On December 8, 3458, a temporary World Conference was convened aboard the mobile base Jin had seized.
Deus Ex Machina had invited the heads of state from the world’s major nations. Officially, the narrative was that Jin had merely assisted him in the endeavor.
The central figure for this event was Maquina. With an eye toward the future, Jin had created a dedicated magi-brain named Mentor specifically for Maquina, delegating all operations to it. While Mentor was an independent magi-brain, it functioned as a subordinate to Laojun, the primary brain of Hourai Island.
"You certainly have a knack for finding magnificent things," Empress Gerhardt Hilde von Rubis Shouro of the Shouro Empire remarked in admiration.
"Indeed. To think such a marvel existed in the south..." said King Cesar Valois de Celuroa of the Celuroa Kingdom.
"Mmm, this is truly a sight to behold," King Harold Luan Autocrace of the Kingdom of Egerea added, equally impressed.
"This is... I simply don't know what to say," muttered King Alois III of the Klein Kingdom, left momentarily speechless.
"Like the rest of you, I find myself at a loss for words," agreed Crown Prince Alphons of the Kingdom of Elias.
"That such a construction even exists in this world..." King Rotaro de Lafayette of the Kingdom of Franz stared in disbelief.
In a world where large wooden vessels had only recently become a reality, this gargantuan, all-metal structure defied every standard of imagination.
"Welcome, everyone. I am honored by your presence," the voice of Deus Ex Machina resonated throughout the area.
Every head turned toward the source of the voice.
"I shall now begin the briefing."
Once the 5-Color Maids accompanying Jin had provided chairs and everyone was seated, Maquina continued his address.
"While exploring the southern regions where free ether is scarce, I discovered this ancient artifact. It was severely damaged, but with the cooperation of Jin-dono, we were able to complete the repairs and relocate it to this position."
The 'position' in question was approximately 50 degrees west longitude and 10 degrees north latitude—situated in the waters west of the Elias Peninsula. With a water depth of roughly 100 meters, it was an ideal location to anchor the base.
"This artificial island spans two kilometers in diameter. It is also capable of self-propulsion at a speed of ten kilometers per hour."
A collective murmur of awe rippled through the gathered leaders.
"The interior suffered significant damage, and restoration is still underway. However, I believe we should view this as an opportunity to develop the space according to our needs."
Maquina explained that facilities could be expanded as required.
"Fortunately, the repairs yielded a vast amount of scrap material. Using Craft Magic, we can recycle these resources, so there are no concerns regarding a lack of building materials. Being surrounded by the ocean, our seafood supply is also secure."
The leaders nodded to one another, considering the logistics.
"We can use Craft Magic to erect buildings upon this deck or utilize the vacant rooms within. My intention is for this artificial island to serve the interests of all humanity."
Maquina surveyed the world leaders once more. No one voiced an objection.
"I propose we establish an Assembly Hall here for World Conferences and designate this site as the headquarters for the World Security Guard."
The proposal was met with absolute silence—the silence of total agreement. After a brief pause, Maquina continued.
"I have currently anchored the island in these waters for its stability, but if anyone believes there is a more suitable location, please share your thoughts."
No one spoke. Naturally, after being told the current location was chosen for its stability, no one felt qualified to offer a counter-opinion without an intimate knowledge of the seabed.
"Thank you for your support. Now, allow me to provide a brief tour of the artificial island’s interior."
At Maquina’s invitation, the heads of state rose and followed him, their guards trailing close behind. Only Jin and Reiko remained where they were.
"Everything is going according to plan so far."
"Yes, Father. Mentor is performing excellently."
"Right. It’ll be a huge help if they move forward exactly as we intended."
"I believe they will. Laojun guaranteed as much."
"I suppose you're right."
The proposal offered the various nations almost nothing but benefits. Furthermore, Laojun had analyzed that if the leaders refused this offer, they would risk leaving a fortress of this magnitude solely in the hands of Deus Ex Machina—a scenario the world's powers could never abide.
"Once they officially recognize it, we’ll present the gifts we prepared."
"Indeed, Father."
Roughly three hours later, the leaders returned from their tour of the artificial island.
"Welcome back," Jin greeted them, ordering the 5-Color Maids to serve tea.
"Ah, that was exhausting, but truly a productive afternoon."
"Indeed. I look forward to what the future holds for this place."
"The fact that this base will not fall under the control of any single power is reason enough to hold the World Conference here."
The leaders spoke freely among themselves. From what Jin could hear, the initial reception was overwhelmingly positive. It was then that Jin decided to deliver the final masterstroke.
"Everyone, I have a proposal of my own."
Conversation ceased instantly as all eyes turned to Jin.
"With the World Conference and the World Security Guard headquarters based here, the primary challenge will be the logistics of travel."
The leaders nodded in unison.
"To address this, should the headquarters be officially established here, I intend to gift each of your nations an airship identical to Konron 2—complete with a trained pilot."
The room erupted into a flurry of excited whispers. With a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour, Konron 2 would allow any leader to reach this island within a single day.
"J-Jin-dono, are you certain?" the Chancellor of the Shouro Empire asked, leaning forward urgently.
"Yes. Since there were ample materials found on this artificial island, it is mostly a matter of the labor involved."
This was a slight fabrication. While many materials were local, several rare components had been brought from Hourai Island. However, explaining that would lead to unwanted scrutiny regarding his supply lines, so he chose to gloss over the details. Even so, having secured fragments of the long-period planet, Jin possessed more resources than he could possibly exhaust. He felt there was no better time to put them to use.
Moored at the edge of the artificial island were six airships, one for each nation: the Klein Kingdom, the Kingdom of Egerea, the Kingdom of Elias, the Kingdom of Franz, the Celuroa Kingdom, and the Shouro Empire.
Along with each vessel, Jin would provide an automaton pilot modeled after Edgar—who had become a master of the skies—and a golem mechanic modeled after the Smith units. While these units were slightly detuned and therefore less capable than the originals, their performance was still vastly superior to any standard automaton or golem in existence.
"Then, for the time being, I officially declare the establishment of Avalon, the joint headquarters for the World Conference and the World Security Guard!"
Deus Ex Machina made the proclamation before the assembled leaders. The name 'Avalon' was taken from the legendary island of King Arthur’s mythos.
With this, Jin felt they had taken a monumental leap toward a unified humanity.
"Now we can turn our focus toward Hale without any lingering concerns."
The sun had begun to set, and the first evening stars were starting to twinkle in the darkening sky.