Jin and Reiko emerged from the Warp Gate into a cavern. When they stepped outside, they found themselves surrounded by a dense forest, just as Reiko had described.
"Hmm... are we a bit further south than Hourai Island? No, maybe it's just a difference in longitude."
"Father, what do you mean by that?"
"Ah, I'm judging by the position of the sun."
It had been roughly three in the afternoon when they left Hourai Island. Here, however, it appeared to be just before noon. It was only natural for the sun’s altitude to differ.
"In that case, the longitude here is shifted by just under forty-five degrees compared to Hourai Island. If I knew the distance, I could figure out the size of this world."
"?"
Jin had calculated his bearings and the sun's angle using the analytical skills unique to a Magi Craft Meister, but the concepts seemed to fly over Reiko's head.
It appeared that such knowledge hadn't been transferred to her. Jin told her he would explain later since they were short on time, and they began making their way through the forest.
"Right, then. I suppose this is the part where we hear a cry for help from somewhere?"
"No, I hear no such voice, Father."
"..."
Jin found himself at a loss for words when she took his joke with such dead seriousness.
"W-Well, never mind that. Anyway, which way is Blue Land?"
"Yes, it is this way."
Reiko took the lead to guide him. The undergrowth was sparse, making for an easy trek.
"Are there any wild animals around?" Jin asked as they walked.
"None. As far as my reconnaissance showed, there are only small herbivores. I haven't spotted any magical beasts, either."
"I see. That’s a relief."
"Indeed. That said, I would protect you even at the cost of this body, Father."
With her current specifications, Reiko could easily take on an entire nation; most things in this world weren't even a remote threat to her.
After walking for about thirty minutes, the forest thinned out, and they emerged into a vast grassland. A set of city walls was visible in the distance.
"That is Blue Land."
"I see. A fortified city."
Indeed, Blue Land was a fortress city completely encircled by stone walls.
Another twenty minutes of walking brought them to the foot of the walls. Stalls were lined up along the exterior, and the area was bustling with activity.
"Do we need anything specific to enter the city?"
"My apologies. I did not enter the city during my previous visit, so I do not know."
"Fair enough. Well, for now, let's just browse the stalls and gather some information. We should be able to get a feel for the local currency and the quality of their tools."
"Understood."
The two of them set off together to browse the market.
They quickly gathered several pieces of information.
First, the language. It was the same as the one Jin had used back in Kaina Village.
Next, the currency. This, too, was the same, utilizing Toll.
Furthermore, they learned that this country was the Kingdom of Egerea. Like the Klein Kingdom where Kaina Village was located, it was one of the Allied Kingdoms.
Additionally, Blue Land was known as the economic heart of the Kingdom of Egerea.
As they moved through the market collecting these tidbits...
"Oh, a magi-crystal? No, wait, is that a magi-stone?"
They came across a shop selling magi-stones of various colors.
"None of them are particularly large... Yikes, a thousand Toll for just one?!"
That was roughly ten thousand yen.
"A thousand Toll for something that small?"
"Hey there, lad. Looking to buy?" the old man running the stall called out.
"No, sorry. I don't have the cash on me right now," Jin said, making a quick escape.
"Still, to think a magi-stone like that goes for a thousand Toll. If that's the rate, I wonder how much this magi-crystal would be worth."
Jin had brought along a red magi-crystal with the intent of converting it into funds. Generally speaking, a magi-crystal was worth ten to twenty times more than a magi-stone.
"I can't just sell this on a whim..."
He wanted to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to himself.
"Reiko, did the laboratory have any magi-stones?"
"Since there was no use for them, they were likely discarded. If we go to the disposal site, I believe we would find some."
"Ah... if I sell high-value items without a plan, I might disrupt the local market."
Even on modern Earth, there were rumors of organizations like diamond syndicates. Jin was a Magi Craft Meister; he wasn't an expert in the cutthroat world of high finance.
"Let's save the selling for next time."
For today, he gave up on the idea of obtaining money and decided to limit himself to just looking around.
"I don't see many stalls handling magic tools."
So far, none of the stalls had featured them. As Jin looked around for more, Reiko spoke up.
"Father, you are the only Magi Craft Meister in the world. Surely you have no need for references?"
"Ah, thanks, Reiko. But you never know where a wandering bit of inspiration might be hiding. I don't want to get arrogant just because I'm a Magi Craft Meister; I'd rather stay humble."
"If that is your wish, Father."
Reiko was devoted to Jin's every word.
Eventually, at the very edge of the line of stalls, they found a shop displaying magic tools.
"It's kind of... shabby," Jin muttered as he looked at the wares.
It was an honest observation, but—
"What did you say?!"
The mutter had been quiet, but it seemed the shopkeeper had overheard it. The girl behind the counter was suddenly fuming with rage.
"You got a problem with my stuff?"
The girl stood up and glared at Jin. She looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old. She was slightly shorter than Jin, with wavy, flaming red hair and red eyes. Her features were sharp, but nine out of ten people would have called her a beauty.
"Say something!"
Realizing he’d been caught speaking his mind, Jin tried to scramble for an excuse.
Before he could open his mouth, however, Reiko replied.
"He was merely stating an honest impression. What is wrong with telling the truth?"
She was essentially pouring oil onto an open flame.
"Everything's wrong with it! It'll drive away my customers!"
"From what I can see, nothing here has sold. Since you had no customers to begin with, I do not believe their numbers can decrease any further."
"Whaaaat did you say!?"
"It would be wise to face reality instead of projecting your own failures onto others."
"You sure have a big mouth, don't you!?"
"No, I did not wish to speak, but I felt it necessary to explain the situation to you."
"Why, you...!"
The red-haired girl produced a rod from somewhere and swung it down toward Reiko.