After checking out of his inn in the port town of Port Rock, Jin had returned to Hourai Island for the time being.
In ten days, he was scheduled to head back to Port Rock to meet Reinhard, a diplomat from the Shouro Empire, and travel with him to his home nation.
Jin had gained a great deal during his time in Port Rock. While finding fish sauce had been a highlight, he was still disappointed that he hadn't come across any rice.
"Ah, there's nothing like a real bath after all."
Since Port Rock had only offered a makeshift shower, Jin was fully relaxing in his first morning bath in quite some time.
"Father, let me wash your back."
Reiko waited nearby. While she appeared to be a young girl not even ten years old, she was a Super Automata capable of rivaling an entire nation.
"Yeah, thanks."
As Reiko washed his back, Jin's mind turned to his next project.
"I want to build a high-speed boat eventually, but first, I should make an aircraft powered by a Magi Jet Engine."
It was a jet engine that utilized wind magic. The fact that a jet plane would be built before a propeller-driven aircraft was a quirk unique to a world of magic.
After finishing his bath, Jin prepared a large supply of light silver.
Light silver was a lightweight metal with excellent magical conductivity. Its true identity was titanium—atomic number 22—with most of its twenty-six neutrons replaced by magi-particles.
It was the obvious choice for an aircraft's hull. For the windshield, he decided on crystal.
With his materials selected, he immediately set to work.
"Let’s see... since this is the first one, the main wing will be a standard tapered design with no sweepback."
He had no intention of exceeding the speed of sound just yet.
"The question is how to mount the engine."
Jin reasoned that it would be easier to maintain balance if the thrust line passed through the center of gravity.
"I'll place it in the rear and put the air intake in the front."
The shape gradually began to emerge.
"The problem is the control system."
He had built model airplanes before, but he had never seen the inside of a real cockpit. He had never even played flight simulators.
"Well, I recall that you use a control stick to move the elevators, rudder, and ailerons, so..."
He devised a control scheme based on his limited knowledge.
"I’ll use an accelerator and a brake for speed. And I'll link the flaps to the brakes as well."
Jin lost himself in the work. The lump of light silver was soon transformed into a gleaming, silver aircraft.
"Even if autopilot is out of the question, having some degree of autonomy would be a lifesaver."
Deciding this was the perfect application for golem technology, he used a magi-crystal to construct a navigation aid system based on his experience with the glider golems he had built previously.
Thus, the prototype became a true hodgepodge of technologies.
"It’s done."
The first prototype aircraft was finished that afternoon. In parallel with its construction, he had ordered Topaz—the member of the Five-Color Golems in charge of land development—to clear and level a runway.
"Now then, time for the maiden flight."
Jin was about to climb in with high spirits when Reiko intervened.
"Father, please wait."
She stopped him before he could board.
"According to your explanation, this magic tool flies through the sky, correct?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"I trust in your skill, Father, but what would you do if it were to malfunction or break mid-flight?"
"..."
Jin hadn't actually considered that. He hadn't even prepared a parachute.
"I beg of you, Father. Let me handle the first flight."
As a Super Automata, Reiko would be able to survive almost any complication.
"Hmm... Alright, Reiko. I'll leave the test flight to you."
"Yes, Father. Understood."
And so, Jin hurriedly used Trans Info to upload the piloting instructions directly into Reiko's mind. Since the seat was too low for her small frame, he made some quick adjustments before the maiden flight finally commenced.
"Well then, I am off."
On a perfect afternoon with only a light breeze, Reiko ignited the Magi Jet Engine.
The sound of rushing air echoed as the prototype began its takeoff run. It picked up speed rapidly, and when Reiko gave the control stick a light pull...
"Yes! It’s flying!"
The prototype lifted off with ease, soaring up into the blue sky.
"It’s a success!"
Reiko circled Hourai Island. Once she had grown accustomed to the controls, she began limit testing: maximum speed, steep climbs, dives, and sharp turns.
With no speedometer, Jin had to estimate visually, but she seemed to be hitting 400 to 500 kilometers per hour. The maneuverability and stability during the dives and turns were flawless. This was largely thanks to the light silver, which possessed five times the strength of super-duralumin at roughly the same weight. Furthermore, the navigation aid system was actively learning and assisting with the flight.
"Ah, I really want a communication device now."
He could likely replicate a visual system, as he had analyzed the magic eye and magic screen during the tournament in Port Rock.
"I suppose I just need to create something that functions as a 'magic ear' and 'magic mouth.'"
Names were strictly provisional, of course.
As the sun dipped lower and the light began to fade, Jin signaled for Reiko to land.
Noticing the signal, Reiko lowered her altitude and headed straight for the runway. It was then that disaster struck.
"Birds!?"
A flock of birds returning to their roost at dusk crossed directly in front of the aircraft.
Several birds slammed into the fuselage. The windshield was instantly obscured by blood, and the Magi Jet Engine sucked more birds into its intake along with the air. It was a classic "bird strike."
Having swallowed multiple birds, the Magi Jet Engine ground to a halt. Blinded and with its balance compromised, the prototype stalled and began to fall.
"Reiko!"
The prototype plummeted from an altitude of about fifty meters, crashing into a total wreck that was barely recognizable. It was a testament to the stability of magi craft that it didn't explode or catch fire.
Jin dashed toward the crash site. Soleil and Luna, Reiko's assistant golems, ran at his sides.
"Hah... hah..."
Jin reached the wreckage out of breath, only to find a familiar figure waiting for him.
"I am terribly sorry, Father."
It was Reiko, bowing her head deeply.
"R-Reiko! Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I am fine," she replied. "The body you gave me, Father, has sustained no damage. However, I have destroyed the aircraft you entrusted to me..."
Jin pulled her into a tight hug.
"You dummy. I can always make another plane. But there's only one Reiko."
"Father, I am an automata. If you so desired, you could build as many of me as you wished. Furthermore, since I am not human, I believe it is more proper to refer to me as 'one unit' rather than 'one person'."
Jin rapped her lightly on the head.
"Dummy. You are you. Your experiences since the day you were born, the memories of the time we've spent together—those belong only to you. I might be able to make a very similar automata, but there will only ever be one Reiko."
"Father..."
Reiko buried her face in Jin's chest.
"...Thank you."
Then, in a tiny voice, she added:
"Reiko is a very happy girl."
"Come on, let’s go back. I’ll improve the second model so an accident like this never happens again."
"Yes. I will do my absolute best to help you."
Jin and the others headed back to the laboratory, leaving the broken wreckage for Soleil and Luna to carry.
Jin’s hand hurt immensely from rapping Reiko on her hard head, but he made sure not to let a single trace of the pain show on his face.