"Hmm, I see... You have done well to inform me."
Upon meeting No. 700672, Jin immediately explained the facts he had uncovered.
"That entity called 'Helente' spoke of a 'Master'; they are likely a compatriot of my own Master."
"Just as I thought."
"More importantly, my concern lies with the 'long-period planet'... no, 'Modenu,' was it? Specifically, the disposal of its fragments."
"Exactly."
Jin proceeded to explain the countermeasures he was considering.
"I see. If they are small, you can handle them alone, Jin-dono. The problem lies with the gargantuan ones, then."
"Yes."
"As for me, I recommend changing their orbits. Furthermore, do so 'left or right' rather than 'up or down.'"
"What do you mean by that?"
Even Jin, his mind dull from staying up all night, couldn't quite grasp what No. 700672 was getting at.
"The 'up and down' I speak of is relative to the planetary orbital plane of the Celane System. Consequently, the same applies to 'left and right.'"
"..."
Having been given such a hint, even Jin's sleep-deprived brain finally caught on.
"If we move them 'up or down,' we're pushing them away from Celane. But if we do that, there's a possibility they'll just be pulled back again by gravity."
"Exactly." No. 700672 smiled. "Moreover, it is inefficient because you are resisting gravity. You would be better served altering their trajectories so they plunge directly into Celane."
"I see...!"
The original trajectory was a long elliptical orbit that merely grazed Celane. If they could bring it just a little closer to the sun...
"Since you will not be resisting gravity, the orbital change should be far easier. No complex calculations are required. You need only make them aim straight for Celane."
With this, the labor required would likely be reduced by a third to a half compared to what Jin had originally envisioned.
"However, there is no doubt they will pass near this world of Ars, so it would be best to prepare countermeasures for that as well."
"You're right. Thank you for the advice."
As Jin expressed his gratitude and prepared to leave, No. 700672 suddenly called out to him.
"Wait a moment....I have been thinking, but regarding the 'Master' of that 'Helente' entity—there is a possibility they were never on this planet to begin with."
"What!?"
"This is strictly a guess and a possibility. However, considering the principles of action of my Master and their kin as I know them, such a possibility arises."
It seemed that No. 700672's Masters—the Progenitors—were thorough individualists. To put it uncharitably, one might say they lacked a cooperative spirit, though No. 700672 could not bring himself to use such phrasing.
"If they weren't on Ars to begin with, then..."
Another planet, or perhaps outer space.
"Indeed. Is it not likely that they remain, or once remained, on Hale?"
No. 700672 mentioned that there were apparently factions who had opposed the migration.
"So, they wouldn't care if Ars were destroyed?"
"That is the gist of it. Well, this has nothing to do with the current matter of Modenu. It is merely reference information for you, Jin-dono."
"I understand. Thank you very much."
Jin thanked him once more and finally took his leave.
Reinhard was there to greet Jin upon his return to the island.
"Welcome back, Jin....Looking at your face, did you see a ray of hope?"
"Yeah, barely."
"That's good to hear. Oh, by the way, Elsa is resting properly. You should get some sleep too, Jin."
"Yeah. Before that, I'll just issue some instructions."
Jin ordered Laojun to construct large-scale force generators, which would serve as the propulsion systems to change the fragments' orbits.
『Understood, My Lord. Please leave this to me and get some rest.』
"All right. I'm counting on you."
Jin then turned back to Reinhard.
"I'll take you up on that and have a short nap."
"Yes, yes, you should. I'll stay in the command room until you wake up."
"Sorry about that."
"Don't worry about it. I'm just going to be here. I can't give orders like you can, anyway."
"Even so. Thank you."
After saying that, Jin headed toward his home. Once he entered the bedroom, he threw himself down as if collapsing and fell asleep in an instant. Reiko gently covered the sleeping Jin with a futon.
Hourai Island Time, 3:00 PM.
Elsa, who had slept for about five hours, finally woke up.
"Nn... Ah?"
She was surprised to see Jin sleeping in the futon next to her. She almost cried out but hurriedly stifled the sound.
"...Since when?"
Seeing his peaceful sleeping face, she surmised that his greatest cause for worry must have been resolved. So as not to wake him, she slipped out of her futon, opened the sliding door quietly, and stepped into the hallway.
"Ah, Reiko-chan."
"Elsa-sama, are you awake? And Father?"
"He's sleeping soundly. Let's let him sleep a bit longer."
"I agree. Are you going to prepare dinner?"
"Yeah. I think I'll make his favorite dishes."
"I shall remain here until Father wakes up."
"Yes, please do."
Elsa went to the kitchen, and Reiko resumed her watch in the hallway.
At 4:00 PM, Jin finally stirred.
"Uwaaah, I slept well."
"Are you awake, Father?"
Sensing that Jin was up, Reiko opened the sliding door.
"Ah, Reiko. I slept well. I feel refreshed....Where's Elsa?"
"Elsa-sama woke up about an hour ago and is preparing dinner."
"I see. The time is... a bit past four....I think I'll take a bath to wake myself up."
"I shall wash your back."
Jin and Reiko headed to the bathroom. Since it was a hot spring, the water overflowed around the clock, making it ready for immediate use.
"Ah, this really wakes me up." Jin stretched his limbs in the tub.
"Father, please do not push yourself too hard."
"I know. This will be the last time."
"If that is the case, then it is fine."
Jin reflected a little on the fact that he had made Reiko worry. After he also thanked Reinhard, the man laughed and told him not to worry about it before returning to his own territory.
"Mmm, this is delicious."
Dinner consisted of white rice, miso soup with aburaage and tofu, boiled greens, salt-grilled trout, and simmered itopo. They were all Jin's favorites.
"Ah, that was wonderful. Thank you, Elsa."
"Nn, I'm glad you liked it, Jin-nii."
"I made you worry. I'm sorry, Elsa."
"No, it's fine. Do your best, Jin-nii. But don't forget that we are with you."
Elsa's kindness touched him deeply. Jin felt his resolve grow even stronger as he prepared for the work that would begin tomorrow.