The golem Jin and his team were analyzing featured a structure where the rotational axes were clearly separated.
It has the advantage of making motion control easier to grasp, Jin thought as he worked. But the durability is compromised.
"We should focus on this material," Raig Armor said to the group. "It’s a steel-type, but it’s an alloy with impressive toughness and hardness."
Raig was capable of using Analyze, but he lacked the foundational knowledge to make the most of it. The spell was limited; it couldn't reveal information the caster didn't already possess.
"I'd certainly like to know what metal was added to the base," Raig mused.
Jin performed a surreptitious Analyze of his own. The additive was vanadium.
Vanadium is an element with the atomic number 23. While soft in its pure form, adding it to iron to create alloy steel refines the crystal grains, increasing strength without sacrificing toughness. Furthermore, it only required a concentration of about 0.1 percent.
They seem to have a decent grasp of magi-type alloys, but...
Jin concluded that scientific knowledge in this country was still quite lopsided. Recalling the reaction to his work on the magical muscle earlier that day, he decided to keep his mouth shut this time.
"Hmm. I can identify the iron and carbon, but I don't recognize the element added in such a minute quantity."
"..."
The other researchers tilted their heads in confusion.
"What about you, Jin?"
"I'm not quite sure either..."
After confirming that no one present could identify it, Raig muttered under his breath.
"Hmph... I suppose it can't be helped. We'll just have to ask the guest."
"The guest?" Jin asked, latching onto the unfamiliar term.
"Ah, the 'guest' refers to Lordtoss-dono. You've heard the name, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have."
The sudden mention of Lordtoss caught Jin off guard.
"He won't give us any advice regarding weaponry, but he’ll likely share what he knows about materials like this," Raig explained. He added that the man's knowledge was so profound that no one could hope to match him. "...Right. Let's take a sample and go see him. Coo, Jin, you’re with me."
"Oh, understood."
Raig mentioned it would be good for Jin to introduce himself for future reference, then went to get clearance from the laboratory chief, Karion.
"Hmph, I see. But three is too many. Two of you go."
"...Understood."
Raig nodded and returned to the team.
"Did you hear that? Only two of us can go. Well then, Jin, let's head out."
He had singled Jin out.
"Are you sure you want me?"
"Yeah. You're the only one who hasn't met Lordtoss-dono yet. Sorry about that, Coo."
Coo Fene gave Raig a playful wink.
"It’s fine. Go on, Jin. I’m expecting results."
Carrying the skeletal frame of the golem's forearm, Jin and Raig left the laboratory.
It was already pitch black outside, but bonfires were lit at various intervals, providing just enough light to see the path.
"This way."
Raig led Jin away from the research wing. There, silhouetted against the starry sky, a massive black tower loomed. The tower was circular, roughly ten meters in diameter at the base and soaring over fifty meters into the air.
"This is where Lordtoss stays?"
At Jin’s skeptical expression, Raig nodded with a somewhat somber smile.
"That's right. How should I put it... this tower is Lordtoss-dono's home. It’s also the only place he’s allowed to go."
Jin bit back a comment about how that sounded suspiciously like house arrest. As he expected, two soldiers stood guard at the entrance.
"Good work," Raig said, pulling a piece of parchment that served as a permit from his pocket. The soldiers wordlessly stepped aside to let them pass.
"Come on."
The interior featured a spiral staircase. They climbed about twenty meters until they reached a wide landing, which was guarded by two more soldiers. Raig showed the permit again, and they passed through without a hitch.
The atmosphere changed drastically once they stepped through the inner door. The space was furnished for comfort, feeling much more like a proper residence. They climbed one more flight of stairs to reach a final door.
"Beyond here is Lordtoss-dono's... home."
Raig knocked. About thirty seconds later, the door opened.
"Ah, Raig-kun."
The man who appeared looked to be in his mid-20s, roughly the same age as Jin. He had silver hair and light blue eyes. For some reason, Jin felt a vague sense of nostalgia looking at him.
"It's been a while. Do you have a question? Oh, a new face. Well, please, come in."
They were invited into a living room furnished with a sofa and a table.
〈PLEASE HAVE SOME TEA〉
An automata arrived, carrying a tray with three teacups.
Jin froze. It was the first automata he had seen since arriving in this country. She was a girl-type unit with silver hair and light blue eyes, roughly the same size as Reiko. The sight made him miss his beloved daughter dearly.
"I hope it suits your palate," the man said.
The tea was a high-quality sencha. The nostalgic flavor brought Jin a wave of relief and calm.
"Ah, this is delicious."
Lordtoss’s face brightened at the compliment.
"Oh, so you appreciate the flavor? I'm quite fond of this tea myself, so I'm glad to hear you say that. Would you like a refill?"
"Yes, please."
As Jin accepted, the automata poured more tea from the pot she held. After taking a sip of his own, Lordtoss looked at Raig.
"Now then, Raig-kun, aren't you going to introduce your new friend?"
Raig flustered, realizing he had skipped the formalities in the relaxed atmosphere.
"Ah, m-my apologies! It felt like I'd already introduced him for some reason!"
Raig explained that he’d been distracted because Jin had enjoyed the tea so much. He then properly introduced his colleague.
"This is Jin-kun. He was assigned to our laboratory today."
"It’s a pleasure to meet you."
"I see, Jin-kun... Jin?"
"Is something wrong?"
Jin wondered if the name meant something to him, but Lordtoss merely brushed the question aside.
"No, it's nothing."