< is a remarkable one.

First of all, I < am one of the . Yes, I was one.

What do you mean?

From what we know so far, Shinobu Ichi is the spokesperson for the Horai Island side.

As you may know, the original name of the group was <<<<<<<<<<<>, which is the same name as <<<<<<<<<>.

[......

These are the names inscribed on the tombstones that Reiko found, although some of them are unknown to her.

The aggregate of those eight ......, or rather, the aggregate of the magical brains that collected the memories (mementos) of eight people, is .

...... I didn't know that.

Now we finally know the true identity of .

It was a magical brain that inherited the memories and possibly the personality of the of the first generation.

Just before our death, we automatically transferred our < ...... memories and personality to the mage-brain. And we have watched over this planet and our descendants.

............

But 4000 years is too long. After a thousand years, we began to desire a body.

I see.

I see.

"Hmm, I don't even want to imagine."

This was something that even Jin in Horai Island could somewhat understand.

The spirit of the originator could not endure to spend the years of his life as the brain of the magician.

"I wonder if there is sight and hearing ....... But, aside from the sense of smell, we will lose the sense of touch and taste, won't we?"

We can see, we can hear. But that's it.

They cannot move their bodies (they have no bodies to move in the first place), they cannot eat, they cannot exercise.

All they can do is think.

"...... even that <> was bored. ......"

It is impossible that , which has not reached such a stage of development that it can abandon its body ......<>, would not be bored.

"I think I would have been bored a lot sooner."

"Brother Jin, you're off topic."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I just wanted to say ...... that I don't think people can do without their bodies, either.

Jin thought, "I'm sick of being in bed for a day or two with a cold. ......

* * *

< continues.

......That's why we needed an elaborate automaton as a .

I see, now I understand a little better. But why automata?　<

You know that much? You're quite an expert, aren't you?

No, it's just a coincidence.

I'll leave it at that. The reason why we don't make a homunculus at ...... is simple. It's because we didn't have the important <>.

If there was a psychic catalyst?

I'm surprised. I didn't think you knew that much. ...... is right. <

I'm starting to understand the situation a little better now, Shinobu Ichi.

I understand that's why you've been trying to make an automata. But why make them have the physical capabilities of a human?

It's simple. There's no need.

Is that so?

That's how it is.

<

I would rather call it a body in its natural state, rather than a body I am used to using.

[......] Okay. Go on.

Mm-hmm. ...... but I haven't been able to make an automaton that I like. Until your creator made one for me.

I see. So the automata in the other room that didn't work were made for that purpose, and you discarded them because you didn't like them?

Well, that's how it is.

...... but why not recycle them?

There's a good reason.

He was a little hesitant, which is unusual for him.

What's wrong?　Something you can't explain?

No, it's not that. Fine, I'll tell you why.

Mm-hmm.

We have enemies.

Enemies?

We've learned another unexpected fact.

Yes, we have enemies.

There is such a thing?

Yes, there is.

Yes, there is.

On Horai Island, there were those who heard the conversation and were surprised.

"What?　There is still such a person?

that left traces of fine holes, whips, and heat weapons.

"Oh, yes, I remember something like that.

"I don't know what a fine hole is."

.

The old man gave his guess.

"Sure, something like that. I would suggest spikes on the soles of the feet.

"Hmm, me too."

"Hmm, I see. I wonder what kind of an enemy ...... is?"

"At least it's belligerent. Not only is he destroying them, he's also breaking them down to the material level.

"...... brother Jin, could it be that the enemy wants the material too?"

Erza spoke up with an idea.

"Oh, so that's a possibility. I think that's the purpose, not the justification of the means.

"Yes, I think so. But it makes sense as a reason to break it down thoroughly, maybe.

"Well ...... then, what is the material used for?"

"Well, I don't know.

The lack of information made it difficult to speculate further.

So Jin and the others returned their attention to the story of .

* * * * * * *

What kind of enemy would attack this place?

*......I'm going to humiliate you with a security system that we built a long time ago.

...... what?

< was shocking.

......It was set up to act as a restraining force in the event of unethical behavior by the magical brain.

...... You don't think that's the one that went haywire?

《......That's right. It's a disgrace.

............

It's a rebellion against the system we've created.

In other words, there was a potentially great threat, and hearing this, Shinobu Ichi and the rest of the Horai Islanders foresaw even more trouble.