Chapter 99: Loss of Combat Power
The AI’s Isolation Mode.
In the event of a problem, the AI autonomously disconnects all information connections.
Not only are wireless and wired communications severed, but even the data collected from various sensors is altered through a special filter, isolating the AI from incoming information. This is to eliminate the risk of security holes being exploited through electromagnetic waves or sound waves of various wavelengths. Consequently, the information-gathering capabilities are drastically reduced in Isolation Mode. Additionally, the analysis of friend-or-foe identification signals is halted, leading to a prioritization of warning shots to prevent friendly fire.
Naturally, any external approaches are ignored. The only way to deactivate Isolation Mode is when the AI determines that the issue has been resolved. In the worst-case scenario, it will remain in Isolation Mode until it is destroyed.
“If the situation does not improve, abandoning the mining plant will also be an option. In Isolation Mode, a significant amount of resources will be dedicated to analyzing the surrounding environment, resulting in a drastic reduction in combat capabilities. All AIs have made the decision to retreat for this reason.”
“Uh… this is really bad, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Commander. Combat capability has dropped to 14%. The ratio of our forces has deteriorated from 10 to 3 to an estimated 10 to 22.”
“We’re definitely going to lose…”
The force ratio is based on the data collected thus far and does not account for unpredictable magical threats. The ratio may be even worse than anticipated.
“The strategic AI stationed at the Oil Port has reported a potential unauthorized access to the frontline machines, particularly the Brain Units. A slight discrepancy in the notification times for Isolation Mode has been observed. The first report came from a machine that was communicating at the frontline, while the others executed Isolation Mode in concentric circles originating from Tefen. It is suspected that some approach was made from Tefen.”
“Wait… Were we hacked? Is that even possible?”
“I apologize, but any further analysis would be mere speculation without evidence, so I can only say it is unknown.”
“…Well, that’s true. Sticking to the facts is the right approach. So, what about Tefen?”
Noticing the apologetic demeanor of Ringo, she composed herself and sat back down. There was little they could do from here; they could only observe. Even if they had to abandon the Oil Port, they could come back with a much stronger force next time. They would cut their losses on oil and focus entirely on developing the seabed deposits. They could either synthesize resin materials chemically or switch to production via algae. It would be inefficient, but not impossible. They already had a plan in place. They simply hadn’t pursued it due to the high costs compared to mining.
“Yes, Commander. So far, there has been no movement. The entire group has advanced slightly, about 7 meters, but Tefen has only taken one step forward. Since then, they have stopped.”
“…It looks like they were startled and leaned forward a bit… No, just a random thought. Forget I said that.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Now then.
The fuel vapor bomb launched this time was repurposed from warheads that had been lying dormant within The Tree. If new bombs of the same type were to be manufactured, thermobaric explosives would be used. This time, it was essentially a clearance sale. It wouldn’t yield significant resources even if disassembled, so they had decided to use it while transporting it to the Second Fortress.
“The missile has separated from the warhead. The missile body is altering its trajectory and is expected to fall near the Oil Port. The fuel vapor bomb is deploying air brakes and is currently adjusting its entry angle through image analysis.”
Normally, GPS signals would be used for terminal guidance, but due to the absence of satellites, that was not possible. There might be some deviation from the intended impact point, but it should be within acceptable limits.
“Five seconds to detonation. Three, two, one, now. The explosion was successful.”
In the long-range footage, as the warhead descended from above and detonated, an orange flash enveloped Tefen and its entire group. The effective radius of the fuel vapor bomb used this time was approximately 200 meters, large enough to completely engulf Tefen and its entire swarm.
“…I wonder if it will cause any damage?”
“Unknown, Commander. It is more likely that they will be able to withstand it.”
The Defense Membrane held by the Scorpions was capable of completely absorbing several direct hits from artillery shells. Analysis from the battle with the Rain Kroin revealed that while the membrane was effective, it functioned almost perfectly, dispersing pressure that could inflict damage. The explosive pressure from the fuel vapor bomb would be evenly distributed across the entire effective radius, but the duration of its effect is not long. It is unlikely that its lethality would be maintained until the Defense Membrane loses its effectiveness.
“Even so, it will serve as a deterrent. It will demonstrate that we possess such offensive capabilities.”
Eventually, the smoke and dust generated by the explosion began to clear. Emerging from the haze was an unscathed Tefen.
And scattered about were the Scorpions, some flipped over or piled on top of one another.
“No significant damage has been observed on Tefen. The other Scorpions also appear to be unharmed. It seems safe to conclude that the explosive pressure was completely absorbed by the Defense Membrane.”
“…Oh, they’re starting to move.”
The flipped-over Scorpions began to frantically move their tails and pincers, attempting to right themselves. Some individuals remained motionless, possibly having been knocked unconscious by the shock.
“…I can see individuals assisting others. It seems they are indeed sharing some form of information.”
After a while, the entire swarm began to move. Those that had appeared to be unconscious were rolled over by others and seemed to awaken. They started to scurry about, legs moving as they began to relocate.
“Oh? Wow, they’re climbing onto Tefen!”
The moving Scorpions began to ascend Tefen’s body. Perhaps to make it easier for them, Tefen lowered its body to the ground. Eventually, once all the Scorpions had climbed aboard, Tefen slowly turned and began to walk away.
“They’re leaving…”
“For now, we have avoided an immediate crisis. Let’s continue the development of the mining plant. The issue lies with the AI that has entered Isolation Mode.”
“Do you think it can be deactivated?”
“Due to a lack of information, I cannot say for certain. However, if Tefen is the cause, there is a possibility that the withdrawal of Tefen could lead to a decision to deactivate Isolation Mode. It appears that our attack may have inflicted some damage on Tefen, prompting its retreat.”
“That’s true…”
With a sigh, she stood up from her chair.
“I’m going to check on those kids. Their stress levels are not an issue, right?”
“Yes, Commander. We are monitoring them appropriately, so there are no problems. They are in a state of tension, but it is within acceptable limits.”
A vast, barren land with little food.
That was the perception of this place. It was a land too meager to bother incorporating into their territory. Generally, it was left untouched.
However, it seemed that a new swarm had arrived in that area.
The subordinates sent for reconnaissance engaged in battle with them. The newcomers were larger and possessed unknown attacks. They appeared to have some intelligence, as they seemed to be trying to intimidate. From their appearance, they were a different faction from the neighboring swarm.
As long as they did not intrude into their territory, it would be fine.
From past experiences, leaving things unattended often led to trouble. They needed to strike first to determine whether to coexist or oppose.
Gathering their subordinates, they began to move. Something small was flying overhead. It might be a subordinate of the new swarm. This was the first time encountering a swarm that was not of their own kind.
While there had been no other swarms of different species in the vicinity, they had a vague understanding that other species existed elsewhere. Perhaps this new swarm had emerged from the sea.
As they pondered these thoughts, they confronted the subordinates of the new swarm.
They intended to confirm the intent to engage in battle by sending out their thoughts, but at that moment, the opponent retreated as if the tide had pulled back. Surprised by this action, they froze for a moment. Some form of attack had been launched, but it seemed to have been intentionally avoided. All the subordinates appeared capable of such long-range attacks. However, there seemed to be no intent for active aggression.
And then.
The moment they realized something was descending from above, their vision was engulfed in red.
It seemed they had been attacked. Though they were merely startled and sustained no injuries, some of their subordinates appeared to have fainted. They judged that the attack had been quite widespread.
While there was no intent for active aggression, if their territory was encroached upon, they would eliminate the threat with full force.
Sensing this intent, they decided to withdraw. As long as the newcomers did not come to encroach upon their territory, that would be acceptable. In fact, thanks to the arrival of this swarm, food had become more plentiful recently.
As they considered the need to increase patrols of their territory, they returned to their resting place.