Chapter 96: The Giant Scorpion, Serket
A thick cloud of sand billowed into the air. As the focus shifted to the ground, numerous scorpions scurried about.
And behind them…
Amidst the swirling sand, a massive shadow could be seen moving slowly.
“What is that…?”
“A remarkably large scorpion is on the move. This footage is from about an hour ago, captured at this location,” Ringo reported.
A Marker appeared on the map, indicating the position approximately 200 kilometers southwest of the oil field. While it wasn’t yet a threatening distance, it seemed that this desert harbored a truly formidable creature.
“According to optical observations, its body length is approximately 40 meters. Clearly, it falls outside the realm of normal biology. It’s a monster, classified as a Threat Creature.”
The footage paused, revealing a wireframe model of the creature. From the tips of its pincers to the end of its tail, it measured around 40 meters. With its tail raised, it was estimated to reach a height of 20 to 30 meters. It was far beyond what a human could contend with…
“Are there many of these in the desert?”
“No, it’s hard to believe we overlooked a creature of this size. The population is likely very low.”
A wide aerial reconnaissance had already been conducted using the Supersonic High-altitude Reconnaissance Aircraft, LRF-1 (Vulture). While not every corner of the desert had been surveyed, it was unlikely that such a creature had simply been missed.
“Currently, this creature is on the move. Observations from above have revealed distinctive tracks left in the ground.”
The massive scorpion and the smaller ones surrounding it moved in the same direction, leaving patterns in the sand. Given the desert environment, the wind would easily erode these tracks, but in some areas, remnants could still be found.
“We reanalyzed the aerial images. As a result, similar terrain patterns have been discovered in various locations. Initially, we thought they were special wind patterns…”
The distinctive tracks observed throughout the desert could be plotted on the map, allowing for an approximate distribution to be inferred.
“Across the entire desert, specifically within the surveyed area, we estimate that 5 to 8 giant scorpions inhabit this region.”
“…That still doesn’t sound like a small number.”
“Yes, Ma’am. We are currently directing reconnaissance aircraft to the areas where traces have been confirmed. They are likely hiding underground during normal times and only emerge when they need to move, possibly for hunting.”
With such a colossal Threat Creature prowling near their base, it was hard to feel secure. They would either need to drive it away or, if possible, eliminate it.
“For now, let’s identify their habitat… and whether they have a territory. If they don’t approach us, we can manage with just caution.”
However, they had already encountered part of a swarm once. It was hoped that the creatures wouldn’t see them as a threat and approach, but there was also the risk of being attacked.
“We’ve confirmed the presence of 5 giant scorpions. We believe there are 2 more based on the movement traces.”
“…So, we’ve confirmed a total of 7?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Further exploration could alert the Forest Country (Lebresta) to our presence, so it would be wise to avoid that. The only uncharted area is near the Lebresta Fortress. Given the distance, we don’t see a need to search there.”
“Sounds good. The real concern is the ones closer to us…”
On the map, 5 giant scorpions were marked as confirmed, with traces of 2 others that had not been photographed. Among them, two scorpions were located within 100 kilometers of the oil extraction plant.
“I’ve assigned call signs to the confirmed 7. They are Tefen, Befen, Mestet, Mestef, Petet, Tetet, and Matet.”
The names appeared next to the markers for the 7 scorpions. The two near the oil field were Tefen to the west and Mestet to the east.
“The scorpions that intruded the other day came from the west. They were likely sent out as scouts from Tefen’s group.”
“I see. By the way, who named these scorpions?”
“Akane suggested them from literature. They are names from ancient Earth mythology, but did you not like them?”
Shaking her head, she replied, “No. I just thought they were proper names. It’s fine.”
“Yes, Ma’am. We will standardize the use of these call signs from now on.”
Commander Eve decided to search for the relevant mythology using the assigned names. It appeared to be from an ancient Egyptian myth.
“Hmm… then let’s refer to this giant scorpion as Serket from now on.”
“Yes, Ma’am. We will define the species name as Serket.”
The ecology of the giant scorpion, now known as Serket, remained unclear. However, it was understood that it typically burrowed in the sand and moved for some reason. It also exhibited social behavior by sending out scouts.
“So, we have already taken down three young Serkets, but have there been any movements in response?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Tefen has been moving frequently in a short span, appearing very active. Observations suggest it is likely hunting.”
“Hunting, huh?”
If that were the case, it was possible that the three scorpions had seen the multi-legged tank as prey while out hunting. However, initially, they had merely charged forward, and the multi-legged tank had simply crossed their path. How were those three communicating as scouts?
Without communication technology, it seemed odd for them to charge in so recklessly. If they needed to relay information, at least one would have to return. Yet, all three that were detected had engaged in aggressive actions.
This suggested that there might be some form of remote communication. In other words, it was possible that they had some understanding of the situation on their side.
“Notably, Tefen and Mestet are exhibiting significant movement. If they are hunting, our presence in the oil field area may have triggered this behavior.”
“…Us?”
“Yes, Ma’am. For instance, if the species that lived in the oil field were displaced and spread out, it would temporarily increase the prey around Tefen and Mestet. This could explain the current situation.”
Nodding in understanding, she acknowledged the implications. It was clear that the activities of The Tree’s forces were altering the habitats of local wildlife. In a world fraught with the threat of monsters, monitoring animal movements was crucial. Reports had indicated that animals around the Oil Port and extraction plant were fleeing from the moving multi-legged machines and tanks.
“Hmm… well, it can’t be helped. For now, it seems the two active ones are these two. What about the others?”
“Due to the limited samples, this is speculative, but compared to Tefen and Mestet, the others appear to be quite docile. This may be due to a lack of prey.”
“I see. Then, it doesn’t seem like a change significant enough to alert the Forest Country. It would be troublesome if they noticed something was amiss, so this is acceptable. For the time being, keep a close watch on the movements of these two.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Thus began the focused surveillance of the two giant scorpions, Tefen and Mestet. A few days later, Commander Eve was informed that Tefen was once again on the move, approaching the oil field.