The day before the Nameless Peak Investigation Operation was set to begin—July 21.
Jin—or rather, Jin D—rendezvoused with the Avalon party and Deus Ex Machina in Tsutatare, a town in the Mimaka Principality.
"Hello, Jin."
"Long time no see, Maquina."
Jin D and Maquina exchanged casual greetings.
"I'll be counting on you for rear support."
"Of course."
For this operation, Jin D was assigned to rear support.
His role was to fly in swiftly and handle any unexpected situations that might arise on-site.
To that end, the Hurricane's emergency maximum speed—officially stated as 800 kilometers per hour—would prove invaluable.
"We'll stay in touch via manaphone."
"Got it."
The device Maquina had prepared this time was a portable manaphone, roughly the size of a shoulder bag.
Being compact, its transmission range was relatively limited at around 100 kilometers.
In truth, they could easily communicate through their built-in manacams. More to the point, Mentor—who was piloting Maquina—was back on Hourai Island, making communication devices completely unnecessary.
It was entirely a performance for the benefit of the others present.
Next, Jin D greeted the members from Avalon.
"Jin-dono, we will be in your care once again."
"Jin-dono, thank you for taking the trouble to assist us."
"Jin-dono, it has been a while. I look forward to tomorrow."
Illumina Ratkin, the Chief Administrator's Adjutant; Revelard Dartes, commander of the land combat unit; and Groma Tray each exchanged greetings with Jin D.
At that moment, the participants from the three principalities came over to greet him as well.
"Jin-dono, it has been quite a while."
"We will be relying on your rear support today."
These were Commander Gene Fullsort Raksef and Vice Commander Madaim Luha of the Norha Principality's 2nd Frontier Corps.
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Nahams Marow. I look forward to working with you today."
And Nahams Marow, Vice Minister of the First Technology Bureau.
These three made up the delegation from the Norha Principality.
Three representatives had also arrived from the Darato Principality.
"My name is Maingo Mohm Zeta."
"I am Yorvalu Isaca. Good to be working with you today, Jin-dono."
"I am Jumohl Pitch. We're counting on you today, Jin-dono."
Magic Technology Minister Maingo Mohm Zeta, 1st Ritter Order Vice Commander Yorvalu Isaca, and 2nd Ritter Order Vice Commander Jumohl Pitch each greeted Jin.
Finally, from the Mimaka Principality:
"I look forward to working with you tomorrow."
Daiki Yuuma Tatsuta, Commander of the Royal Ritter Order.
"I-I look forward to working with you, Jin-dono."
Junki Kitts Shu, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Magic.
"Knowing our rear is in your hands puts our minds at ease. We look forward to tomorrow."
Boon Sumiya, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Military Affairs.
"Likewise, I look forward to working with all of you," Jin D replied politely.
"Now then, is everyone agreeable to having me serve as the leader for this operation?" Deus Ex Machina asked.
"Yes, we would gladly have you lead us," Illumina Ratkin replied.
The other members chimed in one after another.
"There is no one better suited for the role than Maquina-dono."
"We gladly place ourselves under your command."
With no objections raised, Deus Ex Machina was officially designated as the captain of the Nameless Peak Investigation Operation.
"In that case, Illumina-dono, I ask that you serve as my vice commander."
"Understood. I will gladly accept the post."
From there, they moved on to a more detailed briefing.
"For our transit, we will proceed toward the mountain in a multi-purpose vehicle," Maquina explained.
The multi-purpose vehicle was based on the Tortoise, a camping vehicle Jin had built in the past.
While the camping amenities had been replaced with gear suited for military operations, its comfort and driving performance remained unchanged.
The exterior was painted in olive drab—a muted, greenish black.
Its armaments consisted of a magi-cannon, a paralyzer, an induction radiator, and a laser cannon.
For auxiliary equipment, it was outfitted with a magi-jammer, a treatmenter, and a barrier projector.
However, the Absolute Zero magi-device and barrier bombs were not installed.
"This is Turtle 1."
"Ooh!"
The vehicle had been transported here not by the Aristotle, but by Adler 1.
Adler 1 was a transport plane of the same model as Jin's Eagle, and it was likewise painted in olive drab.
"Traveling in this will keep everyone comfortable."
It was the height of summer, making the weather ill-suited for long marches on foot.
Since Turtle 1 was built from a camping vehicle, its interior comfort was exceptional.
Its maximum speed was 100 kilometers per hour. Departing from Tsutatare, they would likely reach the vicinity of their destination within two hours.
"Please, board the vehicle."
"R-Right."
Though somewhat hesitant, the members climbed aboard Turtle 1 one by one.
Deus Ex Machina was the last to step inside.
"Well then, Jin."
"Stay safe."
Once Maquina was aboard, the hatch sealed shut, and Turtle 1 rolled out smoothly.
"And they're off."
Jin D boarded the Hurricane as well, with Hope serving as the pilot.
The aircraft climbed steadily into the sky, leveling off and remaining on standby at an altitude of roughly 1,000 meters.
"Now then, I wonder if anything will happen."
Just the other day, they had discovered decoy bombs planted inside the Norha Kingdom.
Because there was a chance that undiscovered bombs or other traps remained, Jin had coordinated with Laojun to deploy the Smith squad should an emergency arise.
A squad of Smiths would easily be able to neutralize and remove any planted magi-devices.
"Whatever happens, we need to make sure there are no casualties."
Jin, operating Jin D remotely, issued instructions to Laojun.
"Laojun, keep a sharp eye out with the Peepers as well."
'Understood, My Lord.'
With the full backing of Hourai Island behind them, the Nameless Peak Investigation Operation was about to get underway.