With the issue of the demon territory settled for the time being, the next item on the agenda was the Warp Gate.
Since laypeople would struggle to grasp the technical intricacies, the discussion focused primarily on logistics and future operations.
"From my perspective, I would like them to be utilized as the primary thoroughfares connecting Avalon to the mainland," suggested Cesar, the King of Celuroa. "Currently, the range is limited to about two hundred kilometers. Therefore, the initial installation points would likely be in the southern reaches of our kingdom, the southern coast of the Kingdom of Egerea, or the western coast of the Kingdom of Elias."
Cesar concluded by stating that once the technology was further refined, he hoped to see Warp Gates established in every nation.
The next to speak was Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom.
"We are deeply grateful for King Cesar’s offer. If I may, I would venture to suggest that we must establish robust security measures at the Avalon terminus of these gates."
"Are you referring to countermeasures against potential intruders?" Crown Prince Alphons of the Kingdom of Elias inquired.
"Precisely. In matters such as this, I believe we must prepare for the worst-case scenario. What are your thoughts, everyone?"
"Hmm, a valid point."
"I have no objections."
No one raised any counterarguments to Prince Arthur’s proposal.
"This is a gathering place for the world’s leaders and a site housing some of the world’s most advanced technology," Jin added. "We cannot afford to let any unauthorized individuals slip through."
Since Jin utilized Shinkai for similar purposes, he understood the necessity of such precautions. He continued with his own suggestions.
"I agree. First, we should construct a dedicated hall to house the gate. That hall should be kept under strict surveillance and designed so that it can be decoupled from Avalon entirely if the situation demands it."
Speaking through Maquina, Jin offered another layer of security. "Alternatively, we could place the terminus on Avalon’s lowest level. That way, the chamber could be flooded with seawater in an emergency."
"That is... quite a frightening prospect," remarked Rotaro de Lafayette, the King of the Kingdom of Franz. The sentiment seemed to be shared by many in the room.
"In any case," King Cesar concluded, "Warp Gates were a common technology before the Great Magic War. It is my sincere hope that we can make them a staple of our world once again."
"Now, there is one more announcement... or perhaps I should say, there are some individuals I would like to introduce."
After scanning the room, Cesar addressed the Empress, who was presiding as Chairman.
"I would very much like to introduce them to this World Conference. May I have your permission?"
The Empress gave a measured response. "I cannot provide an answer without knowing who these individuals are."
"A fair point. Today, I wish to introduce two key figures from Nostalgia: their advisor, Lady Elena—also known as the Golden Princess—and their number two, Donald Callow."
Jin was caught off guard by the announcement, as he hadn't been informed of this introduction.
"Well, now," the Empress said, looking around at the attendees. "Does anyone have an objection?"
When no one spoke up, she gave a nod. "Since there are no objections, please introduce them."
"Thank you. Servant, tell our guests from Nostalgia to enter," King Cesar instructed a nearby golem maid.
A few minutes later, the golem maid led the two representatives of Nostalgia into the conference room.
"I see many new faces today, as well as some familiar ones," Elena said with a polite smile. "I am Elena, the advisor for Nostalgia."
"And I am Donald Callow. I am a magi craftsman who once held the rank of Alpha within the Celuroa Kingdom."
Following their introductions, Elena continued smoothly. "I would like to express my deepest gratitude for being invited to such a prestigious gathering. Your trust means a great deal to us."
She punctuated her words with an elegant, graceful curtsy.
Cesar added a brief explanation for the benefit of the other monarchs. "Donald was once the Alpha, the preeminent magi craftsman of my kingdom. In truth, I believe he remains so even now. When I first learned that he had left his national post to become the number two of Nostalgia, I was shocked—and quite saddened."
His words carried the underlying implication that Nostalgia had proven more alluring than service to the crown.
"...I must offer my apologies for that, Your Majesty," Donald said softly.
"Haha, I'm only joking. My father was king back then, and... well, he wasn't exactly the best sovereign for a man of your talents."
"No, I wouldn't say..."
"Enough of that. More importantly, please tell the assembly what you have to offer."
"Elena will handle the presentation," Donald replied.
The moment the exchange between Cesar and Donald ended, Elena addressed the room.
"Lords and Ladies, as the advisor of Nostalgia, I shall provide an overview of our goals." Her voice was clear and resonant. "Nostalgia is a group dedicated to seeking the fountainhead of wisdom in the ancient past to better our future. Before the Great Magic War, the world possessed magi-engineering far more advanced than what we have today. The artifacts that remain are proof of that. By discovering and analyzing these artifacts, we aim to reproduce even a fraction of that lost technology for the benefit of all."
She finished her speech with a respectful bow.
"Yes, we are quite aware of your contributions," the Empress said, speaking for the assembled leaders. "Those manaphones have proven remarkably useful."
The manaphone was a magic tool that allowed long-distance communication between two paired units. The original models were roughly the size of an office desk—the direct predecessors to the manacams used by Jin's group.
"We thank you for the praise," Elena replied. "Today, we have brought an improved model as a gift to celebrate the inauguration of this World Conference."
"An improved model?" someone asked.
"Yes. We have succeeded in miniaturizing the components. It is now small enough to sit atop a desk."
A murmur of admiration rippled through the room. "That is marvelous!"
"Thank you. Our goal is to establish communication between Avalon and every nation represented here."
Since manaphones operated in pairs, this meant a manaphone linked to Avalon would be installed in each kingdom, while Avalon would house a corresponding bank of devices for each nation.
"Our next objective is to develop a system where the caller can select their recipient," Elena added with a confident smile.
Watching her, Jin felt a sense of respect for Nostalgia's progress. Miniaturization was a difficult hurdle, and it was clear they had put in significant effort. He decided to voice a suggestion of his own.
"Perhaps we should formally grant the members of Nostalgia access to Avalon so they can present more of their research here."
Jin then had Maquina add a further proposal. "In time, I hope to establish a dedicated laboratory here. I would be delighted if your members could assist us as instructors."
"I think that is a wonderful idea," Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom agreed immediately.
"Indeed. I would strongly recommend it," added Chief Latant of the Celuroa First Technology Bureau, who was well-acquainted with Donald’s expertise.
The afternoon of the second day drew to a close on this productive note.
"Elena, I look forward to working with you."
"As do I, Jin-sama."
After the conference adjourned, Jin, Maquina, Reiko, Elena, and Donald met in a smaller private chamber. Jin had wanted to ask about the motives behind their sudden public debut.
"Our primary goal is to help ease your burden, Jin-sama," Elena explained.
"And from our perspective," Donald added, "it is far easier to operate in the light than as a shadow organization."
"That makes sense," Jin agreed. "Having a research body as a subordinate organization of the World Conference is a sound idea."
He also felt that if they could conduct education alongside research, it would be even better. The participation of Nostalgia fit perfectly into his long-term plans.