A transmission arrived from an individual identifying as No. 13.
Laojun instantly decided on a course of action and issued instructions to all the Land and Smith units via manacam.
The order was simple: ignore it.
Making any noise was strictly forbidden.
Sooner or later, the caller would realize something was wrong. Under the circumstances, it was best to reveal as little information as possible. Since the teleportation markers had been disposed of, the possibility of someone suddenly appearing via teleportation was low.
The wildcard was how the caller would react to the silence.
『...001? What is the matter? 001!』
After several attempts to make contact, the transmission cut off. Laojun immediately issued fresh orders.
『All units, battle stations. All Smith units, move to the ceiling. Land units, use Invisible and take positions against the walls.』
He also ordered Pegasus 1, Falcon 2, and Falcon 3—providing support from the sky—to monitor the area for anyone approaching.
『...It appears there was indeed another one,』 Laojun reported to Jin back on Hourai Island. 『He identified himself as No. 13. Given that No. 700672 mentioned thirteen "Failures" were produced, it stands to reason he is one of them.』
"That seems like a reasonable assumption."
『Yes. From our observations, No. 001 had deteriorated significantly, and physical malfunctions were beginning to manifest. No. 13’s status is unknown. We must decide on our next move.』
"Do you think there are any other 'Failures'—any other Negadolls—left?"
『It is unknown. However, based on No. 700672's account, the likelihood of a third unit still existing is slim. I intend to plan on the assumption that No. 13 is the final one.』
"What do we know about him?"
『Unfortunately, only the designation No. 13. We are currently analyzing the communication magic tools to trace his location. I expect to have an answer shortly.』
"Alright, we prioritize gathering information on the opponent....And how is the situation with the radical faction?"
『Yes. Fortunately or unfortunately, the occurrence of the second Ether Stampede has made them quite willing to listen to reason.』
"I see... Well, we can't change what’s already happened, but I hope we can turn this toward a better future..."
＊ ＊ ＊
"Jin-dono, I have decided to summon the heads of the remaining radical clans."
Once the news spread that the Squirm clan had been annihilated, Bafrosk, the Clan Chief of the Jest, and Florodrus, the Clan Chief of the Ash, had become much more proactive in the discussions.
"Representatives from the Thunder, Crimson, and Hurricane clans are scheduled to arrive."
These were small clans of about thirty members each; with their inclusion, all the radical clans would be present.
"I am told they are sending members capable of using Teleportation Magic, so everyone should be gathered by tomorrow."
"I see. That’s a relief."
Jin’s Double nodded deeply, looking satisfied.
If he could persuade the radicals here, a war between the demon race and humanity could be completely avoided. However, Jin still had one lingering worry.
"The whereabouts of Arshel and Raldus are still unknown... huh."
The two demons Jin knew by name were still missing.
With that concern in the back of his mind, the day turned to the 11th.
The radicals began arriving in groups of a few at a time via teleportation starting in the early morning. By just before noon, everyone was present. Fifteen representatives from the radical faction were assembled in the courtyard of the Jest clan chief's manor.
Jin had prepared a large supply of Persica juice from the stocks on Hourai Island, having brought it in the previous day using a Warp Gate.
Thinking it was just a simple beverage, the radicals took their first sips—and every one of them wore a look of shock.
"Th-this is...!"
"...It’s incredible."
"I feel as if my body has grown lighter."
The sight of brawny demons relaxing their features over fruit juice was somewhat jarring, but at least their hostility toward Jin was fading.
"Now then, regarding the purpose of today's gathering..."
Jalardos of the Erosion clan acted as the moderator.
"Regrettably, as you know, the Squirm clan has been wiped out, and the majority of the Jest clan has fallen victim to the Ether Stampede."
This time, the attendees listened in somber silence.
"To begin with, long ago, our ancestors..."
A slight murmur arose when he reached this part of the history.
"The ancestors who settled here interbred with the indigenous people..."
The murmuring grew louder.
"And it is said that these entities called 'Negadolls' plotted to set us and the humans against each other, hoping we would destroy one another..."
At this point, the commotion reached a fever pitch.
"Do you have proof!?"
"You're saying we and the humans share the same ancestors!?"
Abuse and angry shouts flew through the air. Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, Bafrosk let out a roar.
"Silence!"
It was truly a voice of command. The noisy courtyard fell quiet instantly.
"It is a fact that this 'Negadoll' triggered the Ether Stampede. I was there myself. It was only by luck that I survived—and the barrier cast by the Automata under Jin's command."
Though his clan was now reduced to only twenty members, the words of the chief of the Jest—a clan that had once been the most powerful—carried undeniable weight.
"I wanted revenge. But I don't even know where the enemy is. However, it seems Jin is capable of finding where the creature hides."
"Is that true!?"
At that moment, a mysterious voice echoed throughout the courtyard.
『Guhahaha... There is no need to search. I have come to you.』
"What!?"
"Where is it?"
Everyone present scanned their surroundings.
『...Where are you looking? I am right here.』
"Above!" Jin’s Double shouted, relayed by Falcon 2.
"Above?"
"What...?"
Floating approximately fifty meters above the courtyard were roughly fifty monstrous humanoids with wings.
"Did they teleport? But there are no markers—how?"
It was a natural question for Jin. The answer came from Sky 2, the pilot of Falcon 2.
『They teleported to the exterior of the manor first. From there, they took flight and moved over the courtyard.』
"Outside the manor?"
Jin ordered the Land squad waiting outside to investigate, but the situation was already escalating.
"Comrade 001 has been eliminated. I, No. 13, the last remaining Negadoll, shall take up his mantle. Both the demon race and humanity shall be slaughtered."
The voice came from one of the fifty. It was significantly larger than the others and pitch-black in color. As it slowly descended, its form became clearly visible.
"...Angiras..." someone whispered.
"Eh?"
Jin was startled by the word.
They were humanoids with wings on their backs, but their skin was a dull, dark green. Their faces were ferocious, with fangs protruding from their mouths, and they stood approximately 2.5 meters tall. To Jin, they looked exactly like the gargoyles from fantasy stories.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Those are... Angiras?"
The real Jin on Hourai Island was recalling a Golem Party held at the Egerea Royal Palace in the past.
During that event, a golem modeled after an "angel" had been showcased. It was a creation named Elios, made by Minister of Magic Kelichdore...
However, that golem had a feminine form, and both its wings and body were pure white—nothing at all like the gargoyle-like creatures before his eyes.
"I suppose they were beautified as the legends were passed down," Jin thought.
While Jin sat calmly in the command room on Hourai Island, the demons on the scene were trembling with dread.