Reiko's report continued.
"During that period, Nostalgia was quite well known globally. They were even recognized as a subsidiary of the World Security Guard."
"I see."
It seemed that because they had established such technical, economic, and human resource foundations, the Magic Federation had been able to grow into a massive power almost overnight.
"In other words, a version of Unifilar without the ambition for world conquest."
"That is a fair assessment."
The Magic Federation sought to contribute to the world purely through magic technology, while Avalon aimed for even greater heights through the fusion of science and magic. Caught between them was the Nostalgia party.
Jin visualized the diagram of these factions in his mind.
"But the greatest threat was that Golbart Marukitasu learned of the existence of Hourai Island... I can only speculate as to how he found out, but I will save that for later."
"Yeah, I understand."
Even founding members like Donald and Jules shouldn't have known about Hourai Island's existence. Elena was likely the only one who did.
"Speaking of which, what happened to Elena?"
"She was still active at the time I went into dormancy—acting as the symbol of Nostalgia."
Because she didn't age, the fact that Elena was an automata had become public knowledge. Consequently, creating an automata of her caliber became the ultimate goal for the world's magi engineers.
"I’ve strayed from the topic. At any rate, the Magic Federation developed a golem technology completely different from Mother’s."
Jin gathered she was referring to those magi-robots.
"Their technology was far easier to manufacture, so it spread in the blink of an eye."
Apparently, they could produce everything from low-performance to high-performance models using the same basic structure and configuration.
"Certainly, Adriana-style isn't suited for low-performance models."
Or rather, any attempt to build one would inevitably result in a high-performance unit.
"Yes. As a result, beginners and mid-level artisans all flocked to the Federation's methods."
"I see. They took the path of least resistance."
"Precisely. Because of that, factions formed within the magi-craft world."
Jin didn't think that was necessarily a bad thing in itself.
"And through this technology, the value of golems plummeted."
'Plummeted' sounded negative, but it essentially meant prices had dropped enough for them to become common among the general public.
"It would have been fine if the factions had engaged in friendly competition, but instead, radicals on both sides emerged, each trying to tear the other down."
Jin let out a mental sigh. No matter the era or the world, people were much the same.
"In the midst of all that, the leader of the radicals and head of the Magic Federation, Golbart Marukitasu, created a certain magi-device."
"And that was?"
"It was called a 'Magi Emulator'."
"A Magi Emulator? From the name... does it replicate magic power?"
If that were possible, all authentication based on magic patterns would become worthless. Jin felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Yes, exactly. Laojun speculated that he likely used that Magi Emulator to seize control of the Quinta and extract information from them."
"What...?"
"Upon learning of this magi-device, Laojun ordered all Quinta to return to Hourai Island. However, two failed to return. One was Spica 5, known as Melda. The other was Mira 2, known as Lili."
"Are you saying those two were captured!?"
"Yes. Communication was impossible, and their locations could not be identified."
Laojun concluded they had either been destroyed or were being held within a barrier that blocked magic power.
"And, working on the premise that they were likely being held within such a barrier, he devised countermeasures."
Jin frowned. "But that must have been difficult to handle."
"Yes. It was fine for Laojun and me, as we recognize and identify you, Father, not just by your magic power but also by your voice and appearance... but the Quinta were a different story."
"So they were captured."
"Most likely."
With this, Jin understood the general background. Information regarding Hourai Island had undoubtedly been extracted from those two units.
"Currently, Laojun is protecting Hourai Island under a complete blockade. He is waiting there for your return, Father."
"I see. I understand."
Jin finally grasped the meaning behind Sion's words about 'liberating Hourai Island.'
"Hmm... then what happened to Kunlun Island?"
"It remains open to the public. With dignitaries from various nations staying at the Jade Pavilion and the Hall of Five Virtues, it has not been interfered with."
"However, since all Warp Gates—including Shinkai—have been deactivated, it’s impossible to reach Hourai Island via teleportation. Furthermore, as a precaution, Akitsu-san relocated her entire facility to the underground of the Sahara."
"He did well. And what about the Watcher?"
"Its functions have been suspended, and it has been evacuated to Uni."
It was unlikely anyone would reach outer space, but the measure had been taken just in case.
"Understood. That’s for the best."
Now that he had a general grasp of the situation at Hourai Island, the next step was gathering information on the enemy. Of course, since Reiko had been dormant, she didn't know the most recent developments...
"Why don't you try examining the control cores of the enemy golems we defeated earlier?"
"I’ve already collected them from the two that fell near the hole. I looked into them, but they didn't contain much detailed information."
"I see..."
It couldn't be helped, Jin noted. Low-level golems weren't expected to carry classified data.
"At any rate, let's go back to Sion's for now and consult with her about our next move."
"Understood."
Pegasus 2 returned to the Nord Federation in about the same amount of time it had taken to reach the continent.
"Jin, welcome back! Reiko-chan, it’s been so long!! Ro, good work."
"Welcome back, Jin-sama. I see you were able to find Reiko-san safely."
When they returned to the mansion of the All-Creation Clan Chief, Sion and Marikka were there to meet them, letting out cries of joy at the sight of Reiko.
Having made such a grand departure just a few hours ago, Jin felt a bit awkward, but Sion and the others didn't seem to care. They were simply happy that Jin had found Reiko and returned unharmed.
"I'm back. Thanks to your help, I was able to find her."
"Yes, it’s wonderful."
Sion narrowed her eyes warmly as she watched Reiko hover close to Jin, and Marikka did the same as she watched Hanako following faithfully behind Reiko. With Reiko and Pegasus 2 back at his side, Jin felt considerably more at ease.
"The situation is starting to become clear. I'd like to hear what you have to say as well, Sion."
"Yes, of course. Come, please come inside."
By 6:00 PM, Jin had finished his bath and was sitting in the dining hall of Sion's house, feeling refreshed. Reiko stood behind him, in high spirits after having been able to wash Jin's back for the first time in centuries.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Sion arrived, followed closely by Marikka. Lordtoss did not join them. Once Sion took her seat, the maids began serving dinner.
The menu consisted of white rice, fu and shalot miso soup, Meat-Topopo, grilled trout with salt, small shrimp tsukudani, and oshinko. Since they planned to discuss serious matters afterward, no alcohol was served.
"This kind of menu is..."
"Fufu, I learned it from the Jin of old... To be precise, it was passed down from the golem maids."
"I figured."
Since they had wheat flour, they could make fu, and the Nord Federation had become a major producer of Devil's Potatoes.
"Yeah, this is delicious."
The miso soup had a rich dashi flavor from the katsuobushi. Reiko watched Jin eat the Japanese food with relish, looking both happy for him and slightly envious.
"Tell me more once we've finished eating."
"Yes, certainly. I'll tell you anything I can."
Sion flashed a soft smile, suggesting they enjoy the meal for the time being.