"Goodness, if we hadn't been warned beforehand, I would've thought it was the end of the world."
"It was beautiful, though. Terrifying, yes, but magnificent."
"Truly. I’ve seen a falling star every now and then, but never anything like that."
"My husband was so busy gawking at the sky that he tumbled right down the embankment."
"Ahaha, our son tripped and bumped his head, too."
On a civilian level, the world had weathered the crisis in relative peace.
"I didn't think it would be that intense."
In the Celuroa Kingdom, the nation's leaders had gathered for a meeting that felt like a somber inquest.
"Since we issued the notices and ensured the public was fully informed in advance, it seems we avoided any chaos."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Reports indicate there were no casualties or property damage, either."
So far, the news was good.
"But Your Majesty, did the Lord of Kunlun truly stop that star? It is difficult to wrap one's head around such a feat."
A young noble voiced the doubt. It was a natural reaction; without the proper knowledge, one could not truly grasp the nature of meteorites or falling stars. Furthermore, they had no way of knowing exactly how monumental a task it had been.
"According to the reports received afterward, the Lord of Kunlun and Deus Ex Machina worked together to prevent the disaster," King Cesar explained, glancing at the documents in his hand.
Laojun had decided that claiming Jin had handled a global-scale meteor shower alone would be too far-fetched, so he had utilized the name of the "senior disciple," Deus Ex Machina, as well.
"The Lord of Kunlun and Deus Ex Machina, is it? Just how much power do they possess? Is there any guarantee that such force will never be directed at us?"
King Cesar was surprised that there were still those who would voice such an opinion. It wasn't an emotional realization, but a logical one.
"That is a pointless question. If they truly intended to conquer or destroy the world, we would have no power to stop them."
"However, even they must have weaknesses. For instance, family or friends..."
"Cease this talk at once. That is a royal command."
The King and the majority of his high-ranking ministers knew there wasn't a shred of profit to be found in hostility. However, it was also true that among those newly appointed after the dismissal of corrupt officials, some still knew very little of the Lord of Kunlun.
King Cesar knew he would have to educate those individuals moving forward. He believed this meteor incident would serve as an excellent starting point.
"So, in the end, Jin-kun and Deus Ex Machina dealt with the matter together."
A post-incident briefing was also being held in the Shouro Empire.
"It is a relief that there was no damage," the Chancellor remarked.
"Indeed, Your Majesty."
"Even so, I wonder just how much power Jin-kun truly holds..."
"We must consider it a blessing that it isn't directed at us," the Chancellor murmured, to which the Empress replied.
"Jin-kun is a very friendly man—so long as we never betray him."
"I understand that. I only hope this relationship continues forever."
"It will be fine. As long as we have the desire to keep it that way."
Those words might have been slightly over-optimistic, but they were the Empress's sincere feelings.
"Ah, we made it through safely."
"It's all thanks to Jin-sama."
In the lands of the foreign tribes—in Mitsuho and on Fusou Island—the people felt a profound sense of relief that their peaceful days could continue.
Laojun, the Brain of Hourai Island, monitored these reactions from across the globe.
'It is well that My Lord's great deeds are recognized, but troublesome that they inspire equal parts awe and fear.'
Power that is too great can often become an object of terror. Furthermore, there were always factions that might try to seize such power for themselves.
'I must ensure that the members of the Jin Family are never targeted...'
So that Jin and this world could maintain a positive relationship indefinitely, Laojun continued to dedicate his efforts to shaping the narrative.
《Hmm, so they made it through in the end... That "Land" fellow and his master seem to possess power that cannot be underestimated.》
《Yes.》
《I hadn't given a thought to such a star... but perhaps I should pay a little more attention?》
《No, I shall handle everything here. There is no need for concern.》
《I see. Then I leave it to you.》
《As you wish.》
Beneath Onogoro Island, a somewhat unsettling conversation was taking place.
"I see. So you successfully diverted it. As expected of you, Jin-dono."
Once the situation had stabilized, Jin had taken Reiko to visit No. 700672 to deliver a report.
"However, that island you named 'Onogoro Island' is a bit concerning."
"Is that so?"
"Indeed. There are aspects that conflict slightly with the mentality of my Masters."
"In what way?"
"The reaction to danger."
According to No. 700672, his Masters—the Progenitors—were exceptionally strict when it came to dealing with threats, being cautious to a fault.
"It is incomprehensible that they would sit idly by and do nothing, as occurred this time."
"I see..."
"Either something is malfunctioning, or they are acting under specific instructions."
"Instructions?"
"If they are receiving instructions, it is possible that the one giving them is not on this planet."
No. 700672 voiced a startling hypothesis.
"If that is the case, it would be consistent. The master of the one you called Helente might be on another planet. It is conceivable that they are siphoning ether to that location. It is merely a possibility, mind you."
Jin found himself reflecting on No. 700672's speculation.
"Understood. We'll be careful."
"Yes. That would be for the best."
Jin then took his leave of No. 700672.
"Father, was it all right not to ask No. 700672 about the tele-observation device or ether transfer?" Reiko asked once they returned to the laboratory.
"Yeah. I'll figure it out myself eventually," Jin said with a smile.
"You're right. That is just like you, Father," Reiko smiled back.
"Now then, I suppose all that's left is to visit the various nations and explain what happened."
"How about leaving that to Maquina?" Reiko suggested.
Since Maquina's presence had been fading lately, Jin thought it might be a good move to reassert the persona's existence.
『Perhaps he should also carry letters from you, My Lord,』 Laojun advised.
"Let's do that. I'll write down some advice regarding disaster countermeasures."
『I believe that would be excellent.』
Emergency evacuation procedures, stockpiling of emergency food and water, and other such measures. These were things that required national stability, but Jin intended to provide whatever assistance he could.
It was an autumn afternoon on Hourai Island, and a refreshing breeze swept through the air.