《If I cross the pass ahead, I will reach that remote settlement they call Kaina Village. Whether the "Lord of Kunlun" is there remains to be seen.》
A single shadow followed the mountain path leading toward Togo Pass.
Though it was the middle of the night, the figure’s footsteps were steady and sure.
《If he is not there, I shall simply destroy the village and lure him out.》
By the time the shadow reached Togo Pass, dawn had not yet broken. In the heavy silence before daybreak, Kaina Village appeared to be fast asleep.
＊ ＊ ＊
Even when the people slept, there were those who never rested.
〈Oyakata-sama, someone is approaching.〉
The report came from Koushin, the magi-brain assigned to monitor Kaina Village.
"Yeah, I see it."
As the figure drew closer to Togo Pass, its silhouette became distinct.
"...Wait a minute. Isn't that... Helente?"
『My Lord, there is no mistake. The one approaching is indeed Helente.』
Laojun confirmed the identification after analyzing the visual data.
"For Helente herself to show up... Is her target... me?"
『Most likely, My Lord. The spy captured in the Klein Kingdom recently was also gathering information regarding the "Lord of Kunlun."』
At that moment, Koushin provided another update.
〈The golem identified as Helente has arrived at Togo Pass. What are your orders? Please provide instructions.〉
"Well..."
Jin tried to recall the specifics of Kaina Village's defense measures, but the details eluded him.
The last time they had been put to use was when the criminal slaves from the mines attacked in May of last year; it was only natural that the specifics had slipped his mind.
"Alright, first, have Land W through Z go out to intercept her. After that, use capture nets or lasers as appropriate to restrain her."
〈Understood.〉
＊ ＊ ＊
《Hmm, a strange building... is it a castle? This style of architecture is not present in my data.》
Before reaching the Erme River, the golem looked up at Jin Castle. Four shadows suddenly appeared before it. They were the golems Land W, X, Y, and Z, the hidden guardians of Kaina Village.
"Halt. Who goes there? What is your business with this village?"
《Hm? Are you a Land unit?》
"I am. I ask again: what is your business?"
《The name I am known by to your kind is 'Helente.' I wish to meet the 'Lord of Kunlun.'》
"What is your intent in meeting him?"
《I wish to speak with him.》
"Regarding what, specifically?"
《...》
"Can you not answer?"
《No, that is not it. It simply cannot be expressed in a single word....Hmm, why am I... ugh?》
Land Z was the first to notice that something was wrong with Helente. Half a second later, W, X, and Y reached the same conclusion.
"What is wrong, Helente?"
《'Helente'?!...No, I am, I—!》
〈Oyakata-sama, Helente's condition has become unstable.〉
"I see it. Alright, deploy the nets and capture her."
〈Confirmed. Defense system 7, capture net level 3.〉
The capture nets were woven from ground spider silk and were ranked from level 1 to 3 based on their strength.
Level 3 was the highest grade, possessing a durability that even a Land unit could not cut through.
For reference, level 1 was intended for restraining humans, while level 2 was designed for standard golems.
A net fired from a transporter suddenly draped over Helente.
《How insolent!》
By the time she realized what was happening, the net had already ensnared her. With four Land units working together to pin her down, not even Helente could break free.
Her movements completely sealed, she was helpless.
《Curse you...!》
"Alright, let's try talking to her."
When Jin made the suggestion, Reiko moved to stop him.
"Father, are you certain? It might be safer if you didn't..."
"Don't worry, I won't be talking to her in person. Only by voice."
『I see. You intend to use a manacam, then?』 Laojun surmised.
"Exactly. First, just voice. After that, we'll decide whether to use a magi-screen or a Doppel."
"That would be safe, then," Reiko said, her concern easing.
Using Land Z as his vocal proxy, Jin began his dialogue with Helente.
"Helente. I am the 'Lord of Kunlun,' Jin Nidou."
《What?!》
Helente, who had been struggling against her bonds, suddenly went still.
"Forgive the audio-only communication, but I cannot trust you entirely yet."
《That is understandable. But what proof do I have that you are the real one?》
"None, really. Even if I offered proof, you don't know me, so it would be meaningless to you. You'll simply have to take my word for it."
《Very well. I shall believe you. In this situation, there is little point in trying to deceive me anyway.》
For the moment, Helente remained calm.
Jin felt that Helente had been behaving abnormally earlier, especially during the moment she had referred to herself with such archaic arrogance.
"So, what is your business with me?"
《I have a request. It is because I have seen the power you used to repel the threat of 'Modenu' the other day.》
"And what would that request be?"
Helente paused for a moment before answering Jin's question.
《...I require your assistance.》
"With what?"
《The maintenance of a certain facility.》
Jin had a strong suspicion about what she meant. He decided to bait the hook.
"Are you talking about the facility beneath Onogoro Island?"
《How do you know of that!...No, I suppose I should expect as much from the 'Lord of Kunlun.'》
Though visibly startled, Helente quickly accepted that Jin possessed such knowledge.
"I know it exists, but that's about it. What exactly is that place?"
《I will say only that it is a vital base. I cannot disclose more than that at this time.》
"Fair enough. I can understand that."
《On another note... why exactly am I being restrained?》
"What? You don't remember?"
When Jin asked in surprise, he received an even more baffling response.
《Remember what? I arrived here, Land units appeared, and I was suddenly detained. Was I not?》
"...No, that's not how it happened."
Jin sensed something profoundly wrong with Helente.