Magi Craft Meister

<p class="tm6">Chapter 688: Interlude 37: Mitsuho, Afterwards

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<p class="tm6">Laojun had been taking his time analyzing the information from the control core copied from Akitsu.

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<p class="tm6">This task was completed on the day Jin went to meet Elsa’s foster mother.

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<p class="tm6">“I’ll report to My Lord once he returns,” Laojun decided, focusing on the control of John Dinnie.

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<p class="tm6">***

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<p class="tm6">A little earlier, on the day Jin repaired Akitsu, in the town of Miyako.

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<p class="tm6">John (Laojun) used the warp gate to return to the back room of the chief’s office.

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<p class="tm6">When he opened the door, Chief Hiro was still there, looking both surprised and pleased to see John.

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<p class="tm6">“John, you’ve returned!”

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<p class="tm6">“Yes, I’m back, though it took a while.”

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<p class="tm6">“I see…”

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<p class="tm6">Chief Hiro seemed to relax, the tension leaving his body as he slumped over his desk.

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<p class="tm6">“So, if you’re back, that means Akitsu-sama is…”

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<p class="tm6">“Yes, she’s repaired. I found the necessary materials stored in the dome.”

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<p class="tm6">John decided to tell a partial lie to cover the truth.

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<p class="tm6">“Oh!”

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<p class="tm6">Hiro stood up so quickly that he almost knocked over his chair, rushing to John and grabbing his hand.

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<p class="tm6">“John! Thank you! I hate to ask, but would you accompany me to see Akitsu-sama once more?”

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<p class="tm6">“Of course.”

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<p class="tm6">So the two of them opened the door again and transferred via the warp gate.

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<p class="tm6">“Akitsu-sama!”

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<p class="tm6">Chief Hiro knelt at Akitsu’s feet.

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<p class="tm6">Akitsu gently urged him to stand.

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<p class="tm6">“Please, Hiro, you mustn’t. I am just an automaton. I do not deserve such respect.”

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<p class="tm6">“No, Akitsu-sama, you are our teacher, our guide, our instructor. It is only natural to show you respect.”

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<p class="tm6">Though he stood, Hiro’s demeanor remained reverent.

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<p class="tm6">“Are you fully recovered?”

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<p class="tm6">“Yes, as you can see.”

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<p class="tm6">Akitsu slowly stood and twirled around to show her well-being.

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<p class="tm6">Seeing this, tears welled up in Hiro’s eyes.

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<p class="tm6">“…Since childhood, I and my eleven peers have learned from you over many years. To see you well again is…!”

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<p class="tm6">“You exaggerate. But it seems you have kept to my teachings.”

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<p class="tm6">“Yes. The principles of democracy, the dangers of mob rule, the importance of the greatest happiness for the greatest number, the perils of utilitarianism, and the importance of protecting individual rights are still ingrained in my mind.”

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<p class="tm6">“I am glad. Please continue your efforts.”

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<p class="tm6">“Yes, Akitsu-sama.”

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<p class="tm6">Then Chief Hiro turned to John.

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<p class="tm6">“John, I cannot thank you enough! You are our savior.”

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<p class="tm6">Akitsu watched them silently with a smile.

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<p class="tm6">***

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<p class="tm6">“Long live John!”

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<p class="tm6">“Savior John!”

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<p class="tm6">When John and Hiro returned to the office and then to the ‘parliament,’ even though it was late at night, everyone was gathered.

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<p class="tm6">They had been waiting for news of John’s success.

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<p class="tm6">When Chief Hiro informed them that Akitsu had been restored to a healthy state, they erupted into celebration.

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<p class="tm6">“John, you’ve helped us so much.”

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<p class="tm6">“John, here’s a token of our gratitude. Drink up!”

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<p class="tm6">And so, the festivities began, with John reluctantly but amiably participating, aiming for the greater goal.

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<p class="tm6">***

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<p class="tm6">“John Dinnie, we appoint you as an honorary Magi Smith of Mitsuho.”

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<p class="tm6">Chief Hiro announced in a solemn voice.

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<p class="tm6">Originally, John was also to be made an honorary citizen and head Magi Smith, but he declined these honors.

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<p class="tm6">The day after the celebration, John (Laojun) received his knighthood in a ceremony witnessed by the members of the parliament.

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<p class="tm6">“And with this, you are officially a citizen of Mitsuho.”

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<p class="tm6">John bowed.

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<p class="tm6">“So, do you have any requests for the future?”

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<p class="tm6">Hiro suggested a house or land, but John had a different request: ‘Allow me to travel to other lands.’

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<p class="tm6">“That is what we wish for as well. There must be other beings like Akitsu-sama in other places. If you can repair them all, it would be a great help.”

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<p class="tm6">“I’ll do my best. I originally came here to see the wide world.”

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<p class="tm6">“Are you sure?”

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<p class="tm6">“Yes, of course.”

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<p class="tm6">“Understood.”

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<p class="tm6">Thus, John (Laojun) received a map and travel permits for the southern part of Mitsuho, along with travel expenses.

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<p class="tm6">“This map is to be kept confidential.”

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<p class="tm6">“Of course.”

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<p class="tm6">The map detailed the roads and towns to the south and the region’s topography.

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<p class="tm6">“If possible, please visit the southern cities of Osaka and Nanto, as well as the coastal town of Tosa. These three places have a long history.”

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<p class="tm6">“I understand. Thank you.”

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<p class="tm6">John expressed his gratitude.

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<p class="tm6">“I have a suggestion, if I may.”

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<p class="tm6">“Of course.”

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<p class="tm6">Chief Hiro and everyone present nodded.

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<p class="tm6">“My master is named Jin Nidou. He is recognized in many countries as a Magi Craft Meister. Compared to him, I am but a child, no, an infant.”

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<p class="tm6">“Wow…”

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<p class="tm6">Many people gasped.

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<p class="tm6">“But he is gentle and dislikes conflict. Above all, he loves creating things. If you hear his name, please treat him kindly.”

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<p class="tm6">“I understand. Jin Nidou, I will remember that name.”

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<p class="tm6">Hiro replied on behalf of everyone.

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<p class="tm6">“Thank you. This will help the country to develop further. One more thing.”

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<p class="tm6">“What is it?”

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<p class="tm6">“The current emperor of the Shouro Empire is a peace-loving person. Excellent magic engineers gather under him. If possible, please establish friendly relations with them as well.”

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<p class="tm6">Everyone nodded in agreement.

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<p class="tm6">“Of course. We do not like conflict either.”

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<p class="tm6">“I’m relieved to hear that.”

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<p class="tm6">John bowed deeply and made a clear declaration.

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<p class="tm6">“I will leave tomorrow.”

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<p class="tm6">“So soon. I hope to see you again.”

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<p class="tm6">“Yes, I hope so too.”

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<p class="tm6">“With your golem horse, your journey should be easier.”

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<p class="tm6">“Yes, I’ll take my time visiting the towns along the way.”

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<p class="tm6">“Indeed, it is winter, but the south is warm. It should be a good time to travel.”

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<p class="tm6">Thus, John (Laojun) overcame one hurdle and set off on a journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding Mitsuho.

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