The Wandering Sea, one of the three major organizations that make up the Mage's Association and the oldest among them, is said to have existed even before the Common Era. Its headquarters, believed to be rooted in Scandinavia, is actually located on the North Atlantic, constantly shifting its coordinates as a mobile island.
According to Lord Trambelio, the head of the Department of General Fundamentals, the Wandering Sea keeps minimal contact with the outside world and rarely accepts new Casters. It only opens its doors once a year, on December 31st, to recruit disciples.
However, in reality, its gates remain firmly closed. New disciples are almost nonexistent, and those who have reached the Wandering Sea could be counted on one hand.
Ironically, the crisis of Earth's Bleached World has led to an unusual increase in the number of visitors to the Wandering Sea.
Moreover, as the oldest organization within the Mage's Association, the Wandering Sea rejects the progress and changes that civilization has brought to Magecraft. It acknowledges only the Magecraft of the Age of Gods as true Magecraft.
In other words, "Magecraft after the Common Era is mere child's play; only the Magecraft of the Age of Gods is supreme."
"So, this is the Wandering Sea..." Touko said, surveying her surroundings with interest after descending from the Storm Border. "It's... much more rustic and ancient than I imagined."
"Lord Trambelio wanted me to represent the Clock Tower as a Magus of the Age of Gods and break the long-standing cold war between our two organizations..." Shiomi shrugged, casually mentioning the significant matter.
The Lord had once engaged Shiomi in a magical combat exercise under the pretense of an exchange. From the smallest clues, he deduced that Shiomi's Runes Magecraft was not the basic, teachable kind practiced at the Clock Tower, but true, primordial Runes.
Recognizing this, Trambelio understood that revealing the truth would only make Shiomi more of a "thorn in the side" than Touko Aozaki. It was far better to maintain the status quo. So, the Lord had kept the discovery to himself, only privately asking Shiomi about his wishes.
Unfortunately, Shiomi was soon scheduled to head for the Antarctic Chaldea, and the matter was left unresolved.
"It's really a pity," Shiomi continued, "this isn't the actual Wandering Sea, just some outer zone or similar area. The Atlas Institute expended a contract just to get access to this much."
A purple-haired girl in an Atlas Institute uniform approached, weaving her way around the boarding and disembarking personnel, and then introduced herself to Shiomi.
"I'm Sion Eltnam Sokaris. With my father's permission, I've come to the Wandering Sea under the Atlas Institute's banner to assist Chaldea during this crisis of human history's Bleaching."
"Ah, you're the daughter of Director Zepia?" Shiomi asked, surprised. "And you're also—"
He recognized the resemblance to Zepia and the traits of a Dead Apostle—essentially, a vampire.
Sion raised a finger and gestured for Shiomi to keep this information quiet. "As expected, Mr. Shiomi, nothing escapes your eyes. Please keep this confidential."
Shiomi was used to such things. "No big deal. My daughter, Baobhan Sith, has a similar constitution. You two should get along well."
"I've received the report already," Sion nodded with a smile. "I didn't expect that simply going out to track your whereabouts would result in resolving three Lostbelts at once. It really shocked me."
Shiomi shrugged. "Let Romani and Marie explain the specifics to you."
"That's what I plan to do," Sion replied. "But from the preliminary reports, it seems Mr. Shiomi is no longer an ordinary human. If possible—whether it's your skin, hair, or even your blood—I'd like to use the Atlas Institute's and the Wandering Sea's instruments to see what state you've truly become."
Shiomi nodded thoughtfully. "Living for 6,000 years yet still feeling like I'm in my prime—seems even more unnatural than the Second Magician."
Sion grinned, clearly excited. "Your willingness to cooperate is great. As a researcher, I'm already eager to get started."
However, there were more immediate tasks to address, including containing and maintaining the Storm Border and securing the dozen survivors rescued from the Scandinavian Lostbelt for a full examination and status assessment.
Sion had no time for idle chatter, especially since Chaldea staff were waiting for her.
"By the way, how's your father?" Shiomi asked as she was about to leave.
"...My father doesn't approve of what I'm doing now, but he hasn't opposed it either," Sion said with a helpless shake of her head before turning to leave.
Touko, who had been listening nearby, spoke up. "I've heard the Atlas Institute has technology to observe parallel worlds, though it can't interfere like the Second Magician."
Shiomi nodded in understanding. "You mean Zepia believes the destruction of a single world doesn't matter, as long as the whole continues to exist? Typical Magus thinking."
Just then, someone lightly tapped him on the shoulder. It was Olga Marie.
"Professor, since this is your first time here, I'm sure you don't know where your room is. Would you like me to show you?" she offered.
"Do you have time?" Shiomi glanced at Skadi, who had followed them.
He, Touko, and Skadi were all entering the workshop in the Wandering Sea for the first time and needed to familiarize themselves with the area.
"All three of you are key combatants in saving the world. Naturally, as the Director, I should personally take care of you," Olga Marie said with a matter-of-fact tone.
This was also her own self-interest.
If she singled out Shiomi, it would be too obvious. By looking after both the Grand Puppeteer and the Scandinavian Goddess, she could subtly improve her teacher's impression of her. And so, they followed Olga Marie toward the residential area.
"Save the world..." Shiomi glanced at Touko.
"Never thought that phrase would apply to me one day," Touko chuckled. "It feels weird no matter how I look at it."
"At least it'll make for good conversation the next time you see your sister. You've done what even the Fifth Magician couldn't," Shiomi teased.
Touko adjusted her glasses. "Well, I've already surpassed her in other areas."
"Huh? Other areas?" Shiomi was surprised. "Like being more charming than her?"
"No, I mean you." Touko smirked. "After all, when we met two years ago, she didn't even have a lover."
...So that's what it was. "Then, you've definitely won a lot," Shiomi said with a nod of approval.
Skadi, a step behind, observed them with a piercing gaze, but remained calm and composed.
Touko laughed as she reached into her coat pocket, only to remember she was out of cigarettes. With a sigh, she withdrew her hand. Shiomi noted the gesture.