Episode 55: The Presence of a New Type of Monster
The Multi-legged Heavy Machine Prototype 1 (WP1) drove piles from the tips of its six legs, firmly securing itself to the ground. Then, skillfully using its work arms, it employed a geological survey excavator, driving in a sampler.
Currently, three WP1 units were conducting a geological survey of the planned fortress construction site. While a long vertical shaft needed to be dug for surveying the area intended for underground structures, the simple drilling equipment equipped on the WP1 was sufficient for constructing temporary warehouses, simple airfields, and roads. Of the three WP1 units, two were excavating, and one was assisting with sample collection. The collected samples were currently piled up on the coast, but they would be transported to a work vessel as soon as the pier was connected.
On the mostly barren black earth, the silvery Multi-legged Heavy Machines scurrying around and busily moving their arms appeared somewhat comical. Well, at least from a distance.
In reality, these were massive machines about 4 meters tall and over 10 meters in both width and length, likely inspiring instinctive fear when viewed up close. Their movements were also strangely smooth and biological. Currently, they were noisy due to the power generated by gas turbine engines, but once this was switched to a Microwave Power Transmission system, the added silence would make them seem even more monstrous.
“So, you said something was bothering you?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
She had been gazing at the diligently working WP1s for a while, but as if remembering, she confirmed with ＜Ringo＞.
“During the boring survey, we identified strata with tunnel-like structures of various sizes, ranging from a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters in diameter, crisscrossing in all directions. These structures do not appear to be formed by natural phenomena, so we believe some kind of organism is involved.”
“…Inside the Lava Rock?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Just to confirm, it’s not particularly brittle, is it?”
“No, Ma’am. It is standard Lava Rock. There are areas with pumice-like structures, but it is still rock.”
“…What is it? Another outrageous creature?”
“Unknown. However, it is highly probable.”
What should be done about this? Receiving the report from ＜Ringo＞, she pondered. Frankly, ＜Ringo＞ wouldn’t bother reporting something as trivial as ordinary wildlife. This meant that ＜Ringo＞ was also unsure how to handle the situation. However, the fact that it was presented as a mere report indicated that it wasn’t a major problem. She could simply dismiss it as something to observe without giving it much thought.
“Somehow, I have a feeling that ignoring this would be bad…”
“Yes, Ma’am. I believe some kind of action is necessary. However, this is unprecedented.”
“Well, I guess even ＜Ringo＞ would have trouble dealing with this.”
＜Ringo＞ was an extremely capable AI, but lacked experience. Moreover, it originated from a sci-fi game. It was understandable that it wouldn’t know what to do about a suspicious event with a hint of irrationality (fantasy). Even she, who had more experience (through stories and games) than ＜Ringo＞, couldn’t honestly imagine what it could be.
“Lots of tunnels that don’t seem like natural weathering inside solidified Lava Rock, with varying thicknesses. Now, what to do about this?”
After saying it aloud, she realized that she had no choice but to identify the cause (probably a monster).
“For example, what kind of creatures could be digging these tunnels?”
“Yes, Ma’am. As for creatures that live underground, large ones include mammals like moles and some rats. Smaller ones include insects like ants, as well as arthropods and earthworms. There are also various types of microorganisms, but these are too small to consider.”
“Hmm. Simply put, could it be animals like moles or rats?”
“Yes. However, mammals would require a food source such as plants, fungi, insects, or other organisms like earthworms.”
“Ah, that’s right. Food is important.”
Food is important.
However, the underground ecosystem had not yet been investigated.
“Currently, we have not confirmed any biological activity within the lava layer. There were no biological traces in the samples from the preliminary survey.”
“I see… Which means it can’t be a normal creature. In that case, perhaps… a creature that relies on magic, something outside of scientific common sense?”
“In that case, we are helpless. We have no prior knowledge, so we cannot even imagine.”
“Well, yes,” she replied. Multiplying anything by zero remains zero. To move zero, you have to add something to it.
“I guess we have no choice but to gather information in Telek Port City. The lava layer itself extends throughout the Afrasia United Kingdom, so the same thing might have been found elsewhere.”
And so, ＜Ringo＞ was tasked with subtly gathering information in Telek Port City. It was best to ask the locals about local matters.
After several days of gathering information:
“Ma’am. I have gathered information about monsters lurking underground.”
“…Monsters?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Monsters.
Having not encountered any creatures that could be called monsters other than ＜Rain Croin＞, Eve was perplexed to hear it again.
“Well, I understand. Continue.”
“Yes, Ma’am. The name of the monster is Worm. Academic study is not very advanced here, so biological classifications are completely unreliable. They are said to live underground and are ferocious monsters that rarely come to the surface. Small ones are about the size of a fingertip, while legends speak of large ones that stretch taller than mountains. If encountered, the best course of action is to flee without doing anything. There have been cases of being attacked from underfoot, in which case, one should give up.”
“Worms… huh…”
Worms. The word means a long, slender creature like an earthworm. Well, the nuances might differ between this language and the language of Telek Port City, but this was a translation made by ＜Ringo＞. It was probably accurate.
“Are you saying that these Worm monsters are digging through the lava layer?”
“Yes, Ma’am. It is highly probable. From what I’ve heard, their habitat seems to be somewhat fixed. They are not seen everywhere. Therefore, there is a possibility that Worms inhabit the area currently being surveyed.”
That was information she didn’t want to hear. Should they start looking for a place without Worms now? However, the offshore pier was under construction. Abandoning it would be a waste.
“Is extermination possible? Or even coexistence, or anything else?”
“That is unknown. Most of it is just hearsay. In that sense, there are hardly any sightings around Telek Port City, Iron Town, or along the roads. Perhaps we have hit the jackpot.”
“Don’t call it a jackpot!”
Had they unfortunately landed in a monster (Worm) habitat? Or was the entire surrounding coastline their habitat? Either way, an investigation was needed.
“However, stories of swords cutting through them and stories of swords being deflected are heard equally. Rather than the information being contradictory, it is more natural to assume that there are individual differences in hardness.”
If ＜Ringo＞ analyzed it that way, then it was probably true. In that case, the possibility of encountering an individual with the same irrational defense as ＜Rain Croin＞ was probably low.
“Still, we can’t afford not to prepare. We have to select several sampling points and dispatch the WP1s… Should we build a machine specialized for investigation?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Since it is a survey of cavity distribution, let’s load it with equipment capable of Sound Wave exploration. However, there is a possibility that it will stimulate the Worms or other creatures.”
“Hmm. We have to accept sacrifices. Let’s form teams and deal with it. Build the necessary number in two-man cells, and attach an Alpha-class based mothership?”
“Yes, Ma’am. I will build them.”