"Preparations for a disaster, huh..."
In the Shouro Empire, the Empress was reviewing the letter delivered by Jin.
"Jin-kun wouldn't say something like this without some kind of basis. Chancellor, what do you think?"
The Empress showed the letter to the Chancellor, who was seated across from her at the executive desk.
"...This is... I certainly understand the contents. However, is there a sense of urgency?"
"There must be, given that he sent these magic tools along with it."
"I suppose so. I cannot imagine the 'Lord of Kunlun' doing something meaningless."
"Chancellor, may I leave this to you?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I would like three days. I shall determine our national policy within that time."
"Very well, I'm counting on you."
Similar reactions were seen in the Celuroa Kingdom, the Franz Kingdom, the Klein Kingdom, the Kingdom of Egerea, and the Kingdom of Elias.
Jin's past achievements spoke for themselves, and since magic tools had been included in the package, every nation—to varying degrees—began to seriously consider disaster countermeasures.
"A disaster..."
"It is a message from the 'Magi Craft Meister.' We must act immediately."
In Mitsuho, countermeasures were also established right away.
At the same time, word reached Fusou Island, and it appeared that appropriate measures would be taken there as well.
And finally, the demon territory.
It seemed that No. 700672 had also dropped a hint to them via the Gospel clan, and countermeasures were immediately put into effect.
Upon hearing the news, Jin felt a sense of relief for the time being.
Later, Jin was holding a discussion with No. 700672.
"I see. So it will have a near-miss with Pengolta tomorrow."
"Yes. And the results of that encounter are unpredictable."
"That is to be expected."
No. 700672 admitted that he did not know either.
"In the first place, my own knowledge regarding space is scarce."
He explained that such tasks were the specialty of servants numbered below 200,000.
"In any case, it would be best to continue the observations."
"Yes, of course."
Jin then shared the findings reported by the South Pole Observation Fleet.
"Hmph. You are doing well."
No. 700672 expressed his approval, commending Jin's approach.
"At a glance, it may seem unrelated to the long-period planet, but I believe there is meaning in that investigation. You should continue as you are, Lord Jin."
"Thank you."
"If you intend to remove the threat to Ars, you must know as much as possible about Ars itself. Your current efforts are precisely that."
No. 700672 acknowledged and praised Jin's direction.
"However, so the singularities are strata through which free ether passes easily? I see."
No. 700672 also accepted Jin's hypothesis regarding the geological formations.
"That is almost certainly correct. But in that case..."
After pausing for a moment, No. 700672 spoke again in a slightly lower tone.
"If there is something to the south, then 'Guardians' must have been placed there as well. Be careful."
"'Guardians'?"
Jin knew that dedicated golems and similar units were sometimes called "Guardians" in the sense of specialized protective entities.
"Indeed. Guardians exist solely for the purpose of protecting a facility. There are no exceptions."
"Which means they cannot be reasoned with."
"Correct."
Jin didn't know the full extent of the Progenitors' technology, but he resolved to be cautious.
After receiving a few more detailed warnings, Jin took his leave.
"Thank you very much. I will come to report again soon."
"Mm. Stay focused."
"Laojun, how is the South Pole Observation Fleet doing?"
"Yes, My Lord. They have just passed 60 degrees south latitude, but the seas are rough. Their speed has been cut in half."
On Earth, the regions encountered when heading toward the South Pole were famously described as the 'Roaring Forties,' the 'Furious Fifties,' and the 'Screaming Sixties.'
This meant that those areas were storm zones where the oceans were extremely violent.
While Ars was generally more peaceful, it seemed that similar storm zones existed here as well.
"Tell them not to push themselves too hard. Now, what about Onogoro Island?"
"Yes. I have consulted with Goose and drawn up an investigation plan. The special detachment is scheduled to begin the survey tomorrow."
"Then that's fine... Wait, is it just Goose?"
"No, Toa will also be participating."
"Then it's fine."
Jin had felt a flash of unease hearing that only Goose was participating in the exploration plan, but he felt relieved knowing Toa was going as well.
As the long-period planet drew ever closer, Jin turned over various thoughts in his mind about what he should do.
There were many things to protect, and he felt his own hands were small.
"Even so, I have no choice but to do my best."
"That's right, Father. I will help you."
Reiko encouraged Jin as he sank into contemplation.
"Thanks, Reiko."
"Yes. I am Father's shadow. I am always with you."
While patting Reiko's head, Jin checked on another matter with Laojun.
"Laojun, what is the status of Lance and the others?"
The answer came immediately.
"Yes, My Lord. Magic Technology Minister Degauss interacts with Lance every day and appears to be learning some of his techniques."
"Oh? Nothing on Gimnas yet?"
"It seems so. Lance does not appear to be in a hurry. Rather, he seems to be evaluating the comfort and sincerity of the Shouro Empire."
To Lance, Gimnas was his only remaining master. He likely felt the need for extreme caution.
"I see. And what measures have been taken regarding the bandits?"
"Yes. The Shouro Empire has contacted the Celuroa Kingdom via manaphone. While the Celuroa Kingdom is also taking action, it seems Nostalgia was the first to sense the situation and move."
"I see. I wonder if they really were remnants of the Unifilar."
"According to Elena, that seems to be the case."
There were many people who had belonged to the Unifilar without being brainwashed.
Furthermore, brainwashing inevitably weakened one's willpower and tended to lower creativity. While suitable for operating existing technology, it was detrimental to the research of anything new.
"Therefore, the heads of such laboratories were likely individuals who had not been brainwashed."
"I see. They probably just used brainwashed people as overseers."
"That is likely the case."
If that was the situation, Jin thought it would be best to leave the matter to Nostalgia.
"How is Elsa doing?"
"Yes. She is making large quantities of recovery medicine in preparation for an emergency."
"Ah, right. That's just like her."
Jin rose from his seat, deciding to go and tell her not to push herself too hard.
Reiko followed close behind him.