The Navy's Eighth Research Institute had already been renamed Egghead, and its newest "laboratory" floated directly above the island.
As Shining's personal small airship, the Thunderhawk, appeared in the sky, the ground control tower staff began guiding it in to land.
Because of the Justice, Egghead had also built an airport and its supporting facilities. There was ample room to spare in case the fleet expanded.
The staff were all at their stations, operating their consoles with practiced movements. But a little idle chatter and speculation about the man in question was inevitable.
"Advisor Shining is finally here."
"I heard things got pretty crazy over there. The advisor was dealing with the aftermath..."
"The Mechanical King, Bondrewd... they might actually be on par with Dr. Vegapunk..."
Only four days had passed since the "post-Tower of Babel battle," and the seas were already buzzing with discussion about the Tower of Babel.
The central figures in the incident had monopolized the headlines and secondary headlines of every major newspaper for three consecutive days. "Great Hero Galdino" and the others who had distinguished themselves in the battle also received substantial coverage.
News about a certain unlucky world's second-most-handsome man shooting his summer photo spread had been pushed onto the back pages for three days running.
-Whoooosh!
The Thunderhawk settled firmly into its designated spot. As an advisor to the Science Unit, Shining had his own quarters, dock, landing pad, and other facilities here. He simply wasn't stationed here permanently.
"Ar↘rived↗~!"
Shining stood in the hatchway and flashed a V sign.
"Biri-biri, you're blocking Hina."
Hina, following behind him, deliberately stood right behind Shining despite the ample room to pass. Rolling a lollipop around in her mouth, she jabbed him with her elbow.
"Pfft-"
Shining wondered whether that kidney shot carried a little "personal