After quite a long time, Weston finally pried the answer out of Rock Four's mouth.
The financial backers behind the institute were, as expected, the royal families of the major nations across the continent!
"This institute of ours has existed on Ishgar for a very long time; its origins can even be traced back to the era when dragons still lived."
"In order to combat the dragons, some far-sighted nations, powers, and organizations at that time chose to unite, allocating a portion of funds and selecting a group of geniuses to establish the institute, specializing in the research and development of magic and technology."
"However, creating magic and researching technology is, after all, not an easy task."
"Most factions chose to give up before the results even came out, or they perished in dragon attacks or international wars..."
"After many changes and transitions, the institute finally fell into decline."
"It wasn't until several decades ago that the current Director, relying on unique strength, wisdom, and luck, convinced several wealthy and ambitious powers to come forward with financing and rebuild this institute."
Even though Rock Four had only started the story, Weston could already imagine the hardships involved.
Money is never given for free!
Since the people investing in the institute were wealthy and ambitious, it was obvious what they wanted.
"Military power!"
Rock Four was stunned, looking at Weston with surprise and a face full of admiration: "The title of 'Fairy Commander' really isn't just for show; you truly are sharp!"
"That's right, one of the conditions set by those kings when they invested in the institute was that the institute had to bring a certain degree of feedback to their countries' militaries!"
"Speaking of the strongest power in this world, that is of course dragons!"
"Therefore, the institute established the 'Dragon Slayer Wizard Creation Project,' intending to train a group of powerful elite warriors."
"But the materials needed to study Dragon Slayer Magic are too scarce, and the risks are too great. One cannot hang oneself from a single tree, so the institute later created potions that can allow people to enhance their strength, speed, and physical fitness such as Beast Transformation potions, Demonization potions..."
"Compared to Dragon Slayer Wizards, the research of potions has more universality."
"If used properly, it can completely increase an army's combat effectiveness ten times, or even a hundred times!"
Rock Four's words gave Weston a clearer understanding of this institute's existence.
It was like a company; the Institute Director was the CEO of this company, and the monarchs of the major kingdoms were the shareholders.
The shareholders only need to provide money and then wait for dividends at the end of the year without doing anything else; the CEO is different, needing to operate the company and ensure it can make a profit.
While they were talking, the Super Archive had already finished parsing and absorbing the magical data sphere in front of him.
After the two were connected, Weston suddenly discovered that his magic's ability to search for data on the continent had significantly strengthened. In particular, the magical power data regarding various parts of Ishgar had become more than ten times clearer than before.
The last time the Super Archive underwent such a level of evolution was years ago when it absorbed Elefseria's magic database.
However, back then, most of Elefseria's data was about the northern continent, Guiltina, and the data on Ishgar was slightly broad but not profound.
"A brand-new map of Ishgar, marking all the places that might experience disasters due to massive and chaotic magic power!"
"As expected, the Kingdom of Fiore is among them!"
"And the areas covered are quite numerous!"
"It looks like I'll have to find some time to personally handle this later."
If not handled in time, whether it led to a disaster or reached the point of needing 'Anima' to neutralize the residual magic power, it was not something Weston wanted to see.
As for now...
"It's time to regroup with my partners!"
After connecting to the institute's internal magical network, Weston's 'Marauder's Map' resumed its function. Now he could find the locations of his partners.
Fortunately, the others were not far from here, and some were even moving toward their current position, so finding them wasn't much trouble.
Half an hour later.
In the work hall of the Dragon Slayer Research Department.
The few from 'Fairy Tail,' the people from the Kingdom of Edolas, and the locals of the institute gathered together.
"To think that everyone actually fell into the Dragon Slayer Research Department, what a coincidence!"
"That might not necessarily be the case!"
"How so?"
"Dragon Slayer Magic research is the most important department in the entire magic institute; its territory occupies two-thirds of the institute's total area! Since you were transferred here together, this situation is actually quite normal!"
After a brief exchange, everyone confirmed that the current situation was not dangerous and decided to leave.
"Alright, alright, we've intruded for so long, it's time for us to take our leave!"
Weston said, looking at the people from Edolas: "You all vanished collectively from the Edolas Royal Palace garden; the national leadership must be in chaos by now. It's better to return as soon as possible. As for us, we won't be going with you. Let's part ways here; we'll meet again if fate permits."
Edolas-Yuri nodded: "I understand. Coincidentally, I was thinking the same thing!"
However, there were not many people who thought like them.
"Eh? So soon? I just became good friends with the people here!"
Having finally made new friends only to separate in less than a day, Mavis was somewhat reluctant.
Weston patted the girl's shoulder and comforted her: "In the future, I will try my best to construct a space tunnel that can freely travel between the two worlds without affecting world stability. You will have more chances to see each other later!"
"Now, let's do a head count and prepare to head back to the guild!"
"Sigh... alright then."
Just then, Rock Four, who was standing to the side, stepped forward and suggested to Edolas-Yuri and the others: "The institute has a magic machine for teleporting to Edolas. Why don't you use that to go back?"
"Eh? Is that okay?"
"Of course!"
"You people were accidentally pulled to Earthland because of our institute's mistake; of course we have the obligation to send you back!"
"No, you misunderstood!"
Edolas-Yuri hurriedly waved his hand: "What I meant was, are you sure your machine can safely send us back?"
"...It absolutely can!"
That doesn't sound very reliable...
Edolas-Yuri turned to look at Weston, and seeing him give a firm nod, only then did he doubtfully agree.
"Then we shall trouble you!!"
Not long after, Rock Four started the 'Anima Magic' teleportation machine, opened a space tunnel, and sent off Edolas-Yuri and his group.
Weston and the others were also prepared to leave afterward.
"Now then, I'll take a head count!"
"Mavis?"
"Present!"
"Zera?"
"Present!"
"Yuri, Precht, Warrod?"
"Oh!" ×3
"Very good, the roll call is fin—eh, wait!"
Weston's expression suddenly froze, and cold sweat poured down.
"Where are Morgan and Sura?!"