It was already dark on Horai Island, but it was still early evening on Potrock.
Jin and Reiko exit from the warp gate installed in the erosion cave.
"I think we need to improve the security of these warp gates," Jin said to himself.
Jin mutters to himself, and Reiko agrees with him.
"That's right. There is a relay base, but it would make sense to stop them at the entrance first.
"Right."
We walk along the seashore.
The wind was blowing with the scent of the sea, but it was somehow warm, reminding us that spring was near.
We walk slowly for 20 minutes. Hitoshi and Reiko had arrived at the front of Marcia's studio.
"Well, is she there?
Jin wondered, but Reiko, who was standing beside him, tugged his sleeve.
"Father, those two seem to be experimenting at the landing ahead.
"Oh, is that so?"
The covert task force (SP), Cattleya and Lotus are with them. It's a good thing we didn't call them back before we regrouped.
"This way, sir."
Another 5 minutes on foot. The almost private landing. This was where Marcia and the others were experimenting.
"Oh, there you are."
A little further out to sea, Marcia and her team were repeating the test.
"They haven't noticed us. ......
"The Arrow is with them, so they'll notice us. ...... look."
Just as Reiko said, the test boat seems to have noticed us and is coming back to the shore at a high speed.
"Hey, Jin!"
Marcia doesn't slow down even though she has less than 10 meters to go. At this rate, the boat is about to hit the pier.
"Oh, no!
Rodrigo, who was on the boat with her, looks pale. Arrow is doing his best to stop the boat, but .......
"Reiko, stop it!"
"Yes, Father."
Reiko activates the force field generator.
She reduces the output and jumps onto the test ship. She then increases the output, and the test ship comes to a stop just before the landing.
"Oh, that was close. ......"
Rodrigo sighs heavily. Marcia turned pale.
"I'm sorry! Thank you for saving my life, Leco!"
Jin and Marcia, who had prevented the accident, greeted each other again.
"Jin, it's been a long time! You've come to the right place!"
Marcia's excitement was high. Rodrigo was also excited, though he did not say so.
"I know we have a lot to talk about, but can we go somewhere else for now?"
"Yeah, sure. Where to?
"Well, follow me and we'll figure it out."
So, after the test ship was stored at the dock, we went to the workshop first. After closing the business for the day, I accompanied Marcia, Rodrigo, and Arrow to the sea cave.
"Jin, what is this place?"
"You know I'm the new Kunlun, right?"
"Yes."
Marcia nodded.
"To the place of origin, you know."
"What? Jin, really?
Yeah. I'm late, but you're invited.
Jin, Jin-dono! Me too?
Rodrigo was visibly excited.
"Yes, you are. Let's go to ......."
They cut the conversation short, not wanting anyone to see them.
Jin takes the lead, and Marcia and Rodrigo, with Reiko leading the way, enter the sea-eroded cave. Arrow is made by Jin, so she can pass through. This is her second visit to Horai Island.
Jin entered the cave and went through the warp gate without saying a word.
He then exited into the . We can talk a little more slowly here.
This is the halfway point.
Jin-dono, what was that?
It's called a warp gate. It's my means of transportation.
It's a warp gate. ...... It's an ancient artifact! I see, Jin-dono is great!"
Rodrigo is excited. Marcia, on the other hand, is at a loss for words.
"Well, let's just move on.
So, the group passes through the warp gate to <>.
They came out of the warp gate hall on the first floor of the institute.
Then, Jin said his usual line.
"Welcome to Horai Island.
* * * *
Jin took them to the basement command room.
This room can also be used as a conference room. Besides Erza, Reinhard, Saki, Toa, Stearina, and Meine had come to the room.
"Marcia-san, it's been a while.
"Rodrigo, you are looking very well.
"Elsa, Reinhard! I didn't know you guys were here too.
"Oh, Mr. Reinhardt, too!"
After the greetings of the acquaintances, the first timers introduced themselves.
"My name is Saki. I am an alchemist.
"My name is Toa. I am Saki's father, also an alchemist.
My name is Stealina. I used to be a magecraftsman in the Kingdom of Selroa, and now I'm an exile in the Kingdom of Shoro.
My name is Meine.
"My name is ...... and this is my real mother."
As if Meene's self-introduction wasn't enough, Erza added, "Erza is also my mother.
"Elsa must have a complicated family life."
Marcia glanced at her father Rodrigo who was sitting next to her and said sincerely.
"Well, you know. I'll tell you all about it later, but first I want you to listen to what I have to say.
Then Perido 21 arrived with a cup of kuhe. When everyone had been served, Jin opened his mouth again.
"Well, listen to me. I wasn't actually born in this world. ......"
"What?
"...... actually ......"
Jin's talk continued for a little less than an hour, interspersing questions along the way.
"...... is how it is."
"......."
Jin thought they would not believe him right away,
"I see. I finally understand why Jin has such outstanding skills and knowledge."
"So that's the reason why I thought Jin-dono was different from the others."
Jin was a little disappointed that both of them believed his story so easily.
"That's right, after being shown the warp gate, this golem maid, and this laboratory. But after all, we know how out of the ordinary they've been.
Marcia said.
Yes, indeed. I knew that Mr. Jin was ahead of us, but I didn't expect him to be this far ahead of us. I have no desire to compete with him.
Rodrigo took off his helmet without hesitation.
What?
"What? <
In the kingdom of Selroa, King Richard sounded irritated.
"He seems to be nowhere to be found at the moment.
"Well, tell those countries. Tell them to talk to the Korun lord at all costs. And that if they ever dare to lick my kingdom of Cerroa they'll be dealt with swiftly.