Out of everyone, Rubina’s eyes sparkled the brightest upon seeing the Japanese-style lady's maid automata, Tsukino and Hoshino.
"Wow, amazing! They’re your creations, aren't they, Jin-sama?"
"Yeah, that’s right. But first, let’s have lunch."
The menu for the day was tempura udon.
There was a wide variety of tempura: vegetable and mountain herb, whitefish, shrimp, chikuwa, and more. One could enjoy the crispy batter as it was, or dip it into the dashi-rich broth until the coating softened. Jin happened to like it both ways.
"Would you like a second helping?"
"Oh, yes please!"
"Then I'll have some as well."
"Please give me seconds too."
The bowls were slightly on the smaller side with refills in mind, so every guest ended up having a second bowl. They finished the meal with buckwheat tea, enjoying a moment of relaxation amidst the savory aroma.
"Listen while you drink," Jin began.
"Actually, the other day, I found some ruins of the Progenitors in a place I’m calling the Central Basin."
Everyone fell silent, listening intently to Jin's story.
"There were over a dozen working golems there. The massive ones are fifteen meters tall, and the smaller ones are human-sized."
For the moment, Jin referred to them as "golems"—the term the group was familiar with—rather than calling them "Magi Puppets."
"I want to see them! Jin-sama, I want to see them!" Rubina cried out at the mention of giant golems.
"I know, I know. Just calm down."
"He's right, Rubina," Amanda added.
"Okay..."
Jin smiled and continued. "I plan to preserve at least one of each type, but I intend to modify the rest and get them moving again so they can serve as guardians for Hale."
He then proceeded to explain their current state.
"...In short, the skeleton, the drive system, and the exterior are still intact," Marikka summarized.
"That’s right. There isn't a trace of the control systems left."
"Will you let me help with them?" Rubina asked.
"If you want to."
"I do, I do! I want to tinker with golems!!"
"I get it, I get it. Just settle down." Jin soothed Rubina, who looked ready to leap from her seat and run off at any moment. "You don't even know where the place is, and it’s not within walking distance."
"Ugh... right." Rebuked by Jin, Rubina sat back down.
"Honestly, this girl... Just when I think she’s finally calmed down a bit, she goes right back to acting like a child," Amanda remarked.
Jin thought to himself that it was a bit much to say that to an actual ten-year-old child, but he kept the thought to himself.
"Now then, who else would like to go see these golems?"
When Jin asked, everyone except Rubina raised their hands slightly. It seemed they were all intrigued by the idea of seeing golems built by the Progenitors. Rubina, of course, was waving both of her hands vigorously.
"All right. Let's all go together, then."
Since a Warp Gate had been installed at the site, the journey was instantaneous.
Jin had constructed a simple building at the location, making it possible for workers to stay overnight. It was equipped to brew tea and even had snacks prepared for breaks.
"Welcome, everyone."
The one currently managing the site was Smith 10. Along with units 11 through 30, a total of twenty Smith units were stationed there.
"Oh, Jin-dono, and guests."
"Ah, it’s Rubi-chan!"
"Rubi-chaaan!"
It seemed No. 700672, Neige, and Rouge had arrived a short while ago as well. Neige and Rouge had become close enough to Rubina to call her "Rubi-chan."
Jin guided the group into a workspace covered by a large tent.
"Well, these are the giant golems."
"Whoa..."
"Incredible..."
Standing fifteen meters tall, the massive forms overwhelmed all who saw them. Eight of them were lined up in a row. Originally, there had been ten, but Jin had chosen to preserve the ones in the best condition after performing simple maintenance.
"It seems these were all remote-controlled and possessed no autonomy. That’s why I’ve named them 'Magi Puppets'."
The ones currently moving these Magi Puppets were the Daidaras Jin had summoned from Hourai Island. Since they were of a similar scale, they were able to carry the machines in their arms to move them about.
"Those are Jin-sama's golems over there," Rubina said, her eyes sparkling as she looked ready to bolt toward them.
"We’re currently disassembling and analyzing this unit here. Do you want to see?"
"Yes!" Rubina replied instantly.
"Alright then, come this way."
When Jin said that anyone interested was welcome, the entire party followed.
"Here it is."
"Wow...!"
Scaffolding had been erected around the Magi Puppet lying on its side. Its exterior had been partially removed, revealing the internal mechanisms.
"The structure is completely different..."
Rubina noted that the design was a different system from the Adriana-style used by Jin and his associates. Of course, it was also unlike any system currently used on Ars.
However, the structure was somewhat familiar to Jin.
Ball joints.
There were ceramic dolls known as bisque dolls. Since porcelain did not bend like soft vinyl, they were constructed with joints to allow them to be posed and dressed. Most of them utilized a structure called a "ball joint," where a sphere was centered within the joint to allow movement.
The skeleton of these Magi Puppets built by the Progenitors utilized a very similar structure.
"Doesn't it lack flexibility?" Rubina asked, pointing out the flaw after a single glance.
"Exactly. Well, I suppose they decided that flexibility wasn't a priority for a machine of this size."
It was likely a case of the creators discarding unnecessary features to specialize the machine for a specific purpose.
"Hmm, I don't really understand the Progenitors' way of thinking."
"But learning to speculate on such design philosophies is important, you know? Especially when it comes to performing repairs or modifications."
Jin taught Rubina gently.
"...Ah, I suppose you’re right. I understand, Jin-sama."
For now, Rubina accepted Jin's lesson with uncharacteristic obedience.