Among the bandits who had attacked Fan Village, a single man had managed to escape capture.
He was currently hauling food supplies for eighty people back to the hideout serving as their headquarters, using a wagon pulled by golems.
"Aaagh, what a drag of a job."
Unaware that every other member of his crew had already been rounded up, he grumbled lazily to himself.
The golem-drawn wagon was making steady progress toward the headquarters west of Mahalig without running into any obstacles.
Or so it seemed on the surface—in truth, Laojun was monitoring the man's every move. Naturally, the man had no inkling of this.
"Hmm, it should take him about one more day, I estimate."
Laojun reasoned that it would be most efficient to capture him alongside all the remaining bandits at their headquarters.
"In that case, it is about time to inform Avalon."
Meanwhile, in Avalon.
Deus Ex Machina had traveled to the city via the repaired Warp Gate and was currently conferring with Chief Administrator Tomax Bartman.
"...And so, thanks to the scout we deliberately allowed to slip away, the location of their hideout will soon be exposed."
"I see. You tailed the transport carrying their provisions, then? Impressive as always."
"Judging by the man's muttering, he will reach the hideout within half a day. The question is what course of action we should take once he arrives."
If that hideout truly was their headquarters, it would undoubtedly be heavily fortified.
It was highly questionable whether a surprise attack would yield any meaningful advantage.
"Perhaps a direct frontal assault would be best in this case," Maquina suggested.
This was, of course, on the condition that they first encircle the perimeter to cut off any escape routes.
"To send an unmistakable message to the mastermind pulling strings from the shadows, we will also need to put on an overwhelming display of force."
"M-Maquina-dono, whatever do you mean by that?!"
Taken aback by Maquina's remark, Tomax pressed for clarification.
"Well, it is merely a deduction derived from piecing together the statements of the captured prisoners, but..."
Maquina laid out his reasoning.
"To begin with, too many questions remain unanswered—such as whether this leader is truly the son of the late Duke, how he managed to rally the remaining factions, and where the necessary funding and materials originated."
"I see. That is certainly true."
"Now, suppose they were receiving support from beyond the border. Suddenly, many inconsistencies resolve themselves."
"...Hmm."
Tomax Bartman had not been entrusted with the position of Chief Administrator without good reason.
Hearing Maquina's breakdown, he immediately analyzed the implications.
"...The Jagus Principality, you mean?"
Maquina nodded.
"Precisely. The four nations in that region have yet to formally join the World Conference."
Although they had participated in several sessions under provisional status, their leadership was either exceptionally obstinate or loath to surrender their vested interests, leaving their affiliation unresolved.
Since they were not openly hostile, the World Conference had adopted a wait-and-see stance.
"Paerova Sondvik-dono also raised suspicions that the Jagus Principality might be orchestrating things behind the scenes."
"So it seems."
Non, the squad leader of the World Security Guard Pandor Continent Squad, had entertained similar doubts regarding the Jagus Principality.
"On our end, I believe we should launch a formal inquiry through the World Conference."
Looking at Avalon's overall organizational structure, its military arm was the World Security Guard, its political branch was the World Conference, and its scientific branch was the Academy.
Investigating and lodging inquiries with the Jagus Principality properly fell under the jurisdiction of the World Conference.
"However, there is one point of concern..."
Tomax Bartman did not miss the grave expression that crossed Maquina's face.
"And what might that be?"
"Ah, well... the question of where the wielder of Brainwashing Magic is currently positioned."
"Ah, that is indeed a serious concern."
Since Maquina's forces consisted entirely of golems and automata, they were immune to Brainwashing Magic. Avalon, however, faced a far greater risk.
The bulk of the World Security Guard's personnel were human.
"Is there no possibility that the culprit is already among our captives?" Tomax asked, offering it purely as a hypothetical.
"That seems improbable. We conducted thorough interrogations while transporting them here."
Unless the individual was an actor skilled enough to deceive even Maquina, it was practically impossible.
After all, Deus Ex Machina was no ordinary human, but a remote-type Doppel.
"If that individual is waiting at their headquarters, our forces would be marching straight into a trap."
"There is no denying that."
When all was said and done, the core strength of the World Security Guard remained vulnerable humans.
"In that case, let the World Security Guard establish the perimeter, while I take charge of storming the headquarters."
Maquina's primary forces were golems, rendering Brainwashing Magic entirely useless against them.
"That may well be our best course of action."
If only we had a magi-device capable of deflecting Brainwashing Magic, Tomax Bartman added with a rueful chuckle.
As of yet, not even Jin had crafted a magi-device specifically for that purpose.
Maintaining a barrier was sufficient to guard against Brainwashing Magic.
Alternatively, a Magi-Jammer could neutralize an opponent's spells outright.
Enveloping someone in a full-body suit of armor functioning like a mithril shield case might also do the trick.
Ultimately, because Jin could always deploy golem squads against such threats, he had never found a compelling reason to develop one.
(I see... Countermeasures against Brainwashing Magic, huh...)
Back at the inn following his inspection of the city, Jin listened as Laojun relayed the situation.
(There are two main avenues: block it, or cancel it.)
Blocking meant relying on a mithril armor shield or a barrier.
Canceling meant utilizing something along the lines of a Magi-Jammer or a Magic Canceller barrier.
(Hmm... Brainwashing targets the brain, so maybe just a helmet would do the trick.)
While it might not offer absolute protection during direct physical contact, shielding the head ought to be a viable approach.
(I'd like to tackle this myself, but I can't head back to Hourai Island right away...)
Deciding on the best alternative, Jin chose to delegate the project to members of the Jin Family.
"Laojun, who is on Hourai Island right now?"
"Yes, My Lord. Just a short while ago, Elsa-sama, Saki-sama, Goose-sama, Reinhard-sama, and Berche-sama returned."
"That works out well. Put me through to Elsa, Saki, and Reinhard, please."
"Right away."
"What's the matter, Jin-nii?"
"Jin, did something happen?"
"How unusual for you to reach out to us while you're away, Jin."
"Yeah. Actually, an idea struck me..."
Jin laid out the concept of developing a protective helmet designed to counter Brainwashing Magic.
"Oho, that sounds intriguing. So you want us to handle the research, Jin?"
"That's the plan."
"Kufu, sounds like a lot of fun."
"Mm. Leave it to us."
With their enthusiastic agreement, Jin officially entrusted the development of the anti-Brainwashing Magic helmet to the three of them.