Analysis continued regarding the reasons for the shutdown of the facility that appeared to be a relay base.
"Is the free ether concentration so high because something like an ether condenser is still functioning?"
『Yes. Comparing it to the ether transfer system proposed by Hanna-chan, it would be more efficient to increase the free ether concentration before sending it from there to Hale.』
"Coincidence or inevitability?"
The fact remained that every magic tool and Magi Machine had failed, with the exception of the free ether intake and the ether condenser.
"The ether condenser probably survived because its very function requires a high resistance to dense free ether..."
As for the ultimate truth, they could only speculate.
"At any rate, that facility was clearly the destination for the free ether sent from Ars."
『Yes, My Lord. There is no doubt about that.』
"In that case..." Jin paused to consider his next point. "Does that mean the one currently feeding free ether to that location isn't Ars, but another relay base?"
『The possibility is high.』
This relay base was positioned to form an equilateral triangle with Sun Celane and Hale. If another existed, it would likely be positioned to form an equilateral triangle with Sun Celane and Ars.
"Should we investigate that area as well?"
『Indeed. It is likely also malfunctioning, so there is no immediate urgency, but still.』
It was speculated that most of the equipment at the relay base on the Ars side had also been disabled by the effects of the Ether Stampede. While not urgent in a tactical sense, they couldn't ignore the possibility of an anomaly.
"Let's send out reconnaissance ships."
『A wise decision.』
"All right, dispatch the Hercules and the Achilles. This is strictly reconnaissance. Do not take unnecessary risks."
『Understood.』
Following Jin's orders, Laojun dispatched the two reconnaissance spaceships.
The Vulcan continued its survey of the inactive station, now designated Relay Base 2, and reconfirmed that every system except the ether condenser remained offline.
『My Lord, how shall we proceed?』
"Well... free ether concentrations at one thousand to two thousand times the norm... it feels like a waste to let all that gathered energy simply dissipate."
Jin's frugal nature was asserting itself.
『Shall we leave it as it is, then?』
"That should be fine. I doubt any eccentric would wander out this far, and if they did, they could probably handle themselves."
If he thought of a use for it later, he would deal with it then.
『Understood. Then we shall finally set out for Hale.』
"I suppose so. But since we know there's a barrier, let's proceed with caution."
『I am well aware.』
And so, on December 28th, the Vulcan resumed its journey toward Hale. They moderated their speed, maintaining a cautious maximum of approximately 200 kilometers per second.
Meanwhile, the Hercules and the Achilles reached their designated coordinates on the 30th.
『As expected...』
There, just as they had predicted, floated Relay Base 1, a model identical to Relay Base 2.
"So it really was there."
『Yes, My Lord. We are beginning the investigation now.』
"Keep it cautious."
They started with observations using the Peeping Telescope. Since the station was identical to Relay Base 2, the process was highly efficient.
『It is exactly the same model. They are identical down to the smallest detail,』 Laojun concluded after about an hour of study. 『However, there are significantly more functioning Magi Machines here.』
"I thought so. The relay base at the South Pole was likely sending its free ether here, wasn't it?"
『The probability is quite high.』
Looking at these relics built by the ancient Haleans—the Progenitors—Jin felt a sense of respect for their reach, yet he also noticed a certain lack of efficiency. He suspected this was because they were extreme individualists who lacked lateral coordination.
"I have to make sure I don't fall into that same trap," Jin murmured to himself as he listened to the findings.
『My Lord, the ether transporter here is indeed active. The free ether sent from the Disaster is likely being relayed through this point.』
"That makes sense." Jin agreed with the assessment. "Probably materials, too."
He voiced a sudden realization: the magic tools that triggered the Ether Stampede might have been smuggled in among those very shipments.
『That is entirely plausible. Regardless, we must proceed with an even more thorough investigation of this facility.』
"I agree. Should we send in the Shinobi Squad?"
『That would be best. We can deploy them immediately via the Warp Gate on the reconnaissance ships.』
"All right, I'll leave it to you."
『Yes, leave it to me.』
In the calendar of this world, the year ended on December 30th—New Year's Eve.
At the laboratory and the Mansion on Hourai Island, the residence on Kunlun Island, the Hall of Five Virtues, the Jade Pavilion, and the mansion in Loizart, the Five-Colored Golem Maids were busy with a thorough cleaning.
The Orphanage Director, who had raised Jin, used to say that in the Edo period, the traditional "soot sweeping" took place on December 13th. She would cut several bamboo stalks from the grove at the edge of the orphanage, bundle them together, and use them to clear the ceilings and the backs of the eaves.
"Ah, everything looks ready."
Stepping into the Mansion, Jin saw that the decorations for the New Year were already in place.
"Mmh. Jin-nii, I tried setting them up while learning from Laojun," Elsa said.
In place of the busy Jin, she had taken charge of the Japanese-style year-end and New Year preparations.
"They say 'one-night decorations' are bad luck."
A "one-night decoration" referred to putting up displays in a rush on New Year's Eve. It was considered disrespectful to the Toshigami, and because funerals were often arranged overnight, it was avoided as a bad omen. Jin had shared these stories from the Orphanage Director with his team, and that cultural trivia had been preserved by Laojun.
"The Perido Leader made the kagami mochi."
It was the same style of kagami mochi he had seen in Mitsuho. It sat upon a wooden ritual tray, topped with a citran. Ideally, one would use a bitter orange known as a daidai to symbolize the family's prosperity for generations—or daidai—but since no such fruit existed here, this was the best they could do.
"The Five-Colored Golem Maids worked hard. They wanted you to have a change of pace, even if just for a bit."
It was a thoughtful gesture for Jin, whose mind had been occupied by the mounting complications involving Hale.
"You were looking out for me too, weren't you, Elsa? Thank you."
Jin offered his sincere thanks.
"Mmh. Then, why don't you go take a bath?"
"Yeah, that sounds like a plan."
As dusk fell, the tumultuous year of 3458 drew to its close.