Volume 7 - Chapter 10 – The Mystery of Ether (2/2)

Laozi thought they’d better augment the engines, so he made a suggestion. Jin decided to adopt that suggestion and,

“Alright, let’s add one to both wings. By having three engines in total surely even long-range flights would be possible.”

There was no way that the number of engines would be proportional to the flight range, but the point was probably valid as it made it easier to increase both flight speed and altitude. It didn’t mean that Jin comprehended much of the aerodynamics from the start. He only had had experience building model planes. If it didn’t work out, he’d just rebuild them, Jin thought.

And thus, they decided to build several fuselages.

First was the fuselage for use in long-distance reconnaissance. It was loaded with three Ether Converters and three Magi Jet Engines too. It had a large Mana Tank and –theoretically– it could easily go around the world.

Next was the fuselage for use in transportation. It was similar to the long-distance reconnaissance models, but rather than improving flight distance the takeoff weight was improved by increasing the surface of the wings and the volume of the fuselage.

Finally was the fuselage for use in stealth manoeuvres. The ‘Albatross’ was used as the base, but a [Stealth] function was installed, the offensive ability strengthened, and the frame was made to be capable of high-speed movement. It would be no exaggeration to call it a stealth fighter.

They were each named with the long-range reconnaissance model being ‘Skylark’, the transportation-model being ‘Pelican’, and the secret model being ‘Raptor’.

The Skylark was a Eurasian skylark, and Raptor was a bird of prey. Jin christened them after names he had heard while on Earth. If you thought of the two then certainly, you’d get the feeling that albatross would be a better name for the long-distance reconnaissance plane rather than skylark, but since Jin named them it’s hopeless to worry.

＊　　　＊　　　＊

When the designs were roughly completed, Jin once more viewed the map.

From the measurements until now, he could grasp the approximate size of this planet.

“However, it’s smaller than I thought.”

According to Laozi’s calculations this planet’s diameter was approximately 2400 kilometers. It was small compared to Earth’s circumference of about 12700 kilometers.

“It’s filled with heavy elements after all…Probably magical elements too, huh.”

Jin had an interest in this planet’s structure too, but he postponed that and changed to a different thought.

“Laozi, it seems that there’s a turbulent situation in this world too, so stay alert.”

Jin brought it to Laozi’s attention.

“Yes, things such as [Subordination Rewriting Magic] and Unifilers, right? I get the reports from Reiko-san too.”

“Yeah, that’s right. If they knew about this place, they’d unmistakably set their aims here. Be careful.”

“Understood, My Lord. I will do that, and staying vigilant in Kaina Village is important too, right?

“Right.”

It was the name of the village that was special to Jin. You could call the village a second home to him.

Now that Jin had received the title of honorary Magi Craftsman of Egelia Kingdom, a small hope swelled of perhaps being able to go to Cline Kingdom and openly visit Kaina Village located in its countryside. It still seemed to for a bit later in the future, though.

After that, Jin spent time listening to the detailed reports regarding the islands’ development, and the state of affairs on Kunlun Island.

To put it briefly, eveything was going very well.

Finally, he tried asking about mining Elradrite, but unfortunately a vein of it couldn’t be found on either Hourai Island or Kunlun Island.

“Well, I guess it can’t be helped. Please continue your investigations.”

“Yes, My Lord.”

Then Jin once again went through the Warp Gate and returned to Yada Village.

＊　　　＊　　　＊

Because of the time difference, it was still bright in Yada Village.

After getting out of the carriage, Jin took the opportunity to check and see if there’s been any damage or abnormalities anywhere.

“Ah, Jin-kun.”

A voice then greeted him. Turning around, he saw Elsa.

“What, are you up to?”

“Um, just inspecting the carriage. Tomorrow, we’ll take this to the ruins, right? That’s why.”

Elsa looked satisfied with an answer like that.

“Jin-kun’s remarkable. Even after making something like this, you’re still prudent.

“Haha, you won’t get anywhere even with flattery.”

Jin replied like that to Elsa’s praise and,

“Alright, everything’s normal.”

He said and clapped his hands together.

“I hope the weather’s fine tomorrow.”

“Mm.”

Jin looked up at the sky while walking alonside Elsa.

The clouds in the sky dyed red by the sunset seemed to be an omen of fine weather for tomorrow.