《Hmm, it took some time, but it seems they were able to deal with the storm. They possess a reasonable level of knowledge and technical means.》
＊ ＊ ＊
"……An entire day wasted," Jin grumbled as he ate dinner in the Hourai Island dining hall.
Elsa looked at him and asked, "If that really was an artificial typhoon caused by Helente, what was her goal?"
"Ten to one, it was to see what we're capable of."
"……How spiteful!" Saki fumed.
『My Lord, it is also a concern that we cannot definitively conclude it was Helente’s doing.』
"……True. It would be unbearable if there were others out there with that kind of technology."
"In any case, considering her objective, it’s dangerous," Goose said with a serious expression. Jin nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, absolutely."
"If Helente was behind it, she did it to gauge the current technological state of this world. Or more specifically, to measure Jin’s strength—or rather, the strength of 'Land’s master.'"
『I agree with Goose’s assessment,』 Laojun added.
Jin decided to proceed on the assumption that their opponent was indeed Helente.
"Laojun, deploy the Aegis shields between the laboratory and Onogoro Island."
『Understood.』
Jin wasn't sure if it would truly block their tele-observation devices, but he wanted to avoid having their internal situation exposed.
"As of now, Helente doesn't know much about us, but……"
He was slightly worried that if she became serious, she might find out everything in an instant.
"Laojun, make sure to keep a barrier around yourself as well."
『Understood.』
The opponent likely possessed technology far more advanced than his own. Jin fell into deep thought.
"I think we need to do something while they’re still looking down on us, but I can't find a way." To be precise, Jin felt he couldn't think of any solution other than total war.
"Yeah. You said she’s the type who won’t even listen, right?" Goose also looked troubled.
"I wonder if there's some way to negotiate."
"I doubt it’s possible unless the other side feels like it…… sigh……" Saki said with a heavy sigh.
"Jin-nii, what if you used the Peeping Telescope?" Elsa suggested.
"Hmm, I wonder. If it’s detected, it’ll mean exposing one of our trump cards." Jin wanted to keep the Peeper as a last resort.
"Then, the Peeker…… no, that one can't move freely……"
"Yeah."
It was a difficult choice.
"If she tries to meddle with us one more time, let's try using the Peeper."
"Mm, if that’s the case."
Jin let out a long sigh. "We were planning to go to the demon territory, but we got interrupted."
"Kufu, indeed."
They needed to see how the opponent would move.
"But I hope she doesn't do something like kidnapping members of the Jin Family," Jin said worriedly.
"……If she did something like that, you'd probably crush her with everything you've got, wouldn't you, Jin?"
"Mm, I think he would."
"He likely would, wouldn't he, Jin-kun?"
"He is Jin, after all."
"In that event, I shall act as the vanguard," Reiko added, her tone turning uncharacteristically aggressive.
"I just pray it doesn't come to that……"
＊ ＊ ＊
『My Lord, you should definitely head to the demon territory tomorrow,』 Laojun suggested.
"But still……"
『There is no need to play along with them when we do not know how they will move.』
"That might be true, but……" Jin was still indecisive.
『In the first place, you can return immediately if anything happens.』
"……I suppose that's true."
『Yes. Therefore, please prioritize our own agenda.』
"You have a point."
『That is why we are here, after all.』
Responding to Laojun’s earnest recommendation, Jin decided to go to the demon territory the following day, even if it was a day later than planned.
"We're going too."
"I think it'll be fine as long as we don't wander too far from the Konron 3, where the Warp Gate is."
"True. It's frustrating to be jerked around by those guys."
"I wanted to go anyway, so I'm happy."
The others were just as eager to go. As a final precaution, Jin and Elsa decided to use their Doppels.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Well then, take care."
As the real Jin and Elsa saw them off, the Konron 3 soared into the sky above Hourai Island. It vanished once it had risen about five meters. Considering the risk of being seen by Helente, they used the Invisible function.
Jin and Elsa then went to the command room and woke up their Doppels. The two who had just seen the ship off now opened their eyes inside the Konron 3.
"Now then, let's head to the demon territory at top speed."
"……"
Goose and the others could only manage wry smiles. The Konron 3 raced through the blue sky.
＊ ＊ ＊
At 10:00 AM local time, the Konron 3 reached the skies over the demon territory.
"First up is the All-Creation clan, I guess."
They were the clan Jin had known the longest and was on the best terms with. Since they had visited previously to report their marriage, they were able to land the Konron 3 this time without causing a panic.
Jin D was the first to disembark from the Konron 3, waving his hand.
"Oh!"
"It's Jin-dono!"
"I had heard about it, but you truly did build a vehicle that flies through the sky!"
It seemed there were some among them seeing it for the first time.
"As expected of the Magi Craft Meister!"
The members of the All-Creation clan praised Jin. Pushing through the crowd came a very familiar face.
"Jin!"
It was Sion.