And then came lunch.
The menu consisted of an assortment of sandwiches: ham, egg, tuna, ham cutlet, cheese, and vegetable.
For somewhat more unusual fillings, there were yakisoba and hamburger steak—essentially sandwich versions of a yakisoba bun and a burger.
"These are delicious."
"I'm quite fond of this ham cutlet sandwich. The sauce gives it a wonderful flavor."
"A yakisoba sandwich... This seems like it'll be plenty filling."
The spread was met with great acclaim.
Various fruit juices and milk were served for drinks, with free refills available.
"Even so, being able to preserve this much fresh food... It's truly remarkable."
"We have an excellent storehouse, you see," Deus Ex Machina replied. "I'll explain it after our meal."
True to his word, Deus Ex Machina explained the food preservation methods to the guests once lunch was over.
"To preserve items over long periods, we utilize something called a 'mana tank'."
A short while ago, Elsa had explained the effects of a "free ether box" in Avalon, but he clarified that this was not merely an inferior imitation of that device.
"When the free ether filling a space is stopped, the movement of the molecules constituting any objects within it is inevitably suppressed."
However, because free ether was far smaller than atoms, it could not completely halt molecular motion, as he added in explanation.
"Therefore, with the exception of mana-based materials that naturally contain free ether within themselves, permanent preservation is impossible."
He mentioned that ordinary goods would last roughly ten years at most.
"However, there is another method to halt molecular motion: low temperatures."
"Hmm, 'Absolute Zero', correct?"
In present-day Avalon, scientific knowledge on par with a junior high school curriculum in modern Japan was becoming widespread, and the concept of Absolute Zero was among those basics.
At the extreme cold of Absolute Zero, the movement of molecules and atoms ceased.
While quantum mechanics dictated that zero-point oscillation still occurred even at the lowest possible energy state, Jin was not versed in such advanced concepts. Since it posed no practical issue, the explanation was framed entirely within the bounds of classical mechanics.
"By lowering the temperature inside the 'mana tank', the preservation period improves drastically. Even without reaching Absolute Zero, items will keep for thirty years at minus twenty degrees Celsius, and for a full century at minus fifty."
In truth, thanks to an experiment that had been running for four hundred years, it was proven that those figures were largely accurate. Since he could not disclose that history, however, Deus Ex Machina presented them merely as theoretical estimates.
Incidentally, refrigerated storehouses used to preserve the freshness of frozen tuna operated between minus fifty and minus sixty degrees Celsius.
"I see. That would make stockpiling food far more feasible."
"I shall have our researchers begin development on this as soon as we return."
Tomax Bartman and Elena gratefully committed the knowledge to memory.
At two in the afternoon, the tour of Arcadia came to an end on schedule.
"Do you have any further requests?" Deus Ex Machina asked, making a final check with the guests.
"None in particular."
"None from our side either."
Elena and Tomax Bartman answered on behalf of their respective groups.
"Very well. From our perspective as well, this visit highlighted several areas for improvement. Thank you for your cooperation."
Deus Ex Machina offered his thanks in turn.
With that, they boarded the Aristotle—this time from inside the underground hangar.
"Well then, let us depart....Open the hangar!" Deus Ex Machina commanded.
The hangar hatch slowly began to slide aside.
The moment it was fully open, the next order came down.
"Release locks. Aristotle, launch!"
The restraints securing the Aristotle within the hangar disengaged. As the locking arms pulled back, the Aristotle began its steady ascent, emerging into the open air roughly a minute later.
Next, a squad of Komet units shot up from the hangar at high speed to see the Aristotle off.
The Komets formed two neat rows facing east, and the Aristotle glided smoothly between them.
"Oh, what a magnificent sight," Wattes Schretzer murmured in admiration. The flawless formation flight was truly a spectacle.
Gradually picking up speed, the Aristotle climbed higher into the sky.
Below, Arcadia dwindled into the distance.
The passengers gazed down with lingering reluctance until the island vanished from sight.
The return journey followed the same path as the outbound flight, taking about two and a half hours to reach Avalon.
"Right, we have a mountain of work ahead of us!"
As Tomax Bartman rallied his spirits, Fione Fias chimed in, "I will assist you to the best of my ability."
"Mm, I'm counting on you."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
The Avalon delegation had clearly gained a great deal from the two-day tour, both technologically and in terms of morale.
"Lady Elena, this has shown me just how far we still have to go."
"Wattes, Edda—so long as we recognize that, we can aim even higher. Please, lend me your strength."
"Of course!"
"We'll give it everything we have!"
Elena and her companions, too, had come away with a renewed, ambitious sense of purpose.
"The inspection tour was largely a success, wouldn't you say?"
Back on Hourai Island, Laojun and Mentor were holding a debriefing.
"Yes. While there were several shortcomings, they are well within our ability to remedy."
"More importantly, Tomax Bartman and Elena... or rather, Avalon and Nostalgia, seem to have gained new objectives—a guiding framework, as it were. A true mindset reform."
"Just as you say, Laojun....When people grow too comfortable, their drive for self-improvement fades, and progress grinds to a halt. This tour served as an excellent catalyst."
"Let us hope so."
Rather than guiding humanity by the hand, they would kindle spontaneous motivation and offer only subtle assistance.
Laojun quietly hoped that this approach would take root among the people far better than the methods of four hundred years ago, just as Jin envisioned.