Jin and Marikka arrived at the large Warp Gate in the east of the continent aboard the Sparrow, piloted by Mini Reiko.
"Hey there, Jin."
The entire Jin Family currently on Planet Hehl was gathered there. Or rather, by pure chance, every single member besides Jin had happened to be on Hehl that day. Well, now that Jin had arrived as well, the whole family was truly present.
"Everyone! Long time no see!"
"Jin-nii, you seem busy. You're not pushing yourself too hard, are you?"
"Jin, weather control this time? You've really got a mountain of things on your plate!"
Elsa and Reinhard gave wry smiles at just how busy Jin looked.
"Euphoriants, magi-brain re-education, and now weather control, huh... Sounds like quite a handful."
"Kufu, look away from Ars for just a moment, and you've already started up something new."
Goose and Saki chuckled wryly as well.
"Just what I'd expect from you, Jin-kun. But don't spread yourself too thin and leave things half-done, all right?"
"You can always lean on us, you know."
Stearena and Toa offered their earnest advice.
"I wish I could be of more help, but please do your best."
"Call me if you need anything, Onii-chan."
Lishia and Hanna cheered him on.
The other members shared their own words of encouragement, and finally—
"Marikka, please look after Jin-nii."
—Elsa called out to Marikka. With that, Jin nodded.
"Well then, I'm off."
Stepping through the large Warp Gate, he departed for Ars.
Currently, a Warp Gate linked directly to Onogoro Island had also been installed at the intermediate base, Shinkai.
Using it, Jin, Marikka, Mini Reiko, and the others transferred straight to Onogoro Island.
"Well, well! Marikka-sama, Jin-sama, welcome."
"It has been quite some time. We are honored by your visit."
The ones who came out to greet them were the island's stewards, Trihart Randol and his wife, Susanne Randol.
Incidentally, the official explanation was that Marikka had been rejuvenated as a "Duplicate," just like Jin. Because of that, neither of them showed the slightest surprise at Marikka's youthful appearance.
"We can't stay for long today, unfortunately."
When Jin said that, Susanne's face fell slightly with disappointment.
"Oh, is that so? You haven't visited in a while, so everyone has been feeling rather lonely."
"I see..."
Jin felt a twinge of guilt, but with the current situation bordering on an emergency, he decided to explain the circumstances to just the two of them.
"...And that's the gist of it."
"To think such a thing was happening..."
Trihart nodded with a solemn look.
After all, the region in question was practically on Onogoro Island's doorstep.
"Understood. We leave everything entirely in your hands, Jin-sama, Marikka-sama."
The Randols bowed respectfully.
"No matter what happens, I promise I'll protect this island's secrecy," Jin reassured them.
With that settled, the two stewards agreed to convey the necessary details to the island's residents.
Next, Jin and Marikka stood before Onogoro Island's supervising magi-brain, Testa.
Because the Fellowship Bracelet Marikka wore possessed a direct communication link, Testa was already fully prepared and waiting for them.
《Welcome, Marikka-sama.》
"It has been a while. I've come today with a request."
《Yes, I have already received the outline. You wish to know whether it is possible to bring rain to a region of the continent north of this island via weather control, correct?》
"That's right."
《To state the conclusion first: it is entirely possible.》
"Oh, what a relief!"
《Maintaining and managing the cultivated farmland in that region was originally one of my duties as well.》
"Ah, just as I thought."
Jin was the one who spoke up.
His theory, shared with the Elder, had hit the bullseye.
"Magi-stone particles were mixed into the soil, and they're maintained and managed by magi-crystal Masters, right?"
Jin directed the question to Testa.
《That is correct. For the time being, I am executing no operations, so the Masters Jin-dono refers to remain at their default settings.》
"...Does that mean you can alter the Master units' functions from here, Testa?"
《I can.》
To name a few of its capabilities, it could regulate the soil's pH, adjust moisture retention, and manage ground temperature.
Additionally, it could exterminate specific insect pests or eradicate targeted weeds.
"That's incredible..."
The analysis of the duplicator was not yet finished, but Jin held high hopes that once it was complete, the technology could be applied to the fields of Hourai Island and even the farmlands of the Nord Federation.
《Now then, Marikka-sama, how would you like the precipitation adjustment for that land to be handled?》
"Ah, please consult Jin-sama on that."
《...Jin-dono, how much precipitation should I provide?》
"Right now, there's no active management at all, correct?"
《Indeed.》
"In that case, let's add... well, it's already August this year, so let's start with 50 millimeters per month. Starting next year, an average of 50 millimeters a month, totaling 600 millimeters annually."
Jin wanted to avoid triggering sudden, heavy downpours right from the outset.
"Then, let's increase that monthly average by 10 millimeters each year, eventually bringing it up to a monthly average of 100 millimeters—in other words, 1,200 millimeters annually. Oh, and as for the rainfall pattern, keep it random, roughly one or two days a week."
《Understood.》
Incidentally, in modern Japan, regions like Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures received an annual precipitation of around 1,200 millimeters.
"...Let me ask you one thing. I don't suppose you can teach me how weather control actually works, can you?"
《Correct. That data is protected by the Creator, and even at the request of my current Master, Marikka-sama, I am unable to comply.》
"I see..."
It was disappointing, but there was no helping it.
Jin resolved in his heart that someday, he would develop a method for weather control entirely on his own.
《Is there anything else I may assist you with?》
"That's all on our end....Though, on that note, do you have any reports or requests from your side, Testa?"
《No, there is nothing in particular.》
Testa reported that there were no malfunctions, and the administrative operations of Onogoro Island were proceeding without a hitch.
"In that case, I have one more question....Right now, modern humans live in the region we just asked you to bring rain to. If they eventually expand their reach out into the ocean, they might notice this island. What will you do then?"
Jin wanted to make sure adequate countermeasures were in place.
"How would you handle that, Testa?"
Curious as well, Marikka pressed for an answer.
《Yes, Marikka-sama, Jin-dono. In response, I can assure you there is no need for concern.》
According to Testa, it had the ability to freely manipulate the surrounding ocean currents, an array of powerful physical, optical, and magical barriers shielding the entire island, and the automated defense system led by Helente and her units.
With Jin's support added into the mix, there would be no cause for worry for the foreseeable future.
"That's wonderful to hear."
"Yeah."
Both Marikka and Jin breathed a sigh of relief.