The Capricorn 1 slowly began its journey northward.
While they moved at a steady pace, the fact that Land 1, Reiko, and Anne never required rest meant they could travel through the night. Consequently, they were able to cover several hundred kilometers in a single day.
That time was not spent idly. Jin had already cast Amnesia on Belialus.
The demon was now in a state where he couldn't even remember why he had been captured, so the risk of intelligence leaking in the future would be kept to a minimum.
All-Creation, Sion, and the others had rested sufficiently, and their physical strength was now at the level of Völlig Genesen.
Presently, after crossing a wide but shallow river and passing the 55th parallel north, the party arrived before a mountain shrouded in ice.
"I only know that they supposedly live at the foot of this mountain," All-Creation said, her voice lacking confidence. "They are a people who almost never interact with other clans."
"Hmm, we won't get anywhere at this rate. Land 1, how is the magi-detector?"
"Yes... I have a reaction approximately two kilometers to the left."
"Alright, let's head there."
The Capricorn 1 turned to port.
They traversed land where patches of snow still lingered. The outside temperature was two degrees Celsius—bitterly cold.
"It’s a good thing I was meticulous with the climate control system," Jin thought.
Jin's Body Double (Double) was immune to heat and cold, but for those still recovering—All-Creation, Sion, Netros, and Lucas—the sudden drop in temperature would have been a grueling trial.
As they pushed forward, they soon arrived at the source of the signal.
"There is a massive magical signature in this vicinity."
Yet, the surroundings held nothing but craggy rocks, melting snow, and the ice-clad mountain.
"Hmm, that's odd."
＊ ＊ ＊
Back on Hourai Island, the real Jin had reached a realization.
"An illusion barrier..."
It was just like the barrier deployed in the skies over the Former Leonard Kingdom—an illusion capable of deceiving not only human eyes but even the sensors of the golems Jin had built. Jin remembered it now.
"Laojun, have you discovered anything about that illusion barrier?"
The Quinta units dispatched to the Former Leonard Kingdom had been investigating the area tirelessly.
"Yes, My Lord. While we have yet to grasp the full scope—such as the identity of the caster or their objective—we have managed to clarify its effects to some extent."
"I see. And?"
"Yes. First, it is noteworthy that the barrier does not merely produce optical illusions spanning from the infrared to the ultraviolet spectrum; it also distorts sound waves between 1 Hz and 30,000 Hz."
"Hearing as well?"
In essence, it reflected sound waves to make it seem as though a physical object was present.
Some theories suggested that among the human senses, hearing was the second most vital after sight. Unlike vision, hearing lacked specific directionality and had no innate way to shut it out, like closing one's eyes—though one could cover their ears.
The order in which one could perceive danger while asleep was hearing, followed by the tactile sense through vibrations, and occasionally the sense of smell, such as the scent of smoke.
"So it's an illusion with physical substance?"
"No, not quite. It is incapable of deceiving the tactile sense."
"Then how is it generated?"
"The method and principles of its generation remain unknown."
"Is that so..."
While Jin felt he could replicate the optical component now, an acoustic illusion was not something he could produce on short notice. It was a remarkably sophisticated piece of magic.
"On that note, regarding countermeasures: if this is being maintained through magic, I believe it may be possible to neutralize it using a Magi-Jammer. It is, at the very least, worth an attempt."
"I see."
＊ ＊ ＊
"Alright, Land 1, activate the Magi-Jammer."
"Roger."
This marked the first time the Magi-Jammer would be used in a live environment.
At first, there was no change. But roughly one minute later...
"Oh?"
A section of the snowy, rocky mountain simply vanished, revealing a massive cave mouth.
"It looks like that's the entrance."
"J-Jin! What on earth did you do?" Sion cried out, staring out the window in shock.
"There seemed to be a barrier in place. I simply deactivated it."
"You say 'simply,' but... well, I suppose that's just like you, Jin."
However, while the cave was large, it was only about four meters wide and four meters high—not nearly enough room for the Capricorn 1 to enter.
"Try turning off the jammer."
"Roger."
The barrier did not return even after the Magi-Jammer was deactivated. Jin wondered if there were specific conditions for its restoration, but for now, his focus was on the cave.
"I was hoping someone would notice the barrier failing and come out to investigate."
But luck was not on their side. Even after waiting for thirty minutes, no one emerged.
"I suppose we have no choice but to check it out ourselves..."
"In that case, I will go," Netros volunteered. "I am capable of defending myself, and I understand our circumstances."
"...I suppose you're right. Netros, would you go for us?"
Under these conditions, a member of Jin's direct group might provoke hostility; there was no one more suited for the task. Lucas was still far too green.
"Yes, All-Creation-sama. I'm off."
Netros opened the hatch and jumped down to the ground. He began a slow, deliberate walk toward the cave.
Jin and the others watched his progress from within the Capricorn 1.
Five minutes passed after Netros disappeared into the darkness, then ten.
The tension inside the vehicle was palpable as they waited.
Then, at the fifteen-minute mark...
"What's that?"
A figure moved at the mouth of the cave.
"It's Netros... and who is that with him?"
One was undeniably Netros. Beside him stood a thin, middle-aged man with snow-white hair. His features were indistinguishable from this distance.
The man remained at the entrance while Netros alone walked back toward the vehicle.
Looking up at the Capricorn 1, he waved his hand to signal that all was well. Jin lowered the craft's hull to the ground.
Opening the door with a measure of caution, Jin watched as Netros climbed back inside.
"I have returned. As we suspected, the Gospel clan resides within that cave."
Netros delivered his report.
"After I gave a brief summary of our situation, they informed me that we are welcome. They claimed there is a specific reason for the incitement and that they are willing to explain it. Furthermore, they wish to take the time to hear our side as well."
"Oh, thank goodness...!"
"Yeah, what a relief!"
All-Creation and Sion let out long-held breaths. Reiko scrutinized Netros's demeanor, but he showed no signs of brainwashing.
"Very well. We'll leave Land 1 to guard the vehicle, and the rest of us... yes, let's take Belialus with us and head to the Gospel clan. Even if they seem friendly now, they might still be the ones pulling the strings. We must not let our guard down."
Jin's words set the tone, and no one disagreed.
"Alright, then. Let's bring some provisions. Anne, prepare about 100 kilograms of flour to take as a gift."
"Yes, Master."
"Reiko, bring Touka with you."
"Yes, Father."
Jin—in his Body Double (Double)—also packed several recovery medicines and some Persica juice.
Netros took charge of the prisoner, Belialus.
"Alright, let's move. Land 1, once we're out, retreat two hundred meters, deploy the barrier, and wait on standby."
"Roger."
Thus, Jin and his companions finally encountered a clan they could talk to and began the trek toward their dwelling.