The details of Nostalgia’s meeting were later relayed to Laojun. Simultaneously, Elena requested that it analyze and replicate the identification cards.
"I see... an interesting structure."
Laojun felt a spark of admiration as it examined the sample card Alum had provided. Its interest was piqued by the choice to make it a card-shaped name tag. After all, Jin had already developed personal authentication systems four hundred years ago in the form of the Fellowship Bracelet.
What caught Laojun’s attention was how closely these cards resembled the employee IDs from Jin’s memories.
"Whether a lanyard-style card is practical or not is certainly up for debate."
Laojun felt that such a design was somewhat reckless for this world, regardless of how it might have fared in the peaceful world where Jin was raised. In this environment, a card hanging from the neck was easy to spot, target, and steal.
"At any rate, they have attached a small magi-crystal to a mithril card. I suppose it functions much like an IC chip."
This was a perspective unique to Laojun, having inherited Jin’s vast reservoir of knowledge.
"In this regard, it is more advanced than the technology Nostalgia has been using."
With the analysis complete, Laojun set about the task of replication, assisted by Smith 101.
"The key lies in the thinned magi-crystals," Smith 101 explained to Laojun. "If we apply Toughening after writing the data, the contents will be corrupted. Therefore, we must apply Toughening first and then perform the write-in."
However, because a magi-crystal treated with Toughening becomes "sturdy," it makes the subsequent writing process extremely difficult.
"I see. So it implies that one requires a high level of magi-craft technology to pull it off."
To use an analogy with modern Earth technology, it would be like requiring high voltage or high energy to perform a "write." On Planet Ars, such a feat would be impossible without a caster who possessed an immense amount of mana.
"However, it would be possible using Elradrite... or rather, Mityanite."
Within a short span of time, Laojun had deduced the exact method the Magic Federation used to produce these identification cards.
"Though for Master or for us, Mityanite wouldn't even be necessary," Smith 101 remarked as it continued its work.
Simultaneously, Laojun began formulating a support plan based on the intelligence provided by Elena.
"...My Lord, that is the overview of the plan."
Jin had returned to Hourai Island from the Nord Federation that day, accompanied by Reiko. As expected, he was concerned about the success of the upcoming operation.
"...It seems like a very haphazard plan."
"That may be unavoidable. There are simply too many uncertain factors regarding their opponent, the Magic Federation."
Nevertheless, Nostalgia was determined to seize this opportunity to reclaim Kashimnole Base.
"What about their forces—specifically, the numbers?"
"Yes. Nostalgia is deploying thirty members and nine golems. The Magic Federation has approximately fifty personnel and twelve golems."
The members of Nostalgia were all reported to be in their early twenties, with at least some combat experience.
"If they successfully launch a surprise attack and begin releasing the personnel from their brainwashing, the numerical advantage regarding humans will quickly shift. However..."
Jin sensed the hesitation in Laojun’s voice. "Is it the golems?"
"Yes. While Nostalgia believes there are ten golems at the Magic Federation base, there are actually two more. One of them is not to be underestimated."
"What kind of golem is it?"
"It is a fully autonomous guardian type."
A guardian—also referred to as a protector—is a specialized golem designed to defend vital lands or structures. Gon and Gen of Kaina Village were prime examples of this.
"Is it strong?"
"Strong enough that Nostalgia’s nine golems could not defeat it even if they attacked all at once."
"Hmm..."
Jin concluded that, as things stood, Nostalgia would likely face defeat in the final stages of the operation.
"In that case, we’ll have to give them a hand."
"Yes, My Lord."
Jin and Laojun began to weigh their options for intervention.
"The first option is to inform Elena and leave the countermeasures to her."
"True....Well, the current Elena should be able to handle it."
Jin felt confident that the Elena he had reinforced and modified would not lose to any ordinary golem.
"The second option is to inform Elena and then deal with that guardian ourselves."
"That would work too."
In fact, Jin found himself wanting to capture that guardian so he could investigate its inner workings. When he mentioned this to Laojun, the AI responded immediately.
"Understood. I shall formulate the support plan with My Lord’s wishes as the top priority."
"Keep it within reason, all right?" Jin said, unusually being the one to urge restraint. "And what about the remaining golem?"
"It is a mining golem. While powerful, it is a semi-autonomous type and quite sluggish. It remains to be seen if the Magic Federation personnel can even operate it effectively."
"Hmm, they can handle that one on their own....We'll consider support a last resort for that."
"Understood."
Inside Nostalgia’s temporary headquarters, Elena was breaking the shocking news to Alum.
"...I've learned that the Magic Federation has a guardian stationed there."
"What?! Is... is that true?!"
"It seems you weren't told. I suppose it’s only natural."
Given that Alum had been relegated to a marginal post, it made sense that she hadn't been informed about the existence of a guardian—essentially their ultimate trump card.
"...Did you hear this from Jin-sama as well?"
"Yes. And these forged identification cards came from him too."
Alum wore an expression of sheer disbelief. "Just who is that man, really?"
Elena smiled softly, though her expression held a hint of complexity. "Well... for now, just think of him as the world's greatest magi engineer."
"I see..."
Coming from Elena, Alum accepted it, though she remained half-skeptical about the "world's greatest" claim.
"Now that we have the forged identification cards, our preparations are complete. Tomorrow is the day," Elena said, her voice steady and calm. "...Please, be careful. I know it’s impossible to ask for no one to get hurt, but I don't want anyone to die."
Because she knew the current state of Kashimnole Base better than anyone, Alum had been assigned to the strike team.
"Yes, I'll be careful."
"Really, take care of yourself."
Elena offered a gentle smile. "You and the others I’ve looked after are all full-fledged adults now. You all continue to grow... but I remain the same."
"Elena-sama... I will."
Sensing the kindness, concern, and the faint tinge of loneliness in Elena’s words, Alum replied with a sincere nod and a bow.
The operation to reclaim Kashimnole Base would begin tomorrow.