In order to build up the army, Jin consulted with Lao Tzu.

First of all, he had to organize the information of the Unified Party (Unifiler). Lao Tzu would analyze the magi crystals which were copied from the knowledge of Purcell, the leader of the Unifiler.

The key is to strengthen Horai Island.

"There are many things to do, but where should we start?

"Well, information, transport or movement, and strength. I think these three are necessary. I think it would be better to list the means of reinforcement for each of them and prioritize them.

Following Lao Tzu's advice, Jin thought about it. The proposal he came up with was as follows,

1. To strengthen the information, secret agents should be sent to various areas.

2. Develop a new means of transportation.

3. Develop new weapons.

The three are as follows.

"I think that the secret spy should be in the direction of reinforcing the current ninja force.

Yes, I think so. In my opinion, assuming that they do not protect the master (my lord), they should be automata instead of golems, and should be disguised so that they can blend in among the people.

"Hmm, that sounds good. Hmmm, that's a good idea. Let's make about 100 of them and call them "Quinta".

"The fifth column is the spies, right? That's a good name.

Lao Tzu agreed, and it was first decided to create an intelligence unit, the <>.

There were 40 male adults and 30 female adults, which were the easiest to operate. For disguise, 10 boy types, 10 girl types, and 10 smaller Reiko types, for a total of 10 The basic number is 10. The basic structure is the same as that of the Houraishima Covert Mobile Unit (SP), but they are covered with a magical skin and have hair, making them more human-like. Jin made the basic parts of the SP, and Lao Tzu took care of the rest.

The next step was the means of transportation.

"I want to build a VTOL or helicopter as a means of transportation.

"You mean a means of transportation that can take off and land anywhere. That sounds good.

The last weapon was not rushed because it is linked to information and means of transportation.

And just as they were about to start the development of the fifth column (quinta), Reiko returned.

"Father, we have finished setting up the base at the fort site.

"Ah, thank you, Reiko."

Then Reiko started to report.

"First of all, we decided to leave the remains of the fort intact.

The reason is that it would give people the impression that the fort was abandoned.

"The base was set up at a depth of 50 meters by digging a hole in the center of the fort. The manacam and warp gate have already been installed.

Reiko continues her report.

"As living facilities, we have installed a bedroom, kitchen, and toilet. We have also installed a bath, albeit a small one."

It seems that she knew that Jin likes to take a bath and took care of it.

The pantry is not yet stocked, but we have already stored enough water for 10 people to live for a week.

"You did a good job. We will set up bases in various locations from now on, using the one that Reiko has created as a standard.

In addition to the three items mentioned earlier, the item of establishing bases has been added. It seems that a military chief of staff is urgently needed. Even Lao Tzu is based on the knowledge of Jin.

What are you doing?　"What are you doing?

Then Ann came in. For now, Anne has no specific role to play, and she has been free since she came to Horai Island. She had been asking Soleil and Luna about various things.

"Ah, Anne..."

Jin briefly explained the circumstances. Then he said,

"I think I can give you some advice.

He said, "I can give you some advice.

"I see, Anne worked as a sort of secretary at the fort, didn't she?

"Yes. Unfortunately, even if you fix it, some of the memories have been lost, but I will help you as much as I can, so please don't dispose of it.

"Destroy it?　Why are you talking about that?

Anne told Jin who was wondering why she was talking about such a thing.

"In that fortress, I became old-fashioned and my combat ability was low, and the soldiers got tired of my body. So they didn't repair my malfunctions and left me to rot."

"What ......?"

That's a terrible story, Jin said angrily.

"As long as you stay with me, I'll never do that to you. So forget about that sad thing. Support me at ......."

"Yes, thank you, Goshujin. I will do my best."

"Anne, let's work together."

Reiko also encourages Anne. Somehow, Jin has never seen Reiko jealous of Ann. It might be because they are the same "blood family" whose design basis is the same as the previous generation.

"Okay, let's start over. We have a lot of work to do, but we have to get it all out there and put it in order.

Jin looked around the fixed terminals of Reiko, Ann, and Lao Tzu.

"It's mainly military equipment for the Unification Party (Unifiler), isn't it?"

Ann asked for confirmation.

"Yes. But I also want to refrain from killing if possible."

Jin answers, and Anne responds to his answer.

Then, the first priority is to gather information on the Unification Party (Unifiler). Gaining information about our opponents will be our best weapon.

Jin agreed.

"Yes, I see. To do so, the fifth column (quinta) will be formed and dispatched to various locations.

"I see. Then the next step is to survey the ruins.

Anne suggested.

Ruins?

"Yes. Like the ruins I was in, there must still be facilities from those days in various places. It is also important not to give any part of our super knowledge of the past to the Unification Party (Unifiler).

"I see. So there is a possibility that there are weapons like Gig Earth?

Yes. The Gigarth is a mass production prototype, and I remember that 10 units were produced. Three of them were destroyed in the war. Of the remaining seven, one was recently destroyed, so it is very likely that six remain.

Surprisingly, the meeting with Ann proved to be fruitful.

Lao Tzu has the same knowledge, but Ann's thought process is not designed by Jin, so she points out things that Jin seems to have overlooked.

The first priority is to create a fifth column (Quinta) and dispatch it to various locations to gather information on the Unified Party (Unifilers) and the ruins. After that, the Vertical Take Off and Landing Aircraft (VTOL) will be sent.

The policy for the future will be decided according to the information that is expected to be brought to us during the development of the VTOL.

Specifically, once the VTOL prototype is completed, Lao Tzu will be in charge of its mass production and deployment. Jin completed the fifth row (Quinta).

It is thought that the VTOL and the quinta can be completed at about the same time. Then, using the completed VTOL, the fifth column (quinta) will be dispatched to various places.

This may be the reverse of the order of what I said at first, but Ann assured me that this would be the most efficient way.

Jin began to think of a Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.

"One of the major drawbacks of VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) is its low fuel consumption. To be more precise, the jet engine cannot suck in air when it is stationary, which means that fuel consumption is poor during vertical takeoff and landing and when the aircraft is stopped in mid-air."

Jin recalls a magazine article he read long ago. But this does not apply to the magical jet propulsion engine (Magijet engine).

"I think there was something about helicopters being bad if the speed of the rotors exceeds the speed of sound.

This is also vague, since it is from a magazine article.

"I guess I'll go for a VTOL type aircraft.

Once you make that decision, the rest is easy. Considering the speed, stability, allowable load, etc., the number of magical jet propulsion engines (magijet engines) and the method of installation are considered.

This is mainly a discussion with Lao Tzu. Lao Tzu's simulation ability is useful.

As a result, two large magical jet propulsion engines (magijet engines) are installed at both ends of the main wings, and they are directed downward for takeoff and landing. In addition, two smaller magical jet propulsion engines (magijet engines) are used for propulsion. In addition, four small magical jet propulsion engines (magijet engines) are installed for directional adjustment, pointing in different directions.

This allows the craft to float and stand still like a hovercraft, and to move in all directions at a very low speed. When flying, speed can be obtained by rotating the magical jet propulsion engines (magijet engines) on the wingtips in the direction of travel. At low speeds or when carrying heavy loads, the jet propulsion engine can also generate lift by jetting downward.

By placing the engine for levitation at the center of gravity, we intend to minimize changes in attitude.

"Okay, let's make a small prototype.

Jin becomes more animated as he begins to build the prototype.

Lao Tzu arranges the materials, Reiko transports them, and Jin processes them. The process is the same as before, but from this time on, Anne checks the details, which makes it more reliable.

After some trial and error, the first prototype of the VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft was completed by midday.

"Okay, let's do a test flight.

At the airfield in front of the institute. Again, the test pilot was Reiko.

Reiko, I'm counting on you.

"Yes, Father."

After a brief exchange of words, Reiko climbs into the prototype VTOL and starts the engine.

The sound of the Magijet engine, a magical jet propulsion engine, was heard. The prototype left the ground.

It floated!

Jin watches the movement with bated breath.

It seemed to be a little unstable, but Reiko compensated for this by using her reflection speed dozens of times faster than that of a human being, and the prototype was able to stand still at two meters above the ground as planned.

"Yes!　Reiko, next is to move forward and change direction at a slight speed!

Jin instructs Reiko through the manacam. In response, Reiko further manipulates the prototype.

After about 10 meters, Reiko backs up the prototype.

After about 10 meters, Reiko backs up the prototype. "Yes, yes, that's good, that's good."

The prototype returned to its original position and made a 180-degree turn at that spot.

She moved it further sideways and slowly in a circular motion, carefully checking its maneuverability and behavior at a very low speed.

"Okay, Reiko, now let's see how it flies. Try flying normally first."

Satisfied with the results for the time being, Jin ordered the next step, testing it as an airplane.

Reiko waved her right hand lightly to signal that she understood, and the plane began to climb vertically.

At an altitude of about 50 meters, the magical jet propulsion engine (magijet engine) was activated. The prototype flies forward as if propelled by a bullet.

The speed is quite fast. Reiko continued to gain altitude, and at about 500 meters, she gradually rotated the engines at both ends of the main wings in the direction of flight.

This was difficult. The upward force decreases and the thrust increases. The maneuverability changes slightly. Without Reiko's reflex speed, it might have been impossible.

However, Reiko managed the prototype without a hitch, accumulating data in the auxiliary magi-crystal.

The Magi Crystal, which was comparable to a support computer, would later make it much easier to operate the VTOL.

"Success!"

A new wing was born in Horai Island on this day, though it may need some minor modifications.

* * * * * * * * * * *

At night, we received a call from Reinhardt. He said that he had crossed the Torres River without incident, and that there was nothing unusual in particular.