It is nighttime on Horai Island, which means it is daytime on Onogoro Island on the other side.

The Raptors of the Sky Squadron provide support from the sky while the Mermaid Squadron surveys the undersea environment.

The main island of Onogoro is a cone-shaped island. It is surrounded by <> shaped rocks that form a barrier wall, and is connected to the west side of the main island by a narrow isthmus.

There are two islands in the <>-shaped opening, like gateways.

Another small island floats on the east side of the main island as if accompanied by a small island.

It was surprising that there were no golems or other underwater guards.

The remaining unexplored areas are the main island and the three accompanying islands.

<<

The old man thought that he would place the main magi-machine on the main island and the control unit on the islets.

.

The old man reminded them and waited for their report.

However, the mermaid team is not suitable for land-based investigation because of its mermaid shape. Therefore, they survey the islands from underwater, circling around them.

Since each island is small, it takes less than an hour to go around.

We are careful and confirm that there is nothing of interest after circling the islands three times.

The remaining target is the main island.

Meanwhile, the Sky team dropped down to a lower altitude and surveyed the onshore portion of the islet.

Because of the small size of the island, there were only mosses, grasses, and a few shrubs. There is no obstacle to check from the air.

After receiving the report, the old man instructed the staff to continue the survey of the main island.

In this case, the Shinobi Unit would be the best suited, but as expected, they had not prepared a special super-compact mana storage device.

<>.

Since the reorganization of the <>, we have changed our policy of deploying them as needed, so they are no longer attached to Jin and other members of the family at all times.

Therefore, there are members who are not available.

<> available. Let's leave it to them.

After fully equipping themselves, the two bodies are sent out by the transporter.

* * * *

Immediately after arriving at the main island of Onogoro, Elm and Ash sensed that the free magical element (ether) that should have filled the space was almost gone.

Of course, they have mana cylinders, so there is no problem with their activities.

The two units begin to act according to your instructions.

"First, check the surroundings.

Then we will investigate the basement.

Elm and Ash use the magic of the mana cylinder to activate <>.

"...... is this ......?"

"There seems to be something underground."

The existence of a cavity was detected.

Let's try to find another location.

That's a good idea.

The two of them try to get a general view of the island, focusing on one area at a time.

While moving around the island, we explore the ground.

When we had surveyed about a quarter of the island, it appeared.

What are you doing, you live puppets with a will?

It was a golem about 2.4 meters tall, its entire body a dull copper color. It may be made of orichalcone.

This is an inviolable sanctuary. You must leave immediately!

Elm and Ash keep sending you images of this golem.

The old man instructs them to negotiate with the golem.

"Please tell us what role this island plays," Elm asks.

Elm asks, but Golem's response is indifferent.

There is no need. Leave quickly!

Ash insists.

"I'll figure something out. That's what we're here to find out.

He's right. If you don't follow my advice, you'll be removed by force.

At this point, the old man tells the two of them to try one thing.

"What does this have to do with your low free magical element (ether)?"

The copper-colored golem reacts a little differently.

You know that much, don't you? Yes, I do. This is a controlled island. Now leave.

"Thanks for the info. How can I learn more?

"Please tell me what to do, please tell me what to do."

Elm and Ash are following the old man's instructions.

I told you. This is sacred ground. No one is supposed to be allowed here.

What is your role here? A guardian?

Do you know what it's called? Otherwise you would not have come this far. But I will not allow you to violate my sanctuary. Get out of here.

Why not?

By all means.

It seems the will of the golem remains unchanged.

All right, I'll leave.

I think we should leave now.

The old man instructed them to leave, and Elm and Ash used the transporter to transfer a short distance.

They were transferred to a cruiser waiting near Onogoro Island.

<

The old man prays for both of them.

This information was immediately reported to Jin.

"...... so there was a guardian after all?"

<

The Guardian that was warned about by No. 700672. The old man had analyzed its performance and role.

<

When making a golem, depending on its purpose, the old man guessed that if it was for security, it would be made a little bigger than them.

But at the same time, if it is too big, it would be inconvenient for them to act in their living space (for example, they would not be able to support themselves on the ceiling or go through doors, etc.), so it would have to be a moderate size.

"The performance seems to be good.

From the images sent to us, the overall balance seems to be good.

It is not at all bulky in appearance, giving the impression of a knight in light armor.

Also, although I could observe only a few movements, the movements are sophisticated.

<

The old man also gives his opinion.

"Right."

Although the information obtained was not much, the old man took the initiative in deciding the future course of action.