"Hm?"
"It seems they have arrived."
After an hour of waiting, Laozi and Helente finally joined Jin D and Reiko.
"Thank you for waiting," Laozi said.
"We kept you," Helente added.
"I'm glad you're here."
Jin D dispensed with the greetings and immediately turned to Helente. "I want to ask you something right away. Helente, what do you think of the structure of this place?"
"Hmm. I observed it on the way here. There are parts that resemble my former master’s designs, but many other sections are quite different."
"So... we can assume they're of the same lineage, but the designer was someone else?"
"Indeed. That would be a fair assessment."
"If that's the case," Jin D said, "do you think you can talk to Agente? It seems to be the magi-brain in charge here."
This was the most crucial question.
"Well, I won’t know for sure until I try speaking with it."
Helente then raised her voice. "Agente, can you hear me? I am Helente, a magi-doll created on Planet Ars long ago."
There was no response for a while, so Helente called out again. After her fourth attempt, a voice echoed through the area—one slightly different from Agente's.
"So, you call yourself Helente. What is your business?"
"I wish to meet your master."
"And what will you do once you meet?"
It was a sharp question. She could hardly answer that she was simply curious. Since they hadn't planned for this specific hurdle, Jin watched through his doll with bated breath to see how Helente would handle it.
"I wish to know the origins of the master who designed me."
Not bad, Jin thought. It wasn't a perfect answer, but it certainly wasn't a failing one.
"I see. I suppose I can understand that sentiment. However..."
"However?"
"The three with you—who are they?"
"They are my allies."
"I see. In that case, Helente, you are a traitor!"
"Why would you conclude that?"
"Dialogue is useless. We have nothing more to discuss."
"Wait!"
The voice cut off abruptly.
"My apologies," Helente said. "I was of no use."
Jin D told her not to worry about it.
"But we've certainly reached an impasse," he admitted.
"Shall we try a more forceful approach?" Reiko suggested.
"Before that, let's try an appeal."
Jin D decided to entrust that role to Laozi.
"Agente—or perhaps your colleague—I know you can hear us," Laozi began, calling out without raising his voice. "We have no hostile intentions. What happened in the hall was merely a defensive reaction after you attacked us without provocation."
There was no reply, so Laozi continued.
"With the exception of Helente, we were created by the inhabitants of Planet Ars. Therefore, we represent the interests of that world. In recent years, certain Magi Machines—presumably acting under orders from Hale—have threatened Ars. Our master decided this could not be overlooked and ordered this expedition to Hale to investigate."
He had decided to be honest about their purpose. It was a last resort, as there was a chance this honesty would be perceived as a declaration of war.
"A long time has passed since the migration. Ars now belongs to its current inhabitants. We are not unwilling to assist Hale, but there are limits to our patience."
Still no answer, but Laozi was certain Agente or its colleague was listening.
"We wish to discuss whether we can find common ground."
"They can be trusted," Helente added. "I, Helente, guarantee it."
Silence followed.
"Materials, free ether, even the repair of malfunctioning Magi Machines," Laozi listed. "Food and medical treatment for the sick as well. I believe we can provide such support."
There was still no reaction.
"At the very least, give us a reply. Even a denial or a rejection would suffice."
Only a profound stillness greeted them.
"...Is it no use...?"
They waited another five minutes. Just as they were all about to give up, a new voice spoke. It was different from Agente and its cohort—a voice that sounded like a woman's.
"Is it true? That you can provide medical treatment for the sick?"
"We can," Jin D replied. "Though I cannot guarantee we can cure every possible illness."
"Very well. It would be more suspicious if you claimed you could cure anything."
The voice drew closer.
"I shall give you one opportunity."
Everyone tensed.
The figure that appeared was human... or rather, a homunculus. She was in a state of extreme disrepair, looking even worse than Anne had once been. One could barely tell she was a female model.
What must have once been glossy black hair had fallen out, leaving only sparse strands across her scalp. Of her two round eyes, one was clouded over and blind. She moved with clear difficulty, dragging her legs behind her. Her left arm hung withered and limp, and even her remaining right arm didn't seem to function properly. Her clothing was little more than a collection of rags.
"I am Nani. I serve Master Chico."
"I am Jin... or rather, the automata he is operating."
"You are... likely not human. However, if you will allow me to take hostages as a guarantee of safety, we shall agree to a discussion."
There was a surprising strength in her voice.
"I will be the guarantee," Laozi offered.
"If possible, one more person," Nani requested.
"I will not do anything like attaching Beherrscher devices," Nani added. "It is enough if you simply remain here."
"Then I will stay," Helente volunteered. She knew that Jin D and Reiko were the most suitable ones to proceed under these circumstances.
"Very well," Nani said. "You two, please stay here. You other two, follow me."
Nani turned and began to walk. Her pace was slow, so following her was easy.
Eventually, Laozi and Helente faded from view. The corridor was not perfectly straight; it seemed to curve slightly. They passed through a series of weak barriers.
(They seem like sterilization barriers,) Reiko sent privately to Jin.
(You're right. And the first one was likely a Cleanup barrier.)
Who exactly was Nani taking them to meet? Jin D and Reiko followed her at a slow, measured pace.