Ria had boldly declared that the Deformed Golem's ether converter was not yet broken.
"...For what reason do you say that?"
Lubark Bassi was the first to ask.
"Well, first, please recall the distribution of free ether across this world."
Though the regional variation had mostly disappeared by now, in the past, the concentration of free ether had been higher toward the north and lower toward the south, Ria explained.
"That is certainly true."
"And so the question becomes when this golem was crafted, but judging from its shape and design, I believe we can safely call it an ancient artifact."
None of them had any objections to that.
"Then please recall the theory that 'in the distant past, the free ether concentration was higher than it is today.'"
"...Ah."
"I see..."
"So that's it."
In other words, Ria was suggesting that the golem had ceased functioning simply because the current free ether concentration was lower than when it was originally built.
The Progenitors' Era ≥ Pre-Ether Stampede > "Present" > Post-Ether Stampede (before Jin's correction)—that was the resulting inequality.
Even without knowing about the Progenitors or Jin's corrections, her understanding was largely accurate.
"Therefore, if we raise the concentration of free ether, it might just start moving."
"Indeed."
The Progressers were capable of raising the free ether concentration, albeit slightly.
A magi-device that could be described as a free ether concentration increaser was prepared and activated.
This magi-device was similar to the ether condenser Jin had crafted in the past. Its efficiency was considerably lower, but for their current purposes, it would be more than sufficient.
"Make sure we can shut it down immediately if anything goes wrong."
"Understood."
In case the Deformed Golem proved dangerous, they had also prepared a free ether concentration reducer, which could be considered an inferior version of the ether eliminator Jin had once made.
Additionally, five general-purpose golems belonging to the Progressers were stationed around the room. This served a dual purpose: security and detecting signals within the ultrasonic frequency range.
A few minutes passed as the free ether concentration gradually rose.
<— • — — — • — — • — • — • — — — — • — — — — — — — — —>
The Deformed Golem began emitting intermittent pulses in the ultrasonic range.
The general-purpose golems reported it immediately.
"INTERMITTENT SOUNDS HAVE BEGUN."
"Good, just as expected."
Then, a dozen or so seconds later:
<...Wh...e...re... i...s...>
An audible voice emerged, clear enough for all five of them to hear.
It grew clearer with every passing moment.
Ria presumed this was likely because the free ether concentration was continuing to rise.
(The current concentration is up by about five percent. If it reaches ten percent, I wonder if its operation will stabilize a bit more?)
And that presumption would prove correct as well.
Though, in truth, all of this was merely an act performed by Eiji 1, the Deformed Golem, orchestrated entirely according to Laojun's plan.
<...Wh...ere... i...s... th...i...s...>
"Oh!"
"It spoke!!"
A few more minutes passed. The free ether concentration had likely increased by around twenty percent.
<Where is this... Where is this... Where is this...>
The Deformed Golem repeated the exact same words.
Rodriguez took the plunge and spoke to it.
"This is the Jagus Principality, a newly founded country."
He reasoned that, to an ancient artifact, a few centuries would fall well within the realm of "new."
<NEW COUNTRY... JAGUS PRINCIPALITY... UNDERSTOOD.>
"Oh!"
Gasps rose from the group. "Understood" meant that, for the time being, its control core was functioning properly.
<WHO... ARE YOU?>
The words were directed at Rodriguez.
Before Lubark Bassi could even think, Damn it!—
"I am Rodriguez. What is your name?"
Rodriguez had already answered. With this, there was a high probability the Deformed Golem would recognize Rodriguez as the leader of the group.
<Eiji... Eiji 1.>
Eiji 1 answered honestly. There was no point in hiding its name, after all.
"I see, 'Eiji 1.' Do you have any memories prior to awakening this time?"
<I do.>
Rodriguez felt that its speech was growing clearer, whether due to the increased free ether concentration or some other factor.
Confident that conversation would flow more smoothly now, Rodriguez posed his next question.
"What kind of memories are they?"
<I engaged in combat with enemy golems, which resulted in severe operational impairments. I then concealed myself in a cave and awaited rescue. Those are my memories prior to meeting Rodriguez and the others.>
"Hmm..."
Noticing a word of interest, Rodriguez decided to press further.
"Eiji 1, are you a combat model?"
<No. I am a support-type general-purpose golem.>
"Support? What do you support?"
<My Master, of course.>
"And who might that 'Master' be?"
<The one who created me.>
"I see. What kind of person are they?"
<My apologies, but I am unable to disclose that information.>
"Ho..."
Rodriguez was impressed and deeply intrigued.
(This golem possesses a remarkably advanced control core... If we can analyze it, we may be able to elevate our own technology even further.)
"...Eiji 1, can you move?"
<...I cannot move. It appears my drive system has sustained complete catastrophic failure.>
"I see..."
<Permit me to ask a question in return....Can you repair me?>
This question caught every member of the Progressers off guard. It meant the golem possessed an exceptionally advanced autonomous program.
Thus, Rodriguez chose to answer honestly.
"At present, that is unknown. The reason being that we know next to nothing about your body yet."
<That is reasonable....Then, what degree of information must I disclose in order to be repaired?>
"That is not something we can negotiate in a short span of time. I would like to take some time to discuss it, if that is acceptable."
<No problem.>
"Good."
Small cheers erupted from the other four.
Whatever the circumstances, they had secured an opportunity to analyze the body of the Deformed Golem, Eiji 1.
"Just according to plan."
And Laojun, too, was pleased with this development.