In the jet-black space, <> was constructing a simple relay base.

<

It is a flat disc-shaped structure, and its position can be controlled and somewhat moved by the <>.

It has a simple living facility and can accommodate 10 people for about a week.

However, the main purpose is to serve as a relay point for magical equipment such as a . At the same time, it is a landmark of the transition.

It is equipped with physical barriers (solid barriers) and defensive shields (aigis), and is also capable of dealing with meteorites.

Of course, it is also equipped with a magic barrier (Magic Barrier) to resist magical attacks.

In about two days, built it.

The ship is also equipped with a magic barrier to resist magical attacks.

"I guess it's different when you can send materials by transfer.

Jin nodded in satisfaction at Horai Island.

By sending the materials that had been pre-processed on Horai Island to by transporter, the construction period was drastically shortened.

"I'm counting on you, old man."

<

As soon as the relay station was completed, the "Mere Old Man" used the "Peeper" telescope to look at Hale, but he could not see the area where he thought the planet Hale was located, because it was covered by a strong barrier.

Do you want <<<< Vulcan>> to move into the Hale area? >>

In a way, we had planned for this, as we had anticipated it.

"Yes."

The plan is simple: we will place near Hale, close enough to use it as a foothold for our advance.

<

"It will be. Please.

We have to be careful. Jin knows that.

We don't want an interplanetary war because of a misunderstanding.

* * * *

By the way, two days ago, on December 20th.

The old man asked Jin.

"Where to?"

The position is the opposite of the direction that <<<< Vulcan>> was headed.

The old man explains that his guess is that Hale's relay base is in that direction.

"Indeed. We need to check it out."

<

"Yes. What is the formation?"

<<<<<<<<> I'll send six ships.

Jin thought for a moment and then gave his approval.

"...... because there might be a danger. All right."

After this meeting, a scouting team was dispatched.

* * * *

>

December 23. In the position of the last apex of the equilateral triangle with the sun Seran and the planet Arus at its apex.

<

A reconnaissance party of six ships detects something huge floating in space.

The orbital points of the two objects and the equilateral triangle are in stable equilibrium. This is called the Lagrangian point, but Jin did not seem to know it.

The brain of Horai Island, the old man, after a mathematical consideration, had a renewed recognition that this point was a suitable place to place a relay base.

> went.

The old man immediately contacted and told him to be careful about the 120 degree position. Since the 60 degree position has already passed, he thinks it is enough to check it on the way back.

He said, "Mr. Mere Old Man, I have to tell you that the position of 120 degrees has already passed.

"I have heard what you said, Mr. Mere Old Man.

Half a day later, the reconnaissance team was approaching the object.

"Yes. I knew there was out there."

Jin is satisfied that his decision of three days ago was correct.

An image from the flagship of the reconnaissance team, the <>, was projected onto the large magic screen in the control room.

A group of asteroids was projected on the screen.

>.

This is also called <>, and the one in Jupiter's orbit is especially famous.

There were asteroids of various sizes, some of which looked like they could be used as bases.

"Hmmm, if there was such a place, why didn't they collect resources from here?"

<

I could only imagine.

"Any reaction?"

"I see. Proceed with caution. If there is no base, there may come a day in the not-too-distant future when we will have to get the resources of Ars from here."

.

* * * *

"...... has a lot of problems."

Jin blurts out.

"Here is your tea, father."

Reiko brought him a cup of hojicha (roasted green tea).

"Oh, thank you, Reiko."

Jin sighs as he takes a sip of the properly cooled hojicha.

"I wonder if we're going to encounter this much trouble just because we're going to Hale to scout.

"I'm sure your father will be fine!

"I hope so."

With a wry smile, Jin drank down his cup of hojicha tea.

Then Elsa came in with a cup of tea.

"Brother Jin, tea ......... Oh, what's that?"

Erza looks a little disappointed when she sees the finished cup of tea.

"Oh, I'm thirsty and just wanted another cup.

"Well, that's good."

Jin takes the tea that Erza made for him. It was brown rice tea.

"Yes, it's delicious."

The sky of Horai Island was so clear and blue that it was impossible to imagine what was happening in the universe beyond.