The Adriana maneuvered around the fragments, recovering the Cosmos squad and the large force generators.
Because the fragments were traveling at different velocities, the distances between them had widened significantly, and visiting each one took a considerable amount of time. However, the rewards were well worth the effort.
『Most of these fragments are magi-crystals, aren't they?』
『Oho, I wondered why the mass was so high—it turns out this is a solid block of adamantite ore.』
About a fifth of the stony meteorites were composed of titanium oxide—the ore for 64 light silver—and small deposits of gold and silver ore were also discovered.
『But surely this is the greatest find of all.』
It was nearly a ton of Mityanite... the ore used to create Univasium.
『My Lord will be delighted.』
There was more than enough to install Coherencers in every golem and Magi Machine on Hourai Island. It was guaranteed to stir Jin's creative spirit.
『Now then, we must collect the resources from over here as well.』
Having finished recovering the Cosmos squad and the large force generators, the Adriana headed toward the small and medium-class fragments that had been gathered between the Fourth and Fifth Planets.
Though their numbers were vast, this time the ship was supported by all five hundred units of the Cosmos squad. The efficiency of the Classification process was on a completely different level.
『Raw gemstones. Elsa-sama will likely be pleased.』
『Iron and nickel found. This is a welcome discovery.』
『Copper ore. This will be quite useful.』
Yet, despite finding almost every necessary metal or ore, one specific material remained elusive.
Mithril.
It was an essential metal in magi-craft, used for creating various magi-alloys and for the magi-nerves of golems and automata. That alone remained missing from their haul.
『Well, if it’s not here, it can’t be helped. For now, let us focus on replenishing the materials we spent. Taisei, I’m counting on you.』
『Understood, Laojun.』
Working in tandem, Taisei and Laojun threw themselves into the task of restocking their depleted resources.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Jin-nii, how are things looking?"
Jin was in the Hourai Island laboratory, performing maintenance on Pegasus 1.
"Yeah, everything looks fine. Next is Konron 3."
He had pushed the craft to its limits in the vacuum of space, but seeing that no issues had surfaced left him feeling relieved.
『My Lord, are you sure you don't need help?』
Jin was personally inspecting every aircraft and unit of the Sky squad that had participated in the operation.
"I'm fine. I pushed everyone hard this time. The least I can do is perform the Diagnoses myself."
Even with Jin's ability to Analyze ten golems simultaneously, it was still an arduous task. When anyone pointed this out, he simply brushed it aside.
"It's fine. I want to do this."
Jin truly understood how much the forces of Hourai Island had supported him during this crisis, and this was his way of showing appreciation.
＊ ＊ ＊
"So, there was no actual damage?"
"None, My Lord."
Back in his territory in Kalts Village, Reinhard felt a profound sense of relief that there had been no casualties or property damage.
"Dear, isn't that wonderful?"
"Yeah. I think we have Jin to thank for it."
"Well, him too, but you were the one who protected your land."
"Berche..."
Just then, a baby's cry echoed through the house.
"Oh dear, Yuri-chan is awake."
Berche hurried out of the room to tend to her. Left alone, Reinhard let out a soft sigh, a wry smile playing on his lips.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Ah, Big Sister Elsa!"
"Hello, Hanna-chan."
Elsa had arrived in Kaina Village as Jin's proxy.
"Where's Onii-chan?"
"He's still... tied up. I came on ahead."
"Hmm, I guess he's busy."
Hanna looked a little disappointed, but she understood Jin's responsibilities and didn't complain.
"So, how is the village?"
"Yeah, it was totally fine!"
"I'm glad."
In truth, Koushin had been monitoring Kaina Village's safety, ready to deploy Laser Cannons and magi-cannons if a threat emerged. Elsa had read the reports, but she had wanted to see the village with her own eyes. Jin had felt the same way, but since he was currently indisposed, Elsa had come in his stead.
"Jin-nii will probably arrive... this evening."
"Hmm, okay then! Big Sister, look! It already snowed on the mountains over there. It's the first snow of the season."
"Oh, you're right. It's beautiful."
The high peaks in the distance were capped with snow all year, so Hanna was pointing to the smaller mountains in the foreground.
"I wonder if winter will come early this year."
For those who lived here, the timing and melt of the mountain snow were reliable indicators for the coming climate.
"But it's okay, because we have the hot springs!"
Winters in Kaina Village used to be brutally cold, but ever since Jin had discovered the hot springs, the season had become much easier to endure.
"Well, Elsa. Welcome back."
While she was chatting with Hanna in front of Martha’s house, Sally passed by.
"Ah, Sally-sensei. Good afternoon."
"Are you on your rounds?"
Elsa noted that Luu-chan was following along with a medical bag in hand.
"Something like that. Though we rarely have any sick people in this village."
"That’s good to hear."
"Environment and diet are everything. I really feel that. A healer isn't some miracle worker; we just provide a little help to the patient's own natural recovery."
Elsa thought that was a bit too modest for a skilled healer like Sally.
"But, Sensei..."
Sally cut her off before she could protest.
"No, it's fine. I'm not tired or anything. It's just..."
"?"
"Watching that meteor shower last night... it made me realize how insignificant humans are. But you know, I think I quite like those insignificant humans."
Sally gave a cheerful laugh.
"I feel the same way. People are people. We can't be anything else."
"Yes, exactly. Well then, I'll see you later. Luu, let's go."
The quiet Luu-chan gave a silent, polite bow and hurried after Sally.
"Luu-chan seems so happy every day since she was adopted by Sally-sensei and the Village Chief," Hanna remarked, watching them go.
"Can you tell?"
"Yeah, because she's always smiling."
"I see."
The sun began to dip lower, and the wind took on a chill.
"Hey! Hanna, Elsa!"
"Ah, Jin-nii!"
Jin was walking toward them from the direction of Jin Castle.
"Onii-chan!"
Hanna took off running toward him.
Evening was falling over Kaina Village. The sky was awash in the colors of the setting sun, with madder-red clouds trailing across the horizon.