Jin visited the Predecessor’s study accompanied only by Reiko, carrying a single white lily that was currently in full bloom on Hourai Island.
Reiko placed the flower in a bud vase she had brought and set it on the desk.
"I don’t know if the Predecessor actually liked these flowers, but..."
"No, I am certain Mother liked white flowers," Reiko said with conviction.
Jin found her confident tone curious and asked, "What makes you so sure?"
"...No, it was just a feeling I had."
"I see."
Perhaps, Jin thought, a faint trace of such memories still remained within her control core.
He turned his gaze to the bookshelf and pulled out the diary labeled My Footsteps III. This journal was a precious resource, allowing him to see the world of a thousand years ago through the Predecessor's eyes.
Jin unfastened the clasp and gently opened the cover.
『Through the cooperation of the All-Creation clan, my knowledge has improved by leaps and bounds. However, my ultimate goal remains distant. I have heard rumors of a clan called "Gospel" living deep in the hinterlands. The key to reaching the next level may lie dormant there...』
＊ ＊ ＊
"The 'Land of Beginnings'? Tell me, what kind of place is it?"
During a moment of casual conversation, Adriana asked for clarification on a term she had just overheard.
"It is passed down in legend... as the place where our ancestors first set foot on this world," replied Saitos, the Clan Chief of the All-Creation.
"First set foot? What does that mean exactly?"
"The legend says our ancestors came from the heavens aboard 'Heavenly Ships' and settled in this land," Bashako explained.
"'Heavenly Ships'... Ships that fly through the sky? And they came from the heavens on them?"
Adriana fell into thought. She had heard from her father, Shuuki, that such "fictional stories" existed in his home world. She also knew that the earth was a sphere rather than a flat plane, and that it orbited the sun. Furthermore, she knew that in the world Shuuki came from, people could even launch artificial celestial bodies called "Sputniks."
That said, Adriana did not yet harbor any personal ambitions toward the sky. Rather, she was simply fascinated by the technology and knowledge required to create such "flying ships."
"I would like to go there and see it for myself."
The words came out of her mouth naturally.
"It might be too dangerous to go alone. If you truly wish to go, I shall provide a guide."
The All-Creation clan, deeply enamored by Adriana’s skills, offered their full cooperation.
"Thank you very much."
It was a timely offer; Adriana accepted it without a second thought.
＊ ＊ ＊
Two days later, Adriana departed from the All-Creation clan settlement, accompanied by the golems F-002 and M-002.
Her guide was Bashako. Since she had grown quite comfortable with him, Adriana felt at ease about the trip.
"Master Bashako, I’ll be in your care."
"Likewise. Please keep in mind that the journey will likely take four to five days."
"Of course."
With the golems carrying all their gear, the journey was physically effortless. In a true emergency, she could even ride on one of them.
"Well then, we're off!"
"Take care."
It was summer, the season when grass sprouted and flowers bloomed even in the northern lands. The weather was perfect for travel. The daylight hours were long, and the nights were short. Bashako’s navigation was precise; he led Adriana’s party toward the interior without losing their way once.
On the third day.
"Adriana-san, it looks like we’ll arrive a full day earlier than I expected."
"Really!?"
"Yes. Having the golems carry all our things made a huge difference. We should reach the settlement by dusk."
Since they were traveling light, they could cover more distance each day with minimal fatigue. True to Bashako's words, the settlement came into view before the sun had even begun to set.
"Is that it?"
"Yes, that's the one....Ah, it looks like they've spotted us."
Just as he spoke, three people could be seen approaching from the settlement.
"I don't have a formal letter of introduction this time, but I am with you, so please don't worry."
When she had first visited the All-Creation clan, she had carried a letter from the Azure Sky clan, which had allowed her to earn their trust immediately.
"...Do you have business here?...Oh, if it isn't Bashako of the All-Creation!"
One of the three men—the eldest of the group—seemed to recognize Bashako. This made introductions much easier.
"It has been a long time, Lord Harkiller."
The man addressed as Harkiller was about 180 centimeters tall, a slender man in his early elder years. Flanking him were two sturdy men in their forties who appeared to be his guards.
"A rare visit indeed. Does this have something to do with the young lady?" Harkiller asked, glancing at Adriana.
"Yes, it does. This is Lady Adriana. She is a Magi Craft Meister."
"A Magi Craft Meister? What on earth is that?"
Adriana took it upon herself to answer the question. "Umm, a Magi Craft Meister is a title for someone who has mastered every aspect of 'magi-craft.'"
"Ho, magi-craft? I assume that is the study of crafting things through magic? How intriguing. And what brings you to our home?"
"She seeks the knowledge, information, and artifacts held by the Gospel clan," Bashako answered for her. "After all, she analyzed every single artifact passed down by my clan and restored every non-functional unit to working order."
This revelation had an immediate impact.
"What? If I recall, the All-Creation clan possessed well over twenty artifacts, did they not?" Even the composed Harkiller could not hide his shock.
"Yes, that's correct. She repaired thirty-eight units in total."
"I see..."
Harkiller finally realized they were still standing out in the open.
"Forgive my lack of hospitality. You said your name was Lady Adriana? I am Harkiller, chief of the Gospel clan. You are most welcome here."
"I am Adriana. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
Harkiller introduced himself, and Adriana offered a polite bow in return.
"Now then, please stay at my home tonight."
"Lord Harkiller, we would be honored," Bashako said with a slight bow.
The group set off toward the Gospel settlement.
"Oh..."
Adriana couldn't help but gasp in surprise. The chief of the Gospel did not live within the settlement itself, but inside a horizontal cave carved directly into the face of the massive rocky mountain rising behind the village.