Its awakening was a matter of pure coincidence.
It occurred simply because it had received mana of a matching wavelength.
However, compared to the era in which it was manufactured, the ambient free ether in the surroundings was far too sparse. The built-in ether converter slowly accumulated the mana required for operation.
Once the mana exceeded the necessary threshold, the machine began to move.
＊ ＊ ＊
Jin was leading the Empress and her party on a tour of the renovated mansion.
"This is the kitchen."
"...It’s marvelous! What is this beautiful sink and countertop?"
They were made of 18-12 stainless steel, polished so brightly that one could see their own reflection. It was no wonder she was astonished.
"This is the restroom."
"...I find myself wanting to try it."
"Hmm, this is a fascinating concept. It remains comfortable even in the cold."
Everyone seemed captivated by the heated toilet seats. Given that the other functions were far more advanced than standard models, their fascination was only natural.
"Proper waste treatment is vital," Jin explained. "Even more so if the water is being returned to Lake Tosmo."
He had heard that the lake water wasn't currently used directly for drinking, but discharging purified water was undoubtedly the better choice.
"Indeed," the Empress agreed. "I am currently reviewing our policies regarding hygiene and disease prevention based on the knowledge you shared."
"We believe that handwashing and gargling are essential, as is disinfection with hot water," Degauss added.
In that case, magic tools for Detox and Disinfection would likely prove invaluable.
Then, they reached the guest room.
"Oh my! What kind of flooring is this?"
In addition to his and Elsa's private quarters, Jin had prepared two Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats. This was the Empress’s reaction upon seeing them.
"It is called tatami. One removes their shoes to live on this surface."
"That is wonderful! To remove one's shoes... ah, it is a symbol of peace."
The Empress offered her own interpretation of Jin’s explanation. Jin was impressed by her perspective—that not wearing shoes implied there was no urgent need to flee.
"And... it has such a lovely scent. A natural fragrance."
It was the distinct aroma of new rush. Elsa loved this scent, and it seemed the Empress had taken quite a liking to it as well.
"I wonder, would it be possible to lay this upon a bedframe and place a futon on top?"
The fact that she was already suggesting such arrangements proved how much she liked it.
"I shall present a set to you later," Jin promised.
The Empress was so delighted she looked as though she might jump for joy.
"Could you show me the rooftop as well?"
"Indeed, I would like to use your methods as a reference for future projects, Lord Jin," Degauss said.
The primary objective of their visit was to see how Jin had outfitted the airship landing pad.
"Yes, of course. This way, please."
They climbed the newly installed stairs and stepped out onto the roof.
"I see. A roof and a door at the exit—logical."
It was designed much like the access point to a school rooftop. It was essential to keep rainwater from blowing into the mansion during foul weather.
"And I see you have provided space for personnel to be stationed here at any time."
The Empress nodded, noting the living quarters provided for the staff who would assist with landings.
"In addition to the roof, I've applied Toughening and Hardening to the pillars and walls, along with additional reinforcements to increase overall durability."
"Hmm, as one should."
"I’ve painted white circles to serve as landing markers. They are identical to the ones at the palace."
"And you have bollards as well, I see."
Sturdy, low-profile railings surrounded the rooftop, equipped with bollards for mooring.
"Oh, and what are those?"
The Magic Technology Minister pointed toward what were essentially lighting fixtures.
"Those are light magic tools designed for nighttime arrivals and departures," Jin explained.
Degauss nodded, clearly satisfied.
"A wise addition. It would be a grave concern if an airship could not land during an emergency simply because it was night."
"Precisely."
At that moment, they spotted an express messenger galloping toward the estate.
"Hm? An express messenger... where is he headed? Is he coming here?"
Two minutes later, Barrow came running up to the rooftop, gasping for breath.
"...I-It’s an emergency! At the palace! The palace...!"
＊ ＊ ＊
The thing that had awakened checked its surroundings and recognized that it was confined.
The black box Jin had feared had begun to function.
<Restraint confirmed. Self-defense level 1....Eliminating restraint.>
Its arms rose slowly, casting aside the temporary structure covering it.
"W-Waaah!"
Marcus was the first to cry out in shock. Just as he thought the storage work was finally complete, the giant golem had suddenly lurched into motion, destroying the covering he had painstakingly installed.
Marcus narrowly dodged the falling debris, his face turning pale as the reality of the situation set in.
"W-Why now?"
The giant golem he had been ordered to safeguard was moving—and they still hadn't found the control device. The implications were terrifying.
The giant golem slowly began to stride across the Imperial Palace courtyard. If it continued on its path, it would smash through the palace walls and descend upon the city.
"Golias No. 1! Stop that thing!"
Marcus barked orders to the large Golias units he had been using for the construction work. However, his intervention only invited greater chaos.
<Counter-entity confirmed. Self-defense level 2. Eliminating counter-entity.>
The six-meter lunged toward the twenty-meter super-giant.
The giant golem pivoted on one leg. The motion was effortless, like a man brushing away a puppy nipping at his heels.
Golias No. 1 was sent flying by the sheer momentum and tumbled across the courtyard. The giant golem did not break its stride.
"Dammit! All of you, at once!"
This time, four units moved in—two clinging to the right leg and two to the left. Yet, the giant golem did not stop.
"No. 1! Get back in there!"
Golias No. 1 finally managed to haul itself up. However, its movements were sluggish, its waist likely damaged from the previous impact. Still, it moved to block the giant golem's path.
<Five counter-entities detected. Self-defense level 3. Destroying counter-entities.>
The giant golem raised its right arm and swung it down, slamming it toward the ground.
With a sickening metallic thrum, the head of Golias No. 3, which was clinging to its right leg, was crushed flat.
However, while a golem's head contains visual sensors, its control components are located elsewhere. Golias No. 3 remained locked onto the giant's leg.
<Durability of counter-entities confirmed. Self-defense level 4. Selecting destruction method....Method determined. Commencing execution.>
"W-What!?"
The giant golem placed its hand atop the mangled head of Golias No. 3 and activated its magic.
A magic circle emitting a pale light flickered into existence. The body of Golias No. 3 began to warp into a grotesque, twisted shape before it finally went limp.
Marcus watched with wide-eyed horror.
"Forming..."
It was one of the fundamental disciplines of Craft Magic: Forming.
Using Craft Magic for offensive purposes wasn't impossible, but it was generally considered impractical. This was due to the inherent nature of the magic itself.
The effects of most Craft Magic weaken in inverse proportion to the cube of the distance. This is because the magic exerts influence over three-dimensional objects.
Consequently, as the distance from the caster increases, the effectiveness drops drastically while the required mana cost skyrockets. It is far more efficient to use standard attack magic.
Once, when Jin was attacked by Earl Walter’s soldiers in Kaina Village, he had used Forming to bend their spears, but that was an extreme exception. It was not a feat just anyone could perform.
Yet, the giant golem was wielding such Craft Magic with ease. Marcus’s astonishment was well-founded.
One by one, the giant golem began to neutralize Marcus’s golems.