On the 18th of the same day, the <> had a discussion after breakfast.

"As far as I'm concerned, the reason we haven't found anything after all this searching is because we're looking in the wrong place.

Rhodoth, the leader of the <>, says this, and the members are in an uproar.

Rhodes stopped him and continued.

"The reason is that many years have passed since those days. <. I think it is not surprising that the flow of the river has changed.

"I see. ......"

"This area is just where the river splits in two. So, I think there must be some geological discontinuity. Of course, I am an amateur in geological matters.

"No, I think it's possible, too."

<, agreed with Rhodes' theory.

"Then wouldn't it be right to call Atkins from ......<>?"

Zeddis of <> said. Archista and Sargera of > agreed.

"I think it's the best thing to do.

"So do I."

The question is, will Atkins come?

Rhodes seems to be concerned about that.

"Yeah. "Yeah, but it's a lot easier for them to check the vein than it is for us. Maybe we got what we came for yesterday."

That's actually true, but they don't know that yet.

"Then why don't we just take the blow floaters over there and ask them?"

"Yes. The distance is 60-70 km. It takes two hours to go there and back.

So Kondak from <> was to go there.

If Atkins would come, we could bring him there by <>.

This would shorten the return time of the <>.

And when you send it back, you can use the transfer, and then return with the <> that Kondak left behind.

Incidentally, since the transfer of a condac cannot go to a place it has never been, it is necessary to follow this procedure.

"That seems to be the most efficient way."

"Yes, let's do that."

We decided to go to .......

* * * *

At 8:30 a.m., Kondak of the Shinra team arrived at the base of the Adamantite Research Team near the mouth of the and explained the situation to Atkins of the Kairi team.

"I see, so you want to know where the river was 750 years ago."

"That's what I'm trying to say."

"Very well. We've accomplished 90% of what we set out to do. If Mister Kondak will take us there and back in the transfer, we won't have to spend much time traveling.

Thus, Kondak of Shinra returns to the base with Atkins of Kairi.

"Atkins, I'm sorry to bother you."

"No, I heard about the situation from Mr. Kondak. I will do what I can.

"Thank you."

Atkins immediately started to observe the topography of the area.

"Hmmm... ......"

He wandered around the riverbank and observed the flow of the river.

He wanders a little further away from the site and then digs up the ground with a small shovel in his hand.

Then he utters a request.

"Can someone take me on a <>?　I want to check the topography of the area from above.

"Then I'll do it."

Rhodes runs for the position, and the leaders of the two expedition teams take off together in the blow floaters.

"Where should we fly?"

"First, upstream. Before the Sitong River bisects the river, go upstream about a kilometer. Give me a ground altitude of about 300 meters.

"Yes, sir."

Rhodes flies as Atkins requested.

"Okay. "And I want you to head slowly downstream. When you reach the two-timing zone, I want you to stop.

"Okay."

Rhodes pilots the blow floater as requested by Atkins.

"I see, I see."

Atkins seems to see something that Rhodes does not, and he nods his head repeatedly.

He stayed above where the Siton River splits into two for about 10 minutes, and then changed his altitude from 100 meters to 5 He stayed for about 10 minutes above the Citon River where it divides into two parts, and then changed the altitude from 100 meters to 5,000 meters for observation.

* * * * * * *

After about an hour of observation, Atkins returned to the ground.

Reporting in the tent.

Do you have a map of the area?

"I have it right here."

Rhodes spreads the map on the table.

"Okay. First of all, this branch of the river has not changed much in 750 years. This is because this rock is hornblende, which is very hard and resistant to weathering and erosion."

"Mm."

"But the geology of the area is different. It's a shirasu plateau made of volcanic ejecta, so it's softer here. I think the flow has changed a lot in 750 years and sediment has accumulated."

"I see."

"So, if it is located near the fork, then there must be some clue hidden in the hornblende I mentioned."

"I see."

That's all I can say."

"...... was helpful."

Oh, and one more thing.

What's that?

"I don't think that Mister Filicius, who seems to have such profound knowledge, would have built a near a changeable terrain. ...... this is my personal opinion."

"I'll take it as a reference."

Atkins then returned to his base via Kondak's transfer.

The condac he sent back would return with a blow floater that he had left over there.

* * * *

"Hmmm......Atkins has a point ......<>, what do you think?"

"Yes. I certainly agree with Mr. Atkins. I don't think Master Filicius would build his lair on unstable ground."

"That is true. Then perhaps we should start by investigating the underground bedrock to find out if there is any hard bedrock.

Thus began the second day of the investigation of <>, thanks to the hint Atkins gave us.