Deus Ex Machina was pondering how best to capture the bandits' hideout.
"If this were an annihilation mission, nighttime to dawn would be ideal, but..."
Rather than a battle of extermination, the primary goal was to capture everyone alive.
After all, there was a strong possibility that a fair number of them were merely obeying orders under the influence of brainwashing.
"Back then, capable engineers and leaders from the 'Unifilar' ended up joining 'Nostalgia' just as they were, too."
Once the brainwashing had been dispelled, they had joined of their own free will.
"There are bound to be promising individuals like that among these people as well."
Truly valuable human resources.
Deus Ex Machina had no desire to destroy such potential talent.
"All right, let's suppress them all at once with overwhelming force before they even have a chance to resist."
It was well known that Deus Ex Machina possessed substantial military might.
The exact extent of it, however, remained shrouded in mystery.
"Once this commotion settles down, it might be a good idea to invite the relevant parties to Arcadia."
This judgment stemmed from the need to emphasize that he was an entirely separate person from Jin, while also disclosing a controlled amount of information.
An unknown entity was apt to be perceived as a threat merely by existing.
"Leaking a moderate amount of information... especially the kind that makes the other party think, 'Just as I thought,' is extremely effective."
Deus Ex Machina muttered to himself.
"For this, let's deploy the forces that are 'supposed' to belong to Arcadia."
Namely, the "Arma." In the Kingdom of Elias, the word signified an army or ground force.
For now, twenty units were stationed in Arcadia.
They possessed specifications equivalent to Hourai Island's Army, the Land squad. However, while the Land units were silver-brown, these were finished in a matte brown without metallic luster.
On top of that, they were equipped with moss-green or camouflage-patterned attire depending on the mission.
"Against eighteen men and three golems, twenty Arma units and Rei will be more than enough."
Deus Ex Machina did not doubt for a single moment that they could overpower the opposition in one-on-one combat.
"All right. After midnight... let's see, we'll launch the suppression at 3:00 AM."
The only remaining concern was the hideout's security measures, but reconnaissance via the Peeper telescope suggested there were no defenses in place other than human sentries standing watch.
"In that case, we should be able to suppress them without a hitch."
Mentor, the magi-brain piloting Deus Ex Machina, reached that conclusion after deliberating with Laojun.
"Now I just need them transferred to the Aristotle."
The one and only transporter on Hourai Island—nay, in the entire world—was managed by Laojun.
Therefore, even as Mentor, sending the Arma aboard the Aristotle was impossible without coordinating through Laojun.
Deus Ex Machina settled in to wait until preparations were complete.
Having entrusted the operation to Deus Ex Machina, Jin could focus on Taji Village with peace of mind.
"Jin-san, will this village... be all right?"
Seeing the anxiety on Helga's face, Jin offered her a reassuring smile.
"Deus Ex Machina said he'd handle it, so he will. Don't worry, every last bandit will be rounded up by tomorrow."
An outline of the suppression plan had already been relayed from Laojun to Reiko. Since Reiko had not voiced any concerns to Jin, he knew everything was progressing smoothly.
"Inessa-san, please rest easy as well. Enju 2 is right here with you."
Tonight, Enju 2 was stationed at Kachea's family home rather than the village chief's residence.
This was, of course, to ensure an immediate response if needed.
For now, there was no patient requiring closer oversight than Inessa, so Jin deemed this the best arrangement.
"Thank you, Jin-san."
Inessa was the wife of Kachea's elder brother and would turn thirty-one this year.
In this world, giving birth at that age was considered quite late in life, so they could not afford to let their guard down. Still, with Enju 2 watching over her, Jin was confident that the worst-case scenario could be avoided.
If push came to shove, calling Elsa remained an option.
That said, when thorough preparations were made, crises rarely struck...
And that night, it seemed as though peace would prevail in Taji Village without incident.
On Hourai Island, Laojun was busy dispatching the twenty Arma units in accordance with Deus Ex Machina's request.
'Once this operation concludes, it seems we will unveil Arcadia whenever the opportunity presents itself.'
Laojun intended to steadily advance the groundwork for that as well.
'We shall proceed with concrete plans once My Lord returns from his journey.'
Even while processing these thoughts, Laojun worked at a swift, methodical pace.
'Shall we use this as a test case for our weapons?'
Laojun wished to consult with Jin regarding the standard armament for the Arma and planned to conduct a field trial during this mission.
'Swords, staves, spears, axes, bows, and the like, presumably.'
Vibration swords and laser guns were treated as specialized gear and were not slated for public disclosure.
Furthermore, since Paralyzers were built directly into both arms, there was no need for the units to carry them externally.
The test run this time would be strictly confined to conventional arms.
Even so, the sheer durability of those weapons far exceeded ordinary standards.
3:00 AM local time.
The twenty Arma units were materialized inside the Aristotle.
"All right, right on schedule. Move out."
The Aristotle glided forward smoothly and came to a halt directly above the bandits' hideout.
"Descend using the barrier projectors. Pick your targets. We launch the simultaneous assault at precisely 3:30 AM."
Twenty-one units, including Squire Rei, dropped silently from the craft.
Though blanketed in pitch-black darkness, every single one of them was equipped with night vision, rendering the lack of light entirely trivial.
Without so much as a rustle of leaves, all twenty-one touched down safely on solid ground.
<Touchdown complete. No anomalies. Dispersing now.>
A transmission reached Deus Ex Machina from Squire Rei via her built-in manacam.
Then, five minutes later:
<All units have acquired their designated targets within visual range.>
"Understood. What is the bandits' status?"
<Two sentries are on watch; the remaining sixteen appear to be asleep.>
"And the golems?"
<One is stationed beside the sentries. Two are inside the hideout.>
"Good....Rei, I assume you've designated the one near the sentries as your target?"
<Affirmative.>
"Perfect. That leaves us with... three minutes."
Three minutes remaining until the general assault.
Three minutes until the bandits were brought to justice.