The Adriana was now closing in on Uni, nearing a distance of five thousand kilometers from the moon's surface.
At this range, the details of the terrain were clearly visible.
"Without an atmosphere to blur the view, everything should look much clearer than it does on Ars," Jin explained.
The guests nodded in silent awe.
"As you're all aware, we'll eventually begin the redevelopment of Hehl. We are currently building the spaceships necessary for that project right here on Uni."
Jin added that the moon's lower gravity was far more convenient for the construction of massive vessels.
"So there are advantages like that as well..."
As they were all talented magi craftsmen, they understood Jin's reasoning immediately.
"In any case, we're planning to move an entire satellite of a planet located near Star Celane. An ordinary spaceship simply won't be enough for a task like that."
Jin noted that being so close to Star Celane meant its gravitational pull would be immense—and, more importantly, they were moving an entire celestial body.
"...I can't even begin to imagine it," Sidney Marek murmured. The others seemed to share the sentiment, nodding along in agreement.
"Of course, we'll be utilizing gravity magic alongside the ships. Even so, the proximity to Star Celane means temperatures will be high, and the radiation from the star will be intense."
Because of those hazards, Jin explained that the operation would be entirely unmanned.
"It will likely take a considerable amount of time to move it, too. But remember, the Progenitors brought Uni itself across the void to this very spot."
Since the target satellite was much smaller than Uni, Jin concluded that the feat should certainly be possible.
"What a grand tale..."
"To be honest, I cannot even conceive of the difficulties that must be waiting for you."
Werner Randol and Eugene Foul spoke with heavy sighs.
"But if it's the Magi Craft Meister, Jin-sama, I'm certain you will see it through!"
"I agree. No matter what obstacles arise, I'm sure you will prevail, Jin-sama."
Florence Fahlheit and Sireen Eschenbach spoke up together.
"Haha, thank you."
Jin managed a wry smile at the almost excessive amount of faith they placed in him.
"You could say I've just been lucky so far. No situation has truly exceeded my capabilities yet."
"I'd actually like to hear what kind of situation could possibly be beyond your capabilities, Jin-sama, considering you have Hourai Island at your disposal," Rubina countered.
"Isn't your true strength the fact that you take more than enough precautions before something happens?"
Rubina's observation was remarkably sharp. Standing behind Jin, Reiko nodded in agreement as she listened.
"I believe Jin-sama's true greatness lies in the subordinates—or rather, the organization—he has built," Natalia added.
"Ah, you're right. Knowing the limits of an individual, he increased his subordinates to compensate for them... isn't that right?"
Rubina nodded, seemingly satisfied with her conclusion.
"Eh..."
As far as Jin was concerned, he hadn't possessed such a clear, grand design from the start. The reality was that he had simply added what was necessary at each specific moment.
Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say he had expanded his ranks as the ideas came to him.
During the era of the Unifilar, during the conflict with the demon race, during the incidents involving the magifortress, the Disaster, the long-period planet, and the space vibration...
None of those crises could have been resolved by Jin alone. He had Reiko, Laojun, Koushin, Taihaku, and Mentor. He had Sky, Land, Marine, Mermaid, Smith, Astro, Cosmos, Finger, Sam, and the Shinobi Squad.
Then there were those who supported his daily life: Soleil and Luna, Plane, Satella, Butler, Steward, the Five-Colored Golem Maids, Anne, Loll, and Refa.
And he could never forget the members of the Jin Family, or his friends and acquaintances scattered across many nations.
Jin realized once again that he, who had once believed himself to be alone, had forged countless bonds before he even realized it.
"...I've gotten a bit off track, but I wanted all of you to know the world—and space. Just as I have achieved things with the strength of Hourai Island that I could not do alone, I want all of you to achieve great things alongside your own companions. Though I don't know yet what those things will be."
Everyone fell silent, as if chewing on his words.
"Yes!" Rubina was the only one to reply energetically.
"Even if you told me to protect world peace like you do, Jin-sama, I might not be able to... I don't exactly have the best connections," she added, causing Jin to laugh.
"My motive was really just that I wanted the world to be at peace so I could enjoy my craft," he explained, looking back on those days.
To that, Elvis Alcott replied, "I don't think the motive matters much. People judge by the results." His words seemed to settle the matter for everyone.
"I suppose that, as a result, I have indeed protected the world."
Jin found no reason to argue with that perspective.
"...Anyway, I just hope you can see how foolish it is for the same people to fight one another in such a narrow world."
Except for competitions like the one we just had, Jin added, looking around at their faces.
"Of course!"
"Yeah, I'm counting on you all."
Since they answered without a moment's hesitation, Jin felt at ease.
The Adriana swung around Uni in a half-orbit, locking onto a return trajectory toward Ars.
Watching the planet rapidly grow larger before them, the guests shared their various impressions.
"Jin-sama, today was incredibly meaningful."
"I never thought seeing our own world from the outside would be such a shock."
"I feel an even greater sense of affection for the world where I was raised."
"I'm glad to hear that," Jin said. "I've said a lot of rambling things, but I hope you were able to take away even a small lesson from this voyage."
That was Jin's honest desire.
What they felt was up to each of them. This wasn't about a pushy wish for them to think a certain way, but rather a hope that the experience would be of some use to their futures.
"First Generation Magi Craft Queen, Rubina Garrett."
"Y-Yes!"
Taken aback by the suddenly formal address, Rubina straightened up as Jin spoke to her kindly.
"Continue to make use of that creative spirit. However, do not forget to examine your ideas from every possible angle."
"Yes!"
"Natalia."
"Yes."
"You did well to handle even the tasks outside your specialty. I'm certain that experience will be put to good use in your shipbuilding. Always strive to maintain a broad perspective."
"Yes, thank you very much."
"Shu Nidou."
"Yes!"
"A steady style is your greatest strength. While making use of that, I hope you will also cultivate a spirit of challenge."
"Thank you very much!"
"Werner Randol."
"Yes."
"Your style evolved between the first and second half of the tournament. Treasure those flexible, unconventional ideas."
"Yes!"
"Sidney Marek."
"Yes!"
"As I advised before, do not be satisfied with the initial idea. If you strive to refine and elevate your concepts, you can reach even greater heights."
"Thank you very much!"
"Elvis Alcott."
"Yes."
"Throughout the tournament, your technical growth was palpable. Continue your tireless devotion to the craft."
"Yes, thank you very much!"
Jin took the time to offer a final word of advice to each of them.
"Sireen Eschenbach."
"Yes!"
"In crafting, there are times when creativity is paramount. Work hard to balance your steady execution with bold innovation."
"Thank you very much."
"Greena Kuzuma."
"Yes!"
"I like your sense of design. While treasuring that sensibility, strive for crafting that also makes the most of functionality."
"Yes, I understand! Thank you very much."
"Florence Fahlheit."
"Yes."
"In addition to honing the skills needed to realize your ideas, put effort into refining the ideas themselves. To do that, it's important to gain many different experiences, not just through study."
"Thank you very much!"
"Eugene Foul."
"Yes."
"You finished tenth in the overall rankings, but that doesn't mean you're inferior to the others. However, it would be good to find a single, unique strength to call your own. Though as for what that is, you'll have to find it yourself."
"I'll do my best!"
"Now then, everyone. This tournament started on a bit of a whim, but it was fun watching you—and participating alongside you."
Having finished his advice to the individuals, Jin looked over the group once more for a final summary.
"I had a lot of fun, too!" the ever-energetic Rubina declared.
"I'm glad. Did the rest of you have fun?"
The remaining nine nodded deeply.
"That's good to hear. If I had to sum up my motto for crafting in a single word, it would be 'fun.' I'll be happy if you all continue to enjoy making things from here on out."
That was the sentiment Jin wanted to convey most of all.
As it drew closer, the planet Ars shone with the brilliant blue light of hope.