Laojun continued its explanation of the Final Weapon.
"In essence, it is an application of Trans Info meant to erase memories."
"Laojun, does that mean—!"
Jin lurched out of his chair, a sense of dread washing over him.
"No, My Lord, please rest assured. It is fundamentally different from Amnesia."
"I see..."
Relieved by Laojun’s reassurance, Jin sank back into his seat.
Amnesia was an ancient magic recreated based on the memory systems of Tia, the blue-haired automata. While it could technically purge information from brain cells, it was far from practical for general use. The human mind simply had no way of pinpointing exactly where specific memories were stored within the brain.
However, for Laojun, whose processing capabilities were thousands of times greater than a human's, it was possible. By using Read Info to scan and confirm knowledge, it could target only the relevant sections of the brain.
Even so, Jin had designated it a forbidden spell. He believed that tampering with a person's memories was an act of utter desecration. In fact, the Jin of four hundred years ago had ultimately decided that even if it were necessary, the spell would never be used without the unanimous consent of the entire Jin Family.
If Amnesia were used at its maximum output, it could theoretically erase all memories—effectively inducing total dementia. This was the threat Jin had feared.
"When I performed my own verification two hundred and fifty years ago, I found that the effects of Amnesia do not manifest unless at point-blank range... and those were merely the results of testing on magical beasts."
"I-I see."
Jin had briefly worried that human experimentation had been involved, but it seemed that concern was unfounded.
"Furthermore, the academic theories of that era failed to properly replicate even Trans Info."
Trans Info was a spell that required a highly specialized user. It was said that during the era when Adriana first developed it, almost no one else was capable of wielding the magic.
"The conclusion is that this device is merely a crude imitation that uses a pseudo-Trans Info to cause mental confusion."
"I see. That’s a weight off my mind." Jin let out a long sigh of relief.
"Lastly, having confirmed it just now with the Peeper, I can say it has not even reached the level of the incomplete magi-devices from that period."
"Right."
Since Laojun had flatly declared it was nothing more than junk, Jin finally felt he could relax.
"And, furthermore," Laojun added, "I will now dispatch the Smith units via the transporter to ensure the device remains utterly useless."
"Oh, that’s a good idea."
Jin agreed wholeheartedly. The Smiths could infiltrate, sabotage the machine, and then use the transporter to exit the base, where the Air Force would be waiting to pick them up.
"Then, beginning immediately."
In this manner, the unfinished Final Weapon was transformed into a completely non-functional pile of scrap.
＊ ＊ ＊
Meanwhile, the other members of the Shinobi Squad were making their own progress.
Shinobi 3 and Shinobi 4 had located the materials warehouse. Perhaps because the base was so isolated or the group believed they would never be found, the room didn't even have a door.
When they reported the find to Laojun, the management brain gave a prompt order.
"Let’s go ahead and help ourselves to everything."
Specifically, they would send in a Warp Gate kit and Smith units via the transporter to move the entire inventory out. Once finished, the Smiths would teleport outside the base to be recovered by the Air Force alongside the team that had dismantled the Final Weapon.
"Since these materials belong to the Celuroa Kingdom, we can return them through Nostalgia or Maquina III."
Hourai Island already possessed more than enough resources, so there was no need to hoard materials from a place like this. And so, every scrap of material in the warehouse vanished.
＊ ＊ ＊
Shinobi 5 and Shinobi 6 had discovered the golem warehouse.
(Approximately five hundred units, ranging from unfinished models to those in need of repair... What should be done with them?)
They reported their findings to Laojun and requested instructions.
"We shall take these as well," Laojun decided.
Laojun suggested that after being modified, the golems could be sold off or donated via Nostalgia or Maquina III.
"It would be meaningful to see them put to peaceful use."
This task was also carried out by the Smith units and the Warp Gate. Within a short time, every inactive golem in the base had disappeared.
＊ ＊ ＊
Shinobi 7 and Shinobi 8 found the food storage. It was stocked with enough provisions to sustain a hundred people for a year.
"We will take everything, leaving only a small portion behind."
Laojun determined that these supplies should be distributed to regions suffering from food shortages via Nostalgia or Maquina III.
The Smiths and the Warp Gate went to work once more. All the food in the base vanished, leaving behind only enough for the Five-man group to survive for a single week.
＊ ＊ ＊
"What should be our primary development focus going forward?"
"That goes without saying—weapons, obviously."
The Five-man group's discussion showed no signs of slowing down. As obsessive technologists, they lost all track of time once they started talking. Furthermore, when their opinions clashed, they tended to get stubborn and heated, dragging out their arguments for hours on end. They seemed to enjoy the debate itself so much that they often skipped meals.
Jin and Lordtoss had already stopped listening and retired to bed; only Laojun continued to observe the technicians.
"...Their ideology is anti-social and self-centered. Their ideas are fleeting, and they offer zero constructive opinions... It’s a waste, given their talent... No, wait, could it be?"
As it watched the group, Laojun arrived at a new hypothesis.
"Is it possible they have been subjected to ideological brainwashing by Markitus?"
The theory was that Markitus might have left the majority of their free will intact to preserve their creativity, while subtly guiding their core beliefs toward fulfilling his demands.
"Their thoughts are simply too extreme..."
Laojun hoped that if the brainwashing were removed, they might actually contribute something useful to the world.
"There is nothing to lose if I'm wrong."
Deciding that a blitz operation was the best course of action, Laojun immediately began preparations. It judged that they would be at their most vulnerable while they were distracted by their debate.
"We will knock everyone unconscious and restrain them immediately. After that, we will check for signs of brainwashing."
Laojun finalized the plan: if they were brainwashed, it would break the conditioning; if not, they would be handed over to Avalon via Maquina III.
"Reiko-san, would you be willing to assist for the sake of My Lord’s peace of mind?"
Laojun requested her cooperation.
"If it is for Father, I will gladly assist."
Reiko would never refuse a request that benefited Jin.
It seemed the Five-man group’s fate was sealed.