Konron 2.
It was ship No. 1 among the airship copies crafted by Jin, developed around the concept of traversing between nations within a single day.
Measuring an overall length of 40 meters, a height of 18 meters, and a passenger capacity of 30, it boasted a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour. Propulsion was handled by Jet Thrusters.
While it was fitted with a gas bag and floated on helium, it also made joint use of a barrier projector.
"Since it is equipped with a Warp Gate, you may board once it draws near Avalon. Alternatively, using a Doppel would be even safer."
"Mm, understood."
Since Deus Ex Machina would be present as well, Elsa replied that she would go in person.
"Coordinate the timing, have the transporter send Konron 2 near Avalon, and after it lands, I'll travel using the Warp Gate."
"Yes, I believe that would be best."
Laojun concurred with the plan.
Under ordinary circumstances, this would have been a task for Jin, but with him currently inspecting the Pandor Continent, his madam, Elsa, stepped in as his proxy.
Laojun promptly set to work preparing Konron 2.
And so, at 1:00 PM local time on May 8th...
Konron 2 descended into the skies above Avalon.
Deus Ex Machina and Tomax Bartman were at the airfield to greet it.
"Oh, here it comes."
"That airship... is it Konron 2?"
"Yes, it is the airship crafted by the Second Generation Magi Craft Meister, Jin-dono."
Deus Ex Machina provided the explanation. As a side note, he made sure to distinguish between the two by referring to the Second Generation as "Jin-dono" and the Third Generation as "Jin."
Konron 2 touched down.
The cabin door swung open, a gangway slowly extended, and Elsa stepped into view. Accompanying her was the lady's maid automata, Anne.
"Elsa-dono, it has been some time."
Deus Ex Machina offered his greetings first.
"Yes, it has been a while."
Tomax Bartman followed suit with a polite greeting of his own.
"Elsa-dono, I cannot thank you enough for accommodating our demanding request on such short notice."
"Not at all. It is to protect the peace of the Pandor Continent, after all."
Following these brief pleasantries, Sky 700 and 701 disembarked, carrying large containers.
"These are the anti-brainwashing helmets and the magi-devices for dispelling brainwashing."
"Oh, we are truly grateful."
Elsa handed the delivery invoice to Tomax Bartman.
"Everything appears in order. I have left the matter of payment to Manon."
"Understood. We shall leave it in Anne's hands."
The containers were transported to the World Security Guard building.
Tomax Bartman, Deus Ex Machina, Elsa, and Anne headed over as well.
Sky 700 and 701 remained behind aboard Konron 2.
"Oho, so these are the helmets?"
"Yes. We call them 'anti-brainwashing hats.' There are one hundred sets of the helmet type and one hundred sets of the under-helmet caps."
As a preliminary check, Elsa gave an overview.
"The helmets are remarkably light."
"They are made of mithril. They have undergone Toughening treatment, so their durability is more than sufficient."
"And these are the under-helmet caps? These seem like they would be much more practical for our troops."
It meant they could be worn under standard World Security Guard helmets.
"Hmm, so this is the Hypno Canceller..."
Deus Ex Machina directed his attention toward the magi-device.
"Ah, this one is called a 'Weckener.'"
Elsa corrected the terminology.
The Hypno Canceller was a magi-device Jin had built long ago specifically to nullify the Domination magic used by the Northern People.
"I see, a 'Weckener.'...It appears to boast a considerable output. What kind of effective range does it have?"
Deus Ex Machina had seen through its capabilities at a single glance.
(...Both Laojun and Mentor are so adept at constructing their exchanges.)
Elsa was quietly impressed as she answered his question.
"At full power, approximately one kilometer. In that mode, its area of effect spans a diameter of one hundred meters."
"That is extraordinary!"
The ability to dispel brainwashing from such a long distance was tremendously reassuring, and Tomax Bartman beamed with relief.
"Indeed. This will broaden our tactical options considerably."
Deus Ex Machina nodded in agreement.
With that, they transitioned directly into an operational strategy meeting.
The attendees were Tomax Bartman, Deus Ex Machina, the secretary automaton Manon, and Chief Administrator Apprentice Secretary Fione Fias.
Additionally, Pandor Continent Squad Leader Northernon Quetos and Squad Vice-Captain Yumis Isle had returned via the Warp Gate to join them.
Elsa, the crafter of the magi-devices, took a seat as well, while Anne stood attentively by her side as her lady's maid.
"This operation will essentially be carried out by the Pandor Continent Squad," Tomax Bartman began.
"To review the order of priority: rescuing the enslaved villagers comes first. Next is securing the executives inside the hideout. After that, suppressing the facility itself. Finally, recovering the stolen food supplies."
Tomax Bartman emphasized that civilian casualties among the villagers had to be avoided at all costs.
At this point, Elsa raised a hand to speak.
"From what I have heard, those people are in a severely weakened state. Once they are secured, I believe it will be imperative to administer treatment medicine and recovery medicine immediately."
"Ah, Elsa-dono, thank you for pointing that out. You are quite right. Given their physical exhaustion, treatment medicine will be essential."
Tomax Bartman expressed his gratitude, and Elsa continued.
"I have brought recovery medicine as well. There are one hundred bottles loaded aboard Konron 2."
"Oh, that is wonderful! The recovery medicine prepared by Jin is exceptionally potent, after all," Deus Ex Machina chimed in.
To Elsa, his response sounded a bit rehearsed, but to the others in the room, it came as a pleasant surprise.
"In that case, if we are to treat the enslaved villagers immediately upon rescue, we will require medics on the scene," Northernon Quetos pointed out.
"We have received reports that there are around ten such individuals. If so, the medics assigned to our squad alone will not be sufficient," Yumis Isle added.
"Mm, then let us temporarily assign ten Safi units to you."
The Safi units were Golem Maids that Jin and Deus Ex Machina had donated in the past, possessing exceptional base performance.
"You can leave the administration of treatment medicine and recovery medicine, as well as general post-rescue care, to them."
Magical Healing would be handled by the squad's medics.
"Understood."
With that, the strategy briefing moved swiftly toward its conclusion.
The operation was scheduled to launch almost immediately.
The strike time was set for 1:00 PM local Pandor Continent time.
Executing the raid during broad daylight was a deliberate choice to prioritize the safety of the enslaved villagers.
In other words, it was when they would be out in the open doing field labor.
"Human lives come first. I am counting on you all."
"Understood."
Listening from the sidelines, Elsa found herself wondering if there was anything else she could do to help.