Once again, the clock wound back to December 28th.
At noon local time, the airport in Avalon was bustling for the third time that day.
After all, word had spread that Marikka of the All-Creation clan and Lordtoss of the Puppet clan—both of whom had long served as instructors at Avalon—were arriving.
Furthermore, they were accompanied by Sion, the wife of the All-Creation Clan Chief, who had been a staunch supporter of Avalon since its inception.
And then there was Jin Nidou, the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister.
The crowning jewel of the arrivals was the legendary automaton Reiko, the first of her kind in history to be granted the quasi-noble rank of Honorary Squire.
With such a group expected, Avalon was in an absolute uproar.
Then, at 11:50 AM, a silhouette appeared in the northern sky.
"I have a visual! It appears to be the Magi Craft Meister's party!" a report came in from the air traffic controller.
Two minutes later, the craft became visible to the naked eye.
"O-Oh...!"
"W-What in the world is that machine?"
The crowd standing in wait was struck dumb by the bizarre appearance of the Hurricane, the vessel carrying Jin and his companions.
"This is the Hurricane. Carrying Third Generation Magi Craft Meister Jin Nidou. Requesting permission to land."
"This is Avalon Control Tower. Hurricane confirmed. Hurricane, please proceed to land in Area 01."
"Hurricane copies. Landing in Area 01."
The controller carried out the exchange exactly according to the manual. Meanwhile, the Hurricane drew closer with astonishing speed.
"Oh, it looks like an airship, yet it isn't one..."
"C-Could it be a Blow Floater!?"
A few among the crowd possessed keen eyes and correctly deduced that the Hurricane was a massive Blow Floater.
"It is incredible in a completely different way from Deus Ex Machina III..." Chief Administrator Tomax Bartman murmured under his breath, standing beside Maquina III.
"As expected of the Magi Craft Meister," Elena added. Although she knew Jin well, this was her first time seeing the Hurricane. She found herself newly impressed by his technical prowess.
Spectators who were not part of the official welcoming ceremony watched from behind the perimeter fence.
"...That's also incredible..."
"A vehicle that flies through the sky... I'd like to try making one of those myself."
"Hehe, it's just like Eira-san not to say she wants to ride it."
Groma Tray, Eira Shiata, and Kachea were also among the commoners who had come to watch the arrival.
"Its size is equivalent to a standard model," Eira noted, estimating the vessel's length at forty meters.
"But that is definitely not an airship. It has no gas bag. Instead, it's equipped with massive Blow Engines. That's how it keeps the hull afloat," Groma said, correctly identifying the method of levitation.
At 11:57 AM, the Hurricane landed silently in Area 01.
The hatch to the cabin opened.
The first to emerge was Lordtoss's golem, Urgan. The crowd gasped at its powerful, robust form.
Next came Lordtoss of the Puppet clan himself, followed by Sion of the All-Creation clan. Then Marikka appeared, accompanied by Hanako.
"So that golem belongs to my master..." Groma let out a small sigh, feeling that his own skills were leagues behind.
"That little girl—she's an automaton, isn't she?"
"It seems so. She's quite adorable..."
Finally, Jin emerged, bringing Reiko and Hope with him. He was dressed in a newly tailored outfit in the style of the Shouro Empire.
"A-Ah! Is that Jin-san!?"
"It really is! It's Jin!"
"...Which means Jin really was the Magi Craft Meister, Jin Nidou..."
Even though they had halfway suspected it, seeing the truth before them was a shock to Eira and the others.
Jin stepped forward and exchanged a handshake with Tomax.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister, Jin Nidou."
"I am the Chief Administrator of Avalon, Tomax Bartman. Welcome, Magi Craft Meister!"
A wave of applause erupted.
"And this is the Honorary Squire, Reiko-kyou."
"Yes, I am Reiko."
Elena stepped forward and offered a graceful greeting, performing a perfect curtsy.
"Reiko-san, it has been a long time. I am grateful for your assistance the other day."
Reiko responded with a curtsy of her own.
"Elena-san, it has been quite a while. Thank you for coming out to greet us today."
Meanwhile, Marikka was shaking hands with Tomax.
"Tomax, you've certainly become quite the distinguished man."
"And you look as well as ever, Teacher. It's a relief to see you."
In the past, Marikka had served as an instructor at Avalon, and Tomax had been one of her students.
Sion was also busy exchanging greetings with several female executives.
"Sion-sama, you look as youthful as ever."
"Yes, thank you for the kind words."
Sion had also taught at Avalon as a temporary instructor in the early days. Naturally, Lordtoss, who had been a regular instructor, was also greeted warmly by several executives.
"Teacher, we are honored by your visit today."
"Thank you. You've all grown into fine leaders."
"You flatter us, sir."
Since such a long exchange couldn't continue indefinitely on the tarmac, Tomax's Secretary Golem leaned in and whispered.
"Excellency, it is nearly time..."
Tomax took the hint immediately.
"...Everyone, we can't spend the whole afternoon talking at the airport. Please, this way."
A carriage drawn by ceremonial Golem horses had been prepared. It was exceptionally large for a carriage, capable of seating nearly twenty people, and featured an open-top design. Everyone, including Tomax and his Secretary Golem, climbed aboard.
"Now then, let us depart."
The ceremonial carriage began to move slowly.
(Oh, those are quite the Golem horses... Wait, I've seen them before.)
Jin realized that the Golem horses pulling the carriage were copies of the models he had once gifted to the Nord Federation.
(I see. Sion or Marikka must have donated them.)
Jin's guess was exactly right.
"Welcome, Magi Craft Meister!"
"Welcome, travelers from the Nord Federation!"
Sent off by the cheering residents, the carriage made its way toward the Guest House.