June 20th, the day of the summer solstice.
The town of Koju, Shouro Empire. Located near the capital of Loizart, the town flourished through water transport thanks to canals diverted from Lake Tosmo. Due to its advantageous location, it had undergone rapid development in recent years and was expected to eventually become a satellite city of the capital.
A multipurpose facility had been constructed at the newly opened port, featuring massive buildings and sprawling plazas. Within the largest of these structures, the Central Building, and the adjacent East Building, the 10th annual Technology Expo was underway.
"On this auspicious day, it brings me great joy to welcome so many participants and visitors. I hereby declare the 10th Technology Expo open."
Inside the Great Hall of the Central Building, Empress Gerhardt Hilde von Rubis Shouro delivered the opening proclamation. This was followed by a greeting from the convention advisor, Magic Technology Minister Degauss Fruit von Manischras. Finally, the executive committee member and Administrative Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Magi Technology, Christoph Balde von Tarnat, began introducing the attendees.
"Ah, that’s the man who served as the witness at Reinhard’s wedding."
Jin, standing in the back row of the participants, remembered Christoph’s face.
As the introductions continued, several people began to slip out of the hall—likely to finish preparations or use the facilities. Jin also quietly exited the room. He had little patience for long, drawn-out ceremonies, and he had his own preparations to attend to.
"Father, I should connect this here, correct?"
"Yes, that’s right. Make sure it's secure."
With the help of Reiko and Steward, Jin began assembling a magic tool. It was shaped somewhat like a small compressor.
"Jin, what is that?"
Reinhard had also slipped away and approached Jin’s side.
"Haha, it’s a secret for now. Just look forward to it, all right? I’m going to stun every single person who came today."
It was rare for Jin, who usually shunned the spotlight, to make such a bold claim. Reinhard stared at him, looking genuinely surprised.
"...Right. I’ll be looking forward to it, then."
Leaving it at that, Reinhard headed off to check his own exhibits. Aside from special items like the one Jin was currently building, most entries had been brought in the day before and were already on display. All that remained was a final check before the venue was opened to the public.
It went without saying that the entries from Elsa, who was officially acting as Jin’s assistant, had already been submitted.
Jin left the finished magic tool in Steward’s care. Guarding the carriage had been temporarily entrusted to Lily, a member of the Secret Mobile Unit.
By the time things settled down, it was nearly noon. The venue was scheduled to open at midday, so Jin headed to the large cafeteria with Reiko to finish lunch beforehand. Participants were permitted to eat for free between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Jin found a seat and gave his order to a server. Reinhard and Saki were nowhere to be seen; they were likely still busy or had already finished their meals. Or so he thought, until—
"Hey, Jin. So this is where you were."
Saki arrived just as he was thinking about her.
"Ah, Saki. Are you all set on your end?"
"Yeah, I’ve done everything I can. Now I just have to wait for the results."
Saki sat at the same table and placed her order. Moments later, another voice called out to them.
"Oh, Jin-kun."
"Ah, it’s been a long time."
"It really has been. Have you been well? Thank you again for your help back then."
The speaker was Stearena, a magi craftman from the Celuroa Kingdom. Saki, who didn't recognize her, looked caught off guard.
"Jin, who is this?"
"Ah, this is Stearena Gamma, a magi craftman from the Celuroa Kingdom."
When Jin introduced her, Stearena giggled and corrected him.
"Oh, I’m not Gamma anymore. I’m Beta now. Stearena Beta."
The top-ranked technical official in the Celuroa Kingdom had been Donald Carroux Alpha, the number two of Unifilar. However, he had gone missing following the organization's collapse, and Stearena had been promoted to fill the vacancy.
"So you've become Beta. Congratulations."
"Thank you. Though... since it was just a promotion by default rather than merit, I can't say I'm entirely thrilled about it."
Stearena gave a wry smile, clearly finding little joy in a promotion caused by a vacancy.
"And this is Saki. Saki Eschenbach. She’s an alchemist."
"Nice to meet you, Saki."
"Likewise."
Stearena seemed to be on a tight schedule. "Well then, I’ll be looking forward to this afternoon," she said before hurrying off.
The afternoon was reserved for the participants' presentations. While each participant had an assigned booth, it was decided that booth displays alone wouldn't be enough to appeal to the visitors. Therefore, each was given time for a demonstration on a special stage.
Massive magi-screens were installed throughout the hall, ensuring the presentations were visible even from the back of the room. The audio was also broadcast to every corner of the facility via loudspeakers. Only about thirty percent of the participating magi craftmen were allowed to present on this stage; those without a proven track record were barred from the platform.
Naturally, Jin was included in that thirty percent. Being an international participant, his time slot was scheduled for early in the session.
Just before noon, the doors finally opened. Jin stood at his booth.
"Let’s see... I'm the third presenter. Can you handle things here while I'm gone?"
"Yes, please leave it to me."
Edgar nodded. Jin had brought Edgar along to represent one of Elsa's creations.
"...That concludes the introduction of my work."
On the stage, the first presentation had just ended.
"Right, I'm off."
Jin left the booth, having Reiko carry the equipment for his presentation. The second presenter was Stearena.
"I am Stearena Beta, a magi craftman of the Celuroa Kingdom."
A thunderous round of applause erupted at the appearance of the beautiful magi craftman.
"This is my crystal golem, Selene."
A great cheer rose from the crowd as the golem was introduced. It was made of a shimmering, bluish crystal, showing a much higher level of refinement than the Celes Jin had seen in the Kingdom of Egerea.
Hmm, that blue doesn't look like quartz...
Watching from the side of the stage, Jin discreetly used Analyze to check the materials.
Huh, blue topaz.
Topaz was a mineral with even greater hardness than quartz. It was highly rare; the yellow variety, known as Imperial Topaz, was a particularly expensive gemstone. Colorless, pink, brown, and blue varieties also existed. Selene was a golem crafted from that blue topaz.
Its movements were fluid, and its level of completion was clearly superior to Celes. Furthermore, it sang, possessing a voice that also surpassed its predecessor's.
But it still looks like it would shatter easily...
As the hall filled with applause, Jin found himself preoccupied with such practical worries.
Then came the third slot—it was finally Jin's turn. Jin stepped onto the stage while Reiko carried a tray.
"I am Jin Nidou, Honorary Magi Craftman of the Kingdom of Egerea."
Applause broke out as he spoke; his name had clearly gained quite a reputation.
"What I will show you today is this."
Jin pulled back the cover of the tray Reiko was holding. Lined up there were ten golems, each only ten centimeters tall.
The crowd's reaction was lukewarm at best. From a distance, they looked like nothing more than simple dolls. However, as soon as Jin gave his first command, their apathy turned to astonishment.
"Mini Smiths, show them your movements."
"Yes, Master!"
Responding to Jin's order in high-pitched voices, the Mini Smiths began to march and started climbing up Reiko's body. They scaled her arms, shoulders, and head. Those watching were struck with amazement.
Anyone with even a basic understanding of magi craft knew how extraordinary a ten-centimeter golem was. To have them be autonomous and capable of speech was unheard of. Even those ignorant of magi-engineering found themselves staring in rapt fascination at the unprecedented sight.
Jin continued his explanation.
"These mini-golems are called Mini Smiths. They are designed to act as assistants for magi craft. As for their practical applications... well, seeing is believing. Please, watch."
Jin handed small pieces of brass to the Mini Smiths.
"When precision work is required, our hands and eyes are often too clumsy. In that regard, they are..."
Just as Jin spoke, the Mini Smiths simultaneously activated their Craft Magic. Characteristic magic circles flashed for an instant, and the brass pieces in their hands transformed.
They had become medals featuring intricate engravings. Jin had them repeat the process three more times, then ordered Reiko and the Mini Smiths to distribute the forty medals to the audience.
Reiko walked among the spectators holding the tray. Riding on that tray, the Mini Smiths personally handed the medals to the onlookers. Whenever they ran low, the Mini Smiths processed more brass on the spot and continued the distribution.
Through this demonstration, every member of the audience saw the mini-golems up close and realized the terrifying extent of their processing capabilities.