"First, this."
Helente led Jin into an advanced-level facility.
"Is this... a barrier generator?"
"That is correct."
"I see, the principles are the same. But the method for synchronizing mana... Ah, I get it now."
As Jin maintained the ancient super-technology, he continued to make the knowledge his own. Though the methods were different, the scene was reminiscent of when the Predecessor, the Magi Craft Meister Adriana Barbora Tsetse, had elevated the technological standards of the demon territory.
"Next is this."
Whatever she might have thought about Jin mastering their technology, Helente performed her duty—facilitating Jin’s maintenance of the advanced-level facilities—with clinical detachment.
"I see, the magi-sequence of the magic control here is quite an excellent reference..."
It was a scene that perfectly demonstrated his true worth as a Magi Craft Meister.
"I wasn’t familiar with this magi-formula..."
"Actually, the method the Predecessor used would probably work better here."
"Oh, this is quite good."
"Hmm, so that's how they use the magi-circuit. An interesting concept."
To be honest, the sight of him moving from one task to the next while muttering to himself was a bit eerie, but Helente watched him without concern. Naturally, Jin was controlling the Body Double personally for this phase.
"There, that's done. I'm finished."
"Indeed. I am impressed you completed it in only two hours."
"What’s next?"
"This way."
Helente invited Jin into the adjacent room.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Yes, this is wonderful. It’s a perfect opportunity to study their technology."
"It seems Helente is being quite considerate as well."
Laojun was recording the visual data transmitted by Jin’s Body Double. He seemed to have plans to edit the footage into a documentary later.
"...Make sure you cut out my muttering."
"I shall do my best."
＊ ＊ ＊
Then came November 10.
"Lord of Kunlun, the facility we are about to enter is the final one."
"Understood."
When the door opened, Jin was astonished by what he saw inside. It was a massive metallic hemisphere.
"What is this!?"
"It is the Control Brain—the magi-brain that maintains and manages this entire facility."
"Is it different from the Supervising Brain?"
"Yes. This magi-brain possesses no will of its own."
"I see."
Jin approached the Control Brain with a measure of caution.
"Analyze."
He cast the engineering magic from a short distance away.
"...No Micro-Magi Machines detected."
Jin had suspected that a magi-brain responsible for managing the facility's environment would be a prime target for 'erosion.'
(Or perhaps they only have a limited number of Micro-Magi Machines?)
He didn't have enough information to be sure.
"So, I just need to perform maintenance on this?"
"Correct."
Jin’s Body Double immediately set to work.
"I see... it can manage temperature, humidity, and even sulfides in the air."
Given its capabilities, Jin thought it strange that the preservation state of the golems and magic tools he had seen so far had been so poor. However, the reason became clear as the maintenance progressed.
"Ah, this part is broken."
One of several air intake sections was clogged.
"This is... the sensor that monitors undesirable elements in the air."
Because this part was faulty, the system failed to activate its purification cycles even as sulfides or dust levels rose. Jin’s Body Double and Reiko didn't need to breathe, so they were unaffected, but the air in the facility was actually quite stagnant.
It was hard to fathom why they had only built a single system for such a critical function. Then again, Jin reconsidered that perhaps no one lived in this underground facility—or if they did, the numbers were so small and the atmosphere of Ars was originally so pure that they hadn't felt the need for redundancy.
"I'll reinforce the air purification function while I'm at it."
Assuming that he might eventually visit this place in person, he meticulously maintained and reinforced the environmental regulation systems.
"There, that should do it."
The work was completed in about an hour.
"Well done, Lord of Kunlun. With this, your work is finished."
Jin was caught off guard by Helente’s statement.
"What?"
Even setting the Supervising Brain aside, Jin expected that at least the ether transporter and ether condenser would still be on the list.
"I know what you are thinking. However, the Supervising Brain has stated that this is sufficient."
"Is that so..."
Was he being viewed with suspicion, or did the most critical equipment actually have a dedicated maintenance crew? Just as he reached the final stage, he had hit a snag.
"Well, what now?"
Jin’s Body Double returned to his assigned room. Reiko hadn't come back yet, but they were in constant contact via manacam, so there was no cause for alarm. It simply wasn't time for Reiko to exert her strength yet.
Shortly after, Helente arrived.
"Lord of Kunlun, my apologies."
"Setting aside the free ether facilities for a moment, is it really impossible to perform maintenance on the Supervising Brain?"
Jin was convinced that if the Supervising Brain was infected by Micro-Magi Machines, they had to be removed.
"Mm. It is indeed a concern, and they are undoubtedly evil things. I would remove them if I could, but..."
By her design, Helente was unable to disobey the Supervising Brain.
"However, I am permitted to take actions that are for its benefit, so this conversation itself is not a problem. But taking direct action is impossible for me."
It was a difficult position to be in.
"In that case..."
At that moment, control of the Body Double shifted from Jin to Laojun.
"In that case, does it mean we must find a way to inspect it without your direct help and without harming the Supervising Brain? And if Micro-Magi Machines are attached, we must remove them to restore its proper function?"
"That is exactly right."
Because of the specific phrasing Laojun used, Helente was able to listen without her internal restrictions triggering. Had he said something like, "We will catch the Supervising Brain off guard, attack it, and forcibly remove the Micro-Magi Machines," there was no telling how she would have reacted.
"It is for the purpose of returning the Supervising Brain to its normal state. I am not asking for direct assistance. Indirect cooperation will suffice."
"I understand. I will cooperate as far as my parameters allow."
"Then first, tell me how I can reach the Supervising Brain's location."
"To do that..."
In this manner, the Body Double—now operated by Laojun—began extracting the necessary information from Helente.