On Horai Island, the results of the investigation of the materials stockpiled by the mysterious entity, sent by the <>, were being examined.

<>

"Hm...... copper and tin, and zinc, that's for bronze and brass?"

"Hm...and I guess they also use special or alloyed steels."

"Yes, it is. I don't think it will be used for plating.

At this point, Erza voiced her opinion.

"Brother Jin, is there a possibility that he is using it as , which was used by someone before?

is a magical isotope of mercury, which has a high affinity with magic power and is a perfect material for <>.

<> is a golem movement method that applies the magic of >, but uses liquefied materials.

It has the advantage of requiring less magical power to operate.

"No, the amount of material mined and stockpiled is too small for that.

"Oh, sure."

"Kuhu, isn't it possible that you've already used it?

"Ah, Saki's theory is also possible. ......"

"I guess so. Let's keep up the good work.

* * * *

The Shinobi troop left the warehouse with the golem that had brought the materials, and headed for another room.

The fact that they brought the materials out of this warehouse suggests that they are most likely headed for the factory.

That's for sure.

So, with high hopes, the five members of the "Shinobi Unit" followed the golem carrying the materials.

...... Hmm?　Looks like we hit the mark.

It would seem so.

The golem carrying the materials enters what appears to be a large factory.

...... Speaking of which, I don't suppose you know where we are?

Yes, sir. But you do have a hold on it, don't you?

I'm sure he does. <

* * * *

<

<><><<>>," he said.

"Yes, I see. I thought you were on the continent of Pandor. ......

Jin had thought that it was a base built by men and women who had migrated to the continent of Pandor, but he was wrong.

of the <>? >>

"Oh, by the way, didn't they say something about having to correct their descendants when they chose the wrong path or something?"

<>

< of and of .

< put their whole heart and soul into and purged the <>.

"...... So you are saying that <> did something wrong?"

<

"I see. ...... so <> was also in danger?"

The old man thought that <> had gone out of control and <> had intervened to stop it.

<> is.

"I see."

We will have to wait until we have more information before we can make a decision.

Jin and the others waited for more information from the Shinobi Forces.

* * * *

The five shinobi follow the golem carrying the materials and sneak into a room that looks like a factory.

It was a factory after all, wasn't it?

Yes, but what are they making? But what are they making?

It was indeed a factory. But they weren't making golems, as I'd hoped.

...... what are the parts for?

<

One of them is a plate made of translucent material with a shape that is neither an oval nor a rectangle. The thickness is about 0.5 mm.

It looks like .......

Like ...... fingernails?

Looks like nails.

Look at this.

This is a ......

Is that a ...... tooth?

They've made what look like human nails and teeth.

Over here, they're making ...... hair.

Over here, something that looks like an eyeball.

The conclusion to be drawn from this is, of course, .......

They're probably trying to make an automaton that looks exactly like a human being.

I'm sure of it.

...... And they all look exactly the same.

That's what's so distasteful about it.

It's as if they're making a standardized product, mass-producing nails, teeth, and eyeballs of the same shape.

Any sane person would find this eerie.

There are roughly 50 of them, or .......

Fifty identical-looking automata.

What is the purpose of their use? Shinobu Ichi didn't know.

What about the skin, the skeleton, the muscles?

Knowing that, we can predict the performance of the automata to some extent.

Looks like another factory. I don't see it here.

I see. There must be a separate assembly plant.

You want me to look for it?

Let's do that.

It is decided that the next target of the search is an assembly factory for automata.

So we decide to return to the materials yard and look for a golem heading for another factory.

The golem has been to the same factory twice, but it is the third time,

Oh, it looks like he's headed to a different factory this time.

I hope it's an assembly plant!

I hope it's an assembly plant.

I followed him to .......

"Hmm, they make skeletons here.

They use light silver.

Oh, they're making muscles over there.

Let me take a closer look at it, it might be helpful.

<