When it was night on Hourai Island, it was daytime on the opposite side of the world at Onogoro Island.
Visibility was excellent, allowing the Mermaid Squad to proceed with their underwater survey while being supported from above by the Sky squad's Raptors.
The main landmass of Onogoro was a conical island. It was encircled by a C-shaped rock formation that acted as a defensive wall, connected to the main island by a narrow isthmus on its western side.
Additionally, two islands stood at the opening of the "C" shape like gatekeepers. There was also one more small island floating alone on the eastern side of the main island, as if escorting it.
"There appear to be no traps or facilities in the sea."
It was unexpected to find no security golems or similar defenses in the water.
"However, it is possible they have simply malfunctioned over the long ages..."
The remaining unsurveyed areas were the main island and the three surrounding islets.
"Unexpectedly, the small islands might actually hold something of importance."
Laojun considered that if he were the designer, he would place the primary Magi Machine on the main island and the control devices on the smaller ones.
"Continue the investigation with even greater caution."
Laojun emphasized the instruction and settled in to wait for further reports.
Since the Mermaid Squad members were mermaid-type golems, they were unsuitable for land-based surveys. Consequently, they continued their investigation by circling the islands from within the sea.
As the islands were small, the golems could complete a circuit in less than an hour. To be absolutely certain, they circled three times to confirm that nothing of note had been missed.
That left only the main island to be investigated.
Meanwhile, the Sky squad lowered their altitude to survey the land on the small islands. Because they were so small, the vegetation consisted only of moss, grass, and a few shrubs, providing no obstacles to aerial observation.
"At the very least, there is nothing out of the ordinary in the visible areas."
Upon receiving this report, Laojun gave the order to proceed with the survey of the main island.
"Hmm, it seems this will not be straightforward after all. Perhaps I should send in dedicated investigation personnel..."
The Shinobi Squad would have been the most suitable for the task, but Laojun had not prepared their specialized ultra-compact mana bombes yet.
"In that case, the next best option is the Secret Mobile Unit (SP)."
Since the reorganization of the Secret Mobile Unit (SP), the deployment policy had shifted to a mission-based approach. They were no longer constantly assigned as bodyguards to Jin and the other members of the Jin Family. This meant there were units available for other tasks.
"The standard adult male models, Elm and Ash, are free. I shall leave it to them."
After they were outfitted with full equipment, the two units were deployed via transporter.
Immediately upon arriving on the main island of Onogoro, Elm and Ash sensed that the free ether that should have filled the atmosphere was almost entirely absent.
Naturally, since they were equipped with internal mana bombes, their operations were not hindered. Following Laojun's instructions, the two units began their mission.
"First, confirmation of the surroundings."
"Then, the Grand Search of the underground."
Drawing mana from their mana bombes, Elm and Ash activated Grand Search.
"...What is this?"
"There appears to be something underground."
They detected the presence of a hollow cavity.
"Let us probe other points as well."
"Agreed."
Postponing a focused scan of that single spot for later, the two units prioritized grasping the overall picture. They moved across the island, probing the earth as they went.
When they had surveyed approximately one-quarter of the island, it appeared.
<What are you doing here, Live Puppets with wills of your own?>
A golem approximately 2.4 meters tall stood before them, its entire body a dull copper color. It appeared to be constructed of orichalcum.
<This is a sacred land that must not be violated. Depart at once.>
Elm and Ash maintained a continuous visual feed of the golem to Laojun. In response, Laojun instructed them to attempt negotiations.
"We ask that you tell us what role this island serves," Elm requested.
The golem’s response was cold.
<There is no need for you to know. Begone quickly.>
Ash pressed further.
"Please, we ask for your cooperation. We came here specifically to learn these things."
<You are persistent. If you do not follow my warning, I shall be forced to remove you by power.>
At this point, Laojun instructed the two to try one specific inquiry.
"Does this have anything to do with the lack of free ether in this area?"
The copper-colored golem showed a slightly different reaction to that question.
<So you understand at least that much? Indeed. This island is a management island. Now, depart.>
"We thank you for the information. What must we do for you to tell us more?"
"Please, tell us what is required."
Following Laojun's directives, Elm and Ash refused to back down.
<I have already told you. This is a sacred land. Normally, no one is permitted to set foot here.>
"What is your role? Are you a guardian?"
<So you are familiar with that designation? If you were not, I suppose you would not have been able to reach this place. Even so, I will not allow the sacred land to be violated. Leave.>
"Is there no other way?"
<There is none.>
The golem's will was evidently immovable.
"Understood. We shall depart for now."
<Begone at once.>
Laojun gave the signal to withdraw. Elm and Ash used their transporters to perform a short-range teleportation. They reappeared inside the cruiser Azusa, which was standing by in the waters near Onogoro Island.
"Good work, Elm, Ash," Laojun commended them.
"Though the contact was incomplete, we have learned a few things about that golem, which appears to be a Guardian."
This information was immediately reported to Jin.
"...So there really was a Guardian there."
"Yes, My Lord."
This was the Guardian that No. 700672 had warned him about. Laojun had already begun analyzing its performance and role based on the data.
"The exterior is made of orichalcum, and it stands about 2.4 meters tall. This might be the physical standard for the Progenitors."
Laojun speculated that when building a golem for security purposes, the creators would likely make it slightly larger than themselves. However, if it were too large, it would become impractical for moving within living spaces—hitting ceilings or being unable to fit through doors—suggesting that 2.4 meters was a deliberate, functional size.
"The performance seems high."
Judging from the transmitted footage, the golem's overall balance looked excellent. It wasn't bulky at all; rather, it gave the impression of a knight clad in light armor. Furthermore, even in the brief moments of movement they had observed, its actions were highly refined.
"However, what of its power?" Laojun offered his assessment. "It is operating in a region where there is almost no free ether. Even if it has countermeasures like a mana bombe, I doubt it can maintain high power output for extended periods."
"True enough."
The information obtained was sparse, but with Laojun leading the analysis and Jin reviewing the details, they began the process of determining their next move.