Even after Jin finished his general explanation of the demon race, a heavy silence hung over the room.
After a long pause, the Marquis was the first to speak.
"…Based on what you’ve told us, I don't believe the demon race will be launching a full-scale invasion anytime soon."
Adding the caveat that this was merely his own perspective, the Marquis continued.
"The reason is simple: this entire region is likely inhospitable to them. Their recent meddling is, in all probability, nothing more than a 'game.'"
"A game, you say?"
"Yes, a game. From a strategic standpoint, their actions are amateurish. While they may be gathering information, they have done more to pique our vigilance than was wise."
That is true, Jin thought. In response to these events, Jin was already planning to further bolster the military strength of Hourai Island and his other assets.
"If they were serious, they would have acted far more covertly."
Hearing this analysis from the Marquis, a former lieutenant general, Saki and Karen finally looked relieved.
"I am… a little tired."
The Marquis was still a long way from a full recovery. With that, the discussion for the day came to an end.
＊ ＊ ＊
After the Marquis returned to his bedchamber, he sent for Jin alone, stating that he had a private matter to discuss.
"I said what I did for Saki and Karen’s benefit, but tell me—do you hold a different opinion?"
The Marquis got straight to the point the moment Jin entered. Jin did not hesitate to answer.
"Yes. While I can’t predict when, I suspect they intend to invade eventually."
"Indeed. This region may be difficult for them to inhabit, but they don't necessarily have to live here after a conquest. We cannot dismiss the possibility that they are after resources or crops."
The Marquis’s theories aligned closely with Laojun's predictions.
"Jin-dono—no, Lord Jin Nidou. Your automaton…"
"You mean Reiko?"
Jin glanced back at Reiko, who was standing at attention behind him.
"Yes, Reiko. She is quite charming, yet she possesses such remarkable strength."
The Marquis had witnessed Reiko's prowess firsthand during the Gonkrenz.
"As a Meister, could you not mass-produce golems equal to her?"
"In theory, yes… provided there are no issues with the materials."
"Ah, I see. I suppose that is the hurdle.…Do you use exceptionally rare materials?"
Jin answered honestly, though he kept the specifics vague.
"Yes. Some are materials that cannot be acquired through normal means."
"…I thought as much. Well, materials within the realm of what we can source will suffice. Is it possible to create powerful golems using those?"
"Yes."
"Then that is enough. It is reassuring to know that we can prepare a powerful golem army as a countermeasure if necessary."
In truth, such an army already existed on Hourai Island, but Jin could not disclose that to the Marquis.
The Marquis closed his eyes, perhaps contemplating defensive strategies. After a moment, he spoke again.
"…I shall consider the options on my end. I would like you to think of further ways to counter the demon race as well."
Then, he lowered his voice.
"One last thing. You mentioned it quite casually, but that magic which can read memories—'Trans Info,' was it? It would be best if you did not mention its existence in public. It would invite all sorts of unwanted trouble. I have no intention of speaking of it to others, of course."
Calling it his way of thanking Jin for the gift of Lisa, the Marquis lay back on the bed, looking exhausted. Lisa moved in to assist him. It was clear his stamina had not yet returned.
"I understand. Thank you. If you'll excuse me."
Taking the Marquis's condition into account, Jin bowed and left the room.
＊ ＊ ＊
Everyone was set to stay the night at the Marquis’s estate.
However, Jin used the Warp Gate inside his carriage to return to Hourai Island with only Reiko.
"Welcome back, My Lord."
"Laojun, what is the status of the gravity magic research?"
Jin immediately asked about the topic at the top of his mind.
"My Lord, our analysis of gravity magic has advanced to the next stage."
"Oh, that’s excellent news."
Jin prompted Laojun to elaborate.
"The essence of gravity magic appears to be the 'manipulation of space.'"
"Hmm? How so?"
"My Lord, are you familiar with the theory that gravity is the curvature or distortion of space?"
"Ah, I think I saw that on TV once."
Jin recalled a half-remembered segment on Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
"Precisely. Space and gravity share an inseparable relationship."
"I follow you."
"To increase weight is to increase gravity—which is to say, it is nothing other than increasing the distortion of space."
The conversation was turning technical, but Jin managed to grasp the core concept.
"So, it's possible to create a spatial distortion using mana."
Since Warp Gates already functioned by interfering with space, Jin found the logic sound.
"We are now capable of increasing or decreasing gravity, though it requires a massive amount of mana."
"I suppose it would. That man, Raldus—he was using elradrite, wasn't he?"
"Yes. For now, as a countermeasure against the demon race's gravity magic, we can install individual-scale defenses in all Hourai Island golems."
Laojun explained that while exerting gravity on the surrounding environment required a vast amount of mana, protecting an individual was far more efficient.
"Good. Get to work on that immediately. Is there anything else?"
Laojun’s next answer hinted at even greater possibilities.
"Yes. It appears possible to change the direction of gravity as well, though we have not yet realized it."
This meant that gravity could be applied for propulsion.
Jin’s imagination flared. If they could achieve that, they might even be able to reach space.
But for now, he had to focus on the problems right in front of him.
"My Lord, may I have a moment?"
As Jin was about to move on to the next point, Anne approached.
"What is it, Anne?"
"Yes. I have noticed a potential issue regarding the installation of the Warp Gates."
"Go on."
"The problem is as follows…"
Anne explained that while installing Warp Gates in the various royal castles would make traveling to Fusou Island convenient, the return journey posed a security risk. Specifically, someone with malicious intent could use Fusou Island as a hub to infiltrate any of the royal castles.
"…Ah, you’re right."
Jin had no intention of giving Fusou Island the same ironclad security as Hourai Island, so this was indeed a dangerous vulnerability.
"Even dedicated passports wouldn't be enough."
If those were stolen, the security would be compromised anyway.
"I suppose I should have them build dedicated facilities for the Warp Gates instead of putting them directly in the castles…"
"Yes, I believe that would be the best course of action."
"I’ll casually ask for the Marquis's opinion on the matter tomorrow."
And so, Jin continued to refine his plans. Setting the Warp Gate issue aside for the moment, he moved to his next topic.
"Laojun, based on how the transporters have been performing, I think we can use them for my next project."
"What plan is that, My Lord?"
"I’m talking about a military application. In the event of a full-scale battle against the demon race, we’ll need it."
"You intend to use them to deliver a payload?"
Laojun saw through Jin’s intention instantly.
"Exactly. Specifically, a 'mana bomb.'"
"A mana bomb?"
Jin explained his vision: writing the magi-formula for 'Mana Explosion' into magi-crystals or magi-stones to create explosives.
He had first thought of this during the final confrontation with the Unifilar, back when his Body Double, Maquina, was nearly buried alive in an underground passage. Maquina had removed its mana tank, triggered a Mana Explosion, and used the resulting blast to clear the debris.
"I understand. I shall begin work on a prototype."
"I’m counting on you."
The concept could be applied to landmines, bombs, shells, and even missiles, though they would have to balance their use with the existing magi-cannons.
"Also, what do you think about deploying an Inch-Smith for repairs inside each golem? They could fix minor malfunctions on the fly."
"That is an excellent idea. I shall begin the feasibility study at once."
"Great. And one more thing: I'm thinking of forming a medical team—a unit of golems specialized in healing magic."
After seeing Elsa's talent as a first-class healer, Jin wasn't about to let the inspiration go to waste.
"I want to create 'Nurse Golems.'"
After giving Laojun a few more directives for research, Jin finally returned to the Marquis’s estate.