Chapter 54: The Science of Fantasy
“The analysis of the Rain Croin has been completed.”
A considerable amount of time had passed since that fierce battle, but at last, RINGO delivered the report.
“It took quite a while, didn’t it?”
“Yes, Ma’am. I apologize for the delay. The disassembly process took an extensive amount of time, especially given its massive size. I will summarize briefly; the details are compiled in the documentation.”
“Okay, please go ahead.”
The Rain Croin resembled an enormous crocodile, a carnivorous beast of tremendous ferocity. Its length was approximately 80 meters, and without its tail, it measured around 60 meters. Its weight was estimated to be about 1,900 tons. By undulating its body while swimming, it could move at an estimated speed of over 100 kilometers per hour. Its primary diet consisted of marine mammals similar to whales, capable of annihilating entire schools of them in a single hunt.
“This is the biological research result so far.”
“…It truly is a colossal monster.”
When attacked, it generated a barrier-like phenomenon on its surface for defense. The kinetic energy was not lost but rather dispersed widely around the point of impact. The barrier lasted for about two seconds and would dissipate under continuous attacks or sustained pressure. Afterward, it could not be generated again for a certain period. Based on video analysis, it was estimated that it took around three seconds to redeploy.
The creature’s body was incredibly resilient, with even a single scale being tough enough to withstand a direct hit from an armor-piercing shell traveling at an initial speed of about 1,000 meters per second. The actual projectiles that inflicted damage were APDS rounds with an initial speed of 2,000 meters per second. Even so, depending on the angle, they could still be deflected.
“This hardness was quite troublesome. Did you figure out how it works?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We have grasped the phenomenon. We are currently investigating the principles, but to be honest, the likelihood of elucidating it through scientific methods seems low.”
“Is it magic after all?”
“Yes, Ma’am. It is indeed magic.”
Ultimately, the direct threat of the Rain Croin lay in its massive size, but its defensive capabilities were also extraordinary. It was large, tough, and fast. If ambushed by such a creature in the sea, the current forces of The Tree would likely suffer significant casualties. However, since it did not engage in stealthy behavior, the chances of such an encounter were almost nonexistent.
“This hardness was exhibited against the bodily tissues physically connected to the Rain Croin’s body. I apologize for the conceptual nature of this explanation, but it seems that being recognized as the ‘Rain Croin’ significantly enhanced its toughness.”
“…? Please continue.”
The bodily tissues that were painstakingly separated from the Rain Croin turned into mere flesh fragments. Their strength reverted to what would be considered normal from a scientific perspective. If left unattended, they would decay due to bacterial activity. However, the main body of the Rain Croin remained incredibly tough and did not decay. In other words, it was believed that anything recognized as the ‘Rain Croin’ was fortified by some magical (fantasy) mysterious power.
“Metal fragments inserted into the Rain Croin’s body did not undergo this enhancement. However, when we inserted pieces of another marine beast’s flesh into the wound, it was confirmed that, although it took time, gradual enhancement began.”
“Interesting. So it only applies to biological matter?”
“Yes, Ma’am. More precisely, it seems that this enhancement is applied once the property changes to that of the Rain Croin.”
The enhanced marine beast flesh began to adhere when an attempt was made to extract it. Remarkably, this occurred even though the Rain Croin’s life functions had ceased. Upon further investigation, it was found that the tissue of the flesh had transformed, closely resembling that of the Rain Croin. Moreover, it had begun to assimilate at the genetic level.
“Property, huh…”
“Additionally, during the disassembly, it was confirmed that the projectiles embedded in the bones had begun to assimilate at their tips.”
A tungsten projectile was merging with the calcium-rich tissue. It was a phenomenon that defied comprehension.
“…A supernatural creature… Truly, it is absurd (fantasy)…”
“There are several hypotheses being considered, and we are continuing to verify them. A prominent one suggests that the assimilation occurs because it recognizes flesh as flesh and hard material as bone, indicating a rough judgment of properties.”
Well, the phenomenon of assimilation itself could likely be reproduced scientifically. The transformation of tissue and rewriting of genes could be achieved using molecular machines. The conversion of tungsten to calcium was akin to the phenomena observed in atomic conversion reactors.
“Whether it be molecular machines or atomic conversion reactors, if we consider that some equipment is being replaced by energy from magic, then perhaps we can come to a certain level of compromise and acceptance.”
“You’re not convinced at all, are you?”
Regardless of whether RINGO was convinced, the next topic was the source of this magic. A tremendous amount of energy had been expended to dissect the massive body of the Rain Croin. The result was the discovery of a gigantic crystal found right next to its heart.
“Ah, the so-called magic stone?”
“Unknown.”
Scientific testing had not revealed its true nature. It appeared translucent, yet it did not allow light from the opposite side to pass through; rather, it emitted light on its own. It was firmly embedded in the tissue and was believed to function as some sort of organ.
“When this crystal was removed, a phenomenon was observed where the structural integrity of the entire Rain Croin rapidly decreased. It is assumed that this crystal is the core of the magical structural enhancement.”
Currently, the crystal had been returned to its original position. If it were not, it was anticipated that the Rain Croin would collapse under its own weight, leading to decay.
“By the way, you mentioned that the marine beast’s flesh adhered, but does it have any regenerative abilities?”
For instance, would it resurrect if left unattended?
“Yes, Ma’am. To some extent, at least. So far, it has been confirmed that the wounds in contact with each other adhere. However, it is not that they biologically heal; they merely stick together. Blood vessels do not connect, nor are new ones generated. Resurrection is unlikely.”
For now, it could be said that as long as this mysterious crystal was kept in place, the Rain Croin would not decay and could be preserved as is.
“But how long will that effect last? Logically speaking… No, scientifically speaking, if this mysterious enhancement continues, it will eventually run out of energy, won’t it?”
“Yes, Ma’am. That seems to be the case, unless it is supplied.”
To repel external influences and maintain some state, it naturally requires a corresponding amount of energy. The structural enhancement of the Rain Croin would be affected by gravity, atmospheric pressure, temperature changes, and bacterial decay activities, even if it were merely left in place. Since it was nullifying those changes, it was reasonable to assume that it was consuming some form of energy.
“We are currently monitoring it closely to ensure that no small changes go unnoticed. The displacement due to the passage of time should be verifiable after a while.”
In the worst-case scenario, it could be cut up and placed in a freezer for preservation. Therefore, for the time being, it was decided to leave it as is and continue measuring the displacement.
“Also, the juvenile Rain Croins seem to be growing well. Currently, four have been confirmed, each measuring about 50 centimeters in length. The marine beast they originated from has begun to decay, but they are devouring it without any particular concern.”
The juvenile Rain Croins were secured at The Tree along with the carcass of the marine beast. A special enclosure had been constructed outdoors for observation. They were surrounded by nets to prevent escape, but so far, they showed no signs of trying to flee. They seemed to be enjoying basking in the sun on top of the marine beast and occasionally feeding.
“However, we do not know what effects may arise as decay progresses, so they will need to be observed closely. Their growth rate is quite rapid, so they might consume everything before we know it.”
Incidentally, RINGO was starting to think about capturing one for various experiments. There were many questions, such as whether they possessed the same powers as their parent, the Rain Croin, and what genetic differences existed.
“Right. Well, they are valuable samples, so let’s make sure they don’t accidentally die.”
“I will be careful.”