"Mermaid 1, Mermaid 2, well done. Reiko, thank you for your hard work."
Jin expressed his appreciation to the three of them before turning his attention to the barrier generator, which had been sliced clean in two.
"As I thought, there's an energy storage section here similar to a mana bombe."
Since the device rendered the surrounding free ether and mana unusable, Jin reasoned that it had to possess its own internal power source. Just as he was about to begin investigating the underlying principles of the barrier—
『My Lord, an enemy attack.』
Laojun’s warning cut through the air.
"What?"
In the sky above Konron 2, three flying objects had appeared, identical to the craft that had dropped the barrier generator.
『The generator was likely bait used to lure you out, My Lord.』
Jin found himself in agreement with Laojun.
"It would seem so. Though from our perspective, you could say they've delivered themselves right to us."
His only source of dissatisfaction was that he was currently aboard Konron 2 instead of the superior Konron 3.
"Edgar, first, head south at full speed."
"Yes, understood."
Jin wanted to avoid a battle unfolding directly over the Shouro Empire.
Initially, they flew at the airship's maximum natural speed. With a light northern breeze helping them along, they moved at approximately 60 kilometers per hour. The craft’s maximum speed using its Jet Thrusters was 200 kilometers per hour, and while it could far exceed that by using its force generators, Jin chose to hold back for the time being.
The three pursuing disks maintained roughly the same pace.
"Are they trying to locate my base?"
『That is a possibility. However, if so, they are playing right into our hands.』
It was slightly less than 200 kilometers from Lake Tosmo to the coast. In a little over three hours, Konron 2 reached the open sea. Jin signaled for the speed to be reduced slightly, allowing the three pursuers to come into clear view.
"They really are disks..."
That said, they didn't quite match the stereotypical image of a UFO. They looked more like shallow saucers turned upside down, with various magi-machines installed on the raised ring of the base.
"『Analyze』... 『Trace System』... Hmm, that’s an interesting design."
Based on Jin's scan, the three disks appeared to generate lift by blowing wind-attribute magic downward from their hulls. It was as if they were keeping a parachute aloft with a fan from below—or perhaps, Jin thought, they functioned like motorized frisbees.
"In terms of speed, they seem to be on par with Konron 2 when it isn't using its force generators."
Jin reconsidered his next move.
"Alright, let's see how they handle a performance test. Edgar, fly southeast. Once we reach the Equator, change course to the east."
"Understood."
Konron 2 resumed its flight at 60 kilometers per hour. The three disks shadowed them, neither closing the gap nor falling behind.
"Increase speed."
"Yes."
First, they deployed a wind-shielding barrier. This significantly reduced air resistance, allowing for much higher speeds. Konron 2 accelerated to 100 kilometers per hour.
"...They're keeping up."
The three disks proved capable of matching that speed as well.
"Alright, let's see how they handle altitude."
"Yes."
Maintaining their speed, Konron 2 began to climb. They had been cruising at about 100 meters, but they quickly surpassed 1,000, then 2,000, and eventually 3,000 meters.
"If they're relying on wind-attribute magic for lift, their efficiency should drop as the air gets thinner."
The same was true for Konron 2, however. Their altitude eventually exceeded 9,000 meters, nearing the 10,000-meter mark.
"10,000 meters is about the limit for Konron 2..."
It was the maximum buoyancy provided by the helium. Had they been on Konron 3, which was built to spaceship specifications, there would have been no such limit. The gas bags of Konron 2 were bulging tight due to the low atmospheric pressure, but the airtight cabin kept everyone inside safe.
"The Jet Thrusters are also reaching their limit at this height."
However, the disks seemed to be suffering the same fate; their speed and maneuverability had visibly degraded.
"It looks like they’ve hit the ceiling for wind-attribute magic as well."
Since the underlying principles were similar, their performance limits appeared to be in roughly the same place.
"Alright, that’s enough data. Edgar, drop our altitude back to 500 meters."
"Yes."
"Next... Edgar, head for the South Pole."
"Yes."
Because Konron 2 was equipped with mana bombes specifically for this mission, it could operate even in the ether-starved environment of the South Pole. Jin intended to see if the three disks could do the same.
10 degrees south, 20 degrees...
The concentration of free ether began to drop. Because Konron 2 stayed aloft through the buoyancy of its helium, it didn't need to consume mana for lift—another of Jin's strategic advantages.
30 degrees south, 40 degrees...
On Ars, one degree of latitude was approximately 20 kilometers, meaning 10 degrees covered 200 kilometers. By his calculations, they were crossing ten degrees every two hours. Nearly half a day had passed since the chase began; evening had turned to night, and then morning came again.
"...Are they still following us?"
Jin, who had no intention of personally entertaining them for over ten hours, had long since returned to Hourai Island via the onboard Warp Gate. Currently, the only ones aboard Konron 2 were the pilot, Edgar, and Jin’s Doppel. Reiko and the two Mermaids had also returned to Hourai Island to lighten the airship's load.
『Yes, My Lord. They are quite persistent.』
"Indeed. Well, I’ve been able to use that time to finish analyzing this device."
Before Jin lay the Magic Canceller generator, now reconstructed.
"Only a tiny fraction was destroyed when it was cut, so reconstruction was easy."
"It's all thanks to Reiko," Jin added. Hearing his praise, Reiko beamed with a smile.
"Jin-nii, I need an explanation."
Elsa, who had been recording the analysis results, looked to him for guidance. Though she had recorded the data, there were parts of the theory she couldn't quite grasp.
"Of course. It starts with this part here."
Jin pointed to a section of the records in Elsa's hands.
"The magi-sequence here was completely new to me. In principle, it's a combination of an ether eliminator, a Magic Canceller, and a Magi-Jammer as we suspected, but it's all integrated into a single, unified magi-sequence."
Jin continued his explanation, tracing the formulas for her.
"Regarding this magi-formula, by utilizing this specific value, the processing speed over here is vastly improved."
"...Ah. And by using that extra speed on this side, the overall efficiency increases?"
"Exactly."
It had been a valuable lesson for Jin as well. Though he couldn't think of an immediate application for it, it was a fine addition to his knowledge.
『My Lord, the chaos in the Shouro Empire appears to have subsided. It seems the Empress worked tirelessly to restore order.』
Laojun provided a welcome update.
"Oh, is that so? That's a relief."
Then, more messages came through.
『"Jin! We’re saved thanks to you. I didn't know what I’d do when Neon stopped working."』
『"Jin, Aaru is moving again too. Now I don't have to worry about how I'll get my meals..."』
With the updates from Reinhard and Saki, Jin felt a wave of relief wash over him, knowing the immediate crisis had passed.
『It appears there were almost no casualties reported from the incident.』
"I see. That is truly a blessing."
Having confirmed the safety of his friends, Jin turned his focus back to the three disks still engaged in a long-distance game of tag with Konron 2.