Toward the end of the festivities for Elsa Randol’s birthday party, Jin decided it was the perfect time to share his future plans, as the entire family was gathered.
He spoke about the spaceship and his plans for the underground—specifically, he went into detail about the survey of the subterranean facility, which was their immediate priority.
“…And so, I intend to investigate the depths beneath the Elrad Mine. As a preliminary step, I’m going to the demon territory to bring back Belialus.”
“Hmm, I’d heard bits and pieces, but I didn't realize things had developed like that.”
Reinhard looked surprised.
“To think the mysterious Warp Gate in Dali was connected to a place like that.”
Marcia, who had also been in Dali but was uninvolved in those complications, was taken aback.
“…Jin, you really do get your hands into everything, don’t you?”
That was likely her honest impression.
“Khehe, Jin, if you’re heading to the demon territory, could I come along?”
“Ah, if possible, I would like to go as well.”
Saki Eschenbach and her father, Toa Eschenbach, volunteered.
“I don’t plan on staying very long this time, but if you’re fine with that…”
When Jin gave his consent, the two were delighted. Toa, in particular, was so excited he nearly jumped for joy, as it was his first visit to the region.
“Dear, please try to act like an adult.”
He was frolicking so much that Stearena Gamma had to caution him.
“Khehehe, Stearena-san really has Father wrapped around her finger, doesn’t she?”
Saki whispered this in a voice low enough that the two couldn't hear. It seemed she couldn't quite bring herself to call Stearena “Mother” yet.
“Um, if it’s possible, could I be taken along as well?”
It was Vivienne. As a storyteller, she was naturally intrigued.
Jin decided to take her along, thinking it only natural for her to be curious.
With that, the party dispersed. Reinhard and his wife returned to their own territory to attend to their official duties.
Marcia and Rodrigo also returned to Port Rock Town, as they couldn't leave their workshop vacant for too long, while Vivienne, Saki, and Toa remained.
Stearena, who was now Toa’s wife, said she would wait at their home in the Shouro Empire and departed. She didn’t forget to add a sharp warning: “Please don’t cause any trouble for everyone.”
The next morning, after breakfast, Jin gave a brief explanation to those joining the expedition.
“Our vehicle is the Capricorn 1. We’ll travel via transporter to just before the Pazdext Great Isthmus, and from there, we’ll travel overland. We’ll head straight for the Puppet Clan.”
Due to the unstable weather around the Great Isthmus during this season, Jin had decided against using the Konron 2 to avoid the risks of sudden gusts and other hazards.
“Will the stay be short?” Saki asked.
Vivienne seemed to want to ask the same thing, nodding along beside her.
“Yeah, for this trip. If we can bring Arshel back with us, we might be able to take our time later…”
“So we should probably expect to stay for just one night,” Vivienne said with a hint of disappointment.
“Well, depending on how the conversation goes, we might stay there until Belialus is ready to return.”
“Jin, that sounds great!” Saki leaned forward.
“In that case, we’ll take Aaru as a support member. If anything happens, we can contact Laojun and have him come pick us up.”
“That’s a good idea.”
Of course, communication was also possible through the Fellowship Bracelets. Vivienne wore a pink one, and Saki wore a light purple one.
“Father, I hate to say this, but Aaru alone might have difficulty handling certain situations.”
It was true that Aaru’s combat capabilities were low. After thinking for a moment, Jin decided to have Anne and Steward accompany them as well.
That afternoon, the Capricorn 1 was parked in the plaza in front of the Hourai Island laboratory.
Standing before it were Jin, Elsa, Saki, Toa, Vivienne, Reiko, Anne, Edgar, Aaru, and Steward.
For this trip, Steward would serve as the pilot instead of Land 1.
Mine was there to see them off.
“Well then, everyone, please be careful. I pray for your safety.”
“Alright, we’re off.”
“Mother, I’m going now,” Elsa said.
“I’m off!” Saki added.
“We’re heading out then,” said Toa.
“We shall be on our way,” Anne finished.
Jin and the others exchanged brief farewells and boarded the Capricorn 1.
“Now, initiating transfer,” Laojun’s voice echoed.
The transporter activated. In an instant, the Capricorn 1 vanished from before Mine’s eyes.
“May you all be safe…”
Staring at the northern sky, Mine whispered in a soft voice before returning to the laboratory.
The Capricorn 1 materialized just before the Pazdext Great Isthmus. The snow in the area had completely disappeared, leaving the ground a dull brown. It would likely be a little longer before the grass began to sprout.
“Ah, last time it was a total snowscape, but spring is already right around the corner here too,” Saki whispered with deep emotion.
Jin commanded Steward to start the Capricorn 1.
The weather was slightly overcast, but they could see far into the distance.
“We can see the rocks clearly this time!” Saki was in high spirits. On their previous visit, the area had been locked in snow and ice, making it impossible to observe the geological distribution.
They continued to make steady progress and arrived at the narrowest part of the isthmus about two hours later.
“Jin, you said the rocks change around here, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, that’s right.…Look, right around there.”
“Let’s see… Oh, you’re right!”
Though frozen snow still lingered in the shadows, over seventy percent of the ground was visible, making the difference in the color of the rocks obvious at a glance.
“Hmm, so it changes from limestone to… what did you call it? Radiolarian chert? They really are red rocks…”
“Yeah. That’s why I suspect that the Lauren Continent and the Gondoa Continent were joined together by ancient crustal movements.”
“Mhm, that seems likely.”
Even as she spoke, Saki remained glued to the window.
“We can collect some rock samples on the way back.”
“Khehe, I’d appreciate that.”
The Capricorn 1 completed its crossing of the Great Isthmus before sunset. That area was already the territory of the Puppet Clan.
“Everyone should know about this Capricorn 1 by now, so I’d expect some kind of movement.”
Before Jin could even finish his sentence, figures appeared in the distance.
“Anne, could you go and take a look?”
“Yes, Master.”
Anne had accompanied them during the expedition to the demon territory last year, so her face was well-known. After all, she had defeated a Grandragon right before their eyes.
“Lady Anne, it is good to see you!”
A group of demons had come out to check on the vehicle, having suspected it was the Capricorn 1. Since they remembered Anne, the conversation proceeded quickly.
“Jin-dono, you are most welcome.”
Clan Chief Maximus, having heard the news, came out personally to greet Jin and the others.
“It’s been a while, Maximus-san. These are my companions: Elsa, Saki, Toa, and Vivienne.”
“I am Elsa.”
“I’m Saki, nice to meet you.”
“I am Saki’s father, Toa.”
“My name is Vivienne.”
They each introduced themselves. Jin then stated the purpose of their visit.
“We’ve found a lead regarding Arshel, who was missing.”
Hearing this, Maximus could not hide his surprise.
“What! That is wonderful news!”
“So, I’ve come to invite Belialus to join us.”
“Ah, you’ve made it just in time. To be honest, he was scheduled to depart for the Lauren Continent within a day or two to search for Arshel himself.”
Hearing that, Jin felt a surge of relief, realizing they really had made it just in the nick of time.