"Ah, I slept well."
After a productive day, Jin had fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep, waking up feeling thoroughly refreshed.
"My Lord, the safety evaluations and all other tests have been successfully completed."
Laojun delivered the report while Jin was washing his face.
"Oh, that's a relief."
Because he had constructed it in such a hurry, Jin was worried about potential oversights. Strict safety testing was a necessity, but if Laojun was giving its guarantee, it was surely fine.
"I also conducted a maximum speed trial. The craft cruises at 800 kilometers per hour normally, but can reach Mach 2 in emergencies."
"I-I see."
It seemed the test flight had been quite thorough.
"Furthermore, I have reconfigured the interior to allow for the Taube to be stored in the spare space."
"Oh, that’s great."
The Taube was a wind-attribute Blow Floater Jin had built previously. Since it functioned as a VTOL, it could land in even the most cramped locations.
The time difference between the All-Creation clan territory and Hourai Island was approximately two and a half hours. Just past 9:00 AM Hourai Island Time, Jin took off in the Hurricane.
"Wow, this is comfortable."
The view from the bridge was incomparable to Konron 3, and the stability was on an entirely different level compared to the Taube.
"The wind-blocking barrier is performing well, too."
Designed to withstand speeds up to Mach 3, the barrier handled 800 kilometers per hour with ease. Hope piloted the ship, skillfully adjusting the speed to ensure they arrived at the All-Creation clan territory at 9:00 AM local time.
"What is this? You've built something incredible!"
"Ji-Jin-shama, it's amazing!"
"As expected of Jin-san..."
The trio was waiting for Jin at the All-Creation clan territory. As the Hurricane touched down at the airport, a large crowd gathered to witness its arrival.
"Is that Jin-sama's new model airship?"
"...But is it really an airship?"
"It looks more like a Blow Floater."
It was Marikka’s disciples who were making all the noise. Even the airport staff who were off-duty came over to stare up at the Hurricane.
"This design is truly impressive!" Lordtoss praised.
"Yes, with a craft like this, no one will look down on you when we arrive at Avalon," Sion added.
She noted that if one was to claim the title of Magi Craft Meister, they had to demonstrate appropriate skill to avoid being underestimated.
"That’s just how much the Second Generation is respected," Sion continued.
"I am the Second Generation, too, though..." Jin muttered with a wry smile.
"We know that. But we're the only ones who do..."
"I won't tolerate anyone treating Jin-shama with disrespect!"
"Though I'm sure being the center of attention is against your personal wishes, Jin-san..."
"...Thank you."
Jin felt a warm sense of gratitude for the consideration Sion and the others were showing him.
Meanwhile, shifting back one day to the city-state of Avalon.
"De-Deus Ex Machina III is coming!?"
"W-Why now, of all times!?"
"Didn't he just visit the other day!?"
The report of Deus Ex Machina III’s impending arrival had thrown the entire administration into a state of utter turmoil. In truth, he hadn't even arrived yet; they had only received a notification stating he would appear in just one hour. There was far too little time to prepare for a visit from such an important person—the most important person, in fact.
The staff within Avalon were running around in a frantic panic.
"There is little doubt regarding the sender's authenticity. The message arrived via the dedicated line."
The Deus Ex Machina dedicated line was a communication channel that—supposedly—no one other than the man himself or his squire, Rei, could access. It had been utilized for the first time in over a century. During the previous visit, Marikka had given them advance notice, but this time the contact had come directly through the private line.
"A-Anyway, contact every available person and recall everyone who is off-duty!"
Chief Administrator Tomax Bartman barked orders at his subordinates. "I expected a follow-up eventually, but..." He let out a heavy sigh.
And then, another message arrived to invite further chaos.
"Chief Administrator, we have a message from an organization calling itself 'Nostalgia'!"
"What? Patch it through to me."
The communications officer connected the line to the Chief Administrator’s desk.
"...This is Chief Administrator Tomax Bartman."
"This is Elena, the Honorary Advisor of Nostalgia."
"May I ask the nature of your business?...I mean no disrespect, but we are currently extremely busy. If possible, I would prefer you contact us at a later date."
"I can well imagine how busy you are....Lord Deus Ex Machina is visiting, is he not?"
"H-How do you know that?"
"I received word from Maquina-sama himself. That is why we have contacted you; we wish to come and offer our greetings as well."
"..."
Tomax Bartman felt a sharp, stress-induced pang in his stomach.
"Understood. Maquina-dono is expected to arrive in approximately one hour."
"In that case, we shall schedule our visit for five hours from now."
"...Understood. How many will be in your party?"
"Myself and two others."
"Understood."
After ending the call, Tomax Bartman let out another sigh, only for yet another notification to pop up.
"What is it now!?"
"Chief Administrator, now we have a message from Marikka-sama of the All-Creation!"
"...What! Connect her immediately!!"
"Forgive the sudden contact."
"Oh, Marikka-sensei! It has been a long time!!"
"It has been a while, Tomax. It's good to see you're doing well....Since you're busy, I'll get straight to the point. Tomorrow, I will be visiting to offer my greetings alongside Lord Jin Nidou, the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister certified by the Shouro Empire. Lordtoss and Sion will be accompanying us as well."
Tomax Bartman felt like he was developing an ulcer.
"Y-Yes, you and your party are always welcome, Sensei. However, today, someone claiming to be Deus Ex Machina III and a delegation from Nostalgia are scheduled to arrive..."
He had been hoping she might postpone, but Marikka’s response crushed that hope.
"Yes, I know. That is exactly why we decided to visit as well."
"...I see."
"Today will be quite chaotic for you, I’m sure, so we will arrive tomorrow at noon, your time."
"Understood. We shall be waiting for you."
The communication ended. Chief Administrator Tomax Bartman leaned back and let out a long, weary sigh.