"I see. So that's how it is."
In a room at the Guest House, Jin had just finished reporting the day's events to Saki and the others.
"How about you, Hanna? Did you find it interesting?"
"Yeah, Onii-chan! I learned so much. Oh, but there's one thing I wanted to ask."
"What is it?"
"Um, well... I don't really understand the difference between 'elements,' 'atoms,' and 'molecules'."
Jin blinked in surprise. That was science at a level usually not taught until the upper years of elementary school. Hanna was ten this year, which would make her a fourth-grader.
Still, he knew how bright she was, and Jin wasn't the type to refuse an explanation when someone wanted to learn. Besides, Saki looked just as eager to hear his description.
"First, the molecule. A molecule is the smallest unit of a substance. For example, water is made up of a collection of water molecules."
"Okay, I think I get that much," Hanna said, nodding with a serious expression.
"Right. Now, atoms are what make up those molecules. A single water molecule consists of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Does that make sense?"
He worried the explanation had become too complex too quickly, but to his surprise, Hanna nodded.
"Yeah, I follow, Onii-chan."
"As for an 'element,' you can think of it as the name for a specific category of atom. You'll get used to the distinction in time."
Jin provided a few more examples, and Hanna seemed to grasp almost everything he said.
"You're really sharp, Hanna. I'm impressed."
When Jin praised her, she beamed with a happy smile.
"Ehehe! I’m going to study harder and harder so I can help you out soon, Onii-chan!"
"I see. Thanks, Hanna."
Warmed by her enthusiasm, Jin reached out and patted her head. Elsa and Saki watched the two of them with fond, gentle smiles.
＊ ＊ ＊
That night.
Jin and Reiko secretly returned to Hourai Island.
"Laojun, what did you find?"
He was asking about the locations where the markers had been sent—the sites where the factory’s raw materials were being sourced.
『Yes, My Lord. The three markers were sent to three distinct locations. One is in the heart of the Great Sahara Desert, one is north of the Kruger Mountains, and the last is in the forest west of Lake Sayama.』
"I see. My guess would be that the forest provides timber, while the mountains and desert provide minerals like metals and magi-crystals."
『I believe that assessment is correct.』
The next concern was the danger level of those areas, but observations from the Watcher satellites indicated they were no more hazardous than any other region.
"In that case, the golems tasked with mining the materials have likely ceased functioning," Jin mused.
『That is highly probable.』
Jin fell into thought. While restoring the factory in Mitsuho was a priority, investigating the legacy of the Magus and his Predecessor was equally important. It was, after all, one of the primary reasons he had traveled to Mitsuho.
"Let’s send in the Smiths."
Jin decided to have the mining golems repaired under the cover of night.
『Understood. Please leave it to me.』
"I’m counting on you."
With Laojun taking charge, Jin felt he could rest easy.
『By the way, My Lord, I suspect the Factory Manager automata possesses a wealth of knowledge. Have you considered asking it about its creators?』
"Eh?...Ah, right."
Jin had been so focused on getting the factory running again that the thought hadn't even crossed his mind.
"I’ll ask tomorrow."
With that decided, Jin returned to Mitsuho. He made his way from the parking area inside the Guest House to the garden, ensuring that if anyone spotted him, he could simply claim he had been out for a late-night stroll.
However, he managed to reach his room without being seen by anyone. It was always the way—things went smoothly only when one was braced for a struggle.
＊ ＊ ＊
Meanwhile, Laojun set to work.
『I see. All three locations suffer from the same symptom: suspension due to a lack of free ether. Given their exposure to the elements, many units are in a state of severe disrepair. I shall mobilize the Smiths and finish this post-haste.』
The workforce at each site consisted of dozens of working golems, one supervisor golem, one management automata, and ten maintenance golems. Laojun deployed fifty Smiths to each location, and within roughly two hours, they had completed a total overhaul.
『Now, for the wake up.』
Since this was a restart following the replacement of their ether converters and mana drivers, no keyword was required.
Watching from the shadows, the golems began to stir. They lined up according to the instructions of their management automata and immediately set out to secure the minimum required materials.
Magi-crystals, metal ores, and gemstones from the Great Sahara Desert. Precious metals from the Kruger Mountains. Timber from the west of Lake Sayama.
『With this, the factory should be operational by tomorrow.』
Laojun was curious about the specific types of materials being harvested, but he refrained from investigating further. Taking anything back without permission would be theft, and he chose to observe from a distance.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Jin-sama! I heard the factory can be restarted!"
Just as Jin and his companions were finishing breakfast, Chief Hiro Mutu and the Councilors arrived in a frantic rush.
"Grandfa—Chief, why are you in such a state?" Mii, the steward, asked with an exasperated look.
"How could I not be! To think the factory could be operational again! Ah, Jin-sama, you truly are the reincarnation of the Magus!"
"No," Reiko interjected. "Father is the Magi Craft Meister."
"Oh! Of course! Then, as of this very moment, Jin-sama shall be recognized as the 'Magi Craft Meister' of Mitsuho as well!"
"T-Thank you."
Jin recoiled slightly at the sheer intensity of the Chief and his Councilors.
"What do you intend to do today?" Chief Hiro asked.
Jin gave a clear answer.
"I just need to repair the Warp Gates used for material transport and the facilities on the other side. Once that's done, we're finished."
"I see. And once that is complete, will the factory operate as it once did?"
"I expect so."
"Oh, thank you! Truly! How can we possibly repay you for this?"
Jin had already decided that if there were any rare materials, he wanted samples to take with him. He informed the Chief of his wish.
"I won't be able to carry large quantities back, though," he added, making sure to emphasize the point. This ensured he wouldn't violate the Shouro Empress’s request to avoid commercial transactions.
"Understood. I shall bring you a catalog later so you may choose what you like."
This was news that was sure to please Saki. Indeed, her eyes were already sparkling as she sat beside him.
The Councilors departed, but Chief Hiro Mutu remained, insisting on accompanying them.
"What about Saki and Hanna?"
"Hmm, I’m going with Onii-chan today."
"Hehe, I think I’ll join you as well."
And so, a large group consisting of Jin’s party, Mii the steward, and Chief Hiro headed for the factory. Naturally, they all traveled by rickshaw.
"Welcome. How may I serve you today?"
The Factory Manager automata greeted them at the entrance. Thanks to the maintenance golems, it appeared to be functioning perfectly.
"I apologize, but production lines are currently halted due to malfunctions among the working golems."
"I know. I've come to take care of that today."
"Is that so? We look forward to your assistance." The Factory Manager bowed deeply to Jin.
"By the way, Factory Manager, do you know who built you and this factory?" Jin asked, following up on Laojun's suggestion.
The answer was simple and blunt. "I do not possess that information."
The response confirmed Jin's suspicion: even as a Factory Manager, the automata’s capabilities weren't high enough to handle unforeseen circumstances or maintain historical records. Then again, it was a thousand-year-old golem; it was unfair to compare it to his own creations.
Since Jin hadn't pinned much hope on that lead, he regained his focus and began the day’s work.
"Do you have magi-crystals?"
"Yes, we do."
Laojun’s efforts to repair the mining golems the night before had paid off. There were more than enough magi-crystals for the necessary modifications.
"Good. I'm going to produce ether converters and mana drivers now. Replace the parts in all the dormant golems with these."
"Understood."
Jin spent the entire morning overseeing the maintenance. By the time they finished, the working golems were fully restored.
Chief Hiro and his granddaughter Mii stood by, their mouths agape at Jin’s sheer efficiency. From beginning to end, they could do nothing but watch in stunned, silent awe.