent, is the same.


    There, ten human-like automata with four arms were waiting for me.


    They were said to be regularly patrolling the ruins for maintenance.


    I see... So that''s how they are being maintained without people knowing... If there are 10 of them, it must be quite safe.


    Then Jin thinks.


    "What about the value of the remains?"


    "I see. ......"


    Jin thought about it.


    "You should seal the ruins, after all. ......"


    "Yes, I think so too."


    Elsa and Hannah say it is better to seal it. Jin agrees, but the question is how.


    It is not enough to simply close the entrance.


    "Should we put a watchman there after all ......?"


    "Yes, that would be fine. But it will be more work for you. I can add a special monitoring assistant to ......."


    Elsa and Hannah agreed to this method, so Jin immediately added an auxiliary function to the old man.


    In short, it would be like a home security system that could detect anything before it happens.


    If anyone approaches the ruins, the "Mere Old Man" will immediately notice it and put the "Mere Old Man" in a state of observation.


    If the purpose is to destroy the ruins, he will take immediate action.


    If not, and they are just passing by by chance, they will be left alone.


    "<> or ......700672 didn''t say anything about it."


    <>.


    The two factions were so different in their principles that there was no contact between them, and they must have been completely embittered, the old man guessed.


    "But if they are the invaders, why do they not want to hurt the natives?"


    Jin tilted his head.


    < were originally a gentle race, so I think that the invaders among them are only a little extreme.


    Jin nodded his head and said that the old man''s opinion might be right.


    "Besides, I don''t think invasion is the same as slaughter.


    Elsa also expressed her own opinion. Jin reconsidered his position, saying, "Yes, there are many ways to invade.


    Jin then thought that this matter might drag on for a while.


    * * * *


    While Jin and the others were discussing such matters, Zion of Shinra was receiving a visitor.


    He was a young man with good manners.


    "Well, I am Xiong.


    Nice to meet you, I''m Tiberio from .


    <


    I heard that Mr. Zion is a close friend of Master Jin.


    Yes, he is.


    I''m interested in shipbuilding and was wondering if I could learn from Jin-sama. ......


    "Oh, that''s right."


    Sion thinks for a moment.


    "Well, Jin is very busy, so it might be difficult for me to become his apprentice.


    "Do something about that!"


    "What do you mean by ''do something about it''?


    Zion, who was at a loss, decided to at least ask Jin.


    This led to an unexpected connection, but Zion did not know it yet at this time. .......

 1838 - - 49-27 Kawabune Development

    "Whoa!"


    A scream is followed by the sound of water.


    This is the village of Kaina. The river Erm��, which flows to the south of the village, is filled with the sound of human voices.


    "Marcia!


    Rodrigo is the one who is worried about his daughter who fell into the river. He is worried about his daughter who fell into the river.


    But when Marcia emerged from the water with a gasp,


    "It''s okay, dad," she says.


    and waved her hand from the river.


    The other day, when I attended Jin''s birthday party, Luluna and Kune, who live in the village of Kaina, asked me if I could help them build a boat for them to use on the Erme River.


    As a first step, she tried to sail down the Ermee River on a raft, but the direction of the raft was not as stable as she had expected, and the rapid current tossed her around, spinning her around on the surface of the water, and she was swept away.


    Marcia, who had done well in rough seas, had a different attitude when it came to rivers.


    "Look, I''m wearing a wetsuit, so I''m not cold..."


    Marcia was now wearing a wetsuit made of < that Saki had developed.


    <, abbreviated as ( Expanded��Magi PolyEthylene EMPE).


    It is made by applying pressure to molten Maggi PolyEthylene and then depressurizing it to form a foam, which Saki succeeded in developing on Hanna''s advice.


    The foamed structure of the material makes it highly effective in insulating and shock-absorbing.


    However, the form-fitting wetsuit made Marcia''s body lines stand out more than usual.


    Her father, Rodrigo, was worried about his daughter, and was also distressed by her refusal to consider marriage, even though she would turn 30 this year.


    The raft was retrieved by Aqua 101, a golem maid working at Nido Castle.


    This was because Arrow, Arco, Vail and other golems were away at the Potrock store, and Aqua 101 was helping Marcia while she was in the village of Kaina.


    "Okay, let''s do it again."


    Marcia worked with Rodrigo to attach various accessories to the recovered raft. All of them would contribute to the stability of the boat.


    She added floats to the raft to increase the directional stability of the boat.


    "Okay, I''m off."


    "Be careful!"


    Be careful.


    "...... Oh, I''m tired."


    "Thank you, Ms. Marcia."


    After a day on the raft,...... or rather half a day swimming in the river, Marcia was tired and stretched her arms and legs in the hot springs of the village of Kaina.


    She is with one of her clients, Barbara. Or rather, the request was submitted by several daughters, and Barbara was the patron of the request.


    In other words, the cost of the project is owned by Barbara ......, or rather, by the Eric Chamber of Commerce.


    Barbara gently stroked her belly, she was expecting her second child.


    "It was harder than I thought it would be," she said.


    "Well, are you sorry?"


    "No, it''s funny, you don''t need to apologize. It''s worthwhile."


    Marcia laughed at Barbara, who looked a little apologetic.


    "Really?��That''s good."


    "Besides, I think I''ve got most of the plan for the day."


    Oh, already?��Marcia chuckled at Barbara''s surprised face.


    "That''s the thing, I''m an expert.


    Her smile was very happy.


    Marcia is staying at the Nido Castle.


    <, but also because of its proximity to the river Erme.


    The castle also has a small workshop and materials, which she can use freely if she asks Hitoshi not to.


    And when Marcia approached the entrance of Nido Castle.


    "Welcome home, Marcia!"


    Jin!


    Jin greeted her.


    "What''s the matter, what''s up today?"


    "Well, I brought a guest."


    A visitor?


    Good evening.


    Zion appeared from behind Jin.


    "Oh, Mr. Zion, you have a visitor?"


    But behind Zion, there''s another one.


    "I''d like to introduce this person to you."


    "Nice to meet you, I am Tiberio of <>."


    Tiberio bowed his head.


    He is 5''8" tall and 78 kilograms. He has gray hair and gray eyes. He is a quarter, so he looks and feels 28 years old.


    "Oh, hi, I''m Marcia.


    Jin first urged everyone to come inside and then led them to a small conference room.


    "Welcome back, Marcia."


    "Mr. Rodrigo, is this a good time?"


    Marcia''s father, Rodrigo, had already returned and asked her to come to the small meeting room.


    "This is Tiberio of the <>," he said.


    "I''m Tiberio, nice to meet you."


    I''m Rodrigo. Nice to meet you too.


    After a brief exchange of greetings, we got down to business.


    "Zion told me that Tiberio is interested in shipbuilding.


    "That''s right. We don''t use ships much in the Nordic Federation, but I think it would be better to go to sea from now on.


    It is true that in the Nordic Federation, ships have not been developed as a means of transportation.


    Because there are people who can use <> magic, there has been no inconvenience in moving between clans.


    In addition, in recent years, the golem horses donated by Jin have been used, so there have been no complaints about their <> as such.


    "......<> clans live inland, don''t they?"


    Reiko, who had been listening to the conversation in silence, blurted out.


    Tiberio responded,


    "Yes, you are right. But I''m a ...... quarter, to tell you the truth, and I''m not in the clan territory very often.


    Tiberio explains his origins with some regret.


    According to him, his grandmother was from the Loren continent. She had already passed away and he had not heard the name of her country.


    Jin imagined that she might have been someone from the past Kaina village.


    Regardless, Zion was a little surprised to hear him say that he had been moving from place to place in the past because of his quarter status, and that now that diplomatic relations with the Laurentian continent had been formalized, he wanted to live here......, too. .


    "Well, I''m sorry Marcia and Rodrigo, but I''d like to see Tiberio for a while,......," he said.


    I''d like to show them the actual development of the ship, Jin said.


    "Yeah, sure."


    Marcia readily agreed.


    "It would be nice to have more shipwrights. ...... would make us the first shipbuilders of the northern peoples, wouldn''t it?"


    Rodrigo also seemed to like Tiberio.


    "Okay, when you''ve decided that, let''s hear what you have to say."


    Jin rejoins the conversation.


    He said that he would not touch them, but that he wanted to know about the request because it came from the village of Kaina and he was the lord of the village.


    However, everyone present knew that this was just a pretext, and that Jin himself was actually eager ...... to participate.

 1839 - - 49-28 First Development Conference

    The first development meeting for the <> began in a small conference room in Nido Castle.


    "First of all, we are thinking of the area upstream from the village of Kaina as the target basin of the Ermee River.


    Marcia explains. This is mainly a kind of presentation to Jin and Tiberio of <>.


    "The purpose is to transport and move <> and river fish."


    Magi sand is a source of energy for magic stoves and is a specialty product of the village of Kaina, as well as a monopoly product of the Eric Chamber of Commerce.


    However, since the ones near the village have been exhausted, the place of collection has been moved upstream little by little.


    In the process, a suitable place was found about 4 kilometers upstream from the previous collection site, where the river is wide and a large amount of magi sand can be collected.


    However, it is difficult to transport the sand due to the distance, so we need a boat.


    Incidentally, there is a gorges (meaning "throat") along the way. The river is narrow, and both banks are cut off from each other, making it difficult to reach the site on foot.


    "And the problem is that the current is quite fast."


    Magi sand is mixed in the sand at the bottom of the river, so it cannot be collected in places where it is too deep to stand up on one''s back.


    The reason is that the sand is supposed to be collected by the women of the village in between farming activities.


    For example, if Jin made a golem to collect magi sand, it could still be harvested in the current location, but it would take away the work of the women in the village, and there is a risk of uprooting the resources.


    Therefore, Jin has basically kept out of this issue and left it to the autonomy of the village.


    For the same reason, he does not aim at the Magi Sand deposit in the upper reaches of the river.


    "The width of the river in the target basin is about 5 meters at the narrowest point. From there, we would like the maximum width of the boat to be no more than 2 meters."


    At this point Tiberio asked why that number was given.


    "It is very difficult to answer that. ....... I can only say that from my experience as a shipbuilder (shipwright) and a ship operator.


    "These kind of safety standards are probably based on rules of thumb."


    Jin added. These standards vary slightly from time to time, becoming more lenient when there are no accidents, and more stringent when accidents occur.


    "The river is more than deep enough for small boats, but when loading and unloading magi sand, we don''t expect to have a port or pier, so we want the bottom of the boat to be flat or close to it.


    He adds that the bottom of the river where the boat is to be anchored should be sand or gravel, just in case. He doesn''t want the boat to be used in such a way that it will climb up on the rocks.


    "As for the river current, it is less than one meter per second at its heaviest point. Therefore, the maximum speed of the boat should be about twice that.


    This is also a rule of thumb.


    The most important thing is directional stability. I tried this today on a raft, and there are some eddies in the river bends, and the raft is swung around. The same seems to be true for small boats. More at ......."


    I must say that Marcia has gathered a lot of information in just one day today.


    "Thank you. "Thank you. That''s what I''m talking about, Marcia."


    Jin also praised her.


    This practical way of gathering data is something that Jin could never have done.


    Jin would have built a ship with a hull that would defy the rocks and a power that would allow it to reach speeds ten times faster than the rapids.


    ��You reminded me of something I had almost forgotten.)


    (You reminded me of something I had almost forgotten.) In this sense, I would like to thank Marcia.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The development meeting ended at 6:00 p.m., about the same time the evening bell rang.


    This bell is nice, Jin. It rings in the morning, at noon and in the evening?"


    Marcia said she heard the noon bell and the evening bell.


    "Oh, yes...it rings at 5 p.m. during the whole month of April."


    Jin explained that since late spring, when the days are longer, the bell has been ringing at 6:00 p.m. At the same time, the morning bell has been ringing at 6:00 p.m. At the same time, the morning bell rings at 7 a.m. in winter time and 6 a.m. in summer time.


    "Maybe we should try this in our clan territory too.


    Even Theon was saying something like that.


    Then it was time for dinner.


    To welcome Marcia and Rodrigo, the main dish was their favorite fish.


    The grilled river fish is also delicious.


    The kabayaki sauce has an indescribably good taste.


    The dishes were grilled omasu (a fish similar to landlocked salmon) with salt and broiled mountain stream eel.


    Stream eels are fish similar to eels that live in the lower reaches of the Erme River from the village of Kaina (but still in the middle reaches of the river as a whole), and they do not go down to the sea but stay in the river. That''s why Jin named it Keiryu-Unagi (mountain stream eels).


    "They are nocturnal and do not taste good when grilled, so they were not targeted for fishing.


    But to Jin, who knew kabayaki, they were a treat.


    "It goes well with white rice, doesn''t it?"


    Zion seemed to like the combination of kabayaki and rice very much.


    "......!"


    And Tiberio, who was tasting the food for the first time, just kept on eating without saying a word.


    * * * *


    "...... and the basis of the ship is ......."


    After dinner, at Tiberio''s insistence, a lecture on the basics of boats was given. The lecturer was Rodrigo.


    "Well, Jin-sama told me a term called , which is what makes a ship float. ......


    Tiberio listens intently.


    "The shape of the bottom of the ship can be flat bottom, round bottom, V-bottom, etc. ......"


    Jin was listening beside me and thought Rodrigo''s explanation was well organized and quite easy to understand.


    "...... and, well, that''s about it."


    It''s nighttime now, so I leave in less than an hour.


    "Thank you very much."


    "No, I''m happy to have an enthusiastic technician."


    Rodrigo seems to have a good feeling about Tiberio.


    After that, Rodrigo and Tiberio were making small talk and drinking wine in the lounge of Nido Castle, but Jin could no longer keep them company and returned to the bedroom where Elsa and the twins were waiting.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "...... headache"


    "......I''ve got a cancer ......."


    "You''ve had too much to drink, Dad."


    The next morning, Rodrigo and Tiberio suffer from hangovers.


    "How much did you drink?"


    "About ......5 bottles."


    You''ve had too many!


    Then the Jin family arrived.


    "Oh, I knew it. You said you drank a lot of wine last night. ......<<>"


    Erza casts a healing spell on the blue-faced couple, and they instantly look refreshed.


    "Thank you, Elsa."


    Marcia thanked on their behalf.


    "Rodrigo, you should have used the detoxification function of the bracelet.


    Elsa said, and Rodrigo looked surprised to hear that.


    "Oh, there it is ......."


    He had been suffering from a headache and had not been able to think of it.


    So Jin and the others went with him to the dining room of Nido Castle.


    This morning''s menu consisted of morning rice gruel, miso soup with topopo (potato) and marunegi (onion), pickled ume plum, oshinko (pickles), sweet omelet, and hojicha (roasted green tea).


    It was a menu for the day after drinking.


    "......Ah, it''s so good for the stomach."


    The hangover was gone, but the tenderness of the porridge seemed to have penetrated his weakened stomach.


    "Father, you''ve got to pull yourself together," Marcia said sincerely.


    Marcia said deeply.

 1840 - - 49-29 Experimental Ship

    After breakfast, Marcia went to the Ermee River to conduct an experiment. She is accompanied by Hitoshi and Reiko.


    The purpose of the day was to determine the position of the propulsor.


    "Normally we put it on the stern of the boat. ......"


    Marcia begins to consider the position of the propulsor while the raft is placed on the riverbank.


    Marcia said that the bow would be better for the directional stability in the current.


    "Hmmm, that may be true. But ......"


    The force of the propulsor pushing the hull has <> (strength) and <>.


    Also, the force of the river current to flow the hull has a <> and a <>.


    What happens if the > is not in the same .


    If the of the force is the same, or if the of the force is small, there is little effect. This is because a hull is designed to be stable.


    However, if the of the force is opposite and the < of the force is large, the ship will <.


    One of the ways to prevent this is to position the propulsor in the direction of travel.


    This is called a tractor type, and most propeller-driven airplanes use this method.


    On the other hand, the screw of a ship is called a pusher type.


    "...... but as far as I know, I''ve never seen such a ship. I think there are some pitfalls."


    Jin has built model ships when he was in modern Japan, but he is an amateur when it comes to actual ships.


    Since this is a problem related to fluid dynamics, it is not surprising that Jin, who is not an expert in this field, does not know about it.


    Simply put, the efficiency of a tractor-type ship is reduced when the water flow generated by the screw hits the hull.


    This is less of a problem for airplanes, which are airborne, because the physical constants such as the density and viscosity of air are smaller than those of water.


    "Well, since Jin says so, there must be something to it."


    "Now, the only thing I can think of right off the top of my head is that if we use screws, the water flow would hit the hull of the boat. That would be a drag, right?"


    But Jin, with his experience and sense, had guessed almost the right answer.


    "Indeed. If we assume that the position of the screw is shallow so that it does not rub against the river bottom, the water current created by the screw will certainly hit the hull.


    Marcia also understood the disadvantages of such a situation with her imagination backed by experience.


    "No, we''ve stumbled on it."


    Marcia''s head was in her hands.


    "Oh, ...... something, I''m sorry."


    Jin apologized to Marcia when he realized that he had made a mistake first thing in the morning.


    "No, it''s not Jin''s fault. She was just giving me advice so that I wouldn''t have to do anything unnecessary.


    Marcia laughed it off.


    Then Rodrigo came in. He asked Marcia what she had to say,


    "If we are going to use the Magi Water Jet, a magical water propulsion system, I think the only way is to use a trimaran.


    She says, "If we are going to use the Magi Water Jet, then the only way is to use a trimaran.


    "Oh, I see, that''s the way to go. That''s true, that''s the best way.


    Marcia agrees.


    We had ruled out trimarans and catamarans in order to reduce the width of the river, but now we were considering adopting them from a different point of view.


    "......Then, if we make it a trimaran and put a magical water propulsion engine "Magi Water Jet" in the leading hull,......I think this will work, don''t you?"


    "Yes, that sounds good."


    Jin agrees. Jin agrees, because in that position, the water flow would be less likely to interfere with the hull.


    "That will reduce the load capacity a little, but I think it is unavoidable for safety reasons.


    Rodrigo was of the opinion that the advantages were the most important.


    "All right, then, let''s build an experimental ship.


    Marcia declared and headed for Nido Castle. She goes to the workshop there to build a simple trimaran and experiment with it.


    "...... By the way, where is Tiberio?"


    Marcia asked Jin on the way back.


    "After yesterday''s conversation, he said he still had a lot to learn, so I told him about the library in the castle. I''ve been reading books about ships there.


    But I''ll invite you to help me build an experimental ship later," Jin said.


    * * * *


    The workshop in Potrock in the Kingdom of Elias was left in the hands of the shopkeepers, Arrow, Arco, and Vail, so that Marcia and the others were assisted here by a craftsman (Smith) 20 on loan from Jin.


    But, but....


    Today we have Jin.


    "Is this it?"


    "Uh-huh. Maybe it should be a little smaller?


    "Yes."


    "Oh, that''s fine."


    Like this, the experimental boat was completed in about 20 minutes.


    The experimental boat is a trimaran of 2.5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width. In terms of size, it can accommodate one person, or two if necessary.


    Three hulls, each 1.5 meters long and 50 centimeters wide, are arranged at the apex of an isosceles triangle.


    The material used for the experiment is . The material is more durable than FRP because it has been treated with <> by Jin.


    "......It''s Jin after all. ......"


    Marcia said nostalgically, remembering the time when she, Jin, Reiko, and I were aiming for the championship at Potrock.


    Then Tiberio rushed in.


    "......This is ......!��Uh, <>, you say?"


    It seems that the effect of reading the book in the library has been felt immediately.


    "Yes, it is. It''s also called a trimaran. I made a prototype because I thought it would have a lot of advantages for operating in rapids.


    All that was left was to install the propulsion and control systems, Jin said.


    "Reiko?"


    "Yes, Father."


    Reiko, who had been silently assisting Jin, called out to him.


    "Get the propulsion unit ready."


    "Yes, here."


    The Magi Water Jet, a magical water propulsion system, was already in place. I wondered how long it had been in the works, but it seems that Reiko and Smith20 had been working on it while Jin was building the hull.


    "Marcia, put it on."


    "Okay."


    Jin is only helping to save time. The actual work is left to Marcia and Rodrigo.


    Marcia and Rodrigo, who are used to doing this, quickly install the Magi Water Jet, a magical water propulsion system, and connect it to the control system.


    A simple deck cover was put over the boat, and the work was completed in an hour.


    "That''s it. Jin, let''s start experimenting!


    Marcia is enthusiastic.


    The experimental boat weighs about 50 kilograms, and Craftsman (Smith)20 easily lifts it over his head and carries it to the Herme River.


    Jin, Reiko, Rodrigo, and Tiberio follow. Only Marcia returned to her room at Nidojo to change into a wetsuit.


    Five minutes later, Marcia was seen boarding an experimental boat on the Herme River.


    "Wow, that''s so cool!


    "I want to go on board!"


    Girls from the village of Kaina, who had been collecting Magi Sand in the Erme River, gathered around.


    "Oh, isn''t that the boat Barbara and the others asked for?


    Patty, one of the girls who had arrived, said.


    "That''s right. When it is completed, it will be easier to transport the magi sand.


    "Wow, that''s exciting!


    With the girls'' voices in the background, Marcia operated the experimental ship and worked hard to collect data.

 1841 - - 49-30 Principles of Archimedes

    Although it was an experimental ship, the one Jin worked on could be called a small prototype.


    "Wow!��This is comfortable!"


    Marcia is moving smoothly in and out of the Ermee River.


    "Oh, it seems to be very stable.


    Rodrigo is also looking on with satisfaction.


    Jin looks at the three separate hulls, which seems to be working in the right direction.


    With one hull in the front and two in the back, the boat is more stable going up the river, facing toward the bow, considering the resistance of the water.


    This is not so much of a problem when going down the river, since the relative speed of the boat to the water is small.


    "I think we should build a bigger rudder."


    While going up and down the river at different speeds, Marcia picks out areas for improvement.


    "I think it would also be better if it could turn in small circles. ......"


    Marcia thinks that it would be easier to change direction in a narrow river.


    The finished product would be a bit larger, so it would be even better.


    There were a few other minor improvements, but these two seemed to be the major ones.


    "Wow, that looks fun!


    Seeing Marcia, the youngest ...... (10 to 15 years old)... ... the girls of Kaina village were envious of her.


    (Come to think of it, Kaina Village has no boats, though they sometimes use golem horses on land and airships in the sky...)


    Seeing the girls staring at the ship, Jin also seemed to have his own thoughts.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "So, I would like to place an order with Marcia''s workshop as well.


    Just before lunchtime, once Marcia came up from the experimental ship, Hitoshi said, "What do you mean?


    "I don''t know what''s the reason, but I''ll do it.


    Marcia accepted the offer. Since the boats were to be used on the same river, we could save a lot of time and effort by building them all at once.


    And above all, it is a request from Jin.


    And even more so when she hears that the girls in the village of Kaina want to sail on it.


    "I want more people to know how fun boats can be!"


    Marcia laughed.


    She smiled at me,


    "You really love boats, don''t you?


    Tiberio said.


    "That''s true, I''ve been sailing since I was a little girl.


    Tiberio looked at her with narrowed eyes as if he was seeing something dazzling.


    "Well, let''s have lunch here."


    It was around 11:30 in the morning and Jin called out to the others that they must be getting hungry since they had been moving around since this morning.


    He was right, and no one objected.


    "Oh!��What is this?


    Tiberio was the one who was raising his voice with interest.


    "It''s a dumpling," Jin answered.


    Jin answered. The director used to make it for me when I was in the facility.


    It was a mixture of half strong flour and half weak flour, kneaded with water, torn into pieces by hand, and boiled in a clear soup.


    It was a simple dish with only a green onion as an ingredient, but the current version is based on it, but with a twist.


    The current version is based on it, but with a twist. It has a slightly higher percentage of flour to make it softer. However, if it is overcooked, it will fall apart, so it is important to be careful.


    The soup is also made from dashi broth, and is filled with wild vegetables from around the village of Kaina, in addition to sharoto (leeks).


    "This is delicious!��It has an unusual texture.


    Tiberio liked it.


    "Is this the second time you''ve eaten this?��It''s delicious!


    Tiberio had served it to Marcia in Horai Island before, and it had been so well received that it had been added to the menu this time.


    Yes, it is easier to eat than that time.


    The more flour you use, the harder it is to break down, but it also makes it chewier. Many people feel the dough is a little hard when they tear it by hand, even if it is as thick as udon noodles.


    "Yes, it''s delicious.


    It is a nostalgic taste with a twist, and Jin is satisfied with the taste.


    "Father, can I have another one?"


    "Yes, please."


    The soup in the one for Jin is sometimes slightly cooled. Reiko, who knew Jin''s tastes well, was very considerate in this respect.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, let''s see what we can do to improve it.


    Marcia said as soon as she finished eating her sudon and after-meal tea was served. She is a workaholic.


    "Well, let''s take a little more rest first.


    Jin puts himself on the back burner and admonishes Marcia. He seems to be able to see other people.


    "Ugh, okay."


    "......You really like shipbuilding, don''t you, Marcia? ......"


    "Ha-ha-ha."


    "Well then, since we''re here, let''s hear some of your ship-related knowledge, shall we?"


    As soon as Jin started smiling, Marcia naturally took him up on the offer with lightning speed.


    "Yes, by all means!"


    Rodrigo too,


    "I''m looking forward to hearing about the Magecraft Meister, Jin-dono.


    Rodrigo showed an expectant look on his face. Tiberio, needless to say, was looking forward to it.


    "I don''t want ...... to get my hopes up too high," he said.


    Jin then began to speak.


    "Why do ships float on water?


    Jin began to talk about <>. Rodrigo, who did not know much about it, listened attentively.


    An object in water becomes lighter by the amount of water pushed out of it. So the weight of the same volume of water as the part of the boat that is submerged in water is equal to the weight of the boat.


    "Heh, ......."


    "The same can be said for the <. < or . If those air sacs were empty, they would float because they would be lighter than the weight of the air that would fill them."


    "I see."


    But then the air sacs would collapse under the pressure, so the next best thing is to fill them with helium, which is a lighter gas than air," says Jin.


    "...... Well, let''s get back to the ship. The weight of an object divided by its volume, or weight per unit volume, is called , and the specific gravity of water is 1 as a standard. If the weight of the ship is divided by the volume and it is less than 1, the ship floats on water, and if it is greater than 1, the ship sinks.


    "I see what you mean."


    Tiberio shook his head repeatedly.


    "By the way, you can find out the volume of an object that is difficult to calculate by submerging it in a container full of water and checking the volume of the overflowing water.


    By finding the volume in this way and weighing it, the specific gravity can be determined by calculation.


    This is how Archimedes, an ancient Greek, found out whether the crown was made of pure gold or alloy.


    "That''s interesting, isn''t it?"


    Jin did not mention the names of ancient Greece or Archimedes in his explanation, but the response was unexpectedly favorable.


    "Please let me hear from you again.


    After the lunch break was taken, it was time to start the discussion.

 1842 - - 49-31 Making Things

    The location was moved to a small conference room and the ship review meeting began.


    "Hmm, rudder and small turns. ......"


    First, Marcia identified two major areas for improvement.


    "For the rudder, it would be desirable to have both straight line stability and turning ability.


    Marcia adds.


    "...... is it possible to make such a rudder?"


    "Simply increasing the area of the rudder would increase its effectiveness. ......


    Jin looks thoughtful.


    Tiberio then also spoke up.


    "There is also a way to increase the number of rudders.


    "Yes, that''s right. However, the problem is that the larger the area, the heavier the weight, but also the heavier the operation.


    When Jin pointed out the problems to be solved, Marcia and Rodrigo nodded their heads, and Tiberio nodded his head after a few moments, as if he had thought about it and was satisfied.


    "The operation can be managed with power assist, and I think the weight increase can also be managed with materials."


    "Oh!"


    Rodrigo shouted as Jin added.


    "As for the small turns, I''d like to do something with side thrusters."


    "Yes, that''s right. ......"


    We''ve used them on the , so we should have no problem with them.


    "We can place a Magi Water Jet, a magical water propulsion system, on the leading hull and draw jets for the side thrusters from there," he said.


    "Then, if we put a pipe for the jet in the connecting beam with the rear hull ......"


    Marcia and Rodrigo had already begun to envision the structure in their minds.


    "Then again, maybe a rudder. The pilot''s seat would be in the leading hull, and the rudder would be in the aft hull, one at a time.


    At this point, Tiberio asked a question.


    "Can''t we put the rudder on the leading hull, at the end of it?��I think it would be effective if it changes the direction of the ship.


    Jin nodded and then pointed out the problem.


    "Yes, it would probably work. But there is a disadvantage that we can''t overlook.


    "What''s that?"


    "It''s fragile."


    "Oh."


    Yes, the bow is the most fragile part of a boat, because of bumping and crashing.


    Jin explained that if a rudder is attached to the bow, for example, the rudder would be damaged during berthing.


    To prevent this, it would be necessary to add a cover or change the position of the rudder, but this would be a departure from the original intention.


    "It''s a difficult one. ......"


    Tiberio was a little sullen,


    No, it is important to have such an idea. On the other hand, it is also important for a designer to avoid being too rigidly attached to common sense.


    Jin told me, and I recovered a little.


    After a tea break at 3:00 p.m., the meeting continued until 5:00 p.m., and the approximate specifications were decided upon.


    * * * * * * * * *


    After the meeting, we took a bath to recover from the fatigue and had dinner.


    Dinner consisted of rice, glass-boiled pork cutlet, croquette, miso soup with clam, vegetable salad, chilled tofu, and pickles.


    Marcia likes the glass-boiled pork cutlet and Rodrigo likes the croquette.


    Tiberio had never had miso soup with kurumu before, and he had three more bowls of it, saying he had never thought shellfish could be so tasty.


    Jin was impressed by Tiberio''s skill in using chopsticks.


    He finished the meal with hojicha (roasted green tea).


    "Thank you very much for the food.


    "Ah, Jin''s rice tastes so good, doesn''t it? I guess the ingredients are different.


    Marcia said with a satisfied look on her face.


    "Yes,...... in case of shellfish, you don''t need to use much broth. The shellfish itself makes a good soup stock. I think we only add a little bit of kombu soup stock as a secret ingredient."


    "I see, maybe that secret taste is good."


    "I see, that secret ingredient may be good. ...... Jin-sama also knows a lot about cooking.


    Tiberio sipped his cup of hojicha (roasted green tea) and said sincerely, "No, I know a lot about cooking.


    "No, I''d say I know a lot about cooking, but I''m more interested in eating good food."


    Jin thinks that''s what it comes down to.


    We make an effort because we want to eat good food. He searches for ingredients. Devise seasonings. Create methods and means of cooking. All for the sake of good food.


    Isn''t that what making things is all about?


    Jin said to himself.


    "Because we need something, because we want something, because it is convenient. These thoughts are the driving force.


    "That may be true."


    "I know what you mean."


    Rodrigo and Marcia also agreed with me.


    "If you can''t make it, you have to pay to buy it or ask someone to make it for you.


    Tiberio seemed to understand.


    "That''s the way it is," he said.


    "But it would be nice if I could make it myself.


    "Wouldn''t you think so?"


    As for Jin, it''s nice to hear that he agrees with the craftsman''s sentiments.


    "How about ......?"


    Jin asked Tiberio how he felt about the two days he had spent on the boat.


    Yes, I now understand, in a logical way, that shipbuilding is a difficult task. I think I still want to build boats.


    "Well, that''s good to hear."


    Tiberio''s answer satisfied Jin,


    "You are welcome. Welcome to the world of shipbuilders, Mr. Tiberio.


    Marcia also smiled and extended her hand to Tiberio.


    "Nice to meet you, Marcia, Rodrigo."


    Tiberio shook her hand with a slight smile.


    Tiberio shook his hand.


    "Well then, Marcia, take care of him."


    The next day, the 19th, Jin left the village of Kaina and returned to Horai Island, leaving Tiberio in Marcia''s care.


    He left Kaina village and returned to Horai Island because he received a call that Chloe and Mio had a fever.


    "Chloe!��Mio!��Are you okay?


    "Oh, honey..."


    <


    "I think it''s measles. I think they may have caught it at the last trip to Leuthert."


    But they were already cured, so they would be fine, Elsa said.


    Jin looked at the two children, both of whom had no rash and were sleeping peacefully.


    "If we cure them completely, they won''t have antibodies, so we kept the symptoms very mild," she said.


    Since it was impossible to make a vaccine, Jin could understand Elsa''s treatment. Jin himself had contracted the disease as a child, so there was nothing to worry about.


    "I''m sorry."


    After explaining the twins'' condition, Elsa apologized to Jin.


    "I''m sorry for worrying you.


    Jin spoke kindly to Erza.


    "No, I think we were able to take care of the problem quickly because Erza was with me. But more importantly, is Erza okay?


    "Well, I''ve had it since I was little."


    "Oh, I see. She''s probably tired from all the ...... nursing.��I''ll take her for a minute.


    I''ll take over for a bit. Soleil and Luna are helping me.


    "Okay. But don''t be too hard on yourself, okay?


    Thank you.


    After this, the measles epidemic was about to spread around Leuthart, but Jin and Erza took immediate action and not a single person died.

 1843 - - 49-32 Charter Decision

    On June 1, the World Congress was held in <>.


    Among the participants of the conference, the most notable is His Majesty Gerhard, the Grand Emperor of the Shoro Kingdom.


    And the 2nd Prince Arthur of the Kingdom of Klein. He is now officially the Dauphin, so this is also his debut.


    In the Kingdom of Elias, the crown prince, Alphonse Alba Elias, will ascend to the throne soon, so after the arrival of Jin, the kings and emperors of the Kingdom of Klein, the Kingdom of Franz, the Kingdom of Egelea, the Kingdom of Cerroa, the Kingdom of Elias, the Shoro Empire, and all the minor group countries (although the Shoro Empire is not strictly speaking a minor group country) will be changing generations. The Shoro Empire is not strictly a small group of countries, but the kings and emperors of all the small group countries will change generations.


    After such a report, the discussion of the agenda submitted by the Taesang Emperor of the Shoro Kingdom began.


    This is the enactment of the .


    "Certainly, it would be very good to determine and codify the principles," he said.


    "Let''s engrave it on a metal plate and display it in the main conference hall.


    Everyone agreed.


    "As for the contents, His Majesty Gerhardt has submitted a draft. Please refer to the materials in your hand.


    When the chairman, King Alois III of the Kingdom of Klein, announced this, all the attendees looked down at their hands.


    "...... I see."


    "I see." "The content is good."


    "Well, I would like to refer to it in my country as well."


    After a while, a murmur leaked out. Generally, it seems to be well received.


    "I think the wording is also important. I would like to express myself in a simple and profound way.


    When Emperor Taisho said this, the response was "No objection.


    The leading figures of the participating countries then considered the proposal with wisdom, expressed their opinions, and made modifications.


    The result of the day-long discussion was the "Charter of Avalon.


    The Charter of Avalon


    1. sincerity. Follow the path of righteousness without deceit, whether of self or others. 2.


    2. justice. All men are equal before the law.


    3. faith. Believe in one another and help one another.


    4. fairness. Act without partiality and with respect for others. 5.


    5. benevolence. Cooperate without distinction of race and nationality. 6.


    6. effort. Strive first for the ideal. 7.


    7. freedom. Respect the independence of each individual as long as he/she does not deviate from the path, and does not bind him/her.


    The first Avalon Charter was decided.


    It was a springboard,


    Be righteous.


    2. Think and act on your own initiative.


    Believe in your friends and help your friends.


    4. Cooperate with others regardless of race and nationality.


    5. Unity in word and deed


    6.Effort


    Sincerity


    Of the seven items, 5, unity in word and deed, and 7, sincerity, were combined to incorporate the idea of fairness.


    The seven items decided on this day became the norms for those who belong to Avalon.


    The charter will be made by referring to them in each country as well, but that is another story.


    I see, it has been decided.


    "So, it''s decided?


    <


    On the island of Horai, Jin is receiving a report from the old man.


    The deus ex machina is in attendance, so that''s where the information came from.


    "In that case, as a gift from me and Machina, I would like to present you with an adamantite plate with the charter engraved on it."


    "But then, I would like to decide on the coat of arms of as well."


    Jin was aware of his own sense of taste, so he made a suggestion but did not want to interfere with the design itself.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, Deus ex Machina, who had received the consent of the old man and Jin, suggested that the emblem be decided at the same time as the charter, and the matter was immediately discussed at the meeting.


    Since the main purpose of the <> was originally to establish the Charter, there was no problem in deciding on the coat of arms at the same time.


    "I would like to use a circle as the basic symbol of the world.


    Makina suggested only one word.


    "Not bad, but I think it would be better to use the map of the known world as a base.


    The new emperor of the Shoro Kingdom, Weissberg Ernst von Shoro, suggested this.


    How about drawing the continents in a circle?


    "Oh, that''s a good idea.


    "That''s not enough, so I drew some stars as well. ......"


    "How about a big circle and a small circle representing the solar system, or is it the solar system?��How about a big circle and a small circle representing Serran and Ars?


    Various opinions came up, such as "How about a big circle and a small circle to represent Serran and Ars?


    "It should be easily recognizable from a distance," said Emperor Taisho.


    said His Majesty Gerhard, the Grand Emperor of Japan.


    "Look, isn''t the Korun family crest easy to recognize?"


    . It is a family crest like no other in this world and is easily recognized even from a distance.


    "You have a point. < at a glance.


    "Well then, you can see this at ......."


    There were many opinions about the coat of arms and a heated discussion ensued.


    The discussion continued over lunch until the evening.


    "Well, I think we should choose this as the coat of arms."


    <. This < will be dyed with the , but that is a little further down the road.


    The participants are satisfied with the design.


    Jin secretly thought that it looked like the flag of the United Nations in the world where he used to be.


    "It was a very meaningful two days, wasn''t it?


    "Yes, indeed. Tomorrow we will discuss the policy and other issues.


    Let''s take a good rest today to prepare for tomorrow.


    The bathrooms and the food here are excellent.


    No, indeed. I wish we could learn from them.


    But it''s great that we can now come here through the warp gate. I cannot thank His Majesty Cesar of the Kingdom of Selroa enough.


    The leading figures of each country retired to their respective rooms, chatting about such matters as "I can''t thank His Majesty Cesar of the Kingdom of Celuloa enough.


    The remaining participants in the conference hall were Deus ex Machina, Emperor Shoro, Emperor Taisho, and Alois III of the Kingdom of Klein.


    "Now we can hold the wedding ceremony of Fritz and Gloria," Alois III said.


    Alois III said, and the Grand Emperor nodded with a smile.


    The wedding ceremony for Fritz and Gloria was originally planned to be held in , and when they worked out what kind of ceremony it would be, they came up with the simple form of <>.


    "The names of those who have been married in this should be engraved on a metal plate.


    "Oh, yes, that sounds good."


    With these words, Fritz and Gloria''s name was recorded as the first couple to be married in <>.

 1844 - - 49-33 Legendary Wedding

    June 3, 3464.


    <.


    It is the wedding of Fritz and Gloria.


    The newly decided and the were engraved on adamantite plates by Jin and Machina.


    And this memorable ceremony was attended by all the important figures from each country who attended the <>.


    Of course, the families of the two people getting married, i.e., father Georg Landl, mother Marlene Landl, and brother Moritz Landl on the bridegroom Fritz''s side, and father Ball on the bride Gloria''s side, were present.


    On the bride Gloria''s side, her father, Boulton Allstadt, and her maternal grandmother, Priscilla Livingston, were present.


    Fritz''s cousin Reinhard, brother-in-law Jin, and sister Elsa.


    In addition, there was a deus ex machina, and Elena from the Nostalgia party attended this unprecedented wedding.


    "Fritz, what are we going to do?


    "Oh, oh, calm down, Gloria."


    Even the two could not hide their nervousness at this situation.


    The ceremony was so successful that it is hard to say if there will ever be another ceremony like it in <>.


    The fact that this was the memorable first Avalon-style wedding ceremony helped to raise the spirits of the people involved.


    There is no doubt that this wedding will become a benchmark for future weddings. It would be impossible not to be nervous.


    Then came Fritz''s younger sister and her husband, Jin and Elsa.


    "Brother, it may be difficult for you to relax ......, but if you follow the rehearsals, you will be fine.


    Fritz and Gloria, who had nothing to do with the conference, had rehearsed the ceremony yesterday.


    "The attendees are just witnesses. They are not to be disturbed."


    "You ....... You''ve grown up, haven''t you?


    Fritz looked at his sister, who was standing in front of him, dazzled.


    "You ....... I fell in love with someone who was a terrible person."


    "Haha, that''s true. ...... Yeah, that makes me feel a little better. Thank you, Elsa.


    Jin looked at the siblings with a bit of envy, without saying a word.


    "Gloria, congratulations.


    "Thank you, Grandmother."


    "We''ve been worried about you."


    Gloria was Gloria, her father and grandmother were talking to her.


    "I never thought I''d see you as a bride in my lifetime. ....... And on such a big stage."


    Grandmother Priscilla Livingston was in tears.


    Then came Saffi 1 and 2, the exclusive golems of <> who were to officiate the ceremony.


    On this day, Saffy 1 is dressed in a butler''s outfit and dressed as a man, and Saffy 2 is dressed in a more luxurious outfit than the usual maid of honor.


    "Mr. Fritz, Miss Gloria, it''s time to change into your ceremonial clothes.


    "Yes, yes."


    They went to their respective anterooms.


    Fritz was accompanied by his parents and Gloria by her father and grandmother. Jin, Erza, Moritz, Reinhardt and the others went to the guests'' seats.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    <


    >


    The two doors on the lower level, one on the left and the other on the right, were opened and the bride and groom emerged from each door.


    The bridesmaids were Gloria and her father Boulton, and Fritz and his mother Marlene.


    They met in the center, and now Fritz and Gloria walked hand in hand down the center path to the upper level.


    Waiting on the platform in the upper part of the room is the witness, the Grand Duke of Shawlo. Behind him is a metal plaque with the brand new <> engraved on it.


    Pushed by the congratulatory applause of the guests, the two slowly ascended the stairs to the platform.


    There they bowed to the .


    The Emperor Taisho, who was witnessing the ceremony, called out to them.


    >


    "I do."


    "I do."


    <


    Applause.


    Fritz and Gloria salute the guests.


    Now it was time for the deus ex machina.


    He slowly walked up to the podium and used his engineering magic to inscribe the date and their names on the mithril silver metal plate next to the <>.


    <>! >>


    "What?"


    What?"


    Fritz and Gloria, who had not been told about this, were dismayed.


    < will have their names engraved here.


    "What?


    In other words, Fritz and Gloria''s names were inscribed at the top of the <>. And they will remain so as long as continues.


    <>


    The audience was once again filled with thunderous applause as the witness, Emperor Taisho, said these words.


    "This is going to be a legend," said one of the attendees.


    one of the attendees muttered to himself.


    * * * *


    "I didn''t hear ....... ......"


    Fritz returned to the waiting room and complained to the deus ex machina who had just arrived there.


    "That''s just a little bit of a joke by His Majesty the Emperor and the other people who thought up the ceremony."


    "......"


    Fritz did not say anything more, since it is customary to engrave such names on stone tablets at Shoro imperial ceremonies.


    After all, the wedding banquet was about to begin.


    The wedding banquet was also a splendid event.


    The reception was also a splendid affair.


    Since <<> is a company that claims to be solid and honest, there was nothing showy or showy, but it was unusual in many ways.


    First of all, kings and emperors, rather than ...... the leading figures of each country, were present.


    They addressed Fritz and Gloria one by one.


    "Fritz, Gloria, congratulations!


    "Fritz, Gloria, I wish you many years of happiness."


    "Mr. Fritz, please make Gloria happy."


    Gloria, take good care of Fritz.


    I wish you both the best!


    "It is a great pleasure for us to be able to organize such a festive event here in Avalon. Congratulations Fritz and Gloria!


    The two were half in a dreamy state and were not sure they could remember what was said to them.


    The food and beverages served at the standing buffet party were sophisticated.


    After all, the golem provided by Jin was involved in this event. Aside from the ingredients, the techniques and cooking methods were similar to those of Horai Island, so the food should be delicious.


    "As I thought, the food here is delicious.


    "I wonder if we could ask <> or Makina-dono to make a golem with at least some cooking skills.


    Some voices can be heard here and there.


    "Congratulations again, my brother, Gloria-san!


    "Thank you, Elsa."


    "Fritz, congratulations. Gloria, take care of my son.


    "Yes, mamma."


    "Fritz, ...... take care of your son."


    Thank you, father.


    Congratulations, Fritz. From now on you''re not a Randall, you''re an Allstadt, and you''ll do well.


    Thank you, brother.


    Fritz and Gloria received congratulations and words of encouragement from their immediate family, but during the reception, a tactless broadcast was made.


    A troop of 54 Death Serpents is approaching the eastern coast of the Kingdom of Elias. < are ordered to report to battle. Repeat. On the eastern coast of the Kingdom of Elias.


    "Death Serpents...54 of them...that''s the biggest army I''ve ever seen..."


    Fritz looked up and his face became grim. Gloria, sensing his mood, asked him to confirm it.


    "You''re going, aren''t you, Frits?"


    "Yes.


    "Fritz?


    You had a wedding today, remember?


    You don''t have to go. ......


    My father, mother and brother look surprised,


    "I''m a member of the World Guard. If I can go, I will. <


    With these words Fritz kissed Gloria on the cheek.


    "I''m going to ....... I''ll see you on the honeymoon then."


    "Yes, my dear. Have a nice trip.


    Gloria, the new wife, smiled as she sent her husband Fritz on his way.


    Jin was watching from nearby.


    (......Totally, Death Serpent, read the air a little!


    "...... Reiko, back them up, and call the old man."


    "Yes, Father."


    Nevertheless, Fritz and the rest of the did a remarkable job, and it was only four hours later that they received word that the 54 Death Serpents had been killed with little damage.


    This added another < to Fritz and Gloria''s wedding.

 1845 - - 49-34 The Old Kings Judgment

    The wedding of Fritz and Gloria was being celebrated with great fanfare in <.


    <1-10......I must discuss with my lord what to do with those 10 automata. I have to discuss with the master (my lord) what to do with those ten automata.


    The brainiac of Horai Island had not decided what to do with the 10 automata that probably belonged to the , which also belonged to the group.


    In the former Leonard Kingdom, there are three sites that they are maintaining, including the one mentioned above, and if other sites such as Newell are included, there are a total of 12 sites.


    For now, the three sites in the former Leonard Kingdom are being monitored by the old man as a provisional measure, but the question is what to do about the remaining nine sites.


    There are several options, but each of them has its own merits and demerits, and there are many aspects related to human rights, so we finally decided to avoid arbitrariness.


    On June 4, the day after the wedding of Fritz and Gloria, the old man was talking with Jin back in Horai Island.


    "I see. So you have not decided what to do with those 10 automata for maintenance.


    "No, that''s fine. The old man has made this decision in our best interest."


    Jin understood well what it meant for the old man to leave the final decision to him.


    "Let me check. You have three choices. Leave, reconcile, or destroy?


    Leave it.


    It means to maintain the status quo.


    Ten bodies are to be active every 10 years, so it can be seen as postponing the problem for 10 years.


    The advantage is that .


    The disadvantage is that we do not know what will happen by the end of the decade. What will happen if someone happens to find the ruins they are maintaining is unknown.


    We do not know what kind of damage they will cause.


    Reconciliation.


    It sounds the best, but it is not so easy.


    Conflict was successfully avoided in the Kingdom of Elias, but it remains to be seen if it will be so in the future.


    <<>> was able to make sense, but it would be overly optimistic to assume that the same would be true for the 10 entities from 1 to 10.


    After all, they are . We will see if they will listen to what we say.


    If they do not, there is a high possibility of a battle.


    If we destroy them, we don''t know what kind of negative impact it will have on the remaining < in this world.


    Destruction.


    It seems to have no after-effects, but it is very risky.


    As I said before, we don''t know what kind of negative effects it will have on the remaining <> in this world.


    "Hmmm, not to be a procrastinator, but what about 10 years from now, when they wake up and go around for maintenance, we can follow them and find out where the remaining ruins are?"


    <>


    "How about we keep a close watch on each area and if we find anything that looks like ruins, we''ll take more careful measures ......?"


    He thought about calling Marikka and having her recognized as his successor, but he hesitated because it was a gamble whether the automata created by the <> would recognize the other factions or not.


    "I don''t want to put Marikka in danger, ......."


    In the end, Jin chose a method that would not put anyone in danger for the time being and would not further damage the <>.


    "......We have now, and we don''t want to do anything too conspicuous."


    As far as Jin is concerned, all he wants is for the world to be peaceful and calm, and for him to be able to do what he wants to do with what he wants to make, but the reality is that he cannot even do that.


    In the first place, I wonder if there are people who live by doing what they want to do and what they like to do .


    Jin smiled bitterly at such a thought.


    * * * *


    Deep underground, near a lake that people call .


    1: <>?


    2. According to them, most of the stolen materials have been recovered.


    1:��All right then.��


    But there is one new piece of information. Someone who is not from this planet has created and is using a golem equivalent to those three.


    1: "Well, that''s interesting.


    But our mission is to maintain the base.


    5. We don''t have to do anything other than what we''re ordered to do, nor should we.


    10:��No,No,No,No,No,No,No,No,No.��< and <2>, unlike us, are allowed some independent judgment.


    9: "That''s right. But isn''t contact with the natives a violation of our rights?


    6:��No.�� If they''re not from this planet, they can''t be called natives.


    8����Yes, indeed. Are they from the same planet as our master?


    No, according to the three golems, they''re from another planet.


    7:��Wow!��That''s interesting.


    4: "From another planet than our Lord ......, that''s interesting indeed.


    1:��I think so. I wish the Lord were still here.


    2:��Yes indeed. But it''s no use talking like that now.


    1:��Yes. What we need to do now is what to do with those who are not from this planet.


    4. "Are you going to contact them?


    1:��No.�� The time we have is longer than that of humans. Let us lie dormant once more, and when we next awaken and hear his name, we will look into it.


    I see, that''s good.


    If <1> and <2> are good, then we have nothing to say against them.


    10.


    Shall we move to the dormant place then?


    5.


    Oddly enough, they came to a similar conclusion to that of Jin and the others.


    Then, the ten warp gates are activated, and they step into the warp gate in order from the first, and then disappear.


    No wonder you could not locate them.


    They were not on this planet Ars.


    And so, the ten bodies went to sleep for ten years.


    * * * *


    <.


    The old man was trying to somehow locate the base of the 10 < maintenance automata, but he was interrupted by a warp gate.


    However, the old man is also a . We will wait for the next opportunity and will not be in a hurry.


    He turned his attention to his next target, Lake Aoba in Newell.


    >.


    The old man was thinking of ranking the importance of the <>.


    Among them, the ruins managed by the 10 <> maintenance automata are classified as the most important ...... rank A.


    Furthermore, the site where the 10 automata lie dormant should be classified higher, even rank S, but we could not identify the site.


    The old man is slightly hoping for something to be gained from the visit.


    And then the long-awaited time comes.


    On the day that the ten < maintenance automata disappeared from Ars through the warp gate, the magical reactions of the deformed golems completely ceased.


    <


    The 10 Shinobi troops begin to take action.

 1846 - - 49-35 Three security options

    Ten were sent to the area near Lake Aoba in Newell.


    There, a golem belonging to the <> of the <> is hidden.


    The location is not a problem, as the old man has already located it with his <>. <


    So this is Lake Aoba.


    Shinobi I mutters to himself as he checks his surroundings.


    Be careful, the ground is muddy!


    He warned.


    The small Shinobi troopers are the enemies of the muddy ground. 10 of them jumped over the muddy ground using their force field generators.


    The entrance is at .......


    The entrance is a cave in the middle of a rocky hill about a kilometer from the lake.


    <


    So far, so good. The only problem is what lies ahead.


    The cave is large enough for even animals such as wood bears to enter, so the shinobi troopers will not react at this point.


    However, the true entrance at the back of the cave is different. It has three entrances, the first of which is the first one.


    This is a very rudimentary illusionary barrier that merely optically makes it look like there is a rock wall there. The inside is hollow.


    There will be no alerts from going over.


    The old man expected that there would be no alerts for small animals that might wander in.


    After waiting for half an hour and not seeing any movement, Shinobi-ichi decided that the first one was over.


    Now the second one.


    It seemed that a password was required here, just like the security that Reiko had broken through with the help of the old man some time ago.


    Since the old man had already broken through this security once, he was able to crack the password without any problem.


    The door disguised in the rock wall at the back of the room opened.


    Okay, I got it. The password is .


    Shinobu Ichi is the first to pass through the door that opens.


    Beyond that was a small, spacious room. But the walls and ceiling are still rock.


    And then the final security measure awaited us.


    The third security was a golem.


    It was a small golem, about 70 centimeters tall, with the body of an infant.


    The old man was convinced that the small golem used by the bandits who were raiding the Klein Kingdom must have been made by stealing this technology.


    The first is warding--physical security.


    The second is passwords--informational security.


    And the third security is the golem. And now, there it was, standing in front of the door to which the Shinobi troop was heading.


    Looks like it''s gone from dormant to standby.


    It was probably moved when the second security was breached.


    If we approach any closer, it will shift from the standby state to the active state and eliminate the intruder. It is quite troublesome.


    Shinobu I contacted the old man and asked him for advice on how to deal with the situation.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    At Horai Island, the old man begins to consider how to deal with the situation.


    <


    A <> is a magi-machine that produces the magic pattern of a specific individual or magi-machine.


    In other words, it is possible to < a Magi machine.


    In this case, if we can create the magical patterns of 10 automata for maintenance and inspection, we should be able to break through the third security.


    .


    The old man considers the next best solution.


    He does so in less than a second.


    >


    Or..,


    < or an to disable the golem? >>


    and ,


    <>


    I have considered about 20 different ideas,


    After considering about 20 different ideas, he instructed us to use <<<< MagiDeceiver>>.


    He gave the following instructions.


    The <> was created by Jin about a year ago, and is a device to < the control core and the magic brain.


    The sensors used in Golem have inputs associated with physical phenomena such as light, sound, and heat, but the outputs are all magical power.


    The outputs of these sensors are by the magi-deciever.


    It can be called a localized version of an illusionary ward.


    However, since Jin made this device half out of curiosity, its functions are still limited.


    Specifically, it can only make you think that <>. But that was enough for this time.


    The old man immediately sent the Magi Deciever to Shinobu I and the others.


    * * * *


    Shinobi 1 activates the MagiDeceiver sent by the old man, pointing it at the Golem.


    This should make the golem believe that nothing is happening. Let''s go!


    Roger that!


    The ten Shinobi troopers pass by the motionless Golem and head for the back door.


    <


    In other words, about 100 deformed golems were there.


    There was also <<>, which had been moving the other day.


    I will send you a report on them.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The golem''s hangar was so strongly warded that even a <> could not see inside.


    Now that the door has been opened, it seems that a gap has been created in the warding, and through the eyes of the Shinobi troops, the old man can see what is going on.


    <.


    In addition, there are 20 golems each with an appearance that seems to have a limited use.


    There is an unnatural space between <<<<< gee>> and <>. ...... Shouldn''t there be another golem there>>?


    If we apply <><><<> to the numerals known to Jin, we get 1, 2, and 4, and I had a feeling that <<3>> was missing.


    As if to confirm his expectation, there was a gap between <> and <>.


    <<3, So, is it named <>? ...... No, I can''t help but think about that now>.


    I have so little information that I could not imagine that I was right.


    The old man put aside the <> and sorted out the information sent to him through the eyes of the shinobi troop.


    <> bodies.


    They are headless and have four arms. The old man guessed that it was for land combat.


    There are 20 golems of a similar type to the < on Horai Island. This one is definitely an underwater specialized type.


    <>


    There are 60 such golems. However, each of the 20 golems has a different type of weapon.


    <


    The old man imagined that there would be 20 of each and that they would be deployed for different purposes.


    He was satisfied with the information he had obtained about the weapons of the <.

 1847 - - 49-36 Visit your parents home

    "Oh, so this is the golem of the .


    Jin had just arrived, so the old man asked him to watch the video.


    "I see, I guess they think of practicality as the most important thing and design as secondary.


    "Indeed. It''s quite an achievement.


    In the current world of Ars, even a four-armed control equation is unsatisfactory.


    Humans have two arms.


    But it is very difficult to make the left and right arms do different things.


    It may look like he is using both arms, but in fact he is switching control in a very short period of time.


    <.


    "Even though they are <>, they are more gentle or gentlemanly than I expected. ...... I wonder why this is?"


    Jin said one thing that he had wondered. I wanted to hear your opinion.


    <> was originally a gentle race, so even the extremists among them are probably only like that>>.


    "That''s understandable, but you know, there was the <> incident."


    <>. A mobile base that once nearly brought disaster to the world of Ars. It was conquered by Jin and is now effectively used as <>.


    "That''s one way to look at it."


    If it is said that < was not an act of his own, it is certainly true, Jin agreed for the time being.


    "And the other things that might be helpful are here and here.


    Jin had the old man carefully analyze the structure of the four-armed golem, thinking that it might be applicable to a work golem.


    Although the system was stopped, Jin was afraid that he might be noticed if he analyzed the control equation, so he decided not to do so.


    He who has obtained some useful information said


    He said, "You have done a good job, old man. <.


    He thanked the old man and the Shinobi Unit for their hard work.


    <


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    <


    "Indeed."


    The other 99 golems were in order without any missing number, so the missing number is even more worrisome to me.


    However, you can''t know what you can''t know even if you think about it. Jin also decided not to worry about it any more.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    At the same time in .


    Fritz and Gloria have moved into their new house, the family wing, and are cleaning up.


    In modern Japan, this would be an apartment with a three-bedroom layout.


    "Oh, it''s so spacious!


    It is understandable that a single person would feel this way since he/she had a 1DK.


    Fritz''s parents'' house was much larger than this, but he had lived outside for a long time as a soldier, so he had developed a frugal lifestyle.


    "Is a bedroom, a study, and a guest room ...... enough?"


    Fritz asks,


    "I think it''s fine.


    Fritz asked, and the answer came back, "I think it''s fine.


    "But are you sure?��But are you sure you want my collection in your living room?


    Gloria''s collection is, of course, swords.


    Twenty of her favorite swords from her parents'' home in the Kingdom of Klein. They were displayed on the wall.


    "Yeah, sure. I like swords too.


    "Thank you, ...... you."


    "Oh, yeah."


    The two exchange such words and turn red.


    Then,


    "I''ve finished fixing the kitchen."


    and a golem arrives. It is the one that Jin and Erza gave you.


    "Thank you."


    Fritz was a soldier and Gloria was a knight.


    "...... I guess it''s a little bit easier to live here."


    They had only stayed in castle and stuffed sleeping rooms, camp tents, and inns outside of their own parents'' house, and even in <> they had lived in a custom-made room, so it was the first time for the two of them to be able to customize it to their liking.


    In fact, after two whole days of rearranging the room, we finally got it done to our satisfaction.


    "Well, I only have three more days of vacation left.


    The wedding was on June 3, and today is the 8th.


    The vacation was for one week, but it was extended by one day to 11 days because Fritz went out to exterminate 54 Death Serpents that attacked the east coast of the Kingdom of Elias right after the wedding ceremony. He was on leave until the 11th.


    Since there is no honeymoon custom in this world, they spent every day relaxing in their new home.


    "Jin-dono and his friends have been traveling around the world on their , haven''t they?


    Gloria replied,


    Fritz replies, "Why don''t we go somewhere too?


    Fritz replies.


    "Yes, that would be nice."


    We decided to take a trip somewhere for a night or two.


    After much discussion, they decide to go to Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, and to the town of Exi in the Shoro Kingdom.


    Yes, their parents'' homes are located there.


    But there was one problem. The distance between them is too great.


    The warp gate network that has just been established still consumes a lot of magic power and can only be used for emergency purposes, so regular flights by airship will have to be used.


    At present, there are two round trips a day, one in the morning and the other in the evening, to the capitals of each country. Letters, food, daily necessities, etc. are also transported by airship.


    Seats are reserved by reservation only, but there are few passengers for personal use, and the buses are generally empty.


    "I have no problem getting to Alban. ...... Oh, yes."


    "You?"


    Fritz, who had been thinking about it, seemed to have an idea.


    "I''ll go to Leuthart and talk to Mr. Zinn.


    "Oh, I see. But is Jin-dono there?


    Gloria, who knew that Jin was busy flying around, looked a little worried. If not, it would be a wasted trip.


    "No, I''m sure he''ll be happy to see Reuthert then.


    No, you can go to your parents'' house another time, Fritz says.


    "Then we can go to ......".


    Gloria agreed.


    The next day, the 9th, they decided to go to Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, where Gloria''s parents lived, and to Leusert, the capital of the Shoro Empire, on the 10th.


    The 11th, the last day of the vacation, will be a day of rest so as not to be exhausted. It is the job of the executives of to take care of their physical condition.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    As a result, it was a good decision to visit Alban first.


    Quinta Spica 7, a.k.a. <>, who is in charge of Alban, saw the two in town and overheard their conversation.


    The old man, who knew that the two men were relying on Jin, immediately reported it to Jin.


    "Okay, I will stay in Leuthart for 10 days", he decided.


    He moved with Elsa, Reiko, Chloe and Mio to the house in Leuthart.

 1848 - - 49-37 At Exys parents house

    Fritz and Gloria''s trip to Alban, the capital of the Kingdom of Klein, ended peacefully and without incident.


    Gloria''s father, Boulton Allstadt, was at home and gave a warm welcome to his daughter-in-law, Fritz.


    Boulton wanted to stay up all night drinking, but they had to leave Alban at 3 p.m. for Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Empire, the next day, and returned to <> by the regular flight.


    "......I''m a little tired, aren''t I?"


    "Yes, you ...... are."


    They decided to go to the public bath in . Their new house has a bath, but it is not large enough for them to stretch out their arms and legs, so they felt like going to the big bath that day.


    The next day, I went to the bathhouse.


    The next day, June 10, they took an early morning scheduled flight to Loizart.


    The time difference from Alban was about 30 minutes, but the time difference from Loizart was two hours.


    At a speed of 100 km/h, the distance is about 6 hours, but <> is further east, so the flight leaves at 4:00 am and arrives at 8:00 am. This means that we leave at 4:00 a.m. and arrive at 8:00 a.m.


    Incidentally, although the departure time is early, it is said to be less stressful since we can take a nap in the airship.


    We arrived at the newly built airport on the outskirts of Leuthart. As one would expect, it is not possible to land on the airfield in front of Miyagi.


    "Thank God it''s sunny."


    Yes.


    The sky in Leuthart was clear.


    The two of them boarded a so-called "shuttle bus," a shared-ride carriage bound for the city of Leuthart.


    They got off just before Kyujo and headed for Jin''s mansion. Fritz knew the way around this area well.


    We arrived at Jin''s house around 9:00 am.


    In the garden seen from the gate, Jin and Elsa were playing with the twins.


    I knew that Fritz and Gloria were coming that day, so I was going to meet them at the gate, but the old man said to me, "Master (My Lord), isn''t that a bit deliberate? >>I was told by the old man that it would be a little deliberate.


    Reiko stood in place of the gatekeeper,


    "Father, Miss Elsa, Miss Fritz and Miss Gloria are here.


    She informed Jin that "Father, Elsa, Fritz and Gloria are here. Jin and Elsa reacted immediately and walked quickly to the gate with the twins by their hands.


    "Brother-in-law, Gloria, come in!


    "Brother, Gloria, ...... no, sister-in-law, welcome."


    I haven''t seen you since the wedding. Thank you for your hospitality.


    Fritz and Gloria returned the greeting.


    "Actually, I would like to go to my parents'' house, but I don''t have much time. I was wondering if you could help me."


    Fritz then explained the purpose of his visit.


    "Okay," he said. Let''s go there in ."


    Jin also said that it had been a long time since he had visited Elsa''s parents'' house, so he would bring the twins to say hello.


    "Thank you for accepting my offer so soon."


    Since time was short, we decided not to entertain them at the house and quickly boarded the parked on the roof of the house.


    As usual, Edgar is in control of the aircraft.


    "Well, let''s get going."


    The aircraft floats up in the air.


    We continue to gain speed and altitude, fly over Lake Tosmo, and soon we are in the town of Eksi.


    "Yeah, that''s where my parents live."


    lands soundlessly in the front yard of the Randall house.


    < is easy to recognize in a good way, and all the servants of Erza''s family know it and immediately run to inform the head of the family.


    The current head of the family was informed that "Master Jin and Erza are here.


    Moritz Randall, the current head of the family, came out to greet them, and when he learned that his brother and sister-in-law were also with them, he broke into a smile.


    "Jin-dono, Erza, welcome. Chloe, Mio, welcome. ...... Fritz, Gloria, welcome!"


    And the group was welcomed into the house.


    "Well, well, Gloria, Fritz, welcome!��Chloe, Mio, welcome!��Ms. Jin, Elsa, welcome!"


    Marlene, Elsa''s foster mother and Fritz''s mother, greeted them in the entrance lobby.


    The group was then ushered into the parlor.


    Fritz said he was here for a visit instead of a honeymoon. He also said that they would have to leave in the evening.


    Elsa noticed that Marlene looked a little sad when she heard this and immediately put on a happy face when she told her that they were staying a few days.


    "Well, I''ll take you both to in the instead of the scheduled flight, it''s twice as fast. It''s twice as fast, so if you want to arrive there at 9:00 PM, I can leave here at ...... at 4:00 PM."


    The trip takes 3 hours, plus 2 hours for the time difference, which means he should leave 5 hours earlier.


    "Oh, Mr. Jin, that would be great.


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin."


    Fritz and his family were happy to be able to stay at home as long as possible.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    While Fritz is showing Gloria around the house and its surroundings, Jin and Elsa are asked by Moritz, the current owner of the house, to consult with him.


    Meanwhile, Yu and Mio are left in Marlene''s care.


    "Chloe, Mio, let''s have lunch with grandma!


    Marlene, grandmother to the twins, called herself <. She was so sweet that it wouldn''t hurt to look her in the eye.


    And then,


    "Where''s Grandpa?"


    "Isn''t grandpa with you?


    Georg also joined them for lunch.


    "Oh, you''re here, Chloe, Mio. You''ve grown a lot since I last saw you.


    Georg is already living a normal life these days, except for a few slurring of speech. However, he has an automaton for his care, Lara, to help him with his little stumbles.


    Grandpa


    "Grandma."


    "Yes, yes."


    "Oh, oh, oh."


    Both Georg and Marlene have a soft spot for their first grandchildren.


    The maidens working in the house were relieved to see them.


    Meanwhile, Jin and Elsa were having a light meal in Moritz''s office and listening to the conversation.


    "Actually, the new emperor has asked me if I would like to work at the palace.


    Moritz is physically weak but has a sharp mind. Both Jin and Erza guessed that now that the new organization was in place, talented people would be in high demand.


    "If that happens, I can be promoted to the rank of baron."


    "That''s ......."


    Erza''s family had once been a barony, but after Georg was seduced by a malicious demon tribe, the family was once crushed, and Erza later became a major player in the family and was given the rank of a baronet.


    She passed the title to her brother Moritz, who is now a baronet.


    In modern Britain, a baronet is the lowest hereditary title, and is a commoner, not an aristocrat.


    In the Shoro Kingdom, they are treated as the lowest nobility, along with non hereditary barons, and are not allowed to participate in national politics.


    However, serving as a kyuujo means participating in the national government, and thus becoming a baron.


    "But since I am going to Miyagi, I want an acting lord to rule this land.


    "Ah, that''s it."


    Moritz said that his father Georg was not in good shape yet and that he could not leave him in charge.


    "I also approached Reinhard, but he is now working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and he said that he is not likely to be able to spare the manpower to run his own estate.


    As a side note, the Randall family, which is a baronet, has a fiefdom only because it was given to them by the Randalls, the original family from which Reinhardt emerged.


    In other words, the current Moritz is the deputy of the Randalls.


    In other words, the Maurits want to have a deputy of a deputy of a deputy of a deputy.


    Normally, his wife could have acted as his deputy for the time being, but this was not possible because Moritz had lost his wife.


    "Hmmm ......"


    Jin is not so broad-minded either.


    If only an automaton could be prepared for him, Jin thought to himself, "If only an automaton could be prepared immediately.

 1849 - - 49-38 Candidates for Office

    Jin and Erza were also troubled about the matter of the deputy whom Moritz had consulted them about.


    Even if they do not have a wife, most aristocrats would entrust the job to their vizier, chief steward, or other trusted family members who have been with the family for a long time, but the Randalls do not have such family members.


    No, there are servants who can be trusted to take care of household chores such as maidservants, but there are no servants who are capable of managing a fief.


    It is more correct to say that the number of servants was gradually decreasing.


    When the estate was demolished, half of the servants, especially the young ones, were dismissed and not rehired when they were made barons again.


    Therefore, the original employees got older and older and left for that reason, and now Moritz was running the place by himself.


    "Brother, are you going to remarry?"


    "What?"


    Moritz is momentarily taken aback by Erza''s direct question, but answers with a slightly sad smile on his face.


    "...... I don''t think I''m going to do that anymore."


    "Yes, you are?"


    "Yes. If it''s about the house, we can adopt one of your children from Fritz''s place or from your own family if you want. Or you can get one from the main family if you want."


    "......"


    Moritz''s answer made Elsa gasp.


    "Is that what you want, brother?"


    "Yes. That feeling went away when I was crushed. ......"


    At that moment Moritz lost color and fell asleep. Something changed in him at that moment.


    For the time being, the story of Moritz''s remarriage was over, and we returned to the story of the deputy.


    "Can''t we ask Rubel to do something for us?"


    Rubel was the family vizier who had served Elsa and her family for a long time.


    She had remained with us when the baron''s house was destroyed and had served my father Georg and my mother Marlene until she retired last year due to her age.


    "Uh, you would have been 68 or 69, right?"


    "That''s right. I think I can trust him with my life, but I don''t think I should ask him to be my deputy.


    "Hmm..."


    Elsa agrees.


    "...... And what about Cedric?"


    Cedric should still be in his forties, Elsa said.


    He was one of the ones who had stayed behind when the place was demolished and had been Moritz''s housekeeper.


    "Well, there he is. ...... I must have failed."


    According to Moritz, Cedric had been in poor health for about two years and gave up his job at the end of last year.


    "I haven''t heard. ...... not feeling well, sick?"


    The Cedric that Elsa knows is a stocky, mature man, so she can''t imagine him not being in good health.


    "No, I don''t know. He himself said that he had seen a healer, but he didn''t know exactly what the cause was."


    "...... yes."


    Elsa says, "Well, if that''s the case, he''s done me a great favor and I''ll pay him a visit later.


    "Oh, that would be nice. If he gets well and can come back to work, I would be very grateful.


    Thus, they decided to first contact Cedric, the former head of the family, to see if he would be interested.


    * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, Fritz was riding around the territory with Gloria.


    "Look, if you climb that hill over there, you can see the whole territory.


    "Yeah, it sure looks like a nice view.


    "I used to play in the woods there when I was little, catching bugs.


    "Yes, all boys are like that, aren''t they?"


    Fritz was happy to be able to show Gloria the place where he grew up.


    Chloe and Mio were also happy to be treated by their grandfather and grandmother for the first time in a long time.


    "Grandma, please read the book.


    "Yes, yes."


    "Grandpa, let''s play."


    "Oh, oh, oh!"


    Georg and Marlene were happy to be with their grandchildren.


    Georg seems to be getting better. It seems that spending time with the grandchildren has a healing effect.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The good time comes to an end.


    It is 3:00 p.m.


    Chloe and Mio are tired of playing and are taking a nap.


    Fritz and Gloria have returned to the house and are having a family meeting with their tired-looking father Georg, mother Marlene, brother Moritz, sister Elsa, and son-in-law Jin.


    "...... But father, brother. After all this time, am I right to be <?"


    When Fritz heard that Moritz had no intention of remarrying, he was a little troubled by the question of the heir to the Randall family.


    "Well, if Mauritz says it''s okay, it''s okay.


    Fritz, who knew his father in the past, had mixed feelings when his father, who seemed to be a man who was obsessed with the desire for success, said such a thing.


    Fritz did not like his father, who was obsessed with the desire for success, but he also regretted his father''s current lack of ambition.


    "For my part, I hope I can keep a little bit of the Randall blood in my veins," he said.


    But I''ll do my best!


    Gloria said enthusiastically and then blushed when she was told that if they had more than one child, they would like to adopt one of them.


    "I''m sorry, brother."


    (Chloe and Mio are twins, so we can''t adopt one of them," Erza said.


    (Hmmm, it would be best to have Mr. Moritz remarry after all.)


    Jin thought about this and suddenly thought of something.


    (I see...he can find a good woman in Miyagi...). Maybe I should secretly ask Her Majesty ...... for her...)


    Jin, who is not good at mixing with the conversation of his blood relatives, was thinking about various things by himself.


    * * * * * *


    "Oh, it was fun, my dear.


    "I''m glad to hear that."


    A little before 4:00 p.m., the with Fritz and Gloria on board took off from Exi.


    Erza remains at her parents'' house with Chloe and Mio.


    "We''ll have a light dinner."


    Jin put the sandwiches and Citran juice on the table inside the airship.


    The sandwiches were made at Elsa''s parents'' house, and the Citran juice came from the refrigerator.


    "Oh, this is very nice.


    "Bon app��tit."


    <


    The sky was getting darker by the minute.


    "How can you fly in this darkness?"


    Fritz is impressed.


    "Edgar has good night vision, you know.


    Jin only gave a very brief explanation.


    At 8:30 PM, <> arrives at <> a little earlier than scheduled.


    "Thank you, Jin-dono, for your help.


    "We will meet again sometime."


    Erza and the others are waiting for him, so Jin heads back to the airport.


    Since Jin, Reiko, and Edgar are the only ones returning, they proudly use the <> and arrive at Exi in less than an hour.

 1850 - - 49-39 Cedric

    Jin returned to Elsa''s parents'' house at 8:00 p.m. local time.


    It was quite fast, but since no one knew the exact distance to <>, he was not pursued.


    "Welcome back, my dear."


    Erza was at the door to welcome me.


    "Where are Chloe and Mio?"


    "They were waiting for me earlier, but they fell asleep."


    "I see."


    They had played a lot during the day and couldn''t stay awake due to the time difference from Reuthert.


    They entered the house and went straight to the living room.


    "Thank you for your hard work today," he said.


    There was a bottle of wine ready for them.


    "Thank you."


    It''s an Auslese Erlich 3454. It''s a sweet, pleasant wine.


    "I think this is Reinhardt''s favorite brand."


    Hmm, it''s made in Wass.


    I remember that.


    Jin asked Elsa where the wine was made, thinking that he had heard about it before.


    "The Olsen area is the western shore of Lake Wass, and the Erlich area is the eastern shore of Lake Wass.


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "...... and that area is your uncle''s territory."


    Uncle?


    Erza''s uncle was only Reinhardt''s father, but he was her .


    Jin asked again.


    "Yes, my uncle on my mother''s side. Your mother''s brother."


    Elsa called her Marlene, the woman who raised her. Her birth mother, Meine, called her .


    Although not related by blood, her uncle, Viscount Burroughs Richter von Arabus, had been unable to conceive a child for a long time, so her stepmother, who occasionally returned to her parents'' house, took Elsa for a visit and took good care of her.


    He is now very much in love with the child he has finally given birth to.


    After the wedding ceremony on Horai Island, only acquaintances came to the wedding party when they traveled around the country, so Elsa''s uncle and Jin never met each other.


    After that, they went on their honeymoon, and when they came back, they had a chance to see each other.


    "I never met him, did I?"


    "......n. ...... that ...... you, when you were missing, that''s why."


    "Oh,...... I see."


    It seems to be the time when Jin was caught up in the spatial vibration and went to another space.


    "I''m ...... sorry about that time."


    Jin said, "I was worried about you.


    "No, I didn''t mean to."


    Elsa explained that she had not meant to blame Jin.


    "I know you didn''t."


    Jin laughed softly and finished his wine.


    "Well, now that you''re sober enough, let''s go to bed tonight.


    "Hmm."


    Reiko, who had been standing by silently, put away the glasses and the bottle of wine.


    Then Jin and Elsa went to the guest room.


    * * * * * * * *


    On the 11th, Elsa decides to go visit Cedric, the former Moritz''s family chief.


    Since it was only a 30-minute ride by carriage, she said she would go alone, accompanied by Edgar.


    Jin and Reiko were to stay at Elsa''s parents'' house while taking care of Chloe and Mio. Georg and Marlene would take care of the twins.


    Elsa arrived at Cedric''s house as planned.


    "...... has not changed at all."


    Elsa got out of the carriage and was deeply moved.


    "This is Elsa, ......!"


    Polly, Cedric''s wife, welcomed Elsa with a surprised look on her face and a smile on her face.


    "I came back to my parents'' house for the first time in a long time and heard that Cedric was sick and had to quit, so I came to visit him."


    "Well, ......!��Oh, thank you!"


    Polly bowed deeply.


    "This is Miss Elsa ......!"


    Cedric, who was lying on his bunk, was startled by Elsa''s visit and tried to get up,


    "Stay in bed."


    Elsa pushed him away.


    "You ...... don''t look so good."


    Polly nodded at Elsa''s honest comment.


    "Yes, I do. I''ve been eating less and less lately."


    "......"


    Elsa looked at Cedric silently, and then she suddenly used her examination spell.


    "<>"


    Magic is not a panacea. Image is more important than anything else. In analytical magic, the accuracy of analysis is improved by strongly imagining what you want to know.


    Elsa first made a visual examination to get an idea of Cedric''s symptoms, and then performed a <>.


    "...... liver is bad.


    Elsa focused her examination on the liver because of the general malaise and the symptoms of << jaundice>>, a yellowish tinge in the palms of the hands and eyes.


    "<>"


    Then, to find out the cause of the symptoms, Elsa again performed a <>.


    "......This is probably viral hepatitis."


    As expected, Elsa could not identify the type of virus, such as type A or type B, but she was able to determine that the hepatitis was caused by a virus.


    Unless the virus causing hepatitis is eliminated, the patient will soon get sick again, even if he recovers temporarily with the healing magic.


    When I explained this to him, Cedric said that it was true that he would feel better for about a week after going to the healing center, but after that he would feel sick again.


    "...... got it. ><><>"


    Elsa, which gives vitality to the liver and at the same time detoxifies the toxins produced by the virus, and furthermore, kills the virus.


    The sterilization technique developed by Elsa is effective not only against bacteria, but also against viruses, protozoa, rickettsia, and other microorganisms in general.


    At that time, Elsa cured the King of Elias of pulmonary tuberculosis with this magic.


    "......<>......, I''m cured."


    "Oh, really?��......Oh, no, I''m not doubting you, Erza-sama. ......"


    "I know. But it''s okay. All you have to do is eat something nutritious and let your body get used to it little by little."


    Both Cedric and his wife, Polly, burst into tears of joy at these words.


    "Oh, thank you, Elsa-sama!


    Elsa shook her head.


    "No, it is the duty of a healer to heal the sick. And Cedric is the one who has worked for us for many years. So don''t worry about it."


    Then he continued,


    "I''d be happy to work for you again if you get well."


    He said, "I would be happy if you get well and come back to work for us.


    When they heard this, they both said,


    "Oh, thank you, Miss Elsa!��I would be more than happy to serve the ...... Randall family again!


    They bowed deeply.


    "It would be my pleasure. I would be very happy to serve you.


    Elsa answered, and, overcoming the couple''s attempts to detain her, she returned to her parents'' home where Jin was waiting for her.

 1851 - - 49-40 Family Form

    When Elsa returned to her parents'' house in Eksi, she reported to Jin.


    "Well, it was hepatitis. You''re lucky you didn''t pass it on to your family."


    "Nope."


    But now that he had been treated, he would gradually regain his strength.


    "It would have been better if I had brought Persica juice with me."


    Persica juice from Horai Island has a remarkable effect as a tonic.


    "Maybe I can order some later and send it as a sympathy gift in Mr. Moritz''s name.


    It is not a medicine, so there is no immediate effect, but the effect can be felt within half a day of drinking it.


    So, Jin ordered the old man to send ten bottles of the medicine.


    Two minutes later, 20 bottles of Persica juice are sent by the transporter.


    Ten of them were for Moritz, who was feeling tired.


    Elsa immediately goes to see her brother Moritz, leaving the 20 bottles of Persica Juice with Edgar.


    Moritz is relieved when she reports that she has cured Cedric.


    "It was a bad organ, the liver, but Elsa fixed it, didn''t she? Thank you."


    "I''ve told her that you will serve me again when you are well again."


    "Well, you remember what I told you the other day. Thank you.


    Here, drink this.


    Edgar put twenty bottles of Persian juice on the table.


    "Ten bottles for you, brother. Give the other ten bottles to Cedric.


    Elsa told him that when he went to give them to Cedric, he should ask him to return to the family government and to become a deputy.


    "Yes. I will. Thank you for your concern.


    Moritz bowed deeply to his sister.


    Meanwhile, Jin was in the living room when he heard small footsteps.


    Soon Chloe and Mio appeared, followed by Marlene.


    Father!


    "Dad!"


    They jumped on Jin.


    "Yu, Mio, did your grandmother play with you?


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!"


    Jin-san, Yu and Mio are really good kids. My husband seems to be feeling better thanks to you.


    "That''s good to hear."


    Jin thought that it was a good thing if his brain was activated by taking care of his grandchildren.


    "Hmm, please come visit us again with the twins, won''t you?"


    "Yes, as much as I can."


    "Yes, as much as possible.


    While talking like this, Jin stroked Yu''s head with his right hand and Mio''s head with his left.


    Then Erza came back.


    "Mother!"


    "Oh, Erza. Are you consulting for ...... Moritz?"


    "Yes."


    So Elsa went to visit Cedric and told him that she had treated him.


    "Oh, I didn''t know. I''m sorry for all the trouble I''ve caused you with the house.


    "No, it''s okay. I just did what I could ....... Besides, it''s my parents'' house."


    Elsa is thinking about the house in her own way.


    * * *


    We decided to stay at Elsa''s parents'' house for one more night that day.


    Chloe and Mio were more attached to Georg than I had expected.


    And Georg was also feeling much better after playing with the twins.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    Georg lightly throws a sponge ball at the twins. Chloe and Mio are the first to go and catch it.


    Jin, Erza and Marlene watch on.


    "A while ago, I couldn''t throw a ball like that.


    And now she''s throwing the ball with great control.


    "Very good rehabilitation?"


    "Yes, I guess so. ......"


    Both Elsa and Jin were deeply impressed as they watched Georg play with the twins.


    * * * * * *


    "...... Thank you, Elsa."


    "What''s going on out of the blue?"


    As Chloe and Mio were taking a nap, Jin and Erza were enjoying their 3 o''clock tea time at a little distance from the house.


    "I visited Erza''s parents'' house this time, and I felt I was deeply touched by ," he said.


    "......"


    Erza remembered that Jin had been an orphan.


    "Family ties come in many forms, don''t they?"


    "......"


    Elsa could not say anything to Jin lightly and just nodded her head.


    Reiko and Edgar both remained silent.


    At that time, there was a commotion outside.


    Then there was a commotion outside.


    "...... what''s going on?"


    Erza asked, catching one of the maidens running around in a panic.


    "Oh, uh, uh, there''s a fire!


    "What?


    Jin sat up when he heard about the fire.


    "Where?"


    "......, it seems to be in a neighboring village."


    Apparently, there was a big fire in the village and they came to the lord''s place to ask for help.


    Moritz came to the village in a panic.


    But Jin held him back.


    "My brother-in-law, you must not go out so lightly."


    Jin-dono?


    I''ll go. ...... Erza, take care of the children.


    Erza smiled and nodded.


    "Yes, sir. ......Go ahead, my dear. ......Edgar, you go, too."


    "Yes. "Yes, I will, Miss Elsa."


    "All right, Reiko, Edgar, let''s go."


    Jin then went to the service gate on the east side where he said the man who had come to inform him was. There he found a man with burns on his right shoulder and arm.


    Reiko, please heal him.


    "Yes, father. ......<>"


    "......, you''re burned!��Oh, thank you!"


    The man was surprised that the pain was gone, and when he realized that his burns had healed, he was overjoyed and thanked the man.


    "Thank you later. Where is the location of the fire...... No, that''s it, isn''t it?"


    Outside the service gate, to the left,...... that is, beyond the woods to the north of the house, smoke could be seen rising.


    Yes, yes.


    "Okay, let''s go with Conlon 3!��You follow me!"


    Jin rushed into <> parked in the front yard of the house with Reiko, Edgar, and a man from the village ...... whose name was Jess.


    "Launch Conlon 3!"


    Conlon 3 takes off into the afternoon sky. Its destination is the northern forest.

 1852 - - 49-41 Relief of Humanity

    flies toward the fire.


    "Awww... ......"


    Jess, the man from the village who brought him here, seems to be in a panic, having never flown before.


    "Calm down. Just think about putting out the fire."


    Jess seemed to calm down a little when Jin told him.


    From the air, the scale of the fire was clear to see.


    "We haven''t had any rain recently, and the fire is ......"


    "Looks like it."


    The forest below us was burning with red flames, and parts of the adjacent village were also smoking.


    The flames were rising quite high, but <> flew above them without a care in the world.


    "It''s got more range than I thought."


    Jin thinks about how to extinguish it. Since there is no water source nearby, water-based magic is not very useful.


    "<> would probably be able to eliminate it, but ......"


    I don''t want to use it because it would freeze all creatures in range.


    "Then there is <> or ......"


    I thought that if I covered the area I wanted to extinguish with a wind barrier, the fire would be extinguished as soon as the oxygen inside was consumed.


    "Then we can have ...... transporters send containers filled with water."


    He considered these things before arriving at the site, and decided to modify <>.


    The <> reduces the thermal energy of an object to zero, but we thought we could adjust it to reduce the temperature to 40 degrees Celsius.


    To put out a fire, we can lower the temperature to 40 degrees Celsius below the ignition point, which requires temperature, oxygen, and fuel.


    It is important to note that this is the <>, not the <>.


    The <> is the temperature above which a substance will start to burn if there is an ignition source such as a spark. It is mainly related to volatile liquids.


    The ignition point is the temperature above which a substance will spontaneously combust (assuming oxygen is present), e.g. 232 degrees Celsius for sulfur.


    Since it is mainly forests that are causing fires, it would be a good idea to keep the temperature below 250-260 degrees Celsius, which is the ignition point of wood, Considering the animals that live there, he chose a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, which is close to the body temperature of mammals.


    This would cause little damage to the animals and the trees would be safe. Even if humans were to be caught in the fire, there would be no adverse effects.


    Even if there was an effect, it would be better than being burned to death in a fire.


    As a side note, the ignition point of yellow phosphorus is 30 degrees Celsius, but it is not a substance that exists in large quantities in the natural world.


    Furthermore, there used to be matches made of yellow phosphorus, which had the convenience of igniting a fire no matter where it was rubbed, but they were highly dangerous and the production of yellow phosphorus matches was banned due to its toxicity, and the matches in circulation today are red phosphorus matches.


    "......Here and here: ......"


    There is an engineering magic called <, which can be said to be a combination of < and <.


    In about a minute, Jin had the Magi Formula, which recombines the flow of magical control (Magi Sequence), engraved into the Magi Crystal.


    The instant Magick of Cooling is ready.


    Reiko, will you use this to put out the fire?


    "Yes father, I''ll do it."


    Reiko, with the bare Magi Crystal in her hand, jumps out of the emergency hatch of Conlon 3.


    "Ah!"


    Jess exclaimed involuntarily when she saw this. "It''s all right,


    "It''s all right. Watch me. Look."


    Jin patted her on the shoulder and pointed out the window, and she rolled her eyes.


    There was Reiko, who had not fallen and was flying at an altitude slightly lower than Conlon 3.


    When Reiko noticed Jin staring at her through the window, she raised her right hand to signal to him, pointed the magi-crystal downward, and poured in the magic power to activate it.


    "Oh, I did it!"


    The magical device created by Jin works just as he intended. The fire was instantly extinguished in a radius of about 30 meters below Reiko.


    Reiko confirms this and flies away at a speed that leaves <> behind. From the top of the burning fire, she extinguishes it with her magic tools.


    The wildfire was quickly brought under control.


    "We managed to do it, didn''t we?"


    Jin was relieved. At the same time, he thought that he would improve this magical tool a little more and make it a <> for each country and the <> to have.


    While Jin was thinking about this, the fire was almost extinguished.


    Jin waited for about 30 minutes to see if the fire would not start again, but it seemed to be completely extinguished.


    "Father, I''m back."


    Reiko also came back through the emergency hatch.


    The fire of that magnitude would not even scorch Reiko or her clothes, but just to be sure, Jin checked Reiko, and after confirming that there was nothing wrong, he said to Reiko, "Thank you, Father,


    "Thank you, Reiko. You did a good job.


    He then said, "Good job, Reiko.


    "Oh, ......!��Thank you very much!


    Seeing this, Jess bowed her head toward Jin.


    "No, not yet. Are you sure your village is over there?"


    Jin pointed to a small village below.


    "Uh, yes."


    Nearly a third of the village was burned to the ground. Many of them were probably burned to a crisp.


    Edgar, I need you to land in the square outside the village.


    "Yes, sir."


    The <> landed, with some of the villagers looking on in the distance.


    Jess was the first one to come out, much to the relief of the villagers who had been staring in horror.


    Jin and Reiko came down next. Tension again rose, but Jess said, "These people put out the fire,


    "They put out the fire!


    Jess''s voice, "These people put out the fire!


    "Oh!


    Thank you!"


    Jin, however, won over the villagers.


    "I''m from the Randall family. I think the fire is under control. Has anyone been burned or injured?��Please gather around so we can treat you.


    "Oh, my lord!" he called out,


    "Oh, my lord!"


    "Thank God!


    and about three people ran toward the village. Apparently, Moritz''s reputation as a lord is not bad.


    After about five minutes, about ten villagers arrived, all of them injured or burned.


    Jin confirmed that none of them were injured urgently, and he decided to cast a healing spell on them one by one. He wished he had brought Erza with him, but it was too late.


    However, it is fortunate that no one was seriously injured.


    Jin himself is not able to use such advanced healing magic, so he takes charge of the lightly injured and leaves the rest to Reiko.


    Eight people were burned, one was injured, and the last was burned and injured.


    The burns were not so bad as to carbonize, so I was able to heal them nicely with intermediate level healing magic .


    "Thank you, thank you ......!"


    The healed villagers bowed deeply, almost rubbing their heads against the ground, showing their gratitude.


    "No, more importantly, is your house okay?"


    I was relieved to hear that none of the houses had burned down.


    "Well, we will be bringing in relief supplies later.


    Jin said, and boarded the again, and flew off into the twilight sky.


    The villagers looked on in gratitude as they headed south to Randall''s mansion.


    * * * *


    Jin returned to Randall''s house and reported to Moritz.


    "...... and that''s that. I''m sorry for moving on my own.


    "Oh Jin-dono, I can''t thank you enough. Please don''t say that I moved on my own.


    Moritz bowed deeply.


    "Because of the nature of the situation, the damage would have been much worse if we had not taken immediate action," he said. So ......, all we have to do is send the supplies and we''ll be fine?


    "That''s what I mean."


    Jin nodded.


    "Then let''s send some food and some building materials right away.


    Moritz made an immediate decision and quickly proceeded with the arrangements.


    Seeing this, Jin thought that his brother-in-law was a good lord after all.

 1853 - - 49-42 Over there, over there, over there.

    The next day.


    Moritz had done everything he could to compensate the village for the fire.


    "That''s my brother."


    "Yes, your brother-in-law is very meticulous in his work.


    Seeing his work, Jin and Erza were able to return home with peace of mind.


    On their way back,


    "Hey, Erza, I can''t let you be a deputy, but a secretary golem would be good, wouldn''t it?"


    "Oh, sure."


    Jin and Erza agreed that Moritz was too serious and that they should make and give him a golem that would take care of his schedule and health.


    * * * *


    Back in Horai Island, Jin immediately starts to make a golem.


    "Dad, it looks fun.


    "Yes, it sounds fun.


    "I want to try it too.


    "Maybe when you''re a little older."


    With Chloe and Mio in tow, Erza is on a tour.


    Jin is working on a more neutral body shape.


    Even though it is a golem, she intends to dress it. No unnecessary protrusions. He will try to keep the same silhouette as a human.


    Power is about three times that of a human, suitable for precision work.


    The robot will be made of light silver, and will be lightweight. Estimated finished weight is about 70 kilograms.


    And this time, it is Jin who is making it with the intention of it to Yu and Mio.


    The golem was completed in about an hour at .......


    "Oh!"


    "Dad, that''s great!"


    Chloe and Mio are clapping their maple-like hands.


    (I wonder if these kids will succeed me ......)


    Jin starts to put the final touches on the project, thinking in the corner of his head, "What should I do with the colors?


    "...... what color should I make it?"


    Since it is light silver (titanium in the Ars world), the color can be changed by adjusting the oxide film.


    "Why don''t you make it a color close to your skin tone?"


    Elsa offered her advice.


    "Yes, that''s right. That would be a good idea, considering the clothes we''re going to put on them."


    The idea of a golem with a blue or green face wearing clothes would be a little eerie to the uninitiated, so Jin decided to use a light, subdued brown color. In a light place, it looks almost skin-colored.


    "I like it this way."


    "Hmm."


    "Wow."


    Elsa named him .


    All that remains is the timing of the gift.


    I''m sure you can guess the timing of the gift.


    By the way, Marcia''s is almost finished too.


    "Oh, I see."


    Marcia is building a boat in the village of Kaina.


    <


    After having taken care of Yu and Mio''s measles, the <> charter, Fritz and Gloria''s wedding ......, and many other things, it would be awkward to say that we have left the ship thing unattended.


    So Jin decided to go to the village of Kaina that night.


    Jin said, "Oh, Jin!


    "Ah Jin, a good place!"


    Jin moved through the warp gate of Nido Castle and first looked into the workshop, where he was greeted by Marcia with a surprised look on her face.


    "I''ve just finished adjusting it. If everything is OK, it will be finished!"


    "Oh, that''s good timing!"


    Due to the time difference, it is already evening in the village of Kaina. The test will be tomorrow.


    Jin listened to Marcia''s story of hardship over dinner.


    Tiberio, have you gotten used to it?


    "Yes, every day is interesting now. I learn a lot from the way you work, Marcia.


    "He is enthusiastic. He can also use a little engineering magic, which is very helpful."


    "Heh. ......"


    Jin thought that if he were to teach him in earnest, he might become a new asset to Marcia''s workshop.


    After dinner, Jin was shown the finished ship. Marcia and Tiberio go to the workshop together.


    Rodrigo went back to his room, saying he was a little tired.


    One was ordered by Barbara and the others, and one was ordered by Jin. One was ordered by Barbara and the others by Jin.


    The other one is for experiments.


    "Experimental?" "Yes. I built it purely out of curiosity. It''s a standard model for future whitewater vessels. It''s not for sale, so Tiberio helped me a lot."


    "Oh."


    Jin was most interested in this.


    "This."


    So, first of all, he asked to see the experimental model.


    It was not a trimaran, but a monohull. The material was wood.


    The shape of the boat was long and slender, with floats extending out on both sides.


    It reminded Jin of an outrigger canoe.


    This type of canoe has good stability, but it can''t carry much luggage. It also doesn''t turn very well.


    Marcia explained to the representative.


    "Hmmm..."


    "But you can get a good speed with a rowing machine, and you can also steer it with a pole.


    "I see."


    In whitewater rafting, which is still practiced in modern Japan, boatmen often use a pole.


    If the rower is a golem, he has more power and faster reaction speed. First of all, the golem does not get tired, so I think this is a good idea.


    "I think it is suitable for wide rivers, though."


    "Yes, I think so."


    Jin agrees with Marcia''s opinion. I thought that the Ermee River might be a little difficult to handle in the narrow section of the river.


    "But I like this one.


    Jin said that the Erme River would be easier to use downstream from Lake Cedrolia.


    The area borders the Kingdom of Celuloa, so we will have to be careful in our operations there.


    It could also be used in the upper to middle reaches of the Divide River in the Shoro Kingdom.


    Marcia and Tiberio nodded happily when Jin said so.


    "I see!��I hope we can sell it there too."


    Marcia was happy that her ship was being used, not for profit.


    The next two projects were the ship commissioned by Barbara and her colleagues, and the ship commissioned by Jin.


    The former is a trimaran, just like the prototype. It is one size larger and the overall balance looks good, and we are looking forward to the test run tomorrow.


    The boat that Hitoshi requested, which the children in the village can enjoy, looks like a rubber boat with an outboard motor attached to it.


    The material of the boat is not rubber but >, which absorbs the impact even if it hits a rock, and it does not tear.


    The outboard motor of the < type is also made of 64 light silver, so it will not break down so easily, Jin thought.


    "I see, so this is what you did.


    "Now I want Jin to make a golem or automata that can control the outboard motor. You can operate the outboard motor yourself, but for your own safety, you must ride with the golem or automata.


    I''ve been knocked off the boat many times," Marcia said, "but the Ermee River can be dangerous in some places.


    "Okay. Thank you."


    Jin nodded his head in satisfaction.

 1854 - - 49-43 Ship completed

    On the morning of June 13th, after breakfast, Jin headed for the Ermee River.


    Of course, he is accompanied by Reiko, Marcia, Rodrigo, and Tiberio.


    The boat is assisted by the golem maids from Nido Castle. Two boats are being transported, one requested by Barbara and others by Jin.


    Since this is a report on the completion of the request, the experimental boat is left at the workshop.


    It was a brisk morning in early summer, and a few girls had come to the Erme River to gather magi sand.


    There were only a few of them left, but they could still collect enough to earn a little extra money.


    "Oh, there''s Jin-san!��Marcia-san!


    And Leco!


    Uncle Rodrigo and Tiberio!


    "Ah, a boat!"


    It''s a lively crowd.


    "Good morning, Patty, Jesse, Jenny, Nonna."


    Marcia had become good friends with them.


    "Are you going to take a dip?"


    "Yes, I do, Nonna."


    The youngest Nonna is four years old this year. She is the daughter of Jeff and Seema from the village of Lalio.


    "If I do well, everyone will be able to ride with me," she said.


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it!"


    Patting Nonna''s head gently, Marcia started the test with the trimaran she had built.


    "Oh, it''s so stable!"


    Jin, who was watching from the shore, was impressed by the way the boat ran in spite of the swift current. Rodrigo folded his arms and looked at his daughter''s boat with satisfaction.


    "Isn''t it?��We''ve made a lot of minor adjustments."


    Tiberio came to Jin''s side and told him about Marcia''s difficulties.


    "Of course. It''s just like Marcia."


    Marcia had gone so far upstream that she was out of sight from where Jin and the others were standing,


    "Yeah, you''re doing great!��Now we can deliver!"


    She is in a good mood.


    She makes a U-turn at the edge of the pool.


    "Yeah, I think the slight reduction in the length of each hull and the slight rounding of the hull bottom is helping.


    Satisfied with her behavior, Marcia moves down the river at twice the speed. In no time at all, she passes the area where Jin and the others are, and heads downstream.


    She makes a U-turn, this time in a place where Jin and the others can see her.


    "Oh, that''s a smooth move!"


    Marcia is pleased to hear Jin''s voice.


    She then follows the river upstream again, slowly approaching the shore and landing on the sandy beach.


    "Yeah, yeah, that''s great, Marcia. You did a great job!"


    "Well, I''m glad to hear you say so. Next is a boat I made at Jin''s request.


    It''s a rubber-boat style boat.


    Let''s go!


    It''s light enough that Marcia can carry it by herself.


    All right.


    Once the boat is on the shallows, Marcia starts the outboard motor.


    This is also an aqua thruster, not a screw propulsion system.


    "Oh, the directional stability is better than I expected.


    Jin looks at the boat,


    "We experimented with various boat shapes," Tiberio told us.


    Tiberio told us.


    Since the boat has a flat bottom, the shape seen from above, rather than the shape of the bottom, has an effect.


    "We were told that by making the bow part of the boat less resistant and the stern part of the boat more resistant, we could ensure directional stability in swift currents."


    "I see."


    While I was listening to his explanation, the style boat was moving up the Hermes River.


    And this time, it turned around in front of Jin and the others.


    The flat bottom of the boat offered little resistance to the change of direction, and the outboard motors were turned to the right side.


    "I see."


    Then he went down the Hermes River, changed direction once more, and landed on the shoal.


    "How is it, Jin?


    "Yes, very well. Thank you, Marcia.


    Jin now knew that the job had been done.


    All that remained was to ensure safety. It is the duty of Jin, the lord.


    "You should always wear a life vest when you go on a boat."


    We could make them out of foamed Maggi polyethylene, or for short, Jin thinks.


    "And a boatman golem. Of course, it should be good at underwater activities, just in case.


    While Jin was thinking about this, the children of the village gathered around.


    "Hey, Mr. Jin, can we go on the boat now?


    "I want to ride on it!


    Jin couldn''t say no to the children who were all asking for the same thing,


    "Reiko, please steer the boat temporarily."


    He asked Reiko to help him temporarily. Reiko would be able to save the child in case he fell into the river.


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko gets into the boat, which looks like a rubber boat.


    "Marcia, how many people are on board?


    Jin asked,


    "I think five children can easily fit on the boat. I''m sure that Reiko will be able to steer the boat.


    He answered, "If Reiko can steer the boat, I''m sure it will be safe.


    Jin then called out to the children who were there.


    "Then we can all get on. ...... you can all get on the boat that Reiko is on.


    "Yay!"


    I''m with Reiko!"


    They all get on the boat.


    "Here we go!"


    Reiko announced and started the outboard motor.


    Unlike the screw type outboard motor, the aqua thruster type outboard motor generates enough thrust even when the boat is on the shore, and the boat is slowly moving away from the shore.


    "Whoa!��It floats, it floats!


    "It''s fun!"


    With the children''s cheers, Reiko''s boat moved up the Hermes River at a considerable speed, passing a bend in the river and disappearing from the sight of Jin and the children.


    "Well, you''re still great, Reiko, Jin!��You''ve already mastered that boat that you got on for the first time!


    Marcia sounded half impressed and half dismayed.


    "Well, it''s Reiko. I''m going to go to ...... and get some data from Reiko to make a golem to steer the ship."


    "I see, you are indeed a djinn."


    While we were talking, a boat that had made a U-turn upstream came back.


    It passed in front of Jin and the others at a very high speed.


    "Jin-san!��Marcia!


    Uncle Rodrigo!��Tiberio!"


    The children on the boat shouted and waved.


    Seeing their happy faces, Jin was glad that he had built a boat for sightseeing.

 1855 - - 49-44 And to Summer

    "Thank you, Marcia."


    Back at Nido Castle, Jin formally thanked Marcia for accomplishing his request and paid her fee. He also made Barbara and the others pay for theirs.


    "No, thank you. It was a good learning experience.


    Marcia replied with a smile.


    This concludes the whole assignment.


    "Are you going back to Potrock?"


    Marcia smiles a little sadly and replies.


    "Yeah, I guess so. I''m going back to ......, though I''m kind of sad.


    Marcia says, "I''m worried about the store, too.


    "My dad used to come home sometimes," she says.


    <


    "It seemed to be business as usual for the most part."


    Marcia laughed, saying that Arrow, Arco, Vail and the others were excellent.


    "But I''m a little sad to say goodbye to the kids from the village I''ve become friends with.


    I understand that feeling,


    "It doesn''t mean you won''t see them again, and since there is a warp gate, you can come visit us anytime you want.


    "Yes, you''re right. Jin, thank you."


    And as a final touch, Marcia concluded, I''ll check the workings of Jin''s golem and return to Potrock.


    "Okay."


    So Jin immediately set about building a golem to steer the ship.


    The idea was already in the works and the materials were already prepared.


    With Reiko as his assistant, Jin begins to work quite seriously on the project.


    He decided to make the golem out of 64 light silver, since it should be as light as possible for a golem to steer a ship.


    The skeleton is also made with a hollow core to reduce weight.


    For the muscles, we decided to use threads based on those of the ground spider, which is a light material.


    Compared to the leather of the demons used in Horai Island, it can be made 40% lighter. Although the upper limit of the power that can be produced is less than half, it is still several times stronger than that of an ordinary golem.


    In order to make it light, the figure will be of a neutral boy type, approximately 140 cm tall and 35 kg in weight.


    The trimaran and the pleasure boat, each dedicated to two individuals.


    It took Jin about 20 minutes to complete the job.


    "You''re still incredibly fast, aren''t you, Jin?


    "Jin-dono is the master of gin. ......"


    "......"


    Marcia and Rodrigo were impressed, while Tiberio, who was still getting used to it, was absolutely amazed.


    * * * * * *


    "There we go. Let''s name them ......<>1 and 2."


    To distinguish them by color, Sailor 1 was reddish gold and Sailor 2 was whitish gold.


    "Jin, what is the name of the ship?"


    "Oh, I hope Marcia will name it for me.


    Jin thought that he still wanted the creator to name the ship.


    "Hmmm...yes. How about for the trimaran and for the pleasure boat?


    "Yes, that sounds good."


    Halcyon is for kingfishers and Anatola is for ducks.


    They would go well with the intrepid trimaran and the stout pleasure boat, Jin thought.


    So he inscribed <<> on the boat respectively. > on each boat.


    "Now we should build a landing place and a warehouse at a suitable location on the Hermes River.


    Jin decided that the best location would be by the bridge, so he quickly made arrangements.


    Ten craftsman (smith) golems arrived from Horai Island and set to work.


    "Well, are you sure about Marcia?"


    "What?"


    The golem that rows the experimental boat.


    "Oh, I see. ...... No, I''ll call the Arrow to help you when I''m done here.


    "So you''ll be here a little while longer?"


    Yeah, for a couple of days.


    Marcia laughed and said, "I want to make sure the ship is in good working order, in case there are any unexpected problems.


    "Okay."


    Hitoshi liked and appreciated Marcia''s sense of responsibility.


    Jin then turned to Tiberio.


    "How was it working with Marcia and Rodrigo, Tiberio?"


    "It was fun. ...... so much so that I would like to work with them for a long time to come."


    Tiberio says with a slight smirk.


    "Yes, he''s really dedicated. He''s good at what he does and he can use a little bit of engineering magic.


    Rodrigo also acknowledged Tiberio.


    Jin thought that was good enough,


    "Well, ...... then, why don''t you go work for Marcia?"


    He said, "Yes!


    "By all means!


    Tiberio nodded his head in a short but enthusiastic voice.


    "Yes, that would be great. We''re actually short on staff at ......."


    Soon it will be summer with more orders, Marcia said, and they may not be able to meet their deadlines if they don''t do this.


    "Besides, it was fun working with Tiberio."


    "I see. I see. So that''s not a problem."


    If that''s what everyone wanted, Jin thought, it would be best,


    "Then I''ll teach you a little bit of engineering magic. "Then I''ll teach you a little engineering magic, and you''ll be a more effective worker in Marcia''s workshop," he suggested.


    He accepted the offer.


    The proposal was accepted without hesitation, and Jin decided to start training on Horai Island the next day.


    The next day, he decided to go to Horai Island for a special training session.


    "Wow, this is fun!


    "This is fun!"


    The children on board the , piloted by Sailor 2, were cheering at the Ermee River.


    "Hmmm, you''re doing a good job of flying this thing, aren''t you?


    "Yes, it''s Jin''s work, isn''t it? I have no problem steering the Sailor 2.


    And from upstream, <, loaded with magi sand, returns with Sailor 1 at the helm.


    On board are Barbara and Lu.


    "Jin-san, Marcia-san, you''re doing great!


    "Barbara, don''t let your body get cold, it will affect your baby.


    "Don''t worry. I''m not in the water and Ruu is with me.


    Luu, from the village of Lalio, is the adopted daughter of the village chief Giebeck and the healer Sally, who is herself training to be a healer.


    "Well, that''s all right then, isn''t it?��But be careful, okay?"


    "I know. I know, but be careful. Today is the ship we commissioned, so I was only allowed on board as a representative first. From now on, I''ll leave it to Kana, Sema and Berta."


    Barbara said, and moved easily from the to the shore.


    A fresh breeze blows under a blue sky in the village of Kaina. Summer was almost here.

 1856 - - 49-45 Quiet Story 82 Tiberio Special Training and

    "Now, the most important thing in mastering magical engineering is a ."


    On the island of Horai, Jin begins training Tiberio in engineering magic.


    "Yes."


    "Putting aside the mentality, the key to mastering engineering magic is whether or not you can use <>."


    "<>?"


    "Yes. If you can do this, you can mass produce golems and automata, and you can intentionally increase your knowledge."


    Tiberio looked as if he didn''t fully understand the explanation, so Jin gave a supplementary explanation.


    "The reason I can increase my knowledge is that by using this, I can read the information stored in the magi-crystal directly into my brain."


    <> and <> can read the Magi Formula>> visually, but not directly.


    So, how do magecraftsmen, who cannot use <>, make golems and automata?


    "One is education from scratch. One is teaching them like you would teach a baby. But this method was used only in the very beginning. It takes too long and is now obsolete."


    "Yes."


    Jin continues.


    "The second method is to use educational magic tools. This is to information to the .


    <, it is taught by ordinary means.


    Specifically, the necessary knowledge is taught to the , which is equipped with a temporary , by voice or magic waves.


    However, the speed of education is 2 to 5 times faster than that of a human being (depending on the grade of the control core), and it is more efficient because it does not <>.


    Moreover, since it can be done 24 hours a day, as a result, education can be completed about 10 times faster than the method of <<1>>.


    "Third, this is the current mainstream method, but it involves writing in the <> MagiFormulas>> one by one. It''s about 100 verses, so it''s half a day''s work."


    Write in the basic movements, language knowledge, etc. one by one. The basic formula is the < created by Adriana Barbora Zetsi and refined over the years.


    "Also, the <, which has recently begun to be used. This is a degraded version of . However, it is quite easy to use and there are many who can use it.


    This technique was invented by Jix, who participated in a <> in the Kingdom of Selroa, but has since been studied and is beginning to spread to the general public.


    "So, it would be best if we could use <>. First, let''s find out Tiberio''s aptitude."


    "Okay."


    I understand.


    As a result, Tiberio had the aptitude. Jin then duplicated the magi crystal with the necessary information written on it and transfers it to Tiberio himself.


    "So this is the world of engineering magic. ......"


    Tiberio is astonished at the sheer volume of knowledge.


    "Oh, yes. Some of it is rudimentary scientific knowledge."


    Having a middle-school level of scientific knowledge makes the use of magic much more efficient.


    "Now then, let the training begin."


    "Now, I want you to make 10 spheres, 10 cubes, and 10 tetrahedrons of the same weight out of this bronze.


    "Yes. ......What?


    "You can do it by first matching the weights and then forming."


    "Yes, I''ll try it. ......


    In this way, you will develop a basic <.


    "Try to make a plate 0.1 mm thick and 50 cm wide from this ingot of adamantite by . The length is arbitrary.


    "Yes, yes."


    Adamantite has a high resistance to forming, and thus nourishes the of forming.


    "I want you to analyze this metal. Can you tell what it contains and what it is?"


    I will try.


    "There is carbon steel, which is made by adding carbon to iron. Let''s make a knife with it.


    "I''ll try." "I''ll try."


    Jin will also give practical lessons to acquire the obtained scientific knowledge.


    Since the time is limited to two days, it is inevitable that we have to cram a little more than usual. Tiberio is working hard without complaining or whining.


    Of course, he is taking breaks and eating properly. It''s because Jin used to work at a black company that he manages his schedule so well.


    "It would be better if you could use simple healing magic.


    "Yes, I''ll do my best."


    He is sometimes injured during the work, so it is good to know healing magic.


    Tiberio knows this, so he works hard to learn it.


    During a break.


    "Are you tired?


    "Yes, to be honest. Yes, to be honest. I can do things I couldn''t do before, I know things I didn''t know before. There is a whole new world in front of me.


    "When you say that, it makes teaching worthwhile."


    After training, he relaxes in a hot spring and gets eight hours of sleep.


    The next day, another training session: .......


    And two days passed.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    June 16th. It is also the day that Marcia leaves the village of Kaina.


    "Marcia, come back again, won''t you?


    "Yes, I''m sure I''ll come back."


    "I''m sure she will!


    Marcia complied with the children''s request, since the warp gate was there and she could come back anytime she wanted to.


    "Thanks for the boat, Marcia!"


    Jin also thanked her.


    "It was a request. I learned a lot from you. And ......."


    Marcia glances at Tiberio, who is standing next to her.


    "I think I''ve found a good <," he says.


    Her face is a little red, but it''s probably not just from the sun.


    "And I''ll take your advice."


    "Yes, please do."


    Jin has attached to the two boats. This way, when he wanted to stop on the river, for example, the boats would not be swept away.


    It is also useful when you are swimming in the river and want to get back to the boat, because the position of the boat does not change.


    As a worst-case scenario, Jin also assumed that he could rescue a drowned child. He did not say it out loud.


    For this reason, he also prepared a floatation ring with a rope for lifesaving, and loaded it on both boats. They would come in handy when the boatswain''s golem threw them to the rescuers.


    "Take care of yourself, Mr. Rodrigo."


    "Thank you, Mr. Jin. I''m glad to see that ...... you have a good successor.


    Rodrigo glanced at Tiberio.


    The gesture was just like Marcia''s, and Jin was secretly impressed that they were father and son after all.


    "Thank you for everything you have done for me.


    Tiberio bows to Jin with a radiant face.


    "Yeah, do your best. Tiberio can do it. You can do it. Support Marcia and Mr. Rodrigo, okay?


    "Yes, to the best of my ability."


    Thus, the Tiberio of the <> became the Tiberio of the <>.

 1857 - - 49-46 Quiet talk 83 yearning and goals

    In March of 3457, seven years ago, in Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea, a was held to celebrate the birth of Ernest, the third prince. A was held in Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea, to celebrate the birth of the 3rd Prince Ernest.


    On that occasion, an anti-social organization, the Unifiler, launched a terrorist attack with the aim of showing its power.


    They took control of the golem that was unveiled, the golem that was originally in the castle, and almost all of it, in an attempt to overthrow the state.


    However, thanks to the efforts of the golem <, the black knight <>, and the automata <>, who did not take control of the golem, the plot was foiled.


    All the leading figures of the Kingdom of Egelea, the guard knights, soldiers, and magical craftsmen of that time were grateful and in awe of <><><<>.


    And there were some who had great ambitions to one day create more than three golems.


    Magecraftsman Audrey Hanks was one of them.


    She was a female engineer with a fair face and red hair pulled back in a ponytail.


    She was attending the with her mentor and uncle, Gladia Hampton, when she was attacked.


    She was only 12 years old at the time. She didn''t know what had happened and was in fear for her life, shaking and crying, when she was saved by Reiko''s action.


    At that time, Reiko wielded a mace that Jin had hastily created and literally blew away the crazy golems.


    The overwhelming strength and the unbelievable scene were still burned into her eyelids.


    She admired Reiko''s strength, and she strove to reach her goal, and now, at the age of 19, she is a Royal Magi Craftsman of the Kingdom of Egelea, and has been given the honorary name of , and although she does not have a title, she is treated as an aristocrat.


    "Dolly, is that the new golem?"


    Dolly is Audrey''s nickname. She asked her colleague and senior colleague Gregory Bradley.


    He had short-cropped brown hair and gray eyes. He, too, is a Royal MagiCraftsman.


    "Yes, I am.


    Audrey answered shortly.


    Today she had completed her latest golem and had come to the training camp to test its performance.


    "Well, I don''t see how it''s different from the previous ones. ...... Why are you so obsessed with small size?"


    Gregory asked curiously.


    "Well,...... I guess I want to take advantage of the small size."


    What are the advantages?


    "Concentration of power and efficiency."


    Even in a world of magic, the laws of physics still exist.


    The fact that Reiko, who is small and light in weight, can blow up a large and heavy golem is largely due to the fact that she is applying force from the bottom up.


    If the force is applied from the top to the bottom, the body would float, but if the force is applied from the bottom to the top, the body can stand firmly on the ground because the force pressed against the ground acts as a force dividing the body.


    But that is not all. Reiko is able to stand up against a huge opponent thanks to the soles of her shoes, which exert more than enough frictional force, and the force field generator "Force Generator".


    Furthermore, when the force field generator was not yet installed, she used earth magic to fix her feet to the ground, but even Audrey Red Hanks was unaware of this.


    "That''s what ...... means."


    "I see. That makes sense.


    Of course, there are downsides to making them smaller.


    First of all, since the cross-sectional area of the muscles becomes smaller, the upper limit of the force that can be exerted becomes lower.


    The skeleton becomes correspondingly thinner and therefore less strong.


    The small size of the skeleton makes it somewhat more difficult to build.


    These were the negative aspects that Gregory could think of now.


    However, these were problems that could be left to the judgment of the maker, not that there were no solutions.


    And Audrey had almost solved them.


    "Well, okay. You''re going to test the new model, right?"


    "Yes."


    I''d like to be there.


    "Of course."


    It''s a curt response, but that''s Audrey''s nature. She is not very good at socializing.


    "28, show me how you run."


    "Yes."


    The golem called "No. 28" started to run across the training ground. It was about as fast as a man could run.


    "Good! ...... faster!"


    Audrey saw that there was no lethargy in its movements and ordered it to speed up.


    "Whoa!"


    Gregory, who was watching along with Audrey, couldn''t help but exclaim. 28''s speed was increasing rapidly.


    The No. 28 was speeding along with a cloud of dust. The speed is estimated to be about 200 kilometers per hour.


    "That''s fast!"


    But Audrey still looks dissatisfied.


    "I think I could go faster if I worked on the way I run and the shape of my feet."


    Audrey''s brown eyes are still burning with the image of Reiko at the Golem party. At that time, Reiko had kicked away all the powerful Golems with blinding speed.


    "Geez, geez, ......28, that''s enough. Go back."


    The dust from the 28 is getting worse, so Audrey decides to end the test run.


    "Now we''re going to test your strength. Try lifting that weight."


    "Yes."


    The test weights are not barbells or dumbbells, but rectangular shaped blocks of metal.


    No. 28 lifted the 200-kilogram weight with ease.


    "Oh, wow."


    It''s quite a surreal sight to see the childlike form of No. 28 doing just that. But Audrey looks like she''s not ready yet.


    No. 28 then lifted 300 kilograms.


    "That''s amazing!"


    Only about half of the adult golems can lift 300 kilograms.


    But Audrey had him lift an even heavier weight.


    400 kg. She lifted this one, too.


    She manages to lift 500 kilograms. The paving stone under her feet is cracked.


    550 kg. He couldn''t lift it at the first attempt. He changed the way of lifting and succeeded at the fourth attempt.


    600 kg. ...... could not lift it.


    "It''s amazing that someone this size can lift 550 kg!"


    Gregory, who was present, praised her with open arms, but Audrey said,


    "I''m not satisfied yet. Once I''m ...... satisfied, I''m done."


    And with that, she set to work on the next test.


    It was a mock battle against ten battle golems.


    "Get to it!"


    With a command, ten golems with sticks instead of swords attacked No. 28.


    Here, another advantage of being comes into play.


    Because the target of the attack is small, it is difficult to hit it. Moreover, the area near its feet is not easily visible, making it difficult to attack or defend.


    No.28 seemed to understand this well enough, and from a low position, he delivered a thrusting fist strike.


    "Oh!"


    Gregory shouted in amazement as he saw three battle golems blown to pieces by No. 28''s fist strike.


    Three of them rose more than five meters in succession and fell to the ground, motionless.


    This is not a breakdown, but a <>, and if they take more than a certain amount of damage, they are instructed to leave the battle line in this manner.


    "Well, it''s not enough yet."


    Audrey''s small voice surprised Gregory. 28 is definitely one of the top golems in the kingdom of Egelea. She was definitely one of the top golems in the Kingdom of Egelea, but he knew she was not satisfied.


    But Audrey''s target is Reiko. She is the undisputed world''s greatest automata, capable of blasting more than a dozen golems with a single swing of her mace.


    We believe that Reiko, if we let her fight a mock battle in the same way, would instantly blow up ten golems more than ten meters away and be done with it.


    And she is right. But this is Reiko at <<20% output>>.


    "Any more than that, it might be impossible without changing the materials."


    Audrey mutters with a difficult look on her face as she stares at No. 28, the tenth battle golem defeated.

 1858 - - 49-47 Silent Story 84 Hate and Goals

    In March of 3457, seven years ago, in Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea, a was held to celebrate the birth of Ernest, the third prince. A was held in Asunto, the capital of the Kingdom of Egelea, to celebrate the birth of the 3rd Prince Ernest.


    On that occasion, an anti-social organization, the Unified Party, launched a terrorist attack with the aim of showing its power.


    They took control of the golem that was unveiled, the golem that was originally in the castle, and almost all of it, in an attempt to overthrow the nation.


    Several people were injured so severely that they were incapacitated.


    Count Dave Maida Galana, a nobleman of the Breuland, was one of them.


    He suffered a broken nose, complicated fractures of both arms and legs, complicated fractures of the ribs and internal organs, and bruises all over his body.


    Elsa, who was still inexperienced at the time, provided first aid.


    Elsa''s first aid was adequate and prevented secondary infection, but did not cure the patient completely.


    This was partly because she was still inexperienced, but more importantly, it was because she had reduced the consumption of magic power.


    After all, at that time there were more than 100 injured people who needed first aid alone.


    Count Galana was then treated by a renowned healer, but the healer was not very good.


    The bones of his arms and legs were bent and twisted, and so were his nasal bones.


    As a result, he could no longer perform his daily activities by himself.


    He needs assistance to walk, eat, and even change his clothes by himself.


    His internal organs, including his liver, were severely damaged, and he also had some jaundice symptoms.


    "...... Uhnu, it''s all Golem''s fault!"


    His uncontrollable anger was directed at the Golem itself.


    "I don''t care how much money it costs. Make the strongest Golem in the world!


    Since he had plenty of money, he called in a renowned magecraftsman and had him create a powerful golem.


    However, no matter how long it took, the golem was never completed to the satisfaction of the Count.


    Then, a man came to him.


    I heard that you wanted a strong Golem.


    "Mm. And you?


    Count Galana, whose nose was still crooked, was wearing a mask that covered everything but his mouth.


    "I am a ...... drifter. ......<>"


    "Oh, oh!"


    The man had used a mysterious chanting spell to heal Count Galana''s crooked nose.


    "Oh, this!��...... umm, thank you."


    The crooked nose had made his pronunciation somewhat slurred, but it had also improved. The Count was overjoyed.


    "Can''t ...... this arm and leg be fixed?"


    I asked him with a ray of hope,


    "I can do that,<>, but I don''t know how to do it,<>. But, <>"


    "Uh-huh?"


    "You seemed to have a problem with your internal organs, so I was able to fix that."


    "Oh, I see!"


    Feeling that the discomfort that had been stagnating in his body was indeed gone, Count Galana bowed his head to the man.


    "No, I''m sorry. This is enough."


    The healing of his face and internal organs had solidified Count Galana''s trust in the man.


    * * * * * *


    The man called himself .


    His skill is not only in healing magic, but also in engineering magic.


    "Mm-hmm, that''s amazing!"


    The first golem that Marco created was distinctly different from the previous golems.


    It was more than three times as powerful as the golems the Count had been making.


    "Yes, this is exactly what I''ve been looking for!"


    Count Galana was quite satisfied,


    "No, not yet. Let''s make a much more powerful golem.


    "Oh, go ahead and do it!"


    The Count and Marco were in agreement, and more golems were created.


    A few months later.


    "Oh, this is the strongest Golem!


    "I''m quite satisfied with the result."


    Marco''s own Golem blows away 20 old Golems without difficulty.


    With this, any opponent will have nothing to fear.


    "I think so."


    Count Galana looks satisfied,


    "What is its name?"


    Count Galana asks.


    "Yes. Shall we call it ......<>?"


    "Hmm?��What does that mean?


    "It''s a word from my hometown, ......, it doesn''t mean much."


    Marco laughed and trailed off.


    "Hmmm...well..." he said. <."


    But that night Marco disappeared without a trace.


    Count Galana wondered, but he did not think it too regrettable since he had what he wanted.


    "Now that Allogance is complete, I have no further use for him. ...... No, I still think that talent was a shame." he muttered, sipping his wine.


    He gulped down a glass of wine. A wicked smile appears on his face.


    * * * * * *


    "...... Well, he was an interesting guy, wasn''t he?"


    Marco ...... no, <> smirked as he left Count Galana''s mansion.


    "I''m sure that <>...... or <> will be a good match for that automaton we made this time."


    Markosias, too, had a sense of humiliation for Reiko, who had unilaterally violated his <.


    He has no more hatred for Jin, who saved his people. However, he was determined to continue his endless challenges as an engineer. That is why I am wandering like this.


    "Well, where will he go now? ......"


    No one knows what happened to Marco after that.


    * * * *


    "Well, let''s give it a try."


    The next day, Count Galana activated . The location was a wasteland on the outskirts of Blueland.


    "Oh, I''m looking forward to it."


    No, not at all.


    The people watching are fellow aristocrats.


    Well then, let''s get going."


    Count Galana held the controls for the Alloganth close to his mouth.


    "Alloganth, run!"


    This was to transmit the pilot''s voice to the allogance. It is a kind of . Although the communication range is very short.


    "Oh!"


    Alloganth runs as ordered. It is not autonomous, but semi-autonomous.


    However, since it can make some self-judgments, it can handle the command <> to a certain extent.


    In other words, Aloganth does not run in a straight line, but runs in a circular motion and avoids obstacles.


    "Wow, that''s amazing."


    "Isn''t he going at least 100 kilometers per hour?"


    Despite his massive height of 2 meters and 50 centimeters, his agility is remarkable.


    "Okay, stop. ...... and destroy those rocks."


    Alloganth came to a halt and struck a five-meter-high rock in front of him on his right side as hard as he could.


    "Whoa, whoa!


    "That''s a lot of power!"


    The rock shattered into pieces with a roar.


    The nobles were then astonished at the power of the five battle golems they had prepared, and trembled as they watched the golems easily turn to scrap.


    Count Galana let out a loud laugh from his wheelchair.

 1859 - - 49-48 Silent Story 85 Hannahs Thinking

    "Hey, Old man, is it a definite fact that Oni-chan has been gone once in 400 years?"


    Hannah asked the old man one day in Horai Island.


    "That''s right. ......"


    Hannah is thinking about something.


    It is the year 3467 and Hannah is 19 years old. She has changed from a beautiful girl to a beautiful woman.


    Reiko looks at Hanna and says that she looks just like her predecessor, Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    "It is possible to send things to the future, isn''t it?"


    <


    But what Hanna is thinking of is a transfer beyond time.


    Hanna likes to think about this kind of theory more than the realization of it.


    Perhaps because she was surrounded by many practitioners, or rather, all practitioners, Hanna was developing into a scholar who preferred to develop her theories.


    "Well, that''s not quite right. ......"


    The time capsule-like future transfer was very different from what Hanna was looking for.


    "I want to find a reversible ...... way to ...... develop that possibility."


    <


    In this case, the "Mere Old Man" interpreted that reversibility means <> as opposed to <>.


    In other words, Hannah is trying to transcend time.


    "...... impossible?"


    That means there must be some way. In the future, perhaps the old lord has made a move and Jin has come back to the original time.


    And perhaps the research that Hanna is now doing is the way to send Jin back to the original world after 400 years, the old man believed.


    He had to somehow manage to handle <> freely ...... to a certain extent.


    "Well, I can handle a little bit of <>, but it''s still not enough..."


    Hannah tilted her head cutely.


    "The hardest part is the destination. It''s like shooting an arrow at a tiny little island in the infinitely wide ocean of the <>. ...... It might be even more difficult."


    And it was the old man who gave the advice.


    "What?��What is it, Mr. Mere Old Man?


    Hannah, thinking that the old man''s words must be true, gave up her thought and listened to him.


    <


    "Oh, ......"


    Jin had brought back a white, blue, and red stone the size of a walnut from the other world, thinking it would be a good souvenir.


    The old man said that they emitted <> and could be <> if the right means were found.


    <


    "No, it won''t!"


    Just being able to identify the <> is a big step forward, Hannah said.


    "Now we just need to figure out the time frame... ......."


    <


    At that time, the sub-free ether wave should have ceased to exist.


    In other words, it is not a > with infinite length, but its other end is interrupted.


    The break is the time when Jin left 400 years later.


    What?��But then, the stone is there <>, isn''t it?


    <


    "So, the stone was duplicated for a certain period of time after 400 years?"


    "So, was the stone duplicated for a certain period of time after 400 years? Another possibility is that the stone collapsed and disappeared during the 400 years and was not duplicated when the Master (My Lord) appeared 400 years later. I think it is possible that the Master (My Lord) did not duplicate it when he appeared 400 years later.


    "Hmmm ......"


    In any case, there would be a discontinuity, Hanna concluded for the time being.


    "Yes, but it''s still a much easier target."


    Hannah let out a small sigh of relief.


    The old man was also happy that Hannah''s research had gained momentum.


    After all, in 400 years, the old man has to send Jin back to the past.


    The knowledge that Jin has gained in the other world is still insufficient for that purpose.


    The knowledge that Jin has obtained in the other world has been transcribed, but it is so far away from the laws of our world that we cannot find any connection with it.


    ()


    In order to solve the problem in the limited time of 400 years, the cooperation of Hanna, who has rare intelligence, is indispensable, the old man thinks.


    And this is confirmed by the returning Jin.


    <.


    * * * *


    And today, Hanna was conducting an experiment again.


    Since Jin is away in Leuthart, she has built a sub-free ether wave generator with the help of <> and the craftsmen.


    We have made something similar a while ago, but this is much smaller and more precise in operation. It should be .......


    Anyway, nothing can be done if it cannot generate and receive <> at will.


    Hannah''s (and the old man''s) research has just begun.


    "Well, if we can''t control and receive this as we want, <> is a dream come true. ......"


    > is what Hanna is referring to when she talks about how to control the automata she has been working on for the past few days.


    <


    An automata that can be more integrated than the current doppelganger.


    Or a that can transfer <>.


    This was also a technology that Hanna was searching for along with <>.


    Not to prolong her life by transferring her knowledge to an automata like <600012>, who once opposed Jin, but to be able to with her own will. Hanna aims to be able to < back to the world by her own will.


    "Oh, there are so many things I want to do, and my time is limited. ......


    Hanna laments.


    Then, Jin came back from Loisart.


    "What''s the matter, Hannah?


    "Oh, honey!"


    Even though she is 19 years old, Hannah still calls him "Onii-chan".


    "You know, I have a lot of things I want to do, but I was worried that my time is limited.


    Hannah is honest with Jin.


    "These days I wish I had more than one person.


    Jin laughed at her as she said this.


    Hanna laughed at him and said, "Haha, that''s just like Hanna. ...... If you split into several people and have different experiences, it won''t be anymore, will it?"


    "Huh?"


    For a moment, Hanna did not understand what Jin was saying, but then she understood what he meant.


    "Well, I don''t know if that''s true.��...... but that''s a philosophical question about what I am and what the ego is, isn''t it?"


    "Well, yes.


    "Well, yes. I think that if a person has the elements that ...... others recognize him or her as that person, then he or she is that person."


    "What?"


    Now Jin took some time to understand.


    "Hmmm......... I see. That''s an interesting way of looking at it.


    Hannah added to Jin''s admiration.


    "You sometimes modify what you made, don''t you, Onii-chan?��Then you would understand, wouldn''t you?


    "...... Oh."


    Jin also realized what Hannah had said.


    For example, Reiko. From skeleton to muscles to skin, she has been completely renewed, but Reiko is still Reiko.


    Then, what makes her Reiko?


    For example, if we make a copy of the same automata including <, is it also Reiko?


    "...... I still think this is going to be a philosophical discussion."


    Chuckling, Jin recalls a past incident.


    "...... Come to think of it, <<600012>>, both old and new << I remember that the old and new <<600012> recognized each other as <<600012>."


    In the end, Jin came to a tentative conclusion that it depends on how the third party perceives the situation.

 1860 - - 50-01 The bustle of the day before the competition

    January 30, 3900 in the continental year of the existence of the complex of Jin.


    It is the last day of January in the Ars world calendar.


    In the sky of , which is located in the southern hemisphere, flying objects of various shapes and sizes were flying around.


    "Oh!��That''s good work!"


    "Hmm, is it still a little unstable?��Maybe I should increase the wing dihedral angle by 1 degree.


    "Not so bad. It would be nice if we could increase the speed by another 10%. ......


    The monologue of those who are flying the plane is leaking out.


    "Hmmm, you guys are really good!"


    Looking up in admiration is Nido Jin, the <>.


    < and respect him. However, Jin himself is not fond of this terminology, so he has settled for being called <>.


    And tomorrow is the day of the <>.


    And tomorrow is the day of the <>, so the participants are making final adjustments to their planes.


    I like the fact that we are all like a family, so there is no need to hide or cheat at this point in time.


    The final regulations (rules for participation) are as follows


    Size: Must fit into a cube of 1.5 meters on each side.


    Weight : No limit.


    Material ��Materials found on must be used.


    Propulsion: Must be powered by a rotating engine with a screw propeller. The number of engines is not limited.


    Floating type: Lift force must be generated by the wings. Direct levitation using a propeller will be disqualified.


    Shape: No restrictions.


    Cockpit type cockpit must be used as specified by Jin.


    Special note: The provided by Jin must be used.


    That is all.


    Since this is the first competition, Jin thinks that there may be some imperfections.


    If we notice anything during the competition, we will add it to the list as appropriate.


    In the conceptual stage, we thought that the size of the robot should be within a cube of 1 meter on each side, but we decided on this size after considering that a small robot would not be stable and would not be easily visible from the ground.


    I thought about making it 2 meters, but decided against it because it would be much taller than Rubina''s height (123 cm).


    The cockpit-type pilot''s seat designated by Jin was used, based on the previous car race, so that there would be little difference in the way the car was piloted.


    In addition, the provided by Jin must be used, in order to allow the pilots to fly the plane as they wish, without complicated attitude adjustments.


    The competition will consist of the following events: 1.


    Speed competition (high speed): The competitor who flies around two poles and takes the shortest time is the winner. The first place is 100 points, the second place 80 points, the third place 60 points, the fourth place 40 points, the fifth place 20 points. The shorter time is the higher rank. 2.


    Speed competition (low speed): The contestant who has the longest time to complete the lap around the 2 poles will be placed first. The winner will be awarded 100 points for 1st place, 80 points for 2nd place, 60 points for 3rd place, 40 points for 4th place, 20 points for 5th place, and so on. The longest time is the higher rank.


    The contestant will be disqualified when he/she touches the ground. 3.


    Aerobatics (Pattern): The contestants will draw the prescribed flight pattern and compete for the accuracy of the pattern.��Scoring will be done by the management brain of < on . 100 points is the maximum score.


    Aerobatics (free): free flying and evaluation of the performance.��All spectators are scored out of 100 points. (Each spectator has 100 points / number of spectators). 5.


    Race: The competitors compete for the fastest time around a course with a ring of gates. If a competitor fails to pass through the gate, he/she will be disqualified. However, it is allowed to turn around and go through the gate again, 100 points for 1st place, 80 points for 2nd place, 60 points for 3rd place, 40 points for 4th place, and 20 points for 5th place.


    As a bonus,


    6. design: All the spectators are asked to score the appearance, gimmick, performance, etc. The maximum score is 100 points. (Each spectator has 100 points/number of spectators).


    The score is 100 points (each spectator has 100 points/number of spectators).


    is surrounded by wards, the strength and nature of which can be adjusted to make it impervious to outside influences such as wind and rain.


    Therefore, the competition was to be held in windless conditions, and it was an advantage not to have to worry about unnecessary things such as countermeasures against gusts of wind.


    The competition was held in windless conditions, which was an advantage of not having to worry about gusty winds.


    Of course, Jin also participated as a guest. Or rather, he was eager to participate.


    Jin built a variable wing aircraft.


    The main wing has three layers,


    At low speeds, the three layers slide together to widen the wing area and reduce the wing loading, thus increasing lift at low speeds.


    At high speeds, the three overlap each other and become a retracted wing to enable the aircraft to attain high speeds.


    The propulsion system is a pseudo-jet engine using a ducted fan.


    A ducted fan is a cylindrical exterior (called a duct or nacelle) in which the engine and propeller are mounted.


    Since the fan (propeller) diameter is smaller, the engine will inevitably rotate at higher speeds and may be more suitable for models than for actual aircraft (efficiency decreases when the propeller tip exceeds the speed of sound).


    The engine, which tends to be heavier than the actual model, can be placed near the center of gravity, depending on the design, which has the advantage of increasing maneuverability in the air.


    However, it also has disadvantages such as greater resistance at high speeds and higher costs.


    The main reason for Jin''s adoption of this engine was to emphasize speed.


    As with jet engines, the nozzle on the exhaust side can be narrowed to increase the injection speed, which in turn leads to higher speed.


    With propeller propulsion, it is impossible to fly faster than the wind generated by the propeller, but this is possible with a ducted fan. Taking this one point, we decided to ignore the other disadvantages or to solve them technically.


    This is probably due to a misunderstanding on the part of Jin.


    The thrust of propeller propulsion is not the wind generated by the propeller, but the lift force of the propeller itself, and the wind is generated as a result.


    And ducted fans are supposed to be disadvantageous at high speeds, but ......nin is just unaware of this due to his own manufacturing capabilities.


    "Oh, that looks nice."


    Sitting in the cockpit-type pilot''s seat, Jin was enjoying the view of the actual aircraft.


    There is a magic screen in front of the cockpit, which displays images sent from the aircraft in real time, giving the pilot a realistic feeling of flying the aircraft.


    This time, the Magic Eye installed in the sky above the aircraft allows the pilot to switch to a bird''s-eye view of the aircraft.


    The reason why we have been free-flying until the day before is to get used to the feeling of the flight.


    I am still very much looking forward to the next flight.


    Jin-sama''s plane is really amazing.


    Rubina was in the pilot''s seat to the right, one seat away from me, doing a final checkup ......, or rather, a familiarization flight.


    Her aircraft is a so-called with triangular wings. It is a plane that achieves a high balance between stability and high speed.


    It is, of course, suitable for high speed, but surprisingly, it can also fly at low speeds.


    In such a case, the nose of the plane is raised to a large angle of attack against the direction of travel, but the delta wing can handle angles of attack that would cause stalling in the case of an ordinary tapered wing.


    This is probably the reason why origami airplanes can fly surprisingly slowly. The light weight is the most important factor. .......


    Delta wing planes are very agile and can easily perform a "roll" or "twist" flight.


    "Ugh......I''m still dizzy...... and it makes me sick. ......<>"


    Rubina is committed to piloting from the passenger''s point of view, which is why she is trying to get used to <>.


    Whenever she feels sick, she applies <> to herself and heals herself while practicing.


    He was practicing while healing himself.


    "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.


    <


    It was designed to provide lift at low speeds and high turning performance.


    The increase in weight and drag is compensated for by the high power propulsion system.


    We are now testing the stability at low speeds, and it is very stable.


    The other participants have also completed their tests and practices, and are eager to compete in the main event on the following day.


    The island of Onogoro is slowly sinking into the evening darkness after the preparation of the venue was completed.

 1861 - - 50-02 Airframe Introduction

    February 1, 3900 .


    <> is about to begin! >>


    An announcer''s voice echoed through the plaza.


    Once again, the MC was Lackhard Randall. And...


    >


    Steinhardt Randall is a mature man who looks a bit like Reinhardt. He is also a cousin of Ruckhardt.


    He was invited to give a commentary because he is a solid Magi Engineer.


    On this day, the 200-seat auditorium was full. The audience who sat in these seats were entitled to have their works graded as well, and reservations had been flooding in for some time.


    The winners were decided by a strict lottery.


    >


    The angle is adjusted so that the audience can see the show even from the edge of the large spectator seats.


    > in the sky using <>. It provides visual information to the pilot, and at the same time, is for the enjoyment of the audience.


    There was a round of applause.


    And then.... The regulations (rules of participation) and the events were explained.


    Pamphlets were made and distributed free of charge to those who wished to receive them.


    >


    The crowd cheered for the first time.


    <> (Kingfisher)! >>


    Painted orange for visibility, the aircraft stands out.


    <


    Commentator Stayhard Randall adds his own words.


    (Halcyon ...... or ......)


    When Jin heard the naming, he remembered what the old man had told him about the trident <...... which had once been built by Natalia''s ancestor, Marcia.


    I wonder if Marcia''s blood is related to <<3> and <> comes to mind.��I wondered for a moment.


    >! >>


    This one is still in the light silver color, and is silver-colored.


    <>.


    Jin does not think that Shu is abandoning the low-speed competition. Jin also does not think that Shu is abandoning the low-speed competition, so he is looking forward to the competition.


    <>


    In a sense, it is a typical propeller-driven aircraft. The color is white with blue and red lines on the fuselage and wings.


    <> Although orthodox, it seems to be well-balanced. If they can win the top ranks in all the competitions, it would be a dream to win the overall championship.


    Jin does not dislike such a well-balanced and solid idea. I thought he was a strong competitor.


    ! >>


    It is painted in reddish purple for better visibility and has white lines.


    (...... I think the Spitfire had elliptical wings because the induced drag due to wingtip vortices is minimized with elliptical wings ......?)


    (I''m sure that the Spitfire has the smallest induced drag due to the wing tip vortex.


    (But I''m sure they gave priority to the design aspect. ......)


    The silhouette of the elliptical wing is indeed elegant. Jin thought that Greiner might have prioritized the elliptical wing not only for its performance but also for its design.


    <<>


    The biplane is painted bright yellow. The wings are slightly tapered, adding to its fearless appearance.


    Jin agrees with that. It also seems to have good mobility.


    >


    It is a red-colored plane and does not seem to have a nickname.


    It is a red colored plane and does not have any nickname.


    <>.


    Jin found this interesting.


    The cross-sectional shape of the main wings, the so-called <>, is flat on the bottom and convex on the top, very similar to the <>.


    When such a wing is folded downwards, i.e., the flat sides are aligned with each other, a vertically symmetrical teardrop-shaped airfoil is formed, which is suitable for high speed flight.


    >


    No nickname. The main wings are nested like a telescope and extend and retract. The color of the fuselage is gray.


    When fully extended, the wing can fly at low speed, and when retracted, at high speed.


    <<


    Jin agrees with me. It''s more like a two-stage deformation than an expansion and contraction, I think.


    <>! >>


    The upper surface is painted silver and the lower surface is painted blue.


    <


    Jin could see that the aircraft has a very high performance. It may not be the best, but it will be in the top ranks.


    <>! >>


    It is painted bright green with white lines.


    <


    Indeed, the regulations allow a maximum of 1.5 meters, but the overall width of the aircraft was about 90 centimeters.


    "Hmmm, it must be quite light in weight. Maybe it''s because of the windless conditions that it was conceived."


    >! >>


    Unlike when Jin saw it yesterday, it had a golden color.


    The propeller-propelled design of the delta-winged plane looks very strange from Jin''s point of view.


    Jin also likes Rubina''s flexible ideas. I am looking forward to the competition.


    ! <>


    A dark green fuselage with the family crest in red with a circle and two stripes. It''s a pity that no one has entered the competition.


    <<


    The name was the result of Jin''s hasty naming.


    ! >>


    The dark blue with red lines is a sleek machine.


    <


    If there is no wind, the attitude will not be disturbed by the wind, so there will be many advantages if it is made lighter.


    But as Jin said,


    "I wonder what will happen during a race because of the wind caused by other aircraft ......."


    He thought, "I wonder what will happen during the race, because of the winds generated by other aircraft.


    <>, but this one is ......>>


    No wonder the host, Mr. Luckhardt, was so quiet. The <> was more than 1.5 meters wide. The yellow with blue lines stands out.


    .


    Commentator Stayhardt explains the situation.


    <<


    Yes, Jin also confirmed it the other day.


    "I didn''t expect it to use the diagonals so well."


    Yes, Maricka did not place the plane parallel to each face of the cube, but placed it so that the widest wing would fit on the diagonal.


    Its total width is two meters.


    "That''s not a violation. ......"


    Jin thought, "Next time, I''ll make sure to specify the overall length, width, and height of the aircraft.

 1862 - - 50-03 Speed skating begins

    After the introduction of the aircraft, the competition is about to begin.


    >


    In a sense, this is an "informal" event, so the competition begins without too much pomp and circumstance.


    <>


    <


    The MC and the commentator gave a well organized explanation, and finally the competition began.


    Incidentally, the competition is being conducted by volunteer residents and Golem.


    <>


    After a short glide, the < takes off at a speed that is hard to believe for a trilbyte.


    >


    <


    <<


    >>.


    The pole height for this event is also 10 meters.


    It requires a lot of maneuvering skill to fly at full power at an altitude of less than 10 meters.


    <<>


    <<


    And the turn again. And again.


    The turn just short of the pole was a thing of beauty.


    "Natalia, you did it!"


    Jin is impressed. And then the finish.


    >


    The crowd applauds. Natalia gets out of the cockpit and waves to the crowd.


    The triplane landed safely and was brought in by Golem, a member of the competition staff.


    >! >>


    This boat also floated up after a short glide. This is a proof of the high engine power.


    >


    The retrofoil aircraft shows off its advantages to the fullest, with an estimated top speed of 210 kilometers per hour. But...


    >


    The plane did not kill enough speed before the turn and lost some time by turning too far.


    And then..,


    >


    This is the result.


    <>


    This one also floats up in a short run.


    <>


    The speed seems to be in the 170 km/h range, probably due to the aircraft. But the turn is good.


    >


    The number 3, which made a sharp turn from a deep bank angle, maintains an altitude of about 5 meters and shows a stable flight. The speed has also increased.


    >


    The speed was quite fast despite the tapered wings of the plane.


    <>


    Even though there was no wind thanks to the warding, the <> was flying very steadily.


    <>


    With what seems to be the closest turn to the pole so far, <> flies away.


    The result is a time of 17.9 seconds and a speed of about 201 km/h.


    <>


    After a rather long run, the biplane takes off, and once in the air, it accelerates like you would never expect.


    The biplane took off after a rather long run and once it was airborne, it accelerated like nothing we have seen before.


    <>


    "Well, everyone''s good!


    Jin is impressed.


    The radio-controlled planes that Jin knew were usually flying at speeds of 100 to 150 kilometers per hour, so these planes were not designed for speed competitions, It seems to be an exceptional speed.


    <<>


    Because of the small wing area, the run distance was long, but once up, the speed was fast.


    However, the turn was a little too big..,


    <>


    >> The team is now in second place.


    <<>


    With its large wing area, it floats up quickly.


    >


    The plane sinks due to the loss of lift, but it never touches the ground and continues to fly smoothly.


    <


    True to his word, the time is less than 16.9.17 seconds, about 213 km/h. . He is in provisional first place.


    < starts now! >>


    The plane lifts off after a decent run and accelerates quickly.


    <>


    <<


    However, the speed of the plane made the turns quite bloated.


    As a result, the time is 17 seconds flat. The result is a time of 17 seconds flat, which is about 212 km/h.


    <>


    The biplane floats up after a short run, and then gains speed rapidly with the power of its powerful engines.


    >


    The time was 17.5 seconds, or about 206 km/h.


    <<, start! >>


    The golden delta wing takes a slightly larger angle of elevation and lifts off.


    >


    < showed great speed, but the turns were too big and the final time was 16.7 seconds, which is about 21.6 km/h. The speed of the was very fast, but it was not enough to make it to the top. The final time was 16.7 seconds, or about 21.6 km/h.


    <, variable wing aircraft!��Now ...... start! >>


    First, the plane is run with its wings fully extended, and it lifts off the ground in a short distance.


    <


    The flies at a great speed with its wings folded. Then, just before turning, it unfolds its wings again.


    >


    >.


    After making a small turn, folds its wings again and speeds up to the pole on the other side.


    All the spectators watched with bated breath to see what kind of time Jin''s plane would set.

 1863 - - 50-04 Slow race!

    The with number 11, Jin, has crossed the finish line.


    , the time is 15.9 seconds!��At approximately 226 kilometers per hour! >>


    The crowd erupts in thunderous cheers and applause.


    "Not bad, huh?"


    Jin stands up from the pilot''s seat and waves. < for me.


    "Oh, thank you."


    After patting Reiko on the head, Jin turns his attention to the next flight.


    , start! >>


    The <<> floated up after a short run.


    "Wow, it looks like it has a low wing loading."


    Jin couldn''t help but mutter to himself when he saw it. It was such a light movement.


    In addition, it had a double-reversing propeller.


    >


    Furthermore, <>, which seems to be equipped with a powerful engine, showed remarkable acceleration.


    "The light weight of the aircraft makes it susceptible to counter-torque. I guess that''s why they decided to use a double-reversing propeller.


    Swallow, flying steadily, spun around the pole.


    "Its light weight makes it easy to turn in small circles.


    Jin was impressed by the design, which made the most of the windless conditions caused by the warding.


    >


    Once again, the audience erupted in cheers.


    !��Start now! >>


    This plane also seems to be light in weight for its size, and after lifting off the ground, it picks up speed nimbly.


    >


    <


    True to the commentary, Marikka''s < is the slimmest of the participating aircraft, and its wings also seem to be thin.


    This seems to be to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the larger aircraft.


    This may be the reason for its good maximum speed and stable attitude around the pole.


    <>


    Maricka''s time was 16 seconds flat, at about 225 km/h.


    This completes the flight for everyone.


    Results,


    1st Jin


    Rhodes, 1st place


    Marikka in 3rd place


    The three guests dominated the first to third places.


    The following is the list of the top three,


    Rubina Garrett (1st place in the competition) 100 points


    Werner Landl (2nd place in the competition) 80 points


    Florence Fahlheit (3rd place in competition standings) 60 points


    Shu Nido (4th place in competition standings) 40 points


    Sydney Marek (5th place in competition standings) 20 points


    Natalia 9th


    No. 10 Elvis Alcott


    No.11 Greena Kuzma


    Eugene Fowle at No.12


    13th Shireen Eschenbach


    and the following is a list of the top 10.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, I made it!"


    Before the next competition, <>, Sion of <> arrived.


    He had some business to attend to in the Nordic Federation, so he could not make it in time for the start of the speed competition, but he finally arrived just now.


    >


    <<


    Nevertheless, Zion was very popular and the applause did not stop.


    >! >>


    <>.


    <>


    Here, Zion asked a question.


    >


    Because of the low speed, there is a possibility of stalling and crashing.


    <<


    And now, the low-speed competition begins.


    As a matter of fact, Jin thinks that this is the best time to show his skills.


    Therefore, he has decided to allow three attempts.


    <>


    Take off and start measuring the time when the plane crosses the <>.


    This measurement is done by Golem to minimize human error as much as possible.


    >


    The moderator, Ruckhardt, and the commentators, Zion and Stayhardt, are talking to each other. Jin was thinking that the balance between the two was quite good.


    But the spectators were staring with bated breath at the slow flying planes.


    The distance between the poles is 25 meters, which is the same as the high speed competition. The distance between the poles this time is 25 meters, which is 100 meters in two laps.


    Halcyon rounded the poles in a leisurely flight, onomatopoeic flight.


    <>


    "You''re turning without losing altitude even at deep bank angles. ......"


    Jin is also impressed. She must have practiced a lot.


    This competition would normally be held indoors, but thanks to the warding, it can be held outdoors.


    <<>


    Top speed is around 200 km/h and lowest speed is around 10 km/h. This must be amazing.


    "This is really interesting."


    Jin is excited.


    > has started! >>


    <>.


    A little wobbly. And then it stalled and lost altitude during a turn, resulting in a disqualification.


    It is a good countermeasure that the warding does not break the plane.


    <<>.


    <<>


    True to its reputation, the tapered-wing airplane made its turns consistently and reached the goal with a time of 25.2 seconds. The speed was about 14.3 km/h.


    "Maybe he was trying to complete the ...... or even complete the flight once first."


    That''s another strategy, Jin thought.


    >


    <


    Not as fast as the triloby, but still very slow.


    The time is 30.9 seconds and the speed is about 11.7 km/h.


    It seems that she, too, started by completing the flight.


    All the participants were enthusiastic about this low-speed flight, which was the highlight of their ...... piloting (technique) and manufacturing (technology) skills.

 1864 - - 50-05 Second time

    <>


    It is a biplane with low wing loading, so it is strong at low speeds.


    The biplane lost some altitude during the turn, but did not stall and regained altitude.


    The final time was 28.9 seconds, which is approximately 12.5 kilometers per hour.


    It seems that there is more variation in the low speed competitions than in the high speed competitions.


    <>


    <


    <<


    Zion had not seen the high speed competition, so he was checking it again.


    Number 6, with its extended wings and low wing loading, is making good time.


    >


    The time was 31.5 seconds, or about 11.4 km/h. That''s quite a good result.


    And number 7, Werner Randall, is a tapered wing with an extendable and retractable wing. This is another gimmick that works well at low speeds.


    The time was 31.2 seconds, or about 11.5 km/h.


    Number 8 Florence Fahlheit''s retractable wing airplane <> flew at a higher speed in the first attempt to avoid stalling, which was a mistake, and turned too far into the turn, hitting the outer wings, and was disqualified in the first attempt. He was disqualified in the first race.


    Elvis Alcott, number 9, flew a biplane <>.


    >


    .


    >.


    The time was 29.6 seconds, about 12.2 km/h.


    >, is off to the start! >>


    As Sion pointed out, Rubina''s < was flying at about 15 degrees above the horizontal.


    This makes the speed much slower.


    <>


    <


    Jin agrees.


    "Rubina, you are a very good pilot. ...... I guess you are young."


    <<>


    At this point, she is in second place behind Natalia.


    And now it''s Jin''s turn.


    >


    A loud cheer went up.


    , this time with triple sliding main wings to secure a large main wing area!��Now, let''s get started! >>


    <


    Jin''s flies slowly from the start. Those watching felt as if they were gliding on a transparent board.


    Thanks to its low wing loading, it was able to make turns with ease, and its final time was 34.7 seconds, a best speed of about 10.4 km/h.


    , start now! >>


    <<<


    >.


    The Swallow, with its lightweight fuselage and high-powered engine, flies nimbly.


    "Oh, that''s great!"


    Jin is impressed by the speed. Slowly and deliberately, flew.


    >


    The time was even better than Jin''s.


    <> The audience gave a thunderous applause.


    <!��They have started! >>


    <


    >


    Stayhardt explained to a wondering Zion.


    True to Zion''s words, Marikka''s <> continues to fly slowly.


    Her turns are graceful. And .......


    <>


    At the end of the first lap, Maricka is in first place. Rhodes is next, followed by Jin, then Natalia and Rubina .......


    The contestants were encouraged but not resentful because of the outstanding skills of the three contestants.


    <>


    Her time is 34.8 seconds, a little faster than the first attempt, and her speed is about 10.3 kilometers per hour.


    She is steadily improving her time.


    Jin could see that Natalia was doing well.


    Number 2, Shu''s time of 34.9 seconds was good this time. That is about 10.3 km/h.


    Number 3, Eugene''s tapered wing plane was a little slower, clocking in at 32.1 seconds, or about 11.2 km/h. The speed was about 11.2 km/h.


    Number 4, Grina''s elliptical wing plane did 32.3 seconds at about 11.1 km/h. Everyone did better than the first time.


    Everyone''s times were better than the first.


    However, the biplane of number 5, Shireen, tried a little too hard to make a good time, and when she made a turn, she lost too much altitude and touched the wings, resulting in her disqualification.


    The folding rectangular wing aircraft of number 6, Sydney, improved its time to 34.1 seconds. The speed is about 10.6 km/h.


    Number 7, Werner''s tapered wing plane was also disqualified after pushing too hard and losing altitude.


    Number 8, Florence''s retractable wing plane, despite the previous stall and Werner''s disqualification just before, flew consistently this time and set a good time of 33.5 seconds. The speed was about 10.7 km/h.


    The biplane of number 9, Elvis, further improved on his time, setting a new record of 35.1 seconds, which is the fastest time so far. That''s about 10.3 kilometers per hour.


    <>


    <


    <


    While we were talking, Rubina''s < was slowly making her way around the track and reaching the finish line.


    <>


    Finally, it was Jin''s turn.


    "I''m going to go as slow as I can this time."


    , the number 11, Jin-sama''s start! >>


    Spreading its variable wings as wide as they will go, <> flies away.


    <


    >


    <>


    <<>


    The audience burst into applause.


    <<


    The only two remaining are Rhodes and Marikka.

 1865 - - 50-06 Speed skating is over

    >


    <>


    The tapered-wing Swallow showed stability in slow flight, setting a time of 36.2 seconds. The speed was about 9.9 kilometers per hour.


    >


    And now it is Marikka''s turn.


    >, seems to be improving her time even more! >>


    The result is 36.5 seconds.


    "Well, I guess the fact that it''s bigger is working."


    Jin did not expect to be able to enter the box at an angle.


    (Maybe it would be better to call it a ball of 1.5 meters in diameter this time. ......)


    * * * *


    >! >>


    <<>!


    The time was a whopping 36.1 seconds. That''s about 10.0 km/h. The crowd applauded him enthusiastically.


    The crowd applauded him generously.


    , last flight!��......Ah, ah! >>


    The plane wobbles and stalls just after takeoff.


    <>


    It is a disappointing result.


    But these disqualifications are still continuing. Eugene (number 3) and Gulina (number 4) were disqualified due to a series of stalls.


    >.


    However, number 5, Shireen, managed to fly through the competition without faltering, but perhaps playing it safe in the face of disqualification, her time was 30.3 seconds, or about 1.9 km/h. She was not able to improve on her record time of 30.3 seconds, or about 1.9 km/h.


    <>


    The record is a whopping 36.9 seconds, in the low 36s. It is a personal best.


    <<>


    <<>


    >.


    The result was 33.3 seconds, which is about 10.8 kilometers per hour. The result is 33.3 seconds, about 10.8 km/h. A little sluggish, I guess.


    Florence Fahlheit''s retro wing plane, number 8, was too eager and stalled on the turn, causing her to be disqualified.


    Elvis Alcott, number 9, took full advantage of his biplane and set a time of 36.6 seconds. His speed was about 9.8 km/h. This was the second time in as many weeks that he has run less than 10 km after Sydney.


    , has started the race! >>


    <>


    The course is about 15 meters wide. It does not matter whether you fly straight or zigzag through it. As long as you do not return in the direction you came from, you are not in violation.


    However, the course width is only about 10 times wider than the aircraft, and one mistake will result in a course out and disqualification.


    However, the delta wing of the Rubina was only about one meter wide, while most of the other planes had wings of one and a half meters.


    This means that there is that much more room for the course width. By flying in a gentle meander, Rubina was able to gain distance and time at the same time.


    (Hmmm...that''s Rubina...) (Hmmm...you really hit a hole in the rules that I hadn''t thought of yet.)


    Rubina''s ideas were very flexible, such as flying a delta-wing aircraft, which is not good at low speeds, at a large angle of attack, taking advantage of its characteristic of being hard to stall.


    >


    Zion also applauded Rubina''s idea.


    >


    <<


    <<<>


    Jin''s < slowed down to the limit and continued to fly to the end with a slight wobble.


    <>


    The crowd went wild. The crowd applauded generously.


    >


    True to Zion''s words, Rhodoth''s <<> also set a high score of 37.0 seconds, although it was one step behind Jin. That''s about 9.7 kilometers per hour.


    <>


    <<>


    <<>


    Despite its name, Marikka''s tapered-wing < flies slowly and gracefully.


    "Hmmm, you''re getting good at this. Marikka, you''ve practiced a lot."


    Jin also gives her unreserved praise for her maneuverability.


    >


    Zion''s line was drowned out by the cheers and applause that filled the hall.


    Thus ended the low-speed flight competition.


    According to the rules of this competition, the best time is the winner, so Jin and Marikka were tied for first place,


    (I lost if the runner-up''s time is taken into account. ...... Marikka, you have become a good engineer.)


    ) Jin was thinking about such a thing.


    1st place: 37.5 seconds, number 11 Jin, number 13 Marikka (tied)


    3rd place: 37.0 seconds, number 12 Rhodes


    4th place: 36.9 seconds (1st place in the competition) Zec. 6 Sidney Marek,1 00 points.��������(120 points in total so far, 2nd place overall)


    5th place: 36.8 seconds (2nd for competitor) Number 10 Rubina Garrett, 80 points, 80 points.������(Total of 180 points so far, 1st overall)


    6th place: 36.6 (3rd in the competition) Number 9 Elvis Alcott, 6 0 points.����(He has 60 points so far, 4th overall)


    7th place: 36.1 seconds (4th for competitor) Number 1 Natalia, 40 points.������������������(Total of 40 points gained so far, 7th overall)


    8th place: 34.9 (5th in the competition) Number 2 Shu Nido, 2 0 points.������������(60 points have been earned so far, 4th overall)


    9th place: 33.5 (6th for competitor) Number 8 Florence Fahlheit,0 points. (60 points have been scored so far, 4th overall)


    10th: 33.3 seconds (7th in the competition) Number 7 Werner Randl, 0 points.��������(80 points have been scored so far, 3rd place overall)


    11th: 32.3 (8th in the competition) Number 4: Grina Kuzma. 0 points, 0 points.������������(0 points so far) Number 4: 32.3 seconds, 0 points.


    12th place: 32.1 seconds (9th in the competition) Number 3 Eugene Fowle, 0 points.����������(0 points so far) Number 3 Eugene Fowle, 0 points.


    13th: 30.3 seconds (10th in the competition) Number 5����Shireen Eschenbach, 0 points. (Zero points so far)


    These are the results at the end of the low speed flight competition.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    >


    The audience was filled with high expectations.

 1866 - - 50-07 Regulatory performance

    <> will start soon. Please have a look at your brochures or monitors.


    An announcement is made.


    <> is a competition to see how beautifully and accurately you can draw a given aerobatic pattern, just like what was called in figure skating.


    Scoring is done by the golem brain.


    Marikka had ordered <, the golem brain, to grade the performance.


    The performance was decided by Jin, using his vague memory of the model plane competitions in modern Japan as a reference.


    1. takeoff ��After gliding, the plane smoothly moves to horizontal flight. (10 points) 2.


    2. horizontal flight : 100 meters in a straight line at an altitude of 3 meters. (10 points) 3.


    3. horizontal figure 8: maintain an altitude of 3 meters and form two perfect circles with a radius of 10 meters. (20 points) 4.


    3 consecutive somersaults: 3 consecutive somersaults starting at an altitude of 3 meters, in the same place, in a circle with a radius of 20 meters. (40 points) 5.


    5. Immelmann turn: Half a somersault with a radius of 20 meters starting at an altitude of 3 meters, then a half roll (kirimomi) from the back position at the top apex to horizontal flight (in short, a vertical U-turn). (In short, a vertical U-turn) (30 points)


    6. split S: After performing 5, the competitor rolls half a turn from horizontal flight to a dorsal somersault and then performs a half somersault downward to horizontal flight (in essence a vertical U-turn) (30 points). (In short, a vertical U-turn) (30 points)


    Landing: Return to the starting area. Points will be deducted for bouncing. (10 points).


    Total 150 points.


    Of course, all participants should have practiced this flight pattern since it has been announced to them in advance.


    Incidentally, after takeoff and before landing, the aircraft is warded at an altitude of about 1 meter to prevent damage to the aircraft in the event of a crash.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    > is about to begin! >>


    The host, Lackhard Randall, announces the start of the aerobatics, and the audience applauds.


    >


    The runway is smooth and paved for a smooth takeoff. The trilby <> glides about 20 meters and then takes off smoothly.


    The plane then leveled off.


    <<< interesting, this competition!��I''d like to try it. ...... I''ll ask Maricka later.


    Zion seems to like it so much that the words of the host and the commentator seem to fall on deaf ears.


    <<< figure 8 flying...... oh, that''s brilliant too! >>


    <>


    Continuous somersaults.


    <<>


    <<>.


    Jin, who was listening to the program, thought that the combination of the heated host and the calm commentary was quite interesting.


    After all, three consecutive somersaults are difficult, and after the second and third somersaults, it seems that the speed slows down and it becomes difficult to follow the same trajectory.


    <>


    The Immelmann Turn is named after Max Immelmann, a German ace pilot in the early days of World War I. His maneuver (maneuvering) is known as the "Immelmann Turn".


    He developed a maneuver in which he performed a vertical by performing 180-degree somersaults (loops) and twists (rolls), either sequentially or simultaneously.


    It was an advanced technique to do this with the engine ...... rather than the aircraft ...... of the time, because the aircraft would stall during the somersault if it was not fast enough.


    As an aside, Jin knew the origin of Immelmann turn, but did not know the origin of the word "Split S".


    <<


    These were Zion''s honest opinions.


    This is the opposite of the Immelmann turn, and is a U-turn while converting the potential energy of altitude into velocity.


    >.


    Biplanes and trilobes were used in World War I, so it is natural for them to be able to perform such maneuvers.


    >


    <


    In a few seconds, the results of the scoring are displayed on the large monitor ...... on the magic screen.


    9 points for takeoff, 8 points for horizontal flight, 13 points for horizontal figure 8, 21 points for 3 somersaults. 24 points for Immelmann turn, 24 points for Immelmann turn, 25 points for split S, 8 points for landing. Total 108 points.


    <<< Quite a result!��Next up is number 2, Shu Nido!��It''s a retreating wing plane<! >>


    As a retractable wing aircraft, the < performs overall maneuvers at a high speed. Speed is not an issue, since it is not scored, but high speed means high centrifugal force, and somersaults tend to be large.


    This performance was in contrast to Natalia''s <, which was a low-speed plane.


    Shu''s score was 8 points for takeoff, 8 points for horizontal flight, 14 points for horizontal figure-8 flight, 3 times 2 24 points for Immelmann turn, 23 points for split S, and 8 points for landing. In total, 105 points.


    This is a very severe evaluation.


    Eugene Fowle, number 3, with a tapered wing, also completed his performance without any problems.


    He scored 9 points for takeoff, 9 points for horizontal flight, 17 points for horizontal figure-8 flight, and 22 points for 3 somersaults in a row, Immelmann turn: 21 points, Split S: 21 points, Landing: 8 points. Total 107 points.


    The oval-wing airplane of number 4, Glina Kuzma, flew gracefully, but lacked accuracy,


    They scored 9 points for takeoff, 9 points for horizontal flight, 14 points for horizontal figure-8 flight, and 20 points for 3 continuous somersaults, Immelmann turn: 22 points, Split S: 21 points, Landing: 9 points. The total score was 104 points.


    The biplane of Schieleen Eschenbach, number 5, seemed to be suited to this flight pattern,


    She scored 8 points for takeoff, 8 points for horizontal flight, 14 points for horizontal figure-8 flight, and 21 points for 3 continuous somersaults, Immelmann turn: 23 points, Split S: 22 points, Landing: 8 points. In total, 104 points were scored.


    The rectangular wing airplane with foldable wings of Sidney Marek, number 6, performed with its wings spread,


    He scored 9 points for takeoff, 8 points for horizontal flight, 15 points for horizontal figure 8 flight, 23 points for 3 continuous somersaults, 23 points for Immelmann turn, 23 points for split S, and 8 points for landing. In total, 109 points were obtained.


    Number 7, Werner Landl''s tapered wing with extendable and retractable wings.


    >


    <<


    So, 9 points for takeoff, 9 points for horizontal flight, 16 points for horizontal figure-8 flight, 3 somersaults in a row, 2 4 points, Immelmann turn 22 points, Split S 21 points, Landing 9 points. The total is 110 points.


    Florence Fahlheit''s retro wing plane, numbered 8, was a little bit rough in her performance.


    As a result, he got 7 points for takeoff, 8 points for horizontal flight, 15 points for horizontal figure 8, 3 times 2 5 points, Immelmann turn 20 points, Split S 19 points, Landing 7 points. Total 101 points.


    Elvis Alcott''s biplane, number 9, performed quite well.


    He scored 8 points for takeoff, 9 points for horizontal flight, 16 points for figure-8 flight, 22 points for 3 somersaults in a row, Immelmann turn: 23 points, Split S: 23 points, Landing: 8 points. Total 109 points.


    Theon muttered.


    Stehardt Randall replied to his murmur.


    ! >>


    <


    The < takes off smoothly and flies horizontally, then performs a figure-eight, followed by a series of somersaults.


    He was not so good at the figure-eight, but his continuous somersaults were the best so far.


    <<


    >.


    <<


    And landing. She was so energetic that she was a little bit overrun.


    She scored 8 points for takeoff, 9 points for horizontal flight, 13 points for figure 8, 3 times 2 7 points, Immelmann turn 25 points, Split S 24 points, Landing 6 points. Total 112 points.


    >


    And then the Zero, with number 11, Jin, took off.


    <>


    >.


    After successfully completing the takeoff, horizontal flight, and figure-eight flight, the < enters into a somersault.


    The wing area is reduced and the emphasis is on speed. Three high-speed somersaults in a row.


    <


    Sion is impressed.


    The Immelmann turn was also performed with the wings retracted, allowing for agile maneuvering and good movement.


    The same was true for the following Split-S.


    For landing, the wing was spread and low wing loading was applied, and the plane landed softly.


    The scores were as follows: 9 points for takeoff, 9 points for horizontal flight, 18 points for figure-8 flight, 3 times 2 7 points, Immelmann turn 26 points, Split S 25 points, and landing 9 points. Total 123 points.


    >


    And now it''s Rhodes'' turn.


    >, now, start! >>


    Smooth takeoff, stable level flight, and figure-8 flight.


    <<


    >


    Theon pokes his head in.


    <<


    >


    Zion gives him a sharp look. Unable to resist the power of his eyes, Stayhard Randall confesses.


    <<


    Now is the time to concentrate on the competition.


    Rhodes'' <> had completed his split-S and was on landing.


    The results were: 8 points for takeoff, 9 points for horizontal flight, 18 points for horizontal figure-8 flight, 3 times 2 6 points, 24 points for Immelmann turn, 24 points for split S, and 9 points for landing. Total 118 points. So far he is in second place.


    <


    For Theon, it seems that Marikka will always be , no matter how old she is.


    Marikka is surprisingly stable in flight.��She flew surprisingly stable,


    She scored 9 points for takeoff, 9 points for horizontal flight, 17 points for horizontal figure-8 flight, 25 points for 3 consecutive somersaults, Immelmann turn 24 points, Split S 25 points, and Landing 9 points. With a total of 118 points, he was in second place with Rhodes.


    The audience applauded him generously.

 1867 - - 50-08 Free acting begins

    And the next event is the free performance, <>.


    This is scored by all the spectators, and each spectator has 100 points / number of spectators. If there are 200 spectators, it means 0.5 points.


    Since scoring with a decimal point is cumbersome, we actually ask the audience to score on a 10-point scale and divide it by 10 multiplied by the number of spectators when tallying the scores.


    Marikka is being reckless, Jin thought to himself,


    (No, she might have said, "By all means, since it''s <> that''s why she''s running for the position.)


    He guessed almost the correct answer.


    Then, the started. Each participant has 3 minutes, but a few seconds of back and forth will be tolerated.


    The reason for this is that the speed of flight differs depending on the model.


    ! >>


    <


    And <> took off.


    After a smooth takeoff, it started to turn to the right.


    One orbit, two orbits...... spirals and gently ascends.


    After five laps, the plane reached an altitude of about 30 meters and leveled off.


    From there, the plane made a steep 90-degree descent.


    The aircraft gains speed rapidly, and when it is about 5 meters off the ground, it is triggered to return to level flight.


    "Oh, wow!"


    The audience cheered as well.


    Halcyon continued to fly horizontally, and then began to climb vertically.


    Zion noticed the intention.


    >


    >


    After returning to its original altitude, Number 1 < turns to the left this time. It makes a loose spiral to lower its altitude.


    After five laps, it drops to an altitude of about 5 meters and then flies horizontally.


    From there, he begins a somersault.


    At the apex of the somersault, the airliner begins a reverse somersault.


    "This is ......."


    Jin couldn''t help but exclaim.


    Yes, Natalia had done a figure-eight somersault.


    >


    After the reverse somersault, Natalia completes the figure 8 by doing another 180-degree forward somersault. The audience applauded and cheered loudly.


    The figure-eight was completed again with a right turn. Then a left turn. I thought it was a figure eight, but .......


    >


    <>


    <>! >>


    <<>. It is one of the flight patterns that is performed in wired planes, called U-control, rather than in radio-controlled planes. However, the attitude of the plane is completely different because it is wired.


    > and <>!��You have thought this through!!! >>


    Theon has seen through the combination of Natalia''s performance and her intentions.


    Then Natalia''s landed slowly after the four-leaf clover.


    The audience gave her another round of applause.


    * * * * *


    By the way, such scoring is easily influenced by impressions, i.e., subjectivity.


    Even if you think that the first act is impressive and the later acts are better than the previous ones, you cannot score more than 10 points.


    Considering this, the recorded performances were replayed on the monitor after all the participants had finished their performances, and the scoring was done after watching the replay to ensure the fairness.


    * * * * * * * * *


    >Start! >>


    <<<


    The proper flight speed is very different between the trilobes and the retro wing planes. They also have the same performance.


    Shu''s < climbs steeply at an angle of about 70 degrees after takeoff. The speed of Shu''s < is about twice as fast as that of Natalia''s <.


    A big somersault. One more in a row. And again.


    Shu''s somersault radius gets smaller with each repetition.


    Zion mutters to himself as he watches the monitor from the air.


    Shu, who had done his fifth somersault with a radius of about 5 meters, sent <> plummeting down. The angle was about 70 degrees.


    Shu causes the <> to rise steeply, this time at an angle of about 5 meters above the ground. The angle is also 70 degrees.


    At an altitude of about 30 meters, it suddenly descends.


    In other words, it is flying in a zig-zag manner.


    <


    As Zion said, the scoring is subjective to the audience, so the degree of appeal is also a big factor.


    In this sense, Natalia seemed to have made a better impression than Shu.


    >


    If biplanes and trilobes are slow planes, retractable wing and delta wing planes are fast planes. And elliptical and tapered wing planes are medium speed planes.


    After takeoff, the number 3 aircraft climbs at an angle of about 30 degrees, and then leveled off at an altitude of about 10 meters.


    It then performed a series of twists and turns called <>.


    After that, he performed an Immelmann turn to raise the altitude to about 30 meters, and then did a series of three reverse somersaults from horizontal flight to downward.


    Theon also commented on the performance.


    The speed is moderate, so the behavior of the aircraft can be seen clearly.


    Then, at the lowest point of the inverted somersault, the plane moves to horizontal flight. This means that the plane is flying on its back.


    To fly backward with the upper half-angle is to fly in a more unstable position, and Eugene''s technique is excellent in keeping the plane stable.


    After doing a half reverse somersault and returning to level flight, he did a low level flight with a split-S and landed.


    <<,take off! >>


    The Zecken 4, also a medium speed plane, took off smoothly, and after a short level flight, it did a quick 90 degree somersault and climbed vertically.


    At an altitude of about 30 meters, it did another quick 90-degree somersault and then leveled off. Then he did another quick 90-degree somersault and descended vertically.


    But it was not to be.


    At an altitude of about 10 meters, he did another crisp < somersault.


    Then, after flying backward, he did a quick 90-degree reverse somersault and climbed vertically. At an altitude of about 30 meters, he did another quick 90-degree somersault.


    At this point, we can see that Greiner is attempting to draw a pattern called a figure-eight.


    <


    After the figure-8, the number 4 starts the next move.


    He did a roll (twist) while ascending vertically. It was just like a <.


    The elliptical-wing airplane climbed to an altitude of about 50 meters, and then entered a large inverted somersault.


    After completing the figure-8, the number 4 returns to the altitude of 50 meters and starts to descend vertically. Of course, he does rolls (twists).


    The descent is like a drill, and the number 4 is triggered at an altitude of about 5 meters.


    But...


    >


    Either he was going too fast, or he was just a little too late.


    Number 4 lost too much altitude and hit the <>, at which point it was over.


    By the way, just because the performance ended there, it does not mean that the competitor was disqualified, and the spectators will be able to score his performance.


    >.


    <>


    It seems that slow planes have an advantage in this kind of performance to < to the audience.


    Although the biplane of Shireen did not show any new pattern compared to the previous four planes, she performed a <> as well as a <> performance and received thunderous applause at the end of the competition.


    >


    <<


    The number 6 shows a slightly slow flight.


    However, he slowed down too much in order to <> and finished about two thirds of the way through his performance.


    >


    Again, the wings are fully extended.


    The flight was a safe combination of somersaults, backflips, figure 8s, and so on.


    >, takes off! >>


    It is the second retro-wing aircraft. Like Shu, it has a high flying speed.


    >


    <


    Then, she did an Immelmann turn from horizontal flight with a roll (twist), and a split S.


    Vertical ascent from altitude, vertical descent, vertical ascent again, and vertical descent. This performance is very similar to the pattern called <> in radio controlled aircraft.


    .


    Overall, the performance made full use of speed.


    <>


    This is the third biplane (including the triplane).


    He seemed to have tried to perform gracefully at low speeds, and managed to keep it all together without incident.


    <<, take off now! >>


    The fastest of the participating aircrafts, the .


    Rubina takes advantage of these characteristics.


    First, she performs 5 continuous somersaults. Then, 5 consecutive inverted somersaults. Then she did two figure-eight somersaults.


    Because of the high speed, the trajectory of the figure-eight is visible as an afterimage, and one can clearly see the pattern being performed.


    He also performed a square somersault with a roll (twist).


    The rolls and twists were well worth watching.


    Now it was Jin''s turn.

 1868 - - 50-09 Free acting settled

    <!��Now ...... take off! >>


    <<> spreads its wings to the fullest and takes off lightly with a small wing loading.


    It is a level flight ...... and then it soars, or so we thought.


    <90 degrees......, no, 120 degrees! >>


    <<


    >


    While the host and commentator were puzzled, did a reverse somersault at an altitude of about 40 meters, then leveled off, flew briefly, and then did another reverse somersault.


    >


    >


    <>Ruckhardt and Stayhardt exclaimed at about the same time.


    <


    Theon adds.


    The Hour Glass is an hourglass. It is one of the flight patterns of a wired U-control airplane.


    Jin knew it because he borrowed a magazine on U-control planes from his classmate when he was in junior high school and read it often.


    Since the number of turns is smaller than that of the figure-8, it is easier to recognize the shape of the figure-8, and the audience cheered.


    >


    <<>>


    There is a way to use afterimages to appeal to the eye.


    By tracing the same trajectory over and over again, it appeals to the eye and makes an impression.


    >


    Jin''s <> has climbed to an altitude of about 80 meters.


    The monitor makes it clearly visible, but to the naked eye it looks like a small dot.


    From there, the wing retracts and the begins a vertical descent.


    <>Oh, wow!


    >


    >


    The combination of thrust and gravity causes <>''s speed to increase rapidly. In the blink of an eye, <> has descended to the surface of the earth.


    <>


    >


    That''s what everyone thought. The maximum speed is estimated to be over 300 km/h.


    But <> deploys its wings at once and raises its nose. The speed drops drastically.


    Then, two meters above the surface, the plane leveled off gently and landed slowly.


    Even though I knew there was a protective barrier, I still instinctively feared a collision.


    <


    Zero is applauded generously as he lands.


    <>, take off! >>


    After takeoff, the < spirals gently upward.


    The aircraft flies horizontally at an altitude of about 20 meters. Then it begins to make a large turn with a radius of about 50 meters.


    From what I have seen so far, it seemed that the audience liked the more relaxed performance better than the fast one. Perhaps Rhodes has taken this into account, and is performing at a slightly slower speed.


    More of a wave than a zigzag.


    >


    The same thing is done on the back of the load toss <>.


    And not a horizontal figure 8 ......, but a pattern of three wave flights with a somersault at each end. There should be no name .......


    After that, he did a series of inverted somersaults from the back flight, Immelmann turns, split S, etc., and landed.


    The audience applauded loudly.


    , take off! >>


    The < took off softly and moved from a level flight to a horizontal figure-8 flight. However, the radius of the figure-eight is unusually small.


    The , which performed the figure-eight with a radius less than half of the one used in the prescribed performance, continued to draw a .


    Theon commented.


    .


    In the latter half of the ascent, the aircraft did not do a somersault, but turned and descended.


    Then the <>, which has lost altitude, turns around and flies horizontally. It climbs again and descends with <>.


    <>.


    Xiong recalls the memory of having talked to Jin on Horai Island a long time ago. I''m sure Marikka was with him at that time.


    <


    Marikka is reproducing some of the flight patterns of the planes that Jin had told her about long ago.


    The most important feature of the flight pattern is the turning based behavior. The most important feature of Marikka''s flight pattern is its turning based behavior. There is a virtual pilot at the center of the turn.


    >.


    But Maricka thought it was fine.


    She recounts some things that Jin taught her when she was young. Believing that this would be respect for Jin.


    , landing!��...... now everyone''s performance is over!!! >>


    The audience burst into applause and cheers.


    In the meantime, Jin and his team will check and maintain their aircrafts for the last race of the day.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    >


    1st place, number 11, Jin, 88 points


    2nd place, number 12, Rhodos, 86 points


    3rd place, number 10, Rubina, 85 points (1st place for competitors)


    4th place, number 5 Shireen, 82 points (2nd place for competitor)


    5th place, number 13 Marikka, 80 points


    6th place, number 1 Natalia, 78 points (3rd place for competitor)


    7th place, number 2 Shu, 73 points (4th place for competitor)


    8th place, number 8 Florence, 72 points (5th place for competitor)


    9th Number 3 Eugene, 69 points (6th eligible competitor)


    10th place, number 9 Elvis, 66 points (competitor 7th)


    11th Number 7 Werner 64 points (competitor 8th)


    12th Number 6 Sidney, 36 points (9th place for competitors)


    13th place, number 4, Grina, 35 points (10th place for competitors)


    The result was as follows.


    <<>


    Theon commented and Luckhardt commented on the results.


    <<


    <


    Yes, the last event of the competition, the race, was about to start.

 1869 - - 50-10 Race Starts

    > is about to start! >>


    <<


    Here is a brief description of the race.


    <<


    If you do not pass through, you are disqualified. However, if you go too far, you can go back and go through again (although you will lose time).


    <


    It is difficult to control the plane from the outside, but it is much easier from the passenger''s point of view.


    >.


    The entire course is projected on the large magic screen in the front of the room.


    Probably two planes could not pass through these gates at the same time.


    <<


    If you don''t cause it immediately after passing through, you won''t touch the ground ......, but you will be disqualified by touching the crash prevention boundary.


    <<


    There are thirteen large magic screens as sub-monitors, which will show the same images as the pilot flying the aircraft, giving the audience a realistic feeling.


    >


    Thirteen machines, numbered 1 through 13, are lined up along the line.


    The assistant golems have lined them up and are heading back.


    <10 seconds before the start. ......9......8......7......6......5......4......3......>>


    The room was silent.


    <<2......1...... start! >>


    The assistant golem waved the flag to signal the start, and all the planes started their engines simultaneously.


    The first to jump out of the water was the lightweight number 12, the Road Toss <>. The next to jump out was number 9, Elvis Alcott''s biplane, the .


    The next numbers are numbers 10, 11, 13, and the rest are all in a group that I can''t quite make out.


    >


    There was an image from the number 12, which was passing through the first gate at this very moment.


    The gate with a diameter of 10 meters, which was colored red by optical processing, came closer and closer as it was seen, and then it passed through .......


    Then numbers 10, 11, 13, 2, 5.... ......and at this point, the gap was still not so big.


    After that, there is a straight section of 300 meters. A small gate with a diameter of 3 meters awaits you.


    Rhodes'' < led the field with its light weight at the start, but was gradually overtaken by the delta-winged < of number 10, Rubina.


    Jin''s <, which folded its wings to cope with the high speed, maintained its third place.


    In 4th and 5th place are Shu''s number 2 and Florence''s number 8, a battle between two retreating wing planes.


    In sixth place and below are tapered wing aircraft, Maricka''s number 13, elliptical wing aircraft number 4, biplane number 9, and tapered wing aircraft number 7, followed by the number 5 of the Sealean, the number 1 of the triplane, and the number 6 of the rectangular wing plane.


    >


    <<>.


    The plane was delayed by a long takeoff run.


    It is a straight line of about 300 meters to the second gate, where speed counts.


    Here, Rubina''s number 10<> jumped into the lead. Rhodes'' number 12 < followed. Jin''s < is in third place. 8,2,4,13,7,9,3,5, 1,6.


    It can be said that the difference in the maximum speed of the aircrafts was evident.


    However, a small second gate with a diameter of 3 meters was waiting for them.


    Rubina passed through the middle of the gate without any difficulty. Rhodes and Jin did the same.


    The next planes passed through one after another, but Marikka, who was in 7th place, suddenly slowed down, and the number 7 behind her moved up to 7th place.


    The other aircrafts had a maximum width of 1.5 meters, but Marikka''s aircraft had a width of 2 meters, so she had to be very nervous to pass.


    She dropped one place to 8th.


    However, the following numbers 9 and 3 made contact with each other. Number 9 was bounced and could not pass through the gate.


    <


    The biplane of number 9, Elvis Alcott, tried to go through the gate again, and this time it passed through without a doubt.


    However, this redo has dropped him to the bottom of the list.


    The current positions are numbers 10,12,11,8,2, 4,7,13,3,5,1,6,9.


    After a 90-degree turn to the left, the 5-meter-diameter third gate awaits.


    Everyone passed through this gate without a hitch.


    After a straight line of 100 meters, there is a fourth gate with a diameter of 10 meters and a fifth gate with a diameter of 10 meters just ahead. gate with a diameter of 10 meters, and gate 5, also with a diameter of 10 meters, just ahead. However, they are facing upward.


    In other words, the fifth gate is to be passed through while climbing vertically.


    >


    At this point, the order has settled down somewhat.


    At this point, the order has settled down somewhat, 2,4,7,13,5,3,1,6, 9.


    The race is now moving up 100 meters to the 6th gate.


    Vertical ascent is a real difference in the performance of the aircraft.


    Here, the ranking changed again drastically.


    Rubina''s number 10 delta wing < remained unchanged, but the number 11 Zero of Jin moved up to second place, ahead of number 12 and Lord Toth''s <. The number 11, Jin''s <, has moved up to second place, ahead of the number 12, Lord Toth''s <.


    Also, numbers 8, 2 and 4 remain the same, but number 13, Maricka''s tapered wing aircraft, the overtakes number 7. She moves up to 7th place.


    Then number 3 overtook number 5, number 6 overtook 1 and 5, and now 10,1,1,12,8,2,2,4 1,12,8,2,4,13,7, 3,6,5,1,9.


    <>>


    <>


    <>! >>


    After climbing 100 meters, the thirteen planes pass through gates 7 and 8 and level off again.


    Then, they aimed at the <> in a large arc.


    This is 10 meters in diameter. In short, it is a tunnel in the air. It is a kilometer long and twists and turns in complex ways.


    The plane flying inside the < will meander up and down, left and right, somersaults and spirals along the several times.


    >!��Then 11, 12, and so on! >>


    <But be careful if you are easily intoxicated.


    Inside the tube, there are many arrows pointing toward the exit to improve visibility and to prevent misjudgment of speed and direction.


    However, the rapidly changing scenery may cause intoxication if you are not accustomed to it.


    "Well, this is going to make me a little sick.


    Hitoshi blurts out, and Reiko immediately applies a <>.


    The other participants are similar. This was something they could not get used to after only a few days of practice.


    This course is what is called a technical course. The speed is far from the maximum speed, so a small and maneuverable aircraft has an advantage.


    "I got it!


    "Oh, I''ve been hit!


    "...... here!��...... is no good!


    You''re not going to get past me that easily!


    Such exchanges took place here and there as the thirteen aircraft raced through the interior of the <.

 1870 - - the second half of the 50-11 race

    < was intensifying. Of course, they were competing according to the rules.


    "You''re not letting me overtake."


    The of Jin, number 11, was chasing Rubina''s delta-wing airplane, the , in front.


    The mid-folded wing of the and the delta wing of the are equally aerodynamic. The engine power is slightly higher on the Jin. The has a smaller overall width, giving it a slight advantage in tight spaces.


    The rest is a matter of piloting.


    The meanders right and left, up and down through the . The is a barrier, and touching its walls will disqualify you from the competition, so you have to be very careful.


    It goes on for a kilometer. The pressure on the pilot is enormous.


    "Ugh, it''s hard because it''s so wide.


    Number 13, Maricka, was struggling.


    She had created an aircraft with a long wing span by taking advantage of a gap in the rules, and it had worked well, but in this scene, it had proved to be a disadvantage.


    The average speed of each plane was about 60 km/h. It would take about one minute to go through a one-kilometer <.


    It''s a one-minute battle.


    "We did it!��I pulled one out!"


    Natalia, flying the number 1 trilobe, had just passed the number 5 Shireen biplane in front of her on this course where maneuverability is more important than top speed.


    "Well, I''m not good at this kind of course.


    Meanwhile, number 6, Sydney Marek, is struggling. Unexpectedly, she was not good at this kind of scene, and she had dropped down in the rankings.


    "Both Jin-sama and Rubina are doing well," said Marek. ...... will not be too much effort to overtake them here."


    The number 12 Road Toss driver, <>, in third place, refrained from overtaking too hard in the tube, where there was a high risk of being disqualified, and was looking to make up ground in the second half of the race.


    >


    The host, Mr. Luckhardt, is making an excited announcement.


    Looking at the images projected on the large magic screen, it looks like a roller coaster ride through the tunnel section.


    Some of the spectators feel sick and are given <> by the attendants or the relief golem.


    <


    Even Zion, who has been in actual airships, airplanes, and spaceships, was overwhelmed by the view.


    "We have to pull it out here ......!"


    And finally, an accident happens. It''s a biplane, number 5, a Shireen biplane.


    In an attempt to forcibly pull out Natalia''s triplane, the wing touched the wall of the . For a moment, the wall glows red in the area where it touched. Of course, this was a stunt.


    However, the biplane of number 5, Schieleen Eschenbach, was disqualified at this point because it touched the wall.


    >


    >> You were overtaking at such a high speed. But it is also true that you have to push a little too hard to get to the top.


    <>.


    Shireen''s biplane will stay in the tubular warding and will be released after the race.


    >! >>


    <


    About a minute has passed, and one by one, the aircrafts come out of the <>. There were 12 of them.


    They were guided by the <> and rose to such a high altitude that they appeared to be nothing more than dots to the naked eye.


    However, they are clearly visible through the large magic screen.


    <>


    The aircraft accelerates from a speed of about 60 kilometers per hour.


    >


    The distance here is 200 meters, a section where acceleration is more important than top speed.


    There is a slight change in the order here, and the order at the time of passing through gate 8 was numbers 10,11,12, 8,7,13,2,4,1,3,9, 6.


    After passing through Gate 9 and Gate 10, the riders will enter a 400-meter vertical descent. The 11th gate at the end of the descent is 3 meters in diameter.


    It is no exaggeration to say that this is the most difficult point of the descent.


    The maximum speed, combined with the acceleration due to gravity, reaches 200 to 250 kilometers per hour.


    >


    <>


    Florence Fahlheit''s retrofoil <> finally overtakes Rubina''s <> and takes the lead with a tremendous speed.


    However, they were unable to pass through Gate 11, which was 3 meters in diameter. As Zion pointed out, the speed was too high for him to control.


    He tried desperately to trigger it, but he was too fast and could not reach the gate in time, and he was disqualified after hitting the fall protection barrier.


    Rubina''s <, numbered 10, adjusted her speed as she descended. This shows how much she has matured from her former rashness.


    "Like this!"


    Then she turns the plane halfway and brakes with the entire delta wing.


    After slowing down enough, he re-slows down and passes through the gate. At this point, she finally takes the lead.


    "Nice work, Rubina!"


    Jin, who is in second place, descends at a speed just within his control, and deploys his wings about 50 meters before the gate. Using the aerodynamic drag, he slowed down and corrected his course.


    He passed through Gate 11 with flying colors.


    Third place went to Rhodes.


    He was flying calmly and passed through the 11th gate with some margin of control.


    Number 7, who was in fourth place after number 8 dropped out, extended his tapered wings as far as they would go in the last third of the descent.


    The aerodynamic drag also helped to slow him down. However, the retro wing aircraft of number 2, Shu, which had been following behind, jumps into the gate first.


    "Oh no!


    Number 7 misses the gate and somersaults in a panic. Although it did not come in contact with the crash-prevention boundary, it lost a lot of ground.


    Number 13 Marikka''s < took it easy and let Shu''s number 2 go first, and then went through gate 11. Number 7 will come after her.


    The number 4, Grina''s oval-winged plane <> followed, as did the aerodynamic triloby, number 1 <>.


    A biplane, number 9, passed number 3 in front of it and jumped into the gate, followed by numbers 3 and 6.


    The order at this point was numbers 10, 11, 12, 2, 13, 7, 4, 1, 1, 2, The order at this point was numbers 10,11,12,2, 13,7,4,1,9,3,6.


    After passing through gate 11, the plane leveled off and passed through gate 12, which had a diameter of 3 meters.


    Then, about 50 meters ahead, you will pass Gate 13, which is 5 meters in diameter. After passing through this gate, you will reach a straight line for 200 meters, and then the goal.


    >


    <<


    Everyone passes through Gate 13 without any difficulty. And full throttle.


    Variable-wing aircraft are shrinking their wings to reduce aerodynamic drag as much as possible.


    "Icky!"


    This is the last one!


    "Full throttle!"


    Everyone, let''s give our beloved planes their last ounce of strength. All planes are accelerating at full speed.


    Outstanding among them are number 10, Rubina''s delta wing aircraft < and .......


    >, is gaining speed rapidly! >>


    Jin had been flying at 90% power so far, but now, for the last time, he can use his full power without hesitation.


    <<>, number 12, RODOTOS-sama, is also accelerating at full speed! >>


    The lightweight machine accelerates very well.


    On a 200-meter straight line, it will reach the goal before reaching the maximum speed. So, it is a test of acceleration ability.


    <, number 13, Maricka, is also accelerating, but is there much resistance from the wings? >>


    Air resistance is proportional to the square of the speed. Therefore, a plane with high drag is at a disadvantage.


    I was thinking that...


    <>


    The main wing of Marikka''s Eagle broke off from the middle of both sides.


    <


    Stayhardt, who was explaining the situation, saw through it.


    Yes, as a last resort, Marikka''s < had a gimmick to shorten its main wings.


    The wings, which had been two meters wide, were now only about 60 centimeters wide.


    However, once removed, the wings could not be attached, so their use was limited.


    In the end, it was used in the acceleration race before the finish line.


    The lightweight < became even lighter and the aerodynamic drag was reduced, resulting in remarkable acceleration. At last, the < overtook number 2.


    The battle for the lead was narrowed down to 4 machines The battle for the lead has been narrowed down to 4 machines, numbers 10, 11, 12, and 13.

 1871 - - 50-12 race settlement

    >


    <<


    <><>The difference between the two is only one plane.


    What remains is the production technique, piloting skill, and strategy.


    "About 30 meters to go ...... here!


    Up to this point, Jin had been flying at the highest position among the four planes competing for the lead.


    From there, he now headed diagonally downward.


    The acceleration due to gravity is added, albeit slightly. The distance is slightly longer, but the result is a 2 percent increase in speed.


    In the current competitive situation, the effect of two percent was not small.


    , he''s a little ahead! >>


    "What!��The speed is still going up here!


    Rubina is amazed. She is literally flying at full throttle right now, so it''s understandable that she can''t believe that her speed will increase from there.


    In fact, neither Rhodes nor Marikka could go any faster.


    "Gotcha!"


    Rubina''s control of her plane was slightly disrupted by the shock, and Jin took advantage of this moment to leap forward, snatching the nose of the number 10<.


    "Ah!��I''ve been hit!


    >, takes the lead for the first time and goes ...... straight into the lead! >>


    The order is numbers 11,10,12,13.Jin, Rubina, Rhodes, Marikka, Jin, Rubina, Rhodes, and Marikka in that order.


    <


    I wouldn''t say she was old, but the younger Rubina probably couldn''t read that much of the tactics, Zion thought.


    But the race was not over yet.


    In the straight before the finish line, the second group was flying in the order of numbers 2, 7, 4, 1, 9, 3, 6. First, number 1 started to lag behind a little. Number 9 was next.


    The others were all monoplanes, while biplanes and trilobes were at a slight disadvantage due to their weight and aerodynamic drag.


    Next, number 3 began to lag behind. It was because of its lack of power, as shown by its 12th place in the maximum speed competition.


    The order was 2,7,4,6,3,9,1 and finally it was a race between number 2 and number 7. The final race was between number 2 and number 7.


    <10 meters to go...... ah, here comes number 1<>, accelerating even faster! >>


    >.


    Since they are flying almost side by side, they don''t care about hitting the rear fuselage even if they abandon their main wings.


    Even as they are talking about this, the planes are reaching the finish line.


    <>


    The second group was numbered 2,7,4,6,3,1,9. Natalia''s triplane, which had abandoned its main wing, moved up one place.


    >


    Even before the announcement was made, the venue was filled with cheers and applause.


    The result of the race was as follows.


    The results of the race are as follows


    1st place, number 11 Jin


    2nd place, number 10, Rubina (1st place in the competition)


    3rd place, number 12 Rhodes


    4th place, number 13 Marikka


    5th place, number 2 Shu (2nd place for competitors)


    6th place, number 7 Werner (3rd for competitor)


    7th place, number 4 Gulina (4th for competitor)


    8th Number 6 Sidney (5th for competitor)


    9th Number 3 Eugene (6th for competitor)


    10th Number 1 Natalia (7th for competitor)


    11th Number 9 Elvis (8th for competitor)


    12th Number 5 Shireen (9th for competitor)


    12th Number 8 Florence (9th for competitor)


    The results were as follows.


    <


    <>.


    This is a very subjective question for the audience, but it is still essential for this kind of competition.


    The audience will score the aircraft on a 100-point scale, which will be totaled and divided by the number of spectators (rounded off to the nearest whole number) by the magic brain <>, and the result will be the score.


    The scores are rounded off to the nearest whole number.


    >


    1st place, number 11, Jin, 95 points


    2nd place, number 13 Marikka, 93 points


    3rd place, number 12, Rhodes, 92 points


    4th place, number 1, Natalia, 89 points, 1st place in the competition


    5th place, number 10, Rubina 85 points, 2nd place for competitor


    6th Place Number 7 Werner 84 points, 3rd place for competitor


    7th Number 5 Shireen 83 points, 4th place for competitor


    8th Number 9 Elvis 82 points, 5th place for competitor


    9th Number 3 Eugene 82 points, 6th place for competitor


    10th Number 6 Sidney 82 points 7th Competitor


    11th Number 4 Glina 82 points, 8th place for competitor


    12th Number 8 Florence 82 points, competitor 9th


    13th Number 2 Shu 82 points, 10th place for competitor


    The same 82 points were used for the 8th to 13th places, but the ranking was determined by the value before rounding.


    <<


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After that, the total results of all the airplane competitions were announced.


    In order of numbers.


    Number 1 Natalia 220 points, 3rd place


    Number 2: Shu Nido, 180 points, 5th place


    Number 3: Eugene Fowle, 0 points, 10th place


    Zecken 4 Grina Kuzma 40 points, 9th place


    Zecken 5 Shireen Eschenbach 120 points, 7th place


    Zecken 6 Sidney Marek 200 points, 4th place


    ZECK 7 Werner Landl 280 points, 2nd place


    ZEK 8 Florence Faarheit 80 points, 8th place


    Zec. 9 Elvis Alcott 140 points, 6th place


    Number 10 Rubina Garrett 560 points, 1st place


    (Jin, Rhodes and Marikka are not included in the total for all events)


    Rubina''s prominence is remarkable.


    Immediately after the announcement, the audience burst into applause.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The participants were cleaning up.


    Jin, Rhodotos, Marikka, and others were praising each other''s good work as they cleaned up.


    "Well, it was a lot of fun, by the way.


    "It was fun, wasn''t it? We couldn''t beat Jin-sama in the end, but...


    "It was fun for me, too.


    Then, Jin said,


    "I was happy to see Rubina''s growth through this series of competitions.


    Jin said, praising Rubina.


    "Oh, really?"


    Rubina, who had been cleaning up right next to Jin, was surprised at the sudden mention of her name.


    "Oh. I don''t know what the results are, but I think you''ve improved a lot compared to when we first met.


    The same goes for the rest of us, Jin said.


    "I''m glad our offspring have grown up so well."


    Jin said, sounding a little saddened.


    "When we''re done cleaning up, we''ll have the interim results of all the competitions so far," Jin said. It was fun to compete with ...... Jin-sama and everyone else.


    Marikka said sincerely.


    "Yes, it''s the same for me.


    Rhodes looked up at the sky.


    Blue skies spread over the island of Onogoro, where the fierce battle had been fought.

 1872 - - 50-13 Results of aggregation come out

    At 11:30 a.m., an hour and a half after the lunch break, the results of the <> were announced.


    Of course, the tally by the <> had been completed an hour and a half earlier.


    >


    At 1:00 p.m., Luckhard announced again.


    The audience applauded.


    >


    The largest magic screen in the hall became bright. There, the results of all the competitions are displayed.


    This time, the results were displayed in the order of numbers.


    Here are the results of the competitions for boats, cars, and airplanes.


    Number 1 Natalia 320 points, 2nd place


    Number 2: Shu Nido, 280 points, 3rd place


    Number 3: Eugene Fowle, 60 points, 9th place


    Zecken 4 Grina Kuzma 60 points, 9th place


    Zecken 5 Shireen Eschenbach 160 points, 7th place


    Zecken 6 Sidney Marek 220 points, 5th place


    ZECK 7 Werner Landl 280 points, 3rd place


    ZEC #8 Florence Fahlheit 80 points, 8th place


    ZECKEN 9 Elvis Alcott 220 points, 5th place


    Number 10 Rubina Garrett 740 points, 1st place


    (Jin, Rhodes and Marikka are not included in the total for all events)


    >


    The audience applauded.


    Actually, at the beginning of the one and a half hour break, Jin was asked to say a few words.


    <


    Jin then pauses for a moment before speaking again.


    Jin''s words were met with applause. Waiting for the applause to die down, Jin continued his speech.


    <>.


    Another round of applause.


    Jin gave short evaluations of everyone.


    <


    <<


    <<


    << number 6,Sidney Marek. Don''t be satisfied with your ideas, but try to refine them further.


    <<< number 7,Werner Landl. I think the idea of an extendable and retractable wing is a good one>><


    <<


    After finishing his evaluation of the 10 competitors, Jin took a pause again.


    The venue was filled with applause and cheers.


    After the applause subsides, Jin opens his mouth once again.


    At first, he had thought of a giant golem, but considering its limited use and what to do with it after the competition (storage, management, and maintenance), he thought that it would be better to focus on automata in the technology competition.


    >, although there are a series of rules such as propulsion by propellers and lift generation by wings ....... The main reason was <>. If we do not have a low speed competition from now on, a wind-powered floater (blow floater) will be acceptable.


    Jin concluded his speech by saying that he would be happy if not only the King and Queen competitions but also various other competitions could be held by volunteers to compete their skills.


    He also informed the participants that the <> competition would be held a month later on March 1, and the competition was over.


    The competition ended with the announcement that the competition would be held a month later on March 1.


    "This was my first competition, and I have a few things to reflect on.


    Jin is chatting with Marikka, Rhodes, and others in a reflective manner.


    "Yes, ......."


    The size of the aircraft should be defined in terms of maximum width, length and height, and the design of the aircraft should be scored without knowing whose it is.


    These suggestions will be reflected in the next and subsequent competitions.


    "The next competition will be automata. I don''t have to make one.


    Jin looked at Reiko and muttered to himself.


    "I''d like to make better."


    Marikka says.


    "Jin-sama, will you be participating in the automata competition, Reiko?"


    Rhodes asks.


    "Yes, I''m planning to, but I wonder if ...... it''s a bad idea?"


    Without any prejudice or egotism, Reiko is the one who is sure to win the competition by a landslide.


    Reiko has not only power, but also has lived for 400 years, and she has a lot of experience. Reiko, who has spent 400 years of her life, has a wealth of experience and will be unrivaled in the competition.


    "But it''s not too late to make one. ......"


    Reiko might get sulky, and Jin didn''t want to do that.


    "Isn''t it good that everyone''s goal is Reiko?"


    Marikka said something like that.


    "My Hanako, too, has a desire to be as close to Reiko as possible," she said.


    If she said that, Jin could not deny that he wanted Reiko to participate in the competition.


    "Everyone knows and admires Reiko, so I''m sure they will all try their best to make automata that will be their partner.


    "I see."


    Rhodes'' words made Jin a little embarrassed, but he couldn''t say anything because Reiko looked so happy.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Automata.... I''ll do my best to make one!


    "I''m not as good as Reiko, but let''s see how far we can go!


    "If Reiko is also a contestant, it will be worthwhile!


    All the contestants were very motivated.


    The rules were as follows


    1. Materials must be from .


    2. no restrictions on body size. Both young children and large men are acceptable.


    3. must be wearing clothes. Any design of clothing is acceptable.


    The competition details will be decided within the next day or two.


    The following is the current list.


    Additional details will be decided in the near future.


    "The rules are at ......, but I don''t think anyone will make a big man," said Stehard Landau.


    said Stehardt Randall. If you are admiring Reiko, you are probably right.


    "I''m looking forward to seeing what the competition will be like.


    As she has known Reiko for 400 years, she is also looking forward to this competition.


    And then, including the results of this competition, the <> will be decided.


    For the moment, Rubina is in first place, but with the number of events in the automata competition, the distribution of points is expected to be large, and the winner was not yet known.


    "I''m kind of looking forward to it."


    Theon also seemed to be looking forward to this competition as a spectator.

 1873 - - 50-14 Leisure

    Busy but quiet.


    <, Jin was relaxing alone on Horai Island.


    Yes, <>. Rhodes, Marikka, Zion, and Rubina are all gone.


    Reiko is there, of course.


    "It''s been a long time. ......


    Lying on the bed in the bedroom of the institute, I am reminded of a time long ago.


    The time Reiko summoned me, the time I was mistakenly transferred to the village of Kaina, the time I went to the Blue Lands to gather food, the time I enjoyed the boat and the seafood in Potrock...


    Meeting with Erza and Reinhardt, the journey to Shoro, the Golem party, the battle with the Unifilers.


    Settling down in the Shoro Kingdom, the subsequent turmoil, long-period planets, the legacy of the <>, and spatial oscillations.


    And the people we met along the way. .......


    "Someone once said that it is harder for those who are left behind than for those who leave behind. ......"


    Reiko listens silently without saying anything, as this is not the first time Jin has talked to himself.


    However.


    "The previous generation must have had a hard time too. ......


    Reiko couldn''t help but react to his words.


    "Your mother, sir?"


    "Yes. At that time Reiko ...... no, <> wasn''t even around yet, so it''s understandable that you don''t understand."


    Jin''s heart ached when he thought of Adriana Barbora Zetsi,...... who had lost Shuki, the woman who had raised her and whom she had held in deep affection,...... and who was only twenty years old at the time.


    "It depends on the person, but I''m not sure I wouldn''t say ......<>."


    And moreover, there is a possibility that I might be immortal now.


    <<<< now, does your master (my lord) think so, too?


    Suddenly, the old man''s voice rang out.


    "That''s unusual, old man. What do you mean by ......? <


    <


    "Yes."


    Whether you are a compound or a body, you are still you. If I were in a position to be left behind, I am confident that I would have said the same thing 400 years ago.


    The Empress, Martha, Rodrigo, Vivienne, Stearina ......, my older colleagues, friends and acquaintances.


    Jin felt sorry for himself 400 years ago, thinking how hard it must have been to say goodbye to them.


    "7...... No. 600012... I remember when they created a homunculus and tried to transfer my memories into it.


    I think it was not a very successful attempt.


    to an automata in such a way. What do you think would happen to his/her personality in that case? >>


    Unusually, the old man asked me a metaphysical question.


    "That''s a hard one. I''ve never done it before. ...... Yes, I remember there was a concept called <> or something like that."


    The question and answer with the old man suddenly reminded Jin of the knowledge he had heard when he was in Japan or in modern earth.


    "I don''t remember if it is brain science or philosophy, but <> is not scientifically understood.


    I wonder if , who is a mental life form, understands it.


    "I don''t think <> can transcribe everything about a person."


    In short, it would be impossible to make a copy of the target person, no matter how much Jin wanted to.


    , what do you think? >>


    The old man is very insistent today, Jin thinks about his answer.


    "...... I guess so. I will not miss you if you stay."


    >


    "What?��Wouldn''t he make it look like the person A?"


    > "What do you mean?


    "What do you mean?"


    The old man began to explain slowly to Jin''s question.


    > he said.


    "Oh, I see."


    If it were possible, that is, if human beings could, they would like to go back to their younger days.


    "It''s personal ego to want to look as good as you did last time, isn''t it?"


    <<>


    "Well, ...... I know the feeling, so I would adjust the appearance to around 20 years old."


    Some people may prefer to be in their prime ...... thirties or so, when they are at their fullest.


    <>


    "Oh, ......, I guess so."


    The old man might have been guiding his thoughts so that he would not go down a strange path, Jin thought.


    "But if it were Elsa or Hannah, for example, I might make them look young instead of old.


    Jin said, expressing his thought.


    "So, in other words, the image in your mind takes precedence. ......"


    >


    "I see. ......"


    As far as Jin knows, there was a girl named Juliana between Reinhardt and Bertsche.


    <>"Then how many looks should that girl have? >>


    "......I see what you mean."


    After all, the old man wanted to remind Jin that it is only ego that makes people act only because they want to be together.


    "Even at ......."


    Jin thought in the corner of his mind, "I think human beings are a bunch of egos and selfishness is like walking around in clothes.


    * * * * * *


    "By the way, what about Hale?"


    Jin asked the old man after lunch.


    <


    There is no problem to go to Hale. It is possible to come and go by both spaceships and warp gates.


    We have installed a larger warp gate in parallel with the spaceships, which has improved both in terms of transportation volume and safety.


    There is no problem with supplies for the time being. We still have 80% of the resources we obtained in the past .


    The only problem is the super-powerful spaceships.


    The problem is the super-powerful spacecraft, which needs to bring one of the satellites of the second planet, Zipert, to secure the resources on Hale, but the problem is that it is difficult.


    "Is it a design problem?"


    If so, it is Jin''s responsibility.


    <


    Hyperadamantite is a metal made by molecular compaction of adamantite.


    Hyper Adamantite is the hardest metal in the world, which is given 100 times or more strength by compressing Adamantite forcibly. If adamantite, which is hard and difficult to process, becomes 1,000 times stronger, how much labor is required to process it? If adamantite, which is hard and difficult to process, has become 1,000 times stronger, how much labor is required to process it?


    It is being built on the moon (UNY), which has a low gravity, and even the administrative magic brain there is having a hard time with it.


    Moreover, they are building a spaceship with a diameter of 300 meters.


    The propulsion system occupies most of the ship''s body, making it an extraordinary vessel.


    "Indeed. "Indeed. There is no rush, so let''s be steady.


    .


    "And the pathogens are all right?"


    The planet was originally inhabited by the , so it seems to have such an environment.


    "The only thing that remains is self-sufficiency of food."


    "That will be the case."


    I have no problem with the know-how, but it will take some time to establish an agriculture adapted to the natural environment of Heer.


    Jin thinks about the world far away.

 1874 - - 50-15 Vision

    "Hmmm, what should I do?


    <


    "What''s wrong, Rubina?"


    Then came Zion. He was looking around at the participants who were making automata.


    "Ah, Mr. Zion!


    "Everyone has already started making them, right?"


    "......"


    "What''s wrong?"


    Zion asks again.


    "Actually, ......"


    Rubina told Zion what was bothering her.


    "So that''s what''s going on."


    Sion smiled gently and patted Rubina''s head.


    A year ago, you would have just rushed into it and made it all up at once, without worrying about anything.


    But now Rubina seems to have grown both technically and mentally through her many competitions, Zion concluded.


    "Well, I don''t know about technique, but ...... why do you think Jin trusts you, Reiko?"


    "What?��Because ...... they are strong. ......"


    Zion shook his head at the answer.


    "No," he said. Well, that may be part of it, but the most important reason is that he understands djinn."


    "Understanding ......."


    "Yes. Reiko was Jin''s first automata, and she''s been with him ever since.


    Reiko is the automaton who has been with Jin for a long time, supporting him when he is in pain, eliminating danger when there is danger, and having fun ...... with him when he is happy.


    Jin cherished Reiko and gave her a performance that would not let her down no matter what.


    "It is an expression of Jin''s will to protect Reiko, who protects him, rather than to have her protect him."


    "......"


    "That''s why Reiko is strong. I don''t think that strength is a strength of a single person, but a strength of a bond."


    "......I think I understand ...... somehow."


    Rubina is thinking again. However, unlike before, her expression was not distressed, but rather she had a faint smile on her face.


    Seeing this, Zion quietly left the place.


    * * * * * *


    Only two of the participants, Shu Nido and Natalia, owned automata or golems that belonged to the first Jin family.


    As for Shu, well...


    "Well, I guess I''d have to go with the girl type," he said.


    He was working on the basic structure of the doll in front of a pile of materials.


    "Will she be my second cousin ......?


    "Well, for Edgar, she will be a distant relative ......."


    Edgar was created by Elsa, Jin''s beloved wife 400 years ago.


    After that, Jin helped to improve Edgar, so Edgar''s parents are Jin and Elsa.


    "This time, I will make an automata that I am satisfied with.


    Shu has a rough idea of what he wants to do, and reaches for the materials.


    Natalia, who owned three other automata, Arrow, Arco, and Vale.


    "I''ve been able to examine them in this way, and once again I can see how great Jin-sama is. ......"


    Natalia sighs as she overhauls and inspects the Arrow.


    "I don''t know how close I can come to that. ......"


    Ever since she was a little girl, Natalia had heard Arrow''s stories about the that her ancestor Marcia had participated in with Hitoshi and Reiko, and she had always been fascinated by it.


    He had been making boats since he was old enough, but since participating in the organized by Jin, he had rediscovered the joy of craftsmanship.


    "I think it''s important to have fun making things. ...... right, Arrow?"


    asked the rebooted Arrow,


    "Yes, Natalia. Jin-sama always enjoyed making things.


    She replied.


    "Yes, he did. Let''s go to ...... and try our best!"


    * * * *


    Of course, there are many of us who have not inherited the automata/golem, but have been around them since childhood and have been watching them.


    Shireen Eschenbach, who is related to the Eschenbach family, has seen the automata <> since she was a child, and Werner Randall has grown up with the golem <>, which was handed down from the Randall family.


    Greenina Kuzma was taken care of by an automata <> when she was a child.


    Many of them may not have owned one in their own house, but they may have seen one in their relative''s house.


    After all, there were many opportunities to see automata and golems created by Jin and his friends, and all of them had more or less the same yearning and desire to possess them.


    For such people, the <> was an appropriate place to fully express their longing.


    Therefore, everyone, without exception, was absorbed in their hard work.


    * * * * * * * * *


    "After all, the main material is light silver ...... or 64 light silver.


    "We have to use carefully selected muscle materials.


    "Jin-sama has adamantite coating on the joints. Let''s use it as a reference.


    Each of them has his or her own ingenuity.


    Among them, Rubina showed a novel idea.


    "X-1, I need your help here."


    "Yes, Rubina-sama."


    Rubina first created an assistant golem to help her with the work.


    This is,


    "<> is important. So, it might be better to make a tentative model at an early stage, and then slowly bring it closer to a finished model.


    This is what I have been thinking.


    This idea came from what Zion had told me, that Reiko is the automata who has been with Jin the longest.


    "X-1, when this is finished, it will be your new body.


    "Yes, I''ll make it happen."


    In other words, even though the period of time is short, they share the same control core and are trying to upgrade their bodies, just as Jin did with Reiko.


    "Now, it''s time to finish!"


    Rubina''s face was shining as if the time when she was troubled was a lie.


    * * * * * *


    "Hanako, how are you doing?"


    "Yes, Marikka-sama, I feel much better. Thank you very much."


    Marikka was upgrading and improving her automata <>, which she had made in admiration of Reiko.


    "I put everything I could into it. Please get used to your body until the competition.


    "Yes, I will."


    Yes, I will.


    "Hmm, here''s the ......"


    And Rhodes was also struggling day and night to make his best automata.


    <25 days to go until the competition.

 1875 - - 50-16 Last game

    With each of our thoughts and feelings, one month has flown by in the blink of an eye.


    And now it is March 1st.


    <> has arrived! >>


    Ruckhardt Randall, the MC, announced.


    The audience fills the hall with cheers.


    >


    The commentator, Steinhardt Randall, also expressed in a few words how much he had been looking forward to this day.


    .


    < also said that he was looking forward to this competition.


    >


    The events described by Luckhardt were as follows. 1.


    1. the running race.����All participants run 200 meters to win the race. 2.


    Obstacle race. All competitors run a 1000 meter course with obstacles and compete against each other. 3.


    Weightlifting.��Lift a barbell with gravity magic and see how far you can endure.


    Cooking.������Cook a dish and evaluate it by 10 people chosen at random from the audience plus extra. 5.


    Drawing.��Sketch the theme given by the guest and see how far you can draw it in one minute. All members of the audience are invited to evaluate.


    6. special skill demonstration.��The participants will have 5 minutes to show their special skills. All audience members are evaluated.


    The rules are as follows. 1,


    1. materials must be from . Except for Jin, Marikka, and Rhodotos, who are special participants. 2.


    2. the doll must be an automata. In other words, the doll must look like a human being. 3.


    There are no restrictions on the size of the doll. Infants and large men are acceptable. 4.


    4. the doll must be clothed. The design of the clothing is not restricted.


    The design of the clothing is not restricted.


    >


    This information was again greeted with applause from the audience.


    The competition was thought up by Jin, Marikka, and Rhodes. The overall standings were irrelevant.


    And <, the administrative magic brain of , was also assisting them.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    >


    <<>! >>


    With the introduction, the automaton bowed to the audience.


    He is a slender automaton of about 175cm in height. He was dressed in casual, light clothing.


    She has short-cut blond hair and blue eyes.


    (Nave is a ...... ship, I think.��) I wonder if Arco and Arrow are female-typed and Vale is male-typed, so they made their automata male-typed.


    Arrow and Arco are < sisters. And Vale is a . Nave is a <. The names were typical of Marcia''s descendants.


    >! >>


    Merry bowing in curtesy.


    This is a cute little girl about 140 centimeters tall. She is wearing a navy blue maid''s uniform.


    She has fluffy pale blond hair and lovely green eyes.


    <...


    <, Jin thinks that if she and Edgar were side by side, they might look like brother and sister .......


    <<>! >>


    Melanie is wearing a tight skirt, so she is not curtseying, but bowing normally.


    She is 160cm tall, well-proportioned, and is dressed in a tight-fitting navy blue suit.


    Her chestnut hair is pulled back in an updo and she has chestnut eyes. She gives the impression of a dignified female teacher.


    <>! >>


    Char puts her hands on her thighs and bows deeply.


    She is 5''5" with red hair and brown eyes.


    (......Lotte......No, she looks like Bina.)


    She is an automata who looks like Bina, an ancestor of Glina. She wears a white blouse, a navy blue vest and a pleated skirt, in the style of a schoolgirl.


    >! >>


    <


    She bows with her right hand on her chest.


    The 160cm tall, blond-haired, blue-eyed automaton is dressed in a blue blazer, a white shirt, and black pants.


    The automaton was so well-dressed that I could not help but wonder if this was a hobby of Shireen''s.


    >! >>


    >


    She shows her curtsey with her skirt pinched.


    She is 5''5" with wavy, waist-length brown hair and brown eyes.


    She is wearing a slightly modified maid''s outfit with more frills and lace. She is chic yet dainty.


    >! >>


    Leela greets him with a deep bow, her hands on her thighs.


    She is about 160cm tall, with long blue-green hair and striking golden eyes. She is dressed in a dark rouge-colored suit.


    <>! >>


    <


    Clark greets with a bow with his right hand in front of his chest.


    He is 5''8" tall and has a rather stout build. Short-cropped red hair, gray eyes. He is dressed like a butler.


    <>! >>


    Silas also greeted the audience with a bow, his right hand in front of his chest.


    He is 5''5" with all-back gray hair and gray eyes. He has the unusual appearance of an elderly butler. He was dressed like a butler, of course.


    <>! >>


    Alice bows at the curtesy.


    She is 130cm tall. Dark brown hair hanging down her back, dark brown eyes. She is dressed in a blue maid''s gown. .......


    <> she says.


    Yes, <> is Rubina''s homage and respect for Reiko.


    <>! >>


    Reiko bows in a curtsey with a pinch of her skirt.


    No need to explain, that is Jin''s Reiko.


    << number 12, Lord Rhodes!��Girl automata,<>! >>


    She is dressed in a dark green lady''s uniform and bows in a curtsy.


    >.


    <


    She has light blue hair that almost reaches her waist and golden eyes.


    >! >>


    Hanako is the automaton that Rhodes used to have with him.


    She is dressed in a silver rat costume and greeted at Carthage.


    She had silver hair and light blue eyes. The hair and eye colors of the < clan.


    >


    The hall was filled with applause and cheers as Luckhardt spoke.

 1876 - - 50-17 Reiko, soloist

    >


    <


    Once again, the event is run by volunteers and Golems.


    Since it is a 200-meter race, the whole event can be seen from the spectators'' seats, but thanks to the <> installed next to the course, it can also be seen on the large <>>.


    In addition to the start line and the finish line, there are three <sites along the course, and they can also be recorded and played back in slow motion.


    >


    Silence reigns in the hall.


    <>


    The ground at the starting line was gouged by the sound of a thud. The ground, which is a combination of <> and <>, was gouged out.


    A moment later,


    a voice rang out. The voice was that of a golem.


    The human would not be able to tell the winner from the winner.


    After all, everyone had reached the goal within a second or so.


    (Ah, maybe 200 meters was too short. ......)


    Even the MC, Luckhardt, is puzzled.


    Theon said in a slightly puzzled tone.


    <


    Stayhart said.


    Then, the goal was projected on the magic screen.


    >


    Within a few tenths of a second, all 13 competitors had reached the finish line.


    The MC, Mr. Luckhardt, reads out the rankings. Since they are automata, they are called by their names, not by their creators.


    <1st place, number 11, Leco!��The time of 0.54 seconds is 370 meters per second! >>


    >> A supersonic time. The sound of the crash was not only the sound of the ground breaking up, but also a shockwave.


    <2nd place, number 13, Hanako!��Third place, number 10, Alice! >>


    Rubina''s clinched third place and was applauded by the audience.


    <>


    The MC knows this because the data was sent to him by the tester.


    Momoko''s time is 0.59 seconds, or 339 meters per second.


    <<5th place, number 2, Mary!��6th place, number 1, Nave!��In 7th place, number 8, Clark!��8th place, number 5, Allen! >>


    Up to this point, the speed is over 300 meters per second.


    <>


    <


    The commentator, Staehard Randle, sounded dismayed.


    "Well done, Reiko!


    Jin was congratulating Reiko on her return.


    "Yes, father. I have reduced it to 30% as you said, is that correct?"


    "That''s enough."


    Reiko was not the "Onogoro Island material" as specified in the regulations. So Jin had voluntarily limited Reiko''s output to 30 percent.


    "But then again, the 200 meter run is too fast for me to enjoy. ......"


    Jin was once again aware of this.


    * * * *


    >


    >


    <<


    The first one is a balance beam. It is 1mm wide and 100 meters long. If you fall off, you have to go back to the first end and cross it again. It is against the law to jump over it.


    Next is the zigzag course. There are 20 rectangular of 1 meter wide and 2 meters high in a 200 meter distance, You have to pass through them without touching them.


    Of course, they are not designed to be passed through in a straight line.


    The next is a pool. You have to swim 100 meters through a pool filled with a liquid whose density is 0.2. You must not jump over the wall.


    And then the wall. Climb and climb over a vertical wall 100 meters high using only your arms. Note that you may not jump over the wall or use the force field generator. There are no restrictions on the descent.


    The last area is the gravity field area. The area where gravity is increased by gravity magic lasts for 200 meters. The gravity is 10G at the entrance, and it gradually increases as you go forward, reaching 50G at the exit.


    The use of the force generator is prohibited.


    The goal is reached when you pass through the exit.


    <>


    Everyone dashes again. But, as expected, no shockwaves are generated since it is an obstacle race.


    Nevertheless, in a little over a second, everyone jumped onto the balance beam.


    >


    At this point, Reiko is in the lead. Alice, Hanako, and Momoko are right behind her.


    <<,<> cracks in the treated ground as they all jump around left and right to get through the gate! >>


    <


    Reiko is still in the lead, but she is less than 10 meters behind the current leader, number 3, <>.


    <


    Stayhard commented.


    >


    <<


    Stayhardt explained.


    As Sion said, for the first time in this pool, the difference is starting to show.


    Number 8<> and number 9<> had sunk and were unable to advance.


    The standings so far are: number 11 Reiko, number 10 Alice, number 13 Hanako, number 1 2Momoko,number 1Nave,number 2Mary,number 4Char,number 7Leela,number 6Liddell,number 3Melanie, Zec. 5 Allen, Zec. 9 Silas, Zec. 8 Clark.


    >


    The 100-meter granite wall rises vertically. There are plenty of uneven surfaces to hold on to, so it should be easy enough to climb if you have the arm strength of an automaton.


    By the way, the host, Mr. Luckhardt, had called Reiko <<> etc., but eventually decided to call her <>.


    >


    <> she said.


    With a slight movement, Reiko catches the slightest unevenness of the wall and climbs up.


    For Reiko, as long as her fingernails catch on the wall, she can support herself.


    Since Jin had carefully and the wall, there was no danger of it collapsing, and in no time at all she had climbed the 100 meters to the top.


    From there, there were no restrictions, so Reiko easily jumped down.


    When she landed on the ground, there was a crack in the toughened ground, but Reiko did not care and headed for the last obstacle.


    When Reiko jumped down, the other automata were struggling to climb the wall.


    The fastest of them all was Alice, number 10, Rubina.


    >


    Alice jumped down from the top of the wall after Reiko. And landed without difficulty.


    She headed for the gravity field.

 1877 - - 50-18 Fierce Battle, Fiery Battle

    The moment Reiko jumps into the gravity field area, the installed magic tools are activated.


    The gravity of 10G hits Reiko.


    Her weight increases tenfold. 30 kilograms of Reiko weighs 300 kilograms.


    >


    < and . Her speed is about 20 km/h.


    It takes 36 seconds to go 200 meters.


    However, it can be easily predicted that the further she goes, the slower she will go because of the increase in gravity.


    About a third of the way through, the second car, number 10, Rubina''s <>, entered the same area.


    Immediately, Alice''s movements slowed down. But Alice continues to move forward undeterred.


    "Hang in there!"


    Rubina cheered for her.


    When Reiko and Alice were two-thirds and one-third of the way through the race, respectively, the chasing pack caught up with them.


    Hanako of Marikka, number 13, and Momoko of Road Toss, number 12, jumped into the gravity field area.


    >


    Sion adds a few words to Ruckhardt''s words.


    >.


    Reiko has a long 400 years of experience (although she has been dormant for almost 140 years). ......).


    During that time, Jin has not overlooked even the slightest defect or flaw and has corrected and improved it.


    .


    Steinhardt agreed.


    Soon after, the remaining automata entered the gravity field area one after another.


    They all seem to be able to handle 10G, but after about 30G, their movement visibly slows down.


    The weight of a 30kg man at 1G becomes 90kg at 30G. At 1G, he weighed 30kg, but at 30G he weighed 90kg.


    >


    Reiko is now running through the 50G area.


    Reiko, who weighs 30 kilograms, was running through an area that weighed 1,500 kilograms, or 1.5 tons.


    Reiko is running, albeit at a slower speed.


    >


    After 30G, everyone''s footsteps are getting heavier and heavier.


    It seems that even for automata, it is tough to increase their weight by 30 times.


    In such a situation, Rubina''s , number 10, and Marikka''s , number 13, were relatively strong.


    The number 12, Rhodos <>, is also doing well.


    And Reiko?


    <<3 meters to go.........2 meters to go.........1 meters to go... I''m out!��There''s no blockage now! >>


    Reiko accelerates through the gravity field area. She seems to disappear from the audience''s view.


    After a moment,


    >


    >> The crowd gave her a loud round of applause and cheers.


    Behind them, number 10, Alice, and number 13, Hanako, are in a close battle.


    "Go for it!��Go Alice!


    Rubina cheered enthusiastically. Marikka was smiling and looking at the battle with quiet eyes.


    From about 40G, everyone''s movement became noticeably slower. They all weigh over one ton.


    The large male model, Nave (number 1), originally weighed about 70 kilograms, so at 50G he weighed 3.5 kilograms. It would not have been crushed.


    Although they were not crushed as expected, they walked with their feet dug into the ground with each step.


    <<>


    The two were about the same size, but it seems that Marikka''s Hanako''s bottom power was a little stronger than Rubina''s Alice''s.


    <<>


    The finish line is just a few seconds after passing the gravity field area.


    <>


    So far, four have reached the finish line.


    After that, they are a little behind.


    They seem to be struggling in the gravity field area after 40G.


    Still, no one is crushed or stuck.


    <>


    <<>


    True to his word, it was the larger automata who were lagging behind.


    <>


    <<


    Leela is not a girl type but a female type and she is supposed to be lighter than a male type.


    <10th place, number 3, Melanie!��11th place, number 1, Nave!��In 12th place, number 9, Silas!��In 13th place, number 8,Clark! >>


    Almost in order of smallest to largest, the highest scores were.


    <


    Spectators can see the competition with their naked eyes, so they cannot understand what is going on in too fast competitions, which is a problem before they can enjoy it.


    <


    The audience applauded to Zion''s line.


    It seems that the residents of Onogoro Island are in favor of having such competitions in addition to the Magecraft King/Queen Contest.


    After this, many competitions, both official and unofficial, would be held here on Onogoro Island, but that is another story.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Before moving on to the next competition, about 15 minutes were taken for the maintenance of each automata.


    "......Yeah, I don''t see anything wrong with them."


    Reiko, of course, is fine.


    "You seem to be all right. Keep up the good work.


    Hanako of Marikka is also clear.


    "Yeah, I''m fine. Good luck in the competition!"


    Momoko from Rhodes was also all right.


    "Oh, the clearance of the joints is a little bit bigger. I''ll have to adjust it."


    Alice of Rubina was finished in five minutes.


    The others were done in about the same amount of time.


    No one thinks 15 minutes is too short.


    They are all technicians who can check and repair in that amount of time.


    Now it is time for the weightlifting.

 1878 - - 50-19 Weightlifting?

    After the maintenance time, it''s time for the .


    >


    The crowd cheered more than ever.


    <>


    <>


    The cheers grew louder at this explanation.


    After waiting for the audience to settle down, the competition finally started.


    <! >>


    Nave lifts the barbell.


    At 1G it weighs 100 kilograms, which she lifts without any problem.


    >


    The most difficult thing for Jin and his team was to make it possible to display the values numerically.


    <110 km......120 km... ...130 km......>>


    In the beginning, the weight increases by 10 kilos per second...100 kilos in 10 seconds, So, in 90 seconds, it gains 900 kilos, which, combined with the original 100 kilos... In other words, in 90 seconds, it gains 900 kilograms.


    <500 km......510 km... ...520 kilos......>>


    >


    <850 km......860 km... ...870 km......>>


    Nave is still hanging on.


    The crowd stares with bated breath.


    <990 km......1000 km!��......1010 kilometers......>>


    <<>


    <<1100 km......111 0 km......>>


    <>


    The barbell is held above your head, so if you let go of the barbell, it will naturally fall on top of your head.


    However, the barbell that Jin and the others had made was set to activate negative gravity magic the moment it left his hand, so that it would weigh only about one kilogram.


    When the barbell hit the head, the impact was only a bump. The barbell rolled on the floor.


    >


    As Jin watched, he found something to reflect on.


    "Well, I thought it would save time, but it''s counterproductive that way.


    The competition was not about weight <, but about how much weight one could bear. There may be a problem of grip strength.


    Jin reflected on the fact that it could be a competition since the conditions were the same for everyone, but it was too much to call it a weightlifting competition.


    Regardless of Jin''s thoughts and feelings, the competition went on.


    , this is amazing!��That little body can endure 1,000 kg! >>


    In the end, the number 2 boat has reached the record of 1,100 km.


    <<>! >>


    The record is 1080 kilometers.


    So far, all the records are over 1 ton.


    <


    <<


    <


    <! >>


    The record was 1010 km.


    Number 5, Shireen''s <> weighed 970 kg.


    Number 6, Sydney <> weighed 1000 kg.


    Number 7, Werner < weighs 1090 kg.


    Number 8, Florence''s <> weighs 1150 kg.


    Number 9, Elvis <> lifted 1180 kg.


    >! >>


    The crowd is very excited.


    <150 km......160 km... ...170 kg......>>


    Alice is withstanding the high weight with room to spare.


    <980 kg......990 kg... ...1000 kilos!!! >>


    <>


    <<1150 km......116 0 km......1170 km...... 1180 km......>>


    <>


    <<1200 km...... Oh, is it getting a little spicy? >>


    <<1220km......123 0......Oh, that was the limit! >>


    In the end, the record was set at 1220 km.


    >


    Reiko lifts the barbell carelessly. At the same time, gravity magic is activated.


    <110 kg......120 kg... ...130 kilos......>>


    True to Zion''s words, Reiko lifts the barbell without moving even though it weighs close to one ton.


    <990 kilos......1000 kilos!��......1010 kilos!��......>>


    Reiko still looks like she has plenty of room to spare.


    <<1190 kilos......120 0 km......1210 km! >>


    <<>


    <<<1290 km......130 0km......1310km......>>


    <<


    (Ah, overdoing it is not good either.)


    Jin gives Reiko a look.


    Reiko, who understood what he meant, lowered the barbell after 1400 kilometers.


    <1400 kilos!��That''s an amazing record! >>


    >> The crowd applauded loudly.


    <>


    Momoko, who is about the same size as Reiko, lifts the barbell.


    <110 kilos......120 kilos... ...130 kg......>>


    There is no problem at all in this area.


    <980 kilos......990 kilos... ...1000 kilos!!! >>


    No problem with 1 ton.


    <1180 km......119 0 km......1200 km! >>


    I think I''ve reached my limit around here.


    >


    <<


    <! >>


    Hanako is also in the same shape as Reiko.


    <110 km......120 km... ...130 km......140 km ......>>


    I guess I should start heavier, Jin thought.


    <980 km......990 km... ...1000 km!!! >>


    Hanako is also fine with a ton.


    <1190 km......120 0 km......1210 km! >>


    It looks like we can go a little further.


    <<1290 km......130 0 km!��......13......Oh, I think I''m at my limit!��The record is 1300 km! >>


    The audience gave a storm of applause.


    The results


    1st place, Reiko of Jin. 1400 km.


    2nd place, Hanako of Marikka. 1300 kg.


    3rd place, Alice of Rubina. 1220 kg. 1st place in the competition.


    4th place, Momoko of Rhodes. 1210 km.


    5th , Silas of Elvis. 1180 kms. 2nd place, Silas of Elvis. 1180Km.


    6th place, Clark of Florence. 1150 kms. 3rd Athlete.


    7th place, Natalia''s Nave. 1110 kms. 4th place, Natalia''s Nave. 1110 kms.


    8th place, Mary of Shu. 1100 kms. 5th place.


    9th place, Leela of Werner. 1090 kms. 6th place, Werner''s Leela. 1090 kg.


    10th place, Melanie from Eugene. 1080 kms. Competitor 7th place.


    11th place, Char from Grina. 1010 kms. 8th place, Char of Grina. 1010 km.


    12th , Liddell of Sidney. 1000km. Eligible Contestants: 9th place.


    13th place, Allen of Shireen. 970 kg. He was 10th in the competition.


    He was 10th.

 1879 - - 50-20 Cooking Battle!

    ! >>


    The audience cheered, and then the cheers turned into loud cheers.


    Jin secretly thinks that everyone likes cooking .......


    <


    The time is just around 11:00 a.m., which will be just in time for lunch if you include the cooking time.


    <<>! >>


    <<


    Sion was impressed by the cooking stations.


    >


    Everyone headed for the rice at once. In fact, new rice and old rice are prepared, and the participants are evaluated on their ability to distinguish between the two.


    >


    Old rice does not necessarily mean bad taste, but if the rice is not stored well, the starch of the rice may change.


    Also, the amount of water in the rice changes, making it difficult to cook well.


    It would be better to try several times, but for a one-time trial like this, it would be safer to choose fresh rice.


    Everyone sharpened their rice and put it into the prepared kettles and earthenware pots.


    <<>.


    The three judges are the presenter and the two commentators.


    As soon as they start cooking rice, they all start preparing miso soup at the same time.


    Reiko is starting to make a miso soup with deep-fried tofu and okara without any hesitation. The only reason is that it is Jin''s favorite food.


    Alice of Rubina has radish and taro, Momoko of Rhodoth has wakame seaweed and tofu.


    The others are different, and no two miso soups seem to be the same.


    >.


    For example, leeks are called <> here in Arus, but as a rule, foodstuffs discovered by Jin or the > are given names known to Jin.


    Wakame seaweed, kelp, wasabi, and so on.


    Sion leaned forward as if itching to eat.


    >.


    Stayhard to say potato and onion instead of topopo and leeks.


    <>.


    <<>


    Ruckhardt was caught up by Zion''s words.


    <<>


    Jin is from Tokyo, so the word "tanuki" means "fried egg". By the way, kitsune is made with deep-fried tofu.


    >


    While the host and the commentator were having such a conversation, the cooking was going on and some of the participants started to grill fish.


    >.


    >.


    <<


    <


    The smell of grilled fish began to waft through the air.


    The rice was also cooked and steamed.


    At about the same time, miso is added to the miso soup.


    The grilled fish was also cooked.


    The timing of this is excellent.


    The aroma of miso will be lost if the miso soup is left to simmer, and the grilled fish will become tough if it cools down.


    And .......


    <>


    It is indeed amazing that everyone had finished cooking a few seconds before the signal.


    >


    Before the MC could finish his speech, Zion got up from his seat and headed for the competition hall.


    Laughing, Luckhardt and Stayhardt followed him.


    From the audience came 10 spectators who were chosen by lottery.


    "Please compare and score each dish as you like.


    The host, Luckhardt, reminded the audience. For once, he let go of the microphone and used his own voice.


    Everyone nodded and began tasting.


    "Oh, it''s delicious. ......"


    Zion went to Reiko first.


    Rice and miso soup. The familiar tastes of Jin''s and naturally made their faces relax.


    The grilled fish is ayu (sweetfish). In recent years, ayu has been imported from Mitsuho and farmed on Horai Island and Onogoro Island.


    "This is delicious!"


    Stayhardt is smacking his lips at the grilled Spanish mackerel with miso, prepared by Hanako of Marikka.


    "Delicious!


    I can hear such voices here and there.


    "It''s a pity we can''t eat a full meal because of the judging," said Lackhardt.


    said Luckhardt. And that must have been everyone''s thought.


    We had to eat and evaluate everyone''s food.


    "I''ve never tasted this shellfish miso soup before, but it''s delicious!


    "This grilled fish is so savory!


    "The rice is delicious!" "The wakame seaweed is also delicious!


    "The wakame seaweed is delicious, but the tofu in it is also very flavorful."


    The tofu is also very flavorful.


    "This is delicious!��Is it called kabayaki?


    The results were announced after lunch.


    The results will be announced after lunch time.

 1880 - - 50-21 Drawing

    After a one and a half hour lunch break, the results of the scoring were announced.


    >


    The participants had already eaten lunch, so it was not a food festival.


    Zecken 1 Natalia Nave Miso soup with clams, grilled barracuda


    Zecken 2 Shu, Mary Miso soup with fu and leek, grilled saury


    Zecken 3 Eugene Melanie Miso soup - cabbage and carrot, grilled landlocked salmon


    Zecken 4 Grina Charles Miso soup - sweet potato, onion and carrot, broiled eel


    Zecken 5 Shireen Allen: Miso soup with nameko mushrooms and tofu, grilled salmon with foil


    Zecken 6 Sidney Liddell eggplant miso soup, grilled baby sardines


    Zecken 7 Werner Leela pumpkin miso soup, yellowtail teriyaki


    Zecken 8 Florence Clark turnip and turnip leaf miso soup, steamed mackerel


    Zecken 9 Elvis Silas Miso soup - bean sprouts, cod meuniere


    Zecken10 Rubina Alice Miso soup with radish and taro, grilled sea bream


    Zecken11 Reiko Hitoshi Miso soup - deep-fried tofu and okara, grilled ayu fish


    Zecken-12 Rhodos Momoko Wakame seaweed and tofu miso soup, grilled flatfish


    Number 13 Maricca Hanako Miso soup with potatoes and onions, grilled Spanish mackerel with miso


    Note: Barracuda = barracuda / leek = charoto / sweet potato = itopo / onion = marunegi / carrot = carotte


    Potato = Topopo / Flounder = Haribou / Clam = Krumm / Mountain trout = Omasou / Salmon = Mejika


    >


    Ruckhardt and Stayhardt commented on the tasting.


    Sion is impressed by the way they have thought of the menu.


    And the result: .......


    <>


    The audience cheered so loudly that they shook the room.


    For the first time, Reiko Jin had fallen far down in the standings. It seems that personal preference had a big effect.


    (Ah, I guess my taste is not well accepted by the public after all.)


    Jin was smiling bitterly. Then he smiled at Reiko, who was hanging her head, and nodded her head.


    Reiko realized what Jin was trying to say and looked up.


    <>


    The first place was 90 points and the second place was 89 points, almost no difference, but it seemed that there was a slight difference between the two.


    The next highest score was 88 points for number 2, Mary from Shu, number 3, Melanie from Eugene, number 5, Allen from Shireen, number 8, Clara from Florence, number 9, and number 10, Kathy from Florence. Number 8, Clark of Florence, Number 10, Alice of Rubina, and Number 12, Momoko of Rhodes.


    The last-place finisher was only three points behind the first-place finisher, with 87 points.


    The two other teams were number 6, Liddell of Sydney, and number 9, Silas of Elvis.


    * * * * * *


    <!��The guest commentator, Mr. Zion, will give you a theme, and you will have one minute to draw it. All the audience will evaluate the result! >>


    <<


    The moderator, Mr. Luckhardt, forgot to say something, and the commentator, Mr. Stayhardt, added something else.


    <<>


    >


    "What?


    Jin seemed to be the only one who thought "......", and everyone else greeted this subject with applause.


    >


    All the participants went to the board at once. They moved their pencils at a blinding speed.


    They all know Jin''s face so well that they can draw it without even bothering to look at it.


    <>


    The hands stopped. All of them had finished their drawings.


    <


    The drawings are projected on thirteen large magic screens.


    The audience will see them and grade them.


    >


    >.


    (Really? ......)


    Most of the people there were looking at the screen seriously, but only Jin looked down in embarrassment.


    <<< Now, please cast your vote. ...... will tally the votes. Please write in your terminal ...... and we will tally the votes. .................. Result, here it is! >>


    <>


    (Please don''t do that! ......)


    Jin himself is already too embarrassed to look up.


    <>


    This is another subject that everyone knows. Everyone started drawing immediately.


    Looking at the large < that shows each of them, it seems that each of them now has its own characteristics.


    Theon utters the same line as before.


    And he is right, everyone is good at what they do.


    <<>


    The scoring and tabulation is done in a short time and the results are announced.


    >


    A picture is projected on the large <. They were so precise that they were more like photographs than pictures.


    The audience could not decide the best or the worst of them.


    >


    >


    Sion pondered.


    Jin also,


    (...... artistic, rather than realistic ...... because it is a perfect copy, a reproduction ......)


    ).


    Certainly, the painting of in this case was more like a scholarly illustration than an artistic one.


    .


    Zion, who had been struggling for a while, seemed to have finally decided on a subject.


    Since no one has seen this one before, I have no choice but to draw it from my imagination.


    >


    <<>The last minute has begun.

 1881 - - 50-22 Specialties (1)

    <>


    One minute passed, and <> ended.


    <


    >


    Thirteen automata painted a portrait of their respective <>.


    <>


    The thing that automata love the most. It was each master.


    I did some scoring, and the audience gave them all 100 points.


    Since everyone has the same feelings for his/her master, the third subject was also a no-brainer. In fact, all of them came in first place.


    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<


    >! >>


    <


    There will be a 15-minute pause for preparation.


    Each of you will be working on your automata and preparing props.


    The audience can use the restroom during this time. The audience can go to the restroom while they do so. ......, but since not much time has passed since the lunch break, few people get up from their seats.


    Fifteen minutes passed.


    <>!��First, number 1, Natalia''s Nave! >>


    The venue has been cleared in the last 15 minutes, and is now a flat, empty field. The rough, light clothing is still in place.


    Nave was standing in the middle of the field.


    >


    With a graceful gesture, Nave bows to the audience and to the host.


    Next, he stands erect and still ......, then suddenly begins to move.


    >


    Theon exclaims.


    The word "kenpo" did not exist in the Ars world originally, but such a concept seems to have been imported since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Mitsuho.


    Before that time, it was simply called <<> or something similar.


    Of course, Zion knows this because he has known Jin for a long time.


    Shokken-tsuki, hand-to-hand, back-fist, front kick, back kick, and spinning kick...... are performed one after another in a flowing motion.


    "Oh,...... you are very good!"


    I''d like to know where he learned these moves.


    "Father, perhaps from the golem guarding the island of Onogoro.


    Reiko guessed. Jin had just had a final meeting with Reiko.


    "Maybe."


    Nave''s performance was over.


    There was a thunderous applause.


    <>


    >


    Merry comes out to the performance hall, not in her navy blue samurai costume, but in a pair of half pants and a T-shirt that she can move around in easily.


    <<>


    As soon as the event started, Merry started humming a tune. The melody is familiar to Jin.


    (Is this ...... by any chance?).


    Then Merry started to do exercises to the tune of the humming.


    (I knew it was ...... radio calisthenics!)


    Merry began to do .


    , isn''t it?


    > a long time ago. It''s a warm-up exercise.


    Merry hummed a melody as she performed the exercises.


    It takes about 3 minutes or so.


    Then, with less than two minutes left, she performed her original exercises.


    <>


    The audience gave a big round of applause, and the show seemed to be well received.


    >


    Melanie of Eugene! This one also changed her clothes, perhaps to make a different impression.


    From a teacher-like navy blue suit, she is now dressed in a chic one-piece dress. The hem is so long that it drags.


    >


    "~~ Petals scattered by the wind are a flower raft that colors the surface of the water......"


    Melanie sang out. It seems to be an original song.


    At the same time, she started to dance gently. She is a pop idol.


    (Oh, not bad.)


    (Oh, not bad at all.) From Jin''s point of view, who has grown up watching various idols in modern Japan, she is quite determined.


    The song ends after about two and a half minutes.


    Melanie quickly takes off her costume.


    >


    The long dress-like outfit changes into a mini-skirt.


    Then Melanie started to sing another song.


    "~~ blue seas, white clouds, gentle winds carry my dreams ......".


    The song was up-tempo. The choreography became rhythmical accordingly.


    >


    After singing for exactly 5 minutes, Melanie bowed deeply to the audience.


    The audience cheered and applauded loudly.


    >


    >.


    Char comes out to the competition hall wearing a long bright red dress.


    <<>


    As soon as she started, an up-tempo melody flowed from her mouth and she started dancing to it.


    (Sounds like flamenco. ......)


    (Flamenco sounds like flamenco. ) Flamenco is a Spanish dance.


    That''s all Jin knows about flamenco.


    In fact, it is an art form from Andalusia, in the southern part of Spain. Not only dancing, but singing is also important .......


    Anyway, to Jin, the song and the dance seemed to be flamenco,


    >


    >, said Zion.


    <<><<><>, and Zion recognized the trend.


    (Does this mean that they have inherited the culture of the squire tribe or the ...... indigenous people?)


    (Is it possible that Vivian and Goose have discovered such a culture?


    Char was also given a big round of applause.


    The last event was a great success.

 1882 - - 50-23 Specialties (2)

    is still going on.


    <<>


    As for Jin, he prefers to call it a "gym uniform".


    The top and bottom are both white, and seem to be made of a fabric that can stretch and contract.


    >


    <>


    Allen jumped out as soon as the show started. But he didn''t just run out.


    "...... floor exercise?"


    Yes, as Jin noticed, Allen is performing one of the gymnastics events, <>.


    In gymnastics competitions, gymnasts perform on a 12-meter square mat, but the performance venue is much larger, allowing for a variety of speedy performances.


    Allen performs a wide range of moves such as averages, power, inverts, rotations, and somersaults.


    <<<<> Steinhardt was also impressed.


    Especially in the somersaults, Allen performed high jumps and high-speed rotations that only an automaton can do, and he literally performed a performance that was not the work of a human.


    When the performance was over, the audience gave them a big round of applause and cheers.


    >


    >.


    <>


    Yes, Liddell had her body wrapped in a tight-fitting orange leotard.


    >


    As expected, Liddell also did floor exercises.


    I thought that the same performance as before would not be very impressive ......, but the audience responded well to the different content and the fact that Liddell was a girl-type.


    If Allen''s performance was captivating for its power, Liddell''s was captivating for its elegance.


    After the competition, Liddell received as much applause and cheers as Allen.


    >


    <


    Leela is an adult female model, so her body line is well defined. She is wearing an outfit that exposes her abdomen.


    (What is it called ......be...... bellydance,right?)


    ) Yes, with the command to "begin," Leela performed a dance that had her hips curving and her shoulders moving in a bewitching manner.


    It''s a s*xy dance, but that''s only on the surface.


    (Well, it''s because the joints and musculature are similar to those of humans, isn''t it? (Well, the control formula is also very well done.)


    From Jin''s point of view, this is how he evaluates the dance.


    This, too, was met with a round of applause at the end of the session.


    <>


    >


    <<>> he said.


    <<><>


    <<>


    Clark moves with his sword at the signal to begin.


    <<>


    The sword dance was aptly described as a sword dance.


    The sword dance was a brave one-handed sword dance with a sword so large that no human could have wielded it.


    When the performance was over, the hall was filled with cheers from the audience.


    >


    <<>


    <>


    It is a box-like resonator with a handle and strings, very similar to a guitar.


    It is very similar to a guitar, except that it has five strings.


    <>


    Silas bowed and began to strum the strings.


    First a quiet tune.


    (Well, your fingers are moving dexterously. (Hmmm, your fingers are moving dexterously.)


    (Hmmm, your fingers are moving dexterously.


    The quiet song ended after about a minute and a half, followed by an up-tempo, joyful song.


    The finger movements become more and more intense as the song progresses.


    With less than 2 minutes to go, the third and most intense song was played.


    ��64 beats!)


    Jin was impressed by the production technique that made this superb technique possible.


    In this case, 64 beats can be thought of as the number of rhythmic divisions in a bar.


    This is a stringed instrument similar to a guitar, but it sounds like a violin.


    (Well, that''s quite something.)


    Jin, who is not familiar with music, was frankly impressed with the sound.


    This also ended up being a great success.


    >


    <<


    <<


    <<>


    <<>


    Alice danced to the quiet music.


    Her dark brown hair, which reached to her back, danced gracefully with her movements.


    <>


    In modern Japan, it would be called <. It requires a partner, but Alice was dancing alone.


    Not just dancing.


    Yes, Alice is dancing as if she has a partner.


    Zion naturally asks a question.


    Stayhardt answers her question.


    That was correct.


    The dance with such balancing skills is nothing short of magnificent.


    >


    Sion looks at her in parental admiration.


    Five minutes pass and the performance is over.


    She bows in curtsey and the entire hall shakes with applause and cheers.


    Rubina had a smile on her face, as if she was satisfied with what she had done.

 1883 - - 50-24 Specialties (3)

    >


    Just by saying so, the audience burst into applause.


    (Wow! ......)


    As for Jin, he was under nothing but pressure. The saving grace is that Reiko, who is performing, is unperturbed.


    "Well, I''m off."


    Reiko said shortly and walked to the performance hall.


    In the center of the hall, she made a curtsey bow to the audience, who applauded her.


    >


    As if on cue, Reiko began to sing.


    "...... the cherry blossoms that bloom and fall, who do they go to on the wind?"


    Then she began to dance with graceful movements.


    Reiko has had this ability ever since she met Reinhardt''s , a gift from him to his fianc��e and future wife, Berthe.


    "What do you think of, maidens in the wind of falling flowers, the days of your childhood that pass in a moment, or the feelings of your ardent bosom?


    Their movements are more like dancing than dancing.


    "Time goes by, flowers fall, but what should I do with these feelings?"


    Reiko moved around the performance hall dancing with fluid movements.


    Unlike humans, she is able to sing and move without losing her breath, which is an advantage.


    I''ve never heard it before, says Zion.


    "The flowers have bloomed again this year, but you are far away in the sky..."


    The audience is listening to Reiko''s song and watching her dance.


    "I want to cherish this moment, believing that it will continue into the future. ......"


    The speed of the dance slows down even more and Reiko returns to the center of the performance hall.


    The time limit is up.


    Reiko bowed slowly.


    The audience cheered and applauded.


    >


    <<


    >


    Momoko also walks to the center of the performance hall and stands naturally.


    >


    Momoko bows loosely in her curtsey and begins her performance.


    <<>


    Momoko pulls out a knife from under her skirt and starts juggling.


    She juggled 20 knives.


    "This is amazing," she says.


    She looks like a street performer, but what she is doing is incredible.


    Each of the 20 knives is spinning in the air at high speed like a propeller and moving in turn like a cue ball.


    It is an impossible feat unless one has excellent dynamic vision and reaction time. Moreover, the height of his throws increased with time, until finally he reached about 5 meters.


    >


    After about two minutes had passed, Momoko quickly backed away. Before she could do so, 20 knives fell and stood in a clean straight line on the ground.


    Momoko then began her next move. It was an acrobatic juggling act.


    Unlike the floor exercise, the emphasis is on jumping and twisting in the air.


    It was as if she were jumping on a trampoline.


    It is noteworthy that despite the intense movements, the dancers'' clothes are not disheveled.


    Even though she was wearing a skirt, it was not billowing, and she had what is called an "ironclad" defense.


    After about two minutes of such acrobatics, Momoko jumped up and spun around in the air, landing beautifully.


    >


    Momoko then spent the remaining minute performing an up-tempo dance.


    Zion summed up.


    Momoko bowed to the audience as the time limit expired, and was given a hearty round of applause.


    , and the last one is number 13, Hanako of Marikka-sama! >>


    Hanako stands on the stage to loud applause. The knife used by Momoko has been put away neatly.


    << Now let''s start ......! >>


    Hanako starts to move slowly. But...


    <<>


    <>


    "I''m thinking of marrying off my daughter.


    "Well, how about marrying her off to the most high and mighty of the heavenly deities?"


    <


    If you know what you are doing, you will be more interested in it, and it will be easier to understand the contents.


    "...... What?��I''m better than the clouds because the clouds hide me?"


    "Then, let''s ask Mr. Cloud to marry you."


    (Ah, the mouse''s marriage.)


    Jin, who had been listening to the line, was struck by it.


    ��You are quite good.)


    A monologue depends on how one can express multiple beings through acting.


    "...... you say that Kaze-san is better than Kumo-san because Kumo-san is blown away by the wind?"


    "Well, let''s go to Mr. Wind."


    Most of the audience had never heard of this old tale before, and they listened intently, their eyes fixed on the story.


    "...... What?��No matter how hard the wind blows, the wall will always protect you, so you are better than him?"


    "Then, let''s go to the wall to build a frame.


    This is one of the old stories that Jin told Vivian.


    (I wonder if there were other members at that time. ......)


    At least Marikka seemed to have heard and remembered it.


    "...... what?��No matter how strong Mr. Wall is, the rats are better than him because they can make holes in him?"


    "Oh, so we rats are the best. Then let''s give our daughter in marriage to a mouse.


    "My childhood friend Chutaro seems to be the older of the two."


    That''s good.


    "......Thus the mouse''s daughter was to be married to the same mouse."


    Hanako concluded her speech with a narrative.


    With about half the time still remaining, Hanako performed the same monologue, this time as .


    "......Let a dead tree bloom."


    She concludes her performance by receiving praise and rewards from the lord, and it is just about time to go.


    Hanako also received thunderous applause and cheers.

 1884 - - 50-25 Awards and

    <>


    After the applause and cheers have died down, the MC, Ruckhardt, declares, "


    <>


    Luckhardt and Stayhardt nodded at each other.


    <


    Zion agreed.


    Fifteen minutes was allotted for scoring.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The results are as follows.


    Number 1 Natalia Nave 89 points, 5th place, 2nd place in the competition


    Number 2 Shu, Mary, 88 points, 9th place, 7th place for competitors


    Number 3 Eugene Melanie, 88 points, 9th place, 7th place in the competition


    Number 4 Gulina Shalu, 89 points, 5th place, 2nd place for competitor


    Number 5 Shireen Allen, 88 points, 9th place, 7th place


    Number 6 Sidney Liddell 89 points, 5th place, 2nd place for competitor


    Number 7 Werner Leela, 90 points, 2nd place, 1st place for competitor


    Number 8 Florence Clark, 88 points, 9th place, 7th in the competition


    Number 9 Elvis Silas, 89 points, 5th place, 2nd place for competitor


    Number 10 Rubina Alice 89 points, 5th place, 2nd place for competitor


    Number 11 Reiko Jin 91 points, 1st place


    Number 12 Rhodes Momoko 90 points 2nd place


    Number 13 Maricka Hanako 90 points, 2nd place


    <


    <


    (hmmm ......)


    As for Jin, he thinks that Reiko''s first place is a kind of popularity point. In other words, I could only think that the audience''s favoritism was involved.


    Jin himself gave it a score of about 85.


    (Thanks, ......, but it has nothing to do with deciding the winner, so what does it matter?)


    ) He had to accept this result as a result. Jin had to accept the result as a result.


    * * * *


    The rankings were displayed on the large <.


    Number 1 Natalia 620 points, 2nd place


    Number 2: Shu Nido, 560 points, 3rd place


    Number 3 Eugene Faull, 200 points, 10th place


    ZECKEN 4 Grina Kuzma 360 points, 8th place


    ZECKEN 5 Shireen Eschenbach 380 points, 7th place


    Zecken 6 Sidney Marek 480 points, 5th place


    ZECK 7 Werner Landl 540 points, 4th place


    ZEC #8 Florence Fahlheit 320 points, 9th place


    ZECKEN 9 Elvis Alcott 480 points, 5th place


    Number 10 Rubina Garrett 1260 points, 1st place


    <>


    Rubina Garrett wins by a landslide!


    <


    <<


    The other competitors were also ranked, but Zion said that they were all top-notch.


    , but before that, we would like to hear a few words from our special guests, Ms. Jin, Ms. Marikka, and Mr. Rhodes.


    There was a new round of applause from the audience.


    Jin Nido first, it seems.


    < that we have been engaged in since last year has finally come to an end. I joined in the middle of the competition, but I would like to thank everyone for making it so much fun.


    Jin takes a break there.


    <>. Since we are too busy every year to have this kind of competition, we hope to have it every two years or so, so that we can continue to add to the number of generations.


    The audience applauded again.


    <


    In response to Jin''s words, the audience gave a loud round of applause and cheers.


    <<>


    Rhodes really only had to say one word.


    When they finished their words, there was another round of applause and cheers from the audience.


    The three left the MC and commentator''s seats and moved to the podium set up in the stadium.


    There, the volunteers were leading the contestants, including the winner, Rubina, to line up side by side according to their ranks.


    From Jin and the others, Rubina is on the right and Eugene is on the left.


    Jin received a from the who came near him.


    This was given to the winner, and was prepared by Marikka and <, the controlling magical brain of .


    There is no silver medal for second place or bronze medal for third place.


    "Rubina, congratulations on your victory.


    A medal is placed around Rubina''s neck by Jin''s hand.


    "Don''t be satisfied with this, but continue to improve your skills.


    "Yes, Jin-sama!


    Rubina replied cheerfully, but her eyes were a little moist.


    Jin then shook hands with each of the second-place finishers.


    "That''s too bad. But you learned a lot, didn''t you?��Keep up the good work."


    "Yes, Jin-sama."


    After a brief exchange of ...... with each of them,


    "I have a small congratulation for all of you who worked so hard. ......


    Jin says.


    "Are you interested?


    and they all answered in unison, "Yes! >>and they all answered in unison, "Yes!


    "Yes!��Then we will meet tomorrow in the warp gate room. The time is ......, let''s say 8:00 PM."


    "Master Jin, do you have anything to bring?"


    Shu asked.


    "Not really. ...... Oh, you can bring your automata."


    "Sure!"


    Everyone nodded, curious to see how Jin would celebrate.

 1885 - - 50-26 Rewards

    On March 2, a little before 8 p.m., Jin promised .


    "I wonder what Jin-sama''s celebration is all about."


    "I''m looking forward to it.


    "It will be 8:00 in a few minutes."


    Ten people have gathered in the warp gate room.


    Jin had said that they could bring their automata, but this time, they were all reserved and gathered alone.


    At exactly 8 o''clock, Jin and Reiko arrived at the warp gate.


    "Good morning. Everyone is here.


    "Father, it''s night time here."


    "Oh, yes, that''s right."


    The time difference between Horai Island and Onogoro Island is exactly half a day. Jin must have misunderstood because the warp gate room here has no windows.


    "Well then, let''s get moving.


    Jin invited everyone to the warp gate from which they had just emerged.


    "Jin-sama, the warp gate is ......."


    "Yes. <


    Wow ......!


    Even Rubina, Natalia, and Shu, who had visited the island once before, had a twinkle in their eyes.


    The seven of them, especially those who were visiting for the first time, were in high spirits.


    "Come on, let''s go!"


    "Yes!"


    Following Jin and Reiko, the 10 of us passed through the warp gate.


    For this time only, it has been readjusted so that it can move directly to Horai Island and react to magic patterns other than Jin''s. Incidentally, if you use it once, you will be able to move to Horai Island.


    Note that the settings are restored after one use, so that you cannot use it after this time without Jin''s permission.


    It was 8 o''clock in the morning on Horai Island, beyond the warp gate.


    He went out of the warp gate room in the basement.


    Under the blue sky, Jin uttered his customary line.


    "Welcome to Horai Island.


    "Wow, so this is Horai Island!


    Greenina Kuzma, the youngest except for Rubina, cheered. And it seems that the others were the same, whispering words of surprise and joy in their mouths.


    "The legendary Horai Island: ......"


    "This is where many magical tools and magical machines (Magi Machines) have been ......"


    Jin knew how they felt, so he kept quiet for a while, but then he thought it was about time,


    "Come on, let''s move on."


    He led everyone to the back of the institute.


    There they found .......


    "What is this?


    "Is it a big ball ......?"


    "Is it a spaceship?


    Yes, there it was, a spherical spaceship 300 meters in diameter, Jin''s flagship <.


    "As a reward, or rather as a celebration, I thought I would take you to space with it."


    "Really?


    I''m so happy!


    The group was excited and excited again.


    "Come on, get in."


    Yes, sir!


    "Yes!


    "Oh, wow, we''re flying!"


    <


    The magic screens embedded in the floor, ceiling, and walls make it seem as if you are in mid-air.


    Ars is getting smaller and smaller under our feet.


    Above my head is a jet-black universe.


    Adriana is climbing rapidly through the clouds.


    "There are dangerous electromagnetic waves in space, including cosmic rays, so it''s safer to stay in a room like this, surrounded by wards and metal walls," explains Jin.


    Jin explains.


    "We''re almost at an altitude of over 30,000 kilometers. We are in the orbit of a geostationary satellite.


    It is already pitch black, and countless stars are twinkling.


    A star shines obliquely below. It is the sun Celan. Its type is G-type, almost the same as that of Sun Sol.


    It is shining brightly in the blackness of space.


    "So the planet Hale is on the other side of that Seran ......."


    Jin nodded his head in agreement with Shu''s words.


    "Yes, that''s right. The originals migrated to Ars due to the depletion of resources, but on the other hand, it is an easy planet to live on if you can manage to secure resources.


    "Jin-sama is planning to emigrate, isn''t he?"


    Jin replied to Eugene Fowle''s words.


    "Emigration is not quite the same thing. I''m thinking of leaving Ars and using it as a base. A place to hide out, I guess.


    With a slight smile,


    "The first priority is to make it livable," he said.


    I said.


    "Can we live there too ......?"


    Florence Fahlheit asked, to which Jin gave a big affirmative.


    Of course we can. Of course. We have spaceships and warp gates. We can come and go easily, so we don''t have to think too hard about it.


    "I see.


    While we were talking, the view of Ars from <> became much smaller.


    "Well, I''m going to go back around the moon.


    <> was not ascending vertically, but at an angle to go around the night side, so that the moon (Uni) was already in sight in the direction she was going.


    "Uh, it''s about 380,000 kilometers, right?"


    Elvis Alcott asks Jin.


    "That''s right. Right now, this is flying at about 100 kilometers per second, so it will reach the moon in a little over an hour.


    <


    "That''s amazing. ......"


    Everyone is amazed at the extraordinary speed.


    "So there are a lot of things we have to be careful about."


    Jin takes this opportunity to explain a few of the dangers in space.


    "When you are flying at such high speeds, it is scary when you hit an object," he said.


    "Oh, I understand."


    Sidney Marek nodded. The others nodded in silence.


    "That''s why we fly with repulsive wards, physical barriers (solid barriers), and defensive shields (aigis) deployed.


    For higher speeds, Jin explained, he also adds a shifting barrier.


    "Then there are electromagnetic waves and radiation such as cosmic rays and ultraviolet rays. Some of them are so strong that they can only be blocked by adamantite or other materials 15 centimeters thick.


    That''s why this observatory is sealed, Jin said.


    Everyone listens to him with great interest.


    And the moon (Yunie) was getting bigger and bigger.

 1886 - - 50-27 Space travel

    was now about 5000 km from the Moon.


    At this distance, the surface of the Moon is clearly visible.


    "The lack of atmosphere should allow us to see it more clearly than on Arus."


    Everyone nodded silently at Jin''s explanation.


    "As you know, we are going to redevelop in the near future. We are building the spaceships we need for that on the moon.


    Jin explains that the lower gravity is more convenient for building huge spacecraft.


    "So it has that advantage too. ......"


    The magecraftsmen, all of whom were excellent magecraftsmen, immediately understood Jin''s explanation.


    "Anyway, we''re trying to carry an entire satellite of a planet so close to Celan that an ordinary spaceship won''t be able to do it," he said.


    The gravitational pull of a planet so close to Celan would be too great, and it''s only one satellite," said Jin.


    "......It''s a little hard to imagine. ......"


    Sidney Marek said. Everyone seemed to agree, nodding their heads in agreement.


    "Of course, we''ll use gravity magic as well. Of course, we''ll use gravity magic in conjunction with gravity magic, but the proximity to the sun''s sun, Selanium, will be hotter and the radiation from Selanium will be more intense.


    That''s why it will be completely unmanned, Jin explained.


    "It will take time to move it. But, as you know, the originator brought the moon here.


    Jin concluded the conversation by saying that it could be done with a much smaller satellite.


    "That''s a grand story. ......"


    "To be honest, I can''t even imagine the challenges that lie ahead."


    Werner Randall and Eugene Fowle say with a sigh.


    "But I''m sure that you, Jin-sama, the Magecraft Meister, will be able to accomplish this!"


    "I''m sure he will. No matter what the difficulties, Jin-sama will surely be able to do it."


    Florence Fahlheit and Shireen Eschenbach said in unison.


    "Ha ha, thank you."


    Jin chuckles at their almost excessive trust.


    It just so happens that things have been going well so far. Nothing has happened that was beyond my control.


    "In the first place, I''d like to ask what kind of situation is beyond the control of Jin-sama who is holding Horai Island.


    To Jin''s words, Rubina refuted them.


    "Isn''t Jin-sama''s strength that he takes more than enough measures something happens?


    Rubina''s point was quite right. Reiko, who was standing behind Jin, nodded her head in agreement.


    "I''m sure the great thing about Jin-sama is that he created <> or <> ......." said Natalia.


    Natalia said.


    "Yes, that''s right. They knew the limitations of the individual and increased the number of their subordinates to compensate for that ......."


    Rubina nodded in agreement.


    "Yes,......."


    Jin did not have such a clear intention, but it is correct to say that he ...... increased the number of his staff as it became necessary at the time.


    Or, it should be said that he added more as he thought of them.


    When <>, <>, <>, <>, <>, <>.......


    Jin could not have done all of them by himself. Reiko, Laokun, Gengshen, Taishaku, Guru, and Sky, Land, Marine, Mermaid, Smith, Astro, Cosmos, Finger, Sam, Shinobi Troop.......


    Plus Soleil and Luna, Prane, Satella, Butler, Steward, 5-color Golem Maid, Anne, Lol, and Lefa who support us in our daily lives: .......


    Not to forget the members of the and friends and acquaintances from all over the world.


    Jin, who thought he was a loner, has realized once again that before he knew it, he had formed countless bonds.


    "......I know this is a bit off topic, but I wanted you guys to know the world and the universe. Just as I have accomplished what I could not do individually with the help of Horaijima, I want you to accomplish what you can do with your friends. What that is, I don''t know yet."


    "......"


    Everyone swallowed their words as if chewing on them,


    "Yes!"


    Rubina replied cheerfully.


    "I may not be able to protect the peace of the world like Jin-sama, but I don''t have a ...... wide face."


    Rubina said something like this, and Jin replied, "I don''t have a wide face,


    "My motive is just that the world must be at peace in order for me to make the things I like to make.


    He explained, thinking back to those days.


    Elvis Alcott responded,


    "I don''t think it''s the motive. It''s the result that people evaluate.


    He convinced everyone by saying, "It''s true that I protected the world as a result.


    "Surely, as a result, I have protected the world.


    Jin has no objection to that.


    "......Well, anyway, I hope you can understand how ridiculous it is to fight amongst your own kind in a small world."


    Except for competitions like the last one," Jin said, looking around at the faces of the others.


    "Of course!"


    "Yes, please!"


    They all answered without a pause, which made Jin feel relieved.


    went halfway around the moon and took the course back to Ars.


    Ars was approaching us,


    "Jin-sama, I learned a lot today," he said.


    "I never thought it would be so shocking to see our world from the outside.


    "I feel more familiar with the world I grew up in.


    I feel more connected to the world I grew up in.


    I''m glad to hear that. I know I''ve said a lot of things that are out of the ordinary, but I hope you''ve learned something from this space flight.


    That was Jin''s true feeling.


    Everyone feels differently. It was not an intrusive wish that he wanted them to feel this way, but rather a hope that it would benefit them in some small way.


    "Rubina Garrett, the first MagiCraft Queen."


    "Yes, yes!"


    Jin gently tells Rubina, who is suddenly embarrassed by the formal call.


    "You should continue to make use of your ideas. But don''t forget to consider various aspects.


    "Yes, sir!"


    Natalia.


    Natalia.


    You''ve done a lot of work outside of your field. I''m sure you''ll use that experience in your shipbuilding. Try to keep an open mind.


    Yes, thank you, sir.


    Shu Nido.


    Yes, sir!


    Your style is solid. I want you to make the most of it and learn to take on new challenges.


    Thank you very much.


    Werner Randall.


    Yes.


    "The style of the first half of the competition was different from the second half. You have to be flexible and think outside the box.


    Yes, sir!


    Sidney Marek.


    Yes, sir!


    "As I advised you last time, don''t be satisfied with your ideas, but try to sublimate them, and I think you will achieve even greater heights."


    "Thank you very much!"


    Elvis Alcott.


    Yes.


    "I can see that you have grown in your technical skills throughout the competition. Keep up the good work.


    Yes, thank you!


    Jin took this opportunity to once again give advice to each of the participants.


    Shireen Eschenbach.


    Yes!


    "Sometimes, in making things, it is important to be imaginative. Do your best to use both solidity and eccentricity.


    Thank you, sir.


    Greenwich Kuzma.


    Yes!


    I like your sense of design. I like your sense of design. Keep that sense of design and make products that make the most of their functions.


    Yes, I understand.��Thank you very much.


    Florence Fahlheit.


    Yes.


    "I think it''s a good idea to develop the technology to realize your ideas and to devise the ideas as well. It is important not only to study, but also to gain experience.


    "Thank you!"


    Eugene Faull.


    "Yes, sir."


    "I came tenth overall in the competition, but that does not mean that I am inferior to the others. However, it would be good to be able to bring out one thing that you have to offer. What that is, you will have to find out for yourself.


    "I''ll do my best!


    "Well guys, I know this tournament started on my own initiative, but it was fun to watch and to be a part of it."


    After he had finished speaking to everyone, Jin looked around at everyone again and made a general comment.


    "I had fun, too!


    A cheerful Rubina declared.


    "I see. Did everyone have a good time?


    The remaining nine members nodded their heads in agreement.


    "That''s good to hear. My motto for making things can be summed up in one word: Have fun. I hope you all continue to enjoy making things.


    Those were the last words Jin wanted to say.


    Ars approached, shining with the color of blue hope.

 1887 - - 51-01 To Hale

    March 5, 3900.


    Jin was preparing to go to <>.


    Now that he has a better idea of how to complete the spaceship, he decides to take his plan one step further.


    "What about the warp gate bridge?"


    <


    "I see."


    The distance from our home planet Arus to the sun Celan is about 150 million kilometers.


    This is about the same distance as the distance between the earth and the sun in the Sol solar system.


    This means that the distance to Hail, which is on the other side of Serran, is about 300 million kilometers.


    However, since it is a distance, it is a straight line.


    In this case, it is nearly impossible to connect Ars and Hail in a straight line, since the sun Serran is in between.


    Therefore, a detour course is taken.


    In this case, taking into account the radiation from the solar celan and the concentration of free magical elements (ether), it is reasonable to fly along the orbits of Ars and Hale, and the distance is estimated to be 407 The distance is estimated to be as long as 407 million kilometers.


    The top speed of Jin''s Starfleet flagship, the Adriana, is 400 kilometers per second, which would take nearly 14 days.


    Therefore, Jin has set up a base at a relatively stable point called <> in the orbit of Ars Hale.


    There are three bases.


    The bases are located at 2 o''clock, 3 o''clock, and 4 o''clock when Hale is at 12 o''clock and Ars is at 6 o''clock, as seen from the north pole of the sky.


    The bases at 2 and 4 o''clock were placed by , not by Jin. Jin placed the base at 3 o''clock.


    However, the 3 o''clock position is not a <, so the position is maintained by using the <>.


    And now, the base of has regained full functionality.


    In other words, there are two systems of warp gate bridges.


    This provides safety and certainty that even the old man could agree with.


    Let''s go there.


    At 9:00 a.m. Horai Island time, Jin and Reiko boarded the <>.


    "<>, let''s go!


    Jin gives the order without hesitation. floats up like a feather.


    She is followed by the Vulcan. A craft 100 meters in diameter.


    The two vessels rise rapidly and disappear into the blue sky.


    The first warp gate is on the moon.


    We had considered placing it on Arus, but we chose the moon as a precautionary measure.


    "It would be horrifying to wander off in the flesh," he says.


    The destination is the vacuum of space.


    Even a golem that does not need to breathe would have difficulty returning home unless it has a <>.


    By the way, there is also a warp gate of a size for a human or a work golem on the <>.


    When I guided the 700672 before, I used that one.


    The reason why we are going by <> this time is for Jin''s mood and also to see how the spaceship is going to be sent in the future.


    Also, Jin insisted on not using the <>.


    The old man also allowed Jin to go to Hale in the flesh because he was sure that he had sufficient safety assurance.


    The huge warp gate exists at the L2 Lagrangian point of the moon (UNY), i.e., on the night side.


    It is a huge structure rising on a disk 1 kilometer in diameter and 200 meters thick. The gate is 700 meters wide and 700 meters high.


    Considering its placement on the Arus, it is not difficult to imagine how difficult it would be to maintain.


    "Okay, enter the warp gate."


    The Great Sage replied shortly, and first of all, disappeared into the warp gate.


    Two seconds later, it was reported that he had entered the receiving side without any problems, and <> also disappeared into the warp gate.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The two ships were in orbit around the planet Hale just after 7:00 p.m. on March 5, Horai Island time, without any problems in traveling through the warp gate.


    "Now ......."


    Jin wondered if he should land or not.


    "Father, why don''t you rest here for now and land in the morning?


    Reiko advised Jin.


    If they landed on the day side of Hale, they could still be active, but that would cut into Jin''s sleep time, so Reiko recommended that they adjust their activities to Horai Island''s clock.


    "So be it."


    Jin, who understood Reiko''s feelings, nodded his head and spent the night in the bedroom in <>.


    The day after tomorrow, March 6th in the Ars calendar.


    At 6:00 a.m. on the ship, which was aligned with Horai Island, Jin gave the order to land.


    The destination was the point on Hale at approximately 6:00 a.m. Incidentally, Hale is located in the middle of the Arusian archipelago.


    Incidentally, there is only one large continent in Hale. There are many small islands, but only one that can be called a continent.


    The ratio of oceans to continents is approximately 5 to 5.


    When he had visited before, the sea was only about 20%. Jin wondered if the water had been increased by some kind of technology. He would ask about this later.


    However, I think that 50% of the oceans is a small percentage .......


    The Earth was so rich in water that it is called the water planet, and the same is true of Ars.


    Here on Arus, the continent is so large that the interior is an arid desert area, uninhabited and mined.


    "Speaking of which, do you have a map?"


    Normally, I should have checked this earlier, but since the operation of <> is left to the general magic brain, this was the right time to do so.


    <


    <


    "I see."


    < to a plateau on the eastern edge of the continent. It is just morning there.


    "...... is it greener than I thought it would be?"


    "Is that so?"


    <, he has planted, nurtured, and increased the number of plants native to Hale at the recommendation of 700672.


    "They are managed by a golem named <>."


    When Jin heard the name, he wondered if it came from forestry.


    There are <, and they are working hard to cultivate plants all over the continent. Of course, it was the master (Mylord) who created them 400 years ago.


    "I knew it!"


    I thought so when I heard the name.


    Then he realized that this was also something that the old man had kept secret so that Jin could see it with his own eyes.


    "Hmmm......... But then, are you able to adjust the precipitation?"


    < used to use it, and we have maintained it and are using it.


    "So that''s how it is."


    Water is indispensable for the growth of plants. < knew this and seems to have controlled the weather to some extent.


    "I see, so there is such a cycle."


    If we look at Hale as a whole, there is no lack of water, so this explanation makes sense.


    Jin imagined that <> probably controlled the weather mainly in the arid regions in the center of the continent.


    While we were talking about this, < was getting ready to land.


    The site is a plateau about 500 meters above sea level, close to the east coast. It is near the Tropic of Cancer, and the season is early spring.


    In this respect, the seasons of Arus and Hale seem to be synchronized.


    The landing site is a flat, leveled area of about two kilometers square.


    <


    The Great Sage explained.


    "I see...400 years ago, I would have predicted that we would use Hale for some purpose."


    Jin imagines several possibilities, including the idea of housing the 700672.


    He is quite sure of his own credibility.


    "Well, let''s go down there.


    He looks around and sees several golems, probably <>, gathered around.


    <


    "Okay. Reiko, let''s go.


    "Okay."


    Once again, Jin stepped out onto the land of the planet Hale.

 1888 - - 51-02 Hail patrol

    "We have been waiting for you, master."


    As Jin stepped outside, the assembled golems greeted him.


    I am , and these are the leaders of the sub-groups from 101 to 110.


    The to are the leaders of a small group of 10 each, scattered throughout the continent.


    < were golems of the same type as the Rand or Smith squads.


    It was made of 64 light silver with a moss green exterior, suggesting that it was a forestry type golem.


    "Thanks for your hard work. It''s a pleasure to meet you.


    "Yes, the old man has explained to me that the current master is undoubtedly himself, but he is a duplicate.


    "I see. That''s all right then."


    The old man did the right thing.


    "Now, can you tell me what''s going on?"


    "Yes, sir. This way, please.


    Indeed, there is not much greenery near the spaceport and, therefore, not much to see.


    Fores1 leads Jin to the spaceport. Ahead of them is a six-wheeled vehicle for transportation. It is the same model as the one used in Horai Island.


    "Here we go."


    After confirming that Jin and Reiko had gotten on board, Forest1 started the 6-wheeler.


    The 6-wheeler moves forward with some dust and sand.


    First, they came to a place where reddish-purple flowers were in full bloom.


    Fores1 stopped the car.


    "Is this ...... a Rengeko?"


    "Yes, Master. This is a planned rice field. We are planting the lentil until the day it becomes fully operational.


    The rhizobium bacteria, which produce rhizomes, live in symbiosis with the roots of the Japanese milk vetch.


    The rhizobium symbiotically grows on the roots of leguminous plants, fixing nitrogen in the air, supplying nitrogen fertilizer to the plants, and obtaining carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis from the plants.


    The rhizobia are found in the bumps on the roots of leguminous plants.


    In ancient Japan, when rice was cultivated in rice paddies, rhizobium was cultivated in the spring before the paddies were flooded, and then tilled together with the soil so that nitrogen fertilizer fixed by rhizobium could be distributed to the soil.


    This method is used on Horai Island, and preparations are being made here in Hale.


    "Okay. Keep working on it."


    Jin is satisfied and wants to see what happens next. Fores1 drives away again.


    A large area of potential rice paddies with lotus flowers had been secured.


    "We will have enough water for irrigation.


    He said that there were enough satellites in orbit for weather control and that they were in good working order.


    The satellites were originally used by the , so there are no environmental problems.


    "We''ve been working for over a hundred years to bring Hale''s weather closer to what it used to be."


    "I see."


    < abandoned Hale, and they are gradually returning the climate to the way it was 100 years ago, because it would be risky to suddenly return the climate to the way it was in ancient times.


    "Perhaps that''s why the air here feels richer than when I first came here a long time ago."


    "Yes. When I first came here, the humidity was around 20 percent, but now it has increased to around 40 percent.


    He told me that the humidity would be higher in the rain.


    "That''s good. Keep it up."


    "Okay, sir."


    The six-wheeler passed through a potential rice paddy field and approached a field.


    "As you can see, this is a field. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, taros and other potatoes, radishes, carrots, burdocks and other root crops are here.


    "You don''t say ''topopo'' or ''itopo''?"


    "Yes, Master. I don''t think it''s necessary to adapt to Ars.


    Jin welcomed this, since the names he used in modern Japan were more familiar to him.


    This is leafy vegetables. And over there are melons.


    In other words, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons, melons, and so on.


    The other fields were ready for beans, eggplants, and tomatoes, to Jin''s satisfaction.


    "That''s an orchard over there," said Jin. We are starting to grow apples, tangerines, lemons, peaches, cherries, grapes, loquats, walnuts, chestnuts, and many others.


    Fruit trees cannot be harvested until several years after they are planted, so they are starting early. The harvested fruits are transported to Horai Island.


    "The nutritional value, taste, etc. are the same as those from Arus.


    "I am glad to hear that."


    "It would take too much time to go there, so I will explain about the forestry here.


    He told us that the species of native trees were not so different from those in Arus.


    "Some of them seem to be endemic to Ars, but we didn''t have them here, so we brought seedlings and planted them here.


    The trees were tsuga, yew, and camellia.


    Tsuga is used as a building material and yew as a craft material. Camellia is used to extract camellia oil from the fruit.


    I understand.


    Fisheries are mostly untouched, with a few exceptions.


    By "some," he means the river fish and the preparation of fish ponds.


    "Okay. We need a marine unit and a mermaid unit."


    Jin thought of preparing a dedicated navy and underwater force for Hale.


    That''s all I have to report.


    "Thank you."


    Jin returned to the spaceport in his six-wheeler and thanked Forres 1 for his efforts.


    "If the redevelopment has progressed this far, I think we can take it one step further.


    The navy and the underwater forces.


    Basically, the military of Horai Island is treated like a military of the Tonden, so they are engaged in agriculture, fishing, forestry, etc. during normal times.


    This will be made in Horai Island and sent in through the transition gate (warp gate).


    * * * *


    <, Jin looked around other areas. Of course in .


    As a result, the other areas were developing at about the same level.


    It turned out that the increase in the area of the sea was due to the melting of the large amount of ice in the polar regions.


    "You said you heard that <> turned the water into ice on purpose?"


    <, Jin was explained by the old man.


    >


    According to the explanation, in order to efficiently mine and utilize the resources at the bottom of the sea, the water of the sea was once frozen and stored in the satellite orbit.


    They found it, thawed it out, and gradually increased the seawater ...... and returned it to its original state.


    If they had done it all at once, the coastline might have been eroded and collapsed, so they did it slowly.


    "<> must have been very reckless. ......


    Jin imagined that this might have caused the air on the planet to become dry.


    He also reconfirmed that few facilities remain on the ground. The only exception is a broken dome in the eastern part of the continent.


    The last of the Hailites, , rests in eternal sleep on a man-made satellite, . With the remnants of a nanny homunculus <> who remained faithful to the end.


    But the sea ice was in a more distant orbit.


    "The sea water was stored in ice form in orbit farther away than any satellite we know of. In the same orbit, the weather control satellites and their controlling magical brains were also stored in a dormant form."


    "I didn''t know that. ......"


    They were discovered in the last years of Jin''s life when he returned 400 years ago. It is no wonder that the present Jin does not know about them.


    At any rate, Jin was relieved to see that the redevelopment of the planet Hale was going well.

 1889 - - 51-03 Atlas

    First, Jin looked around Hale, and then soaked himself in the hot water in the bathroom of <>.


    "Father, are you tired?"


    "No, I''m fine."


    <, so Jin is soaking himself in the bathtub, but he is still mentally tired.


    "<> must have been messing around with Hale quite a bit."


    "That''s what I''d say. ......400 years,...... no,35 No, about 3500 years ago, Mr. 700672 visited Hale several times and helped restore the environment to its original state. He visited us several times about 350 years ago and helped us to restore the environment of Hale."


    "I didn''t know that."


    Jin wondered which planet would seem more like a home planet to No. 700672, Hale then or Hale now.


    "Wasn''t the ......700672 born on Hale? "


    Jin had forgotten which one it was, though he thought he had heard about it a long time ago.


    "Either way, if No. 700672 is good, I guess it''s good.


    Jin, who was tired, stopped thinking at that point.


    Instead, he stretched his arms and legs in the bathtub.


    "I wonder if there are hot springs on Hale?"


    Since the planet is older than Ars, it is likely to have solids deep underground. If so, I wonder what the geothermal heat is like.


    If the geothermal heat is low, we can''t expect hot springs.


    "But if the pressure is high, the temperature will increase. ......?"


    Jin was eagerly thinking about the hot spring.


    "Well, father, let''s have the borehole drilled to investigate."


    "Yes. Oh, we can find out what''s going on underground by doing a ground search.


    "...... I think it''s time for you to come up, father."


    Hmm?��Uh, yeah, sure. ......"


    Jin finished his bath at a reasonable time, because soaking in the hot water for too long would make him too hot.


    After the bath, Jin drinks Persian juice.


    "Ah, it''s so good!


    The cool juice soaks into his burning body. Jin sighs in relief.


    Jin sleeps in the cabin of the that night.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, Jin woke up at 6:00 a.m., the ship''s time according to Horai Island, and had breakfast in the ship''s mess.


    "By the way, were there any living creatures in the melted seawater?"


    Jin asked, although he did not think there were any living creatures in the dissolved seawater. The answer was given by .


    <


    "That''s good to know."


    It would be a shame to have a pandemic ...... of past pathogens in the restored seawater.


    Elsa, the rare healer, Jin''s disciple and beloved wife, is no longer with us.


    "In this way, the only thing needed for migration is resources ......."


    And that, too, can be brought in from Ars, if not on a large scale.


    "We should be ready to go to Gipert by now."


    According to the report from the old man and the moon''s magical brain, a special space ship will be completed today or tomorrow. Jin is going to go back through the warp gate to check it out.


    "I think I''ll name it ......<>."


    It is also named after one of the Pleiades Islands in Ars, originally a giant god in Greek mythology who is said to bear the sky on his back at the western edge of the world.


    He chose this name because he wanted to move one of the satellites.


    After breakfast, Jin contacted Moon (UNY) and learned that the special space ship had been completed. The timing was perfect.


    "Okay, let''s go back."


    Jin makes an immediate decision and heads for the moon with Reiko via the warp gate.


    The bridge between the relay station and the warp gate works fine, and within a few minutes, Jin is standing in the basement of the moon, in the command center.


    Welcome, Mr. Jin!


    A completed space ship is projected on the large magic screen in the control room.


    What is the name of your space ship?


    Jin answered "" as planned.


    I understand. I''ll start the chopping right away.


    A work golem appeared to be standing by, and in no time at all the word was written in gold letters on the ship''s hull.


    All preliminary tests have been completed. Everything is fine.


    "Well, you did a good job."


    The control brain has not been set up yet, so please set it up now.


    I understand.


    <, but they are minimal.


    The central bridge is also very small for a ship 300 meters in diameter, with only a four-and-a-half-mat room.


    Jin headed for the central bridge.


    After moving by the warp gate, he walked down the corridor to the central bridge.


    The distance is only about 10 meters.


    As I mentioned before, most of <>''s body is made up of propulsion units, namely the > and .


    The crew consists of 10 space golems, <> 601 to 700. The crew consists of 10 space golems, <>, 601 to 700 in number. They are matt gold in color and can use engineering magic. They also had a built-in force-field generator, <>.


    Welcome to the site!


    Welcome!


    The management brain of welcomes Jin as he climbs aboard.


    "We''re going to set up the command authority now. Are you ready?"


    Yes, sir.


    "Okay. ......<>set<<>. ......<>,1st Nidou Jin, 2nd Laokun, 3rd Reiko, 4th Jack."


    Master, you''re all set.


    "From now on, you are ......<>."


    Sakata no Kintoki, said to be the adult form of the mighty Kintaro, was discovered by Minamoto no Raiko, and legend has it that he was one of the Four Heavenly Kings who vanquished the Shuten-doko (the child who swallowed alcohol) on Mount Oe.


    As a side note, the name "Kintoki" is a synonym for "strong man" in the Mt.


    "Yes, I am Kintoki, my lord.


    I''m counting on you now.


    "Yes, I''m at your service.


    With this, Jin has taken control of Atlas.


    Jin returns to the moon through the warp gate,


    "Send <> to Hale. Now it''s time to start the project."


    You may use the Warp Gate Bridge, which allows spaceships to pass through, but this time, as a final test for <>, you will navigate to Hale on your own.


    <, the can reach a maximum speed of 5,000 kilometers per second. It can fly 470 million kilometers between Ars and Hale in one day. The Atlas can fly 470 million kilometers between Ars and Hael in one day.


    The convoy <<<>, which cannot reach such a speed, will use the warp gate bridge to join the convoy at Hale.


    Yes, sir.


    Jack will take care of the rest.


    "Then, I''m counting on you."


    Jin uses the warp gate to return to the planet Hale.


    "Father, welcome home."


    <


    Reiko and the Great Sage greeted them on Hale.


    "The plan is about to go into effect. I''m looking forward to it."


    Jin muttered to no one in particular, and thought about the future of Hale.

 1890 - - 51-04 Deferred

    < arrives, Jin decides to take around Hale.


    Of course, at low altitude. He thought he might discover or rediscover something unexpected.


    Since we will be flying in the atmosphere, we will not go faster than the speed of sound, but only about 300 km/h, and will fly at an altitude of about 1,000 The size of the Hale is about the same as the Aluminum Hale.


    "Hale is much bigger than Ars, isn''t it?"


    answered.


    "That''s ...... probably about the same as the earth."


    I remember from memory that one circumference is about 40,000 kilometers, because it was often used as an analogy for the mileage of a car.


    Divide 40,000 by 3.14, the approximate value of pi, and you get about 1273 9.


    "Then, to complete one lap at this speed, ......"


    "133 hours and a bit, father."


    Now Reiko replies.


    "Does it take that long ......?"


    Ars can go around in just one day, but the larger Hale would take more than five times as long.


    Let''s make it so that it takes just one full day to go around, Jin said.


    The speed is about Mach 1.3, so we can deal with it by using a wind shield.


    With this boundary, there will be no sonic boom, so the effect on the surroundings will be small and safe.


    "There are not many oceans after all."


    The view of half land and half sea is a little strange to Jin.


    In addition, it was the first time for him to see the view of Hale, which has only one huge continent.


    "The center of the continent is still a wasteland.


    tells us.


    "I see."


    The planet Hale also appears to have had an iron-rich crustal composition.


    "What metal resources are in short supply?"


    <


    "I see... ...... is indispensable for a magical civilization."


    I can see why it has become difficult to maintain civilization.


    "Why didn''t they try to extract it from the earth''s crust?"


    That''s what they found out from the original records of 700672.


    "I wonder if that''s the way it is."


    As one would expect, Jin''s knowledge does not include an answer to the question of what would happen if we mined so deeply that we reached the mantle.


    However, it seems that the old, old race of had guessed what dangers there might be.


    There is no mithril silver deep in the earth''s crust to begin with.


    "I guess the satellites of Zipert are rich in such resources."


    Jin thinks about the resource procurement project that will be started soon.


    "Near Sun Selangor... ...... what kind of problems do they have?"


    He wonders to himself, not to anyone else,


    "Right."


    Jin recalls his discussion with No. 700672.


    "<> has also applied a little bit of sub-free elemental ether wave.


    Sub-free elemental (etheric) waves are not affected by free elemental (etheric) waves.


    Jin used the sub-free ether wave for the carrier wave of the free ether wave communication.


    The image is similar to that of a radio. The low frequency wave of voice is carried on the wave of kilohertz and megahertz.


    If this plan worked, Jin intended to improve < using sub-free magical element (ether) technology.


    "That''s going to happen."


    The flight will be made while taking data on the free ether that exists in space.


    The only thing we know about the second planet Dipart is that its orbital period is about 224 days and its orbital radius is about 180 million kilometers. The data obtained from the data sheet No. 700672 are as follows.


    These are the data obtained from the data of 700672. In other words, they are the data measured by .


    "Now, the current position of Zipert is not the closest, but it is relatively close, so that helps."


    However, with the speed of Jin''s spaceship, distance is not a problem.


    "It is still a question of how much noise protection we have against the noise of the free-magic wave.


    It is said that the strength of the noise is such that ordinary magic machines and magic tools will malfunction across the board.


    In other words, this is a space dominated by noise stronger than the <> designed to operate on Ars, and the signal strength flowing through it.


    "So we use sub-free elemental ether waves, but we are not quite in control of them yet.


    < is doing and what condition it is in.


    Furthermore, in case of trouble, Jin can give direct instructions. Specifically, he can give an order to <.


    It is important to be able to avoid troubles that could result in the loss of valuable spacecraft.


    "I wonder if there''s anything you''ve forgotten already ......"


    When he thinks that the plan is about to go into effect, he wonders if there is anything he has left out or overlooked. It''s in Jin''s nature.


    "Father, I see an interesting terrain.


    Reiko called out to Jin who was lost in thought.


    "Let''s see... ........."


    Below us is the inland sea.


    <.


    The Mediterranean Sea corresponds to it on Earth.


    The Mediterranean Sea is bordered by the sea only on the northern side of the continent.


    When there was little seawater, it used to be a saltwater lake.


    .


    "I see."


    It would probably take centuries just to study the flora and fauna of Hale, since it has changed so much since the time of the .


    I will have to discuss such matters with the 700672.


    While flying over Hale in this way, Jin is also looking for a place to set up his base.


    "I think 700672 would like that island in the Inland Sea," he says.


    Jin himself likes the isolated island off the east coast.


    An island, isolated by the sea, is the perfect place for seclusion.


    "But the number of bases is increasing. ......"


    Horai Island, Kunlun Island, Loisart''s house. Kaina village, Yuny''s base, and here in Hale.


    There is also Cape Magus, which is associated with Shuki Tsetsi, and Tsetsi Island.


    All of them are controlled by golems and automata.


    According to Jin''s knowledge, during the bubble era at the end of the 20th century, many villas were built near tourist spots, but when the bubble burst, they were abandoned and neglected, and abandoned villas were scattered here and there.


    <


    "You don''t want to be like that. ......"


    Knowing the loneliness of abandoned places, Jin had to be careful in choosing his base.


    To begin with, Jin is a man who values one thing. Therefore, his companion automata is Reiko, and his base of operations is Horaijima.


    The reason why he started the redevelopment of Hale is, for one thing, because of his own body, which has become a , and also because of the 700672. and the 700672.


    There is also the matter of the descendants of the on .


    If the magic technology in Ars advances, the existence of and will be known someday.


    Jin is thinking about what he will do when that happens.


    It can be said that he has started to worry about it because his life span might have become semi-eternal.


    "There is still time, so I''ll take my time and think about it.


    For the time being, Jin made a compromise in the name of postponement.

 1891 - - 51-05 Topography of Hale

    "This is an old planet after all.


    Jin observes the topography of Hale as he tours the planet in .


    According to him, the topography of Hale is generally gentle.


    This is due to the geological concept of <>.


    Simply put, the Himalayas and Alps on the earth are mature landforms, where sharp rocky peaks rise high due to uplift and erosion, while those that have been weathered and eroded to become rounded and smooth in their convexities are called senile landforms.


    In Japan, the Kitakami Mountains are similar to these landforms.


    Here in Hale, the mountains were also rounded by such erosion, and we could see that they were in the process of changing from a mature landform to an old age landform.


    "......I see the <......<."


    A huge basin centered near the equator of the continent. The center of the basin is a mine where ore was once mined.


    Nowadays, the mines are abandoned because the ore has been mined to a profitable level.


    The area is in the middle of a huge continent, so there is almost no rainfall. There are no plants or animals in the basin.


    "It would be nice to bring a resource satellite here, wouldn''t it?"


    <


    Jin had planned to place the resource satellite brought from Zipert in this central basin and make use of it.


    Fortunately, there are few living creatures in the area, so the impact on the ecosystem is not expected to be significant.


    "In some cases, we may even crush it."


    We don''t know what the satellite will look like.


    Are they spherical, like the moon Uni, or irregularly shaped, like Phobos and Deimos, moons of Mars, the fourth planet in the Sol solar system?


    I guess we''ll find out when we get there."


    Jin was looking forward to that time.


    It was 12 o''clock in the morning, and Jin decided to have lunch.


    The menu consisted of toast, vegetable soup, bacon and eggs, and kuhe.


    Jin ate a piece of bread with plenty of marmalade on it.


    "Yes, it''s good.


    The staff, including the <>, is making every effort to keep the quality of the food high even on board the ship.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After lunch, we went back to observe Hale from the central bridge.


    "Well, there is a marked difference between areas with vegetation and areas without vegetation.


    The mining area is surrounded by mountains because it is a basin, and the mountain slopes outside the basin are covered with greenery. More than 70% of the green area is the result of the efforts of <> and others.


    Forests can also be seen here and there.


    "If it''s this green, there''s nothing to worry about."


    It is a joy to see that the surface of the land, which had only a few drought-tolerant plants when Jin visited about 400 years ago, has been transformed into a lush green land.


    Since few artifacts remain on the surface, it looks like a primitive planet. It is simply that most of the artifacts were taken out of the planet by the originals when they left the planet.


    What little remained was weathered away, leaving little trace.


    The last of the Haelians ended their lives on the man-made satellite <.


    "The plants you planted were originally from Hale, right?"


    <


    "Yes, I did."


    There were quite a few seeds that had been stored at 700672 and Tester''s place, so we used them to grow seedlings and planted them in Hale. The planting site was also 700672.


    The knowledge of No. 700672 and Tester was also very useful in terms of planting locations.


    The information about the topography and weather conditions for this plant was very useful.


    "Was there not much fauna in the area?"


    "I see. ......"


    I was afraid to bring in such creatures from Arus because I didn''t know what kind of negative effects they might have. We were afraid to bring such creatures from Arus, because we did not know what kind of negative effects they might have.


    "And microorganisms of any kind?"


    Jin, with his limited knowledge of medicine, could not decide whether this was a good thing or a bad thing.


    However, he decided that if the had lived in such a state for a long time, at least there would be no great harm to them and their descendants.


    There would be no problem with this closed system of Hale, Jin thought during the flight of <>.


    In Japan, pulmonary tuberculosis, smallpox, and measles are becoming epidemics of the past, but now there is an epidemic caused by bacteria and viruses brought from abroad.


    Jin was confronted with an unanswerable question, "Isn''t it enough to eradicate everything just because it is harmful? .......


    Reiko''s voice called him out of his reverie.


    Father, we are just above the basin.


    "Oh, I see."


    The huge basin, which had been visible in the distance, was now below us.


    "It''s still a great view, even after all these years. ......"


    In Hale, the topography is so large, so huge, that the scale is several times larger than that of the earth.


    I was never much interested in traveling even when I was in modern Japan, so I was always amazed when I came to this world.


    "I thought I was getting a little used to it. ......"


    The scale of Hale is astonishing. It is as different from a box garden or a diorama as a real landscape.


    Jin noticed something when he looked at such a basin.


    "Was there a little bit of water in the basin?"


    The center of the basin was concave, and there was a sign of water in the basin.


    But the water had seeped into the ground and there was nothing left.


    "I wonder if it will seep out from the foot of the mountain. ......"


    Several rivers flow out of the foothills of the mountains that surround the basin.


    Most of them were probably rainwater that fell on the outer slopes of the basin, but a percentage could be water from within the basin.


    "It would be bad if there were ...... mineral poisons in the mix."


    Hopefully it would be filtered out as it passed through the ground, but if it was completely water soluble I wouldn''t hold my breath.


    "What?��...... I knew it."


    There are some places where copper sulfate and nickel sulfate solutions are seeping out.


    "I guess it could be used for chemical experiments."


    Being a chemistry-phobic Jin, he has done little in the way of synthesizing chemicals such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and sodium hydroxide.


    The only reagent he has is the one he received from No. 700672.


    The only other thing I have is sodium bicarbonate ...... from some spring water in the village of Kaina.


    However, with copper sulfate, copper plating is possible without using magic, and with nickel sulfate, nickel plating is possible.


    (If Saki were here, he would be jumping up and down with joy. ......)


    (If Saki were here, she would jump up and down and be happy... ) Jin suddenly remembered the old <.


    And flew over the basin.


    Since it is aligned with the rotation cycle, it is always around 8:00 a.m.


    However, the time on the ship moves forward.


    Jin has dinner in the mess hall, and afterwards he is back on the central bridge looking down at the world below.


    < is approaching the western edge of the continent, and a huge bay is visible below.


    The bay is about the size of the Australian continent on Earth.


    This also gives you an idea of the scale of Hale.


    "It''s a great view. ......"


    Jin, who was observing the view below, let out a small sigh.

 1892 - - 51-06 Trouble near Zipart

    Twenty-four hours have passed, and <> has returned to the east coast region, east of the continent of Hale.


    "Come to think of it, doesn''t this continent have a name?"


    Jin asked the , wondering about this after all this time.


    <


    Surely, if there is no other continent, there is no need to distinguish between them.


    "Hmmm ......"


    Jin also knows that the naming of <> is unique ......, and that they don''t seem to be too concerned about the name.


    "I''d like to name it eventually,...... because it will be hard to distinguish it from the continent of Ars."


    And that his sense of naming is not very common.


    For now, he puts the name of the continent behind him and waits in space for <>, who should be arriving any minute now.


    reports back.


    "Well, we''re almost there. Did you find anything unusual on the way?"


    <<


    "That''s good."


    Ten minutes later, a kilometer away, was stationary in space relative to <>.


    "Now we can finally start our plan."


    Jin muttered hopefully.


    < stands quietly in space, waiting for the time to release its hidden power.


    The escort ship <<> was also nearby.


    Jin contacts the control magic brain.


    "<>, how was your trip?��Any problems?"


    Yes, my lord. There was no problem at all. We can always start the operation.


    "Okay, the position of <> is not the best, but it''s a good position. First of all, please go slowly. Keep me posted on the situation.


    Yes, sir. At our current distance of 34 million kilometers, it would take about four days to approach at 100 kilometers per second. It will take about four days to approach at 100 kilometers per second.


    Now, if Hale is at 12:00 and Ars is at 6:00 from the celestial North Pole (the ecliptic North Pole, to be exact), then the position of Zipert is between 10:00 and 1:00. If Hale is at 12 o''clock and Ars is at 6 o''clock, the position of Gyppert is between 10 o''clock and 1 o''clock.


    The direction of the orbit is counterclockwise, or leftward, from the celestial north pole (or, more precisely, perpendicular to the plane of the orbit, but an approximate direction will suffice), so the more time passes, the further Gyppert will be from Hale.


    In this sense, Jin wanted to start the operation as soon as possible.


    "Yes, that would be fine. <<> will accompany us as much as possible. However, as soon as you start to affect the navigation, turn around and stay at the distance where you will not be affected.


    Understood.


    And so, at last, the operation to procure resources from began.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The first two days were uneventful, and Jin was idle, so he spent his free time going around <> and doing maintenance work.


    < is huge, there is no way that even Jin can maintain everything in two days.


    But on the third day.


    Master (My Lord), the destroyer <<<> has stopped its progress due to a malfunction caused by a sudden increase in the concentration of free magical element (ether).


    Jin immediately went to the central bridge to take command.


    Jin immediately flies to the central bridge.


    "I see. So it''s not noise?


    Yes, my lord. There''s no mistaking the surge in free-magic ether levels.


    "I see. ......"


    According to the information left by <>, there was some noise in the free magical element (ether), but I think it was either a misunderstanding, or it has changed over the years.


    Although we had predicted it to some extent, the information left behind by the <> is scarce, and now, for the first time, we have raw data.


    "So, how does it feel?"


    Yes. It is similar to the etheric cloud we encountered before, but it seems to be more concentrated.


    "I''m sure it is."


    < was a thousand times higher than the standard concentration of free magical element (ether) around Ars, the force field generator (force generator) and other magical machines (magi) could not be used to generate a free magical element (ether). The force field generator "force generator" and other magical machines malfunctioned across the board.


    The fact that the destroyers <<> that took countermeasures at that time withdrew from the area due to the danger must mean that the concentration was even higher.


    You are right. The concentration is about 10,000 times higher.


    "10,000 ......"


    <, there is a possibility that magic tools and machines will go out of control even if countermeasures are taken. In fact, sensing the danger, the three convoys withdrew.


    "I see... ......<> is still different from the record."


    We don''t know how many tens of thousands of years ago the survey was conducted, but it is reasonable to assume that the situation has changed in the meantime.


    "How far is it from Serang?"


    Yes, about 120 million kilometers.


    Ars Hale is about 150 million kilometers and Zipert is 180 million kilometers. So it is a little closer to Celan than the middle of the two orbits.


    "Why does the concentration increase so rapidly?"


    Jin felt that it was strange for the intensity to change so rapidly.


    "I don''t think so, but the aggregation of free magical elements (ether) is not artificial, is it?


    Jin feared that Zipert might have a civilization and might be collecting free magical elements (ether) for some purpose.


    We don''t know that at the moment.


    We won''t know until we get to Gipert.


    But there are a few things that we can determine that it is spontaneous.


    What are they?


    First, the size of the area. It''s too big. It''s too large an area. Perhaps the entire spherical area with a radius of 120 million kilometers has this concentration.


    "If you''re right, then it certainly doesn''t seem artificial."


    Filling such a tremendous space with free magic element (ether) is insane.


    Even before that, it was inconceivable that such a thing could be done by human hands.


    We have <<<> measuring the area, and so far there is no doubt that the free magic elements (ether) are coagulated within a spherical area.


    "Hmmm ......"


    We don''t even know the details of the formation of free magic element (ether), so we can''t even begin to think about why it is in such a high concentration .......


    "Okay. Keep measuring the range of high free element (ether) areas. And <> is safe?


    Yes. It wasn''t free-magic noise, but the measures we''ve taken are working.


    "I''m glad to hear that."


    At this point, Jin mentioned something else that had been bothering him.


    "Is there such a thing as the concentration getting higher as we get closer to the dipat?"


    To this question, answered immediately.


    No, that does not seem to be the case. We are connected to < by sub-free magical element (ether) wave communication, but the concentration suddenly increases, and after that, it remains almost constant.


    "Hmmm ......."


    Jin groaned again.


    "Reduce the speed of the <> to half and make it more alert to its surroundings."


    I understand. I''ll contact you as soon as possible.


    Jin thought that he would have to act more carefully now that he did not know why the concentration of free magical element (ether) was so high.


    The plan was for a little less than a day, but it will take two days. Is that all right?


    "Of course."


    Jin thinks.


    It is almost certain that it is the sun''s cerane that is generating this high concentration of free magical element (ether).


    Free magic element (ether) is a clean energy source that can be converted into various physical energies.


    It is very interesting to know what kind of reactions are taking place in the solar cerane.

 1893 - - 51-07 Zipart and its satellites

    <


    During that time, <>''s magic brain <> has been in constant communication with <>''s magic brain <>.


    According to the report, the concentration of free magical element (ether) has hardly changed at all.


    "Hmm, the concentration does not increase as we get closer to Serang, does it?


    Hearing this, Jin was a little relieved.


    He did not know what would happen to the <> if the concentration increased even more than it was now.


    The destroyer <<<> is continuing to measure the boundary where the concentration of free magical element (ether) changes rapidly, but so far it has been limited to a spherical area with a radius of 120 million kilometers centered on the sun Celan. The results confirm the assumption of a spherical area with a radius of 120 million kilometers centered on the sun Celan.


    "I''d like to investigate this one too," he said.


    This is a somewhat worrisome figure.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Another day passed.


    Jin was still working on developing a more effective <.


    "It''s a Magi-type material, after all.


    Magi material is the name given to a combination of metallic materials with mithril silver added and materials of powerful demons.


    It has a high conductivity of free magic element (ether), contains abundant free magic element (ether) itself, and can bind free magic element (ether) in a web by magic power ...... free magic element (ether) wave.


    Of course, this does not interfere with matter. This is because free magic elements (ether) as particles are smaller than elementary particles.


    But if the eyes of this are small enough, the structure of the matter it encloses will be solid.


    At the same time, it also prevents the passage of free free magic elements (ether).


    "As I recall, free magic elements (ether) as particles should be repelled by each other if they are too close to each other.


    Jin recalls Hanna''s free-magic element (ether) theory. He had read the paper in order to master the sub-free-magic-element (ether) wave.


    It is similar to the way a water-repellent net can scoop up water without spilling if its mesh is fine enough.


    Jin was trying to create an alloy with a composition ratio that would make this the finest and most rigid.


    At the same time, the material suitable for this shield would be the strongest in the world, except for <>.


    The Magi-adamantite was made by adding 1.5 percent mithril silver, but Jin kept thinking about how to make it more effective.


    With the help of Reiko, he made alloys of various ratios and checked their strength and reaction to free magic element (ether).


    Before the results were in, a report came in that <> had reached the planned space.


    "Oh, they finally did it!"


    Jin rushes to the central bridge. Reiko followed him.


    The large magic screen on the bridge showed the target planet, the second planet.


    "How are the bio-signs?"


    Jin asked.


    Yes, my lord. We are investigating now.


    < and was to acquire the minimum amount of data necessary. This includes the confirmation of the presence of life forms.


    "Okay, come on. We''ve come this far, let''s not be hasty. Let''s go slow and steady."


    Jin''s last line is like a reminder to himself. is following his plan, and the only time he deviates from it is when unforeseen circumstances arise.


    Jin sees the image of <> in front of his eyes.


    "There seems to be atmosphere.


    Yes, my lord. It seems to be very high in carbon dioxide. And we can''t see the surface with our optics.


    It must be very dense.


    That''s why is equipped with a that uses sub-free ether waves as its carrier wave.


    The effective distance is 100,000 kilometers. It is sufficiently powerful to observe the earth''s surface from the current orbit.


    According to the Peeper, there is no civilization on the surface of the earth.


    There are no signs of settlements or villages.


    No sign of small animals or insects. It''s impossible to see anything smaller than this through a peephole telescope.


    I guess. Well, that''s okay this time. And what about the satellite?"


    Yes, my lord. We have 28 satellites in Zipert.


    Oh, that''s a lot.


    There are more than Jin had expected. < said that there were five, but it seems that he meant five large satellites.


    "Did you find the satellites you were looking for?"


    Jin thinks they should be found within a few orbits.


    Yes, so far we have found five satellites that look like them. All of them are rich in mineral resources.


    "I see. ......"


    Apparently, the satellites of the second planet Zipert are all rich in mineral resources.


    "Still, we only have one to carry. You''ll have to pick the most profitable one."


    Yes, sir. Leave it to me.


    Thus, <> makes three orbits around Zipert.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Another day has passed.


    Jin''s research is progressing slowly.


    One of the reasons is that Jin himself is not concentrating. He is still concerned about the results of the survey.


    In the meantime, he has received a report that there are nine satellites that are candidates for resources, and that the atmosphere of Gipat is mostly carbon dioxide.


    Jin said that we should be happy that we have more options for satellites. As for the atmosphere, Jin thought it was like the Venus of the solar system.


    "Well, we have to decide on a satellite."


    Out of the nine satellites, which one would be the most beneficial as a resource? It is not that simple.


    The reason is that what constitutes a useful satellite is different.


    Is it a satellite that contains all the necessary resources, or is it a satellite that contains only a small amount of resources that are still available in Hale, and a large amount of those that are not?


    We have been able to narrow down up to three candidates. Let us call them satellites Alpha, Beta and Gamma.


    Alpha: The satellite has a sufficient amount and variety of resources.


    Beta: Rich in copper, iron, light silver, mithril silver, and adamantite. Other elements are scarce.


    Gamma: Rich in silver and adamantite. Light silver, iron and copper. Precious metals: gold, silver and white metals are scarce.


    The three are the best.


    At first glance, alpha looks good, but the total amount of light silver, mithril silver and adamantite, which are most likely to be used, is less than that of beta and gamma.


    "Hmmm, what to do ......"


    Because of environmental concerns, Jin thinks that he would like to pull the satellite from Gipert once and for all.


    (I guess you could call it self-satisfaction...)


    "Father, we could check out an exoplanet, if that''s what you want."


    Reiko offered her opinion as a helping hand.


    "Well, yes, I suppose so."


    Exoplanets are planets in orbit outside of Ars Hale. The inner ones are inner planets.


    Reiko wonders if there might be other exoplanets that could provide resources.


    "Actually, I''d like to save those for the future."


    Jin imagines that in the distant future, when the resources of Ars are depleted, he will seek resources from such exoplanets.


    "Now if only we could synthesize ...... matter."


    The spirit life forms he had encountered in the past in other spaces had been able to manipulate energy and matter at will.


    If they could do that, it wouldn''t be so hard," Jin chuckled.


    "Yeah, but the concentration of free magic element (ether) here might be attractive.


    <, might be useful when a huge amount of energy is needed.


    "I wish we could put a base in orbit near here."


    It could be a space station or a space ship.


    We could use warp gates to move around and conduct experiments as needed.


    "I''ll consider it after this resource problem is solved.


    Jin made a note in his mind secretly.

 1894 - - 51-08 Alpha

    After much consideration, Jin decides to secure the satellite Alpha.


    Alpha has no air, no water, and no living organisms.


    "Still, there may be unknown pathogens or viruses."


    The engineering magic <> is applied to irradiate ultraviolet rays.


    After that, sterilization is performed using <>.


    Thanks to the high concentration of free magic element (ether), the process was very quick.


    "Okay, that''s enough."


    The only thing that can work now is .


    If they could get the satellite Alpha close enough to Hale, the destroyer <<<> and the craft <> would be able to help.


    "Let the planning begin."


    At Jin''s direction, <> began to work according to the plan.


    First, he determines the center of gravity of <>, and then he determines a straight line passing through the center of gravity and heading in the direction of Hale.


    Following this line, a hole is drilled in Alpha, and the hull of the <> is embedded in the hole and secured. Of course, the position of the hole is in the opposite direction from Hale.


    This completes the satellite spacecraft with <> as its propulsion system.


    Yes, Alpha is not a sphere, but a rocky satellite.


    A hole with a diameter of 300 meters was dug in it using the engineering magic and earth magic <.


    Some of the earth and rocks found during the digging were examined with and found to be mithril silver ore with a high content of mithril silver.


    "This is promising."


    Jin instructed that the dug-up rock should be stored properly.


    On the satellite Alpha, <> fills in the middle of its massive body, fine-tuning it.


    The work is manageable even though it is 300 meters in diameter, since the gravity is low and the <> is used to adjust the weight.


    The work was difficult because the crew members, <> 601 to 700, could not work in this highly concentrated free-magic (ether) environment. The work was difficult.


    Nevertheless, the necessary work was completed in about three hours.


    < are covered with to catch the propulsive force.


    "Okay, try it!"


    At Jin''s command, <> releases some of its thrust.


    Even at 300 meters in diameter, is a tiny particle compared to the satellite Alpha. Alpha is 400 kilometers long and 150 kilometers short.


    However, the power of <> is tremendous.


    It is enough to move the satellite Alpha out of orbit.


    However, the initial movement is very small. We plan to start with 0.2G and gradually increase the engine output to 1G while making sure that the surrounding rocks will hold up.


    Even with the ultra-powerful , 1G, or about 10 meters per second, is the best they can do.


    The high concentration of free ether helps the efficiency of the magi-machine to be good, and we are getting by.


    As another aid, have been installed in various parts of Alpha to generate anti-gravity in the direction away from the sun Celan.


    However, these devices are disposable and break down due to overload after one hour of use.


    Still, after an hour of use, the combined effect of all these actions can accelerate the vehicle to a speed of 36 kilometers per second.


    "The first thing we need to do is to get away from the solar Celanese."


    <


    Even if the direction was a little off, the first priority was to get out of the safe zone.


    Three hours passed.


    The satellite Alpha has completely left the orbit of Zipert and is moving in the opposite direction of the sun Celan.


    It is slightly off in the direction of the zenith (ecliptic north pole), but this can be corrected later.


    The speed has exceeded 100 kilometers per second, and <> has temporarily cut off its acceleration.


    The reason for this is that there is a lot of cosmic dust in this region of space, which could cause various problems if it collides with the satellite Alpha.


    The most important of them are orbit deviation and damage to Alpha.


    In particular, damage to Alpha is to be avoided as much as possible.


    The higher the speed, the greater the amount of breakage, so we have kept it moderate.


    "Still, it will reach the normal free-magic element (ether) concentration in a day and a half.


    Jin was relieved that the first stage of the plan had succeeded.


    * * * *


    "...... wait?"


    Jin, who was working on the theme of developing a more effective <, suddenly had an idea.


    What about metals that were in an environment with a very high concentration of free magic element (ether)?��...... No, I don''t think so. If it was refined in a high environment, yes.


    The question is what are the properties of the metal produced from Zipert''s satellite Alpha.


    "If it is refined in an environment with a high concentration of free magic element (ether), it must have a good affinity with free magic element (ether), right?"


    When Jin was a child, he remembers seeing an article on TV or in a magazine about refining metals in weightless space: .......


    According to the article, refining in a vacuum increases the purity of the metal because it does not contain oxygen, and it also prevents segregation when alloying metals of different specific gravities... ...... ...should be.


    "The metallographic structure might also be homogeneous and fine because it is not affected by gravity."


    Using engineering magic, the same effect could be produced, but first of all, Jin thought that the material itself would be of high quality, which was significant.


    And if it is easier to contain free magic element (ether) instead of not containing oxygen, it is what we can hope for.


    "I''d like to experiment as soon as we get out of the <>.


    Jin was looking forward to that time.


    * * * *


    <, is maintaining a speed of 100 kilometers per second, and is expected to reach the normal free-magic (ether) area in a few hours.


    "We will be able to see with our own eyes!"


    As for Jin, he can''t help but feel excited.


    Of course, Jin loves making things, but he also loves materials, especially metal materials.


    But this may be because the act of making something with them comes afterwards.


    "Father, please do not go to yourself until you have completed a detailed investigation."


    "......Yeah, I know."


    Jin replies to Reiko''s advice with a slight pause.


    "The investigation in the area of high free-magic element (ether) concentration is not enough," he said.


    His argument is also reasonable, so Jin has no choice but to follow it.


    Two and a half hours later, the satellite Alpha finally arrived right in front of Jin and his team.


    < and the sailed at a synchronized speed.


    In a few minutes, their relative speeds were zero.


    < to Alpha to investigate the 551. I''ll send them to Alpha to investigate.


    "Yes, do it."


    Jin immediately approves of <>''s proposal.


    Immediately afterwards, the hatch of the <> opens, and the <> golems are on their way to the satellite Alpha.


    The satellite Alpha is roughly an ellipse. It is shaped like a rugby ball.


    Of course, there is no air, so the surface is rugged due to ultraviolet rays and collisions with cosmic dust.


    Fifty < golems descended to the surface and began their investigation.


    They investigate not only the surface, but also the interior.


    This is because there is no guarantee that spores of dangerous pathogens are not lurking deep within the porous rock.


    However, it is not possible to survey the entire surface 100 percent of the time, so we have to take samples at several locations and examine them.


    Such a survey takes about four hours.


    In the meantime, Jin is waiting impatiently.


    For his master''s sake, Cosmos 551 sent some ores that had already been investigated to < through a warp gate.


    "Oh, that''s very thoughtful.


    Jin was pleased with this treatment and immediately decided to analyze the ore in the laboratory in <>.

 1895 - - 51-09 New materials

    Jin was in a laboratory in , analyzing the ore sent by <>.


    "Yes, it is still ...... somewhat different."


    The ore sent to me was brass ore, which is copper ore.


    It looks like gold, and together with pyrite, it is a mineral that is easily mistaken by the layman for gold. >>The way to tell them apart is simple.


    The way to recognize it is simple. It can be recognized by rubbing it on a white unglazed plate called a <>.


    Gold is golden, pyrite is greenish black, and pyrite leaves black marks (striations).


    Aside from that, according to the <>, the brass ore in front of Jin is composed of copper, iron, and sulfur. The copper content is about 35 percent.


    However, pure brass ores are rare, and because of the presence of other rocks, the copper content as a whole is about 0.5 percent.


    However, the ore as a whole was excellent, with a copper content of nearly 2 percent.


    "But ...... it feels somewhat strange. ......<>...... is this ......?"


    After another analysis, it was found that the copper contained in the material seems to have been altered.


    "<>"


    To confirm the discrepancy, Jin extracted the copper.


    From approximately 10 kilograms of brass ore, a 200 gram lump of copper is produced.


    It is an ultra-pure copper called oxygen-free copper.


    "What''s different about this copper ......?��>...... hmmm ...... maybe ......"


    "Father, what did you find out?"


    Reiko, who was cleaning up the tailings after the copper had been extracted, asked.


    "Yes. I don''t know how to say it ...... well, it seems to be copper like mithril silver, as opposed to silver."


    "You mean mithril copper?"


    "Yeah, no, I''m not sure about that name, but something like that."


    Jin explained that it was not just copper, but that its response to magic power was an order of magnitude higher.


    "Normal copper, unlike silver, shouldn''t have such a good affinity with free magic element (ether)."


    Jin thought fondly of his former colleague, "If Saki were here, she would be happy to get started on her research.


    "Is this what happens to all copper in areas with a high concentration of free magical element (ether), or are there some conditions for its production? ......?"


    Another question came to my mind.


    "If so, does iron too ......?��<>"


    Jin tries to extract more iron from the tailings.


    This one turned out to be a lump of iron weighing about 170 grams.


    "Hmmm, nice iron."


    Iron is more susceptible to changes in properties due to impurities than copper.


    What was extracted was pure iron, which could be called oxygen-free iron.


    "Is this also a material like ...... mithril?��>...... I knew it."


    This iron was also found to have a very high affinity for free magic element (ether).


    "Perhaps some of the neutrons have been replaced by magic elements."


    If it has the same properties as mithril silver, Jin guessed, that must be what it means.


    "I''ll think about the application in time. ...... than that. ......"


    Jin thought that if all the metals produced in the satellite Alpha had these properties, it would be difficult to use them.


    The good affinity with free magic element (ether) means that the shielding effect is high, and the degree of reinforcement by magic power is also high.


    "I was thinking of ...... for a material with high shield effect, but I got it from an unexpected place."


    We should be happy about that.


    "Father, I have a question."


    At that moment, Reiko asked me a question.


    "What is it, Reiko?"


    "If all ores in areas of high free-magic element (ether) concentration have such properties, what would happen if they were left in a normal environment?"


    "I see. ......"


    In that case, they would revert back to normal material, right? If so, the question arises as to how long it would take for this to happen.


    Mithril silver is stable, but we cannot be sure that other elements will be the same.


    "It might be a good idea to refine the necessary amount as soon as possible for the time being."


    He feels that by refining it, he can fix the good affinity with free magic element (ether).


    "Then, let''s have them refine it now."


    Cosmos 551 to 600 in Alpha can use engineering magic. He has them secure the materials and send them through the warp gate.


    "If necessary, we can call in craftsmen (smiths) from Horai Island.


    Then comes the report that the convoy <<<> has returned.


    .


    However, we did not measure the entire area of high free-magic element (ether) concentration, but only a localized area centering on Zipert.


    Even so, enough data was gathered to infer that the area in question seems to be expanding in a spherical shape.


    "It would be interesting to know if this area is expanding or contracting. ......"


    If it is expanding, we need to find a solution to the question of when it will spread to the orbits of Ars and Hale.


    "Thank you, but we will let the three vessels continue their measurements. "Yes, for the time being, one year."


    Jin thought that if he measured for such a long period of time, he would be able to find a trend, even if there were some errors.


    The three ships were built by <> on the moon, but since they were under Jin''s command, they would take orders from <>, which meant that they would take orders from <>.


    Thus, <><><> was assigned to the task of measuring changes in the range of high free-magic (ether) concentration areas between Hale and the sun Celan.


    It will be a year before we get any reasonable results.


    * * * * *


    Meanwhile, the refining of metallic materials has begun at Satellite Alpha under the direction of Jin.


    Gold, silver, copper, iron, zinc, tin, lead, light silver (titanium), aluminum, mithril silver, adamantite, etc. are being refined and sent through the warp gate.


    <, they were sent to the east coast of Hale. This is because it is the area where Jin is planning to build his base of operations.


    Also, it is the only place in Hale where a warp gate is located. We are planning to set up such a material repository in the (tentative name) in the near future.


    At the same time, Jin also examined samples of gold and silver, and confirmed that they also have a very high affinity with free magical element (ether).


    "Gold, silver, zinc, tin, and even adamantite are the same ...... interesting phenomenon."


    As I wrote before, high affinity means high efficiency of reinforcement by magic power and high shielding effect.


    "Hyper Adamantite made from this Adamantite will probably be the strongest and hardest metal in the known world."


    Jin secretly decided to rebuild Reiko''s skeleton with this metal in the near future.


    "Copper''s magical conductivity is also amazing ......, on par with normal mithril silver."


    The affinity for free magic element (ether) is high across the board, and there seems to be no exception.


    "In addition to <><>, it is a third high-performance material. ...... Why not call it <>?"


    Ethernet is a computer networking standard.


    Its Ether means "omnipresent" and is the English reading of ether.


    "Ether gold, Ether iron, Ether adamantite ......?"


    Reiko uses Jin''s suggestion and calls the new material.


    "Hmmm...... that doesn''t sound right, it sounds so unnatural. Let''s not call it Ether."


    This is something I said myself, but it doesn''t seem to fit, so I immediately drop it.


    "I think I''ll just go ahead and crown it <> after all. ......"


    <<<<>....... Jin felt a little better, but still felt a little uncomfortable.


    "Oh, naming is such a hassle!"


    Jin consoled himself that it was good to be bothered by something seemingly unimportant, since his main concern was gone.

 1896 - - 51-10 Hale from now on

    "Father, how about a new material, a ?"


    Reiko, who couldn''t help but notice Jin''s distress, made a suggestion.


    "<><> or ......"


    If it is gold or silver, it would be more appropriate to call it neo-gold or neo-silver.


    "I guess that would be fine. ......"


    I was thinking of using for the material of the satellite Alpha, but I retracted the idea without saying anything.


    Alpha iron is confusing because it is one of the phase states of high purity iron.


    "So let''s call the material that: ......"


    Jin stares at the reflection of the satellite Alpha on the large magic screen,


    "We should think about how to put it in Hale," he said.


    He said.


    In this series of plans, that one point was very much in flux.


    Since the shape of the satellite was unknown, there was no way to decide on the details.


    At present, the distance to Hale is about 15 million kilometers. Flying at 100 kilometers per second, it would take less than two days to reach Hale.


    However, it would take a little longer because it would have to slow down in the vicinity of Hale.


    "I think it would be more realistic to break it up into several pieces and call it ......."


    The size of Alpha is 400 km on the long side and 150 km on the short side. Jin thought it would be a good idea to break it into three pieces and place them in the .


    <


    <


    "Yeah, that''s true, too.


    "That would prevent dangerous pathogens from spreading to Hale."


    "That''s a good idea. Then the central basin can be used for other purposes.


    A laboratory for various experiments, or a base to oversee Hale. Jin thinks that the Central Basin could be used for such facilities.


    "Okay," he says, "with the Great Sage''s input, let''s leave Alpha in space as a satellite of Hale for the time being.


    Then Jin began to think that it might be a good idea to base it in the central basin instead of on the east coast.


    "We don''t have to worry about the underground excavation or leveling of the surface if we are in the central basin, where we have been messed around with so much.


    Jin relaxed his shoulders and said, "Let''s take our time and think about it.


    "You seem to have been a little impatient when you saw Alfa," he muttered.


    Jin muttered and leaned back in his seat.


    "Father, would you like some tea?"


    Immediately Reiko came over with a tray of tea.


    "Oh, thank you."


    There was a soy sauce cracker for tea.


    "Yes, they are delicious.


    The texture was crunchy and the soy sauce was savory. The tea was sencha green tea, cooled to Jin''s liking.


    Jin, who had been in a state of anxiety since he went out to space this time, seemed to have finally calmed down and relaxed.


    * * * * * *


    Since there is still time, Jin decides to call 700672 around here.


    Using the warp gate, he returns to Horai Island and moves to No. 700672 again.


    Of course, he brought his usual souvenir with him.


    "Oh, Jin-dono, you have come well."


    Jin and Reiko are greeted by the same 700672 as usual.


    Neige and Rouge are looking well.


    "It''s been a while. I''m here today to invite you to Hale.


    "Oh?��So, have you been able to secure some resources?"


    700672 knows a lot about Jin''s plan. It is only natural that he is familiar with Jin''s plan, since he consulted with him when he was planning it.


    "Yes, we are almost at Hale.


    Jin then explained to No. 700672 in detail what had happened so far.


    "I see. So it was not noise, but an area with an abnormally high concentration of free magical element (ether)?


    "Yes. That''s why we finally brought it out with one Atlas ship.


    "No, no, no, no, not ''finally''! You have finally accomplished what even my were unable to do. You should be proud of that.


    "Thank you, sir."


    Jin thanked No. 700672 for the compliment, a little embarrassed.


    I see, you''ve already made that much progress with your plan.


    "Yes, so why don''t you go visit?


    "Yes, why don''t we go for a visit? I''ll take Rouge and Neige with me this time.


    "I''m looking forward to ...... going out with your father!"


    "I''m glad, Father."


    The journey will take only a short time, as you will be transported through a warp gate. No fancy preparations are required.


    I have been to 700672 several times, but this is my first visit to Neige and Rouge.


    Environmentally, it is equivalent to the ...... or even the , which is adapted to Hale, but it is no problem since it is .......


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Wow, this is Hale!"


    Rouge is running all over the place as soon as she steps out of the transition gate she set up on the east coast of Hale.


    Rouge is a homunculus modeled after Archel, a former puppet.


    I had expected her to have a high mental age, but it seems that she also has a surprisingly innocent side.


    On the other hand, Neige, who looked so young, was calm, but looked around her surroundings with great interest.


    "Hmmm, there is more greenery than the last time I visited here. Perhaps that''s why the air seems to be more humid.


    No. 700672 commented.


    "What about the humidity?"


    Jin asked, thinking that he might not like too much humidity.


    "No, that''s not true. I prefer moderate humidity. I simply think that the humidity in the white room was set low in consideration of the equipment."


    "Oh, so that''s what you mean."


    "Oh, that''s what you mean. I didn''t think anything of it as long as I took it for granted, but this level of humidity is comfortable.


    Hearing this, Jin thought to himself that it was proof that the 700672 were also living organisms, albeit pseudo.


    "Father, is this the planet where your father''s fathers lived?"


    Rouge, who had been running around, came back before I knew it and asked 700672 a question.


    "Yes, that''s right. Although I was born on this planet, I went to Ars without knowing anything about the outside world. But even so, I think the environment on this planet is favorable.


    "I agree with you, Father."


    Neige also affirmed.


    (Ah, they are growing up too. ......)


    Jin felt that a homunculus can grow spiritually even if it does not grow physically.


    He was surprised to see that Neige, who had a young tone when he first met her, had grown up a little.


    On the other hand, he had never noticed that Rouge had such an active personality. Jin was again impressed by the fact that there are things that can only be understood in such an open environment.


    This new awareness will surely be useful not only for homunculus, but also for the creation of automata and golems.


    "Where would you like to settle in this Hale?"


    Jin asked No.700672, hoping to complete such a design while he still could.


    "Well, yes. I have been thinking about that. What about a basin of land in the center of the ...... continent?


    "Ah, so that''s where you''ve been looking."


    Jin also thought that such a use might be a good idea if it is not used as a resource area.


    "I would like to discuss such things with you."


    "Mm."


    The second chapter of the Hale development was about to begin.

 1897 - - 51-11 Growth of Rouge and Nege

    Jin and 700672 continued their discussion about the future of Hale.


    "......, so we have secured some of the metallic materials as type."


    "Hmmm, interesting. There are many ways to use it."


    < a resource area.


    "After all, I would like to settle in or near the as you say, Jin-dono.


    "That would be fine. However, it is a large area, so there is still the question of where to locate.


    I agree. We''ll have to make a choice about that later.


    No. 700672 replied in a good mood.


    "In that case, what about the ship that flies in the sky?


    "Well, there is that. Do you want to leave it as it is, or do you want to bring it here ......?"


    When the came to Ars in the past, the spaceship that some of them used was the , and it was 70067. It was the home of the 70067 No. 2.


    "But can''t it fly anymore?"


    Jin thinks that now that time has passed in tens of thousands of years, even with the technology of the <>, there must be various defects.


    "Indeed. < here without Jin-dono''s help.


    "Of course, I will help you.


    If the magical civilization in Ars develops in the future, people will know about the , Onogoro Island, and the island of Horai.


    I have an idea that we should move to Hale before that happens.


    "I am still trying to decide what to do.


    Another reason is that he does not want the island of Tsetsi, where <> sleeps, to be disturbed.


    "As for that, I think we should disclose it sooner or later, don''t you?"


    It''s not something to be hidden, 700672 says.


    "Yes, it is. I just kind of went with the flow and came here as a secret."


    It''s not impossible to move the whole island to Hale, but I don''t think that''s what <> would want, Jin thinks.


    "Ah, I realize now that I have somehow formed bonds with many things, many places, and many people.


    Jin says sincerely.


    "You''d better think about that when you get there."


    No.700672 advised Jin.


    Jin-dono tends to think too much. It''s fine when you are dealing with troubles, but in a case like this, you may get stuck in thinking too much."


    "That''s true. That''s exactly what ...... is doing right now."


    Jin smiled wryly.


    "Jin-dono, you can deal with problems even after they happen. So don''t worry too much about it."


    "......You may be right, sir. Thank you very much.


    Jin feels a little better after hearing the words of No. 700672.


    He is sure that both Horai Island and Tsetsi Island can be dealt with after they are discovered.


    "Then, the same goes for ."


    "Yes, that''s right. ...... even if it is discovered by the inhabitants of Arus, it will be treated as if a new country has been found, won''t it?"


    The words of No. 700672 calmed Jin''s impatient mind.


    "That''s a big possibility, isn''t it? ...... Okay, I''ll think about this Hale first."


    "Yes, that would be good. ......It all started with the story about the ship flying over the sky, didn''t it? I apologize for that."


    No, no, no, no, no, no.


    "No, I don''t mind," he said. "I''ll make it clear what I''m going to do. I will leave the ......<> in the Nordic Federation as it is."


    Theon and many other northerners recognize the 700672 as their home, and they do not intend to move it now. We''re not going to move it now," the 700672 assured him.


    We will build a new, comfortable dwelling here. With input from Neige and Rouge."


    "That sounds good."


    Jin is now ready to follow the example of No. 700672.


    "Now then, I would like to see the land in question.


    "Okay."


    This , which we chose as our base in Hale, is small but has a variety of facilities.


    Of course, we also had a vehicle for transportation. <.


    Since we are currently using in Arus, we have brought , which is no longer in use, here.


    "Wow, that sounds interesting.


    The quiet Neige was a little excited.


    "Wow!��It''s flying!


    "Father, look, there it is!��It''s the sea!


    is flying over the hail, piloted by Reiko.


    Both Rouge and Neige are fascinated by the view of Hale from the sky.


    Rouge and Neige are both very excited to see the view of Hale from the sky.


    "Well, I''ve never seen them like this before."


    It seems that not only Jin but also 70067 No. 2 did not seem to think so.


    "In this way, I think it is important to educate the homunculus by creating an environment for it."


    It seems that emotions are developed by exposing them to a variety of experiences, 700672.


    "This is a discovery. My did not have such a method of education."


    Even if you live a long time, you make new discoveries," said No. 700672, looking a little happy and thinking that Jin had seen something unusual.


    So he decides to fly for a while.


    The 700672 gazes kindly at Neige and Rouge, who are excited.


    * * * * * *


    Neige and Rouge were left to their own devices for a bit, and Jin and 700672 resumed their discussion. Jin and No. 700672 were resuming their discussion.


    "You''ve done a great job of greening up the place, Jin-dono. I am in awe."


    No. 700672 praises Jin for the better-than-expected greening of Hale.


    "No, I didn''t do it, it''s because the golems worked so hard."


    Jin scratched his head.


    "No, no, it was Jin-dono who created the golem and gave the instructions.


    He cut off and looked as if he was pondering something.


    "What is it?"


    Jin asked suspiciously, and 700672 waved his hand as if nothing was wrong.


    No, I''m sorry. No, I''m sorry. I was just thinking. What do you think about ...... homunculus?"


    "I''m sorry, I was just thinking about something.��I don''t have any particular thoughts on ...... what you mean."


    The 700672, as well as Rouge and Neige, are homunculus. They look not much different from humans, and even though they are pseudo-life forms, they are still <.


    "Yes, or ......."


    700672 begins to ponder something again.


    Jin thinks that there might be something he is not telling us. Then..,


    "What''s troubling you?"


    he asked her in a roundabout way.


    "No, um, yes, I''m ...... troubled, I guess. ......


    "That''s unusual. Is it something I can''t help you with?"


    "No, it''s not. No, it''s not. But it may be too early to tell.


    ?"


    700672 says enigmatically.


    When Jin was about to ask a further question.


    "Oh, look, I can already see the basin!


    Rouge says.


    was flying at supersonic speed, and before they knew it, they had reached the top of the .


    "Oh, so this is it."


    Jin stopped talking about the subject and switched to the topic of their migration.

 1898 - - 51-12700672 Land Selection

    is stationary on the , making it easier for the 700672, Rouge, Neige and others to select a second home. 700672, Rouge, Neige and others will be able to easily choose their second home.


    "I think we want to avoid the center."


    I''m sure you''re right.


    As I recall, the remaining domes are located to the east of the continent, aren''t they?


    Yes, in the highlands near the equator.


    Tropics is a region near the equator where the temperature is high all year round.


    And a plateau means high elevation, for example, the temperature drops by 0.6 degrees for every 100 meters of elevation on the earth.


    This combination of factors means that a high altitude place in the tropics is likely to have a comfortable climate throughout the year.


    "Was it a comfortable place for <> to live?"


    It seems that 700672 would like to settle in the vicinity of where the dome used to be.


    Jin imagined that even if it is not the place where he was born, he is concerned about the place where who gave birth to him would have lived.


    "I think it must have been the place where he lived until the end, since it remained without being weathered away. That means it must have been a comfortable place to live.


    The remains of dwellings in other areas have been weathered away and have not retained their original form.


    Of course, such remains have been carefully preserved according to Jin''s instructions.


    In short, they are treated as historical buildings and historic sites.


    As I recall, ......, yes, that''s right. There is a mountain on the west side of the plateau where the dome used to be, how about there?"


    "Hmm. ......"


    Reiko, take Conlon 3 a little further east.


    Yes, father.


    <


    It is on this plateau that the dome was located.


    The supersonic speed of travel brought to its destination in a few minutes.


    "Hmm. ...... somehow this land feels right."


    Is this the original memory of 700672, or is it because the < who created it lived in this area?


    In any case, 700672 seems to have liked this place.


    "Well, I''ll try to land."


    "Yes, please."


    Jin motioned to Reiko, and the Conlon 3 landed quietly on the plateau.


    "Father, may I try to land?"


    "Father, may I try to get off?"


    Neige and Rouge ask 700672.


    "Of course. I''ll go down there too.


    < and Jin and Reiko try to climb down together.


    "Oh, it''s just the right temperature.


    The temperature is just right for a long-sleeved shirt.


    "It''s about 22 degrees Celsius around here.


    Reiko says.


    It must be comfortable to live here if the temperature is like this all year round. The thinness of the air is not bothersome.


    The environment seems to be good. The only thing left is the location. ......"


    700672 looks at the wreckage of the dome in the distance,


    I''d like a place where I can look at the dome in the distance. ...... I mean, right here."


    He pointed down at his feet.


    "Yes, that''s fine with me too."


    "I agree!"


    Rouge and Neige agreed, so we decided to use this as our first choice.


    We are at about 6 degrees north latitude. The longitude is unknown, since we have not yet established a meridian as a reference point.


    So, Jin consulted No. 700672 about how to determine the meridian.


    "Well, I would like to have a clear reason since it will be a standard to be used later on."


    "Yes, that''s right. ......"


    In Ars, the meridian was set to be the meridian passing through the research institute of Horai Island, and it was set to be 0 degrees, which is fine for Jin, but the general world would be puzzled as to why the meridian was set to be in such a place.


    In other words, the location of Horai Island may be identified.


    Therefore, in the world map that I made available to the public, the eastern end of the continent = the eastern end of the former Leonard''s Kingdom is set at 0 degrees and expressed in the west longitude.


    Aside from that, because of these problems, Jin consulted No. 700672.


    "It would be nice if it could be expressed only in terms of east or west longitude for clarity."


    "I understand."


    If the east and west longitudes are mixed up, it will be complicated. North and south latitudes are no problem.


    "I guess we should express it in degrees west longitude, with the east end of the continent at 0 degrees.


    "That''s right. You should think about how easy it would be to calculate the time difference.


    No. 700672 advises Jin.


    "The east end of the continent is the fastest, and the further west you go, the slower it gets, right?


    "Yes."


    The further west you go, the further back in time you go.


    If the eastern end is at midnight, then <> is 14 hours earlier, i.e., 10:00 a.m. of the previous day.


    "Since it would be complicated to have the date be today or yesterday, let''s use the eastern end of the continent for ease of computation and consistency of thought."


    Jin wants to avoid having the date line pass through the continent.


    "Yes, that would be fine.


    There are advantages and disadvantages to both the eastern and western ends of the continent.


    Jin decided to use the western longitude that he had been accustomed to using in Arus, and the meridian was set at the eastern end of the continent.


    Since the most easterly point of the continent is around 13 degrees north latitude, he decided to use it as the reference point for 0 degrees west longitude.


    As a side note, later on, a reference point made of adamantite was embedded at that place, and a monument was erected to commemorate the event.


    * * * * * * * * *


    "Another possible site is an island in the ...... inland sea in a huge bay north of the continent."


    After boarding the again, Jin and his crew came to the north of the continent this time.


    "Well, it''s ...... somewhat cooler here. And it''s humid, probably because it''s surrounded by the sea."


    The 700672 gave up on the place at the first sight.


    Then, Jin chose the last candidate.


    An island on the northern hemisphere side, west of the continent.


    Although it is on the western edge of the continent, it is already on the eastern edge of the continent if you go a little further west across the sea. It is close in distance.


    "It''s not bad, but I guess there are four seasons here."


    700672 said he did not care about the four seasons.


    "Well, I''d prefer to be near where we first landed, near where the dome of the <> used to be.


    "Yes, sir."


    Rouge and Neige did not dispute the decision of 700672.


    "Then, please consider what kind of building you would like to erect.


    "Yes, okay."


    No need to go underground this time.


    It''s a good environment for relaxing, so let''s design for that kind of living, 700672 thought.


    "So, what are you going to do about it, Jin-dono?"


    "Yes, that''s what I''m going to do."


    Jin began to explain what he wanted to do.


    Not the East Coast, but an idea that had just occurred to him.


    "...... separating Horai Island from the planet Arus?��Ummm, that''s what you were thinking of. ......"


    Surprised at 700672.


    Yes, Jin wondered if it would be possible to detach Horai Island deep underground and take it to Hale.


    "No, the idea of detaching the island instead of transporting the satellite is a good one."


    "Thank you for ....... I haven''t decided yet, though."


    Despite the praise, these ideas were inspired by novels and manga Jin had read in the past in contemporary Japan.


    "But it''s quite possible, Jin-dono. In fact, I think it would be interesting.


    In the end, he agreed.

 1899 - - 51-13 The idea of a house

    The story of Jin and 700672 continues.


    "...... Is there any technical problem to separate Horai Island from the planet Arus?"


    "Yes. The underground magma has calmed down, so it would just be the underground water veins."


    Jin thought it was a pity that the hot springs might stop flowing.


    "How deep are they going to dig?"


    "Well, I guess ...... digging 30 kilometers underground would be enough."


    The long side of Horai Island is 90 kilometers long and the short side is about 70 kilometers long.


    The height of Mount Horai is 3000 meters. The underground resources have been dug to a depth of about 10 kilometers, so Jin decided that 30 kilometers would be enough.


    "Also, since we have a fish pond, I would like to keep a little bit of the sea. So I think it would be better to close Tatsumi Bay.


    Or we could build an enclosure around Horai Island and leave the sea inside it, Jin said.


    "Hmm, it''s amazing that you can say that so casually, Jin-dono.


    "However, we can''t predict how the ocean currents will change if Horai Island disappears, and we won''t be able to control the southward movement of the Death Sea Serpent. We can''t just casually go ahead with the plan."


    "Well, if you are aware of that, then I feel even safer."


    The 700672 laughed happily.


    "Also, Tsetsi Island is not an island that has any resources. I hope that you and Cape Magus will publicize it and take steps to preserve it."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    As one would expect, Jin had no intention of digging up the entire ground of Tsetsi Island, which is a graveyard.


    "...... and, well, it''s not even a plan yet, it''s still in the draft stage."


    Of course, there is always the option of leaving the island as it is now.


    In that case, it would be necessary to declare in the future that <>.


    "I think that''s a good idea."


    "I see."


    If only such a day came when ordinary people could easily fly around the world and go anywhere on the Ars sea.


    "I also enjoy the time I spend making plans."


    "Yes, I understand that."


    Jin nodded his head in agreement with No. 700672.


    "The planning stage is when the possibilities, or rather the options, are the greatest.


    "Oh, that''s right."


    The more concrete the plan becomes, the fewer options there are.


    "It''s also fun to see the plan take shape after it''s been decided, though.


    "Hmm, I guess Jin-dono enjoys making things as long as he is making things.


    "That may be so.


    Then they laughed at each other.


    "Father, when are you going to move here?"


    When the conversation between Jin and 700672 came to an end, Neige asked.


    "I guess nothing concrete has been decided yet.


    In a quiet voice, No. 700672 replies.


    "As far as I''m concerned, I''d like to move here as soon as possible.


    "I see. ......"


    Jin, who was listening to the conversation, thought that his current residence in the ship was still too small and that he must be feeling a sense of entrapment.


    "I''ll cooperate with you, so please emigrate as soon as possible.


    "Hmm?��Hmmm, I see. ...... I guess so."


    The 700672 seemed to understand Neige''s feelings and nodded at Jin''s offer.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, we have to put it all together.


    Jin decided that it was time to set priorities and make a move now that the various ideas were getting out of hand. He was at the central bridge of the with No.700672 and Reiko.


    Here, he could have an online discussion with the old lord of Horai Island.


    The opinion of No.700672 cannot be excluded. After all, he is a direct descendant of , the original master of this planet Hale.


    Incidentally, Neige and Rouge are sleeping in < after a long day of fun, and a forestry golem <> has been summoned to watch over them.


    "Finally, we will place <> in orbit for resources, and use the warp gate to bring in materials as needed."


    "Yes, that seems to be a good idea.


    This was the final decision regarding resources.


    "As for the environment, we would like to proceed as we are now.


    "I have no objection to that either. Mr. Jin is doing a good job.


    "Thank you very much. And about the residence of Mr. 700672..."


    That''s what Jin is most concerned about.


    "Oh, Neige and Rouge have already compiled a list of their preferences, so I''ll base my decision on that.


    "I see."


    Jin was a bit nervous that there might be some outrageous requests, but there were no such requests, and relatively honest proposals were lined up.


    <.


    The second proposal was to excavate a mountainside and make a cave into a room. It is playful, but the intention seems to be to keep the landscape as unspoiled as possible.


    The third proposal was to build an ordinary house.


    "I''m not sure about any of them.


    "Well, they have hardly ever said what they want.


    Hearing this, Jin said,


    "Well, let''s fulfill all of them.


    Jin proposed, "Then, let''s fulfill all of their requests.


    "These requests are not in conflict with each other, so we can dig a hole in the rock wall and build a like an observatory, and the dome will be a separate place, and a normal house," he said.


    No. 700672 gave a small laugh.


    "Hmm, that sounds like you, Jin-dono. But it sure is. Can you help us ......?"


    "Of course, that was my intention from the very beginning.


    Thus began a more concrete design.


    "Let''s have a in the center, from where you can go to the dome and the grotto," he said.


    "Wow, that''s an interesting structure," Jin said.


    Jin drew a rough sketch on a piece of paper and showed it to me. Jin is very good at these kinds of drawings.


    "Let''s connect each of them with a connecting passageway, or a corridor, or ......, like this."


    "Hmmm. If ......, wouldn''t it be better to do it this way?"


    "Oh, that''s good. Then, this one should be like this: ......."


    The 700672 seemed to be enjoying the discussion, and he and Jin were enthusiastically coming up with ideas.


    "It''s done, isn''t it?"


    "Yes.


    <, Jin used Tuscosia, a border town with the Shoro Kingdom in the Kingdom of Cerroa, which he had visited in the past, as a reference.


    And then there are the grotto temples of Dunhuang, which he saw on TV.


    "Just in case, windows should be inlaid with glass or cubic zirconia".


    This is to protect from insects, rain, sand and dust.


    The houses are made of stone, which is common in the Shoro Kingdom.


    "Mm."


    Although he said "normal", it was 400 years ago, and he did not consider that the trend might have changed a little now.


    "So, I''d like to build a dome as a relaxing space and make it into a living room," he said.


    "Jin-dono''s idea is interesting."


    It seems that No. 700672 was satisfied.


    Incidentally, after this, I showed the conceptual plan to Neige and Rouge, and they were both very satisfied with it.

 1900 - - 51-14 House of Elders

    Jin decided to start by building the < of 700672.


    As the of the planet Hale, he paid his respects to the .


    "I am sorry, Master Jin."


    No, it''s okay.


    The construction is being carried out by 20 craftsmen (smiths) from 101 to 300. The foundation was finished literally in the blink of an eye.


    The foundation work had been completed literally in the blink of an eye.


    Now they are working on the grotto.


    "Wow, that was fast!"


    Neige and Rouge are also looking on, excited.


    The two had been quiet, but since their arrival here in Hy��res, they seem to have become more cheerful and active.


    Jin wonders if this is due to the fact that they have moved from indoors to outdoors.


    The grotto is built on a rock wall with a towering monolith.


    "They probably quarried the stone a long time ago," he says.


    Jin mutters as he looks up at the vertical rock wall, and 700672 hears him,


    "Well, that must be so," he nodded.


    The 700672 nodded in agreement.


    Jin thought back to the long past, wondering how many thousands of ...... years, perhaps more than 10,000 years, had passed since the quarry wall had been integrated into the natural landscape.


    A quiet word.


    Smiths are drilling holes in such a rock wall.


    <


    The foundation work is finished in a few hours, since they are excavating about 10 cubic meters of stone per minute.


    "Wow, that''s cool."


    On the stone wall side, there are two basement levels and three stories above ground, plus extras.


    The extra is that ...... the height of the rock wall was about 50 meters, so we built an observation room around 45 meters. The height of the rock wall was about 50 meters, so we added a room around 45 meters.


    A spiral staircase and an elevator will be installed.


    The basement will be a large basement with a laboratory, a storage room, and a living room which is to be called the study of 700672.


    In other words, we plan to reproduce the in Ars.


    Jin thought that this way, Neige and Rouge would be less likely to get homesick.


    He remembered that some of the children who were taken away from the facility during his time there did not fit in immediately, but would return to the facility from time to time to put on a peaceful face.


    It seems that a familiar environment is comfortable ...... for them, even if it is not so good to others.


    "This is ...... certainly nice."


    700672 also noticed that one of the rooms in the basement was the same size as the , and at the same time He also knew what Jin intended to do.


    This room was a surprise present from Jin, but it seems that he has already found out.


    "I''ll do the interior.


    So No. 700672 said, "I''ll do the interior decoration.


    "...... please."


    Jin looks around the other rooms.


    The stairs are used for now, but eventually an elevator will be installed.


    The second basement is the warehouse, with separate rooms for food and materials.


    The first basement is the . A small warp gate will be installed on this level.


    The first floor consists of an entrance lobby, a warehouse, and an empty room.


    The second floor consists of a living room, a guest room, and an empty room.


    The third floor also consists of a living room, a guest room, and an empty room.


    And there is an observation room on the third floor.


    I am planning to make a for Neige and Rouge, but I am not sure what they want at the moment.


    The site is .......


    The craftsmen (smiths) have started to build the <> now that the grotto is almost finished.


    This is a cozy house with one basement and two stories above ground.


    The house will be finished in a colorful manner using stones from the neighborhood.


    Incidentally, the rock in this area is a hard and dense rock called .


    The durability is not a problem since it has been treated with <.


    Watching the < take shape in an hour, No. 700672 is both impressed and dismayed.


    It''s no wonder, since 200 craftsmen (smiths) are working on it.


    "I wonder what we can do with this one?"


    This is a natural question for 700672, who has never lived in a house like this before.


    "Well, I don''t know now, but maybe in the future we can use it to accommodate guests or to hold some kind of meeting or gathering.


    Jin said, "I''d like 700672 to be an advisor to the of Hale.


    "I see. That would be fine with me.


    "Thank you, sir. Then I will call you <> from now on.


    Then the house is left to the craftsmen 101 to 200, and the craftsmen 2 01 to 300 started to build the dome.


    "Oh!"


    The work here was so fast that even Elder 700672...... couldn''t help but shout. The dome itself will be made of diamonds, not cubic zirconia.


    "The dome itself is made of diamonds, not cubic zirconia.


    Diamonds have a simpler structure than zirconia and can be synthesized by <> since they are made only of carbon.


    "Well, that''s interesting."


    The elder asked Jin enthusiastically about the process. Then he said,


    "......I understand well. And that only Jin-dono can do such an unbelievable thing.


    He commented with a smile.


    < diamond, 10 centimeters thick.


    The entrance and exit are located underground and cannot be accessed from above ground. It is connected to the <> and <> on the first basement level.


    A warp gate has been installed as a safety measure to ensure that no one is trapped.


    The interior is air-conditioned. Ventilation, temperature and humidity can be controlled.


    ...... and this is all according to Jin''s instructions.


    I''ll leave it to you to decide what to do inside.


    "Well, I''ll ask Neige and Rouge too, and we''ll make it the way they like it.


    It''s only natural, since the room was originally built at the request of the two girls.


    "I think it would be good to make this a common room or a space where people can relax.


    When Hitoshi expressed his idea, the elder nodded his head.


    "Well, that''s what they said too. They said they wanted a place where they could spend their time leisurely.


    "I see. Then, I guess we should go to ...... inside."


    Jin imagines a soft carpet, a sofa, a table, and rocking chairs.


    A heavy wooden bookcase would be even better.


    However, this is Jin''s taste, so he does not say anything about it. This is the image I have in mind when I build my own residence ...... villa?��This is the image he has in mind when he builds his own residence.


    "It''s really fun to think about what to do with it.


    The elder''s face lights up. Jin was also pleased to see this.


    "Now let''s plant some trees around it.


    The trees that bear fruit are peaches (persica) and apples (april). For flowering trees, he suggested cherry trees (query) and camellias (kemeria).


    "Oh, that''s nice."


    The soil had been improved, so it was thought that such trees would grow without any problem in this area.


    Thus, Jin and the 700672...... elders proceeded to build their dwelling.

 1901 - - 51-15 Hitoshis House Selected as a Candidate Site

    No. 700672......<>''s residence was largely completed that day. .


    The rest is the interior. This will be done mainly by 700672 with the help of 10 craftsmen (smiths). The plan is to have 10 craftsmen (smiths) help, and 700672 will take the lead.


    "Well then, tomorrow we''ll choose a place to build my residence. ......"


    Jin has an idea of the house he wants to build.


    A wooden (or pseudo wooden) one-story house (or a two-story house in part). The garden should be large.


    The workshop, warehouse, hangar, warp gate, and other facilities are all underground. Therefore, we will make a large space in the basement.


    That''s all.


    However, since we will probably have a very large space underground, a strong bedrock is indispensable.


    If there is soil on top of it, it is OK.


    Is there such a place?"


    "Yes, I think so. ......"


    Reiko is also pondering.


    We searched the geographical and geological information of Hale that we had looked around together, and picked up the places that seemed to match the conditions.


    "There are five locations that match your criteria."


    "Oh, I see. Well, let''s take a look around.


    And I said,


    "Oh, I don''t see any aircrafts for atmospheric transportation in ."


    is a bit over the top, and we can''t land there carelessly. is rented out as a temporary home for the 700672 until the <> is completed. Until the <> is completed, it is rented out as a temporary home for the 700672.


    "I hope there is a <> system."


    "Yes, it would. In the meantime, let''s have them send us a .


    <> would be the best choice since it has a built-in force field generator and is also a VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing Aircraft).


    <


    I contacted the old man via Reiko, and five minutes later, appeared from the large warp gate. The pilot is Hope.


    "Oh, this is good!"


    Jin and Reiko got on board immediately.


    "Hope, do you know the geography of Hale?"


    Jin asked, and Hope answered in the affirmative.


    "Yes, Jin-sama. I have just received the necessary information from the old man via transinfo.


    "Good then. Let''s start with the central basin.


    "Yes, sir."


    Pegasus 2 floated up. Then it will fly to its destination at Mach 3.


    We will be over our destination in about 30 minutes.


    The center of this area is full of holes from ore mining, so it is no good. The mountains surrounding the site, the highest one to the south, is the first choice.


    Hope flew Pegasus 2 to the mountain that Reiko indicated.


    "Oh, that mountain. ...... hmmm."


    A mountain over 5,000 meters high appeared before Jin''s eyes.


    "This mountain is the only one that has kept its original shape since no metal resources could be extracted from it.


    "I see."


    It was not so bad in that respect, but the altitude was too high.


    "It''s also a bit high in latitude."


    The mountain is in the southern hemisphere, and it is March now, so it is early autumn, but the altitude is high and the latitude is 40 degrees south, so the temperature is below freezing.


    Let''s move on. Hope, please maintain the same latitude and fly east.


    Yes, sir.


    Hope pointed Pegasus 2 east.


    In less than 30 minutes, they were over their destination.


    That''s the island.


    The island. ......


    It was a rather flattened island.


    "There are no metal resources on this island either. Instead, quartz and quartzite were found in abundance on the surface, and it is assumed that they were scraped off to form that shape.


    "I see. ......You didn''t mine underground?"


    "Yes. Quartz and quartz crystals are so common as minerals that there was no need to go that far to mine them.


    "So that''s what you''re saying. If ...... is the case, then the underground part of the island is rich in quartz and quartz crystals, right?


    "Yes, that would be the case.


    If that is the case, Jin thought, it would be no problem to hollow out the basement. This was a good candidate.


    "Okay, this is a good candidate for building a house. Where next?


    "Hope, please fly to the northeast."


    Reiko directed Hope to answer Jin''s question.


    Again, less than 30 minutes later, they were over their destination. This time it was an island in the northern hemisphere, on the western edge of the continent.


    "So this is ...... the same latitude as the previous island, although there is a difference in northern and southern latitudes."


    The island is nearly 30 degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer, so the four seasons are probably distinct.


    "So it''s also close to where the large transition gate (warp gate) was installed."


    They are close, but about 90 degrees apart in longitude.


    Let''s look at the other two.


    I''m going to hold off on this island.


    One of the two remaining islands is in the inland sea north of the continent Island in the inland sea north of the continent.


    "Well, it''ll be cold here."


    Jin thinks hot is better than cold. It''s a matter of degree, though.


    "The last one is the place where we installed the large warp gate."


    Reiko says.


    "I see... that''s for sure."


    This is where Jin is currently making his temporary base. That''s where Jin is currently using as his temporary base.


    "Well, I''m not sure.


    Jin prefers a place that is a little bit isolated from the surrounding area.


    In that sense, an island is not bad. There is the natural boundary of the sea.


    "And then there are man-made islands..."


    Jin recalls .


    "It doesn''t have to be so man-made, though.


    Jin thought long and hard as the Pegasus 2 returned to its temporary base.


    At around 4:00 p.m. local time, Pegasus 2 returned to its temporary base. Adriana is also sitting there.


    "I guess this is the place."


    We looked around, but the first place we chose was the best, as if there was a lesson to be learned.


    "Let''s choose a place where the ground is strong in this area.


    "Okay."


    The bedrock in the vicinity is mostly basaltic, dense, and quite strong. Multiplying this by should be more than enough strength.


    "It looks good."


    The rocks were almost the same throughout the area. The only thing that remains is location.


    Jin looked for a place that was slightly elevated from the surrounding area.


    "Hmmm, here, there ......, and over there."


    He narrowed down the possible locations to three.


    All of them are about 100 kilometers away from the temporary base.


    "Let''s check out each one a little more closely: ......."


    Jin got off the Pegasus 2 and headed for the nearest candidate site with Reiko to do his own research.

 1902 - - 51-16 Minimogra

    "......<"


    Jin, who intended to build a huge space underground, including a hangar, made sure to conduct a search to around 1,000 meters below ground.


    It would be best if there was nothing there.


    "Yeah, it''s basalt all the way down to the basement. ...... what about over here?��"


    After a few more detailed searches, which only Jin could do.


    "Hmm?"


    Jin feels a slight discomfort. So, he repeats the <.


    "<>......I knew it. There is a space and ...... something around 700 to 800 meters underground."


    Something that is not basalt. And what''s more, it''s not basalt,


    "<>...... no good?"


    Even analysis does not tell us what it is. In other words, it is something unknown even to Jin. However, we know that metal and magecrystal are used as materials.


    However, we do not know what they are.


    only gives us known information, knowledge, and words.


    "Father?"


    Reiko peeks in anxiously at Jin, who is deep in thought.


    "Oh, no, I was just wondering what''s down here..."


    and his team''s survey went down to about 500 meters underground, and they did not survey the entire continent down to the last grain of sand .......


    It was no wonder that they missed the pinpoint presence of around 700 meters below the surface.


    "Then, would you like to use <>...... or <>?"


    Jin nodded at Reiko''s words.


    "Yes, I think I''ll use the <> here."


    < is 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm long. It is cylindrical in shape, like a large tea canister.


    It does not excavate, but performs <>. In other words, the rock is moved backward from the front, so there is almost no sound.


    Propulsion is not mechanical, but a force field generator.


    On board are two ultra-compact golems <.


    Jin sent two of them from Horai Island.


    "Okay, please!"


    "Ryoukaidesu!"


    Miniature golems <>, each five centimeters tall. One and two responded in high-pitched voices, and then mounted <> one and two, respectively.


    The two <> were activated and disappeared underground in a matter of seconds.


    "Now we just have to wait and see..."


    < depends on the concentration of free magical element (ether), and it can be activated at a rate of 500 meters to 10 00 meters per day.


    With Hale''s free element concentration, he should be able to go 1000 meters.


    So Jin decided to wait for a day.


    I see..." * * * *


    "I see... So, you came to me..."


    Yes, I was wondering if you knew anything.


    Not wanting to spend the day in idleness, Jin immediately came to consult with 700672.


    The < has been quite well decorated over the past day, and now he is being shown into the living room of the <.


    "Seven hundred meters underground. ...... I have no idea."


    "I see. ......"


    No wonder you have no idea where 700672 is. <.


    And then the two of them..,


    "Welcome to our office!


    Rouge brings them a cup of tea.


    "Oh, thank you!


    Jin was a bit puzzled. Jin was a bit amazed.


    "Well, Jin-dono, Rouge is as happy as ......Neige is to have this ."


    We have guests, we entertain them. Just like in a < home.


    It was a great pleasure for him to be able to live something that was close to <, something that had been so far away from him.


    (Oh, I remember that Rouge was a homunculus based on .)


    (Oh, by the way, Rouge was a homunculus based on <>.) Jin wondered how he would look if he brought her to Archel''s older brother, Belialus.


    If Belialus, who is more of a cis-con than a big-brother idiot......, saw Rouge, who took over her younger sister Archelle''s looks when she was a little girl,.......


    Jin hoped that one day, when the situation in Hale had settled down, the northerners would be able to come here to visit.


    The tea was hojicha. The tea was hojicha, and it was slightly cooled to his liking.


    Rouge, who had brought the tea, was staring at Jin as he took a sip,


    "Yes, it''s delicious," Jin said.


    Rouge smiled happily when Jin told her that the tea was delicious,


    "Please, take your time.


    and left the living room.


    "He''s kind of a chatty guy, isn''t he?


    700672 said, but his face was smiling.


    Since coming to Hale, even No. 700672 has been constantly surprised by the unexpected aspects of Rouge and Neige.


    Of course, it was a pleasant surprise.


    Jin, too, has been surprised to see an unexpected aspect of Rouge and Neige that could be described as a < of No. 700672.


    "As far as I know, ......<> don''t build any kind of facilities ...... under the earth where they live, and deep underground like that. I don''t think that they would build any facilities ...... in such deep underground."


    Over a cup of tea, No. 700672 choked on his thoughts.


    "Just ......."


    "Just what?"


    Jin looked at 700672, who was unusually brusque, with a curious look in his eyes.


    "The history of <> is long. The history of the Masters is long, and what I know of the Masters is only a fraction of that.


    Jin understood what No. 700672 meant.


    < was still at its peak.


    Jin could understand that.


    Even in their decadence and lethargy, they did various great projects such as the migration to Ars.


    It was difficult even for Jin to imagine them in their prime.


    (If it is ......, it might be the remains of those days.)


    The truth will be known tomorrow. With this in mind, Jin decided to change the subject.


    "By the way, when the <> is completed, will the <> live here?


    <......, a room that was once part of the <>?


    "Yes,......I was born in that . But this Hale is also my home in the sense that it is the source of the materials that form me."


    Jin silently listened to the words of 700672.


    "To be honest, there is nothing to do over there. But I''m sure I can find a lot of things I want to do here.


    The way he said it was so roundabout, so like No. 700672, that Jin couldn''t help but grin inwardly.


    "That''s over there. This one is a vacation home.


    "I see.


    When he wants to go back home, he goes back to his parents'' house, and usually enjoys his time at the villa.


    I guess that''s what 700672 wants to do.


    If a vacation home is to be spent when the weather is nice, this place has a pleasant climate all year round. He can stay as long as he wants.


    "Besides, in Ars I was an alien, but not here."


    "Indeed."


    He added, "And besides," as if he were adding something else, but Jin wondered if this was his true intention.

 1903 - - 51-17 Old Facilities

    Shortly after 9:00 a.m. on the 18th, Jin received the call he had been waiting for from of the he had sent.


    Jin received the report in .


    Since the communication was through <''s built-in manacam, it was easy to hear.


    "Good work. So, how are you doing?"


    "Okay, let''s start investigating carefully."


    Jin gave the order to investigate little by little while keeping an eye on the situation.


    Through the eyes of Command 1, an image of the basement is sent. Of course, it is an infrared image because it is pitch-dark.


    .


    Then, a huge magi-machine is projected on the screen.


    "Indeed, it''s very different. ......"


    Jin roared.


    It was nothing like the originals'' Magi Machines that Jin knew.


    "Isn''t it made by <> ......?"


    Jin instructs Command 1 and 2 to proceed with the investigation more carefully.


    The image sent to them moved slowly across the surface of the alien giant magi-machine.


    "Hmmm ...... looks pretty old."


    The metal material was unknown, but it had lost its shine, and rust-like stains were floating here and there, indicating that it had at least been unattended for quite some time.


    For the moment, I have forbidden any investigation by engineering magic. I have no idea how it will react to the fact that it seems to have stopped moving.


    "It''s different, but it''s somehow similar to the one from the .


    Is <> using it as a reference, or vice versa?


    Jin spent a lot of time to observe the gigantic Magi machine.


    "All right, it''s time to investigate other places.


    The space was apparently quite large, so the first priority was to survey the entire area.


    Command 1 and 2 began to move slowly.


    Since they are small to begin with, they move slowly even if they walk normally.


    However, if they were to run at full speed, they could reach a speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour, exceed the speed of sound if they used the force field generator "force generator," and instantly shift one kilometer if they used the transporter.


    This distance of one kilometer was enough to travel on the ground.


    "There''s dust on the floor, too. There seems to be no ventilation.


    The legs of Commands 1 and 2 are buried up to the thighs, indicating that there is nearly two centimeters of dust on the floor.


    "There are no footprints, so it looks like it''s been abandoned for a really long time."


    The two commandos continue to move through the piles of dust.


    First, they make a round of the huge magi-machine.


    There was nothing unusual about this space except for the fact that it was cylindrical, but they found a passageway that seemed to lead to the next room about 120 degrees around from where they had first been.


    "Okay, Command 1, go there first. Command 2, stay there and be on the lookout.


    The size of the passage is about the same as a human being can pass through.


    Jin imagined that whoever had made this passage must have been about the same size as a human being.


    After walking about 10 meters down the passageway, he went out into the next room.


    Naturally, it was pitch-dark here, too. He could somehow see by infrared rays.


    "Is there a similar magic machine (magi-machine) over here, too? ......"


    A similar type of magi-machine was placed here.


    The corrosion on the exterior is about the same.


    After a thorough investigation, it was not possible to tell the difference between the two machines from the outside.


    Jin then instructed Command 1 to return to the original room. Jin instructed Command 1 to return to the original room, because it was closer to the .


    "Be careful, try to shine a light on it."


    For the next step, Jin decides to turn on the lights.


    He starts with a very low brightness.


    Nothing seemed to happen, so he decided to increase the brightness little by little. It took about 30 minutes to bring the light up to the brightness of an ordinary room, but the Magi machine did not show any reaction.


    "...... Speaking of which, how''s the air in there?"


    Jin asked again, forgetting to check.


    Not very suitable for human breathing, and command 1.


    Oxygen may be low because it has reacted with metals, Jin guessed.


    "Okay."


    If I go, I''ll wear a space suit or use a <>, Jin thought.


    Now, the magi-machine seen under the brightened lights was still very different.


    However, it was even more evident that it was heavily corroded.


    "It must have been long since it was no longer in use."


    Jin muttered as he looked at the magic screen.


    "I wish the <> would take a look at it."


    <, who knew much more about technology than Jin, might discover something new.


    So I contacted him using manacam, and within 5 minutes, <......7006 The 72 came. Using the warp gate, of course.


    "Mister Jin, I understand you have found something very interesting.


    Yes. Take a look at this.


    Oh, ......!��Oh, my God!


    Do you know what it is?


    <


    "As far as I know, this is a product of the old technology of the , I think.


    "Yes. ......?"


    Jin was surprised.


    "Is this the old technology of the <>?"


    "It''s not so much old technology as technology in its prime. ......See, there are features that have been handed down to this day, such as this area."


    "I see."


    Jin''s impression that it was somehow similar to the originals was not mistaken.


    "My guess is that it is probably more than 20,000 years old."


    < started planning to leave Hale about 10,000 years ago. Jin could not have imagined that it was another 10,000 years ago.


    But at the same time, it was natural that the facility would not work if it was that old.


    "Does it not work anymore?


    Jin asks the <> for their opinion, just to be sure.


    "Yes, probably. It looks like an abandoned facility that is no longer in use.


    "I see... I guess it''s safe to use magic to investigate at ......."


    Here, for the first time, Jin ordered the commands to investigate not visually but by magic.


    "Command 1, 2. First, check the material of the outer covering.


    Jin was interested in the material used by the 20,000 years ago.

 1904 - - 51-18 Backups

    Command 1 and 2 infiltrated the mysterious underground facility and, following Jin''s instructions, began to examine the mysterious magi-machine and its materials.


    .


    <


    <


    No wonder, the outer coating had started to corrode.


    "Hmmm...didn''t they have a golem or automata for maintenance?"


    "Jin-dono, as I said before, they must have been <>, so they would not have left such things there."


    Jin''s question was answered by 700672.


    "Oh, so that''s what you mean."


    "There''s more. If it is an abandoned facility, the has probably been removed.


    Other than that, they will leave it as it is," speculates <.


    "Although, the < in their heyday may have thought differently."


    "Still, it would be helpful."


    Jin instructed commands 1 and 2 to check the magi machine in front of them to see if there were any magi reactors left.


    .


    The two units give top priority to this order, and analyze the magi-machines.


    Then, after 15 minutes.


    "I see."


    Jin knew that the <> were right.


    In that case, there is no way that this Magi machine will be reactivated.


    "Okay, you can use magic more extensively to investigate."


    .


    The investigation of commands 1 and 2 was accelerated.


    <<


    <<>


    Jin thought that the necessary mithril silver had been recovered due to the shortage of resources.


    "......Good, let''s go there."


    Of course, I''m going to use my <>.


    "Jin-dono, may I stay here?"


    <


    "Oh, yes. Or rather, please stay.


    < watching over him.


    * * * * * *


    Once Jin returned to Horai Island, he went straight to the command room and prepared the <>.


    .


    In this case, is and Jin''s consciousness.


    "Yes, I''m going."


    Jin replies, and focuses his attention on controlling the doppelganger.


    * * * * * *


    Thank you for waiting.


    <.


    He has seen <700672 several times, so he is not particularly moved.


    "Oh, Jin-dono. Are you on your way?


    "Yes, I am on my way."


    I said no to the elder,


    "Reiko, let''s go!"


    He now calls out to Reiko, "Reiko, let''s go!


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko replies shortly and follows Jin''s .


    While Jin was preparing his , Command 1 and 2 were preparing a simple warp gate.


    < is limited to two round trips at the most. Any more than that, and the magi-circuit would burn out.


    But not Jin. And of course, Jin''s .


    Because every time they are used, they are repaired and maintained.


    "<>...... and that''s it."


    First of all, Jin D (doppelganger), having secured the way home, turned to the towering Magi machine in front of him.


    "...... this. First."


    We''ll start by removing the exterior.


    "Yo," he said.


    <


    "Oh ......"


    The contents were in a format that Jin had never seen before. But it was a product of <.


    "......If you know what to look for, you have a pretty good idea."


    The theory remains the same, even if the appearance has changed.


    There is a cause and a result, there is an input and there is an output.


    "If we follow the flow of magic, I think we can get a rough idea.


    Jin D. carefully examined the giant magic machine (magi-machine).


    * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, as expected of you, Jin-dono."


    <, 700672 admired Jin''s skill through the magic screen. "Oh, yes," he said.


    "Oh, I believe that''s ......."


    700672 looked familiar.


    "<>, was it?��Can you contact Jin-dono?"


    <>


    "Yes. I''d better let him know as soon as possible.


    * * * * * *


    <


    Not Jin D, but Jin in Horai Island received the message.


    "What''s wrong?��What''s wrong?"


    Jin returns his consciousness to reality. <.


    <


    Yes, I can hear you. Is there something wrong?"


    Therefore, please be careful not to damage that part of the machine, <> said.


    "<>?"


    <


    "Is it a stone slab? ......"


    <<


    "I see, there is such a thing. ......"


    Jin D immediately starts looking for it. Reiko does the same.


    Reiko used the force generator to search from the top of the giant Magi machine.


    "Is this it?"


    Jin D. found a stone disk about 30 centimeters in diameter, with its surface covered with transparent crystals. It is about 5 mm thick and looks like an LP record ...... or a laser disk.


    >


    Jin D followed his words and searched for more disks.

 1905 - - 51-19 Crystal Disk Analysis

    In the end, 121 disks were found. Of these, 78 were broken. In other words, 43 disks are still intact.


    Of the 78 broken disks, 30 disks were missing because no pieces were found.


    "Well, I can only assume that someone or something broke them."


    It was also hard to believe that the would do something so illogical as to deliberately break the backup .


    "Father, there''s a bone over here."


    "What?


    Reiko''s voice made me rush over to her, and I found the bones of two medium-sized animals lying on the ground.


    After 20,000 years, the bones were tattered and looked as if they would shatter at any moment.


    "Did they blend in, ......?"


    Or was it the pet of someone who worked here?��Or was it a pet of someone who worked at this place? There is a strong possibility that this animal broke the <.


    "By the way, there was also a dog that was taken to Antarctica, wasn''t there?


    The dog must have been rescued by the Antarctic expedition that visited the South Pole the following year, but here ......, Hitoshi imagines more.


    700672 says, looking at the skeleton.


    <


    Leaving the bones of the animals untouched, Jin decides to examine the magi-machine in the next room across the passage.


    <


    "I wonder if this one has the same function?"


    Jin''s opinion is that this is not the case, but it is impossible to say for sure since there is a method called in hard disks, where the same data is recorded on multiple media.


    "Well, I guess we''ll find out, won''t we?"


    Jin-D cooperates with Reiko and removes the exterior.


    What appears is a magi-machine in the same form as the one in the next room. However, it cannot be determined from this alone that they have the same function.


    While Jin D was investigating various things, he received an advice from No. 700672.


    "I see."


    Jin and Reiko searched for a backup <>, thinking that they were using the same type of storage devices side by side.


    However, they could not find a single disk here.


    "I guess that happens sometimes."


    Jin has stopped obsessing about it.


    Originally, Jin had found this place when he was looking for a base to build his own.


    "Maybe we can preserve this Magi machine as an archaeological site.


    Jin thought of this and decided to install air conditioning for the time being.


    Of course, air-conditioning must have been installed at the time of use, but there is no such equipment to be found now.


    >, speculated No. 700672.


    700672 guessed.


    "That may be so.


    Jin agrees with this opinion.


    "Let''s go back and think about it.


    Jin was anxious about the < in his possession.


    * * * *


    Jin D went to Horai Island. As for Jin himself, he went to the Nordic Federation.


    To analyze the , of course.


    So far, the only place where he can analyze the disk with little risk is the residence of No. 700672... ...<>.


    Jin-dono, welcome to my base.


    Jin was greeted by 700672, who had returned to the base one step ahead of Jin through the warp gate.


    "Sorry to disturb you, sir."


    "Is that the at ......?"


    "Yes."


    Jin handed the that Reiko had given him to the .


    "Well, ...... it looks a little different from what I know, but ...... let''s check it out."


    Even the CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs used on Earth have several different standards, and if they don''t match, they may not be readable.


    This <> is nearly 20,000 years old, and uses technology even older than that of the <> who created the 700672. >>The technology used is even older than that used in the 700672.


    "Let''s check it out first."


    There are 43 safe <. They are numbered.


    The highest numbered one, which is the most recent record ......, must be more than 10,000 years old, is in the hands of <>7 00672, which is probably 10,000 or more years old.


    "Let me start with something a little less degraded."


    Saying this, No. 700672 went to the magi machine in the corner of the <>.


    From Jin''s point of view, it looks like a DVD player.


    He opened the top cover of the magi-machine and tried to insert the < into the rounded depression,...... but the size of the disk did not fit.


    "...... I knew it."


    700672 let out a small sigh.


    "What do you mean?"


    "My must not have had much contact with the who made this ...... or even the who built that facility."


    That reminded Jin. < is an individualist.


    "You mean that they are not standardized?"


    "That''s what I mean."


    Jin sighed.


    It seems that <> had set up a standard for each narrow community of himself and his friends.


    "I guess that wasn''t the case in the beginning, though."


    Jin thought that since units and letters were common, everyone must have shared the same information at that time.


    Jin wonders what the history of such has been like since then, when it became so individualistic.


    "...... Jin-dono, do you also have a broken <?"


    "What?��Yes, there are.


    Since we don''t know in what format the information is recorded, we would like to check it first with something that can fail," said 700672.


    "Here, take this."


    Jin handed 700672 30 missing pieces that were unlikely to be recovered. The smallest of the 30 pieces was taken out by 700672.


    "Now let''s use this."


    The 700672 put the piece into a different magi-machine from the one he had just used.


    "Now, this is to examine the crystal or molecular structure of the object.


    The 700672 operates the machine while explaining to Jin.


    "This < seems to be made of corundum crystals on artificial ...... sintered alumina.


    Furthermore,


    "<> are a recording medium that uses the crystalline structure of the surface."


    The <> adjusted several lever-like knobs.


    Jin, who has never seen such a magi-machine before, is very curious.


    "Hmmm... ...... this is a video recording."


    On the monitor in front of the 700672, an image, albeit indistinct, was projected.


    "Well, ...... it looks like this is a topographical map.


    Since the information is from debris, it is not clear where the topographic map is.


    ��It looks like some kind of microfilm.)


    It does not seem to be a digital record, Jin thought.


    "I''m not sure about this one."


    700672 analyzed another fragment and found that it appeared to be an exterior view of a building.


    The other 28 pieces were all video recordings.


    "So this is the way they recorded the building. It''s really interesting."


    Records left by the ancestors of the people who created you.


    "It will take some time. Jin-dono, can you lend me these crystal disks for a while?


    I will definitely report the results, but it will take a while to analyze them," said 700672.


    "Yes, I understand. Thank you very much."


    Jin readily agreed. He decided to return to his original goal of building his own base.

 1906 - - 51-20 Securing Water

    Jin entrusted 700672 with the analysis of the found in the underground facility, On the morning of the 19th, he decided to go back to the base.


    "I don''t want to be right above it, as expected."


    The area around the facility was solid bedrock, which was good for building a basement, but the thought of such a facility being down there did not make him feel good.


    So Jin looked for the next best thing.


    An hour later, he finds it.


    The place he thought would be the best is located about 2 km east of ...... where the information recording facility was located in the basement.


    It is a little higher than the surrounding area, and the rock is andesite.


    Andesite is widely defined and has various properties and compositions, but the rock here is dense and solid with some olivine.


    "With this, we can build a basement."


    Jin then thoroughly investigated the basement with a .


    I don''t think it''s so coincidental, but he didn''t want to find the remains of the <> in the land he liked, so he did a thorough investigation.


    "......Yeah, it''s all right."


    As a result, no artifacts were found down to 2,000 meters below the surface.


    "You''re right,...... andesite of the same nature was found up to 300 meters below the surface."


    Father, isn''t that enough?


    "Well, yes."


    Reiko said, and Jin nodded with a wry smile.


    Originally, he had thought that the size of the basement, or rather the depth of the basement, would be about 200 meters below the ground, so 300 meters below the ground would be sufficient.


    Jin decided to make this his base.


    The plains stretch to the east of the continent, about 400 km from the sea.


    The surrounding area is still a reddish-brown wasteland, but the herbaceous vegetation is recovering and the soil has stopped running off.


    Jin had planned to build a there and a underground at the same time.


    * * * *


    > 501 to 800,30 The speed of the work is beyond description.


    The speed of the work is beyond description, and the underground portion of the building was completed in one hour.


    "How do you like it, Master?"


    Two hangars, 200 meters long, 200 meters wide, and 100 meters high.


    Ten spaces 20 meters long and 20 meters high for storage.


    20 spaces 10 meters long and 10 meters high to be used as a workshop or laboratory.


    The floors, walls, and ceilings have been carefully , , and .


    "Yeah, it''s good."


    Jin nodded in satisfaction.


    The interior will be slowly prepared.


    Next is the ground level.


    This will be the same size and layout as the house on Horai Island.


    The familiar environment is the best.


    The wooden tiled roofs are also and , so they will be maintenance-free for 100 years.


    Of course, if they are reapplied and maintained during that time, they should last even longer.


    "Maybe it would be a good idea to put up a ward to cut off ultraviolet rays.


    Jin was planning to do something like this.


    <


    Tatami mats, nails, roof tiles, etc. were made in Horai Island, but the wood used for the building was from here in Hale.


    Hinoki, Hiba, and Sugi (Japanese cedar) were grown enough to be used as lumber.


    Rather, the Foresters seem to be proud of the fact that Jin''s is the first to use lumber that they have grown themselves.


    Jin enjoys making the furniture.


    Reiko prepares sandwiches for lunch.


    As for the garden, Hitoshi is planning to make it Hale''s own, so he decides to put gravel in it for the time being.


    In this way, the is completed by the end of the day.


    "Now we can start sleeping in it tonight.


    < is not bad, but the comfort of sleeping on a futon in a tatami room with arms and legs stretched out is hard to beat.


    The futon is of course made of and .


    Smelling the new tatami mats, Jin puts down the futon.


    "Well, ......"


    And then he thought about the bath.


    The bathhouse is well built, and the drainage system is environmentally friendly with a <>magic device. But .......


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    Here on Hale, a planet even older than Ars, it is difficult to find hot springs.


    The geothermal heat is supposed to be high deep underground, so it might be possible to dig up hot springs if we bore down to 5000 meters or so, but it''s too late for that today.


    "All right, let''s transfer it."


    For today, I decided to take a bath by having a tank of hot spring water sent from Horaijima. It is a very luxurious bath.


    "Ah, it''s nice hot water.


    Jin is aware that this is an irregular bath.


    "After tomorrow, I''ll think about what to do properly. ......"


    Come to think of it, Jin had not yet thought about what to do about the water supply.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "What about the precipitation around here?"


    Jin asked the old man with his manacam before going to bed.


    <


    I see.


    Jin built his house around the Tropic of Cancer. The elevation is about 100 meters above sea level.


    "So there''s not much rain around here."


    <


    Moist air is brought in from the ocean, and water vapor condenses on the cooler land to form clouds and fog.


    >.


    "I see."


    Jin regretted that he should have checked such weather conditions before building the house.


    "Then, what should we do about the water here?


    Now he had to secure water even if he had to do it by force.


    "A canal......... indeed."


    It is said that the land of Hale cannot be enriched in just a few hundred years, since the water itself has been carried out into space for tens of thousands of years.


    "Any other ideas?"


    <


    Well, that''s one way to look at it.


    It''s only a matter of how much water one Jin uses.


    Those two?


    <


    "That''s one way to do it. ......"


    Once,...... 400 years ago, he visited with his best friend Reinhardt and his beloved wife,...... who at that time was still his friend. ......I remembered that in Borgia, the capital of the Kingdom of Elias, which I had visited with Erza and others, the Marquis of Firenziano had asked me to make a <> of a magical tool.


    "You can use <> or <>, can''t you?"


    Jin fell asleep while he was thinking about which idea to use.

 1907 - - 51-21 Water vein

    March 20.


    After breakfast, Jin wonders how to secure water at the base.


    The old lord gave him some advice.


    .


    "What do you mean?"


    Jin looked doubtful because what he said last night was different from what he said last night.


    >


    "Okay. <."


    Jin headed for , which had landed beside .


    A topographical map sent by the old man was projected on the magic screen in the cockpit.


    .


    "Yes.


    <>


    Yes, there are indeed.


    "Yes."


    Now Jin has an idea of what the old man is trying to say.


    "That''s right, isn''t it?"


    Jin nodded.


    "But we checked underground when we built the house, and there is no underground water vein, isn''t there?"


    <


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin scratched his head. The old man is right.


    "If we search around the bedrock here, even in the shallow part, there must be underground water veins, right?"


    <


    Jin nodded.


    "That''s right. If we are going to build a canal, we need to do a thorough investigation. First of all, let''s look for underground water veins. Thank you, Mr. Old Man.


    Thus, Jin found an underground water vein about a kilometer north of .


    It was flowing through a crack in the bedrock, and the volume of water was considerable.


    However, the water that had been flowing underground for a long time was so hard that it was not suitable for drinking, so Jin built a water purifier to deal with it.


    Since the water contained slightly high levels of , it was converted to soft water by passing it through a water purifier.


    The alum and magnesium oxide that are produced in this process are kept in stock to be used effectively as chemical substances.


    Alum can be used for color fixing of pickled eggplants, and magnesium oxide can be used as laxative.


    That''s about all that ...... Jin knows, but the academic book that <> brought to this world may contain a little more information.


    "Well, it''s not a problem at this level."


    Onsen...... No, it is a cold spring because the water temperature is about 15 degrees Celsius, but it is classified as an aluminum-containing spring. It is said to be effective for skin diseases.


    However, the content is low, so the extent to which it is effective is unknown.


    "There is no problem to boil the water. All the wastewater will be cleaned up and taken underground. That''s it."


    <


    He is happy because now that the water is running, he can live for the time being.


    "Now all that''s left is the yard. ......"


    The area around the house is just graveled, so it is a bleak sight.


    The view from the window still lacks greenery.


    Even though the area is recovering, it is still mainly grass.


    "I think I should plant some trees in the garden and build a small pond.


    While Horaijima is mainly a laboratory of his predecessor, so he did not play around with it much, this is a place where Jin can configure it as he likes.


    "I dreamed of having a pond from the porch and keeping goldfish in the pond ...... when I was in the institution."


    I used to think it would be nice to have a little house of my own," Jin recalls fondly of the past.


    "We''ve come a long way. ...... Oh, plant some low trees there."


    Jin looked at the craftsman (Smith) and the foresters who were preparing the garden and muttered to himself.


    Since he did not have a firm idea about the garden, after three hours of trial and error, he was satisfied with the garden.


    The house was surrounded by a low hill about one meter high, and on the hill were planted azaleas, satsuki, sasanquas, camellias, yukiyanagi, yamabuki, lengyou, kodemari, oodemari, hydrangea, and other shrubs.


    The names of the plants are unified in the Japanese style.


    After a few years, when the leaves grow thick, the inside will be hidden from view. However, there is no one who can peek into the house.


    The total area of the site is about 500 tsubo.


    From the porch facing south, a pond can be seen in front of the house.


    Although it is in the style of a Japanese garden, it is not designed in a formal manner. It is more like a pond in a park.


    Of course, Jin''s favorite cherry trees (cherries) were planted, as well as fruit trees such as plum (plums), peaches (persica), and apples (april).


    The north side of the house is still paved with gravel because I want to build a garage for a size aircraft.


    "What about the bugs?"


    I asked Reiko,


    "Yes, Father. The number of bumblebees that were originally here is gradually increasing, so I think pollination will be fine.


    Bumblebee is a general term for bees that pollinate pollen, such as honeybees, bumblebees, and bees.


    "It seems that <> was concerned about the preservation of the ecosystem, and there were protected areas at that time.


    The protected area was left unattended after the Originals left Hale, but most of the species survived.


    Reiko said that the fact that the protected area that <> had built was nearly maintenance-free may have helped.


    "When was that?"


    Jin had never heard of it.


    "Yes, I found that out when your father made a detailed survey of Hale four hundred years ago."


    "Is that what you mean?"


    "That''s what you mean." "Yes. Since that time, he had been planning the redevelopment of Hale, including the redevelopment of 700672 for your sake.


    "Is that so?"


    It seems that four hundred years ago Jin also thought that it would be a waste or a shame to leave this heirloom.


    Reiko knows about it, doesn''t she?


    "Yes. I''m sorry about ......."


    "Sorry for what?"


    "...... for not telling your father the whole story."


    Jin smiled a smile that was neither wry nor compassionate.


    "If you''re doing this for my sake, don''t worry about it."


    Jin patted Reiko on the head.


    "It''s true, there are many things that would be uninteresting if we knew them.


    Tricks and culprits in mystery novels are one of the best examples of such things.


    "Well, if I ask you, you can tell me."


    Jin casually let this matter slide.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    For lunch, I made porridge with water from the newly installed tap.


    "Yeah, no problem.


    If all the minerals were removed, the water would be tasteless, just like distilled water.


    So I set the water purifier to remove harmful and too much components, and it seems to have worked well.


    "Now we''ll work on it little by little."


    Jin smiled with satisfaction after his big job.

 1908 - - 51-22 Enhancement of locations

    On March 22, Jin had almost completed the area around Hale''s <.


    What took longer was the basement.


    "We''ve built the hangar, but there''s nothing in it."


    <> is the leg, or rather the wing, of Ars.


    It is only natural,


    "Okay, let''s build a vehicle for Hale.


    "The workshop is already finished," he says.


    "The workshop is already completed, and we only need this much material.


    The materials are all metals.


    The ecological materials are yet to come.


    Whether it is possible to cultivate subterranean spiders (ground spider) and caterpillars (ground caterpillar) has not been tested yet.


    It is known that even in Arus, the quality, such as the strength of the threads, is lower when cultivated outside of Horai Island, so we have to be very careful about cultivating them here in Hale.


    "Well, what about the size and design?


    Here in Hale, Jin can show his skills to the fullest.


    The first question was whether to make it an airplane or a rocket.


    "Should I make it an all-purpose type, land, sea, air, and space?


    A small spacecraft in the 10-meter class would probably fall into that category, but something was different.


    "I guess it should be a water-drop type. ......


    Jin loved the time he spent thinking like this.


    >


    The old man spoke to Jin.


    "Yes?��What''s wrong?"


    <


    "Residents or ......"


    Jin is thinking of the inhabitants of and the <.


    will be discovered someday in the future as the culture and civilization of Ars develops.


    < can live anywhere now that the problem of the concentration of free magic element (ether) in Ars has been solved. However, the lands with good conditions are already inhabited by human beings, and there is little room for <>.


    Although there are many undeveloped lands in the southern hemisphere of Ars Racial Continent, Jin wanted to leave it as a natural environment preservation area.


    <


    "Oh, I see. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.


    At the advice of the old man, Jin suddenly realized.


    "Well, let''s make a terminal for the old man first, rather than a vehicle.


    The old man''s hands were not on this hail.


    First of all, he decided to make a terminal so that the old man could take control of Hale from Ars.


    "Well, I don''t mean ''seize'' as in control and rule.


    Jin is not a dictator, nor does he intend to be. He just does not want his peace of mind to be threatened by unforeseen circumstances.


    "It is the sub-free magical element (ether) wave that exchanges data with Horai Island.


    This is because it is not affected by the free-magic element (ether) noise that fills the space.


    "And there is no time delay."


    However, the speed of the free-magic wave also seems to be much faster than the speed of light known to Jin.


    < would have known the speed of light, it would have been possible to find out by asking 700672.


    "It''s probably a thousand times faster than the world we''re from."


    Jin thought so, since there was no delay in the communication between Ars and Hale.


    Since there is no time delay, the unit here and the main body of Horai Island are all


    In other words, it is like a multi-core CPU, some of the cores of which are here in Hale.


    Anyway, Jin is working quickly and efficiently.


    His assistant is Reiko.


    Using a lot of new type materials ...... for the structure and the exterior, he finished the terminal of ...... the old man.


    It took about two hours to complete.


    "That''s it."


    The Peeper is a telescope that can look out over the whole of the planet Hale.


    The telescope had to be fixed to a solid bedrock on Horai Island, but with the foundation and base made of <>, it is now less than one-tenth the size of the previous telescope.


    The design has been made to have enough space to accommodate the expansion functions that are expected to be added in the future.


    "How about it, old man?


    <


    "Well, that''s good to hear."


    For now, I have not made a mobile terminal for <, but I intend to make an equivalent one in some form or another.


    And next, Reiko''s version will be upgraded.


    "Reiko, I''m going to replace your skeleton with a ."


    "Yes, Father. Yes, Father.


    Reiko''s current skeleton is made of . It is a material made by molecular compression of Magi adamantite.


    Now, <> is made by molecular compression of <>.


    The default strength is about 1.2 times stronger, but when strengthened by magic power, it becomes more than 4 times stronger than Hyper Adamantite.


    Since the weight remains the same, Reiko''s weight remains the same.


    "Hmmm, there have been various minor upgrades after all."


    Reiko, the beloved daughter of the 400-year-old Jin, who was probably modified by him until his later years.


    There were some modifications that the present Jin, the duplicate, did not know about.


    With some minor maintenance, the work was completed in an hour.


    "That''s it. How are you feeling?


    Reiko gets up and checks herself.


    "Yes, father, I''m doing very well. Thank you very much."


    "I see. I''m glad to hear that.


    It is just about lunchtime, so they decide to eat.


    Jin makes tanuki soba noodles for the first time in a long time.


    Reiko made the soba, and Jin made his own soup for the first time in a long time.


    "Well, it''s been so long, I can''t get the hang of it.


    But the taste was just about satisfactory.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After lunch, Jin was thinking about what to do next, when Reiko suggested.


    "Father, why don''t you prepare a maid golem to take care of you?


    "That''s a good idea."


    In the afternoon, Jin decided to make a maid golem for Hale.


    "This one doesn''t have as many chores as the other one (Horaijima), so we only need two of them. If you want to ......, you can imagine a pair of events or ......."


    Muttering to himself, Jin proceeded with his work.


    The metallic materials including the skeleton are all type. Or rather, that''s all there is here.


    Ecological materials such as muscles and skin were brought in from Horai Island.


    "Should we make automata instead of golems? ......"


    And the result was two samurai automata.


    They are 155cm tall and slender. One of them is called "Japanese maid" and the other is called "Japanese maid",


    "This one is a Japanese-style maid ...... or a helper."


    Because a kimono doesn''t suit a body with too much body shape.


    And since she is wearing kimono, I made her apron like a kappo-gi-style apron.


    "Here we go."


    "Father, what is your name?"


    "Oh, let''s see. Oh, let''s see... twin sisters. ......


    Jin remembered that he had named Reiko''s sisters Soleil (sun) and Luna (moon),


    "Let''s make them <> and <>."


    He decided to make them <> and <>.

 1909 - - 51-23 Rider

    After activating the two automata, Jin named the elder one and the younger one .


    Tsukino wears her black hair in a ponytail, and Hoshino wears it in twin-tails.


    "It''s nice to meet you, Master."


    "Master, I''m looking forward to working with you."


    They are twins, but their voices are not the same because they are slightly different.


    "Nice to meet you. This is Reiko, your eldest sister.


    I am Reiko. Tsukino, Hoshino, it''s nice to meet you.


    Big sister Reiko, it''s nice to meet you.


    Reiko, please take good care of me."


    Tsukino is a little more active, and Hoshino is a little more quiet. The difference between the two is so slight that normally one would not notice it, but Jin thought that with time the difference would become apparent.


    The data on household chores, including cooking, is the same as that of Goshiki Golem Maid, so she knows Jin''s preferences.


    "There we go."


    "Thank you, father."


    Reiko also thanked Jin.


    Reiko was going to be Jin''s assistant in various ways besides housekeeping, and it would be very helpful to have an automata who specialized in housekeeping.


    "Now, let''s think about a vehicle again.


    "Well, shouldn''t there be one that can be ridden casually and one that can be ridden by a few people?


    "Well, Reiko has a good point.


    If we compare them to cars, they are like a private car and a bus.


    The ones Jin uses in Horai Island are and . If we add < and < to them, the lineup will be more complete.


    "If I were to imagine a private car, it would be a one-box car at best."


    In this sense, the <> has a normal seating capacity of five and a maximum seating capacity of 10.


    Jin is sometimes concerned about the fact that it can accommodate the whole family.


    "But I think it''s a little big.


    With an overall length of 15 meters, it is not the image of a private car.


    But the Zero fighter, or Type Zero fighter, is 11 meters long.


    <, which would have been the model for the , is 15 meters long. So 15 meters is not so big, but then again, Jin is from peaceful modern Japan.


    "I want to make something that can fly in the sky with the size of an ordinary car," he thought.


    He had been thinking of building something that would be about the size of an ordinary car and could fly.


    The size would be about 4 to 5 meters. With magic technology, it would be possible.


    "In that case, ......"


    Jin thought that it could be made compact if there was no sleeping in it.


    "If we recline the seats, we can at least take a nap. ......


    He decided that it would be about five meters long, about the size of a three-plate car.


    "A flying car. ......


    He was not so much interested in such a thing.


    "Father, why don''t you think about developing what you have made so far?


    Reiko, who could not help but notice Jin''s distress, offered some advice.


    "Hm?��...... I see. ......"


    Taube, Pegasus, Pegasus 2, Conlon 2, Conlon 3, Hurricane.


    Jin thought that the image would be a Taube with the performance of Pegasus 2.


    "The delta wing is going to be compact. ...... wait?"


    Jin remembered an old plastic model he had made, a British vertical takeoff and landing aircraft called the <> ( VTOL), a British vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (


    "It looks good to use that design as a reference. ......"


    The tip of the plane was a bit chunky, so make it a bit sharper there.


    "The pilot''s seat is in the nose, so the visibility in front, up, down, left, and right will be good.


    Jin summarized his concept along these lines.


    "We can use a force generator for the propulsion system, so it will be easy to make it into a vertical takeoff and landing plane (VTOL).


    Jin thought this was a good idea and decided to work along these lines.


    * * * *


    "It''s pretty chunky, even for ......."


    Assuming an overall length of 5 meters and seating for 8 passengers, the width of the cockpit or cabin would have to be about 1.5 meters.


    "Seven people, then."


    One pilot in the front and three rows of two seats in the back, seven people. Behind that, a small warehouse.


    "Well, if we stuff them in, we can fit 10 people in there."


    Basically, the propulsion system is a force field generator, but due to design considerations, there is a jet port at the rear of the vehicle.


    The propellant gas is not injected from this jet, but rather is the launch port for <> or <>.


    It is a weapon for when you are tracked from behind.


    Do not ask what kind of opponent will track you when you can go supersonic. This is just in case something goes wrong.


    The structural material is .


    If you think the word is bad when used, it is your own fault.


    The overall width is 5 meters. It is a delta wing plane.


    The height is 2 meters. The height is 2 meters, 2.5 meters if the wheels are included.


    It has a wind shield, a physical barrier (solid barrier), a magic barrier (magic barrier), and a defensive shield (aigis).


    It is armed with a paralyzing gun (Paralyzer), a magic cannon (Magi Cannon), an electromagnetic induction radiator (Induction Radiator), a magic bomb (Mana Bomb), a magic transfer cannon (Magi Trance Cannon), etc.


    For escape, it is equipped with a small warp gate.


    "Father, is it necessary to go this far ......?"


    Reiko asked him, "Father, do you have to do all this ?


    "Well, what about the transparent part ......?"


    Jin wondered about the material of the canopy.


    "I think it should be a laminated structure.


    Jin thinks of a three-layered structure.


    The outer layer is diamond for hardness, the inner layer is GSP for toughness, and the third layer is cubic zirconia.


    Of course, all of them are covered with <, which is a supercompatible toughening magic of <.


    Reiko is the only assistant, since we have plenty of time this time.


    In two whole days, Jin has built a new ride at Hale.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    On March 24, the plane is completed.


    The pilot was Hope.


    Hope has also been upgraded by replacing the materials with type.


    "Well, I''m counting on you, Reiko, Hope."


    "Yes, Father."


    Yes, Father. I''ll take care of it.


    With Hope as pilot and Reiko as co-pilot, we will conduct a thorough test.


    This is the old man''s request.


    They are to test various items including maximum speed and maneuverability.


    "This is wonderful!��You''re the master!"


    "Of course it is. Of course it is. Your father made it."


    Hope and Reiko go through a variety of tests ...... some of them quite grueling .......


    "I''ll go supersonic without warding."


    "Okay."


    The aircraft, which had ascended to the stratosphere so as not to affect its surroundings, hit speeds of 5,000 meters per second.


    The speed of sound in this area is just under 1,000 meters per second, or Mach 5.


    This led to the discovery of one glitch: .......

 1910 - - 51-24 Diamonds and Colundum

    "Hmm, I see what you mean."


    The plane has just returned from a supersonic test in the stratosphere. Part of the canopy was altered by the heat.


    "...... diamonds were vulnerable to heat, right?"


    Diamonds, which are crystals of carbon, are said to transform at about 600 degrees Celsius and burn at about 800 degrees Celsius.


    It was thought that the high temperature was probably caused by the adiabatic compression of air due to supersonic speed.


    "...... to turn it into aluminum oxide?"


    Mineral name is corundum, same as ruby and sapphire. With a Mohs hardness of 9, it is said to be the second hardest material after diamond, but in fact there are man-made materials that are a little harder.


    Nevertheless, among the transparent materials available today, this is the best when it comes to hardness, heat resistance, and chemical stability.


    Cubic zirconia is also hard, with a Mohs hardness of 8 to 8.5, but it is one step behind ruby. However, zirconia has a higher melting point and boiling point.


    However. Corundum can be synthesized from aluminum oxide Al2O3, but cubic zirconia is made by adding yttrium, calcium, magnesium, hafnium, etc. to zirconia, Cubic zirconia is made by adding 4 to 15% of yttrium, calcium, magnesium, hafnium, etc. to zirconia, so it is very difficult to synthesize.


    Therefore, the material imported from the is used.


    "We should change the outer layer of the three layers to corundum."


    Jin rushed to improve it.


    And one more thing.


    "Father, this is not a defect..."


    Is there something wrong?


    "Yes. Before we climbed into the stratosphere, there were clouds forming at both ends of the wings."


    "What ......?"


    Jin thought it might be a trailing vortex, or wingtip vortex.


    It is a vortex created by the air that goes around from the lower surface of the wing to the upper surface.


    (It''s a plane that flies with a force field generator. ......)


    (It is a plane that flies with a force generator. ) It is a plane that was built without any wind tunnel tests. It is not surprising that such a thing could happen.


    Jin thought it would be better to keep it in mind, though it would not be an immediate problem since it does not rely on the lift force generated by the wings.


    "Okay. Then please test me again."


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin looked over at the aircraft as it took off again,


    "......700672... ...or maybe we should use corundum instead of diamonds for the dome..."


    Leaving aside whether or not there is a concern about fire ......, now that we have noticed that it is not heat resistant, we feel bad about leaving it alone.


    So, Jin had 50 craftsmen (Smith) help him to replace the material of the dome while Reiko and Hope were conducting the test flight.


    In addition, the inside of the dome was coated with a subterranean spider resin (GSP) in case it cracked. This is a measure that even the had not taken.


    "You are a worrier, Jin-dono," said .


    The 700672 said to me,


    "It is said that you should take care of yourself before you fall," he replied.


    He replied,


    "I see. So that''s your belief, Jin-dono.


    The laughed and agreed.


    Meanwhile, Hope and Reiko had completed all the tests without any problems this time.


    * * * * *


    After the test flight by Hope and Reiko, it was time for Jin to get on board.


    "Father, how would you like to name it?"


    "Well, I don''t know."


    This was not Jin''s favorite naming question.


    After thinking about it for a while,


    "Okay, let''s name him Sparrow.


    Jin decided to name him Sparrow because he was small.


    Jin engraved the name <> on the dull silver-colored fuselage.


    "That''s it. Let''s go!"


    < in that order.


    Hope is in the pilot''s seat, first in line.


    Jin and Reiko are in the back. The pilot''s seat is about 30 centimeters higher than the cockpit, so visibility is good.


    The lower part of the cockpit is also made of transparent material to ensure a clear view.


    The rearward blind spots are projected on a special magic screen, so that even if Jin is a human being, Hope and Reiko can instantly see almost the whole area with their reaction speed.


    "Now, let''s go!"


    Hope announces, and the VTOL < lifts off the ground.


    Jin''s new craft, <>, is now flying freely in the skies of Hale, with Hope at the controls.


    "The new acceleration pressure absorber is working well, isn''t it?"


    Jin nodded in satisfaction.


    This is a mechanism that synchronizes the <> and the > to generate gravity in the aircraft in the same direction as the acceleration, but in the opposite direction.


    Thanks to this mechanism, the occupants do not feel anything even if they accelerate at 10G. In addition, normal gravity is applied to the cabin, so the passengers can spend a comfortable time.


    ...... and so far it has been used before. What Jin has introduced this time is an additional <-like device.


    It absorbs acceleration pressures above 0.5G (the upper limit is adjustable between 0G and 1G).


    Thanks to this device, Gs during ascent, descent, acceleration, deceleration, turn and roll can be sensed without any physical burden to the body.


    Incidentally, the acceleration G of a passenger plane is said to be 0.2 to 0.3G.


    A roller coaster ride is said to accelerate at 3G to 5G.


    "Oh, I feel like I''m flying.


    Jin had ridden roller coasters in modern Japan a few times. The roller coaster ride at that time would have taken about 3G, so 0.5G would not be a problem at all.


    I was Jin, who gave instructions to Hope to fly in an acrobatic manner and enjoyed the ride.


    "The maximum normal speed in the atmosphere is still Mach 3. ......"


    The limit of the wind shield is at that level, so any higher speed would generate a shock wave and cause trouble to the surroundings.


    "Well, considering the application, this is about right, isn''t it?"


    And Jin said,


    "Okay, that''s enough. Let''s go back."


    Jin gave the order to return.


    * * * *


    "You didn''t think about the hangar at ......."


    The VTOL aircraft can take off and land from anywhere, but the area around the <> has been groomed as a garden.


    It was built in an underground workshop, which is now connected to the ground by a ramp.


    "......700672... .......or if there is a rock wall like at ''s place, it would have been cool to launch from there......."


    Jin thinks to himself.


    "I guess we should build a hangar ...... or garage on the ground and launch from there.


    Jin decides to build a garage in the yard like a country house and launch the car from there.


    As expected, he decided not to make it look like a <.


    So Jin decides to build a garage-like structure.


    Ten <> helped him and it was completed in an hour.


    Walls made of concrete blocks, steel shutters, and a concrete roof.


    The garage turned out exactly as Jin had envisioned.


    Of course, the materials are not as they appear, but everything has been to increase strength and prevent deterioration due to ultraviolet rays and the like.


    Yes, that''s good.


    The garage is wide enough to fit three cars. < is 5 meters.


    The floor inside is an elevator that leads directly to the underground hangar and workshop.


    "It looks like the <>''s house is almost ready, maybe we should invite Marikka and Zion."


    Jin thinks about inviting some important people from the <> who have close ties to the planet Hale.


    "In that case, why don''t we invite Belialus ......?"


    Jin was a little excited and a little worried about how Belialus would react to seeing his sister Archelle''s rouge as it was in her youth, something he had thought about a little before.

 1911 - - 51-25 The Magic Puppet

    Jin was enjoying his and making the most of it.


    <


    The old man''s voice rang out, "What''s wrong?


    "What is it?"


    <.


    It was disguised as a cathode-ray tube TV set, according to Jin''s preference.


    "Oh, I see!


    Since the terminal was built here, the old man''s freedom of activity has been dramatically improved. So Jin had him use the Peeper telescope to search deep underground.


    <. It is in the south side of the basin, near the strong acid lake. There is a cavity around 1,000 meters underground, where many of the <> are being stored.


    "What?��Did you just say <>?��Not golem?"


    <> for convenience, because they do not have a control core and are operated remotely.


    Jin thought that another name for them would be <>.


    <<<>, I see.


    The old man seemed to have heard Jin''s muttering and decided to use that name.


    "...... Uh... What is this < like?"


    The magic screen, which resembles a cathode-ray tube television set, brightens, and a is projected on it.


    "Oh ......!"


    It was enough to make Jin shout out.


    First of all, it was big.


    The reason why we could tell how big they are is because the wise old man showed us the scale on the screen.


    "The biggest one is about 15 meters. ......"


    It is the same size as the one Jin made, <. There are ten of them in a row.


    The reason why you made such an ambiguous judgment is that <> tends to dislike fighting, so there is a possibility that they do not carry weapons even if they are for fighting.


    And its design was very mechanical, just like the giant robots in the robot cartoons that were popular in 20th century Japan.


    Having grown up watching such programs, Jin had a kind of strange admiration or sympathy for them.


    Not only that, there were also smaller <. There were 20 of them.


    These puppets are almost human-sized, if we take your scale as a reference. However, they are about twice as wide. They look like sumo wrestlers in the shape of an anchovy.


    "I wonder what they were used for. ......"


    He thought, "I''ll ask later.


    * * * *


    "Why weren''t these returned to the material?"


    Jin asked the old man, thinking that such a large amount of metals could not be overlooked in Hale, where resources were running out.


    <


    "I see."


    The depletion is mainly due to what Jin calls <<<>.


    Iron and nickel are sometimes found in meteorites, so they were not so scarce.


    "That''s right. It would be strange if all resources were in short supply at the same time.


    Jin is somewhat convinced.


    "I understand that it was not returned to the material. I wonder what it is used for?"


    <>


    "Of course. I give you my full permission.


    * * * *


    "Let''s go to <>''s place. ......"


    Since he was curious about the results of the analysis of the crystal disk found the other day, Jin decided to visit <> No. 700672. Jin decided to visit the <700672 once.


    "You are in Ars now, aren''t you?"


    That''s what happens since the analysis can only be done in . Neige and Rouge were supposed to be with him.


    Jin returns to Horai Island with Reiko, and then transfers again with a souvenir of Persica juice.


    "Jin-san, welcome!"


    Rouge greeted us unusually.


    Father is busy with analysis.


    Neige also came out and told him so.


    I guess it''s not over yet. I have something to tell you about ...... Hale.


    As I was talking with Rouge and Neige, the 700672 stopped analyzing and came over to me, as if he had heard my voice.


    "Oh, Jin-dono, what''s going on today?��I haven''t finished my analysis yet.


    "Ah, <>, thank you for your analysis. Actually, we found another underground ruin south of the central basin in Hale.


    "What?"


    "So I came here to ask your opinion. Oh, here''s a souvenir.


    Jin explained the situation while handing her a glass of Persian juice.


    Oh, I''m always sorry. I''ve been trying to get a hold of you at ......, so tell me more about what''s going on.


    Just in time, 700672 said he was going to take a break.


    "......," he said.


    "Hmm, interesting."


    Jin explained, and <>700672 was very interested.


    "I don''t know if it''s coincidence or inevitability, but I found a record of something like that on the I''m analyzing right now."


    "What?"


    "Two of the crystal disks show that 20,000 years ago, the Masters were using what you call remote-controlled ...... puppets. "It seems that they were using such remote-controlled


    In those days, they did not leave the work to the golems and automata under their control, but did various tasks themselves.


    "Remote control is an old-fashioned ...... and rather troublesome to use, so I think that eventually it was neglected and no one took any notice of it."


    After all, there was a record of <>, but no information on <> it was found.


    "Then, is it possible to make use of it, since we are here?


    Jin asked the <>.


    "Yes?��You want to use it for something?��It will be no problem. < would have forgotten about it and regarded it as something that doesn''t exist."


    "Okay, I understand. I will check ...... with my own eyes first, but if it is useful, I will modify it and use it for the good of this planet."


    <, he would be able to use it for the good of the planet.


    "Oh, that''s good. ...... will you be renovating it in Hale?��I''m interested too, so please call me when you do.


    I''ll be interested in that.


    I''ll be interested to hear from you.


    "...... is this the kind of structure ......"


    <, Jin and Reiko went to the in the Central Basin to do as much research as they could.


    As expected, the material was iron-based. Nickel-chromium steel with <><>.


    Rather than muscle system ......, the driving system was an inorganic material, <>.


    The <> was the technology used for the <> of the <>, but the <> had also developed an alloy of the same type.


    "Hmm, this one is much more efficient than the <>''s one."


    Jin was impressed.


    "Oh, I''m sure Rubina will be happy when I call her over.


    <, he thought that he could invite a few people at a time to Hale.

 1912 - - 51-26 Visits to the Elders House

    On March 27th, Jin is on .


    He is accompanied by Reiko, Zion, and Marikka.


    First, he invites his caretaker, Trihard Randall, and his wife, Suzanne Randall, to a meeting to discuss the situation.


    "Oh, for Hale!"


    Trihard Randall showed an obvious interest.


    I would love to visit Hale.


    Suzanne seemed to be in the same boat.


    "The warp gate makes it easy to come and go, but we don''t have enough living facilities to live there yet. It''s fine for a day trip, but for a few nights it''s more like four or five people."


    Jin explained the situation.


    "This time, Trihart, Suzanne, and Marikka are set."


    "What?��We are?


    Jin nodded and explained the reason.


    "We''re going to be able to come and go freely to Hale eventually, so I want you two caretakers to go there first. 70067 And Marikka, whom No. 2 has recognized as his new ."


    "I''m honored.


    I thought Theon would be too,


    "I''m sorry, but ......"


    After this, Zion said he was going to the kingdoms of Egelea and Elias as part of a diplomatic mission, so we''ll see him next time.


    "Two more. <, of course, but what about the others? Trichardt, do you have any suggestions?


    "Then take Amanda with you."


    Amanda Garrett. Rubina''s grandmother.


    "Okay. Okay, we''ll do that this time. We''ll try to get more people to go when they have accommodations.


    "Yes, please."


    Thus, the members of the Hale-bound group, besides Jin and Reiko, were Marikka, Trihardt Randle, Suzanne Randle, Rubina Garrett, and Amanda Garrett of Shinra.


    * * * *


    The same day, the group was in Hale.


    "......here is ......"


    "...... Hale, is it ......?"


    Nothing!


    Here, Rubina.


    They were Trihardt, Suzanne, Rubina and Amanda, respectively. Marikka looks around silently.


    "Let''s go to the ''s house first."


    "Elders?"


    Rubina asked.


    "Yes, the Elder. <?"


    She looked at Marikka,


    "Well, Rubina, there is a man named 700672 who lives further north in the Nordic Federation.


    She explained.


    "Oh, okay."


    Jin reflected on the fact that it was only recently that he had decided to call them <>, and he was satisfied that that was the way they explained things on <>.


    In the first place, <> itself is controlled by <>, a magical brain that is descended from <>, so it is not surprising that it is being taught.


    "So we get to meet someone like that. I''m looking forward to it."


    Amanda, who is usually so quiet, was speaking a little excitedly.


    This time we are traveling in a Sparrow. Reiko is sitting on Jin''s lap.


    "I''m sorry, father," she says.


    Reiko looks happy, saying something like, "I''m sorry, Father.


    From front to back are the pilots, Hope, Jin, Reiko, Mariko, and Mariko. Jin and Reiko, Marikka. Rubina and Amanda. Rubina and Amanda, and Trihard and Suzanne, in that order.


    "All right, let''s do this."


    "Yes, sir."


    Suddenly, floated up.


    This time, the maximum internal G-force is set to 0.2G. This is a value that allows the Gs during acceleration, deceleration, and turning to be moderately felt.


    "It''s an honor to be here with Jinsha!"


    Marikka was completely elated.


    Rubina said,


    "It feels so good to actually fly!


    < and ,


    "Don''t do anything too immodest," Amanda told me.


    Amanda told her not to be too rash and she calmed down a little.


    "I never thought I''d see the day like this, honey.


    "Yes, yes."


    Mr. and Mrs. Trihardt Suzanne were showing the composure of a mature couple.


    * * * *


    "Welcome to our home."


    <


    The 700672, Neige, and Rouge are out to greet you.


    "Long time no see, 700672. I guess I should call you <> from now on."


    Marikka was the first to get off and greet him.


    "Hello, Marikka-sama, welcome.


    She bows her head deeply.


    "I have brought four representatives from Onogoro Island with me today.


    Jin then addressed the group.


    Rubina Garrett, Amanda Garrett, Trihard Randle, and Suzanne Randle.


    He then introduced the members of .


    "This is 700672. I am playing the role of an elder here in Hale.


    I''ve heard a lot about you.


    It''s an honor to meet you, sir.


    Pleased to meet you.


    And as the adults greeted the 700672, Rubina said.


    "You must be Rouge and Neige, right?��I''m Rubina!��Nice to meet you!


    "Hi, nice to meet you."


    "Hi, nice to meet you!"


    She said to Rouge and Neige.


    "Wow, this is a nice house. ......"


    First of all, we were shown to the house, which had been built for this kind of occasion.


    The interior of the reception room was completely finished, and although some parts were in the style of the Shoro Empire, the overall appearance was exotic.


    Jin thought that this was probably the style of the .


    "Please have some tea."


    Neige, Rouge, and Reiko brought tea for everyone.


    Reiko was helping them since she was not used to serving customers.


    Still, Neige and Rouge seemed to be enjoying this new experience.


    Over a cup of tea, Trihart commented that there are solid stone buildings on Onogoro Island, but he had never seen anything so solid and sturdy.


    "Well, I built this place with the help of Jin-dono," he said.


    "I didn''t know that."


    "Yes. I am indebted to Master Jin for what he did for Hale.


    The adults were talking like that. Neige and Rouge and Rubina..,


    "Hey, Rubina, let me show you our room!"


    "Oh, really?��Yay!"


    They had become good friends.

 1913 - - 51-27 Information

    Rubina was being shown around Neige and Rouge''s room.


    "Look, this is it!"


    "He...... hee......"


    <, the couple entered an underground passageway that led to a grotto in the rock wall. The third floor is their room.


    Rubina, as expected, is a little bit nervous.


    The walls, floor, and ceiling of their room are painted white, and the only furniture in the room is a king-size bed and a small sideboard on which they must be sleeping.


    The only furniture was a king-size bed and a small sideboard that might have been used for sleeping two people.


    "...... Is there any other furniture?��Maybe a chest of drawers or a closet. ......"


    Rubina asked, and the two of them both bit into her words.


    We don''t know much about that kind of thing.


    "Rubina, can you tell us about all these things?"


    And Rubina was glad to be asked to help,


    "Yes, sure!


    She accepted the offer.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, as for the adults,


    "This is the dome ......"


    < side. There are three huge domes that used to be over 100 meters in diameter.


    The domes are broken and most of the cubic zirconia has been reused.


    The houses that may have once stood inside the domes have been reduced to rubble, unable to withstand the passage of more than 10,000 years.


    "There must have been many of these things in the Nordic Federation."


    That''s where cubic zirconia is found.


    Amanda suggested that we invite Rubina to join us, but 700672, seeing Rouge and Neige looking so happy, said, "I want you to leave it as it is. Amanda said, "Leave it as it is.


    "Yes. < liked it this way."


    By building a giant transparent dome and maintaining a comfortable environment inside with light shielding and air conditioning, they could live anywhere from the tropics to the frigid zones, 70067 No. 2 explained.


    "That''s what we made much smaller to imitate."


    700672 pointed to a small dome made by Jin.


    "It looks nice. It looks warm when it''s cold."


    Marikka, who is from the relatively cold <>, looked at the dome a little enviously.


    "Well, let me show you inside."


    Marikka''s words were followed by the 700672 group ......Marikka, Marikka''s words, and the 700672 group is led into the dome by Marikka, Trihart and Suzanne, Amanda, and others.


    Meanwhile, Jin and Reiko were at the grotto because they were worried about Rubina and the others.


    They are watching them from a distance.


    Like a father watching his daughter''s , Jin watches them from the shadows.


    "(They''ve become very good friends. ...... I guess I can rest easy now. ......)"


    "(Yes, father.)"


    The three of them are now going to the observation deck. They got into the elevator that had just been completed. Jin asks Reiko to help him, since he can''t follow them.


    "Reiko, keep an eye on them with the peepers, just in case."


    "Yes, Father."


    * * *


    "Wow, nice view!��...... Oh, there are the grandmothers."


    Rubina was thrilled to be in the observation deck with a 50-meter difference in elevation.


    Neige and Rouge are used to it by now, so they are not so excited.


    "I love ...... this place."


    Rubina looks deeply envious of Neige and Rouge,


    "You can come visit us anytime you want."


    "Yes, yes. We''re friends, aren''t we?


    They said to her.


    When Jin hears this from Reiko, he is relieved to hear that everything will be all right.


    Then he decided to stop stalking her and quietly went outside with Reiko.


    Just then, 700672 arrived with Marikka, Mr. and Mrs. Trihart Susanne, and Amanda to show them the grotto. Amanda.


    "Oh, Mister Jin was here?"


    "Yes, I was looking out for Rubina, Neige and Rouge.


    I''m sorry about that. So how did it go?


    They''re getting along great. They''re getting along great.


    "That''s superimposed."


    700672 laughed happily.


    And Amanda,


    "She''s always been a shy girl, you know.


    Amanda smiled, "She has always been a shy girl.


    Amanda smiled, "She has always been a shy girl.


    "This place has a nice view, doesn''t it?


    In the end, we all went to the observation room.


    Rubina, Neige, and Rouge, the first guests, greeted everyone with smiles.


    "Rubina, I see you two have become friends.


    "Oh, grandma. Oh, grandma!��Rouge and Neige are friends now!


    "Yes. Rouge, Neige, be good friends with my grandchildren.


    Amanda said to Rouge and Neige.


    "It''s nice to meet you, too!


    "I''m looking forward to working with you."


    Both of them replied smilingly.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    When it was time for lunch, Jin led the group to the .


    The <700672 was not stocked with food for ordinary people to eat. Nor was there a kitchen.


    (We need to stock food for visitors and set up a kitchen. ...... And we need a samurai golem that can cook.)


    ) Jin thought to himself.


    "So this is Jin-sama''s house. It''s a very calm house, isn''t it?


    "Oh, the house itself is just like Hourai Island!


    "You''ve already built this much?


    "Is this the real architecture?


    "It looks like a nice house to live in, dear."


    Amanda, Rubina, Marikka, Trihardt and Susanne said.


    "Come in."


    Jin leads them to the living room. Everyone knew to take off their shoes.


    "Welcome.


    We have been waiting for you.


    Having been notified, the Japanese-style samurai automata and were waiting for them, ready to serve lunch.

 1914 - - 51-28 Spherical Joints

    Rubina was the first one to shine when she saw the Japanese samurai automata < and .


    "Wow, that''s amazing!��Of course it''s Jin-sama''s work!"


    "Yes, I did. But let''s have lunch first.


    The menu was tempura udon.


    Vegetable and wild vegetable tempura, white fish tempura, shrimp tempura, chikuwa tempura, and more.


    You can enjoy the crispy batter or dip it in soup stock to taste the fluffy batter.


    Jin likes both.


    "Would you like another one?"


    "Oh, thank you!"


    "Then, me too."


    "I''ll have another one, too."


    Since the bowl was a little smaller than usual, everyone had a second helping.


    We finished off the meal with soba tea.


    The aroma of the tea was a welcome relief.


    "Listen to me while you drink."


    Jin opened his mouth.


    "Actually, I found the remains of the <> in the place we call <> the other day.


    Everyone listened to Jin''s story in silence.


    "There were more than a dozen work golems. The biggest one is 15 meters long, and the smallest one is the size of a human being.


    For now, Jin calls them what he is used to calling instead of <.


    "I want to see it!��Jin-sama, I want to see it!"


    Rubina shouted at the mention of a giant golem.


    "I know, calm down!"


    "That''s right, Rubina."


    "Yes, Rubina."


    Jin laughed and continued.


    "I''m going to save at least one of each of them, but I''m going to modify the rest of them to work and use them for Hale.


    Jin then explained what state they are currently in.


    "...... So, in short, the skeleton, the drive train, and the exterior are all that''s left."


    "That''s what I mean. There''s not a shadow of a control system."


    You''ll let me help you with that?


    If you want to.


    I wanna do it, I wanna do it, I wanna do it!��I wanna play with the Golem!


    okay, calm down!


    Jin calmed Rubina, who was about to get up from her seat and run out of the room.


    "You don''t know where it is, and it''s not within walking distance.


    "U...... yes?"


    Rubina sat back down.


    "What a child she is! ....... She''s still just a kid," Amanda said.


    Amanda says.


    That''s not the kind of thing you say to a 10 year old, Jin thought, but kept quiet.


    "So, who wants to go see the golem after this?


    Jin asked, and everyone except Rubina raised a small hand. It seemed that they were interested in the golem of the .


    Rubina, of course, raised her hands vigorously and waved them.


    "Okay. Then let''s all go together."


    * * * * * *


    We have installed a warp gate, so the trip will be quick.


    We have built a simple building at the site, where you can stay and sleep. Tea can be brewed and snacks are available when you need to take a break.


    Welcome, gentlemen.


    Right now, this place is managed by >10.


    From 11 to 30, there are 20 Smiths in the room.


    "Oh, Jin-dono, my guests."


    "Oh, there''s Rubi-chan!"


    "Ruby-chan!"


    It turns out that 700672, Neige and Rouge had arrived a short time before.


    Neige and Rouge had become such good friends that they called Rubina <.


    Jin led the group into the tent-covered workshop.


    "Well, this is the giant golem."


    "Wow. ......"


    "Wow. ......"


    The gigantic figure of 15 meters tall overwhelmed the audience. There are eight of them in a row.


    Originally there were ten of them, but the best-preserved one has been easily maintained and preserved.


    "All of them seem to be remotely operated and are not autonomous. That is why I named them ."


    The one carrying the is Daidara, who was called from Horai Island. They are of equal size, so they can be carried around in his arms.


    "That''s Master Jin''s golem over there."


    Rubina''s eyes are shining, and she looks as if she is about to run.


    "I''m taking this one apart and analyzing it, do you want to see it?


    "Yes!"


    Rubina replies immediately.


    "Okay, come on.


    Everyone who is interested is welcome to come," Jin said, and they all followed him.


    "Here it is."


    "Wow, ......!"


    Scaffolding has been set up around the < that has been laid out on the floor.


    The exterior is half removed, revealing the inside.


    "The structure is totally different. ......"


    What Rubina means is that it is a different system from the < used by Jin and his associates.


    Of course, it is different from other systems used in Ars.


    But the structure was a little familiar to Jin.


    Spherical joints.


    There are ceramic dolls called bisque dolls.


    Since they do not bend like soft vinyl dolls, they have joints to change their clothes. Most of them are called , with a sphere at the center of the joint.


    The skeleton of this <''s had a similar structure.


    "Isn''t it inflexible?"


    Rubina, who could tell at first glance that the puppet''s structure was not flexible enough.


    "That''s right. Well, I guess they didn''t think this large size needed flexibility.


    I guess they cut down where they could and specialized it only for its intended use.


    "Hmm, I don''t really understand the origin concept."


    "But it is important to guess such a design concept, isn''t it?��Especially when repairing or modifying them.


    Jin teaches Rubina gently.


    "......Oh, yes, I think so. Jin-sama, I understand.


    Rubina now accepts Jin''s teaching.

 1915 - - 51-29 Growth of Rouge and Nage2

    Rubina observes as Jin disassembles a large-sized , but she can''t just stand by and watch.


    However, there was no way she could just stand by and watch, so she began to help him out a little.


    "Jin-sama, can I remove this part here?


    "Yes, you can. It''s heavy, so be careful.


    "Jin-sama, isn''t this part fixed?"


    No, they are just stuck together by rust. <


    Oh, that''s right.


    Jin-sama, I''ll hold this side.


    Thank you.


    Jin-san, should I take this off first?


    "Oh, wait a minute. "Oh, wait a minute. It''s easier if I remove it from here."


    "Jin-san, where should I put this after removing it?"


    "Give it to the craftsman.


    "Mr. Jin, this one is done!"


    "Oh, thank you. What''s ......?


    Jin, who had been absorbed in the dismantling, now realized that his voice had increased during the process.


    "Neige, rouge?"


    "Yes.


    I''m here to help you.


    When did you ......


    "You two were here earlier, weren''t you?��I thought you were aware of it because you were giving them instructions so naturally.


    Rubina tells a stunned Jin.


    "I came here because you seemed to be having fun, Ruby.


    Neige says.


    "It''s better to have a lot of people on hand, isn''t it?"


    says Rouge.


    "Well, okay."


    Rubina seemed to be having a good time, and there was no hurry to get rid of her. I have no complaints since Neige and Rouge seem to be having a good time.


    Jin then decides to go ahead with the work, and gives the order.


    "Well then, the three of you remove the inner chest cover," he says.


    "Okay."


    Okay.


    "Leave it to me!"


    In this way, it took about an hour and a half to finish disassembling the large-sized Magi Puppet to the required level.


    * * * * * *


    "Ah, that was fun. I learned a lot. Jin-sama''s skill is really amazing!


    Tea time at 3 o''clock.


    Yokan jelly and sencha tea are on the table.


    There are two kinds of yokan, one is not so sweet and the other is much sweeter.


    "I like the less sweet one.


    Neige prefers the less sweet one,


    "I like the sweet one!"


    Rouge seemed to prefer the sweet one.


    Then, rice crackers with the aroma of soy sauce were served.


    "After eating something sweet, rice crackers are delicious as a palate cleanser, aren''t they?


    Suzanne Randall seemed to be particularly fond of rice crackers. On the other hand, Trihardt has a sweet tooth and eats sweet yokan (bean jelly).


    "Yummy, yummy!"


    Marikka''s mouth was full of the sweet yokan.


    She seems to be more relaxed in such a place where she can show her true self than in her clan''s territory.


    "The tea ...... is delicious.


    "It''s delicious!"


    Then Neige and Rouge joined them in drinking the tea.


    "Very interesting."


    No. 700672 did not drink tea, nor eat yokan (bean jelly) or rice crackers, but drank Persica juice.


    "Homunculus is designed to be able to eat, but it can basically live only on free magical element (ether). Yet they seem to be enjoying oral intake of substances so much. I guess external factors play a large role.


    It seems that after befriending Rubina and spending time with the humans, they are rapidly becoming more human-like, 700672 said. He said.


    "So this is the first real example of this?"


    Jin asked, and <>700672 said in a low voice,


    "......<> have never treated servants like humans."


    He muttered in a whisper.


    * * * *


    We finished the day by disassembling and analyzing one of them.


    "Jin-sama, I learned a lot from you. Thank you very much.


    Rubina thanked Jin properly, as her grandmother Amanda had requested.


    "It''s always good to learn from experience," she said.


    "You''ll let me help you tomorrow, right?"


    "What?��That''s right. ......"


    It is true that it is meaningless to let him help halfway.


    Jin thought that it might be a good idea to entrust a whole body to him at this time.


    "Okay, okay. I''ll leave one of them to you tomorrow.


    Rubina was overjoyed at these words.


    "Wow, really?��Thank you, Jin-sama!


    "Rubina, you''re in charge now, so you have to do it right.


    Her grandmother Amanda also supported Rubina.


    "We''ll help you."


    "Yes, my friend."


    Rouge and Neige also declared that they would help Rubina.


    "Oh, that''s good, but you''re going to help us, right?


    "Yes, father."


    Yes, Father." No. 700672 was happy to see that they had developed such an ego.


    That evening they had dinner at Jin''s house.


    "Hello, hello, I''m so happy to see you."


    "Rouge, behave yourself, will you?"


    Neige rebukes Rouge''s excited behavior.


    At Rubina''s request, Rouge and Neige are invited to the party.


    700672 says, "I''m sorry, but I''m counting on you.


    "Yummy!


    "I love it!"


    The dinner menu consisted of rice, soup with shimeji mushrooms and tofu, grilled dried horse mackerel, simmered vegetables, sweet omelet, and pickles.


    Rouge seemed to like the sweet omelet and Neige seemed to like the pickles.


    "Ah, Jin-sama''s rice is delicious, isn''t it?


    Marikka also had another bowl of rice.


    "I guess there must be a trick to cooking rice.


    Amanda, too, said she could never cook rice this well.


    "I feel like there''s a secret ingredient in this oshinko.


    Suzanne said after eating some pickled Chinese cabbage.


    "Correct. It is pickled with a little red pepper, apple peel, and kelp.


    Jin explained that it was the result of experimenting with different ways of flavoring the dish, rather than just sprinkling it with salt and putting a weight on it.


    "Apurru...... apple peels and kelp?��I didn''t know that. I''ll try it next time."


    And so the dinner passed peacefully.

 1916 - - 51-30 Longing

    After dinner.


    "It seems to be boiling, so please take a bath.


    Jin''s house has a hot spring, albeit a boiling one.


    There is a large bathtub for guests.


    "Bath?


    "Bath?"


    Neige and Rouge seem to know what a bath is, but they have never taken one.


    Unlike humans, homunculus metabolism does not produce sweat or waste products, so even if their bodies are dirty, they can be cleaned by simply wiping them clean.


    "But, you know, ......."


    Rubina wondered how to explain this to them. So Jin decided to add a few words.


    "Humans, you know, sometimes do things that seem useless.


    Jin spun the words in his mind, "It doesn''t mean that hot springs and baths are a waste of time.


    "But you will realize someday that it was <>, not <>. That''s what life is all about.


    Jin smiled, realizing that he had just said something very out of character for him.


    someone once told me.


    And so on.


    "Proof is better than an argument, come on in!


    Rubina, taking over for the more logical Jin, invited the two of them to go to the bathhouse.


    "Oh!"


    "......, it''s indescribable."


    The bathtub was designed to accommodate four or five people, so there was plenty of room for Rubina, Neige, and Rouge.


    Rubina stretched out her arms and legs in the bathtub,


    "Doesn''t it feel good?


    she asked them.


    "This is ...... what it feels like to feel good. ......"


    "Yes,<>!"


    "Yes!


    Rubina was very happy.


    In the end, the three of us took a long hot bath until our grandmother Amanda rebuked us.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, the 28th, Jin started working on remodeling the Magi Puppet in the morning.


    "Remote control is good, but it would be better if at least two or three of them could act autonomously.


    Jin continues to modify the Magi Puppets without stopping.


    "Jin-sama, did you use mithril silver for the magical nerve wire?


    "No. Did I not explain it to you yesterday?��The metal from the resource satellite stored in orbit has a better affinity with magic than Ars''s mithril silver.


    "Yeah, I think I heard a little bit about that."


    "That''s why I''m trying to use light silver wire instead of low-strength mithril.


    The higher strength makes it more reliable, Jin added.


    "I see. ...... How do you know how to move a large golem?"


    "I think it should be similar to what we call for heavy-duty work. However, the characteristics of the joints and other drive systems are slightly different, so some adjustments may be necessary."


    "Ah, so that''s how it will be. ...... I''m learning a lot."


    "Ha, Rubina seems to like golems.


    "Yes,......."


    Rubina replied somewhat brusquely and glanced at Reiko, who was silently assisting Jin.


    "Most of the people on the island have heard about Reiko''s legend and admire her."


    "Eh?"


    "Yes?"


    Jin and Reiko''s replies overlapped.


    "Reiko was created by our predecessor and perfected by Jin-sama. Her many exploits have been told in stories and told by parents to their children from generation to generation."


    "What?


    "...... Is that so?"


    Jin was surprised and Reiko was a little proud of herself.


    "I grew up hearing stories like that since I was a little girl.


    Rubina confessed that she had grown fond of golems and automata and wanted to make her own one day.


    "......I''m embarrassed, but that''s my motive."


    "Well, I see. You''ve taught me well. Thank you."


    "...... I told you because only Jin-sama and Reiko are here, but please don''t tell anyone, okay?"


    "Yes, I won''t."


    Jin nodded at Rubina, who looked a little embarrassed.


    "But I''m sure the two guys in the back heard it."


    "What?"


    At Jin''s words, Rubina turned around to see Neige and Rouge standing there.


    "Ruby, you''re so single-minded."


    "Ruby-chan, go for it!"


    "Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"


    Rubina turned red and panicked when she found out that Jin and Reiko had heard her confession, even though it was quite embarrassing for her to tell them.


    "Calm down, Rubina."


    That''s all Jin could say. But when he looked at Reiko a little, the perceptive Reiko took Rubina''s hand and said


    "Rubina-san, thank you for sharing your story with us.


    "Uh, ah, yes."


    Rubina regained some composure. After another two minutes or so, she finally returned to her usual mood.


    "I''m sorry, ....... I''m a little distraught."


    Not just a little, Jin thought, but not mature enough to say it.


    "Okay. Okay, let''s continue."


    "...... yes."


    With a low-strung Rubina at his back, Jin once again set about remodeling his magi-puppet.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "......It was surprisingly easy."


    Jin finished the project in about an hour, and then he said to himself.


    "I''m sure that''s not true. Jin-sama''s line for easy must be above the clouds.


    Rubina, who was observing the event, refuted his soliloquy.


    The time was just noon.


    "I would like to join you today, if I may.


    said <> No.700672. He said that Neige and Rouge had come back yesterday and had told him so much fun that he had wanted to go with them.


    "Yes, please."


    Although he was a little puzzled by the fact that the homunculus , which was supposed to be a pseudo-life, was showing more and more emotional movement, it was not a bad change, so Jin readily agreed to go.


    Lunch that day was even more lively than dinner the night before.


    The menu consisted of sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers.


    For some reason, croquette bread and yakisoba bread were also mixed in.


    "Father, this is delicious.


    "Try this, Father!"


    Neige and Rouge are looking after the 700672 for some reason.


    "Yes, yes, I''m eating it."


    The 700672 seemed to be a little overwhelmed by the tension between the two.


    This is delicious!��I didn''t think you could put yakisoba between bread. I thought so!


    <, but no croquette bread or yakisoba bread.


    "I wish I had found this taste earlier!"


    "We have pork cutlet sandwiches, but never croquette sandwiches."


    It''s a triumph of imagination.


    Mr. and Mrs. Susanne Trihardt seemed to be particularly pleased with the croquette bread.


    "It''s a taste of Jin-sama''s house, isn''t it ......?"


    Marikka reminisced as she ate ham sandwiches, egg sandwiches, and other sandwiches.


    "Look, look, you have sauce all around your mouth."


    "Uh-huh."


    Rubina is chewing on her hamburger, and her grandmother Amanda is warning her. They seem to be getting along well with each other, and Jin can''t help but feel relaxed.


    And so the lunch ended happily.

 1917 - - 51-31 Disciple Malikka

    After lunch, Jin and the others returned to the .


    "Now, Rubina, are you planning to play with the other one you modified this time?"


    "What?"


    Out of the 10 pieces, one is for preservation, so 9 pieces are available for modification.


    Jin was planning to modify four of them to guard Hale.


    Jin thought that he would let Rubina take care of one of them.


    Rubina was still inexperienced, but he hoped that she would grow through this work.


    "I''ll do it!��I want to do it!"


    Of course, Rubina agreed immediately.


    "Okay, then, I''ll leave one of you in charge after this.


    "Thank you, Jin-sama!"


    "Ruby, I''m so happy for you."


    "Ruby, we''ll help you."


    "Yes, thank you. ......"


    Rubina was able to say thank you to Rouge and Neige, who declared that they would help her.


    Meanwhile, <> 700672 went to his <> with the adults, namely Mr. and Mrs. Trihart Suzanne and Amanda. and they had a lot to talk about.


    Now 700672 seems to be enjoying these conversations very much. He is becoming more human.


    "Rouge, Neige, I am going home first. Don''t give Mr. Jin any trouble.


    Yes, Father.


    Yes, Father.


    Marikka, on the other hand, will be Jin''s assistant.


    Jin is about to begin work on a human-sized magical puppet.


    "This is the only time I get to see your skills at work, Jin-sama.


    Marikka, who is also Jin''s official apprentice, said that just as 400 years ago, it would be a good learning experience for her to observe Jin''s work in this way.


    * * * * * *


    Rubina and the others are excited.


    "Hold it right there!"


    "Yes, okay."


    "Help me lift this side!"


    I got it!


    Neige and Rouge were moving around quickly under Rubina''s direction.


    Rubina had used to reduce the weight of the large parts, and Neige and Rouge moved them for her.


    This method of applying to large, heavy parts was the same one that Rubina uses when making large golems.


    "Well, now we can disassemble it.


    "You''re good at this, Ruby."


    "That''s great!"


    Neige and Rouge did not look tired.


    "Well then, we have a little more time before our 3 o''clock tea, so let''s finish removing the rust."


    "Yeah."


    "Oh!"


    Jin has just finished disassembling the ninth of the human-sized Magi Puppets, watching the three of them with a sideways glance.


    One of these puppets will be preserved as a historical and technological legacy.


    "......Mr. Jin''s skill is very good. ......"


    Marikka was half impressed and half dismayed.


    * * * *


    "Sweet!"


    "Delicious ......"


    "I love it!"


    Tea time at 3 o''clock was sencha green tea, ankoromochi, and fried rice crackers.


    As usual, Neige prefers less sweetness, while Rouge prefers a sweeter taste.


    "These fried rice crackers look easy to make, but they are delicious!


    Marikka is eating a piece of fried rice cracker.


    "Ah, the tea is delicious.


    Jin was happy to be able to do whatever he wanted with his friends.


    After the tea time, there was one more work to do until dinner time.


    "The material is iron-based, so I should add mithril and make it magi steel. ......"


    Jin decided that it was indeed not enough to make neo-steel.


    With the help of Reiko and Maricka, this was done in about 30 minutes.


    "Now all we need is a drive system."


    Jin wonders what to do with it since it is not made of biological material.


    "Father, what about making a out of neo material?"


    "Yes, that sounds interesting. Let''s give it a try."


    <, that is, they can reproduce at a certain temperature, while shape-memory magic alloys have the property of returning to their original shape when a certain amount of magic power is applied to them.


    Jin has also studied it, but since it is not as good as biological material (material of demons), he has not used it for advanced (by Jin''s standard) golems.


    However, if it were made from <> type material, which has a higher affinity with free magic element (ether) than <> type material, would it be ......?


    "Yes, it''s practical enough."


    Although it was less efficient than the << ancient dragon leather>> used for Reiko, it had a higher maximum output than magical muscles made from other materials.


    The only drawback is that it is heavier than biological materials.


    "Okay, let''s try this."


    After finishing the verification experiment, Jin hurriedly mass-produces <>.


    Reiko arranges the materials, and using <> and <>, mass-produces standardized magical muscles.


    Marikka''s role is to assemble them, but it is much faster for Jin to make magical muscles.


    As Marikka was pushed to assemble them, Jin finally finished making the required number of magical muscles and started to assemble them himself.


    "What?


    Jin, who started later, assembled the same number as himself before he knew it, and then .......


    (Oh, yes, that''s right. This is Jin-sama. ......)


    Marikka had completely taken off her helmet.


    All the assembly work was done before dinner.


    "Okay, the control system will be done tomorrow.


    Jin was happy to have finished the work to the last detail.


    "Thank you, Marikka. "Marikka, thank you.


    "......, I''m tired."


    Marikka, as expected, was not amused by Jin''s pace.


    "...... but it''s fun, isn''t it?


    Marikka fondly remembers the days when she first started learning engineering magic from Jin.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, let''s have a bath before dinner.


    <.


    "Yes, yes!


    "I''m so excited."


    "I''m so happy."


    Not only Rubina, but also Neige and Rouge seem to like taking a bath.


    (......) This means we have to build a bath in the Elder''s house, too.


    ( This means we should build a bath in the house of the <>.

 1918 - - 51-32 Each

    When everyone, including Jin, was out of the bath, the adults returned with the <> 700672.


    Amanda, Suzanne, Trihardt and 700672 took a bath in that order.


    "Well, this <> tradition is not bad. No, it''s very nice."


    Yes!


    "I want one too, father."


    Rouge and Neige are begging for the 700672. Seeing this, Jin was convinced that his earlier idea was correct. And then..,


    (......) I''d better start the construction work tomorrow.


    He made a secret plan.


    That night, Neige and Rouge had dinner together.


    Just to be sure, Jin checked their physical condition by , and was relieved to find that there was nothing wrong.


    The menu consisted of rice, miso soup with taro and radish, plain potato croquettes, Mitsuho specialty <ginger-roasted pork, vegetable salad, and pickles.


    "This is delicious!


    "Mmm, this is what it feels like to be ...... delicious."


    "It''s delicious!"


    Not only Neige and Rouge, but also the <> 700672 are enjoying their meal.


    700672 has made many new discoveries since coming to Hale.


    "Hey, hey, why don''t you stay the night?


    "What?"


    "...... father, okay?"


    Rouge and Neige, invited by Rubina, asked 700672 to stay the night.


    "Yes, of course.


    The 700672 was also happy that Neige and Rouge had made friends.


    Rubina is lying on a futon in the guest room, and Neige and Rouge are lounging next to her.


    "These tatami mats are interesting.


    "Haha, you sound just like Mr. <<7>>, Ne-chan."


    "...... so?"


    Rubina had come to call the 700672 Mr. <<7>>, Neige <> and Rouge <>. >>Rouge was called .


    That night, Rubina and the other three made a lot of noise until Amanda scolded them.


    The next day, the 29th, they went to the hotel.


    The next day, the 29th.


    "Miso soup is delicious!


    "......, I can''t get enough of it."


    "Mmm, it''s delicious."


    Neige, Rouge, and 700672 enjoyed the meal of rice gruel, miso soup with wakame seaweed and tofu, pickled plums, grilled salted salmon roe, and oshinko (Japanese pickles) very much. Rubina was also smiling.


    Rubina, smiling, had three more bowls of porridge.


    Trihart and Suzanne, Amanda and Maricka were delighted with this meal.


    As they sipped hojicha (Japanese green tea) after the meal, Jin said,


    "<>, I would like to install a bath in your house today.


    He offered, "<>, I would like to install a bath in your house today.


    "Oh, that would be great. Neige and Rouge will be pleased."


    "What?��We''re going to have a bath too?��Yay!


    "I''m looking forward to the hot springs ......".


    Rouge and Neige seemed to be looking forward to it, and Jin was suddenly very motivated.


    "Okay, I''ll get started on that one right away. Rubina can work on the modifications.


    "Yes, sir, I''m on it!


    We''ll help you, Ruby.


    That''s a good idea!


    The suggestion was accepted, as 700672 would be enough to install the bathtub.


    "Master Jin, we regret to inform you that we are going back to ."


    Mr. and Mrs. Trihardt Suzanne said they would return to Onogoro after this.


    "I will stay here with Rubina."


    Amanda is staying here. She must be worried about leaving her grandchildren, who are still in danger, even though they have grown up.


    I''m sure she is worried about leaving her grandchildren, who are still in danger, even though they are grown up.


    I''m off then. Amanda, take care of the rest.


    Yes, I''ll take care of the grandchildren.


    Jin gets ready and heads for the Elders'' house with Reiko, Marikka, and <> 700672.


    Meanwhile, Rubina, Neige, and Rouge head for the workshop in the . Amanda, of course, follows them.


    Amanda is to be taken care of by <. <


    "Come on, let''s do it!"


    <.


    "We finished removing rust and adjusting the joints yesterday, so we need to work on the drive and control systems.


    "Yes."


    "What exactly?"


    Rubina thought for a moment and then came to a conclusion.


    "The drive system should be maintained as it is, and any parts that are not working should be replaced.


    "Okay."


    "What about the control system?"


    "We also need to prepare the control core.


    Rubina realizes her mistake, "Oh, I forgot to ask Jin where the Magi Crystal is kept.


    "I wonder if there are any magi crystals somewhere?"


    Precious magi crystals are not something that can be found lying around.


    The three of us split up to search around.


    By the way, the sun is quite strong here in the , so Amanda is watching over Rubina and the others in a temporary hut.


    "Ah, it''s cool in the shade."


    The low humidity and the high altitude make it comfortable in the shade, even though we are almost at the Tropic of Cancer. Besides, < is taking good care of them.


    Of course, Rubina and the others are also working under the huge tent.


    Rubina goes around the tent, but does not find any magi crystals.


    But then...


    "Ruby, I found this..."


    Neige had found several Magi crystals in the hole where the Magi Puppet had been found.


    I wondered how they had done it, since Jin and the others had already finished their search and there seemed to be nothing left,


    "Wow, what a beautiful color. What attribute is pink?��Light and ...... fire?"


    Rubina liked the color and decided to test it first.


    "I''ll try the smallest one here. ......<<......Yes, it''s very responsive. Thanks, Ne-chan.


    "Yeah, I''m glad you found it useful."


    "Well, let''s make the control system!


    Rubina is even more enthusiastic.

 1919 - - 51-33 Bathroom at Elders House

    <700672 and immediately sets about building a bath. The first thing he did was to search for water veins.


    "There are quite a lot of underground water veins in this area.


    Since the area is located at the foot of a mountain, the rain that falls on the mountain seeps into the ground and begins to form subterranean water.


    "But the amount of water is low."


    That''s true.


    However, it is a relief that the water veins are located in a relatively shallow area.


    Further investigation reveals that the water is mostly soft.


    "It''s not that bad, since the water flows underground for such a short time."


    Jin selected two veins with a large amount of water to pump to the surface.


    He chose two because he was concerned about the downstream effects of pumping a large amount of water from one of them.


    "How big should the bathtub be?


    "It doesn''t have to be big."


    "Then, let''s make it a family bath.


    Jin built the bathtub and bathhouse with a size that would accommodate three people, a parent and a child.


    The bathtub is 1.5 meters by 2 meters and 50 centimeters deep.


    The bathtub should be 3 meters square including the bathtub.


    "Oh, this looks about right."


    The sewage will be treated properly.


    The bathtub is made of cypress from Hale, stabilized and preservative treated.


    The floor is made of flat natural stone (andesite). The stone is similar to what is known as "teppeiseki" in modern Japan.


    "It has a nice atmosphere. It is indeed a gin-den."


    The bathroom window faces east, so it has a good view. The window is large so it is bright, and when the weather is warm, it can be opened to create a sense of openness.


    "Now you know how to turn on the hot water and adjust the temperature, don''t you?


    "Yes, it''s all right."


    As for the handling of the magic tools, <>700672 is a veteran, so there was no need to worry.


    "Also, it would be a good idea to put a refrigerator next to the changing room to keep Persica juice cold.


    "I see, you drink it after taking a bath."


    By the way, Marikka helped me to build the changing room.


    The floor is made entirely of cypress, which smells of wood and is pleasant to the soles of bare feet.


    "Yes, it''s a good job, Marikka.


    Jin praised,


    "I''m honored to be here!"


    Marikka''s cheeks are stained and she looks happy.


    "Now ...... Reiko, tell the old man to send me some Persica juice."


    "Yes, Father."


    Persica juice from Horai Island is rich in free magic element (ether) and is very effective for nourishing and restoring magic.


    After 400 years of processing and storing over-ripe Persica, the amount of Persica juice is so large that 7006 Even if No.72 drank 10 bottles of Persica every day, he would not be able to keep up with the amount of Persica he has accumulated.


    Since the old man did not report the exact amount, Jin did not know how much he had accumulated. He was a little afraid to ask.


    Jin ordered several dozen bottles of it.


    At times like this, Jin leaves it to Reiko to deal with the old man.


    <, but it makes Reiko''s mood visibly better to rely on him.


    A quick aside.


    Jin spends the whole morning setting up the bathroom facilities at the elder''s house.


    Rubina, on the other hand, was not so happy.


    Rubina, with the help of Neige and Rouge, continued to remodel the large-sized "Magi Puppet.


    "Uh, is this line right here?"


    "Yes, thank you, Roo-chan.


    "Is this line like this?"


    "Yes, yes. That''s right.


    Rubina, who originally loved making golems, was trained by Jin. < was no joke,


    By mid-morning, she had finished most of the modifications.


    Then, just before noon.


    "Oh, it''s done!


    <700672. It was for lunch.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Hoshino."


    Jin thanked her for taking care of the housekeeping and preparing lunch.


    "No, I''m fine.


    The lunch menu was Japanese soba noodles. Matcha, nihachi-soba, kigurumi-gurumi (buckwheat flour ground with the skin), yam-soba, etc. were prepared.


    Tempura of shrimp and vegetables, grated radish, wasabi, chopped green onion, and chopped nori (seaweed) were available as garnish and condiments.


    "It''s so smooth and delicious!"


    "The tempura goes well with this sauce."


    Rouge and Neige deftly sip their soba noodles.


    "Well, this has an interesting texture. And the aroma is good too.


    <700672 also seemed to like the soba noodles.


    "I''ve never had matcha soba before, but it has a nice flavor.


    Amanda also enjoyed the soba.


    And Marikka, of course,


    "I like the ground soba best because it has the aroma of buckwheat!


    and she is having another bowl of soba.


    For your information, Jin was once told at his favorite soba restaurant that it is better to have a small portion of soba instead of a large portion because the flavor of soba loses some of its original flavor and the soba stretches a little as time goes by.


    Jin was told at his favorite soba restaurant that it is better to have a small portion of soba instead of a large one because it gets slightly longer.


    Jin enjoys only the soba and the broth first, and then adds condiments little by little. He takes a bite with wasabi, two bites with green onion, and three bites with chopped nori (seaweed).


    If the dipping sauce is low, add more dipping sauce, and if the dipping sauce is low, add grated daikon (grated radish) and enjoy .......


    We followed this procedure for each type of soba, so that we were full by the time we finished eating.


    The last dish was sobayu.


    Jin''s way of drinking Sobayu is to add boiled water to the Soba water and a little Wasabi or grated radish to taste.


    "This way of drinking is quite nice."


    <700672 also liked it.


    Thus, the lunch was a success.


    "Ah, buckwheat tea is delicious.


    Jin drank more buckwheat tea after drinking soba-yu (buckwheat water).


    The other members of the group did the same.


    "This tea is delicious.


    "Yes, I like it."


    "It''s delicious!"


    Neige and Rouge seem to be enjoying life in the outside world as much as they can.


    "Rubina, how are the modifications coming along?"


    Jin asked over a cup of buckwheat tea.


    "Yes, everything is going well. We just need to put on the exterior and we''re done.


    "Oh, I see. That''s exciting. Do you need any help?"


    But Rubina shakes her head.


    "No. I think I''d like to finish this one myself, Roo and Ne-chan."


    Jin nodded.


    "Okay. Good luck.


    "Yes, sir!"


    And so the afternoon began.

 1920 - - 51-34 New History

    Jin looked at the large that Rubina and the others had modified.


    "You did a good job, Rubina."


    "Heh, the trick is to use <> properly."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    <


    "We didn''t have an assistant golem like at Jin-sama''s place.


    Rubina says that even so, they were able to create such a large golem.


    Jin was impressed that such ingenuity was part of the reason for her high level of skill.


    Jin watched her work for a while, but when he saw how familiar she was with the work and how Neige and Rouge were already working together as assistants, he felt that he could handle it and went back to his own work.


    700672 also watched with narrowed eyes as Rouge and Neige moved around lively.


    * * * * * *


    "<>, may I?"


    "Yes."


    Jin called <> 700672 and Marikka into the living room of the <>.


    "As a tentative discussion, we would like to decide on the area where we would like to live.


    "Right."


    Marikka nodded.


    < or the Nordic Federation, it is not possible to settle anywhere.


    You can''t even build a house without building what is generally called <>.


    "It would be better to have a good climate, wouldn''t it?"


    "Of course. Would you prefer to be closer to the sea?"


    Perhaps.


    The continent of Arus is smaller than that of Hale, so even though it is inland, it is only about 200 km from the sea.


    Right now, Jin and his team are about 450 kilometers inland. Even so, from the perspective of the continent as a whole, it can be considered a region close to the sea.


    Jin spread out a map of Hale on the table.


    "I think this is a good place for us," he said.


    Jin pointed to a point in the southern hemisphere near the Tropic of Cancer.


    It is about 80 degrees west longitude and 16.5 degrees south latitude.


    It is a place where the continent is cut off at a sharp angle, and one wonders if it can be called a bay.


    There is a river flowing by the bay, and it is close to the house of the <>. It is, however, nearly 300 kilometers away.


    "Well, it doesn''t sound so bad."


    "Yes, it is. Yes, the location is good. But ......"


    Why didn''t Jin build his own house here, Marikka asked.


    "Because I knew at first glance that this was the right place for a ."


    Although the map doesn''t show it, this area had relatively high rainfall and rich vegetation.


    "Perhaps the winds from the ocean blow along this V-shaped cut, creating clouds," he said.


    "And there''s a lot of seafood in this bay."


    We could build a harbor, Jin said.


    "So that''s what you thought. ......"


    Marikka muttered in admiration.


    "Well, the main thing is that I wanted to avoid a place that might become crowded in the future.


    Jin scratched his head.


    "You haven''t changed, Jin-sama.


    Marikka narrowed her eyes.


    (I''m sure that''s what he really wants. ...... He''s the one who changes the world because he wants to live a peaceful life.)


    "Then I guess that would mean that it would develop into the plains that extend to the south of here......."


    700672 says, pointing to the map.


    "Yes, that''s right. <, and the climate is not bad for a mid-latitude region."


    "I see."


    The continent of Hale is slightly to the northern hemisphere.


    The northern tip of the continent is over 80 degrees north latitude, while the southern tip is about 75 degrees south latitude.


    And there is no continent at the North Pole or the South Pole.


    Furthermore, a large inner bay extends around 60 degrees north latitude, making it surprisingly difficult to use the continents in the northern hemisphere.


    Jin thought that, in this early stage of redevelopment, it would be a good idea to choose a place that is easy to live in, although this would not be the case if the population increased.


    "Not only water and sewerage, but also road maintenance, installation of warp gates, and many other things..."


    "I think it''s better to take our time and not be in a hurry."


    "Yes,...... you are right.


    Marikka was a little worried about Jin, who would start doing all sorts of things ahead of time if left alone.


    "Yes, he certainly has that tendency."


    Jin seemed to be aware of this and admitted it honestly.


    "I heard that <> provided most of the energy, water and water supply on a personal level."


    <> 700672 began to explain what Hale used to look like.


    "These were recorded on the the other day. They were not technical records, but records of such aspects of life."


    "I didn''t realize that."


    Jin is a little disappointed, but he is also a little glad.


    He would like to know, but knowing would inevitably affect his future plans.


    (Hale should make a new history. ......)


    (Hale, it is better to make a new history, isn''t it?


    * * * *


    Meanwhile, Rubina and her team were making good progress.


    "Can I put this here?" "Yes, please.


    "Yes, please.


    "Is this one OK?


    "Yes, it''s good!"


    The exterior is almost finished and all that remains is to check the various parts.


    Amanda is not familiar with magical engineering, but she can tell that her grandson is having a good time.


    "He''s grown up, hasn''t he? I see he''s made some good friends."


    "Amanda, would you like some more tea?"


    "Yes, thank you. I''ll take some.


    Yes, of course.


    Here I was relaxing with a cup of tea that Tsukino had brewed for me.


    "It''s ready!


    And as dusk was falling, the work was finally finished.


    Rubina cheered.


    "You did it, Ruby!


    "Thank you, Nee-chan and Roo-chan."


    Lying before them is a giant 15 meter tall .


    Yes, the giant has been reborn as a giant golem.


    "Now that we''ve checked it out, let''s move it!"


    Rouge says to Rubina.


    "Yes, I want to see it in action.


    And then Neige.


    Rubina is just as eager to see the results of their work.


    "Okay, let''s give it a try. ......<!"


    Rubina dares to use the old-fashioned magic key word.


    And the golem wakes up according to her words.


    "It moved! It moved!


    "...... is great!"


    "It worked!��...... Golem, try to walk slowly."


    That''s when Rubina gave the order.


    The newly awakened giant golem suddenly raised its fist in the air.

 1921 - - 51-35 Runaway Golem

    The , which Rubina and the others had modified and activated, didn''t listen to Rubina''s command, but instead raised its fist and struck the empty ground.


    "Kyaaaah!"


    Clods of earth scatter.


    And then the golem falls over, losing its center of gravity.


    What?


    What happened?


    A moment later, a flurry of earth particles hit the tent.


    "Rubina!��What''s wrong?


    Amanda called out, startled.


    "I don''t know. Suddenly the golem went out of control .......


    The golem, which had fallen over, stood up again and kicked the tent that was near it.


    "What are you doing!��Stop!


    But the runaway giant golem did not stop.


    "Why?��Why won''t it stop?


    "Rubina!��What did you do?


    "I don''t know!��It was fine when I checked it, but when I booted it up, it went to ......... oh no!


    "Look out!"


    The foot of the giant golem swung down on the spot where Rubina had been.


    A moment later, Tsukino evacuates with Rubina in her arms.


    "Oh, thank you ......."


    "No, thank you. ...... but more importantly, please move a little further away from her, it''s dangerous. She''s completely out of control.


    "Why?��Because I ...... am.


    Tsukino tells Rubina in a calm voice as if to admonish her.


    "Rubina-sama, please calm down and observe the flow of Golem''s magic power.


    "Huh?��Ummm, yeah......<>......What is this?��What is this?"


    Rubina < the flow of magic inside the giant golem and finds that it is a mess.


    "I don''t get it. ......"


    Rubina, who was about to get her head in the sand, hears a voice advising her further.


    "Rubina, try to do a <>.


    "Yes, yes!��<


    > is an engineering magic developed by Jin that can determine the frequency of the magic wave.


    This allows us to sort out the Magi Crystals of each attribute, and to prepare for to the , who were called at that time.


    That being the case, it is no wonder that Rubina was astonished.


    The waveform of magical energy in the runaway large golem had a particular frequency band ...... that was quite high.


    "What is this ......, Jin-sama!"


    "Oh."


    It was Jin who advised Rubina. He had rushed back after receiving an urgent call from Tsukino.


    "I''ll ask you why later. ...... Reiko, pull over!"


    "Yes, Father."


    Reiko jumped out at Jin''s command.


    She leaps at the giant golem, which is now heading for the tent, and kicks it from the side.


    <


    But the giant golem does not stop there.


    It gets up and runs toward us.


    "It''s quite sturdy, isn''t it?"


    Reiko strikes again.


    This time, the power was more than twice as strong as before, and the Giant Golem was blown away for about 50 meters.


    The exterior of its chest was dented, but it still stood up.


    Reiko grabbed its legs as it tried to step on her and threw the giant golem farther away from her.


    Still, the giant golem does not break.


    "You are so stubborn!��If ...... your father hadn''t warned me, I could have easily destroyed it."


    Reiko blurted out, kicking the giant golem again.


    Jin, who was watching her, was impressed in a way.


    "Hmmm, should I say that Rubina is indeed a good player, or should I just dismiss her as stubborn?"


    Hearing Jin''s soliloquy, Rubina shrugged her shoulders in apology.


    "I couldn''t bear to destroy what Rubina had modified so much, but ...... I see..."


    Jin turned to Rubina as if he had just thought of something.


    "Rubina, does that golem have any anti-magic equipment like a shield case?


    "Uh, yes, no."


    "I see!"


    Hearing this, Jin gave new instructions to Reiko.


    "Reiko!��<


    <


    "I understand!��<


    The giant golem with its unshielded <> and <> was powerless against this weapon.


    It runs out of energy and comes to a complete stop this time.


    Immediately Reiko rushes to it, and forcefully pulls up the exterior of its chest. The internal magical device is exposed.


    Reiko pulls out only the from it.


    With this, the runaway giant golem is completely neutralized.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "......This is ......"


    Jin was surprised to see the control core that Reiko had removed.


    "Hey, Rubina, what did you do with this control core?��Sure, I asked you to modify it, but I didn''t prepare the <>, did I?"


    "Ugh ...... sorry."


    Rubina was in tears.


    Jin saw this and patted Rubina on the head.


    "I''m not mad at you. I''m listening. Where did you get this from?"


    "What?��<?"


    .


    It is a pink-colored looking magical crystal (magi crystal), which at first glance appears to have the attributes of light and fire. However, it actually has extraordinary characteristics.


    Although its magical properties are generally good, it has a property of overreacting to certain magic waves. To be more precise, it over-amplifies <.


    The frequency range of this overreaction varies widely, but relatively high frequencies fall into this category.


    And a high frequency band means that there is a high possibility that the MagiCraftsman''s commands will be perverted.


    For this reason, using it as a control core would have the detrimental effect of making it prone to run amok.


    Elena, who was once called , had a control core made of this , which caused her to go out of control, and she was driven by the urge to destroy other automata.


    Also, like No. 700672, a servant called <>, who was created by <>, was also a member of . 600012, who, like No. 700672, was created by the "Origin," was unaware of its characteristics and used the control core of the automata that served as his backup. Malite, and caused it to go out of control.


    The word "Malite" is derived from Mal ��Malite is a suffix of "bad" and "ite=mineral". In other words, it means a bad magical crystal (magic crystal), and was named by Rokure, 600012.


    (Since <> named it, I thought it was a special product of Ars, but I didn''t know that Hale also had it. ......)


    In his heart, Jin was surprised at this new discovery.


    "...... sorry. I''m the one who found it."


    Neige came forward with a smile.


    "Neige found it. Where the hell did it come from?"


    "In the hole where the <> was found. There was a vault in the corner. It seems to have been sealed, but the seal was broken thousands of years ago."


    "I didn''t know that. ......"


    The fact that it was sealed means that <> knew that this <>......<> called it by this name since there is no information on what he called it. I will call it by this name because there is no information on what he called this <><>.


    "Is this the only one?"


    "No. No. There are five more.


    Let me take care of that for now.


    Okay.


    Thus, the case of the giant golem run amok was settled.


    "Rubina!��You''ve been so thoughtless!


    "I''m sorry, Grandma!"


    Rubina was scolded again by her grandmother Amanda.

 1922 - - 51-36 End of the day

    Amanda scolds Rubina, and Jin says to her, "Don''t scold her so much,


    "Don''t scold her too much. It''s my fault too. I didn''t mean for it to happen.


    Amanda said in an apologetic tone, "I didn''t mean for this to happen.


    I didn''t think Rubina and the others would make such good progress, and it''s my fault for not telling them that I would have said <>," Jin said.


    Rubina was finally released.


    Meanwhile, Neige and Rouge were also warned by 700672.


    "If you find something you don''t know, report it first to me or to Jin-dono.


    "......Sorry, Father."


    "I admit that we tried to do this on our own. But you shouldn''t have done it in such a stubborn way.


    "I''m sorry, Father."


    Marikka and Tsukino had restored the ruined tent and some of the materials.


    "Jin-sama, is this all right?"


    "Yes, thank you."


    When the sun had completely set, the cleanup was finally complete.


    "So, I already have a general idea, but I''d like to ask you something.


    "...... understands."


    Rubina began to explain in a halting manner.


    "I see, you finished modifying the drive system earlier than expected, so you wanted to add the control system as well," she said.


    "...... yes."


    "That''s why I wanted to put it together with the others."


    That''s why I didn''t have the magi crystals ready," Jin said.


    "...... sorry."


    "No, that was my mistake. I should have explained the remodeling plan to you first, and more importantly, Rubina''s work speed was much faster than I expected. That''s impressive. You can be proud of that."


    "...... Really?"


    "Yeah, really."


    "......, that''s great."


    "Come on, cheer up."


    Rubina is not the kind of person who stays in a drowsy mood, Jin said and patted her head.


    "Well, it''s late, but let''s go home and have dinner first.


    * * * *


    Since Rubina, the mood-maker, was quiet, the dinner was somewhat quieter than yesterday.


    After dinner, I took a bath for a change.


    After getting out of the bath, Jin drank some fruit juice.


    Then we went out on the porch to enjoy the evening breeze of a spring evening.


    It is a warm enough night even in late March, since the house is located on the Tropic of Cancer.


    Meanwhile, Marikka, Amanda, Rubina, Neige, Rouge, and the others seemed to have gotten out of the bath.


    Jin called to them and they sat down on the porch to cool off.


    Reiko brought some cold barley tea.


    "It''s cold and delicious!


    Seeing that Rubina is finally feeling better, Jin decides to continue the conversation.


    "The Magi Crystal that Neige found, I call it .


    The name of the crystal is <, but Jin did not dare to talk about it.


    Jin did not dare to talk about it, because he thought that if he talked about <>, he would have to talk about the fact that Rouge was created by him.


    Rouge now has no such memories and considers <> 700672 as his father, and he did not want to disturb his feelings. She did not want to disturb his feelings.


    "This <> looks like a high-performance magi crystal, but as I said before, if you use it as a control core, it tends to go out of control.


    Jin explained that this was probably why the had also sealed it.


    "However, just as a poison can be a medicine if used properly, there might be a good use for this . Perhaps the thought so and kept it."


    "I see, that''s a good idea."


    700672, who had been listening silently, agreed with Jin''s guess.


    "<> itself is a rare magical crystal (magicrystal), and we don''t really know where it can be found. So there is no established method of using it even in the system of magical engineering. No wonder Rubina used it without knowing it."


    "Is that what you mean?"


    Marikka now understood why there was no more information.


    "Elena used this as a and used to go around destroying Adriana''s automata.


    "Uh ...... uh, wasn''t <> an honorary advisor of the <> or something?"


    "How do you know so much?"


    I know the history of magical engineering.


    ...... I didn''t know there was such a thing.


    According to Rubina, the history of magical engineering is divided into seven periods: the pre-Adriana period is called the dawn of magical engineering, the Adriana period is called the golden period, the period after that until the Magic Wars is called the mature period, the period from the Magic Wars to Jin is called the decline period, the period from Jin''s time to the rise of the Magic League is called the middle period, and the period when the Magic League is at its height is called the dark period. The seventh is now called the <.


    The seventh, the present, is called the .


    "Who put that on ......?"


    Jin, feeling a little embarrassed, mutters unintentionally. Rubina hears this and replies.


    "I think it''s Mr. Zion and Maricka, isn''t it?"


    "What ...... Marikka?"


    Jin looks at Marikka, who is sitting on the porch a little further away. Marikka smiled and replied.


    "Isn''t it nice?"


    "No, it''s not that bad."


    Jin agreed that, despite the name, the history of magical engineering can be categorized in that way.


    "......It feels strange to think that I''m a part of history."


    "Is that what it is?"


    Marikka tilted her head as if to say, "I don''t know.


    "...... Well, whatever. Anyway, that''s why.


    Anyway, that''s the way it is.


    "I guess it would have worked if we hadn''t used <>. Let''s fix it again tomorrow.


    "Yes, yes!"


    Rubina smiled broadly at Jin''s words.


    "By the way, how did Neige find the warehouse ...... where the was stored?��I wonder how she found it?"


    asked Neige, who was sitting on the other side of Rubina.


    "Well ...... and I was looking in the corner of the warehouse. I found a wall with a mark on it, so I played with it. I did that and the door opened."


    A mark?


    "Mister Jin, it was put there by the , perhaps it was a mark like this?"


    <


    He said that the markings looked like natural protrusions to an uninitiated observer.


    "You would have to know it was there and be willing to look for it to find it, but Neige must have found it by chance."


    And Neige, who is related to the Origin, was able to open the door.


    "It is as you said, father."


    Neige affirmed.


    "I had a feeling that something was wrong.


    Was it instinctive, or was it a feeling that only homunculus created with the technology of the origin? Jin did not know.


    "Can you take me there tomorrow?


    "Yes, I can.


    "Okay, see you tomorrow, Nee-chan, Roo-chan."


    Good night.


    Good night.


    That night, <> 700672, Neige and Rouge went back to their home.

 1923 - - 51-37 Rubina Growth

    The last day of March, the 30th.


    "Well, let''s fix it.


    Jin said, "Let''s rebuild the giant Magi Puppet that Rubina had modified, and make it work again.


    "Oh, yeah. I''m here to help, right?"


    "What?"


    "Rubina is the star of the show. You''ve done all this work, you can do it, can''t you?


    I''ll do my best!


    Rubina responded to Jin''s words with clenched fists.


    I''ll help you today.


    I''ll do my best!


    Neige and Rouge also offered their unconditional cooperation to Rubina.


    "Yes, thank you."


    Rubina''s skills are well documented since she is the Queen of Magecraft.


    The only thing left is experience, Jin thinks, so he puts her into practice every chance he gets.


    "Roo-chan, hold it right there!��Ne-chan, hold this side!��I''ll do the processing in the meantime!"


    (Yes, he is growing up after all.)


    Jin was satisfied to see Rubina giving instructions to Rouge and Neige.


    But...


    "Hey, Rubina, why don''t you tell me what to do?��I''m kind of out of ideas."


    "But what kind of instructions do you want me to give to ...... Jin-sama?


    I can understand that feeling. Jin thinks it''s strange that people don''t mind giving orders to their superiors, even if it''s only when they are working.


    When Jin himself was working for a black company, he had a hard time giving instructions to a worker who was twice his age at a subsidiary factory to which he was sent.


    I was left with an even stronger impression because the worker did not even try to hide the fact that he was also thinking, "What the hell are you doing, young man?


    "But you know, this is just another experience," he said.


    "uu......"


    Rubina was still not ready to make up her mind,


    "Rubina, it''s not every day you get help from Master Jin, so take the plunge and give it a try," Marikka said.


    Marikka also said to Rubina, "Rubina, it''s not every day that Jin-sama helps you.


    "Well, ......, I understand."


    Rubina had no choice but to give it a try, especially since Jin and Marikka had told her so.


    "Jin-sama, can you repair the distorted exterior?"


    "Yes, I can."


    One of the tricks to deal with such a situation is to "give them a large volume of work for the time being.


    Of course, you will be in trouble if the person you ask does not have adequate ability.


    And if they are too competent, they will say .......


    "I''m done, what should I do next?"


    They ask us to give them the next instruction before we are ready for it.


    "It''s too soon, Jin-sama!"


    Rubina is impatient.


    "Well, can you prepare the control board for me?"


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin replied shortly and prepared a standard link board.


    "Yes, sir."


    This was originally intended to be used for the large-sized Magi Puppet that Jin had modified.


    "Uh ...... wow, so this is Jin-sama''s standard ......."


    Give me the next instruction.


    "I know, ...... well, check the skeleton of the upper body and fix it if it is distorted."


    "Yes, sir."


    Rubina then gives instructions to Neige and Rouge.


    Jin has learned from experience that when using multiple subordinates like this, the one who gives instructions should be a supervisor and not do the work himself.


    Of course, it depends on the situation, but in most cases, if the supervisor himself is working, he cannot keep track of the progress of his subordinates'' work, and as a result, he may end up with <, which is a waste of time.


    Such a mistake at Jin''s company would immediately bounce back to his appraisal, but not here.


    It would be better if Rubina could gain experience in such an environment, Jin thought.


    * * * *


    "...... Jin-sama, please adjust the right leg. Ne-chan and Roo-chan, please adjust the left leg.


    And as Jin hoped, Rubina''s instructions became more and more appropriate as time went by.


    ��Yes, he is a man of his word.)


    In Jin''s case, when he gives instructions to his <s, he gives them 1, 2, 3......in stages.... ... and so on.


    The trick is to have a rough idea of all the steps to be taken at this point.


    In other words, it is the job of the person giving the instructions to grasp the flow of the work and to make sure that the flow is not interrupted.


    It is also a viewpoint that looks down on the entire project from a higher level.


    Rubina seemed to have begun to grasp this sensitively.


    ��She is only 10 years old. (She is only 10 years old. She will learn better by trying it first, rather than by teaching her theoretically.)


    Jin thought so, and this was the time for this work.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "It''s done!��...... but it took longer than I thought. ......"


    We managed to finish the repair and modification before lunch.


    However, Rubina was shocked to find out that what she had expected to take two hours took three and a half hours, almost twice as long as she had expected.


    "Rubina, that''s the difficulty of using people."


    Jin spoke to Rubina as if admonishing her.


    "If you work alone, it is easy to estimate the time required. But when you are working with many people, it is difficult.


    "Yes, I understand.


    "There are two ways of working together, one is to do simple tasks in parallel. This one is easier to understand.


    Yes, it is.


    The hard part is when several people are working on a task. If someone is dragging his feet, of course it will take longer.


    "......, I know."


    "So you have to assign the amount of work or the content of the work according to each person''s ability."


    "Ummm, that''s difficult."


    Rubina makes a reluctant face. Jin, however, smiles gently at her.


    "I don''t expect you to be good at everything at once. I''m not asking you to get good at everything at once, but this just happened to be a good opportunity and I wanted you to experience it.


    Jin patted Rubina on the head.


    "You did a good job for the first time you gave her instructions.


    "Really?"


    "Yes, I''m sure."


    When Jin assured her, Rubina, who had been looking at him with a difficult expression for a long time, finally smiled.


    "I feel a little better now. Then let''s move on to the next job.


    "What?��What?


    "Yes. < family.


    Jin told Rubina that he would work with her.


    But first, let''s eat.


    Lunch was just about ready.

 1924 - - 51-38 The Ride and the Lady

    Today''s lunch was grilled rice cake with isobeyaki sauce. That is, grilled, dipped in soy sauce, and wrapped in nori seaweed.


    "Uggggh, these rice cakes are so stretchy!"


    The rice cake is made from rice that has been bred on Horai Island for 400 years and is very stretchy.


    The soy sauce is also delicious."


    Perido and his friends have kept it in the ether stocker for 400 years.


    By increasing the concentration of free magic element (ether) and sealing it, materials containing free magic element (ether) can be preserved semi-permanently.


    This is thought to be because the free magic element (ether) inhibits chemical changes in the molecules and atoms of the material being stored.


    "Eating grated radish is also good for digestion."


    Grated daikon with a dash of soy sauce. It contains a starch-digesting enzyme called diastase (a type of amylase) and is good to eat with rice cakes.


    "Yes, I like grated daikon. But not too spicy."


    "Ha, I know what you mean."


    Rubina is a child and probably still does not like spicy food, Jin thought.


    Jin himself is not as fond of the spiciness of daikon (Japanese radish) as he is of wasabi (Japanese horseradish) or spicy red pepper paste, so he could understand Rubina''s feelings.


    The daikon I am using now is winter daikon, so it is not as spicy as summer daikon.


    It is said that this is because the same daikon has a self-protection mechanism that increases the sugar content and reduces the pungency to prevent freezing when it is cold.


    Taking Aokubu Daikon as an example, the middle part of the daikon, which is divided into three lengthwise sections, is the sweetest and most suitable for grated daikon.


    The part with leaves is less pungent and moderately sweet. The tip of the daikon seems to be more pungent.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After lunch.


    Neige and Rouge, who had eaten too much rice cakes, were lying down in another room, and Jin, Rubina and Marikka started to have a meeting.


    "I''ve been thinking about it a lot, and I think an airplane would be the best choice for the <>.


    Jin suggested.


    "I think so too. Hale is a big place, and the roads are not well maintained, so cars are not suitable.


    Rubina agrees.


    "Why don''t we make the same type of <>?


    Jin thought, "We could make them in different colors, so they would be easily recognizable.


    "Hmmm......... I''d like to make a new one myself."


    Jin laughed.


    "I can understand that. That''s actually what I thought at first.


    "Well, then..."


    "Okay. Then, let''s decide on the specifications for the <> family and see what kind of aircraft would be appropriate."


    After all, the <> is the one that Jin made for this Hale, so it should be the most suitable .......


    "Okay. The ...... users...... are, of course, <<7>>, Nee-chan and Roo, right?"


    "That''s right. But what about the piloting?��Maybe we should get a dedicated pilot."


    "Yes, that''s right. And then we''ll see if we can''t get anyone else on board, right?


    "You know what I mean. ...... luggage, so you might want to allow room for at least two people."


    "Well,...... Jin-sama is right, I''m learning a lot."


    However, in Jin''s case, he tends to give too much leeway. .......


    Anyway, we decide that the maximum number of passengers is five, including the pilot. It''s a little smaller than Jin''s .


    "Next is the type. Airship type or aircraft type. ......"


    "Oh, what about a then?"


    "What?"


    Maricka said.


    "Well, there used to be a disk machine that <> and <> used, didn''t they?


    "Oh, yes."


    Jin recalled an incident about 400 years ago, when <> was controlled by <>.


    "I think you said that <> was at the level of a toy, but it was certainly disk-shaped."


    This means that <> = <> are familiar with such a form of vehicle.


    "Stability will not be a problem with the gyro, and the control will be done by a special golem."


    The design of the vehicle is so distinct from the Ars vehicle that it is immediately recognizable as belonging to 700672.


    "Yes, I think it looks good.


    Following Marikka''s advice, Jin decides to proceed with the disk shape.


    "That sounds interesting.


    Rubina agreed.


    "I''ve never made one before, though ......, so there are a few problems."


    "What are they?"


    "First of all, is there a back and forth?"


    A disk is a . To put it simply, it is a circle, and a circle has no directionality such as back and forth or left and right.


    "Jin-sama, do disks fly while spinning?"


    Rubina, who had never seen a saucer in person, asked a simple question.


    "No, I don''t think so.


    Jin also dug up his memory of the past, but he did not remember it spinning.


    Then, Reiko gives him some advice.


    "Father, aren''t spaceships such as Adriana also rotating bodies?


    This made Jin gasp.


    "Of course they are. The <> is also designed to fly up and down.


    However, this is based on the assumption of visual flight.


    "Can we decide on a temporary front and back?


    Jin replied,


    "Jin-sama, how about a cockpit with a fixed orientation using gyros and a rotating hull around it?


    Rubina came up with an idea.


    "That sounds interesting too."


    Jin, who was not averse to such a design, immediately began to consider it.


    "The engine will use a , so there will be no problem at all.


    The plan was growing more and more far-fetched.


    "Let''s just make it a spherical ship ......"


    Jin said, "There is a series of 10-meter class spaceships, so let''s make one that is one rank below that, with a diameter of about 5 meters.


    "And it should be able to dive underwater."


    "Oh, that''s a good idea.


    We can even go into space for a short time. The short time is a compromise between the amount of water, food, and other daily necessities and consumables we can carry.


    Dangerous cosmic rays will be prevented by warding.


    Since the size of the Magellanic Reactor is limited, the acceleration is limited to about 5G. It is about the upper limit of a roller coaster.


    Of course, usually the acceleration pressure is canceled by gravity magic.


    The material must be neo-based.


    If it''s a spaceship, it should have a magic brain instead of a pilot.


    Rubina is no longer in the same boat with Jin. It is clear that Rubina is just like Jin, but no one intervenes.


    Thus, the idea of a spherical spaceship with a diameter of five meters was settled on.


    "It''s too much to do today, so let''s make the samurai golem first, shall we?


    "Ah, yes."


    Jin, Rubina, and Marikka are all familiar with making this golem.


    They made a samurai golem based on the five-colored golem maid in 30 minutes.


    Marikka was making it in 30 minutes,


    (...... that it would take more time if we helped her.)


    ( that it would have taken longer if we had helped her).

 1925 - - 51-39 Rose

    The attendant golem was finished in a pale copper ......<> and named <>.


    "Wow, beautiful!"


    The resurrected Rouge sighs. Neige is also entranced.


    "Nice color."


    <>. It means "rose" in between rouge''s red and Neige''s snow-white. The name is Rubina.


    "It''s a beautiful finish!"


    "You''re the best, Jinsha."


    It is 4:30 p.m., and the sun is setting in the west.


    The sun is setting in the west. I was sweating a little.


    "Oh, we want to take a bath at home!"


    "Agreed."


    Rouge and Neige want to take a bath in their own freshly made bathtub, so Jin hands them a bathtub, a towel, a cotton pouch, and shampoo for 3 people. He hands them both a bath tub, towels, a sweatshirt, and shampoo. Of course, he also gives them 700672''s share.


    "I didn''t prepare these, did I?"


    Jin realizes now.


    "Ruby, why don''t you come too?"


    Rubina glances at Jin and Amanda.


    "Yeah, sure, go ahead.


    "Don''t give them any trouble, okay?"


    "Yes!"


    So Rubina, Neige, and Rouge go to the house of 700672.


    Jin accompanies her to hand over the finished . Reiko carries it to the house since it has not yet been activated to make the master <700672.


    "Oh Jin-dono, Rubina-chan, welcome. Neige, Rouge, welcome home."


    Jin immediately handed to the 700672 who greeted him.


    "I''m sure you will have guests in the future, and I thought it would be nice to have someone to take care of your meals.


    "Oh, thank you very much.


    "I can leave everyone to clean the bathrooms and so on."


    Jin then activated and gave orders to 700672, Neige, and Rouge, in that order.


    "Thank you, sir and madam."


    < 700672 is set as , and Rouge and Neige are set as .


    "Well then, Rubina, I''m going to go home first, so take your time."


    "Yes!"


    Leaving Rubina at home, Jin and Reiko went back to their own home.


    "Welcome home, Jin-sama."


    Is Rubina being a good girl?


    Marikka and Amanda greeted Jin.


    "I''m home. Don''t worry, Rubina is a good girl if she tries.


    Jin replied and asked them to take a bath too.


    Jin and Reiko took a bath at home, while Marikka and Amanda relaxed in the large guest bath.


    When Jin got out of the bath, he said,


    "Well, we should have a fan or a blower.


    He quickly realizes that something is missing.


    * * * *


    In the half an hour before dinner, Jin made three fans using the wind magic <> instead of ....... One fan was for the family bath and the other for the kitchen.


    One for the family bath, one for the big bath, and the other one for <>70067 One for the family bath, one for the bathhouse, and one for 70067-2.


    "I''m going out for a while.


    Jin and Reiko moved to the house of 700672 and returned with Rubina a minute later. They returned with Rubina a minute later.


    "Yeah, we did a good job."


    With a satisfied smile on his face, Jin sets the table.


    Tonight''s menu consists of rice, miso soup with red miso paste, pork cutlet, vegetable salad, and sweet omelet.


    Rubina looks a little sad because Neige and Rouge are not here.


    "Tea, it''s good!"


    Freshly roasted hojicha is Jin''s favorite because of its aroma, and Rubina seemed to like it too.


    "Really, it''s delicious. ...... I guess freshly roasted tea is different."


    Amanda also seems to like hojicha.


    "I do it myself, but sometimes I don''t roast it enough or it gets burnt.


    Marikka also says that when she does it herself, the success rate is about 50 percent.


    "It doesn''t work like engineering magic," he says.


    "You can practice ...... or have an automaton do it for you, and the quality will be stable."


    "Yes, that''s true, but I''d still like to do it with my own hands, wouldn''t you?


    Marikka laughed, saying that she wanted to do all the housework with her own hands as much as possible.


    Jin gave Marikka some advice.


    "Then, use a constant heat when roasting, use the same roaster, and time it correctly, and you will make fewer mistakes.


    It is true that there are those who cook and prepare medicines by eye or intuition, although it is not limited to cooking.


    It is true that the best (or very best) chefs can measure the amount of salt when seasoning with salt only, just by pinching with their fingers, but it is usually safer to use a measuring spoon.


    "Oh, that''s good!��I''ll give it a try."


    Marikka agreed with this suggestion. Since it was Jin''s suggestion, there was no choice but to refuse it.


    Rubina and Amanda were listening to Jin''s advice to Marikka with mysterious faces, as if they had something in mind.


    Thus the after-dinner tea time passed leisurely.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Well, tomorrow, are you sure about the spaceship?


    Jin started to say something like that.


    Jin seemed to be aware of the fact that when ideas fly around and he is not sure what is best, his conclusions are often out of focus, and he told this to Marikka and Rubina.


    "...... is that how it is?"


    Rubina, who was full of ideas and flexible in her thinking, tilted her head,


    "...... I think I know what you mean."


    Marikka, a <, though not in the way she put it, sympathized.


    "I guess the use is to move around on the Hale, right?��I don''t see the need to go into space, and I think Neige and Rouge would be happier in a visual flight, where they can see what''s below.


    "I certainly understand what you mean, Jin-sama."


    Rubina, who had cooled down, seemed to have realized that the specifications of the spacecraft she had just decided on were out of the ordinary.


    "I guess we were getting excited, forgetting about the users," she said.


    "That''s right."


    Jin-sama also loses his cool when it comes to making things.


    "......That''s right."


    Jin looked disappointed when Marikka told him.


    "I guess the idea came from the familiarity of a disk machine.


    Jin rearranged himself.


    "Maybe a <> or <> type would be better."


    "Yes. I think that''s a good idea.


    Marikka seems to agree with this idea.


    "Okay, let''s go with a smaller version of the <>."


    Jin switches to the smaller version as soon as he decides it is no good.


    "We''ll make it tomorrow."


    "Okay, Jin-sama."


    And so the idea finally came together.

 1926 - - 51-40 New Airship

    The first day of April dawns.


    After breakfast, Jin immediately started to work on the project. Before ......, he explained to Rubina and Marikka what he was going to build.


    It is an airship-type wind-powered blower-floater. The size should be <...... or half the size of a <."


    The principle is to float air sacs by wind magic without recoil. Since the air sacs are only the upper half of the ship, the cabin can be contained inside.


    "In other words, it''s a blow floater in the shape of a cobbler."


    It would be 20 meters long and 10 meters high.


    "The air sacs will also be made of transparent GSP to ensure upward visibility."


    The number of these > was increasing underground on Horai Island, and the amount of production was tremendous.


    When Jin asked the old man how much they were producing, the old man replied


    <


    He replied, "I think it will last for several decades even if the master (my lord) uses it as much as he wants to use it.


    Of course, this is on the assumption that they will not try to make a sphere with a diameter of 10 kilometers using only <>.


    "Neo64Light Silver...... or let''s call it Neo64Titanium already. We''re going to make a framework out of ...... neo64 titanium, and then we''re going to stick a sheet of resin on it."


    This time, Jin intended to follow Rubina''s example and assemble it without using <> as an assistant.


    Reiko, however, is a different story. She was asked to carry the materials and to intervene immediately in case of danger, providing this kind of support.


    "<>! ......."


    By using gravity magic to lighten the weight of the components, it is possible to assemble them by human power.


    "Jin-sama, you are also completely familiar with the magic we use. ......"


    Marikka looked at Jin with respect.


    Rubina could also use magic, but Jin''s magic was on a different scale. Now that Jin had become a duplicate, the amount of magic he could handle had increased by an order of magnitude, and he was also able to handle some of the magic of the <>.


    "But, Rubina, don''t be lazy and set up the scaffolding, okay?"


    "...... yes."


    Apparently, Rubina wanted to complete the work as quickly as possible, so she tended to work only with the minimum amount of scaffolding ...... and in the worst cases, without even setting up the scaffolding.


    "Safety first," he said. It would be silly to get hurt doing what you love, wouldn''t it?"


    "...... understand."


    Through this series of operations, Jin drilled into Rubina''s mind the ins and outs of building large objects.


    "You have to set the autopilot mode, the manual mode, and the level settings."


    "Jin-sama, I know what automatic and manual are, but what are level settings?"


    Rubina, who had been peering at Jin''s hand, asked a question.


    "Yes, that''s ......."


    Level 1 is for beginners, automatically stabilized by the gyro and supported by the auxiliary magic brain, with a maximum speed of less than 30 km/h. Level 2 is for beginners, automatically stabilized by the gyro and supported by the auxiliary magic brain, with a maximum speed of less than 30 km/h.


    Level 2 is for beginners, with half the gyroscopic stabilization and auxiliary brain support of Level 1, and a maximum speed of no more than 50 km/h. Level 3 is for intermediate users, with a maximum speed of no more than 30 km/h.


    Level 3 is for intermediate level users, and stabilization is off. The support of the auxiliary brain is limited to low altitude flight, high speed flight, high maneuverability flight, and other hazardous situations. Maximum speed is less than 100 km/h.


    Level 4 is for advanced pilots and is all manual. The magic brain will support the pilot only in case of danger. The maximum speed is unlimited.


    Level 5 is for all functions unlimited.


    The plan is that the driver will be able to


    "Of course, you can also manually set which functions and to what degree.


    Preset and manual, if you will.


    "Interesting control settings!��You''re the best, Jin-sama!"


    Rubina was impressed.


    "So, we have half of the control set up. Rubina, try the rest.


    "What?��Do you think I can do it?


    "Don''t worry. Be confident.


    I''ll be watching you," Jin said, pushing Rubina back.


    "I''ll give it a try!"


    Rubina, who had changed her mind, worked slowly at first, but as she got used to the process, her speed increased.


    ��Oh, that''s good, that''s good.)


    Jin, who is watching from the back, is smiling as he has expected.


    < without any slack. Even if it sags, it can be corrected, but there is nothing better than stretching it without sagging.


    "It''s done!"


    "Yes, it''s a good score."


    "Yay!"


    Rubina was praised by Jin, and she smiled with a big smile on her face.


    "Next, I want you to install the blow engine.


    "What is ......?��When did you make it?"


    Jin was watching over Rubina''s work as she built ten blow engines.


    "Ha...... you are indeed Jin-sama!"


    Then Marikka arrived.


    Master Jin, the cockpit part is ready.


    "Oh, thank you."


    Jin installs the cockpit that Marikka made into the front of the cabin.


    As decided yesterday, the capacity of the cockpit is 5 people, but since we have more space for luggage, 5 more people can be accommodated if they are packed in the cockpit.


    "In that case, we''ll have to use the force field generator as well.


    Jin also said, "In that case, we will also use a in addition to the warp gate for escape, various warding generators, and a manacam (magical element communication device).


    "Jin-sama, the blow engine has been installed.


    "Okay, Rubina, now the propulsors and gyros. We''ll do this together. Marikka, help me with this.


    "Yes!"


    Marikka is happy to help. Reiko looked a little reluctant instead,


    "Reiko, call the old man and ask him to send 50 bottles of Persian juice.


    I said, "Yes!


    "Yes!


    I replied and did as I was told.


    In the cabin, an ether stocker was set up and Persica juice was stored in it. This is for emergency food and water.


    "Now all that''s left is the transparent part of the cabin.


    Learning from the previous failure, we have made a three-layered structure of transparent corundum, subterranean spider resin (GSP), and cubic zirconia.


    The seat is also designed to recline and is upholstered in breathable <>.


    "The problem is armament. ......"


    Since <700672 is a non-combatant and should not like rough work, we should use <> and <>, and <> and > and >. ether jammer>> and >.


    Instead of that,


    "I''ll attach a <> so that we can transfer back to the front of the <> in case of an emergency.


    Jin thinks.


    The transference device can send or recall a target using a marker as a guide, and its greatest advantage is that it can also transference itself.


    On the other hand, however, it is not possible to send a transporter to a place where there is no marker, which is why the marker is placed in the <>.


    "That''s it. Now all we need is a pilot."


    Jin makes one golem based on Hope, a general-purpose assistant golem, so that it can also serve as a mechanic.


    "Fluffy ah......"


    While Rubina and Marikka are working on the details of the airship, Jin has completed the pilot golem.


    "I''ll let them decide on the name of the airship and the golem. But first, let''s do a test flight.


    At any rate, since Jin, the creator of the airship, is recognized as the , he decides to test the pilot Golem as well as the test flight of the airship.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, it''s flying, it''s flying.


    "It''s stable, isn''t it?


    "It''s nice to see something we made work so well.


    Jin, Marikka, and Rubina smiled with satisfaction as they watched the blimp-shaped blow floaters soar through the blue sky.


    "Father, they say there is nothing wrong with it."


    Reiko was monitoring the situation by using the built-in manacam to communicate.


    "Levels one through five are all clear."


    "All are in good condition from level 1 to 5." "Okay, we succeeded."


    After that, Jin and the others all boarded the boat and conducted the final test.


    "The ride is good."


    < would make the ride less comfortable, since the period of shaking would be shorter, but my fears seemed unfounded.


    Thus, the airship for <700672 was completed.

 1927 - - 51-41 Near future

    "Oh, this is great! And what a joint effort by Marikka-sama, Jin-sama, and Rubina-chan!


    <700672, who is delighted with it.


    "Wow!��We can fly!"


    "That''s exciting!"


    Of course, Rouge and Neige were also delighted.


    The pilot is this golem. ...... Oh, and please give them both names."


    "Hmm, names."


    I like for the golem!


    Rouge says that the blackish piloted golem should be named , since the names were based on its appearance: red (Rouge), snow (Neige), and rose (Rose).


    The name reminded Jin of the old days.


    (Noir or ...... I remember Reinhardt''s black knight (Schwarzritter) had such a name. It didn''t stick in the end.)


    "Then I like for airship."


    In French, the sky is called


    (The languages of this world are similar to German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, etc. ......)


    ) Jin wondered if this was a parallel world, but put it to the back of his mind,


    "All right, then. ......<> naming<. <>1st<>. 2nd<>. 3rd<>...... and that''s it."


    Jin then wrote <> on the airship.


    "Pleased to meet you, Master, Miss."


    "Yes, thank you."


    "Nice to meet you!"


    "Nice to meet you."


    After the transfer was completed, Jin was about to return to his when he was stopped by 700672.


    "Jin-dono, wait a minute."


    "Yes?"


    I have something to tell you.


    I understand.


    This time it was just Jin and Reiko, no Marikka or Rubina. Jin guessed that 700672 had been waiting for such a timing, and accepted his invitation.


    He accepted his invitation.


    "I was wondering if you could give me some advice.


    In the living room of 700672''s << house>, 70 No.70672 himself, Jin, and Reiko are alone in the living room. Neige and Rouge are not present.


    It''s about me, isn''t it?


    "Yes."


    Jin was a little worried when he saw the face of 700672, which looked more serious than ever.


    "...... First of all, you know that I am a created by the who were once here in Hale, don''t you?"


    "Yes."


    "Neige and Rouge are similar. The only difference is that they are not <> but <>.


    "Yes."


    "So there."


    700672 broke off there. He seems to be wondering whether he should say something or not.


    "Um, <>?"


    Jin calls out to him.


    "...... umm, I''m sorry. Let''s continue. ......> is, in other words, very unstable without his <>."


    "I think I understand, somehow."


    "I understand."


    Reiko followed Jin''s nodding with words of affirmation.


    "While your father was gone,...... I couldn''t be myself."


    "Oh, you do understand, don''t you, Reiko?"


    700672 looked at Reiko and nodded.


    "It has been almost four hundred years since I took Marikka as my new master. I have been very content. I was happy, I guess you could say."


    "......"


    "I can no longer bear to live without my <>, Master Jin."


    "......""So that''s what you mean."


    Dimly, Jin could guess what <> 700672 wanted to talk to him about.


    Finally, <>700672 spoke the words.


    "Jin-dono, is it wrong to create a homunculus based on <>?"


    Jin searches for an answer to this question, even though he had expected it.


    But.


    "No, I think it''s a natural desire.


    Reiko answered.


    "It is natural for you to want emotional support. Therefore, it is the right thing for you to do.


    Jin thought that was right in a way. And it was natural for Reiko to think so.


    In addition, Jin is a now. He was about to get into a philosophical thought, "What is the difference between a composite body and a homunculus?


    "But it would be bad if he and the homunculus existed at the same time," he said.


    Jin is brought back to himself by the voice of 700672.


    "That''s right. ......"


    700672 then said,


    "......I am basically immortal. Sometimes I wonder if I am allowed to be in the world of human beings.


    He said something like this.


    "You shouldn''t think about such things too much," Jin said.


    Jin said.


    Indeed, the mere thought of losing his master seems to make No. 700672 emotionally unstable.


    "Then, why don''t we make this Hale a and keep interference in Ars to the minimum necessary?


    "Hmm, I see."


    Jin convinced the 700672 that in an independent world, there would be no problem with the presence of those who shouldn''t be there.


    "...... was helpful. Thank you, Jin."


    "No, I''m glad it was helpful."


    <


    * * * * *


    "Welcome home!"


    When Jin returns home, he is greeted by Rubina.


    "I''m home."


    As he replies, Jin thinks about how people can''t live alone.


    (What would I have been like 400 years ago? ......)


    (What would I have done 400 years ago?) I suddenly think of such a thing.


    It''s hard to say goodbye to the people you love. Even though I know it is the providence.


    (I can''t say that I would never transfer all the memories to an automata and substitute it for that person, can I? ......)


    But it is also true that there is no end to it if we start doing so.


    Whose automata are we going to make, but not whose? How do we draw the line between the two?


    If the number of immortal, or rather immortal, beings increases, the world will be destroyed.


    (Am I still lost in such a thought? ......)


    700672 said he wanted a homunculus based on Marikka for himself.


    Jin also ...... now Jin is a <> and probably an immortal being. And Marikka and Zion are finite beings.


    I will have to leave them both within a hundred years at the latest.


    "What is it, Master Jin?"


    What?��Oh, nothing.


    Jin was so absorbed in his thoughts that he did not even notice that Marikka had arrived.


    (No need to give an answer right now, but I''ll have to think about it eventually. ......)


    Jin thought about it and changed his mind for the time being.


    (First of all, I should bring up my successor ...... or rather, younger generation. ......)


    "Today is Jin-sama''s birthday, isn''t it?


    Marikka told him, and Jin realized.


    "Oh, that''s ...... right."


    "Jin-sama, we''re having a party tonight!��I''m looking forward to it!"


    Jin''s eyes narrowed as he watched Rubina help him prepare lunch.


    The sky over Hale was as clear as in ancient times.

 1928 - - 51-42 Quiet 86 It started 400 years ago

    3465, Jin 29 years old.


    "Well, I''d like to make sure that <> is done with ......."


    Jin is troubled in the laboratory on Horai Island.


    The old man gives advice to the distressed Jin.


    "Oh, yes. ...... Well, let''s go to 700672 first. ...... Reiko, let''s go."


    "Yes, Father."


    Jin and Reiko go to No.700672 using the warp gate which is permanently installed.


    First, they move to the front room. There, two dispatched by Hitoshi are packed, ready to deal with any unforeseen circumstances.


    (Though there is no danger, since there is no Malkitas yet.)


    Jin wished the two craftsmen (smiths) a good job and headed for the white room where the 700672 lived. White Room, the home of No. 700672.


    "Oh Jin-dono, welcome."


    The same 700672 greets me.


    Jin also gave him a bottle of Persian juice specially made in Horai Island as a gift.


    "Thank you very much for this.


    The special Persica Juice from Horai Island is rich in free magic element (ether) and tastes good even to a homunculus like No. 700672. It is tasty and good for the body, even for a homunculus like 700672.


    "What can I do for you today?"


    < of the as his master''s successor, and with the help of Marikka, No. 70067 No. 2 has been very cooperative.


    "Yes, a little about Hale."


    "Well, that''s interesting."


    Despite his very abstract opening, 700672 seems to have understood Jin''s intention correctly.


    Hale is my home planet. I''d like to take Rouge and Neige there someday."


    "I''m sure you would."


    Jin then said that Hale, as it was now, was a place that could be visited but was not suitable to live in.


    "First of all, there is too little water," he said.


    The current situation is that 80% of the land is land and 20% is sea. This is too arid an environment for living creatures to live in.


    "Yes, I suppose so.


    Jin thinks that the inhabitants, the , lived in domed dwellings, and that the air-conditioned inside of the dwellings kept them healthy in the dry environment.


    "In my opinion, <> may have reduced the amount of seawater in order to mine the resources on the seafloor."


    "That kind of thing ......."


    Jin felt a little shiver.


    It would have changed the weather on the planet Hale in no small way, he thought.


    "Maybe that''s why it''s so dry. ......"


    And it may have caused the extinction of many creatures, too.


    "Hmm. I am concerned about that. But it is possible that <> are trying to > in some way."


    For example, by creating protected areas, or by preserving genes, 700672 says.


    "Breaking the natural cycles of the food chain and biodegradation is a way of strangling ourselves in the end."


    "That''s right. ......"


    Jin thought about the many creatures that had perished even on his own planet.


    "Let me tell you something else. Perhaps the ecosystem, food chain, etc. here on Arus is the same or very close to that of Hale.


    It is highly likely that such measures are being taken, especially on the still uninhabited ," said 700672.


    "Perhaps the testers on Onogoro Island know more about this than I do."


    "Indeed.


    Jin thought at this moment that he would ask him about it.


    "I digress. I wonder if > have frozen seawater or something to store it in space?"


    "I see. ...... but I don''t think there was anything like that in the orbit of <>''s satellite."


    "Is that so?��If so,......, or if it''s further away than normal satellite orbit,......, whatever it is, I don''t think <> would make too many irreversible modifications."


    Still, if their own survival depended on it, he added, "I don''t know," he added.


    "As far as I''m concerned, I''d like to get Hale back to his original state."


    "Oh?��Why is that?


    The 700672 seemed to be intrigued by Jin''s words.


    "There are several reasons. First, we can''t leave Hale, the birthplace of the Ars human race, unattended."


    "Mm."


    "Second, we can use Hale as a <>."


    A refuge?


    Yes. We can''t take shelter when natural disasters like the last <> and <> ...... space disasters?��could hit Ars.


    On the other hand, there is a possibility that Hale will be attacked.


    I see.


    The third one is for you, 700672, isn''t it?


    For me?


    Yes. I can''t move freely in this ars, but Hale?


    "......"


    And even Neige and Rouge should be shown the wider world, don''t you think?


    Emotional education," was the word that came to Jin''s mind.


    "Finally, I''d like to say that I could live in Hale, too. ......"


    Jin, or rather Horaijima, is a floating existence from this world of Ars.


    Then, although it is a wild idea, it is possible to think that we should just leave Ars.


    "Well, I guess you could call it a place of retreat.


    Jin laughed.


    "Well, I understand how you feel, Jin-dono.


    No. 700672 nodded deeply.


    "It will take a long time to restore Hale to his original form.


    "I''m sure it will."


    "I, Neige and Rouge will be able to watch the passage of time, but Jin-dono, who is a human being, will be able to ......."


    "That may be so."


    Jin smiled transparently when she pointed out his longevity.


    "A place of retreat," he said, "is not just about me personally.


    The old man and Reiko, the golem of Horai Island, and the automata who have become semi-eternal beings.


    "I''m worried in many ways about leaving them in Ars as they are."


    Besides," Jin continues.


    "My knowledge and experience will be passed on to my descendants. As long as there are things that can be passed on in this way, they will not go to waste.


    We are rehabilitating Hale, not for now, but for the distant future, Jin assured me.


    "Yes, I see. ....... If you think that far, Jin-dono, I will fully cooperate with you.


    "Thank you, sir."


    Thus, Jin and the 700672 formed a cooperative relationship.


    The was then formulated.


    The first step of the plan was to


    1. restore the sea of Hale to its original state.


    2. to restore the vegetation of Hale.


    The first step of the plan was to 1. restore the sea of Hale.


    "Let''s build a golem unit for the restoration of Hale. ...... First, we will need about 1,000 golems.��Then we''ll send a spaceship to investigate in detail whether the seawater has been preserved in space somewhere."


    Thus began the long and arduous Hale Recovery Project.

 1929 - - 52-01 News from Zion

    April 16, 3900.


    After dinner at Hale''s house, Jin goes out to the porch and looks up at the sky.


    Reiko brings him some tea.


    "Oh, thank you."


    He drinks the after-dinner tea and looks at the sky over Hale.


    The sun was setting, the clouds were getting darker and darker, and the stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky.


    "...... I guess I can finally relax."


    Many things have happened since I decided to live in this era as a complex.


    The journey to various countries to learn about this time period, the liberation of Kunlun Island, the confrontation with Malchitas.


    Encounters with the descendants on Onogoro Island, the Golem Games (Gompetition) in the Kingdom of Shoro, and the restoration of Avalon.


    The battle for the Magecraft King (Queen) on Onogoro Island, troubles with the remnants of the <>.


    Securing resource satellites for the redevelopment of Hale, and the construction of the base. .......


    Jin was relieved to finally be able to devote himself to what he loved to do.


    "...... father, the old man has contacted you."


    "Yes?��What''s going on?"


    Jin got up from the porch and went to the manacam in the living room.


    The manacam, as Jin liked, looked like a black telephone with a dial tone.


    "It''s Jin. What''s up, old man?


    <


    "From Zion?��Did something happen?


    >


    The old man gave a brief explanation.


    According to him, there is a problem in the vicinity of Blueland, a local city in the Kingdom of Egelea.


    If that were all, there would be no need to inform Jin at all, but since the descendants of the former <> are involved in this problem, this is the reason why I am informing you.


    <


    This is because all of the intelligence units <>, which were dispatched to various countries 400 years ago, have been withdrawn.


    So to speak, < have been blocked.


    We would like to dispatch the 5th Quinta immediately, but we have not sent the 5th Quinta yet.


    The old man had been confined to Horai Island for a while to avoid the attack of Malchitas and others, and he was not fully aware of the world situation yet.


    That is why he cannot send the fifth column (Quinta) without being discovered.


    "I''m sorry. It''s my fault.


    In addition, Jin said that the dispatch of the 5th column (Quinta) could be postponed. He wanted the old man to devote his resources to Hale-related matters.


    "Well, let''s go to the Kingdom of Egelea ...... and visit the Blue Lands. ...... the warp gate is still in good working order?"


    <


    "Oh, I see."


    "...... father, are you going?"


    Reiko says a little frustrated.


    "Yes, I''m going. If it is the descendants of my former friends who are in danger..."


    The old man assured me about the safety. Reiko was finally convinced.


    * * * * * *


    Jin finished his preparations quickly.


    Jin quickly finished his preparations, but only to lock the door of the house here in Hale.


    "Well, let''s say hello to the <> and go to Zion''s first, shall we?


    "Yes, father."


    Jin and Reiko got in the Sparrow and headed for the house of <> 700672.


    "Hmm, I didn''t know that happened. That must be interesting."


    "Yes, that''s why I''m going back to Ars.


    No.700672 showed understanding to Jin. Then he added,


    "I''ll go back too. It will be a long time before they are free. Besides, I have to report to ...... Marikka-sama.


    "So, shall we go back together?"


    Although we say "together", we are going to Ars via the <> and we will separate at the terminal on the Ars side ....... This time, Jin is going to ask Zion about the situation, so he is going with me to the <>.


    "Neige, Rouge, you heard me.��Get ready."


    Yes.


    Yes, sir.


    After 10 minutes of preparation, Jin, Reiko, No.700672, Neige, Rouge and others returned to Ars using .


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin, you''re early!"


    <, Zion greeted Jin. Marikka had probably received some sort of message from the 700672.


    "I heard there was some kind of trouble.


    "Yes, that''s right. Well, come on in here."


    Sion invited Jin to his house, saying that it was not a matter for standing around talking.


    "...... It all started with the family feud."


    "A family disturbance?"


    Jin looked doubtful, and Zion began to explain a little background.


    "The problem is the Marquis of Kuzma, who is the acting lord of Blueland," he said.


    "...... Kuzma?��Marquess?��...... Are you by any chance a descendant of Lewis and Bina?"


    Zion nodded.


    "Yes. About two hundred years ago, he was made a marquis instead of a count, and the Dukes of Bruu gave him full power in the Blue Lands."


    "Heh. ......"


    The Dukes of Bruu are still the lords of Blueland, but they actually participate fully in the affairs of state in the royal capital.


    And the Kuzma family has been made a marquis instead of a count, and is now the acting lord of Blueland, with virtually full authority over the country.


    "It was all good up to that point, though."


    <Marchitas Riots.


    "Well, that makes sense."


    The newcomers were a family skilled in magical engineering who seemed more likely to be targeted by the < than by the Markitas .......


    "It seems that they gave up the reigns of their families and moved to <> because they felt they were in danger and had to take refuge there."


    "Well, I don''t know ...... what was going on at the time, so I can''t say for sure, but ...... there must have been a lot of confusion."


    "I guess so."


    I don''t know what the situation was like back then, but I can''t say for sure. And with the replacement of the immigrants, accurate information is not possible to hope for.


    Moreover, the activities of the <> were hampered by the offensive of the <>, and even the old man did not know the exact situation at that time.


    (Probably, there was a lot of confusion in the city of Breuland itself.)


    < and the must have been in open conflict, Jin thought.


    Still, he was curious about what was going on, so he decided to ask.


    "Did they ever get suspicious or wonder about the disappearance of the whole family?


    "Of course they would have been confused. But they didn''t live together, they lived in different places, so I don''t know how confused they would have been.


    "I don''t know."


    It is possible, he says, that they were even glad that the main family was gone. That seems to be the way it is for aristocrats to be a branch of a family.


    Incidentally, the biggest difference between the main family and the branch family is whether or not they knew of the existence of <> and <>.


    "It seems that the people who evacuated...... emigrated were refreshed."


    "Well, I can understand that."


    Jin thought that life on Onogoro Island would be a paradise, as long as one did not cling to power.


    "Let me back up. ...... So, I hear that the former branch of the family that became the main family is in a lot of trouble right now."


    "Yeah."


    Jin, who now had a better understanding of the background of the situation, straightened up and listened to the conversation.

 1930 - - 52-02 To the nostalgic Blue Land

    Zion explains to Jin the problems facing the Marquise of Kuzma.


    "To put it simply, it''s a succession problem.


    "Oh, that sounds like a lot of work."


    Jin has the impression that the succession problem in aristocratic society is a complicated one.


    "The story is simple. There are only three girls in the Marquise de Kuzma''s family now."


    "Ah... ...... but..."


    In the past, the Marquis Florenziano of Elias was a woman, and there are female barons.


    When Jin said that..,


    "The point is whether the king approves or not. It might be the king or the council.


    Zion answered.


    "I see."


    If a woman is to be the head of the family, she must be recognized as capable of ruling or something equivalent.


    Jin thinks that this is a bad part of aristocratic society.


    However, custom is custom, and it is not something that can be fixed immediately.


    "What should we do?


    asked Zion,


    "I don''t know that much about the customs of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    He replied, "I don''t know that much about the customs of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    "That''s right."


    Jin folded his arms and thought for a while.


    "I guess I can''t say anything until I visit the Blue Lands. ......


    He came to the conclusion, "I guess I''ll have to go to Blueland and see what it''s all about.


    * * * * * *


    On the morning of April 17, Jin moved to Blue Land with Reiko after making preparations at Horaijima.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve been here.


    The forests on the outskirts of Blueland were just as they used to be.


    "Perhaps the Marquess of Kuzma has designated it as a conservation area," Reiko said.


    Jin nodded at Reiko''s comment.


    "Oh, so that''s how it is. That''s very kind of them.


    "Yes, father. But, since it''s thanks to you that I''m able to get your father''s help in this way, isn''t that mutually beneficial?


    Ha-ha... you''re right...


    Reiko was in her usual tone.


    We walked slowly and passed through the forest in about 30 minutes.


    The area beyond the forest was a grassland dotted with bushes and shrubs, almost unchanged from the past.


    "I wonder if this area is a kind of conservation area.


    There were some footprints, so the area did not seem to be off-limits to visitors.


    Since it was spring, new buds were beginning to grow among the dead grass.


    Blue Land is located a little south of Horai Island, so from what Jin saw, spring seemed to come a little earlier.


    "The last time I was here was in the middle of the commotion," he said.


    He had come to search for the remnants of the who were hiding in the depths of an abandoned mine on the outskirts of Bluerand.


    "I remember the Duke of Bruu welcomed us that time..."


    "Yes, he did. I think that the reason the Marquise of Kuzma didn''t show his face was because of the succession problem."


    That''s a big possibility.


    As Reiko and I walked along, we finally arrived at the gate of Breuland. It was around 9:00 a.m., so the gate was open.


    "Here you go."


    I showed the gate guard the pass that Theon had given me, and he let me through with a single glance.


    "You were right when you said that checks in times of peace are only a formality."


    That''s a sign of peace, Jin thought.


    "Now what are we going to do?"


    He knew the old Breuland, but he knew nothing about the new Breuland.


    "We could go directly to the Marquise''s house. ......


    It might have been difficult for just Jin and Reiko, but Zion had written a letter of introduction for them, so they should be able to enter the Marquise''s house without any problem.


    Jin, however, decided to gather information in the town first.


    "What should I do at ...... in such a case?"


    Jin did not have much experience in this kind of situation.


    He said, "...... where people gather and where people who know the town gather is good, father.


    Reiko, who must have been in contact with the old man, gave him some advice.


    "Maybe a diner, or a mutual aid association (guild). ......"


    Jin wondered if there was a in this country at this time.


    "Then there is also the innkeeper."


    I have plenty of pocket money, so I decide to look for a reasonably good inn.


    I''ll go here.


    "I think I''ll stay here.


    After searching for about 30 minutes, I found an inn called "Gingetsu-tei.


    It was located off the main street and had a quiet atmosphere. The building was clean and well-maintained.


    The staff said, "Welcome. Are you staying with us?


    Since the restaurant is open for lunch, Hitoshi and Reiko went to the front desk, but it was only 11:00 a.m., so they were asked to confirm.


    "Please stay overnight."


    "Okay. Please fill out this form."


    The receptionist was a young proprietress in her late twenties.


    <, Jin thought that it was a mistake not to have thought of an alias for such an occasion.


    "You are staying one night. How would you like to eat?


    "Dinner and breakfast, please."


    "Okay. If you have lunch at ......, we can give you a small discount.


    The person who was told..,


    Jin replies, "Oh, I''ll have lunch here, too.


    Jin replies.


    "Yes, sir. The room is on the second floor, room 203. Here is the key.


    "Yes, thank you."


    Hitoshi and Reiko go to drop off their baggage, which they are carrying to make themselves look like tourists.


    Of course, the contents are dummies.


    "Oh, this is a nice room.


    The living room and bedroom are separated, and the room is a twin room of about 10 tatami mats. The room is divided into a sleeping area with two beds and a living room-like space with a chair and a table.


    A toilet and a shower room were also in the room, which was very advanced for this part of the world.


    It reminds me of a business hotel," said Jin.


    Jin commented.


    The time was 11:30 a.m. I left my luggage in the room and went to the first floor cafeteria to have lunch, although it was a little early.


    Here is the menu.


    The young proprietress at the front desk showed me the menu.


    <<<<, main dishes such as <<<<>, and <, etc. <<> and so on.


    Jin ordered congee, vegetable soup, and seafood salad. Reiko ordered bread and stew. She is staying with us as her younger sister.


    Please wait a moment.


    The young proprietress wrote down the order and went to the kitchen.


    Jin moistens his mouth with the cold water offered and looks around the dining room.


    It was still early, so there was only one other person eating bread and stew.


    "I think I''ll ask the landlady about where to go ...... after I eat.


    Jin thought to himself.

 1931 - - 52-03 Information from the landlady

    About 10 minutes later, the lunch that Jin had ordered arrived.


    "Yes, it''s delicious!"


    The congee was lightly salted, and the vegetable soup was filled with a variety of vegetables. The seafood salad was filled with seaweed and tuna-like fish meat, and the dressing was just the way Jin liked it.


    "Please, this is a service for our guests.


    When I finished eating, a cup of tea (taeye) was served. The tea leaves were of good quality, and I had no complaints about the aroma or taste.


    Thank you very much for the tea.


    I said to the young proprietress who came to take down the dishes,


    "Are you a foreigner?


    She asked, "Are you a foreigner?


    When Jin asked her why she thought so, she said it was because it was rare for people to order porridge.


    "We don''t get much rice around here, but a long time ago, the wife of one of our lords liked rice porridge, and it took root here.


    "Heh. ......"


    Jin remembered his former friend and member of the , Bina, and felt nostalgic.


    "Isn''t she the one who was known as the <>?"


    I asked her,


    "Yes, yes, that''s right!


    the young proprietress happily affirmed.


    "About 400 years ago...... when the current acting lord was a count, he was from a commoner''s background. She was desired by the Count at the time to be his wife."


    "Heh, heh. ......"


    Jin wanted to say that he knew her well, but he held back and made a face as if he had never heard of her before.


    He had learned from the old man beforehand that the trick to get information out of someone is to pretend to know something shallow but not deep enough.


    If you are perceived as knowing too little, it is easy to be thought that <>.


    People who show shallow knowledge and sympathy for what they are interested in are willing to share various information with you if you guide them well.


    The young landlady seemed to like the Kuzumas and told us many things without Jin asking. It seems that she is not busy today because there are not many customers.


    "I heard that this town has developed a lot thanks to that madam. ......Oh, yes!"


    The young proprietress went to the kitchen and came back with a deep dish of something.


    "Do you know this too?"


    "Oh, popcorn."


    "Yes, that''s right!��This is a snack that was very popular when the mistress started selling it when she was still a commoner!


    "I heard that."


    Jin knows this well, too. In fact, it was Jin who taught it to Bina.


    "In addition to Count Kuzma at that time, there was another count family that administered the west and east parts of Blueland respectively, but the other count family was reduced to a viscount during the time of his wife.


    "I didn''t know that."


    Jin didn''t know about that, so he guessed that it must have happened after he came here.


    "After that, I heard that the Counts of Kuzma managed the east and west sides of the Blue Lands for a while, but about 200 years ago, they were promoted from counts to marquises, and at the same time, they became the deputies of the Blue Lands. I''ve never heard of that."


    "I have heard of that. That''s how much the dukes trust him, isn''t it?


    The other person becomes even more laconic when I make a small gesture indicating that I understand what they are saying and that I am interested in what they have to say.


    "Yes, yes, yes. Truly, the Marquis of Kuzma has taken good care of this blueland and its inhabitants for generations. As proof of this, the taxes in this town are lower than in other cities.


    On average, the tax rate in the Kingdom of Egelea is 40% tax.


    But here in the Blue Lands, the tax rate is three to seven percent.


    This is a much improved result. As far as Jin knows, 400 years ago, there were countries and regions with 6 kong and 4 kong, and 7 kong and 3 kong.


    Incidentally, in Japan, the tax rate was once seven kongs and three peoples in the Edo period, but it was lowered to three kongs and seven peoples in the peaceful era.


    "Life has become easier with the spread of convenient magical tools.


    It was Countess Bina Rauf Kuzma, the craft queen, who created the prototype.


    "But you know, ......."


    Suddenly the young landlady''s voice lost its energy.


    "Is something wrong?"


    Jin asked,


    "Well, the Marquis Kuzma''s family is in a lot of trouble right now," the young landlady said.


    The young landlady answered with a slightly pained look on her face.


    "......I don''t know if it''s interesting for you to hear, but ......" she added.


    She added, "I don''t know if it''s interesting for our guests to hear,


    "No, it''s an interesting story.


    Jin replied, "No, it''s an interesting story.


    Please tell us about it."


    After Jin said this, the young proprietress began to speak slowly.


    "It seems that about 150 years ago, ...... for some reason, people from the main family disappeared. So the branch families took over the marquisate and have been in charge ever since. ......"


    "Did something happen?"


    Jin asks in a blank voice.


    "The current Marquis is very old. He was unable to have children, but he had no choice but to get a second wife, and when she finally gave birth, she was a princess. After that, the two of them ...... were also princesses."


    "So there are three princesses?"


    "That''s what I mean. You are still a little girl at ......, so you can''t be the successor."


    "I see."


    The current Marquis is elderly and has lost his first wife. The second wife, who gave birth to three daughters, is young, but her low status prevents her from succeeding even temporarily.


    To put it bluntly, she was a former lady-in-waiting, which certainly meant that neither the royal family nor the Duke of Breu would recognize her as an heir, let alone a guardian.


    Moreover, the older princess was only 10 years old. The older princess was only 10 years old and would not be able to succeed to the Marquise''s throne no matter how hard she tried.


    * * * *


    Jin and Reiko went back to their room.


    "...... have you got a good idea of what''s going on?"


    Yes, father.


    The three of them had a meeting with the old man using the manacam.


    <<


    One. 1. The eldest daughter is given a suitable son-in-law to take over the reigns of the family.


    Two. Adopt an adult male relative by blood and have him succeed to the family.


    Three. The elder daughter is to have a guardian until she comes of age and succeeds to the family.


    "Well, that''s the way it''s going to be."


    Jin thinks there is no other way.


    Jin thought that the old man''s insight was probably right.


    Because..,


    The young landlady told me that <>.


    The Galana family is still haunted after 400 years.


    "The best I can do is ......2 and 3, yes."


    There are many adult men of blood on who could serve as guardians as well.


    <


    "Oh, sure they do. ......"


    There is no proof of blood relationship, because there is no such thing as DNA test.


    Even for a successor, it can''t be someone who doesn''t know what kind of person he/she is.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    Again Jin pondered.

 1932 - - 52-04 Name of disease

    The old man spoke to Jin, who was troubled.


    "Yes?��What is it?"


    "Oh, I see."


    I''m told he''s old. I don''t know exactly how old he is, but I doubt he has much time left.


    The average life expectancy in the Ars world today is supposed to be over 90 years old, Jin recalled. Jin thinks that a marquis with a 10-year-old child could not be nearly 90 years old.


    "You left that information out. All right, Reiko, let''s go.


    Jin decided to go around the town to gather information, and on his way he decided to ask the young proprietress about his current question.


    She said, "The Marquis is currently lying in bed with an incurable disease. He is not in danger today or tomorrow, but he is bedridden. So, if we don''t decide on a successor, there is a possibility that the family may disappear if something happens to him.


    It is said that if a noble dies without a successor, the state (the royal family or the council) may appoint a successor for the continuation of the family if the noble was a great noble or an important person.


    But in this case, if it is judged that they had enough time to decide the successor but didn''t decide, the family may be cut off without any change.


    "Is that so? ......"


    Incidentally, the current Marquis Kuzma is 69 years old.


    * * * *


    Jin and Reiko left the restaurant and headed for the main street.


    "...... but I can''t think of a place where we can get more information than that inn."


    Jin muttered,


    "Father, as they say, a dog that walks will get the short end of the stick, so let''s walk around first," Reiko said.


    Reiko said. When Jin heard this, he said,


    "Yes, that''s right. ......, it is also said that the sooner you get there, the better."


    He decided to go north along the main street. There was a lord''s mansion in that direction.


    Count Kuzma''s mansion is on the east side, right?


    "Yes. At that time, I was the Commissioner of the Eastern District of the Blue Lands.


    The other Count, Count Galana, was the Commissioner of the Western District of Vreeland, so his mansion was on the west side of town.


    "And what about now?"


    Jin thought that the Duke of Bruu was the lord and the Marquess of Kuzma was his deputy, so he decided to ask someone on the street.


    Excuse me, are you a resident of Breuland?


    "Yes, I am. Who are you?


    I''m a traveler. My name is Jin. I''m Jin. ...... Is the Marquis of Kuzma in the Lords'' Hall?


    No, he''s not. No. The Marquis is recuperating at his mansion on the east side.


    Oh, is that so?


    Are you the healer who came to cure the Marquis''s illness?��Then by all means!��Then by all means, heal him!


    The man who had mistaken Jin for a traveling healer bowed his head repeatedly as he walked away.


    "It seems that everyone knows that the ...... Marquis is sick."


    The young landlady was right.


    Not only is he bedridden, but his illness has made it impossible for him to choose a successor. There can be no mistake now.


    "But now we have another option.


    Curing the Marquis'' illness will give us more time. According to the current average life expectancy, as long as the disease is cured, he should be able to choose his successor or son-in-law after his eldest daughter comes of age.


    "The only question is, what kind of disease? ......"


    If Erza, Jin''s beloved wife and the world''s best healer in the past, had been around, he probably could have managed, but the breakdown in the transmission of technology by the <>, although not as severe as the <>, was hindering the development of this world.


    Looking back on this history, Jin said..,


    "It''s a pity.


    Jin muttered, "It''s a pity.


    Erza''s medical knowledge is partly derived from Jin and partly from Shuki Tsetsi.


    Shuki, in particular, had aspirations to become a medical doctor in his former world, and had come down with several medical books, contributing greatly to the development of medicine in this world.


    The rest is Elsa''s own talent and experience, which together have created the rare healer Elsa Nido.


    "I don''t blame you for asking for what you don''t have, but I''d like to know at least ...... what the symptoms are."


    "Father, in that case, shall I use my Peeper Telescope?"


    Reiko is also equipped with a small peeping telescope.


    It is not easy to use at long distances because of its blurred focus, but at short distances, it is quite practical.


    "I hope there is a place near the Marquis''s residence where I can stay still and not arouse suspicion.


    It would indeed be suspicious if we were to stand still outside the walls, staring at the Marquis'' residence. Or rather, it would definitely be suspicious.


    Jin and Reiko walked around the area and found a small coffee shop.


    "Let''s go in here for a break.


    It was a little after one o''clock in the afternoon. There were no other customers besides Jin and the others.


    Jin and Reiko chose a seat in the corner.


    "Welcome!


    A girlish automaton came to take their order. Jin thought that it might be a product of <>, since it looked somewhat like Beena''s work.


    "Pancakes and tea for two, please.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin decided without thinking too much.


    Meanwhile, Reiko remained motionless, probing the inside of the Marquis'' mansion with her built-in "peepers.


    * * * * * *


    "Thank you for waiting."


    Reiko observes with her peepers for 10 minutes before the pancakes and tea arrive.


    "Come on, let''s eat."


    "Yes."


    Reiko can too. Of course, it is not digestible.


    The previous method was to remove water and compress the food, but now the food is broken down into atoms, so there is less residue.


    Regardless, as she ate, Reiko reported the results.


    "Otto...... brother, the subject is showing symptoms like <>."


    This time, Jin and Reiko are <, and since is a bad word, Reiko uses the term .


    "What!��...... no, is that so?"


    <>. It is a disease in which the body recovers more magic power than it possesses, and the excess magic power undermines the body.


    Erza once had this disease, but she recovered completely through the teaching of No. 700672.


    "...... but if that''s the case, the cure is a ."


    It is a substance extracted from the brain tissue of special demons and is extremely rare.


    It is needed to create a homunculus.


    As the name "catalyst" suggests, the substance itself does not change, but all creatures that use free magic element (ether) have it in their bodies.


    With this catalyst, free magic element (ether) can be manipulated by the mind. It can be called an antenna for mental waves.


    By ingesting one millionth of a gram of this, Erza''s hypermagic was completely cured.


    "There are still some left in Horai Island, aren''t there?


    "No, there are none left.


    Reiko answered.


    "Why not?"


    "...... they used it for experiments."


    "...... I see."


    Jin''s shoulders slumped.


    By using this mental catalyst, the accuracy of controlling the free magical element (ether) is greatly improved.


    Originally, there was less than a gram of the psychic catalyst. It was only natural that it would run out if used in such experiments.

 1933 - - 52-05 Fake name

    < left, and Reiko hurriedly continued.


    "Oh ...... brother, but we do have the cure for ."


    "What?"


    "<> is a disease that can affect people other than Erza-sama."


    "That''s true."


    So there is a possibility that Jin and Erza''s descendants could also contract the disease.


    "All it takes is one millionth of a gram per person. Isn''t that right?"


    Jin nodded.


    "So, using 100,000 grams per million, there should be enough medicine for 100,000 people stored on Horai Island. The experiment used the rest. What we used in the experiment was the rest."


    "I see!"


    That was good news.


    However, thinking about it, it is not surprising that my past self would have taken such a step. I would have done the same thing now.


    "Then you can use it to cure the Marquis'' hypermagic.


    Yes. But we have to make sure it''s right.


    That''s right.


    Misdiagnosis during medical treatment must be avoided at all costs.


    "If it''s ......, should I formally offer to treat him?"


    In the meantime, we are acquainted with the current royal family of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    Jin decided that the best way to contact them would be to ask them to contact Ernest XVII or the current Duke of Breu via <>.


    Or you can use the letter of introduction from Sion.


    "That''s fine."


    Jin thought about that for the rest of the day to make sure there were no other problems.


    "Okay, Reiko, let''s go gather some information."


    Yes, sir.


    Yes.


    Jin and Reiko spent the day gathering information.


    "It wasn''t just the Viscounts of Galana, was it?"


    Yes, that''s right.


    It seems that not only the Viscounts Galana, but also the Counts Setena and Rasaan are targeting the Marquise of Kuzma.


    Neither of these families had ever heard of Jin, so it is assumed that they have been in existence for 400 years. Both seem to want to send their sons-in-law to the Marqu��s de Kuzma.


    "Well, I don''t have anything to say about it, as long as he''s the right person."


    Jin and Reiko stayed at that night, and returned to Horai Island on the following day, the 19th.


    "The story was getting bigger than I thought."


    >.


    We can''t leave him alone, especially if he is suffering from hypermagia.


    "You have the cure, don''t you?"


    "That''s good."


    The problem is the examination. We''ll have to take Lise, the automaton healer, with us here.


    The rest can be found at ......."


    I am concerned about Edith Kuzma, Greenina Kuzma, Rubina Garrett, Amanda Garrett and others on <.


    They are descendants of Bina and Luis, and are closer to the Marquise Kuzma than to the current Marquise Kuzma. Or rather, Edith and Grina are definitely direct descendants.


    "But you know what, ......"


    But there is no way to prove that they are direct descendants, and I don''t think they would be willing to come forward now.


    I''ll have to check that out: ......


    * * * *


    Jin asked Marikka to confirm the information, since it would be too much trouble if he visited the house in person,


    "Jin-sama, the consensus of everyone is that <><>."


    He replied.


    "I knew it."


    It seems that he has become a recluse, or rather, he has completely withdrawn from the mundane world. He can go out for fun, but he doesn''t want to get into trouble.


    "......It''s me after all."


    Jin really did not want to do anything too public, considering what would happen later on.


    He knew Ernest XVII and the Duke of Breu, but Jin guessed that it would be a big deal if he brought the matter to them.


    "I think it would be better to do it secretly.


    Jin concluded that it would be better to do it secretly.


    "Then, I should take Liese and Reiko to Blue Land.


    <>


    "Oh, that too."


    <


    I remember that when I took Hannah to the Klein Kingdom, we all dyed our hair color to disguise ourselves.


    "...... I''ll just keep it dark brown."


    I don''t like hair colors that are too far apart from each other because it makes me feel uncomfortable.


    Reiko, who is supposed to be a brother and sister, should also be dark brown.


    "And then there''s the name. ......"


    I think about it a little.


    I decided to go with Shin.


    I decided to go with "Shin".


    I remembered that I had heard from someone that if the name is too far from the original name, it is easy to make a mistake and make a mess.


    He thought that Shin would be able to fool them even if he was about to call himself Jin.


    "Let''s make Reiko as well."


    "............ yes."


    So the pseudonyms <> and <> were decided.


    "And then there''s Liese. ......"


    Since this one is probably not so well known, we decided to go with <>. However, I''m going to change her hair color to dark brown for her appearance.


    "There we go."


    We are ready.


    There is still plenty of time left, so we decide to move on to the Blue Land.


    The time difference from Penglai Island is minus 2 hours and 45 minutes.


    It is 10:30 a.m. in Horai Island now, so it is 7:45 a.m. in Blue Land.


    It is about a 45-minute walk from the forest where the warp gate is located. I calculated that the gate would be open.


    However, since the name and appearance have been changed, Jin decides to enter the castle through a different gate than the previous one.


    I went around a little to the southern gate and found .......


    "...... was open, but what is ......?"


    Soldiers were lined up on both sides of the road leading to the gate, and the civilians seemed to be waiting.


    Jin quietly asked one of the people at the end of the line,


    "I heard that Viscount Galana''s party is coming.


    The answer came back, "The Viscount Galana''s party is coming.


    (Oh no, this is the worst timing ever. ......)


    Jin felt a little depressed.


    However, there was nothing else to do but to wait, and after about 15 minutes, the procession with the horsemen at the head came.


    "Hmmm... ......"


    They passed in front of Jin in the following order: the cavalryman with the banner of the House of Galana, the cavalryman escorting him, the carriage, the carriage, the golem escorting him, and the cavalryman escorting him.


    He was not sure about the cavalry horse, but about the escorting golem,


    "Well, it''s pretty well made," he said.


    He commented on the escort golem, "Well, it is quite good.


    The procession of Viscount Galana and his party passed by, and finally the public was allowed to pass.


    This time, the nobles ...... were a bit more polite in checking the passports because of the arrival of Viscount Galana''s party, but Shin (Jin), Reko (Reiko), Liese, and the others were able to pass without any problems.


    Jin did not miss the look on the guard''s face when he saw on Liese''s pass.


    (Probably, he wanted to discuss the illness of the Marquis of Kuzma with his lord, .......)


    Jin thought that the Marquis of Kuzma seemed to be well-liked by everyone, as was the case with the residents of Blueland whom he met the other day.

 1934 - - 52-06 Mrs. and Izai

    Jin and his group entered the Blue Lands through the south gate and headed north along the central street. In the distance, they could see Viscount Galana and his party.


    "First of all, we must greet the lords. Of course. Who''s there ......?"


    The Marquis of Kuzma, who is the acting lord......s representative, is supposed to be asleep, so who exactly is in the lord''s house?��Jin asked such a question.


    "Oh, the Duke of Bruu is back from the capital right now," he said.


    A person who seemed to be a resident of the area, who must have heard Jin''s soliloquy, told him.


    (Is the Duke of Brou back? ......)


    (Is the Duke of Bruu back?


    "Let''s go to the Marquis''s residence for now."


    Jin and his colleagues leave the central street and head toward the northeast of Blueland. Their destination is the residence of the Marquis of Kuzma.


    Since we had already visited there the other day, we arrived there without any hesitation. In fact, the house itself was built during the time of the Count.


    Now, what should we do?


    The bars are closed, but a peek inside through the gaps between the bars reveals a somewhat hectic atmosphere.


    "I wonder if Viscount Galana will arrive as early as today?"


    The aristocrats are often laid-back, but this time they can''t be too careful.


    "Let''s use this: ......"


    <. Jin pulls out a letter of introduction from Xion, the wife of the head of the <> clan, from his pocket.


    The letter does not contain Jin''s name, but rather a vague phrase such as <>.


    However, the pattern on the envelope and the design of the sealing wax are original to the , and Zion''s signature is genuine. The signature of Zion is genuine.


    Jin showed the letter of introduction to the gatekeeper and asked to see the Marquis.


    The gatekeeper accepted the letter of introduction with some doubt, and ran to the museum.


    "Well, let''s see what happens.


    Jin and the others were offered chairs in the gate guard''s room and waited for 10 minutes.


    The gate guard came back, gasping for breath.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting, sir. Please come through.


    "Thank you."


    Behind the guard were two golem maids,


    "Let me show Mr. Shin and his party around.


    and led Jin and the others into the mansion.


    (The inside of the mansion has changed a lot in 400 years. ...... of course.)


    Jin, who knew the inside and outside of the mansion well having visited it many times, could see that the whole building had been reinforced.


    Jin and the others were shown to the reception room.


    "Please wait here."


    One of the golem maids said and left the room, while the other stayed behind to take care of Jin and the others.


    The other one stayed behind to take care of Jin and the other one said, "Would you like some tea, kuhe, or green tea?


    "I''ll have tea then.


    Jin asked for tea since he was in the real place.


    "Yes, sir."


    The golem maid brews a pot of tea with a familiar hand.


    "Here you go."


    Only one tea is served. Only one tea was placed in front of Jin.


    "Hey?"


    Reko...... means for Reiko and Liese, when Shin...... Jin makes a quizzical sound,


    "Jin-sama, Reiko-sama, Liese-sama, right?"


    The words "Jin-sama, Reiko-sama, Liese-sama, aren''t you?


    Do you know us?


    Jin asked unintentionally. After he said it, he realized that he had just affirmed it, but it was too late.


    But..,


    "I am , head of the Golem Maids. I was created by Beena, the first <. So I know who you are as well.


    I was relieved to hear her answer.


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. I have had five maintenance and three modifications, so I have not kept my original appearance.


    Jin understood that it was understandable if she had lived for 400 years.


    "You said it yourself, Meline. ...... We are visiting here under a false identity. You can address us as Shin, Reko and Liese.


    As Jin was impressed, Reiko offered the necessary information and nailed Meline.


    "Oh, sorry, Rei...... reco. ...... that''s what I''m talking about, please, Meline."


    "Yes, sir, Master Singh."


    "Well, then, besides Meline, does anyone else know about us?"


    "No, sir."


    No, sir." Meline says emphatically. Jin is relieved to hear that there are no other golems out there who know about us.


    (Then again, you don''t seem to be wondering why I''m here. ......)


    He thought that he would talk to the old man about this later.


    "Thank you for waiting, Shin-sama, Reko-sama, Liese-sama.


    Just then, a lady arrived with the golem maid.


    "My name is Anna Gem Kuzma.


    She said her name and bowed with awkward curtsy.


    "I understand that you are here today to examine my husband.


    Mrs. Kuzma cuts straight to the chase.


    "I have read the letter of introduction from Master Zion of the <>. We may not have much time left. Please take care of my husband.


    I understand. Will you take me to the Marquis?


    Yes, this way.


    As she was leaving the reception room, someone interrupted her. After saying his name, he said, "This is Mr. Queshan, the family head of the family,


    "Madam, where are you going?


    and moved to stand in front of her.


    "Move aside, Ques! I am taking these people to the master.


    "...... can you trust these people?"


    What?


    Viscount Galana and his party entered the Lords'' Palace today. Count Setena and Viscount Rasaan will be here tomorrow. The healer will be at ...... at this time."


    "No further."


    The lady interrupted Queschan,


    "You must not insult a man who has a letter of introduction from Master Theon of the Nordic Commonwealth and who is recognized by Meline, the head of the Maid Golem.


    She said.


    Honestly speaking, Hitoshi was...,


    (It might be normal to be suspicious...).


    (It might be normal to be suspicious), but of course he does not say it out loud.


    The argument between Mrs. Iazai and Iazai is still going on.


    "...... then, you must attend the meeting."


    "......May I also have my secretary Golem attend?"


    "Nah!��...... that''s not true!"


    Mrs. Kosaka protested loudly, as if to show that she did not trust Jin and the others to that extent.


    Jin decided to intervene, as he was not getting anywhere in this situation.


    "Excuse me for interrupting. You are wasting your time arguing with each other here at ....... We have nothing to hide, so I don''t care who is present.


    Hearing this, Queschan bowed lightly to Jin.


    "Thank you for your concern. Please come to ......."


    Queschan beckoned to Jin, and two large golems came to escort him.


    "Ques!"


    Jin stopped Mrs. Queschan from saying, "That''s not a secretary golem,


    "Let''s get out of here, we don''t have time for this!"


    He told her, "We don''t have time for this.

 1935 - - 52-07 Marquis diagnosis

    Seeing the two guard golems called by the family leader, Queshan,


    "Master Shin, are you sure?"


    Mrs. Kuzma ...... Anna is not happy, but Jin does not care.


    < and and Reiko''s reaction speed will prevent most of the attacks.


    Incidentally, <> is already deployed against magic attacks.


    Since it does not have physical interference, it does not interfere with passing people, using narrow passages, and so on.


    Reiko''s reaction speed is 20 times faster than that of a normal golem or automata. She can be neutralized before any action is taken.


    Queschan in the front, Shin (Jin) behind him, Reko (Reiko) on his right, and Mrs. Kuzma on his left. Behind them are Liese and Meline. At the end of the group are two golems. They are moving in this order through the building.


    We go up the scarlet-carpeted stairs to a room in the back on the second floor.


    (Ah, I think that was Lewis''s office.)


    Jin walked after Iesai Queschan, who was going ahead of him, remembering with nostalgia.


    He arrived at a heavy door that opened with a double swing. Maid golems stood on either side.


    A maid golem, which does not need to sleep, is certainly suitable for guarding and taking care of the house at all hours of the day.


    "Please wait a moment," Queschan says to Jin and the others.


    Queschan says to Jin and the others and disappears into the room. He returns in less than a minute.


    "The master has given his permission. Please come in."


    His eyes were sharp and he seemed to be telling them not to act suspiciously.


    Jin and the others went into the room.


    It was, after all, the former office of Lewis. It is now the sickroom of the head of the family, the Marquis of Kuzma, and is lined with various magical tools, including disinfection equipment.


    (At least, the people in this house seem to take good care of the Marquis.)


    (At least, the people in this house seem to care about the Marquis.) Jin thought so inwardly. (At least, the people in this house seem to care about the Marquis.) At least, there are no strange magical tools within the range of Jin''s perception.


    The Marquis of Kuzma, the head of the family, was lying on a magnificent canopied bed.


    His skin was pale and dull.


    His hair, which had probably been blonde, had almost completely fallen out due to his illness, leaving him with a bald head.


    His blue eyes were also clouded and lacked strength.


    "Welcome to the Blue Lands. ...... Shin-dono, is it?"


    And his voice had no tone.


    Yes, my name is Shin. This is my sister Reko and my friend Lise. Lise is a skilled healer.


    "I have just been shown a letter of introduction from Master Zion of <>. Please ...... see me."


    I understand. ...... Lise, please. ...... Mr. Queschan, please come closer if you are concerned."


    "Yes, yes."


    When he hears these words from Jin, Queschan, a little flustered, invites the guard golem to come over and stands on the other side of the bed.


    Seeing this, the Marchioness looked as if she wanted to say something, but it was clear to Jin that she was holding her ground in this hospital room.


    After Lise had treated her hands with the disinfectant magic tools provided in the room, she said, "Your Excellency, I beg your pardon.


    "Now, Your Excellency, if you''ll excuse me.


    She then took his hands and began to check his pulse.


    He then placed his hand on his forehead and proceeded with a full-scale examination.


    When he placed his palm on the Marquis''s forehead, Queschan twitched for a moment, but did not take any action because the Marquis did not say anything.


    The various examinations took about 10 minutes.


    In fact, the examination could have been completed in about two minutes, but I took my time, as too short a time could be taken as a sign that I was not doing a good job.


    "It is definitely <. In addition, you also have a stomach ulcer.


    Lise spoke plainly about the results of her examination.


    "Hypermagia, huh?"


    Hearing these words, Queschan nodded his head in satisfaction. Perhaps he had an idea of what to expect.


    This disease affects about one out of every 10,000 people.


    However, many of them have only mild symptoms.


    When ordinary people who are said to have no magic power contract this disease, they hardly show any symptoms or the factor remains latent for the rest of their lives.


    Therefore, only about 1 in 50,000 to 100,000 people actually develop visible symptoms of the disease.


    If the symptoms are mild, there is no problem in daily life because the excess magic power can be dissipated through the <...... who has a very close waveform of magic power nearby.


    In Erza''s case, her mother Meene was this safety valve until she was completely cured.


    "...... I see. It seems that the diagnosis is correct."


    "Ques!"


    Mrs. Meene says reproachfully.


    is rare, but not unheard of. A reasonably knowledgeable person would be able to tell, and the patient and his/her family would have a good idea of what to expect.


    Therefore, this Queschan, Jin thought, was probably saying from the top that Liese was not mistaken.


    But that''s all there is to it.


    "Then this medicine should work.


    Jin took out a bottle of medicine from the basket Reiko had given him.


    "What about ..................?"


    As expected, Queschan could not react to these words and had to leave his mouth open.


    "This is a remedy for <. You should see results within a day of taking it. However..."


    Saying that a stomach ulcer might impede absorption, Liese used her intermediate surgical magic .


    Though Jin could not see it, the bleeding from the stomach should have stopped.


    "...... should do the trick. Then, here you go."


    "......"


    Marquis Kuzma hesitated when he received the medicine bottle. No wonder. It is generally said that there is no cure for <>.


    But his hesitation was short-lived. Before Queschan could say, "Poison," the Marquis gulped down the potion.


    "Master!"


    "...... wind!"


    Ques Chan panicked, but the Marquis had already swallowed the medicine.


    "......Ques, I appreciate your concern for my health, but don''t be too rude to our guest."


    The marquis gently chided Ques Chan. Then he asked Jin


    "...... Shin-dono, is it enough to take this medicine several times?"


    "No, this should help your symptoms by tomorrow."


    What?


    What?


    What?


    The Marquis, Madame, and Questian all exclaimed in astonishment.


    They did not expect it to have such an immediate effect.


    "It is a very rare medicine, a secret of the ......<>."


    Jin follows up. It is not a lie.


    Four hundred years ago, in order to cure Erza''s hypermagic, the Elder 7006 No.72 taught him how to cure her and even gave him a .


    "I see, Master Zion."


    "...... something like that."


    It was not from Zion, but he was the one who left that part out.


    * * * * * *


    Jin and the others were shown to a secluded guest room. The room was windowless, probably to prevent escape.


    In addition, two security golems stood outside the door.


    "Master Shin, I don''t mean to be rude, but I have to do this."


    Queshan said, bowing deeply.


    "I trust you 99%, but just in case something happens to your husband tomorrow ......"


    "Yes, I understand."


    Today, watching Queshan for a short time, Jin understood well that he was working for the current Marquis.


    <


    That is why he has little respect for his wife, the second wife.


    "I''m sure your condition will be much better tomorrow.


    "I hope so. Please do not leave this room tonight. Now, if you''ll excuse me. Please make yourself at home.

 1936 - - 52-08 The Marquis is recovering.

    Dinner was also brought to our room that day. The taste was beyond reproach.


    "Well, things are a bit complicated, aren''t they?" Jin laughed.


    Jin laughed bitterly, saying that the world of mankind is full of evil spirits of the mountains and rivers.


    "About that, Mr. Shin.


    Since he had set it up that way, Liese was supposed to call him Shin until Jin deactivated it.


    "I can only guess that your former wife, who passed away, was the Marquis'' ."


    "Oh, I see."


    So that''s why he had recently developed , Jin understood.


    "So, from this point on, it is further speculation that your children may have also inherited the hypermagic disorder."


    "Yes, indeed."


    It''s only a possibility, but the chances of developing the disease are higher than for children born of normal parents.


    "Tomorrow, when the Marquis is better, you''ll be able to trust our word, so it all starts tomorrow."


    I understand.


    Then Reiko came to advise him.


    "Father, I think I will keep an eye on the Marquis tonight with my peepers, in case anything should happen to him.


    "Oh, that''s good. That would be great.


    In case there is any change in his condition, we can deal with it. And there is no guarantee that there is no one in the house who will not be pleased with the Marquis'' recovery.


    "I can''t seem to get out of the room, so I guess I''ll take the rest of the day off.


    The time is 8:30 p.m., but considering Horai Island minus 2 hours and 45 minutes, it is 11:01 p.m. That would be 11:01:05 p.m.


    So, Jin took a rest for the time being, leaving Reiko to keep an eye on him.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Oh, is it morning already?


    Jin wondered, not knowing what time it was because of the windowless room, but he felt as if he woke up at about the same time as usual.


    Good morning, father. The time is about 6 am. I''ve been checking on him overnight and the Marquis'' condition has stabilized.


    "Oh, I see. Reiko, thank you. That''s enough.


    Jin worked on Reiko and went to the washroom in the adjoining room to rinse out his mouth and wash his face.


    Breakfast was served at 8:00 a.m., which was late for Jin, perhaps because of the marquis''s family, or perhaps to accommodate the bedridden marquis.


    Jin was completely hungry thanks to the breakfast.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    While Jin was drinking his after-dinner tea, there was a knock at the door.


    Reiko opens the door to find the Marchioness, Anna Gemma Kuzma, standing there with her maid golem, Meline.


    "Good morning, Lady Shin. Have you had a good night''s rest?"


    "Yes, I''m well rested."


    "I''m glad to hear that. I''m glad to hear that. ...... Master''s condition is much better. I won''t let Ques say anything now!


    "That''s good to hear."


    Actually, Reiko had confirmed that the Marquis of Kuzma had recovered by using the , but she was going to go along with the story here.


    "My husband would like to thank you and the others, Mr. Shin, if you will come.


    "Yes, right away."


    Jin and the others, who had dressed themselves easily, followed Mrs. Shin to the Marquis''s hospital room.


    The door was already open for the day, and there were no maid golems or guard golems.


    "Master, I''ve brought Master Shin and his party."


    "Oh, thank you. ......Lord Shin, Liese, as you can see, I''m feeling much better now. Thank you very much.


    The Marquis, looking much better than he had yesterday, welcomed Jin and the others. His voice was full of energy.


    "Congratulations on your recovery.


    First, Jin congratulates them.


    "Well, thank you. Well, thanks to you, I mean.


    The Marquis had a smile on his face that I had not seen yesterday.


    "If you don''t mind, I would like Lise to examine him again.


    The Marquis nodded when Jin offered, just in case.


    "I would rather ask you to do that."


    Lise then sterilized her hands and took the Marquis'' hand, first checking his pulse. Next, she put her hand on his forehead and checked the throughout his body.


    "It is almost back to normal. The internal organs are still a little weak, so we should revitalize them. "


    "...... Oh, my body, which was still somewhat heavy, has become lighter!��Thank you."


    "No, you''re welcome."


    Lise dropped down, disinfected her hands once more, and the examination and treatment were over.


    "Since you have been bedridden, you have lost muscle strength. I recommend a moderate diet and exercise.


    The Marquis nodded.


    "Yes, of course. We will start little by little.


    At this point, Queshan, who had been standing in the corner of the room, came toward Jin and the others and bowed deeply.


    "Shin-sama, Reko-sama, Liese-sama, I am very sorry about yesterday. Please forgive me."


    Queshan apologizes for not trusting Jin and the others.


    "I will make any kind of apology you want."


    He then gets down on his knees.


    "No, that''s enough. I''m sure you were thinking of the Marquis.


    When Jin, who really didn''t care, said this, Queschan said,


    "Thank you very much.


    Queschan bowed deeply once again, saying, "Thank you very much.


    He bowed deeply once again.


    "By the way, I have something to tell you.


    Once he had calmed down, Jin decided to explain what he had noticed yesterday.


    "<>, there is a possibility that your child has inherited this disease. I recommend that you see the doctor as soon as possible."


    <> tends to become more severe as the body becomes more mature, so it often does not manifest itself while the child is still a child. This was the case with Elsa until she was about 10 years old.


    "What ......?


    "Oh, no. ......"


    The Marquis and Madame frowned when it was pointed out that their own chronic illnesses might have been passed on to their daughters.


    "But there are ways to deal with it now. For example, an accessory that absorbs excess magic power.


    It was a remedy that Jin had devised for Elsa a long time ago.


    "What?��You can do that?


    "Yes.


    Hearing this, the blood returned to the faces of the Marquis and Madame.


    I''ll bring the girls right away!


    The Marquise hurried out of the room, saying that she had originally planned to bring them later, now that her father, the Marquis, had recovered from his illness.


    "Mister Singh, are you a magecraftsman?"


    "Yes, I am. Perhaps I should call myself a Magical Engineer.


    "I see. I see. You are from the Shoro Kingdom. That''s why you call yourself a healer, isn''t it?


    Yes, that''s right.


    "You have a great acquaintance, Master Zion. ......


    You know Zion?


    "Yes, I do. ...... So, you can call Zion "Master Zion". I''m sorry to hear that.


    Jin thought, but it was too late. He has been sensed that he is not just a magi engineer and a healer (altsut).


    (Well, not that it would have mattered...)


    Just then the door to the room opens and the Marchioness returns with her three daughters.

 1937 - - 52-09 Accessory Manufacturing

    The Marchioness Anna had brought her three daughters with her.


    Irene Lapi Kuzma.


    Mavis Emme Kuzma.


    Pamela Jas Kuzma.


    The three girls picked up the hem of their skirts and bowed in curtseys.


    The eldest, Irene, had light brown hair and brown eyes like her mother, Anna, and was ten years old; the second, Mavis, had blond hair and blue eyes like the Marquis and was eight; and the third, Pamela, had brown hair and blue eyes and was seven. Pamela had brown hair and blue eyes and was seven years old.


    This is Sin.


    I''m Leco.


    I''m Lise.


    Jin and the others also introduced themselves and bowed.


    Incidentally, the custom, which Jin had heard before, of calling children by their childhood names until they reach the age of 10 or so, when they become socially active, is only for royalty; ordinary aristocrats do not have childhood names.


    Lise began her examination immediately.


    She started with Irene, the eldest daughter.


    Irene is fine. There seems to be no latent factors.


    Hearing this, the Marquise and her husband looked relieved.


    "I''m sure Mavis will be fine too. "Mr. Mavis is also fine.


    The Marquise and the Marquise express their relief.


    Lise examines the youngest daughter, Pamela, for the last time.


    "...... this is ......"


    "!!!!"


    "......Pamela, your daughter is suffering from . It doesn''t seem to be manifesting itself yet."


    What?


    "Oh, ......, I see. ......."


    Mrs. Holland looked shocked. The Marquis looked sad.


    ?"


    Pamela didn''t seem to understand at all.


    "Does the young lady Pamela seem to be in a bad state?"


    Lise asked,


    "Yes. She eats normally, I think, and she doesn''t seem to be in any particular state when she is playing.


    "Have you checked her aptitude for magic yet?"


    "Only Irene, but... She can be a Mage.


    <


    There used to be a term <, but nowadays < is the most common term, and < is used to refer to a person who is a magic researcher.


    (Words are changing little by little, aren''t they?)


    Jin was thinking,


    "Oh ...... what should I do, my dear?"


    Anna''s worried voice brought him back to himself.


    Jin took Reiko and moved to the corner of the room. There, he quietly talks to Reiko.


    ��Reiko, tell the old man to send me another bottle of the medicine.)


    Reiko could understand what Jin wanted to say just by the movement of his lips.


    ��I understand.)


    Reiko answered shortly and contacted the old man with the built-in manacam. 30 seconds later the medicine bottle appeared in Reiko''s hand.


    Jin thought about how to use it. He thought it would be unnatural to offer it to her here.


    (Since the symptoms had not appeared yet, he could make him a magical tool to suppress them and make him drink it secretly later. ......)


    In any case, Jin decided that he could not let her drink it at this moment.


    "Sir, as I said before, I can make a magical tool to suppress <. If the young lady wears it, she will not have to worry for the time being.


    "Oh, oh, that''s right. Mister Singh, I''m counting on you!��I don''t care how much it costs. I don''t care how much it costs. Just save Pamela.


    "Yes, sir. Do you have a workshop at ......?


    Jin says he wants to get to work,


    "Yes. You can use the workshop in the house. You can use whatever materials you find there.


    The Marquis gave his permission. The family president, Mr. Queschan, adds


    "This is the that has been passed down in our family for generations. ...... sir, is that correct?"


    "Yes. I trust you, Mr. Singh and the others. Ques, show them the way.


    Yes, sir. ...... Master Singh, please come this way."


    "Well, sir, if you''ll excuse me."


    Thus, Jin and the three were led to the Craft Queen''s workshop.


    * * * * * *


    This way, please. ......There was no one who became a in the previous or current generation, so it has not been used for about 50 years."


    Queschan explained this to Jin. After all, as a descendant of a branch family, Bina''s blood is thin and her aptitude for magical engineering seems to be low.


    However, the workshop was a great place to work.


    "The materials are of high quality and the tools are well maintained.


    There was no rust or discoloration, and it seemed to me that they had probably been <.


    "The chief golem maid, , cleans and maintains it on a regular basis.


    Meline is a golem maid created by Bina, so she is also in charge of such a task.


    "Let''s see ...... Oh, these magi crystals would be great."


    Jin thought that since the Blue Lands had good mines nearby and the Marquis of Kuzma was now managing them, it would be easy to obtain high quality materials.


    In reality, however, such favoritism is not acceptable, and they are acquiring the materials at a legitimate price and through legitimate channels.


    Jin picked up a light-attribute magic crystal (magi crystal). It was about the size of his thumb.


    "I will use this magi crystal.


    Jin says no to Queschan. The Marquis had said , but there are often different decisions to be made on the spot.


    "And this mithril silver and copper.


    Yes, thank you.


    Thank you very much.


    Jin thanked him and began to work.


    First, he added a small amount of copper to mithril silver to make an alloy. So called <925 silver>, that is, an alloy of 92.5 percent mithril silver and 7.5 percent copper. The alloy is 92.5 percent mithril silver and 7.5 percent copper. Also known as .


    It is stronger than pure silver.


    With this, Jin made a chain for a pendant. Yes, Jin is making a pendant this time, not a bracelet.


    The reason is that Pamela is still small and will soon grow too big to fit in the bracelet.


    The reason why mithril silver was used instead of ordinary silver is because of its magical conductivity.


    "......!"


    Queshan, who has some knowledge of magical engineering as the Marquis of Kuzma''s family, screamed out in his heart as he watched Jin create a thin necklace chain in no time.


    Jin, on the other hand, had no idea that he was doing so, and started to make a pendant head.


    The difference between a necklace and a pendant is that a necklace is a general accessory worn around the neck, while a pendant is said to be derived from the word , meaning "to suspend. >>which means "to hang down", and a pendant is an accessory that is worn around the neck.


    Therefore, a pendant is a chain or string that forms a < shape with the weight of the pendant top when worn.


    Jin then fashioned the magi crystal in the shape of a teardrop, a safe design, and fastened it to the mithril silver base.


    "There, all right."


    The crystal has somehow been engraved with a complex formula, which, combined with its original transparency, gives it a complicated glow.


    (I have never heard of a technique ...... that makes the Magi Formula part of the decoration.


    Seeing the process of Jin''s creation was full of surprises for Queschan.


    "Here we go."


    The mithril silver has been given a and now shines with a silvery-white color. That''s it.


    <.


    It is true that the stabilization prevents oxidation and sulfurization for a long period of time, but on the other hand, the conductivity of the magic power becomes poor.


    Jin decides that it would be a good idea to ask the chief golem maid, , to take care of it.


    About 10 minutes have passed since he arrived at the workshop.


    "The necklace and pendant for Miss Pamela are ready!


    Jin said to Queschan, who was frozen in place.

 1938 - - 52-10 Relationships

    The Marquis Logres Win Kuzma is lying on his bed.


    The discomfort has been cleared away, and all that remains is to wait for his strength to return.


    "I can''t thank Shin-dono, Liese-dono, and Sion-sama enough. ......"


    He had met Theon of Shinra once before, decades ago.


    It was when he had taken over the Marquise''s family.


    <


    "I just turned 30, didn''t I? ......"


    The Marquis recalled the old days fondly.


    * * * *


    You must be the new Marquis Kuzma.


    His voice was full of life and seemed to reassure the listener.


    "Yes. My name is Logres Win Kuzma."


    "I am Xiong of Shinra. Please work hard in your duties.


    The Marquis recalled how he had felt the wisdom and kindness of the Lady Zion, which he could not have imagined from her petite figure .......


    Just the other day, he visited Asunto, the capital of Egelea. Perhaps he had heard that he was on the verge of illness, the Marquis thought.


    "As I recall, I heard that Master Zion had a personal friendship with Master Beena as well.


    Perhaps it was because of that friendship that he had sent a healer to the city. Not only that, but he also sent valuable remedies to .......


    "Thank you, ancestors. Thanks to them, I was saved this time. ...... Then there is my daughter (Pamela)."


    I was shocked to find out that the youngest of my three daughters, Pamela, had the same < as myself.


    However, a magecraftsman named Shin, who accompanied the healer, assured me that the onset of the disease could be controlled with a magical tool, albeit a symptomatic treatment.


    "I don''t know how many days it will take to complete it, but in the meantime, they must be treated with the best hospitality.


    Then Queschan, the family president, came running into the room. He had served the family since the Marquis was a boy and was his most trusted retainer.


    "What''s wrong, Ques?"


    "It''s ...... sir!��I''ve finished ...... the accessories for your daughter!"


    "What?"


    Marquis Kuzma twisted his head. No wonder. <, but he had never expected it to be in the form of an accessory.


    Quess reported to the Marquis once again in an orderly fashion.


    The face of the Marquis, who was listening to the report, became colored with astonishment.


    "My God!��That Shin-dono has created a magic tool to suppress < in about 10 minutes!��And it''s in the form of an accessory ...... pendant?


    "Yes, sir, it is."


    "Mm...... what a ......!"


    Jin made a pendant against <.


    The fact that it was completed in only ten minutes is something that would be hard to believe if it weren''t for the fact that the Marquis of Kuzma had heard about it from his trusted vizier, Queschan.


    "...... But since he was an engineer in whom ...... Master Zion placed his trust, he was also an acquaintance ...... with the legendary <>. He was an acquaintance,...... or rather a friend of Master Zion. It''s no wonder that Master Shin, who sent us here, is also quite skilled."


    The longevity of the < is the reason for their personal connections. The Marquis of Kuzma once again thanked heaven that he had known Zion.


    * * * *


    Luncheon meeting.


    It was one of the ways in which the Marquis of Kuzma expressed his gratitude to Jin and his party.


    The dishes were not only from the Kingdom of Egelea, but also from Shoro, Klein, Elias, Franz, Selroa, and many other countries.


    The hospitality is provided by the Marquise Anna. As expected, the Marquis himself is still recovering from his illness and cannot be present.


    Nevertheless, he visited the dining hall in a <> and expressed his gratitude to Jin and the others.


    "Shin-dono, Liese-san, and Reko-san, I can''t thank you enough for sending your people to us, Mr. Zion-sama. Thank you so much."


    "No, you''re welcome. I am happy to be of help."


    Jin replied in a matter-of-fact way on behalf of the others.


    "Here is a magical tool I made to control excessive magic power. It is in the form of a pendant, so if you wear it around your neck, it will help control your daughter''s symptoms. The principle is to monitor the flow of magic power in the body, and only when it is about to overflow, the mana is reduced to free magic element (ether).


    The one Jin made for Erza in the past was a type that stored excess magic in the bracelet, but this one converts it back into free magic element (ether).


    This is because, unlike Erza who can manage her own magic tools, Pamela is still young and her parents, sisters, and maidservants are likely to have many chances to touch the pendant.


    In such a case, the absorption form of the pendant would absorb the mana of those who touched it, and there was a possibility that the pendant would cause physical problems.


    If it is converted back to free magic element (ether), a healthy person can convert it back to magic element (mana) in his/her body.


    "I see. ...... I don''t understand it well, but I know that Shin-dono is an extraordinary magical craftsman (magi craftsman)."


    Jin handed the pendant to the lady and the lady handed the pendant to the marquis.


    "Oh ......, it is beautiful. Mister Singh, may I give this to my daughter?"


    Yes, please. And this is not a magical tool, but for the ladies upstairs.


    Jin handed two pairs of similar necklaces and pendant tops.


    This is based on the advice from the old man that if you give a jewelry to only one of the three sisters, the other two will want it.


    The design is the same, only the color of the stones is different. Irene''s is a red stone and Mavis''s is green.


    "Thank you for your kindness."


    Bowing lightly, the Marquis left the dining room.


    "Well, Mr. Shin, Mrs. Liese, Mrs. Leko, I know it''s only a small table, but please, eat as much as you like.


    The luncheon started with Mrs. Shin''s greeting.


    In fact, Jin was the only one to eat, but Reiko and Lise could pretend to eat as well.


    "Yes, it''s delicious!"


    Jin enjoys the taste of each country,


    "This seasoning. I''ll send it to the old man.


    Reiko analyzes the dishes that Jin likes and sends the recipe to Lao Kun.


    "Master Shin, please listen as you eat."


    Meanwhile, the Marchioness Anna came to talk to Jin.


    "The Viscounts Galana and Rasaan and the Countess Setena are coming to visit you this evening. I am sorry, but I would like to leave the care of Mr. Shin and his party in the hands of Meline, the head maid golem. Do you understand?"


    In the evening, there will be an evening party. This party is for nobles with titles only, and Jin and the others are not allowed to attend.


    Yes, that''s fine. I mean, shouldn''t we leave today?


    But she shook her head.


    "No, we have not yet had a chance to show you our hospitality. My husband would scold me if I let you leave.


    Jin could not force her to leave when she said that,


    He said, "I understand. I will take care of you for a while longer.


    He had no choice but to say, "Okay, I will take care of you for a while.


    After leaving the room, Jin and the others went back to their rooms.


    Jin and the others went back to their rooms.


    Meline, the head golem maid, is with him.


    Jin, who had been bored with his work for some time, asked, "Meline?


    "Meline, right? How are you feeling?


    "Yes, Shin-sama. The last time you serviced me was 87 years ago, so I''m a little out of shape.


    Meline answered honestly.


    "I see. ....... Do you have a golem for maintenance?"


    Yes, we had one until 86 years ago, but it was destroyed in an accident.


    "I see. ...... Well then, let''s take a look at it. ......Are you sure you don''t want me to tell the Marquis or Madame first?"


    "Yes. I''ll let you know.


    At this point Meline left the room and returned five minutes later with a man.


    "My name is <>, the first engineer of this family. Master Singh has asked me to attend to Meline''s maintenance.


    Jasta is a mature man of about 30 years old and looks serious.


    "I look forward to working with you.


    Most of the servants, including the family''s boss, Mr. Queschan, are busy preparing for this evening''s party, so a technical worker who has nothing to do with housework has come to the workshop.


    This is not surprising since they are using the workshop.


    Lise stayed in her room while Jin, Reiko, Meline, and Justa went to the workshop.


    "Let''s begin.


    With Meline lying on the workbench, Jin begins his work.


    The first step is to stop the ether converter and remove its exterior.


    "How to ......"


    Justa admired his skill.

 1939 - - 52-11 Repairs next to repair

    Jin is servicing Meline, the chief maid golem.


    First, he removes the exterior and checks the inside.


    "Um, don''t you need to check the <>?


    Justa, the first engineer who witnessed the meeting, asks.


    "Yes, there is no problem at all with this structure.


    Since it is the one that Bina made in the past, that is, the Adriana style, Jin has no problem with it. It would be fine if it were in a different format, though: .......


    "Stick to the basics. The effects of <> and <> are still there. The reason for the drop in tone is ...... ah, a maladjustment of the magic element converter (ether converter)."


    "......"


    Justa, the first technician, was confused, understanding only about half of what Jin was doing.


    (What?��What?��What are you doing?��Uh, demolition is fine. But <> and <>?��What do you mean?)


    <, 70% of the new technologies developed by Jin and his group had been discontinued.


    The developed by Jin and the invented by Stealina were no exception, and had not been passed on until this time.


    "Is Magical Muscle OK? ...... The material of the skeleton is bronze. Although it has been <, the original strength is low. ....... So this is what caused the distortion."


    At least it should have been made of light silver, Jin thought to himself. And then,


    "Mr. Justa, can I rebuild the skeleton with light silver?"


    He confirmed.


    "...... what?��Huh?��Uh, uh, yes, I think so."


    Justa, who had been half-heartedly giving his permission, was quick to do so and then panicked a little.


    (Oh no! ......!��Skeletal replacement?��That would take at least a day. In the meantime, wouldn''t it be bad if Meline, the chief maid golem, didn''t move ......?)


    But before he can reiterate <>, Jin has disassembled Meline.


    The handiwork was so brilliant that Justa could only exclaim, <>.


    "Re......ko, get me some light silver."


    "Yes, Brother Shin."


    Reiko, whose name is Reko, followed the instruction of Jin, whose name is Shin, and took out an ingot of light silver from the materials cabinet.


    The unit price of light silver (titanium, not aluminum in this world) had been reduced to 20 tol (about 200 yen) per kilogram by the refining magic tool made by Jin in the past. The price per kilogram of light silver (titanium, not aluminum in this world) was reduced to 20 tol per kilogram (about 200 yen) due to the magic tool of refining made by Jin.


    It can be imagined that this meline was made before the price of light silver dropped to that level.


    With the light silver, Jin used the <> without giving Jasta time to intervene, and made a skeleton member of the same size exactly the same.


    <


    Next, each dimension is grasped. Craftsmen are said to be able to sense differences in the order of microns with their fingertips.


    Then, they use the magic of <> and shape the object by <>.


    In other words, the original object and the object being made are compared with each other and modified, but in the case of Jin, a <>, dozens of checks are made almost instantly to duplicate the original object.


    No wonder Justa can''t believe his eyes.


    "This is ......."


    Jin''s work speed is nothing short of amazing. In addition, Reiko has already separated the necessary amount of light silver by <>, so all Jin has to do is molding, adding to his speed.


    "There we go."


    "......"


    The duplication of the skeleton was completed in about 5 minutes.


    "Fu......"


    It was not Jin who let out a sigh, but Justa. Justa was watching him with bated breath as he worked.


    "Now, I''m going to apply adamantite coating to the joints and ........."


    "What?


    Justa is surprised to see Jin continuing his work without taking a breath. To Jin, it''s a normal thing.


    "Let''s add one more line for the magic nerve wire.


    One of the two wiring lines was completely disconnected at one point.


    "Let''s add some reinforcement.


    Jin rearranged the muscles and rewired the nerve line at the same time. Reiko helped him, and it took about 3 minutes.


    "Let''s upgrade the shield case on the chest a little too.


    The shield case is designed to protect the chest against <. The purity of mithril silver has been increased, and a two-layer structure has been adopted to enhance its effectiveness.


    Then, I work on the ether converter and the mana driver.


    "Oh, I knew it. I''m so concerned about efficiency that I don''t have much tolerance for a high concentration of free magical elements (ether).


    Muttering to himself, Jin takes the Magi Crystal in his hand.


    "We could replace them, but ...... there''s still room for more, so let''s go with the twin type."


    The twin type is a method of using two magical element converters (ether converters), one for low concentration and one for high concentration, in parallel, instead of using one magical element converter (ether converter) to handle from low to high concentration of free magical element (ether).


    The switchable type is not used. In such a case, the operation around the boundary concentration is likely to be unstable.


    "We should also add <> to deal with instantaneous power-up or temporary shortage of free magic element (ether)."


    "......"


    Justa is about to peel her white eyes off already.


    "Let''s make the exterior light silver and keep the color the same as before."


    Thus, the maid golem chief, Meline, is now as good as new.


    "Thank you, Mr. Shin. I feel much better now.


    The rebooted Meline bowed to Jin.


    "No, what? ...... Well, let''s go ahead and fix the maintenance golem that you say is broken.


    "That would be great. ...... this way."


    Meline led Jin to a junkyard named ...... at the back of the workshop.


    There, among several broken magical tools, lies a golem.


    It is a golem that looks a little like Jin''s .


    ��It seems that Bina modeled it after the craftsman (Smith).


    At a glance, it is quite well made. At a quick glance, it is quite well made. It could be repaired to a very high degree.


    Jin thought that if there were two or three of them, they would have been able to repair each other and survive.


    But..,


    "There were three of them, but two of them were given to the royal family of the time," Meline explained.


    Meline explained.


    "It was about 200 years ago. The Royal Magi Craftsmen were no longer able to cope with the many malfunctions of the city''s magical tools and golems, and so the Royal Magi Craftsmen alone were unable to repair them, so our family also provided golems for repair.


    "I didn''t know that was possible."


    Jin instructs Reiko to bring out the golem for repair.


    "And it was never returned.


    After that, there was a series of incidents such as the emergence of Malquitas and the rise of the , and those two golems were destroyed as well.


    "I see."


    Jin laid the repair golem on the workbench as he listened to Meline''s story.


    "Hmmm......... how was it destroyed?"


    No wonder Jin tilted his head. The repair golem''s head was crushed and its right arm was missing from the shoulder. Its right leg was crushed from the knee down.


    "There was a band of bandits ...... who attacked this place 86 years ago, a band of mercenaries, and they had several battle golems with them, so there was a fierce battle, and the repair golem was on the battlefield at that time, and the bandits were able to repair the golem. ......"


    (hmmm repair man).


    (Well, ...... repair personnel are easy targets, so why couldn''t they have been left in the rear?)


    ) Jin thought, but he kept his mouth shut, not knowing what was going on at that time. Instead, he moved his hands.


    "It''s for repair, so the material is relatively soft bronze or ...... brass for the fingertips."


    Jin thought it was probably to avoid damaging the material.


    "Take off the light silver, please.


    "Yes."


    The use of bronze for the skeleton seems excessive, but then again, this was made at a time when light silver was expensive. Jin thought it was probably a matter of cost.


    "Let''s repair this one too, using a duplicating process."


    While Justa was in a state of shock, Jin proceeded with the repairs quickly.

 1940 - - 52-12 Pamela treatment

    Before 3:00 p.m., Jin has completed the repair of the repair golem.


    As an added bonus, he had given the knowledge of repairing to Meline, the head maid golem, through <>, so that the two of them would be able to repair and maintain the golem from now on.


    "The quality of the <> was so good that there was more than enough room in the memory area."


    Since the Blue Land is a place where high quality magi crystals can be extracted, Bina must have used high quality magi crystals, Jin thought about his former comrades.


    "Master Shin, the tea time is ready.


    Meline, the head maid golem, called out to Jin after a pause. It seemed that she had been preparing tea before he knew it.


    "Justa-sama, would you like to join us?"


    "...... if it''s all right with you, Mister Singh."


    "Yes, of course.


    So we had tea time in Jin''s room.


    "Oh, it''s delicious.


    "I''m glad it suits your taste."


    Tea is a specialty of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    It is an excellent tea that is comparable to the teas distributed in Japan today. It has a sweet taste without sugar. Jin prefers tea leaves with less astringency. The same is true for sencha.


    In this respect, the tea that Meline brewed for us was to Jin''s liking. Of course, the temperature of the tea was just right for drinking. She brewed the tea with hot water and let it cool down.


    "......I''m sure you are a great person, Mr. Shin. ...... Is it like that for everyone in the Nordic Federation?"


    Justa asked Jin, after drinking some tea and calming down a bit.


    He seemed to think that Jin was a magecraftsman of the Nordic Federation.


    "Yes. ...... I think I am a high rank one."


    Jin was uncomfortable saying < himself, but he answered with a little blurriness, because it might be troublesome later if he said something absurd here.


    "Oh, I see. So it is true that Master Zion has dispatched a very talented person, is it?


    Justa said, "I heard that from my vizier, Queshan.


    "And by the way, do you know what kind of nobleman is coming today?"


    Jin hurried to change the subject. Jin hurriedly deflected the topic, because he was afraid that asking too many questions about himself would make him look like a ragdoll.


    "Well, there are three families: the Viscounts of Galana, the Viscounts of Rasaan, and the Counts of Setena. I know of the Viscounts Galana and Setena.


    Oh, may I ask you something?


    "I don''t know much about them. ......"


    Justa began to speak.


    "The Countess of Setena is a friend of the Marquis, lord of the town of Fantle in the south. I believe they have come to pay their respects.


    "Oh, I see."


    Contrary to rumors, Count Setena is not an ambitious man, Jin thought.


    "The Viscounts of Galana have a small village in the south, and the head of the family is the ......"


    "?"


    Justa was somewhat stuttering. Jin wondered why.


    "......It is rumored that he likes young women."


    "...... Wow."


    The daughters of the Marquise de Kuzma are 10 years old, 8 years old, and 7 years old. In Jin''s sense, this is completely out of the question.


    "...... How old is Viscount Galana?"


    Jin asked just to be sure.


    "A little before 60, I think."


    "...... Wow."


    If they were 60 and 10 years old, they would be grandson and grandfather, or great-grandson and great-grandfather if I''m not mistaken.


    "What can I say about that? ......"


    Jin could not finish his sentence.


    A knock sounded and the Marchioness and her three daughters, Irene, Mavis and Pamela, arrived.


    "Excuse me for disturbing you. Thank you for the beautiful gift you have given my daughters.


    Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.


    Apparently, Jin gave the pendants he made to his daughters. It seems that he brought them here in his busy schedule to thank Jin in person for making the pendants.


    All three of them seemed to be well trained in etiquette even though they were very young, and were able to thank him by themselves.


    They did not bite this time. Apparently, they were nervous because they had never met each other before.


    "You''re welcome. You all look very nice together."


    Pamela has light brown hair like her mother and blue eyes like her father. She seemed to prefer light blue for her clothes.


    The magi crystals she used were light and transparent with a slight bluish tint, so they seemed to match her taste.


    Mavis has blond hair and blue eyes like her father. Her clothes seem to be in the young grass color family.


    And Irene has light brown hair and brown eyes, just like her mother. She prefers peach-colored clothes.


    And Anna, the marchioness..,


    "If you don''t mind, may I have a word with you?"


    Jin, of course, readily agreed.


    "Mademoiselle, mademoiselle, come in."


    "Thank you."


    Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.


    Meline changed the tea leaves and brewed a fresh pot of tea (taeyeh) and put it in front of Mrs. Krishnamoorthy and her three daughters. The tea for the children was sweet with a lot of sugar.


    "I hear that you have already finished working on Meline. You are very skilled, aren''t you?


    "My Lady, on the contrary, she even fixed the repair golem!"


    "Oh my!"


    Jasta added, and Mrs. Krishnamoorthy rolled her eyes.


    "Well, thank you ...... again and again. There is no one in our family today who can carry on the name of our ancestors. ......"


    She said in a small voice and looked sad.


    "Well, ...... I think that Miss Pamela might have a talent for magical engineering."


    Lise said in a subdued voice. I guess she has an idea about such things since she has seen the reactions of magic when she has examined me.


    "Is that so?"


    Her face brightened a little.


    "Yes. We haven''t officially examined it yet, so we can''t be sure, but when your daughter is a little older, you may want to have her examined properly.


    "Thank you very much. That gives me some hope.


    With no male heir, Mrs. Pamela could not hide her joy at the hope that she might be able to take over the Craft Queen Workshop.


    Pamela is still drinking her sweet tea.


    "Would you like another cup?


    Here at the Marquis'' house, the tea is basically served in small cups, so refills are a prerequisite.


    At this point, Jin devised a plan.


    ��Reiko, please ask the old man to transfer the Persian juice to my luggage.)


    ��Yes, sir.)


    After the exchange of ......, Jin took out a bottle of Persica juice from his luggage as if he had just taken it out.


    "I almost forgot, this is the juice made from Persica. Would you like some?


    "Well, Persica juice?��Yes, I''d love to.


    "Yes, by all means. ...... and here is a weak version of the cure for magical overload. Here''s one for you, miss.


    What?


    It may be less effective than the one I gave the Marquis, but I think it''s more suitable for children.


    In fact, it is not less effective, but it might be, so it is not a lie.


    And if she drank it, Pamela''s < would be cured before it developed.


    She had no reason to refuse this proposal, even though she did not know that much.


    "Yes, yes!��Thank you, Mr. Singh.


    She accepted the bottle of the cure as if to push it away.


    Meanwhile, Meline prepared glasses for everyone, poured Persian juice into them, and cooled them appropriately with <>.


    "Well, this is delicious!


    "This is delicious.


    "It''s delicious." "It''s delicious! Delicious!


    As expected of the Marquise, this is probably not the first time for them to drink Persian juice, but the one from Horai Island is exceptional.


    Not only does it have a rich taste, but it also contains free magic element (ether), which activates the flow of magic power in the body.


    Pamela, too, wears a pendant made by Jin, so there is no need to worry.


    On the contrary, Erza, who used to have <, also has a positive effect because it activates the flow of free magic element (ether) in her body, as she drank Persica juice on Horai Island.


    In Erza''s case, she was safe as long as her birth mother Meene was nearby. This is because the free ether in the vicinity is also affected by Meene, so it is thought that it is more difficult to produce excess mana than when Erza is alone.


    In the case of Pamela, her mother Anna was often with her, so we can say that her environment is similar to that of Elsa.


    However, she should be cured completely with the medicine she just took.


    Even in that case, we can rest assured that the pendant-shaped magical device made by Jin will not harm her.


    Anyway, Jin was relieved that one of his offspring''s concerns had been removed.

 1941 - - 52-13 The Lords

    In the evening of the same day, three groups of nobles arrived at the Marquise''s house. The Marquise is greeted by almost the entire household.


    Jin and the others are secretly watching from the window of their room.


    The first carriage is the Countess of Setena, the next is the Viscounts of Rasaan, and the last is the Viscounts of Galana, isn''t it?


    Meline told us.


    Count Setena was the same age as the Marquis of Kuzma, in other words, an elderly nobleman. He had a gray head and blue eyes.


    Viscount Rasaan is a mature nobleman with a son.


    "He''s a scrawny guy."


    Among Jin''s friends and acquaintances, his best friend of 400 years, Reinhardt, stood at 5''5", 6''5" and 5 kg. The son of the Viscounts of Rasaan was taller and skinnier than Reinhardt, who was 6 feet 5 inches and 5 pounds.


    "188 centimeters and 60 kilograms.


    Reiko took a glance at the measurements and gave the figure.


    Last is Viscount Galana. He looked to be in the transitional age between prime of life and the first years of life, in other words, a little before 60, and was obese in contrast to the son of Viscount Rasaan.


    (I can''t help it if he''s a pedophile like that. ......)


    Jin looked at him with a furrowed brow.


    * * * *


    "Welcome Count Setena, Viscount Rasaan, and your son. Viscount Galana."


    The Marchioness Anna welcomes them as a representative.


    "Oh no, Anna,...... no, Marchioness. I''m always in trouble ...... of not getting out of the old habits. ......Hello, Anna, I''m so glad to have you here."


    Count Setena, an old friend, has known Anna since she was a maid of honor, so it was easy for him to greet her.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you, Count Setena. I am Nakites Ahisa Lasaan. I am Viscount Vernon. This is my son, Vernon.


    Vernon Ratos Lasan. Please make yourself at home.


    Viscount Galana was the last to address the group.


    I''m very flattered to be greeted by the marchioness herself.


    She said nonchalantly with a face that showed no sign of embarrassment. He knows that Anna used to be a maid of honor and seems to underestimate her.


    "I hope you are well, Miss Pamela?


    "Yes, yes.


    "Yes, she is." "That''s a big deal."


    He also seems to be targeting the youngest daughter, Pamela.


    How irredeemable are his proclivities?


    Jin learned about ...... through Reiko''s live broadcast.


    "Wow. ......"


    He was particularly taken aback by Viscount Galana, who was targeting Pamela, who is only 7 years old.


    After that, it seemed that everyone had entered the museum, so Jin asked Reiko to continue to keep an eye on them with a <>.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    The party started at 4:30 pm. The party started at 4:30 p.m. It was a standing buffet.


    Appetizers were served first, and the guests chatted freely with each other.


    The guests were chatting freely. "...... He says he''s feeling much better, but is the Marquis really all right? He''s a major figure who practically rules the Blue Lands, so I''m concerned about him.


    "Mmm. I am also concerned because I received a letter the other day saying that he is quite ill.


    I see. The Marquise''s family has only their daughters, so you must be worried.


    Vernon, son of Viscount Lasan, is asking Count Setena a lot of questions. Vernon, the son of Viscount Rasaan, was asking Count Setena about various things. He seemed to have a sociable personality and was eliciting information from him with a pleasant manner.


    "I, too, would hate to see the marquise disappear. I will do what I can to help it survive. ......"


    "The problem is that your daughters are still very young."


    That''s right. That''s why I''m going to adopt a son-in-law. ......


    "It must be very difficult. I was brought here by my father.


    "Ha ha, you are honest. ......The main reason for the difficulty is that the Marquis loves his daughters very much.


    Then Viscount Galana arrived, his flabby body swaying. In his right hand was a glass of wine and in his left a plate of food.


    "Hello, Count, it''s been a while."


    Viscount Galana bows his head slightly, not even sure if he has a head.


    "Ah, it''s you."


    "Do you know how the Marquis is?"


    Viscount Galana is also trying to get information from his friend Count Setena.


    He was a little sick a week or so ago, but now that he is going to be at the party, I am hoping that he is a little better.


    While I was talking to him, I heard a voice. It was Anna, his wife.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the master of this house, Logres Win Kuzma, is here to greet you.


    The four nobles all turned toward the door.


    Two maid golems opened the large double doors.


    "Oh ......!"


    The Marquis of Kuzma appeared through the open doors in a wheelchair pushed by his vizier, Queschan.


    "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!"


    The Marquis greets him in a clear voice.


    I was suffering from hypermagia, but I had a good healer the other day, and as you can see, I''m all better now.


    With these words the Marquis stood up.


    "But I have been bedridden for a long time and my strength has been deteriorating. From now on, I will have to rehabilitate myself and build up my strength.


    Having said this, the Marquis sat up in his wheelchair again.


    "This healer was sent to me by Master Zion of the Nordic Federation. In addition, he gave me some precious medicine.


    I''ve recovered so far," the marquis said, standing up once more.


    "I know I have worried you a lot, but now I will not have to retire for the time being. When I am able to return to work, I would like to hold another party. I hope you will join us then.


    With these words, the Marquis left again in his wheelchair.


    The Marchioness took over.


    I''m sorry for worrying you, but it''s all right now," said the Marquise. I will serve you the main dish at ......, please enjoy it."


    * * * *


    "......, father. Viscount Galana and Viscount Rasaan look disappointed and disappointed."


    "Hmm. I guess that settles it, huh?"


    Jin was relieved as he ate dinner in the guest room.


    "However, the aristocratic society is still as muddled as ever, isn''t it?


    Jin finished his meal with a small sigh.


    8:00 p.m. Reiko checks with her peepers and sees that the party is still going on.


    However, it was already the last <, and the party was about to end.


    Jin has just washed and refreshed himself in the shower room provided in the room.


    "It looks like you managed to finish without any problems," he said.


    Jin thought about what would have happened if Zion had not told him, and thanked him in his heart.


    "Father, I have one thing on my mind."


    Then Reiko made a new report.


    "Yes, what is it?"


    "There''s something that looks like a golem on the carriage that Viscount Galana rode in. It''s not moving at the moment.


    Find out what it is.


    Yes. It''s a golem.


    I see. I wonder what kind of purpose ...... had in bringing it here.��Just be careful now and then."


    The golem that Viscount Galana had brought.


    Somewhat concerned, Jin asked Reiko to keep an eye on it.

 1942 - - 52-14 Meeting

    The golem was brought by Viscount Galana.


    Jin was worried that something might happen, but it seems that his fears were unfounded and nothing happened that day.


    The next day, the 21st.


    At 9:00 a.m., after breakfast, Jin began to think that it was time for him to leave.


    "Mr. Shin, could you come in?


    Jin was asked.


    Having no reason to refuse, Jin, Reiko, and Lise were led by the servant who came to call them.


    They thought they were in a pavilion, but they were in a courtyard.


    The weather was fine. The weather was fine. Since it was sunny, they decided to have a less formal event like a tea ceremony or a social gathering outdoors.


    There were several small tables, the Marquise Kuzma in a wheelchair, the Marchioness, four other nobles and their servants.


    "Oh, Mister Singh. ...... everyone, they are my benefactors. I told them about you ...... and they said they would love to meet you."


    "I am Magecraftsman Shin. This is Reko. This is Lise, the healer.


    This is Count Setena. Thank you for healing Logres. I thank you too."


    Logres is the name of the Marquis of Kuzma.


    Viscount Lassan. This is my son Vernon.


    Viscount Galana.


    They introduced themselves to each other and asked Jin and the others to take their seats.


    Then tea was brought to them. After taking a sip of the tea, the Marquis Kuzma opened his mouth.


    "I cannot thank you enough, Lord Singh, for what you have done for us. I thank you again.


    "No, you''re welcome."


    Count Setena approached Jin and said, "Hmmm...


    "Hmm, does Mr. Shin belong to the Nordic Federation?"


    "Not exactly, but I am an old friend of Zion''s."


    "Well, you must have a certain status or position to be able to address us as ''Mr. Sion'' when we call you ''Mr. Sion''.


    Yes, well...


    "Well, the Nordic Federation is not an aristocracy, is it?"


    Viscount Rasarn said as if he had just remembered.


    Yes, since the Nordic Federation was originally organized by , there are positions of < in the Nordic Federation, but other than that, there is no particular difference in status.


    There is some distinction based on age, but this can be reversed depending on ability.


    It is an extension of the << patriarchal system>, so to speak, so it is not exactly democracy, but as an ethnic minority, they are well organized in this way.


    "Was Mitsho also a <?��No aristocracy, right?"


    Vernon, the son of Viscount Rasaan, asked to no one in particular.


    "Yes, they do. I''m not sure I understand."


    It was his father, Viscount Rasaan, who answered.


    "No, as a form of society, each has its own advantages and disadvantages," replied Vernon. What do you think of democracy, ......, Lord Xin?"


    Viscount Rasaan asked Jin with a slightly probing look.


    "...... Well, in my opinion, the good thing about democracy is that there is little discrimination in status, and the opinions of the people are reflected in politics. The disadvantages are that it takes time to make decisions on important matters and that the people tend to lose interest in politics when there is little change.


    "......How well versed you are in politics as well, Mister Shin."


    Marquis Kuzma listened to Jin''s statement and was impressed by its content, but as for Jin, he was just making a statement that was common knowledge in modern Japan.


    It is normal for ordinary people in an aristocratic society to have no interest in politics, because they are not interested in it. This is because even if they are interested and have knowledge, they do not have a place to make use of it.


    However, there is one person who does not approve of such political discussion ......, even though it is at a level that cannot be called .......


    Viscount Galana.


    "......By the way, you are a magecraftsman, Mister Shin, are you familiar with golems?"


    "Eh?��Ah, yes, I am familiar with them to a certain extent.


    "Ah, yes, I know a little bit about them. ...... Marquis, I''ve actually acquired a wonderful golem. I''ve brought it here to present to you.


    "Oh?"


    That seems to be the golem that Reiko has discovered with her .


    "Would you like to see ......?"


    "Hmmm... ......."


    Marquis Kuzma thought for a moment,


    "Then let''s see it here," he said.


    "Oh," he said.


    "Oh, at once, then."


    Viscount Galana said something to one of his servants, who hurried out of the garden.


    "The creator is a magecraftsman who has been improving in recent years. I am the one who finds him and looks after him.


    The Viscount is a little proud of himself.


    What is the name of this Magi Craftsman?


    His name is Zyk Biggin.


    I''ve never heard of you.


    The Marquis nods his head.


    "Of course you are right. He is only 22 years old and not well known to the world.


    But his talent is well known.


    Meanwhile, the servant from before comes to carry the golem on a cart.


    "Oh, here it comes. ......Here it is, the latest Zeek creation."


    "Oh, ......."


    It was Viscount Rasaan who sounded impressed. His son Vernon was also intrigued by the golem.


    Count Setena, by contrast, seemed uninterested.


    The Marquis, on the other hand, seems to be interested to some extent and is waiting for Viscount Galana''s explanation.


    (......)


    Jin was a little impressed.


    "What do you think!��"Look at this magnificent body line!��It looks just like a human being, doesn''t it!


    Indeed, it was quite a sight to behold. At just under 160 centimeters tall, she is a female golem.


    I would be happy if you could use her as a nursing golem or a maid golem. "


    The fact that the Viscount uses an old-style key word for activation may be his hobby or the creator''s preoccupation.


    "Oh ......"


    You wanted to see me, Master?


    The golem looked at Viscount Galana and bowed. From Jin''s point of view, the movement is fairly smooth.


    ��It''s not Adriana''s style. (Not the Adriana style, which is becoming mainstream these days.)


    Just by looking at the movement for a moment, Jin recognized the formality.


    "Mm. This is His Excellency the Marquis of Kuzma. Greetings.


    "Yes. ...... Nice to meet you, Your Excellency. My name is Donna. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.


    "......How do you do?"


    The golem, who introduced himself as Donna, greeted her with a neat gesture.


    Viscount Galana then looked back at Jin,


    "How is it from your point of view?"


    Viscount Galana then turned to Jin and asked him, "How is it from your point of view?


    Jin was inattentive because he was suddenly asked for his opinion,


    "Well, ......, yes. I think it''s not so bad.


    He gave his honest opinion.


    "Well, ......, it''s not so bad......?"


    Viscount Galana seemed offended by this assessment.


    "Oh, no, I think it''s excellent!


    Jin hurried to reiterate, but it was a little too late.


    "I would like to hear what in the world you think of it," said the Viscount.


    The Viscount pressed Jin.

 1943 - - 52-15 Pointing out and remodeling

    Jin was being pressed by Viscount Galana for describing the female golem he had brought as <<>.


    (Is he under the curse of speaking gibberish in the Blue Lands? ......?��(I wonder if I''m cursed to make gibberish in Blueland. ......)


    ) Jin was sorry for his mistake, but the Viscount Galana came close to him.


    "Viscount, that''s enough ......", said Marquis Kuzma.


    Marquis Kuzma tried to rebuke him,


    "Well, you know, I think the external ...... body line is wonderfully sculpted. I wonder if there is a model. The details are very close to those of a human being.


    Determined, Jin began to give his honest assessment.


    "But if you made it look so much like a human, I think it would have been better to use the Adriana style for the structure. It is ......"


    Jin commented that every movement was unnatural and ...... not human-like.


    I haven''t seen enough of the control core yet, so I''m not going to give it a rating. ......That''s all I have to say in general. You wanted to ask me about it, so I told you, but I was a little rude. I apologize for that.


    Jin concluded his review with the following words.


    "Hmmm......... I see."


    The first to nod in agreement was the Marquis of Kuzma.


    "Indeed, I can understand what you are saying, Mr. Shin.


    Even though he cannot use engineering magic, he seems to have a deep knowledge of magical engineering. It''s no wonder that the family owns the Craft Queen''s Workshop.


    "What do you mean by that ......?"


    Vernon, son of the Viscount Rasaan, the youngest of the group, asked slowly.


    Jin answered.


    "Well,...... since proof is better than argument and seeing is believing,...... may I borrow Meline, the head golem maid?"


    "Mm."


    The Marquis nodded, curious to see what Jin would start.


    "Thank you. ...... Meline, please stand there."


    "Yes."


    "Viscount Galana, let Donna stand beside you."


    ...... Good.


    Now that the situation had come to a head, Viscount Galana could not say no.


    With two golems of roughly equal size standing side by side, Jin gave them a command.


    "From now on, I want you to imitate my movements.


    Then, he slowly showed them how to do the first radio calisthenics.


    The two bodies imitated the movements. But .......


    "Well, you can tell the difference.


    First the Marquis of Kuzma said,


    "Oh, oh, yes, there is indeed a difference.


    Count Setena nodded in agreement,


    Count Setena nodded his head in agreement and said, "Oh, ...... I can see that. I can see the difference in their movements.


    Vernon was also pleased that he understood.


    "......"


    Viscount Galana is silent.


    "This is mainly due to the structure of the skeleton. I won''t bore you with the details, but Meline has a skeleton similar to that of a human, while Donna has a structure of her own."


    Jin explains.


    "I have to say here that I am not saying that one is better or worse than the other. All I have to say is that if you are going to imitate human movements, you should also have a skeleton.


    In the case of a golem, there is no need to forcibly imitate human movements, even if it is an automaton," concluded Jin.


    "I see, I understand."


    The Marquis nodded,


    "So that''s what you mean."


    "I see, that makes sense."


    The others could not help but nod.


    Jin added


    "Human behavior is subject to fluctuations," he explained.


    Jin explained further.


    "Fluctuation?"


    "Yes. When we try to repeat the same action but the movement deviates slightly, that''s what we call fluctuation.


    I see. You''re right. That''s why they don''t look human. ...... But wait!��Isn''t that true of golems in general?��Then why does Meline look human?


    To this question, Jin replied,


    "There are parameters such as importance and routine that are used to control the movement of the Adriana system, and those with low importance or high routine are intentionally given fluctuations."


    "What?


    "No, I see."


    Of course, the ratio of these parameters and the way they are given are a matter of skill of the engineer.


    "Yes. No fluctuations are present during activities that require precision and accuracy, such as cooking and sewing. On the other hand, when you simply walk, there is fluctuation.


    "Ummm ...... your ancestors made a wonderful golem ......."


    Marquis Kuzma is impressed.


    "Yes, it was made by Beena ...... who holds the title of <>, wasn''t it?"


    "Yes, so I''ve heard.


    Please take good care of it for a long time.


    Of course I will.


    And Jin, Viscount Galana also follows Donna rather than .......


    "Viscount, Donna is an excellent golem. It''s just that the structure and control don''t match up a bit."


    "Ummm... ......"


    "This may be a bit much, but may I play with the controls a bit?"


    "...... Donna is a gift for the Marquise. You''ll have to ask him."


    Viscount Galana replied a little bluntly.


    "Oh, of course, of course.


    The Marquis, sensing that Sin...... Jin was no ordinary man, gave his immediate consent.


    "Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Meline, will you help me?"


    Hitoshi and Reiko approach Donna. Meline followed them.


    ��What are you going to do without knowing Donna''s keywords and password?


    Viscount Galana was giggling to himself,


    "<> activated.


    "What?"


    Reiko uses the ether eliminator as instructed by Jin. Naturally, Donna runs out of energy and stops.


    Donna collapses quietly, and Meline gently takes her and lays her down on the grass.


    "Okay. ."


    "What?"


    Before Viscount Galana''s eyes peeled back, Jin removed Donna''s head armor.


    "Okay, so the control core was in the head."


    In contrast to the Adriana method, in which all important equipment is concentrated in the chest, this method tends to place the control core in the head. Jin took this into account and opened the head.


    "<>...... Hmmm, I see."


    The contents of the control core are displayed as a list of <> and <>.


    "Hmm, it''s just like that one time ......."


    As if a switch has been flipped, Jin concentrates on what he is reading. The <> is probably the golem used by the <>.


    "............I see, if we increase the parameters here and decrease them here ......"


    The readings are disappearing like a stream.


    It was a great achievement to be able to confirm the contents, but Jin also had an idea of the value of the modification.


    "I think it''s something like this. ......<"


    <


    Originally used to control a golem or automata at will, it can of course be used for partial modification.


    You can find more information at .......


    "What in the world is Shin-dono doing?"


    "...... I have no idea."


    I have no idea.


    ......


    None of the onlookers could follow.

 1944 - - 52-16 Relocation and Return

    The modification of Donna by Jin, which no one could fully understand, took only five minutes.


    Jin puts back the head''s exterior.


    "Re......ko, that''s enough."


    "Yes."


    Reiko turns off the ether eliminator.


    After about three seconds, Donna starts to move.


    "Did I stop?"


    Jin answers.


    "Yes. In the meantime, I optimized the control system a little. How are you doing?


    At Jin''s question, Donna moves her body to check herself.


    She swings her arms, stomps her feet, turns her head, and rocks her torso back and forth. .......


    Donna finishes her self-check, which is much longer than Jin''s, or even Adriana''s, self-check,


    "There is nothing wrong.


    she answered unexpectedly.


    "What?"


    Jin wondered.


    "The operating efficiency has improved by 35 percent. This can only be described as an anomaly.


    "Oh, that''s what you mean."


    Jin was relieved. Rather than an anomaly, he meant something < or .


    "We have optimized the control system of the <> and its parameters. So the operation should be smoother now."


    "Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. Some of the heavy operations have been smoothed out. Thank you very much for ......."


    Donna thanked him, knowing the improvements he had made to her body. These thought processes are more sophisticated than I expected, Jin thought.


    "......, so the improvement was a success."


    The attendees, including the Marquis of Kuzma, were relieved and impressed by the fact that the performance had been improved without their knowledge.


    "The person who created Donna must be a very skilled magecraftsman to have improved the efficiency by 35% just by optimizing the control formula.


    "Ah, ah, um, yes, I suppose so."


    When Jin made a slightly out-of-focus follow-up, Viscount Galana nodded his head impatiently.


    * * * * * *


    "Well, I think it''s time for me to leave.


    Jin offered at the end of the lunch, which also served as a social gathering.


    ......Well, I''m sorry to leave you, but I can''t force you to stay.


    A little disappointed, the Marquis of Kuzma said.


    "Anna, please see them out politely."


    "Yes, sir."


    "Count Setena, Viscount Rasaan and Vernon, Viscount Galana, if you will excuse me."


    Jin greets the visiting nobles.


    "Shin-dono, Mistress Leko, Mistress Liese, right? Thank you for fixing the logress.


    I would have liked to see more of your skills, but we will meet again sometime.


    "Good luck, Mister Singh."


    "...... Shin, you''re good at what you do. See you again someday.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin left the courtyard, escorted by the Marquise Anna. Meline, the head golem maid, followed him.


    "Thank you, Mr. Shin, for all you have done for my daughters, especially Pamela.


    Anna thanked him as they walked.


    "I would have liked to invite the girls to the meeting, but there is someone who is not good at ......."


    I thought to myself.


    He did not want to bring his daughters to the presence of Viscount Galana, who wanted seven-year-old Pamela, and Viscount Rasaan and his son Vernon, who wanted to marry his son-in-law.


    "No, I understand."


    Jin also indicated that he knew what was going on.


    "Please wait a moment, sir.


    He sat Jin and the others down on the sofa in the entrance lobby, asked Meline to take care of the rest, and left the place for a while.


    "...... Jin-sama, thank you for your help."


    Meline used the time to thank Jin.


    "No, it''s okay. Bina made you, and I couldn''t see you being in bad shape.


    Soon Anna returned with her three daughters.


    "...... Mr. Singh, I will have my daughters greet you as well."


    "That''s very kind of you."


    Jin and the others got up from their seats.


    "Shin-sama, Reko-sama, Lise-sama, it is a pleasure to greet you."


    "Mr. Shin, Mr. Reko, Ms. Lise, I am writing to thank you for your kind attention.


    "Thank you for your kind attention, Mr. Shin. Thank you very much for your kind attention.


    The three girls say goodbye to each other. The lisping lines are adorable.


    Irene, Mavis, Pamela, take care. Take care of your mother and father."


    Jin also said his goodbyes.


    After a simple but heartfelt farewell, Jin walked out of the Marquise''s house.


    "Ah, it''s over. Reiko, Lise, thank you for your hard work.


    Jin sighs in relief.


    "Thank you for your hard work, father."


    "Well, let''s go home."


    Jin and the others slowly walk out of the Blue Land in the late afternoon.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin was planning to go out of Blue Land and return to Horai Island, but he heard a rumor that Reiko was interested in.


    "...... I heard that the phantom thief group you told me about left the island?"


    "Ah. Sedokas, a wealthy merchant, was attacked last night.


    The bouncer and the golem guarding him didn''t help?


    "Apparently so. I heard the rumors were true.


    "Are they using some kind of super high-performance golem?


    Reiko, who knew that the word <> would touch Jin''s heartstrings, made a straightforward report.


    "Hmmm,...... a group of phantom thieves using an ultra-high performance golem,...... I''m a little curious."


    Jin wondered what to do.


    "Father, even if we leave, it will be at night, so why don''t you think about it after you go home?


    "That''s a good idea."


    Jin decided to follow Reiko''s suggestion.


    Then a stranger came and bowed to Jin.


    "Chief, I am Regulus 1 of the . My name here is Imings. Pleased to meet you."


    The old man says that he has revived and reassigned the 5th column (Quinta).


    "I''ll leave the intelligence gathering to you, sir."


    "Okay, okay. I''ll leave it to you to gather information.


    Thus, Jin and the others returned to Horai Island with peace of mind.

 1945 - - 52-17 ambush

    Jin returned to Horai Island without incident and had a talk with the old man.


    >. Since I still have an incomplete grasp of the lifestyle and common sense of the current era, I will be arranging it under the guise of a traveler''s style>>.


    "Yes, that''s fine."


    Because a traveler may not be suspected if he is not familiar with the common sense.


    "I''ll leave that to you, old man, with your experience."


    After that, Jin decided to take a bath in the afternoon.


    He had only used the showers at the Marquis of Kuzma''s mansion.


    "Ah, a bath is nice after all. ......"


    Jin stretched his arms and legs in the bathtub and relaxed. Reiko is ready to wash his back and head by his side.


    "This is the kind of life I''d like to live. ......"


    Jin hopes that the issue of the successor is an irregularity.


    * * * *


    After getting out of the bath, Jin is drinking Citran juice,


    The old man reported.


    "Okay, let''s hear it."


    Jin, with the second bottle of Citran juice in his hand, sat down on the stool provided.


    <


    "Yes, I see."


    <


    "I see. ......"


    I understand the situation. The problem is .......


    "What kind of guy is this <>?"


    The following are the results of the rumors we have heard here and there,


    1. much faster than humans.


    2. much more powerful than humans.


    3. able to break off the presence.


    4. it can fly for a short time.


    The old man counted up these four points.


    .


    "Yes."


    Flying without a <. It is not impossible.


    "If you use wind magic and put wings on your back, or ......"


    Jin could think of several ways, but none of them appealed to him. But that did not mean that no one else would try it.


    . It is highly probable.


    The old man guessed that the golem was made in the time before the Federation of Sorcery broke off the technical transmission of the golem. Jin agrees with him.


    "Then someone made it or found it in storage. ......"


    <<>


    This <> means to interfere or to leave it alone.


    "I''m just a little concerned about this <>..."


    It seems to be a <. In that case, I suggest you use your doppelganger to go to the Blue Lands.


    I see.


    With a doppelganger, you can fly with a force field generator, and there are few disadvantages for Jin as well.


    The old man insisted that he could not let Jin himself be ambushed by the bandits.


    "Father, please don''t go yourself."


    Reiko then pleaded with Jin to stop him too.


    "Well, okay."


    At the request of the old man and Reiko, Jin decides to give up the idea of going by himself and use his doppelganger.


    "Well then, let''s go to the Blue Lands tonight with the doppelganger," he said.


    That is how it came to be.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    It was 10:00 p.m. in Blue Land, which meant it was 0:45 a.m. in Horaijima the next day.


    Jin rubbed his sleepy eyes and activated his doppelganger.


    "Well then, old man, please take care of it.


    .


    Jin''s doppelganger,...... Jin D. and Reiko have been transferred to the inside of Bluerand Castle by . The old man has already found out that the place is deserted by using a .


    "...... is not very popular. That''s my boy."


    "Father, what are we going to do now?"


    "Well... How about we keep an eye on things from the air?


    Jin said, "We will use the force field generator to float in the air and watch the town below.


    Both Reiko and Jin D have built-in force field generators. However, Jin himself is not accustomed to using it, so he does his best to move slowly while floating in the air.


    So he relies solely on Reiko for his movement.


    "Oh, it''s a nice view.


    After floating about 500 meters above the ground, Jin D. and Reiko put up a hide magic ward. This is a magic to make one''s presence disappear, and it becomes ineffective when one speaks out or is attacked.


    Jin D and Reiko communicate with each other via the built-in manacam, so there is no problem.


    They stayed until 4:00 a.m. local time the next day, but nothing happened that night.


    On the next day, I left the control of Jin D to the old man, while Jin himself slept in the bed provided in the command center.


    This way, if something happened, he would be able to respond immediately.


    However, nothing happened that night either.


    The next day, i.e., 23rd, I went to bed.


    The next day, that is, on the night of the 23rd, the Bluestand.


    Outside the city walls, a suspicious conversation is taking place.


    (...... tonight is the Blueland branch of the Raglan Trading Company, isn''t it?)


    ��Yes. The branch was established two years ago, but it has already grown to be one of the five largest merchants in Bluerand. They must have plenty of money.)


    ��I saw a lot of cash moving around during the day.)


    ��Good. (I''ve seen a lot of cash moving around during the day.) (Good. This market is due to close in a couple of days, so it''s time to get in on it.


    Three suspicious men. And two silently standing shadows.


    ��It''s almost midnight. Let''s do it.)


    (,<,<>>.


    The shadow that had been standing upright starts to move.


    (Give your orders, master.) (Give your orders, master.)


    Both of them open their mouths together.


    ��The destination is the marked trading house. All you have to do is bring all the gold and silver coins in the vault there.)


    (I understand.) (I understand.)


    The two bodies gave a short reply and kicked the ground. At the same time, a jet thruster-like device on their backs blasts out a powerful jet of air.


    The propulsive force of the jet thrusters causes the two bodies to float in the air without falling to the ground. They continued on their way to the interior of Bluerand Castle.

 1946 - - 52-18 The capture

    "U...... I see."


    The old man''s report rouses Jin from his bed. He wakes up from a good night''s sleep and soon his head is clear.


    "The Raglan Trading Company, ...... had a branch in the Blue Lands, didn''t they?"


    "I see.


    "I see. I see... ...... and ...... those guys."


    < was being projected on the large magic element communication device (manacam) in the command center.


    "That''s not the ...... Adriana style, nor is it that style we''ve been seeing lately.


    Jin judged that it was a third form, so to speak. It is very likely that this is one of the achievements before the rise of the as the old man had said.


    "It''s a pity. ...... If the world had developed as it did, it might have been a different world.


    However, now is not the time for such musings. Jin looked at the .


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    The bandit golem continues to fly, albeit awkwardly.


    It is in an upright position with its body tilted forward about 30 degrees, and its speed is about 10 km/h. It is propelled by a propulsor on its back. This position is unavoidable since the propulsor on his back is used to lift him up and propel him.


    Even so, the high walls are meaningless, and the fact that they can penetrate the upper floors of a three- or four-story building, even towering towers, is significant.


    The sound of the generated air is muffled by the sound deadening system''s warding, so if anyone can find it, it will be by the flow of the jet of air.


    This is not a problem for now, since we are flying in an unpopular place, and we do not think it will be a problem even if we are found when we return. No one can catch a flying golem. At least, not so far.


    Our goal is the southwestern section within the walls of the Bluerands. The so-called . The three-story stone building standing there is the Raglan Trading Company branch.


    The currency of this world is all coins. A small portion of the world''s currency is similar to the modern Japanese currency, but it is not widely used.


    Therefore, if you can detect <><>, you know where the gold is. And this golem could do it.


    The two golems head toward the third floor of the building without hesitation. They attach themselves to the third floor window and use their poor engineering magic to silently pry the window open.


    Then, one of them waits outside the window, and the other one enters inside.


    The other one entered the building.


    "Okay, you''re caught red-handed trespassing. Let''s get them, Reiko.


    Yes, sir, father.


    Jin-D and Reiko rushed to the scene.


    What?


    A window was broken, and a golem came flying out of the building. The golem falls to the street.


    What?


    The Golem that fell was not the Golem that had entered the building.


    "Is that the ...... security golem?"


    Jin D. and Reiko approach it in mid-air as it disappears, and look at it.


    * * * *


    The Raglan Trading Company was on the lookout for bandits and had increased the number of security golems on patrol.


    That night, an intruder was discovered on the third floor, the most heavily guarded floor, and two Golems rushed to the scene.


    The first one arrived first and approached to seize the intruder.


    However, the intruder ...... was hit by the counterattack of the intruder golem and was blown out through the window as a result of prioritizing to stop the intruder without destroying it in order to identify the person who ordered or operated the intruder.


    Two seconds later, another security golem arrived on the scene.


    Having seen the first one blown away, it makes contact with the other one, this time with the force to destroy it to some extent.


    The one-meter club in his hand is aimed at the right knee of the intruder golem and swung with great force.


    But....


    But... * * * * * *


    "Whoa!


    The intruder golem easily dodges the security golem''s baton.


    "Hmmm, its reaction speed is more than twice as fast..."


    Jin analyzed this while looking at the magic screen.


    "I''d like to get a closer look at this place. ...... old man, take over the control of the doppelganger.


    "Yes, my lord."


    Jin then began to observe the intruding golem through Jin D''s eyes.


    The intruder golem dodges the baton wielded by the security golem at every turn.


    "Reaction speed and movement speed, about 2.5 times faster.


    In the case of the golem, when the difference in speed exceeds 1.5 times, the difference in performance in close combat becomes hopeless. Unlike humans, there is very little room for the element of chance.


    However, another security golem rushed in from downstairs.


    The two security golems worked in tandem and headed toward the intruder golem. The battle seemed to be a close one, but the bandit''s golem was not the only one.


    "Oh, another one has entered!"


    Another one enters the battle outside the window, and once again the gap between defense and offense becomes hopeless.


    "Reiko, we can''t stand by and watch any longer. Destroy one of them for now.


    "Yes, Father."


    After observing and analyzing the golem from a distance of only about 20 meters away, Jin was able to get a fairly accurate picture of the bandit golem''s output (about 5% of Reiko''s current output).


    (I didn''t realize it was equivalent to 5 percent of Reiko''s current output. (To think that Reiko''s golem is now equal to 5 percent of the bandit''s golem. ......)


    Reiko jumped in through the broken window and hit one of them nearby.


    There was a metallic clang, and the intruding Golem was blown through the wall.


    "......I guess I slightly missed the point of impact. ......"


    Reiko turns to the other one.


    The intruder golem, perhaps realizing its disadvantage after seeing its partner blown away, jumped out of the hole in the wall.


    It flew through the hole in the wall and tried to escape.


    "I won''t let you get away!"


    Jin D. of Horai Island instructed the old man to track him with a .


    Jin D then landed near the golem that had been knocked to the ground by Reiko. Reiko came down soon after.


    "I''d like to get this guy anyway, but ...... it''s such a big deal. ......"


    Not only the employees of the Raglan Trading Company branch, but also the neighbors woke up and looked out their windows at us.


    Soon after, patrol golems and guards from the Blue Lands also arrived.


    The old man said that he knew the Duke of Bruu and that Jin would allow him to officially investigate the golem.


    "Hmmm, I guess so."


    The old man said that he would take care of all the troublesome greetings and negotiations, so Jin was thankful to leave it to the old man and decided to take a nap.


    He left it to the old man and decided to take a nap.


    What?��You''ve secured one of the golem of the thief?��...... Magecraft Meister?��Jin-dono is here?


    Duke Bruu was just staying in the Blue Lands, and came to the door at midnight as soon as he received the news.


    "Oh, Jin-dono, it''s been a long time!"


    It''s been a while."


    For the time being, Jin had only disconnected the power system of the invading golem, so he was able to hand it over to Duke Bruu without any problems.


    And then..,


    "Sir, could you please leave the analysis of this golem to me?"


    I asked him,


    "If you are willing to do it, Jin-sama, I would be very happy to do it.


    He responded, "If you are willing to do it, I would be very happy to do it.

 1947 - - 52-19 Quiet talk 87 Original Hitoshi or later, before Compound Hitoshi

    The year 3699 of the continental calendar.


    <.


    The continent of Pandor, which was first settled in 3579, celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and continued to grow steadily.


    <


    Even so, no work surpassed the work of the second generation of "Magecraft Meister," a magical engineer.


    In the midst of all this.


    "Well, with this method, I think we can make even better golems and automata than we have now!


    "You''ve done it, sir."


    "Yes. The host brain stores the golem''s movement data, and the contents of the data are written into the control core.


    "We can keep improving and updating the contents of the movement data as needed, and it will keep getting better and better!"


    At one research institute, a new method of creating a golem''s control core was devised.


    <>. Creating and sublimating new systems is the way to surpass him.


    This was the slogan of some of the organizations that pursued their research.


    It may be said that this was the most prosperous period for magical engineering since the Magic Wars.


    Those who descended from Jin and the and inherited their techniques also worked hard and studied hard.


    "The <> is certainly suited for high performance. However, it is too costly and time-consuming for ordinary people with ordinary skills, even if they have the same level of manufacturing skills as the Magecraft Meister, the Magical Engineer.


    Then, what do you suggest?


    "Simplify the structure. Naturally, the control system can also be simplified.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right!


    To use an arm as an example, instead of having a twisting (rotating) function in each of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, the structure can be simplified and strength can be increased by limiting the twisting (rotating) function to the shoulder alone.


    This makes the movements less jerky, but the control system can compensate for this to some extent (but only to some extent).


    However, this will cut the production time by half or less, and reduce the amount of work required.


    "If a golem can be made at half the cost, it will become more popular for the general public."


    This is one of the reasons why the Golem is becoming popular.


    This is similar to the spread of the private car to households in modern Japan during the period of rapid economic growth.


    As if to contradict this trend, there was a group of people who tried to create something with better performance without regard to cost.


    "First of all, we''re aiming for an automata that looks just like a human ......, or even a human itself!��We must reproduce the same skeletal structure and musculature as a human being!


    But it will be a failure. For better or worse, humans and automata are different.


    "Umm...... it still doesn''t eliminate the awkwardness."


    "Since the strength of the skeleton and the output of the muscles are different from that of a human being, doesn''t that necessarily mean that the movements are different from those of a human being?"


    "That may be so. In that sense, the <> is very exquisitely balanced.


    In this way, the excellence of the <> has been reevaluated over a long period of time.


    All in all, magical engineering had entered a stage of development and was flourishing.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, it is difficult to create a new system.


    And here was another technology seeker.


    "Skeletal design to make the range of motion more than human, and muscle position to make the movement smooth. And control formulas to make gestures more human. You have a lot of work to do, don''t you, doctor?"


    "Yes, it is. But it will be worthwhile.


    "Yes!"


    The skeleton ...... they created, rather than the joints, was not of the Adriana type, nor of the spherical joint system that is the mainstream these days.


    For bending the arm, the elbow joint was used.


    For arm twisting, the skeleton from the elbow onward is deformed by <. This was an application of .


    "This is it!��This is the further application of this idea."


    < only during movement.


    This method is easy to mass produce once the control equation is created.


    It is the difference between using <> and <> to achieve the same result.


    Naturally, the <> method is more cost-effective.


    "Moreover, with this method, the strength of the skeleton can be increased < in response to the output!


    "<> or <>."


    "Yes."


    With this, the basic system of the golem, which is positioned as more than <> and less than <>, was created.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Look, if I do this, I can fly!


    "Oh, great!


    "It''s hard to fly long distances, and it''s not fast, but it''s undeniably flying!"


    And some engineers finally achieved flying by using <> system auxiliary equipment.


    "I can fly over castle walls and enemy troops!"


    "You can even drop stones from a high altitude where no arrows or spears can reach! ...... but I wouldn''t want you to use it in a fight."


    < and its subordinate organization, the , wars between nations had ceased.


    However, local skirmishes and conflicts, or battles with bandit gangs, have not been absent.


    Even for such battles, the <> was too expensive and the <> was inadequate in terms of performance.


    The filled the gap, and was truly a revolutionary method.


    However.


    "This technology is still incomplete. I''ll keep it under wraps until you''re satisfied.


    Yes, sir.


    "It appears that the Magi formula has not been optimized yet, and the speed is not satisfactory."


    ...... and further research was conducted to further improve the performance.


    Therefore, fortunately or unfortunately, the < was buried in the shadows of history by the before it spread throughout the world.


    * * * *


    And again, the year 3899 in the history of the continent.


    Two thieves broke into the basement of an abandoned house in a certain region, looking for something of value.


    And in the basement, .......


    "Brother, what in the world is this?"


    "...... a golem."


    <.


    "These?��They''re not very big at all, are they?"


    "I heard that in the past, the more powerful a golem was, the more human-like it looked.


    "Wow, you are very knowledgeable, my brother.


    "......, you''ll get a lot more done with it."


    Can you move it?


    "I''ll take care of it. I''ve dabbled a bit in magical engineering. ......<>"


    The two golems began to move.


    "At your command, master."


    What are your names?


    My name is Tei, your name is Toen.


    "Okay, Toen, follow me."


    And so the two became the property of the thieves.

 1948 - - 52-20 Golem technology, over there and over here

    Jin D. starts analyzing the golem of the bandits at the workshop in the residence of the Duke of Breu.


    The workshop is quite splendid for a duke''s mansion.


    Incidentally, these workshops are used for making and repairing equipment for the soldiers under his command, as well as for making magic tools for daily use.


    "<><><>"


    "Oh ......"


    The Duke of Bruu, who was observing beside me, exclaimed in amazement.


    In the blink of an eye, the bandit golem''s chest <> was removed. Yes, <>.


    "I wondered why they went to the trouble of putting armor on it... ...... is that what you mean?"


    "Hm?��What do you mean by that, Mr. Jin?


    "Take a look at this. The ...... body inside is not so sturdy.


    Indeed, there was a seam in the chest where the armor had been removed.


    "I guess it wasn''t originally designed for combat use. It is at best a general-purpose vehicle, and I think they added armor to increase its defensive capabilities. Just check out ......."


    Jin explained that the armor was originally designed to be worn only for this purpose, and that it could be used as an < to add functions or to cope with various situations.


    "I see. So do humans."


    Yes, the concept of this golem is , Jin thought vaguely through Jin D''s eyes.


    It was not enough to make it resemble a human being, but rather to give it performance that exceeded that of a human being, or to give it a versatility that exceeded a human being. That is what Jin D thought.


    Jin D further disassembled the bandit golem.


    "This is ...... the first time I''ve seen this method."


    "Father, what do you mean?"


    "The skeleton has no joints. It''s probably bent using some kind of forming magic.


    <


    "This would have considerable strength if done well."


    Jin guessed that it all depends on the conversion efficiency of the magic ...... free magic element (ether) and the operational efficiency of the magic element (mana).


    "The drive system is a < using magic resin. The quality of this magel resin is quite ...... good, very good indeed.


    Jin was very curious as to where the magic resin (magirezin) came from.


    But for now, there are priorities. Jin D started to analyze the control core.


    "...... Sir, it seems that this golem was used by a group of thieves after all.


    "I knew it. Then, do you have any clues about them?


    At this point, Jin devises a plan.


    "Yes, there are some, but they seem to be very few. I''m going to check ...... to see if I can find any more information, including fragments of this guy''s data area. It may take some time, so I will report back to you in writing when I am done.


    "Oh, that would be great. ......, I''ll take care of it."


    "Yes, sir, I understand."


    So, Jin decided to put in writing the information he had obtained from the control core as well as the information about the bandits that the old man had obtained by using the "peepers".


    Since the bandits are still on the move and have not returned to their hideout yet, Jin D. decides to proceed with the analysis of the golem.


    "Hmmm......... I guess it has a fixed skeleton and no joints. So it is..."


    Jin reads on, thinking that there must be a magical formula for joint formation during movement on the side of the control core.


    "Oh, this seems to be it. ............Funny......It''s not so easy......No, this one''s a novelty!"


    Jin D confirms that this golem is neither nor as he thought.


    "But with a skeleton of this shape, it should be able to perform human-like movements if it is articulated properly. <."


    He realizes that this method is suitable for mass production in a short period of time.


    "The body is relatively simple. The body is relatively simple, and the Magi Formula written in the control core takes care of the rest.


    In other words, the program or firmware is the key, Jin concluded.


    "If this is the case, it will be easy to mass-produce them by storing the <> in the storage of the magic brain.


    However, one question arises.


    "With this level of perfection, it seems like it should be more widely used. ......"


    Jin is now seeing this method for the first time.


    "...... recently completed?��......No, it is not. The version information of this control core shows that it was developed in 3712. ......I see...just before the rise of the <. Just before the rise of the .


    Jin asks the old man for his opinion.


    "I knew it."


    Jin looks at the .


    "This one looks like it could be ...... a little more, maybe 50% more efficient."


    The equivalent of <> used in the description seems to be just a little less efficient from Jin''s point of view.


    In computer languages, it is about the difference between an interpreter and a compiler.


    Incidentally, an interpreter processes a program with , while a < processes a program after it all at once.


    The performance of the control core is so good that there is no practical problem at all, but in extreme situations there is a clear difference.


    "As it is, we probably won''t be able to make the reaction time faster than ...... probably 0.002 seconds."


    That''s about 1/100th of Reiko''s.


    However, Reiko, which is a one-off of Jin''s, uses expensive, very expensive, and very rare materials sparingly, so the comparison itself is not very meaningful.


    "In Reiko''s case, the processing that is handled by the hardware is done in the farm, so the whole process must be complicated."


    While letting Jin D disassemble the PC, Jin in Horaijima proceeded with his analysis.


    The difference between using the CPU on the motherboard for graphics processing and using a dedicated graphics board is a similar analogy.


    Although it is advantageous in terms of cost, the difference in performance is undeniable.


    Jin concluded that the level of performance is not a problem for normal use, but for advanced applications, it may be a little unsatisfactory .......


    "Even so, it seems to have about four times the performance of the current mainstream <. ...... Moreover, it could be temporarily reinforced with free magic elements (ether) stored in this <> to obtain about ten times the power output."


    The strength of this method is that all of the of the skeleton and of the muscles can be done with magic power. That is why Jin was interested in this method.


    "This form may be easier to spread than the . It''s worth my time to study it.


    * * * *


    Meanwhile, the bandits were heading for their hideout in a black-painted airship.


    "...... What the hell is going on here?


    "What the hell''s going on?" "One of those golems didn''t come back, and that''s never happened before.


    The other bandit, who had heard such words from the two bandits.


    "...... I don''t know. But we''ll find out when we get back to our hideout and analyze the data on this ......<>."


    The bandit, who seemed to be in charge of technology, said something like that.


    An hour later, the three of us and one of the bandits arrived at the hideout.


    It was a log cabin on the middle of Mount Bilbo, east-northeast of Blueland.


    The basement of the hut had been dug out to reveal a large space, which turned out to be the hideout of the bandits.


    "...... and what was the result?"


    "Unbelievably, it seems that someone in the form of a girl has neutralized ."


    What is this "something in the form of a girl"?


    Probably an automaton. I don''t think a human could do such a thing.


    Even an automaton couldn''t do that, could it?


    "But it is possible, rather than human."


    "......"


    "If he could explain himself, we''d know a little more about him."


    "You can''t?"


    "...... I can''t. His <<> is too complicated for me to understand. Someone who has learned the basics can do it, or ......"


    The bandit is a bandit, and even though he is in charge of technology, he doesn''t seem to have much knowledge. He can at least maintain the golem, but he can''t modify or repair it.


    They are not able to modify or repair the golem.


    The old man is watching them.


    As expected, I cannot hear what they are saying, but I can understand what they are saying with their <> technique.


    After all, all of their information is known to the old man.

 1949 - - 52-21 Experiments on the New Method

    The next day, the 24th, before noon, Jin D. submitted a written summary of the bandits to the Duke of Breu.


    "So ...... one of their hideouts is in the middle of Mount Bilbo. Does this sound credible?"


    The information was not read out from the control core, but was tracked by the old man with his peepers, so the level of reliability is much higher, but Jin cannot say that.


    "Hmmm, there are four in total. The three who came last night and the one who remained at the hideout. There are only two golems, and we have one of them. ...... I see... I see..."


    In another document, the details of the golem, including its structure, were described, and Duke Breu, who was not an expert, skimmed over them.


    But if he had read it properly, it would have made the arrest of the bandits a little easier. .......


    "First we have to arrest the bandits. ......Thank you, Mr. Jin, for the information you have provided. ......What will you do after that?"


    Duke Breu, after giving orders for the troops, thanked Jin and asked what he was going to do.


    Jin D. replied, "I have no particular plans, but I am tired after an all-night stay, so I think I will go back to the inn and rest.


    Jin D. answered, "I don''t have any plans.


    If it had been Jin himself, he might have said, "Go back to Horai Island," but since he was being controlled by the old man, he did not make such a mistake.


    "Well, sure. I took a nap, but you didn''t take a nap yet, did you, Mr. Jin? I am sorry about that. I''m sorry about that. ...... I''d like you to take a rest in my house.


    Jin D. could not refuse the Duke''s offer, so he decided to take a rest at the residence of the Duke of Breu.


    However, since he is a doppelganger, he only pretends to be asleep on the bed after taking a bath.


    Jin himself is sleeping on Horai Island, so there is no problem.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    As for Jin himself, he is considering the information on the golem that he has analyzed.


    "I think the idea is not bad. The point is to make the hardware as simple as possible and cover the cost of production with software that can be mass-produced by copying.


    "Yes."


    Jin is a mechanical engineer by nature, and a hardware believer in terms of his love of metals and materials.


    He is also a hardware believer in terms of his love of metals and materials. FORTRAN under the influence of a friend during his regular high school days.


    However, I had a good teacher who helped me understand flowcharts and routines, which was very useful when I created new magic and wrote control formulas for golems after I came to Ars World.


    Furthermore, since Jin was more of a craftsman, he was a good match for the lineage of the previous Magecraft Meister, Adriana Barbora Zetsi.


    This may be one of the reasons why Jin was chosen as his successor.


    A quiet word of caution.


    "This method is superior to this method, isn''t it?"


    Jin feels that it is better than <>.


    "<> is kind of halfway."


    So, Jin is wondering if there is any way to improve on this line of thinking.


    And then.


    "Well, how about combining it with <>?"


    Fluid Transformable Power <> has an exoskeleton, and fills it with a liquid magical metal like mercury.


    Then, the liquid magical metal is transformed by the magic of <> to move it.


    However, it is instantly realized that this method is a bit unreasonable. < is an type, and is not suitable for an endoskeleton.


    "It''s difficult. But that''s why it''s interesting. ......"


    Jin likes this kind of time.


    "If we move the whole body by <, it would be a complete reversal, or a primitive golem. ......


    Yes, the first <> was made from magically reactive <> and moved by < type magic.


    Since their entire body is made of stone, they are heavy, and their movements are necessarily slow.


    "But wait, what?"


    < is its mass. However, it also has its advantages. It is suitable for simple tasks, and as long as its free magical element (ether) does not run out, it will continue to move semi-permanently.


    It is this type of golem that is still mining mineral resources in the underground of Horai Island.


    "Wouldn''t it be interesting if there was a magic material with a light ...... specific gravity of 1?"


    Now, what came to Jin''s mind was <. It is Magi engineering plastic developed by Saki.


    The specific gravity is about 0.94. Jin thought that if he added a to the plastic, it would have a specific gravity of about 1.


    "Ah, there is also the <>".


    But this has a specific gravity of about 2. <


    Incidentally, the specific gravity of common magic resins (magiresin) is about the same. These values are close to those of fluorinated resins.


    "Let''s try first.


    First, try with transparent materials.


    The < is formed into a humanoid shape, and a <> is embedded in the chest.


    The first prototype will be a <.


    The first prototype will be a remotely piloted one, because there is not enough data to run it autonomously.


    "My old man, try to run it with this first."


    The "Mere Old Man" has accumulated data of several remote-controlled golems such as Titan 3, including the doppelganger.


    This time, Jin thought of using this as a base to accumulate control data.


    The old man declares a few words and sends a control order to the prototype Golem.


    The Golem slowly stands up.......


    <


    "What do you mean?"


    <


    "I see. That''s why that Golem can only respond in a certain way.


    Still, the prototype golem stands up and walks slowly across the workshop floor. But it looks like a big baby.


    But as expected of the old man, within a minute its movements have become much smoother. However, I must add the caveat that it is <>.


    After watching for about 3 minutes, Jin said


    "Okay, that''s enough.


    and made him stop.


    "I have an idea."


    Jin laid the prototype golem on the workbench and prepared several small magi crystals.


    Jin implanted them in places corresponding to the prototype golem''s shoulder joints, elbow joints, wrists, hip joints, knee joints, ankles, hips, and cervical vertebrae.


    "I tried to make it easier to locate the control position as a marker. How does that look?"


    The old man moves the prototype golem again.


    It seems that the resources used to locate the coordinates are no longer needed, and the control is now smoother.


    Its behavior has evolved from a baby to a toddler, and from an infant to a child.


    "Much better. ...... old man, where are the other parts of the body that are hard to move?"


    I see. ......


    It would be better to wire the whole body with mithril silver magical nerve wires, but then the advantage of this method would disappear.


    Jin thought again.


    "......I guess it''s the material."


    Then, Jin tried to make a prototype golem of the same type out of <>.


    Although it weighed twice as much, the conductivity of magic power and strength should be much improved.


    What do you think, old man?


    <


    The prototype golem No. 2 started to move.


    "Oh, it looks good, doesn''t it?


    Compared to Golem #1, it moves much better.


    "I see. I guess the material is important. ......"


    >, but <> would be a special material and would not lead to cost reduction.


    Nevertheless, Jin found that an approach in this direction was also effective, so he decided to pursue further improvement.

 1950 - - 52-22 Siege

    In Penglai Island, Jin was discussing with the old man.


    "Well, after visiting the Marquis of Kuzma, I felt that the decline of culture is having a negative impact on the world.


    "First of all, I am a teacher of technology, but is there room for more in the <>?"


    .


    "I see. Then it would be possible for me to appear as an instructor from time to time.


    "Yes, that would be good.


    In this way, Jin has come up with a policy. Now it is time for the actual operation, which will not start until we go to <>.


    "......Well, I guess the trouble I heard from Zion is almost settled now."


    Jin was relieved. After all, he could not just assume that he had nothing to do with it. He had a great longing for blood relations.


    It was 11:30 in the morning.


    It was a little early, but Jin decided to have lunch.


    Soleil and Luna prepared sandwiches. He could enjoy eating it with various ingredients. .......


    "It''s not enough without Reiko.


    Yes, Reiko is still in Blue Land with Jin D.


    "I see."


    I had to deal with the Duke of Breuland over there, so I couldn''t just come home.


    "Socializing is a hassle after all ...... but I don''t want to be a recluse."


    Jin thinks that even if he tries to live as inconspicuously as possible, he probably won''t make it.


    Trouble is something that comes from the other side even if you try to stay away from it.


    * * * *


    3:00 p.m. local time, at Blueland.


    "I''ve gained a lot of experience at the Marquis of Kuzma''s mansion this time, but I can''t help but notice that the has made some technical advancements.


    "Yes, I suppose so."


    Jin D was talking with Duke Bruu.


    "Yes. I think it would be better to have such a technical course held at <> and send qualified people from each country to take the course.


    "Yes, that''s a good idea."


    The duke nodded.


    "Would you be able to submit such an agenda to the World Congress?"


    "Of course."


    The Duke of Bruu, who is also royalty, was one of the representatives of the Kingdom of Egelea at the World Congress.


    "I think I can be a temporary lecturer as well," he said.


    "Oh, that''s good news.


    Duke Breu seems very enthusiastic.


    And then...


    "Sir, the security forces have arrived at the location. They''ve informed me that they''re going to begin the capture operation."


    "Oh, I see."


    Although considerably larger than the one Jin is using and unable to make multi-channel calls, the manaphone, which enables long-distance communication, has been miniaturized to the size of a school bag and is being used in many places. By the way, Jin''s Manacam is the size of a cellular phone.


    "Okay, let''s start the operation!"


    Yes!


    * * * *


    It is nearly 4:00 p.m.


    Dusk is falling on Mount Bilbo, and there are three airships, 30 soldiers, and 10 battle golems. No, in addition, there were two general-purpose golems and a commander, a captain.


    This was the 2nd Platoon of the Guard dispatched by the Duke of Breu.


    And under the captain''s command, they set out to close the siege.


    Hey, we''re in trouble!��Before we know it, we''re surrounded!"


    At the bandit''s hideout, one of the bandits, sensing the shrinking siege, informed his comrades.


    "d*mn it!��How the hell did they know where we are?


    "How did you find us?" "That''s not important right now, it''s how we''re going to get out of here," said one of the bandits. ......The warp gate in the basement is a magical tool?��You can''t use the Magi machine, can you?"


    "Yeah. It seems that the host is not working. We have no idea where they will go. If it''s on land, that''s fine, but if it''s on the sea, that''s just too much. And if it''s in the air, we''ll have to go to ......."


    "No, let''s not do that."


    "That would be wise. ...... I''d like to get on an airship and get out of here somehow. ......"


    There are soldiers outside and three airships in the sky.


    "There''s no point in staying in the castle," he said. And then, ......"


    "I don''t want to ...... do it, but we''ll use the golem as bait and we''ll escape, that''s the only way."


    The man in the bandit''s chief of staff blurted out.


    "Yes, that''s right. <, but ......"


    "It''s better than being caught."


    "That''s what I''m saying. With all the money we''ve saved up, we should be able to live off of it for a while.


    But most of it isn''t in the safe house, okay?


    Don''t worry. We can live on what we have for the next six months. We just have to make it to their hideout in the meantime.


    I understand.


    Five minutes after that conversation.


    The siege had narrowed considerably.


    The location was halfway up the mountain, on a gentle slope. A log cabin and a black airship are visible.


    "We''ll close the siege a little more, and then we''ll charge in at once!"


    The captain was a cautious man. It was to their detriment. They should have taken the airship ......<> first.


    About 10 seconds before he gave the signal to charge, the door to the log cabin opened and a golem jumped out.


    "Mwah, intercept!"


    The golem was so fast that 10 of the 30 men who had formed the encirclement were instantly hit and on the ground.


    However, the soldiers dispatched by the Duke of Broux were highly skilled and quickly adapted to the situation.


    Don''t panic!��There is only one opponent. Gather around the battle golem!


    The 10 battle golems join the siege at equal intervals. The remaining 20 soldiers rush to the nearest Golem.


    Even in this situation, the captain carefully observes the situation. He is able to do this because he is sandwiched between two general-purpose golems, which gives him a different sense of security.


    The bandit golem was aiming at one point, the foot of the mountain.


    "Hmm, you are trying to secure an escape route, aren''t you?��Teams 2 and 3, move toward the foot of the mountain!


    Here was the captain''s miscalculation.


    Airships were also an important means of escape, but since there were three airships in the sky and they were clearly visible from the ground, he had overestimated the possibility of using them as an escape route.


    First, he sent one-third of his men in pursuit. This left him with 14 men and 8 golems.


    However, the pursuers, six soldiers and two golems, are quickly neutralized by the bandit golem.


    The soldiers roll about with broken legs, and the battle golem is destroyed with a blow or two.


    The performance of the bandit golem was that much different from that of the bandit golem.


    Jin had written about it in the report of the analysis of the bandit golem: ......<>, but Duke Bruu, who was too lazy to read it, skipped it. Duke Breu had skipped over it.


    "Team 4, 5, 6, stop!"


    The captain was a good tactician, but he lacked experience in actual combat.


    He made the worst possible move in this situation by launching the ...... forces one after the other.


    Of course, the strategy of the bandits who led them to do so should not be overlooked.


    In any case, the bandit golem used its power to destroy them individually.

 1951 - - 52-23 Tracking

    Same day, 4:30 p.m.


    "Well then, thank you very much for everything you have done for us.


    Jin D., Reiko, Liese, and the others are greeting Duke Breu outside the walls of Breuland.


    There is Jin''s new airship, the .


    Since they could not say that they had come to Blueland by , they had sent them from Horai Island in a hurry.


    And just as Jin D was about to board the ship, the Duke of Bruu, who had been sent off to see him off, received an urgent message.


    "Urgent news!��Urgent news!"


    The Duke, who did not scold his messenger because it was the second most urgent situation in the war, looked over the document.


    "What!"


    It read, <


    "What''s wrong?"


    Jin D., who knew that something had happened, did not board the Hurricane, but instead looked around to see what was going on.


    "Ah, ah, Jin-dono, actually ......."


    Duke Breu explained to Jin about the failed attempt to capture the bandits.


    "I''m sorry. Jin-dono helped us."


    "......"


    Jin D, no, the old man thought fast.


    ��<


    The old man concluded so, and asked Jin D. to speak,


    "Sir, my can reach a speed of 400 kilometers per hour. There is a possibility that we can catch up with them even now.


    He made a proposal.


    "Oh, oh, that would be great!"


    "However, we need to choose our companions as soon as possible, because every moment counts. The total number of participants will be limited to 15.


    "Okay. ...... Guard Platoon 3, come with your platoon leaders and Platoon 1 to 3. ...... are you sure about the battle golem?"


    Yes.


    Thus, Duke Blou and three of the 3rd Platoon''s teams boarded the . 1 team consisted of a battle golem and three soldiers, so there were 14 men in all, including the platoon leader. There are 14 men in all, including the platoon leader.


    "Hope, launch the <>! Heading east-northeast!


    Hurricane is on the move. Proceed east-northeast.


    Pilot Hope recites Jin D''s instructions and launches the <>.


    The <> rises into the evening sky. The silver hull of the <> glows red as it heads eastward.


    The speed is 400 kilometers per hour, and a distance of 100 kilometers can be covered in 15 minutes.


    That''s fast. ...... is indeed the work of a Magecraft Meister.


    I''m impressed.


    The Hurricane hurtles through the darkness. It is heading east, and it is getting darker and darker as time goes on.


    "Mister Jin, can you see it?"


    Duke Breu is a little worried.


    "Yes, I can. The pilot, Hope, has night vision.


    "Oh, I see. That''s very encouraging.


    In fact, Hope has no problem as long as there is moonlight. There is also an infrared mode and an ultrasonic detection mode if the need arises.


    After flying over Mount Bilbo, the heads further east. The sky was now the color of night.


    "They say it was a black blimp over there, is it safe?"


    "Yes, I think it would be hard for humans to see, but Hope should be fine.


    Besides, the old man has been keeping an eye on the bandits with his peepers on Horai Island.


    The airship was now over the Kingdom of Cerroa. They pretended to be heading eastward, but instead changed course 90 degrees to the north.


    Master, we have a visual of the airship on the left.


    "Okay, let''s track it."


    Hope''s vision picked up a black blimp flying about 30 kilometers away.


    "Left?��It''s turning north!��But you can see it well."


    Jin D explains to the astonished and impressed Duke Breu.


    "Yes, since they fled in an airship, I was on the lookout for them, thinking that they would not run straight away.


    "I see... I''m impressed."


    The duke was convinced by this explanation. It seems that his character is at best generous and at worst a bit rough.


    The changes course to the north, flying at 400 km/h. Within 10 minutes, a black airship comes into view.


    "Master, we''re catching up. What do we do now?"


    "Well, I don''t know..."


    Duke D. Buru pondered,


    "Well, I wish I could call out to him..."


    The Duke of Breu also ponders over it, saying, "Hmm, it would be nice if I could call out to him. Jin D. hears this and says, "Well, it would be nice if I could call out to him,


    "...... Sir, we have a loudspeaker on board. Would you like to use it to call for surrender?


    I suggested.


    "Oh, that''s a good idea. Can I borrow it?"


    "Yes, please use this.


    Receiving the microphone part of the loudspeaker from Jin D, Duke Bruu spoke to the black airship.


    This is Duke Bruu, Lord of the Blue Lands. Attention, bandits! Surrender. If you intend to do so, slow down and lower your altitude.


    I repeated this three times, but there was no reply. No, two <> were launched.


    "So this is the response: ......"


    The <> on the <> easily blocked the <>.


    And the black airship speeds up even faster.


    This is the last time. Surrender!


    But the black airship did not listen to him and increased its speed even more.


    "Oh, that''s pretty fast."


    Its speed is over 200 kilometers per hour.


    For a helium airship, it is more powerful than any airship on modern Earth.


    However, the that Jin has built is not a helium airship. It is an airship type <.


    Its top speed is 800 kilometers per hour. That''s four times faster than the black pirate airship.


    The < closes the distance and turns on its floodlights.


    The bandit is...


    And the bandit?


    "d*mn, how did they know where we were?


    "That can wait. We''ve got to get out of here now!


    Leave it to me. This airship has a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour. It can reach 300 kilometers per hour at a moment''s notice.


    Then I hear a voice saying, "Surrender.


    "Who the hell are you?"


    "Okay, let''s give them a fright."


    The bandit''s airship launches two fireballs backward.


    But they seem to have been bounced off an invisible barrier.


    "d*mn it, they even put up some kind of warding!"


    Was there ever such an airship in the Blue Lands?


    I can''t pull him away!��I''m doing 250 kilometers per hour!


    The Duke of Brouw''s airship is getting closer and closer.


    "d*mn it!"


    At that moment, a blinding, dazzling light flashes. <


    The afterglow reveals the entirety of the <>. The family crest of the <> is painted on its hull.


    One of the bandits, who was in charge of technical work, screamed when he saw it.


    "Oh, that''s ......!��That''s not the airship of the Blue Lands!��<

 1952 - - 52-24 Arrest and Investigation

    "<>?��What''s that?


    The bandit leader didn''t seem to know the name.


    "It''s the top of the magecraftsmen!��The world''s greatest Magecraftsman who can make anything, whether it be a golem or an automaton!


    The bandit in charge of technology had studied at for about half a year. After dropping out because he could not keep up with the lectures, a series of unfortunate events led him to his current situation. And even now, I have not neglected to collect information on the technical world.


    So he knew that the third generation of magecraft masters had appeared.


    "It won''t matter what we do if he''s with us, we should surrender.


    "What nonsense. We should surrender here." "What nonsense...we have to find a way to escape ......."


    While they were arguing like this, the speed of the airship dropped drastically.


    "What?��What''s wrong?


    "Hey, the propulsion system has stopped!


    What?


    An airship whose propulsion system has stopped is nothing more than a balloon.


    The air resistance has drastically reduced its speed, and soon it is just being carried along by the wind.


    "Oh, no, we''re not going to make it!"


    The technical officer, seeing the approaching at a distance of about 20 meters, gave up.


    "You idiot!��Don''t give up!"


    The man in charge said,


    "At this distance, you can take ......!��<


    and tried to unleash the strongest attack magic he could do.


    But...


    "Why isn''t it working?��I can''t use ...... magic!


    That''s right, their airship was covered by the waves of the <>.


    What''s more...


    "Oww!


    <


    * * * * * *


    Jin-dono, are you sure you can get close to them?


    "It''s all right."


    <.


    "It''s too much trouble to do things here, so let''s drag them to the Blue Lands.


    Since they are now over the Kingdom of Celuloa, the Duke of Bruu feared that it would be an airspace invasion if they were discovered.


    In fact, Jin''s is a free pass over the borders of each country, so there is no need to worry about that.


    He could have used his <, but he hesitated to use it in public, so he decided to get even closer, tie a rope around him, and pull him along.


    "I don''t see any attacks ...... coming."


    "No, I''ve stunned him with a paralyzer.


    When did you ...... do that?


    The paralyzer is a weapon used by the <> as well, so Duke Breu was not that surprised, but he was surprised that he did not know when they used it.


    <> was large and bulky, and it took some time to use.


    But at this point in time,


    "I am a ...... Jin-dono, after all.


    Duke Breu decided to take it as a given.


    Reiko jumped onto the bandit''s airship and tied a rope to it, so the <> was towed back to the Blue Lands.


    Although the load was increased compared to the outward trip, the distance was shorter because only one side of the triangular shape was moved compared to the outward trip where two sides of the triangle were moved, and although the speed was slightly reduced, the time required to reach the Blueland was the same as the outward trip.


    Incidentally, the gold and silver coins stored in the hideout of the bandits were temporarily recovered by the Duke of Breulhau and returned to those who had stolen them.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Jin-dono, I''m sorry again and again."


    Duke Bruu bowed to Jin D.


    "I did not expect such an easy capture."


    The arrest across the border would have been a job for the World Guard, the duke said.


    "No, I''m glad I could be of service."


    "And by the way, it''s getting late. Would you stay at my place for one more night?"


    The time was 8:30 pm. Jin D and his friends decided to accept the offer.


    * * * *


    "Old man, how was the airship?


    Jin asked Lao-kun at Horai Island. While the airship was being towed to Horai Island, the old man had been inspecting every nook and cranny of the airship with his "peeper telescope".


    <


    "Well, what do you mean?"


    <


    "I see. I hear it can reach 250 kilometers per hour for a short time."


    <<


    "I see. Then, I guess we can have the take it over through the Duke of Bruu.


    "But one big question remains."


    The old man agrees with Jin''s words.


    "Yes.


    We know that he was not in charge of the bandit''s technology. So, they must have asked someone to make it, or stole it from somewhere, or found it in some ruins.


    If there was that much technology in the world today, the old man said, there would be a lot more talk about it.


    >.


    "No, I''m sorry about that."


    Jin said it could wait because he did not intend to get involved in the world this far.


    Jin realized that information is always important, no matter what time of year it is.


    <


    "Yes, that would be true.


    It is highly possible, given the fact that technologies that are not appropriate for the current era were being used here and there.


    "It''s a shame. ......"


    Between the previous generation and Jin, there was the Magic War. And between the original Jin and the duplicate Jin, the Magic League.


    "This planet can''t develop in a straightforward manner. ......"


    "...... the Tower of Babel, the Flood of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, Atlantis and Mu......?"


    <>


    Since you have inherited Jin''s knowledge, you know as much as Jin does about such legends of the earth.


    < he knows as much as Jin does.


    "Yes, of course.


    All of them are legends, but if super civilizations existed in the past, it is a mystery why they have not been handed down to the present.


    "Did it die out on its own, or were there external factors?"


    Jin feels romantic about such ancient civilizations as much as anyone else.


    "On this planet, we know all that history. ......


    Although there are still some mysteries, the history of the planet has been roughly traced so far, and there is a living witness, the 700672.


    "Well, we''ll look into that as well. Reiko will be back tomorrow.


    For now, Jin wanted to relax a little.

 1953 - - 52-25 Know the past

    April 25th, when Jin D. and Reiko returned.


    Jin reported to Zion in the Nordic Federation after a day''s rest in Horaijima.


    "Yes, it was a hard time. Thank you for your hard work, Jin.


    When Sion learned that Jin had been involved in more trouble than he had expected, he said to him in a friendly tone of voice, "So, Jin.


    "So, I wanted to ask you, Zion."


    "...... about that bandit golem, right?"


    "Yeah. Do you know anything about it?"


    "Well, ...... maybe Marikka knows more than I do. Let''s call her.


    So I called her with the manacam, and Marikka rushed over.


    "Jin-sama, welcome back.


    "Hello, Marikka. I''ll get back to you as soon as I can. ......"


    Jin explained about the golem he had met in the Blue Lands.


    "A golem that is neither Adriana nor spherical-jointed?"


    "Yes. Do you know anything about it?


    "Yes. Yes, but only a little. ......


    Maricka began to speak in halting tones.


    "First of all," she said haltingly, "the fluid-form drive didn''t make it into the mainstream after all. It was too heavy.


    It uses a magical isotope of mercury (magiisotope), which has a specific gravity of about 13.5.


    Since it requires metal armor as a container and exterior, a golem the size of an adult male would weigh as much as 900 kilograms.


    If the weight of the weaponry is added, it comes to nearly one ton. This is the weight of 13 human soldiers. This is too heavy to be useful.


    It would also be difficult to move it by airship.


    "I understand that. But I don''t think that magi rocks or magi resins would be more powerful than magi mercury."


    "That''s right. So, when the spherical joint system was established, I thought it was a major turning point.


    However, although the spherical-jointed type certainly contributed to lowering costs, it was inferior to the Adriana type in terms of visual elegance of movement and durability in extreme situations.


    "It couldn''t be used for human-like automata."


    Maricka speaks in a deep voice as if recalling those days.


    "The spread of golems and automata was the goal of all the countries of the world in terms of securing labor. However, it was not cost-effective and did not work out as expected."


    "I see."


    Perhaps it would be easier to understand if we compare it to the spread of the private car in modern Japan.


    In the 1950s, private cars were not widely used in ordinary households.


    However, with the arrival of the Tokyo Olympics and the construction of the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway during the period of rapid economic growth, private cars began to spread as a kind of status symbol.


    After the oil shocks, the term "private car" became popular in the 1975''s, and it became common in the 1985''s when the bubble economy hit.


    At the dawn of the automobile industry, Henry Ford, who was called the "King of Automobiles," introduced a revolutionary model called the Model T Ford, which was mass-produced using a production line. ��The highest price was $950 (at that time), but the lowest price was $290 (at that time).


    Let me digress.


    As with automobiles, there was a group of engineers who thought that the cost reduction of the Golem could also be brought about by mass production.


    "They were related to the <>," says Maricka.


    Maricka says.


    "They were not directly related, so they must not have known about the existence of Horai Island, but there were people who read through the literature in the stacks at Nido Castle in the village of Kaina and at the house of Royzart in the Shoro Imperial Palace."


    "Hou."


    "I do not know his name either. At that time I was working in the Nordic Federation to educate the younger generation.


    "I see. I see. ...... That''s good. A relative of the Jin family ...... is a descendant?��Did a relative of the Jin family develop a new method?"


    "I can only assume so."


    At this point, Jin asks a question.


    "Well, if ......, why didn''t it spread?��......, by any chance?"


    And in the process, he came up with the reason himself.


    "Yes, because of the League of Magic and Marcitas.


    "I see."


    After that, Marikka had the direct descendants of the Jin family quarantined on the island of Onogoro.


    "I see. I think I understand most of what you''re saying. Thank you."


    I''m glad I could be of service.


    Maricka bit her tongue at the last minute.


    * * * * * *


    After taking a break, Jin continued talking with Zion and Marikka.


    "If that''s the case, it means that the bandits found the golem made by the engineer, right?"


    "That would make sense."


    Perhaps the Duke of Bruu would interrogate the bandits and reveal their location.


    "I''m curious about the place. Where is it?"


    The question that he asked himself was answered by Sion.


    "Well, why don''t you ask the Duke of Breu and he will accompany you?"


    "I suppose so.


    Jin would like to see this technology spread.


    He would like to see someone in a public position find the technological legacy and use it for the benefit of the world.


    And that''s it, that''s it. Jin also wanted to see the heritage with his own eyes.


    "I just want to see it first ......".


    Then Reiko, who had been silent for a long time, opened her mouth.


    "Father, the old man says he knows about it. To be precise, he has been monitoring the interrogation at the Duke of Breu''s place with a peep show telescope.


    So he is aware of what he has confessed.


    "Oh, yeah. So, where are you?


    Yes. ...... is in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Celluloid, in the region of Rivas, Futux.


    I see. I believe it''s near the border with the Kingdom of Klein?


    Yes. There''s a fort nearby.


    Father, there is ......


    Reiko began to explain to Jin what she knew.


    In those days, countries had research institutes in various regions to conduct various researches.


    The reason why they were not placed in the center of the country was simply because of the lack of large areas of land.


    Such research often required a large area of land for experiments and field tests.


    As for transportation, there were means such as transfer magicians and airships.


    In Futtocks, there was a fort that had been built during the time of the conflict with the Kingdom of Klein, so they renovated it and turned it into a research institute.


    "That would have been very spacious, well built, and with living facilities.


    Jin imagined that it must have been very easy to use.


    "There must have been a lot of motivated researchers."


    Jin tried to imagine how crowded it must have been at that time.


    Then, Jin thought, let''s go there first to see what was going on.


    Since there would be some formalities to go through to get from the Kingdom of Egelea to the Kingdom of Cerroa, Jin thought that he would have a few more days to spare.


    "What about Zion and Marikka?"


    "I don''t mind.


    "No, I don''t think so either.


    Both of them said they would not go, so Jin and Reiko went back to Horai Island for a while.

 1954 - - 52-26 Field inspection

    Back in Penglai Island, Jin asked Laojun a question.


    "My Lord, did you know?"


    <


    "All right, tell me."


    <


    According to the old man, the research facility there was open to the public, but it was too remote to be very popular.


    <<<


    The old man says that they mainly studied golems there.


    <<>.


    That is all that the old man knows.


    This is not surprising, since the "Mere Old Man" cannot keep track of all the events in the world.


    "Futoqs or ...... okay, let''s go over there for a bit, Reiko."


    "Yes, father."


    So Jin took Reiko to .


    The means of transport was the . The pilot is, of course, Hope.


    The transporter takes the < to the destination.


    From Horai Island, you will be 200 meters above the ruins of Fort Foothills in 0 seconds flat.


    The place we are looking down on now is covered with spring green.


    Trees over 10 meters high, yellow-green grasslands, and scattered rocks and bushes growing there.


    The most striking feature was a stone fort, or rather a research facility built on a fort, with vines and grass intertwined with it.


    It is made of gray stone and shows no signs of weathering, indicating that it has undergone some kind of magical treatment.


    The plane slowly drops in altitude in a circular motion. Jin observed the surface carefully.


    "We are landing."


    The lands on the level ground in front of the research facility.


    "Okay, Hope, you stay here. Reiko, let''s go.


    Yes, Father.


    Have a good trip.


    Jin and Reiko get off the Pegasus 2 and go outside.


    The air is fragrant with the scent of young grass. Birdsong can be heard.


    "It''s so peaceful. ......"


    The dirt was soft and it looked like not many people had walked on it.


    "This way, father."


    Reiko''s voice brought Jin back to himself as he was enjoying the spring atmosphere.


    Jin followed her, wondering if he had come here today for a specific purpose.


    Inside the research facility, the corridors had been built using the structure of the original fortress.


    The wide corridors were extended, and in some alcoves (recesses in the walls), there were magic devices attached to light up, and they were still shining dimly.


    "It''s not as bright as the <>, but it''s a long-lasting light."


    Admiringly, Jin followed Reiko in front of him.


    "It''s well reinforced and ventilated."


    The dust barrier has been set up and there is not much dust inside.


    Various functions were still working, although they had deteriorated considerably.


    As Jin stepped into the room, he thought that whoever had maintained this place had done a very careful job,


    "Father, there is a crack here," said Reiko''s voice.


    Reiko''s voice said.


    There was a large crack running through the passageway, leading to the outside.


    It seems that a large animal has entered through here.


    Indeed, there were footprints dotted with mud.


    "This is ...... probably a saber boar."


    A saber boar is a huge wild boar, so to speak. It is a very dangerous beast.


    It''s safe to say they''re not here now.


    Reiko, who had been looking for signs, assured me.


    "Yes, or ......."


    Once again Jin and the others moved on.


    "Father, here we are."


    "Oh."


    After following the passageway for a long time, they arrived at a small, wide space.


    The original light was not enough, so a ball of light was created and released to reveal every nook and cranny.


    Here, too, there was a dust barrier, and there was almost no dust inside.


    "Well, it looks a little bit like my workshop."


    It looked as if someone who knew Jin might have maintained this place.


    However, after many, many people have worked on it since then, very little of Jin''s color has remained.


    "But this one seems to be easier to use."


    Jin seemed to have gained something from the workshop''s different structure from his own.


    "......Oh, did I find what I was looking for?"


    Jin looked around again.


    "I was looking for a place to put the prototypes ......."


    Jin walked to the place where he would have found it. And he was right.


    "Oh, there it is!


    A door on the right side of the shelves. That is the warehouse.


    Jin opened the door, looked inside, and frowned.


    "Father?"


    Reiko looked inside too.


    The inside of the warehouse was in a state of disrepair.


    Broken golem arms and legs were scattered haphazardly, and crushed heads were piled up in the corners.


    It was a grotesque sight to behold.


    "It looks like they went through a lot of trial and error.


    Jin looked at the scene and expressed his intuitive impression.


    Perhaps, he had the impression that the person had just tried everything he could think of without thinking about the future.


    I wondered if he had reached what he was aiming for."


    Jin feels that there is no way that he could not have grasped something after all the pretentious trial and error he went through.


    "Maybe that golem is the result of that.


    Jin thinks of the two golems used by the bandits.


    "This was before the rise of the <> ......?"


    Thinking back to the time when this research facility was at its most active, Jin remembered the purpose of his visit today.


    He had come to inspect the roots of the bandit golem.


    Jin studied and analyzed the scattered parts and materials, trying to keep things as they were as much as possible.


    As a result, he was convinced that the <> Golem had indeed been created here.


    There were several skeletons lying around that appeared to be prototypes.


    After about two hours had passed, Jin said to Reiko with a satisfied look on his face.


    "......At any rate, we''ve done our inspection of this place. Let''s go back to Horai Island."


    "Yes, father."


    "I wonder what he would think if he knew that the golem he created with such enthusiasm had been misused. ......"


    Jin muttered as he walked out of the research facility.


    "If it were me, I''d be disappointed."


    < and can be made at a lower cost.


    Whether the interfered when they were on the verge of commercializing it, or whether they withdrew from the project due to health problems, or for some other reason... Jin does not know.


    Jin does not know, but as a fellow engineer, he feels a little bit like offering some comfort to this person whom he has never met before.

 1955 - - 52-27 New system development

    As Jin had expected, on April 27th, the of <> received a request from the Duke of Bruu to cooperate with Jin. It was April 27.


    "Oh, ...... you didn''t specify how to contact me, did you?"


    The only contact with Jin was in <> or at his residence in Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Empire.


    "Well, it''s not like there''s anything urgent I need to know.


    The contents of the report were the inspection of the place where the golem was found, which the bandits confessed to. Since it was a request from the Kingdom of Egelea to the Kingdom of Cerroa, it took about two days to receive permission.


    The would have been able to do this more quickly. And of course, Jin, the Magecraft Meister.


    "Old man, I''ll let you handle this with Jin D."


    <


    Since he had already seen the place, he decided to use his doppelg?nger to deal with it.


    Instead, he wanted to pay his respects to the unknown magical engineer who had developed the <> and concentrate on perfecting the system.


    Instead, Jin asked Reiko to accompany Jin D.


    Reiko, I may have missed something the other day. So I would appreciate it if you could go with me.


    Reiko could not say no to Jin''s request, so she reluctantly went out.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin then began to do what he wanted to do at the research institute on Horai Island.


    "Jinsha, it''s a mysterious structure, isn''t it?


    "Yes. I wonder how they came up with this way of doing things.


    Marikka had refused to accompany them to the ruins of Fort Foothills, but she was happy to participate in the work of analyzing and establishing the system of the <> golem.


    "Jin-sama, isn''t this a choice of material?"


    And with Rubina, the first Magecraft Queen,


    "Master Jin, I think we can improve the circuitry of this Magi Circuit.


    Gulina, a descendant of the Kuzma family, also joins in.


    "Yes, I think so. The materials, the shape, the control. All of them are still in their infancy. That''s why it''s worthwhile, isn''t it?


    "Yes, thank you, Jin-sama, for asking me!"


    "Yes, it is. It''s fun.


    Both Rubina and Gulina seem to be enjoying the work. And Marikka.


    "I''d like to build on this one prototype I made," said Marikka.


    "Well, the most important thing is to synchronize the skeletal and muscular ...... drive systems, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, I think so."


    Rubina and Grina agreed.


    "Yes, that''s important.


    Maricka agrees. And then..,


    "And the control system. If the control system is not working, it''s not worth talking about.


    Marikka added her own opinion.


    "Yes, that''s true. Then there''s the magi-machine, which should be called a that makes the <> rather than the main body.


    Jin also spoke of the key points when viewed as an overall mass production system.


    "Anyway, we need to solve the problems one by one. Let''s start with materials.


    Since all the excellent engineers were gathered here, they could have pursued their own separate themes, but Jin dared to pursue a single theme with everyone.


    "First of all, we need materials for the skeleton. This was made of light silver, but if we want to make it stronger, we can use 64 light silver.


    Originally, light silver is a material with good conductivity of magic power. Therefore, strengthening by magic power is also highly effective.


    "That''s right. ....... I''m sure there is a better material."


    "Rubina, we also have to consider the cost."


    "Oh, I see."


    Rubina is 10 years old and Grina is 19. Despite the age difference, they are not bad friends, being of the Kuzma family.


    "Yes, I know. The reason why I asked her is that people, including myself, tend to ignore the cost of materials and just chase performance, so I thought it would be a good lesson for me. In that respect, Marikka is capable of a more balanced design, and I''m sure she''ll be a good advisor."


    "Oh, no, you''re right."


    Marikka bites her lip in impatience at being suddenly lifted up.


    "I think light silver is good. It''s inexpensive and strong. We should consider alloys other than 64 light silver."


    The light silver in this ars is titanium on earth.


    "The rest is composites and internal structure."


    The characteristics of titanium = light silver are that it is light and strong, but relatively weak against wear.


    Therefore, measures are taken to apply adamantite coating to sliding parts such as joints.


    Although the meaning of composite materials is slightly different, Jin''s idea is to use complementary combinations to make the most of the advantages of each material.


    As a side note, many titanium alloys have poor machinability, but this is not a problem for use in magical engineering.


    "Internal Structure...... Oh, hollow or foam structure, you know..."


    The hollow, foam, or truss structure inside the bone is a structure based on actual living creatures.


    "Hollow would be the way to go for mass production," he said.


    Otherwise, it would take too much time and thus be cost-prohibitive.


    Incidentally, 64 light silver (= 64 titanium alloy) has a tensile strength 1.7 times greater than that of pure titanium.


    It would be extremely difficult, even for Jin, to produce an alloy with a higher performance than 64LBG.


    He made several prototype alloys, but they were all inferior to 64 light silver.


    Jin decided to stop his search for light silver alloys.


    "Okay, the material should be 64 light silver, and the part with a diameter of 20 mm or more should be hollow.


    With this, the material for the skeleton was decided.


    "The problem is the parts corresponding to the muscles. Jin-sama''s prototype seems to use GSP, but it is too expensive.


    <


    The GSP produced in Horai Island that Jin used was nothing to talk about.


    "Jin-sama, what did the golem used by that bandit use for the part corresponding to muscle?"


    "<>.


    Rubina was surprised to hear this.


    "Really?��Then, even if it has good performance, it''s not much ......."


    "It''s true, the power and speed of ordinary Magiresin are completely insufficient.


    "Right.


    When Rubina was about to ask why ...... then, Jin explained.


    "But the magi resin that was used was more powerful than most.


    Jin''s theory was that it was largely due to the place of production. Then, he added,


    "Besides, it also makes sense to use <>."


    "...... Is that so?"


    < and grew up taking the technology around her for granted, seemed to have a bit of a hard time understanding it.


    Jin has had that experience.


    Four hundred years ago, when he had just been called here from Japan and had inherited the knowledge of his predecessors. In the villages of Kaina, Blueland, Potrock, and other places, he was keenly aware of the disparity between the skills of his predecessors and his own.


    That is why I wanted Rubina and the others to know what the world is like.


    "We want to make the world useful in the <>, so we don''t want there to be too much disparity, do we?"


    "Yes. We don''t want to have too much disparity, do we?" "Yes, we don''t want ownership to become a status.


    Grina seemed to understand.


    "Well, let''s start by assuming that we can use for mass production. If it is high performance, that is even better.


    Jin indicated one way forward.


    "Besides, it''s not a waste of time to consider high-performance materials.


    "Yes, I understand."


    Rubina seemed to agree.


    "All right, let''s start the study."


    Jin and the others brought their own stools around the workbench and sat down.

 1956 - - 52-28 Study Group

    Jin and his team began to consider the possibility of creating a better Magi-resin.


    "First of all, can''t we improve the performance of by mixing it with something else?"


    "A mixture?"


    "Yes."


    refers to any resin that reacts to magic power, and is what is inside a typical golem.


    Typical examples are resins extracted from trees that contain magic power and <>, which was also put to practical use by Adriana.


    "We need to improve the conductivity of the magic power and make it more powerful. That''s what we need to do.


    Rubina reacted immediately when Jin said this.


    "What about mixing conductivity ...... with mithril powder?"


    "Oh, yeah. That''s what I was thinking."


    Jin said that a too expensive mixture would increase the cost and hinder its widespread use, but an additive of that level would be OK.


    "We have to try it first."


    So, with Rubina at the center, Jin and the others began experimenting with a magical resin (magiresin) mixed with mithril powder.


    < of the type was successful at first.


    The mixture increased the output by a factor of 1.5 and the reaction speed by a factor of 2.


    "I don''t know if I can go any further.


    However, Rubina was not satisfied. To her, Jin said,


    "Yes, I think so. Let''s change our way of thinking. Let''s think about the theoretical aspect of what the addition of ...... mithril silver powder meant.


    I advised him.


    "Hmmm ...... meaning ......."


    Rubina thought about it, but Grina was not so sure,


    "You expected it to have the same effect as adding it to metals to make magi-based alloys, right?"


    She commented.


    For better or worse, Rubina was still a sensible thinker and not very good at thinking theoretically. And understandably so. She is only 10 years old.


    "So, let''s think about again. Why does something like sap ...... like pine resin react to magic?"


    "Let''s see,......"


    "Could it be ...... that some of the atoms that make up the ...... resin are magical isotopes (magiisotopes)?"


    Rubina pondered, and Grina offered a guess.


    "Yes, I think it probably is."


    Surprisingly, Jin also did not know much about magiresin. This is because it is a material that is not usually used.


    "So, the higher the ratio of magical isotope, the higher the performance against magic power should be.


    "...... Jin-sama, can you do that?"


    Marikka, who had been silently listening to the younger man''s opinion, opened her mouth as if she could no longer remain silent.


    "Well, I''m thinking that maybe we could use the <> to age them."


    The <> is a storage with an ether ratio of 80 percent or higher, and the purity of the magic material increases as it is stored in it. In other words, some of the atoms are gradually replaced by magical isotopes.


    "I didn''t know there was such a thing. ...... Amazing!"


    Rubina had never heard of such a thing, and was frankly impressed.


    "Now all we have to do is sorting and concentration.


    Jin said, "We have to sort out the magic resin that contains a lot of magic isotope (magiisotope) and further concentrate the part of magic isotope (magiisotope).......


    "I haven''t figured out how yet, though."


    "That''s just as well Jin-sama. I''d like to come up with something too if that''s the case.


    Rubina said casually.


    Rubina has a lot of inspiration.


    As soon as Jin said that.


    "That''s right!��We just have to pass a magic nerve wire inside!


    came out of Rubina''s mouth. Jin said,


    "I''d say that''s a good idea, but I''ve been thinking about it too. It''s true that the reactivity will increase, but the power will remain the same. But it won''t change the power. It would also increase the production cost.


    I pointed out.


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    Rubina was a little disappointed, but not discouraged at all and started thinking again.


    "Jin-sama, then, why don''t you put some magi stones or something in the important places corresponding to the joints?


    This time, Gulina made a suggestion. But that was also something Jin had tried the other day.


    "I see......... You are indeed Jin-sama..."


    Sighs Greene.


    "But you two are great! I had a lot of trouble coming up with that idea myself.


    Jin praised them both.


    "...... Jin-sama, why don''t you just find a cheaper and better-performing medium instead of sticking to magic resin (magirezin)?"


    And Marikka also expressed her thoughts.


    "Yes, I think that''s a good idea too. I experimented with ."


    However, the performance was not as good as expected, Jin explained.


    "In the end, <> was the best choice."


    Jin concluded his explanation by saying that this line was abandoned because of its high cost.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    It was lunchtime before I knew it, so I decided to have a meal. It was a nice change of pace.


    "Wow, that looks delicious!"


    Reiko is following Hitoshi D., so Luna and Soleil have prepared lunch.


    For a moment, Jin wishes he had a <>, but it''s difficult since he is working with Jin D.


    Because Reiko''s control core is not designed for such parallel processing, and if he controls mini Reiko, his own actions will be interfered with.


    Now for a quiet note.


    It is cold barley today.


    In late April, the daytime temperature on Horaijima rises to nearly 30 degrees Celsius, so this kind of menu is appreciated.


    The red and green cold barley mixed in with the white cold barley adds accent and coolness to the dish.


    Eggplant and thinly sliced cucumbers can be added to the sauce as desired.


    Janji (ginger) is also available, which can be grated and added to the dipping sauce to enhance its flavor.


    Jin simply ate the soup, Rubina added cucumbers, Grina had eggplant, and Marikka had jhanjie.


    "Oh, it was delicious!"


    After the meal, it''s time for a leisurely tea break. Today it''s cold barley tea.


    "It''s nice and cold. More tea, please."


    "Don''t drink too much ...... and get a stomach ache, okay?"


    Jin is careful. When he was a high school student, he once drank a lot of ice water because it was too hot in summer and got a stomach ache. He was miserable for about half of the summer vacation.


    ......Yeah, I''ll be careful."


    When Jin dared to reveal his own experience and warned her about it, Rubina nodded her head in agreement.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After the meal break, the meeting started again.


    "Hey, Jin-sama, I was just wondering which part is the main part of the operation with the magic resin (magirezin)?


    Rubina spoke up first.


    "Which part, ......?"


    "If it is fixed to the skeleton, like muscles, it would be clear. But it''s not, is it?"


    "Oh, I see."


    Jin was impressed by Rubina''s point of view.


    "Yes, that''s true. <, it should have the same characteristics."


    In other words, it is the < that exerts the most power. How much the other parts contribute to the movement ...... is unclear.


    "That''s an interesting point of view."


    Jin praised Rubina and decided to follow the line.

 1957 - - 52-29 Research and Investigation

    The contribution rate of <> to the movement of the <>.


    We know that the maximum contribution is around the joints, and there is a technique to improve the movement efficiency by converting the joints into higher quality <> with Stone Golem.


    "But what we are considering now is not solid MagiStone, but flexible MagiResin.


    "It would be good if we could check the degree of deformation from the outside."


    In response to Jin''s words, Greiner also has an idea for confirmation.


    "Then, we can use a transparent exterior.


    This is Marikka.


    "Yes. And if we draw stripes ...... or squares on the magic resin, we can see at a glance where and how much it expands and contracts.


    Jin.


    Taking these ideas into consideration, Jin removed the exterior of the prototype golem.


    Then, he drew lines on the magirezin like a grid. The result is a 3D model drawn with wireframes.


    At the same time, Marikka, Rubina, and Gurina are making transparent exteriors out of cubic zirconia.


    Both tasks are completed at about the same time.


    "Okay, let''s reassemble."


    This takes two minutes.


    < is still intact, so it works fine. Or rather, it is still remotely controlled by the "Mere Old Man.


    "My dear, please try to move it slowly."


    <


    At first, the "Mere Old Man" extended his right arm horizontally and then bent his elbow slowly.


    "Oh ......"


    Then he stood up and stomped his foot slowly.


    >


    "Oh, that''s easy to understand. Keep stepping slowly.


    This observation reveals the <> using <>.


    "Hmmm... ...... 80% near the joints, 20% near the joints..."


    Jin calculated the approximate contribution.


    "That''s right, Jin-sama. If that''s the case, then it would be 20% at best, right?"


    Marikka sounded a little disappointed, since it was unlikely that a significant improvement in performance could be expected with only 20%.


    "No, I don''t think so."


    Rubina started.


    "...... Well, a stone golem using <> has almost a hundred percent contribution around the joints. But with flexible <>, the contribution is 80%. I''ve been trying to figure out why this is.


    "I see. I see. ......


    Jin had an idea of what Rubina was talking about, but decided to listen to her explanation.


    "I think that the harder the material used to power it, the more localized the contribution, and the softer the material, the wider the range."


    "Great, Rubina!��I agree with you!


    "I really agree. ...... Jin-sama, why don''t we check it out?"


    Gulina agreed, and Marikka was ready to try the experiment.


    "Okay, let''s do it."


    Jin prepared two kinds of Magi-resin with different hardness.


    "If it''s too soft, it will become fluid, so this is about right.


    One is what is called . The other is harder than the one currently used for the prototype golem.


    I swapped them out with the prototype golem''s and repeated the experiment,


    "See, I knew it!"


    "Yes, Rubina''s idea was right."


    The soft magic resin (magiresin) had a lower contribution rate around the joints.


    The soft magnesium resin (magnesium resin) contributed 60%, while the hard magnesium resin (magnesium resin) contributed almost 10%.


    In other words, the hard maggi-resin moves only in the vicinity of the joints during movement.


    "The softer the resin is, the more it takes the deformation in its entirety, or the more it affects the entire body.


    "That''s good, isn''t it?"


    Jin agrees with this opinion.


    "Oh, then it might be more efficient if the magic resin is firmly fixed to the skeleton.


    "That may be possible."


    Jin decided to try to roughen the surface of the skeleton a little so that the resin would < better.


    He removed the exterior, removed the magical resin, processed the surface of the skeleton, installed the magical resin, and reassembled the exterior.


    The modification took 5 minutes.


    "......"


    The skill with which he did this was such that those who were watching were in awe.


    "Well, let''s give it a try. Please, old man."


    The old man started to move the prototype golem. The movement of the prototype golem is clearly awkward.


    "I see. You did it!"


    Just by increasing the degree of adhesion between the skeleton and the magical resin, the efficiency has increased by 75%. In other words, Magirezin can be used not only for but also for the skeleton like a muscle.


    "Oh, that''s right."


    "That''s right, Jin-sama!"


    Rubina and the others agreed with Jin''s idea.


    Jin then instructs the old man to change the control sequence of the prototype golem.


    "Little by little, try to use it in a <> way."


    <


    The control by the old man was so precise that he was able to perform the optimum control in only one minute.


    As a result.


    "Oh, I see."


    The increase in reaction speed is slow compared to the increase in power output, but this cannot be helped. There is a limit to the reaction speed and output of the magic resin.


    And the reaction speed was originally used in the range close to the upper limit.


    In contrast, the output was lossy and there was room for improvement.


    "Hmm, I''m still wondering about the magical resin (magiresin) used in the bandit''s golem.


    It seemed to have better performance than any other magic resin that Jin knew.


    Jin regretted that he had not been able to examine it in detail, wondering where it had been collected, although he was sure it was old.


    Then Jin remembered that the Duke of Breu and his friends were visiting the site.


    "Old man, what about Jin D. and Reiko?"


    <


    "I see.


    Jin finished his conversation with the old man and turned to Marikka and the others.


    "Well, I think we''ve made a lot of progress, but do you have anything to say so far?"


    First, Rubina raised a small hand and spoke.


    "Well, I''ve only heard a little bit about the bandit golem that Jin-sama caught, but I wonder if it was better than the prototype we just made?


    "Yeah, I''m curious. ...... Let''s face it, it was a little better."


    "Yeah. ......"


    <


    "Don''t be so downhearted. There are several reasons, and I know why.


    Jin calmed Rubina down by telling her that this prototype would perform much better if the same modifications were made to it.

 1958 - - 52-30 What are you looking for?

    Under Jin''s initiative, the second prototype of <> Golem was created.


    The concept was to use <> for <>.


    It was a tribute to the engineers of the past who had developed this form.


    Then, the old man reported to us.


    "Oh, I see."


    "That''s good."


    The Blow Floater <> and the airship belonging to the Duke of Breu went to the ruins of Fort Hutoks, and all but Jin D and the others have been pulled out.


    "Is there anyone else there?��Are there any other locals?


    <


    "That''s good."


    Jin decided to use the warp gate equipped with a hurricane to visit the site. Of course, Rubina, Gulina, and Marikka would go with him.


    "Okay."


    Jin turned to the three of them and they all looked at him ......, especially Rubina, who looked like she wanted to get going. >>.


    Since they were going through a warp gate, they had nothing to prepare, but they had prepared a lab coat and a shoulder bag so that they would look like technicians who had come to investigate.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Near 4:00 p.m. local time, Jin and four others appeared at the warp gate inside the .


    "Welcome, father."


    Reiko, of course, greeted them. In return, Jin D returned to Horai Island.


    "Well then, let''s go check out the ...... lab."


    "Yes!


    Rubina replies in a very loud voice when Jin D. calls out to her. The other two replied, but their voices were drowned out by Rubina''s voice.


    "Well, this way please.


    Reiko, who was a member of the survey team, led the group into the ruins of the fort.


    Jin had seen the report from the old man and the video report from Jin D, but his impression changed when he saw the actual site with his own eyes.


    "It looks suitably old.


    Jin felt the weight of the years on the stone materials that made up the passageway, or rather the fortress building itself.


    "This is the main laboratory, isn''t it?"


    "Oh ......!"


    Photos of stores are often taken with a wide-angle lens in order to capture the entire building. However, although this method can certainly capture a wide area, it has the disadvantage of making objects in the distance appear smaller, resulting in a picture that is far removed from the impression seen with the naked eye.


    Jin''s impression at this time was similar to the above.


    "I see, it looks spacious but it is very small. There were probably no more than 10 people in the room at any given time.


    Jin judged so by looking at the size of the entire laboratory.


    "That''s right, Jin-sama. I think the maximum number of students is seven or eight, and the maximum number of students is five.


    Marikka also estimated the number of people who would have been here.


    "Yes, that''s right. I don''t know if it was a small group or if there were not enough people."


    Jin looked around,


    "I''d like to believe that ...... was a very good group of people," he said.


    He said.


    "It would have been a shame if we had a little more ...... time and manpower to complete this system."


    Neither Marikka, Rubina, nor Gulina could speak to Jin''s mutterings.


    "Well, let''s see what we can find.


    After the survey team led by the Duke of Breu had left, it was unlikely that there would be anything of interest, but the eyes of Jin and the others were a little different from those of ordinary people.


    But the eyes of Jin and the others are a little different from those of ordinary people. They can obtain useful information from what appears to be trash.


    "This is different, this is different ......"


    Jin-sama, are you sure we''ll find it?


    "Greenina, stop blabbering and look for it!"


    What Jin and the others are looking for is a magical resin.


    It''s a kind of dregs, half of a scrap material, or something before it''s refined.


    This was a part of the process to identify the place of origin of the ultra-high-performance maggi-resin that had caught Jin''s attention.


    There are almost no clues in the refined Magi Resin, but in the unrefined form, various information can be read.


    For example, what kind of tree the resin came from.


    If the tree is a tree that grows only in a certain region, it is a simple matter.


    But it is also possible to identify the region to some extent by analyzing the impurities contained in the resin.


    Just knowing whether they are from cold or warm regions makes a difference.


    Normally, it would be possible to know by looking at the records, but it seems that such things were either taken out or disposed of when this laboratory was abandoned, and Jin D and his team could not find them in their search.


    "Well, I guess I''ll just have to take a shortcut here..."


    An hour had passed since he had visited the laboratory, and Jin decided to use his magical tools, thinking that he would not get anywhere if he continued his search.


    Until now, Jin had been searching by himself, partly as a sign of respect for the unknown person who had created this new lineage, but he decided that it was unlikely that he would be able to find it at this rate.


    "Jin-sama, what are you going to do?"


    "I''m going to use a magical tool that will help me find what I''m looking for."


    "If you have such a thing, why didn''t you use it?


    Rubina reacted naturally, and Jin explained.


    "One is to pay homage to those who came before us, and the other is that when you are looking for something, you may find something unexpected in addition to what you are looking for.


    Nowadays, if you don''t know a word, you can just search for it on the Internet, but in the old days, when there were no computers or the Internet, you needed a dictionary to look up an unfamiliar word or phrase.


    In the process of finding the desired word, we sometimes came across descriptions of other words and increased our knowledge of them as well .......


    In fact, Jin, who was looking for magirezin, found scraps of materials they used and pieces of ores.


    He also found several items in the trash that looked like notes.


    However, they did not find a single piece of related to the most important objective, the magical resin.


    "So, I''m going to look for <> to make a magical tool."


    Jin explained in front of Marikka, Rubina, Gulina and others.


    "What we are looking for this time is magic resin. It is an unrefined one. But we searched for about an hour and couldn''t find it. Are we clear so far?"


    Everyone nodded silently.


    "Since we know what we are looking for, we can think of a way to create a magical tool that reacts to the same thing.


    As with engineering magic<>, it is difficult to make it react to something you don''t know, but if you have something you know, or a sample, it is much easier.


    In this case, the sample can be a purified one. There aren''t that many of them anyway."


    The idea is similar to the <> function in most text editors.


    Searching for the word <> is not very useful, but for the word <>, the results are much narrower, and you can find the string you are looking for among them.


    The time and effort required for such a search would be a hundredth or a thousandth of that required for reading down the whole text.


    It is the same in this case. You only have to pick up the magic resin (magiresin) and look for the one that contains the ingredients before refining.


    If you don''t find it, you can assume that it is not here in the first place.


    "Now that we know the principle, how do we look for it?"


    Rubina asked the obvious question,


    "Don''t ask me everything, just think about it for a minute. You have ten minutes. In the meantime, I''ll get the ingredients from Hourai Island.


    Rubina, Gulina, and Marikka were puzzling over what to do.

 1959 - - 52-31 What is the origin?

    Two minutes have passed since Jin gave the three of them their .


    The old man uses the to send materials such as magi-crystals and light silver.


    Jin basically does not plan to use any of the materials in this laboratory.


    Three minutes.


    "Oh, you mean ......?"


    Got it?


    Jin stopped making magic tools and looked back at the owner of the voice, Rubina.


    "<>......?"


    But Jin shook his head.


    "I''m afraid not. But it''s not a bad idea."


    "Well, then, let''s do a ground search!"


    When Rubina was denied by Hitoshi, she quickly answered with her next answer.


    And this time it was Jin who nodded.


    "Oh, you are right. is a magic to search for substances in the ground, but there is no reason why it can''t be used in a room, right?"


    "......That''s true. But why bother to make a magic tool?"


    "Oh, you noticed that. That''s great. ...... is different in a room than in the ground, so it seems more efficient to use a grimoire."


    Jin explained, praising Rubina for coming up with the correct answer. Meanwhile, his hands did not stop.


    "Okay, it''s done."


    Jin did not hesitate to activate the magic tool , although the contents were exposed because he had made it in such a hurry.


    "This time, I have set the object in the magic resin. I will be able to search for anything in time.


    Even as he was explaining this, there was a response from the searcher.


    It uses a method called PPI scope, which displays an object as a light spot in response to the rotation of the antenna. It is the same type of radar system that displays a light spot by rotating a line of light on a round screen.


    "Well, there are three over here."


    Jin walked to a corner of the room.


    There was a broken magic tool lying there.


    "It seems that magic resin is used in these tools.


    "Ah, yes!��I''ll get rid of it!


    Rubina came forward, so Jin decided to leave it to her.


    "This way next."


    In a pile of dust in another corner, he found a pea-sized maggirezine.


    "The last one is over here."


    At the entrance to the room where Jin and the others had entered, two pieces of magic resin the size of a cut fingernail were found wedged between the cracks in the door.


    "If they''re this small, no wonder we can''t find them even if we''re vaguely looking for them."


    Rubina found three pieces the size of pachinko balls. She also found one the size of a small pea and two the size of a cut fingernail.


    "Well, that''s all the clues we have. Let''s analyze it for now. ......<>>>>>>...... I see."


    Of the six pieces of magical resin (magirezin) found, it turns out that the piece the size of a cut fingernail found in the doorway seems to be the magical resin (magirezin) that you were looking for.


    "There are unknown impurities."


    < is what we know. In this sense, it may be said that this magic searches the dictionary of the surgeon''s knowledge.


    In other words, there were substances that Jin did not know.


    "I will bring it back to Horai Island and have the old man analyze it.


    Jin decided to go back to the lab now that he had found a clue, because he wanted to leave the remains of the lab as it was.


    Marikka and the others had no objection. Rather, they looked as if they wanted to know the result of the analysis as soon as possible.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <. Jin immediately gives the sample to the old man.


    "What do you think, Mr. Old?"


    <


    Alkaloids are a general term for nitrogen-containing basic compounds found in plants. Many of them have various effects on the human body.


    Morphine, nicotine, cocaine, etc. are examples.


    .


    "Atropine. ...... I''ve heard of it. Is it the poison contained in <>?"


    <


    Hashiridokoro is a wild plant that grows soft green shoots in early spring. It is also a poisonous herb that many people accidentally pick when picking wild vegetables and get poisoned.


    <<<< Wise Man (Mags)>>The structural formula was found in a book that Shuki Tsetsi had.


    "Oh, I see..."


    <<


    "Yes, and?"


    <


    "North of the Kruger Mountains, maybe?"


    <>


    "I see. ......"


    Anyway, this narrows down the search area considerably.


    "Let''s try looking north of the village of Kaina first."


    The old man said, "There is a possibility that the extraction of magical resin was an industry in the village.


    "Yes, that is possible."


    <.


    "All right, let''s go to the village of Kaina.


    Kaina village. The nostalgic sound of the village made Jin eager to visit it.


    "Last time I was just a visitor, but this time, as the third generation , I can openly use Nidou Castle as my base.


    Of course, I''m taking Rubina, Grina, Marikka, and the others with me.


    "This is the village where Jin-sama started out, isn''t it?��I want to go there!


    Rubina is excited.


    "The village of Kaina... ...... I miss it so much!


    Marikka said nostalgically.


    And Gulina too,


    "I''d love to go with you to the origin of Jin-sama!


    Marikka said nostalgically, "I miss Kaina village.


    The next day, they made a simple preparation for the next day''s trip to the hotel.


    The next day, after getting ready, Jin, Reiko, Rubina, Grina, Marikka, and the others went to the warp gate of Nido Castle.


    It is 9:00 a.m. local time.


    "Welcome, everyone."


    Butler C greeted the group, with the five-colored golem maid standing behind him.


    Jin and the others headed for the village chief''s house, saying that they would stay the night.


    But...


    Jin had been fed up the last time he had been here, and he had forgotten that the workshop that he used to use ...... had been permanently preserved as a memorial museum.


    "Wow, this is the origin of the Magecraft Meister!"


    This is a historical museum!


    "It brings back memories!"


    Everyone except Jin and Reiko were excited.


    "......"


    Jin was embarrassed and kept silent.

 1960 - - 52-32 To the North Forest

    The group was greeted by the village chief, Gaisak.


    "Well, well, well. Gentlemen, welcome to the village of Kaina. I am village headman Gaisak.


    They had missed him the last time they had visited with Rhodes.


    Gaisak had gray hair and gray eyes, was in his mid-forties, small and stout, and gave the impression of a man from a rural village.


    "Nice to meet you. I am , and I have recently become the third generation of .


    Jin Nidoh now gave his real name. The idea was that this would make people think that the Magecraft Meister and Jin Nido were one and the same.


    "Oh!��At last we have a new Magecraftsman, don''t we?


    Yes. So I thought I''d drop by and say hello.


    "That''s very kind of you. ...... is the day of the visit of Mr. Ellis, isn''t it?


    "What about ......?"


    Jin did not know who was.


    (...... father, the current lord of Kaina village)


    "Oh, you don''t know?��He is the lord of Kaina Village, a descendant of the second generation Jin.


    Reiko''s whispering and the village chief''s explanation were almost simultaneous.


    "Oh, is that so?"


    Jin could only reply, "Oh, I see.


    "Well, it''s a coincidence that you came here today if you didn''t know.


    "Well, what kind of person is this Mr. Ellis?


    Jin asked again, trying to gather information here.


    "Eris Nido-sama is the lord of this village of Kaina, as he has been since the first Jin Nido-sama. I am the chief of the village as a deputy.


    "I see."


    Now I understand the situation a little better.


    Master Ellis will arrive this evening.


    I understand.


    There is still some time left before the current lord arrives. Once Jin and the others heard this, they parted from the village chief and returned to Nido Castle.


    "Well, what shall we do now?


    After settling down in the drawing room of Nido Castle, Jin and the others discussed the next day''s plans.


    "We have two choices: to meet or not to meet. I would recommend that we meet.


    Unusually, Reiko was the first to speak.


    "Because there are many advantages to getting to know the current lord here in the future. Of course, there are some disadvantages.


    The disadvantage is that there will be more ties. But since they are descended from blood relatives, Jin is not likely to be able to cut them off.


    "Well, I guess I''ll have to see him."


    Marikka, Rubina, and Grina did not object to Jin''s decision. They were in a comfortable position.


    However, no one could have foreseen that this decision would have drastically changed the fate of one of them.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After having lunch at Nido Castle, Jin and his team set out to investigate the main objective, the magical resin.


    "Let''s check the forest north of the village of Kaina.


    Jin said,


    "Father, I heard that a blow floater has been placed there since the other day.


    Reiko told me.


    "Oh, I see. That''s very clever."


    <


    Of course, only Jin and his people can use it.


    So, Hitoshi... So Jin decided to use the blow floaters at Nido Castle.


    "Oh, this is nice."


    The machine is labeled <>.


    The <> is a sea gull, by the way.


    It is a six-seater, equipped with a force field generator, a gravity-controlled magic device, and a transfer gate, and Jin had donated a similar model to the Nordic Federation.


    The pilot this time is Reiko.


    "Okay, let''s go."


    floated up and headed north toward the forest.


    "Wow, this is a nice view!


    Rubina is excited.


    Jin also enjoyed the view of the village of Kaina for the first time in a long time.


    "Father, where are we going?"


    Reiko asked after flying for a while. A coniferous forest spread out below us.


    "...... Oh shit. I forgot to ask the village chief about the magic resin.


    "Oh, that''s right."


    It seems that I had heard about the current lord, Eris, and had forgotten about the other matter.


    Since it would be inefficient to turn back now, they decided to investigate on their own first.


    "Well, let''s go a little further north.


    "Yes, let''s go a little further north." "Okay."


    Jin thought that the concentration of free magic element (ether) used to be higher in the northern part of the country, although it has improved a lot now, and that the plants in the northern part of the country might contain more free magic element (ether) due to the effect of the higher concentration.


    flew over the coniferous forest zone and entered the plains. If he continued his flight, he would pass through the Pazdekst isthmus and arrive at the continent of Gondor, or the Nordic Federation.


    "Well, ...... Reiko, do you feel something like a singularity with the <>?"


    "Yes,...... sure, I feel something a little more prominent at this end."


    Reiko pointed to a coniferous forest at the southern foot of Mount Tahoka, a 5,000-meter-high mountain.


    "Okay, let''s go there."


    So < starts to descend.


    "Oh, there is a small meadow there. Let''s go down there."


    "Okay."


    It was an open meadow about 100 meters in diameter. Even though it was late April, there were still remnants of winter in this area, and the grass had not yet sprouted.


    "I wonder if there are any around here?"


    Grina looked at the coniferous trees surrounding the meadow.


    "There are a lot of pinnatifers around here."


    Glina seems to know a lot about plants.


    "We can expect to see pinacea growing alongside the white beech.


    So the group decided to go for a walk around the meadow.


    "There are a lot of <>. ...... Here is a <>. ...... here are all <>. ......"


    But at the northern end of the meadow,


    "There it is!��!"


    "Oh, so this is it. ...... Reiko, do you feel anything?"


    "Yes, I do. ...... Indeed, the concentration of free magic element (ether) in the entire tree seems to be denser than in the surrounding area.


    Hearing this, Grina said,


    "Jin-sama, this may have a particularly good affinity with free magical element (ether).


    Jin said.


    "I see. If we can get some saplings, we should try growing them on Horai Island as an experiment.


    Jin thought that the climate would be manageable above the mid-slope of Mount Horai.


    "But first, let''s try to extract the resin from this tree.

 1961 - - 52-33 Ellis

    Sap is a mysterious substance that is not contained in the tree but is secreted only when the tree is damaged.


    In an experiment with lacquer trees, they cut down the trees and used a press to squeeze out the water and sap, but the amount of sap was nowhere near the amount of lacquer sap that could be collected in the usual way.


    In other words, the most efficient way to collect sap is to cut the bark and collect the sap that seeps out of it.


    "......This one tree will take too much time, let''s see if we can find more."


    "Yes."


    Jin and the others scratched the tree they had found, tied a sap receiver to it, and then looked around for more trees.


    As a result, we found 4 trees around the meadow and set the sap receptors on them.


    Jin checked other places to see if there were any more, and found that they were scattered around the island, so he decided to call > from Horai Island and have him collect them.


    Jin and the others take back only what they have collected this time as a sample. They obtained about a cupful of raw material of .


    "With this much, we should be able to conduct at least a verification experiment.


    It was 3:00 in the afternoon. If they returned to Nido Castle, the current lord, Eris, would have arrived by now.


    "Let''s go home."


    Yes.


    Thus, with some success, Jin and the others returned to Nido Castle.


    * * * * *


    When Jin and his party landed in front of Nido Castle in , the current lord Ellis and his party had just arrived there.


    The village chief, Geisak, is also there and welcomes them.


    "...... You''re the new <?��Nice to meet you, my name is Ellis Nido.


    Elise was an elderly woman with light blonde hair that had a hint of white in it.


    "Oh, I''m Jin Nido. Pleased to meet you."


    I am Marikka from Shinra.


    My name is Greenina Kuzma.


    Rubina Garrett.


    Rubina Garrett. - Hello, hello, hello, hello. Jin Nido, you go by that name. And you''re from the Shinra clan?��It''s an honor to meet you.


    Ellis had the air of Martha with a hint of Elsa and Hannah.


    "And you are Kuzma, you say? Count ...... no, are you a relative of the Marquis?"


    Ellis seems to know a lot about the former Jin family.


    Then comes Reiko, who has put <> in the hangar.


    "This is Reiko. She is an automata.


    My name is Reiko.


    Oh, my, you are a lovely young lady. Reiko, ...... you have the same name as your predecessor''s daughter Reiko, don''t you?


    Uh... ......


    Jin wondered how to explain, but before he could give an answer,


    "Grandmother, I''ve put the car away."


    A young man came to him, saying, "Thank you for your help.


    "Thank you for your help. Freddy, this is Mr. Jin, the third generation Magecraft Meister, and his friends.


    "...... I see. I am ...... Freddy Nido."


    Freddy is a young man of about 20 years old with blond hair and blue eyes like Elise.


    When Maricka and the others had finished saying their names, Butlers B and C, who were in charge of Nido Castle, arrived.


    "Welcome, Mr. Ellis!


    "Come this way, Mr. Jin."


    Ellis and his friends were escorted into the castle by Butler B and Jin and his friends by Butler C.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and the others were talking in their guest room.


    "...... Is that the current lord?"


    "He looks somewhat like Erza-san, doesn''t he?"


    "......Yes."


    Jin nodded at Marikka''s words.


    "But that grandson Freddy seemed to be staring at you.


    Reiko nodded at Marikka''s words.


    "Yes, he was definitely staring at his father.


    "I don''t ...... know anything about that.


    We''ve never met before," Jin said.


    "Well, that''s all right. It''s just this one time, right?"


    Rubina said, taking it easy.


    "I don''t think that''s going to happen."


    Jin explains to Rubina.


    "How do you explain the fact that we can freely use the facilities of Nido Castle and even the warp gate?"


    "Oh, I see."


    "Well, I guess we can declare that even the third generation can use such facilities.


    "What''s wrong with that?"


    Rubina has more ideas for making things than anyone else, but she is still a child and has yet to learn how to play the game in human society. Jin, too, is not at a level that he can boast about to others.


    "I''m sure you''ll be asked a lot of questions about my background and past," he said.


    For Ellis, these are people who may share a distant ancestry ....... Even Greena has a family name of <<>.


    It''s funny not to notice.


    "If I knew their personalities, I could deal with them a little better.


    As we were talking about this, there was a knock at the door.


    "Excuse me, sir."


    When I opened the door, I saw that it was Butler C. He said, "Dinner will be ready soon.


    Dinner will be ready soon. So, Mr. Ellis would like to have dinner with us, if you don''t mind.


    Jin thought for a moment, and then replied, "Then, I would like to join you.


    I''m sorry for asking you out.


    I''m sorry I forced you to come with me.


    When he met Jin and the others in the cafeteria, Ellis said as soon as he opened his mouth.


    "No, please don''t worry about it."


    Marikka, not Jin, replied. By appearances alone, the two look to be about the same age.


    On the other hand, her grandson Freddy said


    "...... why the hell are you the third generation?


    He glared at Jin.


    ��Oh, I see.)


    Jin could understand the feeling, but in reality, he is not the third generation, but the second generation himself, so he is at a loss as to why.


    "...... d*mn it ...... why don''t I have any talent for magical engineering ......"


    Freddy looks frustrated.


    (I see, you are also frustrated because you can''t become a Magecraft Meister.)


    Jin feels a little sympathy for Freddy.


    (In that case, should he tell them that he is the second generation of the Nido family, not the third?)


    ) Then he also thought that as long as Jin is around, no one can become a , so he should not have to feel regret ......, but he wondered if that would help those who are already feeling regretful.��(?


    (......?��But Freddy is ......)


    Jin noticed something and looked up to confirm it,


    "Enough!


    He heard an exasperated voice of Grina saying, "That''s enough!

 1962 - - 52-34 Freddy

    Just as Greiner was about to shout, the food arrived.


    "Here you go, sir."


    "......"


    Glina seemed distracted and sat down again, looking a little bloated.


    The menu consisted of rice, miso soup with tofu and wakame seaweed, grilled river fish, meat and potatoes, boiled wild vegetables, and pickles. The tea was hojicha.


    "Let''s eat first. Freddy, right?


    "...... yes."


    Ellis smiled softly and picked up the chopsticks. They were beautifully painted chopsticks that he had brought with him.


    "Are these your own chopsticks?"


    Jin asked.


    "Yes. Yes. I learned them from my ancestors."


    Jin reflected on his own character, thinking that he might say something like that.


    Then they picked up the chopsticks provided.


    "Oh, what''s that?"


    "Yes, we keep these chopsticks for ourselves.


    These chopsticks are also finished in black lacquer.


    "Well, that''s nice, isn''t it?"


    Ellis looked impressed. Then,


    "Please eat it before it gets cold.


    the golem maid called out to them, and Jin and the others began to eat.


    Eris''s use of chopsticks was sophisticated, indicating that she had been trained in the use of chopsticks for generations. As I was thinking that,


    "The way you hold your chopsticks is very beautiful, Jin-san.


    Jin laughed inwardly when he was complimented on the contrary.


    On the other hand, my grandson Freddie''s hand was neither good nor bad.


    The grilled river fish was very easy to eat because the guts had been removed. Everyone ate it clean.


    Jin was again impressed by how deftly Ellis avoided small bones with chopsticks.


    * * * *


    Jin and the others resumed chatting over a cup of hojicha (Japanese green tea) after the meal.


    Jin-san and the others had just arrived by a blow floater, right?


    Ah, the <>. That''s a piece of equipment here at Nido Castle.


    "Your father designed it, though."


    When Jin answered, Reiko quickly added, "Well, well, well.


    "Well, well, well, you''re the Magecraft Meister!��Freddie.


    "...... yes."


    Before the meal, Freddy had looked at Jin with contempt, but when he saw Reiko standing by his side and heard that she had designed a blow floatation machine, he became much more subdued.


    He must have realized Jin''s ability, or at least that he was not as good as him.


    Since Freddy has calmed down, Gulina does not rehash what he said before the meal and is chatting with Rubina.


    Then Ellis told Marikka,


    "Did Mr. Jin learn magical engineering from Marikka-sama after all?


    Marikka asks. This would be a reasonable question for this group of people. But Marikka answered honestly


    "No, no, I learned it from her.


    Marikka answered honestly, "No, no, I was the one who taught me.


    "What?"


    "......... ......"


    Marikka had inadvertently told the truth.


    "What do you mean?"


    As expected, Elise was confused.


    "Well, this Jin-sama here is the very same Jin-sama who was the about 400 years ago.


    Then Marikka told him the truth.


    "What do you mean?


    Look at Ellis, who is flustered,


    (ah...... well,<>)


    ), and Jin reopened his mouth to say that he''s had enough of the deception.


    "Actually, ......"


    * * * *


    "...... and that''s why I am Jin Nido himself."


    Jin spent about half an hour explaining his origin to Ellis and Freddy.


    The tea was getting cold, and the golem maid replaced it.


    "Did that ...... happen?"


    "Did that happen ......?"


    Ellis and Freddy both looked as if they couldn''t believe what they had heard. No wonder.


    "A Magecraft Meister is anything but a Magecraft Meister, isn''t it?


    "Well, normally people wouldn''t believe a story like this.


    Jin laughs bitterly,


    It''s true. This man is definitely Jin-sama, the creator of us all.


    Yes, I assure you.


    "Yes, I guarantee it." "We guarantee it, too."


    Butler B, C, Marikka, and the five colored golem maids assured him.


    "Yes, we believe you.


    Ellis said in a firm voice.


    "I believe you, too.


    Freddy followed with straight eyes. Jin was relieved.


    "Besides, Jin-san ......, should I call you Jin-sama?"


    Jin laughed when Elise asked him what she should call him,


    Jin laughed and assured her, "You can call me the same as before.


    Jin laughed and assured her, "I''m fine with the way I am now.


    "So, Jin-san, ...... and the others used the warp gate to come here, didn''t they?"


    "That''s right."


    "...... that proves it. Such an artifact-class magic tool should only be used by its creator, the Magecraft Meister, and those who are related to him.


    In fact, neither I nor Freddy could use it," Eris said.


    "Since you can use it, then you must be the real thing. Oh, it''s a pleasure to meet you, Ancestor!"


    "Ancestors? ......"


    When Jin scratches his head in embarrassment, Ellis says further.


    "Yes, you can''t really feel it, since you haven''t seen your children''s faces in person, as you said before, can you?


    "Well, that''s what I mean."


    Jin was relieved that she understood.


    At the same time, he could be sure that this person would not go around spreading rumors about him.


    But it would be more difficult to believe such a story, I think.


    I am sure that he/she would not go around spreading the word about himself/herself.


    As a side note, if Ellis and Freddie were to do something against Jin''s interest, the old man seemed to be ready to use the forbidden spell <> even if he would be reprimanded by Jin later.

 1963 - - 52-35 Pong Lai.

    Eris and Freddie recognize Jin as the second generation , and both look at him with respect.


    "So, Jin-san is from ?"


    "Yes, I suppose so."


    Jin also seems to have decided to be polite to Eris, who is older than him.


    "Oh, I like ...... Horaijima. I''d like to go there once. It''s where our ancestors came from, isn''t it?"


    Eris seemed to be sincerely interested in going there as she muttered to herself.


    "...... Jin-sama, can you grant my grandmother''s wish?"


    said Freddy, her grandson.


    "Well, I apologize again and again for my earlier rude remark!��Please grant my grandmother''s wish!


    This is exactly the kind of grandson who cares for his grandmother Elise.


    "......I don''t think there''s anything wrong with that."


    Jin answered honestly.


    "Well!��That''s very nice of you. I''d love to have you!


    Eris looked really happy.


    < has passed, Jin wants to do something for the descendants left behind.


    It is not only financially, but also in various forms of assistance.


    Jin thought that if the two of them could be a little clearer about who they are, they would be able to decide what kind of assistance they would provide.


    "Thank you!��I was out of my mind earlier. I''ve wanted to be a since I was a little girl, and I studied engineering magic very hard, but I just couldn''t get any better, so I took it out on you.... ..."


    Freddy bows his head. I know how you feel,


    "Oh, I don''t need to talk about it anymore.


    Jin declared that he did not care about that.


    Then....


    "Well, Mr. Freddie, are you not good at magic engineering ......?


    someone asked him straightforwardly. It was Gulina.


    "...... yes, I am. ......"


    Freddy answers with a sad face and voice.


    "Oh, no, no, I mean ......".


    (Yes, ......)


    The gap between his voice and the one he had just shouted out was too big, and Greener was a little taken back.


    In his place, Hitoshi explains what she might have meant.


    "No, Freddy seems to have enough potential for magical engineering.


    "What?"


    Freddy''s reaction to Jin''s words was confusion.


    "No, because your magic power is very similar to Jin-sama''s. Really? Really?


    And this is Greena.


    "Oh, what did you say about my magic?


    "I said, ...... you look a lot like Master Jin."


    "How do you ...... know that?"


    Freddy, perhaps deciding that it wasn''t polite to call him "you," almost amended himself.


    "How can you not ...... know that?"


    This is Rubina. She couldn''t keep her mouth shut anymore.


    "It seems that ...... you didn''t have a good teacher, Freddy," she said.


    Now Marikka whispers in a gentle voice.


    "It''s not a question of having a good or a bad teacher, but more a question of compatibility," Marikka continues.


    Marikka continues.


    "There are people who are theoretical ......, people who are sensible, people who are good at teaching, people who are bad at teaching, people who are not good at teaching, people who are not good at teaching.


    Gulina agrees,


    "No, that''s true, but I think it''s better to be taught by someone who is well versed in <."


    Many mages tend to emphasize results and disregard the process.


    However, Jin believed that could reach a higher level if it was built on a foundation of science.


    does not ignore the laws of physics, but controls them, and knowledge of the laws of physics will enable the more efficient use of magic.


    But since the <>, there is no one left on the stage who can teach science.


    Whether they have been literally erased or are in seclusion somewhere, we do not know. I am sure <> will look into it in the future.


    "Is that what you mean ......?"


    Hearing Jin''s words, Freddy was deep in thought. Jin thought it would be nice to teach him magical engineering if he had the chance.


    "By the way, Jin-san, what were you doing in the village of Kaina?"


    Eris asked Jin.


    "Well, I''m looking for a special magil resin, and I heard that its origin is in the northern region, so I thought I''d come here first.


    "Well, of course. So, did you get the results?


    "Yes, I got the samples, that''s all."


    That''s good to hear.


    I''m going to conduct a confirmation experiment on Horai Island tomorrow.


    You must be a very diligent researcher.


    Through these conversations, Jin developed a liking for this elderly woman named Elise.


    Her quietness, modest gestures, and refined manner.


    And her looks, which made him feel a blood relationship with her.


    (It''s somewhat comforting ......)


    Jin felt the same sense of security in Eris that he felt when he talked with his past acquaintances such as Martha, Mine, the emperor, and Milowina.


    This may have been the mother figure that Jin had been looking for.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    It was getting late at night, so Jin, Eris, and the others went back to their rooms.


    Jin-sama, that Mr. Ellis is such a nice man.


    Rubina seemed to like him too.


    "...... that Freddy is a bit of a pity."


    Grina seems to be interested in Freddy.


    "Yes, he is. He seems to have a lot of magic power, but he can''t seem to control it. I know I said he''s not a good match, but his teacher must have been a pretty lax person."


    Jin thinks it would be a shame to let such great talent go unused.


    "If possible, I would like to train him on Horai Island, Onogoro Island, or in the Nord Federation.


    Jin says, "You can take care of it at my place,


    "You can take care of it at my place," Marikka answered with a smile.


    Marikka answered with a smile.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, April 29, after breakfast, Jin told Ellis and Freddy,


    "Then, let''s go to Horai Island using the warp gate here.


    He invited them to go to Horai Island.


    "Well, we can really go there."


    "......There''s no danger, is there?"


    Elise is simply delighted, while Freddy is a little wary.


    "Of course it is."


    The man who had agreed to do it was..,


    "Well, then, this way," he said.


    He leads them to the in Nido Castle.

 1964 - - 52-36 Laboratory bustle

    "...... Wait a minute. The Warp Gate here can only work with the magical power of the 2nd Magecraft Meister, that is, Master Jin, can''t it?��Can we use it too?"


    Freddy hesitated to enter the room.


    "Well, well, that''s a thrill, isn''t it?"


    But Eris entered the warp gate room unprotected. Freddy sees this and rushes after her.


    "Don''t worry. You''ll be fine with me and Reiko.


    Jin decided to explain about security.


    "Well, the warp gate here is connected to a relay base called Shinkai. There, you will transfer to the warp gate to Horai Island.


    Jin first gives a brief explanation of the system.


    "As Freddy said, this warp gate reacts to the waveform of <> magic. It also has an authentication function so that it can''t be abused in any case.


    And Rubina, Grina and Marikka have the magic tools to pass the authentication function, so they can pass through without any problem," Jin said.


    "By the way, this Reiko was made by , so she has the same magic waveform as me, so she can pass through without any problem," Jin said. ...... Come on, let''s go."


    "...... what?��Oh, wait a minute. ......"


    Before Freddie could fully digest Jin''s explanation, Jin and Reiko stepped into the warp gate with Eris and Freddie by their sides.


    In an instant, the group is transported to the warp gate of the .


    "This is the Shinkai. The two guarding it will be Battlers 49 and 50."


    Seeing Jin and the others arrive, the two approached and introduced themselves.


    "Now, this is the warp gate to Horai Island.


    "Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, let''s go..."


    Grandmother!


    Without any time for Freddy to stop her, Elise rushed into the warp gate.


    Naturally, nothing happened. The same is true even if Freddy follows him.


    But then Jin and Reiko enter, and if you take their hands .......


    "Oh?"


    Eris shouted as she felt the view of the room from inside the warp gate change in an instant.


    The scenery outside had hardly changed at all during the trip from Nido Castle to , but not this time.


    The warp gate room on Horai Island was made of a different material and stone.


    Jin urged Eris and Freddie to go out of the warp gate.


    Five seconds later, Marikka, Rubina, and Grina also arrive.


    Jin then uttered his usual line.


    Welcome to Horai Island.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    And the group went out of the institute.


    It is around 10:30 a.m. in Horai Island due to the time difference.


    "Well, well, here is Horai Island ...... we finally made it. Thank you, Mr. Jin.


    Elise''s eyes were filled with emotion, and there were glowing drops in them.


    But it was short-lived.


    "Welcome, Mr. Jin!"


    "What?


    Freddie was surprised to see the leaders of the five colored Golem Maids, Soleil, Luna, Lao Tzu, and the leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Navy Golems all gathered here.


    "This, this is ......."


    "These are the members of Horai Island, just a few of them."


    Jin said admonishingly to Freddy''s pale face.


    "Well, well, well ...... well, well, it''s nice to meet you."


    Ellis returned them a polite greeting and then turned to Jin,


    Jin-san, once again, thank you for inviting us to Horai Island.


    He bowed once again.


    * * * *


    Jin and his colleagues were chatting in the cafeteria of the institute.


    They had planned to show them around Horai Island, but Ellis and Freddy were more impressed than they had expected.


    Freddy doesn''t talk much, but I can tell by the look on his face that he is still excited.


    "I''m not a god either, and I can''t do everything, but I''d be happy to help if I or any of my < descendants are in need."


    "Thank you. I''m not in any ...... particular ...... trouble."


    Ellis smiled thinly.


    I have heard that the Nido family of Ellis and Freddy are now settled in Charles, a provincial town in the Kingdom of Klein.


    The tax revenue from the village of Kaina is said to be enough to keep them fed.


    His only worry is that he has not made a name for himself as a magecraftsman for generations.


    "It''s a shame, because we are the family that produced the <>."


    According to Ellis, it was about 50 years ago that he moved to the town of Charles because he couldn''t stay in the capital, Alban, as a result of the whispering of such gossip.


    "It was my grandfather''s generation," he said.


    "That ...... must have been a very difficult time for you.


    Jin had to say.


    "But I''m sure Freddy will be a great help to the Nido family from now on.


    At this point, Freddy opened his mouth.


    "Jin-sama,...... really, do I have talent?��If so,...... or even if you don''t, please train me. Please!


    He is as sincere as if he were a different person than when we first met. At first, he thought that his grandmother Elise was being played by unknown people.


    Freddy''s parents, Ellis''s son and his wife, died early, so he was raised by his grandmother, Ellis. No wonder he became a grandmother''s son.


    Ellis, too, had lost his companion early in life.


    "Yeah, it''s okay. You''ve got the right stuff. Have confidence."


    Jin nodded his head. Then he said,


    "Well, I was going to show you around the island, but I think we should have lunch first.


    He smiled and said, "Well, I was going to show you around the island, but I think we should have lunch first.


    Lunch was a buffet.


    The lunch menu was a buffet, or buffet as it was called.


    In other words, we could choose as much or as little food as we liked from several dishes prepared for us.


    The staple dishes were white rice, porridge, and rice cooked with sweet potatoes. And miniature cobbler buns. These are plain or with passa (raisins).


    Miso soup with fried bean curd and green onion, nunawa (water spinach) and local bamboo shoots, and vegetable soup.


    Side dishes are vegetable tempura, meat and potato stew, cow beef stew, sweet omelet, fried white fish, fried kokarisk (chicken), pig jang jee (pork with ginger).


    And boiled rice, pickled vegetables, dried plums.


    Desserts: apurul, persika, citran, loquat.


    Drinks were cold water, hojicha, green tea, tea (taeye), kuuhae, aprul juice, citran juice, lemonade.


    "Wow, this, this, this and this ......."


    Rubina''s eyes light up as she puts her favorites on the tray.


    "Rubina, no one will take anything, so take as much as you can eat first.


    "...... yes!"


    Rubina calmed down a little after Marikka''s rebuke.


    "Well, well, Jin-san''s place has an abundance of ingredients, doesn''t it?"


    Elise smiled and discreetly, but fully loaded the tray with a variety of food.


    "......What is this?"


    Freddy wondered as he looked at the nunawa (water shield) and bamboo shoots,


    "It''s called nunawa, a special water vegetable of Huso," Gulina told him.


    Gulina told him.


    Junsai is a water plant similar to water lily and grows in freshwater ponds. The buds and the underside of the young leaves are thickly covered with an agar-like mucilage and have a slimy texture.


    As Grina said, it is a specialty of Huso, but it is also cultivated to some extent on Penglai Island.


    I like it."


    "I like it." ...... "Well, I''ll try it."


    Freddy put a tray of nunawa and bamboo shoots on the tray.


    "Oh, I''d love to eat all of it, but I can''t stomach that much!"


    Rubina rubbed her stomach with a frustrated look on her face.


    "Take it easy. <."


    "Yes. ......"


    "Jin-san, this takikomi gohan is delicious too."


    Elise ate slowly and elegantly, especially liking the rice cooked with itpo (sweet potato).


    "...... this nunawa, it''s slimy and delicious."


    "Isn''t it?��It has a very interesting texture.


    Freddy and Grina are drinking the nunawa and the soup with local bamboo shoots and discussing their impressions.


    Jin has already finished eating and is drinking hojicha (roasted green tea).


    For the first time in a long time, the island of Horaijima became lively.

 1965 - - 52-37 Towards the Sea

    "Let''s go to Tatsumi Bay first after we take a break for a while.


    Jin mentioned the sightseeing plan of Horai Island.


    "It looks like the fishponds have been finished, and seaweed and oysters are starting to grow.


    We can take a boat ride," Jin said,


    "Oh, I want to go on a battleship!


    Rubina says. Jin smiles bitterly.


    ��Well, that''s okay.)


    Jin thought that if Rubina was having a good time, that was fine with him.


    "We''ll leave it to you, Jin-san.


    He said this in a very modest manner.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The trip to Tatsumi Bay was made by car. The driver was Hope.


    The view of rice fields, orchards, and fields on either side of the road was a tourist attraction.


    It has been five months since the beginning of the year. The fields and rice paddies that had been idle are now in operation again, and the orchards have been cleaned up.


    "Well, the rice fields are beautiful.


    Since Horai Island belongs to the subtropical zone, rice planting has already finished, and the rice paddies that have become a are a sight for sore eyes.


    "Ah, an egret!"


    Rubina shouted.


    Her gaze fell on a white, long-necked, long-legged bird.


    The one on Horai Island is a little egret. It is easily recognized by its crown feathers on the back of its head.


    In fact, there is no heron whose official name is <.


    <......< or is a generic name for white-colored egrets.


    In addition to the little egret, there are also the chusagi and the great egret, but only the little egret was found on Horai-jima Island.


    "They are probably looking for loaches or frogs in the rice paddies."


    Because no pesticides are used, the island is home to many such small animals.


    Pests are removed by hand as soon as they are found. Topaz and the others.


    Diseases were prevented by using sterilization.


    "Well, this is an advanced farming method, isn''t it?"


    Jin explained, and Ellis nodded his head in admiration.


    "I think this is the only place in the world where you can get rid of pests <>by hand."


    The 100 golem maids of Topaz in charge of agriculture, and sometimes land troops, craftsmen (Smith), little craftsmen (Smith), and mini-craftsmen (Smith) were also sent out to do the work.


    This is certainly the only place in the world where such unprofitable farming is practiced.


    Beyond the rice paddies, there are wheat fields and orchards.


    White flowers of citran (orange) were blooming and beautiful butterflies were dancing.


    But swallowtail butterfly larvae eat citran leaves, right?


    So you have to thin out the leaves moderately or you will lose them, Jin said.


    "Oh, dear, you leave a few instead of taking all of them. That''s very kind of you."


    "Yes, well."


    Yes, well," Jin replied, "I''ll miss the butterflies.


    The car carrying the group drove down a gentle slope and approached the seaside. The scent of the sea wafted through the air.


    Oh, that''s the sea. I saw it once when I was ...... young."


    The Kingdom of Klein has no sea, so you can''t see the sea unless you travel abroad.


    "It''s beautiful. ......"


    Ellis gazed at the sea, which was getting closer and closer.


    "Well, straight ahead is the beach, to the right is the fish pond, and to the left is the harbor. Let''s start with the fish tank. Hope, please."


    Yes, sir.


    At the three-way intersection, turn right first.


    "There is a fish pond ahead, where fish are farmed. We call it aquaculture, but it''s more like keeping a specific kind of fish in the bay with nets and boundaries.


    Jin explained politely.


    "That''s a very large scale aquaculture!"


    Freddy was indeed surprised.


    "If we have too many, we can release them.


    "Oh, yes, that''s right.


    Yes, we release them as needed so that we don''t have too many to eat.


    Unlike fruits and grains, living things cannot be preserved.


    After that, we watched the seaweed and oyster cultivation, and headed toward the beach along the sea. Our destination was the harbor.


    The car carrying Jin and his group was coming to the port of Tatsumi Bay.


    The water here is so deep that even a 200-meter class battleship can easily navigate.


    The battleship is now anchored in the harbor.


    "...... is this ...... the ...... ship?"


    Freddy exclaimed as he saw for the first time in his life a 200 meter long all-metal ship.


    "My goodness, you built this too, Jin-san!��That''s amazing!"


    Ellis, on the other hand, had a twinkle in his eye.


    "Would you like to try it?"


    "Yes, by all means!"


    Ellis was the most excited of the group.


    Freddy was looking at him with a complicated expression on his face.


    "Oh, so this is how it''s going to be!


    Rubina was also excited, running around the deck, peeking inside the ship and asking questions to the mariners there.


    Ellis, on the other hand, was standing near the bow, staring out to sea with a satisfied smile on his face.


    Seeing this, Jin decided to take the <> out to sea instead of the planned <> excursion.


    "Marine 5, get the Hotaka out of the water."


    "Yes, Master."


    At Jin''s request, Hotaka leaves the harbor and slowly exits Tatsumi Bay.


    "Wow, that''s great!"


    Rubina, who has been obsessed with the idea of riding on a battleship, is all excited. I guess she had been reserved the last time I invited her.


    And Ellis was still standing near the bow.


    "Mr. Ellis, would you like to go up on the bridge?"


    "Yes, thank you. Yes, thank you.


    So we all went up to the bridge. The higher up we were, the better the view was.


    "Oh, the sea is so blue. And I''ve never known that the horizon is round."


    Since the curvature of the arcs is greater than that of the earth, the roundness of the horizon becomes more apparent when you climb a little higher.


    "Our current speed is 50 kilometers per hour.


    The lack of knots in Ars makes me feel a little less like a sailor, but it makes it easier to understand.


    "50 kilometers for a ship this size ...... must be amazing."


    Whatever he sees or hears, it seems to tug at his heartstrings, and Ellis remains impressed.


    < made a large turn in the open sea and returned to Horai Island.


    When they arrived at the harbor and disembarked, Ellis looked up at and bowed.


    "Thank you very much."


    Jin was somewhat moved by this gesture.

 1966 - - 52-38 Ellis talking to himself

    After getting off the battleship Hotaka, Jin saw that the sun was setting.


    "Well, let''s go back then.


    It was a little after 4:00 p.m.


    "Let''s go back and relax in the hot spring, and then we''ll have dinner.


    "Yes!


    Rubina answered cheerfully.


    Watching her, Elise smiled softly.


    The return trip to the institute was made in an instant through a warp gate.


    "If I get ...... used to it, I may never go back to my normal life ......."


    Freddy is mumbling something like this, but I don''t listen to him,


    "Please go to Horaijima Onsen."


    Jin recommended to Ellis.


    "Ah, hot springs are nice, aren''t they?"


    Jin was in the men''s bath with Freddy.


    "......You really are a <>. ......"


    Freddy looked a little down. Jin was concerned about his condition,


    "What''s wrong?"


    "What''s wrong?


    "No, I just realized how small my world was until now.


    <


    "But that was normal. But it was natural. There was no way I could do it.


    Jin told Freddy as if admonishing him.


    "It''s good to be sorry, but it''s not good to be down on yourself. Not knowing is not a shame in itself. What is shameful is ."


    "Not trying to know: ......"


    "Yes. Now you have the opportunity. Are you willing to do it?"


    "...... Yes. But can you do it?


    Freddy looked unsure, even though Jin had told him.


    "That''s up to you. ......My wife, Elsa, started studying magical engineering when she was 16 years old. And yet she became a full-fledged engineer. ......You learned earlier, so you should have a good foundation."


    Even at that, Freddy still seemed to be in low spirits.


    (Hmmm......... I''m halfway knowledgeable, so I guess I''ve atrophied when I saw Horaijima.........)


    ) Jin wondered how he should educate Freddie about his difficult personality.


    On the other hand, at the women''s bathhouse.


    "Oh, the water is so nice!


    Marikka talks to Elise who is relaxing in the bathtub.


    "How old are you, Mr. Ellis?


    It''s not rude, I suppose, since the man is not asking how old he is.


    I''ll be sixty this year.


    "Oh, I see. ......"


    "You are 10 years older than my grandmother!"


    Rubina, who was listening to this, interrupted.


    "Oh, Rubina, your grandmother is 50 years old?"


    "Yes!"


    Rubina answered cheerfully, but then fidgeted a little,


    "...... Well, can I call you Grandma Elise?"


    She asked. Elise smiled and nodded.


    "Yes, please. Rubina."


    "Thank you, Grandma Ellis!"


    Marikka looked at her with a smile,


    (......I think she looks a little pale for a ...... sixty-year-old. ......)


    ), but she was a little concerned about it.


    And Greener,


    "I guess so. ......"


    She was relaxing on the edge of the bathtub, stretching her arms and legs, thinking to herself.


    * * * * * *


    "Oh, this is delicious.


    After the bath, fruit juice is served.


    Since dinner was about to be served, it was a small bottle of 100 milliliters.


    The citran flavor, combined with the slight carbonation, makes a pleasant sensation in the throat.


    After changing in the changing room, I went outside. The sky was tinted red by the sunset.


    "Oh ...... it''s so beautiful. ......"


    Looking up at the sky, Ellis mutters to himself in a small voice.


    (I have nothing left to think about. ......)


    No one was listening to her ......, only the old man.


    * * * *


    Dinner was served in Japanese style: white rice, matsutake mushroom soup, broiled eel, tempura wild vegetables, butterbur miso, and oshinko (Japanese pickles).


    Incidentally, the matsutake mushrooms were imported from Onogoro Island in the southern hemisphere this autumn.


    "Ah Jin-san, this kabayaki is delicious!


    Elise seemed to like the kabayaki very much.


    Stream eels are river fish that live in the lower reaches of the Erme River in the village of Kaina. They are called mountain stream eels because they do not go down to the sea. They are relatively easy to cultivate, and the village of Kaina is considering raising them.


    "But I didn''t know they could be so tasty. ......"


    The taste is enhanced by the secret sauce and a sprinkling of hajikami (Japanese pepper) powder.


    "I love these matsutake mushrooms!


    "They are delicious!"


    Rubina and Grina love the taste and aroma of matsutake mushrooms from their hometown.


    Butterbur miso has a nice bitterness to it.


    And Marikka seemed to be enjoying the bitterness of the butterbur miso.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After dinner, we finished with buckwheat tea.


    "Can you make such a delicious tea from buckwheat seeds? ......"


    "It''s delicious, Grandma."


    Elise and Freddy also liked the buckwheat tea.


    "We used to serve buckwheat tea at Nido Castle.


    It seems that somewhere in the past, this tradition was interrupted. However, in the village of Kaina, tea made from the leaves of the Perhia tree, commonly known as the tea tree, is a regular drink and contributes to the health of the villagers.


    "It''s nice to have good food, clothing, and shelter, isn''t it?"


    Ellis smiled, his eyes narrowed.


    That night, everyone felt tired and went to bed early.


    Only Jin had a short talk with the old man.


    "...... Mr. Ellis?"


    "Can you examine him secretly?"


    "Well, maybe. Well, we can do a physical tomorrow."

 1967 - - 52-39 Immediate treatment

    It is the 30th, the last day of April.


    "I''m going to have a medical checkup today.


    Jin announces after breakfast.


    "Physical checkup?


    Marikka asks back.


    "Yes. After all, it''s better to know how one''s body is doing on a regular basis.


    Incidentally, Lise, a healer-automata who inherited Elsa''s skills, simply applies a <.


    "...... I''m not going to do it. I''m too old."


    Eris tries to decline, saying,


    But Jin said, "It won''t take much time, and we''ll all accept.


    Lise came over and used the <>.


    "<><><><><><>"


    The results of the examination (Diagnose) are immediately available.


    Mr. Jin has no abnormality. Maricka is in good health. Rubina still has two baby teeth. She will soon have permanent teeth, so please take care to brush her teeth. Ms. Gulina has a slight distortion of her spine. Please be careful not to hunch over.


    He then proceeded to describe the results of his examinations.


    Mr. Freddy, you seem to have a little stomach trouble. I will call you later for a healing.


    And finally, Ellis, looking a little nervous.


    "You have a bad heart, don''t you, Mr. Ellis? <


    "......!"


    Atrial septal defect is a condition in which the heart is born with a hole in the wall between the right and left atria, called the .


    It accounts for about 6 to 10 percent of congenital heart diseases, and is said to be more common in women than in men, with a male to female ratio of 1:2.


    Since this is a congenital disease, it cannot be cured by ordinary magic. This is because healing magic enhances the self-repairing function of the living body to the utmost limit.


    "Grandmother ......!"


    Freddy had a vague feeling that his grandmother was not in good health, but when the name of the disease was given to her, he lost his color.


    "Oh, so that''s the name of the disease. Ever since I was a child, I had chest pains when I exercised. I have lived until this age by using healing magic to fool and deceive myself. ......"


    "What is the cure?"


    Jin asked the old man with certainty, not letting them all speak.


    "Okay, do it now."


    <


    "......?��What?


    "Mr. Ellis, I''m going to have to ask you to hold still for a moment."


    Yes, sir.


    Jin and Reiko led Eris, who had been taken aback by the sudden mention of surgery, to the sofa bed and made her lie down.


    "Okay, that''s good, old man, Lise."


    "Yes. We will now start the surgery.


    The "Mere Old Man" uses the "Peeper" function to see through Elise''s chest to reveal the diseased part.


    Liese, who has shared this information, prepares a <>.


    This is an application of the force field generator <>, a technology that can permeate through solids, liquids, and gases and work in the desired position.


    This technology has made it possible to repair the inside of even huge magi-machines, such as spaceships, without disassembling them.


    The old man then sends the to the heart of Eris by means of a transporter.


    is a bio-material used for homunculus, and has the advantage that it does not cause any rejection when used on the human body.


    When used on the human body, it quickly fuses with the body''s tissues and assimilates over time.


    This technique was jointly developed by Saki, Erza, and Hanna, and was perfected with the cooperation of the 700672.


    Liese used this to repair the hole in Eris''s heart in five seconds, painlessly and painlessly.


    "It''s done."


    "What, already?"


    Ellis is astonished because it took less than 30 seconds to repair the hole.


    Of course it is. The disease that had been eating away at his body for years had disappeared in less than a minute.


    Liese further treats Ellis.


    All that remains is to revitalize the weakened heart. ......<>"


    A gentle light envelops Elise''s entire body.


    And after the light fades away, there is Eris, looking much better than before.


    "Ah, ah!��My heart seems to have been cleared from my chest!��Thank you, Jin-san!


    "Thank you, Grandmother!��Thank goodness ......!"


    Freddy hugged Elise and expressed his joy.


    Seeing this, we all smiled.


    After that, Jin asked Laogun about the origin of this treatment.


    After that, Jin heard from Lao Kun about the origin of this treatment.


    "Old man, there was such a treatment method, wasn''t there?


    "I didn''t know that. ......"


    <<


    "I see. ......"


    , his beloved wife, his sister, and his friend.


    Jin thanked his former friends once again.


    >, <>, <>, and <>.


    And moreover, it is impossible without the old man and Liese.


    This means that the treatment can be done only in Horai Island.


    < was supposed to be contacted if there was a patient who needed such a treatment.


    However, the old man said that such a network seems to have disappeared due to the .


    However, there are a certain number of people who are not satisfied with the healing magic because they need to have it done once a week, the old man explained.


    Because of the benefits of such healing magic, few patients are seriously ill.


    "That''s a relief, isn''t it?"


    While we were talking, Eris and Freddy came up to us and bowed deeply.


    "Mr. Jin, thank you very much for your kindness.


    "Mr. Jin, thank you so much for healing my grandmother!"


    "No, it''s okay. You are my blood ...... relative."


    He wanted to say "descendant," but he thought that would not be appropriate for the outwardly much older Ellis, so he said "relative.


    "...... But this island of Horai is truly the home of the Immortals, isn''t it?"


    Freddy said.


    "Oh, you know the origin of Horai?"


    Jin asks in amazement,


    "Yes. I have read the records and books left by our ancestors.


    "I see. I see. ...... Okay, then, let''s start Freddy''s education."


    "...... what?"


    You want to become an expert in magical engineering, don''t you?


    Yes, yes!


    Then let''s start with the prerequisites.


    Jin leads Freddy to a workshop in the institute. The others did not invite him to join them, but they all followed.

 1968 - - 52-40 Difficulties in Education

    Jin decides to perform an aptitude test on Freddy.


    "First of all, we need to do . Let''s find out how well he can do this.


    This is how it started with Erza and with Reinhardt.


    "It doesn''t matter if you can do it or not, just learn how to do the <>."


    Jin taught Freddie how to do transinfo.


    "Uh, like this, right? ......<!"


    "<>!"


    Jin asked Reiko to <> it so that he could know the degree of her aptitude.


    "Father, I think Freddy can make it to level 3."


    "Oh, that''s good news.


    Erza was level 3 and Reinhardt was level 2. With subsequent training, they have grown up to level 8 and 7 respectively.


    Freddie, on the other hand, had proven to be proficient enough to use level 3 at this point in time. Jin was pleased that it was worthwhile to teach him.


    And so, the training began.


    "First, the basics. < function?


    Yes.


    Yes. Then, let''s have you make a true sphere from this bronze ingot.


    Training in forming is not only training in the manipulation of magic power, but also in one of the most important aspects of engineering magic, the ability to grasp space.


    Erza has improved through training in making pen nibs.


    "Jin-sama, should I practice too?"


    Rubina asks.


    "Yes?��How long have you been practicing, Rubina?"


    "What?��I haven''t."


    "Yes. ......"


    Jin was surprised,


    "Jin-sama, on Onogoro Island, we have a different curriculum.


    Marikka explained.


    "Really, what kind of curriculum?"


    "Yes. Well, let''s say that instead of actually using magic such as <>, we simulate it in our brains.


    According to Marikka''s explanation, they wear a headset similar to that used to control a doppelganger, and perform various operations on it.


    "I see. I see. I guess that would be a good training for the doppelganger style operation.


    "Yes. I mean ......, it was Jin-sama who invented this ......."


    "Me?"


    Jin said he invented it when he was about 50 years old.


    "I see. I see. That way I can concentrate on my training in a shorter period of time.


    This training method was originally invented by Jin in the past ...... from the future ...... present time. The present Jin immediately understood its usefulness.


    "But ...... this one is better in that you can actually see it with your eyes and touch it with your hands."


    Ultimately, it remains to be seen which one will develop a person''s talents more.


    "So, Rubina and Gulina, try it too."


    "Yes?"


    "Yes."


    The two listened to Jin''s words. Maricka had long since outgrown that stage, so she was not included.


    "Well then, try to make a true sphere out of this bronze ingot.


    "Yes. <


    Forming.


    "Oh, wonderful."


    Both of you have created a perfect sphere in an instant.


    "Now, give me two of the same size."


    "Yes. <


    "Okay. Then, four.


    Up to this point, both Rubina and Grina have done this without any problem.


    "Six."


    "What?��......<>......


    "Eight."


    "......<...... Oh, I missed one."


    "I see. So this is your average ability."


    "No, no, Master Jin, you can''t use these two as a standard."


    Jin said this while looking at Rubina and Gulina, but Marikka, who was in a hurry, denied it from the side.


    "...... No, average doesn''t mean the world, it means ."


    "Still, these two are top class."


    "...... I understand."


    Marikka''s advice made sense to Jin. Then, Rubina called out to him.


    "Hey, Jin-sama, how many true balls can you make?


    Gulina joined in,


    "Let me see how you do it!


    "Let''s see how you do it!" she says. Freddy, who was practicing, was curious, and even Maricka''s eyes lit up.


    "...... got it. Reiko, give me a bronze ingot too.


    "Yes, father."


    Reiko placed a huge ingot in front of Jin. It was five times larger than the ingot Rubina and the others were handling. Everyone looks at it with rounded eyes.


    Here we go. ......<>"


    In an instant, the bronze ingot changes shape and becomes <<40 pieces>> of a perfect sphere. Some of them rolled off the workbench, and Reiko picked them up.


    "Wow... ......"


    "This is so ......"


    "That''s too much!"


    "......"


    Rubina, Grina, Marikka, Freddy and the others were half-amazed and half-surprised to learn of Jin''s abilities.


    "They''re all the same size, beautiful balls. ......"


    "That''s what Jin-sama is all about. ......


    "I''ll do my best!"


    Freddy, who had been wondering in a corner of his mind why he was doing this, suddenly seemed to be motivated by Jin''s amazing skills.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The day ended with a full day of <> training with lunch in between.


    Not only Freddy, but also Rubina and Grina were suddenly motivated, and for some reason even Marikka joined in the training to make a true sphere by <>.


    Meanwhile, Ellis watched his grandchildren with a beaming smile from beginning to end.


    And the results were good.


    Maricka can now make 18 spheres at the same time, Rubina 14, and Grina 12, which is a remarkable progress compared to the beginning.


    And Freddy has the highest increase with 6 true balls.


    "So this method works after all, doesn''t it?"


    "Yes. Probably, the overall ability will be improved through the grasping of objects in three dimensions and the mastery of magical manipulation.


    Jin explained his theory to Marikka.


    "I see. ...... That''s just as Jin-sama said."


    "But, why did I recommend simulation before?"


    Isn''t it because simulation has its advantages?


    Well, what are the advantages?


    "Well, I think it''s probably that you can improve your skills in a short period of time."


    Marikka said that the previous Jin had proposed this method when there was a need to train magicians (magecraftsmen) anyway.


    Hearing this, Jin guessed that it was probably a time of maturity before the rise of the .


    It was probably an efficient training method proposed by Jin when there was not enough manpower.


    However, Jin imagined that somewhere it was distorted and transmitted, and only <> remained.


    "Education is a difficult thing, isn''t it?


    Jin felt so deeply.

 1969 - - 52-41 Rest

    After the day''s training, Jin and the others begin to clean up the workshop.


    Jin turns to Freddy,


    "All right, let''s check your transinfo aptitude one last time," he said.


    He said. For some reason, it is known empirically that as one''s <> skill increases, the level of <> also increases.


    "I understand. ......<>"


    "<>...... father, you are up to level 4."


    "Oh, I see."


    After all, this training has proven to increase the level of <>.


    "Ah ...... this wasn''t mentioned by <>Jin-sama, wasn''t it ......?"


    Maricka is impressed.


    "Hmmm, I wonder about that."


    Since both of them know that it is them, Jin can''t understand why his former self stopped doing it this way.


    (Possibly, <> is no longer important for some reason.)


    It is possible that the priority of <> has been lowered ...... because of the development of magic tools with the effect of <>.


    Therefore, Jin guessed that the more efficient < method has become the mainstream.


    When he confirmed his guess with the old man, he said, "


    <


    He answered, "You are right, my lord.


    >.


    "I suppose so."


    So, it seems that only new training methods remain.


    "Then it would make a lot of sense to have Rubina and the rest of the Onogoro Islanders go through this training.


    <


    "Well, then, I guess the current curriculum is not suitable."


    Marikka says apologetically.


    "Well, it''s hard to say. < is used.


    Jin said, "If you simply want to exchange knowledge, you don''t need to raise your level.


    "Level 4 is enough to exchange general knowledge.


    Jin calmed Marikka by saying that even if she waited for the level to increase naturally, she could go to level 6, which would be enough for subconscious communication, so she should not be so pessimistic.


    Besides, this kind of education depends on the individual''s aptitude.


    After she had said that, Reiko called out to her.


    "Father, the cleanup is complete."


    Jin''s hands had stopped as he was thinking, and before he knew it, Reiko had cleaned up everything.


    "Oh, I''m sorry. Thank you, Reiko. ...... Then, let''s take a bath and have dinner."


    * * * *


    ......I''m tired.


    I''m sure you are.


    Freddy blurted out as he slumped in the hot spring.


    Jin encouraged Freddy.


    "But you are definitely growing. Tomorrow we will train you in , and when you have mastered it, the first stage will be over.


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes. Yes, because you will be able to transcribe all the knowledge you need.


    "Can you progress that fast ......?"


    But it is not good to be dependent on knowledge. Jin decided to put a nail in the coffin.


    "But this only works for a handful of people who have the right qualities. It can''t be applied to everyone.


    Knowledge is a waste if you don''t know how to use it.


    Is that so?


    "Yes. So, on the other hand, even if you are taught in a general way, if you are not suited for it, you will not grow.


    In Freddy''s case, this is the case.


    "......I''ve been thinking mainly about making things, but maybe we should also think about education. ......"


    Unlike academia, education in magic is very difficult because of the large differences among individuals.


    Perhaps, <> Jin imagined that he would have reached such a state by the time he was 40 or 50 years old.


    In the women''s baths, on the other hand, the women''s baths were very difficult.


    Meanwhile, in the women''s bath.


    "...... I didn''t think it would be so easy to be cured of my long-standing illness."


    Elise is speaking sincerely.


    "Hmm, that''s what Jin-sama is all about, isn''t it?"


    Maricka was attending to it.


    And Rubina and Grina are slumped on the other side of the tub.


    "Oh, I''m so tired. ......"


    "I''m tired ......."


    "But I didn''t know there was such a training method."


    "Yes. I was surprised to see the level of transcription in half a day."


    "That''s good news for people who make golems and automata.


    On the other hand, it is not so good for those who mainly make magic tools.


    "Indeed. That''s why I was so happy.


    Rubina is tired, but she is happy to see that her abilities have improved.


    "That''s true. But more than that, I was surprised to see a part of Jin-sama''s ability.


    "Ah, you''re right!��It was great, wasn''t it, making forty true balls?"


    "......I''m just guessing, but I think that''s only about 80% of what he can do."


    "What?��So you''re saying you could make 50 balls if you put all your energy into it?


    "Yes.


    Yes.


    Marikka and Ellis are laughing at the two of them.


    * * * * * *


    After the bath, we took a rest and had dinner.


    "Is this ......?"


    Tonight''s menu is a bowl of rice.


    A mini-sized bowl of rice topped with eel using Keiryu eel, a bowl of rice topped with pork cutlet, a bowl of rice topped with chicken and egg, a bowl of rice topped with cow meat, and a bowl of rice topped with tuna, which was recently discovered.


    I was able to enjoy various tastes.


    "Wow, I like oyakodon!


    Rubina jumped at the oyakodon,


    "I like pork cutlet on rice", said Gulina.


    said Gulina.


    Jin had an eel bowl, Marikka had a beef bowl, and Ellis had a pickles bowl.


    They have different tastes, as if they were deliberately aiming for different tastes. But then...,


    "Oh, this is delicious too!


    Rubina also reaches for the beef bowl, saying, "Oh, this is delicious too!


    "I''ll have katsudon next!" said Jin.


    Jin said.


    In the end, everyone compared various kinds of food.


    It was a heartwarming time, suitable for the rest period.

 1970 - - 52-42 Report from the Old King

    The old man has been working day and night to redeploy the <>.


    <


    He had placed safe houses all over the planet Arus, but most of them were no longer in use.


    Safe houses. Once called by Jin, they are used by the 5th Quintas who are engaged in espionage.


    There were at least two of these in each country, and <> and <> were also installed.


    However, due to the <>, all the facilities were removed.


    Only the derelict < safe houses were left in various places.


    <>


    Worst case scenario, there were three locations used as hideouts for criminals.


    <<< Let''s have them return it. ...... extermination.


    Two fifth column (quintas) were able to neutralize them with ease.


    I tied them up with rope and rolled them in front of a guard post in a nearby town.


    (The term "extermination" is a pun of the old man''s.)


    >


    After this, all the safe houses will be reorganized in three days.


    <<


    You have dispatched the minimum number of personnel, but once the safe houses have been reorganized, you will be able to send out the entire fifth column (Quinta).


    This would enable us to quickly find out the movements of each country.


    And then, there was a piece of information that came to hand immediately.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin, who had been training Freddie on Horai Island, went to the command center with Reiko at the request of the old man.


    "What''s the matter, Mr. Old Man?"


    First of all, the "Mere Old Man" apologized to Jin. Then he began to explain the situation.


    <>


    "Oh, that''s good news indeed.


    The Marquis Logres Win Kuzma, a descendant of the former , Bina and Luis, had been suffering from <>, but Jin, who received word via Zion, prescribed a special remedy using a , and he was cured.


    After that, he had been working on recovering his strength, and has now returned to work.


    In his case, his job is to rule the Blue Lands on behalf of the Duke of Bruu, the Lord of the Blue Lands.


    Hey, old man, I''m wondering about something..."


    <


    Jin took this opportunity to ask something that had been bothering him since the other day.


    "The Marquis of Kuzma, that''s a pretty high rank, isn''t it?"


    < like the Duke of Bruu and royalty. And generally speaking, a duke can only be a person of royal blood.


    "Right. Then why is the Marquis of Kuzma treated as a subordinate of the Duke of Bruu?"


    First of all, the term <, duke, marquis, count, and son, is taken from ancient China.


    In Europe, for example, there are differences in the titles of different countries, and it is not possible to apply them exactly to each country.


    Therefore, the titles above the dukes are sometimes referred to as .


    <


    "I see."


    "Okay. That''s all I need to know for now. I''m sorry I broke ...... the story. Please continue."


    <


    "Oh, that''s good. Information is important, after all.


    <


    That is to say, a new king has ascended the throne.


    <


    "Yes. So, what''s wrong with him?"


    <


    "Oh, that''s ......."


    That''s certainly not good news, Jin agreed.


    "So, what''s he like?"


    Just saying that he is neither good nor bad is no way to get a good idea of who he is.


    "In other words, he is swayed by the opinions of those around him?


    >


    "Hmmm... ......"


    If the ministers are competent, there is no problem, but if they are not, there is a possibility of bad government.


    > has been destroyed and most of its members have been purged.


    However, the fact that they supported the <> meant that there was a high possibility that they would be supremacists in magic and neglect magical engineering.


    "I can''t do anything about it, though.


    "What do you mean?"


    He collects especially strong golems, the old man said.


    <>


    The old man said, "So, if my lord gives you a golem of that caliber as a gift for your coronation, you will understand how useful the magical arts can be.


    "I see."


    Then why don''t you give him the golem that you have been working on for a while now?


    he thought.


    The old man agreed to the idea, and Jin made up his mind.


    "Yes, let''s do that."


    * * * * * *


    Jin returned to the workshop where Freddy was training and summarized what he had heard from the old man.


    The members listening were Marikka, Rubina, Grina and Freddy.


    Ellis is enjoying the island of Horai, guided by <, Soleil, Luna, and others.


    "So that''s how it was supposed to be. ......"


    Rubina and Grina were happy to hear the story of the Kuzma family, who share the same ancestors as themselves.


    Rubina was also intrigued by the story of the daughter of the Marquise of Kuzma, who was the same age as she was, as Jin gave a little additional explanation.


    Marikka also said,


    Marikka said, "The king of the Elias Kingdom is changing too, isn''t he? I knew the previous king for a while. He was a good man.


    She talked about her memories of the previous king.


    And Jin said,


    "I have discussed this with the old man, but the new king is a man who was devoted to the . But he likes golems. So I''m thinking of presenting him with the golem I''ve been working on for some time as a gift to celebrate his coronation.


    He explained his plan.


    "I see, so you want to awaken people to the wonders of magical technology through the golem.


    "That''s what you''re saying."


    Please let me help you!


    Marikka is enthusiastic,


    "Yes, please."


    "Yes, I''ll help you!" replied Jin,


    "Freddy, just in time, I''ll teach you how to make a golem."


    And he uses this as a teaching material for Freddy''s education.

 1971 - - 52-43 Lectures and Practice

    <> Golem.


    It was one of the gifts that Jin, who calls himself the <>, wanted to give to this age.


    He tried his best to develop and preserve it, but it was still lost. I believe that it is my role from now on to pass on such technologies.


    "I have found that the magical resin (magiresin) that can be obtained in that area has sufficient performance.


    < to collect the sap of the tree in the forest far north of the village of Kaina, and analyzed the results.


    The alkaloid, <>, is often found in plants of the Solanaceae family on Earth, but for some reason it was found in the bark and sap of <>, a member of the Pinaceae family, here in Ars.


    "Keep the isolated atropine, too."


    Atropine is used medicinally because of its ability to suppress the parasympathetic nervous system. The U.S. military has a regulation to administer atropine in case of exposure to nerve gas.


    However, it is difficult for Jin to handle it nowadays, so he only keeps it in stock.


    "If Erza had been around, she would have been able to use it for good. Saki would be happy to study it.


    Jin suddenly remembered his former beloved wife and friends.


    Putting that aside, Jin decided to temporarily cut off Freddy''s training and let him observe the golem making process.


    "I''ve got enough magic resin to make one golem, so there''s no problem. Let''s use light silver for the skeleton.


    The overall design conforms to the Adriana method, meaning that the body lines are similar to those of a human being.


    "The exterior should also be made of light silver," Marikka says.


    Maricka says. The fact that they dare not use 64LB but ordinary LB is a silent message to the engineers of the Elias Kingdom, asking them to "make a better golem with this as a reference".


    Hence, the magic resin (magiresin) was to be detuned by mixing half of those derived from Pinacea and half of those derived from Magipeine.


    Nevertheless, the reaction speed and output are far beyond the capability of standard golems of this period.


    "I guess the type is ...... female type?"


    Jin was about to say, "Let''s call it a lady golem.


    "Oh, I see."


    < and promotes the martial arts, then there must be a certain way of making it.


    Jin instantly drew a blueprint in his brain.


    "......"


    He was about to start building it when he remembered that this time it was also for Freddy''s education.


    "We have a plan. Let''s make a blueprint first."


    A blueprint is indispensable for mass production.


    The blueprints must include general assembly drawings, assembly drawings, parts drawings, bills of materials, and so on. The total number of blueprints can be as many as several hundred if the scale is large.


    A single blueprint (assembly drawing) can only be used to build a product that has only a few parts.


    However, if these drawings are prepared, anyone can make the same thing, provided that he or she can read the drawings.


    This is an essential element for mass production.


    In this age of mass production, Jin has decided once again to focus his efforts in this area as well.


    So, I have been relying on the blueprints in my brain, but this time, I have decided to write them down properly.


    In the meantime, I had a magic tool to make drawings of what I thought.


    It is the < made by Jin 400 years ago.


    <, and projects what you think onto a . This becomes a drawing.


    The display on the magic screen can be modified freely, and the drawing is printed out after making modifications until you are satisfied with it.


    The reason for using a plotter instead of a printer is that the drawing is made with a golem arm.


    An A3-size drawing can be completed in about three minutes, depending on the complexity of the project.


    Using this drawing, Jin first made an outline drawing (three-view drawing).


    Maricka, Rubina, and Grina knew how to read a triangulated drawing, but Freddy did not, so he explained the process from there.


    "So, this is the front view, this is the side view, and this is the top view at ....... If necessary, we may also draw a bottom view and a rear view."


    "Ha ha, you can certainly see the whole picture from this!"


    Even without knowing trigonometry, Freddy''s ability to grasp objects three-dimensionally is as good as anyone''s, and he quickly learned how to read drawings.


    "Height: 5''8", build: slightly thinner than medium height, is that correct?"


    "Jin-sama, what does ''slightly slender'' mean?"


    Freddy then asks a question that seems to confirm Jin''s intention.


    "Well, this is my own theory, but I think a good <> should be nimble," he says.


    and . <> and .


    "<>, and the meaning lies in overpowering the opponent with technique."


    Of course, it is not that one is better than the other, since <>.


    "I don''t think that''s what Jin-sama, who loves Reiko so much, would say."


    Rubina said quite harshly.


    "......Reiko is also very skilled despite her appearance. ...... just don''t have a place to show it."


    Jin, too, has a counter-argument that is not a counter-argument at all.


    "......I''m getting off-topic. I''m aware that a martial arts master has a toned physique, not a muscular one.


    "That might make sense."


    Marikka agreed.


    "Yes, thank you. I''m going to try to make this golem look like that at ......."


    No objections were raised, so Jin moved on to the next step.


    "Well then, let''s start designing the skeleton.


    <, the skeleton is basically molded in one piece.


    "Freddy, I know you have a lot of questions, but first of all, I want you to understand that we are going to use this kind of skeleton.


    "Yes, sir.


    "However, since you''re probably wondering, I''ll explain briefly that the joints are bent using the engineering magic of forming.


    "Yes. ......"


    "Here, we will flesh out the joints with Magi Resin, but before we do that, let''s prepare the <> that will hold the <>."


    This <> shuts out magical interference from the outside," Jin explained.


    "The shield case is placed in the chest, and inside the shield case is the control core and other magickal devices."


    Some golems contain magical tools and have various functions," explains Jin.


    "Why not the head?


    Freddy asked.


    "Yes, it is. Can you explain ......, Greena?"


    He turns the answer to Gulina.


    "Oh, yes. Well, the head is the weakest part of the body because it sticks out so much, so we put it in the chest where it can be the strongest.


    Although she was a bit flustered by the sudden rejection, she was able to give a good explanation. Jin praised her.


    "Well done. And there is one more part of the story that is different from <>. ...... Rubina, do you know what it is?"


    "Yes. Yes. Humans have such ...... sensory organs scattered over the surface of their skin, but the golem has tactile sensors in only a few places."


    Rubina was able to answer the question without much panic, as if she had expected the question to come to her this time.


    "Good. ...... Marikka, do you have any additional information?"


    "Yes. You see, you mentioned <>, but it is rare for a golem to have them. To be precise, only Master Jin and those of his line are equipped with it.


    "That''s right."


    Even Adriana Barbora Zetsi could not give her automata a sense of touch.


    With a reaction speed and analytical power several hundred times faster than that of a human being, she is able to hold the <> without breaking it and without dropping the <>.


    The first person to be equipped with <> was Aaru, an automata that he gave to his former colleague, Saki.


    After that, it was Jin who gave the sense of touch to Reiko and all the other Horai Islanders. Of course, he also gave the sense of touch to his fellow golems and automata.


    "A normal golem recognizes an object, determines how much force to hold it, and decides how much force to apply. That''s why it sometimes crushes the glass."


    "...... I kind of get it."


    Freddy seemed to have understood Jin''s explanation at least dimly.


    Thus, Jin''s lecture continued with some practice.

 1972 - - 52-44 More progress

    Jin''s lecture is still going on.


    Jin explained to Freddy as he drew the plans.


    "From this , signals are sent out to the various parts of the body, and the magel resin is deformed to make it work.


    "Yes."


    "Here, I have the know-how to make it work efficiently. ......"


    Jin generously shared with Freddy the method he had just discovered. Freddy is aware of the valuable knowledge he is being taught and listens attentively.


    "...... and this is how we do it. Any questions?"


    "Yes, I do. Well, I understand that you don''t use to reduce costs. And, I understand that the conductivity of magic power is lower with magirezin than with such materials, is that correct?"


    "That is correct."


    Jin nodded.


    "Then, can''t you make the skeleton act as a magic nerve?"


    "What?��I can ...... umm ...... do that."


    The skeleton is going to be made of light silver, and light silver has a good affinity with magic. Not as good as mithril, but good enough to be used as a medium for the conduction of magic, Jin decided.


    I hadn''t noticed that.


    I guess so.


    That was a blind spot.


    "Mr. Freddy, that''s great!"


    Jin and Marikka were impressed, Rubina was disappointed and Grina praised Freddy''s idea.


    "Yes, I don''t think so..."


    Freddy blushed when Grina praised his idea.


    "Yes, yes. Master Jin and I have thought about it a lot, but we haven''t come up with that method yet.


    This method would increase the reaction time, if not the power, Grina said.


    "Isn''t that right, Master Jin?"


    "Yes, that''s right. It will probably jump three to five times faster than it did with the magic resin alone.


    It is an astonishing value.


    "If we use the combination of the magical resin (magirezin) and the increased bite of the skeleton, which we discussed last time, together with the combination of magical resin (magirezin) of different hardness, we can expect a fourfold increase in power and a fivefold increase in reaction time."


    These are sufficiently outstanding values.


    "This is another step forward in perfecting this method."


    Jin laughed and said he was pleased.


    "Jin-sama, then wouldn''t it be possible to add such a function to the exterior?"


    Freddy added his opinion.


    "Yes, that''s a good idea. But the exterior is often damaged, and above all, it is far away from the control core. Besides, we often use materials with poor magical conductivity such as iron and steel, so I wonder how effective it would be. ......"


    Since imagination is not enough to answer this question, we experimented with a prototype golem. It is a prototype golem with a transparent exterior.


    "These questions are sure to be verified by using the prototype. It''s difficult to complete them only in your head.


    He explained, but his hands did not stop.


    These modifications that need to be added later are complicated, so it is faster for Jin to do them by himself.


    "Here we go," he said. ...... old man, give it a try."


    The golem starts to move.


    The movement was awkward at first because of the change of the drive system, but as expected of the "Mere Old Man", the movement became smooth in about 30 seconds.


    However, the Golem''s movement became smooth after about 30 seconds.


    "I see. ......"


    From the standpoint of practicality, everyone present thought that it would be better not to go in this direction.


    No, there was one person who disagreed. It was Gulina.


    "Jin-sama, then, why don''t you use it only for special occasions?��For example, when lifting something or when a part of it is broken.


    "Hmmm ...... that would certainly be a good idea. That''s a good point of view, Greiner.


    Jin agreed with Greiner''s opinion, saying that fast movements would increase the burden on the control core, but it could be used in cases where the user exerts force while keeping still.


    He asked the old man to try to control the robot for such a case,


    He reported that <> and the output has increased by 1.5 times. This is a sufficiently high value for practical use.


    "Gulina, that''s great!"


    Rubina praised the results with open arms.


    "Well, it was a fluke.


    But Jin praised her for her flexible thinking.


    "Well, I''m glad that I could, by chance, further improve the perfection of this system.


    Jin rejoins.


    "So, the item <><>> was added."


    Jin said it would be difficult to create a <> based on this premise.


    "Here in Horai Island, the old man will take care of it, but in general, I would like to build a or something like that."


    "You mentioned it a bit before, Master Jin."


    Rubina says, thinking back to the meeting the other day.


    "Yes. This is a system based on the assumption that the same type of golem will be mass-produced.


    Jin explains that the accumulation of information is meaningful because they are the same type.


    "The Golem belonging to a station periodically stores the control information of its control core (control core) at that station through or other means. The central brain of the receiving station organizes and optimizes them, and overwrites and updates the golem''s control core or creates a new one as necessary.


    "Ah, so it''s getting more and more perfect!��That''s what I''m talking about, Jin-sama."


    Rubina, who immediately understood the advantages of the system, praised Jin.


    "It''s only usable if it''s the same type, or at least the same drive system, though."


    "No, with a little tweaking of the parameters, it could be applied to other forms, so it wouldn''t be a complete waste, would it?"


    Greiner also offers his opinion.


    "Yeah, I can''t say anything about that because we don''t have any experience in that area yet. We don''t even know how much work it would be to change the parameters.


    Jin reasserts his position, saying, "First, let''s get back to the golem we''re trying to make now.


    "We are not going to build a <> this time, but I will ask you to do the same function for us so that we can build it as soon as we want to."


    If this form of golem is accepted by the world, Jin said, he would like to create another .


    "I guess that''s all right for now."


    Marikka was the first to agree. Rubina and Grina nodded silently in agreement. Freddy was not at the level to express such an opinion in the first place.


    "All right, then, let''s discuss the functions to be added.


    To add special functions or not to add special functions. Freddy is not at the level to give such an opinion in the first place.


    "Well, you are going to give ...... to the king, aren''t you?��It would be more special if it has some function, don''t you think?"


    Rubina seems to be in favor of adding functions.


    "But he is a king who seems to be devoted to the <>. ......


    Grina seemed reluctant.


    "I think we should only give them the ability to function in case of emergency."


    Maricka was moderate in her opinion.


    "Yes, I think I''m close to Marikka''s opinion. <.


    Jin thinks such a function would be useful even if he is not near the king.


    "Yes. ...... Um, Jin-sama, is it possible to keep it sealed?"


    What Greiner means by sealing is that it is not normally usable, but when certain conditions are met, such as when the king is in danger, it can be conditioned to be usable.


    "Ah, that''s a good idea. Let''s think along those lines.


    "Besides the healing magic, maybe some simple engineering magic..."


    "Yes, that''s a good idea. And then there are non-lethal types such as <>..." "<>?


    "It would be nice to have a barrier too!


    "<> or > would be nice too.


    and many other opinions were expressed.


    Although he was still too inexperienced to give his opinion, Freddie seemed to have gained a lot by witnessing such exchanges.

 1973 - - 52-45 New Golem Launch

    The golem that Jin and the others are making is 90% complete.


    .


    A message from the old man echoed.


    "Oh, is it that time already?


    "It''s gone by so fast, hasn''t it?"


    Jin stretched himself.


    "Well, I can finish it in another hour. ...... but it can''t be helped.


    He changed his mind and decided to continue tomorrow.


    Maricka, Rubina, Grina, and Freddy were all very tired and let out a sigh of relief.


    After a long and relaxing bath, dinner was served.


    The menu was a Japanese-style set meal, and everyone tasted it with a satisfied palate.


    "Freddy, how was your day?


    "Yes, it was a fulfilling day. What about your grandmother?


    "Lao Tzu showed me around."


    Yes, Ellis was accompanied by Lao Tzu, Soleil, Luna, and others, showing them around the Horai Island.


    "We climbed up to the middle of Mount Horai. It was a nice view.


    Ellis, who had a heart condition, was glad to be able to do something that he had never been able to do before.


    "I''m glad you''re enjoying yourself, grandmother."


    Freddy is also happy to see Elise enjoying herself.


    (It''s nice to see smiles like this all over Hourai Island. ......)


    Jin recalls the old days in Horai Island.


    * * * *


    The next day, Jin, Marikka, Rubina, Grina, and Freddy moved to the workshop right after breakfast. And Ellis followed.


    "Come on, let''s finish it!


    Jin is very enthusiastic.


    "Yes!


    And so were the other four.


    All that remained was to install the exterior and test drive.


    The exterior is already completed, so it is just a matter of fine-tuning and assembling it.


    I think you''re right, Freddy, go for it. And, Greiner, you''ll support me.


    "Yes, sir."


    He instructed the two and Jin watched on.


    "Well, uh, this one right here, I guess."


    The exterior is basically the same as full-body armor, so it can be put on sensibly.


    "Oh, that, the left and right sides are reversed.


    "What?��Oh, it''s true. Thank you very much.


    "You''re welcome."


    At first things were a little awkward between the two, but as the fitting progressed,


    "Here, this is your right arm."


    "Thank you. ...... like this?" "That''s OK.


    "Okay, here''s the left arm."


    "Okay, here we go."


    They began to work well together.


    "Well, I can''t believe he''s working so well with the girls. ......"


    Jin did not miss the whispered comment from Ellis, who was observing from a little distance away. He quietly approached her and asked in a whisper.


    "Mr. Ellis, is that so?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    Ellis also responded in a whisper.


    "I was pampered when I was a child because of my lineage as a Magecraft Meister, and people would come to me and call me their fiancee or fianc��e.


    "...... that''s ......."


    Indeed, perhaps it''s the Randall bloodline, but Freddy has a well-defined face, and it''s no wonder he''s so popular with the ladies.


    "But when they found out that he had no talent for magical engineering, they turned their backs on him and left."


    "Oh, that..."


    Jin thought, "I can see why he distrusts people and women.


    "Yes, this is the last time."


    "Thank you."


    As Jin and Elise looked on, Freddy was working with Greiner to install the golem''s exterior.


    "...... Ugh, it''s a little hard."


    "In such a case, you can adjust it by forming."


    "I see, let''s try it. <


    "Yes, yes, you''re good at it."


    "Jin-sama made me practice a lot."


    And so, the exterior was installed.


    "Mr. Greiner, please check it out."


    He also showed his humility by asking Gulina, who was more skilled than he, to check the exterior.


    "Okay. ......<>"


    Since the magic circuits are also connected to the exterior, a <> will tell us a lot.


    "It seems to be all right."


    "Thank you. ...... Jin-sama, we''re done."


    "Yes, thank you, both of you, for your hard work."


    By then Jin has left Eris''s side and returned to check on the golem.


    "...... Yeah, it''s a pass. It''s well done."


    Both men were pleased to hear those words.


    "Now for the final touches. This is a gift, so I''ll do that part."


    Not only because he was technically superior, but also because he was ultimately responsible for the project.


    Jin finished the surfaces and <, and adjusted the gaps between the various parts.


    "That''s it. The old man, transcribe the sequence of operation."


    >...... finished>>


    "Thank you. Now you just need to play with the parameters. ......<><>......<>"


    Rewrite some parameters. This will limit the output and wield power within a reasonable range.


    "Okay. Let''s give it a test run. Let''s try a test run. ......Well, Gulina, you can be the temporary master.


    When Hitoshi shakes her hand, Greena is startled.


    "Me?


    "Yes. I''ll erase it when I give you ......, so don''t worry about it.


    "Yes, yes. ......<>1st place: me, 2nd place: Jin-sama, 3rd place: ...... Freddy."


    (Hmm?)


    Jin understands that he set the second place to himself, but he thinks of Grina''s feelings that she set the third place to Freddie.


    (It''s a matter between them. ......)


    Then, after setting Marikka in the 4th place, Rubina in the 5th place, and Eris in the 6th place, Grina finally gets ready to launch the device.


    "<> Okay. <>Good. Emergency <> filled."


    As a side note, this golem is not powered by Horai Island''s standard <, but by < and <>, which is a technology one generation before that.


    This is still the most advanced technology of this era.


    Furthermore, at the risk of going off on a tangent, if the emergency <> is filled with mana in advance, it has the advantage of shortening the time lag until it starts moving when it is first activated.


    When Jin assembled Reiko for the first time, she did not start moving for a while even after she was activated, because the time lag until the mana converted by the <> was sufficiently accumulated was large, and it took time for the mana to permeate into each part of the body and become familiar with it.


    Now, let''s talk about the next topic.


    Finally, the <> new golem is activated.

 1974 - - 52-46 Simulated Battle

    Having established a temporary master through engineering magic <>, Grina decides to activate the golem.


    "<>".


    The golem was activated with the standard magic key word.


    "Yes, master."


    The Golem rises with a smooth motion.


    "Golem, let''s call you .


    "Yes, I understand."


    The voice is also smooth. It is no wonder that Jin was in charge of this area.


    (I wonder if the name "tempo ......" is taken from the word "temporary"?


    Jin thought it quite rude that Greiner, like himself, could not be said to have a good sense of naming.


    "<>, did you get the results of the operation check?"


    "Yes, Miss Greiner, everything is fine.


    "Good. Stand by.


    Stand by.


    At this point, Mr. Grina looked back at Jin.


    "Alright then, let''s test your skills."


    The new king of Elias, to whom this golem will be presented, prefers martial artists.


    "Well, ......, send someone from the Landeswehr."


    Jin explained to Freddie and Ellis that the Lando Unit was the army of Horai Island.


    Meanwhile, a report comes in that Land 109 has arrived in front of the institute.


    "Okay, let''s go outside."


    We all left the workshop inside the institute and went outside together.


    The weather was overcast, there was no discernible shadow on the ground, and the position of the sun was unknown.


    Under such a sky, in the plaza in front of the institute, there stood Land 109, its body shining dull silver-brown.


    "Swords and swords are too dangerous, so let''s make a mock sword."


    Jin produced two mock swords from iron ingots and equipped Land 109 and Tempo with them.


    "Lando 109, I will check Tempo''s performance.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin instructed, "Don''t start with full output from the beginning.


    "Reiko, observe their movements and point out any areas for improvement.


    "Yes, father."


    Jin nodded to Greiner and said that he would be assured that Reiko would check their movements with her observant eyes.


    "Then let the simulation begin!


    Upon Jin''s signal, Greiner gave the order.


    The two bodies began to move at almost the same time.


    --It looked as if they were going to move at the same time.


    However, Reiko, who was analyzing the movements next to Jin, saw that Tempo was 0.02 seconds behind.


    (Reaction speed, 1/35th of Lando''s)


    The two began to exchange blows with a mock sword (power, about 1/35th of Rand''s).


    (Power, about 1/30th of Lando''s, but with the emergency boost)


    They struck each other ten times, and then twenty times. .......


    Lando 109 once moved out of range.


    (Your skill level in swordsmanship is in line with your physical ability. As expected of the old man).


    Tempo dodged by shifting his body to the side and struck from Lando''s blind spot.


    ��Tempo moved his body to the side and dodged it, then struck from Rando''s blind spot.)


    ) But Lando seemed to have anticipated this and dodged with a comfortable margin, and then closed the distance once again.


    And now Tempo closes the distance. Lando falls back.


    Tempo moves forward. Rando backs off.


    Tempo moves forward. Lando moves forward in what appears to be a move back. A human would be caught off guard and panicked, but Tempo handles the situation calmly.


    The distance between the two is so close that the blades of their swords are ineffective, and as a result, a duel begins.


    Both of them thrust their mock swords into the ground, and then they entered into the posture of a power contest called <> (power, the same as Lando''s).


    (Power, as always, is 1/30th of Lando''s.)


    Tempo, which even has the effect of <> on its exterior, shows its true value in this kind of <> power contest.


    (You did the ...... boost, didn''t you?��It''s about 1/20th of what it used to be)


    Rand 109 is properly maneuvered, and is getting the best out of Tempo''s capabilities.


    Now for the fight.


    Tempo parries Rando''s right fist thrust and elbows him.


    Lando dodges the attack by twisting his body, and then he pushes Tempo with a foot strike. Tempo falls down.


    Lando then delivered a stomping blow. Tempo rolls and dodges a right uppercut while standing up.


    (Both of them do it well. (Both of you are doing it. You have a great flow from technique to technique.)


    Rando did not avoid the uppercut and caught it with his left palm. Naturally, Tempo''s movement stopped.


    Then, Lando twisted his body and threw backward. Tempo danced high in the air.


    (This was deliberately thrown by ...... Tempo.)


    Tempo kicked the ground and flew himself to avoid the back throw. He landed with a spin.


    His right leg was swung backward to the head of Lando, who was lowered by the throw.


    ��Lando dodged the throw.)


    But Lando takes one step, jumps back, and dodges the back kick. At the same time, he picked up the sword that was propped up right next to him, and swung it upward and slashed at Tempo.


    (...... can you catch that?)


    Tempo caught the sword in the nick of time with a white-blade dagger.


    "......Su, that''s amazing."


    Freddy was astonished at the attack, which took less than a minute.


    Rubina and Grina were also watching the battle with great interest.


    And Ellis is not keeping up at all.


    "...... Okay, that''s it!


    Jin stopped the simulation.


    "That''s enough. Good job, Tempo."


    "Thank you, sir."


    "Thank you." "Rand 109, thank you. Are you experiencing any malfunctions?


    Yes, master. Yes, master.


    Yes, sir. - Good.


    Lando 109 bowed to everyone in the room and returned.


    "Greiner, let''s check the tempo."


    "Yes, sir."


    The tempo was stopped for a moment, and the exterior was removed to check the interior.


    This kind of maintainability is one of its advantages, isn''t it?


    "Yes, it is."


    The simplicity of the structure means that there are few points of failure. It is also easy to check.


    "Everything is fine, isn''t it?"


    Mr. Greiner sounds relieved.


    "That''s right. "Well, maybe a few scratches on the exterior.


    Rubina and Freddy had already repaired it.


    They reassemble the exterior and finish the maintenance.


    "With this, I won''t be embarrassed to show it anywhere.


    Jin muttered with satisfaction.

 1975 - - 52-47 To Avalon

    The next day, May 4, Jin wondered how to present the new golem, and thought that he should present it via <>.


    Jin decided to go to <> for the time being.


    "What about everyone else?"


    Jin asked everyone present.


    "I don''t think so..." said Marikka.


    Marikka said.


    I don''t want to go either.


    Rubina answered, "No, me too.


    "Me too ......" said Gulina.


    and Gulina.


    Naturally, Elise and Freddie also said they would not go, so only Jin ended up going.


    "Well then, Marikka will be in charge of training Freddy in the meantime."


    "Yes, sir, I will.


    And you, Greenina, too.


    Yes, yes!


    So, Jin uses to go to with Reiko.


    < is stopped and the <> is put back on the drawing board.


    Hope, will you take care of this?


    "Yes, sir, I''m on it."


    Hope piloted the Hurricane into the Avalon.


    "Have a safe trip!"


    "Go, go, go!"


    With Marikka, Rubina, Glina, Ellis, Freddy, and others seeing them off, the with Jin on board soared into the sky of Horai Island.


    * * * * * * * * * * *


    Meanwhile, Tomax Bartman entered the office of the Chief Superintendent of <>.


    Tomax Bartman is looking over the incoming message.


    "Hmmm, you mean that <> wants to present a golem to the new king of Elias to celebrate his coronation. ...... that would be very helpful."


    It is known in <> that the new King of Elias was a former sympathizer of the <>.


    In fact, the countries of <> have been contributing funds for the operation of <>, and they have even asked for a reduction in the amount.


    "We don''t mind if they don''t pay us, but ......"


    Currently <>''s finances are in good shape.


    The main source of its financial resources are the magical tools and magical machines manufactured in <>.


    <> was one of the first to recover from the decline of magical technology caused by the >.


    The sales of these products alone are enough to operate the <> and the <>.


    The fact that they are still asking for donations from various countries is a kind of posture that the small world of <> is not isolated from the rest of Ars.


    "And the arrival of the <> is ...... today!"


    Tomax Bartmann hurriedly instructs.


    "Manon!��Jin-sama is coming. Tell the departments to prepare for his arrival immediately.


    Yes, sir.


    Manon is a secretarial automaton given to Tomax Bartmann by Jin, and is capable of performing the duties of five human secretaries. Manon had been adjusted to use elementary healing magic for Tomax, who had a stomach ailment.


    "......Wind ...... Well ...... if Mister Jin gives a gift to the new king ...... so that he can... ......"


    Tomax Bartmann was beginning to wonder if he could use this opportunity to repair the now somewhat strained relationship with the Kingdom of Elias.


    He came up with a plan.


    "But I think we should tell Jin-dono about this ...... in advance," he said.


    Tomax Bartman, not wanting to incur Jin''s displeasure by sneaking around behind the scenes without informing him.


    * * * * *


    The same day, at 2:00 p.m. Avalon time, Jin''s plane, a , landed at the airport in .


    "Welcome, Jin-dono."


    Tomax Bartman himself greeted Jin.


    "I''m so glad to see you."


    Jin shook hands with Tomax Bartman as he stepped out of the hurricane accompanied by Reiko.


    "We have heard what you want, sir. The Golem is in the airship, is it not?"


    "Yes, it is. It hasn''t been activated yet.


    "I see. Then may I take the entire airship into storage?


    "Yes, that is fine.


    After this exchange, the Hurricane was stored in a warehouse attached to the airport.


    Hope, the pilot, joins Jin and the others after fixing the <>.


    When Hope arrived, Jin and the others got into a prepared car and started to move to the inside of <>.


    On the way, Hope asked Jin a question.


    "Master, are you sure you don''t want me to stay?"


    Now the was completely unprotected, even though it was in a hangar.


    "I''ll be fine on that point," Jin assured him.


    Jin assured him. The old man is watching it with his <.


    Jin did not say a word about this fact, but Hope immediately recognized it.


    "I understand."


    While they were talking, the car entered the interior of . They take a private road to a terminal near the office of the Chief Superintendent.


    From there it is on foot. This is for security reasons.


    After a three-minute walk from the terminal, Jin and the others arrived at the office of the Chief Superintendent.


    Please have a seat.


    The office was equipped with a reception set for such occasions.


    When Jin sat down on the sofa, Hope stood behind him and Reiko sat next to him.


    Manon made a pot of tea and offered it to them. It was hojicha, Jin''s favorite tea. The tea was cooled to the right temperature.


    "Thank you."


    Jin took a sip,


    "Is there something wrong, Mr. Tomax?


    He asked.


    From his manner, I guessed that something was troubling him.


    "......No, it''s not so much that I''m worried."


    Tomax Bartmann told him that the new King of Elias had sent him a message.


    "Some have suggested that we take this opportunity to go our own way and refuse all financial support from other countries, but I myself am against that."


    "I see. ......"


    Jin was a little disappointed at the sudden heavy talk that had just descended upon him.


    Tomax Bartmann sensed the change in Jin''s expression.


    Oh, no, those are our problems, I don''t want to bother you, Jin-dono. Please simply ignore the fact that there is such a problem.


    Then he decided to cut to the chase.


    "As you have probably heard, the new king of the Kingdom of Elias hates magic technology so much that he was at one time sympathetic to the ideas of the <>."


    Jin nodded.


    "...... but on the contrary, he is fond of golems. Even so, a combat golem.


    "I''ve heard rumors."


    Jin answered that he also knew about it.


    "So we are trying to make them aware of how far behind the Kingdom of Elias is in golem technology, and to gradually turn their attention to magic technology.


    "I see, so you want me to cooperate with you."


    Tomax Bartmann looked a little impatient when Jin anticipated his conclusion,


    "Oh, no, it''s not that different," he responded.


    Tomax Bartmann responded with a slightly impatient, "Oh, no, it''s not different, but...

 1976 - - 52-48 Gift

    <, explains his idea to Jin.


    After Jin heard this, he thought about it for a moment and then gave his interpretation.


    "...... So you are saying that you want us to realize that the ideas of the <> cannot save the human race?"


    "You could say that."


    Tomax Bartman nodded.


    "...... what did you say, yes, <>?"


    "Haha,......."


    Maybe not quite the right usage, but I know what Tomax Bartmann is trying to say.


    Accepting the principles of the <> will not improve our standard of living. No, in fact, it should decrease the more we abandon technology.


    Normal human beings would have a hard time accepting the idea of lowering their standard of living unless they have a good reason or purpose for doing so.


    To use a mundane analogy, the food and toilet conditions.


    Once you have tasted the taste and comfort of both, you will never forget it.


    "Perhaps it was the fanatical followers that made it bearable for them to lower their standard of living."


    I think Jin would agree. Fanatics are single-minded, for better or worse.


    "But now that Markitas, the equivalent of Oyasama, is gone, the organization is falling apart. I believe that now is the time to spread the benefits of civilization at once.


    "I see, so that''s what you mean."


    It seems that they are also planning to use the name of the Magecraft Meister to spread the use of useful magical tools in order to get rid of the influence of the League of Magic.


    "How about it, will you cooperate with us?"


    "Yes, of course.


    Jin answered immediately.


    He was angry because he had been trying to spread the use of magic tools for the benefit of the common people by following the legacy of his predecessor 400 years ago, but they had been completely ruined.


    "Why don''t you donate many samples of useful magical tools anyway?"


    Jin thinks that if the higher ups accept them, it will be easier to spread the word to the lower downs.


    "Oh, that would be very kind of you.


    Then, please tell me what kind of magic tools and how many are needed.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin asked Tomax Bartmann for a breakdown of the gift.


    "Two general-purpose golems, ten short swords, ten long swords, and three golem horses?


    "Yes. In addition, three magic stoves and three refrigerators each.


    That''s enough to start with. Jin proposes to give some kind of magic machine in addition to the above. He also says that he will provide it.


    "......, but we are planning to pay a courtesy visit to the Kingdom of Elias as tomorrow evening. You can''t move that, can you?"


    "No problem. As long as you have the workshop and materials ready.


    That''s fine. I''ll see you at ....... Thank you very much.


    Thus, Jin spent about a day in <> making magic tools.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hey Jin!��Long time no see!


    Eira. Long time no see."


    Jin was shown to the workshop used by Eira, Katya, and others. Tomax Bartmann had decided that it would be better for Jin to be in a place where he knew other people.


    Mr. Jin, you look well. Reiko and Hope are looking well, too.


    "And Katya, too."


    Since there was not much time left, Jin briefly renewed old acquaintanceships and decided to start work on the project immediately.


    Then a question from Eira came in.


    "Jin, I heard that you are making a gift for the coronation of the new king of Elias.


    "Oh, yes. Oh, that''s right. And that''s why we decided to present you with a Magi machine.


    Hearing this, the two men suddenly became very enthusiastic.


    "So you want to reveal the nose of the former !��Okay, I''ll help you. Right, Katya?


    "Yes. Let me help you."


    Both of them know that some of their past hardships were caused by the , so they are trying to make a positive example out of it.


    "If that''s the way it''s going to be, good. Let''s see what we can make ...... first. ......"


    "Well, since we''re in the Kingdom of Elias, why not a ship?"


    Eira says with an idea.


    "Eira-san, it''s not every day that a king gets a chance to ride on a ship.


    To which Ka''chea countered, "Well, if we were to build one now, it would have to be a small ship.


    If we were to build a ship now, it would be a small ship. It would be rare for a king to board such a small ship with one or a few followers.


    "Well, if ...... the king would ride in a carriage, right?"


    Jin also thought for a moment about what Katya said,


    "Yes!��Let''s build an amphibious car!"


    He said.


    "Is it an amphibious vehicle ......?"


    "Yes. Well, we''ll never have a chance to use it on the water, but such a concept would have an impact on the Kingdom of Elias."


    "Sounds interesting, Jin!"


    Eira seemed to be enthusiastic.


    "But, can you do it ......?"


    Katya looked worried. But Jin nodded his head.


    "Don''t worry. All you have to be careful about is airtight ...... and watertight. Golem engines are originally watertight.


    "That''s not what I meant, but ...... that''s enough."


    As for Katya, she was worried that she might not have enough time to build something that big, but as she looked at Jin''s confident face, she realized, <


    I was worried that it might be Jin-san.


    "Yes, you can install it there."


    "Yes.


    Hope, hold it down. ...... Okay, that''s it."


    "Father, is the frame complete?"


    Yes. ......KaChea, what about you?"


    Jin, Eira and Reiko were working on the body and had asked Katya to design the exterior of the amphibious vehicle.


    Yes, we have an idea.


    "Yes, we have an idea. Let''s see what we can come up with.


    Jin, Reiko, Hope, and Eira completed the basic body of the vehicle in two hours. Most of the work was done by Jin and Reiko.


    "Well, we''ve narrowed it down to three types. Which one do you think is best?"


    On the drawing table, Ka?ea spreads out a rough sketch of an amphibious vehicle for the royal family.


    "Oh, that''s good, Katya. I can''t do it like this."


    The amphibious vehicle is based on a four-wheeled car. I thought about making it a six-wheeled car, but I decided to make it similar to a horse-drawn carriage, since it will not be used on such rough roads.


    The propulsion system on the water is <. Two small jet thrusters are mounted on the propulsion system, as long as it can achieve a reasonable speed.


    The material used is mostly light silver. It is because it is light and rustproof.


    The car was designed to accommodate 10 passengers, including the king and queen, the prince and princess, attendants, guards, and a driver.


    Based on these considerations, the body designed by Cachier was to be installed.


    There are two types of carriages, but I would recommend this one. There are two types, but I would recommend this one. The other one is a practical design, but I think it is a bit rude to write.


    "Hmmm............that''s just what Kachair is all about."


    "Yes, that''s exactly right."


    Eira and Jin are not very good at design, so they appreciate the presence of such a designer.


    "Okay, let''s go with what chair recommended.


    "No objection.


    Thus, an amphibious vehicle was built as a gift.

 1977 - - 52-49 Sapphire

    By the evening of the same day, the amphibious vehicle was completed as a gift.


    "Wow, you did it, Jin!��I only helped a little with the ......."


    "No, Eira helped a lot too. Besides, if you were asked to build another one, you could, couldn''t you?"


    "Well, ......, if you''re willing to put in the time," he said.


    "Well, you can''t say I just helped out a little bit.


    It is true that more than half of the work can be said to have been done by Jin, but Eira was definitely instrumental, and KaChea made a major contribution to the design.


    So did Jin,


    "It''s been a long time since we worked together as a , so it was a lot of fun.


    He is not afraid to say.


    "Yeah, me too.


    "Me too!"


    The three of us smiled at each other.


    "......By the way, what did you say about Groma and ......, what happened to the <> teacher?"


    Jin asked after all these years.


    <>. Marikka used to be a lecturer at this laboratory, which is at the cutting edge of Golem research.


    "It''s a little late for that. ....... He''s back in the country on vacation. Oh, only Groma isn''t."


    He says he has no intention of returning to the Principality of Mercana.


    "I''m accompanying the teacher to the Kingdom of Egelea."


    "Oh, I see."


    It seems that he is trying to broaden his horizons. It was just like the earnest Groma Tollei, Jin thought.


    "We''re staying at home. But thanks to that, Jin and I were able to do such an interesting job.


    "No, what?"


    Afterwards, Jin and his friends took a bath and promised to have dinner together.


    So Jin is soaking alone in the men''s bath.


    The first bath was a salt spring with water from the sea. It warms your body.


    Next is a baking soda spring. It makes his skin smooth.


    Then Jin takes a bath in the simple spring.


    After Jin left, Eira and Ka-cea came to the lounge to drink cold juice.


    "I''ll have one too," said Eira.


    "Me too."


    After spending such a long time together, Jin and his friends had dinner together in the dining room and went to bed early, promising to see each other the next day.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The next day, of course, meant making a gift.


    <


    "I was thinking about it last night before I went to bed, and I thought that since it was going to be a gift to the king, it would be nice to make a figurine instead of a tool.


    A crystal figurine," Jin said,


    "Yes, indeed. A gilded ornament, that would please the powers that be.


    Eira agreed in a way that showed no respect.


    "And..."


    Jin said, remembering Stearina, who had been a member of the in the past.


    "Let''s make a crystal golem."


    "A crystal golem?


    Eira was astonished. Katya rolls her eyes, unsure of the level of technology involved.


    "Well, it doesn''t have to be crystal, it could be diamond or ruby..."


    Come to think of it, when is the new king''s birthday?��Jin muttered,


    "September," Reiko told him.


    Reiko told him.


    "I see, so it''s sapphire.


    There is not much concept of birthstone in this world, but Jin wanted to be particular about it. Another reason is that sapphire is easy to synthesize.


    "Alumina is available at ......."


    Alumina, or aluminum oxide, is used here in Avalon for various purposes, including crucibles, as a heat-resistant material.


    What do you make of it, Jin?


    "Sapphire is a crystal of corundum, or aluminum oxide."


    Reiko refused and brought a bag of alumina from the warehouse. These are powders, which can be sintered to make crucibles or heat-resistant materials.


    "I should have about 200 kilograms."


    The specific gravity of aluminum oxide is approximately 4.0, which means that 200 kilograms would be needed to make a human model that weighs 50 kilograms.


    "Gin?��What on earth are you doing ......"


    Just as Eira is about to ask, Jin activates his engineering magic.


    "<>"


    "Wow!


    The powdered alumina crystallized and turned into transparent corundum. > is, as the name suggests, a magic to promote crystallization. Since it consumes a lot of mana, it is not an engineering magic that anyone can perform.


    "Now, we need to add some color to it.


    Corundum is mixed with trace amounts of iron and titanium to give it that blue color.


    "<><>>"


    "Whoa?"


    "Wow. ......"


    After the trace elements were added and uniformly dispersed, the material was crystallized again, resulting in a blue sapphire mass.


    Both Eira and Katya admire the beauty and Jin''s skill.


    "That''s it! Reiko, take care of the mithril too.


    "Yes, Father."


    The color is slightly muddied by the addition of mithril, but this is unavoidable, as it allows the magic to pass through more easily. And even if it is muddy, it is only a little and does not matter at all since it is not treated as a gem.


    <><>"


    In the case of mithril, the trick is not to crystallize it.


    "Now the material is complete."


    "...... That''s great, Jin. That''s what I''m talking about.


    "Really ......."


    The two marveled,


    "Eira, use this to make a body for the golem. Katya, I want you to decide on the proportions."


    "Okay, okay."


    "Okay." "Yes."


    While Eira and Katya were preparing the body, Jin prepared the control core.


    <.


    "Jin, how about this?"


    Eira and Katya were building a female adult body. She was about 160 centimeters tall, with glamorous curves. Her hair was designed in a short-cut style.


    "Oh, she''s beautiful. You''re both so beautiful."


    Jin compliments them both.


    "And the sensor?


    "I have no idea about that one. Let''s see what Jin can do.


    "I see. I hope ......< will do some research on this. Well, you''ll see."


    "Yes, I will. I''ll be glad to help."


    Eira declared and leaned forward to watch Jin''s every move.


    Katya, with a notepad in her hand, was also watching closely.


    "Here''s what we''re going to do."


    Jin began to add more processing.

 1978 - - 52-50 Naming, Kaella

    Jin creates a sensor relationship with the sapphire golem.


    "Eira, Katya, I think the eye color should be different, what do you think?"


    Jin confirms the opinions of the two designers.


    "Yes, it''s good, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, it is. I think it''s good, too. Yes, I think it''s a good idea to use a modest color, since it''s against blue.


    A flashy color like ruby would be too much, said Katya.


    "Hmmm... ...... would you suggest a colorless or transparent color?"


    "Yes, I think so."


    So we will use transparent corundum for the eyes.


    Ears (hearing), nose (sense of smell), and mouth (sense of taste) are given to the sapphire part, which is the main body of this type, but naturally the performance will be lower.


    "But this compensates for that."


    Jin explains to Eira and the others as he processes the sapphire. He took out a magi crystal of the water attribute. It is blue in color.


    "I''m going to fuse these into a sensor.


    Since they are of a similar color, it is almost impossible to distinguish them from each other even if they are made of different materials in some parts.


    "I see, that certainly makes sense.


    "That''s the trick!"


    Eira was impressed and Katya took notes.


    "Unfortunately, tactile sensation cannot be added to the structure. We have to deal with it by using ultra-fast feedback."


    "Well, for example, with a hand, the force applied is compared to the deformation of the object to determine the degree of force, correct?"


    "That''s right."


    Eira had mastered such a theory, as was to be expected from a member of the .


    Finally, it was time to set the .


    "This control core is also a set of know-how that I have accumulated. I will send the data to in due course.


    "Yeah, I''m looking forward to that time!


    With that out of the way, Jin sets up the .


    Combining <> and <>, he sets the <> at the position of the chest ...... heart.


    The <> is also blue in color, so it does not look as if there is something inside.


    Only the eyes are transparent, but because they are transparent, the blue behind them shows through, so the color of the golem appears a little lighter than it is, but the whole golem is blue.


    "There we go."


    Jin, who had been checking each part of the system before starting it up, turned to Eira and Katya after making sure there was nothing wrong.


    "Let''s give it a test run."


    "I''m looking forward to it!"


    "Yes, I''m looking forward to it!"


    With a single voice, Jin activated the sapphire golem.


    "<>"


    Yes, master!


    The sapphire golem woke up.


    "Oh, it''s beautiful."


    "Elegant."


    Eira and Katya are looking at it with wide-eyed wonder.


    How are you feeling?


    At these words, the sapphire golem moved its body slightly to check.


    Yes, master. No problem.


    "Good. Let''s try some things then."


    Jin tries to check the walk first. Then...


    "Jin-san, don''t you have a name for him?"


    asked Katya.


    "Well, a name. ...... Okay, Katya, Eira. Either way, give him a good name."


    "Yes,...... we?"


    "Well,...... I guess so,......."


    Katya was a little puzzled, but Eira immediately started to think of a name. But it was Katya who spoke up first.


    "How about ''Kaela''?"


    "Kaela. <.


    Reiko responded. It is not exactly an ancient word, but an archaic word for <>. It is pronounced "kaela" or "kaer-la".


    In Ars, such words have been handed down to the present with different forms and usages.


    It is to the credit of Guth and Vivian that they have extracted these ancient languages and clarified their etymology.


    Now for a quiet word.


    "Oh, I like that one.


    "I''m sorry, but I didn''t think of that. I''ll just go with in Kachair."


    Jin and Eira liked the sound of that, so they decided to name the sapphire golem <>.


    Yes, my name is . I look forward to working with you from now on.


    Kaela bows in a curtesy-like manner. This is an area where the know-how of Ste Arena''s crystal golem, Selene, and others has been incorporated.


    "Okay, let''s take a walk."


    Yes.


    Kaela walked slowly around the laboratory.


    "Well, let''s at least put on some shoes."


    (Yes, the sound of her feet hitting the floor was too noisy.


    (I remember Stearina used to have a cushioning resin attached to her shoes.)


    (I remember that Stearena used to have a cushioning resin attached.) But the resin wears out. This would be fine for a golem to be kept in the maker''s own possession, but not for a gift.


    "Why don''t you make it clear that it is intended for use as a maid of honor?


    "Well, that''s a good idea.


    Taking into account the opinion of Katya, we decided to make her look like a maid of honor with a minimum of necessary equipment.


    The rest of the outfit was bare body. The rest of the body is bare.


    (Well, it''s not quite right...), Jin thought.


    (Hmmm, it''s not quite right.) But Hitoshi thought,


    "Wow, it looks good on you!


    "Yes, it''s not bad at all.


    said Katya and Eira,


    ��Jin thought, "What?)


    I thought to myself, "What?


    So the three of us decided to take her outside and ask the opinions of the people we met.


    They do not take Reiko and Hope with them to check their impressions of Kaela, but leave them at home.


    The three of them decided to ask her for her opinion on Kaela.


    And what was their reaction?


    "Oh, wow!


    "This is amazing!"


    "Beautiful ......"


    "Eila, is this the work of Cachia ...... and her guest?��Is this the work of Eira, Cachia and her guest?"


    Some of them had never heard of Jin, but when I asked their opinions to the people I met, 60% of them said they felt <.


    "Well, walking is fine. But I''m not so sure about the outfit."


    Although 60% of the respondents were , it was honestly a very subtle figure.


    "Should we dress her up in a samurai costume?


    That would hide her sapphire body, but it''s not something to show off, so Jin would like to dress her up.


    "Well, ...... would be good, wouldn''t it?"


    "Yes, it''s a gift."


    Not wanting to be seen as vulgar in any case, it was decided to dress her in a lady''s uniform.

 1979 - - 52-51 Check operation again

    The maidens'' uniforms are made of the standard <.


    However, it is not from Horai Island, but is cultivated here in <>, so it is less than half as strong.


    Still, it is stronger than any existing fiber.


    Eira and Katya are asked to make underwear. Hitoshi made an apron dress with the help of Reiko.


    "It''s done!


    I made this one too."


    The clothes were finished at about the same time. He immediately puts them on Kaela.


    "Oh, it looks good on you.


    The white brim and apron are white, of course.


    I decided on a burgundy color for the apron, and it suits her more than I thought it would. Jin, too, has a good sense of color scheme, even if the design is not so good.


    "Short sleeves. The lace on the cuffs and the sapphires on the arms look good.


    "The skirt is a little short, too, isn''t it?"


    The skirt is just below the knees, but you can see her shins.


    "It''s nice to be able to move around easily," was Eira''s line.


    Eira says. By the way, there are no maids in mini-skirts in this world.


    "Okay, Kayla, let''s go outside again."


    Okay.


    So we walk outside again. This time with Reiko and Hope.


    "Oh, ...... what''s with the maid of honor? Is it a golem?��Or is it ...... a sapphire?


    "Wow ......<''s new?��A little Samurai woman ...... and a Golem too?"


    The reputation does not seem to be bad. Reiko and Hope are also rumored to be in the works.


    Walking on, we came to an athletic park. There are several sports fields of dirt, grass, and artificial clay, and people are enjoying sports and games.


    "Let''s check our movements here," Jin suggested.


    Jin suggested, and Eira and Katya agreed. The group headed for an empty dirt playground because, at 200 kg, grass or artificial clay would be too hard to clean up afterwards.


    As a side note, a combat golem is much heavier. Although they have wider feet, they still cause more damage to the ground and floor.


    Therefore, the paths, floors, corridors, etc. on which such golems are supposed to walk are reinforced accordingly.


    The playground here is for human beings, so it is not reinforced in this way. Jin will fix them later. Dents and holes.


    All right, let''s jump first.


    Yes, sir.


    Kayla jumped... ......1 meters.


    "I guess that''s it."


    Jin had not fully grasped the kinetic capabilities of the crystal golem since it was the first one he had ever built.


    He knew that Kaela''s ability to move only with < would be lower than that of a normal golem, but he was a little disappointed.


    (Wait, what?��(Wait, what if the joint parts were made of magic resin instead of sapphire?)


    ) This could be an application of the golem he had made just the other day.


    Jin wanted to try out the idea immediately, so he called out to Eira and Kaechea and decided to return to the laboratory.


    "......Totally, you''ve come up with something crazy again, Jin."


    "Hmmm, after all, he is a Magecraft Meister, after all.


    Jin was simulating in his mind the points to be modified.


    The first thing to do is to modify the inside of the machine.


    "First, hollow out the inside and fill it with Magi-resin.


    The magi resin is to be colored the same color as the sapphire.


    The performance may be reduced by the addition of the dye, but only slightly. In fact, the performance is expected to be several times higher than when the whole body was made of sapphire.


    The magic dye is added to the prepared magic resin (magiresin), and a blue color is produced. Reiko, whose vision allows her to fine-tune the color, is asked to adjust the color.


    "How much of the inside should be hollowed out?


    Since too much hollowing out would reduce its strength, about half of the sapphire was hollowed out and replaced with magiresin.


    Naturally, the control parameters of the <> will change greatly, so this was also replaced.


    However, since this is our first attempt, we do not expect to be able to decide exactly what to do from the beginning.


    Therefore, we have left a lot of room for rewritability in the configuration.


    In the case of an electronic device, it would be like having NVRAM (non-volatile random access memory) for storing parameters.


    The optimal values are determined while running the system.


    "I''ve lost about 120 kilograms, so this should work in the right direction.


    The specific gravity of the magic resin (magiresin) used this time is around 1, and that of sapphire is 4.


    "Okay, <>."


    Yes, master.


    Kaela gets up, but her movements are awkward.


    "I know it''s hard for you to move, but please try to move in an optimal manner."


    Yes, I understand.


    The optimization takes less time because Jin has increased the performance of the control core.


    In no time at all, Kaela''s movements become smoother and smoother.


    "Oh, this is great!


    "That''s what Jin-san does, isn''t it?


    Within a minute after the reboot, Kaela''s movements were as smooth as before.


    "What do you think?��How much do you feel the output has increased?


    Yes, Master. About three and a half times more.


    "Yes, that''s enough."


    So we decided to go back to the playground and check the power output.


    "Let''s jump first."


    Yes, sir.


    Kayla answered and jumped as hard as she could.


    "Oh, great!"


    This time she jumped about five meters.


    Jin judged that this was the result of the increased power output and the fact that she had lost almost half of her body weight.


    After that, he let him run, and although he made footprints from his body weight, his movements looked light and nimble.


    The finishing touch was a kumite with Reiko. The final stage was a kumite with Reiko, but at a very elementary level of self-defense.


    The reason for not fighting Hope was that Hope was less experienced in combat, and he wanted to be prepared in case she failed to take it easy on him.


    "Okay Reiko, Kaela, <>"


    "I''m coming!"


    Reiko answered with a single word and ran out. Kaela, on the other hand, silently intercepted her.


    Reiko jumped and kicked her in the face.


    Kaela jumps to the side and narrowly avoids the kick. Reiko grabbed Kaela''s sleeve in mid-air and landed on her feet. She takes her back.


    She then throws her back like a backdrop.


    Before her head hits the ground, Kaela raises her hands to block it. She then backflips Reiko, holding on to her waist.


    Reiko releases her hands in the air, but this time Kaela catches her and does not let go.


    Using the flexibility of her body, which only a form drive without fixed joints can provide, Kaela used the momentum of the back roll to throw Reiko up into the air.


    Reiko is thrown over 5 meters into the air.


    Kaela lands quickly, adjusts her stance, and throws a spinning kick at the falling Reiko.


    "Oh!"


    Eira exclaims in admiration.


    Reiko guards Kaela''s kick with both arms, but due to the difference in weight, she is blown several meters off the ground.


    She twisted her body in the air and landed safely, then kicked the ground and lunged like a rocket.


    Kaela barely dodged the thrust, but when Reiko saw that she was dodged, she kicked the ground and did a 180-degree turn.


    Reiko hit Kaela from behind, not caring about the gouged ground.


    As expected, Kaela was unable to dodge the blow and was blown away, but she quickly regained her position.


    The two collided again before ......


    "Okay, that''s it!"


    Jin declared the end.

 1980 - - 52-52 Towards the Kingdom of Elias

    "Well, that was great, Jin!"


    Eira was very excited to see the mock battle between Kaela and Reiko.


    "Mr. Jin, about that mock battle just now, how serious was Mr. Reiko?"


    On the other hand, Katya was calmly analyzing the situation, suppressing her inner excitement.


    "Well, let''s see, three percent, I guess."


    "Yes. That''s about right."


    "Yes, three percent. ......"


    Eira sounds exasperated.


    "It''s a great achievement to be on par with Reiko''s three percent.


    Jin reminds her.


    "Yes, I know. "Yes, I know that. But Reiko is showing such a good movement that she''s at 3 percent ......".


    Eira looked at Reiko with a mixture of respect and awe, as if she could imagine how strong Reiko was right now.


    (I''ll keep quiet about the fact that I didn''t use a force field generator or any kind of magical assistance, so in total it''s probably only about 1 percent.)


    Jin then checked Kaela first.


    "Yeah, I don''t see any damage anywhere."


    Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9, which is a fairly hard mineral, so it is unlikely to be scratched.


    In addition, the brittleness of sapphire has been overcome by Jin''s toughening process.


    The same goes for the clothes. Although inferior to those from Horai Island, <> was strong.


    Next, Reiko is checked.


    Naturally, there is no abnormality at all.


    "Yes, both of you were wonderful!"


    Once again Jin praised Reiko and Kaela.


    "Thank you, father."


    Thank you, Master.


    Thank you, Master.


    Meanwhile, it was almost noon.


    "All right, let''s have Kayla cook."


    This was another test for Kayla.


    She decides to let me use the kitchenette in the laboratory.


    "Well, the ingredients are at ......."


    Jin checks the warehouse,


    "There''s nothing here!


    He exclaimed in exasperation.


    "Oh, that can''t be helped. Everyone is out of town, so we ate the fragile items to get rid of them before they are gone."


    Katya explained, but Jin''s shoulders slumped,


    "You should have told me that earlier. ......"


    He blurted out, "You should have told me that earlier.


    "After all, flour, salt, sugar, pepper, baking soda, and a little vegetable oil. ......"


    The flour still had quite a bit of shelf life left, so he decided there was no need to eat it all.


    The oil, however, was old and damaged. According to Katya, she said, <>.


    "Is there any place nearby where we can get the ingredients?


    Jin asked, and Katya told him.


    "Yes, there is a store at the end of the research building.


    "Okay, Hope, go get some eggs, milk, and maple syrup. Get me eggs and milk and maple syrup as soon as possible.


    Jin asked Hope to run an errand. The money came from the lab''s budget. There would be an invoice with the materials used later.


    "Okay."


    Hope runs away when Jin tells her to hurry up. He returned three minutes later. As expected, she could shorten her travel time, but not her shopping time.


    "Master, I got it."


    "Yes, thank you."


    After receiving the eggs, milk, and maple syrup, Jin thanked Hope.


    "Now you can make pancakes.


    Jin handed the ingredients to Kayla. She had a frying pan, spatula, and bowls, so there was no problem.


    Okay, I''ll take care of it!


    Kaela immediately started cooking.


    Incidentally, the old oil had been reduced to a usable level by Jin''s < and .


    Mix the flour with a little baking soda, add the eggs and milk.


    Put vegetable oil in a frying pan and bake the kneaded mixture.


    The procedure is simple, but the proportions and baking conditions are quite difficult.


    However, Kaela did a good job of baking for the three of us.


    Here you go!


    The pancakes are placed on a plate and laid out on the table. Butter the pancakes and drizzle maple syrup on them and they are ready to eat.


    Reiko was sent to buy the butter, but the butter was sold out.


    So Jin secretly ordered some from Horai Island.


    "Yes, it''s good!


    "It''s delicious!


    "It''s really good!"


    Jin, Katya, and Eira all expressed their compliments.


    The last step was to clean up and tidy up.


    Kayla had no complaints about this either.


    "Yes, this is a good job."


    "Yeah, I''m proud to present it."


    "Thank you very much for your hard work."


    So, Jin went to the office of the Chief Superintendent to show < and to the Chief Superintendent.


    In short, he means to travel in an amphibious vehicle.


    * * * * * *


    "Oh, oh, this is it!"


    Tomax Bartmann exclaimed in amazement when he saw the <> and <> at 1:00 pm.


    "This is more than enough appeal!��Thank you, Mister Jin. Eira, Cachia, you did a great job!


    Tomax Bartmann was in a good mood.


    "Then we will leave in one hour.


    "Yes, sir."


    With that, Jin said goodbye to Eira and Katya.


    "It was a bit hectic this time, but we had a lot of fun.


    We had a lot of fun, too. We had a lot of fun this time.


    Yes, Mr. Jin, please come again.


    Thank you. I''m sure we will. Soon."


    After exchanging brief but heartfelt goodbyes, Jin boarded Hope''s Hurricane.


    "See you soon.


    "Take care."


    Meanwhile, Tomax Bartman and his party boarded the <>, the airship of the <>.


    The <> and <> are loaded onto the <>.


    Without this handicap, the <> is too fast.


    * * * * * *


    After leaving <>, it is about 200 km over the sea to the kingdom of Elias.


    After a two-hour flight, the two airships arrived at the capital city of Borgia without incident.

 1981 - - 52-53 Suspicious Person

    is currently located on the west side of the Elias Peninsula at 50 degrees west longitude and 7 degrees north latitude.


    The capital of the Kingdom of Elias, Borgia, is about 200 km away in a straight line.


    Two aircraft, Jin''s and Tomax Bartmann''s airship , reached the sky over Borgia in about two hours. The time was 5:00 p.m. The sky was still bright in Hinaga in spring.


    The airship squadron of the Kingdom of Elias came up to greet Jin and his airship, as they had been notified in advance.


    <. Ten of them.


    Jin thought it was cool to see them flying in formation in the evening sky, with the flag of the Elias Kingdom waving in the air.


    <


    A loud voice, perhaps using a magic tool, rang out.


    The first plane was an instantly recognizable airship with <<1>> written on its air sac.


    Jin ordered Hope to follow the first plane. <


    The <> and the <> landed on the airfield at dusk.


    "Welcome aboard, sir."


    Vasco de Gino, the Prime Minister, greets Jin and Tomax Bartmann. His white hair and white beard are impressive. He was quite thin due to his hard work, and his complexion did not look good.


    "High Superintendent of Avalon, Tomax Bartmann, and Magecraft Meister, Jin Nido. Welcome."


    After shaking hands with Tomax and Jin in turn, Vasco de Gino invited them to the car that had been prepared for them.


    Of course, Reiko was with Jin. Manon, the secretary automaton, also sat down beside Tomax.


    The other passengers are in other cars.


    Hope, by the way, is standing guard inside the as a precaution. As for Jin, the old man still does not trust the leaders of the Kingdom of Elias, rather than .......


    Most of those who were under the influence of the <> have been removed, but the old man believes that there are still some potential panderers left.


    The 5th column (Quinta) has not been redeployed for a long time, and there is still a lack of information, which is why Hope was left behind. After all, there is a cargo of offerings inside the .


    And my fears are proven correct: .......


    It was already evening, and Jin and Tomax were being entertained at the guest house.


    Now Jin is a <, so he is free from intoxication by alcohol, but Tomax is not. He was not a drinker by nature, and after a few drinks of a pleasant cocktail, he was completely intoxicated.


    However, he is a serious person at heart, and he drinks up every drink that is poured for him, as it would be impolite not to drink in such an occasion.


    If not for the occasional light detoxification by Manon, his secretary-automata, he would have been drunk by now. Alcohol and the aldehydes formed from the decomposition of alcohol are toxins for the human body.


    However, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for those who do not know this to come up with the idea of using detoxification in order to sober up.


    The fact that detoxification is effective for < on <, which is a typical luxury item that has been consumed since ancient times, is like a proof that it is < for the human body.


    "I see, that''s why using cures hangovers, doesn''t it?


    Since Jin did not get drunk, he decided that he could not drink and refused all alcoholic beverages except for one drink as a toast.


    Since the Prime Minister also did not seem to drink much, the non-drinkers naturally struck up a conversation with each other.


    "...... Therefore, since human beings are dependent on this body, we cannot ignore matter. In this sense, it can be said that the claims of the <> are not for the benefit of >."


    "Hmmm... ...... what Mr. Jin said is very informative."


    "I see, that''s the logic. It is indeed very convincing.


    Now an elderly man named Irene de Deluca, the new king''s former educator, joined Jin and the Prime Minister in their conversation.


    He, too, regrets that he could not stop the new king ...... from becoming infected with the <> ideology when he was a prince.


    (It might have been a kind of chuunibi ...... or rebellion ......)


    As Jin listened to Ireneo''s story, he began to think that the New King''s thought might not have been the original one.


    (This might be the way Tomax wants things to go.)


    Just then, he heard the sound of an alarm bell being rung.


    * * * * * *


    The time is back to the airfield just after Jin and the others drove to the guest house.


    < and were moving toward the visitors'' hangar. The airfield control officer and a special golem are in charge of the move.


    Hope must remain behind for such an occasion.


    Unlike <> which is buoyed by helium, <> is a <>. In other words, it is <>.


    So, to avoid being noticed, they use a to lighten the load on the towing golem.


    The two Golems are then stored in a huge hangar. It is a kamaboko-shaped structure that looks a little like a plastic greenhouse.


    The material seems to be a thin bronze plate. Hope analyzed that it was probably covered by a steel framework.


    After the door is closed, it is quiet. Outside the door, two golems are seen by the magic detector.


    Hope stays alert and waits, using the sound collection sensor outside the <> to detect the sounds around her.


    Hope blocks out the visual sense and allocates the resources of the control core to the auditory sense via the sensors and the <>.


    And time passes. 1 hour, 2 hours .......


    At 9:00 p.m., the sound of approaching footsteps and a flicker of magical energy is detected. Hope shifts from standby to normal.


    (......<>)


    Hope hears the key word that stops the security golem.


    "If you can use the magic key word, are you related to security ......?


    It was an inside job.


    Then, the door to the hangar is opened.


    (...... Is this the airship of the Magecraft Meister?)


    A man of advanced age enters. He is masked, so Hope cannot see what he looks like, but she has recorded his magical patterns.


    The suspicious person looks around at the < and occasionally touches it as if to check its material. But that''s all he does, and he doesn''t seem to intend to do anything.


    At that moment, an alarm bell rings. Is it set to go off when the security golem is stopped for a certain period of time, or when the hangar door is opened outside of the specified time?


    (......, my country, you''re so polite!)


    The suspicious person said and disappeared out of the hangar with a hurry.


    Of course, this fact was reported to the old man, who also informed Jin through Reiko.


    * * * * *


    At the guest house, he explained to Jin and Tomax Bartmann why the alarm bell had been rung.


    "I see, so someone opened the hangar door and broke in.


    "Yes, that''s what happened. Fortunately, we were fast enough to get to the hangar and the intruder escaped without being able to do anything. ......"


    Wiping sweat off his face, the airfield security commander explains. He still looks young, but his head is beginning to look lonely, which makes me wonder if it is because of his heartache .......


    In the world of Ars, there is no tendency to avoid bald heads.


    There is a theory that the bald head is a remnant of a culture that used to wear a crown on the topknot. If a wrestler lost his hair, he could no longer wear the topknot and could not wear the crown, so he had to retire.


    Incidentally, there is a theory in modern Japan that sumo wrestlers retire when they can no longer wear the topknot, but this theory seems to be mistaken.


    Aside from this, Jin and the others sent the head of the guard force back after hearing the report.


    After that, the number of guards was to be increased.


    However, Jin and Reiko decided to check the hangar just in case.


    Tomax Bartman and Manon accompanied them.


    "There doesn''t seem to be anything out of the ordinary."


    Jin checked both planes. Jin checked both planes because it was faster.


    With this reassurance, Jin and the others returned to the guest house.


    * * * *


    Jin was left alone with Reiko in the guest room he was given, and they immediately started discussing.


    "What do you think, Reiko?


    "Yes father, only one lie. The intruder did not escape without being able to do anything because you rushed to the scene so quickly. It would have been normal for you to run to the house, but the intruder got away before you could."


    "I see."


    Hope recorded the magic patterns, so the culprit could be identified. That was enough for that day.


    As a side note, the <> was a human being who had deployed a <> inside the hangar.

 1982 - - 52-54 Ceremony Held

    It was the morning of May 6. There seems to be no more anomalies in the hangar.


    The sky in Borgia, the capital of the Kingdom of Elias, is clear and cloudless.


    This is a military drill ground on the outskirts of the capital. The airfield is adjacent to this site.


    The area is about 2 square kilometers in size, and is a plain of hardened soil.


    This is where the presentation of the <> to the new king, Adalberto Nimmo Elias I, will take place.


    The coronation ceremony of the new king was held two months ago, but today, and are presenting the gifts, so all the major nobles are present, as well as all the major merchants.


    The other seats were filled to overflowing with the common people, who were all hustling and jostling each other.


    Although they do not say it out loud, they are all fed up with the tyranny of the , and are curious about the who is rumored to have wiped it out, and the who cooperated with him.


    By the way, although we call them gifts and offerings, we are simply changing the terminology each time in consideration of the appearance and appearance of the nobility and royalty.


    At 9:00 a.m., two luxurious and gorgeous cars came from the direction of the royal castle with magnificent music, led by horsemen.


    "Is that the Magecraft Meister?"


    "Yes, it seems so. It is said that he is accompanied by an automata, an attendant in the form of a girl.


    "Oh, then it''s the car in the back. The green-haired one in the front car is not a girl.


    Jin and Tomax Bartmann are in separate cars. They are accompanied only by Reiko and Manon.


    "But the green-haired one over there is a beauty, too.


    I wonder if she is an automaton, too.


    The two cars and the knight leading the way proceeded slowly amidst the noise and bustle.


    Protected by the knights and the golem, the cars carrying Jin and the others arrived at the training ground without incident.


    "This way, please."


    Jin and Tomax each got out of the car at the urging of the young officer. They were led on foot through the training camp. Reiko and Manon followed them.


    Within a minute, they arrived at the hastily prepared, but well constructed seats for the guests of honor. They have a roof to block out the sun.


    Jin and Tomax took their seats, Reiko and Manon stood behind them.


    "Here you go."


    A pamphlet containing the program of the ceremony was handed to Jin and Tomax.


    According to the pamphlet


    Opening address by the Prime Minister, Vasco do Gino


    2. congratulatory address by Mr. Tomax Bartmann, Chief Superintendent of Avalon


    3. New King''s Address by His Majesty King Elias I


    4. Presentation of the Dedication Catalogue Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology


    5. unveiling of the gift by Magecraft Meister Gin Nidor


    6. General Comment by Minister of Magical Technology, Fiorina de Dorante


    7. Closing remarks by the Prime Minister, Vasco de Gino.


    The text was written as follows.


    (Is the unveiling an ...... explanation or commentary?)


    Jin frowned a little, saying that he had not heard it.


    At that moment, a woman dressed like a secretary stood in front of Jin and bowed her head.


    "I am sorry, Mr. Jin. The ceremony was only decided this morning.


    Jin sighed in his mind, "If that''s the case, I wish you would have told me before we drove off. ......


    (I should have left it to my doppelganger ......)


    But it was already too late.


    (Well, what will be, will be...)


    When I was in the modern Japan, the boss''s reckless behavior was an everyday occurrence. I was the one who took care of all the excuses in the name of explanation at the client''s place of business.


    (......It''s been a long time since I remember those days. ......)


    But thinking about those days, I am happy now.


    (It''s easy for me because I talk about my specialty.)


    * * * *


    Then came the arrival of the attendants, and finally the new King Elias I and the Queen.


    To the right of Jin and Tomax were the seats of the new King Elias I and the Queen, and on the other side were the seats of the ministers.


    The ministers were seated on the other side of the table.


    Now then, I would like to begin the ceremony commemorating the accession to the throne of His Majesty the new King of the Kingdom of Elias.


    A slightly hushed voice echoed through the drill hall.


    It seems that the Prime Minister is also the presiding officer of the ceremony.


    Without going up on the podium, he delivered his opening address.


    We are blessed with fine weather today, and it seems as if the heavens are blessing the future of our nation. On this auspicious occasion, the gifts of congratulations from <> and <> were presented to us.


    Applause echoed through the parade ground. After a pause, the Prime Minister continued.


    In a few minutes, he had finished his opening address.


    We will now hear the congratulatory speeches of the honored guests. "High Commissioner of Avalon, Mr. Tomax Bartmann.


    Tomax Bartmann, who was sitting next to Jin, stands up and walks to the podium.


    His image is projected on the magic screen.


    I am Tomax Bartmann and I am here to introduce you to the audience. <. First of all, I would like to congratulate His Majesty the new King of Elias on his accession to the throne. ......


    Tomax Bartmann looked quite dignified, as if this was not the first time he had sat at such a table.


    Next were the words of the new King Elias I.


    Elias I did not go up to the podium but began to speak from his seat.


    I thank you for having gathered here today for me. My Kingdom of Elias is ......


    Jin saw the new king clearly for the first time.


    The new king was rather tall and broad, with the impression of being a small fat man.


    (He is not muscular, is he? ......)


    I could tell from his face, which was 30 years old, because his cheeks were a little flabby.


    He was 30 years old, and his cheeks were a little flabby. That is all.


    The ministers stood up and applauded, and Jin and Tomax did the same.


    Now it was time to disclose the list of offerings.


    The person who read out the list was Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology.


    (A descendant of the Marquis of Firenziano (......))


    Her dark blond hair is pulled back in an updo and her blue eyes are slightly slanted, just like her ancestor, Marquis Dominique de Zaus Firenziano (around 30 years old?).


    (Around 30 years old?��(Around 30 years old? Younger than the Marquis at that time?)


    Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology, reads the inventory in a clear voice.


    <>. Master Jin and his apprentice have made it. <, made by Master Jin and his friend from Avalon. <<>Made by Master Jin and a friend of Avalon. ......


    First, the gifts from Jin were read out.


    From Avalon, 2 general-purpose golems, 10 short swords, 10 long swords, 3 golem horses, 3 magic stoves, and 3 refrigerators. Three golem horses, three magic stoves, and three refrigerators ...... or more were donated.


    There was another round of applause.


    At this point, the new king said a few words, which were not included in the program of the ceremony.


    I am delighted to receive such a wonderful gift.


    Jin was a little happy because he had not expected such words.


    Now it was Jin''s turn to speak.


    Next, I would like to ask the 3rd Magecraft Meister, Jin Nido, to unveil the gift and give an explanation.


    Jin slowly stood up and walked toward the podium. Reiko did not stay there, but followed him to the bottom of the platform.


    In front of the platform, the list of the inventory was handed to her. The handiwork in this area was not bad, but it could have been done a little quicker.


    When Jin came to the podium, he was given a round of applause.


    "My name is Jin Nido, and I am pleased to introduce you.


    From the platform, I saw that all the gifts had been loaded onto a special cart-like vehicle and brought to the military drill site.


    (Okay, then ......)


    First of all, Jin decided to explain the gifts from <.

 1983 - - 52-55 After the ceremony

    Jin began by explaining the gift from <>.


    "...... Two generic golems. These are the standard items currently used in <>."


    The two golems that had been brought to the training hall were projected on the large magic screen.


    The crowd let out a roar of excitement.


    "...... Unfortunately, the technology in the world today has < a bit, so this is one of the best in the world."


    The groans grew louder.


    Waiting for it to die down, Jin began the next part of his explanation.


    "Three golem horses. They are golems, which means that they do not get tired, do not get sick, are resistant to heat and cold, and are five times stronger than ordinary horses. In other words, one golem horse can pull a carriage of four horses.


    Now a golem horse was shown on the screen.


    The audience gasped as they watched the video and listened to the explanation. Seeing this, Jin said


    (Ah, the general public has lost this kind of knowledge, hasn''t it?)


    (Oh, the general public has lost this kind of knowledge).


    "And 10 short swords and 10 long swords. This needs no explanation. <, but I assure you that the quality of the steel is among the best in the world."


    The last of the gifts from <> is a refrigerator and a stove.


    "A refrigerator and a magic stove, no more explanation is needed. They are more user-friendly than the previous ones.


    Finally, Jin began to explain his gift.


    "First of all, we have the <>. This was made with the help of <>''s friends, Eira and Kaechea. As the name suggests, it can normally run on land as a car, but when the need arises, it can also run on water as a boat.


    Jin thought it would be impossible to carry this boat, but upon closer inspection, he found that it was loaded on a large cart.


    (Ah, the kind that carries logs and stones.)


    Jin recognizes the truck''s identity. The sight of the amphibious vehicle drew even louder gasps from the crowd, followed by applause.


    "...... is amazing, isn''t it?


    "It is indeed the work of a magical engineer, the MagiCraft Meister.


    There were whispers of amazement among the cabinet members.


    "......Next is the Samurai Golem <. I made this one with the help of my friends Eira and Kaechea from <>.


    When their appearance was projected on the large magic screen, there was an even louder gasp.


    "Oh, wow!


    What is that color?��You don''t think it''s a ...... sapphire?


    "Did you process such a huge sapphire?��No, a magical engineer, a Magecraft Meister, would have ......


    "As you can see, most of it is made of sapphire. As you can see, most of them are made of sapphires, but they have all the skills of a maid of honor.


    Jin assured me that they were made of sapphires, and the crowd''s reaction grew even louder. It was more of a cheer than a groan.


    "If you leave it as it is, it will sound too hard, so we put clothes on it and shoes on it.


    These words were followed by thunderous applause.


    "The last one is a warrior golem. Unlike the first two, this one was made by myself and my disciples.


    The ministers, aware of the new king''s fondness for these battle golems, leaned forward.


    "The technique was abandoned more than a hundred years ago, but myself and my disciples rediscovered it and sublimated it. In other words, it works in a completely different way from the that is currently the mainstream."


    At this point, those with a keen intuition guessed that the technology had died out because of the <>.


    Some of them were curious to know what a "completely different system" was.


    (I wonder what kind of method it is. ...... I''d like to hear about it later.)


    (What kind of method? I''d like to hear about it later.) The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magical Technology, Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, is the first person to be appointed to the Ministry of Magical Technology.


    (I''m sure you''ll learn a lot about <, the third generation of the "Magi Craft Meister" mentioned in your ancestor''s diary ......).


    She is 31 years old this year, but she is ambitious and has become the undersecretary of the Ministry of Magical Technology, even though she is a woman.


    No, the same goes for the Minister of Magical Technology, although she is a woman.


    Fiorina de Dorante is 40 years old this year. She is very competitive. Thanks to this character, she has beaten male technicians to the top of the technical profession.


    (...... Interesting!��I''d love to see him compete with my latest golem!)


    I''d love to see my latest golem compete!


    And the new king, who loves golems for combat, had similar thoughts.


    After the applause and cheers that shook the drill hall had died down,


    "Brilliant!��Jin, I have indeed received your gift!


    the new king shouted from his seat.


    The cabinet members were in an uproar at this unusual event, and the Prime Minister, who was also the host of the meeting, coughed once.


    "Well, then, the Minister of Magical Arts and Technology will give a general review: ......."


    Before the Prime Minister could finish, Fiorina de Dorante, the Minister of Magical Technology, ran up to the podium.


    Jin failed to find the right moment to get off the platform and remained on it.


    Regardless, Fiorina began her comments.


    I am Fiorina de Dorante, Minister of Magical Arts and Technology!��Magecraft Meister, your skills are absolutely amazing!


    At that moment, she took Jin''s hand. And then..,


    "Jin-dono, I will surely make efforts for the development of magic technology in order to repay your kindness.


    The audience applauded and cheered again.


    The audience applauded and cheered again.


    Then Fiorina let go of Jin''s hand,


    "The technology of Avalon is also well above the average of this world. I hope that our country will learn from them and aim for further development. ......


    He spoke rather quickly, with his honest opinion.


    "......That''s all for now, Fiorina de Dorante, Minister of Magical Technology."


    When he had finished, he bailed and was greeted with thunderous applause.


    Jin and Fiorina walked down from the platform side by side.


    (What can I say, ......, you''re a hot guy.)


    That was Jin''s first impression of Fiorina de Dorante.


    Yes, with this, I would like to conclude the ceremony commemorating the accession to the throne of His Majesty the new King of the Kingdom of Elias.


    The words of the Prime Minister, the presiding officer of the ceremony, echoed through the parade ground.


    Just as Jin was about to sigh in relief that this was the end.


    I would like to take this opportunity to conduct a mock battle between our latest model of battle golem and the warrior golem that has been donated to us.


    echoed the words of Fiorina de Dorante, Minister of Magic and Technology.


    The audience, who were getting ready to leave, stared at the large magic screen.


    There, the warrior golem donated by Jin is projected.


    (Well, it was a donation, so it''s not for me to say anything about it.)


    I don''t think it''s necessary to inform the public that the golem of the Elias Kingdom is inferior.


    Since yesterday, we have seen several times the golem made in Elias.


    They are not even close to the warrior golem we donated this time.


    Jin thought that even the latest model would be no match for them.


    "Jin-dono, I''m sorry to trouble you, but please determine the master-slave relationship of the golem now.


    At the same time, Jin was summoned by Citranella, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology. Certainly, if we are going to have a mock battle, we need to determine the order of precedence of orders.


    "Yes, sir."


    Jin decides to go to the place where the golem is located. Reiko follows him this time.


    "Your Majesty, the Minister of Magical Arts and Technology, Undersecretary, is that correct?"


    Normally, the Commander of the Kingsguard could be the second in line. Or even the queen.


    But the new King of Elias nodded his head and said that would be fine.


    (Well, he also wants this golem to be a technical reference, so he should welcome it even if a technical person comes first.)


    Jin thinks so,


    <> 1st, His Majesty the King of the Kingdom of Elias. 2nd, His Excellency Fiorina de Dorante, Minister of Magical Technology. 3rd, His Excellency Citranella de Firenziano, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magical Technology."


    And he ranked them as he was told.


    "Mm, okay. "


    Immediately, the new king activated the warrior golem.


    "Yes, master."


    "Yes, master. Your name is Volk.


    "Yes, my lord. I repeat, my name is Volk.


    The new king named,


    "Alright Volk, let''s see what you can do. All right, ......."


    He says.


    "Yes, sir."


    I didn''t catch the last words of his command, but anyway, the New King ordered a mock battle with a battle golem prepared by the Minister of Magical Technology.


    The crowd was delighted.

 1984 - - 52-56 Through mock competition,

    The crowd was delighted by this unexpected event.


    ��Sooner or later this will happen.)


    Jin thinks to himself, "This is going to happen sooner or later.


    Jin was astonished when he saw the latest model of the Elias Kingdom''s battle golem.


    He could tell at a glance that the performance was too different. Of course the is better.


    (I didn''t know that the technology had declined so much. ......)


    That may be understandable. It was the kingdom of Elias that was most influenced by the <>.


    (Nevertheless, ......)


    The exterior is made of iron or mild steel. Jin thought it would be heavy.


    The structure is probably . So its movement is not flexible.


    Its skeleton is probably made of steel, and its muscles are also metal. Therefore, the total weight would be over 500 kilograms.


    (Is weight the only advantage?).


    weighs about 120 kilos with its armor. 4 times more than its weight is a weapon in itself.


    However, Jin thinks that the advantage of <> is unassailable. There are countless ways to fight.


    The problem is that only Jin and Tomax Bartmann are the only ones who are aware of the <>.


    Tomax Bartmann is looking sad and troubled.


    The Minister of Magic and Technology and the Undersecretary of the Kingdom of Elias may have been aware of this, but it was getting to the point where they could no longer back down and the situation was out of Jin''s hands.


    Now, at Your Majesty''s request, we will now have a mock battle of the Golem. The referee will be Hugus Anrock, Deputy Commander of the Kingsguard.


    On the east side is the Volk, and on the west side is the battle golem of the Kingdom of Elias. In his hand is a mock sword without a blade. However, it is made of steel, so it will probably scratch if it hits you.


    "Oh, this is interesting.


    Let''s see who will win.


    "I don''t think the one made by the Magecraft Meister is inferior, but he''s the third generation, not his predecessor who left behind many legends.


    "No, no, as long as you call yourself the Magecraft Meister, you are at the pinnacle of magical technology, aren''t you?


    "Still, I''d like our golem to win, but ...... well, well..."


    The nobles in attendance speak their minds as they please.


    "Hajime!


    The two jumped back and looked at each other.


    I thought they were going to have a standoff, but the Elias Golem,...... which I will call the Elias Golem from now on for convenience, kicked off the ground and rushed toward the Volk.


    Then they clashed sword to sword. Sparks flew for a moment.


    But they do not exchange fire, and Volk dodges to the side. Elias Golem was momentarily thrown for a loop when his opponent disappeared, but he reacted well, turned 90 degrees, and swung his sword sideways.


    However, the Volk had already backstepped out of reach of the sword, and stepped forward just as the sword passed by the sidestepping golem, slashing at it.


    Elias Golem catches him.


    So far, the two seem to be evenly matched in this exchange.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    ��Father, the Volk seems to be holding back well.)


    ��Yes, he is.)


    While everyone was distracted by the heated battle, Jin was talking with Reiko in a whisper that even Tomax Bartman sitting next to him could not hear.


    ��If things continue as they are, I think we''re going to win this one by a narrow margin.)


    (That''s the best. (Was that what the ...... king ordered?)


    (No, from what I''ve heard. ......)


    (......?)


    * * * *


    The battle between the two was becoming more heated.


    Although they did not fight each other head-on, they continued to attack each other, hitting each other two or three times and then separating.


    However, those who see it can see that the Elias golem side does not have much leeway.


    While the Volc is unharmed, Elias Golem''s exterior is covered with countless scratches.


    Finally, the swords held by the two men are shattered.


    Throwing away their useless swords, everyone thought that the two would go in for a duel.


    But then...


    "Oh, what''s that move?"


    A kick?


    Volk did not fight, but used a variety of kicking techniques.


    Not to mention front kicks, spinning kicks, back kicks, jumping kicks, and heel drops.


    "I see, because he is at a disadvantage because of the weight difference when he fights with me.


    "He''s using his speed to his advantage."


    Such murmurs could be heard among the cabinet members.


    However, after a few more exchanges, Elias Golem succeeded in grabbing the Volk''s right shoulder.


    Volk reacted immediately. He shifts his body half a step to the left and twists his body around his left foot.


    Elias Golem is slightly lifted up. Volk leaps up with his right leg.


    This technique is a little like the < in judo. In the martial arts of the Shoro Empire, it is called a .


    If the two were of equal weight, he would throw his opponent down to the ground on his back. The weight difference between the Volk and the Elias golem is insurmountable.


    The Volk crushes the Elias golem to the ground as if to crush it.


    "Oh, you''re not only good with a sword, but also in combat!


    "That''s impressive. That is a move that can only be done with a soft body in human terms.


    Beside the new King of Elias is Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology, who is giving an explanation.


    She is not an expert in swordsmanship or martial arts, but she is an expert in movement.


    The Volk''s movements are very close to those of a human being. That''s why he can use the techniques that humans use.


    "I see. I see. So there is that advantage too.


    The new king seemed to be thinking about something.


    Meanwhile, the mock battle continued.


    Elias Golem is not good at kicking due to its structure.


    Therefore, it is mainly a bludgeon, but it can only hit straight, and cannot use advanced fist techniques. At best, he can swing his arms around.


    However, in close combat, flexibility of the body comes into play.


    In boxing, <<<>, etc., there is a difference between those with flexible bodies and those with rigid bodies.


    In fact, Volk avoided all of Elias Golem''s punches.


    On the other hand, Elias Golem has been hit several times by Volk''s fist, but it is far from a fatal blow, so the mock battle continues.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    (Hmmm, I''m going easy on it... ......)


    Jin feels a sense of powerlessness at the current state of Elias Golem.


    (Father, its performance is far below what we expected before the mock battle.)


    Reiko was also dismayed.


    (Has the golem technology of the Elias Kingdom declined to this level? ......)


    Tomax Bartmann, who was sitting next to Reiko, seemed to feel the same way and was staring at the screen with a furrowed brow.


    (......I need to finish this soon, the damage is piling up. ......)


    Jin did not miss the fact that Elias Golem was slowing down.


    The same was true for Hugus Anlock, the vice-captain of the Kingsguard, who was 40 seconds behind Jin when he noticed it,


    That''s enough!


    and declared the end of the mock battle.

 1985 - - 52-57 Rapid Deployment

    The mock battle was declared over.


    The winner is, of course, .......


    A draw!


    What?


    How is this a draw?


    "It''s a draw!" "It''s a draw!" "It''s a draw!" "It''s a draw!"


    The referee, Hugues Anlocq, the vice-commander of the Kingsguard, was unperturbed and bowed to the king.


    "Hmm . ...... a draw for lack of a decision?"


    King Adalberto Nimmo Elias I nodded knowingly.


    "Heh, Your Majesty!"


    Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic and Technology, was about to say something,


    "Florenziano, the vice-commander of the Kingsguard is a professional fighter. You must not question his decision.


    The king said to him, "You must not dispute that decision," and he swallowed the rest of what he said.


    Meanwhile, Jin and Tomax Bartman said to each other


    "Jin-dono, I think that the Volk won this mock battle!


    Tomax responded, "No, it was the Volk that won,


    "No, it was originally a mock battle to check the performance, so I think it''s better not to assign a winner.


    Jin is apparently unconcerned.


    Jin-dono, are you sure?


    Tomax said, and Jin nodded silently.


    The ministers were divided into 20% in favor of the decision and 80% in opposition, with about three of the 20% in favor arguing for a draw.


    In fact, Jin had an idea that this farce would happen.


    The new king''s order to the Volk was


    <


    This is because the king''s order was "Let''s see your power, Volk.


    This information came from Reiko''s hearing, and from the old man''s deduction of her intention,


    (It is possible that he intends to identify the < group ......, or rather, the group that opposes the promotion of magic technology ......?)


    ), I came to the conclusion that


    During the reign of the previous king, the Kingdom of Elias became one of the strongholds of the , which caused a considerable number of intellectuals to abandon the country. The country has regressed greatly in terms of culture and civilization.


    The new king may be concerned about such a situation and wants to do something about it.


    If he wants to uproot the faction that still has its roots in the political arena, Jin would have no hesitation in cooperating with them.


    However, I am at a loss to make a decision at this point.


    ��If so, the new king may be quite a raccoon.)


    By the way, there is no animal equivalent to a raccoon dog in Arus. There is a related species, the tagun, which is an omnivorous animal that looks like a badger, a raccoon, and a civet divided by 3.


    Of course, they don''t beguile people, so you can''t say <> to them.


    I''ll leave you to talk about it.


    So, although Jin was somewhat, or rather quite annoyed, he was interested in what kind of attitude the new king would take and what kind of measures he would take.


    I have indeed received the gift of my accession to the throne. Magecraftsman Jin Nidor, I thank you.


    Once again, the king''s words echoed through the drill hall, first in flurries and then in louder and louder thunderous applause.


    Everyone knows who the winner is. Everyone knows whose golem is the winner.


    And so did Fiorina de Dorante, Minister of Magical Technology, and Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magical Technology.


    Only Hugues Anlocke, the vice-commander of the Kingsguard, had his face contorted into an ugly expression.


    In fact, he was the lion''s share of the kingdom of Elias. <.


    In that sense, the new king''s plan has worked.


    Including him, there are four remaining remnants of the <> in the heart of the Kingdom of Elias. They were determined not to miss this opportunity to take out both the Magecraft Meister and the High Administrator of Avalon at the same time.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    After the ceremony, the king and the royal family go up to the royal castle first, followed by the ministers and the guests. The general public is last.


    Jin and Tomax Bartmann go to the castle, guarded by 10 knights of the Kingsguard. A party is scheduled to be held at the castle afterwards.


    Jin and the others slowly make their way to the castle in the same car as before.


    Just before the castle, the car suddenly stops.


    The central avenue widens into a multi-purpose plaza in front of the castle.


    "What is it?"


    The driver shouted in impatience, but the car remained stationary.


    "What''s going on?


    Why isn''t it moving?


    The knights escorting the car are puzzled by the fact that the car has stopped moving even though there is nothing wrong with it from the outside.


    ......That''s why you can''t trust such a thing as a "Magi Machine"!


    A voice rings out from nowhere, and a deformed golem appears.


    The figure barely resembles a person. It has no head, and its head rests directly on its shoulders.


    Its body was as thick as a barrel, and it had three supporting legs. It had three legs to support itself and six arms.


    Three of them appeared.


    "Who are you?


    The escorting knight, knowing it was futile, asked who they were, but the golem didn''t respond, and unleashed a thunderbolt magic spell, <>.


    "Whoa!"


    It popped under the knights'' feet. Pale sparks flew.


    You stay back! It''s the guests we want!


    Don''t be stupid!��It''s a disgrace to the Kingsguard to put our guests in danger!


    I don''t care if you get hurt in the process.


    The misshapen golem unleashed another Thunderbolt.


    It struck the lead knight''s horse. The horse fell over, unable even to make a sound.


    The knight on the horse is thrown to the street and does not move, probably paralyzed by the aftermath of the thunderbolt.


    I have lessened the force of the bolt, so the horse is probably not dead. Heed my advice.


    The misshapen golem said in an arrogant tone.


    "Unu......!"


    The nine remaining knights are so overwhelmed that they can do nothing when the deformed golem steps forward.


    "Yes. "So watch and see!


    The deformed golem fires a at the car with Jin and Tomax in it.


    However, the bolt bounces off the car and disappears far in front of it.


    What?


    I won''t let you!


    Two shadows stand in front of the car in which Jin and Tomax are riding.


    "I wondered where they were going to attack us, but here they are."


    One is the figure of a small girl, Reiko.


    "I won''t let you do what you want."


    The other is Tomax''s secretary, Manon, an automata.


    "Sister Reiko, you can trust me to protect you."


    "I understand. I''ll leave it to you.


    Manon is based on a five-color golem maid. Its output has been detuned, but its warding function is still the same.


    In other words, it is capable of creating both <> and <>.


    Automata?��You are so clever!��Bow before my magic!��<


    The deformed golem fires a stop command at Reiko.

 1986 - - 52-58 Battle of various places

    The deformed golem shoots a stop sign at Reiko.


    But Reiko won''t stop at that.


    Why? !��How can she move after being hit by my magic?


    Yes, the deformed golem had used the same magic that the Unified Party had used in the past, the Overwrite, to stop the car''s golem engine.


    He used it on Reiko and Manon, but the two did not stop, so he wondered why they did not stop.


    "Such an old-fashioned magic, it was already taken care of 400 years ago!


    Reiko first lightly hit the deformed golem that was in the foremost position.


    With that, the deformed golem was broken into pieces.


    What the hell!


    !��<


    The misshapen golem, having lost its comrades, fires a volley of and at Reiko in rapid succession.


    The two advanced magic attacks hit Reiko without hitting her directly ......, and they bounced off about 5 meters in front of her. The effect was that of a <> and a <>.


    What?


    "It doesn''t work!"


    Reiko then kicks the one nearest to her out of the remaining two. Naturally, the deformed golem was crushed beyond recognition.


    < and the were also seen to be fired from different arms.


    Jin, who was watching the scene, had an idea of what the deformed golem looked like.


    ��I see, it is a golem specialized in magic, since it is a descendant of the <>. The reason it has six arms is because each of them has a different magic attribute. Lightning, wind, and . (The remaining three arms are ...... fire, water, and earth?)


    And think for a moment.


    (If so, I''d like to show the guy who sent this to me ...... what I''m talking about!)


    Deciding how to deal with it, Jin shouted out an instruction to Reiko.


    "Reiko!��You deal with the remaining one with magic!"


    "Yes, Father!"


    Reiko is on the verge of punching the remaining deformed golem, but she hears Jin''s instruction and decides not to. She then moves away.


    A mass of bright red flame strikes Reiko like a spear ......, but it too bursts out and disappears four meters in front of Reiko.


    "Five meters earlier, now four meters. So the magic is a little more powerful this time.


    A little? ......!��Can you still say that?��<


    An electric shock of an order of magnitude different from the previous ones struck Reiko. But this too was drowned out within 3 meters in front of Reiko.


    ��The amount of magic power that can be put into magic is about 1/1000 to 1/200th of Reiko''s. (Hmmm, the amount of magic power that can be put into the magic is about 1/1000 to 1/2000 of Reiko''s.) That barrel-shaped body is probably a mana tank.


    Jin continued his analysis of the attack on Reiko, and when he had a rough idea of what was going on, he used the bracelet to contact the old man.


    Incidentally, the driver of the car had already escaped long ago, and the knights escorting him were all unconscious in the aftermath. Therefore, there is no danger of being overheard.


    It''s me, old man. The deformed golem that Reiko is dealing with right now, do you know who is controlling it?


    The answer came immediately.


    <


    "Oh, the royal castle?"


    <


    "I see...is that why you have the technology you have?"


    <


    Jin felt that this was the newest model, and that an organization with contradictions had nothing to see in terms of technology.


    In front of Jin''s eyes, the last remaining Golem had been reduced to a lump of molten iron by Reiko''s fire magic <>.


    "So that''s it."


    It''s a pity, but this is the Elias Kingdom as it is now.


    The King of Elias is now the king of the Kingdom of Elias.


    Meanwhile, the new king arrives at the castle ahead of the others, and is met by a detachment of remnants of the League of Magic.


    "Your Majesty, please step back!"


    The new king is protected by Bartolo Eldiais, the leader of the Kingsguard.


    Now the carriages with the ministers are separated, and here is only the carriage with the king.


    And .......


    "You were the traitor, deputy commander?"


    Standing in front of them was Hugus Anlock, the vice-commander of the Kingsguard.


    "You think you can get away with this?


    Bartolo''s loud voice rang out. But Hugus Anlok, the deputy commander, brushed it off with the wind in his willows.


    "No, no, I don''t think you can get away with this for free. <


    All I can do is give this world a shot in the arm, Hugus replied.


    "You ......"


    Knight Commander Bartolo''s face contorted in frustration that he had not realized that the sub-commander was hiding such madness.


    He hated himself for being so stupid as to have trusted this capable man until recently.


    "Protect His Majesty!��...... or ......"


    He tried to order his men to protect the new king, but what if they were traitors?��He thinks, "What if they are traitors?


    Then...


    "Your Majesty, you will protect him. I will eliminate the enemy.


    I will eliminate the enemy. Bartolo looks to see that it is not the voice of a subordinate, but the warrior golem presented by the MagiCraft Meister that day.


    "...... Volk, can you do it?"


    the new king asks.


    "Yes, if you command it."


    "......Good! Eliminate those who oppose me!��Bartolo, you must protect me.


    Yes!


    I''m coming!


    The knight-errant stands between the new king and his enemies.


    "Well, I know what you''re capable of. ...... intercept."


    Hugus Unruck, the deputy commander, ordered the ten battle golems lined up behind him.


    Volk dodged just ...... before colliding with one of them and swiped it off its feet. He was just beginning to pick up speed when he was knocked off his feet. The battle golem slumped and fell, rolling for about 10 meters before coming to a stop.


    The direction is 90 degrees away from the new king''s carriage, so there is no danger to that direction.


    The Volk then succeeds in wresting the mace from the other. With a blow, he knocks another one down. Eight remain.


    The Volk then casually moves to pull away from the New King''s chariot. Before they knew it, the battlefield had moved away from the new king''s chariot.


    The Volk can now give it his all.


    It was originally tuned by Jin for battle. Its fighting power is high.


    With a single swing of his mace, one of them was blown away. It was a blow with no mercy. The Volk did not want to take too long. Of course, he knew that being away from the king he was supposed to protect for so long was a bad idea.


    But there was no way the mace could withstand the power of the Volk, and after killing the second one, it broke in half, rendering it useless.


    Still, the Volk does not stop.


    His light silver fists, and by Jin, easily crushed the mere steel exterior of the battle golem.


    A full-power throw can hurl a battle golem weighing over 400 kilograms several meters.


    In the blink of an eye, the battle golem''s numbers dwindled.


    "What the ...... is going on!��How can that golem be so strong?


    Hugus Unlock could not understand what was happening before his eyes.


    He was only a knight after all, and since he had little regard for magical engineering, he didn''t have the eyes to see what the golem was capable of.


    "Fool! You claim to deny magical technology and magical engineering, yet you rely on the Golem. Do you not see the contradiction?"


    "......"


    Hugus Unlok has nothing to say in response to the new king''s words.


    Now, in front of his eyes, the seventh golem for battle had become inoperable.


    "Oh, this is amazing!��This is indeed the work of a Magecraft Meister!"


    The simple-minded captain of the Kingsguard was impressed by Volk''s fighting skills.


    "After all, along with the human knights, we need a golem guard or warrior force!


    He also sensed that the current military of the Kingdom of Elias was distorted.


    Furthermore,


    (Hmmm, it is indeed the work of a magical engineer, the MagiCraft Meister. I thought that the earlier mock battle had been quite skimpy, but I was right.)


    Adalbert Nimmo Elias I, the new king of the Kingdom of Elias, nodded his head in satisfaction.

 1987 - - 52-59 Acting

    Reiko manages to fight off the magic-specialized golem that has attacked her.


    "It''s over. Thank you, Reiko.


    No, it was easy.


    Jin thanked Reiko for coming back. Then the old man called.


    Reiko is left to take care of the surroundings, while Jin responds with the manacam function of the bracelet.


    "What is it, old man?


    "Yes, and?"


    <


    "What?


    It was a shocking fact.


    <


    "Oh, that''s not so strange ......?"


    Jin thought that Daikie of the Shoro Kingdom might know about this.


    * * * *


    "In your father''s time, you did as you pleased, but now that I am on the throne, that will not be so!"


    Adalbert Nimmo Elias I proudly declared to Hugues Anlocke, former vice-commander of the Kingsguard.


    "Uh-uh, you''ve been pretending to be something you''re not ......!"


    "Yes, I have. Yes. I am descended, albeit slightly, from the second generation of magical engineers, the MagiCraft Meisters.


    It was an act to make us believe that he had been committed to the ideas of the <> until now.


    At this point, all ten of the battle golems had been neutralized by the Volk.


    The Volk then closed in on Hugus Unlock at once.


    "You golems are so clever!"


    Hugus Anlok, the deputy commander of the Kingsguard, drew his sword and slashed at Volk, but the difference in reaction speed was too great, and Volk easily avoided him, releasing a <> spell.


    "Aggyage!"


    Hugus Unlok was knocked unconscious by this quick action, unable to avoid it. Volk tied him up and set him before the king.


    "Well done, Volk.


    "Thank you."


    The new king looked at the Volk and admired his appearance. There was not a scratch on any part of his body.


    ��Hmmm... still a fine sight. (The skill of the ......<> is amazing.)


    "Your Majesty!��Are you all right?


    The divided ministers came rushing in with their soldiers.


    "Well, I see that you are also safe.


    But this brought confusion at the same time.


    Someone took advantage of the chaos and tried to stab the new king.


    Your Majesty, look out!


    Kayla!


    The one who stopped them was the golem , a maid presented by Jin. Using her fast reaction speed and <> body as a shield, she blocked the assassin''s knife.


    "d*mn you!"


    Kaela''s body is made of sapphire with a Mohs hardness of 9, and her clothes are made of tough subterranean spider silk (GSS). Not even a hidden knife can scratch her.


    "I won''t let you."


    Jin, who had trained her in self-defense, was not mistaken. Kaela twisted up the hand holding the knife and threw him down with a single back slap.


    The assassin fainted, unable to speak. The soldiers of the guard tied him up in the blink of an eye.


    It was one of his ministers who targeted the new king. He was arrested on the spot, of course.


    "Well ...... you let your guard down. Kayla, you did good. I thank you."


    "What a waste of words."


    Kayla continues to stand by the new king and guard him.


    "Your Majesty, I''m sorry I can''t be of more help to you as your bodyguard!"


    Bartolo Eldiais, the leader of the Kingsguard, bows his head. The new king allows it.


    "Bartolo, the attack was unavoidable. You were preparing for an attack from the outside. I did not realize that there was a traitor inside and I let my guard down. But I am very glad that Kaela here is here.


    * * * *


    At last, the commotion seems to have died down, and the new king and his party slowly return to the royal castle.


    No more attackers appeared, and a roll call was taken in front of the castle square to check the damage, but no casualties were reported.


    Hugus Anrock, former vice-commander of the Kingsguard, and two of the cabinet members'' attendants were also not seriously injured.


    Jin and the others arrived, too. Since the drivers of both cars had fled, Jin and Tomax were in the same car. The driver is Manon and the escort is Reiko.


    "Oh, Jin-dono!


    Fiorina de Dorante, Minister of Magical Technology, rushed to greet Jin and the others.


    "Thanks to your Volk and Kaela, your Majesty is safe. I would like to thank you as well."


    "...... What do you mean?"


    Jin was astonished to be asked such a question out of the blue. Then Fiorina gave him a brief explanation.


    "I see, I see. ...... we were also attacked by a deformed golem, but we managed to fight it off.


    "Oh, there is only one car."


    Fiorina finally noticed this, asked Jin again about the situation, and hurriedly went to report to Bartolo, the Commander of the Kingsguard.


    The captain of the Kingsguard arrived immediately. Jin once again told the story of the attack.


    "For now, we loaded the defeated deformed golem into the other car and left it to the guards we met on the way. ...... Oh, it looks like they''re coming."


    Another car comes along. One of the drivers, who had fled, was driving with an embarrassed look on his face.


    Seeing this, the Commander of the Kingsguard entrusted the Minister of Magical Technology to guide Jin and the others.


    "All right. We will take care of the rest, so our guests Jin and Tomax, please go to the royal castle. ...... Dorante, may I leave this to you?"


    "Yes. Then, Jin-dono and Tomax-dono, please come this way."


    By the way, the apology was to be made later, when the situation had settled down.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin and Tomax were shown to the room where they had stayed yesterday in the guest house.


    "......Fu, I guess things have finally calmed down."


    After finishing the meal that had been brought to him, Jin took a break. He had been late for lunch for some reason.


    "The vice-commander of the Kingsguard and one of the cabinet members. I wonder how many more traitors there are."


    Jin looked at me with a difficult face, "There was also a suspicious person who broke into the hangar last night .......


    "Father, it''s not safe for you to stay here, why don''t you go home?"


    Reiko said, concerned about Jin''s safety. Jin did not want to ignore her comment.


    "Well, I guess I''ll switch places with my doppelganger.


    "Please do so."


    "If that''s the case, how would you do it? ......


    Sending the doppelganger from Horai Island to here is easy if the old man uses the transporter, but it is not easy for Jin to return to Horai Island.


    "Then, why don''t you go to and use the warp gate there?


    "Yes, I will."


    So, Jin and Reiko decide to go to the airfield after informing the Kingsguard guarding the castle of their intention to do so.


    The reason for this was that they wanted to check the in the hangar, as they had heard that there had been a suspicious person last night.


    Since the sun was still high in the sky, the request was immediately accepted, and Jin and Reiko headed for the airfield, escorted by the two knights.

 1988 - - 52 - 60 as a conclusion

    At 3:00 p.m. Jin and his team arrived at the airfield.


    The knight escorting them called the security captain to open the hangar door. Jin and Reiko immediately went inside.


    "Hope, is everything all right?"


    "Yes, Master. No one suspicious has come in since then. But we think they may be nearby.


    Hope remembers the suspicious man''s magic patterns from last night. Hope guessed that the proximity of the same thing could mean that it was someone from the airport or from the security team.


    "I see. We''ll follow that line of thought."


    Anyway, Jin himself returns to Horai Island via the warp gate as soon as he confirms the inside of the <>.


    In his place, the doppelganger piloted by the old man arrives. <


    "There seems to be nothing wrong."


    <, and checks the airship of and < as well, and confirms that there is nothing wrong with them.


    At this point, Jin''s <>, <>, senses that the suspicious person from last night is nearby.


    Jin D, who went out of the hangar to check that everything was OK, finds out that the person with the magic pattern is one of the security guards.


    <


    The old man who controls Jin-D is satisfied and considers how to handle the situation.


    <<>.


    The old man decides so and has Jin D casually approach the guard. The knights followed.


    "May I have a word?"


    "Yes, may I help you?"


    The prowler responds in a natural way.


    I''d like to ask you about the prowler last night.


    The old man felt through Jin D''s hearing that the suspicious person''s heart rate jumped slightly when he heard this question.


    "What do you mean by ......?"


    "No, it''s just as you said."


    Then the suspicious person suddenly turned himself around and tried to run away, and Jin D grabbed his arm with a reaction speed that only a doppelganger can have.


    "Why are you running away?"


    Jin-D asks calmly, but the suspicious man becomes increasingly excited.


    "d*mn it, let go of me!


    The knight who was escorting the suspicious man interrupted him.


    "What on earth are you in such a hurry for?��Do you have something to hide?"


    At this point, Jin-D makes a decisive remark.


    "Are you perhaps a remnant of the League of Magic?


    "We are not a remnant!��We can still do it!��We will rebuild this world!


    With this confession, the man is arrested by the knight.


    <>


    In Horai Island, the old man reported to Jin who had returned and was relaxing.


    .


    "Yes. Reiko just told me that too. That makes one or two more."


    Jin puts on the table and drinks tea while talking with her.


    Mini Reiko is a small doppelganger remotely controlled by Reiko herself. Therefore, the processing power of Reiko herself who is controlling it is a little lower.


    However, this is not a problem in most cases, since Reiko''s information processing capability is high by nature.


    We were now listening to a live report by the mini Reiko.


    "At least, there must be some kind of technician who was controlling the <."


    >


    "I suppose so. ......"


    Jin sipped his cup of hojicha (roasted green tea) and chimed in.


    * * *


    Jin D returned to the guest house.


    The captured suspicious person will be brought in for questioning by the knight.


    "Now, we''ve managed to flush out a lot of the remnants that remained in the castle.


    The knight who had taken the suspicious person away looked a little pleased.


    When Jin D returned to his room, waiting for him was Kaela, who had come as an envoy of the new king.


    "Jin-sama, His Majesty wishes to speak with you. May I come in?"


    "Yes."


    Jin D nodded and followed Kaela with Reiko.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Jin D. was not taken to his office, but to a conference room.


    There was the new king, Adalberto Nimmo Elias I, the Minister of Magical Technology, Fiorina de Dorante, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magical Technology, Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, and Bartolo Eldiais, the Commander of the Kingsguard.


    In addition, the golem , a gift from Jin, and , who had just arrived with us.


    And Tomax Bartman.


    "First of all, Jin-dono, Tomax-dono, I am sorry to call you here when you are tired.


    Bartolo Eldiais, the leader of the Kingsguard, opened his mouth.


    The next to open his mouth was the new king, Adalbert.


    "I am truly sorry!


    The new king stood up and bowed to Jin and the others.


    "It was our fault that we put you both in danger. I hope you will forgive me. As you see."


    "......"


    "We were not so sure. We had no idea that the vice-commander of the Kingsguard had betrayed us.


    Bartolo, the Kingsguard commander, bowed his head.


    "After this, the government will also pay you a formal fee.


    After all this, Jin D. could not help but say something.


    "I understand. I accept your apology."


    "Oh, thank you."


    The one who is controlling Jin D now is, at least for the moment, Jin himself.


    He has shown his sincerity again, since no damage was done, and he is willing to pay ...... money or supplies ...... for his comfort.


    In addition, Jin was not able to leave the house because of his own blood, even if it was far away from him.


    "Once again, I apologize for my ineptitude today and thank you for your great help in fighting them off."


    This is the new king. Unlike his behavior in the training camp, Jin was impressed by his sincerity.


    "Our country has long been under the influence of the League of Magic. My father, the previous king, was so devoted to the ideas of the <> that I thought he had been brainwashed, and he was aiding them."


    He was so fanatical that he even feared for his life if he, as the crown prince, did not agree with them, let alone abolish his legitimacy.


    "Recently, however, the power of the <> is rapidly shrinking. First of all, the <> seems to have regained its power, and above all, I heard that <> has disappeared.


    After gathering various other information, he decided that now was the time to get out from under the influence of the <>.


    "We were able to flush out the remnants and purge them, but we did not expect that they would attack you, our guests. It was a complete error of judgment on our part."


    Again the new king bowed his head.


    "Now then, I will come to the main question that brought you here.


    Fiorina de Dorante, the Minister of Magical Technology, spoke up.


    "I have discovered the source of the golem that you have neutralized, a golem specialized in magic. It was here in the castle. ......


    Jin, who was monitoring the meeting via Jin D, was convinced.


    <


    I thought he would have disappeared by the time Jin and the others arrived at the castle. .......


    "It was Bernarda Jasch, the chief engineer of the Ministry of Magical Technology. When we caught her, she confessed rather easily.


    It seems that she did not run away, and that she confessed to the truth.


    "When I asked him about it, he told me that his latest model magic-specific golem had been lightly twisted by one of Master Jin''s followers, and that his heart had been broken."


    "I see."


    Jin was relieved to see that the battle had not been in vain.


    "......We live in a world that is made up of matter, and we cannot completely separate ourselves from it. I don''t know when, in the distant future, but at least for the time being, we will have to rely on matter."


    The new king opened his mouth as if to reassure us. His tone is now more like a king''s.


    "I cannot get tired of hating the for destroying everything that their predecessors, the Magecraft Meisters, and their friends, have built."


    The new king broke off, glanced at Jin, and continued.


    "My great-grandmother came from the House of Nido in the Kingdom of Shoro. In other words, the previous generation of magecraft masters and I are related by blood.


    The king himself said what the old man had reported to him.


    "Not necessarily because of this, but I (I) would like to cooperate in the development of magical technology, especially in its peaceful use.


    The new king declared, "I take back what I said the other day about reducing the donation to <>.


    "Thank you very much."


    Tomax Bartmann smiled happily.


    Jin was also relieved and happy to know the new king''s true intentions.


    "From now on, I would like to ask for your further technical support.


    The new king, Adalberto Nimmo Elias I, bowed his head again.


    "Yes, in that case, Avalon would be happy to cooperate with you.


    I, too, would like to revive the technology of the past.


    Tomax Bartmann and Jin accepted King Elias'' offer.


    "Thank you, Jin."


    "Thank you, Tomax."


    Fiorina de Dorante, Minister of Magical Technology, Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, Vice Minister, and Bartolo Eldiais, Commander of the Kingsguard, thanked them.


    The Kingdom of Elias will start on the path of development again.


    Jin will cooperate with them as much as possible.


    Outside the castle, a beautiful sunset sky was spreading, reminding us of the fine weather of the next day.

 1989 - - 52-61 Silent Story 88 Freddie or Kaina Village

    My name is Freddy Nidor.


    I am from a branch of the House of Nidor.


    In 3579, the year the settlement of the continent of Pandor began, a branch of the Nido family became the lord of the village of Kaina.


    Since then, their descendants have been the lords of the village of Kaina until the year 3900. The main family resides in Leusert, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom.


    For some reason, the population of Kayna has not increased or decreased much over the past 400 years.


    Despite this, tax revenues have been high.


    This is probably due to the work of <> Jin Nido.


    He started with the installation of pumps to pump up the wells, developed hot springs, developed gutta-percha products (natural rubber), and exported magi stones.


    In terms of agriculture, the village is protected from pests and diseases.


    In addition, several golems have been deployed as of the village, so that the village is completely protected from the dangers of wild beasts, magical beasts, bandits, and bandits.


    Golem horses are available for the villagers to use for transportation.


    This village is a very nice place to live.


    A little about myself: I was born in 3881, which makes me 19 years old this year.


    My parents died early and I was raised by my grandmother, Elise.


    My grandmother was a gentle and patient woman, my ideal woman.


    And both my grandmother and I have blond hair and blue eyes.


    I think I have the characteristics of the Randall family, the family of Elsa, the first wife of the Nido family.


    All the members of the Nido family, whether they are direct descendants or descendants of the branch families, have the blood of Master Jin and Master Elsa.


    Therefore, they tend to have black or blond hair. The color of their eyes is also black, dark brown, blue or light blue.


    Needless to say, the first generation of the Nido family was the world''s only .


    The fact that no one has succeeded to his title since his death shows how great he was.


    Of course, there were many who aspired to magical engineering. But none of them ever reached the heights of a Magecraftsman.


    No one, not even those outside the family, has become a Magecraftsman.


    According to legend, a dark-haired girl would appear before those who were worthy of the title of <> and bestow it upon them.


    Well, I guess it is a kind of fairy tale.


    I, myself, studied at the magical engineering school in the Kingdom of Klein and took a famous magecraftsman from the Kingdom of Egelea as my teacher.


    However, perhaps I was not talented enough to become anything more than a mediocre magical engineer.


    This cast a dark shadow over my childhood. <. And it was for the worse.


    When I was a child, I was frequently invited to parties, garden parties, celebrations, and other such occasions at the homes of aristocrats, wealthy merchants, and influential people in town.


    There were always girls of the same age introduced to me.


    I didn''t know what it meant when I was a child, but when I became what is called an "adolescent," I had to understand.


    My parents and their daughters came on to me, calling me their < or < fianc��e, even though we had only met once when I was a child.


    The Nido branch of the Nido family is of honorary nobility. They have no power except that they are the lords of the village of Kayna.


    The village of Kayna is a wealthy village, but being a lord does not mean that you can get a lot of money.


    Yes, it is like the fairy tale of the kokarisk that lays the golden egg. You can make a modest profit consistently, but that''s it. You can''t make a lot of money all at once.


    To be honest, I enjoyed being pampered when I was a boy. I enjoyed parties with lots of girls.


    But...


    But when I had passed the age of fifteen, which is considered the age of adulthood, and had failed to become a full-fledged magecraftsman, let alone a "Magecraftsman," I was abandoned by my circle of friends.


    My daughter, who had been by my side until the end, left me when I turned 17, saying, <>.


    For the next two years, I was in a rough ...... I think.


    It was then that my grandmother invited me to visit the village of Kaina.


    My grandmother had been a little down lately, and I was secretly worried about her.


    In the village of Kaina, I met a young man who claimed to be the <>.


    He was a small man with dark eyes and dark hair, but he looked rather unreliable.


    However, he had a dark-haired girl ...... Reiko ...... as his follower, and he used the facilities of <> at his disposal. Yes, even things that my grandmother and I had never mastered.


    The people I was with were amazed.


    <


    From the perspective of my generation, this man Jin may have studied under Marikka, but there was no way that Marikka would have studied under him.


    And then there was a woman who called herself Glina Kuzma. The surname Kuzma is the same as that of the Marquis of Kuzma, a nobleman of the Kingdom of Egelea.


    And the Kuzma family has had close ties to the Nido family for 400 years.


    Oh, yes, there was another girl who called herself Rubina Garrett.


    ......Greena Kuzma was unlike any other girl I had ever met.


    She had shoulder-length light brown hair and cheerful, steeple-colored eyes. She was about my age.


    She wanted to criticize me for my irreverent attitude toward Jin.


    The only feelings I have ever received from a woman were <> and <>, so it was refreshing to hear her bare her feelings with the words <>sounded fresh to me.


    Unfortunately, our meals were being served at the time, so we didn''t argue.


    Afterwards, through the conversation during and after the meal, I realized what a good technician he was and my view of him changed a little.


    The decisive factor, however, was when Marikka-sama inadvertently mentioned that she was the same Jin-sama who had been a about 400 years ago>.


    There was an explanation that I didn''t understand, such as a duplicate or a copy, and all the battlers and golem maids in Nido Castle testified that he was the second <.


    It is hard not to believe them, and if so, he is the first generation of the Nido family.


    I was especially impressed by my grandmother''s happy expression when she started calling him <>.


    * * *


    The days on Horai Island were shocking.


    It made me realize how small the world I had seen until then was. Magic tools, ships, cars, golems ......, and many other works that are far above today''s world standards.


    Incredibly, he even cured my grandmother''s heart condition in an instant and painlessly.


    Master Jin even told me that I have a talent for magical engineering.


    He said that I have similar magical powers to Master Jin. The same thing was said by Gulina.


    Rubina, the little girl who was with us, said, <>She said that she was a little girl and that she was a little girl.


    Maricka said <.


    Then Jin-sama gave me some training to develop my talent.


    Some of them were tough, but my skills improved in a short period of time.


    I mustn''t forget ......, but I can''t forget Gulina.


    At first she was not so friendly to me, but when she knew that I was fascinated by Jin-sama, she started to treat me normally.


    As a senior student of magical engineering, she taught me many things.


    Unfortunately, my skills are still far from her level.


    But someday ......, or maybe in the near future, I will become an engineer who can compete with her.


    April 30, 3900 Freddy Nido writes


    * * * *


    When Freddy Nidor becomes a well-known magecraftsman afterwards, and those who gave up on him come to him again, there will be a certain woman ...... next to him.... ........

 1990 - - 52-62 Silent Story 89 New King Adalbertos Trouble

    In the year 3800 of the continental calendar, Aicha Nidor is born to the Nidor family of Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom.


    She married the Dauphin of the Kingdom of Elias and had one son and three daughters.


    The Dauphin became king and his eldest son also became the next king.


    Between 3800 and 3900 of the continental calendar, the Kingdom of Elias came under the influence of the The eldest son of Aika took the throne.


    The influence of the League of Magic increased when Aika''s eldest son ascended to the throne, and in his later years, most of the important positions in the kingdom were filled by people who had the support of the League of Magic.


    Its main purpose is to raise funds.


    The , which is found in most countries, had its budget cut to less than one-tenth, and 80% of its staff was restructured under the name of .


    Those who remained were those who were called "incompetent".


    Yes, the <> took the initiative to cut down the capable ones.


    As a side note, most of those who were cut off have fled to <>, and some to the Shoro Empire.


    Naturally, the country''s magical technology declined.


    Then came the reign of Braulio Edra Elias, King of the Kingdom of Elias. He is the grandson of AICA.


    "Listen, Nemo. It''s not good to rely on matter. We humans can do anything we want with the bodies we''ve been given."


    Nemo is Adalbert''s childhood name.


    King Braulio Edra Elias loved his only son, the Dauphin Adalberto Nimmo, but on the other hand,


    "Fool!��Don''t be interested in magic tools!"


    He hated magic tools to an unusual degree.


    Looking back on it now, Adalbert thinks that he must have been under some kind of <> spell.


    When he was a child, Adalberto thought it was normal.


    But that changed when he met his fianc��e, Lorraine Theoderic von Malak, a five year old girl whom he was introduced to on his tenth birthday.


    Lorraine had rather dark brown hair ......, which is a common hair color, and striking violet eyes.


    She was the third daughter of the Marquise Theoderic,...... from the Shoro Empire, as her name suggests.


    "So, why is that jyoujogo-remu not moving well?"


    "Well, it''s old. It can''t be helped.


    "Then, why don''t you fix it?"


    "Yes, but there is no one who can do that. But there is no one who can do that.


    "Is that so? ...... I feel sorry for them."


    At first, the conversation was like that. They saw each other only two or three times a year.


    But when Lorraine turned 13, we became officially engaged and made our name known both at home and abroad.


    When we traveled to Shoro, Lorraine''s hometown, as a commemorative trip to celebrate our engagement, I was amazed at the power of their magical technology.


    We were able to visit the former residence of in Loisart, although it was only for an hour or so.


    The house where his great-grandmother was born and raised and where his great ancestors lived was more than enough to enlighten the 18-year-old Adalbert.


    "This golem has been working for four hundred years now?


    Yes, it has not been serviced at all during that time.


    This magic stove and refrigerator were made by Jin-sama, right?


    Yes. Yes, I''ve been cleaning them.


    Lorraine, his fianc��e, also had a twinkle in her eye.


    * * * *


    Adalbert returned to the Kingdom of Elias and realized once again how far behind his country was.


    However, most of the leaders ...... or even most of the important positions in the country are controlled by the , and if he does anything wrong, he might be assassinated rather than be disinherited.


    (Is this the time to lay low? ......)


    With regret in his heart, the crown prince Adalbert decides to put on the skin of a fool.


    "Your Highness, you have changed".


    It was a little hard to deceive even his fianc��e Lorraine, but .......


    "But I''m sure you have a plan. I believe in you, Your Highness.


    Lorraine continued to support Adalbert.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Adalbert''s father, the king, became ill and died.


    Despite his mourning, the country needed a monarch, and Adalbert was enthroned after a brief ceremony.


    He is named Adalberto Nimmo Elias I.


    He called himself <<1st>, even though there was no other monarch with the same name, as a sign of the <>.


    And time flies.


    The time has come!


    While the mourning was still fresh, an incident occurred that dealt a heavy blow to the <>.


    <


    "Capture those who have been spying on us for some time!"


    He sent an order to his closest confidantes, the Knights of the Kingsguard, and captured more than 30 nobles of the <>.


    At this point, however, he has not yet taken off the mask of the Fool King.


    The previous order to the Knights of the Kingsguard was also given in secret.


    Therefore, it was an operation in which not a single person could escape.


    Conversely, in order to reduce the risk, those in ambiguous positions were overlooked.


    Now we have a little more openness.


    Your Majesty.


    The two cooperating parties were the Minister of Magical Technology, Fiorina de Dorante, and her undersecretary, Citranella de Zaus Firenziano.


    Both were trusted advisors to the golem-loving new king, who had known them since he was a crown prince.


    "But of those still in the center of ......, perhaps a dozen or so must be in league with the League of Magic.


    If all of them were captured, there would indeed be a delay in the national government, so the first round of purges had to be completed, albeit half-heartedly.


    "But this will be at the sole discretion of the Kingsguard, Fiorina, and Citranella, yourselves.


    "Yes, I understand, Your Majesty."


    And Adalbert, the foolish king, forgives them at the entreaty of his men.


    "One more time. Once more, and the root of the plague will be cut off."


    At the same time, it seemed that if this decision was not made, the remnants of the would go underground and would not be easily eradicated.


    The time of the decisive moment arrived.


    And then the decisive moment arrives.


    The third generation of and the Supreme Administrator of will visit the city.


    We will take this opportunity to cleanse the city of the remnants of the Magi.


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    The new king made a great mistake.


    The new king had one major mistake to make: the lion''s den, Hugus Unlocke, second-in-command of the Kingsguard.


    He was a fanatic of the League of Magic. His madness was that he thought that if the kingdom of Elias was going to be destroyed anyway, it would be with the kingdom of Elias as well.


    Therefore, he planned to assassinate the king and his guests.


    Because of his position as the vice-commander of the Kingsguard, he was able to devise his own plan by exploiting the gaps in the King''s plan.


    This led to the uproar on the day of the assassination.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Ah, now my father has finally been avenged.


    After all was said and done, the new king, Adalberto Nimmo Elias I, Adalberto Nimmo Elias ...... no longer needed to wear the skin of a fool, went out on the balcony next to his office He went out on the balcony next to his office and looked up at the sky.


    It was night and the stars were twinkling.


    He could now take his revenge on the that had probably brainwashed and driven his father king mad, and ended him as a fool king who had caused the decline of the country.


    He is now completely freed from his long days of servitude and can finally reveal himself.


    Then Queen Lorraine Faula Elias came to her husband.


    "I have believed in you, Your ...... Majesty".


    Queen Lorraine wept for the first time in many years, knowing that her once wise husband had returned.


    "You have worried me, my dear. ...... but I have a little bit of Magecraft Meister''s blood in me.


    He taps his stomach and drops his eyes to it.


    "...... I may have to lose some of the flab in this belly, too."


    The new king patted the flab that he had gained while wearing the mask of a fool.


    "Hmmm. ...... but your majesty, you have the dignity of a king."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes."


    I hope so.


    The new king looks up at the night sky.


    I will support you as much as I can.


    "Yes, please."


    Only the falling starry sky gazed up at the king and queen.

 1991 - - 53-01 Interact 1 Succession Problem

    One day, Jin asked the old man a question that came to his mind.


    "Hey, old man, what did I think about my successor 400 years ago?


    Adriana Barbora Zetsi, the predecessor of Jin, or rather the first Magecraft Meister, ordered Reiko''s predecessor, Ochibi, to find someone with the same magic pattern and the same talent for making things. He entrusted all of them to Jin, who spent 1,000 years to find them.


    So, the past Jin may have done something similar.


    And even if he had done something, he wondered if it would have been in vain now that he was here.


    The old man explains.


    Yes.


    <


    "I see."


    The magic patterns are so different that they can be used to identify individuals, just like fingerprints, voice prints, retinal patterns, etc.


    Perhaps because Jin''s predecessor did not know that much, he ordered <> to look for someone with the same magic pattern.


    In the end, after searching for 1000 years and 3601 worlds, Jin was found. But, I was not the only one who thought so.


    "But I know how reckless that is. I think that''s why they made the selection criteria a little more relaxed.


    Jin said, thinking about how he would set the conditions if he were the one to make it now.


    "I guess so. Please continue to ......."


    <><> and <> to the master''s (mylord).


    "Yes."


    <>


    "That''s one of them."


    Jin agreed that it was not hard to find.


    <>.


    "What is it?"


    << and .


    "Oh, I see."


    The power that Horaijima has is great. No, it is not something that can be described with such a common word as "big".


    If a person with ambition were to obtain it, the world would be easily conquered.


    And if a madman gets his hands on it, he will destroy the whole world.


    "......That makes it difficult to choose a successor."


    > In the end, such conditioning means that not a single person could fit all of the criteria.


    "...... what did I think about it in my later years?"


    Jin asks fearfully. He does not want to know too much about himself in his old age.


    "Well, I guess so. ......"


    <


    "So that''s what you mean."


    <


    In order to give knowledge to a successor, unlimited transfers of knowledge are required, which must match the magic pattern.


    This makes the search for a successor extremely difficult.


    "In the first place, I had no intention of serving anyone other than my father..."


    Reiko!


    Then Reiko came in and dropped a bombshell.


    "I, too, was asked to support your father''s successor when he was found, but only as . My father is the only one."


    Jin wondered if the complex was one of them, but he did not say anything about it.


    He just patted Reiko on the head.


    He just stroked Reiko''s head.


    "Hmmm, let''s modify the system a little for the future..."


    >


    Jin nodded.


    "Yes, I think so. < a little."


    Specifically, he said, he would loosen the restrictions on a little more.


    >.


    "Yes. That''s something you''ll have to work on."


    In other words, Jin said that he would first select a <, and then, depending on his efforts, he would make a system that would allow him to take the <>.


    .


    "And this system will only start working when I''m gone."


    Reiko looked a little dissatisfied, but Jin stroked her head and said, "If that''s the case, I''ll protect your father for a long, long time.


    <


    That is to say, the successor system exists but has no significance.


    Jin wondered about that, but he could not say anything considering the feelings of Reiko and the old man.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    "Hmmm, once again, how should I think about <>?"


    Jin muttered to no one in particular while drinking tea at on Horai Island.


    Reiko responded to his words.


    "Father,...... your mother entrusted everything to your father, so I think you can do as you please."


    "Yes,...... I guess."


    Then the old man added a few words.


    I think it would be good if you could clarify what the qualifications of a <<<< Magecraft Meister are and what they are. >>


    "Yes, but that''s the hard part."


    I went to the on a while ago.


    Did we learn anything through it?


    "It''s not enough to just be good at making things, and ......"


    "That''s true."


    Reiko agreed.


    "That''s why I made up another title.


    <


    It seems that even the "Mere Old Man" cannot make an immediate decision.


    .


    "...... I see."


    Jin drank his nearly cold tea and stood up, "I''m not going to talk about this anymore.


    "Reiko, let''s go to the workshop."


    "Yes, father."


    Yes, father." "Old man, get the materials ready.


    <


    The answer to this difficult question will come long time in the future.

 1992 - - 53-02 Interact 2 Leisure

    In Horai Island in the year 3900 of the continental calendar, Jin was unusually busy.


    Whenever he has free time, he is either making something or getting into trouble ......, so it is rare that he has free time.


    The date is April 4. The weather is turning into spring, and it is very sleepy.


    I think to myself, "Yes, let''s do that thing I''ve always regretted.


    Jin thought of doing something that had been on his mind but had been left unattended because of its rather low priority, now that he has more time to spare.


    It is a counterpart to a , a so to speak.


    At the moment, the <> can what is going on far away, but they cannot the sounds, including the sound of conversation.


    The contents of the conversation are covered by the old man''s <>, but there is a limit to that too. If I can''t see his face, it is meaningless.


    "Is there any better way to do this ......?"


    Jin thought in the workshop of the institute.


    "Sound is the vibration of air. That is, physical vibration. If we can pick it up, that''s all we need."


    <. It is like a wireless microphone. The part that picks up sound has a physical structure.


    Thinly molded magic crystals are used for the diaphragm, and the sound is converted into magic power like a dynamic microphone.


    "If we can make a diaphragm with magic power, we can make ......."


    This was Jin''s conclusion.


    Incidentally, there is a on the modern earth.


    This device shines a laser beam on the glass in the room to be eavesdropped and measures the reflected wave.


    Since the glass is vibrating with sound waves at this time, the returning laser beam will have sound waves on it.


    ...... is a rough explanation.


    Of course, Jin had heard of the principle and had thought about using it, but he had given up the development because of its disadvantages, such as the fact that it was effective only in a room and that it could not be used with materials that absorb sound waves, such as clay walls.


    Jin spent two days to develop this method.


    The diaphragm could be replaced by the application of a solid physical barrier.


    Invisible boundaries are maintained by invisible magic, and the vibrations are used as a carrier wave for free magic element (ether) ...... waves.


    "Yes, I think I can manage that."


    The problem was the strength of the solid barrier, which is equivalent to a vibrating plate.


    If it was too strong, the sound would not be audible because it would not vibrate. If it is too weak, it will be too noisy to pick up the important sounds.


    "The sensitivity also depends on the position where the <> is placed. ......"


    So Jin decided to make it possible to adjust the strength of the <>. In short, it is tuning.


    The strength of the diaphragm can be weakened or strengthened to the point where it can be heard just fine.


    >.


    The old man was relieved to know that he would be in charge of the operation including the tuning.


    This technology is called <> and it enabled him to collect more information from all over the world.


    * * * * * * * * * *


    "Now you can do your espionage work more easily, can''t you?


    Jin is relaxing with a cup of tea at home.


    Reiko is serving him.


    "I''m sure it is."


    I see what you mean.


    In the case of vision, the image is blurred if it is not firmly fixed, but in the case of audio, the noise only increases, but it can be heard well enough depending on the adjustment.


    Since visual information is not so necessary for eavesdropping on the contents of meetings, this technology is expected to be very useful in the future.


    "By the way, how is Hale doing?


    "That''s good news."


    Jin nodded as he sipped his green tea.


    "How are you doing with the drying out?"


    <<


    Jin laughed inwardly, thinking that what the old man meant by "in the near future" must be in the order of 100 years.


    (Come to think of it, he also said that the Sea of Trees at Fuji was a forest formed after the eruption that took place a little over 1000 years ago.)


    (By the way, did I mention that the Sea of Trees in Fuji was formed after the eruption that occurred a little more than 1,000 years ago?


    Thus, there are other examples where the landscapes we can see in modern Japan have a surprisingly short history.


    Oni Oshidashi, a sightseeing area at the foot of Mt. Asama, which rises on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, dates back to 1783, while Mt. Bandai and a group of lakes and marshes including Lake Hibarako, which are scattered at its foot, were created by an eruption and explosion in the middle of Meiji Era (1888).


    (I remember the director of the facility where Jin grew up said that the scenery was not like this back then whenever he saw Mt.)


    The director of the facility where Jin grew up was a fan of historical dramas, but he was also a maniac in terms of historical research.


    For example, he said that Zenkoji Temple in Shinano had burned down and had only a temporary main building during the time of Mito Komon, and that inns were not so well maintained in that era.


    But at the same time, it is a fact that they enjoyed any period drama in their own way.


    (Thinking back on it, maybe he was trying to get us interested in history in his own way...)


    (I wonder if he was trying to make us interested in history in his own way).


    A quick digression.


    It was good to hear that the development of the planet Hale was going well.


    "It seems that 700672......<> is ready to settle down."


    Jin then thought of a problem that had yet to be solved.


    "The homunculus of Marikka ......?"


    The 700672 and other <> by their very nature need <>>.


    A spiritual support or a stronghold.


    When Marikka dies, the 700672 will surely be tormented by the Master Loss Syndrome. I wanted to avoid that. I wanted to avoid that.


    For some reason, neither the old man nor Reiko gave me clear advice on this matter.


    (Maybe they are replacing the position with theirs and mine. ......)


    (Maybe they are putting themselves and me in the same position... ) When I think about it, I can understand the feelings of the old man and Reiko, so I cannot ask them strongly.


    (Should we at least be prepared for emergencies? ......)


    But then, Jin wants to prepare for <> as well.


    (Is this also my selfishness? ......)


    Jin is now a duplicate and probably an immortal being.


    This means that he will have to see off many friends and acquaintances in the future.


    (Not that he wants to be one...)


    Jin feels indescribable when he thinks of the goodbyes he will have to experience in the future, even if they are good now.


    Perhaps sensing Jin''s feelings, Reiko came to his side with a teapot.


    She pours tea and says to Jin.


    Father, I am here. The old man and my brothers and sisters are here.


    "...... thank you, Reiko."


    Jin was glad for Reiko''s concern.


    Reiko had endured a thousand years of loneliness, searching for a successor to her predecessor, and after the death of the human Jin three hundred years ago, she was now a < After the death of human Jin 300 years ago, she waited again until the current Jin appeared.


    It is no exaggeration to say that he knows loneliness better than anyone else.


    "Even destiny can be changed, that''s your father."


    "Ha, thank you."


    I really wish I could do that, Jin thought sincerely today.

 1993 - - 53-03 Visiting the Three Graves Between Act and Act

    In the year 3513 of the continental calendar, when Jin was 77 years old, the Shoro Emperor Taishang passed away. He was 105 years old.


    Although he was a "bridge emperor" until the crown prince, who was a direct descendant of his elder brother, came of age, it is said that he was one of the brightest and most famous emperors of all time because of his exceptional political ability, his discernment of people, and his love for his people.


    This is supported by the fact that she was blessed with technological advantages from her friendship with the of the time, as well as with many distinguished advisors.


    When she died, not only the Shoro Empire but also the people of the surrounding countries mourned her passing.


    She was posthumously named .


    He was buried on a hill by Lake Tosmo, the same place as the previous emperors.


    * * * * * * * * *


    And on April 8, 3900.


    <


    The brain of Penglai Island, Laogun, told Jin.


    "<>?


    "Oh, ............"


    A sense of nostalgia spread through Jin''s heart.


    During her reign, she was known as the "Female Emperor" and was the one who developed the Shoro Kingdom.


    After she gave up the throne to her adult nephew, she became the and supported the Shoro Kingdom from behind the scenes as a kind and gentle woman.


    Jin, who saw in her the image of the President of the Shoro Empire, had given her a great deal of support, both behind the scenes and in the sun, since his beloved wife Elsa was a native of the Shoro Empire.


    "So that''s how it was. ......"


    The old man told Jin that he passed away in his sleep at the end of his life.


    The past Jin was also present at his last moments.


    "Is today the anniversary of Shozuki''s death? ...... I should go visit his grave. Do they have any memorial services in the Shoro Kingdom?"


    <<


    After 387 years, it was only natural that they would do so, Jin agreed.


    "Okay, first of all, let''s prepare flowers.


    On the subtropical island of Horai, there are various flowers blooming throughout the four seasons.


    In addition, there is Mount Horai, which is a 3,000 meter high mountain, so there is also vegetation up to the subarctic zone.


    "Old man, are there any prohibitions on flowers to be offered?


    "Okay."


    Jin went to see the flower bed in front of the institute. It seems that Erza had maintained this place with Jin''s children, Yu and Mio.


    Many years have passed since then, and the flowers planted then are no longer there, but the flowers planted after that ...... were in full bloom, i.e., fall-sown flowers, or spring-blooming flowers.


    "Daisies, rape blossoms, hazelnuts, and the capital wasteland......, wasn''t it?"


    These are the same flowers that used to be in the facility where Jin grew up. They planted flowers as similar as possible.


    "A cornflower and ...... stock, did you say?"


    After picking enough flowers to hold with both hands, Jin helped Reiko put them together into a bouquet.


    "All right, then, let''s go to the Shoro Kingdom."


    This time, they decided to go by .


    Hope is the pilot, accompanied by Reiko.


    On the way there, we used the to fly over Lake Tosmo in an instant.


    Due to the time difference, it is dawn here.


    "It''s nice to see so few people."


    Jin lands the on a large beach by Lake Tosmo and leaves with Reiko. Hope stays behind.


    This is due to the fact that Hope has never met the former emperor.


    The heaped tombs were the graves of the emperor''s family.


    "Oh, it''s a quiet place, isn''t it?"


    The cemetery is a small natural hill surrounded by a 3-meter-high mound of earth on a square of about 1 kilometer.


    The public is allowed to enter the cemetery by going to a place of worship outside the hill. There is a rest area nearby that anyone can visit.


    "Am I allowed to go inside?


    Jin''s question is soon answered.


    "Welcome, Jin-sama, Reiko-sama."


    The entrance to the tomb is guarded by two golems. ...... was built by Jin in the past.


    They seem to be maintained regularly and their movements are smooth.


    "You are here to pay your respects, aren''t you?


    We entered without any problem.


    Reiko said, "Even back then, your father was a face-passing kind of guy.


    Reiko said.


    It was only natural, since Jin was one of the most trusted men of the Taishang Emperor.


    The interior was paved with white marble, and trees and flowers were planted everywhere.


    Jin was guided to the mausoleum by Reiko, who knew what was going on inside.


    In the flower beds, pure white snowdrops were in full bloom. Normally, snowdrops bloom in early spring, but since the climate here is a little cooler, they seem to be in full bloom now.


    "Snowdrops, huh?"


    Jin recalled the legend that the Director had told him.


    <


    So Snow asked the flowers to share their colors, but none of them did.


    But only the snowdrops shared their colors with Snow. That is why snow is pure white.


    So snow is pure white>>.


    It is a German legend.


    The language of flowers associated with this legend is <.


    Snowdrops have other words in the language of flowers, but Jin loved this one as well as the legend he heard long ago.


    In Ryunosuke Akutagawa''s <>, which was written in a Japanese language textbook, there were people who were pampered while they had money, but when they were penniless, they turned their backs on the world and didn''t take a hint.


    As Jin knew the harshness of the world better than anyone else, this legend and the language of flowers remained in his memory.


    In the meantime, we arrived at the mausoleum.


    Jin placed a flower offering on the white marble flower stand, which was also made of white marble.


    On the tombstone in front of the mausoleum, the names of emperors are inscribed.


    In the middle of the inscription, the name of Gerhard Hilde von Rubies Shoro can be read.


    Jin prayed silently and put his hands together silently.


    After a while, Jin opened his eyes and looked around him,


    <".


    He saw a stone monument with the words, ">". These words must have been written by someone in the past. It was a very old stone monument.


    Jin looked at the mausoleum and noticed a white figure standing there.


    "That''s ......."


    "The gravedigger, isn''t it?"


    Reiko answered.


    The figure approached slowly. Even Jin could see that it was an automaton that he had ...... created in the past.


    "Welcome to our home.


    The grave-keeping automaton bowed its head silently.


    She was a pure Japanese-style female automaton dressed in white.


    "This is the automaton that your father dedicated to the tomb of His Majesty the Emperor.


    Yes, my name is Kikuhime.


    Kikuhime''s waist-length black hair is tied back behind her head, and her bangs are parted at her eyebrows.


    She is dressed in what is called a miko costume. She is dressed in what is called a miko costume, except that the top and bottom are white.


    "Well, you''ve worked hard for a long time. I''m counting on you to keep up the good work.


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you."


    Kikuhime bowed and stepped back.


    Suddenly, a breeze blew.


    Jin looked up at the sky, which was as clear and blue as it had been 400 years ago.

 1994 - - 53-04 Interact Four Magi Bio Material

    It was the year 3466 of the continental calendar, when Jin was 30 years old.


    On the island of Horai, Erza, Hanna, Saki, and the others were racking their brains.


    What they aim to jointly develop is <.


    The ultimate goal is to create artificial organs using homunculus materials.


    And now, as a preliminary step, they are trying to develop a bio-material that will not be rejected.


    If this can be achieved, organs such as the stomach, intestines, and heart, as well as large blood vessels, can be sealed without bringing in tissue from elsewhere.


    "After sealing the hole, I want the cells to gradually assimilate into the person''s own cells."


    "That''s right, that would be ideal.


    "Yes, that would be ideal." "But how do we make that happen?


    Erza, Hannah, Saki and the others were sharing their opinions, making use of their respective areas of expertise.


    "We could take the DNA information from the cells in contact with the transplanted cells."


    Elsa presented her theory.


    "Yes, that''s how we can replace them little by little.


    Hannah agreed.


    "Then the question is whether the homunculus cells have such a function or not.


    Saki said cautiously.


    "Well, I think it''s useless for us who have never used them to discuss that point. I''d like to ask Mr. 700672."


    Hannah made a good point.


    "Okay. I''ll call him."


    Erza nodded and used her manacam to contact Marikka in the first.


    < is recognized as the master by the 700672, so I thought that I would be able to get her cooperation for sure if I could talk to her. I thought that I would be able to obtain her cooperation if I could use her as my intermediary.


    The next day, Elsa came to the hotel and asked for help.


    The next day, Erza, Hanna, Saki, and the others were in the consulting with 700672.


    "Hmm, so that''s how it is."


    "How about it?��Would you be willing to help them?"


    Marikka was also present and offered her assistance.


    "Of course, I have no objection, since Marikka-sama asked me to do so.


    Hence, the 700672 was very favorable.


    "If we adjust the materials for homunculus, we may be able to apply them to such organs.


    That was good news.


    "......, but it is a technology that the have not been able to achieve."


    "How so?��Why?"


    Hannah looked at him curiously.


    "Well... The technology that you are trying ...... to use for the time being is fine for blocking a part of an organ or a blood vessel, but for the organ itself, it did not fit well."


    "What do you mean?"


    Elsa asked.


    "Well, you are a healer, aren''t you? Then you would understand. Would you understand if I told you that ......<>?"


    "It''s ......."


    Elsa had an idea.


    "You mean, for example, that a transplanted heart doesn''t start working?"


    "That''s right."


    The three were disappointed to hear this.


    The target technology had already been studied by the , and they were one step closer to achieving it.


    What''s more, we now know that the path is a dead end.


    "......It''s a shame."


    Hannah is disappointed. No wonder. All her efforts have been half in vain.


    "Well, this happens sometimes, doesn''t it?"


    Saki said in a voice that could not hide her disappointment.


    "Even ......."


    But Erza was different.


    "Even if it''s a dead end, I think the road has meaning."


    "Erza?"


    "Hannah, Saki, you may not be able to produce organs. But it is effective for heart disease and gastric perforation."


    Erza, in her position as a <>, reassessed the significance of this research.


    "Hmmm, I see!"


    Hannah immediately understood what Erza meant.


    "That''s right. Not everything we''ve studied up to this point has been in vain."


    Saki also regained her energy.


    "......Hohoho, you guys are so positive."


    Listening intently, 700672 seemed impressed.


    "But the surgery is a lot of work, isn''t it?"


    "Oh, that''s okay."


    Now Hannah answered.


    "What?"


    "If it''s just a surgery to plug a small hole, I think I can manage with a <>, a <>, and a <>. ......


    "What?"


    "...... Hannah-chan is saying that we can transfer the necessary <> to the affected area and then use the <> to plug the hole. With the <>, the surgery can be done almost painlessly."


    Elsa explained.


    "......mmm ...... I see."


    The 700672 seemed impressed.


    "Excellent!��That procedure had never occurred to my . It seems that your efforts were not in vain.


    He praised them. But..,


    "However, this , couldn''t it send matter into a place where there are solids or liquids?


    The 700672 pointed out what could be called a hole in the method.


    "Oh, that''s fine."


    Hanna replies again.


    "First, a small sphere of vacuum is formed in the affected area using a <. Then we send the MagiBio material into it and slowly dissipate the vacuum.


    The MagiBio material is only for homunculus, and is strong enough to withstand a vacuum for a short time.


    "Hmmm, I see. That should work well, Hannah-sama."


    "It will, won''t it?"


    The problem with this method is that you are the only one who can use the Peeper, the Force Rod, and the Transporter at the same time.


    For the time being, we have to leave it to the old man and Lise.


    Elsa looks disappointed. However, it is inevitable because it requires ultra-precise operation.


    "So, please give me some information on the MagiBio material.


    Saki concluded. 700672 nodded.


    700672 nodded. In that case, I will tell you what I know.


    Thus began the research by the unique combination of Erza, Hanna, Saki, and the 700672.


    Thanks to their efforts, results were achieved in half a month.


    The homunculus material could be adjusted for human use.


    "Now all we need are results."


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "Yes, I know."


    But we couldn''t just experiment on humans.


    We needed just a little more time before this technique was truly perfected.


    And while the completed technique cured Elise of her heart disease, it was inevitable that Elsa and the others did not know about it.

 1995 - - 53-05 The Five Men Between Acts

    Year 3536 of the continental calendar.


    Golbert Markitas is 78 years old.


    But because he is of the blood of the , as the was called at the time, he grows slowly and looks like he is only 15 or 6 years old.


    One day, he said to me,


    "I''m going to leave this village.


    That was all he said, and he ran away from the village where he was born and raised.


    Many years have passed since then.


    Ten years later, he found himself in the Shoro Kingdom.


    The place is the town of Ismar, so he probably came via Mitsuho, but he did not speak of it without saying so.


    No, he claimed himself to have come from Mitskho. No one knows whether this is true or not except Golbert himself.


    And Golbert has a day job in the town of Ismar. He needs money to eat.


    "You''re good at that," he says.


    The job was to collect wormwood in the Hariri Desert.


    This is used to make the grass cakes that Jin Nido, the second generation of magecraft masters who once visited the region, had passed down to him.


    These grass cakes have now become a specialty of Ismar, and are even feasted upon by the nobility of the capital city of Leusart.


    However, it is not easy for an amateur to distinguish the wormwood, or to pick the ones that are too hard and not suitable for eating.


    In comparison, Golbert collected a large amount of wormwood suitable for making grass cakes.


    However, the work was also for pay, and would be finished in two days.


    "Well, what are we going to do? ......"


    The money earned in two days was 2,000 TL, or about 20,000 Japanese yen.


    This is a lot of money for a day job, but it is still not enough to make a living.


    In the end, Golbert Markitas decided to leave the town of Ismar and set out for the capital, Leusat.


    He did not go to the capital all at once, but while earning money in the towns along the way.


    With his knowledge, he had no difficulty in earning money no matter where he went.


    Among other things, repairing broken magic tools was especially good money. In ...... the frontier.


    In the frontier towns there are often no technicians, so those who can repair magic tools like this are very valuable.


    Step by step Golbert Markitas, earning his daily bread in this way, was getting closer and closer to the capital city of Leusert.


    Each time he was reminded of something.


    <Jinn Nidor.


    In Mitsuho and Fusoh he is known as . He is the man whom Malkitas secretly considers his rival.


    (...... I would have liked to have met him and talked with him once.)


    In fact, Jin had already passed away.


    (...... if only he had come straight here instead of taking a detour in Mitsuho)


    It''s too late to regret it now.


    Back to the story.


    In Mitsuho, is worshipped as if he were a god, and although he does not like it, he admits that he is very proud of his achievements.


    The years passed by as he visited and analyzed their achievements.


    After several decades of traveling around the world in search of knowledge, Markitas came back to the Shoro Empire.


    Everywhere he went in the Kingdom of Shoro, the name of and his creations were everywhere.


    Carriages with suspension and dampers, golem horses, golem engine cars, hot air balloons, airships, pumps, magic stoves, refrigerators, magic ranges, manaphones, jet thrusters, and many automata and golems. The list is endless.


    The more Markitas learned about Jin, the more he thought he was a great guy.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    <>.


    A mobile base that was apparently built by the <> who once came to this planet.


    It seems that Jin Nido took it and made it available for the people of this planet .......


    This alone shows that Jin Nido was an extraordinary being.


    I, Golbert Malkitas, am now on .


    I have passed the exam, which was dozens of times more competitive than the rest, and I have been accepted into the Academy.


    "Hey, Markitas!


    "Yes, Rubeus?"


    Rubeus is my roommate in the dormitory.


    "Is today''s lecture over?"


    Yeah, I didn''t take the fifth period.


    I didn''t take the fifth period. Me neither. Well, why don''t you go to the free lecture?


    "Oh, that''s today. Who is the lecturer at ......?


    are lectures that are not related to the school''s course credits. The lecturers are various people each time.


    "Listen and be amazed. Today''s lecture is by Marikka of Shinra!"


    My heart jumped.


    <


    Like my father ...... Lardus the Humorous. Ah, now he calls himself a .


    It''s the first time I''ve met a ...... kindred spirit, albeit only half of my ...... own. I was a little excited.


    The classroom was the biggest one, but it was already full 20 minutes before the lecture started.


    Rubeus and Marcitas managed to get into a corner seat and were now waiting for the bell to ring.


    When the time came, a woman with a kindly ...... appearance, or worse, an unreliable appearance, appeared.


    That was the first thing she said. For some reason, her voice sounded to my ears like my late mother''s. My mother''s voice was Alto, Marina.


    My mother''s voice was an alto and Marikka''s was a mezzo-soprano, even though they were completely different in voice quality.


    .


    I was listening intently to her voice, which was so pleasant to my ears.


    In a way, it was a shock.


    About half of what Marikka was going to say in her lecture...... or, to be honest, more than half of it I didn''t understand.


    No wonder, it seems that this was for the advanced students of the .


    That means they know more than I do now.


    That means I was a "frog in the well" as the saying goes.


    What shocked me more was that I wanted to see Marikka-sama again.


    I have no idea what this feeling is.


    It seems that we are always the most blind to ourselves.


    Then I continued to learn as hard as I could.


    Thanks to my efforts, I quickly made a name for myself in the academy.


    But the more I learned, the more I realized how great <> was.


    Before long, my goal had become to surpass <>.


    I am still not even close to <>''s level, but there is one thing I am ahead of him.


    That is that I am alive now, and <> no longer exist in this world.


    In other words, I am desperately chasing after the <> that have stopped.


    Someday I will catch up with them and overtake them.


    After all, my life span is longer than that of a normal human being. .......

 1996 - - 53-06 The hardships of the Six Old Men between the acts

    The master (My Lord) once went to the future and came back.


    To be precise, I, the head of the administration of Horai Island, a.k.a. , did my best with my technology and sent him back to the future.


    It is the year 3520 of the continental calendar.


    The future to which the master (My Lord) was sent is 3899 years in the future, so there is still time.


    However, in 379 years, I need to develop the technology to send my master (my lord) back to the past.


    This is not an easy task.


    I started my research on September 17, 3457, when the master (my lord) returned, Even now, 63 years have passed without any progress.


    Time is a mysterious and incomprehensible dimension.


    The that the Master (Mylord) once met seems to have understood time, if not completely, and to have been able to control it to some extent.


    I guessed that , an entity with zero mass, was not bound by the speed of light.


    If so, we, as matter, cannot reduce our mass to zero no matter how hard we try.


    There is a pseudo-magic that can almost eliminate inertial mass, but it is only pseudo and temporary.


    Ms. Hannah ...... helped me in this way.


    She cannot use magic, but she is without a doubt the best thinker in the world.


    Hannah''s brilliant mind solved the first problem, <, in the following way.


    "Hey, Mr. Mere Old Man, inside the <>...... no, mass doesn''t mean anything in the subspace during the transition, does it?"


    In other words, is a characteristic of this space.


    <, which means that you are traveling faster than the speed of light.


    "I wonder if it is safe to say that <> does not make sense from the point of view of the world we are in, i.e., it is zero."


    After advancing Hannah''s reasoning, we decided to try to see if we could make an object in transition (with mass 0) transition further.


    I started by setting the > to as a trial, but it did not go well.


    Then we experimented with a double <> and it worked apparently well.


    "But, I don''t know ...... if this can go beyond time, right?"


    Hannah nodded her head.


    Here, the master (Mylord) himself interjected.


    "You said that the properties of space can be changed by the will power of a spirit life form.


    The words of the master (Mylord) who has experienced other worlds...... and other spaces were helpful to me.


    Willpower......Mental Power......Mental Catalyst.


    Hanna-san has recently been studying homunculus and wanted a psychic catalyst for it.


    So, I used a spirit catalyst of < for my experiment.


    This is enough for experiments.


    And time passed again.


    I strengthened myself further and proceeded with my research. .......


    * * * *


    In the year 3579 of the continental calendar, if the master (Mylord) is still alive, he would be 143 years old.


    Hannah, Erza, Mio, Yu, and all the members of the <> are no longer with us, except for Zion and Marikka.


    Still, I am continuing my research.


    Master(My Lord)...... is the only one whom I call Master(My Lord), Nido Jin-sama.


    I think it is the same for you, Reiko.


    With the help of Reiko, my research is gradually bearing fruit.


    I cannot give you even a brief outline of this technology because it is extremely dangerous if misused, but the principle is now half understood.


    The problem now is energy.


    I have calculated that the energy required to travel back in time 400 years is greater than the energy released by the sun in one year.


    Approximately 10 to the 36th power of joules.


    This is one of the reasons why time travel is considered impossible.


    It takes this much energy to travel back in time for a zero mass object, so if it had mass, it would be difficult to .......


    It would be difficult to even calculate.


    It would be harder than a small fish trying to swim up a waterfall with a drop of several hundred meters.


    However, without solving this problem, we will never be able to return the master (my lord) to the original time.


    The source of energy in this world is free magic element (ether), but at this stage it seems that we cannot even calculate how much we need to collect to reach the required amount.


    However, the Master (My Lord) himself has solved this problem.


    It is the three pebbles that the master (my lord) brought back.


    He himself said that he brought them as a memorial of the other world, but it turned out that one of the pebbles was enough to generate enough energy.


    To be precise, the pebble was filled with the energy of the other world ......<>.


    Perhaps the < had anticipated this as well.


    Now the question is how to get the energy out of this pebble ...... without exploding it.


    Releasing it all at once is out of the question. The released <> has tens of thousands of times more energy than <>, so even if it is not converted into <>, the aftermath alone will clear the surrounding tens of kilometers of land.


    Therefore, it was necessary to develop a technology to extract the necessary amount of mana without exploding.


    It took about 10 years to complete the necessary technology.


    It is all right if you create a out of by a magic circle and place this pebble in it to release the energy.


    I will not explain the details of how to do this either.


    < in the same way without using .


    The only thing that remains is to find the point on the time axis where we should return the master (my lord).


    This also required the cooperation of Ms. Reiko.


    After all, Ms. Reiko is the person who once searched for the master (my lord) beyond the world of 3601.


    With her help, we somehow made it in time.


    Now, and are raging in the outside world.


    The Master (Mylord) had been researching the Magi Emulator (......) for the benefit of the world, and he has been misusing it.


    I, too, decided to take precautionary measures and take a defensive stance.


    I put up several layers of wards, and holed myself up inside. Reiko-san sleeps in another place and waits for her master (my lord).


    The day of the doomed day, 3,000 years ago, the master of the house was waiting for her.


    And on that fateful day, September 17, 3899.


    The old man acted just as Jin had told him in the past.


    "Oh, no problem, Mr. Lao. I will take care of you one more time.


    Jin cannot tell you the details of his journey back in time.


    Except that Jin knew about it when he returned 400 years ago.


    And I have to tell you a part of it, <>.


    The slightest mistake could create a time paradox.


    The magic circle under Jin''s feet began to glow faintly.


    The glow becomes stronger and stronger, and Jin''s figure is obscured by the glow.


    >


    the voice of the old man.


    The space was filled with light.


    After a few seconds, the light disappeared. Jin is not there.


    * * * * *


    Traveling back in time...... it is through .


    <


    In such a space, a part of Jin''s psyche was harboring a slight "longing for the future".


    How did it work?


    As he moved through hyperspace, his mind was duplicated and <> coagulated into a form based on his mind.


    That is, the body of Nido Jin. <.


    That compound body, or , could not exist in this hyperspace, and was <.


    The rebounded <> is returned to the starting point.


    Thus, Jin, the <>, unexpectedly lives 400 years in the future.

 1997 - - 53-07 Act-to-act 7 Hannah, do your best

    On Horai Island, not only Jin but also other members of the < were free to do research.


    The research topics are endless.


    The more knowledge we gain, the more we learn that this world is full of mysteries.


    Recently Hannah was researching one of the mysteries of the <>.


    She is now 18 years old. She is a maiden who would be ashamed to be a flower, but her brain is probably one of the top five in the world of Ars.


    She may not be able to compete with the magic brain of Lao-kun in terms of pure logical development, but she is definitely better than him in terms of flexible thinking.


    One of the mysteries that I am studying is the reason why the transfer works well when the destination is a gas, but fails when it is a liquid or a solid.


    The "Mere Old Man" is dealing with a . This is a magi-machine that sends an object to the specified coordinates, but if there is a solid such as a rock at the coordinates, or if the object is underwater, it will not be transferred.


    However, this does not apply to gases.


    "Hmmm, I wonder what this means..."


    With permission from Jin, Hanna asked Lao-kun to cooperate with her. < can only be handled by the old man.


    "Right now, you are using the to check the destination first, aren''t you?"


    <


    "That''s why there''s no failure in forwarding. ...... But, old man, that is a little embarrassing."


    "Well, ...... I know, but.... Can you at least call me ?"


    <>


    "Yes. ...... Ah, that''s a little uncomfortable, too. Well, call me whatever you want."


    <>


    "Hmmm, yes. ......"


    Hannah thought.


    Both transfer and transference move an object through or to its destination.


    The time required for the transfer is 0 seconds flat. This leads to the assumption that the flow of time is different between <> or <> and the space we are in. ...... No, it is not.


    Time does not pass for objects in motion.


    This is demonstrated by shifting <>. This means that the movement in <> or <> is instantaneous.


    It means that <> is zero in <> or <>.


    <>.


    The old man also supported Hanna''s guess.


    "Then one of the properties of mass is that it is a physical quantity specific to three-dimensional space.


    .


    As an aside, the discussion with Hanna at that time was very helpful for me later to find a way to send Jin from the future to the past.


    "Then, there must be a condition for returning from such a space to this space, and there must not be any liquid or solid, right?


    The discussion was about to reach its climax.


    "Hannah, dinner is ready!


    Erza called out to me.


    "Oh, is it that time already?"


    One of Hanna''s specialties is her ability to switch her thoughts immediately.


    Even when she is thinking about something, she can think about something else if necessary.


    Then she can go back to her original thought as if there was no interruption.


    is what Jin, who has a tendency to lose sight of the world around him when he starts thinking about one thing, said to me.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Thanks for the food.


    Yes, thank you.


    Hey, Elsa. What is your sister doing today?


    Hanna asked Erza what Jin, who had not shown up for lunch, was doing.


    He''s gone to the Nord Federation with Yu and Mio. It''s just me and Hannah here on the island now.


    "Oh, I see."


    How''s your research going, Hannah?


    "Well, it''s difficult."


    "......<


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "...... I can''t think of anything that would be helpful. Sorry."


    "No, Elsa, it''s okay. This is something I should think about."


    Good luck.


    Good luck. - Thank you.


    Thank you.


    After lunch, Hannah returned to the discussion with the old man.


    "Hey, Mr. Chairman, it just occurred to me that we assumed that the mass of an object is zero when it is moving in <>, didn''t we?


    <


    "The transfer or transition ends when the material returns to this world ......, right, <>."


    <


    "In other words, it returns from the mass 0 to the original mass. In that state, you into normal space. ......"


    At this Hannah smiles.


    "I guess you can''t push away something too <, can you?"


    In other words, Hanna wondered if something too heavy could not be <> if it was at the destination, since its mass had not completely returned to its eigenvalue, or was in the process of returning to it.


    "I guess we can''t send it to a place with too heavy a gas, even if it''s a gas, leaving solids out of the question, can we?"


    <


    So, here is the experiment.


    We put up a physical boundary, and set the inside at a high temperature and pressure of 100 atmospheres and 1000 degrees Celsius.


    The temperature seems too high, but I did not take the trouble to calculate the exact temperature at which the air can remain in a gaseous state under 100 atmospheres of pressure.


    Into this you try to transfer a small piece of adamantite.


    The piece is not transferred.


    "......I knew it..."


    Also, as a state between gas and liquid, I was able to transfer in steam ...... water particles scattered in the air.


    <>


    "Yes."


    In short, we can say that the transfer will fail if the air resistance at the destination is too large. < is not precise enough.


    "So, if we use a warp gate, it should be OK, right?"


    Because a warp gate has an enclosure and the inside can be protected by wards.


    <


    The warp gate also has an advantage that the transporter does not have.


    * * * * * * * * * * * *


    When Jin came home that night, I told him about the result,


    "That''s great, Hannah!


    Jin was delighted and praised Hanna.


    "Heh, thank you."


    Hannah smiled the same smile she had when she first met Jin.

 1998 - - 53-08 Hachimachi Tutor Recruiting

    On May 10, 3900, Jin received a report from the old man.


    .


    The report came from the 5th column (Quinta).


    "Tutor?��Short-term?


    <


    "So that''s how it is."


    Jin thinks for a moment.


    Freddy''s < that we have been working on since the other day is finished, and we are letting him make whatever he likes.


    The same goes for Greena and Rubina, who are doing what they like.


    As for Ellis, he is walking around Horai Island every day as a part of his rehabilitation. He is, of course, supported by <.


    Jin remembered that Freddie once had a hard time because he did not meet a good teacher.


    So Jin decides to contact Freddy, Gulina, and Rubina.


    "Are you a short-term tutor ......?"


    "Yes. The duration is about a week or less. The purpose is not so much to educate as to find out if your daughters are suitable for it.


    Hearing this, Freddy was the first to express his intentions.


    "If there''s anything I can do for you, I''d like to do it."


    "I see."


    The next to respond was Greiner.


    "I''ll go with you. I don''t know which of us is the original, but I would like to do something for you as a member of the same bloodline.


    She was so enthusiastic that it was no longer true that she had said the other day that it would be a hassle. Whether this is because Freddy said he would go or not, Jin doesn''t know.


    And then...


    "If they''re going, I''m going too.


    Rubina said she would go, too. Although her last name is Garrett, Rubina is also of the Kuzma family.


    So Jin decided to take the three of them to the Blue Lands in the <>.


    The pilot is Hope, accompanied by Reiko, of course.


    The pilot is Hope, accompanied by Reiko, of course.


    The plane transfers to the sky over the Blue Lands and lands at an off-site airfield.


    The last visit was a "sneak visit," so to speak, but this time I am visiting as a "Magecraft Meister," a magical engineer.


    Ernest XVII of the Kingdom of Egelea knows of Jin, so it is not a good idea for him to be too eager to visit.


    As planned, we were able to enter the Blue Lands as <> and his party.


    We hurry straight to the residence of the Marquis of Kuzma.


    Since the Duke of Bruu knew that <> was Jin last time, this time he visited the house in his own name.


    "Well, well, well, Mr. Shin,...... no, <> Jin-sama, welcome."


    Marquise Anna came out to the door to greet Jin and his party. The former lady-in-waiting does not seem to be too concerned with appearances.


    I apologize for the other day. I am Jin Nido. I''ve brought my apprentice here today to tutor you ladies.


    "Well, well, well. Thank you for coming. My name is Anna. It''s nice to meet you.


    My name is Freddy.


    My name is Gulina.


    Rubina.


    All three of them gave only their first names, as they had been warned not to give their last names.


    They took a breath as they were escorted to the reception room by their host, Mr. Queschan.


    Anna came in and switched places with Queschan. Queschan no longer says anything. On the contrary, she seemed to look at them with respect.


    He thanked her again, saying, "Mr. Jin, my husband and daughter were very grateful for your help the other day.


    He thanked me again.


    "How are your daughters?"


    "Yes, all three of them are fine. Especially the youngest one, Pamela, who is a very naughty girl, probably because she is feeling better now.


    "That''s right..."


    At this point, Anna gives me a searching look,


    "I thought you only told His Highness the Duke of Breu about the tutoring, but how could you have known?


    Jin is a little impatient. Jin is a bit nervous.


    "...... has its own information network," he says.


    Jin tries to cover it up by saying something like this. Mrs. Kikuchi, who felt indebted to Jin for what she had done last time, did not pursue the matter further.


    "Well, I don''t want to rush you, but may I call my daughters?


    "Yes, please."


    Anna went out of the reception room and came back immediately. She returned immediately with Irene, Mavis, and Pamela.


    They had not met Jin before, but they had never met Freddy and the others.


    "My name is Irene.


    Mavis, by the way.


    "Pamela."


    Freddy and the others said their names again.


    At that moment, Mr. Queschan came in,


    "Lunch is ready".


    "Lunch is ready", he reported.


    "Oh, just in time. Let''s talk over lunch.


    The Marchioness said.


    Jin agrees. Since they have not decided who is going to teach who, they are hoping that they can make such a combination as they chat.


    As for Jin, Pamela should be Rubina, Mavis should be Gulina, and Irene should be Freddy. And Irene is expected to be Freddie''s .......


    * * * *


    And lunch.


    It was a blue-land style sandwich, so we were able to eat it while talking peacefully.


    The result.


    Irene and Rubina, Mavis and Greena, Pamela and Freddy.


    (Well, Irene and Rubina are the same age, so they are more friends than teachers.)


    (Well, Irene and Rubina are the same age, so they are more friends than teachers, right?


    (Well, that''s good...).


    Of course, Jin is going to follow up with all three of them.


    "Well, well, well. Well then, take good care of my girls, will you?


    Anna seems to have no objections and asks that we use this reception room as our .


    It is a large room where they can study, draw, do crafts, etc., without interfering with each other.


    Jin then decided to make a final confirmation.


    "Ma''am, I assume that you are looking for a tutor for your daughters ...... in order to find out their aptitudes?"


    "Yes, yes!��Yes, yes! That''s what I intend to do. I don''t want her to spend all her time studying.


    I don''t want him to become a headstrong, knowledge-driven person, she said.


    "It''s difficult to find the right balance between the two, isn''t it?"


    Jin said,


    "Yes, you''re right. But I will do my best for them.


    Mrs. Marie answered.


    Her face showed a resolute determination befitting a marchioness.

 1999 - - 53-09 Interact Nine Annas Past and Childrens Future

    The Marquis de Kuzma and his wife Meliane were an enviable couple.


    They were, in fact, cousins.


    Perhaps because of this, Meliane acted as a safety valve for the Marquis Kuzma''s congenital ......<<>.


    The marriage was originally a political ploy, but beyond that, the two had built a loving family.


    They had only one complaint.


    They were not blessed with a child.


    "I''m sorry, my dear.


    When she was over 40 years old and no longer able to bear children, she apologized to the Marquis.


    But the Marquis laughed it off.


    "Don''t worry about it. The heir will just have to be adopted.


    However, even so, the Marquise''s heart was still troubled.


    More time passed, and when the Marquis was 55 years old and Madame was 53, a lady-in-waiting was hired.


    Her name was Anna. She is 16 years old. She was a small girl with light brown hair and brown eyes.


    She had a gentle disposition, but she was good at housework and became the Marquise''s favorite.


    When Anna turned 18, she wanted to have an heir.


    Naturally, there were many objections. Mainly from her parents'' side.


    Anna overcame them all and became the Marquis'' < when she was 58 years old.


    The marriage was formed with the Duke of Breu, who was also her boss, as a temporary parent.


    However, this union, which <> Meliane had pushed for, soon proved to be the right one.


    Anna was pregnant.


    The year after their marriage, she gave birth to their first daughter, Irene.


    The first wife, Meliane, was as happy as if it were her own. She took part in raising the child herself.


    "I am so happy to hold my husband''s child in my arms.


    Perhaps the Marquise de Kuzma was happiest at this time.


    The following year, when Anna found out that she was expecting her second child, Meliane was on the verge of illness.


    Originally a little sickly, she had been declining with age, and recently she could not even pass a normal meal.


    A week after the birth of her second daughter Mavis, she passed away.


    Anna, take care of your husband.


    Those were her last words.


    Anna, take care of your husband.


    Yes, of course. But I will do my best for them.


    The Marquise Anna, who answered Jin, was thinking of the late Meliane, who had taken her in.


    She had been unexpectedly fortunate to have been transformed from a lady-in-waiting to a marchioness, and because of this, she was often unfamiliar with the customs and manners of aristocratic society.


    I wanted to give my daughters a proper education and bring them up to be the kind of ladies who would be called "marquise daughters.


    Anna''s wish was that her daughters would not be gossiped about behind her back because of their mother''s low status.


    And, whether she knew it or not, the world''s leading ...... or even the world''s best engineer, <>, had come to visit her.


    What can we call this without calling it luck, Anna thought.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The world is round. So if you keep going straight and straight, you will come back to where you were.


    "Oh, really?��Really? That''s strange!��Have you seen it, Rubina?"


    Irene and Rubina, the eldest daughter, are both 10 years old, and they get along well with each other since they are the same age.


    "Yes, I have. When you fly above the clouds in an airship, you can see that the horizon is round.


    "Wow, that''s nice. I''d like to go there.


    "If you want to see it so badly, I''ll ask Master Jin next time."


    "Really?��Rubina, I love you!"


    Irene has a lively temperament and is good friends with Rubina.


    It was Gulina who was studying with Mavis, the second daughter.


    "5 x 5 = 25,5 x 6 = 30......"


    Mavis is a smart girl, and at the age of eight she knows ninety-nine.


    "That''s amazing, Mae!"


    Greenough could not hide his surprise.


    "I like arithmetic. I like reading books too."


    "I see. Well, let me show you how to do these calculations. It''s called "Tsurukame-arithmetic."


    "Sounds fun!"


    Unlike Irene, Mavis seemed to be an indoor person.


    "Are you sure you want to do this, sir?"


    And Pamela, the third daughter, Jin and Freddy were teaching her the basics of the fundamentals of magical engineering.


    That is, the control of magic.


    A typical exercise is the < that Freddy and the others had been forced to do so much.


    Pamela, however, is not yet able to handle magic itself well, so she starts with that practice.


    The name of the magic is .


    It is a magic that emits light from her fingertips and palms.


    <>.


    Now Pamela was practicing to make her fingertips glow.


    And after a little instruction, she was able to make the tip of the index finger of her right hand glow.


    <


    "Yes, I''m good at it. When you can do that, let''s try shining another fingertip next time.


    "Yes!"


    "Yes!" And soon we were able to do it again.


    As the practice progressed, Pamela was able to light all the fingertips of both hands with different colored lights.


    "That''s great, Pamela!"


    "Really?��Pamela, are you amazing?"


    "Yes, it''s great. So let''s practice it over and over again first.


    "Okay!"


    Yes!


    After the first day, Jin and the others gave an interim report to Anna.


    "Irene-san seems to be very active. Tomorrow we will go out to the garden and talk about plants.


    Jin explained on behalf of Anna.


    "Well, I see..."


    "You are very studious, Mr. Mavis. I think it would be a good idea to give him a variety of books to read now. Just make sure he is in a well-lit room and has good posture so he doesn''t hurt his eyes.


    "Yes, I understand."


    "Pamela, you have the potential for engineering magic. It would be good for you to study the natural sciences as well as the basics of the fundamentals. Oh, and it seems that you have been cured of your hypermagic."


    "Well, well, I''m glad to hear that."


    Anna was relieved that she could see the path her daughters should take, even if only vaguely, and she wanted to help them develop their talents as much as possible.


    And so, after a week of staying and developing the talents of the three girls, Jin and the others left.


    It will be a little while in the future that these three girls will be talked about in the society of the nobility.

 2000 - - 53-10 The Ten Old Men and Reiko Between Acts

    The old man, who was charged with the mission of returning Jin to400 years ago in the future, was doing everything he could to preparefor that mission.


    <...... even his current abilities are not enough>.


    Although he had been modified by Jin many times and his performancehad been improved each time, he still felt that he was not capableenough for the tremendous task of going back in time.


    Fortunately, <> Jin removed the limiter in the last years of his life, so that he was able to take the means of self-modification.


    This was a measure for <> Jin to find his <> as well as to think about what would happen 400 years later.


    He decided that although his memory capacity was more thansufficient, his information-processing capability was just barelyadequate.


    The old man was willing to bet on this improvement even if he had to stop all the work he had been doing.


    <<<< Clock up and concurrency. Is there any other way? ......>>


    We have been trying to improve the OS and optimize the processing, but the effect has been only a few percent.


    <<>>


    The clock frequency in the case of PCs was raised to the limit.


    The limit depends on the purity and properties of the magical crystals (magicrystals) used.


    The old man''s brain was made of the highest quality magi crystal available.


    Free-magic element (ether) wave, like electricity, changes itsspeed depending on the medium. But it changes only a few percent withpractical materials.


    The "Mere Old Man" has come up with the idea of < materials.


    <


    >


    Saki once conducted a very precise experiment and found thatfree-magic (ether) waves seem to have properties similar to those oflongitudinal waves.


    The speed of the longitudinal wave slows down as the density of themedium increases and speeds up as the elastic modulus of the mediumdecreases (becomes stiffer).


    <>


    The "Mere Old Man" thinks like this.


    A magecrystal with doubled density also has doubled informationdensity. In other words, it is possible to make an identical brain inhalf the size.


    The elastic modulus is lower because of the compression, and thepropagation velocity is faster. The effect is virtually the same as anincrease in the velocity of the free-magic element (ether) wave,offsetting the decrease in velocity due to the increase in density.


    The old man has been experimentally verifying the compression ratio of practical <magic crystals.


    He concluded that the most practical one is the one with a density of about 8 times.


    At higher compression ratios, it becomes difficult to write the Magick Formula.


    <>.


    Of course, this is a theoretical value, and if we include theexchange with the information bank, the overall value is about 3.5 timeshigher.


    << That''s still enough>>.


    The old man, who already boasted of his amazing processing power, will increase the performance by a further 3.5 times.


    This was a tremendous achievement.


    .


    He knew from Jin that the greater the gravity, the slower time passes.


    So, the old man used a gravity control device (Gravity Tuner) toreduce the gravity around him to almost zero. He thought that this wouldincrease the efficiency by about 0 tenths of a percent.


    After devising such small and large devices and finally achieving afive-fold improvement in total performance, the old man resumed hisresearch to return Jin back to the way he was 400 years ago.


    The time has passed again, and the world is now in a state of flux.


    Time passed again, and the began to rise in the world.


    "My dear boy, I think it is time for me to go to sleep.


    Reiko suggested to the old man one day.


    Reiko had been watching over Jin''s descendants until the other day,but she had said goodbye to them and returned to Horai Island, thinkingthat they no longer needed to worry about her.


    They were accompanied by a golem maid whom the old man had prepared for them, so they were safe.


    His place - the westernmost point of the Rasheel continent.


    The place Jin told me about.


    There, in an adamantite capsule, you will wait for Jin''s visit.


    In a sense, it is the inevitability of history.


    "Probably here."


    As Jin had told me, we found a landform that looks like a smaller version of Horai Island.


    "If this is Mt. Horai ......, then this area is the research institute."


    Reiko contacted the old man with the built-in .


    Within 20 seconds, a capsule and two < were beamed to the site.


    We worked together to dig a deep hole at the site and set up an adamantite capsule. The inside is filled with ethenol.


    Now you will take care of the rest?


    "Yes, miss."


    Engineering magic makes a hole in the adamantite capsule. Reiko crawls into the capsule.


    Soon the hole is sealed by the craftsmen.


    Reiko slumbers in the true darkness.


    (Father, we are waiting for you. ......)


    Dreaming of the day when I will see my beloved Jin again.


    * * * *


    After burying Reiko, the < return to Horai Island in the of the who came to pick them up.


    > is going to attack us.


    Having almost finished the preparations to send Jin back 400 years ago, the old man takes a defensive position.


    "I will not let the island of Horai, which was created by mypredecessor and developed by my master (My Lord), be overrun bytraitors.


    The old man then takes a number of defensive measures.


    But he was one ...... step, or perhaps half a step, too late.


    A huge golem fell from the sky.


    It seems to have been suspended by more than 50 airships.


    And it seems that the < has allowed it to enter this far.


    <.


    The giant golem raises its arm to destroy the lab.


    <


    The laboratory that Jin had put his heart and soul into was notlikely to be damaged by the golem''s blows, but the old man took aprecaution.


    He covered the institute with a , and at the same time, he put around the institute to nullify the free magical element (ether) around the institute.


    Naturally, the golem stops.


    <...... We have done all we can do. All that remains is to wait for the day when the master (my lord) will come.


    And so the old man reduces his activity level to the bare minimum.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Then, on September 13, 3899 of the continental calendar.


    "Laojun!"


    came the long-awaited voice of Jin.


    After 362 years, My Lord was reunited with Jin.


    Next Chapter


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