While the meeting was in a state of confusion, an extraordinary message was sent to the King of the Kingdom of Cerroa.

"The King of Cerroa has received word that His Highness the Deus Ex Machina III will visit you."

"Deus ex Machina?　At this hour?

Yes. He says it's an urgent matter.

"Yes. ......"

After thinking for a moment, King Cerroa decided to suspend the meeting and meet with Machina III.

He hoped that this time would cool the heated heads of the members.

"The Prime Minister should also be present.

Yes, sir.

* * * * *

In his office, King Cerroa received Makina III.

"This is the first time since our last meeting, Her Highness Machina.

His Majesty is in good health. I am glad to see that the Prime Minister is also in good health.

After a few brief words of greeting, Makina III went on to the main topic of conversation.

"What is urgent is that we have discovered that there is a mysterious facility underground in the fortress a little north of Lutgla.

"What?

The king is astonished. But the Prime Minister's words came as a surprise to Makina III.

"Your Majesty, a survey team from Avalon is on its way there.

"What?"

* * * *

The name of the fortress is exactly the same as it was.

It is a fort built in the early days of the Magic War.

It has been abandoned for a long time since King Cesar replaced King Richard 400 years ago .......

The students sent by the of <> were about to visit such a .

"Should we hurry and stop?　Should we hurry and stop?

Yes, if possible.

Yes, if possible.

Prime Minister Dine Saeme de Pars sent an urgent message to in the joint name of the Kingdom of Celuloa and Deus ex Machina III.

But the message was not...

"You are too late, Lord Machina. The expedition has already arrived at Fort Rutgula."

What do you mean, the ...... members?

Do you want me to check?

No,...... it may be too late, but I'll be on my way to support them."

With these words, Makina III left the office of the King of Celuloa.

The king and the prime minister were at a loss for words from start to finish.

But then, Squire Rey came to them,

"Here is a brief report. Please read it.

and left a document behind, they finally realized the importance of the situation.

The document reads as follows

<> and is still in operation, albeit imperfectly.

The problem is that the facility still has fighting power, and it is necessary to neutralize it as soon as possible, since there is no telling when the facility will be triggered.

It is strictly forbidden to let <> near the facility since it was built during the <>.

It was written as follows.

"Mmm......<> in the >."

The Prime Minister involuntarily looked up to the heavens.

But his prayer was not answered. .......

* * * *

<> of > has launched a project to analyze the technology of the <> and make it useful in the modern age.

As a part of this project, they have been surveying various <> in various places.

This time, Fort Lutgula in the Kingdom of Celuloa was the target of the project.

The members are as follows.

The leader of the group is Gijou Sitsudo, Technical Administrator of Avalon. The deputy leader is Rinkers Kande, also a technical administrator.

The members of the group are Eila Siata and Groma Trey from the Practical Golem Laboratory, commonly known as the . Lazaro De Rossi from the Civil Engineering Laboratory.

Cain Gay from the Institute of Medical Research was also present.

In addition, Aleo Yoka Knights from the World Guard and Sho Norigi, a soldier from the Kingdom of Selroa, accompanied the group as escorts.

In addition, a golem <> of < is also serving as an escort and luggage bearer.

Also present was Bondoc Seikut, an archaeologist from the Kingdom of Celuloa, who served as a guide.

By midday the same day that Deus ex Machina III sent word to the Kingdom of Celuloa, the group had arrived at Fort Lutgla.

"At last!"

They let out such a voice without anyone noticing.

The distance from the town of Rutgula to the fort is about 15 kilometers.

The group traveled by horse-drawn carriage, but there was no road like a road, and the carriage was very uncomfortable to ride on due to the shaking of the carriage.

The reason why they did not use <'s vehicles is because they consider transportation as part of the learning process.

"So this is what is commonly known as <>. ......"

After a short rest, the <> immediately began their investigation.

It started with the appearance of the fort.

The fort is of average construction for the time of the <>.

The stone is made of quartzite, a hard quartzite rock, which is found in the area.

"Hm, the structure is similar to other forts.

Lazaro De Rossi of the Civil Engineering Laboratory begins his investigation.

"Yes, it is. There are other forts in Tuscosia in the far north and a little southwest between Besh and Isor, but this one, Fort Lutgula, is probably standard as a remnant of the time of the ."

Archaeologist Bondoc Seikt gave a historical and geographical description.

"This place was in use until the reign of His Majesty King Richard, so some details have been modified. However, the overall structure should remain as it was in ancient times.

His escort, Sho Norigi, also explained. He was from the town of Rutgula, so he knew his stuff.

"It's almost sunset. Let's go inside.

"Yes, I think so."

After the general observation, Sho Noriji led the group into Fort Lutgula, where they would be staying for the night.

"Wow, this is ......."

"Well built."

Walls, ceiling, floor.

The joints of the stones are tightly fitted without any gaps.

Even those who are not familiar with architecture would think the view is magnificent.

The group was shown to a room that could be used for overnight stay.

There were facilities for cooking, and the group was served a hot meal.

The meal was prepared by , a golem from . It is a general-purpose type that is more suitable for combat use.

"Yes, it's delicious.

"You're a better cook than I am."

"haha, compared to Eira, I'm a better cook."

I'm sorry!

"Geez!　...... don't hit me while I'm eating!"

Eira is not a good cook.

Eira slapped Groma on the back for making fun of her.

At that moment.

What is it?

The whole fortress began to rumble.