"Now then, since it is time, we will begin the reporting session on the analysis results of the information crystal."
The time was 6:30 p.m. The location was the auditorium inside Avalon. The moderator was the secretary automaton Manon.
Around three hundred people had gathered.
Among them were Elena, Wattes Schretzer, and Edda Eema from Nostalgia.
Then, Deus Ex Machina stepped up to the podium.
"First, allow me, Deus Ex Machina, to briefly explain the circumstances surrounding how this information crystal was obtained."
He went on to recount the story of infiltrating the Ruins located west of Mahalig on the Pandor Continent, providing an overview of the investigation.
"...And so, upon learning that the hideout of those who were brainwashing and exploiting the local populace made use of the Ruins, we investigated the site."
He then described what happened during the search.
"This information crystal was concealed deep inside a hidden cupboard, protected by a trap."
When he mentioned that the trap was a ten-million-volt electric shock, a murmur of astonishment rippled through the audience.
"...And situated behind the double cupboard was this very information crystal—or information memory, if you will."
Stating that the task of analyzing it had been entrusted entirely to Avalon, Deus Ex Machina concluded his explanation.
"Thank you very much....Now, we will proceed with the main topic of today: the report on the analysis results."
It seemed the moderator, Manon, would deliver the report herself.
"First of all, the contents of this information crystal—this information memory—were encrypted. That is why the analysis took time."
Prefacing her remarks by stating that once the encryption's principles were cracked, the rest went quickly, Manon finally began the presentation.
"To state the conclusion first, this information crystal was a backup of an 'instruction manual.'...As for what it is a manual for, it is for a 'brainwashing device.'"
A loud stir erupted at the shocking revelation.
"It appears to be a device used by the people known as the Origin to brainwash the indigenous inhabitants and turn them into servants."
Whispers broke out once more.
"Regarding the Origin, I believe many of you are already aware that they were the masters of the ruins scattered across various nations, and that there were differing ideologies and factions among them."
Four hundred years ago, Jin had explained that very information to the leaders of each nation.
Furthermore, Avalon itself was a relic left behind by the Origin.
"The Origin possessed technology far more advanced than ours today, but culturally they were nearing their twilight, and biologically—as a species—they seemed to have reached their limits as well."
There were descriptions suggesting as much, she explained.
Apparently, among the relics of the Origin discovered so far, this was among the top tier in terms of information abundance, causing Jin's heart to leap with excitement.
"It seems the user belonged to a faction within the Origin known as the 'invasion faction.'"
At the extreme term "invasion faction," many in the audience frowned.
"The ruins appear to have been used by a member of that invasion faction, but due to illness or some other reason, that Origin individual vacated the site."
Hearing this, Jin turned his own thoughts over in his mind.
(Indeed, the word was that the invasion faction had gone to another continent, but as expected, that was the Pandor Continent... or rather, it's called the Pandor Continent now.)
In the distant past, Jin had seen golems belonging to the invasion faction.
Even though they were called the invasion faction, he knew they had no fondness for slaughtering indigenous populations.
(In other words, they brainwashed them to use as they saw fit.)
Perhaps it was at least a blessing that they hadn't resorted to short-sighted measures like simply eliminating every obstacle, Jin thought, letting out an inward sigh.
"Whether it was abandoned at that time or intended to be retrieved later is unknown, but it seems they left the brainwashing device behind."
She added that the reason could no longer be determined.
"Alternatively, far more items might have been left behind and removed over time, leaving open the possibility that the brainwashing device was simply the last remaining piece."
The audience let out another quiet murmur.
Even if they knew of the Origin, they likely possessed no knowledge this detailed, so Jin felt their reaction was entirely understandable.
"As Lord Maquina mentioned earlier, there was a square patch cleared of dust within the cupboard in the inner room; we presume the device was placed there."
She explained that the dimensions of the dust-free area matched the external measurements of the brainwashing device.
"Furthermore, the rest of the information pertained to the operation of the brainwashing device."
Manon stated that since they did not possess the physical object, there was little point in explaining it in exhaustive detail.
"However, I will provide a broad overview of its usage and function."
Jin pricked up his ears.
"First, the degree of brainwashing is determined."
This was configured by adjusting the position of a sliding lever, she explained.
"Next, magic is projected toward the target human. The brainwashing device immediately causes thought processes to cease, stopping all movement. Maintaining this state for roughly five seconds completes the brainwashing."
During that window, verbal commands were to be imprinted.
"For example, 'obey the orders of such-and-such person,' or 'perform such-and-such action.'"
Depending on the degree of brainwashing, one could select anything from absolute obedience to the device's operator down to a state where free will was only vaguely diluted.
"Furthermore, regarding the method to remove the brainwashed state, pressing what could be called a 'reset button' and projecting magic toward the target for roughly one second appears to undo it."
It did not seem to leave any aftereffects, Manon explained.
"Additionally, it seems the operator can choose whether or not the subject retains the memories of what they did."
The conference room buzzed. This was astonishing.
(To think it can even produce effects like Amnesia... I suppose that's the Origin for you.)
Jin was inwardly amazed as well.
"That concludes the report. Are there any questions?"
At that moment, Elena raised her hand.
"Yes, Lady Elena, please go ahead."
"Thank you....Do you have any information regarding the external appearance of that brainwashing device?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, other than the operational controls consisting of a lever and a button, there were no detailed descriptions regarding its appearance. However, estimating its size, it appears to be approximately 20 centimeters wide, 20 centimeters deep, and 27 centimeters high."
"I understand. Thank you very much."
"Are there any other questions?...Eira-san, please."
"Right....Um, was there no information at all regarding how that brainwashing device functions, or its structural design?"
Her thought was that if a design base existed, they might be able to create an identical device and use it to undo brainwashed states.
"Regrettably, there was no such information."
"...Too bad. Thank you."
Other questions raised included whether there might be other brainwashing devices out there and whether any countermeasures were mentioned, but the answer to all of them was "unknown."
"As this was strictly akin to an instruction manual, such information was not present."
That was the conclusion.
In truth, however, there was one more piece of information that Laojun, the magi-brain of Hourai Island, had managed to read.
"It seems the Origin who created this information crystal also maintained a base at Mount Nakyu."
It was information that had been written once and then erased.
The analyzers at Avalon were unable to read that deeply, but Laojun, who had scanned it via the Peeper telescope from far-off Hourai Island, was able to detect the faint traces.
"So the ruins Markitus discovered did indeed belong to the invasion faction after all."
Knowing this now did not change much immediately, but finding a missing piece of information was gratifying nonetheless.
After all, accumulating such details led to more accurate predictions of the future.
Today as well, Laojun continued to gather information.