"Anne. Yes, ......."

Now Anne has been remodeled and enhanced to be many times more powerful than she was when she was first discovered, or even when she was first manufactured.

She has roughly half the power of Reiko, and is no match for a normal battle golem.

"I still have my memories of that time, though some of them are missing. I think I am the right person for the job.

"Father, I recommend you to do the same."

The old man and Reiko also recommended Anne, so Jin made up his mind.

"Okay, I'll ask Anne. Just don't do anything rash, okay?

"Yes, I'll leave it to you.

"I'll check it out just in case."

Jin checked each part of Anne with the help of Elsa and Reiko.

The transporter, force field generator, barrier projector, and other functions that were added afterward were brought to a perfect state. Of course, the transporter to return to Horai Island is already built in.

Finally, I give him a transporter gun and a plasma sword for self-defense.

"Okay, that should do it. Take care of yourself.

"Yes, sir. I'll be there."

The transporter operated by the old man transported Anne to the place where Regulus 43 was, that is, the underground lockup.

There, nine unconscious and bound men are lying on the floor.

"Is Regulus 43 outside ......?"

Once outside the room, she notices that the door to the next room is open. He peeks in and finds Regulus 43 there. He found Ann coming in and gave a small nod.

Regulus 43, do you have any new information?

"Not really. It is quiet inside the fort.

After a brief exchange of words, Anne finally headed for the basement.

The route is the same as the one taken by Sam and the others, so there is no way to get lost.

For some reason, there were no golems or other guards, and soon they were on the third basement floor, near where the magic brain was supposed to be.

（Mister Anne, this way!)

Sam 1 came to guide Ann. Sam 1 came to guide Anne. He did not speak aloud, but communicated with the built-in manacam.

(Understood.) Ann also has a built-in magic elemental communication device.

Anne also responded via the built-in manacam.

She was led to the third basement floor of the fortress, in what appeared to be the central part of the building.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the room. There must be such a boundary somewhere.

Who came there?

Just as with Sam and the others, a voice called out, "Who are you? This time there were no words of . They must be watching from somewhere.

"I am Anne. I serve the master."

I see. Automata certainly serve their masters. Then who is the master?

I can't answer that question at this time.

Then let's change the question. What is your purpose, Anne?

To free those who have been taken prisoner.

I don't approve of that. I don't approve of that, because it's too dangerous.

Too dangerous?

Dangerous? I think they must be mentally deranged to be fighting amongst themselves. We can't let such a person go unchecked.

I see. ...... I'm sorry. Well, let's change the question then. Do you have someone you can call your master?

No. The only person who can give me orders is my commander, but he is not here at the moment.

It was useful information. The old man, who was getting information through Ann, instructed her to ask more questions about the <>.

"<>? What kind of person is he?

The <> is the chief executive of the fort.

Immediately sensing that this was not the way to ask the question, Ann changed her question.

"Can you recognize the commander?"

Of course.

How?

It's easy. <

A command staff?

Yes.

It's easy to imagine that it's not just a command staff. There must be some kind of authentication key.

This, too, was something that could not be solved in a short period of time due to the lack of information.

The old man instructed Ann to pursue another possibility.

What is the purpose of your existence?

Naturally, to serve mankind.

And what is mankind?　How do you define it?

The group to which my creator belongs, that would be mankind.

But you were created more than 300 years ago, right?

That's right.

Then, of course, the creator no longer exists, right?

That's obvious, isn't it?

Then what defines mankind?

What ...... is it?

"If you can't define it, can't you take decisive action?"

《......》

"How so?"

《...... blue-haired automaton, did you say "Anne"? I admit you're right.

"I see. Then there is one more thing. Do you want information?

Information?

Yes. You've analyzed the POW's knowledge, but there's more to it than that.

If there is such a thing, I'd like to know about it.

"I see. Then let me come a little closer to you.

Why?

To give you information.

To this word, <> took a full five seconds to think before replying.

I can't approve of that. I am obeying a self-preservation order to keep disquieting elements at bay.

"Are you saying that I am a disturbing element?"

That's right. You want me to unconditionally trust someone who can get inside the fort without my knowledge?

"...... I can easily destroy you. Will you trust me not to do so?

It's no use trying to deceive me. Blue-haired automata, I know what you are capable of. Not even a scratch can hurt me.

But Anne denied it.

"That is already a lack of information. I am not the blue-haired automata you know. I have been altered and strengthened by the Goshujin-sama.

Hmmm, then let's see you prove it. <<>>

Before she could finish her words, a thunderbolt of 50 million volts struck Anne.

A direct hit. I knew you were just talking.

"What are you talking about? This much lightning doesn't even need to be avoided.

Anne was standing there quietly, looking no different from before she was struck by the lightning.

Anne's skin is the wing membrane of a sea dragon, the same as Reiko's a little while ago. 50 million volts is not as strong as a mosquito bite.

Natural lightning can sometimes reach a billion volts. Sea dragons can withstand even that.

What?

For the first time, reacted with dismay.

"Well, I'm coming to you now."

Anne started to walk away.

"Mmmm... ...... then, .

It is an attack magic of the wind attribute of intermediate level. Of course, Anne looks cool and keeps walking slowly.

Don't come any closer!

"No, I won't stop until you trust me."

I'll destroy it.

If you can, go ahead.

What did I tell you?　You'll be sorry, won't you?

My raison d'etre is to be useful to you. If I fulfill my role for that purpose, I'll never regret it.

Hmm, that's a good resolution. Let ...... break down. <

No.

No!

unleashes the ultimate attack magic, , but Anne doesn't explode, and she doesn't stop walking. did not understand.