Jin and No. 700672 continued their discussion regarding the future of Hale.
"……And so, I have secured a portion of the metal materials as the 'Neo' series."
"Hmm, fascinating. It sounds like they will have many uses."
Their talk proceeded with the plan to keep the Central Basin from becoming a resource-gathering area.
"As I thought, I would like to establish a residence in the Central Basin you mentioned, Jin-dono—or perhaps somewhere nearby."
"That sounds fine to me. Although, since it’s so vast, we’ll eventually have to decide on the exact spot."
"Indeed. I shall take my time in choosing the location later on," No. 700672 replied, sounding quite pleased.
"When you do move, what will you do with the Heavenly Ship?"
"Ah, there is that. Whether to leave it where it is or transport it here……"
The Heavenly Ship was the spaceship used by a faction of the Progenitors when they first arrived on Ars; it had served as No. 700672’s home for ages.
"But is it even capable of flight anymore?"
Jin suspected that since tens of thousands of years had passed, even the superior technology of the Progenitors would have suffered from various malfunctions.
"True enough. It would be impossible to move the Heavenly Ship here without your assistance, Jin-dono."
"I’m happy to help, of course."
Jin knew that as the magical civilization on Ars progressed, the day would come when the public would discover the Heavenly Ship, Onogoro Island, and Hourai Island. There was a suggestion that it might be better to move to Hale before that happened.
"I haven’t quite decided what to do myself," Jin admitted. He also harbored a desire to ensure that Tsetse Island, the final resting place of the magus, remained undisturbed.
"Regarding that, perhaps you should simply disclose their existence eventually?" No. 700672 suggested that it wasn't something that necessarily had to be kept hidden forever.
"I suppose you're right. Somehow, we just went with the flow and kept everything a secret until now."
While it wasn't impossible to move the entire island to Hale, Jin felt that was not what the magus would have wanted.
"I’m only now realizing that, before I knew it, I’ve formed bonds with so many things, so many lands, and so many people," Jin said pensively.
"It is better to think about such things when the time actually comes," No. 700672 advised him. "Jin-dono, you have a tendency to overthink. That serves you well when dealing with trouble, but in cases like this, you can end up overthinking until you are unable to act."
"That’s certainly true.……And that is exactly what’s happening now." Jin gave a wry smile.
"If it is you, Jin-dono, you will be able to handle it even after a problem arises. Therefore, do not trouble your heart too much."
"……Perhaps you’re right. Thank you."
Jin felt a bit lighter after hearing No. 700672’s words. Even if Hourai Island or Tsetse Island were discovered, he would likely be able to manage somehow.
"I suppose that goes for Onogoro Island as well."
"Indeed.……Even if the residents of Ars discover it, it would likely be treated as nothing more than the discovery of a new nation, would it not?"
No. 700672's perspective calmed Jin’s anxious heart.
"The possibility of that is high.……I understand. For now, I’ll focus on Hale."
"Mm, that would be for the best.……Our discussion began with the Heavenly Ship, did it not? I apologize for the tangent."
"No, please don’t worry about it."
"Then I shall also make my decision clear.……I have decided to leave the Heavenly Ship in the Nord Federation as it is."
No. 700672 declared this firmly. Since Sion and many of the Northern People recognized it as his home, he had no intention of moving it now.
"I shall build a new, comfortable residence here instead. I intend to incorporate the opinions of Neige and Rouge as well."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea."
Hearing this, Jin felt inclined to follow No. 700672's example of living in the moment.
"Now then, I would like to see the land in question."
"Understood."
At the East Coast, which had been chosen as their temporary base on Hale, various small-scale facilities had been established. Naturally, a vehicle for transportation had also been prepared: Konron 3. Since Jin was currently using Hurricane on Ars, he had brought Konron 3 here, as it no longer had an active role there.
"Wow, this looks like fun!"
Even the usually quiet Neige was acting a bit restless with excitement.
"Wow! We're flying in the sky!!"
"Father, look! Over there! It's the ocean!"
Konron 3 flew over Hale with Reiko at the helm. Since they were at an altitude of about 100 meters, the ground was clearly visible. Both Rouge and Neige were captivated by the view of Hale from above.
"The two of them are really excited, aren't they?"
"Mm, I have never seen them like this before."
It seemed not even No. 700672 had expected these two homunculi, whom he had previously thought lacked emotion, to express themselves so vividly.
"Seeing this, it seems that providing a proper environment is essential for the education of a homunculus."
No. 700672 continued, noting that experiencing various things seemed to foster their emotions.
"This is a discovery. My Masters did not employ such methods of education."
No. 700672 seemed slightly happy that he could still make new discoveries even after living for so long. Jin felt he was witnessing something rare.
They decided to continue the flight for a while longer. No. 700672 watched over the jubilant Neige and Rouge with a gentle gaze.
＊ ＊ ＊
Leaving Neige and Rouge to enjoy themselves for a bit, Jin and No. 700672 resumed their discussion.
"I am impressed that you have managed to advance the reforestation this far, Jin-dono. I am truly in awe."
No. 700672 praised Jin, as the greening of Hale had progressed beyond his expectations.
"No, it wasn't me; it's because the golems worked so hard," Jin said, scratching his head.
"No, no. It was you who created those golems and gave them their orders, Jin-dono."
Cutting his sentence there, No. 700672 appeared to sink into thought for a moment.
"What is it?" Jin asked, wondering at his behavior.
No. 700672 waved his hand as if it were nothing. "No, forgive me. I was just thinking.……Jin-dono, what do you think of homunculi?"
"That’s sudden.……Even if you ask me what I think, I don't have any particular thoughts on the matter."
No. 700672, Rouge, and Neige were all homunculi. Their appearance was no different from humans, and even if they were pseudo-lifeforms, they were clearly "alive."
"I see……"
No. 700672 began to ponder again. Seeing this, Jin thought that perhaps he was hiding something. He decided to ask indirectly.
"Is something troubling you?"
"No, well, yes…… I suppose it’s true that I am troubled……"
"That’s unusual. Is it something I can't help with?"
"No, that is not the case. However, the time may not yet be ripe."
"?"
No. 700672 spoke cryptically. Just as Jin was about to press him further—
"Ah, look! I can see the basin already!" Rouge’s voice rang out.
Because Konron 3 had been flying at supersonic speeds, they had reached the Central Basin before they knew it.
"Oh, so this is it."
As No. 700672 began to stare out the window, Jin dropped the subject and switched the conversation back to the plans for their relocation.