Jin commenced his modifications on Reiko.
He began by replacing her ether converter and mana driver with a magi reactor. By eliminating redundant space, he was able to install a larger unit. This, combined with the synergistic effect of improved efficiency, resulted in a sixty percent increase in output.
Next, he focused on the shielding for the magi-device. The first layer was the standard mithril shield case he had always used. Over that, he added a second layer: a shield case crafted from Grandragon scales.
While this alone offered superior protection, Jin installed one more feature to be absolutely certain—a miniature Magic Canceller.
As it was the smallest size Jin could currently manufacture, its effective radius was only large enough to cover the magi-device itself, protecting a spherical area roughly ten centimeters in diameter. However, this was more than enough to shield the unit’s core from the influence of an Ether Stampede. Any larger, and the device would have begun to interfere with her other functions.
"I’ll have her carry a full-sized Magic Canceller as a bracelet, too."
He built the device into a mithril bracelet designed to suit Reiko’s appearance, opting for a deliberately simple aesthetic.
"Alright, that’s done....I might as well perform some maintenance while I’m at it."
Though Reiko was constructed from exceptionally durable materials, the sheer intensity of her work meant that accelerated wear and tear was always a possibility. Jin replaced her magical skin, magical muscles, and various other components with new parts that had their durability further enhanced through an ether saturation treatment.
He meticulously readjusted the fit of her joints and checked her skeletal frame for any signs of warping. Satisfied with the results, Jin smiled.
"Reiko, wake up."
"Yes, Father."
The process was complete. Reiko, now refined to an even higher degree of perfection, opened her eyes. Jin took a moment to explain each of her new capabilities.
"I see. Then I simply need to divert a portion of the increased output to the Magic Canceller, correct?"
"That’s right. Also, the full-scale Magic Canceller is the one in your bracelet. It has an irradiation angle of approximately 120 degrees, centered in the direction the magi-crystal is facing."
"Understood."
Jin decided to install another Magic Canceller on Pegasus 1. Along with Falcon 2 and Falcon 3, it would be assigned to provide support. Although Jin had wanted to pilot Pegasus 1 himself, both Laojun and Reiko had firmly opposed the idea. In the end, he agreed to send Deus Ex Machina in his stead to act as a proxy.
＊ ＊ ＊
Meanwhile, Laojun ordered the Land squad dispatched to the demon territory to continue their systematic sweep for teleportation markers. By gathering them all in a single location, he intended to strip Negadoll 001 of its escape routes.
At the same time, Laozi—Laojun's mobile terminal—maintained his vigil over Negadoll 001's movements. Separated from his target by only a thin ceiling panel, Laozi tracked the entity’s every move. He considered drilling a small hole for direct visual observation, but decided the risk of discovery was too great. Instead, he relied on the visual feed from a Finger Golem he had covertly deployed.
It spends half—no, nearly three-quarters of the day resting. Is its condition deteriorating?
Laozi noted that Negadoll 001 was significantly less active than before.
No. 700672 had weakened over the centuries. Could the same be happening here?
With that hypothesis in mind, several details began to fall into place. Its movements were sluggish. One could argue it was simply conserving energy, but even compared to their first encounter with Reiko, it was undeniably slower.
If it is an even more flawed homunculus than No. 700672, it wouldn't be surprising if it were nearing the end of its lifespan.
It would have been convenient if the entity simply ceased functioning on its own, but Laozi knew he couldn't count on such a peaceful resolution. There was also a major point of concern: Negadoll 001 was periodically contacting someone—or something.
This proved that Negadoll 001 was not acting alone. If a direct strike by Laozi could have ended the threat, he would have attacked long ago; however, the existence of an unknown accomplice stayed his hand. Whether this mysterious figure was an ally or a subordinate remained unclear. They communicated almost entirely without words, using a series of symbolic codes instead.
The only thing Laozi had managed to uncover was that the contact was referred to as "No. 13."
He had no data on what kind of technology this No. 13 possessed. He couldn't predict how they would react if Negadoll 001 were defeated. With so many variables, Laozi hesitated to launch a direct assault. If killing Negadoll 001 only served to worsen the situation, the mission would be a failure. Thus, Laozi remained focused on identifying the shadow behind the doll.
Through his observations, one thing became certain: Negadoll 001 was indeed weakening. Even so, the sheer number of unidentified Magi Machines within the base meant the entity could not be taken lightly.
Achieving a perfect resolution may be impossible.
Laozi decided that he would strike Negadoll 001 the moment a clear opening presented itself.
Just then, Negadoll 001 vanished via teleportation. Laozi feared he had lost his target, but only a few seconds later, the doll reappeared.
It seems it just carried out an attack.
Since even his main body, Laojun, had no record of an incident, Laozi judged it highly likely that the doll had targeted an unknown clan. He was certain it had been an offensive move because of the brevity of the trip. It had likely teleported in, dropped a weapon, and returned immediately. And given the doll’s preferred method of warfare, that weapon could only be one thing: an Ether Stampede.
I have stood by and watched as more victims were claimed... I can no longer hesitate.
＊ ＊ ＊
Bafrosk, the Clan Chief of the Jest, nursed a cold, dark fury within his heart. He had been busy establishing contact with the other clans.
Among them, the Ash clan was his most reliable prospect. The two clans had a long history of cooperation, and the bond had been sealed by the marriage of Bafrosk’s daughter, Bemiaruche, to Dogmaralud, the son of the Ash Clan Chief.
"I see. An Ether Stampede? You claim the enemy is capable of such a thing...?"
The speaker was Florodrus, the Clan Chief of the Ash and father to Dogmaralud. The Ash were a formidable power among the radical factions, rivaling the Jest with approximately 150 members. They specialized in explosion magic, and many of their number were proficient in Gravity Magic and Teleportation Magic. It was only natural for Bafrosk to turn to them for aid.
Furthermore, following the death of the previous chief of the Frenzy clan, his son Raidros had taken command. Despite his youth, Raidros had managed to unite the agitated clan and had already pledged his support to Bafrosk’s cause.
With eighty members of the Frenzy, eighty from the Ash, and the twenty survivors of the Jest, a coalition was forming to wage war against the Negadoll.
"And you say this opponent calls itself 'Negadoll'? Just what is it?"
"From what I have gathered, it is a magical construct created by our ancient ancestors. It apparently harbors a deep hatred for our kind."
"Hmph. That is difficult to believe on such short notice."
"I understand. But regardless of its origins, the fact remains that it slaughtered ninety percent of my people."
"True enough."
"I doubt it will stop there. The Ash may well be the next target."
As they spoke, a figure suddenly materialized in the room via teleportation.
"Father!"
"What is it, Dogmaralud?" Florodrus asked, sounding slightly annoyed at the interruption.
"The Squirm clan has been annihilated!"
"What!?"
The Squirm were a mid-tier radical faction consisting of about fifty members.
"I went there to secure their cooperation, but..."
Because Dogmaralud was capable of using Teleportation Magic, he had been serving as a messenger to the other clans. Based on his report, the destruction appeared to be the result of another Ether Stampede.
"Curse them... butchering our own kind like this..."
While the bonds within a single clan were absolute, the demon race typically maintained loose, often distant connections between separate clans. However, the situation had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer afford such isolation. Even the most stubborn radical Clan Chiefs now understood that all too well.