Jin analyzed the control core of the flagship that had served as the command center for the captured enemy fleet.
"Hmm, there isn't much information here."
This ship, too, lacked any detailed intelligence regarding the enemy organization.
"Well, I suppose that makes sense."
If he were in their position, he wouldn't do something as reckless as leaving important information lying around to be leaked.
However, their home port—the place from which they had set sail—was Kunlun Island.
"That certainly checks out, considering things like supplies and maintenance. But..."
It was hard to believe that the Kunlun Island of this era had fallen into enemy hands.
"Wouldn't you agree, Laojun?"
『Yes, My Lord. However, Loll from the Hall of Five Virtues and Refa from the Jade Pavilion are currently here with us.』
It seemed that a human was currently serving as the island's manager. Jin hesitated to pry any further into the matter.
"Hmm... this line of inquiry might be a dead end for now."
Jin shifted his focus.
"In that case, first I have to restore Hourai Island to its proper state. But before that..."
He began a consultation with Laojun, asking the question he wanted answered most of all.
"Laojun, I can return to my original era, right?"
『Yes, My Lord. I am making the necessary preparations.』
Laojun stated it with absolute certainty.
"Are those preparations finished?"
『Since things were delayed slightly during the blockade, could you give me about four more days?』
"Understood."
Deciding to hear the details later, Jin turned his attention to the immediate tasks at hand.
"Are there any more enemy forces in the vicinity?"
『No, My Lord.』
"Good. Contact Pegasus 2, which is waiting on standby in the sky, and have it land."
Thus, Pegasus 2 returned to the place of its birth.
"Good work, Hope. This is Hourai Island. Laojun, this is Hope, the golem I created most recently."
『Hope, I am Laojun. The magi-brain that manages Hourai Island.』
"I have heard of you. It is a pleasure to meet you."
And so, Hope became a member of Hourai Island.
"Alright, Hope, come here. I'm going to upgrade you to Hourai Island specifications."
"If you would be so kind."
While Hope had already been modified to a fairly high level back at Marikka's workshop, for the final overhaul, Jin equipped him with a force generator and replaced key points of his skeleton with adamantite.
Additionally, he replaced the magi-reactor with a high-grade model, increasing the golem's output to two and a half times its previous capacity. His reaction speed also doubled.
"Good. Hope, from now on, I am assigning you as the pilot for Pegasus 2. During normal times, follow Laojun's instructions."
"I understand."
『Understood.』
Jin continued to issue orders.
"Deploy the Quinta units that have already been modified. Gather information on the enemy... the Magic Federation, was it? Collect as much info as possible, as quickly and accurately as you can."
『Understood. Please leave it to me.』
With Jin's return, Laojun was once again able to operate at full capacity.
"That's good for a start."
Relaxing his shoulders, Jin noticed that it was already past four in the afternoon.
"Shall we call it a day then...?"
At that moment, Reiko spoke up without hesitation.
"Father, the hot spring is ready!"
It was a show of consideration unique to Reiko, who knew Jin's personality inside and out.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Ah, this is a good soak..."
Jin was relaxing in the Hourai Island hot spring for the first time in ages. Reiko was there with him, scrubbing his back in a visibly good mood.
"Things have finally settled down. So, I can go back in four days, huh."
When Jin muttered this casually, Reiko reacted.
"Father, so you really are going to leave."
Her voice sounded lonely, making Jin realize he had said something insensitive.
"Reiko, I'm sorry. But I really do want to return to my original era."
Jin comforted her, stroking her head.
"Yes, I understand. After all, the 'me' over there is also eagerly awaiting Father's return."
Reiko understood the necessity. In light of that, Jin decided to confirm something.
"I see. So, the fact that a third Magi Craft Meister never appeared means that no one with the same mana waveform as me ever showed up?"
"Yes, that is correct. Father's children, grandchildren... and even their children... they were all excellent individuals, but none of them possessed the same mana waveform as Father."
"I see, just as I thought."
Reiko was built to recognize only those with the same mana waveform as Jin or the Predecessor Magi Craft Meister, Adriana Barbora Tsetse, as her "Arch Master."
If someone with different mana attempted to claim the title of Arch Master, they would have to force Reiko to stop and overwrite her mana with their own. And that was something Reiko would never allow to happen.
"My father is you, and you alone, Father. Just as Mother is my only Mother."
"I see."
Jin continued to stroke Reiko's head.
＊ ＊ ＊
After getting out of the bath and eating dinner, Jin finally felt the reality of being "home."
Because Hourai Island had been treated as a sacred ground that no one visited after his death, it remained almost exactly as it was in his memories, even 400 years later.
"Now then..."
Having changed into his nightclothes, Jin lay spread-eagled on the tatami of his house, turning things over in his mind.
"What should I do from here on...?"
First, ensure that Hourai Island could not be taken over after he was gone. Second, rescue the two Quinta units that had been captured. And third, say his goodbyes to the people who had looked after him in this era—that was how Jin prioritized his tasks.
As for Kunlun Island, Jin tearfully decided that he shouldn't meddle with it now. For one thing, there wouldn't be enough time in the four days before he was scheduled to return.
Regarding the security of Hourai Island, he thought a magi-certifier might suffice, but considering the long term after his departure, that seemed a bit problematic.
"I might have to increase Laojun's degree of autonomy."
He wondered if he should make it so Laojun could judge for himself who was worthy of being a Master.
"I'll try discussing it with Laojun later..."
If Laojun, like Reiko, felt he could never recognize another "Arch Master," then Jin would have to devise other means.
"Well, I'll leave that for tomorrow."
Next was the rescue of the Quinta units. Since it had happened about 150 years ago, he didn't know if they still existed, but if possible, he wanted to reclaim them from the enemy.
"Goodbyes shouldn't be an issue, so I'll start with the rescue."
Jin pondered what would be necessary to retrieve them.
"Father, the futon is ready."
"Ah, thank you."
When Reiko called out from the next room, Jin sat up and walked over.
"Ah, my own bed for the first time in a while. Though it feels a little different."
Since it was likely the one he had used in his later years, Jin convinced himself that the slight difference was only natural.
"Well, I'll take a good rest for today. The rest can wait until tomorrow."
Jin pulled up the duvet and closed his eyes. In his home, after so long, he fell asleep immediately and slept soundly until morning without even dreaming.